Shows
OneSharpSwordInterview with Emily SanderFrom the c-suite to executive leadership coach and author, Emily Sander was a pleasure to have join me on One Sharp Sword.
Superman is Emily’s favorite Superhero. As with Clark Kent, Emily is adopted. She also uses - and encourages others to use - the superpowers for good and to never give up.
She enjoyed business and leadership and especially loves 1:1 interactions where small points of leverage make a huge difference.
Emily notes that the #1 skill someone can have is communication. And, with that skill comes the adap...2024-04-1644 min
OneSharpSwordInterview with Alain HunkinsGREAT conversation with Alain today. From the culture he grew up with to how he guides leaders today, you’ll get a lot out of listening.
His three Cs are key to leadership, whether at home or in your organization:
Connection
Communication
Collaboration
And he spoke of Consistency, which I’d call a 4th C in his model.
Alain’s book Cracking the Leadership Code is worth picking up!
We connect as human beings. Our world demands people who can think and co-create within an organizati...2024-04-0940 min
OneSharpSwordInterview with Aaron TrahanA performance coach coming from the corporate sector who, after reflecting on what he wished he had been taught, Aaron Trahan set out on his path as a coach. He now helps others in leadership roles.
He notes that complacency must be met head on. Current success could block your future success if you allow yourself to get too comfortable.
While it’s easy to get comfortable, he also knows that no one says that they don’t want to get better results.
The remedy: Get a bit unco...2024-04-0248 min
OneSharpSwordInterview with Hugh BallouWhat does a musician and conductor know about leadership? My guest, Hugh Ballou, sees his work at conducting transformations. He defines what leadership is and isn’t and what components go into great leadership. His company, SynerVision is a crossover between synergy and vision. Here are some key points. Listen in for more!
Leadership isn’t dictatorship - the leader is an influencer!
In an orchestra, the leader knows the score and everyone playing knows their part
Infrastructure is everything, what you’re playing is almost secondary
It all comes together - through practice, performance, clarity, and commu...2024-03-2644 min
OneSharpSwordInterview with Hesha AbramsCan you get excited about conflict?
There’s an old movie from 1950 that caught my attention. It predates me, but still enchanted me. The play-turned-movie is Harvey. The main character, Elmer P. Dowd, finds people in an uproar talking about what he believes in. Elmer’s response, “Oh an element of conflict in any discussion is a very good thing. It shows everybody is taking part and nobody is left out. I like that.”
Hesha Abrams is an attorney-turned-mediator, something she’s done for the past three decades. Her wisdom is epic and has lessons w...2024-03-1953 min
OneSharpSwordInterview with Kevin GazzaraHaving grown up in PA, Dr. Kevin Gazzara had a propensity for taking things apart and putting them back together, it was a natural curiosity that drove him. He found himself organizing events for his friends. And what do you get when you have a curious kid who likes to organize? A focus on business and engineering.
After decades with Intel and other organizations, Kevin took to entrepreneurship. He became an executive coach, putting his experience to great use. His focus: productivity and building teams.
He believes in action learning, engaging tho...2024-03-1253 min
OneSharpSwordInterview with Roy OsingWhat’s the ONLY thing you need to know about my guest this episode? Roy Osing is the ONLY author, entrepreneur, and executive leader who delivers practical and proven “audacious and unheard-of ways” to produce high-performing businesses and successful careers.
His focus is on helping build what he calls The ONLY Statement, identifying what makes each individual or business stand out above everyone else. The key here is that if you claim to be The Only one doing something, you’ve basically owned that field.
His brand (website, book, etc.) is www.BeDiffe...2024-03-0545 min
OneSharpSwordInterview with Noah St. JohnI often have guests with a similar focus to mine as a way to look at differing approaches. Noah St. John has a great message and has managed to distill it into multiple columns, maximizing how that message gets out.
He’s a best selling author, a speaker, and an executive coach. And, his results are undeniable.
He went from living literally dirt-poor while growing up to becoming a multi-millionaire by helping others become successful.
He bounced from a suicide attempt to finding his purpose. He’s a writer and a...2024-02-2735 min
OneSharpSwordInterview with Eric StoneFrom an entry level position at Enterprise Rental Car spanning over two and a half decades when he left the company as the Regional Vice President, Eric Stone learned a thing or two about CULTURE.
Through engagement and other key steps, you create Culture Carriers. Look at:
Time Management and Eisenhower’s grid demarcations of Delegate, Do, Defer, or Delete
Hiring Practices to include focusing on attitude, effort, and coachability
Hold regular meetings to highlight desired outcomes, then back fill the calendar with times for training and review.
Remember that beliefs lead to behaviors.
