Outside Insights

Chris Burkhard
  • 4.6 (10)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
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Outside Insights with Chris Burkhard is a podcast for people who want more — more clarity, more purpose, more impact. Hosted by entrepreneur and lifelong learner Chris Burkhard, the show explores how bold leaders, builders, and thinkers close the gap between the life they have and the life they want. Through honest conversations and powerful stories, we unpack the lessons that shape real lives and careers. If you're looking for ideas that challenge you, motivate you, and help you grow — you’re in the right place. 🎙️ New episodes drop every other week. 🌐 Listen at myplacers.com/outside-insights 📩 Follow for fresh insights that meet you where you are — and push you further.

  1. DEC 5

    The Moving Meditation: Living with Gratitude, Resilience, and Awareness - Episode 68

    Send us a text I had the honor of hosting a long-time mentor and friend, Robert Larson, CPC. Bob’s journey is one I’ve followed since the start of my first business, and he even inspired my own early yoga practice by bringing his personal interests into the workplace. The episode is less about business growth and more about personal resilience and the powerful difference between working on your business versus in it; and ultimately, working on yourself. From Bicycle Messengers to Boutique Practice Bob's career spans decades, starting when résumés were shuttled by bicycle messengers and a portable fax machine cost $4,500. He built a large, successful staffing firm. However, as the conversation reveals, he deliberately chose to downsize a few years ago. He found that running a large operation meant working on the business. Downsizing allowed him to return to the craft, the hands-on work of interviewing and placement, and find fulfillment, proving that the work is more fulfilling. The Catastrophic Gift of Life Bob's most compelling story is about the massive health crisis he faced over 20 years ago that put him on life support, reshaping his outlook on life, work, and gratitude. He discusses how his decades-long practices in silent meditation and Bikram (hot) yoga became his lifeline. When he woke up on a respirator, he used the machine's rhythm to perform Ujjayi breathing meditation. As his sister-in-law wisely noted, he "trained his entire life for these illnesses." Now, at 75, he embodies reinvention and acceptance, trading marathons for chair yoga, and viewing every physical challenge as a teaching moment. The Core Takeaway: Find Your DNA Life comes with no warranties or guarantees. Bob's advice on career and contentment is simple yet revolutionary: find what is in your DNA and what you love to do, and the money will follow. His perspective on career fulfillment, the necessity of personal practice, and the struggle to stay in the present moment is a powerful reminder that awareness is the practice, and coming back to stillness is the key to clarity. "If a person does what they love, the money follows because they rise to the top of what they're doing." — Robert Larson, CPC Listen to the Full Conversation Don't miss Bob's incredible story of resilience and his profound advice on living an aware and grateful life. Books, Websites, and Resources Mentioned We always highlight the resources mentioned by our guests so you can follow their lead. Substack: You can follow Bob Larson's active daily blog and get a peek into his daily practice of gratitude and awarenessA Book for Letting Go: Let Them by Mel RobbinsThe Business Essential: The E-Myth Revisited by Michael E. GerberCareer Assessments: The Kuder Career Assessment and Campbell Interest and Skill SurveyUntil next time, friends,  Chris If this conversation resonates, forward it to a friend or colleague. Insight is meant to be shared. Quick reviews on your listening app go a long way, too.

    45 min

  2. NOV 7

    The Business of You: From Employee to CEO of Your Own Life – Episode 67

    Send us a text Welcome back Marnie Stockman, Ed.D. and Nick Coniglio, authors of the phenomenal new book, The Business of You. This episode provides a complete methodology for anyone doing the “right things” (good grades, internships, etc.) but still struggling to stand out or land the job they actually want. It's time to stop letting the world define your value and start defining it yourself. The traditional career ladder is obsolete. We discuss why you must Run Your Life Like a Business, serving as your own CEO, Head of HR (identifying your core values), and Head of Marketing (crafting your personal brand). We explore the essential difference between the old Credential Ladder (stacking titles) and the Value Ladder (generating value for others). Learn why you need a Personal Board of Advisors—specifically a Challenger—to push you. Your competitive advantage is your Story. In a world of AI-scanned resumes, learn how to move from selling your story to genuinely sharing it. Finally, we cover the Power of Adaptability and why you must practice resilience using a pre-mortem to stress-test your plans before they fail. “If you’re not intentionally taking care of what your persona is in the public, it will be done for you. People will make assumptions.” Listen to Episode 67 for the full discussion. Until next time, friends,  Chris

    41 min

  3. OCT 10

    Ari Weinzweig on Vision, Dignity & the Art of Business – Episode 66

    Send us a text I’ve wanted Ari Weinzweig on the show for a long time. If you don’t know Ari, he co-founded Zingerman’s in Ann Arbor and helped grow a single deli into a whole community of businesses including a bakehouse, coffee shop, candy store, ZingTrain, and more, without losing soul. That’s rare. We cover a lot, but here are the big beats, human-sized: From Dishes to Direction Ari didn’t plan a career in food. He connected with great people, put in the work, and eventually discovered the power of writing a clear, story-based vision, not just a spreadsheet of goals. It’s All One Life Self-awareness isn’t a side project. If you’re pretending to be someone else at work, it shows. The real win is being the same person both on and off the clock. Systems That Serve People ZingTrain turned good habits into teachable tools: purposeful meetings, open-book rhythms, and change done with people (Bottom-Line Change). Business as Art What if every email, service moment, and decision is a brushstroke? Choose beauty on purpose, especially when it’s easier not to. Dignity, Daily Ari shared six practices that make workplace cultures feel different in the best way: Honor everyone’s humanityBe authentic (without acting out)Give people a meaningful sayStart from positive beliefsHelp folks reach their version of greatness (within your values)Work toward equity: pay, information, access, and supportWhy This Matters Right Now Uncertain times tempt leaders to tighten fists and shrink vision. Ari argues the opposite: tell a vivid story of where you’re going, build simple systems that help people win, and practice dignity, especially when you’re tired. That combination scales culture without hollowing it out. “Vision is a story of the future you want to create, done from the heart, not just from a momentary strategic analysis.” Links & resources Listen to Episode #66 with Ari WeinzweigZingerman’s Community of Businesses (deli, bakehouse, creamery, mail order, coffee, Roadhouse, candy, Cornman Farms, Miss Kim, food tours)ZingTrain training: visioning, service, open-book habits, Bottom-Line ChangeAri’s books & pamphlets: A Lapsed Anarchist’s Guide series; The Art of Business; A Revolution of Dignity; Life Lessons I Learned fro

    1h 9m

  4. AUG 29

    Building for the Long Game – Episode 65

    Send us a text This week on Outside Insights, I sat down with my good friend John Sanders, founder of Bridgeforce, to talk about what it really takes to build a business that endures. John’s story isn’t about quick wins or flashy exits. Over the past 25 years, he and his partner have built a management consultancy serving global banks, credit unions, fintechs, and lenders — staying true to the values they set on day one. The Leap of Faith Bridgeforce began with a breakfast conversation, a bold “I’m in,” and a same-day resignation. No parachute. No safety net. Just conviction that failure was not an option. That leap defined the next quarter-century of John’s life. Lessons from the Journey Throughout our conversation, John shared some hard-earned lessons: Every stage brings new challenges. Surviving the first three years was one kind of test. Scaling brought others. Even today, the obstacles evolve.Motion creates insight. You can’t steer a parked car. Progress requires movement, even when the path isn’t perfect.Culture matters. Bridgeforce was built on a simple plus/minus exercise: do more of what we admired in others, none of what we didn’t. That clarity still guides the company.Protect what you value. Whether it’s intellectual property, your people, or your principles, what matters to you will matter to others — and sometimes it must be defended.Strategic energy beats constant energy. You don’t need to win every race. You just need to run the right ones.Leadership Through Crisis We also talked about leading in uncertain times, including the pandemic. John’s approach was deeply personal: calling every employee, shouldering their worries, and reminding them they didn’t have to carry the weight alone. That philosophy — let me worry for you — says a lot about the leader John has become. What He’d Tell His 21-Year-Old Self Relax. Sit in the pocket. Don’t rush. And… buy Apple stock. Recommended Reading One of John’s all-time favorite books is Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom — a reminder that the most profound lessons on how to live often come from those nearing the end. Connect with John You can learn more about John and Bridgeforce at: 👉 Bridgeforce.com In the end, John and I agreed that the true rewards in business and life are often the simplest: a good meal, a walk, and maybe a nap. 🎧 Listen to Episode 65 now 📩 Share this with someone who’s carrying too much alone — and could use a reminder that leadership means sharing the load. Until next time, friends, Chris

