What does it really take to be a champion when you're not even on the playing field?

In this incredibly inspiring episode of The Teamwork Advantage, Gregg Gregory sits down with Amelia Asparian, a 2022 synchronized skating world champion who discovered that her greatest victories came not from her athletic performances, but from the moments when she had to step back and support her team from the sidelines.

After suffering three concussions that threatened to end her elite skating career, Amelia faced a choice that every leader encounters: How do you show up for your team when you feel like you have nothing left to give? Her answer will challenge everything you think you know about leadership, vulnerability, and what it means to be truly valuable to a team.

You'll discover why synchronized skating - where 20 athletes must move as one - offers some of the most powerful lessons for business teams, family dynamics, and personal growth. From managing massive egos to creating trust among diverse personalities, Amelia breaks down exactly how elite teams transform individual performers into something extraordinary.

Here's what makes this conversation truly special: Amelia's raw honesty about identity, mental health, and the dangerous trap of defining yourself by your performance. Whether you're leading a team at work, raising a family, or trying to figure out who you are beyond your job title, her insights about building your "dopamine menu" and showing up for yourself first will hit you right where you need it most.

This is a masterclass in resilience, authentic leadership, and the power of putting the team's why above your own ego. By the end of this episode, you'll understand why sometimes the greatest champions are the ones cheering from the bench, and how vulnerability is your secret weapon for creating unstoppable teams.

Get ready to be inspired, challenged, and equipped with practical strategies you can use immediately in your own leadership journey. Because as Amelia reminds us: you are never truly alone, and your value extends far beyond what you can perform.

Listen Now - Listen Often!

Connect with Amelia:
Instagram: @AmeliaAsparian
Email: asparianamelia@gmail.com

In this captivating episode of The Teamwork Advantage podcast, host Gregg Gregory welcomes Louis Katz, founder of The Courage Inside, for an inspiring conversation about everyday courage and its profound impact on personal and professional life. With a unique background spanning IT entrepreneurship, speaking, and even stand-up comedy, Louis shares profound insights on how courage manifests in our daily lives and workplaces.

Drawing from his diverse heroes like Muhammad Ali, Willie Nelson, and Simone Biles, Louis explores what true courage looks like - not just in extraordinary circumstances, but in the small, consistent actions we take every day. From owning mistakes to speaking up in meetings, this episode unpacks how cultivating courage can transform team dynamics, boost engagement, and create more fulfilling careers.

Whether you're facing a major career transition, building resilience through failure, or simply looking to break out of your comfort zone, this episode offers actionable insights on facing fear with unwavering resolve - even when that resolve occasionally wavers.

Join Gregg and Louis as they explore how courage extends beyond business into family and personal growth, and discover why true strength often lies in giving yourself grace when things don't go as planned. This episode serves as a powerful reminder that courage isn't about never failing - it's about taking chances in spite of fear and becoming comfortable with being uncomfortable.

Resources:
Connect with Louis Katz on LinkedIn
Watch The Courage Inside on YouTube
Subscribe to The Courage Inside newsletter
Join the Lead Fearlessly group for ongoing support
Visit thecourageinside.com to explore why everyday courage matters

Welcome to The Teamwork Advantage! In this episode, Gregg is joined by chiropractor and stress management expert, Dr. Amir Rashidian. Together, they explore the profound impact of workplace stress and unveil practical strategies for its management. Dr. Rashidian, with his unique perspective, emphasizes the vital link between physical and mental well-being, offering actionable steps for leaders and team members to foster a healthier work environment.

Discover the intersection of chiropractic care, stress management, and effective teamwork as Gregg and Dr. Rashidian navigate the challenges posed by workplace stress. Through real-life examples and anecdotes, they make this content relatable and actionable, inspiring our audience to take charge of their well-being. Join us as we unlock the secrets to a healthier and more harmonious workplace.

For more on Dr. Amir Rashidian, connect with him on LinkedIn!

You may know the public story of Jason McElwain, J-Mac, and his impact on high school basketball. Now, hear the behind-the-scenes story from J-Mac's  varsity coach, Jim Johnson.

Without a doubt J-Mac helped the team on, and off, the the court.  It was his amazing attitude over three years a the team's manager, helping the team become cohesive and go on to win the first Section V title of Coach Johnson’s career.

Just a few short months after that landmark season, NBA Legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson paid a visit to the school.  He met with the team for over an hour and then conducted an assembly for the entire student body.  When his assistants motioned to him that it was time to leave, he waved them off, saying he wanted to spend more time. 

J-Mac’s magical moment won the ESPY for “Best Sports Moment” at the ESPN awards show later that year. 

In this episode, Coach Jim Johnson tells the story of J-Mac and how he affected the success of the team.

