Change Proof

Eric Hoplin is the CEO of the National Association of Wholesaler Distributors (NAW). He joins Adam Markel in this conversation about what it takes to deal with and thrive in a changing environment. Inspired by his experiences as a father and a leader in turbulent markets, he explores the importance of fostering integrity, resiliency, and flexibility. Eric emphasizes patience in decision-making processes, especially when faced when uncertainty, unpredictable trends and pressures from Wall Street. He also discusses how to handle cultural shifts within an organization to achieve transformation, excellence, collaboration, and maximum impact. 01:08 – Eric Hoplin, CEO of NAW 05:33 – Understanding The Why 10:58 – Influence Of Wall Street Over The Market 16:11- Developing Resilience In Leadership 20:29 – Four Aspects Of Cultural Change And Transformation 26:41 – Eric’s Rituals For Resilience 30:38 – Why Integrity And Character Are Important 32:37 – Episode Wrap-up And Closing Words Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Step into the world of strategic foresight and dynamic execution as this episode unpacks the nuances of leadership in change. Join Adam Markel as he sits down with Suzanne Ogle, the astute President and CEO of SGA Natural Gas Association and Gas Machinery Research Council. With a career rooted in boardrooms and breakout sessions, Suzanne shares her unique insights as a "multiplier" leader, emphasizing the profound importance of maintaining a future-focused perspective amidst uncertainty. Discover how to effectively build capacity within organizations during times of rapid transformation and why embracing change with purpose is the ultimate currency for leaders today.Show Notes: 01:29 Suzanne Ogle: From Bio To Purpose And Drive 09:56 - Entrepreneurial Spirit: Recognizing Leadership Instincts 12:38 - From Driver To Multiplier: Suzanne's Evolving Leadership Style 19:16 - Business As Nurturing: The Deep Responsibility Of Leaders 26:14 - Pivoting To Success: Overcoming Resistance For Career Growth 34:26 - The Art Of The Designed Pivot: Proactive Career Navigation 37:07 - Workforce Dynamics: Redefining Employee-Employer Agreements 42:21 - Resilience & Purpose: Suzanne's Keys To Navigating Change Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Crystal Castille-Cromedy is the SVP of Talent and Head of HR Americas for Hines. She managed to perform well in her career for over 25 years by setting boundaries, knowing when to say no, and never letting herself be consumed by work. Joining Adam Markel, Crystal explains how to build a healthy workplace culture that allows everyone to set boundaries for themselves and feel free to work comfortably. She explains how leaders must actively show the path to success and create an environment where anyone can succeed and thrive. Crystal also emphasizes the importance of providing consistent feedback to your team and having those crucial conversations to guide them toward further improvement and growth.Show Notes: 00:00:47 - Introducing Crystal Castille-Cromedy Of Hines 00:05:04 - Setting The Right Boundaries And Saying No 00:18:59 - Choose Someone To Be Your Technical Mentor 00:24:31 - Modeling Vs. Permission 00:29:41 - Creating A Psychologically Safe Work Environment 00:36:52 - Facing And Navigating Change 00:41:37 - Get In Touch With Crystal And Episode Wrap-up Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Your health is your greatest asset, and optimizing it can transform every aspect of your life. Today, Adam Markel is diving deep into the science of health and performance with Dr. Tracy Gapin, a renowned expert in health optimization. This conversation explores the essential strategies for managing stress, improving sleep, and enhancing longevity. Dr. Tracy shares powerful insights on resilience, recovery, and the importance of balancing high performance with well-being. This episode will leave you buzzing with inspiration and ready to rewrite your story of health and performance. Prepare to be utterly captivated and empowered to unleash the extraordinary within!Show Notes:●       02:40 - Mindset Matters Most In Golf Performance●       07:52 - Scottie Scheffler And The Cost Of Distraction●       17:13 - Understanding Sleep Issues And Their Impact●       28:09 - How Lifestyle Choices Affect Sleep Quality●       33:44 - Tracking Sleep Data For Better Recovery●       39:37 - Why Entrepreneurs Prioritize Health For Peak Performance ●       43:03 - Daily Rituals To Manage Stress Effectively Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nellie Wartoft, Founder and CEO of change activation platform Tigerhall, has flipped the script when managing teams. She puts execution at the start of the process, allowing her to refine business strategies like never before. Joining Adam Markel, Nellie explains how leaders should focus more on testing and iterating their operations with tight feedback loops instead of spending way too much time on the planning stage. She underlines why those on top should encourage their teams to make good mistakes that lead to profound learning opportunities. Nellie also opens up about her deep love for EDM, the importance of self-acceptance in a rapidly moving world, and the true value of the human workforce in a highly capitalist world.Show Notes: 00:59 - EDM: The Soundtrack Of Nellie’s Life 11:44 - Implementing A Ready-Fire-Aim Strategy 17:59 - Why Leaders Should Encourage Making Good Mistakes 23:53 - Everything Starts From The CEO 31:58 - The True Value Of Human Beings 40:35 - Episode Wrap-Up And Closing Words Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Justin Jones-Fosu, founder and CEO of Work. Meaningful., is here to discuss why organizational culture requires not just raw strength but also unflinching honesty in order to thrive. Together with Adam Markel, they unpack how truth is the bedrock of resilience that allows organizational cultures to unlock long-term strategic growth over short-term gains. Justin also talks about the role of honesty in turning even the biggest challenges into learning opportunities that drive lasting and impactful change. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Performance is not just about outcomes but about the factors that influence how we show up and thrive in demanding environments. Adam Markel sits down with Dr. Carla Fowler, an elite executive coach who has been a secret weapon for CEOs, entrepreneurs, and senior leaders. She reveals the four critical "buckets" that fuel high performance, showing how they empower you to not just survive but thrive in today's demanding world. Drawing from her experiences as a digital nomad and navigating the challenges of a demanding career, Dr. Carla offers practical advice and actionable strategies for achieving peak performance in all areas of life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

High-impact keynote speaker and tech innovator Chad Foster is living proof that no obstacle can stop you from achieving your goals as long as you have a mindset founded on resilience. In this conversation with Adam Markel, he shares how his blindness did not stop him from writing a book and creating CRM software for the visually impaired. Chad looks back on his transition from tech to corporate, the biggest leadership lessons he learned from training dogs, and the immense power of hope and optimism. He also talks about the necessary mental shifts one must undergo to emerge from setbacks stronger and more empowered than ever before.Show Notes: 01:50 - Experiences As A Professional Dog Trainer 08:19 - Leadership Lessons From Training Dogs 13:58 - Embracing Blindness As A Blessing 20:09 - The Power Of Hope And Optimism 23:24 - Writing The Book ‘Blind Ambition’ 30:33 - Necessary Mental Shifts To Transformation 40:53 - Closing Words, Reflection, And Episode Wrap-up Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Health is more than just the absence of illness—it’s about nurturing both the body and mind. Join Adam Markel and Tim Macken, Executive Director of the Macon County Mental Health Board, as they explore the link between metabolic health and mental well-being. Tim's behavioral health expertise highlights groundbreaking research on how metabolic therapies can transform mental illness treatment and even impact physical ailments like cancer. Discover the power of diet, exercise, and a holistic approach to wellness, and learn why personal responsibility is the key to lasting health. Say hello to a vibrant, fulfilling life! Tune in now to unlock the secrets to transforming your health from the inside out. Show Notes:●  00:02 - The Intersection Of Physical And Mental Health●  05:02 - Challenges And Impact Of Social Changes●  08:44 - The Impact Of Loneliness To Individuals●  09:46 - How To Combat Loneliness●  16:05 - How To Maintain Own Resilience●  24:30 - Current Reads With Valuable Insights●  30:40 - The Effectiveness Of Sprinting And Interval Training●  33:42 - Improving Mental Health In The Workplace Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Start 2025 strong! Adam Markel reveals a surprisingly simple practice of attracting what you want and letting go of what holds you back. Drawing inspiration from the guidance of his mentor Emmet Fox, he explains how a small yet deeply motivational daily exercise can manifest positive change within yourself and in your entire life, which ultimately leads to profound growth and transformation. Tune in for a concise yet profound episode packed with actionable advice to make this new year happier and more fulfilling.Show Notes: 01:52 - Creating Healthier, Happier Workplaces Through Collaboration 05:34 - The Importance Of Individual Growth Within A Larger Context 06:24 - Emmett Fox And The Power Of Thinking Rightly 07:59 - A Two-List Practice For Manifesting Desires And Removing Obstacles 14:34 - Commit To 30 Days Of Intentional Reflection 17:36 - Keep It Confidential: The Importance Of Personal Discovery Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Culture is the cornerstone of any thriving organization, and Garry Ridge, former CEO of WD-40 Company and a purpose-driven founder, board member, advisor, and professor understands this firsthand. He joins Adam Markel in looking back to his incredible leadership journey and the valuable lessons he learned about building a thriving people-first culture. Garry emphasizes the importance of servant leadership, prioritizing employee well-being, and creating a positive work environment where everyone thrives. Get ready for a dose of wisdom as Garry reveals how his unconventional "dumbass" approach to leadership transformed WD-40 into a people-centric powerhouse.Show Notes: 02:04 - Garry’s Leadership History 08:07 - The Culture At WD-40 12:25 - Challenges And Toxins Within A Company Culture 17:52 - A Challenging Leadership Moment 20:58 - Humility In Leadership 23:45 - Inflection Points In Business 26:13 - Evolving Nature Of Culture 32:22 - CEO Compensation And People-First Values 41:50 - Key Advice For CEOs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Janine Hamner Holman is an internationally recognized speaker, bestselling author, and expert in organizational culture and leadership. In this episode, she joins Adam Markel to talk about the importance of cultivating resilience in the workplace to foster empowerment and positivity within the team. She shares how to create a healthy culture where psychological safety, open communication, and mutual trust thrive. Janine also looks back on her own career journey to break down how embracing a resilient mindset can lead to innovation, transformation, and purpose-driven work.Show Notes: 00:36 - Ocean As A Symbol Of The Flow Of Life 04:35 - Shared Passion For Working With People 11:00 - Impact Of A Bad Boss 26:47 - Creating Trust And Psychological Safety 39:36 - Need For Change And Adaptation 48:07 - Resilience And Change Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

In a culture with great leadership, people perform best because they feel seen and valued. In this episode, Adam Markel sits down with Meredith Bell, the co-founder and president of Grow Strong Leaders and host of the Grow Strong Leaders Podcast. Meredith shares insights on what truly drives effective leadership: humility, genuine connection, and trust. With over three decades of experience guiding leaders, Meredith explains how to create workplaces where employees feel valued and engaged, why honest feedback is essential, and how to foster a culture of open communication. Join us as we uncover the transformative power of leaders who prioritize relationships over results.Show Notes: 07:07 – Qualities Of A Great Leader 17:04 – Soft Skills Are Power Skills 28:46 – Communication In The Workplace 44:41 – Developing Culture 47:35 – Meredith’s Favorite Business Books  Books:Connect with Your Team: Mastering the Top 10 Communication SkillsPeer Coaching Made SimpleGrow Strong Leaders Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

Join host Adam Markel as he dives deep into the world of leadership resilience strategies with Tom Freeley, CEO of CACM. In this engaging episode, Tom shares his journey from overcoming career burnout to navigating the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Discover how Tom's experiences have shaped his approach to leadership, mentorship, and fostering a collaborative work culture. Whether you're a seasoned leader or aspiring professional, this conversation offers invaluable insights on thriving in the face of adversity. Don't miss out on this inspiring discussion packed with practical advice and real-world examples.Show Notes:  00:40 – Introversion And Extroversion 08:26 – Transition To CEO Role 12:28 – The Importance Of Resilience 24:39 – Impact Of COVID-19 29:24 – Leadership During Crisis 31:39 – Mentorship And Autonomy 38:44 – The Role Of Company Culture 44:59 – Collaboration And Communication Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a field as dynamic and competitive as speaking, resilience is not just an advantage but a necessity. In this episode, Adam Markel sits down with Rich Tiller, an industry leader and two-time past president of the International Association of Speakers Bureaus (1990-91 & 1991-92.). They dive deep into Rich’s journey, from his early days as an athletic trainer to becoming a catalyst for connecting speakers with audiences. Rich highlights the evolution of the Speakers Bureau, particularly within the agricultural sector where he initially started, eventually branching out to create a non-agricultural division. Rich’s story is a testament to the resilience required in the speaking industry and the transformative power of effective communication.Show Notes: Raw audio 01:29 – Getting Into The Events Industry 04:48 – Resilience And The Speaking Industry 31:46 – Debunking Myths About Speakers Bureaus 37:19 – Advice For Speakers And Event Organizers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices