The Secret Thoughts of CEO's Podcast

In The Secret Thoughts of CEOs and Business Leaders we discuss the real things that are holding you back from a life of joy, peace and happiness. Our guests are other High Achievers who know that life is short and that finding ways to live in alignment with what we truly desire is vital for us to live a truly congruent and fulfilled life. Join us as we unlock the mindset and strategies necessary to get there, generate even bigger outcomes, and connect to something greater-- all without sacrificing what matters most.

From Gaming to Growth: Volodymyr Panchenko’s AI-Powered Blueprint for SMBs 12/30/2024

Why coaching beats training for lasting leadership impact 12/16/2024

Why coaching beats training for lasting leadership impact Why Coaching Beats Training for Lasting Leadership Impact with Ted Kulawiak, Kristi Baxter, & Thomas Ted Kulawiak is a highly respected sought-after sales management, leadership coach, and business consultant. As the president of Ted Kaye Sales Management Training LLC, Ted utilizes his significant business experience coupled with a personalized and innovative problem-solving approach to guide clients to reach their desired business goals. He held senior sales leadership and training positions in advertising and media over the course of 25 years, the majority of which he spent working for the 3M Company. Post advertising career, Ted transitioned to higher education and enjoyed a 20-year career in executive leadership positions. In addition to his leadership and coaching consulting work, Ted teaches English at the local community college. Kristi Baxter is a mind shifter, mental fitness trainer and thought partner to extraordinary individuals. As a trusted guide she helps people identify and purse a created life, by clarifying goals, identifying, and removing self-imposed obstacles and creating the space to make magic. Her superpower is helping people change the lens through which they experience their life. When not working, Kristi loves spending time with her family, hiking, biking, boating, beaching, cooking, creating, traveling, and laughing out loud. Thomas is our Optimal Vision Coach, aka The Optimalogist. His superpower is his incredible insightfulness and unique ability to see the best in others when they can’t. He helps clients to refocus and get clear about their Vision and Purpose in their work and life while getting clear of the invisible restraints that keep them from being, living and giving their best. When not working, Thomas enjoys sports, music, and travel What You’ll Learn ● The importance of doing the deeper work. ● How firms could navigate training resources. ● How to find the right person to coach. ● How to vet a consulting firm. Timestamps · [04:45] A bit about Ted. · [05:33] A bit about Tom. · [07:14] A bit about Kristi. · [11:20] The importance of doing the deeper work. · [15:19] Solving performance problems. · [19:54] Navigating training resources. · [23:33] The value of coaching. · [26:53] Work-life balancing. · [32:40] Key attributes of future executives. · [37:04] The impact of 360’s. · [45:50] Interviewing a consulting firm. · [51:50] Thinking about ROI. Memorable Quotes · “Coaching is not something you half-ass.” – Kristi Baxter [34:34] · “They will leave companies if there’s not a path to development.” – Kristi Baxter [53:41] Websites . . . . . /episode/index/show/thesecretthoughtsofceospodcast/id/34330580

How to Redesign Your Internal Programming with Chris Yonker 12/02/2024

How to Redesign Your Internal Programming with Chris Yonker How Can You Redesign Your Internal Programming a Live a Full(er) Life? On today's episode I was a guest on Steven Lawson’s podcast Potent, and we dive into overcoming trauma, the power of spirituality and self-awareness, the impact of mentorship, and the journey toward self-acceptance and deeper connections. About Today's Guest Chris is a Certified Family Business Advisor accredited through The Family Firm Institute. Chris helps to consciously navigate the challenges of succession, leadership transitions and family conflict, while creating long-term strategies for business continuity. Dubbed a “Life Journey Sherpa,” Chris’ holistic approach allows each individual in the family to be seen as an integral piece to the work. He uses his experience as a Neuro- Linguistic practitioner, a student of Philosophy and Psychology, and a thought leader on Personal Performance and Transformation to create a one-of-a-kind methodology that fuses heart and soul — helping families achieve extraordinary results that become permanent ways of being. Drawing upon more than 25 years of driving change and leading sales with 3M, and over a decade in Family Business and Executive consulting, Chris has built a process that has become his special sort of alchemy. His strategy helps clients move beyond the obstacles family organizations face that often prevent them from leading deeply fulfilling lives, both individually as well as collectively. Many of Chris’s clients say the process of working with him leads to profound healing within their families, bringing a sense of deep peace, better relationships and higher levels of happiness alongside a thriving organization. As a sought-after speaker, Chris has been a special guest of Camden Family Wealth, The Institute for Family-Owned Business, and The Center for Family Enterprise, and has been a featured contributor to Forbes. Education Chris is a Certified Family Business Advisor accredited through The Family Firm Institute. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Business and a Minor in Communication from Western Michigan University. He was personally mentored by Tony Robbins’ original trainer in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP). Personal Chris is a seventh-degree black belt in an Okinawan style of karate and a student of yoga and meditation. He enjoys fishing, travel, cooking and spending time with his wife of 28 years and their daughter Show Notes · Chris early life · Connecting with God · Martial arts, validation · Mentorship · What is God teaching me? · Developing a practice of connection · Coaching thru end of life · Immersion · Developing personal presence · Fear of loneliness · Emotions, awareness, and karate · The elevator from heart to head · Potent presence; it's a soul massage · Healing our bodies · Parenting, upbringing, self-parenting · Being/doing, Values alignment · Community affiliation, fear of lone wolf, searching out your people · Trusting the process This podcast is brought to you by the Monk Manual. The monk manual is dedicated to providing best-in-class tools for helping you build a more potent life, and experience peaceful being and purposeful doing on a daily basis. If you’d like to be more intentional with your time and energy - please visit . /episode/index/show/thesecretthoughtsofceospodcast/id/34171900

Preventing Crisis Before it Happens in Your Family Business with Stephanie Craig 11/18/2024

