• #343 - David Brier (Rich Brand Poor Brand: How to Unleash Your David in a World of Goliaths)
    Jan 5 2025

    Welcome to the Million Dollar Stories Podcast with your host, Mike Fallat! Today, we dive deep into the world of branding and business transformation with a guest who knows how to turn ordinary companies into extraordinary brands. Joining us is David Brier, a celebrated branding expert and author of Rich Brand Poor Brand: How to Unleash Your David in a World of Goliaths.

    This compelling follow-up to his #1 Amazon bestseller, Brand Intervention, takes branding to the next level, showing leaders how to craft a culture capable of sustaining and growing their brand in an ever-competitive marketplace. Whether you're a founder, CEO, or entrepreneur, Rich Brand Poor Brand unveils the elusive "secret sauce" of branding—a skill that’s not taught in business schools but directly impacts the bottom line of every business.

    In this episode, Mike and David explore how to unlock the untapped brilliance hidden in your business, leveraging insights from icons like Warren Buffett, Gary Vaynerchuk, Steve Jobs, and Sara Blakely. From PayPal to The Rolling Stones, and even the Declaration of Independence, David reveals how these legendary brands achieved greatness and how you can do the same.

    They’ll also discuss the Rich Brand Poor Brand Playbook, a visually stunning guide packed with real-world examples that showcase transformative branding principles in action. You’ll discover how to build a brand the world not only needs but craves—a brand that connects, resonates, and thrives.

    Filled with humor, wisdom, and actionable strategies, this conversation is a masterclass for anyone looking to make their mark. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how to unleash your inner David and stand tall in a world full of Goliaths. Get ready for a brand-new perspective on branding!

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    39 mins
  • #342 Staphanie Seneff (Toxic Legacy: How the Weedkiller Glyphosate Is Destroying Our Health and the Environment)
    Dec 30 2024

    Welcome to the Million Dollar Stories Podcast with your host, Mike Fallat! Today’s episode promises to be both enlightening and essential as we welcome Stephanie Seneff, PhD, a senior research scientist from MIT and the author of the groundbreaking book, Toxic Legacy: How the Weedkiller Glyphosate Is Destroying Our Health and the Environment. This powerful work has been hailed as a game-changer, drawing comparisons to Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring for its urgent and eye-opening revelations.

    In this discussion, Mike and Stephanie dive into the shocking truths about glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup, the world’s most commonly used weedkiller. With over 300 million pounds sprayed on farms and food every year, the agrochemical industry insists glyphosate is safe for humans and the environment. However, Stephanie brings forward compelling evidence from countless peer-reviewed studies that suggest otherwise.

    She explains how glyphosate disrupts the gut microbiome, cripples protein synthesis, and impacts the body’s ability to use and transport sulfur—issues linked to the alarming rise in chronic diseases worldwide. From legal battles to mounting scientific data, Stephanie connects the dots between glyphosate exposure and its profound effects on our health, our families, and the environment.

    More than just a warning, this episode offers hope. Stephanie shares practical steps you can take to protect yourself, your loved ones, and the planet. With accessible and illuminating insights, she empowers listeners to make informed choices and take action toward a healthier future.

    Tune in as Mike and Stephanie explore the urgent legacy of glyphosate and how understanding its impact can help us reshape our lives and the world around us. This is an episode that will leave you informed, inspired, and ready to take charge of your health. Don’t miss it!

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    50 mins
  • #341 - Steve Selengut (Retirement Money Secrets: A Financial Insider's Guide to Income Independence)
    Dec 21 2024

    Welcome to another powerful episode of the Million Dollar Stories Podcast with your host, Mike Fallat! Today, we’re diving into the world of financial independence, retirement planning, and investment strategies with the esteemed Steve Selengut. Steve is a 44-year investment professional and the author of the game-changing book, Retirement Money Secrets: A Financial Insider's Guide to Income Independence.

    In this episode, Steve unpacks his unique and proven system for investing in the stock market—a system that delivers reliable income without the need to sell off your hard-earned investments just to cover expenses. Whether the market is soaring or experiencing turbulence, his approach ensures stability and growth. He explains how market volatility, often seen as a challenge, can actually become your greatest ally in creating a secure financial future.

    Mike and Steve delve into the practical tools and mindset shifts that Retirement Money Secrets offers. You’ll learn how to stop stressing about having enough money for retirement, stop agonizing over market fluctuations, and stop losing sleep over inflation fears. Instead, Steve will guide you toward a focus on building a growing stream of reliable income that provides peace of mind regardless of external economic factors.

