PureReinvention Podcast

Episode 177 - Dan Gilmartin - Sabbaticals in the Workplace

The cool thing about doing a sabbatical is that it isn't just for the person to get getting time off, but it's for everyone around them who has to fill in. When you look taking a sabbatical and we decided to put one forward where people of a certain point in the organization get one month off - paid at some point in time, they become available. Sabbaticals become available every five years. They’re based on seniority. So when I institute this, we took our most senior people and we limited ...

Episode 176 - Chrissy Siders - it started with me

Transcript: My journey is not a fairytale journey, I think by any means. And I think that's where my kind of explains to you somewhere I guess I saw some things, and I wanted to do some things differently.   But most of that started with me. Because at that point in time in my life I started saying so what's in it for me what's in it for Chrissy. So what's the next step, right? So I got my degree. I'm ready to go like I want to be a director. I want to be a VP -  let's let's do it!  ...

Episode 175 - taking our own advice

We are taking our own advice and we are going to take a hiatus from producing weekly podcasts at PureReinvention. We have a big event coming up (Connect: Detroit on May 22 - there's still time to register)  and all of us here feel that we need to take a step back and assess how we can best build and present future content in more digestible and diverse ways. In order to make that happen, we need to take the advice we give so freely and take a timeout to assess how we can best create and conv...

Episode 174 - Check In Michigan: a reinvention story

Want to see reinvention in action? Look no further than the former Michigan Lodging and Tourism Association (now Check In Michigan). They have a new and innovative executive director and a board that is dedicated to serving the next generation in the Michigan hospitality industry. They hired the firm, Advance 360 to help guide them through the initial stage of this transition. Learn how reinvention ready organizations commence sustainable reinvention.   QUOTE IT   “It’s not a linear ...

Episode 173 - the four pillars of reinvention readiness

The interviews we conducted this month profiled success stories in reinvention readiness. Both Erin Patten and Dene Westbrook were ready to take the reinvention plunge. What did they have in common? We believe that they both had the four pillars of reinvention readiness: desire, curiosity, flexibility and confidence. Everything begins with a desire to change your situation. Both Erin and Dene surrounded themselves with people who inspired them and pushed them to take the next step. Bot...

Episode 172 - Erin Patten - Defying all odds

Erin Patten is very accomplished with a Harvard business degree and a Kresge Fellow highlighting her impressive resume. She walked away from the standard career path to chase her dream of being an entrepreneur. In January 2018 she launched DaO Detroit. DaO stands for "defy all odds" and Erin personifies that sentiment.   QUOTE IT   “[My big leap] A natural progression of my career journey, my life journey. It just had to happen.” (3:21)   “Nature does not hurry, yet everything is...

Episode 171 - Dene Westbrook

Dene is a graduate of our STARTERS program last May. We saw from the beginning that she was reinvention ready and was in a great position to fly with her new promotion and added responsibilities with the Michigan Municipal League. Dene is a perfect example of what it takes to be reinvention ready. Listen as Mike talks to Dene about how she has built a network of support from her STARTERS experience and has excelled in her new position.   QUOTE IT   “I certainly have enough room to ma...

Episode 170 - reinvention readiness

Are you ready for a change? In order to make it a change that lasts you need to be reinvention ready! We’ll spend this month laying out the four pillars of reinvention readiness. You can use these pillars and ask yourself if you have what it takes to make the necessary changes to yourself and/or your organization.   QUOTE IT   “Are you ready for change?” (0:53)     DIG IN Characteristics of reinvention readiness: (2:03) Flexible. (3:27) Curious; lean in. (8:50) Confidence. ...

Episode 169 - the fundamentals of move

We end our focus on the fundamentals of move and the value of storytelling with a great discussion between Mike Bills and Jodi Schafer. We learned from our month's guests the value of storytelling to move ideas forward. We also learn the value of connecting with others emotionally using shared experiences and values.   QUOTE IT   “At the core, it’s about connecting with people on a very real level.” (1:49)     DIG IN   (1:17, 1:30) Back to basics. (2:34) Multidimensional s...

Episode 168 - Cornette Lane - building a new story

Cornetta suffered a tragedy not so long ago by losing her father and found out about the details on the evening news. She needed to process her grief and took the opportunity to share her father's story through the Secret Society of Twisted Storytellers. Cornetta found that process to be so cathartic that she has dedicated her career to helping others to tell their stories. Listen as Mike talks to Cornetta about how storytelling helps to heal and the value of telling your own story.   QU...

