Love in Leadership

Creating a Joyful Workplace feat. Richard Sheridan

Today’s guest is a big deal. He’s the CEO of software company Menlo Innovations and the author of two highly recommended books—Joy Inc., and Chief Joy Officer, and he joins us today to share some of the incredible insights he has gained during his impressive career. From his definition of joy at work and how he has built a very unique professional environment and culture at Menlo to the unusual interview experience at Menlo, our conversation is expansive and detailed, giving you the tools you need to adopt some of the same principles in your own leadership journey. Richard shares how he has cultivated an environment where feedback is welcomed, why he has chosen a transparent remuneration structure at Menlo, how he has set this up, and much more. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation with today’s deeply intentional and revolutionary guest. Thanks for tuning in!  Guest Bio: Rich Sheridan is on a mission to end human suffering in technology. As CEO and Co-Founder of Menlo Innovations, he built a workplace driven by collaboration, experimentation, and joy. Once a fear-driven leader who micromanaged every detail, he discovered that joy at work isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. With a background in software and engineering (U-M BS '80, MS '82), his true passion is process, teamwork, and organizational design. Through his books, Joy, Inc. and Chief Joy Officer, Sheridan shares Menlo’s story to help others create intentional cultures of joy. Because when joy leads, success follows. Key Points From This Episode:   * [00:00] Welcome and introduction to this episode and a catch up with your hosts. * [06:40] Richard Sheridan from Menlo Innovations. * [10:31] What Menlo Innovations does. * [15:05] Richard’s definition of bringing joy into work and how he measures it.  * [24:59] Why the work environment that he has built at Menlo would not be suited to everyone. * [28:24] How Menlo approaches interviews differently. * [34:47] The rewarding, promotion, and progress process at Menlo. * [42:25] A story of how Richard realized that Menlo has excellent gender equity. * [47:07] Navigating hesitation around salary transparency. * [54:20] Why Richard is not transparent about his own compensation. * [47:07] Managing the feedback process and making it easy for others to communicate how they feel. * [01:03:58] How to book a tour at Menlo.    Quotes:   “We launched Menlo in June of 2001 with a crazy mission: we wanted to end human suffering in the world as it relates to technology. We’ve been doing that now for almost 24 years. It worked!” — @menloprez [https://x.com/menloprez] [0:09:33]   “I don’t think unjoyful people can make joyful results.” — @menloprez [https://x.com/menloprez] [0:16:44]   “We have an interview process where we’re actually trying to weed you in, not weed you out.” — @menloprez [https://x.com/menloprez] [0:31:06]   “Humans are incredibly adaptable when they are given clear expectations.” — @menloprez [https://x.com/menloprez] [0:33:21] RESOURCES:   * [01:03:58]Menlo Innovations Tours and Workshops [https://menloinnovations.com/tours-and-workshops]   FOLLOW:   Follow Richard Sheridan: * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/menloprez/] * X [https://x.com/menloprez] * Menlo Innovations [https://menloinnovations.com/] * Joy, Inc. [https://www.amazon.com/Joy-Inc-Built-Workplace-People/dp/1591847125] * Chief Joy Officer [https://www.amazon.com/Chief-Joy-Officer-Leaders-Eliminate/dp/0735218226]   FOLLOW: Follow Laura Eich: * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-eich-50349a172/] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/laura.eich.77] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/laurajeaneich/]   Follow Mike McFall: * Website [https://www.michaeljmcfall.com/] * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-biggby/] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/MikeMcFallOfficial] * X [https://twitter.com/mikejmcfall] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/mikejmcfall/]   Follow BIGGBY® COFFEE & LifeLabTM: * Website [https://www.biggby.com/b-involved/] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/BiggbyCoffee.Bhappy/] * X [https://twitter.com/biggbycoffee] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/biggbycoffee/] * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/biggby-coffee/] * About LifeLabTM [https://biggby.com/b-involved/life-you-love-laboratory/]   ABOUT LOVE IN LEADERSHIP: At the Life You Love LaboratoryTM and BIGGBY® COFFEE, we’re out to prove that financial success and healthy workplace culture aren’t two separate goals. BIGGBY® COFFEE's own cultural transformation is proof that not only is it possible to have a successful company where people aren’t miserable at work, but that the happier your people are, the more your business will grow. Each week, join host Laura Eich, Chief Purpose Officer at BIGGBY® COFFEE, and her co-host and BIGGBY® COFFEE co-CEO Mike McFall as they’re joined by guests from around the world to learn how they are fostering a culture of love and growth in the world’s most innovative and people-centric companies. Get inspired. Get real. Get ready to transform workplace culture in America with us. This is the Love in Leadership podcast. Learn more at: loveinleadershippodcast.com [https://loveinleadershippodcast.com/]   ABOUT THE HOSTS: Mike McFall began his journey with BIGGBY® COFFEE as a minimum-wage barista at the original store in East Lansing in 1996. Over the span of 23 years, alongside business partner Bob Fish, he has helped create one of the great specialty coffee brands in America. Today Mike is co-CEO with Bob, and BIGGBY® COFFEE has over 250 stores open throughout the Midwest that sell tens of thousands of cups of coffee each day. But more importantly to Mike and BIGGBY® COFFEE, the company is a profoundly people-first organization. Mike is also the author of Grind, a book which focuses on early-stage businesses and how to establish positive cash flow.   Laura Eich is BIGGBY® COFFEE’s Chief People Officer, having worked in a variety of roles at BIGGBY® COFFEE for the last 11+ years. She helped launch BOOST, the department at BIGGBY® COFFEE which ultimately became LifeLabTM — BIGGBY® COFFEE’s in-house culture cultivation team designed to help people be the best versions of themselves and help companies support them along the way. In her role, Laura helps people build lives that they love through the process of building profitable businesses and robust, growth-filled careers.

The Balancing Act of Leadership

Leadership isn’t a static role. It’s a balancing act. In this heartfelt season finale of Love in Leadership, Laura and Mike reflect on the highs and challenges of leadership, personal growth, and building meaningful connections in business and life. From stories of transformative company retreats to candid reflections on maintaining work-life balance, this episode dives deep into the evolving roles leaders must play to keep organizations thriving.   Whether you're leading a team, navigating a personal leadership journey, or simply seeking insight into workplace culture, this episode offers valuable takeaways to carry into the new year and beyond. Be sure to tune in for an inspiring discussion on vision, trust, and the importance of authentic relationships in leadership!   Key Points From This Episode:   * [0:03:58] Reflections on the growth and evolution of the podcast. * [0:06:20] Finding fulfillment and inspiration through leadership conversations. * [0:07:57] How the LoveJoy leadership retreat property brought a long-time personal and professional dream to life for Mike. * [0:13:07] Laura’s reflections on balance and stepping into an expanded leadership role. * [0:15:37] Personal and professional highs and lows (or challenges) from the past year. * [0:21:27] Why success is about so much more than being in the right place at the right time. * [0:24:07] The significance of a frog and Mike’s hopes and aspirations for 2025. * [0:31:22] What it means to be the leader your organization needs right now and build trust through personal connections. * [0:35:38] Laura’s dreams for the high-performance “engine” at BIGGBY and LifeLab in 2025. * [0:38:48] The importance of improving connections between teams and leadership structures. * [0:41:18] How trust, communication, and genuine relationships drive effective leadership. * [0:48:36] Looking ahead to Season 3 of Love in Leadership!   Quotes:   “It’s about finding something you're passionate about, understanding where your talents collide with that passion, [and] finding ways to grow and improve and move forward. That can happen  to anybody.” — Laura Eich [0:21:31]   “You need to be the leader your organization needs you to be today, tomorrow, this week, this month.” — @mikejmcfall [https://twitter.com/mikejmcfall] [0:32:53]   “We have – brilliant minds that have eyes on what we need them to have eyes on, solutions in mind for how to solve things, and because of – poorly-formed connections or not connecting to the right place, – it gets lost in a game of translation or telephone.” — Laura Eich [0:40:07]   “If you really, truly can build a relationship with somebody, even if you've got different views on the world, – you can learn from them. And that's the point.” — @mikejmcfall [https://twitter.com/mikejmcfall] [0:48:10] RESOURCES:   * [31:30]Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) [https://www.eosworldwide.com/] * [32:46] Grow [https://www.michaeljmcfall.com/author-books/grow/] by Mike McFall * [44:57] Creating An Ecosystem feat. Tara Millburn [https://loveinleadershippodcast.com/episodes/creating-an-ecosystem] * [51:40] Email us [http://lifelab@biggby.com] with your feedback and suggestions for future guests! FOLLOW: Follow Laura Eich: * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-eich-50349a172/] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/laura.eich.77] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/laurajeaneich/]   Follow Mike McFall: * Website [https://www.michaeljmcfall.com/] * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-biggby/] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/MikeMcFallOfficial] * X [https://twitter.com/mikejmcfall] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/mikejmcfall/]   Follow BIGGBY® COFFEE & LifeLabTM: * Website [https://www.biggby.com/b-involved/] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/BiggbyCoffee.Bhappy/] * X [https://twitter.com/biggbycoffee] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/biggbycoffee/] * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/biggby-coffee/] * About LifeLabTM [https://biggby.com/b-involved/life-you-love-laboratory/]   ABOUT LOVE IN LEADERSHIP: At the Life You Love LaboratoryTM and BIGGBY® COFFEE, we’re out to prove that financial success and healthy workplace culture aren’t two separate goals. BIGGBY® COFFEE's own cultural transformation is proof that not only is it possible to have a successful company where people aren’t miserable at work, but that the happier your people are, the more your business will grow. Each week, join host Laura Eich, Chief Purpose Officer at BIGGBY® COFFEE, and her co-host and BIGGBY® COFFEE co-CEO Mike McFall as they’re joined by guests from around the world to learn how they are fostering a culture of love and growth in the world’s most innovative and people-centric companies. Get inspired. Get real. Get ready to transform workplace culture in America with us. This is the Love in Leadership podcast. Learn more at: loveinleadershippodcast.com [https://loveinleadershippodcast.com/]   ABOUT THE HOSTS: Mike McFall began his journey with BIGGBY® COFFEE as a minimum-wage barista at the original store in East Lansing in 1996. Over the span of 23 years, alongside business partner Bob Fish, he has helped create one of the great specialty coffee brands in America. Today Mike is co-CEO with Bob, and BIGGBY® COFFEE has over 250 stores open throughout the Midwest that sell tens of thousands of cups of coffee each day. But more importantly to Mike and BIGGBY® COFFEE, the company is a profoundly people-first organization. Mike is also the author of Grind, a book which focuses on early-stage businesses and how to establish positive cash flow.   Laura Eich is BIGGBY® COFFEE’s Chief People Officer, having worked in a variety of roles at BIGGBY® COFFEE for the last 11+ years. She helped launch BOOST, the department at BIGGBY® COFFEE which ultimately became LifeLabTM — BIGGBY® COFFEE’s in-house culture cultivation team designed to help people be the best versions of themselves and help companies support them along the way. In her role, Laura helps people build lives that they love through the process of building profitable businesses and robust, growth-filled careers.

Passion, Purpose, and Quality of Life feat. Meghan French Dunbar

The landscape of the business world is changing for the better and to help people prioritize family, personal life, and passion. Not only do these changes make for better employees, but they also improve the overall quality of their lives. Today’s guest is an incredible entrepreneur whose mission is to help other business leaders lead with purpose! Meghan French Dunbar joins us today to discuss her impressive career, the book she’s just written, self-care, and so much more!  Join us as we delve into the power of women in the workplace, even touching on the often feared ‘P’ word (patriarchy), and discuss what men can learn from female leaders in business. We go on to talk about how workplace culture is evolving with younger generations before Meghan shares her suggestions for helping people be more vulnerable in group networking settings. Meghan even tells us what to expect from her in the near future. Finally, our guest tells us where to find her online. To hear all this and even be reminded of the power and importance of listening, be sure to tune in now! Guest Bio: Meghan French Dunbar is a purpose-driven business leader and the founder of Conscious Company Magazine. She launched the magazine in 2015 with the mission of highlighting businesses that make a positive impact. After navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship, including burnout, she sold the company in 2017 and served as CEO until 2020. Meghan now leads Tide Turn Labs (formerly Women Led), a community for purpose-driven business leaders, co-founded Stakeholder Business, and has written her first book, This Isn’t Working, set for release in August 2025. Key Points From This Episode:   * [00:19] A quick catch-up with Mike and Laura and what their holiday plans are. * [09:15] Welcoming Meghan French Dunbar to the show and a bit about what she does.  * [11:14] Meghan tells us about what led her to start her business magazine.  * [15:35] A breakdown of her book and what inspired her to write it.  * [21:09] How Meghan takes care of herself in between creating her work.  * [29:21] What women bring to leadership, how men can learn from them, and the dangers of patriarchy.  * [42:01] How the landscape of workplace culture is evolving with younger generations.  * [46:36] Where to pre-order Meghan’s book and what’s next for her career.  * [51:02] Meghan shares some suggestions for helping people open up at group networking events.  * [59:33] Where listeners can interact with Meghan online.  * [01:02:52] Some key takeaways from today’s conversation.    Quotes:   “We feel like we don’t have permission in society to, like, take time off and be with our families and like, do these sorts of things, and sometimes, when one person does them, then someone else feels like it’s okay to do them.” — Meghan French Dunbar [0:26:09]   “[Women] have to learn how to express all of the traits that men have been brought up to express. So, we learn how to. – We speak masculine traits and feminine traits, which in reality is just human traits – that we all should have learned how to express in the beginning.” — Meghan French Dunbar [0:32:29]   “The number one predictor of longevity in human life is social connections, meaningful, deep, rich social connections.” — Meghan French Dunbar [0:52:24] RESOURCES:   * [12:42] Conscious Company Media on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/conscious-company-magazine/] * [46:37]Preorder This Isn’t Working [https://www.meghanfrenchdunbar.com/book] * [47:18] Tide Turn Labs [https://www.tideturnlabs.com/] * [52:21] Harvard Longitudinal Study [https://www.sertomacenter.org/blog/?id=longest-study-on-happiness&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAsaS7BhDPARIsAAX5cSBbgyK7SDmKw2crx85oxzvzizx44aJ0-s4Y4lCQjm1MZG6ORESTIrUaAugzEALw_wcB] * [57:20] Susan Griffin-Black on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-griffin-black-5731941/] * [59:41] Stakeholder Business [https://www.stakeholderbusiness.com/]   FOLLOW:   Follow Meghan French Dunbar: * Website [https://www.meghanfrenchdunbar.com/] * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/meghanfrenchdunbar/] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/meghanfrenchdunbar/]   FOLLOW: Follow Laura Eich: * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-eich-50349a172/] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/laura.eich.77] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/laurajeaneich/]   Follow Mike McFall: * Website [https://www.michaeljmcfall.com/] * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-biggby/] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/MikeMcFallOfficial] * X [https://twitter.com/mikejmcfall] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/mikejmcfall/]   Follow BIGGBY® COFFEE & LifeLabTM: * Website [https://www.biggby.com/b-involved/] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/BiggbyCoffee.Bhappy/] * X [https://twitter.com/biggbycoffee] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/biggbycoffee/] * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/biggby-coffee/] * About LifeLabTM [https://biggby.com/b-involved/life-you-love-laboratory/]   ABOUT LOVE IN LEADERSHIP: At the Life You Love LaboratoryTM and BIGGBY® COFFEE, we’re out to prove that financial success and healthy workplace culture aren’t two separate goals. BIGGBY® COFFEE's own cultural transformation is proof that not only is it possible to have a successful company where people aren’t miserable at work, but that the happier your people are, the more your business will grow. Each week, join host Laura Eich, Chief Purpose Officer at BIGGBY® COFFEE, and her co-host and BIGGBY® COFFEE co-CEO Mike McFall as they’re joined by guests from around the world to learn how they are fostering a culture of love and growth in the world’s most innovative and people-centric companies. Get inspired. Get real. Get ready to transform workplace culture in America with us. This is the Love in Leadership podcast. Learn more at: loveinleadershippodcast.com [https://loveinleadershippodcast.com/]   ABOUT THE HOSTS: Mike McFall began his journey with BIGGBY® COFFEE as a minimum-wage barista at the original store in East Lansing in 1996. Over the span of 23 years, alongside business partner Bob Fish, he has helped create one of the great specialty coffee brands in America. Today Mike is co-CEO with Bob, and BIGGBY® COFFEE has over 250 stores open throughout the Midwest that sell tens of thousands of cups of coffee each day. But more importantly to Mike and BIGGBY® COFFEE, the company is a profoundly people-first organization. Mike is also the author of Grind, a book which focuses on early-stage businesses and how to establish positive cash flow.   Laura Eich is BIGGBY® COFFEE’s Chief People Officer, having worked in a variety of roles at BIGGBY® COFFEE for the last 11+ years. She helped launch BOOST, the department at BIGGBY® COFFEE which ultimately became LifeLabTM — BIGGBY® COFFEE’s in-house culture cultivation team designed to help people be the best versions of themselves and help companies support them along the way. In her role, Laura helps people build lives that they love through the process of building profitable businesses and robust, growth-filled careers.

Creating An Ecosystem feat. Tara Milburn

No matter what industry you are in, swag is everywhere and, when used correctly, can be a very effective vehicle for marketing. Today’s guest is a leader in this field and has made it her mission to create a human-centric ecosystem in her business. Tara Milburn joins us today to discuss her career, her business, Ethical Swag, and the importance of putting people first in leadership. Tuning in, you’ll hear all about her career, what drew her to swag, what Ethical Swag has looked like from opening until now, and so much more!  Our guest goes on to talk about how she manages and prioritizes people and relationships before discussing navigating having employees all over the world while still bringing love into her leadership. We even discuss some of the biggest errors she sees when companies try to create a human-centric culture, how she keeps her mission, vision, and values alive in her company, and why being ethical is prioritizing progress over perfection and being entirely transparent. Finally, Tara tells us about her incredible father and what he taught her about leadership. To hear all this, and even be reminded that it takes time to build a sustainable business, press play now! Guest Bio: Tara Milburn is an accomplished business executive with expertise in building partnerships and driving strategic initiatives. She has played key roles in high-profile projects, including co-writing the successful bid for the NBA's first international expansion and contributing to Vancouver's bid for the 2010 Winter Olympics. With a focus on social and ecological sustainability, Tara founded Ethical Swag to promote equity in the corporate merchandise supply chain. She is also an active volunteer, having held leadership positions with the CIBC Run for the Cure, Celtic Colours International Festival, and Cape Breton University.   Key Points From This Episode:   * [00:20] Why Mike absolutely adores frogs and a catch-up with our hosts.  * [11:03] An introduction to today’s guest, Tara Milburn.  * [12:08] Tara tells us about the incredible biosphere that she lives in: Cape Breton Island.  * [13:54] What led her to create her company, Ethical Swag.  * [16:15] Tara walks us through the process of starting the business through to where it is now.  * [26:40] How she approaches people and relationships in her business.  * [31:31] Balancing her family and work life and bringing love into leadership.  * [37:39] How she manages to lead employees all over the world.  * [41:24] The mistakes she sees companies make in trying to create a human-centric culture.  * [44:56] How Tara keeps her mission, vision, and values at the forefront of Ethical Swag.  * [47:54] What being ethical actually entails.  * [51:44] Tara shares her bigger goals for the swag industry as a whole.  * [54:41] How Tara’s father has shaped her as an entrepreneur.  * [59:54] Some key takeaways from this episode.    Quotes:   “I sort of see swag as almost a far more economical sponsorship of what you stand for as a brand.” — Tara Milburn [0:14:32]   “It’s a technology-driven, human-centered company that we’re creating.” — Tara Milburn [0:21:37]   “[Being Ethical means] progress over perfection and – transparency.” — Tara Milburn [0:47:54]   “It’s not what you say, it’s what you do that matters.” — Tara Milburn [0:51:48] RESOURCES:   * [10:08]Ethical Swag [https://ethicalswag.com/]   FOLLOW:   Follow Tara Milburn * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/taramilburn1/] * Ethical Swag on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/ethicalswag] * Ethical Swag on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/ethicalswag/]   FOLLOW: Follow Laura Eich: * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-eich-50349a172/] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/laura.eich.77] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/laurajeaneich/]   Follow Mike McFall: * Website [https://www.michaeljmcfall.com/] * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-biggby/] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/MikeMcFallOfficial] * X [https://twitter.com/mikejmcfall] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/mikejmcfall/]   Follow BIGGBY® COFFEE & LifeLabTM: * Website [https://www.biggby.com/b-involved/] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/BiggbyCoffee.Bhappy/] * X [https://twitter.com/biggbycoffee] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/biggbycoffee/] * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/biggby-coffee/] * About LifeLabTM [https://biggby.com/b-involved/life-you-love-laboratory/]   ABOUT LOVE IN LEADERSHIP: At the Life You Love LaboratoryTM and BIGGBY® COFFEE, we’re out to prove that financial success and healthy workplace culture aren’t two separate goals. BIGGBY® COFFEE's own cultural transformation is proof that not only is it possible to have a successful company where people aren’t miserable at work, but that the happier your people are, the more your business will grow. Each week, join host Laura Eich, Chief Purpose Officer at BIGGBY® COFFEE, and her co-host and BIGGBY® COFFEE co-CEO Mike McFall as they’re joined by guests from around the world to learn how they are fostering a culture of love and growth in the world’s most innovative and people-centric companies. Get inspired. Get real. Get ready to transform workplace culture in America with us. This is the Love in Leadership podcast. Learn more at: loveinleadershippodcast.com [https://loveinleadershippodcast.com/]   ABOUT THE HOSTS: Mike McFall began his journey with BIGGBY® COFFEE as a minimum-wage barista at the original store in East Lansing in 1996. Over the span of 23 years, alongside business partner Bob Fish, he has helped create one of the great specialty coffee brands in America. Today Mike is co-CEO with Bob, and BIGGBY® COFFEE has over 250 stores open throughout the Midwest that sell tens of thousands of cups of coffee each day. But more importantly to Mike and BIGGBY® COFFEE, the company is a profoundly people-first organization. Mike is also the author of Grind, a book which focuses on early-stage businesses and how to establish positive cash flow.   Laura Eich is BIGGBY® COFFEE’s Chief People Officer, having worked in a variety of roles at BIGGBY® COFFEE for the last 11+ years. She helped launch BOOST, the department at BIGGBY® COFFEE which ultimately became LifeLabTM — BIGGBY® COFFEE’s in-house culture cultivation team designed to help people be the best versions of themselves and help companies support them along the way. In her role, Laura helps people build lives that they love through the process of building profitable businesses and robust, growth-filled careers.

Meeting People Where They're At feat Brandon Cruise & Jeff Konczak

If you want to be a successful leader, you need to be present with each person you interact with, prioritize the growth of your team, and meet people where they’re at. Today on Love In Leadership, we are joined by BIGGBY® COFFEE partners, Brandon Cruise and Jeff Konczak to discuss what has brought them success in their leadership journeys. Hear all about their effortless partnership, how they define the BIGGBY® COFFEE culture, and what they love about the brand.  As the conversation progresses, we dive into the nitty gritty details of our guest’s leadership styles. Jeff and Brandon humbly share their strengths in building and maintaining relationships before discussing the importance of finding balance by doing what you love. We even hear about what we can look forward to from the two of them in the future. Finally, Brandon tells us how faith has made him a better leader and Jeff reminds us to make the most of our limited days on earth. To hear all this and so much more, tune in now! Guest Bio:  Brandon Cruise is a BIGGBY® COFFEE franchise owner based in Marysville, Ohio, where he lives with his wife, Laura, and their four young children. Since signing on for their first franchise in 2018, Brandon and his family have successfully grown their business, now owning two locations (556 and 1048) since 2020. Brandon’s parents, Sandy and Clancy, play a crucial role in the business. Sandy manages the essential administrative tasks, including payroll, while Clancy, a former pastor with over 30 years of experience, is a certified espresso machine technician who handles equipment maintenance and repairs. Together, the Cruise family’s teamwork and dedication have been key to their business's success. Jeff Konczak is an entrepreneur and founder of BCubed Manufacturing, specializing in modular drive-through BIGGBY® COFFEE shops. Based in his hometown, Jeff has built a diverse business portfolio, including four BIGGBY Coffee franchises and extensive real estate holdings, such as VA clinics and historic properties. Starting with a single prototype in 2017, BCubed has since grown to 77 locations. Jeff is also deeply involved in local development, acquiring and revitalizing properties, including cinemas and waterfront buildings. His innovative approach combines business growth with community revitalization, making a lasting impact both locally and beyond. Key Points From This Episode:   * [00:35] A brief catch-up with our hosts and a little of what they’ve been up to.  * [08:48] Introducing our guests, Jeff Konczak and Brandon Cruise.  * [13:04] How Jeff and Brandon got to know each other.  * [14:48] Brandon tells us what his role is and how he defines the BIGGBY® COFFEE culture.  * [19:05] What drew Jeff to BIGGBY® COFFEE and what he loves about it. * [24:19] Our guests describe their leadership styles and tell us what works for them.  * [40:10] How Brandon and Jeff balance their work with their personal lives.  * [44:38] What our guests are excited about for the future of their businesses.  * [50:07] Brandon tells us how his faith impacts him as a leader.  * [54:19] Key takeaways from today’s inspirational conversation.    Quotes:   “We want the best for the brand. I've fallen in love with [it].” — Jeff Konczak [0:21:04]   “There's nothing that isn't possible if you put your mind to it and work hard.” — Jeff Konczak [0:31:44]   “The people that work for you are everything. – If you don't have [them], then you do become unbalanced really quickly because then it feels like it's up to you to do everything.” — Brandon Cruise [0:43:21]   “I'm all about letting people make mistakes and move forward and try to get better every day.” — Brandon Cruise [0:51:46] RESOURCES:   * [10:48]BCubed Manufacturing [https://bcubedmanufacturing.com/] * [26:05] How to Win Friends and Influence People [https://www.amazon.com/How-Win-Friends-Influence-People/dp/0671027034] * [51:18] Switchfoot [https://switchfoot.com/]   FOLLOW:   Follow Brandon Cruise: * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/bacruise/] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/lostsonmusic/]   Follow Jeff Konczak: * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-j-konczak-014b13189/] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/jeff.j.konczak/]   FOLLOW: Follow Laura Eich: * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-eich-50349a172/] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/laura.eich.77] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/laurajeaneich/]   Follow Mike McFall: * Website [https://www.michaeljmcfall.com/] * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-biggby/] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/MikeMcFallOfficial] * X [https://twitter.com/mikejmcfall] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/mikejmcfall/]   Follow BIGGBY® COFFEE & LifeLabTM: * Website [https://www.biggby.com/b-involved/] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/BiggbyCoffee.Bhappy/] * X [https://twitter.com/biggbycoffee] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/biggbycoffee/] * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/biggby-coffee/] * About LifeLabTM [https://biggby.com/b-involved/life-you-love-laboratory/]   ABOUT LOVE IN LEADERSHIP: At the Life You Love LaboratoryTM and BIGGBY® COFFEE, we’re out to prove that financial success and healthy workplace culture aren’t two separate goals. BIGGBY® COFFEE's own cultural transformation is proof that not only is it possible to have a successful company where people aren’t miserable at work, but that the happier your people are, the more your business will grow. Each week, join host Laura Eich, Chief Purpose Officer at BIGGBY® COFFEE, and her co-host and BIGGBY® COFFEE co-CEO Mike McFall as they’re joined by guests from around the world to learn how they are fostering a culture of love and growth in the world’s most innovative and people-centric companies. Get inspired. Get real. Get ready to transform workplace culture in America with us. This is the Love in Leadership podcast. Learn more at: loveinleadershippodcast.com [https://loveinleadershippodcast.com/]   ABOUT THE HOSTS: Mike McFall began his journey with BIGGBY® COFFEE as a minimum-wage barista at the original store in East Lansing in 1996. Over the span of 23 years, alongside business partner Bob Fish, he has helped create one of the great specialty coffee brands in America. Today Mike is co-CEO with Bob, and BIGGBY® COFFEE has over 250 stores open throughout the Midwest that sell tens of thousands of cups of coffee each day. But more importantly to Mike and BIGGBY® COFFEE, the company is a profoundly people-first organization. Mike is also the author of Grind, a book which focuses on early-stage businesses and how to establish positive cash flow.   Laura Eich is BIGGBY® COFFEE’s Chief People Officer, having worked in a variety of roles at BIGGBY® COFFEE for the last 11+ years. She helped launch BOOST, the department at BIGGBY® COFFEE which ultimately became LifeLabTM — BIGGBY® COFFEE’s in-house culture cultivation team designed to help people be the best versions of themselves and help companies support them along the way. In her role, Laura helps people build lives that they love through the process of building profitable businesses and robust, growth-filled careers.