The Impact of Leadership^® Podcast

This week’s episode is titled Buy vs. Build:
We’re living in a wild time—a time where opportunity and transition collide. You’ve probably heard the term silver tsunami. It’s the wave of baby boomers retiring and leaving behind a wealth of businesses ready for new ownership. The marketplace is open like never before, with platforms like BizBuySell and BizQuest offering just about anything you could dream of acquiring.

But let’s be real—this isn’t Wall Street. This is real life, with real people, and sometimes, real challenges. Here, we don’t sugarcoat or fluff things up. We keep it raw, authentic, and genuinely insightful.

In this week’s episode, my interview with Kevin Calhoun (Founder of Document Mountain by Cornerstone) we’ll uncover the must-have data points for buying a business, dive into acquisition frameworks, and learn from the successes—and failures—that come with this journey. From making sure your acquisition has structure, to crafting deals where the business pays for itself, to leveraging the talent and relationships that come with buying, we leave no stone unturned.

Are you ready to explore the world of buying versus building a business, and find out which strategy is right for you?

Let’s dive in.

In this week’s episode, we dive into the powerful journey of transformation, leadership, and the relentless pursuit of growth with Steve Kohlmann, the Executive Director of IBAW. Steve shares how IBAW is a true testament to the power of resilience. Starting with just 80 businesses and now leading 252, this story is one of overcoming financial setbacks, leadership change, and a commitment to building something greater.

We’ll explore what it means to “eat what you kill” in business and how leadership isn’t just about guiding teams—it’s about fighting for your mission, learning from past mistakes, and fostering an environment where people can thrive.

A key lesson I learned was Steve’s teaching on the importance of perspective over advice. People get offended when you don’t take their advice but not when you ask for their perspective. Set the conversation up for success with this one-word difference-maker.

We discuss the difference between good leaders and bad ones, the power of hope, and how treating people fairly can leave a lasting legacy. You don’t want to miss this inspiring conversation on leadership, business, and personal growth.

Enjoy! 

Welcome to the latest episode of our podcast!

Today, we have Part 3 with Jon Greenwood, a seasoned leader who has navigated the highs and lows of his career with resilience and passion. Jon shares his experiences of mentorship and coaching, highlighting the importance of having a peer to guide you through challenges and help you grow faster.

We’ll dive into Jon’s journey, from his early days without a mentor to later having influential figures like Mary and Jim, who played pivotal roles in his career. Jon’s stories are filled with moments of learning, laughter, and pushing beyond his comfort zone, including a memorable HR challenge that tested his leadership skills.

Jon’s retirement didn’t slow him down; he continues to contribute by building a leadership program at Cedarville, focusing on personal development for small businesses, churches, and educators. His insights on authenticity, vulnerability, and passion will inspire you to take ownership and drive your business forward.

So, sit back, relax, and get ready to be inspired by Jon’s incredible journey and valuable lessons on leadership and growth.

This is Part 2 of the interview with Jon Greenwood, where the interview is focused on “Managing Conflict & Performance Improvement Plans”. Neither is easy, especially when you have to manage many people.  But we believe it is a necessity if you want to see growth happen. 

We discuss Jon’s insights on handling disagreements, balancing empathy with assertiveness, and ensuring that team members are in roles that maximize their potential and contribute positively to the organization.

Throughout our conversation, we will discuss the importance of open communication, collaborative decision-making, and continuous assessment of team dynamics to foster a productive and harmonious work environment.

Stay tuned for an engaging and informative session that promises to equip you with practical strategies for effective leadership.

At IOL, we believe NO ONE DRIFTS INTO EXCELLENCE! 

This podcast is proudly sponsored by CCB TECHNOLOGY – The best Managed IT Service Provider for Small Businesses & Nonprofits across the United States! 

Mention the IOL PODCAST to get a free gift!!!

Today we launch a three part series with John Greenwood, a seasoned executive with over 30 years of experience at Huntington National Bank, where he served as Executive Vice President. During his tenure, Jon managed a vast network of over 1,000 branches and 6,500 staff members across 11 states.

This interview was filled with GOLD LEADERSHIP LESSONS which required me to divide this one interview into three parts. I’ve never done this before but it is absolutely needed so nothing is missed. 

This three-part series delves into the intricacies of leadership and organizational management.

Part 1 – Jon shares his extensive experience and wisdom, highlighting the importance of the Five Driver Model for Success, which includes People, Culture, Strategy, Structure, and Process1.

Part 2 –  Managing Conflict & Performance Improvement

Our conversation explores handling conflict and improving performance within leadership and teams. We also discuss strategies for managing disagreements, balancing empathy with assertiveness, and ensuring team members are in the right roles.

Part 3 – Set The Bar By Knowing Your Numbers

As a leader, knowing your numbers is crucial because it demonstrates a deep understanding of your business. Jon Greenwood shares an experience where his CEO, Steve Steinour, would ask detailed questions to ensure that Jonn truly knew his business. This level of scrutiny helped Jon learn his numbers quickly and thoroughly. It also allowed him to make informed decisions and effectively manage his responsibilities.

Jon gives us a taste of his current involvement in building a leadership program at Cedarville University which we will have him on at a later date to really go deep into this exciting new leadership program.

Here is Part 1 with Jon Greenwood.

Titan is a person of exceptional importance and reputation. We have a history of leaders – TITANS…who have impacted our world with their leadership.

Today, new Titans are being recognized in Chicago, Colorado, Georgia, Philadelphia, Phoenix, St. Louis, Tampa, Wisconsin and more.

The Titan 100 program recognizes a premier group of 100 CEO’s and C-level executives in a region.

It is a blessing that I have been inducted into the WI Titan 100 Hall of Fame with ten other Titans. 

Representing both the private and public sectors, these leaders are Titans of industry who demonstrate exceptional leadership, vision, passion, and influence in their field. 

This incredible community is led by one Titan that is leading the pack. Today’s episode is with the CEO/Founder of TitanCEO, Jaime Zawmon.

Today’s podcast will give you incredible motivation to be the TITAN you were destined to be!

In today’s episode, I will focus on  “CHOOSING A WORD FOR THE YEAR”.

This word acts as a guide to help you make decisions, stay aligned with your goals, and bring more clarity to your life throughout the year. It serves as your personal motto or compass.

How do you pick your word for the year?

This 22-minute podcast will review these key focus areas to help you.

Sit down quietly and review the previous year (highlights, challenges, etc.)

Ask yourself hard questions 
What makes you happy?
What energizes you?
What caused challenges in your life? 
Where do you need boundaries?
What habits do you want to start & stop this year?

Key Relationships & Goals For Each
Family
Friends
Faith
Work
Health
Self Care

Brainstorm 

Narrow down your options

Select your word & keep it front/center

In today’s episode, Nicole Ryf (President of KABA); shares her passion for inspiring economic growth in her community. 

Nicole has over twenty years of experience with economic growth. She is from Wisconsin (GO PACK GO!) but worked in Texas & Virginia, all on economic growth. She was recruited back to WI in 2022. She has been leading KABA since July 2023.  

Inspiring economic growth is a team sport. Everyone has to come together and support the vision of a local leadership group like KABA. It takes many people, each with a unique talent, to help a community be successful.

Nicole shares what she learned in those positions early in her career and the importance of mentorship. She is extremely vulnerable when sharing where she has made mistakes but has had great leadership support her in learning from them.

Leadership is a lot of things, but one thing it is not cute!

Welcome to the Impact of Leadership podcast, brought to you by CCB Technology – The Best IT Experience Ever – They Guarantee it!) At IOL  we believe “No One Drifts Into Excellence!” I am your host Patrick Booth. This is the last episode for 2024. It’s hard to believe but we released 25 episodes on many topics. Each year we like to do a little bit of a recap of what we experienced on the IOL podcast.

Some of the key ones that you would know:

LEADERSHIP TRANSITION – This is a massive opportunity for the roots of trust to be tested and go deeper. When facing a transition, get ahead of it early, give yourself more time than you need to. Ask over and over “What is best for the organization?” Make the transition visible to all as soon as you can.

PASSION FOR YOUR JOB – You have to love what you do! Create moments that feed your WHY and PASION for what you do. Burnout comes at everyone but when you can remember your WHY then it will keep you going! You have to find the right people and put them in the right seats. Just because someone interviewed well doesn’t mean they are in the right seat. Their performance and passion will determine if you need to make a change.

Be The Buffalo -The buffalo is only animal that runs towards the storm so they can get through it quicker. That is what leaders need to do! Your team will follow you when you have confidence, don’t be passive. Live without regrets! Being uncomfortable is not fun but that is where growth happens. Life is short, you only get one shot, live without regrets!

There are a lot more so listen to this twenty minute recap for the past year and get ready for 2025! 

Happy Thanksgiving 2024! 

This episode is part of our Legacy Builder series called “Count Your Blessings” because Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to think about all you have been blessed with in the past year. 

What traditions do you have at Thanksgiving? 

In our family, we have Turkey Tom/Tina. This tradition was started by my wife years ago. She brings Turkey Tom/Tin out at dinner a few weeks before Thanksgiving. She gives us each one or two paper feathers. She asks us to write out the things we feel blessed to have in our life on the paper feathers. My wife collects them all and glues each one onto the paper turkey. 

This year has been one of the worst because of our family’s health trials but God carried us through it! 

Life is hard, but we aren’t made to carry the burden alone. 

I hope you find encouragement in the podcast. Here are some songs that encouraged me to trust God with this trial.

Rest For Your Soul

I Still Believe 

Faithfully

Evidence

The Jesus Way

Our God Will Go Before Us

The Legacy Builder series is focused on helping leaders understand how their impact at work and at home will leave a legacy for the future.

This week’s episode, “Be The Visionary” is dedicated to helping the CEO/Executive Director of the organization to understand their role and how it’s vital for the organization to grow.

In today’s episode, you will hear how Tamarra’s corporate life of twenty-four years helped prepare her for the job she feels called to at the Shalom Center.

To build a community partnership you must have UNITY & SERVANT LEADERSHIP. 

Tamarra believes “action is the foundational key to all success” and that has helped her build brand awareness for her organization’s mission. 

People must understand what your organization does, how you serve others, and where they can get involved.

You have to promote your organization’s mission so that others can join in the cause. 

Nothing in life is a waste Tamarra believes there is a purpose and plan behind everything. 

Get ready to be inspired by how Tamarra and her team are leading their community forward with action & loving hearts! 

Ron learned as a young boy, watching his Mother, give back to the community with her servant leadership. Ron asked his Mom “Why do you work so hard to help others?” Her words impacted his life forever and those were “It’s not always about you!”  

You will hear how Ron took that same passion to impact others through mentorship and servant leadership.

Leadership is hard. Leading others well is risky. It means taking the chance that things could go poorly, or failure could happen, people could be hurt, or you could be hurt.

But it’s worth it.

I have many more scars now, which I’m very proud of because it means that I took the risks I needed in business. 

I’ve noticed a lot of the scars I have fall into one of these three categories:

SCARS from unfair assumptions

SCARS from my emotional reactions

SCARS from broken trust

Have you ever heard someone say “I love where I work?!” It’s rare. Often we hear the opposite. 

No one starts a business hoping their employees will hate where they work but why does it happen so much?

One keyword will  make the difference: CULTURE

Company culture can be defined as the set of values, beliefs, and behaviors that shape how employees interact with each other, their leaders, and the work itself in an organization.