Joshua Kitching, owner of Bay Area Piping and Equipment, went from leading military squads and construction crews to questioning his own voice as an entrepreneur. In this raw conversation with Melinda Lee, Josh shares how stress and self-doubt nearly derailed his communication, the Zoom call that became a wake-up call, and the mindset shifts that transformed his leadership.&nbsp;Learn how slowing down can accelerate your business growth.In This Episode, You Will Learn:The Crisis PointHow a disastrous virtual presentation exposed Josh’s self-doubt and became the catalyst for change.The Power of a Pause“Take a breath- even if it’s just in the mirror.”Joshua Kitching’s journey reveals a counterintuitive truth: slowing down often speeds up success. When stress hijacked his ability to communicate, he discovered that a simple pause could reset his mindset.The “Good Enough” Mindset“Remind yourself: You are good enough.”Entrepreneurs often tie their worth to outcomes, leading to paralyzing doubt. Josh opens up about his realization: “Am I really the guy to do this?” a question many leaders whisper but rarely admit.The Follow-up Shift“The universe responds to intentionality.”- Melinda LeeEarly on, Josh assumed silence meant rejection. But by reframing follow-ups as opportunities to nurture relationships, regardless of immediate payoff, he unlocked unexpected opportunities.Connect with Joshua KitchingWebsite: www.sfbape.com&nbsp;LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-kitching-06119999/&nbsp;About the Guest:&nbsp;Joshua Kitching is the tradesman-turned-CEO, proving that grit and humility build empires. With nearly two decades in mechanical construction, he tackled San Francisco’s skyline (Salesforce Tower, Chase Center) and the battlefield, transitioning from the U.S. Army Military Police to leading teams of 250+ in the trenches of HVAC and prefab. Now, as CEO of Bay Area Pipe &amp; Equipment, he’s rewriting the playbook on craftsmanship.Fun-facts:🐄 4H Roots: Spent 9 years in 4H raising animals and honing leadership skills through youth conferences (proof that showmanship translates to boardrooms!).🌎 Global Soldier: Deployed to 7 countries during 8 years of Army service, developing adaptability that serves him daily in construction.About Melinda:Melinda Lee is a Presentation Skills Expert, Speaking Coach, and nationally renowned Motivational Speaker. She holds an M.A. in Organizational Psychology, is an Insights Practitioner, and is a Certified Professional in Talent Development as well as Certified in Conflict Resolution. For over a decade, Melinda has researched and studied the state of “flow” and used it as a proven technique to help corporate leaders and business owners amplify their voices, access flow, and present their mission in a more powerful way to achieve results.She has been the TEDx Berkeley Speaker Coach and has worked with hundreds of executives and teams from Facebook, Google, Microsoft, Caltrans, Bay Area Rapid Transit System, and more. Currently, she lives in San Francisco, California, and is breaking the ancestral lineage of silence.Website: <a href="https://speakinflow.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

This world can be a hard place to live in, and staying true to yourself in the face of adversity is one of the greatest tests we face. In this raw and resonant episode, Melinda Lee sits down with Masada Ellis -poet, founder of Not Apologetic Studios, and advocate for radical authenticity- to explore how embracing your truth transforms leadership, art, and everyday life. From surviving military prison to teaching chess to kids, Masada shares hard-won wisdom on turning pain into purpose.In This Episode, You Will Learn:The "Not Apologetic" Mindset (Spoiler: It’s Not What You Think)“We don’t need a leader of the people. We need a leader with the people, for the people.”Masada unpacks the profound difference between being unapologetically selfish and authentically self-honest, flipping the script on ego-driven leadership.How to spot (and survive) toxic leadership“A lot of leaders want the team to lose so they can win individually.”Masada’s raw military prison story (after trusting the wrong superior post-9/11) becomes a masterclass in discernment. Exposing why frenemies sabotage success.Parenting as the ultimate leadership training ground“Kids haven’t been tainted yet. They’ll tell you your breath stinks… and still ask you to play.”From his viral "group hug" ritual (30 seconds to reset family tensions) to teaching his sons to disarm bullies with compassion, Masada's approach blends ancestral wisdom with the resilience of anime heroes.Why inclusion is the only path forwardHow DNA testing revealed his global roots, a 'fun fact' that helped him sum up his purpose and why 'inclusion, not exclusion' drives his work.&nbsp;Connect with Masada EllisLinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/masada-ellis-7172a89b/&nbsp;About the Guest:&nbsp;Masada Ellis is the secret weapon behind fearless leadership, proving kindness and strength aren’t opposites. With a Master’s in Business Administration and a heart for service, he’s spent years scaling impact instead of ego, from advocating for Head Start programs on Capitol Hill to teaching chess as a tool for respect in San Diego schools.Fun-facts:🎤 Signed artist &amp; TV songwriter: Penned tracks for Storage Wars while mentoring local musicians.✈️ Adrenaline junkie: Sky dives and rides motorcycles, but says "parenting twins is the real thrill."🏆 Award-winning kindness: He is still proudest of his high school honor for "respect toward all people."About Melinda:Melinda Lee is a Presentation Skills Expert, Speaking Coach, and nationally renowned Motivational Speaker. She holds an M.A. in Organizational Psychology, is an Insights Practitioner, and is a Certified Professional in Talent Development as well as Certified in Conflict Resolution. For over a decade, Melinda has researched and studied the state of “flow” and used it as a proven technique to help corporate leaders and business owners amplify their voices, access flow, and present their mission in a more powerful way to achieve results.She has been the TEDx Berkeley Speaker Coach and has worked with hundreds of executives and teams from Facebook, Google, Microsoft, Caltrans, Bay Area Rapid Transit System, and more. Currently, she lives in San Francisco, California, and is breaking the ancestral lineage of silence.Website: <a...

In this powerful episode, Melinda Lee sits down with Tana Jackson, VP of Operations at Upright Labs, to unpack the unspoken challenges women face in corporate leadership. From battling micromanagement and workplace politics to fostering authentic communication under pressure, Tana shares raw insights from her journey and how she’s paving a better way for the next generation of women leaders.In This Episode, You Will Learn:What "Work Smarter, Not Harder" Really Means“My passion is problem-solving in chaos—tying loose ends together to create clarity. When you see the success at the end, that’s the ‘wow’ moment.”Tana cuts through noise to focus on high-impact priorities (even in back-to-back meetings).Her rule for meetings: “No agenda? Don’t invite me.”The Ugly Truth About Women Not Supporting WomenTana’s candid take on workplace dynamics:“I’ve had female leaders rip apart my ideas or take credit for them. It’s detrimental when women don’t lift each other up, especially when we’re asking men to support us.”Why toxic managers often know they’re toxic (but ignore it).How to recognize when it’s time to walk away from misaligned values.How to Communicate Like a Leader“You can’t bulldoze in like a bull in a china cabinet. Explain the why, bring people along, and pass the ‘sniff test’.”Early in her career, Tana was told, “Stop asking why, it’s just how we do it.” Now, she insists on transparency.How to balance autonomy and guidance.Effective Communication for Stakeholder Buy-inTana’s strategy includes being clear, concise, and understanding your audience to reduce resistance and facilitate stakeholder buy-in.Cut the noise: Focus on priorities that align with business goals.Align teams with vision: Make it tangible so everyone moves together.Support autonomy.Connect with Tana JacksonLinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanajackson2&nbsp;About the Guest:&nbsp;Tana is the secret weapon behind scaling companies without losing sanity (or sleep). With 18+ years of experience, she’s mastered the art of aligning teams, optimizing GTM strategies, and driving revenue through data. A recognized leader in RevOps and innovation, Tana believes clarity beats control and that the best teams run on trust (not spreadsheets).Fun-facts:🎨 Secret double life as an artist (20+ years and counting!)🌿 Plant lady goals – her home is basically a garden🐕 Proud dog mom x2 and human mom x2About Melinda:Melinda Lee is a Presentation Skills Expert, Speaking Coach, and nationally renowned Motivational Speaker. She holds an M.A. in Organizational Psychology, is an Insights Practitioner, and is a Certified Professional in Talent Development as well as Certified in Conflict Resolution. For over a decade, Melinda has researched and studied the state of “flow” and used it as a proven technique to help corporate leaders and business owners amplify their voices, access flow, and present their mission in a more powerful way to achieve results.She has been the TEDx Berkeley Speaker Coach and has worked with...

