Jamy Bechler

Providing Insights on Leadership and Success. Coach Bechler is a John Maxwell Leadership Team Member.

Episode 166: Former CIA Officer Marc Polymeropoulos

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Marc Polymeropoulos served 26 years in the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) before retiring in June 2019.  His positions included field and headquarters operational assignments covering the Middle East, Europe, Eurasia, and CounterTerrorism.  He is the recipient of the Distinguished Intelligence Medal, the Intelligence Commendation Medal, and the Intelligence Medal of Merit. Marc is also the author of Clarity in Crisis: Leadership Lessons from the CIA.

In today’s episode, we discuss:
  • What makes an effective CIA officer
  • How we can learn from mistakes
  • The Hollywood or movie version of the CIA
  • Why teamwork is so important to the CIA
  • … and so much more!!!

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Episode 172: Leadership that Rocks with Jim Knight

Jim Knight is a keynote speaker, author, podcaster, and entrepreneur, Jim Knight teaches organizations of all sizes how to attain their own “rock star” status.

Although his illustrious career started at Gatorland Zoo (he has the scars to prove it), Jim cut his teeth in the hospitality industry and eventually led Global Training for Hard Rock International for two decades. His customized programs show how to amp up organizational culture, deliver world-class differentiated service, and build rock star teams and leaders.

Known for his edu-taining programs (in person, virtually and in print), Jim is the best-selling author of Culture That Rocks: How to Revolutionize Your Company’s Culture and was featured in Entrepreneur Magazine as one of the “5 Books That Will Help You Transform How Your Do Business”.

Jim’s newest book, Leadership That Rocks  (May 2021), is the first in the 3-part “Culture That Rocks” series.

A portion of Jim’s book sales, podcast revenue, speaking fees and training program proceeds goes to No Kid Hungry and Cannonball Kids’ cancer.

Click here to read Jim’s bio.

In today’s episode, we discuss:
  • The best and most underrated bands of all-time
  • A musician that is overlooked for his talent
  • Building strong teams
  • Creating cultures that rock
  • … and much more!!!

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Episode 170: Jake Kelfer, Professional Basketball Combine

Jake Kelfer is the 2x bestselling author of Elevate Beyond and Elevate Your Network, as well as a motivational speaker and the founder of Professional Basketball Combine. His first book Elevate Beyond, released in 2016, originally began as a series of blog posts for his friends and is a real-world guide to standing out in the job market and discovering your passion. Elevate Your Network, his follow-up book which was released in 2018, is all about how to build extraordinary relationships in life and business. His company, Professional Basketball Combine, provides NBA draft prospects an opportunity to raise their draft stock and achieve their dream of playing pro basketball through private workouts, combine testing and team interviews.

Click here to read more about Jake Kelfer.

In today’s episode, we discuss:
  • The greatest Laker of all-time
  • Who was the player he pretended to be for last-second shots
  • Being more important than Jerry West for 14 seconds.
  • Retiring on the same day as Kobe Bryant
  • What it takes to be an NBA player
  • … and much more!!!

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Episode 130: U.S. Marshal Peter Elliott

The U.S. Marshals is the oldest American Federal law enforcement agency. The service was created way back during the presidency of George Washington.  Joining a long and storied list of American lawmen, in 2003, Peter Elliott was appointed by President George W. Bush as a U.S. Marshal. Since then, he has been retained by presidents Barack Obama and Donald Trump. Elliot is one of only 94 U.S. marshals appointed by the president to oversee a judicial district within their state. He is the longest-serving U.S. Marshal in Ohio history. 

In today’s episode, we discuss:
  • The amazing success of the witness protection program
  • How he got 850 fugitives (including 300 felons) to peacefully surrender one time … without tricking them!
  • Partnering with law enforcement agencies all over the country
  • Why it’s important to continue tracking fugitives
  • Creating the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task 
  • … and so much more!!!

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Episode 101: Tim Dimoff, Security & Workplace Expert

Tim Dimoff is the President & CEO of SACS Consulting and Investigative Services, Inc., a company that specializes in high-risk workplace and human resource issues. As one of the nation’s leading authorities in high risk and security concerns, Tim has been called upon to examine evidence from crime scenes, victims, and to develop offender profiles. He is also nationally recognized for his expertise on HR subjects including drug abuse, workplace violence prevention, bullying and more. Tim is also the author of several books including, “How to Recognize Substance Abuse”, “The YOU in Business”, and “Life Rage”. He has written many articles, and he provides media commentary throughout the U.S.

In today’s episode, we discuss:
  • Being selected to provide security for the 2016 Republican National Convention
  • Addressing the school shooting situations
  • How to organize and run events safely
  • Safety and security in organizations and businesses
  • … and so much more!!!

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Episode 099: Company Culture for Dummies with Mike Ganino

Mike Ganino is a culture & storytelling expert who helps executives, teams, and thought leaders communicate, connect, and engage. He is the author of “Company Culture for Dummies” and has been named a top 30 Culture Speaker by Global Guru. His unique experience as a hospitality and tech industry executive combined with his years as an improve actor help his clients and audience craft the kinds of stories that drive their culture, boost results, and increase sales.

Mike’s work as a professional speaker, communications coach, Emcee, and trainer has helped create memorable performances and events for companies like Big Fresno Fair, Snagajob, PeopleMatter, Uber, US Foods, American Marketing Association, and more. He is faculty member at Heroic Public Speaking where he works with authors, experts, and professional speakers to improve their storytelling skills. Mike’s the Head Performance Coach for TEDx Cambridge.

Audiences love Mike’s high energy, high engagement keynotes that fire them up to rewrite the stories happening in their organization. They leave with real-life strategies they can begin implementing immediately for improved culture that drives employee and customer experience.

In today’s episode, we discuss:
  • What is culture and why it’s important
  • Strategies for developing the right culture
  • Mistakes people make in business
  • How to hire better people
  • … and so much more!!!

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Episode 088: Nicole Arbour, Comedian & Entertainer

Nicole Arbour is a comedian, entertainer, social media expert, actress, singer, dancer, choreographer, motivator, and business consultant. Her videos have been viewed more than 700 million times worldwide. She has a great story that can be inspirational to those that want to be a victor rather than a victim. After being an NBA cheerleader, choreographer, starring on the top comedy show on Much Music in Canada (Canada’s MTV), helping mass brands create record breaking digital content, and working her way up to feature films and televised stand up specials, Nicole was involved in a car accident in 2008 that left her on disability and a life of medial treatments. ​Refusing to accept the lifelong disability diagnosis, Nicole utilized unconventional treatments, created the #GOTEAM movement, and very literally cheered herself and thousands of fans back to life and off of pain killers.

Her hard-hitting, real, and innovative debate starting style of comedy has led her to being one of the Top-7 Youtube Channels Crushing It That You Can Learn From by Entrepreneur Magazine as well as being featured by major news outlets around the world in the last two years alone.  Nicole has been seen hosting Style New York Fashion Week at Madison Square Garden, joining the BBC Comedy Writing staff, hosting sold out events in Las Vegas and nightclubs around the world, consulting and creating content for brands that has led to tens of millions of views for her partners as well as beginning her music, beauty and book projects.

​Nicole has been humbled to receive a series of accolades in including an Honorary Hollywood  Walk of Fame star for special achievement in social media.  The Hero of Hope Award from the International Pain Foundation and was the online fan vote winner and finalist for a Shorty Award Best Comedian.

In today’s episode, we discuss:
  • Refusing to be a victim and giving up her disability checks
  • The benefits and pitfalls of her celebrity status
  • Using comedy to make people think and begin conversations
  • How she strengthens her mind daily

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Episode 087: World Champion Gamer Stephanie Harvey

Stephanie Harvey, known as “Miss Harvey”, is one of the pioneers in the gaming industry. She is a 5-time eSports world champion. She is probably best known for playing Counter-Strike and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (GS:GO). She currently plays for the Counter Logic Gaming Red team. Stephanie has worked with Ubisoft Montreal since 2009. She worked on Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands (XBOX 360, PS3, PC) and James Noir’s Hollywood Crimes (3DS). In December 2016, she won the 3rd season of the popular TV show “Canada’s Smartest Person”. The French-Canadian was recently-signed by Hewlett-Packard Canada to be its face in the gaming world. 

 

In today’s episode, we discuss:

  • Teamwork needed on eSports teams
  • What video games she played while growing up
  • Dealing with trash talk or criticism, especially as a female
  • Her passion for NHL hockey

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Episode 078: One Percent Better with Joe Ferraro

If you want to be better and choose success then today’s guest is your guy. Joe Ferraro is the host of the One Percent Better podcast. He has interviewed such high-level thought leaders as Seth Godin, Phil Jones, Chris Voss, and Daniel Pink. He is also a motivational speaker and co-host of the KWB Radio show with Kevin Wilson. Joe is was a NCAA baseball coach and player, who now coaches baseball at Bronxville HS in New York. 

In today’s episode, we discuss:

  • Coaches who say “I don’t discuss playing time with parents”
  • How he inspires kids on the ball fields and in the classroom
  • What leadership and life lessons he has learned through hosting his own podcast

[Read more…]

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