CSI Chat

#53 - Michael Abrashoff

We are joined by Mike Abrashoff, a NY Times Best Selling Author, Leadership and Teamwork Expert and the former captain of USS Benfold.  Mike is the author of the best-selling book, "It's Your Ship:  Management Techniques from the Best Damn Ship in the Navy".  At 36, he was selected to be Commander of USS Benfold and was the most junior commanding officer in the Pacific fleet.   The challenges of this underachieving destroyer were staggering, with low morale and the highest turnover rate in the Navy.  Few thought the ship could improve. Yet 12 months later it was ranked #1 in performance -- using the same crew.  How did Mike do it?  By replacing command and control leadership with commitment and cohesion. The lesson was clear:  Leadership matters and culture is everything.  Since leaving the Navy, Mike has worked with over 1200 organizations instilling leadership initiatives at every level – achieving phenomenal change in unexpected places.  We talk to Mike about how we can apply these leadership strategies in the business world!

#52 - Kjetil Nyland

We are joined by Kjetil Nyland, who along with Oddbjørn Dybvad and Adnan Hadžiefendić, wrote the terrific book "The Compounders: From Small Acquisitions to Giant Shareholder Returns".  Their book analyzes a group of high-performing companies, led by capital allocators, who operate using decentralized structures in fragmented markets, and redefine acquisitive growth.   During our "Chat" with Kjetil, we talk about: - What makes these "Compounders" so unique and why are so many of these companies based in Sweden?  Is there something in the water in Sweden? - The stories in the book of the authors meeting with the CEOs of these is legendary... from the CEOs making coffee for their guests to the "low key" nature of the offices, the folks that lead these companies are remarkable individuals.   - What are some of the key elements of a successful compounder?  Decentralization, ability to deploy capital at high rates of return, managers acting as owners.  We talk about several of these key elements. I hope everyone enjoys the "CSI Chat" with Kjetil!

#51 - Peter Doherty

We are joined by Peter Doherty who worked for the London Metropolitan Police Service for over 25 years and is currently the head of Crisis Response for S-RM, a global intelligence and cyber security consultancy.  Peter is an expert when it comes to keeping yourself safe when travelling to other countries, especially those countries which have been categorized as "high risk". During our "CSI Chat", we talk to Peter about: - The "State of Global Affairs" and why it is riskier than ever to travel to other countries.  - What are some of the ways that you can keep yourself safe when travelling to other countries?  For example, what can you do before you leave?  What are some of the things you need to think about when arriving at the country? - What should you do if you find yourself in a dangerous situation?  Peter has several tips that will keep you alive.  I hope everyone enjoys the "CSI Chat" with Peter!

#50 - Kyle Buckett

We are joined by Kyle Buckett, a retired US Navy SEAL and a leadership expert.  Kyle spent over 20 years in the US Navy and led the advanced training for both junior and seasoned Navy SEALs.  Kyle is the Cofounder of "Culture Force" and is the co-author of the incredible book, "Leadership is Overrated:  How the Navy SEALs Create Self-Leading Teams that win"?   During our "CSI Chat" with Kyle, we talk about: * Kyle talks about the process of going through "Hell Week", one of the most difficult elements of the famous US Navy SEAL’s training program, during the "Winter Season".  Surviving "Hell Week" with water temperatures approaching "freezing" requires a level of "mental strength" which is off the charts.   * Chapter 1 in Kyle's book is entitled "Kill the leader...".  Kyle explains how every organization needs to be able to survive without the leader and how to build a team that can sustain this drastic change.   * Kyle outlines how to build a culture within an organization that can produce at a high level.  Kyle outlines the importance of "decentralization", how leaders conduct themselves and the need for "rituals". I hope everyone enjoys our Chat with Kyle!

#49 - David Thomas

We are joined by author and prominent Canadian business writer David Thomas.  David has been writing about businesses for decades for various publications, including the Financial Post, the Globe and Mail, MoneySense and Macleans.  David recently released his first book, "The Fairfax Way: Inside Prem Watsa's Secret to Lasting Success" which documents the history of one of Canada's most successful companies.  During our "Chat" with David, we discuss: - How was David able to build a relationship with Prem Watsa which ultimately resulted in the terrific book on the entire history of Fairfax.  - David provides some perspectives on Prem Watsa who arrived in Canada from India with $8 in his pocket and ultimately became one of Canada's most successful entrepreneurs.     - How was Fairfax able to become so successful through leveraging their core values of "Fair and Friendly"?   David's book on "The Fairfax Way" is a must read for anyone looking to learn about one of Canada's most successful companies.  I hope everyone enjoys the "Chat".