The Leader Mentality

We break down what a real culture of accountability looks like and why the best organizations make expectations so clear that people can hold themselves to the standard. We share stories and practical tools to help leaders build clear values, defined behaviors, and teams that own the mission instead of blaming each other. • using top customer experience brands as culture models • treating accountability as a byproduct of shared vision and values • defining what “great” looks like in plain language • connecting every role to the mission and outcome • giving tough feedback with the goal of growth • modeling accountability by owning mistakes first as leaders • building culture fit through better hiring and onboarding • setting clear duties while still helping across the team • rejecting the “not my job” mindset as a career limiter Make sure to like us and share us on your social media of choice 

What if your title disappeared tomorrow, would your team still follow you? That question drives our conversation about leading through influence instead of leaning on authority. We talk about why “because I’m the manager” can get compliance but rarely earns commitment, and how the best leaders leave people better than they found them through consistent actions, not louder commands.We also share a personal story that turns into a leadership lesson: Nick wears a polo shirt backwards throughout April to raise awareness and acceptance for autism. It’s a reminder that you can’t always see what makes someone different, and great leadership starts with curiosity over judgment. From inclusive leadership to everyday workplace culture, we explore how small choices can create safer, kinder teams where people feel respected and understood.Then we get practical for managers, supervisors, and team leads. We break down the habits that build real influence: empathy and emotional intelligence, extending trust early, creating a common vision, and being the standard you expect from others. If you’re trying to improve employee engagement, strengthen team performance, or grow as a leader without becoming “the boss nobody wants,” you’ll leave with clear takeaways you can use immediately.If this helped you, subscribe, share it with a manager who needs it, and leave a review. What’s one thing a leader did that made you trust them more?

We break down how to navigate difficult conversations with grace so feedback builds trust instead of triggering defensiveness. Rob and Nick share real stories and simple language shifts that help leaders trade blame for clarity and get to a better result for everyone.• why avoiding tough talks is often a sign you care• replacing “dealing with” people with “assisting” people• speaking from your own experience using I statements• asking for the other person’s perspective and talking tentatively• focusing on the other person’s goal and the shared result• sharing intent so feedback doesn’t feel like judgment• resetting a conversation when it goes sideways using contrasting• choosing timing and recognizing the other person’s state of mind• four practical tips to bring more grace and less blamePlease like and share us on your social media of choiceIf you have some questions, comments, great show topics, we want to hear from you, [email protected]

The fastest way to lose a room is to give people information with no meaning. The fastest way to lead a room is to give them a story they can see themselves in. Rob Clemens and Nick Di Stefano dig into storytelling as a leadership tool for managers, team leads, and anyone who speaks in front of groups, from jobsite huddles to boardrooms to classrooms.We get specific about what makes a leadership story work: it has to be relatable, it has to fit the audience, and it has to end with a clear takeaway. You’ll hear why people listen on the “WIIFM” channel (what’s in it for me), plus a simple close that turns storytelling into action: asking “So now what?” and then telling your team exactly what to do with the lesson.Rob shares memorable examples, including the Wally Pipp baseball story as a reminder to show up ready every day, and a practical operations story about gas costs and too many store runs that becomes a lesson in planning and efficiency. Nick adds a system for building a “story bank” so you’re never scrambling for the right example, and he explains why failure stories often build more trust than highlight reels. We also talk about a painful truth in public speaking: even great content fails when it doesn’t match the room.If you want to communicate with clarity, inspire action, and build a stronger team culture through leadership communication, hit play. Then subscribe, share this with a leader who runs meetings, and leave a review with the story you think every team needs to hear.

You can feel it when someone is truly listening. The pace slows. The questions sharpen. The space feels safe enough to share the real story. That’s the heart of this conversation as we dive into how active listening transforms sales calls, team meetings, and family moments into places where trust and action thrive.We unpack the everyday traps that break connection—like “boomerang” questions that swing back to ourselves and nodding along while planning a rebuttal. Then we offer practical tools to flip the script. Our go-to is the AMP method: Ask with intention to surface what matters, Mirror the words and emotions you hear to show you’re present, and Paraphrase to confirm understanding before you respond. We talk about reading tone and body language, letting silence work for you, and spotting when a stated need is really a symptom of something deeper.Presence isn’t just a mindset; it’s logistics. We share simple habits that send powerful signals of care: silence your phone, close your laptop, and if your mind is crowded, set a short, specific time to reconnect so you can give full attention. We connect these behaviors to leadership and team culture, showing how genuine listening drives buy-in and trust, referencing insights aligned with The Five Dysfunctions of a Team. Along the way, we point to public examples—Oprah’s interviews and Princess Diana’s human connection—as models of listening that invites honesty rather than performance.Finally, we turn inward. If you don’t listen to yourself, it’s hard to be present for anyone else. We talk about clearing mental noise, checking your body’s signals, and preparing questions that guide without hijacking. Expect tangible takeaways you can use in your next one-on-one, client meeting, or hard talk at home. If this resonated, follow the show, share it with a colleague, and leave a quick review telling us one habit you’ll change to be a better listener.

Struggle isn’t a detour from growth; it’s the road. We sat down to explore how leaders and teams can turn rough stretches into real momentum by treating resilience as a trained system, not a motivational spike. The conversation starts with self‑awareness—the honest audit of strengths, limits, and habits that lets you see the moment you’re drifting into comparison or denial. From there, we shift into the gain vs gap mindset: measure how far you’ve come to unlock the confidence to take the next five steps, then the five after that.We dig into practical ways to accept hard realities without getting stuck in them. Think obstacle as the way forward: study the problem, name it clearly, and move through it with intention. Athletes do this instinctively—short memories after mistakes, training to failure to grow stronger—and leaders can too. We walk through building “doomsday” playbooks for your business, rehearsing them before you need them, and creating micro‑challenges that expand your comfort zone on purpose. Ready beats merely prepared when the punch finally lands.Purpose becomes the anchor when things wobble. Mission and vision aren’t wall art; they’re centering tools that decide priorities under pressure. We share simple anchors like an “attitude first‑aid kit,” visual reminders on your route, and kind self‑talk that pairs grace with grit. You’ll hear why sustainable progress matters more than heroic swings and how to personalize motivation—whether you’re fueled by quiet reminders or a clear target to chase. If you’re navigating a setback or just want to fortify your mindset before the next curveball, this conversation gives you a playbook you can put to work today.If this resonated, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs a lift, and leave a review with your favorite takeaway so we can bring more practical tools your way.

We trade the pressure to “know it all” for a practical playbook on staying curious while leading teams and growing a business. From ultramarathon goals to SOPs, we show how to schedule learning, reward smart questions, and turn feedback into action.• setting attainable goals to build momentum• using curiosity to widen perspective and reduce blind spots• building connection through better questions• adding SWOT and debriefs into SOPs• rewarding learning behavior, not only results• balancing consistency with experimentation• reading beyond your field and applying ideas• linking curiosity with resilience and iterationThank you to our sponsors: Carolina Bay’s Homes and McLeod Health Foundation

We sit down with Eden to unpack how a simple pizza meetup can change the landscape for young adults with disabilities, from isolation to community, from coping to confidence. We share practical ways leaders can remove barriers and build teams where everyone thrives.• why local support vanishes after school for many young adults with disabilities• how a peer-led pizza meetup creates real connection and networking• what stereotypes get wrong about autism and disability• why “high functioning” and “low functioning” labels harm• constructive coping strategies that beat destructive shortcuts• strength-based coaching for self-advocacy and career readiness• the social model of disability and workplace design• leadership practices for clarity, feedback and universal design• event details, RSVP info and age rangeMake sure you like and share us on your social media of preference

We break down how to pair courage with humility so leaders can act with conviction, invite feedback, and keep learning without sliding into arrogance. Stories from sports and sales make the ideas practical and repeatable for work and home.• personal mastery theme with a focus on confident humility• examples from Gandhi, Joe Gibbs, and NBA leadership• confidence as reps and skill building over time• Dunning–Kruger effect and how to avoid overconfidence• accountability circles and consent before giving advice• sales lessons on listening, service, and curiosity• practical questions to spot blind spots and stay grounded• teaser for next episode on curiosity and continuous learningThank you, Carolina Bays Real Estate and Construction, the Modern Homes Podcast, and McLeod Health for the support.

