Unlock the power of values-driven leadership with hosts Ed Howie and Darryl Zavodny. In each episode, they dive into how kindness, intentional service, and purpose can fuel long-term, 7-figure business success. With real stories, practical insights, and inspiring conversations, The Wonder of WOOO offers a fresh approach to thriving in today’s fast-paced world—where deeper connections create lasting results. Tune in and discover a more fulfilling way to grow your business!
…
continue reading
Ed Howie Podcasts
The Better Leadership Team Show helps growth-minded, mid-market CEO's to grow their business without losing their minds. It’s hosted by Leadership Team Coach, Mike Goldman. If you find yourself overwhelmed by all of the obstacles in the way to building a great business, this show will help you improve top and bottom-line growth, fulfillment and the value your company adds to the world. If you want to save years of frustration, time and dollars trying to figure it out on your own, check out t ...
…
continue reading

1
How to Win Others Over and Over with Ed Howie
42:50
42:50
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:50Ed Howie is one of the most experienced business branding strategists in the world. He has spent over 30 years helping to create, develop, and launch brand concepts for mainstream companies, leading to more than $350 million in incremental revenue. Ed has worked for and with brands like Chick-fil-A, H-E-B Grocery, United Airlines, 7-Eleven, KFC, Kr…
…
continue reading

1
How to Give Firm Feedback with Jeff Hancher
50:50
50:50
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
50:50In this episode of The Better Leadership Team Show, I sit down with Jeff Hancher, a powerhouse executive coach, keynote speaker, and host of the award-winning Champion Forum Podcast. Jeff's journey—from growing up in poverty with two disabled parents, to serving in the U.S. Army, to climbing the ranks at a Fortune 500 company—is a story of grit, gr…
…
continue reading

1
5 Ways to Coach Your Team Instead of Managing Them
19:31
19:31
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
19:31In this “Mike on the Mic” episode of The Better Leadership Team Show, I dive into one of the biggest traps leaders fall into: constantly managing their team instead of coaching them. If you ever feel like you’re putting out fires all day and doing work that’s not yours, this episode is for you. I walk you through five specific strategies to coach y…
…
continue reading

1
10 Questions Every Leadership Team Should Be Asking
28:42
28:42
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
28:42In this Mike on the Mic episode, I’m diving into 10 powerful questions every leadership team should be asking—again and again. These questions are your roadmap to clarity, alignment, and innovation. Whether you’re just forming your leadership team or have been together for years, these prompts will challenge your thinking, expose blind spots, and d…
…
continue reading

1
How can we be more adaptable as a leadership team?
25:17
25:17
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
25:17In this Mike on the Mic episode, I dig into one of the most critical challenges leadership teams face today: adaptability. When the world changes—whether through global events, industry disruption, or internal shifts—how do you know when your plan no longer serves you? And what do you do about it? I explore how to recognize the key signals that it'…
…
continue reading
In this “Mike on the Mic” episode, I explore how to turn your strengths—and the strengths of your team—into a superpower. I share a personal story that shifted how I lead, define what a true strength really is, and offer practical tools to help you stop wasting energy on your weaknesses. If you're ready to increase performance, reduce burnout, and …
…
continue reading
The people around us shape our mindset, choices, and even our happiness. In this episode, Ed and Darryl explore the power of influence—both positive and negative—and how being intentional about the company you keep can inspire more joy in your life.By Ed Howie & Darryl Zavodny
…
continue reading

1
Knowing Exactly What To Say with Phil M Jones
57:53
57:53
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
57:53In this episode of The Better Leadership Team Show, I sit down with Phil M. Jones, bestselling author of Exactly What to Say, to explore how leaders can use language to influence, align teams, and drive action. Phil shares powerful insights on subconscious influence, strategic questioning, and overcoming indecision, helping leaders elevate their im…
…
continue reading

1
The Retention Trap: Rethinking Employee Loyalty with Mark Peters
49:41
49:41
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
49:41In this episode, I sit down with Mark Peters, CEO of Butterball Farms, and author of The Source and The Retention Trap. Mark shares his powerful leadership journey, starting as a factory worker at 12 to building a thriving business grounded in trust, empathy, and worker wellbeing. We dive deep into his creation of The Source, a game-changing nonpro…
…
continue reading
Takeaways from the world of Mixed Martial Arts that apply to business.By Ed Howie & Darryl Zavodny
…
continue reading
In this episode, I dive into the critical yet often overlooked role of mid-level leaders. Learn why they’re the backbone of your organization and how you can empower them with 8 practical strategies, from clear expectations to leadership development and career pathways. Transform your mid-level leaders, and watch your leadership team—and company—th…
…
continue reading

1
Building an Olympic-Level Performance Mindset with Stephanie Roble
34:22
34:22
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
34:22What does it take to develop an Olympic-level performance mindset? In this episode of The Better Leadership Team Show, I sit down with two-time Olympian Stephanie Roble, a world-class sailor, to explore how elite athletes build resilience, manage pressure, and develop the mindset needed to perform at the highest level. Stephanie shares her journey …
…
continue reading

1
Lagniappe - What It Means and How It Applies to You
24:58
24:58
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
24:58Sometimes, a little something extra can make all the difference. In this episode, Ed and Darryl dive into the concept of "lagniappe"—the small, unexpected bonuses that add value and delight customers. Whether it’s in business, customer service, or even personal connections, that “something more” can leave a lasting impression.…
…
continue reading

1
Building Your Conversational Competency with Chalmers Brothers
55:49
55:49
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
55:49In this episode of The Better Leadership Team Show, I sit down with Chalmers Brothers, best-selling author, executive coach, and expert in leadership development. Chalmers dives into the power of conversations in shaping leadership success, introducing concepts like "carefrontation" and the SOAR framework. We discuss how language creates possibilit…
…
continue reading

1
Become a More Flexible Leader with Kevin Eikenberry
48:54
48:54
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
48:54In this episode of The Better Leadership Team Show, I sit down with Kevin Eikenberry, Chief Potential Officer of the Kevin Eikenberry Group, to discuss his groundbreaking book Flexible Leadership: Navigate Uncertainty and Lead with Confidence. Kevin shares insights on why most leadership development programs fail, the importance of integrating mind…
…
continue reading
Money? Disposable income? In light of the current economic uncertainty Darryl and Ed discuss an article that talks about short-term thinking vs. long-term "abundance" thinking (without being Polyanna-ish…)By Ed Howie & Darryl Zavodny
…
continue reading

1
Sales Mindset and The Power of Failure with Klyn Elsbury
45:56
45:56
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
45:56In this episode of The Better Leadership Team Show, I sit down with Klyn Elsbury, a powerhouse in sales strategy and mindset. Klyn shares her inspirational journey—from battling cystic fibrosis to becoming one of America’s top sales trainers. We dive deep into how failure fuels success, the biggest leadership mistakes that kill sales performance, a…
…
continue reading

1
Building Deep, Meaningful Connections with Dr. James Pogue
52:06
52:06
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:06In this episode of The Better Leadership Team Show, I sit down with Dr. James Pogue, CEO of JP Enterprises, a professional services firm with a global clientele focused on strengthening the connections between Leaders and Teams, which lead to increased Innovation, Creativity, Production, and Profits. JP Enterprises works closely with Leaders who ar…
…
continue reading

1
WOOO Vision: What We Can Learn from Tony Bennett & Hoda Kotb
13:14
13:14
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
13:14Knowing when it’s time to step back can be just as impactful as knowing when to lean in. In this episode, Ed and Darryl explore the inspiring examples of Tony Bennett and Hoda Kotb, who each navigated pivotal career moments by recognizing when it was time to move forward. Through the lens of WOOO, they discuss the power of leaving when you can no l…
…
continue reading
In this "Mike on the Mic" episode of The Better Leadership Team Show, I delve into the cornerstone of every successful leadership team—trust. Learn why vulnerability-based trust is vital for creating open, honest, and high-performing teams. Discover actionable strategies to identify trust gaps, build deeper connections, and create a culture of acco…
…
continue reading

1
Why WOOO Matters More Than Actuaries in Insurance
24:17
24:17
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
24:17While price and advertising are important, WOOO is the philosophy that keeps clients coming back. On this episode, Ed and Darryl explore how putting people first has a lasting impact that outshines the best formulas, proving that relationships, not just rates, win over time.By Ed Howie & Darryl Zavodny
…
continue reading

1
How to Create Accountable Teams with Eric Coryell
51:14
51:14
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
51:14In this episode of The Better Leadership Team Show, Eric Coryell dives deep into the art of building accountable teams and transforming traditional organizational hierarchies. Drawing from decades of corporate and consulting experience, Eric explores the foundations of team accountability, the pitfalls of leader-led models, and actionable strategie…
…
continue reading
In this episode of Mike on the Mic, we dive into the importance of feedback as a cornerstone of personal and professional growth. Leaders often struggle to receive honest and constructive feedback, especially at senior levels. Discover six actionable strategies, including 360-degree evaluations, coaching, mastermind groups, and peer accountability …
…
continue reading

1
Ep 40: Get Rich or Be Rich - How Serving Others Well Pays Off
24:03
24:03
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
24:03In this episode, hosts Darryl and Ed explore the tension between pursuing profit and building a life of purpose and impact. They share personal stories and insights on finding true richness, beyond just financial success. The conversation covers topics like goal-setting, balancing work and relationships, and leaving a lasting legacy. Whether you're…
…
continue reading

