The Improver Network Podcast Improver Network

In today's episode, Justin & Cooper discuss how reading and understanding history helps the Improver learn and grow exponentially. 
Topics discussed include: 

How and why to incorporate a "thematic reading" plan into your reading routine
The "spillover effect" 
Using history as a data point from which to draw information and application
Incredible stories in history of vision, risk, and overcoming incredible odds 
Resources referenced: Book: March of Folly by Barbara TuchmanBook: The Hard Thing About Hard Things and What You Do Is Who You are by Ben Horowitz
Person: Justin Winstead, The Improver CoachCompany: Improver Group
Bonus notes from the guest:
This involves what author Shosanna Zuboff terms “surveillance capitalism”.  Cookies on websites, microphones on smart devices, geolocation history, etc.  Companies such as supermarket chains and car insurance providers are now beginning to see themselves as data aggregators due to the lucrative financial results that await entities who can harness and deploy actionable insights that bring in more profit and customers.  But there is a tremendous source that often goes overlooked - the collective sum of human experience and wisdom  over the course of recorded history.
 
It’s an idea that I’m still fleshing out but a few examples that come to mind:

If you are an aspiring entrepreneur seeking encouragement, look at the story of Toussiant L’Overture.  He was born and raised a slave in modern-day Haiti and led a successful revolt against the most powerful nation in Europe - Napoleon’s France but instilling a vision, focus, discipline and application amongst his followers.  You probably aren’t starting from the point that he did, so take heart in his example and get moving!
If you are a parent of a teenager who is hanging out with the wrong crowd or spending too much in a relationship of questionable caliber, look at what happened with the French in Algeria or the Dutch in Indonesia.  The bottom line is that the fundamental conditions were not conducive to a mutually beneficial arrangement and no matter how much one party gives, it won’t work if the other party is not accepting of the arrangement.
If you are a business leader seeking to instill vision in your team, talk about the example of Mehmed II of the Ottoman Empire.  By the late Middle Ages the old Eastern Roman Empire had shrunk to  shadow of its former self but was still lulled into a false sense of security by the famous Walls of Constantinople, who had brought many would-be conquerors to ruin.  Mehemed amassed a massive army that was both disciplined and well-organized and able to make use of recent technological advancements in cannons.  He was as able to breach the city walls, overrun their meager defenses, established his capital at Constantinople.  The Ottoman Empire sent shivers up the collective spines of Christian Europe for the next several hundred years and to this very day the city, now called Istanbul, is the largest in Europe.
 
Obviously many more examples exist - David and Goliath, the Battle at Thermopylae with the famous 300 Spartans facing off against tens of thousands of enemy fighters, the Battle at Bannockburn made famous in Mel Gibson’s “Braveheart”.  
 

In today's episode, Justin & Darin discuss the incredible importance of building a culture of trust.
Topics discussed include: 

Why teams struggle to win without trust
Causes of distrust and mistrust 
Positive steps to helping team members create dependability 
The foundation of the 5 Dysfunctions of a Team
3 key areas you can overcome to increase your own trustworthiness 

Resources referenced:Person: Jocko Willink  Books: Patrick Lencioni's "5 Dysfunctions of a Team" and "6 Types of Working Genius"Book: The Energy Bus by Jon Gordon Person: Justin Winstead, The Improver CoachCompany: Improver Group, Improver Network

In today's episode, we interview Dr. Zoe Shaw on the topic of shame.  In addition to being an author and speaker, Dr. Zoe Shaw is a licensed psychotherapist and relationship expert, a mother of 5, and a wife of 25 Years.
Topics discussed include: 

Shame - what is it...really?
Difference between shame and guilt
Complex shame theory 
Understanding simple and toxic shame
Connection between Imposter Syndrome and shame
Power of radical acceptance (internally and externally)
Special guest: Melissa McCasland
Resources referenced:Person: Brené BrownPodcast: Stronger in the Difficult Places  Person: Dr. Zoe ShawPerson: Justin Winstead, The Improver CoachCompany: Improver Group, Improver Network

In today's episode, we interview Heather Oynes on the topic of managing money.  Heather is a pharmacist and financial coach in addition to being a wife and mom.  Topics discuss include: 

Importance of parent/child conversations on money
"Give save spend" 
Combating the idea that entrepreneurship is not financially safe 
Spender vs Saver Mindsets 
A budget is a spending plan
Justin & Heather's Dave Ramsey journeys
Marriage and money - the importance of values and communication around money
Difference between Financial Advisor and Coach 
"...even if you're arguing about money, that's better than ignoring the topic..." "A budget is telling your money where to go instead of wondering where it went.""...money issues are really vision, values, and goals issues." 
Resources referenced:Podcast: Destress Your Money Using Biblical PrinciplesBook:  Financial Peace University by Dave Ramsey Tool: Smart Kids, Smart MoneyBook: Total Money Makeover by Dave RamseyGroup: Created for More CommunityPerson: Heather Oynes LinkedIn, Heather Oynes Facebook Person: Justin Winstead, The Improver CoachCompany: Improver Group, Improver Network

In today's episode, we interview Darin Hollingsworth on the topic of soul care.  Darin, a former pastor, shares the importance of soul care and the impact it has on leaders. 

Personal stories and background from Darin
Experiences from his time in ministry, including trying to lead from an empty tank
Routines & rythms of soul care 
Practical ways to recharge 
Resources referenced:Podcast: That Sounds Fun podcast: Episode 388 John Eldridge + Resilient Source: Barna Research on pastors - https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/28/opinion/pastor-burnout-pandemic.htmlSource: CNBC poll: https://www.cnbc.com/2022/07/20/40percent-of-workers-are-considering-quitting-their-jobs-soon.html
Book: At Your Best by Cary NieuwhofTool: 1st step resources for developing a soul care rhythm and mindset:  One Minute Pause App & Lectio 365 App Book: Soul Keeping book John Ortberg/Dallas Willard Person: Justin Winstead, The Improver CoachCompany: Improver Network

In today's episode, we interview Lacey MacLeod and discuss several topics including how to respond when your worldview is challenged.

Personal stories and background from Lacey
Experiences from years in HR
Helping people thrive through transition
Her perspective on personality assessments
Why focusing on attitude can be more helpful than focusing on personality 
Resources referenced:Person: Lacey MacLeodCompany/Organization: Talent Uplifted Book: What Got You Here Won't Get You There by Marshall GoldsmithPerson: Justin Winstead, The Improver CoachCompany: Improver Network