Find My Catalyst Podcast-logo

Find My Catalyst Podcast

Business

We all have problems we are looking to solve. We know that there are solutions out there, but we struggle with this. How do we find the solution, where does the nudge come from to help us take the next step, and start solving tough problems. The intention of this podcast is to help you find your catalyst and take that next step. The Find My Catalyst Podcast is a weekly podcast with Catalyst Sale founder Mike Simmons. We discuss real stories with practical application, in the context of leadership, problem solving, decision making, thinking, goal setting and execution. Other topics discussed include - Systems, Frameworks, Sales Strategy, Revenue Operations, Training, Onboarding, Sales Enablement, Organization Enablement, Workforce Development, Coaching, and Mentoring.

Location:

United States

Description:

We all have problems we are looking to solve. We know that there are solutions out there, but we struggle with this. How do we find the solution, where does the nudge come from to help us take the next step, and start solving tough problems. The intention of this podcast is to help you find your catalyst and take that next step. The Find My Catalyst Podcast is a weekly podcast with Catalyst Sale founder Mike Simmons. We discuss real stories with practical application, in the context of leadership, problem solving, decision making, thinking, goal setting and execution. Other topics discussed include - Systems, Frameworks, Sales Strategy, Revenue Operations, Training, Onboarding, Sales Enablement, Organization Enablement, Workforce Development, Coaching, and Mentoring.

Language:

English

Contact:

4807727448


Episodes
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Experience and Expertise - Matter in the Hiring and Fractional World

4/9/2025
Mike Simmons is a leadership and operations expert who helps organizations drive growth through clarity and execution. He leads initiatives through Find My Catalyst, offering services in leadership, revenue, and operations. Tim Dyck brings deep experience in recruitment and people strategies. He is the founder of Best Culture Solutions, helping companies build great teams with purpose. Together, Mike and Tim dive into the nuances of fractional leadership, sharing hard-won lessons, memorable metaphors, and actionable insights. 💬 Three Key Quotes "Don’t mistake knowledge for experience. And don’t mistake experience for expertise." "If you’re hiring a fractional leader, make sure they’ve run out of gas before—because they’ll know how to get you back on the road." "Learning is great. But presenting yourself as an expert without experience can do more harm than good." 📌 50-Word Summary Mike Simmons and Tim Dyck unpack the world of fractional work, using real-life analogies to explain the value of experience and the risk of surface-level knowledge. They share the difference between knowing, doing, and mastering—and how true expertise accelerates impact. A must-listen for leaders hiring with intention. 🔑 5 Key Takeaways 1. The Fuel Tank Metaphor for Expertise Experience is knowing how far your vehicle can go on empty. True experts have broken down before—and know how to recover fast. Awareness, experience, and expertise are not the same—and each plays a different role. 2. Beware of Shallow Expertise Surface-level learners can use the right words but may not deliver results. Using tools like ChatGPT doesn't replace real-world experience. Misrepresented expertise can harm organizations and delay progress. 3. Fractional Leadership is Not for Learners Fractional leaders must already know how to solve the problem you have. They're not there to “figure it out”; they’re there to execute. Expecting quick results means you need someone who’s already done the work. 4. Simplify to Accelerate Speed to Impact Complexity slows progress; simplify by removing what’s unnecessary. Clear next steps fuel momentum in leadership and operations. Fractional experts help reduce overwhelm and focus on what matters. 5. Align Role with Readiness Use readiness assessments before hiring fractional talent. Match the right expert to the right job—based on proven track record. Fractional success is rooted in fit, not just availability. Learn. Think. and Act. with us every Sunday. Our Sunday email is filled with sections dedicated to helping leaders Learn. Think. and Act. These short weekly emails will help you make a difference and accelerate speed to impact at work, with self, and within your family. Subscribe here: https://www.findmycatalyst.com/learn-think-act-opt-in

Duration:00:22:38

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The Perception Formula: How to Build Trust and Influence with Shira Abel

