In this conversation, social entrepreneur Russell McLeod, Founder of Mightyhum, shares his career journey, starting from his love for team sports and the collaborative aspect of it, which led him to pursue a business career. He worked at Free the Children and played a key role in launching the Me to We movement, joining the social enterprise arm of the organization and helping grow it to 42 million in revenue. After leaving Me to We, he founded Mightyhum, a consulting firm that supports purpose-driven businesses.

Russell emphasizes the importance of aligning a team and the challenges that can arise when things don't work well. He discusses purpose-driven organizations and his passion for working with companies that have a social impact. Russell also talks about the obstacles he faced during the collapse of WE and the effect it had on his personal and professional life.

Finally, he discusses the shift from a scarcity mindset to an abundance mindset when it comes to success & wealth and the importance of building resilient and profitable businesses.

"When I see the problems in the world, I actually think that business is uniquely positioned to potentially be the most important tool for solving them." ~ Russ McLeod

Key Takeaways

• The team aspect of sports can translate into the business world, where aligning a team is crucial for success.
• Running a business is like managing a growing organism, with humans being both the most powerful tool and the most disruptive force.
• Purpose-driven businesses founded with a social impact mission require careful alignment of mission and vision to create a multiplier effect.
• Obstacles and challenges are a part of the journey, and they can lead to growth and learning.
• Applying your skills in a way that challenges you, delivers meaningful outcomes, and allows you to put your values into action.
• Success should not be solely defined by wealth but by the ability to make a positive impact and find joy in the journey.

Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group

In this episode, Robin and Al sit down with Leadership & Culture Speaker, Stephen (Shed) Shedletzky, author of Speak-Up Culture: When Leaders Truly Listen, People Step Up. Shed shares his personal journey of overcoming adversity and how it shaped his passion for creating a Speak Up Culture, where employees feel safe, respected, and encouraged to speak up about things that need to be addressed. He emphasizes the importance of psychological safety and the need for leaders to encourage and reward employees for speaking up. Shed also introduces his culture equation, which highlights the importance of clear values and behaviours multiplied by influence. He envisions a future where individuals use their strengths to contribute to something bigger than themselves, leading to fulfillment and growth.

"As a leader, your whisper is a shout and your tiptoes are stomps." ~ Stephen Shedletsky

Key Takeaways

• Creating a speak-up culture involves both psychological safety and the perception of positive impact.

• Leaders should listen and encourage employees to speak up, creating an environment where their voices are welcomed and encouraged.

• Culture is determined by the clarity of values and behaviours, multiplied by influence.

• Fulfillment comes from using strengths to contribute to a cause bigger than oneself.

Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group

In this episode, passionate P&C leader Kara Wilson Oliver, VP People at Rose Rocket, shares her experiences in the tech startup industry and her transition from product management to the people side of the business. She discusses the challenges she has faced and the hard things about hard things in her career. Kara also talks about the importance of building strong communities and relationships, both personally and professionally. She emphasizes the need for self-directed learning and curiosity in the education system and the value of planting proverbial trees by supporting and empowering others.

"I am a builder at core. I like to take nothing and turn it into something. I like to do that very collaboratively." ~ Kara Wilson Oliver

Key Takeaways

• The tech startup industry offers opportunities for building and creating something from scratch, which can be addictive for those who enjoy problem-solving and building things collaboratively.
• Career transitions can be challenging but can also lead to personal growth and new opportunities. It's important to be open to new experiences and willing to learn and adapt.
• Building strong communities and relationships is essential for personal and professional growth. Having a support system and a space to share experiences and challenges can be invaluable.
• The education system should focus more on self-directed learning and curiosity, allowing students to explore their interests and develop problem-solving skills.
• Supporting and empowering others is a meaningful way to make a positive impact and leave a lasting legacy.

Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group