Iden...2024-02-2049 min
OneSharpSwordInterview with Marco TorresMarco Torres grew up in the Caribbean as his father ran GE Credit Corp from Puerto Rico. He learned about adventure and entrepreneurship. At 12 y/o he was featured in the news for having the largest paper route in the area. 11 years later, with his brother and mother, he opened a series of restaurants. And a couple years after that opened a nightclub. His realization: he wanted to employ others more than be employed by others. While formal schooling was never his thing, as an entrepreneur, continuous learning is a necessity! He notes, “be a student first!” 2024-02-1351 min
OneSharpSwordInterview with Ravi IyerSo an MD with ADHD walks into… actually, what happens is that the gentleman creates so much presence that time flies and people feel connected. How? Breathing into presence, breathing out ego. Dr Iyer is based in Virginia (via India). He’s writing a new book about neurodiversity, autism, and sensory processing disorders which he refers to as types of personality, not disorders. He also wrote a book called The Reaper’s Dance about how we found our humanity in the midst of the COVID pandemic, coming face-to-face with our own mortality. He calls...2024-02-0650 min
OneSharpSwordInterview with Eric HolsappleEric Holsapple is an expert on mindful leadership. He shares his wisdom with us noting the importance of presence, especially as a leader. And that’s why I invited him to One Sharp Sword. It’s important work. When you can be mindful and truly present, especially in our distraction-based world, you make a difference in the people around you, your organization, and potentially the world. Eric invites us to reflect internally and think about the vision we have of ourselves and for our future. He notes that to create a different future, we might need...2024-01-3057 min
OneSharpSwordInterview with Sam DruschakAhhhhh Geek Out (he says he’s more of a nerd than a geek, so…) Process Mapping is a thing! It’s the efficient, distilled, visual representation of data, the structured capture of process data. And while that doesn’t sound like a riveting thing to talk about, I assure you, this episode was filled with nuggets you can use in your business and personal life. Key points to listen for: • Have a foundational start point • Communicate - and look for the multiple ways that things are communicated in each of your systems (at work, in multiple...2024-01-2335 min
OneSharpSwordInterview with Tim AdamsJust imagine what you can learn from an elite coach for professional NFL and NHL players! Here’s Coach Tim Adams (search all the socials for him as @CoachTimAdams) and in this episode of OneSharpSword, we reveal something that our respective teams didn’t even know we were dreaming up. Starting as many do, with meager means in a small town then moving and growing up in Colorado, joining the AirForce, and then blowing out his knee twice, Tim found that he could help others elevate their skills. He said that Curiosity (yayyyy - a pet...2023-09-2654 min
OneSharpSwordInterview with Victoria PelletierWe covered A LOT in this brief episode! Born to an abusive, drug addicted mother, Victoria didn’t have the easiest start. But resilience is her theme and she notes that “growth comes from sitting in discomfort.” From studying psychology with the intention to go into law to actually getting into the corporate world and recruited to oversee operations, she’s only grown and given since! Calling herself a Multi-Potentialite, she says she has her hands in many buckets. And that she does - from high level consulting to sitting on boards and becoming the CEO...2023-09-1934 min
OneSharpSwordInterview with Mike KaedingNever, ever judge the contents of a package by its wrapper.
Mike Kaeding, an unassuming guy who looks like he’s a coder for a gaming company, is a real life superhero out to change the world. The CEO of a $200M+ company with over 250 employees, Mike runs a residential real-estate development company.
Mike’s company is based on and in solid values. He focuses on making housing affordable and he’s created a fully in-house model to do so. Rather than spend a bit on a developer, and more on a contractor, and more on the...2023-05-3057 min
OneSharpSwordInterview with Wendy NashWendy Nash reminds us to observe. Personally, I enjoyed having Wendy on the show since her message is so similar to mine and yet her approach is quite different. And that, my friends, is what makes the world go ‘round. From meditation and mindfulness to parking the ego and distractions, you’ll find good nuggets to ponder in our conversation. Listen in as Wendy addresses the concepts of meditation, ego, and compassion. Ride along as she explains the difference between compassion and “idiot compassion.” Enjoy Wendy’s take on kindness (and I chime in about the difference between “nice” and “kind.”) A...2023-01-1053 min
OneSharpSwordInterview with Zach WhiteWhat can a top-talent Purdue graduate, mechanical engineer teach us about living fully? A lot. Meet Zach White whose story of how his climb for career success led to an implosion in the rest of his life.
The lessons are clear for each of us -
Along the way you’ll learn how humanity wins.
Success doesn’t come when you try to get smarter and work harder. Yes, learn. No, don’t work harder. Work to become better.
Beware of the danger of isolation. Everyone has...2023-01-0354 min
OneSharpSwordInterview with Swire HoSwire Ho runs a promotional products company called Garuda, named for the guardians of The Buddha. What’s so special about a “swag” guy? Well, HE is. And so is the way that he thinks about doing business. In this podcast, you’ll learn how this sound-engineer turned CD duplicator turned promotional products producer engages in business. Hint - it’s intentional and it’s focused on creating unique experiences Business advice that stands out from this podcast: Start with: What are you hoping to achieve? And I believe that we should start each day that way, not just when we’re t...2022-12-2750 min
OneSharpSwordInterview with David NeagleExceptionally honored to have my personal mentor and coach, David Neagle, join me on my podcast. I’ve always said that great coaches have great coaches for the sake of gaining greater perspective and because of my trust and willingness, David’s guidance has quite literally changed my life. He’s a speaker and highly sought advisor for entrepreneurs, focusing on mindset and business processes, why I found such synergy in working with him. HIs story is nothing short of amazing. I introduced him as a “dead man” and high school drop out (an introduction that probably surprised him). David quit...2022-12-2055 min
OneSharpSwordInterview with Angel PretotIn this episode, Angel Pretot, The Premier French Learning Coach, shares his insights on what it takes to learn. Having grown up in Dijon, France, he moved multiple times and now lives in Vienna, Australia. Angel holds a Masters in French As A Foreign Language. Angel speaks four languages and teaches French to those committed to learning. Learning starts with a belief that you can learn. It’s amazing, because I came face-to-face with a self-limiting belief I didn’t know I had - and I share that here, too. Belief - Can you believe that it’s possible (and fu...2022-12-1348 min
OneSharpSwordPopping the BalloonIt takes effort to inflate a balloon and only one bad or sharp edged experience to pop it. Having come off of a cruise not that long ago, I was reflecting on the exceptional customer service we had. And then, at the end, security called me out for having chosen to purchase a bunch while on my travels. The line stopped moving and I felt like a criminal as everyone wanted to see what the issue was. Who was the guy that security was asking to wait? I was the guy security needed to escort to CBP. It sounded...2022-11-2920 min
OneSharpSwordSick of Being GratefulI’m not cynical. It’s just this time of year, gratitude seems to feel forced. Personally, I wake up annoyingly perky with “thank you” as the first two words to escape my lips. We don’t need a day for this. We need to decide what or who is in and what or who is out of our circle. Recognize the small stuff. Acknowledge yourself. Take a breath. Celebrate in your own way. I’m grateful for you! If you’re interested in exponential growth for yourself, personally and professionally, do yourself a favor and check out my signature smal...2022-11-2214 min
OneSharpSwordChecking Under The HoodIt used to be that at gas stations, you could get full service. You’d get your gas pumped and you’d learn about the fluid levels in your car. That doesn’t happen much any more and what’s true is that we don’t pay much attention until we get a service notice or until something goes wrong. Even then, we need to take action to get checked out or to get rejuvenated. And that means, drawing from that analogy, that you need to take action to take care of yourself. Put “get-away” days on your calendar every couple o...2022-11-1517 min
OneSharpSwordInterview with Nicky BillouNicky Billou (pronounced like Baloo the bear) is a thought leader, business coach, and inspirational speaker. He’s a podcast host and international #1 best selling author. Ultimately, he helps people get out of their own way so that they can value themselves and the work that they do. On our call, you’ll hear him talk about being a Christian from Iran. He reframes sales to being about service and reminds us all to serve others out of suffering. His model is one of Problem - People - Profit and he notes that Business Is A People Game. Nicky chal...2022-11-0846 min
OneSharpSwordGrowing Pains as Life Works For YouYou may have recognized that you’re not the same person you were 20 years ago. What matters to you today is different from what mattered, even yesterday.
In this episode, one big question, one core observation, three core tenets, and one thing to repeat show up: Do you know what happens if you don’t step out of your comfort zone?
Absolutely Nothing
Most people spend more time planning their vacation than they do planning who they want to become to have the life they say they really desire.
The three key...2022-11-0120 min
OneSharpSwordWill I Do It?We all have so much on our plates and to-do lists, that it’s important to keep that question at the forefront of your mind as you take on something new. Will I Do It? Or, might it just feel like something fun to entertain? I have started so many programs and books with the best of intentions and, when it comes down to “will I do it,” the answer is no. No, I won’t actually do it. And when I make that decision, I cut myself free from something that began to feel like an obligation. If the answ...2022-10-2516 min
OneSharpSwordWinning or SucceedingIt’s important to redefine success. Winning seems to be about making someone else lose. The truth is, well, that happens. It’s also true that this is an abundant universe and we can support each other in getting better.
And that’s the key to this episode - How do you define success? Is it by doing or having more than someone else? Or is it that you got what you wanted and needed and you lifted others along the way?
You decide!
See you here next week and remember to check out ht...2022-10-1811 min
OneSharpSwordThe Filter of Excellent Over ExpensiveWhat’s the actual cost of “expensive?” Because you really have to ask yourself, compared to what? That’s expensive… You don’t need that… That’s not who you are… Who do you think you are, wanting to have or do that? Those are other people’s voices that no longer need to haunt you. They taught you to keep in your “place.” Don’t be needy and don’t want for yourself. Don’t be selfish, for goodness sake. The thing is, you can’t give or serve others...2022-10-0427 min
OneSharpSwordIt's My Birthday, Uh-Huuhhh - Personal New Year's Things I DoEvery year on my birthday, I look for things to celebrate and recalibrate my values. If I had things on my goal list that didn’t get completed, I had to evaluate whether I really wanted to do them or whether I couldn’t get them done. If I just didn’t want to, I decide whether it’s something I value or if the task itself was too hard. Usually, if I’m honest, what was on my list was a supposed-to-do vs a want-to-do. Being honest with myself allows me to 2022-09-2714 min
OneSharpSwordHow to Lead In Integrity Without ApologyAn apologetic leader isn’t followed for very long. Their trust level dips and their judgment of leadership qualities are natural. Sure, if you’ve made a huge transgression, apologize for it in the context of violating your own values and make a vow to live into your values even more fully. Instead of an apology, consider acknowledgment and appreciation. Turn, “Oh so sorry I was late” into “Thank you so much for your patience.” You’ve shifted the focus from you and your tardiness to the other and their...2022-09-2012 min
OneSharpSwordInterview with James BarroodJim’s job is unusual. He leads teams of innovators to continue to innovate. He has created an innovation ecosystem, nurturing ideas and building bridges. In our interview, he highlights that entrepreneurship is about: Staying open-minded and continuing your lifelong learning Building and nurturing relationships, whether your team or your advisors Leading by being a good person with good values He repeatedly advised that, as a leader, you need to get a coach. Get a coach! I underscored that to focus on the idea of...2022-09-1344 min
OneSharpSwordThinking - Preparing - Putting Off DoingHow much time do we spend thinking about what needs to get done? Are you caught in the “getting ready to get ready” loop? One of my 1:1 clients gave me a gem when she had the insight, I spent more time thinking about doing something than the time it would take me to do it. Amazing, right? There’s no “someday” on your calendar. You will be judged for whatever you put out there. Perfect is always flawed. You get the...2022-09-0615 min
OneSharpSwordHiding from AuthenticityWhere have you let judgment stop you from showing up as your authentic self? We all do it. We all have rules in our heads that stop us from fully expressing who we are because, “what would other people think?” The lesson here is simple: If you want people to accept you and trust you, then you need to accept and trust yourself first. If you want to go deeper, take a look at www.ExponentialSuccessSummit.com Thank you for listening to One Sharp...2022-08-3017 min
OneSharpSwordHanded My A**It wasn’t unkind. It wasn’t malicious. It was a simple statement - “You’re not doing these things you said were important to you because you just don’t want to do them.” What? You’re not doing the things on your to-do list because you don’t want to do them. It’s that simple. It could be that your subconscious sees a change as a threat to your identity. Well, in order to grow, you get to shed a bit of who you’ve been. It could be that...2022-07-1224 min
OneSharpSwordDoing the Hard Things Till They're EasyI just got back from a root canal. WooHooo!!! Such exciting news. No, not really. And no one should become an expert patient when it comes to having root canals done. Still, practicing anything that isn’t something you look forward to makes it easier and builds expertise. I’m an expert dish-doer. I can just get ‘em done. I don’t look forward to it and I also don’t run away from it. I’m an expert cat-box cleaner. I don’t look forward to it. It needs doing, and when it’s done...2022-04-1914 min
OneSharpSwordChoosing Worse OR Lifting As You Lead“How much worse could it get?” I hear people ask that question as if it’s a cosmic challenge. And the Universe says, “here, hold my beer!” We can see the bad all over the place in the world. We can get sucked into the bad, horrible news. We could choose worse. OR You could choose to be a beacon of light in the darkness knowing that any amount of feeling bad for what’s going on in the world isn’t going to help fix the problem.2022-01-2509 min
OneSharpSwordYour GPS Mind-StateYou’ve got goals, that’s great. And, from the last podcast, you know I’m not a big fan of New Year’s Resolutions. I am a fan of goals, though. And I’m a fan of micro-goals. Moving toward your Desired Outcome (or what I call your EPO - Envisioned Positive Outcome) a little every day. Here’s how to make that happen - it’s the same way that you’d set a GPS! You have to know where you’re going… specifically. What is your specific desired...2022-01-1817 min
