I am excited to re-release this interview with Bryan Stevenson. He is one of my all-time favorite leaders and I am fascinated by him and the insights he offers. Mr. Stevenson is the Executive Director of the Equal Justice Initiative and is doing very challenging but extremely valuable work in the criminal justice system. His book, Just Mercy, is a #1 New York Times Bestseller and is a compelling case for fighting for what's right despite the obstacles and seeming hopelessness. There's a lot to learn from Mr. Stevenson and I hope this episode both encourages you and challenges you to think about what you're willing to go through for the benefit of other people.
If you don't have an Inner Circle, you need one. It's changed my life and I'm beyond convinced that every human needs one.
In this episode, I talk through what it is, why it's so crucially important for your life and how to get one.
Today we’re taking a more nuanced approach and we’re going to hear some thoughts specifically on the subject of fitness. The longer I live the more I am convinced that fitness has the ability to change so much more than just our physical bodies. It affects our minds, our relationships, our confidence, our sleep, our grit, our energy levels, our focus. There aren’t a whole lot of areas in our lives that aren’t touched by how we take care of our physical bodies. To help me talk through this subject I have recruited my dear friend and coach, Jacki Rodgers. Jacki is a co-owner at Crossfit Mudtown in Birmingham, Alabama and she is a force to be reckoned with. She’s loud, insanely energetic and has a huge personality. As a coach she’ll kick your butt when you need it and if you work out with her, she’ll kick your butt there, as well. She’s also incredibly compassionate and cares deeply about each and every person that steps foot into her gym.
How do you know if this episode is for you? We discussed:
Jake Carnley is the founder of Great Bear Wax Co. and they make some of the most amazing candles you’ll ever smell. Jake started pouring candles in his apartment while he was attending Auburn University in 2013 and since then he’s seen the brand really take off. He's been able to get into some large retailers and he’s hoping to announce partnerships with more stores you’ve definitely heard of very soon. I was curious to hear what Jake’s journey has been like and why he chose to build a business selling candles in the first place.
How do you know if this episode is for you? We discuss:
Will Mason's plan was to be a rockstar. That was until his band got dropped from their label. Having no backup plan, Will was forced to figure out what to do next. Through a fateful interaction with a kid wanting to learn to play the guitar, he realized he loved teaching people to play music. Shortly thereafter, he started Mason Music. Today he has four locations and employs dozens of teachers. I think you'll learn a lot from Will's story and his thoughts on letting go of control on the path to pursuing a dream.
How do you know if this episode is for you? We discuss:
The end of the year is quickly approaching! So, how do we get the most out of 2017 while preparing for 2018? I share my thoughts in this mini episode. Merry Christmas!
Kasey Birdsong is a serial entrepreneur who loves solving problems. In 2015, he co-founded Planet Fundraiser, a fundraising app that helps users raise money for the cause of their choice. They've grown very quickly since their inception and currently over 25,000 users and hundreds of participating merchants. Kasey candidly shares his experiences leading a startup and how he's developing as a leader in the process.
How do you know if this episode is for you? We discuss:
Books & podcasts discussed:
Michael Eady believes in the power of sports to transform lives. So much so, that he founded his entire company on this belief. Knight Eady is a sports marketing and event management company based in Birmingham, Alabama. I've really enjoyed watching their growth since their start in 2013 and I'm inspired by how they're building this company. I sat down with Michael to pick his brain on company culture development and how he's been forced to change as a leader.
How do you know if this episode is for you? Here's a few things we discussed:
Books we discussed:
In its heyday, there were over 100 active sock mills in Forty Payne, Alabama. However, due to outsourcing and cheaper overseas manufacturing, all but a few of them have shut down their mills for good. That did not deter Gina Locklear from starting her own sock company, Zkano, in 2008. I’m fascinated by stories of people who defy the odds to start something they believe in, especially in an industry that is so challenging. Gina was kind enough to invite me to her mill, show me around and talk to me about how she got into the business and the adversity she’s had to overcome to make her dream a reality.