A bowl game should feel bigger than four quarters, and that’s exactly what we’ve built on the Grand Strand. We sit down with Tony Ferrante to unpack how the Myrtle Beach Bowl moved from an ambitious idea in 2018 to a nationally televised showcase that lifts players, fans, and the local economy—all while keeping the beach-town heart intact.Tony takes us behind the scenes on the ESPN partnership and conference tie-ins with the Sun Belt, MAC, and Conference USA, explaining why Myrtle Beach stood out: a unique destination, strong civic support, and a perfect venue at Brooks Stadium in Conway. We talk through the 2020 launch during COVID, the careful operations it demanded, and the steady growth since—measured in attendance, broadcast viewership, and hotel nights that fuel small businesses through the holidays. You’ll hear how selections really happen, including last year’s Coastal Carolina storyline and what it means to prepare when you might learn your teams minutes before the reveal.We go deep on what makes a great bowl experience for student-athletes: extra practice time for coaches, real rewards off the field, and thoughtful touches like team nights at Dave & Buster’s and Topgolf. Tony shares insights from three decades in college athletics at Troy—what travel itineraries work, which details matter most to players, and how consistent processes keep chaos out of game week. We also dive into community and sponsorship strategy: why local partners like Visit Myrtle Beach and the chambers are essential, how brands benefit from aligning with a rising regional event, and simple marketing moves that stand out, like swag people actually keep.If you care about sports business, leadership, or the magic that happens when a city rallies behind an idea, you’ll find a playbook worth borrowing. The Myrtle Beach Bowl kicks off Friday, December 19 at noon. Join us, subscribe for more behind-the-scenes conversations, and leave a review to tell us who you want to see take the field next.

Think about the last time you wrote someone off with a quick label—she’s not a closer, he’s not a people person, they won’t click with that client. That tiny sentence didn’t just describe reality; it helped create it. We dig into the real difference between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset, why leaders’ words ripple through a team, and how small shifts in language can transform performance, accountability, and morale.Rob and Nick lay out a practical playbook for leaders who want results without burning out their people. We explore how to turn failures into data, why recognition should connect to skills learned (not just outcomes), and how to set up blameless postmortems that reveal where the Swiss cheese holes lined up. You’ll hear simple phrase swaps that move conversations from labels to learning, plus a candid look at balancing growth with role fit, time constraints, and ROI. Matching people to their natural strengths matters; teaching the next high-leverage skill matters even more.We also talk about what a 360 feedback process really shows, how to ask smarter questions in reviews, and why managers have to adopt a growth mindset themselves before expecting it from others. Expect clear tools you can use today: self-assess prompts for employees, recognition that sticks, and scripts for turning customer issues into trust-building moments. If you lead a business, a team, or a community group, these habits will help you build a culture where people choose ownership, practice deliberately, and see progress they can feel.Enjoy the conversation? Follow the show, share it with a leader who needs it, and leave a quick review so more people can find us. Your feedback helps us grow too.

What happens when you pay to get “kidnapped” and come back with a mission? We sit down with speaker, author, and nonprofit founder Gina Casazza to trace the wild path from Hollywood sets and stand-up stages to a civilian SEER course where she learned the survival lesson that changed everything: belonging and fitting in are not the same. That insight became a children’s book, a school assembly program, and Empower Lit, a nonprofit designed to raise reading scores and self-esteem at the same time.Gina shares how training with Team Eagle One, a Navy SEAL–led program, rewired her mindset about resilience, fear, and follow-through. She breaks down the moment she stopped trying to “fit” and chose to belong, and how that shift liberated her to create, teach, and lead. We dig into the literacy crisis—why only about 30 percent of students read at grade level, how over-testing and reduced creativity sap curiosity, and why kids need inspiration before instruction. Gina’s approach is practical and bold: bring authors into schools, make reading fun, secure funding so budgets aren’t a barrier, and launch a teen publishing pipeline that teaches editing, marketing, and entrepreneurial skills.This conversation is also a toolkit for anyone feeling stuck. Gina explains why action precedes motivation, how to handle the steep early learning curve without quitting, and the daily question she asks to keep momentum: what is one thing I can do today that moves me forward tomorrow? We explore social media’s impact on kids’ confidence, the lost art of communication, and the simple truth that stories—especially our own—can be a lifeline for someone else.If you care about education, youth mental health, or building a legacy that lasts, you’ll find strategies you can use right away. Subscribe, share this episode with a friend who needs a push, and leave a review to help more people discover the show. Your story might be the spark someone’s waiting for.

What if the most effective leadership style isn’t loud, sharp, or performative—but clear, considerate, and generous? We dive into personal mastery and a practical framework for “kind leadership” that sets real boundaries without getting soft, trades vagueness for clarity, and replaces hustle myths with habits that actually scale. Along the way, we unpack the daily rhythms that move the needle: intentional time, deep focus, and single-task sprints that beat multitasking; simple breathwork and short mantras to reset during overwhelm; and a steady learning practice—books, audiobooks, or podcasts—linked to action so ideas become results.We talk about why early mornings can be powerful but reframe the real advantage as intentionality: protect quiet hours, block deep work, and batch communication to cut context switching. We explore resilience through reading history, where leaders weathered fierce pushback and kept going, and we connect that perspective to delayed gratification—planting seeds now for a harvest that arrives months later. You’ll hear a grounded take on sleep, movement, and nutrition as leadership hygiene, not vanity; gratitude as a stabilizer that shifts teams out of scarcity and into momentum; and habit stacking to make new routines stick by anchoring them to what you already do well.The throughline is simple: kindness is a performance advantage when paired with clarity. Say what you mean without saying it mean. Set expectations people can act on. Then build the small systems that keep you steady—top-three priorities, five pages of learning, a single thank-you, one breathing cycle before a hard call. If this resonates, hit follow, share this with a colleague who’s building their own leadership habits, and leave a quick review with the one practice you’re committing to this week. Your insight might be the stack someone else needs.

Doubt can be a compass. When that “I don’t belong here” voice shows up, it often means you’re standing at the edge of growth. We dig into imposter syndrome without fluff, showing why self-awareness is a leadership advantage and how to turn shaky moments into steady moves forward.We start by reframing fear as fuel and share practical anchors you can use in any high-stakes room: visualization tied to purpose, the “smile file” of wins that prove your impact, and a “frown file” that clarifies the standards you refuse to slip below. From there, we lay out a strengths-based playbook—name it, aim it, claim it—so you can deploy what you do best exactly where it counts. You’ll hear how preparation dissolves anxiety, why a personal glossary and one-page crib sheets beat posturing, and how to ask clean, specific questions that keep you credible while you learn.We also pull the lens back to team culture. If a whole group feels like an imposter, the fix is shared purpose, visible wins, and simple habits—tight agendas, pre-work, post-mortems—that reward truth over theater. And because leadership doesn’t stop at the office door, we address a hard public moment with a call to humanize opponents and choose language that builds rather than burns. Positivity here isn’t pretending; it’s believing tomorrow can be better if we act with intent today.If you’re ready to turn doubt into a data point and lead with clarity under pressure, this conversation is your field guide. Subscribe for more practical leadership tools, share this with a colleague who needs the boost, and leave a review with one tactic you’ll try this week—we’ll feature our favorites on the show.

Ever wondered why some leaders seem to navigate workplace tensions with ease while others create chaos wherever they go? The secret lies in emotional intelligence—a foundational leadership skill that transforms good managers into exceptional leaders.Rob Clemens and Nick DeStefano dive deep into the world of emotional intelligence, revealing why it matters and how to develop it. They break down the two critical components of EQ: internal awareness (recognizing and naming your own emotions) and social awareness (perceiving emotions in others). Far from being just another "soft skill," emotional intelligence determines how effectively you can lead yourself before attempting to lead others.The hosts share personal stories of EQ failures and successes, offering candid insights about times when emotions got the better of them. Rob confesses to childhood outbursts throwing wiffle ball bats when striking out, while Nick recounts a recent work situation where he felt attacked and had to pause to regulate his response. These vulnerable moments highlight a crucial truth: everyone struggles with emotional regulation sometimes, but awareness is the first step toward improvement.Perhaps most importantly, the episode challenges the outdated notion that emotions have no place in business. As Rob pointedly states, "If you're keeping emotions out of business, you can keep the humans out of business." Instead of pretending feelings don't exist, emotionally intelligent leaders create environments where emotions can be acknowledged appropriately while still maintaining focus on shared goals.Whether you're leading a team of hundreds or simply want to understand yourself better, this conversation offers practical strategies for developing greater emotional awareness and regulation. As the hosts suggest, sometimes the simplest technique—pausing before responding—can be the most powerful tool in your emotional intelligence toolkit.Ready to transform your leadership through emotional intelligence? Listen now, and don't forget to share your biggest EQ challenges with us on social media!

