Recent Updates
1056: Transform Grant Writing into an Exciting Opportunity with Nonprofit Grant Strategist Teresa Huff
Do you have a nonprofit organization but avoid grant writing for its complexities? Many nonprofits want to increase their impact but need more funding. Thus, grant writing is the way to go. Find grant opportunities that are a good fit and align with the nonprofit's mission and goals, build relationships with funders, and create compelling proposals.
Teresa Huff is the host of the Grant Writing Simplified podcast, a TEDx speaker, and a nonprofit strategy expert. She has been referred to as the "nonprofit powerhouse" after winning over $7.5 million in grants for schools and nonprofits. Today, Teresa shares her insights on the basics of grant writing, strategies for nonprofits to secure funding, and how to use constraints as a catalyst for creativity in the grant writing process.
Quotes
“Grants are much more strategic and are part of a long game, rather than quick or easy money.” – Teresa Huff
“Instead of focusing on return on investment, it's about return on impact—where funders can give to make the most difference.’” – Teresa Huff
“People often feel there's a wall and grantmakers are untouchable. However, many grantmakers welcome conversation and dialogue, and encourage getting to know them before you apply for a grant.” – Teresa Huff
Takeaways
02:31 Grants are a strategic, long-term game, not a quick source of easy money. Nonprofits need to build a strong foundation and align their mission with potential funders before pursuing grants.
09:13 Focusing on the "return on impact" rather than just the "return on investment" can help nonprofits better articulate the value and significance of their work to potential funders.
12:04 Using constraints as a catalyst for creativity can lead to more compelling and impactful grant proposals. Embracing the limitations of grant guidelines can inspire innovative solutions.
15:20 Building relationships with grantmakers, seeking their feedback, and adopting a collaborative learning attitude can significantly improve the chances of securing funding.
19:09 Reaching out directly to experienced grant writing experts can provide invaluable guidance and support to nonprofits looking to improve their grant writing skills and strategies.
Resources
- Teresa Huff: Grant Strategy and Training for Nonprofits
- Teresa Huff on LinkedIn
- Grant Writing Simplified Podcast
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1055: From Trauma to Triumph: Pursue Passion and Fulfillment After Life’s Challenges with Podcast Host and Author John R. Miles
Are you stuck in your life? Not knowing what is the next step? It’s normal to feel like this. You are not alone. To overcome this obstacle in your life, start by intentionally pursuing your passion through developing different aspects of your well-being, such as physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and relationship. Take action and reinvent yourself; eventually, you will reach success.
John R. Miles is an author, keynote speaker, and entrepreneur who blends practical wisdom with relatable anecdotes to discuss topics of health, wellness, and personal mastery. With a background in the US Navy and senior executive roles in Fortune 50 companies and as a software CEO, John brings a unique perspective on leadership and personal growth. Today, John shares his personal journey of transformation after experiencing trauma and a calling to pursue his passions more fully in order to find fulfillment in life. He discusses the importance of developing pillars of support across physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and relationship health to achieve self-realization.
Quotes
“The greatest person you'll ever meet in your life is the one who stares back at you in the mirror.” – John R. Miles
“What people don't understand is that we often think we need confidence or courage to take action. It's actually the opposite—you gain confidence by taking action. We tend to overthink how large the action needs to be, but it can really be small choices that compound over time.’” – John R. Miles
“Defeat means giving up on yourself in the midst of difficulty. True success means winning the battle with yourself.” – John R. Miles
Takeaways
01:26 Ignoring a calling or passion can lead to a lack of fulfillment, but it takes courage to make a change and pursue what truly matters.
05:28 Rebuilding one's life around key pillars of physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, and relationship health can help overcome trauma and burnout.
09:23 Balancing periods of intense focus and productivity with intentional downtime for rest and strategic planning is important for sustained success.
13:42 Intentionality, along with passion and perseverance, is a critical component for achieving self-realization and becoming one's best self.
15:15 The greatest competitor we face in life is often ourselves, so winning the battle against our own weaknesses is key to true success.
