The Optimized Mind – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate is joined by franchise consultant and coach Adam Goldman to delve into the intricacies of franchising, his professional journey, and the lessons learned along the way.

Chapters:

• Franchising Insights
• Exploring Franchise Types
• Optimism and Resilience
• The Importance of Trust in Franchising
• Handling Rejection and Teaching Children This Important Lesson

The nation’s top franchise coach and consultant, Adam Goldman, knows that even with well-paying jobs, there is one major problem in Corporate America: you can't pursue your own dreams while working for someone else. Franchising has allowed Adam, a father of three, to achieve his dreams.

Over the past 9 years, Adam has helped hundreds of people to change their lives through franchise business ownership. He helps others find the right franchise for them and goes on to match them with the right opportunity in their area.  

During his 20-year career as a business investor and franchise consultant, Adam has founded three successful companies on two continents. These include an IT company in Poland and a real estate investment company in Texas. Most recently, he grew the Vanguard Cleaning Area Developer concept in Houston into a multi-million-dollar enterprise, generating over 30 franchisees and 300 customers, which he has now sold.

In his latest book, The Franchisee Lifestyle, Adam interviews existing franchisees from diverse backgrounds about their journeys into independence. Demystifying the world of franchising, Adam’s book provides invaluable insights into the key factors that can make or break a franchise deal, helping readers avoid potential pitfalls and make informed decisions, as well as the unique benefits and opportunities of being part of a well-established brand.

To learn more about Adam, please visit:

http://franchiseadam.com

http://Franchisecoach.net

To Learn More, visit:

www.katelundspeaks.com

Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:

https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund

In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate welcomes Professor MS Rao back to the show. The two delve deeply into the evolution and development of soft leadership. Professor Rao explains how he blended principles from his PhD in soft skills with leadership theories to create a new leadership style. He highlights the importance of people skills, emotional intelligence, and collaboration while emphasizing that leaders must still maintain task orientation. Drawing on examples of renowned figures like Abraham Lincoln, Mahatma Gandhi, and Elon Musk, Professor Rao underscores that effective leadership can come in many forms, with both soft and hard attributes.

Chapters:

• The Evolution of Soft Leadership
• Key Influences and Inspirations
• Emphasis on Emotional Intelligence in Leadership
• Importance of Balancing Hard and Soft Leadership
• Professor Rao's Contributions to Leadership Literature

Professor M.S. Rao, Ph.D. is the Father of “Soft Leadership” and the Founder of MSR Leadership Consultants, India. He is a 21th-century philosopher, an International Leadership Guru with forty-three years of experience, and the author of fifty-three books including the award-winning ‘See the Light in You’ URL: https://www.amazon.com/See-Light-You-Spiritual-Mindfulness/dp/1949003132.
He is a columnist and an author-at-large at Entrepreneur. He has published over 300 papers and articles in prestigious international publications including Leader to Leader, Thunderbird International Business Review, Strategic HR Review, Development and Learning in Organizations, Industrial and Commercial Training, On the Horizon, and Entrepreneur magazine. He is a soldier, entrepreneur, editor, educator, author, explorer, enlightener, thinker, writer, researcher, mentor, motivator, professor, reformer, traveler, blogger, storyteller, volunteer, activist, futurist,  analyst, strategist, and coach. He is a C-Suite advisor and global keynote speaker. He brings a strategic eye and long-range vision given his multifaceted professional experience including military, teaching, training, research, consultancy, and philosophy. He is passionate about serving and making a difference in the lives of others. He trains a new generation of leaders through leadership education and publications. He hopes to build one million students as global leaders by 2030 URL: http://professormsraovision2030.blogspot.com/2014/12/professor-m-s-raos-vision-2030-one_31.html.

Professor M.S. Rao, Ph.D. volunteers peace activities, advocates gender equality (#HeForShe), and builds students globally. He invests his time in authoring books and blogging on executive education, learning, and leadership. Most of his work is free of charge on his four blogs including http://professormsraovision2030.blogspot.com. He is a prolific author and a dynamic, energetic, and inspirational leadership speaker. He can be reached at msrlctrg@gmail.com.   

To Learn More, visit:

www.katelundspeaks.com

Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:

https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund

In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with executive and leadership coach Luann Horobin. The discussion focuses on Luann’s path to coaching from a career in healthcare. Central themes which emerge through this powerful conversation include the ways in which difficult experiences can lead to breakthroughs for people wanting to change, the power of the subconscious mind, overcoming limiting beliefs and the ways we can do that.

Luann is a native Albertan, one of 1600 ICF Master Coaches, Executive and Leadership Coach, Career Accelerator, and Transformational Consultant. Work ethic and community were key values, instilled in early childhood from the farm, that have been lifelong guiding principles. Yet when facing life and career transitions, a pivotal point was learning how to get what and where one wants. That's not about working harder, with less stress.

As an avid learner, books, programs and learning from others were staples in life, but gave modest results, compared to mindset., Luann guides executives, business leaders and high performers to use mindset to achieve new ambitions, much quicker. In mere hours., Mindset methods can save years of stress, trial, and error.

Luann’s deep dive into the neuroscience of transformation, led to her custom formula of career and transformation coaching for life-altering breakthroughs in leadership presence, relatability, relationships, and meaningful work beyond one’s upper limits. New mindset programs bring ambitions to life, to be your best self, make better decisions, and put the zest in life, without stress.

Outside of work Luann loves being a mom, dog grandma, pickleball, dancing, running, nature, walking, family and friends.

To learn more about Luann, please visit:

www.linkedin.com/in/luannhorobin

To Learn More, visit:

www.katelundspeaks.com

Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:

https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund

In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with entrepreneur and founder of Your Words Have Power, Wendy Corner. The conversation focuses on Wendy's evolution from a speech pathologist to a successful business owner and speaking coach helping others to hone and deliver impactful and powerful messages across the world. The discussion is authentic and raw offering insight and wisdom to those wanting to carve a new path in speaking or otherwise.

Meet Wendy Corner…

The Founder and Creator of Your Words Have Power, a platform for speakers to share their messages and stories to inspire people to live their lives fully.

She’s on a mission to help countless Speakers to step onto stages across the world and share their messages and stories to change lives.

Wendy migrated from Scotland, to Perth, Western Australia. She works with international clients who -- Have a burning desire to be a Speaker from the stage to inspire, motivate or sell a product/service; Harbour a goal to do a TEDx talk & wider stages and experience the visibility and credibility being on the red circle brings; Are seeking to launch their career as a prolific professional speaker.

TEDx trainer at University of Western Australia  for 5 years.

30 years as a Speech Pathologist.

She works holistically using her proprietary framework to support speakers to communicate using body, mind and spirit to connect at a deep level with their audience. 

To learn more about Wendy, visit:
Wendy@whp.events


To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com

Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund/

In this episode of The Optimized Mind Podcast, Dr. Kate talks with Sales and Leadership Coach, Author, Podcast Host, Father and Husband – Casey Jacox.

With over 25 years of business experience, Casey's leadership helps companies emphasize building relationships, not just transactional business deals. As I mentioned, he's a father, a husband, a coach, a podcaster, a speaker, and a business leader who is the same person in and out of work. Over his entire career, adversity has always made him stronger. 

Through the conversation Dr. Kate and Casey focus on Casey’s path from an accomplished high school and college athlete to a successful career in corporate sales and how he transitioned out that space to write his debut non-fiction book, "WIN the RELATIONSHIP – Not the DEAL." which is helping shape how teams build relationships with their customers and improve cultures internally for teams.

The discussion takes a deep dive into ideas and insights related to personal development, living a growth mindset and the ways in which adversity has made Casey stronger.

This is a truly robust conversation full of insight and awareness which will benefit so many. 

Casey Jacox, Winning The Relationship, LLC – Sales & Leadership Coach. With over 25 years of business experience, Casey's leadership helps companies emphasize building relationships, not just transactional business deals. He's a father, a husband, a coach, a podcaster, a speaker, and a business leader who is the same person in and out of work. Over his entire career, adversity has always made him stronger. 

Casey always leans in on curiosity while maintaining a positive attitude! While at Kforce, Casey was the number one sales rep nationwide for ten years consecutively before becoming President of Client Strategy and partnerships. In that role, Casey was crucial in driving a sales transformation and providing executive-level support for large customers. In March of 2019, Casey left Kforce as the firm's all-time leading salesperson in the nearly 60-year company history to begin writing his debut non-fiction book, "WIN the RELATIONSHIP – Not the DEAL." His book has over 100 organic reviews on Amazon and is helping shape how teams build relationships with their customers and improve cultures internally for teams.

Casey is now the founder of Winning The Relationship, LLC, a consulting firm providing executive sales leadership and coaching. Additionally, Casey hosts The Quarterback DadCast, a podcast that offers stories, advice, and wisdom for fathers looking to improve their leadership skills and emotional intelligence.

Casey is a passionate networker with intense energy for building genuine, long-lasting relationships. Casey loves to empower people to achieve more than they think they can ever accomplish. He loves to laugh, serve others, and make those around him laugh; why do we go to work if we are not having fun?

To learn more about Casey, visit:
Website: http://www.caseyjacox.com

Author, "Win The Relationship; Not the Deal" - https://amzn.to/3ek4Rqn

The Quarterback Dad Cast – Podcast - https://www.caseyjacox.com/podcast

To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com

Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund/

In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with Laing Rikkers – author of Morning Leaves: Reflections on Loss, Grief and Connection and Co-Founder and Executive Chair of ProSomnus Sleep Technologies.  

Laing is a leader in the field of Obstructive Sleep Apnea, an often hidden - and potentially fatal - medical condition. After her sister died of undiagnosed OSA, Laing sought solace from nature and creativity, and wrote Morning Leaves, a book of poetry to help others navigate grief. Her mission now is to save lives by encouraging people to recognize the symptoms of OSA before it's too late.

The discussion focuses on Laing’s upcoming book and the comfort she found in writing it following the sudden loss of her sister. The discussion also focuses on Laing's work as an expert in the field of Obstructive Sleep Apnea, along with the innovative technology to help those living with OSA developed by her company ProSomnus Sleep Technologies. 

This is a robust conversation focused on insights and awareness to help people recognize the signs and symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea, while taking important steps to improve their sleep, health and function across domains. 

Signs and symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea:

• Daytime sleepiness
• Snoring
• Observed episodes of not breathing
• Waking up with dry mouth
• Headaches and difficulty concentrating
• Mood changes, including depression

Increased likelihood of OSA associated with:

• Obesity
• Family history of OSA or snoring
• Male or post-menopausal female
• Large neck
• Alcohol consumption

The Takeaway is OSA increases the risk of:

• Hypertension
• Heart disease - including heart attacks and heart failure
• Stroke
• Diabetes

To learn More, visit:
www.laingrikkers.com
www.prosomnus.com

Laing Rikkers is a leader in the field of Obstructive Sleep Apnea, an often hidden - and potentially fatal - medical condition. After her sister died of undiagnosed OSA, Laing sought solace from nature and creativity, and wrote Morning Leaves, a book of poetry to help others navigate grief. Her mission now is to save lives by encouraging people to recognize the symptoms of OSA before it's too late.

To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com

Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund/

In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with Megan McCann, founder of McCann Partners, an IT Recruiting firm. 

Megan and her team deliver IT recruitment with intention and integrity to a growing portfolio of innovative organizations—from Chicago-based startups to companies with a global footprint. McCann Partners is dedicated to creating a more equitable and diverse workforce, and proud that more than 70% of their talent placements in the past two years have been diverse hires. Prior to McCann Partners, Megan co-founded and helped build Geneva Technical Services (GTS), and was a strategic force in growing SelecTech—both premier IT recruitment firms.

Megan’s impact on the tech community far exceeds her day-to-day work as CEO of her own firm. Passionate about attracting, retaining, and advancing women in technology, Megan is a proud co-founder of ARA, a national organization that seeks to promote women in technology and leadership through mentorship, events, and programs. 

The discussion focuses on Megan’s path to becoming a successful business owner and leader in the IT recruiting space. The conversation also takes a deep dive into the power of mentorship, meaning and belief in business and personal development. Megan also shares her own best practices for bringing out her best across domains.

About Megan McCann:

Megan McCann is an established IT recruitment and technology services leader known for building and leading highly successful IT services firms, and for the work she does to advance diversity and cultivate talent across the technology industry.

 Megan is the CEO of leading IT recruitment firm McCann Partners, which she founded in 2011. She and her team deliver IT recruitment with intention and integrity to a growing portfolio of innovative organizations—from Chicago-based startups to companies with a global footprint. McCann Partners is dedicated to creating a more equitable and diverse workforce, and proud that more than 70% of their talent placements in the past two years have been diverse hires. Prior to McCann Partners, Megan co-founded and helped build Geneva Technical Services (GTS), and was a strategic force in growing SelecTech—both premier IT recruitment firms.

 Megan’s impact on the tech community far exceeds her day-to-day work as CEO of her own firm. Passionate about attracting, retaining, and advancing women in technology, Megan is a proud co-founder of ARA, a national organization that seeks to promote women in technology and leadership through mentorship, events, and programs. Her additional industry and leadership affiliations include membership in the American Staffing Association, CHIEF, and the TechServe Alliance.

She is also a founding partner of the Chicago Executive Women’s Networking Group and an active member of Chicago Innovation’s Women’s Mentoring Co-Op. In addition, she’s been recognized as a Chicago Business Journal Bizwomen Headliner in Technology, Chicago Business Journal Women of Influence, a three-time Midwest Women in Tech Awards finalist, and an Illinois Technology Association CityLIGHTS finalist. In 2021, Megan was named to Staffing Industry Analysts inaugural Top 50 DE&I Influencers list and selected as a ChiTech Academy Young Women's Leadership Society Ambassador of the Year. 

To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com

Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund/

In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with Laura Cooke, Founder and CEO of Positive Foundry, a company focused on creating and teaching a strength based model grounded in science, which helps individuals flourish across domains. The discussion highlights the evolution of Positive Foundry, along with the ways in which Laura integrates the principles she teaches into her life and family.  

Through Laura’s many positions in leadership, both in the corporate world and in education, Laura’s true passion has always been about helping people. Her thirst for learning is endless and she finds comfort in both the classroom and boardroom.

She has been trained at the Institute for Positive Education in Australia and the Flourishing Institute and holds a Certificate of Applied Positive Psychology, a BA in Business from Wittenberg University, and an MBA from the Ross School of Business at The University of Michigan.

In previous roles, she was a digital marketing entrepreneur and senior leader at Metatec International running a multi-million-dollar business unit. Most recently she was Assistant Head of The Wellington School and professor of Leadership in Business and Applied Positive Psychology. Laura is a wife to Chris and mother of four girls.

To learn more about Laura, visit:
www.positivefoundry.com

To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com

Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund/

In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with Brigitte Cutshall who is an author, cancer survivor and health coach. The discussion focuses on Brigitte's journey through cancer and a rare brain tumor, along with her passion for running and writing. Brigitte shares how both helped her through the hard moments and continue to help her to find meaning and purpose each and every day.  

Health Advocate and author, Brigitte Cutshall, has overcome cancer multiple times and a rare primary brain tumor in between. She raised two sons with her husband while keeping a smile on her face. She advocated for herself, and strongly believes her training as a health coach and love for running has been instrumental in helping her be more than a Survivor. Brigitte is a Thriver on a mission to inspire others to change their lives for the better.

To learn more about Brigitte, visit:
brigittecutshall.com 

To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com

Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund/

In this episode of the Optimized Mind Podcast, Dr. Kate talks with Andrea Jaeger in the second of a 2-part series. The discussion this week focuses on Andrea's life of service, specifically the foundation she started to provide support to children in need, their families and communities. Andrea shares deep insight and wisdom into what it means to her to live a life of faith and service to others.

Little Star Foundation started because life showed a 15-year-old tennis phenom, Andrea Jaeger, that children facing cancer or trauma endure their struggles for more than one day. For over 37 years, Little Star Foundation has provided long term care and a better quality of life for children with cancer and children in need, their families and communities, through financial assistance, education, medical support, therapeutic play and outreach care programs.

Little Star participants find fuller lives, increase their motor skills and self-esteem and lead more engaging, purposeful and enjoyable lives, regardless of their diagnosis.

Andrea Jaeger became the #2 ranked professional tennis player in the world at the age of 16. She gave all her pro tennis earnings, (millions of dollars), to help others. For over 37 years Andrea Jaeger has devoted her life to bringing long term care and a better quality of life to children, families and communities in the United States and the world facing disease, disaster, poverty and other devastating hardships. 

To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com

Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund/