The Business Elevation Show with Chris Cooper - Be More. Achieve More

Join us for an exciting episode of the Business Elevation Show as we sit down with Brian Smith, the visionary Founder of the iconic UGG Australia brand. Brian's entrepreneurial journey is inspiring, having transformed a modest $500 investment into a multimillion-dollar international enterprise. UGG Australia has become synonymous with luxury and comfort, achieving over a billion dollars in annual sales for the past six years. Brian Smith graduated as a Chartered Accountant in 1978 in Australia, before moving to California in search of the next big opportunity. While studying at the UCLA Graduate School of Management, he identified a gap in the US market for sheepskin footwear, which sparked the inception of UGG. Over the next seventeen years, Brian's unwavering dedication and innovative approach propelled UGG into a global phenomenon. In this interview, we delve into Brian's book, The Birth of a Brand – Launching Your Entrepreneurial Passion and Soul, where we will explore his invaluable insights and strategies for aspiring entrepreneurs. Brian emphasises the importance of leveraging one's intrinsic assets and following one's passions to build a fulfilling and successful career. A sought-after keynote speaker and mentor to small business owners, Brian dedicates his time to educating and inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs. He also enjoys spending quality time with his family and friends in Southern California, surfing, and contributing to the betterment of humanity. Tune in for an engaging and informative conversation with Brian Smith during which I will be wearing my favourite slippers!

Join us for an inspiring conversation on servant leadership and life with Howard Behar, a visionary leader whose illustrious career with Starbucks as President of North America and founding President of Starbucks International, saw the company grow from 28 stores to over 15,000 across five continents. With over 50 years in consumer-centric businesses, Mr. Behar’s expertise is unparalleled. Beyond Starbucks, he’s played pivotal roles at organizations like GAP, Shurgard, and the University of Washington Foundation. An ardent advocate for the Servant Leadership Model, Mr. Behar’s commitment to nurturing future leaders is evident in his two seminal books, ‘It’s Not About the Coffee’ and ‘The Magic Cup’. Join us to explore his journey, wisdom, and unwavering belief in leadership that serves.

How do we best cope with our current volatile, disruptive and extremely polarised world situation? How can you adapt your approach when you meet others with a very different view to you? This week, I am delighted to welcome Joe Weston who brings over 30 years of experience in conflict prevention, leadership, stress management, and communication. In this conversation we will explore the principles outlined in his Amazon bestselling book, Fierce Civility: Transforming our Global Culture from Polarisation to Lasting Peace. Including what is fierce civility and how can it help us to bridge divides and foster personal and professional peace and collaboration. As the founder and owner of Weston Network and the non-profit Fierce Civility Project, Joe has worked with a diverse array of clients, including NASA, the World Bank, Oxfam, Booz Allen Hamilton, PBS, The National Cancer Institute, The United Nations, and Mitsubishi Motors. His groundbreaking work and methodologies have made a significant impact on corporations, government agencies, and non-profits around the world. Joe's expertise is further highlighted by his experience as an adjunct professor at Georgetown University’s Department of Government, Program of Conflict Resolution, and his dedication to working with veterans and in-mates in the areas of integration, healing, and leadership. Join us for an enlightening and thought-provoking discussion that will elevate your understanding of the power of fierce civility and how you can use to increase your effectiveness whilst contributing to a more peaceful world.

In this fascinating interview, I will be talking with Tony McAleer, a transformative figure who has journeyed from being a leader in Canada’s Neo-Nazi movement to becoming an international speaker and author dedicated to combatting hate. Tony co-founded the organisation Life After Hate, which assists individuals in leaving White Supremacist movements, drawing from his own profound personal transformation. As a young man, Tony was deeply entrenched in hate groups, leading the Aryan Resistance Movement and engaging in activities that saw him confront the Supreme Court of Canada. His life took a pivotal turn with the birth of his children, leading him through a path of intense personal reflection and counseling. This journey not only transformed him but also gave him unique insights into the psychology behind hate group participation and the challenging road to reintegration into society. In “The Cure for Hate,” he shares his story, offering hope and understanding to those struggling with similar issues. His commitment to healing extends beyond his own experience; he actively contributes to community healing through talks and donations from his book. Join us for an intimate conversation with Tony McAleer, as we delve into his past, his transformative journey, and his ongoing efforts to cure hate. This episode promises to be a compelling exploration of redemption, understanding, and the power of change.

In a world where our businesses and lives are often driven by exhausted minds, it's crucial to find new ways to rejuvenate and energise ourselves and others. In this episode, we will dive deep into the heart of transformational leadership with an exceptional guest, Amy Elizabeth Fox. Amy is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Mobius Executive Leadership. With her extensive experience as a senior leadership strategist, she has consulted with senior leadership on human capital, organisational health, and leadership development. Amy is a leader in vertical development and for the last twenty years has led immersive leadership programs for CEOs and senior executives. She is also a pioneer in trauma informed coaching and serves on the faculty of the African Leadership Institute’s program at Oxford University. In our conversation, we will discuss Amy’s insights on how to create the space for transformational leadership change, helping organisations move from exhaustion to inspiring heart led leadership. We’ll explore her journey, her work with major international organisations, and the strategies she employs to foster leadership that becomes revitalised. This includes the realisation by many large organisations who have worked with Amy that spirituality is the gold mine under the boardroom table. Join us as we uncover the antidote for transforming tired busy minds into happier, energised and high performing leaders, teams and employees and why this is an essential solution for a better more harmonious world.

As a leader it is essential to be able to see, understand, and manage risk. Do you have a proven method to do this? My guest Scott Griffith is a renowned leader in aviation and safety, and the author of the newly released book, The Leader’s Guide to Managing Risk – A Proven Method to Build Resilience and Reliability, published by HarperCollins Leadership in November 2023. Scott rose to prominence as an international airline captain and chief safety officer at American Airlines. Witnessing a plane crash, led to pioneering work in the Aviation Safety Action Programs (ASAP), earning him the Flight Safety Foundation’s Admiral Luis de Florez Award for outstanding contributions to aviation safety and three Federal Aviation Administration’s Good Friend Awards. A 95% reduction in US plane accidents has followed his pioneering work. Since retiring from American Airlines in 2006, Scott dedicated himself to performance improvement in various high-risk industries, including healthcare, aviation, railroads, energy, and emergency services. His innovative Sequence of Reliability® model integrates socio-technical methods to enhance organisational resilience and reliability. In this interview, we will discuss that frightening plane crash which sparked and how his collaborative model brings significant organisational improvements. Don’t miss this opportunity to join us and learn from one of the leading figures in safety and reliability management.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Dr. Anita Sanchez, CEO and Founder of Sanchez Tennis & Associates, LLC, as we discuss insights from her internationally acclaimed book, The Four Sacred Gifts: Indigenous Wisdom for Modern Times. A Nahua (Aztec), Toltec, and Mexican American leader, Dr. Sanchez bridges Indigenous wisdom and modern science to address contemporary challenges. In this interview, we will delve into the four sacred gifts—Power to Forgive the Unforgivable, Power of Healing, Power of Unity, and Power of Hope—offering practical guidance for personal, business and societal renewal. Dr. Sanchez's extensive experience as an author, consultant, and speaker to Fortune 500 corporations, educational institutions, and non-profits has earned her numerous accolades, including being named one of Mogul’s Top 100 DEI Leaders and a World Changing Woman by Conscious Company Media. Her work focuses on leadership, diversity, equity, inclusion, and cultural transformation. Don't miss this opportunity to learn some profound wisdom and gain tools to embrace Indigenous traditions and elevate your own life and business.

Join us for an insightful interview with Dr. John Stahl-Wert, Founder of the Center for Serving Leadership, as we explore his renowned book, The Serving Leader. With over thirty years of experience, John has helped organisations worldwide achieve exceptional results by investing in their people. Author of the best-sellers The Serving Leader and Ten Thousand Horses, John has coached executives in top organisations such as Progress Rail, Pan Pacific Hotel Group (Singapore), Honda’s North American Lean Network, and the Veterans Administration. As well as hundreds of other businesses in the US, Singapore and Hong Kong. In this interview, John will discuss the core principles of The Serving Leader and how leaders can transform their organisations by fostering a culture of service and empowerment. Beyond his professional work, John enjoys a fulfilling personal life with his wife of 42 years (and business partner), Milonica, and their family. Tune in for valuable insights from a true leader dedicated to serving others and empowering organisations through leadership.

Join us as I welcome Florence Ann Romano to discuss how to build your very own village (community). Florence is a personal growth strategist, author, philanthropist, and seasoned businesswoman. With over fifteen years of experience as a childcare provider, Florence, is a beacon of knowledge on childcare, family support, and the value of community in the modern era. Hailing from the outskirts of Chicago, she brings to life the adage It takes a village, emphasising the critical role of communal bonds in every stage of life through her latest work, Build Your Village: A Guide to Finding Joy and Community in Every Stage of Life. As the Vice President of Business Strategy for Yakkety Yak and an advisor, Florence Ann also dedicates her efforts to philanthropy, serving on the boards of the Children’s Research Fund and Female Strong, and as a founding member of Sesame Street’s Leadership Council. Whether you're seeking to redefine your current community or starting from scratch, we will dis-cuss the tools necessary to foster the villager qualities within yourself and recognise them in others. In an era when it is easy to become isolated and lonely, we will be discussing how to cultivate your village for a joyful, interconnected life both personally and in building your business community.

Join us for a deep conversation with Christopher Marquis, Sinyi Professor of Chinese Management at the University of Cambridge, as we explore his latest thought-provoking book, The Profiteers: How Business Privatises Profits and Socialises Costs. With an academic background at institutions such as Harvard and Cornell, and significant experience in the financial services industry, including a role as Vice President at JP Morgan Chase, Professor Marquis uniquely bridges the gap between academia and the corporate world. In this episode, we’ll uncover key insights from his latest book, discussing the sharp contrast between the public commitments and actual practices of corporations, particularly their focus on maximising profit at the expense of societal and environmental well-being. We will also examine the urgent need for systemic reform and spot-light pioneers who are leading the way in ethical business conduct. Tune in to learn how the lessons from The Profiteers can drive a shift towards a more equitable and sustainable future in the business world.

Join us for a very insightful conversation that will raise your knowledge and awareness of climate change. Following three decades in the electric energy industry, Peter Kelly-Detwiler has emerged as a prominent global energy and systemic climate change strategist. Peter offers invaluable guidance to clients and investors and international conference audiences wishing to elevate their knowledge and wisdom in an area that is a huge threat to humanity. In this exclusive interview, we will delve into the heart of one of the most wicked challenges of our time: climate change. Having recently interviewed Peter in front of a grateful live audience, I was really impressed at how he was able to unravel the complex realities of climate change, offering a perspective that elevates us well beyond headlines. With over 300 published articles to his credit and a published book, “The Energy Switch” Peter is at the forefront of shaping the dialogue around energy and climate change. Join us to elevate your climate change wisdom and learn how to contribute to the solutions.

This week we delve into the captivating realm of visionary leadership with guest, globally renowned thought leader, author, and C-suite coach, Dr. Oleg Konovalov. We’ll explore the essence of visionary leadership, uncovering the strategies and principles that distinguish true visionaries in today’s dynamic business landscape. Drawing from Oleg’s extensive experience and acclaimed works such as “The Vision Code” and “Leaderology,” listeners will gain invaluable insights into cultivating a visionary mindset, fostering innovation, and driving organisational success. Discover why Oleg Konovalov has been hailed as the ‘da Vinci of Visionary Leadership’ and learn how his visionary approach can empower leaders to navigate complexity, inspire teams, and shape a brighter future for their organisations. Join us to elevate your understanding of leadership and ignite your own visionary journey.

