Culture First Leadership

06/17/2024

✨New season, new look, new location✨
Click the updated link in our bio to find us!

Check out the first interview of season 2 with Michael Rossi. I sit down with Michael to dig into why team is mission critical for success and momentum in business, sports and life. Michael is the perfect person to listen and learn from as the President and Founder of . He is an Executive Coach, Speaker, and Facilitator all with the domain expertise on Team Culture and Leadership.

Found everywhere you get your podcasts
🎙️Link in bio https://apple.co/4cmiD9Y

05/04/2024

DO WE LOVE OUR CHILDREN?

Let's get a bit real here for a sec:

1. So, the thing is, my wife and I, we don't have human kids.

2. I'm a TED Conferences dork. I've got a tradition of learning stuff WITH my teams. We binge-watch TED Talks together, and we love it. Well ... ahem, I do.

3. And let me just put it out there—I have a soft spot for Scott Galloway. Man Crush for sure.

Anyway, enough about my obsessions.

Let's talk about what really matters—this next 18 minutes of your life.

Brace yourself, 'cause it's about to hit you with some truth bombs about the crazy wealth shifts going on right now, from the young to the old.

Now, before you start thinking I'm in that "old" category (I mean, who, me?), let's just say I'm still debating that one. But hey, that's a TED Talk for another day.

This presentation isn't your typical TED fare—it dives deep into the issue, no holds barred.

But here's the kicker—it doesn't just leave you hanging in despair.

This talk is all about solutions. You may agree or disagree, and that's ok. The richness is in the debate.

So, give it a watch.

Then ask yourself:

Do you love your kids? Or, in my case, the offspring of my friends and fam?

It's time to walk that walk—in the office, on the field, and in every corner of our lives.

In a scorching talk, marketing professor and podcaster Scott Galloway dissects the data showing that, by many measures, young people in the US are worse off financially than ever before. He unpacks the root causes and effects of this "great intergenerational theft," asking why we let it continue and...

04/30/2024

Dance like nobody's watching ... .. but also know that they see you.

In the early '90s, I lived in Ottawa, Canada and witnessed something truly remarkable.

One person sparked an entire stadium to light up and rise to their feet.............

During a break in the game, a man named Cameron Hughes got up and started dancing in the aisles.

The crowd went wild with his enthusiasm and his moves.

So what did Cameron do? The next break in play, he did it again..............

I don't know Cameron personally, but he made a lasting impact on me back then.

I'm fairly certain that his life changed forever this night of dancing, leading him to become a speaker and crowd energizer...............

In this video, he's joined by a companion named Malcolm.

If you do nothing else,
PLEASE WATCH THIS VIDEO...............

Here are a few lessons I take away from Malcolm and Cameron in this video:

1️⃣ One person can spark an audience or a team.

2️⃣ Energy is contagious.

3️⃣ Your impact on others can be profound, so choose wisely.

4️⃣ Smile... and heck, make others smile too...............

I hope this brought some energy to your day.

Spread your positive vibes with your team in life, business, and sports as you just might transform their day.

Dance Like Malcolm!One of the greatest, most spontaneous moments of my career. It was the last hit of the day in front of 35,000+ very enthusiastic fans at C...

04/28/2024

Team Chemistry matters even more during the tough times!

What do you do when things don’t go your way?

……….

This picture isn’t the storybook ending you might think.

If our team (in white) wins, the championship is ours. If we lose, we play one more time the following week.

This celebratory moment is my teammate, Jimmy, hands in the air after scoring.

But soon after this, the ref called it “no goal” as he lost sight of the puck.

……….

It may not seem fair but it was our reality at that point.

This became a turning point for the opposition who scored two goals to tie it up and eventually winning in a shootout.

……….

Our team chemistry was off after this.

We quickly unraveled into a team of individuals who were not serving each other.

I ended up getting my third penalty which got me ejected. The lack of discipline on my part was selfish and cost our team a win and my teammates a celebratory moment.

……….

Our teammates started yelling at each other versus yelling for each other.

……….

Here’s the thing:

Every team needs to do these three things for the collective group to succeed:

1. Individual accountability - you must rise to your best effort so your teammates can count on you.

2. Interdependence - you are in service of each other. When you recognize that, everyone succeeds.

3. Identity - what type of team are you? What does it take or mean to be on your team. Be clear on how you want to be seen and live it.

Championship game tonight … again.

Let’s go!

04/13/2024

Life is a team game …

“To BELIVE in yourself. To BELIEVE in one another (TEAM).”

“That’s fundamental to being alive.”

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C5YYIN0CzWO/?igsh=cTlpOTBsaGtnempm

04/07/2024

MOJO builds MOJO

Today's NCAA women's basketball final between Iowa and South Carolina is poised to smash viewership records, likely surpassing even the men's national championship game.

But this achievement didn't materialize overnight.

Women's sports have been steadily gaining momentum for years.

Yet, it took the courage of trailblazers like Katherine Switzer, the first official female Boston Marathon finisher who braved attacks on the course, and tennis legend Billie Jean King, who shattered barriers on the court, to pave the way for female athletes.

----------------------

-- Glass Ceilings are shattered, and momentum is accelerating --

Now, we witness athletes like Caitlin Clark emerging as icons, leading Iowa to the finals in what promises to be a historic moment for women's sports.

Momentum begins with a vision for a better future, igniting sparks that eventually coalesce into a blazing fire of success.

----------------------

-- So, how do you cultivate this MOJO within your team? --

I've often used the phrase 'mojo builds mojo' with my teams at both Nuun Hydration and Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day. While they playfully teased me about it, the truth is, our success stemmed from a shared belief in the world we were striving to create.

Each spark we ignited fueled our collective energy and enthusiasm, propelling us forward with unstoppable momentum.

So, remember:

Mojo isn't just a catchy word—it's the driving force behind transformative success.

Let's keep building momentum together!

03/29/2024

People are all looking for career advice every single day.

So I thought, what if I sat down to get intel from someone with world class domain expertise on this very topic of career paths.

His name is Roy Notowitz, and he is the founder and CEO for the Noto Group Executive Search

This episode is both informative and entertaining. Give it a listen 🎧

And subscribe to the podcast wherever you download.

‎Show CEO: Chief Eternal Optimist with Kevin Rutherford, Ep How to Find the Right Culture Fit | Roy Notowitz - Mar 25, 2024

03/19/2024

Dude, what’s mine say?

This latest episode of the pod with Sean Riley, the Chief Dude Officer @ DUDE Wipes is a fun one. Sean was insightful, funny, and very strategic.

This business is surging and generated over $150,000,000 in revenue.

Give this latest CEO episode a listen 🎧.

Subscribe where you listen to podcasts … more gems are coming.

‎Show CEO: Chief Eternal Optimist with Kevin Rutherford, Ep Your Success Has Nothing to Do with Luck! | Sean Riley, Dude Wipes CEO - Mar 18, 2024

03/11/2024

Emma Stone -- Leadership Unveiled in Plain View 🌟

As I watched Emma Stone gracefully clinch the Oscar for Best Actress in a Leading Role for "Poor Things," I couldn't help but be captivated by her leadership prowess.

Look no further for a leadership role model as Emma Stone is the beacon you need.

Let's dissect leadership in plain view: 📽

1. Humility ( ⏱ 0:05 - 00:25):
- Humility is the constant acknowledgment
that there's room for improvement, coupled with a genuine recognition of your
own talents.

Take-away: No matter how stellar you are,
maintain humility with the expectation that someone else might surpass you. Yes, even a two-time Oscar award winner.

2. Courage ( ⏱ 0:26 - 00:34):
- Stepping onto the stage, she bravely 'asks for help,' declaring, "My dress, my dress is broken."

Take-Away: When issues surface, enlist help to swiftly address risks and find solutions.

3. Truly Seeing Others ( ⏱ 0:47 - 0:50):
- Emma, en route to the 🎤, realizes she forgot to thank Charlize Theron and loops back to express gratitude.

Take Away: Look around and spread kindness, your impact is bigger than you realize.

4. Humor ( ⏱ 0:51 - 01:00):
- Emma humorously declares, "my dress is broken," playfully blaming it on dancing during "Just Ken."

Take-away: Be serious about not taking yourself too seriously.

5. Own Your "Flaws" ( ⏱ 01:00 - 01:10):
- Flustered, Emma candidly acknowledges her 'flaws,' fostering confidence and endearing herself to the audience.

Take-Away: Your so-called flaws are whatmake you authentic and relatable.

6. Compassion ( ⏱ 01:11 - 01:33):
- With only one winner, Emma sincerely thanks and congratulates each finalist, specific and heartfelt.

Take-Away: Acknowledge those striving for similar accomplishments when you succeed; it could easily have been someone else on that stage.

7. It's not about me ( ⏱ 01:49 - 03:02):
- "Please take yourself out of it." Emma emphasizes the victory as a collaborative effort, recognizing the impact and sacrifice of the broader team and her personal support system.

Take-Away: NOBODY wins alone. Realizing this propels you and your team further, faster, and with more fulfillment.

♻ Please share if you think this can be helpful for someone else.

Marking her second Oscar win in seven years, Emma Stone wins the Best Actress Award for her role in “Poor Things".Subscribe to ITV's official YouTube channel...

02/23/2024

TRANSFORMATION from near IMPOSSIBLE TO POSSIBLE comes down to PEOPLE 🚀

Back in 2007, the Icehouse brand faced fierce headwinds—shifts in consumer preferences left it overshadowed by trendy imports and cheap light beers. The challenge? Transform years of decline into growth.

The answer? People.

Crafting a vision and rallying internal and external forces required more than strategy; it demanded a deep belief in change. So, how did this dedicated team turn the tide?

✅ Consumer Focus: Identified a specific target—the ‘Wolfpack,’ mid-20s enthusiasts.
✅ Unique Product Offering: Embraced the distinct “ice” brewing process.
✅ Geographic Precision: Concentrated efforts in Mid Atlantic and the Southeast.
✅ Strategic Partnership: Aligned with Maxim Magazine for instant brand elevation.
✅ Galvanizing Momentum: Sparked belief and activated the system.

But here’s the often-forgotten finale: CELEBRATION!

Our team deserved more than a pat on the back. Our WOLFPACK—those remarkable individuals behind the resurgence—deserved personal recognition. Enter custom Bobbleheads.

Why Bobbleheads?
Because they embody fun, uniqueness, and individuality—just like our team. Seeing them as athletes, I wanted to create a keepsake that puts the spotlight on their incredible achievement.

Maybe Dwight Schrute from The Office was on to something. 😂
(PHOTO: My Bobblehead that have a keepsake to remember this moment AND as a reminder to do something special for others)

Reflecting on this, I’d love to hear about impactful ways you’ve recognized or paid tribute to your team.

Let’s celebrate accomplishments in the most personal and memorable way possible! 🏆

02/17/2024

TEAM CULTURE HACK ==> DO HARD THINGS TOGETHER

The weekend before an all-company meeting, a daring offer loomed in the air—a campout and trail race, optional for the team. Those who signed up were caught in the crossfire of excitement and apprehension.

Set against the breathtaking Cascade Mountains outside Seattle, the Ragnar Trail Race awaited. Three legs, nearly 3000 feet in elevation gain, and a grueling 16 miles of challenging terrain. Forget plush hotels; tents and sleeping bags were the order of the day. Some were seasoned campers, while others were novices. Elite runners stood shoulder to shoulder with those attempting their first 5km trail run. And the kicker? Most had never run through mountain trails in the middle of the night.

So, why did so many of us sign up? I have a theory—a trifecta of reasons:

1️⃣ Personal Challenge High: The allure of a personal triumph.
2️⃣ Team Belonging: A profound sense of being part of something greater.
3️⃣ Peer Pressure: The unique ability of trusted peers to propel us beyond our limits.

In the post-race snapshot, not a single face wears a frown. The glow of accomplishment radiated from every individual. Teammates supported each other, creating a case study for teams in business, sport, and life. Crucially, it was a hard thing we all did TOGETHER.

Becoming a ‘Best Company to Work For’ isn’t just about perks and ping pong tables—though those are undeniably delightful additions. It’s about more, not rocket science but certainly no walk in the park.

Here are three reasons why doing hard things together is the foundational culture hack for team chemistry and performance:

🤝 IRL Connection: In-person gatherings are irreplaceable for us earthlings.

👊 Building Resilience and Confidence: Tackling the hard stuff makes all other tasks seem easier, boosting self-esteem and confidence.

🤗 Trust and Belonging: Trust begets bonding, evolving into relationships and ultimately creating a place of belonging.

Ready to hack your team’s culture? Start by embracing the challenge—TOGETHER. 🚀

02/11/2024

You have to BE GOOD to be LUCKY...
AND...
you have to BE LUCKY to be GOOD! 🌟

In 2014, the Seattle Seahawks dominated the Super Bowl against the Denver Broncos. It was a resounding victory, never a close game from the opening drive.

But to get there, were the Seahawks just lucky? Or really good?

Spoiler Alert: the answer is both.

In the NFC Championship game before the Super Bowl, the Seahawks faced the Green Bay Packers with almost no chance to win. With just over 5 minutes left, they statistically had a mere 0.7% chance of winning. Thousands of Seattle fans even headed to the gates before the game ended.

But wait, a 0.7% chance? So you're telling me there's a chance (in the words of Dumb & Dumber).

All the stars aligned. From onside kicks with less than a 5% chance of success to capturing a two-point conversion through hope, the Seahawks pulled off the upset.

So how did they do it?

I'm a big believer in Mojo Builds Mojo. Five key steps to build and ride momentum unfolded:

Step 1: Believe - In yourself and each other.

Step 2: Spark - Begin with a small win. All mojo starts with a spark. For the Seahawks, it was 'let's start with a first down' and build onto the next play.

Step 3: Accelerate - Once you have the spark, the momentum shifts in your direction. Feel it. Build on it and each other.

Step 4: Adapt or Die - Even with the wind at your back, something will happen. Adapt with new information and keep going.

Step 5: Celebrate - Take in the wins as they happen and when the goal is achieved.

So, on this Super Bowl Sunday, if your team is here in the final game, they are certainly really good. Also know, they likely had luck to get here.

This same mindset applies to life, business, and, of course, sports. 🏈🚀

CULTURE is everything!