    49 min

  5. AUG 15

    Find Your Cult Customer—and Scale Without Losing Your Soul - Episode 64

    Send us a text How business coach Nikhil Paul helps companies grow by going narrow, not wide Most business owners think scaling means reaching more people. Nikhil Paul says it’s the opposite. In this week’s Outside Insights, my longtime friend and small business growth coach shares why the fastest path to growth is going narrow, not wide—and how identifying your cult customer can transform your business. “You don’t need everyone to get to the top. You just need a small, cultish base that loves you, forgives you, and tells everyone about you.” – Nikhil PaulYour cult customer is the one who: Pays you the mostForgives you when you mess upLoves your product so much they can’t stop talking about itWhen you know exactly who they are—and build your business around them—you stop chasing everyone, and start leading someone. We explore: What CrossFit, Costco, and Patagonia can teach us about niche obsessionWhy embracing your “weirdos” can turn a company into a movementThe pen-and-paper exercise that reveals your cult customers in 10 minutesHow doubling down on your core audience can let you break industry rules and still winAlong the way, Nikhil shares real-world stories—from Death Wish Coffee’s “too strong” gamble to Solé Bicycles’ pivot from exercise gear to lifestyle brand—that show how focus fuels profit, loyalty, and freedom. If you’re trying to scale beyond $5M, reconnect with your company’s heart, or cut through the noise, this episode will give you the clarity—and courage—you’ve been looking for. 🎧 Listen to Episode 63 now 📩 Share this with a founder or leader who’s ready to grow by going narrow. Until next time, Chris If this conversation resonates, forward it to a friend or colleague. Insight is meant to be shared.

    46 min

  6. JUL 25

    Reset Your Journey  -  How One Family Traded Comfort for Freedom  - Episode 63

    Send us a text “It didn’t ruin anything. This was the most incredible memory — one I’ll take to my deathbed that can never be taken away.” — Rose Willard What would it take to step away from a life that looks successful — but no longer feels like your own? In Episode 63 of Outside Insights, I talk with Rose and Glynn Willard — entrepreneurs, parents, adventurers, and creators of Reset Your Journey. After building a thriving fitness business and moving into their dream home, they made a radical decision: to sell everything, buy an RV, and travel full-time with their kids. Their story offers an honest, vulnerable look at how to bridge the gap between the life you’re living and the life you truly desire. This isn’t just a story about RV living — it’s about: Taking a “mini retirement” or earned pause to reset your prioritiesBuilding a financially sustainable life of freedom without sacrificing securityRoadschooling and raising resilient kids outside the normEmbracing discomfort, minimalism, and the unknownFacing the challenges of reentry after living differentlyWe talk about everything from boondocking tips and mobile tech setups to how they sold their business — and why they sometimes question that decision. We explore how they protected their time, learned to slow down, and what they’d do differently if they started again. Their journey holds lessons for anyone considering a sabbatical, navigating a career pivot, or wondering how to live with more intention — without losing everything they’ve worked for. If you’ve ever asked yourself: Could I live more simply?What’s really keeping me stuck?Is now the time to make a leap?Then this episode is for you. 🎧 Listen to Episode 63 🌐 Explore their blog + videos: https://www.resetyourjourney.com Whether you’re dreaming of a slower pace or simply curious about what it takes to redefine success — this is the conversation you need to hear. Until next time, friends, Chris

    49 min

  7. JUL 18

    From Engineer to CEO: The Calculated Risks That Built a Business - Episode 62

    Send us a text In this week’s episode of Outside Insights, I sit down with longtime friend, entrepreneur, and mechanical engineer turned CEO, Tom Embley—and he tells the kind of founder story we rarely get to hear in full. From his earliest days as employee #1 at a small industrial startup to founding a direct competitor, merging businesses, buying out partners, and ultimately selling to a global player, Tom’s path is one of grit, strategy, and deep self-awareness. But what really stuck with me? His honesty about the moments in between. Leaving a secure job (and paycheck) with nothing but a plan and a belief in himself.Navigating difficult partnerships and learning the hard way what equity really means.Borrowing against his home to chase opportunity—and doing the math to make it work.Being called out by his wife for missing their child’s christening—and choosing from that point forward to be a great father and founder.This conversation is about more than building a successful business—it’s about building a life. One with values, mentorship, resilience, and (yes) a few sleepless nights. We also dig into: How Tom learned to love leadership and tolerate salesWhy peer groups saved his business (twice)His favorite practices from Rockefeller HabitsWhat advice he’d give his 21-year-old self (spoiler: “Stop being so damn arrogant”)And how a strong culture—not just great products—became his company’s greatest assetIf you’ve ever wondered whether you’re cut out for entrepreneurship, or if you’re simply trying to build something that lasts, this one’s for you. 🎧 Listen to the full episode HERE 📩 Forward it to someone who needs a nudge to bet on themselves. Until next time, friends, Chris

    55 min

  8. JUL 3

    Born to Be Made: Building the MUSCLE of Leadership with Dr. Bryan Deptula

    Send us a text What it really takes to grow into the leader you're meant to be—on your terms, over time, and from the inside out. As we head into the July 4th holiday, a time when we reflect on freedom, progress, and reinvention, it feels fitting to bring you this powerful new episode with Dr. Bryan Deptula, leadership expert and author of Leaders Are Born to Be Made. Bryan is one of the most grounded, engaging, and purpose-driven voices I’ve come across. His philosophy? That leadership isn’t reserved for the chosen few. It’s a skill, one we can all build, train, and strengthen over time. In our conversation, Bryan opens up about his own unlikely path from corporate sales leader to PhD, professor, and consultant. He shares how pivotal moments in his life—like a tough-love lesson from his godmother “Mama Sis” and a tent-bound self-reflection under the Indian River Inlet Bridge—helped him shed old versions of himself to grow into who he’s meant to become. We dive deep into his MUSCLE framework: M: Me – Start with self-leadership U: Understanding – Grow your leadership intelligence S: Strategy – Align with vision, mission, and values C: Conflict – Use it productively L: Learning – Commit to growth E: Entrepreneurship – Own your path, whether you run a business or lead from withinThis isn’t just theory, Bryan brings real-world experience, relatable stories, and an unfiltered look at what leadership looks like when it’s done with heart, humility, and a willingness to get uncomfortable. He also reminds us that the best leaders are the ones who keep learning, keep failing forward, and keep living. As Bryan puts it: “Start leading by treating yourself as the most important individual you can work on first.” This is a conversation for anyone at a crossroads, whether you’re a seasoned executive, a rising manager, or someone wondering what it takes to lead your own life a little better. Books mentioned in this episode: Leaders Are Born to Be Made – Bryan Deptula Essentialism – Greg McKeown Team of Rivals – Doris Kearns Goodwin Unique Ability – Dan Sullivan Plus shoutouts to Adam Grant and the value of failing forwardWhether you're tuning in from the car, the beach, or your morning walk, I hope this one leaves you thinking a little differently about what it means to be a leader—starting with you. 🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.  And let us know: What’s one part of your own leadership “muscle” you want to grow next? Until next time, friends, Chris

    1h 3m
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4.6
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Outside Insights with Chris Burkhard is a podcast for people who want more — more clarity, more purpose, more impact. Hosted by entrepreneur and lifelong learner Chris Burkhard, the show explores how bold leaders, builders, and thinkers close the gap between the life they have and the life they want. Through honest conversations and powerful stories, we unpack the lessons that shape real lives and careers. If you're looking for ideas that challenge you, motivate you, and help you grow — you’re in the right place. 🎙️ New episodes drop every other week. 🌐 Listen at myplacers.com/outside-insights 📩 Follow for fresh insights that meet you where you are — and push you further.

Information

  • Creator
    Chris Burkhard
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    79
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Outside Insights
  • Show Website
    Outside Insights