OneSharpSwordYour WordResolutions don’t stick for three key reasons You have to give something up It’s hard; being consistent is hard Doubt creeps in and you wonder whether it’ll all be worth it. It’s a waste of imagination as you might as easily imagine it being worth it beyond your wildest dreams. So, what to do instead? Pick a word - what word will you live into, incrementally, every day? Health Abundance Loving Present Determined Etc. Pick a word for yourself this year. Say that wor...2022-01-1113 min
OneSharpSwordSurvive or ThriveHappy New Year! You have a choice - to get through another day, month, quarter, and year. Or, to choose to grow and lift those around you every single day. How do you want to start your day? How do you want to end each day? Are you just getting through, living in fear and lack? Or can you step into your day, knowing you’re making a difference and embracing growth and challenge while lifting those around you. Your cho...2022-01-0410 min
OneSharpSwordInterview with Sarah BierstockSarah is an actor and playwright out of New York, who started acting and dancing when she was nine years old, performing her whole life. In the past decade, she’s written four plays. Sarah is compelled to write and then gives herself freedom to write simply with her message in mind. She notes that her belief in herself, without the attachment to outcome, is part of what’s made her successful. She writes because she must, not because she “should.” With plays ranging from political to dark farce involving family relationship...2021-12-2848 min
OneSharpSwordCelebrating the DashFelicia teaches us that the dash between the dates of birth and death is what we need to celebrate. As an events planner and after seeing that funeral homes were simply templated, Felicia wanted to find a way to personalize each person’s life celebration. In normalizing death as a part of life, she discovered the Death Positive Movement. There are so many ways to celebrate the end of life and different types of funerals. When thinking about the end of life, it’s important to start with a plan!2021-12-2148 min
OneSharpSwordMAGIC framework for the holidays!The holidays can be stressful. Here are five M-A-G-I-C tips for successfully managing any gathering, whether it's with family at the holidays or a team meeting. Learn more https://waynepernell.com/ Thank you for listening to One Sharp Sword! Be sure to also check out Wednesdays With Wayne for quick, fun, and inspirational mid-week reading. www.WaynePernell.com/blog 2021-12-1418 min
OneSharpSwordInterview with Stever Robbins Part 2What does the guy who used to be known as The Get-It-Done-Guy who happens to be an MIT engineer and Harvard MBA have to teach us about becoming extraordinary? A lot, naturally. Stever Robbins was raised in a travelling commune. With such a different background, his approach to life, politics, and economics gives us a perspective worth pondering. Stever and I couldn’t stop talking (okay, Stever couldn’t stop talking) so this podcast is divided in two parts. Be sure to listen to both parts and sign up for his newsletter...2021-12-0746 min
OneSharpSwordInterview with Stever Robbins Part 1What does the guy who used to be known as The Get-It-Done-Guy who happens to be an MIT engineer and Harvard MBA have to teach us about becoming extraordinary? A lot, naturally. Stever Robbins was raised in a travelling commune. With such a different background, his approach to life, politics, and economics gives us a perspective worth pondering. Stever and I couldn’t stop talking (okay, Stever couldn’t stop talking) so this podcast is divided in two parts. Be sure to listen to both parts and sign up for his newsletter...2021-11-3030 min
OneSharpSwordInterview with Rob ThomasRob Thomas is a networking hero - he teaches people how to make connections work. It’s a lost art and he’s got it. The son of old-school communications parents, he learned the importance of crafting the way we engage. His commitment and integrity shine through as examples for any of us. From the old-style fax toner salesman to the instructor he is now, he says, “don’t be that guy who tries to sell you.” Ask questions. Sales is about connection and whether you’re known, liked, and trusted. ...2021-11-2352 min
OneSharpSwordInterview with Nico VeressenWhat can being punched in the face teach you about leadership? From Vice-Champion fighter to success coach, Nico Veressen has taken some blows. And as someone used to winning, he knows how to dish it out, too. Raised in Belgium and now living in Portugal, Nico says he was shy at 14 and that’s when he knew he wanted to get into competitive fighting. After winning his way up the ranks in championships, retinal detachments stopped him. He could take no more physical blows. Layering his experience on his psyc...2021-11-1644 min
OneSharpSwordInterview with Carolyn HerfurthCarolyn has almost two decades of business coaching coming from her experience in the corporate world and trying things out - what works and what doesn’t. She says she’s been a bit of a risk taker, and the lesson here is to bet on yourself! Carolyn continues, noting that her strategy was based on the mistakes she’s made. So just know that you’ll make make your own mistakes and keep moving forward, believing in the way things could be and making that your reality. Key point: to redefine yourself, let go of...2021-11-0947 min
OneSharpSwordInterview with Michael RoderickFrom high-school english teacher to broadway producer to founder of Small Pond Enterprises, Michael Roderick shares his amazing insights on How To Create A Referrable Brand! Great lessons from this beautiful soul today include (and I’m paraphrasing what he actually said): When an opportunity that matches your dreams arises, don’t hold back. Step into it. That’s how he met Broadway producers! Learn the ropes - move from contributor to producer! As a thoughtful giver, you have something that is brandable. What is your referability factor? What is your “IF” - your Integrative F...2021-11-0245 min
OneSharpSwordInterview with Jill Strickland-BrownWorking at 14, but forbidden from going to college… from drilling in a warehouse to becoming a fashion executive - What A Story! Jill says that she just tried things. She took on the family label for her - Firecracker - and forged into the world. Drawing on courage and tenacity, Jill embraced the New. And we can all learn from her. She saw beyond the tradition of the industry and wanted to help create clothing for “real sized women” to inspire confidence. Her “I’ll show you” attitude led her to the top...2021-10-2633 min
OneSharpSwordInterview with Marisa ZalabakSUCH GREAT GEMS on this show! Marisa, from actress (and waitress) to educational psychologist and organizational change agent, she brings us concepts so useful in our everyday lives. What a delight to find someone so aligned in our thinking yet so different in our world paths! Marisa approaches the world and her clients, not from a place of “what’s wrong?” but from a place of exploration of what might be missing and therefore, what might be possible. Some gems in no particular order of importance...2021-10-1949 min