What does it take to shift from transactional sales to transformative customer success? In this episode, Melinda Lee chats with Andrea Bumstead, VP of Customer Success, about her journey from marketing and sales to leading long-term customer relationships. Andrea reveals why she chose customer success over sales, and how this helped companies scale from 15M to 50M.In This Episode, You Will Learn:The Power of Long-Term RelationshipsAndrea's pivot from sales (transactional) to customer success (relational):"I value relationships more than deals. In customer success, you partner with customers for years, not just until the deal is signed."Key difference: Sales is a one-time thing; customer success keeps them coming back.The 40-Year-Old Epiphany"At 40, I stopped apologizing for who I wasn’t and started leading with who I am." How authenticity unlocked her confidence.Scaling CompaniesAndrea’s non-negotiable strategy for client retention: "Treat every customer like a 10-year partner, not a one-time transaction."The Best InvestmentLearn why she hired her own executive coach - and how spending $5,000 on self-development led to a $50,000+ salary increase! A clue? Difference in communication style.Connect with Andrea BumsteadLinkedIn Profile: www.linkedin.com/in/andreabumstead&nbsp;About the Guest:&nbsp;Andrea Bumstead is a transformational leader who thrives in the chaos of scaling, turning Customer Success into a growth engine for SaaS companies. With a track record of scaling organizations across FinTech, EdTech, and beyond, she’s a builder at heart, obsessed with momentum (her 70% Rule &gt; perfection) and empowering teams through trust.Fun-facts:🐄 Grew up on a 100-cattle dairy farm in Ontario.👨👧👦 Mom of 3 (2, 5, and 8) who took all three kids to Asia for a month last year.💘 Met her husband at her first job out of university.&nbsp;About Melinda:Melinda Lee is a Presentation Skills Expert, Speaking Coach, and nationally renowned Motivational Speaker. She holds an M.A. in Organizational Psychology, is an Insights Practitioner, and is a Certified Professional in Talent Development as well as Certified in Conflict Resolution. For over a decade, Melinda has researched and studied the state of “flow” and used it as a proven technique to help corporate leaders and business owners amplify their voices, access flow, and present their mission in a more powerful way to achieve results.She has been the TEDx Berkeley Speaker Coach and has worked with hundreds of executives and teams from Facebook, Google, Microsoft, Caltrans, Bay Area Rapid Transit System, and more. Currently, she lives in San Francisco, California, and is breaking the ancestral lineage of silence.Website: https://speakinflow.com/Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/speakinflowInstagram: https://instagram.com/speakinflowLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mpowerallThanks for...

Every interaction, from conversations with friends to managing conflicts at work, is a form of negotiation and mediation. But how do we handle these conversations when emotions are running high? In this episode, Melinda Lee sits down with Jonathan Cayton, an experienced mediator, to unpack practical strategies for de-escalating tension, fostering understanding, and leading with empathy, even in the most charged moments.In This Episode, You Will Learn:De-Escalation Over CombatWhen conversations heat up, resist matching energy. Instead, aim to simplify, stay calm, and listen actively.“That’s Right” vs. “You’re Right”The goal is not to "win" but to make the other person feel heard. Notice the subtle difference between these phrases; one builds bridges, and the other shuts doors.Meditation Is EverywhereFrom coffee shops to boardrooms, we’re constantly negotiating and mediating. Recognizing these moments helps us navigate them intentionally.Lead from the FrontJonathan’s top leadership advice is to "lead from the front." Leaders should be visibly involved and ready to participate actively alongside their team. This hands-on approach builds confidence, courage, and respect among team members.Memorable Quotes:“The most powerful question in any conversation is why.”&nbsp;“Lead from the front. If you want trust, show up where the work happens.”&nbsp;“‘That’s right’ means they feel heard. ‘You’re right’ means they’re done talking.”&nbsp;Connect with Jonathan CaytonLinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-cayton-47847091/&nbsp;Official website: https://hoaombuds.com/&nbsp;About the Guest:&nbsp;Jonathan Cayton is a seasoned mediator, litigator, and former prosecutor with extensive experience resolving high-stakes disputes in a variety of legal areas. His career spans the representation of individuals, businesses, and public entities, both in and out of the courtroom.Today, he combines practical wisdom with academic insight as an adjunct professor at Chapman University's Dale E. Fowler School of Law, where he coaches students in trial advocacy, appellate advocacy, and mediation competitions.Fun-facts:A U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Jon served as an infantry rifleman in Suicide Charley, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines before law school.Jonathan loves fishing, shooting sporting clays, and tinkering in his garage.About Melinda:Melinda Lee is a Presentation Skills Expert, Speaking Coach, and nationally renowned Motivational Speaker. She holds an M.A. in Organizational Psychology, is an Insights Practitioner, and is a Certified Professional in Talent Development as well as Certified in Conflict Resolution. For over a decade, Melinda has researched and studied the state of “flow” and used it as a proven technique to help corporate leaders and business owners amplify their voices, access flow, and present their mission in a more powerful way to achieve results.She has been the TEDx Berkeley Speaker Coach and has worked with hundreds of executives and teams from Facebook, Google, Microsoft, Caltrans, Bay Area Rapid Transit System, and more. Currently, she lives in San Francisco, California, and is breaking the ancestral lineage of silence.Website: <a...

Changing your career from one thing to another is no easy task, but it's far from impossible. In fact, you can often take all the knowledge and skills from your past and use them to fuel your next chapter. Don't believe it? Just ask today's guest, Dr. Axel Meierhoefer. A former Air Force officer turned leadership expert, Axel has successfully navigated multiple career transitions, from leading 800 people in the military to founding companies and coaching executives.In this episode, Axel and Melinda dive into the challenges and opportunities of transitioning from management to strategic leadership. They explore how to shed old habits, embrace new mindsets, and lead with authenticity in an ever-changing world.In This Episode, You Will Learn:The Shift from Management to Strategic LeadershipMoving from a management role to a leadership position requires a fundamental shift in mindset. While managers focus on executing directives, leaders must anticipate external changes, develop long-term strategies, and inspire their teams to align around a shared vision.&nbsp;Cultural Sensitivity in a Globalized WorldIn today’s interconnected world, leaders must understand and respect cultural differences. Axel shares examples of how cultural misunderstandings can derail projects and stresses the importance of building trust through culturally sensitive communication.Authenticity and Emotional IntelligenceAuthenticity is a cornerstone of effective leadership. Axel warns against "faking it" and encourages leaders to be genuine, humble, and self-aware.&nbsp;The Importance of Asking QuestionsAxel encourages you to ask significantly more questions than you provide answers, aiming for an 80:20 ratio. This approach not only encourages team input but also helps leaders make more informed decisions.Memorable Quotes:“The higher you go in leadership, the more you need to ask questions and listen. It’s not about having all the answers.”&nbsp;“Celebrate the small wins—it recharges the battery for the next goal.”&nbsp;“Leadership is all about investing in people.”&nbsp;Connect with Axel MeierhoeferLinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ameierhoefer/&nbsp;Official website: www.idealwealthgrower.com&nbsp;About the Guest:&nbsp;Dr. Axel Meierhoefer is a German-born former Air Force officer, real estate investor, and leadership expert. After a career in the military and software industry, he turned to real estate during the 2009 recession, building a global portfolio using strategies like 1031 exchanges. Axel founded IdealWealthGrower™ to teach others how to secure their financial future and hosts the Ideal Investor Show, sharing practical investing insights.Fun-facts:Axel loves gardening and nurturing growth.He's a former Air Force officer with a knack for leadership.Fluent in German “Hallo, Schönen Tag!” 👋About Melinda:Melinda Lee is a Presentation Skills Expert, Speaking Coach, and nationally renowned Motivational Speaker. She holds an M.A. in Organizational Psychology, is an Insights Practitioner, and is a Certified Professional in Talent Development as well as Certified in Conflict Resolution. For over a decade, Melinda has researched and studied the state of “flow” and used it as a proven technique...

In this episode, host Melinda Lee welcomes Jenn Pedde, VP of Customer Advocacy at PeoplePath, a seasoned expert in building and managing online communities to discuss why online communities matter now more than ever.&nbsp;Jenn and Melinda dive into the evolution of online communities, from the early days of forums and message boards to the rise of massive social networks like LinkedIn and Instagram. They explore how the pendulum is swinging back to smaller, niche communities where people can make deeper, more meaningful connections.In This Episode, You Will Learn:The Evolution of Online CommunitiesWhy smaller, niche communities are making a comeback in a world dominated by large social networks. These communities offer a sense of belonging and purpose that’s often missing in larger, more impersonal networks.Building Strong Corporate NetworksCorporate networks are more than just a way to stay in touch with former employees, they’re a strategic asset. Jenn dives into how companies like Microsoft and Starbucks use these networks to save millions in recruitment and training costs by rehiring former employees.Fun Strategies for Building ConnectionsJenn shares fun, practical strategies for building meaningful connections, including managing a remote co-working community of over 1,500 people. She emphasizes the joy of creating engaging activities, such as virtual happy hours and events, that strengthen relationships and build vibrant communities, proving that networking can be fun.Golden Leadership Tip: People First, AlwaysJenn and Melinda discuss how AI may change the way we connect online, but they agree that it will never replace the power of face-to-face communication.&nbsp; Jenn's ultimate leadership advice revolves around putting people first. She emphasizes that investing in listening to people is what creates an environment of trust and growth.Memorable Quotes:“Leadership is all about investing in people. Listening to them, understanding them, and helping them achieve their goals ultimately helps leadership achieve their goals.” – Jenn Pedde“The more you can build a team and create a sense of excitement and trust, the more you’ll see the results you’re looking for.” – Jenn Pedde“AI can change the way we communicate, but it can’t replace the power of deep, meaningful connections.” – Melinda LeeConnect with Jenn PeddeLinkedIn Profile: www.linkedin.com/in/jennpedde&nbsp;&nbsp;About the Guest:&nbsp;Jenn Pedde is the Vice President of Customer Advocacy at PeoplePath, the global leader in corporate alumni management software. She started her career in entertainment, working with artists like Rihanna, Jay-Z, and Eminem. With over 20 years of experience, Jenn has built and managed online communities for brands like Oprah Winfrey and led the Global Alumni Program at Oliver Wyman. She’s also an adjunct professor at Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Communications.Fun-facts:Jenn lived in Seoul, South Korea, for three yearsShe managed San Diego’s largest remote coworking meetup for over four yearsShe’s a part-time ceramicist🏺About Melinda:Melinda Lee is a Presentation Skills Expert, Speaking Coach, and nationally renowned Motivational Speaker. She holds an M.A. in Organizational Psychology, is an Insights Practitioner, and is a Certified Professional in Talent Development as well as Certified...

We did it! Our 100th episode. Can you believe it? When we reach a milestone like this, it is a time of joy but also a time to reflect on what we have learned along the way. For host Melinda, there are many wonderful lessons that these 100 episodes and all of her guests have given her, and today, she would like to share them in the form of three transformative strategies that have shaped her growth as a leader and communicator.In This Episode, You Will Learn:The Power of the PauseIntentional silence is a game changer in communication. Melinda explains how pausing can transform a fast-paced, nervous delivery into a powerful and engaging message. And the technique to make it happen.How to Convey AuthenticityEveryone talks about authenticity, and most feel they are already authentic, but how do we really communicate it to our audiences? Melinda emphasizes the pitfalls of guarded communication, where leaders hide behind polished scripts or overconfidence, creating a disconnect with their audience.Strategic StorytellingStrategic storytelling is about driving emotion and action through intentional narratives. Melinda highlights the importance of crafting stories that inspire, connect, and motivate others. She shares her personal journey of starting the podcast, including the doubts she faced and the joy of achieving recognition.Memorable Quotes:“Authentic communication means speaking with openness, vulnerability, and from your true self.”“It’s okay to be afraid, to be scared, and to lean on others for support. But continue on your journey and remind yourself of the little things that make it matter.”“Any time you have an opportunity to communicate, you have an opportunity to connect, inspire, and make a big impact in this world.”About Melinda:Melinda Lee is a Presentation Skills Expert, Speaking Coach, and nationally renowned Motivational Speaker. She holds an M.A. in Organizational Psychology, is an Insights Practitioner, and is a Certified Professional in Talent Development as well as Certified in Conflict Resolution. For over a decade, Melinda has researched and studied the state of “flow” and used it as a proven technique to help corporate leaders and business owners amplify their voices, access flow, and present their mission in a more powerful way to achieve results.She has been the TEDx Berkeley Speaker Coach and has worked with hundreds of executives and teams from Facebook, Google, Microsoft, Caltrans, Bay Area Rapid Transit System, and more. Currently, she lives in San Francisco, California, and is breaking the ancestral lineage of silence.Website: https://speakinflow.com/Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/speakinflowInstagram: https://instagram.com/speakinflowLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mpowerallThanks for listening!Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!Subscribe to the podcastIf you would like to get automatic updates of...

In this episode, host Melinda Lee welcomes Ernie Bray, a dynamic entrepreneur and CEO of AutoClaims Direct (ACD), to discuss Ernie's personal communication journey to overcome stage fright and the critical role of communication in driving sales. Ernie shares his insights on how leaders can cultivate effective communication within their teams, the importance of adaptability in sales, and why every employee, not just the sales team, plays a vital role in representing the company.In This Episode, You Will Learn:Aligning Your Team Through a Cohesive MessageSales isn’t just for the sales team. Ernie discusses how involving employees in content creation, social media videos, and customer interactions strengthens brand consistency and communication across the entire company.Preparation and Practice are Non-NegotiableSuccess in sales doesn’t come from winging it. Ernie explains how structured role-playing and handling objections in advance help teams deliver a clear and confident message.Leadership That Inspires ActionGreat leaders don’t delegate and disappear, they lead by example. Ernie reveals how active involvement in sales and communication fosters motivation, alignment, and company-wide advocacy.Adapting to a Changing Business LandscapeWhat worked last year might not work today. It's tough, but it's something every company that's been around for a while knows. Ernie talks about why being able to adapt and keep learning is key to staying ahead in a market that's changing quickly.Memorable Quotes:"As a business owner, you have to be the best salesperson in your company. That doesn't mean doing all the pitches, but it does mean being the champion of your message."&nbsp;“Every interaction with a customer is a chance to communicate, and the better you are at it, the more you elevate your company.”“You don’t know it all, there’s always something new to learn about communication and leadership.”Connect with Ernie BrayLinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erniebray/&nbsp;About the Guest:&nbsp;Ernie Bray is a dynamic entrepreneur, CEO, and business strategist known for his high-energy leadership and innovative approach to sales, marketing, and business growth. As the CEO of AutoClaims Direct (ACD), he has led the company to be recognized six times on the Inc. 5000 list and three times on Entrepreneur Magazine’s "Best Entrepreneurial Companies in America."Fun-facts:Ernie has competed in over 35 endurance races, including half-Ironman triathlons, marathons, and open ocean swims.He can still sink NBA-range three-pointers like a pro.He has also been featured in Forbes, Entrepreneur, TechCrunch, HuffPost, and more.About Melinda:Melinda Lee is a Presentation Skills Expert, Speaking Coach, and nationally renowned Motivational Speaker. She holds an M.A. in Organizational Psychology, is an Insights Practitioner, and is a Certified Professional in Talent Development as well as Certified in Conflict Resolution. For over a decade, Melinda has researched and studied the state of “flow” and used it as a proven technique to help corporate leaders and business owners amplify their voices, access flow, and present their mission in a more powerful way to achieve results.She has been the TEDx Berkeley Speaker Coach and has worked with hundreds of executives and teams from Facebook, Google,...