3/11/2025
Shira Abel is a marketing and sales expert with over 25 years of experience, having built a seven-figure agency specializing in account-based marketing (ABM). She is the creator of the Perception Formula, a framework that helps people understand trust, communication, and decision-making in business and relationships. Shira’s expertise spans startups, team dynamics, and behavioral economics, making her a powerful speaker and consultant. Key Quotes: "Trust isn’t just about intent—it’s about understanding how someone thinks.""If your business relies on manipulation, it won’t last—trust builds long-term success.""The golden rule isn’t enough; you need to adapt to how others think and perceive the world." Shira Abel shares the Perception Formula, a framework built on heuristics, hormones, history, and heritage, to improve trust, sales, and team dynamics. She discusses cultural communication differences, feedback, and how perception shapes success. Whether in startups, leadership, or personal growth, understanding how people think can be your greatest catalyst. https://www.linkedin.com/in/shiraabel/ 5 Key Takeaways: 1. The Perception Formula: Understanding How People Think heuristics (mental shortcuts), hormones, history, and heritage 2. The Role of Trust in Sales, Marketing, and Teams delivering real value 3. Feedback: The Key to Growth and Learning iterate and improve faster 4. Hormones and Decision-Making: The Science Behind Influence DopamineCortisolOxytocin and serotonin 5. Coachability: The Differentiator Between Success and Failure not about instant agreement—it’s about long-term adaptationwho listens, applies feedback, and improves over time Want to level up your thinking and leadership? 💡 Learn. Think. and Act. with us every Sunday. Our Sunday email delivers insights to help leaders accelerate their impact at work, in life, and in their families. 📩 Subscribe here: https://www.findmycatalyst.com/learn-think-act-opt-in

Duration:00:44:11

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Why Your Hiring & Onboarding Process is Broken – Christina Brady on Fixing It

2/27/2025
Christina Brady is a sales leader, entrepreneur, and the CEO of Luster.ai, a company dedicated to measuring and improving sales proficiency through AI. With 18 years of experience in sales, she is passionate about fixing broken hiring and onboarding processes and enabling professionals to succeed. Christina is also the Chicago Chapter Head of Pavilion and serves on the executive team at Women in Sales. Three Key Quotes from Christina Brady “If you don’t measure proficiency, you don’t know who you’re hiring, how to up-level them, or why they struggle.”“AI isn’t here to replace you—it’s here to make you better at what you do.”“Founders have ‘magic’ because they know the mistakes that have been made and the risks they’re willing to take. You can’t expect a new hire to replicate that.” In this insightful conversation, Christina Brady discusses why hiring and onboarding in sales are fundamentally broken and how AI can transform proficiency measurement. She also breaks down the “founder magic” that makes transitioning from founder-led to AE-led sales so difficult. This episode is a must-listen for leaders looking to scale effectively. 5 Key Takeaways on Finding Your Catalyst 1. The Hiring Process is Fundamentally Broken 2. Onboarding Needs to Be Personalized and Continuous 3. Measuring Proficiency is the Key to Success 4. AI is a Tool for Enablement, Not Replacement 5. Founder-Led Sales is a Different Game Final Thought Learn. Think. and Act. with us every Sunday. Our Sunday email is filled with sections dedicated to helping leaders Learn. Think. and Act. These short weekly emails will help you make a difference and accelerate speed to impact at work, with self, and within your family. Subscribe here: https://www.findmycatalyst.com/learn-think-act-opt-in

Duration:00:38:50

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Mindset, Resilience, and the Power of Small Steps with Jordan Benjamin

