Explore "Ubuntu" as a transformative business leadership philosophy with Mike Ettling, Former CEO of Unit4 and Executive Chairman of SYSPRO. This leadership philosophy is based on the principle of "I am because you are" and emphasizes trust and people dynamics as crucial factors in high-performing organizations.

What if the key to successful leadership lies in embracing the interconnectedness of humanity?

In this episode of "The Business Philosopher Within You" podcast, host Bhavesh Naik sits down with Mike Ettling, Executive Chairman of SYSPRO, to explore the profound impact of the Ubuntu philosophy - "I am because you are" - on business leadership.

Mike shares his journey from leading Unit4 to his current role at SYSPRO, emphasizing the importance of people-centric policies and trust in transforming organizational culture.

Throughout the conversation, Mike delves into the challenges and triumphs of his leadership experiences. He discusses the significance of empowering employees, the role of trust in leadership, and the strategies for fostering a culture of trust within organizations. Mike's insights offer a fresh perspective on how leaders can navigate the complexities of modern business environments.

Listeners will discover valuable insights into the importance of grounding strategies for leaders, the future vision for SYSPRO, and the personal growth journey that has shaped Mike's leadership philosophy. The episode also highlights the critical role of middle-tier leaders in driving cultural change and the impact of toxic high performers on organizational trust.

Tune in to discover how embracing Ubuntu can lead to a more fulfilling and effective leadership, and learn actionable strategies to implement in your own leadership journey.

Among the ideas we explored were:

• Relevance of Ubuntu philosophy in business leadership.
• Importance of trust and strategies for leveraging it for engagement.
• The power executing of employee empowerment through specific policies.
• The role of middle-tier leaders and difficult conversations in nurturing a culture of trust.
• Behavior change versus culture change and the cause-effect relationship between the two.
• Handling toxic high-performers, non-toxic low-performers: who to keep and who to let go.
• Grounding strategies for leaders vital for maintaining balance and leadership effectiveness.
• Adaptability and willingness to change and grow in leadership careers.
• Vision for SYSPRO, and leveraging its strengths for global expansion.
• Continuous exploration of personal growth and meaning in leadership.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Highlights

02:25 - Meet Mike Ettling, Executive Chairman, SYSPRO

04:21 - Recharging in "The Bush"

