Explore "Ubuntu" as a transformative business leadership philosophy with Mike Ettling, Former CEO of Unit4 and Executive Chairman of SYSPRO. This leadership philosophy is based on the principle of "I am because you are" and emphasizes trust and people dynamics as crucial factors in high-performing organizations.

What if the key to successful leadership lies in embracing the interconnectedness of humanity?

In this episode of "The Business Philosopher Within You" podcast, host Bhavesh Naik sits down with Mike Ettling, Executive Chairman of SYSPRO, to explore the profound impact of the Ubuntu philosophy - "I am because you are" - on business leadership.

Mike shares his journey from leading Unit4 to his current role at SYSPRO, emphasizing the importance of people-centric policies and trust in transforming organizational culture.

Throughout the conversation, Mike delves into the challenges and triumphs of his leadership experiences. He discusses the significance of empowering employees, the role of trust in leadership, and the strategies for fostering a culture of trust within organizations. Mike's insights offer a fresh perspective on how leaders can navigate the complexities of modern business environments.

Listeners will discover valuable insights into the importance of grounding strategies for leaders, the future vision for SYSPRO, and the personal growth journey that has shaped Mike's leadership philosophy. The episode also highlights the critical role of middle-tier leaders in driving cultural change and the impact of toxic high performers on organizational trust.

Tune in to discover how embracing Ubuntu can lead to a more fulfilling and effective leadership, and learn actionable strategies to implement in your own leadership journey.

Among the ideas we explored were:

• Relevance of Ubuntu philosophy in business leadership.
• Importance of trust and strategies for leveraging it for engagement.
• The power executing of employee empowerment through specific policies.
• The role of middle-tier leaders and difficult conversations in nurturing a culture of trust.
• Behavior change versus culture change and the cause-effect relationship between the two.
• Handling toxic high-performers, non-toxic low-performers: who to keep and who to let go.
• Grounding strategies for leaders vital for maintaining balance and leadership effectiveness.
• Adaptability and willingness to change and grow in leadership careers.
• Vision for SYSPRO, and leveraging its strengths for global expansion.
• Continuous exploration of personal growth and meaning in leadership.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Highlights

02:25 - Meet Mike Ettling, Executive Chairman, SYSPRO

04:21 - Recharging in "The Bush"

05:20 - Exploring the Ubuntu Philosophy in Leadership

07:26 - Transitioning Leadership at Unit4

12:56 - Accepting Leadership at UNIT4: People Focus, Amazing Product

16:22 - Importance of Empowering People

20:58 - Being People Centric: Balancing Principles, Policies, Performance

25:28 - Engendering a Culture of Trust

28:03 - Organizational Culture and Behavior Change

31:22 - HR and the Role of Leadership in Culture Change

33:23 - Navigating Trust Issues in Leadership

35:54 - Passing the Torch: Growth Potential and Future Vision for UNIT4

37:42 - Learning from Challenges in Leadership

44:54 - Personal Growth and Leadership Philosophy

48:22 - Grounding Strategies for Leaders

52:59 - Vision for SYSPRO and What's Next

54:28 - Getting In Touch and Closing Thoughts

55:13 - Self-Analysis: About Being on the Podcast

~~~Music by Yrii Semchyshyn (Thank You!): https://www.patreon.com/yuriisemchyshyn~~~

Show Notes and Deep Dive: https://www.awayre.com/ubuntu-business-leadership-philosophy-mike-ettling-unit4-syspro/

What if the key to a high-performing company culture lies in embracing neurodiversity?

In this episode of "The Business Philosopher Within You," host Bhavesh Naik sits down with Melanie Cook, founder and CEO of Veritas Management Group. Melanie shares her remarkable journey from overcoming personal challenges with ADD and dyslexia to leading a successful management consulting firm that champions neurodiversity, equity and inclusion.

Learn how Melanie's personal experiences have shaped her leadership style and the culture at VMG. Discover how authenticity and integrity play crucial roles in building a supportive and innovative work environment. Explore how embracing neurodiversity can transform challenges into strengths and foster a culture of innovation and resilience.

Melanie also discusses the importance of understanding your dream and how it can drive entrepreneurial success.

Key takeaways include:

• The role of authenticity in leadership and team dynamics.- Strategies for supporting neurodiverse employees in a productive and inclusive workplace.
• How empathy and innovation can amplify organizational impact.
• The importance of balancing personal growth with professional excellence.
• How to embrace neurodiversity to foster a culture of trust and excellence.

Tune in to learn how embracing neurodiversity and authenticity can transform your business and lead to sustainable success.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Highlights

02:25 - Meet Melanie Cook with Veritas Management Group

03:45 - The Genesis of Veritas Management Group

06:02 - Overcoming Early Challenges

11:18 - Building Veritas Management Group

14:13 - Understanding the Ideal Client

17:55 - Vision and Growth of VMG

22:25 - Ideals, Values and Principles Behind the Vision

25:09 - Vision for the Future of the Company

27:35 - Navigating Business Challenges

32:42 - Embracing a Remote Culture of Trust and Excellence

37:47 - Cultivating Neurodiversity in the Workplace

44:01 - The Evolution of Leadership and Decision-Making

47:35 - Grounding Principles in a Changing Environment

51:12 - Personal Growth through Entrepreneurial Journey

53:13 - Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

55:24 - Getting in Touch with Melanie

57:22 - Introspection: About Being on the Podcast

~~~Music by Yrii Semchyshyn (Thank You!):

https://www.patreon.com/yuriisemchyshyn

~~~Show Notes and Deep Dive:https://www.awayre.com/neurodiversity-high-performing-company-culture/

Have you ever struggled with finding balance and focus in your business life?

Discover how meditation can unlock your potential and transform your business success in this enlightening episode of "The Business Philosopher Within You" podcast, hosted by Bhavesh Naik. Joining Bhavesh is Jeff Patterson, a seasoned meditation and martial arts expert with over 36 years of experience, who shares actionable insights on integrating mindfulness into daily life for personal and organizational growth.

Key Takeaways:

• Explore the impact of meditation on self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and effective communication.
• Learn how to incorporate practical meditation techniques like breathing exercises and posture alignment to reset and refocus throughout the day.
• Understand the concept of "yielding" in physical, mental, and emotional contexts to enhance collaboration and manage conflicts effectively.
• Discover the benefits of consistent meditation practices for leadership development, team dynamics and remote work challenges.
• Gain philosophical perspectives on mindfulness and how they apply to achieving balance and empathy in professional relationships.

Jeff also introduces his three pillars of meditation—ritual, active, and philosophical practices—offering a roadmap for integrating mindfulness into your lifestyle. Whether you're a business leader, athlete or professional seeking personal growth, this episode is packed with valuable tips to elevate your performance and foster meaningful connections.

Tune in to explore how meditation can enhance your resilience, creativity, and focus, paving the way for sustainable success in your personal and professional life. Discover how you can apply these insights to build a thriving organization that emphasizes empathy and innovation.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Highlights

02:13 - Meet Jeff Patterson with Yielding Warrior

03:35 - A Beginner's Guide to Meditation Practice

11:32 - The Three Pillars of Meditation Practice

16:58 - Understanding Present Moment Awareness

19:39 - The Concept of Yielding in Business and Life

29:01 - Applying Meditation and Meditative Mindset in Business

31:11 - "Mind Like Water"

32:26 - Emotional Intelligence and Meditation

37:26 - Benefits of Meditation

41:40 - The Spiritual Dimension: Beyond Physical, Mental and Emotional

47:52 - Simple Daily Practices for Beginners

49:08 - The Philosophical Dimension of Meditation

50:53 - Getting in Touch With Jeff Patterson

52:22 - About Being on the Podcast & Self-Analysis

~~~ Music by Yrii Semchyshyn (Thank You!): https://www.patreon.com/yuriisemchyshyn ~~~

Show Notes and Deep Dive:https://www.awayre.com/meditation-mindfulness-business-success/

What does it take to revolutionize an industry while staying true to human values?

