Unleashing the Power of Mindset: Overcoming Adversity with Bryan Schwartz

In this compelling episode of Training Unleashed, host Evan Hackle sits down with Bryan Schwartz, a former NFL linebacker, leadership coach, and author. Bryan shares profound insights into the power of mindset in overcoming adversity, both in personal and professional life. Drawing from his experiences on and off the field, Bryan discusses the importance of embracing challenges, stepping out in faith, and the vital role that mindset plays in developing resilience.

Key Topics Discussed:

The Role of Adversity in Growth:

    • Bryan explains that adversity is a necessary part of personal and professional growth. He emphasizes that challenges are designed to help individuals develop and ultimately fulfill their purpose.

Mindset Over Motivation:

      • Unlike traditional self-help books, Bryan’s approach focuses on cultivating the right mindset rather than just offering motivational speeches. He believes that a strong mindset is foundational to achieving lasting success.

Three Key Principles:

    • Bryan introduces his three-step process to help high-performing individuals break through barriers:
      • Right-Sizing the Promise: Ensuring that the promise you’re pursuing is greater than the problems you face.
      • Resizing the Problem: Understanding that problems must be framed within the context of the larger promise.
      • Reframing the Pressure: Learning to handle daily pressures with a renewed perspective, leading to personal growth and increased capacity.

Staying Grounded in the Present:

    • Bryan advises listeners to stay grounded in the present moment to avoid the pitfalls of anxiety (future-focused) and depression (past-focused). He stresses that being present allows for better opportunities and a greater impact on others.

Living with Purpose:

    • Bryan shares his belief that everyone has an assignment in life that goes beyond just earning a paycheck or seeking fame. He encourages listeners to live with purpose, reflecting their values and beliefs in all aspects of life.
About Our Guest

Bryan Schwartz is a former NFL player turned leadership coach and author. He is the founder of Fourth and Short, a coaching business aimed at helping high-performing individuals develop the mindset and skills necessary to overcome challenges and maximize their impact. His latest book, which delves deep into the mindset required to navigate life’s adversities, is already gaining praise for its practical and purpose-driven approach.

How to Connect with Dan Silberberg:

2024-09-04T10:08:25-04:00September 4, 2024|

Unleashing Growth Through the Hero’s Journey: Transforming Leadership and Training w/ Dan Silberberg

In this episode of Training Unleashed, host Evan Hackel sits down with Dan Silberberg, an expert in leadership and coaching with a passion for helping individuals and organizations unlock their true potential. Dan shares his journey from corporate leadership to becoming a coach who focuses on self-awareness, authenticity, and personal growth. The discussion dives deep into the importance of self-awareness in leadership, the power of the hero’s journey, and how individuals can transform themselves to achieve their highest potential.

Key Topics Discussed:

Dan Silberberg’s Journey:

  • Dan’s transition from a corporate leader to a leadership consultant.
  • His experience returning to school to earn a master’s degree in leadership and coaching, and how this journey forced him to apply the principles of self-awareness to his own life.

The Role of Self-Awareness in Leadership:

  • Dan discusses the critical importance of self-awareness in leadership and how it enables leaders to move from reactivity to intentionality.
  • Tools and practices that leaders can use to enhance their self-awareness and lead more effectively.

The Hero’s Journey and Personal Transformation:

  • An exploration of the hero’s journey as a framework for personal development, inspired by Joseph Campbell’s work.
  • How embracing your own hero’s journey can lead to profound personal and professional transformation.
  • Dan’s eBook, From Myth to Meaning: Awakening the Leader Within, which guides readers through their own hero’s journey.

Programs and Masterminds Offered by Dan Silberberg:

  • Overview of Dan’s leadership consultancy and the programs he offers, including two 13-week courses focused on leading from within and developing personal power and influence.
  • Information on how to engage with Dan’s mastermind groups or one-on-one coaching sessions.

The Importance of Authenticity:

  • Dan shares a powerful tip for listeners: the privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.
  • He encourages listeners to work on their authentic selves rather than conforming to external expectations, and to create a life and legacy that they are proud of.

