Episodios

  • Thriving in Leadership and Family Life with Stephanie Chung - Part II

    Thriving in Leadership and Family Life with Stephanie Chung - Part II
    Jul 16 2025
    Sometimes life, and business, just isn’t fair. For every leader who has felt the sting of setbacks, seen the politics at work, and found themselves navigating an unfair system, this conversation will resonate. In today’s episode, I’m joined by Stephanie Chung, a woman whose journey through the aviation industry was literally missing rungs on the ladder. We explore what it truly takes to build resilience, maintain a sense of purpose in the face of adversity, and become the kind of leader who brings out the best in others, regardless of the obstacles. We get real about handling discouragement, growing thick skin, and leading while staying true to your core values and faith. Stephanie Chung has paved a remarkable path as the first African American president of a major private aviation company. With decades of experience as a sales leader, executive, and now a keynote speaker and advisor, Stephanie’s approach centers around faith, authenticity, and transformation. Her story is one of perseverance, compassionate leadership, and an unwavering commitment to uplifting others, both in business and in life. “Leadership is not for the faint of heart, but if you’re called into it… you have the ability to impact people’s lives beyond what you could ever imagine.” ~Stephanie Chung This week on The Rising Leader:· How to build (and keep) resilience in an unfair world· Growing thick skin by facing challenges head-on· Letting go of negativity and protecting your mental space· The role of setbacks in shaping who we become as leaders· Why you should let your kids (and yourself) struggle—it’s vital for growth· The power of an honest support system that pushes you back into the ring· Integrating faith with leadership through authentic action, not just words· Understanding the universal need to be seen, heard, and to provide for those we love Connect with Stephanie Chung: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thestephaniechung/ Website: https://stephaniechung.com/ Resources Mentioned:Book: Ally Leadership: How to Lead People Who Are Not Like You by Stephanie ChungBook: Michael Bungay Stanier, How to Work With (Almost) AnyoneArticles & Reports: Harvard Business Review, Deloitte, McKinsey reports on diverse teamsGrab Your Copy of The Rising Leader Handbook Do you find yourself rising through your company's ranks so fast that you wish you had a manual to become an effective leader? Then, The Rising Leader Handbook is right for you. In The Rising Leader Handbook, you’ll learn how to shift your perspective and gain the leadership skills you need, regardless of the breadth of your responsibilities, by leveraging the relationships you’ve built with the CEO, the Leadership Team, and the team you lead as well as your relationship with yourself.Visit The Rising Leader Handbook: Turning High Achievers into Effective Leaders to grab your copy and start mastering your skills to become your team leader. Leader, It’s Time to Rise! Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of The Rising Leader Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | GooglePlay | Stitcher | Spotify | Amazon Music | iHeart Radio Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help me reach more listeners like you. Join me on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.
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    23 m
  • Thriving in Leadership and Family Life with Stephanie Chung - Part I

    Thriving in Leadership and Family Life with Stephanie Chung - Part I
    Jul 9 2025
    Trying to have it all as an ambitious leader, a thriving career, a rich family life, and good mental health can seem impossible. This week, I sit down with world-renowned executive, author, and leadership powerhouse Stephanie Chung for a fireside chat about her personal and professional journey, as well as her trailblazing work in business, aviation, and human capital. Together, we get real about the hard-won lessons, mistakes, and wisdom that come from decades at the top—and how anyone can cultivate success and fulfillment, without sacrificing what matters most.Stephanie Chung has over 30 years of experience as an innovator and leader in business growth and human capital development. She became the first African American (and woman) to helm a private jet company, worked across industry giants like American Airlines, Flexjet, and Bombardier, and is a #1 international bestselling author of Ally Leadership: How to Lead People Who Are Not Like You. Known for her sought-after expertise in sales, business management, and DEI, Stephanie’s lived experience and deep, practical wisdom have inspired leaders around the globe.“Curiosity comes before empathy. Be curious about others, really ask questions you don’t know the answers to.” ~Stephanie ChungToday on The Rising Leader:· You can truly have it all—career, family, and health—but it requires intention, discipline, and learning from your mistakes.· The modern workforce is radically diverse. To lead and to win, you must know how to lead people across generations, cultures, backgrounds, abilities, and perspectives.· Making everyone on your team feel seen and heard isn’t just human—it’s a competitive edge.· The best leaders ask questions with genuine curiosity, listen deeply, learn, and act on what they discover.· Presence is more important than perfect balance—be 100% focused wherever you are, whether at work or at home.· Set boundaries with your time and communicate expectations up, down, and across within your organization.· For women, learning to say “no” firmly—but kindly—is an essential leadership skill, especially outside work.· Practical tips (like gift routines for children) can ease family transitions and support work-life integration for working parents.Get in Touch with Stephanie Chung:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thestephaniechung/Website: https://stephaniechung.com/Resources Mentioned:Book: Ally Leadership: How to Lead People Who Are Not Like You by Stephanie ChungMichael Bungay Stanier, How to Work With (Almost) AnyoneHarvard Business Review, Deloitte, McKinsey reports on diverse teams Grab Your Copy of The Rising Leader Handbook Do you find yourself rising through your company's ranks so fast that you wish you had a manual to become an effective leader? Then, The Rising Leader Handbook is right for you. In The Rising Leader Handbook, you’ll learn how to shift your perspective and gain the leadership skills you need, regardless of the breadth of your responsibilities, by leveraging the relationships you’ve built with the CEO, the Leadership Team, and the team you lead as well as your relationship with yourself.Visit The Rising Leader Handbook: Turning High Achievers into Effective Leaders to grab your copy and start mastering your skills to become your team leader. Leader, It’s Time to Rise! Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of The Rising Leader Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | GooglePlay | Stitcher | Spotify | Amazon Music | iHeart Radio Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help me reach more listeners like you. Join me on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.
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    41 m
  • I Was Selling A Lie