2/26/2025
Jordan Benjamin is a mindset and sales expert passionate about helping people unlock their full potential. With a background in sales leadership and coaching, Jordan shares insights on resilience, professional growth, and the power of mindset. He emphasizes the importance of taking action, embracing failure, and building a strong network for success. Three Key Quotes from Jordan Benjamin: “The best ideas don’t come from grinding at your desk—they come when you create space, like taking a walk or being in the shower.”“Authenticity is showing up as an imperfect human. None of us have all the answers—we’re all making it up as we go.”“It’s not about winning or losing—it’s about winning or learning. Every failure is a chance to grow.” Jordan Benjamin joins the podcast to explore the power of mindset, resilience, and authenticity in professional and personal growth. He shares actionable strategies for overcoming fear, embracing failure, and developing habits that lead to success. From taking small steps to seeking coaching, Jordan’s insights help listeners find their catalyst for lasting change. Five Key Takeaways: 1. The Power of Nature and Taking Breaks 2. The Mindset Shift: Growth vs. Fixed Thinking 3. The Importance of Coaching and Accountability 4. Authenticity as a Strength, Not a Weakness 5. Taking Small, Consistent Steps Toward Change Join Us Every Sunday! Learn. Think. Act. with us every Sunday. Our weekly email is filled with insights to help leaders accelerate their impact in work, life, and family. Subscribe here: Find My Catalyst - Learn, Think, Act

Duration:00:38:49

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Leading Up, Across & Down: Mastering Leadership at Every Level - and How to Work with Mike Simmons

2/24/2025
In this episode, host Mike Simmons dives into the complexities of leadership—how to lead up to difficult leaders, work effectively across teams, and lead teams with clarity and purpose. Mike shares personal experiences, leadership philosophies, and actionable strategies to help listeners navigate leadership challenges at all levels. Key Quotes: "Leadership starts with self. If you're looking for leadership, start with a mirror.""If you think different, you can do different. If you do different, you can be different.""Sometimes, the hardest part of leadership is managing the assumptions we make about others." Episode Summary (50 Words): Leadership isn’t just about managing others—it’s about self-awareness, clear communication, and building trust. In this episode, Mike Simmons explores how to lead up to difficult leaders, collaborate across teams, and inspire those we manage. He shares tools and insights to navigate leadership challenges with confidence, clarity, and a service-oriented mindset. 5 Key Takeaways: 1. Leading Up to Leadership Challenges 2. Building Strong Cross-Team Relationships 3. Leading Your Team with Clarity 4. The Importance of Effective Communication 5. Leadership as an Act of Service Final Thoughts: Leadership is a journey of continuous growth. Whether leading up, across, or down, it starts with self-awareness and service. This episode provides practical insights to help you lead with confidence, no matter your position. Learn. Think. and Act. with us every Sunday. Our weekly email helps leaders accelerate their impact at work, in life, and within their families. 📩 Subscribe here: https://www.findmycatalyst.com/learn-think-act-opt-in

Duration:00:18:33

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Podcasting, Creating Magic, and Building What's Next with Jody Maberry - 436

2/20/2025
Jody Maberry is a seasoned podcaster, content creator, and business strategist known for his work with high-profile executives like Lee Cockerell. He has helped launch and grow numerous podcasts, build impactful courses, and guide senior executives in shaping their post-corporate careers. In this episode, Jody shares insights into podcasting, content creation, and the evolution of his work in helping leaders transition to their next chapter. Key Quotes "When you have to show up every week with something to say, you actually start to find out what you believe in.""There’s nothing new except what has been forgotten.""If you even have a little bit of interest in podcasting, just start doing it." Episode Summary In this episode, Jody Maberry and Mike Simmons dive deep into the evolution of podcasting and content creation. Jody shares how podcasting has changed over the years, why it’s easier than ever to get started, and how he helps executives transition from corporate careers to creating their own platforms. They also explore the power of AI in content creation and why having a podcast—even if you don’t monetize it—is a valuable tool for personal and professional growth. Key Takeaways 1. Podcasting as a Catalyst for Clarity 2. The Evolution of Podcasting Technology 3. Navigating the “What’s Next” for Senior Executives 4. The Power of Relationships in Content Creation 5. The Realities of Podcast Longevity Final Call to Action Learn. Think. and Act. with us every Sunday. Our Sunday email is filled with sections dedicated to helping leaders Learn. Think. and Act. These short weekly emails will help you make a difference and accelerate speed to impact at work, with self, and within your family. Subscribe here: https://www.findmycatalyst.com/learn-think-act-opt-in

Duration:00:51:41

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Why More Companies Are Using Fractional Executives (And Should You?) - 435

2/17/2025
Tim Dyck is an expert in HR and recruiting, specializing in fractional leadership—a growing approach that helps organizations get high-level expertise without committing to full-time hires. As the founder of Best Culture Solutions, Tim provides fractional HR services to help businesses build strong teams efficiently. Mike Simmons, host of Find Your Catalyst, is a leader in revenue growth and business strategy, guiding organizations to achieve operational excellence through fractional leadership and strategic execution. Top 3 Quotes: "Fractional leadership isn’t new—it’s just getting a name. Leaders have been doing this for years without calling it 'fractional.'""The goal isn’t to stay forever—it’s to create movement and momentum, then step away so the business can thrive without you.""If you’re struggling with leadership, operations, revenue, or execution, you don’t need to struggle—there are operators who can help." Fractional leadership is gaining traction as a powerful way for businesses to get high-level expertise without long-term commitments. Tim Dyck and Mike Simmons break down what fractional leadership is, why it matters, and how it can be applied effectively. They discuss different fractional models, success strategies, and the key to finding the right fit. 5 Key Takeaways: 1️⃣ What is Fractional Leadership? 2️⃣ Why Companies Choose Fractional Leaders 3️⃣ The Different Models of Fractional Work 4️⃣ How to Find the Right Fractional Leader 5️⃣ The Leadership Mindset in Fractional Roles Resources & Links: 📌 Take the Fractional Readiness Assessment: https://FindMyCatalyst.com/fractional 📌 Learn more about Best Culture Solutions: bestculturesolutions.ca Learn. Think. and Act. with us every Sunday. Our Sunday email helps leaders accelerate their impact in work, life, and leadership. 👉 Subscribe here: FindMyCatalyst.com/learn-think-act-opt-in

Duration:00:23:11

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Faith, Sales, and the Power of "And" – A Conversation with Morgan Ingram - 434

2/12/2025
Morgan Ingram is a sales strategist, content creator, and keynote speaker known for his innovative approach to outbound sales and personal branding. A three-time guest on the podcast, Morgan shares insights on continuous experimentation, leveraging LinkedIn for business growth, and the importance of faith and flow in both personal and professional life. Key Quotes from Morgan Ingram "You cannot lose if you do an experiment. It’s near impossible.""Most people who say something is ‘dead’ just aren’t good at it.""Faith is believing in something bigger than yourself, that is hard to describe, but you know it’s there." Morgan Ingram returns to discuss the power of continuous testing in business and personal growth. He dives into his structured approach to LinkedIn outreach, the role of faith in navigating life’s challenges, and how finding flow has transformed his daily routine. A must-listen for anyone seeking clarity, strategy, and inspiration. 5 Key Takeaways 1. The Power of Experimentation 2. Embracing an "And" Mindset in Sales & Business 3. Faith and Personal Growth 4. Leveraging LinkedIn for Business Success 5. Finding Flow in Life and Work Final Thought Learn. Think. and Act. with us every Sunday. Our Sunday email is filled with sections dedicated to helping leaders Learn. Think. and Act. These short weekly emails will help you make a difference and accelerate speed to impact at work, with self, and within your family. 📩 Subscribe here: https://www.findmycatalyst.com/learn-think-act-opt-in

Duration:00:48:46

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Mastering Feedback: Leadership Lessons with Heli Nehama-Ozery

