ChairLife Podcast

Join Vistage Master Chair Tom Cuthbert in this episode of the ChairLife podcast. Tom concludes the high-performing behaviors series with number twelve on members making the group better, and discusses the power of saying things out loud. Show Notes Announcement: Chair World Sessions: Details two sessions in February 2026 on purpose-practice intersection and optimizing time/income. High-Performing Behavior Number 12: High-performing members make the group better; Aristotle quote on the whole being greater than parts. Role of the Chair in Groups: Facilitate invisibly, coach individuals, challenge participation. Episode Title Explanation: Stop carrying the piano; members make the music. Personal Lesson from Early Practice: Shifted from doing everything to member ownership. Ways to Make the Group Better: Facilitate, coach, remind of contributions. Tom’s Tips & Tricks: The Moment of Truth: Saying It Out Loud Changes Everything: Verbalizing clarifies and commits. Conclusion: Let members own the group; assess and facilitate member-led discussions. Tom’s Tips & Tricks: The Moment of Truth: Saying It Out Loud Changes Everything Tom discusses verbalizing thoughts in groups. Power of Speaking: Clarifies issues, builds accountability, gains peer insights. Benefits: Commits to action, changes perspective. Action: Encourage voicing one goal or challenge this week. Resources Explore these resources to support your Vistage Chair practice: www.tomcuthbert.com www.chairlifepodcast.com www.tomcuthbert.com/memberselectionplaybook The Coaching Habit - https://amzn.to/48CCMcH https://docs.google.com/document/d/1txBqZ_sBLA_2uZCUwSBLyk7pkSrPSiqqIQnI8XXsP4E/edit?usp=sharing

Join Vistage Master Chair Tom Cuthbert in this episode of the ChairLife podcast. Tom explores high-performing behavior number eleven on never missing 1:1 or mentor meetings, and discusses the number one skill CEOs must master—effective 1:1s—and how to coach it. Show Notes Announcement: Chair World Sessions: Details two sessions Tom is teaching in February 2026 on purpose-practice intersection and optimizing time/income. High-Performing Behavior Number 11: High-performing members never miss 1:1 or mentor meetings to model leadership. Recent Inspiration: Reflections from Arena Baranof's coaching sessions on deep personal connections. Importance of One-to-Ones: Build trust, enable transformation, improve retention. Modeling One-to-Ones as a Chair: Use recurring scheduling, 90-minute in-person format. Handling Rescheduling: Prioritize to maintain monthly cadence, even if shortened. Impact on Retention: Missing 1:1s increases leave risk fourfold per Vistage data. Tom’s Tips & Tricks: The Number One Skill Your CEOs Must Master and How You Coach It: Coach CEOs on mastering 1:1s for team leadership. Conclusion: Never miss 1:1s; schedule one and discuss with a member. Tom’s Tips & Tricks: The Number One Skill Your CEOs Must Master and How You Coach It Tom highlights mastering effective 1:1s as CEOs' top skill and how Chairs coach it. Why Master 1:1s: Builds trust, drives performance, reduces turnover. Coaching Methods: Use agendas, preparation questions, follow-up actions. Benefits: Enhances leadership, retention; Vistage data shows impact. Action: Role-play 1:1s in sessions; encourage CEOs to prioritize. Resources Explore these resources to support your Vistage Chair practice: www.tomcuthbert.com www.chairlifepodcast.com https://www.wsj.com/business/c-suite/manager-strengths-rellocating-talent-f0add2da?st=8mQCxM&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimristuccia?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kkmEHuZuVw_w5B2g3kHWIxsgBaFx0CWTjX-AHLNBYzg/edit?usp=sharing

Tom Cuthbert explores high-performing behavior number nine on setting and achieving goals, sharing personal strategies and accountability team best practices for Vistage Chairs. Show Notes Introduction: Announces Chair World sessions and quotes James Clear on systems over goals. High-Performing Behavior Number 9: High-performing members set and achieve goals through community accountability. Why Set Personal Goals: Models accountability, transparency; focuses on work-life balance, utilization, retention. Achieving Goals Through Community: Set realistic goals in groups for support; weave into one-to-ones and teams. Tom’s Tips & Tricks: Accountability Team Best Practices: Meet to review progress, provide support. Conclusion: Set 2026 goals; reflect on last year. Tom’s Tips & Tricks: Accountability Team Best Practices Tom shares practices for accountability teams to drive goal achievement. Meet Regularly: 90 minutes monthly to discuss learnings, applications, mutual help. Review Tools: Personal Action Summaries, goals, KPIs, scores. Encourage Feedback: Mutual adjustments for commitment. Benefits: Builds environment for success and retention. Action: Form team to track one goal this week. Resources Explore these resources to support your Vistage Chair practice: www.tomcuthbert.com www.chairlifepodcast.com www.tomcuthbert.com/extraordinary https://docs.google.com/document/d/1TG3xkKXzxHVloFWrE9lSGeGrrObXl8PYAeQu-DY6IXM/edit?usp=sharing

