The Standout Experience John Walsh

Some people seek out leadership. Others find themselves in it. Christine McHugh is one of those individuals who walked the walk right into the top of her industry. Her journey has had ups and downs, but her consistent character and valuing of people paved the way for her success.
Christine grew up in a single-parent household. Surrounded by civil servants, it is easy to see how her deeply rooted sense of service and empathy formed. While attending a community college, she interviewed for a position as a barista at Starbucks. After a 30-year career with the company, she rounded out her time with Starbucks in an executive position, literally going from barista to the boardroom; not to mention everything in between. She is currently an entrepreneur, executive coach, author, and runner, just to name a few of the hats she wears.
We often explore what makes individuals stand out. What separates them from their peers and causes them to rise? While a role may require specific skill sets, there are a few things that transcend position. Curiosity is foundational. You have to ask questions, so you can understand and discover how to move forward. Taking responsibility for yourself and building your tool belt is key. A leader goes out of their way to learn the ins and outs of how things work and what makes them do well.
In the service industry, technology may have changed, but one thing has not. No matter your position, being service-oriented in every arena of life will cause you to stand out among the crowd. The human connection is what truly makes the difference. People build loyalty to a company or brand because of how they are treated.  It is not enough to be fast and efficient. Caring for the person in front of you and welcoming them, and meeting their individual need is what makes companies stand out.
Being transactional is not enough. Leaders create culture. That culture is built on what they value, not just what they say. If a leader values empathy, curiosity, and relationship building, their culture will foster these values. A culture that deems these values as important will take them beyond the walls of the company. They will interact with others from this point of value, from coworkers to vendors.
Never stop learning. Never stop valuing people. When you care about your people, your organization, and your culture, your vision will take care of itself. Lead with self-awareness, walk in your strength and surround yourself with individuals who can fill in the gaps. Know what you value and lead from that place of strength.
If you can take anything away from Christine and apply it immediately, it is this: If you work with a team, go right now and thank them. Thank them for what they do and how they do it. Value them and help build a culture that is founded on value.
Rise. Shine. Impact. Be curious, take responsibility, and value others.
Resources
From Barista to Boardroom: Lessons about Life and Leadership from a Career in Coffee by Christine C. McHugh
Connect with Christine
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-mchugh-executive/
Website: https://www.christinemchughconsulting.com/
Website: https://www.frombaristatoboardroom.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christine.mchugh.runs/ (running)
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christine.mchugh.consulting/ (consulting)
Blog: https://www.christinemchughconsulting.com/blog
Connect with John:
www.standoutmovement.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/johnwalsh_standout 
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnrwalshjr 
Twitter - https://twitter.com/johnwstandout 

Many people will have a leadership title at some point in their careers. But what sets managers apart from true, standout leaders? Mark Rucker, former Global VP of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, is here to share his years of wisdom and how you can not just glean it, but apply it.
Mark Rucker is the CEO of The Golden Company, a speaker, and author. In addition to being a former Global VP for Disney, he is also a former SVP for Great Wolf Resorts. Over his 32 year career at Disney, Mark worked in over 15 different roles, spanning from an industrial engineer in parks and resorts to systems, transportation, corporate, and eventually Global Walt Disney.
Leadership is a journey, and leaders aren’t born, they're made, over time and through lessons learned. There is no one specific situation that makes you a leader. There are, however, pivotal moments that set your course. Document those key moments and lessons through a journal or a drop file. This allows you to build a solid foundation along the way for your leadership. The best way to grow your understanding is to seek it out.
Reach out to friends you admire and respected colleagues and ask to grab coffee with them. Don’t be shy about talking to people about things they are experts in. Taking the first step and seeking out wisdom will allow you to gain nuggets over time from others' experiences. And if there is one thing you want as a leader, it is wisdom.
There is a difference between wisdom gleaned and wisdom applied. It isn’t enough to ask and take notes. Standouts take it a step further. They figure out how to apply what they learn to their lives and put it into action.
The biggest lesson you can learn as a leader is that you are not an island. Whether you face a small problem or have a large endeavor, you don't have to do it alone. Those you lead are no different. Whatever stage you are at, you need to have a team around you. Not only mentors. You need a full team – at work and in life. Everyone is completely different, and how we treat each other should be different, unique, and special.
If you want to be a standout leader, you have to have a leadership adoption mindset. Get to know those who you work alongside. Give them care and love and the benefit of the doubt. Make it your goal to help them grow. The greatest joy of a leader is seeing someone you have led move up and flourish. As you grow others, you must also grow yourself. Lead yourself well, and you will lead others well. Treat yourself as the first person you have to lead, develop and grow.
If you can take anything away from Mark and apply it immediately, it is this: You need a board of directors for your life and career. If you take one nugget, it is to start setting up coffee chats and searching for your board of directors.
Rise. Shine. Impact. Learn from others and give back.
Resources
Over Coffee with the Mouse: Life and Leadership Wisdom from 32 Years at Disney and Beyond by Mark Rucker (Preorder)
Connect with Mark
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-rucker-golden/
Website: http://thegoldencompanyllc.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mark.rucker.golden
Connect with John:
www.standoutmovement.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnwalsh_standout 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnrwalshjr 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/johnwstandout 

