Cool Culture Corner
By Kenneth Bator
First and True
Episode 200 of Cool Culture Corner
Host, Ken Bator, celebrates the 200th episode of Cool Culture Corner and announces his newest podcast coming soon, First and True.
Do you need a speaker for your next conference, a facilitator for your next strategic planning or training session, or an MC for your next event? Then learn more about Bator Training & Consulting at www.btcinc.net.
Stop Stress and Be Present
Episode 199 of Cool Culture Corner
Founder and CEO of Light Internal, Marnie Vincolisi, joins us to provide guidance on how executives and entrepreneurs can find calm in a chaotic world. Among other tips, she guides us through a simple exercise to reorganize our to-do lists through meditation. Learn more about Marnie at https://lightinternal.com/, YouTube, and Amazon.
Do you need a speaker for your next conference, a facilitator for your next strategic planning or training session, or an MC for your next event? Then learn more about Bator Training & Consulting at www.btcinc.net.
Marginalization May Be the Enemy
Episode 198 of Cool Culture Corner
Inclusivity and diversity can be valuable in all organizations but not if they create a different kind of marginalization.
Do you need a speaker for your next conference, a facilitator for your next strategic planning or training session, or an MC for your next event? Then learn more about Bator Training & Consulting at www.btcinc.net.
When Brand and Strategy Hurt Culture
Episode 197 of Cool Culture Corner
Has the recent troubles at Southwest Airlines turned their culture into Southworst? Probably not but there is a difference in the customer experience.
Do you need a speaker for your next conference, a facilitator for your next strategic planning or training session, or an MC for your next event? Then learn more about Bator Training & Consulting at www.btcinc.net.
Hooray for Disney
Episode 196 of Cool Culture Corner
Disney recently announced that employees are required to work at least four days a week in the office understanding that collaboration and creativity is best when people are there in person.
Do you need a speaker for your next conference, a facilitator for your next strategic planning or training session, or an MC for your next event? Then learn more about Bator Training & Consulting at www.btcinc.net.
The Freelance Culture
Episode 195 of Cool Culture Corner
Organizations are embracing non-traditional teams comprised of executives and outside freelancers. They can be very effective but there are three aspects to keep in mind when building the team culture within this dynamic.
Do you need a speaker for your next conference, a facilitator for your next strategic planning or training session, or an MC for your next event? Then learn more about Bator Training & Consulting at www.btcinc.net.
Applause to the NFL
Episode 194 of Cool Culture Corner
What happened on Monday Night Football to Damar Hamlin was a tragedy on 1/2/23. Our prayers go out to him and his family. How the NFL handled the situation provides us with a learning opportunity for our own team building efforts.
Do you need a speaker for your next conference, a facilitator for your next strategic planning or training session, or an MC for your next event? Then learn more about Bator Training & Consulting at www.btcinc.net.
Culture Crisis
Episode 193 of Cool Culture Corner
What can we learn from high-profile cases of alleged toxic cultures such as those in major sports teams like the Washington Commanders and the Phoenix Suns? A lot including the need to not rush to judgement based upon the court of public opinion.
Do you need a speaker for your next conference, a facilitator for your next strategic planning or training session, or an MC for your next event? Then learn more about Bator Training & Consulting at www.btcinc.net.
Plunging for Culture
Episode 192 of Cool Culture Corner
What can you learn about culture building from your plumber? Ken Bator shares a recent experience that will give your team some insight.
Do you need a speaker for your next conference, a facilitator for your next strategic planning or training session, or an MC for your next event? Then learn more about Bator Training & Consulting at www.btcinc.net.
Old Fashioned Experience Today
Episode 191 of Cool Culture Corner
Ken Bator returns for season 10 and gives an excellent example of a positive culture from his recent stay at the Hotel Monaco in Chicago.
Do you need a speaker for your next conference, a facilitator for your next strategic planning or training session, or an MC for your next event? Then learn more about Bator Training & Consulting at www.btcinc.net.
Today
Episode 190 of Cool Culture Corner
Sometimes in the most chaotic times it is best for your business and your culture to focus on just today instead of intermediate or long-term planning.
Do you need a speaker for your next conference, a facilitator for your next strategic planning or training session, or an MC for your next event? Then learn more about Bator Training & Consulting at www.btcinc.net.
Empathy Fatigue
Episode 189 of Cool Culture Corner
Empathy fatigue isn’t just for first responders anymore. It’s affecting many of us in the workplace. Host, Ken Bator, discusses the topic in reference to an article from 2020: https://www.mindful.org/empathy-fatigue-is-all-too-real/
Do you need a speaker for your next conference, a facilitator for your next strategic planning or training session, or an MC for your next event? Then learn more about Bator Training & Consulting at www.btcinc.net.
The Big Split
Episode 188 of Cool Culture Corner
A discussion on an issue hurting many cultures in 2022, the big split, as detailed in a recent article published by Harvard Business Review: https://hbr.org/2022/04/when-crisis-management-becomes-conflict-management
Do you need a speaker for your next conference, a facilitator for your next strategic planning or training session, or an MC for your next event? Then learn more about Bator Training & Consulting at www.btcinc.net.
How Do You Want Things To Be?
Episode 187 of Cool Culture Corner
Ken Bator shares a snippet from a recent conversation with Work-Life Balance Expert, Dr. Donnie Hutchinson, on asking two crucial questions in order to make positive change in your life or culture.
Learn more about Dr. Donnie Hutchinson at www.donniehutchinson.com
Do you need a speaker for your next conference, a facilitator for your next strategic planning or training session, or an MC for your next event? Then learn more about Bator Training & Consulting at www.btcinc.net.
Your Ego Isn't Always Your Amigo
Episode 186 of Cool Culture Corner
Sometimes your ego as a leader can be an asset. Other times maybe not so much. Having the self-awareness to know when your ego is getting in the way and choosing to put it aside is a gift.
Do you need a speaker for your next conference, a facilitator for your next strategic planning or training session, or an MC for your next event? Then learn more about Bator Training & Consulting at www.btcinc.net.
Why So Serious?
Episode 185 of Cool Culture Corner
In this world of negativity and divisiveness how do you inject humor into the workplace? Asking for a friend.
Do you need a speaker for your next conference, a facilitator for your next strategic planning or training session, or an MC for your next event? Then learn more about Bator Training & Consulting at www.btcinc.net.
The "Ma & Pa" Culture
Episode 184 of Cool Culture Corner
Cultures sometimes seem more civil at a local business. Employees seem happier. Customers receive better service. Is this something we can adopt in a big business?
Do you need a speaker for your next conference, a facilitator for your next strategic planning or training session, or an MC for your next event? Then learn more about Bator Training & Consulting at www.btcinc.net.
We're Not at Home Anymore
Episode 183 of Cool Culture Corner
Ken takes some advice from his childhood and applies it to culture building today as people are leaving home and going back to a workplace environment.
Do you need a speaker for your next conference, a facilitator for your next strategic planning or training session, or an MC for your next event? Then learn more about Bator Training & Consulting at www.btcinc.net.
Conflict Avoidance
Episode 182 of Cool Culture Corner
Sometimes it’s not about conflict resolution. It’s about conflict avoidance. After all, not every difference of opinion is worthy of a conflict.
Do you need a speaker for your next conference, a facilitator for your next strategic planning or training session, or an MC for your next event? Then learn more about Bator Training & Consulting at www.btcinc.net.
Communicate, Communicate, and Communicate!
Episode 181 of Cool Culture Corner
Cool Culture Corner returns for Season 9! Host, Ken Bator, gives a preview and reminds business owners and managers that in these difficult times one of the best solutions is communication.
Do you need a speaker for your next conference, a facilitator for your next strategic planning or training session, or an MC for your next event? Then learn more about Bator Training & Consulting at www.btcinc.net.
Culture Classes
Episode 180 of Cool Culture Corner
With this season ending and Cool Culture Corner going on hiatus until 2nd Quarter of 2022, we review some of the culture-building classes available to help your business to better involve your team for better productivity, better profits, and growth! Learn more about BTC's culture classes at https://amphy.com/signup/60a5b13a-bbe1-4991-8b5f-a6f8fecee4d3
Learn more about Bator Training & Consulting at www.btcinc.net
Tools for Teambuilding
Episode 179 of Cool Culture Corner
What tools do you and your business use to involve everyone on your team and stay productive? Does leveraging technology to be productive detract from the human experience?
