Tim Stating the Obvious

statingtheobvious
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Turning leadership principles into practical application

  1. 5D AGO

    Never Fire Anyone with Mark Morgenfruh

    In this episode of , Never Fire Anyone with Mark Morgenfruh, The Essence of Great Leadership and Trust, I sit down with our Guest Mark Morgenfruh who highlights a trust deficit in business, where employees are often viewed with suspicion despite inherently wanting to succeed, leading to a lack of trust in leadership. He argues that corporate leadership often prioritizes data over people, creating a disconnect. This perspective comes from Mark Morgenfruh’s 33 years in HR. Furthermore, discussions touched upon what are the generational gaps, noting how different generations perceive leadership and career progression. Mark Morgenfruh’s book, “Never Fire Anybody,” advocates a values-based disciplinary model. It posits that performance issues often stem from employees being overpromoted into unsuitable roles. Instead of firing, leaders should reassign employees to roles where they can excel, retaining valuable institutional knowledge and relationships. Tim Staton notes this mirrors military reassignment practices. This approach helps in understanding the generational gaps meaning by recognizing differing career expectations across age groups. Implementing this model requires changing mindsets and focusing on individual worth. Instead of rigid PIPs, leaders should have frank discussions about struggles and propose repurposing. This is more cost-effective than replacing employees. Tim Staton raises the issue of generational gaps, where younger employees might expect rapid advancement. Mark Morgenfruh suggests guiding them to “try on” new roles to prove capabilities before promotion, which is key to bridging generational gaps. This approach helps manage generational gaps in the workplace by setting realistic expectations and fostering development. Understanding what are the generational gaps is crucial here. Mark Morgenfruh argues promotions require demonstrated performance, not just potential vs performance. For executive hires, rigorous vetting, including simulations, is crucial to ensure fit and performance, using a potential vs performance matrix effectively. Difficult conversations should happen early, starting by asking employees about their self-perceived performance. Empathy in leadership is key; leaders should support employees through personal challenges, fostering loyalty and engagement. This showcases why empathy is important in leadership and exemplifies an empathy leadership style. Tim Staton stresses prioritizing people to create a caring environment, highlighting the strong connection between empathy and leadership.   Connect with Mark: Website: https://gethrready.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markmorgenfruh/ Book: https://www.neverfireanyone.com/   Connect with Tim: Website: timstatingtheobvious.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/timstatingtheobvious YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHfDcITKUdniO8R3RP0lvdw Instagram: @TimStating TikTok: @timstatingtheobvious LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-staton-04b41a271/ SKOOL Community: https://www.skool.com/timstatingtheobvious-9537/about?ref=de9c7e65d8ba4eeabc1a8eea413c125b

