10 Lessons Learned

Huw Thomas - From Challenges to Change: Lessons in Leadership

                                 
About Huw Thomas
Huw is a professional speaker, executive mentor and is an expert in transformational change.
He has worked with almost 100 organisations across multitudes of industries including media, banking, NFPs, pharmaceuticals and public service.
After years at a top-tier consulting firm, he led the scaling of several boutique professional service firms including the 5x revenue growth of one startup.
Huw also serves as a practicing non-executive company director and chair.
 
Episode Notes
 
04:20 Lesson 1:      Think and Dream Big.
06:19 Lesson 2:      Seek Adversity and Discomfort.
14:40 Lesson 3:      Be Sceptical About Fads and Bad Ideas.
25:12 Lesson 4:      To Be Exceptional, You Must Stand Out and Be Different.
29:15 Lesson 5:      Tolerance of Uncertainty Is a Leadership Superpower.
34:19 Lesson 6:      Embrace Acceptance and Forgiveness.
38:53 Lesson 7:      Make Yourself Useful.
43:30 Lesson 8:      Shape the Experience Others Have of You.
47:05 Lesson 9:      Framing Is a Powerful Lever of Influence.
49:42 Lesson 10:    Life Is a Team Game.
 

Marty Levy - Embrace Change - Resistance is Futile

                                         
 
About Marty Levy
Marty is an accomplished Silicon Valley sales executive and a B2B sales best practices thought leader. He has been a tech industry sales and revenue leader for more than 30 years.
Marty has operated at the forefront of several paradigm-shifting technology transitions where he pioneered and developed models for success in customer engagements. His experience spans a broad range of tech industry segments including semiconductors, systems, software, and services.
Having grown up in Brooklyn, N.Y where he learned at an early age how to be a top tier sales person, he moved to the San Francisco Bay Area to build his professional career in the tech industry.
Marty’s expertise encompasses direct sales team leadership and the effective utilization of channels and partners to grow and scale revenue.  He has honed his skills working for some of the world’s largest companies and by successfully leading sales for several growth and scale-stage businesses.
Previously, Marty was chairman of the Sales Leadership Council and on the board of the VP of Sales Forum in Silicon Valley.  During that period, he directed and led discussions among many top sales executives on overcoming challenges in sales and attaining revenue goals.
Today, he is a well-known figure in the Arizona startup community where he is a recognized subject matter expert on revenue growth. He has his own consulting and advisory firm, LevelUp Growth Partners, and works with many growth stage startups to develop their go-to-market and sales execution plans. Marty is also active at Arizona State University where he has designed and leads several entrepreneurial programs for students, alumni, and faculty participants.   
 
Episode Notes
05:48 Lesson 1:          Winning and keeping customers is the essential function of a business
06:51 Lesson 2:          Communications excellence is THE key business superpower
08:47 Lesson 3:          Be Curious, Keep Learning.
10:31 Lesson 4:          Embrace Change. “Resistance is Futile”.
13:00 Lesson 5:          Listen to your gut but don’t rely on it solely
15:23 Lesson 6:          Your reputation is essential to your success. Be vigilant to maintain it.
18:53 Lesson 7:          Be trustworthy. Earn people’s trust. Avoid demanding it.
23:00 Lesson 8:          Listen More; Talk Less
27:58 Lesson 9:          Lead by example. Others will act as you do.
31:52 Lesson 10:        Great individual performance in a team effort is the model for excellence
 

Fabio Teixeira -Do not expect more from a person than what they can offer

 
 
About Fabio Teixeira
Fabio Teixeira is a seasoned executive leader and experienced and NACD certified Board member with a global perspective, known for his remarkable cross-cultural acumen and unwavering drive. With a distinguished career spanning over 30 years, he has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, honed through diverse industry experiences and a unique background that includes leadership positions in companies such as Chevron, Ensco, and Atlas Copco. As an entrepreneur, Mr. Teixeira owns and operates well-known brands such as Supercuts & Cost Cutters and he serves as a member of the Board of Directors at the March of Dimes and at Ensco Joint Venture.
Throughout his career, Mr. Teixeira has held a series of high-impact executive leadership roles in the Oil & Gas and manufacturing industries and as an entrepreneur. His career has been marked by a track record of achieving substantial growth, fostering collaboration, developing workforce, and driving innovation. During his tenure in the energy industry, Mr. Teixeira previously managed a P&L of $750 million dollars and was the executive leader of two successfully M&A integrations not only completing them on time but exceeding financial synergies of US$ 250 MM which positioned the organization as one of the industry leaders.
Mr. Teixeira served as a Board of Director for the Ensco joint venture in Angola for 4 years. In addition, his negotiation skills combined with cultural fluency and adaptability were instrumental in forging successful commercial agreements with partners, clients and governments, mainly in Africa and Asia.
Currently, as an entrepreneur, Mr. Teixeira is the owner, President & CEO of Gavi Excellence and Viga Excellence, managing a team of 30 successfully franchised locations under Supercuts and Cost Cutters brands with more than 1.5 million of haircuts provided. He is also a Board member with the March of Dimes in the Greater Houston area which is the biggest market for one of the largest nonprofit organizations in the USA, raising more than $5 MM per year.
Mr. Teixeira holds an MBA degree from Thunderbird, School of Global Management, with a focus on finance and strategy. In addition, he holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and a BA in Business Administration with specialization in International Management from Fundacao Getulio Vargas (FGV) in Brazil.
Episode Notes
07:34 Lesson 1: Trust but Verify12:57 Lesson 2: Never Give up18:00 Lesson 3: Cash is King21:40 Lesson 4: There is no Free Lunch24:14 Lesson 5: Do not expect more from a person than what they can offer.27:25    Affiliate Break28:02 Lesson 6: Do not be afraid of having serious conversations31:42 Lesson 7: Be proactive, take initiatives and make decisions.35:28 Lesson 8: Learn to say no38:44 Lesson 9: Positive mind set41:23 Lesson 10: Have fun
 

Warren Farrell - Soul-Mate Wisdom

About Warren Farrell PHD
Warren Farrell, PhD, has coached couples and psychologists in couples’ communication for the past 30 years. His Role Mate to Soul Mate book emanates from his popular course of the same title.
Dr. Farrell has been chosen by the Financial Times of London as one of the world’s top 100 thought leaders. His books are published in 19 languages, and include The New York Times bestseller Why Men Are the Way They Are, international bestseller The Myth of Male Power, and 2018's The Boy Crisis..
Dr. Farrell has been interviewed repeatedly by Oprah, Barbara Walters, Tucker Carlson and Jordan Peterson, and also by Peter Jennings, Katie Couric, and Charlie Rose. He has frequently written for and been featured in The New York Times and publications worldwide. Warren has two daughters and lives with his wife in Mill Valley, California, and virtually at warrenfarrell.com.
 
Episode Notes
08:51 Soulmate Wisdom 1: The secret to feeling loved is to feel understood.
14:18 Soulmate Wisdom 2: Our choice of partner is the most important statement about our choice of values.
18:09 Soulmate Wisdom 3: Every virtue taken to its extreme becomes a vice.
22:48 Soulmate Wisdom 4: Criticism looks different to the criticizer and the criticized
25:28 Soulmate Wisdom 5: Anger is Vulnerability's Mask.
30:10 Soulmate Wisdom 6: Falling in love is biologically natural and sustaining love is biologically unnatural
31:15 Soulmate Wisdom 7: The path to relationship wealth is appreciating your partner as if you're panning for gold
33:29 Soulmate Wisdom 8: The more you love your partner, the more vulnerable you feel.
35:28 Soulmate Wisdom 9: When either of us wins, both of us lose.
36:24 Soulmate Wisdom 10: Never say what you don't want, ask for what you do
38:55 Soulmate Wisdom 11. When criticism appears, wisdom disappears

Appreciate, Forgive, and Transform: A Guide to Life and Leadership

                           
About Mayor Kevin Hartke
Mayor Kevin Hartke is passionate about all things Chandler and Arizona. He began his second term in January 2023. Kevin served as Vice Mayor twice, as well as on City Council for nine years. Kevin and his wife, Lynne, have been married for 42 years and have lived in Chandler since 1985. They have four children and four grandchildren. Kevin continues to serve as a Pastor at Trinity Christian Fellowship in Chandler where he has worked since 1985. He has a bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and a master’s degree in Theology. Kevin is involved extensively in the state, region and Chandler community. As Mayor, he serves as Vice President on the Arizona League of Cities and Towns Board and on the Executive Board of Maricopa Association of Governments. He also serves as a board member of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council. In Chandler, Kevin volunteers with several organizations: For Our City Chandler, IHELP (local homelessness solution), American Cancer Society; Ex-officio board member with Chandler Chamber of Commerce and Chandler's Sister Cities. Kevin is a literacy advocate reading to students in Chandler since 2007.
Episode Notes
Lesson 1: 05:33 Life is beautiful and full of wonder. Take time daily to appreciate it.Lesson 2: 07:16 Relationships are difficult, but important.Lesson 3: 09:36 Learn important lessons vicariously. Learn from others.Lesson 4: 11:25 Surround yourself with good people who want to carry water for you.Lesson 5: 14:26 Smile when others are so engaged in something you started that they                                                   now own it. Let them.Lesson 6: 17:33 Grieve when you experience loss in your own way, in your own time. Lesson 7: 20:36 Forgive.Lesson 8: 22:53 Give people your full attention, be engaged.Lesson 9: 23:43 Tell the truth, then you do not have to remember how to perpetuate a lie.Lesson 10: 25:49 Find a way to make the world a better place every day

Attila Juhasz -Be Factual not Fictional

                                                     
About Attila Juhasz
Attila was born and raised in communistic Hungary. At the age of 19, in pursuit of a better life, he moved to Phoenix Arizona in 1987. That was 2 years prior to the Eastern Block falling apart. After learning English, he started his education at Arizona State University and completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing in 3 years. Attila continued his education at Thunderbird and received a Master of Business Administration in 12 months. He has worked in several different industries including sport apparel, optical, commercial wash accessories, homeware, consumer goods and medical supplies. He had the opportunity to work on marketing strategies for global brands like Puma® and Dial®. Attila also held both international and national sales positions where he negotiated multimillion dollar supply agreements in the optical, consumer goods, and healthcare industries. He is currently a real estate associate broker position where he guides clients through one of the most important transactions of their lifetime.
Episode notes
06:17 Lesson 1: Treat the doorman of a company with as much respect as you would give to              the president of the company09:31  Lesson 2. Don’t be afraid to fight for your dreams.12:22  Lesson 3. Don’t assume things. Be factual and not fictional.14:06  Lesson 4. In any situation, never ever say you are “confused.” Always ask for                               “clarification.” 15:57  Lesson 5. Surround yourself with people who inspire you and stay in touch with them                   over time.18:56  Affiliate Break19:25  Lesson 6. Don’t procrastinate and be proactive instead of reactive.21:43  Lesson 7. Don’t burn any bridges!23:51  Lesson 8. Keep your emotions in check and only quit a job if you already have another             one lined up.26:05  Lesson 9. Stay active both mentally and physically to help you perform at your                           optimum.28:18  Lesson 10. Never stop learning.
 