    I Was Selling A Lie
    Jul 2 2025

    Have you ever looked up to a superstar, admired a successful public figure, or taken guidance from an influential leader, only to later learn about the human struggles, messy realities, and hidden challenges behind their public persona? In this episode, “I Was Selling a Lie,” I dive into why we put successful people on pedestals, the inevitable letdown when their humanity comes to light, and why real leadership means embracing imperfection. I draw on stories from famous artists, coaches, influencers, and even my chocolate chip cravings to reveal the essential truth: no one is above being hopelessly human.

    "My aim isn’t to sell perfection but to invite you into honest conversations about growth, failure, and what it really takes to lead while being human." ~Mark

    This week on The Rising Leader:

    · The hidden struggles behind fame, success, and leadership.

    · Why perfection in role models is an unhelpful illusion.

    · Real stories from influential figures like Boy George, Britney Spears, Justin Bieber, Jay Shetty, Andrew Huberman, and others.

    · The myth that personal development riders to perfection.

    · Real leadership advice: learning by embracing your full humanity.

    · My own vulnerabilities—chocolate chip confessions and being “Mark Mark” vs. “Coach Mark”.

    · The distinction between performative vulnerability and genuine openness.

    · The true cost of greatness, with reflections on Michael Jordan and Stevie Nicks.

    Grab Your Copy of The Rising Leader Handbook

    Do you find yourself rising through your company's ranks so fast that you wish you had a manual to become an effective leader? Then, The Rising Leader Handbook is right for you.

    In The Rising Leader Handbook, you’ll learn how to shift your perspective and gain the leadership skills you need, regardless of the breadth of your responsibilities, by leveraging the relationships you’ve built with the CEO, the Leadership Team, and the team you lead as well as your relationship with yourself.

    Visit The Rising Leader Handbook: Turning High Achievers into Effective Leaders to grab your copy and start mastering your skills to become your team leader.

    Leader, It’s Time to Rise!

    Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of The Rising Leader Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

    Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | GooglePlay | Stitcher | Spotify | Amazon Music | iHeart Radio

    Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help me reach more listeners like you.

    Join me on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.
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    10 m
  • How Alex Strathdee Grew Shelf Life by Embracing Resilience, Mentors, and Mental Health

