Episodes
Get ready to dive deep into the world of IT transformation with Dan Branco, the ultimate Chief Technology Officer for hire. With a wealth of experience helping organizations maximize their IT investments, Dan is the go-to expert for overcoming a myriad of challenges. Is your tech team struggling to keep pace with stakeholder demands? Are legacy systems holding you back from innovation? Do you need to scale up for a major tech project? Or perhaps you're eager to embrace cloud services but...
Published 04/29/24
My guest today is Michelle LaBrosse, a powerhouse in project management and innovation. As the Founder & CEO of Cheetah Learning, Michelle brings her dynamic expertise to the forefront, sharing insights from her incredible journey as an Aerospace Engineer and former Air Force Officer. Discover the secrets behind Cheetah Learning's groundbreaking methodologies that have earned global recognition, including being named the 2008 Professional Development Provider of the Year by the Project...
Published 04/22/24
Published 04/22/24
With me today is Kyle Smith, CPA, a dynamic finance expert on a mission to empower small and medium-sized businesses. From his early days navigating Austin's bustling financial scene to his pivotal role as Director of Finance at Celis Brewery, Kyle's journey is one of passion and dedication. Discover how Kyle's expertise evolved at Scalefactor, where he advised clients across diverse industries, and culminated in co-founding Strata Cloud Accountants. Join us for a dynamic conversation as...
Published 04/15/24
John Miller is the founder of Scribewise, a content marketing agency that helps B2B firms grow through demand generation and thought leadership. With a dedicated team of talented writers, designers, and strategists, John’s mission is to humanize complex business conversations. They develop and deliver captivating, audience-centric content that builds trust with Scribewise’s clients’ future customers. John is the leading champion for courageous marketing. He believes that the business...
Published 04/08/24
How do you get people to trust you when they don’t even know you? If you aren’t a thought leader, you’re a commodity. There’s no middle ground. And the most powerful, exciting, and fun way to rescue yourself from the commodity trap is by having a book of your own. My guest today is New York Times bestselling author and the world’s most experienced ghostwriter Michael Levin, who is responsible for the writing, editing, planning, and publishing of more than 1,000 books over a 30-year career....
Published 04/01/24
There are three main reasons why so many of us love March Madness. In today's episode, I talk about them and how they connect to the bigger picture of playing our positions. = = = = = Thank you for supporting the show! Your 5-star rating and review makes a difference -- it's easy to leave one and it helps spread the word about the podcast! = = = = = My latest book, The Far Unlit Unknown -- is available everywhere books are sold including Audible! Get your copy and learn more about it...
Published 03/25/24
My guest today is Aaron Marcum. Aaron Marcum has spent over two decades founding and scaling award-winning, multi-million-dollar enterprises that have left an indelible mark on North America. His journey began in the healthcare sector, where his leadership transformed the home care industry. Through his second startup, Aaron revolutionized the lives of countless entrepreneurs and millions of seniors receiving care. He pioneered the Best of Home Care® award program, setting a new industry...
Published 03/18/24
Anna Maria Ponzi is the former owner and past president of Ponzi Vineyards in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. From the age of four, she’s had the rare experience of working in every aspect of the winery. She helped plant its original vines, worked on the bottling line, hosted guests in the tasting room and has made countless national and international sales calls. Anna Maria has served the state’s wine industry in myriad ways, including serving as an early ambassador for Oregon wine both...
Published 03/11/24
Some non-obvious takeaways about leadership from the movie Oppenheimer which has been nominated for 13 Oscars this year. = = = = = Thank you for supporting the show! Your 5-star rating and review makes a difference -- it's easy to leave one and it helps spread the word about the podcast! = = = = = My latest book, The Far Unlit Unknown -- is available everywhere books are sold including Audible! Get your copy and learn more about it here Are we connected yet on social?  @maryloukayser...
Published 03/07/24
In today's episode, David and I explore the profound journey of leadership and how it evolves with time. Reflecting on his own path, David has come to realize that leadership isn't just about titles or positions—it's a dynamic journey that evolves with time and experience. From his early days in the Boy Scouts, where he first tasted leadership responsibility, to building and leading teams in his business ventures, every step has been a lesson in growth and accountability. What's truly...
Published 03/01/24
How is AI changing the way we play our positions? In today's episode, I share my thoughts about this as well as a few of the AI tools I use in my workflow for time efficiency, productivity, and creativity. The world isn't what it used to be -- AI is here. We owe it to ourselves to stay on top of what's happening. AI Tools for Your Consideration ChatGPT https://chat.openai.com/  Claude ai https://claude.ai/  Lensa ai https://lensa.app/  Otter ai https://otter.ai/  Brainstory ai...
Published 02/26/24
Linda Cohen is an international keynote speaker, consultant, author, and trainer who considers herself a kindness catalyst. She shares the ROI of kindness with businesses and associations around the world through customized interactive programs for team meetings and conference keynotes with enthusiasm and expertise. Linda believes kindness is no longer a nice to have in the workplace, but an imperative skill for leaders and employees to cultivate. She says that kindness is at the basis of...
Published 02/20/24
Tim Fortescue is an extraordinary communication coach who ignites transformation and drives success. With a background in basketball coaching and a passion for helping individuals grow, Tim’s journey has taken him from volunteer high school basketball coach to founding his own coaching venture, 40 Watt Coaching. His coaching philosophy centers around coaching the full human, not just a person’s speech patterns. Tim’s extensive experience includes coaching and training thousands of...
Published 02/13/24
Jeff Bartsch is a visionary storyteller, communication strategist, and founder at Story Greenlight. With over 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry and online business, Jeff has helped shape content for clients including ABC, NBC, Universal, Disney, Apple, and many others. Jeff’s commentary has been featured in major publications including Time Magazine, USA Today, and the Associated Press. Through Story Greenlight, Jeff and his team empower business experts and leaders to tell...
Published 02/05/24
Michele Hecken is an ex-CEO who helps high-performing leaders design an organization where each person spends at least 80% of their time working on things they love. She calls herself a contagious optimist, lover of freedom, shifter of paradigms, lifelong learner, and artist. Michele built, operated, scaled, and exited a successful business in the translation industry. She is an Entrepreneur at heart who moves fast, can’t sit still, and is addicted to personal and professional growth. She...
Published 01/29/24
What trends are driving growth today and into the future? In today's episode, I explore two trends based on the research data by people who are way smarter than I am. You can check out these people here. The bottom line is, if you are looking to expand, or cash in on some consumer spending trends for your personal or professional life, this episode will give you some things worth thinking about. Enjoy! Get on my Field Notes Newsletter list here: https://maryloukayser.com/  Join my Your Life...
Published 01/22/24
Jason Brown is a big fan of Jim Rohn's quote: " Use the past as a school, not a club. Don't beat yourself up!" In today's episode, you will hear Jason's leadership story including how he managed to turn an investment that didn't work out into his life's calling -- and how he helps others take charge of their financial futures.  Jason Brown is a finance graduate from Wayne State University with over a decade of experience in stocks and options trading. At the young age of 23, Jason started...
Published 01/18/24
Today's guest is Dave Newell who is on a mission to “align the misaligned” — connecting leaders with systems that foster outstanding work and personal fulfillment. If you're feeling like any aspect of your current business is off-kilter, this conversation will help you find your bearings. Dave collaborates with small business leaders to implement the Five Facets of Business™ — a small business operating system — to optimize processes, foster team alignment around culture, strategy,...
Published 01/10/24
In today's episode, I have an in-depth conversation with branding and storytelling expert Emma Donovan of Dapper. As we launch a new year, the ideas Emma shares about choosing online platforms, owning your story in an authentic way, and driving the narrative about yourself and your brand are timely -- and timeless. Emma Donovan is a seasoned entrepreneur with 15+ years of experience in brand strategy and professional profiling. As co-founder of Dapper, she excels in creating innovative...
Published 01/04/24
Happy New Year, Part 2! In today’s episode you will hear 23 remarkable voices of the men who appeared on the Play Your Position Podcast in 2023. Below you will find a list of these men in alphabetical order by first name along with a way to connect with them. I encourage you to follow and reach out to the ones who resonate with you and your passions and goals.   From financial literacy to resonating stories of resilience and the power of community, these speakers underscore the...
Published 12/31/23
Every year, at the end of the year, I like to take the voices of the amazing leaders I had the privilege of speaking with over the past 12 months, and putting them together into one large file where we can listen to the amazing ideas and insights and inspiration they shared.  This year, I decided to do something different. I divided my guests into the women and the men. In this episode, you will hear the voices of the 13 incredible women from 2023 who shared their unique leadership journey...
Published 12/30/23
As we come to the end of this year, it's a natural time to reflect. The holidays and the craziness leading up to Christmas are behind us now. This is a really fertile time to do some self-examination and put the past 12 months of your life under the microscope. What worked? What didn’t? What do you wish you did more of? What unconventional adventures are calling you in the new year? Are you living a full life or are you playing it safe by someone else’s rules? All this and more in today’s...
Published 12/27/23
Do you have an idea for a game, toy, or household product? Wondering what it takes to get your ideas into the marketplace? Ever fantasized about pitching a product to get a licensing deal? Today's guest is April Mitchell, an expert and leader in the invention and licensing space. In our conversation, April shares her experiences inventing games and products, and getting deals from companies to have them made and distributed. She also discusses what happens when your idea isn't right for a...
Published 12/18/23
Are you ready for some awesome inspiration and laughs? Today's show features Andy Hite, a recognized leadership coach who supports entrepreneurs, executives, and their teams with energy and enthusiasm as they navigate the world of building businesses and lives filled with prosperity, meaning, & freedom. Regardless of the setting—be it in front of an audience, within an intimate boardroom, or during individual client sessions—Andy’s background in commercial theatre, as an actor and...
Published 12/04/23