Episodes

Tuesday Mar 19, 2024
168: Navigating Leadership and Technology w/ Tim Howard
Tuesday Mar 19, 2024
Tuesday Mar 19, 2024
Podcast Show Notes – Episode 168 | 03.19.2024
Episode Title: Navigating Leadership and Technology with Tim Howard
Episode summary introduction:
In this episode, Sean Barnes interviews Tim Howard, the founder of Fortify Experts. They discuss the evolving role of technology in business, the importance of trust, coachability, and emotional intelligence in leadership. They delve into the transition from being an individual contributor to a leader, the Birkman Method, strategies for transitioning technologists into leadership roles, and the value of learning from failure.
Key Moments
00:00 - Introduction of guest Tim Howard, founder of Fortify Experts
06:28 - The evolving role of technology in business and leadership
15:18 - The art of building trust and relationships in organizations
33:58 - The importance of being coachable and the value of emotional intelligence in leadership
40:12 - Building executive presence and transitioning from individual contributor to leader
44:56 - Understanding people as datasets: The Birkman Method
49:59 - Strategies for transitioning technologists into leadership roles
57:11 - The importance of learning from failure and coaching strategies for technology professionals
1:03:20 - The role of mentorship in leadership and lessons from teen recovery
1:07:36 - Closing remarks and setting up the next meet
Guest: Tim Howard
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timhoward/
Fortify Experts: https://fortifyexperts.com/
Host: Sean Barnes
Website: https://www.wsssolutions.com/
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanbarnes/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/wsssolutions/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/thewayofthewolf/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheWayoftheWolf
Twitter: https://twitter.com/the_seanbarnes
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/the_seanbarnes
https://www.instagram.com/the_wayofthewolf
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_seanbarnes
Email: Sean@thewayofthewolf.com
Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Way-of-the-Wolf-Podcast/B08JJNXJ6C
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2BTGdO25Vop3GTpGCY8Y8E?si=ea91c1ef6dd14f15

Tuesday Mar 12, 2024
167: Overcoming Adversity and Achieving Success
Tuesday Mar 12, 2024
Tuesday Mar 12, 2024
Podcast Show Notes – Episode 167 | 03.12.2024
Episode Title: Dealing with Life’s Setbacks
Episode summary introduction:
In this episode, Sean Barnes explores the theme of dealing with life's setbacks. He discusses the impact and recovery from physical injuries, balancing career transition and personal recovery. The conversation delves into building resilience, understanding the role of support networks, and maintaining a positive mindset.
Key Moments
00:00 - Introduction and topic discussion - dealing with life's setbacks
01:26 - Impact and recovery from physical injuries in life and work
03:20 - Balancing career transition and personal recovery
04:38 - Building resilience and overcoming frustrations
06:13 - Understanding the importance of resilience and support network
08:10 - Surrounding oneself with positivity and avoiding negativity
09:33 - Importance of seeking help and maintaining a positive mindset
10:53 - Conclusion and closing remarks
Host: Sean Barnes
Website: https://www.wsssolutions.com/
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanbarnes/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/wsssolutions/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/thewayofthewolf/
YouTube: youtube.thewayofthewolf.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/the_seanbarnes
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/the_seanbarnes
https://www.instagram.com/the_wayofthewolf
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_seanbarnes
Email: Sean@thewayofthewolf.com
Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Way-of-the-Wolf-Podcast/B08JJNXJ6C
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2BTGdO25Vop3GTpGCY8Y8E?si=ea91c1ef6dd14f15

Tuesday Mar 05, 2024
166: Transform Your Business with Technology w/ Shane Mishler
Tuesday Mar 05, 2024
Tuesday Mar 05, 2024
Podcast Show Notes – Episode 166 | 03.05.2024
Episode Title: Technology in Business with Shane Mishler
Episode summary introduction:
In this episode, Sean Barnes talks with Shane Mishler of SD Tech about hiring talent, transitioning leadership roles, and managing multiple companies. They delve into the importance of technology investments, share experiences of communication struggles, and discuss differentiating strategies in the tech industry. They also address the shift from being tech-centric to people-centric.
Key Moments
00:00 - Introduction to guest Shane Missler and SD Tech
06:04 - The importance of hiring the right talent and the hiring process at SD Tech
11:02 - Transition from leading a large team to a small startup and Sean's role in the oil and gas industry
16:06 - Managing multiple companies as a managed service provider and client selection
20:44 - Maintaining technology standards and change management process in SD Tech
24:05 - The struggle of convincing business owners about the importance of technology investments
28:51 - Sean's experience with a controller failure and its impact on the corporation
32:13 - Communication struggles with clients and a case study on small practice falling victim to crypto lock
37:47 - Differentiating SD Tech from other MSPs and its organic growth strategy
43:10 - The shift from being a typical IT guy to becoming a people person and the role of technology in businesses
45:28 - Contacting Shane and SD Tech
46:01 - Show Close and Thank You
Guest: Shane Mishler
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-mishler-23678327/
SD Tech: https://www.sd-tech.net/
Host: Sean Barnes
Website: https://www.wsssolutions.com/
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanbarnes/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/wsssolutions/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/thewayofthewolf/
YouTube: youtube.thewayofthewolf.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/the_seanbarnes
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/the_seanbarnes
https://www.instagram.com/the_wayofthewolf
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_seanbarnes
Email: Sean@thewayofthewolf.com
Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Way-of-the-Wolf-Podcast/B08JJNXJ6C
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2BTGdO25Vop3GTpGCY8Y8E?si=ea91c1ef6dd14f15

Tuesday Feb 27, 2024
165: Leadership and Project Management
Tuesday Feb 27, 2024
Tuesday Feb 27, 2024
Podcast Show Notes – Episode 165 | 02.13.2024
Episode Title: Project Manager or Leader
Episode summary introduction:
In this episode, Sean Barnes delves into the distinctions and overlaps between leadership and project management. He discusses the importance of vision, problem-solving skills, flexibility, and adaptability in both roles. The episode also touches on the power of motivation, inspiration, and influence in leadership.
Key Moments
00:00 - Introduction to the episode
01:15 - Leadership vs. Project Management: Roles and Differences
02:39 - The Importance of Vision in Leadership
04:57 - Problem-Solving Skills in Leadership and Project Management
06:01 - Flexibility and Adaptability: Key Traits for Leaders and Project Managers
07:02 - The Power of Motivation and Inspiration in Leadership
10:06 - Overlapping Skills in Leadership and Project Management
11:01 - Influence: A Significant Aspect of Leadership
12:49 - Closing Remarks and Call for Reviews
Host: Sean Barnes
Website: https://www.wsssolutions.com/
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanbarnes/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/wsssolutions/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/thewayofthewolf/
YouTube: youtube.thewayofthewolf.com
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/the_seanbarnes
https://www.instagram.com/the_wayofthewolf
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_seanbarnes
Email: Sean@thewayofthewolf.com
Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Way-of-the-Wolf-Podcast/B08JJNXJ6C
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2BTGdO25Vop3GTpGCY8Y8E?si=ea91c1ef6dd14f15

Tuesday Feb 20, 2024
164: Changing Culture and Empowering Women w/ Ilda Andaluz
Tuesday Feb 20, 2024
Tuesday Feb 20, 2024
Podcast Show Notes – Episode 164 | 02.20.2024
Episode Title: Changing Culture and Empowering Women w/ Ilda Andaluz
Episode summary introduction:
In this episode, Sean Barnes engages with Ilda Andaluz, an EVP in a male-dominated industry. They discuss her journey, the use of DISC assessments, and changing organizational culture. Insights on leadership styles, introvert vs extrovert leaders, and leading remote teams are shared. The episode concludes with Ilda's vision for empowering women in the workplace.
Key Moments
00:00 Introduction of guest Ilda Andaluz
01:26 Journey to an EVP role and challenges in a male-dominated industry
08:17 Using DISC assessments and changing organizational culture
17:09 Discussing the transition of Varel and creating a cohesive global culture
27:01 Learning leadership styles and finding your own voice
35:14 Comparison of introvert vs extrovert leaders and leading remote teams
43:59 Empowering women in the workplace: Ilda's mission and vision
49:19 How to contact Ilda Andaluz
49:52 Conclusion & Contact Information
Guest: Ilda Andaluz
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilda-andaluz-mba-mj-in-law-0b78641/
Host: Sean Barnes
Website: https://www.wsssolutions.com/
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanbarnes/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/wsssolutions/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/thewayofthewolf/
YouTube: youtube.thewayofthewolf.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/the_seanbarnes
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/the_seanbarnes
https://www.instagram.com/the_wayofthewolf
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_seanbarnes
Email: Sean@thewayofthewolf.com
Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Way-of-the-Wolf-Podcast/B08JJNXJ6C
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2BTGdO25Vop3GTpGCY8Y8E?si=ea91c1ef6dd14f15

Tuesday Feb 13, 2024
163: Stepping Into Leadership
Tuesday Feb 13, 2024
Tuesday Feb 13, 2024
Podcast Show Notes – Episode 163 | 02.13.2024
Episode Title: Stepping Into Leadership
Episode summary introduction:
In this episode, Sean Barnes discusses the transition from being an individual contributor to a leader, managing fear and learning from failures. He explores the importance of a strong relationship with your manager, addresses leadership challenges, and highlights the role of mentorship in personal growth. The discussion concludes with the significance of setting goals, accelerating personal growth, and the vital role of humility in leadership.
Key Moments
00:00 Introduction and topic preview
01:28 Transition from individual contributor to leader
02:33 Overcoming fear and learning from failures
04:06 Building a strong and aligned relationship with your manager
05:30 Dealing with challenges in leadership and management
07:28 The role of mentorship and mistakes in personal growth
09:04 Setting goals and accelerating personal growth
10:16 The importance of humility in leadership
10:46 Closing remarks
Host: Sean Barnes
Website: https://www.wsssolutions.com/
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanbarnes/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/wsssolutions/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/thewayofthewolf/
YouTube: youtube.thewayofthewolf.com
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/the_seanbarnes
https://www.instagram.com/the_wayofthewolf
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_seanbarnes
Email: Sean@thewayofthewolf.com
Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Way-of-the-Wolf-Podcast/B08JJNXJ6C
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2BTGdO25Vop3GTpGCY8Y8E?si=ea91c1ef6dd14f15

Tuesday Feb 06, 2024
162: Redefining Sales w/ Mike Simmons
Tuesday Feb 06, 2024
Tuesday Feb 06, 2024
Podcast Show Notes – Episode 162 | 02.06.2024
Episode Title: Redefining Sales w/ Mike Simmons
Episode summary introduction:
In this episode, Sean Barnes and guest Mike Simmons delve into topics such as the stigma around sales, the importance of accountability, and tackling toxicity within organizations. They discuss team development, the link between revenue problems and culture, and the need for transparency. The conversation also touches on effective communication, continuous learning, and leadership development.
Key Moments
00:00 Introduction and guest Mike Simmons's career journey
05:26 Discussion on leadership, sales, and stigma around sales
13:08 The role of accountability and pipeline development in sales
19:42 Addressing toxicity in organizations and reevaluating customer relationships
22:36 Developing a robust team and handling organizational challenges
27:54 Revenue problems as culture problems and the role of leadership
33:12 Managing complexity and encouraging cross-functional collaboration
40:14 Promoting transparency and the role of leaders in permeating organizational mission
46:59 Bridging the gap between field and corporate office through effective communication
52:12 The value of continuous learning and alignment in leadership development
1:00:04 Closing remarks, how to contact Mike Simmons, and encouragement to reach out and grow
Guest: Mike Simmons
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikesimmons/
Website: https://catalystsale.com/
Host: Sean Barnes
Website: https://www.wsssolutions.com/
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanbarnes/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/wsssolutions/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/thewayofthewolf/
YouTube: youtube.thewayofthewolf.com
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/the_seanbarnes
https://www.instagram.com/the_wayofthewolf
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_seanbarnes
Email: Sean@thewayofthewolf.com
Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Way-of-the-Wolf-Podcast/B08JJNXJ6C
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2BTGdO25Vop3GTpGCY8Y8E?si=ea91c1ef6dd14f15

Tuesday Jan 30, 2024
161: Building Your Brand in 2024
Tuesday Jan 30, 2024
Tuesday Jan 30, 2024
In this episode, Sean Barnes delves into the intricacies of brand building, discussing the challenges in leadership roles and the link between confidence and branding. They explore future plans for WSS and various social media strategies. The conversation also covers the use of technology for brand growth, the significance of passion in branding, and concludes with valuable advice on genuine brand building.
00:00 Introduction and insights on brand building02:06 Challenges faced and confidence building in leadership roles04:30 The link between confidence, marketing, and branding06:12 Future plans for WSS and brand visibility08:56 Social media strategies: From Instagram to LinkedIn10:30 Harnessing technology for brand growth11:52 The role of passion and purpose in branding13:12 Final advice on genuine brand building