The ICONIC Mindset

New Year, New You, New Normal: ICONIC Predictions for What's NextEpisode #11Faced with the pandemic, companies did things that seemed impossible, overnight. And some industries, like ecommerce, experienced growth in 9 months that wasn’t predicted for years. 2021 begins a new year, new you, new normal and with the New Year ahead, Calvin and John remain dedicated to helping businesses and leaders be ICONIC! This episode has only one goal... provide an ICONIC list of predictions for 2021 that will give your business an edge above the competition and help you prepare for what’s next.0:01:35 - Calvin's 2021 Resolutions0:03:51 - John's 2021 Resolutions0:05:48 - Employees over profits0:18:03 - Employees are going to expect more focus on diversity, equity and inclusion0:20:25 - The race to automate and digitize everything will intensify0:30:52 - Customers will continue to demand exceptional experiences0:41:03 - ICONIC PointsTo learn more about John Avola and Calvin Stovall, visit iconicpresentations.net. All The ICONIC Mindset episodes can be downloaded at theiconicmindset.com. If you enjoyed listening to this episode, please subscribe to our show.  Remember to select a star rating and/or write a review for The ICONIC Mindset podcast.Connect with us!John Avola: @johnavola (Twitter) and LinkedInCalvin Stovall: @ICONICspeaker (Twitter), Facebook and LinkedInTo leave a podcast review:Open your podcast app and search/navigate to The ICONIC MindsetScroll to the subhead titled "Ratings & Reviews" Tap to give a rating and/or select "Write a Review"Once you've finished, select "Send" or "Save" (top-right corner)Thank you for listening! We value our listeners and subscribers.Don't just be, Be ICONIC!

10 ICONIC Lessons of 2020Episode #10Without a doubt 2020 has been a year of unsuspected turns and sudden surprises. This year has been draining, overwhelming and exhausting, uncertain and worrisome. But, on the flip side of the coin, this tumultuous year has also been an exciting, full of growth and learning opportunities, and plenty of adrenaline to survive on. To close out the year and in commemoration of our 10th podcast episode, John and Calvin have put together a list of 10 ICONIC Lessons of 2020. And a special thanks to our listeners for their continued support and listenership. You’re all unequivocally ICONIC! 0:01:18 - Intro: Thank you, Listeners!0:04:41 - Lesson #10: Trust Your Team0:08:02 - Lesson #9: Leaders Emerge During Turbulent Times0:12:57 - Lesson #8: Lead with Empathy0:17:55 - Lesson #7: The Illusion of Control0:21:52 - Lesson #6: Have a Plan B0:28:50 - Lesson #5: Failure Breeds Creativity0:32:28 - Lesson #4: Never Give Up0:38:21 - Lesson #3: Get Comfortable with the Unknown and Ambiguity0:41:54 - Lesson #2: Community is Everything0:46:54 - Lesson #1: Mindset is Everything0:50:25 - ICONIC PointsTo learn more about John Avola and Calvin Stovall, visit iconicpresentations.net. All The ICONIC Mindset episodes can be downloaded at theiconicmindset.com. If you enjoyed listening to this episode, please subscribe to our show.  Remember to select a star rating and/or write a review for The ICONIC Mindset podcast. Connect with us!John Avola: @johnavola (Twitter) and LinkedInCalvin Stovall: @ICONICspeaker (Twitter), Facebook and LinkedInTo leave a podcast review:Open your podcast app and search/navigate to The ICONIC MindsetScroll to the subhead titled "Ratings & Reviews" Tap to give a rating and/or select "Write a Review"Once you've finished, select "Send" or "Save" (top-right corner)Thank you for listening! We value our listeners and subscribers.Don't just be, Be ICONIC! 

4 C’s to an ICONIC Mindset; How to Thrive in 2021 and BeyondEpisode #9Without question 2020 has been an unforgettable year of challenges, unsuspected turns and sudden surprises. American Professor of mathematics at Temple University, John Allen Paulos said, “Uncertainty is the only certainty there is, and knowing how to live with insecurity is the only security.” The fact is a lot of the things happening around us are outside of our control, but despite that you can maintain an ICONIC Mindset. A person’s ability to thrive in times of uncertainty is how well they can shift their mindset, remain adaptable and flexible and learn how to apply some practical survival techniques. During this podcast episode, John and Calvin discuss the 4 C’s of an ICONIC Mindset. Listen and learn how you can apply these 4 C’s to your daily life and thrive during the upcoming 2021 year and beyond.0:00:58 - Intro: 4 C's of an ICONIC Mindset0:09:32 - Celebrate Innovation0:15:37 - Commit to Curiosity0:20:21 - Cultivate Connections0:28:23 - Choose Optimism0:35:23 - ICONIC PointsTo learn more about John Avola and Calvin Stovall, visit iconicpresentations.net. All The ICONIC Mindset episodes can be downloaded at theiconicmindset.com. If you enjoyed listening to this episode, please subscribe to our show.  Remember to select a star rating and/or write a review for The ICONIC Mindset podcast. Connect with us!John Avola: @johnavola (Twitter) and LinkedInCalvin Stovall: @ICONICspeaker (Twitter), Facebook and LinkedInTo leave a podcast review:Open your podcast app and search/navigate to The ICONIC MindsetScroll to the subhead titled "Ratings & Reviews" Tap to give a rating and/or select "Write a Review"Once you've finished, select "Send" or "Save" (top-right corner)Thank you for listening! We value our listeners and subscribers.Don't just be, Be ICONIC!

13 sins of the unICONIC: The SequelEpisode #8Toxic work cultures make going to work feel miserable. New ideas can’t flourish, people can’t be honest, micro-management thrives, and leaders are given power that go to their heads and fuel their egos. In our last podcast, John and Calvin talked about how to build an ICONIC culture that stands the test of time. As a good follow-up (or sequel), this episode provides listeners with a list of 13 telltale signs that your company culture is moving in the wrong direction – and then provide practical solutions to fix them.0:02:03 - Intro: Toxic Work Environments0:04:37 - Sin #13: Absence of accountability0:06:26 - Sin #12: Value for the company over core values0:09:10 - Sin #11: Lack of investment in people0:11:27 - Sin #10: Rotating door policy, high turnover, excessive absenteeism, illness0:13:12 - Sin #9: Preferential treatment; favoritism and office politics0:15:39 - Sin #8: Productivity is driven by fear0:17:25 - Sin #7: Management vs. The Us Culture0:20:56 - Sin #6: Employees have no latitude in performing their jobs0:24:58 - Sin #5: Power (title and status) over Purpose (contribution to the mission)0:27:20 - Sin #4: Lack of diversity and inclusion0:29:39 - Sin #3: There is no community or team spirit0:32:43 - Sin #2: Employees aren’t appreciated, adequately acknowledged or rewarded0:33:51 - Sin #1: There are no core values, purpose is unclear or there's no purpose at all0:37:10 - ICONIC PointsTo learn more about John Avola and Calvin Stovall, visit iconicpresentations.net. All The ICONIC Mindset episodes can be downloaded at theiconicmindset.com. If you enjoyed listening to this episode, please subscribe to our show.  Remember to select a star rating and/or write a review for The ICONIC Mindset podcast. Connect with us!John Avola: @johnavola (Twitter) and LinkedInCalvin Stovall: @ICONICspeaker (Twitter), Facebook and LinkedInTo leave a podcast review:Open your podcast app and search/navigate to The ICONIC MindsetScroll to the subhead titled "Ratings & Reviews" Tap to give a rating and/or select "Write a Review"Once you've finished, select "Send" or "Save" (top-right corner)Thank you for listening! We value our listeners and subscribers.Don't just be, Be ICONIC!

Building an ICONIC Culture that Stands the Test of TimeEpisode #7Own it! Live it! Love it! There’s nothing more important than your company's culture. In this podcast episode, John and Calvin discuss how to build an ICONIC culture that stands the test of time. They'll leverage one of the four ICONIC Framework quadrants as the foundation for defining your culture, developing values and beliefs and defending what you've built. Whether your company has been operating for years or you're opening your doors for the first time, you'll want to tune in as they share how to establish a culture today that will last far beyond tomorrow.0:03:19 - Intro: Building an ICONIC Culture0:07:45 - Own It0:19:15 - Live It0:27:28 - Love It0:32:11 - ICONIC PointsTo learn more about John Avola and Calvin Stovall, visit iconicpresentations.net. All The ICONIC Mindset episodes can be downloaded at theiconicmindset.com. If you enjoyed listening to this episode, please subscribe to our show.  Remember to select a star rating and/or write a review for The ICONIC Mindset podcast. Connect with us!John Avola: @johnavola (Twitter) and LinkedInCalvin Stovall: @ICONICspeaker (Twitter), Facebook and LinkedInTo leave a podcast review:Open your podcast app and search/navigate to The ICONIC MindsetScroll to the subhead titled "Ratings & Reviews" Tap to give a rating and/or select "Write a Review"Once you've finished, select "Send" or "Save" (top-right corner)Thank you for listening! We value our listeners and subscribers.Don't just be, Be ICONIC!

