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    The Journey of Entrepreneurship over the Long Haul with Darrin Grove, CEO of Truefit

    en-usJune 28, 2017

    About this Episode

    In this episode of the L3 Leadership podcast, you'll hear Darrin Grove, Founder and CEO of Truefit, share his entrepreneurial journey and the lesson's he's learned along the way. To see the notes and ways to connect with Darrin Grove and Truefit, go to the show notes at L3Leadership.org/episode154. Darrin Grove's Bio: Darrin Grove, Truefit’s Founder and CEO, is a native Pittsburgher with a passion for innovation, technology, and values-based leadership. Leveraging leadership and technology experience honed as the former head of IT for a recognized leader in manufacturing technologies, and recognizing the legacy of innovation in the Pittsburgh region, Darrin and his team made a commitment to establish and maintain headquarters in the region, even as Truefit added clients nationally, and internationally. Darrin founded Truefit on the core values of being principled, collaborative, empowering, and serving the common good. In his capacity as CEO, Darrin champions these core values and applies them to each and every client and team member engagement.Innovation and entrepreneurial spirit guide Darrin, and his leadership instills a “start-up” mentality throughout the organization. He leads the proprietary Idea Launch™ process, ensuring that innovation begins with collaboration and works closely with Truefit clients to involve a broad cross-section of stakeholders, company leadership, end users, and subject matter experts to bring game-changing new technology products to market.Under Darrin’s leadership, Truefit has carved out a noteworthy role as a collaborative partner to organizations and entities dedicated to building new ideas, products, and start-ups in Pittsburgh and around the country.Darrin is an active member of BlueTree Allied Angels and serves as an advisor at AlphaLab, Pittsburgh’s start-up accelerator, which helps promote growth of innovative start-ups. He also serves on several non-profit boards throughout the community.Specialties: Innovation, Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Angel Investing, Software Development, MobileConnect with L3 Leadership: Website: L3Leadership.org LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/l3-leadership Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/L3Leader Twitter: @L3leader Instagram: @l3leadership Podcast: The L3 Leadership Podcast in iTunes How You Can Help this Podcast: To listen to past interviews, go to my podcast page. Subscribe to this podcast Rate and leave a review of the podcast Share the content on Social Media Sign-up for my L3 Leadership Newsletter If you have an idea for a future podcast you would like to hear or a leader you would like me to interview, e-mail me at dougsmith@l3leadership.org. If you enjoyed the podcast, please rate it on iTunes and write a review.

    Recent Episodes from The L3 Leadership Podcast with Doug Smith

    Anne Bieler, Founder of Auntie Anne's Pretzels, on Overcoming Trauma and Finding Purpose in the Pain

    Anne Bieler, Founder of Auntie Anne's Pretzels, on Overcoming Trauma and Finding Purpose in the Pain

    Episode Summary: In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Anne Beiler joins Doug to discuss her upbringing, Auntie Anne’s, and shares advice with listeners who may be struggling on how she navigates life’s more difficult seasons.

    About Anne Beiler:
    Anne Beiler, raised in an Amish-Mennonite community, faced immense tragedy when her 19-month-old daughter died in a farming accident, leading her into darkness and depression. Her marriage with Jonas suffered, exacerbated by an abusive pastor. Seeking healing, they pursued counseling and reconciliation, birthing a vision to offer free counseling services. To support this vision, Anne bought a concession stand, which evolved into Auntie Anne’s, the world's largest pretzel franchise. Despite her success, Anne battled depression, finding solace in sharing her story publicly. This act of confession liberated her and inspired her to help other women find similar freedom. In 2005, Anne sold Auntie Anne’s to pursue speaking engagements on leadership, purpose, and the power of confession.

    3 Key Takeaways:
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    2. She shares how she came out of a difficult time in her life with guidance from The Holy Spirit.
    3. Anne gives advice to others who may be struggling with feelings of depression or grief.

    Quotes From the Episode:

    “There is no way to be well unless you tell. Unless you feel the pain of it all.”
    “I don’t have secrets anymore, I just bring them into the light.”

    Resources Mentioned:
    The Secret Lies Within by Anne Beiler

    Connect with Anne:
    Website | Facebook | Instagram

    Episode Webpage: https://l3leadership.org/413
    L3 Mastermind Groups: https://l3leadership.org/mastermind
    L3 Leadership Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/L3Leader/
    Follow us on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/l3-leadership
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    3. Being good with people involves showing an interest in others. Doug shares how he teaches his kids this concept.
    4. He talks about overcoming trauma and moving past difficult times in life with the help of a therapist.

    Quotes From the Episode:
    “Invest in deep relationships.”
    “Unity is always really important to me.”

    Resources Mentioned:
    Leading on Empty by Wayne Cordeiro
    Leaf by Niggle by JRR Tolkien 

    Connect with Doug:
    Website | Twitter | Facebook | Linkedin | Instagram

    Episode Webpage: https://l3leadership.org/412
    L3 Mastermind Groups: https://l3leadership.org/mastermind
    L3 Leadership Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/L3Leader/
    Follow us on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/l3-leadership
    Rate This Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/l3leadership

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    Mark Miller on Uncommon Greatness: 5 Fundamentals to Transform Your Leadership

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    About Mark Miller: Mark started over 40 years ago working as an hourly employee at a local Chick-fil-A.  He has worked all across the business since then and currently serves as Vice President of High-Performance Leadership at Chick-fil-A.  For the last 20 years, Mark has traveled the United States and the world focusing much of his time on serving leaders, helping them grow themselves, their teams, and their organizations. 

    4 Key Takeaways:
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    2. Mark walks us through the five fundamentals as outlined in his book that can  transform your leadership approach.
    3. He talks about aligning vision, results, and relationships, all while keeping your core values intact.
    4. We discuss idea of servant leadership and how it helps create a caring atmosphere for people and for achieving goals.

    Quotes From the Episode:
    “If you don’t spend enough time thinking about the future, there may not be one for your or for your organization.”
    “Uncommon leadership is the path to uncommon greatness.”

    Resources Mentioned:
    Call Mark at 678-612-8441
    Preorder Uncommon Greatness

    Connect with Mark:
    Mark’s Website | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn

    William Vanderbloemen on Finding Unicorns, The Importance of Responding Quickly, and How to be as Likeable as Bill Clinton

    William Vanderbloemen on Finding Unicorns, The Importance of Responding Quickly, and How to be as Likeable as Bill Clinton

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    1. William defines what it means to hire a “unicorn”.
    2. He discusses what he’s learned about likability, and shares his thoughts on authenticity.
    3. William talks about one thing that makes his hiring process unique.
    4. He talks about what he believes the future of work is going to look like.

    Quotes From the Episode:
    “People really like being seen and recognized and noticed.”
    “Look people directly in one eye.”


    Resources Mentioned:
    William’s Books

    Connect with William:
    X(Twitter) | Instagram | Linkedin  

    Episode Webpage: https://l3leadership.org/410
    L3 Mastermind Groups: https://l3leadership.org/mastermind
    L3 Leadership Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/L3Leader/
    Follow us on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/l3-leadership
    Rate This Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/l3leadership





    Jade Warshaw on Getting out of $460,000 in Debt, Lessons Learned from Dave Ramsey, and How You Can Get Free Financially

    Jade Warshaw on Getting out of $460,000 in Debt, Lessons Learned from Dave Ramsey, and How You Can Get Free Financially

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    3. Jade talks about her new book, Money Is Not a Math Problem.
    4. She shares some of her experiences at Ramsey Solutions including her favorite Ramsey personality and the challenges and growth she’s encountered in her role.

    Quotes From the Episode:
    “Start layering up your skills so you can offer more to the marketplace and thereby earn more money.”
    “You do need help, there’s only so much you can do on your own.”
    “Preparation is a gift you give yourself.”

    Resources Mentioned:
    Money Is Not a Math Problem by Jade Warshaw
    Ramsey Solutions

    Connect with Jade:
    Website | Twitter | Facebook | TikTok | Instagram

    Episode Webpage: https://l3leadership.org/409
    L3 Mastermind Groups: https://l3leadership.org/mastermind
    L3 Leadership Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/L3Leader/
    Follow us on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/l3-leadership
    Rate This Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/l3leadership

    Doug Smith on My Father-in-Law Pranking Me + Overcoming My Mental Health Battle

    Doug Smith on My Father-in-Law Pranking Me + Overcoming My Mental Health Battle

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    About Doug Smith:
    Doug Smith is the Director of Development at Light of Life Rescue Mission and Founder and CEO of L3 Leadership. He is the author of his eBook, “Making the Most of Mentoring”, a step-by-step guide to help you build and cultivate relationships with mentors. He blogs at dougsmithlive.com, he is the host of the L3 Leadership podcast, and he is a sought-after public speaker. He is married to his high school sweetheart, Laura, who currently works as an Account Executive at Ivalua. Together, they love family, personal growth, travel, working out, and serving others.

    3 Key Takeaways:
    1. Doug shares a funny story of a prank his father and brother-in-law played on him years ago. 
    2. He talks about grief and mental health and shares his personal experience with these matters.
    3. Dan and Doug discuss how perspective can change everything and how we should highlight our accomplishments.

    Quotes From the Episode:
    “It’s been the trying things in my life, the hard seasons that I’ve gone through, the dark seasons that have helped me grow the most.”
    “Suffering comes to all of us, it’s what you do when suffering.” 

    Resources Mentioned:
    The Gap and the Gain by Dan Sullivan
    Hope Between The Lines Podcast

    Connect with Doug:
    Website | Twitter | Facebook | Linkedin | Instagram

    Episode Webpage: https://l3leadership.org/408
    L3 Mastermind Groups: https://l3leadership.org/mastermind
    L3 Leadership Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/L3Leader/
    Follow us on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/l3-leadership
    Rate This Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/l3leadership



    Jordan Raynor on The Sacredness of Secular Work: 4 Ways Your Job Matters for Eternity

    Jordan Raynor on The Sacredness of Secular Work: 4 Ways Your Job Matters for Eternity

    Episode Summary: In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, bestselling author Jordan Raynor discusses his new book, The Sacredness of Secular Work: 4 Ways Your Job Matters for Eternity.

    About Jordan Raynor:
    Through his bestselling books (The Creator in You, Redeeming Your Time, Master of One, and Called to Create), the Mere Christians podcast, and his weekly devotionals, Jordan has helped millions of Christians in every country on earth connect the gospel to their work. 

    In addition to his writing, Jordan serves as the Executive Chairman of Threshold 360, a venture-backed tech startup which Jordan previously ran as CEO following a string of successful ventures of his own. 

    Jordan has twice been selected as a Google Fellow and served in The White House under President George W. Bush. A sixth-generation Floridian, Jordan lives in Tampa with his wife and their three young daughters. The Raynors are proud members of The Church at Odessa.

    3 Key Takeaways:
    1. Jordan references scriptural foundations that redefine the value of our vocations.
    2. You'll find out why being a barista or an investment banker carries just as much weight in the Kingdom as any overtly spiritual role.
    3. He covers the notion of work in the eternal realm, challenging the mainstream view and bringing to light a vision of redeemed and purposeful labor that awaits us beyond this life.

    Quotes From the Episode:
    “Language matters, words matter.” 
    “The ultimate good is found in Christ alone.”

    Resources Mentioned:
    Jordan’s Books
    Mere Christians Podcast

    Connect with Jordan:
    Website | Facebook | Instagram

    Episode Webpage: https://l3leadership.org/407
    L3 Mastermind Groups: https://l3leadership.org/mastermind
    L3 Leadership Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/L3Leader/
    Follow us on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/l3-leadership
    Rate This Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/l3leadership



    Maggie Berghoff on Functional Medicine, Optimizing Your Health, and Raising Healthy Kids

    Maggie Berghoff on Functional Medicine, Optimizing Your Health, and Raising Healthy Kids

    Episode Summary: In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Maggie Berghoff joins us to share her wealth of knowledge on functional medicine and personalized health.

    About Maggie Berghoff: Maggie Berghoff is a visionary entrepreneur with multiple online companies dedicated to improving the well-being of individuals. The journey began as she ventured into the role of an online health consultant, evolving into a substantial educational platform offering published books, online programs, recommended products, and diverse services aimed at helping individuals achieve balance in their lives. In addition to her health-focused venture, Maggie has established a business consulting company. Through this endeavor, she has empowered thousands of emerging entrepreneurs, providing guidance in building, branding, marketing, and scaling their own online coaching businesses. Beyond the professional realm, Maggie gracefully balances the role of a devoted mother to three young children. Her commitment to health, entrepreneurship, and family exemplifies a holistic approach to a fulfilling and purposeful life.

    4 Key Takeaways:
    1. We delve deep into the transformative power of lab testing and nutrition, where understanding and interpreting your personal health data becomes your superpower.
    2. Maggie discusses the benefits of recognizing hormone imbalances and hidden health issues, opening up avenues to longevity and anti-aging that go far beyond what meets the eye.
    3. She shares how maintaining a guilt-free relationship with your favorite indulgences can actually contribute to better physical and mental health.
    4. Maggie talks about why navigating the supermarket aisles shouldn't be a chore but an adventure in making informed choices.

    Quotes From the Episode:
    “You can always trust a natural product that is made with real foods and real ingredients.”
    “You got this.”

    Resources Mentioned:
    Order Your Own Labs
    Siete Foods
    Simple Mills
    MadeGood Foods
    Lesser Evil Snacks
    Eat to Treat by Maggie Berghoff
    Yuka App
    EWG

    Connect with Maggie:
    Website | Facebook | Instagram | Linkedin | TikTok

    Episode Webpage: https://l3leadership.org/406
    L3 Mastermind Groups: https://l3leadership.org/mastermind
    L3 Leadership Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/L3Leader/
    Follow us on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/l3-leadership
    Rate This Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/l3leadership

    George Kamel on on How to Break Free from Broke

    George Kamel on  on How to Break Free from Broke


    Episode Summary:
    In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, we are joined by George Kamel, Ramsey personality and author, as he recounts his climb from being burdened by debt to securing a seven-figure net worth.

    About George Kamel:
    George Kamel is a personal finance expert and co-host of The Ramsey Show and Smart Money Happy Hour.  Following Ramsey’s proven money plan, George went from negative net worth to a millionaire in under 10 years. His goal is to help people spend less, save more, and avoid money traps so they can live a life with more margin, options and freedom.

    4 Key Takeaways:
    1. George shares his perspective on leadership in the digital age, focusing on impact rather than follower count.
    2.  We dissect the cultural epidemic of debt that ensnares many in a relentless cycle and how achieving financial peace can rejuvenate our life experiences.
    3. George talks about why he believes cutting the credit cord leads to a more mindful approach to money management.
    4. You'll also listen to honest thoughts about balancing work and being a dad, and how kindness can have a lasting effect on the soul.

    Quotes From the Episode:
    “We’re more obsessed with debt than we’ve ever been as a culture, how can I help people break free from the chains that have been set upon them?”
    “When you can look at money as a tool instead of an obstacle, that’s when everything changes.”

    Resources Mentioned:
    Pre-Order Georges Book
    Smart Money Happy Hour

    Connect with George:
    Website | Facebook | YouTube | X | Instagram

    Episode Webpage: https://l3leadership.org/404
    L3 Mastermind Groups: https://l3leadership.org/mastermind
    L3 Leadership Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/L3Leader/
    Follow us on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/l3-leadership
    Rate This Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/l3leadership

    Esther Fedorkevich: What it Takes to Write a Book, Get it Published, and Get it out to the World

    Esther Fedorkevich: What it Takes to Write a Book, Get it Published, and Get it out to the World

    Episode Summary: In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Esther Fedorkevich is joins us to discuss her journey in entrepreneurship and publishing, offering valuable advice for aspiring authors.

    About Esther Fedorkevich:
    Esther Fedorkevich is the founder of The Fedd Agency. She launched her career in 1997 as a salesperson for a major book publisher. Within six months, Esther sold a million dollars in products. From there she went to work for Dave Ramsey, a New York Times best-selling author and television host with a nationally syndicated radio program. She worked in the publishing department, selling and marketing Dave’s books and other projects, and fell in love with book publishing. When Esther was pregnant with her first child, her entrepreneurial spirit was charged and decided to venture out on her own, selling books and ideas as a literary agent. 

    Esther founded The Fedd Agency in 2003 and began investing in authors. Her first client came to her for help when William Morris could not secure a book deal, even after pitching it for two years. With her innovative intervention and her acute business sense and selling skills, Esther got the author a three-book deal within two months. Esther continues to hone her innate marketing and sales talents, coupling that with a passion for selling life-changing books. Esther firmly believes she doesn’t just represent authors, she represents and builds futures. 

    Using her natural entrepreneurial sensibilities, Esther also negotiates deals for film, television, and other derivative products. Additionally, The Fedd Agency offers agency guided publishing and audio book production services. Esther lives in Austin, TX and has and two rockstar kids, Alexi Jane and Paul Gregory. In her spare time, you can find Esther shooting hoops, swinging a golf club or tennis racket, reading, or cooking gourmet meals for her family and friends.

    Her favorite book is How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie.

    Key Takeaways:
    1. Esther shines a light on the nuances of writing, publishing, and marketing a successful book.
    2. She shares her professional journey of selling over a million dollars in book products within six months to leveraging her talent as a literary agent and founding Fed Agency.
    3. Ester talks about her entrepreneurial upbringing and how that has been instrumental in her current success.
    4. She talks about why she believes everyone has a book inside of them and why people should consider writing their own.

    Quotes From the Episode:
    “I look at a book sold as a prayer answered.”
    “Believe in yourself, keep working, keep dreaming, keep creating, and  keep developing new ideas.”

    Resources Mentioned:
    The Circle Maker

    Connect with Esther Fedorkevich:
    Website | Instagram | Linkedin

    Episode Webpage: https://l3leadership.org/404
    L3 Mastermind Groups: https://l3leadership.org/mastermind
    L3 Leadership Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/L3Leader/
    Follow us on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/l3-leadership