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Outside Insights

Author: Chris Burkhard

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Outside Insights is a platform for sharing your lessons and ideas for closing your personal gap. New thoughts to ponder every other week at myplacers.com/outside-insights.
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I’m a Delawarian through and through and perhaps one of my favorite characteristics of our little state is the big impact that local nonprofits have on our communities. I’ve been honored to speak with many leaders from these non-profits and am thankful that I can further their message through the Outside Insights platform.Recently, I had the chance to speak with the co-founder of one of my favorite organizations yet: Cierra Hall-Hipkins from Network Connect.Founded in 2019, Network Connect serves as a bridge to fill gaps in Delaware’s community services by providing unique support tailored to the needs of Black and Brown families. Cierra and her team work to build community capacity by coordinating grassroots and local partners to provide youth and families with social services, education programs, workforce skills, and mental health support.Follow this link to listen to this episode of Outside Insights to learn more about Network Connect’s mission.Two of the Network Connect’s critical initiatives you’ll hear about in the podcast include their Community Well-Being Ambassador (CWA) program and their Future Culture Creators workforce development program for teens.The ambassador program employs local residents to serve as connectors between community members and resources. CWAs provide mental health, substance abuse, positive activities, youth support, and essential needs solutions.The workforce development program provides teens with professional skills as well as training in design thinking and civic engagement. Over 100 youth have already graduated from this life-changing program!So, what inspired Cierra to take on such an important mission in the first place? Cierra’s motivation comes from her lifelong passion for service and Wilmington roots. With degrees in rehab counseling and experience in nonprofits and education, she has witnessed firsthand the needs not being met in many communities.Running a growing nonprofit is not without challenges, but Cierra stays resilient. She emphasizes the importance of empathy, patience, and sticking through the tough times. Support from her team and her spiritual grounding also keep her going.There are always more people to serve, so Network Connect continues to expand their impact — and the team has big goals this year! Please consider supporting Network Connect’s mission by attending their fundraising gala on Friday, April 20. Tickets can be purchased here! Be sure to follow along with Network Connect’s mission on Facebook and Instagram.Thank you for listening, reading, and supporting this important cause, friends.ChrisHelpful Links:– Website: www.networkconnect.org– Facebook: Network Connect– Instagram: wearenetworkconnect– Upcoming Gala: April 20th at the Community Education Building
In life, we encounter a diverse cast of characters. Among the cast that surrounds us, there are characters that particularly stand out, such as energy vampires — individuals who, knowingly or unknowingly, sap our vitality and leave us feeling drained. These individuals aren’t confined to our social circles; they can also reside within us, manifesting as counterproductive thoughts and internal conflicts.The key to a peaceful life lies in our ability to manage our energy wisely, intentionally choosing where to focus our attention.Imagine an alarm clock that goes off constantly, without serving an actual purpose — begging for attention and probably being more than a little unsettling. That’s an energy vampire — metaphorically, at least.Have you ever found yourself multitasking to the point of distraction, or caught in a meditation session that’s hijacked by a barrage of unrelated thoughts? This internal battle not only zaps our focus but also our enjoyment of the present moment. Those thoughts? Energy vampires.The company we keep can significantly impact our energy levels. Reflect on the people who invigorate you, those whose presence motivates you. On the flip side, consider those whose company leaves you feeling drained after every interaction — whether it be from negativity, complaints or just hard to handle egos.Identifying Common Energy VampiresEnergy vampires come in various forms, and recognizing them is the first step toward reclaiming our energy and peace:The Complainer: This type thrives on negativity, turning every conversation into an opportunity to vent, leaving us emotionally spent. You can set healthy boundaries with these types of energy vampires while still being a good friend.The Narcissist: They demand constant attention and admiration, draining our emotional reserves.The Victim: Trapped in self-pity, they offload their burdens onto us, impeding on our own emotional space.To protect our well-being, it’s crucial to establish boundaries. Learning to say “no” and prioritizing our mental health over our relationships with energy vampires is key. Lets face it, some of those that are energy vampires are family, dear friends, business partners, neighbors, they are all around us. Take a second and pause, you do not have to engage, be dragged into the drama, or even participate. You have the right and can develop the skill to emotionally detach yourself. You’re not being rude, rather you’re practicing equanimity — mental calmness in the face of adversity. So you have a choice, don’t allow yourself to get to the place of resentment, anger and martyrdom. Don’t engage.And beyond external factors, we must also manage the energy vampires within our minds. Competing thoughts, doubts, and fears can exhaust our mental health, much like physical exertion wears out the body.So, how exactly do we protect ourselves from internal energy vampires?Meditation, mindfulness, and self-reflection are potent antidotes to the internal chaos. By becoming aware of our thought patterns, we can channel our mental energy towards more positive and productive pursuits, rather than letting it be siphoned off by these internal distractions.Life is far too precious to be overshadowed by energy vampires. My challenge to you is to make a conscious effort to identify these draining influences, whether they’re in your circles or within yourself, and take active steps to minimize their impact.Start this week and begin to uncover these hidden drains on your energy, establish firm boundaries, and cultivate positive habits that nurture a more balanced and enjoyable life. In doing so, you can ensure your life is filled with the vibrancy and peace you deserve.Until next time, friends.Chrishttps://myplacers.com/energy-vampires-navigating-draining-forces-in-our-lives
In this insightful episode of the Outside Insights podcast, I sat down with John Ratliff, the entrepreneurial force behind Align 5 and CEO of Scaling Up Coaches.During the episode, John and I discuss the multifaceted journey of entrepreneurship and the significance of mental health and creativity in the entrepreneurial realm.  I have known John for decades and admire his body of work, accomplishments and drive to impact the entrepreneurial landscape globally. John has been a top 100 wish list target for Outside Insights - goal accomplished!Few have built a business from scratch, bootstrapped, built organically, grown by acquisition, exited successfully, been an investment banker, entrepreneurial coach, leader of coaches and all in all entrepreneurial advocate. Most importantly, John is a learner, loves new ideas and seems to always see the possibilities and bigger picture. I’m always feeling inspired by John.Save this podcast for your next commute or workout to hear two serial entrepreneurs discuss: The importance of recognizing and leveraging hidden assets within your business or any new venture. The value of external perspectives in uncovering these "Rembrandts."The challenges of entrepreneurship, including the risk of isolation and mental health struggles.The significance of creativity, curiosity, and continuous learning in navigating the fast-paced business landscape.The need for a supportive community and the willingness to seek help and mentorship.John Ratliff's entrepreneurial voyage began with his call center business, which, despite initial hurdles, laid the foundation for his understanding of business dynamics and growth strategies. His involvement with Align 5 and Scaling Up Coaches underscores his commitment to nurturing middle-market companies and their leaders, emphasizing the critical role these entities play in the economy.A pivotal theme John discusses is the concept of "Finding Your Rembrandt in the Attic." This metaphor illustrates the often-overlooked assets within businesses that, when recognized and leveraged, can significantly enhance a company's value. John stresses the importance of external perspectives in identifying these hidden treasures - someone to help you see what may have been right in front of you the whole time.The conversation also touches on the solitary nature of entrepreneurship. John candidly shares the challenges and internal struggles many entrepreneurs face, including the risk of isolation, depression, and burnout. He advocates for a supportive community and the courage to seek help, emphasizing the importance of mental health awareness and self-care in the entrepreneurial journey.John’s leadership philosophy is deeply ingrained in the principles of creativity and lifelong learning. In an era marked by rapid technological advancements and societal shifts, he believes that the ability to adapt and innovate is paramount for entrepreneurial success. His parting advice for entrepreneurs: Take moments to reflect on achievements and while remaining grounded in the fundamentals of business. Don’t get caught in the allure of rapid, often unsustainable, growth strategies. I hope you find yourself as inspired as I am in guests like John - who have achieved their goals many times over through grit, resilience and a healthy amount of stubborness. Thanks for listening, friends.ChrisLinksOpposite The Crowd
I’m going to share a little secret about your job and career. It’s a simple truth: You, and only you, are responsible for managing your career. This wasn’t always the case. Our grandparents lived in a world where careers were often linear and lifelong, with a single organization rewarding decades of loyalty with a gold watch as a symbol of their appreciation. But times have changed.Today, we outlive companies as they are bought, sold, merged and closed or changed in ways we don’t fit or don’t want to be a part of. The speed of business is relentless, and staying afloat in such a competitive environment is challenging enough, let alone managing a career through it.I have a dear friend who exemplifies the power of proactive career management. Over 26 years, she worked closely with a recruitment leader who helped guide her through four company changes, numerous geographical moves, and transitions to different roles. This was possible because of the trust she shares with her mentor and their deep understanding of her career narrative. The success she’s enjoyed speaks volumes about this approach. Like her, we all need that sounding board, someone to share ideas with, and occasionally, someone who can open doors for us.You might wonder, “Shouldn’t I be managing my career on my own?” Think about it: We outsource so many aspects of our lives to experts — real estate, dental care, housekeeping. Why should career management be any different? Many of us rely on family, mentors, or workplace leaders, but there’s another option: a career agent.What is a Career Agent Anyway?A career agent is more than just a mentor or coach; they are a dedicated professional who understands your industry, your personal story, and your career aspirations. They offer tailored advice, whether you’re preparing for a performance review, negotiating a raise, or contemplating a job change.They’re also there to help with practical aspects like refining your resume, honing interview skills, or building your network. But more importantly, they encourage proactive career management. Instead of updating your resume only when a job is at risk, a career agent helps you keep it current. You should update your resume every 90 days. It’s much easier to write down your wins while they are fresh!Finding Your Career AgentSelecting a career agent is a significant step. Look for industry leaders or professionals whose work you admire. This person could be a coach, HR professional, recruiter, or consultant. When choosing your agent, consider:– Industry knowledge: How well do they understand your field?