Episodios

  • Russel McCleod, Founder of Mightyhum

    Russel McCleod, Founder of Mightyhum
    Sep 23 2025
    “Profit With Impact” Join me and my guest Russel McCleod, Founder of Mightyhum (https://mightyhum.com), an organization of social entrepreneurs and experienced advisors. With over 20 years of experience, Russell champions profit with purpose, the circular economy, and collaboration for positive progress. Prior to Mightyhum, he served as Executive Director of ME to WE, one of Canada’s most recognized social enterprises. Under his leadership, ME to WE delivered over $20 million in cash and in-kind donations to WE Charity, impacting hundreds of thousands of people with access to clean water, education, and supporting women-led businesses globally. Russell’s mission is to inspire belief in a better way to do business—one that solves pressing global issues while driving sustainable success. SHOW NOTES SPONSORED BY: Power of You! Find out more at https://leader.blainebartlett.com/power-of-you Summary In this conversation, Blaine and Russell McLeod explore the intersection of business and social impact, discussing the importance of maintaining the soul of a business while navigating the challenges of social enterprises. They delve into the significance of profitability, customer-centric approaches, and the integration of impact into the value chain, emphasizing that successful organizations must balance their mission with effective business practices. Takeaways The purpose of business is to create the possibility of thriving on the planet. Organizations often lose sight of their founding ideals as they grow. Social enterprises struggle to integrate impact while building a sustainable business. Profitability is essential for the health and sustainability of an organization. Customer needs must come before impact messaging in business. Successful organizations integrate their impact into their value chain. The beauty industry is a significant contributor to pollution. Profit is not synonymous with greed; it enables greater impact. Understanding the context of messaging is crucial for success. Nature teaches us to be centers of distribution, not accumulation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Más Menos
    39 m
  • Mark Peters, CEO Butterball Farms, Inc.

    Mark Peters, CEO Butterball Farms, Inc.
    Sep 17 2025
    “Develop Your People, Don’t Try To Keep Them ” Join me and my guest Mark Peters, CEO of Butterball Farms, Inc. (https://butterballfarms.com), recognized nationally as one of The Best and Brightest Companies to Work For® from 2018 to 2024. In 2003, he organized a West Michigan-based pioneering group of CEOs and community leaders to create The SOURCE, a nonprofit that has helped hundreds of workers navigate challenges interfering with their jobs. Their unique approach is based on realizing that the growth of their employees is intimately tied to the development of their businesses and communities. This has resulted in an average annual return on investment of 200 percent to its partner organizations. SHOW NOTES SPONSORED BY: Power of You! Find out more at https://leader.blainebartlett.com/power-of-you Summary In this episode, Blaine interviews Mark Peters, CEO of Butterball Farms, discussing the essence of employee engagement and retention. Mark shares insights from his book, The Retention Trap, emphasizing the importance of investing in human capital and creating a supportive work environment. Mark's approach challenges traditional notions of employee retention. Instead of merely keeping employees, the focus shifts to nurturing talent, even if it means preparing them for opportunities beyond the company. This holistic view of business as a steward of talent leads to dynamic enterprises and thriving communities. Mark also discusses the formation of a talent network (The SOURCE) among small businesses to enhance employee development and retention, ultimately redefining the purpose of business as a means to uplift individuals and communities. Takeaways Employee engagement is the Holy Grail of business. Investing in human capital leads to resilient businesses. The soul of business is about making the world better. Retention should focus on the right people, not just keeping anyone. Creating a talent network can help small businesses thrive. It's okay for employees to seek growth outside the company. The ROI of investing in people can be multi-generational. Business should uplift individuals through their work. Understanding employee aspirations is key to retention. Proximity to employees allows for deeper relationships. Subscribe now to stay updated with insights and stories that inspire a new way of doing business. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Más Menos
    33 m
  • One Size Does Not Fit All - Andrew Oxley, Founder of The Oxley Group

    One Size Does Not Fit All - Andrew Oxley, Founder of The Oxley Group
    Aug 26 2025
    “One Size Does Not Fit All, Leaders Must Adapt ” Join me and my guest Andrew Oxley, founder of The Oxley Group (transformingresults.com), an Executive and Leadership Coaching Practice with a focus on helping companies attract, develop, and retain high-performing employees that deliver exceptional performance. We explore the importance of passion, the distinction between leadership and management, and how to inspire rather than just motivate. Andrew shares insights from his latest book, "The Four Faces of Frustration" and offers practical advice for leaders navigating change and fostering engagement across diverse teams. SHOW NOTES SPONSORED BY: Power of You! Find out more at https://leader.blainebartlett.com/power-of-you Summary In this episode Blaine engages with Andrew Oxley, a leadership consultant and Founder of The Oxley Group, as they discuss the nuances of leadership in today's volatile environments. They explore the importance of purpose, the distinction between management and leadership, and the dynamics of generational differences in the workforce. The conversation delves into the significance of motivation versus inspiration, the challenges of hiring for culture, and the concept of frustration as a reflection of communication styles. Andrew shares insights from his book, "The Four Faces of Frustration," and emphasizes the need for leaders to create environments that foster growth and engagement. Takeaways Leadership is about causing possibility in volatile environments. People want to know their work has meaning beyond just numbers. Flexibility in leadership allows for better control and adaptability. Inspiration comes from within, while motivation often looks outward. Hiring for attitude and cultural fit is more important than skills. Clarity around values leads to higher employee commitment. Frustration can reveal underlying communication styles. Small behavioral changes can lead to significant impacts in teams. Understanding generational dynamics is crucial for effective leadership. Leaders should act as centers of distribution, not accumulation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Más Menos
    37 m
  • Doug Bruhnke