Special Offer: Dan is offering a free eBook titled From Myth to Meaning: Awakening the Leader Within, which takes readers through their own hero’s journey. To receive a copy, listeners can email Dan at [email protected].

About Our Guest

Dan Silberberg is the Founder of The Leader Council, operating in major cities such as New York, Boston, London, Chicago, Beverly Hills, and Sydney. He works with C-suite executives from middle-market companies ranging from $50 to $500 million in revenue. Dan is a thought leader and visionary dedicated to helping world-class leaders unleash their unrealized potential. His clients are unique, highly talented individuals committed to personal growth and bringing out the best in themselves and others.

How to Connect with Dan Silberberg:

2024-08-14T11:15:47-04:00August 14, 2024|

Unleashing the Power of Transparency in Leadership with Todd Davis

In this enlightening episode of the Training Unleashed podcast, host Evan Hackel sits down with Todd Davis, Chief People Officer at FranklinCovey and author of the best-selling book *Get Better: 15 Proven Practices to Build Effective Relationships at Work*. With 40 years of experience in leadership and organizational performance improvement, Todd shares his wealth of knowledge on what it takes to foster effective and lasting change in human behavior within organizations.

Key Discussion Points:

FranklinCovey’s Legacy and Expertise:

  • Todd discusses his 28-year tenure at FranklinCovey and the company’s 40-year history in the leadership space.
  • Emphasizes FranklinCovey’s global reach and their ability to glean leadership insights from top leaders around the world.

Innovations and Research:

  •  Insights into FranklinCovey’s robust innovations team that conducts ongoing research to address pressing organizational challenges.
  • Collaboration with leading thought leaders like Liz Wiseman, author of *Multipliers*, to enhance their course offerings.

Importance of Humility and Partnerships:

  • Todd highlights the importance of partnering with other content creators to bring the best solutions to their clients.
  • Discusses how humility and a willingness to learn from others contribute to FranklinCovey’s success.

Behavior Change and Performance Improvement:

  • Explanation of how FranklinCovey helps organizations achieve results through behavior change.
  • Description of the All Access Pass, which provides clients with comprehensive access to FranklinCovey’s vast array of solutions and resources.

Practical Tips for Leaders:

  • Todd’s top tip for leaders: Be transparent with everyone you interact with, regardless of their position.
  • Emphasis on treating everyone as fellow human beings to foster genuine connections and effective leadership.

Personal Anecdotes and Insights:

Evan shares a personal story about striving for greater transparency and honesty in his own life, underscoring the challenges and benefits of such an approach.

 Notable Quotes:

Todd Davis: “We have this aspirational goal of always trying to model our content… we fall down a lot, but we get back up.”

Evan Hackel: “If you’re gonna be more transparent, you might let some people know. Give them a heads up as to the new you.”

About Our Guest

Todd Davis has over 26 years of experience in training, training development, human resources, executive recruiting, sales, and marketing. He has
been with FranklinCovey for the past 13 years and is the Chief People Officer.Todd is extremely passionate about teaching and living the principles and
concepts contained in FranklinCovey offerings. He believes strongly that to become a true leader you must first “be the change” and he diligently
strives to be a model of what he teaches.

Additional Resources:

FranklinCovey: franklincovey.com

Todd Davis’ Book: Get Better: 15 Proven Practices to Build Effective Relationships at Work 

Liz Wiseman’s Multipliers: Multipliers: How the Best Leaders Make Everyone Smarter 

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Training Unleashed. Stay inspired and keep learning!

Additional Media:

2024-07-31T11:30:06-04:00July 31, 2024|

Unleashing Health in the Workplace: Small Changes, Big Results with David Medansky

In this episode of the Training Unleashed Podcast, host Evan Hackel welcomes David Medansky, known as “The Health Guy,” to discuss how small, positive changes can lead to significant health improvements and enhance productivity in the workplace. David shares his expertise on helping employees adopt healthier habits, which in turn benefits both the individuals and the companies they work for. The conversation covers practical tips for staying hydrated, the benefits of reducing soda consumption, and the importance of creating an empowering and encouraging environment for health challenges.

Key Takeaways:

The Importance of Small Positive Changes:

  • David emphasizes that making small, manageable changes can lead to substantial health improvements over time.
  • Encouraging employees to participate in health challenges can foster a culture of wellness and productivity in the workplace.

Ideal Client Profile:

  • David’s favorite clients are companies with 50 to 300 employees, with a sweet spot of 50 to 100 employees.
  • Successful health challenges typically involve at least 60-70% employee participation.

Creating a Positive Environment:

  • Challenges should be empowering and encouraging, rather than demanding or demeaning, to motivate employees to participate willingly.
  • When employees start seeing results from their efforts, they build momentum and are more likely to continue their healthy habits.

Special Offer:

David offers a PDF of the “9 Simple Golden Rules for Living a Healthy Life,” which listeners can request by emailing him.

About Our Guest

Top-selling author and speaker, David Medansky, is known as The Health Guy because he empowers CEOs, Executives, and individuals to master 9 Simple Golden Rules to Live a Healthy Life. David struggled with his own weight issues until July 2016 when his doctor told him to either lose weight or find a new doctor. During the next four months, David shed 50 pounds, almost 25 percent of his total body weight and has kept it off. He understands your frustrations and challenges to be healthy.

David, in June 2022, at age 67 hiked up Mt. Kilimanjaro.

His mission is to help others to adopt a healthier lifestyle so they can enjoy life to the fullest. The key to his success is alerting clients to the deceptive marketing tactics used by the food, pharmaceutical, and weight-loss industries, to manipulate you into purchasing their products and services that put their profits over your health.

Now, in addition to writing books about health, David is producing and hosting JADED HEALTH, a streaming TV series centered around the topics of health, wellness, and fitness.

How to Connect with David Medansky:
Additional Media:

2024-07-24T11:32:10-04:00July 24, 2024|

Unleashing the Power of Leadership: Insights from Michelle Beauchamp

In a recent enlightening episode, host Evan Hackel sat down with Michelle Beauchamp, an expert in leadership and corporate training, to delve into the essence of effective leadership and organizational culture. The discussion revolved around several key principles that are crucial for fostering a thriving, inclusive, and productive workplace.

The Importance of Culture in Leadership

Michelle Beauchamp emphasized that leadership is not just about guiding others but about cultivating a culture that aligns with the core values of compassion, competence, and character. These elements are fundamental to building a team that not only follows a leader but works alongside them, creating a collaborative and trusting environment. Michelle pointed out that:

  • Compassion: Leaders must show genuine care for their team members. This involves understanding their needs, challenges, and aspirations.
  • Competence: Continuous training and development are crucial. Leaders should invest in their team’s skills and provide opportunities for growth.
  • Character: Trust is built when leaders follow through on their promises and maintain integrity in their actions.

Generational Diversity and Unified Collaboration

One of the standout points in the conversation was the acknowledgment of generational differences in the workplace. Michelle highlighted the need for leaders to recognize and respect these differences, fostering a culture of collaboration that leverages the unique strengths and values of each generation. This approach not only unifies teams but also drives innovation and adaptability.

Assessment and Gap Analysis for Cultural Alignment

Evan Hackel and Michelle Beauchamp discussed the process of evaluating and realigning organizational culture. This involves:

  1. Assessing the current culture and values within the organization.
  2. Identifying the desired cultural values that will support the company’s goals.
  3. Conducting a gap analysis to find discrepancies between the current and desired states.
  4. Implementing training programs to bridge these gaps and, if necessary, rehiring to align with the new cultural direction.

Training as a Profit Center

A significant insight shared by Michelle was the concept of viewing training as a profit center rather than just an investment. Effective training programs can improve performance metrics, such as close rates in sales or error rates in manufacturing, leading directly to increased profitability. This perspective shifts the narrative from training being a cost to being a revenue-generating activity.

One-on-One Coaching vs. Mastermind Groups

Michelle differentiated between the benefits of one-on-one coaching and mastermind groups:

  • One-on-One Coaching: Provides personalized attention, allowing individuals to address their specific challenges confidentially and in detail.
  • Mastermind Groups: Offer a collaborative environment where like-minded individuals can share experiences, brainstorm solutions, and gain a sense of community and support.

