Most of our listeners are entrepreneurs, are working with entrepreneurs or are thinking someday about possibly being entrepreneurs. Here is what you need to know. It's hard. Really hard being an entrepreneur! Why do so many become entrepreneurs despite this being the case? Because it's well worth the challenges you'll face. Yet, being aware of the most difficult aspects of being a business owner allow you to be prepared, and you'll have strategies in place to respond. Join Michael and Jim as the...
Oct 17, 2021•42 min•Ep. 134
As entrepreneurs we are uniquely designed to go against the grain, to stop listening to how everyone says things should be done...and to go out and do it our own way. This is both our blessing and our curse. It's one of the great challenges of being business owner. You want to be unique...creating a new voice that no one else has heard...while at the same time, LISTENING better than anyone else. This is no easy task! Join Michael and Jim and they go deep on the subject of learning to listen....
Oct 03, 2021•44 min•Ep. 133
One of the most treasured elements of leadership is also one of the most elusive. Just when you think you've got it...it starts slipping away. It's traction. That wonderful feeling of, "Hey, this plan might actually work!" It's the exhilaration that sets in when the tires are firmly gripping the road, and you feel the adrenaline rise as everything accelerates. Your strategy is working! Until, you hit that patch of black ice, and your tires start sliding off of your path. Join Michael and Jim as ...
Sep 01, 2021•42 min•Ep. 132
One of the greatest joys of being a leader is when you get to assemble talent around you. Then again...it's one thing to assemble the talent. It's quite another to get them all to play their best music...and to be in tune and timing with one another. It's either a symphony...or a clattering of instruments. So as wonderful it is to have all of that talent around you...and the hope for symphonic music abounding...there also is another sound...the sound of money and resources draining out of the bu...
Jul 30, 2021•41 min•Ep. 131
If you were to take all of the leadership books ever written on the topic of running an organization or a business, you could sum them up into one simple question. That question? "Are you going to do this the EASY WAY...or the HARD WAY?" In this day of hacks, shortcuts, and claims of "Three Easy Steps to Super Success" the answer can be more elusive than first thought. Is there an easy road? Where do I find it? Is this pathway the one that is best to choose? Join Michael and Jim as they journey ...
Jul 16, 2021•38 min•Ep. 130
How do leaders and entrepreneurs keep their heads up when their world is crumbling around them? Simply, by counting their blessings. Of course, this is hardly a simple task. After all, being an entrepreneur can be a tremendous challenge. It can be one of the toughest jobs that exists. Much of this is because many of the difficulties business owners face are ones they take on alone. This why leaders can be among the loneliness people around. So, when the high winds are whipping around you, how in...
Jul 05, 2021•42 min•Ep. 129
The pursuit of leadership glory comes with many twists and bends in the road. Sadly, so many arrive at the destination and say, "Is this it?" Much of this disappointment is due to the fact they realize they were seeking out the wrong treasure. Then, as if it's dust in the wind, the fool's gold blows away, leaving them emotionally broke and terribly unfulfilled. The true key to success as an entrepreneur is to dig in the right place to find the gold. In fact, even more important is to know what's...
Jun 26, 2021•46 min•Ep. 128
There are those challenging times as an entrepreneur when you wake up knowing there is only one way you're going to get through your day without it ending up a total disaster. It's going to take a miracle. Yet, as crazy as it may seem, there is strategy, technique and experience involved when it comes to pulling off a miracle. These are skills which the most effective and battle tested leaders know well. Join Michael and Jim as they explore this topic and provide some...miraculous insights....
May 31, 2021•41 min•Ep. 127
So often, you hear entrepreneurs saying they are waiting for their "big break" or they are hoping for their "ship to come in". Sadly. That could be a very long wait. In fact, there is a good chance that ship might never make it to shore to pick you up. Being a business owner is more about learning how to row a boat than waiting for a luxury liner to arrive. Still, there are doors of opportunity that are opening and closing all around you. Which ones should you choose to walk through? This answer...
May 18, 2021•39 min•Ep. 126
Leaders and entrepreneurs are among the busiest, most stressed out and exhausted people there are. So should we excuse you when you decide not to show up to an event you were expected to attend? Not if we're going to hold you up to the highest standards of excellence! The impact of "just showing up" cannot be overvalued when it comes to being successful. Even during those times when it's the last thing you feel like doing. Join Michael and Jim in their 125th episode of the Two Are Gathered Leade...
