Chief Endurance Officer Ringmaster

Welcome to another captivating episode! Today’s guest is a running, cycling and triathlon participant who actively helps deliver great experiences on race days! Introducing Professional Live Race/Event Announcer, Presenter, Sports Commentator, & Emcee at First Voice, 
Steve Fleck! Steve partners with host Gregory McDonough to share insights from his diverse experience in endurance sports, both as an athlete and a professional in the field. He discusses the importance of the endurance mindset in his career and personal life, reflecting on his journey from being an athlete to embracing the challenges of self-employment and entrepreneurship. He also delves into transition to working for himself, his first foray into sports announcing, and impactful experiences that have shaped his perspective on performance, resilience, and the power of storytelling in sports.

Takeaways:
Steve emphasizes the significance of an endurance mindset, derived from his athletic background, in navigating business and life. The concept that 'there is no finish line,' mirrors the continuous effort in business and self-improvement, underlining the journey's importance over any single achievement.A significant focus of the conversation is on Steve's shift from being employed to starting his own venture in professional announcing. This journey underscored the value of mentorship, adaptability, and embracing changes with resilience.Steve’s transition into race announcing highlights the importance of building a relevant skill set and seizing opportunities. His story from university radio to announcing at major sporting events illustrates how diverse experiences contribute to professional growth.The discussion touches on connecting with audiences and using humor appropriately. Steve's approach to balancing humor and sensitivity offers a lesson in engaging audiences while respecting boundaries—a critical skill for effective communicators.Sharing stories of impactful experiences, like the memorable finish of a late racer and witnessing the extraordinary performance of para-athlete Ricardo Ten Argilés, Steve demonstrates how leaders can inspire and move their audience by sharing authentic stories and moments of human triumph.Quote of the Show:
"When you're in business for yourself, there really is no finish line. You just keep going." - Steve FleckLinks:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/flecksteve/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/stevefleck?lang=en Ways to Tune In:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/580aLDKac1ld031W4nWDtp Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chief-endurance-officer/id1680214218?uo=4Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy50cmFuc2lzdG9yLmZtL2NoaWVmLWVuZHVyYW5jZS1vZmZpY2Vy Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c96880f-8dcd-4a6e-b1c8-fda816f872a9 Podcast Addict: https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/4340732 Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/show/5897357 Player FM: https://player.fm/series/series-3462719 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/chief-endurance-officer-5250102 Listen Notes: https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/chief-endurance-officer-ringmaster-KMdv2I8XwkN/ YouTube: https://youtu.be/Fd9Ae4S8MV4Keep up to date on our social accounts:
Join my Endurance Leadership Community: https://endurance-leadership-community.mn.co/share/_C3ZDRz7OX2vbCme?utm_source=manual TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chiefenduranceofficer?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc 
Chief Endurance Officer is produced by Ringmaster, on a mission to create connections through B2B podcasts. Learn more at https://ringmaster.com/ 

Welcome to another captivating episode! Today’s guest is an author, advisor, and speaker! Introducing Laurie Barkman, The Business Transformation Sherpa! Laurie partners with host Gregory McDonough to share the significance of an endurance mindset in personal and professional growth, focusing on strategic planning and lifelong learning. She also delves into the types of clients who benefit from business transition planning and underscores the importance of trust, relationships, and clarity in the process.

Takeaways:
Embrace lifelong learning and curiosity. Laurie's journey showcases the power of continuous learning and how it can lead to unexpected and enriching experiences. Encourage a culture of learning within your organization, and seek opportunities for personal and professional growth.Recognize the significance of setting a direction. Laurie mentioned the importance of leaders providing a clear vision or 'way north' for their team to follow. Clearly communicate your organization's vision and goals, making sure they are understood and endorsed by all team members.Plan with the end in mind. Both Greg and Laurie highlighted the necessity of having an exit strategy for businesses, stressing that every entrepreneur will eventually leave their business. Begin crafting an exit strategy early in your business journey, considering aspects such as when and how you might want to exit and preparing accordingly.Cultivate a transition mindset. A major roadblock for entrepreneurs is the lack of preparation for transitions, including exits. Periodically assess your readiness for significant transitions, including potential business sales or leadership changes, and take steps to address any gaps.Engage in strategic planning with a comprehensive view. Laurie emphasized the need for clear and actionable strategic plans that include visions, missions, goals, and detailed action plans. Develop a strategic plan that is holistic, covers long-term visions and immediate missions, and includes actionable steps for achievement.Emphasize the importance of alignment and execution. Laurie stressed that alignment within the team and excellence in execution are crucial. Ensure your team is aligned with the organization's goals and has a clear understanding of their roles in achieving these objectives.Seek external advice and support. Laurie and Greg discussed the importance of having advisors, especially when preparing for significant business changes or transactions. Build a network of advisors and mentors who can provide external perspectives and guidance on key business decisions.Quote of the Show:
"You can’t create an exit plan while you’re exiting. It’s too late." - Laurie BarkmanLinks:
Website: https://thebusinesstransitionsherpa.com   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauriebarkman/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBusinessTransitionSherpa   Ways to Tune In:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/580aLDKac1ld031W4nWDtp Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chief-endurance-officer/id1680214218?uo=4Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy50cmFuc2lzdG9yLmZtL2NoaWVmLWVuZHVyYW5jZS1vZmZpY2Vy Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c96880f-8dcd-4a6e-b1c8-fda816f872a9 Podcast Addict: https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/4340732 Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/show/5897357 Player FM: https://player.fm/series/series-3462719 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/chief-endurance-officer-5250102 Listen Notes: https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/chief-endurance-officer-ringmaster-KMdv2I8XwkN/ YouTube: https://youtu.be/WW5x2D1ygBYKeep up to date on our social accounts:
Join my Endurance Leadership Community: https://endurance-leadership-community.mn.co/share/_C3ZDRz7OX2vbCme?utm_source=manual TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chiefenduranceofficer?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc Chief Endurance Officer is produced by Ringmaster, on a mission to create connections thro

Welcome to another captivating episode! Today's guest is someone who can adapt to change effortlessly and is a mad scientist on a mission to save the world through mountain paracycling! Introducing Josie Fouts, Ambassador at Outride and Paracyclist. Josie partners with host Gregory McDonough to share how a stubborn mindset can hold you back and how to connect deeper with yourself and the environment. She also delves into looking past the finish line, thinking in big ideas, finding one’s voice by listening to the body, and the transformative power of being outside in nature.

Takeaways:
Utilize resilience and adaptability as powerful tools to navigate through challenges and setbacks, particularly for individuals confronting physical or situational barriers. Demonstrating adaptability and resilience not only showcases strength but also challenges societal norms.Transformative experiences facilitate personal growth and foster deeper connections within oneself. Embracing new experiences, especially outdoors, and deriving joy and strength from unexpected sources enriches life's journey.Embrace expansive thinking to keep your mind open and propel forward momentum. Looking past the finish line, beyond achieving current goals, it's crucial to envision the next big idea or aspiration. Maintaining this mindset cultivates enduring determination.Community support and inclusivity are pivotal in nurturing success and empowerment, regardless of background or abilities. Sharing narratives of community support and empowerment fosters advocacy and solidarity, empowering individuals to find their voice.Listening to one's body is integral to understanding its true needs and desires. This self-awareness aids in advocating effectively for oneself, serving as a powerful reminder of the importance of self-advocacy and perseverance.Quote of the Show:
"The body speaks in whispers. If you can first hear the whispers, then you are practicing how to listen to yourself and to your gut." - Josie FoutsLinks:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephine-fouts-22105b73/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ms.stubbornness?igsh=MWs0bjFreGw3cXMzMw==Outride's Website: https://outridebike.org Velodrome’s Website: https://www.sdvelodrome.com Ways to Tune In:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/580aLDKac1ld031W4nWDtp Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chief-endurance-officer/id1680214218?uo=4Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy50cmFuc2lzdG9yLmZtL2NoaWVmLWVuZHVyYW5jZS1vZmZpY2Vy Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c96880f-8dcd-4a6e-b1c8-fda816f872a9 Podcast Addict: https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/4340732 Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/show/5897357 Player FM: https://player.fm/series/series-3462719 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/chief-endurance-officer-5250102 Listen Notes: https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/chief-endurance-officer-ringmaster-KMdv2I8XwkN/ YouTube: https://youtu.be/6b1Oe0S--wIKeep up to date on our social accounts:
Join my Endurance Leadership Community: https://endurance-leadership-community.mn.co/share/_C3ZDRz7OX2vbCme?utm_source=manual TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chiefenduranceofficer?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc Chief Endurance Officer is produced by Ringmaster, on a mission to create connections through B2B podcasts. Learn more at https://ringmaster.com/ 

Welcome to another captivating episode! Today’s guest is a real estate entrepreneur helping professionals achieve financial freedom with apartment investing! Introducing Jonathan Nichols, CEO at Apogee Capital. Jonathan partners with host Gregory McDonough to share the impact of an endurance mindset on unexpected aspects of life, lessons from endurance sports applied to entrepreneurship, negotiation strategies, and insights into his background and business journey. He also delves into his approach to goal setting, the books that have influenced him, and his involvement in triathlon, volunteering, and language learning.