The Champ Group’s Approach

Michelle Beauchamp’s company, The Champ Group, specializes in leadership training, diversity, equity, inclusion, and communication. They focus on ongoing training rather than one-time workshops, ensuring that the principles taught are integrated into everyday practices. The Champ Group provides various services, including workshops, corporate training, mastermind groups, and one-on-one coaching.

For those interested in assessing their leadership style, Michelle offers a free leadership quiz available on The Champ Group’s website. This tool provides valuable insights into personal leadership strengths and areas for growth, fostering self-awareness and continuous improvement.

Stretching Out of the Comfort Zone

Michelle concluded with a powerful tip: stretch out of your comfort zone. Growth and relearning require stepping beyond familiar boundaries. By embracing discomfort and continuously striving for improvement, leaders can significantly impact their organizations and drive meaningful change.

About Our Guest

Michelle’s passion is, quite simply, helping people grow. Her motto, “Unleash Your Inner Champ,” is evident in her client relationship rapport, vast course curriculum, design structure, and delivery method.

Michelle is a certified coach, speaker, and trainer on the John Maxwell team. Michelle’s 25 years in Corporate America as a Sales Leader in Telecommunications, combined with her 12 + years as an entrepreneur, has equipped her to help others explore their strengths, improve areas of weakness and through a journey of inner discovery, create and lead inclusive cultures that enrich relationships and increase productivity.

2024-05-31T00:49:24-04:00June 5, 2024|

Unleashing Trust in Leadership with Dr. Mike Armour

In today’s fast-paced corporate world, the importance of trust in leadership cannot be overstated. As organizations strive for success, the relationship between leaders and their teams plays a crucial role. Dr. Mike Armour, a seasoned expert in leadership development, shared invaluable insights on trust, coaching, and organizational culture in a recent conversation with Evan Hackel. Let’s delve into the key takeaways from this enlightening discussion and explore how trust can be built and maintained within an organization.

The Essence of Trust in Leadership

Trust is the cornerstone of effective leadership. Dr. Armour emphasizes that building and maintaining trust requires consistent effort and dedication. He quotes Warren Buffett, who famously said, “It takes 20 years to build a reputation and 10 minutes to wreck it.” This highlights the fragility of trust and the importance of nurturing it daily.

Dr. Armour explains that every interaction within an organization is akin to a sales call, where individuals continually resell themselves to colleagues and stakeholders. This ongoing process is crucial in establishing and reinforcing trust. Leaders must be aware of their actions and words, ensuring they consistently reflect reliability and integrity.

From Coaching to Mentoring: Developing Leaders Internally

One of the significant aspects of Dr. Armour’s work involves helping organizations develop internal mentoring programs. By fostering a culture where experienced leaders coach and mentor emerging talents, companies can build robust leadership pipelines. This approach not only enhances individual growth but also strengthens the organization’s overall resilience.

Dr. Armour’s book, “Developing Leaders Who Coach,” provides a comprehensive guide for organizations aiming to cultivate a coaching culture. The book distinguishes between coaching, mentoring, consulting, and training, offering practical advice on fostering a supportive environment where leaders can thrive.

Identifying Trust Issues: The Role of Anxiety and Fear

A critical insight from Dr. Armour’s discussion is the link between trust and the levels of anxiety and fear within an organization. High levels of anxiety and fear often indicate that trust is in disrepair. This connection is rooted in our neurological wiring, where the presence of fear can inhibit the brain’s ability to trust.

To gauge the state of trust in an organization, leaders should observe the general atmosphere and emotional climate. Reducing anxiety and fear through transparent communication, consistent actions, and empathetic leadership can significantly enhance trust levels.

About Our Guest

For over 30 years Dr. Mike Armour has helped leaders and executives perfect their professional skills, attain peak performance, and discover new dimensions of satisfaction and fulfillment. A successful author in leadership and other fields, Mike is currently published in over two dozen languages. His writing and coaching are marked by an astute understanding of personal behavior, organizational dynamics, and the process of cultural change.

For those interested in diving deeper into these concepts, Dr. Armour offers a free eBook, “Developing Leaders Who Coach,” which provides actionable insights and practical strategies. To receive a copy, simply email [email protected] with the subject line “Free Coaching Book.”

