Pets, especially dogs, can add so much to a family’s life. Research even shows they can be mood lifters. They can increase happiness, reduce stress, and help you feel more secure. They also teach responsibility. In this episode, Phil reminisces on all the great dogs he’s had in his life – most recently, his family’s dog Ellie that passed away last week. Listen to hear the characteristics that Ellie and many other dogs have that humans should show more often. Resources: Maggie's Song, Chris Stapleton https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQ3J9YnXmUI Please send Comments, Questions, and Feedback to: [email protected] Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to: [email protected]

Lessons learned is a process that lasts a lifetime, but don’t keep learning the same lessons.   As you finish out 2022, Phil challenges you to go back and pinpoint two to three things that didn’t go as planned this year; do a postmortem on them.   Resources: Please send Comments, Questions, and Feedback to: [email protected] Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to: [email protected]

On this Monday of Thanksgiving week, it is a tradition that Phil shares his version of the late Furman Bisher’s “I’m Thankful.” In this episode, Phil pauses and gives thanks to all the people and things that matter most to him. As you begin this week, we challenge you to take time to think about what you’re thankful for this Thanksgiving. Resources: Furman Bisher – “I’m Thankful” -  https://bit.ly/2pLkZh2   Please send Comments, Questions, and Feedback to: [email protected] Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to: [email protected]

Curiosity is one of the traits that is a unique differentiator in the best leaders. Curious people are lifelong learners. What are the other two characteristics that the best leaders have? Listen in to find out.   Resources: Please send Comments, Questions, and Feedback to: [email protected] Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to: [email protected]

Veteran’s Day isn’t just a holiday; it’s a time to reflect, remember and honor the service of those who have and are currently serving our country. In this episode, Phil shares the history of Veteran’s Day and takes time to reflect on and appreciate veterans. Thank you for your service, Veterans.  Resources: Please send Comments, Questions, and Feedback to: [email protected] Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to: [email protected]

How can something so commonplace be so memorable? In this episode, Phil shares about a recent event he attended that involved elaborate ice in drinks and as decorations. There were ice sculptures in the bar and hors d'oeuvre area, focal points highlighted by whites and floral arrangements, but the best was the ice in the cocktails. To conclude this episode, Phil leads listeners with a challenge. Listen in to hear more!   Please send Comments, Questions, and Feedback to: [email protected] Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to: [email protected]

Phil recently found himself drained after listening to a presentation about the interconnectivity of global health. Intellectually, he was engaged, but emotionally, he was fatigued and a little bored after maintaining his attention span for the entire presentation. This made him think about a scene from The Wolf of Wall Street. Facts and statistics are just that, but stories about facts and statistics change behavior. Listen in!   Resources:  The Wolf of Wall Street, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UspZGJ-TrI Please send Comments, Questions, and Feedback to: [email protected] Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to: [email protected]

In this episode, Phil shares two quotes attributable to Mark Twain, the first quote is "it is better to keep your mouth closed and let people think you are a fool than to open it and remove all doubt.” The second quote is “it ain't what you don't know that gets you in trouble; it's what you know for sure that just ain't so." Critical thinking and analysis require energy and effort. From making political decisions to choosing healthcare professionals, it is important to do your own research to form your own opinion.    Resources: Mark Twain, “The Father of American Literature” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Twain Please send Comments, Questions, and Feedback to: [email protected] Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to: [email protected]

In this episode, Phil reminds us of the value and power of relationships. Nothing will mean more throughout our lives than the relationships we build. He concludes the episode by encouraging us to choose wisely how we invest time.   What are the two characteristics critical to building and maintaining relationships? Listen in.   Resources: Please send Comments, Questions, and Feedback to: [email protected] Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to: [email protected]

In this episode, Phil identifies the many characteristics of genuine leaders while addressing the common mistakes new leaders make as they navigate their new position. What is relaxed power? The best leaders have it. Listen in to find out. Resources: Please send Comments, Questions, and Feedback to: [email protected] Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to: [email protected]

In this episode, Phil shares the importance and value of being a part of a peer group or association. You, your business, and your industry will be better because of it.  Resources: Please send Comments, Questions, and Feedback to: [email protected] Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to: [email protected]

“Live your life as a learning man, not a learned man.” - Ted Ridlehuber In this episode, Phil cautions about the influence of others’ opinions. Do your own research; be open to new perspectives. That’s when we learn, evolve, and grow. Resources: Please send Comments, Questions, and Feedback to: [email protected] Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to: [email protected]

One of the hardest things to develop in elite professionals is the simplification of communication. Be passionate and concise in your explanations. Remove 50% of the complexity in your presentation. Then, go back and reread your notes and remove the other 50%. You’ll have better meetings, and your audience will appreciate, respect, and trust you even more.   Resources: Please send Comments, Questions, and Feedback to: [email protected] Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to: [email protected]

In this episode, Phil discusses how a scene from the movie Facing the Giants is a metaphor for many business dilemmas. If you do a and b, and you do both well, your business revenues should grow over time. But, like the scene from the movie, there’s more to success.   Summer days are almost over; now, it is time to refocus on disciplines and routines. Don’t just hope for rain; prepare the fields.   Resources: Facing the Giants, Preparing for Rain Scene https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=10154597198713754

In being absent, we lose context. We miss things more easily. As a result, our sense of respect for and engagement with others suffers.   In this episode, Phil shares his appreciation of and concern for our new-found remote “offices.” Lean in as he ponders the benefits and unintended consequences on our physical and emotional well-being.   Resources Serengeti - https://www.serengeti.com/ Please send Comments, Questions, and Feedback to: [email protected] Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to: [email protected]

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. In this episode, Phil shares how he made lemonade out of lemons. Even when it’s easier to walk away from problems, he encourages us to find an opportunity out of the situation.   Resources: Please send Comments, Questions, and Feedback to: [email protected] Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to: [email protected]

Have you recently reviewed your brand management processes? To whom do you wish to be seen as professionally attractive? Do your brand strategies and placements fit effectively? Is their aspiration in your brand?   Quality, value, and branding work collectively, and when they do, it’s apparent. Listen to this episode to hear Phil share a couple of brand examples of how this works and why it matters.   Resources: Please send Comments, Questions, and Feedback to: [email protected] Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to: [email protected]

Phil recently had extra time to read, research, and explore things outside his typical purview. Doing so reminded him of why this is so important. Taking time to expose ourselves to different things is invaluable. We learn and can find points of connection to other experiences, knowledge, and even people. It helps shape you as well as those around us. All of this has a rippling effect.   Resources: Please send Comments, Questions, and Feedback to: [email protected] Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to: [email protected]

How will you be remembered? We will be remembered by many for the accomplishments we made, but many more will remember us for the small, what may have seemed insignificant moments at the time. In this episode, Phil shares two individuals from his hometown who were inspiring and gave him sound advice. You may know these two individuals too! One is a well-known author; the other is a former NFL player.   Resources: Billy Mathis, Football Player -  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Mathis Stuart Woods, Author -  https://www.stuartwoods.com/bios/stuart-woods   Please send Comments, Questions, and Feedback to: [email protected] Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to: [email protected]

As a frequent flyer, Phil navigates the airport with ease. However, his recent travel experience was “one of those days that tests us.” He finally boarded the flight physically and mentally exhausted; things were not going well for him. Then, he met Summer. Our attitude and actions can transform another person’s day, and Summer did just that. Listen in to hear the whole story and find out who Summer is.   Resources: Delta Air Lines https://www.delta.com/   Please send Comments, Questions, and Feedback to: [email protected] Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to: [email protected]

Most industries face an ongoing challenge in recruiting, retaining, and engaging employees within their companies. In this episode, Phil breaks down what this looks like in collegiate athletics. The answer might be as simple as… listen in to find out.   Resources: Please send Comments, Questions, and Feedback to: [email protected] Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to: [email protected]

In this episode, Phil shares a recent conversation he had with his daughter about the stigma of seeing a therapist and its consequences on mental health. Health is not only physical but also mental and emotional. We must take care of all aspects of it. Improving performance/quality and managing stress/expectations usually involves some external assistance. What if we thought of therapists as life coaches instead? Resources: Please send Comments, Questions, and Feedback to: [email protected] Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to: [email protected]

As we get older, birthday celebrations seem to be smaller affairs. However, the number of people who reach out to us with birthday wishes has grown. This year on Phil’s birthday, as he received birthday messages, he started a new exercise. What did he do? Listen in to find out; it’s something you will want to try out on your next birthday!   Resources: Please send Comments, Questions, and Feedback to: [email protected] Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to: [email protected]

In this special episode of Monday Morning Mojo, Phil reminds us of something to keep in mind as we celebrate the 4th of July holiday this weekend. We are fortunate to live in a country where we’re free and able to share our different views and express our thoughts and opinions; this is something that we shouldn’t take for granted. Debating different points of view can lead to effective change as we find common ground. We wish you a Happy 4th of July!   Resources: Please send Comments, Questions, and Feedback to: [email protected] Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to: [email protected]

Spoiler alert! In this episode, Phil shares four life lessons you can learn from the movie Top Gun: Maverick. If you have already seen the movie, listen to hear Phil recap some of the best scenes. And if you haven't seen it yet, watch it! Then come back and listen.   Resources: Top Gun: Maverick - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1745960/   Please send Comments, Questions, and Feedback to: [email protected] Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to: [email protected]

What does it mean to “Shoot the shot?” Phil uses three marks in history to show the personality traits and actions of individuals that live by that motto. Listen in to hear Phil reflect on the game the Boston Red Sox lost the World Series to the New York Mets in 1986 and the games that led the Red Sox to their 2004 World Series win. He also shares part of 26th U.S. President Teddy Roosevelt’s speech “The Man in the Arena.” Resources: “Citizenship in a Republic” popularly known as “The Man in the Arena” by the 26th U.S. President Teddy Roosevelt - https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/Learn-About-TR/TR-Encyclopedia/Culture-and-Society/Man-in-the-Arena.aspx Boston Red Sox’ history - https://thisgreatgame.com/boston-red-sox-top-10-games/   Please send Comments, Questions, and Feedback to: [email protected] Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to: [email protected]

Action is the result of like minds working together to bring dreams, visions, proposals, and plans to reality. Your skills in persuasion are the catalyst for causing each of those to take flight. In this episode, Phil shares the importance of having persuasion skills through two examples; an individual who already persuades effectively and an individual who initially doubted its power.   Resources: Please send Comments, Questions, and Feedback to: [email protected] Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to: [email protected]

If you’ve ever played BINGO before, you know the phrase, “Shake the bag.” It’s a phrase Phil’s family has borrowed and most recently utilized as they made summer vacation plans. “Shaking the bag” can create enthusiastic energy that feeds adventure and fuels experiences but deciding to shake the bag is only phase one of a great experience. Listen in to hear phase two (and learn what the phrase means if you’re unfamiliar with it). Resources: Please send Comments, Questions, and Feedback to: [email protected] Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to: [email protected]

Could a robot waiter be the answer to restaurant staff shortages? In this episode, Phil shares he and his wife’s experience at a restaurant that utilized such technology. He discusses how advisors can utilize appropriate and available technology do achieve similar leverage with their clients and within their firms.   Resources: Steve Gresham, Execution is the New Innovation - https://theexecutionproject.com/   Please send Comments, Questions, and Feedback to: [email protected] Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to: [email protected]

“If you’re going through hell, keep going.” – Winston Churchill In this episode, Phil shares two things you can do to persevere and thrive through times of chaos, anxiety, and frustration. Keep the focus; keep the faith.    Resources: Winston Churchill - https://www.forbes.com/sites/geoffloftus/2012/05/09/if-youre-going-through-hell-keep-going-winston-churchill/?sh=44827c8fd549 Rodney Atkins, If You’re Going Through Hell - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l50L4GYhpLc   Please send Comments, Questions, and Feedback to: [email protected] Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to: [email protected]

It’s conference season, and with that has come new concepts, strategies, debates, best practices analyzed, and learning. But, the best part about conference season is being in-person again with business partners and friends.   We need intrapersonal experiences. Digital complements, but it can’t be the sole experience. When you appropriately utilize man and machine, truly great things can happen.   Resources: Envestnet Summit - https://www.envestnet.com/advisorsummit/ Bill Crager, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Envestnet - https://www.envestnet.com/content/team/bill-crager Judd Bergman - https://www.envestnet.com/content/team/jud-bergman-1957-2019 Kasparov Theory - https://www.ibm.com/blogs/industries/garry-kasparov-its-time-for-humans-and-machines-to-work-together/   Please send Comments, Questions, and Feedback to: [email protected] Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to: [email protected]    

  Who do you appreciate? When was the last time you took a second to recognize and gain enjoyment from the good qualities and characteristics of this person? In this episode, Phil takes a moment to show love, support, and appreciation to one of his colleagues, Sarah Jones, Marketing Manager and Executive Producer of Podcasts. Resources: Please send Comments, Questions, and Feedback to: [email protected] Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to: [email protected]

“The meaning of being a mother is virtually endless. A mother is a protector, disciplinarian and friend. A mother is a selfless, loving human who must sacrifice many of their wants and needs for the wants and needs of their children. A mother works hard to make sure their child is equipped with the knowledge, skills and abilities to make it as a competent human being. Being a mother is perhaps the hardest, most rewarding job a woman will ever experience.” – Susan Diranian, “The Meaning of Being a Mother”, Hello Motherhood In this special episode of Monday Morning Mojo, Phil shares the history of Mother’s Day. The world is a much better place because of mothers. Let’s celebrate all definitions of mothers; their dedication, love, sacrifice, and all they do. Thank you, Moms. Resources "The Meaning of Being a Mother" - https://www.hellomotherhood.com/article/536701-the-meaning-of-being-a-mother/ Please send Comments, Questions, and Feedback to: [email protected] Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to: [email protected]

Dirtied and crumpled souls like crumpled and dirty $100 bills are still as valuable as those refined, crisp ones. Looking beyond the superficial requires a discerning and curious eye; put forth the energy. Put forth the effort to be curious and discern. There’s more to this story; listen in. Resources: Please send Comments, Questions, and Feedback to: [email protected] Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to: [email protected]

Difference makers step up and step forward, and they often receive pushback for it. In this episode, Phil shares the stories of two difference-makers, Branch Rickey and Irv Pankey. Listen in to learn how their conviction to do the right thing impacted the lives of Jackie Robinson and Betsy Sailor.    Resources: Jackie Robinson and Branch Rickey, https://www.newsday.com/sports/baseball/jackie-robinson-and-branch-rickey-together-in-history-b78771 Betsy Sailor and Irv Pankey, https://espnpressroom.com/us/press-releases/2022/04/espn-films-short-betsy-irv-debuts-today-exclusively-on-espn/   Please send Comments, Questions, and Feedback to: [email protected] Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to: [email protected]

“I don’t get it.” What part? “All of it.” The number one topic clients wish to discuss with their advisors is cryptocurrency. People are interested in it and have questions because they don’t completely understand it either. They turn to the people they trust and respect to have the answers. In this episode, Phil encourages advisors who don’t know a lot about the topic of cryptocurrency to take time to learn about it so they can discuss it with clients in a meaningful way.   Resources: Please send Comments, Questions, and Feedback to: [email protected] Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to: [email protected]

In this episode, Phil shares a thought he had while attending a recent conference. Too many details can cause unnecessary anxiety, especially without the appropriate context and knowledge. He encourages the wealth management industry to take a cue from commercial airlines and medical professionals; keep people more focused on the outcomes and less on the details. Resources: Please send Comments, Questions, and Feedback to: [email protected] Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to: [email protected]

There are lessons to be learned from major events like the Great Depression, the assassination attempt of President Ronald Reagan, the Challenger explosion, 911, the Covid-19 Pandemic, etc.  One thing is true in every major event; the human spirit is resilient. Keep the faith! We’ll get through no matter what we are going through. Resources: Please send Comments, Questions, and Feedback to: [email protected] Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to: [email protected]

In this episode, Phil shares about his first professional mentor and the book, The Richest Man in Babylon, that he gave him. Phil still rereads this book today as well as shares it with others. Listen to hear Phil’s favorite lesson from the book and one to three things you can do to increase your ability to earn.   Resources: The Richest Man in Babylon, George S. Clason https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/294317/the-richest-man-in-babylon-by-george-s-clason/ Please send Comments, Questions, and Feedback to: [email protected] Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to: [email protected]

In this episode, Phil shares this lesson he learned while on a recent ski trip, “Ski with the faster, not necessarily the fastest.” Life is about development and progression. If mentors and their success are too far ahead of our current state, we may not be able to see our path forward; we may be tempted to slow down or even stop. We need to be able to see the path forward; find mentors that we can emulate and strive for their similar successes in our own life. Resources: Toby Keith, “As Good As I Once Was” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ldQrapQ4d0Y General George Patton, ‘ Fatigue makes cowards of us all. Men in condition do not tire.’ - https://www.heroic.us/optimize/quotes/patrick-mckeown/as-u-s-army-general-george-patton-wrote-to-his-troops Please send Comments, Questions, and Feedback to: [email protected] Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to: [email protected]

Inspired by feedback from episode 533 Reactions Matter, Phil unpacks a comment from a listener, “Everyone’s brain produces a different story.” The views we have and the stories we tell are developed from our experiences and knowledge. We don’t always get the story right because our view is limited. However, with more awareness and diverse interactions, we will be able to better see the other person’s story. Resources: Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking, Malcolm Gladwell - https://www.amazon.com/Blink-Power-Thinking-Without/dp/0316010669 Please send Comments, Questions, and Feedback to: [email protected] Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to: [email protected]

Communication is key. When people do good things for us, we need to acknowledge it, especially when they put their reputations out there. Follow through with what you say you’ll do and equally important, follow up! It’s simple, but the impact is huge. Resources: Please send Comments, Questions, and Feedback to: [email protected] Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to: [email protected]

Even when events occur beyond our control, we can choose how we respond to them. Our reaction can have a significant impact on the outcome. In this episode, Phil shares a recent experience he had while flying. While he reacted calmly, others reacted with fear or anger. It was a reminder that we all respond differently to circumstances. Listen in to hear more.  Resources: Chicken Soup for the Soul, Jack Canfield - https://www.chickensoup.com/ Delta flight 1172 - https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/delta-plane-skids-while-landing-in-atlanta/85-3f1a4599-fe47-4cd9-890e-601e260d4c78 Please send Comments, Questions, and Feedback to: [email protected] Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to: [email protected]

Phil takes one week during the middle of each quarter to do a “Maintenance Week.” This week may include anything from oil changes to email cleanouts. Take time to do routine and preventative maintenance in your personal and professional lives; this is critical for your relationships. When will you make the time? Resources: Please send Comments, Questions, and Feedback to: [email protected] Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to: [email protected]

Phil shares his recent experience in Fort Worth, TX, at the Stock Show and Rodeo in this episode. Despite a winter storm bringing most everything to a standstill, the cowboys and cowgirls rode on. He attributes this mindset to the ranching lifestyle that allows for no days off and encourages us to live our lives similarly. So don’t let fear, distrust, or humiliation stop you; carry on like the cowboys and cowgirls. Resources: Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo - https://www.fwssr.com/ Kaycee Feild, #4 in the World for Bareback Riding - https://prorodeo.com/bio/contestant/kaycee-feild/21408 Cowboy Ethics by James Owen - https://www.amazon.com/Cowboy-Ethics-What-Takes-Life/dp/1628736631 Please send Comments, Questions, and Feedback to: [email protected] Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to: [email protected]

While it is vital to have the right tools in place, it is equally important that we utilize existing resources and create success in non-traditional ways.    In this episode, Phil applies advice from his uncle to solve two challenges. What tools do you already have, and what tools do you need? Listen in.   Resources: Please send Comments, Questions, and Feedback to: [email protected] Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to: [email protected]

Do you have the tools and technologies you/your business needs for growth and evolvement of services and experiences in the future? Many “tools,” with basic instruction, have been simplified to be beneficial and usable to any user. Even more complex “tools” can be mastered with adequate time and resources. The real challenge is selecting the right tools. Resources: Thomas Carlyle, Sartor Resartus (meaning 'The tailor re-tailored') - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sartor_Resartus Please send Comments, Questions, and Feedback to: [email protected] Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to: [email protected]

There is always a price for planning, but the upfront investment of time and research usually pays for itself in experience and results. In this episode, Phil shares a personal example of his wife planning for a hypothetical trip many months in advance and the rewards of her preparation. He then shares the story of a friend’s family property management firm and the benefits to business succession planning. What should you start planning for today? Resources: St. Elmos, Steak House in Indianapolis, IN - https://www.stelmos.com/ Please send Comments, Questions, and Feedback to: [email protected] Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to: [email protected]