From business disasters, to health crises, to financial meltdown. What can be we grateful for?
 
In this, the final episode of Season 1 of The Teamwork Advantage, I ask you to look deep within yourself and discover what you are grateful for.  I talk about a few items on my gratitude list and will post them on LinkedIn.  I ask you to find our posts and add to it because I believe that kindness can help heal the challenges we've all faced in 2020.

Thank you for helping make our podcast a huge success – and until next year and Season 2 – be sure to make every day WE-Markable!

Don’t keep us a secret! Please share this and all of our episodes on your social media. 

In this episode, Brett Putter, author of "Own Your Culture: How to Define, Embed, and Manage your Company Culture," discusses his 9 best practices for working remotely.  Brett discusses why you cannot hire for a culture fit, and why 90% of business leaders fail to invest in building a strong culture.

When you hear why it is vital to have a strong functional culture in your business you will begin to lead differently.

Brett is offering the powerful Chapter 12 of his book "Own Your Culture: How to Define, Embed, and Manage your Company Culture."

Download the chapter here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/16hbwfboj4bjpcxGGtXsK1DqUkfE7Eo1d/view

After spending a number of years in corporate life, and traveling over 1 million miles before the age of 30, Gayle Lantz uncovered what she needed to do as a leader. She began teaching other leaders how to do the work that matters and become more successful.

The ideas and strategies she shares in this episode are often utilized by high ranking executives. They are absolutely applicable in the world we are in today.

If you are working from home full time, or even part-time, Gayle recommends that we take an inventory of our successes.  Both our individual and our team successes.  She has offered a free assessment to determine your work-from-home abilities along with strategies to help you improve.  Access the free assessment at www.WorkMatters.com/WorkingFromHome 

In this episode, Gina DeLapa discusses what she calls “The 7 Cs of Effective Leadership" They include Character, Competence, Communication, plus 4 others.  We discuss how to create a leadership mindset even if you are not in an official leadership role.

Drama is a big problem with many teams, both in our personal life as well as our professional life.  Gina talks about how to identify the drama, and curtail it, to build a more effective team.

It has been said that a Navy Seal thinks differently than the rest of us. Why is that?  In this episode of The Teamwork Advantage, Errol Doebler is both a former US Navy Seal and an FBI Special Agent.

Admittedly not at the top of his class at the United States Naval Academy, Errol Doebler realized early on that he needed to learn from past behaviors and make corrections if he was to succeed. He developed a simple process that has applied in his own life for many years.  

Listen as Errol talks about his challenges, including almost being discharged from the Navy for “Attitude unbecoming an officer.”  Discover what he learned and how he has turned that into a successful business of teaching leaders.  He formed Leader 193, and teaches these ideas as a process for leadership.

Jason Thane puts his values into play far beyond the office.  He created an internship program for engineering students from  El Salvador. He volunteers with the Seattle Children’s Hospital, the Coalition of Business for Racial Justice, and others.

In this episode, Jason talks about how a values-based culture is built. He shares some of the more common mistakes organizations make and how to recover from those mistakes.  We talk about GEN UI’s values and how they were formed and continue to grow.

Roy Atkinson has an extensive background in information technology service management (ITSM).  He has done vast amounts of research in the IT industry, as well as written a number of articles about technology in the service industry.

In this episode Roy talks about how knowledge-centered service and teamwork come together.  Technology is one aspect of service, and he shares his thoughts on how people make the difference, especially as it relates to knowledge sharing.

What does the London Academy of Music & Dramatic Arts, Harvard Law School, and building resilience have in common?  You must be resilient to graduate from both Harvard Law School and the London Academy of Music & Dramatic Arts.  That is the path that Susan Drumm took to become a successful entrepreneur and build the successful boutique consulting firm, Meritage Leadership.

In this episode, Susan helps us focus on how to build our own resilience in the crazy times we all live in today.

Listen to her describe her path from graduating Harvard Law with over $100,000 in debt only to discover that she did not like law.  How she went on to London to pursue her passion in acting and dramatic arts and how that path has brought her to where she is today.

She also offers an Exclusive FREE download for Teamwork Advantage listeners at the end of the episode. The download is available at www.SusanDrumm.com/TeamworkAdvantage

Have you ever wondered how to determine what your team’s culture is? It doesn't matter if your team is on the front line with just a few team members or if you are leading an entire division with hundreds.  

“Culture is the highest valued off balance sheet asset that any organization has.”

Chris McGoff explains this by reminding us that we take care of our assets, like computers and other equipment, yet we tend not to take care of our team’s culture with as much attention.

Chris and his team conducted research throughout history and found a number of common elements between each highly successful culture. Chris’s strategies are honest, time-tested, and easy to understand and implement. 