Takeaways:
Understand what you're naturally good at and delegate tasks that fall outside of your expertise. Jonathan exemplifies this by focusing on his analytical and negotiation skills while building a team to cover sales and marketing.Jonathan's story about a student who managed to salvage a lost deal exemplifies the importance of never giving up. In a business context, leaders should cultivate resilience, encouraging their teams to push through challenges without yielding to defeat.Avoiding the trap of comparison, notably exacerbated by social media, is crucial. Jonathan's approach of setting personal, achievable goals rather than measuring against others can apply to setting realistic business objectives and personal milestones.The discipline required in Ironman training, where there's no shortcut to success, mirrors the discipline needed in entrepreneurship. Time blocking and setting short-term goals can help leaders focus on what's essential, improving productivity and goal achievement.Preparing for the unexpected, as one does in endurance sports or business negotiations, equips leaders to manage unforeseen challenges effectively. This includes practicing under various conditions and planning for contingencies.Joining groups or mentorship programs can offer support and opportunities for personal growth. Additionally, fostering openness and vulnerability within professional relationships can lead to solving challenges collectively.Quote of the Show:
"You never lose until you quit." - Jonathan NicholsLinks:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-nichols45/ Company website: http://www.apogeemfc.com Ways to Tune In:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/580aLDKac1ld031W4nWDtp Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chief-endurance-officer/id1680214218?uo=4Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy50cmFuc2lzdG9yLmZtL2NoaWVmLWVuZHVyYW5jZS1vZmZpY2Vy Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c96880f-8dcd-4a6e-b1c8-fda816f872a9 Podcast Addict: https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/4340732 Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/show/5897357 Player FM: https://player.fm/series/series-3462719 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/chief-endurance-officer-5250102 Listen Notes: https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/chief-endurance-officer-ringmaster-KMdv2I8XwkN/ YouTube: https://youtu.be/AIYC1b_zD9UKeep up to date on our social accounts:
Join my Endurance Leadership Community: https://endurance-leadership-community.mn.co/share/_C3ZDRz7OX2vbCme?utm_source=manual TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chiefenduranceofficer?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc Chief Endurance Officer is produced by Ringmaster, on a mission to create connections through B2B podcasts. Learn more at https://ringmaster.com/ 

Welcome to another captivating episode! Today’s guests have a love and passion for coaching. Introducing Chris Bagg and Molly Balfe, Head Coaches & Co-Owners of Campfire Endurance Coaching! Chris and Molly partner with host Gregory McDonough to share their coaching philosophy, the impact of the endurance mindset, and details about their training camps. They emphasize the importance of communication, finding joy in training, and the balance between athlete's wellness and performance. They also delve into their coaching approach and the future of coaching. 

