Making Waves at C-Level By cover art

Making Waves at C-Level

By: Thom Singer
Listen for free

  • Summary

  • Successful executives cannot always play it safe. They make waves. This podcast explores the gap between potential and results in business. This is a show for people who seek career success. If you desire motivation, ideas, inspiration, and the chance to learn from people who are living their dreams, then “Making Waves at C-Level” (Formerly “Cool Things Entrepreneurs Do”) should be added to your subscribed “must hear” podcasts. This show was designed to help people get “unstuck” in their careers and are seeking ideas around leadership. Each episode brings you the successful stories of business leaders who have created their own success. Creating the right team, hiring skilled talent, managing other leaders, goal setting, mentorship, mastermind groups, mindset, marketing, sales, millionaires, career path, peak performance, thinking bigger, networking, enthusiasm, re-invention, leveling up, and financial planning are just some of the topics that are covered each week. Thom Singer is an executive search consultant. He is the author of 12 books and has been the featured speaker at over 1000 business and association events. Join him on this journey and become part of the “Making Waves” community. #CEO #leaders #leadership #entrepreneurs #business #biztips
    © 2019 THOM SINGER
    Show more Show less
Episodes
  • 760. The Power of Connection

    760. The Power of Connection
    May 19 2024
    In this episode of Making Waves at C-Level, Thom Singer dives into the power of connections and their crucial role in career success. Reflecting on the pandemic, Thom notes the significant disruption to networking and community engagement, which left many professionals isolated. While the world has reopened, enthusiasm for in-person networking hasn’t fully returned to pre-pandemic levels, and membership organizations and business nonprofits have struggled to regain their momentum. Thom emphasizes that real career opportunities come from meaningful connections, not just from social media interactions like tweets, TikTok videos, or getting likes and shares. While digital engagement has its place, it cannot replace the value of personal relationships. He stresses that those who fail to re-engage in their industry and community may miss out on career advancements, inadvertently allowing these opportunities to go to others. To maximize networking potential, Thom provides insights for both event planners and attendees. He advises event planners to actively create environments that foster networking: Create Networking Opportunities: Design events to encourage networking during happy hours, breaks, meals, and other activities, making them exciting and conducive to meeting new people. Engage Speakers: Encourage speakers to participate in the event beyond their presentations. Speakers should mingle with attendees, facilitating networking and contributing to a sense of community. Interactive Sessions: Design breakout sessions where speakers ask questions and engage the audience, promoting discussions and connections among attendees. Icebreaker Activities: Implement icebreaker activities to help attendees meet each other, especially at the beginning of the event and during key moments like breakfast. Facilitated Learning Conversations: Set up areas for attendees to discuss what they have learned from keynotes and breakouts, sharing best practices and experiences. Leverage Technology: Use technology before, during, and after the event to enable attendees to comment, share insights, and connect with each other. For event attendees, Thom offers practical advice on making the most of networking opportunities: Be Open and Approachable: Stand around, smile, and start conversations. Avoid isolating yourself by being engrossed in your phone. Ask Questions: Engage with speakers and fellow attendees by asking questions about their experiences and what they hope to gain from the event. This sparks meaningful conversations. Follow Up: After meeting someone, follow up with them. Adding them on LinkedIn or to your email list is not enough. Schedule one-on-one conversations to build a genuine relationship. Thom underscores that building connections requires intentional effort and engagement. Meeting someone once does not equate to forming a network. Instead, it’s about cultivating long-term, mutually beneficial relationships. He concludes by calling for a movement towards more deliberate and meaningful connections, highlighting that those who actively facilitate networking and community-building will see significant benefits in their careers. This episode serves as a reminder of the profound impact that connections can have on professional success and the importance of re-engaging with our communities as we move forward from the disruptions of the pandemic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Show more Show less
    8 mins
  • 759. Let Them Pick Your Brain

    759. Let Them Pick Your Brain
    May 6 2024
    There is often advice given to leaders that they need to "protect their time" and that they should only attend "curated events" as to not have to be bombarded by people wanting advice, etc... Sometimes people ask if they can "pick your brain" and many people get mad as they see it as someone just wanting "free consulting". But instead of being up off when someone wants your advice... how about reframing their request into a giant compliment. Think about it, if you find someone mediocre (or worse)....do you ask them for advice? We only ask to "pick the brain" of someone we admire. Plus, if you are a leader, you have to be active in your community. A community can be geographic or an industry... but if you see yourself as a leader, and yet you hide from the people you claim to lead, then you are not really a leader. A true leader cannot lead from behind an office door or while sipping bourbon from their pool. Real leaders are in the arena. Ask yourself...."when is the last time I really attended an industry or community event where I was not the speaker or it was sponsored by my company?". If you are not sure, then start getting engaged. Either locally or with your industry trade group. Be the one who shows up and is willing to mentor and guide others. It is probably true that many people were there for you to share advice, be a mentor, or have their "brain picked" when you were up and coming in your career. The time has come to make sure you are returning that favor to the next generation. This does NOT mean you have to attend everything (you are too busy), but make sure one of your weekly / monthly activities is an open event and show up just to be supportive of the greater community. Leaders must lead by example and people are hungry for community these days! ************* Thom Singer is a keynote speaker who shares a message of community, collaboration, and conversations. The more we engage now, the more opportunities come our way in the future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Show more Show less
    12 mins
  • Community and the People You Meet

    Community and the People You Meet
    Apr 29 2024
    In this episode we look at the power of community and how the people you meet are the only way to learn and find new opportunities over you lifetime. When speaking at a conference of young professionals, Thom Singer offered up the secret weapon to their future of career options. It is networking now, building real connections and friendships, and helping others. In a world or remote work and digital networking, those who engage will win in the long run. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Show more Show less
    18 mins
Leadership Management Economics
Show more Show less

What listeners say about Making Waves at C-Level

Average customer ratings

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Audible.com reviews

Amazon reviews
No Reviews are Available