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So far Mikayla Takacs has created 47 blog entries.

Unleashing Mental Strength: Building Confidence, Boldness, and Leadership Resilience with Scott Mautz

In this powerful episode of Training Unleashed, host Evan Hackel sits down with Scott Mautz, renowned leadership and self-leadership expert, to discuss the essential elements of mental strength and its transformative impact on leadership. Scott, an acclaimed author of The Mentally Strong Leader, shares actionable insights on building mental muscles such as confidence, decision-making, and fortitude to excel in both work and life.

The conversation delves into the difference between grit and mental strength, explores tools for overcoming setbacks, and highlights the importance of self-regulation for effective leadership. Scott also shares his groundbreaking mental strength self-assessment, which has helped thousands understand and improve their mental resilience.

Whether you’re a leader looking to inspire your team or an individual seeking personal growth, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways to help you become mentally stronger and achieve your goals.

Key Topics Discussed:
  • Defining Mental Strength: It’s not just about grit or IQ; mental strength is the ability to regulate your emotions, thoughts, and behaviors, even during adversity.
  • Six Core Mental Muscles: Confidence, boldness, decision-making, goal focus, fortitude, and messaging are key areas to develop for mental strength.
  • Responding vs. Reacting: Learn how to manage setbacks by reacting internally but responding externally with logic and optimism.
  • Building Resilience: Use the four lenses of resilience and Scott’s practical tools to overcome challenges and stay mentally strong.
  • The Mentally Strong Leader Assessment: A free self-assessment tool to measure and improve your mental strength across the six core areas.
About Our Guest

Scott Mautz is a dynamic speaker and expert in driving peak performance, employee engagement, and leadership motivation. A Procter & Gamble veteran, he led multi-billion-dollar businesses and brings this experience to his award-winning books and LinkedIn Learning courses, which have reached nearly 2 million learners. Scott’s latest book, The Mentally Strong Leader, offers a comprehensive guide to building the habits necessary for mental strength. Known for his engaging and humorous style, Scott is dedicated to delivering actionable insights that inspire lasting change.

How to Connect:

Stay connected with Training Unleashed beyond the podcast! Join our growing community and be part of the conversation about leadership, training, and personal growth.

2024-12-03T02:06:19-05:00December 11, 2024|

Unleashing Innovation in Training with Helen Paas

In this episode of Training Unleashed, host Evan Hackel sits down with Helen Paas, a certified coach and training consultant with over 15 years of experience in developing innovative training systems. Helen shares her insights into the current state of corporate training, the importance of understanding diverse learner needs, and how to create impactful training programs that break away from traditional methods. Learn practical strategies to make your training programs more engaging, effective, and aligned with the psychology of modern learners.

Key Topics Discussed:
  • Strengths and Weaknesses in Training Today:
    • Strengths: Structured training systems and well-trained trainers.
    • Weaknesses: Lack of innovation and adaptation to changing learner needs.
  • Breaking Out of Comfort Zones:
    • Engaging learners in the design process.
    • Customizing training to different generational and learning preferences.
  • The 4MAT Model:
    • Using this system to cater to diverse learning styles and create inclusive training programs.
  • Creative Training Techniques:
    • Incorporating interactive exercises like drawing and storytelling in corporate settings.
    • Making e-learning engaging and playful with technology and gamification.
  • Success Story – Building Scalable Training at Wise:
    • Transitioning from training for 50 employees to 6,000+ globally.
    • Reducing onboarding time for customer support agents from two months to one month.
About Our Guest

Helen Paas is a seasoned consultant, mentor, trainer, and certified coach with over 15 years of experience in employee training and development. She specializes in creating scalable training systems tailored to the unique needs of organizations. Helen has worked with startups and multinational companies, helping them transition from small teams to global players. Passionate about leveraging psychology and innovative methods, Helen ensures that training programs resonate with diverse learners. Her consultancy, H2 Resolve, offers tailored solutions and resources to address any training-related challenge.

Helen’s Free Resources and Offer:
  • Access free tools and insights on training best practices at h2resolve.com.
  • The first five listeners who mention this podcast can claim a free one-hour consultation.
How to Connect:

Stay connected with Training Unleashed beyond the podcast! Join our growing community and be part of the conversation about leadership, training, and personal growth.

2024-12-02T23:22:42-05:00December 4, 2024|

Unleashing Opportunities Through Navigating Change with Curtis Bateman

In this episode of Training Unleashed, host Evan Hackle welcomes back Curtis Bateman, the vice president of direct international offices for FranklinCovey and bestselling co-author of Change: How to Turn Uncertainty Into Opportunity. Curtis shares his expertise on navigating change in organizations, focusing on how leaders can adapt to the rapid advancements of artificial intelligence (AI) and use it as a tool for growth and innovation.

Listeners will gain practical strategies and real-world examples of how to approach change effectively, foster adaptability within teams, and create long-term success. Whether you’re a leader, trainer, or business professional, this episode provides actionable advice to thrive during times of transition.

“Change doesn’t have to be a roadblock—it can be a springboard for something even greater.” – Curtis Bateman

Key Topics Discussed:

Curtis’s Journey with Change Management
Curtis shares his extensive experience in leading change initiatives worldwide and how his career has shaped his unique approach to navigating uncertainty.

Transforming Change Into Opportunity
Curtis explains why change is often misunderstood and offers strategies for leaders to reframe challenges as opportunities for growth and innovation.

Practical Tools for Change Leadership
Discover how to use frameworks like Change Element to implement structured and successful change in your organization.

Overcoming Resistance to Change
Curtis discusses common barriers organizations face during transitions and provides tips to help leaders overcome resistance and gain team buy-in.

Lessons from Leading International Teams
Drawing from his experience managing teams across Europe, Asia, and Australia, Curtis shares stories and lessons that illustrate the universal principles of effective change management.

About Our Guest

Curtis Bateman is the vice president of direct international offices for FranklinCovey and co-author of the bestseller Change: How to Turn Uncertainty Into Opportunity. With over 24 years in the training industry, Curtis is a recognized change consultant and coach who has guided organizations worldwide through successful transitions. Known for his practical solutions like Change Element, Curtis helps leaders and organizations thrive in the face of uncertainty.

How to Connect:

Watch the previous Episode with Curtis Bateman.

Stay connected with Training Unleashed beyond the podcast! Join our growing community and be part of the conversation about leadership, training, and personal growth.

2024-11-20T11:28:33-05:00November 20, 2024|

Unleashing the Power of Recruiting Essential Workers with Dave MacDonald

In this episode of Training Unleashed, Evan Hackel sits down with Dave MacDonald, a passionate leader who built his business from the ground up to help essential workers find fulfilling employment opportunities. Dave shares his journey of overcoming adversity and his commitment to helping blue-collar workers find dependable, life-changing jobs.

From side hustles to founding Better Together Group, Dave’s story is one of resilience, perseverance, and dedication to making a difference. He shares key insights into the recruitment process for essential workers and how businesses can foster a culture that truly values their workforce. You’ll also hear about Dave’s “WTF Philosophy” (Work Hard, Tell the Truth, Finish the Job) and his approach to integrity in hiring.

Key Topics Discussed:
  • The importance of recruiting qualified, dependable workers
  • How businesses can create a company culture that supports and values essential workers
  • The three “I”s: Integrity, Intensity, and Intentionality
  • The “WTF Philosophy”: Work Hard, Tell the Truth, and Finish the Job
  • The challenges and rewards of hiring blue-collar workers versus executive-level employees
Key Takeaways:
  • The secret to successfully recruiting essential workers and creating a productive workforce
  • How integrity, intensity, and intentionality shape hiring practices
  • The values that drive Dave MacDonald’s leadership and business success
About Our Guest

Dave MacDonald is the Owner and President of Better Together Group, which is the parent company of three staffing agencies. His journey began nearly 30 years ago when he found himself fired and struggling to provide for his family. This adversity ignited his passion for helping essential workers secure meaningful, reliable jobs. Better Together Group is built on the principles of integrity and helping others succeed, with a mission to boost client productivity and ensure job candidates can fulfill their goals. Dave’s proudest achievement is welcoming his children into his company at their request. His focus on people-first leadership continues to drive Better Together’s success.