What makes someone a true leader versus just a person with authority? In this thought-provoking conversation between Rob Clemens and leadership coach Nick DeStefano, we dive deep into the critical foundation of all effective leadership: mastering self-leadership before attempting to lead others.The discussion begins by challenging conventional wisdom about what leadership truly means. Rather than viewing it as a distant goal tied to position or title, Nick and Rob reveal how leadership is fundamentally a trait anyone can embody right now. They share personal stories of struggling with self-doubt and explore how awareness of our own defense mechanisms can transform our leadership potential.One of the most powerful segments tackles imposter syndrome head-on. That nagging feeling of "I don't belong here" affects leaders at all levels, but as Nick explains, the secret isn't eliminating these feelings but recognizing them and choosing courageous action anyway. Rob captures this perfectly with his observation that "fear is an opportunity to be brave."Through real-world examples, from a hospital tour that demonstrated patient-centered thinking to the busboy who takes initiative when no one is serving your table, they illustrate how leadership manifests in unexpected places. The conversation repeatedly returns to a simple yet profound truth: effective leadership stems from genuine care for others rather than self-interest.Whether you're currently in a formal leadership position, aspiring to lead in the future, or simply want to have greater positive influence in your daily interactions, this episode offers practical wisdom on the self-awareness, consistency, and mindset shifts that create truly transformative leadership. Ask yourself: are you pursuing leadership for personal glory, or to genuinely make others' lives better?

We explore how the best salespeople don't actually "sell" but instead educate, solve problems, and build genuine relationships with clients.• Great salespeople are relational, not transactional• Your vibe attracts your tribe – authenticity builds magnetic attraction• Knowledge isn't power, applied knowledge is power• Listen your way inside a person's world instead of talking at them• Mirror and match communication styles to build stronger connections• Self-inventory after each interaction improves future performance• "No" simply stands for "next opportunity" – don't take rejection personally• Success isn't a straight line – embrace the ups and downs• Your perspective can be your assistant or your assassin• Sustainable change comes from within – help customers discover solutions• A broken crayon still colors – give yourself grace through challengesConnect with Lonnie Daniels through the Leader Mentality Show for training opportunities for your sales team.

Rob Clemons welcomes digital creator and Myrtle Beach influencer JBL to discuss the power of authentic content creation and community connection in today's business landscape.• Comparing Myrtle Beach's intimate, family-like community to Atlanta's sprawling metropolis• Experiencing CCMF (Carolina Country Music Fest) and its impact on local businesses and tourism• Participating in community events like Polar Plunge for Special Olympics and Dragon Boat races• Creating content that balances timing and quality—when to post immediately vs. when to polish• Building authentic relationships with local businesses who trust you to promote their offerings• Finding content ideas through community groups, invitations, and local happenings• Understanding platform priorities for 2025: Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube (especially Shorts)• Overcoming self-doubt through authenticity rather than trying to meet others' expectations• Learning the importance of sharing experiences and showing the real you in content creationWhether you're a business owner looking to enhance your digital presence or an aspiring content creator, remember that authenticity and community connection are your greatest assets. As JBL says, "Just start" and be true to yourself—people want to connect with the genuine you, not a persona.

Nestled in the heart of Myrtle Beach's country music scene, this special CCMF edition of Leader Mentality Show delivers raw conversations with rising stars and community champions who embody authentic leadership.American Idol alum Colby Lee Swift brings his Texas ranch wisdom to the microphone, revealing the delicate balance between stardom and staying grounded. "I don't see myself failing," Swift shares with quiet confidence, offering a masterclass in resilience as he describes his musical journey from five-year-old guitarist to CCMF performer. His advice to aspiring musicians cuts straight to the heart: "Feel everything you sing. Don't just sing it because it's another song."The spotlight then shifts to Ground Zero's Carly, whose passion for transforming teen lives through music and faith-based community building exemplifies leadership through service. Her announcement of a new coffee truck venture - KEI Coffee Company - demonstrates how pursuing passion projects can complement meaningful community work.Next on the show is Bailey Marie, a jack of all trades singer, songwriter, and actress. Bailey discusses how despite online criticism and past struggles, the negativity will never stop her from doing what she loves most. At a very young age, Bailey is already paving the way and creating a name for herself with roles in HBO Max and Apple TV series, as well as singing the national anthem at large events, such as NASCAR, and now, prior to The Beach Boys performance at CCMF. Jon Finley joins us on the show to discuss big things upcoming at the Greg Rowles Legacy Theatre located in North Myrtle Beach. Jon also shares tips on things he has learned and experienced as the sales and marketing director at the theatre regarding the development of technology and social media usage. Four-time Josie Music Award winner Trey Calloway delivers perhaps the most powerful moment when he confesses to nearly abandoning music before his wife rekindled his passion. With three million Spotify streams and a songwriting collaboration with Chris Young, Calloway's candid reflections on leadership resonate beyond music: "When you put your confidence in people and treat them with dignity and respect, you get so much in return."Between fascinating stories about performing for cancer fundraisers and crafting songs that become the "soundtrack of people's lives," these conversations reveal a common thread: authentic leadership isn't about perfection but perseverance. Whether rebuilding storm-damaged ranch fences or navigating music industry setbacks, these individuals demonstrate how challenges become stepping stones to greater impact.Ready to be inspired? Subscribe now and discover more conversations that blend entertainment with enduring leadership wisdom. What soundtrack are you creating for your life's journey?

What drives us to keep pushing forward when motivation fades? In this compelling conversation with Ben Furtwengler, owner of Anytime Fitness in Murrells Inlet, we uncover the powerful distinction between fleeting motivation and enduring self-discipline.Ben shares a revolutionary perspective on joint pain and tendonitis that challenges conventional wisdom. Rather than complete rest, he explains how improper movement patterns often cause these issues, and how proper assessment can restore function while building strength. Through inspiring success stories—including a nonagenarian who progressed from struggling with curbs to performing single-leg TRX exercises, and a 63-year-old deadlifting over 500 pounds—we see how fitness transcends age barriers and transforms lives.The heart of our discussion explores what happens when motivation inevitably wanes. Ben articulates how goal-setting creates the framework for self-discipline, which carries us through low-motivation periods. We examine how supplements, workout gear, and music serve as psychological triggers that reinforce commitment, and how finding enjoyment in exercise transforms it from obligation to anticipated pleasure. Ben's personal journey from pharmacist to fitness entrepreneur offers valuable insights for anyone contemplating career transitions. After ten years watching patients maintain medications without improving health, he pivoted to fitness—his lifelong passion and personal approach to wellness. His advice? Start turning over rocks without waiting for perfect timing or flawless plans.We conclude with a holistic approach to health, identifying five key elements: exercise, sunlight, nutrition, sleep (which Ben calls "the biggest stone left unturned"), and strategic supplements. Whether you're just beginning your fitness journey or seeking to rekindle motivation, this conversation offers practical wisdom for sustainable progress and personal transformation. Remember: the best motivation often comes from inspiring others.

Nick Destefano, Training Specialist at McLeod Health, shares powerful insights on leadership as leaving people better than you found them, emphasizing that true leadership transcends titles and is accessible to everyone.• Developing 15,000 employees at McLeod through annual learning events that align personal and organizational values• Creating authentic workplace culture where stated values match daily behaviors• Hiring for cultural fit rather than just filling positions quickly• Using values cards to help people identify what truly matters to them• The importance of self-awareness and continuous growth in leadership development• Asking better questions to unlock potential in others• The "holy trifecta" of working hard, caring for family, and self-care• Leadership as a practice rather than an event• The "power of yet" as a mindset for continuous improvementIf you're interested in learning more about implementing these leadership practices in your organization, reach out to Nick Destefano at [email protected].

Dive into our latest episode where we explore the unique dynamics of family businesses, focusing on International Construction Services led by brothers Fernando Posada and Miguel. They embody the perfect balance of tradition and innovation, emphasizing the importance of safety in the roofing industry and how modern technology, like drones, is shaping their business operations. Learn how they navigate the complexities of leading a family business with mutual respect and strong communication, ensuring that their inherited legacy continues to thrive. Discover the strategies that set them apart from other roofing companies, such as a focus on crew safety and quality service, along with their commitment to growth through modern marketing techniques. By sharing their insights and experiences, this episode aims to inspire the next generation of family business leaders. Join the conversation, and don’t forget to connect with us on social media for more tips and inspiration!

Mason Zeglen has already had an amazing career and story at a young age. Having been a 2 time champion on the TV Show “Guy’s Grocery Games” and host of the nationally airing TV series “Chef Swap at The Beach”, Mason has been in the national spotlight. Even before his TV fame, he was developing an impressive resume, having become a chef out of school and managing a staff from the age of 19. As he continued to grow as a professional he eventually managing larger staffs and even went on to start his own business, Milk and Honey Cafe in Surfside Beach, SC.Through his journey, Mason learned many things that he shared with us that led to his success.As one secret of success, he told us that in his career he learned that the way you communicate and share vision will affect how well everyone performs. Knowing people’s learning styles and ways of receiving information has helped him tailor his approach to get people working on the same page.Another success secret for Mason has been to “dive right in” to whatever he wants to accomplish. He said that completely immersing in a process helps a person to learn quicker and fully understand every facet of a position.The other thing we learned during the show is that Mason Zeglen is 100% dedicated to his craft. Hearing him explain the process of making unique and flavorful coffee, pastries and other items at the Milk and Honey Cafe was so interesting and inspiring. We’ve been to the Milk and Honey Cafe and after having the best Latte around, we can say that the hard work is paying off.We would like to invite everyone to come meet Mason in person at the Spring Home Show this weekend on Saturday (2/22/2025) at 11AM at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center. He will be at the Carolina Bays Real Estate and Construction booth signing autographs!For more on Mason, Milk and Honey Cafe or Chef Swap at the Beach visit these links:https://chefswap.com/meet-mason-zeglen-the-chef-behind-the-swap/https://www.milkandhoneycoffeecafe.com/

On this week’s show, Kristy Yelle of Palmetto Protection Films brought a ton of great information for those in business and leadership. As a owner, along with her husband Matt, of the very successful Palmetto Protection Films, it was really interesting to see how they grew the business so impressively in a relatively quick time.She shared the life of a business owner and the process she goes through in dealing with the challenges of running and growing a company. She talked about how all businesses will have growing pains that have to be adapted to quickly, but that the customer’s should have an enjoyable experience throughout the process. We enjoyed her examples of how she could be in the middle of a very difficult task and still brings the A+ customer service as soon as she answers the phone.In this process of creating excellent customer service, Kristy talked about finding and training employees that understand the culture and values of the business. She also talked about how having operating procedures is a key to a growing business including how much books such as “Profit First” and “Traction” have helped her business.If you’re looking to build a network, you can also hear a great tip or two on this show. Amongst Kristy’s methods have been being active in the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce as an Ambassador and also being active in other organizations such as the Horry Georgetown Chamber of Commerce.Check out these points and so many other things including running a family owned business with her husband Matt, career changes and even a discussion on how the pyramids were actually built!Come meet Kristy and the Palmetto Protection Films team at the Spring Home Show at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center on Feb 21-23, 2025. They will have fun activities for kids and a cute German Shepherd mascot on site!!For more on Kristy and Palmetto Protection Films, please visit: https://palmettoprotectionfilms.com/

We all know how important mindset is to ourselves and our teams and this week we had a mindset master on the show when visited by Sean Mitton. Sean is an author and an expert on mindset. He shared with us what mindset mapping is and how to use it to get ahead.During the show, Sean explained how he originally was inspired by Canadian hockey player, Paul Henderson, of whom excited an entire national with a winning goal in the 1972 Summit Hockey Series. Paul wrote a thesis on how to become the best player possible – step by step and it paid off. From this concept, Sean explored many elements of becoming a Student of the Game and the mindset that many of the great naturally apply. Sean said that when people take the time to actually map out their chosen areas of expertise that they can untap their true potential.We enjoyed talking with Sean about stories from his book, his conversations with greats such as Wayne Gretzky and his tips for great leadership.For more on Sean and his Student of the Game Mindset – please check him out at: https://sogmindset.com/

On this show, we met one of our most influential guests to date, Coach Matt Doherty. In his successful career he has led many people across different companies, genres and sports to become their best. His background is very impressive – Matt walked us through his basketball playing days on team with greats such as Michael Jordan and James Worthy. He shared his trajectory through the Coaching ranks under the tutelage of Roy Williams and then changing the culture at Notre Dame basketball which helped them become a formidable NCAA basketball team. He eventually took a dream role as head coach of the UNC Tar Heels following in the footsteps of the immortal Dean Smith. After preliminary success he found himself looking for a job a couple of years later and had to have the ultimate rebound.Matt shared with us how a setback can affect your mindset. Sometimes it can feel embarrassing to fail (especially for high achievers). It can test your will and your resolve when you have a plan and it does not go as expected. He spoke about the self doubt after a setback and how that very doubt led to exploration and ultimate improvement in his strategy. We really enjoyed hearing his candid take on his career and his positive outlook on how anyone can improve with the proper mindset.Speaking of mindset, Matt is a professed “personality assessment junkie” and said it helps him to understand his strengths and preferences as well as understanding others. During the interview, he shared a great Jordan story about how Matt and Michael Jordan both have high D (driver) personalities and how that led to a dispute about fouls that never got settled. Matt said that early in his career he took more account into his style of doing things and leading his team accordingly. He said that his improvement came when he realized that understanding others’ personalities and communicating effectively led to his best leadership and success.Check out more on Coach Matt Doherty, book a session or buy his book here: https://www.dohertycoaching.com/

Our guest this week is a person that has a big heart and a big goal to help people – specifically those affected by breast cancer.  We recognize this month’s League of Leaders award winner, Kim Rodgers-Clora, for what she does to give people hope when they most need it. As with many of the award recipients from the past year, Kim did not start her organization, the Jacqueline Rodgers Foundation, for her own publicity, but rather because she wanted to give a hand to people at their biggest moment of need. As we got to know Kim, we found out she is a member of a proud military family, a devoted member of the community and she loves her husband and kids like none other. Kim shared her story with us about why she was inspired to start the foundation. Her experience with a coworker that had breast cancer and the spirit of helping others passed on from her mother combined to be a galvanizing force in creating this amazing organization. Kim explained that breast cancer can be scary and it is a time when you most need people around you for support. The Jacqueline Rodgers Foundation is a place that provides support in whatever way helps the person most. They foundation helps with awareness in the community and financially through charitable donations. She said that keeping the organization’s assistance on a local level helps to personalize the process by allowing donors to actually see how their money is changing the life of another for the better.  We hope you all enjoy the show. If you would like to find out more about Kim, the Jacqueline Rodgers Foundation or would like to make a donation to help those with Breast Cancer, please visit:https://www.jacquelinerodgersfoundation.org/

This week we had an opportunity to talk about everything from starting a new business, to community growth, to leadership ideas with Partnership Grand Strand’s Business Development and Retention Manager, BJ Beaver. During the show, BJ shared how the Partnership Grand Strand programs benefit small businesses by giving them resources to help them to grow and keep a healthy business. Being that so many businesses fail within a few years of starting, this program is a huge benefit to members of the community.BJ is native to the Myrtle Beach area and a CCU gradudate and has had a passion for helping others from an early age. In his career path of developing others, it was a natural fit for him to end up in his role with PGS. He talked about the need for talent and healthy businesses as part of any thriving City. Myrtle Beach is one of the fastest growing areas in the nation and with that comes an interest in starting businesses (or bringing businesses to the area) and a corresponding need for local talent to run the business. Partnership Grand Strand’s is a part of the solution to these opportunities and to helping the beach continue to be successful for years to come. BJ shared with us the 4 pillars of Partnership Grand Strand. 1) Focus on Prosperity to diversify the economy and help small businesses. 2) Build Talent in the area by attracting, developing and retaining high quality workforce. 3) Improve the “Place” by supporting the revitalization of the downtown area and oceanfront. 4) Advocate for the scaling up of the infrastructure such as improvement of the roads and transportation systems.We really enjoyed getting to here BJ’s story and all of the interesting things he is doing as part of Partnership Grand Strand and we know you will too!For more information about BJ Beaver or more about how Partnership Grand Strand helps small businesses, check out: https://www.partnershipgrandstrand.com/about-us/

The newest League of Leaders award recipient, Michael Snuggs of Meals on Wheels has had quite an inspiring journey. He’s served in the United States Armed Forces, been through the growth challenges of some bad choices, found his Savior and has chosen a life of servant leadership by helping others.In this episode Michael talks about the goal of Meals on Wheels to help people in need to get a good meal each day. He said that when he first took over the organization they were trying to find what there next steps were as a group and an divinely timed experience brought him together with the organization. At Meals on Wheels, they service Horry and Georgetown County and the meals are free of charge for qualified participants that have no reliable means of getting groceries or safely preparing meals. When he first heard about the organization’s needs the mission called to him. In his years of service they have grown five fold in people they are helping.One of the most moving things is Michael’s vision. He said that he once had a lot of regrets about his past, but when he formed his relationship with the church and Jesus Christ he was able to drop that baggage and focus on being the best person he could be. He now devotes himself to giving others a chance to know that there are people out there that care about them. Through both Meals on Wheels and his daily life he wants to give others the chance to see the same grace and love that he did when he first changed his life for the better. As part of his vision, he spoke of building a community center that people can come to for support and expansion of service for the purpose of helping more people.We are proud to have Michael as the League of Leaders winner of the month and hope you can all listen to his amazing story and learn more about his organization.To help with the cause, Meals on Wheels always appreciates: Volunteers, donations and money contributions.For those looking to help please visit the Meals on Wheels Website at: https://mowhc.org/

When looking for an exceptional leader you want someone that is dedicated to excellence, committed to planning and that cares about people; our guest this week, South Carolina Lt Governor Pamela Evette, exemplifies those traits. On this week’s show we covered many topics regarding the future of South Carolina ranging from building our workforce to housing to prepping our workforce.Lt Governor Evette told us her story of her successful path to becoming an Entrepreneur that created a company that is now in 49 States. She talked about the passion of running a business and how that same passion led to her path into government. In her explanation, businesses need to have prudent spending, great negotiating and a focus on innovation; these same focuses should be a focus of good government.We also spoke in depth about the need for dynamic workforce development efforts. South Carolina has done a fantastic job with bringing in big industries and in attracting incoming population to areas around the state. Therefore, the focus on a powerful and well trained workforce is critical to service these industries. The Lt Governor said we need to still encourage young people to go to 4 year colleges when appropriate, but to also show that technical schools and going into the workforce out of high schools are great options for others. To support these others options, South Carolina has some terrific options including internship opportunities (along with tax incentives to employers that do on the job training through approved South Carolina agencies) and programs such as SC WINS. SC WINS can cover the tuition of students that meet certain criteria if they get into Technical College programs for industries in need (such as electrical and plumbing).Please check out the full show for more on these and many other great topics. Thank you to Lt Governor Pamela Evette for her leadership. South Carolina is in good hands!For more on Lt Gov Evette please follow her at:https://www.facebook.com/pamelaevetteschttps://www.instagram.com/pamelasevette/

When we first met this week’s guest, Heather Hansen O’Neill, we knew it was going to be a great show and she certainly delivered! She spoke to us about everything from finding inspiration to motivating others. We also enjoyed hearing about her backstory as a classically trained dancer and the epiphany that she had when her career abruptly came to an end and she found her passion for helping others through leadership and business training. Heather explained that often, a person’s greatest success comes after a setback. It can feel like the world is ending at first, but that just opens up your mind to the best opportunity that you may not have considered prior.Heather has traveled nationwide helping people to meet their potential. She’s a Ted X speaker and keynote speaker. We enjoyed learning about how to understand your and other people’s “Adventure Quotient” when finding a person’s natural comfort zone in situations. In addition to a ton of other great information on the show, she explained why her motto of “opening hearts, minds and doors” is so important in leadership and for life in general. Check out the show to find out how understanding these principles can help change your life!!Heather’s new book launch for her new book “Finding Humanity: The Evolution of Sales” is coming up on November 20th.Also, if you are in sales, don’t miss her show: The Humanity of Sales: Where Purpose Meets Profit (stay tuned for an upcoming episode where Rob is the guest on her show)For more on on these events and more on Heather, visit her at: https://heatherhansenoneill.com/sample-page/

This week is a must watch episode with Teagan Brown, the Sports Director at WMBF. In a relatively short time, Teagan has made a big mark both locally and nationwide with her great sense of humor, exceptional talent and passion for what she does. You may have seen her on national TV for the “smooth mic toss” during a live spot with WMBF or on her Live reports at games across the Grand Strand. Teagan always keeps a fresh take on the world of sports while being a trailblazer across other fields ranging from performing on stage in theaters, to winning her first pageant at the Miss Grand Strand competition in Myrtle Beach, SC.We know how important mindset is to successful results. Teagan shared with us what she says to herself as she get in the zone before a performance or event. She also told us of her path from going to Syracuse University to becoming a TV personality; the journey that started with hard work behind the scenes and a commitment to doing what she loves. Being the “Outstanding Social Media Personality of the Year by the New York State Broadcasters Association in 2022 and 2023 was just the start. Teagan’s tips for success – “be original” and “don’t feel like you have to say yes to everything”. She elaborated that you need to invest your time well and sometimes that means knowing where you need to direct your focus.Make sure to throw some support to Teagan as she gets ready to compete in the Miss South Carolina contest in the coming months. From all of us at The Leader Menality – we wish her the best!For more on Teagan, check her out on social media by searching Teagan Brown or at WMBF here: https://www.wmbfnews.com/2023/07/04/teagan-brown/

Our focus on this week’s show was on the inspirational side of leadership with this month’s League of Leaders award recipient, Stephanie Warren. As Executive Director of the Grand Strand Miracle Leagues, Stephanie is passionate about helping others at both her job and in other community endeavors. The Grand Strand Miracles Leagues provides opportunities for those with disabilities to have fellowship, opportunities to make friendships and have an encouraging environment through sports and other activities. She said that there are people with varying levels of disabilities and that they have something for everyone to get involved with. Stephanie talked about the joy of the people that are involved with the program from the participants to the volunteers and sponsors. She also talked about her journey to her role with the GSML that included a life of servant leadership and the inspiration from her parents.There are some amazing events coming up that the Grand Strand Miracle Leagues is putting on – one such event is the “Songwriters on the Round”. This year is the 20th Anniversary and the event is on the 22nd and 23rd of November. This one of a kind event features Nashville songwriters in a personal setting with the crowd where they perform songs and share the inspiration behind them. The best part is...not only can you go have a memorable night (or two) of entertainment, but also the proceeds go towards helping those with disabilities.We truly enjoyed Stephanie’s enthusiasm, dedication and positive attitude. We hope you all enjoy the show!For more on Stephanie and the Grand Strand Miracle Leagues, please visit: https://grandstrandmiracleleague.com/

On this episode we talked with Ben Greenzweig about the challenges of mental health conditions and a revolutionary treatment called TMS (short for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation). Ben is the founder of Living Water Clinics and has found his purpose in life to help others through this TMS treatment. During the show, we discussed misconceptions about mental disorders, why medication is not the only way to treat depression and scientific studies about the effectiveness of TMS. Ben also shared a common trait he has seen from successful people and people looking to improve – allow yourself to be vulnerable not a victim. Being vulnerable allows a person to accept limits and seek improvement while being a victim blames others and focuses on outer influence more than the power within.The Living Water Clinics has its Grand Opening on November 15th.For more information on Living Water Clinics, please visit: https://www.livingwaterclinics.com/about

We want to congratulate this month's League of Leaders award recipient, Becky Large for her recognition of her achievements in leadership. Becky is the founder of CAN (Champion Autism Network) and through this foundation, their programs have impacted not just the local community but other cities around the United States. Becky has a passion for helping others and shared with us some of the huge impact that their CAN has made in the lives of people with special needs and their families. A couple of examples of that impact - the Myrtle Beach International Airport was the second airport in the country to create a Quiet Room for a low stress environment for people in need and the Town of Surfside Beach became the first Autism Friendly Travel Destination in the world.Thank you Becky for all that you do! For more about the Champion Autism Network, please visit: https://championautismnetwork.com/

Just two years ago, Melissa Fowble was at a crossroads of life - she got home from work and her entire home with all of her possessions had burned to the ground. A true, "Why me?" moment for many people - but Melissa used this moment to start the next chapter in her life and it's a beautiful triumph story.Melissa is our newest League of Leaders award recipient and she told us how she built an amazing career through three important methods: 1) Giving back to others, 2) Caring about people and her customers and 3) Staying connected throughout the community.The most impressive thing is that when that devastating fire happened - after she made sure her cherished dog was rescued - she knew that there was still thanks to be given and opportunities to succeed. She charted her plan to come to Myrtle Beach and start anew. Now just 4 years later she is part of the expanding First Reliance Bank in the Myrtle Beach area as their Branch AVP, a Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce Ambassador, member of Leadership Grand Strand and more.Listeners will also enjoy her success methods to talk effectively to customers and how to get your name "out there" through your local Chamber of Commerce and other trade organizations.We hope you all enjoy!For more on Melissa check her out at: https://www.firstreliance.com/zinnia/2023/06/19/melissa-fowble-promoted-to-assistant-vice-president/

In this episode, Rob and Frank respond to viewer questions on various topics including the difference in contractor types and which one you need, how to accurately access property values and the importance of staging a home to attract buyers.In other show highlights:-Rob answered a viewer question about home construction with ICF (Insulated Concrete Forms) and how it helps your home compared to other framing types. -Rob discussed the depth of knowledge required to pass the General Contractor test-Frank, lead guitarist for the band Carolina Crush, discussed recent gigs and some of the art of entertainment-Rob and Frank discussed the importance of education in buying a product; "sales are not about trickery, they are about communication"Rob Clemons is a licensed home builder, licensed GC, Certified Masterbuilder, Licensed Real Estate Broker in SC and State of SC Homebuilders Association President.Frank Dominick is a licensed Realtor and former business owner of a successful restaurant. Tune in to more of Rob and Frank on their upcoming show about Real Estate and Construction!

