Curious about the art of brand mechanics and how effective listening can transform your career? Join us as we sit down with Tom Howell, a marketing communications expert with over four decades of experience. Tom, a principal at Hundred Trees LLC, shares his remarkable journey from broadcast news to leading iconic campaigns such as Louisville Water Company's Pure Tap and Kentucky's Unbridled Spirit. Discover how his unique title, "brand mechanic," came to be, and why listening is his superpower. Tom's heartfelt stories about being a grandfather add a personal touch to our conversation on leadership and branding.

We then venture into the world of hospice and palliative care, inspired by the poignant tagline, "because the end of life is part of living." Reflecting on insights from focus groups and leadership principles from "The Anatomy of Leadership," we discuss the necessity of aligning organizational offerings with community needs through effective two-way communication. Learn about the importance of reliability, qualitative research, and the power of metaphors in shaping internal and external messaging strategies. This chapter underscores the importance of making and keeping promises, especially in sensitive fields like end-of-life care, where social media can amplify both successes and failures.

Finally, we explore the profound impact of leadership on branding and customer care. Tom and I delve into real-life examples, such as the "Unbridled Spirit" campaign, and how it repositioned Kentucky as a desirable destination, enhancing both employee morale and customer perception. Through stories of leadership during crises and the concept of the GIMBA walk, we emphasize the importance of leaders staying connected with their teams and customers. This episode offers valuable insights into how a cohesive and inclusive brand message can create lasting community impact and drive organizational success. Tune in to discover how transformative leadership and effective branding go hand-in-hand.


Guest: Tom Howell, Principal at Hundred Trees LLC

Host: Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TCN/TCG

https://www.teleioscn.org/anatomy-of-leadership/message-into-the-community-with-tom-howell

Ever wondered how some leaders can transform teams and foster lasting organizational change? In this episode, you'll uncover the secret strategies behind effective leadership as we chat with Kevin Pickhart, Executive Chairman of Ferris Systems International. From his early days at Xerox to a remarkable 24-year journey as CEO at Ferris Systems, Kevin shares invaluable lessons learned and the profound impact of his mentor, Dr. Lee Thayer.

Discover how Kevin tackled communication challenges within his organization by shifting his focus to deeper issues of alignment and respect. Learn from a pivotal moment in his career when unconventional advice reshaped his approach to leadership, offering powerful insights into creating a unified and effective organizational culture. By listening, you'll gain a fresh perspective on strategic problem-solving and the importance of a leader's focus on organizational dynamics.

Join us as we explore the vital role of meaningful communication in both business and healthcare settings. Kevin dives into the concept of aligning customer needs with business goals and the significance of lifelong learning and leadership evolution. With rich personal anecdotes and wisdom, this episode promises to equip you with strategies for sustainable growth and resilience within your teams. Don't miss out on these invaluable leadership insights!

Guest: Kevin Pickhardt, Executive Chairman at Pharos Systems International
Host: Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TCN/TCG

https://www.teleioscn.org/anatomy-of-leadership/meaning-management-with-kevin-pickhardt

Embark on an enlightening exploration of leadership and financial acumen with me, Chris Comeaux, as I engage in a deep dive with CEO Terry Swatley of Diversified Health Technologies LLC. In this episode of the Anatomy of Leadership, we discus the importance of margin in leadership and how it is a tool to achieve the mission of an organization.

Discover how Terry's leap from public accounting to hospice care revolutionized the healthcare industry, with loyalty as his guiding light. This episode unveils the human stories behind the numbers, proving that financial figures are more than mere data—they're a narrative of our collective actions and decisions.

Swatley emphasizes the need to generate a margin to sustain operations and allocate resources effectively. Swatley, also highlights the significance of surrounding oneself with good people and building trust within the team. He believes that numbers are not just numbers, but a quantification of actions, and leaders should focus on connecting actions to the numbers to drive results. Additionally, he shares insights on managing through crisis and the value of teamwork.

Join us as we navigate the complex world of startup finance, where benchmarks serve as indispensable beacons guiding businesses to safe harbors. Terry and I dissect the cultural implications of financial strategies within a company, tackling the delicate balance between punitive measures and constructive growth. Through our dialogue, we unravel the mysteries of financial literacy, weighing the merits of hiring financial wizards against the benefits of cultivating this crucial skill within your team.

In our final chapter, we celebrate the unsung heroes whose value to their companies surpasses their paychecks by leagues. It's here that we recognize margin as a vital lifeline, a buffer that ensures organizations not only survive but flourish in the face of adversity. As Terry and I reflect on personal anecdotes that underscore the intimate bond between actions and financial outcomes, we affirm the collective strength that emerges when purpose unites a team. So tune in and absorb the wisdom that bridges leadership, margin, and mission, fostering a robust understanding of the anatomy of leadership.

https://www.teleioscn.org/anatomy-of-leadership/margin-with-terry-swatley