1
Ep 39: Finding Profit Within a Nonprofit w: Susan Ramirez
26:14
26:14
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
26:14This episode features Susan Ramirez, founder of National Angels, a nonprofit transforming foster care. Susan shares her journey from a corporate career to starting National Angels, driven by a life-changing encounter that opened her eyes to the needs of foster children. She discusses the organization's innovative programs supporting foster families…
…
continue reading

1
The 4 Biggest Mistakes Leadership Teams Make
30:50
30:50
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
30:50Are you making one of the four biggest mistakes that leadership teams struggle with? In this episode of Mike on the Mic, I uncover the critical errors holding your team back: unclear success measures, juggling too many priorities, neglecting talent development, and thinking too small. Discover actionable strategies to redefine success, focus on wha…
…
continue reading

1
Ep 38: Building a Franchise Model w: Susan Ramirez
25:49
25:49
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
25:49In this episode, we sit down with Susan Ramirez, the founder of National Angels, a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming the foster care experience for children and families. Susan shares her inspiring journey of leaving a successful career to pursue her passion for making a difference. We explore how National Angels is building a franch…
…
continue reading

1
Building a Behavior-Based Culture with David J Friedman
47:34
47:34
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
47:34In this episode of The Better Leadership Team Show, I explore the powerful insights of David J. Friedman, a leading expert on organizational culture. David has authored two influential books and delivered over 750 workshops and keynotes for business leaders. His second book, Culture by Design, is a step-by-step guide to building a strong organizati…
…
continue reading

1
Ep 37: Playing the Odds - How Gambling, Business, and Parenting are Similar
24:18
24:18
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
24:18In this episode, the hosts explore the concept of playing the odds in business and life. They discuss the importance of understanding risks, probabilities, and the impact of intentional behaviors on achieving desired outcomes. The conversation covers personal and professional examples, highlighting the need to assess your "gambling problem" and cre…
…
continue reading

1
Ep 36: Building a Community the Chick-fil-A Way with David Salyers
29:12
29:12
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
29:12In this episode, we dive into the power of building a strong company culture and long-term vision. Our guest, David Sawyers, shares his remarkable journey at Chick-fil-A, where he learned invaluable lessons about winning over customers and colleagues alike. Discover how David's principles of 'culture is more caught than taught' and balancing short-…
…
continue reading
In this episode of The Better Leadership Team Show, I dive deep into leadership and mindset with Frank Kitchen, a certified speaking professional with over 30 years of experience in talent development. Known for his innovative, culinary-themed motivational approach, Frank shares valuable insights on building great leadership teams, fostering organi…
…
continue reading

1
Ep 35: Sprinkling Chick-fil-A Seasoning with David Salyers
30:35
30:35
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
30:35Join us as we sit down with marketing legend David Salyers, a long-time executive at Chick-fil-A. David shares his remarkable journey, from initially aiming for an early retirement to discovering the joy of a career he wouldn't want to retire from. He reveals the pivotal lessons he learned at Chick-fil-A about building a business focused on enrichi…
…
continue reading
On this episode, we explore the importance of serving others well in business and life. We discuss the foundational principle of WOOO (Winning Others Over and Over), which requires intentional effort to build trust and profitable relationships. We analyze a current headline - Amazon's return-to-office mandate - through the WOOO lens, considering th…
…
continue reading
In this episode of Mike on the Mic, I uncover the secrets to healthy aging and lifelong fulfillment through personal stories and reflections as I approach my 60th birthday. From navigating financial setbacks to redefining success and finding renewed purpose, I delve into the power of keeping your "peak" ahead of you. Discover how to embrace challen…
…
continue reading

1
Ep 33: WOOO Vision: What Can You Do With 342,817 Lego Pieces
7:51
7:51
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
7:51The Lego brand has masterfully reinvented itself over the decades, appealing to both children and adults. By showcasing the incredible potential of their products, like building a functioning McLaren car out of over 340,000 Lego pieces, Lego has demonstrated the power of "wooing" customers with a compelling story and vision. This episode explores t…
…
continue reading

1
Ep 32: Inspire More Joy: Serving Yourself Well
7:41
7:41
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
7:41Leaders, are you feeling weary and overwhelmed? In this episode, we explore the importance of self-care for those in positions of influence. The hosts share a powerful analogy about putting on your own oxygen mask first before assisting others, and provide practical tips for 'winning the week' by focusing on your key responsibilities. The discussio…
…
continue reading