– Alignment with your needs: Do their advice and style resonate with you?– Long-term engagement: Are they prepared to be a part of your journey for the long haul?– Coaching style: What kind of counsel do you respond to best?After you have people in mind, schedule meetings, interview potential agents, and determine who best fits your needs!The bottom line: Managing a career in today’s fast-paced world is daunting. A career agent can be a pivotal resource in navigating this journey. They offer more than advice; they provide a partnership for growth and success.For more insights on finding a career agent, check out our podcast episode on this topic in “Opposite the Crowd,” available in audio, paperback, and e-book formats.Remember, the path to career success is rarely walked alone. Find your guide, your mentor, your career agent, and take control of your journey. I know I have more than a few career agents I’ve looked up to along my journey.Until next time, friends.Chris
In this episode of Outside Insights, I chat with Pat Callihan, CEO of the national nonprofit Tech Impact. During our discussion, Pat shares how his organization is creating meaningful change through technology and workforce development programs.I'm inspired by Pat's commitment to leveraging technology for greater social impact through workforce development and nonprofit empowerment. Many of you know about Placer's own Act of Kindness Promise, here we provide both career coaching and business consulting sessions free of charge. Pat's leadership and vision are making a tangible difference, and motivates me to discover opportunities to do even more for our community.Key topics we cover include:Tech Impact's flagship IT Works program that has trained over 1,400 young adults for careers in technology. Many graduates see their income double or triple, creating a pathway out of poverty.The CX Works program that specifically trains people for jobs in the high-demand contact center industry. This was recently expanded through a pilot at a women's correctional facility, providing skills for re-entry.How Tech Impact supports 700 Delaware residents to enter technology jobs through partnerships with the state Department of Labor. This is helping address the skill gap locally.Consulting projects that have helped hundreds of nonprofits adopt cloud computing, donor management systems, cybersecurity protocols and more. This increases their capacity to further their missions.Exciting growth of Tech Impact's Data Innovation Lab that is informing data-driven decisions on pressing social issues like health care access, housing stability, addiction treatment and more.Outside Insights listeners interested in learning more can check out Pat's book recommendation "Zen and The Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" for perspective on enjoying the journey versus fixating on details.I hope you enjoy this conversation and feel motivated to discover how you can make an even bigger impact in your community too.Until next time, friends!ChrisHelpful LinksOpposite The CrowdSpotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/2uGQIYB4eG0yKYAsfjkzGmAmazonhttps://www.amazon.com/Opposite-Crowd-Want-Must-Know/dp/B0C9S8B1CFWant this content in your email inbox? Subscribe to Outside Insights Check out Placers StaffingCheck out Chris’s WebsiteCreditsHosted by Chris BurkhardMusic by Steve Miller and Lainie Miller
Welcome to 2024! We are trying something new on the Outside Insights Podcast with some solo podcast and thought leadership in addition to the interviews we have shared have been part of what Outside Insights is and the community around it. Thank you for tuning in to the Outside Insights Podcast! We appreciate your support and look forward to bringing you more valuable content in the future. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and connect with us on social media!Helpful LinksTaking Control of Your Career in 2024: A New BeginningWant this content in your email inbox? Subscribe to Outside Insights Check out Placers StaffingCheck out Chris’s WebsiteCreditsHosted by Chris BurkhardMusic by Steve Miller and Lainie Miller
In this episode of Outside Insights, I chat with Chris Bystriansky, an author, attorney, real estate investor, coach, speaker, and endurance athlete. Yeah - some people really can do it all.During our discussion, Chris shares his journey from a challenging childhood to pursuing higher education and then eventually finding himself climbing the corporate ladder. He then shares how his focus turned to identifying passive income streams, like real estate investing. Through his ventures, he realized the corporate path didn't guarantee happiness or fulfillment.Chris emphasizes the importance of having multiple income streams and passive income as a safety net against potential job losses. He shares his philosophy on overcoming inertia and embracing change, even though it's difficult. I really feel like we can all take something away from his experiences. I loved hearing how Chris taught his young daughter about investing and passive income. He paid her to do chores, then let her "buy" household assets like their toaster. He paid her weekly "rent" for the family using her toaster, giving her hands-on financial literacy. She even charged late fees! Ultimately laid off from chores, she still earned rental income from "owning" items. This clever firsthand investing lesson inspired Chris's book "Renting From My 6 Year Old"When he’s not building passive income, Chris works to push his physical and mental limits through endurance events like Ironman triathlons. His book "New Steel" relays how we can overcome challenges and do more than we think possible. I identify with many lessons in this book as regular listeners know I’ve had my fair share of physical and mental health journeys.Key topics we cover in this episode include:Taking control of your career path and why the path least traveled may be the bestTeaching financial literacy to your children early to set them up for success The importance of building a financial safety net and passive streams of income Continually challenging yourself, both physically and mentally  Why you should focus on making progress in small steps rather than getting overwhelmed trying to make sweeping changes all at once.I hope you find as much value in this conversation as I did when I connected with Chris. One of the best ways to improve yourself is to surround yourself with people that inspire you - and I sure left this conversation feeling inspired. Until next time, friends.ChrisBooks Mentioned:- Renting From My 6 Year Old by Chris Bystriansky - New Steel by Chris Bystriansky- How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie- Can't Hurt Me by David Goggins- Living With a SEAL by Jesse ItzlerChris Bystriansky's website:https://chrisbystriansky.com/
We’re officially kicking off the 2023 holiday season this week! With that in mind, I wanted to bring you some fun, lighter content to be consumed while recovering from too much tryptophan and your leftover turkey.Thanksgiving is a time to count our blessings and to recognize our abundance and it is my hope that you spend this long weekend with your loved ones, friends and family and with your community. Thanks for being a part of my community, whether that's through Placers, Outside Insights, Opposite the Crowd or wherever our journeys may have crossed. This episode of Outside Insights is endearingly named the “Misfit Thanksgiving Special” and features my backpacking group and some of my longest friendships.What is a Misfit, you might ask? If you ask old Merriram Webster, a misfit is a person whose behavior or attitude sets them apart from others in a conspicuous way, IE) “A motley collection of social misfits''.  My personal group of Misfits has bonded over all things backpacking over the years and, as we get older, are still endeavoring to live life enjoying the outdoors. We tell bad jokes, often, are regular raconteurs on the trail, discussing our successes and setbacks. We even remember to take a selfie or two for our folks back at home. When dubbing our group the Misfits, little did I know that there is also a common thing called a Misfit Thanksgiving. Started by Nashville musicians who could not travel home for the holidays, Misfits got together with friends in the area, or frankly anyone else who did not have a place to go for the holidays. If you ask me, this concept perfectly lives up to the spirit of Thanksgiving: Spending time appreciating our bounty, breaking bread and being with your community - whoever that community may be. A Misfit Thanksgiving is inspired by the fact that family can be found anywhere and often has little to do with blood.My Misfits have regular meetings, training schedules, group by-law and even t-shirts. But at the core, we’re really just a group of men from all walks of life finding common purpose out on the trail - and prioritizing our mental and physical health while we’re out there. Our group mantra has informally become a quote by John Muir, included below. We say it often and we mean it. “Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home; that wildness is a necessity.”  - John MuirI’m so excited for you to learn more about the Misfits during this episode of Outside Insights - I think everyone can take value away from our discussion. Maybe you’ll even see a little of yourself in one of their stories. During the podcast, I’ll guide the discussion as you hear from Mark, the founder of the Misfits, Jack the retired photographer and resident botanist who can outhike all of us, Chris (the other Chris), our master chef and resident gearhead, and Ray, the guy who never sits down and guarantees us a campfire most of the time. Some fast facts about the Misfits:We have 30 plus trips accomplished since 2007 including the White Mountains, John Muir Trail, Mount Rainier, and every backpacking loop you can think of from Georgia to New Hampshire,We are section hiking the Appalachian Trail although we need to pick up our pace.We all have a love for gear and it keeps getting lighter. My pack went from 50 pounds to 32 over 30 years!We met over service, three of us were Rotarians and love the outdoors.Bourbon is the Misfit Celebration beverage of choice!And, I’ll leave you with a couple other quotes from John Muir. It’s nearly impossible to choose just one. Happy Thanksgiving friends, thank you again for being part of my
