Backstage Pass: Ep. 15 - Josh Linkner: Everyday Innovation

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Backstage Pass: Ep. 15 - Josh Linkner: Everyday Innovation

Backstage Pass: Ep. 15 - Josh Linkner: Everyday Innovation

josh linkner bio

Josh Linkner — a New York Times bestselling author — is a rare blend of business, art, and science.

On the business front, he’s been the founder and CEO of five tech companies, which created over 10,000 jobs and sold for a combined value of over $200 million. He’s the co-founder and Managing Partner of Muditā (mooDEE-tah) Venture Partners – an early-stage venture capital firm investing in groundbreaking technologies. Over the last 30 years, he’s helped over 100 startups launch and scale, creating over $1 billion in investor returns. He’s twice been named the EY Entrepreneur of The Year and is the recipient of the United States Presidential Champion of Change Award.

While proud of his business success, his roots are in the dangerous world of jazz music. He’s been playing guitar in smoky jazz clubs for 40 years, studied at the prestigious Berklee College of Music, and has performed over 1000 concerts around the world.

His experiences in both business and music led him to become one of the world’s foremost experts on innovation. Josh is the co-founder and Chairman of Platypus Labs, a global research, training, and consulting firm. Today, he’s on a mission to help leaders Find A Way™ through creative problem-solving, inventive thinking, and ingenuity.

show notes

On the latest Backstage Pass episode, Gail Davis is joined by Josh Linkner who shares insights on the transformative power of everyday innovation, turning disruption into opportunity, and embracing creativity.

Josh Linkner, a five-time tech entrepreneur and expert in innovation and leadership. The conversation explores the parallels between jazz music and business leadership, emphasizing the importance of creativity and innovation in today's rapidly changing landscape. Josh shares insights on overcoming misconceptions about innovation, the significance of everyday innovation, and real-world examples of companies that have successfully embraced creative approaches. The discussion also highlights the importance of tailoring messages for diverse audiences and engaging them effectively during presentations. In this engaging conversation, Gail and Josh delve into the themes of innovation, disruption, and the art of keynote speaking. They explore the concept of the 'judo flip' as a method for embracing change, the importance of audience-centric keynotes, and how to turn disruption into opportunity. The discussion also highlights the significance of micro innovations and the transformative potential of AI.

Key topics in this episode include:

  • Jazz musicians operate like effective business leaders.

  • Today's leaders must embrace creativity and innovation.

  • AI is automating traditional skills, leaving creativity as a key human asset.

  • Companies often overestimate the risks of innovation and underestimate the risks of stagnation.

  • An experimentation mindset can de-risk innovation efforts.

  • Everyday innovations can lead to significant results.

  • Real-world examples illustrate the power of creative thinking.

  • Sales roles require creativity and adaptability.

  • Tailoring presentations to the audience enhances engagement.

  • Creating a fear-free environment fosters creativity. The 'judo flip' is a powerful tactic for embracing change.

  • Keynotes should focus on the audience, not just the speaker.

  • Disruption can be seen as an opportunity rather than a threat.

  • Micro innovations are a practical approach to managing change.

  • AI is a transformative force, comparable to the internet.

Visit gdaspeakers.com to learn more about bringing Josh Linkner to your next event!

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Backstage Pass: Ep. 23 - Seth Mattison: Farm-Grown Wisdom for a Future-Ready Workplace

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Backstage Pass: Ep. 23 - Seth Mattison: Farm-Grown Wisdom for a Future-Ready Workplace

Backstage Pass: Ep. 23 - Seth Mattison: Farm-Grown Wisdom for a Future-Ready Workplace

Seth Mattison bio

With his finger on the pulse of the changing nature of work and leadership, Seth Mattison blends storytelling from his own personal experience working with category-leading brands with cutting-edge research to develop fresh perspectives on the issues most relevant for organizations to thrive today.

Seth is an internationally recognized thought leader, author, advisor, and top- rated keynote speaker on talent management, high performance cultures, leadership, and the Future of Work.

His research, case studies, and thought leadership focus on inspiring audiences, while sharing actionable strategies to support individuals and organizations in their pursuit to be future-ready.

For almost two decades, Seth has shared his insights with tens of thousands of business leaders around the globe for many of the world’s most recognizable brands including Mastercard, Johnson & Johnson, IBM, The Dallas Cowboys, AT&T, PepsiCo, GE Energy, E&Y, Caterpillar, and The Walt Disney Company, to name a few.

In addition to speaking, Seth is the founder and CEO of FutureSight Labs, an org design and transformation firm that supports many of the world’s most inspiring leaders by helping prepare themselves and their organizations for the Future of Work through research, training, advising, coaching, digital tools, and thought leadership.

 
 

Show notes

On this episode of Backstage Pass, Seth Mattison shares his insights on self trust, the future of work, the importance of perspective, and the crossover between business and lessons learned growing up on a farm.

Seth discusses how the dynamic nature of agriculture parallels the evolving workplace - emphasizing the need for human expansion over extraction, advocating for regenerative work practices that nurture both individuals and organizations. He also highlights the significance of self-trust in uncertain times and the value of community among thought leaders.

Key topics in this episode include:

  • Seth Mattison emphasizes the importance of adapting to the changing landscape of work.

  • He believes that jobs are evolving faster than individuals can keep up with.

  • Mindsets are more crucial than skills in navigating the future of work.

  • Self-trust is the antidote to uncertainty in the workplace.

  • The future of growth should focus on human expansion rather than extraction.

  • Regenerative work draws parallels from agriculture, promoting sustainability in the workplace.

  • Seth encourages leaders to embrace AI as a tool for better work, not just more work.

  • Gallup global report on AI usage

  • He advocates for a community of thought leaders to support one another in their journeys.

  • Seth's speaking style has evolved to create a more intimate connection with audiences.

  • Tailoring presentations to specific audiences enhances engagement and relevance.

Visit gdaspeakers.com to learn more about bringing Seth Mattison to your next event!

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Backstage Pass: Ep. 26 - The Hidden Strength Every Successful Team Shares with Jeremy Poincenot

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Backstage Pass: Ep. 26 - The Hidden Strength Every Successful Team Shares with Jeremy Poincenot

Backstage Pass: Ep. 26 - The Hidden Strength Every Successful Team Shares with Jeremy Poincenot

Jeremy Poincenot Bio

At 19, Jeremy Poincenot was your typical college sophomore. Friends, sports, fraternity and most importantly, perfect 20/20 vision. Then it happened, no warning, no time to prepare. Life began to blur. Over the next few months, Jeremy lost central vision in his right eye, followed closely by his left. The diagnosis: a rare genetic disorder called Leber’s Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON), a disease that affects a mere 100 people in the U.S. each year with no treatment or cure in sight. At first, Jeremy thought losing his vision meant forfeiting his life. But he soon learned that with every challenge comes an opportunity for growth.

When Jeremy lost his central vision, he thought the game of golf he loved was over. But with some hard work, dedication, and the support of his family and friends, he quickly learned that his golfing career had just begun. At 20 years old and with his Dad as his guide, Jeremy competed in and won the 2010 World Blind Golf Championship with a dramatic chip-in in a playoff. They have since gone on to win 8 National Championships, an Australian Blind Open, an Italian Blind Open and two more World Blind Golf Championships. In 2011, Jeremy was honored as the San Diego Hall of Champions Challenged Athlete of the Year. Like all things, it’s the most difficult trials that shape who we are—and Jeremy is a better athlete and person because of this sport.

Now, Jeremy strives to raise awareness of LHON, and along with the help of his friends, they have created the C.U.R.E. (Cycling Under Reduced Eyesight) Ride, an annual fundraising bike ride that has raised over $350,000 for LHON research. Their goal is to raise a million.

Today, Jeremy is an Inspirational Speaker traveling the world, sharing his story to inspire audiences to take control of life and turn trauma into triumph. Jeremy is not your ordinary motivational speaker. With a powerful personal narrative, a little wit and a strong inspirational message, he has made it his mission to help his audiences rise up to their biggest obstacles and see them as opportunities.

Jeremy’s objective when he steps in front of an audience is not to dictate how to succeed in life; it’s to convince individuals that independence is good, while interdependence is great. He speaks from experience and has discovered that with a focus on the good, key insights, and the determination to persist through the challenges, anything is possible.

Jeremy has had the privilege of being featured on ABC's 20/20, ESPN.com, CNN’s “Great Big Story” and MTV's True Life and has spoken for many prestigious companies including Aflac, Honda, John Hancock, Kaiser Permanente, Wells Fargo and many more.

Show Notes

In this episode of Backstage Pass, host Gail Davis talks with world champion blind golfer Jeremy Poincenot. Jeremy shares his inspiring journey of losing his sight at 19 due to a rare genetic disorder and how he discovered the joy and power of interdependence.

He discusses the importance of asking for help, maintaining perspective during adversity, and the tools he offers to help others shift from victim to victor. Jeremy also shares personal anecdotes about finding love and the impact of his speaking engagements.

Key topics in this episode include:

  • Life doesn't have to be perfect to be powerful.

  • Losing his sight led to unexpected opportunities.

  • Independence is important, but interdependence is powerful.

  • Asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.

  • Perspective is key in overcoming adversity.

  • We often have what we need to be happy already.

  • Suspending judgment can lead to better experiences.

  • Experiential events enhance the impact of speaking engagements.

  • Connection over isolation is vital for growth.

  • How technology has greatly improved accessibility for the visually impaired.

Visit gdaspeakers.com to learn more about bringing Jeremy Poincenot to your next event!

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Backstage Pass: Ep. 25 - Jay Baer Spills the Te(quil)a on What AI Will Never Replace

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Backstage Pass: Ep. 25 - Jay Baer Spills the Te(quil)a on What AI Will Never Replace

Backstage Pass: Ep. 25 - Jay Baer Spills the Te(quil)a on What AI Will Never Replace

jay baer bio

Jay Baer is a business growth and customer experience expert, advisor, researcher, author, and analyst.

He has spent 30 years helping more than 700 of the world’s most iconic brands, including Nike, Oracle, Salesforce, Bentley, and The United Nations, gain and keep more customers.

A 7th-generation entrepreneur, Jay has written seven best-selling books on marketing and customer experience, and founded five multimillion-dollar companies.

Jay is an inductee into the professional speaking hall of fame, and travels globally teaching business growth principles to in-person audiences.
This year, Jay was voted the #1 Global Guru for marketing, and the #2 Global Guru for customer experience.

Also the creator of multiple award-winning podcasts, Jay currently hosts The Spirit Guides show, about the entrepreneurial journey of the world’s top content creators.

A lover of plaid suits and a hater of red tape, Jay is also the world’s #2 tequila influencer, publishing 25 videos per month on Instagram, TikTok, and beyond.

 

show notes

In this episode of Backstage Pass, Gail Davis sits down with Jay Baer - business growth and customer experience expert and 2nd most popular tequila influencer in the world! Jay shares the keys to customer loyalty amidst the evolving landscape shaped by AI and actionable strategies for maximum impact.

In this engaging conversation, Jay Baer, a Hall of Fame speaker and expert in business growth and customer experience, shares insights on the importance of speed in customer service and the unique branding strategy he employs through his passion for tequila. He emphasizes actionable strategies for businesses to enhance customer experience and loyalty, while also discussing the role of personal branding and the importance of having a speaker manager in the industry.

Key topics in this episode include:

  • Jay Baer is a presentist, focusing on current customer needs.

  • Speed is the most critical factor in customer experience today.

  • Businesses must be quick, clear, and kind to retain customer loyalty.

  • AI will significantly change customer expectations in the near future.

  • Word of mouth marketing is essential and must be activated on purpose.

  • Tequila has become a unique differentiator in Jay's branding strategy.

  • Effective presentations should provide actionable insights for immediate implementation.

  • The importance of personal branding in a competitive market cannot be overstated.

Visit gdaspeakers.com to learn more about bringing Jay Baer to your next event!

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Backstage Pass: Ep. 24 - Jan Langbein & Karen White: What Nonprofit Pros REALLY Do Differently

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Backstage Pass: Ep. 24 - Jan Langbein & Karen White: What Nonprofit Pros REALLY Do Differently

Backstage Pass: Ep. 24 - Jan Langbein & Karen White: What Nonprofit Pros REALLY Do Differently

Jan Langbein & Karen White Bios

Jan Langbein

For more than 30 years, Jan Edgar Langbein has been an activist in efforts to end violence against women. Currently, as CEO of Genesis Women’s Shelter & Support, Ms. Langbein oversees Genesis’ internal and external operations as well as funding and community education.

Recognized as a National Expert on the dynamics and effects of domestic violence, Ms. Langbein conducts training, keynote, and workshop programs for numerous local, state, and national conferences, social and civic organizations, and corporations. Ms. Langbein provides expert testimony in court cases and trains law enforcement and prosecutorial professionals to enhance their efforts to end violence against women. In partnership with the Dallas Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Ms. Langbein co

founded the annual International Conference on Crimes Against Women with advanced practices of investigation and prosecution bringing together law enforcement, advocates, prosecutors, and forensic health professionals.

Under Ms. Langbein’s leadership, Genesis has grown from a seven-room emergency shelter to a full-service response for victims of domestic violence. Genesis Women’s Shelter & Support provides a continuum of care which includes expanded shelter services, transitional housing, day care, an on-site school, access to civil legal representation, jobs readiness programming, ESL education, advocacy, and counseling at their residential and nonresidential facilities. Genesis is unique as one of the few victim services programs in the country that accomplishes sustainability without government funding. Since its inception, Genesis has not only developed services of excellence but also innovative programs and funding sources. The organization and success of this model program has been shared statewide to other NGOs.

In 2009, Ms. Langbein concluded a Presidential Appointment as Senior Policy Advisor to the Director of the United States Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women (OVW). As Senior Policy Advisor, Ms. Langbein served as chief strategist of OVW. On behalf of the Director, she guided and evaluated program and administrative processes and worked to implement standards and protocols for internal and external operations. She supported the ongoing efforts within OVW for policy issues regarding the implementation of the Violence Against Women Act.

Her extensive professional affiliations include board, advisory, and committee positions with the Texas Council on Family Violence, Family Violence Prevention Council, Dallas County Family Violence Task Force, Family Violence Coalition, Dallas Mayor’s Task Force on Domestic Violence, Greater Dallas Injury Prevention Center, and the North Texas Food Bank. She is the recipient of numerous awards for her leadership and community service including the FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award, Mosaic Family Services Champion of Human Rights Award, the Mary Harriman Community Leadership Award, Maura Award, Woman of Distinction Award, Women’s Advocacy Award, Southern Methodist University’s Profiles in Leadership Award, George Washington Honoree Medal, Peacemakers’ Dallas Peace Patron Award, the Dallas Bar Association Liberty Bell Award, and the George W. Bush Institute Trailblazer Citation.

Ms. Langbein has been qualified for expert testimony in Dallas, Collin, Tarrant, and Ellis Counties for civil, criminal misdemeanor and felony proceedings, and has provided expert testimony in immigration cases as well as courts martial at Ft. Hood and Lackland Air Force Base.

Karen White

Currently serving as the President & CEO of Texas Women’s Foundation, Karen is a dynamic, mission-driven and results-oriented leader, Karen has spent the past 20 years leading nonprofit organizations focused on the needs of women and children. With an extensive background in marketing and communications, Karen began her nonprofit career in cause-related marketing with Susan G. Komen where she ultimately served as the Managing Director of Sports and Sponsorships with responsibility for Komen’s Race for the Cure® and 3-Day for the Cure® signature events.

Building on her experience in connecting big brands with life-saving missions, Karen served as the Senior Vice President of Strategic Partnerships for ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital where she doubled the impact of the St. Jude Thanks & Giving Campaign® and expanded the organization’s partnerships with corporate partners and premier sports leagues including the NFL and PGA.

A University of Georgia graduate and member of Tri Delta sorority, Karen returned “home” in 2014 to serve as Tri Delta’s Chief Executive Officer. During her tenure, Karen increased engagement among the organization’s 250,000 collegiate and alumnae members worldwide with a focus on personal and professional development, and diversity, equity, inclusion, access and belonging. She also helped create a culture of philanthropy among Tri Delta’s members. In 2024, Tri Delta will celebrate 25 years of partnership with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and will top $100 million in funds raised for the mission.

Additionally, Karen helped grow the impact of Tri Delta’s Foundation, more than doubling its assets under management in support of scholarships, educational grants and needs-based assistance for Tri Delta’s members along with grants to enhance the organization’s educational programs. She also led the significant growth of the Tri Delta’s housing arm through strategic capital investments and acquisitions.

As the single mother of three young adults, Mary Patrick (29), Will (25) and Tee (23), Karen’s passion for women and children runs deeply. To her core she believes that strong women, indeed create a better world. When she’s not advocating for Texas women and girls, she enjoys playing pickleball, practicing Pilates or walking her rescue dog, Murdock.

show notes

Gail Davis is joined by Jan Langbein (CEO of Genesis Women’s Shelter) and Karen White (President & CEO of Texas Women’s Foundation) share powerful stories and hard-earned lessons from years of leading mission-driven organizations—and hosting events that truly move people to act.

Dallas nonprofit leaders Jan Langbein and Karen Hughes White discuss the intricacies of planning successful events for nonprofits and explore the importance of selecting impactful speakers along, the challenges faced in event planning, and the significance of VIP engagement. The conversation highlights the need for strategic planning, managing relationships with sponsors, and what it takes to ensure successful outcomes.

Key topics in this episode include:

  • Jan Langbein and Karen White's background and experience in planning events in the nonprofit sector.

  • Event planning for nonprofits requires strategic thinking and creativity.

  • The choice of speakers can significantly impact the success of an event.

  • VIP engagement is crucial for fundraising and donor relations.

  • Managing expectations with sponsors is essential for event success.

  • Challenges for nonprofit events - and how GDA can help.

  • The stakes are high in securing speakers for nonprofit events.

  • Community impact is at the heart of nonprofit work.

Visit gdaspeakers.com to learn more about bringing a keynote speaker to your next event!

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