Greater Influence

Hi, and welcome again to the Greater Influence podcast, where we embark on a journey into the art and science of making a meaningful impact. I'm your host, Micah Ray, and in each episode, we're going to dive into the strategies, stories, and insights that empower you to amplify your influence. So whether you're a seasoned professional, aspiring leader, or just simply someone seeking to create positive change, this podcast will serve as your go-to resource. In this episode, I’m thrilled to introduce Chris Dudley, a fundraising expert with deep ties to High Point University. Chris shares his journey from student to founder of Advancement EDU, a consulting firm dedicated to helping educational institutions and nonprofits generate transformational revenue. We discuss the importance of curiosity, leadership, and empathy in both professional and personal contexts. Chris also shares invaluable tips for nonprofit leaders looking to enhance their fundraising efforts and make a lasting impact. Get ready to be inspired and take notes on how you can elevate your influence and drive positive change in your community. Enjoy the conversation! ------------ Connect with Chris via his LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherhdudley/ Visit his website at https://advancementedu.com/ ------------ To learn more about how you and your team can value and appreciate all the Voices on your team, check out our 5 Voices for Teams program: https://www.d4concepts.com/5voices .  

Hey friends! Welcome back to another episode of The Greater Influence, where we spotlight incredible individuals making a positive impact in the world. Today's episode is how a pest control company created such a people development engine that they spun off their marketing department to create even more opportunities for people. Today, we have Leah Hazelwood joining us. Leah's story is one of transformation and growth, as she shares her journey of leading a pest control company, creating a thriving people development engine and launching a marketing agency.  We'll dive into how Leah and her husband Chase turned their internal marketing department into a standalone company, Go Forth Marketing, all during the tumultuous times of COVID. Leah's passion for developing people, fostering a collaborative culture, and maintaining a balance between hard work and gratitude is nothing short of inspiring. And she'll also share her own personal development story that has helped her become the business leader that she is today. So sit back, and get ready to be inspired by Leah's incredible journey and the invaluable lessons she's learned along the way. We hope that you are inspired to become a person of greater influence like Leah. Here's to growth and positivity!  ----------- To connect with Leah, check out her LinkedIn profile.  To learn more about GoForth Marketing and how they can help you tell your HR story and more, visit their website.    ----------- Want to learn about the 5 Voices Program and how it can help you and your team communicate and collaborate better? Check it out here.  Want to set up a call to talk about your needs? Let us know here.    

Hey friends, welcome back to the Greater Influence podcast! Today, we're diving into the heart of what makes an impactful leader and a thriving workspace. Join your host, Micah Ray, and his guest Christi Spangle, co-founder and partner at the incredible Barbour Spangle Design.   Ever wondered what it's like to create a workspace that's both functional and beautiful? Or how to navigate the tricky waters of leadership during uncertain times? This episode has it all. From the inspiring story of moving to Congdon Yards to the nitty-gritty of managing a team through COVID, Christi shares her journey with honesty and warmth. We'll explore the importance of human interaction in the office, the transition from designer to business leader, and the power of listening and understanding diverse voices. Christi shares her personal journey of becoming more self-aware and knowing her own leadership Voice and how and when to use it. Plus, get insider tips on preparing for future economic challenges while continuing to thrive. So grab your favorite coffee, get comfy, and join us for an episode filled with valuable insights, heartfelt stories, and practical advice. Trust me, you won't want to miss this one! ------- See the award-winning design work of Barbour Spangle Design on their website: www.barbourspangle.com . Request a tour of their space - [email protected]  See the amazing co-working lobby space they designed at Congdon Yards.  ------- As you heard her say in this episode, Christi's foundational Voice is Pioneer. Want to know what your foundational leadership Voice is? Take your own assessment for free: D4Concepts.com/5voices.   Have a manager that needs to increase their people and leadership skills? Check out our XCore Leadership Program with cohorts starting soon.  

Welcome to another episode of the Greater Influence podcast, where we explore the art and science of making a meaningful impact. Your host, Micah Ray, and Alicia Brown, founder of The Oaks Community, talk about her journey from a passion for mental health in 2002 to establishing a thriving nonprofit today that partners with people to find worth and wellness. In this episode, Alicia talks about the mission of The Oaks, its five branches of care, and the importance of building resilience through practical wellness strategies. We delve into the organization's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the rising public awareness of mental health, and the critical need for building strong support systems. We also discuss the annual "Run With Lily" event, which raises awareness and support for mental health issues. It is a growing event to raise awareness and financial resources to help people in need of counseling for mental health. On a more personal note, Alicia talks about her own leadership journey, highlighting the importance of identity and community in effective leadership.   If you're a seasoned professional, aspiring leader, or someone seeking to create positive change, this episode is packed with insights and strategies to help you amplify your influence. Tune in to learn how you can take the first step towards better mental health and discover the power of community in this inspiring conversation with Alicia Brown. ---- To connect with Alicia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliciabrown61/   The Oaks is taking new clients. Learn more about them at https://www.theoakscommunity.org/.  Or call for information and an appointment at 336.338.9291.  To find out about their corporate wellness consulting options, visit https://www.theoakscommunity.org/wellnessconsulting.   To join Run With Lily next March, visit https://www.theoakscommunity.org/runwithlily.   ------- To level up your leadership skills, apply for a position in D4's next XCore Cohort: https://www.d4concepts.com/xcore.     

Welcome to the Greater Influence podcast, where we dive into the art and science of making a meaningful impact. I'm your host, Micah Ray. In this episode, we explore the crucial yet often overlooked role of middle management in organizations. We discuss findings from McKinsey's 2023 global survey and the book "Power to the Middle", which both highlight the challenges and importance of middle managers. Drawing from personal experience and expert insights, we address how middle managers can be empowered through support, training, and recognition. We also provide actionable tips for senior leaders to optimize middle management roles and enhance their performance, ultimately contributing to a stronger, more effective organization. Tune in to discover strategies to elevate the unsung heroes of your business. ------- Have a middle manager that needs better people skills and a leadership mindset? Check out XCore Leadership Development. New cohort starting soon. www.d4concepts.com/xcore    Get the book "Power to the Middle" here.  

In this engaging episode of the Greater Influence podcast, host Micah Ray chats with Amy Van Dorp, the executive director of WITHIT. Since 1997, WITHIT has played an active role in advancing leadership, mentoring, and networking for women professionals in the home and furnishings industry. Amy discusses the organization’s commendable work in cultivating diverse talents and the success stories they've gathered along the journey. She highlights one of the strengths of WITHIT as offering proximity to other industry leaders for up and coming young professional women. Amy shares her insights on her own transformative journey towards leadership and the thoughtful avenues for professional growth that WITHIT has carved out for its members. As Micah and Amy talk, they take a closer look at the intriguing dynamics of different generations, the value of combing diverse experiences, and the formulation of positive work cultures. The discussion further underscores the need for conscious strategies to form positive culture. They also talk about the power of mentorship and nurturing in leadership, with Amy highlighting integrity, respect, and the importance of treating everyone as equal contributors to the organization. The episode concludes with a compelling review of a servant leader's power, who appreciates every team member's input, and fosters a conducive environment promoting personal and professional development. Tune in to discover more about how WITHIT is shaping the future of women's leadership and its roadmap for expansion.   Visit www.WITHIT.org to learn more about the organization and their mission and their upcoming annual conference. Follow WITHIT on Instagram. You can connect with Amy Van Drop via her LinkedIn.   Want to find out about the 5 Voices assessment that Amy mentioned? Take your free assessment here: www.D4Concepts.com/5Voices. Learn about our next XCore Leadership Cohort, and register on our site.      

Welcome to another episode of The Greater Influence podcast! This time, our host Micah Ray sits down with Megan Oglesby, the Managing Partner of Carolina Core FC. They delve into Megan’s exhilarating journey of creating significant social impact through soccer. Megan shares intriguing insights into people development in organizations using soccer as a medium. Learn about Carolina Core FC's unique concept as an independent club, aiming for a great growth experience for all its members. Explore the captivating role of soccer as an international sport and a universal unifier from Megan's perspective. Discover how soccer played a crucial role in the revitalization of Megan's hometown, High Point. She discusses the High Point Rockers, a team fostering social engagement and economic growth, housed in a multi-use stadium. Listen to Megan's inspiring transition from the corporate world to leading an impactful philanthropic foundation. Born and raised in High Point, she tells her story from participating in Leadership High Point to becoming highly involved in her city's growth, eventually leading the Earl and Katherine Condon Family Foundation. She also talks about her community's ambitious project - the Condon Yards, aimed at sparking economic activity and revitalization in High Point. Glean valuable insights from a seasoned leader into important leadership principles and Megan's consistent leadership style. Learn from her experiences of other remarkable leaders. Discover her unique approach towards trust, self-awareness, continuous learning and managing ego in leadership. Megan emphasizes the importance of creating a conducive organizational culture, leading with empathy, asking clarifying questions, and strategic decision-making in leadership. Whether a soccer enthusiast, professional or someone interested in community development, this episode promises thought-provoking insights and inspiring stories of creating meaningful impact. To learn more about CCFC, visit their website. To connect with Megan, visit her LinkedIn. ---- To learn more about Megan's Voice and your own, visit D4Concepts.com/5voices and take the free assessment.  Download our free guide "Three Tools to Make You a Confident Leader" on our XCore page - D4Concepts.com/xcore.  And learn more about how you can become a confident leader with XCore - D4Concepts.com/xcore.    

On this episode of the Greater Influence Podcast, we delve into the science and art of impactful leadership through effective communication. Host, Micah Ray speaks with Mark Schumacher, outgoing CEO of the Home Furnishings Association (HFA), about his impressive career journey and invaluable insights on leadership and communication. Mark shares the lessons he learned from his diverse career, with 25 years in broadcast journalism to his role in the boardroom as a CEO. He emphasizes the importance of effective communication as the cornerstone of a successful organization, advocating for the principle of taking time to 'digest' information before disseminating it. Mark discusses the role of emerging communication tools, highlighting the significance of understanding and respecting individual communication styles to foster a robust organizational culture. In a heartfelt tribute, Mark shares a personal story of a leader who has shaped his leadership style. He shares about his experience under the leadership of Dave Miller, the owner and CEO of the world's largest Levis seller, Miller's Outpost. He imparts Miller's wisdom on the value of humility, curiosity, and a deep understanding of the market in achieving business success. The episode delves into the importance of authenticity and meaningful engagement in leadership and highlights the use of tools for self-understanding and team growth. The roles of trust and authenticity in building high-performing teams is also discussed, as well as the future of leadership in the era of rapidly-changing technology including AI. Tune in and make the most of Mark’s experiences to uplift your communication skills and leadership style. -------------- To connect with Mark, visit his LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pappaschu/  To learn more about the Home Furnishings Association, visit https://myhfa.org/ .  -------------- Great books that Mark mentioned in the show: Good to Great by Jim Collins -- https://amzn.to/4aomqD6  The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni -- https://amzn.to/49nzB5Z  ------------- Want a personality-based system that can help your team communicate better and be more engaged? Check out our 5 Voices System: https://www.d4concepts.com/5voices  

Welcome to another episode of 'Greater Influence', where we delve deep into the world of transformative leadership and personal development. Our special guest, Cherri Walston, joins us with her rich two-decade experience in human resources development. She shares profound insights from her journey that traversed diverse roles until culminating in her current role as a leadership coach. Through the lens of her personal and professional vision, Cherri shares how to has navigated the corporate landscape and has nurtured growth in her clients. Her story highlights the essence of clear vision and the power that lies in aligning it with the desirable professional pathway. In this episode, she also enlightens us about the crucial role a coach plays, especially in the lives of leaders, and upscales their potentials. Listen as Cherri talks about the concept of 'authentic leadership', the potency of personal vision, and the importance of aligning it with your career path. Get inspired to make decisions that resonate with your inner vision and identity, empowering you to metamorphose into a genuine leader who brings about significant change. Cherri also explores the delicate subject of maintaining work-life balance and the art of saying 'no' without guilt. Cherie's insights, as a life and work mentor for female entrepreneurs, can guide you through practices that prevent your life from being inundated with tasks that deviate from your ultimate vision. Delve into the virtues of reflection, mindfulness, and maintaining mental health in the hectic life of leadership. Cherie imparts her top practices, including mindful breathing and meditation, aimed at achieving clarity and maintaining balance. This discussion echoes the mantra that self-care is a necessary investment, rather than a self-serving luxury. Listen in for a fascinating sojourn into work-life equilibrium, intentional reinvigoration, and articulating 'no' proficiently. Gear up to set a healthy precedent for your team and make a decisive stride towards becoming the best version of yourself. ------ To connect with Cherri, you can visit her website: https://www.cherriwalston.com.  To access her free guide "Mastering the Art of Saying 'No'", visit https://www.cherriwalston.com/sayno .  ------ To learn more about how you can check your own level of personal peace, check out our free Peace Index assessment: www.d4concepts.com/peace-index .     

Welcome to this episode of the D4 Podcast 'Greater Influence'. Join our host, Micah Ray and special guest, Jen Evans, as they delve into a rich discussion of personal and professional transformation. Jen's journey from teaching to training and development started as a child - playing teacher and developer to her friends. She shares with us her personal work in the realms of self-awareness, self-improvement, and personal growth with tips that can help you start the same journey. This episode revolves around an engaging mix of personal anecdotes and insightful discussions on the role of self-awareness in personal and professional trajectories. From the notions of introspection and pattern recognition in behavior to the effect of balance in professional and personal lives, the conversation offers much food for thought. Furthermore, the episode shines light on the art of leadership and influence, touching upon the necessity of adapting to situations and individuals, and the significance of envisioning leadership as an unfolding art. We explore the universality and potency of people skills and discuss the influence of organizational culture on performance. As our guest and also newest member of the D4 Concepts team, Jen shares her insights on flexible leadership, the potential and pitfalls of workplace cultures, and the importance of treating individuals equitably. To cap everything off, she underscores authenticity as the key to self-improvement and personal success. Immerse yourself in this powerful dialogue and embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery, personal growth and professional development.   --------- Want to learn more about the process of self-awareness with the "Know Yourself to Lead Yourself" tool? Check out this article: https://www.d4concepts.com/know-yourself-to-lead-yourself/   To connect with Jen Evans, check out her LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-deming-evans-05a9a91b/   To take the Peace Index assessment that Jen referred to, visit https://www.d4concepts.com/peace-index/    

In the latest episode of "The Greater Influence", Micah Ray talks to Tammy Nagem, President and CEO of the High Point Market Authority. Tammy shares openly about her journey of leadership, taking us through the complexities of running the largest home furnishings trade show in the world. Having managed a staff of 15 that grows to over 200 twice a year, Tammy reveals the intricate details of ensuring a seamless experience for the Market's 75,000 participants twice per year. Through her 22-year tenure, Tammy emphasizes the importance of customer journey, divulging her team's efforts to make each step of this journey seamless and rewarding. Covering everything from furniture to professional resources for home furnishings, the High Point Market has massive economic impact, amounting to $6.7 billion to North Carolina's economy each year. After discussing the complexity of the High Point Market, our conversation shifts to Tammy's personal journey to leadership. From her role as chief operating officer to leading the organization, she highlights the influences that shaped her path, sharing with vulnerability on her thoughtful process of how she chooses to lead. We also talk about people development – recognizing talent, understanding individual's personalities, and fitting these to suitable roles. Coupled with nurturing team efforts and promoting transparency, Tammy endorses the indispensability of providing leadership training to potential leaders, thereby fostering a successful organization. Creating the right culture within an organization is an art, according to Tammy. By addressing employee values, promoting work-life balance, and providing opportunities for continued education, leaders can enhance team engagement, fuel productivity, and propel the company's success. Reflecting on her transition from COO to President, Tammy shares her learning curve in entrusting her team with responsibilities and the gratification of their exceeding expectations. Drawing from her mother's advice, Tammy underlines the significance of intuition and passion in leadership. Join us in this enriching episode as Tammy imparts valuable wisdom and insightful advice for impactful leadership. -------- Want to learn more about the High Point Market that happens twice per year? Visit their web site: https://www.highpointmarket.org/ To connect with Tammy Nagem, visit her LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tammycovingtonnagem/   To learn more about the 5 Voices system and which is your foundational voice, take the free assessment here: https://www.d4concepts.com/5voices .    

In this compelling episode of "Greater Influence", Micah Ray from D4 Concepts explores the success story of QDS and its dynamic CEO, Sean Farrell. This conversation offers a thorough analysis of the company’s approach and Sean's leadership principles to cultivating a strong business environment: focusing on transparency the acceptance of failure humility and servant-leadership Listeners will also learn about QDS’s leadership development programs, the importance of mid-level managers, fostering a culture of recognition, and nurturing personal relationships within the workplace. Sean highlights humility and genuine connection as critical components of team building. He admits the undeniable truth about the need to invest in developing middle managers and other leaders to retain valuable talent. He talks candidly about a “next person up” philosophy and building an environment of peer-to-peer recognition. This podcast gives a sneak peek into the methods of empowering individuals in an organization and creating a winning team. Sean reflects on the role of personal recognition in motivating employees and aligning their behavior with the company's core values. His insights on customer service stemming from a sales background and the philosophy of serving customers effectively are practical lessons for any organization. The latter part of the conversation provides an in-depth look at emerging challenges in leadership, as well as the rising importance of maintaining meaningful relationships with employees amidst the trend of remote or hybrid work. The episode wraps up with Sean's affirmations about the importance of a positive and cohesive company culture, providing listeners with tangible strategies to promote growth, transparency, and impactful leadership in their own businesses.   You can connect with Sean on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-o-farrell/ You can learn more about QDS at https://www.qualitydatasystems.com/ . ------------ Want to see what a leadership development plan might look like for your organization?  Check out our 100X program for senior leaders: www.d4concepts.com/100x . Or check out Altitude for emerging or middle management: www.d4concepts.com/altitude .  Contact us today to set up a call to discuss how we can help: https://www.d4concepts.com/contact/   

Samet Corporation (https://www.sametcorp.com/) has grown into a major construction player in the state of North Carolina (and beyond) over the past 20 years. And Brian Hall has been there for the majority of that growth. Brian now serves at the President of the Real Estate division, and has great insights on the growth that is happening across our state. In this episode, Brian shares with us the culture at Samet and leadership principles that have fueled their growth: Being customer-focused Practicing "unreasonable hospitality" Never accepting the status quo Always asking for a little more from those they lead Listening as a leadership skill Lastly, Brian talks about the leadership that will be necessary at every level in our state for us to continue to see valuable growth.  You can find Brian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-hall-9b74258/   - - - - - - - - For more information on leadership tools like Support-Challenge Matrix and Inhibition-Prohibition mentioned in this episode, check out our website: www.d4concepts.com . You can get a free trial to our training platform: https://d4concepts.giantos.com .  Contact us: https://www.d4concepts.com/contact/   

In this episode, Christi Barbour, co-founder of the Barbour Spangle Group, shares with us her entrepreneurship journey. She shares her story, how she made the transition to a senior leader of a successful design firm, and how they have created a culture where people thrive. To see her firm's work and to learn more about what they do, visit www.barbourspangledesign.com.  To connect with Christi, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/christi-barbour-94319b1a/ And check out her non-profit that promotes the revitalization that is happening in High Point: www.highpointdiscovered.org.    To learn more about the 5 Voices system that can help you and your team communicate better, visit www.D4Concepts.com/5voices.   

Communication is crucial to all of our relationships and being more effective. In this episode, learn the basics of the 5 Voices System. Learn about each Voice, and how to identify your leadership voice.  When you learn your voice, you can tailor your communication to others in a more effective way. And when you learn the other voices, you can better understand the people around you.  Learn more and take a free 5 Voices assessment on our website: https://www.d4concepts.com/5voices   

Get to know Mike Witt and learn about his background. Hear him talk about some of the work he gets to do with clients to help them become people of greater influence.    To learn more about the personality system we use to help you communicate better, check out our website and take the free assessment: www.d4concepts.com/5voices.   

This common organization problem costs companies about $12000 per employee per year. Learn all of its other effects, and steps you can take to eliminate it. And when you do, you can guarantee better morale, productivity and connectedness. Fix This Common Problem and Save Thousands per Employee Every Year.  ----------- 5 Voices assessment: www.d4concepts.com/5voices 5 Voices system of training for your company: www.d4concepts.com/5voices Altitude Training and Coaching: www.d4concepts.com/altitude Grammarly Business Communication report: https://go.grammarly.com/business-communication-report For other training programs for leaders and business strategy: www.d4concepts.com  

Every leader must acclimate to the climb before going to new heights. We used our hike to the summit of Mt Sniktau in Colorado at 13,250 feet to learn key leadership lessons. It is the same metaphor we use in our 100X Leader training. Be inspired, and get the encouragement you need to take your first step on your own leadership journey. Email me: [email protected] Book a call: https://d4conceptsllc.pipedrive.com/scheduler/eKplKDh3/discovery-call-with-micah Read the newsletter for this video: https://d4concepts.beehiiv.com/p/lessons-from-13000-feet Take our Development Budget Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/R2V7VXR Learn more about programs that can help you and your team: https://www.d4concepts.com/people-development/