Episodes

  • 5 Ways Boundaries Ignite Breakthrough Innovation

    5 Ways Boundaries Ignite Breakthrough Innovation
    May 20 2026
    Innovation Comes from “Inside” the box, NOT “outside” of the box This week on A New Direction with Coach Jay, we are stepping into a conversation that may challenge almost everything we have been told about innovation. We have heard the phrase “think outside the box” so many times it has almost become business wallpaper. But Sheri Jacobs, author of The Unexpected Power of Boundaries: Rethinking the Rules, Risks, and Real Drivers of Innovation, asks a much deeper question: what if the real secret to breakthrough thinking is not escaping the box, but finally understanding where the box ends? Here is what makes this conversation so powerful: most leaders say they want innovation, but many teams are quietly paralyzed by unclear expectations, fear of failure, mixed messages, and the pressure to “be creative” without knowing what is safe to try. Sheri flips that idea on its head. Boundaries are not walls that keep people small. When used wisely, they become guardrails that give people courage, clarity, innovation and permission to take smarter risks. And let’s be honest, in business, leadership, and life, confusion rarely creates confidence. Sheri brings a fascinating mix of research, leadership experience, storytelling, and real-world strategy to the table. From the way teams’ experiment, to how leaders define risk, to why some of the best ideas come from unexpected people and unexpected places, this conversation is about creating the conditions where bold ideas can actually survive long enough to become meaningful innovation. It is not theory for the sake of theory. It is practical, human, and immediately relevant for anyone trying to lead through change without burning out their people or losing their purpose. So, whether you are a business owner, executive, coach, entrepreneur, team leader, or someone who knows your organization needs a fresh spark, this episode is for you. Sheri Jacobs will help us rethink what boundaries really are, why they matter, and how the right constraints can move us from hesitation to experimentation, from chaos to clarity, and from stuck to something truly new. Join me, Coach Jay and Sheri Jacobs for A New Direction as we discover why the limits we resist may be the very thing that helps us grow and create innovation. Sheri Jacobs‘ book, “The Unexpected Power of Boundaries: Rethinking the Rules, Risks, and Real Drivers of Innovation” is an absolute mind twister that will change the way you think about boundaries and innovation. We all know have been told or have worked on projects where we were encouraging to “think outside of the box”. Sounds good in theory, but the irony is our innovation, and creative ideas don’t happen outside the box, they happen from the inside. I know, mind blowing right? But think about it. When we don’t know where the boundaries are, we start to wallow in so many choices and ideas that we end up doing nothing. It’s what we psychologists refer to as “the paradox of choice”. And studies have shown when we do not have clear boundaries…we more often than not fail. Sheri Jacob not only explains this very clearly by using real world examples and her own research and experience, but then she gives us practical actionable steps as leaders to create a culture where people become more innovative. And what she presents is powerful. It starts with a switch of mindset. Then she reminds us that we can do anything, but we can’t do everything, we do need some boundaries. We have rethink our “risk capacity”, not our “risk tolerance” which is emotional, but we have to have a logical structural handle on our capacity for risk. We need to have a culture of curiosity and Sheri helps us develop that. And ultimately, we have to just keep swinging. The book is a winner! I get why it is so popular. I strongly recommend this book. You can get your copy by clicking here! Please thank our sponsors of A New Direction by going to their social media pages liking them and following them. Talk about innovation! “You tune in to A New Direction to grow your business and your mindset. But you can’t move forward if you’re worried about what’s lurking in your inbox. That’s where Data443 Cyren comes in. It’s the industry standard for real-time email security and URL filtering. They stop phishing and malware before they strike, so you can focus on your success, not your safety. Don’t let a cyberattack derail your journey. Go to Data443.com today and secure your future.“ Linda Craft Team, REALTORS for more than 40 years they have been helping people all over the world make a life transition and take the stress out of real estate. They built their business one relationship at a time and continue and that is still the way they work with you. They recognize your home is more than bricks and mortar, but that is truly built on your memories. If you are tired of AI bots who try to pose as real ...
    Show more Show less
    56 mins
  • 7 Unwritten Rules of Leadership to Get Promoted Fast

    7 Unwritten Rules of Leadership to Get Promoted Fast
    May 13 2026
    Want to Get Promoted? You Probably Don’t Know What You Don’t Know… We just wrapped up an incredible episode of A New Direction with Craig A. Fleming, author of The Unwritten Rules of Leadership, and the insights were a major wake-up call for anyone looking to get promoted. If you missed the live conversation, we dived deep into the “hidden curriculum” of the corporate world—those unspoken do’s and don’ts that determine who stays in middle management and who gets promoted to the C-suite. The consensus was clear: hitting your KPIs is just the entry fee; understanding the social and political mechanics of your organization is what actually gets you promoted. A standout moment in the interview was Craig’s breakdown of why high-performers often fail to get promoted because they fall into the “Technical Trap.” Many high-achievers believe that becoming the ultimate expert in their current role is the fastest way to move up, but the opposite is often true. Craig explained that if you make yourself too indispensable as a “doer,” you become “un-promotable” because leadership can’t afford to lose your technical output. To be promoted, you have to transition your identity from a specialist to a strategist, demonstrating that you have the Executive Presence to lead others rather than just doing the work yourself. We also discussed why Political Savvy is a non-negotiable skill if you want to get promoted. It isn’t about “playing games”; it’s about building relational equity and finding a sponsor. While a mentor talks to you, a sponsor is someone who talks about you in rooms you haven’t entered yet. Craig shared that many talented individuals fail to get promoted simply because they lack an advocate at the decision-making table. By mapping out the power dynamics of your company and building a network of supporters, you ensure that your name is at the top of the list when it is time for someone to be promoted. If you are tired of watching others move up while you feel stuck, this recap is your roadmap to finally being promoted. We covered 7 specific shifts, from mastering “The Brief” to managing your “Leadership Shadow.” Don’t let another year go by wondering why you haven’t been promoted to the level your hard work deserves. Watch the full replay of A New Direction with Coach Jay and Craig A. Fleming to master these unwritten rules and take the final step to get promoted into the leadership role you’ve been aiming for. Craig Flemings book, “Unwritten Rules Of Leadership: How Executives Decide Who To Trust, Mentor, Promote, and Remember” is a no nonsense, gets right to the point book. There is no fluff. No stories. Just a practical guide to, “if you want to get promoted here is what to do, and here is what not to do.” Quite honestly I found it refreshing. No wading through some here is the principle of the story. Not some fairy tale that is suppose to make me feel better about my life, just the direct approach of, “if you want this, here is what you must do.” There are 25 chapters, each chapter has the same outline. Here is the title, here is why it is important. What are the costs and benefits to you on the topic. Here is what you need to do. Here are the distortions that will stall your career. Here is the Application that you need to do on a daily basis in your personal life, your execution, communication etc. I found this book to be so appealing. Find the area. Why is it important. Have the discipline to do what it says…and execute it daily. Simple. Straight forward. Practical. We need more books like this with less stories and more application. Get you copy of Unwritten Rules of Leadership by clicking here. Our sponsors are so important to the success of A New Direction. Please use their services, or recommend their services to others. Their dedication to the show helps us help more people around the world! Data443: Cyren Cyren Threat Intelligence: Your Business’s Cyber Early-Warning System What is it? Think of Cyren as a global neighborhood watch for the internet. Every single day, it scans billions of emails, websites, and files looking for the newest scams, viruses, and hackers. How does it help your business? Cyren automatically creates a constantly updated “most wanted” list of bad links, spam, and hackers. It feeds this list directly into the security tools your company already uses (like your firewall or antivirus software). This empowers your existing security systems to instantly recognize and block new dangers without you or your IT team having to lift a finger. Why it matters: Stops threats at the door: It blocks malicious emails, scam links, and viruses before they even reach your employees’ inboxes or computers. Always up-to-date: The internet moves fast, but Cyren updates in real-time so you are protected against attacks that were just invented today. Trusted by the experts: ...
