Shows
The Scott Townsend Show#231 The Power of Influence: Decoding Effective Leadership w/Draven Hope & Ben TownsendLeadership is about influence and aligning people to goals while serving them empathetically and helping them develop to reach their full potential.• Leadership develops through experience, just like learning to walk—you fall down, get up, and improve as long as you're paying attention• The ability to influence is the essence of leadership, which can be wielded ethically or unethically• Emotional resonance is more compelling than facts alone when trying to lead and influence others• One-on-one meetings are crucial in leadership to connect with team members and understand their needs• Everyone has influence whether they...2025-06-281h 11The Scott Townsend Show#229 The Emotional Cost of Clutter w/ Ben TownsendWe explore the emotional and mental challenges of decluttering during life transitions and how our attachment to possessions can hold us back from moving forward.• Moving reveals the overwhelming accumulation of possessions that often go unused for years• The emotional challenge of parting with items tied to significant memories and life events• How digital alternatives can preserve memories while reducing physical clutter• The mental clarity and reduced anxiety that comes from simplified surroundings• Starting small and celebrating incremental progress when tackling overwhelming projects• Finding balance between honoring the past and making space for new expe...2025-06-1357 minThe Scott Townsend Show#228 The Architecture of Problem-Solving: How Well-Defined Problems Lead to Better SolutionsScott Townsend welcomes back familiar guest Ben Townsend for a deep dive into why "a well-defined problem is half the solution" and how this principle applies across business and personal scenarios.• Understanding customer needs beyond their stated requirements is essential for effective problem-solving• In software development, where engineers cost $130-$250/hour, misunderstanding problems leads to wasted time and resources• The "tree swing" example demonstrates how communication breakdowns between customers and solution providers create ineffective outcomes• Problem definition requires asking deeper questions about what customers are truly trying to accomplish• The mountain peak analogy: solving in...2025-05-1537 min
Stroke It Guide PodcastEP 177 Master the 5 Pillars of Potential: Discipline, Dopamine & Doing the Hard Things — with Matthew FinlinIn Episode 177 of The Stroke It Podcast, host Jenny Townsend sits down with Matthew Finlin, CEO of Real Life Skills Academy, to unpack the truth about parenting, purpose, and personal development.Matthew brings a powerful framework built around his Five Pillars of Human Potential—financial, physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual—and explains how mastering these areas prevents the “3 D’s” of destruction: Debt, Divorce, and Disease.From the science behind deep sleep and testosterone to building boundaries in relationships and parenting, this episode ch...2025-05-1551 minThe Scott Townsend Show#225 Bouncing Back After Rejection: How To Handle Not Getting Promoted Pt 2 w/Ben TownsendCareer setbacks happen to everyone, but how you respond to them determines your professional trajectory and future opportunities. • The "tube top" comment highlights the importance of getting honest feedback after a rejection• One word in an interview (describing a workplace as "hostile") can sink your chances if the interviewer takes issue with it• Remember interviews are two-way conversations - you're also deciding if you want to work there• Always be kind to gatekeepers (receptionists, assistants) as they can significantly influence hiring decisions• Give yourself limited time (maybe 30 minutes) to feel disappointed, then refocus on moving f...2025-03-2031 minThe Scott Townsend Show#224 What To Do When You Don't Get The Promotion Pt 1 w/Ben TownsendUnderstanding how to navigate rejection in your career is vital for long-term success and personal growth. Emphasizing resilience, this episode explores effective strategies for responding to disappointment and staying prepared for future opportunities.• Discusses initial feelings of disappointment after not being promoted • Highlights the importance of preparing emotionally for rejection • Shares insights on expressing gratitude and seeking feedback after interviews • Stresses the need to align personal goals with the company's mission • Explores personal anecdote demonstrating persistence in the face of rejection • Encourages ongoing engagement and communication with potential employers Support the s...2025-02-2625 minThe Scott Townsend Show#223 How To Get Promoted At Work w/Ben TownsendVideo that Ben mentioned https://x.com/WarPath2pt0/status/1887864859515121904In today’s rapidly shifting workplace, how do you navigate career advancement while balancing merit-based promotions with diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives? In this episode of The Scott Townsend Show, I sit down with Executive Producer Ben Townsend to unpack the evolving dynamics of promotions, hiring decisions, and the broader corporate landscape.With 40 years of business experience, I’ve seen firsthand how environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards are reshaping corporate priorities. But what does that mean for your career trajectory? We discuss how inves...2025-02-191h 04The Scott Townsend Show#222 Valentine's Day Misadventures and Meaningful Celebrations with Jay WebsterPicture this: it's Valentine's Day 1997, you've just snagged a speeding ticket, run into your youth group while watching Titanic, and the film's tragic ending is the cherry on top of your misadventure sundae. Join us as Jay Webster, the witty author of "You Don't Have to Read This," brings his comical calamity to life on The Scott Townsend Show. We unravel the societal pressures and commercial expectations that can turn this day of love into a stress-fest. Instead of succumbing to the chaos, Jay's tale inspires us to explore more meaningful and unconventional ways to celebrate with loved ones.2025-02-1313 minThe Scott Townsend Show#221 Building Bridges with Small Gestures w/ Ben TownsendThis episode emphasizes the transformational power of intentional outreach and empathy in supporting those facing difficult times. Through personal anecdotes and practical advice, we explore ways to foster meaningful connections while dismantling the stigma against asking for help.• The impact of consistent check-ins on emotional well-being• Empathy as a driving force in providing support• Social isolation during illness and the need for connection• The significance of effective communication and support tools like CaringBridge• Navigating the challenges of giving advice versus being present• The stigma associated with asking for help and vulnerability• Practical meth...2025-01-2937 minThe Scott Townsend Show#213 Navigating Global Tensions and the Power of Ham Radio Communication w/Ben TownsendWhat happens when communication channels falter in the face of global tensions reminiscent of the Civil War era? Join Scott Townsend and executive producer Ben Townsend as they unpack the critical role of communication during these turbulent times. Discover how to navigate the maze of biased media to seek out objective truths amid international conflicts involving China, Taiwan, Russia, and Ukraine. This episode promises to offer insights into the essence of journalism today, highlighting the struggle to discern factual reporting amidst the noise of sensationalism and various agendas, especially in an election year.In the second half...2024-12-0421 minThe Scott Townsend ShowGoals Versus Systems: The Silent Pursuit of SuccessCould the quiet grind toward achievement overshadow the applause of public goal declarations? This episode tackles the philosophical debate of goals versus systems through the lens of James Clear's 'Atomic Habits'. Sam Lister's herculean challenge of crafting a daily video for a thousand days is the springboard to a monologue sustainability of such ambitious objectives and the importance of the underlying systems that propel us towards success.Join me, Scott Townsend, and let's contemplate the balance between striving for lofty goals and the necessity of robust processes. Sam's journey, paired with my reflections, captures the essence of...2024-01-0414 min