The Adaptive Executive Greg Ballard

Episode Summary:
Sharon is an experienced M&A advisor who founded her firm sbLiftoff to serve small and medium sized businesses, an underserved sector critical to the economy. She recently published the book "LIFT OFF: 12 Things to Know Before Selling Your Business" to educate business owners on the M&A process. It aims to take some fear out of the process so owners can approach it more calmly.
Contact/Resources:
- Book: "Lift Off: 12 Things to Know Before Selling Your Business" by Sharon Heaton
- LinkedIn: Sharon Heaton and sbLiftoff
- Website: www.sbliftoff.com
0:05 - Introduction to Sharon's background
3:30 - Transition from law into advising small businesses 
5:30 - Motivation for writing the book "SB Lift Off"
7:30 - Goal to educate business owners on the M&A process 
9:00 - Importance of bringing on experienced M&A advisors
11:30 - The role of empathy and honesty in deals
13:00 - Balancing company strengths and weaknesses
15:30 - Unique dynamics in government contracting deals
18:30 - Preparing the business for future sale  
21:00 - The role of adaptability in Sharon's work
23:30 - Empathy examples from both buyer and seller perspectives
26:00 - Non-financial factors in negotiations 
28:00 - Considerations for owners in involving employees
31:00 - Structuring retention rewards for employees 
33:30 - Advice for employees deeply involved in transactions
36:30 - Where to find Sharon's book and connect with her

In this extended episode, I spoke with Shawna Pelton, a transformational leadership expert, about navigating change and bringing out the best in people. We discussed the obstacles that hold back individuals and organizations from reaching their full potential and how to create psychologically safe environments. Shawna shared insights on embodying values, leading with inspiration, and the importance of self-mastery for adaptability.
Key Topics Covered:
- Why mindsets and inner beliefs create the biggest obstacles to change
- Identifying signs of unhealthy stress and conflict in organizations
- Fostering trust and respect to enable open communication
- Aligning with a higher purpose beyond profits to serve society
- Making values actionable through acknowledgment and rewards
- Leading change through inspiration rather than control
- Developing personal mastery to know your strengths and sense pivots
Timestamps:
0:00 - Meet Shawna Pelton
5:00 - Beliefs and mindsets as barriers to change
10:00 - Recognizing unhealthy stress signals in organizations
15:00 - Creating psychological safety for team cohesion
20:00 - Businesses balancing profits with social responsibility
25:00 - Turning values from words into actions
30:00 - Importance of inspiration and motivation for leaders
35:00 - Knowing yourself for greater adaptability
Guest Info:
Shawna Pelton is a transformational leadership expert who helps executives and organizations unlock their full potential.
Her website: http://www.shawnpelton.com
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In this episode, Greg speaks with Gordon Graham, author of "The Intrepid Brotherhood: Public Power, Corruption, and Whistleblowing." Gordon shares his experience as an IT professional at a public utility who witnessed unethical and toxic leadership practices. When he tried to speak up, he faced retaliation and was forced to become a whistleblower.
Key Topics Covered:
Gordon's career background in IT and experience in the public utility industryThe story of how a new executive joined the company with ambitions to become CEO and the chaos he createdExamples of unethical decisions made by this leader, including pushing out other executives and mishandling a major ERP implementationGordon's attempts to raise concerns and the retaliation he facedHis journey to becoming a whistleblower and fighting his wrongful terminationCharacteristics of toxic leadership based on Gordon's experience and researchThe importance of screening for dark triad traits in leaders and preventing toxic leadership
Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction to Gordon Graham and his background
5:30 - The new executive joins with ambitions to become CEO
10:00 - Unethical decisions made by the new leader
15:00 - Gordon tries to raise concerns and faces retaliation
20:00 - Becoming a whistleblower and fighting wrongful termination
25:00 - Toxic leadership traits - the dark triad
30:00 - How to prevent toxic leadership
Guest Info:
Gordon Graham is the author of "The Intrepid Brotherhood: Public Power, Corruption, and Whistleblowing." He has decades of experience in IT and as a whistleblower exposing unethical practices. His website: www.intrepidbrotherhood.com
PODCAST INFO
Leave us a 5-Star Review on Podchaser (If we are not 5 stars yet, email us and let us know where we need to improve.)
Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.
Want to learn more about Greg's work in FiveC Consulting? Check out his website at fivec.consulting

In this episode of "The Adaptive Executive," host Greg Ballard interviews Danielle Hughes, the Chief Personality Officer of More Than Words Marketing. Danielle shares her background and journey into marketing and copywriting. She emphasizes the importance of incorporating one's personality into their brand messaging and copywriting. By doing so, individuals can create deeper connections with their audience, attract the right clients, and stand out in the crowded market.
Greg and Danielle discuss the significance of words and narratives in communication and personal branding. They explore how understanding and expressing one's personality can lead to stronger connections within the workplace and improve interactions with clients. Danielle provides valuable advice on using the "About Me Mad Libs" approach to crafting a bio that represents your true self. The episode concludes with the realization that embracing one's personality can lead to increased trust, emotional connections, and better business outcomes. To learn more about this topic, connect with Danielle on LinkedIn or visit her website at More Than Words Copy.
PODCAST INFO
Leave us a 5-Star Review on Podchaser (If we are not 5 stars yet, email us and let us know where we need to improve.)
Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.
Want to learn more about Greg's work in FiveC Consulting? Check out his website at fivec.consulting

Your host, Greg Ballard, talks with the Former Director of Colorado's Transit and Rail, Amber Blake.
🎙️ Episode 35: "Building Trust and Inspiring Teams: Unveiling the Secrets of Effective Leadership"🚀
In this episode of "The Adaptive Executive," our host, Greg Ballard, sits down with Amber Blake, the founder of Amber Blake Consulting, to delve into the world of leadership in the transportation industry. With her 20 years of experience in leadership and public sector transportation, Amber shares her journey from working in metropolitan planning organizations to directing transit and rail for the state of Colorado.
🔍 Key Insights:
- Learn about the shifting landscape of the transit industry and the growing importance of transit as a mode of transportation.
- Discover the critical role of effective leadership in shaping a thriving organizational culture within the transportation sector.
- Gain valuable insights into building trust, creating a shared vision, and fostering curiosity within your teams.
🌟 Personal Skills for Success:
Amber emphasizes the significance of emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and conscious showing up as crucial personal skills for effective leadership. She encourages individuals to manage their energy rather than time and to discover their unique time management systems.
📚 Recommended Leadership Book:
"The Speed of Trust" by Stephen Covey is a book that Amber highly recommends. It explores the importance of trust in leadership and offers practical insights on building trust within teams and organizations.
Stay connected with Amber Blake on LinkedIn to access more leadership insights and engage with her thought-provoking content!
PODCAST INFO
Leave us a 5-Star Review on Podchaser (If we are not 5 stars yet, email us and let us know where we need to improve.)
Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.
Want to learn more about Greg's work in FiveC Consulting? Check out his website at fivec.consulting

Greg Ballard interviews Deborah Fell, Managing Partner at Chief Outsiders, about leading fractional executives. Deborah shares how Chief Outsiders provides growth consulting by deploying part-time CMOs and CSOs into client companies. She discusses the high bar for talent and the experience required to be adaptable across companies and industries. Key insights include aligning with the client's mission, embracing the culture, and leading with inspiration. Deborah also talks about making the transition from CMO to leading a team of all-star marketing leaders.
Key Moments
0:00 - Introduction to Deborah Fell and Chief Outsiders
2:30 - Overview of how Chief Outsiders provides fractional CMOs and CSOs to drive growth for clients
5:00 - The high bar for talent and experience required to be adaptable across companies
7:30 - Aligning with the client's mission and vision as a key success factor
10:00 - Embracing the client's culture and integrating into the company
12:00 - Leading with inspiration rather than just management
15:00 - Deborah's transition from CMO to leading a team of CMOs
18:00 - Staying adaptive through surrounding yourself with smart people
20:00 - Making leadership and self-development lifelong pursuits
To learn more about Deborah and her work, click HERE.
PODCAST INFO
Leave us a 5-Star Review on Podchaser (If we are not 5 stars yet, email us and let us know where we need to improve.)
Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.
Want to learn more about Greg's work in FiveC Consulting? Check out his website at fivec.consulting