05:20 - Exploring the Ubuntu Philosophy in Leadership

07:26 - Transitioning Leadership at Unit4

12:56 - Accepting Leadership at UNIT4: People Focus, Amazing Product

16:22 - Importance of Empowering People

20:58 - Being People Centric: Balancing Principles, Policies, Performance

25:28 - Engendering a Culture of Trust

28:03 - Organizational Culture and Behavior Change

31:22 - HR and the Role of Leadership in Culture Change

33:23 - Navigating Trust Issues in Leadership

35:54 - Passing the Torch: Growth Potential and Future Vision for UNIT4

37:42 - Learning from Challenges in Leadership

44:54 - Personal Growth and Leadership Philosophy

48:22 - Grounding Strategies for Leaders

52:59 - Vision for SYSPRO and What's Next

54:28 - Getting In Touch and Closing Thoughts

55:13 - Self-Analysis: About Being on the Podcast

~~~Music by Yrii Semchyshyn (Thank You!): https://www.patreon.com/yuriisemchyshyn~~~

Show Notes and Deep Dive: https://www.awayre.com/ubuntu-business-leadership-philosophy-mike-ettling-unit4-syspro/

What if the key to a high-performing company culture lies in embracing neurodiversity?

In this episode of "The Business Philosopher Within You," host Bhavesh Naik sits down with Melanie Cook, founder and CEO of Veritas Management Group. Melanie shares her remarkable journey from overcoming personal challenges with ADD and dyslexia to leading a successful management consulting firm that champions neurodiversity, equity and inclusion.

Learn how Melanie's personal experiences have shaped her leadership style and the culture at VMG. Discover how authenticity and integrity play crucial roles in building a supportive and innovative work environment. Explore how embracing neurodiversity can transform challenges into strengths and foster a culture of innovation and resilience.

Melanie also discusses the importance of understanding your dream and how it can drive entrepreneurial success.

Key takeaways include:

• The role of authenticity in leadership and team dynamics.- Strategies for supporting neurodiverse employees in a productive and inclusive workplace.
• How empathy and innovation can amplify organizational impact.
• The importance of balancing personal growth with professional excellence.
• How to embrace neurodiversity to foster a culture of trust and excellence.

Tune in to learn how embracing neurodiversity and authenticity can transform your business and lead to sustainable success.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Highlights

02:25 - Meet Melanie Cook with Veritas Management Group

03:45 - The Genesis of Veritas Management Group

06:02 - Overcoming Early Challenges

11:18 - Building Veritas Management Group

14:13 - Understanding the Ideal Client

17:55 - Vision and Growth of VMG

22:25 - Ideals, Values and Principles Behind the Vision

25:09 - Vision for the Future of the Company

27:35 - Navigating Business Challenges

32:42 - Embracing a Remote Culture of Trust and Excellence

37:47 - Cultivating Neurodiversity in the Workplace

44:01 - The Evolution of Leadership and Decision-Making

47:35 - Grounding Principles in a Changing Environment

51:12 - Personal Growth through Entrepreneurial Journey

53:13 - Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

55:24 - Getting in Touch with Melanie

57:22 - Introspection: About Being on the Podcast

~~~Music by Yrii Semchyshyn (Thank You!):

https://www.patreon.com/yuriisemchyshyn

~~~Show Notes and Deep Dive:https://www.awayre.com/neurodiversity-high-performing-company-culture/

Have you ever struggled with finding balance and focus in your business life?

Discover how meditation can unlock your potential and transform your business success in this enlightening episode of "The Business Philosopher Within You" podcast, hosted by Bhavesh Naik. Joining Bhavesh is Jeff Patterson, a seasoned meditation and martial arts expert with over 36 years of experience, who shares actionable insights on integrating mindfulness into daily life for personal and organizational growth.

Key Takeaways:

• Explore the impact of meditation on self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and effective communication.
• Learn how to incorporate practical meditation techniques like breathing exercises and posture alignment to reset and refocus throughout the day.
• Understand the concept of "yielding" in physical, mental, and emotional contexts to enhance collaboration and manage conflicts effectively.
• Discover the benefits of consistent meditation practices for leadership development, team dynamics and remote work challenges.
• Gain philosophical perspectives on mindfulness and how they apply to achieving balance and empathy in professional relationships.

Jeff also introduces his three pillars of meditation—ritual, active, and philosophical practices—offering a roadmap for integrating mindfulness into your lifestyle. Whether you're a business leader, athlete or professional seeking personal growth, this episode is packed with valuable tips to elevate your performance and foster meaningful connections.

Tune in to explore how meditation can enhance your resilience, creativity, and focus, paving the way for sustainable success in your personal and professional life. Discover how you can apply these insights to build a thriving organization that emphasizes empathy and innovation.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Highlights

02:13 - Meet Jeff Patterson with Yielding Warrior

03:35 - A Beginner's Guide to Meditation Practice

11:32 - The Three Pillars of Meditation Practice

16:58 - Understanding Present Moment Awareness

19:39 - The Concept of Yielding in Business and Life

29:01 - Applying Meditation and Meditative Mindset in Business

31:11 - "Mind Like Water"

32:26 - Emotional Intelligence and Meditation

37:26 - Benefits of Meditation

41:40 - The Spiritual Dimension: Beyond Physical, Mental and Emotional

47:52 - Simple Daily Practices for Beginners

49:08 - The Philosophical Dimension of Meditation

50:53 - Getting in Touch With Jeff Patterson

52:22 - About Being on the Podcast & Self-Analysis

~~~ Music by Yrii Semchyshyn (Thank You!): https://www.patreon.com/yuriisemchyshyn ~~~

Show Notes and Deep Dive:https://www.awayre.com/meditation-mindfulness-business-success/