How do you know if this issue is for you? We discuss:
The quality of our lives and the impact we have is often dictated by how we respond to challenges. When Julian Maha found out his son had autism he was devastated. Yet, it was in the face of this hardship that he and his wife founded Kulture City, a non-profit looking to create a culture of acceptance and inclusion for all individuals with unique abilities. Kulture City is doing some incredibly impactful work, but they're also shaking up how we think about non-profits all together. The thoughts Julian shares are not just valuable for non-profits, but for all organizations looking to maximize their impact.
How do you know if this episode is for you? Julian teaches us:
In 2012, opening a storefront that only sold popsicles may have seemed like a pretty crazy idea; but today, Steel City Pops is a growing brand with new locations opening all over the Southeast. The founder is Jim Watkins and this is a true grit and grind story of a leader who dreamed a dream and wouldn't give up until he succeeded. I'm a huge fan of Steel City Pops and Jim's story is as inspiring as it is insightful.
How do you know if this episode is for you? We discuss:
There’s no roadmap for the entrepreneurial journey, no one to tell you what to do, how to do it and when to have it done by. The leaders who prevail are the ones who just keep going, trying option after option until they find an effective path. This was true for Will Pearson, who started Mental Floss out of his college dorm room and eventually grew it into a quirky business with millions of fans. There’s something to be said for believing in an idea and relentlessly executing until completion.
Here’s a few of the things you'll learn from Will:
Check out Will’s new podcast Part Time Genius, you’re bound to learn something interesting!
Growing a tea company from a regional brand with a few product offerings to a large CPG (consumer package goods) with a national presence is no small feat. Tricia Wallwork started her career as an attorney before switching course to join the family business. On her path to CEO, she took on many roles and learned the company from the inside out. Today, the company is growing at an incredible rate and Tricia was kind enough to share insights she's learned from her journey.
There's no question that if you want to grow, you have to make decisions that put you outside of your comfort zone. Each new level of discomfort leaves us feeling stronger, more confident and better equipped to take on the next challenge. My guest today is a man who pushes himself physically, mentally and emotionally farther than anyone I've ever met. Kent Stewart is attempting to climb the highest mountain peak on each continent. He's climbed six so far, with only Mt. Everest, the tallest mountain in the world, remaining. Hands down, this is one of my favorite Bold Future interviews. I like it so much because Kent is an amazing man and leader and because I don't know anyone else who has even attempted something like this. I left my conversation with him inspired and changed. I hope you find it as impactful as I did.
How do you know if this episode is for you? Here's a few of the things we discussed:
Today, we dive into the world of academia to hear form Dr. Anthony Hood. Dr. Hood has done some very interesting research about friendships in the workplace and the implications they can have on culture. Admittedly, academic papers are outside of my usual business and leadership musings, but there are a lot of great lessons for us to learn here.
You may not think there's much you can learn about leadership from a kid's summer camp, but Jonathan Owen is not your typical Camp Director. I've had the privilege of knowing him since we were in high school and over the years I've seen him develop into a deeply caring and compassionate leader. For 9 long weeks during the summer, Jonathan is the Camp Director at Camp Straight Street. Tasked with the extremely challenging and delicate responsibility of caring for children, he is their friend, confidant, entertainer and minister. Jonathan has continued to shape the camp into an amazing ministry to children and a resource for the community. I love Jonathan's heart for people, his desire to see his staff develop as leaders and his sincere belief that every child matters.
Bebe Goodrich started Icebox Coffee in her garage with just a bag of coffee and a bucket. Though she began with no entrepreneurial or business background, she has grown the company over the last few years to be a nationwide player in the coldbrew coffee market. Bebe is a remarkable person with relentless resolve and an attitude that is inspiring. I love that Bebe is vulnerable enough to admit she doesn't have all the answers and is willing to seek the help she needs to propel her forward. She is definitely a leader and entrepreneur that we should all seek to emulate.
