Guest: Deborah Fell

What a magnificent top 10 list! From Joe Leo on birthing a company to Joe Grace, who births audiences for companies, we've got Torey Carter-Conneen on inspiring unity and focus by simplifying complexity. And then, of course, there's James Hyman, who's made a successful career as a serial turnaround CEO. He balances accountability and empowerment within his teams to make progress. Topping it off is Kyle Buckett, a retired U.S. Navy SEAL who has lived up to the importance of culture improvement and fit in creating elite teams. This is the stuff not from people who write books, although several have written books, but from people who have created or transformed and ultimately lifted teams and companies to new levels. I'll warn you, they don't make it sound easy, but they do share what drove them. Pick an episode on a relevant topic and listen in as they dive in. Several common themes emerge across these episodes of Success Beneath the Surface:
Leadership and Team Building: Many of the guests, including James Hyman, Joe Leo, Kyle Buckett, and Torey Carter-Conneen, discuss strategies for effective leadership and building high-performing teams. This includes balancing accountability with empowerment, understanding individual team members, and creating a culture of excellence.
Adapting to Change and Complexity: Several episodes touch on navigating complex business environments, whether it's James Hyman's approach to restructuring companies, Joe Leo's entrepreneurial journey, or Torey Carter-Conneen's efforts to unite diverse constituents in a trade association.
Customer Focus and Understanding: Joe Grace's insights on direct-to-consumer marketing and Deborah Fell's experience with the trampoline park client highlight the importance of deeply understanding customer needs and tailoring experiences accordingly.
Authenticity and Storytelling: Joe Grace emphasizes the power of authentic storytelling in marketing, while other guests touch on the importance of aligning personal values with organizational missions.
Continuous Learning and Skill Development: Many guests, including James Hyman and Joe Leo, stress the importance of broadening skill sets and learning from experiences to drive success.
Innovation and Adaptability: From leveraging AI in business to adapting marketing strategies, the episodes highlight the need for leaders to stay innovative and adaptable in changing business landscapes.
Creating a Supportive Culture: Multiple episodes touch on the importance of fostering a supportive environment where team members can grow, take risks, and reach their full potential.
These themes collectively emphasize the multifaceted nature of leadership and success in various business contexts, from startups to large organizations, across different industries. You can find the full playlist here >

In this episode of "Success Beneath the Surface," Deborah Fell shares a story sparked by her recent conversation with Susan Finch about understanding and nurturing individual team members. Deborah emphasizes the importance of recognizing each person's unique experiences and skills, and providing opportunities for growth and development. She highlights the value of creating a supportive environment where team members feel comfortable stepping out of their comfort zones, learning from their experiences, and receiving encouragement along the way. Deborah's insights offer valuable guidance for team leaders, including CSOs, HR professionals, and CEOs, who aim to unlock the full potential of their teams by embracing individuality and fostering a culture of trust, rather than micromanaging because you just want to be involved.
 
Links from this episode:
Deborah Fell on LinkedInChief Outsiders
Susan Finch on LinkedInFunnel Media Group, LLC

Are you a business leader, HR professional, or entrepreneur looking to enhance your team's performance and harmony? In this special episode of "Success Beneath the Surface," host Susan Finch turns the tables on regular host Deborah Fell to uncover key insights on adaptive leadership. Drawing from her diverse experiences leading teams at Chief Outsiders, Marriott, and beyond, Deborah shares strategies for understanding individual team members, building trust quickly, and skillfully guiding conversations to defuse tensions and facilitate solutions. Whether you're taking over an existing team or working with a diverse, cross-functional group, you'll learn how to tailor your approach to different dynamics and generations. Tune in for valuable advice on effective communication, collaboration, and personal growth that extends beyond the business realm. Don't miss this unique opportunity to hear from Deborah and Susan as they explore the art of leadership in today's complex team environments.
Who is this episode for:
Business leaders and managers: The insights shared by Deborah and Susan are highly relevant for those in leadership positions who want to improve their ability to understand, adapt to, and guide their teams effectively.
HR professionals and team builders: The discussion around understanding individual team members, building trust, and facilitating productive conversations would interest those involved in human resources, team building, and organizational development.
Entrepreneurs and small business owners: As they often wear multiple hats, including that of a team leader, entrepreneurs can benefit from the experiences and advice shared in this episode.
Professionals working in diverse or cross-functional teams: The insights around adapting to different team dynamics, generations, and individual needs would be valuable for those working in diverse team environments.
Anyone interested in personal and professional development: The themes of self-awareness, empathy, communication, and leadership are applicable beyond just a business context and can appeal to a broader audience looking to grow in these areas.

Last week, we delved into the world of customer knowledge on Success Beneath the Surface, and what an eye-opening journey it was! As Susan Finch and I explored the importance of truly understanding our customers, we uncovered a game-changing insight that separates successful businesses from the rest.
We often claim to know our customers, but do we really grasp their desires and needs beyond the surface level? Let me share a personal experience that perfectly illustrates this point. My husband and I recently purchased outdoor furniture, but what we truly sought were not just chairs, but unforgettable moments with loved ones in our courtyard.
The key is to look beneath the obvious and ask the right questions. That's precisely what the perceptive sales representative did, earning our business and future loyalty.  I challenge you to question if your company truly comprehends your customers' deepest needs. Join me in this commentary as we uncover the untapped potential of gaining deeper customer insights for the growth and prosperity of your business. Don't miss last week's full episode, "Navigating Change: CEO's Playbook for Profitable Adaptation."
 
Links from this episode:
Deborah Fell on LinkedInChief Outsiders
Susan Finch on LinkedInFunnel Media Group, LLC

In this episode, CEOs of B2B companies are invited on a transformative journey, discovering the key considerations needed to unlock remarkable opportunities and fortify their businesses amidst the ever-present seasons of uncertainty. Deborah emphasizes the importance of truly understanding customers' experiences, empathizing with their challenges, and aligning with their evolving needs. By staying connected and adapting swiftly, CEOs can position their companies as trusted allies, ready to deliver the right solutions precisely when needed.
She encourages CEOs to cultivate a genuine partnership with their customers, seeking valuable feedback and co-creating extraordinary experiences. She highlights the power of focusing on customer profitability, refining product portfolios, and identifying the true differentiators that drive customer loyalty. 
Funnel Media Group's senior producer, Susan Finch, is in the host seat for this episode.
Links from this episode:
Deborah Fell on LinkedInChief Outsiders
Susan Finch on LinkedInFunnel Media Group, LLC