Career Competitor

About the Guest:

Ken Schmidt, former director of communications for Harley-Davidson, is a renowned business strategist and speaker who helped transform the brand into a global icon. Known for his bold and entertaining style, Ken specializes in competition, brand positioning, and customer loyalty. His book, Make Some Noise: The Unconventional Road to Dominance, shares his unique insights on standing out and thriving in business. A lifelong motorcycle enthusiast, Ken blends his passions for riding and storytelling to inspire leaders worldwide.

Learn more about Ken through his website at www.kenspeaks.com

About the Episode:

In this episode of Growth Ready, Ken Schmidt, shares his invaluable insights on competitiveness and success. Drawing from his extensive experience, Ken emphasizes the significance of viewing the world through a competitive lens—not just in business, but in life.

He explores the critical role of reputation, human connection, and emotional engagement in driving business success. Ken introduces three essential questions that businesses and individuals must ask to refine their goals, enhance their strategies, and boost competitiveness.

The conversation delves into actionable advice on:

1. Delighting customers to build loyalty and repeat business.
2. Overcoming resistance to change by simplifying solutions.
3. Creating a unique brand language to stand out.
4. Balancing strategy with understanding human behavior to foster connections.

Ken also highlights the importance of passion, consistency, and genuine interest in others as cornerstones for personal and professional growth. With practical tips and thought-provoking perspectives, this episode is packed with inspiration for anyone seeking to elevate their competitive edge.

Key Takeaways

• Competitiveness is a mindset crucial for growth in life and business.
• Reputation and human connection are essential for success.
• Delighting customers creates loyalty and drives demand.
• Businesses thrive on emotional connections, not just product quality.
• Simplify strategies for easier implementation and greater impact.
• A strong brand identity requires consistent messaging and a unique voice.
• Passion and authenticity are magnetic in attracting customers and building trust.
• Asking the right questions helps clarify goals and strategies.
• Genuine interest in others strengthens relationships and reputation.

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About the Guest:

Dany Martin, a South Louisiana native now based in Shreveport, is passionate about empowering others through sound financial planning and positive leadership. With a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Northwestern State University and an MBA from Louisiana Tech, Dany has built a career focused on exceeding client expectations and delivering proactive wealth management solutions.

Before joining WFA in 2015, he spent 8.5 years at Capital One Bank, advancing from teller to Financial Advisor, where he served over 10 branches in the Shreveport area.

Outside of work, Dany and his wife, Lindsi, have been "adopted parents" to five boys since 2016 and are proud grandparents of four. He enjoys golfing, traveling, music, and spending time with family, friends, and their three dogs. Dany finds fulfillment in helping others, often in unexpected ways, and is dedicated to inspiring financial health and positivity in all aspects of life.

About the Episode:

In this episode of Growth Ready, host Steve Mellor dives deep into a conversation with Danny Martin about the importance of cultivating a growth mindset and the key factors that influence personal and professional development. Danny reflects on his upbringing, the power of surrounding yourself with knowledgeable individuals, and how generosity can create opportunities for growth.

The discussion highlights the value of accountability, the courage to challenge your beliefs, and the impact of building a strong support system. Danny shares actionable insights on fostering gratitude, the necessity of adaptability in the face of change, and how daily habits shape your responses to life's challenges.

Listeners will gain practical strategies for creating meaningful relationships, leaving a lasting legacy, and embracing a positive, forward-thinking mindset.

Key Takeaways:

• A growth-ready mindset requires intentional habits and structure.
• Actively seeking opportunities fuels personal development.
• Surrounding yourself with knowledgeable people fosters growth.
• Experience enhances the ability to understand and guide others.
• Building trusted relationships requires time and effort.
• Generosity often leads to unexpected rewards.
• Challenging ingrained beliefs fosters personal growth.
• Identifying your support system is vital for success.
• Accountability strengthens personal and professional relationships.
• Having a "starting five" of supportive individuals sharpens focus.
• Being supportive of others can inspire them to pursue their dreams.
• Gratitude practices, like thank-you notes, boost personal fulfillment.
• Adapting to change helps ease life’s transitions.
• Daily habits shape how we respond to challenges and change.
• Living with intention creates a meaningful legacy.
• Consistent small actions can drive significant transformation over time.
• Supporting others fosters a positive ripple effect in your community.

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About the Guest:

Talia Bombola is an award-winning psychotherapist, podcast host, and professor of psychology. Known as The Confidence & Assertiveness Specialist™, Talia focuses on helping ambitious individuals enhance their self-worth, confidence, and assertiveness by rewiring their beliefs about themselves and the world around them. She believes that once we heal the pervasive feeling of “not enoughness” within, we can finally be free to pursue the life of our dreams.

Learn more about Talia at www.taliabombola.com

About the Episode:

In this episode, Talia Bombola, a licensed marriage and family therapist and relationship coach, delves into the concept of being "GrowthReady." She emphasizes the importance of adopting a growth mindset, being open to change, and recognizing the transformative power of therapy. Talia shares her personal journey through therapy, explores the stages of change model, and discusses how relationships significantly influence personal growth.

The discussion also addresses the challenges individuals face when navigating readiness for change and highlights the importance of self-discovery in overcoming blind spots. Together, Talia Bombola and Steve Mellor explore themes of personal growth, leadership, and subconscious alignment in achieving one’s desires. They discuss the necessity of radical honesty with oneself, the impact of past experiences on current behaviors, and the transformative nature of motherhood.

This conversation underscores the significance of understanding one’s desires, redefining the relationship with money, and accepting failure as an integral part of the growth process. Talia also touches on the power of presence in overcoming anxiety, reframing failure as a learning opportunity, and the importance of self-relationship in fostering personal growth. Ultimately, listeners are encouraged to embrace change, navigate life’s seasons with honesty and courage, and take small steps toward lasting success.

Key Takeaways:

• Growth requires both readiness and willingness to change.
• Self-discovery is essential for overcoming blind spots and fostering personal growth.
• Mistakes are learning opportunities, not reflections of self-worth.
• Clearly defined desires are key to manifesting goals.
• Relationships play a vital role in individual development.
• Radical honesty with oneself is essential for personal growth.
• Focusing on the present moment helps combat anxiety.
• Challenges should be reframed as opportunities for growth.
• Small, incremental changes lead to significant transformations.
• The relationship with oneself is foundational for all other relationships.

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About the Guest:
Dallin is an author, entrepreneur, and award-winning shepherd. From small towns in Wyoming to one of the largest cities in China, he has inspired audiences to embrace perspectives beyond their own. Recognized as an expert in Authority Magazine, Dallin helps organizations and leaders challenge assumptions and communicate effectively.

Dallin’s leadership journey began at the age of 20 when he launched his first business—a digital marketing agency. The agency quickly grew, and by the time he sold it to a larger media group a few years later, it was serving clients internationally. He later founded a sustainable dog chew brand, which is now widely distributed across the United States. Over the years, Dallin has consulted for top realtors, banks, Chambers of Commerce, and numerous other industries, solidifying his reputation as a versatile and impactful leader.

About the Episode:
Dallin Cooper explores what it means to be 'GrowthReady,' emphasizing the pursuit of progress and the drive to move forward in life. He reflects on how personal experiences and the influence of his entrepreneurial parents shaped this mindset. The discussion uncovers common challenges to growth, such as fear, survival mode, and the impact of assumptive behavior, which often block true progress. Dallin shares his innovative approach to helping individuals and organizations overcome these obstacles, ultimately achieving meaningful personal and professional growth.

Dallin also opens up about his journey of juggling side hustles, confronting the challenges of commitment, and prioritizing fulfillment over financial gain. He recounts pivotal moments that led him to reevaluate his path, including selling a dog chew business and taking a leap into speaking. Dallin emphasizes the importance of committing fully to one’s goals, seeking guidance from trusted mentors, and finding balance between personal satisfaction and financial stability. His story is an inspiring testament to choosing dreams over comfort and making the hard decisions that lead to success.