Join Vistage Master Chair Tom Cuthbert in this episode of the ChairLife podcast. Tom explores high-performing behavior number eight on investing in yourself and others, sharing his 10 personal investments, and discusses why every company needs two CEOs with Vistage Key Groups as the CEO factory. Show Notes Introduction: Tom announces Chair World sessions and quotes Buffett on self-investment. High-Performing Behavior Number 8: High-performing members invest in themselves to become better leaders and in others through training, feedback, coaching. Tom's 10 Personal Investments in Himself: Lists sabbaticals, reduced hours, time blocking, gym routine, longevity coaching, morning routine, sleep optimization, reading, productivity hacks, gratitude journaling. Tom’s Tips & Tricks: Two CEOs, One Company: Why Key Groups Are Your CEO Factory: Explains need for a right-hand second CEO developed via Key Groups. Conclusion: Invest in self and others; adopt one investment and discuss Key Groups with a member. Tom’s Tips & Tricks: Two CEOs, One Company: Why Key Groups Are Your CEO Factory Tom explains why companies need two CEOs—one actual, one right-hand second CEO who sees more, listens, represents, backs up, and succeeds via Vistage Key Groups. Why Two CEOs: Boosts efficiency (20-30% revenue gains, e27.co); mitigates risk (40% global leaders have COOs, McKinsey 2022). Benefits: Reduces turnover (34% lower with development, Gallup); builds succession (avoids 20-50% productivity loss, SHRM). Vistage Key Groups: Develops right-hands as CEO makers; complements emerging/advancing; over 80% of Tom's CEOs place teams here. Action: Assess right-hand readiness; enroll in Key Groups for ROI. Resources Explore these resources to support your Vistage Chair practice: www.tomcuthbert.com www.chairlifepodcast.com www.tomcuthbert.com/goals https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EPqs7K-Cx4PxnQ-4xkUxIbsvDB9EEpE6YBZ0h5cB5VQ/edit?usp=sharing https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/1b307vfk4fpna63maxvsa/Accountability-Teams-Best-Practices.pdf?rlkey=ud87sxoh43v6ndjyulm6r9ujt&st=uj3mv3ua&dl=0

Join Vistage Master Chair Tom Cuthbert in this episode of the ChairLife podcast. Tom explores high-performing behavior number eight on investing in yourself and others, sharing his 10 personal investments, and discusses why every company needs two CEOs with Vistage Key Groups as the CEO factory. Show Notes Introduction: Tom announces Chair World sessions and quotes Buffett on self-investment. High-Performing Behavior Number 8: High-performing members invest in themselves to become better leaders and in others through training, feedback, coaching. Tom's 10 Personal Investments in Himself: Lists sabbaticals, reduced hours, time blocking, gym routine, longevity coaching, morning routine, sleep optimization, reading, productivity hacks, gratitude journaling. Tom’s Tips & Tricks: Two CEOs, One Company: Why Key Groups Are Your CEO Factory: Explains need for a right-hand second CEO developed via Key Groups. Conclusion: Invest in self and others; adopt one investment and discuss Key Groups with a member. Tom’s Tips & Tricks Tom explains why companies need two CEOs—one actual, one right-hand second CEO who sees more, listens, represents, backs up, and succeeds via Vistage Key Groups. Why Two CEOs: Boosts efficiency (20-30% revenue gains, e27.co); mitigates risk (40% global leaders have COOs, McKinsey 2022). Benefits: Reduces turnover (34% lower with development, Gallup); builds succession (avoids 20-50% productivity loss, SHRM). Vistage Key Groups: Develops right-hands as CEO makers; complements emerging/advancing; over 80% of Tom's CEOs place teams here. Action: Assess right-hand readiness; enroll in Key Groups for ROI. Resources Explore these resources to support your Vistage Chair practice: www.tomcuthbert.com www.chairlifepodcast.com https://instituteforfunctionalhealth.com/ https://www.longevityarchitects.com/ www.tomcuthbert.com/longevity https://amzn.to/4qrieLc https://docs.google.com/document/d/1tmsmfU323osyQXICkCxsuawXgkr_N09P-JreYjzBV38/edit?usp=sharing

Welcome to the ChairLife podcast with Tom Cuthbert. As a CEO, coach, and Vistage Master Chair, Tom shares insights, strategies, and tools to help you build a successful Chair practice where mission and purpose intersect with a balanced work life. This is your guide to leading with impact while living with intention. In this episode, Tom explores high-performing behavior number seven on embracing and providing feedback, and discusses why the value of an issue is worth far more. Let’s dive in. High-Performing Behavior: Embrace and Provide Feedback Tom quotes Eric Sevareid: "Better to trust the man who is frequently in error than the one who is never in doubt." This highlights candor and feedback's value in Vistage. High-performing members embrace and provide feedback. Feedback is a cornerstone; create environments where it is embraced in groups and one-to-ones. Creating a Feedback-Rich Environment Tom recalls his first Vistage day: "Vistage is a feedback-rich environment." Builds trust, raises conversation quality, strengthens community. Without feedback, growth stalls; errors repeat. Gallup: Teams with regular feedback see 14.9% lower turnover. Avoiding Difficult Conversations Tom notes common avoidance of tough talks. 70% of leaders delay due to discomfort (HBR). Vistage models feedback using Craig Weber's Conversational Capacity. Balance candor with curiosity for stronger relationships. Practical Applications of Feedback Tom outlines ways to apply feedback. Use surveys for speakers, meetings; rate one-to-ones. From Warren Berger's The Book of Beautiful Questions: "Good feedback tells what's wrong; questions pull solutions from giver." Encourage carefrontation: Share thoughts out of care. Tom’s Tips & Tricks: Why The Value of an Issue is Worth Far More Tom explains issues' true value exceeds fees through insights. Track issue dollar impact to show ROI. Deep sharing maximizes group benefit. Benefits: Drives breakthroughs, justifies investment. Action: Quantify one issue's value next meeting. Conclusion Thank you for tuning into ChairLife. Embrace feedback through carefrontation; recognize issues' greater value. Lean into one feedback conversation and quantify an issue's impact this week. See you next time. Resources Explore these resources to support your Vistage Chair practice: www.tomcuthbert.com www.chairlifepodcast.com www.tomcuthbert.com/highperforming www.tomcuthbert.com/questions https://amzn.to/47muRyD https://amzn.to/3WRiKVe https://docs.google.com/document/d/13-1cP_KkDspF6PmK5UNCLDAANsY35T2L00t2FExrD3I/edit?usp=sharing