Leading with an ICONIC Mindset during Uncertain TimesEpisode #6It’s been said that turbulent times build great leaders. In this podcast episode, John and Calvin discuss how to lead your team with an ICONIC mindset during uncertain times. They’ll share several important leadership qualities that will help leaders navigate through the next normal while connecting each quality to one (or more) of the 4 P’s of Iconicity - Purpose, People, Passion, and Perseverance. Listen for insights on surefire ways to continue to engage, empower and inspire your team during these uncertain times and into the future.0:01:58 - Intro: Important leadership qualities0:04:58 - Purpose0:07:12 - People0:16:11 - Passion0:24:57 - Perseverance0:31:55 - ICONIC PointsTo learn more about John Avola and Calvin Stovall, visit iconicpresentations.net. All The ICONIC Mindset episodes can be downloaded at theiconicmindset.com. If you enjoyed listening to this episode, please subscribe to our show.  Remember to select a star rating and/or write a review for The ICONIC Mindset podcast. Connect with us!John Avola: @johnavola (Twitter) and LinkedInCalvin Stovall: @ICONICspeaker (Twitter), Facebook and LinkedInTo leave a podcast review:Open your podcast app and search/navigate to The ICONIC MindsetScroll to the subhead titled "Ratings & Reviews" Tap to give a rating and/or select "Write a Review"Once you've finished, select "Send" or "Save" (top-right corner)Thank you for listening! We value our listeners and subscribers.Don't just be, Be ICONIC! 

Building an ICONIC Brand Reputation is EverythingEpisode #5Brand reputation is everything. It's an expectation of behavior derived from personal experiences and/or experiences from others. Great reputations are built through consistently meeting or exceeding customer expectations. When you invest in proactively cultivating your brand reputation, you'll experience increases in revenue, brand equity and customer loyalty, plus you'll have the ability to hire and retain top talent.In this episode, Calvin and John share 4 ICONIC strategies for building an ICONIC brand reputation and touch on a few signals that indicate when your brand reputation could be in jeopardy.0:01:25 - Intro: Managing brand reputation0:6:34 - ICONIC Strategy #1: Delivering a consistent, frictionless memorable customer experience0:14:06 - ICONIC Strategy #2: Focus on nurturing brand promoters and avoiding detractors0:28:17 - ICONIC Strategy #3: Invest in creating a positive employee experience0:33:50 - ICONIC Strategy #4: Don't ignore the power of your customers online voice 0:43:30 - ICONIC PointsTo learn more about John Avola and Calvin Stovall, visit iconicpresentations.net. All The ICONIC Mindset episodes can be downloaded at theiconicmindset.com. If you enjoyed listening to this episode, please subscribe to our show.  Remember to select a star rating and/or write a review for The ICONIC Mindset podcast. Connect with us!John Avola: @johnavola (Twitter) and LinkedInCalvin Stovall: @ICONICspeaker (Twitter), Facebook and LinkedInTo leave a podcast review:Open your podcast app and search/navigate to The ICONIC MindsetScroll to the subhead titled "Ratings & Reviews" Tap to give a rating and/or select "Write a Review"Once you've finished, select "Send" or "Save" (top-right corner)Thank you for listening! We value our listeners and subscribers.Don't just be, Be ICONIC!

Delivering Iconic Customer Experiences: It’s Now Back To BasicsEpisode #4COVID-19 has brought on many challenges for everyone across the globe. Customers’ wants and needs are changing constantly, and you have to change just as fast to keep up with them. In this episode, Calvin and John discuss how delivering ICONIC customer experiences in this environment is all about focusing on the basics of customer service. Beyond adapting new measures to ensure safety, learn what you can do to set your business apart from the competition by focusing on 5 ICONIC strategies that will differentiate your brand when engaging with your customers and employees today and in the future.0:01:12 - Intro: Delivering iconic customer experiences0:09:34 - The Customer Service Game Changer0:15:37 - Strategy #1: Retention is the new acquisition0:19:58 - Strategy #2: Focus on delivering effortless customer experiences0:25:24 - Strategy #3: Be Proactive0:28:50 - Strategy #4: Don't forget about your employees0:35:39 - Strategy #5 - Double down on digital0:42:46 - ICONIC PointsTo learn more about John Avola and Calvin Stovall, visit iconicpresentations.net. All The ICONIC Mindset episodes can be downloaded at theiconicmindset.com. If you enjoyed listening to this episode, please subscribe to our show.  Remember to select a star rating and/or write a review for The ICONIC Mindset podcast. Connect with us!John Avola: @johnavola (Twitter) and LinkedInCalvin Stovall: @ICONICspeaker (Twitter), Facebook and LinkedInTo leave a podcast review:Open your podcast app and search/navigate to The ICONIC MindsetScroll to the subhead titled "Ratings & Reviews" Tap to give a rating and/or select "Write a Review"Once you've finished, select "Send" or "Save" (top-right corner)Thank you for listening! We value our listeners and subscribers.Don't just be, Be ICONIC!

