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On this episode of Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different, we are joined again by a dear friend, Kevin Maney, as he shares stories about the missed opportunities for innovation after Soviet Union’s fall.

Kevin Maney has a new book out called Red Bottom Line, wherehe tells his firsthand experience as a young USA Today reporter in Russia during the time. From the optimism of Gorbachev’s era to the disillusionment under Putin, Christohper and Kevin also explore Russia’s technological transformation, societal issues and geopolitical impact.

You’re listening to Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different. We are the real dialogue podcast for people with a different mind. So get your mind in a different place, and hey ho, let’s go.

Kevin Maney on the Journalism in Russia during the late 80s and early 90s

Kevin starts off the conversation with a description of the conditions in Russia before, during, and after the fall of the Soviet Union. He describes when Mikhail Gorbachev started loosening restrictions and allowing more foreign correspondents into Russia, which allowed journalists like Kevin to make it to Russian soil as early as 88-88.

Though some restrictions were lifted, Kevin recalls that they still had to jump through so many hoops just to get there, as there aren’t exactly direct routes or flights going from America to Russia at the time.

At this point in time, a lot of Americans and other Westerners were flocking to Russia, as demand for common consumer products skyrocket. Things like toothpaste and deodorant were being sold left and right, things that weren’t originally available locally. Kevin observed this trend and proposed to his editor to let him cover this economic and financial phenomenon that is happening in the Soviet Union.

Kevin Maney on Life in Russia during Economic Hardship

As Kevin recalls the situation then, he saw a country that was on its last legs, and its people trying desperately to live as normal as they could. He observed certain stores that only allowed foreigners or people with non-local currencies to shop, as they know it had more buying power in the long run.

Local residents were crowding other stores, either to purchase clothing items or to replenish their essential supplies. In department stores, shelves were nearly bare, with only toys and luxury items remaining unsold. Everyone was scooping up anything they could find.

Seeing all that in contrast to people’s lives in America was disheartening, to say the least.

The Opening of the First McDonalds in Russia during the 90s

Given all that, Kevin still saw some hope for the country as they start rebuilding themselves from within. That, and all the companies that are now flooding into Russia to help supplies their needs and ideally, boost their economy.

One such company was McDonalds, who Kevin has a fond story to tell. He shares that on one of his trips back to Russia, he just happened to be on the same flight as George Kohan, the biggest McDonalds franchisee in Canada. George was on his way to Moscow to check his plans to build a branch there, which eventually became the first of many McDonalds built in Russia.

Kevin got to talk with George Kohan on how things were going with building a business on foreign soil, and the procedures and machinations he had to go through to finally get approved to open his business there.

To hear more from Kevin Maney and his stories from the redeveloping Russia in the 90s, download and listen to this episode.

Bio

Kevin Maney is cofounder of Category Design Advisors, where he works with CEOs and executive teams to develop and execute strategies to design and dominate markets. He is also a multi-time bestselling author and journalist who writes about technology and society.

His most recent book, UnHealthare: A Manifesto for Health Assurance, was co-authored with venture capitalist Hemant Taneja and Jefferson Health CEO Steve Klasko. It came out in 2020, and tees up how healthcare will evolve in the post-Covid era.

His previous book, Unscaled: How AI and a New Generation of Upstarts are Creating the Economy of the Future, was co-authored with Hemant Taneja and came out in 2018.

His book Play Bigger: How Pirates, Dreamers and Innovators Create and Dominate Markets (Harper Business, 2016), is a collaboration with Silicon Valley veterans Al Ramadan, Dave Peterson and Christopher Lochhead. The book introduces business to the idea of category design and gave birth to the advisory firm Category Design Advisors, where I’m now a partner.

Other Works

He co-authored, with TIBCO CEO Vivek Ranadive, The Two-Second Advantage: How We Succeed by Anticipating the Future…Just Enough. Merging brain science and computer science, it was a 2011 New York Times bestseller, and predicted much of the conversation we’re now having about artificial intelligence.

He also co-wrote Making the World Work Better, which marked IBM’s centennial in 2001. More than 600,000 copies are in print in a dozen languages.

His other books include Trade-Off: Why Some Things Catch On, and Others Don’t, The Maverick and His Machine: Thomas Watson Sr. and the Making of IBM and Megamedia Shakeout.

Over the years, he’s been a contributor to Fortune, The Atlantic, Fast Company and ABC News, among other media outlets. He was a contributing editor at Conde Nast Portfolio during its brief run from 2007 to 2009. For 22 years, he was a columnist, editor and reporter at USA Today.

He’s appeared frequently on television and radio, including CNN, CBS Sunday Morning and NPR, and lectured at conferences and universities, including New York University, UNC in Chapel Hill, and his alma mater, Rutgers.

Kevin also plays music with other New York rockers in a band called Total Blam Blam.

Links

Follow Kevin Maney today!

Website: KevinManey.com | CategoryDesignAdvisors.com

LinkedIn: in/KevinManey |  company/CategoryDesign

Facebook: fb.com/CategoryDesign

Twitter: @KManey | @CD_Advisors

Instagram: @CategoryDesign

Check out his new book: Red Bottom Line

We hope you enjoyed this episode of Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different™! Christopher loves hearing from his listeners. Feel free to email him, connect on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and subscribe on Apple Podcast / Spotify!

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On this episode of Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different, we are joined by our friend and multi-time guest, John Rossman.

John Rossman is a Master of Innovation and former Amazon Executive who brings to the table his insights from his new book, Big Bet Leadership: Your playbook for winning in the hyper digital era. His experiences with industry giants illuminate the path for making bold, transformative decisions.

This conversation is a deep dive into the courage and strategy required to lead in uncertain times, focusing on big bets that redefine industries, in an era where navigating technological change is crucial.

You’re listening to Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different. We are the real dialogue podcast for people with a different mind. So get your mind in a different place, and hey ho, let’s go.

John Rossman on Category Design and Big Bet Leadership

Christopher and John discuss the impact of category transformation and AI on businesses. John expresses gratitude for Christopher’s influential work on category design, which has shaped his thinking and client engagements positively.

They then delve into the challenges faced by companies in making big bets and succeeding in transformations, particularly in the context of AI and digital eras. Both acknowledge the historical struggle of major corporations to adapt and innovate compared to startups.

John emphasizes the need for senior leaders to rethink traditional approaches and embrace new strategies to navigate the hyper-digital era successfully and achieve substantial productivity gains.

John Rossman on Bold Moves vs Incremental Improvements

Christopher and John explore the necessity of both incremental improvements and bold moves in corporate leadership. They stress the importance of executives balancing ongoing operations with strategic innovation, emphasizing the need for a portfolio of big bets alongside incremental changes.

Drawing on insights from successful leaders like Satya Nadella, Jeff Bezos, and Elon Musk, they highlight the challenges of leading transformations in established companies. They propose a framework centered on creating clarity, maintaining velocity, and accelerating risk and value to guide organizations towards systematic transformation.

Customer Obsession and Customer-Driven Innovation

Christopher and John then talk about the importance of customer obsession and strategic thinking in driving successful business transformations. They critique competitor-focused strategies and highlight the significance of understanding customer problems deeply.

Drawing from Amazon’s approach, they emphasize the need for a portfolio of hypotheses and ideas, continuously testing and iterating before scaling.

Both caution against premature scaling and advocate for a patient approach that prioritizes operational readiness and sustainability. They stress that a combination of tactics, including customer obsession, agile methodologies, and strategic experimentation, is essential for systematic innovation and transformation.

To hear more from John Rossman and how to make Big Bets for your company, download and listen to this episode.

Bio

John Rossman
Digital and Innovation Advisor

Mr. Rossman is an expert at digital business models, operations and organizing programs. He has led engagements on developing innovation processes, Internet of Things strategies, marketplace and API driven platform business models.

He is a sought-after speaker on creating a culture of operational excellence and innovation.

Mr. Rossman has worked with clients across various industries, including retail, insurance, education, healthcare, consumer products, industrial products and transportation.

Mr. Rossman’s notable assignments include The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Microsoft, Nordstrom and several of the world’s leading retail and insurance organizations.

Prior to Rossman Partners, John was a Managing Director at Alvarez and Marsal, a performance improvement consulting firm.

Prior to A&M, John was an executive at Amazon.com where he launched the Marketplace business and third-party selling platform, and ran the merchant services business.

Links

Connect with John Rossman!

LinkedIn: in/John-Rossman | Twitter: @JohnERossman | Get the book: Big Bet Leadership

We hope you enjoyed this episode of Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different™! Christopher loves hearing from his listeners. Feel free to email him, connect on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and subscribe on Apple Podcast / Spotify!

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On this episode of Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different, we are joined by educator, neuroscientist, and former Professor of Evolutionary Biology and Psychology at Harvard, Dr. Marc Hauser.

Dr. Marc Hauser has a new book out called Vulnerable Minds: The harm of childhood trauma in the hope of resilience.

You should also know this is a very adult conversation, as it deals with tough topics like childhood abuse. If you are not comfortable with such topics, you have been advised.

You’re listening to Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different. We are the real dialogue podcast for people with a different mind. So get your mind in a different place, and hey ho, let’s go.

Dr. Marc Hauser on Trauma and Compassion Fatigue in Working with Children

Dr. Marc Hauser, who works extensively with trauma victims, discusses the challenges of maintaining emotional well-being while dealing with the profound suffering of his clients. He acknowledges the risk of compassion fatigue and emphasizes the importance of self-care.

Dr. Hauser reveals his coping mechanisms, including physical activity and the supportive environment of his home life. He also highlights the necessity of balancing empathy for his clients with maintaining professional boundaries to avoid becoming overwhelmed.

Comparing his work to that of his veterinarian wife, he underscores the unique emotional demands of his profession, particularly when faced with physically aggressive clients. Despite the difficulties, Dr. Hauser emphasizes the importance of maintaining compassion and offering hope for a better tomorrow to those he serves.

Dr. Marc Hauser on Childhood Trauma and its Impact on Mental and Physical Health

Dr. Marc Hauser explains the significance of TRACEs (Trauma Response to Adverse Childhood Experiences) and RRACEs (Resilience Response to Adverse Childhood Experiences) alongside ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences). He elaborates on how ACEs, identified through a questionnaire developed by Dr. Vincent Felitti, are linked to physical and mental health issues.

Dr. Hauser highlights the transformative impact of understanding and addressing childhood trauma through TRACEs and RRACEs, emphasizing the importance of trauma-informed care and resilience-building strategies. It underscores the need for a holistic approach to supporting individuals affected by childhood trauma, considering both the adverse effects and potential pathways to resilience and healing.

Misconception on the ACE score

Dr. Hauser discusses the misconception surrounding ACE scores, emphasizing that they were never intended as individual predictors but as population measures. He explains how ACE scores were misinterpreted and integrated into policies like insurance coverage in California based on individual scores.

Christopher questions the implications of ACE scores on insurance premiums and treatment eligibility. Dr. Hauser clarifies that ACE scores are not accurate predictors of individual health risks but rather reflect population trends. He compares ACE scores to heritability measures, highlighting that they indicate predispositions but not definitive outcomes for individuals.

Dr. Hauser underscores the importance of understanding ACE scores as measures of experience rather than direct responses to adverse childhood experiences, introducing the concepts of TRACEs and RRACEs for a more nuanced understanding of trauma response.

To hear more from Dr. Marc Hauser on childhood trauma, download and listen to this episode.

Bio

Marc D. Hauser, Ph.D.

Links

Connect with Dr. Marc Hauser

LinkedIn | Twitter / X | Marc D. Hauser website

We hope you enjoyed this episode of Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different™! Christopher loves hearing from his listeners. Feel free to email him, connect on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and subscribe on Apple Podcast / Spotify!

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On this episode of Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different, we bridge the gap between native analogs and native digitals in business by having a dialogue between the VC legend Ted Dintersmith and one of the new legends of her generation, Hannah Grady Williams.

Ted Dintersmith is a VC legend on the East Coast. He’s a former venture capitalist and a founding member of Charles River ventures, where he spent a significant portion of his career investing in and nurturing technology startups. Transitioning his focus toward education, he’s become an influential advocate for innovative educational practices.

Hannah Grady Williams is the legendary founder and CEO of d’Skills. She’s recognized for her innovative approach to shaping education and her efforts to equip the next generation with the tools necessary for success in the modern digital landscape. And, oh yeah, she’s only 25 years old.

Hannah, Ted and Chris discuss the challenges of bridging generational gaps in education as native digital and native analogs. Along with the importance of introducing AI into education to empower students with real world projects. You’ll be shocked at the transformative impact of the skills program on student’s confidence, problem solving abilities, and career prospects.

You’re listening to Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different. We are the real dialogue podcast for people with a different mind. So get your mind in a different place, and hey ho, let’s go.

Hannah Grady Williams on Education Reform and Preparing Students for the Workforce

After a quick introduction between the two guests, the conversation starts with Hannah recounting a pivotal moment from her childhood when her dad involved her in a real estate deal at age 12, sparking her interest in applying academic skills to real-world situations.