Join Vistage Master Chair Tom Cuthbert in this episode of the ChairLife podcast. Tom explores high-performing behavior number six on guarding time and using it wisely, and shares productivity hacks from Atomic Habits. Show Notes Introduction: Tom quotes Covey on investing time; emphasizes modeling time management in meetings. The Power of Guarding Time: Time is finite; poor management costs 20% productivity (Forbes 2023). Elements of This Behavior: Attend on time, be present (no phones), punctuality with grace period, stay full day. Modeling Time Management: Change voicemail daily, share calendar with team, prioritize Vistage time. Tom’s Tips & Tricks: Productivity Hacks From Atomic Habits: Draws from James Clear's book for efficiency tips. Conclusion: Guard time to elevate groups; implement one hack this week. Tom’s Tips & Tricks: Productivity Hacks From Atomic Habits Tom shares hacks from Atomic Habits by James Clear to boost energy, focus, and efficiency. Habit Stacking: Pair new habits with existing routines, like goals review during coffee. Environment Design: Create focused spaces, like dedicated office for one-to-ones. Two-Minute Rule: Start tasks in two minutes to beat procrastination. Identity Focus: Adopt mindsets like "I'm a focused Chair" to reinforce habits. Tracking Progress: Use journals or apps to monitor and adjust behaviors. Resources www.tomcuthbert.com www.chairlifepodcast.com www.tomcuthbert.com/highperforming https://www.amazon.com/Atomic-Habits-James-Clear-audiobook/dp/B07RFSSYBH/ https://www.amazon.com/Essentialism-Greg-McKeown-audiobook/dp/B00IWYP5NI/ https://www.amazon.com/Indistractable-Nir-Eyal-Julie-Li-audiobook/dp/B07SV4V6ZK https://www.jimcollins.com/concepts/the-flywheel.html https://docs.google.com/document/d/1TMtYDzW8dcqczuGjxf2f73oLWt3F9wQdcClnGnte_-o/edit?usp=sharing

Join Vistage Master Chair Tom Cuthbert in this episode of the ChairLife podcast. Tom explores high-performing behavior number four on presence and focus, and shares AI tools for prospecting in Vistage Chair practice. Show Notes Introduction: Tom discusses behavior four: High-performing members are present, focused, and intentional. The Importance of Presence: Quotes Covey on listening; Vistage as practice space for focus. Why Presence Matters for Relationships: Builds trust, engagement, connections; applies to CEOs, members, family. Book Recommendation and Example: Recommends "The Notice" by Andy Andrews; character Jones exemplifies full presence. The Cost of Distraction: Squirrel analogy; erodes trust, makes others feel undervalued. Stats on Multitasking and Context Switching: Multitasking cuts productivity 40% (APA); refocus takes 23 minutes (UC study). Personal Story on Distraction: Distracted CEO in one-to-one; addressed to reinforce focus. Tips for Avoiding Distractions in Groups: Phones out of sight, Do Not Disturb mode. Tom’s Tips & Tricks: Vistage Chair's AI Edge: Prospect to Peer Power: Uses Grok AI for prospect analysis and outreach. Conclusion: Practice presence, use AI for prospecting; implement phone-free zones and analyze one profile. Tom’s Tips & Tricks: Vistage Chair's AI Edge: Prospect to Peer Power Tom highlights Grok AI for prospecting. Setup: Access via xAI, integrated with X. Features: Analyzes profiles, posts, links; vets prospects. Use Cases: Search CEOs on X, analyze for fit, generate messages. Benefits: Saves time, personalizes pitches. Action: Try for one search; integrate into recruitment. Resources Explore these resources to support your Vistage Chair practice: www.tomcuthbert.com www.chairlifepodcast.com www.tomcuthbert.com/highperforming https://www.amazon.com/Conversational-Capacity-Building-Successful-Pressure/dp/0071807128 https://www.amazon.com/Leadership-Self-Deception-Fourth-Transforming-Relationships/dp/B0DZ3QM2BB https://www.amazon.com/The-Power-of-Positive-No-audiobook/dp/B000NUOJKO/

Welcome to the ChairLife podcast with Tom Cuthbert. As a CEO, coach, and Vistage Master Chair, Tom shares insights, strategies, and tools to help you build a successful Chair practice where mission and purpose intersect with a balanced work life. This is your guide to leading with impact while living with intention. In this episode, Tom discusses high-performing behavior number four on being present, focused, and intentional, and explores Vistage Chair's AI edge for prospecting. Let’s dive in. High-Performing Behavior Number 4 Tom discusses high-performing behavior number four: High-performing members are present, focused, and intentional. Stephen Covey says most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply. Being present is hard due to distractions, but Vistage meetings and one-to-ones are the place to practice focus and presence. This behavior is the most observed in group meetings; it's easy to spot who's engaged and who's not. Why Presence Matters Presence fuels trust, the cornerstone of Vistage. It increases engagement in the moment and ongoing. It creates meaningful connections; Tom spends 90 minutes monthly with each of 40 CEOs, plus group time—they need undivided attention. Everyone craves attention, including family; presence stands out in today's society. Book Recommendation "The Notice" by Andy Andrews, a gift from his EA Savannah. The character Jones stands out for helping people see perspectives, being a great listener, and caring deeply. In every interaction, Jones is fully present, making a big impact. Link in show notes for the book. The Cost of Distraction Tom contrasts presence with distraction, using a squirrel analogy. Phone buzzes, dings, or vibrations act like squirrels—breaking focus, eroding trust, making others feel undervalued. Be intentional about removing distractions, especially in Vistage. Practice phone-free zones to build relationships. Stats on Multitasking and Context Switching Multitasking reduces productivity by 40% (American Psychological Association). Context switching takes 23 minutes to refocus (University of California study). With 40 CEOs, distraction costs hours weekly; multiply by group size for total impact. Personal Story on Distraction Tom shares a story about a distracted one-to-one. A CEO checked his phone mid-conversation, breaking trust and presence. Tom addressed it directly, reinforcing the need for focus. Lesson: Distraction signals lack of value; be intentional to avoid it. Tips for Avoiding Distractions in Groups Keep phones out of sight during meetings and one-to-ones. Use Do Not Disturb mode Practice presence to model for family and teams. Tom’s Tips & Tricks: Vistage Chair's AI Edge: Prospect to Peer Power Tom introduces using Grok AI for prospecting in Vistage Chair practice. Setup: Access Grok via xAI, integrated with X (formerly Twitter). Features: Analyzes X profiles, posts, links; useful for vetting prospects. Use Cases: Search X for CEO prospects, analyze bios, posts for fit; generate outreach messages. Benefits: Saves time, personalizes pitches; e.g., reference shared interests from profiles. Action: Try Grok for one prospect search; integrate into recruitment process. Conclusion Thank you for tuning into ChairLife. Practice presence to build trust and reject distractions in your groups, and leverage AI like Grok for efficient prospecting. Implement phone-free zones in your next meeting and analyze one prospect profile with AI. See you next time. Resources Explore these resources to support your Vistage Chair practice: www.tomcuthbert.com www.chairlifepodcast.com https://www.amazon.com/Indistractable-Nir-Eyal-Julie-Li-audiobook/dp/B07SV4V6ZK https://www.amazon.com/The-Noticer-Andy-Andrews-audiobook/dp/B0024L18RC/ https://grok.com/ https://claude.ai/ https://docs.google.com/document/d/13iLV46Adox1-MxUD3TURt5GgQnbMBQe9xYhise99VSU/edit?usp=sharing

Join Vistage Master Chair Tom Cuthbert in this episode of the ChairLife podcast. Tom introduces the “mediocrity shield” to protect Vistage groups from complacency, offering strategies to maintain excellence while honoring his father's legacy. He also shares how a binder organizes member data to enhance meetings and one-to-ones. This episode equips Vistage Chairs with tools to foster high-performing groups and streamline coaching. Show Notes Introduction: Tom outlines the episode, focusing on combating mediocrity and using binders for efficiency. Guarding Against Mediocrity: Tom presents the “mediocrity shield” to prevent complacency, inspired by his father. Strategies to Shield Mediocrity: Four strategies—high-performing behaviors, accountability, innovation, celebrating success—keep groups thriving. Implementing the Mediocrity Shield: Practical tools and Tom's commitment to challenge non-performing behaviors to resolve $5 million in issues. Tom’s Tips & Tricks: The Binder, A Chair’s Secret Weapon: Tom details how a binder centralizes member data for efficiency. Conclusion: A call to shield groups from mediocrity and use binders to enhance performance, with a Father’s Day tribute. Tom’s Tips & Tricks: The Binder, A Chair’s Secret Weapon Tom explains how a binder organizes key member information to improve meetings and one-to-ones, securely stored for confidentiality. Purpose: Centralizes data for 37 CEOs and three coaching clients, saving time versus digital searches. Six Documents: BizEquity Report (enterprise value), Culture Index surveys (senior leaders), Founders Advisors Exit Readiness Assessment, member goals, Strategic Compass (one-page plan), Vistage Leadership Assessment (top five leaders). Implementation: Used in one-to-ones and group meetings to surface issues; photos and details on Tom’s website. Impact: Enhances focus on member performance and business optimization. Resources Explore these resources to support your Vistage Chair practice: www.tomcuthbert.com www.chairlifepodcast.com www.tomcuthbert.com/highperforming www.tomcuthbert.com/therighthandedpenraise https://docs.google.com/document/d/1q9N7IhsPA98SfXL0GbecYSfaIiJuHRvteJ_apTOKScM/edit?usp=sharing

Welcome to the ChairLife podcast with Tom Cuthbert. As a CEO, coach, and Vistage Master Chair, Tom shares insights, strategies, and tools to help you build a successful Chair practice where mission and purpose intersect with a balanced work life. This is your guide to leading with impact while living with intention. In this episode, Tom continues the series on high-performing behaviors, focusing on rejecting mediocrity, and offers tips on delegation for Chairs. Let’s dive in. The Power of High-Performing Behaviors Tom quotes NBA coach Phil Jackson: “The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team,” applying it to Vistage groups. Groups succeed through committed members sharing values and trust. Vistage provides speakers, but members determine excellence. This 12-week series (through Thanksgiving) covers behaviors to justify rate increases. Rejecting Mediocrity in Groups Tom defines mediocrity as average effort lacking excellence, referencing Culture by Design by David Friedman (see Episode 9). High-performing members reject mediocrity via confrontation, challenge, and clear expectations. Members notice mediocrity first; it erodes value for all. Chairs must model behaviors to inspire commitment and growth. Personal Story: Confronting Mediocrity Tom shares his experience chairing two CEO groups, one high-performing and one average. Challenged the average group with a 90-day notice, expressing belief in their potential. Outcome: All but two stayed; the group improved significantly over four years. Lesson: Extreme steps can spark self-reflection and elevation, though not recommended routinely. Tom’s Tips & Tricks: Delegate Like a Boss: Why Chairs Can't Be Their Own Admin Tom explains delegation's role in rejecting mediocrity, freeing Chairs for high-impact work. Why Delegate: Chairs must focus on coaching and facilitation, not admin tasks like scheduling. Challenges: Overload leads to burnout; self-admin distracts from member value. How to Delegate: Hire a chief of staff or admin for logistics; set clear expectations and trust. Benefits: Increases productivity, models behaviors for members, sustains practice longevity. Action: Identify three admin tasks to delegate this week for better focus. Conclusion Thank you for tuning into ChairLife. Reject mediocrity by modeling high-performing behaviors and delegating admin to elevate your groups. Challenge one member to self-reflect and delegate a task today. See you next time. Resources Explore these resources to support your Vistage Chair practice: www.tomcuthbert.com www.chairlifepodcast.com www.tomcuthbert.com/highperforming https://www.wsj.com/lifestyle/careers/the-boss-move-for-ordinary-workers-hiring-your-own-executive-assistant-c84d9550?st=vBPrQR&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XvPyZG1Wvsg&ab_channel=ElectricalEquipmentCompany https://docs.google.com/document/d/1j0_q_f8-N6-eyJZUon04NLN7NxoRBBpOoHayYc7bXHI/edit?usp=sharing

Welcome to the ChairLife podcast with Tom Cuthbert. As a CEO, coach, and Vistage Master Chair, Tom shares insights, strategies, and tools to help you build a successful Chair practice where mission and purpose intersect with a balanced work life. This is your guide to leading with impact while living with intention. In this episode, Tom kicks off a 12-week series on high-performing behaviors, focusing on the power of elite members, and addresses challenges companies face in mid-level management. Let’s dive in. The Power of High-Performing Behaviors Tom quotes NBA coach Phil Jackson: “The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team,” linking it to Vistage’s success. High-performing groups depend on elite members committed to shared values and trust. Vistage supports Chairs with speakers, but members drive group excellence. This 12-week series addresses rate increases, showcasing high-performing behaviors as value justification. Why High-Performing Behaviors Matter Tom explains the dual importance of focusing on member excellence, referencing Culture by Design by David Friedman. High-performing members elevate meetings, one-to-ones, and inter-meeting interactions, increasing value. Annual rate hikes (e.g., 2025) prompt questions; high-performing groups provide the best response. Episode 9 offers an overview of these behaviors’ impact. Cultivating High-Performing Behaviors Tom outlines steps for Chairs to model and inspire elite membership, starting with self-reflection. Self-Reflection: Assess personal commitment (e.g., enthusiasm, accountability) as members watch and discuss your actions. Challenge Members: Ask questions like “How can I improve?” or “How am I holding others back?” in one-to-ones and meetings. Avoid Mediocrity: Push for growth in companies, people, and community investment. Model Excellence: Demonstrate behaviors to inspire members to elevate the group. Tom’s Tips & Tricks: Companies Are Stretched in the Middle Tom addresses mid-level management strain, offering Vistage solutions to support Chairs and CEOs. Challenges: Companies face stretched middle management due to talent shortages and overload. Impact: Low engagement and high turnover disrupt operations. Solution: Leverage Vistage’s Emerging and Advancing Leader Groups to develop mid-level talent. Benefits: Strengthens company bench strength and retention. Action: Encourage CEOs to invest in mid-level leaders through Vistage programs. Conclusion Thank you for tuning into ChairLife. Cultivate high-performing behaviors to build elite groups and address mid-level challenges with Vistage solutions. Reflect on one personal improvement and discuss a mid-level development plan with a CEO. See you next time. Resources Explore these resources to support your Vistage Chair practice: www.tomcuthbert.com www.chairlifepodcast.com www.tomcuthbert.com/highperforming https://www.tomcuthbert.com/blog/2018/6/27/companies-break-in-the-middle www.amazon.com/Give-Take-Helping-Others-Success/dp/0143124986 https://docs.google.com/document/d/1B7L-gmrSBGi7xczAN-udd7nuQ5CwpE4mCJgy1w1Cc4Y/edit?usp=sharing

Welcome to the ChairLife podcast with Tom Cuthbert. As a CEO, coach, and Vistage Master Chair, Tom shares insights, strategies, and tools to help you build a successful Chair practice where mission and purpose intersect with a balanced work life. This is your guide to leading with impact while living with intention. In this episode, Tom discusses bullet journal power for demanding chaos and shares ten life hacks to enhance energy, focus, and efficiency. Let’s dive in. The Power of Bullet Journaling Tom quotes Carol: "The shortest pencil is longer than the longest memory," noting thoughts last 2–3 seconds before vanishing. Bullet journaling provides a single repository for important information in a busy world (7 groups, 100+ members, coaching, other businesses, boards). Serves as the place to know where to find info, what to do, and when to do it. Why Tom Uses Bullet Journal Tom became a Vistage chair in 2012, starting with a notebook that became messy; tried digital in 2015 but found it distracting in conversations. Switched to Moleskine hardcover bullet journal 10 years ago for its effectiveness. Digital devices lessen conversation depth; physical journal is better for private talks. How Tom Sets Up His Bullet Journal Tom uses a Moleskine hardcover (French product) with specific setup evolved over years. During one-to-ones, pulls out journal for notes when appropriate. Structures member pages with family details, kids' names, leadership team names, and brief notes from encounters. Bullet Journal Sections Tom outlines the journal's sections for organization. Member Pages: Family info, leadership team, one-to-one notes. Group Meeting Reviews: Notes from meetings, key takeaways. Other Sections: Future logs, monthly calendars, daily tasks, collections (e.g., books read, ideas). Tom’s Tips & Tricks: Ten Life Hacks for Energy, Focus, Efficiency Tom shares ten routines to boost personal and professional performance. Morning Routine: Wake early, hydrate, exercise, meditate. Daily Walks: 20 minutes outdoors for clarity and vitamin D. Power Naps: 15–20 minutes midday for recharge. Digital Detox: No screens after 8 p.m. for better sleep. Gratitude Journal: Note three daily gratitudes for positivity. Meal Prep: Plan healthy meals weekly for nutrition. Task Batching: Group similar tasks to minimize switching. Reading Habit: 20 minutes daily for learning. Breathing Exercises: 4-7-8 technique for stress reduction. Weekly Review: Sunday reflection on wins and adjustments. Conclusion Thank you for tuning into ChairLife. Use bullet journaling to organize chaos and adopt ten life hacks for better energy, focus, and efficiency. Start with one section in your journal and one hack this week. See you next time. Resources Explore these resources to support your Vistage Chair practice: www.tomcuthbert.com www.chairlifepodcast.com www.tomcuthbert.com/sleep www.tomcuthbert.com/longevity https://www.tomcuthbert.com/bulletjournal https://sparkmailapp.com/ https://www.followupthen.com/ https://www.voxer.com/ https://braintoss.com/ https://acuityscheduling.com/ https://docs.google.com/document/d/1UWOpdfndyUI1JLg86i4jdArrsJ1K3SPoom9Vles8J54/edit?usp=sharing