Curious about the future of B2B marketing? One spoiler: Communities remain one of its pillars. In this episode, Melinda Lee sits down with Joshua Zerkel, a seasoned community-led growth leader who has helped grow companies like Asana and Evernote, to explore how companies can shift from traditional marketing to creating meaningful, human-centered communities that drive growth. Joshua shares his proven framework for building communities, the transformative impact they can have on businesses, and why listening is the cornerstone of effective leadership.In This Episode, You Will Learn:The Power of Community-Led GrowthTraditional marketing methods like ads and billboards are no longer enough to drive growth. Communities create authentic, long-term relationships between brands and their customers, offering a space for real people to share their experiences and advocate for products or services.The GROWTH Model for Building CommunitiesJoshua introduces his GROWTH model, a step-by-step framework for building successful communities.&nbsp; This model emphasizes the importance of a thoughtful, iterative approach to community building.Starting Small, Thinking BigJoshua advises starting with a manageable community program rather than trying to build everything at once. While it’s important to have a vision for the future, the key is to focus on immediate, actionable steps.Real-World Impact: The Asana ExampleJoshua shares a powerful example from his time at Asana, where he transformed a basic forum into a thriving community ecosystem. By listening to customers and internal stakeholders, he created a program that included online forums, Slack channels, ambassador programs, and events.&nbsp;Memorable Quotes:"Community is a force multiplier for traditional marketing efforts. It adds an authentic voice to the mix."&nbsp;“Start small, but plan for the future. Build your community piece by piece, and let it grow organically.”“Leadership is about listening. If you don’t listen, you’re just having a conversation with yourself.”Connect with Joshua ZerkelLinkedIn Profile: http://linkedin.com/in/joshuazerkel&nbsp;About the Guest:&nbsp;Joshua Zerkel is a seasoned community-led growth and engagement leader with over 20 years of experience building thriving communities for startups and global brands like Asana, Evernote, and HeyGen. Known for creating award-winning community programs, Joshua specializes in fostering genuine connections that drive growth and engagement.Joshua is the author of Evernote @ Work and Integrate: Evernote and has been featured in major publications like The New York Times, Fast Company, and many others.Fun-facts:Joshua once starred in an infomercial.He’s a burger enthusiast and keeps lists of the best burgers in every city he visits.He only uses one emoji: 🍔About Melinda:Melinda Lee is a Presentation Skills Expert, Speaking Coach, and nationally renowned Motivational Speaker. She holds an M.A. in Organizational Psychology, is an Insights Practitioner, and is a Certified Professional in Talent Development as well as Certified in Conflict Resolution. For over a decade, Melinda has researched and studied the state of “flow” and used it as a proven technique to help corporate leaders and business owners amplify their voices, access flow, and present their mission in a more powerful way to achieve results.She...