Episode 167 Eric Thomas - using stories to move forward

Eric Thomas is a story teller. He's been one all his life. Now, he uses his unique skills to help his clients tell their stories. Listen this week as Mike gets Eric's unique perspective on how to move your cause forward through emotional connections.   QUOTE IT   “Storytelling saved my life.” (3:43)   "Remember that we are people." (11:17)     DIG IN   (3:32) The power of storytelling. (5:44) The formula. (15:47) Shifting the company culture.   Tip of the Week E...

Episode 166 - motivate to move

Mike talks with this month's co-host, PureReinvention's very own Jodi Schafer, owner, HRM Services, Inc. Mike and Jodi discuss how Jodi is moving her company forward as well as discuss the March line up of interviews that we have in store for you.   QUOTE IT   “Knowing what you want to do and then having the courage to do it is really where the fruit starts to comes to life.” (1:08)     DIG IN   (1:14) Key elements of move. (3:14) Have a measure of courage. (5:53) Expect...

Episode 165 - the ingredients of move

Movement makes the whole PureReinvention process work. It's the purpose of the whole exercise. What makes movement work? Listen to Mike discuss the ingredients of movement with February's co-host, Shari Milliken, finance director of the Michigan Municipal League.   QUOTE IT   “Look outside the paradigm and go for it." (4:35)    DIG IN (1:04) It's uncomfortable. (1:28) Engagement. (6:37) Willingness to fail.   Tip of the Week Passion maximizes new opportunities and minim...

Episode 164 - Anika Goss-Foster - the think and DO tank

We've all heard of think tanks, but how many think and DO tanks have you heard of? Detroit Future City is committed to advancing the quality of life for all Detroiters. The organization accomplishes this by partnerships with residents and stakeholders using data driven strategies that promotes community and economic development. This week we talk with DFC's executive director, Anika Goss-Foster about how the organization works to move Detroit ahead for the next 50 years.   QUOTE IT   ...

Episode 163 - Sean Mann - being the host, not the life of the party

The Detroit City Football Club was founded in 2012 and is one of the most successful minor league soccer teams in North America. The team was founded as a vehicle to organize the community and regularly sells out its 7,000 seat stadium in Hamtramck. Listen as Mike talks with Sean Mann, CEO and co-owner of Detroit City Football Club about the club's founding and how they earned a loyal fan base. QUOTE IT “A gathering place in the city at a time when there's only a handful of restaurants a...

Episode 162 - brining the leading edge to your people

We continue discussing the move fundamental in PureReinvention with our February co-host, Shari Milliken, finance director with Michigan Municipal League. Mike and Shari discuss executive development and the importance of listening.   QUOTE IT   “You have to continue to better yourself." (1:42) “Bringing the leading edge to your people." (4:28)   DIG IN (1:23) Importance of continuous movement in executive development. (1:55) Executive awareness. (4:02) Pursue change. (4...

Episode 161 Connect: Detroit

We are so excited to announce the launch of a professional development opportunity like no other. Connect: Detroit will be a one day experience in Detroit on May 22. This experience is designed for high functioning executives who are interested in rolling up their sleeves, feeling a little uncomfortable and experiencing the reinvention that is happening in Detroit. With Connect: Detroit, you'll have an opportunity to immerse yourself in the many success stories that Detroit has to offer and ...

Episode 160 - the I-5 case study, part 2

This is the second part of the Impression 5 reinvention case study with Noah Smith, Partner, Capital Services, Inc. (Listen to part 1 here.) Part 2 covers how the I-5 team used the PureReinvention fundamentals simplify, connect and move to attain the incredible growth they have enjoyed in recent years.  QUOTE IT “We got away from distractions.” (5:10)  “The catalyst to bringing everyone else on board.” (10:37)  DIG IN (3:41) Create a focus to simplify. (7:32) Connecting networks i...

Episode 159 - the Impression 5 case study, part 1

The Impression 5 Science Center in Lansing, Michigan has seen a tremendous turnaround over the last few years under the leadership of Noah Smith. Listen as Mike and Noah discuss how I5’s board applied the PureReinvention fundamentals to position the organization into the growth phase that it has enjoyed in recent years.    QUOTE IT “People were actually ready for a change … but there was nobody who was willing to spark it.” (7:00)  “I want to do this. Train me.” (16:18)    DIG IN ...

