Former CEO turned keynote speaker and remote work expert, Chris Dyer knows a thing or two when it comes to creating a company culture that everyone (actually) wants to be part of. On today’s episode of Behind the Armor, Judd sits down with Chris to get to the heart of doing just that: crafting a work environment where your employees aren’t only set up to win, but also making work a place where everyone feels like they belong.

Lessons from the Episode:

Hire for Skills over Qualifications: Building a great company culture starts with who you’re employing. Instead of hiring based on a bunch of check-box qualifications (think degrees, certifications, etc.), hire the person who demonstrates the skills and strengths you’re looking for.

Work to Improve your Strengths, not your Weaknesses: So often we’re told to work on our weaknesses in order to make those areas better, but what if they’re weaknesses for a reason? Instead of wasting time working on things we’re not inherently good at, let’s spend time instead on improving the areas where we’re already naturally gifted.

Know Who you are as an Organization: Don’t try to be a company that you’re not. When organizations tout that they’re one thing but then end up being another, employees come back unsatisfied and confused. Be who you are as an organization and be that authentically. Those individuals who are drawn to your authentic culture will show up, and help make it even better.

Embrace Mistakes: Employees are often afraid to make mistakes—so afraid that it creates a toxic, inauthentic culture. Learn to celebrate mistakes as a leader and help guide your people through “failing forward.”

Figure out what your People Really Want: As leaders it’s sometimes easy to think we know what our employees want out of working for our company, but have we actually asked them? Maybe we think they want a better benefits package, when in reality our people would actually be more satisfied with a few extra days of PTO. Figure out what would make your people the happiest at work and do your best to satisfy those wants.

Find out more about Chris and his work on his website: https://chrisdyer.com/.

Connect with him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisdyer7?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app.

CHAPTERS

00:00 The Journey of Authentic Storytelling
02:59 Hiring for Skills Over Credentials
06:03 Understanding Strengths and Gaps in Teams
08:52 The Importance of Company Culture
12:07 Mistakes as Learning Opportunities
14:59 Creating a Safe Environment for Innovation
26:44 Building Genuine Connections with Clients
28:12 Transformative Leadership: Asking for Input
29:02 Encouraging Disagreement in Teams
30:26 Creating a Culture of Open Dialogue
32:45 Fostering a Safe Space for Disagreement
33:44 Balancing Support and Accountability in Teams
34:15 Understanding Team Dynamics and Individual Needs
38:34 The Importance of Authenticity in Workplace Culture
39:57 Defining and Improving Workplace Culture
41:22 Belonging and Security in the Workplace
43:45 Leadership and Employee Engagement
45:12 Fairness vs. Equality in the Workplace
49:28 The Power of Asking for Feedback
51:21 Connecting Authentically Through Travel

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For this week’s episode of Behind the Armor, Judd sits down with author, thought leader, and keynote speaker, Sebastian Terry. After a childhood friend Sebastian admired died unexpectedly, the loss inspired Sebastian to be more present in his own life—setting him off on a journey toward completing a list of 100 goals geared towards greater happiness, purpose, and presence. Together Judd and Sebastian dive deeper into Sebastian's story—discovering how to be authentically “you” along the way.

Lessons from the Episode:

Choose to be Present: One of the biggest lessons Sebastian learned from his friend, Chris, who passed away was about presence. Chris was always 100% present and engaged in whatever was happening around him. Choose to be present in your own life and don’t let distractions of what has happened, or what will happen, ruin your today.

Connect with Others: Purpose can be found in achieving goals for ourselves, but we tap into something even bigger when we choose to team up with others and lean into community. Find ways to help others achieve their goals, too, and watch how your purpose skyrockets.

Lead with Emotion: So much in life is formulaic and strategic. Instead of always choosing to follow a pre-designed playbook, let your heart be your guide and allow yourself to be led by the emotion that emanates from what you love most.

Challenge Beliefs before Changing Patterns: Everything we do in life flows from our beliefs. When we work to change those beliefs for the better, our patterns of behavior will change as a result. Work on building up your positive belief system and dismantling negative beliefs you may still hold from your past.

Help yourself First: You can’t change the world until you change your own worldview. Work on yourself first and then once you’ve gotten to a healthy place you can do the work of assisting others.

Learn more about Sebastian and his story:
Website: https://sebterry.com/
Instagram: @seb100things
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXE0i8QZpjXBInNq2ImgBeQ
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sebastian-terry/

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction to Authenticity and Connection
03:10 The Journey of Self-Discovery
06:01 The Impact of Loss and the Birth of a List
08:54 The Power of Helping Others
12:12 Personal Growth Through the Hoffman Process
15:00 Shedding Negative Patterns and Embracing Self-Love
17:53 Navigating Relationships and Blind Spots
21:09 The Challenge of Self-Improvement
24:46 Embracing Imperfection and Self-Love
25:55 Integration After Transformative Experiences
27:54 Patterns vs. Beliefs: Understanding the Connection
30:16 The Power of Helping Others
33:41 The Ripple Effect of Leadership
39:28 Creating a Positive Workplace Culture
41:55 Agency and Authenticity in Leadership
43:50 The Journey of Self-Discovery
46:43 Commitment to Personal Goals

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We’re back with another inspiring episode of Behind the Armor, this time diving deep into the heart of what matters with guest Bridget Hilton. From growing up in Flint, Michigan with dreams of being a rock star to founding revolutionary sound company, LSTN—Bridget has always been a pioneer. For today’s conversation, Judd sits down with Bridget to talk all things authenticity, the power of a simple change, and how we can all work to get to the heart of what actually matters in life.

Lessons from the Episode:

1. Sit and Think: So often we’re going so full speed ahead in life that we don’t actually take the time to sit and reflect on what matters most. Take the time to answer that question for yourself, it could change your life.

2. Do Something Bigger: This will look different for each of us, but it’s important to remember that life is more than building our own war chests, it’s about leaving something bigger behind for those who will come after us. What "something bigger” are you working to create today?

3. See the Miracles: There are miracles to be seen all around us, not just in the big events of life. Like Bridget witnessing the simple miracle of someone hearing for the first time, choose to see the everyday miracles that are present all around you.

4. Experiences over Material Possessions: The older we get, the more we realize life is not about how much stuff we collect, but rather about the experiences and people we get to interact with. Don’t let the accumulation of stuff or wealth get in the way of prioritizing those authentic experiences and relationships.

5. Don’t let Loneliness Win: We’re lonelier now than maybe ever before, even though we’re more connected. Work to build authentic connections in your personal life, rather than just relying on online friends or followers. Who you surround yourself with matters so much more than you know.

Learn more about Bridget and her work on her website: https://bridgethilton.com/.
And her instagram: @bridgetlhilton

CHAPTERS
00:00 From Flint to Fame: Bridget's Journey
03:13 Discovering What Matters: A Personal Reflection
06:11 The Birth of LSTN: A Mission to Help Others Hear
09:10 Transformative Moments: Hearing for the First Time
12:02 Experiential Billionaires: The Value of Experiences
14:50 Challenging Toxic Narratives: Redefining Masculinity
17:46 Living Authentically: Finding Your True Self
21:06 The Importance of Trying New Things
23:59 Community Connection: The Power of Belonging
26:48 The Ripple Effect: Impact Beyond Measure
30:04 Changing Lives: The Hearing Aid Revolution
32:54 Nature and Connection: Finding Peace
35:49 Final Thoughts: Embracing Authenticity and Joy

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In this captivating episode of "Behind the Armor," Judd Shaw engages in a profound conversation with Riaz Megji, an international human connection keynote speaker, author, and coach. With 17 years of television hosting experience, Riaz shares his insights on building extraordinary relationships through human connection. Tune in to discover the key habits that can transform your interactions and create genuine connections.

Lessons From the Episode:

1. Stay Curious Longer: Riaz emphasizes the importance of maintaining curiosity in conversations to uncover deeper insights and foster genuine connections.

2. Acknowledge Before Rebuttal: In difficult conversations, lead with acknowledgment to validate the other person's perspective before presenting your own.

3. Create Psychological Safety: Build a safe environment where team members feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas without fear of judgment.

4. Communicate Permission: Explicitly give permission for others to engage or exit a conversation, which fosters respect and understanding.

5. Value-Added Vulnerability: Share struggles and lessons learned in a way that adds value and empowers others to do the same.

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In this episode of Behind the Armor, host Judd Shaw speaks with Sara Schulting Kranz, a keynote speaker, best-selling author, extreme adventurer, and retreat organizer. Sarah shares her personal journey through trauma, overcoming adversity, and finding strength through nature and human connection. She discusses the pivotal moments in her life that shaped her framework for resilience and healing, offering insights into how others can face their own challenges and emerge stronger.

Lessons From the Episode:

1. Leaning Into Adversity – Sarah highlights the importance of embracing life's challenges to unlock personal growth and transformation.

2. Finding Strength Through Vulnerability – By sharing her story, Sarah demonstrates how vulnerability can be a powerful tool for healing and connection.

3. The Power of Community – She emphasizes the critical role community and support systems play in navigating difficult times.

4. Reconnecting with Nature – Sarah found immense healing through nature and encourages others to explore its restorative power.

5. Breaking Generational Patterns – She discusses the significance of breaking harmful cycles passed down through generations, paving the way for personal freedom and empowerment.

Follow me: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/juddshawofficial/ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/juddshawofficial/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@juddshawofficial For more inspiring episodes and exclusive content, visit https://www.juddshaw.com

In this inspiring episode of Behind the Armor, host Judd Shaw sits down with the multi-talented Nina Sossamon Pogue. As a former U.S. gymnast, Emmy-winning journalist, and now a sought-after speaker, Nina shares her personal journey through failure, resilience, and ultimately, reinvention. From her Olympic dreams to a career-ending injury and beyond, Nina's story is a testament to the power of persistence and inner strength. Tune in to hear her unique perspective on how to manage life's toughest moments and still find success.

Lessons From the Episode:

1. Embrace Setbacks: Understand that failures are part of the journey and can often lead to even greater opportunities.

2. Redefine Success: What feels like the end may just be a pivot toward a new, more fulfilling direction.

3. Build Resilience: Finding small tricks or mental exercises, like Nina's finger counting method, can help you stay grounded during moments of fear and anxiety.

4. Surround Yourself With the Right People: Carefully curate your "circle"—those who support and uplift you during difficult times.

5. Own Your Story: Reframe your narrative by changing the language you use in your thoughts and conversations to create a more empowering outlook.

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In this episode of Behind the Armor, host Judd Shaw sits down with Smiley Poswolsky, a workplace belonging expert, bestselling author, and keynote speaker. Smiley shares his insights on creating a culture of belonging in the workplace, the importance of human connection, and his own personal journey from loneliness to belonging. Together, they dive into the challenges of building authentic relationships in both personal and professional spaces and explore actionable strategies to foster a sense of belonging in teams and organizations.

Lessons From the Episode:

1. Belonging Starts with Self-Awareness–Understanding your personal sense of belonging is the first step in creating meaningful connections.

2. Vulnerability Creates Connection–Leaders who show vulnerability foster trust and psychological safety, encouraging others to bring their full selves to work.

3. Belonging is Everyone’s Job–Creating a sense of belonging isn't just HR's responsibility; it requires commitment from every individual in the organization.

4. Small Acts Matter–Simple gestures, like remembering names or celebrating personal milestones, can go a long way in making someone feel valued.

5. Human Connection over Hustle–Prioritizing human connection within teams fosters deeper relationships and enhances overall workplace performance.

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In this episode of Behind the Armor, host Judd Shaw sits down with Mandy Gill, a successful female entrepreneur, keynote speaker, podcast host, and CEO, who has dedicated her life to helping others build sustainable habits and maximize positive outcomes. Mandy shares her journey, from overcoming personal challenges to scaling one of the world’s most effective behavior change apps. Together, they explore the nature of resilience, the importance of conscious awareness, and how to transform life's setbacks into opportunities for growth.

Lessons From the Episode:

1. Resilience is Built, Not Born - Resilience is like a muscle; it can be strengthened over time through conscious effort and overcoming challenges.

2. Shift Your Mindset - Change the narrative from "Why is this happening to me?" to "Why is this happening for me?" to gain a new perspective on challenges.

3. Embrace Failure - View failure as the first attempt in living, and use it as a stepping stone for future success.

4. Surround Yourself with Supportive People - Build a network of people who genuinely want to see you succeed and who will help you stay accountable.

5. Clear Out the Noise - Remove distractions and focus on what you truly believe you are capable of achieving.

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