10 Lessons Special - Humility

                                                   
In this episode of '10 Lessons Learned,' hosts Yi and Jeffrey Wang delve into the theme of humility and its significance, particularly in leadership. They reflect on lessons from various guests, including Megumi Miki, Brad Chan, and Hector Colón, who emphasize the balance between humility and confidence, servant leadership, and the universal importance of humility across cultures. The discussion also touches on how humility fosters gratitude, wisdom, and effective leadership. The hosts conclude by inviting listeners to share their thoughts on the topic.
About Our Hosts
Yi Wang is passionate about applying a risk lens and toolkit to a business challenge, making it meaningful to stakeholders so to make better decisions and achieve their success. Having lived the life of a 1st-generation migrant in Australia, Yi completed a hybrid education in accounting and IT and worked in professional service and many digital-first industries. Yi received countless support and advice generously given by others, so he is a strong believer in mentorship and its power to help young professionals to realise their potential. Outside of his professional life, Yi enjoys playtime with his family, reading and is studying towards professional qualifications in mental health and counselling. Since joining the #10lessonslearned team, Yi has re-energised the team and helped refine a marketing strategy to amplify the outreach of the wisdom we aspire to share.
Jeffery Wang is the founder of Professional Development Forum, an organisation dedicated to help young professionals find fulfilment in the modern Australian workplace for more than 13 years. Since its inception, the forum has hosted multitudes of successful, remarkable, and inspiring leaders. Through this journey, Jeffery developed a passion for empowering culturally diverse talent and unlocking their leadership potential. Jeffery is a passionate advocate of genuine diversity, servant leadership and mentorship and engages actively both as a mentor and mentee. Jeffery has almost 20 years of experience working as a sales and strategy professional in the IT Industry looking after enterprise and government customers. He has lived in Taiwan and New Zealand before migrating to Sydney where he currently lives with his wife and two boys.
Episode Notes
00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
00:38 Exploring the Concept of Humility
01:49 Cultural Perspectives on Humility
02:52 Humility in Leadership
04:21 Behavioural Traits vs. Value Traits
05:49 Challenges and Misconceptions of Humility
 
 

Garry McLinn- Librettos to Leads: Composing Success in Sales

                                               
About Garry McLinn
Garry McLinn is an emerging Sales Leader for the leader in Experience Based Learning, Education First.  His career is somewhat non-traditional, having spent 10 years as an opera singer, performing all across North America, specifically Montreal and Boston.  During that time, Garry developed a passion for team-based collaboration, steering him towards a pivot into sales where he grew his career towards leadership as quickly as possible.
Garry joined EF in February of 2019, as an entry level sales consultant in their international travel for students division.  Over a turbulent 5 years, marked by COVID, Garry was able to find a voice for himself to help his professional community navigate the challenges of operating as a travel organization amid a global pandemic.  As the world started to emerge from COVID, Garry was ready for his next step into leadership, but was sidetracked by a new journey – overcoming a diagnosis of High-Grade B-Cell Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.  Throughout treatment, Garry cultivated an attitude of unwavering positivity, leaned into his work to the extent his health would allow, and emerged from a 6-month treatment plan victorious in both professional and medical pursuits.
Shortly after his tangle with Cancer, Garry was elevated into a leadership position where he would be the steward of the newest hires within a specific product under the EF Umbrella.  In that time, he managed 28 direct reports at once, graduated them on to sales teams one by one, onboarded a co-manager and built a shared leadership model that has since been replicated in other departments, and fundamentally changed the nature of the new hire’s day-day responsibilities.  After a year of one success after another, Garry was asked to step into the directorship of a regional sales team, a role he occupies today.
Throughout everything, Garry has been a champion of inclusivity, vulnerability, and candor.
Episode notes
Lesson 1: Listen first 04:17Lesson 2: Lead with Vulnerability 06:26Lesson 3: Give feedback generously, candidly, often, and with care at the core.  10:43Lesson 4: Embrace Adversity as the Gauntlet of 14:08Lesson 5: Keep inclusivity at the heart of everything you do 18:33Lesson 6: Just be real, don't try to know everything 21:56Lesson 7: Strive for authenticity in all of your relationships, in and outside of work 23:53Lesson 8: Don't build a network, cultivate mentors and teammates. 26:57Lesson 9: Cultivate Curiosity. 30:11Lesson 10: Respecting all of the above, trust your gut and be willing to stand in your convictions.  32:09

Steven Scanlon - Be the most interested not the most interesting

                                                                 
About Steve Scanlon
 
Steve Scanlon is the founder and CEO of Rewire, a coaching and development company that helps companies, teams and individuals better understand how to make effective changes for radical improvement in their businesses and in their personal lives.
He owned and operated three companies by the time he was 30 and has since dedicated over 30,000 hours to one-on-one coaching with business executives and other top performers and has presented hundreds of workshops and keynote sessions to tens of thousands of people across the country. He is certified by the ICF, has a certification in interpersonal neurobiology from the Mindsight Institute, and was a senior fellow at the Institute of Coaching, which is endowed by the Harvard Medical School.
He’s a co-creator and co-host of The Insight Interviews podcast, where he interviews experts and thought leaders about what has contributed to their success, and he’s the author of two books, Reality and Hope: Reflections From a Coach's Chair and Still the Lizard: Transformation Is Closer Than You Think.
Steve is a self-proclaimed neuroscience geek, passionate golfer, family man, and occasional painter.
Episode notes
06:37 Lesson 1: Be the most interested not the most interesting.
13:15 Lesson 2: Don’t believe everything you think.
18:22 Lesson 3: Practice the art of caring without carrying.
23:37 Lesson 4: Notice “Othering”.
30:15 Lesson 5: Grow in Compassion.
32:05 Affiliate Break
32:46 Lesson 6: Know the Season.
35:15 Lesson 7: Listen with Abandon.
38:05 Lesson 8: Practice Silence

10 Lessons - Special - Leadership

                                     
In a special edition of 10 Lessons Learned, hosts Robert Hossary and Diana White delve into the importance of self-awareness, recognizing one's biases, facing inner demons, and the value of humility. Through insightful guest lessons, they emphasize the need for continuous personal growth and reflection. The hosts share personal anecdotes to highlight the transformative impact of understanding oneself and embracing lifelong learning.
 
About Our Hosts
Diana White has over 30 years in sales and retail experience, leading stores with revenues of over 10 million and a staff of 200. Consumer psychology, marketing, operations, and leadership are just a few of her skillsets. Seeing a need for startup and operations assistance within the local business community, Diana established D.E.W. Business Solutions, LLC, to provide consulting to small businesses. She obtained a Bachelor of Science in Small Business Administration from Northern Arizona University, holds a green belt in Lean Six Sigma, and is a certified Agile Scrum Master. She is committed to helping businesses and non-profits as well as the community at large.
 