1/31/2025
Heli Nehama-Ozery, an expert in leadership development and organizational design, dives into the transformative power of feedback in leadership. From strategies for giving and receiving feedback to using it as a catalyst for growth, Heli shares her insights on creating cultures that thrive on learning, reflection, and effective communication. Key Quotes from Heli Nehama-Ozery "Feedback is the most marvelous leadership tool that is usually not used enough or correctly. It elevates performance by providing an outside perspective.""The real control comes from asking questions, not from what you say. Questions let you understand where the other person is and build better communication.""When we put growth and learning as our main focus, that's where real behavioral change happens." In this episode, Heli Nehama-Ozery explores the art and science of feedback as a leadership tool. She explains how to overcome common fears around giving and receiving feedback, the importance of separating facts from interpretations, and using feedback to unlock individual and team growth. Heli also discusses actionable ways to improve communication, self-awareness, and organizational learning. Find your Catalyst at https://findmycatalyst.com 5 Key Takeaways 1. The Power of Feedback in Leadership 2. Receiving Feedback with Openness Circle of Influence 3. Giving Feedback Effectively 4. The Role of Communication in Feedback 5. Cultivating a Growth-Oriented Feedback Culture Heli Nehama Ozery is the founder of Artemis OD, a consulting firm that empowers frontline managers and trainers to elevate performance and build meaningful relationships. Through tailored leadership development programs, experiential learning, and practical communication tools, she helps global teams thrive and achieve lasting impact. Website: https://www.artemisod.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helinehamaozery/

Duration:00:54:50

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AI in Leadership Coaching: PianPian Xu Guthrie’s Vision for the Future

1/27/2025
Pianpian Xu Guthrie is an innovator at the intersection of AI and leadership coaching. With a background in product management at companies like Ticketmaster and GoDaddy, Pianpian has translated her experiences into building AI tools designed to enhance workplace collaboration and individual growth. Her latest venture, Amotions, delivers real-time coaching for professionals, aiming to make AI a trusted partner in team dynamics and sales effectiveness. Three Key Quotes "AI makes it possible to have a coach with you 24/7—no judgment, just guidance.""When building AI products, we have to address skepticism by showing clear, measurable results.""If someone has a burning problem, they’re often willing to use a solution—even if it’s not perfect." Pianpian Xu Guthrie shares her journey from product management challenges to creating cutting-edge AI solutions for leadership and sales coaching. She discusses the transformative potential of AI in professional growth, strategies for integrating AI tools into organizations, and how real-time feedback can improve communication, productivity, and emotional intelligence in the workplace. Find your Catalyst at https://findmycatalyst.com Five Key Takeaways Why Build Amotions AI's Role in Collaboration and Coaching Balancing Product Vision with Customer Needs Embracing AI in a Skeptical World The Future of AI Coaching Connect with PianPian at - https://www.amotionsinc.com/

Duration:00:50:03

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AI tools, thinking, agents, and GTM Efficiency - Coach K

1/20/2025
Coach K (Jonathan) is an AI and Enablement expert and business consultant, deeply engaged in how emerging technology reshapes industries. Known for his sharp insights into leveraging AI for efficiency, scalability, and innovation, Jonathan shares transformative ideas about staying ahead in a rapidly evolving tech landscape. Key Quotes: "AI isn't just a tool; it's an amplifier for human potential. It's about taking what makes you unique and multiplying it by ten.""Are you willing to think and do things differently from what you've done before?""The moat of the future will be humans and what one person can do with a fleet of AI agents." Jonathan (Coach K) explores the transformative power of AI agents, challenging listeners to rethink their approaches to business and technology. From automation to amplifying human skills, he unpacks the mindset shifts needed to thrive in a future where innovation is constant, and adaptability determines success. Find your Catalyst at https://www.findmycatalyst.com/ 5 Key Takeaways: The Role of AI as a Catalyst: Thinking Differently in the AI Era: The Power of Agents in Automation: AI as a Revenue Plumber: Bridging the Comfort Gap: Connect with Coach K: Find Jonathan (Coach K) on LinkedIn for updates, insights, and resources. Stay tuned for his upcoming projects on leveraging AI agents to create transformational change. Connect with Coach K at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmkmba/

Duration:00:45:40

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2025 Kickoff - What's New and What's Next

1/10/2025
In this solo episode, host Mike Simmons kicks off 2025 with a focus on leadership, personal growth, and impactful goals. Drawing from experiences in business, family, and life, Mike shares insights into building better leaders, fostering collaboration, and addressing the persistent leadership gap. Key Quotes from Mike Simmons: "Leadership starts with self. Build self-worth, self-awareness, and self-confidence, and then earn the right to lead others.""Stop wasting your team’s time with ineffective meetings—engage them in solving real problems with clear next steps.""Think different so that you can do different, and ultimately, be different." Mike Simmons reflects on the successes and lessons of 2024 while setting an ambitious agenda for 2025. With two key goals—expanding the Leader Lab and hosting 200 guided whiteboard sessions—Mike emphasizes the importance of leadership development and effective collaboration. He also shares personal aspirations and strategies for achieving clarity and impact. Key Takeaways: 1️⃣ Leadership Starts with Self self-worth, self-awareness, and self-confidence 2️⃣ Effective Collaboration in Meetings problem-solving or alignment 3️⃣ The Leader Lab’s Mission building leaders at every level 4️⃣ Guided Whiteboard Sessions for Results catalyst tools 5️⃣ Goals Beyond Business Personal Goal:Family Focus: Action Steps for Listeners: Leader LabGuided Whiteboard Session 📧 Questions or Suggestions? Email podcast@findmycatalyst.com 🌐 Learn More: FindMyCatalyst.com

Duration:00:27:43

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Finding Freedom: Vincent Pugliese on Experiences, Connection, and Living Fully

1/4/2025
Vincent Pugliese, a former sports photographer turned entrepreneur, shares his transformative journey of creating meaningful experiences, building connections, and inspiring others to live with intention. From his spontaneous trip to the Rose Bowl to the deeply personal lessons learned from his late brother, Vince embodies the power of living authentically. His work focuses on helping people find freedom through creativity, community, and recurring revenue. Three Key Quotes: "Live your life. Eliminate the excuses. Do the work to make it happen." "Sales is not about doing something to someone; it's about doing something for someone." "You don’t need funnels or big budgets; conversations and relationships are what create meaningful impact." Vincent Pugliese dives into his philosophy of living a life rich in experiences, honoring loved ones, and inspiring action through connection. Sharing personal stories and actionable advice, Vince challenges us to reframe how we approach decisions, social media, and community building to create freedom and purpose in our lives. Check out Vince at - https://mymembershipfreedom.com/ Find Your Catalyst at - https://www.findmycatalyst.com/ 5 Key Takeaways: The Power of Spontaneous Experiences Building a Legacy Through Stories Reframing Social Media as a Tool for Connection Embracing Mistakes and Uncertainty Freedom Through Recurring Revenue

Duration:01:14:05

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2024 Reflections - Stop Start Continue - with Mike Simmons

12/31/2024
Mike Simmons, founder of Find My Catalyst, reflects on 2024's milestones, challenges, and lessons learned. He dives into leadership, communication clarity, and strategies for personal and professional growth while sharing insights on building the Leader Lab and addressing leadership challenges. Three Key Quotes from Mike Simmons: "Stop what you would not start." Emphasizing the importance of eliminating activities and relationships that no longer serve your goals. "If you're looking for leadership, start with a mirror." Leadership begins with self-awareness and personal growth. "The revenue challenge inside your business is likely a culture challenge in disguise." Highlighting the deep connection between culture and financial success. Mike Simmons recaps 2024, exploring what worked, what didn’t, and where he’s stuck. From refining leadership strategies in the Leader Lab to improving communication clarity, Mike discusses creating space for growth, focusing on self-leadership, and the ongoing challenge of turning abstract concepts into actionable steps for personal and organizational success. Find Your Catalyst at https://www.findmycatalyst.com/ Key Takeaways: Leadership is a Personal Journey The Power of Reflection Communication and Clarity Overcoming Business Challenges Fostering Growth and Impact

Duration:00:20:45

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Golf, Community, Business, and Life with Terence Daniels

12/15/2024
Terence Daniels is an experienced golfer, community-builder, and business strategist. A former college athlete, Terence shares how his love for golf evolved into a passion for connecting people and leveraging lessons from the sport to enhance both personal and professional growth. He recently launched The Cactus Club AZ, a local golf community initiative aimed at fostering connections and sharing insights within Arizona’s vibrant golf scene. Key Quotes "Golf is a long journey, just like business. You might birdie one hole and bogey the next, but it's about how you plan and adjust that determines your success.""Community is the best part of golf—connecting with people you wouldn’t meet otherwise while learning and growing together.""Confidence is key in golf and business. If you believe in your approach, the likelihood of success is much higher." In this episode, Terence Daniels explores the parallels between golf and business, emphasizing the value of community, data-driven improvement, and strategic planning. He discusses his journey from competitive golf to building The Cactus Club AZ and shares tips for beginners, including the importance of group lessons and practicing with purpose. FInd Your Catalyst at https://www.findmycatalyst.com/ Key Takeaways Golf as a Catalyst for Growth Community Drives Success Parallels Between Golf and Business Confidence and Perspective Starting Your Golf Journey Links and Resources https://x.com/terencedanielshttps://www.instagram.com/terencedaniels/http://thecactusclubaz.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/terencedaniels/

Duration:00:51:21

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A.I. - Tools, Use Cases, Practical Application, and Risks with Jonathan Moss

12/11/2024
Jonathan Moss, a thought leader in AI and emerging technologies, dives into how AI can help streamline processes, empower individuals, and unlock creative potential. As a passionate advocate for leveraging AI as a "thought partner," Jonathan shares insights on practical use cases, the future of AI agents, and strategies for overcoming adoption hurdles. Key Quotes from Jonathan Moss "AI is not going to replace your job, but someone who uses AI in the same job as you will replace you.""Think of AI as an intern; it needs clear instructions, context, and practice to deliver great results.""The tools we use today are enabling humans to do better human things—they simplify and empower." In this episode, Jonathan Moss explains how AI tools can revolutionize workflows, from eliminating mundane tasks to supporting strategic decision-making. By viewing AI as an extension of human creativity, Jonathan emphasizes the importance of integrating these tools thoughtfully to achieve measurable outcomes while managing risks effectively. Key Takeaways 1. AI as a Thought Partner 2. Enhancing Efficiency Across Functions 3. Exploring Practical AI Applications 4. Mitigating Risks in AI Adoption 5. Future Trends: Custom LLMs and AI Agents Actionable Challenge for Listeners Start small with AI: use a tool like ChatGPT or Canva for a personal task, such as brainstorming ideas or creating visuals. Reflect on how the tool simplifies the process and builds confidence for professional applications.

Duration:00:53:14

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Better Meetings: Using the Jobs to Be Done Framework with Mike Simmons

12/8/2024
Mike Simmons explores the art of effective meetings using a "Jobs to Be Done" framework. As a leadership coach and expert in organizational dynamics, Mike breaks down common meeting challenges, offers actionable strategies, and introduces practical tools for fostering clarity, engagement, and collaboration. Three Key Quotes from Mike Simmons "Clarity is key—if you don't have a specific objective for the meeting, you're setting everyone up for frustration.""Stop combining decision-making, information-sharing, and collaboration into one meeting—it wastes time and energy.""Leverage the collective intelligence of your team to solve problems and design solutions collaboratively." Mike dissects meeting inefficiencies and introduces an approach that leverages a "Jobs to Be Done" framework to improve the effectiveness of your meetings. Categorizing meetings into decision-making, information-sharing, and collaborative types. By avoiding multitasking and fostering clarity, leaders can eliminate wasted time, enhance engagement, and drive meaningful outcomes. Tools like guided whiteboard sessions and clear next steps improve team alignment and accountability. Five Key Takeaways Define Meeting Objectives Clearly Different Types of Meetings Serve Different Purposes Avoid Combining Meeting Types Clarify and Assign Next Steps Harness the Power of Collaboration

Duration:00:28:39

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Three Hiring Mistakes and How to Solve Them - Tim Dyck and Mike Simmons

11/25/2024
Tim and Mike dive into the challenges businesses face in hiring, the importance of leadership, and how fractional leadership can be a game-changer for organizations. They explore common hiring pitfalls, misconceptions about experience and skills, and the role mindset plays in leadership and business success. Their conversational style combines humor and actionable insights. Three Key Quotes: "If you think your leadership is defined by how much you meddle in day-to-day operations, you're doing it wrong.""Experience doesn’t predict future performance or motivation to succeed.""Hiring isn’t about finding a perfect resume—it’s about finding someone motivated and passionate to grow with your organization." Tim and Mike tackle hiring challenges, from assessing candidates effectively to crafting meaningful job descriptions. They emphasize the need for clear, repeatable hiring processes and the importance of mindset in leadership. With practical advice and engaging anecdotes, they shed light on overcoming biases, redefining "fit," and leveraging fractional leadership to drive growth. Find Your Catalyst at https://www.findmycatalyst.com/fractional Key Takeaways: Hiring Right is Critical: Common Hiring Challenges: Building Better Hiring Processes: Fractional Leadership as a Solution: The Power of Mindset:

Duration:00:32:36

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Lead Generation and Leadership for Business Growth with John Karsant

11/22/2024
John Karsant, founder of LevelUp Leads, shares his journey from tennis coaching to establishing a successful lead generation agency. With years of experience in sales development, John provides insights on building pipelines, hiring sales development representatives (SDRs), and the importance of aligning sales processes with organizational goals. Key Quotes: John Karsant discusses the essentials of building a scalable sales pipeline and the pitfalls of outsourcing sales development too early. He highlights the importance of leadership, process documentation, and aligning marketing and sales efforts. John also emphasizes the role of consistent branding and creating trust with potential clients. Find Your Catalyst at https://www.findmycatalyst.com/ 5 Key Takeaways: Start with the Basics: Outsourcing Sales Development: Building a Professional Presence: The Right Time for SDRs: Effective Lead Generation Strategies: Connect with John Karsant on LinkedIn or visit LevelUp Leads to learn more about streamlining your sales development process. If you enjoyed this episode, share it with someone who would benefit and tag John and the host on LinkedIn or Twitter.

Duration:00:49:07

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Three tools to improve your leadership capabilities today - with Mike Simmons

11/21/2024
Mike Simmons, leadership advisor, coach, guide and host of the "Find My Catalyst" podcast, emphasizes self-leadership as the foundation for guiding others. With years of experience helping leaders and teams achieve alignment and success, Mike shares actionable tools and insights for effective decision-making, communication, and goal execution. Key Quotes "Leadership starts with self. If you're looking for leadership, start with a mirror.""Use these tools as your lever, know where to place it based on your skills, and you will start moving the world.""The journey of 10,000 steps starts with one. Take one step aligned with your strategy to achieve your goals." In this episode, Mike explores the importance of self-awareness, confidence, and self-worth in leadership. He introduces practical tools like the 2x2 decision-making matrix and the game plan framework to improve execution and achieve meaningful results, encouraging listeners to adopt a mindset of continuous learning. Find your Catalyst at https://www.findmycatalyst.com/ 5 Key Takeaways Self-Leadership is the Foundation of Success Effective Decision-Making with the 2x2 Matrix Communication is a Two-Way Process Goal Setting and Execution Simplified Leverage Tools to Drive Results

Duration:00:27:17