As many of you know, I’m a proud Delawarian. There’s nothing I enjoy more than watching our local businesses thrive. When a business’s core mission is helping other Delawarians thrive, well, I’m sold.In this episode of Outside Insights, I sit down with Desa Burton, Executive Director of Zip Code Wilmington, a nonprofit coding bootcamp. Zip Code Wilmington provides adults with intensive software developer training, with no college degree requirements. In turn, the program helps build tech talent pipelines for employers in the Wilmington region.Many Zip Code students see dramatic boosts in their income after completing the program. This lifts up individuals and families while also benefiting the Wilmington community.During our chat, Desa shared her own career journey, from graduating the US Naval Academy and serving as a Surface Warfare Officer, to earning a law degree and working in intellectual property, and eventually, leading Zip Code Wilmington.Of course, I had to dig into Desa’s leadership philosophies. She discussed the importance of empowering her team to help them grow, which she links back to lessons learned from mentors in the military.Other key topics we discuss in this episode of Outside Insights include; taking care of yourself to avoid burnout, overcoming inertia to embrace change, and continually developing new skills.If you’re a burgeoning entrepreneur with an idea, someone interested in learning new skills, or you just want to learn more about businesses doing good in Delaware communities, this episode is for you.Reply and let me know what topics you’d like to hear next on the podcast!Until next time, friends.ChrisZip Code Wilmington:Website: https://www.zipcodewilmington.comEmail: info@zipcodewilmington.comBooks mentioned:A Whole New Mind by Daniel PinkOutliers by Malcolm GladwellTipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell
In this episode Outside Insights, I sat down with Nick Wilkinson, Founder and CEO of Wilkinson Advisory services. Prior to launching his own consulting firm, Wilkinson built a successful career spanning various industries and has collected multiple hats over the years, including CEO, entrepreneur, author, and filmmaker – more on that later. Nick and I go way back. I first met Nick on the board of a non-profit when Nick was running a global IT firm. I was a young upstart on that board and I still recall the many business and life lessons I absorbed from him and many years later applied when I chaired the same organization. In true Outside Insights fashion, we discussed Nick’s leadership philosophy, which he explains was shaped by his military background. Nick emphasized the value of servant leadership, where success is achieved through empowering and supporting others. This is a topic you know I’m already passionate about. I always love catching up with Nick and not just because of his extensive leadership experience and stories of triumph and failures that we toss back and forth. No, what I enjoy most is Nick’s passion and the fact that he truly is a man of many talents. Not many corporate CEOs can say they’ve also dabbled in scriptwriting and directing – but Nick can. During this episode of Outside Insights, we actually discussed one of Nick’s most exciting milestones yet, the launch of his short film, “The Fast Track Program”. Inspired by his corporate career, the film encapsulates Nick’s personal anecdotes and lessons learned in a 12-minute story. “The Fast Track Program” is currently being submitted to film festivals, with upcoming plans for a public release. With the little free time he has left, Nick cultivates his passion for cooking and soccer. In fact, his next creative endeavor, “Olde Boys,” is a soccer-related comedy centered around an old guys’ team from Pennsylvania. This reminds me of my own “old boys” hiking group, the Misfits. I’m so excited to bring Nick’s story to you all today because it illustrates that your job is only one facet of life. You need to make sure to grow in other areas, too. You gravitate towards your passion for a reason – don’t ignore that call! Until next time, friends.Chris
Most people have a few, or a dozen, financial mistakes they look back on and really regret. For many,  becoming financial savvy is learned through trial and error and living with a few regrets from your younger years is all part of the process. Isn’t it ridiculous credit card companies send applications to 18 year old kids before they even graduate high school? With predatory practices everywhere you turn and lines of credit increasingly accessible - it’s all too easy to make a few blunders, right? Well, a recent Outside Insights guest is on a mission to help prevent this. In this episode of Outside Insights, I sit down with Mark Olazagasti, a first generation entrepreneur and lifelong Delawarean. Mark recently retired from his role of managing partner at Info Solutions, an IT infrastructure consulting and managed services company he co-founded. During our chat, Mark got transparent around his personal experiences with finances. He was raised by a single mother who struggled financially, started a business during the Great Recession and learned tough lessons about debt after making mistakes that many people have before, like buying furniture before being paid. Now, through his nonprofit YourMoney101, Mark advocates for personal finance to be taught in all Delaware high schools. He also personally provides financial mentoring and education to individuals and companies. As a father to two young people and someone who has learned from past financial mistakes, I think this mission is all too important. In this episode, you’ll hear:- Mark's origin story and lessons learned from starting a business- Why Mark was inspired to advocate for personal finance education in schools- Common money and debt mistakes people make- The importance of tracking income vs expenses- Managing psychology around money decisions- Book recommendations for learning about personal finance - include a list below as well for easy reference! Mark’s Budgeting SpreadsheetMark’s Credit Card Debt Payoff Calculator Spreadsheet Book Recommendations from a finance wiz:The Index Card: Why Personal Finance Doesn't Have to Be Complicated by Helaine Olen and Harold PollackThe Psychology of Money: Timeless Lessons on Wealth, Greed, and Happiness by Morgan HouselThe Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life by Mark MansonThe Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment
We’re going to start this one with a question: How was success defined for you when you were 18? For many, the definition of success was likely narrowly defined as “study hard and make it into a great university”. Many of us today can agree that this definition is limiting. Thankfully, in recent years more and more job descriptions are shifting their degree requirements and instead honing in on “years of related experience” or technical expertise.In our latest episode of the Outside Insights podcast, I talk Brian Matthew Rhodes, Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary at Opportunity@Work.Opportunity@Work’s is a really neat organization that’s on a mission to rewire the labor market so that everyone Skilled Through Alternative Routes, or STARs, can work, learn, and earn to their full potential. In other words, a four-year degree isn’t the only path to success. At Placers, we’re proud to help job seekers with diverse backgrounds and experience levels find work, so of course we’ve been big fans of Opportunity@Work for a while.During our talk, Brian provided eye-opening perspectives on how degree requirements can disadvantage certain groups and why skills-based hiring makes sense, especially given the current labor shortages. Opportunity@Work has conducted research that highlights the on-the-job potential of STARs and points to them as a solution for broadening talent pools with great candidates that would otherwise be overlooked.Here are a the key takeaways from this episode:Opportunity@Work pushes for skills-based hiring so those without degrees have equal opportunities.There are ~70 million American "STARs" skilled through bootcamps, certifications, and military service.Research shows “STARs” are disproportionately people of color, women, vets, and rural workers. Hiring STARs helps uphold businesses critical commitments to diversity, equity and inclusion. With today's labor shortages, expanding talent pools beyond degrees just makes business sense.Brian shares his “5 fingers of success” and explains why he would tell his 21-year old self to be patient - a reminder I think we could all use.How learning from younger generations and diverse viewpoints helps fosters workplace inclusion.At Outside Insights, we’re all about changing the status quo and coloring outside the lines. By embracing STAR’s in the workplace, we can create a more skills-focused and inclusive workforce that empowers all talents to thrive - and I think that’s something we should all embrace.If you were 18 today, would you consider alternative routes to a four-year university? Reply and let me know. Let’s discuss. Until next time, Chris
I’m blessed to have many people in my circle that inspire me and push me to become a better version of myself every day just through their example. Some of these people are close to me, like my wife or my father. Others, I’ve met throughout the seasons of life and am honored to have them in my network - cheering one another on as we reach new milestones. One of these people is Dr. Colleen Perry Keith, the president of Goldey–Beacom College in Wilmington and recent Outside Insights podcast guest. Colleen welcomed me into her office shortly after becoming President and we engaged immediately in talks of leadership, higher education and all things business.  During the pandemic I had the honor of being the commencement speaker for the College and Colleen had to listen to me at least six times with each graduation ceremony.  I have linked here as the message fits our conversation.During our talk, Colleen shared her inspiring journey, from her early career experiences to her current role as a college president, offering valuable insights into personal growth, mentorship, and leading integrative lives. All in all, the lessons she shared really highlights one critically important value of Outside Insights: Authentic leadership.In this episode, you’ll discover: Colleen’s career journey and the lessons she learned along the way, including the importance of having mentors who guide and support professional growth. Why adaptability and seizing opportunities to learn and expand one's skill set are crucial for success.The importance of continuous learning, building relationships within the higher education industry, and Colleen’s unique perspective on effective leadership.And of course, in true Outside Insights fashion, the importance of balancing different aspects of life, such as family, career, and personal interests, is emphasized.Save this podcast for your next morning commute or start it now. You won’t want to miss Colleen’s lessons for personal and professional development as you reflect on your own journey and consider ways to cultivate growth and balance in your life.Until next time, friends. Chris
Get ready to join Chris Burkhard as he hosts a conversation with Steven Pivnik, a total boss in both business and endurance sports. They dive into Steven's journey, where his love for adventure, hustling, and being financially independent all come together. Steven's background as an endurance athlete paved the way for his entrepreneurial pursuits. Prepare to uncover the secret sauce that ties together his athletic feats and business ventures. It's all about pushing your limits, bouncing back from setbacks, and keeping that unbeatable drive for success alive.But it's not all business and success. Prepare to delve into the power of laughter, relationships, and spirituality in living a truly fulfilling life. Steven shares his insights on how embracing joy paved the way for both personal and professional success.Steven also shared how he is taking on even more endurance challenges and chasing after those unfinished goals. To learn even more pick up Steven's book "Built to Finish” and  follow Steven’s adventure blog and sign up to receive book updates on www.stevenpivnik.com. "
A Sit Down with Rob Eppes

A Sit Down with Rob Eppes

2023-05-1201:11:04

Servant leader Rob Eppes said he believes that an entrepreneurial soul is something most business owners are born with; Outside Insights Podcast Host Chris Burkhard laughed and agreed during this week’s episode.An upbringing that “points to the horizon,” looks to “what can be” and asks, “How can we make it better?” nurtures an entrepreneurial spirit. These are some of the pillars of Junior Achievement (JA), the worldwide nonprofit that “connects students to their boundless possibilities.”JA teaches students how to develop their inner entrepreneur and fiscal literacy which allows them to identify skills and interests that lead to a pathway of success, said Eppes, President, JA of Delaware. He discovered JA at a young age, as did Burkhard. They realized early on that JA gave them permission to lead. “It’s how people responded to me that made me want to lead,” said Eppes. “Working with a team gave me that organic experience.” As years passed, both men eventually sat on their local JA Board together and learned how volunteering honed their business acumen while helping youths.JA and skill-building go hand in hand, said Eppes, adding that the “sweet spot” of the nonprofit shines a light on soft skills such as social and emotional learning as it relates to employability. “It develops confidence and motivation,” said Eppes. The workforce today isn’t adequately ready for the workplace, added Burkhard, who advocated for the JA experience which prepares students how to: listen and talk, debate professionally without getting offended, and participate in a team setting.A JA alumni survey revealed: 91% said their JA experience motivated them to learn.84% said JA influenced their positive professional development.81% said JA influenced their career path.80% said they find their work fulfilling.“Only 25% of average Americans say they’re in their dream career,” noted Eppes. “ Sixty-nine percent of JA alums say they’re in their dream career. They’re where they want to be where they are.”To learn more about where you wan to be and how to get there, order "Opposite The Crowd" by Placers' Presidents and Founders Alan and Chris Burkhard. The audio version is available now. The print and eBook versions will be available in early summer.Listen to this entire interview to learn more about JA and hear about the importance of timing in career-making decisions and how to navigate control in life and the workplace. Click on the image.For more information about JA of Delaware, go to: delaware.ja.org.
Entrepreneurs solve the right problem. What is the right problem? It’s a problem that leads to building a method to make money.Gain clarity on lessons of entrepreneurship by listening to this week’s podcast featuring University of Delaware’s Senior Instructor of Entrepreneurship Vince DiFelice. When he and Placers President Chris Burkhard exchanged humbling stories of lessons learned, both men revealed vulnerable accounts of failures that ultimately led to long-term success.“You have to give yourself permission to be human, not superhuman,” said DiFelice. “Doing good and helping people used to be mutually exclusive,” but that’s not how it is in the present, he explained. Now, entrepreneurship is all about problem-solving in a growth market that leads to change and improvement while turning a profit.“Entrepreneurs are leaders who assist others in finding direction,” said DiFelice, adding that entrepreneurship is “tutorial and pastoral.”In his current role, DiFelice helps students identify an interest, then asks them to create a list of the growth markets where the interest fits. After that, they measure the size of the market in dollars. He asks students to focus on a problem in that market and figure out how to fix the problem. "It's a means of discovery that leads to entrepreneurship in an industry that they care about," he said. "I teach students to find their direction. Through market fit, they figure themselves out."To hear this episode that literally delivers the step-by-step “how to” of identifying market fit and capturing it, click on the image.
Have fun listening to Dave Raymond, the original Phillie Phanatic mascot and author of  “The Power of Fun,” and Placers President Chris Burkhard as they remove the stigma from fun in the workplace. Sharing positivity in life and in the workplace “turns off negative brain biases,” explained Dave during this hour-long podcast that takes a deep dive into powerful and positive mindsets that translate into “pathological empathy.” Fun, he said, is a misunderstood word that most people use when they describe activities in their “off time.” Powerful fun is different. It shifts fun to a skill set to use in the “worst of times” – whether those bad times are on or off the clock.Fun is a value-added tool that enables us to manage personal and workplace life. “It’s simple by design but difficult to master,” said Dave, adding that science proves fun is related to longevity and improves quality of life. Powerful fun is an important part of life and creates an understanding of self.“It brings a different mental state to manage life,” he said. "Think about fun like everything else that’s worthwhile and that we express gratitude for – waking up, breathing, walking, tasting, seeing, and hearing." The power of fun starts with learning how to enjoy what we’re doing and the willingness to try. It starts with refreshing our perspectives and shouldn't be underestimated. This reimagined mindset moves us from setting ourselves up to get dumped on, to reframing conversations that shift people to sharing positivity. It embraces empathy and active listening to nurture communication and relationships – and can even save lives.Take the time to listen to this touching and transparent podcast between two, longtime friends who remind each other that fun IS everything it’s cracked up to be – and more!For mental health services for yourself or someone you know, call or text Suicide & Crisis LIFELINE at 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.Editor’s note: A special thank you goes out to Steve and Lainey Miller for their contributions to Outside Insights new audio branding. Also, technical difficulties were experienced during this episode. Dave and I decided to include those challenges in podcast. Enjoy the unedited version with all the real feels. Thank you.