Chris Yonker on Finding a Coach and Hiring One 11/04/2024

Unleashing Innovation with Clément Decrop 10/21/2024

Navigating loss and healing inner wounds with Kathleen O'Hara 10/07/2024

Navigating loss and healing inner wounds with Kathleen O'Hara Kathleen O’Hara, MA, LPC, is a psychotherapist and senior consultant to families, individuals, and family offices. She is the Founder of Integral Health Services, and specializes in helping individuals and families navigate the complex issues of living in the 21st century, including mental health, relational issues, difficult family dynamics, personal growth/development, life-stages, finding meaning and purpose, and building anti-fragility in an ever-changing world. She is an expert in crisis management, and is the author of A Grief Like No Other, a classic resource to help people cope with a sudden or violent death of a loved one, and has helped many families during the crisis of an unexpected death. In her advocacy work, she has helped organizations worldwide develop better programs and policies for victims of crime, and is a consultant for the US Department of Justice, and has spoken at the UN for the International Day for Women and Girls in Science in 2016, 2017, and 2020. What You’ll Learn ● How to settle problems in a business system. ● How to navigate guilt and grief in a family business. ● How grief affects our biology. ● The importance of trauma-informed therapy. Timestamps · [05:05] What causes a fixed state of fear? · [11:07] When problems are set in place. · [15:28] The point of no return. · [23:20] The guilt of things left unsaid. · [29:08] The biology of grief. · [33:05] Kathleen’s experience. · [35:18] Trauma-informed therapy. · [38:48] Leveraging faith. Memorable Quotes · “Most things […] are repairable.” – Kathleen O’Hara [19:08] · “There’s a huge trauma component.” – Kathleen O’Hara [29:44] · “How you’re feeling today is true and right, but you won’t always feel that way.” – Kathleen O’Hara [38:05] Websites . . . . . /episode/index/show/thesecretthoughtsofceospodcast/id/33135817

Healing Trauma in Family Business with Thomas Hübl 09/23/2024

Healing Trauma in Family Business with Thomas Hübl Thomas Hübl, PhD, is a renowned teacher, author, and international facilitator who works within the complexity of systems and cultural change, integrating the core insights of the great wisdom traditions and mysticism with the discoveries of science. Since the early 2000s, he has led large-scale events and courses on the healing of collective trauma. He is the author of Attuned: Practicing Interdependence to Heal Our Trauma—and Our World, and Healing Collective Trauma: A Process for Integrating Our Intergenerational and Cultural Wounds. Hübl has served as an advisor and guest faculty for universities and organizations, as a coach for CEOs and organizational leaders, and is currently a visiting scholar at the Wyss Institute at Harvard University/ What You’ll Learn ● How to reframe trauma. ● How to recognize trauma responses. ● How to heal the tensions in a family system. ● Why it’s important to connect spiritually. Timestamps · [06:19] Defining trauma. · [10:49] Navigating recurrent stresses. · [16:31] Trauma in a family context. · [22:56] Control as a trauma response. · [28:06] Creating a frame of reference. · [37:21] Healing relationships. · [47:09] Exploring connections beyond us. · [58:29] What’s possible for the future of humanity? Memorable Quotes · “Trauma is an internal response […] within overwhelming and challenging situations.” – Thomas Hübl [07:25] · “One symptom of trauma is scarcity.” – Thomas Hübl [21:06] · “There’s an intelligence in leaving.” – Thomas Hübl [36:19] · “Noise in the mind is stress in the body.” – Thomas Hübl [50:47] Websites . . . . /episode/index/show/thesecretthoughtsofceospodcast/id/33025522

Aligning Investments with Values: Rethinking Money Through a Shamans’s Lens 09/09/2024

Aligning Investments with Values: Rethinking Money Through a Shamans’s Lens Based in Florida, Sylvia Benito is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with more than two decades of portfolio management experience. She has diverse experience in wealth management, having worked as a hedge fund analyst and managing portfolios for family offices and ultra-high-net- worth clients with more than $1 billion in assets. A thought leader and public speaker committed to helping companies and investors leverage capital for transformative societal impact, Sylvia works with founders, families, and boards to help them align their goals and core values to facilitate positive change on a broader scale. Also passionate about female empowerment and a believer in the transformative power of psychedelics, Sylvia has spoken at several industry events, including the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies’ (MAPS) Psychedelic Science 2023, Women and Wealth, and the Wonderland Conference, where she was a featured speaker with Seano McFarland for "Addiction, Trauma & Psychedelics." Sylvia also spoke at the 39th Private Wealth Management Summit on "Inheritance, Sudden Wealth, and Women," and hosted a fireside chat with Mike Tyson at the National Trial Lawyers Summit in 2023. In addition to her work in wealth management, Sylvia has experience as an entrepreneur. She co-founded The Oasis Institute in South America, and successfully exited the venture before shifting her focus to investing, with the goal of connecting consciousness to capital. She has been a member of the CFA Society since 2011 and holds a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies from New College of Florida. What You’ll Learn ● How to navigate your surroundings and remove the noise. ● How to create meaning around money. ● How to balance tradition and innovation. Timestamps · [04:08] Sylvia’s training as a Shaman. · [08:43] Finding fulfillment and making an impact. · [12:43] How to remove the external noise. · [17:05] Creating meaning around money. · [19:16] Navigating different philosophies. · [23:17] Balancing traditions and innovation. · [24:38] When to leverage consultants. · [27:53] How Sylvia has helped create a higher sense of consciousness. · [32:26] How Sylvia got into this work. Memorable Quotes · “There is always this feeling of imposter syndrome.” – Sylvia Benito [07:44] · “Meditation ultimately is every moment.” – Sylvia Benito [15:09] · “This is a culture of money.” – Sylvia Benito [17:59] Websites . . . . /episode/index/show/thesecretthoughtsofceospodcast/id/32956722

Breaking Boundaries: Thriving in a Male-Dominated Industry, Family Business Dynamics, and Empowering the Next Generation with Carol Horton 08/26/2024

Breaking Boundaries: Thriving in a Male-Dominated Industry, Family Business Dynamics, and Empowering the Next Generation with Carol Horton Carol Horton is the Founder and CEO of Lily Grace Homes, the CEO of The Ten13 Company, and on the board of directors of Habitat for Humanity of Collin County. At Lily Grace Homes, she is striving to bring a balance to beautiful design and functional living. She brings over 15 years of experience in the residential construction industry, a strategic mindset, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. With a proven track record of achieving exceptional results in challenging markets and turnaround scenarios, she is recognized as an industry expert in residential real estate. She has spoken at the 2023 International Builders Show in Las Vegas on Automation and AI for homebuilders. Prior to founding Lily Grace Homes, she served as Chief Marketing Officer at Kindred Homes, where she successfully led a digital transformation initiative, transforming operational and sales processes. Her expertise in organizational restructuring and operational efficiencies yielded decreased overhead costs and improved overall departmental performance. She was accountable for marketing, sales, and client satisfaction. In this role, she had direct responsibility for Kindred's revenue, which exceeded $180 million, annually. She is an expert in creating comprehensive marketing strategies to increase market growth, helping Kindred Homes generate over $32 million in sales in its first year. What You’ll Learn ● How to balance relationships and business. ● Putting business first vs family first. ● How to set boundaries between personal and business relationships. ● How Carol paves the way for women leaders. ● How to bridge the generational gap. Timestamps · [04:38] Carol’s background. · [08:48] What motivates Carol? · [10:26] Mixing personal and business. · [16:01] Best for the business vs the family. · [20:36] Setting boundaries between personal and business relationships. · [28:02] Paving the way for women leaders. · [35:43] When you’re being treated differently. · [37:52] Learning to be a better leader. · [41:00] Bridging the generational gap. Memorable Quotes · “The business as a whole, the entity, is family.” – Carol Horton [17:56] · “Family actually has to be held to a higher standard.” – Carol Horton [19:33] · “The single greatest thing you could do as an employer is help your employees, in their personal life, grow.” – Carol Horton [45:17] Websites . . . . /episode/index/show/thesecretthoughtsofceospodcast/id/32677112

Closing the Gap: Why family members do not see things the same way and what to do about it. 08/12/2024

Closing the Gap: Why family members do not see things the same way and what to do about it. With a unique background in finance and mediation, coupled with a passion for culture and education, Monica has traveled the globe extensively – exploring all opportunities to continuously enhance her skill set and personal growth. Around the world, she has had the good fortune to learn from some of the most renowned names in her field. Having previously worked in accounting and finance with corporate giants, Coopers and Lybrand (now PwC), and Rogers Cablesystems, Monica’s initial foray into business began with her family’s manufacturing company – Balthes Farm Equipment. Growing up in a family business, Monica learned the importance of family values, vision, passion, and commitment. This early imprinting ultimately led to her lifetime quest to understand best practices in business and communication skills, and how to live a happy life. Many years later, she went through the business transition process with her own parents’ company, Kooljet Refrigeration Systems. This experience gave her first-hand knowledge about the complexities of family business systems and how challenging that transition can be. Monica’s dedication to helping individuals and businesses reach their potential inspires her to work with companies ready to transform their corporate culture. Her experience, coupled with her holistic view of relationship management, supports her clients’ commitment to clarify their objectives and create a profitable, harmonious, and sustainable future. Monica received most of her formal education in Canada, completing her undergraduate degree in Economics at the University of Western Ontario. She is a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach, a Certified Management Accountant in Ontario, Canada, and holds a Master of Business Administration degree from the Schulich School of Business at York University. In addition, Ms. Clare holds a diploma in International Studies from the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna, Austria, and studied Modern World Systems and Comparative Political Economy with California Polytechnic State University in Thailand. She has recently obtained her FEA (Family Enterprise Advisor) certification with the FEX (Family Enterprise Exchange). While living in Europe for 20 years, Monica also accepted invitations to instruct college and university courses. What You’ll Learn ● How to resolve differences in perspectives. ● How ego affects decision-making. ● How to face the fear of conflict. ● How to unfreeze the lens around trauma. Timestamps · [09:13] A bit about Monica. · [11:13] Defining conflict. · [13:12] Differing family perspectives. · [15:15] How the ego affects decision-making. · [22:34] How to face the fear of conflict. · [26:33] Strategic vs soft skills. · [30:48] Helping someone understand a different perspective. · [37:37] The epigenetic factor. · [41:31] Freezing people in time. · [49:48] The next executive forum. Memorable Quotes · “The information that you have determines how you make your decisions.” – Monica Clare [14:18] · “There is an intuitive aspect of our decision-making.” – Monica Clare [29:28] · “That’s just the way they see things right now.” – Monica Clare [46:16] Websites . . . . /episode/index/show/thesecretthoughtsofceospodcast/id/32463262

From Family Values to Business Success: The Story behind XS 07/29/2024

From Family Values to Business Success: The Story behind XS David Vanderveen has a successful 30-year track record in beverage and technology-leading disruptive change, at both private and public companies. Since September 2022, he has been the CEO of Nirvana Water Sciences and has worked with a team of industry beverage, functional beverage, and supplement experts to transform the brand, product portfolio, go-to-market strategy, and execution of the business. During this time, Nirvana has launched a new brand, Nirvana SUPER™, and its wellness extension, Nirvana SUPER Pro™, winning the Best Functional Beverage awards from both Zenith and BevNet. In February 2023, Nirvana completed its first acquisition, Alder Creek Beverages, a pristine spring water source and manufacturing partner for Nirvana. In June of the same year, Nirvana completed a joint venture with Inspire Health Alliance to develop wellness beverage shots as part of a new supplement protocol for customers undergoing orthopedic surgeries. From 2002 until 2015, David served as the founder and Chief Executive Officer of XS World Wide, a company with a portfolio of energy drinks and sports nutrition products. The brand was a strategic partner with the Amway Corporation, and XS became the fastest-growing business segment and category for the world’s largest direct seller. XS reached annual sales of over $400 million dollars, with product distribution in more than 60 countries. XS was sold to Amway in 2015, where David served as Vice President and Global General Manager for the XS Brand, with maximum earn-out through 2018. The brand continues to grow. After leading the transition of XS to an Amway-owned brand, he served as the Chief Operating Officer at NewAge Beverages Corporation, then one of the fastest-growing healthy beverage companies in the world, where he helped double shareholder value during the global pandemic. Post-COVID, David brought his insight and leadership skills to It Works, a trendsetting affiliate-driven nutrition company with a suite of products designed to empower people to transform their bodies and lives. As the President of It Works International, he has helped to reorganize, rebuild, and inspire growth in the business in 23 global markets, while living and working from Paris. In addition to his history of disruptive international business development, David serves as an advisor to RX3 Growth Partners, a private equity firm that partners with consumer brands and other leading investment firms, to maximize value by leveraging its unique influencer base of athletes, celebrities, and thought leaders. What You’ll Learn ● The importance of integrity. ● How to apply core values to succeed in business. ● The value of taking risks. ● How to balance work and family life. Timestamps · [05:00] The importance of integrity. · [07:15] David’s core values. · [11:31] Finding his calling. · [16:55] Starting at Amway. · [22:03] The impact of family in business. · [26:51] David’s mission at Amway. · [31:10] Creating credibility. · [33:31] David’s socks. · [34:37] Balancing work and family. · [42:36] Navigating risk. Memorable Quotes · “The one thing we take with us are our values.” – David Vanderveen [06:21] · “Great companies prevail over time beyond a person or a product because they operate from core values.” – David Vanderveen [36:12] · “what’s not negotiable is who you’re with and the values you operate around.” – David Vanderveen [38:14] Websites . . . . . . /episode/index/show/thesecretthoughtsofceospodcast/id/32306502

Becoming the cycle breaker healing the unspoken cycles of guilt, shame, addictions and more with Natasha Silver Bell and Jane Mintz 07/15/2024

Becoming the cycle breaker healing the unspoken cycles of guilt, shame, addictions and more with Natasha Silver Bell and Jane Mintz This forum featured guest experts Natasha Silverbell and Jane Mintz, along with our host Chris Yonker, CFBA to discuss mental health and addiction in the context of personal development and family dynamics. We emphasized the importance of not merely labeling behaviors but understanding their impacts on families and businesses. Our discussion highlighted the need for empathy, open communication, and self-regulation, stressing that everyone—from family members to business advisors—plays a crucial role in supporting healing and improvement. Overall, our focus was on taking personal responsibility for wellness and the transformative power of supportive communities. Understanding Beyond Labels We discussed how crucial it is to not to get hung up on labeling behaviors simply as "addiction" but to look deeper at how these behaviors impact personal relationships and business environments. Finding the right help to get your family on a path of open and empathetic communication can help address the root causes and effects on a family or organizational system. The Role of Self-Regulation Self-regulation emerged as a key theme, with emphasis on its importance not just in overcoming personal challenges but also in fostering healthy family and business dynamics. Managing one’s emotional responses can greatly influence the overall health of relationships and professional interactions. Crafting Your Suppor System Building and maintaining a strong support system is vital not only to individuals, but the family as a whole. This system should include professionals, advisors, family members, and peers who can offer guidance and support through challenges, particularly those related to mental health and addiction. We also talked about what advisors could do to find the right help for their clients when there is a complex or sensitive challenge outside of their scope. 1. Prioritize Empathy in Communication: Emphasize the importance of understanding and empathetic communication within family and business interactions to address and resolve underlying issues more effectively. 2. Encourage Regular Mental Health Check-ins: Advocate for routine mental health assessments within family businesses to identify and address issues early, before they escalate into more significant problems. 3. Implement Self-Regulation Practices: Find professionals to provide training on self-regulation techniques for family members and business leaders to help manage stress, improve personal resilience, and foster a more supportive working environment. 4. Establish a Strong Support Network: Encourage the formation or strengthening of a support network that includes mental health professionals, experienced advisors, and peer support groups to provide necessary resources and assistance. 5. Foster a Culture of Openness and Non-Judgment: Work towards creating an environment where family members and business partners feel safe to express their concerns and challenges without fear of judgment, thereby promoting transparency and trust. The next Family Business Executive Forum, Closing the Gap and Creating Your Most Impactful Company Culture: How Family Leaders Can Work Together to Weave Innovation and Legacy Even When You’re At a Generational Standstill, takes place on June 25th at 12pm ET. . Connect with: Jane Mintz: Natasha Silver Bell: Chris Yonker: /episode/index/show/thesecretthoughtsofceospodcast/id/32132797

Flow State: Mastering the Art of Sustained Focus 07/01/2024

Flow State: Mastering the Art of Sustained Focus How to Find a Higher Sense of Flow with Achim Feige Achim Feige is a personal performance and transformation coach to the German business elite. As a transformation architect, human potential coach, and author of several management books, he enables entrepreneurs, CEOs, and top executives to access higher states of consciousness and flow, and personal growth, using the latest neuroscientific findings and techniques, aligned with ancient wisdom, from which you - having grown inwardly and equipped with a new mindset and qualities - can master the transformation into a new business world with more confidence, courage, and ease, as a person, a leader, and organization. His aim is to turn leaders of all kinds into self-developers, bridge builders, and architects of a new business world in which the development of human potential, top performance, and positive impact do not contradict, but complement, each other. With his European transformation collective, VERTICAL (Berlin, Vienna, Stockholm, and Oslo), he exclusively accompanies entrepreneurs and CEOs in their personal and business transformation, without burning out. What You’ll Learn The causes and signs of burnout. How to achieve flow. How to balance stress and recovery. How to prioritize personal growth. Where to start with others. Timestamps [06:55] Achim’s background. [12:40] What leads to burnout? [19:11] Being in flow. [21:22] The challenge-skill equation. [25:00] Finding the balance. [30:41] The 40-hour week. [32:48] Forming growth rituals. [37:19] The North Star. [43:10] Resonance and flow in relation to others. [50:29] The role of facilitators. Memorable Quotes “You are in your flow channel when you have an optimal challenge.” – Achim Feige [21:30] “With new behavior and new habits, you will shape a new personality.” – Achim Feige [35:45] Websites . . . Contact: . . /episode/index/show/thesecretthoughtsofceospodcast/id/31718917