OneSharpSwordOwning Your Influential PowerYou are powerful. Noone else has had the experiences you’ve had. Noone else has lived your life. Here’s the bottom line on this - you get to choose how you approach others. What comes out of you can serve to lift them. And in terms of the M-A-G-I-C formula, the “I” stands for Inspiration. When you inspire someone else to act or even to think differently, you’ve demonstrated your influential power. Use it for good! And if you’d like to take advantage...2021-10-1211 min
OneSharpSwordWhat An Aglet Can Remind Us AboutIt is SO easy to complain about all of the things going on and going wrong with the world right now. And that complaining does what? It lowers your ability to be aware of, or receptive to, opportunities that may be right in front of you. Complaining might make you feel better… for a moment. And then, it’s almost like you have to do it again. Instead, there’s another way to approach the world. Gratitude! Mindset Accountability Gratitude2021-10-0515 min
OneSharpSwordThe Problem With WE - There’s No “I” In It!We have a problem when a group of people (at work, at home, in the community, in politics) agree that we have a problem. Until one person takes the role of “shepherd” the problem will remain a problem. You’ll discuss it over and over. It’ll be the same stuff that comes up. Until you get an accountable “I” - someone who will take responsibility for engaging others to help fix the problem. A group of accountable “I” people, that’s when things begin to shift. 2021-09-2811 min
OneSharpSwordMindset Over PMAMindset matters more than anything else as it is the filter for everything… EVERYTHING. From your relationship with your family or partner to your relationship with those at work and even your relationship with Spirit, your mindset allows you to open or shut out possibilities. And that’s different from a Positive Mental Attitude. It’s good to have that, and you need to adjust your mindset first. Thank you for listening to One Sharp Sword! Be sure to also check out Wednesdays With Wayne for quick, f...2021-09-2116 min
OneSharpSwordBEGIN BEFORE YOU’RE READY!!!Oh my gawwwwwwddddd… the whining is unbearable!!! Wahhh… i can’t do that, I’m not readyyyyyy. It’s such bulls**t. No one is ever good at something the first time out. You’ve garnered skills in other areas that you’ll apply to whatever it is. You wobble when you learn to ride a bike. And then, with practice, you get good at it. It’s the forward momentum that keeps you upright. So that sales call, that coaching program you meant to join, learning French or guitar or b...2021-09-1409 min
OneSharpSwordWho’s In Charge of Your Picnic Basket?With so much going on and so many things you could say are important, how do you decide what to do first? Think about all of the different things that could go into a picnic basket. Only the essentials for a picnic actually make it in the basket. Your day is your picnic basket and you’re the one in charge of what goes into it. Be deliberate. Eliminate unessential meetings. Take time for you. Thank you for listening to One...2021-09-0711 min
OneSharpSwordYour Valuable Values JourneyWhat got you here won’t get you there. It’s an old saying, and did you ever stop to think about that. What got you here were all of your life’s experiences up to this point. Now the questions are: Where is “there” - where are you heading and can you be deliberate about it? What do you need to do, to learn, or to obtain in order to get there? If you were packing for a vacation, you’d want to know where you were headed so you’...2021-08-3113 min
OneSharpSwordCan you DO it all? The myth of "balance"What “should” you be doing? What are you doing? What do you really want to be doing? We have 24 hours in each day. And we have choice. This is a gentle reminder that YOU are in control. Thank you for listening to One Sharp Sword! Be sure to also check out Wednesdays With Wayne for quick, fun, and inspirational mid-week reading. www.WaynePernell.com/blog2021-08-2409 min
OneSharpSwordInterview with Connie JakabConnie Jakab is a huge advocate for branching out and fighting against the status quo. I saw her speak and was enthralled as her message of mental health expands beyond the bounds of what people usually think when they hear that term. She’s the director of community for Flourishing Life a global movement centered around wellness and she’s the senior manager of Wellness Innovate. Connie has three books out there now, one of them called Bring Them Closer. I’ve also seen her do a bit of hip...2021-08-1731 min
OneSharpSwordPersonal Freedom and A Bigger LifeWe have work to do. Noone wants to hear that and yet the TRUTH is that we need to be paying attention on multiple levels. The first place to start is with ourselves. I Am Bigger Than My Current Life - that’s the ache that most people feel. What would happen if you decided that you were actually in charge of your life? Awareness leads to Choice and Choice leads back to greater Awareness. It’s the hermeneutic loop that I teach. The more awareness...2021-08-1015 min
OneSharpSwordUpleveling Is Hard (so is the Truth)One of my VIP clients recently asked me how to handle it when, in a social situation, the conversation turned to gossip and rumors about another mutual acquaintance who wasn’t present. He was uncomfortable and wanted to leave. His partner wanted to stay. What would you do? Upleveling IS hard. Staying where you are is comfortably uncomfortable. I’m responsible for what I put into my day. I’m responsible for what I give and for how I show up. What is goss...2021-08-0315 min
OneSharpSwordBlackbelt, Mastery, and LeadershipI’m a fourth-degree blackbelt in the art of Bushido - The Way of The Warrior. So many people who start out in the martial arts just want the coveted black belt. They don’t realize that the black belt is simply a symbol of competence, and that it’s also a starting place. It’s the place from which mastery is born. In leading yourself and others, you need to find a way to dive in deep, to commit to yourself and to invest in yourself. You can only get better when you let go...2021-07-2714 min
OneSharpSwordCarrying MountainsMaybe you’re feeling a little overwhelmed right now. That’s normal, but the mountains of “stuff” that you’ve been carrying… you were meant to climb. You need to be in control of your day, your week, your month, your quarter, and the rest of this year. Do that by looking at all of the “stuff” you’ve tried to carry from day to day. Look at where you’ve been putting your energy and recognize that your priorities are highlighted by where you’ve put your focus. If something really, really mattered...2021-07-2012 min
OneSharpSwordThe Power of Holding Four Seconds of SpaceIt’s odd how people are uncomfortable with silence, isn’t it. What’s amazing is that when I work with teams and leaders, people start to squirm just a few seconds into a pause, a void of talking. By nine seconds, usually the leader has jumped in to say something. That’s so unnecessary. Four seconds is enough to create safety, to show through your body language and your face that you’re listening. When someone makes a statement, acknowledge it, then… just hold space. For fun, challenge yourself to pause for up t...2021-07-1308 min
OneSharpSwordThe G in your maGic mindsetYes, we all need a reminder - especially at this time of year: there are three “G” words that’ll make your days more powerful, effective, efficient and productive. G is for Gratitude. Look at what you’ve come through. Look at where you’re headed! Look at the small pebbles that have paved the way, even the ones that have gotten in the way. There is so much to be grateful for. So very much to be grateful for. And living in that space, vs. the space of entitlement or being offended, living in gratitude o...2021-07-0608 min
OneSharpSwordThree Keys To Overcome BurnoutWe’ve stared at the same four walls for the past year and a half. We’ve organized the pantry. We’ve learned to work differently. We’ve extended our work hours and have gotten less done in more time (ahhhh - the new math). We thought we’d become more efficient, but when we check email first thing and then throughout the day and then last thing and then stay up longer as a revenge against work so as to get some “me” time… we’ve put ourselves on a collision course with BURNOUT. Our roles blended a...2021-06-2914 min
OneSharpSwordThe Challenge of ExcellenceI’m eating sushi with a client when I ask him what he expects of me the following day as I engage with his team. “Excellence,” came the one-word, very direct answer. “Challenge Accepted,” I replied with a smile. Inside I wondered how to bring him the excellence he expected. What I didn’t know was that he was endorsing me for the excellence he had always experienced in my work with him. And that got me thinking - If he experienced excellence in my work and I had a sense...2021-06-2210 min
OneSharpSwordInterview with SolarzarFrom homeless street kid to Marine Corps Captain to Sage & Mentor - Solarzar works magic in there somewhere, too! He notes that leadership is all about communication and relationships! He believes in the continuum of relationships, how the teacher imparts to the scholar and at some point, the scholar offers to the teacher. Solarzar discussed The Hero’s Journey and notes that we’ve all been the reluctant hero, called to take charge. Most pull back multiple times until finally, we draw on the nuggets of knowledge we’ve collected on our path...2021-06-1554 min
OneSharpSwordNice vs. KindWhat’s the difference between being “Nice” and being Kind? When you’re nice, you’re likely to be giving yourself - a lot of yourself - away. And the cost to that? Personal identity. Here I share some very personal stories and talk about how to be kind, to live in grace, compassion, and empathy without having to make everything okay for everyone else. Being kind, sometimes means holding boundaries. That’s not always easy. And, it’s essential for your growth and for your true service to others. Thank you for listeni...2021-06-0813 min
OneSharpSwordBotching Great CommunicationSo many people think that they have to join in the conversation and even one-up what’s just been said that they miss the opportunity to truly connect. “I can’t wait to get to Hawaii” “Oh, me either! This pandemic is something! I just love the sand on Waikiki and the sun. Oh, and you can’t beat the food.” And on and on and on, leaving the other person out of the conversation. Beware of hijacking the conversation in an effort to join in. When you make it about yoursel...2021-06-0114 min
OneSharpSwordLeadershipMagic!We’re all leaders! If you’re being watched, you’re a leader - at home, at work, in the community. You’re a leader. This episode doesn’t talk about the traits of good leaders. There are tons of books and articles on that. Each is, in my opinion, simply opinion. The best trait of a leader is someone who knows what he/she/they value and can live into that authentically. And there are five steps to grow into that: Expand your MINDSET Hold yourself and others AC...2021-05-2517 min
OneSharpSwordInterview with Wendy RyanHaving grown up in a household influenced by healthcare and business, Wendy Ryan shared multiple insights about Human Resources and Organization Development. She runs an interdisciplinary team of organizational change experts at her company, Kadabra. Highlights of our interview include: Any future vision for changes in organizational culture requires time People get saturated with change! Leaders need to stay curious Leaders need to assess, “am I bringing people with me?” Assess all internal processes - look for inclusion starting from hiring and onboarding Now that most workforces are hybrid, we need to rely on two key...2021-05-1849 min
OneSharpSwordUnPaint That PictureWe expect things to be as we left them. This is good news for us when we park a car or lay down our sunglasses. It’s not so great when we’re talking about relationships and noticing the growth in other people. Whether in your team members, your family members, or your friends, allow for a shift in worldview. What has changed about them since you last saw them? Most important, start with yourself: reflect on what’s changed in, for, or about you in the last few months, weeks, days, or...2021-05-1112 min
OneSharpSwordThree Types of TroubleYou have a choice about how much “strength” you give the things that are bothering you. There are, in fact, only three types of trouble You can choose to let go of - and learn from - each of them! Troubles of the past - Did you do the best you could with the knowledge and resources you had? Then stop cringing every time that memory comes up. You’re the only one who is remembering it that way. No one else is carrying the memory the same way. Make amends if you ne...2021-05-0515 min
OneSharpSwordBoogeyman ManagementNo team member in any organization should ever feel like someone is out to get them. Yet so many leaders make a simple, yet monumental, mistake: they assume that because they’re clear about their expectations that they’ve made their expectations clear. Explore the world of leadership and management here (and let’s scare off that imagined boogeyman). Thank you for listening to One Sharp Sword! Be sure to also check out Wednesdays With Wayne for quick, fun, and inspirational mid-week reading. www.WaynePernell.com/blog 2021-04-2711 min
