Mike Simmons explores the intersection of leadership and meetings, focusing on how intentional planning and effective communication transform gatherings into powerful catalysts for success. He shares insights on running impactful meetings, leveraging collaboration, and cultivating leadership from self-awareness to organizational influence.

3 Key Quotes from Mike Simmons

1. "Leadership starts with self. Once you lead yourself well, you earn the right to lead others."
2. "Design backward and execute forward—clarity on objectives leads to impactful meetings."
3. "Collaboration thrives when the right people are in the room, listening and engaging authentically."

In this episode, Mike shares how leadership principles can transform meetings into catalysts for action. From decision-making to collaboration, he outlines strategies to align teams, solve problems, and achieve goals. Mike highlights tools like guided whiteboard sessions and the importance of starting with self-leadership to build stronger, thriving organizations.

Find Your Catalyst at https://www.findmycatalyst.com/

5 Key Takeaways

1. 1. Leadership in Meetings

      • Effective leadership starts with self-awareness and self-confidence.
      • Leading others is earned through personal growth and success.
      • Leadership extends from individuals to teams, then organizations.

   2. Types of Meetings

      • Decision-making: Provide clarity and criteria for group choices.
      • Information-sharing: Engage through Q&A while conveying structured content.
      • Collaboration: Solve problems or align on strategies collectively.

   3. Meeting Design Principles

      • Have a call plan: Know objectives, participants, and desired outcomes.
      • Design backward: Plan meetings to achieve specific next steps.
      • Limit action steps: Keep follow-ups focused and manageable.

   4. Guided Whiteboard Sessions

      • Enhance engagement using visual collaboration tools.
      • Leverage group intelligence to align on tactics and strategies.
      • Outside facilitators bring unbiased perspectives to problem-solving.

   5. Event and Meeting Preparation

      • Define goals: Outline clear objectives for every interaction.
      • Utilize tools: Event apps can facilitate connections and planning.
      • Be curious: Engage with others authentically to build lasting relationships.

Schedule a Guided Whiteboard Session with your team at https://www.findmycatalyst.com/whiteboard

Tiger Joseph is the founder of Video Builders, a company that helps businesses create effective video content for B2B audiences. With a background in documentary filmmaking, Tiger emphasizes authentic storytelling and concise messaging, aiming to connect on an emotional level with viewers.

1. "Storytelling is about transforming beliefs or behaviors. If your content doesn’t have a clear message, it just becomes noise."
2. "Creating video content is about being real—picking up your phone and sharing one thing that will help your audience."
3. "Every video should start with a strong hook; it’s a promise to the viewer about what they’re going to get."

1. The Power of Storytelling in Business

• Storytelling helps people connect by breaking down complex ideas into relatable narratives.
• It transforms beliefs or behaviors by focusing on emotional connections rather than just tasks or metrics.
• Using a clear structure (beginning, problem, solution) keeps audiences engaged and leads to better message retention.

2. Importance of Simplicity in Content Creation

• Start by addressing one problem and providing one solution to keep the message clear.
• Avoid overcomplicating; focus on how your content will help the audience change or think differently.
• Simplicity leads to action—each piece of content should encourage viewers to make a change.

3. Hooks and Structure for Engaging Video Content

• The hook should clearly define the problem and hint at the solution to grab attention immediately.
• Break content into small points and always answer the "so what?" to keep it engaging and informative.
• Closing with a clear action item helps turn interest into action.

4. Adapting Your Message for Different Mediums

• Visual media (video) can convey tone and personality better than text, which requires imagination.
• Consistent video posting helps build trust and allows viewers to feel connected to you over time.
• Using text elements, like captions, enhances understanding and makes content accessible across platforms.

5. Video Production Basics for Business

• Lighting and camera setup are important but secondary to the message and content quality.
• Start with the equipment you have and focus on delivering valuable ideas rather than perfect visuals.
• Bullet points or brief scripts help keep the content focused and reduce overthinking.

By following Tiger Joseph’s advice on video content creation, listeners can better understand how to craft meaningful, action-oriented videos that resonate with their audience.

James Buckley, sales leader and host of the Daily Sales Show via Sell Better brings energy and passion to the world of sales. Known for his insightful, high-energy hosting style, James leverages daily interactions with sales experts to provide accessible advice for both new and seasoned sales professionals. With a background that spans from cold-calling to guiding in-depth sales panels, James emphasizes the power of experimentation, contextual outreach, and genuine connections in the sales world.

1. "It’s not your job to convince or persuade people to buy what you have; it’s your job to sell what you have to the people that need it."
2. "Reputation is so important…you are the first impression."
3. "Pragmatism is the religion of sales—we do what works. When you find what works, double down on it."

James Buckley discusses the importance of authenticity, targeted communication, and reputation in sales. He emphasizes experimentation, value-driven content, and creating genuine relationships with clients. By embracing a mindset of pragmatism and understanding buyer needs, James explains how sales professionals can refine their approach to thrive in modern sales.

Connect with James on LinkedIn and at https://sellbetter.xyz/

Find your Catalyst at https://www.findmycatalyst.com/

1. Build Relationships and Reputation

   • Engage with genuine, value-driven interactions that prioritize client needs.
   • Avoid "transactional" language; build trust through understanding and adaptation.
   • Remember: Your reputation starts with the first impression; credibility is earned over time.

2. Master Contextual Outreach

   • Tailor outreach to be specific and relevant, focusing on the prospect's needs and timing.
   • Use recent developments in your industry as touchpoints to reach out meaningfully.
   • Contextual interactions create "forward momentum," making follow-ups more natural and valuable.

3. Embrace Pragmatism and Experimentation

   • Test different approaches and double down on strategies that show results.
   • Use data to refine your methods continuously, adapting based on feedback.
   • Every interaction is an opportunity to learn; approach each one with curiosity.

4. Focus on the Buying Cycle, Not Just the Sales Cycle

   • Align your process with the customer’s buying journey, respecting their timing and steps.
   • Avoid imposing timelines on clients—listen to understand their process and respond accordingly.
   • Recognize that buyers may have unique organizational hurdles; adapt your approach as needed.

5. Use Content as a Tool for Connection

   • Creating or curating content that resonates with potential buyers can act as a "magnet" for sales.
   • Share insights relevant to your industry to become a trusted resource, not just a salesperson.
   • Develop your brand in a way that attracts the right clients and repels those who aren’t a fit.