Leaders of the Workplace of Tomorrow

In this episode of the Leaders of the Workplace of Tomorrow Podcast, Host Steve Miksta sits down with Chris Shockowitz, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Executive Officer at Defertax.com, to discuss tax planning, business growth, and the value of human relationships in financial services. Together, they explore how Chris moved from technology leadership at Intel into tax and wealth advising, how tax strategies can help people reduce or delay major tax bills, and why strong systems, trusted experts, and clear education are essential for serving clients and building a growing advisory business.Chris shares his journey from hands-on jobs and technology leadership at Intel to tax planning and wealth advising. He explains how clear education can help people understand their tax options, why strong systems and trusted professional networks matter, and how advisors can create more value by combining tax strategies, human relationships, and a clear focus on each client’s goals.Key Takeaways-How to determine whether a property sale, business sale, or income event creates a real tax problem before choosing a strategy.-Why understanding the client’s goal for the money changes which tax reduction, deferral, or elimination strategy may fit.-The reason tax planning often fails is when CPAs, attorneys, brokers, and advisors work in separate silos.-How chaining multiple strategies can create outcomes that a single familiar tool, such as a 1031 exchange, may not allow directly.-Why people, process, and tools matter when building a financial advisory business that can scale without losing service quality.-The role human trust still plays in tax strategy and investment advising, even as AI becomes useful for analysis and business indicators.Episode Timestamps[00:00] - Teaser[01:15] - Intro to Chris Shockowitz and his path from technology to tax planning[03:37] - Chris joins Intel in the '90s and runs large-scale tech projects[05:04] - Selling a property leads to meeting his business partner and saving $1.2M in taxes[09:50] - First step: determine if the client actually has a tax problem[12:06] - Example: Indirect 1031 exchange to buy a primary residence tax-free[13:50] - Making wealthy people’s tax strategies available to the average person[16:45] - Save a client $1M in taxes, they’ll trust you with their money[19:49] - Agile development methodology and team assignment[24:00] - Why the human element and trust beat AI in financial advice[27:14] - Steve’s take on organizations that take shortcuts with AI[30:43] - Growth goals: 400+ trainees, 100 franchisees, $3B AUM by 2030Connect with Chris Shockowitz directly and choose a time on his calendar: https://www.defertax.com/tax-deferral-consultants/chris-shockowitz🔗 Connect with the Guest Chris Shockowitz:👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-shockowitz/👉 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chris.shockowitz/👉Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shockerces/🔗 Connect with the Guest Companies:👉 LinkedIn - Defertax.com: https://www.linkedin.com/company/defertax-com/👉 Website - Defertax.com: https://defertax.com🔗Follow the podcast:👉Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033rjH7T2gSv9KyUs4uC4x?si=db0aed8e99f84fc8👉Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-of-the-workplace-of-tomorrow/id1896864216👉 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@opptyunlimited9222🔗 Connect with the Host Steve Miksta:👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevemiksta/🔗 Connect with the Host Company, Oppty Unlimited:👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/opptyunlimited/👉 Website: https://www.opptyunlimited.com/

In this episode of the Leaders of the Workplace of Tomorrow Podcast, host Steve Miksta sits down with Joanna Horton McPherson, Limited Partner at Stage 2 Capital, Founder and Master Coach of The True Influence Method: Leading from the Stage, to discuss authentic leadership, personal transformation, and the power of finding your true voice. Together, they explore how subconscious beliefs shape leadership, the importance of psychological safety, and how leaders can create greater impact by embracing their unique strengths, building trust, and leading with purpose in a rapidly changing world. Joanna shares her journey from acting, education, and personal growth to creating the True Influence Method and helping leaders find their authentic voice. She explains how subconscious beliefs shape confidence and leadership, why psychological safety is essential for growth, and how leaders can build trust, strengthen communication, and create greater impact by embracing their unique strengths and purpose.Key TakeawaysAuthenticity Builds Influence: True leadership starts with understanding and expressing your authentic