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Have you ever wondered what makes truly great teams function so seamlessly? The secret might be simpler than you think: shared values that everyone genuinely believes in.

When Mark set out to establish core values for his company, he initially approached it as a solo exercise. "I have to come up with what I believe my core values are," he explains, reflecting on his early leadership journey. But the magic happened when he opened up this process to his entire team. Suddenly, these weren't just Mark's values—they became the team's collective compass, something everyone had a stake in upholding.

The surprising revelation came when "communication" emerged as a core value the team prioritized, catching Mark off guard. This sparked important self-reflection: "Is it because I don't communicate enough? Do they feel like there's not enough transparency?" This vulnerable moment highlights how collaborative value-setting creates opportunities for growth that top-down approaches often miss. Other values like integrity, teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement rounded out their foundation, creating a framework that guides both internal interactions and client relationships.

What happens after establishing these values? The conversation explores how Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) transform abstract values into measurable actions. As Mark beautifully puts it, "by having the team help with the core values, it's much easier to get them in the boat rowing with me as a team and not rowing in a different direction." This rowing analogy perfectly captures the essence of values-based leadership—when everyone understands and believes in the destination, they naturally align their efforts without constant management. Listen now to discover how defining your core values might be the most important team exercise you'll ever undertake.

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Hi, I’m Marc Thomas, Founder and CEO of Current TEK Solutions and CYBER GUARDIANS. If you or someone you know could benefit from our cutting-edge IT and cybersecurity services, we’d love to help. Reach out to us today to learn how we can secure and elevate your business. https://www.currentTEKsolutions.com

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What happens when the simple act of eating becomes impossible? For eight years, Zach lived on medical formula, rice cakes, and pears due to a severe case of eosinophilic esophagitis (EOE), a chronic illness that drastically restricted his diet and transformed his relationship with food and his own body.

Zach's powerful story begins at age 15, when doctors determined he needed to follow an extremely limited diet to manage his condition. The physical limitations were challenging, but the mental and emotional toll of being unable to participate in one of life's most fundamental and social activities proved equally difficult. "It's such a mental burden to be around people eating," he reflects, describing years of watching friends enjoy meals while he consumed the same bland items day after day.

Throughout this journey, Zach developed remarkable resilience and perspective. Swimming became his outlet during high school, while creative expression through rap music about his unique dietary situation provided both humor and release. When medical interventions became necessary, he embraced a feeding tube to improve his quality of life, even as he occasionally rebelled by "cheating" on his diet, accepting the painful consequences as sometimes "worth it" for moments of normalcy. His outlook transformed from questioning why this happened to him to embracing a philosophy that "being negative doesn't change your circumstance."

The turning point arrived unexpectedly in 2020 when doctors offered an experimental medication that gradually allowed him to tolerate food again. Two years later, Zach had his feeding tube removed, leaving behind a scar he now cherishes as "like my second belly button...a little reminder of where I've come from." His story illuminates not just the physical challenges of chronic illness, but the profound mental journey of acceptance, adaptation, and ultimately hope even in the most restricting circumstances.

Have you faced health challenges that transformed your relationship with something most people take for granted? Share your story or thoughts about Zach's powerful journey of resilience in the comments, or connect with organizations like Cured that support research for eosinophilic conditions.

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Hi, I’m Marc Thomas, Founder and CEO of Current TEK Solutions and CYBER GUARDIANS. If you or someone you know could benefit from our cutting-edge IT and cybersecurity services, we’d love to help. Reach out to us today to learn how we can secure and elevate your business. https://www.currentTEKsolutions.com

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What drives someone with a seemingly perfect life to take their own life? This raw, unfiltered conversation explores the devastating impact of unaddressed mental health issues, particularly in high-pressure professional environments.

The episode opens with a deeply personal story about a friend who, despite all outward appearances of success—family, career, stability—died by suicide. This tragedy serves as a powerful launching point to examine how we often miss the warning signs in those around us, and perhaps more importantly, how we might fail to recognize them in ourselves.

Physical and mental wellbeing emerge as inseparable companions throughout the discussion. One host shares his journey of addressing hypertension through consistent exercise and lifestyle changes, losing 35 pounds while maintaining a demanding business schedule. This practical example illustrates how prioritizing physical health creates the resilience needed to withstand professional stressors—making yourself "better prepared to handle all the crap," as they candidly put it.

The conversation takes a critical turn when addressing the gender disparity in seeking help. At a recent industry mental health panel, approximately 90% of attendees were women, highlighting how men often avoid these crucial conversations due to perceived weakness. As one host confesses, "I may be one of the biggest bears in the room as far as being the tough guy, but I have problems and issues, and I need this stuff as much as the next person." This vulnerability creates space for listeners to acknowledge their own struggles.

The power of community emerges as perhaps the most actionable takeaway. From simple check-ins to physically showing up during someone's crisis, these small acts of connection can make the difference between someone spiraling or finding their way through difficulty. Have you reached out to a colleague who seems distant lately? Your call might be exactly what they need today.

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Links to Follow Empower & Elevate Podcast 24/7:

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• https://www.tiktok.com/@empowerelevatepodcast
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Hi, I’m Marc Thomas, Founder and CEO of Current TEK Solutions and CYBER GUARDIANS. If you or someone you know could benefit from our cutting-edge IT and cybersecurity services, we’d love to help. Reach out to us today to learn how we can secure and elevate your business. https://www.currentTEKsolutions.com