OneSharpSwordEmPHAsis on the Right SyLAHbleDo I need to do this? It’s a great question to keep your focus. In this episode we’ll explore how a shift in emphasis gives new meaning to a simple question. Have some fun and listen in. As your focus broadens and you ask questions differently, your world expands! Enjoy! Thank you for listening to One Sharp Sword! Be sure to also check out Wednesdays With Wayne for quick, fun, and inspirational mid-week reading. www.WaynePernell.com/blog 2021-04-2014 min
OneSharpSwordInterview with Jocelyn BellowsAuthor, podcaster, tv host, and life coach - Jocelyn talks about the journey of what it takes to Break Down To Wake Up (also the name of her book). She had a “normal” life and was doing well. She and her husband decided to make a big life upheaval and move across the county. She got the blessing from her job and off they went, as a family of three. Something still nagged at her and she began a journey of true self-discovery. She notes: THE DETOURS IN OUR LIFE LEAD US T...2021-04-1346 min
OneSharpSwordInterview with Bobbie CarltonPR professional, champion for girls and women in the entrepreneurial space, TEDx speaker, and so much more – Bobbie Carlton shares with us her journey into entrepreneurship and some of the surprises on her journey. We talk about business and the championing of the heard, unheard, and underserved voices. Our conversation took us to her early roots and what she learned while growing up how to be – and not be – an entrepreneur. Bobbie shares lessons for those starting on the path. Find a partner who can support you – whether a life partner or a business...2021-04-0651 min
OneSharpSwordInterview with Alan KayeInfluenced by his entrepreneurial Marine father and his wife, and loving mother, Alan Kaye learned that relationships - helping others get what they want - was the key to success. He ended up in insurance, which for most of us doesn’t sound so great. His story, his connections, and his life lessons along the way are phenomenal. Alan Kaye was an animator, he did marketing for the NY Yankees, his world went into a tailspin with his daughter’s illness (and that led to massive charity work on his part), and then he landed in a...2021-03-3054 min
OneSharpSwordInterview with Amelia FelbingerAfter seeing Amelia speak on a virtual stage, I invited her to join me here. She’s a speaker, actor, entrepreneur, and mom of two. She created the Be Happy Business as a way of infusing more happiness into all aspects of life. Here, we talk about mindset and personal development through the eyes of an actor. The closing line of her speech was, “It doesn’t get more real than what an actor does.” Fascinating, right? Key points you’ll get from this interview: Life unfolds much differently from what you plan You m...2021-03-2356 min
OneSharpSwordThe Person and Their BehaviorMany parents have felt like selling their kids to the circus or letting the neighbors take care of them for a few minutes, days, or months. Many employers have felt like pushing the ejector-seat button at meetings and having the “bad” employee launched into space. Somewhere else… anywhere but here. Neither of those are the “correct” solution to “bad” behavior. It’s important to remember that the person is not their behavior. You can love a person and not like their behavior. And that’s the conversation to have - “What you’re doing right now...2021-03-1613 min
OneSharpSwordInterview with Zahara JoyFinding the entrepreneurial spirit as a young girl, selling a home-made kite for $3.67, Zahara Joy has gone on to recreate herself living in more countries than most of us visit in our lifetimes. She worked in high-fashion in New York, moved to Italy, and realized that her calling was to help women live a lifestyle that’s above average. Having lost everything, Zahara’s perspective is that everything that looks like a disaster can be a blessing. She notes that there are two types of people: those who are average and those who go for it...2021-03-0937 min
OneSharpSwordInterview with Kate MacKinnonSpiritually bankrupt to fit. Kate MacKinnon, Former VP of JPMorgan Chase, also ran her own management tech company before answering her calling to help women to step into their power and greatness. Now, as a certified Feng Shui practitioner, Kate creates spaces of elegance and beauty that transform lives. Kate describes her journey from Artist to inadvertent feminist to becoming a coach and guide for women as well as becoming a certified Feng Shui practitioner. In this episode, I pronounced Feng Shui incorrectly until the end (it’s Fung Schway, by the...2021-03-021h 01
OneSharpSwordInterview with David ChametzkyI met our guest, David Chemetzky, on the road to the TEDx stage. Through masks and over meals, we got to know each other and his message of rising up from the ashes speaks to us all. Dave has been through divorce and found his way back from what could have been a truly self-destructive path. Now he offers us his P.A.T.H – a formula standing for Personal Attitudes Towards Happiness. Dave shares his stories of rebound and how he came to the term Cluberty™ to define the transition people go through on the w...2021-02-2337 min
OneSharpSwordInterview with Lt. Col. (ret) Scott MannI had the pleasure and honor of interviewing my friend, a former Green Beret and retired Lt. Col., Scott Mann. Today we spoke about Trust and his program of Rooftop Leadership. How do you lead during times of low trust? People don’t trust political leaders, but worse, people don’t even seem to trust each other. Defend RIGHT, even when no one follows Make a true Human Connection Leadership is based on relationships (You’ve heard that from corporate leaders I’ve interviewed here at One Sharp Sword) Human connection is the primary commodity Primal fears le...2021-02-0951 min
OneSharpSwordThe Key To Mindset Your mindset is based on what you repeat every day. Sometimes that’s subconscious That means, your work is to really look at where you’re slowing down, distracted, or outright resisting taking that next step. Step into loving your day. Create a new meaning. There’s no judgment of something until you give it judgment. Practice creating positive judgment and giving a new meaning to the things in your life… ALL of the things in your life. The key to mindset is as simple as deciding what mindset you want. WHATTTTT??? Yep!!! The key to mindset is as simple as decidin...2021-02-0214 min
OneSharpSwordKeeping Your Focus It’s easy to lose track of where you said you wanted to go. There are a lot of distractions out there and sometimes they’re meant to confuse you to the point of stopping you Focus Get CLEAR, super-clear on what you want Use a Vision Board to keep your clear goals in front of you Think Big Break Your Goals Into Action Steps List Your Top Three Steps for your Top Three Goals Take Action On The First Step Repeat Be Consistent Clarity of Focus + Consistent Action = Success Thank you for listening to One Sharp Sword! Be sure...2021-01-2611 min
OneSharpSwordThe TRUTH About Optimism I’m annoyingly perky. There’s an old joke about a kid who is romping around in a room full of horse manure, and someone stops her to find out why she’s so happy. Her reply is that “with all this poop, there must be a pony in here somewhere!” Think about the meaning you give to any situation… ANY situation. I just lost a dear friend, someone I thought of as a sister. And, as part of my grieving her loss, I found a way to celebrate two things: 1.) All the amazing times we had and the wonderful encouragemen...2021-01-1913 min
OneSharpSwordHow to Stop Conceding and Tolerating Mediocrity If you look around, you’ve got some things to be happy about. And, if you’re honest, you’ve put up with some things in your life far longer than you should have. Whether that’s extra pounds, a pile of clutter, a squeaky hinge, or a partner. You deserve excellence. You need to practice receiving excellence and that means you have to stop tolerating the merely adequate. It also means you’ll have to put in some energy to fix what was adequate or to cut it out of your life. I serve to inspire greatness and I expect exc...2021-01-1212 min
OneSharpSwordCreating Your Envisioned Positive Outcome Vision Boards Work - they work for you or against you, depending on what practice you put in place every time you see them. That is, you could be training yourself that you’ll never get there. Or, depending on the actions you’re taking, you could be celebrating that today, you’re that bit closer to your EPO. In my first book, Choosing Your Power, I talk about EPO. Keep your EPO (Envisioned Positive Outcome) in mind every day. Take action steps toward your EPO every day. You really can Name It and Claim It!!! Thank you for listeni...2021-01-0517 min
OneSharpSwordHaving and Being EnoughThis time of year, we worry about a lot of things. It doesn’t matter that we’ve come through a heck of a year and that You Are Resilient and that You Are Courageous. Look at the uncertainty you’ve come through, day in and day out over the last nine months. Incredible, right? So what are we worrying about now? We worry that we will have enough. We worry that what we give to others will be enough. And we worry that these things are a reflection of who we are as people and we...2020-12-2913 min
OneSharpSwordYour Mindset and Your Powerful PresenceFear, doubt, worry, guilt, and shame! Yep! Happy holidays!!! This time of year is filled with all of that. And, somewhere in there, shines a glimmer of hope. None of that, not even the hope, truly serves you. The bottom line is this: fear, doubt, worry, guilt, and shame are all paralyzers and lead you closer to death. People say that fear is a negative emotion. Others write that fear is necessary to keep you out of danger. The truth is that fear paralyzes you and doesn’t let you think straight. That’s not...2020-12-1517 min
OneSharpSwordDeliberately, Actively, Positively™ (#StartsWithOne)NOW more than ever, we need to move beyond kindness. We need to create large ripples that go far beyond our engagement. And we do that by being conscious. By being deliberate and intentional, we engage with others human-to-human. We lift them in ways that are subtle, yet powerful. Being deliberate also means taking action. You can’t just think nice thoughts, you must do something… something as simple as looking someone in the eye or smiling from behind the mask. And when you’re positive, you’re lifting others. You’re intentional about helpi...2020-12-0809 min
OneSharpSwordHoliday Lies, Truth, and PeaceBeing sucked into drama is a choice. The stories we have told ourselves, so many of them just aren’t true. We don’t need to play in the land of judgment or the need to be right. The 2020 pandemic has given us the opportunity (and excuse) not to visit various family members. Well, what choices will you be making when the pandemic resolves? Do you let the drama of others run (or ruin) your life? That’s a choice, too! It’s a choice to believe the stories you’re running in...2020-12-0112 min
OneSharpSwordThree Cs of Life (and Leadership)This is pretty simple to think about but it’s a whole lot harder to practice consistently. When I work with my elite 1:1 VIP clients, we focus on Values to begin with. Not only what you value now, but what you might need to aim towards to become who you wish to become. Think about someone you admire. Do they have traits that you don’t yet express? Practice those. Decide that you want to live into values that you don’t yet have. Get clear. Clarity is the 1st C ...2020-11-2413 min
OneSharpSwordInterview with James WilliamsJames Williams is one of the best High-Performance coaches that I know. A longtime friend from the High-Performance community, James and I have been on Facebook Lives together as The Socially Ambitious Chatterboxes. His insights here guide us to new heights! James reminds us not to believe the expectations that others have for us. He noted that though he stayed in a job too long, staying shaped who he became and that our history serves us. He noted that he got “average” because he was focused on average and that his life changed when h...2020-11-1749 min
OneSharpSwordGrasping WaterTrying to manage everything can be a struggle. Details slip through. Managing others too tightly can get you the opposite results. In relationships, the same is true. You’ve got to be able to hold on with slightly open hands to be more flexible. Give the other people room. Give yourself a chance to not have to hold - or manage - everything. When you hold on too tightly, you’re left with very little. Relax, engage authentically, and offer (offer, not impose) help. 7-tips to revitalize your relationships can be found at www...2020-11-1011 min
OneSharpSwordInterview with Ryan GottfredsonDr. Gottfredson is a leadership professor at California State University, Fullerton. He earned his doctorate in Organizational Behavior and Human Resources. He notes that most people think in terms of what leaders need to DO. And that we need to be more focused on what leaders need to BE. Key Points: Horizontal Development is broadening skills vs. Vertical Development is gaining altitude and perspective (which may or may not come through maturity) Our neural connections help us Filter Information Interpret Information Activate a Behavioral Response based on the information that we’ve interpreted Failure can be...2020-11-0343 min
OneSharpSwordNecessary RedundancyIn a time where everyone seems to be drawing back and we might feel like we’re living in “lack” which is only fear-based, it’s still important to have redundancy. Redundancy, especially in communication, is exceptionally important. In the IT world, having systems that duplicate is important in case one goes down. What about at work. Do you need people that do the same things? No, but you need people who know about and know how to do the same things. Like the understudy at a play, you have a backup. And, i...2020-10-2714 min