Find My Catalyst Podcast

Mike Simmons
  • 5.0 (33)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
Find My Catalyst Podcast

We all have problems we are looking to solve. We know that there are solutions out there, but we struggle with this. How do we find the solution, where does the nudge come from to help us take the next step, and start solving tough problems. The intention of this podcast is to help you find your catalyst and take that next step. The Find My Catalyst Podcast is a weekly podcast with Catalyst Sale founder Mike Simmons. We discuss real stories with practical application, in the context of leadership, problem solving, decision making, thinking, goal setting and execution. Other topics discussed include - Systems, Frameworks, Sales Strategy, Revenue Operations, Training, Onboarding, Sales Enablement, Organization Enablement, Workforce Development, Coaching, and Mentoring.

  1. Mastering Feedback: Leadership Lessons with Heli Nehama-Ozery

    5 DAYS AGO

    Mastering Feedback: Leadership Lessons with Heli Nehama-Ozery

    Heli Nehama-Ozery, an expert in leadership development and organizational design, dives into the transformative power of feedback in leadership. From strategies for giving and receiving feedback to using it as a catalyst for growth, Heli shares her insights on creating cultures that thrive on learning, reflection, and effective communication. Key Quotes from Heli Nehama-Ozery "Feedback is the most marvelous leadership tool that is usually not used enough or correctly. It elevates performance by providing an outside perspective." "The real control comes from asking questions, not from what you say. Questions let you understand where the other person is and build better communication." "When we put growth and learning as our main focus, that's where real behavioral change happens." In this episode, Heli Nehama-Ozery explores the art and science of feedback as a leadership tool. She explains how to overcome common fears around giving and receiving feedback, the importance of separating facts from interpretations, and using feedback to unlock individual and team growth. Heli also discusses actionable ways to improve communication, self-awareness, and organizational learning. Find your Catalyst at https://findmycatalyst.com  5 Key Takeaways 1. The Power of Feedback in Leadership Feedback reveals blind spots that improve individual and team performance. Fear often prevents leaders from delivering feedback; preparation can overcome this. Intentional feedback strengthens relationships when approached with empathy. 2. Receiving Feedback with Openness Focus on extracting actionable insights, even if the delivery is flawed. Use Stephen Covey’s Circle of Influence to identify what’s within your control. Ask clarifying questions to fully understand feedback and avoid emotional reactions. 3. Giving Feedback Effectively Prepare the recipient to avoid triggering defensive responses. Combine facts and interpretations while remaining open to discussion. Encourage reflection with specific, actionable examples to build understanding. 4. The Role of Communication in Feedback Silence is a tool; give space for the recipient to think and process. Differentiate between fact-based observations and subjective interpretations. Tailor feedback to the recipient’s communication and processing style. 5. Cultivating a Growth-Oriented Feedback Culture Balance strengths and areas for improvement; aim for a 50/50 focus. Use feedback to highlight positive behaviors for team-wide learning. Leaders must model lifelong learning and embrace feedback to inspire teams.   Heli Nehama Ozery is the founder of Artemis OD, a consulting firm that empowers frontline managers and trainers to elevate performance and build meaningful relationships. Through tailored leadership development programs, experiential learning, and practical communication tools, she helps global teams thrive and achieve lasting impact. Website: https://www.artemisod.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helinehamaozery/

    55 min
  2. AI in Leadership Coaching: Pianpian Xu Guthrie’s Vision for the Future

    JAN 27

    AI in Leadership Coaching: Pianpian Xu Guthrie’s Vision for the Future

    Pianpian Xu Guthrie is an innovator at the intersection of AI and leadership coaching. With a background in product management at companies like Ticketmaster and GoDaddy, Pianpian has translated her experiences into building AI tools designed to enhance workplace collaboration and individual growth. Her latest venture, Amotions, delivers real-time coaching for professionals, aiming to make AI a trusted partner in team dynamics and sales effectiveness. Three Key Quotes "AI makes it possible to have a coach with you 24/7—no judgment, just guidance." "When building AI products, we have to address skepticism by showing clear, measurable results." "If someone has a burning problem, they’re often willing to use a solution—even if it’s not perfect." Pianpian Xu Guthrie shares her journey from product management challenges to creating cutting-edge AI solutions for leadership and sales coaching. She discusses the transformative potential of AI in professional growth, strategies for integrating AI tools into organizations, and how real-time feedback can improve communication, productivity, and emotional intelligence in the workplace. Find your Catalyst at https://findmycatalyst.com  Five Key Takeaways Why Build Amotions Pain points in early career fueled Pianpian’s vision for AI-driven coaching. She saw AI as a solution to bridge gaps in leadership communication. Real-world challenges inspired scalable, accessible solutions for professionals. AI's Role in Collaboration and Coaching AI can analyze emotions and provide actionable insights during meetings. Coaching tools offer real-time and post-meeting feedback to users. Personalized AI tools address diverse preferences for learning and adaptation. Balancing Product Vision with Customer Needs Successful product development requires balancing user feedback with strategic priorities. Prioritization tools like structured feedback systems help maintain focus. Open communication between sales, engineering, and product teams is crucial. Embracing AI in a Skeptical World Challenges include concerns over data security and AI accuracy. Early adopters have spurred broader acceptance by showcasing clear benefits. Transparency and measurable results are vital to overcoming skepticism. The Future of AI Coaching Young professionals increasingly prefer AI as a non-judgmental tool. Amotions innovations include role-playing scenarios and real-time coaching. AI’s potential lies in its ability to enhance human interactions and outcomes. Connect with PianPian at - https://www.amotionsinc.com/

    50 min
  3. AI tools, thinking, agents, and GTM Efficiency - Coach K

    JAN 20

    AI tools, thinking, agents, and GTM Efficiency - Coach K

    Coach K (Jonathan) is an AI and Enablement expert and business consultant, deeply engaged in how emerging technology reshapes industries. Known for his sharp insights into leveraging AI for efficiency, scalability, and innovation, Jonathan shares transformative ideas about staying ahead in a rapidly evolving tech landscape. Key Quotes: "AI isn't just a tool; it's an amplifier for human potential. It's about taking what makes you unique and multiplying it by ten." "Are you willing to think and do things differently from what you've done before?" "The moat of the future will be humans and what one person can do with a fleet of AI agents." Jonathan (Coach K) explores the transformative power of AI agents, challenging listeners to rethink their approaches to business and technology. From automation to amplifying human skills, he unpacks the mindset shifts needed to thrive in a future where innovation is constant, and adaptability determines success. Find your Catalyst at https://www.findmycatalyst.com/ 5 Key Takeaways: The Role of AI as a Catalyst: AI amplifies individual capabilities, turning a person’s expertise into scalable results. Effective prompting and expertise produce exponentially better AI outputs. Companies leveraging AI for automation experience dramatic efficiency gains. Thinking Differently in the AI Era: Adopting a beginner's mindset allows exploration and continuous learning. Old strategies may not apply—AI opens doors for innovative solutions. Success requires being uncomfortable and testing boundaries. The Power of Agents in Automation: Agents go beyond chatbots by making decisions and executing tasks autonomously. They can create workflows, analyze results, and iterate without constant input. Businesses must learn to trust and train AI for complex operations. AI as a Revenue Plumber: AI can identify inefficiencies and leaks in business processes. Outcome-based approaches ensure technology is aligned with measurable results. Thinking of AI as a partner, not just a tool, maximizes its potential. Bridging the Comfort Gap: Start small but aim for large-scale innovation by testing AI in safe areas. Challenge limiting mindsets, such as seeing AI as an "intern." Encourage teams to view AI as an extension of expertise, not a replacement. Connect with Coach K: Find Jonathan (Coach K) on LinkedIn for updates, insights, and resources. Stay tuned for his upcoming projects on leveraging AI agents to create transformational change. Connect with Coach K at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmkmba/

    46 min
  4. 2025 Kickoff - What's New and What's Next

    JAN 10

    2025 Kickoff - What's New and What's Next

    In this solo episode, host Mike Simmons kicks off 2025 with a focus on leadership, personal growth, and impactful goals. Drawing from experiences in business, family, and life, Mike shares insights into building better leaders, fostering collaboration, and addressing the persistent leadership gap. Key Quotes from Mike Simmons: "Leadership starts with self. Build self-worth, self-awareness, and self-confidence, and then earn the right to lead others." "Stop wasting your team’s time with ineffective meetings—engage them in solving real problems with clear next steps." "Think different so that you can do different, and ultimately, be different." Mike Simmons reflects on the successes and lessons of 2024 while setting an ambitious agenda for 2025. With two key goals—expanding the Leader Lab and hosting 200 guided whiteboard sessions—Mike emphasizes the importance of leadership development and effective collaboration. He also shares personal aspirations and strategies for achieving clarity and impact. Key Takeaways: 1️⃣ Leadership Starts with Self Build a foundation of self-worth, self-awareness, and self-confidence. Assess and align personal values to lead authentically. Leadership isn’t a title—it’s a practice you earn and refine. 2️⃣ Effective Collaboration in Meetings Differentiate between communication, decision-making, and collaboration meetings. Use structured tools to focus meetings on problem-solving or alignment. Clear next steps and accountability prevent wasted time and effort. 3️⃣ The Leader Lab’s Mission A community for leaders who want to think and act differently. Focus on building leaders at every level—not just executives. Goal: 100 members by June 2025 to inspire and sustain a global leadership movement. 4️⃣ Guided Whiteboard Sessions for Results Facilitate 90-minute virtual sessions for teams to solve problems or design strategies. Engage team expertise to drive results with clarity. Develop team-building and sales skills using catalyst tools. 5️⃣ Goals Beyond Business Personal Goal: Achieve under 200 lbs. and 14% body fat by April. Family Focus: Create lasting impact and strengthen bonds through intentional action. Apply tools and systems to personal life for holistic growth. Action Steps for Listeners: Join the Leader Lab: Build your leadership capabilities. Book a Guided Whiteboard Session: Transform how your team collaborates. Reflect on how you can think differently about your leadership and process. 📧 Questions or Suggestions? Email podcast@findmycatalyst.com 🌐 Learn More: FindMyCatalyst.com

    28 min
  5. Finding Freedom: Vincent Pugliese on Experiences, Connection, and Living Fully

    JAN 4

    Finding Freedom: Vincent Pugliese on Experiences, Connection, and Living Fully

    Vincent Pugliese, a former sports photographer turned entrepreneur, shares his transformative journey of creating meaningful experiences, building connections, and inspiring others to live with intention. From his spontaneous trip to the Rose Bowl to the deeply personal lessons learned from his late brother, Vince embodies the power of living authentically. His work focuses on helping people find freedom through creativity, community, and recurring revenue. Three Key Quotes: "Live your life. Eliminate the excuses. Do the work to make it happen." "Sales is not about doing something to someone; it's about doing something for someone." "You don’t need funnels or big budgets; conversations and relationships are what create meaningful impact." Vincent Pugliese dives into his philosophy of living a life rich in experiences, honoring loved ones, and inspiring action through connection. Sharing personal stories and actionable advice, Vince challenges us to reframe how we approach decisions, social media, and community building to create freedom and purpose in our lives. Check out Vince at - https://mymembershipfreedom.com/ Find Your Catalyst at - https://www.findmycatalyst.com/  5 Key Takeaways: The Power of Spontaneous Experiences Don’t wait for the "perfect time"—make the decision and act. Experiences leave lasting memories, not regrets. Facing loss can inspire a renewed commitment to living fully. Building a Legacy Through Stories Share personal stories to honor loved ones and connect with others. Vulnerability strengthens bonds and creates impact. Legacy is shaped by the relationships and experiences we leave behind. Reframing Social Media as a Tool for Connection Treat social platforms as a way to build attention, trust, and connections. Focus on creating valuable, authentic content. Personal engagement can lead to deeper relationships and greater impact. Embracing Mistakes and Uncertainty Mistakes are the greatest teachers; embrace them. Fear of imperfection often prevents meaningful action. Reframe challenges as opportunities for growth and learning. Freedom Through Recurring Revenue Prioritize recurring income streams to free your time for what matters most. Align your business with personal values like family and creativity. True freedom is the ability to choose experiences over obligations.