Learn more about Bator Training & Consulting at www.btcinc.net
What’s Behind It?
Episode 178 of Cool Culture Corner
Sometimes team members don’t throw speed bumps into projects simply to be a pain and to cause chaos. Many times there is a logical reason to take a pause and a closer look that can make what would just be good truly great. Does your culture allow for that logical pause?
If the answer is “no” then attend one of BTC's classes on Amphy such as The Foundation for Your Brand, Culture, and Strategy.
Learn more about Bator Training & Consulting at www.btcinc.net
Just Smile?
Episode 177 of Cool Culture Corner
There's a lot of angst out there and it's effecting company cultures all over. A simple smile used to work in connecting with people in the workplace and diffusing negative customer situations. But will that work today with everyone wearing masks?
Could you use some help in making better connections within your unique business? Then attend one of BTC's classes such as The Foundation for Your Brand, Culture, & Strategy.
Learn more about Bator Training & Consulting at www.btcinc.net
Think Entrepreneurially
Episode 176 of Cool Culture Corner
It's been suggested before by more than one business person that entrepreneurship can solve most if not all of the world's problems. If that's case, could that mindset solve the customer service issues we are seeing today at many retail locations? You bet it can!
Could you use some help in developing the entrepreneurial spirit within your unique business? Then attend one of BTC's classes such as The Foundation for Your Brand, Culture, & Strategy.
Learn more about Bator Training & Consulting at www.btcinc.net
Books That Help Build Incredible Company Cultures
Episode 175 of Cool Culture Corner
In response to a recent question, we detail some of the best books that are tremendous resources in building a strong culture in your business.
Could you use a little more help in building a tremendous culture? Then attend one of BTC's classes such as The Foundation for Your Brand, Culture, & Strategy.
Jon Gruden and Team Building Today
Episode 174 of Cool Culture Corner
A pontification on team building based upon current events with Jon Gruden, the Washington Football Team, and the NFL. What can we learn from this situation that will help our business?
Could your business use some assistance in team building? Then take one of BTC's classes on Amphy such as The Foundation for Your Brand Culture and Strategy.
Different Strokes
Episode 173 of Cool Culture Corner
Host, Ken Bator, kicks off Season Eight with an example of a blown business deal that reminds us how we need to cater to the personalities of others. Simply put, you need to employ different strokes for different folks.
Could your business use some assistance in relationship building both internally and externally? The take one of BTC's classes on Amphy such as Service Standards: The Key to Branding the Experience.
The Female Entrepreneur Mindset
Episode 172 of Cool Culture Corner
Fellow author of From No Worth to Self-Worth, Candice Bakx-Friesen, discusses her chapter in the book. She shares insight into specific experts such as "Remember Why You Started" and "Defeat Fear Through Action." Learn more about Candice at https://www.candicebakxfriesen.com/
Learn more about Bator Training & Consulting and schedule your complimentary 15-minute strategy session at www.btcinc.net/contact-us
That's Un-American!
Episode 171 of Cool Culture Corner
A commentary on the recent cancellation of hundreds of flights by American Airlines and what we can learn from that fiasco about not only culture building but also its alignment with branding and strategy.
Learn more about Bator Training & Consulting and schedule your complimentary 15-minute strategy session at www.btcinc.net/contact-us
A Unique Allergy
Episode 170 of Cool Culture Corner
Host, Ken Bator, shares a childhood story that became relevant in regards to culture building during a recent collaborative effort.
Learn more about Bator Training & Consulting and schedule your complimentary 15-minute strategy session at www.btcinc.net/contact-us
Open Your Eyes
Episode 169 of Cool Culture Corner
Host, Ken Bator, talks about recent developments with the CU Business News Podcast and CUNA's "Open Your Eyes" campaign. As business owners and executives we should "Open Our Eyes" to our employees and our specific niche.
Learn more about Bator Training & Consulting and schedule your complimentary 15-minute strategy session at www.btcinc.net/contact-us
From No Worth to Self-Worth
Episode 168 of Cool Culture Corner
Host, Ken Bator, shares details from his new book collaboration, From No Worth To Self-Worth, written alongside eleven fellow authors. It is a collection of experts sharing from the heart and is dedicated to those who have ever been made to feel less than, to feel inadequate, been bullied, or held back. Everyone has something amazing to offer. It is important to remember that and the struggles people may be having internally as we are building a Cool Culture Corner within our unique business.
Learn more about Bator Training & Consulting and schedule your complimentary 15-minute strategy session at www.btcinc.net/contact-us
Vulnerability in Team Building
Episode 167 of Cool Culture Corner
James Robilotta, Professional Speaker and Improv Comedian, joins us to talk about team building. We discuss how important it is to allow your employees to be vulnerable as we get back to working in person. Learn more about James at www.jamestrobo.com.
Learn more about Bator Training & Consulting and schedule your complimentary 15-minute strategy session at www.btcinc.net/contact-us
Do We Really Need Unions?
Episode 166 of Cool Culture Corner
Host, Ken Bator, pontificates if unions are necessary in this day and age quoting a popular statement by the late Dr. Stephen Covey, "When trust is high rules are unnecessary. When trust is low rules are unenforceable."
Learn more about Bator Training & Consulting and schedule your complimentary 15-minute strategy session at www.btcinc.net/contact-us
Design Thinking in Your Culture
Episode 165 of Cool Culture Corner
Founder and Principal Consultant at Strategic Insights, Helene Cahen, joins us to provide details on “Design Thinking.” She shares how this mindset allows the entire team to be involved and allows for failure early in the process if needed. This allows for more success and less time and money spent on projects that just won’t work. Learn more about Helene at www.strategicinsights.biz
Learn more about Bator Training & Consulting and schedule your complimentary 15-minute strategy session at www.btcinc.net/contact-us
How Winning is Done
Episode 164 of Cool Culture Corner
The host of the Brave Women at Work podcast, Jennifer Pestikas, joins us to discuss how professionals can best lead their teams as we see an end to the pandemic. She also shares some wonderful insights for working mothers on how to juggle multiple priorities and take care of themselves. Learn more about Jennifer at https://www.howwinningisdone.com/
Learn more about Bator Training & Consulting and schedule your complimentary 15-minute strategy session at www.btcinc.net/contact-us
Reviving a Disengaged Team
Episode 163 of Cool Culture Corner
Small-Business Scaling Strategist, Leslie Hassler, joins us to discuss how to empower or re-empower your team as we begin to crawl out of the pandemic. She shares multiple tips that you can implement in your business immediately that will help you get back on the path of growth with all employees moving in the same direction.
Learn more about Leslie at yourbizrules.com and take the free quiz at yourbizrules.com/scaling-rich-quiz.
Learn more about Bator Training & Consulting and schedule your complimentary 15-minute strategy session at www.btcinc.net/contact-us
The Inconvenient Culture
Episode 162 of Cool Culture Corner
Ken Bator shares a recent vacation experience at a resort where their tagline should be "Sorry for the inconvenience." Learn from their mistakes so they aren't made in your service-based business.
Learn more about Bator Training & Consulting and schedule a strategy session, as encouraged in the show, at https://btcinc.net/contact-us/
Bold, Not Bossy
Episode 161 of Cool Culture Corner
Pattie Grimm – author, speaker, and coach with more than 25 years of experience as a senior woman leader with Global Fortune 50 companies – joins us to discuss how female executives can be bold and not bossy within their corporate cultures. She shares timeless tips that can be applied today and beyond. Learn more about Pattie, and take advantage of her special offer, at womenkickingglass.com/book
Learn more about Bator Training & Consulting and schedule a strategy session, as encouraged in the show, at https://btcinc.net/contact-us/
Podcast Culture
Episode 160 of Cool Culture Corner
With the New Media Summit coming up, Ken shares three tips to be a quality podcast guest:
1) Have a media one sheet
2) Be early for your interview
3) Share the heck out of your podcast episode
Learn more about Bator Training & Consulting and schedule a strategy session, as encouraged in the show, at https://btcinc.net/contact-us/
Empowerment & Culture in the Time of COVID-19
Episode 159 of Cool Culture Corner
Hospitality Consultant, Christie Lawler, joins us to discuss culture building during the furloughs, layoffs, and constant uncertainty of a pandemic. Leadership is always critical but it is the key ingredient to survival today. Learn more about Christie at cjlconsults.com
Learn more about Bator Training & Consulting and schedule a strategy session, as encouraged in the show, at https://btcinc.net/contact-us/
The Creative Culture
Episode 158 of Cool Culture Corner
Author of The Creative Culture, Justin Dauer, explains why actions speak much louder than words when building team morale. Allowing everyone to have a seat at the table is critical in this chaotic world in order to continue moving your business forward. Learn more about Justin and his book at www.the-culturebook.com.
