Million Dollar Relationships

Kevin Thompson
  • 5.0 (14)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Weekly

Have you ever been introduced to a person that completely changed the course of your business or your life… so much so, that much of what you have today wouldn't be possible, if not for this person? Each week on The Million Dollar Relationships Podcast, your host Kevin Thompson interviews successful entrepreneurs, founders, and CEOs as they share their personal stories and experience around this very question. Your invitation is to have a seat at the head of the table as they honor and introduce you to the most valuable people in their lives and remind us that relationship capital is the most valuable asset we possess. Each week you'll be inspired and motivated to intentionally create more meaningful, rewarding and profitable relationships in your life so that together we can make a far bigger impact in this world.

  1. 18h ago

    Leading Through Crisis with Conan Higgins

    What if the best leaders aren't the ones who avoid crises, but the ones who prepare for them before they happen? In this episode, attorney, leadership consultant, retired military officer, and author Conan Higgins shares how decades of experience in the military, law enforcement, and the legal profession shaped his approach to crisis leadership. From responding to life-or-death situations to advising organizations through complex challenges, Conan explains why preparation, emotional intelligence, and strong relationships are the foundation of effective leadership. Conan also discusses the inspiration behind his book, The Maverick's Blueprint: Crisis Leadership for an Unstable World, why every entrepreneur should develop an early warning system for their business, and how the relationships we build before a crisis often determine how well we navigate it when it arrives.   [00:02:45] What He Does and Who He Serves Attorney, leadership consultant, retired Army officer, and former law enforcement officer. Helps organizations prepare for and respond to complex crises. Advises leaders on risk management, crisis response, and organizational resilience. Believes leadership begins long before a crisis ever unfolds. [00:06:30] Learning Leadership Through Service Reflects on lessons from military service and law enforcement. Explains how leading under pressure shaped his decision-making. Learned that trust is built long before it's tested. Says leadership is earned through consistency and service. [00:12:00] Why Relationships Matter in a Crisis Strong relationships create confidence when difficult decisions must be made. Trust allows teams to communicate honestly during uncertainty. Explains why credibility cannot be built in the middle of a crisis. Believes people always remember how leaders made them feel during difficult moments. [00:18:30] Solving Problems Before They Become Emergencies Encourages leaders to identify risks before they become crises. Shares examples of organizations that avoided major setbacks through preparation. Explains why awareness is more valuable than reacting quickly. Says successful leaders pay attention to small warning signs. [00:25:00] The Value of Emotional Intelligence Explains why emotional intelligence is essential during high-pressure situations. Learned to read people before focusing on solving problems. Understanding people often reveals the real challenge. Believes empathy strengthens both leadership and decision-making. [00:31:00] Lessons From Years of Experience Reflects on the importance of learning from every assignment and every challenge. Encourages leaders to capture lessons instead of simply moving on. Says experience only becomes valuable when we intentionally reflect on it. Believes growth comes through thoughtful evaluation. [00:38:00] Why Relationships Require Consistency Shares why checking in with people shouldn't only happen when something is needed. Believes meaningful relationships are built through generosity and mutual support. Says the strongest professional relationships naturally become trusted friendships. Explains why investing in people always pays long-term dividends. [00:45:00] Giving Before Asking Describes healthy relationships as a continual exchange of giving and receiving. Explains why genuine check-ins often lead to meaningful conversations. Shares how trusted relationships become valuable sources of advice during difficult seasons. Says crises become easier to navigate when you're surrounded by people you trust. [00:46:30] The Story Behind His Book Wrote The Maverick's Blueprint: Crisis Leadership for an Unstable World after stepping away from his doctoral dissertation. Wanted the book to feel like a conversation rather than a textbook. Focuses on practical leadership lessons people can apply immediately. Encourages readers to recognize the value of their own life experiences. [00:50:00] Price Versus Cost Explains why investing in preparation is far less expensive than recovering from failure. Shares a consulting example where a risk assessment prevented far greater losses. Encourages leaders to think beyond immediate expenses. Says understanding the true cost of inaction changes every decision. [00:53:00] Building an Early Warning System Introduces his DETECT Framework for identifying warning signs before crises escalate. Says most crises leave clues long before they become emergencies. Encourages leaders to listen closely to experts and frontline team members. Believes preparation begins by learning what others are already seeing. [00:56:00] Meaningful Action Over Busy Activity Explains that activity isn't the same as progress. Encourages organizations to continually evaluate communication, stakeholder alignment, and resource challenges. Says leaders should develop systems that help them identify problems early. Believes thoughtful preparation creates confident decision-makers. [00:58:00] Slowing Down to Appreciate the Journey Reflects on the people who shaped his career and leadership journey. Shares the story of his detective partner stopping to admire Mount Rainier. Uses the moment as a reminder to slow down and appreciate what's right in front of us. Says meaningful relationships have been the greatest gift throughout his career.   KEY QUOTES "Crises will happen. That's the operating environment. Whether they're personal or professional, there will be days when you wish you could have stayed in bed, but you can't." - Conan Higgins "If you don't have good people around you, that's a harder fight. Relationships are what help you navigate the days you never saw coming." - Conan Higgins "Most crises aren't sudden events. Usually there are warning signs that were missed, ignored, or people simply weren't trained to recognize." - Conan Higgins CONNECT WITH CONAN HIGGINS Website: https://conanhiggins.com Book: The Maverick's Blueprint: Crisis Leadership for an Unstable World Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/conanhiggins   Thanks for tuning in! If you liked my show, please LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW, like, and subscribe! Find me on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | iHeart Radio | Stitcher