The 4 P’s of Innovative ICONIC Brands - Part IIEpisode #3A product, service or idea is innovative when it truly makes your customer lives’ easier, whether it's something new or making something better–an improvement. During Part Il of this two-part series, we unpack the last two of the 4 P’s of Iconicity, Passion and Perseverance. Learn how to magnify your vision (own it, live it, love it) and focus on what matters to your customers. The future is already upon us and some iconic brands have taken the lead to engage, empower and inspire our life’s experiences.0:01:02 - Intro: Passion and Perseverance0:01:25 - The third P of Iconicity = Passion0:08:08 - The fourth P of Iconicity = Perseverance0:13:59 - ICONIC PointsTo learn more about John Avola and Calvin Stovall, visit iconicpresentations.net. All The ICONIC Mindset episodes can be downloaded at theiconicmindset.com. If you enjoyed listening to this episode, please subscribe to our show.  Remember to select a star rating and/or write a review for The ICONIC Mindset podcast. Connect with us!John Avola: @johnavola (Twitter) and LinkedInCalvin Stovall: @ICONICspeaker (Twitter), Facebook and LinkedInTo leave a podcast review:Open your podcast app and search/navigate to The ICONIC MindsetScroll to the subhead titled "Ratings & Reviews" Tap to give a rating and/or select "Write a Review"Once you've finished, select "Send" or "Save" (top-right corner)Thank you for listening! We value our listeners and subscribers.Don't just be, Be ICONIC!

The 4 P’s of Innovative ICONIC Brands - Part IEpisode #2A product, service or idea is innovative when it stands out from the rest and truly makes the customer lives’ easier. Reinvention of experience has been the cornerstone of the 21st century. From Uber to Airbnb, Grubhub to Spotify, pain-points in many areas of our daily lives have been opened up by innovation. The future is already upon us and some iconic brands have taken the lead to innovate and update our life’s experiences. During Part I of this two-part series, we unpack two of the 4 P’s of Iconicity, Purpose and People, and discuss how some brands are leveraging innovation to create experiences that make our lives easier and stand out from the crowd.0:00:51 - Intro: Purpose and People0:05:00 - The 4 P's of Iconicity0:09:27 - The first P of Iconicity = Purpose0:18:21 - The second P of Iconicity = People0:27:19 - ICONIC PointsTo learn more about John Avola and Calvin Stovall, visit iconicpresentations.net. All The ICONIC Mindset episodes can be downloaded at theiconicmindset.com. If you enjoyed listening to this episode, please subscribe to our show.  Remember to select a star rating and/or write a review for The ICONIC Mindset podcast. Connect with us!John Avola: @johnavola (Twitter) and LinkedInCalvin Stovall: @ICONICspeaker (Twitter), Facebook and LinkedInTo leave a podcast review:Open your podcast app and search/navigate to The ICONIC MindsetScroll to the subhead titled "Ratings & Reviews" Tap to give a rating and/or select "Write a Review"Once you've finished, select "Send" or "Save" (top-right corner)Thank you for listening! We value our listeners and subscribers.Don't just be, Be ICONIC!

ICONIC Brands and COVID-19: The Good, The Bad & The UglyEpisode #1As the spread of coronavirus accelerated, overwhelmed our medical system and decimated our communities, American business abruptly came to a halt. Two months later, the pandemic continues and even as some businesses attempt to reopen, COVID-19 threatens future closures and thrusts the economy into a near-certain recession. However, COVID-19 also brought with it was some of our most beloved brands stepping up to make a difference. These companies shouldered responsibilities that go far beyond meeting earnings targets and satisfying shareholders. While at the same time, there were some companies that dodged responsibility and lacked empathy towards their employees. This episode explores ICONIC brands and COVID-19; the good, the bad and the ugly.0:00:51 - Intro: COVID-19 and ICONIC Brands0:04:41  - The Good0:22:05 - The Ugly0:32:22 - ICONIC PointsTo learn more about John Avola and Calvin Stovall, visit iconicpresentations.net. All The ICONIC Mindset episodes can be downloaded at theiconicmindset.com. If you enjoyed listening to this episode, please subscribe to our show.  Remember to select a star rating and/or write a review for The ICONIC Mindset podcast. Connect with us!John Avola: @johnavola (Twitter) and LinkedInCalvin Stovall: @ICONICspeaker (Twitter), Facebook and LinkedInTo leave a podcast review:Open your podcast app and search/navigate to The ICONIC MindsetScroll to the subhead titled "Ratings & Reviews" Tap to give a rating and/or select "Write a Review"Once you've finished, select "Send" or "Save" (top-right corner)Thank you for listening! We value our listeners and subscribers.Don't just be, Be ICONIC!