We’ve all faced the question of following a passion or a paycheck. What does a Standout follow? Does it have to be either/or? It is a fine line to walk and can be littered with potholes along the way, including mental health struggles. Stress and pressure have the potential to either refine us or break us. Dr. Alexander Bacher is here to help us understand the difference between being a human being and a human doing.
Dr. Bacher is a former Wall Street Investment Banker who decided to pass on what was recommended, even on an offer from the CIA. He is a Clinical Phycologist, specializing in drugs and addiction, and has traveled to over 103 countries. He received his BA in Phycology from Georgetown before pursuing his grad studies at Pepperdine University. He is also an author, speaker, and performance and wellness coach with the goal to be a transformational change maker.
It is not easy to break free of the mindset that judges success by money and possessions. Studies have shown there is a negligible increase in happiness when individuals make more than 70K, regardless of the amount. While you are discovering what you want to do, take the time to try new things.
Success isn’t just what you make and have, but your ability to be authentically you. Who we are authentically is different than who we are as a result of our social, religious, and relational programming. Connecting with our inner guidance system and discovering what is best for us makes a huge difference in true success.
Another potential battlefield is that of mental health. It is one of the most important and often overlooks aspects of our lives. The average individual is chasing after the “dream” of success based on money, prestige, and things; it opens the door to social comparison. It can lead to the assumption that we are less worthy of love and value if we don’t have x, y, or z.
We need to focus on instilling the correct values in our core; like compassion, cooperation, community, and self-care. Self-care is paramount to leading. It is simply the intentional investment in things that are meaningful and restorative to yourself. Care for yourself first, and you can care for others.
What we fill ourselves with and the inputs we receive from are important. It’s not just what we eat, but what we mentally consume. Don’t let consumer-driven agendas play on your fears and problems. Focus on what is healthy and helpful. Does it motivate you or does it paralyze you?
We need community, not isolation. We have to reduce the stigma of mental health and break free of the individual culture that keeps us from the social support and community we desperately need. As individuals, you know who you are. Be true to who you are and take care of who you are. This knowing, coupled with a meaningful pursuit and managing your time effectively, and focusing on what is truly important, will help you overcome stress and mental health issues.
If you can take anything away from Dr. Bacher and apply it immediately, it is this: Start being more present. Slow down. Be by yourself and reflect. Do meditation and connect with your inner guidance system.
Rise. Shine. Impact. Take care of yourself so you can care for others.
Resources
Being Human: Reclaiming our True Power and Potential by Dr. Alexander Bacher
The Morning Brew
The Skimm
Connect with Dr. Bacher
Website: dralexanderbacher.com
Website: beinghumanmovement.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralexanderbacher/?hl=en
Connect with John:
www.standoutmovement.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnwalsh_standout 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnrwalshjr 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/johnwstandout 

As Standouts, it is normal to question what makes a champion. How can I achieve that level? Do I need more skills? More opportunity? Just more dumb luck? Seth Pepper, a high-performance mental coach, is giving us a crash course in how to build mental strength and confidence to help launch a stand-out performance in life.
Seth began his journey to greatness as a kid. At 14, he decided he wanted to be an Olympic swimmer. Seth went from training with 8-year-olds at a YMCA in Oregon to a national champion. It was the study of the power of the conscious and subconscious mind that was his edge, and now he trains athletes, execs, and influential leaders on how they can take what makes them unique and combine it with their audience's need to make a lasting impact in the world.
Everyone has a dream. Often, it can seem far away or unattainable. By making your future accessible and normalizing your success in your mind, you have the ability to open doors and create access to your goal. When you view adversity as an opportunity and failure as data to help you make educated changes, you will be unstoppable.
Too often, we look to the right or left and compare ourselves with those we admire. We see their success as the finish line, and that creates a gap that feels untraversable. When we knock the pedestal out from under them in our minds and see them as real people, their status becomes attainable.
Rather than focusing on the variables outside of your control, focus on what is within your reach. What are the things you can control? Don’t get caught up in other people's stories. Stay neutral. It will allow you to be strategic and keep you from getting caught up with things outside of your reach.
Clarity comes with time. Have a general direction and follow what calls to you and go after it. When you have a purpose, it makes pain bearable. There is never a clear path to success. But as you find your way around and through opposition and stay the course, you will arrive at the success you plan.
If you can take anything away from Seth and apply it immediately, it is this: Spend a little time, each day, by yourself. Get present in your body through quiet time or meditation. Journal. Have a conversation with yourself and allow yourself to get out of your head and be present.
Rise. Shine. Impact. Find your station, find your tribe.
Connect with Seth
Website: http://www.sethpepper.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethpepper/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sethpepper/?hl=en
Connect with John:
www.standoutmovement.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnwalsh_standout 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnrwalshjr 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/johnwstandout 

Still, on the topic of currency, we are taking a slightly different direction into the world of social capital. What is that, you might ask? Rika Nakazawa is sharing all about it and why it is important to your future.
Rika understands how much life is a string of chance coming together to form a glorious story. Born to a German mother and a Japanese father, Rika grew up in the middle of inborn multicultural diversity. After growing up in Japan, Rika moved to the US to become a Princeton Tiger. She has worked for many large international corporations, including Sony and American Express. She is an author, speaker, CEO, and founder of Board Seat Meet Inc.
Over the years, just as tech has transitioned from the waterfall methodology to agile, the mindsets of individuals when it comes to their professional future has also evolved. We no longer see work as a linear start to finish culminating in a gold watch at retirement. We now iterate our carriers, learning and growing in short sprints, working to become the best iteration of ourselves. We aren’t looking to put a corvette out as our first iteration. We are ok going from skateboard to bike to beater car to high octane efficiency. With this focus on learning and improving, more doors are opening to those in underrepresented groups.
No matter the group we belong to, we all have a default station hardwired in us. Our job is to learn what we can uniquely tune into and find others on the same frequency. We discover this by being exposed to others and their experiences. Our ability to sympathize or empathize with someone else has the potential to connect us, both personally and professionally. As we uncover our story and the tribe we are best able to share it with, we find that our arc, our journey, can inspire those around us and pave the way for others.
As a leader, you are expanding your connections and your influence, understanding the importance of social capital can help pave the road for your journey and those who will follow after you. The professional relationships that you reinforce socially allow you to grow a network of advocates and those you can advocate for. In the digital age, new avenues for cultivating social capital are springing up. To stand out, you have to know what makes you different and what you have to offer in any setting, personally or professionally. When you have the opportunity to be heard, take it. Self-expression is key. It doesn’t have to be perfect – each opportunity is a new chance to iterate and become who you are going to be.
If you can take anything away from Rika and apply it immediately, it is this: Practice is important. Think of a person who has been an idol in your life, maybe a leader or an author. Find them on LinkedIn and request to connect. Be specific in why you want to connect and how you are already connected to them. Practice reaching out to stand out.
Rise. Shine. Impact. Find your station, find your tribe.
Resources
Board Seat Meet
Dear Chairwomam,: Letters from Today’s Trailblazing Women Board Leaders to the Fearless Directors of Tomorrow By Rika Nakazawa
Connect with Rika
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikanakazawa/
Email: rika@boardseatmeet.com
Connect with John:
www.standoutmovement.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/johnwalsh_standout 
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnrwalshjr 
Twitter - https://twitter.com/johnwstandout 

We are talking about money again. In the last episode, we took a look at our relationship with money. Today, Brook Tomasetti is helping us take a strategic look at how we handle the money we have. 
Brooke grew up in a typical middle-class family, with a dual-income family. Her parents provided well for Brooke and her sisters, but they also instilled a strong work ethic. Brooke started investing by 18 and worked her way through college, finishing with minimal debt. In addition to her “normal” job, Brook also works in her passion, helping you get organized with your money.
People are often trying to live out the values of others, rather than discovering and building a life around what is truly important to them. How you spend your life and your time is 100% your responsibility. When you know what is important to you, it is easier to keep yourself focused on those things. 
When it comes to managing money, there are six steps that every individual needs to know and embrace.
Take control. Understand you are in control of what you do with your time and your money. Know your values. You will spend your money and your time on what you value. Take some time to discover what you value. Journal. Dream of your ideal life and write that down. Get specific.  Discover your purpose. Don’t feel pressured to put yourself in a box. Purpose helps to eliminate the noise so you can focus on what matters. Adjust your money mindset. Recognize “wealth” for what it is and make the connection between finances and freedom. Being Rich is simply being able to spend your time on what matters to you with the people that matter to you. Get real with your numbers and make a plan. Don’t just hope and pray – know where you are and where you want to go. Have the discipline to walk it out. Make the trade-off and the necessary sacrifices to accomplish what matters to you. If you take these six steps, utilize a budget, and pay yourself first, you can experience a full and satisfying life. 
If you can take anything away from Brooke and apply it immediately, it is this: Sometimes you just have to try things. Don’t be afraid to explore, especially as you are finding your values.
Rise. Shine. Impact. Relax and follow your value.
Resources
Free Expense Tracker
Work with Brook
Connect with Brooke
Website: Moneylifementor.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moneylifementor/
Connect with John:
www.standoutmovement.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/johnwalsh_standout 
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnrwalshjr 
Twitter - https://twitter.com/johnwstandout