Episode 158 - the compuware relocation story

While we were interviewing Marlin Williams, we discovered that she was responsible for key elements of the Compuware move to downtown Detroit from Farmington Hills in 2003. The story was fascinating to us and we decided to dedicate an episode to this part of Marlin's story.   QUOTE IT “How do you cast a wider net?” (6:17)  “I wasn’t afraid to ask.” (15:56)    DIG IN (5:35) Making the move from suburbia. (8:03) Shifting the corporate culture. (13:24) A personal journey of con...

Episode 157 - Connect: Detroit - Looking at professional development in a new way

Happy New Year! We are starting 2018 off with a peek into what's next for PureReinvention. Are you reinvention ready? We have some great offerings (including this podcast) for those who are committed to the reinvention journey.   QUOTE IT “What’s next? … I’m looking for something that’s really going to stimulate me in a new way.” (4:35) “It’s important for high functioning executives to get their hands dirty. Roll up your sleeves and actually solve the problem that you’re talking abo...

Episode 156 - The STARTERS Experience

Episode 155 - Dr. Gerry Roston - connecting mutual value

Dr. Gerry Roston brings an impressive resume to TechTown Detroit. He was on the Mars rover team and helped develop technologies which are making self-driving cars possible. He now brings his wealth of knowledge and connections to help TechTown Detroit excel in connecting ideas to the marketplace. Listen this week as we explore the value of connecting ideas to those we serve.   QUOTE IT “Go to the marketplace first, try to find what pain your potential customers are having to make sure ...

Episode 154 - Lauren Kase - mutual mentorship

 Lauren Kase is a San Francisco native that stayed in Detroit after receiving her degree from the University of Michigan. She is the Head of Marketing and Partnerships at Floyd Detroit. Listen this week as we discover what attracts the millennials to Detroit, Floyd's unique positioning in the furniture industry and the importance of mutual mentorship.   QUOTE IT   “The most sustainable thing is not throwing anything away.” (9:50)  “It’s really exciting to have people resonate with ...

Episode 153 - the importance of connect

We kick off the month of December with this month's co-host Lauren Snyder, Marketing and Communications Specialist, American Hort and recent STARTERS graduate. This episode discusses the exciting line up we have in December as well as engaging discussion on how the connect fundamental works in the PureReinvention process. QUOTE IT “The idea of connection transcends so many aspects of success." (2:26) “They (TechTown) connect the right conversations, with the right people at the right ti...

Episode 152 - connect with inspiration

The holiday season is a time for reflection. Now is the time to think about how we are going to approach the next year. Make some space to think about how you want to continue to move yourself forward. How are you going to approach 2018? We are encouraging you to install some kind of sabbatical in your plans. It doesn't have to be months or weeks. It simply needs to be some kind of installed time to assess where you are and to think about what's next. Install time and think and experience so...

Episod 151 - Marlin Williams - the personal sabbatical

Marlin Williams has found her calling in helping to diversify industries. Marlin's path to where she is now is amazing. She started as a mortician, implemented diversity programs for a couple Fortune 500 industries and now lends her talents to TechTown Detroit. She is also the founder of Sisters Code, which is dedicated to exposing women from the ages of 25-85 to the world of coding and technology. Her story is inspiring and we're glad she took the time to share it with us!   QUOTE IT ...

Episode 150 - Melissa Butler - the Infliction of arbitrary deadlines

We had so many gems from our talk with Melissa Butler, that we had to make two episodes! The first episode can be heard here. In this episode, Melissa discusses how she started The Lip Bar and her advice to would be entrepreneurs out there.   QUOTE IT “If you don’t like your situation, change it.” (6:21) “Don’t rush it … Launch with something that is electric.” (11:58) “Reinvention leaders have to tie whatever they're doing to the bigger story.” (18:49) DIG IN  (3:54) From Detr...

Episode 149 - the story comes to life in the connect phase

PureReinvention team member Jodi Schafer joins us in November to discuss your podcast line up and our thoughts going forward for STARTERS and the WE.INVENT program. We'll also give you a hint of our new professional development offering that we'll offer in the Spring of 2018. We have learned so much in 2017 and will continue to build offerings that serve your needs.   QUOTE IT   “Why you do what you do?” (4:22) “The story comes to life in the connect phase.” (5:15)      DIG I...

Episode 148 - walking magnets waiting to connect

Let's face it: even the the most shy of us require some degrees of human interaction. They're necessary on both a personal and professional level. In this week's episode, team members Sonya Robinson and Mike Bills discuss with our October co-host, Erin Patten of Ponyride, how we can build sustainable and enriching connections. QUOTE IT “If you don’t connect authentically, then it’s not going to be a sustainable relationship.” (4:13) “We are walking magnets just waiting for the opportun...

