In this episode of the Voice of Influence podcast, host Andrea interviews Penny Zenker, a renowned speaker, business strategy coach, and expert on productivity, also known as the Focusologist. Penny discusses her new book, 'The Reset Mindset,' which builds on Carol Dweck's growth mindset concept by introducing real-time adaptability through feedback loops. Penny shares her personal journey, highlighting key reset moments and practical techniques for managing priorities, dealing with constraints, and maintaining intentionality. The conversation also delves into overcoming self-doubt and leveraging challenges as opportunities for growth. She emphasizes the importance of embracing change, improving communication, and fostering a culture of constructive feedback to enhance personal and professional productivity.

Penny Zenker (aka The Focusologist) is an international speaker, business strategy coach, and

one of America’s leading experts in the psychology of productivity to eliminate distraction,

perfectionism, and self-sabotage to maximize results in every area of your life and business.

By the time she was thirty-one, Penny founded, developed, and sold her first multimillion-dollar business in Zurich, Switzerland. Her first book, The Productivity Zone, was an instant Amazon bestseller, and her TEDx talk, “The Energy of Thought,” has gained international attention and impact with more than one million views. Today she’s here to talk about her new book “The Reset Mindset.”

In this episode of the Voice of Influence podcast, Andrea interviews Heath Mello, former state senator and current President and CEO of the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce. Heath discusses his journey into public service, starting from his aspirations in elementary school through various roles in higher education and government. He emphasizes the importance of civic engagement and consensus-building, shares his thoughts on the impact of social media on public service, and describes the challenges and rewards of his current role. Additionally, Heath provides insights on the economic and workforce development efforts in the Omaha area, and offers advice on facilitating difficult conversations and building consensus.

Heath Mello, former state senator and higher education executive, assumed the role of President & CEO at the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce in August 2023. In this capacity, he oversees day-to-day operations, emphasizing economic development, public policy, and workforce partnerships across an eight-county region. Additionally, Mello serves on the Nebraska Highway Commission and various committees, leveraging his extensive legislative experience. Previously, he held leadership roles at the University of Nebraska System and Metropolitan Community College. Mello, a native of Omaha, holds a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

In this episode of the Voice of Influence podcast, Andrea interviews Patrick Nelson, a decorated military veteran and author of 'Frontline Leadership: How to Eliminate Complacency and Build All-in Engagement.' They discuss Patrick's extensive military background, his transition to becoming a professional speaker and trainer, and the release of his new book. Patrick shares powerful personal stories, including a harrowing incident in Afghanistan that shaped his views on leadership and safety, and offers insights on leading by example, cultivating a culture of accountability, and the importance of self-awareness in leadership. He also addresses motivating teams, especially in high-risk industries, and gives advice to young adults on finding their purpose. The conversation provides practical leadership strategies and emphasizes the impact of influence over positional authority.

Patrick has gained both local and national accolades for his military service, aca­demic career, and work as a professional speaker and trainer including being named the inaugural NFL-Tillman Military Scholar. He is an experienced leader that spent nearly seven years in the U.S. Army as a paratrooper and completed three combat deployments leading soldiers. His military awards include the Bronze Star Medal and the Purple Heart Medal. He is the author of “Front-Line Leadership: How to Eliminate Complacency and Build All-Il Engagement.”