ChairLife Podcast

In this episode, Vistage Master Chair Tom Cuthbert introduces the one productivity metric he believes every Chair should be tracking: income per hour. Tom walks through how to calculate it, why it matters more than total income or member count, and the five specific levers he has pulled over the past ten years to more than quadruple his number while working fewer hours. This is not a conversation about chasing money. It is about running an intentional practice that lets you show up at your best for your members, your family, and yourself. Show Notes Why income per hour is the single most important productivity metric in a Chair's practice and how to calculate it How Tom took his income per hour from under $140 in 2016 to over $500 today while reducing his working hours every year The three levers that move the metric: increase income, decrease hours, and do both simultaneously Why tracking total income or member count alone does not tell you whether you are working efficiently or just working a lot Tom's strict calendar boundaries: Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday work days, Fridays and weekends off, and all of July as a sabbatical How recurring one-to-ones eliminate the monthly scheduling scramble and let work come to you The immediate ROI of hiring an executive assistant for any Chair with at least one full group Why doing only your three things, plan, coach, and facilitate, is the filter that drops hours and improves member focus How group type and utilization rate directly impact income per hour and why a full Advancing Leader group outperforms a CEO group on this metric Tom's Tips and Tricks: Book Review - Beyond Belief by Nir Eyal Tom is a longtime fan of Nir Eyal's work and considers Indistractable one of his all-time favorite books. He valued it so much that he hired Nir to coach him personally during 2020. Nir's newest book, Beyond Belief, carries the subtitle: The Science-Backed Way to Stop Limiting Yourself and Achieve Breakthrough Results. Tom pre-ordered it, has finished it, and calls it one of the best leadership and coaching books he has read in the last ten years. The core idea is simple and powerful: beliefs are not facts, they are tools. Like any tool, you can pick up the right one or put down the wrong one. Most CEOs walk around treating beliefs as settled truths, and those unexamined beliefs filter what they see, what they attempt, and what they achieve. For Chairs, this reframes the coaching conversation. Instead of asking a CEO if something is true, which puts them on the defensive, ask whether that belief still serves them. That question opens the door without triggering resistance. Tom has been testing this in his one-to-ones and finds it immediately effective. Resources Beyond Belief by Nir Eyal Indistractable by Nir Eyal www.tomcuthbert.com www.chairlifepodcast.com https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zB-jcUVEZOGzEYXibxZ4rjPAe9mmb7BZKhlaHBbMpZE/edit?usp=sharing

ChairLife Podcast: Episode 45 (101) Master the Art of No: Why Vistage Chairs Must Say It Clearly and Often In this episode, Vistage Master Chair Tom Cuthbert makes the case for why no is one of the most powerful words in a Chair's vocabulary. Drawing from William Ury's book The Power of a Positive No, Tom walks through a practical framework for saying no in a way that protects your priorities, guards your time, and actually strengthens relationships rather than damaging them. He also shares real examples from his own Chair practice of where and how to apply this skill every day. Show Notes Why saying yes to everything dilutes your focus, weakens your group, and takes time away from the high-impact work that defines a Chair's career The three-layer sandwich framework from William Ury: the inner yes, the firm no, and the outer yes The TREE acronym as a practical tool for delivering a positive no: Taproot, Robust Trunk, Expanding Canopy, and Energy Common situations where Chairs need to say no, including mismatched prospects, members who reschedule constantly, vendor requests, and outside speaking or board invitations Why Tom starts every new relationship with a 20-minute call and says no to lunch, coffee, and hour-long meetings upfront How to say no to a member request that falls outside your expertise while still adding value and strengthening the relationship Why guarding your time is not selfish but essential to building a high-performing community Tom's Tips and Tricks: Don't Be the Chauffeur Tom shares the story of Max Planck's chauffeur, who memorized Planck's quantum mechanics lecture so thoroughly that he delivered it flawlessly to a standing ovation. When an audience member asked a follow-up question, the chauffeur had no answer. Charlie Munger called this chauffeur knowledge: knowing the right answers up to a point but failing under pressure when the hard questions come. Tom applies this directly to the CEOs Chairs work with. Reading books and listening to podcasts builds surface-level recall. True mastery comes from sitting in the seat, facing real problems, and being surrounded by people on the same journey. The job of a Vistage Chair is to move members from memorizing to mastery. Resources https://amzn.to/47lIRtk https://amzn.to/4s6T2JO www.tomcuthbert.com www.chairlifepodcast.com https://docs.google.com/document/d/1F4l6yYoeJGDldMLNYEHGaFaFVSwUN7Lyhov5zsleTbo/edit?usp=sharing

In this episode, Vistage Master Chair Tom Cuthbert breaks down why businesses fail and what Vistage Chairs can do to help their members avoid it. Tom walks through the brutal statistics behind business survival rates, the five major reasons companies fail, and seven specific areas Chairs should focus on in their one-to-ones to help members build stronger, more resilient businesses. The conversation centers on the concept of deep financial optics, seeing ahead rather than just reviewing what has already happened, and the critical role peer groups, coaches, and external relationships play in keeping leaders from operating in isolation. Show Notes Why most businesses never reach meaningful revenue milestones and what the numbers actually look like The concept of deep financial optics and why it matters more than reviewing past performance The five major reasons businesses fail: no market need, running out of cash, the wrong team, ignoring competition, and poor execution Seven focus areas Chairs should use as a diagnostic in every one-to-one, including financial optics, talent vetting, cash defense, competitive intelligence, and execution How Vistage peer groups and coaches dramatically increase a member's odds of success Why isolation is one of the greatest risks a business leader faces Tom's Tips and Tricks: My Top Ten Gym Habits Tom shares the ten exercises he relies on to stay sharp and ready as a Vistage Chair, with a goal of 200 gym days per year. His top ten include Mike Tyson push-ups, the Pete and Bobby Challenge (100 push-ups and 50 pull-ups in under ten minutes), handstands, pull-ups with added weight, standard push-ups, Bosu ball balance training, sled pushes, planks, farmer carries, and Zone 2 cardio. Tom also shares how he pairs cardio with reading the Wall Street Journal to make the habit sustainable. Resources Predictable Revenue by Aaron Ross Just Six Weeks App (free, available in your app store) Chair Success Services: www.chairsuccessservices.com ChairLife Podcast: www.chairlifepodcast.com https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PMxfZIMuX7dGHFN4ZbnwQH-YVMOBmxGxh6uoDY0V9HY/edit?usp=sharing

Tom Cuthbert discusses the Dunning-Kruger wake-up call for overconfident CEOs and explores ditching Zoom for the 93% communication secret in real breakthroughs. Show Notes Quote on Overconfidence: Don Moore on delusional CEOs. The Dunning-Kruger Effect: Bias of overestimating abilities; Chairs provide feedback. Stats on Overconfidence: 18% more R&D with higher failures; 3-4% profitable AI use. Historical Examples: Steve Jobs 1985 firing, Howard Schultz 2008 hubris. 5 Punchy Questions: To make CEOs uncomfortable for growth. Tom’s Tips & Tricks: The 93% Communication Secret: Ditch Zoom for Real CEO Breakthroughs: Mehrabian rule; in-person for deeper connections. Conclusion: Use questions on overconfidence; switch to in-person meetings. Tom’s Tips & Tricks: The 93% Communication Secret: Ditch Zoom for Real CEO Breakthroughs Tom explains Mehrabian rule: 7% words, 38% tone, 55% body language. Why Ditch Zoom: Misses non-verbal cues; in-person captures full communication. Benefits: Deeper trust, better breakthroughs. Action: Schedule in-person 1:1 this week. Resources Explore these resources to support your Vistage Chair practice: www.tomcuthbert.com www.tomcuthbert.com/questions www.chairlifepodcast.com https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CZXm8O4fbXEWFLZH8r4CN-4cz-NKpXK7GANgBHlgaSk/edit?usp=sharing

Tom Cuthbert explores high-performing behavior number eleven on never missing 1:1 or mentor meetings, and discusses the number one skill CEOs must master—effective 1:1s—and how to coach it. Show Notes Announcement: Chair World Sessions: Two sessions in February 2026 on purpose-practice intersection and optimizing time/income. High-Performing Behavior Number 11: High-performing members never miss 1:1 or mentor meetings to model leadership. Recent Inspiration: Reflections from Arena Baranof's coaching sessions on deep connections. Importance of One-to-Ones: Build trust, enable transformation, improve retention. Modeling One-to-Ones as a Chair: Recurring scheduling, 90-minute in-person format. Handling Rescheduling: Prioritize monthly cadence, even shortened. Impact on Retention: Missing 1:1s quadruples leave risk (Vistage data). Tom’s Tips & Tricks: The Number One Skill Your CEOs Must Master and How You Coach It: Coach CEOs on mastering 1:1s. Conclusion: Never miss 1:1s; schedule one and discuss with a member. Tom’s Tips & Tricks: The Number One Skill Your CEOs Must Master and How You Coach It Tom highlights mastering 1:1s as CEOs' top skill. Why Master 1:1s: Builds trust, drives performance, reduces turnover. Coaching Methods: Agendas, preparation questions, follow-up. Benefits: Enhances leadership, retention (Vistage data). Action: Role-play 1:1s; encourage prioritization. Resources Explore these resources to support your Vistage Chair practice: www.tomcuthbert.com www.chairlifepodcast.com https://www.wsj.com/business/entrepreneurship/business-failure-reasons-top-10-0762e18b?gaa_at=eafs&gaa_n=AWEtsqdNgLUXwzM62ewCJj5X1MTBgNOJbBvK1Fd4roM5IhDzHUBwKSxuETSBvY4IxcE%3D&gaa_ts=698e2d16&gaa_sig=eD0eJMN-Msuj7MKRDZ4QLrHy0I6sAK7k9znDnTw3q3p-fxZONxxMboG4fKLWmnguZhmm66XuWDkxGDbaN421Pw%3D%3D www.tomcuthbert.com/jackinthebox https://docs.google.com/document/d/1WyOTvZU9dt7yyWlLf0xPan9xufZVhUsQL8bTzt1TTW8/edit?usp=sharing

Tom Cuthbert explores high-performing behaviors from chaos to ChairLife magic with two roles that changed everything, and advises CEOs to stop filling gaps to build independence. Show Notes Announcement: Chair World Sessions: Two sessions in February 2026 on purpose-practice intersection and optimizing time/income. Introduction: Welcome back for 2026; focus on time management. Quote on Time: Peter Drucker on managing time. Splitting Roles: Difficult to find one person with all skills; decide on EA/admin/tech needs. Key Questions: What can others do? What's ROI? Tom's High-Payoff Activities: 10% planning (160 hours/year); EOS quarterly, weekly meetings. Tom’s Tips & Tricks: CEOs Stop Filling Gaps: Start Building Independence: Delegate to empower teams. Conclusion: Resources at tomcuthbert.com; share at chairlifepodcast.com. Tom’s Tips & Tricks: CEOs Stop Filling Gaps: Start Building Independence Tom advises CEOs to delegate gaps for independence. Why Delegate: Focus high-impact; reduces overload. Challenges: Filling gaps hinders growth. How to Delegate: Use Vistage tools; coach empowerment. Benefits: Boosts skills, succession. Action: Delegate one gap this week. Resources Explore these resources to support your Vistage Chair practice: www.tomcuthbert.com www.chairlifepodcast.com Conversational Capacity - https://amzn.to/4besamb https://docs.google.com/document/d/1frpU4zL7ThAHL5QN8aXe2EN9b-QeW1zWau-U0fMgol4/edit?usp=sharing

Description for ChairLife Podcast: Episode 37 (101) Join Vistage Master Chair Tom Cuthbert in this episode of the ChairLife podcast. Tom explores high-performing behavior number eleven on never missing 1:1 or mentor meetings, and discusses the number one skill CEOs must master—effective 1:1s—and how to coach it. Show Notes Announcement: Chair World Sessions: Details two sessions Tom is teaching in February 2026 on purpose-practice intersection and optimizing time/income. High-Performing Behavior Number 11: High-performing members never miss 1:1 or mentor meetings to model leadership. Recent Inspiration: Reflections from Arena Baranof's coaching sessions on deep personal connections. Importance of One-to-Ones: Build trust, enable transformation, improve retention. Modeling One-to-Ones as a Chair: Use recurring scheduling, 90-minute in-person format. Handling Rescheduling: Prioritize to maintain monthly cadence, even if shortened. Impact on Retention: Missing 1:1s increases leave risk fourfold per Vistage data. Tom’s Tips & Tricks: The Number One Skill Your CEOs Must Master and How You Coach It: Coach CEOs on mastering 1:1s for team leadership. Conclusion: Never miss 1:1s; schedule one and discuss with a member. Tom’s Tips & Tricks: The Number One Skill Your CEOs Must Master and How You Coach It Tom highlights mastering effective 1:1s as CEOs' top skill and how Chairs coach it. Why Master 1:1s: Builds trust, drives performance, reduces turnover. Coaching Methods: Use agendas, preparation questions, follow-up actions. Benefits: Enhances leadership, retention; Vistage data shows impact. Action: Role-play 1:1s in sessions; encourage CEOs to prioritize. Resources Explore these resources to support your Vistage Chair practice: www.tomcuthbert.com www.chairlifepodcast.com https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/he7l08qy0pl4ni5o18o4o/The-Brown-M-M-Protocol.pdf?rlkey=lugflq9d1xw7k93ndlaohsaiw&st=gu8yikm2&dl=0 https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jiS-dJM58OSJRutMFc2ae7nFJFPCjSSo7-iYa_RsXeM/edit?usp=sharing

Tom Cuthbert discusses transitioning from chaos to ChairLife magic with two key roles that changed everything, and advises CEOs to stop filling gaps to build team independence. Show Notes Announcement: Chair World Sessions: Two sessions in February 2026 on purpose-practice intersection and optimizing time/income. Introduction: Welcome back for 2026; focus on time management and getting time back. Quote on Time Management: Peter Drucker on time as scarcest resource. Splitting Roles for Support: Difficult to find one person with all skills; decide on EA/admin/tech needs. Key Questions for Hiring Support: What can others do? What's ROI? Tom's High-Payoff Activities: 10% planning (160 hours/year); quarterly EOS sessions, weekly meetings. Tom’s Tips & Tricks: CEOs Stop Filling Gaps: Start Building Independence: Delegate to empower teams. Conclusion: Find resources at tomcuthbert.com; share podcast at chairlifepodcast.com. Tom’s Tips & Tricks: CEOs Stop Filling Gaps: Start Building Independence Tom advises CEOs to delegate gaps to build independence. Why Delegate: Focus on high-impact; reduces overload. Challenges: CEOs hinder growth by filling gaps. How to Delegate: Use Vistage tools; coach on empowerment. Benefits: Boosts skills, succession; improves retention. Action: Identify one gap to delegate this week. Resources Explore these resources to support your Vistage Chair practice: www.tomcuthbert.com www.chairlifepodcast.com www.tomcuthbert.com/flywheel Turning the Flywheel: A Monograph to Accompany Good to Great - https://amzn.to/4pwkteI https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Rr92JAVb7mlqNlIuvrj5MXT8awOStla0139ABeYtd3g/edit?usp=sharing

Join Vistage Master Chair Tom Cuthbert in this episode of the ChairLife podcast. Tom concludes the high-performing behaviors series with number twelve on members making the group better, and discusses the power of saying things out loud. Show Notes Announcement: Chair World Sessions: Details two sessions in February 2026 on purpose-practice intersection and optimizing time/income. High-Performing Behavior Number 12: High-performing members make the group better; Aristotle quote on the whole being greater than parts. Role of the Chair in Groups: Facilitate invisibly, coach individuals, challenge participation. Episode Title Explanation: Stop carrying the piano; members make the music. Personal Lesson from Early Practice: Shifted from doing everything to member ownership. Ways to Make the Group Better: Facilitate, coach, remind of contributions. Tom’s Tips & Tricks: The Moment of Truth: Saying It Out Loud Changes Everything: Verbalizing clarifies and commits. Conclusion: Let members own the group; assess and facilitate member-led discussions. Tom’s Tips & Tricks: The Moment of Truth: Saying It Out Loud Changes Everything Tom discusses verbalizing thoughts in groups. Power of Speaking: Clarifies issues, builds accountability, gains peer insights. Benefits: Commits to action, changes perspective. Action: Encourage voicing one goal or challenge this week. Resources Explore these resources to support your Vistage Chair practice: www.tomcuthbert.com www.chairlifepodcast.com www.tomcuthbert.com/memberselectionplaybook The Coaching Habit - https://amzn.to/48CCMcH https://docs.google.com/document/d/1txBqZ_sBLA_2uZCUwSBLyk7pkSrPSiqqIQnI8XXsP4E/edit?usp=sharing

Join Vistage Master Chair Tom Cuthbert in this episode of the ChairLife podcast. Tom explores high-performing behavior number eleven on never missing 1:1 or mentor meetings, and discusses the number one skill CEOs must master—effective 1:1s—and how to coach it. Show Notes Announcement: Chair World Sessions: Details two sessions Tom is teaching in February 2026 on purpose-practice intersection and optimizing time/income. High-Performing Behavior Number 11: High-performing members never miss 1:1 or mentor meetings to model leadership. Recent Inspiration: Reflections from Arena Baranof's coaching sessions on deep personal connections. Importance of One-to-Ones: Build trust, enable transformation, improve retention. Modeling One-to-Ones as a Chair: Use recurring scheduling, 90-minute in-person format. Handling Rescheduling: Prioritize to maintain monthly cadence, even if shortened. Impact on Retention: Missing 1:1s increases leave risk fourfold per Vistage data. Tom’s Tips & Tricks: The Number One Skill Your CEOs Must Master and How You Coach It: Coach CEOs on mastering 1:1s for team leadership. Conclusion: Never miss 1:1s; schedule one and discuss with a member. Tom’s Tips & Tricks: The Number One Skill Your CEOs Must Master and How You Coach It Tom highlights mastering effective 1:1s as CEOs' top skill and how Chairs coach it. Why Master 1:1s: Builds trust, drives performance, reduces turnover. Coaching Methods: Use agendas, preparation questions, follow-up actions. Benefits: Enhances leadership, retention; Vistage data shows impact. Action: Role-play 1:1s in sessions; encourage CEOs to prioritize. Resources Explore these resources to support your Vistage Chair practice: www.tomcuthbert.com www.chairlifepodcast.com https://www.wsj.com/business/c-suite/manager-strengths-rellocating-talent-f0add2da?st=8mQCxM&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimristuccia?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kkmEHuZuVw_w5B2g3kHWIxsgBaFx0CWTjX-AHLNBYzg/edit?usp=sharing

Tom Cuthbert explores high-performing behavior number nine on setting and achieving goals, sharing personal strategies and accountability team best practices for Vistage Chairs. Show Notes Introduction: Announces Chair World sessions and quotes James Clear on systems over goals. High-Performing Behavior Number 9: High-performing members set and achieve goals through community accountability. Why Set Personal Goals: Models accountability, transparency; focuses on work-life balance, utilization, retention. Achieving Goals Through Community: Set realistic goals in groups for support; weave into one-to-ones and teams. Tom’s Tips & Tricks: Accountability Team Best Practices: Meet to review progress, provide support. Conclusion: Set 2026 goals; reflect on last year. Tom’s Tips & Tricks: Accountability Team Best Practices Tom shares practices for accountability teams to drive goal achievement. Meet Regularly: 90 minutes monthly to discuss learnings, applications, mutual help. Review Tools: Personal Action Summaries, goals, KPIs, scores. Encourage Feedback: Mutual adjustments for commitment. Benefits: Builds environment for success and retention. Action: Form team to track one goal this week. Resources Explore these resources to support your Vistage Chair practice: www.tomcuthbert.com www.chairlifepodcast.com www.tomcuthbert.com/extraordinary https://docs.google.com/document/d/1TG3xkKXzxHVloFWrE9lSGeGrrObXl8PYAeQu-DY6IXM/edit?usp=sharing

Join Vistage Master Chair Tom Cuthbert in this episode of the ChairLife podcast. Tom explores high-performing behavior number eight on investing in yourself and others, sharing his 10 personal investments, and discusses why every company needs two CEOs with Vistage Key Groups as the CEO factory. Show Notes Introduction: Tom announces Chair World sessions and quotes Buffett on self-investment. High-Performing Behavior Number 8: High-performing members invest in themselves to become better leaders and in others through training, feedback, coaching. Tom's 10 Personal Investments in Himself: Lists sabbaticals, reduced hours, time blocking, gym routine, longevity coaching, morning routine, sleep optimization, reading, productivity hacks, gratitude journaling. Tom’s Tips & Tricks: Two CEOs, One Company: Why Key Groups Are Your CEO Factory: Explains need for a right-hand second CEO developed via Key Groups. Conclusion: Invest in self and others; adopt one investment and discuss Key Groups with a member. Tom’s Tips & Tricks: Two CEOs, One Company: Why Key Groups Are Your CEO Factory Tom explains why companies need two CEOs—one actual, one right-hand second CEO who sees more, listens, represents, backs up, and succeeds via Vistage Key Groups. Why Two CEOs: Boosts efficiency (20-30% revenue gains, e27.co); mitigates risk (40% global leaders have COOs, McKinsey 2022). Benefits: Reduces turnover (34% lower with development, Gallup); builds succession (avoids 20-50% productivity loss, SHRM). Vistage Key Groups: Develops right-hands as CEO makers; complements emerging/advancing; over 80% of Tom's CEOs place teams here. Action: Assess right-hand readiness; enroll in Key Groups for ROI. Resources Explore these resources to support your Vistage Chair practice: www.tomcuthbert.com www.chairlifepodcast.com www.tomcuthbert.com/goals https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EPqs7K-Cx4PxnQ-4xkUxIbsvDB9EEpE6YBZ0h5cB5VQ/edit?usp=sharing https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/1b307vfk4fpna63maxvsa/Accountability-Teams-Best-Practices.pdf?rlkey=ud87sxoh43v6ndjyulm6r9ujt&st=uj3mv3ua&dl=0

Join Vistage Master Chair Tom Cuthbert in this episode of the ChairLife podcast. Tom explores high-performing behavior number eight on investing in yourself and others, sharing his 10 personal investments, and discusses why every company needs two CEOs with Vistage Key Groups as the CEO factory. Show Notes Introduction: Tom announces Chair World sessions and quotes Buffett on self-investment. High-Performing Behavior Number 8: High-performing members invest in themselves to become better leaders and in others through training, feedback, coaching. Tom's 10 Personal Investments in Himself: Lists sabbaticals, reduced hours, time blocking, gym routine, longevity coaching, morning routine, sleep optimization, reading, productivity hacks, gratitude journaling. Tom’s Tips & Tricks: Two CEOs, One Company: Why Key Groups Are Your CEO Factory: Explains need for a right-hand second CEO developed via Key Groups. Conclusion: Invest in self and others; adopt one investment and discuss Key Groups with a member. Tom’s Tips & Tricks Tom explains why companies need two CEOs—one actual, one right-hand second CEO who sees more, listens, represents, backs up, and succeeds via Vistage Key Groups. Why Two CEOs: Boosts efficiency (20-30% revenue gains, e27.co); mitigates risk (40% global leaders have COOs, McKinsey 2022). Benefits: Reduces turnover (34% lower with development, Gallup); builds succession (avoids 20-50% productivity loss, SHRM). Vistage Key Groups: Develops right-hands as CEO makers; complements emerging/advancing; over 80% of Tom's CEOs place teams here. Action: Assess right-hand readiness; enroll in Key Groups for ROI. Resources Explore these resources to support your Vistage Chair practice: www.tomcuthbert.com www.chairlifepodcast.com https://instituteforfunctionalhealth.com/ https://www.longevityarchitects.com/ www.tomcuthbert.com/longevity https://amzn.to/4qrieLc https://docs.google.com/document/d/1tmsmfU323osyQXICkCxsuawXgkr_N09P-JreYjzBV38/edit?usp=sharing