Longevity Secrets Revealed: How to Use testing to improve your lifespan and quality of life 06/17/2024

Longevity Secrets Revealed: How to Use testing to improve your lifespan and quality of life Irina Serebryakova is Nurse Practitioner and Founder of You Holistic Functional Medicine and Longevity Center in Exeter, NH. She has been practicing Functional Medicine for more than 15 years. Functional Medicine addresses the whole body and focuses on disease prevention, and considers the full picture of your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. You Holistic helps patients reduce or eliminate the need for pharmaceutical medications by addressing digestive problems, inflammation, weakened immunity, and metabolic and hormonal imbalances. They have created treatment plans to manage multiple factors that may contribute to chronic conditions, including supplements, food plans, herbs, homeopathic remedies, Intravenous nutrients, peptides, and bio-identical hormones for hormonal imbalances, treating thyroid and adrenal dysfunction, insomnia, depression, anxiety, fatigue, and osteoporosis without pharmaceutical medications. Their Functional Medicine approach is different is tailored to each person’s specific illness or symptoms. Irina believes in the human body’s incredible ability to heal and to regenerate. Her goal, when treating patients, is to guide and give them tools, and to empower them in restoring balance and preventing disease. What You’ll Learn ● How alternative treatments can benefit individuals. ● How our decisions can affect our genetics. ● Which tests are the most important to start with. ● Preventative measures to take against ailments. ● The function of Functional Medicine. ● How new therapies are addressing shortfalls in medicine. Timestamps · [05:14] The shortfalls of the medical system. · [09:38] How much does DNA affect health and wellbeing? · [13:13] DNA testing. · [15:05] The reliability of testing companies. · [16:25] Prioritizing what to test. · [21:57] Beethoven’s hair study. · [23:08] Protocol for removing toxins. · [26:04] Preventing heart disease. · [30:23] Insulin resistance. · [31:28] Testing for plaque buildup. · [34:51] Cancer screening. · [38:19] What is Functional Medicine? · [45:46] Pro-health, anti-aging therapies. Memorable Quotes · “Genetics are not as unchangeable as we think.” – Irina Serebryakova [12:08] · “Screening is our best defense against cancer.” – Irina Serebryakova [36:24] Websites . . Call: 603-309-2030. Email: . . . /episode/index/show/thesecretthoughtsofceospodcast/id/31637382

Three attributes every future leader needs to thrive 06/03/2024

Leveraging the Power of an Advisory Board for Family Business 05/20/2024

Leveraging the Power of an Advisory Board for Family Business Dr. Stacy Feiner is an accomplished psychologist, business leader, innovator, author, and mom. She advises private and family-owned businesses with a pro-growth, pro-health approach that ensures leaders solve emotionally charged situations, move forward, and increase enterprise value and family connection. Curious about people and culture, Stacy has lived in 8 US cities and traveled through 9 countries. A Doctor of Psychology (PsyD), Stacy is an expert at helping complex people systems shape their desired future. Her inclusive perspective creates a competitive advantage in a world that accepts average. Before focusing on private enterprise, Stacy served as an executive at Merrill Lynch, coaching financial advisors to scale their practices and stay confident during volatile markets, getting licensed Series 7 herself. As an HR executive at KeyBank, Stacy helped complete a billion dollar sell-side transaction, and at BDO USA, Stacy advised family businesses in all stages seeking to achieve success in all their ventures and family branches. Dr. Feiner founded her own firm to bring a new lens that accelerates growth of privately-owned companies. Stacy published her first book, Talent Mindset, in 2015, and co-authored the bestselling, The Sixth Level, in 2023, used by universities, businesses, and nonprofits. What You’ll Learn ● Why advisors are so important in a business. ● Which kinds of boards to choose for a business. ● The importance of transparent and authentic conversations. Timestamps · [05:37] Why businesses need advisors. · [12:44] Dr Feiner’s advice on building an advisory board. · [18:01] Creating transparency and authenticity. · [26:47] Fiduciary boards vs advisory boards. · [38:12] Family councils. · [45:10] Advice to reluctant business owners. Memorable Quotes · “Every business problem that you have is solvable.” – Dr Stacy Feiner [24:26] · “Growth is fun.” – Dr Stacy Feiner [46:40] Websites . . . /episode/index/show/thesecretthoughtsofceospodcast/id/31368867

Unlocking Subconscious Barriers: How Hidden Beliefs Affect Performance 05/06/2024

Unlocking Subconscious Barriers: How Hidden Beliefs Affect Performance Dr. Lise Janelle is a renowned growth accelerator coach who empowers her clients with her groundbreaking Heart Freedom Method, facilitating rapid transformation by dismantling subconscious barriers to success. She’s been featured in many radio and TV interviews, including on CBC News and CTV’s Canada AM. She shares insights on overcoming inner resistance. A former championship rower and pioneer in women’s Ice Canoeing, Lise embraces outdoor challenges like scaling Kilimanjaro and La Haute Route in Switzerland. Her journey from a top 10% earner as a chiropractor to coaching showcases unwavering commitment to personal growth. Founder of the Centre for Heart Living in Toronto, she authored “Conversations with the Heart,” a guide to help the reader live a truly successful life. A member of the Transformational Leadership Council, Lise connects with leaders, leaving an indelible mark on personal development. Her story reflects resilience, passion, and an enduring dedication to guiding others toward their full potential. Dr. Janelle is working on her upcoming book, “Unstuck,” with co-author, Jack Canfield, to be released in late 2024. What You’ll Learn ● How to use muscle testing to live more consciously. ● How to build a higher sense of authority. ● How to become self-aware. ● The indicators of emotional wellbeing. ● The process of expanding our consciousness. Timestamps · [04:28] Dr Janelle’s background. · [07:39] Muscle testing. · [12:35] Building a higher sense of authority. · [18:46] Three types of bootcamps. · [21:17] Navigating love. · [26:34] Why the body stores pain. · [29:26] Diagnosing emotional wellbeing. · [33:40] The adventure of creating heaven on earth. Memorable Quotes · “90-95% of what we do is actually pre-programmed in us.” – Dr Lise Janelle [12:09] · “Each time we have gratitude, we instantly increase our self-worth.” – Dr Lise Janelle [16:10] · “Whatever is happening, is always happening for us.” – Dr Lise Janelle [37:44] Websites . . . . /episode/index/show/thesecretthoughtsofceospodcast/id/31080843