How to Connect with Guest:


Website: Better Together Group

LinkedIn: Dave Macdonald
Dave’s Podcast: xtoz.org

Stay connected with Training Unleashed beyond the podcast! Join our growing community and be part of the conversation about leadership, training, and personal growth.

2024-11-13T11:57:06-05:00November 13, 2024|

Unleashing the Power of Excel with Jeff Lenning

In this episode of Training Unleashed, host Evan Hackel interviews Jeff Lenning, the president of Excel University, about his journey with Excel and how professionals can use it to unlock efficiency and solve complex problems. Jeff shares valuable insights on how mastering Excel can dramatically improve business operations and personal productivity.

Listeners will gain a deep understanding of the best practices for using Excel, as Jeff discusses both foundational and advanced features of the tool. Whether you’re a beginner looking to expand your skills or a seasoned professional, this episode will leave you with practical tips and motivation to maximize Excel’s capabilities.

Key Topics Discussed:
  • Jeff’s Journey with Excel
    Jeff Lenning shares his story of how he founded Excel University and why Excel became his tool of choice for helping businesses streamline operations.
  • Why Excel Skills are Essential for Every Professional
    The importance of Excel in various industries is discussed, and Jeff offers advice on why mastering Excel can make professionals more effective.
  • Excel Tips and Tricks for Maximizing Efficiency
    Practical tips from Jeff on how to use Excel features like pivot tables, macros, and formulas to speed up tasks and solve complex problems.
  • Common Mistakes People Make with Excel
    Jeff outlines common Excel pitfalls and how to avoid them, making everyday tasks more efficient and error-free.
  • The Future of Excel in Business Operations
    Predictions on how Excel will continue to evolve and the growing need for Excel proficiency in a rapidly digitizing world.
About Our Guest

Jeff Lenning is the president and founder of Excel University, where he helps professionals of all levels master Excel and use it to solve complex problems. With years of experience in the field, Jeff is passionate about making Excel accessible and helping businesses transform the way they work. His platform, Excel University, offers a wide range of courses designed to help individuals become more productive with the tool.

How to Connect:

Stay connected with Training Unleashed beyond the podcast! Join our growing community and be part of the conversation about leadership, training, and personal growth.

2024-11-06T15:48:14-05:00November 6, 2024|

Unleashing Resilience and Leadership: Navigating Challenges with Brian Heon

In this exciting episode of Training Unleashed, host Evan Hackle is joined by Brian Heon, the General Manager of Sunday River Ski Resort, located in Maine. Brian shares the incredible story of how his team handled a catastrophic rainstorm right before the Christmas holiday season, one of the busiest times for ski resorts. The storm brought seven inches of rain in mere hours, creating massive challenges including washed-out roads, damaged ski towers, and cut-off access to the resort. Despite the chaos, Sunday River was able to reopen the mountain within four days, showcasing the resort’s remarkable leadership, teamwork, and training.

Brian delves into the resort’s resilience, highlighting the importance of having a robust culture of servant leadership and empowering teams to make independent decisions in the face of a crisis. He explains how Sunday River’s team adapted, overcame logistical challenges, and provided both employees and guests with the support they needed during the storm.

Key Topics Discussed:
  • The Importance of Training and Preparation: Brian shares how Sunday River prepares for the winter season, emphasizing the role of early snowmaking and the Christmas holiday as the first big push for the resort.
  • Facing a Major Crisis: How the team managed the aftermath of a rainstorm that washed out roads, snow, and essential resort infrastructure, yet still managed to get 80% of the available terrain ready for skiers in just four days.
  • Servant Leadership in Action: Brian highlights the philosophy of servant leadership, explaining how it empowers employees at all levels to take initiative, think outside the box, and act swiftly in times of crisis.
  • The Role of Culture: Sunday River’s culture of kindness, respect, and professionalism (KRP) is integral to how the resort operates daily, ensuring that staff and guests alike experience a supportive environment.
  • Leveraging Partnerships and Vendor Support: Brian discusses how local vendors and passionate passholders with construction expertise contributed to the rapid recovery efforts, moving over 20,000 cubic yards of material in two weeks to restore the resort.
  • Customer Loyalty and Community Support: Despite the challenges, Sunday River’s guests remained loyal and supportive, with many expressing gratitude for the resort’s transparency and communication throughout the ordeal.

Top Tip from Brian Heon:

“Support your team and let them do the right thing. When leaders are empowered to make decisions, they rise to the occasion and execute what needs to be done for the company, the guests, and the team.”

About Our Guest

Brian Heon is the General Manager of Sunday River Ski Resort, a part of the Boyne Resorts family. With 26 years of experience in the ski industry, Brian leads with a servant leadership approach, focusing on empowering his team and fostering a culture of kindness, respect, and professionalism.

How to Connect:

Stay connected with Training Unleashed beyond the podcast! Join our growing community and be part of the conversation about leadership, training, and personal growth.

2024-10-30T10:31:42-04:00October 30, 2024|

Unleashing the Power of Laughter in suicide prevention with Frank King

In this eye-opening episode of Training Unleashed, host Evan Hackel sits down with Frank King, a renowned Suicide Prevention Speaker, comedian, and former writer for The Tonight Show. With humor, vulnerability, and insight, Frank shares his personal journey with depression and suicidality, and how he’s using his platform to save lives through his work. From overcoming life-threatening heart conditions to delivering 12 powerful TEDx talks, Frank’s story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit.

Listeners will discover how Frank uses humor to break the stigma surrounding mental health, his approach to preventing suicide, and the importance of creating safe spaces for open conversations. Whether you’re a leader, trainer, or just someone seeking inspiration, this episode is packed with invaluable lessons on resilience, empathy, and the healing power of laughter.

Key Topics Discussed:
  • The intersection of comedy and mental health
  • How humor can be a tool for suicide prevention
  • Frank’s journey as a speaker and mental health advocate
  • The importance of talking openly about depression and suicidality
  • Overcoming personal health challenges and using them as fuel for positivity
  • Leadership and mental health in the workplace
Practical Takeaways:
  1. Using Humor to Address Serious Issues: Frank demonstrates how injecting humor into serious conversations can break down barriers and create space for openness and healing.
  2. Mental Health Awareness in the Workplace: Leaders and trainers should encourage open discussions about mental health to foster supportive environments.
  3. Resilience through Adversity: Personal challenges, no matter how severe, can be turned into opportunities for growth and helping others.

About Our Guest

Frank King is a Suicide Prevention Speaker and comedian who wrote for The Tonight Show for 20 years. Having battled depression and suicidality, Frank has turned his experiences into 12 TEDx talks aimed at raising awareness and preventing suicide. He’s shared stages with top comedians and entertainers and has survived significant health challenges, all while keeping his sense of humor intact. Frank travels the world speaking to organizations and schools, offering lifesaving insights through his unique blend of comedy and advocacy.

How to Connect:

If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or having thoughts of suicide, please reach out for help. Call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 9-8-8. You don’t have to face this alone—support is just a call away.

Stay connected with Training Unleashed beyond the podcast! Join our growing community and be part of the conversation about leadership, training, and personal growth.

2024-10-23T10:21:06-04:00October 23, 2024|

Unleashing Trust-Centered Leadership with Dr. Michael Armour (Part 2)

In this insightful episode of Training Unleashed, host Evan Hackel welcomes back Dr. Michael Armour, a seasoned executive coach and leadership expert, for his second appearance on the podcast. Dr. Armour, founder of Strategic Leadership Development International, brings decades of experience coaching and mentoring leaders across various industries, government agencies, and non-profits. This episode dives deep into the concept of Trust-Centered Leadership®, with Dr. Armour sharing practical strategies on how leaders can build trust within their teams to foster stronger relationships and drive success. Tune in to learn more about the vital role trust plays in leadership and how you can implement these strategies to enhance team performance.

Key Topics Discussed:
  • The Power of Trust: Dr. Armour explains the critical role trust plays in leadership and how it can be the difference between a thriving team and a failing one.
  • Building Trust in Teams: Actionable tips on how leaders can create a culture of trust that promotes open communication, collaboration, and high morale.
  • Trust-Centered Leadership®: An overview of Dr. Armour’s Trust-Centered Leadership® framework and how it guides his coaching philosophy.
  • Real-World Applications: Dr. Armour shares examples of how these principles have been applied successfully in different sectors, from corporate settings to non-profits.
  • Improving Leadership Skills: Learn how self-awareness, authenticity, and integrity are key elements to becoming a more trustworthy leader.
About Our Guest

Dr. Michael Armour is a highly experienced leadership coach and founder of Strategic Leadership Development International. With over three decades of experience, he has mentored top-level executives across industries and authored numerous books on leadership, including the best-selling Leadership and the Power of Trust. Dr. Armour’s work has been translated into over two dozen languages, and his Trust-Centered Leadership® framework is widely respected. He holds a Ph.D. from UCLA and has studied at the Naval War College.

How to Connect:

Watch the previous Episode with Dr. Mike Armour.

Stay connected with Training Unleashed beyond the podcast! Join our growing community and be part of the conversation about leadership, training, and personal growth.

2024-10-16T10:58:26-04:00October 16, 2024|

Unleashing Greatness Through Effective Change Management with Curtis Bateman

In this episode of Training Unleashed, host Evan Hackel welcomes Curtis Bateman, the bestselling co-author of Change: How to Turn Uncertainty Into Opportunity and vice president of direct international offices for FranklinCovey. With over 24 years of experience in the training industry, Curtis shares his expertise on the vital role of change management in organizations and how leaders can effectively foster a culture of greatness. He discusses his passion for enabling organizations “at change” and how his work has led to the development of transformative, industry-leading solutions.

Key Topics Discussed:
  • FranklinCovey’s Mission:
    • Curtis explains the mission to “enable greatness in people and organizations everywhere,” emphasizing the belief in the inherent potential of individuals.
  • The Importance of Leadership:
    • The discussion delves into the significance of developing exceptional leaders at every level, highlighting Curtis’s commitment to fostering leadership capabilities.
  • Cultivating Trust in Organizations:
    • Curtis discusses the foundational role of trust in organizational culture and how it accelerates change and improves effectiveness.
  • Effective Change Management:
    • Curtis introduces a change model that can be applied not only in the workplace but also in personal relationships, enhancing communication and understanding.
  • Focus on Small and Medium Enterprises:
    • The conversation touches on FranklinCovey’s ability to work with organizations of all sizes, emphasizing the transformative impact seen in smaller companies.
  • Actionable Tips for Leaders:
    • Curtis offers practical advice for leaders looking to implement change effectively and cultivate a productive workplace environment.
Key Takeaways:
  • Leadership development is crucial for unlocking the potential of teams and organizations.
  • Building trust within teams leads to more efficient change management and better overall performance.
  • The change model discussed can be a valuable tool for personal and professional relationships, enhancing communication and cooperation.

About Our Guest

Curtis Bateman is the bestselling co-author of Change: How to Turn Uncertainty Into Opportunity and serves as the vice president of direct international offices for FranklinCovey. With over 24 years of experience in the training industry, he is an internationally recognized presenter, content developer, change consultant, business leader, and coach. His passion for enabling organizations “at change” led to the co-creation of transformative, industry-leading solutions, including Change Element, Leaders@Change, Managing Millennials, Millennials@Work, and the Change Practitioner. Previously, Curtis was the president and CEO of Red Tree Leadership, where he managed the brand Who Moved My Cheese? and developed practical approaches to help individuals and leaders navigate the complexities of change. Curtis joined FranklinCovey as a senior change consultant and co-practice leader, later becoming the managing director for the U.K. and Ireland in 2016, taking on additional responsibilities for Germany, Switzerland, Austria, China, Japan, and Australia in subsequent years.

How to Connect with Curtis:

2024-10-09T12:07:31-04:00October 9, 2024|
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