Episode Transcript
[00:00:00] Speaker A: Opinions expressed in this episode are personal. They do not necessarily reflect the views of this streaming platform.
[00:00:08] Speaker B: Good day, wonderful people, and welcome to another edition of let's Be Diverse. I am your host, Andrew Stout. This episode is dedicated to all my loved ones who have supported me through this journey. Those who have left us will always be in our hearts and will never be forgotten. In. In today's episode, we're going to be talking about why vision isn't optional, defining the soul of our business. And I'm so excited to welcome as my guest today, the amazing Courtney Beck. Welcome to the show, Courtney. We are so honored to have you on here today, Andrew.
[00:00:43] Speaker A: I am thrilled to be on here. Absolutely honored. You know, I do have to tell the audience, too. I respect all of your work. You are always out there on LinkedIn supporting other people. Really taking really your passion exudes through everything that you put out there, Andrew. So I just want to begin with that and thank you for everything that you do.
[00:01:07] Speaker B: Well, I appreciate your kind words. Everything that I do is exactly what you said. So if you're seeing it, then that means that others are seeing it. And I am completing my mission, which is super cool to me, and I'm going to continue to do that and shine a light on as many people as I can and have these amazing conversations that you and I are having today. So I'm super excited. Thank you so much for your kind words.
[00:01:33] Speaker A: Absolutely. Andrea. I am so excited to get into this today because I do. I feel vision and mission statements are very important for any business or organization. So I'm just thrilled to jump into it.
[00:01:48] Speaker B: I want to know, how are things with you? Give us the tea, the deets, give us it all. What's going on with Courtney? Absolutely.
[00:01:55] Speaker A: Well, thank you so much, Andrew. So first off, I would have to say things are going great. We have plenty of positivity. So I'll explain that to your audience. I started Plenty of Positivity back basically in 24. I started thinking of the idea, but I really launched it in June of 2024. So it's dedicated to building a positive community for a better tomorrow. So really spreading positivity into this, focusing on the good things in life, having people come on to the podcast. Plenty of Positivity with Courtney Beck, sharing inspiring stories. And not only inspiring stories, but those stories that we all can either resonate with or really relate to. So as we know, life is not always a bunch of roses and, you know, just wonderful things. Right. We sometimes have to go through challenges to really appreciate I think those good times and by sharing our stories, being authentic, you never know who you could inspire. So I'm so thrilled. Plenty of positivity is doing really well. And then in addition Andrew, I don't know if you have seen on LinkedIn but recently started a brand new collaboration with Ambreen Nadeem and Valerie Probsfeld. Energized thinking. So I'll just begin with that. But it really is, it's all about really promoting innovative progress, focusing on curiosity and critical thinking. So that's kind of where I'm at at this moment in time that is amazing.
[00:03:36] Speaker B: You talked about challenges and we all have our challenges. There's going to be days that are not going to be so good. There's going to be days that are great and I think it's just how we adapt to those situation and those things that are happening in our lives. We're not going to always adapt. We're not going to always figure things out to the best of our abilities and that's okay. I just think that when we think too far ahead, that's when things start to fall a rear. We just have to kind of take things day by day. And that's actually something that I've been really trying to focus on is. Is trying to concentrate on the day. What can I do in the day? How much can I give in the day and what will I look in the mirror and be happy about at the end of the day. And if I can do that then I've accomplished what I wanted to accomplish for the day. So that's what I've been trying to do and it's been helping me out a lot.
[00:04:27] Speaker A: Well, you know Andrew, I'm so glad I want to highlight that in again what you were saying just about living in the present moment. Because I am definitely one person to look sometimes a little bit too far into the future and that's where I get really anxious. And so the more that I've been cognizant about it and really just embracing that present moment, embracing it for what it is in that moment. Is it. Are you supposed to be learning maybe certain lessons, maybe you're meeting new people where you just align with different, different visions that. You mean for example, I mean when I met Valerie and Ambreen it was just lights out. I was like so excited. And even when we were, when you and I met, it's the same thing. It's when paths cross that are in alignment that you, you're believing the same things you, you really want to Spread like goodness into this world. Everything comes together. So embracing that present moment. But I agree with you, Andrew. I certainly have to work on that on a daily basis.
[00:05:29] Speaker B: I'm glad I deceived. I'm not the only one that that has to deal with that or does deal with that every day.
It's nice to hear.
[00:05:36] Speaker A: You are not the only one, Andrew. I promise you that.
[00:05:40] Speaker B: So before we begin, Courtney, I always have a fun, thought provoking question to ask my guests to get things going. Are you ready for yours today?
[00:05:48] Speaker A: Absolutely ready. I am so excited to be here, Andrew. So yes, I am ready.
[00:05:54] Speaker B: Okay, so your question is, if you had a pet parrot, what would be the first thing you teach it to say?
[00:06:00] Speaker A: It would definitely be something positive in alignment with plenty of positivity. So perhaps starting out your day on focusing really on the positivity of your morning. I really do believe that we have every day is a gift. So when we wake up, we have a choice to make, to make it positive. Right. Even though if something didn't start off well in your day, you have a choice to have that positive mindset, to have that positive energy that you will ultimately exude to other people that day. So I would tell that pet parrot, bring something positive to me each and every day to start my day off.
[00:06:40] Speaker B: Bring a positive. Yeah, bring positive mindset. That's awesome. It would be, it would be cool because, I mean, I know about yourself, but for me, I usually have a daily affirmation that I usually look at and read and say to myself every day, you know, if you could have a pet parrot also that would be able to, to repeat some of those words in your affirmation, I think that would be pretty cool too.
[00:07:02] Speaker A: Well, and to your point, and it's funny because I couldn't come up with a phrase right off the top of my head, but I will say that I journal a lot. I focus on gratitude. I focus on exactly what we were just talking about. Positive. Bringing positive things to the forefront. What are grateful for every day?
What is something that even the small things, highlighting the small things in life could really set your day on a positive note. So writing out positive quotes. I love quotes. I'm a big quote person, Andrew, so I do have to mention that. But it really is, it's just writing anything that's positive. It's not necessarily one particular phrase that I use every day or that I would have that pet parent say, but. But it's just exuding more of that positive frame, that positive mindset and getting that Day going on a good note.
[00:07:55] Speaker B: That is awesome. I just love everything that you exude and everything that you talk about as far as gifts and gratitude and positivity, I just love that. And I just wish our world would be a little bit more like that. I think it's kind of coming that way, but I, I think we have a long way to go on that. So I just love your, your positivity for sure.
[00:08:13] Speaker A: I have to say, I really did. I learned a lot about just if you topic of positivity through sport. So being a gymnast, basically, it was almost my entire, like childhood adolescence into my young adulthood. But I say this because our practices were really long. They were five to six hours growing up, five days a week. And so I learned about a positive mindset. Because if in fact, I started off perhaps that workout not on a great note, well, I could do one of two things. I could carry that negative attitude for probably another four or five hours. Right. Or I could kind of turn the knob and say, you know what, I didn't start off the way I wanted to, but I have a choice, a decision that I can make right now to switch to a positive mindset and make the most out of this workout. So that's where I really learned about positivity and a positive mindset. Sport.
[00:09:11] Speaker B: That's awesome. Courtney. You gave a little bit of a teaser, but I'm super excited. Why don't we start off or start this podcast off with you telling us a little bit about yourself And I would love to hear about your why as well, Courtney.
