Start 2025 strong! Adam Markel reveals a surprisingly simple practice of attracting what you want and letting go of what holds you back. Drawing inspiration from the guidance of his mentor Emmet Fox, he explains how a small yet deeply motivational daily exercise can manifest positive change within yourself and in your entire life, which ultimately leads to profound growth and transformation. Tune in for a concise yet profound episode packed with actionable advice to make this new year happier and more fulfilling.

Show Notes:

• 01:52 - Creating Healthier, Happier Workplaces Through Collaboration
• 05:34 - The Importance Of Individual Growth Within A Larger Context
• 06:24 - Emmett Fox And The Power Of Thinking Rightly
• 07:59 - A Two-List Practice For Manifesting Desires And Removing Obstacles
• 14:34 - Commit To 30 Days Of Intentional Reflection
• 17:36 - Keep It Confidential: The Importance Of Personal Discovery

Culture is the cornerstone of any thriving organization, and Garry Ridge, former CEO of WD-40 Company and a purpose-driven founder, board member, advisor, and professor understands this firsthand. He joins Adam Markel in looking back to his incredible leadership journey and the valuable lessons he learned about building a thriving people-first culture. Garry emphasizes the importance of servant leadership, prioritizing employee well-being, and creating a positive work environment where everyone thrives. Get ready for a dose of wisdom as Garry reveals how his unconventional "dumbass" approach to leadership transformed WD-40 into a people-centric powerhouse.

Show Notes:

• 02:04 - Garry’s Leadership History
• 08:07 - The Culture At WD-40
• 12:25 - Challenges And Toxins Within A Company Culture
• 17:52 - A Challenging Leadership Moment
• 20:58 - Humility In Leadership
• 23:45 - Inflection Points In Business
• 26:13 - Evolving Nature Of Culture
• 32:22 - CEO Compensation And People-First Values
• 41:50 - Key Advice For CEOs

Janine Hamner Holman is an internationally recognized speaker, bestselling author, and expert in organizational culture and leadership. In this episode, she joins Adam Markel to talk about the importance of cultivating resilience in the workplace to foster empowerment and positivity within the team. She shares how to create a healthy culture where psychological safety, open communication, and mutual trust thrive. Janine also looks back on her own career journey to break down how embracing a resilient mindset can lead to innovation, transformation, and purpose-driven work.

Show Notes:

• 00:36 - Ocean As A Symbol Of The Flow Of Life
• 04:35 - Shared Passion For Working With People
• 11:00 - Impact Of A Bad Boss
• 26:47 - Creating Trust And Psychological Safety
• 39:36 - Need For Change And Adaptation
• 48:07 - Resilience And Change

Toxic workplaces can take a toll on employees and organizations alike, but what drives these dynamics and how can they be changed? Adam Markel sits down with Sue Mann, an experienced workplace consultant, leadership coach, and author of On the Road to Jericho, to explore the human side of workplace culture. Sue shares insights on how toxic environments develop, the roles we play within them, and actionable strategies for creating healthier, more productive organizations. From discussing the impact of workplace bullying to rethinking the term “human resources,” this conversation offers valuable lessons for leaders, employees, and anyone navigating workplace challenges.

In a culture with great leadership, people perform best because they feel seen and valued. In this episode, Adam Markel sits down with Meredith Bell, the co-founder and president of Grow Strong Leaders and host of the Grow Strong Leaders Podcast. Meredith shares insights on what truly drives effective leadership: humility, genuine connection, and trust. With over three decades of experience guiding leaders, Meredith explains how to create workplaces where employees feel valued and engaged, why honest feedback is essential, and how to foster a culture of open communication. Join us as we uncover the transformative power of leaders who prioritize relationships over results.

Show Notes:

• 07:07 – Qualities Of A Great Leader
• 17:04 – Soft Skills Are Power Skills
• 28:46 – Communication In The Workplace
• 44:41 – Developing Culture
• 47:35 – Meredith’s Favorite Business Books

Books:

Connect with Your Team: Mastering the Top 10 Communication Skills

Peer Coaching Made Simple

Grow Strong Leaders Podcast

The pursuit of health and happiness is a timeless endeavor. In this episode, Adam Markel sits down with Dr. Greg Hammer, a recently retired professor, pediatric intensive care physician, pediatric anesthesiologist, wellness and mindfulness lecturer, and author of GAIN Without Pain: The Happiness Handbook for Health Care Professionals, to discuss the secrets to a happy and healthy life. Dr. Hammer emphasizes a holistic approach to well-being that includes physical, mental, and spiritual health. He discusses the importance of gratitude, acceptance, intention, and non-judgment—key elements in cultivating happiness and improving quality of life. Tune in to discover practical strategies for living a fulfilling life, inspired by the wisdom of centenarians in blue zones.

Join host Adam Markel as he dives deep into the world of leadership resilience strategies with Tom Freeley, CEO of CACM. In this engaging episode, Tom shares his journey from overcoming career burnout to navigating the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Discover how Tom's experiences have shaped his approach to leadership, mentorship, and fostering a collaborative work culture. Whether you're a seasoned leader or aspiring professional, this conversation offers invaluable insights on thriving in the face of adversity. Don't miss out on this inspiring discussion packed with practical advice and real-world examples.

Show Notes:

• 00:40 – Introversion And Extroversion
• 08:26 – Transition To CEO Role
• 12:28 – The Importance Of Resilience
• 24:39 – Impact Of COVID-19
• 29:24 – Leadership During Crisis
• 31:39 – Mentorship And Autonomy
• 38:44 – The Role Of Company Culture
• 44:59 – Collaboration And Communication

In a field as dynamic and competitive as speaking, resilience is not just an advantage but a necessity. In this episode, Adam Markel sits down with Rich Tiller, an industry leader and two-time past president of the International Association of Speakers Bureaus (1990-91 & 1991-92.). They dive deep into Rich’s journey, from his early days as an athletic trainer to becoming a catalyst for connecting speakers with audiences. Rich highlights the evolution of the Speakers Bureau, particularly within the agricultural sector where he initially started, eventually branching out to create a non-agricultural division. Rich’s story is a testament to the resilience required in the speaking industry and the transformative power of effective communication.

Show Notes: Raw audio

• 01:29 – Getting Into The Events Industry
• 04:48 – Resilience And The Speaking Industry
• 31:46 – Debunking Myths About Speakers Bureaus
• 37:19 – Advice For Speakers And Event Organizers