This experience led her to question the traditional education system’s effectiveness in preparing students for modern careers, especially in the age of AI. She and Christopher discuss the shortcomings of current education models, emphasizing the importance of practical skills over rote memorization.

Both share a vision of revolutionizing education by shifting focus from test scores to impact portfolios, where students showcase real-world projects demonstrating their skills. They aim to equip students with digital and AI skills through hands-on projects, enabling them to make tangible contributions to businesses. Ultimately, they envision a million students graduating high school with impact portfolios, ready for the demands of the modern workforce.

Ted Dintersmith on the Disconnect between Traditional School Education and Skill Development

Christopher and Ted discuss the stark difference between traditional education and teaching skills relevant to the modern workforce, particularly in the context of AI. They note the reluctance of many educational institutions to embrace AI tools, preferring to view them as potential cheating aids rather than productivity enhancers.

Ted highlights the disconnect between traditional schooling and the demands of the job market, where college graduates often lack marketable skills and face uncertain career prospects. He emphasizes the need for parents to recognize the evolving nature of jobs and the importance of equipping students with adaptable skills. They see initiatives like Hannah’s d’Skills as offering a path for students to create their own fulfilling careers, distinct from the outdated model of relying solely on degrees and conventional career paths.

Education Priorities and Student Motivation

Adding more on the topic of issues concerning traditional education, Ted also emphasizes that education’s central issue isn’t test scores or learning loss but rather the erosion of student motivation and purpose.

He highlights the success of programs like d’Skills in engaging students, enabling them to pursue meaningful projects they find important. These initiatives contrast starkly with traditional schooling, where students often lack enthusiasm and see little relevance in their coursework.

Ted underscores the importance of empowering students to engage in real-world projects that matter to them, a stark departure from the test-focused education system. Christopher contrasts the enthusiasm and results of students involved in programs like d’Skills with those in traditional education, noting the marked difference in attitude and approach.

To hear more from Hannah Grady Williams and Ted Dintersmith on the current state of education and how to improve upon it, download and listen to this episode.

Bio

Hannah Grady Williams is the founder/CEO of d’Skills. d’Skills is a one-of-a-kind digital training community that teaches young people entrepreneurship, AI skills and how to create a revenue producing business in 10 weeks.

About Ted Dintersmith

Links

Connect with Hannah and d’Skills!

d’Skills | LinkedIn | Twitter/X

Connect with Ted Dintersmith!

Website | What School Could Be | LinkedIn

We hope you enjoyed this episode of Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different™! Christopher loves hearing from his listeners. Feel free to email him, connect on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and subscribe on Apple Podcast / Spotify!

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On this episode of Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different, we are joined by Izhar and Ophir Shay, a father and brother to Israelis who have lost their lives in the Hamas attack. Today, they share how they chose to honor their fallen, in what can only be described as, Different.

Izhar Shay is an entrepreneur – a venture capitalist, very successful in the startup community and startup nation in Israel. And he’s a former Israeli Member of Parliament who served as the Minister of Science and Technology. His son, Ophir Shay, is also an entrepreneur, and he has a background in marketing and customer support. Both men have served honorably in the IDF.

In Israel, it is customary to plant a tree for fallen Israelis taken in war or terrorism. But Izhar and Ophir chose to honor them by starting a startup called Next October, a nonprofit on a mission to create and build a new successful Israeli startup for every person murdered or kidnapped on October 7. It’s an extraordinary vision. How you can take horror and turn it into hope and prosperity.

You’re listening to Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different. We are the real dialogue podcast for people with a different mind. So get your mind in a different place, and hey ho, let’s go.

Ophir Shay and Izhar Shay on Coping with Loss and Grief

When asked by Christopher on how they are doing, Ophir expresses optimism amidst difficulty, mentioning progress with connecting companies and families.

Izhar then reflects on the challenge of answering “how are you doing?” following a family tragedy on October 7, losing their youngest son, Yaron, a soldier. Christopher empathizes, sharing his experience of loss and the struggle with such questions.

Izhar details Yaron’s life, highlighting his values as both an Israeli and American citizen. Yaron is remembered as a remarkable individual, cherished by his family, and honored for his service.

Memories of Yaron and His Passions in Life

Izhar and Ophir continue the conversation about Yaron’s life, one that is filled with different passions, be it in music, watching and playing different sports, and tattoos.

Izhar further reflects on Yaron’s passion for sports, spanning across continents and connecting people. He highlights Yaron’s dedication to his favorite teams and how his commitment was recognized even in his funeral.

Christopher reciprocates, sharing his lifelong passion for sports, particularly football and hockey. He recounts a story about NBA Hall of Famer Bill Walton, emphasizing the joy of being an enthusiastic fan and celebrating one’s passions.

Both agree that sports serve as a unifying force, fostering connections and bonding within families and communities.

On accepting New and Old Communities

Continuing on that line of thought, Christopher shares his experiences of bonding with his nephews over football, and introducing them to different activities, and in effect, different communities. He notes that music and sports communities tend to be more accepting, as while options might differ vastly from person to person, it’s still an avenue to get a conversation started and to have something common to talk about even if it’s the first time you have met the other person.

Ophir agrees with this sentiment, and also adding that at the end of the day, it’s about embracing a new community, or even finally embracing one that you’ve been part of all along. Nothing is stopping anyone from being hardcore fans of their teams, as long as they show mutual respect for others and the teams they support. And isn’t that the point of it all in the end?

To hear more from Izhar Shay and Ophir Shay, and how their startups honor their fallen sons and brothers, download and listen to this episode.

Bio

Izhar Shay

Cofounder of Next October.

Former Minister of Science & Technology and MK.

High-Tech Entrepreneur, Venture Capital Investor, Director & Chairman.

Founder, Start-Up Stadium, the largest online community of Israeli entrepreneurs

A former columnist at “Globes”.

Founder of the “High-Tech Ba’Pkakim” podcast and radio show.

Ophir Shay

Cofounder of Next October.

Links

Connect with Izhar Shay and Ophir Shay!

Next October website | IsraelGives.org | Izhar’s Linkedin | Ophir’s LinkedIn

More on Next October

We hope you enjoyed this episode of Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different™! Christopher loves hearing from his listeners. Feel free to email him, connect on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and subscribe on Apple Podcast / Spotify!

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On this episode of Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different, we unveil what’s really possible for young people when they’re set up to win as modern entrepreneurs, leveraging new AI technology. And who better to showcase it than the Gen Z whisperer for CEOs and executives, Hannah Grady Williams.

Hannah Grady Williams is back, and she’s here to talk about d’Skills. d’Skills is a one-of-a-kind digital training community that teaches young people entrepreneurship, AI skills, and how to create a revenue producing business in 10 weeks. And the superstars of this conversation are teenage AI entrepreneurs, Rory Straight and Anna Mitchell, two recent graduates of the d’Skills Program.

This episode will definitely challenge and inspire you to think about what’s possible for young people in new and different ways.

You’re listening to Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different. We are the real dialogue podcast for people with a different mind. So get your mind in a different place, and hey ho, let’s go.

Hannah Grady Williams on d’Skills and AI

The conversation starts off with Hannah introducing d’Skills and what they do.

Simply put, d’Skills is a hub where high schoolers are coming to learn 21^st century skills and technology like ChatGPT and all its uses, and develop their skills further into projects that can make an impact in the market and the business world.

Hannah finds it fascinating how new technology can bridge the gap between young people’s ideas and the business world, and give birth to new products and categories that they can further develop as they learn more skills, or become more adept in their current ones.

Using AI for Business Projects while still in High School

Hannah also talks about a thing that she and d’Skills did over the summer called GPT Challengers Cup, in which they invited high schoolers from around the globe. And from this competition emerged Rory and Anna, who are also joining us on this episode.

It was astounding what ideas and end products that high schoolers were able to develop in the span of 30 days, but in the end, it was Rory & Anna’s project that emerged victorious.

What they ended up building was a Chrome extension that functions as an app that helps people study more efficiently by creating a comprehensive studying schedule based on the tasks you have registered in your to-do list.

Learning a New Skill in 15 Second or Less

Christopher then talks to Anna, who was handling the social media aspect of their team. This info was made more impressive by the simple fact that Anna has not handle social media marketing prior to the competition, and had to learn things through a bit of mentorship, but also doing a lot of research by herself.

“It’s actually funny that you asked that question because right now, I’m actually in a marketing class. And it’s super funny, because with all due respect to my teacher, I’ve learnt nothing in that class; It is like busy work, papers, everything. It’s crazy how much that I learned even like before the two weeks before the actual cup was over, and now that I’m doing it like in my free time, that it’s really not as hard to make it seem.

You don’t have to know all the business lingo and the economic terms. All you have to do is continue to push yourself and try new things and see what works and if it doesn’t work, then you know that doesn’t work and you move on from that.”

– Anna Mitchell

To hear more from Hannah, Rory, and Anna and the importance of skill-building with new technology in the business world, download and listen to this episode.

Bio

Hannah Grady Williams is the founder/CEO of d’Skills. d’Skills is a one-of-a-kind digital training community that teaches young people entrepreneurship, AI skills and how to create a revenue producing business in 10 weeks.

Aurora Straight

Hi, I’m Aurora, a STEAM enthusiast from Kansas with a deep passion for innovation and a strong presence in both academics and extracurricular activities. I compete in robotics and debate, channel my energy into basketball, and master precision in fencing. My ambition steers me towards aerospace engineering or a career in the Air Force, reflecting my desire to explore and innovate.

I co-founded ‘Acadium,’ a testament to my commitment to enhancing educational experiences through technology. My victory in the GPT Innovators Cup further underscores my ability to leverage AI for creative solutions. With internships at notable organizations under my belt, I’m honing my skills for real-world challenges.

My journey is more than just personal achievement; it’s about pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and inspiring others to do the same.

Anna Mitchell

Hello, I’m Anna, a high school student and digital art enthusiast turned innovator. My journey is marked by the creation of ‘Acadium,’ a Chrome extension that showcases my flair for digital solutions. Winning the GPT Innovators Cup was a milestone that affirmed my passion for AI-driven creativity. I’ve also contributed to our Community Cafe, enhancing our collective experience in the March sprint.

My hands-on approach to learning is evidenced by internships with leading organizations, including Peachtree Training Group, where I’ve applied my skills to real-world challenges. These experiences have not only honed my technical abilities but also fueled my ambition to innovate within the digital art and technology sphere.

Links

Connect with Hannah and d’Skills!

d’Skills | LinkedIn | Twitter/X

We hope you enjoyed this episode of Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different™! Christopher loves hearing from his listeners. Feel free to email him, connect on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and subscribe on Apple Podcast / Spotify!

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We all encounter radical challenges, and we face big choices about how we approach life in the most challenging moments and learn to survive in – maybe even thrive. Today, we are joined by a combat veteran, retired US Army Staff Sergeant Travis Mills, as he shares his challenges and the choices he has made to get to where he is today.

Travis Mills is a serial entrepreneur, the driving force behind the Travis Mills Foundation, and the author of Bounce Back: A playbook for facing life’s toughest challenges with grace and gusto.

Make sure you listen all the way to the end. You don’t want to miss any of Travis’s unrelenting spirit, wisdom and humor.

You’re listening to Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different. We are the real dialogue podcast for people with a different mind. So get your mind in a different place, and hey ho, let’s go.

Travis Mills on his Military Service and Experience

Christopher starts off the conversation by inquiring about Travis’s motivation for joining the military.

Travis recounts feeling directionless after college, and was prompted by family advice to choose a military path for personal growth and benefits. Fascinated by infantry roles, Travis enlisted for a signing bonus.

He breezed through basic training due to his athletic prowess and later engaged in military ground fighting tactics, drawing on his childhood interest in karate. Despite his combat skills, Travis values self-control and notes the discipline instilled by martial arts.

Travis Mills on Mental Toughness

Travis reflects on being featured on a magazine cover for his mental toughness rather than physical appearance. He also appreciates the recognition for his foundation work. Christopher acknowledges the disparity between modeling and true toughness.

Travis also shares instances where he had to assert himself, highlighting his ability to de-escalate conflicts but also assert authority when needed. He explains how his military background balances his jovial persona, noting people’s tendency to underestimate him. He emphasizes the importance of professionalism and corrective measures in his businesses, showcasing his leadership style derived from his military experience.

From Military to Entrepreneurship

Christopher admires Travis’s entrepreneurship and proposes introducing him to Iron Mike Stedman, a fellow Marine and entrepreneur. Stedman’s mission involves helping inner-city kids through boxing and assisting veteran entrepreneurs with their businesses.

Travis expresses his belief in pursuing dreams and betting on oneself, citing personal experiences in entrepreneurship. Despite facing challenges, Travis advocates for seizing opportunities and embracing failure as a motivator. He shares his ventures in house flipping and marina ownership, emphasizing the importance of surrounding oneself with supportive people and taking calculated risks.

Travis’s resilience and clarity of purpose derived from his military background inform his entrepreneurial journey.

To hear more from Travis Mills and his journey and challenges from being in the military to being an entrepreneur, download and listen to this episode.

Bio

Born and raised in Vassar, Michigan, United States Army Staff Sergeant (Ret.) Travis Mills of the 82nd Airborne is a recalibrated veteran, motivational speaker, actor, author and an advocate for veterans and amputees. In addition to being the founder of the Travis Mills Foundation, Travis also serves as the President of the Board of Directors.

Travis has achieved his vision for the Foundation by bringing together a talented array of experts who masterfully accomplish the Foundation’s mission. Per Travis’s lead, the team at the Foundation are not only respected colleagues, they are family.

Links

Connect with Travis Mills!

Travis Mills Foundation | Instagram

We hope you enjoyed this episode of Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different™! Christopher loves hearing from his listeners. Feel free to email him, connect on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and subscribe on Apple Podcast / Spotify!

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It’s February, so what better time it is than to talk Love on Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different. Today, we have a fun one: a special dating episode for people over 40. And who better to talk about it than our guest, Nina Jarnum.

Nina Jarnum is a lawyer-turned-Yogi-turned-popular writer, and she’s the author of a new book called, “F*ck Kissing Frogs”. And we had a blast talking about her book and the topic of dating over 40, as you’ll hear in just a bit.

You’re listening to Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different. We are the real dialogue podcast for people with a different mind. So get your mind in a different place, and hey ho, let’s go.

Nina Jarnum on Kissing Frogs

Christopher jumps straight into it with the question of how many frogs do you have to kiss to find the one. Nina answers that if one is being smart about picking and dating, not as much as one would think.

Nina recounts her experiences in online dating, starting off with the bad impressions and stigma that people say online dating has to offer. But for the most part, Nina did not encounter those issues and had fun with online dating; which got her curious why a lot of people had a bad impression of it.

And so Nina asked her friends if she could check out their matches and update their profile, and some got better results from it soon after.

Nina Jarnum’s Online Dating Tips for Women

When asked about what is it that sets up a good profile from a bad one, Nina points out that having a good profile is like introducing yourself favorably to the other person. It’s a good way to share some information that shows what you are looking for in a person, but not so much that you’re sharing your life story.

Another tip that Nina gives is to be mindful of your profile pictures. Aside from the usual things to avoid like hiding in group photos and such, Nina suggests having at least one full-body picture on it, so that people have an idea of who they are meeting, and it’s also a good visual treat.

Nina also talks about avoiding using filters and other image-altering stuff in your profile, as it is a major turn-off for men to find out that they’re not meeting who they think they were supposed to meet based on the profile.

“Don’t put filter on your photos. Every man I have spoken to about this have been like, their pet peeve is turning up on a date and not being able to recognize the person is such a turnoff. I like comparing it to as a woman when you go on a date with a man and his profile says he’s 6’5”, and he turns up and he’s 5’7”. It’s not cool.”

– Nina Jarnum

Nina Jarnum on Dating Preferences and Honesty

Following that line of thought, Nina adds that not only is it an awkward encounter at the very beginning of the date, it sets a bad impression and precedent right from the start that you are lying about something. She explains that while trying to appeal to the general consensus of what a “good-looking” guy or gal sounds seems like the way to go, the whole point of online dating is to find someone that likes you that you might also like, and not the other way around.

That said, there will always be preferences on people that you like, but Nina suggests that you don’t overly limit yourself to those preferences, because you might be missing out. One common thing that she points out is about people’s height; as some would not even consider dating someone who is below a certain number.

The point is, sampling out of your comfort zone is fine once in a while, especially if your current pool is not turning out the results that you want. You might end up finding that great date from someone you didn’t expect.

To hear more from Nina Jarnum and more dating tips for people over 40, download and listen to this episode.

Bio

Nina Jarnum is a mother, a lover and a world explorer. She was born and raised in Denmark, moved to England in her twenties where she graduated law school.

Nina has taught yoga, breath work and mindfulness all over the world, has written for major fitness magazines and worked with “Start Today” for the Today Show. She uses her knowledge and experience as mindfulness teacher to help people on a conscious journey of healthy dating.

Nina believes that authenticity, self-care, a willingness to be uncomfortable and most of all gratitude is the secret to not just finding love but also a happy life.

Links

Connect with Nina Jarnum!