    1h 14m
  6. 2024 Reflections - Stop Start Continue - with Mike Simmons

    12/31/2024

    2024 Reflections - Stop Start Continue - with Mike Simmons

    Mike Simmons, founder of Find My Catalyst, reflects on 2024's milestones, challenges, and lessons learned. He dives into leadership, communication clarity, and strategies for personal and professional growth while sharing insights on building the Leader Lab and addressing leadership challenges. Three Key Quotes from Mike Simmons: "Stop what you would not start." Emphasizing the importance of eliminating activities and relationships that no longer serve your goals. "If you're looking for leadership, start with a mirror." Leadership begins with self-awareness and personal growth. "The revenue challenge inside your business is likely a culture challenge in disguise." Highlighting the deep connection between culture and financial success. Mike Simmons recaps 2024, exploring what worked, what didn’t, and where he’s stuck. From refining leadership strategies in the Leader Lab to improving communication clarity, Mike discusses creating space for growth, focusing on self-leadership, and the ongoing challenge of turning abstract concepts into actionable steps for personal and organizational success. Find Your Catalyst at https://www.findmycatalyst.com/ Key Takeaways: Leadership is a Personal Journey Leadership begins with self-awareness and self-improvement. Build clarity and focus to simplify decision-making and execution. Eliminate distractions and relationships that don’t align with your goals. The Power of Reflection Use a "start, stop, continue" framework to evaluate progress. Reflect on time management to prioritize meaningful experiences. Recognize and celebrate milestones to sustain momentum. Communication and Clarity Bridge the gap between abstract ideas and actionable plans. Use tools like whiteboards or soundbites for effective communication. Test and iterate on messaging to ensure alignment with your audience. Overcoming Business Challenges Address leadership and cultural challenges to unlock revenue growth. Create systems that facilitate autonomous conversions without direct involvement. Seek expert advice in areas like copywriting and marketing for improvement. Fostering Growth and Impact Engage in intentional outreach to amplify reach and influence. Leverage platforms like YouTube and LinkedIn for broader engagement. Focus on accelerating the transition from insight to action for clients and audiences.

    21 min
  7. Golf, Community, Business, and Life with Terence Daniels

    12/16/2024

    Golf, Community, Business, and Life with Terence Daniels

    Terence Daniels is an experienced golfer, community-builder, and business strategist. A former college athlete, Terence shares how his love for golf evolved into a passion for connecting people and leveraging lessons from the sport to enhance both personal and professional growth. He recently launched The Cactus Club AZ, a local golf community initiative aimed at fostering connections and sharing insights within Arizona’s vibrant golf scene. Key Quotes "Golf is a long journey, just like business. You might birdie one hole and bogey the next, but it's about how you plan and adjust that determines your success." "Community is the best part of golf—connecting with people you wouldn’t meet otherwise while learning and growing together." "Confidence is key in golf and business. If you believe in your approach, the likelihood of success is much higher." In this episode, Terence Daniels explores the parallels between golf and business, emphasizing the value of community, data-driven improvement, and strategic planning. He discusses his journey from competitive golf to building The Cactus Club AZ and shares tips for beginners, including the importance of group lessons and practicing with purpose. FInd Your Catalyst at https://www.findmycatalyst.com/ Key Takeaways Golf as a Catalyst for Growth Embrace the challenge: Golf teaches patience and resilience, traits essential for personal growth. Learn from others: Play with better golfers to improve, just as mentorship accelerates professional development. Focus on small wins: Like improving a single skill in golf, success in life builds incrementally. Community Drives Success Shared interests build connections: Golf brings together diverse people, fostering lifelong relationships. Group lessons ease intimidation: For beginners, community learning reduces pressure and builds confidence. Cross-community opportunities: Golf creates overlap with other interests, sparking unexpected collaborations. Parallels Between Golf and Business Strategic planning matters: In golf, as in business, understanding the “course” ahead leads to better results. Use data to improve: Track performance to identify weaknesses and focus your practice. Learn to fail fast: Both golf and business require resilience and quick recovery from setbacks. Confidence and Perspective Trust your preparation: Confidence in tested methods increases success in high-pressure situations. Adjust your lens: A fresh perspective, like setting the camera correctly in golf, changes how you solve problems. Avoid comparison: Stay focused on your journey, whether in golf or business. Starting Your Golf Journey Begin at the range: Use rental clubs and explore options like Topgolf for fun introductions. Join group clinics: Affordable and beginner-friendly, clinics build skills in a supportive environment. Celebrate progress: Success comes in small steps, like hitting the sweet spot or mastering one club. Links and Resources Connect with Terence Daniels: https://x.com/terencedaniels https://www.instagram.com/terencedaniels/ http://thecactusclubaz.com  https://www.linkedin.com/in/terencedaniels/  Tools and Apps Discussed: Garmin Golf App, Arccos Golf

