Outside Insights Chris Burkhard

Here’s the thing — quitting shouldn’t be a bad word. But why does it often feel like it is?
At Placers, we champion values like results-driven performance and relentless hustle, epitomized by Winston Churchill’s wartime call to “never, ever, ever give up.” This motto resonated so deeply with me that it found its way onto t-shirts for the high school soccer teams I coached. My journey through rebuilding Placers after the 2008 recession and the pandemic has taught me the essence of perseverance — I even carry a coin in my pocket inscribed with “the obstacle is the way,” a nod to Ryan Holiday’s influential work.
The never give up mentality was instilled in me from the beginning. When I was young I wanted more than anything to be a Cub Scout. From the day I joined I was all in, and my mom even became our Den Mother. I loved everything about the Cub Scouts, from the pinewood Derby, the meetings, and merit badges. I loved it all until one day — I just didn’t anymore. One by one my friends dropped out and soon I realized they were what made the scouts so enjoyable in the first place. My parents encouraged me to honor my commitments and I stuck it out until the end of the year before informing them I wouldn’t be returning.
A little later in life, I worked tirelessly to make the senior baseball team at age 14 and was filled with pride when I learned I made the cut. Then, the day before the game, a star player — a 15-year-old who was bigger, stronger, and more skilled — suddenly joined the team. I felt intimidated, frustrated and I remember the distinct urge to quit washing over me. Again, my parents provided sound advice and urged me to contemplate whether stepping back was truly the right decision. In the end, I chose to stay the course and I’m glad I didn’t let my ego win that day.
As children we’re taught that quitting means “giving up”. The heroes in our storybooks never give up. Giving up is “weak” and being weak must be avoided at all costs. But, as uncomfortable as it may feel, sometimes quitting is the best thing you can do for yourself.
Other people’s perceptions often get in the way of our desire for change. “What will my team think of me if I leave the company?”, “This partnership is no longer serving me, but I don’t know how to have the conversations that need to be had”, “I don’t have the bandwidth to give to this hobby anymore but I don’t want to disappoint my friends”, etc. Do these questions sound familiar?
As an entrepreneur I’ve faced numerous challenges that forced me to question my path both professional and personally. Over the years, I’ve narrowed down five questions that I use as a guide to determine if I would benefit more from persevering or allowing myself to embrace change.
Take a moment to consider a crossroads in your life or a big decision that has been weighing down on you for a while. Now ask yourself these questions:
1 — Sunk Costs: Are you continuing just because of the time and resources that you’ve already put in? Does the value of your past investment outweigh the current and future investment required to continue?
2 — Effort and Outcomes: Have you done everything possible to succeed? Is there anything you could change up to see if it would drive different results?
3 — Original Intentions: Why did you start this endeavor in the first place? Are you still reaping the intended benefits or have circumstances changed?
4 — Opportunities Upon Quitting: What new possibilities could quitting open up? I’m not just talking business here. Could quitting a side project open up space for you to pursue something more aligned with your goals? Could it bring you more energy to funnel into your family or wellness journey?
5 — Joy and Satisfaction: Does this path still bring you joy? If it doesn’t — the answer will alw

Hello,
In this week’s episode of Outside Insights, I was joined by Mac Macleod, the co-founder of Carvertise, a successful media company revolutionizing ride-share advertising. Mac and I go way back to the start up days of Carvertise as I worked closely with his co-founder, and previous podcast guest, Greg in local not- for-profit work with Junior Achievement of Delaware. Over the years, Mac and I have always scheduled time to talk business and share ideas and concepts that have helped us at key reflection points in our lives. We have been in MasterMind Leader groups together, shared the stage at entrepreneurial events, even done other podcasts together. I’m honored to now have Mac as a guest on the Outside Insights Podcast.
A summary of our discussion can be found below, but I encourage you to listen to the podcast episode here during your next commute!
Founded in 2012, Carvertise has become a big player in the advertising industry by leveraging ride-share vehicles for advertising. Major brands, like Netflix and 7-Eleven, partner with Carvertise to strategically place ads on Uber and Lyft cars to boost brand visibility. Even if you’re not familiar with the Carvertise name, you’ve definitely seen these advertisements if you’re cruising around major cities.
Mac’s Entrepreneurial Journey
Mac and I took a deep dive into discussing the trials, successes, and personal and professional growth that comes with entrepreneurship. During our discussion, Mac stressed the importance of enjoying the entrepreneurial process, despite inevitable challenges. Mac talks about the excitement and “adrenaline” of the early startup days when everything feels possible. Like many young entrepreneurs, he used to want to “conquer” every day but now focuses on chipping away consistently.
A significant part of the discussion revolved around how leadership styles must evolve as a company grows. Mac reflected on the shift from being hands-on and leading by example in the early stages, to adopting a more strategic and supportive role as Carvertise expanded. Effective leadership, according to Mac, now involves empowering a skilled team to drive the company’s vision forward, making adjustments as necessary to navigate the unpredictable landscape of business.
Finding Balance and Personal Growth
In true Outside Insights fashion, Mac and I discussed how to maintain a balance between the demands of entrepreneurship and the other facets of life. We share a similar approach to finding this balance, as Matt makes time for activities that recharge him, such as Brazilian jiu-jitsu, which helps him stay present and engaged. This practice of self-care and mindfulness is crucial for sustaining the energy and creativity needed to tackle daily business challenges. You can’t show up for others if you don’t show up for yourself.
Mac’s journey with Carvertise illustrates the multifaceted nature of entrepreneurship, from the excitement of starting up to the complexities of scaling a business. His insights serve as valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs, highlighting the need for resilience, adaptability, and a clear sense of purpose.
Until next time, friends.
Chris
 
Mac’s Book Recommendations:
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In case you missed it, Placers President Chris Burkhard shared his Outside Insights vlog on our 2024 theme: "Our Theme Is To Be"
Despite loss, he urged us to "embrace change & find opportunity in every moment."
Key Quotes:
"Be present, supportive & our best selves to honor our colleague's legacy."
"This year is about being over doing...moving forward with intention."
"Be true to who we are & ready to adapt."
Watch Chris' full Outside Insights vlog for his inspiring perspective.
#PlacersStrong #BeingOverDoing #OutsideInsights #2024Theme

I’m a Delawarian through and through and perhaps one of my favorite characteristics of our little state is the big impact that local nonprofits have on our communities. I’ve been honored to speak with many leaders from these non-profits and am thankful that I can further their message through the Outside Insights platform.
Recently, I had the chance to speak with the co-founder of one of my favorite organizations yet: Cierra Hall-Hipkins from Network Connect.
Founded in 2019, Network Connect serves as a bridge to fill gaps in Delaware’s community services by providing unique support tailored to the needs of Black and Brown families. Cierra and her team work to build community capacity by coordinating grassroots and local partners to provide youth and families with social services, education programs, workforce skills, and mental health support.
Follow this link to listen to this episode of Outside Insights to learn more about Network Connect’s mission.
Two of the Network Connect’s critical initiatives you’ll hear about in the podcast include their Community Well-Being Ambassador (CWA) program and their Future Culture Creators workforce development program for teens.
The ambassador program employs local residents to serve as connectors between community members and resources. CWAs provide mental health, substance abuse, positive activities, youth support, and essential needs solutions.
The workforce development program provides teens with professional skills as well as training in design thinking and civic engagement. Over 100 youth have already graduated from this life-changing program!
So, what inspired Cierra to take on such an important mission in the first place? Cierra’s motivation comes from her lifelong passion for service and Wilmington roots. With degrees in rehab counseling and experience in nonprofits and education, she has witnessed firsthand the needs not being met in many communities.
Running a growing nonprofit is not without challenges, but Cierra stays resilient. She emphasizes the importance of empathy, patience, and sticking through the tough times. Support from her team and her spiritual grounding also keep her going.
There are always more people to serve, so Network Connect continues to expand their impact — and the team has big goals this year! Please consider supporting Network Connect’s mission by attending their fundraising gala on Friday, April 20. Tickets can be purchased here! Be sure to follow along with Network Connect’s mission on Facebook and Instagram.
Thank you for listening, reading, and supporting this important cause, friends.
Chris
Helpful Links:
– Website: www.networkconnect.org
– Facebook: Network Connect
– Instagram: wearenetworkconnect
– Upcoming Gala: April 20th at the Community Education Building