  2. 3d ago

    The Power of Perseverance with Carlos Antillano

    What if the greatest advantage in business isn't talent, but the willingness to keep learning and never give up? In this episode, Carlos Antillano, Vice President of the Americas for Mauviel 1830, entrepreneur, author, and lifelong student, shares the journey that took him from selling cookware on eBay out of his bathroom to leading one of the world's most respected luxury cookware brands. Along the way, he reveals why curiosity, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to learning have been the driving forces behind every opportunity he's earned. Carlos also reflects on the relationships that shaped his leadership, from a scuba diving instructor who taught him confidence under pressure to a business mentor who helped him develop empathy for customers. Together, they explore why listening is one of the most valuable skills any entrepreneur can develop and how perseverance continues to open doors that once seemed impossible.   [00:04:00] What He Does and Who He Serves Serves as Vice President of the Americas for Mauviel 1830, overseeing business across North and South America. Built multiple businesses in the digital commerce space before joining the luxury cookware industry. Combines entrepreneurship, leadership, and innovation to help grow global brands. Continues to pursue new ideas while embracing emerging technologies like AI. [00:06:00] Building a Career Through Curiosity Originally planned to become a doctor before discovering entrepreneurship. Started selling cookware on eBay after moving to the United States from Venezuela. Grew a business from a bathroom, to a storage unit, to a warehouse with employees. Returned full circle by leading the same cookware brand that gave him his first opportunity. [00:09:00] Why Learning Never Stops Believes continuous learning is the foundation of long-term success. Encourages entrepreneurs to embrace failure as part of the learning process. Compares today's AI revolution to the early days of the internet. Says perseverance comes from staying curious, adapting, and continuing to grow. [00:11:00] Helping Others Reach Their Potential Finds the greatest fulfillment in seeing people grow beyond what they believed was possible. Shares the story of an employee who developed into an industry expert under his mentorship. Speaks openly about mental health and the importance of supporting people beyond their professional development. Believes great leadership helps people thrive both personally and professionally. [00:14:00] The Story Behind His Book Wrote The Ultimate Perseverance Training to encourage entrepreneurs facing setbacks and self-doubt. Opens up about his own struggles with mental health, balance, and resilience. Never intended to become an author but wanted others to know they weren't alone. Has since been invited to speak about perseverance, leadership, and mental wellness. [00:19:00] The Relationship That Changed Everything Credits his scuba diving instructor, Tony Posimato, with shaping his confidence and leadership. Learned how to remain calm under pressure and recognize when others need support. Says the lessons he learned underwater continue to influence how he leads today. Believes those experiences prepared him for challenges far beyond diving. [00:21:00] Learning to Lead with Empathy Credits Mauviel Chairwoman Valerie for changing the way he approaches leadership. Learned to understand customers by listening before offering solutions. Grew from a digital entrepreneur into a trusted leader within the culinary industry. Says empathy cannot be learned from books. It develops through relationships and experience. [00:24:00] Relationships Open Doors Shares experiences working alongside leaders at Williams Sonoma, Amazon, and Michelin-starred chefs. Reflects on moments that once felt impossible but became reality through years of consistent growth. Shows how trusted relationships create opportunities that expertise alone cannot. Encourages entrepreneurs to remain humble as new opportunities emerge. [00:30:00] The Power of Listening Believes listening is one of the greatest competitive advantages in business. Says meaningful relationships begin by understanding people before trying to help them. Explains that great leaders ask thoughtful questions and pay close attention to the answers. Encourages entrepreneurs to become connectors by first becoming better listeners. [00:33:00] Final Thoughts: Never Give Up Honors his grandmother as the greatest example of perseverance in his life. Shares how her resilience continues to shape his mindset decades later. Reminds listeners that growth comes through persistence, not perfection. Leaves entrepreneurs with a simple message: keep learning, keep serving, and never give up.   KEY QUOTES "Scuba diving gave me structure, gave me leadership, gave me the ability to defeat those insecurities that are normal." - Carlos Antillano "Failures are gonna come. It's part of life. It's how you are able to navigate through those failures and transform that failure into a lesson." - Carlos Antillano "You just need to be open. It's a beautiful cycle at the end of the day. We have asked for help, and people have asked us for help." - Carlos Antillano CONNECT WITH CARLOS ANTILLANO Website: https://mauviel-usa.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlosantillano Book: The Ultimate Perseverance Training   Thanks for tuning in! If you liked my show, please LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW, like, and subscribe! Find me on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | iHeart Radio | Stitcher

