Counsel Culture with Eric Brooker

Since his major-label debut in 2008, Matt Maher has become a staple in the artistic and songwriting community. A nine-time-GRAMMY® nominee and three-time-GMA Dove Award® winner, he has garnered multiple radio successes, writing and recording songs such as his Top 5 CCLI song “Lord, I Need You” and the chart-topping radio singles “Because He Lives (Amen)” and “Alive & Breathing.” Along with other hits such as “Hold Us Together,” “Christ Is Risen,” “All The People Said Amen,” and “Your Grace Is Enough,” Maher has written or co-written six No. 1 radio singles.

Penning numerous songs recorded by Crowder, Hillsong, Casting Crowns, Chris Tomlin, We Are Messengers, Chris Renzema, Mack Brock, Brandon Lake and Passion, he’s had multiple titles on the CCLI chart’s Top 500 list. With career album sales of more than 600,000 units to date, Maher was awarded RIAA Platinum® certification for “Lord, I Need You” and RIAA Gold® certification for “Hold Us Together,” “All The People Said Amen,” and  “Because He Lives (Amen)”. He’s released ten studio albums, including his 2017 GRAMMY-nominated album Echoes, and his first Christmas album and children’s book, both titled The Advent of Christmas.

Maher, an official Steinway Artist, has been headlining his own tours and performing at major Catholic and Evangelical events since 2004, including multiple World Youth Day festivals, most recently in Rio De Janeiro presided by Pope Francis. He has also participated in the industry’s biggest tours and festivals, such as Worship Night In America with Chris Tomlin, Compassion Live’s The Road Show and Tobymac’s Hits Deep. Maher has also toured with MercyMe, Chris Tomlin, and Casting Crowns. 

On today's show we discuss; Matt's music, his journey, his newest album, leadership and so much more. 

This show is dedicated to Matt's journey, this conversation is what we make it. This is episode 100 of Counsel Culture.

Learn more at www.ericbrooker.com | www.mattmahermusic.com 

Our guest today is Garry Ridge. Garry has 25 years of experience as Chairman and CEO of WD-40 Company. He is also an adjunct professor at the University of San Diego, where he teaches the principles and practices of corporate culture in the Executive Leadership program. Garry’s philosophy on company culture is based on Aristotle’s quote – “Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work.” Turning that into action, he believes that all leaders can create a workplace where you go to work each day, make a contribution to something bigger than yourself, learn something new, feel safe, are protected, and are provided freedom by a set of values and go home happy! He is passionate about the learning and empowering organizational culture he has helped establish at the WD-40 Company.

In 2009, he co-authored a book with Ken Blanchard outlining his effective leadership techniques, titled “Helping People Win at Work: A Business Philosophy Called ‘Don’t Mark My Paper, Help Me Get an A.” A native of Australia, Mr. Ridge holds a certificate in Modern Retailing and a Master of Science in Executive Leadership from the University of San Diego.

Garry is the ultimate culture coach.

This show is dedicated to Garry's journey, this conversation is what we make it. This is Counsel Culture.

Learn more at www.ericbrooker.com | www.thelearningmoment.net

Do you wish everyone in your organization was practicing habits that drive life-giving leadership, performance, and trust? If so, this is your episode. Today I am joined by Epic Rivers Leadership Founder & Chief Coaching Officer, Chuck Ainsworth. Chuck is also the former Head of Coaching at the Center for Creative Leadership, one of the largest and most respected coaching practices in the world.

Today we discuss elegantly simple yet powerful habits to transform conversations, accelerate performance, build trust, and increase connection & belonging.

Epic Rivers offers life-giving leadership skills, performance and trust at scale with their leadership program, Every Conversation Matters.

Chuck is a leadership coach with more than 20 years in the space. 

This show is dedicated to Chuck’s journey, this conversation is what we make it. This is Counsel Culture.

Learn more at www.ericbrooker.com | www.epicrivers.com | www.pilgrimpro.com 

My guest today is none other than NFL and ESPN great, Merril Hoge.

Ever since Merril Hoge was eight-years-old, he dreamed of being a professional football player. Growing up in a small town in Idaho, the goal seemed unrealistic. But Merril didn’t just dream about this goal. From that young age, he used the words “Find A Way” to take action to overcome any obstacle and to attain any goal. Today, as he continues to strive towards his own goals, he also uses his Find A Way philosophy as a parenting tool, and challenges his children, Kori and Beau, to Find A Way to achieve their goals, overcome obstacles and take ownership of their lives.

