Welcome to the Catalytic Leadership Weekly, where each week you’ll get an update on the newest episode of the Catalytic Leadership Podcast, see the 3 books I’m currently reading, read 2 quotes that grabbed my attention this week, and find 1 story that made me think or resource that I like and think you might find helpful. 

I’m always looking for ways to “make it better,” and I’d love to hear your feedback. Thank you for being a part of Catalytic Leadership!



This week’s episode of the Catalytic Leadership Podcast:

From Tech Startup to Business Kung Fu Wisdom, with Craig Cooke

When Craig Cooke joined us for this conversation, we knew we were in for a treat. His entrepreneurial spirit, molded by the principles of his family’s businesses, is a riveting tale of ingenuity and resilience. As the founder of RhythmNet.com, Craig’s journey from the ground up, starting with a 14.4 modem, to navigating the digital marketing landscape, is not just a lesson in business growth but a testament to the transformative power of leadership.

Balancing the scales of success and wellbeing, Craig opens up about the personal costs that came with his company’s ascent. Battling health challenges amidst prosperity, he shares the profound lifestyle adjustments he made to triumph over diabetes, reaffirming the essential role of self-care for any high achiever. His story is a stark reminder that personal health is a cornerstone of sustainable success, and that taking care of oneself should never be sidelined.

Finally, Craig turns the page to his latest passion, imparting wisdom through his new book Business Kung Fu. His philosophy on the cyclical nature of learning and sharing is captivating, as he outlines the five elements of entrepreneurship that mirror ancient Chinese wisdom. Alongside his shift to business consulting and the pursuit of a doctorate in Chinese energy medicine, Craig’s narrative is an inspiring echo for continuous growth, innovation, and the pursuit of knowledge that enriches both business and personal realms.

3 Books I’m Reading This Week

Stop Overthinking: 23 Techniques to Relieve Stress, Stop Negative Spirals, Declutter Your Mind, and Focus on the Present (The Path to Calm) by Nick Trenton

The Millionaire Next Door by Thomas J. Stanley and William D. Danko

A Limitless Mindset by Tom Lawrence

2 Quotes That Grabbed My Attention

“Motivation doesn’t last but neither does bathing. That’s why you need it every day!” – Zig Ziglar

“The word ‘encourage’ means ‘to put courage into.’ When you encourage someone, you put courage into them.” — Jon Gordon

1 Resource That You Might Find Helpful


“Times of crisis, when you face imminent, impending failure – even, sometimes, when you face certain failure – times like these form the crucible of leadership. It’s here, at these times, that your true leadership mettle will be tested. And yet, for most leaders, their response at such times is essentially improvised. Unless and until you’ve been through climactic situations multiple times, it’s hard to know precisely what to do next in any given situation. And so, absent any clear guidelines, we make it up as we go along.” Check out this great article from Les McKeown on “what to do when you fear your leadership is failing.”

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We’re just over the halfway point of the first quarter of 2024. Has this year been different so far from last year? Or more of the same? Are you breaking old habits and sticking with new ones?

How can you get out of your own way and take steps to become the leader that your team and your company need you to be? It’s not just going to happen. It takes intentionality. And that’s where coaching comes in.

As an Executive Coach specializing in Mindset and Leadership, I work with entrepreneurs, founders, executives, and C-suite leaders who want to become catalytic in their leadership. Through 1:1 coaching, my clients move from where they are (stuck) to where they want to be.

For February, I currently have 2 slots available for new clients. I don’t accept every person who approaches me about coaching; in fact, I turn down those who I believe are not ready or a good fit for what I do. If you’d like to explore whether Executive Coaching is your next step toward the impact you want to make, let’s talk. No hard sales pitch. If it’s not right for both of us, I’ll tell you so. My goal is to help leaders get out of their own way, stop breaking their own businesses and teams, and move into being catalytic in their impact and their legacy. If you’re ready, book a time for us to talk.


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https://catalyticleadership.net/2024/02/20/from-tech-startup-to-business-kung-fu-wisdom-with-craig-cooke/

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That’s it for this week’s newsletter. Let me know what you think!

–William  

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