Siebe Van Der Zee is President of Vanderzee & Associates, Executive Search & Coaching. He has served as an international management consultant for over 25 years. For 28 years, Siebe has served as Honorary Consul of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Arizona. He holds a Master's Degree in International Management from Thunderbird School of Global Management and he is a current member of the International Leadership Council at GPEC (Greater Phoenix Economic Council).
Robert Hossary has been involved in the not for profit/charity sector for the past 12 years. Robert also has an excellent knowledge in international business. Since 2011 - 2018, Robert was the General Manager for the American Chamber of Commerce in Australia (AmCham) and helped advise many Australian and US companies about their international expansion requirements. Prior to that, Robert was Regional Vice President for the Americas for a technology manufacturer. He has also worked in Taiwan with responsibility for Asia Pacific and the Middle East. With a background in Technology, Transport, Fashion and Healthcare, Robert has a wealth of experience to share.
00:00 Introduction to 10 Lessons Learned00:40 Exploring the Concept of Leadership03:10 Personal Leadership Experiences05:25 Leadership in Different Contexts07:55 Lessons from Distinguished Guests09:28 The Privilege of Leadership11:14 Servant Leadership and Team Dynamics23:30 Addressing Conflict and Finding Solutions27:21 Final Thoughts and Conclusion

10 Lessons Learned: Finding Success Beyond the Rat Race with Marissa Nichol

                                                   
 
About Marissa Nichol
Marissa Nichol is a 27-year-old who grew up in Ohio and moved from New York City to Australia on a working holiday visa. After getting a degree in journalism, starting a career in marketing and producing a podcast “Reconsider Everything: The American History Project” on history education in American schools, she decided to change the course she was on to focus on travel and lifestyle rather than career.
Episode notes
02:43 Lesson 1 :Everyone has their own definition of what success looks like05:57 Lesson 2: Listen to your gut with what feels right and wrong07:21 Lesson 3: Go back to what you were drawn to as a child09:23 Lesson 4: You have to take a leap of faith to make connections and be given opportunities11:09 Lesson 5: If you follow your interests, they will lead you to opportunities and money13:14 Lesson 6: Find your people and your hobbies17:46 Lesson 7: Sometimes the internet is your friend20:35 Lesson 8: Lean into your habits that bring you joy22:15 Lesson 9: Get out of your headspace of what is scary25:48 Lesson 10: You have to go through these typical phases of life where you are unhappy to get to a point where you are happy.

Daniel Gomez - Raise Your B.A.A.R.

                           
 
Unlock Your Potential: Top 10 Lessons for Success with Daniel Gomez | 10 Lessons Learned In this enlightening episode of '10 Lessons Learned,' host Robert Hossary interviews Daniel Gomez, an accomplished author, keynote speaker, business and executive coach, and podcast host. Daniel shares his top 10 lessons for achieving epic success in both personal and professional life. Through these lessons, Daniel discusses the importance of self-discipline, raising your belief system, having a definitive morning routine, dreaming bigger, and much more. Tune in to gather insights on transforming your mindset, elevating your confidence, and realizing your true potential. Also, don't miss the special gift offered exclusively for the audience!
About Daniel Gomez
Daniel Gomez is an Award-Winning Keynote Speaker, Business Coach, Executive Coach, Corporate Trainer, and Podcast of the Year Recipient for The Daniel Gomez Inspires Show.
Daniel speaks and coaches at events all over the world! His passion is to elevate businesses and entrepreneurs to achieve their true potential through their training and coaching programs. Daniel has empowered his clients to achieve epic success in their personal and professional lives.
He is an International Best-Selling Author. Daniel’s book, “You Were Born to Fly”, and of “The Makings of a Millionaire Mind”, inspired to give people the high-performance habits and confidence needed to be the leaders of their own destiny. 
Daniel’s high-energy and ability to unlock the untapped potential in people has made him a highly sought-out keynote speaker and corporate trainer for top organizations including the U.S. Air Force. He was honored with the “Best of 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 & 2023” awards for his training and business coaching.
He and his wife, Mari Gomez, believe in giving back and support women whose lives have been impacted by breast cancer through their 501(c)(3) nonprofit “The Mari Strong Foundation.”
Episode notes
0:00 Intro03:40 Lesson 1: Have a Morning Routine07:15 Lesson 2: Raise Your B.A.A.R12:20 Lesson 3: Be Worthy and Deserving14:14 Lesson 4: Dream Bigger18:48 Lesson 5: Trust More21:22 Lesson 6: I am a Rolls Royce25:04 Lesson 7: Have a Value System to Live By27:58 Lesson 8: Set your Financial Thermostat35:30 Lesson 9: I belong with the Elite37:33 Lesson 10: Believe

Special Episode– Self Awareness

                                 
In a special edition of 10 Lessons Learned, hosts Robert Hossary and Diana White delve into the importance of self-awareness, recognizing one's biases, facing inner demons, and the value of humility. Through insightful guest lessons, they emphasize the need for continuous personal growth and reflection. The hosts share personal anecdotes to highlight the transformative impact of understanding oneself and embracing lifelong learning.
About our Hosts
Diana White has over 30 years in sales and retail experience, leading stores with revenues of over 10 million and a staff of 200. Consumer psychology, marketing, operations, and leadership are just a few of her skillsets. 
Seeing a need for startup and operations assistance within the local business community, Diana established D.E.W. Business Solutions, LLC, to provide consulting to small businesses. Diana was appointed as CEO of Chandler Innovations, a technology incubator funded by the City of Chandler, Arizona.
Diana obtained a Bachelor of Science in Small Business Administration from Northern Arizona University, holds a green belt in Lean Six Sigma, and is a certified Agile Scrum Master. She is committed to helping businesses and non-profits as well as the community at large.
Robert Hossary has been involved in international business for the past two decades. Since 2011 – 2018, Robert was the General Manager for the American Chamber of Commerce in Australia (AmCham) and helped advise many Australian and US companies about their international expansion requirements.
 Prior to that, Robert was Regional Vice President for the Americas for a technology manufacturer. He has also worked in Taiwan with responsibility for Asia Pacific and the Middle East. 
With a background in Technology, Transport, Fashion and Healthcare, Robert has a wealth of experience to share.
Episode Notes
0:00 Intro01:23 The Man In The Mirror (poem is by Dale Wimbro 1934)04:25 Steve Zylstra- Know the Man in the Mirror07:11 Bas Borsma - It's Tough To Beat One's Demons11:03 Eric Miller - Know Your Own Bias15:07 Narelle Hooper - Put On Your Oxygen Mask Before Helping Others17:09 Vikas Tiku - Nobody Knows Everything
 

Zac Miller - Be honest with yourself about what you’re good at

                                   
 
Dive into the world of media production with Zac Miller! In our latest episode of 10 Lessons Learned, Zac reveals what it takes to be an overnight success—spoiler: it’s a decade of hard work! 
 
About Zac Miller
Zac Miller is a video producer who has nearly two decades of experience bringing films, television series, and podcasts to life. He leverages that experience to help media professionals and businesses of all sizes create and implement effective video strategies. Zac currently produces and co-stars in the hit video podcast, The Kim Gravel Show, which is a top show on QVC+. He is launching a new podcast this year about how to harness the power of video podcasting.
Zac began his career in 2005 working on indie films in Boston. He joined IATSE the following year as a grip and then moved to Los Angeles where he transitioned from lighting and tech into production. He quickly rose through the ranks to become the production manager on hit TV shows like Catfish (MTV) and Big Brother (CBS). During that time Zac worked on dozens of television series, feature films, commercials, music videos, and educational videos for clients like NBC Universal, Disney, HGTV, Lifetime, WGBH, Pepsi Co., Harvard Medical School, The National Science Foundation, and The US Department of Transportation.
In 2017 Zac left Big Brother to launch his own full-service video production and consulting company called Uncommon Image Studios where he produces and directs high-end videos for clients from national brands and fortune 500 companies to local businesses and nonprofits. Some of his notable clients include Ketel One Vodka, Westfield Malls, and Alcoa Corp.
Zac is passionate about education and taught video production from 2018 - 2022 at Clarkson University in New York. He has given invited talks at the University of Vermont, Cornell University Extension School, and St. Joseph’s University in Bangalore, India.
He is a member of the Producers Guild of America, and has won national awards for screenwriting, advertising, and directing, including the grand prize of a 2007 Jeep Compass SUV for producing and directing a 60 second Jeep commercial.
Zac was once karate chopped by Shaq on set.
 
Episode notes
Lesson 1: If you’re presenting anything - be entertaining. 10:34Lesson 2: Be honest with yourself about what you’re good at. 14:30Lesson 3: Give yourself permission to suck at first. 16:46Lesson 4: Win the expectations game - Set expectations and then exceed them. 20:08Lesson 5: Standing out is 99% about your attitude and reliability. 25:57 Lesson 6: Look at video as a creative solution for a business problem and be specific. 30:17Lesson 7: Don’t race to the bottom and commoditize your creative work. 34:08Lesson 8: Media is changing - "Is this real?" is the wrong question to ask – “who's telling the story?” 38:42Lesson 9: Rehearsals are an incredible tool. 45:30 Lesson 10: Overnight success takes a decade to accomplish, be prepared when it comes. 49:43Lesson 11: Always allow yourself the option to edit something out that isn’t working. 53:39 

Special Episode – Embracing Uncertainty

                     
 
                                       
Embrace uncertainty for growth! Join Siebe Van Der Zee and Yi Wang in a special episode of 10LessonsLearned as they delve into the power of uncertainty. Sweaty palms, trembling voices - familiar feelings, right? Dive deep into insightful conversations and wisdoms shared by distinguished guests. Unlock untapped potential from our treasure trove of lessons!
Siebe Van Der Zee is President of Vanderzee & Associates, Executive Search & Coaching. He has served as an international management consultant for over 25 years. For 28 years, Siebe has served as Honorary Consul of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Arizona. He holds a Master's Degree in International Management from Thunderbird School of Global Management and he is a current member of the International Leadership Council at GPEC (Greater Phoenix Economic Council).
Yi Wang is passionate about applying a risk lens and toolkit to a business challenge, making it meaningful to stakeholders so to make better decisions and achieve their success. Having lived the life of a 1st-generation migrant in Australia, Yi completed a hybrid education in accounting and IT and worked in professional service and many digital-first industries. Yi received countless support and advice generously given by others, so he is a strong believer in mentorship and its power to help young professionals to realise their potential. Outside of his professional life, Yi enjoys playtime with his family, reading and is studying towards professional qualifications in mental health and counselling. Since joining the #10lessonslearned team, Yi has re-energised the team and helped refine a marketing strategy to amplify the outreach of the wisdom we aspire to share.
Episode Notes
Intro 00:00Certainty is just a mindless illusion 02:13The Upper Limit Problem 03:28Learn to be comfortable being uncomfortable.06:06Run towards the fire. 09:22
Guests who's wisdom we talk about: Ellen Langer: watch episode Katie & Gay Hendricks: watch episode Bas Boorsma: watch episode Jim Carroll: watch episode Conrad Taylor: watch episodeBeng Yeoh: watch episode Jeffery Wang: watch episodeDavid Chalke: watch episode 

Professor Alan Davison - Being passionate about a problem doesn't mean your solution is right.

                               
Embark on a journey through logic, leadership, and the quest for intellectual diversity with Dr. Alan Davison on our latest podcast episode. It’s time to challenge your perspectives.
About Professor Alan Davison
Alan heads up Heterodox Academy in Australia, promoting viewpoint diversity in our academic communities.  He has published both scholarly and popular articles on trends in social sciences and humanities research.
Alan launched the “Permission to Think” speaker series alongside well-known media figure Josh Szeps in 2021, which invites prominent scholars to openly discuss complex issues during this age of outrage. Examining the role of intellectuals and institutions in public debates, especially those in the Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences (HASS) faculties. To date, guests in the series have included the likes of Jonathan Haidt and Alice Dreger.
Alan had an unusual educational background, being largely home-schooled and entering university via special admissions. He studied piano privately through his teens before initially undertaking a Bachelor of Music in performance, changing to musicology for his postgraduate study.
His long-running research interests cover music and visual culture, art and aesthetics, celebrity studies, and 19th-century European cultural history, but he maintains his knowledge of previous interests, especially in the philosophy of science and the scientific method.
Episode notes
0:00 Intro08:35 Lesson 1: Never Stop Being Curious13:23 Lesson 2: Being passionate about a problem doesn't mean you have a solution20:38 Lesson 3: Try to Steelman and not Strawman.29:30 Lesson 4: Smart people  can use their IQ to rationalize terrible ideas.36:16 Lesson 5: Be both strategic and tactical and challenging orthodox.42:43 Lesson 6: Being anti orthodox can be as bad as being orthodox.44:50 Lesson 7: Humans are apes.49:56 Lesson 8: Great leaders are both intellectual and ethical.01:03:07 Lesson 9: Be consistent but be prepared to change.01:06:25 Lesson 10: Working for and amongst people with diverse viewpoints is fulfilling.

Barnaby Howarth - Sometimes Stuff Just Works Out For You

                               
Join us on a journey of strength, survival, and the simplicity of being a good human with Barnaby Howarth on 10 Lessons Learned. His life, threaded with triumph and tragedy, teaches us the profound impact of resilience and kindness. Listen to the full conversation here
About Barnaby Howarth
Former AFL footballer, diabetic, host of interview show “Everyday Greatness”, stroke survivor, autocue operator for ABC News Australia, widower and Deacon in the Coptic Orthodox church, Barnaby Howarth has been a resilience speaker for over a decade, telling audiences to try their hardest and be proud of themselves.
Barnaby is a real human being living the messages he promotes to audiences – His message that just being a good, solid human being is enough to live a life you are proud of is a real point of difference in today's ever competitive world Barnaby has spoken all around the world to all sorts of groups and organisations.
 
Episode notes
Lesson 1: Rain falls on the just. As in the I'm just like, but there comes a time when you just have to get over it and go and play in the puddles. 04:42Lesson 2: Focus on the game plan, and the result will take care of itself. 07:56Lesson 3: He who has a why to live can bear almost any how. 10:35Lesson 4: Courage isn't the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.  15:49Lesson 5: Work hard, be good to people. 18:48Lesson 6: If a job is worth doing, it is worth doing well. 21:37Lesson 7: You are better off, knowing a little bit about a lot of things than a lot about a small number of things. 24:55Lesson 8: Sometimes shit just works out for you. 27:39Lesson 9: Do unto others as you would have others do unto you. 30:10Lesson 10: Don't be a dickhead. 31:23 

Dale Stevens - You don't know what you're capable of

                                 
 
In this inspiring episode of 10 Lessons Learned, we're joined by Dale Stevens, an actress with a fascinating career journey across continents, from London to Sydney, and onto the big screen in Mission Impossible. Dive deep into her wisdom on overcoming fears, embracing uniqueness, and the power of acting techniques in everyday life. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from one of the best in the industry!
About Dale Stevens
Dale Stevens is an actress from London who discovered her passion for acting at a very young age. Her journey took her from to Sydney, New Zealand and back to Melbourne as she pursued her love for the craft.
One of the pivotal moments in Dale’s career was landing a role in Mission Impossible, where she portrayed an assassin in front of famous US actors. This experience taught her that her best work happened when she was most afraid, which led her to make friends with her nerves.
Dale founded playright to teach others to use acting techniques to navigate their way through life intentionally… Over the last 11 years, Dale has worked with lawyers, accountants, governments, entrepreneurs, telecommunications and budding speakers.
It turns out that there are ways of behaving that are common to all of us and as Dale says - human behaviour drives economics.
 
Episode notes
Lesson 1: Do yourself. 02:45Lesson 2: Don't try to do better, do different. 05:25Lesson 3: The truth will set you free. 07:48Lesson 4: You don't know what you're capable of. 18:21Lesson 5: Life's a marathon, not a sprint. 20:54Lesson 6: All the world's a stage. 24:03  Lesson 7: Other people don't know what you know. 28:17Lesson 8: Your body language tells you who you are. 32:23Lesson 9: Human behaviour drives economics. 35:10Lesson 10: Choose your avatar. 36:25

Melissa Hahn - There are no wasted experiences.

                                       
About Melissa Hahn
Melissa Hahn is an intercultural professional who helps people collaborate, adapt and thrive across cultures. She earned a master's degree in intercultural relations from the University of the Pacific in California, has lived abroad in Poland, and has an extensive professional background that spans international relations, teaching English to speakers of other languages, and global mobility/corporate relocation.
She works independently as a trainer, coach and consultant; teaches intercultural communication at American University; and is on the leadership team of the Global Dexterity Certification.
She believes that intercultural skills are for everyone, because we all come from cultures and need to figure out how to live, work, and connect with people who have different backgrounds and life experiences from us. Through her children's book "Luminarias Light the Way" and her upcoming book "Forging Bonds in a Global Workforce" (McGraw Hill), she aims to show how practical, do-able, and even fun this process can be for people of all ages.
 
Episode notes
Lesson 1: Cultural competence isn't memorizing details about another culture. It's building relationships with                                   individuals from those cultures. 09:21Lesson 2: You're not getting a cultural report card. 11:38Lesson 3: Don't judge cultural experiences by whether you like them. Judge them by whether they make you grow.                     16:11Lesson 4: There are no wasted experiences.  20:42Lesson 5: Think about the messages you are sending, and whether they facilitate trust.  25:08Lesson 6: Let yourself be ambivalent. 28:06Lesson 7: Let your light shine - and help others shine their light, too. 32:01Lesson 8: Prioritize taking care of yourself. 35:16Lesson 9: When networking, think about making connections with people, not just obtaining business cards or                               sharing digital details. 39:05Lesson 10: It is truly a small world, so guard your reputation and close doors gently, rather than burning bridges. 42:28
 

Randy Crane - Procrastination is a habit that is learned by repetition

                                                 
About Randy Crane
Randy Crane also known as The Fearless Marketer is a nationally-recognized Sales and Marketing Specialist. He has held leadership positions in sales and marketing for over 40 years with global brands such as Molson Coors and Konica Minolta among others, as well as many thriving startups. He is passionate about leadership and emotional marketing strategies that deliver Real Value to customers and impact businesses. Randy is a mentor, a visionary, and a true master of his craft, inspiring others to reach for greatness and achieve their dreams.
 
Episode notes
Lesson 1: Human beings make decisions based on emotion - not on the facts. 04:59Lesson 2: A lot of times what we're is not the absolute truth. 07:28Lesson 3: Your perception is your reality. 12:23Lesson 4: We are spiritual beings having a human experience. 18:13Lesson 5: Human beings connect with other human beings on an emotional level. 23:37Lesson 6: The world we live in is not a result of people who don't know what they're doing. It is by design that it is this way. 27:48Lesson 7: It's just the same monkey in a different suit. 36:00Lesson 8: By the time a human being is 35 years old they are functioning primarily from the subconscious programs that were influenced by other people. 43:36Lesson 9: Procrastination is a habit that is learned by repetition. 47:58Lesson 10: The average human being has 80,000 thoughts per day.  51:10
 

Matthew Jacob - The purpose of a goal is to GROW.

                                         
Matthew Jacob, a certified mentor and mindset coach, shares his 10 lessons learned, including the importance of mindset, emotional self-regulation, and the choice of happiness. He also discusses the value of service to others and the impact of personal growth on achieving goals and finding joy. Hosted by Diana White 
About Matthew Jacob
Having started his career as a certified personal trainer and gym owner, Matt quickly realized that true transformation goes beyond physical fitness. He recognized that a person's mindset is the foundation for achieving success in all areas of life. This realization led him to delve deeper into the field of personal development and acquire expertise as a mindset coach. 
What sets Matt apart is his holistic approach to personal growth. He understands that true transformation requires a balance between physical fitness, mental resilience, and emotional well-being. By integrating mindset shifts with fitness strategies, Matt empowers his clients to overcome self-limiting beliefs, break through barriers, and create a life of abundance and fulfillment. 
Matt's coaching style is characterized by empathy, authenticity, and unwavering support.  
With a deep passion for personal growth and a genuine desire to see others thrive, Matt has impacted the lives of hundreds of individuals across the globe.  
 
Episode notes
Lesson 1: Best things come from a need to scratch my own itch.  02:42 Lesson 2: I don't have to believe every single thing, I think.  06:42 Lesson 3: Rock bottom could be the best thing that ever happened to you. 08:45 Lesson 4: Clear conscience is an under-rated form of self-care. 11:50 Lesson 5: Discipline is the highest form of self-love. You are only on top for so long, so always look to improve or reinvent yourself. 14:04 Lesson 6: The purpose of a goal is to GROW. 17:09 Lesson 7: Emotional self-regulation 22:30 Lesson 8: Pleasure is not the same as joy.  29:21 Lesson 9: Happiness is a choice. 33:01 Lesson 10: The shortest path to happiness is service to others. Remember that even when things are not going well, there is a lesson to be learned.  36:39 

James Badman - Someone has done it before you. Find them, learn from them.

James Badman is a published Academic, Entrepreneur, Director and discusses why you shouldn’t “be afraid to ask for help”, that “You should never give up on your passion”, why “you should put yourself out there” and more. Hosted by Siebe Van Der Zee.
About James Badman
James Badman is highly dedicated to his work in the animal industry. He has developed expertise in business administration, including state and federal permitting, USDA licensing, and the recruiting and training of animal care staff. He is the Associate Director for the Department of Animal Care and Technologies at Arizona State University where he has worked for over 25 years. He has founded and established several businesses including the Red Mountain Conservation and Education Center since 2002, and the USDA licensed exotic animal pet store, WildSide Pets, from 2007 to 2022, and co-founder of the Phoenix Reptile Expo with partner Drew Rheinhardt.
James' involvement within the animal industry is rooted in his lifelong passion for animals, which includes working with a wide range of species from tortoises to warthogs.
Episode notes
0:00 James Badman - Someone has done it before you.  Find them, learn from them.04:41 Lesson 1: Value friendships07:33 Lesson 2: Never give up on your passion, even if it must be sidelined for a minute10:18 Lesson 3: Someone has done it before you.  Find them, learn from them.14:31 Lesson 4: Don’t be afraid to ask for help20:01 Lesson 5: We all report to someone22:49 Affiliate Break23:29 Lesson 6: You are only on top for so long, so always look to improve or reinvent yourself25:35 Lesson 7: Remember that even when things are not going well, there is a lesson to be learned  27:53 Lesson 8: Put yourself out there  30:55 Lesson 9: You have to work to be happy33:07 Lesson 10: Give back, when you can

Jason Wong - Everyone has something to offer.

Join your host, Jeffery Wang, in this inspiring episode of the 10 Lessons Learned, where we discuss invaluable insights for career, business, and life. In this episode, we welcome Jason Wong, an accredited leadership coach, strategy ninja, and a kindness practitioner. Hailing from one of Sydney's most successful Chinese families, Jason shares his unique journey of self-discovery, personal growth, and finding fulfillment beyond material success. With engaging discussions about re calibrating life's priorities, nurturing meaningful relationships, promoting diversity and inclusion, and constantly learning, we uncover some of Jason's key lessons that have shaped his leadership style and understanding of success. Tune in for this enlightening conversation and walk away with practical nuggets of wisdom that go beyond the textbook.
About Jason Wong
Jason was born into one of Sydney’s most successful and influential Chinese families and has fond memories of running around Sydney’s Chinatown after school.  He was educated at one of Australia’s top selective private schools for boys and with his family’s network of connections, the world was his oyster.
But his life didn’t play out the way that he thought it would and, influenced by a number of key people and events, he embarked on a journey involving lots of deep reflection and making plenty of personal adjustments.
He has held multiple leadership roles throughout his career but believes that his most important and most satisfying role was being a stay-at-home Dad to his three daughters, which included upping his game as partner to his amazing wife.  
He works to improve technology leadership in not-for-profit, for-purpose and community-focused organisations  and he now runs his own coaching & strategic consultancy practice, Tyger Technology Leadership, developing tech leaders of the future.   
He is a former president of his children’s school P&C association and is now the Board Secretary of the NSW P&C Federation, working with influential education stakeholders to improve public schooling in NSW. 
He also facilitates local Dads groups and events, to support and engage Dads in their parenting journeys.
A few people leave deep impressions in your life, and you have certainly left one with me. Of the thousands of people I've come across during business, some just lives out their values in how they behave and treat others around them.