self.Subconscious Beliefs Shape Growth: Hidden stories and beliefs can impact confidence, leadership, and communication.Psychological Safety Matters: People perform better when they feel valued, respected, and heard.Purpose Creates Impact: A clear purpose helps leaders inspire others and build stronger teams.Vulnerability Builds Trust: Honest conversations create deeper connections and stronger workplace relationships.Human Connection Remains Essential: Technology can support growth, but meaningful leadership depends on people.Episode Timestamps[00:00] - Teaser[01:16] - Intro to Joanna Horton McPherson & the True Influence Method[02:34] - The power of perspective and subconscious blocks[05:22] - The breakthrough process and finding your life purpose[07:35] - Joanna's journey and why she serves "misfit" leaders[13:07] - Why the old leadership model is failing[18:39] - The paradox of "true influence" and letting go[24:50] - Why leaders should focus on people, not AI tools[28:33] - Joanna's view on AI and human connection[31:05] - Joanna's personal story: from struggle to acting to coaching[35:24] - How subconscious stories form in childhood[40:33] - Moving from closed to open systems in leadership[42:47] - Upcoming retreat, ABC show, and Forbes opportunities[46:36] - How to connect with Joanna and join her monthly events🔗 Connect with the Guest Joanna Horton McPherson:👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanna-horton-mcpherson/ 🔗 Connect with the Guest Companies:👉 LinkedIn - Stage 2 Capital: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stage-2-capital/ 👍 LinkedIn - The True Influence Method: Leading from the Stage: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mywomenofinfluence/ 👉 Website - Stage 2 Capital: https://www.stage2.capital/ 👍 Website - The True Influence Method: Leading from the Stage: https://trueinfluencemethod.com/ 👉 Portfolio: https://joannahortonmcpherson.com/ 🔗Follow the podcast:👉Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033rjH7T2gSv9KyUs4uC4x?si=db0aed8e99f84fc8👉Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-of-the-workplace-of-tomorrow/id1896864216👉 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@opptyunlimited9222🔗 Connect with the Host Steve Miksta:👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevemiksta/🔗 Connect with the Host Company, Oppty Unlimited:👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/opptyunlimited/👉 Website: https://www.opptyunlimited.com/

In this episode of the Leaders of the Workplace of Tomorrow Podcast, host Steve Miksta sits down with Robert Cain, Owner of Automation Invasion, to discuss how data-driven marketing, automation, AI, and business systems are helping service-based companies grow and operate more efficiently. Together, they explore the importance of KPI tracking, accountability, marketing ROI, and how business owners can use technology, automation, and AI solutions to improve lead conversion, streamline operations, and scale their organizations with confidence.Robert shares his journey from Salesforce consulting and marketing leadership to building Automation Invasion and helping service-based businesses grow through technology and data. He explains how working closely with business owners shaped his approach to KPI tracking, accountability, and revenue growth, and why automation, AI, and practical business systems are helping companies improve lead conversion, streamline operations, and scale more effectively.Key TakeawaysData Drives Decisions: Better data leads to smarter business choices.Accountability Matters: KPI tracking keeps teams focused and aligned.Marketing Needs ROI: Success comes from measuring results, not guessing.Automation Increases Efficiency: Technology helps reduce manual work and improve operations.AI Enhances Growth: AI can improve lead conversion and customer engagement.Partnership Creates Success: Regular communication helps businesses grow faster.Episode Timestamps[00:00] - Teaser[01:28] - Robert introduces his businesses and entrepreneurial journey[04:53] - Why most businesses struggle with data and analytics[07:14] - Robert's approach as a fractional CMO[11:40] - The importance of client accountability and commitment[16:40] - Using industry experience to solve problems faster[20:33] - Building confidence through experience and feedback[21:59] - Robert's approach to AI implementation and oversight[25:03] - Launching Thank You For Calling.ai and AI voice assistants Connect with the Guest Robert Cain:👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertcainaz/ 🔗 Connect with the Guest Companies:👉 LinkedIn - Automation Invasion: https://www.linkedin.com/company/automation-invasion 👉 Website - Automation Invasion: https://www.automationinvasion.com/ 👉 Email: [email protected] 👉 Twitter/X - Automation Invasion: https://x.com/AIOnlineAgency 👉 Facebook - Automation Invasion: https://www.facebook.com/automationinvasionagency 🔗Follow the podcast:👉Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033rjH7T2gSv9KyUs4uC4x?si=db0aed8e99f84fc8👉Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-of-the-workplace-of-tomorrow/id1896864216🔗 Connect with the Host Steve Miksta:👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevemiksta/🔗 Connect with the Host Company, Oppty Unlimited:👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/opptyunlimited/👉 Website: https://www.opptyunlimited.com/👉 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@opptyunlimited9222

In this episode of the Leaders of the Workplace of Tomorrow Podcast, host Steve Miksta sits down with Andrew Collins, President & CEO at New Learning Ventures, Inc, and Managing Director at Acton Academy Phoenix, to discuss how learner-driven education, curiosity, personal responsibility, and real-world experiences are preparing young people for success in an AI-powered future. Together, they explore the Hero’s Journey approach to learning, the importance of autonomy and purpose, and how schools can help learners develop the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world.Andrew shares his journey from teaching elementary school through Teach For America to becoming an education entrepreneur and leader at Acton Academy Phoenix. He explains how becoming a father helped shape his vision for learner-driven education, why Acton focuses on curiosity, responsibility, and real-world learning, and how learners use goal setting, leadership, and AI tools to build skills for the future.Key TakeawaysLearner Ownership Drives Growth: Learners set goals, manage their time, and take responsibility for their progress.Curiosity Fuels Learning: Asking questions and exploring interests helps learners adapt and grow in a changing world.Real-World Experience Matters: Projects, apprenticeships, and entrepreneurship help learners build practical skills.Character is a Competitive Advantage: Empathy, grit, leadership, and accountability are developed alongside academics.AI Supports Better Learning: Learners use AI as a tool for feedback, creativity, and faster learning.Purpose Creates Motivation: Autonomy, mastery, and meaningful work help learners stay engaged and motivated.Episode Timestamps[00:00] - Teaser[01:17] - Andrew shares how teaching led him into education reform[03:10] - Becoming a father changed Andrew's view of education[05:26] - Why traditional education no longer fits today's world[08:33] - The Hero's Journey and the three challenges learners face[11:16] - How learners set goals and track academic progress[13:43] - Fitness, feedback, and the value of mixed-age play[15:09] - Real-world learning through afternoon quests[17:36] - Acton's three pillars: learn, do, and be[20:22] - The ICY framework for personal growth and accountability[24:05] - Why curiosity and grit matter in the AI era[27:26] - Autonomy, mastery, and purpose in learner motivation[32:15] - How learners use AI as a learning tool[36:38] - Future plans for Acton Phoenix[40:16] - Children's Business Fair and how to connect with Acton Phoenix🔗 Connect with the Guest Andrew Collins:👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-collins-1620931/🔗 Connect with the Guest Companies:👉 LinkedIn - New Learning Ventures, Inc: https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-learning-ventures-inc/👉 LinkedIn - Acton Academy Phoenix: https://www.linkedin.com/company/acton-academy-phoenix/👉 Website - New Learning Ventures, Inc: https://www.newlearningventures.org/👉 Website - Acton Academy Phoenix: https://www.actonphx.org/👉 Email: [email protected]👉 Instagram - Acton Academy Phoenix: https://www.instagram.com/actonphx/👉 Facebook - Acton Academy Phoenix: https://www.facebook.com/actonphx/📍 Come explore Acton Phoenix – 40th Street, north of Camelback (near Biltmore/Arcadia).🔗Follow the podcast:👍YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@opptyunlimited👉Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033rjH7T2gSv9KyUs4uC4x?si=db0aed8e99f84fc8👉Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-of-the-workplace-of-tomorrow/id1896864216🔗 Connect with the Host Steve Miksta:👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevemiksta/👉 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@opptyunlimited9222🔗 Connect with the Host Company, Oppty Unlimited:👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/opptyunlimited/👉 Website: https://www.opptyunlimited.com/

In this episode of the Leaders of the Workplace of Tomorrow podcast, host Steve Miksta sits down with Rich Flanagan, Executive Vice President/Partner at Centralized Vision-Virtual Safety & Security Monitoring, to discuss how technology, AI, automation, and strong internal systems are reshaping the future of workplace operations.Rich shares his journey from more than 20 years in the mortgage industry to helping grow Centralized Vision into a national security operations center. He explains how the company shifted from direct customer work to a partner-focused model, built stronger processes through Salesforce, developed its own internal platform called VIC, and used automation to support major growth.Key TakeawaysAI Raises the Standard for Human Performance: AI gives companies better data and stronger alerts, but people still play a key role in making smart decisions and delivering the right customer experience.Strong Systems Make Growth Possible: Centralized Vision invested heavily in workflows, Salesforce, automation, and its own VIC platform, allowing the company to launch large projects faster and with more confidence.Technology Works Best When Teams Are Involved: Rich explains that team buy-in comes from feedback, collaboration, and letting employees feel part of the solution instead of forcing systems onto them.Automation Gives Employees More Freedom: Tools like ClickUp help remove mental clutter, track responsibilities, and give leaders better visibility without making employees feel overly managed.AI Training Can Improve Consistency: Centralized Vision is using AI-based training content and avatars to make onboarding more consistent, easier to update, and easier to scale.Businesses Need a Practical AI Strategy: Rich warns against rushing into every new AI tool. His approach is to test carefully, research deeply, and implement technology that solves long-term problems.Episode Timestamps[00:00:00] – Introduction to Rich Flanagan and Centralized Vision: Steve welcomes Rich and asks about his background, career path, and current work.[00:05:58] – How AI Is Reshaping Operations: Rich explains how AI is driving efficiency, changing workforce strategies, and pushing companies to constantly improve their operations.[00:09:36] – Building Efficient Systems and Workflows: Rich explains how Centralized Vision improved onboarding, automation, forecasting, and team workflows to support scalable growth.[00:15:13] – Building a Culture That Embraces Technology: Rich discusses how collaboration, accountability, and employee buy-in are essential when implementing new technology and scaling a growing business.[00:20:45] – Scaling Through Automation and Customer Experience: Rich shares how Centralized Vision uses automation, streamlined processes, and strong partner experiences to support rapid growth and enterprise-level clients.[00:32:38] – Why Businesses Must Lean Into AI: Rich explains how every industry eventually adapts to technological change and why embracing AI is the best way to stay relevant and reduce fear about the future.[00:34:45] – Episode Wrap-Up and Final Thoughts: Steve thanks Rich for joining the podcast as they close the conversation on AI, workplace innovation, and the future of proactive security solutions.🔗 Connect with the guest Rich Flanagan:👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rich-flanagan-virtualsecuritymonitoring/🔗 Connect with the guest company, Centralized Vision-Virtual Safety & Security Monitoring:👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/centralized-vision/👉 Website: https://www.centralizedvision.com/🔗Follow the podcast:👉Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033rjH7T2gSv9KyUs4uC4x?si=db0aed8e99f84fc8👉Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-of-the-workplace-of-tomorrow/id1896864216👉 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@opptyunlimited9222🔗 Connect with the Host Steve Miksta:👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevemiksta/🔗 Connect with the Host Company, Oppty Unlimited:👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/opptyunlimited/👉 Website: https://www.opptyunlimited.com/

The future of work is being shaped by more than technology. It is being shaped by how people think, collaborate, and make decisions together.Welcome to Leaders of the Workplace of Tomorrow, hosted by Steve Miksta. This podcast brings together business leaders, entrepreneurs, consultants, and operators who are exploring new ways to build organizations where people and technology work in alignment.From leadership and workplace culture to AI adoption, decision-making, and organizational design, each episode shares practical ideas and real-world experiences from those creating more effective, human-centered workplaces.Whether you're leading a growing company, managing a team, or preparing for the changing world of work, you'll gain insights on building clarity, improving execution, and creating environments where people can do their best work.Subscribe now to Leaders of the Workplace of Tomorrow and join the conversation about the future of leadership, work, and collective intelligence. A new episode is coming soon.