Learn more about Bator Training & Consulting and schedule a strategy session, as encouraged in the show, at https://btcinc.net/contact-us/
Love, Live, Lead
Episode 157 of Cool Culture Corner
Randall Sean Garcia - speaker, author, and futurist - discusses the power of wisdom in your culture in the midst of the chaos of 2020. He also teaches us how to lead during these unprecedented times. Learn more about Randall at http://www.randallsgarcia.com/
Learn more about Bator Training & Consulting and schedule a strategy session, as encouraged in the show, at https://btcinc.net/contact-us/
You Were Born to Fly
Episode 156 of Cool Culture Corner
Award-Winning Motivational Keynote Speaker and Author, Daniel Gomez, explains Why You Were Born to Fly and how helping others to fly creates a winning culture. Learn more about Daniel Gomez at DanielGomezInspires.com.
Learn more about Bator Training & Consulting and schedule a strategy session, as encouraged in the show, at https://btcinc.net/contact-us/
Balance is a Myth but Work/Life Harmony Isn't
Episode 155 of Cool Culture Corner
Shane Fielder, The Innovative Samurai, joins us to explain that when you try to balance your life you force yourself to choose winners and losers within your priorities. Conversely, Work/Life Harmony allows you to find greater peace and purpose without hustling or grinding. Learn more about Shane at samuraiinnovation.com and take advantage of the free gift he mentions at nofailplans.com.
Learn more about Bator Training & Consulting and schedule a strategy session, as encouraged in the show, at https://btcinc.net/contact-us/
Empowerment and Inspirational Conversations
Episode 154 of Cool Culture Corner
Jani Roberts and Sabrina Ursaner, Co-Founders of Alignment Essentials, share tools for living in the now, appreciating the contrast in life, and finding more joy in everything you do even in a pandemic! Learn more about Jani and Sabrina at alignmentessentials.com and use code KBCULTURE to take advantage of the VIP access they mention during the show.
Learn more about Bator Training & Consulting and schedule a strategy session, as encouraged in the show, at https://btcinc.net/contact-us/
I'm in HR and I Hired the Wrong Person!
Episode 153 of Cool Culture Corner
Vicky Brown, CEO of Idomeneo Enterprises, joins us to teach how to use the interview to get the information you need for a new hire. She also tells us about the worthless questions you need to stop asking like "Where do you see yourself in five years?" Learn more about Vicky at https://idomeneoinc.com/ and take advantage of her free gift by going to leadersjourney.tv/questions.
Learn more about Bator Training & Consulting and schedule a strategy session, as encouraged in the show, at https://btcinc.net/contact-us/
You Aren't Here to be Good, You're Here to be Better
Episode 152 of Cool Culture Corner
Anne Shoshana Deakter, Concierge Life Coach and Author, joins us with advice on how to reclaim hope, purpose, and fulfillment in a world gone crazy! Learn more about Anne at www.anneshoshanadeakter.com and grab the first three chapters of her new book for free by emailing her directly at goodtobetter2020@gmail.com.
Schedule a 15-Minute Complimentary Strategy Session with Ken Bator by going to www.btcinc.net/contact-us/ Type "Strategy Session" in the comments section.
Reducing Chaos and Stress
Episode 151 of Cool Culture Corner
Tracy Paye, Professional Organizer and Productivity Coach, teaches us how to restore order and balance in the home and workplace at a time when we all really need it. She also discusses ADHD coaching as an entrepreneur who has been successfully managing the issue for several years. Learn more about Tracy at missorganized.com or www.facebook.com/professionalorganizersandiego/
Schedule a 15-Minute Complimentary Strategy Session with Ken Bator by going to www.btcinc.net/contact-us/ Type "Strategy Session" in the comments section.