Clearing Obstacles - Blissful Ambition

S02 E14 - TJ Bennett (The Pudding Factory & DesuckfyWork™)

In this episode, host Dan Kent, from Best Self Coaching, engages in an insightful conversation with TJ Bennett, founder of The Pudding Factory and host of the podcast, DesuckifyWork™.
Dan and TJ delve into the importance of self-awareness, vulnerability, and authenticity in leadership. They explore how embracing one's unique quirks and humor can lead to a more engaging and productive work environment. TJ shares his journey from the advertising world to coaching, highlighting the significance of bringing your whole self to work and the transformative power of overcoming challenges.
The discussion also touches on the value of coaching and mentorship, the impact of trust in leadership, and the necessity (and complexity) of balancing levity with professional responsibilities. Tune in to discover how you can clear the obstacles in your leadership journey and create a thriving, supportive workplace culture.
For more information on TJ Bennett's work, visit The Pudding Factory and check out his podcast, DeSuckify Work, available on Substack and major podcast platforms.
To connect with TJ: https://www.thepuddingfactory.net/
To work with Dan : https://bestself.coach/
To gain free access to the Self Management Module of the Clearing Obstacles Roadmap: https://bestself.coach/free
 

S02 E13 - Tom Pepple (Retail Profit Systems & Big Rig Glass)

Welcome to Season Two of Clearing Obstacles, the podcast for leaders and those aspiring to be. This episode features a captivating conversation with Tom Pepple, an entrepreneur and the President of Retail Profit Systems & Co-Owner of Big Rig Glass. Hosted by Dan Kent at Best Self Coaching, this discussion delves into Tom's remarkable journey from being a driven yet overwhelmed entrepreneur to an empathetic and effective one through deep lessons in leadership.
Tom joins Dan in a face-to-face conversation over a cold beverage, to share his experiences in leadership, emphasizing the importance of process over results, and how focusing on the well-being of his team transformed his business and his life.
Tom's journey is a testament to the power of vulnerability, self-awareness, and empathy in leadership. He discusses his evolution from a micromanager, to a leader who empowers his team -- drawing from his experiences with the Wings Seminars and the Unbeatable Mind community. He also shares practical insights on maintaining a balance between personal and professional life, the importance of vision, and how to foster a culture of trust and integrity within a team.
Listeners can expect to gain valuable insights into effective leadership, the importance of personal growth, and how to create a supportive and thriving work environment. This episode is a must-listen for any leader looking to clear obstacles and lead with purpose and compassion, from a guy who's lived all the experiences in the journey of small business ownership.
Retail Profit Systems: https://retailprofitsystems.com/
Big Rig Glass: https://bigrigglass.net/
To work with Dan and Best Self Coaching: dan@bestself.coach
To learn more about the Free Self Management Module in the Clearing Obstacles Roadmap: https://bestself.coach/free
 

S02 E12 - Karen Natzel (K Communications)

In this episode, host and coach Dan Kent from Best Self Coaching dives deep into the nuances of effective leadership with Karen Natzel, founder of K Communications and a self-described business therapist. Karen shares her invaluable insights on fostering a culture of trust, emotional intelligence, and resiliency within organizations.
Topics covered include:
The importance of self-management for leaders
Creating psychologically safe environments for robust dialogues
Addressing imposter syndrome and its impact on leadership
Practical strategies for effective communication and collaboration
Building a resilient team and nurturing relationships
Whether you're a seasoned leader or an emerging one, this episode is packed with practical advice and thought-provoking ideas to help you clear the obstacles in your path to success. Tune in and discover how you can create a vibrant, inclusive, and high-performing team.
For more information on Karen Natzel and K Communications, as well as links to resources discussed in the episode, visit the show notes.
Karen's Manifesto - https://www.biztherapy.biz/our-crew
Work with Karen - https://www.biztherapy.biz/
Work with Dan or learn more about Best Self Coaching - https://bestself.coach/
To get FREE access to the entire Self Management Module of the Clearing Obstacles Roadmap: https://bestself.coach/free
 

S02 E11 - Mo Bunnel (The Bunnell Idea Group)

In this episode of the "Clearing Obstacles Podcast," we are thrilled to welcome Mo Bunnell, the founder of the Bunnell Idea Group and a renowned expert in business development. Mo shares invaluable insights from his extensive career, including his groundbreaking methodologies from his book, "The Snowball System," and his upcoming book, "Give to Grow," set to release on August 27, 2024.
Through engaging stories and practical advice, Mo delves into the crucial role of relationships in business success and how data and analytics can enhance these connections. He provides an in-depth look at the five lies we tell ourselves that sabotage our efforts and offers actionable strategies to overcome them. These include maintaining a growth mindset, asking the right questions, and always acting with genuine intent.
The Five Lies:
"I can't do that."
"I don't know what to do."
"I might do it wrong"
"I'm too busy."
"I'm going to look bad."
Listen in for Mo's groundbreaking ways to de-bunk that nonsense.
Mo also shares his approach to leadership, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, courage, and trust. He discusses how he empowers his team, the significance of a well-structured business plan, and the benefits of giving away valuable content to build trust and combat obscurity.
Listeners will learn how to balance curiosity and certainty in both business development and leadership, and how to create meaningful, lasting relationships that drive growth and success. Don't miss this episode packed with wisdom and actionable tips from one of the industry's leading minds.
For more insights and to access Mo's free training, visit givetogrow.info.
To pre-order Mo's book, Give to Grow : https://amzn.to/3LD8lHi
To learn more about working with Dan directly: https://bestself.coach/
To get FREE access to the entire Self Managment Module of the Clearing Obstacles Roadmap: https://bestself.coach/free

S02 E10 - Meredith Bell (Grow Strong Leaders)

In this episode, host Dan Kent dives deep into the world of leadership with the exceptional Meredith Bell, President and Co-Founder of Grow Strong Leaders. Meredith shares her extensive experience in leadership development, communication skills, and character-building.
Meredith and Dan discuss the importance of shifting from a victim to an owner mindset and the impact of genuine connections and authentic generosity in leadership. We go on to discuss a whole host of topics, including relationships, character, loneliness in leadership, mindset, "being vs. doing", imperfection, and communication - among many other invaluable insights from Meredith.
Meredith offers stories from her journey, including her transition from a classroom teacher to a leadership coach and product developer. She highlights the significance of relationships, communication, and character skills in effective leadership. The discussion also covers practical tips for leaders, such as the importance of listening, receiving feedback graciously, and fostering a growth mindset.
Listeners will learn about the new GSL Skill Builder program, designed to enhance communication and character skills, and hear about Meredith's approach to creating oneself anew, daily through affirmations and intentionality. The episode wraps up with actionable advice to get 3 quick-wins, for leaders to start improving their leadership skills today.
Don't miss this enlightening conversation that explores the depths of authentic leadership and offers valuable tools to help you and your team thrive.
To experience the Grow Strong Leaders approach & tools: https://growstrongleaders.com/
To work with Dan at Best Self Coaching: https://bestself.coach/
Books noted in this episode:Mindset by Carol DweckThe Power of Awareness by Nevill GoddardConnect with Your Team by Denny Coates & Meredith BellCrucial Conversations by Patterson, Grenny, McMillan, & SwitzlerGood Authority by Jonathan Raymond

S02 E09 - Shawn Blanc (The Focus Course)

In this episode, Dan is joined by Shawn Blanc, a productivity expert and the founder of The Focus Course. Shawn shares his journey from a marketing director to a successful business owner, emphasizing the importance of aligning personal values with business goals. He discusses the challenges of finding joy in business without sabotaging it; and the necessity of creating a safe space for experimentation.
Shawn has effectively evolved his business to allow for eight-week work cycles, which give him and his team two months of sabbatical every year -- all while seeing unprecedented growth in revenue. 
Key points include the significance of effective delegation, maintaining margin in life and business, and the power of clear communication. He'll introduce the basics of a tool he calls The Productivity Flywheel that's helped him and hundreds of clients over the years. Shawn also touches on the importance of self-awareness for leaders and how to avoid the pitfalls of doing too much. Whether you're an emerging leader or a seasoned one, this episode offers actionable insights to help you and your team succeed, and live a life of meaning through some powerful leadership insights.
Don't miss Shawn's practical advice on how to start small, celebrate successes, and maintain focus on what truly matters. Tune in to learn how to build a business that fuels your life and the lives of your team.
To see Shawn's incredible menu of tools, visit: https://thefocuscourse.com/
For Business Owners & CEOs specifically, visit: https://thefocuscourse.com/boss
To work with Dan and Best Self Coaching: https://bestself.coach/
If you're interested in being a guest on the Clearing Obstacles Podcast, email: info@bestself.coach
 

S02 E08 - Neal Foard (Storyfire)

Welcome to Season Two of Clearing Obstacles, the podcast for leaders and those aspiring to be. Hosted by Dan Kent from Best Self Coaching, this season promises to redefine leadership with insights from thought leaders. In this episode, we dive deep into the art of storytelling with the charismatic Neal Foard, a veteran in the advertising world turned storytelling coach.
Neal shares his journey and the profound impact of storytelling in leadership. He recounts a personal story that transformed his outlook and discusses how stories can empower leaders to inspire, align values, and guide their teams. The conversation also explores the significance of recognizing the humanity in others, the role of empathy, and the importance of realistic optimism in leadership.
Whether you're a seasoned leader or just starting, this episode is packed with wisdom and practical advice on how to harness the power of storytelling to lead effectively. Tune in to learn how to clear the obstacles in your leadership journey and become the kind of leader your team is waiting for.
To learn more about the Storyfire Course: https://www.storyfire.net/
Great Neal Foard SWAG, insights, Socials, and Rancho Madhammer: https://www.nealfoard.com/
To be a guest on Clearing Obstacles, email Dan at info@bestself.coach
More about Best Self Coaching: https://bestself.coach/
 

S02 E07 - Gustavo Razzetti (Fearless Culture)

Welcome to Season 2 of Clearing Obstacles, the podcast for leaders and aspiring leaders alike. In this episode, host Dan Kent from Best Self Coaching dives deep into the concept of workplace culture with Gustavo Razzetti, the founder of Fearless Culture and author of the book Remote, Not Distant. Gustavo shares his expertise on building a culture of ownership rather than accountability and discusses practical steps leaders can take to enhance their team's performance and engagement.
Throughout the episode, Gustavo emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, psychological safety, and effective decision-making. He introduces listeners to the Culture Design Canvas, a tool he developed to help organizations intentionally design their workplace culture. Additionally, Gustavo provides actionable tips for leaders to improve team participation and trust, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued.
Key points addressed are:
Accountability is often imposed top-down by leaders, reactively when results aren't met. It focuses too much on metrics instead of behaviors that drive metrics.
A culture of ownership is better than one of strict accountability - giving people decision-making rights closer to problems, rewarding behaviors that move the needle, allowing freedom which creates accountability.
Leaders must model desired behaviors and set clear expectations for their team's ownership in the culture.
Middle managers are often a bottleneck, focused on their own goals vs cross-collaboration needed today.
To increase voices being heard constructively: Try techniques like "Voice of Employee" ambassadors, and understanding how the individuals on your team prefer to communicate.
Use the Culture Design Canvas tool to assess current culture state, identify areas for evolution, drive experiments in bite-sized changes.
Self-awareness is key for leaders - understanding your blindspots through feedback. Lack of self-awareness is a major pitfall.
Culture signals are visible in behaviors and interactions if you look - it's not something invisible or abstract, contrary to our common perception otherwise.
Tune in to learn how to transform your organization's culture from within and create an environment where everyone can thrive. Whether you're a seasoned leader or just starting your leadership journey, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical advice to help you clear the obstacles to help you Get There, From Here.
Fearless Culture: https://www.fearlessculture.design/
Insight: The Surprising Truth About How Others See Us, How We See Ourselves, and Why the Answers Matter More Than We Think, by Tasha Eurich: https://amzn.to/4crslI3
Work with Dan at Best Self Coaching: https://bestself.coach/
 