    32 min

  2. MAR 4

    Fix Workplace Culture: Uncommon Sense with Mel Blackwell

    In this episode of Tim Stating the Obvious, titled Fix Workplace Culture: Uncommon Sense with Mel Blackwell, We welcome Mel Blackwell, a seasoned workplace culture consultant and author of Uncommon Sense: The Fight to Fix Your Workplace Culture in the Wild West of Business. We explore the workplace culture meaning, share real workplace culture examples, and discuss practical steps for how to fix workplace culture to move teams from mediocrity to greatness.   Mel draws from over 35 years as a corporate "fixer" to explain workplace culture types—from toxic environments dominated by "culture bandits," "cobras," "rattlesnakes," or "scorpions" to healthy, cohesive ones led by the "shepherd" archetype. He uses the scorpion and the frog fable and its scorpion and the frog meaning to illustrate how some people instinctively resist positive change and harm the group, no matter the cost. Leaders must protect their teams by removing these destructive influences, even if it means parting ways generously, to create a safe space where everyone can thrive.   This book reinforces the podcast's core belief: everyone deserves great leadership at work, church, or home. The conversation turns to shifting from "problem worship" to proactive problem-solving—Mel's rule of requiring a proposed solution with every issue raised empowers employees, pushes decision-making downward, and encourages calculated risks with supportive learning from mistakes.   Mel introduces uncommon sense teaching through concepts like distinguishing the main vision (destination) from the subvision (daily journey), both essential for alignment and engagement. He advocates the "best pledge," where individuals commit to being their best selves at work, home, and in the community—starting with leaders modeling accountability and high standards.   To how to overcome mediocrity and how to overcome mediocrity achieve greatness, organizations need to escape "comfortably miserable" survival mode by building trust, eliminating negativity, clarifying the journey, fostering a shared language, and enabling problem-solvers over problem-finders. Mel's book offers a blueprint for these transformations, helping leaders establish resilient cultures that drive extraordinary results through practical, battle-tested strategies rather than empty buzzwords.   Connect With Mel Blackwell: Book: https://mybook.to/UncommonSense Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GJ5QHKZ8?tag=bk00010a-20&th=1&psc=1&geniuslink=true Author Website: https://www.melblackwell.com/ Socials: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mel-blackwell-702866271 X: https://x.com/melblackwell IG: https://www.instagram.com/blackwellmel/ Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/198723188   Connect with Tim: Website: timstatingtheobvious.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/timstatingtheobvious YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHfDcITKUdniO8R3RP0lvdw Instagram: @TimStating TikTok: @timstatingtheobvious LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-staton-04b41a271/ SKOOL Community: https://www.skool.com/timstatingtheobvious-9537/about?ref=de9c7e65d8ba4eeabc1a8eea413c125b

    46 min

  3. FEB 27

    Can AI Help Create High Performance Teams

    In this episode of Tim Stating the Obvious, titled Can AI Help Create High Performance Teams, host Tim Staton speaks with Dan Kasper, a former Navy SEAL Special Operations Officer and founder of PilotEer. Dan shares his journey from leading elite military teams to applying those lessons in business, scaling operations at Airbnb, and now using AI to transform how organizations build high performance teams.   Dan explains what are high performance teams: groups where members operate at their highest capacity toward a laser-aligned shared goal. Drawing from special operations, he highlights high performance teams characteristics such as diverse specialists contributing to a common objective, deep mutual understanding from shared experiences, self-policing accountability, instantaneous supportive feedback, and a culture that puts team needs first.   He stresses servant leadership as key to leading high performance teams and managing high performance teams. Leaders must make team members' personal and professional priorities matter to them, foster genuine trust, and act as a "chameleon with a backbone"—holding firm core principles while adapting styles across military, corporate, or startup settings. True leadership, he says, is lived through service, enabling people to achieve extraordinary results.   To create high performance teams or how to build high performance teams, Dan advocates fostering trust, service-oriented mindsets, and environments where individuals feel supported. In the civilian world, this means prioritizing what matters to team members to build strong connections and accountability. After transitioning from the military—with help from The Honor Foundation—Dan found his fit in tech startups mirroring the close-knit, resource-limited dynamics of special operations. Through PilotEer, he bridges the gap between elite units (which use real-time, instrumented data) and corporate teams. The platform's "sensing AI" joins virtual meetings to offer non-intrusive feedback on interactions, tone, sentiment, and body language—acting as a mirror for self-correction, grounded in neuroscience. AI augments human ingenuity rather than replacing it, accelerating problem-solving, enabling faster iteration, and evolving toward collaborative human-AI teams within clear trust parameters.   Dan emphasizes ethical AI use, strategic alignment with goals, and the enduring need for human critical thinking. Ultimately, he sees AI as a powerful assistant in creating high performance teams, helping leaders and members reflect, adapt, and elevate dynamics in real time for stronger cultures and sustained organizational success.   Connect with Dan Kasper Website: https://www.piloteer.ai/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-kasper-022359b7/   Connect With Tim Website: timstatingtheobvious.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/timstatingtheobvious YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHfDcITKUdniO8R3RP0lvdw Instagram: @TimStating TikTok: @timstatingtheobvious LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-staton-04b41a271/ SKOOL Community: https://www.skool.com/timstatingtheobvious-9537/about?ref=de9c7e65d8ba4eeabc1a8eea413c125b Enroll in the Leadership Course: https://themanyhatsofleadership.learnworlds.com/course/the-edge-mindset

    29 min

  4. FEB 20

    How to turn Fear into Anticipation

    In this episode of Tim Stating The Obvious, Career Transition Anxiety: Fear to Anticipation, I break down the emotional hurdles in career transitions—especially for executives—and how to flip fear and anxiety into fuel for forward momentum.   What is career transition? It's that pivotal shift: leaving a familiar role, job, or phase (like retirement) for something new, often loaded with mixed emotions.   Why the flip? Why does excitement turn into anxiety (or why does my excitement turn into anxiety)? The same physiological arousal—racing heart, energy surge—can register as threat instead of opportunity, sparking anticipation anxiety. Can anticipation cause anxiety? Yes—anxiety anticipation shows up as restlessness, overthinking, or physical tension when the mind fixates on "what ifs."   Core fears driving this: What is fear of failure (doubting you'll succeed or meet expectations in the new path) and what is fear of the unknown (uncertainty without a clear roadmap).   The key insight? Much of it boils down to what is false evidence appearing real—fear false evidence appearing real meaning—where imagined disasters feel vividly real but are often just mental fiction, not present facts.   Practical shift: Master how to turn anxiety into excitement through emotional reappraisal (simply label the feeling "I'm excited"), reframe the energy as growth fuel, and redirect imagination toward positive possibilities instead of letting it drain you.   This serves as a no-fluff career transition guide for anyone in a career transition for executives or big life pivot—helping you understand the battles, quiet the noise, and step forward with clarity.   Connect with Tim Website: timstatingtheobvious.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/timstatingtheobvious YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHfDcITKUdniO8R3RP0lvdw Instagram: @TimStating TikTok: @timstatingtheobvious LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-staton-04b41a271/ SKOOL Community: https://www.skool.com/timstatingtheobvious-9537/about?ref=de9c7e65d8ba4eeabc1a8eea413c125b Enroll in the Leadership Course: https://themanyhatsofleadership.learnworlds.com/course/the-edge-mindset

    22 min

  5. FEB 18

    Thrive Corporate: Success Guide

    Thrive Corporate: Success Guide Wise Mind In this episode of Tim Stating the Obvious, host Tim Staton sits down with Edward Bjurstrom, author of The Success Guide: How to Thrive in the Corporate Environment. Drawing from over 40 years leading in biopharma at companies like Amgen and Gilead Sciences, Edward shares a practical roadmap for how to survive in corporate America and how to thrive in the corporate world—whether you're navigating high-stakes regulated environments or aiming to get promoted faster in a large company.   Edward explains how to think and work holistically, balancing the rational mind (logic and facts) with the emotional mind (feelings and intuition) to reach the wise mind—that integrated state where decisions feel clear and effective. He dives into the rational mind vs emotional mind dynamic, why the wise mind rational mind emotional mind balance matters so much in leadership, and how understanding the psychological definition of a flow state can unlock peak individual and team performance.   You get actionable insights on avoiding common pitfalls, fostering trust and accountability, and applying concepts like design thinking understanding how designers think and work to solve complex corporate challenges. Whether you're dealing with burnout, mistrust, or just wanting sustained success, Edward's lessons from his book offer a no-nonsense guide to building excellence without sacrificing well-being.   Connect with Tim: Website: timstatingtheobvious.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/timstatingtheobvious YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHfDcITKUdniO8R3RP0lvdw Instagram: @TimStating TikTok: @timstatingtheobvious LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-staton-04b41a271/ SKOOL Community: https://www.skool.com/timstatingtheobvious-9537/about?ref=de9c7e65d8ba4eeabc1a8eea413c125b Enroll in the Leadership Course: https://themanyhatsofleadership.learnworlds.com/course/the-edge-mindset   Connect with Edward Bjurstrom Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G4RBL543 Website : www.mountaintopconsul.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/edwardbjurstrom Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/edward.bjurstrom

    33 min

  6. FEB 13

    Begin with We Kyle McDowell | How to Measure Outcomes

    Kyle McDowell explains the Begin With We principles and how leaders can measure outcomes instead of busy work. In this episode, Tim Staton sits down with Kyle McDowell, author of Begin With We, to explore what modern leadership really looks like and how to measure outcomes that matter. If you’ve ever asked who is Kyle McDowell or why the Begin With We 10 principles are transforming leaders worldwide, this conversation delivers real insight. Kyle McDowell opens up about hitting rock bottom in his career and feeling unexpected apathy despite professional success. That personal wake-up call sparked his revolutionary Begin With We leadership philosophy and changed how he approaches leadership and accountability. Hear how Kyle McDowell Begin With We transformed his style—from a fear-driven boss to a leader who inspires trust and commitment. This conversation explores why we should do the right thing, how leaders lead by example, why teams must embrace challenge, and why organizations must measure outcomes instead of activity to drive real performance. Whether you’re leading a business, managing a team, or preparing for your next leadership role, this episode offers practical insights on how to measure outcomes, build authentic connection, and create a culture where people are committed—not just compliant.   Connect with Kyle McDowell: https://www.instagram.com/kylemcdowellinc/ https://www.tiktok.com/@kylemcdowellinc https://www.youtube.com/@kylemcdowellinc https://www.facebook.com/KyleMcDowellInc https://twitter.com/KyleMcDowellInc www.linkedin.com/in/kylemcdowellinc https://www.kylemcdowellinc.com.   Connect with Tim Website: timstatingtheobvious.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/timstatingtheobvious YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHfDcITKUdniO8R3RP0lvdw Instagram: @TimStating TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@theleadershiphatrack LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-staton-04b41a271/ SKOOL Community: https://www.skool.com/timstatingtheobvious-9537/about?ref=de9c7e65d8ba4eeabc1a8eea413c125b

    37 min

  7. FEB 11

    How to Fuel Your Brain for Optimal Performance

    How do you fuel your brain—not your anxiety—for sustained mental energy, clarity, and confident decision-making?   In this episode, Tim Staton launches a powerful new nutrition leadership program series exploring the science-backed connection between gut health, brain fuel, and leadership performance. If you’ve ever wondered what fuel does your brain use, how to fuel your brain, or which food to fuel your brain supports long-term focus, this conversation delivers practical answers.   Tim is joined by Nikki Golly, a nutrition and digestive health expert, who shares her personal journey of overcoming 27 years of chronic digestive issues that silently eroded her confidence, clarity, and mental energy. Her transformation—now openly known as “the poop lady”—highlights why digestive health is foundational to personal development, wellness, and leadership effectiveness.   Together, they break down how the gut functions as the body’s “second brain,” directly influencing decision-making, emotional regulation, and sustained mental energy. Nikki explains why hydration is one of the most overlooked tools for brain performance, affecting nearly 90–95% of people, and how proper hydration helps you better interpret hunger, stress, and cognitive fatigue.   You’ll also learn: How to fuel your brain through nutrition without relying on stimulants Why high-protein breakfasts support focus, clarity, and confidence The difference between macronutrients, micronutrients, and real brain fuel Why processed foods increase anxiety instead of energy How stress disrupts digestion—and how to reset your system for better performance   This episode is ideal for leaders, professionals, and high performers seeking sustained mental energy, sharper thinking, and a healthier relationship between food, stress, and productivity.   If you care about wellness, personal development, digestive health, and leadership clarity, this conversation will change how you think about what’s on your plate—and how it shapes your legacy. Connect with Nikki: Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/nicole.golly.7 Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/fuelyourbody/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikkigolly/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fuelyourbodywithnikkigolly4860?si=A7XIE4fOTk7E0WJc   Connect with Tim: Website: timstatingtheobvious.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/timstatingtheobvious YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHfDcITKUdniO8R3RP0lvdw Instagram: @TimStating TikTok: @timstatingtheobvious LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-staton-04b41a271/ SKOOL Community: https://www.skool.com/timstatingtheobvious-9537/about?ref=de9c7e65d8ba4eeabc1a8eea413c125b Enroll in the Leadership Course: https://themanyhatsofleadership.learnworlds.com/course/the-edge-mindset

    39 min

  8. FEB 6

    Align Your Purpose with Your Profession Today

    Align Your Purpose with Your Profession Today Are you dreading your work? Tim Staton introduces Florian Kemmerich, an impact investor, leadership mentor, and author. Tim Staton notes that many talented people dread their work. Florian Kemmerich suggests that aligning purpose with profession can solve this. He shares his journey, including how he left a corporate job to find his calling. What is your professional purpose? Florian Kemmerich defines education as preparing for life, but not for understanding oneself. He contrasts this with vocation, which is a calling or a dream of contributing to the world. Florian Kemmerich shares his personal pivot from a corporate career to impact investing. He learned about himself through personal development and now helps others find their vocation. Florian Kemmerich explains that feeling stressed when you choose your path, even if it’s challenging, differs from stress caused by external pressures. This personal choice leads to motivation and a sense of purpose. What is an example of purpose at work? Florian Kemmerich provides an example of a young man who used his financial skills to address climate change adaptation. This shows how a vocation and a skill set can combine to create meaningful work. Florian Kemmerich emphasizes that one should think about what they care about and translate it into actionable steps. He believes that making a difference in the world is contagious. When you are in your “zone,” life feels different and more meaningful. Florian Kemmerich also shares his experience doing service work in Mexico, which taught him to serve with dignity and fairness. Some common criticisms Florian Kemmerich faces include people thinking he believes he is better than others or that his approach requires taking financial risks. He clarifies that his method encourages self-reflection to understand one’s contribution, not necessarily a complete career overhaul or financial risk. He also addresses the discomfort of self-reflection and vulnerability, which he overcame through personal development and introspection. How do you define your purpose at work? How do I answer what is my purpose? How to find meaning in my daily work? Workshops for aligning personal values with career paths can help you navigate the distinction between vocation vs. occupation, understanding vocation and calling, and exploring vocation calling. Are you experiencing vocation frustration? Discover your vocation and mission, explore vocation ideas, or seek vocation discernment. The difference between vocation vs. profession is crucial for finding jobs that align with your calling.   Connect with Tim: Website: timstatingtheobvious.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/timstatingtheobvious YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHfDcITKUdniO8R3RP0lvdw Instagram: @TimStating TikTok: @timstatingtheobvious LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-staton-04b41a271/ SKOOL Community: https://www.skool.com/timstatingtheobvious-9537/about?ref=de9c7e65d8ba4eeabc1a8eea413c125b Enroll in the Leadership Course: https://themanyhatsofleadership.learnworlds.com/course/the-edge-mindset Connect with Aslak de Silva LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aslakdesilva/ Book: https://www.amazon.com/Black-Belt-Leadership-Lessons-Boardroom/dp/952880490X   Connect with Florian On Vocation on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Vocation-Align-Your-Purpose-Profession/dp/1041067283 Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/floriankemmerich Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/florian_kemmmerich Website: https://www.on-vocation.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/floriankemmerich Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flokemmerich X/Twitter: https://x.com/flokemmerich Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/17iBtuWB2w/?mibextid=wwXIfr YouTube: https://youtube.com/@flokemmerich

    38 min
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Turning leadership principles into practical application

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  • Creator
    statingtheobvious
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2019 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Tim Stating the Obvious