Welcome to the ChairLife podcast with Tom Cuthbert. As a CEO, coach, and Vistage Master Chair, Tom shares insights, strategies, and tools to help you build a successful Chair practice where mission and purpose intersect with a balanced work life. This is your guide to leading with impact while living with intention. In this episode, Tom explores high-performing behavior number seven on embracing and providing feedback, and discusses why the value of an issue is worth far more. Let’s dive in. High-Performing Behavior: Embrace and Provide Feedback Tom quotes Eric Sevareid: "Better to trust the man who is frequently in error than the one who is never in doubt." This highlights candor and feedback's value in Vistage. High-performing members embrace and provide feedback. Feedback is a cornerstone; create environments where it is embraced in groups and one-to-ones. Creating a Feedback-Rich Environment Tom recalls his first Vistage day: "Vistage is a feedback-rich environment." Builds trust, raises conversation quality, strengthens community. Without feedback, growth stalls; errors repeat. Gallup: Teams with regular feedback see 14.9% lower turnover. Avoiding Difficult Conversations Tom notes common avoidance of tough talks. 70% of leaders delay due to discomfort (HBR). Vistage models feedback using Craig Weber's Conversational Capacity. Balance candor with curiosity for stronger relationships. Practical Applications of Feedback Tom outlines ways to apply feedback. Use surveys for speakers, meetings; rate one-to-ones. From Warren Berger's The Book of Beautiful Questions: "Good feedback tells what's wrong; questions pull solutions from giver." Encourage carefrontation: Share thoughts out of care. Tom’s Tips & Tricks: Why The Value of an Issue is Worth Far More Tom explains issues' true value exceeds fees through insights. Track issue dollar impact to show ROI. Deep sharing maximizes group benefit. Benefits: Drives breakthroughs, justifies investment. Action: Quantify one issue's value next meeting. Conclusion Thank you for tuning into ChairLife. Embrace feedback through carefrontation; recognize issues' greater value. Lean into one feedback conversation and quantify an issue's impact this week. See you next time. Resources Explore these resources to support your Vistage Chair practice: www.tomcuthbert.com www.chairlifepodcast.com www.tomcuthbert.com/highperforming www.tomcuthbert.com/questions https://amzn.to/47muRyD https://amzn.to/3WRiKVe https://docs.google.com/document/d/13-1cP_KkDspF6PmK5UNCLDAANsY35T2L00t2FExrD3I/edit?usp=sharing

Join Vistage Master Chair Tom Cuthbert in this episode of the ChairLife podcast. Tom explores high-performing behavior number six on guarding time and using it wisely, and shares productivity hacks from Atomic Habits. Show Notes Introduction: Tom quotes Covey on investing time; emphasizes modeling time management in meetings. The Power of Guarding Time: Time is finite; poor management costs 20% productivity (Forbes 2023). Elements of This Behavior: Attend on time, be present (no phones), punctuality with grace period, stay full day. Modeling Time Management: Change voicemail daily, share calendar with team, prioritize Vistage time. Tom’s Tips & Tricks: Productivity Hacks From Atomic Habits: Draws from James Clear's book for efficiency tips. Conclusion: Guard time to elevate groups; implement one hack this week. Tom’s Tips & Tricks: Productivity Hacks From Atomic Habits Tom shares hacks from Atomic Habits by James Clear to boost energy, focus, and efficiency. Habit Stacking: Pair new habits with existing routines, like goals review during coffee. Environment Design: Create focused spaces, like dedicated office for one-to-ones. Two-Minute Rule: Start tasks in two minutes to beat procrastination. Identity Focus: Adopt mindsets like "I'm a focused Chair" to reinforce habits. Tracking Progress: Use journals or apps to monitor and adjust behaviors. Resources www.tomcuthbert.com www.chairlifepodcast.com www.tomcuthbert.com/highperforming https://www.amazon.com/Atomic-Habits-James-Clear-audiobook/dp/B07RFSSYBH/ https://www.amazon.com/Essentialism-Greg-McKeown-audiobook/dp/B00IWYP5NI/ https://www.amazon.com/Indistractable-Nir-Eyal-Julie-Li-audiobook/dp/B07SV4V6ZK https://www.jimcollins.com/concepts/the-flywheel.html https://docs.google.com/document/d/1TMtYDzW8dcqczuGjxf2f73oLWt3F9wQdcClnGnte_-o/edit?usp=sharing

Join Vistage Master Chair Tom Cuthbert in this episode of the ChairLife podcast. Tom explores high-performing behavior number four on presence and focus, and shares AI tools for prospecting in Vistage Chair practice. Show Notes Introduction: Tom discusses behavior four: High-performing members are present, focused, and intentional. The Importance of Presence: Quotes Covey on listening; Vistage as practice space for focus. Why Presence Matters for Relationships: Builds trust, engagement, connections; applies to CEOs, members, family. Book Recommendation and Example: Recommends "The Notice" by Andy Andrews; character Jones exemplifies full presence. The Cost of Distraction: Squirrel analogy; erodes trust, makes others feel undervalued. Stats on Multitasking and Context Switching: Multitasking cuts productivity 40% (APA); refocus takes 23 minutes (UC study). Personal Story on Distraction: Distracted CEO in one-to-one; addressed to reinforce focus. Tips for Avoiding Distractions in Groups: Phones out of sight, Do Not Disturb mode. Tom’s Tips & Tricks: Vistage Chair's AI Edge: Prospect to Peer Power: Uses Grok AI for prospect analysis and outreach. Conclusion: Practice presence, use AI for prospecting; implement phone-free zones and analyze one profile. Tom’s Tips & Tricks: Vistage Chair's AI Edge: Prospect to Peer Power Tom highlights Grok AI for prospecting. Setup: Access via xAI, integrated with X. Features: Analyzes profiles, posts, links; vets prospects. Use Cases: Search CEOs on X, analyze for fit, generate messages. Benefits: Saves time, personalizes pitches. Action: Try for one search; integrate into recruitment. Resources Explore these resources to support your Vistage Chair practice: www.tomcuthbert.com www.chairlifepodcast.com www.tomcuthbert.com/highperforming https://www.amazon.com/Conversational-Capacity-Building-Successful-Pressure/dp/0071807128 https://www.amazon.com/Leadership-Self-Deception-Fourth-Transforming-Relationships/dp/B0DZ3QM2BB https://www.amazon.com/The-Power-of-Positive-No-audiobook/dp/B000NUOJKO/

Welcome to the ChairLife podcast with Tom Cuthbert. As a CEO, coach, and Vistage Master Chair, Tom shares insights, strategies, and tools to help you build a successful Chair practice where mission and purpose intersect with a balanced work life. This is your guide to leading with impact while living with intention. In this episode, Tom discusses high-performing behavior number four on being present, focused, and intentional, and explores Vistage Chair's AI edge for prospecting. Let’s dive in. High-Performing Behavior Number 4 Tom discusses high-performing behavior number four: High-performing members are present, focused, and intentional. Stephen Covey says most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply. Being present is hard due to distractions, but Vistage meetings and one-to-ones are the place to practice focus and presence. This behavior is the most observed in group meetings; it's easy to spot who's engaged and who's not. Why Presence Matters Presence fuels trust, the cornerstone of Vistage. It increases engagement in the moment and ongoing. It creates meaningful connections; Tom spends 90 minutes monthly with each of 40 CEOs, plus group time—they need undivided attention. Everyone craves attention, including family; presence stands out in today's society. Book Recommendation "The Notice" by Andy Andrews, a gift from his EA Savannah. The character Jones stands out for helping people see perspectives, being a great listener, and caring deeply. In every interaction, Jones is fully present, making a big impact. Link in show notes for the book. The Cost of Distraction Tom contrasts presence with distraction, using a squirrel analogy. Phone buzzes, dings, or vibrations act like squirrels—breaking focus, eroding trust, making others feel undervalued. Be intentional about removing distractions, especially in Vistage. Practice phone-free zones to build relationships. Stats on Multitasking and Context Switching Multitasking reduces productivity by 40% (American Psychological Association). Context switching takes 23 minutes to refocus (University of California study). With 40 CEOs, distraction costs hours weekly; multiply by group size for total impact. Personal Story on Distraction Tom shares a story about a distracted one-to-one. A CEO checked his phone mid-conversation, breaking trust and presence. Tom addressed it directly, reinforcing the need for focus. Lesson: Distraction signals lack of value; be intentional to avoid it. Tips for Avoiding Distractions in Groups Keep phones out of sight during meetings and one-to-ones. Use Do Not Disturb mode Practice presence to model for family and teams. Tom’s Tips & Tricks: Vistage Chair's AI Edge: Prospect to Peer Power Tom introduces using Grok AI for prospecting in Vistage Chair practice. Setup: Access Grok via xAI, integrated with X (formerly Twitter). Features: Analyzes X profiles, posts, links; useful for vetting prospects. Use Cases: Search X for CEO prospects, analyze bios, posts for fit; generate outreach messages. Benefits: Saves time, personalizes pitches; e.g., reference shared interests from profiles. Action: Try Grok for one prospect search; integrate into recruitment process. Conclusion Thank you for tuning into ChairLife. Practice presence to build trust and reject distractions in your groups, and leverage AI like Grok for efficient prospecting. Implement phone-free zones in your next meeting and analyze one prospect profile with AI. See you next time. Resources Explore these resources to support your Vistage Chair practice: www.tomcuthbert.com www.chairlifepodcast.com https://www.amazon.com/Indistractable-Nir-Eyal-Julie-Li-audiobook/dp/B07SV4V6ZK https://www.amazon.com/The-Noticer-Andy-Andrews-audiobook/dp/B0024L18RC/ https://grok.com/ https://claude.ai/ https://docs.google.com/document/d/13iLV46Adox1-MxUD3TURt5GgQnbMBQe9xYhise99VSU/edit?usp=sharing

Join Vistage Master Chair Tom Cuthbert in this episode of the ChairLife podcast. Tom introduces the “mediocrity shield” to protect Vistage groups from complacency, offering strategies to maintain excellence while honoring his father's legacy. He also shares how a binder organizes member data to enhance meetings and one-to-ones. This episode equips Vistage Chairs with tools to foster high-performing groups and streamline coaching. Show Notes Introduction: Tom outlines the episode, focusing on combating mediocrity and using binders for efficiency. Guarding Against Mediocrity: Tom presents the “mediocrity shield” to prevent complacency, inspired by his father. Strategies to Shield Mediocrity: Four strategies—high-performing behaviors, accountability, innovation, celebrating success—keep groups thriving. Implementing the Mediocrity Shield: Practical tools and Tom's commitment to challenge non-performing behaviors to resolve $5 million in issues. Tom’s Tips & Tricks: The Binder, A Chair’s Secret Weapon: Tom details how a binder centralizes member data for efficiency. Conclusion: A call to shield groups from mediocrity and use binders to enhance performance, with a Father’s Day tribute. Tom’s Tips & Tricks: The Binder, A Chair’s Secret Weapon Tom explains how a binder organizes key member information to improve meetings and one-to-ones, securely stored for confidentiality. Purpose: Centralizes data for 37 CEOs and three coaching clients, saving time versus digital searches. Six Documents: BizEquity Report (enterprise value), Culture Index surveys (senior leaders), Founders Advisors Exit Readiness Assessment, member goals, Strategic Compass (one-page plan), Vistage Leadership Assessment (top five leaders). Implementation: Used in one-to-ones and group meetings to surface issues; photos and details on Tom’s website. Impact: Enhances focus on member performance and business optimization. Resources Explore these resources to support your Vistage Chair practice: www.tomcuthbert.com www.chairlifepodcast.com www.tomcuthbert.com/highperforming www.tomcuthbert.com/therighthandedpenraise https://docs.google.com/document/d/1q9N7IhsPA98SfXL0GbecYSfaIiJuHRvteJ_apTOKScM/edit?usp=sharing

Welcome to the ChairLife podcast with Tom Cuthbert. As a CEO, coach, and Vistage Master Chair, Tom shares insights, strategies, and tools to help you build a successful Chair practice where mission and purpose intersect with a balanced work life. This is your guide to leading with impact while living with intention. In this episode, Tom continues the series on high-performing behaviors, focusing on rejecting mediocrity, and offers tips on delegation for Chairs. Let’s dive in. The Power of High-Performing Behaviors Tom quotes NBA coach Phil Jackson: “The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team,” applying it to Vistage groups. Groups succeed through committed members sharing values and trust. Vistage provides speakers, but members determine excellence. This 12-week series (through Thanksgiving) covers behaviors to justify rate increases. Rejecting Mediocrity in Groups Tom defines mediocrity as average effort lacking excellence, referencing Culture by Design by David Friedman (see Episode 9). High-performing members reject mediocrity via confrontation, challenge, and clear expectations. Members notice mediocrity first; it erodes value for all. Chairs must model behaviors to inspire commitment and growth. Personal Story: Confronting Mediocrity Tom shares his experience chairing two CEO groups, one high-performing and one average. Challenged the average group with a 90-day notice, expressing belief in their potential. Outcome: All but two stayed; the group improved significantly over four years. Lesson: Extreme steps can spark self-reflection and elevation, though not recommended routinely. Tom’s Tips & Tricks: Delegate Like a Boss: Why Chairs Can't Be Their Own Admin Tom explains delegation's role in rejecting mediocrity, freeing Chairs for high-impact work. Why Delegate: Chairs must focus on coaching and facilitation, not admin tasks like scheduling. Challenges: Overload leads to burnout; self-admin distracts from member value. How to Delegate: Hire a chief of staff or admin for logistics; set clear expectations and trust. Benefits: Increases productivity, models behaviors for members, sustains practice longevity. Action: Identify three admin tasks to delegate this week for better focus. Conclusion Thank you for tuning into ChairLife. Reject mediocrity by modeling high-performing behaviors and delegating admin to elevate your groups. Challenge one member to self-reflect and delegate a task today. See you next time. Resources Explore these resources to support your Vistage Chair practice: www.tomcuthbert.com www.chairlifepodcast.com www.tomcuthbert.com/highperforming https://www.wsj.com/lifestyle/careers/the-boss-move-for-ordinary-workers-hiring-your-own-executive-assistant-c84d9550?st=vBPrQR&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XvPyZG1Wvsg&ab_channel=ElectricalEquipmentCompany https://docs.google.com/document/d/1j0_q_f8-N6-eyJZUon04NLN7NxoRBBpOoHayYc7bXHI/edit?usp=sharing

Welcome to the ChairLife podcast with Tom Cuthbert. As a CEO, coach, and Vistage Master Chair, Tom shares insights, strategies, and tools to help you build a successful Chair practice where mission and purpose intersect with a balanced work life. This is your guide to leading with impact while living with intention. In this episode, Tom kicks off a 12-week series on high-performing behaviors, focusing on the power of elite members, and addresses challenges companies face in mid-level management. Let’s dive in. The Power of High-Performing Behaviors Tom quotes NBA coach Phil Jackson: “The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team,” linking it to Vistage’s success. High-performing groups depend on elite members committed to shared values and trust. Vistage supports Chairs with speakers, but members drive group excellence. This 12-week series addresses rate increases, showcasing high-performing behaviors as value justification. Why High-Performing Behaviors Matter Tom explains the dual importance of focusing on member excellence, referencing Culture by Design by David Friedman. High-performing members elevate meetings, one-to-ones, and inter-meeting interactions, increasing value. Annual rate hikes (e.g., 2025) prompt questions; high-performing groups provide the best response. Episode 9 offers an overview of these behaviors’ impact. Cultivating High-Performing Behaviors Tom outlines steps for Chairs to model and inspire elite membership, starting with self-reflection. Self-Reflection: Assess personal commitment (e.g., enthusiasm, accountability) as members watch and discuss your actions. Challenge Members: Ask questions like “How can I improve?” or “How am I holding others back?” in one-to-ones and meetings. Avoid Mediocrity: Push for growth in companies, people, and community investment. Model Excellence: Demonstrate behaviors to inspire members to elevate the group. Tom’s Tips & Tricks: Companies Are Stretched in the Middle Tom addresses mid-level management strain, offering Vistage solutions to support Chairs and CEOs. Challenges: Companies face stretched middle management due to talent shortages and overload. Impact: Low engagement and high turnover disrupt operations. Solution: Leverage Vistage’s Emerging and Advancing Leader Groups to develop mid-level talent. Benefits: Strengthens company bench strength and retention. Action: Encourage CEOs to invest in mid-level leaders through Vistage programs. Conclusion Thank you for tuning into ChairLife. Cultivate high-performing behaviors to build elite groups and address mid-level challenges with Vistage solutions. Reflect on one personal improvement and discuss a mid-level development plan with a CEO. See you next time. Resources Explore these resources to support your Vistage Chair practice: www.tomcuthbert.com www.chairlifepodcast.com www.tomcuthbert.com/highperforming https://www.tomcuthbert.com/blog/2018/6/27/companies-break-in-the-middle www.amazon.com/Give-Take-Helping-Others-Success/dp/0143124986 https://docs.google.com/document/d/1B7L-gmrSBGi7xczAN-udd7nuQ5CwpE4mCJgy1w1Cc4Y/edit?usp=sharing

Welcome to the ChairLife podcast with Tom Cuthbert. As a CEO, coach, and Vistage Master Chair, Tom shares insights, strategies, and tools to help you build a successful Chair practice where mission and purpose intersect with a balanced work life. This is your guide to leading with impact while living with intention. In this episode, Tom discusses bullet journal power for demanding chaos and shares ten life hacks to enhance energy, focus, and efficiency. Let’s dive in. The Power of Bullet Journaling Tom quotes Carol: "The shortest pencil is longer than the longest memory," noting thoughts last 2–3 seconds before vanishing. Bullet journaling provides a single repository for important information in a busy world (7 groups, 100+ members, coaching, other businesses, boards). Serves as the place to know where to find info, what to do, and when to do it. Why Tom Uses Bullet Journal Tom became a Vistage chair in 2012, starting with a notebook that became messy; tried digital in 2015 but found it distracting in conversations. Switched to Moleskine hardcover bullet journal 10 years ago for its effectiveness. Digital devices lessen conversation depth; physical journal is better for private talks. How Tom Sets Up His Bullet Journal Tom uses a Moleskine hardcover (French product) with specific setup evolved over years. During one-to-ones, pulls out journal for notes when appropriate. Structures member pages with family details, kids' names, leadership team names, and brief notes from encounters. Bullet Journal Sections Tom outlines the journal's sections for organization. Member Pages: Family info, leadership team, one-to-one notes. Group Meeting Reviews: Notes from meetings, key takeaways. Other Sections: Future logs, monthly calendars, daily tasks, collections (e.g., books read, ideas). Tom’s Tips & Tricks: Ten Life Hacks for Energy, Focus, Efficiency Tom shares ten routines to boost personal and professional performance. Morning Routine: Wake early, hydrate, exercise, meditate. Daily Walks: 20 minutes outdoors for clarity and vitamin D. Power Naps: 15–20 minutes midday for recharge. Digital Detox: No screens after 8 p.m. for better sleep. Gratitude Journal: Note three daily gratitudes for positivity. Meal Prep: Plan healthy meals weekly for nutrition. Task Batching: Group similar tasks to minimize switching. Reading Habit: 20 minutes daily for learning. Breathing Exercises: 4-7-8 technique for stress reduction. Weekly Review: Sunday reflection on wins and adjustments. Conclusion Thank you for tuning into ChairLife. Use bullet journaling to organize chaos and adopt ten life hacks for better energy, focus, and efficiency. Start with one section in your journal and one hack this week. See you next time. Resources Explore these resources to support your Vistage Chair practice: www.tomcuthbert.com www.chairlifepodcast.com www.tomcuthbert.com/sleep www.tomcuthbert.com/longevity https://www.tomcuthbert.com/bulletjournal https://sparkmailapp.com/ https://www.followupthen.com/ https://www.voxer.com/ https://braintoss.com/ https://acuityscheduling.com/ https://docs.google.com/document/d/1UWOpdfndyUI1JLg86i4jdArrsJ1K3SPoom9Vles8J54/edit?usp=sharing

Join Vistage Master Chair Tom Cuthbert in this episode of the ChairLife podcast. Tom narrates unique brand stories for Chairs in Part 3 of the branding series, focusing on articulating attributes and leveraging touchpoints. He also shares longevity insights from Jessica Pierce to sustain practice vitality. Show Notes Introduction: Tom welcomes listeners and outlines Part 3 on branding narration and longevity insights. Narrating Your Unique Brand Story: Tom discusses articulating brand attributes and leveraging touchpoints like websites and introductions. Personal Brand Examples: Examines Beyonce's empowered, creative, authentic brand extended beyond music. Tom’s Tips & Tricks: Longevity Insights from Jessica Pierce: Tom shares Jessica Pierce's insights on longevity for Chairs. Conclusion: Reflect on brand narration and apply longevity strategies to enhance practice. Tom’s Tips & Tricks: Longevity Insights from Jessica Pierce Tom highlights Jessica Pierce's longevity advice for sustained Chair success. Focus on Wellness: Prioritize rest and recovery to maintain energy. Build Resilience: Develop mental and physical habits for long-term impact. Model Self-Care: Demonstrate balance to inspire members. Action: Schedule intentional breaks and adopt daily wellness routines. Resources www.tomcuthbert.com www.chairlifepodcast.com https://www.amazon.com/Building-StoryBrand-Clarify-Message-Customers/dp/0718033329 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CJFZDLG9 www.tomcuthbert.com/branding ScaleUp: Unforgettable Brand = Unbelievable Referrals https://www.longevityarchitects.com/ www.tomcuthbert.com/sleep www.tomcuthbert.com/longevity https://instituteforfunctionalhealth.com/ https://docs.google.com/document/d/15yCD9Kp2ezIE6dRik5EnW0XOua7iavfSj0WJwFFF8Nw/edit?usp=sharing

Tom Cuthbert aligns brand attributes with actions in Part 2 of branding series, using StoryBrand framework, and introduces Wispr Flow for efficient communication. Show Notes Introduction: Tom emphasizes aligning brand story for trust and referrals. Aligning Actions with Your Brand Story: Systematize attributes via touchpoints like website and introductions. Core Elements of Brand Story: Hero (CEO), problem, guide (Chair), plan, call to action. Success and Failure in Branding: Success builds growth; failure leads to stagnation. Tom’s Tips & Tricks: Wispr Flow for Vistage Chairs: Voice-to-text tool saves time on emails and notes. Tom’s Tips & Tricks: Wispr Flow for Vistage Chairs Tom recommends Wispr Flow for dictating. Setup: Clip-on device integrates with email apps. Features: 100 languages, shortcuts; 5–10x faster than typing. Use Cases: Post-one-to-one summaries, group notes. Benefits: Saves 3 hours weekly; $12/month. Action: Try for quick responses; demo on Tom's site. Resources www.tomcuthbert.com www.chairlifepodcast.com https://www.amazon.com/Building-StoryBrand-Clarify-Message-Customers/dp/0718033329 https://www.amazon.com/Indistractable-Nir-Eyal-Julie-Li-audiobook/dp/B07SV4V6ZK/ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CJFZDLG9 https://docs.google.com/document/d/1gkXkXxc_iYn2m_VH0rQW2WtRv18BATo-YkdxyZ4ixe0/edit?usp=sharing https://wisprflow.ai/

Tom Cuthbert explores authentic branding for Vistage Chairs in Episode 1 of 3, and addresses mid-level manager disengagement with Vistage solutions. Show Notes Introduction: Tom discusses branding as authentic identity for attracting members. Unveiling Your Authentic Brand: Branding attracts ideal members; examples include Reynolds, Winfrey, Musk. Building ChairLife Brand Attributes: Define brand via questions and attributes like curious, humble, adaptable; use StoryBrand framework. Brand Impact and Stats: Branding builds trust; 87% of members achieved record years. Tom’s Tips & Tricks: Turning Manager Misery into Mastery: Advocates Key and Advancing Leader groups for manager engagement. Conclusion: Define your brand and invest in mid-level leaders. Tom’s Tips & Tricks: Turning Manager Misery into Mastery Tom references Wall Street Journal on manager disengagement, recommending Vistage groups. Stats: 27% engaged; overload and turnover prevalent. Challenges: Lack of growth, high misery. Solution: Key Groups for seniors, Advancing for mid-levels to build skills and retention. Benefits: Reduces turnover, prepares for growth. Action: Encourage CEOs to enroll team members. Resources www.tomcuthbert.com www.chairlifepodcast.com https://www.amazon.com/Building-StoryBrand-Clarify-Message-Customers/dp/0718033329 https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/fg7spemvk41x0difub26p/2025-08-05-08-02.pdf?rlkey=i1w4kpckgn8y9xqls0ronn0ie&st=dd6hqnr0&dl=0 https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lxes02Lh_Y1i2kLaGhg9XB3fQGfY8cvJ65qDw-deANg/edit?usp=sharing https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/oc7i6nblj0c2uudi0bm81/Brand-Attribute-Worksheet.png?rlkey=0kxbjlezinutoqy24830wrhhn&st=97tdqrma&dl=0 https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/3kixx7ll93msg419p6a6l/Brand-Script-Worksheet-2024-06-17-09-30.pdf?rlkey=c0x4n7kptsbrk4rkcfs18x0he&st=sw60xt54&dl=0

Join Vistage Master Chair Tom Cuthbert in this episode of the ChairLife podcast. Tom explores the transformative power of sabbaticals for rest, recovery, and longevity, sharing his decade-long practice of taking July off. He also introduces a framework for focusing on three core activities to drive productivity and impact. With insights from his 13-year tenure, this episode equips Vistage Chairs with strategies to enhance their practice and inspire members to achieve extraordinary results. A Word from Our Sponsor: Chair Success Services Brie, Tom Cuthbert’s chief of staff, introduces Chair Success Services, designed to help Vistage Chairs focus on high-payoff activities and group growth. The service provides structure and support, enabling Chairs to deepen relationships, drive growth, and build a balanced Chair life. Interested Chairs can visit chairsuccessservices.com to learn more and connect. Show Notes Introduction: Tom introduces the episode, focusing on sabbaticals and prioritizing three core tasks for a successful Chair practice. The Power of Sabbaticals: Tom explains why sabbaticals are essential for health, creativity, and longevity. Sabbatical Activities and Benefits: Details four activity categories and research supporting sabbaticals’ impact on burnout and productivity. Planning a Sabbatical: Shares three steps to plan an effective sabbatical for Chairs. Tom’s Tips & Tricks: Finding Your Three “Not 30!” Things: Tom outlines a framework to focus on three high-impact activities. Conclusion: A call to plan a sabbatical and identify three core tasks to elevate your practice. Tom’s Tips & Tricks: Finding Your Three “Not 30!” Things Tom shares his three-thing framework, inspired by Jack Dailey and Tim Ferriss’s “Focus on being productive instead of busy,” to prioritize high-impact tasks. Concept: Identify three core activities only you can do to drive your practice forward, avoiding multitasking. Tom’s Three Things: Planning (10% of time), coaching (1,000 hours/year), facilitating group meetings. Implementation: Journal tasks for two weeks, then eliminate or delegate non-core tasks; Tom’s team supports his focus. Impact: Mono-tasking reduces stress, boosts effectiveness, and aligns team efforts. Action: Journal tasks to find your three things and delegate the rest. Resources www.tomcuthbert.com/lenses www.tomcuthbert.com/sabbatical www.chairlifepodcast.com https://www.amazon.com/Hyper-Sales-Growth-Street-Proven-Profitably/dp/1599324385 https://hbr.org/2023/02/research-the-transformative-power-of-sabbaticals https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidburkus/2016/06/29/the-surprising-benefit-of-work-sabbaticals/ https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XwK6JdvHkHD5Y004cujmA9majszbr3B4wlgtolhUW2k/edit?usp=sharing

Join Vistage Master Chair Tom Cuthbert in this episode of the ChairLife podcast. Tom shares his color-coding system for calendar management, transforming chaos into a streamlined tool that boosts productivity and balance. He also emphasizes the importance of rest and recovery to stay focused during intensive one-to-one sessions. Drawing on 13 years of experience, this episode equips Vistage Chairs with practical strategies to optimize their practice and enhance member impact. Show Notes Introduction: Tom introduces the episode, focusing on color-coding calendars for efficiency and rest for sustained focus. Color-Coding Your Calendar: Tom explains how his system reduced work hours while increasing impact. How to Color-Code Your Calendar: Details Google Calendar labels for health, Vistage, candidates, and more. Benefits of Color-Coding: Outlines six benefits—clarity, balance, productivity, reduced stress, goal achievement, and focus. Implementing Color-Coding: Steps to adopt and refine a color-coding system for your calendar. Tom’s Tips & Tricks: Mind the Gap—Rest and Recovery: Tom shares techniques to stay fresh between one-to-ones. Tom discusses rest strategies to maintain focus during 40 monthly 90-minute one-to-ones, inspired by “Mind the gap.” Why Rest Matters: Presence builds trust; Eckhart Tolle emphasizes the present moment’s importance. Managing a Busy Schedule: Breaks, three-to-ones (March, December), and a July sabbatical recharge Tom. Rest Strategies: Walk outside, use a treadmill desk, take 15-minute rest breaks, hydrate, and snack lightly. Intentional Techniques: Practice 4-7-8 breathing, meditate, stretch, use a balance board, and keep a distraction-free environment. Action: Schedule 20-minute gaps, avoid email, and use tools like Headspace for recovery. Resources Explore these resources to support your Vistage Chair practice: https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Things-Done-Stress-Free-Productivity/dp/0143126563 https://www.amazon.com/Tomorrow-Other-Secrets-Time-Management/dp/0340909129 https://www.amazon.com/The-New-One-Minute-Manager/dp/8195246893/ https://www.amazon.com/Habits-Highly-Effective-People-Powerful/dp/1982137274 https://www.amazon.com/Now-Habit-Overcoming-Procrastination-Guilt-Free-ebook/dp/B001QNVP7M https://www.headspace.com https://www.tomcuthbert.com/productivity https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CrRqp1IqHsAyyVRB7VmpFuxCYH2R9ic5dfNQz-4PERU/edit?usp=sharing

Join Vistage Master Chair Tom Cuthbert in this episode of the ChairLife podcast. Tom introduces the “mediocrity shield” to protect Vistage groups from complacency, sharing strategies to maintain high performance while honoring his father’s legacy. He also reveals how a binder organizes critical member information to enhance meetings and one-to-ones. With insights from his 13-year tenure, this episode equips Vistage Chairs with tools to elevate their practice and drive member success. Show Notes Introduction: Tom outlines the episode, focusing on combating mediocrity and using a binder to streamline member coaching. Guarding Against Mediocrity: Tom presents the “mediocrity shield” to prevent complacency, inspired by his father. Strategies to Shield Mediocrity: Four strategies—high-performing behaviors, accountability, innovation, and celebrating success—keep groups thriving. Implementing the Mediocrity Shield: Practical tools and Tom’s commitment to challenge non-performing behaviors to resolve $5 million in issues. Tom’s Tips & Tricks: The Binder, A Chair’s Secret Weapon: Tom details how a binder centralizes member data for efficiency. Conclusion: A call to shield groups from mediocrity and use binders to enhance performance, with a Father’s Day tribute. Tom’s Tips & Tricks: The Binder, A Chair’s Secret Weapon Tom explains how a binder organizes key member information to improve meetings and one-to-ones, securely stored for confidentiality. Purpose: Centralizes data for 37 CEOs and three coaching clients, saving time versus digital searches. Six Documents: BizEquity Report (enterprise value), Culture Index surveys (senior leaders), Founders Advisors Exit Readiness Assessment, member goals, Strategic Compass (one-page plan), and Vistage Leadership Assessment (top five leaders). Implementation: Used in one-to-ones and group meetings to surface issues; photos and details on Tom’s website. Impact: Enhances focus on member performance and business optimization. Action: Build a binder starting with one document to boost efficiency. Resources Find more tools and insights to enhance your Vistage Chair practice: www.tomcuthbert.com https://www.tomcuthbert.com/binder www.chairlifepodcast.com https://www.amazon.com/Leadership-Art-Max-Depree/dp/B0077EEPTO

Join Vistage Master Chair Tom Cuthbert in this episode of the ChairLife podcast. Tom explores the strategic value of launching an Emerging Leader Group to develop talent and enhance your Vistage practice, drawing on his experience as an early adopter of the program. He also shares how appointing ambassadors strengthens group culture and engagement. In the "Tom’s Tips & Tricks" segment, Tom details the ambassador program’s impact on retention and community success. This episode equips Vistage Chairs with actionable strategies to grow their practice and empower members to achieve extraordinary results. A Word from Our Sponsor: Chair Success Services Brie, Tom Cuthbert’s chief of staff, introduces Chair Success Services, designed to help Vistage Chairs focus on high-payoff activities and group growth. The service provides structure and support, enabling Chairs to deepen relationships, drive growth, and build a balanced Chair life. Interested Chairs can visit chairsuccessservices.com to learn more and connect. Show Notes Introduction: Tom introduces the episode, emphasizing Emerging Leader Groups and the role of ambassadors in Vistage success. Why Launch an Emerging Leader Group: Tom highlights the program’s role in addressing leadership shortages and investing in mid-level talent. Benefits for Chairs: Explains how Emerging Leader Groups improve coaching, CEO retention, and practice efficiency. How to Launch an Emerging Leader Group: Details steps to recruit, plan, and execute a successful program. Post-Launch Strategies and Challenges: Offers tips to sustain engagement and overcome recruitment and retention hurdles. Tom’s Tips & Tricks: The Ambassador Advantage: Tom shares how ambassadors elevate group culture and engagement. Conclusion: A call to launch Emerging Leader Groups and appoint ambassadors to grow your practice. Tom’s Tips & Tricks: The Ambassador Advantage Tom outlines his ambassador program, where selected members serve as group advocates for a year to enhance engagement and culture. Role of Ambassadors: Facilitate participation, provide feedback, manage WhatsApp groups, onboard new members, and assist with meeting logistics. Selection and Process: Annually select members, define roles, and hold a June Zoom meeting to review successes, improvements, and new ideas. Impact: Boosts retention, attendance, and community profile through accountability teams and speaker feedback. Examples: Implemented WhatsApp groups, pre-meeting issue processing, and clarified accountability team roles from ambassador input. Action: Start an ambassador program, using Tom’s website for details. Resources Find more tools and insights to enhance your Vistage Chair practice: https://www.tomcuthbert.com https://www.tomcuthbert.com/emerging www.chairlifepodcast.com www.chairsuccessservices.com https://www.amazon.com/Leadership-Art-Max-Depree/dp/B0077EEPTO https://www.amazon.com/Leadership-Self-Deception-Fourth-Transforming-Relationships/dp/1523006560/ https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/1b307vfk4fpna63maxvsa/Accountability-Teams-Best-Practices.pdf?rlkey=ud87sxoh43v6ndjyulm6r9ujt&st=682rk6p3&dl=0 https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/tis58rbcvmb3zyifoc5i1/Group-Champion-and-Ambassador-Roles-and-Responsibilities.pdf?rlkey=x5ys04nquanrexec1keo4j43u&st=m0z4luzo&dl=0 https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/fzyc4nutb5lvkks0ooder/Mentor-Overview.pdf?rlkey=0xu69byd5jk5eqi45sh56jgbd&st=fad1q8hv&dl=0 https://www.tomcuthbert.com/mentor https://docs.google.com/document/d/17AwcOEudM-0VPrZAB-IQAiggkq1f3uBR6vYxMutoTfM/edit?usp=sharing

Join Vistage Master Chair Tom Cuthbert in this episode of the ChairLife podcast. Tom shares how partnering with the Business Journal amplifies a Chair’s brand and drives referrals, drawing on his eight-year relationship with the San Antonio Business Journal. He also offers strategies for staying fully present, inspired by Nir Eyal’s Indistractable, to deepen member engagement. With practical insights from his 13-year tenure, this episode equips Vistage Chairs with tools to grow their practice and support members in achieving extraordinary outcomes. Show Notes Introduction: Tom introduces the episode, focusing on Business Journal partnerships for referrals and the importance of presence. The Power of Business Journal Partnerships: Tom details his relationship with the San Antonio Business Journal as a catalyst for brand and referral growth. Leveraging Business Journal Events: Outlines key events like Fast Track and Best Places to Work, with examples of member awards. Building Brand and Referrals: Explains how awards and events enhance credibility and spark referrals, aligning with StoryBrand principles. Tom’s Tips & Tricks: Becoming Indistractable: Tom shares techniques from Indistractable to maintain focus in one-to-ones and group meetings. Conclusion: A call to engage with Business Journals and adopt indistractable habits to elevate Vistage groups. Tom’s Tips & Tricks: Becoming Indistractable Tom emphasizes presence as a Chair’s superpower, citing Nir Eyal: “Being present isn’t just about showing up. It’s about showing someone they matter by focusing entirely on them.” Why Presence Matters: Focus builds trust and deepens conversations, essential for guiding members. Start at Home: Practice phone-free dinners, charge devices out of sight, and engage intentionally to build habits. One-to-One Strategies: Use a distraction-free office, set phones to Do Not Disturb, outline agendas, and check time discreetly. Group Meeting Tactics: Enforce phone-free rules, allow step-outs, schedule breaks, and address distractions respectfully. Personal Journey: Tom’s 2020 coaching with Nir Eyal refined his focus, using timeboxing and office design to enhance his practice. Resources Find more tools and insights to enhance your Vistage Chair practice: https://www.tomcuthbert.com www.chairlifepodcast.com https://vistage-worldwide.wistia.com/medias/hichxzun9z ScaleUp: Referrals that Rock! Building a Strong Candidate Pipeline https://www.bizjournals.com/sanantonio https://www.amazon.com/Building-StoryBrand-2-0-Clarify-Customers/dp/1400248876 https://www.amazon.com/Indistractable-Control-Your-Attention-Choose/dp/194883653X https://docs.google.com/document/d/18vHyiEvuOVxkf_a94tfWFcRj79BMUxdFntb1ygJ4rmE/edit?usp=sharing

Join Vistage Master Chair Tom Cuthbert in this episode of the ChairLife podcast. Tom emphasizes the critical role of Vistage Chairs in enhancing the enterprise value of member companies, sharing tools and success stories to drive financial success. He also details the benefits of a dedicated office space designed to foster deeper CEO engagement. With insights from his 13-year tenure, this episode equips Chairs with strategies to strengthen their practice and help members achieve significant business and personal outcomes. Show Notes Introduction: Tom introduces the episode, focusing on enterprise value as a Chair’s primary responsibility and the value of an office space. The Role of Vistage Chairs in Enterprise Value: Tom defines enterprise value and its importance as the core focus for member success. Why Enterprise Value Matters: Highlights BizEquity stats showing widespread gaps in business valuation knowledge and planning. How Vistage Drives Enterprise Value: Shares a $1.9 billion exit story and strategies using BizEquity and peer groups. Impact and Action for Chairs: Outlines benefits of enterprise value focus and urges Chairs to push members to assess their worth. Tom’s Tips & Tricks: The Art of the Office: Tom explains how a well-designed office enhances one-to-one engagement. Conclusion: A call to prioritize enterprise value and consider an office to elevate Vistage groups. Tom’s Tips & Tricks: The Art of the Office Tom describes his office, established five years into his practice, and its role in deepening CEO connections. Why an Office: Offers distraction-free privacy, builds relationships, ensures consistency, and triples engagement per Baylor University. Design Elements: Includes natural light, a stand-up desk with treadmill, three comfortable chairs, a conference table with Vibe board, and calming decor. Comfort and Privacy: Features water bottles, snacks, tissue boxes, white noise, and hidden clocks for focus. Branding and Connection: Displays family photos, books, Vistage awards, and values banner for credibility and relatability. Action: Assess if an office aligns with your practice; view Tom’s office photos online. Resources Find more tools and insights to enhance your Vistage Chair practice: https://www.tomcuthbert.com/office https://www.tomcuthbert.com/adometry https://www.wsj.com/articles/BL-269B-479 https://sanantonioreport.org/pathwire-acquisition-sinch/ www.chairlifepodcast.com https://www.amazon.com/Leadership-Art-Max-Depree/dp/B0077EEPTO https://www.amazon.com/Never-Split-Difference-Negotiating-Depended/dp/0062407805 https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Ocean-Strategy-Expanded-Uncontested/dp/1625274491 https://www.amazon.com/Good-Great-Some-Companies-Others/dp/0066620996 https://www.bizequity.com/ https://foundersib.com/ https://myvistage.com/transaction/ https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vPkaD65cN_gbDehB6qO6CxAs9F4RWh5VDroWzzaM-Wo/edit?usp=sharing

Join Vistage Master Chair Tom Cuthbert in this episode of the ChairLife podcast. Tom tackles the challenging but essential task of removing underperforming members to maintain high-performing Vistage groups, offering a respectful process to protect group integrity. He also shares a practical tool for celebrating member wins to foster stronger relationships. With 13 years of experience, Tom equips Vistage Chairs with strategies to elevate their practice and ensure members thrive in a trust-filled, impactful environment. Show Notes Introduction: Tom introduces the episode, focusing on the tough decision to remove members and the value of celebrating wins. The Need to Remove Members: Tom explains how one underperforming member can erode trust and morale, necessitating action. Identifying Problematic Behaviors: Outlines behaviors like low accountability, disengagement, stagnation, and negativity that signal a poor fit. How to Remove Members Respectfully: Provides a step-by-step process for removing members with candor and dignity, including a personal example. Benefits and Prevention: Highlights benefits of removal and prevention through rigorous member selection. Tom’s Tips & Tricks: Celebrating Wins with Postable: Tom shares how Postable postcards reinforce gratitude and engagement. Conclusion: A call to remove misaligned members and celebrate wins to build thriving groups. Tom’s Tips & Tricks: Celebrating Wins with Postable Tom discusses using Postable, a postcard tool, to recognize member contributions and strengthen Vistage relationships. Why Recognition Matters: 69% of employees stay longer when recognized, boosting loyalty in Vistage groups. Using Postable: Send postcards for hosting, awards, tenure (1, 5, 10 years), or company milestones with notes like “You made this meeting unforgettable.” Examples: Photos of members at events or hosting, paired with personalized messages. Impact: A member framed a Postable card, showing how small gestures build gratitude and culture. Action: Adopt Postable or similar tools to celebrate wins and enhance engagement. Resources Find more tools and insights to enhance your Vistage Chair practice: www.tomcuthbert.com/highperforming www.chairlifepodcast.com www.postable.com https://www.amazon.com/Leadership-Art-Max-Depree/dp/B0077EEPTO https://docs.google.com/document/d/1IM8CxG5SwGXzD2BPY24D1NWe52eLQXa_I_p4jctvJXo/edit?usp=sharing

Join Vistage Master Chair Tom Cuthbert in this episode of the ChairLife podcast. Tom reveals how ideal member traits drive high-performing Vistage groups, sharing his five-trait framework to guide member selection. He also explains the value of mid- and end-of-year updates in fostering alignment and engagement. With insights from 13 years as a Master Chair, this episode equips Vistage Chairs with strategies to build thriving groups and maintain focus, ensuring members achieve more than they imagined possible. Show Notes Introduction: Tom introduces the episode, focusing on ideal members as the key to high-performing groups and the role of updates in group alignment. The Importance of Ideal Members: Tom emphasizes that ideal members are critical to group success, attracting high performers and reducing recruiting needs. Five Traits of Ideal Members (GLOAT): Tom shares his GLOAT framework (Give, Listen, Obstacles, Accountability, Thankfulness) for selecting members. Applying Traits in Member Selection: Details how Tom uses GLOAT in referrals and interviews to ensure group excellence. Sustaining High-Performing Groups: Explains how ideal members and behaviors create a self-reinforcing loop of success. Tom’s Tips & Tricks: Mid- and End-of-Year Updates: Tom discusses how updates strengthen trust, accountability, and engagement. Conclusion: A call to select ideal members and use updates to elevate Vistage groups. Tom’s Tips & Tricks: Mid- and End-of-Year Updates Tom outlines his practice of sending mid-year (June) and end-of-year (December) updates to keep groups focused and engaged. Purpose: Updates build trust, reinforce goals, and boost accountability and engagement. Content: Feature an uplifting note, member achievements (e.g., awards, exits), group metrics (e.g., $1 billion in issues processed), key dates, and group-specific details. Awards: Include group awards, member of the year, ambassador of the year (for referrals), and the Remy Award (for high performance). Impact: Align groups, share recognition, and reinforce Vistage values. Action: Implement updates and seek member feedback to strengthen your practice. Resources Find more tools and insights to enhance your Vistage Chair practice: www.tomcuthbert.com/scoring www.tomcuthbert.com/highperforming www.chairlifepodcast.com https://www.amazon.com/Give-Take-Helping-Others-Success/dp/0143124986 https://vistage-worldwide.wistia.com/medias/hichxzun9z https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YoQd6UGAwKrDrw8dAqTQWQ0yoY-o9mGRChSao8LIA-0/edit?usp=sharing

Join Vistage Master Chair Tom Cuthbert in this episode of the ChairLife podcast. Tom addresses overconfidence as a silent threat in the C-suite, offering strategies to identify and challenge it in yourself and your CEOs. Drawing on examples like Kodak’s downfall, he emphasizes the role of Vistage peer groups in fostering humility and better decisions. In the "Tom’s Tips & Tricks" segment, Tom highlights sleep as an underrated superpower, sharing practical habits to optimize rest for leadership effectiveness. This episode equips Vistage Chairs with tools to strengthen their practice and guide members toward sustainable success. Show Notes Introduction: Tom introduces the episode, focusing on overconfidence as a leadership pitfall and sleep as a critical asset. Understanding Overconfidence: Tom defines overconfidence as a cognitive bias, quoting Daniel Kahneman to underscore its risks. Sources and Dangers of Overconfidence: Explores origins like past successes and consequences like poor decisions, illustrated by Kodak’s failure. Challenging Overconfidence as a Chair: Five strategies for Chairs to confront overconfidence through questions, observation, and peer groups. Applying the Lessons: Actionable steps to foster self-awareness and discuss overconfidence openly in Vistage groups. Tom’s Tips & Tricks: Sleep, the Underrated Superpower: Tom advocates for prioritizing sleep to enhance leadership performance. Conclusion: A call to challenge overconfidence and prioritize sleep for a stronger Vistage practice. Tom’s Tips & Tricks: Sleep, the Underrated Superpower Tom emphasizes sleep’s role in leadership, citing Arianna Huffington on its ability to refocus perspective. Why Sleep Matters: Boosts cognitive function, emotional regulation, and physical health for better leadership. Challenges for CEOs: CEOs average 25% less sleep due to poor time management or overconfidence in needing less. Tom’s Sleep Routine: Ensures eight hours on work nights with a consistent schedule, dark room, and physical book reading. Tools and Apps: Uses Apple Watch with AutoSleep ($5 app) to track deep sleep (2–3 hours) and AutoWake for gentle wake-ups. Habits for Success: Charges devices outside the bedroom, eliminates lights, uses white noise, and preps clothes. Resources www.tomcuthbert.com/sleep www.chairlifepodcast.com https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habits https://purple.com/ https://autosleepapp.tantsissa.com/ https://sleep.me/ https://docs.google.com/document/d/1azsyJsea6tiJmCLB6gwAPJ3DmDLr6_vF7DHLx6MeiI4/edit?usp=sharing

Join Vistage Master Chair Tom Cuthbert in this episode of the ChairLife podcast. Tom introduces lenses as guiding principles to keep leaders focused on their goals, offering a practical framework to make better decisions and stay on track. He also shares a system for managing daily inputs to reduce mental clutter and enhance productivity. Drawing on real-world examples and personal strategies, this episode equips Vistage Chairs with tools to strengthen their practice and guide members toward achieving more than they imagined possible. Show Notes Introduction: Tom outlines the episode’s focus on lenses as guiding principles and a system for organizing tasks to support a successful Vistage practice. Lenses as Guiding Principles: Tom explains how lenses act as guardrails to maintain focus, using Warren Buffett’s tree-planting metaphor. Why Lenses Matter: Three reasons lenses are critical—staying on track, considering perspectives, and improving decisions. Examples and Application of Lenses: A Children’s Shelter case study and personal lens examples show how to apply and test guiding principles. Tom’s Tips & Tricks: Putting Things Where and When They Go: Tom shares his mantra for managing inputs, inspired by Stephen Covey, to stay focused. Conclusion: A call to adopt lenses and a task management system to enhance leadership and member outcomes. Tom’s Tips & Tricks: Putting Things Where and When They Go Tom explains his mantra, “Put things where and when they go,” a system to manage mental clutter and prioritize tasks effectively. Mental Clutter Challenge: Constant inputs like emails and notifications reduce creativity and presence. Where Things Go: Capture inputs in a Bullet Journal (weekly priorities), email inbox (via BrainToss), or delegate non-essential tasks. When Things Go: Act on tasks immediately, delegate, or schedule to the future using tools like Spark or FollowUpThen.com. Supporting Resources: Draws from Atomic Habits, Getting Things Done, Essentialism, and Indistractable. Weekly Review: Spend 15 minutes every Sunday reviewing the Bullet Journal and calendar to prepare for the week. Resources www.tomcuthbert.com/goals www.tomcuthbert.com/bulletjournal www.chairlifepodcast.com https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habits https://gettingthingsdone.com/ https://www.amazon.com/Essentialism-Disciplined-Pursuit-Greg-McKeown/dp/0804137382 https://www.nirandfar.com/indistractable/ https://braintoss.com/ https://www.followupthen.com/ https://sparkmailapp.com/ https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_oIosnwMYhZV3CDahOJFZG4Dxtuq0mcRNmddbRs06Pw/edit?usp=sharing

Join Vistage Master Chair Tom Cuthbert in this episode of the ChairLife podcast. Tom shares strategies for building a thriving referral culture within Vistage groups, drawing inspiration from Adam Grant’s Give and Take to emphasize helping others succeed. He outlines ten high-performing behaviors to foster referrals, strengthening group dynamics and member growth. In the "Tom’s Tips & Tricks" segment, Tom reflects from the Cuthbert Bridge in Arkansas, underscoring the necessity of rest for sustained leadership effectiveness. This episode equips Vistage Chairs with practical tools to enhance their practice through referrals and personal recharge, ensuring they lead with impact and intention. Show Notes Introduction: Tom introduces the episode, focusing on referrals as a cornerstone of Vistage success and the importance of rest. The Power of Referrals in Vistage: Inspired by Give and Take, Tom highlights how referrals drive mutual success in Vistage groups. Ten High-Performing Referral Behaviors: Tom lists ten actionable ways to build a referral-focused culture, from planting seeds to celebrating wins. Implementing Referral Strategies: Suggestions for immediate action and a preview of a referral scale-up session on April 30, 2025. Tom’s Tips & Tricks: The Necessity of Rest: Tom shares a personal reflection on rest’s role in leadership, recorded from the Cuthbert Bridge. Conclusion: A call to adopt referral behaviors and prioritize rest for a stronger Vistage practice, with an invite to the April 30 session. Tom’s Tips & Tricks: The Necessity of Rest From the Cuthbert Bridge in Arkansas, Tom honors his late father and explains why rest is non-negotiable for Chairs. Personal Connection: Memories of family time on the lake ground Tom and highlight rest’s value. Clearer Thinking: Breaks spark clarity and big ideas, untangling complex challenges. Energy Boost: Rest sharpens focus, enhancing presence for members. Resilience: Recovery builds grit to navigate life’s ups and downs. Family Time: Connecting with loved ones fosters better leadership and humanity. Resources www.tomcuthbert.com www.chairlifepodcast.com https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habits https://adamgrant.net/book/give-and-take/ https://docs.google.com/document/d/11cPMrPBUE9nuVU76YYXsnasVpSe-B3R4RgMpZ91pFhA/edit?usp=sharing

Join Vistage Master Chair Tom Cuthbert in this episode of the ChairLife podcast. Tom explores how to build a successful Vistage Chair practice by treating it like a baseball farm system, developing raw talent into top-tier CEOs. Using the inspiring story of Mike Piazza, he outlines a structured approach with emerging leader, advancing leader, key, and CEO groups, sharing practical benefits for Chairs and member companies. In the "Tom’s Tips & Tricks" segment, Tom reveals why reading the Wall Street Journal daily for 40 years has been his secret weapon for staying sharp and relevant as a coach. This episode equips Vistage Chairs with strategies to nurture talent and enhance their practice through informed leadership. Show Notes Introduction: Tom introduces the episode, connecting a baseball analogy to building a Vistage practice and highlighting the Wall Street Journal’s value. The Farm System Analogy: From Baseball to Vistage: Tom uses Mike Piazza’s rise from a late draft pick to Hall of Famer to illustrate talent development in Vistage. Building a Vistage Farm System: Tom details his group structure—emerging leader, advancing leader, key, and CEO—showing how each level fosters growth. Benefits of a Farm System Approach: Eight reasons why a farm system strengthens a Vistage practice, from talent scouting to retention. Impact on Your Chair Practice: Tom explains how working with all leader levels improves his coaching and member loyalty. Tom’s Tips & Tricks: Why the Wall Street Journal is a Must-Read: Tom shares how the Wall Street Journal keeps him connected to members’ industries and challenges. Conclusion: A call to develop talent like a farm system and leverage resources like the Wall Street Journal for success. Tom’s Tips & Tricks: Why the Wall Street Journal is a Must-Read Tom recounts how skipping a college degree led him to rely on the Wall Street Journal daily for 40 years, making it a cornerstone of his Chair practice. Overcoming Obstacles: Mentors recommended it to bridge his lack of formal education, sparking a lifelong habit. Relevance to CEOs: Read by 70% of C-suite executives, it aligns Chairs with members’ business realities. Practical Use: Tom reads it backwards, tying articles to his 40 CEOs’ industries (e.g., retail, tech, tariffs). Leadership Insights: Offers C-suite inserts and trends like AI and hiring for strategic coaching. Habit Stacking: He reads the paper copy only while exercising, enhancing both mind and body. Resources www.tomcuthbert.com www.chairlifepodcast.com https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habits https://www.wsj.com/ https://docs.google.com/document/d/13HZX7p2AXQmlO7mlJmCqHdm7yn7iacuV4fTMTTQgKjc/edit?usp=sharing

Join Vistage Master Chair Tom Cuthbert in this episode of the ChairLife podcast. Tom offers actionable strategies for building a successful Vistage Chair practice by mastering time management. He shares his proven approach to structuring daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly schedules, emphasizing the importance of guarding time to balance mission-driven work with personal well-being. From setting boundaries to prioritizing high-impact tasks, he provides a blueprint for Chairs to lead with intention and impact. In the "Tom’s Tips & Tricks" segment, Tom challenges the value of lunch meetings, advocating for more focused alternatives to optimize productivity. Whether you’re a Vistage Chair, CEO, or coach, this episode equips you with tools to streamline your practice and serve your members effectively. Show Notes Introduction: Tom welcomes listeners to ChairLife, outlining the episode’s focus on scheduling and its role in a balanced, impactful Vistage practice. Scheduling Success: Guarding Your Time: Inspired by Peter Drucker’s wisdom, Tom explains why he blocks non-work time first to manage himself effectively. Daily and Weekly Rhythms: Tom details his one-to-one and group meeting days, highlighting how consistency creates predictability for him and his members. Monthly and Yearly Planning: Learn how Tom plans months and years by prioritizing non-work periods, ensuring long-term clarity and flexibility. Setting Boundaries and Prioritizing: Tom discusses how boundaries and a prioritized schedule, managed with his chief of staff, keep his focus on what matters most. Tom’s Tips & Tricks: Rethinking Lunch Meetings: Tom critiques lunch meetings and offers alternatives for better productivity and focus. Conclusion: A call to action for Chairs to block time, build rhythms, and ditch lunch meetings to enhance their practice and member experience. Tom’s Tips & Tricks: Rethinking Lunch Meetings Tom dives into why lunch meetings hinder productivity and offers practical alternatives: Time Cost: Lunches take 60–90 minutes versus 45-minute breakfasts or 30-minute coffee meetings; a 20-minute call saves even more time. Distractions: Noise and interruptions disrupt focus, especially on confidential topics critical to Vistage work. Privacy and Expense: Close tables compromise trust, and lunches cost $30–$50 compared to $5–$10 for coffee. Energy Impact: Heavy meals drain afternoon energy, while morning meetings (25% more productive, per Harvard Business School) keep you sharp. Alternative: Host in the office with ordered-in food for privacy, focus, and efficiency—a “fortress of focus” for meaningful conversations. Resources Explore these resources for additional insights and tools to support your Vistage Chair practice: www.tomcuthbert.com www.chairlifepodcast.com https://docs.google.com/document/d/11Sgmyhjq7WDAKtP3ZhU-xycUrLWt64uV_aNnl21sm38/edit?usp=sharing

In Episode 9 of the ChairLife Podcast, Vistage Master Chair Tom Cuthbert explores two transformative strategies for building a successful Vistage Chair practice: implementing high-performing behaviors and leveraging the power of routine to boost productivity. Drawing from his 13 years of experience as a CEO, coach, and Vistage Chair, Tom shares how a set of 12 High-Performing Behaviors, inspired by David Friedman’s Culture by Design, elevated his groups’ performance and outcomes. He explains why these behaviors set the tone for excellence, align members with clear expectations, and foster accountability—turning mediocre groups into high-performing teams. Tom also dives into the practical steps he took to roll out this initiative, including a video series and ongoing reinforcement, and highlights the benefits: increased trust, engagement, and the ability to attract top-tier members. In the second half, Tom shifts to productivity, revealing how routines help him avoid decision fatigue and stay focused for his members and family. From his structured morning schedule to weekly habits like inbox zero and daily naps, he offers actionable insights to optimize your day. Whether you’re a Vistage Chair or a leader seeking impact, this episode provides tools to engineer a thriving group culture and reclaim your time for what matters most. Show Notes Introduction: Tom introduces the episode’s focus on high-performing behaviors and productivity, tying them to a successful Vistage Chair practice. The Power of High-Performing Behaviors: Tom reflects on a standout group that inspired him to adopt 12 High-Performing Behaviors, guided by David Friedman’s work, and shares how they’ve been a game-changer. Why They Matter: Three reasons—excellence, alignment, and accountability—make these behaviors essential for Vistage groups. Implementation: Tom details his rollout process, from defining behaviors to creating a video series, and the resulting trust, engagement, and member quality. Key Takeaways: Behaviors trump vague values; start small to build a high-performing culture. Tom’s Tips and Tricks: The Power of Routine for Productivity Morning Routine: Wake at 5:50 a.m. after prepping the night before (gym bag, schedule). Coffee’s ready automatically, followed by ten minutes of reflection, breakfast and lunch prep, and inbox zero by 6:20 (delegate, snooze, or act on emails). Gym by 6:45, office by 8:30, home by 5:30 with phone off for family time. Weekly Habits: Email checked only three times daily, constant water intake, daily voicemail updates (see Episode 2), no phone during one-on-ones, a daily nap (Episode 8), Wall Street Journal while exercising, and tracking food intake. Benefits: Enhanced focus, reduced stress, better time management, and less decision fatigue to save energy for high-stakes work. Actionable Advice: Start small—try a no-phone window, a five-minute stretch, or delaying coffee until a key task is done. Resources High-Performing Behaviors and Video Series: tomcuthbert.com/highperforming Productivity Routines and Hacks: tomcuthbert.com/productivity David Friedman’s Culture by Design: culturewise.com Share the Podcast: chairlifepodcast.com https://docs.google.com/document/d/1raTjcv3QNva56hutX7XZMFLIv847Z8JQ9olJ0xlO-2I/edit?usp=sharing

Hosted by Vistage Master Chair Tom Cuthbert, this episode of the ChairLife Podcast delves into strategies for building a successful Vistage Chair practice. Tom introduces the "From Here to There" coaching framework, using a vivid analogy of driving through the Colorado Rockies to illustrate the journey from past experiences ("From"), to the present moment ("Here"), to a future vision ("There"). The episode emphasizes the critical word "To"—the actionable steps that connect where you are to where you want to be. Tom outlines ten practical steps to guide both Chairs and their members along this path, drawing from his extensive experience as a CEO, coach, and leader. Whether you’re refining your coaching approach or seeking inspiration, this episode provides actionable insights and a curated reading list to support your journey. Tune in to learn how to lead with impact and live with intention. Show Notes The "From Here to There" Coaching Framework Using a Rockies road trip analogy, Tom explains "From" (the past), "Here" (the present), "There" (the future), and "To" (the steps to get there), connecting it to prior episodes (2, 4, 6). Ten Steps to Move From Here to There 1. Reflect on "From" 2. Diagnose "Here" 3. Define "There" 4. Build the Map 5. Surround Yourself with Accountability 6. Foster an Environment of Accountability 7. Align "To" with Core Values 8. Empower Decisions with Lenses 9. Listen and Adapt 10. Celebrate Along the Way Tom’s Tips and Tricks: Top 10 Books of the Last Decade 10. The Sociopath Next Door by Martha Stout > Explores the 4% of people with sociopathic tendencies, offering insights into human behavior that enhance leadership awareness. 9. The Go-Getter by Peter Kyne > A 100-year-old tale of tenacity, perfect for inspiring young professionals to adopt an "it shall be done" mindset. 8. Death by Meeting by Patrick Lencioni > Transforms meetings into efficient tools, with practical takeaways to improve group dynamics. 7. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho > A poetic journey of self-discovery, rich with quotes like, "When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you achieve it." 6. Leadership and Self-Deception by The Arbinger Institute > A parable on spotting self-deception, building accountability, and strengthening team cohesion. 5. Getting Things Done by David Allen A productivity classic with nuggets like, "Your mind is for having ideas, not holding them," reducing stress for busy leaders. 4. Essentialism by Greg McKeown > Cuts through distractions to focus on what matters, with the reminder, "If you don’t prioritize your life, someone else will." 3. Atomic Habits by James Clear <<https://www.amazon.com/Atomic-Habits-James-Clear-audiobook/dp/ 2. Conversational Capacity by Craig Weber > A framework for mastering tough conversations, critical for leadership survival and relationship-building. 1. Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss > Negotiation tactics from a former hostage negotiator, teaching discovery over battle—applicable in business and life. Resources www.tomcuthbert.com/fromheretothere www.tomcuthbert.com/corevalues www.chairlifepodcast.com www.tomcuthbert.com/books www.tomcuthbert.com https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-T-0Sel_-40SodzQFwN76f69KioytQM4EjV4oL6RSO8/edit?usp=sharing

In Episode 7 of ChairLife, Vistage Master Chair Tom Cuthbert shares actionable strategies for building a thriving Vistage Chair practice by selecting the right members and overcoming common recruitment challenges. Inspired by Coach John Wooden’s advice to surround yourself with smart, argumentative people, Tom explores the art of curating a high-performing Vistage group. The episode is divided into two key segments: a playbook for identifying ideal members and a guide to tackling ghosting in the recruitment process. Tom begins by outlining the seven costly consequences of having non-ideal members—erosion of trust, wasted time, missed growth opportunities, cultural misalignment, lost opportunity cost, morale drain, and poor return on investment. He then introduces his G.L.O.A.T. criteria (Give, Listen, Obstacles, Accountability, Thankfulness) for selecting members who elevate the group. Through a detailed selection process, Tom emphasizes seven areas to evaluate candidates, including growth mindset, accountability, and integrity. In the second half, Tom addresses the frustration of ghosting—when prospective members stop responding—and offers seven practical techniques to re-engage or move on. From owning the process to leveraging multi-channel follow-ups, he provides a roadmap to maintain control and efficiency. The episode wraps up with a powerful tip in "Tom’s Tips and Tricks" and a preview of Episode 8, where Tom will define leadership and introduce his "From Here to There" coaching framework. This episode is a must-listen for Vistage Chairs looking to refine their member selection process and master the art of follow-up in a competitive landscape. Show Notes Introduction: Tom reflects on Coach John Wooden’s wisdom and sets the stage for finding the right people to sit at your Vistage table. The Cost of Non-Ideal Members: Seven pitfalls of poor member selection, including trust erosion and morale drain, underscore the stakes of choosing wisely. Defining the Ideal Member: Tom shares his G.L.O.A.T. acronym—five traits (Give, Listen, Obstacles, Accountability, Thankfulness) that define high-performing members. The Selection Process: A deep dive into seven areas Tom evaluates in interviews, from growth mindset to time commitment, to ensure a strong fit. Slaying the Ghosting Game: Seven techniques to combat ghosting, including setting expectations and knowing when to walk away. Next Episode Preview: Episode 8 will explore leadership and Tom’s "From Here to There" coaching framework. Tom’s Tips and Tricks: The Killer Email Tagline Tom unveils a proven strategy from Chris Voss’s Never Split the Difference to break through ghosting. Use this simple email approach to prompt a response: **Subject:** Have you given up on Vistage? [Candidate’s First Name], Have you given up on Vistage? After our call and meeting—where we dug into those challenges like [briefly mention one specific issue, e.g., “cash flow bottlenecks” or “team alignment gaps”] that could be costing your business big—I haven’t heard back. I get it, things get busy. Just wanted to check in. When we started our conversation, we agreed to be authentic and open. I’m happy to answer any questions and we have reached the decision point. Let me know where you want to go from here. Best, [Your Full Name] [Your Phone Number] Resources Give and Take by Adam Grant - https://adamgrant.net/book/give-and-take/ Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss - https://www.amazon.com/Never-Split-Difference-Negotiating-Depended/dp/0062407805 Tom’s High-Performing Behaviors – Available at tomcuthbert.com/highperforming. Email Protocol – tomcuthbert.com/email. www.chairlifepodcast.com https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-T-0Sel_-40SodzQFwN76f69KioytQM4EjV4oL6RSO8/edit?usp=sharing

In Episode 6 of ChairLife, Vistage Master Chair Tom Cuthbert explores the "Here" element of his "From Here to There" coaching framework, focusing on the present—the daily roles, responsibilities, and actions that drive a Vistage Chair practice. Drawing from Mahatma Gandhi’s insight, "The future depends on what you do today," Tom emphasizes the importance of the current moment while arguing it’s the least critical of the framework’s four elements ("From," "Here," "There," and the upcoming "To"). He provides practical strategies for assessing and optimizing "Here" through time management, focus, and key performance indicators like capacity, utilization rate, and member retention. The episode concludes with "Tom’s Tips and Tricks," offering actionable advice on strengthening relationships with speakers—a cornerstone of Vistage community success. From selection to recruitment, Tom shares a four-step approach to ensure speakers deliver high value to members. Whether you’re a seasoned Chair or building your practice, this episode offers insights to lead with impact and live with intention. Show Notes Introduction: Tom introduces the "Here" focus, building on Episodes 2 ("From") and 4 ("There"), and sets the stage with Gandhi’s quote about the power of today’s actions. The "Here" Element: Defines "Here" as your current responsibilities, KPIs, and daily drivers (30-90 days). Contrasts it with "From" (past) and "There" (future), noting its role as the immediate focus in coaching. Argues "Here" is the least important, with reasoning tied to its role in serving "From" and "There" (full explanation at episode’s end). Drilling Down on "Here": Covers roles, company metrics, and personal commitments. Key questions: Are your actions moving you toward your "There"? What’s keeping you stuck? KPIs for Chairs: capacity, utilization, income per hour, NPS, referrals, and retention. Time and Focus: Time: Guard it, set boundaries, prioritize unique tasks, and let work come to you. Focus: Be present, eliminate distractions, and align talents with passions (via a "magic quadrant"). Why "Here" Matters Less: Today’s actions are a bridge from past to future; "To" (next episode) will tie it together. Closing: Reflect on your "Here" and tune in for Episode 7 on "To." Share the podcast at ChairLifePodcast.com. Tom’s Tips and Tricks: Strengthening Speaker Relationships Tom dedicates this segment to enhancing speaker engagement, vital for delivering value to Vistage members. Here’s his four-step strategy: Speaker Selection: Begins in June with ambassador meetings to review 50 annual speaker sessions. Targets speakers with 4.7/5+ ratings and 100+ sessions; exceptions for trusted referrals or new talent. Books top speakers for multiple days with other San Antonio Chairs; tests new speakers in development groups. Speaker Prep: Conducts a 20-minute call to align speakers with group needs and clarify takeaways. Discusses group dynamics and tailors content for maximum impact. Speaker Retention: Post-session, offers speakers a chance to promote their work (e.g., books, programs) appropriately. Promotes speakers on LinkedIn, writes recommendations, and rebooks high performers. Speaker Recruitment: Identifies potential speakers within the community (e.g., Trusted Advisor Group). Develops new talent to refresh content as veteran speakers transition out. Action Item: Thank speakers, post about them, and invite local talent to elevate your Vistage program. Resources Indistractable by Nir Eyal: https://www.amazon.com/Indistractable-Control-Your-Attention-Choose/dp/194883653X Transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1tAzSs1nOGNYWIKB04-oi0OcM1Y6dHXaaarAlUpc5yFE/edit?usp=sharing www.TomCuthbert.com/Ambassadors www.ChairLifePodcast.com

In this episode of The Chair Life Podcast, Tom Cuthbert delves into the concept of building a personal and professional flywheel, inspired by Jim Collins’ book Turning the Flywheel. Tom shares his own journey in developing a system for consistent, meaningful progress and leadership growth, helping CEOs and leaders achieve more than they imagined possible. You’ll learn why momentum isn’t about one big break but rather a continuous, disciplined effort that compounds over time. Plus, Tom shares a surprising productivity hack: why taking a daily nap has become an essential part of his success strategy. Show Notes Introduction to the Flywheel Concept The Five Key Steps to Building Your Flywheel Identify your flywheel components Find your core strengths (Hedgehog Principle) Simplify and codify your flywheel Test and refine your flywheel Accelerate with consistency and discipline How to Apply the Flywheel to Personal Growth Tom’s Personal Flywheel Breakdown Leading High-Performing Groups with Intention Tom’s Tips & Tricks: The Power of Napping Tom shares his top strategies for maximizing productivity through rest and recovery: Cognitive Benefits: Boost memory, creativity, and problem-solving Mood Enhancement: Stay fresh and present during one-on-one sessions Physical Health: Lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease Practical Tips: Block time for naps on your calendar Create a distraction-free nap routine Communicate with your team to respect rest periods Offer the same recovery time for team members Resources For additional insights and tools, explore the following resources: www.tomcuthbert.com/flywheel www.chairlifepodcast.com www.longevityarchitects.com Good to Great - Jim Collins Turning the Flywheel - Jim Collins https://docs.google.com/document/d/1SZ9FsJkGWi4H7-GyZ-FmWBgzZoAg4HFGmnI40iUv2oE/edit?usp=sharing

In this episode of ChairLife, Vistage Master Chair Tom Cuthbert explores the concept of "there"—where we want to be in the future—and how understanding it can enhance leadership and coaching. Tom shares insights on defining your there, helping others find theirs, and applying this framework in a successful Chair practice. He also introduces the "Three Things" concept, a powerful productivity strategy that helps leaders focus on what truly matters. Tune in for valuable tips on gaining clarity in your leadership, delegating effectively, and helping others achieve their goals. Show Notes Key Topics Discussed Understanding "There" and "Their There" The Role of "There" in Coaching Identifying Your Three Things Delegation and Focus Tom’s Tips and Tricks Final Thoughts and Takeaways Tom’s Tips and Tricks Be intentional about defining your there – Know where you want to go, both personally and professionally. Focus on your three things – Identify what only you can do and delegate the rest. Ask powerful questions – Help others discover their aspirations by being a great listener. Leverage others’ strengths – Surround yourself with people who complement your skills. Simplify and prioritize – Eliminate tasks that don’t contribute to your bigger goals. Resources For additional insights and tools, explore the following resources: www.tomcuthbert.com www.chairlifepodcast.com The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho  Jack Daly Vistage Chair Network https://docs.google.com/document/d/1tAzSs1nOGNYWIKB04-oi0OcM1Y6dHXaaarAlUpc5yFE/edit?usp=sharing Thank you for tuning into ChairLife! If you enjoyed this episode, share it with others and join us next time for more insights on building a successful Vistage Chair practice.

In the inaugural episode of the ChairLife Podcast, host Tom Cuthbert, CEO and master chair, introduces the ChairLife philosophy. This episode lays the foundation for what’s to come, explaining the podcast’s mission to empower chairs in the Vistage community with actionable insights and practical tools to navigate their leadership roles with balance and purpose. Tom dives into the show's structure, offering valuable content at three levels . These levels will explore topics such as defining one's vision and purpose, mastering strategic capacity, establishing personal and professional boundaries, and maximizing productivity. He also outlines how the podcast will provide evergreen resources aimed at supporting chairs today and serving as a valuable reference as they grow in their leadership journey. Suppose you're a Vistage chair looking to elevate your leadership, strengthen relationships, and create a thriving chair community. In that case, this episode is your starting point to learn, grow, and lead with intention. Tune in for the first step in building a fulfilling, balanced work life.

In this episode of ChairLife, host Tom Cuthbert dives into the concept of becoming a Full Practice Chair—someone who sets clear goals, builds a thriving coaching practice and creates a lasting impact. He discusses the importance of defining what "full" means for your practice and how setting clear targets helps drive success. Tom shares the four key benefits of a full practice: fostering high-performing groups, strengthening member retention, expanding your impact, and maximizing income opportunities. Beyond building a successful practice, Tom highlights the need to balance professional growth and personal well-being. To help optimize productivity, he introduces three powerful tools—Voxer, Followupthen, and Brain Toss—that can improve communication, streamline workflow, and increase efficiency. Whether you're a seasoned chair or just starting, this episode provides valuable insights to help you lead with excellence while living with intention. Show Notes Key Topics Discussed What is a Full Practice Chair? – Setting clear goals & achieving them The four key reasons to build a full practice How to balance growth, impact, and personal life Strategies to retain high-performing members The importance of setting targets and measuring progress Top 3 productivity tools to streamline your workflow Tom’s Productivity Tools & Business Hacks Voxer – A voice-based communication tool for quick and efficient messaging FollowUpThen – An email-based reminder system for better time management Brain Toss – A note-capturing tool to quickly save ideas and tasks Resources Mentioned www.tomcuthbert.com/highperforming www.charlifepodcast.com www.jamesclear.com/atomic-habits www.voxer.com www.followupthen.com www.braintoss.com https://docs.google.com/document/d/17c0aQLyZWn5bHKj-HEVJPw2lP4Cn4bH03psULs0DRoM/edit?usp=sharing

In this episode of ChairLife, host Tom Cuthbert explores the first step in his coaching framework, "From Here to There." He discusses how understanding your past—your "From"—shapes your leadership and coaching style. Tom shares personal stories, including how historical events like the Apollo 11 Moon Landing influenced his journey. Listeners will gain insights into how personal reflection can enhance their leadership approach and learn actionable strategies to apply this mindset to coaching, branding, and decision-making. Tom also shares a business tip on the power of updating your voicemail daily to improve communication, build credibility, and reinforce work-life balance. Show Notes Key Topics Discussed The “From Here to There” Coaching Framework Why reflecting on your past is essential for leadership Tom’s personal story: Growing up in Texas & major historical influences How to use "From" to enhance coaching & team building 8 practical ways to apply "From" in leadership. Tom’s business tip: The benefits of updating your voicemail daily Voicemail Strategy: Why It Works Sets clear expectations for callers Acts as a subtle marketing tool Encourages work-life balance & time management Resources Mentioned www.chairlifepodcast.com www.tomcuthbert.com/fromheretothere jamesclear.com/atomic-habits jackdalysales.com/product/hyper-sales-growth/ www.cultureindex.com https://docs.google.com/document/d/1E7Lmx-Y1yNgisvTbgbyNb57yDlb7gHWkHqNFe5x0RSA/edit?usp=sharing