2024-05-30T22:17:04-04:00May 30, 2024|

Unleashing Potential: Key Lessons in Leadership from Dr. Karen Jacobson

In the ever-evolving landscape of business, effective leadership stands as a cornerstone for organizational success. Dr. Karen Jacobson, CEO of Aligned Leadership Academy, brings her wealth of experience and expertise to the forefront in a recent episode of the Training Unleashed podcast. Here are the key takeaways from her insightful conversation with host Evan Hackel:

Navigating the Generational Divide

Dr. Jacobson highlights the ideological clash present in today’s workforce, particularly between different generations. With the workforce comprising individuals from Baby Boomers to Generation Z, understanding and bridging this gap is crucial for fostering collaboration and cohesion within organizations.

The Power of Resilience and Adaptability

Drawing from her background in the Israeli army, Dr. Jacobson emphasizes the importance of resilience and adaptability in leadership. Leaders must navigate uncertainty and chaos with calmness, finding solutions amidst challenges. Building resilience not only enhances individual performance but also inspires and supports team members during turbulent times.

Proactive Succession Planning

One of the standout recommendations from Dr. Jacobson is the implementation of proactive succession planning. By initiating conversations with new recruits during onboarding and creating future plans for their growth within the organization, leaders can nurture talent, enhance retention, and build loyalty. This strategic approach ensures a pipeline of capable leaders ready to step into key roles when needed.

Leveraging Neuroscience for Learning and Development

Dr. Jacobson underscores the significance of leveraging neuroscience principles to enhance learning and development initiatives within organizations. Simple yet effective strategies grounded in neuroscience, such as continuity and simplicity, can optimize training programs, leading to improved knowledge retention and application.

Cultivating a Culture of Growth and Development

Ultimately, Dr. Jacobson advocates for cultivating a culture of growth and development within organizations. Leaders play a pivotal role in creating environments where individuals feel empowered to learn, grow, and excel. By investing in leadership development at all levels and fostering a growth mindset, organizations can unleash the full potential of their teams and drive sustained success.

About Our Guest

Dr. Karen Jacobson, founder of Aligned Leadership Academy is a former Israeli military commander and competitive Ballroom Dancer. As an expert in neuroscience and human potential, she stepped away from her Chiropractic practice to pursue her passion of working with organizations to provide them with a competitive edge by developing their leaders and High-Performance teams. Dr. Jacobson is the author of the business communication guide Power Conversations, as well as the developer of the High-Performance Triad strategy for maximizing your talents, skills, and effectiveness in both the personal and professional arenas.

For consultations and booking go to www.drkarenjacobson.com

2024-05-22T10:36:55-04:00May 22, 2024|

The Symphony of Choices in Business and Life with Gerald Leonard

Welcome to another captivating edition of Training Unleashed. We extend our gratitude to our sponsors, C-suite TV and C-suite Radio, as without them, this show wouldn’t be possible. Today, we’re thrilled to have an extraordinary guest, Gerald Leonard, the CEO of Turnberry Premier. He’s not just your typical CEO; he’s a musician with a fascinating story that intertwines the world of music with the realm of business.

What Does Music Have to Do with Business?

Evan poses a question that sets the tone for the discussion: “Gerald, what does music have to do with business?” Gerald responds with a profound connection between his musical journey, starting at the age of ten, and the valuable lessons he’s applied throughout his career.

“As a musician, you have to practice to get better,” Gerald explains. “You have to practice to learn your instrument and master that skill.” Drawing parallels to the business world, he emphasizes the importance of CEOs focusing on and mastering the essential skills required for their roles.

The Art of Learning and Seeking Guidance

Reflecting on his early years, Gerald shares a pivotal lesson from his childhood. Recognizing his limitations and the need for guidance, he hired his first coach at the age of twelve. This experience taught him the value of seeking mentorship, a principle that carried forward into his professional life.

“I realized I could only go so far by myself, so I needed a coach,” he recounts. This early lesson of seeking support and mentorship shaped his approach to continuous learning and improvement.

