Reflect Forward Kerry Siggins

Mike Doniger is clear: As a leader, you should always live your company values. As co-founder and Chief Operating Officer for Chaberton Energy, Mike leads the company's development, engineering and business operations teams. Headquartered in Maryland, Chaberton Energy is a public benefit corporation focused on developing sustainable infrastructure and renewable energy projects.

Committed to Lean/Operations Excellence principles, Mike began his career in the U.S. Navy, culminating in service as Chief Engineer of a nuclear-powered submarine. In 2008, realizing the growing need for leadership in the clean energy industry, Mike joined a young biomass-to-energy start-up that became the world's leading supplier of utility-grade wood pellets. Mike held several senior engineering, operations and development positions as the company grew to a $1B market capitalization, deploying over $500M in growth capital and implementing the processes necessary to operate seven manufacturing facilities, four ports, and nearly 600 people. Subsequently, Mike led a 1,200+ person Amazon distribution center outside Richmond, Virginia, implementing same-day delivery service in 2019.

Mike holds a B.S. in Systems Engineering with merit from the U.S. Naval Academy, a Master's in Engineering Management from Old Dominion University and a Master's in Business Administration from Georgetown University. He lives outside Richmond, Virginia, with his wife, Luan, and two sons, Benjamin and Aden.

Episode Insight: Our mission is firmly rooted in creating a better world for us and future generations, and we embody the mindset of finding win-win-win outcomes whenever possible.
Background: Mike Doniger and I share this thought: Leaders must live up to their company values.

I met Mike through my new friend, John Saunders, who thought Mike would be a great Reflect Forward guest, and I couldn't agree more. During this week's episode, Mike tells us about his community solar company, Chaberton, which he and his co-founder started in 2020.

Mike's approach focuses on achieving win-win-win outcomes in every aspect of his work. He is committed to benefiting the communities where his projects are located, from the thoughtful siting and design of each project to the Chaberton Cares giving program. His efforts also support those in greatest need, such as lower-income families and small, local businesses, while fostering a positive environment for his employees, given that his business is employee-owned. Additionally, Mike ensures that his customers and other stakeholders consistently receive value and consideration in all business dealings.

Mike tells us how Chaberton's employees are part of "One Chaberton," which adheres to a structured, stage-gated approach to development. At the outset of a project, the risk of failure is notably high. Therefore, Mike implements guardrails, allowing incremental spending approvals as each project milestone is met, thereby reducing the overall project risk. This strategic approach ensures that creativity and excellence are maintained throughout development.

How to find Mike:
Website: https://www.chaberton.com/
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/chaberton-energy/
email: https://linkedin.com/in/mjdoniger/

Please consider ordering my book, The Ownership Mindset, on Amazon or Barnes and Noble

Follow me on Instagram or LinkedIn.
Subscribe to my podcast Reflect Forward on iTunes
Or check out my new YouTube Channel, where you can watch full-length episodes of Advice From a CEO!

And if you are looking for a keynote speaker or a podcast guest, click here to book a meeting with me to discuss what you are looking for!

Have you ever thought about mastering the art of bad news? One of the most challenging situations you can face as a leader is hearing and delivering bad news. Whether it's financial losses, project setbacks, or organizational changes that might not be well received, handling these moments can significantly impact your effectiveness and the trust you engender in your team.

During this week's episode of Reflect Forward, I discuss how you can manage your reactions and confidently guide your team during difficult times.

Handling Yourself with Poise
The first step in dealing with bad news is managing your own emotional response. It's natural to feel stressed, disappointed, or even angry, but your reactions are closely observed as a leader and can set the tone for the entire team. During the episode, I discuss the importance of pausing before reacting, assessing the situation objectively, and seeking counsel.

The Importance of Staying Cool, Calm, and Collected
The demeanor you exhibit in times of crisis is a direct reflection of your leadership. Staying calm helps you think more clearly and reassures your team that challenges are manageable. Why does a composed attitude matter? It [promotes rational thinking, helps you stay calm and reduces anxiety among team members, leading to a more constructive approach to solving problems.

Responding in a Way That Builds Trust and Respect
How you communicate bad news can significantly affect how your team perceives the situation and your leadership. Here's how to approach it:

Be Transparent: Share what you know and admit what you don't. Honesty fosters trust and invites the team to be part of the solution, which can lead to innovative approaches to challenges.

Show Empathy: Acknowledge the impact of the bad news on your team. Expressing empathy can alleviate fears and foster a supportive culture.

Empower Your Team: Involve your team in crafting solutions. Asking your team what they think not only enhances their commitment to the organizational goals but also boosts morale.

Follow Through with Action: After discussing the bad news and potential solutions, outline clear steps forward and follow through. Accountability shows that you are proactive and dedicated to overcoming obstacles.

Creating Psychological Safety and Earning Respect
Responding effectively to bad news involves creating an environment where team members feel safe to express concerns and propose solutions without fear of negative repercussions. I recommend encouraging open communication, leading by example, and acknowledging your team's effort. Doing these things will boost morale and strengthen loyalty.

Handling bad news well not only helps in managing the immediate challenges but also strengthens your reputation as a capable leader. By staying composed, being transparent, and creating an inclusive environment, you can guide your team through adversity and emerge stronger on the other side.

Please consider ordering my book, The Ownership Mindset, on Amazon or Barnes and Noble

Follow me on Instagram or LinkedIn.
Subscribe to my podcast Reflect Forward on iTunes
Or check out my new YouTube Channel, where you can watch full-length episodes of Advice From a CEO!

And if you are looking for a keynote speaker or a podcast guest, click here to book a meeting with me to discuss what you are looking for!

Greg Voisen is a thought leader in the personal growth and human potential movement. Founder of Inside Personal Growth, Greg has interviewed over 1,100+ authors via podcasts and has developed over 1,200 hours of recorded podcasts over the last 17 years. Topics include personal growth, business, wellness, mastery, and spirituality.

Greg's primary focus is advising small to medium-sized business owners on financial management, human capital development, process improvement, sales and marketing, and succession planning. His consulting group, eLuminate Consulting, Inc., has a team of six associates dedicated to fulfilling the needs of his clients.

Greg is also co-author with John Selby of Wisdom, Wellness and Redefining Work, which is designed to bring awareness to businesses about the impacts of stress in the workplace and to effect a positive change in coping with stress, reducing medical costs, and improving employee's overall engagement and performance. He is also the author of "Hacking the Gap-From Intuition to Innovation and Beyond" and the co-author of "The Precipice of Life" with Bo Parfet and Kathy Sparrow.

Greg has a bachelor's degree in Business Management from San Diego State University and a Master's in Spiritual Psychology from the University of Santa Monica.

Episode in a Tweet: What does forward look like to you? Because you're not going reverse. You've already been there. That's a rear view mirror. Instead, look through the windshield.

Background: I had the pleasure of joining Greg on his podcast Inside Personal Growth. I knew he had to join Reflect Forward to share his lifelong experience of learning from failure, investing in personal development, and integrating spirituality into your life and work.

During this week's episode, Greg shares how failure propelled him forward and how curiosity helped him find his purpose. Greg and I get a bit philosophical – he does have a degree in spiritual psychology, after all – and we discuss the power of finding contenement rather than constantly searching for more or consuming more "stuff." This is a deep conversation that I know you'll enjoy.

How to find Greg:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregvoisen/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insidepersonalgrowth/
Webste: https://insidepersonalgrowth.com/
www.hackingthegap.com
www.gregvoisen.com
www.eluminate.net

Order my book, The Ownership Mindset, on Amazon or Barnes and Noble

Follow me on Instagram or LinkedIn.
Subscribe to my podcast Reflect Forward on iTunes
Or check out my new YouTube Channel, where you can watch full-length episodes of Advice From a CEO!

And if you are looking for a keynote speaker or a podcast guest, click here to book a meeting with me to discuss what you are looking for!

Navigating tough choices and the ability to make hard decisions swiftly and effectively separates the good leaders from the great ones. I’ve learned that decisiveness in leadership is not just about making decisions quickly; it's about making the right decisions under pressure, with limited information, and often, with significant consequences on the line.

And that’s the topic of this week’s episode of Reflect Forward – how to simplify the process of navigating tough choices and making hard decisions.

Why is being decisive so crucial for leaders?
Decisiveness instills confidence in a team, drives forward momentum, and demonstrates a clear direction. It's about commitment to action despite uncertainties. According to a survey by McKinsey, 72% of senior executives believe bad strategic decisions either were about the same as, or even more frequent than, good ones, indicating a significant opportunity for improvement in leadership decision-making.

Here are six practical tips to help leaders navigate the complex waters of tough decision-making:

1. Embrace a Structured Decision-Making Framework
Implementing a structured framework can streamline the decision-making process. This might involve defining the problem clearly, identifying all possible solutions, weighing the pros and cons, and considering the impact of each option. The DECIDE Model, offered at the end of this write-up, provides a systematic approach, reducing the overwhelming nature of complex decisions.

2. Explore Different Viewpoints
Diversity in thought and perspective can be a game-changer in decision-making. Encouraging input from a range of team members can uncover blind spots and introduce innovative solutions. This collaborative approach enriches the decision-making process and fosters a culture of inclusion and respect.

3. Prioritize Transparency and Communication
Transparency in the decision-making process builds trust within the team. Explaining the 'why' behind decisions can mitigate resistance and garner support. Effective communication ensures that all team members are aligned and understand the rationale, which is crucial for smooth implementation.

4. Accept Imperfection and Be Prepared to Pivot
No decision comes with a guarantee of perfection. Reevaluation and the willingness to pivot when new information becomes available or when circumstances change is a valuable trait in today's dynamic business environment.

5. Leverage Data and Insights
In an era where data is queen, leveraging analytics and insights can provide a solid foundation for decision-making. Data-driven decisions tend to be more objective and can significantly reduce the ambiguity associated with tough choices. However, it's crucial to balance data with intuition and emotional intelligence.

6. Practice Self-Care
When you are feeling stressed about making a tough decision, practice self-care. Get some sleep, eat well, exercise and meditate. All of these are proven to help you think more clearly and reduce stress.

Incorporating these strategies can make the daunting task of navigating tough decisions more manageable. The goal is not to avoid difficult decisions but to become more adept at navigating them. As leaders hone these skills, they not only enhance their own effectiveness but also inspire confidence and resilience in their teams.

The DECIDE Model stands for:
D - Define the problem
E - Establish the criteria
C - Consider all the alternatives
I - Identify the best alternative
D - Develop and implement a plan of action
E - Evaluate and monitor the solution

Please consider ordering my book, The Ownership Mindset, on Amazon or Barnes and Noble

Follow me on Instagram or LinkedIn.
Subscribe to my podcast Reflect Forward on iTunes
Or check out my new YouTube Channel, where you can watch full-length episodes of Advice From a CEO!

And if you are looking for a keynote speaker or a podcast guest, click here to book a meeting with me to discuss what you are looking for

Scott Snider had to transform his leadership style to be successful. Scott is the President of the Exit Planning Institute (EPI) and the Operating Partner of Snider Premier Growth, a small family investment company. At EPI, Scott is responsible for the organization's strategic direction and overseeing the company's operations and chapter development. Since joining EPI, Scott has expanded the organization regionally, nationally, and globally, providing a transformational educational experience to advisors from all specialties across the globe.

Scott is a nationally recognized industry leader, growth specialist, and lifetime entrepreneur. As EPI's operational and strategic leader, Scott thrives on helping advisors learn how to educate clients, achieve market distinction, and deliver real results.
Episode Insight: Command and control doesn't work. People don't want to work for a boss who barks orders at them. They want to work for someone who inspires them to be their best.

Background: Scott Snider was a command-and-control kind of guy. His first company was a full-service landscaping firm where a chain of command worked. When he took over running The Exit Planning Institute, Scott quickly learned that his old way of leading didn't work. Swallowing his pride, he embraced feedback from his closest employees, transforming his leadership style and, in turn, his company.

During this episode of Reflect Forward, Scott and I go deep and discuss what it's like to rip up company values that are no longer working and rebuild not only your culture but yourself in the process. Scott does not like to get vulnerable, which he talks about during the interview, but he shares how tough it was to hear the feedback and how grateful he is for his employees/friends who stood by his side. This episode is real and I know you'll appreciate Scott's journey to finding himself and being himself.

