Coffee with Tamara

Building a Team of Leaders, Not Followers with Retired Captain L. David Marquet

L. David Marquet is a retired Naval officer and was the captain of the USS Santa Fe, a nuclear submarine. As captain he turned what was considered the worst performing crew into the highest performing team. He did this by dropping the command and control model for what he calls intent-based leadership. In this episode we delve into his experience as a nuclear submarine captain, why you should stop giving orders and start sharing intent, how to change your language so that you develop leaders,...

Avoid Becoming Invisible in a Changing World

We've all been there - in that place where we feel undervalued, left behind, or worse, invisible. It happens in work, in our relationships, and in life. In this episode, Tamara shares her top tips for staying ahead, staying open minded, and avoiding the invisible trap.  She also delves into how fixed minds fall behind, especially in a changing world. You'll hear the best advice she ever received about her career and how you can avoid being disrupted.    Other podcasts you might enjoy: ...

Influence Unpacked

If you're eager to boost your persuasive powers, gain more support, and have a bigger impact on others, then this episode is crafted just for you. I'll guide you through seven practical strategies that you can start using right away to become a more effective influencer. We all understand the difference between merely having an idea, a product, or a goal, and actually rallying others to join us in achieving those ambitions. Grasping the essence of influence is key to turning aspirations into ...

How to be a Rebel with a Cause

I dive into what it means to be a "Rebel with a Cause" and how being yourself and challenging the status quo is the most valuable and authentic way to approach work and life. I talk about how rebels with causes are driven not by disruption, but by purpose, change, and impact. I share what it takes to be a strong Everyday Innovator, why it matters, and how you can unlock your greatest strategic advantage - your innovative mind. This is an episode about how to live up to your full potential.   ...

How Future Ready Are You?

This is a podcast for those wanting to be ready to tackle the tail winds and head winds that life throws your way. I dive into the essence of being prepared for the future through the 5 critical areas: collaborative spirit, agility and resilience, appreciation and awareness, everyday innovator mindset, and strategic decision-making and risk-taking. I share why each area matters, unpack their meanings, and bring to life real-world stories showcasing the strengths and pitfalls encountered by in...

Navigating Life's Signals with Kristen Olson

Join us for an episode tailored for those on a quest for fulfillment and purpose. Whether you're seeking that spark of inspiration or deciphering the subtle hints life throws your way, Kristen Olson, the founder of Graceful Disruption and host of the Turmeric and Tequila podcast, along with her expertise in branding, delves into an honest discussion with me. Together, we explore the essence of purpose, navigating life's signals, the power of stillness, embracing simplicity over complexity, an...

The Science of Breakthroughs - A Roadmap to Unlocking Ideas and Impact

Let's embark on a journey to demystify the science of breakthroughs, turning what often feels like a magical and random occurrence into a deliberate and repeatable process. Imagine unlocking the power to generate forward momentum, ease, and impact in your life at will. This episode is not just about finding those elusive breakthroughs; it's about defining them as discoveries that propel us forward, faster, and with more significant effect. We'll explore the common traps that keep us stuck, un...

From Underdog to NFL Legend: The Karl Mecklenburg Journey

In this riveting episode of our podcast, we delve into the heart and soul of perseverance, purpose, and transformation with the legendary Karl Mecklenburg. His journey from a 12th round draft pick to becoming an indispensable force for the Denver Broncos is nothing short of awe-inspiring. A member of the Broncos Ring of Fame, six-time Pro Bowler, and three-time Super Bowl contender, Karl's 12-year career epitomizes endurance and excellence in a league where the average player's tenure is a me...

Breaking Free: Transforming Pity into Positive Power with Supriya Surender

  This episode is a must-listen for anyone grappling with self-acceptance and identity transformation. In this inspiring episode of our podcast, we sit down with Supriya Surender, an alopecia warrior and the empowering voice behind BaldieBoo. Supriya opens up about her journey, offering invaluable insights on how to prevent negative thoughts and challenging situations from dominating our lives. She shares her personal strategies for staying aligned with her path of purpose and passion, every ...

The Impact of Chronic Stress on Your Creativity and Innovation

Discover the surprising reasons why stress might be your nemesis when it comes to creativity and innovation, and how to overcome it. From the neuroscience of stress to the unexpected consequences that are impacting your daily life, I've got it all covered. I'll dig into how stress is minimizing your creative problem-solving abilities, decision making and innovator talents. Tune in to learn how chronic stress is making you sick and dumb, how it shows up every day and I'll give you some easy to...

Ask Me Anything - Am I Being Innovative Enough

  In this edition, we’re unleashing the power of Ask Me Anything (AMA), fueled by the burning inquiries of the . Today’s question comes from John in Atlanta, a small business owner. John asked: I'm wondering, at times I think I'm being innovative or disruptive, but then I look at the results and I'm not sure I'm being innovative enough. How do I know if I'm being innovative or headed in that direction.   Episode Highlights: #1 INNOVATION VERSUS INCREMENTAL: How to know if you are being innova...

Ask Me Anything - How to Master Change with Resilience and Adaptability.

Don't Anticipate, Participate

"Don't Anticipate, Participate" That's what the teachers told my son and his class in preparation for his Sophomore retreat. And it's the advice he gave me when I asked him what they will be doing on their overnight adventure.In this episode I'm going to pass along this wisdom and delve into the fascinating neuroscience that underlies this transformative mindset. Discover how embracing the present moment not only enhances your daily experiences but also brings about positive changes in your b...

The Hotel Mirror Experiment: Changing Your Self-Image and the Trajectory of Your Day

In this episode, I'll explore the incredible impact of a single mirror moment—a fleeting few seconds when I saw my reflection and felt its power to shape my day. Today, I delve into a personal story of a hotel mirror that drastically changed my day for the better, boosting my positive self talk and confidence for a major speaking engagement and then the pitfalls of a negative mirror moment that brought me down later. I'll also unlock some the science behind why this happens, revealing how you...

Surprising Secrets to Skyrocketing Sales and Wealth with Matt Easton

Whether you're a seasoned sales professional, just starting your journey, a leader trying to get buy-in for your ideas from your leadership or an entrepreneur, this interview with sales guru Matt Easton will give you the tangible tools to get more "yeses," close more deals and make more money. We explore the intricacies of objection handling, negotiation, closing deals, and more, as we dissect the core principles of effective selling. But this podcast goes beyond the usual sales tips and tric...

Empathy, Excellence, and the Inner North Star with Mach983 Crossfit Founder Fred Dayton

Ever wonder what it takes to turn your life’s passion into a business? Join me as I interview founder of Mach983 Crossfit, Fred Dayton, about his journey from needing an outlet for his stress to opening up a Crossfit gym based on community, support and excellence. We dive deep into the duality of self-sabotage and self-confidence, the importance of community, how empathy has changed him as a human and the importance of having your inner North Star and heart moving in the same direction. Que...

Embracing the Lizard Within: Conquering Negative Chatter

Your Brain's Betrayal: Unmasking Change Saboteurs Inside You

Welcome to a deep dive into your own mind and to unmask your brain's betrayals. l'm going to delve into the intricate mechanisms that often stand in the way of growth and success, including the powerful change saboteurs lurking within your brain, understanding how they manifest as limiting beliefs, comfort zones, and the fear of success. We'll explore the psychology of self-sabotage and strategies to break free from these mental traps.    A Few Insights From This Episode:   1 Thermostat Point...

Double Shot of Hot Topics: Echo Chambers and Empty Ears

Bonus episode! Occasionally I like to do episodes covering hot topics by drinking a double shot of espresso and diving in. In this one, you will discover the lost 'Art of Listening." Join me as I unravel the impact of echo chambers and empty ears on our society and personal growth.    Key Insights from Episode: #1 The definition of echo chambers and empty ear; and their impact on your world #2 How echo chambers and empty ears lead to confirmation bias and how that confirmation bias is killing...

Rewrite Your Past to Rewire Your Future with Entertainer Merit Kahn

Today I interview entertainer, comedian and speaker, Merit Kahn, about her journey from business and sales trainer to pursuing her dream of having a one woman show on broadway. From building a full comedy club in her basement to booking shows across the country, Merit will inspire you to go big and let your passions be your guide.  She also digs into how comedy has helped her deal with the tough times in her life and how putting her story out there was one of the toughest and most rewarding e...

Dismantling the Cult of Average: Rejecting the Pull of Conformity

Dive deep into the Cult of Average with Tamara in this thought-provoking episode . Unveil the subtle forces of conformity, mediocrity, and peer pressure that shape our lives. Discover why we often succumb to the gravitational pull of fitting in and how it impacts our personal growth and critical thinking. Explore the psychological underpinnings of conformity and its negative consequences. Join Tamara as she shares five actionable steps to break free from the Cult of Average, empowering you to...