Takeaways:
Emphasize to your teams the importance of resilience and perseverance. Encourage them to view challenges not as obstacles but as opportunities for growth. This mindset can lead to significant personal and professional development.Use your personal challenges and victories as teaching moments. Just like Molly shared her transformative experience with endurance sports, leaders should encourage sharing stories within teams to inspire and motivate.Just as Campfire Endurance focuses on creating happier, healthier athletes, leaders should prioritize the well-being of their team members. Balance and joy in work can enhance productivity and employee satisfaction.Chris and Molly's partnership demonstrates the power of collaboration. Leaders and communicators should seek and nurture complementary partnerships to share responsibilities, offer support, and foster innovation.While embracing virtual training and other technologies, don't lose sight of the importance of personalized interaction and coaching. Use technology as an enhancer, not a replacement, for personalized leadership and coaching.Chris's contemplation on almost selling the business during tough times teaches the importance of resilience and seeking support. Leaders should cultivate an environment where seeking help and reevaluating decisions is encouraged.Encourage team members to find joy in their work and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Just as in endurance training, long-term success and health are tied to enjoying the process and respecting personal limits.
Quote of the Show:
“We cannot manage our client’s energy if we don't know what their energy is.” - Chris Bagg"I am more invested in coaching when I have more space from my own athletic endeavors.” - Molly Balfe 
Links:
Chris’ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-bagg/ Molly’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mollybalfe/  Company Website: www.campfireendurance.com Email: info@campfireendurance.com 
Ways to Tune In:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/580aLDKac1ld031W4nWDtp Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chief-endurance-officer/id1680214218?uo=4Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy50cmFuc2lzdG9yLmZtL2NoaWVmLWVuZHVyYW5jZS1vZmZpY2Vy Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c96880f-8dcd-4a6e-b1c8-fda816f872a9 Podcast Addict: https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/4340732 Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/show/5897357 Player FM: https://player.fm/series/series-3462719 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/chief-endurance-officer-5250102 Listen Notes: https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/chief-endurance-officer-ringmaster-KMdv2I8XwkN/ YouTube: https://youtu.be/wwEcaGYZU2o
Keep up to date on our social accounts:
Join my Endurance Leadership Community: https://endurance-leadership-community.mn.co/share/_C3ZDRz7OX2vbCme?utm_source=manual TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chiefenduranceofficer?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc Chief Endurance Officer is produced by Ringmaster, on a mission to create connections through B2B podcasts. Learn more at https://ringmaster.com/ 

Welcome to another captivating episode! Today’s guest is a former corporate executive of three Fortune 10 firms turned bestselling author, speaker, and leadership expert! Introducing Kyle McDowell, Founder of Kyle McDowell Inc. Kyle partners with host Gregory McDonough to share his journey of developing an endurance mindset, emphasizing the importance of embracing challenges and facilitating excellence through principle-based leadership. He also delves into the impact of his principles in professional and personal life and offers insights on effective leadership and achieving peak performance. 

Takeaways:
Endurance is not merely about enduring physical exertion but encompasses resilience in facing any form of adversity, whether it's physical, emotional, or mental. By enduring and overcoming challenges, individuals develop strength, resilience, and character.Rather than avoiding challenges and struggles, embracing them can lead to profound personal development. Each challenge presents an opportunity for learning, growth, and self-discovery. By confronting difficulties head-on, individuals can uncover their strengths, weaknesses, and capabilities.Effective leadership involves more than just authority; it requires empathy, vulnerability, and the ability to build trust. Leaders who demonstrate empathy understand and connect with their team members on a deeper level, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.Investing in the growth and development of team members is crucial for both individual and collective success. Authentic investment goes beyond superficial gestures; it involves genuine care, support, and encouragement for each team member's professional development.Self-care, including adequate sleep, exercise, and overall well-being, is essential for maintaining energy, focus, and productivity. Prioritizing self-care allows individuals to recharge physically, mentally, and emotionally, enabling them to perform at their best. Hard work is the cornerstone of achievement, often requiring individuals to push through temporary discomfort and challenges. While the journey may be difficult, the rewards of achieving one's goals far outweigh the initial struggles. Sharing stories of overcoming challenges can inspire and motivate others to adopt an endurance mindset in their own struggles. Hearing how others have faced adversity, persevered, and ultimately triumphed can provide hope and encouragement to those facing similar difficulties. Quote of the Show:
"Relatability plus authenticity equals trust." - Kyle McDowell Links:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylemcdowellinc/ Website: https://kylemcdowellinc.com/  Social Platforms: @kylemcdowellinc Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1544529902?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_1CFB3WR038JEY9ZXYXFQ Ways to Tune In:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/580aLDKac1ld031W4nWDtp Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chief-endurance-officer/id1680214218?uo=4Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy50cmFuc2lzdG9yLmZtL2NoaWVmLWVuZHVyYW5jZS1vZmZpY2Vy Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c96880f-8dcd-4a6e-b1c8-fda816f872a9 Podcast Addict: https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/4340732 Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/show/5897357 Player FM: https://player.fm/series/series-3462719 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/chief-endurance-officer-5250102 Listen Notes: https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/chief-endurance-officer-ringmaster-KMdv2I8XwkN/ YouTube: https://youtu.be/ovJ8H1OzJ-EKeep up to date on our social accounts:
Join my Endurance Leadership Community: https://endurance-leadership-community.mn.co/share/_C3ZDRz7OX2vbCme?utm_source=manual TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chiefenduranceofficer?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc Chief Endurance Officer is produced by Ringmaster, on a mission to create connections through B2B podcasts. Learn more at https://ringmaster.com/