In life, we encounter a diverse cast of characters. Among the cast that surrounds us, there are characters that particularly stand out, such as energy vampires — individuals who, knowingly or unknowingly, sap our vitality and leave us feeling drained. These individuals aren’t confined to our social circles; they can also reside within us, manifesting as counterproductive thoughts and internal conflicts.
The key to a peaceful life lies in our ability to manage our energy wisely, intentionally choosing where to focus our attention.
Imagine an alarm clock that goes off constantly, without serving an actual purpose — begging for attention and probably being more than a little unsettling. That’s an energy vampire — metaphorically, at least.
Have you ever found yourself multitasking to the point of distraction, or caught in a meditation session that’s hijacked by a barrage of unrelated thoughts? This internal battle not only zaps our focus but also our enjoyment of the present moment. Those thoughts? Energy vampires.
The company we keep can significantly impact our energy levels. Reflect on the people who invigorate you, those whose presence motivates you. On the flip side, consider those whose company leaves you feeling drained after every interaction — whether it be from negativity, complaints or just hard to handle egos.
Identifying Common Energy Vampires
Energy vampires come in various forms, and recognizing them is the first step toward reclaiming our energy and peace:
The Complainer: This type thrives on negativity, turning every conversation into an opportunity to vent, leaving us emotionally spent. You can set healthy boundaries with these types of energy vampires while still being a good friend.The Narcissist: They demand constant attention and admiration, draining our emotional reserves.The Victim: Trapped in self-pity, they offload their burdens onto us, impeding on our own emotional space.To protect our well-being, it’s crucial to establish boundaries. Learning to say “no” and prioritizing our mental health over our relationships with energy vampires is key. Lets face it, some of those that are energy vampires are family, dear friends, business partners, neighbors, they are all around us. Take a second and pause, you do not have to engage, be dragged into the drama, or even participate. You have the right and can develop the skill to emotionally detach yourself. You’re not being rude, rather you’re practicing equanimity — mental calmness in the face of adversity. So you have a choice, don’t allow yourself to get to the place of resentment, anger and martyrdom. Don’t engage.
And beyond external factors, we must also manage the energy vampires within our minds. Competing thoughts, doubts, and fears can exhaust our mental health, much like physical exertion wears out the body.
So, how exactly do we protect ourselves from internal energy vampires?
Meditation, mindfulness, and self-reflection are potent antidotes to the internal chaos. By becoming aware of our thought patterns, we can channel our mental energy towards more positive and productive pursuits, rather than letting it be siphoned off by these internal distractions.
Life is far too precious to be overshadowed by energy vampires. My challenge to you is to make a conscious effort to identify these draining influences, whether they’re in your circles or within yourself, and take active steps to minimize their impact.
Start this week and begin to uncover these hidden drains on your energy, establish firm boundaries, and cultivate positive habits that nurture a more balanced and enjoyable life. In doing so, you can ensure your life is filled with the vibrancy and peace you deserve.
Until next time, friends.
Chris

https://myplacers.com/energy-vampires-navigating-draining-forces-in-our-lives

In this insightful episode of the Outside Insights podcast, I sat down with John Ratliff, the entrepreneurial force behind Align 5 and CEO of Scaling Up Coaches.
During the episode, John and I discuss the multifaceted journey of entrepreneurship and the significance of mental health and creativity in the entrepreneurial realm.  I have known John for decades and admire his body of work, accomplishments and drive to impact the entrepreneurial landscape globally. John has been a top 100 wish list target for Outside Insights - goal accomplished!
Few have built a business from scratch, bootstrapped, built organically, grown by acquisition, exited successfully, been an investment banker, entrepreneurial coach, leader of coaches and all in all entrepreneurial advocate. Most importantly, John is a learner, loves new ideas and seems to always see the possibilities and bigger picture. I’m always feeling inspired by John.
Save this podcast for your next commute or workout to hear two serial entrepreneurs discuss: 
The importance of recognizing and leveraging hidden assets within your business or any new venture. The value of external perspectives in uncovering these "Rembrandts."The challenges of entrepreneurship, including the risk of isolation and mental health struggles.The significance of creativity, curiosity, and continuous learning in navigating the fast-paced business landscape.The need for a supportive community and the willingness to seek help and mentorship.John Ratliff's entrepreneurial voyage began with his call center business, which, despite initial hurdles, laid the foundation for his understanding of business dynamics and growth strategies. His involvement with Align 5 and Scaling Up Coaches underscores his commitment to nurturing middle-market companies and their leaders, emphasizing the critical role these entities play in the economy.
A pivotal theme John discusses is the concept of "Finding Your Rembrandt in the Attic." This metaphor illustrates the often-overlooked assets within businesses that, when recognized and leveraged, can significantly enhance a company's value. John stresses the importance of external perspectives in identifying these hidden treasures - someone to help you see what may have been right in front of you the whole time.
The conversation also touches on the solitary nature of entrepreneurship. John candidly shares the challenges and internal struggles many entrepreneurs face, including the risk of isolation, depression, and burnout. He advocates for a supportive community and the courage to seek help, emphasizing the importance of mental health awareness and self-care in the entrepreneurial journey.
John’s leadership philosophy is deeply ingrained in the principles of creativity and lifelong learning. In an era marked by rapid technological advancements and societal shifts, he believes that the ability to adapt and innovate is paramount for entrepreneurial success. His parting advice for entrepreneurs: Take moments to reflect on achievements and while remaining grounded in the fundamentals of business. Don’t get caught in the allure of rapid, often unsustainable, growth strategies. 
I hope you find yourself as inspired as I am in guests like John - who have achieved their goals many times over through grit, resilience and a healthy amount of stubborness. 
Thanks for listening, friends.
Chris
Links
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