Episode 147 Noah Elliott Morrison - being comfortable with uncomfortable

This week we interview Noah Elliott Morrison, director of Ponyride. Ponyride is a nonprofit organization which runs out of a 30,000 square foot building in Detroit. It is committed to facilitating the growth of social missions within artists, entrepreneurs, makers, and serves as an incubator and a safe space to help its clientele grow into viable businesses.   QUOTE IT “What things do you need to move your business to the next place?” (11:21)   “It’s a magic that is really hard to ...

Episode 146 Steve Whitter - quantum growth extraordinaire

Steve Widder built the Susan G. Komen Mid-Michigan Race for the Cure in Lansing into a major event with over 6000 runners in his heyday. Steve shares his thoughts with us on how to understand an audience. He also shares with us his passion for biking and his recent travels to France to take on challenging legs of the Tour de France. QUOTE IT “Understand your audience.” (5:22) “Make a grand spectacle at the beginning.” (9:27) “I’ve been wanting to do this. This is my best chance. I’ve...

Episode 145 - Dr. Tonya Matthews - keeping it real to build a culture

Building a culture is one of the primary responsibilities of all leaders. A major ingredient for successful cultures is authenticity and this week's guest excels in this trait. Listen this week as we interview Dr. Tonya Matthews, president and CEO of Detroit Science Center and discuss what it takes to build a successful business culture and how nurturing authenticity plays a vital role. QUOTE IT “Wanting to save the world.” (3:07) “We look at things that look nothing like us.” (4:55) ...

Episode 144 - the energy behind connect

October starts our focus on the connect fundamental of the PureReinvention process. We can't think of a better person who personifies connect like this month's co-host, Erin Patten, Director of Retail and Marketing, Pony Ride. Listen as Mike and Erin discuss this month's interviews and how Erin uses the connect fundamental in advancing the mission of her organization. QUOTE IT “Part of the connection is intentionality.” (7:25)  DIG IN (3:04) The energy behind connect. (5:49) The imp...

Episode 143 - The culture of growth

The end of September brings to an end our focus on the simplify fundamental of the PureReinvention process. We thought we would leave you with a short episode with our co-host Anita Quillen, CEO of Quillen Holdings, talking about tips she uses to simplify her management and personal life and how she balances both of them.   QUOTE IT [box] “Control your fear so it doesn’t consume you.” (8:18)   [/box]      DIG IN (0:28) Next generation thought for employers. (8:56) The cu...

Episode 142 - Melissa Butler buying what you believe

Melissa Butler is a dynamic person. We met her when touring Pony Ride with our spring STARTERS program. She is the founder and CEO of The Lip Bar. She was on Shark Tank and although they didn't get funded, they got tremendous exposure and Melissa had the ability to take advantage of the added interest in her product. Her marketing shatters all traditional molds for beauty products and she knows her target audience so well that she's named her and knows what she does on any given day. We got...

Episode 141 - Mark Denson - the can do attitude

Mark Denson, director of business attraction at the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation, gives a unique perspective on Detroit's current resurgence and its roots in the planning that led to Detroit hosting the Super Bowl in 2006. Listen as Mark shares his observations of the Detroit story from his unique perspective.  QUOTE IT “Our problems were great and in that we needed great and creative solutions to move the city forward.” (4:53) “Completing projects, making a difference in a visi...

Episode 140 - transparency in communication with Anita Quillen

We kick off September with Anita-Marie Quillen, CEO Quillen Holdings. In this episode, Mike talks with Anita about how she uses the simplify process in PureReinvention to effectively communicate with employees.   QUOTE IT “A thoughtful reduction to solutions.” (3:13) “[The responsibility of a boss or leader] Continue growth from all the individuals underneath you.” (12:15)   DIG IN   (2:52) Shifting culture and measuring performance. (5:17) Responding to behaviors. (7:02) ...

Episode 139 - How to think different

Mike Bills of Team PureReinvention and Bonnifer Ballard, this month's co-host and Executive Director of the Michigan Section of the American Waterworks Association discuss the main take aways from our August episodes. QUOTE IT “You can not begin to embrace what's happening today if you stay in your own little world and your talk to the same people about the same things." (6:35)   DIG IN (2:49) Openness to disruption. (4:04) Selective use of trends. (5:03) Learning how to think dif...

