Gridiron and Growth Podcast

How can entrepreneurs maintain their identity and avoid burnout while building successful businesses?
In episode 44, co-hosts Bennie Fowler and Ryan Harris sit down with Keith Roberts, a serial entrepreneur and executive coach. Keith shares his journey from struggling photographer to successful agency owner, and his transition to public speaking and high-performance coaching. This conversation is about the challenges of entrepreneurship, the importance of intentional transitions, and the power of mindfulness practices. Keith's insights on hiring, client acquisition, and maintaining work-life balance will give you valuable lessons to pursue your goals. This is a must listen for anyone in their entrepreneurial journey.
[00:00 - 06:31] The Entrepreneurial Odyssey

• Embracing uncertainty in the pursuit of dreams
• The importance of adapting to market demands
• Overcoming early setbacks and learning from failures

[06:32 - 15:41] Mastering the Art of Client Acquisition

• Delivering to clients and managing contractors
• Balancing creativity with methodical processes
• The 10-10-10 Method

[15:42 - 21:28] Building a Thriving Company Culture

• Implementing effective hiring strategies
• The role of core values in shaping company identity
• Fostering a positive work environment that attracts talent

[21:29 - 26:40] Navigating Life Transitions

• The importance of intentional ceremonies during major life changes
• Balancing personal growth with professional success
• Adapting to new roles and responsibilities

[26:41 - 29:09] The Kobe Bryant Mentality

• Embracing hard work and dedication in pursuit of excellence
• Learning from mistakes and owning up to failures
• The power of resilience and continuous improvement

[29:10 - 34:31] From Journal to Journey: The Oak Method

• Creating products that solve real-world problems
• The impact of structured journaling on personal growth
• Balancing entrepreneurship with authorship

[34:32 - 36:42] The Buddhist Approach to Business

• Applying Eastern wisdom to modern entrepreneurship
• The importance of community and giving back
• Elevating global consciousness through shared practices

Key Quotes:
"Life is a gift. The statistical probability that you're sitting in that chair is one in 400 trillion." - Keith Roberts
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Instagram: @benniefowler1
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Instagram: @ryanharris_68
X: @ryanharris_68
Connect with Keith Roberts!
Instagram: @theoakjournalmethod
Website: https://keithrobertsiii.com/
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How can aspiring CEOs face the challenges of leadership while maintaining a strong sense of purpose, empathy, and self-awareness?

Co-host Ryan Harris and Bennie Fowler sit down with Peter Banko, the CEO of Baystate Health. Peter shares his journey as a CEO and lessons learned along the way as a titan in the healthcare industry, he opens up about leadership, creating change, and building successful teams. He emphasizes the importance of staying on top of details, being consumer-friendly, and fostering a culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. Throughout the conversation, Peter shares personal anecdotes and experiences that have shaped his leadership style, including the impact of having a supportive family and the value of self-awareness. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of what it takes to be an effective CEO and how to navigate the challenges that come with leading a large organization.

[00:00 - 08:52] Peter Banko's Journey to Leadership

• Peter shares his beginnings
• He discusses the two things a CEO controls: office appearance and team selection
• The importance of building relationships as a CEO

[08:53 - 12:29] The CEO role from a timeline perspective

• The role that CEOs plays in transforming an organization's culture
• The impotence of having an abundance mindset
• Ego and humility in decision-making

[12:30 - 18:42] Leading Change: Navigating the Challenges

• Peter shares the story of implementing a High-Reliability Organization (HRO) model
• He emphasizes the importance of involving frontline workers in designing their work
• Clear communication and creating a case for change

[18:43 - 20:29] Firing: Balancing Kindness and Business Needs

• Peter shares his experience of being fired and how it influenced his approach to letting people go
• Being kind and helping people transition out of the organization
• The need for short and sweet conversations when firing someone

[20:30 - 28:02] Building High-Performing Teams

• Peter shares examples of high-performing teams he's been a part of
• Mission, values, and purpose in driving organizational success
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion in building strong teams

[28:03 - 32:07] The Value of Executive Coaching and Self-Awareness

• Peter shares his experience working with an executive coach
• The importance of self-awareness and knowing one's strengths and weaknesses
• The need for CEOs to have a professional network of peers to consult with

[32:08 - 34:30] Balancing Family and Career

• Balance between family and a demanding career
• The importance of having a supportive spouse and family
• The challenges of moving frequently for career advancement

Key Quotes:

"CEOs need a healthy balance of ego and humility, and there's a fine line." - Peter Banko

"People confuse activity with results." - Peter Banko

"If your family's not on board with you being a CEO, it's probably not going to work." - Peter Banko

Reach out to Bennie Fowler!

Instagram: @benniefowler1

Twitter: @BennieFowler123

Reach out to Ryan Harris!

Instagram: @ryanharris_68

Twitter: @ryanharris_68

WANT TO LEARN MORE?

Follow us on Instagram: @gridiron_growthpodcast

Thanks for tuning in!

If you enjoyed the show, please LEAVE A 5-star REVIEW, like, and subscribe through your favorite streaming platform!

How can businesses use kindness to positively impact their employees, customers, and communities?

In episode 32, Tiffany Wachtler joins co-host Ryan Harris and Bennie Fowler in the gridiron. She is the founder of Kindness Concierge and shares her inspiring journey of turning personal grief into a mission to help others navigate difficult times with compassion. Tiffany opens up about her experience as an entrepreneur, working in nonprofits, coaching Special Olympics, and losing her mother. We talk about how she understands the power of community, empathy, and small acts of kindness. She also emphasizes the importance of showing up for others and creating inclusive spaces especially when grieving. Tiffany also shares practical advice on how to support those who are experiencing loss, celebrate life's joys, and build meaningful connections in both personal and professional settings.

[00:00 - 6:38] Lessons from Coaching Special Olympics

• Challenging her rigid beliefs
• Athletes demonstrated the power of support, belief, and effort
• Coaching taught Tiffany the importance of showing up as your authentic self and being ready to learn

[06:39 - 11:35] Creating Events and Cultivating Community

• Attention to detail and focusing on the participant experience are key to successful events
• Community is about creating spaces where everyone has a place and matters
• Building a community requires taking responsibility and supporting one another
• People are seeking light, joy, and kindness in a world that often feels filled with despair

[11:36 - 16:35] From Book Idea to Kindness Concierge

• Tiffany initially planned to write a book about showing up for others during difficult times
• Realizing the limitations of a book, she envisioned to create a service-based business
• Kindness Concierge offers customized gift packages and consultation to help people support others meaningfully
• Tiffany works with clients to create personalized gifts and gestures based on the recipient's needs and preferences

[16:36 - 21:12] Navigating Grief and Loss in the Workplace

• The importance of being mindful when addressing sensitive topics
• Acknowledging missteps and showing genuine care can help create a supportive work environment
• Giving people space to grieve while also being present and supportive is crucial

[21:13 - 27:22] Grief: Honoring Loved Ones and Embracing Kindness

• Grief is not something to fix or cure, but rather a journey that requires support and understanding
• Remembering and honoring loved ones can be done through small acts of kindness and celebration
• Tiffany's mother, Michelle, continues to inspire her work and mission to spread kindness in the world

Key quotes:

"It doesn't cost you anything to be kind.” - Tiffany Wachtler

"We don't get over grief. We learn how to work around it. Like it just takes up some space." - Tiffany Wachtler

Connect with Tiffany Wachtler:
LinkedIn: Tiffany Wachtler
Website: https://www.thekindnessconcierge.com/

Reach out to Bennie Fowler!
Instagram: @benniefowler1
Twitter: @BennieFowler123

Reach out to Ryan Harris!
Instagram: @ryanharris_68
Twitter: @ryanharris_68

WANT TO LEARN MORE?

Follow us on Instagram: @gridiron_growthpodcast

Thanks for tuning in!

If you enjoyed the show, please LEAVE A 5-star REVIEW, like, and subscribe through your favorite streaming platform!

How can you improve your pitch to get more funds? In episode 31, co-hosts Bennie Fowler and Ryan Harris dive deep into the world of venture capital with Matt McCall. With 28 years of experience backing over 80 companies and generating over 70 billion in exit enterprise value, Matt shares his perspective on what it takes to succeed as an entrepreneur. He reveals his struggles and triumphs, offering insights into the importance of resilience, storytelling, and coachability. Throughout the conversation, he emphasizes the significance of living a life of service and continuously striving for personal growth. This episode is a must-listen if you are looking to thrive in the entrepreneurial world.

[00:00 - 06:25] The Accidental Venture Capitalist: Matt McCall's Journey

• Matt shares his unexpected path into venture capital
• The importance of karma and authentic relationships in his success
• The universe always has your back

[06:26 - 10:52] Building Authentic Connections

• Matt explains the difference between transactional and authentic networking
• Identifying and connecting with "supernodes" in any ecosystem
• The importance of outflow, not inflow, in forming genuine relationships

[10:53 - 21:47] Why is it Important to have Resilience and Coachability

• Matt shares his personal struggles and moments of doubt
• The key traits he looks for in entrepreneurs: resilience, action-orientation, and coachability
• The danger of uncoachable founders and the importance of humility
• Questions to ask yourself if you want to know your purpose in life

[21:48 - 31:36] Ways to Determine a Good Deal

• Identify a problem in society
• Use storytelling in business
• The importance of finding partners that are coachable

[31:37 - 36:18] How to Find Resilient People in the Business World

• The importance of taking action
• Listening and staying curious about things
• Having a beginner mentality

[36:19 - 41:45] The Challenges of Diversity in Venture Capital

• Matt addresses the lack of funding for underrepresented groups in venture capital
• The importance of role models and mentors in breaking limiting beliefs
• The power of alumni networks and storytelling in building thriving ecosystems

[41:46 - 49:09] The Future of Disruptive Technologies: Opportunities and Challenges

• The cyclical nature of technological revolutions
• Identifying next-generation technologies that solve previous problems
• Matt emphasizes the importance of living a life in service to others

Key Quotes:

"The universe always has your back." - Matt McCall

"Fate favors the prepared mind." - Matt McCall

"Just find the people who are the best of the best at doing what you do. Get curious, say, 'Hey, how did you do this?'.” - Matt McCall

Connect with Matt McCall:

LinkedIn: Matt McCall

X: @mbmccall

Reach out to Bennie Fowler!

Instagram: @benniefowler1

Twitter: @BennieFowler123

Reach out to Ryan Harris!

Instagram: @ryanharris_68

Twitter: @ryanharris_68

WANT TO LEARN MORE?

Follow us on Instagram: @gridiron_growthpodcast

Thanks for tuning in!

If you enjoyed the show, please LEAVE A 5-star REVIEW, like, and subscribe through your favorite streaming platform!

How can the art of storytelling in film and television crack people open and teach us about ourselves?

In episode 40, co-hosts Ryan Harris and Bennie Fowler sit down with Krista Gano, a multi-faceted talent in the entertainment industry. From her early days at the Groundlings to founding multiple companies, Krista shares insights into the world of acting, storytelling, and the creative process. She discusses the challenges faced by aspiring actors, the importance of resilience, and the power of storytelling to evoke emotions and create change. Krista also delves into her approach to improv, the nuances of character development, and the similarities between athletes and actors in their pursuit of excellence.

[00:00 - 08:49] The Beginnings of the Entrepreneur's Challenge: Krista Gano

• Founding companies in the entertainment industry require adaptability and vision.
• The Groundlings has been a breeding ground for comedic talent for decades.
• Improv techniques can change the business of communication and problem-solving.

[08:50 - 18:16] How does The Audition World Work now?

• Actors face hundreds of rejections before landing their first significant role.
• The shift to taped auditions has both expanded opportunities and increased competition.
• Success in acting requires a decade-long commitment.

[18:17 - 23:35] The Gift of Storytellers

• Exceptional TV shows blend lighthearted entertainment with profound messages.
• Storytelling has the unique ability to teach emotional intelligence and empathy.
• Films and TV series play a crucial role in providing representation and alternative perspectives.

[23:36 - 30:38] The Actor's Toolbox: Preparation and Technique

• Acting, like professional sports, demands preparation and support systems.
• Mastering breathing techniques is essential for actors to channel emotions in intense scenes.
• Effective storytelling requires allowing characters to evolve naturally and experience failure.

[30:39- 38:11] Unlocking the Creative Writing Process

• Deep character understanding is the foundation of smooth and authentic writing.
• The writing process often involves numerous drafts and a willingness to adapt.
• Creative breakthroughs require stepping away to allow ideas to flow.

[38:12 - 42:05] Navigating the Entertainment Industry with Grace

• Many successful people in entertainment come from humble beginnings.
• Choosing joy is crucial for longevity in the creative industry.
• Patience is key, as film projects can take up to a decade to come to the screen.

Key Quotes:

"I think that the most profound gift that we have as storytellers is being able to crack people open." - Krista Gano

STAY UP TO DATE with all our content!

Sign-in to our Newsletter here:

I want to Subscribe

Reach out to Bennie Fowler!

Instagram: @benniefowler1

X: @BennieFowler123

Reach out to Ryan Harris!

Instagram: @ryanharris_68

X: @ryanharris_68

Connect with Krista Gano!

Instagram: @kristagano

X: @kristagano

WANT TO LEARN MORE?

Follow us on Instagram: @gridiron_growthpodcast

Thanks for tuning in!

If you enjoyed the show, please LEAVE A 5-star REVIEW, like, and subscribe through your favorite streaming platform!