Back from the Brink: Defying Convention with Discomfort

Welcome back, rebels! Join me, your curious and coffee-fueled host as I relaunch the Coffee with Tamara podcast with a bang. In this episode, I'll take you on a thrilling and maybe even uncomfortable journey through the world of comfort zones, reimaginng what's possible and facing fear.  My relentless pursuit of the extraordinary has led me to question why so many of us settle for the ordinary. I delve deep into the realm of human behavior, fear, and risk, challenging the norms and I invite y...

12-Minute Difference

12-minutes is all it takes to unlock your best brain and unearth a wealth of innovative ideas.  Have a question you want Tamara to cover? An idea for a podcast episode? Call the podcast hotline and leave a voicemail! Call (720) 798-4535 Watch the podcast on YouTube:  Listen or watch the podcast and leave a comment:  Follow Tamara on TikTok:  Get more resources, downloads and learning opportunities: 

Nagging Ideas and Regret

The nagging ideas you can't seem to stop thinking about and the balls of regret that live in your brain.  Have a question you want Tamara to cover? An idea for a podcast episode? Call the podcast hotline and leave a voicemail! Call (720) 798-4535 Watch the podcast on YouTube:  Listen or watch the podcast and leave a comment:  Follow Tamara on TikTok:  Get more resources, downloads and learning opportunities: 

Living the Less Life

My experience living what I'm calling a "less life" over the past two weeks. The mindset, the actions and the results.  Have a question you want Tamara to cover? An idea for a podcast episode? Call the podcast hotline and leave a voicemail! Call (720) 798-4535 Watch the podcast on YouTube:  Listen or watch the podcast and leave a comment:  Follow Tamara on TikTok:  Get more resources, downloads and learning opportunities:     

Mental Traps

The 3 mental traps that keep you from unlocking you best brain and life #1 Mental Games #2 Mental Residue #3 Mental Sewers Have a question you want Tamara to cover? An idea for a podcast episode? Call the podcast hotline and leave a voicemail! Call (720) 798-4535 Watch the podcast on YouTube:  Listen or watch the podcast and leave a comment:  Follow Tamara on TikTok:  Get more resources, downloads and learning opportunities: 

The Comparison Game

The comparison game and how it leads to mediocre success.   Have a question you want Tamara to cover? An idea for a podcast episode? Call the podcast hotline and leave a voicemail! Call (720) 798-4535 Watch the podcast on YouTube: Listen or watch the podcast and leave a comment: Follow Tamara on TikTok: Get more resources, downloads and learning opportunities:    

Same Mountain, Different Perspectives

It's easy to believe that your way of doing things or your perspective on a situation is the only one. Or perhaps to believe that your opinions and viewpoints on matters are right, while others are wrong. In this episode I explore how we can all be climbing the same mountain and yet have drastically different experiences. I dig into how two (or more) people can have very different vantage points that lead to different stories, perspective and opinions. However  those differing experiences don...

How to Ask Questions That Spark Conversation Not Conflict

In a time when people are stressed out and burnt out, it's easy for conflict to occur. Sometimes it seems that the simplest question, conversation, or meeting sparks unnecessary conflict. While you are trying to move your ideas, decisions and projects forward that conflict only leads to spiraling down the negativity drain, stuck in a rut or spinning your wheels in place. I've learned that the key to productive conversations isn't in the objectives, or who is in the room, it's in the questions...

Gratitude is the Gateway to Your Creative Mind

Did you know gratitude is more than just saying what you are thankful for? Gratitude is the antidote to fear, anxiety and stress. It’s a dose of happiness, wellbeing, and even optimism, despite the odds. Studies have proven that gratitude can actually enhance your creative problem solving abilities. When you experience positive emotions you tap more of your mind. When you are stressed out your thinking is more rigid, reducing your creative thinking. When you are less stressed you are more ope...

Stop Focusing on What You Can Control

We've been told that the best approach to life (and work) is to only focus on what you can control and to accept what's out of your control. I think that's very wrong, and here's why... What's in our control is important as it is our internal emotions and responses to situations and some of the actions we can take. But, stopping there only minimizes our sense of confidence and momentum. I believe If we stop at what's in our control we almost become victims of our environment. I also believe, ...

Why Working Harder Doesn't Work

Do you ever find yourself stuck, or even moving further away from your goals, despite your best efforts? You work harder than ever before to only find yourself stuck in the same place, or worse even more behind. You double down only to find yourself with your head barely above water. I think of these moments like rip tides in the ocean. In this episode I'm going to share my experience in getting stuck in an actual rip tide, what I had to do to get out of it, and how that experience became an ...

Three Words That Will Change Your Life

You know that how you communicate with others can be the key to good or bad relationships. It can be the key to success or failure at work. It can be the key to getting momentum or getting stuck in life. In this episode I'm going to share the three words I've been using for years to propel me, my relationships, and my work forward. These three words will make sure that you aren't having conversations led by your primal brain that is reactive, have deeper more meaningful connections and get to...

Your Roadmap to Being an Everyday Innovator

Where are you on the roadmap to Innovation and Influence? In working with tens of thousands of Everyday Innovators in our global community, I've discovered that there are 5 stages on the road to "Innovation & Influence" and 3 insights that help people move forward. These 5 stages move you from unhealthy habits and behaviors that don't serve you to being a confident Everyday Innovator that ignites innovation, influences others, and makes an impact. In this episode I'm going to deep dive into ...

Don't Get Stuck in the Sh** Traps of Life

My mentor once said, "You can step in the sh** traps, but don't get stuck in them!" In this episode I'm going to talk about the sh** traps we all face. Those traps include obstacles big and small, sabotagers, distractions, and bad mindsets. The thing to know about sh** traps is that they are inevitable. No matter your journey, if you are pushing forward, you are stepping in sh** traps. The key is to have a strategy to get out of them as fast as possible. I'll also share the simple 3-step stra...

5-Minute Mornings To Be An Everyday Innovator All Day

You've probably heard that exercising in the morning has many benefits, including upping your energy and metabolism all day. Well the mind works in a similar way. All it takes is 5-minutes of mental exercises in the morning to make the other 1,435 minutes of the day more innovative. Imagine if all you had to do is schedule 5-minutes in the morning to stretch and warm up your mind and for the rest of the day you'd be a stronger problem solver, better strategic thinker, and decision maker? That...

You Can't Do It Alone (And 4 Tips So You Don't Have To)

It sucks being the only innovator surrounded by status quo minds. As I learned in my thirty plus years, it sounds good to be the solo disruptive innovator out there pushing the limits and seeing opportunities everyone else misses. But, in reality it's lonely, and not much gets done. In fact all you are left with is frustration and ideas that never get realized to their full potential. In this episode I share for ways to build a team of Everyday Innovators around you so that you can get the tr...

Stretched Mind is Forever Changed

A mind is sort of like a balloon. At first it's stiff and impossible to blow up (parents with little kids know what I'm talking about) but with a little extra it stretches and grows, never to return back to its tiny, out-of-the-package, shape. A mind stretched by new ideas, new experiences and new perspectives will never go back to its original dimensions. In this episode I share my experiences about feeling stale and stuck, how stretching my mind with new experiences is the antidote to that,...

Your Resistance is Your Fear in Action and I'm Back

I'm back! It's been a minute, but as I explain in this podcast, I took a step back so that I can come back on FIRE! I've got a new format, new content, new conversations and new value for you. I explain all this in the podcast and then I dive right in! I talk about the relationship between fear and resistance. As fear dials up, so does resistance. And conversley, I talk about how to minimize your resistance by recognizing and understanding where your fear is coming from.  You can't be fearles...

Friday Insight: Pushing Through Failure & the power of open loops with Everyday Innovator Tamara Ghandour

Let's face it, failure is a part of life. Failure can often feel devastating, and worse, it can feel final. In today's episode, I'm going to go open up, get a little vulnerable and share a recent failure I had and the lessons around mental toughness, not counting yourself out too early, and cheering on your supporters. Of course, I'll also talk about why this failure, while it hurt, isn't final and what I'm going to do to bounce back. I hope in sharing this you'll get some inspiration and det...

Playing to Win with Everyday Innovator Evans Mehew

Are you playing to win or playing not to lose? As our Everyday Innovator guest, Evans Mehew shares that mindset difference is also the difference between innovating and moving forward or falling behind. It changes how you think, act, the goals you set and so much more. As the founder of FastFulcrum, a content design and creation firm, Evans shares his passion for driving innovation and how the culture you set often determines your outcomes. He also digs deep into how to shift with relevancy i...