In today’s challenging times, it is more important than ever to know how to grow your wealth and provide security needed for your future. Join us on The Business Elevation Show for an exclusive interview with Lewis Crompton, a seasoned trader and mentor who has transformed the lives of thousands through his innovative approach to trading and investing. From humble beginnings in retail with mounting debt, Lewis embarked on a transformative path honing his skills in financial markets over a decade and mastering the art of trading profitably. He now considers it his calling (or duty) to help others achieve what he did through trading and attain financial freedom and an improved quality of life, founding STARTrading in 2019. At the heart of Lewis’s teachings lies his StarTrading methodology, a streamlined approach that allows individuals to effectively navigate the markets in just 30 minutes a day. In this interview, Lewis will discuss his inspiring life journey from leaving his religious early life, to sharing the principles behind his high integrity methodology, with practical insights that can help you to take control of your financial future. Whether you’re a seasoned investor, or someone who’s just beginning to explore the world of trading, this interview promises to offer invaluable wisdom, guidance, and inspiration. Join us and help to secure your financial future.

Join us as we discuss the future of marketing with Stuart McFaul, founder of Stuart McFaul Associates, a San Francisco-based marketing agency that has propelled over 250 companies to successful IPOs or buyouts, with a total market valuation exceeding $3 billion and ROIs as high as 23,000%. Stuart’s pioneering programs, including one enshrined in the Smithsonian Archives, have revolutionised marketing complex technologies with empathy-driven approaches. His acclaimed Optimal Value™ Marketing Playbook, taught at prestigious institutions like Wharton and Stanford, is guiding entrepreneurs worldwide to business success. Recently honoured with the Outstanding Marketing Leadership award at the 2024 Marketing 2.0 Conference, Stuart’s influence also extends to his pro bono work as the past president of Grateful Living. Get ready for a very insightful discussion to help us understand the future of marketing and why we must develop more empathy and authentic wisdom in our approaches.

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Jyoti Ma, an internationally renowned spiritual teacher and visionary leader. With a deep commitment to honouring the Earth and all peoples, Jyoti Ma has spearheaded transformative projects that embody sacred wisdom and foster interconnectedness. As the Grandmother Vision Keeper of the Center for Sacred Studies, co-founder of Kayumari, and a driving force behind initiatives like the International Council of Thirteen Indigenous Grandmothers and the Unity Concert, Jyoti Ma has played a pivotal role in bridging spiritual traditions and fostering global collaboration. As the founder of The Fountain, Jyoti Ma has championed an economic model rooted in reciprocity, collaboration, and reverence for nature, aiming to restore harmony between humanity and the Earth. Her work as a delegate of the Mother Earth Delegation of United Original Nations has further propelled a global movement dedicated to activating a new era of harmony and sustainability. In this interview, Jyoti Ma will share her insights on spirituality, community building, environmental stewardship, and the urgent need for collective action in service of our planet. This will be a fabulous opportunity to learn from someone whose wisdom is guiding us toward a more harmonious and interconnected world.

Join us as we explore the heart of kindness as we discuss by stepping up and being an angel with Molly Bedingfield, Founder and CEO of the Global Angels Foundation. Molly exemplifies how leading with kindness can revolutionise our approach to personal growth, stakeholder engagement, and community support. With her extensive background in business management, leadership development and charitable contribution, we will discuss invaluable insights into practicing kindness and its ripple effect on creating transformative change. As a mother to four, talented singer/songwriters, including globally recognised talents Daniel and Natasha Bedingfield, Molly understands the importance of love and kindness. This episode will delve into Molly’s philosophy that fostering kindness within can extend outwards, enhancing relationships with stakeholders and fostering strong community change which all contribute to a better world where all can flourish. Join us for a conversation that promises not just to inspire but also to provide practical guidance on how kindness can be the most potent tool in your arsenal for positive impact. Don’t miss the chance to learn from a leader who’s living a life dedicated to empowering others with kindness, compassion, and care.

Join us on a captivating journey into the depths of the human mind as we delve into the fascinating world of neuroscience. In this enlightening episode, renowned cognitive neuroscientist Chantel Prat, alongside host Chris Cooper, takes us on an exploration of what neuroscience reveals about understanding ourselves and others. From unravelling the intricate neural mechanisms behind language and executive functions to uncovering the biological basis of individual differences in cognition, Prat’s interdisciplinary expertise promises to illuminate the mysteries of the brain in ways you’ve never imagined. Join us to gain profound insights into human behaviour, communication, and relationships, as we unlock the secrets of the mind together. Don’t miss this thought-provoking discussion that will reshape the way you perceive yourself and those around you.

Join us for a fascinating conversation with Steve Sims, dubbed “The Real Life Wizard of Oz” by Forbes and Entrepreneur Magazine. Ever wondered how to transform your wildest dreams into reality? Look no further. As the bestselling author of “BLUEFISHING – the art of making things happen” and “Go For Stupid – The Art of Achieving Ridiculous Goals,” Steve Sims is the mastermind behind some of the most extraordinary experiences on the planet. From working with Sir Elton John to orchestrating private dinners in Florence with Andrea Bocelli serenading, Steve has crafted jaw-dropping experiences. In this interview, he will share his insights, strategies, and the mindset required to turn seemingly absurd goals into tangible achievements. As the co-founder of the leading community for creative disruptors and the host of “The Art of Making Things Happen” podcast, Steve Sims has inspired countless individuals to step outside their comfort zones and embrace the power of audacious thinking. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur, aspiring dreamer, or curious adventurer, this is your chance to unlock the secrets of manifesting the extraordinary. Don’t miss out on this episode where we delve deep into the art of making the impossible and embark on a journey towards your most outrageous dreams.

Tune into a captivating exploration of leadership with my guests Sergio Montiel and Manuel Manga, two trailblazers in the realm of evolutionary leadership. With over two decades of experience, Sergio Montiel has not only led top Latin American operations for a Canadian firm but also dedicated his life to nurturing leaders and movements that envision a responsible future. As a Senior Vice President and an esteemed educator, his work spans continents, fostering strategic foresight and authentic leadership. Meanwhile, Manuel Manga, the director of the Center for Evolutionary Leadership, brings a wealth of knowledge from working with global powerhouses like The World Bank and UNDP. His commitment to creating a just and thriving world is rooted in his expertise in humanistic and social psychology. Together, we will discuss the intricacies of male leadership, from the impact of cultural evolution to the role of ontological design in shaping sustainable leaders. This episode is a must-listen for anyone keen to understand the transformative paths men can embark upon to meet the demands of an ever-changing world with integrity, innovation, and a deep sense of global stewardship.

Join Chris Cooper, Business Elevation show host and a leader in business transformation through people, as he engages in a fascinating conversation with Neil Laughton, a master of adventurous entrepreneurship, on ‘Harness Your Energy, Grow Your Business'. Neil will lead the conversation today as they discuss the essence of harnessing inner vitality and cultivating a dynamic flow of energy to not only elevate your business performance but also to enrich the well-being of your enterprise. Chris, with his extensive experience in leadership and organizational elevation, will shed light on innovative strategies to galvanize yourself, your leaders, teams, and culture. Meanwhile, Neil, with his extraordinary feats from summiting Everest to innovative luxury living concepts, will bring a unique adventurous perspective. Together, they will explore the synergy of energy and enterprise and how it can lead to unparalleled growth and success. Join us for an inspiring conversation that promises to invigorate your approach to business and life!