Take Command: A Leadership Podcast

Who are Redfoo and Piers Ridyard?

Redfoo, born Stefan Kendal Gordy, is a multi-platinum-selling singer and two times Grammy nominee, songwriter, producer, and Web3 coder. Despite facing hurdles and criticism, Redfoo pursued his passion for music and achieved success. He is best known for his hit single "Party Rock Anthem" in 2011 and his performance for Super Bowl Half-Time Show in 2012. However, he has recently shifted his focus towards coding, considering it the ultimate creativity that combines math, science, engineering, and language.

Piers Ridyard is CEO of Radix, a Web3 and DeFi company. He collaborates with Redfoo to create accessible and user-friendly digital platforms. They both share a common goal of making Web3 and Decentralized Finance (DeFi) easily approachable for everyone. They collaborated to develop #Scrypto, a programming language that simplifies the process of building on Web3 and DeFi, enabling individuals to create projects in a short time frame.

What will you learn?

• The potential for personal growth and reinvention when transitioning to new career paths or passions.
• Effective leadership skills and strategies for driving transformative advancements in a chosen field.
• The idea process of development of user-friendly programming languages that facilitate easy participation in digital innovation.
• The importance of fostering relationships, nurturing communities, and promoting collaboration in driving innovation within decentralized technologies.

Story Summary:

Growing up, Redfoo harbored aspirations of becoming a professional basketball player, only to have his dreams dashed when his mother asserted that his height would prevent him from making it. Undeterred, he turned his attention to music, immersing himself in rap and showcasing his talent with a Casio keyboard. Despite facing further skepticism from his father, the influential music industry figure Barry Gordy, who doubted his vocal abilities, Redfoo defied the odds and achieved remarkable success as a multi-platinum rapper. These experiences taught him the importance of pursuing personal dreams and not allowing external opinions to sway his path.

Driven by a newfound passion, Redfoo has recently shifted gears towards coding, which he regards as the epitome of creativity. His journey led him to connect with Piers Ridyard, the CEO of Radix, who was impressed by Redfoo's knowledge and inquisitiveness about programming. Together, they organized Foo Hack, an event that brought together their shared love for chess and the objective of creating a non-hackable, web-based application. Their collaborative efforts aim to build digital platforms that are user-friendly and accessible, with the introduction of Scrypto, a programming language designed to simplify the adoption of Web3 and Decentralized Finance for individuals of all backgrounds.

Central to the endeavors of Redfoo and Ridyard is the recognition of the influence of building relationships and community. Redfoo emphasizes the significance of people skills, the ability to trust and judge character, and the desire to learn from others. His initial connection with Radix and Piers was fostered through shared humor, vegan food, and a shared affinity for dogs. Ridyard, as a CEO, emphasizes the importance of aligning people with a common vision and understanding their motivations. Both individuals firmly believe that networking is not solely about personal gain but about cultivating a network that nurtures collective innovation and inspiration. By bringing people together, they have witnessed the remarkable outcomes that arise from the mutual exchange of energy and ideas.

Join us and listen to Redfoo and Piers’ insights about building confidence, overcoming doubt, pursuing our passion, and recognizing the benefits of networking for our community, not just for ourselves.

Thought Leadership Segment:

In our Thought Leadership Segment Christine Ramirez, Managing Partner of Dale Carnegie South Florida, shares her valuable insights on building confidence in both our personal and professional lives. Listen to Christine’s insights on gaining confidence and get a valuable resource on how to face doubts, pause when needed, and continue to seek the inner strength to overcome challenges, pursue ideas, and our dreams, and thrive in various aspects of life.

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About the Guests:

Christina Dorr Drake & Rusty Drake are the co-founders of Willa’s Organic Oat Milk since 2020. The couple juggled launching their product while simultaneously navigating Christina's breast cancer diagnosis and facing the COVID-19 pandemic. This episode features Rusty, a former filmmaker & Dale Carnegie master trainer turned entrepreneur, and Christina, an advertiser, a resilient cancer survivor, a well-being enthusiast, and an entrepreneur. Together, they share their journey of self-care, entrepreneurship, resilience, and growth, and the invaluable lessons learned along the way.

What You Will Learn:

Communication Skills in Entrepreneurship: Rusty, drawing from his Dale Carnegie training background and experience, emphasizes the critical role of clear, frequent, and honest communication in entrepreneurship. Discover how effective communication impacts negotiation, sales relationships, and team leadership in the day-to-day operations of a global brand.

Relationship Building in Sales: Rusty delves into the heart of his approach to sales, highlighting the importance of relationships. As Head of Sales at Willas, Rusty uses his Dale Carnegie communication and sales skills to navigate various industries, mastering the unique "language" of different stakeholders. Learn how building connections and friendships is the key to success in diverse markets.

Resilience and Personal Agency: Hear Christina's inspiring story of confronting breast cancer head-on. She shares her perspective on taking ownership of her treatment plan, maintaining agency in the face of a challenging diagnosis, and turning adversity into strength. Her journey serves as a powerful reminder to flip the script and find empowerment in difficult times.

Self-Care Culture in Entrepreneurship: Both Rusty and Christina emphasize the importance of mental health, therapy, and coaching for themselves, their teams, and their business. They discuss their commitment to adding self-care sessions to busy work calendars. Discover how prioritizing mental and physical health contributes to a stronger foundation for both personal well-being and business success.

Asking for Help and Empowering Teams: Starting a business is challenging and demanding. Rusty and Christina share the importance of asking questions and seeking mentorship and help. Learn about the value of hiring experts to complement your skills and foster a sense of empowerment within your team. They highlight the power of collaboration, delegating tasks, and the strength that comes from learning and problem-solving together.

Summary of the Story:

Amidst the challenges of a global pandemic and a personal health crisis, Christina Dorr Drake and Rusty Drake not only launched a successful product but also built a resilient business. From effective communication to relationship building, resilience, and prioritizing self-care, their journey offers a roadmap for aspiring entrepreneurs and a testament to the strength that can arise from facing adversity with determination and grace.

Join us to learn how Christina & Rusty successfully navigate family entrepreneurship, from self-care to team synergy, and collective growth!

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We'd love to hear from you! Leaving a review helps us ensure we deliver content that resonates with you. Your feedback can inspire others to join our Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast community & benefit from the leadership insights we share.

1. Who is Vala Afshar?

Vala Afshar is a prominent figure in the world of technology and digital transformation. He currently serves as the Chief Digital Evangelist for Salesforce, a leading international CRM software company. Vala has a remarkable life story that began with the Iranian revolution in 1979. At the age of 10, he and his family needed to immigrate to the United States as refugees, separated from his father. Vala's journey to this influential position is marked by his resilience and dedication. Today, Vala Afshar is renowned for his thought leadership, digital presence, and storytelling abilities. He has nearly one million followers on Twitter (now X), over 600 published articles, and is the author of two books: The Pursuit of Social Business Excellence and his newest book Boundless: A New Mindset for Unlimited Business Success. Afshar is also the co-host of DisrupTV, a weekly podcast show covering the latest digital business and innovation market trends.

2. What Can you learn?

Vala's journey to success is characterized by his resilience and social skills. Despite earning his undergraduate and graduate degrees in electrical engineering, he only ventured into social media, writing, and book authorship in his early 40s. Vala's path led him to Salesforce, where he is now known as a prolific thought leader and the company's chief storyteller. Here are three pieces of advice he shares:

• Develop Your Personal Brand: Vala emphasizes the importance of building a personal brand and a positive digital footprint. He believes that your online presence, coupled with what you share, can reveal a lot about you. He encourages avoiding negative criticism on social media and being mindful, especially when representing a public company like Salesforce.
• Build Better Habits: Drawing a parallel to athletes, Vala stresses the need for executives to establish habits that promote resilience, confidence, and adaptability. He underscores that building a strong brand, fostering communities, and nurturing trust requires consistent effort and commitment.
• Leave People Better: As a leader, Vala suggests leaving a positive impact on others as a hallmark of effective leadership. He believes that helping others succeed and adopting a beginner's mindset are key traits of a successful leader. Additionally, he underscores the importance of continuous learning, unlearning, and relearning as a fundamental aspect of achieving boundless goals.

Join us to hear Vala Afshar’s valuable insights on developing our personal brand, building healthy habits, and improving people’s careers and lives.

Thought Leadership Spotlight

Dr. Mohammad Odat serves as the President and CEO of Dale Carnegie of Jordan. Beyond his professional role, Mohammad is a respected thought leader within his community. In this episode, he illustrates the art of "Speaking in terms of the other person’s point of view" through a practical example. He shares valuable insights on taking command of communication, and fostering stronger relationships, and emphasizes that these efforts yield tangible results in both our personal and professional spheres

Show Notes and Links:

Boundless: A New Mindset For Unlimited Business Success by Vala Afshar

The Pursuit of Social Business Excellence by Vala Afshar

Vala’s Twitter

DisrupTV Podcast

Take Command Book by Joe Hart and Michael Crom

A Minute in Leadership by Dr. Mohammad Odat

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We'd love to hear from you! Leaving a review helps us ensure we deliver content that resonates with you. Your feedback can inspire others to join our Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast community & benefit from the leadership insights we share.

About the Guest:

Chris Winton, from his early days in Memphis, initially struggled with his academic performance while juggling two jobs to support his family. However, an internship through the InRoads program at FedEx altered the trajectory of his life. This opportunity ultimately led him to become a key figure in both FedEx and Tesla, gaining profound insights from iconic CEOs Fred Smith and Elon Musk.

What Will You Learn?

• Authenticity in Leadership: Winton emphasizes the importance of authenticity in interactions, particularly in job interviews and leadership roles, encouraging genuine conversations over scripted responses.
• Setting Personal Goals: Addressing the challenge of decision-making in a world of endless choices, Winton advises setting clear personal goals as the starting point for a successful career journey.
• Mentorship and Humility: Highlighting the significance of giving and receiving support, Winton shares a mentor's lesson about the metaphorical image of "He Ain’t Heavy," stressing the value of seeking knowledge and humility in leadership.
• Preparation and Passion: From his journey to the C-Suite, Winton advocates doing thorough homework and cultivating a deep passion for the work, emphasizing that success requires dedication and an unwavering commitment to learning.

Story Summary:

Chris Winton's journey from a teenager in Memphis to influential roles in major corporations like FedEx and Tesla showcases the transformative power of opportunities. His experiences underline the pivotal lessons learned from mentors and CEOs, shaping his beliefs about authenticity in leadership, setting goals, fostering mentorship, and the importance of preparation and passion in achieving success. Winton's insights reflect a blend of personal growth and professional development, emphasizing the essence of authenticity, goal-setting, mentorship, and dedication in carving one's path to success in both life and business.

Join us to learn Chris’ insights on authentic leadership, setting goals, mentoring with humanity, and preparing with passion.

Thought Leadership Segment:

In today's 'Thought Leadership Spotlight' segment, Daren Howard, Managing Partner for Dale Carnegie Training Mid-South, guest underscores the importance of aligning with your leader's direction and recognizing the significance of servant leadership within your organization. Much like Chris Winton, our guest underscores that forging personal connections is the key to rallying people to your cause, with no limits to where they will follow.

Please rate and review this Episode!

We'd love to hear from you! Leaving a review helps us ensure we deliver content that resonates with you. Your feedback can inspire others to join our Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast community & benefit from the leadership insights we share.

Happy New Year!

Our first episode of 2023 is dedicated to Dale Carnegie & Associates' newest book, Take Command. The book, like our podcast, focuses on what professionals in the modern world can do to take command and succeed in their personal and professional lives. Our guests today are the book co-authors: Joe Hart, President & CEO of Dale Carnegie & Associates and Take Command Podcast host; and Michael Crom, author, Board member of Dale Carnegie & Associates, and Dale Carnegie's grandson. In this interview, Joe & Michael illustrate how building self-confidence, enhancing our network of support, and becoming more intentional can help us succeed in 2023.

The episode is dedicated to a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the Take Command book. It is a compilation of real-life stories. The use of Dale’s principles and other leadership philosophies will serve as a manual to take command of our lives.

Our guests have been influenced by Dale Carnegie’s principles. Joe started his career as a practicing attorney. After taking the Dale Carnegie Course, he reassessed his career path and founded an innovative e-learning company. He became the CEO of Dale Carnegie, the global professional development training organization, in 2015. He speaks around the world on leadership, culture, change management, resilience, creativity, and innovation. He is a contributor to Rolling Stone magazine, Newsweek, HR.com, and Forbes magazine. In 2019, the CEO Forum Group awarded him the Transformative CEO Leadership Award. He has hosted the Take Command Podcast since 2020. Michael is currently a board member of Dale Carnegie & Associates. Prior to that, he served in different leadership positions in the organization, most recently as Chief Learning Officer and Executive Vice President for Dale Carnegie & Associates.

In the episode, Michael & Joe share how they leverage the Dale Carnegie principles and apply them in different situations. Learn how to control our thoughts, build relationships, and envision our future. The book’s goal is to familiarize younger generations with core communication and leadership principles from Dale Carnegie and others.

Joe says that a fundamental purpose of this book is to offer readers some insights and learnings that he and Michael wish they had known when they were younger. The people interviewed and included in this book not only faced similar challenges as the authors did, but they thrived during that time period. This should become a guidebook for readers to follow, understand, and grab onto.

Michael & Joe conceived the book as a set of concentric circles, with each of the three sections—complementing and depending on each other.

In Part I, “Taking Command of Your Thoughts and Emotions,” the authors focus on self-awareness, stresses, fears, and insecurities, and ways to understand and manage negative thoughts.

Part II, “Taking Command of Your Relationships,” reviews building trustful relationships as a critical part of life success. Joe explains that today, building meaningful relationships has become more difficult because of our polarizing world. Part II principles and tips to deal with people come from How to Win Friends and Influence People.

The last section, Part III, “Taking Command of Your Future,” draws on the famous Dale Carnegie Course that asks participants to write their short- and long-term vision. When they follow through, they will ultimately get the most out of their lives. Part III asks: What are the things that are important to you? What are your values? How do you want to be remembered? What's the impact you want to have?

Both Joe and Michael want readers to act. Their goal is for this book to be a manual, a roadmap, and something that can activate people to really take control. It's not only there to help you think about your life, to study, or learn by research. The book says, “Hey, take command and make it happen.”

Also, Take Command is a guide to creating a “strength inventory.” The book influences readers and helps them build an intentional life. Intentionality is about giving people time and space to understand what’s important to them and how they can condition themselves for success so that every day, they become better and stronger. Having a North star helps us follow the steps to get us there.

Michael explains, “You know, we're made up of many great strengths and a few perceived weaknesses. So, let's begin to focus on those strengths, the positives that are going on in our life.”

Joe and Michael believe that young people can and will make a huge difference on this planet by bringing about unity rather than division. “Let's make a difference. Let's bring this to be a better place for all of us to live in.”

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