    Show more Show less
    58 mins
  • 8 Session Process to Lead with Greatness

    8 Session Process to Lead with Greatness
    May 7 2026
    Nobody Taught You to Lead — Steve Riddle Knows Why That Matters What happens when a high-performing employee gets promoted into leadership with no playbook, no mentor, and no preparation? According to leadership coach Steve Riddle, this is not the exception — it is the rule. On this week’s episode of A New Direction Live, I sat down with Steve to discuss his book Falling Into Leadership: How Leaders Emerge, Grow and Lead With Purpose, a coaching-driven narrative that pulls back the curtain on the messy, uncertain, deeply human experience of becoming a leader for the first time. Steve Riddle brings over 30 years of leadership experience and more than 16 years of professional coaching through his firm CoachStation in Australia. His corporate career included senior roles at GE Capital and Toyota Finance Australia before he dedicated himself full-time to developing leaders. Co-written with his mother Kath Riddle, the book follows a fictional leader named Sally through eight coaching sessions that mirror real conversations Steve has had with hundreds of professionals navigating the gap between technical skill and people leadership. What makes this book different from the typical leadership manual is its honesty. Steve doesn’t pretend that confidence comes with the title or that authority earns trust. Instead, he addresses the self-doubt, the emotional weight of decisions that affect other people’s lives, and the loneliness that new leaders rarely talk about. Each chapter ends with practical “Reflect & Act” exercises, making it a book you work through rather than simply read. During our conversation, Steve shared that the leaders who grow fastest are the ones willing to admit they don’t have all the answers — and that vulnerability is not weakness, it’s the starting point of real influence. f you have ever been promoted into a role you didn’t feel ready for, or if you lead a team today and still wonder whether you’re doing it right, this interview will resonate. Steve Riddle‘s message is both simple and profound: leadership is not a destination you arrive at, it is something you fall into — and what matters most is what you do after the fall. Catch the full conversation on A New Direction, available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and wherever you listen. Steve Riddle’s book, “Falling Into Leadership: How Leaders Emerge, Grow and Lead With Purpose” is a play by play guide into coaching a new leader. In his and Kath Riddle’s approach we are introduced to a new emerging leader in Sally who is open and willing to change as a leader, but is uncertain of the steps. In 8 session Steve Riddle walks us through his process of coaching. Steve Riddle has a very organized approach that starts with focusing on the leader’s own self-awareness. His big push is if that self-awareness is only the beginning, but without it, you will never get to the next steps of growth. His methodology of using questions to push the client are both refreshing and eye opening for all of us. Behind the curtain he takes through the importance of emotional intelligence, communication, adaptability, resilience, and what true accountability looks like. He emphasizes the importance of the leaders role of empowering, inspiring, and influencing those the leader leads, and helps us recognize that as a leader our responsibility is to leave a legacy of leaders in our employees. Packed with tons of insights and thought provoking questions, the book, in my opinion is using the case of Sally to take a closer look at ourself. Some of our dysfunctional mindsets, becoming more self-aware and becoming the leader we had always hoped we would become. Get your copy by clicking “Falling Into Leadership“. Please thank our sponsors of A New Direction by going to their social media pages liking them and following them. “You tune in to A New Direction to grow your business and your mindset. But you can’t move forward if you’re worried about what’s lurking in your inbox. That’s where Data443 Cyren comes in. It’s the industry standard for real-time email security and URL filtering. They stop phishing and malware before they strike, so you can focus on your success, not your safety. Don’t let a cyberattack derail your journey. Go to Data443.com today and secure your future.“ Linda Craft Team, Realtors they are the memory makers and they have the knowledge how to help you in any market your home in any market. Linda started her business in 1985 when interest rates were as high as 16-18%. So, there is not a climate where can any buyer or seller find or sell their home. Sure there other realtors may have experience. But Linda Craft Team have the experience of great success for their clients. When you’re ready to sell or by, head on over to Linda Craft Team…www.LindaCraft.com Stop Performing. Start Dominating You weren’t built to play it safe. You already know what average ...
    Show more Show less
    58 mins
  • Is Your Mission Finished?

    Is Your Mission Finished?
    Apr 30 2026
    If You’re Alive You Still Have a Mission Many people reach a point in life where they feel they have hit a ceiling. You’ve worked hard, checked the boxes, and achieved your goals, yet there is a nagging sense that the excitement has faded. David McNally, in his profound book If You’re Alive Your Mission on Earth Isn’t Finished, argues that this isn’t the end of the road, but a call to a higher purpose. If you are still here, it is because there is a unique contribution only you can make, regardless of your age or current professional status. McNally’s philosophy challenges the traditional notion of “slowing down.” He suggests that while we might retire from a specific job, we never truly retire from our human mission. The secret to lasting fulfillment lies in shifting your focus from accumulation to contribution. It is about recognizing that your accumulated wisdom and unique talents are valuable assets that the world still needs. By viewing your life as a continuous series of missions, you move beyond the ego and into a space of meaningful service. Resilience plays a starring role in this journey toward a new chapter. We often view setbacks as signs that we should stop, but McNally reframes these challenges as essential training. Every obstacle you have overcome has equipped you with a specific set of tools to help others navigate their own paths. By looking back at your experiences through this lens, you can find the fuel necessary to launch into a more significant mission rather than simply fading into the background of your own life. I am incredibly excited to explore these themes in depth during my upcoming interview with David on my show, A New Direction. We will be discussing how to rediscover your drive and ensure your “best days” are always ahead of you. Join us for a conversation that promises to reignite your fire and clarify your path forward. Your mission isn’t over—it is likely just getting started. David McNally’s book, “If You’re Alive: Your Mission on Earth Isn’t Finished” is one of the most eye opening books when it comes to understanding your life’s journey into aging and finding your mission and purpose. For many of us of all ages we just don’t know what we want to do with our lives. We don’t have a mission or a purpose, and this can cause us to just exist and not truly thrive. If You’re Alive encourages us to rethink about ourselves. Take a deeper dive into curiosity. And understand that regardless of our stage of life our mind is our greatest asset. While our bodies over time may not be able to accomplish the same things, our ability to exercise our mind and grow and get stronger mentally will never stop if we are willing to push the limits. David, takes us through some fundamental mindshifts such as resolving our past. How? Through forgiveness. And he cautions us that this is not easy, but necessary. Sure you may have been hurt, but by holding on to the past pain others are still hurting us. And the number one person we need to forgive is ourselves. The biggest takeaway I think in this book is discovering our purpose. It’s findinig what you are interested in and passionate about. What you enjoy doing. What comes easy to you. And what hidden talents that you don’t think about as talents. At the end of the day it is about making a contribution to the world. Fabulous book, Get your copy of If You’re Alive: Your Mission on Earth Isn’t Finished by lclicking here! Please thank our sponsors of A New Direction by going to their social media pages liking them and following them. “You tune in to A New Direction to grow your business and your mindset. But you can’t move forward if you’re worried about what’s lurking in your inbox. That’s where Data443 Cyren comes in. It’s the industry standard for real-time email security and URL filtering. They stop phishing and malware before they strike, so you can focus on your success, not your safety. Don’t let a cyberattack derail your journey. Go to Data443.com today and secure your future.“ Linda Craft Team, Realtors, for more than 39 years the choice of thousands when it comes to real estate. And regardless of where you live you can meet with them virtually. They have been on the cutting edge of technology helping people around the world finding the very best professionals to help sell or buy a new home. Their clients call their customer service “legendary”. Maybe it’s their ability to negotiate on your behalf? Or Maybe it’s because they are relentless to find you the right home? Perhaps it’s because they know what it takes to get the most money from your home for sell? You can find out why by going to www.LindaCraft.com Stop Performing. Start Dominating You weren’t built to play it safe. You already know what average looks like. You’ve watched it sit in meetings, nod along, and clock out at five. You’ve seen it settle for ...