Embark on a thought-provoking journey into the realms of ethical leadership with Joe Thomas, Director at the Stockdale Center for Ethical Leadership at the US Naval Academy. 

Ethics, extending beyond moral philosophy, encompasses applied ethics and the pivotal role leaders play. In this enlightening episode, Joe expertly distinguishes leadership from ethics, emphasizing their unique aspects and the necessity to avoid interchangeable use.

Dive into the profound concept of "The Stockdale Paradox" coined by Jim Collins in "Good to Great," poised to elevate your understanding of leadership dynamics. Moreover, uncover the compelling vision of the Stockdale Center, designated to "Serve as a Beacon for the Nation," shaping ethical leadership not only for the military but for the entire nation. 

Joe's insights promise to broaden your horizons, inspiring ethical integration into your personal leadership journey.

To learn more about VDAM Stockdale’s biography at the USNA, visit: https://www.usna.edu/Ethics/bios/index.php  

To learn more about Joe, visit his LinkedIn.

Hit that subscribe button to stay tuned for more enriching dialogues on Teamwork, Leadership, and Culture!

As President of a lean management consulting firm, Jay Hodge utilizes his extensive background in manufacturing with Ford Motor Company, General Motors, and Toyota to help organizations build powerful and lean teams, even in difficult situations.

His experience in the USMC taught Jay how to apply various styles of leadership, depending on the status of the team.  He discusses the power of being flexible at every level of business, from the front line through the board room. 

This episode is packed with ideas and strategies you can implement right away. Whether you are working with a call center, manufacturing plant, or your kid's soccer team, you'll find something you can use here.

I have been looking forward to this interview since we began The Teamwork Advantage.  Dr. Willie Jolley is my mentor, colleague, advisor, coach and, most of all, my friend.  I do what I do today because of this man.  Regardless of how the current pandemic has affected you, he is here today to share secrets that will help set all of us up for a comeback.

After a successful career as a singer and entertainer, Willie was replaced by a Karaoke machine.  He has reinvented himself a number of times, constantly focusing on the positives in his life. He has become a Hall of Fame speaker and host of his own syndicated Sirius XM radio show. Just listen to him speak and you too will be moved to action as I have been time and time again.

We often tease that we are brothers of different mothers, and words cannot express how inspirational this man has been to me and my family. It is my honor to spend some time with Willie and to share that time with you.

Leading in today’s virtual world changes how we influence others.  In a traditional work environment we see each other – in the virtual office, how we see each other and interact is different. In this episode, Certified Speaking Professional Eric Bloom discusses the concept of influence and its importance to each of us, regardless of the position we are in. We also talk about how behavioral styles differ in a virtual environment and shares secrets about how to be more effective, not just as leaders, but also for every team member to work more effectively with colleagues.

Building effective teams that perform is one thing.  It is truly powerful when you build a team that also excels in customer service.

In this episode of The Teamwork Advantage, Pete McGarahan shares his experiences in IT Service Management. We'll discuss strategy, structure, people, processes and tools.  

Pete is a two-time recipient of the "Legend of the Year" award and his team at First American IT Services recently won awards for Best use of Technology and Best Service and Support Organization at HDI Support World.

Great teams are all about the people on the team and everyone fulfilling their unique and individual role. Frank Herzog talks about coaches using the concept of matching to align players with specific, opposing players.  In business, it is about aligning team members with specific tasks that they are great at and colleagues they get along with. 

Frank talks about how the Washington football team (then called the Redskins) won three Super Bowls with one coach, Joe Gibbs, and with three different quarterbacks. His stories carry beyond the gridiron and the basketball court to the frontline and all the way to the C-Suite.  Discover valuable secrets of successful sports teams and how they apply in our everyday lives.

Ric Mims talks candidly about his time in the U.S. Army, what he thought of his primary drill instructor in basic training, and how that experience set the tone for his incredible career. Ric currently serves as the Practice Director for the Precision Task Group in Houston TX where he takes everything he has learned to build an incredible team. Ric shares how COVID-19 has impacted support teams and how they have had to pivot in the past six months. His strategies can help any leader going through similar challenges. A great story teller with high impact content, you won’t want to miss a single story.

Bill Cates (not Gates) is a Hall of Fame Speaker.  He began his entrepreneurship as a child going door to door selling – wait for it – furnace filters for his Cub Scout troop.  Through his life, Bill has built businesses and led them to great success.  For the past 20+ years, he has been helping sales organizations generate more referrals and increasing revenue without increasing their marketing budget. He has climbed mountains, lived on a houseboat, and spoken around the world to tens of thousands of highly successful entrepreneurs.  In this episode Bill shares how much of his success came through the help of others.  Listen as he tells us how many people went with him up Mount Kilimanjaro – now that is an impressive team!

