EP163 - Find Your Voice: Jess Ekstrom on Personal Storytelling

In this episode of the Impact Driven Leader podcast, host Tyler Dickerhoof sits down with Joe Navarro, a former FBI agent and renowned expert in body language and behavioral analysis. Together, they delve into the importance of human connection in both personal and professional life.  Joe shares profound insights from his experiences, including what an 80-year Harvard study reveals about the secret to happiness and longevity, and why empathy and emotional intelligence often outperform IQ in the real world. From understanding how simple gestures can build trust to recognizing the power of nonverbal communication in leadership, this conversation will change the way you view relationships and success. Tune in to learn how mastering the art of connection can enrich your life and enhance your leadership. Connect with Joe: https://www.jnforensics.com/ https://www.instagram.com/joenavarro_official/ https://www.youtube.com/@joenavarrobehaviorexpert Impact Driven Leader: Impact Driven Leader Podcast https://www.youtube.com/@impactdrivenleader  https://www.instagram.com/impactdrivenleader/  Subscribe to the newsletter: https://impactdrivenleader.beehiiv.com/ Tyler is on: https://www.tylerdickerhoof.com/  https://www.facebook.com/tyler.dickerhoof.3  https://www.instagram.com/tyler_dickerhoof/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-dickerhoof-1960351b  What Was Discussed: 00:00 Intro 03:58 The secret to happiness and longevity 08:00 The importance of connection 11:15 Why human connection will outlast technology 18:08 Who is Joe Navarro? 22:25 Body language and connection 30:13 Trust starts with a look 37:32 Why trust is built, not told 42:03 When words and actions match 47:24 Trust is about solving problems 53:58 Trust vs. Charisma 1:01:25 How curiosity builds connection and trust 1:04:46 How nonverbal cues invite connection 1:15:17 Understanding how you affect others 1:19:57 Vulnerability and leadership 1:30:16 Leaders who can calm fears make greater impact Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Impact Driven Leader Podcast, Tyler Dickerhoof sits down with Amberly Lago, a renowned expert in building grit and resilience. Amberly shares her incredible journey from overcoming childhood trauma, battling a life-changing motorcycle accident, to discovering the true meaning of strength.  She dives deep into the misconceptions about grit, revealing how pushing through pain can sometimes be detrimental and why connection is the key to authentic resilience. Tune in to hear Amberly’s inspiring story, her transformation from hardship to empowerment, and how she now helps others embrace vulnerability and find their inner strength. Get ready to challenge your beliefs about what it truly means to be strong. Connect with Amberly: https://amberlylago.com/ https://www.instagram.com/amberlylagomotivation/ https://www.youtube.com/@AmberlyLagoMotivation https://www.linkedin.com/in/amberlylago/ Impact Driven Leader: Impact Driven Leader Podcast https://www.youtube.com/@impactdrivenleader  https://www.instagram.com/impactdrivenleader/  Subscribe to the newsletter: https://impactdrivenleader.beehiiv.com/ Tyler is on: https://www.tylerdickerhoof.com/  https://www.facebook.com/tyler.dickerhoof.3  https://www.instagram.com/tyler_dickerhoof/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-dickerhoof-1960351b  What Was Discussed: 00:00 Intro 02:24 Who is Amberly? 07:51 Pushing through pain as a young dancer 14:55 The true cost of grit 21:11 Intensity meets purpose 23:34 When toughness becomes a mask for trauma 29:01 How vulnerability unlocks true healing 38:40 Learning to ask for help 44:29 Building resilience in your kids 50:54 Connection as healing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Tyler Dickerhoof sits down with Thais Gibson, co-founder of The Personal Development School and a leading expert in attachment theory. They dive deep into the fascinating world of attachment styles, exploring how our subconscious beliefs shape our relationships, behaviors, and life choices.  Thais also shares her journey from insecure attachment to a secure mindset, offering practical tools to reprogram limiting beliefs and overcome self-sabotage. If you've ever felt stuck or struggled with emotional triggers, this episode is your guide to understanding and healing your inner world.  