The Dance of Collaboration: Lessons from Playing Together

Gerald draws parallels between playing music and working in a business environment, emphasizing the importance of listening. “Just the art of listening is critical in business,” he notes. Musicians learn to listen, understand, and blend their contributions to create a harmonious performance.

“As a CEO, my job is to surrender and lead by example, providing the support everyone needs,” Gerald states. These principles of collaboration and support were instilled in him during his musical journey and are now integral to his leadership philosophy.

How to Find a Mentor: Gerald’s Advice

In response to Evan’s query about finding a mentor, Gerald shares his personal approach. He emphasizes the importance of seeking mentors with a track record of success in areas aligned with one’s goals. Even if you haven’t met them personally, mentors can influence and guide through their works, be it books, online programs, or workshops.

Connecting with Gerald

For those intrigued by Gerald’s insights and keen to explore more, you can connect with him on LinkedIn or visit the Productivity Intelligence Institute website for valuable resources, including downloadable materials on goal setting and project management.

Parting Wisdom: The Pomodoro Technique

As a parting tip, Gerald encourages adopting the Pomodoro Technique—working in short intervals with breaks in between. This technique enhances productivity and allows the mind to refresh, resulting in more focused and efficient work.

2024-01-29T17:34:37-05:00February 7, 2024|

Navigating the Future of Learning: Insights from Vena Sterling

This episode features a thought-provoking conversation with Vena Sterling, a prominent figure from the Leadership Research Institute. We delve into the future of learning, leadership, and the importance of an entrepreneurial mindset in today’s corporate landscape.

Understanding the Present: The Future of Learning Today

In this episode, Vena Sterling shares her insights into the current state of learning and work. According to Vena, we’re in a state of perpetual change, and returning to the way things were before is not an option. The workforce is divided between those who thrive in remote work and those eager to return to the office. Leaders face the challenge of navigating this diversity and deciding on a clear direction for their organizations. Whether it’s fully virtual, in-person, or a hybrid model, the key is making a conscious decision and communicating the “why” behind it.

Taking a Stand: Companies’ Approach to Hybrid Working

Vena emphasizes the importance of companies “picking a side” when it comes to their approach—be it fully virtual, in-person, or hybrid. Making a clear choice and communicating the “why” behind it is crucial for fostering alignment and reducing ambiguity. While not everyone may agree, clarity prevents inconsistencies and fosters a sense of purpose within the organization.

Work-Life Integration Challenges: Maintaining a Healthy Balance

The continuous integration of work into personal lives poses challenges, and Vena emphasizes the need to be mindful of this dynamic. Establishing boundaries and promoting psychological safety within teams is crucial. Leaders play a significant role in creating an environment where individuals feel comfortable expressing their needs, and organizations need to actively support well-being initiatives. Vena addresses the challenges of overworking and the increasing integration of work into personal lives. Establishing boundaries and recognizing the value of flexibility, whether in a remote or in-person setting, is vital. Vena advises individuals to master their calendars, starting with personal priorities, to create a balance between work and personal life.

Connecting with Vena Sterling and a Special Offer

The Leadership Research Institute, or LRI, has been serving clients for over 40 years, specializing in leadership development and research. Vena primarily works with women leaders and entrepreneurs, providing assessments and transformative experiences. Listeners can connect with her through the Leadership Research Institute website, www.leadershipresearchinstitute.com, or on LinkedIn, where she regularly shares insights and engages in discussions on leadership and learning.

As a special offer for Training Unleashed listeners, Vena has graciously provided a discount code for any leadership assessments. Simply use the code “TRAININGUNLEASHED” at checkout on the Leadership Research Institute website to unlock this exclusive offer.

About Our Guest

Vena Sterling is a respected figure in the field of leadership development and research. With a wealth of experience spanning over several decades, Vena has been a driving force behind the success of the Leadership Research Institute (LRI). Specializing in leadership development and research, Vena primarily works with women leaders and entrepreneurs, providing assessments and transformative experiences. Her expertise lies in guiding individuals and organizations towards effective leadership strategies, fostering growth and innovation.

2024-01-29T17:33:41-05:00January 31, 2024|
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