1
AI for Leadership Teams with Julie Holmes
53:53
53:53
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
53:53In this episode of The Better Leadership Team Show, hold onto your power cables as we welcome Julie Holmes, a tech founder, inventor, and AI entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience transforming enterprise technology. Julie is passionate about staying ahead of the curve and helping others do the same by sharing practical tech tips, tools, and …
…
continue reading
Explore how businesses can adapt to changing customer needs and eliminate unnecessary variables to better serve their customers. We draw parallels between the Netflix show 'Love is Blind' and how companies had to pivot during the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn how focusing on the core WOOO principles - Winning Others Over and Over and Over - can help you…
…
continue reading

1
Ep 30: Will AI Help or Hurt Your Ability to WOOO
24:13
24:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
24:13Can AI help or hurt your ability to WOOO customers? In this episode, we explore the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in building strong relationships and winning over customers. We discuss the potential benefits and risks of using AI, and provide practical guidance on how to leverage this technology to enhance your customer experience while pre…
…
continue reading

1
Become a Stronger Leader with Christina Howard
49:17
49:17
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
49:17In this episode, I sit down with Christina Howard to talk about what it takes to truly excel as a leader. For almost two decades, Christina led the HR departments of Fortune 100, non-profit, and privately held global companies. Today, she works with focused leaders and companies that want to ensure their employees achieve internal success to match …
…
continue reading

1
Ep 29: It's Not About Employee Happiness With Delise Simmons
26:55
26:55
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
26:55Join us as we sit down with Delise Simmons, a culture expert and founder of the Culture Think Tank. Delise shares her insights on building high-performing organizational cultures, debunking the myth that culture is just about employee happiness. She provides practical advice for startups and small businesses on deliberately creating a culture that …
…
continue reading

1
Ep 28: The Importance of Culture with Delise Simmons
30:42
30:42
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
30:42In this episode, Delise Simmons, a seasoned business leader and culture expert, joins the podcast to share her insights on how organizations can build and sustain a thriving company culture. Delise discusses the importance of aligning your company's values with specific behaviors, and provides practical tips on how to create an environment that emp…
…
continue reading

1
100th Episode - The Most Important Characteristic of Great Leadership Teams
22:23
22:23
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
22:23In this 100th episode of The Better Leadership Team Show, I take a moment to reflect on the journey of this podcast and celebrate the milestone with something truly special. I’ve compiled insights from 32 incredible guests, all answering the same question: "What is the most important characteristic of a great leadership team?" The answers are as di…
…
continue reading

1
Ep 27: Is Today's Tipping Culture Helping?
26:27
26:27
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
26:27In the latest episode, we explore the nuances of today's tipping culture and whether it is truly helpful for businesses, employees, and customers. We dive into the historical context of tipping, how it has evolved over time, and the various perspectives to consider when setting tipping policies. Join us as we unpack the complexities of this controv…
…
continue reading
Join us as we explore the tension between private equity and the principles of Wooo (Winning Others Over and Over). Using the case study of Subway and its acquisition by Roark Capital, we examine how the focus on cash and financial metrics can sometimes clash with the need to maintain a strong customer-centric culture. We discuss the importance of …
…
continue reading

1
How to Lower Your Risk of Terminating an Employee with Marc Gross
44:05
44:05
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:05In this episode of The Better Leadership Team Show, I sit down with Marc Gross, a partner at Fox Rothschild with over three decades of experience in business litigation and crisis management. Renowned for his creative, tenacious advocacy, Marc handles complex commercial disputes, including corporate conflicts, trade secret issues, real estate dispu…
…
continue reading
Hosts Darryl and Ed review a new Frosted Flakes cereal-flavored milk product, sharing their initial impressions, conducting a tasting, and analyzing the branding and target market in this 'WOOO or Poo' segment of The Wonder of WOOO podcast.By Ed Howie & Darryl Zavodny
…
continue reading

1
Ep 24: Inspire More Joy: When The Journey Feels To Costly
12:57
12:57
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
12:57In this episode, Darryl and Ed discuss managing the costs of pursuing excellence. They explore trade-offs, emphasizing intentionality and reminders of rewards to maintain joy. The hosts provide advice on prioritizing, measuring costs/benefits, and staying encouraged on the path of serving others well.…
…
continue reading

1
Empower Your Team Through Better Decision-Making with Chris Seifert
45:03
45:03
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
45:03In this episode of the Better Leadership Team Show, I dive deep into leadership and decision-making with Chris Seifert, author of "Enabling Empowerment." Chris shares actionable insights on how leaders can foster a culture of effective decision-making and break free from the cycle of micromanagement. Drawing from his experience as a Navy officer, p…
…
continue reading

1
Ep 23: Inspire More Joy: How To Endure Loud Criticism
12:33
12:33
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
12:33Hosts Darryl and Ed Howie discuss strategies for business leaders to handle loud criticism, drawing from personal experiences. They explore validating feedback, separating emotions from facts, and determining the relevance and intentions behind criticism. The hosts emphasize maintaining joy and peace of mind and encourage viewing criticism as an op…
…
continue reading