Resources
- Passion Struck: YOU WERE BORN TO MATTER
- John R. Miles: Live Your Life So It matters
- John R. Miles on LinkedIn
- Passion Struck: Twelve Powerful Principles to Unlock Your Purpose and Ignite Your Most Intentional Life by John R. Miles on Amazon
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1054: Divorce and Your Dog: Navigate the Tails of Separation with Attorney Debra Hamilton
Conflicts over pet ownership in divorcing couples or arguing parties can be emotionally charged and complex. Such disputes often stem from strong attachments and personal connections to the pet. Resolving these conflicts requires empathy, communication, and a focus on the well-being of the animal involved.
Debra Hamilton is an attorney and conflict coach who specializes in resolving disputes involving pets. As the founder of Hamilton Law and Mediation, she has dedicated her career to helping people navigate the complex emotional and legal issues that can arise when pets are involved in relationship breakdowns or other conflicts. Debra's unique expertise and compassionate approach provide an alternative to expensive, stressful court battles, ensuring pets find loving homes. Today, Debra discusses her work as a mediator and emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the well-being of the pets and avoiding costly legal battles, sharing examples of complex cases she has mediated, such as pets being taken across international borders.
Quotes
“Conflict coaching and mediation are two separate things, but both can help people resolve conflicts involving their beloved pets.” – Debra Hamilton
“You need to think outside the box. In mediation, we listen to everyone's conversation and highlight common ground, which is often lost when people are angry with each other.’” – Debra Hamilton
“You need to be open to what's in the best interest of the pet, and there's no one who knows this better than their owners.” – Debra Hamilton
Takeaways
06:32 Mediation and conflict coaching can help resolve pet custody disputes more effectively than litigation, as they allow for a focus on the pet's best interests rather than just the owners' desires.
08:19 Getting past the initial anger and focusing on what is truly best for the pet, rather than trying to "win" against the other person, is crucial for finding a satisfactory resolution.
14:04 Having a clear, written agreement in place about pet custody arrangements prior to a relationship ending can save significant time, money, and emotional turmoil down the line.
14:55 Mediation is generally a more cost-effective option compared to litigation for resolving pet custody issues, with sessions typically costing $1,000-$2,000 versus $5,000-$10,000 for a court case.
Resources
- Hamilton Law and Mediation: Fostering Peaceful Solutions in Conflicts Over Animals
- Debra Hamilton on LinkedIn
- Nipped in the Bud, Not in the Butt: How to Use Mediation to Resolve Conflicts over Animals by Debra Hamilton on Amazon
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1053: The Secrets of Silicon Valley’s Top Executives with Podcast Host and Founder Grace Gong
Fundraising teaches valuable lessons in leadership, emphasizing the importance of communication, teamwork, and strategic planning. Effective leaders in fundraising inspire others, foster collaboration, and navigate challenges with resilience. By honing these skills, individuals can lead teams towards achieving shared goals and making a positive impact in their communities.
Grace Gong is a leading voice in the tech and venture capital space. Through her daily LinkedIn Live show Venture with Grace and popular podcast Smart Venture, Grace interviews top executives from companies like Google, Meta, Amazon and top venture capital funds. Her goal is to provide education and insights to aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals who don't have access to the Silicon Valley network. Today, she discusses lessons she’s learned about fundraising, leadership, scaling businesses, recurring patterns among successful entrepreneurs, and much more! Stay tuned!
Quotes
“You really need to be a listener to understand where everyone's coming from.” – Grace Gong
“You should lean into your strengths and consider hiring or partnering to cover your weaknesses.’” – Grace Gong
“Massive action drives massive results. If you want to pursue excellence in your career and life, you need to take significant action. However, before that, you should start by taking action in general.” – Grace Gong
Takeaways
01:42 Podcasting can be a powerful networking and profile-building tool, as it provides access to high-profile guests that may not otherwise engage with the host.
10:47 Successful leaders often lean into their strengths and partner with others to address their weaknesses, rather than trying to fix all their own shortcomings.
11:38 Tapping into major industry trends and innovations can be a key driver of massive success for entrepreneurs and businesses.
17:45 Reflecting on past failures and reassessing one's true motivations can lead to discovering more suitable paths forward.
26:12 Taking massive, consistent action is crucial for achieving excellence in one's career and life, as encapsulated by the "Just Do It" mantra.