    Steve also shares insider tips from decades of managing income-independent portfolios, offering listeners a roadmap to achieving true financial independence. This episode is not just for retirees or those nearing retirement—it’s for anyone who wants to take control of their financial future, grow their wealth intelligently, and weather any financial storm with confidence.

    Tune in to discover how you can transform your relationship with money, make volatility your best friend, and secure a lifetime of financial freedom. This conversation is one you won’t want to miss!

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    45 mins
  • #340 - Steven Yacovelli (Your Queer Career: Workplace Advice from "The Gay Leadership Dude)
    Dec 13 2024

    Welcome to another insightful episode of the Million Dollar Stories Podcast with your host, Mike Fallat! Today, we dive deep into the world of workplace challenges and triumphs for LGBTQ+ professionals with a very special guest: Dr. Steve Yacovelli, affectionately known as "The Gay Leadership Dude." Dr. Steve joins us to discuss his empowering and thought-provoking book, Your Queer Career: Workplace Advice from "The Gay Leadership Dude."

    Navigating a career as an LGBTQ+ professional comes with unique hurdles—from balancing authenticity and professionalism to fostering inclusivity in often complex work environments. In his book, Dr. Steve distills nearly three decades of experience into practical strategies that help queer professionals and allies alike thrive in their careers. Drawing from his extensive background in leadership, change management, and diversity consulting with global brands like Disney, IBM, and TD Bank, Dr. Steve provides actionable insights on dealing with microaggressions, navigating homophobic workplace dynamics, and leveraging Employee Resource Groups to drive meaningful change.

    Mike and Dr. Steve explore how humor, personal anecdotes, and heartfelt advice can transform daunting workplace challenges into opportunities for growth and success. They’ll unpack universal lessons that empower leaders and employees to embrace authenticity, foster inclusivity, and build a workplace culture where everyone can thrive. Whether you’re a young professional taking your first steps or a seasoned leader looking to make an impact, this conversation offers something valuable for everyone.

    Get ready for an engaging, candid, and inspiring episode that showcases how resilience, humor, and a focus on authentic leadership can reshape the workplace for the better. Tune in and discover how to unlock your full potential, one empowering conversation at a time!

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    Visit https://dreamstarterspublishing.com to publish your book today!

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    41 mins
  • #339 - Janelle Brittain (How To Say It Performance Reviews: Phrases and Strategies for Painless and Productive Performance Reviews)
    Dec 13 2024

    Welcome to the Million Dollar Stories Podcast with your host, Mike Fallat! In this episode, we delve into a topic that’s critical to every manager’s success yet often fraught with anxiety: performance reviews. Joining Mike today is Janelle Brittain, business trainer extraordinaire and co-author of How To Say It Performance Reviews: Phrases and Strategies for Painless and Productive Performance Reviews.

    Performance reviews can make or break employee morale, engagement, and productivity. But let’s face it—they’re rarely a breeze for either the reviewer or the reviewed. Janelle’s book demystifies the process by breaking it into five simple steps and providing practical tools, including hundreds of expertly crafted phrases that can turn potentially awkward conversations into productive and empowering discussions.

    In this conversation, Janelle and Mike tackle the dos and don’ts of performance appraisals, offering insights into everything from preparing an agenda to mastering the subtle but impactful elements like body language and tone of voice. They explore strategies to give constructive feedback, celebrate achievements, and address underperformance without derailing the conversation—or the relationship.

    Listeners will also hear fascinating success and horror stories from real-life reviews, illustrating just how much the right (or wrong) approach can impact an individual’s career and a team’s dynamic. Whether you’re a seasoned leader looking to refine your review process or a new manager preparing for your first appraisal, this episode is packed with actionable advice to make performance reviews a painless and even transformative experience.

    Get ready to learn how to conduct reviews that foster trust, inspire growth, and strengthen your team. Tune in now and discover the language and strategies that will elevate your approach to one of the most important tools in your leadership toolkit!

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    41 mins
  • #338 - Paul Falcone (101 Tough Conversations to Have with Employees: A Manager's Guide to Addressing Performance, Conduct, and Discipline Challenges)
    Dec 10 2024

    Welcome to the Million Dollar Stories Podcast with your host, Mike Fallat! Today’s episode tackles a subject that every manager will inevitably face but few feel fully prepared for: having tough conversations with employees. To help us navigate this challenging yet crucial aspect of leadership, Mike welcomes Paul Falcone, acclaimed HR expert and author of 101 Tough Conversations to Have with Employees: A Manager's Guide to Addressing Performance, Conduct, and Discipline Challenges.

    If you’ve ever struggled to address sensitive workplace issues—whether it’s substandard performance, inappropriate behavior, or team conflicts—this conversation is for you. Paul’s book is a practical guide for managers, offering proven strategies and sample dialogues to approach these situations with clarity, confidence, and respect. With decades of experience in human resources, Paul brings a wealth of knowledge on how to resolve issues while preserving dignity and maintaining professionalism.

    In this episode, Paul and Mike dive into some of the most challenging scenarios managers face: navigating disciplinary warnings, handling FMLA abuse or ADA accommodations, addressing productivity concerns, and even managing team turnarounds. Paul shares actionable techniques for fostering honest and productive communication, protecting both your employees and your organization, and steering difficult conversations toward positive outcomes.

    Whether you’re a seasoned leader or new to management, you’ll gain valuable insights into turning awkward situations into opportunities for growth and transformation. Paul’s approach not only helps resolve conflicts but also builds trust and strengthens workplace culture.

    Get ready for an eye-opening discussion packed with practical tools, real-world examples, and tips for mastering one of the toughest yet most rewarding aspects of leadership. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how to turn difficult conversations into defining moments for your team and your organization!

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    38 mins
  • #337 - Julie Winkle Giulioni (Help Them Grow or Watch Them Go: Career Conversations Organizations Need and Employees Still Want)
    Dec 5 2024

    Welcome to the Million Dollar Stories Podcast with your host, Mike Fallat! Today, we’re diving into a topic that strikes at the heart of every successful organization: career development. Joining us is the brilliant Julie Winkle Giulioni, co-author of the newly updated Help Them Grow or Watch Them Go: Career Conversations Organizations Need and Employees Still Want.

    This third edition of Julie’s bestselling classic comes at a crucial time as workplaces adapt to a more flexible employment environment, including the rise of remote and hybrid work. It’s no secret that career development is a game-changer—it drives engagement, retention, and results. But for many managers, the idea of tackling career development feels daunting, especially with the fast pace of today’s work environment. That’s where Julie’s approach shines.

    In this episode, Julie shares practical strategies for integrating meaningful career conversations into everyday business. These aren’t the long, formal sit-downs you might imagine. Instead, Julie advocates for frequent, short, and impactful discussions that build trust, spark self-awareness, and align employee goals with organizational needs. Together with Mike, she’ll explore the three types of career conversations every manager should be having and how these dialogues can unlock strengths, identify growth opportunities, and chart a path forward for employees.

    You’ll also hear insights on adapting these strategies for remote and hybrid teams, leveraging tools like worksheets and assessments to personalize the process, and how organizations can stay ahead of the curve in talent development. Whether you’re a leader, an HR professional, or an employee looking to take charge of your own growth, this conversation will empower you to transform workplace relationships and results.

    Tune in to discover why career development isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s the secret weapon for building loyalty, productivity, and success in any organization!

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    48 mins
  • #336 - Jessica Pettitt (Almost Doing Good: Doing the Best That You Can With What You Have Some of the Time)
    Nov 29 2024

    Welcome to another transformative episode of the Million Dollar Stories Podcast with your host, Mike Fallat! Today, we’re thrilled to introduce a conversation that is sure to spark innovation and self-reflection. Our guest is the dynamic Jessica Pettitt, author of "Almost Doing Good: Doing the Best That You Can With What You Have Some of the Time." If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the complexities of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), Jessica’s fresh and candid approach will resonate deeply.

    This isn’t your typical DEI book or conversation. Jessica breaks down the complexities of workplace inclusivity into a manageable, actionable framework she calls the "Do-Good Triangle": Prepare, Recognize, and Respond. By focusing on doing the best you can, even when perfection feels out of reach, her approach encourages everyone—from leaders to HR professionals—to embrace "almost" as a critical step toward meaningful progress.

    In this episode, Jessica and Mike dive into the real-world applications of her philosophy. With humor, candor, and no-nonsense advice, Jessica shares how organizations can embrace disruption and turn ‘almost’ efforts into stepping stones for measurable impact. Together, they discuss over 20 case studies from various industries, highlighting both inspiring successes and teachable failures. You’ll discover how to normalize complexity, engage stakeholders, and implement strategies that reduce risks while building more inclusive workplace cultures.

    Whether you're leading a team, driving organizational change, or just seeking to better understand your role in creating a more equitable environment, Jessica’s message is clear: you don’t have to get it perfect—you just have to start. Tune in for a powerful discussion that will inspire you to take action with what you have, where you are. This is your invitation to disrupt the norm and move from "almost doing good" to making a real difference!

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    Visit https://dreamstarterspublishing.com to publish your book today!

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    50 mins