There are a lot of people who talk about starting businesses, but far fewer who go out and make it happen. Tony Summerville founded Fleetio, a fleet management software company, in 2012 and has been building a solid team both locally and remotely all over the country (and Mexico). Tony is a doer and I am grateful for his friendship as well as the inspiration he is to entrepreneurs and leaders everywhere. I hope you enjoy his story and the rich lessons we can learn from him.
I love hearing stories of leaders who have prevailed against great adversity and today's guest, Coach Bill Clark, has experienced his share. In 2014, it was announced that the UAB football program was being cancelled and he would need to find employment elsewhere. Coach Clark decided to fight for what he thought was right for his players and the community and find a way to reinstate the team. The battle was hard fought and painful, but the lessons he shared about his journey are invaluable.
I am super pumped about this interview with Bryan Stevenson! He is one of my all time favorite leaders and I am fascinated by him and his work. Bryan is the Executive Director of the Equal Justice Initiative and is doing very challenging but extremely valuable work in the criminal justice system. His book, Just Mercy, is a #1 New York Times Bestseller and is a compelling case for fighting for what's right despite the obstacles and seeming hopelessness. There's a lot to learn from Bryan and I hope this episode both encourages you and challenges you to think about what you're willing to go through for the benefit of other people.
Episode 10 is here! Today's guest is Deon Gordon. He currently serves as the Director of Business Growth at REV Birmingham and is working on some really incredible projects including CO.Starters and the Biz 1.0 Workshop. I'm really excited to see the impact he will have on entrepreneurship and business growth in Birmingham.
It's hard to believe this is the last interview of Season 1. Thanks SO much for listening!
What you'll learn in this episode:
-Why saying 'No' is so incredibly important and how to do it strategically.
-The importance of testing business ideas beyond your loving friends and family.
-The power and effect of serving, both on yourself and others.
My guest today is entrepreneur and author, Carrie Rollwagen. Her new book, The Localist, documents her journey as she shopped at only locally owned businesses for an entire year. I wanted to interview Carrie because, in addition to leading a company (Church Street Coffee and Books) she is also leading a movement. Her voice for small businesses and local shopping has encouraged her wide following to think about the purchases they make and their impact on the community. We need more people like Carrie speaking out and I am excited to share her insights with you.
What you'll learn in this episode:
-Why truly listening and responding to your community of customers is crucial
-The importance of thinking past personal preference for product offerings
-Why we need both big businesses and small shops for a healthy community
-Thoughts on how to publish a book and why you should consider it.
-The importance of books and the future of the book publishing industry
In his 20 years in the real estate industry, Derek Walchack has seen plenty of ups and downs. Despite the recent recession he and his team have led Shannon Waltchack to become a thriving and dominant broker, investor, developer and manager of commercial property throughout the Southeast. In this episode, we discuss the current state of the real estate market as well as the trends he sees brought on by advances in technology and the Millennial workforce.
In this episode, you'll learn:
-How Millennials are changing work environments and what it means for businesses
-Why real estate matters and the impact it has on cities and people
-What's it's like to take a big risk and see it pay off
-Basic guidelines for making wise real estate investments and some pitfalls to avoid
My guest today is Jay Grinney, CEO of HealthSouth, the nation's largest owner and operator of inpatient rehabilitation hospitals. In 2004, Jay was brought in to turn HealthSouth around following a massive accounting scandal. The company was in complete disarray - it had lost its SEC filing status, its stock price had fallen more than 90% and it was headed toward bankruptcy. Today, the company is thriving and consistently producing positive earnings and growth reports. The turnaround job Jay has done with his team has been nothing short of amazing.
In this episode, you'll learn:
Jones Valley Teaching Farm is on a mission to empower children to be the next generation of critical thinkers and change agents in their communities. They do this by connecting standards-based education to real-world food issues and partnering with schools to provide innovative hands on programs for students. At the helm is Executive Director, Grant Brigham. His entrepreneurial mindset and deep concern for people are truly inspiring.
In this episode, you'll learn: