Hiring (Raving Fans) Matters: What Nike Taught Me with Tim Mitchell

From the iconic halls of Nike to the dynamic landscape of Boost, our guest, Tim Mitchell, is sharing the secrets behind building global empires and the transformative power of passion-driven leadership.

Join host Ken as he delves into Tim's incredible journey, spanning from his early days in the Midwest with a journalism degree to leading Nike's matrix organization and overseeing the company's evolution from $5 billion to $40 billion. Tim shares insights on Nike's strategic shifts and the importance of adaptability as Nike transitioned from wholesale to a category-focused approach and later emphasized direct-to-consumer.  He talks lessons-learned from his observations on how different leaders approached transformation.

Tim's transition from the behemoth of Nike to the nimble tech company Boost offers unique insights into the power of hiring for passion and vision. Tim candidly shares how his exposure to diverse cultures and leadership styles shaped his approach, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and mentorship. From Nike's strategic shifts to the secrets of Tim's own culture playbook, this episode unpacks the challenges and rewards of personal and professional growth within a dynamic global brand.

Discover how stepping outside one's bubble and embracing change can lead to unparalleled success. Don't miss out on this captivating conversation that's sure to inspire and enlighten. Listen now!

About guest Tim Mitchell:

Tim Mitchell is a seasoned professional with over two decades of diverse experience. Following 20+ years as a global Nike executive, Tim's "next flight" focuses on applying their Swoosh consumer, brand, product, and digital foundation to the IT Services & Consulting industry, with an emphasis on sports technology. Currently serving as the Chief Commercial Officer at BOOST since 2022, Tim's mission is to create the future of sport through AI, content, brand, e-commerce, and championship teams. Prior to this role, they excelled as an Executive Mentor at San Diego Sport Innovators.

Holding a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Tim is dedicated to driving innovation and making a lasting impact in the sports technology industry.

HIRING MATTERS — DON’T MESS IT UP!

Join Ken, a seasoned expert with nearly three decades in executive recruiting, and his executive guests as they unveil the secrets of Recruiting, Retention, and Real HR Strategies, sharing their ‘secret sauce’ for building and retaining top-performing teams. They’ll dissect the art and science of building exceptional teams, retaining top talent, and implementing effective HR strategies that work in today’s competitive landscape. 

But that’s not all – brace yourself for our “Recruiter Rant” episodes, where Ken unveils the industry’s hidden secrets, sharing unfiltered insights and behind-the-scenes revelations. Get ready to gain more than expected as he delivers authentic perspectives on the challenges, triumphs, and quirks that make the hiring game both exhilarating and unpredictable.

Join Ken twice a month for tactical advice and industry insights, empowering you to navigate the intricate world of executive recruiting confidently. ‘Hiring Matters’ is your go-to resource for elevating your hiring game, providing you with the tools to build, grow, and lead truly exceptional teams.

About Cris Howard:

Cris Howard is a seasoned clinical operations executive with 30 years of experience in the biopharmaceutical industry. As the Global Head of Project Delivery at Labcorp Drug Development, she led a team of 300 professionals across 24 countries and 29 locations, delivering operational excellence and strategic innovation for drug development projects.

Cris is passionate about transforming the clinical research landscape through agile and patient-centric solutions. She created and scaled the PM Academy, a pioneering initiative that optimized project team performance and achieved $11.7M in savings ahead of schedule. She also inspired employee loyalty and retention, winning the HERO's Award and being selected for the ELEVATE Women's Executive Leadership program.

Cris is a globally recognized speaker, educator, and board member in the field of project management and holds multiple degrees and certifications.

She is also an avid hiker and a retired elite triathlete, who founded the Women for Tri Foundation and completed 12 IRONMAN competitions.

The interplay between emotional intelligence (EQ), intellectual prowess (IQ), and the delicate dance with one's ego creates a symphony that either propels or hinders leadership. While a high IQ may open the door to innovative ideas and strategic thinking, it is the often underestimated EQ that holds the key to unlocking genuine connections and navigating the complex landscape of human emotions.

In this episode, we delve into the complexities of effective leadership with my captivating guest—Zach White, the visionary founder of Oasis of Courage, a global coaching firm committed to shaping leaders. Zach brings a refreshing and dynamic perspective to leadership—one that recognizes the indispensable roles of both heart and mind on the path to becoming an influential and effective leader. 

Explore a range of fascinating topics, from leadership intricacies to the foundations of knowledge. Zach shares valuable insights on how leaders can adapt to their team dynamics. Discover the impact of blending EQ and IQ as Zach draws insightful parallels. Finding the right balance between intellect, emotional intelligence, and ego is key for exceptional leaders who not only predict the future but also inspire their teams. Get practical tips and strategies to bridge the gap between intellectual strength and emotional understanding, creating a roadmap for excellent leadership.

Join us as we go beyond the surface of leadership, questioning the traditional belief that intelligence alone guarantees success. Zach unravels the secrets to making a lasting impact within your team by emphasizing the crucial role of emotional intelligence. This episode offers a fresh perspective on leadership, showcasing how cultivating emotional acumen is a key ingredient for leadership success.

About Our Guest, Zach White:

Meet Zach White, a trailblazing engineer, career transformation coach, and the vibrant host of "The Happy Engineer" podcast.  Zach kickstarted his academic journey at Purdue University, earning a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering before pursuing an M.S. in the same field at the University of Michigan. With over 11 years of dedicated service at Whirlpool, Zach honed his engineering skills in various roles, showcasing his prowess in the corporate landscape. However, fueled by a passion for guiding professionals towards success, he took a bold step and transitioned from his thriving corporate career to establish his own coaching business. Zach's keen insights into major shifts and strategic approaches for career success have empowered him to make a meaningful impact on the lives of leaders. Join Zach White on his journey as he inspires and transforms the career trajectories of individuals, making waves in the world of coaching.

We are challenging the notion that leadership is neatly outlined on the organizational chart. This pervasive misconception often limits our understanding of what effective leadership truly entails. Leadership goes beyond titles and positions, permeating every level of an organization. It's not confined to the hierarchy; it's a dynamic quality found in individuals who inspire, collaborate, and guide others toward shared goals.

Our guest, Sidd Vivek, the accomplished CEO of Junior Achievement San Diego, challenges this notion and unveils the universal truths about leadership, whether in the for-profit or nonprofit sector.

Sidd shares his wealth of experience, highlighting that every step up isn't necessarily a step forward. The discussion revolves around the importance of envisioning your ultimate destination and how critical it is to understand that leadership isn't confined to a specific title or position—it happens at every level. We explore how effective leadership is about moving people forward, overcoming challenges, and embracing opportunities.

The organizational chart is dissected, emphasizing that while there may be numerous positions, removing just one, even the CEO, doesn't halt business operations. Sidd stresses the significance of recognizing that leadership extends beyond a single individual—it's about the collective efforts of a team.

Life, as Sidd notes, is multi-dimensional and far from linear. We explore the concept of taking larger exits, understanding that career paths are diverse and unique to each individual.

The podcast delves into hiring practices, emphasizing that it's not about filling positions but about bringing in people. Sidd encourages us to listen to our employees and teammates, allowing them to shift seats on the bus as they grow and develop. Leadership isn't about titles; it's about moving people forward.

Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that challenges traditional notions of leadership and highlights the dynamic, multi-faceted nature of leading, no matter where you are on the organizational chart. Leadership truly happens at every level, and this episode will inspire you to rethink your approach to leadership in your own journey.

About Sidd Vivek:

Sidd is the President and CEO of Junior Achievement of San Diego County, joining the organization in January 2019.

He was born and raised in Boston.  He graduated from The George Washington University with a BA in Political Science.

Before joining JA, Sidd spent the last 11 years working for the YMCA of San Diego.  He worked as their Director of Marketing, then as Development Director, then finally as their Director of Strategic Partnerships.  He has been immersed in youth development programs throughout central San Diego, including robotics in underserved communities and gang/drug prevention.

Workplace bullying and toxic cultures pack a powerful punch, leaving individuals and organizations grappling with its repercussions—drained morale, stifled creativity, and a work environment overshadowed by fear. It's not just personal; it's a direct hit on innovation and productivity, challenging the very essence of a thriving workplace.

Catherine Mattice is the Founder and CEO of Civility Partners, a renowned expert on workplace dynamics, and the author of three insightful books. Catherine is also a captivating TedX speaker and the mastermind behind a LinkedIn Learning Course that addresses toxic cultures and workplace bullies.

Join us as Catherine delves into the concept that each of us is constantly operating in Fight or Flight mode within the workplace. The key lies in understanding why this happens and how it affects our productivity, innovation, and overall well-being. Catherine passionately shares her insights into the crucial link between respect, productivity, and employee retention. Learn how fostering a culture of respect can lead to increased productivity, a boost in innovation, and longer employee tenure.

In this episode, Catherine also explores her philosophy on the possibility of change in people, even those who may have engaged in workplace bullying. Discover why she believes in the transformative power that individuals hold and how this perspective can positively impact workplace dynamics.

But the conversation doesn't stop there. "Leader(shi*) Happens" takes a hard look at accountability, emphasizing why leaders must be held responsible for addressing and preventing workplace bullying. Catherine sheds light on the role of leadership in shaping organizational culture and how a failure in leadership can contribute to the toxic environments that foster bullying.

Tune in to this thought-provoking episode to gain valuable insights from Catherine Mattice, an expert who has dedicated her career to creating healthier, more respectful workplaces. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your understanding of workplace dynamics and the pivotal role leaders play in cultivating a culture of respect. It's time to explore the intersections of leadership, workplace culture, and the fight against bullying on "Leader(shi*) Happens."

About Catherine:

Catherine Mattice is the founder and CEO of Civility Partners, an HR consulting firm focused specifically on helping organizations create respectful and positive workplace cultures.

Catherine is an HR disrupter and has had the pleasure of being cited in USA Today, Entrepreneur, Bloomberg, CNN, NPR, and many other national news outlets as an expert. She has 50+ courses reaching global audiences on LinkedIn Learning.

She's also an award-winning speaker, blogger, and book author. Catherine’s award-winning book, BACK OFF! Your Kick-Ass Guide to Ending Bullying at Work, was hailed by international leadership-guru, Ken Blanchard, as, “the most comprehensive and valuable handbook on the topic.”

Catherine is active in the International Association for Workplace Bullying & Harassment (IAWBH) and one of the four founding members of the National Workplace Bullying Coalition, a nonprofit organization focused on ending workplace bullying.

Brace yourself for a paradigm shift as we debunk the myth that outstanding employees automatically translate into great leaders. Guest David Newman, a world-renowned speaker, trainer, and author of the empowering "Do It" book series, joins host Ken Schmitt to unravel this and more. This eye-opening discussion challenges common leadership myths and highlights the crucial need for emotional mastery and self-awareness.

David and Ken tackle the impact of "short attention span theater" on leadership in our fast-paced world.  They explore dynamic shifts in leadership styles and share actionable strategies for engaging and guiding teams effectively.

David shares his powerful philosophy on leadership – it's not just about what you say, but how you say it. Learn why leading a team is like being a parent, influencing through mood, body language, and tone.

Get ready for a dose of "David-isms" – pearls of wisdom from David Newman that will reshape your approach to leadership and personal development. Listeners are in for a treat as they gain practical takeaways to enhance their leadership skills and create a positive impact in their professional lives.

Join host Ken Schmitt and the brilliant David Newman as they unravel the secrets to successful leadership in the modern age. This isn't just a podcast; it's a revolution in leadership thinking.

About our guest David Newman:

David Newman is a nationally-recognized marketing expert and author of the Amazon #1 bestseller Do It! Marketing: 77 Instant-Action Ideas to Boost Sales, Maximize Profits and Crush Your Competition. 

David Newman runs a marketing strategy firm dedicated to making thought-leading entrepreneurs and executives more successful. David's clients and audiences include Oracle, IBM, American Express, and Wells Fargo in addition to trade associations, non-profits, and entrepreneurial businesses of all sizes. 

David has always worked at the intersection of speaking, technology, and professional services. As a corporate insider, David worked for global professional services firms like Towers Perrin and software maker PeopleSoft (back when they were #6 on Fortune's Best Places to Work list) as well as a 70-person IT consulting firm and a really cool publishing and training company where he served as the Vice President of Product Development.

David has presented over 600 keynotes, seminars, and strategic work sessions since 1992, and his client roster includes 44 of the Fortune 500.

David is a blogger for Salesforce.com and for Vistage, the world's largest CEO peer group organization, and his entrepreneurial marketing advice has been featured and quoted in The New York Times, Investors Business Daily, Sales & Marketing Management, Selling Power, Entrepreneur Magazine, and hundreds of media outlets throughout North America.