    Show more Show less
    58 mins
  • 85% of Goals Fail. Demolish Your Comfort Zones

    85% of Goals Fail. Demolish Your Comfort Zones
    Apr 9 2026
    Are You Truly Aware of the Comfort Zones that are Killing Your Success? Are you living under the illusion that you know what you want, when you’re actually just chasing what you’re supposed to want? Research shows that a staggering 85% of people don’t believe their current goals will lead to any significant accomplishments. In this episode on A New Direction, Art Turock, author of Demolish Your Comfort Zones, returns to help you break that cycle. We’re exposing the “ready-made” goals that keep you trapped in mediocrity and showing you how to pursue the heartfelt, uncomfortable objectives that actually move the needle. We are diving deep into Art’s “6 Freedom Practices to demolish your comfort zones” to help you shift from mere interest to a “No Matter What” commitment. You’ll learn why most people’s version of freedom is actually “fool’s gold” and how true freedom comes from having no choice but to take the actions required for greatness. We will discuss how to silence the “guy on the couch”—that internal victim voice that begs you to stay comfortable—and how to identify the “colossal deceptions” you use to justify missed results. This isn’t just about theory; it’s about tactical execution. We’ll break down how to use “Extreme Accountability” and “Deliberate Practice” to shatter performance plateaus. Art will share the “Red Flag Drill” to stop blame contagion in its tracks and explain how to turn your workplace or home into a hub for “Accountability Contagion.” If you’ve ever felt like you’re hitting a ceiling, it’s likely because you are stuck in your comfort zones, and haven’t yet learned how to turn failure into the fertilizer you need for elite-level growth. Don’t let another 90 days slip by in a state of “unconscious competence” or safety. Join us to ignite your heroic abilities and Demolish Your Comfort Zones, or catch the podcast later to learn the 21 questions that will redefine your identity and your future. Your next level of performance ignites at your next level of truth—it’s time to play big, demolish your comfort zones, and finally discover what your absolute best effort actually looks like. Please thank our sponsors of A New Direction by going to their social media pages liking them and following them. “You tune in to A New Direction to grow your business and your mindset. But you can’t move forward if you’re worried about what’s lurking in your inbox. That’s where Data443 Cyren comes in. It’s the industry standard for real-time email security and URL filtering. They stop phishing and malware before they strike, so you can focus on your success, not your safety. Don’t let a cyberattack derail your journey. Go to Data443.com today and secure your future.“ We all know that buying or selling a home isn’t just a transaction—it’s a major life transition. Whether you’re buying your first place, making room for a new baby, or downsizing for retirement, it can be incredibly stressful. That is why you need the Linda Craft Team, REALTORS. For over 40 years, Linda has been helping people in our community navigate these big life changes. Her team doesn’t just sell houses; they take the stress out of the process so you can focus on your future. Don’t go it alone. Let 40 years of experience work for you. Visit LindaCraft.com. The Missing Piece to Your Success As a business leader or founder, you often carry the weight of the world on your shoulders. You have the vision, the drive, and the strategy, yet sometimes it feels like you are hitting an invisible ceiling. The truth is, the biggest barrier to your company’s growth isn’t usually the market or the economy—it is human behavior. As a Behavioral Strategist, I help you decode the psychological patterns that are silently sabotaging your culture, your execution, and your personal leadership. I don’t just tell you what to change; I help you understand why those behaviors exist so you can finally break through the noise and lead with absolute clarity and confidence. Your potential is limitless, but only if you are willing to look at the human element of your business through a new lens. Stop letting behavioral blind spots dictate your future and start making decisions that align your people with your purpose. If you are ready to stop spinning your wheels and start moving in a new, more profitable direction, let’s have a conversation that will change the way you lead forever. Visit me today at www.jayizso.com or reach out directly to start your transformation at Jay@TheCoachJay.com.
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 1 min
  • AI Changed the Sales Game – Here’s How You Win It

    AI Changed the Sales Game – Here’s How You Win It
    Apr 1 2026
    AI is not the Enemy…It is Your Ally This week on A New Direction, I’ll be talking with Tim Burrell, author of The AI Negotiator, and this is a conversation that hits right at the heart of where sales is headed. Because let’s be honest—sales has never just been about techniques, scripts, or slick presentations. It has always been about people. It has always been about trust, timing, understanding emotion, and knowing how to connect in a way that makes someone feel seen, heard, and confident enough to move forward. Now AI has entered the room, and the question is no longer whether it will change sales. The question is whether we will use it to become sharper and more human—or lazier and more forgettable. What makes Tim Burrell’s message so compelling is that The AI Negotiator is not really about replacing the salesperson. It is about equipping the salesperson. It is about using AI to think better, prepare better, and communicate with more precision before the conversation ever begins. But here is the truth that makes this so powerful: no matter how smart the technology becomes, people still buy from people they trust. They still respond to authenticity. They still say yes because of emotion and justify it with reason. That is why this conversation matters. Because if AI can help us become more prepared without stripping away our humanity, then it can become one of the greatest tools a salesperson has ever had. During this show, we are going to get into the real tension that every sales professional, entrepreneur, and leader is facing right now. Can AI help you anticipate objections, refine your message, and navigate high-stakes conversations more effectively? Absolutely. But can it also tempt you to sound generic, detached, and just polished enough to lose the very thing that makes people trust you? Absolutely. That is where wisdom comes in. That is where discernment comes in. And that is where the best salespeople are going to separate themselves from the rest—not by using AI to sound smarter, but by using it to become more intentional, more aware, and more effective in the way they serve people. If you are in sales, leadership, business development, or any role where influence matters, this is going to be a conversation worth leaning into. Because this is bigger than technology. This is about the future of persuasion, the psychology of decision-making, and the challenge of staying deeply human in a world increasingly driven by machines. Join us for what promises to be a fascinating and timely conversation with Tim Burrell on The AI Negotiator. This one is not just about closing deals. It is about understanding people, adapting wisely, and learning how to win without losing what makes you powerful in the first place. Tim Burrell’s book, “The AI Negotiator: Dominate Real Estate Deals With The Power Of Artificial Intelligence” is a fantastic exploration how AI can be an ally to you, and not the adversary. As Tim points out, being successful in sales is being human. Especially in the real estate industry, where people have made a large financial and emotional purchase. Tim introduces to many AI platforms beyond the big 3 we all know so well. Many of these platforms can do everything from analyzing, texts, and conversations, and be able to fairly reliably identify personalities, the motivation for the buyer (or seller), what their fears and concerns may be, and so much more! What I found so terrific about this book is that at the end of the day as great as AI is, it really cannot replace the human connection. While AI can give us deeper information it still cannot have a soul to soul connection. It really cannot give us “empathy”. It may say the right words, but it cannot truly know what another’s feelings may be. I love the balance of this book. It encourages AI usage. Doesn’t disparage it. Treats AI as a partner. But even with all the advances, and as much as it will advance. Sales negotiations are about communicating effectively, creating a collaborative experience where both buyer and seller can create a win-win. Humanity wins in the end! Get your copy of The AI Negotiator by clicking here! We are so grateful for our sponsors here on A New Direction. Please reach out to them! “In a digital world, your inbox is the front line. Is yours defended? Data443 Cyren provides next-generation anti-phishing and threat detection that works instantly in the cloud. It’s the invisible shield that keeps your business running smoothly while blocking the chaos outside. Protect what you’ve built. Head over to Data443.com and get protected today.” Linda Craft Team, Realtors –www.LindaCraft.com Linda Craft & Team Facebook Page – Click Here No matter where you are at in the world for more than 39 years Linda Craft Team, Realtors have been helping people sell and buy their homes. Completely locally owned and operated and independent. They know how to take...
    Show more Show less
    59 mins
  • Stop Networking More – Start Networking Smarter

    Stop Networking More – Start Networking Smarter
    Mar 26 2026
    Stop Networking More — Start Networking Smarter What if the secret to growing your business wasn’t more connections — but *fewer*? This week on *A New Direction with Coach Jay Izso*, I sit down with David Ackert, Co-Founder and CEO of PipelinePlus and one of the most respected business development minds in the professional services world. Over the past two decades, Ackert has pioneered revenue acceleration programs for hundreds of professional services firms worldwide, and he’s bringing all of that hard-won wisdom to the show. When it comes to business development, professionals often struggle — not from a lack of opportunities, but from not knowing where to focus their attention. And it all starts with their networking. David’s Amazon bestselling book, *The Short List*, tackles that exact problem head-on. With countless LinkedIn connections and cluttered CRM databases, the real question becomes: “What is the best use of my time?” David’s answer is elegant, powerful, and completely counterintuitive to how most people think about networking. *The Short List* delivers a clear, actionable networking guide to identifying the people you need to prioritize and the techniques you can use to nurture those relationships into career catalysts — with a step-by-step plan and easy-to-use exercises for both newcomers and seasoned rainmakers alike. At the heart of the method is a very specific, curated list of people you want to stay in contact with — grouped into deliberate buckets and rated by factors like chemistry and potential for genuine collaboration. This isn’t just networking theory — it’s a proven networking system. *The Short List* is a Gold Winner of the 2025 Nonfiction Book Award, and David has lectured at USC’s Marshall School of Business, Carnegie Mellon, and UCLA School of Law. But beyond the accolades, this is a man whose life’s work is about the power of investing deeply in the right people — professionally *and* personally. Don’t miss this conversation. Learn how and who exactly deserves a spot on *your* short list. David Ackert’s book, “The Short List: How to Drive Business Development by Focusing on the People Who Matter Most” is the most practical applicable networking book I have ever read! The Short List is filled with great research, and diamonds of how to network. It is not just a networking book, it is a book that will help you network with the right people that you can collaborate with that will ultimately become a win-win for both of you. The exercises in this book are fantastic. Each exercise, will help you reevaluate your networking, build a better network, a more efficient network, maintain the network, and sets you up for success at any level. A word of CAUTION. This book requires you to truly rethink not only how you are networking, but who you are networking with. It’s going to definitely require not only a change of your mindset, but your behavior and actions. If you believe that networking should be strictly transactional think again. As David Ackert explains it is about developing real relationships with the right people. Then truly investing in those relationships not to simply help you, but that you can help each other. Fantastic book! Highly recommend. Get your copy of The Short List by clicking here. We are so grateful for the financial support of the sponsors of A New Direction. Please go to their websites and thank them. Even going to their social media pages and giving them a LIKE would be awesome! One click. That’s all it takes for ransomware or phishing to shut your business down. Stop the threat at the source with Data443 Cyren. Powered by the world’s most robust threat intelligence network, Cyren detects and blocks attacks in real-time—protecting your data, your employees, and your reputation. Stop hoping you’re safe, and start knowing you’re safe. Visit Data443.com right now to see the solution in action.“ Linda Craft Team, REALTORS, their clients say that their customer service is “legendary” and the reason for that is because for more than 40 years they build and maintain personal relationships with their clients. Why? Because buying and selling of a house is a great deal more than a business transaction, it is a life altering experience. That’s because we don’t just live in a home, some of our most significant memories will be made in that home. The Linda Craft Team are dedicated to taking care of your memory maker as if it were their own. Whether you are about to purchase a new home, or sell your current home, start with the relationship legends. Start with Linda Craft Team, Realtors – www.LindaCraft.com The Missing Piece to Your Success As a business leader or founder, you often carry the weight of the world on your shoulders. You have the vision, the drive, and the strategy, yet sometimes it feels like you are hitting an invisible ceiling. The truth is, the biggest ...
    Show more Show less
    57 mins
  • Leadership, Purpose and Success Thru Faith

    Leadership, Purpose and Success Thru Faith
    Mar 19 2026
    Faith as the Foundation for Leadership, Purpose, and Success For Jim Allen, faith isn’t a compartmentalized part of life; it is the bedrock upon which his entire leadership philosophy is built. In a high-stakes industry like real estate, where the pressure to perform can often lead to a “me-first” mentality, Jim’s faith provides a different North Star. It instills a sense of stewardship, reminding him that his platform and success are not just personal achievements, but tools meant to be used for a higher purpose. This spiritual grounding allows him to lead with a sense of peace and stability that filters down through his entire team. Purpose Beyond the Transaction While many define success by the closing of a deal, Jim’s faith shifts his focus toward the impact of the relationship. To him, leadership purpose is found in serving others—whether that is guiding a family into their dream home or mentoring an agent to reach their full potential. By viewing his work through the lens of a calling, the mundane tasks of business are transformed into opportunities for ministry and service. This shift from “transactional” to “transformational” is what truly sets his leadership apart in the Raleigh market. Success Defined by Integrity In the world of Coldwell Banker and beyond, Jim has reached the pinnacle of professional success, but his faith ensures that his “how” is just as important as his “what.” Success, in Jim’s eyes, is hollow if it isn’t achieved with unyielding integrity. His faith acts as an ethical compass, ensuring that even when no one is looking, his decisions align with his core values. This commitment to doing the right thing for the right reasons has built a legacy of trust that outlasts any market cycle or sales record. Empowering Others to Rise Finally, Jim’s faith fuels a leadership style rooted in humility and empowerment. He understands that true success is measured by how many people he can bring along with him. By leading with a servant’s heart, he creates a culture where his team feels valued as individuals, not just as producers. Jim’s faith teaches him that every person has inherent worth, and his purpose as a leader is to help them realize their God-given potential, creating a ripple effect of success that extends far beyond the walls of his office. Don’t Miss This Episode! Ready to go behind the scenes with one of the most successful names in real estate? Whether you’re looking to elevate your business or find deeper meaning in your daily grind, this conversation is packed with “gold” you can apply immediately. Listen to the full interview with Jim Allen on A New Direction now—available on your favorite podcast platform! Please reach out and thank the sponsors of our show A New Direction: Linda Craft Team, Realtors they have been helping people with their home selling and buying needs and wants for more than 40 years. Their clients call their customer service “legendary”. That’s because Linda and her team recognize that your home is more than a purchase, it is the place that some of your most significant memories will be made. When you are looking for the best expert when it comes to real estate in your area start with the “legends of customer service” start with Linda Craft Team. Head on over to www.LindaCraft.com In a digital landscape where cyber threats move faster than a morning espresso hits your system, “good enough” security is a gamble you can’t afford. Enter Cyren by Data443—your real-time global radar for the modern age. By leveraging a massive intelligence network that processes billions of transactions daily, Cyren detects and neutralizes phishing, malware, and zero-day attacks before they even graze your inbox. It’s not just a shield; it’s proactive, AI-driven peace of mind that turns the world’s most sophisticated threat data into your greatest competitive advantage. Stop reacting to threats and start outsmarting them at data443.com/cyren. The Missing Piece to Your Success As a business leader or founder, you often carry the weight of the world on your shoulders. You have the vision, the drive, and the strategy, yet sometimes it feels like you are hitting an invisible ceiling. The truth is, the biggest barrier to your company’s growth isn’t usually the market or the economy—it is human behavior. As a Behavioral Strategist, I help you decode the psychological patterns that are silently sabotaging your culture, your execution, and your personal leadership. I don’t just tell you what to change; I help you understand why those behaviors exist so you can finally break through the noise and lead with absolute clarity and confidence. Your potential is limitless, but only if you are willing to look at the human element of your business through a new lens. Stop letting behavioral blind spots dictate your future and start making decisions that align your people with your purpose. If you are ...
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 7 mins