Today I’m speaking with Cassandra Gordon, founder of Growth Culture. Cassandra shares her vision of what leaders, companies, and workplaces need to do to evolve into thriving businesses with safe, happy employees. It’s not complicated, but the hierarchical old-school thinking that persists in our society is blocking these transformations.

Cobe Williams had every reason to give up.

Following his father's imprisonment and death, alongside his mother's struggle with drug addiction, the odds were stacked against him. Yet, Cobe's journey from the harsh realities of street life to becoming a community leader is a testament to resilience and the transformative power of relationships. In this episode, we explore Cobe's incredible path to redemption, focusing on the significance of conflict resolution and the essential nature of neutrality.

We delve into stories that highlight the profound impact of family connections, like a poignant court encounter between a father and his young son that ignited a life-changing shift. Cobe also underscores the importance of positive role models and mentors in steering individuals away from a destructive path and towards a life filled with purpose. Building safer communities through violence intervention is more than a mission; it’s a necessity.

As Cobe shares his personal experiences and successes, including the positive reception of his book, we examine the critical need for greater resource allocation in community empowerment efforts. By listening, understanding, and never giving up on individuals, we can foster real change. This episode is a call to action, urging us all to support and invest in the continuous work required to make a lasting impact on our communities.

Check out the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Kf4Tk9TEPOU

I’m joined today by Matt Kelly, Head of Regional Operations North for Healthe Care. Matt started his career in health as a registered nurse working in Newcastle and the UK. He has worked in Intensive Care Units around Sydney in both clinical and management roles, before moving into executive roles in the public and private sectors across Australia.

Tune in to hear inspirational stories and examples of how Matt’s hospital group, (with nearly 700 team members across the country), and Matt as a leader, creates and cultivates culture, trust and transparency, and promotes the organisation’s values and best practices. Matt is passionate about not just “patient-centered care” but “person-centered care” and the use of values to drive the culture of an organisation. The Healthe Care organization of hospitals promotes empathy and compassion for staff and patients, to ensure the best experience for all.

In 2019 Matt was the first Australian invited to speak at the worlds leading Patient Experience Summit held by Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. In 2018 and 2019 he was named Business Leader of the Year by the Gosford/ Erina and Coastal Chamber of Commerce, the Central Coast Regional Business Leader of the year in 2019, and the NSW Business Leader of the Year by the NSW Business Chamber in 2019.

Stay tuned for future episodes of The Culture of Leadership!

Discussion Points

• Trust and culture change - “The Triangle of T”
• Matt’s definition of culture
• Showing Brendan around the hospital and explaining their values
• Matt’s early days of training as a nurse - as CEO he knew what he was talking about
• Observing the culture at Matt’s 8 different hospital environments
• Reward and recognition feels different for everyone - being able to choose is important
• Not just “Patient-centered care” but “person-centered care”
• The 5 Values across 17 hospitals:

1. Best Practice
2. Best Experience
3. Respect
4. It’s Personal
5. Positive Energy

Creating your organisation’s values - be persistently consistent Using the WorkPlace platform for the internal teams Teambuilding and transparency The Leader’s role and impacting culture Personality tests and results Matt’s Dad, working as a nurse, and previous hospital leaders have had the greatest impact on Matt as a leader Challenges and stress during the pandemic Three Key Takeaways:

1. Leaders make time to observe culture
2. Leaders show persistent consistency
3. Leaders know culture change is a slow burn

What will you do today to improve your organisation’s culture? Let me know on my socials!

Resources:

Matt Kelly LinkedIn

Healthecare Website

Brendan Rogers LinkedIn

Brendan Rogers Website

The Culture of Leadership YouTube Channel

The Culture of Leadership LinkedIn

The Culture of Leadership Website

The Culture of Leadership Facebook

The Culture of Leadership Instagram

Unlock the secrets to global business success with Brad Sugars as he takes us through his extraordinary journey from Brisbane to Las Vegas. Discover why Las Vegas is more than just neon lights and casinos, and how Brad strategically transformed a local catering business into a booming restaurant and bar. Brad also opens up about the profound impact Jim Rohn had on his life, sharing timeless lessons on self-improvement and the power of continuous learning through reading.

Learn the art of building great companies by focusing on developing exceptional employees. Brad breaks down effective scheduling and management techniques, emphasizing the critical role of leadership and mentorship in nurturing decision-making skills. With his insights, you’ll understand why investing time and energy into training is essential for cultivating a motivated and capable team. Brad’s philosophy is clear: the success of a company hinges on the strength of its people.

Stay ahead of the curve by embracing digital transformation and the power of AI in business. Brad explains why rethinking your strategies every seven to ten years is crucial to staying competitive, highlighting the importance of video content and online presence. He also shares personal stories about his passions and fatherhood, revealing how these experiences have shaped his perspective on patience and the value of time. Wrapping up, Brad discusses the joys and challenges of foster parenting and balancing a demanding career with hands-on parenting. Tune in for a wealth of insights and inspiration from one of the leading figures in global business coaching.