In this episode of "The Business Philosopher Within You" podcast, host Bhavesh Naik dives into the transformative journey of Sri Ramaswamy, CEO of Charlee AI, a trailblazing AI platform reshaping the insurance industry. Explore how AI is unlocking potential for exposure and risk management, while fostering collaboration and organizational growth.

Key discussion points include:

- How Charlee AI leverages cutting-edge technology to bring structure to unstructured data, enabling insurers to make faster, objective decisions.

- The balance between innovation and empathy: Sri’s bold vision for the future of insurance, focusing on exposure intelligence and customer-centric solutions.

- The entrepreneurial journey: Lessons on emotional intelligence, effective communication, and navigating challenges in a slow-moving industry.

- Practical insights into leadership development, team dynamics, and creating a culture of independence and respect in remote work environments.

Sri also shares her personal story, blending professional achievements with self-awareness and resilience. From building a patented AI platform to managing the unpredictability of life, her journey offers invaluable lessons for leaders and entrepreneurs alike.

Discover how you can apply these insights to foster personal growth, embrace change, and lead with purpose. Tune in to explore the intersection of AI and human connection, and uncover strategies for transforming challenges into opportunities for success. Don’t miss this thought-provoking conversation with one of InsureTech’s most inspiring visionaries!

00:00:00 - Highlights

00:02:58 - Introduction

00:04:35 - The Role of AI in Insurance

00:10:31 - Building Charlee AI: Challenges and Innovations

00:19:48 - Vision and Future of Charlee AI

00:34:30 - The Entrepreneurial Journey

00:53:23 - Philosophical Insights on Risk and Change

01:03:22 - Conclusion and Reflections

01:07:59 - About Being On the Podcast and Self-Analysis

~~~Music by Yrii Semchyshyn (Thank You!): https://www.patreon.com/yuriisemchyshyn~~~

Show Notes and Deep Dive:https://www.awayre.com/ai-vs-human-insurance-industry-charlee/

What does it mean to build an authentic business?

If a business is made of people, how could they contribute from their authentic, original selves?

What kinds of stories can the leaders tell themselves - and to the people in their organization - to build a culture of authenticity?

What if the key to transforming your company culture lies in the stories you tell?

In this episode of "The Business Philosopher Within You," host Bhavesh Naik sits down with Carrie Klewin Lawrence, a renowned stage director and strategic storytelling expert, to explore the profound impact of storytelling on both personal and corporate development.

Some of the topics they covered were:

• How storytelling can serve as a tool for personal and corporate growth and impact audience connection.

• The ways in which authentic storytelling builds trust and loyalty, emphasizing the importance of transparency for brands.

• How personal discovery storytelling leads to self-awareness and change, playing a role in overcoming imposter syndrome.

• The key elements of the Hero's Journey and Dan Harmon's Story Circle that make them effective storytelling frameworks.

• How leadership can influence corporate narratives, nurturing company culture and core values, through storytelling.

• The significance of corporate origin stories and their effect on internal and external perceptions of a company.

• The importance of evolving brand storytelling, with lessons learned from examples like the Barbie movie.

• The enduring importance of human connection in storytelling, especially in the age of AI, and the enhancement provided by face-to-face interactions.

• How identifying and overcoming antagonists contributes to personal and professional storytelling.

• The risks of not actively telling your story and the importance of ensuring control over your own narrative.

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Tune in to uncover how you can harness the power of storytelling to reshape your business and personal life.

Index of Contents:

00:00:00 - Highlights

00:02:27 - Introduction

00:03:41 - Carrie Klewin Lawrence's Origin Story

00:08:25 - The Art of Personal Discovery Storytelling

00:13:51 - The Hero's Journey and Story Circle00:19:57 Identifying Antagonists and Overcoming Challenges

00:24:01 - Storytelling in Branding and Sales

00:29:51 - Corporate Culture and Storytelling

00:36:34 - If Corporations are People, What's Their Story?

00:40:01 - The Role of Leadership in Corporate Storytelling

00:49:32 - Authenticity and Evolution in Brand Storytelling

00:58:02 - The Future of Storytelling in the Age of AI

01:01:22 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

01:03:49 - Behind Scenes Self-Analysis: What It's Like to be on the Podcast

~~~Music by Yrii Semchyshyn (Thank You!): https://www.patreon.com/yuriisemchyshyn~~~

Show Notes and Deep Dive:https://www.awayre.com/origin-story-authentic-storytelling-company-culture/

What does it take to build a sustainable company culture that stands the test of time?

