Play Your Position With Mary Lou Kayser

What's it like to be a legacy creative leader in the Nashville music scene? In today's episode, I'm diving into the world of music, leadership, and creative passion with John Chisum, a veteran songwriter, publisher, and mentor who has spent over 43 years in the music industry. From working with Christian music legends like Steven Curtis Chapman and the Gaither family to running Nashville Christian Songwriters, John has a wealth of wisdom about finding your authentic voice and navigating the complex landscape of creative entrepreneurship. He's not just about hit songs, but about empowering artists to understand their “why” and develop their unique talents. This conversation is perfect for: Musicians and aspiring artists; Leadership enthusiasts; and anyone seeking inspiration and authentic career advice in a world that often prioritizes fame over substance. Connect with John Chisum: On his website: https://www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/  On his podcast: https://www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/

In this game-changing episode, Geoff Woods, author of "The AI Driven Leader," reveals how artificial intelligence can become your ultimate strategic thought partner. Geoff breaks down the myths, fears, and incredible potential of AI for leaders across all industries. Key Takeaways: Discover how AI can elevate your strategic thinking in minutes Learn the CRIT framework for powerful AI communication Understand why AI is an enhancement, not a replacement, for human talent Highlights: Geoff's transformative journey from traditional leadership to AI-powered strategy Real-world case study: How AI helped a manufacturing CEO solve a critical debt restructuring challenge Practical tips for overcoming AI fears and embracing technological innovation Memorable Quote: "Your greatest risk is not losing your job to AI, it's losing your job to someone who uses AI." Connect with Geoff Woods: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geoff-woods-8534774/  Website: https://AILeadership.com  Book: "The AI Driven Lead

James Brown isn't just another business coach - he's a living testament to breaking through limitations. From being told he wasn't good enough as a young man to building a law practice that generated $8 million annually, James has transformed personal challenges into a powerful mission of helping entrepreneurs scale their businesses intelligently. In this riveting episode, James shares his journey from working on a General Motors assembly line while pursuing his law degree to becoming a leadership coach who helps business owners think differently. His approach is refreshingly data-driven: he teaches entrepreneurs how to manage by metrics, create sustainable systems, and most importantly, overcome the mental barriers that hold them back. With practical insights and hard-earned wisdom, James reveals how understanding your true goals - personally, professionally, and financially - is the first step to building a successful business. For listeners looking to dive deeper into James's transformative philosophy, h

In today’s episode, I’m joined by the deeply insightful Marybeth Gregg—an author, leadership advisor, and creator of transformative roundtable experiences for women leaders. She first appeared on the podcast two years ago and is back with more insights about how to lead with integrity, purpose, and vision, especially when you are facing a major life shift.  We explore the power of real connection in an increasingly remote and distracted world, the courage it takes to lead with values, and why creating safe, judgment-free spaces is one of the most radical things we can do right now. Marybeth shares personal stories of navigating transitions, what it means to embrace AI without losing our humanity, and how we can redefine leadership through curiosity, compassion, and culture. If you’ve been feeling the weight of burnout, the pressure to be perfect, or the pull to lead more intentionally—this one’s for you. Connect with Marybeth Gregg on her website: https://ticwl.com/  On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/

Are you ready to be inspired? Because the woman you are about to hear is truly a powerhouse of resilience and leadership! Her name is Krista Ryan, and she is a dynamic speaker, author, and workplace performance expert. As a third-generation owner and former Human Resources Director of her family's bank, Krista brings nearly two decades of experience in the financial industry. Her journey took a transformative turn after surviving the Route 91 Harvest Music Festival tragedy in Las Vegas, leading her to develop the 'Keep F*!#ing Going' (KfG) Method—a motivational framework designed to help individuals and organizations thrive through chaos and change. Krista's insights have empowered C-suite executives, entrepreneurs, elite athletes, and more. She's also the CEO and founder of KfG Coaching, LLC, a Bravely Pro Coach, and a 'Room Tilter' with Limitless Minds. Her book, 'Keep F*!#ing Going: A Formula to Live Better and Lead Stronger Through Chaos and Change,' encapsulates her philosophy and strategies for turning

What happens when a star athlete with a leadership mindset steps into the world of business—starting at the front desk and rising to CEO? Well, Damon Lembi knows firsthand. Drafted by both the Atlanta Braves and the Yankees, he had his sights set on a professional baseball career. But when that path took an unexpected turn, he found himself in a completely different arena: the corporate world. Rather than leaning on family connections, Damon started as a receptionist at Learnit, the company his father co-founded. But with the same work ethic and drive that made him a leader on the field, he climbed the ranks—eventually stepping into the CEO role just as the dot-com bubble was about to burst. What followed was a crash course in resilience, reinvention, and redefining leadership for a new era. For over 30 years, Damon has been at the helm of Learnit, evolving it from a tech training company into a powerhouse for professional development. His insights on leadership, storytelling, and the future of work are shape

Today, you will hear my conversation with one of the OGs of the Internet, Perry Marshall. Let me tell you a little bit about Perry. He is undoubtedly one of the most experienced Internet Marketers of all time. If there’s ever an internet marketing hall of fame, he would be inducted in the first round. I remember crossing Perry’s path way back in my early days as an online business builder, long before this podcast was even an idea, let alone a full show. I remember thinking how smart he was then, and let me tell you -- he’s even smarter now. You will hear Perry talk about his early days online, how he got involved, how he positioned himself with Google AdWords until he recognized hitching his brand to a platform he didn’t own was not a great idea. He’s written a ton about how to market and sell online, including “80/20 Sales and Marketing -- the Definitive Guide to Working Less and Making More.” You all know how much I love a good book title -- this is exceptional. And what’s inside will blow your mind. Perry

My guest Leslie Hassler is a powerhouse strategist, leader, and author who is an expert in transforming small businesses into thriving, freedom-generating ventures. She is the founder of Your Biz Rules with 17 years of entrepreneurial experience. She’s also the author of First This, Then That and the upcoming book Scaling Rich™. Leslie’s holistic approach helps businesses achieve predictable profits and sustainable growth, all while maintaining a balanced quality of life. Our conversation dives deep into what it takes to first grow a business, and then scale it (there is a difference between those two things and Leslie explains it beautifully!) Get ready for a lot of energy, wisdom, and good old fashioned common sense.  Connect with Leslie Hassler on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesliehassler/  On her website: https://www.yourbizrules.com/  Get her books:  Scaling Rich: https://www.yourbizrules.com/buy-scaling-rich/ First This, Then That: https://www.yourbizrules.com/first-this-then-that-book/  = =

In today's episode, Brad Englert, a former CIO at the University of Texas at Austin, discusses his career journey and leadership insights. He emphasizes the importance of building relationships, mentoring, and understanding goals and aspirations, key themes in his book, Spheres of Influence. He also talks about AI's potential impact, noting both its benefits and the risks of deep fakes and security breaches. It's another fascinating conversation with a successful leader! Connect with Brad Englert on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradenglert/  Get Brad's book: https://a.co/d/4X35zP9  = = = = = Get my books here! https://maryloukayser.com/books-by-marylou/  The River Only Runs One Way  The Far Unlit Unknown = = = = = Thank you for supporting the show! Your 5-star rating and review makes a difference -- it's easy to leave one and it helps spread the word about the podcast! Best social places to connect with me:  @maryloukayser (Instagram) https://www.linkedin.com/in/mlkayser/ (LinkedIn)

Today, my guest is Amy Bobchek, a seasoned executive leader and sales strategist with over 25 years of experience leading successful large sales organizations. Amy is truly a sales leader powerhouse. She is passionate about building teams and creating transformative experiences for employees and customers. She gets results and she does it with flair. But beyond the corporate walls, Amy loves to express her creativity. She sings with a band, she supports local arts communities, she wears amazingly cool clothes, and she has a knack for being fashion-forward including on Zoom calls. I’ve been fortunate to know Amy for three years and am so happy she and I finally had a chance to sit down together behind the mic and talk about leadership. Our conversation is upbeat, thoughtful, and most importantly -- rich with takeaways for you to enhance your leadership practice. Connect with Amy Bobchek on LinkedIn:  = = = = = Your best ideas and decisions don’t come from doing the same things or waiting for the ‘perfect’ mome

You know that one scene in Raiders of the Lost Ark when Indiana Jones finds himself facing a machete-wielding bad guy in the marketplace? Not only is that one of the best scenes in the entire movie, but it also carries powerful symbolic significance for anyone on a quest to grow. There comes a time in your life when you have to be Indiana Jones in that one scene -- and in today's episode, I talk about why. = = = = = ===>>> Early Bird Pricing thru January 20th for the Activate and Align Workshop!

The 2024 Retrospective is here! Take a listen to this year's highlight reel of the conversations I had with 22 amazing guests who each brought their experiences and stories to the leadership conversation. So many awesome takeaways, there are too many to list here. Let's just say it was another terrific year here at PYP -- thank you for being a part of the journey! = = = = = Get my books here! https://maryloukayser.com/books-by-marylou/  The River Only Runs One Way  The Far Unlit Unknown Join the 1200+ leaders who read my newsletter "Field Notes" by clicking here. Thank you for supporting the show! Your 5-star rating and review makes a difference -- it's easy to leave one and it helps spread the word about the podcast! Best social places to connect with me:  @maryloukayser (Instagram) https://www.linkedin.com/in/mlkayser/ (LinkedIn)

Today, my guest is Chad T Jenkins, a visionary wizard who knows how to alchemize friction into gold for entrepreneurs and companies all over the world looking to grow through innovation.  He recently launched his latest book, Friction Fuel [the secret to listening strategically and leveraging complaints to keep your business running on premium]. We talk a lot about his books; he has another one: Just Add a Zero, which I also highly recommend. What's cool about Chad is he offers simple frameworks you can use to expand your leadership skills, as well as some practical exercises you can do today to tap into new ideas and an endless stream of innovation.  Chad is part business strategist, part contrarian and part philosopher who understands what’s happening in business today, and I think you're going to walk away after listening to our conversation with a renewed sense of possibility and your own potential.  Connect with Chad T. Jenkins: on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/seedspark/  on his website: ht

Six months of radical honesty, self-care, and self-love can transform your life. Original blog post: https://maryloukayser.com/give-yourself-six-months/  My latest book -- The River Only Runs One Way -- is available everywhere books are sold! Get your copy and learn more about it here Join the 1200+ leaders who read my newsletter "Field Notes" by clicking here. Thank you for supporting the show! Your 5-star rating and review makes a difference -- it's easy to leave one and it helps spread the word about the podcast! Best social places to connect with me:  @maryloukayser (Instagram) https://www.linkedin.com/in/mlkayser/ (LinkedIn)

You are in for a treat today, Team PYP! My guest, Blair Bryant Nichols, takes us inside the world of speaking in a post-pandemic world. If getting on real and / or virtual stages is part of your big picture in the coming years, you will want to take notes. Lots of wisdom drops now! Blair Bryant Nichols, Owner of BBN Creative Management for Diverse and Mission-Driven Talent, is a seasoned expert in building strategic speaking platforms for speakers and business leaders. With a background representing top authors and managing diverse projects for founders, entrepreneurs, and celebrities, Blair specializes in helping his clients understand the strategic landscape of public and corporate speaking, emphasizing the need for a diverse portfolio of offerings to compete effectively. Blair holds an M.B.A. from UCLA-Anderson with a specialization in Entertainment Management and a B.A. in Literature from American University, complemented by his post-grad training at the Columbia Publishing Course. Outside of work, Blair

Kyle Mau is a seasoned entrepreneur with a diverse background. At the age of 24, he made a pivotal decision to leave his corporate engineering role and relocate  to Eastern Europe, eventually settling in Kyiv, Ukraine. As a permanent expatriate and property  owner in Ukraine, he is deeply integrated in the local culture and business landscape. There, he successfully launched and managed a widely-read blog, amassing over 1 million readers a  year at it’s peak. Additionally, Kyle co-founded Selo Olive, an esteemed olive oil company based in Croatia shipping directly from family farm to consumer. With a keen eye for talent and opportunity, Kyle went on to establish HireUA, a premier staffing  and recruiting agency specializing in connecting skilled Eastern European professionals with  Western companies. When Russia invaded Ukraine, Kyle relocated his family to Poland but maintained  his commitment to fostering international connections for Ukrainians. Today, Kyle focuses on business growth and strategy, entrusti

Today's guest is Brett Snodgrass, a distinguished real estate investor with 15+ years of expertise. Brett is a versatile entrepreneur excelling in flipping, creative financing, and business scaling. As the driving force behind SIMPLE QUARTERS, his team handles 250+ property transactions annually while also orchestrating 50+ creative financing deals for passive income. Seamlessly integrating faith and business acumen, Brett extends opportunities and spreads the mission of God. An active member of The Collective Genius, Brett contributes to philanthropy, supporting missions like Transforming Futures. Featured on prominent podcasts and hosting “The Iron Deep Podcast,” Brett thrives with his team. Passionate about ministering to entrepreneurs, he founded Iron Deep in 2021, a unique men’s community focusing on purpose in Christ. Imperfect yet driven, Iron Deep is a band of brothers encouraging personal and professional growth, prioritizing significance over success. Brett, a devoted family man, values impactful mi

"Do the right thing even if it's not in your best interest," says today's guest, Retired Lieutenant Colonel Oakland "Oak" McCulloch. Our conversation is full of insights like this. With Oak's stellar military background coupled with his work as a leadership coach and keynote speaker, today's episode provides plenty of examples of how we can all focus on developing our leadership practices. Oak is the author of the 2021 release, Your Leadership Legacy: Becoming the Leader You Were Meant to Be. Oak is also an internationally recognized speaker who gives talks on leadership and success. Both his books and his talks are based on his 40+ years of leadership in the U.S. Army and subsequent civilian positions, Oak highlights principles that will benefit today’s leaders and inspire the leaders of tomorrow. Connect with Oak on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oakland-mcculloch-34293256/ On his website: https://www.ltcoakmcculloch.com/  = = = = = Have a story you want to share with me? Reach out on LinkedIn or Ins

When people enter the retirement phase of their lives my guest Tyson Ray describes what's left for them in three parts: the Go-Go Years, the Slow-Go Years, and the No-Go years. His mission is to help people have enough money to fund all three with plenty left over. In today's episode, we have a lively conversation about money, investing, and how to work with a financial advisor so you get the most of what you have to invest. Enjoy! About Tyson Ray Senior wealth advisor, philanthropist, and author Tyson Ray, based in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, has over 25 years of experience in his field. As CEO and founding partner of FORM Wealth Advisors, Tyson is dedicated to helping clients live better lives. He seeks to add value by helping clients understand the future consequences of their actions, aiming to provide perspective in an industry often trying to scare clients. In his book, Tyson introduces the Total Relationship™ framework to help financial advisors fully understand their clients’ needs. While sharing client

What can happen when we choose to pay attention to what and who is around us? This episode originally appeared on my blog here: https://maryloukayser.com/i-didnt-look-at-my-phone/  = = = = = Have a story you want to share with me? Reach out on LinkedIn or Instagram (links below) Looking for exclusive writing and resources on leadership, creativity, personal growth, and writing? Join the 1200+ who enjoy reading my newsletter "Field Notes" by clicking here. = = = = = Thank you for supporting the show! Your 5-star rating and review makes a difference -- it's easy to leave one and it helps spread the word about the podcast! = = = = = My latest book, The Far Unlit Unknown -- is available everywhere books are sold including Audible! Get your copy and learn more about it here Are we connected yet on social?  @maryloukayser (Instagram) https://www.linkedin.com/in/mlkayser/ (LinkedIn)