Check out the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/p7Yi3KzF7Pw

Nick Bendel is the owner of Hunter & Scribe, a copywriting and content marketing agency that writes blogs, social media posts, emails, ebooks and media releases for small businesses.

Nick publishes a daily marketing newsletter called Nick’s Marketing Tips.

When he’s not working, Nick is kept busy with his #500lunches project, which involves having lunch with 500 strangers in five years.

Nick also loves sport, reading, history, travelling and public speaking.

The focus of our conversation today is Nick’s journey to have 500 lunches with strangers.

Website & Social Media

Website: https://500lunches.net/

Business Website: https://hunterandscribe.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-bendel

If you have any questions for Brendan around this episode or generally around culture, leadership or teamwork, feel free to contact him here.

Unlock the secrets to mastering social media and crisis communication with insights from Evan Nierman, the CEO and founder of Red Banyan. In this compelling episode, we explore how to share with care and post with purpose, while emphasizing the potential dangers of oversharing. Evan delves into the profound impact of cancel culture on individuals and businesses, providing real-life examples that highlight the need for cautious online behavior. With his extensive background in crisis management, Evan offers invaluable tips on how to avoid and mitigate the risks associated with social media exposure.

Join us as we recount the evolution of Red Banyan, from overcoming early challenges to executing a strategic pivot during the COVID-19 pandemic. Evan shares lessons from losing a significant client and the importance of not relying too heavily on one revenue stream. We also explore the nuances of balancing strategic communications with crisis management and the importance of being prepared for any eventuality. Hear how Red Banyan survived the financial hit from the pandemic and repositioned itself as a crisis-specific agency, and learn from Evan’s experience in rebranding and relaunching the company’s website.

In our final segments, we shift our focus to proactive leadership and communication strategies. Discover how confident leaders can anticipate challenges and maintain regular engagement with their audience to foster a culture of openness and trust. We highlight the significance of having a well-prepared crisis plan and upholding core values to build resilient organizations. Learn from Evan’s expertise on managing reputation and communication effectively, ensuring long-term success for both individuals and businesses. This episode is packed with practical advice for navigating the complexities of modern social media and crisis communication. Tune in for a conversation that equips you with the tools to safeguard your reputation and thrive in today’s digital landscape.

Check out the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/LHNurlIvWe8

What if hope and happiness were more than just abstract concepts? Join me as I sit down with Dr. Randy Ross, the brilliant mind behind “Fireproof Happiness,” a book inspired by the trials of the COVID pandemic. Randy takes us on a journey through the powerful interplay between hope and happiness, invoking John Templeton’s timeless wisdom that “happiness pursued eludes, but happiness given returns.” Explore the transformative shift from a VUCA (volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity) world to a CAVU (ceiling and visibility unlimited) mindset and discover how hope is not just an emotion, but a dynamic motivational system crucial for achieving success.

Our discussion doesn’t stop there. We delve into the foundational beliefs necessary to cultivate hope—positivity, responsibility, agility, and reality—and provide actionable strategies to nurture these traits. Learn how to turn obstacles into opportunities with the simple yet profound question, “What does this now make possible?” Discover the significance of personal narratives and find inspiration from historical figures who have triumphed over adversity. Randy’s insights help us understand how to harness these stories to regain hope and take personal responsibility for crafting our own life stories.

In our final segments, we explore the creation of remarkable organizations through conscious awareness and the essential role of emotional health in the workplace. Dr. Randy Ross shares his mission of enhancing employee engagement through relationally rich environments. We discuss the importance of value-based goals, conscious capitalism, and the necessity of fostering a leadership culture rooted in vulnerability, transparency, and trust. This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for leaders, dreamers, and anyone seeking to build a hopeful and happy life. Tune in and be inspired to create not just a successful career, but a meaningful and fulfilling journey.

Check out the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hj5MXN0NY0Q

Unlock the secrets of a self-made business maven as Belinda, a woman with a four-decade entrepreneurial legacy, shares her story of determination and the power of a strong work ethic. Her journey from breaking gender norms to becoming a business leader is a beacon for anyone looking to ignite their own entrepreneurial spirit. Listen as Belinda divulges how customer service excellence and her transition from musician to business powerhouse have not only shaped her success but also influenced her children’s approach to their careers and passions.

Distractions are the nemesis of productivity, and in today’s episode, we tackle them head-on with strategies that every entrepreneur should arm themselves with. From the ‘Power Hour’ to dedicating just 15 minutes a day to income-producing tasks, we cover practical ways to build momentum and make consistent progress toward your business goals. The art of goal setting takes center stage as we delve into the psychological challenges entrepreneurs face, sharing anecdotes that celebrate the triumphs of clarity and persistence.

Wrapping up, we dissect the art of sales and the foundational pillars of business success, underscoring the essence of commitment and resilience. We highlight Belinda’s experiences and my own insights on identifying client needs, the indispensability of business analytics, and the power of organization. Moreover, we discuss the value of empowering leadership through collaboration and the celebration of victories, big and small. Whether you’re a burgeoning entrepreneur or a seasoned professional, this episode is laden with wisdom to propel your business and personal growth to new heights.

Check out the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRT475HxjZ0