Learn more about Dallin at www.dallincooper.com.

Key Takeaways

• Growth is a continuous journey, rooted in personal experiences and influences.
• Fear and survival mode can limit opportunities for progress.
• Assumptive behavior prevents recognition of the need for change.
• Encouraging self-discovery fosters deeper, lasting personal growth.
• True growth requires discomfort and a willingness to challenge biases.
• Commitment is the defining factor between wanting and achieving.
• Success often involves balancing personal fulfillment and financial stability.

Dallin’s journey serves as a powerful reminder that aligning actions with dreams—and fully committing to them—can transform both career and life.

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About the Guest:
Rich Salon is a seasoned HR expert, Career Transition Coach, author, and speaker with 25 years in corporate leadership roles at companies like The Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Circuit City. Known as “Rich-the-HR-Guy,” he specializes in fostering career fulfillment, employee engagement, and trust within organizations. Rich’s dedication earned him CNN's "Hero of the Economy" award for his work at Circuit City and the nickname "chief engagement officer."

As a coach, Rich has authored *Career Trust* and *Unleashing Your Career*, guiding individuals toward purpose and fulfillment. Beyond his career, he actively contributes to his community, holding leadership roles in Rotary International and working to fulfill wishes for adults with terminal illnesses. Passionate about career growth and community impact, Rich is dedicated to helping others find purpose and success in their professional lives.

Learn more about Rich thru his website at www.ownershipconnection.com

About the Episode:
Rich Salon dives into what it means to be "GrowthReady" and the ongoing path of personal and professional development. He highlights the power of servant leadership, simplifying complexity, and leading with presence. Reflecting on pivotal moments like the Circuit City bankruptcy, Rich shares insights on guiding others through crisis, finding career fulfillment, and transitioning from employee engagement to deeper purpose. 

Now a career and business ownership coach, he discusses the importance of mindset shifts, identifying passions, and the impact of volunteer work. Rich’s journey offers inspiring lessons on growth, leadership, and making a difference.


Takeaways:

• Each of us needs to be growth ready.
• Helping leaders become better leaders is crucial.
• Simplicity can have a profound impact on understanding.
• Face-to-face interactions are vital for effective leadership.
• Success without fulfillment is failure.
• Engagement is important, but fulfillment is the ultimate goal.
• Leaders must prioritize the needs of their team members.
• Building relationships requires deliberate effort.
• Hope can be created even in dire situations.
• Identifying passions and talents is crucial for career success.
• Shifting from 'I should' to 'I will' is a powerful mindset change.
• Volunteerism can enhance personal and professional growth.
• Helping others find their true gifts is a personal mission.

Sign up for the monthly newsletter with Steve and GrowthReady (formerly known as Career Competitor) by providing your details here - Request to become part of our community
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About the Guest:

Robert X. Fogarty is a speaker, advocate, and social entrepreneur, best known as the founder and CEO of Dear World, an organization dedicated to storytelling through powerful images and personal narratives. Since starting as an art project in New Orleans in 2010, Dear World has evolved into a global movement celebrating the impact of personal stories.

Robert has introduced the Brain Tattoo™ Storytelling Method to major organizations like Fidelity, UBS, and Duke Men’s Basketball, and has worked with diverse communities worldwide, from survivors of the Orlando Pulse tragedy to Syrian refugees. His work has been featured in CNN, The Today Show, and The New York Times.

Learn more about Robert by visiting his website https://dearworld.com/

About the Episode:
In this episode of the GrowthReady podcast, host Steve Mellor interviews Robert X. Fogarty, founder of Dear World. They delve into what it means to be “growth ready,” exploring Fogarty's transformative journey from a Hurricane Katrina volunteer to an entrepreneur, the impact of New Orleans on his life, and the power of storytelling in personal and professional growth.

The conversation highlights the role of chaos, team dynamics, and self-awareness in leadership, as well as the value of authentic storytelling in building connections and supporting leaders in crafting their own narratives.

Takeaways:

• Being growth ready means being curious and aware of your surroundings.
• Thriving in chaos can lead to personal and professional growth.
• Feeling needed is a powerful motivator for engagement and service.
• Storytelling is essential for connecting with others and conveying emotions.
• Opportunities often arise from unexpected places and experiences.
• Team dynamics are vital for success in any venture.
• Understanding the stakes involved can guide decision-making.
• Internal motivation drives excellence and personal fulfillment. Everyone has a version of excellence they aspire to.
• The temptation of excellence can be both powerful and dangerous.
• Self-awareness is crucial in leadership and personal growth.
• The story we tell ourselves shapes our well-being and relationships.
• Lies we tell ourselves can have serious consequences.
• Therapy can serve as a maintenance tool for personal growth.
• Creating a personal narrative is essential for authentic leadership.
• Collaboration can enhance the growth journey.
• Leaders need to engage in difficult conversations about their stories.
• Community support is vital for transformation.

Sign up for the monthly newsletter with Steve and GrowthReady (formerly known as Career Competitor) by providing your details here - Request to become part of our community
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About the Guest:
Dr. Sonia L. Daniels is a highly skilled and experienced professional with a passion for empowering organizations to achieve sustainable growth. Through her consulting firm, S. Daniels Consulting, she leverages her expertise to support a wide range of clients, including nonprofit organizations, businesses, and government agencies. Her strong educational background in Public Policy and Public Administration-Nonprofit Management, as well as her experience in senior-level operations roles, has equipped her to effectively lead impact-focused capacity building projects.

Dr. Daniels embodies the ideal balance of professional expertise and personal passions, making her an invaluable resource for organizations looking to drive sustainable growth and create lasting positive change.

When she’s not working, Sonia indulges in solo international travel, gardening, exploring the arts and painting, reading to children at local schools, and spending time with family and friends.

You can learn more about Sonia thru her website www.sdanielsconsulting.com
Linkedin:S. Daniels Consulting
Instagram: sdanielsconsulting

About the Episode:
n this GrowthReady episode, Steve Mellor talks with Sonia Daniels about authenticity, personal growth, and viewing life in seasons to set goals and face challenges. Sonia shares her journey as a first-generation business owner, the value of change management, and the introspection needed to understand her worth. She emphasizes removing negative language, embracing discomfort, and practicing self-belief through meditation and affirmations. Her insights inspire listeners to see the unknown as a field of opportunities and to confidently pursue their goals.

Takeaways:

• Being growth ready means showing up authentically.
• Life can be viewed in seasons for easier navigation.
• Change management is fundamentally about people.
• Autonomy in career choices leads to personal fulfillment.
• Introspection is crucial for understanding one's worth.
• Daily practices can reinforce self-belief and worthiness.
• Meditation and affirmations can change mindset.
• Flexibility in work is essential for adult responsibilities.
• Understanding motives is key before starting a business.
• Success is built on believing in oneself and one's capabilities. Taking the word can't out of my vocabulary has transformed my life.
• Embracing discomfort is essential for personal growth.
• Hiring a life coach helped me design my ideal life.
• Trusting myself is crucial for making decisions.
• Running a successful business is challenging but rewarding.
• No one is coming to save me; I must take ownership.
• Being open to change allows for new possibilities.
• Time will pass regardless of whether we take action or not.
• I focus on the lessons learned from adversity.
• The unknown can be a world of possibilities. 

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About Katie:

Katie Anderson is a leadership consultant, speaker, and author of the bestselling book "Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn." Her work focuses on helping leaders build high-performing, learning-driven cultures. A Fulbright Scholar and Stanford graduate, Katie has inspired leaders worldwide to foster innovation and excellence.

Learn more about Katie thru her website at www.kbjanderson.com

About the Episode:
In this episode, Katie Anderson discusses the concept of being 'GrowthReady,' emphasizing the importance of a learning mindset. She shares insights from her diverse experiences, including her work with organizations to foster effective learning and continuous improvement.

Katie and Steve explore the significance of reflection in personal and professional growth. They discuss how intentional pauses and micro reflections can enhance learning and performance.

They emphasizes the need for leaders to carve out time for reflection amidst their busy schedules and the importance of framing experiences as experiments to foster a learning mindset. They also touch on the balance between high performance and learning, advocating for a more flexible approach to achieving goals.

Takeaways

• Every experience is an opportunity for learning.
• Learning is most effective through practice and doing.
• Intention is about aligning actions with purpose.
• Reflection is crucial for personal growth.
• Unexpected challenges can lead to significant growth.
• We must create conditions for others to succeed.
• Intention and goals are interconnected but distinct.
• The only true failure is not learning from mistakes.
• We have control over our intentions, not external goals. 
• Micro reflections can be integrated into daily routines.
• Intentional pauses help in proactive engagement during interactions.
• Building a habit of reflection strengthens learning.
• Having reflection partners can enhance the process.
• Creating space for reflection prevents burnout.
• Framing experiences as experiments fosters a learning mindset.
• Curiosity and inquiry are key to effective learning.
• High performers need to balance performance with learning opportunities.
• Not every moment needs to be high stakes for growth.

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About Patrick
Patrick Hardy is an internationally-recognized disaster preparedness expert dedicated to empowering people with practical strategies for navigating both major emergencies and everyday disruptions. As a keynote speaker and the author of "Design Any Disaster," Patrick shares invaluable insights and secrets of effective disaster planning, equipping individuals and organizations to build resilience in the face of uncertainty. He inspires others to turn potential crises into opportunities for growth and preparedness.

About the Episode
In this episode of GrowthReady, Patrick Hardy shares his insights on personal growth, disaster management, and the importance of self-identity. He emphasizes the need for a strong sense of self before pursuing growth and discusses his journey into disaster management, sparked by Hurricane Katrina. 

Patrick highlights the significance of intellectual curiosity, cultural adaptation, and leadership in emergencies, while also addressing the concepts of disruption and control in crisis management. He also discusses the importance of transforming disruptive events into opportunities for growth and empowerment. He emphasizes that disasters only become disasters when we allow them to, and that taking command, communicating effectively, and executing tasks can turn disruptions into advantages. Hardy shares insights on the necessity of self-reliance and independence, urging individuals and organizations to empower their teams and take responsibility for their own growth. He also highlights the significance of high performance through empowerment and leadership, illustrating how a shift in mindset can lead to success in the face of adversity.

Learn more about Patrick and his company thru his website at www.disasterpatrick.com

Takeaways

• Before you can grow, you need a strong sense of self.
• Stopping to reflect on who you are is crucial for growth.
• Intellectual curiosity drives personal and professional growth.
• Cultural adaptation is essential in new environments.
• Leadership is key in managing emergencies effectively.
• You have control over the outcomes in crises.
• Investing in yourself is more important than immediate financial gain.
• Disruption in life can lead to significant growth opportunities.
• Everyone faces their own version of a hurricane in life. You never have to experience a disaster for the rest of your life.
• A category 5 hurricane is not a disaster until we let it become one.
• Taking command of a disruption can make you stronger afterwards.
• If I do nothing, no one else will either.
• Treat external help like ice cream: nice, but not necessary.
• Empowerment is key to high performance in any organization.
• Disruptions can be turned into opportunities for growth.
• Independence and self-reliance are crucial during crises.
• High performance teams are built on empowerment and trust.
• Preparation is essential; if you prepare for a disaster, you will never experience one. 

Sign up for the monthly newsletter with Steve and GrowthReady (formerly known as Career Competitor) by providing your details here - Request to become part of our community
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