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Dina Al-Tayeb (Dentalia Clinics) – Arabian Tri Eagle

active CEO Podcast #18 Dr Dina Al-Tayeb Arabian Tri Eagle

Posted on December 17, 2018April 22, 2019 by Craig Johns in Leadership, Podcasts

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Dr Dina Al-Tayeb – Co-Founder Dentalia Clinics

On this episode of the active CEO Podcast, we take a look inside the life of Dr Dina Al-Tayeb as a Periodontist, owner of Dentalia Clinics, a passionate Ironwoman, Tufts University Board member, mother of three and health and wellness influencer in the Middle East. We delve into her business approach, being a goal orientated person, being present no matter what hat you wear, what it means to be a role model, the art of distraction and never letting anyone define your dream.

Background

Dr Dina Al-Tayeb is a phenomenal lady, who sees no obstacles and loves a challenge. She grew up living in Saudi Arabia, where gender equality is viewed from a different lens than many other parts of the world.She has created a highly successful Dental business, Dentalia Clinics, alongside three partners, which now has 13 clinics across Saudi Arabia.

Alongside her entrepreneurial ventures, this beautiful soul and beaming light is an Associate Professor at King Abdulaziz University, Trustee on the Board at Tufts University, and in 2018 become the first Middle Eastern Female to qualify and complete the Ironman World Triathlon Championships in Kona, Hawaii.

Her tenacious, determined and open-minded approach to the world allows her to take on opportunities that many other people would never dream of and be highly successful. Dr Dina Al-Tayeb is a phenomenal lady, who sees no obstacles and loves a challenge. She grew up living in Saudi Arabia, where gender equality is viewed from a different lens than many other parts of the world.

Dina talks about:

Being inspired to becoming a dentist after visiting a dentist in Switzerland when she was young.
Creating a modern, completely new concept and delivering the highest standard, with Dentalia Clinics
Being one of the fastest 100 growing companies in Saudi Arabia, for two years in a row.
Maintaining a high standard, employing the best doctors and having the best technology
The role of sponsorship is to help promote health and wellness.
Modeling an active and healthy lifestyle for her co-workers, patients, clinics and clients.
The art of distracting the customer from the work that is actually going on.
What drives her the most and the satisfaction she gets as a teacher.
The growth in the number of woman starting businesses and taking up leadership positions in Saudi Arabia.
The recent lifting of a number of restrictions for women and society in Saudi Arabia.
Her first triathlon in 2002 and thinking Ironman was an absolutely impossible challenge to do and that no body should ever let themselves go through such a horrendous experience.
The challenges faced and lessons learnt in Ironman training and racing.
Everyday you determine what is your finishline, where do you want that finishline to be?
Being fully present in whatever you do, giving it your best.
A day in the life of Dr Dina Al-Tayeb.
The importance of meditation, prayer, exercise and being present when wearing the family hat.
Being innovative in the way she trains in Saudi Arabia because of the environmental conditions and cultural values.
Overcoming the biggest challenge in always being alone, as the only person in Saudi Arabia who did triathlon.
Qualifying for and then racing in the 2018 Hawaii Ironman World Triathlon Championships.
Now achieving her dream of competing in Kona at the Ironman, what is next.
Dave Scott being her triathlon hero.
Encouraging her team to lead an active and healthy lifestyle.
Learned to relax a little but more. Less uptight if things don’t happen they way I want them.
Setting the intention of what you want to achieve on this day and what I am grateful for.
The impact that her coach, Christine Fletcher has had on her life.

Active CEO Wellness Tip

Has your life got rhythm? – Try working out with music so you can get in the groove. On a recovery type session, you may consider ‘relaxing’ music. Whereas a hard interval type session try an ‘upbeat tune’ that gets you pumped up. If you are really clever you can match the music beat to the rhythm you want to do your workout at. Depending on your mood you can choose music that will either pick you up or relax you if you are too amped up. Just remember to keep the sound level at a point where you can still here what’s happening in your surroundings, especially when running or riding on or across a road.

Tweets

“How different but similar we are, regardless of where we come from, what hat or dress we are wearing. We are all the same as human beings we are all looking to be better, helping our businesses be successful and overcoming challenges we face every day. ” Dr Dina Al-Tayeb explaining the challenges we face in business, on the active CEO Podcast.

“If your mind can win, your body can do anything. “ Discussing resilience and mental focus during an Ironman with Dr Dina Al-Tayeb on the active CEO Podcast.

Resources Mentioned in this show:

Dentalia Clinics www.dentaliaclinic.com
Dr Dina Al-Tayeb Facebook
Dr Dina Al-Tayeb Instagram
Tuffs University www.tufts.edu
King Abdulaziz University www.kau.edu.sa
Ironman www.ironman.com
Christine Fletcher Brite Coaching
Dave Scott www.davescottinc.com
www.nrg2perform.com
craig@nrg2perform.com
Craig Johns LinkedIn
Ben Gathercole LinkedIn
Ben Gathercole Performance Coaching www.bengathercole.com.au

Recommended Reading:

Better Than Winning – Ben’s best selling book

Previous active CEO Podcast Episodes:

#17 – Patrick Kidd OBE (Invictus Games / Deloitte Australia) – Healing Power of Purpose Link
#16 – Liza Pavlakos (www.lizapavlakos.com) – Adversity Transforms Lives Link
#15 – Michael Sewards (SkyBus) – All Aboard the SkyBus Link
#14 – Jamin Heppell & Jen Ziegner (Mountains & Marathons) – Leading From the Mountain Tops Link
#13 – Chris Dean (Choice Energy) – Disrupting the Energy Spectrum link
#12 – Kate Palmer (Sport Australia) – Changing the Game link
#11 – Tim Cosulich (Fratelli Cosulich Group) – Navigating the Global Family Business link
#10 – Dr Ndidi Nnoli-Edozien (Rising Tide Africa) – Magic Happens Outside the Comfort Zone link
#9 – Mike DeNoma (KBZ Bank) Part #2 – Creating an Earthquake link
#8 – Mike DeNoma (KBZ Bank) Part #1 – Your Strengths are What Energise You link
#7 – Trina Gordon (Boyden World Corporation) – Recruiting World Leaders link
#6 – Indiran Padayachee (RentCorp) – Winning Only Matters link
#5 – Suzie Hoitink (Clear Complexions) – Enemy of a Great Life is a Good One link
#4 – Rene Zondag (PBI) – People Are Our Greatest Asset link
#3 – Anne Gripper (NSW Office of Sport) – 6 C’s of Leadership link
#2 – active CEO Intro (NRG2Perform) Part 2 link
#1 – active CEO Intro (NRG2Perform) Part 1 link

active CEO Podcast #17 Patrick Kidd OBE Invictus Games Healing Power of Purpose

Posted on December 10, 2018April 22, 2019 by Craig Johns in Leadership, Podcasts

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On this episode of the active CEO Podcast, Craig Johns speaks with Patrick Kidd OBE about his approach to being driven by service and purpose; empowering your team members; balancing boundaries with the freedom to operate; knowing when to seek advice; the art of planning; and finding the clarity of your strategy. He gives us an in-depth insight into the tight connection and bond developed in the armed forces; the challenges veterans have when transitioning back into society; leadership being driven by context; the purpose of the Invictus Games; the healing power of sport; and how he leads an active CEO lifestyle.

Background

Patrick Kidd OBE is a highly experienced, meticulous and humble leader who has successfully transitioned from serving in the Armed Services to becoming an impressive CEO on debut.

He has a lifelong love of learning and professional development with a Masters of Arts at the Cranfield School of Management, MBA at the Open University, Diploma inSecurity Services at Deakin University and completed the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Company Directors Course.

He served in the British Army for 20 years and the Australian Defence Force for 10 years before transitioning into a principal consultant role at Deloitte Australia in 2015. His impressive leadership has been recognised, with a Queen’s Commendation in 2000 and an OBE in 2005.

Joining Deloitte Australia in 2015, he focused on strategy and operations consulting to Defence and the Defence Industry. He led the Deloitte team responsible for the Invictus Games Sydney pro-bono effort, which resulted in being appointed as the CEO of the 2018 Invictus Games Sydney.

Patrick talks about:

Bringing together an amazing collection of people who come together because they are trying to make a difference for the good.
Creating that atmosphere when things go wrong, the team will come around and support them.
The act of planning is everything
Balancing leading the team and the individual.
Understanding what it is that you are trying to do and why you are trying to do it.
A time when he made a mistake when leading in the Armed Services and the strategies he employed to resurrect the situation.
Respecting the world in which you live and the people that you are dealing with.
Failing to back his Deputy while in Iraq.
The biggest challenges he faced when transitioning from the Armed Services into his role at Deloitte Australia.
Former Wallaby Australian Rugby Captain, Stephen Moore, being the catalyst to Australia commencing its bid, in 2014, for theSydney Invictus Games.
The Invictus games giving a greater purpose to the staff of Deloitte Australia.
Why the Invictus Games is so important to those who have served and the families who have supported them.
The Invictus Games being about those individuals that are going to get the most out of the experience.
Prince Harry being the inspiration behind the Invictus Games.
The “whats next?” The legacy of the Invictus Games.
Veterans Sports Australia’s role to bring together the community of people who have served and give them pathways to connect.
People often over-analyse problems and situations, when actually sometimes all you need to do is, do something.
Learning to ask for help.
Switching off and being ready to move into another setting, is an incredibly hard thing to do.
The effect that his wife and Sir Winston Churchill have had on his career

Active CEO Wellness Tip

Ben and Craig discuss – Apologise to Me! How comfortable are you in saying sorry? We naturally value our ego more than our relationships and therefore it takes strength and courage to be able to say ‘I’m sorry’. Emotional intelligence helps you to comprehend that by saying sorry you demonstrate humility and by apologising it doesn’t always mean that you are wrong. Humility is an important quality that improves relationships and naturally draws others to you.

Tweets

“Our young need to believe in something, they need to recognise that life has a purpose and it’s not just about them.” The importance of defining your purpose with Patrick Kidd OBE on the active CEO Podcast.

“It is your job to bring a team together, give the team purpose and to help them along the way so they can do great work. “Patrick Kidd OBE on leading teams on the active CEO Podcast.

“Unless you have got a really clear view as to what the objective is and what you are trying to do, you are never going to get there.” Achieving goals with Patrick Kidd OBE on the active CEO Podcast.

“It is not about who you are and what you did yesterday, it is what you are going to be.” Where you focus should be with Patrick Kidd OBE on the active CEO Podcast.

Resources Mentioned in this show:

Thank you to Peppers Gallery Hotel, Canberra for hosting the interview.
Patrick Kidd LinkedIn
Invictus Games www.invictusgames2018.org
Deloitte Australia link
Australian Defence Force www.defence.gov.au
British Army www.army.mod.uk
Kingston University www.kingston.ac.uk
Royal Military Academy Sandhurst link
Cranfield School of Management www.cranfield.ac.uk
Deakin University www.deakin.edu.au
Australian institute of Company Directors link
The Open University www.open.edu.au
www.nrg2perform.com
craig@nrg2perform.com
Craig Johns LinkedIn
Ben Gathercole LinkedIn
Ben Gathercole Performance Coaching www.bengathercole.com.au

Recommended Reading:

Better Than Winning – Ben’s best selling book Purchase Now

Previous active CEO Podcast Episodes:

#16 – Liza Pavlakos (www.lizapavlakos.com) – Adversity Transforms Lives Link
#15 – Michael Sewards (SkyBus) – All Aboard the SkyBus Link
#14 – Jamin Heppell & Jen Ziegner (Mountains & Marathons) – Leading From the Mountain Tops Link
#13 – Chris Dean (Choice Energy) – Disrupting the Energy Spectrum link
#12 – Kate Palmer (Sport Australia) – Changing the Game link
#11 – Tim Cosulich (Fratelli Cosulich Group) – Navigating the Global Family Business link
#10 – Dr Ndidi Nnoli-Edozien (Rising Tide Africa) – Magic Happens Outside the Comfort Zone link
#9 – Mike DeNoma (KBZ Bank) Part #2 – Creating an Earthquake link
#8 – Mike DeNoma (KBZ Bank) Part #1 – Your Strengths are What Energise You link
#7 – Trina Gordon (Boyden World Corporation) – Recruiting World Leaders link
#6 – Indiran Padayachee (RentCorp) – Winning Only Matters link
#5 – Suzie Hoitink (Clear Complexions) – Enemy of a Great Life is a Good One link
#4 – Rene Zondag (PBI) – People Are Our Greatest Asset link
#3 – Anne Gripper (NSW Office of Sport) – 6 C’s of Leadership link
#2 – active CEO Intro (NRG2Perform) Part 2 link
#1 – active CEO Intro (NRG2Perform) Part 1 link

Liza Pavlakos (lizapavlakos.com) – Adversity Transforms Lives

active CEO Podcast #16 Liza Pavlakos Adversity Transforms Lives

Posted on December 3, 2018April 22, 2019 by Craig Johns in Leadership, Podcasts

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 48:06 — 44.0MB) | Embed

Liza Pavalakos – Founder LizaPavlakos.com

On this episode of the active CEO Podcast, we are blessed to hear a compelling insight into the incredible life of Liza Pavlakos, from being physically and sexually abused, raped, homeless, kidnapped, tortured and human trafficked, to leading highly successful businesses and becoming an acclaimed international speaker, with limited high school education and no business training. We discuss overcoming and coping with adversity, starting a business with no education or business education, selling the service before the product, treating everyone as human beings, being proud to talk about your adversities, first knowing your ‘why’ before you know your ‘how’, and how she leads an active CEO lifestyle. This is one episode of the active CEO Podcast that you do not want to miss.

Background

Liza Pavlakos is a beautiful lady who has emerged from the depths of misery, frustration of powerlessness, humiliation of sexual and physical abuse, heartache of abduction, loneliness as a homeless teenager, hopelessness of being human trafficked and hardships of poverty, to rise up and lead a highly successful life as a businesswomen and international motivational speaker.

Her grit and determination to turn around her life, overcome adversity, understand life is worth living, be exceptional and become a successful entrepreneur, has led her to inspiring and motivating many people around the world.

She broke through barriers and bounded over obstacles, as a young self-taught entrepreneur and philanthropist, to transform Minibar Piccolo into a popular Melbourne café, successfully grow Finest Alterations from a struggling business to a thriving profitable five-outlet franchise, and at the age of 23, plan and stage the Miss India International Pageant generating $100,000 in ticket sales.

This remarkable woman inspires hope, empowers audiences, energises people and transforms lives with her moving story, beautiful soul, lasting imprint and infectious optimism. She shares her story and message around the globe through the Liza Pavlakos Foundation, www.lizapavlakos.com and with global companies such as CNN, Ritz Carlton, PWC, Qatar Airways, Colonial and ANZ.

Liza talks about:

Being exceptional about the way we think about the situations that be fall us and being the best version of yourself that you can be.
How we choose to handle adversities, is what defines us.
Being physically and sexually abused from the age of six by her uncle and cousin, who she really loved and trusted.
Feeling unheard at the age of 15 she developed depression, which led to an addiction to suicide and running away from home at the age of 17.
From a very sheltered Malaysian Islamic background, to being homeless and alone on the streets of Melbourne in Australia.
Being kidnapped by a stranger while walking home from school, to a destination she did not recognize and tortured for 8 hours till she was a knife edge away from death as she was given her last rights.
Feeling the heartbeat of her first child made her feel that she was loved, that she had a sense of purpose and to be the best version of myself.
Coming up with her first business idea that resulted in a $100,000 profit, Miss India International beauty pageant, with zero start up and a baby in her hand.
Empowering women and girls that have been abused themselves, but who weren’t able to articulate it or come out in the open.
Feeling the calmness come over you when tragedy is about to strike you
An Uber ride in the Middle East with her cameraman and assistant that led to being held at a prison and the uncovering of a human trafficking ring of over 350 people who had been gagged, murdered and burnt as military intelligence saved their lives.
Suffering and coping with Post-traumatic stress syndrome, and now having the courage to make change and talk about it. .
Having to ask customers how to make a Latte during her first days at Minibar Piccolo.
The product should always be good, but it is always selling the service first before the product.
Treating everyone as human beings as everyone has a story.
Treating everyone who works with her as family members and they all will have a vested interest in the business.
Staying calm, relaxed and focused on the person or people who need you to be strong, during moments of vulnerability.
Seeing people from the eyes of love, forgiveness, empathy and understanding that it makes the world of difference.
Know your “why” and then you will know your “how”.
The purpose of the Liza Pavlakos Foundation.
Teaching her children that they don’t need to shy away from anything and they don’t have to worry how people perceive them.
Waking up in the morning, preparing food for dinner, going to the gym, doing something for her, listening to music and reading books.
When travelling she always ensures that she has arranged a trainer ahead of time.
Her soon to be released book – Voiceless No More

Active CEO Wellness Tip

Ben and Craig discuss the importance of getting active in the workplace. Extended periods of time spent sitting can result in chronic back pain, cardiovascular disease, muscle deterioration, decreased productivity and even poor mental health. It supports a sedentary lifestyle that could also lead to weight gain, poor cardiovascular health, weakened muscles, stiff joints, and even diabetes.

Tweets

“The adversities are the very thing that makes them beautiful, that make them unique, that make them resilient, that make them strong.” Overcoming adversity with Liza Pavlakos on the active CEO Podcast.

“I am proof that a person can prevail against seemingly insurmountable circumstances if they have perseverance and the right mindset.” Liza Pavlakos on being consistent in the pursuit of her dream, on the active CEO Podcast.

Resources Mentioned in this show:

Liza Pavlakos LinkedIn

Liza Pavlakos www.lizapavlakos.com

Liza Pavlakos Facebook

Liza Pavlakos Instagram

Finest Alterations link

www.nrg2perform.com

craig@nrg2perform.com

Craig Johns LinkedIn

Ben Gathercole LinkedIn

Ben Gathercole Performance Coaching www.bengathercole.com.au

Recommended Reading:

Better Than Winning – Ben’s best selling book

Previous active CEO Podcast Episodes:

#15 – Michael Sewards (SkyBus) – All Aboard the SkyBus Link
#14 – Jamin Heppell & Jen Ziegner (Mountains & Marathons) – Leading From the Mountain Tops Link
#13 – Chris Dean (Choice Energy) – Disrupting the Energy Spectrum link
#12 – Kate Palmer (Sport Australia) – Changing the Game link
#11 – Tim Cosulich (Fratelli Cosulich Group) – Navigating the Global Family Business link
#10 – Dr Ndidi Nnoli-Edozien (Rising Tide Africa) – Magic Happens Outside the Comfort Zone link
#9 – Mike DeNoma (KBZ Bank) Part #2 – Creating an Earthquake link
#8 – Mike DeNoma (KBZ Bank) Part #1 – Your Strengths are What Energise You link
#7 – Trina Gordon (Boyden World Corporation) – Recruiting World Leaders link
#6 – Indiran Padayachee (RentCorp) – Winning Only Matters link
#5 – Suzie Hoitink (Clear Complexions) – Enemy of a Great Life is a Good One link
#4 – Rene Zondag (PBI) – People Are Our Greatest Asset link
#3 – Anne Gripper (NSW Office of Sport) – 6 C’s of Leadership link
#2 – active CEO Intro (NRG2Perform) Part 2 link
#1 – active CEO Intro (NRG2Perform) Part 1 link

December NRGizer Newsletter

Posted on December 3, 2018May 9, 2020 by Craig Johns in Article, Leadership, Newsletter

The NRGizer by NRG2Perform December newsletter is now available – Be the Best Version of Yourself – In this issue we discuss Changing the Game with Kate Palmer of Sport Australia; quietening the mind before going to sleep; parking the ego in a co-CEO environment with Michael Sewards SkyBus, and take a look at whether you are seeing the big picture.

Ben Gathercole and Craig Johns also delve into disrupting the energy sector with Christopher Dean, you can’t stop rotting wood; leading from the mountain tops with Jamin Heppell and Jen Ziegner on Mountains and Marathons; and are you working out with a purpose.

View the Newsletter

Michael Sewards (SkyBus) – All Aboard the SkyBus

active CEO Podcast #15 Michael Sewards All Aboard the SkyBus

Posted on November 27, 2018April 22, 2019 by Craig Johns in Leadership, Podcasts

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 55:36 — 50.9MB) | Embed

On this episode of the active CEO Podcast, we discuss how Michael’s team are elevating the experience of the SkyBus Passengers, coping with passengers varying stress levels, expanding both nationally and internationally, and solving the congestion problems at airports. We delve into Michael’s leadership style, parking the ego in a co-CEO environment, the growing pains when expanding quickly from 140 to 600 team members, and leading through transparency, energy and purpose, in a practical manner.

Background

Michael Sewards is a CEO that is always on the move, ensuring that customers are placed first and the passenger experience is of the highest quality. His leadership style is a charismatic, but humble, approach that suits being at the heart of a world-class transport service that caters for over 4 million passengers per year. He became Co-CEO of SkyBus in 2014, the company services airport passengers across Australia and New Zealand in Melbourne, Gold Coast, Auckland and Hobart, at no cost to the tax payers.

His efficient nature shines through in his ability to manage multiple site locations, volunteering at various sport organisations, supporting charities, spending time with his family and finding time to ride his bike. Michael is known for his generosity and caring nature, he spends a lot of time with his wife supporting and making a difference with those less fortunate such as starving children and women dealing with Breast Cancer.

Michael talks about:

Growing up and dreaming of being a Professional soccer player, and the harsh realities of trialling for Queens Park Rangers and realising that you don’t have enough talent to succeed.
The importance of preparation and understanding the environment you are about to enter.
How having part-time roles during High School and University allowed him to develop the fundamental skills required to be successful in business.
The first 100 days as the new CEO of SkyBus and being handed the keys.
Underestimating the strength of the culture in a family business that had been developed over 36 years.
Having a co-CEO and the relationship that has been developed for over 20 years.
SkyBus being proud to showcase and love the passenger’s destination, and making sure that their first impression is truly amazing.
Coping with passengers differing levels of stress, feelings, experience and approach to travelling.
Why it is important for the CEO to be clipping tickets at the curb or driving the bus.
Understanding the pinch points and degrees of stress in the business because of an event or certain time of the year, and deploying the management team to the curb.
The expansion strategy of SkyBus and the most important components for making it successful.
Understanding what the market knew and felt about SkyBus. Is there sense of brand equity and passenger ownership of the brand?
The greatest limitation to growth at airports is congestion in the forecourt terminal.
Partnerships are becoming very important in the growth and development of both business and most importantly the community.
SkyBus powered by Vodafone.
Wrapping the bus in promoting White Ribbon and Breast Cancer Network, and getting the bus drivers to sign the bus and commit to stopping any violence towards women.
The importance of turning off from work, having interests outside of work, riding a bike before work and reading a book per week.
Doing something new, every day, for the last four years.

Active CEO Wellness Tip

Ben and Craig talk about giving it a rest. It is amazing how many people disregard the most important technique for stress management, productivity, mental health, physical health and performance, GET A GOODS NIGHT SLEEP! People who get less than 6hrs sleep double the likelihood of weight gain and diabetes because of raised cortisol levels and the affects it has on insulin metabolism and blood-sugar control. Getting 8 or more hours sleep a night has a positive affect on your biochemical balance, predisposition to chronic diseases, performance, mood, energy levels, helping you to lose weight, controlling your stress response and vigour. Prioritise the time you go to bed.

Tweets

“The most important thing our team members need to know, is that somebody is there to help.” Gaining an insight into Michael Sewards, CEO of SkyBus, on the active CEO Podcast.

“It is challenging to apply the learning’s from Australia and to pivot and mold in New Zealand. It is just such an incredibly dynamic market because everything that happens in New Zealand is really done for the rest of the world.” Michael Sewards on expanding SkyBus into New Zealand, on the active CEO Podcast.

Resources Mentioned in this show:

Michael Sewards LinkedIn

SkyBus www.skybus.com.au

www.nrg2perform.com

craig@nrg2perform.com

Craig Johns LinkedIn

Ben Gathercole LinkedIn

Ben Gathercole Performance Coaching www.bengathercole.com.au

Recommended Reading:

Better Than Winning – Ben’s best selling book link

Previous active CEO Podcast Episodes:

#14 – Jamin Heppell & Jen Ziegner (Mountains & Marathons) – Leading From the Mountain Tops Link
#13 – Chris Dean (Choice Energy) – Disrupting the Energy Spectrum link
#12 – Kate Palmer (Sport Australia) – Changing the Game link
#11 – Tim Cosulich (Fratelli Cosulich Group) – Navigating the Global Family Business link
#10 – Dr Ndidi Nnoli-Edozien (Rising Tide Africa) – Magic Happens Outside the Comfort Zone link
#9 – Mike DeNoma (KBZ Bank) Part #2 – Creating an Earthquake link
#8 – Mike DeNoma (KBZ Bank) Part #1 – Your Strengths are What Energise You link
#7 – Trina Gordon (Boyden World Corporation) – Recruiting World Leaders link
#6 – Indiran Padayachee (RentCorp) – Winning Only Matters link
#5 – Suzie Hoitink (Clear Complexions) – Enemy of a Great Life is a Good One link
#4 – Rene Zondag (PBI) – People Are Our Greatest Asset link
#3 – Anne Gripper (NSW Office of Sport) – 6 C’s of Leadership link
#2 – active CEO Intro (NRG2Perform) Part 2 link
#1 – active CEO Intro (NRG2Perform) Part 1 link

active CEO Podcast #14 Jamin Heppell & Jen Ziegner Leading From the Mountain Tops

Posted on November 22, 2018April 22, 2019 by Craig Johns in Leadership, Podcasts

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 49:23 — 45.2MB) | Embed

Jamin Heppell & Jen Ziegner – Founders Mountains and Marathons

On this episode of the active CEO Podcast, Craig Johns and Ben Gathercole speak with Jamin Heppell and Jen Ziegner about how they are transforming not only their clients, but also their own lives; being the best version of yourself; connecting with the community; purpose driven businesses; aligning personal and business values; and the catalyst for Mountains & Marathons.

Background

Jamin Heppell and Jen Ziegner are a dynamic duo, who combine their passions and purpose in life with other people all around the world. They maybe young, but are very wise when it comes to human development. Their lives involve finding some amazing physical challenges and combining it with helping people improve their mental, emotional and leadership performance.

As Founders of Mountains & Marathons, they have had quite different careers. Jamin was a strength & conditioning coach at Essendon Football Club and is a serial entrepreneur founding 5 companies in the last ten years. Jen is passionate about personal development, having spent time with Tony Robbins and the Robbins-Madanes Training as a strategic intervention coach. She loves consulting, coaching and advising people on how to unlock and optimise their potential.

Mountains & Marathons, the most adventurous leadership program, is a 6-month leadership program that develops courage, clarity and confidence. Every program finishes with an epic physical challenge: Running a marathon or climbing a mountain in one of the world’s most extraordinary locations, such as Patagonia, Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Blanc, San Francisco and the Everest Basecamp.

Jamin & Jen talks about:

Getting off the hamster wheel of the entrepreneurial game
If I could be doing anything in the world right now, what could I be doing?
Running marathons and climbing mountains all around the world
We are in control of the choices we make.
Taking on challenges that put me out of my comfort zone.
Having a deeper sense of connectedness with people and recognising the value of bringing community, bringing people together had on ones greater sense of health and wellbeing.
Leveraging the power of sport to be a greater transformative agent in grass-root communities.
The passion for entrepreneurship and purpose driven businesses.
Being agile, coping with a life of uncertainty and being a risk-taker.
How an Impact Investment Australia event at Street Coffee led to Jamin and Jen meeting for the first time.
Taking the bold move and “doing it my way”.
The catalyst to Mountains & Marathons.
Supporting people to gain greater clarity, courage and confidence through taking on a 6-month leadership program that centres around an epic physical challenge such as running a marathon or climbing a mountain.
How do you level up in all areas of life that are important to you, including health, family life, mental and emotional wellbeing and ultimately developing the whole person.
How the more you give leads to the more you get.
Their core values of courage, adventure, integrity and contribution.
The power of serving people to transform their lives.
How can you leverage an epic physical challenge and doing something that you didn’t think you could do, to transform other aspects of your life.
Some of the incredible transformational stories from the Mountains and Marathons program, including bouncing back from divorce, taking the brave step to change careers in the pursuit of happiness and weight loss through rising to the roof of Africa.
Showing up every day in alignment with what we are asking our clients to do in their programs.
Being along on stage with two left feet when doing the Bachata Latin dance in front of highly experienced dancers.

Tweets

“Feeling trapped inside, thinking I have to keep doing this, my community needs me, what will people say if I stop.” Jamin Heppell on the active CEO Podcast.

Active CEO Wellness Tip

Ben and Craig talk about how to deal with limited time and changing up your commute to and from work. They discuss walking, riding or running to work, rather than getting frustrated while sitting in traffic or waiting for public transport. They unveil the fitness commute as a great way for CEO’s and leaders to fit exercise into their busy schedule. They mention that your training can be completed by the time your walk into the office and the value of de-cluttering and clearing your mind before your step inside the house.

Resources Mentioned in this show:

Jen Zeigner LinkedIn

Jamin Heppell LinkedIn

Mountains & Marathons website

Robbins –Madanes Training Centre Link

Game Changers Australia Link

Impact Investing Australia Link

www.nrg2perform.com

craig@nrg2perform.com

Craig Johns LinkedIn

Ben Gathercole LinkedIn

Ben Gathercole Performance Coaching www.bengathercole.com.au

Recommended Reading:

Better Than Winning – Ben’s best selling book

www.nrg2perform.com/portfolio/book

Previous active CEO Podcast Episodes:

#13 – Chris Dean (Choice Energy) – Disrupting the Energy Spectrum link
#12 – Kate Palmer (Sport Australia) – Changing the Game link
#11 – Tim Cosulich (Fratelli Cosulich Group) – Navigating the Global Family Business link
#10 – Dr Ndidi Nnoli-Edozien (Rising Tide Africa) – Magic Happens Outside the Comfort Zone link
#9 – Mike DeNoma (KBZ Bank) Part #2 – Creating an Earthquake link
#8 – Mike DeNoma (KBZ Bank) Part #1 – Your Strengths are What Energise You link
#7 – Trina Gordon (Boyden World Corporation) – Recruiting World Leaders link
#6 – Indiran Padayachee (RentCorp) – Winning Only Matters link
#5 – Suzie Hoitink (Clear Complexions) – Enemy of a Great Life is a Good One link
#4 – Rene Zondag (PBI) – People Are Our Greatest Asset link
#3 – Anne Gripper (NSW Office of Sport) – 6 C’s of Leadership link
#2 – active CEO Intro (NRG2Perform) Part 2 link
#1 – active CEO Intro (NRG2Perform) Part 1 link

Why Curiosity is so Important

Posted on October 27, 2018May 9, 2020 by Craig Johns in Article, Leadership

Curiosity leads to breakthrough discoveries and remarkable inventions. So why do we see companies stifling curiosity in the workplace?

It is normal for humans to seek new information and experiences. By cultivating curiosity and the promotion of exploring novel possibilities throughout a company, employees will think deeper and more rationally about decisions.

“The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing.

ALBERT EINSTEIN

If we step back in time, when we were a child, we had an insatiable need to explore and understand the world around us. We were not afraid to challenge the status quo by asking lots of questions, tasting things we probably shouldn’t or doing something for the first time, without the worry of whether we were wrong or offending anyone.

As we grew older we become more self-conscious, try to appear more confident and show that we know what we are doing. By the time we arrive as adults, our curiosity is quite suppressed as fear of being judged and not living up to other people’s expectations creeps in.

The future belongs to the curious. The ones who are not afraid to try it, explore it, poke at it, question it and turn it inside out.”

UNKNOWN

Curiosity leads to creativity and innovation, which is important for you and your company to adapt to uncertain market conditions and external pressures. It creates an environment that inspires employees to improve their collaborative relationships, trust and more respect of their leader.

Leaders can fall into the trap of thinking that curiosity will increase risk and inefficiency. They stumble with the conundrum faced between the now and the future. How do we meet budget, sales targets, membership numbers and deadlines, when we know that we need to allow time where employees have the freedom to create new products, services, processes and business lines?

“Curiosity, especially intellectual inquisitiveness, is what separates the truly alive with those who are merely going through the motions.

TOM ROBBINS

Finding the balance of exploration versus efficiency is an important component of a leader. Employees, who are under pressure to complete tasks quickly, tend to avoid asking questions about how they can improve their output and enhance the possible outcomes. When we question the status quo, we may not always produce useful information or solutions, but we also may prevent a decision being made that is catastrophic for your role and your company.

We perform better when we are curious because we view the tough situations more creatively. High performing employees, who are curious, seek more information from their colleagues, which helps improve the work that they do. They perform better because information is openly shared and they listen more carefully. New ideas are created, job satisfaction is improved, motivation increases and innovation flourishes as curiosity leads to a high performance environment.

“Around here, we don’t look backwards for very long. We keep moving forward opening up new doors and doing new things, because we are curious and curiosity leads us down new paths.

WALT DISNEY

The power of solving problems together and looking at suitable alternatives, brings teams closer together. It allows employees to step into another employees shoes, look at it from another perspective and allows them to work together in a more effective manner.

In the next active CEO article we will look at ways in which leaders can enhance curiosity in their workplace.

Looking for More?

Keep up-to-date on the latest membership information, research and ideas by signing up the the NRGizer Newsletter. SIGN UP NOW

Are you looking for more insights and ideas? Then read the following inspiring and thought-provoking articles and podcasts:

Dr Ndidi Nnoli-Edozien (Rising Tide Africa) – Magic Happens Outside the Comfort Zone

active CEO Podcast #10 Ndidi Nnoli Edozien Magic Happens Outside the Comfort Zone

Posted on October 23, 2018April 22, 2019 by Craig Johns in Leadership, Podcasts

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:03:18 — 58.0MB) | Embed

PCB Vol 10- Dr. Ndidi Nnoli — Dr. Ndidi Nnoli-Edozien – Founder & President Growing Businesses Foundation

On this episode of the active CEO Podcast, Craig Johns and Ben Gathercole speak with Dr. Ndidi Nnoli Edozien, a remarkable lady who has provided direction, hope, inspiration and a gift to thousands of female and youth entrepreneurs, from rural areas in Nigeria and across Africa. Ndidi has worked with many of the world’s largest multinationals such as Shell, ExxonMobil and Unilever. We discuss her journey from lending to leading, why it is important to invest in the poor, the magic of vulnerability, how every moment is enough, connecting with your inner gut, embracing failure, understanding people who are unhappy, and embracing failure.

Dr. Ndidi Nnoli Edozien

Dr. Ndidi Nnoli Edozien is the founder and President of Growing Businesses Foundation, since 1999, and the President of Rising Tide Africa. Born in Karlsruhe, Germany to a Nigerian father and German mother. She found her purpose in life to be a catalyst for social change through focusing on social entrepreneurship, corporate sustainability and responsibility (CSR), and is a leading advocate on Bottom of the Pyramid empowerment.

Her education includes attending the United World College and a PhD from Johann Wolfgang Goethe University in the area of “ownership and management structures”. She is an Alumnus of Wharton Business School, and has also completed executive programmes at INSEAD and Cambridge Judge Business School.

She speaks with passion, pride and humility as she delivers powerful, inspiring and emotionally connecting words of wisdom to encourage the next generation to be bold and make a difference in their life and the community around them.

Ndidi talks about:

The contrast between Germany and Nigeria and how that influenced her upbringing.
How one can harness the huge potential in Lagos, and how the world sees the huge potential and economic power.
United World College’s focus on transforming the world, transforming the space with which you live, and being an ambassador for your country and your people.
Considering the other side and how much richer that makes your perspective
What inspired Ndidi to start Growing Businesses Foundation.
Building sustainable economies around big businesses.
How Growing Businesses Foundation program contributed 4% of Unilever’s revenues.
Providing a paradigm shift in the way that big business looks at their social responsibility.
The incredible ripple effect of micro-financing women and youth
Rural telephone project
Less than 20% of the Nigerian population are formally employed.
The purpose of Rising Tide Africa.
Guiding businesses to succeed and even to exit at the appropriate time.
Learning to be satisfied with little victories.
Why successful people tend to have a humble and quiet confidence that keeps them going.
Embracing failure and what happens when you don’t deal with it.
“You must never be willing to die for anything. You must be willing to give it your best shot. If it fails, you must walk away from it like you never even cared.”
How she responded to a potential investor saying “I think you have made a bad career move”.
How the Wharton Business School Advanced Management Program opened up peoples vulnerabilities so intensely, allowing them to grow from their ability to be humble and honest.
The discipline of creating time for you is one of the things we neglect the most and need the most.
How she responds to people who are unhappy and not all right.
There is no job or anything that is more important than our personal wellbeing.
Her love of working with interns.
Why her two daughters have had the greatest impact on her career.

Tweets

“It taught me that poverty wasn’t so much the lack of financial capital, but was the lack of dignity and self-confidence”. Listen to Ndidi Nnoli Edozien on the active CEO Podcast

“Don’t give charity to the poor, the poorest people who need ‘help’, look at them as potential, economic potential and socioeconomic potential, and invest.” Listen to the active CEO Podcast as Ndidi Nnoli Edozien explains how she empowers 100,000’s of women.

“Create a movement where everyone decides to do their little bit, that’s where transformation really happens.” Learn more amazing business tips with Ndidi Nnoli Edozien on the active CEO Podcast

“Love what you do. When you are able and willing to do it even when no one is looking or no one will pay you for it, you gain an inner strength and momentum to sustain and it gives you the ability to tap into that inner intuitive knowing. To be great at business its actually not the thinking or the feeling, it is the knowing.” On being an entrepreneur with Ndidi Nnoli Edozien on the active CEO Podcast

Resources Mentioned in this show:

Growing Businesses Foundation link

Rising Tide Africa link

Ndidi LinkedIn link

Ndidi Wikipedia link

Ndidi Interview Wharton Business School video

Wharton Business School www.wharton.upenn.edu/

INSEAD link

Johann Wolfgang Goethe University link

Cambridge Judge Business School link

Unilever www.unilever.com

Shell www.shell.com

Exxon Mobil www.exxonmobil.com

www.nrg2perform.com

craig@nrg2perform.com

www.linkedin.com/in/ceo-corporate-wellness-perform

Recommended Reading:

Better Than Winning – Ben’s best selling book

www.nrg2perform.com/portfolio/book

Previous active CEO Podcast Episodes:

#9 – Mike DeNoma (KBZ Bank) Part #2 – Creating an Earthquake link
#8 – Mike DeNoma (KBZ Bank) Part #1 – Your Strengths are What Energise You link
#7 – Trina Gordon (Boyden World Corporation) – Recruiting World Leaders link
#6 – Indiran Padayachee (RentCorp) – Winning Only Matters link
#5 – Suzie Hoitink (Clear Complexions) – Enemy of a Great Life is a Good One link
#4 – Rene Zondag (PBI) – People Are Our Greatest Asset link
#3 – Anne Gripper (NSW Office of Sport) – 6 C’s of Leadership link
#2 – active CEO Intro (NRG2Perform) Part 2 link
#1 – active CEO Intro (NRG2Perform) Part 1 link

Mastery of Persuasion

Posted on October 5, 2018May 9, 2020 by Craig Johns in Article, Leadership

Customer service is important to your business as it can help you increase customer loyalty, customer spend, quantity of purchases, positive word-of-mouth, and decrease buying barriers. Your ability treat customers with respect, follow up on feedback, handle complaints gracefully, understand their needs and wants, and exceed expectations is the key to a long and valuable relationship.

This is the third article of a four-part series focusing on how the fundamentals of customer service are crucial to staff interaction, stakeholder management and the growth of every staff member, including yourself. We cover the ability to persuade, resolve issues completely, continually learn, understand the types of customers, be courteous and follow up with customers. If you missed the first two articles you can click on the following links. Part #1 / Part #2.

13. Mastery of Persuasion

The ability to create compelling messages that leave your customers with no choice but to stay connected with your company is a valuable skill for you and your employees to have. This is a skill that will take your customer service to the next level, as it provides you with the tools to convince interested customers that your product or service is exactly what they need. Being able to subtly make it feel like it is the customer’s idea to purchase a product or service is the ultimate goal.

14. Closing Time

Finishing a conversation, either verbal or written, with a confirmed outcome and satisfaction should be the goal for every interaction with customers. Customers are looking for a resolution, so it is sacrificial to complete the conversation before all the problems are addressed. It is important to take the time to confirm that all issues the customer has, have been entirely addressed and resolved. Your ability and willingness to close effectively show the customer that you care about getting it right, willing to go the distance and that the customer determines whether it has been resolved or not.

15. Continuous Learning

Investing in your customer service skills is necessary to ensure that you are providing your customers with the service and support they deserve. Consistent improvement allows you to increase customer happiness ratings. Those who aren’t willing to develop their skills are likely to get left behind the people and businesses who make investing in learning a priority.

16. Know Thy Customer

There are five sales-orientated types of customers (livechat) that you are most likely to encounter:

Potential customer – they show some interest in your business, so needs nurturing (show them value) and welcoming (let them know you are there to answer any questions) before they make a buying decision. The new
New customer – they just bought something from you, is still learning from you, and will need your help to guide them to success with the product or service through a clear user on-boarding process.
Impulsive customer – they can make a buying decision quickly, so it is important to reduce any potential boundaries, and ensure that help is quick, clear and concise.
Discount customer – they love a bargain, will never buy at full price, and therefore require further information and added value before they purchase, otherwise they may quickly switch to a competing business.
Loyalty customer – they keep coming back for more, are perfect ambassadors and help you grow through word-of-mouth, so it is important to provide them a platform to spread the word and keep them excited about your product and business.

17. Courteous

Treating your customers with respect and patience will take you along way. Greet your customers as they come through the door, use their name regularly, keep them informed if there is a delay, check in with them while they are purchasing and know your products inside-out. If there is a problem, make sure that you give them the time to express their issue and concerns, ask questions to gain greater understanding and be empathetic to their situation is crucial.

18. The Follow Up

It is absolutely paramount that you follow-up with customers to ensure the solution has been successful and that they are continuing to use your product and business. Following up with customers will exceed their expectations and may lead to increased loyalty and purchases in the future.

The fourth and final part of the 4-part series on customer service will be available in the next NRG2Perform article. It will take a look at conflict resolution, the use of technology, measuring customer service and more.

Looking for More?

Keep up-to-date on the latest membership information, research and ideas by signing up the the NRGizer Newsletter. SIGN UP NOW

Are you looking for more insights and ideas? Then read the following inspiring and thought-provoking articles and podcasts:

actve CEO Podcast Indiran Padayachee Rentcorp Winning Only Matters

active CEO Podcast #6 Indiran Padayachee Winning Only Matters

Posted on September 15, 2018April 22, 2019 by Craig Johns in Leadership, Podcasts

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 47:39 — 43.6MB) | Embed

On this episode of the active CEO Podcast, Craig Johns and Ben Gathercole speak with Indiran Padayachee delving into his performance and precision mind, discussing immigrating from South Africa to Australia, working in Toyota, leading Rentcorp, allowing people to mistakes, investing in your competitors, innovation through diversification of staff, being an active CEO and why racing Porsche GT Cup cars is his ‘Golf” outlet.

Indiran Padayachee

Indiran Padayachee is the Founder, Director and CEO of Rentcorp Forklifts. Indiran immigrated to Australia in 1987 and has been building RentCorp, a Forklift rental company, in Sydney. Indiran is also a dedicated and very successful Porsche Cup competitor, which is one of the most competitive one make series in the world. He is a very humble, well respected, and leads through empowerment.

Indiran talks about:

The challenges of immigrating from South Africa to Australia in the 1980’s
Dealing with leaving behind a well-established lifestyle and family network
How working with Toyota gave him the stepping stones to starting his own business
Why it was important to work locally, get to know the culture, what was and wasn’t acceptable, business environment, and meeting customers and people
What the materials and handling industry involves and how it is evolving
The importance of a rapidly changing IT world
Investing time in knowing what your competitors are doing, finding alternatives, in-house training, empowering people and providing exceptional service.
Using a collaborative and empowerment centered leadership style
Allowing people to make mistakes
If someone needs a solution, then the present 3 options
How Rentcorp fosters innovation
Why the staff write down five points each day
Opportunities to discuss new ideas
Finding something simple
What he does to stay active and healthy
The alignment of motorsport and business
Why the sign in the Rentcorp Boardroom says “Business is Like a war, only winning matters.”
Innovation through diversification of staff
Motorsport being his ‘golf’ outlet
Mental preparation before opening the door handle
Precision in the process of racing a Porsche GT Cup car
Why his licence plate reads “My Way”.
His wife having the greatest impact on his career

Tweets

“Business is Like a war, only winning matters.” with Indiran Padayachee. You can listen here

Why is the innovation through diversification of staff, and the alignment between driving a Porsche and business, so important to success? Listen to Indiran Padayachee and gain an insight into leading by example on the active CEO Podcast.

Resources Mentioned in this show:

www.rentcorp.com.au

www.carreracup.com.au/dream-round-for-record-father-son-pairing/

www.nrg2perform.com

craig@nrg2perform.com

www.linkedin.com/in/ceo-corporate-wellness-perform

Recommended Reading:

Better Than Winning – Ben’s best selling book https://nrg2perform.com/portfolio/book

Previous active CEO Podcast Episodes:

#5 – Suzie Hoitink (Clear Complexions) – Enemy of a Great Life is a Good One link
#4 – Rene Zondag (PBI) – People Are Our Greatest Asset link
#3 – Anne Gripper (NSW Office of Sport) – 6 C’s of Leadership link
#2 – active CEO Intro (NRG2Perform) Part 2 link
#1 – active CEO Intro (NRG2Perform) Part 1 link