Connect with Thais: https://university.personaldevelopmentschool.com/ https://www.instagram.com/thepersonaldevelopmentschool/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHQ4lSaKRap5HyrpitrTOhQ https://www.linkedin.com/in/thais-gibson-4543ba190/?originalSubdomain=ca Impact Driven Leader: Impact Driven Leader Podcast https://www.youtube.com/@impactdrivenleader  https://www.instagram.com/impactdrivenleader/  Subscribe to the newsletter: https://impactdrivenleader.beehiiv.com/ Tyler is on: https://www.tylerdickerhoof.com/  https://www.facebook.com/tyler.dickerhoof.3  https://www.instagram.com/tyler_dickerhoof/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-dickerhoof-1960351b  What Was Discussed: 00:00 Intro 02:10 Is your attachment style a mirror of your perception? 03:37 The 4 Attachment Styles 09:19 Attachment wounds and relationships 11:49 Conscious vs. Subconscious mind 14:30 Reconditioning attachment styles 17:53 Curiosity and empathy in healing 19:22 Communicating needs clearly 21:59 Reprogramming core beliefs 24:38 Overcoming insecurity in relationships 29:30 Reprogram your subconscious 31:37 Thais’s journey of self-destruction and finding self-awareness  34:33 Familiarity & comfort zones 40:49 Fixing the root causes of insecurity 44:16 The real reason you’re sabotaging yourself Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Impact Driven Leader Podcast, host Tyler Dickerhoof is joined by Ron Carson, founder of the Carson Group, a firm managing over $35 billion in assets and serving over 50,000 families. Ron shares his journey from growing up on a farm in Nebraska to becoming a leading figure in the financial planning industry. Discover how Ron transformed his life and business through the power of systemization, a cornerstone of his success in wealth management. He reveals how great systems can enable ordinary people to achieve extraordinary financial results and why combining this approach with a mindset shift from fear and scarcity to love and abundance is key to true financial freedom. Ron also discusses his vision for conscious capitalism, the importance of integrating purpose with profit, and how leaders can build sustainable financial success that benefits their clients, communities, and the world. Join us as we explore the financial secrets that drive extraordinary success and learn how to build a wealth-building blueprint that aligns with your highest values. Connect with Ron: https://www.carsonwealth.com/team-members/ron-carson/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/roncarson1/ https://www.instagram.com/roncarson6/?hl=en Impact Driven Leader: Impact Driven Leader Podcast https://www.youtube.com/@impactdrivenleader  https://www.instagram.com/impactdrivenleader/  Tyler is on: https://www.tylerdickerhoof.com/  https://www.facebook.com/tyler.dickerhoof.3  https://www.instagram.com/tyler_dickerhoof/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-dickerhoof-1960351b  What Was Discussed: 00:00 Intro 02:45 How financial struggles shaped Ron's career 08:54 Facing insecurities and finding balance in leadership 13:59 Why leaders resist change 16:58 Uncovering hidden traumas that hold us back 20:53 Finding meaning and passion beyond wealth 24:21 Turning painful experiences into growth 26:10 Why giving leads to greater success 31:16 What is Ron’s passion? 34:15 Integrating systemization into the leadership blueprint 40:44 AI and the future of innovation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this inspiring episode of the Impact Driven Leader Podcast, host Tyler Dickerhoof sits down with Ian Prukner, a former pastor turned serial entrepreneur, consultant, speaker, and bestselling author. Ian shares his remarkable journey from a struggling pastor to building multiple 7, 8, and even 9-figure businesses across finance, real estate, e-commerce, and intellectual property. Together, they explore the power of embracing discomfort as a catalyst for growth, the importance of a strong belief system, and the role of mentorship in achieving success. Ian discusses how discomfort is not something to avoid but a birthplace for resourcefulness and transformation. He opens up about his personal experiences, his challenges, and how his faith played a crucial role in shaping his journey.  Connect with Ian: https://www.instagram.com/ianprukner/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCb_EpYXZ5KDpwncxlWcB-Sw Impact Driven Leader: Impact Driven Leader Podcast https://www.youtube.com/@impactdrivenleader  https://www.instagram.com/impactdrivenleader/  Tyler is on: https://www.tylerdickerhoof.com/  https://www.facebook.com/tyler.dickerhoof.3  https://www.instagram.com/tyler_dickerhoof/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-dickerhoof-1960351b  What Was Discussed: 00:00 Intro 02:11 From pastor to entrepreneur 08:17 Does crisis open the door to change 09:07 How a moment of desperation can lead to growth and change 14:30 Is resourcefulness a natural instinct? 