Elevate and Empower: A Blueprint for Future Leadership 04/22/2024

A replay of our recent Family Business Executive Forum hosted by Amanda Laden with special guests Rebecca Hamilton of WS Badger and Amanda Osmer of Grappone 04/08/2024

A replay of our recent Family Business Executive Forum hosted by Amanda Laden with special guests Rebecca Hamilton of WS Badger and Amanda Osmer of Grappone Amanda Osmer is the fourth-generation owner of Grappone Automotive Group. Osmer’s great-grandparents, Rocco and Emanuela Grappone, were Italian immigrants who opened a gas station in Concord in 1924. Her grandfather, John Grappone, worked for 79 years to help expand that single business into the Grappone Automotive Group, which today encompasses five New Hampshire dealerships, representing Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Mazda, and Toyota, as well as one of northern New England’s largest wholesale parts operations. Amanda launched Leadership Grappone, a program that a seeks out the company’s emerging leaders, with the goal of uncovering their true leadership potential. Rebecca Hamilton is the Co-CEO of Badger, a producer of organic body care products. An advocate for issues concerning the environment, ingredient transparency, and societal change, Rebecca has spoken at the White House, addressed the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity in support of organic and regenerative agriculture, testified before Congress on behalf of safer cosmetics, and attended Senate and House briefings on Capitol Hill in support of family-friendly workplace practices and chemical reform. Rebecca also spearheaded the passing of Benefit Corporation legislation in New Hampshire, a for-profit status that incorporates the pursuit of positive environmental and social impact in addition to profit. She was recently appointed to the National Women’s Business Council, a nonpartisan federal advisory committee comprised of women business owners, policymakers, bankers, representatives of women’s business organizations, and other stakeholders. What You’ll Learn ● How to approach succession planning with the lens of equality. ● Upholding standards with family members. ● Making decisions as a family leadership team. ● How to manage a smooth succession with leaders who aren’t ready to let go. Timestamps · [09:27] Taking on leadership roles within family businesses. · [18:13] Unique perspectives as women. · [23:51] Approaching succession planning. · [29:09] Dr Stacy: Are higher standards for family a risk or a benefit? · [32:14] The role of personal development plays in the future of leadership. · [34:26] Lessons learned stepping into leadership roles. · [39:21] Advice to other women aspiring to lead family-run enterprises. · [44:17] When leaders aren’t ready to let go during transitions. Memorable Quotes · “Blood is thicker than water.” – Amanda Osmer [28:00] · “Your brain can’t be angry and curious at the same time.” – Amanda Osmer [33:26] · “We’ve had such a female dominated company that we thought about being more intentional of bringing some males in to balance it out.” – Rebecca Hamilton [34:02] · “Get really clear about what your mission is, and then pursue that.” – Amanda Osmer [39:46] Websites . . . /episode/index/show/thesecretthoughtsofceospodcast/id/30712263

The Inner Work of Family Business: A Dialogue on Identity and Legacy 03/25/2024

Evolving Modern Entrepreneurship: How Inner Work and Spirituality Influences Success and Fulfillment 03/11/2024

Raising the Baobab: Building Resilient Family Enterprises 02/26/2024

Raising the Baobab: Building Resilient Family Enterprises Tsitsi Mutendi is an internationally recognized Family Business Expert and Family Office Advisor (focused on building multigenerational family wealth). She is a third-generation family business owner, who has learnt how to build and grow business from her predecessors, but like many African family business owners, she has had to build her own businesses from the entrepreneurial spirit that has been cultivated over generations. Unlike the adage, shirt sleeves to shirt sleeves, she did not inherit financial wealth, but she did inherit the intellectual knowledge and the values of entrepreneurship, and now with the acumen she has learnt from the many families she has served and continues to serve, she hopes to pass wealth that becomes multigenerational to her own children and generations after. The family businesses that she has founded and co-founded and built include Mutendi Montessori and Dants Investments. Over her career, she has been successful, and she has bagged many accolades, awards, and recognition to her contribution to various spaces in which she has established her work. She has also sat on numerous company boards and brought her worldly experience to help organizations gain a competitive edge and grow in profit, production, and expansion. What You’ll Learn ● How the Baobab tree is a symbol of family businesses. ● Caring for the individual to care for the group. ● How to nurture the five capitals in our businesses. Timestamps · [05:27] Putting together the book. · [07:50] Why the Baobab tree is unique. · [18:40] Human capital. · [22:25] Intellectual capital. · [29:02] Social capital. · [33:44] Spiritual capital. · [35:33] Financial capital. · [40:13] Thinking about long-term continuity. Memorable Quotes · “The sum of the whole is the individuals.” – Tsitsi Mutendi [19:20] · “We are a result of people who made decisions before us.” – Tsitsi Mutendi [41:34] Social Media LinkedIn: . Facebook: . Instagram: . Websites . . . /episode/index/show/thesecretthoughtsofceospodcast/id/30114768

The Legacy Mindset: Holistic Preparation for Succession in Family Businesses 02/12/2024

The Legacy Mindset: Holistic Preparation for Succession in Family Businesses Melissa Borowicz has been dedicated to working with companies since 2004, focusing on defining corporate culture and aiding leaders to maximize their management teams and personnel. With an adept understanding of relational barriers and their impact on personal and company growth l, Borowicz offers practical solutions that enhance value at every stage. Her comfortable and relaxed style ensures ease among individuals during challenging leadership transitions. Borowicz’s ability to effectively and efficiently identify and tailor solutions to meet the unique needs of companies is underpinned by a robust educational and professional background. This includes earning a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, achieving Process Mastery certification from Hammer Company, becoming a certified ECHO Listening Practitioner, a Certified DISC Practitioner, and a Certified Master Practitioner in Neuro-Linguistic Programming. She collaborates with business leaders to foster a unified language and understanding within organizations, reaching from the leadership team to employees, customers, and the wider community. Borowicz not only appreciates the significance of but also knows how to secure buy-in at every level, both internally and externally. Driven by the goal of creating self-sufficient individuals and organizations, Borowicz has developed a three-day Leadership Boot Camp. This program guides individuals and staff through comprehensive personal and team development, aiming for consistent leadership. Additionally, her year-long Leadership Collective offers real-world interactional experiences that prepare team members to become adept at handling 50-70% of all organizational development issues. With 17 years of experience, Borowicz has honed her expertise with a range of organizations, from small teams of 10 to large groups of 3000 employees, across the United States and Canada. She specializes in the effective use of leadership assessments, values identification, and articulation to spearhead culture strategy and transformation, develop leaders, and enhance team dynamics. Outside her professional life, Borowicz enjoys an active lifestyle with her husband, their three boys, and two dogs. An avid runner committed to fitness, she is also a keen reader in her quest for continuous learning and loves to watch her boys engage in basketball and karate, pursuing their passions. What You’ll Learn How families can navigate family issues in businesses. Where to start making a change. How the family system affects everything. Navigating different family dynamics. Why feedback is vital for success. Dealing with underperforming family members. The value of non-family leaders. Why “lesser” priorities should not be put off. Timestamps [05:17] A bit about Melissa. [09:13] Working through family issues. [10:47] A common referral point. [14:06] The starting point for families navigating a change. [17:01] The canary in the coal mine. [21:50] The family business system. [24:36] Dealing with family dynamics. [32:16] The importance of feedback. [37:57] Helping families deal with sub-par business performance. [42:56] The fear of reprimanding family members [47:17] Non-family leaders. [50:10] Advice for the eager younger family member. [54:12] Putting off “lesser” priorities. Memorable Quotes “For things to progress and be successful is people's openness and willingness to change. – Melissa Borowicz [30:40] “Feedback is a gift and an investment in itself.” – Melissa Borowicz [35:34] “The family is more important than the business.” – Melissa Borowicz [36:15] “Leadership is taken, not given.” – Melissa Borowicz [56:13] Social Media LinkedIn: Facebook: . Websites . . /episode/index/show/thesecretthoughtsofceospodcast/id/29905358

Challenging Power Structures: The Rise of Women in Executive Roles 01/29/2024

Challenging Power Structures: The Rise of Women in Executive Roles Challenging Power Structures: The Rise of Women in Executive Roles With Amanda Laden Amanda Laden is the Founder & CEO of The FireBrand Institute, Period to Pause, and The VinoKarma Project. Her mission to help fast-growing businesses develop growth strategies, align leadership, and identify market opportunities for change. Amanda is passionate about helping entrepreneurs and businesses acquire fresh insights, answer critical business questions, and innovate and accelerate business outcomes. Helping business owners realize their entrepreneurial capacity and dreams runs in Amanda’s DNA and passion for helping others. Amanda has led teams on 5 continents and traveled to over 50 countries. She loves all things relating to food, culture, and travel, especially when wine is involved. When not supporting her quest to find the perfect glass of wine, in her spare time, you can find Amanda dancing on stages with the likes of Seal, Keith Sweat, and Carlos Santana. What You’ll Learn ● Why it’s more challenging for women to rise to executive positions. ● How to step into masculine and feminine energy. ● How to correct the language we use. ● The importance of community. ● Why we should be setting boundaries. Timestamps · [05:12] A bit about Amanda. · [11:50] Why it’s more difficult for women to rise to executive positions? · [16:33] Masculine and feminine energy. · [24:57] The need for empathy. · [30:38] Amanda’s advice to future leaders. · [33:21] Boundaries. · [44:43] Amanda’s final thoughts. Memorable Quotes · “There’s space for all of us.” – Amanda Laden [24:34] · “It is hard to be a woman.” – Amanda Laden [26:57] · “You don’t have to show up and be perfect.” – Amanda Laden [47:17] Social Media LinkedIn: . Websites . . /episode/index/show/thesecretthoughtsofceospodcast/id/29675478

From Boardroom to Family Room: Balancing Business and Raising Resilient Children 01/15/2024

From Boardroom to Family Room: Balancing Business and Raising Resilient Children Kiva Schuler is the Founder and CEO of The Jai Institute for Parenting, and the author of the ground-breaking book The Peaceful Parenting (R)evolution: Changing the World by Changing How We Parent which examines the “consequences” of traditional parenting methods and offers a more modern approach grounded in emotional intelligence, values-led leadership, and effective communication. Kiva’s passion for parenting stemmed from her own childhood experiences of neglect and trauma. Like many of her generation, she had a front-row seat to the kind of parenting that she did not want for her own children. The Jai Institute is the fulfillment of a promise that she made to herself when she was 16 years old that when she had children of her own, she would learn to parent them with compassion, consistency, and communication. On a mission to change the culture around parenting, Kiva wants children to grow up to reach their full potential, and live their lives free of trauma, shame, and emotional wounds. As a mother, she has built an extraordinary business that has touched tens of thousands of lives, and empowered others who share her mission to do this work. What You’ll Learn ● How to raise responsible humans. ● How to model self-regulation. ● How to create healthy boundaries. ● How to regulate modern accessibility. ● How to rebuild intergenerational relationships. Timestamps · [04:42] A bit about Kiva. · [08:01] Kiva’s parenting philosophy. · [12:19] The idea of conformity. · [16:13] Regulating ourselves. · [29:16] Eating freedom. · [36:34] Where to draw the line. · [44:59] Understanding childrens’ capacity. · [49:14] The paradigm of teenage behaviors. · [53:57] Navigating faith. · [56:10] Regulating modern accessibility. · [63:39] Rebuilding relationships. Memorable Quotes · “Tension is contagious.” – Chris Yonker [23:58] · “Stop trying to put them in the box that we think they should be in.” – Kiva Schuler [51:41] · “All a child wants is to be seen and heard and acknowledged by their parent.” – Kiva Schuler [67:24] Social Media LinkedIn: . Instagram: . Websites . Read: . Listen: . /episode/index/show/thesecretthoughtsofceospodcast/id/29479448

