Shows
Blue Collar Leadership461: Modeling a High Degree of Character at Work(Part 28 of 31) Ch. 27: The Fifth Step at WorkThe Ladder of Influence: 5 Steps for Climbing to the Next Level and Beyond by Ria Story provides a powerful, yet simple, framework to help you realize the practical steps you can take to increase your influence with the people around you: family, friends, co-workers, your boss, team members, community members, children, spouses, and maybe even ex-spouses too!
2025-07-1820 minBlue Collar Leadership460: Modeling a High Degree of Character at Home(Part 27 of 31) Ch. 26: The Fifth Step at HomeThe Ladder of Influence: 5 Steps for Climbing to the Next Level and Beyond by Ria Story provides a powerful, yet simple, framework to help you realize the practical steps you can take to increase your influence with the people around you: family, friends, co-workers, your boss, team members, community members, children, spouses, and maybe even ex-spouses too!
2025-07-1130 minBlue Collar Leadership459: The Higher You Climb, The Harder It Gets(Part 26 of 31) Ch. 25: Climbing to the Fifth StepThe Ladder of Influence: 5 Steps for Climbing to the Next Level and Beyond by Ria Story provides a powerful, yet simple, framework to help you realize the practical steps you can take to increase your influence with the people around you: family, friends, co-workers, your boss, team members, community members, children, spouses, and maybe even ex-spouses too!Check out the related ~7.5 hour online video course at BlueCollarLeadership.com/Academy (Don't miss our FREE 2-hour course on "The 5 Types of Leaders" in...
2025-07-0431 minBlue Collar Leadership458: Move Beyond Success and Significance…Leave a Legacy(Part 25 of 31) Ch. 24: Fifth Step: Influence Based on Contribution of Service Over TimeThe Ladder of Influence: 5 Steps for Climbing to the Next Level and Beyond by Ria Story provides a powerful, yet simple, framework to help you realize the practical steps you can take to increase your influence with the people around you: family, friends, co-workers, your boss, team members, community members, children, spouses, and maybe even ex-spouses too!Check out the related ~7.5 hour online video course at BlueCollarLeadership.com/Academy (Don't miss our FREE 2-hour course on "...
2025-06-2730 minBlue Collar Leadership457: Narrow Your Focus and Stay in Your Lane(Part 24 of 31) Ch. 23: Mastering the Fourth StepThe Ladder of Influence: 5 Steps for Climbing to the Next Level and Beyond by Ria Story provides a powerful, yet simple, framework to help you realize the practical steps you can take to increase your influence with the people around you: family, friends, co-workers, your boss, team members, community members, children, spouses, and maybe even ex-spouses too!Check out the related ~7.5 hour online video course at BlueCollarLeadership.com/Academy (Don't miss our FREE 2-hour course on "The 5 Types of Leaders" in the "...
2025-06-2031 minBlue Collar Leadership456: Developing Yourself Prepares You to Develop Others(Part 23 of 31) Ch. 22: The Fourth Step at WorkThe Ladder of Influence: 5 Steps for Climbing to the Next Level and Beyond by Ria Story provides a powerful, yet simple, framework to help you realize the practical steps you can take to increase your influence with the people around you: family, friends, co-workers, your boss, team members, community members, children, spouses, and maybe even ex-spouses too!Check out the related ~7.5 hour online video course at BlueCollarLeadership.com/Academy (Don't miss our FREE 2-hour course on "The 5 Types of Leaders" in...
2025-06-1322 min
The IMPACT ShowBlue Collar Calling: Mack & Ria Story on Leading with PurposeWhat is your Impact? This week on The IMPACT Show, Jeremy welcomes Mack & Ria Story, founders of Blue Collar Leadership, for a powerful conversation about faith, resilience, leadership, and finding purpose through adversity.You’ll hear reflections on personal transformation, the freedom to choose your response, and how the path to significance often begins in the most unexpected places. Mack and Ria open up about what it means to lead yourself first, the difference between reacting and responding, and why true influence starts long before a title.It’s real...
2025-06-0953 minBlue Collar Leadership455: Listening strengthens relationships.(Part 22 of 31) Ch. 21: The Fourth Step at HomeThe Ladder of Influence: 5 Steps for Climbing to the Next Level and Beyond by Ria Story provides a powerful, yet simple, framework to help you realize the practical steps you can take to increase your influence with the people around you: family, friends, co-workers, your boss, team members, community members, children, spouses, and maybe even ex-spouses too!Check out the related ~7.5 hour online video course at BlueCollarLeadership.com/Academy (Don't miss our FREE 2-hour course on "The 5 Types of Leaders" in...
2025-06-0624 minBlue Collar Leadership454: 5 Requirements for Developing Others!(Part 21 of 31) Ch. 20: Climbing to the Fourth StepThe Ladder of Influence: 5 Steps for Climbing to the Next Level and Beyond by Ria Story provides a powerful, yet simple, framework to help you realize the practical steps you can take to increase your influence with the people around you: family, friends, co-workers, your boss, team members, community members, children, spouses, and maybe even ex-spouses too!Check out the related ~7.5 hour online video course at BlueCollarLeadership.com/Academy (Don't miss our FREE 2-hour course on "The 5 Types of Leaders" in...
2025-05-3026 minBlue Collar Leadership453: Keep climbing with the intent of helping others climb!(Part 20 of 31) Ch. 19: The Fourth Step - Influence Based on Commitment to Developing OthersThe Ladder of Influence: 5 Steps for Climbing to the Next Level and Beyond by Ria Story provides a powerful, yet simple, framework to help you realize the practical steps you can take to increase your influence with the people around you: family, friends, co-workers, your boss, team members, community members, children, spouses, and maybe even ex-spouses too!Check out the related ~7.5 hour online video course at BlueCollarLeadership.com/Academy (Don't miss our FREE 2-hour course...
2025-05-2328 minBlue Collar Leadership452: Our world gets better when we get better.(Part 19 of 31) Ch. 18: Mastering the Third StepThe Ladder of Influence: 5 Steps for Climbing to the Next Level and Beyond by Ria Story provides a powerful, yet simple, framework to help you realize the practical steps you can take to increase your influence with the people around you: family, friends, co-workers, your boss, team members, community members, children, spouses, and maybe even ex-spouses too!Check out the related ~7.5 hour online video course at BlueCollarLeadership.com/Academy (Don't miss our FREE 2-hour course on "The 5 Types of Leaders" in the "Individuals" section while you're there. It...
2025-05-1621 minBlue Collar Leadership451: Competency Development at Work(Part 18 of 31) Ch. 17: The Third Step at WorkThe Ladder of Influence: 5 Steps for Climbing to the Next Level and Beyond by Ria Story provides a powerful, yet simple, framework to help you realize the practical steps you can take to increase your influence with the people around you: family, friends, co-workers, your boss, team members, community members, children, spouses, and maybe even ex-spouses too!Check out the related ~7.5 hour online video course at BlueCollarLeadership.com/Academy (Don't miss our FREE 2-hour course on "The 5 Types of Leaders" in the "Individuals" section while you're there...
2025-05-0924 minBlue Collar Leadership450: Competency Development at Home(Part 17 of 31) Ch. 16: The Third Step at HomeThe Ladder of Influence: 5 Steps for Climbing to the Next Level and Beyond by Ria Story provides a powerful, yet simple, framework to help you realize the practical steps you can take to increase your influence with the people around you: family, friends, co-workers, your boss, team members, community members, children, spouses, and maybe even ex-spouses too!Check out the related ~7.5 hour online video course at BlueCollarLeadership.com/Academy (Don't miss our FREE 2-hour course on "The 5 Types of Leaders" in the "Individuals" section while you're there...
2025-05-0230 minBlue Collar Leadership449: Saying “No” creates the space to say “Yes”(Part 16 of 31) Ch. 15: Climbing to the Third Step (competency development)The Ladder of Influence: 5 Steps for Climbing to the Next Level and Beyond by Ria Story provides a powerful, yet simple, framework to help you realize the practical steps you can take to increase your influence with the people around you: family, friends, co-workers, your boss, team members, community members, children, spouses, and maybe even ex-spouses too!Check out the related ~7.5 hour online video course at BlueCollarLeadership.com/Academy (Don't miss our FREE 2-hour course on "The 5 Types of Leaders" in the "Individuals" section while...
2025-04-2530 minBlue Collar Leadership448: Developing your Competency is Crucial!(Part 15 of 31) Ch. 14: Third Step - Influence Based on Competency DevelopmentThe Ladder of Influence: 5 Steps for Climbing to the Next Level and Beyond by Ria Story provides a powerful, yet simple, framework to help you realize the practical steps you can take to increase your influence with the people around you: family, friends, co-workers, your boss, team members, community members, children, spouses, and maybe even ex-spouses too!Check out the related ~7.5 hour online video course at BlueCollarLeadership.com/Academy (Don't miss our FREE 2-hour course on "The 5 Types of Leaders" in the "Individuals" section...
2025-04-1826 minBlue Collar Leadership447: What do others see when they look at you?(Part 14 of 31) Ch. 13: Mastering the Second Step (character development)The Ladder of Influence: 5 Steps for Climbing to the Next Level and Beyond by Ria Story provides a powerful, yet simple, framework to help you realize the practical steps you can take to increase your influence with the people around you: family, friends, co-workers, your boss, team members, community members, children, spouses, and maybe even ex-spouses too!Check out the related ~7.5 hour online video course at BlueCollarLeadership.com/Academy (Don't miss our FREE 2-hour course on "The 5 Types of Leaders"...
2025-04-1125 minBlue Collar Leadership446: Developing Your Character at Work(Part 13 of 31) Ch. 12: The Second Step at WorkThe Ladder of Influence: 5 Steps for Climbing to the Next Level and Beyond by Ria Story provides a powerful, yet simple, framework to help you realize the practical steps you can take to increase your influence with the people around you: family, friends, co-workers, your boss, team members, community members, children, spouses, and maybe even ex-spouses too!Check out the related ~7.5 hour online video course at BlueCollarLeadership.com/Academy (Don't miss our FREE 2-hour course on "The 5 Types of Leaders" in...
2025-04-0431 minBlue Collar Leadership445: Developing Your Character at Home(Part 12 of 31) Ch. 11: The Second Step at HomeThe Ladder of Influence: 5 Steps for Climbing to the Next Level and Beyond by Ria Story provides a powerful, yet simple, framework to help you realize the practical steps you can take to increase your influence with the people around you: family, friends, co-workers, your boss, team members, community members, children, spouses, and maybe even ex-spouses too!Check out the related ~7.5 hour online video course at BlueCollarLeadership.com/Academy (Don't miss our FREE 2-hour course on "The 5 Types of Leaders" in...
2025-03-2831 minBlue Collar Leadership444: Character is developed daily, not in a day.(Part 11 of 31) Ch. 10: Climbing to the Second Step (character development)The Ladder of Influence: 5 Steps for Climbing to the Next Level and Beyond by Ria Story provides a powerful, yet simple, framework to help you realize the practical steps you can take to increase your influence with the people around you: family, friends, co-workers, your boss, team members, community members, children, spouses, and maybe even ex-spouses too!Check out the related ~7.5 hour online video course at BlueCollarLeadership.com/Academy (Don't miss our FREE 2-hour course on "The 5 Types of...
2025-03-2129 minBlue Collar Leadership442: When it comes to character development, focus on your weaknesses.(Part 10 of 31) Ch. 9: Second Step: Influence Based on Character DevelopmentThe Ladder of Influence: 5 Steps for Climbing to the Next Level and Beyondby Ria Story provides a powerful, yet simple, framework to help you realize the practical steps you can take to increase your influence with the people around you: family, friends, co-workers, your boss, team members, community members, children, spouses, and maybe even ex-spouses too!Check out the related ~7.5 hour online video course at BlueCollarLeadership.com/Academy (Don't miss our FREE 2-hour course on "The 5 Types of Leaders" in the "Individuals" section while you're...
2025-03-0727 minBlue Collar Leadership441: Mastering Self-Control(Part 9 of 31) Ch. 8: Mastering the First StepThe Ladder of Influence: 5 Steps for Climbing to the Next Level and Beyondby Ria Story provides a powerful, yet simple, framework to help you realize the practical steps you can take to increase your influence with the people around you: family, friends, co-workers, your boss, team members, community members, children, spouses, and maybe even ex-spouses too!Check out the related ~7.5 hour online video course at BlueCollarLeadership.com/Academy (Don't miss our FREE 2-hour course on "The 5 Types of Leaders" in the "Individuals" section while you're there. It comes...
2025-02-2830 minBlue Collar Leadership440: Demonstrating Self-Control at Work(Part 8 of 31) Ch. 7: The First Step at Work
The Ladder of Influence: 5 Steps for Climbing to the Next Level and Beyond by Ria Story provides a powerful, yet simple, framework to help you realize the practical steps you can take to increase your influence with the people around you: family, friends, co-workers, your boss, team members, community members, children, spouses, and maybe even ex-spouses too!
Check out the related ~7.5 hour online video course at BlueCollarLeadership.com/Academy (Don't miss our FREE 2-hour course on "The 5 Types of Leaders" in the "Individuals" section while you're there...
2025-02-2130 minBlue Collar Leadership439: Demonstrating Self-Control at Home(Part 7 of 31) Ch. 6: The First Step at Home
The Ladder of Influence: 5 Steps for Climbing to the Next Level and Beyond by Ria Story provides a powerful, yet simple, framework to help you realize the practical steps you can take to increase your influence with the people around you: family, friends, co-workers, your boss, team members, community members, children, spouses, and maybe even ex-spouses too!
Check out the related ~7.5 hour online video course at BlueCollarLeadership.com/Academy (Don't miss our FREE course on "The 5 Types of Leaders" while you're there.)
2025-02-1430 minBlue Collar Leadership438: Emotions steer you. Choices determine you.(Part 6 of 31) Ch. 5: Climbing to the First Step
The Ladder of Influence: 5 Steps for Climbing to the Next Level and Beyond by Ria Story provides a powerful, yet simple, framework to help you realize the practical steps you can take to increase your influence with the people around you: family, friends, co-workers, your boss, team members, community members, children, spouses, and maybe even ex-spouses too!
Check out the related ~7.5 hour online video course at BlueCollarLeadership.com/Academy (Don't miss our FREE course on "The 5 Types of Leaders" while you're there.)
2025-02-0730 minBlue Collar Leadership437: Controlling Yourself Increases Your Influence(Part 5 of 31) Ch. 4: The First Step - Influence Based on Control of Self
When it comes to developing authentic influence, self-control is the starting point.
The Ladder of Influence: 5 Steps for Climbing to the Next Level and Beyond by Ria Story provides a powerful, yet simple, framework to help you realize the practical steps you can take to increase your influence with the people around you: family, friends, co-workers, your boss, team members, community members, children, spouses, and maybe even ex-spouses too!
Check out the related ~7.5 hour online video course at BlueCollarLeadership.com...
2025-01-3126 minBlue Collar Leadership436: The Ladder of Influence: Climbing the Steps(Part 4 of 31) Ch. 3: Climbing the Steps
Develop an understanding of why we should and how we can climb The Ladder of Influence.
The Ladder of Influence: 5 Steps for Climbing to the Next Level and Beyond by Ria Story provides a powerful, yet simple, framework to help you realize the practical steps you can take to increase your influence with the people around you: family, friends, co-workers, your boss, team members, community members, children, spouses, and maybe even ex-spouses too!
Check out the related ~7.5 hour online video course at BlueCollarLeadership.com/Academy
2025-01-2428 minBlue Collar Leadership435: The Ladder of Influence - Why a Ladder?(Part 3 of 31) Ch. 2: Why a Ladder?
Discover why Ria Story chose a ladder to illustrate the journey of intentionally and methodically developing influence.
The Ladder of Influence: 5 Steps for Climbing to the Next Level and Beyond by Ria Story provides a powerful, yet simple, framework to help you realize the practical steps you can take to increase your influence with the people around you: family, friends, co-workers, your boss, team members, community members, children, spouses, and maybe even ex-spouses too!
Check out the related ~7.5 hour online video course at BlueCollarLeadership.com/Academy
2025-01-1729 minBlue Collar Leadership434: Truths about Climbing The Ladder of Influence(Part 2 of 31) Ch. 1: The Ladder of Influence
Before you begin to intentionally climb The Ladder of Influence, you must understand the following three truths:
You can't change anyone except yourself.
There will be people you simply cannot influence.
You will never stop climbing.
The Ladder of Influence: 5 Steps for Climbing to the Next Level and Beyond by Ria Story provides a powerful, yet simple, framework to help you realize the practical steps you can take to increase your influence with the people around you: family, friends, co-workers, your boss, team members, community...
2025-01-1029 minBlue Collar Leadership433: Introduction to The Ladder of Influence(Part 1 of 31) Introduction to The Ladder of Influence
Mack Story kick's off a 31 part series by introducing "The Ladder of Influence: 5 Steps for Climbing to the Next Level and Beyond" which was published by his wife, Ria Story, in 2023. Be sure to check out Episode #334 to hear Ria discuss the book.
The Ladder of Influence provides a powerful, yet simple, framework to help you realize the practical steps you can take to increase your influence with the people around you: family, friends, co-workers, your boss, team members, community members, children, spouses, and maybe even ex-spouses...
2025-01-0327 minBlue Collar Leadership423: More thoughts on more quotes with Mack StoryMack Story continues where he left off last week sharing some of the latest personal growth and leadership quotes that he's added to his collection. He'll also share his own thoughts related to the quotes to help provoke additional thought and to raise your awareness.
Preview 100+ pages of excerpts from Mack and Ria Story's books at BlueCollarLeadership.com/download
2024-10-2530 minBlue Collar Leadership422: Thoughts on the most recent quotes Mack Story has collected.Mack Story shares some of the latest personal growth and leadership quotes that he's added to his collection. He'll also share his own thoughts related to the quotes to help provoke additional thought and to raise your awareness.
Preview 100+ pages of excerpts from Mack and Ria Story's books at BlueCollarLeadership.com/download
2024-10-1831 minBlue Collar Leadership413: He's helping leaders engage the front line to improve the bottom line.In this interview, Mack Story discusses:
Having to rebuild the relationship with his teenage son
The greatest leadership principle he’s ever learned
Overcoming his short temper
What he finds to be most rewarding
The impact of taking personal responsibility, personally and professionally
Leading 110 leaders in a $1 Billion organization through a book study
The importance of maintaining a “leadership drip” within an organization
The power of facilitating a book study
Mack Story helps leaders engage the front line to improve the bottom line by developing high performance team players at every level, from the top of the organiz...
2024-08-1659 minBlue Collar Leadership412: She’s a high achiever who helps others achieve success!In this interview, Ria Story discusses:
Overcoming an unimaginable childhood
Beginning her career as a server at Pizza Hut and choosing to start climbing
Her professional journey and the various jobs she had along her climb
Getting it wrong by being confident but arrogant early in her career
Understanding that if we want life to be different, we must do something different
How personal growth and development allows us to avoid and/or overcome problems
Sharing her personal story on stage in front of hundreds for the first time in 2013
Les Brown inviting her to speak at an...
2024-08-091h 00Blue Collar Leadership410: This VP is intentionally developing himself and his team!In this interview, Kevin Creedon discusses:
How developing people creates a competitive advantage
How developing people leads to more and better referrals when jobs need to be filled
How facilitating book studies helps his team work better together
Why intentionally developing his team is a priority
How developing the workforce and the leadership team has enhanced organizational culture
How leadership development helped the leaders better understand their teams
Kevin Creedon is a Partner and VP of Sales and Business Development at Element Designs, a manufacturer located near Charlotte, NC.
Element Designs has been in business...
2024-07-2655 minBlue Collar Leadership402: He's intentionally transforming himself and the culture of his business!In this interview, George Grieb discuses:
How and why he wants to lead his team through cultural transformation
How and why he focused on his own mental and physical transformation first (he lost 50 lbs!)
How bringing in Mack & Ria Story engaged his team at an entirely new level
How and why bringing workforce and leadership development to all of his team members has been something he’s dreamed of doing for many years
How the offsite workforce and leadership development workshop impacted his son who is a Lynn Electric team member
How he plans to implement company wide book stu...
2024-05-311h 25Blue Collar Leadership400: She’s a highly engaged front line team member who loves to learn!In this interview, Danielle Smythe discusses:
How books studies at work have inspired her to be a better mother at home
How parents are often the first bullies that children encounter
How book study participants are apprehensive at first become engaged as time passes
How she embraces doing a very physical and dirty job
How she’s a woman in a man’s industry
How she’s gained confidence doing jobs that have traditionally been reserved for men
How and why she wants to operate all of the equipment in her work area…and loves it!
Danielle Smythe i...
2024-05-241h 04
Fearfully and Wonderfully Me: Become the Leader You are Destined to Be ®#303 Facilitating a High Impact Book Study!In this video, Ria Story and Mack Story (Blue-Collar Leadership®) share how to facilitate a high impact book study. Facilitating book studies is the number one best, and most effective way to help organizational team members grow. This process helps improve culture, break down silos, create teamwork, and helps individuals unleash their potential.
2024-05-2145 minBlue Collar Leadership392: His mission is to ensure skilled trades and craft workers are valued and respected.In this interview, Adam Hoots discusses:
Helping people discover their own answers
The importance of asking well designed questions, more open-ended questions to inspire thought
Thoughts on white-collar and blue-collar people
The challenge of defining who he really is and then doing the work to improve
How we (Mack and Ria Story) have inspired him to improve his marriage
With over 20 years of experience in the architectural and construction industries, he is a passionate advocate and practitioner of lean construction principles. Adam is currently a Professor and PhD Candidate at Clemson University, where he teaches and researches t...
2024-04-261h 00
Hoots on the Ground | The Lean BuilderCharacter Development with Mack Story (Episode 75) During this episode, Mack Story dives into exactly who he is and where he came from! Hoots talks about all the amazing content that Mack puts out daily with his company, Blue Collar Leadership. Mack talks about his wife, Ria, and mentions her story, which you can see in her TEDx Talk linked below. He discusses how he and Ria got started with their speaking and consulting careers. He talks about his love for her and how strong that is and where it came from. Mak also dives into how all his problems were caused by himself!
2024-02-021h 02Fearfully and Wonderfully Me: Become the Leader You are Destined to Be ®Special Interview on the Blue-Collar Leadership® PodcastMack recently invited me to be a guest on the Blue-Collar Leadership® podcast where he interviewed me about The Ladder of Influence.
2023-05-091h 00Blue Collar Leadership334: The Ladder of Influence interview with Ria StoryRia introduces her new book, The Ladder of Influence: 5 Steps for Climbing to the Next Level and Beyond. She will provide an overview of what the entire book is about, why she wrote it, what the 5 steps are, and an in-depth review of Step 1 "Control of Self."
The Ladder of Influence: 5 Steps for Climbing to the Next Level and Beyond by Ria Story provides a powerful, yet simple, framework to help you realize the practical steps you can take to increase your influence with the people around you: family, friends, co-workers, your boss, team members, community members...
2023-05-081h 01Fearfully and Wonderfully Me: Become the Leader You are Destined to Be ®When it Comes to Influence, Everything Matters!Here's a bit of that "leadership truth" Mack and I share sometimes. It's a bit sharp and it might sting, but like a surgeon's scalpel, it's intended to help. Everything impacts your influence.
2023-03-2815 minBlue Collar Leadership312: Winning the Name Game8 tips to help you remember people's names. This lesson is based on content from "Straight Talk: The Power of Effective Communication" by Ria Story
2022-12-0529 minBlue Collar Leadership310: Are you teaching leadership to the young people in your life? I hope so!Mack and Ria Story had a great time speaking to FFA student leaders recently about Blue-Collar Leadership & Teamwork: 30 Traits of High Impact Players. Discover some of the key traits they shared with the students (ages 11-17).
2022-11-2131 min
Fearfully and Wonderfully Me: Become the Leader You are Destined to Be ®How to Build Your Influence with Your SpouseThis is the third episode in my "How to Build Your Influence" series and it's my favorite one so far! I'm joined by special guest (and my husband) Mack Story, as we talk about how we intentionally try to build influence with one another.
Mack and I certainly aren't perfect, but we did recently celebrate 20 years of marriage and we have realized the power of intentional action when it comes to building influence with each other. You can learn more about Mack on his website: BlueCollarLeadership or find his book Defining Influence that he mentions here: Defining In...
2022-03-0128 min
Legacy Roadmap PodcastMack & Ria Story: Finding Freedom Through Making a Difference
Mack & Ria share about giving up corporate success to have the freedom of entrepreneurship. We talk about choosing to thrive and not just survive your past. The biggest impact is their motivation - not trying to make a lot of dollars, they are seeking to make a lot of difference.
Check out more of Mack & Ria
bluecollarleadership.com
riastory.com
Did you love the value that we are putting out in the show? LEAVE A REVIEW and tell us what you think about the episode so we can continue putting out gr...
2021-11-301h 03Fearfully and Wonderfully Me: Become the Leader You are Destined to Be ®A Day in the Life...I started out this episode saying it would be more of a sharing episode than "teaching." One of the questions I am frequently asked is, "What does your typical day look like?" And, "How do you and Mack work together?" So, I attempted to answer those questions here! And, then proceeded to get off on a bunny trail about an important topic to maximize your success every day.
2021-10-2619 min
Blue Collar Leadership250: Questions Transfer Responsibility(Part 20 of 30) Blue-Collar Kaizen: Leading Lean and Lean Teams...Ch. 20 Questions Transfer Responsibility: Lead with questions not directions. “When you initiate change, you take responsibility. Initiating change requires a proactive approach and only proactive people will do it. Initiating change requires you to say ‘I will’ instead of ‘I wish.’” ~ Ria Story
2021-10-0120 minBlue Collar Leadership246: Listen to the Voices(Part 16 of 30) Blue-Collar Kaizen: Leading Lean and Lean Teams...Ch. 16 Listen to the Voices: Take the time it takes, so it takes less time. “Listening is the greatest communication tool to use when you want to connect with someone.” ~ Ria Story
2021-09-0328 minBlue Collar Leadership241: Meet Bobby Kerns and learn how he transformed the culture within his division.In this episode, Bobby Kerns shares his team's 4 year journey of cultural transformation. Their successes and their struggles. But, the most important thing he shares is this: They made it happen! And, they are still making it happen and drilling down farther into their division with plans of carrying leadership development all the way to the front lines.
I met Bobby 3-4 years ago when I first spoke multiple times to various divisions within the Fairfax County, VA Public Works Department.
Bobby is the Chief of Operations of the Maintenance and Stormwater Division. He had...
2021-08-021h 07
Fearfully and Wonderfully Me: Become the Leader You are Destined to Be ®Change Happens 15: The Courage to ChangeMuch of the time, our fears around change are centered on what other people will think when WE begin to change. Check out this final episode in the series I did with Mack on our book, "Change Happens: Leading Yourself and Others through Change," as we talk about the courage to change what needs to be changed.
2021-05-1827 min
Fearfully and Wonderfully Me: Become the Leader You are Destined to Be ®Change Happens 14: Become a Change ChampionAre you a Change Champion? Why would you want to be? Hint: Becoming a Change Champion is the key to success and increasing your influence when Change Happens. And, change is ALWAYS happening!
This episode is part 14 of a 15 part series I recorded with my husband Mack Story on our book, "Change Happens: Leading Yourself and Others through Change."
2021-05-1126 min
Fearfully and Wonderfully Me: Become the Leader You are Destined to Be ®Change Happens 13: Initiating ChangeIn this episode (13 of 15) I did with Mack on our book, Leading Yourself and Others through Change, we talk about Initiating Change. We share a real life example about a time when someone initiated change and increased their influence.
Liked what you heard? Get the book here!
2021-05-0427 minBlue Collar Leadership227: Developing People, Working on Strengths and Weaknesses, and the Impact Word of Mouth has on RecruitingTopics discussed in this episode include:
The best companies have leaders who say they can’t afford not to develop the people. The worst companies have leaders who say they can’t afford to do it. Both are absolutely right.
"When it comes to character, we should work on our weaknesses because those weaknesses will hold us back in life. But, when it comes to our competency, we should hone our strengths because those skills will help us shine like a diamond. Being “well-rounded” won’t help you become exceptional. It will keep you average at best."...
2021-04-3028 minBlue Collar Leadership226: Update with Lessons on Character DevelopmentUpdate on what I've got going on and what's coming up along with random thoughts on developing your character and increasing your influence.
I also mention the 2021 FabTech Conference in Chicago, IL where we'll be speaking two times in September. Visit FabTechExpo.com to learn more about this event which usually has 65,000 attendees. On September 13, Ria Story and I will be speaking on my book, Blue-Collar Kaizen: Leading Lean & Lean Teams. On September 14, we'll be speaking on my book, Blue-Collar Leadership & Culture: The 5 Components for Building High Performance Teams.
2021-04-2331 min
Fearfully and Wonderfully Me: Become the Leader You are Destined to Be ®Change Happens Chapter 12: Communicating ChangeIn this episode, I share a story of how a leader I reported to DID NOT communicate a major change in the organization, and how it created frustration and destroyed trust. I also share a story about a time I was a leader responsible for communicating a major change - and how I handled it.
This episode is part 12 of a 15 part series I recorded with my husband Mack Story on our book, "Change Happens: Leading Yourself and Others through Change."
2021-04-2028 minBlue Collar Leadership225: The Courage to Change(Part 15 of 15) In this episode Mack and Ria Story discuss Ch. 15 "The Courage to Change" from their book, Change Happens: Leading Yourself and Others through Change, which they co-authored and speak about frequently.
2021-04-1628 min
Fearfully and Wonderfully Me: Become the Leader You are Destined to Be ®Change Happens Chapter 11: Leading ChangeChange is never easy, and leading ourselves - and others - through it can be challenging even in the best of times. But, learning to lead change can uplevel our influence and our opportunities in life. Learn more about leading change in this episode (11 of 15) I recorded with my husband Mack Story on a book we co-wrote together, "Change Happens: Leading Yourself and Others through Change."
Like what you heard? You can subscribe to Mack's podcast for more of the leadership principles he teaches! Look for "Blue-Collar Leadership" on all major podcast platforms or visit: BlueCollarLeadership.com...
2021-04-1328 minBlue Collar Leadership224: Become a Change Champion(Part 14 of 15) In this episode Mack and Ria Story discuss Ch. 14 "Become a Change Champion" from their book, Change Happens: Leading Yourself and Others through Change, which they co-authored and speak about frequently.
2021-04-0927 min
Fearfully and Wonderfully Me: Become the Leader You are Destined to Be ®Change Happens Chapter 10: Leveraging ChangeIn this episode (10 of 15) I did with Mack on our book, Leading Yourself and Others through Change, we talk about leveraging change. Mack shares a story from his experience about how leveraging change ended in incredible opportunity!
Liked what you heard? Get the book here!
2021-04-0628 minBlue Collar Leadership223: Initiating Change(Part 13 of 15) In this episode Mack and Ria Story discuss Ch. 13 "Initiating Change" from their book, Change Happens: Leading Yourself and Others through Change, which they co-authored and speak about frequently.
2021-04-0228 minBlue Collar Leadership222: Communicating Change(Part 12 of 15) In this episode Mack and Ria Story discuss Ch. 12 "Communicating Change" from their book, Change Happens: Leading Yourself and Others through Change, which they co-authored and speak about frequently.
2021-03-2630 min
Fearfully and Wonderfully Me: Become the Leader You are Destined to Be ®Change Happens Chapter 9: Embracing ChangeCheck out this episode of "Change Happens: Leading Yourself and Others through Change" where Mack and I talk about embracing change, how to do it and why it's so important to increasing your influence. Plus, I share two of the most toxic things we need to eliminate when it comes to embracing change!
Liked this episode? Find the book here!
2021-03-2330 minBlue Collar Leadership221: Leading Change(Part 11 of 15) In this episode Mack and Ria Story discuss Ch. 11 "Leading Change" from their book, Change Happens: Leading Yourself and Others through Change, which they co-authored and speak about frequently.
2021-03-1929 min
Fearfully and Wonderfully Me: Become the Leader You are Destined to Be ®Change Happens Chapter 8: The Fear of ChangeIn this episode (8 of 15) I did with Mack on our book, Leading Yourself and Others through Change, we talk candidly about the Fear of Change, how to overcome it, and I get on my soapbox for just a moment about not letting fear hold us back.
Liked what you heard? Get the book here!
2021-03-1630 minBlue Collar Leadership220: Leveraging Change(Part 10 of 15) In this episode Mack and Ria Story discuss Ch. 10 "Leveraging Change" from their book, Change Happens: Leading Yourself and Others through Change, which they co-authored and speak about frequently.
2021-03-1229 min
Fearfully and Wonderfully Me: Become the Leader You are Destined to Be ®Change Happens 7 of 15: The Challenge of ChangeIn this episode (7 of 15) I did with Mack on our book, Leading Yourself and Others through Change, we share some personal examples of how change has challenged us - along with how Change can impact us professionally.
2021-03-0928 minBlue Collar Leadership219: Embracing Change(Part 9 of 15) In this episode Mack and Ria Story discuss Ch. 9 "Embracing Change" from their book, Change Happens: Leading Yourself and Others through Change, which they co-authored and speak about frequently.
2021-03-0531 min
Fearfully and Wonderfully Me: Become the Leader You are Destined to Be ®Change Happens 6 of 15: If You Snooze, You Will LoseCheck out this episode (6 of 15) in a series I recorded with my husband, Mack Story, on a book we co-wrote together, "Change Happens: Leading Yourself and Others through Change." In this episode, we'll talk about how when Change Happens, if you snooze - you will lose! And, we'll talk about the 7 ways that happens.
Find the book here: Change Happens
2021-03-0229 minBlue Collar Leadership218: The Fear of Change(Part 8 of 15) In this episode Mack and Ria Story discuss Ch. 8 "The Fear of Change" from their book, Change Happens: Leading Yourself and Others through Change, which they co-authored and speak about frequently.
2021-02-2632 min
Fearfully and Wonderfully Me: Become the Leader You are Destined to Be ®Change Happens 5 of 15: Change or Be ChangedCheck out this episode (5 of 15) in a series I recorded with my husband, Mack Story, on a book we co-wrote together, "Change Happens: Leading Yourself and Others through Change." In this episode, I share an example of someone who refused to change - and so they "were changed."
2021-02-2327 minBlue Collar Leadership217: The Challenge of Change(Part 7 of 15) In this episode Mack and Ria Story discuss Ch. 7 "The Challenge of Change" from their book, Change Happens: Leading Yourself and Others through Change, which they co-authored and speak about frequently.
2021-02-1929 min
Fearfully and Wonderfully Me: Become the Leader You are Destined to Be ®Change Happens (Part 4 of 15): Resisting ChangeCheck out this episode (4 of 15) in a series I recorded with my husband, Mack Story, on a book we co-wrote together, "Change Happens: Leading Yourself and Others through Change." In this episode, we'll talk about resisting change - why it happens and what to do about it.
2021-02-1626 minBlue Collar Leadership216: If You Snooze, You Will Lose(Part 6 of 15) In this episode Mack and Ria Story discuss Ch. 6 "If You Snooze, You Will Lose" from their book, Change Happens: Leading Yourself and Others through Change, which they co-authored and speak about frequently.
2021-02-1230 min
Fearfully and Wonderfully Me: Become the Leader You are Destined to Be ®Change Happens (Part 3 of 15): Two Ways to Deal with ChangeCheck out this episode (3 of 15) in a series I recorded with my husband, Mack Story, on a book we co-wrote together, "Change Happens: Leading Yourself and Others through Change." In this episode, we talk about the two ways to deal with change and they can affect your influence, options, and opportunities.
2021-02-0928 minBlue Collar Leadership215: Change or Be Changed(Part 5 of 15) In this episode Mack and Ria Story discuss Ch. 5 "Change or Be Changed" from their book, Change Happens: Leading Yourself and Others through Change, which they co-authored and speak about frequently.
2021-02-0528 min
Fearfully and Wonderfully Me: Become the Leader You are Destined to Be ®Change Happens (Part 2 of 15): The Impact of ChangeCheck out this episode (2 of 15) in a series I recorded with my husband, Mack Story, on a book we co-wrote together, "Change Happens: Leading Yourself and Others through Change." In this episode, we'll talk about the Impact of Change personally and professionally.
2021-02-0228 minBlue Collar Leadership214: Resisting Change...Shine Don't Whine(Part 4 of 15) In this episode Mack and Ria Story discuss Ch. 4 "Resisting Change" from their book, Change Happens: Leading Yourself and Others through Change, which they co-authored and speak about frequently.
2021-01-2928 minBlue Collar Leadership213: Two Ways to Deal with Change(Part 3 of 15) In this episode Mack and Ria Story discuss Ch. 3 "Two Ways to Deal with Change" from their book, Change Happens: Leading Yourself and Others through Change, which they co-authored and speak about frequently.
2021-01-2229 min
Fearfully and Wonderfully Me: Become the Leader You are Destined to Be ®Change Happens (Part 1 of 15): Nothing Fails Like SuccessCheck out this episode (1 of 15) in a series I recorded with my husband, Mack Story, on a book we co-wrote together, "Change Happens: Leading Yourself and Others through Change." In this episode, we'll break down why "Nothing Fails Like Success."
2021-01-1926 minBlue Collar Leadership212: The Impact of Change(Part 2 of 15) In this episode Mack and Ria Story discuss Ch. 2 "The Impact of Change" from their book, Change Happens: Leading Yourself and Others through Change, which they co-authored and speak about frequently.
2021-01-1530 minBlue Collar Leadership211: Nothing Fails Like Success(Part 1 of 15) In this episode Mack and Ria Story discuss Ch. 1 "Nothing Fails Like Success" from their book, Change Happens: Leading Yourself and Others through Change, which they co-authored and speak about frequently.
2021-01-0827 minBlue Collar Leadership210: Interview with Ria Story, PRIME Time: The Power of Effective Planning (Part 2 of 2)Many people wish they had better time management skills. However, we can't manage time. We can only lead ourselves within time. Effective time management is actually effective personal leadership.
In Part 1 and 2 of this interview with my wife Ria Story, she'll provide you with tips on becoming intentional and focused relative to maximizing and utilizing your time. She'll be sharing key points from her book, PRIME Time: The Power of Effective Planning.
2021-01-0129 minBlue Collar Leadership209: Interview with Ria Story, PRIME Time: The Power of Effective Planning (Part 1 of 2)Many people wish they had better time management skills. However, we can't manage time. We can only lead ourselves within time. Effective time management is actually effective personal leadership.
In Part 1 and 2 of this interview with my wife Ria Story, she'll provide you with tips on becoming intentional and focused relative to maximizing and utilizing your time. She'll be sharing key points from her book, PRIME Time: The Power of Effective Planning.
2020-12-2531 minFearfully and Wonderfully Me: Become the Leader You are Destined to Be ®Fearfully and Wonderfully Me Part 21: Self-Realization: I am Living My LegacyThis episode wraps up our series on my newest book, "Fearfully and Wonderfully Me: Become the Woman You are Destined to Be," and speaks to what significance really means to each of us. And, I'm going to share some of the sacrifices Mack and I had to make to get to where we are today.
Looking to continue your growth? I've got TWO upcoming virtual workshops to help you become the best version of yourself in 2021:
PRIME TIME: The Power of Effective Planning starts January 5 and helps you learn ALL THE THINGS about effective time m...
2020-12-1518 minBlue Collar Leadership171: Interview with Ria Story, Leadership Speaker & AuthorIn this interview, Mack speaks with his wife, Ria Story, about personal growth and transformation.
Mack and Ria met on June 16, 2000. They both began reading personal growth and leadership development books in 2008 and now speak together nationally and internationally on these subjects. However, when Mack first met Ria, she had an unbelievable, shocking, and dark secret.
In this episode, Ria reveals the secret she was keeping and discusses her book, Bridge's Out of the Past: A Survior's Lessons on Resilience. Be sure to check out Ria's 7 minute TEDx video where she shares more about her...
2020-04-0350 minFearfully and Wonderfully Me: Become the Leader You are Destined to Be ®Change Happens Part 5: Change or Be ChangedThis podcast is part 5 of a series based on the book, "Change Happens: Leading Yourself and Others through Change" I co-wrote with my husband Mack Story. In this episode, I share a story of someone who refused to change - and the consequences of that decision.
Change Happens: Leading Yourself and Others through Change is a resource that will equip you with a skillset and toolset to effectively manage mindset when change happens. A mindset that will allow you to lead and leverage change in a way that turns the challenge of change into opportunity and potential both...
2020-03-1018 minFearfully and Wonderfully Me: Become the Leader You are Destined to Be ®Change Happens Part 4: 3 Reasons Why We Resist ChangeThis podcast is part 4 of a series based on the book, "Change Happens: Leading Yourself and Others through Change" I co-wrote with my husband Mack Story. In this episode, I share the 3 reasons why we resist change.
Change Happens: Leading Yourself and Others through Change is a resource that will equip you with a skillset and toolset to effectively manage mindset when change happens. A mindset that will allow you to lead and leverage change in a way that turns the challenge of change into opportunity and potential both personally and professionally!
2020-03-0314 minFearfully and Wonderfully Me: Become the Leader You are Destined to Be ®Change Happens Part 3: Two Ways to Deal with ChangeThis podcast is part 3 of a series based on the book, "Change Happens: Leading Yourself and Others through Change" I co-wrote with my husband Mack Story.
Change Happens: Leading Yourself and Others through Change is a resource that will equip you with a skillset and toolset to effectively manage mindset when change happens. A mindset that will allow you to lead and leverage change in a way that turns the challenge of change into opportunity and potential both personally and professionally!
2020-02-2515 minFearfully and Wonderfully Me: Become the Leader You are Destined to Be ®Change Happens Part 2: The Impact of ChangeThis podcast is part 2 of a series based on the book, "Change Happens: Leading Yourself and Others through Change" I co-wrote with my husband Mack Story.
Change Happens: Leading Yourself and Others through Change is a resource that will equip you with a skillset and toolset to effectively manage mindset when change happens. A mindset that will allow you to lead and leverage change in a way that turns the challenge of change into opportunity and potential both personally and professionally!
2020-02-1816 minFearfully and Wonderfully Me: Become the Leader You are Destined to Be ®Change Happens Part 1: Nothing Fails Like SuccessThis podcast is part 1 of a series based on the book, "Change Happens: Leading Yourself and Others through Change" I co-wrote with my husband Mack Story.
Change Happens: Leading Yourself and Others through Change is a resource that will equip you with a skillset and toolset to effectively manage mindset when change happens. A mindset that will allow you to lead and leverage change in a way that turns the challenge of change into opportunity and potential both personally and professionally!
2020-02-1115 minFearfully and Wonderfully Me: Become the Leader You are Destined to Be ®Leadership in Relationships 3/3In this third episode of three in a series, Ria is joined by her husband Mack for a conversation on how leadership principles apply in personal relationships. Mack and Ria speak, write books, live, work, and travel together full time and have learned how to navigate different personality types with shared values. Discover the principles they have applied to their relationship of nearly 20 years!
2019-08-0626 minFearfully and Wonderfully Me: Become the Leader You are Destined to Be ®Leadership in Relationships 2/3In this second episode of three, Ria is again joined by her husband Mack for a conversation on how leadership principles apply in personal relationships. Mack and Ria speak, write books, live, work, and travel together full time and have learned how to navigate different personality types with shared values. Discover the principles they have applied to their relationship of nearly 20 years!
2019-07-3027 minFearfully and Wonderfully Me: Become the Leader You are Destined to Be ®Leadership in Relationships 1/3In this episode, Ria is joined by her husband Mack for a conversation on how leadership principles apply in personal relationships. Mack and Ria speak, write books, live, work, and travel together full time and have learned how to navigate different personality types with shared values. Discover the principles they have applied to their relationship of nearly 20 years!
2019-07-2325 minFearfully and Wonderfully Me: Become the Leader You are Destined to Be ®#55 Facing Fear of ChangeIn this episode, Ria shares three tips on facing fear of change and how to overcome it. This episode is based on a chapter of a book she co-wrote with Mack Story, "Change Happens: Leading Yourself and Others through Change" which is available as e-book, audio-book and paperback.
2019-02-2610 minBlue Collar Leadership88: Everyone remembers the first to help, few remember the second.Blue-Collar Leadership: Leading from the Front Lines (Part 24 of 30)
Helping others always helps you. If you want to increase your influence, always be the first to help. Everyone remembers the first to help, few remember the second. With people, the little things are the big things. As Ria Story says, "Those who have a heart for serving others in some way will build influence far beyond those who expect to be served."
2019-01-2411 minBlue Collar Leadership63: If you'll invest in your blue-collar workforce, so will I."Special Offer" for blue-collar organizations. What I will do for you…
If you or your leaders will invest in your team, I will too because I value growing and developing the great people in the blue-collar workforce regardless of their title or position. I’ll pay all of my expenses to travel anywhere in the 50 United States to conduct up to 4 hours of complimentary, on site leadership development training for any size group, large or small, at any level. This is my money and my time, not corporate money on company time.
Why do I make this offer? Because, I have...
2018-11-1012 minBlue Collar Leadership35: Increasing your influence increases your options.Introduction to my book, Defining Influence: Increasing your influence increases your options. Ria and I just finished up two 1/2 day workshops on this book with the US Navy in San Diego, CA. This episode is an overview of what the book is about.
2018-08-2310 minBlue Collar Leadership33: Introduction to "MAXIMIZE Your Potential"Ria and I had a great time today in San Diego, CA supporting the US Navy with two workshops on my book, "MAXIMIZE Your Potential."
2018-08-2106 minBlue Collar Leadership32: San Diego bound to conduct 10 workshops for the US Navy!Ria and I are excited to be heading to San Diego today to serve those who are serving us. We'll be conducting 10 1/2 day workshops for the U.S. Navy. When leaders are willing to invest in their team, we are willing to invest in their team. We pay all of our travel expenses and offer up to 4 hours on site, complimentary leadership development speaking/training in any of the 50 states with each 200 book purchase. Learn more during this episode or check out the special offer page on the www.BlueCollarLeadership.com website.
2018-08-1907 min