Speakers (Birdfeeders)
Continuing Learning For Business Leaders
What’s a “Birdfeeder”?
A “Birdfeeder” is a public appearance by an expert resource for the benefit of Vistage members. (Private appearances are closed to anyone beyond a specific group’s members.)
Upcoming Birdfeeders
Meditation: Basic Mindfulness Techniques
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(presented by Artie Isaac)
Productive Paranoia
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During this 60-minute session, Artie Isaac will show a brief video message from Jim Collins to Vistage, describing an aspect of his research into why some companies thrive in uncertainty and chaos and others do not. Jim and his co-author, Morten Hansen, identified the concept of productive paranoia, using Winston Churchill as an example. In 1940, Churchill faced one of the darkest times in history. He was paranoid about how bad things could get if France was defeated in the war. His goal was not survival, but reframed in the darkest days as a grander goal of victory.
In this conversation, Jim challenges you to ask yourself:
- What should you be paranoid about in reference to “the island” you are protecting?
- What is your version of the “25 squadrons”, the things you must protect so that you are able to survive and prevail in the end?
- How can you keep your 25 squadrons active and fully alive?
Theory of Reasoned Action
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When Professor (and friend) Rao Unnava invited Artie Isaac to teach his course on Consumer Behavior, he taught Artie this model — a transformational view of decision-making strategy.
During this 60-minute session, Artie will describe this favorite marketing model, the Theory of Reasoned Action, developed by Martin Fishbein and Icek Ajzen in 1967. More on the model is here — but Artie promises to make it easier to digest.
Positioning: Define Your Place In The Market
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During this 60-minute session, Artie Isaac will describe the proven marketing strategy popularized by the classic 1981 text, Positioning: The Battle for Your Mind by Al Ries and Jack Trout.
(presented by Artie Isaac)
Fanatic Discipline
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What differentiates companies that grow from start-ups to great companies in the most uncertain and chaotic environments from less successful companies in the same environment? Jim uses the story of two teams racing to the South Pole to illustrate how the choices you make impact results. You can let conditions determine your pace and progress, or exert self-control and fanatic discipline in a world out of control to continue to advance to your goal.
In this conversation, Jim challenges you to ask yourself:
- What is the big hairy audacious goal towards which you are marching, the thing that defines what it means to prevail?
- What does it mean to be “20-mile marching” right now?
- How can you keep your people calm and on task on your 20 mile march?
The Abilene Paradox
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The late Jerry B. Harvey was a favorite Vistage speaker. His Abilene Paradox teaches that much dysfunction results not from our ability to manage conflict, but our inability to manage agreement. Dr. Harvey kindly created a 20-minute video, which we will watch and discuss.
This is a life-changing lesson on organizational dynamics. It is a classic for any Vistage member.
The Green Box: Personal Contingency Planning
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During this 60-minute session, Artie Isaac will guide you through the Green Box, a checklist to prepare your business and your family for your untimely death.
This is a thoughtful exercise for anyone and everyone — and might be timely. This information is sobering and invaluable.
Cycle of Renewal
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Recently Recorded Birdfeeders
How to Become Twice as Productive in Half the Time
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Recording & Handout
How To Stop Worrying And Take Positive Action!
May 5, 2020
More About Boaz
Click here to learn more about Boaz Rauchwerger.
Recording & Slides
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Recording
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According to the Society of Human Resource Managers (SHRM), it costs over $4,000 and takes 42 days to fill an open position, on average. This number increases with the pay range, roles, and responsibilities
In this diverse and inclusive world, he has learned how to encourage those that are different from him and wants you to do the same.
Recording & Slides
Control Charts and Natural Variation: Don’t Overreact (And Forecast With Confidence)
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Up month? Down month? What’s a manager to do?
What the manager must not do is just as important: do not overreact!
During this 60-minute session, Mike Carr will give you a spreadsheet that can help you not overreact to natural variation in your performance.
Mike will give you the spreadsheet, show you how it works, and explain how control limits can guide your understanding of recent results — and help you forecast future results.
Recording & Slides
The spreadsheet tutorial:
https://bit.ly/3wTTRK4
For password, contact [email protected]
7 Steps To RESET Corporate Culture
May 12, 2021
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Recording & Slides
Non-competes and Other Employment Issues
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Recording & Slides
Guide to Negotiating Commercial Real Estate Leases
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Recording & Slides
March 4, 2021
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Pete Schramm is focused on solving the issue of low workforce engagement, increased turnover, and degrading culture. You may have observed this in your own enterprise or heard about it from other Vistage members.
Pete focuses on the power of mentorship and creating community with meaningful 121 conversation through his software platform.
He asked if he could share the approach in a Birdfeeder to get some feedback and see if this would be of benefit to your team and/or our Vistage groups.
It seems like a potentially valuable tool, and Pete is full of energy.
More on Lattus: https://www.lattus.com
Recording & Materials
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As organizations grow, headcount increases, the number and size of projects get bigger, things become more complex. Control systems get stress tested, we outgrow processes and the wheels get wobbly. We get the work done, deliver the project, the customer is happy, but when we look in the wake, there are body bags and organizational friction. All of this has an impact on profit.
We think we have personality conflicts and breakdowns in communication, so we do personality testing and conduct communication seminars in the hope that we can all work better together. But after the seminar, nothing changes. That’s because we do not have a communication problem, we have a structure problem.
We create the structure in which people work. We set the context. It is all about structure. Change the context, behavior follows.
In his presentation, Tom Foster will share the statistically significant research of the late Dr. Elliott Jaques (1917-2003) related to levels of work in organizational structure.
Specific subject areas –
- the flat organization is a misguided management fad — organizational hierarchy is important and exists for very specific reasons
- personality conflicts and communication problems are often smokescreens for a misalignment in organizational structure
- a hiring manager will not willingly hire anyone at or above his or her level of work
- most CEOs have difficulty understanding the true nature of executive work and often, are drawn into activity that pulls them away from higher-level responsibilities.
From the presentation, participants will become familiar with Elliott Jaques’ “Human Progression Model.” They will understand the impact of this missing link in:
- most hiring processes
- managerial and cross-functional working relationships
- defining appropriate levels of work.
Note: Participants may find it helpful to bring a current organization chart, starting with the CEO and driving down three levels into the organization (lines on the chart should represent reporting relationships), and if they exist, a short paragraph description for the CEO and each of the senior management positions.
Subscribe to Tom’s Management Blog.
Recording & Materials
2021 HR Roundtable
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HR ROUNDTABLE 2021: HR ON THE OTHER SIDE…GET OUT OF THE BABY-SITTING BUSINESS AND MAKE BETTER HR DECISIONS
Recording and Materials
Here are follow up documents from Hunter:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ptjx03afmmqs4wi/AACiCPPsYUI9uPdOdpFkfT8La?dl=0
Here is more information from Hunter:
https://www.askhunterlott.com/
Here is Artie’s message to A players, inspired years ago by Hunter:
https://artieisaac.com/offerings-and-abilities/vistage/a-players/
Company A / Company B
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During this one-hour session, learn how to use this one-page Change Management Plan: how to develop it and how to implement it. You can read about it here: artieisaac.com/blog/2018/04/company-a-company-b/
Before the videoconference, print this document: https://artieisaac.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Go-Artie-Company-A-Company-B-only.pdf
Recording
Character Structures
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Recording
Cycle Of Renewal
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Recording
December 3, 2020
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Thursday, December 3rd, 1pEST
Recording and Slides
Re-setting Your Aims for 2021
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Recording
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Most people report feeling more stress in their lives now than ever before. It is possible to greatly reduce the stress we feel and even eliminate it entirely. This requires us to think differently about our life and our goals. If you implement even one or two of the ideas shared in this session, you will see a quantum leap in your effectiveness and more joy in your life.
Hear from Dr. Srikumar Rao, speaker, author, former business school professor and creator of Creativity and Personal Mastery, a course designed to effect personal transformation. Learn more at https://theraoinstitute.com/
SRIKUMAR RAO
Srikumar Rao helps leaders around the globe transform their lives so that they can experience abundant joy, no matter what comes their way. Dr. Rao is a TED speaker, author and creator of the pioneering course, Creativity & Personal Mastery.
Recording
PPP Loan Catch Up And Look Ahead
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A review of recent changes in regulations as businesses begin to consider forgiveness.
Wednesday, November 4th, 10aEST
Recordings & Slides
- Recorded on November 10, 2020
Buck’s Slides - Recorded on June 30, 2020
Buck’s Slides
- Recorded on June 4, 2020
Buck’s Slides
- Recorded on May 26, 2020
Buck’s Slides
- Recorded on May 18, 2020
Buck’s Slides
- Recorded on May 6, 2020
Buck’s Slides. - Recorded on April 29, 2020.
Buck’s Slides
- Recorded on April 22, 2020
Buck’s Slides
- Recorded on April 7, 2020.
(No slides for April 7th) - Recorded on April 1, 2020
Buck’s Slides
October 6, 2020
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Is a set-back, challenge or unexpected loss making it difficult for you or your team to show-up and deliver your very best performance?
Sometimes a set-back is really a remarkable path forward. Here’s your chance to harness the power of perspective and set a new course for success. This is a story about shaping our best possible future by changing the lens through which we view our challenges.
Join Rachel D.K. Finney, 20 year nonprofit executive and CEO of Columbus Humane, for an inspiring look at how she and her team leverage adversity and get the most out of difficult situations by shifting perspectives. Conquer any challenge from catastrophic flooding to lackluster programming with a journey to the bright side.
This session creates an opportunity to consider the “up side of down.” Finney, a self-proclaimed “advantage-ist” teaches the audience to consider the advantages of experiencing hardship and the good that can come from otherwise bad situations.
A Certified Animal Welfare Administrator with 16 years of experience in animal sheltering, Rachel has degrees in nonprofit management, psychology, political science and sociology from Indiana University. She was recognized as Nonprofit CEO of the Year by Columbus CEO in 2015 and a Columbus Business First “Forty Under 40” in 2013.
Rachel operates under the philosophy that we should “never be afraid to do the right thing.” She shares her home with her husband, 2 children, 3 dogs, 2 cats and 5 fish.
Recordings & Materials
Thursday, October 1, 2020
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Ariel Enisman delivers a highly educational, interactive and in-depth presentation on asset protection planning for the business owner. The presentation is done in an easy-to-understand manner that allows the listeners to not only truly grasp the concepts immediately, but enables them to implement the strategies the very next day in their office. The presentation shows business owners how to protect themselves from lawyers, creditors, foreclosure deficiencies, former or current spouses, children, relatives and greedy lawsuit-obsessed citizens. While many people can make money, few know how to protect it.
Key issues include, but are not limited to:
- Why your business is in danger
- Due to the economy, why liability insurance is simply not enough anymore
- How to design an Asset Protection plan for your business
- The five fatal mistakes to avoid
- The best Asset Protection tools and how to implement them immediately
- How to safely and legally protect every asset you own, from everyone, every time
- Eight keys to a good Asset Protection plan
- Three maxims of Asset Protection
- Domestic vs. international Asset Protection
Recording
September 30, 2020
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When faced with challenges, fear can become our greatest business obstacle. It blurs our vision, limits our ambition and dulls our competitive edge. To overcome fear, we must first embrace change. And that starts with a fresh perspective boosted by renewed ambition and confidence. Only then can we develop a strategic action plan along with the drive for personal success. Rosemarie Rossetti motivates audiences to embrace change. And with it the promise of a more rewarding career and life.
Rosemarie Rossetti, Ph.D., is an award-winning professional speaker, author and consultant. For more than 20 years, she has been empowering audiences around the world — from ten to ten-thousand. On June 13, 1998, Rosemarie’s life was transformed when a 3 1/2 ton tree came crashing down on her. Paralyzed from the waist down with a spinal cord injury, she looked deep within herself, finding new strength and new resolve. After that life-changing event, and despite many other challenges, Rosemarie became a model for courage and an incredible example of how to live life with conviction — despite adversity. Through her positive approach and sensitive use of humor, she delivers a powerful message: With courage and resiliency you can move beyond the fear of change toward restored hope and a renewed sense of purpose!
Recording & Handout
Ambition, Plan, Achievement — Retention!
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Birdhouse member and thoughtful CEO, Timmy McCarthy describes a program designed to retain his field level teammates by helping them design their lives.
Recording
Recording
Leveraging the Power of Polarities
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Improve the quality of decision-making, accelerate and sustain desired organizational improvements. Learn a practical, powerful conversational framework known as the Polarity Map™ to understand the limitations of “either/or” problem-solving when working with many of your most pressing organizational issues. You will acquire the ability to lead new and powerful conversations with your team that will surface key polarities and expand their ability to lead and navigate successfully.
Note: This program is intended to be presented after groups have experienced Chalmers’ Leadership, Conversations and Results program (offered the day before, 8/12). Come to both!
Recording & Slides
Leadership, Conversations, Results
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Effective leadership and management today is not the same as it was even 10 years ago. Many aspects of our overall business environment and individual workplace environments have certainly changed. With these adjustments come changes in the skills, tools and competencies required for successful leadership. This interactive presentation by Chalmers Brothers offers a powerful and innovative way of understanding the actual actions required for effective leadership, management and relationship-building – especially in times of seemingly constant change.
Recording & Slides
Embrace Change and Overcome Uncertainty: Tools and Skills for Everyday Use
August 4, 2020
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Change is inevitable. Successful professionals must navigate unforeseen challenges and opportunities to succeed in their roles. In this workshop, you’ll learn tools to confidently work and lead teams through uncertain and challenging situations in order to adapt to change in creative and unexpected ways. You’ll learn how to use the improvisational idea of “Yes, And” to co-create new processes and practice reacting to new situations with little or no preparation time. Overall, you will learn how to practice “bouncing back” from failure to learn from new and uncomfortable professional situations where some level of imperfection is inevitable.
Recording & Slides
Recording
Recording & Slides
Alec Broadfoot
Right People in the Right Seats, Now and Post-Crisis
June 12, 2020
Recording & Slides
More About Christie
- A profile in Columbus CEO: https://www.columbusceo.com/business/20180716/your-ywca
- LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/4christie/
- YWCA Columbus website: https://www.ywcacolumbus.org/
Recording & Slides
June 4, 2020
Recording & Slides
More Resources (From Artie)
- “How to Talk Trauma & Protests at Work. The (very non-definitive) Guidelines” by Benish Shaw (6/1/2020). Thank you to Birdhouse member and CEO of CCAD Mel Corn for showing me this.
- “U.S. Businesses Must Take Meaningful Action Against Racism” by Laura Morgan Roberts and Ella F. Washington, Harvard Business Review (6/1/2020). Thank you to Dallas/Ft. Worth Vistage Chair Mike Richards for showing me this piece.
- “The White Journey to Racial Awareness: A Stage Theory” by Jal Mehta, Education Week (7/27/2017). Thank you to New York Chair Mark Taylor for showing me this.
John Schuster
The Inner Game That Drives The Outer Game
June 2, 2020
Recording & Slides
May 27, 2020
More About Tom
Recording & Slides
Greg Ubert
Re-Starting Your Mom & Pop
May 20, 2020
More About Greg
Here is information on Greg’s book.
Recording
You On Your Best Day
May 15, 2020
Recording
Recording
Adapting Your Business To Remote Working, The Opportunity To Thrive
May 5, 2020
Recording
How To Stop Worrying And Take Positive Action!
May 5, 2020
More About Boaz
Click here to learn more about Boaz Rauchwerger.
Recording & Slides
Pricing During Recession And Economic Uncertainty
May 5, 2020
More About Casey
Recording & Slides
Artie Isaac
Leading in Challenging Times: 5 Strategies You Should Know
April 30, 2020
Recording
Shannon Lee
The Hula Hoop of Change
April 28, 2020
More About Shannon
Recording & Slides
Poetry Circle
Poets read poems to each other. Some poems are finished and ready. Some are still in the works. Listen as the poets applaud and critique each others’ work.
Recordings
Recorded on April 26, 2020.
Poems by Beth Weinstock, Amy Greenberg, Audrey Brahler, Artie Isaac.
Recorded on April 12, 2020.
Poems by Beth Weinstock, Artie Isaac. Hosted by Rabbi Sharon Mars.
Natalie Siston
Energy, Attitude & Leadership: How are YOU Showing Up?
April 23, 2020
Recording & Materials
Business Lessons Harvard Taught Me But My Kids Made Me Lear
April 22, 2020
Recording
Jennifer Ciccarelli
Isolation In A Home With Children
April 15, 2020
Recording & Materials
April 10, 2020
Recording & Slides
Start Me Up: A View Of Beyond The Shutdown
April 8, 2020
Recording
April 6, 2020
Recording
April 7, 2020
Recording
Questions & Answers
May I bring — or send — a guest? Yes. Please limit guests to your family, potential peer group candidates, and your key executive colleagues. If you are wondering about whether a guest is appropriate, ask Monica.
Do I need to pre-register? Yes or no, as directed in each event. Ask any questions to [email protected]
What’s “Birdhouse”? Birdhouse is the combined membership of the peer groups chaired by Artie Isaac. Like birds of different feathers, flocking together. Please refer candidates to ArtieIsaac.com.