The Business Elevation Show With Chris Cooper - Be More. Achieve More

Over the centuries people have been inspired, moved emotionally and captivated by works of art. Art has the ability to help us to express complex feelings, to develop the whole brain and explore areas that we have not explored before. In light of the current circumstances can art help us make sense of our new world paradigm? My guest the highly accomplished artist and art educator Georgina Heskin has held 37 solo exhibitions in Ireland, the UK, and the USA plus 27 group exhibitions. She set up the Innovation Art Group showcasing the very best in the creative fields and has been heavily involved in art education in Ireland, the UK and Dubai. Her work is in high demand for interior design, commercial and print and her literary expertise has taken her around the world educating as well as being interviewed on national and regional TV and radio. Join us we explore why art works and how it can help us to make sense of a world that seems beyond words right now.

Be honest, how well are you dealing with life's pressures right now? Would you like to perform more effortlessly in the workplace whilst enjoying home life more? Over the last 10 days, I have accessed daily Nikki J Owen's Breathing Space, a pioneering approach anyone can learn that helps you to transform wellbeing, mindset, energy levels & behaviour. Over this period, I can sincerely say I have been able to effortlessly block out the stresses of the current pandemic whilst becoming highly productive & more connected with my family. This has also happened whilst dealing with two COVID-19 tragedies in my close network. Having known Nikki for several years, she is a rare & inspiring individual committed to creating immediate & sustainable change for her clients. Not only is Breathing Space beautifully crafted with the most incredible skill & production quality you can experience it for free at www.mybreathing-space.com. Join us as we talk about how we can all make life more effortless.

With the COVID-19 pandemic we are adopting a new sense of normal: gone are the days of communicating face to face daily with our loved ones, colleagues, and work connections. We are now embracing the virtual world like never before, with video calls at an all time high. But how can we learn to communicate using these tools in the most effective way? This week’s guest Joel Silverstone brings his 20+ years of expertise in communication skills with Fortune 500 companies. He has presented to thousands of participants globally, delivering highly engaging and interactive sessions, where participants build their communication impact with influencing skills and mindset, discover acting techniques, and use of emotional intelligence awareness and strategies. Join us as we delve into the virtual world and share the secrets to successful communication!

How do you elevate your leadership in a crisis? Gene Early, Leaders’ Quest partner and co-founder of the first NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming) training institute in Europe and I, Chris Cooper (leadership, people and engagement specialist) have joined forces to help you elevate your performance to a next level during crisis. In May 2019, we discussed how there were unprecedented leadership challenges today and introduced a new model to elevate leadership. Little did we know at that time that our paradigm would be tipped on its head with a global pandemic shifting business models, leadership qualities required and life across the world. As we adjust to this environment more consistent heart felt approaches to leadership and modern day working are required. Join us as we discuss this in line with our 5 point star elevating leadership model to help you to step up and hold your head calmly inspiring and guiding others with the warmth and conviction of your leadership.

When faced with tough times it can be hard to imagine brighter days ahead. We can feel stuck and stagnant, unable to move forward and progress… but one of the biggest things holding us back from reaching our goals can be ourselves! Jessica Richards C.hyp MNCH (Acc) has been a Clinical Hypnotherapist since 1985 and specialises in Personal Transformation and Corporate Leadership Development using her unique and highly effective ‘Changing the Groundhog Day’ process, which identifies and resolves self-limiting beliefs and is life changing. Her work reaches beyond resolution, helping people gain creative insights into their purpose, direction and meaning in life. Jessica’s work has made such an impact with senior business people that she was voted by the Academy for Chief Executives as one of the top three speakers of the decade. Join us as we talk through how we can look at our lives to recognise where we are holding ourselves back, and how we can move forward towards success!

My 10 year old son asked me recently ’Has God brought us the coronavirus as he is angry with us for damaging our planet?’. While the world seeks an antidote for coronavirus, and we deal with the consequences with our families, something remarkable is emerging. More and more people are reconnecting with what is truly important kindness, love, respect, collaboration and even JOY. Perhaps there is truth in my son’s question and without doubt in the gloom a better world paradigm will eventually emerge. Barry Shore's mission is to transform the world through JOY. An extremely successful serial entrepreneur, his world turned upside down when in Sept 2004, he became a quadriplegic overnight from a rare disease. His journey to regain mobility pushed him to build an incredible platform to teach people to LIVE in JOY, daily and The JOY of LIVING Institute ™ was born. We will discuss how JOY is a wonderful antidote to help us rise like a phoenix into our new paradigm.

