• Why Focusing On Your "Why" Is Critical To Your Growth And Profit | e89
    Jul 11 2023

    In our latest episode, look at the vital role of identifying our personal 'why' and its impact on our personal and entrepreneurial choices. We look at discovering the relationship between our hobbies and professions as well as finding balance between our passions and profits. We also consider the value of feedback and introduce you to an innovative method, '25 in 25,' to pinpoint your core purpose. Listen in as we underline the importance of staying aligned with our ‘why’ even in the middle of disruption.

    Topics We Discuss:
    1. The connection between hobbies and vocation
    2. Four dimensions to identify your core purpose
    3. The crucial role of feedback
    4. The importance of ‘why,’ especially during times of disruption
    5. The '25 and 25' exercise to help identify your why
    6. Real-world examples involving Nike and a home renovation business

    Find out more on our website: leadingisserving.com


    Learn your Leadership Voice here: Take the 5 Voices Assessment for free and connect with coaching through exANIMO Solutions.


    Leading is Serving podcast is hosted by: Chris Wood (Stillwater Renovations) & Jason Kempf (exANIMO Solutions)

    If you have any questions, suggested topics, potential interviews, or just want to know more, contact us at on our website!

    Music is Disarray by Bobo Renthlei on Soundstripe

    Recorded at The Uncommons Studios

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    31 mins
  • Dealing With the Curveballs of Business: How Entrepreneurs Tackle Unforeseen Challenges | e88
    Jun 30 2023

    In today's podcast, our hosts, Chris and Jason, explore the art of dealing with the unexpected curveballs in business and life. They discuss the importance of staying steadfast and visionary amidst challenges, drawing parallels with their experiences as busy parents during summer. The conversation steers toward the cultural shift caused by COVID and how it has impacted businesses. They share personal anecdotes and valuable lessons gained through trials on their journey as entrepreneurs, emphasizing the necessity to adjust goals and expectations in the face of unexpected situations. This episode is a must-listen for everyone looking to navigate their path in these times, ensuring they are grounded in their sense of 'why,' and leaning into their strengths while overcoming obstacles. Listen in for an empowering discussion on bouncing back, adapting and maintaining momentum in the face of curveballs.


    Topics Discussed:


    1. Navigating busy summer schedules

    2. Dealing with unexpected curveballs in business

    3. Impact of COVID on businesses

    4. Concept of failing forward

    5. Re-evaluating your 'why' in challenging times

    6. Strategies to effectively deal with curveballs

    7. Importance of seeking guidance from mentors

    Find out more on our website: leadingisserving.com


    Learn your Leadership Voice here: Take the 5 Voices Assessment for free and connect with coaching through exANIMO Solutions.


    Leading is Serving podcast is hosted by: Chris Wood (Stillwater Renovations) & Jason Kempf (exANIMO Solutions)

    If you have any questions, suggested topics, potential interviews, or just want to know more, contact us at on our website!

    Music is Disarray by Bobo Renthlei on Soundstripe

    Recorded at The Uncommons Studios

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    23 mins
  • Know Yourself to Lead Yourself: The Power of Self-Awareness in Business and Leadership | e87
    Jun 21 2023

    In this vital episode of "Know Yourself to Lead Yourself," we dive deep into the power of understanding ourselves for better leadership and business growth. Discover strategies to overcome the curveballs of life, harness your tendencies for positive outcomes, and crack the code for managing stress, procrastination, and risk-taking. In a rapidly evolving world, honing self-awareness equips you to be an effective, compassionate leader who inspires others on their growth journey.

    Topics discussed:
    - The power of knowing yourself in leadership and business
    - Facing life's curveballs
    - Understanding and managing your tendencies
    - The impact of procrastination on creativity, quality, and teammates' satisfaction
    - Self-imposed deadlines, accountability, and focus
    - The role of environments and past decisions in business risk-taking
    - Constant evolution, growth, and good leadership

    Entities mentioned:
    - www.exANIMOsolutions.com
    - 5 Voices Assessment (link below)
    - leadingisserving.com

    Take the first step in reaching your full potential by visiting exANIMOsolutions.com for a free 5 Voices Assessment and explore more growth opportunities. Don't forget to leave a review on leadingisserving.com to make a positive impact on your leadership journey. Join our thriving, supportive leadership community and fight for the highest good of others.

    Find out more on our website: leadingisserving.com


    Learn your Leadership Voice here: Take the 5 Voices Assessment for free and connect with coaching through exANIMO Solutions.


    Leading is Serving podcast is hosted by: Chris Wood (Stillwater Renovations) & Jason Kempf (exANIMO Solutions)

    If you have any questions, suggested topics, potential interviews, or just want to know more, contact us at on our website!

    Music is Disarray by Bobo Renthlei on Soundstripe

    Recorded at The Uncommons Studios

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    16 mins
  • The Gift & Responsibility of Leading Through Change | e86
    Jun 2 2023

    Not many of us enjoy leading through change. It's part of the journey as a leader to either respond to change guiding our teams and organization or to anticipate and orchestrate change. Change is one of those true tests of leadership. So where do we start? How to we even begin to process the next steps and anticipate any resistance we might encounter. We jump back into the archives today to episodes 20 and 21 where we talk about the process of change and overcoming resistance. Tune in to find some clarity on navigating the messiness of change.

    Find out more on our website: leadingisserving.com


    Learn your Leadership Voice here: Take the 5 Voices Assessment for free and connect with coaching through exANIMO Solutions.


    Leading is Serving podcast is hosted by: Chris Wood (Stillwater Renovations) & Jason Kempf (exANIMO Solutions)

    If you have any questions, suggested topics, potential interviews, or just want to know more, contact us at on our website!

    Music is Disarray by Bobo Renthlei on Soundstripe

    Recorded at The Uncommons Studios

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    17 mins
  • 4 Types of Leaders: The Liberating Leader - A Leader Worth Following | e85
    May 25 2023

    Ever wondered what it takes to be a great leader? Today, Chris and Jason finish up the series on 4 types of leaders: Liberating, Protecting, Dominating, and Abdicating leaders. We explore how the Liberating Leader is the most effective one, as they support and challenge their team to achieve success. On the other end of the spectrum, an Abdicating Leader creates disengagement in their team and can lead to high turnover rates. Chris and Jason discuss how effective communication is essential for leadership, and how recognizing natural tendencies in communication can help leaders adjust their approach to suit individual team members. Throughout the episode, they offer tips to become liberating leaders that people want to follow, creating a healthy work environment with shared understanding. Tune in now to enhance your leadership skills!

    Find out more on our website: leadingisserving.com


    Learn your Leadership Voice here: Take the 5 Voices Assessment for free and connect with coaching through exANIMO Solutions.


    Leading is Serving podcast is hosted by: Chris Wood (Stillwater Renovations) & Jason Kempf (exANIMO Solutions)

    If you have any questions, suggested topics, potential interviews, or just want to know more, contact us at on our website!

    Music is Disarray by Bobo Renthlei on Soundstripe

    Recorded at The Uncommons Studios


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    19 mins
  • 4 Types of Leaders: Watching Out for the Dominating Leader | e84
    May 16 2023

    Are you a leader who struggles with balancing expectations, deadlines, and relationships? Check out this episode of Leading is Serving, where we dive into the four types of leaders - specifically the Dominating leader. Dominating leaders crush their deadlines and expectations, but can fall short when it comes to building a culture of trust and celebrating achievements.


    We explore different leadership tendencies, from nurturers and connectors to pioneers and guardians. We discuss how too much of one tendency can create problems but leaders can harness their tendencies in a healthy manner. With insights on effective communication, peer-to-peer mentoring, and becoming a liberating leader, this episode is a must-listen for anyone on a leadership journey. Visit leadingandserving.com for more resources and don't forget to leave us a review!


    Topics Discussed:

    - 4 Types of leaders

    - Dominating leadership

    - Culture of trust

    - Celebrating achievements

    - Leadership tendencies

    - Communication and productivity

    - Generational working differences

    - Effective communication

    - Liberating leadership


    Sign up for an Uncommons Network Group here! uncommonsentwork.com


    Find out more on our website: leadingisserving.com


    Learn your Leadership Voice here: Take the 5 Voices Assessment for free and connect with coaching through exANIMO Solutions.


    Leading is Serving podcast is hosted by: Chris Wood (Stillwater Renovations) & Jason Kempf (exANIMO Solutions)

    If you have any questions, suggested topics, potential interviews, or just want to know more, contact us at on our website!

    Music is Disarray by Bobo Renthlei on Soundstripe

    Recorded at The Uncommons Studios


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    20 mins
  • 4 Types of Leaders: Spotlighting the Protective and Supportive Leader | e83
    May 10 2023

    Today, we introduce a mini-series on the four types of leaders. The four types are abdicating, liberating, protective, and dominating, with this episode focusing on the protective leader. We discuss how protective leaders are supportive and relational, but may struggle with communicating expectations, deadlines, and challenges. We also mention how important finding the balance between support and challenge is for leaders. The next episode will focus on the dominating leader and how finding the balance is a real-world problem and a lot of weight for leaders. Through our conversation, we touch on the importance of effective communication, setting boundaries, expectations, and deadlines. Tune in for valuable insights on leadership styles and the importance of serving others.


    Topics Discussed:

    - Abdicating, liberating, protective, and dominating leadership styles

    - Characteristics of a protective leader

    - Importance of balancing encouragement and challenge

    - Effective communication, setting boundaries, expectations, and deadlines

    - Insight from parenting into leadership tendencies


    Sign up for an Uncommons Network Group here! uncommonsentwork.com


    Find out more on our website: leadingisserving.com


    Learn your Leadership Voice here: Take the 5 Voices Assessment for free and connect with coaching through exANIMO Solutions.


    Leading is Serving podcast is hosted by: Chris Wood (Stillwater Renovations) & Jason Kempf (exANIMO Solutions)

    If you have any questions, suggested topics, potential interviews, or just want to know more, contact us at on our website!

    Music is Disarray by Bobo Renthlei on Soundstripe

    Recorded at The Uncommons Studios


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    17 mins
  • Shifting Mindset To Working IN Your Business To ON Your Business | Pt2 | E82
    May 2 2023

    Today, hosts Chris Wood and Jason Kempf discuss the crucial but challenging transition from working in a business to working on it. They candidly point out the difficulties of embracing this shift and highlight how this journey is often growing slowly rather than just arriving instantly. They delve deeper into important topics such as communication, self-awareness, delegation, and leading oneself before leading others. The hosts also stress the importance of taking baby steps towards personal growth, focusing on the right things, and identifying critical tasks that can foster business growth. If you're a leader determined to succeed in your business, don't miss this insightful episode of Leading and Serving.

    Topics discussed:
    - The challenge of transitioning from working in a business to working on a business
    - Dealing with employee turnover and feeling overwhelmed
    - The benefits of participating in a mastermind group
    - Focusing on the right things and making small chunks of progress
    - Becoming more self-aware and improving communication skills
    - Developing a common language among team members
    - Identifying critical tasks for business growth
    - Letting go of control and delegating tasks
    - The importance of working hard today for success tomorrow

    Sign up for an Uncommons Network Group here! uncommonsentwork.com

    Find out more on our website: leadingisserving.com

    Learn your Leadership Voice here: Take the 5 Voices Assessment for free and connect with coaching through exANIMO Solutions.

    Leading is Serving podcast is hosted by: Chris Wood (Stillwater Renovations) & Jason Kempf (exANIMO Solutions)
    If you have any questions, suggested topics, potential interviews, or just want to know more, contact us at on our website!
    Music is Disarray by Bobo Renthlei on Soundstripe
    Recorded at The Uncommons Studios

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    22 mins