In this insightful episode of the Outside Insights podcast, I sat down with John Ratliff, the entrepreneurial force behind Align 5 and CEO of Scaling Up Coaches.During the episode, John and I discuss the multifaceted journey of entrepreneurship and the significance of mental health and creativity in the entrepreneurial realm.  I have known John for decades and admire his body of work, accomplishments and drive to impact the entrepreneurial landscape globally. John has been a top 100 wish list target for Outside Insights - goal accomplished!Few have built a business from scratch, bootstrapped, built organically, grown by acquisition, exited successfully, been an investment banker, entrepreneurial coach, leader of coaches and all in all entrepreneurial advocate. Most importantly, John is a learner, loves new ideas and seems to always see the possibilities and bigger picture. I’m always feeling inspired by John.Save this podcast for your next commute or workout to hear two serial entrepreneurs discuss: The importance of recognizing and leveraging hidden assets within your business or any new venture. The value of external perspectives in uncovering these "Rembrandts."The challenges of entrepreneurship, including the risk of isolation and mental health struggles.The significance of creativity, curiosity, and continuous learning in navigating the fast-paced business landscape.The need for a supportive community and the willingness to seek help and mentorship.John Ratliff's entrepreneurial voyage began with his call center business, which, despite initial hurdles, laid the foundation for his understanding of business dynamics and growth strategies. His involvement with Align 5 and Scaling Up Coaches underscores his commitment to nurturing middle-market companies and their leaders, emphasizing the critical role these entities play in the economy.A pivotal theme John discusses is the concept of "Finding Your Rembrandt in the Attic." This metaphor illustrates the often-overlooked assets within businesses that, when recognized and leveraged, can significantly enhance a company's value. John stresses the importance of external perspectives in identifying these hidden treasures - someone to help you see what may have been right in front of you the whole time.The conversation also touches on the solitary nature of entrepreneurship. John candidly shares the challenges and internal struggles many entrepreneurs face, including the risk of isolation, depression, and burnout. He advocates for a supportive community and the courage to seek help, emphasizing the importance of mental health awareness and self-care in the entrepreneurial journey.John’s leadership philosophy is deeply ingrained in the principles of creativity and lifelong learning. In an era marked by rapid technological advancements and societal shifts, he believes that the ability to adapt and innovate is paramount for entrepreneurial success. His parting advice for entrepreneurs: Take moments to reflect on achievements and while remaining grounded in the fundamentals of business. Don’t get caught in the allure of rapid, often unsustainable, growth strategies. I hope you find yourself as inspired as I am in guests like John - who have achieved their goals many times over through grit, resilience and a healthy amount of stubborness. Thanks for listening, friends.ChrisLinksOpposite The Crowd

I’m going to share a little secret about your job and career. It’s a simple truth: You, and only you, are responsible for managing your career. This wasn’t always the case. Our grandparents lived in a world where careers were often linear and lifelong, with a single organization rewarding decades of loyalty with a gold watch as a symbol of their appreciation. But times have changed.Today, we outlive companies as they are bought, sold, merged and closed or changed in ways we don’t fit or don’t want to be a part of. The speed of business is relentless, and staying afloat in such a competitive environment is challenging enough, let alone managing a career through it.I have a dear friend who exemplifies the power of proactive career management. Over 26 years, she worked closely with a recruitment leader who helped guide her through four company changes, numerous geographical moves, and transitions to different roles. This was possible because of the trust she shares with her mentor and their deep understanding of her career narrative. The success she’s enjoyed speaks volumes about this approach. Like her, we all need that sounding board, someone to share ideas with, and occasionally, someone who can open doors for us.You might wonder, “Shouldn’t I be managing my career on my own?” Think about it: We outsource so many aspects of our lives to experts — real estate, dental care, housekeeping. Why should career management be any different? Many of us rely on family, mentors, or workplace leaders, but there’s another option: a career agent.What is a Career Agent Anyway?A career agent is more than just a mentor or coach; they are a dedicated professional who understands your industry, your personal story, and your career aspirations. They offer tailored advice, whether you’re preparing for a performance review, negotiating a raise, or contemplating a job change.They’re also there to help with practical aspects like refining your resume, honing interview skills, or building your network. But more importantly, they encourage proactive career management. Instead of updating your resume only when a job is at risk, a career agent helps you keep it current. You should update your resume every 90 days. It’s much easier to write down your wins while they are fresh!Finding Your Career AgentSelecting a career agent is a significant step. Look for industry leaders or professionals whose work you admire. This person could be a coach, HR professional, recruiter, or consultant. When choosing your agent, consider:– Industry knowledge: How well do they understand your field?– Alignment with your needs: Do their advice and style resonate with you?– Long-term engagement: Are they prepared to be a part of your journey for the long haul?– Coaching style: What kind of counsel do you respond to best?After you have people in mind, schedule meetings, interview potential agents, and determine who best fits your needs!The bottom line: Managing a career in today’s fast-paced world is daunting. A career agent can be a pivotal resource in navigating this journey. They offer more than advice; they provide a partnership for growth and success.For more insights on finding a career agent, check out our podcast episode on this topic in “Opposite the Crowd,” available in audio, paperback, and e-book formats.Remember, the path to career success is rarely walked alone. Find your guide, your mentor, your career agent, and take control of your journey. I know I have more than a few career agents I’ve looked up to along my journey.Until next time, friends.Chris

In this episode of Outside Insights, I chat with Pat Callihan, CEO of the national nonprofit Tech Impact. During our discussion, Pat shares how his organization is creating meaningful change through technology and workforce development programs.I'm inspired by Pat's commitment to leveraging technology for greater social impact through workforce development and nonprofit empowerment. Many of you know about Placer's own Act of Kindness Promise, here we provide both career coaching and business consulting sessions free of charge. Pat's leadership and vision are making a tangible difference, and motivates me to discover opportunities to do even more for our community.Key topics we cover include:Tech Impact's flagship IT Works program that has trained over 1,400 young adults for careers in technology. Many graduates see their income double or triple, creating a pathway out of poverty.The CX Works program that specifically trains people for jobs in the high-demand contact center industry. This was recently expanded through a pilot at a women's correctional facility, providing skills for re-entry.How Tech Impact supports 700 Delaware residents to enter technology jobs through partnerships with the state Department of Labor. This is helping address the skill gap locally.Consulting projects that have helped hundreds of nonprofits adopt cloud computing, donor management systems, cybersecurity protocols and more. This increases their capacity to further their missions.Exciting growth of Tech Impact's Data Innovation Lab that is informing data-driven decisions on pressing social issues like health care access, housing stability, addiction treatment and more.Outside Insights listeners interested in learning more can check out Pat's book recommendation "Zen and The Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" for perspective on enjoying the journey versus fixating on details.I hope you enjoy this conversation and feel motivated to discover how you can make an even bigger impact in your community too.Until next time, friends!ChrisHelpful LinksOpposite The CrowdSpotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/2uGQIYB4eG0yKYAsfjkzGmAmazonhttps://www.amazon.com/Opposite-Crowd-Want-Must-Know/dp/B0C9S8B1CFWant this content in your email inbox? Subscribe to Outside Insights Check out Placers StaffingCheck out Chris’s WebsiteCreditsHosted by Chris BurkhardMusic by Steve Miller and Lainie Miller

Welcome to 2024! We are trying something new on the Outside Insights Podcast with some solo podcast and thought leadership in addition to the interviews we have shared have been part of what Outside Insights is and the community around it. Thank you for tuning in to the Outside Insights Podcast! We appreciate your support and look forward to bringing you more valuable content in the future. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and connect with us on social media!Helpful LinksTaking Control of Your Career in 2024: A New BeginningWant this content in your email inbox? Subscribe to Outside Insights Check out Placers StaffingCheck out Chris’s WebsiteCreditsHosted by Chris BurkhardMusic by Steve Miller and Lainie Miller

In this episode of Outside Insights, I chat with Chris Bystriansky, an author, attorney, real estate investor, coach, speaker, and endurance athlete. Yeah - some people really can do it all.During our discussion, Chris shares his journey from a challenging childhood to pursuing higher education and then eventually finding himself climbing the corporate ladder. He then shares how his focus turned to identifying passive income streams, like real estate investing. Through his ventures, he realized the corporate path didn't guarantee happiness or fulfillment.Chris emphasizes the importance of having multiple income streams and passive income as a safety net against potential job losses. He shares his philosophy on overcoming inertia and embracing change, even though it's difficult. I really feel like we can all take something away from his experiences. I loved hearing how Chris taught his young daughter about investing and passive income. He paid her to do chores, then let her "buy" household assets like their toaster. He paid her weekly "rent" for the family using her toaster, giving her hands-on financial literacy. She even charged late fees! Ultimately laid off from chores, she still earned rental income from "owning" items. This clever firsthand investing lesson inspired Chris's book "Renting From My 6 Year Old"When he’s not building passive income, Chris works to push his physical and mental limits through endurance events like Ironman triathlons. His book "New Steel" relays how we can overcome challenges and do more than we think possible. I identify with many lessons in this book as regular listeners know I’ve had my fair share of physical and mental health journeys.Key topics we cover in this episode include:Taking control of your career path and why the path least traveled may be the bestTeaching financial literacy to your children early to set them up for success The importance of building a financial safety net and passive streams of income Continually challenging yourself, both physically and mentally  Why you should focus on making progress in small steps rather than getting overwhelmed trying to make sweeping changes all at once.I hope you find as much value in this conversation as I did when I connected with Chris. One of the best ways to improve yourself is to surround yourself with people that inspire you - and I sure left this conversation feeling inspired. Until next time, friends.ChrisBooks Mentioned:- Renting From My 6 Year Old by Chris Bystriansky - New Steel by Chris Bystriansky- How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie- Can't Hurt Me by David Goggins- Living With a SEAL by Jesse ItzlerChris Bystriansky's website:https://chrisbystriansky.com/

We’re officially kicking off the 2023 holiday season this week! With that in mind, I wanted to bring you some fun, lighter content to be consumed while recovering from too much tryptophan and your leftover turkey.Thanksgiving is a time to count our blessings and to recognize our abundance and it is my hope that you spend this long weekend with your loved ones, friends and family and with your community. Thanks for being a part of my community, whether that's through Placers, Outside Insights, Opposite the Crowd or wherever our journeys may have crossed. This episode of Outside Insights is endearingly named the “Misfit Thanksgiving Special” and features my backpacking group and some of my longest friendships.What is a Misfit, you might ask? If you ask old Merriram Webster, a misfit is a person whose behavior or attitude sets them apart from others in a conspicuous way, IE) “A motley collection of social misfits''.  My personal group of Misfits has bonded over all things backpacking over the years and, as we get older, are still endeavoring to live life enjoying the outdoors. We tell bad jokes, often, are regular raconteurs on the trail, discussing our successes and setbacks. We even remember to take a selfie or two for our folks back at home. When dubbing our group the Misfits, little did I know that there is also a common thing called a Misfit Thanksgiving. Started by Nashville musicians who could not travel home for the holidays, Misfits got together with friends in the area, or frankly anyone else who did not have a place to go for the holidays. If you ask me, this concept perfectly lives up to the spirit of Thanksgiving: Spending time appreciating our bounty, breaking bread and being with your community - whoever that community may be. A Misfit Thanksgiving is inspired by the fact that family can be found anywhere and often has little to do with blood.My Misfits have regular meetings, training schedules, group by-law and even t-shirts. But at the core, we’re really just a group of men from all walks of life finding common purpose out on the trail - and prioritizing our mental and physical health while we’re out there. Our group mantra has informally become a quote by John Muir, included below. We say it often and we mean it. “Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home; that wildness is a necessity.”  - John MuirI’m so excited for you to learn more about the Misfits during this episode of Outside Insights - I think everyone can take value away from our discussion. Maybe you’ll even see a little of yourself in one of their stories. During the podcast, I’ll guide the discussion as you hear from Mark, the founder of the Misfits, Jack the retired photographer and resident botanist who can outhike all of us, Chris (the other Chris), our master chef and resident gearhead, and Ray, the guy who never sits down and guarantees us a campfire most of the time. Some fast facts about the Misfits:We have 30 plus trips accomplished since 2007 including the White Mountains, John Muir Trail, Mount Rainier, and every backpacking loop you can think of from Georgia to New Hampshire,We are section hiking the Appalachian Trail although we need to pick up our pace.We all have a love for gear and it keeps getting lighter. My pack went from 50 pounds to 32 over 30 years!We met over service, three of us were Rotarians and love the outdoors.Bourbon is the Misfit Celebration beverage of choice!And, I’ll leave you with a couple other quotes from John Muir. It’s nearly impossible to choose just one. Happy Thanksgiving friends, thank you again for being part of my

As many of you know, I’m a proud Delawarian. There’s nothing I enjoy more than watching our local businesses thrive. When a business’s core mission is helping other Delawarians thrive, well, I’m sold.In this episode of Outside Insights, I sit down with Desa Burton, Executive Director of Zip Code Wilmington, a nonprofit coding bootcamp. Zip Code Wilmington provides adults with intensive software developer training, with no college degree requirements. In turn, the program helps build tech talent pipelines for employers in the Wilmington region.Many Zip Code students see dramatic boosts in their income after completing the program. This lifts up individuals and families while also benefiting the Wilmington community.During our chat, Desa shared her own career journey, from graduating the US Naval Academy and serving as a Surface Warfare Officer, to earning a law degree and working in intellectual property, and eventually, leading Zip Code Wilmington.Of course, I had to dig into Desa’s leadership philosophies. She discussed the importance of empowering her team to help them grow, which she links back to lessons learned from mentors in the military.Other key topics we discuss in this episode of Outside Insights include; taking care of yourself to avoid burnout, overcoming inertia to embrace change, and continually developing new skills.If you’re a burgeoning entrepreneur with an idea, someone interested in learning new skills, or you just want to learn more about businesses doing good in Delaware communities, this episode is for you.Reply and let me know what topics you’d like to hear next on the podcast!Until next time, friends.ChrisZip Code Wilmington:Website: https://www.zipcodewilmington.comEmail: [email protected] mentioned:A Whole New Mind by Daniel PinkOutliers by Malcolm GladwellTipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell

In this episode Outside Insights, I sat down with Nick Wilkinson, Founder and CEO of Wilkinson Advisory services. Prior to launching his own consulting firm, Wilkinson built a successful career spanning various industries and has collected multiple hats over the years, including CEO, entrepreneur, author, and filmmaker – more on that later. Nick and I go way back. I first met Nick on the board of a non-profit when Nick was running a global IT firm. I was a young upstart on that board and I still recall the many business and life lessons I absorbed from him and many years later applied when I chaired the same organization. In true Outside Insights fashion, we discussed Nick’s leadership philosophy, which he explains was shaped by his military background. Nick emphasized the value of servant leadership, where success is achieved through empowering and supporting others. This is a topic you know I’m already passionate about. I always love catching up with Nick and not just because of his extensive leadership experience and stories of triumph and failures that we toss back and forth. No, what I enjoy most is Nick’s passion and the fact that he truly is a man of many talents. Not many corporate CEOs can say they’ve also dabbled in scriptwriting and directing – but Nick can. During this episode of Outside Insights, we actually discussed one of Nick’s most exciting milestones yet, the launch of his short film, “The Fast Track Program”. Inspired by his corporate career, the film encapsulates Nick’s personal anecdotes and lessons learned in a 12-minute story. “The Fast Track Program” is currently being submitted to film festivals, with upcoming plans for a public release. With the little free time he has left, Nick cultivates his passion for cooking and soccer. In fact, his next creative endeavor, “Olde Boys,” is a soccer-related comedy centered around an old guys’ team from Pennsylvania. This reminds me of my own “old boys” hiking group, the Misfits. I’m so excited to bring Nick’s story to you all today because it illustrates that your job is only one facet of life. You need to make sure to grow in other areas, too. You gravitate towards your passion for a reason – don’t ignore that call! Until next time, friends.Chris

Most people have a few, or a dozen, financial mistakes they look back on and really regret. For many,  becoming financial savvy is learned through trial and error and living with a few regrets from your younger years is all part of the process. Isn’t it ridiculous credit card companies send applications to 18 year old kids before they even graduate high school? With predatory practices everywhere you turn and lines of credit increasingly accessible - it’s all too easy to make a few blunders, right? Well, a recent Outside Insights guest is on a mission to help prevent this. In this episode of Outside Insights, I sit down with Mark Olazagasti, a first generation entrepreneur and lifelong Delawarean. Mark recently retired from his role of managing partner at Info Solutions, an IT infrastructure consulting and managed services company he co-founded. During our chat, Mark got transparent around his personal experiences with finances. He was raised by a single mother who struggled financially, started a business during the Great Recession and learned tough lessons about debt after making mistakes that many people have before, like buying furniture before being paid. Now, through his nonprofit YourMoney101, Mark advocates for personal finance to be taught in all Delaware high schools. He also personally provides financial mentoring and education to individuals and companies. As a father to two young people and someone who has learned from past financial mistakes, I think this mission is all too important. In this episode, you’ll hear:- Mark's origin story and lessons learned from starting a business- Why Mark was inspired to advocate for personal finance education in schools- Common money and debt mistakes people make- The importance of tracking income vs expenses- Managing psychology around money decisions- Book recommendations for learning about personal finance - include a list below as well for easy reference! Mark’s Budgeting SpreadsheetMark’s Credit Card Debt Payoff Calculator Spreadsheet Book Recommendations from a finance wiz:The Index Card: Why Personal Finance Doesn't Have to Be Complicated by Helaine Olen and Harold PollackThe Psychology of Money: Timeless Lessons on Wealth, Greed, and Happiness by Morgan HouselThe Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life by Mark MansonThe Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment

We’re going to start this one with a question: How was success defined for you when you were 18? For many, the definition of success was likely narrowly defined as “study hard and make it into a great university”. Many of us today can agree that this definition is limiting. Thankfully, in recent years more and more job descriptions are shifting their degree requirements and instead honing in on “years of related experience” or technical expertise.In our latest episode of the Outside Insights podcast, I talk Brian Matthew Rhodes, Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary at [email protected]@Work’s is a really neat organization that’s on a mission to rewire the labor market so that everyone Skilled Through Alternative Routes, or STARs, can work, learn, and earn to their full potential. In other words, a four-year degree isn’t the only path to success. At Placers, we’re proud to help job seekers with diverse backgrounds and experience levels find work, so of course we’ve been big fans of Opportunity@Work for a while.During our talk, Brian provided eye-opening perspectives on how degree requirements can disadvantage certain groups and why skills-based hiring makes sense, especially given the current labor shortages. Opportunity@Work has conducted research that highlights the on-the-job potential of STARs and points to them as a solution for broadening talent pools with great candidates that would otherwise be overlooked.Here are a the key takeaways from this episode:Opportunity@Work pushes for skills-based hiring so those without degrees have equal opportunities.There are ~70 million American "STARs" skilled through bootcamps, certifications, and military service.Research shows “STARs” are disproportionately people of color, women, vets, and rural workers. Hiring STARs helps uphold businesses critical commitments to diversity, equity and inclusion. With today's labor shortages, expanding talent pools beyond degrees just makes business sense.Brian shares his “5 fingers of success” and explains why he would tell his 21-year old self to be patient - a reminder I think we could all use.How learning from younger generations and diverse viewpoints helps fosters workplace inclusion.At Outside Insights, we’re all about changing the status quo and coloring outside the lines. By embracing STAR’s in the workplace, we can create a more skills-focused and inclusive workforce that empowers all talents to thrive - and I think that’s something we should all embrace.If you were 18 today, would you consider alternative routes to a four-year university? Reply and let me know. Let’s discuss. Until next time, Chris