How to find Scott:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-snider-epi/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottsniderepi/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/episnider
Websites: www.exit-planning-institute.org
www.fishingforvalue.com
www.BeyondCEPA.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/exit-planning-institute/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exitplanninginstitute/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/beyondcepa

Please consider ordering my book, The Ownership Mindset, on Amazon or Barnes and Noble

Follow me on Instagram or LinkedIn.
Subscribe to my podcast Reflect Forward on iTunes
Or check out my new YouTube Channel, where you can watch full-length episodes of Advice From a CEO!

And if you are looking for a keynote speaker or a podcast guest, click here to book a meeting with me to discuss what you are looking for!

Post idea:
Join me for a revealing episode of Reflect Forward, where I sit down with Scott Snider, the dynamic leader behind The Exit Planning Institute. In this episode, Scott opens up about his transition from a command-and-control leadership style to one that embraces openness and employee feedback. We delve into his significant challenges when overhauling company values and his journey toward vulnerability. This powerful conversation sheds light on the transformative impact of embracing change on leadership and personal growth. Tune in to hear Scott's candid story of finding himself and redefining his leadership style.

These past few weeks have been intense! We are going through so much change at StoneAge that I am feeling it – I typically handle significant change well, but I have never been so happy for Friday to come as I was this week! So, for this week’s episode, I want to share my thoughts on what to do when you are overwhelmed by change. It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed – you are of course human – but as a leader, you must work through it effectively, so you can lead your team well. It’s okay to acknowledge your feelings. It’s not a sign of weakness; it's a critical step towards effective leadership and organizational resilience.

Here are five strategies for business leaders to navigate through the waves of change:

1. Embrace Vulnerability
Admitting to oneself about feeling overwhelmed by change is pivotal. It's a form of vulnerability that can be a significant leadership strength. It fosters authenticity, which cultivates trust among team members. When leaders are honest about their challenges, it encourages a culture of openness and support, vital for navigating through turbulent times.

2. Prioritize Self-Care
In the hustle of managing organizational change, leaders often neglect their well-being. Self-care is not a luxury; it's a necessity for sustained leadership. Regular physical activity, adequate rest, and mental health support are essential. A leader who is well-rested and mentally sharp is better equipped to tackle challenges and make strategic decisions.

3. Seek Diverse Perspectives
Change can be complex and multifaceted, often requiring more than one viewpoint to understand fully. Leaders should actively seek diverse perspectives, both within and outside their organization-consulting with team members from different departments, seeking advice from mentors, or engaging with industry peers. Diverse insights can lead to innovative solutions and help leaders see the bigger picture.

4. Delegate and Empower
No leader can, or should, handle everything on their own. Delegation is not just a means to manage workload; it's an opportunity to empower team members. Entrusting tasks and decision-making to others can foster a sense of ownership and accountability within teams.

5. Give it Time
Adapting to change is not an overnight process; it requires patience and perseverance. Recognize that both you and your organization need time to absorb, understand, and implement changes effectively. Rushing through transformations can lead to half-baked strategies and burnout. Set realistic timelines and milestones, and celebrate small victories along the way. This gradual approach helps in building momentum and ensures that the change is sustainable in the long run. Enduring change is a marathon, not a sprint.

The Importance of Leading Through Change
The ability to lead through change is about navigating the current landscape and preparing the organization for future challenges. Leaders who manage their overwhelm effectively can maintain clarity and focus, essential for strategic planning and decision-making.

A leader's skill in handling change well is crucial for their success. Forbes reports that 31% of CEOs lose their jobs for failing to manage organizational change well. And Gartner says that an astonishing 73% of employees impacted by change report that they experience moderate to high level of stress.

The acknowledgment of overwhelm and the proactive steps to navigate through it are not merely about survival but about thriving in a world of perpetual change.

Please consider ordering my book, The Ownership Mindset, on Amazon or Barnes and Noble

Follow me on Instagram or LinkedIn.
Subscribe to my podcast Reflect Forward on iTunes
Or check out my new YouTube Channel, where you can watch full-length episodes of Advice From a CEO!

And if you are looking for a keynote speaker or a podcast guest, click here to book a meeting with me to discuss what you are looking for!