Beyond the Visible: Science, Spirituality and Business with Stephen (Altair) Skelton, Wellbeing Head at Qineticare 01/01/2024

Beyond the Visible: Science, Spirituality and Business with Stephen (Altair) Skelton, Wellbeing Head at Qineticare Guest Bio Stephen is an integrative coach, healer and meditation teacher at Qineticare who supports individual and multi-generational family healing and harmony. Having trained in counselling, education and business he launched 3 educational institutions, composed several music albums and published 10 books including “Raising Our Vibration: A Guide to Subtle Energy Meditation.” He continues to pioneer neuroscience research with labs in Japan on the effect of subtle energy spiritual exercises on anxiety and stress. Stephen has developed meditation courses, an app, teachers training programs and featured digital courses on a number of global platforms. He co-founded organizations supporting trust, love and wisdom to fund entrepreneurs on their spiritual path. Stephen has given transformational workshops in healing, meditation, and lucid dreaming for over 30 years. He has been featured on radio, television, magazines, books and podcasts as a healer of hearts. He has worked as a Vedic adviser and managed doctors and physicians at natural health and wellbeing clinics. He integrates ancient wisdom, awake awareness and kundalini yoga with modern science and transpersonal psychology into the path of self-realization. Summary In this episode, we explore the concept of bringing the miraculous into everyday life. Our host shares personal experiences that demonstrate how the extraordinary can become ordinary and how we can help others transcend traditional diagnoses. We learn about trusting in life, filling ourselves with love and compassion, and embracing the infinite opportunities that life has to offer. Tune in to discover how to open up to the miraculous in your own life. Timestamps [00:04:45] Becoming a healing practitioner. [00:17:42] The system's contribution to the problem. [00:30:48] Importance of individual work. [00:39:02] Relational attunement and healing. [00:48:21] Environment and attunement. [00:51:44] Acts of kindness and impact. What you'll learn · Bringing the miraculous into everyday life, trusting in life again, filling oneself with love and compassion, and opening up to infinite opportunities. · The importance of individual and collective transformation within families, the complexities and challenges faced by multi-generational families. · The importance of starting with individual self-work, the importance of personal transformation in driving true communication and connection · The concept of relational attunement or alignment, taking responsibility for one's own experiences, and the importance of self-awareness and increasing one's level of consciousness. Quotes · 00:17:42 - "Fix this person because they're the problem. We're fine. It's that person." · 00:30:48 - "Our philosophy that we hold is the individual, we must start with the individual and do the work at the level of the individual first before moving to the collective." · 00:32:23 - "You need to help first initially and primarily each individual to develop this clear sense of self-worth and a clear sense of enough enoughness and a clear sense of within the family of how they communicate and what kind of communication openings and bridges they can create, but equally be aware of their own projections and blocks so that they can communicate their truth in a safe space." · 00:39:02 - "So long as we're open to it, we start to realize that a lot of the attunement that we're wanting in terms of relation is about being open and learning." · 00:49:14 - "once you see, once you see, you can't unsee." Websites . /episode/index/show/thesecretthoughtsofceospodcast/id/29294453

Should You Fire Family? Strategies for Managing Family Member Employment and Sub-Par Performance 12/18/2023

Harnessing Al: Ethical Leadership and Innovation David DeWolf, Founder and CEO of Knownwell 12/04/2023

The Shaolin Way Responsibility, Confidence, and Happiness with 34th Generation Shaolin Warrior Monk, SHIFU SHIYAN MING 11/20/2023

The Shaolin Way Responsibility, Confidence, and Happiness with 34th Generation Shaolin Warrior Monk, SHIFU SHIYAN MING Shi Yan Ming is a 34th Generation Shaolin Warrior Monk and Founder & Abbot of USA Shaolin Temple. Named “a real-life superhero” by The RZA from Wu-Tang Clan, Shifu’s 1-inch punch is more powerful than a car at 35mph as recorded by History Channel’s show, Stan Lee’s Super Humans. His disciples and students include Bokeem Woodbine of Spiderman, Wesley Snipes of Blade, RZA, Rosie Perez, and many more. As one of the most respected martial art legends of all time, he has been featured in numerous publications & interviews across the world, including National Geographic, The New York Times, The Atlantic, The New Yorker, VICE Sports, VICE China, Grazia Homme (France), Vogue, Great Big Story, NPR, and more. For his generation and age, Shifu’s physical abilities, wisdom, knowledge, and upbringing make him truly one in 3.3 billion on earth. What You’ll Learn ● What daily life is like in the Temple. ● The nature of devotion. ● How to build confidence. ● How Shaolin helps in other areas of life. ● How to know once you’ve found yourself. ● The importance of living in the moment. ● How to find balance. ● How to take authority over our thinking. Timestamps · [06:14] Shifu’s story. · [11:42] What foundation of the Shaolin Temple. · [14:49] Day in the life in the Temple. · [16:08] Lessons learned. · [18:46] Devotion. · [28:54] How to build confidence. · [33:18] How does Shaolin help in other areas of life? · [39:37] How to know if you’ve found yourself. · [43:35] Be honest with yourself. · [46:28] Cherishing the moment. · [49:59] What is balance and how do we find balance within ourselves? · [56:07] Taking more authority over our thinking. · [59:25] Where to start. · [61:18] Happiness vs love. Memorable Quotes · “Everyone needs help.” – Shi Yan Ming [20:32] · “Every moment, every day is precious.” – Shi Yan Ming [20:51] · “Life has everything.” – Shi Yan Ming [31:01] · “We come from nothing. We leave with nothing.” – Shi Yan Ming [49:49] Websites . /episode/index/show/thesecretthoughtsofceospodcast/id/28714078

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