[00:09:24] Speaker A: Absolutely. So great question, Andrew. I'll first begin very broadly. So, born and raised in Florida, the Sunshine State. That's where all this energy, I think, comes from. Only child. I really spent a lot of my early years with school and gym. So I say that because that really was. I had a very structured life growing up, which I'm very grateful for, looking back in hindsight. Yeah. Because a couple of things, gymnastics, the sport of gymnastics that I was involved in primarily, I dabbled in a couple of other sports. But those lessons, really, I was able to take them onto my professional career, obviously, as I would get older. And I appreciated that. I appreciated understanding that not every day is going to be the best day, but how could you make the most of it? How could you really focus on stretching your potential in life? Sometimes we place limits on ourself. Right. But sport taught me never to do that, to really write goals down, short term goals, long term goals, and to be able to carry that forward and that's exactly what I've done in my professional career, which I had graduated from the University of Florida. I was a collegiate gymnast there as well. And I went on, I spent a lot of time in academia. I have a little bit of a sales background too in pharmaceutical sales. And most recently I finished my PhD in sport management. And then I would take a more unconventional route, if you will. So I went into what would be considered ultimately just social entrepreneurship. So focusing on things that when I looked into society, what was, what was I seeing? How could I be of help to other people? How could I serve other people? And so that's where plenty of positivity came alive in June of 2024. So with plenty of positivity, as I mentioned, there's a podcast, there's a book club. So really highlighting those authors, all the hard work, the effort that it takes to obviously publish a book, in addition, positive messages. So when you come to the plenty of positivity community, you are guaranteed spreading of positivity into your life. Inspiration, motivation, and then ultimately, like I said most recently, energized thinking. Energized thinking. Such a passion project. Andrew, I'm so grateful to have met Ambrina Deem and Valerie Probe spell to collaborate with them. But ultimately it is. It's about promoting that continued learning, promoting innovative progr.
Challenging assumptions, even current day. How could we make this world a better place? It's great, but how could we make it even more better? So my why is really at this point in my life, it's, it's giving back, it's serving others and it's being that, that positive light in the world.
[00:12:30] Speaker B: So many things that I want to dive into. First off, gymnastics, all sports are difficult and technical. But I imagine that gymnastics was very technical for you, which helped you to, to move forward in your career because of all the technical things that you needed to learn and, and strive for. And you mentioned school and gym. Your life was so structured now with all the things that you're doing. Everything else has continued to be structured throughout your career. So that's the one thing that you mentioned. The other thing is you mentioned energized thinking. And I just think that we, I think that we need to be a little bit more adaptable in our lives as well as far as being energized and to not assume. You mentioned assuming as well. I'm not assuming about somebody or somebody's lifestyle or somebody's work habits or the way that they're thinking or their ideas. I think the moment that we assume that's. I think that's when we get ourselves into trouble. So those are the things that got my attention, what you'd said.
[00:13:36] Speaker A: Absolutely. And you bring up an excellent point. Something that I am actually, I'm personally very passionate about is critical thinking, which does of course, tie into energized thinking, but this idea of really understanding all sides of a story, so not just what maybe a friend tells you, not just what maybe one, you know, news outlet tells you or research article tells you, but really taking the time, doing the due diligence and really giving effort towards understanding all aspects of a story. For example, I'm just giving this as the. Like I said, as an example. But being able to analyze, to observe it really does take effort. And that's. That's what we're trying to promote. Bringing topics to the forefront with research, with education behind it, to back perhaps different perspectives, different conclusive findings. Like I said, not just focusing on one side of a story, but really taking a deep dive into it. So I'm so happy you mentioned that.
[00:14:40] Speaker B: That's a great segue for what you mentioned as far as our conversation goes. So what I'd like to know from you, Courtney, is what prevents a strong vision from becoming a driving force in a company?
[00:14:51] Speaker A: Yes. So vision and mission statements, I think, are critical for any business, for any organization, because it provides direction, it provides that business meaning. Now, when we talk about what actually prevents, the first thing that comes to mind would be poor communication. And that almost could be in anything, right? When poor communication is present, it's very difficult to align. It's very difficult for perhaps employees to get on the same note, because there is. There's not that effective type of communication. I think of when you start a business, when you start an organization, being able to lay out what are the values of the company. How could everybody come together? And then the vision is really where things ignite. I think that's where the. The inspiration and the motivation for why do you come to work every day? Why do you do what you do every day? What are you trying to accomplish? So that really does need to be effectively communicated with clarity. I would also have to say flexibility also prevent a strong vision from becoming a driving force, because as we know today, Drew, technology is changing by the day. I am trying to keep afloat of all the talk of AI and it really is. It's almost like impossible, it seems like. But I say this because without that sense of flexibility, being able to adapt, I think adaptability is moving forward into where we are present day into the future I think is going to be a critical skill even to have for individuals, let alone a business and a organization.
So flexibility, being able to adapt to bring in new technology, not resisting it, because perhaps you will, you know, potentially get left behind.
So I would leave that with poor communication that comes to mind and then flexibility right away.
[00:16:56] Speaker B: And when you talk about provides direction, it's so important to me. So as you're talking, I would think about workers coming to a field and they're building a new home or a new building. There needs to be direction or else everyone's going to be all over the place and the deadline that you have for this build to be done is never going to reach it. So the communication factor is there as far as this is what's got to be done. This is when we're targeting it to be done. And then the direction part of this is what needs to be done first, this is what needs to be done next is and communicating that direction. And if we don't have that, then it's just, it's going to go arrear. So it was just interesting that you said that to me and that was the first thing that came to mind.
[00:17:42] Speaker A: No, absolutely. Even alongside like the, the big picture, like the, the mission and the vision statement. But really having a plan where all of your employees, your team members are on, they understand exactly what is supposed to be executed and when it is supposed to be communication. For me, I even speak about it in plenty of positivity, my three Cs communication, connection and community. But really focusing on how important even present day Andrew, with communication, we have so many different modes of communication. Whether it's social platforms, you know, basic email, phone call, you name it. But being on the same plan, if you will, understanding what is supposed to take place, I think that's so critical for teens today.
[00:18:29] Speaker B: It is very critical for sure. So Courtney, what's the secret to keeping your mission alive and aligned as your goals get bigger?
[00:18:38] Speaker A: Good question, Andrew. I would have to say my, my first instinct, I go, I go in the direction of social media platforms. So for example, just a real life example here. When I post something for plenty of positivity, for example, I always include the mission and the vision statement because it continually reminds those just the audience, what, what am I trying to accomplish by you focusing on, you know, in that particular moment, on plenty of positivity. What is the value that you know, the business is going to offer you as the audience? In addition, if there are newcomers, if there's new people that are interested in your business. If they've seen it for the first time and they're just coming on a random post that you just posted on social media platforms, they may think, wow, I mean, yes, I would like to look forward more, but why not provide a simple overview. The Vision and the mission. So being consistent, I think that's what's really key when you ask about, just like the secret to keeping your mission alive is consistency. Repetitive, you know, bringing to light the mission and the vision alongside anything that you're posting, anything that you're putting out there, whether it's being on podcast as well. So I'd say consistency.
[00:19:55] Speaker B: I think you're bang on there, Courtney, because a lot of conversations that I'm having is people are reading company mission and vision statements. So whether you're looking to get your house renovated, whether you're looking for a new build, whether you're looking to have a plumber or an electrician come into your home, people are reading these mission and vision statements and they're making a decision on whether they are going to contact that company to see, for them to come in to give an estimate, or if they're going to move on to the next. So I would. I'm speaking to people who are listening today. If you really feel that nobody is reading these mission and vision statements, I'm here to tell you today that you were sorely mistaken because people read those things to a T. And I'll even go as far as people looking at companies, they will read the mission vision statements and they'll decide whether they're going to apply for a job or not. So mission vision statement, like you said, is super valuable and super important. And I wish that more leaders and company owners understood that well.
[00:21:03] Speaker A: And even to add along that, Andrew is I think about pulling the whether it's the general audience, it just depends obviously what we're talking about. But the general audience or the customer, bringing them into the equation. So allowing them to share their story, their experience with the organization or the business, because that has a lot of weight today, as we know. Customer reviews, what was it like when you interacted with this business, with this organization? And that holds a lot of weight, I think, for a lot of people alongside the mission and the vision statement for a business. But what is the true story? What, what are your customer, your audience, what are they actually experiencing too?
[00:21:47] Speaker B: That is a great point for sure. I totally agree with you on that one. So in your view, how much power does mission vision really have on shaping a company's voice. I know we kind of talked about it, but I'd love to go a little bit deeper in it.
[00:22:01] Speaker A: Absolutely. I actually have some really good examples, Andrew. So once again, it always comes to mind, but it really, it's really the direction and the meaning. I think that when we talk about, you know, really being able to shape a company's voice. But I say this because when you think about not only the voice of the company, but when you go to their website, what is the vibe? What is the overall feeling that you get when you go to their website? Is it align with maybe a video that they've posted is to the color, to the format? And I say this because, Andrew, this is true story. So when I started, plenty of positivity. So once again, just more social entrepreneurship, if you will, social impact. But I created a website and initially it was more a passion project. So I thought to myself, ooh, what are my favorite colors? Well, I love the combination of black and gold. I think it's so solid, it's so sharp. But as I would go on when. Let's just be honest, I mean, if you think about positivity, are you thinking about black and gold? I don't know. Probably I'd have to go out on the limb and say not.