    Doug Bruhnke
    Aug 21 2025
    “We’re Not Pontificators, We’re Doers. ” Join me and my guest Doug Bruhnke, CEO and founder of Global Chamber (www.globalchamber.org), a platform and community of CEOs, executives, investors and leaders across 525 global chapters that strategically connects members anywhere for more impact and success. Today, Global Chamber is the only chamber of commerce located in every country in the world. In this conversation we explore the intricacies of global leadership, the importance of networking, and the role of the Global Chamber in facilitating business opportunities across borders. SHOW NOTES - SPONSORED BY POWER OF YOU™ Find out more at ⁠https://leader.blainebartlett.com/power-of-you⁠ Summary In this conversation, Doug Bruhnke and Blaine explore the intricacies of global leadership, the importance of networking, and the role of the Global Chamber in facilitating business opportunities across borders. They discuss the challenges of project management, the significance of action-oriented leadership, and the value of mastermind programs in fostering collaboration and interdependence among entrepreneurs. The dialogue emphasizes the need for community building and the impact of business on a global scale, culminating in a vision for the future of the Global Chamber. Summary In this conversation, Doug Bruhnke and Blaine explore the intricacies of global leadership, the importance of networking, and the role of the Global Chamber in facilitating business opportunities across borders. They discuss the challenges of project management, the significance of action-oriented leadership, and the value of mastermind programs in fostering collaboration and interdependence among entrepreneurs. The dialogue emphasizes the need for community building and the impact of business on a global scale, culminating in a vision for the future of the Global Chamber. Takeaways The Global Chamber aims to create access to opportunities for businesses worldwide. Networking and community curation are essential for successful leadership. Action-oriented leadership is crucial in navigating global business challenges. Mastermind programs can significantly enhance leadership skills and collaboration. Interdependence among entrepreneurs leads to greater impact and success. The purpose of business should be to uplift the experience of living on the planet. Scaling the Global Chamber involves overcoming personal barriers to growth. Successful leaders recognize the importance of asking for help. Creating a trusted community is vital for business success. The world presents vast opportunities that can be harnessed through collaboration. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Más Menos
    30 m
  • You Have To Keep Going with Neri Karra Sillaman

    You Have To Keep Going with Neri Karra Sillaman
    Aug 11 2025
    “You Have To Keep Going” Join me and my guest Neri Karra Sillaman, Ph.D. (nerikarra.com) who joins me from her home in Paris to share her extraordinary journey, from fleeing her home country as a child refugee to building a global, multi-million dollar luxury brand, and teaching entrepreneurship at Oxford. Neri is a 3-time TEDx speaker and the author of the #1 international best selling Pioneers: 8 Principles of Business Longevity from Immigrant Entrepreneurs. Her work has been featured in Harvard Business Review and Fast Company. SHOW NOTES SPONSORED BY POWER OF YOU™ Find out more at https://leader.blainebartlett.com/power-of-you Summary In this engaging conversation, Blaine speaks with Neri Karra Sillaman, an immigrant entrepreneur and author, about her journey from being a refugee to building a successful brand. They explore the importance of intention in business, the challenges of sustainable growth, and the role of community and relationships in entrepreneurship. Neri shares her insights on resilience, compassion, and the responsibility that comes with being a business owner, emphasizing that true success lies in the value one brings to others. Takeaways The soul of business is rooted in intention and values. Education is a powerful tool for overcoming adversity. Resilience in business often comes from community support. Sustainable growth is more important than constant growth. Compassionate entrepreneurship focuses on benefiting others. Building relationships is key to business success. Immigrants often have a unique perspective on resilience. The dream of entrepreneurship involves responsibility, not just personal gain. Value creation is essential for long-term success. Community ties can enhance business longevity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Más Menos
    35 m
  • Books Have A Sacred Nature with Everett O'Keefe CEO of Ignite Press

    Books Have A Sacred Nature with Everett O'Keefe CEO of Ignite Press
    Aug 4 2025
    “Books Have A Sacred Nature” Join me and my guest Everett O’Keefe, the founder and CEO of Ignite Press (www.IgnitePress.us) a hybrid publishing company that specializes in helping entrepreneurs, business, and medical professionals, ignite their businesses by becoming bestselling authors. Everett is a Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and International #1 Bestselling Author. The Power of the Published is his most recent solo work. He has also helped create and launch more than 200 bestselling books for his clients. Everett speaks across the nation on the power of publishing. He is the winner of multiple awards. SHOW NOTES SPONSORED BY POWER OF YOU™ Find out more at https://leader.blainebartlett.com/power-of-you Summary In this engaging conversation, Blaine and Everett O'Keefe explore the profound impact of books and publishing on business and personal legacy. They discuss the evolution of reading, the future of AI in publishing, and how leaders can convey the essence of their businesses through writing. Everett shares insights on the importance of rapidly writing books and the unique relationship between authors and readers, emphasizing the co-creative process that occurs when engaging with written works. The discussion highlights the significance of storytelling in shaping ideas and the transformative power of literature in society. Takeaways Books are a powerful medium for conveying ideas and philosophies. The future of publishing includes AI that allows interactive reading experiences. Every business leader should consider writing a book to share their vision. The relationship between author and reader is co-creative and dynamic. Rapidly written books are more likely to be completed and published. Books can serve as a legacy for future generations. The publishing landscape is evolving with new technologies. Addiction is a significant issue that can be addressed through literature. Books have a sacred nature that other media do not possess. The act of writing a book can clarify and solidify a leader's philosophy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Más Menos
    35 m
  • Trust Is An Output, Not An Input with David Lapin, founder of Lapin International

    Trust Is An Output, Not An Input with David Lapin, founder of Lapin International
    Jul 29 2025
    “Trust Is An Output, Not An Input” Join me and my guest David Lapin, founder of Lapin International(lapininternational.com). David is a recognized global thought leader in leadership, culture, and business transformation, and the author of Lead by Greatness. Raised in apartheid-era South Africa, David helped draft one of the world’s first corporate ethics codes in collaboration with Nelson Mandela’s government - an experience that continues to shape his values-based approach to leadership today. In this conversation, David and I explore the profound connection between business, relationships, and the essence of service. SHOW NOTES SPONSORED BY: Power of You! Summary In this engaging conversation, Blaine and David Lapin explore the concept of the 'soul of business,' delving into the importance of ethics, leadership, and the cultivation of corporate identity. They discuss the evolution of business ethics, the role of leadership in aligning purpose and culture, and the innovative digital tools that can enhance leadership development. The dialogue emphasizes the interconnectedness of business and relationships, framing business as a platform for character development and ethical growth. In this conversation, David Lapin and Blaine explore the profound connection between business, relationships, and the essence of service. They discuss the importance of focusing on others' prosperity in business, the interplay between body and soul in leadership, and the concept of the leadership fingerprint as a tool for self-discovery. The dialogue emphasizes authenticity, trust, and self-awareness as critical components of effective leadership, highlighting how vulnerability and generosity can foster deeper connections and inspire change. Takeaways The essence of a company is its corporate soul. Business ethics were once seen as an oxymoron. The importance of ethics in business has evolved over time. The soul of a business needs to be cultivated and uncovered. Leadership is about aligning identity, purpose, and culture. Business serves as a gym for developing character and soul. The digital fingerprint tool enhances leadership development. Compassionate capitalism focuses on thriving rather than just profit. Connection is fundamental to understanding business ethics. The leader's ego can impact the soul of the business. Business and relationships develop the muscle of service. Leaders should focus on the prosperity of others. Service is inherent to our existence; we choose who to serve. Profits are a measure of how well we provide valuable service. The connection between body and soul is vital for leaders. Heroic actions involve putting others before oneself. The leadership fingerprint maps individual values and moral philosophy. Authenticity in leadership is about being your best self. Trust is built through humility, vulnerability, and generosity. Self-awareness is crucial for understanding how we impact others. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Más Menos
    39 m
  • See the Light in You - with Professor M.S. Rao, PhD

    See the Light in You - with Professor M.S. Rao, PhD
    Jul 21 2025
    "See The Light In You" Join me and my guest Professor M.S. Rao, PhD, the father of 'Soft Leadership' and founder of MSR Leadership Consultants, India. Prof. Rao (www.linkedin.com/in/professormsrao) is an International Leadership Guru with forty-four years of experience and is the author of fifty-four books, including the bestselling See the Light in You. He has published over 300 papers and articles in prestigious international publications to numerous to highlight. He is a C-Suite advisor and global keynote speaker and brings a strategic eye and long-range vision to his work given his multifaceted professional experience including military, teaching, training, research, consultancy, and philosophy. Show Notes: Join Blaine and his guest, the remarkable Professor M.S. Rao, a pioneer in soft leadership and an author of 54 books. Professor Rao shares his inspiring journey from joining the Indian Air Force at 18 to becoming an accidental educator and a prolific author. Despite facing personal and professional challenges, including a stroke that left him partially paralyzed, Professor Rao's resilience and dedication to leadership and education shine through. Discover how his unique perspective on leadership, emphasizing partnership over command, is shaping the future of business. Join us as we delve into his vision of grooming a million global leaders by 2030 and explore the soul of business through his eyes. Key Topics: Professor Rao's transition from military service to education The concept of soft leadership and its impact on modern business Overcoming personal challenges and the power of resilience Professor Rao's vision for grooming a million global leaders by 2030 Notable Quotes: "Soul of business is to add value and impact." "Life is not a straight line; it's about continuously starting over." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Más Menos
    27 m