Episode 138 - Dan Gilmartin - expanding the rolodex to think big

If you want to see someone who lives the "what's next?" mantra, look no further than Dan Gilmartin of the Michigan Municipal League. The Michigan Municipal League has received national attention for its placemaking approach to community building and isn't resting on its laurels. Listen as Dan explains how he's given license by his board and stakeholders to think big and how he's building the team to execute on this expanded vision. QUOTE IT “You’ve gotta leave time for people to reflect...

Episode 137 - Summer Minnick - running without expectations

Summer Minnick has achieved high levels of success through drive and planning. Unfortunately, even the best-laid plans can't prepare you for everything. Summer shares her experiences on how several unexpected turns of events affected her and how she turned these situations into positive outcomes. QUOTE IT “Everybody likes an element of control (5:56)" “You know you can finish. You've done this a bazillion times. Just go do it. When you have to walk, just walk and get through it." (14:4...

Episode 136 - what's your word?

We have a couple of exciting interviews lined up in August and a new co-host! Join Mike and Bonnifer Ballard, Executive Director, Michigan Section of the American Water Works Association, as they discuss how simplifying the message is important in securing support for a cause. QUOTE IT “Being able to tell a story in a very simple and clear way is very important.” (1:38) “Embracing change: Learning to be flexible and deal with chaos.” (10:01)  DIG IN Lessons Learned from the Michiga...

Episode 135 - lessons learned from simplification

The PureReinvention team wraps up July discussing lessons learned from our guests this month. Simplification is very important in messaging and in serving customer needs. Organizations that focus on the customer experience and successfully communicate that are better positioned to thrive in this new economy. Listen as PureReinvention team members Mike Bills and Will Carlson discuss these lessons and reflect on how taking time to simplify complex issues is vital to advancing your mission. Q...

Episode 134 - Doug Small - attitude, character & enthusiasm

Grand Rapids has had a vibe for some time and has become a prime Midwest destination in spite of not having a major sports team. This week’s guest is chief experience officer of Experience Grand Rapids, Doug Small and is the promoter in chief of this gem of a city. Doug shares his thoughts on how team building and thinking differently has built Grand Rapids to the destination it is today. Doug also shares a personal story that was a life changing event that provides a valuable lesson to all ...

Episode 133 - Jim Knight

Episode 132 - be thoughtful about the bullet points

Simplification of the message is vital to enlisting support and/or selling the product. Most successful endeavors end up being a simple solution to a complex problem. Complicated messages get lost and confuse customers and stakeholders. PR firms make a good living condensing messages to brands and slogans. However, in order to get to the simple slogan or elevator pitch, you have to thoroughly understand the issues and the problem at hand. Join team members Mike Bills and Will Carlson as they...

Episode 131 - mining the daunting task

QUOTE IT “[Detroit bankruptcy story] 170,000 creditors … 18.5 billion in debt … a pension system that was $3.5 billion underfunded … a service delivery insolvent city.” (0:46) "[Company rebranding] So many things about it branding wise that were difficult.” (3:29) "Our plan now drives how I spend everyday.” (5:48) DIG IN (1:10) Mining the daunting task and knowing where to start. Identify and reduce one single thing to a picture that others can understand. (3:47) Less is more. Sim...

Episode 130 - start with the small things

A successful life or career is rarely made from one dramatic event. It usually is a result of a work ethic developed over a series of small experiences and successes along the line. Listen to this week's episode as team members Mike Bills and Sonya Robinson discuss how you can develop a sense of ownership in your journey through taking small manageable steps to advance yourself both professionally and personally.  QUOTE IT “You have to own the work you want to do so you can get the work ...

Episode 129 - MLTA Leadership - Cindy Bowen and Deanna Richeson

The relationship between a board of directors and a CEO is often undefined and can change based on the management style of the leadership. This week we explore a successful case of board leadership working in tandem with their new CEO as we talk with Cindy Bowen, Chairperson of the Michigan Lodging and Tourism Association board of directors and Deanna Richeson, President and CEO of that organization. QUOTE IT “The association has to change and evolve ahead of its members to provide value...

Episode 128 - Deanna Richeson - pushing for quantum growth

Deanna Richeson has accomplished a lot in her first year at the Michigan Lodging and Tourism Association. The association's annual conference set a record for attendance and she initiated a workforce development job fair that attracted over 400 attendees. That's quite a bit for a first year at the helm, but it sounds like she's just getting started. Listen to team member Sonya Robinson as she gets Deanna's thoughts on how she intends to work with her board of directors to move the associatio...