Braeden Rhys - Authenticity is Your Superpower

 
Braeden Rhys talks about his experiences as an individual, as a professional in marketing and PR, and as a trailblazing entrepreneur. He discusses his journey as a gay man, from being a youth minister to becoming an escort and a drag queen, and how these experiences shaped his approach to business and personal growth. He shares his insights on embracing authenticity, persevering through hardships, and shaping one's own future.
About Braeden Rhys
Braeden Rhys is a trailblazing marketing and public relations professional, celebrated as one of Australia's Top 100 Entrepreneurs. With a portfolio of multi-award-winning brands, including Sweet Release Agency, the world's leading Adult Industry marketing and PR agency, and Axis Global Co, ranked among the top 100 growth marketing agencies globally, Braeden has made an indelible mark on the business landscape.
His journey to success was a testament to resilience and the power of authenticity. Raised within the confines of the ministry, Braeden grappled with the conflict between his true identity as a gay man and the strict beliefs he was taught. Denying his sexuality and convinced that he could "pray the gay away," he eventually found the courage to break free from the confines of the church, embracing his true self with pride.
Unafraid to explore uncharted territories, Braeden embarked on a journey of self-discovery that led him to the deep end of the Adult Industry. Adopting the alter-ego name, Jett Black, he thrived as a male sex worker, defying societal norms and leveraging his success as one of the most respected ambassadors in the Australian adult entertainment world.
Drawing from his genuine passion and love for the Adult Industry, Braeden established Sweet Release Agency, which quickly gained acclaim as the top marketing and PR agency in its field. Simultaneously, he revealed yet another facet of his identity as Kara Zmatiq, Australia's Premier Live Singing Drag Queen, captivating audiences with soulful performances and earning accolades on platforms like Australia's Got Talent.
Braeden Rhys faced adversity head-on, finding strength in humility and authenticity. His journey from sex worker to celebrated entrepreneur showcases his resilience and determination to overcome challenges. Despite creating unique brands and personas, Braeden never lost sight of his roots, remaining grateful to the Adult Industry for accepting him without judgment.
A firm believer in the power of authenticity and genuine passion, Braeden Rhys attributes his success in life, business, and relationships to staying true to himself. He constantly emphasizes the importance of dynamic education and making a positive difference in the world, inspiring others to embrace their true identities and pursue their dreams unapologetically.
With an unwavering commitment to self-improvement and a passion for blazing new trails, Braeden Rhys continues to redefine success on his terms. Guided by authenticity and an unyielding desire to leave a positive impact, he remains a beacon of inspiration for all those striving to live their best lives while embracing their true selves.
Episode notes
Lesson 1: The Customer Isn't Always Right 04:52Lesson 2: Authenticity is Your Superpower 11:44Lesson 3: Craft Your Personal Brand 23:40Lesson 4: The Power of "No Learn to say "no" when necessary. 28:04Lesson 5: Banish Toxic Influences 31:17Lesson 6: Humble Beginnings Lead to Greatness Stay humble and grounded. 35:54Lesson 7: Creativity Fuels Innovation Cultivate your creative spark. 40:49Lesson 8: Own Your Sexuality and strength. 44:25Lesson 9: Write Your Future Take control of your destiny. 48:37Lesson 10:  Embrace Change with Open Arms. 52:38

Re-Broadcast Eric Miller-Know Your Own Bias

                                               
 
Eric Miller, CEO, Entrepreneur, Director speaks with us why it's important "To learn your tools", "Never to understate the importance of a network", why we should "Know our own bias" and more. Hosted by Diana White
About Eric Miller
 
Eric is a co-owner of Tempe-based PADT, Inc., a provider of tools and services to companies that design and manufacture physical products.
He holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from UC Berkeley and started his career focusing on applying Computer-Aided Engineering to turbine engine components. As a co-founder of PADT in 1994, Eric also pursued IT, graphic design, 3D printing, database programming, HR, and small business management. Eric is often called upon to write and speak on simulation, design, and 3D printing. He is also steeply involved with the startup community and the high-tech sector. Eric hosts the podcast All Things ANSYS.
He is currently Chair of the Arizona Technology Council Board of Directors, a member of the Arizona Technology Investors' screening committee, and serves on several advisory boards. Eric also serves as an Entrepreneur in Residence at the Arizona Commerce Authority and mentors through multiple startup incubators including Chandler Innovations and The CleanTech Open. He regularly contributes to the Phoenix Business Journal with articles about technology, small business, and the Arizona ecosystem.
Eric also moonlights as a freelance writer. He enjoys traveling, writing, history, cooking, and learning about new things.
Episode Notes
Lesson 1. Communication is so important and drives everything. 03:28Lesson 2. Never understate the importance of a strong network 06:11Lesson 3. What you learned in Kindergarten works. 09:09Lesson 4. People and situations change over time. 11:54Lesson 5. Know your own bias. 15:10Lesson 6. Feelings should guide you, not constrain you. 18:26Lesson 7. Be able to do, or at least understand, your employee’s job 20:57Lesson 8. Letting people go is good for their co-workers, for them, and for your company. 23:53Lesson 9. Take the time to learn your tools. 27:45Lesson 10. Understand the real and perceived value 30:41