The Business Elevation Show With Chris Cooper - Be More. Achieve More

How do we best use humor or as we spell it in the UK ‘humour’ to enhance success in our work? My guest Andrew Tarvin describes himself as the world’s first humor engineer, teaching people how to get better results while having more fun. Through his company, Humor That Works, Drew has worked with more than 35,000 people at over 250 organizations, including Microsoft and the FBI. He is a best-selling author; has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and Fast Company; and his TEDx talk has been viewed more than 4 million times. Join us to find out how you can bring this engaging skill into your work and elevate your success.

How do you mobilise people and build an incredible network of trust around your work? My guest David Campbell completed a successful 40 year technology career, including being CEO of two public companies, when he went alone to Thailand after the 2004 tsunami to ‘use the Internet to tell the stories’. This adventure led him to founding ‘All Hands and Hearts’ which in the past 15 years has engaged over 50,000 volunteers and completed over 100 projects around the world in response to many disasters. Recognition has included being the winner of the dollar 100K 2014 Purpose Prize and so much feedback from those impacted ‘you are like angels falling from the sky’. Join us to hear the incredible story of ‘All Hands and Hearts’, understand how to mobilise people around an engaging purpose and how with creativity value can be delivered and an incredible network of trust built. Be prepared to be inspired whilst considering how these lessons can you help you further your endeavours.

In Autumn 2018, I committed to participate in one of the toughest endurance events in the UK. The ‘Artemis Great Kindrochit Quadrathlon’ created by inspiring former show guest, David Fox-Pitt MBE to raise vital funds for charity. With the death of my father in November this extreme journey took on even greater meaning as a metaphor for life. Yet as I became fitter and stronger so did the volume of exciting business opportunities coming my way. Two of my favourite people are joining us – Quadrathlon winner and marketing expert Jane Hansom whose quest to transform her health at age 40 led to becoming 2016’s Ironman and Triathlon world champion! Also, Professional Speaker, author and English Channel relay swimmer Mike Pagan who foolishly partnered with me on the event! So why should busy business-people take on such challenges, what are the benefits and what can you do to ensure you succeed whilst also elevating your performance at work? Join us for inspiration to help your journey!

From my experience a business’s culture and behaviour is a mirror reflection of the thinking and behaviour of its leaders over the last 2 or 3 years. Whilst some businesses thrive others are relegated to mediocrity and sometimes failure. So how so you adopt new ways of thinking that transform? My guest Mitzi Wyman started as a London lawyer before moving into television as Producer for the Law Channel writing business programmes. Fascinated in people and organisational culture she retrained as a coach and facilitator, gaining an MSc in Organisational Psychiatry and Psychology (KCL). She became Head of Practice Management at the Law Society, Non-Executive Director in the UK’s National Health Service and Founder and Chair of FulcrumLeaders.com. Passionate about inclusive cultures she uses her life experiences to explore race, gender & class sues underpinned by the Thinking EnvironmentTM, a methodology developed by author Nancy Kline. Join us as we explore how to transform your thinking.

The phrase ‘office politics’ can often come with a negative connotation, suggesting dirty tricks and Machiavellian manipulation. But can there be a more positive benefit? This week’s guest, Adrian Furnham, has written over 1200 scientific papers and 85 books. In combination, there is no other psychologist who has written more! He is on the editorial board of several international journals, as well as the past elected President of the International Society for the Study of Individual Differences. He is also a founder director of Applied Behavioural Research Associates (ABRA), a psychological consultancy. Join us as we discuss how you can become politically savvy and have high integrity in the workplace!

How do you make positive change from challenging unfair systems? Unhappy with the US Healthcare system and the impact on the health of clinicians, my guest today Dr Tom Davis has taken a stand. He is teaching clinicians about a new way to make a living in a system that taking some to breaking point. In fact, he is one of many businesses that create opportunities from disrupting tired systems with the aim of creating a better world. A family physician for over 25 years, angel investor, founder of 6 companies, co-founder of 8, Tom has successfully managed thousands of patients under Medicare Advantage and other value-based care programs. Today, as the founder and president of Tom Davis Consulting, Tom enables clients to leverage value-based systems for sustainable revenue generation, strong clinician engagement and the delivery of superior patient care. In this interview, Tom will share his wealth of knowledge, and how you too can stand up for positive change!

What would happen if love and peace were adopted as deep fundamental values of leadership and business today? When the world needs us to unite like never before, surely the time is now to end selfish ways such that together we can solve the complex problems in the world. My guest Dr Mansour Malik is an international lawyer, Legal Consultant and the Owner of Diplomat magazine and the Diplomatic Business Club London and Dubai. As a consequence, he has an extensive network of highly proficient, professional and influential contacts worldwide. He strongly believes and places paramount importance on integrity, reputation and professionalism and moral and ethical practices in his private and professional life. I am really excited about this interview and the potential that exists to bring more humanity into humanity today. Join us for what will be a fascinating and heartfelt conversation that will have you considering your personal contribution to this most essential global movement.

What is the future of technology? Also, how do you thrive in a corporation like Intel and be named by Insight Success as “US Business Woman of the Year”? These are some of the questions I will be asking Rachel Mushahwar, the Vice President and General Manager of US Business Consumption Enterprise, Government, and Cloud Industries at Intel. Leading 9 different industry verticals in the US, Rachel is accountable for an incredible $4 Billion in sales. Join us for insight into the future of technology and inspiration into how to succeed within a multinational corporation whilst also being an inspiring Mother.

Have you considered the important role trademarks play in successful businesses and the ability they can provide you to leverage your brands? Prior to beginning his own practice, my guest Erik Pelton reviewed trademark applications as an Attorney for the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office. In law school beforehand, Erik focused on the convergence of new technologies, communications & intellectual property law during internships for National Public Radio, PBS Broadcasting & The White House. Recognizing the rising value of trademark protection in the information age, Erik launched TMarksman to provide affordable legal assistance for small businesses in need of trademark protection. Since then, his counsel has helped build & sustain strong brands for hundreds of Internet ventures, software companies, inventors, restaurants & small businesses. Join us to find out how you too can ensure your trademarks are protected so you can effectively grow your business.

There has never been a time when it has been easier to connect with stakeholders. Yet how do we truly engage them such that we implement change initiatives effectively? My guests are Alex Catmur who has worked with clients across a wide range of sectors helping them make the most of their information assets. He is an expert at helping them optimise the use of technology to deliver value for clients and build long-term resilience across organisations. Also, Nelly Twumasi-Mensah who specialises in delivering and embedding transformational change with a focus on managing and motivating individuals and teams to achieve the benefits of change programmes. A chartered member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), she has a background in Project Management; successfully delivering multi million-pound construction projects and programmes for large private and public sector clients. Join us as we discuss the practical ways to build exceptional stakeholder engagement.

A powerful insight inspired my guest Isaac Lidsky to achieve his most ambitious dreams despite losing his sight to a blinding disease: it isn’t external circumstances, but how we perceive and respond to them, that governs our reality. Series regular “Weasel” on Saved by the Bell: The New Class, Isaac graduated from Harvard College at 19 and from Harvard Law School); served as a Supreme Court law Clerk ; was a Justice Department litigator; founded a tech start-up (sold for $230 million); turned a failing construction subcontractor into a highly profitable construction services company (ten times larger); and founded Hope for Vision, a non-profit that funds the development of treatments and cures for blinding diseases. He’s been a main stage TED speaker and his book, “Eyes Wide Open” is a New York Times, USA Today and Indie bestseller. Join us for a conversation that will help us all to move forward with our eyes wide open!

How do you truly elevate your leadership? In part 2 we take a deep dive into our ‘Elevating Leadership Model’ sharing focus areas and ideas to make practical leadership performance shifts. Gene Early, Leaders’ Quest partner and co-founder of the first NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming) training institute in Europe and I, Chris Cooper, have been co-creating our thinking on taking leadership to the next level. In this era of unprecedented leadership challenges now is the time to really consider this question. Steven Morris the acclaimed artist, writer and entrepreneur will host again. Join us for the second part of this series where Gene and I, with the help of Steve help you to shift your leadership to the very next level.

Wishing to disrupt an industry with a fresh innovative approach or wanting to be inspired by a leader who has done just that? HUUB founder and owner Dean Jackson created the company in 2011 as a new sporting brand which utilised technology and research in the design of its clothing and accessories to deliver performance enhancing products. The initial focus was on wetsuits which are sported by some of the world’s top triathletes, including Olympians Alistair and Jonny Brownlee. This phenomenal success amongst elite and non-professional triathletes resulted in HUUB securing a 30% share of the UK wet-suit market in just five years and the company having presence in over 20 other countries. Join us as I discuss with Dean his remarkable philosophies of business and life. A must for anyone seeking to found or rapidly grow an innovative business or seeking business tips and inspiration for tremendous business and personal success.

How do you find the perfect coach? In this special conversation, we will be discussing how to ensure a coach is right for you or your employees, as well as the subtle signs of coaching artistry that give coach confidence. I am joined by three friends of the show, Libby Wagner the poet, teacher, writer, speaker, advisor & coach to presidents, CEOs & directors of Fortune 500 clients. Owen Ó Súilleabháin the Irish singer, composer & coach who has collaborated with Riverdance composer Bill Whelan, violinist Nigel Kennedy, actor Russell Crowe, director Steven Spielberg, music legends The Chieftains plus composer of the new Business Elevation show theme tune. Steven Morris the artist, writer & entrepreneur who combines a thriving painting practice with brand evolution consultancy and coaching. Plus my own opinions with many years of professional business coaching under my belt. If becoming a better you, developing your people or improving yourself as a coach is important then do join us!

How do you truly elevate your leadership? Gene Early, Leaders’ Quest partner and co-founder of the first NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming) training institute in Europe, and I, Chris Cooper, have been co-creating our thinking on taking leadership to the next level. Having first begun this work reflecting by a Masai campfire in Kenya, it feels time in this era of unprecedented leadership to really consider this question. For the very first time, we are sharing our initial thoughts publicly in this deep interview on elevating leadership. It needed a special interviewer to bring out the depth of our thinking and my good friend Steven Morris, the acclaimed artist, writer and entrepreneur, was the perfect fit. Join us for the first part of a very special interview series where Gene and I, with the help of Steve will help you to shift your leadership to the very next level.

Do you and your business always treat people fairly? Do you always return calls, follow through on commitments, treat suppliers well...Is fairness at the heart of everything you do? If not, you are missing a significant point of differentiation. Mike Symes is Chief Executive of the multi award-winning Financial Marketing Group of Companies and Executive Director of Brand Workshop Limited. Formerly Head of Marketing and Vice President at Bank of New York Financial, Mike is a highly experienced brand strategist, speaker and marketing au-thor, responsible for launching and developing many successful brands for over 30 years. Join us as we explore why fairness must be at the heart of your business and the key components that will give you outstanding differentiation in your marketplace.

Being vulnerable and open in business can prove engaging, while sharing our innermost thoughts and secrets can also have repercussions. Where is the sweet spot to vulnerability? My guest Corey Blake is the founder and CEO of Round Table Companies (RTC), the publisher of Conscious Capitalism Press, and a speaker, artist, and storyteller. He starred in Mountain Dew's Bohemian Rhapsody commercial, named one of the 50 greatest Superbowl commercials of all time, as well as spots for American Express, Pepsi, Wrigley's, Hasbro and others. He has won 15 independent publisher awards & been featured on the cover of the Wall Street Journal. Corey’s pioneering of the business comic book genre was splashed across major media including the New York Times and USA Today. Corey is the creator of the Vulnerability Wall (his clients include Microsoft, ADP, Marketo, and Workday) and the Vulnerability is SexyTM card game. Join us to discover how vulnerable at work you can be.

What would employee health, business performance and our cities be like if our employees chose to run or even cycle to work and left the car and public transport behind? One big challenge though is that the infrastructure to be able to shower and change has not been easily accessible. Most companies also have not had showers in their buildings. This may be about to change! Scott Cain is the founder and CEO of RunFriendly (www.runfriendly.com). He is an Honorary Senior Research Fellow at UCL Bartlett, in the Centre for Advanced Spatial Analysis, and holds advisory roles with Faculty.ai (Artificial Intelligence and machine learning), PSYT, PAN Studio and Centric Lab. Previously Scott was Chief Business Officer and Executive Director at the Future Cities Catapult, a world-leading urban innovation centre. Join us as we discuss executive health, how organizations can support their employees in getting healthier and more productive and the benefits to our cities.

How can your sales approach become irresistible? During this interview we will explore how you can go from being invisible to irresistible including exploring the power of storytelling. My guest John Livesay, aka The Pitch Whisperer, is a sales keynote speaker and shares key lessons learned from his award-winning sales career at Conde Nast. In his keynote “Getting To Irresistible,” he shows companies’ sales teams how to become irresistible so they are magnetic to their ideal clients. His new book Better Selling Through Storytelling comes out in 2019. He is also the host of “The Successful Pitch” podcast, heard in over 60 countries. John has appeared on TV as an expert on “How To Ask For What You Want And Get A Yes.” Join us to hear how in the competitive world of selling you can become the irresistible first choice.

Do you sell ideas or advice and feel frustrated with having to part with your thinking for free, whilst spending lots of time and money writing lengthy proposals? My guest Blair Enns is on a mission to change the way creative services are bought and sold the world over. He is the founder and CEO of Win Without Pitching, the sales training and coaching organization for creative professionals and author of The Win Without Pitching Manifesto. During this conversation we will discover why his book caused such a revolution within the design and advertising industry and why and how you need to rethink the way your services are bought and sold.