May 05, 2021•40 min•Ep. 125
Entrepreneurs often start off their journeys with unrealistic expectations. They want to leave their job, launch a new business and start their new life...without any risk of failure. Many new business owners are oftentimes hoping for the impossible. They want to be able to jump into the pool, without getting wet. Yet, instead of making a splash, many of them quickly discover they aren't any good at swimming. There is good news, however. You can jump into the deep end of the pool, and still find...
Apr 21, 2021•40 min•Ep. 124
Many leaders and business owners as they are getting started...or even midway through their company's development...experience what's known as Imposter Syndrome. Even the most seasoned entrepreneurs will admit they still suffer from bouts of Imposter Syndrome where they feel completely over their heads, underqualified and totally overwhelmed. What are you supposed to do when you encounter this common affliction of entrepreneurs? Many will say, "Fake it until you make it." What do Michael and Jim...
Apr 06, 2021•40 min•Ep. 123
If your business is struggling...99% of the time it will come down to this...you've got a people problem. DISCONNECTED. OUT OF TOUCH. You started a business to fill your needs...rather than the needs of the people you're supposed to be serving. Relationships are the single most important aspect of launching, growing and sustaining a business. Don't believe this? Then you really need to listen to this episode. Join Michael and Jim for this extensive exploration of the role relationships play in b...
Mar 24, 2021•44 min•Ep. 122
Plausible denialability? What's that? Well...it's a who new entrepreneurial term created and explained here in the Two Are Gathered Leadership Podcast. What does it mean? First...to be a successful entrepreneur you need to be able to function while often firmly being in a state of "denial". Because, there are too many times when things seem impossible, and you're the only one to carry the vision forward. Yet, there also needs to be a level of "plausibility" to these dreams, or you'll take it all...
Mar 17, 2021•42 min•Ep. 121
The experience of being an entrepreneur who created something out of nothing and then ultimately climbed the highest mountain of their dreams...it's such a great feeling. But...it's also...SO FRUSTRATING. And, having to manage all of this frustration? It just makes you all the more frustrated. It's just something they don't teach you in business school. It's even left out of the fine print of those franchise agreements. Owning a business is so frustrating! But, here's the good news. This frustra...
Mar 09, 2021•39 min•Ep. 120
Whether you're a jazz musician, a ballet dancer or even a comedian...you've got to have to perfect timing. The same is true with leadership. The most skilled leaders have perfect timing. This is not a topic you hear discussed in too many business circles, but it may be one of the most important leadership skills to master. Everyday...without fail, you should be asking, "Is this the right time to have THAT discussion with my employee?" or "Is this the right moment to ask for the order?" or "Is th...
Feb 22, 2021•43 min•Ep. 119
Most leaders lie on occasion. Some tell little lies. Some tell medium lies. And, then there are those who frequently tell Big Whoppers. Those are usually who you would refer to as failing leaders...maybe even former leaders...because in leadership, your lying always catches up with you. For some, there is a belief you should have lying as one of your advanced leadership skill sets. Let’s call it Strategic Deception. However; there is a vastly superior skill in the leadership toolkit. It's the on...
Feb 10, 2021•42 min•Ep. 118
There is one principle in business that always rings true...and it rings like a gong. That is, you're always going to have competition. And, in business there is a competitor we all share in common...and it's a fierce opponent. In just about all cases it's our most challenging foe. It never sleeps, it's unrelenting, it's unforgiving. It's time. Time is our greatest opponent. As a leader, you either beat the clock or the clock will beat you. Join Michael and Jim as they share keen insights into w...
Jan 31, 2021•43 min•Ep. 117
One of the most important traits required to being a successful and transformational leader is often the least discussed. And, that's having an attitude of gratitude. In exploring the key characteristics of a skilled leader, there are many strengths that come easily to mind...ones like vision, fortitude, perseverance and communication. Yet, employee survey after employee survey affirm that having a culture of gratitude is what is most important to our teams. Join Michael and Jim in this deep and...
Jan 21, 2021•42 min•Ep. 116
Everybody knew being an entrepreneur wasn't going to be easy...but who knew it would be this tough? Just when you think you're out of the stressful elements of your operation...they pull you back in again! Yet, we're doing this crazy business owning thing because somewhere deep down...really deep down on some days...we love what we do. Why is it that we can so enjoy chasing the dream...but this pursuit can also create such high levels of stress that it's literally unhealthy? Join Michael and Jim...
Jan 12, 2021•42 min•Ep. 115
Here is the truth when it comes to being an entrepreneur or an organizational founder. Capital matters. But there is something that matters even more. Yes...if you've got the money to invest in your dreams...you'll have a shorter path and easier ride to where you're heading. But, there is something that your money can't buy you as a leader. And, that's the trust of your people. In fact, no matter how well funded you are...you won't be able to function as a leader in your business if you aren't a...
Dec 31, 2020•42 min•Ep. 114
Most entrepreneurs are NOT free. Many of them have constructed an elaborate prison of their own making. Sadly, in many cases, this prison of their business is not only for them, but for their family as well. You can see this written on the faces of so many entrepreneurs. The lines in their faces...the concerns in their eyes....the fidgeting of their hands. And, even some of those you would consider among the most successful business people...they've never really tasted freedom as an entrepreneur...
Dec 14, 2020•51 min•Ep. 113
As business owners, entrepreneurs, inventors and wild-eyed dreamers...we are part of the creative energy of change. Hopefully, this is positive change...sometimes incremental and occasionally revolutionary. But throughout it all, for us to have leadership success...at the fundamental level...we must be BELIEF PEDDLERS. If you don't believe in anything...ain't nobody following you. It's really the only reason why leadership is worth all of the trouble in the end. You have something you believe in...
Dec 07, 2020•41 min•Ep. 112
As leaders, it's important we spend a lot of time in front of the mirror. Not to improve our good looks, but rather to make us stronger leaders. It's about being self-aware. Sadly...there are too few leaders who are self-aware of who they are in their roles and how they are perceived by those who follow them. Many are literally drowning in pools of self-delusion, and the worst part is they have no idea they are even wet. The hidden truth about being self-aware, and humble in your approach of und...
Nov 28, 2020•47 min•Ep. 111
As leaders...we are not in control. It's sad. It can be difficult to deal with this truth. But...as leaders we are not in control. This is one of the areas where leaders fall prey to delusion more than just about anything else. We want to be in control. We want absolute control...because we're control freaks. But, we're not in control. And this creates great frustration and disappointment. We can influence the circumstances around us. We can plan well, to minimize disruption. We can train expert...
Nov 16, 2020•45 min•Ep. 110
In the pursuit of a grand vision, a noble dream, leaders will always have to face obstacles along the trail to success. Perhaps none greater is having to work with difficult people. You can't be a leader if you're alone on an island. To get where you need to go, you're going to have work with other people. This means you're going to be dealing with teams, with partners, with business associates, with superiors, with employees, with vendors and with clients. One thing is absolutely for certain......
Nov 09, 2020•42 min•Ep. 109
Leaders are wild horses by nature. We want to roam the open ranges. Any talk about rules or exercising restraint are conversations we don't really enjoy having. But, we're going to have that important conversation today anyway. In photography, you use polarizing filters to cut down the glare. Much in the same way, professional leaders must also master the process of using filters. It's because not everyone around us has the same level of passion and vision. Not everyone around us has as much at ...
Oct 31, 2020•45 min•Ep. 108
My boss is a jerk. These are words that most of us have uttered at least a few times throughout our lifetime. Maybe not out loud. Perhaps just whispered under our breath. And, possibly for the most retrained and upright among us, we've never audibly said those words...but certainly they floated around in our mind. The problem now is, as leaders, that we're the boss...which would make us the jerk. Yet, are we really a jerk? Or are we being falsely accused as we simply do our job as a strong leade...
Oct 15, 2020•47 min•Ep. 107
Somebody has to be the adult around here. So why does it always have to be you? Because you're the leader. It's true. As a leader, you don't get to jump in the puddles, fling yourself off of the swing set and make stuff out of Playdoh like your employees get to do. You have to be serious. You have to be the responsible one. You have to always pick up the tab. It can be a great burden. Yet, it can also be a true blessing. Join Michael and Jim in this fun episode that highlights the frustrations a...
Oct 03, 2020•38 min•Ep. 106
There exists a species of followers that flat out aren't good at following. And, they aren't good at following because they aren't the least bit interested in following you. They have their own plans, their own initiatives and their own motivations. And, the last thing they have time for...is following you. Why? Because they are cats. They are fellow leaders. They are free spirits with clear minds of their own. These cats are independent, and are mostly interested in doing exactly what THEY want...
Sep 25, 2020•40 min•Ep. 105