    How Alex Strathdee Grew Shelf Life by Embracing Resilience, Mentors, and Mental Health
    Jun 25 2025
    Ever wondered what it looks like to build an impactful business from nothing—starting at age 22—and still keep your soul, care for your team, and navigate personal struggles most never see? In this conversation, I sit down with Alex Strathdee, founder and CEO of Shelf Life, the company behind the marketing success of my own Rising Leader handbook and numerous bestselling authors. We dig into Alex’s unconventional entrepreneurial journey, the power of resilience, what it actually takes to build a thriving team, and how embracing vulnerability and our own mental health challenges can become a hidden strength in leadership.Alex Strathdee founded Shelf Life at just 22, growing it into a million-dollar company with 17 employees and a remarkable 90% employee retention rate. Working alongside renowned authors like Mike Michalowicz and Michael Bungay Stanier, and having clients such as Reid Hoffman and Gay Hendricks, he has become the go-to expert for authors looking to turn their ideas into impact. But Alex’s real superpower isn’t just marketing wizardry—it’s his relentless honesty, deep empathy (inspired by his remarkable grandmother), and unwavering commitment to building a business that’s as healthy on the inside as it appears from the outside. “If this woman [my grandma] can stay happy and positive, then come on, I gotta find some positivity here.” ~Alex StrathdeeToday on The Rising Leader:· The seeds of leadership can come from unexpected places. Alex’s primary inspiration is his grandmother, whose resilience and positivity shaped his approach to people and business.· Entrepreneurial success ultimately hinges on persistence, learning from failures, and seeking mentorship.· Alex highlights the importance of asking for help and surrounding yourself with people who have already solved similar problems.· Relationships are everything; from first opportunities to company-saving advice, success, and new directions are rooted in genuine connections.· Vulnerability isn’t a liability; sharing mental health struggles (from OCD to intrusive thoughts) opened doors for Alex to get the help and tools he needed, transforming a challenge into a leadership strength.· Hiring and scaling require both toughness and care; having a strong “number two” (like Laura, his COO) is key to growth and balances out your own blind spots.· Letting go of being the “nice guy” is sometimes necessary—hard conversations and holding the team accountable keep the mission intact.· Systems matter: Alex and his leadership team leverage frameworks like Gino Wickman’s Traction to set rocks, build accountability, and keep everyone rowing in the same direction.· Helping your team thrive doesn’t mean coddling—it’s about setting high standards and supporting people to level up, all while keeping the company’s core mission at the center.Connect with Alex Strathdee:· Shelf Life and author marketing services: getshelflife.com· Book: Before the Bestseller – Alex’s comprehensive guide to marketing your book· LinkedIn: Alex StrathdeeResources and Mentions:· Book: Before the Bestseller by Alex Strathdee · Book: How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie· Book: Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi · Book: Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill · Book: Who by Geoff Smart & Randy Street · Book: Traction by Gino Wickman · International OCD Foundation· Book: Needing to Know for Sure by Dr. Sally Winston & Dr. Martin Seif · Overcoming Unwanted Intrusive Thoughts · Authors Unite (Tyler Wagner’s company) Grab Your Copy of The Rising Leader Handbook Do you find yourself rising through your company's ranks so fast that you wish you had a manual to become an effective leader? Then, The Rising Leader Handbook is right for you. In The Rising Leader Handbook, you’ll learn how to shift your perspective and gain the leadership skills you need, regardless of the breadth of your responsibilities, by leveraging the relationships you’ve built with the CEO, the Leadership Team, and the team you lead as well as your relationship with yourself.Visit The Rising Leader Handbook: Turning High Achievers into Effective Leaders to grab your copy and start mastering your skills to become your team leader. Leader, It’s Time to Rise! Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of The Rising Leader Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | GooglePlay | Stitcher | Spotify | Amazon Music | iHeart Radio Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help me reach more listeners like you. Join me on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.
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    36 m
  • The Importance of Perspective

    The Importance of Perspective
    Jun 18 2025

    Ever feel like the things you’re sharing as a leader are just “Captain Obvious” moments—messages that have been repeated endlessly, but still need to be heard? I woke up this morning with a clear urge to discuss something that’s not just essential, but foundational for every leader: perspective. No matter how often it’s discussed, perspective is the tool that brings clarity, emotional intelligence, and coaching power to every conversation, every conflict, and every team you lead. In today’s episode, I delve into why perspective is your responsibility as a leader, how it helps others navigate and resolve challenges, and why giving—and requesting—perspective is crucial to keeping your organization on track.

    “Your job as a leader is to be the adult, to have the perspective, to have the emotional perspective that this is a disagreement, this isn't personal, and it's for you to get perspective as soon as possible.” ~Mark

    Today on The Rising Leader:

    · Perspective is the fundamental gift and duty of every leader—it’s your lived experience, information, and oversight that others don’t have.

    · As adults and leaders, we often find ourselves in situations where we see more than those we lead, and it is our responsibility to remind others of the bigger picture.

    · Emotional intelligence is essential for stepping back from reactive, defensive modes and regaining perspective in heated moments.

    · Coaching isn’t just about hour-long sessions; sometimes the most valuable support is a quick call that offers a grounded perspective.

    · People get emotionally triggered and lose sight of reality or consequences; your job is to help them regain balance and hope.

    · Just like children “borrow” your emotional regulation, team members often need to “borrow” your perspective to stabilize during chaos.

    · Regularly check in and ask for clarity yourself—“Am I being a jerk in this?” or “Am I seeing this clearly?”—no leader goes it alone.

    · Offering your regulated, big-picture view can help team members see the vision, reconnect to purpose, and solve problems more effectively.

    Grab Your Copy of The Rising Leader Handbook

    Do you find yourself rising through your company's ranks so fast that you wish you had a manual to become an effective leader? Then, The Rising Leader Handbook is right for you.

    In The Rising Leader Handbook, you’ll learn how to shift your perspective and gain the leadership skills you need, regardless of the breadth of your responsibilities, by leveraging the relationships you’ve built with the CEO, the Leadership Team, and the team you lead as well as your relationship with yourself.

    Visit The Rising Leader Handbook: Turning High Achievers into Effective Leaders to grab your copy and start mastering your skills to become your team leader.

    Leader, It’s Time to Rise!

    Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of The Rising Leader Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

    Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | GooglePlay | Stitcher | Spotify | Amazon Music | iHeart Radio

    Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help me reach more listeners like you.

    Join me on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.
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    6 m
  • Let's Talk About Your Significant Other

    Let's Talk About Your Significant Other
    Jun 11 2025
    We all talk about how a strong relationship with your significant other is crucial, but how often do we really sit down to discuss the ground rules that hold it all together? In today’s episode, I take a thoughtful look at the different kinds of agreements we make with our partners, especially when high-pressure careers, kids, and life’s unpredictability enter the mix. I discuss setting clear expectations, negotiating roles, and effective communication, so your relationship can be the greatest asset to your leadership journey, not a detractor.This episode highlights insights from my conversation with John Sapone, a seasoned VP of Sales with an impressive track record at several of the world’s fastest-growing startups. John's approach with his spouse offers a real-world example of how crafting intentional agreements in a demanding household leads to clarity, understanding, and a sense of team, both at home and at work. “Fences make good neighbors. Ground rules and agreements make really strong relationships.” ~Mark Silverman Today on The Rising Leader:· High-performing jobs can be "greedy," often bleeding into evenings and weekends, so it’s critical to have explicit agreements about time and expectations at home.· Clear ground rules are the foundation of strong partnerships, especially when both partners face significant demands from their careers and families.· Openly discussing what each person needs to feel valued, seen, and secure makes negotiation possible and resentment less likely.· It’s vital to regularly update your agreements and check in with your partner as circumstances and feelings inevitably shift.· Joint understanding about who handles what—especially in crisis or when competing demands arise—prevents conflict and promotes teamwork.· Using tools like the enneagram or personality assessments helps couples better understand one another and navigate differences.· Left unspoken, unmet expectations quickly metastasize into frustration, distance, and potential relationship breakdown.· Coming together intentionally as a team—striving for win-win rather than “getting yours”—builds resilience and success at home and professionally.Resources Mentioned:· Enneagram and other personality testing tools (for couples and teams)· To receive my agreement versus expectations guide, send me a note! Grab Your Copy of The Rising Leader Handbook Do you find yourself rising through your company's ranks so fast that you wish you had a manual to become an effective leader? Then, The Rising Leader Handbook is right for you. In The Rising Leader Handbook, you’ll learn how to shift your perspective and gain the leadership skills you need, regardless of the breadth of your responsibilities, by leveraging the relationships you’ve built with the CEO, the Leadership Team, and the team you lead as well as your relationship with yourself.Visit The Rising Leader Handbook: Turning High Achievers into Effective Leaders to grab your copy and start mastering your skills to become your team leader. Leader, It’s Time to Rise! Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of The Rising Leader Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | GooglePlay | Stitcher | Spotify | Amazon Music | iHeart Radio Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help me reach more listeners like you. Join me on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.
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    7 m
  • Encore Episode: Words Create Leadership, Words Create Worlds with Devon Bandison

    Encore Episode: Words Create Leadership, Words Create Worlds with Devon Bandison
    Jun 4 2025
    Devon Bandison is an author, coach, and speaker. He is the go-to mind coach of the NBA and one of the most sought-after personal and business coaches in the world. As a coach, Devon works with Fortune 100 Companies and people from all walks of life, from professional athletes and teams, CEOs and executives, salespeople and small business owners to filmmakers, producers, and the world’s leading business and life coaches. He is the author of Fatherhood is Leadership and is a contributing writer for Inc. Magazine. Devon holds a B.A. in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Public Administration. Devon joins me today to discuss how words shape your thoughts, leadership, and world. He emphasizes the importance of knowing your starting point. He explains why leaders need to define their three cornerstones, focus on what truly matters, and prioritize accordingly. Devon also highlights the difference between “keeping” and “being” your word and underscores how creativity and great leadership happen when we create space. “Your word creates your world. When I look at the greatest leaders, I see commitment and integrity.” - Devon Bandison This week on The Rising Leader Podcast: ● Devon’s two-minute wisdom drop● Understanding your starting point● Distinguishing between what’s true and what your mind believes to be true● Self-forgiveness and rewiring your mind to break free from self-judgment● Why “slowly” is the fastest way● Warren Buffett on being busy● Slowing down and knowing your three cornerstones as a leader● Entering the "zone" or “flow state” in sports and how it's achieved through slowing down and being present● The most dangerous phrase in the human language● How not being able to keep your word to yourself develops an inner critic● “Keeping” your word versus “being” your word● “Default” cultures and creating a culture of agreements through language and integrity● How Devon learned a life-changing lesson about the power of one's word and integrity● The Game Changer Experience Resources Mentioned: ● The most important question a father can ask himself | Devon Bandison | TEDxBocaRaton Related Episode: ● Fatherhood, Leadership and Legacy with Devon Bandison● Playing the Bigger Game with Dr. Jeff Spencer● Slowing Down to Speed Up Connect with Devon Bandison: ● Devon Bandison Website● Book: Fatherhood Is Leadership: Your Playbook for Success, Self-Leadership, and a Richer Life● Devon Bandison on LinkedIn● Devon Bandison on Instagram Grab Your Advanced Copy of The Rising Leader Handbook Do you find yourself rising through the ranks of your company so fast that you wish you had a manual to becoming an effective leader? Then The Rising Leader Handbook is right for you. In The Rising Leader Handbook, you’ll learn how to shift your perspective and gain the leadership skills you need, regardless of the breadth of your responsibilities, by leveraging the relationships you’ve built with the CEO, the Leadership Team, and the team you lead as well as your relationship with yourself. The Rising Leader Handbook officially releases in October 2023, but you don’t have to wait! Visit The Rising Leader Handbook: Turning High Achievers into Effective Leaders to grab your advanced copy and get started on mastering the skills you need to become the leader your team needs you to be. Leader, It’s Time to Rise! Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of The Rising Leader Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | GooglePlay | Stitcher | Spotify | Amazon Music | iHeart Radio Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help me reach more listeners, like you. Join me on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.
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    43 m
  • Are You Driving For Success or Growth?

    Are You Driving For Success or Growth?
    May 28 2025

    Are you chasing external markers of success, or are you genuinely growing into the leader you want to become? Today, I challenge you to stop and really feel where your drive is coming from. In this episode, I deeply reflect on the difference between being driven by the endless pursuit of success and embracing the sometimes messy, enriching journey of growth. We’ll take a closer look at what it costs to achieve your goals if you’re coming from a place of lack and discuss how marrying ambition with inner development is the key to lasting fulfillment.

    “I’ve spent time with people who have reached all their goals, and they’re still not satisfied, they’re still not happy.” ~Mark

    This week on The Rising Leader:

    · How to distinguish between chasing success and pursuing growth

    · Why proving yourself to others can lead to burnout and emptiness

    · The warning signs that you’re “climbing the ladder on the wrong wall”

    · The hidden costs of goal-oriented living—on family, health, and fulfillment

    · Why growth-oriented leaders are more fulfilled, not just more successful

    · A coaching approach that marries achievement with personal evolution

    · How to set values-based goals and measure your fulfillment

    · The emptiness of endless achievement without inner satisfaction

    Grab Your Copy of The Rising Leader Handbook

    Do you find yourself rising through your company's ranks so fast that you wish you had a manual to become an effective leader? Then, The Rising Leader Handbook is right for you.

    In The Rising Leader Handbook, you’ll learn how to shift your perspective and gain the leadership skills you need, regardless of the breadth of your responsibilities, by leveraging the relationships you’ve built with the CEO, the Leadership Team, and the team you lead as well as your relationship with yourself.

    Visit The Rising Leader Handbook: Turning High Achievers into Effective Leaders to grab your copy and start mastering your skills to become your team leader.

    Leader, It’s Time to Rise!

    Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of The Rising Leader Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

    Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | GooglePlay | Stitcher | Spotify | Amazon Music | iHeart Radio

    Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help me reach more listeners like you.

    Join me on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.
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    10 m