20 episodes

Join us on Trailblazing for Success: Inspiring Leaders, a podcast celebrating remarkable leaders and their journeys to success. Discover their secrets, adventures, challenges, and innovations.

Trailblazing for Success: Inspiring Leaders Bruce and Gail Montgomery

    • Business

Join us on Trailblazing for Success: Inspiring Leaders, a podcast celebrating remarkable leaders and their journeys to success. Discover their secrets, adventures, challenges, and innovations.

    E20|From FBI to Author: Efren Delgado's Insights for Resilient Leadership

    E20|From FBI to Author: Efren Delgado's Insights for Resilient Leadership

    Summary

    Efren Delgado, author of The Opposite is True, shares his background in protecting people and his journey from executive security to becoming a world-renowned author. He emphasizes the importance of embracing humility and learning from adversity to grow and find meaning in life. Efren discusses the counterintuitive concepts in his book, such as the fact that the kindest and most generous people are often the most competent. He also highlights the importance of separating emotion from logic and making deliberate, thoughtful decisions. Efren finds joy in watching his five-year-old son learn important life lessons and in having conversations that challenge conventional thinking.

    Link to Efren's book, The Opposite is True

    https://www.amazon.com/s?k=the+opposite+is+true&crid=1UL7UG90L31L6&sprefix=the+opposite+is+true%2Caps%2C208&ref=nb_sb_noss_1



    Takeaways


    Embrace humility and learn from adversity to grow and find meaning in life.
    The kindest and most generous people are often the most competent.
    Separate emotion from logic and make deliberate, thoughtful decisions.
    Find joy in watching children learn important life lessons and in having conversations that challenge conventional thinking.

    Quotes


    "All the lessons I've learned, I just want everybody to know about it."
    "Embrace your traumas and difficulties to grow and help others."
    "Emotion and logic never mix. Emotion is like oil, logic is like water."

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Efren Delgado

    00:20 Finding Purpose and Meaning through Serving Others

    05:48 Why Efren Wrote "The Opposite is True"

    09:20 The Power of Embracing Humility

    14:13 Proactive Humility

    19:20 The Joys of Fatherhood

    21:00 Additional Counterintuitive Nuggets

    24:35 Assess, Adapt, and Overcome

    27:54 Every Minute that Passes is another chance to do a 180

    29:51 Trailblazers Outro

    • 30 min
    Amber McReynolds on Voter Equity and Putting Voters First

    Amber McReynolds on Voter Equity and Putting Voters First

    Summary

    Amber McReynolds, a leader in voting rights and voter equity, shares her passion for improving the voting process. She discusses her background as the former director of elections in Denver and the importance of having a positive impact on democracy. Amber's TED Talk focuses on innovating the voting experience and putting voters first. She emphasizes the need to close the gap in representation and create a fair and equal system for everyone. Amber also highlights the power skill of building a collaborative vision with a team and the importance of deep listening.



    Takeaways


    Amber McReynolds is a leader in voter equity and the voter experience, with a background in improving the voting process.
    Her TED Talk focuses on innovating the voting experience and putting voters first.
    Closing the gap in representation is a critical democracy issue.
    Building a collaborative vision with a team and practicing deep listening are essential power skills for affecting change.



    Sound Bites

    "Closing this gap and ensuring a fair and equal system for everyone."

    "Building a collaborative vision with the team."



    Chapters

    00:00 Introductions to Amber McReynolds

    03:43 Closing the Gap in Women's Representation in Politics

    09:04 Creating a Collective Vision

    13:01 The Power of the Civic Minds Around Amber

    16:47 Amber's Best Piece of Advice

    21:36 Gardening as the Spice of Life

    24:42 Trailblazers Outro



    Keywords

    voter equity, voter experience, voting process, democracy, representation, collaborative vision, deep listening

    • 24 min
    We Are Siamo: The Power of Human-Centric Leadership with Cristina Amigoni

    We Are Siamo: The Power of Human-Centric Leadership with Cristina Amigoni

    Summary

    Cristina Amigoni, co-founder of Siamo, a leadership development coaching and organizational transformation business, discusses the importance of putting the human first in the workplace. She emphasizes the power of listening and the need to create a culture that values and supports the well-being and growth of employees. Cristina also shares two valuable pieces of advice she has received: not to strive to be indispensable but to focus on empowering others, and to recognize that our reactions are our responsibility and that we have the power to change our own buttons.



    Takeaways


    Put the human first in the workplace and create a culture that values and supports employees' well-being and growth.
    Listening is a crucial skill that is often overlooked. Truly listening requires emptying our minds and being fully present for the other person.
    Empower others by creating systems and processes that allow for continuity and growth even when you're not present.
    Take responsibility for your reactions and recognize that your buttons are your own.
    Practice self-awareness and work on changing your own reactions.



    Quotes

    "One of the first skills we're missing is listening.""If you are indispensable, you're not promotable.""If a button is being pushed, it's because there's a button there to begin with."



    Chapters

    00:00 Introductions and Meet Siamo

    03:19 The Advantage of an External Perspective

    05:14 We are Human Beings at Work

    06:47 The Production Line Model

    07:29 Listening, listening, listening.

    11:24 Tips for Listening Better

    16:38Cristina's Best Piece of Advice

    20:11 Inspiration from Work

    25:14 Farewells

    25:55 Trailblazers Outro



    Keywords

    leadership development, organizational transformation, human-centered workplace, listening, employee well-being, employee growth, empowering others, self-awareness

    • 25 min
    Resilience and the Wayfinder Journey with Luis Hernandez: From Pioneer Realty to Podcasting

    Resilience and the Wayfinder Journey with Luis Hernandez: From Pioneer Realty to Podcasting

    Summary

    Join Gail and Bruce as they dive into a dynamic conversation with Luis, the multifaceted owner of Pioneer Group Realty and the vibrant host of The Wayfinder Show podcast. Discover the nuances of Luis's real estate ventures, his insights on the evolving market, and the creative pivots that drive success. Luis shares his journey from real estate beginnings to podcasting fame, revealing how connections, community, and communication are key in today's world. Tune in for inspiring stories, valuable advice, and a look at how Luis navigates his dual roles in business and broadcasting.



    Takeaways


    Luis Hernandez is the owner of Pioneer Group Realty and the host of The Wayfinder Show podcast.
    The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a shift in the real estate market, with a pull away from commercial real estate and a focus on remote work and hybrid experiences.
    Communication and creativity are essential skills in the real estate industry, as the market is constantly changing and adapting.
    Building relationships and community are important aspects of both real estate and podcasting.
    Embracing the journey and learning from every experience is valuable advice for personal and professional growth.



    Chapters

    00:00 Trailblazer Intro

    00:04 Meet Luis Hernandez

    05:12 Navigating the Real Estate Landscape Amid COVID-19

    17:48 Lil Luis' Nugget

    19:36 Building Community and Connectivity Through Podcasting

    23:42 Embracing Life's Journey and Learning from Every Experience

    25:07 Trailblazers Outro



    Sound Bites

    "I like to say we interview badasses to talk about their journey into badassery."



    Keywords

    real estate, podcasting, business, COVID-19, communication, creativity, relationships, community

    • 25 min
    MPWR-ing Leaders: Eric Pfeiffer on Navigating Pressure and Transforming Teams

    MPWR-ing Leaders: Eric Pfeiffer on Navigating Pressure and Transforming Teams

    Summary

    Eric Pfeiffer, founder and CEO of MPWR Coaching, discusses the importance of effective leadership under pressure. He emphasizes the need for self-awareness and self-leadership skills, which are often lacking in leaders today. Pfeiffer also highlights the significance of investing in the development of the next generation and empowering teams. He shares insights on bridging the generational gap in the workplace and fostering effective communication. Pfeiffer's advice is to take personal responsibility and be in control of one's attitudes and behaviors to find happiness and fulfillment.



    Takeaways

    Effective leadership requires self-awareness and self-leadership skills.Investing in the development of the next generation is crucial for long-term success.Bridging the generational gap in the workplace requires effective communication and appreciation of each other's strengths.Taking personal responsibility and being in control of one's attitudes and behaviors leads to happiness and fulfillment.



    Chapters:

    00:00 - Trailblazer Intro

    00:05 - Meet Eric Pfeiffer

    04:45 - Missing Skills for Leaders

    06:50 - Leadership Blind Spots

    11:50 - What happens when the pain to stay the same becomes more than the pain to change

    16:30 - The tension between different generational groups

    21:30 - Tools for leaders are the same tools for parents

    24:35 - Control vs. No Control

    28:14 - Trailblazer Outro



    Sound Bites

    "People are the engine of your business."

    "Empowering teams leads to greater fulfillment and purpose."

    "Leaders define culture and have a significant part to play in organizational dynamics."



    Keywords

    leadership, self-awareness, self-leadership, pressure, development, generational gap, communication, personal responsibility, happiness

    • 28 min
    River Guides of Business: Zane Tarence, Partner and Managing Director of Founders Advisors

    River Guides of Business: Zane Tarence, Partner and Managing Director of Founders Advisors

    In this episode, Gail and Bruce sit down with Zane Tarence from Founders Advisors to explore the intricate journey of entrepreneurship. Zane shares his unconventional path from IBM software engineer to becoming a partner at Founders Advisors, where he helps founders maximize the value of their businesses. They delve into the impact of high interest rates and AI on the business landscape, the importance of exceptional people in creating exceptional results, and the enduring power of authentic communication. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, this episode offers valuable insights into building and sustaining success in today's dynamic market. Tune in for a conversation filled with wisdom, humor, and a touch of Southern charm.

    Takeaways
    * Founders Advisors helps founders create value in their private companies and provides assistance with capital, debt, and exit strategies.
    Interest rates and AI are current challenges in the industry, affecting business valuations and causing disruption.

    * System thinking and communication skills are crucial for success in the industry, with the ability to connect and communicate effectively being highly valued.

    * Exceptional people create exceptional results, and investing in exceptional people is key to thriving organizations.

    * Authentic communication and the ability to connect with others are essential skills that can make a significant difference in value creation.
    Traveling and experiencing different cultures can be a source of inspiration and new perspectives.

    Chapters
    00:00
    Introduction and Background
    01:59
    Founders Advisors: Helping Founders Create Value
    05:36
    Challenges in the Industry
    08:15
    The Impact of AI on Business
    11:06
    The Importance of System Thinking and Communication Skills
    18:26
    Best Piece of Advice
    23:05
    Inspiration from Traveling to Italy
    24:44
    Zane's Experience in the E-Learning Industry
    24:45
    Trailblazers Outro.mp4

    DISCLAIMER: To provide securities-related services discussed herein, certain principals of Founders Advisors, LLC are licensed with Founders M&A Advisory, LLC, member of FINRA & SiPC. Founders M&A Advisory is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Founders Advisors. Neither Founders M&A Advisory nor Founders Advisors provide investment advice.

    • 24 min

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