266: The Mob and High-Stakes Decision-Making with Tom Beener

This week, we're tackling a topic that every manager needs to master: employee retention. Gain valuable insights on leadership and team dynamics with host Chip Gray. Join us each week for a brand new bonus Extra Point episode. In less than 5 minutes, you'll get additional insights about the psychology of leadership and management from the producers of the Manage Smarter podcast. Find all of the Manage Smarter episodes on ManageSmarter.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our guest today is an expert in many things but "what to do when things don't go according to plan" in her personal and professional lives is what has driven her to amazing heights including climbing to the top of Mount Fuji!! . International Keynote Speaker, Mountain Climber and Best-Selling Author Dima Ghawi has 20+ years experience as a global leader working for Fortune 100 companies like IBM, Merrill Lynch and Intuit and another decade advising organizations and leaders to create courageous and inclusive work cultures. Her book is entitled 'Breaking Vases: Shattering Limitations and Daring to Thrive.' But it's the strength and resiliency she's shown in breaking free from years of cultural norms as a young girl growing up in Jordan that really show who she is, and the inspiration she offers. Dima's story began with an arranged marriage at the age of 19 in Jordan, which led to a challenging period of her life marked by deep depression and isolation. However, she found the courage to break free and pursue an MBA in San Diego, leading her to join IBM's leadership development program. KEY TAKEAWAYS: Leadership Lessons from Mount Fuji: The podcast highlights a story about a team-building exercise on Mount Fuji, emphasizing that true leaders support their team rather than racing to the top alone. Overcoming Cultural Barriers: Dima Ghawi shares her experience as a Middle Eastern woman navigating cultural differences in the U.S. Dealing with Workplace Jerks: The podcast discusses strategies for handling difficult colleagues. Breaking Free from Limitations: Dima Ghawi's journey from an arranged marriage to becoming a successful leader illustrates the power of self-reflection and education in overcoming personal and professional limitations. The Misfit Advantage: Embracing one's differences can be a powerful tool in the workplace. "A leader is a person who helps the team get to the top step by step. Sometimes we're pushing the team forward. Sometimes we're walking to their side, but not the one who leaves the team behind just to get to the top first." - Dima Ghawi #leadership #culturaldifferences #workplaceculture #careers #HR #Jordan #professionaldevelopment CONNECT WITH DIMA GHAWI https://www.linkedin.com/in/dimaghawi/ https://www.facebook.com/people/Dima-Ghawi-%D8%AF%D9%8A%D9%85%D8%A7-%D8%BA%D8%A7%D9%88%D9%8A/100050491089661/ Connect with Manage Smarter Hosts   ·         Website: ManageSmarter.com  ·         LinkedIn: Audrey Strong                                                                    ·         LinkedIn: C. Lee Smith     Connect with SalesFuel ·         Website: http://salesfuel.com/  ·         Twitter: @SalesFuel  ·         Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/salesfuel/    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we're talking about something that can make or break your organization: leadership development. Gain valuable insights on leadership and team dynamics with host Chip Gray. Join us each week for a brand new bonus Extra Point episode. In less than 5 minutes, you'll get additional insights about the psychology of leadership and management from the producers of the Manage Smarter podcast. Find all of the Manage Smarter episodes on ManageSmarter.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we're talking about something that can really set you apart in the business world: personal branding. Gain valuable insights on leadership and team dynamics with host Chip Gray. Join us each week for a brand new bonus Extra Point episode. In less than 5 minutes, you'll get additional insights about the psychology of leadership and management from the producers of the Manage Smarter podcast. Find all of the Manage Smarter episodes on ManageSmarter.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tom Beener is a securities attorney turned author, known for his book 'It's Better to March in Circles Than Not March at All.' Growing up with a father who was both a policeman and involved in the New York mob, Tom Beener was exposed to a world of gambling and organized crime from a young age. Despite these influences, he pursued a career in law, becoming a securities attorney. His experiences have given him a deep understanding of the balance between moral integrity and ambition in business. Through his storytelling, Tom offers actionable insights into high-stakes decision-making and leadership under pressure, making his contributions to discussions on ethics in business both compelling and invaluable. GET THE BOOK: https://www.amazon.com/Better-March-Circles-Than-Not-ebook/dp/B0DDLHN2L2 KEY TAKEAWAYS: Ethics in Business: The importance of maintaining a strong moral compass in business,highlighting how ethical decision-making can impact credibility and trust.   Leadership Under Pressure: The discussion explores how leadership in high-stakes situations parallels everyday management, emphasizing the need for decisive and clear communication. Leaders are advised to make decisions without over-explaining, as this can lead to unnecessary debate and controversy.   Decision-Making Strategy: Tom introduces the concept of 'never complain, never explain' as a strategy for effective decision-making. This approach encourages leaders to focus on facts and outcomes rather than getting bogged down in justifications, which can lead to exposure and vulnerability.   Credibility as Currency: Credibility is likened to currency, highlighting that it takes time to build but can be quickly lost through poor decisions. Maintaining credibility requires consistent ethical behavior and decision-making that aligns with organizational values.   Avoiding Rule Bending: Tom warns against bending rules, as it can undermine a leader's credibility and trustworthiness. Leaders are encouraged to adhere to established codes of conduct to maintain integrity and foster a trustworthy organizational culture. "You don't dwell. The more you try to explain your actions, the more you open the door for debate." - Tom Beener #leadership #mafia #morals #conscience #businessethics #ethics #management #toughdecisions #HR #businessdecisions #business #sales #mob #highpressurejobs Connect with Manage Smarter Hosts   ·         Website: ManageSmarter.com  ·         LinkedIn: Audrey Strong                                                                    ·         LinkedIn: C. Lee Smith     Connect with SalesFuel ·         Website: http://salesfuel.com/  ·         Twitter: @SalesFuel  ·         Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/salesfuel/    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we're tackling a topic that can make or break your business: hiring the right people. Gain valuable insights on leadership and team dynamics with host Chip Gray. Join us each week for a brand new bonus Extra Point episode. In less than 5 minutes, you'll get additional insights about the psychology of leadership and management from the producers of the Manage Smarter podcast. Find all of the Manage Smarter episodes on ManageSmarter.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we're getting into how salespeople can make sales technology your secret weapon. Gain valuable insights on leadership and team dynamics with host Chip Gray. Join us each week for a brand new bonus Extra Point episode. In less than 5 minutes, you'll get additional insights about the psychology of leadership and management from the producers of the Manage Smarter podcast. Find all of the Manage Smarter episodes on ManageSmarter.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Growing up in Western Kansas, John Marvin initially pursued a career in marketing and advertising and shares his journey from being fired to adopting a new mindset, then transitioning to pharmaceutical sales at the suggestion of his father, a family physician. This path eventually led him to Texas State Optical, where he became President in 2001. Under his leadership, the organization transitioned from a traditional franchise to a member-owned cooperative, focusing on younger optometrists and leveraging technology such as AI to enhance patient care. John's innovative approach and dedication to mindset have helped Texas State Optical navigate industry challenges, including the impact of private equity and the shortage of optometrists, positioning the company for continued growth and success. KEY TAKEAWAYS: Mindset is Key: John Marvin emphasizes the transformative power of mindset in achieving success. He believes that having a positive outlook and a growth mindset can significantly influence one's career trajectory and personal development. Adapt or Die: The evolution of Texas State Optical is a classic example of adapting to market changes. By transitioning from a franchise to a brand license company and focusing on younger optometrists, TSO has managed to stay relevant in a competitive industry. AI in Healthcare: Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing healthcare, including optometry. AI enhances diagnostic capabilities and customer service, offering opportunities for improved patient care and operational efficiency. Customer Experience Matters: In healthcare, the patient experience extends beyond clinical care. John Marvin highlights the importance of service quality, suggesting that practitioners should focus on the overall experience to build credibility and attract patients. Sales Credibility: Effective sales strategies require understanding customer needs before offering solutions. John Marvin advises salespeople to engage in active listening and inquiry to build credibility and better align their offerings with client needs. "Mindset rules everything. Like everything is secondary to mindset and the inner game you play to achieve success. Business doesn't stay static. So you gotta be able to adapt or die." - John Marvin Connect with John Marvin www.tso.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdmarvin/ Connect with Manage Smarter Hosts   ·         Website: ManageSmarter.com  ·         LinkedIn: Audrey Strong                                                                    ·         LinkedIn: C. Lee Smith     Connect with SalesFuel ·         Website: http://salesfuel.com/  ·         Twitter: @SalesFuel  ·         Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/salesfuel/  #mindset #business #leadership #AI #optical #opticians #career #careertips #careerclimb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we're talking about keeping those 4th quarter sales strong by avoiding distractions. Gain valuable insights on leadership and team dynamics with host Chip Gray. Join us each week for a brand new bonus Extra Point episode. In less than 5 minutes, you'll get additional insights about the psychology of leadership and management from the producers of the Manage Smarter podcast. Find all of the Manage Smarter episodes on ManageSmarter.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we're talking about setting the anchor to build sales confidence. Gain valuable insights on leadership and team dynamics with host Chip Gray. Join us each week for a brand new bonus Extra Point episode. In less than 5 minutes, you'll get additional insights about the psychology of leadership and management from the producers of the Manage Smarter podcast. Find all of the Manage Smarter episodes on ManageSmarter.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices