Best The Self Development Factory Inc Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 54 Procrastination: The Fight Within 11:52

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8h ago11:52

11:52

Procrastination is a universal human experience. It is the gap between intention and action, the frustrating habit of delaying important tasks despite knowing we will be worse off for it. We tell ourselves we’ll start tomorrow, next week, or when we "feel like it." But this "thief of time," as the saying goes, robs us of our potential, creates unne…

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CLIP: The 51 Percent Rule 3:38

6h ago3:38

3:38

Brent Ridge and Josh Kilmer-Purcell, co-founders of Beekman 1802 skincare, partners in both business as well as life, explain the "51% rule" for decision making, both professionally, and personally. Hear Brent and Josh's full interview in Episode 494 of The Action Catalyst.

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REMASTERED: Mistakes Leaders Make, with Skip Prichard (Nonprofit, Publishing, Success, CEO) 11:44

2d ago11:44

11:44

Speaker, author, and President & CEO of OCLC, Skip Prichard, shares his unusual childhood background, the research on near death experiences, why to fail faster, how people are often like nickels, and the philosophy of working harder on yourself than you do on your job.

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Episode 53 The Superpower of Consistency 11:43

4d ago11:43

11:43

In our culture of instant gratification, we often celebrate dramatic breakthroughs and overnight successes. We are drawn to stories of sudden genius and explosive growth, hoping to find a shortcut to our own goals. Yet, if you look closely at any meaningful achievement, you will find it stands on a foundation built not of lightning strikes, but of …

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Episode 52 Unlocking Creativity: Tapping Into Your Hidden Potential 12:56

7d ago12:56

12:56

Creativity is not a mystical gift bestowed upon a chosen few. It is a fundamental human skill, a way of thinking that allows us to connect seemingly unrelated ideas, solve complex problems, and bring something new and valuable into the world. It’s the engine of innovation, the source of artistic expression, and the key to adapting in an ever-changi…

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CLIP: What Has Being Realistic Cost You? 3:54

8d ago3:54

3:54

CEO and Founder of Dream University, Marcia Wieder, explains the value of realism, self-confidence, and risk taking in dreaming, how to break down big dreams into small projects, and why you should want to be PIE (but not the baked good). Hear Marcia's full interview in Episode 134 of The Action Catalyst.…

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GOAT Wisdom, with Brent Ridge and Josh Kilmer-Purcell (Entrepreneurship, Business, Community, Skincare) 27:56

10d ago27:56

27:56

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Episode 51 The Power of No: Setting Boundaries for a Better Life 11:11

11d ago11:11

11:11

In the pursuit of growth and success, we are often encouraged to say yes. Yes to new opportunities, yes to helping others, yes to taking on more responsibility. While this affirmative spirit can open doors, an unchecked habit of saying yes can lead to a life dictated by external demands rather than internal priorities. The most successful and fulfi…

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Episode 50 The Impact of Positivity on Potential: Transforming Your Life 11:20

15d ago11:20

11:20

Your perception of the world fundamentally shapes your experience of it. It is the lens through which you view challenges, opportunities, and your own potential. While many factors contribute to success and happiness, one of the most powerful and controllable is the quality of your outlook. A positive mindset is not about ignoring reality or preten…

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CLIP: Creating "Creating Humanity At It's Best" 5:08

15d ago5:08

5:08

Rouzbeh Yassini-Fard, the tech entrepreneur known as the “father of the cable modem", explains what things like broadband and cable modems REALLY are, and how their invention quickly impacted producers, consumers, and the broader economy. Hear Rouzbeh's full interview in his special bonus episode of The Action Catalyst.…

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REMASTERED: Dreams, Purpose, and Vision, with Marcia Wieder (Goals, Success, Personal Development, Self Improvement) 19:51

17d ago19:51

19:51

CEO and Founder of Dream University, Marcia Wieder, explains the difference between dreams, fantasies, and goals, the value of realism in dreaming, how intention and integrity work together, breaking down big dreams into small projects, separating dreams from doubts, the 3 little words that breed self-sabotage, and why you should want to be PIE (pa…

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Episode 49 Building a Growth Mindset Your Path to Unlimited Potential 12:53

20d ago12:53

12:53

The difference between those who achieve their goals and those who remain stuck often comes down to a simple but profound shift in perspective. It's not about intelligence, talent, or circumstances—though these factors matter. It's about how you view your own capacity for development and change. This fundamental belief system, known as a growth min…

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CLIP: Why South Africa? 5:46

22d ago5:46

5:46

Hattingh Basson and Werner Barnard, Senior Partners at Southwestern Talent, explain why offshoring isn't really what it used to be anymore, it's present-day benefits, and how the South African people are creating a world-class talent pool. Hear Hattingh and Werner's full interview in Episode 493 of The Action Catalyst.…

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The Accidental Network, with Rouzbeh Yassini-Fard (Technology, Entrepreneurship, Internet, Author) 25:57

24d ago25:57

25:57

Rouzbeh Yassini-Fard, the tech entrepreneur known as the “father of the cable modem", explains the two experiences he brought together to create the revolutionary device, what things like broadband and cable modems REALLY are, why he gave it all away free of royalties, and the role of homemade Persian food in making it all possible. Mentioned in th…

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Episode 48 The Role of Perseverance in Success Strategies to Keep Moving Forward 13:31

25d ago13:31

13:31

The most important conversation you'll ever have is the one you're having with yourself right now. As you read these words, your mind is processing information, making judgments, and forming reactions. Yet how often do you actually pay attention to this internal dialogue? How well do you truly know the person making your decisions, choosing your wo…

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CLIP: Texas Roadhouse and "The Noble Cause" 2:14

29d ago2:14

2:14

Author, executive coach, and culture consultant Chester Elton breaks down the idea of "the noble cause" in business, and how Texas Roadhouse restaurants are a shining and enduring example of the idea in action. Hear Chester's full interview in Episode 35 of The Action Catalyst.

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Overtime with Outland: Hattingh Basson and Werner Barnard, Episode 493 2:46

1M ago2:46

2:46

Overtime with Outland is Action Catalyst host Adam Outland's reflections and commentary on discussions with each of his esteemed and accomplished guests. In this segment, Adam dissects Episode 493, with Hattingh Basson and Werner Barnard, Senior Partners at Southwestern Talent.

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Episode 47 The Role of Perseverance in Success Strategies to Keep Moving Forward 12:48

1M ago12:48

12:48

The path to success is rarely straight. It twists through valleys of doubt, climbs mountains of challenge, and often seems to disappear entirely in the fog of uncertainty. Yet some individuals navigate these treacherous paths with remarkable consistency, reaching their destinations while others turn back at the first sign of difficulty. What separa…

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Workforce Innovation, with Hattingh Basson and Werner Barnard (Staffing, South Africa, Talent, Hiring) 34:25

1M ago34:25

34:25

Hattingh Basson and Werner Barnard, Senior Partners at Southwestern Talent, explain the unique career history that spawned the business, the professional services gap that they are filling and why it exists, why offshoring isn't really offshoring anymore, how the South African people create a world-class talent pool, overcoming start-up pain points…

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Episode 46 The Power of Emotional Intelligence 13:32

1M ago13:32

13:32

Today, we explore emotional intelligence through the lens of enduring philosophies. We will see how Stoic self-awareness, Sun Tzu's strategic understanding of human nature, and the intentionality of minimalism all point toward the mastery of our inner world as the key to navigating the outer world effectively. This is not just about feeling good. I…

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CLIP: The Greatest Thing Mike Johnson Ever Did 3:16

1M ago3:16

3:16

Mike Johnson, the 56th Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, as well as an alum of The Action Catalyst's parent company, Southwestern, explains why his participation in the Southwestern Advantage program was "the best thing he ever did". Hear Speaker Johnson's full interview in his special bonus episode of The Action Catalyst.…

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REMASTERED: Going All-In, with Chester Elton (Culture, Business, Leadership, Management) 9:12

1M ago9:12

9:12

Author, executive coach, and culture consultant Chester Elton walks us through how to create an all-in culture in our business, including managing culture during crisis, and why the customer experience will never exceed the employee experience.

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Episode 45 Mindfulness in Everyday Life 12:58

1M ago12:58

12:58

In our journey toward growth and achievement, we often prioritize intellectual knowledge and technical skills. We learn to analyze data, build strategies, and solve complex problems. Yet, a more fundamental skill underpins all lasting success. It is the ability to understand and manage our own emotions and to recognize and influence the emotions of…

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CLIP: Interested, Not Interesting 2:29

1M ago2:29

2:29

Speaker, author, and coach Bruce Van Horn explains the best ways to be "other-focused" on social media, and provide more value to, and thereby get more loyalty from, your audience. Hear Bruce's full interview in Episode 11 of The Action Catalyst.

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God Is Not Done With America Yet, with Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (Leadership, Politics, USA, Success) 15:40

2M ago15:40

15:40

Mike Johnson, the 56th Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, as well as an alum of The Action Catalyst's parent company, Southwestern, breaks down his unique path to the speakership and the big role Southwestern played in getting him there, recounts danger in Tucson and getting a little help from Brett Favre, delivers an absolutely…

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Episode 44 Resilience in the Face of Adversity: Forging Unbreakable Mental Toughness 15:27

2M ago15:27

15:27

Life presents every individual with moments that test the very foundation of their character. These moments arrive without warning, often when you feel least prepared to handle them. A career setback strikes just as you believed success was within reach. A relationship ends when you thought it would last forever. A health challenge emerges when you…

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CLIP: The REAL Cost of Turnover 2:39

2M ago2:39

2:39

Dr. Angela Jackson, the founder/CEO of Future Forward Strategies and a lecturer at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, explains the REAL cost of turnover in organizations, and the numbers may surprise you. Hear Dr. Jackson's full interview in her special bonus episode of The Action Catalyst.

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Episode 43 The Power of Gratitude: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Well-Being 20:32

2M ago20:32

20:32

Gratitude stands as one of humanity's most overlooked superpowers. The ancient Stoics understood this truth thousands of years ago, weaving thankfulness into the very fabric of their philosophy. Sun Tzu recognized its strategic value in maintaining perspective during conflict. Minimalists embrace it as the antidote to consumer culture's endless hun…

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REMASTERED: Twitter Tips for Movers and Shakers, with Bruce Van Horn (Social Media, Business, Success, Networking) 8:24

2M ago8:24

8:24

Speaker, author, and coach Bruce Van Horn shares Twitter/X tips for movers and shakers, including the critical importance of authenticity, putting connection over saturation, and the most common-sense advice that you probably overlook all of the time.

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Episode 42 Overcoming Self-Doubt - Building Confidence and Silencing Your Inner Critic for Personal Growth 12:17

2M ago12:17

12:17

This episode dives into a topic that resonates with everyone at some point in their journey—self-doubt. It’s that small, persistent voice in your head that questions every move you make, every decision you consider, and every dream you’ve dared to imagine. Self-doubt doesn’t discriminate—it’s universal, affecting people of all backgrounds, ages, an…

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CLIP: Don't Put Strategy Over Heart 3:57

2M ago3:57

3:57

Culture strategist and leadership coach Jenni Catron shares why it’s important to lead with the heart as well as strategy, and how developing the awareness to do both can be a challenge. Hear Jenni's full interview in Episode 128 of The Action Catalyst.

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The Win-Win Workplace, with Dr. Angela Jackson (Management, Leadership, Business, Engagement) 22:03

2M ago22:03

22:03

Dr. Angela Jackson, the founder/CEO of Future Forward Strategies and a lecturer at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, reveals the lessons learned from studying Fortune 500 companies, the REAL cost of turnover, why top-down decision making is dead, and the two main takeaways for small business owners.…

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Episode 41 Mastering Time Management: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Productivity 11:11

2M ago11:11

11:11

By The Self Development Factory Inc

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CLIP: Actual Vs. Foundational Knowledge 4:29

2M ago4:29

4:29

Greg DeVore, CEO and co-founder of ScreenSteps, lays out his “Find & Follow” philosophy to reduce supervisor burnout and improve employee performance, including concepts like actual vs. foundational knowledge, the value it can provide in the event of a sale, and the knowledge operations maturity model. Hear Greg's full interview in Episode 492 of T…

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REMASTERED: The 4 Dimensions of Extraordinary Leadership, with Jenni Catron (Strategy, Faith, Business, Author) 18:28

2M ago18:28

18:28

Culture strategist and leadership coach Jenni Catron shares “The Grand Commandment” and how it pertains to leadership, why it’s important to lead with the heart as well as strategy, the value of creating a safe space for honest feedback, the delicate balance of being bold but respectful, the role of faith, and why leadership is sacred work.…

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Episode 40 The Art of Effective Communication – Techniques to Convey Your Message Clearly and Confidently 17:32

2M ago17:32

17:32

In this episode, I’ll guide you through the timeless art of communication. We’ll explore principles that go beyond surface-level tips and dive into the deeper techniques that make your words more impactful. Drawing on ancient wisdom from philosophies like Stoicism, the strategic brilliance of Sun Tzu, and practical modern approaches, we’ll uncover …

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CLIP: Optimize, Automate, and Outsource 3:28

2M ago3:28

3:28

Author, entrepreneur, and “overwhelmologist” Ari Meisel reveals how to optimize, automate, and outsource, the shockingly straightforward system for keeping work, and anxiety, from piling up. Hear Ari's full interview in Episode 122 of The Action Catalyst.By Southwestern Family of Podcasts

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Overtime with Outland: Greg DeVore, Episode 492 2:48

2M ago2:48

2:48

Overtime with Outland is Action Catalyst host Adam Outland's reflections and commentary on discussions with each of his esteemed and accomplished guests. In this segment, Adam dissects Episode 492, with Greg DeVore, CEO and co-founder of ScreenSteps.By Southwestern Family of Podcasts