    51 min
  8. A.I. - Tools, Use Cases, Practical Application, and Risks with Jonathan Moss

    12/12/2024

    A.I. - Tools, Use Cases, Practical Application, and Risks with Jonathan Moss

    Jonathan Moss, a thought leader in AI and emerging technologies, dives into how AI can help streamline processes, empower individuals, and unlock creative potential. As a passionate advocate for leveraging AI as a "thought partner," Jonathan shares insights on practical use cases, the future of AI agents, and strategies for overcoming adoption hurdles. Key Quotes from Jonathan Moss "AI is not going to replace your job, but someone who uses AI in the same job as you will replace you." "Think of AI as an intern; it needs clear instructions, context, and practice to deliver great results." "The tools we use today are enabling humans to do better human things—they simplify and empower." In this episode, Jonathan Moss explains how AI tools can revolutionize workflows, from eliminating mundane tasks to supporting strategic decision-making. By viewing AI as an extension of human creativity, Jonathan emphasizes the importance of integrating these tools thoughtfully to achieve measurable outcomes while managing risks effectively. Key Takeaways 1. AI as a Thought Partner AI excels at augmenting human creativity by handling repetitive tasks. It can brainstorm solutions and highlight blind spots in decision-making. A successful approach to AI requires learning and refining prompts. 2. Enhancing Efficiency Across Functions AI tools reduce time spent on non-strategic tasks like meeting preparation. Conversational intelligence platforms can automate coaching workflows. Documenting and optimizing processes with AI saves significant time and resources. 3. Exploring Practical AI Applications AI simplifies research for market analysis, strategic planning, and onboarding. Platforms like ChatGPT and Notebook LM enable dynamic learning and adaptation. Real-world use cases include creating recipes, designing workflows, and enhancing customer interactions. 4. Mitigating Risks in AI Adoption Ensure data security by leveraging private models or walled garden setups. Address workforce concerns by emphasizing AI as a tool for enhancement, not replacement. Regularly validate AI outputs to prevent inaccuracies or over-reliance. 5. Future Trends: Custom LLMs and AI Agents Smaller, customized large language models (LLMs) tailored to specific needs will dominate. AI agents can autonomously accomplish objectives, such as travel bookings or process automation. Tools like Relevance AI and Notebook LM offer glimpses of this future potential. Actionable Challenge for Listeners Start small with AI: use a tool like ChatGPT or Canva for a personal task, such as brainstorming ideas or creating visuals. Reflect on how the tool simplifies the process and builds confidence for professional applications.

    53 min
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5
out of 5
33 Ratings

About

We all have problems we are looking to solve. We know that there are solutions out there, but we struggle with this. How do we find the solution, where does the nudge come from to help us take the next step, and start solving tough problems. The intention of this podcast is to help you find your catalyst and take that next step. The Find My Catalyst Podcast is a weekly podcast with Catalyst Sale founder Mike Simmons. We discuss real stories with practical application, in the context of leadership, problem solving, decision making, thinking, goal setting and execution. Other topics discussed include - Systems, Frameworks, Sales Strategy, Revenue Operations, Training, Onboarding, Sales Enablement, Organization Enablement, Workforce Development, Coaching, and Mentoring.

Information

  • Creator
    Mike Simmons
  • Years Active
    2016 - 2025
  • Episodes
    438
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2023 Catalyst Sale
  • Show Website
    Find My Catalyst Podcast

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