Instagram | Twitter / X | F*ck Kissing Frogs

We hope you enjoyed this episode of Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different™! Christopher loves hearing from his listeners. Feel free to email him, connect on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and subscribe on Apple Podcast / Spotify!

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This episode is exclusively for people who want to have a personal breakthrough in their own performance. And who better to discuss it with but with people who have learned excellence, Dr. Eric Potterat & Alan Eagle.

Alan Eagle is an executive Communication Coach, and he spent 16 years working with a top people at Google. He’s written several other books, and his most well-known for his celebrated book, “Trillion Dollar Coach” about the legendary Silicon Valley coach Bill Campbell.

Dr. Eric Potterat is a clinical and performance psychologist, and he was with the US Navy for over 20 years as a commander. On the last 10 years of Eric’s career. he was the head psychologist for the US Navy SEALs globally.

To say that these two know a little bit about how the top performers in the world do what they do is a radical understatement. And on this episode, we get into all of it, we pop the hood to go deep on their new book learned Excellence, which I highly recommend you pick up a copy of.

You’re listening to Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different. We are the real dialogue podcast for people with a different mind. So get your mind in a different place, and hey ho, let’s go.

Dr. Eric Potterat and Alan Eagle on Maintaining One’s Mental Health in a Chaotic World

Christopher, Alan and Dr. Eric opens the discussion on how they maintain their mental health with all the crazy things happening around all of us.

Christopher highlights the overwhelming challenges globally, from political divisiveness to wars and rising anti-Semitism. Dr. Eric emphasizes the importance of focusing on what individuals can control, citing attitude, effort, and behavior within their circle. Alan adds that staying informed is crucial, but he discourages excessive complaining, urging people to think about actionable steps rather than mere criticism.

“I can’t stand the complainers. Okay, if you’re going to take a position, great! Then I would think through, “what can you do?””

– Alan Eagle

The three then get into how the struggle of balancing engagement with the world and avoiding emotional overload, especially in the face of potentially troubling events in the upcoming years.

Dr. Eric Potterat and Alan Eagle on Mindset, Organizational Culture, and Sustained Excellence in Baseball

Christopher, Alan, and Dr. Eric then talk about maintaining a good mindset in spite of challenges along the way.

Dr. Eric talks about the concept of agency, and how to distinguish between victims, survivors, and thrivers, advocating for the latter by practicing agency and embracing post-traumatic growth.

Alan underscores the importance of choosing a mindset and shares his experience with the Dodgers, highlighting the team’s systemic approach and organizational mindset. Dr. Eric credits the Dodgers’ sustained excellence to a focus on hiring talented individuals, providing necessary tools, and maintaining a process-oriented approach.

Process and Mental Toughness in Entrepreneurship

They then discuss the crucial role of process and mental toughness in entrepreneurship. Christopher draws from Michael Gerber’s “The E Myth,” highlighting how successful franchises attribute their triumph to well-defined processes, contrasting with small businesses’ failure due to a lack of systematic approaches.

Dr. Eric identifies process as a pillar of mental toughness, emphasizing its role among the five pillars discussed in their book.

Alan Eagle also shares insights from Silicon Valley, underscoring the balance between process and visionary chaos at Google, which contributed to its innovative success.

To hear more from Dr. Eric Potterat and Alan Eagle on how to learn excellence, download and listen to this episode.

Bio

Eric Potterat, PhD, is a clinical and performance psychologist and a leading expert in individual and organizational performance optimization. He retired as a commander from the US Navy after twenty years of service, during which he helped create the mental toughness curriculum used during Navy SEALs BUD/S training.

Dr. Eric spent several years as the director of specialized performance for the Los Angeles Dodgers and has also worked with Red Bull athletes, the US Women’s national soccer team, the Miami Heat, and numerous Olympic athletes, first responders, business leaders, and NASA astronauts.

Alan Eagle is an author and executive communications consultant, helping leaders and companies shape and tell their stories. He spent 16 years at Google, partnering with executives to communicate the company’s story to clients, partners, employees, and the public.

Alan is the co-author of the books How Google Works and Trillion Dollar Coach, and the author, all by himself, of seven letters-to-the-editor published in Sports Illustrated. He has never won the New Yorker Caption Contest.

Links

Connect with Dr. Eric Potterat & Alan Eagle!

Dr. Eric LinkedIn | Alan LinkedIn | Learned Excellence

We hope you enjoyed this episode of Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different™! Christopher loves hearing from his listeners. Feel free to email him, connect on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and subscribe on iTunes!