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Find & Follow, with Greg DeVore (Productivity, Learning, Performance, Teams) 29:50

2M ago29:50

29:50

Greg DeVore, CEO and co-founder of ScreenSteps, lays out his “Find & Follow” philosophy to reduce supervisor burnout and improve employee performance, breaking down concepts like actual vs. foundational knowledge and knowledge spenders vs. knowledge investors, the knowledge operations maturity model, the dead simple exercise that’ll change how your…

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Episode 39 The Science of Habits 20:42

3M ago20:42

20:42

Today, we’re diving deep into the fascinating science of habits. Why do we do what we do? How are habits formed? And how can we take control of them to create the life we envision? From ancient philosophies like those of Sun Tzu, who emphasized the role of discipline in mastering challenges, and the Stoics, who taught the power of daily practice, t…

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CLIP: It's a Crisis! Now What? 2:46

3M ago2:46

2:46

Founder & CEO of ZavoMedia PR Group, Liana Zavo, reveals THE biggest PR mistake people make, and what they SHOULD be doing instead when a crisis hits. Hear Liana's full interview in Episode 491 of The Action Catalyst.By Southwestern Family of Podcasts

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Episode 38 Leadership Through Empathy 16:51

3M ago16:51

16:51

Empathy in leadership isn’t about simply being “nice” or accommodating; it’s about actively engaging with the perspectives, emotions, and challenges of others. It’s a skill that lies at the intersection of emotional intelligence, strategic thinking, and personal strength. When leaders practice empathy thoughtfully and consistently, they create an e…

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REMASTERED: Less Stress, More Productivity, with Ari Meisel (Time Management, Email, Tech, Business) 15:41

3M ago15:41

15:41

Author, entrepreneur, and “overwhelmologist” Ari Meisel reveals how to optimize, automate, and outsource, gives a masterclass in Virtual Assistants 101, explains what delegation REALLY means, and breaks down the "3D" inbox zero plan.By Southwestern Family of Podcasts

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Episode 37 The Power of Purpose Timeless Tactics Podcast 14:13

3M ago14:13

14:13

At its core, purpose is your unique reason for being. It’s not just what you do, but why you do it. It’s about aligning your daily actions and decisions with what you truly value, care about, and believe in. Purpose gives meaning to your efforts and provides direction to your life, acting as a guiding force that shapes both your short-term goals an…

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CLIP: Comparison, Jealousy, and Fear 2:49

3M ago2:49

2:49

Culture strategist and leadership coach Jenni Catron takes a hard look at comparison vs. jealousy, what the differences are, and how fear lies at the bottom of both. Hear Jenni's full interview in Episode 26 of The Action Catalyst.By Southwestern Family of Podcasts

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Unleash the Story Within, with Liana Zavo (Public Relations, Branding, Crisis Management, Reputation) 25:28

3M ago25:28

25:28

Founder & CEO of ZavoMedia PR Group, Liana Zavo, recounts how a college dropout and single mom made the jump from Russia to the US and from the style world to PR, gives a bit of advice for Blake Lively, reveals THE biggest PR mistake people make, how to come down from the ledge of panic in the moment, why authenticity and accountability equals auth…

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Episode 36 The Art of Patience Timeless Tactics 14:29

3M ago14:29

14:29

Patience is one of the most underrated and misunderstood skills in personal growth, business, and life. It’s the invisible thread woven into every success story you admire, even if it rarely gets the credit it deserves. In a world that thrives on instant gratification, where the pressure to achieve overnight success is overwhelming, mastering patie…

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CLIP: Doing Side / Being Side 3:11

3M ago3:11

3:11

Best-selling author, professor, and leadership expert Ryan Gottfredson distinguishes the doing side vs. the being side of ourselves, what each of those means, and how they contribute to who we are. And be sure to check out Ryan's original appearance in Episode 317 of The Action Catalyst.By Southwestern Family of Podcasts

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REMASTERED: Putting Feet to Vision, with Jenni Catron (Mindset, Leadership, Personal Development, Self-Improvement) 15:30

3M ago15:30

15:30

Culture strategist and leadership coach Jenni Catron takes a hard look at “clout killers”, and talks about exchanging fear for truth, comparison vs jealousy, combating a scarcity mentality, the duality of insecurity and pride, and how control means putting power over influence.By Southwestern Family of Podcasts

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Episode 35 The Practice of Detachment Timeless Tactics Your Path to Unstoppable Growth 18:19

3M ago18:19

18:19

Detachment is an art often misunderstood. It’s not about caring less, cutting ties, or distancing yourself from the things or people you love. Instead, it’s about shifting how you care—caring in a way that frees you rather than traps you. Detachment involves creating space for clarity and balance, allowing you to engage fully with life without bein…