We are proud to introduce the first "League of Leaders" award recipient, January Fitzgerald.January is currently the Director of Activities at Indigo in Carolina Forest. In 2023, SRI Management named her Director of Activities of the Year! She's been a devoted mother, former Carolina Panthers Top Cat and Director of Activities and in all areas, she has exhibited a brand of leadership in which you help people understand the "Why" rather than just talking about "What" they are doing.January shared several examples of this over her years of experience. Specifically, she talked about how people need to understand the purpose and effect so they can more completely embrace what they are doing. In one example, she was explaining how a task, such as taking pictures of residents at their facility at Indigo, helps the families of the residents to emotionally connect to resident and to the facility. While performing for the Carolina Panthers she talked about how it felt to perform at the Superbowl and getting the mindset to be your best on the mainstage. We thank January for the inspiring words and congratulate her for this accomplishment as the first League of Leaders award winner. We hope you all enjoy the show!For more on January or Indigo at Carolina Forest, check out this link: https://www.facebook.com/indigocarolinaforest

A little info on the state of the Real Estate Industry with Carolina Bays Real Estate Agent - Frank Dominick.Frank talked about: New construction opportunities, current rates, investment properties and much more.#myrtlebeach #realestate

Show friend and community connector, Michael Sokolik of Paradise Financial Strategies came on the show to talk about the League of Leaders.This program was started to recognize Leaders in the community in both the adult and youth categories.Leadership can be shown at all ages and levels of an organization or team.If you know a leader that deserves recognition, please nominate them by emailing [email protected] us know their name and why they are being nominated.We are picking Leaders each month, so please nominate your candidate today!As always, thank you to Michael for his passion for leadership and connecting his community.Check out more about Michael here: https://paradisefinancialstrategies.com/the-team/

We had a great blast from the past when our old friend and Teal Talk podcast cohost Cobi Williams from CCU joined us. Cobi works in alumni engagement with Coastal Carolina University and is truly passionate about the school. Cobi is one of the best ambassadors for Coastal and his enthusiasm really comes out during the show. He shared a lot of information on upcoming events at the school and he also takes us through the history of the school. He also shared some fun details about his hometown and "Chicken Bog Capital of the World", Loris South Carolina. We enjoyed this reunion show and hope you all do as well!Show highlights:-Cobi explained how helping your University helps the value of your degree. Funds can go to all sorts of different ventures. Rob talked a bit about the affect that the sports teams of CCU have helped the college's recognition and donations are a part of that.-CCU has expanded its offerings for different degrees over the years; they still have a world class business school and nationally renowned Marine Biology - but they've continued to raise the bar for those looking for different fields.-We had a talk on sports success at the school such as: 2016 National Champs in baseball, Top 20 rankings in football and our very own Melissa Jefferson representing the USA at the Olympics.-Cobi talked about the excitement over the new Athletic Director as Coastal - Chance Miller-We talked about the fantastic leadership of CCU President, Michael Benson and how that has translated to success at the school.-Cobi shared a book with us written by Roy Talbert Jr, Coastal Carolina University: The First 50 Years. This book runs through a lot of interesting information including the meeting at the Chat N Chew restaurant that started it all. Pick up a copy of the book here: Coastal Carolina University: The First 50 Years: Roy Talbert Jr., Lynn Franken, Doug Bell: 9780976388104: Amazon.com: Books-One other good upcoming event: Loris is hosting a CCU spirit day on October 15, 2024 called Downtown Teal Tuesday! For more on Cobi Williams, check him out here: https://cobiwilliams.com/welcomeFor more information on Coastal Carolina University, visit: https://www.coastal.edu/index.php

 In Part 2 of our CCMF special we really got a glimpse into the world of country music performers at the festival. Ryan Trotti led off with such a fun vibe and showed his love for performing. Few Miles South, Blake and Tori, talked about being on stage and overcoming performance anxiety. We filmed the Jeremiah Wheeler clip outside at the Grand Strand Brewing Company right across from CCMF – just hearing the performances in the background during the interview really gives the feel of this special weekend. Finally, we are so grateful for Ground Zero of Myrtle Beach for helping us with the venue for the interviews this year; Carlee Harrington talked to us about all of the wonderful things Ground Zero does for the community and teenagers. Show Highlights:Ryan Trotti-Ryan shared that his first year playing at CCMF was Morgan Wallen’s first year. And this was also the first year that the two of them returned to CCMF since then.-He shared about the friendships with other singers such as Warrick McZeke and Cody Webb-Ryan said that behind the scenes in Country music circles, most of the singers want to help each other and lift others up -When Ryan showed up he had a guitar in hand – you can see this guy really loves music and performing. He said, “you never know when you’re going to break out in a song”Carlee Harrington from Ground Zero Myrtle Beach-Carlee is such an amazing ambassador for Ground Zero and she’s also been going to CCMF for years.-Ground Zero was the perfect venue for us because we love the cause and since they are also the place to pick up CCMF entrance wristbands-Carlee explained that the mission of Ground Zero is to provide “A Place for every teenager to go, belong and grow”-This is such an inspiring organization. They are faith based and do things such as GZI where teens can enjoy coffee, games and personal growth opportunities, have nationally known speakers that speak to the youth and more.-Ground Zero always needs donations and volunteers (check out their website below). Carlee and Rob talked about the biggest fundraiser for the year – The Dragon Boat Festival. It’s a truly special event!!Few Miles South – Blake English and Tori Lund-Blake and Tori explained how they came up with the name (partially a homage to southern expressions)-They started Southern Fried Studios in recent years-Blake is a Grammy Nominated Producer and Tori is a Classically trained singer (talk about a talented pairing)-They discussed inspirations including Jerry Reed “A top five guitarist of all time”-As for a story of perseverance and love for what you do – they spoke about being performers despite having performance anxieties. It’s not easy to get on the stage initially, but seeing the fans and feeding off the crowd makes it all worth it. They said a lot of performers have this challenge. Life lesson – sometimes you have to do things that are not easy, but the best rewards often follow!Jeremiah Wheeler-We filmed this with Jeremiah outside of CCMF and enjoyed the vibe of the crowd and the Grand Strand Brewing Company setting-Jeremiah loves visiting Myrtle Beach and the vibe...he will spend an extra day to enjoy after performing-He’s been performing since he was 12 years old! -Jeremiah shared how he comes up with songs including his recent hit “Til The Weekend”-His goal is to write more songs in the future and be on the main stage at the Carolina Country Music Festival.-Awesome thoughts he shared for advice to his younger self – “Stay Patient, Stay Humble, Stay Kind – and Keep Grinding”. Great aspirations for all of us to have.CCMF 2024 wrapped with this show. It was a special experience meeting all of these terrific guests. Please check them out further at their websites and social media...you’ll be blown aw

Our CCMF special for 2024 kicked off with a bang as we were joined by several Country music performers that performed at the Carolina Country Music Festival. We also had some outstanding Myrtle Beach ambassadors join us to talk about new things happening in the area. In Part 1 of this 2 part special we got to learn about singer Briana Calhoun’s inspiring story of growth from challenges of her youth. Denielle Van Dyke, Public Relations Manager for Visit Myrtle Beach talked about fun things happening along the Grand Strand. Then the Country music band, Nolan Quinn and The Troublemakers talked to us about how they came together and what they enjoy about performing. Finally, Jon Finley of the Greg Rowles Legacy Theatre talked about their past and upcoming events including great singing, comedians, magicians and more.Show Highlights:Briana Calhoun-Briana talked about her past and the process of overcoming addiction – it was a powerful story that you can always turn the corner for a better tomorrow-She said she was the “female Jelly Roll without the roll” :-)-She has a documentary coming up about her story – check it out-Bri shared the inspiration of her business partner, Kix, from Brooks and Dunn, her mom and her 6 year old daughter-She said “When you believe in you, others will believe in you” -Finally, check out her non-profit Hope on The Inside https://brismusic.com/hope-on-the-insideDenielle Van Dyke -Denielle started off talking about the amazing culinary scene in Myrtle Beach…a lot of great tips for checking our fantastic restaurants and chef’s in the area-She told us Myrtle Beach has a few different community trails to check out: The Art Trail, The Beer Trail & The Mini-Golf Trail -She shared that Myrtle Beach is a “Sensory Friendly” town and even has a quiet room at our airport which is a great benefit for those that struggle with autism-Myrtle Beach is the Myrtle Beach Golf Capital of the World and the Mini-Golf Capital of the WorldNolan Quinn & The Troublemakers-Nolan introduced the full band: Dom DeVico, Chad Schneider, Emmett Vandegrift and Pat Corry-4 of the 5 guys are friends from high school -They won the 2023 Hometown Star contest at BCMF which led to the performance at CCMF-These guys were such a blast to talk with and as they said, the goal is to “Feel the music” and “Make it a fun environment”-CCMF is an event that shows a lot of military and veteran pride – one of the band members, Dom, is a military vet-A discussion ensued about how the band comes up with their songs...it’s a team effort and it comes from the feeling of the momentJon Finley-Jon talked about fun things at the theater – comedians, special guest artists, shows that change every night and more-The show is unique to other local theaters, so even if you visit the competitor theaters, you will still get a special experience at Greg Rowles-Greg wanted to have a different show every night – so you can request songs during the show-The Greg Rowles Legacy Theatre recently won “Best Show on The Grand Strand” in the WMBF Best of the Grand Strand competitionIt was a long show, but a great one! We hope you all enjoy and tune in for Part 2 of our special next week when we were visited by performers Ryan Trotti, Few Miles South and Jeremiah Wheeler and also a talk with our venue sponsor – Ground Zero!https://brismusic.com/https://www.visitmyrtlebeach.com/https://www.facebook.com/nolanquinnmusichttps://gregrowleslegacytheatre.com/

 We enjoyed great company and a wonderful setting when Jon Silver from Cumulus Media met with us at the Greg Norman’s Australian Grill to discuss keys to success. Jon has had a successful career working first aiding some well know figures in political campaigns and now building marketing plans for top businesses. This Leader Mentality Show had a little of everything ranging from a real life story of finding purpose from life events to motivation to applying methods of the big companies to your business affordably. Thank you to Jon for his sincerity in presenting his 4 Keys to Success – we hope you all enjoy.how highlights:-Jon shared his experience working with Elizabeth Dole on her campaign and tips that you could use in building your own brand awareness-Tips for a young aspiring success and/or college student: get an internship. Build job experience, make connections and learn new skills-When he was a young boy, he had a near death experience in which a twist of fate saved his life – from that, he found purpose that drives him to this day-A motivator to pay attention to? Check you environment. Jon talked about how your surroundings can affect you mood, motivation and mindset. Be aware of your environment and when you might need to make a change-Michael Jordan was special partially because he was not afraid to fail. Michael Jordan missed a lot of shots, including many game winners. However, his greatness was that he persevered to take the shots that ultimately led to 6 championships-CCMF (the Carolina Country Music Festival) is this week! Rob spoke about his annual CCMF show special. Jon is going to the event this year for all 4 days.-There are many strategies small companies can incorporate to stay inline with the big companies. Items such as streaming ads and targeted ads can be effective tools that all promoters should explore-Additional tips – Be Known and Be Memorable. One step to being known is to build your network. Jon emphasized something we talk about on the show all of the time. Get into the community and start building referrals today.-Jon wrapped up by sharing his Keys to Success:1) Think Deeply in the Morning2) Act in the Day3) Do Something in the Evening with Someone you Love4) Take Care of YourselfWords to live by!For more on Jon Silver or Cumulus Media check out: https://www.linkedin.com/in/presidentjonathansilver/or email him at [email protected]

100 Things to Do In Myrtle Beach Before You Die author, Ashley Daniels, tells us all of the wonderful things to do in the area. If you have considered moving to Myrtle Beach, are a local to Myrtle Beach or just want to visit the area – this show will give you many great tips for things to do. Ashley runs through her journey to writing the book, the life of an author, how you handle writers block and, of course, a lot of things that you might not have known you could do on the entire Grand Strand.Show highlights:-Rob kicked off with a message to Write Down your Goals. Writing goals makes a vision clear and gives you something to visually remind yourself on a day to day basis-Ashley shared that she is a blogger for the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and was approached to write the book-One Hundred Things To Do In Myrtle Beach Before You Die is actually part of a larger series of books that details “Things to Do” in other areas-When we recorded this episode, Ashley shared that she was actually doing a book signing at The Crooked Hammock Brewery and also did one at one of the featured places in the book – “RipTydz” in Myrtle Beach-Myrtle Beach has a Pinball Museum which includes an option to go play as much as you want for a fee-The book actually features more than just Myrtle Beach – it also covers surrounding areas such as Georgetown, Pawleys Island and North Myrtle Beach.-The Grand Strand is full of ghost legends including The Ghost of Brentwood. Rob also mentioned the legend of the “Grey Man”-Will there be a 2.0 Myrtle Beach book in the future – Ashley says there is a possibility, so stay tuned!For more on Ashley Daniels or her book, check out:https://ashleymdaniels.com/ and https://www.reedypress.com/shop/100-things-to-do-in-myrtle-beach-before-you-die/Make sure to vote for our sponsor, Carolina Bays Real Estate and Construction for Best of The Grand Strand here: https://www.wmbfnews.com/page/best-of-the-grand-strand/#/gallery?group=479994

Leadership was a hot topic in our interview with Davina Lloyd this week as we talked to her about her upcoming Men's Conference in Myrtle Beach (more on that below). Davina explained that she started the International Men's Empowerment Conference as a result of finding that many men don't have environments to feel comfortable asking for help from others. In a culture where men are told they have to be "tough" all of the time, she found that it sometimes leads to depression and even worse. At last year's conference, Dr Andre Blaylock explained that male suicide has spiked in recent years and sometimes it's related to not being able to talk about day to day challenges with others. On a positive note, Davina had a vision to create a conference to inspire others, enable networking with like-minded individuals, ask questions to accomplished professionals and enjoy fellowship. It's for all ages and Davina said she's particularly excited to help young males that are trying to get the best start in life. Show highlights:-The conference is on June 8th at The Asher Theatre in Myrtle Beach, SC. Check out more about Asher Theatre here: https://ashertheatre.com/search-events-This is the 2nd Annual Men's Empowerment Conference and Davina says the bar has been raised with a bigger venue, opportunities for a question forum for the speakers and more-This event will benefit men of all ages from teenagers to retirees-Davina started Diamond Dynasty Productions to help other businesses in a range of ways in areas that many companies struggle in such as marketing, branding and planning-Come get a professional headshot at this event...an opportunity to set yourself apart from the competition when trying to get your next job, opportunity or otherwise-One speaker is The Leader Mentality host, Rob Clemons. Rob teased that he will be speaking about Leader Mindset of a famous person (the attendees will all know who it is) and how to apply those principles to your life for success-Davina has been working with several other community leaders such as Ground Zero to make this event special and give the most opportunities for attendees to be involved-Greg Rowles gets a shout out from Davina - she spoke of how Greg was such a positive influence in giving her direction towards the event's success-There are still sponsorship opportunities for the event - contact Davina for how to get involved (see contact info below)-If you are looking to "level up", if you need advice or if you just would like to build your network with influential people across many industries, it's not too late to get a ticket. We all look forward to meeting you there!For more on Davina or Diamond Dynasty Productions, visit: https://www.diamonddynastyproductions.com/For tickets to the June 8th Men's Conference in Myrtle Beach please visit: https://ashertheatre.com/event/annual-international-men%E2%80%99s-empowerment-conference-0

For the first show of our new season we met with Bob Kelly from Bob's Restaurant Review. Before I ever met Bob, I felt like I already knew him. In just 3 short years Bob has made himself into a well known local figure after moving to the Myrtle Beach area from New Jersey. A few keys to his success in branding: being consistent on social media, commenting on and liking other social media content and taking part in community events. Regarding the social media strategy, this is known in the marketing world as "human media" and he has shown how well it works (and without spending a lot of money on boosting). Bob also took time to share his Myrtle Beach favorites with us. We shot this one from The Salty Brews Cafe in Cherry Grove - great food and service, everyone check it out!Some of the show highlights:-Bob started his official Restaurant review when he moved down from New Jersey and was experiencing the area. He would send pictures of food and restaurants back to family and friends and saw how interested they were in seeing more about the area. From there the idea was born-He and his wife Annie enjoy many social activities in Myrtle Beach including restaurants, shows and Greg Rowles Legacy Theatre (also our show sponsors)-They also love animals and help fundraisers for humane societies. As far as pets, they have: dogs, turtles and even snakes.-Annie has a business (Annie's Sweet Stuff) making custom cookies and sweets. All kinds of great ideas for business gifts, parties and marketing events. Check her out!-Rob and Bob got to try a few delicious items from Salty Brews Cafe on the show. The signature meal they tried was the Trashcan Nachos. Seriously good stuff!!-Some of the key elements of being a fair restaurant reviewer? Bob says - never announce when you're coming and no free meals. Each restaurant deserves an even chance to show what the true experience is like for their patrons.-Rob and Bob discussed some of the fun stuff to do in Myrtle Beach. Special recognition to the Hollywood Wax Museum and specifically The Rock and Sandra Bullock figures :-)-:Looking for Italian food in Myrtle Beach - Bob says check out Crave Italian Oven and Bar. Looking for great seafood on the Grand Strand - Bob says to check out The Clawhouse in Murrells Inlet.-A few tips on how to build your Instagram following from Bob: 1) Follow others 2) Like other's posts 3) Be consistent with posting and likes 4) Comment on other's posts.Thank you again to Bob from Bob's Restaurant Review, Salty Brews Cafe and our show sponsor, Greg Rowles Legacy Theatre.For more information on our guest, host and show sponsor, check out:https://www.instagram.com/bobs_restaurantreview/https://www.facebook.com/people/Salty-Brews/61553245050608/https://www.instagram.com/anniessweetstuff/https://gregrowleslegacytheatre.com/

This week on the show, we had a message of inner determination, triumph against obstacles and lifting up people with Phil Jackson, founder of the Surf Dreams Foundation. He took us on the journey through his younger years which included his first time surfing and the joy and inner peace he found that surfing brought into his life. Phil candidly talked about his struggles in younger years but more importantly, how he persevered through hard times by focusing on a goal, caring for his family and tapping into his passion for helping others. We talked about everything from how Surf Dreams changes lives through surfing to up and coming surfers to how he and a team of caring individuals work through SC Needs Help to make a true difference for people having hard times.  Show highlights: -Surf Dreams Foundation is a non-profit that introduces people (of all ages) to the world of surfing. It brings people a chance to experience the joys and challenges of surfing. -Rob and Phil first met in person at the Smoke Out at the Boathouse this year which is put on by SC Needs Help. The Smokeout at the Boathouse IV was sponsored by Best Home and Property Services and raised around $100k for people in need. The event had music, kids events, a beer garden and championship barbecue. Circle your calendars for the event next year! -#SCNeedsHelp is something that Phil, Andy Kemp and a team of caring individuals work together on to bring real change. He mentioned the goal of the program and that it was originally founded to help flood victims after hurricane rains destroyed many people’s homes. -Phil talked about coming up as a DJ and rapper in Myrtle Beach, struggles with addiction and then the life change that brought him to a better destiny -What makes a great surfer? Phil says – love being in the water, control your fear and physical endurance. -Greatest surfer of all time? Kelly Slater is definitely up there. Phil talked about the phenomenal talent Kelly has and that he recently surfed in his last full time surfing competition. A long, amazing career. -All of this surfing talk got us to talking about up and coming surfers and Phil did not disappoint as he named a number of people to keep an eye on. One hint – he said some of the new ladies on the surfing scene are doing amazing things. Rob mentioned the comparison of how Caitlin Clark is bringing a new generation of interest to women’s basketball. -When looking to overcome obstacles, Phil gave some great tips including: 1) Find something that brings you peace and commit to doing it, 2) Have a long term goal and “Stay Focused” on it, 3) Do things to help others. One of the most refreshing things we’ve heard...when you’re having a hard day, do something nice for someone and it might just change your day. (look up the Mother Teresa effect)  Thank you again Phil – keep inspiring! 

This week we had an exciting show as we were joined by Christina Jackson, Director of the McLeod Health Foundation. Shot on location, we talked about many powerful community initiatives of McLeod Health, the McLeod Fellows program, helping others, company culture and more. Christina walked us through her career of service to others and even shared a couple of moving stories of seeing people turning their lives’ around after challenging situations. She also talked about how the generous donors to the McLeod Health Foundation are helping others in need. We hope you all enjoy! Highlites:-At the core of McLeod Health’s impressive operation is a strong leadership group and a sense of purpose. Rob personally has met many of the employees and found them to all be high quality and friendly individuals.-McLeod Health was founded in 1906 and has continued to expand over the years with a desire to serve locations where people need help the most-McLeod has many locations including expansion to the Carolina Forest area (one of the fastest growing populations in South Carolina)-McLeod is a not-for-profit healthcare system and that mission truly permeates the organization...they are focused on helping people first and foremost and it really shows in the staff.-Christina talked about the McLeod Fellows program (of which Rob is a recent graduate of). The program was started to raise awareness about McLeod Health which is critical to fundraising and general knowledge of service to the public.-An exciting upcoming program will be the Comprehensive Cancer Center being opened at the Seacoast location in Little River. While McLeod already has many cancer treatment services across their locations, Christina explained that this Comprehensive Center will provide one location for the multitude of services which will help with timeliness and convenience for their patients.-Check out an exciting event coming up through McLeod called Jockey’s and Juleps that is a fantastic event that still has available tickets and sponsorships – sign up before it’s too late! https://www.mcleodhealth.org/foundation-event/jockeys-and-juleps-2/-Rob talked about his time as a McLeod Fellow. Being a “Fellow” he got to learn about different phases of the healthcare industry with McLeod, heard from some highly regarded professionals and doctors and learned about upcoming growth of the McLeod family. He talked about how much he enjoyed each phase of the program-Christina also mentioned pet therapy as part of their innovative customer care programs. Having a friendly pet around is a great way to turn a sensitive process into a more pleasant experience. We found a cute story fromm WPDE on McLeod using Support animals successfully in the past: https://wpde.com/news/local/meet-dixie-mcleod-healths-therapy-dog Thank you so much to Christina and McLeod Health for all that they are doing to care for their patients and the community! For more on Christina, McLeod Health and the McLeod Health Foundation – please check them out at: https://www.mcleodhealth.org/foundation/

We enjoyed a refreshing interview with Kate Soltoian on the show with us to talk about growing a business through networking and never underestimating a prospect. Many sales and business people unintentionally underestimate people. Kate told a story of a salesperson that was telling her that they did not want to pitch small companies because there would not be enough potential income. While it’s understandable to always want to chase the big accounts, Kate shared that often the smaller companies that are growing will often be loyal customers and will lead to more referrals in the long run. We explored other ways that people underestimate prospective customers and then gave tips on how to not get into that less-productive thought process. We also explored Kate’s journey to her current position and her networking methods to get her name and her business out to the public. Highlights:-Kate talked about growing up overseas and the differences in communication styles from other areas-Networking is about consistency – she shared her tips for ways to be remembered by others for when they need your services-Building trust is critical to earning someone’s business – familiarity is a huge part of building trust and this can be accomplished through effective networking-Managers can maximize production with their teams from understanding communication styles. Some people are more open, some are more literal, etc – when you know how to speak to someone as they like to be spoken to, it can help in achieving results-Book Recommendation alert – check out “The Five Dysfunctions of a Team”. We spoke about some of these including the Foundational element of building trust.-Community relations are huge in several things – namely showing that you are dedicated to more than just internal goals and in getting your name out in the public in a positive manner-Anytime a Salesperson goes into an appointment without considering a customer’s communication style, apprehensions about the buying process and basic desire for the product – they are likely to fail. Never go into a sales appointment overly confident.-Listen, pivot, ask, learn, grow.-Introverts can network deeply as well – in fact, sometimes an introvert style can build the deepest connections. It’s important to keep getting out there even when it does not feel natural!-Kate is a CCU grad...she is now doing what she loves and applying knowledge she learned there everyday!For more from Kate Soltoian or New York Life, check her out at: https://www.newyorklife.com/agent/esoltoian