In this episode of “The Business Philosopher Within You” podcast, host Bhavesh Naik sits down with Matt Remuzzi, the visionary founder of CapForge, to explore the intricacies of creating a thriving business environment.

From the challenges of scaling a business to the importance of maintaining core values, Matt shares his journey and insights.

Tune in for deep insights on:

– Leveraging your unique strengths in developing a leadership style

– Creating a company culture anchored in professional talents

– The unconventional yet highly effective leadership model at CapForge

– The role of understanding people in business success

– Aligning personal interests with business goals

– Strategies for effective conflict management

– The impact of entrepreneurship on personal growth

– Building a legacy through company culture

Matt’s story is not just about business growth; it’s about personal evolution and the impact of entrepreneurship on one’s life. He delves into the importance of aligning personal interests with business goals and the significance of building a legacy through company culture.

Tune in to discover how CapForge has become a beacon of sustainable company culture and learn from Matt’s experiences and advice.

00:00:00 - Highlights

00:02:39 - Introduction

00:03:43 - The Birth of CapForge

00:06:25 - The Vision and Growth of CapForge

00:10:50 - Scaling Challenges and Leadership Structure

00:15:13 - Challenges of the Small and Mid-Size Businesses

00:18:47 - Unique Leadership Model

00:22:51 - Innovative Organizational Structure

00:28:14 - Conflict Management in Leadership

00:31:27 - Entrepreneurial Insights and Advice

00:37:25 - Growth and Change Through Entrepreneurship

00:40:38 - Lasting Legacy through Company Culture

00:44:13 - Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

00:48:44 - The Importance of Understanding People in Business

00:52:22 - Pursuing Passions Outside of Work

00:53:01 - The Simple Philosophy of Business Success

00:54:20 - About Being on the Podcast

~~~Music by Yrii Semchyshyn (Thank You!): https://www.patreon.com/yuriisemchyshyn~~~

Show Notes and Deep Dive:https://www.awayre.com/sustainable-company-culture-capforge/

You want to build a successful, sustainable business employing hundreds of employees in a hyper-competitive marketplace, teeming with global players who have deep pockets. How would you go about building such a business?More specifically, how would you:- Embrace your cultural roots and family values and leverage them as a strategic advantage in business?- Time the inception of the business to ensure the right confluence of technological forces plays to your competitive advantage?- Design, develop and deploy a flagship product with meticulous care and detail to truly serve the customer?- Hone in on the needs of your ideal customer and build strong relationships with them?- Leverage your smaller size as a competitive advantage against much larger global conglomerates?- Design and nurture the culture and core values of your business to outcompete other players and achieve sustainable growth?- Adapt to the complex requirements of a client base operating in a highly regulated industry like life sciences and healthcare?- Maintain a clear vision while remaining adaptable to industry changes and challenges?Listen to this episode of "The Business Philosopher Within You" podcast to discover how Anupam Nandwana, founder and CEO of P360, did it.In this conversation, Bhavesh Naik interviews Anupam Nandwana, CEO and co-founder of P360, a technology company focused on the life sciences industry. They discuss the origins of P360, the importance of branding, the rise of cloud computing, and the cultural influences that drive entrepreneurship in Anupam's community.In this in-depth conversation, Anupam and Bhavesh explore:- Insights into the challenges of building a business and the necessity of commitment and belief in one's brand.- Anupam's journey as an entrepreneur in the pharmaceutical industry, highlighting the importance of leveraging cultural background and an entrepreneurial mindset.- The inception of P360, a company dedicated to providing solutions for mid to small-scale pharmaceutical companies, and the challenges faced in a heavily regulated industry.- Key aspects of the innovative Zing platform, designed to enhance engagement in the pharmaceutical sector, and the philosophy behind competing in a market dominated by larger players.- Various facets of running a business, focusing on customer perspectives, the importance of over-delivering, and strategies for competing against larger companies.- The role of marketing as an equalizer in the digital age and the significance of sales representatives in the pharmaceutical industry.- The necessity of having a clear vision while being adaptable to change, the importance of building a trust-based remote work culture, and the future growth of their business.- The principles of effective leadership, the challenges faced in business, and the importance of values and empowerment in fostering growth.- Insights on leadership and the significance of maintaining integrity and principles during tough times.- The need for leaders to empower their teams and build strong relationships, ultimately leading to a successful and sustainable business.Chapters:00:00:00 - Highlights00:02:02 - Introduction00:03:33 - The Genesis of P36000:07:21 - Inspiration Behind P360, Entrepreneurial Insights and Challenges00:12:25 - The Role of Cloud Technology in Business Growth00:20:16 - Navigating the Life Sciences Industry00:27:23 - ZING: P360's Flagship Product00:31:21 - Leveling the Playing Field: Competing in the Global Market00:43:31 - Humanizing the Client Avatar 00:45:25 - The Vision00:50:53 - Company Culture and Leadership at P36001:03:27 - Scaling Beyond: Vision for the Future and Closing Thoughts01:09:44 - Getting In Touch~~Music by Yrii Semchyshyn (Thank You!): https://www.patreon.com/yuriisemchyshyn~~~Show Notes and Deep Dive: https://www.awayre.com/smart-business-growth-company-culture/

TL;DR Discover how aligning core values with smart business growth fosters a strong company culture, paving the way for a successful business exit. • Is the pressure to constantly grow leaving you overwhelmed? • Do you find it challenging to align your company's growth with its core values? • Are communication issues within your team hindering your progress? • Have you struggled to maintain focus in your business amidst the chaos of technology? • Have you defined a strong niche with a clear marketing message and brand identity?In this episode of "The Business Philosopher Within You" podcast, host Bhavesh Naik sits down with Ben Greiner, founder of Forget Computers. Ben shares his insights on navigating smart growth, carving a strong brand-identity and laser focus, creating a committed company culture, and the power of effective communication in the tech industry. Learn how Ben navigated the complexities of the tech industry, built a customer-centric business, and executed a successful exit strategy. Understand the importance of redefining growth beyond mere revenue and how focusing on a niche market with a strong marketing message can set you apart from the competition. Gain valuable insights on:• The benefits of honing in on the customer challenges with smart branding• The power of company culture in driving business success• The benefits of transitioning to managed services• The pros and cons of mergers and acquisitions• The significance of planning an exit strategy early• Smart growth strategies for small businesses• Effective leadership in the tech sector• Adapting to changes in the business landscapeSome of the topics we explored include:• Building a niche business in the Apple ecosystem• Zeroing in on a target audience and evolution of marketing strategy• Developing a strong company culture and core values• Balancing growth with purpose and employee satisfaction• Overcoming challenges in the IT service industry• The importance of clear communication with clients and team membersBen discusses how he turned his passion for helping creatives with technology into a successful managed service provider. Learn about his unique approach to customer service, team building, and maintaining focus in a rapidly evolving industry. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a business leader, or simply curious about the inner workings of a successful tech company, this episode offers practical wisdom and inspiration. Tune in to explore how one CEO's journey can inform your own path to success in the ever-changing world of technology and business.Chapters:00:00:00 - Highlights00:01:26 - Introduction00:03:13 - The Genesis of 'Forget Computer'00:05:40 - Target Audience and Evolution of Marketing Strategy00:10:04 - Managed Services and Business Growth00:15:23 - The Why and the Human Element in Technology00:21:07 - Importance of Focus and Specialization in Business00:22:52 - Vision and Core Values in Business00:30:24 - Redefining Business Growth00:39:54 - Culture and Communication Challenges00:45:49 - The Exit Strategy and Lessons Learned00:51:53 - Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs00:53:26 - Pseudo vs Real Productivity in the Age of Technology~~~Music by Yrii Semchyshyn (Thank You!): https://www.patreon.com/yuriisemchyshyn~~~Show Notes and Deep Dive: https://www.awayre.com/smart-business-growth-company-culture/