The Catalyst Podcast

Chris Corsten - Former Army Officer, Humanitarian, Real Estate Investor, and Sustainability Champion

Chris Corsten has had a journey that is inspiring and holds many lessons to learn from. Chris went from attending Ripon College and participating in the ROTC program, to heading overseas after graduation in a journey that would take him around the world. Chris spent a great deal of time in Afghanistan during his military career, as well as after his military career in a community development role. Chris has since started a family, spends his time back in Wisconsin and Romania, and has engaged himself in the world of real estate. He also focuses heavily on how to support the sustainability of our earth and environment through working with businesses and other entities. My conversation with him left me to remember the critical importance of knowing yourself and being ready for an opportunity because you never know when something new may present itself. Find his book "3,000 Days in Afghanistan: Fighting Instability, Narcotics, and Poverty in a Dangerous Place": https://www.amazon.com/000-Days-Afghanistan-Instability-Narcotics/dp/B0884MH49T?fbclid=IwAR1ZmALn0bc8HlMqVbGT0Ig4ZcTZdu1OLQBNeN_OfyKV05dTWEZWL9qCFWg Learn more about his work in Afghanistan: https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2011/06/fighting-the-taliban-one-irrigation-project-at-a-time-special-development-ops.html?fbclid=IwAR2wu6m1Tb5utikUzedIa_GyI4tA29mywLGBk8382sejYYWsKl9TuCsUTOQ

Roy Cambronero - Financial Advisor Northwestern Mutual

My guest today is Roy Cambronero. Roy is a Financial Advisor and the Director of Growth and Development for Northwestern Mutual. Roy’s story is one that I find inspiring on many levels. Whether it be his birth story, the environment he grew up in as a youth, to serving in the community in non-profits and then his country in the Army. Roy’s story, in my opinion, has had so much to it already, but yet it feels like he’s just beginning and is on the path to making a significant difference in the life of his family and community. So strap in and enjoy! Check here for a couple of development activities you can try out based on my conversation with Roy: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bsi6LiRGHyk3PGYdlVIHGidzS6q8zZO2B5V62GmGWGw/edit?usp=sharing

Nakisha Adams - CEO Skribble Inc.

Nakisha Adams is the CEO of Skribble Inc. Skribble Inc is a non-profit that focuses on supporting other organizations through grant writing, board development and governance, and other related services designed to help any organization. Nakisha was in corporate America, but two years ago, she took a leap of faith and began her own entrepreneurial journey. She’s accomplished a significant amount in such a short time and shows no signs of stopping. Check here for Nakisha's recommended book list, her inspirational figures she looks to, and two development activities you can practice based on Nakisha's story and perspective: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Z-1zAK_TT4RA-9oXS0dwtEsPCEKElfGwvGz0n39ahQE/edit?usp=sharing

The Change Equation

Have a habit you're tired of? Is there something you've been wanting to do with your life but haven't figured out how to make it happen? Today's podcast talks you through an equation that can help you recalibrate your perspective on how to make the change you want to see in your life. Think big too, this lesson can be reapplied to not only your personal life, but you as a parent, a manager, and other situations. Enjoy!

A Dichotomy - Micromanagement & Hands-off Approaches

I took a dive into a dichotomy of leadership (Credit Jacko Willink & Leif Babin) when it comes to a leadership approach. You can be what we call a micromanager with your team, your wife, your relationships, and your life as a whole. Or you can be hands-off. One can stifle and the other can result in chaos. Life requires both, at times, but often a balance between the two. This episode uses a great deal of workplace references, but I challenge you to consider how you approach other parts of your life from a micromanagement and hands-off approach standpoint. Enjoy! Check out The Dichotomy of Leadership by Jacko Willink and Leif Babin: https://www.amazon.com/Dichotomy-Leadership-Balancing-Challenges-Ownership/dp/1250195772