How do you build influence and develop your brand online in uncertain times? As the world in 2020 is brought to a standstill by a frightening new viral paradigm it is hard to see a positive in the word viral. Yet for many years marketers have used the concept of the multiplication of opportunity via ‘viral marketing’ techniques to successfully build their brands online. As we move even more into an online world, understanding the key principles of influencer marketing is now essential. Luke Peters has started over 5 businesses. His current brand NewAir is growing with over 50 employees and multi 8 figure sales and was voted as one of Orange County’s Top Workplaces in 2019. Luke's newest venture is a new e-commerce service business and he is the Host of ‘The Page 1’ Podcast. Join us as we discuss how to develop your brand via influencer marketing and YouTube to survive and flourish in uncertain times.

A new generation of businesses has been emerging, working together to make a positive impact on the world by redefining what it means to be successful. By considering the impact of the decisions you make, you can join them in reducing poverty, injustice and environmental damage. As we emerge from pandemic this acceleration will be critical. Paul Hargreaves’ business, Cotswold Fayre, started as a means of supplementing his income whilst engaged in charity work within inner-city London. It quickly grew to become the leading speciality food wholesaler in the UK. Always wanting greater justice in the world, Paul has realised over the past 20 years that businesses have immense power to create a better world and as a B Corp Ambassador is inspiring many other business to do their part to change the world for the better. We will discuss, in light of our current world lessons, from his life and new book 'Forces for Good - Creating a better world through purpose-driven businesses'.

Conflict at work and at home can be very draining emotionally and in some cases, financially! So which conflicts do you need to resolve in your life and how will you go about it? As my guest Jane Gunn told me, when people are in conflict it often takes 3 years or more before it is properly resolved. As a former lawyer Jane Gunn’s mission is to help busy executives to collaborate effectively as they manage change, challenge and crisis in their organisations. She is a mediator, speaker and author of – “How To Beat Bedlam In The Boardroom And Boredom In The Bedroom”. Jane has been invited to speak at the United Nations, the White House, the European Commission and the International Energy Agency and has spoken at events all over the world. Join us as we explore how to resolve conflict rapidly and ideally by midnight!

Who would have anticipated that a virus would put the world into a tailspin? Or that a 17 year old would bring the realities of climate change to the masses and change perspectives forever? In an even faster instant, life can throw completely unexpected curveballs at you illness, work surprises, an accident, a heckler at a speech…Yet are you able to be agile in your response when others around you might fall into fragility? This week’s guest, John Cremer, is a top improvisational perform-er and enthralls audiences with humour, stagecraft and role play. I once joined a queue at 7am to get a ticket for one of his events, such was the demand. John, the founder of the award winning Maydays improvisation company says that within each of us is a creative genius waiting to step out and flourish and by using improvisation tools we can turn the unexpected into opportunity. Join us as we discuss turning each surprise situation into an opportunity for your success!

Wildfires, floods, receding glaciers, diminishing wildlife and forests, plastics in oceans, widespread pollution. Human impact is damaging our planet, yet most of us are stuck in a confusing pattern of accelerating consumption and advice. What can we each do to play our role in reversing climate change? Or is there no point? As I reflect on this topic daily, I am struck by how it is even a battle in my own family as I irritate my kids by insisting lights and appliances are switched off, household food waste is reduced and consider whether an electric vehicle is justifiable. I am joined by Elisabet Vinberg Hearn CEO of Katapult Partners, Award-winning Author, Leadership and Sustainability expert. Also, Steven Morris, brand strategy consult-ant at Mth Degree, artist, author and lover of the outdoors who’s thriving consultancy works with organizations across the US. Join us as we discuss our thoughts and perspectives on this critical subject that is on so many minds.

How can you make you and your business stand out on social media, but without being pushy, salesy and in your face? This week’s guest, Sarah Santacroce, is starting a revolution! 12 years of running an Online LinkedIn Consulting business inspired a yearning in Sarah to create a global movement that encourages people to bring more empathy and kindness to business & marketing. She called it The Gentle Business Revolution™. Besides a podcast with the same name Sarah is currently working on a book to inspire heart-centered entre-preneurs to question their assumptions when it comes to marketing & give them permission to market their business their way! Join us as Sarah shares some expert advice on how you can win clients on social media – without the sleazy sales techniques!

In part 1 of the Business of Rumi we introduced Rumi the 13th century philosopher, poet, author and now 21st century bestselling poet and heard from the head of the whirling dervishes Fahri Ozcakil and Hz Esin Celibi Bayru a 22nd generation relative of Rumi and Vice President of the International Mevlana foundation. In this episode, Part 2, you will hear from Murat Peksomlu the General Manager of the Novotel and Ibis in Konya on how they use Rumi principles to build exceptional customer service. Also founder and Chairman of the Diplomatic Business Club London and Dubai, Dr Mansour Malik, whose love of Rumi helps engage and attract his royal household, senior diplomat & business executive club members to his incredible organization. I also share some of my very favourite Rumi quotes and poems and provide a bridge to how they help in our quest to elevate ourselves as business people and human beings. Join us as we help bring the business of Rumi into your life and organization.

Why is Rumi the 13th century philosopher, poet & author so loved today? Admirers include Bob Dylan, Madonna & Coldplay. What can we learn from his life & work that can elevate our lives & businesses? In Dec. 2020, business elevation, leadership & engagement specialist and show host Chris Cooper was invited to the 746th Rumi celebrations in Konya, Turkey by founder of the Diplomatic Business Club, Dr Mansour Malik. In part 1 of this journey you will learn about Rumi including interviews with revered guests Esin Celibi Bayru a 22nd generation relative of Rumi and Vice President of the International Mevlana foundation. Also, Fahri Ozcakil a Director of the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Head of the Whirling Dervishes! Then in part 2, a hotel chain General Manager who puts Rumi at the heart of customer service and Dr Mansour Malik whose love of Rumi engages his royal household, senior diplomat & business executive club members. Join us to bring Rumi into your life and business.

Why is it that it often takes a talented external party to unlock the potential within your leaders and teams? What are the behaviours, techniques and tools they bring to do this so successfully? My passion for 30 years has been helping leaders, teams and business owners to realise more of their potential and build thriving workplaces. It takes a lot of investment in learning and skills development to become highly recommended in this craft. So I wanted to invite other leadership develop-ers and friends of the show at the top of their game to discuss their secrets. Roelien Bokxem, co-founder of Presence at Work a collective leadership business from Holland, Steven Morris, artist, writer, entrepreneur and creative leadership expert from San Diego. Coach and professional speaker, Hilary Wilson - a best kept secret amongst many board rooms in the UK. Join us to hear our perspectives on what works in today's quest to create highly engaged, authentic and high performing leaders.

Jared Nichols says “Like every story, there's always another side to consider. This is especially true when it comes to the future, a story that is still being written. Each of us still has a role to play in this story of the future, and when that role is fulfilled, the future could look very different”. So what are the key drivers of change and how can we use them to consider and share our future? Jared Nichols is a futurist, advisor, and faculty member at the University of Tennessee Haslam College of Business, in Graduate and Executive Education. He teaches leaders, teams, and individuals, how to think like futur-ists so they can create the best future for themselves and the people they serve. Join us for this week’s interview where we will discuss Jared’s 5 Drivers For Shaping The Future. Drivers to consider in our work and with our families in order to learn how we adapt to them and shape our own futures.

In a world that rotates at 1000mph, sometimes we feel the need to think equally as fast! However, this can often cause stressful and unproductive situations. Bob Kulhan has spent the last two decades linking improvisation to business through the behavioral sciences. Bob is an elite improv actor as well as an Adjunct Professor at The Duke University Fuqua School of Business and Columbia University Business School. He also is the Founder and CEO of Business Improv®. Based out of Chicago, LA & New York City, BI is a world-class leader in devel-oping experiential learning programs for businesses. I’m delighted to welcome Bob back on to the show, as he discusses the art of Thinking Slow to Move Fast. For those of you who want to be more productive and less rushed, this is a show not to be missed!

Tom Eddington has worked for three decades in business as a consultant, educator, entrepreneur, and strategic advisor. He is a student and teacher of board, leadership, and organizational effectiveness – focusing on how companies grow, achieve, and sustain effectiveness whilst remaining stewards for their stakeholders. As a partner in a highly respected global consulting firm he led in-ternational mergers and was earning a seven figure income, Tom Eddington was at the top of his game. Then an illness left him unable to work for years. In this interview, Tom will share with us what he has learned about vulnerability, and why it is essential for leaders to connect with those they lead.

In today's noisy marketplace, it's crucial you find ways to get noticed. But do you shy away from the spotlight for fear of feeling like an idiot or looking like a show-off? Do you see others out there, attracting the kind of attention you wish you could get? Penny Haslam has enjoyed a successful career in broadcasting spanning twenty years. She worked as a senior business journalist on BBC Radio 4 business and personal finance shows, and from there was invited to present the flagship investigative news programme Panorama in 2010 and 2011. In this interview, Penny shares pro-tips on: Getting on TV and radio and acing your appearances. Bossing it as a speaker and when you present to people. Shining when you take part in or chair a panel discussion. If you recognise the value of raising your profile for your business or career, then don’t miss this interview - because now is the right time for you to make yourself a little bit famous!

If you had three extra days a month to focus on what really matters, then how much more would you achieve? What if you could ensure your people also had three extra days each to work on your business? My guest, Simon Barrett, helps his clients to do just that. He literally helps them to strip out wasted time and employ methodologies that increase efficiency giving them extra time for the important things. As a Director of Smarter Not Harder, the UK’s leading provider of time management training, he is regularly working with major brands and entrepreneurs and helping them to achieve more in less time. Enabling them to get their heads around working productively in a digital age. Join us as we look at the techniques employed by a highly experienced personal productivity expert and coach that will enable you and your people to work smarter not harder.