John Gafford

Welcome to another insightful episode of *The Art of Making Things Happen with Steve Sims*. Today’s guest is none other than John Gafford, an influential figure in the real estate industry and a key player in transforming how agents and clients navigate this dynamic field. Join us as John delves into the importance of providing exceptional value and support to clients and agents, discussing comprehensive services and innovative programs at his company, Simply Vegas. We’ll explore how John’s dedication to customer service, informed by his background in the restaurant industry, elevates real estate standards and the significance of personal branding for agents. We also touch on the complexities of the real estate marketplace, the impact of changes in buyer agent commissions, and the influx of so-called "lottery agents." John shares insights from his own podcast journey, details about his upcoming book, and provides valuable tips on leveraging online reviews to build trust. Get ready for an episode packed with wisdom on branding, mentorship, the future impact of AI, and the power of being a trusted advisor in real estate. Plus, we’ll discuss the groundbreaking lawsuit against big real estate firms and what it means for the future of the industry. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable knowledge from one of the best in the business. Be sure to stick around till the end – as always, Steve has some powerful advice on disrupting the norm, making meaningful connections, and growing in your entrepreneurial journey. Let's dive in!

Welcome to another powerful episode of "The Art of Making Things Happen with Steve Sims." Today, we have a truly inspiring guest, David Allred, co-founder of Dry Farm Wines, joining us for a conversation that dives deep into the mind of an entrepreneur and lifelong learner. David shares his distinctive philosophy on success, emphasizing the importance of pausing to appreciate achievements before tackling the next big challenge. Together, Steve and David explore the necessity of being comfortable with discomfort in one's pursuits and the crucial act of detaching from outcomes, allowing the marketplace to determine success. In this episode, you'll hear about David's unique experiences, from his early days as a deputy sheriff to his impactful career in real estate. He opens up about his journey of becoming a more public figure, inspired by his new book, "It's All the Same," which took five years to write. The book champions the idea that we are our own gurus, capable of uncovering the answers within ourselves. David and Steve also delve into intriguing concepts such as overcoming the fear of failure through unconventional exercises, and the liberating realization that most people are not as focused on your actions as you might think. You'll learn about Noah Kagan's strategy of seeking rejections to build resilience, and hear firsthand David's insights on reframing failures as experiments. David emphasizes the importance of practical application of knowledge and the power of asking better questions. He also shares captivating anecdotes about his life's evolution, moving cities on his own terms, and his plans for the future, including spending the summer in France and expanding his online presence. This episode is brimming with actionable advice, from David's approach to perseverance and adaptation, to the significance of self-improvement and implementation. So, sit back and get ready to be inspired by David Allred as he and Steve Sims discuss the art of making things happen. Don’t forget to share, subscribe, and join us on this journey of disruption, connection, and unwavering growth.

Hello, and welcome back to another episode of "The Art of Making Things Happen" with your host, Steve D. Sims. Today, we are thrilled to have a very special guest, Kara Loewentheil, the brilliant mind behind the School of New Feminist Thought and the creator of the Feminist Self Help Society. In this compelling episode, Kara delves into the transformative power of mindset in building a successful business. She shares her journey from being a reproductive rights litigator to becoming a sought-after coach, and how changing your thoughts can lead to profound personal and professional outcomes. Kara also talks about her first book, "Take Back Your Brain: How a Sexist Society Gets in Your Head and How to Get It Out," which consolidates years of insightful podcast content and tackles the societal and philosophical questions often ignored in the self-help industry. Join us as we explore the importance of addressing societal norms, the nuances of feminist thought, and the mind-shifting strategies that can empower you to create real change in your life and beyond. Whether you're interested in personal development, feminism, or just improving your overall mindset, this episode is packed with valuable insights that you won't want to miss. So hit that subscribe button, share with your friends, and get ready to take action, because life is too short to play it safe. Let's dive in!

In this insightful episode, Steve Sims chats with Michael Bungay Stanier, an award-winning coach, Rhodes scholar, and author of the acclaimed book "The Coaching Habit." The conversation delves into various aspects of coaching, leadership, and the importance of curiosity and continuous learning. Michael emphasizes the significance of having a structured process in coaching to bring out the best in each other while avoiding negative patterns. Steve draws an analogy between hiring a coach and starting a narcissistic relationship, highlighting the need for self-awareness and openness to feedback to enhance the coaching experience. The discussion also covers the universal goal of major companies to foster excellence in their people through coaching, as well as the cultural nuances in leadership styles between Western and Eastern countries. Michael shares his experiences working with global companies and navigating the challenges posed by different hierarchical structures and attitudes toward authority. A key theme of the episode is the importance of curiosity in leadership. Both speakers advocate for a shift from a "to know it" mentality to a learner mentality, encouraging leaders to stay curious and make connections. Michael discusses the accessibility of coaching through his book "The Coaching Habit," which is designed to make coaching less intimidating and more beneficial for managers and leaders. Steve, initially skeptical, finds value in the book for enhancing relationships and self-reflection. The episode also explores the potential of AI in coaching, with Michael expressing optimism about automating coaching mechanics but cautioning that the deep sense of being seen and heard might be lost. The conversation ends with mentions of Michael's website, MBS Works, where listeners can find more resources and stay updated with his work.

Welcome to another episode of "The Art of Making Things Happen," where host Steve D Sims dives deep into the world of leadership and corporate culture with intriguing guests. In today's episode, Steve sits down with Martin Gonzalez, a remarkable leader who was the first movers fellow recognized by the Aspen Institute in 2023 and featured on the Thinkers 50 radar list in 2024. Martin's mission is to understand and enhance leadership and corporate culture, helping make work more fulfilling for people everywhere. In this conversation, Martin shares wisdom from his successful career, including the impacts of early decisions on company success and the common pitfalls of speed, inner circles, and overconfidence among founders. We'll delve into Martin's insights from his influential book, "The Bonfire Moment," and his groundbreaking research at Google that spans across 70 countries, aiming to understand what differentiates successful founders. Get ready to explore themes like the cultural influences on entrepreneurship, the display of wealth, and the fascinating concept of imposter syndrome, which even the best of us experience. Hear about the importance of disagreement in decision-making and the challenges of letting go as your business grows. Plus, find out what’s in store for Martin's next book and a planned follow-up conversation with Steve. Stay tuned for an enriching episode packed with lessons on leadership, corporate culture, and the entrepreneurial journey, right here on "The Art of Making Things Happen."

Welcome to today's powerful episode of "The Art of Making Things Happen with Steve Sims." Today, we’re joined by Tony McAleer, a man who has walked a profound journey from hate to healing. Tony spent 15 years as the leader of a white supremacist neo-Nazi group in Canada, but his life took a radical turn, propelling him on a path towards compassion and redemption. We'll explore how his early experiences of neglect and the allure of power and belonging drew him into the world of hate groups. We'll also discuss his transformative realizations as a parent, the profound impact of personal growth workshops, and his eventual co-founding of Life After Hate, an organization dedicated to helping individuals exit hate groups. Tony will share insights from his book, "The Cure for Hate," and his emotional journey to Auschwitz, reflecting on confronting his past Holocaust denial. This episode is a deep dive into the human need for belonging, the psychology of extremist behavior, and the transformative power of compassion and connection. So, join us as Tony McAleer helps us understand the darkness and, more importantly, the path back to light.

Welcome back to "The Art of Making Things Happen with Steve Sims." Today, we delve into a fascinating discussion inspired by Steve's recent eavesdropping on a conversation between Peter Diamandis and Elon Musk. Their dialogue touched on groundbreaking technologies like Neuralink and the concept of uploading human consciousness—a notion stirring both awe and ethical conundrums about the fabric of human life. Steve challenges us to think deeply about what it means to truly live versus merely extending life. As we gear up for a thrilling exploration of human potential and the philosophical ramifications of tech-driven immortality, Steve prompts us to reconsider the essence of our transient existence against the backdrop of technological advances that could redefine our very being. Buckle up for an episode that’s bound to expand your horizons and ignite a firestorm of thought about the future of humanity.

Welcome to another captivating episode of "The Art of Making Things Happen" with your host, Steve Sims. Today, we're diving into the vibrant world of entrepreneurship and personal identity with the indomitably spirited Christina Hooper, an expert in business design specifically tailored for neurodivergent entrepreneurs. Known for her striking blue hair and her ability to turn personal traits into professional strengths, Christina discusses how she uses her appearance as a filter to connect with the right people and how her approach has helped her build confidence and authenticity. This episode is not just a conversation; it's a masterclass on embracing your uniqueness, understanding neurodivergence in the entrepreneurial space, and designing a business that truly aligns with who you are. Whether you're an entrepreneur facing challenges or someone curious about the intersection of personal identity and professional success, this episode promises insights that could change the way you think about business and personal growth.

Welcome back to "The Art of Making Things Happen with Steve Sims." Today's episode features an enlightening discussion with Joseph Michelli, an acclaimed author and authority on customer experience. With a resume that includes work with iconic brands like Ritz Carlton, Starbucks, and Zappos, Joseph brings a wealth of knowledge on creating value and building meaningful connections with customers. Despite battling a cold, our host, Steve Sims, dives into the essence of the customer journey, exploring how companies can cultivate relationships beyond mere transactions. Joseph provides insights into the power of emotions over logic in customer interactions, the role of AI in the future of customer service, and why even in an age of skepticism, authenticity and trust remain paramount. As we unpack the significance of customer experience, Joseph also introduces his latest book, "Customer Magic," which focuses on Macquarie Telecom's audacious challenge to the telecommunication giants. This episode promises to be a masterclass in understanding customer experience, building brand loyalty, and the undiminished importance of feelings in business interactions. Tune in to redefine your perspective on creating genuine customer relationships in a technologically dominated world. Stay with us for a conversation guaranteed to inspire your approach to business and customer engagement.

Welcome back to The Art of Making Things Happen, I'm your host, Steve Sims. Today we're diving into the world of scaling businesses with the master of marketing himself, Ryan Deiss. From bringing multiple companies to the Inc 5000 to overcoming personal and professional hurdles, Ryan is a powerhouse of entrepreneurial wisdom. In this episode, Ryan shares his playbook for growth and provides actionable insights on how to scale without losing sight of what matters most — your well-being and relationships. We take a deep dive into his journey, learning how speaking at events and creating the Traffic and Conversion Summit propelled him and his partners into digital marketing stardom and birthed the powerful mastermind group, War Room. We also peel back the layers on Ryan's personal philosophy, his ambition to hold ‘less of more’ across businesses, and why he's targeted eight-figure growth while remaining resolutely 'Anti Personal Brand'. Expect to hear the story of his first marketing event at 20, the accidental formation of a new business venture, and why taking annual vacations with family is a non-negotiable for him. Get ready to be inspired and get a hold of actionable strategies to not just grow, but truly scale your business while building a life that's rich not just with revenue, but with purpose and joy. This is The Art of Making Things Happen with Steve Sims, and it's time to make your business dreams a reality.