The GIG Podcast

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The importance of inclusivity in the golf industry cannot be overstated. Fostering an inclusive environment is not only important when trying to be an employer of choice, but it also helps to create a welcoming atmosphere that allows all individuals to enjoy and participate in the sport. By promoting inclusivity, clubs can inspire positive change and ensure that everyone, regardless of their ability, has an opportunity to connect, learn and grow through the game and business of golf. From Todd Kierstead's and Jeremey MacRae's perspective, inclusivity is the right thing to do for both ethical and practical reasons. Todd, as the Founder of Paragolf Canada, is passionately committed to breaking down barriers for individuals with disabilities in golf, while Jeremey, as a club manager, understands firsthand the benefits of creating an inclusive environment that not only benefits the club, its members, and its employees, but also makes a meaningful impact on the lives of those often marginalized due to their disabilities.

In this episode of The GIG podcast, host Scott Masse talks with Todd Kierstead and Jeremey MacRae about the importance of inclusivity in the golf industry. Kierstead is the Founder of ParaGolf Canada, an organization dedicated to promoting inclusivity for individuals with disabilities in golf. MacRae is the General Manager/COO at Bayview Golf and Country Club in Toronto.

“It's about changing the mindset of the individual, of showing them that yes, they can play golf, but it's also now changing the mindset of the industry.” – Todd Kierstead.

Here's what we cover with Todd & Jeremey on this episode:

• Explore the growing importance of fostering inclusivity within the golf industry.
• Delve into the unique obstacles disabled golfers encounter and potential solutions.
• Be inspired by the triumphant tales of inclusivity breaking barriers in golf.
• Unearth various initiatives aimed at advancing inclusive practices in golf clubs.
• Recognize the need for proactive efforts towards establishing inclusive golf environments.

About Todd Kierstead & Jeremey MacRae

Meet Todd Kierstead, a passionate PGA member and the driving force behind Paragolf Canada, an organization committed to inspiring golfers of all abilities to reclaim their love for the sport, no matter their unique circumstances. Todd's unwavering dedication to giving a voice to individuals with disabilities is felt throughout the industry, making him a respected advocate for change. Alongside Todd, we are joined by Jeremey MacRae, the esteemed GM/COO of Bayview Golf and Country Club. Jeremey's extensive experience in the private club sector has led him to champion inclusivity in his workplace, making Bayview a shining example of a truly inclusive club.

On this episode of The GIG Podcast, we'll show you the real impact of inclusivity in the golf industry and how to create a welcoming environment that truly attracts a diverse community of players and team members to your club. Don't miss out on the opportunity to make a difference and elevate your club to new heights of success!

To learn more about Golf Industry Guru, and to gain access to online golf business education from the world's most successful business, golf, & hospitality industry leaders, visit us at www.golfindustryguru.com.

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Does any of this feel familiar?

You’re frustrated from constantly having to repeat yourself and not being understood. You have anxiety from not being able to effectively express your ideas and having them fall on deaf ears. You feel powerlessness from trying different tactics to communicate your message, and not seeing the results you desire.

In a world of quick gratification, it can be difficult to effectively communicate as a leader. Poor communication can lead to confusion, frustration, and even discord in the workplace. Colin Cox, a leadership coach, knows all too well the importance of effective communication. Having served as COO of Demonware, and having begun work at Electronic Arts by the tender age of 15, Colin has developed a tremendous amount of experience in executive communication.

On this episode of The GIG Podcast, Colin shares with us his expertise on how to craft effective digital, verbal, and written communication and how to lead with the conclusion in order to capture the attention of your audience. So, if you're looking to improve your leadership communication skills, then this episode is for you!

"Having a key message and leading with your conclusion are two things that I've observed that help communication be a lot better received." – Colin Cox

Here's what we cover with Colin Cox in this episode:

• How Colin’s passion for video games and sports lead to his early career success at just 15 years old.
• What the importance of the "Bookending" technique is in effective communication.
• What the power of listening to the "environment” is, and how can it be used to craft a message for an audience.

About Colin Cox

Colin Cox is a leadership coach and former COO of Demonware, the online studio for Activision. He has worked in the tech and gaming industry since he was 15 and is an expert in communication, leadership, and executive coaching.
Colin Cox was a high school dropout who found himself in a government funded program to help troubled teens. Through this program, he managed to get a work placement at Electronic Arts which changed his life. Through his passion for video games, ice hockey, and technology, he developed his interpersonal skills and found himself leading a team at EA by the age of 17. Through this experience, Colin developed key communication skills, such as getting to the point quickly, leading with a conclusion, and bookending. He has since used these skills to gain attention from a panel of judges for a prestigious industry award and to explain complex topics to his audiences. He believes that the most underutilized superpower of communication is actually the skill of listening.

If you're seeking to achieve precise, articulate communication in your leadership, then don't miss this episode of The GIG Podcast! Be sure to join us as we provide the means for you to accomplish your goal of effective communication. Listen now!

BONUS! Colin as created a 20% discount code for GIG Nation for his Communicate Like a Pro online course. The code is GIG, and you can manually apply it via the website linked above, or access these direct checkout links with the code applied for USD and CAD buyers.

To learn more about Golf Industry Guru, and to gain access to online golf business education from the world's most successful business, golf, & hospitality industry leaders, visit us at www.golfindustryguru.com.

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As employers in the hospitality industry, it can be hard to find and retain employees and doing so is essential for any hospitality-based business to succeed. It can also be difficult to create a workplace environment that is inviting and enjoyable for all team members.

On this episode of The GIG Podcast, James sits down with Robin Turnill, Founder & Managing Consultant of Pivot HR Services. Robin is an HR expert with experience in the golf and hospitality industry and has been working in the field of HR for over 20 years. Tune in as Robin shares her tips on becoming an employer of choice to attract and retain employees and listen as Robin speaks to the need to create an inclusive and diverse workforce. Robin also discusses the importance of providing unique perks and opportunities for learning and career development, and dives into the three most important factors for employees that make an employer of choice: feeling valued and recognized, seeing learning opportunities, and feeling fairly compensated. Robin also emphasizes the importance of and outlines the “how-to” of creating a workplace culture where employees feel valued, recognized, and respected.

"If you're an excellent employer, if you're an employer of choice with a strong brand, with a reputation of treating people really well, then I think that word gets out and travels quickly." – Robin Turnill

Here's what we cover with Robin Turnill in this episode:

• How to create a workplace culture that makes you an employer of choice in the modern age.
• What strategies can be used to ensure an inclusive and diverse work environment.
• How to navigate the balance between respecting employee individualism and meeting member & customer expectations.

About Robin Turnill

Robin Turnill is the Founder and Managing Consultant of Pivot HR Services, an HR expert with experience in the golf industry with 20 years of experience in human resources. She specializes in leadership development, employee relations, and creating inclusive and diverse workforces.

Robin has a Masters Degree in Human Resources Management from York University, a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from the University of British Columbia, and a Post-Diploma in Human Resources Management from BCIT. She has a Diversity and Inclusion Certification from Cornell University and is a Certified Professional Coach (CPCC) through the world renowned Co-Active Training Institute. Robin holds her designation in the United States from the Society for Human Resource Management as a Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) and has been conferred the highest designation in HR in Canada as a Fellow Chartered Professional in Human Resources (FCPHR).

Are you failing to find and retain great team members to take care of your club’s members and guests? Are you struggling to create a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace environment? Join us to hear how Robin is helping clubs just like yours thrive with her expertise. Listen now!

To learn more about Golf Industry Guru, and to gain access to online golf business education from the world's most successful business, golf, & hospitality industry leaders, visit us at www.golfindustryguru.com.

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On this episode of The GIG Podcast, we are talking to Ben Lorenzen, the Creative Director, Chief Memory Officer, and Director of Vibe at Champions Run in Omaha, NE. Ben has been in the club industry for nearly a decade and has also become a popular public speaker where his purpose is to inspire people to be greater than they thought they could ever be!

On this episode, Ben shares his unique approach to club marketing which is based on creating magical moments and memories for members, as well as understanding how to successfully communicate with different generations of members within the club. Through the art of storytelling, Ben has helped triple the revenue at Champions Run and, on the podcast, Ben details many of his best practices which have been instrumental in creating experiential connections for the members of Champions Run. So, if you’re a club manager wondering what the most effective tactics for driving revenue and creating memorable member experiences are, stay tuned as Ben Lorenzen reveals all.

"My job is just to create magical moments and memories for our members. I mean, in a sense, all I'm trying to do each and every day is just create magical experiences." - Ben Lorenzen

In this episode, you will learn about:

• How Ben was inspired to become a public speaker by a regular contributor to GIG, and what he does to create magical experiences for club members.
• How Ben communicates to different generations of club members, and the importance of planning for the future.
• How Ben finds inspiration for creative events and activities by borrowing ideas from social media.

About Ben Lorenzen

After starting out as a lifeguard and a bag boy at a private club, Ben eventually used his skills in video production and marketing to become a creative driven marketing leader at Champions Run in Omaha, NE. Ben focuses on creating magical moments and memories for their members, and he has implemented things like the successful use of social media, text alerts, and the art of storytelling to improve the connection and communication with their members. Through inspiring ideas that he receives from TikTok and Instagram, Ben has developed numerous programs which have led to a positive response from members and guests and ultimately more memberships for their club.

Club managers have a lot to consider when it comes to driving revenue at their club. By understanding Ben Lorenzen's powerful tactics that he uses, club managers can ensure that their club is staying ahead of the competition and maximizing its potential. With the help of Ben's tips, you can create a unique, inviting atmosphere at your club that will keep your members coming back for more. Remember, you have the power to create magical moments and memories for your members - and with hard work, dedication, and these tactics, you can achieve the same success as Ben Lorenzen.

On this episode of The GIG Podcast, Ben proves that even traditional clubs can have success with creative ideas. Be sure to tune in now!

To learn more about Golf Industry Guru, and to gain access to online golf business education from the world's most successful business, golf, & hospitality industry leaders, visit us at www.golfindustryguru.com.

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In this episode of the GIG Podcast, we explore how to leverage the opposite summer seasons of Australia and Canada through an exchange program that imports golf course personnel between both countries. The goal is to make it easier for Canadian golf courses to recruit Australian-based grounds staff and vice versa.

EnvoyGolf in Australia and Fresh Golf Solutions in Canada are recruitment firms who specialize in golf. Together, with the endorsement and promotional support of the CGSA and NGCOA Canada, a new reciprocal working visa program for golf is being launched in Canada. All logistics, such as screening candidates, working visas, insurance, and travel arrangements will be professionally managed by EnvoyGolf, with support from Fresh Golf Solutions. The primary focus will be upon seasonal Grounds Staff. EnvoyGolf has had previous success implementing this same program between Australia and Scandinavian countries.

Highlights from this episode of The GIG Podcast that you don’t want to miss include:

· Find out what specifically are the labour challenges facing the industry?

· Learn about EnvoyGolf and what they are doing to help with this labour shortage issue?

· Hear about the numerous benefits of the cross-border program to the employees that participate in it.

· Understand the benefits of the cross-border program to the clubs that decide to get involved.

· Find out about how the visa process works for Canadians.

· Hear about some of the success stories relating to past participants from other countries in this program.

· Understand what the key factors one should consider when deciding if this is right for them?

About David Burton

Before joining EnvoyGolf, David was the General Manager at New South Wales Golf Club from 1996 to 2020.

He is the Past President and Life member of Golf Management Australia, past Director on the Board of the Australian Golf Industry Council, past Director on the Board of the Golf Management Australia (NSW Division) as well as a past Director of another company outside of golf.

Through 24 years as a club manager, David has seen firsthand the difficulties that clubs face in finding resources in all areas of their operation. This has been exacerbated by the increase in club activity and course rounds resulting from the Covid 19 pandemic. David also understands the need to make resourcing a seamless and cost-effective process for management.

With a wealth of experience, David will be of great assistance to clubs using the EnvoyGolf resourcing services.

About Scott Kolb

Starting as a PGA of Canada member in 1992, Scott has been involved with all facets of the Canadian Golf Industry. He has worked with most of the golf associations including as a Board member of the Canadian Society of Club Managers, PGA of Canada, PGA of BC, NGCOA provincial committee and the Camosun College advisory committee of the Professional Golf Management Program.

Scott has been awarded provincially and nationally. He has won the Merchandiser of the Year for Golf Shop of the Year from PGA of Canada, Club of the Year from the Canadian Society of Club Managers, Inaugural winner of the Executive Professional of the year for PGA of BC and the Fore Seasons winner of the NGCOA/PGA of BC award.

To learn more about this unique and innovative program, visit https://www.envoygolf.com or https://www.freshgolf.ca/envoygo

To learn more about Golf Industry Guru, and to gain access to online golf business education from the world's most successful business, golf, & hospitality industry leaders, visit us at www.golfindustryguru.com.