On the perpetual journey to entrepreneurial leadership and growth, the ability to be nimble is key. Success doesn’t come overnight, but keep the grind going and take the licks. That’s entrepreneurship. On this week’s podcast, Rob Herrera, architect, real estate developer, entrepreneur, and founder of The Mill, and Placers President Chris Burkhard, warn that entrepreneurs shouldn’t scale for the sake of scaling, especially during economic uncertainty. Growth, they agree, should be market-driven.By all reports, small business exploded during the pandemic and carried the economy – more so than big business. That’s enlightening news for entrepreneurs. In fact, big business, which struggled during the public health crisis, experienced such an eye-opening experience, it’s now adopting small business operating models and philosophies. More good news for entrepreneurs!One of the newer, small business operating models like shared work spaces is a flex solution that contributes to entrepreneurial synergy, networking, and relationship building. “Co-working space is a shared work environment centered around a community of entrepreneurs,” explained Rob, adding that as a human-centered design, co-work spaces bring culture to life while nurturing collaboration and enticing employees to embrace return to office orders.The Mill, the brainchild of Herrera, is a booming and aesthetically pleasing repurposed workspace with two locations — one in Wilmington, DE, and the other in Springfield, PA. Herrera took both from ghosted, blighted locales to thriving, flex workspaces. This growing trend in innovative community redevelopment that benefits small business operations is spreading nationwide because it navigates entrepreneurs through planned growth and allows for market-driven uncertainty.Enjoy this episode’s banter while these Delaware OGs target the significance of entrepreneurial discipline and innovative repurposing in communities and its impact on the labor market.
There is a balance shift between employers who are used to being in control of the workplace dynamic and employees who gained control of it during the pandemic. It’s headlining news and it’s the through-line of this week’s episode of Outside Insights between Placers’ President Chris Burkhard and Placers’ Founder and seriel entrepreneur Alan Burkhard.Traditionally, employers set the ground rules, the conditions of employment. It’s been that way for the last century. During the pandemic, the construct and definition of "workplace" was reimagined. Hybrid workspaces and remote work became the norm. These new workspace operating models enabled employers to successfully continue in an unprecedented era.But now, the pandemic and its infection rates are slowing and employers are signaling that they want to return to traditional workplace models. Employees who have been working in hybrid or remote situations are balking. It’s a power struggle that needs to be managed effectively in the United States as we move forward. Disney, Starbucks, Vanguard, Paycom, and News Corp are among the big players issuing return to work orders (RTOs). They are among the mainstream companies sending employees RTOs. Companies are increasingly becoming more emboldened. The workforce, which had the upper hand during the pandemic, isn’t as confident as it was in the last two years, and it doesn't know how to navigate this newest curveball.Do employees know how to hold onto to their new-found power? Should they? Are job agents needed  to navigate careers? These and other profound hypotheses constitute this week's maverick crosstalk. They may be groundbreaking, but so is the current job market!Listen to this insightful exchange between Placers’ thought leaders who grapple with the workplace’s path forward and how the behavior of individuals are impacting company behaviors. It's the newest twist in this power grab that was originally discussed in Outside Insights Episode #9: History Repeats Itself: The Power of the Job Seeker.“When you get these jobs that you have been so brilliantly trained for,  just remember that your real job is that if you are free, you need  to free somebody else. If you have some power, then your job is to empower somebody else.”Author, Toni Morrison
Is your company culture by chance or is it by design?The BEST companies in the world understand just how important their culture is and how much impact it has. They don’t leave culture to chance. Instead, they’re purposeful, intentional, and systematic in the creation and development of their culture.Culture: chance or design? It’s the resounding through-line of this Outside Insights Podcast between Placers President Chris Burkhard, and CultureWise Founder and CEO David Friedman. The intriguing exchange between these culturally driven servant leaders compels listeners to pivot and adjust.A systematic way of creating and sustaining a high-performing culture is fundamental to success. Structured processes for creating rituals and routines so they become embedded habits give aspiring enterprises a competitive advantage. It’s not what an organization does. It’s how it does it. Listen to learn how to dramatically improve the probability of success by clearly defining expectations and then implementing a structured and systematic way to teach these behaviors.“Good companies have good cultures by chance. World-class companies have cultures by design.”Culture by Design by David Friedman 
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