As a graduate of Idaho State University with a degree in education and a minor in health and fitness, Merril was a four-year football starter who set 44 school and conference records and two NCAA football records. 

Merril made his childhood dream a reality when he was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he played until 1993 and led the team in rushing and receiving in four of his first five years, setting a record in his third year for receptions by a running back. He was the Steelers Iron Man of the Year two years in a row (1989 and 1990) and was named to the All-Madden team in 1989. In 1993, Merril went to the Chicago Bears as a free agent, where he played for one year until he was forced to retire early due to post-concussion syndrome. At the time of his retirement, Merril had the longest consecutive playing streak in the NFL.

Merril joined ESPN in 1995 as a football analyst and sideline reporter, where he quickly distinguished himself through his in-depth knowledge of the game and his strong relationships with the coaches and players in the National Football League. 

In 2003, the habits and mindset that Merril formulated throughout his childhood and carried into adulthood, helped him Find A Way to overcome the ultimate challenge – cancer. Diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma on  Merril took on chemotherapy and beat cancer with the same tenacity that got him to the NFL Through the difficult moments, Merril found inspiration through his daughter Kori, then nine, who upon hearing the news, whispered, “Dad, find a way.” On July 2, 2003, Merril was cancer-free.For all of his life accomplishments as an athlete and businessman, Merril’s biggest impact can be felt within his family and community. 

Merril loved playing in the NFL and loved working at ESPN but what he cherishes most is being a dad. He has used Find a Way philosophy to become a better parent and to challenge his kids to take ownership for their lives.

This show is dedicated to Merril's journey, this conversation is what we make it. This is Counsel Culture.

Find more at www.ericbrooker.com | www.merrilhoge.com 

Today's guest is former Starbucks President, Howard Behar. Hailed as “a hero of conscious capitalism,” “a passionate advocate for leading with purpose,” and a devoted student and teacher of the Servant Leadership Model, Howard Behar’s motivational message inspires everyone to be a servant leader and to lead with their values first.

Howard Behar's career in business spans over 50 years, all in consumer oriented businesses, and most recently as a speaker, advisor, mentor, and bestselling author. His wisdom, generosity, and level of integrity have had a profound impact on thousands of people who have been touched by his example, books, and speaking.

Behar is known for such memorable lessons as “The Person Who Sweeps the Floor Should Choose the Broom” and “Only the Truth Sounds Like the Truth.” For 21 years Behar led Starbuck’s domestic business as President of North America, and was the founding President of Starbucks International, opening the first store outside of North America in Japan. He served on the Starbucks Board of Directors for twelve years before retiring.
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The author of the classic It’s Not About the Coffee, a guide to leading by putting people first, and The Magic Cup, a parable about the power of personal values, he now travels the world speaking to leaders, organizations, and students.

This show is dedicated to Howard's journey, this conversation is what we make it. This is Counsel Culture.

Learn more at www.ericbrooker.com | www.howardbehar.com 

Our guest today is former Senior Vice President of Culture & Communications at Southwest Airlines, founder of Unstoppable Cultures and Global Board Chair at Ronald McDonald House Charities.

We all know Southwest Airlines, they have long been known as a company with a legendary culture. Ginger is recognized by many as the foremost global authority on building and sustaining organizational culture and instrumental in building the Southwest Airlines culture

Gary Kelly CEO of Southwest Airlines said; “During our time working together on the Leadership Team at Southwest Airlines, Ginger not only led our Culture initiatives—she cast a vision for what a world-class culture should be, and then she set out to model our values on a daily basis. She is the epitome of a servant leader, and her passion for building a brand from the inside out is equal parts inspiring and innovative.   If you want to understand the ingredients for a truly unique and special culture like Southwest Airlines, Ginger is the expert at bringing employee engagement and branding to life.”

Folks, grab a pen and paper, this episode is worthy of taking some serious notes.

This show is dedicated to Ginger’s journey, this conversation is what we make it. This is Counsel Culture.

Learn more at; www.ericbrooker.com | www.unstoppablecultures.com

Southwest pool noodle story: https://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-news/girl-checked-pool-noodle-southwest-flight

My guest today is none other than best-selling author, Chester Elton.

Chester Elton has spent two decades helping clients engage their employees to execute on strategy, vision, and values. In his provocative, inspiring, and always-entertaining speeches, the #1 bestselling leadership author provides real solutions to leaders looking to manage change, drive innovation, and lead a multi-generational workforce. Elton’s work is supported by research with more than 1 million working adults, revealing the proven secrets behind high-performance cultures and teams.

Chester has been called the “apostle of appreciation” by Canada’s Globe and Mail, “creative and refreshing‚” by the New York Times, and a “must read for modern managers” by CNN.

The author of numerous books including; Anxiety at Work and Leading with Gratitude.

This show is dedicated to Chesters journey, this conversation is what we make it. This is Counsel Culture.

Learn more at www.ericbrooker.com | www.cultureworks.com 

iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/anxiety-at-work-with-adrian-gostick-chester-elton/id1549312484

Today's guest is Sarah Hawley. Sarah is the CEO and Founder of Growmotely, the world's first end-to-end platform that facilitates conscious companies in hiring equally-conscious remote professionals - into long-term remote jobs.

Driven by her passion for the freedom that remote work provides professionals and companies alike, she is trailblazing the space - as a thought leader and creator - where remote work, conscious leadership, and personal and professional growth intersect. Shoestring recognized her as one of the Top Female Entrepreneurs under 40; before Growmotely, she started and successfully sold multiple companies.

Mother to 16-month-old Luka, and author of the book 'Conscious Leadership: a Journey from Ego to Heart', Sarah is revolutionizing the world of work.

This show is dedicated to Sarah’s journey, this conversation is what we make it. This is Counsel Culture.

Learn more at www.ericbrooker.com | www.growmotely.com | www.sarahhawley.life

Jim Detert is our guest today and is a professor at the Darden Graduate School of Business Administration and a Professor at the Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy, both at the University of Virginia. His writing on workplace courage and related topics is grounded in decades of formal research and brought to life based on intimate portraits of leaders and ordinary people he’s come to know personally. Jim thrives on empowering people to have difficult conversations, engage rather than avoid challenging situations, and competently embrace other opportunities for courageous action in their own lives and workplaces.

"Courage isn’t a character trait that only a few possess; it is a virtue developed through practice."

This show is dedicated to Jim’s journey, this conversation is what we make it. This is Counsel Culture.

Find more at www.ericbrooker.com & www.jimdetert.com

On today's show we welcome; Dr. Spencer Holt.

Spencer Holt is an award-winning educator, speaker, designer, executive coach, and regarded as one of the world's leading thinkers in the fields of leadership, change, innovation and creating a culture of belonging & performance. 

On today's show we talk about the leadership formula, the importance of culture from the boardroom to the family room, how culture differs around the world and so much more. 

This show is dedicated to Spencer's journey, this conversation is what we make it. This is Counsel Culture.

Learn more at www.ericbrooker.com | www.globalleadergroup.com

The story of a most improbable life...

The world should never have heard of Devon Harris yet he became a highly sought after international motivational speaker. Devon Harris was raised in the slums of Kingston, Jamaica, yet he graduated from the prestigious Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in England and served as an officer in the Jamaica Defense Force. He started off as a barefoot boy trying to win a track race and became a member of his country’s first Olympic bobsled team. Circumstances and others constantly told Devon Harris it was impossible but at every step of the way, he kept on pushing and found a way to make it possible.

Since his days on the bobsled slope, Devon Harris has become a top corporate motivational keynote speaker and author, sharing his philosophy of Keep On Pushing and never stop dreaming with Fortune 100 companies across many industries. In addition to his work as a top Olympic motivational speaker, he is also the founder and CEO of the Keep On Pushing Foundation, a NY non profit focused on helping children in disadvantaged communities receive a quality education. Devon Harris has devoted time to visiting the troops in the Persian Gulf and around the United States.

This show is dedicated to Devon's journey. This conversation is what we make it. This is Counsel Culture. 

Learn more at www.ericbrooker.com & www.devonharris.com 

Scott McKain is my guest today. Scott’s matchless experiences have continued throughout his life. They range from playing the villain in a  film that Roger Ebert called one of the 50 “great movies” in cinema history to being booked to speak by Arnold Schwarzenegger for an event on the White House lawn with the President in the audience; from being the author of business books named among the “year’s ten best” to membership of multiple Boards of Directors.

The tapestry of Scott McKain’s distinctive experiences have blended to create the inimitable content that makes him one of the world’s most in-demand business experts and speakers

Scott first became interested in business — and creating Ultimate Customer Experiences® — while helping in the family business, the grocery store in his hometown of Crothersville, Indiana.

By age 21, Scott had chatted with the President in the Oval Office, lunched with the President of Brazil, had a private meeting with the Chairman of General Motors, and dined with the real-life Colonel Sanders. 

These unique experiences as a youth inspired both a passion for the platform and a fascination with business and leadership that continues to this day.

Scott has delivered over 2000 presentations in 36 countries across six of the seven continents helping audiences create more compelling connections, provide ultimate customer experiences and stand out personally and professionally.

Scott shares his distinctive ideas and iconic speaking style to the most important events in the world and has been honored with the following:

• Currently “Corporate Educator in Residence” at High Point University, named by U.S. News & World Report as the nation’s “most innovative” university.
• He has been honored with induction into the “Professional Speakers Hall of Fame.”
• He was selected to join Seth Godin, Zig Ziglar, and Dale Carnegie as one of about 25 members of the “Sales and Marketing Hall of Fame.”
• He is a member of “Speakers Roundtable” — an elite, invitation-only group of twenty business speakers considered by many to be among the best in the world.

This show is dedicated to Scott's journey, this conversation is what we make it. This is Counsel Culture.

find more at www.ericbrooker.com & www.scottmckain.com

Our guest today is Mindy Henderson. Mindy is a Motivational Speaker, Writer, Coach, Podcaster and guest contributor of “Morning Motivational Tips” on CBS Austin’s “We Are Austin” lifestyle morning show. Living life from a wheelchair, the challenges she has overcome cultivated the very skills in her that she needed to achieve almost every goal she’s ever set for herself, to achieve great success and now make her uniquely qualified to motivate others to see their potential.

This show is dedicated to Mindy's journey, this conversation is what we make it. This is Counsel Culture.

Learn more at www.ericbrooker.com & www.mindyhendersonco.com

Our guest today is former olympian and coach, Joe Delagrave

He is passionate about servant leadership, connecting with others, and inspiring/motivating people to find their passion and purpose intersection in both career and life. As a keynote speaker he helps his audiences realize that we all have a choice in not being defined by our circumstances. Most of us fall into the trap of using our circumstances as an excuse for where we are instead of reaching for our full potential. 

Joe hasn’t let his paralysis since the age of 19 keep him from dreaming, setting goals, taking action, and realizing those goals. His career in wheelchair rugby, his roles in leadership, and his life experiences have helped him realize we get a choice! Joe’s audiences leave his keynotes understanding that it’s on us to look into the mirror and choose to play the victim card or have a victor mindset! Our obstacles we face in life present us with opportunities to learn how to implement our passions and find the connection to its purpose.

This show is dedicated to Joe's journey

This conversation is what we make it. This is Counsel Culture.

Learn more at www.ericbrooker.com & www.joedelagrave.com

Our guest today is none other than Ron Carucci.

Ron has a thirty-year track record helping executives tackle challenges of strategy, organization, and leadership — from start-ups to Fortune 10s, non-profits to heads-of-state, turn-arounds to new markets and strategies, overhauling leadership and culture to re-designing for growth. With experience in more than 25 countries on 4 continents, he helps organizations articulate strategies that lead to accelerated growth, and then designs programs to execute those strategies. The best-selling author of eight books, including the Amazon #1 Rising to Power and his recently released To Be Honest: Lead with the Power of Truth, Justice and Purpose, Ron is a regular contributor to the Harvard Business Review, where his companies Navalent’s work on leadership was named one of 2016’s management ideas that mattered most. He is also a regular contributor to Forbes, and a two-time TEDx speaker.  His work’s been featured in Fortune, CEO Magazine, Inc., BusinessInsider, MSNBC, Business Week, Smart Business and now The Counsel Culture Podcast.

His greatest joy is seeing leaders thrive by impacting the lives of those they lead. Helping leaders find their voice and use it to serve their organization’s greater good is what gets him up every morning. In his office, Ron keeps a collection of antique door knobs, door knockers, and skeleton keys. Every day, they remind him that life is about finding and pursuing the open doors in front of you and making sure those doors open for others. In the morning, one of his favorite routines is picking the coffee mug in the conference room from among his collection. Each mug hails from a difference experience and person in his life and helps him begin his day remembering to be grateful for all those in his life who’ve been part of his story.

This show is dedicated to Ron's journey.

This conversation is what we make it.

This is Counsel Culture.

Learn more at www.ericbrooker.com | www.navalent.com 

My guest today is former NFL athlete, Joe Hawley. Joe Hawley played for the Atlanta Falcons and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFL.

Believe it or not, we don’t spend much time talking about his NFL career today but rather we discuss an adventure that changed his life forever.

Like most former pro athletes, Joe faced some deep existential questions following the decision to walk away from the game, most notably, “who is Joe without this thing he spent my entire life pursuing greatness at?” Answering this question became the focus of his life and led him down a path towards his own self-discovery and healing. Following his retirement from the NFL, he donated his belongings, bought a van, and traveled the country for two years -- a journey that changed his life forever. Joe desires to understand himself more fully and find deeper meaning and purpose in life.

His passion now includes curating sacred space for other elite-level athletes, entrepreneurs and visionaries who are on the path, seeking deeper healing, growth and connections

This show is dedicated to Joe Hawley’s journey

This conversation is what we make it. This is Counsel Culture.

Find more at www.ericbrooker.com | www.joe-hawley.com & www.thehartcollective.com

My guests today are Kevin Briggs and Kevin Berthia.

While you might not know the name, they have gone viral on social media countless times in the last 10 years or so.

Kevin Berthia is a suicide survivor and prevention advocate. Kevin was born with a genetic major depression disorder. In 2005, at the age of 22, Kevin attempted to take his own life by jumping from the Golden Gate Bridge. It wasn’t until 8 years after his attempt that Kevin was reunited with the officer who talked him back to safety. 

Officer Kevin Briggs graduated from the California Highway Patrol Academy in 1990. In 1994 he began patrolling the Golden Gate Bridge, estimating that he had dissuaded roughly two people per month from committing suicide. 

Kevin Berthia is one of those survivors. Today, we are fortunate to have both Kevin Briggs and Kevin Berthia on the show to share their story.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifelife can be found at www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org & 1.800.273.8255

learn more at www.ericbrooker.com | www.pivotal-points.com | www.kevinberthiafoundation.org

My guest today is Olympian, Ruben González. 

Ruben took up the sport of luge when he was 21 years old after being inspired by watching figure skater Scott Hamilton win the gold medal at the 1984 Winter Olympics.

González trained in Lake Placid, NY and in Europe and competed in the 1988 Calgary, 1992 Albertville, 2002 Salt Lake City and 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics.

Because of his inspirational story, Ruben González was selected to be a torchbearer at the Salt Lake City Olympics.

González qualified for the 2010 Winter Olympics at the age of 47! He told reporters that Vancouver 2010 would be his last Olympics, since the death of the Georgian luger Nodar Kumaristashvili gave him perspective on the sport.

Pick up a pen and paper, take some notes, this is a great episode.

This show is dedicated to Ruben's journey, this conversation is what we make it. 

find more at www.ericbrooker.com , www.thelugeman.com and www.ruben-gonzalez.com

My guest today is Joe Colovito. His book is; Purpose is More than a Side Hustle.

After graduating from Penn State he chased after a higher paycheck and lower golf handicap for 16 years before he realized he was on the wrong road. He didn’t know who he was (identity) why he was there, and how he was uniquely designed to make life better for others (purpose). 

His identity crisis fueled a dysfunctional desire to measure his success solely based on his performance (increased income and decreased golf handicap) at the expense of creating meaningful relationships, missions and moments with his family, friends and co-workers. He was all about himself, all the time. 

Although Life #1 quickly led his family into what appeared to be “the good life” - a country club lifestyle, fancy vacations, nice cars, and attractive social media posts - on inside his life didn’t feel good at all. Joe felt stuck in a story he never set out to write, and eventually found himself running on empty. 

In contrast, Life #2 led him into a purpose-driven, other-centered lifestyle, that at first seemed difficult and draining, but eventually left him feeling energized, focused and joy-full in every meaningful aspect of his career + life.

Find more at www.ericbrooker.com & www.trexagai.com. 

He has held roles previously as the CEO of the NHL’s New Jersey Devils, the CEO of the Philadelphia 76ers, the President of Madison Square Garden Sports, the SVP of Team Marketing and Business Operations for the NBA and author of the recently published, Be Where Your Feet Are. We have an incredible conversation of hope, faith and family today. Scott gets pretty vulnerable regarding some personal suffering and learning how to be present in the moment.

Pick up a pen and paper, take some notes, this is a great episode and remember, be where your feet are!

This show is dedicated to Scott's journey. 

This conversation is what we make it!

Find more at www.ericbrooker.com