 
 

S02 E06 - Marcus Baur (Goalscape)

Welcome to season two of Clearing Obstacles, the podcast for leaders and aspiring leaders, hosted by Dan Kent of Best Self Coaching. In this episode, Dan is joined by Marcus Baur, co-designer and creator of Goalscape, to discuss the evolving paradigms of leadership, goal setting, and the importance of transparency in today's organizational structures.
Marcus shares his journey from Olympic sailing, to architecture, to software development, explaining how his diverse experiences inspired the creation of Goalscape. He delves into the significance of embracing finitude and focusing on what truly matters, a concept he learned through both his sporting and professional endeavors.
The conversation explores how to foster intrinsic motivation within teams, the pitfalls of traditional top-down management, and the need for a more agile, collaborative approach to leadership. Marcus and Dan also touch on the importance of creating a culture where goals are transparent, and team members feel empowered to contribute and innovate.
Listen in to discover how the Goalscape tool can help leaders and teams visualize their objectives, prioritize effectively, and maintain focus amidst the complexities of modern business. This episode is packed with insights on how to reimagine leadership to create more engaged, productive, and inspired teams.
Whether you're a seasoned leader or just starting out, this episode offers valuable perspectives on how to clear the obstacles standing in the way of your success.
For more information and to explore Goalscape, visit Goalscape. Stay tuned for more episodes of Clearing Obstacles as we continue to bring you the voices of thought leaders who are redefining leadership in our world today.
If you have a voice to contribute to this season's conversation around reimagining leadership in our world today, please reach out to Dan at info@bestself.coach
If you want to take a look at how your business could better-serve your life, visit http://bestself.coach
 
 

S02 E05 - Dr. Jeremy Goldberg (Long Distance Love Bombs)

Welcome to Season Two of Clearing Obstacles, the podcast for leaders and those aspiring to be, because no organization can thrive without effective leadership. Join your host and coach, Dan Kent of Best Self Coaching, as he brings the voices of thought leaders who share unique and valuable perspectives on reimagining and redefining leadership in our world today.
In this episode, Dan sits down with Dr. Jeremy Goldberg, the creative force behind Long Distance Love Bombs. Dr. Goldberg shares his inspiring journey from a PhD student to a global thought leader in kindness and compassion. We get a bit metaphysical & mildly quirky in this episode, but don't let that stop you. In fact, lean in. The ride is worth it.
The conversation explores topics such as the importance of vulnerability, self-awareness, and emotional resilience in effective leadership. Dr. Goldberg also shares his unique perspective on imposter syndrome, the power of reframing challenges, and the significance of embodying one's true self.
Listeners will hear about Dr. Goldberg's impactful initiatives, including his six-day camping trip in Banff, Canada, and his annual 200-kilometer walk on the Camino de Santiago. The episode is filled with practical insights, powerful analogies, and heartfelt wisdom that will inspire leaders to cultivate personal development as the foundation for effective leadership.
Don't miss this enriching conversation that promises to help you clear the obstacles on your path to becoming the kind leader your team deserves. For more information and to connect with Dr. Jeremy Goldberg, see the links below.
Subscribe to Clearing Obstacles on your favorite listening platform and join us as we help you get there from here. Your business should serve your life, and nobody should do this on their own.
 
Jeremy's Website: https://www.longdistancelovebombs.com/
Jeremy's TEDx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5mklMPHGLjo
Jeremy's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/longdistancelovebombs/
Jeremy's Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-long-distance-love-bombs-podcast/id1438349939
Jeremy's Book, It'll Be Okay, And You Will Be Too: https://amzn.to/3xbfydN
Dan Kent at Best Self Coaching: https://bestself.coach