Uphill Conversations

In this episode, Tim and Megan have an Uphill Conversation with Dr. Gregory Pickett and Jamie Patterson on innovation and its impact on education and students. Gregory Pickett is senior associate dean of the College of Business at Clemson University. In this role, he oversees all business functions for the college including marketing and PR activities, business affairs, and human resource functions. Pickett also serves as Director for Clemson’s MBA Program and the college’s Greenville ONE operations. The MBA program has experienced significant growth including new concentrations in business analytics and entrepreneurship and innovation. These programs are delivered on seven residency weekends a year and online. As the Director of Career Services and Student Experience for the Clemson MBA Program, Jamie Patterson focuses on the entire student experience including career services and professional development opportunities. She runs the internship program for the MBA and works closely with hiring managers in G

On this episode, Tim and Megan have an Uphill Conversation on the importance of team members knowing their roles in order to achieve investment and buy-in. Show Notes: “If team members don’t know their roles, how can they feel invested? If they don’t see themselves in the picture, why should they buy into it?” – John C. Maxwell Must be intentional as build out team to know the value that each team member brings, and thy must know as well Create a culture where people can authentically be themselves Strengths vs talents Tendency to want those around you to conform to your image and approach when it comes to work and problem-solving How do you create clarity in when and how to to work with others on your team and in your strengths Leaders should encourage and desire for others to step up and ask questions when they disagree or don’t understand – people need room to grow and to stretch Don’t just be great, be greater; go from best to better Leaders are &

On this week’s episode Tim and Megan have an Uphill Conversation around dreams and what stops us from discovering them. We share four common reasons people have trouble identifying their dream(s). Show Notes:  Some people have been discouraged from dreaming by others Being realistic doesn’t mean giving up your imagination for what you desire Be intentional about pursuing things that move you towards your dream Make things a priority and be disciplined in those things Some people are hindered by past disappointments and hurts Optimism and the importance of failing forward Unexpected surprises occur alongside disappointment Some people get in the habit of settling for average Everyone defines success differently, the real question is: “Are you fulfilled?” “The minute you settle for less than you deserve, you get even less than you settled for” – https://www.nytimes.com/column/maureen-dowd (Maureen Dowd) You define your own dream + not all dreams must be gra

Following the Thanksgiving holiday, Tim and Megan have an Uphill Conversation on progress, limits + creating margin – physical and emotional. Show Notes: As a society we are overwhelmed, overcommitted and over-stressed The promise and peril of progress Humans have a limited amount of resources – physical, financial, emotional, mental and spiritual Type-A people don’t view margin as a necessary reserve, but rather as a gap to be filled Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should Living your life at full throttle + full capacity is not sustainable Need to find things that replenish and energize you Must determine your true capacity and your own individual limits and LISTEN to them Need to intentionally live and make choices that align with what you want How are you proactively doing to create your own margin? 8 tips for restoring margin in emotional energy 7 tips for managing or even restoring your resource of time Resources: https://uphillconversations.co/65-jonathan

In this episode, Terra Winston joins us for an Uphill Conversation on how each of us shows up in our daily lives – at work and home – and our ability to all “hold power.” Terra Winston, Ringleader of inTerractions and Principal of inTerract Consulting, has dedicated her life to helping her clients unleash the potential of each employee. She is a leadership consultant and executive coach with 20 years of internal and external business consulting experience. Terra has a flexible style that has driven results in boardrooms and on plant floors, for Fortune 100 companies and small start-ups, alike. Show Notes: Terra’s background in engineering + discovering her fascination of how and why people work We get put into boxes early on based on our intellectual or physical gifts Tendency to be defined by who others teach us to be It can be hard to figure out what you really want to do + who you are at the core Tactics for self-discovery on what is meaningful in your own life We get caught up i