Resources
- Smart Venture Podcast
- Venture with Grace (daily LinkedIn Live show)
- Grace Gong on Facebook
- Grace Gong on LinkedIn
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 29:34 — 40.8MB) | Embed
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1052: Goal Setting and Team Building with Consultant and Investor Cliff Locks
Whether you're a seasoned business owner or just starting out, setting clear goals and effectively communicating your vision can propel your business forward.
Cliff Locks is a serial entrepreneur and investor who has formed and profitably exited three businesses. He is the founder and senior partner of CK Locks Consulting, Inc. and has experience across multiple industries including professional sports marketing, advertising, and sales promotions. Cliff is passionate about sharing his knowledge and experiences to help the next generation of entrepreneurs and business leaders achieve success. Today, Cliff discusses the importance of goal setting, building strong teams, and creating a clear vision for business success. He shares insights from his experience selling one of his companies to a Fortune 500 firm for an 11x EBITDA multiple and emphasizes the value of sharing goal-setting practices with children to help them develop focus and motivation.
Quotes
“Goal setting is the key that allows people to thrive and recognize success. It helps them understand when they've achieved their goals or are on the journey to accomplishing them.” – Cliff Locks
“If we can incorporate goal setting into our children's lives, they become more focused on what's important. This helps them take ownership of their learning and results in less disruption at home.’” – Cliff Locks
“It's not about burning investors' cash. It's about driving profitable, sustainable revenue that continues to grow. This is what allows the business to truly thrive and scale—that's the magic.” – Cliff Locks
Takeaways
04:02 Goal setting is the "key piece" that allows people to understand when they have achieved success and are on the journey to accomplishing their objectives.
11:22 Involving children in the goal-setting process, such as having them write down their goals on a wipe-off board in their rooms, can help develop focus, ownership of learning, and reduce disruption in the home.
15:40 Overcoming personal challenges and "wounds from childhood" is important, but the focus should be on writing the next chapter and planning for a bright future, rather than dwelling on the past.
18:46 Utilizing generative AI tools can assist in business development, market analysis, and driving profitable revenue growth for a company.
25:15 Asking employers for equity or options can help create additional wealth, even for employees, as long as you are delivering 10x the value to the company in terms of what you are compensated.
Resources
- Millionaire Life Services: Holistic Mentoring & Leadership Academy
- Cliff Locks on Facebook
- Cliff Locks on LinkedIn
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 28:48 — 39.8MB) | Embed
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1051: B2B SaaS Lead Generation Boost with Marketing Expert Frank Husmann
What if you could attract high-quality leads effortlessly, shortening sales cycles, and establish yourself as an authority in your industry?
Frank Husmann is an internet entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in B2B marketing and sales who founded Maxiality. He is passionate about helping B2B founders and marketers become authorities in their industry, allowing them to avoid having a boring brand. Today, Frank discusses the changing landscape of B2B marketing, the importance of authority marketing through consistent expertise sharing, and strategies for repurposing content to generate leads and shorten sales cycles.
Quotes
“The old playbooks, dominated by tools like Pardot and HubSpot, used to work but aren't effective anymore.” – Frank Husmann
“Great companies know they need to create content. In the past, they focused on blogs and text, but now it's about ‘show, don't tell.’” – Frank Husmann
“I really love being in the tech space and helping tech companies grow.” – Frank Husmann
Takeaways
00:52 Authority marketing through consistent expertise sharing is crucial for B2B companies to stand out and become industry authorities.
01:53 The old playbooks of lead generation and nurturing through low-key spamming are becoming less effective, as the acquisition costs have been rising and people are getting fatigued with such tactics.
07:46 High-ticket SaaS companies need to focus on creating multimedia content (videos, podcasts, etc.) that helps educate and onboard customers, rather than relying solely on blogs and text.
17:40 Many SaaS companies have a wealth of existing content (industry reports, data-driven blogs, etc.) that they fail to repurpose and leverage, missing out on opportunities to extend the content's lifespan and reach.
22:04 Regularly talking to clients and prospects to understand their pain points and patterns is essential for improving a SaaS product and identifying a target market.
Resources
1050: Understand Burnout: Find Peace and Set Boundaries in an Uncertain World with Burnout Diagnostician Cait Donovan
How can we achieve productivity and peace in a world where burnout seems unavoidable without compromising our well-being? According to the WHO, burnout is characterized by a prolonged period of cynicism, lack of productivity, and physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion.
Cait Donovan is an international keynote speaker, host of the “FRIED. The Burnout Podcast,” and author of "The Bouncebackability Factor." She is also an acupuncturist with a master's degree in Chinese medicine, and her creative burnout recovery solutions have been featured in numerous publications, including Forbes, NPR, and the New York Post. Today, Cait discusses her mission to end burnout culture by convincing people to stop participating in it. She emphasizes the importance of identifying the body's weakest link when dealing with burnout and suggested making small external changes to help individuals feel safer and recover.
Quotes
“Foundational self-care is not about baths, rainbows, unicorns, and pedicures. It's about stopping the computer, shutting down your screen when your eyes are tired.” – Cait Donovan
“Your ability to bounce back is the difference between being stressed and being burned out.” – Cait Donovan
“We need to do something external. So this is not a mindset, this is not an outlook perspective, we need to do something in your environment that will increase your interpretation of the fact that you're safe.” – Cait Donovan
Takeaways
02:15 Burnout is a specific condition defined by the World Health Organization, characterized by physical and emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and a lack of productivity, rather than just general stress or overwhelm.
08:19 Creating a sense of safety and psychological safety in the workplace is crucial for preventing and recovering from burnout, through small environmental changes and fostering interpersonal trust.
15:15 Identifying and addressing the root causes of resentment and unrealistic expectations can help break the cycle of burnout and self-abandonment, leading to more sustainable self-care practices.
19:33 Shifting the focus from trying to control and police others' behavior to taking responsibility for one's own energy and well-being is an important step in overcoming burnout.
22:32 Listening to and responding to the body's basic needs, such as hydration and rest, can be a foundational part of burnout recovery and prevention.
Resources
- FRIED. The Burnout Podcast
- Cait Donovan: Burnout & Belonging in the Workplace and the Biology Behind it All
- Cait Donovan on LinkedIn
- The Bouncebackability Factor: End Burnout, Gain Resilience, and Change the World by Caitlin Donovan
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1049: Build Deep Connections for Business Success with Jacksonville Realtor Zelda Greenberg
Why is building deep relationships necessary for your business’ success? Authenticity and deep relationships are key to turning clients into advocates for your business.
In this episode, we have Zelda Greenberg, a seasoned real estate professional and a local business leader, talk about her experience turning a family business around after a disaster and becoming a well-known keynote speaker and real estate consultant. She gives helpful networking tips, such as embracing the role of the host or hostess at events to approach conversations confidently. Zelda also emphasizes the value of strategic networking and remaining visible to those in your area of influence. Listen and never miss out on this episode!
Quotes
“I'm out there a lot. You can apply this to the stuff I do for real estate, in any business, and especially in sales. It's all about who you know and getting to know them on a deeper level.” – Zelda Greenberg
“It doesn't have to be professional speaking; it's networking. The more people you can be in front of, the more opportunities you have, whether you're selling homes or widgets. It doesn't matter what your product is. You get in front of more people by going to a networking event.” – Zelda Greenberg
“It's lovely that we all have these computers, iPads, iPhones, and all these wonderful technology pieces. But what it really comes down to is the human connection.” – Zelda Greenberg
Takeaways
06:33 Approaching networking events with the mindset of being the host or hostess can help overcome awkwardness and facilitate meaningful connections with new people.
11:19 Speaking engagements, even those not directly related to one's primary business, can raise one's profile and lead to unexpected referrals and opportunities through increased visibility.
20:53 Maintaining a focus on human connection is crucial, even as technology continues to advance, as authentic relationships are the foundation for business and personal success.
Resources
- Zelda Speaking: Up Until Now, Your Next Chapter
- Go Zelda: Your Go To Realtor!
- Zelda Greenberg on LinkedIn
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1048: How to Find Your Purpose and Achieve Big Goals by Starting Small with U.S. Navy Veteran Mike Schindler
Discovering your purpose and achieving your goals involves implementing strategies for personal development. This includes setting clear objectives, cultivating self-awareness, and fostering resilience to overcome obstacles. Through continuous learning and self-improvement, individuals can unlock their full potential and lead fulfilling lives aligned with their passions and aspirations.