Join Vistage Master Chair Tom Cuthbert in this episode of the ChairLife podcast. Tom narrates unique brand stories for Chairs in Part 3 of the branding series, focusing on articulating attributes and leveraging touchpoints. He also shares longevity insights from Jessica Pierce to sustain practice vitality. Show Notes Introduction: Tom welcomes listeners and outlines Part 3 on branding narration and longevity insights. Narrating Your Unique Brand Story: Tom discusses articulating brand attributes and leveraging touchpoints like websites and introductions. Personal Brand Examples: Examines Beyonce's empowered, creative, authentic brand extended beyond music. Tom’s Tips & Tricks: Longevity Insights from Jessica Pierce: Tom shares Jessica Pierce's insights on longevity for Chairs. Conclusion: Reflect on brand narration and apply longevity strategies to enhance practice. Tom’s Tips & Tricks: Longevity Insights from Jessica Pierce Tom highlights Jessica Pierce's longevity advice for sustained Chair success. Focus on Wellness: Prioritize rest and recovery to maintain energy. Build Resilience: Develop mental and physical habits for long-term impact. Model Self-Care: Demonstrate balance to inspire members. Action: Schedule intentional breaks and adopt daily wellness routines. Resources www.tomcuthbert.com www.chairlifepodcast.com https://www.amazon.com/Building-StoryBrand-Clarify-Message-Customers/dp/0718033329 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CJFZDLG9 www.tomcuthbert.com/branding ScaleUp: Unforgettable Brand = Unbelievable Referrals https://www.longevityarchitects.com/ www.tomcuthbert.com/sleep www.tomcuthbert.com/longevity https://instituteforfunctionalhealth.com/ https://docs.google.com/document/d/15yCD9Kp2ezIE6dRik5EnW0XOua7iavfSj0WJwFFF8Nw/edit?usp=sharing

Tom Cuthbert aligns brand attributes with actions in Part 2 of branding series, using StoryBrand framework, and introduces Wispr Flow for efficient communication. Show Notes Introduction: Tom emphasizes aligning brand story for trust and referrals. Aligning Actions with Your Brand Story: Systematize attributes via touchpoints like website and introductions. Core Elements of Brand Story: Hero (CEO), problem, guide (Chair), plan, call to action. Success and Failure in Branding: Success builds growth; failure leads to stagnation. Tom’s Tips & Tricks: Wispr Flow for Vistage Chairs: Voice-to-text tool saves time on emails and notes. Tom’s Tips & Tricks: Wispr Flow for Vistage Chairs Tom recommends Wispr Flow for dictating. Setup: Clip-on device integrates with email apps. Features: 100 languages, shortcuts; 5–10x faster than typing. Use Cases: Post-one-to-one summaries, group notes. Benefits: Saves 3 hours weekly; $12/month. Action: Try for quick responses; demo on Tom's site. Resources www.tomcuthbert.com www.chairlifepodcast.com https://www.amazon.com/Building-StoryBrand-Clarify-Message-Customers/dp/0718033329 https://www.amazon.com/Indistractable-Nir-Eyal-Julie-Li-audiobook/dp/B07SV4V6ZK/ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CJFZDLG9 https://docs.google.com/document/d/1gkXkXxc_iYn2m_VH0rQW2WtRv18BATo-YkdxyZ4ixe0/edit?usp=sharing https://wisprflow.ai/

Tom Cuthbert explores authentic branding for Vistage Chairs in Episode 1 of 3, and addresses mid-level manager disengagement with Vistage solutions. Show Notes Introduction: Tom discusses branding as authentic identity for attracting members. Unveiling Your Authentic Brand: Branding attracts ideal members; examples include Reynolds, Winfrey, Musk. Building ChairLife Brand Attributes: Define brand via questions and attributes like curious, humble, adaptable; use StoryBrand framework. Brand Impact and Stats: Branding builds trust; 87% of members achieved record years. Tom’s Tips & Tricks: Turning Manager Misery into Mastery: Advocates Key and Advancing Leader groups for manager engagement. Conclusion: Define your brand and invest in mid-level leaders. Tom’s Tips & Tricks: Turning Manager Misery into Mastery Tom references Wall Street Journal on manager disengagement, recommending Vistage groups. Stats: 27% engaged; overload and turnover prevalent. Challenges: Lack of growth, high misery. Solution: Key Groups for seniors, Advancing for mid-levels to build skills and retention. Benefits: Reduces turnover, prepares for growth. Action: Encourage CEOs to enroll team members. Resources www.tomcuthbert.com www.chairlifepodcast.com https://www.amazon.com/Building-StoryBrand-Clarify-Message-Customers/dp/0718033329 https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/fg7spemvk41x0difub26p/2025-08-05-08-02.pdf?rlkey=i1w4kpckgn8y9xqls0ronn0ie&st=dd6hqnr0&dl=0 https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lxes02Lh_Y1i2kLaGhg9XB3fQGfY8cvJ65qDw-deANg/edit?usp=sharing https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/oc7i6nblj0c2uudi0bm81/Brand-Attribute-Worksheet.png?rlkey=0kxbjlezinutoqy24830wrhhn&st=97tdqrma&dl=0 https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/3kixx7ll93msg419p6a6l/Brand-Script-Worksheet-2024-06-17-09-30.pdf?rlkey=c0x4n7kptsbrk4rkcfs18x0he&st=sw60xt54&dl=0

Join Vistage Master Chair Tom Cuthbert in this episode of the ChairLife podcast. Tom explores the transformative power of sabbaticals for rest, recovery, and longevity, sharing his decade-long practice of taking July off. He also introduces a framework for focusing on three core activities to drive productivity and impact. With insights from his 13-year tenure, this episode equips Vistage Chairs with strategies to enhance their practice and inspire members to achieve extraordinary results. A Word from Our Sponsor: Chair Success Services Brie, Tom Cuthbert’s chief of staff, introduces Chair Success Services, designed to help Vistage Chairs focus on high-payoff activities and group growth. The service provides structure and support, enabling Chairs to deepen relationships, drive growth, and build a balanced Chair life. Interested Chairs can visit chairsuccessservices.com to learn more and connect. Show Notes Introduction: Tom introduces the episode, focusing on sabbaticals and prioritizing three core tasks for a successful Chair practice. The Power of Sabbaticals: Tom explains why sabbaticals are essential for health, creativity, and longevity. Sabbatical Activities and Benefits: Details four activity categories and research supporting sabbaticals’ impact on burnout and productivity. Planning a Sabbatical: Shares three steps to plan an effective sabbatical for Chairs. Tom’s Tips & Tricks: Finding Your Three “Not 30!” Things: Tom outlines a framework to focus on three high-impact activities. Conclusion: A call to plan a sabbatical and identify three core tasks to elevate your practice. Tom’s Tips & Tricks: Finding Your Three “Not 30!” Things Tom shares his three-thing framework, inspired by Jack Dailey and Tim Ferriss’s “Focus on being productive instead of busy,” to prioritize high-impact tasks. Concept: Identify three core activities only you can do to drive your practice forward, avoiding multitasking. Tom’s Three Things: Planning (10% of time), coaching (1,000 hours/year), facilitating group meetings. Implementation: Journal tasks for two weeks, then eliminate or delegate non-core tasks; Tom’s team supports his focus. Impact: Mono-tasking reduces stress, boosts effectiveness, and aligns team efforts. Action: Journal tasks to find your three things and delegate the rest. Resources www.tomcuthbert.com/lenses www.tomcuthbert.com/sabbatical www.chairlifepodcast.com https://www.amazon.com/Hyper-Sales-Growth-Street-Proven-Profitably/dp/1599324385 https://hbr.org/2023/02/research-the-transformative-power-of-sabbaticals https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidburkus/2016/06/29/the-surprising-benefit-of-work-sabbaticals/ https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XwK6JdvHkHD5Y004cujmA9majszbr3B4wlgtolhUW2k/edit?usp=sharing

Join Vistage Master Chair Tom Cuthbert in this episode of the ChairLife podcast. Tom shares his color-coding system for calendar management, transforming chaos into a streamlined tool that boosts productivity and balance. He also emphasizes the importance of rest and recovery to stay focused during intensive one-to-one sessions. Drawing on 13 years of experience, this episode equips Vistage Chairs with practical strategies to optimize their practice and enhance member impact. Show Notes Introduction: Tom introduces the episode, focusing on color-coding calendars for efficiency and rest for sustained focus. Color-Coding Your Calendar: Tom explains how his system reduced work hours while increasing impact. How to Color-Code Your Calendar: Details Google Calendar labels for health, Vistage, candidates, and more. Benefits of Color-Coding: Outlines six benefits—clarity, balance, productivity, reduced stress, goal achievement, and focus. Implementing Color-Coding: Steps to adopt and refine a color-coding system for your calendar. Tom’s Tips & Tricks: Mind the Gap—Rest and Recovery: Tom shares techniques to stay fresh between one-to-ones. Tom discusses rest strategies to maintain focus during 40 monthly 90-minute one-to-ones, inspired by “Mind the gap.” Why Rest Matters: Presence builds trust; Eckhart Tolle emphasizes the present moment’s importance. Managing a Busy Schedule: Breaks, three-to-ones (March, December), and a July sabbatical recharge Tom. Rest Strategies: Walk outside, use a treadmill desk, take 15-minute rest breaks, hydrate, and snack lightly. Intentional Techniques: Practice 4-7-8 breathing, meditate, stretch, use a balance board, and keep a distraction-free environment. Action: Schedule 20-minute gaps, avoid email, and use tools like Headspace for recovery. Resources Explore these resources to support your Vistage Chair practice: https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Things-Done-Stress-Free-Productivity/dp/0143126563 https://www.amazon.com/Tomorrow-Other-Secrets-Time-Management/dp/0340909129 https://www.amazon.com/The-New-One-Minute-Manager/dp/8195246893/ https://www.amazon.com/Habits-Highly-Effective-People-Powerful/dp/1982137274 https://www.amazon.com/Now-Habit-Overcoming-Procrastination-Guilt-Free-ebook/dp/B001QNVP7M https://www.headspace.com https://www.tomcuthbert.com/productivity https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CrRqp1IqHsAyyVRB7VmpFuxCYH2R9ic5dfNQz-4PERU/edit?usp=sharing

Join Vistage Master Chair Tom Cuthbert in this episode of the ChairLife podcast. Tom introduces the “mediocrity shield” to protect Vistage groups from complacency, sharing strategies to maintain high performance while honoring his father’s legacy. He also reveals how a binder organizes critical member information to enhance meetings and one-to-ones. With insights from his 13-year tenure, this episode equips Vistage Chairs with tools to elevate their practice and drive member success. Show Notes Introduction: Tom outlines the episode, focusing on combating mediocrity and using a binder to streamline member coaching. Guarding Against Mediocrity: Tom presents the “mediocrity shield” to prevent complacency, inspired by his father. Strategies to Shield Mediocrity: Four strategies—high-performing behaviors, accountability, innovation, and celebrating success—keep groups thriving. Implementing the Mediocrity Shield: Practical tools and Tom’s commitment to challenge non-performing behaviors to resolve $5 million in issues. Tom’s Tips & Tricks: The Binder, A Chair’s Secret Weapon: Tom details how a binder centralizes member data for efficiency. Conclusion: A call to shield groups from mediocrity and use binders to enhance performance, with a Father’s Day tribute. Tom’s Tips & Tricks: The Binder, A Chair’s Secret Weapon Tom explains how a binder organizes key member information to improve meetings and one-to-ones, securely stored for confidentiality. Purpose: Centralizes data for 37 CEOs and three coaching clients, saving time versus digital searches. Six Documents: BizEquity Report (enterprise value), Culture Index surveys (senior leaders), Founders Advisors Exit Readiness Assessment, member goals, Strategic Compass (one-page plan), and Vistage Leadership Assessment (top five leaders). Implementation: Used in one-to-ones and group meetings to surface issues; photos and details on Tom’s website. Impact: Enhances focus on member performance and business optimization. Action: Build a binder starting with one document to boost efficiency. Resources Find more tools and insights to enhance your Vistage Chair practice: www.tomcuthbert.com https://www.tomcuthbert.com/binder www.chairlifepodcast.com https://www.amazon.com/Leadership-Art-Max-Depree/dp/B0077EEPTO

Join Vistage Master Chair Tom Cuthbert in this episode of the ChairLife podcast. Tom explores the strategic value of launching an Emerging Leader Group to develop talent and enhance your Vistage practice, drawing on his experience as an early adopter of the program. He also shares how appointing ambassadors strengthens group culture and engagement. In the "Tom’s Tips & Tricks" segment, Tom details the ambassador program’s impact on retention and community success. This episode equips Vistage Chairs with actionable strategies to grow their practice and empower members to achieve extraordinary results. A Word from Our Sponsor: Chair Success Services Brie, Tom Cuthbert’s chief of staff, introduces Chair Success Services, designed to help Vistage Chairs focus on high-payoff activities and group growth. The service provides structure and support, enabling Chairs to deepen relationships, drive growth, and build a balanced Chair life. Interested Chairs can visit chairsuccessservices.com to learn more and connect. Show Notes Introduction: Tom introduces the episode, emphasizing Emerging Leader Groups and the role of ambassadors in Vistage success. Why Launch an Emerging Leader Group: Tom highlights the program’s role in addressing leadership shortages and investing in mid-level talent. Benefits for Chairs: Explains how Emerging Leader Groups improve coaching, CEO retention, and practice efficiency. How to Launch an Emerging Leader Group: Details steps to recruit, plan, and execute a successful program. Post-Launch Strategies and Challenges: Offers tips to sustain engagement and overcome recruitment and retention hurdles. Tom’s Tips & Tricks: The Ambassador Advantage: Tom shares how ambassadors elevate group culture and engagement. Conclusion: A call to launch Emerging Leader Groups and appoint ambassadors to grow your practice. Tom’s Tips & Tricks: The Ambassador Advantage Tom outlines his ambassador program, where selected members serve as group advocates for a year to enhance engagement and culture. Role of Ambassadors: Facilitate participation, provide feedback, manage WhatsApp groups, onboard new members, and assist with meeting logistics. Selection and Process: Annually select members, define roles, and hold a June Zoom meeting to review successes, improvements, and new ideas. Impact: Boosts retention, attendance, and community profile through accountability teams and speaker feedback. Examples: Implemented WhatsApp groups, pre-meeting issue processing, and clarified accountability team roles from ambassador input. Action: Start an ambassador program, using Tom’s website for details. Resources Find more tools and insights to enhance your Vistage Chair practice: https://www.tomcuthbert.com https://www.tomcuthbert.com/emerging www.chairlifepodcast.com www.chairsuccessservices.com https://www.amazon.com/Leadership-Art-Max-Depree/dp/B0077EEPTO https://www.amazon.com/Leadership-Self-Deception-Fourth-Transforming-Relationships/dp/1523006560/ https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/1b307vfk4fpna63maxvsa/Accountability-Teams-Best-Practices.pdf?rlkey=ud87sxoh43v6ndjyulm6r9ujt&st=682rk6p3&dl=0 https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/tis58rbcvmb3zyifoc5i1/Group-Champion-and-Ambassador-Roles-and-Responsibilities.pdf?rlkey=x5ys04nquanrexec1keo4j43u&st=m0z4luzo&dl=0 https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/fzyc4nutb5lvkks0ooder/Mentor-Overview.pdf?rlkey=0xu69byd5jk5eqi45sh56jgbd&st=fad1q8hv&dl=0 https://www.tomcuthbert.com/mentor https://docs.google.com/document/d/17AwcOEudM-0VPrZAB-IQAiggkq1f3uBR6vYxMutoTfM/edit?usp=sharing