  3. Jul 17

    Finding Freedom Within with Pratiqk Jaani

    What if everything you've been searching for has been within you all along? In this episode, Pratiqk Jaani, author of Drashti: The Perception and creator of the Drashti Method, shares the life-changing realization that transformed the way he experiences success, relationships, and everyday life. After years of pursuing achievement, personal growth, and external validation, he discovered that lasting fulfillment isn't something we find. It's something we remember. Pratiqk explains how the subconscious mind shapes our beliefs, behaviors, and relationships, often without us realizing it. Through personal stories, practical examples, and thought-provoking analogies, he reveals how changing our perception can lead to greater peace, stronger relationships, and a life no longer driven by fear or the need for constant achievement.   [00:02:30] What He Does and Who He Serves Author of Drashti: The Perception and creator of the Drashti Method. Helps people understand the subconscious patterns behind fear, anxiety, and emotional struggle. Guides individuals toward greater awareness, inner peace, and lasting fulfillment. Believes lasting transformation begins by changing how we perceive ourselves and the world. [00:05:00] The Search for Something More Spent years pursuing success through business, personal development, and achievement. Discovered that every accomplishment led to another goal instead of lasting fulfillment. Began questioning why external success never felt complete. Realized the answers he was seeking couldn't be found outside himself. [00:08:00] Discovering Wholeness Experienced a shift from constantly chasing to living from a place of completeness. Learned that peace comes from recognizing what already exists within us. Stopped measuring life by outcomes and started appreciating each experience. Says fulfillment isn't something we achieve, but something we awaken to. [00:12:00] Why We Keep Chasing Explains how society conditions us to seek happiness through external achievements. Believes most goals are driven by a desire to feel complete. Shares why success alone can never satisfy the deeper longing within us. Introduces the core philosophy behind the Drashti Method. [00:16:00] The Closed Fist Analogy Uses a clenched fist to illustrate how fear and tension block new opportunities. Explains why operating from survival keeps people focused on scarcity. Encourages people to relax their grip and trust the process. Says openness allows life to unfold in unexpected ways. [00:19:00] Turning Insight Into a Movement Began sharing these ideas after witnessing profound change in others. Wrote Drashti: The Perception to introduce a new way of understanding life. Created the Drashti Method to help people experience those insights for themselves. Describes the work as a calling rather than a career. [00:21:00] Helping Others Break Through Fear Shares the story of a friend who dreamed of leaving corporate life to start a car business. Helped him realize his greatest obstacle was the fear of being judged. Once that fear was addressed, he confidently launched his business. Sold his first seven cars almost immediately after taking action. [00:24:00] Letting Go of the Outcome Explains why forcing results often creates unnecessary resistance. Compares personal growth to planting a seed and allowing it time to grow. Believes our responsibility is to take action without becoming attached to outcomes. Says life often responds when we stop trying to control every detail. [00:27:00] Seeing Life Through a Different Lens Encourages people to stop labeling experiences as good or bad. Uses simple everyday examples to illustrate how perception shapes reality. Explains that every experience offers an opportunity for growth. Believes acceptance creates greater peace than resistance. [00:29:00] The Relationships That Shape Us Credits both sets of grandparents for teaching sacrifice, unconditional love, and strong values. Learned valuable lessons from mentors, friends, clients, and even difficult relationships. Believes every relationship enters our lives for a reason. Says the people around us often become our greatest teachers. [00:33:00] Understanding the Patterns We Learned Reflects on childhood experiences that shaped his beliefs about love and acceptance. Realized he had learned to earn affection by constantly giving to others. Explains that awareness is the first step toward lasting change. Encourages people to address the root of their struggles instead of the symptoms. [00:36:00] Relationships Without Expectations Found greater freedom by serving others without expecting anything in return. Says authentic relationships flourish when validation is no longer the goal. Believes inner peace changes the way we show up for others. Explains that fulfillment grows through genuine connection. [00:38:00] When Healing Changes Everything Shares how understanding subconscious patterns transformed the lives of people he has worked with. Explains that awareness creates lasting change without relying on willpower alone. Believes healing naturally strengthens families, friendships, and communities. Says personal transformation always creates a ripple effect. [00:41:00] Final Thoughts Encourages listeners to begin with Drashti: The Perception before exploring the Drashti Method. Invites people to approach the work with curiosity and an open mind. Offers support for anyone seeking greater clarity, peace, and purpose. Leaves listeners with a reminder that the freedom they seek has been within them all along.   KEY QUOTES "Everybody deserves the life they want. And because of the conditioning and because of the fears, people spend their life hoping that one day they will do it, and that day never comes." - Pratiqk Jaani "No matter how much money you earn, you are always going to chase more because you're not really wanting more money. What you really want is to feel that fulfillment. To feel completeness." - Pratiqk Jaani "If you want to receive something, you have to keep your arms open or your hands open. If you make a fist, you can't receive it." - Pratiqk Jaani CONNECT WITH PRATIQK JAANI Website: https://www.pratiqkjaani.com Drashti Method: https://www.drashtimethod.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pratiqkjaani Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janipratikk   Thanks for tuning in! If you liked my show, please LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW, like, and subscribe! Find me on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | iHeart Radio | Stitcher

  4. Jul 14

    One Great Relationship Away with Nicky Billou

    What if you're just one great relationship away from completely transforming your life or business? In this episode, entrepreneur, sales expert, and eCircle Academy founder Nicky Billou shares why relationships have been the driving force behind every major breakthrough in his life and business. After losing his event business during the pandemic, he discovered a new path through podcast guesting. What started as a survival strategy became one of the most powerful client acquisition systems he has ever built. Nicky also reflects on the people who changed the course of his life. He opens up about the mentor who helped him rebuild after divorce, the partnership he shares with his wife, Theresa, and the emotional client story that reminded him his work is about far more than business. This conversation is filled with practical wisdom, powerful relationship lessons, and a compelling reminder that one introduction can change everything.   [00:05:00] Serving Entrepreneurs Who Want to Make a Difference Helps coaches, consultants, and service-based entrepreneurs grow their businesses. Shows experts how to become more visible and attract ideal clients. Believes entrepreneurs create meaningful change through service. Teaches that selling should always come from a place of genuine care. [00:08:00] When Everything Changed His live event business came to a halt during the pandemic. Lost a significant source of revenue almost overnight. Turned to his coach to find a new way to grow his business. Began exploring podcast guesting as a long-term strategy. [00:10:00] One Hundred Podcasts in Thirty Days Committed to appearing on as many podcasts as possible. Completed 100 interviews in his first 30 days. Didn't generate immediate business but gained invaluable experience. Learned that repetition and consistency create mastery. [00:13:00] The Three Intentions Behind Every Podcast Appearance Inspire and educate the audience. Help the host look great by delivering real value. Build a meaningful business relationship with the host. Explains why most guests overlook the biggest opportunity after the interview ends. [00:18:00] Turning Conversations Into Business Relationships Always sets aside time after the interview to connect with the host. Practices intentional listening instead of waiting for his turn to speak. Look for opportunities to serve before asking for anything. Built hundreds of valuable business relationships through genuine conversations. [00:24:00] Why Preparation Matters Treats every podcast appearance like a planned business strategy. Refined his approach through hundreds of interviews. Encourages entrepreneurs to master proven systems before expecting results. Says preparation creates confidence and consistency. [00:26:00] The Results of Relationship-Based Podcasting Turned podcast interviews into clients, partnerships, and mastermind enrollments. Shares how one student landed a coaching client after a single podcast appearance. Another client generated more than €124,000 in sales within 84 days. Proves that authenticity matters more than perfect communication. [00:29:00] The Relationship That Changed His Life Opens up about the depression that followed his divorce. Credits relationship coach Owen Williams with helping him rebuild. Says that mentorship shaped his life as a father, entrepreneur, and husband. Believes that one introduction eventually led him to meeting his wife, Theresa. [00:33:00] Building a Business With Theresa Shares how he and Theresa combine their strengths to serve clients. Describes her as one of the best coaches he has ever worked with. Believes strong relationships should always come before business decisions. Shows how partnership strengthens both family and business. [00:37:00] The Story That Became His Mission Helped a struggling entrepreneur rebuild her business after losing everything. Learned that restoring her income also restored peace within her family. Was deeply moved when her son called him "the man who saved our family." Left with the conviction that business is ultimately about serving people and changing lives.   KEY QUOTES "A lot of people will hear the strategy and think they're doing exactly what I said, but they're really doing what they think they heard. Success is in the nuances, and those nuances only come through preparation and repetition." - Nicky Billou "Your podcast appearance isn't something you wing. It needs to be meticulously planned and executed. When you've done the work, it feels effortless to everyone else, but that's because you've mastered the process behind the scenes." - Nicky Billou "You don't have to be the most articulate person in the room or have English as your first language. If you have a proven system, stay consistent, and keep showing up, the opportunities will come." - Nicky Billou CONNECT WITH NICKY BILLOU Website: https://www.ecircleacademy.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickybillou Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicky.billou   Thanks for tuning in! If you liked my show, please LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW, like, and subscribe! Find me on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | iHeart Radio | Stitcher

  5. Jul 10

    The Courage to Become Yourself with Kami Gray

    What if the life you've always wanted begins with telling yourself the truth? In this episode, Kami Gray, founder of the Psychologie of Home Design School, shares the relationship that transformed every area of her life. What started as a reluctant decision to see a therapist became the beginning of a journey toward vulnerability, authenticity, and freedom from the labels she had carried for decades. Kami opens up about the stories she believed about herself, why humor became her greatest defense, and how learning to tell the truth changed the way she leads, teaches, and builds community. She also shares how that personal transformation continues to impact the women she mentors, creating ripple effects that extend far beyond business.   [00:06:30] Helping Women Believe in Themselves Many of her students are beginning second or third careers later in life. Sees confidence as the biggest obstacle most aspiring entrepreneurs face. Finds the greatest joy in watching women overcome their own limiting beliefs. Believes personal growth is just as important as professional success. [00:10:00] Success Begins Before You Feel Ready Encourages students to stop waiting until they feel qualified. Reminds them that every successful designer started as a beginner. Focuses on consistent action instead of perfection. Teaches that courage grows through experience. [00:12:00] Choosing Authenticity Over Perfection Coaches entrepreneurs to build trust by showing up as themselves. Shares how one student overcame her fear of being visible online. That decision eventually led to a multi-year luxury design project. Says authenticity consistently creates deeper connections than polished marketing. [00:19:00] The Truth That Drew People In Shifted from sharing only beautiful interiors to sharing her real life. Began talking openly about divorce, menopause, family relationships, and personal struggles. Watched genuine conversations replace surface-level engagement. Created a community where people felt safe to be honest with one another. [00:25:00] The Relationship That Changed Everything Credits her therapist, Heather, with helping her confront the stories she believed about herself. Entered therapy expecting simple conversations but was challenged by firm boundaries and uncomfortable honesty. Realized she had spent years hiding behind humor, appearance, and achievement. Began replacing self-criticism with truth, vulnerability, and self-compassion. [00:30:00] Learning to Tell the Truth Practiced recognizing when humor was masking something deeper. Started speaking more honestly with herself and the people closest to her. Discovered that authenticity strengthened some relationships while changing others. Says telling the truth became the foundation for the life she wanted to build. [00:33:00] Creating a Community Built on Vulnerability Built a design school where students formed lasting friendships and business partnerships. Fostered an environment where conversations extended beyond design into fear, purpose, and personal growth. Credits Heather's influence for helping her create a culture rooted in honesty and trust. Believes vulnerability gave others permission to become themselves. [00:35:30] The Ripple Effect of Courage Shares the story of a student whose husband initially questioned her decision to attend the school. That same student went on to build a thriving business and transform her marriage. Encourages people to protect their confidence while they're building something new. Believes one person's courage can impact countless other lives. [00:38:00] Final Thoughts Invites aspiring interior designers to explore the Psychologie of Home Design School. Also works one-on-one with entrepreneurs and young adults searching for direction. Believes entrepreneurship is a lifestyle centered on freedom, creativity, and contribution. Leaves listeners with a simple reminder: the world only gets one version of you.   KEY QUOTES "You've got to surround yourself with good people. People that have your back and don't wanna bring toxicity and negativity to you." - Kami Gray "I use humor to deflect hard things, and that I have never been vulnerable. I'm just hiding behind a veil of pretty hair and pretty clothes and humor to be my armor." - Kami Gray CONNECT WITH KAMI GRAY Website: https://www.psychologieofhome.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kamigray Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/psychologieofhome   Thanks for tuning in! If you liked my show, please LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW, like, and subscribe! Find me on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | iHeart Radio | Stitcher

  6. Jul 7

    Being-Based vs Performance-Based with Dr. Fred Johnson

    What if the leadership style you were taught is the very thing destroying your team? In this episode, Dr. Fred Johnson, founder of InitiativeOne and one of the NFL's most trusted behind-the-scenes culture architects, shares a career built not on credentials but on authenticity. He has transformed locker rooms for six NFL teams including the Seahawks and Packers, coached a world-renowned cancer researcher back from the brink, and helped over 800 organizations find the best version of themselves. But the most powerful thing Dr. Fred has ever done is admit he was a recovering addict. And the man who taught him that vulnerability is a superpower, not a weakness, was John Maxwell, 45 years ago.   [00:04:00] What He Does and Who He Serves Founder of InitiativeOne, a global leadership company in Green Bay, Wisconsin Works across 29 professional fields in seven countries Helps leaders transform to the best version of themselves [00:05:30] How the NFL Relationships Started John Schneider credits Fred with saving his career when he wanted to leave the profession Fred coached him back from deep discouragement without charging a dollar When Schneider became GM of the Seahawks, he asked Fred to build the culture there too Every NFL team Fred has worked with came through that one relationship [00:08:00] What Inspires Him Loves helping people find hope, clear direction, and purpose Believes you are only as strong as the quality of people around you Every large multi-year engagement in 27 years came from an unsolicited referral [00:13:30] The Mentor Who Started It All: Dr. Rosetta Riley Was a pastor in his early 30s when Dr. Rosetta Riley joined his congregation She was the leading female influencer in manufacturing worldwide She saw something in him he couldn't see in himself and mentored him for four and a half years His first clients were McDonnell Douglas, Boeing, McDonald's, and Chase Manhattan Bank [00:17:30] Client Impact: The Cancer Researcher Who Almost Took Everything Down Was called in to coach a world-renowned pancreatic cancer researcher whose ego was destroying the organization The researcher had already fired seven coaches; Fred told him he would never be number eight Six months from shutting down, the organization turned around completely Today that institute leads on at least a dozen major cancer therapies [00:26:00] The First Relationship That Changed Everything: John Maxwell Maxwell is widely regarded as the most influential voice in leadership today Taught Fred that leadership has nothing to do with authority and everything to do with people Taught him you cannot coach people hard if you do not love them hard first Introduced Fred to authentic, vulnerable leadership 45 years before it became a buzzword [00:29:00] The Leader with a Limp In his early 30s Fred was a recovering addict living a double life while teaching leadership When it came out, Maxwell told him: from now on you are a leader with a limp Fred resisted at first; today he says the limp is the best part of him People do not want perfect leaders; they want authentic ones [00:31:30] Being-Based vs Performance-Based Leadership The average American leader has a self-belief level of 2.7 out of 10 Performance-based leaders push people to perform so they can feel good about themselves Being-based leaders attract talent, build momentum, and stop starting over every three years Fred turned over his entire staff every three years until being-based leadership broke that cycle [00:36:30] The Second Relationship: Mr. Gault Mr. Gault was Fred's ninth grade Sunday school teacher Fred was 5'1", 98 pounds, covered in acne, and thought nothing of himself Every week Mr. Gault told him: Freddy, I believe in you and great things are in store Fifty-five years later those words still play in his mind on the hardest days   KEY QUOTES "You can't coach people hard if you don't love them hard first." - Dr. Fred Johnson, quoting John Maxwell "The best part of me is the limp. From that, wisdom and growth accelerated and came out." - Dr. Fred Johnson "No one succeeds by themselves. You are only as strong as the quality of the relationships you build and the people you surround yourself with." - Dr. Fred Johnson CONNECT WITH DR. FRED JOHNSON Website: https://www.initiative-one.com Personal: https://www.drfredjohnson.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drfredjohnson Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fred.johnson.77736310   Thanks for tuning in! If you liked my show, please LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW, like, and subscribe! Find me on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | iHeart Radio | Stitcher

  7. Jul 3

    The Loneliness Epidemic with Dr. Julie Radlauer

    What if the loneliness you feel isn't a personal problem but a public health emergency nobody is talking about loudly enough? In this episode, Dr. Julie Radlauer, founder of Collectively, TEDx speaker, and bestselling author of CONNECT: 100 Ways to Create Happiness in Your Life, shares how 25 years working at the intersection of behavioral health and public health led her to one unavoidable conclusion: mental health is deeply shaped by social health. What changed everything wasn't a textbook or a theory. It was 50 families from across the country who looked Julie in the eye and said: we're sick of talking about the problem. Fix it. Those conversations didn't just change her research. They changed her entire mission.   [00:04:00] What She Does and Who She Serves Founder and CEO of Collectively, focused on improving the mental health narrative Works with nonprofits, governments, and academia at every level Facilitates a leadership academy for emerging nonprofit leaders [00:05:30] How She Got Here Started as a licensed mental health counselor working with low-income children and families Climbed into administration as director of children's services at a large community mental health center Started a consulting business for flexibility; ended up working even more hours as an entrepreneur [00:07:00] What Inspires Her: Prevention Over Intervention Sees a global mental health crisis and a loneliness epidemic playing out at the same time Focuses on the social aspects of life that people can actually control Wants to give leaders practical tools to prevent mental health struggles before they start [00:08:00] Client Impact: Giving Communities a Framework to Change Conducts comprehensive assessments of organizations, communities, and systems Uses data, surveys, and conversations to identify what is not working Delivers strategic reports showing exactly what needs to change and how [00:10:00] The Research That Changed Everything: 50 Families Got frustrated watching families stabilize and then cycle back into crisis months later Earned a doctorate in public health to understand prevention at the population level Conducted a national study interviewing 50 families of children in public behavioral health systems Families said: we don't want clinical support; we want family, faith, friends, and community [00:12:30] What the Families Taught Her Families challenged her directly: what are you going to do with this information? A group of parents collaborated to co-create curriculum based on what they said was needed Some of those parents now travel the country training behavioral health professionals The families didn't just change her research; they became her mission [00:16:00] The Vision Going Forward Her main client groups are nonprofits, governments, and academia; all are under serious pressure The professionals she works with are exhausted and navigating constant change Focuses on giving leaders tools to support themselves, their teams, and the people they serve [00:17:30] Resources and Final Word Visit collectivelyus.org to learn about the organization and its work Specializes in translating research into practical, accessible tools anyone can use One in three people is currently struggling with mental health; the need has never been greater   KEY QUOTES "What we need is support with our family, our faith, our friends, our community. We need to figure out how to help communities support each other." - The families, as shared by Dr. Julie Radlauer "The people I interviewed in that study changed my life. They were in the most challenging situations, and they said: fix the problem." - Dr. Julie Radlauer "I focus on the social influences of mental health: the social aspects of your life that we actually have some ability to control." - Dr. Julie Radlauer CONNECT WITH DR. JULIE RADLAUER Organization: https://www.collectivelyus.org Personal: https://www.julieradlauer.com Book: https://www.amazon.com/CONNECT-Ways-Create-Happiness-Your/dp/B0CGM51W8Q TEDx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_v9nJlVvKFs LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-radlauer-doerfler-drph-lmhc   Thanks for tuning in! If you liked my show, please LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW, like, and subscribe! Find me on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | iHeart Radio | Stitcher

  8. Jun 30

    One Introduction, 25 Years of Business with Jason Henneberry

    What if the person who pulled you out of the wrong room turned out to be the right partner for the next 25 years? In this episode, Jason Henneberry, founder of Dependency Design and senior partner in a national Canadian mortgage brokerage with over 600 professionals, shares the story of a career that has spanned market peaks, a near-bankruptcy in 2008, a dramatic rebuild, and a bold acquisition spree that captured 2% of the Canadian mortgage market in 12 months. At the center of it all is a man who walked into a bank branch, pulled a young Jason out of the corporate world, and said: come do mortgages with me. That was 2003. They still work together today.   [00:03:30] What He Does and Who He Serves Senior partner in a national Canadian mortgage brokerage with over 600 agents Runs a coaching platform and SaaS tools for the mortgage industry Tests ideas externally before bringing them in-house; it proves demand and pays for development [00:07:00] What Inspires Him: The Creative Process Loves coming up with new ideas and testing them in the market Protects the core business while running two or three experiments at a time Goes deep on whatever works and drops the rest [00:11:30] Client Impact: Helping Mortgage Brokers See the Full Picture Coaches mortgage professionals on advanced financial strategies most brokers never explore Helps brokers connect mortgages to tax, wealth, and estate planning Watches clients implement and grow without being involved in the transactions [00:13:30] The Relationship That Changed Everything: His First Mentor Was working in a bank branch when a gentleman pulled him out and said: come do mortgages with me That was 2003; they have worked together every year since The mentor now sits as chairman of the board of the company they built together Nearly 25 years later that one moment still underpins everything Jason has built [00:15:00] The 2008 Collapse: Everything Came Apart Ran 300 homeowner seminars and put 20,000 people through the program in 2006 and 2007 Wrote a 12-month marketing check in August 2008; the market collapsed on September 14th Had to sell everything including a house with an ocean view Reset from zero with three young kids and no runway [00:18:00] The Capital Markets Mentor Who Rebuilt Everything Around 2016 met someone deeply experienced in raising capital That relationship led to the formation of Tango and a major capital raise Used the capital to acquire brokerages across the country Captured roughly 2% of the Canadian mortgage market in 12 months [00:20:00] The Leadership Lesson from All Three Mentors All three mentors had different skill sets but shared one principle Point good people in the right direction and get out of their way People with the right skills and direction will always exceed what you could do alone [00:21:30] Dependency Design: The Book and the Mission Wrote a free 15-minute PDF called Dependency Design, available at dependencydesign.com Explores why founders build businesses that feel like freedom but end up like traps Helps leaders see where responsibility has quietly settled and how to rise above it   KEY QUOTES "When you let good people apply their skills with a little bit of direction, they can do things that far exceed anything you could possibly imagine doing for yourself." - Jason Henneberry "No one wakes up and says I want to be a mortgage broker. My first choice didn't work out, so I did this instead." - Jason Henneberry CONNECT WITH JASON HENNEBERRY Website: https://dependencydesign.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonhenneberry Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/henneberryjason   Thanks for tuning in! If you liked my show, please LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW, like, and subscribe! Find me on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | iHeart Radio | Stitcher

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5
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

Have you ever been introduced to a person that completely changed the course of your business or your life… so much so, that much of what you have today wouldn't be possible, if not for this person? Each week on The Million Dollar Relationships Podcast, your host Kevin Thompson interviews successful entrepreneurs, founders, and CEOs as they share their personal stories and experience around this very question. Your invitation is to have a seat at the head of the table as they honor and introduce you to the most valuable people in their lives and remind us that relationship capital is the most valuable asset we possess. Each week you'll be inspired and motivated to intentionally create more meaningful, rewarding and profitable relationships in your life so that together we can make a far bigger impact in this world.

Information

  • Creator
    Kevin Thompson
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    406
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2022 - All Rights Reserved
  • Show Website
    Million Dollar Relationships