Mike Schindler is a US Navy veteran and bestselling author helping people discover their purpose and achieve their moonshot goals. As the host of the top-rated Military Wire podcast and creator of the documentary film "It's VUCA", Mike teaches practical strategies to overcome obstacles and live an impactful life through micro-wins and mentorship. Today, Mike talks about strategies you can use to achieve your goals, overcoming self-doubt, developing focus, and much more so stay tuned!
Quotes
“My identity was my rank; it was the Navy uniform I wore—that was my identity. Now, my identity is tied to making sure that I help other people improve their lives.” – Mike Schindler
“Your only limit is you. You are the one who’s holding you back.” – Mike Schindler
“Which one are you going to let win? Is it going to be your higher self? Or is it going to be the self that you're not happy with?” – Mike Schindler
Takeaways
01:59 Developing focus, determination, and the ability to push through limits is a key benefit of military training that can be applied to personal and professional growth.
08:40 Breaking down large goals into smaller, achievable "micro-wins" is an effective strategy for building momentum and overcoming obstacles.
11:16 Setting a clear "moonshot" vision and understanding one's purpose is crucial for inspiring and motivating teams, whether in a corporate or personal context.
15:09 Seeking out mentors who can provide guidance and accountability is invaluable for achieving personal growth and development.
23:54 Maintaining a positive mindset and engaging in self-talk can help overcome difficulties and learn from setbacks on the path to reaching one's goals.
Resources
- It's VUCA: Discover the Secret to Living in the 21st Century
- Operation Military Family: DISCOVER YOUR POST-SERVICE IDENTITY
- Mike Schindler on LinkedIn
- U.S. Veterans in the Workforce: Why the 7 Percent are America's Greatest Assets by Mike Schindler on Amazon
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1047: Make Your Money Last: Financial Planning for Your 50s and Beyond with Retirement Expert Richard Eisenberg
Retirement planning is essential for securing financial stability in later years. It involves assessing savings, investments, and retirement accounts to ensure they align with future goals and lifestyle needs. Seeking guidance from financial advisors and implementing strategies to maximize savings and minimize debt, can help individuals enjoy a comfortable retirement with peace of mind.
Richard Eisenberg is a renowned retirement expert and longtime personal finance journalist. As the co-host of the Friends Talk Money podcast, Richard helps people navigate the complicated world of finances in their 50s and 60s. With over 40 years of experience in the field, he understands the unique challenges of planning for retirement and making savings last through one's golden years. Today, Richard talks about planning for your retirement, personal finances for those over 50, the meaning of ikigai, and more! Stay tuned!
Quotes
“Financial advisors often focus on accumulating assets. However, by your mid-60s, you need to think about how you'll pay your bills if you're not working full-time anymore. Where will the money come from?” – Richard Eisenberg
“We need to focus on what we want to retire to, rather than what we're retiring from.” – Richard Eisenberg
“Before you make that jump, think about how you want to spend your time. Considering how much time you want to spend working, volunteering, traveling, or doing other activities will be really helpful.” – Richard Eisenberg
Takeaways
01:50 Many people nearing retirement age have saved for retirement, but likely not enough to cover all their needs. There are also significant "wildcards" like healthcare and long-term care costs that can impact retirement finances.
06:00 Financial advisors often focus too much on accumulating assets, rather than addressing the unique challenges of managing money and making it last in retirement. Addressing issues like drawing income from retirement accounts becomes more crucial in one's 60s.
12:00 When planning for retirement, it's important to think about what you want to "retire to" - your goals, purpose, and how you want to spend your time - not just what you're retiring from. This can help provide meaning and fulfillment in the next chapter of life.
14:15 Finding your "ikigai" - a Japanese concept meaning your "reason for being" or purpose - is especially important for retirees to help them stay motivated and engaged in this new phase of life.
Resources
- Friends Talk Money: Three Nationally Recognized Voices Talking about Your Life in Retirement
- Richard Eisenberg on LinkedIn
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