In this episode, Lieutenant Colonel Waldo Waldman talks about overcoming a fear of heights and claustrophobia to become a decorated combat veteran. Waldo shares his two acronyms of the word FEAR, how one helped him soar and how we can all apply his lesson in our everyday lives.  We all have things that can hold us back.  For the fighter pilot that drag might be excessive artillery.  For the aircraft to take-off, there needs to be enough speed under the wings to lift the aircraft.
 
We all have drag that slows us down. We must find ways to get more lift and allow ourselves to soar.  Waldo talks about how to overcome our daily drag and get more lift in our lives.

NOTE: In my intro I mis-spoke and said that Lt. Col. Waldo Waldman graduated from the United States Naval Academy when, in fact, it was the United States Air Force Academy. My apologies for that mistake.

Sadly, just 9 months after this interview, Mark lost his life in a tragic bicycling accident in Utah.
 
Here is a quote from Mark’s book The Four Commitments that resonated with me. 

“Though they had radically different personalities, the common denominator between these two life changing coaches was that they cared. They cared about me and about teaching me to do things the right way. They could see beyond the now to the future of what I could become.”

He was referring to two of his coaches in his collegiate and NBA careers. 

Mark blocked an astonishing 456 shots in a single season, an NBA single season record that still stands today. 

We miss you Mark
*****
Never thinking he would play in the NBA, Mark Eaton was drafted in the 4th round by the Utah Jazz where he played from 1982 – 1994. He was named NBA defensive player of the year in 1985 and 1989, and an NBA All-Star in 1989.

After retiring from basketball, Mark applied the principles he learned in basketball to business.  Listen to Mark share his inspirational story about teamwork and culture and the correlation between sports and business that has made him the successful business leader he is today.

Dr. Shirley Davis is a master of reinvention. In this power-packed episode, we discuss what organizations should be doing to reinvent their businesses and how to be flexible.  This is not just for the C-Suite! The ideas Dr. Davis shares with us are practical, functional, and implementable at every level within your organization.

In this enlightening episode of The Teamwork Advantage, Chris Caldwell, CEO of renewable energy company United Renewables, masterfully illustrates the powerful correlation between climate change and teamwork, shedding light on the dynamic relationship between these two crucial elements. Through thought-provoking insights, Chris highlights the immense significance of sustainability in fostering success within teams across all organizational levels.

In the pursuit of creating thriving teams, Chris underscores the paramount importance of aligning various stakeholders, ranging from investors and colleagues to vendors and beyond. The harmonious integration of diverse perspectives and objectives creates a sense of purposeful unity, leading to happier stakeholders throughout the organization.

Chris presents innovative and effective strategies to tap into employees' personal purposes and passions, igniting their intrinsic motivation. Granting time off for employees to pursue projects that resonate with their hearts, such as engaging in school initiatives or ecological projects, fosters a deeper connection between the employees and the organization. 

This approach enriches the work environment and nurtures a sense of purpose that goes beyond financial gains. Chris emphasizes that purpose-driven teams can coexist with profitable business ventures. By harmonizing purpose and profit, organizations cultivate a positive and impactful culture that attracts talent and enhances overall performance.

Sustainability emerges as the cornerstone of team success, supported by the alignment of stakeholders and an unwavering focus on purpose-driven initiatives. As organizations strive for sustainable growth and happiness, Chris's unique and insightful strategies offer a promising path to a brighter future, where purpose and passion pave the way to success.

Songwriting collaboration is nothing new, even writing remotely across continents is not new.  Today, in the midst of COVID-19, what’s new is how artists are performing together remotely. In this episode, Keaton Simons shares stories about teamwork and collaboration with the many teams he has worked with. From road crews, to movie and television directors, to other performing artists such as Snoop Dogg and Chris Cornell, to his current gig as lead guitarist for country music superstar Brett Young. At the end of our episode, Keaton performs his own song “123 Go,” about how life doesn't often give us a heads-up and how we have to simply say 123, GO and start moving in one direction. Spoiler Alert - along with writing and production partner Noah Needleman and filmmaker Dennis Dugan, Keaton recently completed both the soundtrack and score for the upcoming motion picture “Love, Weddings, & Other Disasters” starring Diane Keaton and Jeremy Irons.

Coming from small town USA, and after graduating from the US Naval Academy, Charlie Plumb went to aviator school in Pensacola FL and became a fighter pilot.  He flew over 70 combat missions before he was taken POW on May 19, 1967. Listen to his incredible journey from childhood, through the Naval Academy, to his incredible life after being a POW. Discover who he met, years later, that played an integral part of his survival, as well as his incredible ability to forgive. This is one of the most amazing stories you will ever hear. 

A graduate of Wharton Business School, Heinan Landa is the founder and CEO of Optimal Networks, Inc., a globally ranked IT services firm. Heinan has been featured in Inc. Magazine, Forbes, CIO Chief Executive and Legal Times and makes regular appearances on local Washington DC television talking about the power of Information Technology.

Optimal Networks is a values driven company built upon Heinan's top three values.  This simple practice has allowed him to adapt his leadership style to one of trust and delegation.

In this entertaining and energetic interview, Heinan talks about how he went from being depressed and over $100,000 in debt to building the dynamic and successful company Optimal Networks is today. Heinan shares the core values of the company, along with stories about how team members, or as he calls them “keepers of the values” have helped the company grow exponentially.

Eric and Shannon discuss the "tried and true" as well as how leadership has changed over the past 15 – 30 years.  We talk about how critical it is to lead by example, more today than ever before.  We cover a lot in this powerful interview with two senior leaders from the National Cancer Institute, including some talk around human capital workforce planning and training. You don’t want to miss this one!

Many leaders surrender to the feelings, emotions, and self doubt that can hold them back from being dynamic and powerful leaders. In this episode, Dr. Mary Kelly, a graduate of the Unites States Naval Academy and retired Navy Commander, discusses insightful and powerful leadership traits that every team and team leader can take advantage of to be more successful. She starts by explaining, the six stages of crisis response that every leader goes through. They are Rejection, Recognition, Realization, Resolution, Reality, and Realignment.  And that's just in the first 10 minutes of this incredible episode! You won't want to miss the rest. This incredibly high energy episode will pump you up and get you ready to take on your next mission.

For Mary's Free Multiple 5-Minute plans CLICK HERE 

When we are in our normal workspace, we typically spend a significant amount of time up and moving throughout the day.  Now that we are working remotely more and more, that sometimes means our dining room table (not the most optimal) is our desk.  With colleague interactions gone virtual, many of us are not getting up and moving around as much as we should throughout the day.

Physical Therapist and a Certified Athletic Trainer, Kelsey McSherry shares innovative tips, tricks and uncomplicated exercises we can do all while sitting at our desks – even when on a zoom call.  Gregg even did many of these exercises during the interview. 

Often Referred to as "The Fish Guy", Harry Paul discusses some top business books and how his career took off when he co-authored “Fish,” selling over 6 million copies in 35 languages. A business parable, Harry recaps the four parts of the “Fish” philosophy and talks about how they are still relevant and applicable today.Do you love what you are doing? The “Fish” philosophy offers new perspectives on what you do. It will help you realize your sense of purpose, and how we all make a difference, regardless of the job we do. Harry talks about using the power of culture to supercharge your business.  How can you be different?  Harry talks about how to hire the right people to fit your culture and still be different.

Andre Collins shares his experiences playing in the NFL, what he learned, and how that experience prepared him for the world of business. We discuss the similarities, and differences, between professional football and the private sector.  In professional football, inspirational leadership styles are powerful.  Andre shares how he took those inspirational moments and melded them with his natural leadership style. We discuss the importance of continual personal growth as well as being willing to work “in the trenches,” yet maintain the leadership position.In this powerful episode on Teamwork and Leadership, Andre reflects on how leadership vulnerabilities can impact a team and the value of empowerment. Allowing the team to make decisions, deliver presentations and not always being the person in the spotlight is a powerful way to help your team members develop into their own kind of leader and prepare them to move forward with their own careers. 

Gregg Gregory, your host for The Teamwork Advantage, shares a little about this highly energetic program, who it is designed for and who can benefit from listening.

The podcast will help you focus in three key areas:
1.   Teamwork – From how to be a better team player to taking care of yourself
2.   Leadership – Designing, building and strengthening your team from the ground up
3.   Culture – When we share in a common mission and values, we are happier, and accomplish more

Interviews include experts from a wide array of industries, positions, and organizations. We interview leaders on the variety of leadership styles and how to adapt. We also talk about the power of core values and how to embed them into your everyday vernacular.

We have conversations with members of highly successful teams, and find the common bond that makes them all successful.

We even talk with experts about how to maintain our physical and emotional health to keep us productive, motivated and energized whether we are working in a traditional office setting or working from home.

These are just a few of the many topics you will find discussed on The Teamwork Advantage. Join us once a week, for just 30 minutes, and you’ll learn practical ideas and strategies that you can put to work in your life all week long.

In this captivating episode of The Teamwork Advantage, we are joined by Mike McFall, CEO of the prominent regional coffee house, Biggby Coffee, as he shares his incredible journey. Despite achieving financial success, he felt unfulfilled, prompting a profound realization. Mike's insights offer valuable lessons in personal success and cultivating a thriving team environment. From CEOs to team leads, his principles resonate deeply, guiding us from the GRIND to GROW.

Purpose takes center stage in Mike's philosophy as he connects it to culture, driving a shared sense of meaning and mission within his organization. Genuine success, he believes, transcends financial gains, extending to a positive impact on employees and the community. Mike emphasizes conscious capitalism and demonstrates how businesses can responsibly thrive without compromising values.

A conscientious leader, Mike empowers his team, understanding their aspirations and nurturing their growth. Practical strategies for establishing a purpose-driven culture are shared, emphasizing stakeholder involvement in decision-making. Mike's passion for people and commitment to principles inspire listeners to redefine success beyond monetary achievements.

In a world fixated on financial milestones, Mike's journey reminds us of the true path to fulfillment. From financial success to profound contentment, his transformation ignites the pursuit of purpose and passion in work, propelling us to make a meaningful impact on the world around us. Let's unite, fueled by purpose, and brew success together.

For more on Mike, visit his LinkedIn profile!

Welcome to "The Teamwork Advantage" podcast, where we explore the intersection between Teamwork, Leadership, and Culture. 

In this episode, Kelly McGinley brings extensive experience in the non-profit and education sectors, as well as a profound knowledge of project and process management, shedding light on the crucial topic of meetings. 

Discover the three types of challenging team meetings: the Traffic Jam, the Runway, and the Bottleneck. As you tune in, you'll identify which of these meeting types resonates with you and your teams.

Kelly emphasizes the importance of assigning a purpose to every meeting and implementing a progress measuring tool. In addition, Kelly shares her thoughts on the correlation and distinction between process management and project management, leaving you pondering the potential impact of these insights on your future endeavors. 

Brace yourself for an engaging conversation between Kelly and your host, Gregg, as they navigate the intricacies of team breakdowns. Join us for an informative and fast-paced discussion that will revolutionize the way you approach meetings and team collaboration.

For more insights from Kelly McGinley, visit her LinkedIn profile!

Welcome to "The Teamwork Advantage" podcast where we explore the realms of Teamwork, Leadership, and Organizational Culture, uncovering the secrets to creating high-performing, successful, On-Purpose Teams. In this engaging episode, we have the privilege of hearing from Joey Havens, former executive partner of HORNE, a top 25 accounting firm known for its trust and discipline.

Joey Havens led a team of over 1,800 members in building what he refers to as a Wise Firm©, with a magnetic people-first culture at its very core. Harnessing the power of culture, HORNE achieved remarkable growth and success under Joey's guidance.

During this enlightening conversation, Joey shares his insightful philosophies on leadership and crafting a magnetic culture that transcends industries. Drawing wisdom from his book, "Leading with Significance," he highlights the importance of surpassing a good culture and striving for a magnetic culture that attracts and retains top talent.

With a strong emphasis on vulnerability and trust, Joey provides practical and actionable advice applicable at all levels within your organization. Be prepared to take notes as Joey shares real-life 'to dos' that you and your teams can implement to enhance leadership and foster a magnetic culture.

Don't miss the chance to transform your leadership approach, create a magnetic culture that drives lasting success, and gain invaluable insights from Joey’s wealth of experience and wisdom. 

Find Joey’s book on Amazon!

Today, we break the mold by featuring a guest who combines the worlds of anthropology and technology. 

In this episode of The Teamwork Advantage, Alison Hunter shares insights on the power of storytelling to build vulnerability, trust, and engagement within teams. By understanding the stories of team members, leaders can create a culture that leads to everyone being passionate about the team's mission and build a successful, On-Purpose team. 

Alison's unique background as an anthropologist and tech enthusiast allows her to provide a fresh perspective on teamwork, leadership, and culture. Throughout the episode, she shares practical tips for how to effectively utilize storytelling to enhance team dynamics and foster a sense of shared purpose. 

Listeners will come away with a better understanding of how to create a culture of trust and collaboration, and how to tap into the power of narrative to drive organizational success. 

To learn more about Alison, please find her on LinkedIn at the link below:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisonphunter/

Very few organizations give you the opportunity to get your foundational education, travel the world, and come back to oversee the institution that provided that education. This week's guest is Vice Admiral Sean Buck, the 63rd Superintendent of the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis. He shares his testimonial on what it takes to become a successful Naval officer. 

This foundational education begins with lessons in teamwork during Plebe Summer. Over this 8-week period, these young men and women quickly realize how important teamwork is, and that they will not be able to successfully navigate the Naval Academy’s rigorous demands unless they work together as a cohesive unit. 

As they continue their journey through the Academy, the challenges do not get easier, and the opportunity to learn successful leadership skills and take on more leadership responsibility appears.

Vice Admiral Buck was in the 4th class to graduate from the Naval Academy with women and shares the powerful role his upper-class midshipmen played in his life at the Academy. With his candid and open approach, Vice Admiral Buck addresses critical issues affecting leaders today, from the unique challenges posed by multiple generations, including midshipmen and employees at the Naval Academy, to creating a culture of success that extends beyond organizational boundaries through effective communication and civility. During our interview, he tackles current issues head-on.  

Vice Admiral Buck’s experience and stories resonate regardless of your industry, or the position you are currently in. Prior to reporting to the Superintendent post, Admiral Buck held 5 commands during his Naval career. Admiral Buck is retiring from the Academy after the class of 2023 graduates. He will have 44 years of service in the US Navy. Thank you for your service.

As the title of this episode suggests – these are lessons from the leadership laboratory. To learn more about the US Naval Academy, visit its website: www.USNA.edu

Are you stuck? Do you feel like you’re spinning your wheels and kicking up a lot of dust and going nowhere? In this compelling episode of The Teamwork Advantage, Juli Shulem has got you covered as she shows us how to design better systems that will help you and your team get more done by being better organized, reducing stress, and increasing productivity.

Juli shares her expertise in creating a single list of action items that includes team members. By following her advice, you can create a system that works and avoid setting yourself up for failure. This episode is packed with actionable insights that will help you and your team reach new heights.

You'll discover how to improve your organizational skills, manage stress, and boost productivity. By tuning in, you'll gain powerful insights and practical tips that will help you achieve more and work smarter. Whether you're a team member, leader, or senior manager, this episode is overflowing with valuable information to help you and your team succeed. Don't miss out on the opportunity to enhance your personal and professional growth – Listen Now - Listen Often!

In this episode of The Teamwork Advantage, Patti DeNucci shares the benefits of, and her secrets for, having meaningful conversations.

Explore Patti DeNucci’s 4 P's of Communication and take communication to the next level with your team. 

Discover how to identify and avoid "Drainers & Downers," those individuals who drain the energy out of us.

Join us as we discuss the power of meaningful conversations and how to use them to build stronger teams. With practical ideas that you can start using tomorrow, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to improve their communication skills. Don't miss out on this valuable information!

Patti offers a number of resources on her website that can help you be a better networker, listener, and conversationalist: https://intentionalnetworker.com/resources/ 

In this powerful episode of The Teamwork Advantage, host Gregg Gregory interviews Morgan Watt, a retired Air Force veteran and leadership expert. Morgan shares his incredible journey from military service to civilian life, overcoming personal struggles with PTSD and chronic pain to become an inspiring speaker and advocate for mental health awareness.

Key topics include:

• The importance of authenticity and vulnerability in leadership
• Lessons from military teamwork that apply to business
• The power of asking questions and active listening
• Breaking generational cycles and embracing personal growth

Morgan's unique perspective, shaped by his experiences as a bomb detection dog handler, airline pilot, and fishing boat captain, offers valuable insights into building effective teams and developing as a leader. Don't miss this inspiring conversation on resilience, teamwork, and the human spirit!

You will gain practical strategies for fostering authentic connections in both personal and professional settings. Morgan's emphasis on daily mindset work and embracing vulnerability as a strength provides a fresh take on leadership development. His story serves as a powerful reminder that our greatest challenges can become our most valuable assets when we approach them with openness and a willingness to grow.

Listen now to unlock the secrets of authentic leadership and discover how embracing vulnerability can transform your team and your life. Whether you're a frontline employee or a C-suite executive, this episode offers invaluable lessons for anyone looking to enhance their leadership skills and build stronger, more effective teams. 

Don't wait – tune in today and start your journey towards becoming a more authentic, empowering leader!

Are you curious about how your team's and organization's wellness affect productivity? In this episode of The Teamwork Advantage, Dr. Richard Safeer discusses the link between individual wellness and team productivity. By examining how our wellness actions impact those around us, even in seemingly insignificant ways, we can make small changes that contribute to a positive shift in team behavior. Dr. Safeer outlines his 6 Building Blocks for a culture of wellness, sharing tips on creating a supportive and wellness-focused environment. Join us to discover how your subculture can either positively or negatively impact your team, and learn how to make small changes that can have a significant impact on the productivity of your team. Tune in now to gain valuable insights on building a culture of wellness in your organization!

You can learn more about Richard’s work at RichardSafeer.com or follow him on LinkedIn.

If you’re looking for training on how to create a culture of well-being on your team or organization, then go to CreatingAWellbeingCulture.com

Are you curious how yoga and meditation can enhance your leadership skills and help you influence others? Join us in this insightful episode of the Teamwork Advantage, as we speak with Dr. Eric Holsapple, a successful former businessman turned Mindful Leadership expert.

Dr. Holsapple shares his personal journey of finding happiness and meaning beyond material success through yoga and meditation. He has since developed a program called "Living in the Gap" that teaches the art of Mindful Leadership to individuals and organizations.

In this episode, you'll discover powerful yet simple techniques that will help you become more mindful, and ultimately, a more decisive leader. Dr. Holsapple emphasizes the importance of cultivating mindfulness to navigate life's unpredictability and shares a relatable analogy of waking up each day not knowing what pitch you're going to get. With proper mindfulness, you can hit any of those 
pitches.

Whether you're a business leader, an entrepreneur, or someone interested in personal growth, this 
episode will provide you with practical insights and valuable takeaways. 

Unlock the secrets to success with Jeff Engle in this powerful episode of The Teamwork Advantage! Listen as Jeff takes you through stories of his time in the US Army, why he broke some rules, and why you can, too – if you do it right. Jeff, after joining the US Army at just 17 years old, rose through the ranks to become an expert leader in a special missions team. Learn from Jeff’s experiences in the US Army, including how breaking rules the right way can benefit you. Discover the three types of accountability and why cultural accountability is key to leading high-performing teams. Don't miss this must-hear episode of The Teamwork Advantage!

At Win Big Media, maintaining close communication with the team is of utmost importance. To ensure this, Brandon makes frequent check-in calls to his team members, either via phone or Zoom. Despite their brevity, these informal calls have proven to provide more impactful feedback than structured meetings.

Join us as we learn from Brandon's experience and expertise on how to create a successful
remote work culture and enhance team engagement. Whether you're a team leader
or a team member, this episode has something for everyone.

V-A-L-U-E - we have heard the word for years. The term is often focused on Sales and how a salesperson should add more value. In this energetic episode of The Teamwork Advantage, Ken Wendle focuses on his definition of the word "Value".
 
 Ken takes the time to review each of his five components of VALUE:

• Vision
• Alignment
• Leverage
• Uniqueness
• Execution 

Growth is one thing. Keeping employees engaged and motivated is another. In this episode of The Teamwork Advantage, Darrin Jahnel shares his secrets for taking a software development company from three employees (two of them being Darrin and his brother) to a powerful team of 150 in just 10 years.

Darrin shares the story of his 3rd employee and the fact that she is still with them a decade later. His hiring funnel is impressive. His techniques to keep his teams engaged are awe-inspiring, yet surprisingly simple for anyone to duplicate. 
 
So often the idea of a development team collaborating with the operations team is “wishful thinking.” Darrin shares how he gets his team to partner with clients as well as other teams within the Jahnel Group to accomplish extraordinary success.

Our 6th season of The Teamwork Advantage kicks off with a true superstar from the extreme athletics world, Robyn Benincasa. Robyn is the author of “How Winning Works” in which she talks about how she paralleled professions; being a firefighter for San Diego County and competing in the world of extreme athletics.

Robyn talks about how, as a true competitor, her team was dropped in outlandish places like the jungles of Borneo.  Her team then had to traverse over 600 miles, using no motorized transportation, with only a paper map and a compass for navigation. 
  
Listen as she tells stories of what she, and her competitors, encountered.  If you think you have it tough, imagine that, if just one of your team members gets sick or decides the challenge is too tough, the whole team is disqualified.
 
Compare that with the difficulty of being a firefighter and understanding when someone else on the team has a stronger proficiency of a task or can relate to a patient better and you have to step back. Robyn’s ability to articulate these events will make this one of your favorite episodes of all time!
 
Robyn is also the founder of “Project Athena,” a foundation that helps survivors of tragedy regain control of their lives. Whether it is surviving cancer, or the loss of a limb, she helps build powerful teams of individuals that then turn their setbacks into comebacks. 
 
 What a way to kick off our 6th season of The Teamwork Advantage!
 
 For more information on Robyn and her work, visit her websites at:
 www.WorldClassTeams.com 
 www.ProjectAthena.org 
 
 FREE DOWNLOAD - available on World Class Teams - Robyn's acronym for Teamwork.
 

After opening in 2018 and working hard to grow its business, the Emma Justine Salon in Louisville Kentucky had its fair share of havoc to deal with during the COVID pandemic. Like many others, they shut down 100% for over 60 days and then opened with limited services for the next several months.

In this episode of The Teamwork Advantage, Adel Migirova, the office manager for the Emma Justine Salon, shares how this small business survived the pandemic. Adel shares stories and ideas - like offering employees unlimited time off – about how they weathered the challenges of the pandemic and came out of that experience more robust than ever before.