In this episode of the Thought Leadership Leverage podcast, host Bill Sherman chats with Karen Wright Gordon, CEO of 5 Dynamics, about revolutionizing organizational performance.

Karen explains their unique assessment, a product of Mike Sturm's pioneering research. This tool, while not the company's sole focus, is integral to their methodology. It reveals individual preferences in project phases, enhancing productivity by aligning tasks with personal strengths.

Karen elaborates on the five phases: Ideation, Alignment, Planning, Execution, and Evaluation. Each person has phases where they excel and others that drain them. Their assessment helps identify these preferences, fostering a more efficient and satisfying workflow.

Karen's journey with 5 Dynamics began when she encountered Mike Sturm at a Women's Presidents Organization meeting. Despite her company's success, she felt unfulfilled. Mike's insights resonated with her, leading her to acquire and further develop his IP, making it accessible and practical for businesses.

Karen's vision transcends merely improving performance; she aims to democratize coaching and transform organizational cultures. By focusing on creating a unique lane rather than competing with others, she emphasizes the importance of having Champions—advocates who believe in and spread the methodology.

Karen also shares how their methodology has surprised them with its versatile applications, from the corporate world to academia and healthcare. Studies have shown improvements in teamwork, satisfaction, and overall performance when using the 5 Dynamics framework.

To keep the work fresh and vital, Karen collaborates with a diverse team, including a young neuroscientist and a seasoned chief revenue officer. This diversity ensures a broad reach and rich perspectives in their thought leadership efforts.

Karen feels a profound responsibility to honor Mike Sturm's legacy. Continuing his work and seeing its impact on people's lives keeps her inspired and driven.

Three Key Takeaways:

• Leveraging Personal Preferences: The 5 Dynamics assessment identifies individual preferences in project phases, enhancing productivity by aligning tasks with personal strengths.

• Creating a Unique Path: Karen emphasizes the importance of not just competing but creating a new lane, focusing on democratizing coaching and transforming organizational cultures.

• Honoring Legacy and Innovation: Karen's dedication to Mike Stern's legacy drives her to keep the work impactful and fresh, collaborating with a diverse team to reach wider audiences and bring new perspectives.

In this episode of the Thought Leadership Leverage podcast, host Bill Sherman sits down with Judy Wilkins Smith, an executive coach and trainer specializing in Systemic Constellation Work. Judy has recently released her second book, "The Hidden Power in Your DNA: How to Use Genealogy to Explore Ancestral Patterns & Transform Your Life." Dive in as she shares insights from her transformative journey and groundbreaking work.

"Decoding Your Emotional Blueprint," emerged from personal tragedy. After losing her father, she turned to writing to channel her emotions. Her background in award-winning poetry helped her craft a powerful narrative that connects deeply with readers. That ability to connect and evoke emotion can be seen in Judy's Systemic Constellation Work. Bringing hidden patterns to light by Using 3D tools like paper and props, she helps clients visualize and understand their obstacles. This method allows for a tangible shift in perception and strategy.

Judy talks about the humble journey of becoming the biggest version of oneself. It's about taking full responsibility for personal growth and inviting others to join the adventure. She emphasizes the importance of growth feeling like play rather than a burden. She uses these same ideals when helping clients see the biggest versions of themselves. In her coaching Judy prefers inviting clients to explore their potential rather than pushing them. She’s keenly aware of hesitation, understanding it as a form of self-protection that can be transformed into a strength.

Judy reflects on her own journey with undervaluing her work. Coming from a culture that shies away from ambition, she struggled with Imposter Syndrome. Her growth involved recognizing her worth and pushing past those limiting beliefs.

Judy discusses her "Head, Heart, and Gut" framework, which combats negative self-talk and aligns these three powerful centers to manifest success. When your heart, head, and gut are in sync, you unlock your full potential.

Looking ahead, Judy sees the need for leaders who inspire rather than push. She emphasizes moving beyond victimhood, using personal challenges as a catalyst for remarkable achievements.

Three Key Takeaways:

• Transformative Power of Ancestral Patterns: Judy Wilkins Smith's
work with Systemic Constellation reveals how understanding and
addressing ancestral patterns can transform lives. Her books,
"Decoding Your Emotional Blueprint" and "The Hidden Power in Your DNA," explore how genealogy and systemic work can uncover hidden influences and provide pathways to personal growth.

• Aligning Head, Heart, and Gut: Judy emphasizes the importance of aligning one's head, heart, and gut. By overcoming negative self-talk and ensuring these three elements work together, individuals can achieve conscious manifestation and unlock their full potential. This alignment is crucial for personal and professional success.

• Inspiring Rather Than Pushing: Judy advocates for leadership that inspires rather than pushes. She highlights the significance of
inviting others to explore their potential and grow in a supportive
environment. Her approach focuses on turning challenges into strengths and moving beyond a victim mindset to achieve remarkable outcomes.

In this riveting episode of Thought Leadership Leverage with host
Peter Winick, we dive into the world of non-fiction with Phil Simon, a multifaceted writer, ghostwriter, speaker, and podcaster. Phil shares his journey from a college professor in business information systems to becoming a prolific author and the founder of a hybrid publishing company. He explains his dual role as both a creator and coach, helping others craft their books and platforms while avoiding common pitfalls.

Phil recounts his transition into writing in 2008, which ignited his passion for the craft and led to the establishment of his own publishing company. His unique perspective as an author, ghostwriter, and publisher enables him to guide others effectively. He emphasizes the importance of finding the right fit with clients, setting clear expectations, and ensuring that the client's voice shines through while adhering to effective business writing principles.

Discussing the ghostwriting process, Phil highlights the critical need for compatibility and clear communication with clients. He shares insights into the evolving publishing landscape, noting the rise of hybrid publishing as a cost-effective and rewarding alternative to traditional publishers. Authors now have more control and potential for higher rewards, balancing the risks with substantial marketing and support efforts.

Phil also delves into his personal intellectual property, which he
proudly owns under "Racket Publishing." This ownership allows him to explore various avenues, such as international translations and teachable courses, without intermediary restrictions. He discusses innovative business models that leverage the credibility of a published book, including bespoke versions for corporate clients, custom training, and webinars.

Phil's experience underscores the chaotic yet rewarding nature of
thought leadership and publishing. His advice for aspiring authors and thought leaders is to embrace the non-linear path to success and capitalize on the multifaceted opportunities a book can provide.

Three Key Takeaways:

• Embrace Hybrid Publishing: Phil Simon emphasizes the advantages of hybrid publishing over traditional routes. This model offers authors more control, potential for higher rewards, and flexibility, while still maintaining professional quality. Hybrid publishing allows authors to manage costs and directly benefit from their work.

• Find the Right Fit in Ghostwriting: The importance of compatibility and clear expectations in ghostwriting is crucial. Successful partnerships hinge on mutual understanding and clear communication, ensuring the final product resonates with the intended audience and meets client expectations.

• Leverage Your Book for Broader Opportunities: Owning your
intellectual property opens up diverse monetization avenues. Phil
discusses how a book can elevate your brand, allowing for additional revenue streams through custom training, webinars, and bespoke book versions for corporate clients. Embracing these opportunities can significantly enhance your thought leadership platform.

If you want to learn more about the Changing Landscape of Publishing be sure to check out this video by Peter Winick.

In this engaging episode of Thought Leadership Leverage, host Peter Winick interviews Renee Moorefield, a pioneering leader in human-centered leadership for over 25 years. Renee, the CEO and co-founder of Wisdom Works Group, has been instrumental in transforming how leaders build thriving organizations. Wisdom Works offers innovative resources and guidance to create workplaces and leadership practices that foster well-being and success.

Renee discusses the development of her intellectual property (IP). Her extensive experience in global companies highlighted a critical need: leaders often overlook human factors while focusing on financial and technical performance. Observing this trend, she brought her insights to the University of Colorado’s business school, aiming to scientifically explore the factors that contribute to thriving and stress resilience in leadership. This led to the creation of the "Framework of Thriving" under the "Be Well, Lead Well Pulse Assessment" platform. This framework redefines what it means to thrive, helping leaders understand the essential elements for success in complex environments.

Wisdom Works is now scaling its impact by working with global organizations, especially in the food and consumer goods industries. They conduct one-on-one sessions, team workshops, and organization-wide assessments to identify areas of high and low thriving. This holistic approach introduces new metrics for measuring organizational success and fosters meaningful conversations about well-being.

Additionally, Renee’s team certifies individuals in various industries to implement their tools, creating a network of approximately 225 certified Guides. Peter and Renee discuss the differences between internal and external certified guides, highlighting the unique challenges and benefits of each approach. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the value of their tools, increasing demand for internal coaches equipped to navigate stressful times.

Ensuring the quality and consistency of their certified guides is paramount for Renee. The program sets clear expectations for knowledge, skills, and abilities, relying on an honor system for self-assessment and continuous feedback. With a 94% return on investment rate, the program’s effectiveness is evident, consistently meeting participants' needs and enhancing their capabilities.


Three Key Takeaways:

• Human-Centered Leadership is Essential: Renee Moorefield emphasizes the importance of focusing on human factors in leadership, highlighting how financial and technical performance often overshadow the well-being of people and organizational culture. Leaders need to prioritize creating thriving, sustainable environments.

• Scalable, Science-Based Frameworks: The "Framework of Thriving" and the "Be Well, Lead Well Pulse Assessment" offer a scientifically grounded approach to understanding and fostering leadership that promotes resilience and thriving. This framework helps organizations identify areas of high and low thriving, driving better performance and well-being.

• Certified Guides Enhance Impact: Certifying individuals in various industries to use Wisdom Works' tools has expanded their reach and effectiveness. With approximately 225 certified guides, the program ensures consistent quality and effectiveness, as demonstrated by a 94% return on investment rate, meeting the evolving needs of leaders and organizations.

Want to learn more about customized training? Be sure to watch this short video where Peter Winick discusses How much customization is needed while developing training.

In this episode of Thought Leadership Leverage, host Peter Winick sits down with Elizabeth Lotardo, author of "Leading Yourself: Find More Joy, Meaning, and Opportunities in the Job You Already Have," to explore her journey into thought leadership. Elizabeth, a consultant, Harvard Business Review contributor, and LinkedIn Learning instructor, shares her inspiring story and insights.

Elizabeth's journey into thought leadership began with a powerful act of defiance. After quitting her job at an ad agency due to a toxic culture and lack of opportunity, she penned a raw and passionate article titled "Why Millennials Keep Dumping You. An Open Letter to Management." This article went viral, resonating deeply with professionals who felt unheard and undervalued. Elizabeth and Peter delve into the nature of viral content and the power of authentic, heartfelt writing.

Going viral brought both support and criticism. Elizabeth discusses the mixed reactions and how she managed the rough comments alongside the positive feedback. This experience led her to write more on engagement from a Millennial perspective, eventually leading to her involvement with LinkedIn Learning.

Transitioning from writing articles to creating courses for LinkedIn Learning was a new challenge for Elizabeth. She shares how LinkedIn helped her transform her engaging writing style into actionable, educational content. The key was to maintain authenticity while adapting to the platform’s demands, focusing on engagement and retention.

Elizabeth’s upcoming book, "Leading Yourself," is set to release in Fall 2024. It addresses how to find joy, meaning, and opportunity in less-than-perfect jobs. Drawing from her decade-long consulting experience, Elizabeth highlights how mindset, behaviors, and relationships can transform one’s work experience. Inspired by the success of her LinkedIn course during the COVID-19 pandemic, she realized the growing need for this topic.

In addition to her book, Elizabeth is developing a video version and corresponding training programs. These resources aim to help organizations instill the mindsets discussed in her book, empowering employees to create positive changes in their work environments.

Three Key Takeaways:

• Elizabeth's viral article, "Why Millennials Keep Dumping You," succeeded because of its genuine, passionate approach. Authenticity in thought leadership can resonate deeply with audiences and drive engagement.

• Transitioning from writing articles to creating courses for LinkedIn Learning required Elizabeth to adapt her writing style while maintaining authenticity. Thought leaders must recognize and play to the strengths of each medium they engage with.

• Elizabeth's upcoming book, "Leading Yourself," emphasizes the importance of mindset in finding joy, meaning, and opportunity in one's job. A positive mindset can empower individuals to thrive in less-than-perfect work environments.

If you are interested in additional LinkedIn Learning courses be sure to check out the content from Leveraging Thought Leadership.

In this episode of the Thought Leadership Leverage podcast, host Bill Sherman sits down with Phil Geldart, CEO of Eagle's Flight, to discuss his innovative approach to leadership and learning. With his upcoming book, "Leading What Matters Most: A Business Parable on Unlocking Human Potential," set to release later in 2024, Geldart shares insights from his transformative career.

In this compelling episode of Thought Leadership Leverage, host Peter Winick dives deep with Matt Hullander, a versatile entrepreneur from Chattanooga, Tennessee. Hullander, who has ventured into real estate development, e-commerce, private equity, recently authored the inspiring book "The Daily Climb: 10 Principles to Change Your Life." Today, he shares his transformative journey from business mogul to author.

After selling his successful home improvement company in 2021, Hullander faced a life-altering cancer scare. This experience shifted his perspective, prompting him to reflect on his purpose. At 50, he felt compelled to share his life lessons and stories to benefit others. Proceeds from his book, "The Daily Climb," support teenage suicide prevention (The Jason Foundation), demonstrating his commitment to making a difference.

Hullander’s book challenges traditional goal-setting paradigms, advocating for a vision-driven approach. He emphasizes building habits that align with the life you want, rather than merely setting goals. Other principles include the importance of finding a guide, akin to his fly-fishing mentor, and the value of surrounding oneself with a supportive tribe.

Writing the "The Daily Climb" has created unexpected opportunities, opening new doors for Hullander, expanding his network beyond Tennessee and into various industries. The book has also led to speaking engagements, enhancing his credibility and setting him apart in his field.

Hullander encourages aspiring authors to leverage hybrid and self-publishing models. He highlights the importance of seeking guidance, sharing how his publisher, Foresight Publishers, helped him shape his book’s content and design. His message is clear: with the right support, anyone can bring their book to life.

Three Key Takeaways:

• Embrace Life's Challenges as Opportunities: Matt Hullander's cancer scare transformed his outlook, leading him to share his experiences and insights through his book, "The Daily Climb." This illustrates the importance of turning personal challenges into opportunities for growth and contribution.

• Vision Over Goals: Hullander advocates for a vision-driven approach rather than traditional goal-setting. By focusing on the habits and lifestyle that align with your envisioned future, you can create lasting change and achieve a more fulfilling life.

• Seek Guidance and Build a Supportive Tribe: Hullander emphasizes the value of having mentors and a supportive community. Whether through a life coach, business guide, or peer groups, surrounding yourself with knowledgeable and supportive individuals can significantly enhance your success and personal growth.

If you have a vision for your business, then you'll want to check out this article How Are You Applying Your Vision by Thought Leadership Leverage Founder and CEO Peter Winick.