In this episode we speak with Jonathan Parker on the Art of the Conversation and creating great vocal art through curiosity, asking great questions, listening and sharing. Jonathan Parker is a creative thought-leader and influencer who has a captivating story about why the Art of the Conversation became important to him. Originally from New England, Jonathan did not speak until almost five years old; and then became an adult who is known for engaging conversations and powerful public speaking. His own journey led him to research and value the incredible power of intentional conversations resulting in a compelling training around this topic that he takes to businesses and nonprofit organizations with great success. Show Notes: We are all artists and our conversations are our artwork Need to once again give people the permission to be curious An artist is first accountable to themselves, not the viewer We’ve become so used to others telling us what we believe, that we become counterfeit artists Wh

Matthew Rollins joins us for an Uphill Conversation on his journey from playing baseball to his current life as an entrepreneur. He is carving his own path and going up against giants in a very established industry. Matthew Rollins was a four-year starter for North Greenville University, playing centerfield and hitting leadoff the majority of his college career. After his time at NGU, he had the rare opportunity to play professionally. Though the majors never came calling, Matthew’s love for the game couldn’t deter his involvement in athletics somehow, some way. His work experience includes time with a performance research facility where he trained hundreds of professional and Division I athletes, members of U.S. Special Forces and first responders. But as the company and Matthew’s responsibilities grew, he found himself missing the baseball community, and understood a comeback was inevitable. Show Notes: Matthew’s journey from athlete to entrepreneur At some point the game will tell you “it’s enough” I

Melissa Knaus joins us for an Uphill Conversation on making innovation and technology approachable – especially for women and female entrepreneurs. Melissa Knaus is an entrepreneur, patent expert, and business coach with a passion for helping women create the businesses they dream of leading. When she traded in her full-time office job to start a company and patent her first product, there was a lot she didn’t know. But what she did know was much more powerful – that she needed a massive lifestyle change. Full bio http://gogirlinnovation.com/about-melissa/ (here). Show Notes How an eye infection launched Melissa into her path toward innovation Meaningful coincidences in discovering + launching new ideas Misconceptions around patents and design requirements Importance of questions + research at the front end of any idea or project Overcoming fear + uncertainty through knowledge Tendency to get overwhelmed by your own thoughts and overthinking Utilize a journal to collect, collate + naviga

Greg Centineo joins us for an Uphill Conversation on living life by design and continuously seeking and discovering who are and who you want to be. Greg Centineo is the man CEOs call upon to turn great ideas into reality through thoughtful team leadership and the ability to attract large numbers of people to a common goal. Greg is a frequent public speaker, including at the University of Miami, and a highly sought after consultant by large ventures – primarily advising C-level executives on leadership and fundraising that leads to company growth. Greg also leads large live streaming events and teaches his leadership secrets at http://GregCentineo.com (GregCentineo.com). Show Notes: How Greg has built and designs his own life Self-awareness + having a “no limits” mentality Embracing meaningful coincidences Emotions shouldn’t be defined as positive or negative – when it comes to fear, ask if it’s appropriate or inappropriate How to overcome inappropriate fears to move forward Your mindset i

Chris Breen joins us and shares his journey of self discovery and entrepreneurship. He greatly values continuous learning and realizes the power of investing in oneself. Chris and his wife Amy have been successful entrepreneurs for 20 years.  They currently operate 2 construction companies, a construction management firm and coach other entrepreneurial couples like themselves. Chris is a Certified Trainer in Training with Wake Up Warrior and has a passion for men to live up to their purposes. They live in upstate South Carolina with their 3 children. Show Notes:  Being happily “unemployable” Raised with entrepreneurial spirit and encouraged to build something Chris’s journey from a landscaping company at 14 years old to now owning a construction management firm and operating two companies Value of supporting and feeling “called” to mission work Sold first business, their home and almost all of their belongings to travel across country with their three children for five months Discovered that “you can

In this episode, we have an Uphill Conversation with young professional, entrepreneur and business owner Bud Torcom on authentic connection, relationships and values in an increasingly automated and digital world. Bud Torcom is the CEO and co-founder of Mazama Media, a digital marketing agency that offers high-quality social and digital media solutions for businesses. Mazama Media focuses on the individual needs and personalities of clients to create unique and engaging social media content, and the company is part of the prestigious Facebook Small Business Council. In addition, Bud is a member of the Forbes Agency Council, which has recognized him as an industry leader among advertising and media strategy firms. Show Notes: Creating company policies that match your core values At Mazama Media fun + continuous learning are central Setting stretch goals for your organization – i.e. an anxiety free workplace Benefits + pitfalls of a world increasingly conditioned for instant communication and grati

Josh Elledge joins us for an Uphill Conversation on the power of serving others and giving of oneself as a means to grow your business and achieve your dreams. Josh Elledge is the Chief Executive Angel at http://savingsangel.com (SavingsAngel.com) and helps consumers get discounts and upgrades on everything through his syndicated newspaper column with 1.1 million readers and on TV in 75 cities. He’s been in the media more than 1500 times. Josh now turns digital entrepreneurs into media celebrities at http://upendpr.com (upendPR.com). Full bio https://upendpr.com/about-josh-elledge/ (here). Show Notes: How Josh used his journalism background, worked with local media, provided value to their audiences and SERVED Spent less than $500 in advertising – “everything we do is through service and giving and providing value to audiences” Feeling a moral imperative to help other business owners succeed What holds you back: fear of judgment Fear robs us from those things that we feel called to do An

Elizabeth Dulberger joins us for an Uphill Conversation on her entrepreneurial journey. She shares how, while she is a guide, she also learns from her clients. An innovative and results-driven Leadership Advisor, Executive Coach, Professional Industry Speaker and Published Author, Elizabeth combines her passion and extensive industry knowledge to educate, train and motivate current and future leaders through her seminars, workshops, and industry events. Her unique, intuitive and no-nonsense approach to business and personal success has captured and inspired audiences clients across North America. http://dulbergergroup.com/about-elizabeth-dulberger/ (Full bio here). Show Notes: Elizabeth’s road to entrepreneurship as a young woman Entrepreneurial spirit is something Elizabeth believes we’re born with Power in having strong vision of your capacity + where you want to go Self-belief, self-awareness + emotional intelligence Ego as an impediment to awareness: be direct, break, then uplift As a

Camille Preston, PhD, PCC joins us for a conversation on igniting peak performance. We discuss energy, awareness and our capacity to create more flow. Camille is a leadership expert. She understands where people are, what is happening to them, and how to be their best selves most quickly. Camille specializes in helping people unlock their capacity for excellence, action, and impact. Her clients learn to lead—and live—better. A psychologist by training, Camille is masterful in recognizing underlying patterns that inhibit performance.  She works with individuals and teams to identify specific actions they can take to amplify impact. In 2008, she identified the negative impact of technology and was on the front edge of the tech mindfulness movement with her book Rewired.  Full bio http://aimleadership.com/about/about-camille/ (here). Show Notes: Igniting peak performance through awareness, perspective + planning There is incredible energy in emotion Presence and harnessing the power of past peak performance

Allison Carmen joins us for an Uphill Conversation on “The Gift of Maybe.” We discuss how Maybe had changed her life and the lives of others by allowing them to remain open to possibilities. As a life coach, business consultant and author, Allison Carmen has developed the simple life philosophy called “Maybe” to help people deal with the uncertainty of life. She has successfully applied the philosophy to help her clients, who range from entrepreneurs and owners of multi-million dollar companies to artists, actors, writers, fashion designers, attorneys, health care workers, parents, nannies and the homeless. Allison has witnessed hundreds of people, regardless of present circumstances, who had the courage to step into the realm of Maybe improve their lives. http://www.allisoncarmen.com/about/ (Full bio here.) Show Notes:  Our society’s addiction to certainty Optimism and our ability to take perceived negative occurrences in stride Having control vs. fear of the unknown Awareness and cu