How Disruption Can Help You Find Your Value with Everyday Innovators Mike Kenevan and Jessica Howard

Disruption can be a positive force for helping you find your value. In fact, keeping up with disruptors on the edges takes a real understanding of the value you bring to the table. Our Everyday Innovator guests, Mike Kenevan and Jessica Howard share how they see the human role in a technology-driven world, and how to define the value you bring. As leading branch managers at Spire Financial, they talk about how they've adapted to change in their industry and being nimble when necessary. They a...

Being the Best Also Means Knowing Where You Don't Shine with Everyday Innovators Matt DeLuzio and Turner Williams

Being the absolute best you can be doesn't mean being good at everything. In fact, it means recognizing where you aren't the best and letting go of those things. Today's Everyday Innovator guests, Matt DeLuzio and Turner Williams share how they've learned to work in their genius zones, not project what they love or hate to do on others, and why meeting people where they are is the key to tapping the human potential of themselves and those they lead. As the top producing loan officers at Spire...

Preparing for the Future so You can Succeed Today with Everyday Innovator Dan Brown

The winter season always comes. It's inevitable. Today's Everyday Innovator Dan Brown shares with us how he thinks about preparing for the winter seasons and uncertain futures. As the Regional Director of Spire Financial, Dan shares how he's always working on contingencies to prepare for the future. He also talks about what it took to get out in front of the quickly changing and highly competitive real estate market in a way that gave their customers the competitive advantage, and why you sho...

6 Soft Skills of Success and Friday Wrap Up with Everyday Innovator Tamara Ghandour

Today’s uncertain and volatile world requires more than hard skills – it requires soft skills. In fact, soft skills have become essential to your success. In this episode, I’ll share the six soft skills essential to success in complex times. Then I share the major insight I received from each of the Everyday Innovators. First is ) in the public schools and education space, then the CEO of Escape Game, in the technology space, and owner of Mercury Creative.    Tamara's Everyday Innovator ...

Asking Questions That Make People Think with Everyday Innovator Justin Bieganek

As I always say questions in is answers out. Asking good questions is the difference between incremental, useless answers and big breakthrough solutions. But, what makes a question a “good question?” Our Everyday Innovator guest, Justin Bieganek, shared with me that in his view asking the right question is not actually about the answer, it’s about asking questions that make people think. As the Creative Director & Founder of Mercury Creative Group, Justin talks to me about how he wants people...

Turning Your Biggest Obstacles into Your Greatest Motivators with Everyday Innovator Emilia D'Anzica and Sabina Pons

None of us achieve our goals alone. We need support, help, and people that push us forward. Our Everyday Innovator guests today, Emilia D’Anzica and Sabina Pons, don’t just work together, they’ve created a connection of trust and support that helps them both go further, faster. As the authors of Pressing on as a Tech Mom and Managing Director and Operating Partner of the technology consultancy, Growth Molecules, they know first-hand how a partnership is more than one plus one equals two. In t...

Taking Withdraws and Making Deposits in Your People With Everyday Innovator Mark Flint

Sometimes we forget how much we ask of those around us during challenging times. We ask people to take on more work, work longer hours, deal with new and unknown challenges, drive more innovation, and do it all with a smile. Our Everyday Innovator guest, Mark Flint, understands that in a challenging time when we ask for more withdraws from our people than ever before, we also need to add more deposits. This is how you keep people motivated, engaged, and moving forward. As the CEO of the Escap...

Preparing for Leadership Before you Lead with Everyday Innovator Toni Shelton

When I was first promoted into a leadership role I was paralyzed. I was good at my job but I had no idea how to lead others to do the same. Our Everyday Innovator guest today, Toni Shelton, realized that setting people up for leadership success before they actually took on the roles is essential for their success. As the Manager for the Office of Professional Development for Denver Public Schools, she created a program that allowed people to get skills and experience their future selves will ...

Breaking the Rules and Friday Wrap Up with Everyday Innovator Tamara Ghandour

Sometimes rules are good for us, and other times they are just other people’s way of doing things. And, sometimes rules are used to keep people small-minded and in place by other small-minded people that don’t want to move forward. In this Friday episode, I share my personal experience with feeling held back by the rules, a teacher squelching my dreams, and what my dad taught me about breaking the rules to get to my goals. Then, I share my major insight from each of the Everyday Innovators. F...