So I say this because it's so important when we talk about direction and the meaning that really stems from, you know, a vision, a mission is alignment across different social platforms. What are you maybe posting on LinkedIn? How does that maybe transition into your website? Is everything aligning down literally to the colors? So I just give that as an example because it's a real life example. And I recently remarketed rebranded and everything again, year later.
[00:23:46] Speaker B: And I love the alignment part. A good example for me is what I really want to do is whether you are talking to me as a guest on a podcast, whether we were. We met in person, over the phone, out in a social environment, whatever it is, I want people to say, wow, that Andrew doesn't matter what situation he's in, he is the same person. And I think that when we have our mission and visions aligned with that, you can almost read it and you can almost tell without even having to force the issue what that individual or what that person or company is like by reading that mission, vision. And I think that's super important.
[00:24:32] Speaker A: I'm so happy that you mentioned that because I even think about the culture. You could, you know, post something on your website, for example, the mission and the vision. Right. But what, when it comes to life, when it comes to maybe being out there in the public on social media platforms, is the culture being brought to life externally? So you could say something internally within an organization or perhaps like I said, just basically on a website, but what is it actually exuding once it's out there in the public? Is it actually alive?
So I'm glad you mentioned that.
[00:25:07] Speaker B: So how can leaders use mission and vision to disrupt old hierarchies and build more inclusive teams?
[00:25:15] Speaker A: I have to say collaboration. I am all about collaboration, Andrew. I think especially since we started energized thinking, brand new. Okay, but one thing I will say is we are inviting all perspectives. So like I said, when we talk about critical thinking, being able to focus on all aspects of a story. And so I, I say this as an example because when you are collaborating, collaborating, you are going to bring forth different perspectives that may not be necessarily aligned exactly with your perspective. People with different backgrounds, different culture, they bring so much when you are able to come together and to maybe look through a different lens, having that sense of, you know, empathy too, for somebody that you are able to maybe see, you know, walk through, walk in their own shoes, so to speak. Right. But I say all of this because it does draw back to collaboration. Collaboration how? Providing different perspectives back into a collaboration really, really can ignite, just to your question, you know, it can disrupt those old hierarchies. And it brings me to another point.
I think of titles, I think of leaders like, oh, you have to have this title. But as we know, in many organizations, many businesses, there's a lot of people that could be behind the scenes that necessarily don't entail certain titles to their name.
However, a lot of people within an organization tend to gravitate towards them. Maybe they listen, maybe they provide insight when it really counts. Maybe they're not the loudest leader. But that's another thing too. So not always going by who they have this title, they have that, you know, qualification. But who is actually behind, you know, the organization, really guiding the way, really positively influencing employees.
[00:27:13] Speaker B: Maybe you were speaking my language when you talk about collaboration, Courtney, it is my love language. I just love collaboration. I just love rapport. Building it is super important, building community. These are situations where you could pick up the phone and, or do a zoom meeting with another business owner and talk about ideas and throw those ideas out them and say, say, hey, what do you think about this? Or what's your process? Or not. And I know people will say, well, you don't want to give Your secrets. And I'm not talking about giving your company secrets, I'm talking about talking about ideas, refreshing ideas and seeing what their perspective is on that. And you're gonna get a different perspective and you might be like, wow, I wasn't thinking that way. Now I'm thinking this way. So it is, I just love of collaboration and anybody that knows me knows that about me and I offer as long as I can. I'm going to continue to do that.
[00:28:14] Speaker A: Well. And you know Andrew, I, I'm glad you mentioned that because it reminded me of within energized thinking. I'm just giving this obviously like I said, as an example in real life. But we focus on a more multidisciplinary approach. So really incorporating different disciplines, different fields of study.
And I say that because even my background, any major or degree program that I've gone into is pretty, I mean it would have to, I'd have to say that it's very different, if you will. The communication business is very broad, very general, if you will. Sport management was probably my quote, most specialized area. But I bring this up because when you are able to look into different disciplines, look into different, different fields of study, even though, yes, it may not be your quote, expertise, if you will, you never know when you spark creativity, when you start pulling maybe hey, this is in this industry, how could I maybe translate it over into this industry? Or why is this an issue or a challenge in this industry? I was just studying this other discipline. Maybe we could, you know, synergize something here or it could ignite, you know, more effective ideas.
So I, I, I'm glad you mentioned that. But just being open to creativity, letting your creativity kind of run wild in those collaborations, you never know what you could spark as far as a new idea.
[00:29:42] Speaker B: Absolutely. And, and when it, when you're open to these ideas or these thoughts from other people or listening to other people and getting feedback, it is so rewarding because if you're close minded on your ideas and we're talking about hierarchies and these are business owners or companies who have an old school mentality that they, this is what I've been doing for 40, 50 years and I'm going to continue to do that. So they have a closed minded mentality, but when you have an open minded mentality and you're open to suggestions and feedback, you just open up a whole world of ideas and it just makes things so much better.
[00:30:21] Speaker A: I'm glad you bring that up because I do, I think of the importance of being Able to take in constructive feedback that if you really do want to improve upon yourself, really experience personal growth, you have to be willing to, for example, have that mentor that's able to honestly tell you, yes, we need to work a little bit more on X, Y, Z. But not taking it as a sense of criticism that you know, you did this so wrong. It's more like, no, you did this actually very well, but let's move to this. I think you could, you know, brush up on whatever it is, but being, you have to be open minded. And it just reminds me, you know, how the pendulum sometimes swings where like I said, it's like it's either right or it's wrong. But being able to be in that middle, like what actually is. There's a little bit of truth over here. There's a little bit of truth over here. And how could we pull that all together? So it is, you have to be open minded and you have to be willing to be curious enough to ask those questions, to dig deeper. So it's a mixture of everything. I just wanted to pull from a different couple, different examples.
[00:31:32] Speaker B: So Courtney, as we wrap up here today, what would you say is the biggest takeaway for our audience?
[00:31:38] Speaker A: I would have to say how powerful a mission and a vision statement could be for an organization or a business really sets the tone and the momentum that builds behind it.
[00:31:50] Speaker B: It.
[00:31:51] Speaker A: So as I've mentioned, whether it's projecting the values of the company and the organization to a first time individual that just has witnessed your business, they just come across it. What can they expect if they decide to go forth and to maybe do business with your business? What is the value that you provide them? What is your vision? I just get excited about talking about vision statements because it's that long term vision. Is it a movement you're trying to create? Does somebody else want to be part of that? So going back and one word to sum it up, I would say momentum. It really, really those two things, vision statement and mission statement, build momentum every night.
[00:32:33] Speaker B: You said it was just so beautiful and I just love that. I just love how you point that out and talked about the importance of what can you expect and momentum. So thank you for that. If I had a, a call to action today, definitely would say I'd love for everybody to like share and follow this episode. I today wanted to take the time to thank you for coming on today, Courtney. I just admire your ability to be so receptive, your ability to show people hope, your professionalism and your ability to be so heart centered you are just such a gem and I'm just so thankful to be connected with you and to have met you and to be having this conversation with you. So thank you so much for being such a driven leader and thank you for joining us today.
[00:33:17] Speaker A: Andrew, I first want to say thank you so much for those very kind words and thank you for having me on your podcast. It was truly an honor. As I had mentioned before, as I have got to know you on LinkedIn, I really admire your leadership, the ability to show up to support others endeavors, others initiatives if you will. That really has been highlighted. When I think of Andrew, I do, I think of just a positive light out there trying to help others and not to mention the positive impact that you have had with your podcast. So once again, truly an honor to be here today.
[00:33:57] Speaker B: Andrew, I appreciate you as a human again, it was a pleasure to have you on here today. On behalf of myself and my guest Courtney, I'd like to thank you all for listening and until next time, be safe. And remember everyone that if we all work together, we can accomplish anything you.
[00:34:15] Speaker A: Have been listening to. Let's be diverse with Andrew Stout to stay up to date with future content, hit Subscribe.