Self-described rule breaker and system disrupter Damion Lupo joins us for a conversation on reinvention, relationship, impact, and finding the edge. A financial transformation thought leader, Damion is a born entrepreneur with his first business at age 11, he’s started and sold dozens since, ranging from insurance to real estate and personal development.  Founder of his own martial art, Yokido , and holder of 3 other black belts.  Damion paid for his first rental house with a VISA, bought 150 houses in 7 states over next 5 years and then went through a $20,000,000 meltdown in 2008.  Today he runs a FinTech dedicated to Disrupting the Wall Street Monopoly by getting people off the Wall Street Roller Coaster and in control of their financial future using alternative assets. Damion is the author of 5 books and has two more being released in 2017. Show Notes: Being an “Edge-case,” rule breaker, and system-disrupter We must experience pain to push us to and through change Seeing gifts as no

Tim and Megan have a winding and thought-provoking conversation where they discuss working with different styles, compatibility, relationships and being intentional. Are you living your life on purpose? Show Notes: Memorable 8/21 total eclipse moments for us in Greenville, SC Know yourself, be yourself Importance of discussing differences natural and adaptive work + social styles Advantages and disadvantages of being a solopreneur vs. having a partner One is to small of a number to accomplish anything of great significance Natural predispositions and the dangers of simply staying in your lane Value of opening yourself up to others and new relationships Your accomplishments aren’t your identity Willingness to look at things from another person’s point of view and making adjustments Not allowing habits, past experiences or “ruts” to own your future 10 ways to live a more intentional life Opposites may attract, but building a relationship takes work Diversity, inclusion and

Brian Knox joins us as we continue to celebrate our 1 Year Anniversary. Find out how Brian was instrumental as an accountability partner in the launch of this podcast and how he inspires and helps others in his daily life. Brian is a guy determined to focus on the good things in life. He’s 38-years-old, has been married for 15 years, and is the father to two daughters (8 and 5). He’s worked at Habitat for a little over a year and it is the exact place that he needs to be. After 17 years in corporate America, Brian is finally in a role that engages his talents, skills, and passions while making the world a better place for others. Show Notes Connecting over John Lee Dumas and https://thefreedomjournal.com (The Freedom Journal ) Value in finding true accountability partners Taking the first steps towards your entrepreneurial dreams Moving beyond the “curse of being capable” Podcasts as a treasure trove of information for personal growth Importance of asking powerful questions an

Live from the http://www.exchangecocoffee.com (Exchange Co.) Coffee bar and bake shop in Simpsonville, SC, Tim and Megan chat and laugh a LOT with two of our friends, loyal listeners and ride-along partners Jon McConnell and Nathan Gamble. Show Notes: Brief history of our interconnecting and different relationships How Jon and Nathan help pre- and post-show, audio testing, fun and great feedback and ideas Keeping the office environment productive and fun Podcasting experience and tricky interview moments Importance of being able to be open to others’ views and beliefs Random questions, favorite guests, and memorable quotes OODA loop – observe, orient, decide, act Jon and Nathan’s random and hilarious Uphill situations Suggestions for Megan and Tim for the coming year – interviews, workshops, coaching and growing the Uphill Strategies business Never be ashamed of what inspires you Be thoughtful on who you allow to speak into your life Others can help you recognize your bli

After a year of podcasting, we are celebrating our One Year Anniversary! In this episode, we turn the mic around and interview Co-host Tim Pecoraro. He talks about his love of people, leadership, and growth through adversity. Show Notes:  What has changed in Tim’s world since the very first episode Tim’s joy in helping and uplifting others Doing the right thing is subjective It takes hard work to change your circumstances Behavior follows belief and self-belief is incredibly important What drew Tim to Coaching and Leadership Coaching and mentoring are not synonymous Value of time, ideas, and expertise Importance of finding your own “sacred space” to be still and think deeply to discover your own clarity How influential mentors and faith impacted Tim’s life and happiness Genuine connection and engaged communication Tim’s optimism about continuing to get compelling guests on our two podcasts, building Uphill Strategies and completing his book References: Sally Morgantha