17:08 Discovering resourcefulness 18:44 Why do people struggle to connect the dots? 25:13 Turning beliefs into actionable results 30:33 Visualizing success 33:11 Having a personal belief system 34:17 What fuels your confidence: belief or hope? 38:48 From possibility to certainty 42:10 How to grow as a leader through adversity 47:03 Having a transformational mindset Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Impact Driven Leader Podcast, host Tyler Dickerhoof sits down with Robby Emery, the Director of Character Development for the University of Michigan football team.  Robby shares insights into how empathy, faith, and leadership shape his work with athletes, coaches, and staff. From the trenches of college football to the sidelines of life, Robby dives into how leaders can balance vision with action, build character, and inspire those around them.  Connect with Robby: https://www.robbyemery.com/ https://www.instagram.com/robbyemery/ Impact Driven Leader: Impact Driven Leader Podcast https://www.youtube.com/@impactdrivenleader  https://www.instagram.com/impactdrivenleader/  Tyler is on: https://www.tylerdickerhoof.com/  https://www.facebook.com/tyler.dickerhoof.3  https://www.instagram.com/tyler_dickerhoof/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-dickerhoof-1960351b  What Was Discussed: 00:00 Intro 02:05 Michigan-Ohio football rivalry 07:30 Balancing rivalry and respect in college sports 09:25 How Robby joined the University of Michigan Football Program 11:17 Building consistency and strength through shared adversity 13:36 Encouraging players to push through adversity 16:09 Stepping back to see the bigger picture as a leader 24:25 Challenges of recruiting youth athletes  31:59 Creating a team culture that focuses on character over talent 36:45 How football polishes future leaders 43:00 Preparing athletes for life after football 46:48 How do you know what you do matters? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Tyler Dickerhoof sits down with world record-breaking ultra-endurance athlete Sean Conway. Known for his unparalleled achievements, Sean shares his remarkable journey from completing 105 consecutive Ironman triathlons to becoming the first person to swim the length of Britain.  Together, they explore the mental and physical resilience required to push beyond one's limits, the role of community support in achieving greatness, and the balance between personal ambition and family commitments. Sean also opens up about his transformation from a professional photographer to an endurance athlete, revealing the driving force behind his relentless pursuit of challenges.  Connect with Sean: https://www.instagram.com/seanconwayadventure/ https://twitter.com/conway_sean https://www.seanconway.com/ https://www.youtube.com/c/conseanway Impact Driven Leader: Impact Driven Leader Podcast https://www.youtube.com/@impactdrivenleader  https://www.instagram.com/impactdrivenleader/  Tyler is on: https://www.tylerdickerhoof.com/  https://www.facebook.com/tyler.dickerhoof.3  https://www.instagram.com/tyler_dickerhoof/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-dickerhoof-1960351b  What Was Discussed: 00:00 Intro 02:22 What is an Ironman? 06:07 The journey to 105 Ironmans 12:19 The mindset of leadership in endurance sports 15:48 Juggling endurance sports, family, and life 21:57 Why the chase is worth more than the result 25:42 The psychological vs. physical demands in endurance sports 29:38 The 10.5 Pillars of Endurance 39:19 Chasing dreams later in life 44:18 Building a support system Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Impact Driven Leader Podcast, Tyler Dickerhoof sits down with Jamila Musayeva, a renowned etiquette expert, author, and YouTube sensation with over 1 million subscribers. Jamila shares her journey from growing up in Azerbaijan to becoming an international authority on etiquette, teaching soft skills that go far beyond the classroom. Discover how mastering etiquette can enhance your confidence, improve your leadership presence, and help you navigate cultural differences in any setting. Jamila delves into the importance of body language, dressing for success, and the subtle yet powerful impact of cultural awareness on global leadership. Whether you're a seasoned leader or just starting out, this episode offers valuable insights to help you lead with grace and confidence. Connect with Jamila: https://www.youtube.com/c/JamilaMusayeva https://www.instagram.com/jamila_musayeva/?hl=en https://jamilamusayeva.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamila-musayeva-557738176/?originalSubdomain=az https://www.tiktok.com/@jamila_musayeva?lang=en Impact Driven Leader: Impact Driven Leader Podcast https://www.youtube.com/@impactdrivenleader  https://www.instagram.com/impactdrivenleader/  Tyler is on: https://www.tylerdickerhoof.com/  https://www.facebook.com/tyler.dickerhoof.3  https://www.instagram.com/tyler_dickerhoof/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-dickerhoof-1960351b  What Was Discussed: 00:00 Intro 02:17 Why etiquette matters? 06:05 Generational shifts in etiquette 08:04 Cultural influences on etiquette 09:41 How etiquette can make or break you 15:02 Recovering from etiquette mistakes 17:07 Body language in leadership 21:41 Presenting confidence through body language 26:07 Walking with confidence 30:16 Avoiding overconfidence in leadership 35:22 Dressing for success 42:11 Overdressing vs. Underdressing 46:11 Teaching etiquette to the next generation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Tyler Dickerhoof chats with Zach Mercurio, an expert in purposeful leadership and meaningful work. Zach shares his journey from the world of corporate sales to becoming a research fellow at Colorado State University, where he studies the intersection of purpose and human flourishing. We dive deep into the concept of mattering and explore why creating environments where people feel valued is the cornerstone of effective leadership. Zach reveals the powerful impact of positive psychology in the workplace and challenges the traditional transactional approach to leadership. He discusses how leaders can shift their focus from extracting value to creating value by recognizing the inherent worth of each team member.  Connect with Zach: https://www.zachmercurio.com/ https://twitter.com/ZachMercurio https://www.instagram.com/zachmercurio/ https://www.facebook.com/ZMercurio/ http://www.linkedin.com/in/zachmercurio Impact Driven Leader: Impact Driven Leader Podcast https://www.youtube.com/@impactdrivenleader  https://www.instagram.com/impactdrivenleader/  Tyler is on: https://www.tylerdickerhoof.com/  https://www.facebook.com/tyler.dickerhoof.3  https://www.instagram.com/tyler_dickerhoof/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-dickerhoof-1960351b  What Was Discussed: 00:00 Intro 01:41 The Invisible Leader 04:37 Focusing on the positive psychology 08:38 How positive energy impacts us 11:40 Positive vs. Traditional Psychology 14:24 Fixing problems and focusing on what works 20:04 Why feeling valued fuels team success 22:26 Integrating care and mattering into organizational culture 26:30 The challenge of measuring intangible leadership indicators 30:00 Where should leadership education start? 34:52 Returning to our human core 37:35 The power of collective effort in overcoming challenges 39:20 Incorporating purpose and mattering into daily life Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this inspiring episode, Tyler Dickerhoof sits down with Jess Ekstrom, founder of Headbands for Hope and Mic Drop Workshop, to explore the delicate balance between ambition and authenticity. Jess shares her journey from starting a business in college to becoming a bestselling author and motivational speaker, all while navigating the societal expectations placed on women and mothers. Jess also dives into the challenges of embracing one's true self in a world driven by external validation, the power of ordinary stories in connecting with audiences, and the importance of finding fulfillment in the process rather than the outcome. Whether you're striving to lead with impact, balance career and family, or simply seeking to live more authentically, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable advice. Connect with Jess: https://jessekstrom.com/ https://www.instagram.com/jess_ekstrom/?hl=en https://www.linkedin.com/in/jess-ekstrom-speaker-author/ Impact Driven Leader: Impact Driven Leader Podcast https://www.youtube.com/@impactdrivenleader  https://www.instagram.com/impactdrivenleader/  Tyler is on: https://www.tylerdickerhoof.com/  https://www.facebook.com/tyler.dickerhoof.3  https://www.instagram.com/tyler_dickerhoof/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-dickerhoof-1960351b  What Was Discussed: 00:00 Intro 04:03 Starting Mic Drop Workshop 06:33 Why emotional connection matters in branding and communication 07:57 Helping people overcome the 'I don't have a story' mindset 12:29 Why do you keep comparing yourself? 19:20 Balancing ambition and authenticity 21:44 Celebrating others’ success 24:29 Finding joy in anticipation 27:39 Enjoying the process is key to success 30:59 Motherhood and career 36:22 Handling outside pressures to “do it all” 43:11 Why assumptions about women in the workplace need to change Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices