Join me on a transformative journey in my latest podcast with Dolph Goldenberg on the Successful Nonprofits Podcast as we explore the quest for joy at work. Reflecting on my 25-year actuarial career, I share insights into escaping the "good life trap" and finding inspiration during African safaris. The "Big Five Factors" emerged from this experience, guiding my shift in perspective—choose your experience, surround yourself with the right people, do the unexpected, practice gratitude, and embrace the adventure. Despite challenges, these principles empowered me to navigate life's unique journey. Life is not just a safari; it's an epic adventure. Let's embrace it together and find greater happiness.
In this post, I discuss the importance of leadership, alignment, and engagement in the manufacturing industry. I emphasize that the biggest mistake employers make is hiring random people rather than the right people, and that a strong culture attracts the right employees and motivates them to perform at their best. I also highlight the importance of identifying the signs of disengagement early on and addressing them before it's too late, as well as the benefits and pitfalls of work buddies in the workplace. I conclude that happiness is the key factor driving employee productivity, engagement, and retention, and that aligning employees with the company's vision and values and connecting them with each other and the mission is crucial for retaining them.
During my guest appearance on the "Technically Speaking" podcast, I shared my journey of how I went from starting a non-profit organization to leading safaris in Africa and creating my brand, "the safari dude." I discussed my transition from coaching and consulting to public speaking and how my message of living life to the fullest aligns with the ethos of a safari. My story serves as a reminder that unexpected opportunities can lead to the best things in life, and taking risks to explore your authentic self can lead to a more fulfilling life. I also shared my belief that true happiness comes from living a life that is authentic to who you are and being aligned and connected to a greater purpose.
As we navigate through life, the decisions we make can have a profound impact on our journey. By reflecting on our goals and values, seeking advice from trusted advisors, and acting with intention, alignment, and inspired action, we can make better decisions that lead to greater happiness and fulfillment. While it's important to have a plan, it's equally important to stay flexible and open to new opportunities that may arise along the way. By embracing these guidelines and staying true to our vision for the future, we can create a roadmap for success and fulfillment that allows us to navigate life's challenges with confidence and grace.
In the pursuit of true happiness, my journey began 15 years ago on a bridge over the Mississippi River, where I questioned the reasons behind my persistent misery despite a seemingly fulfilling life. This quest led me to explore the drivers of happiness and the underlying causes of stress and strife. As I delved deeper, I realized the profound impact of disconnecting from oneself and discovered effective strategies to simplify complex ideas, enabling individuals to take meaningful action towards greater happiness. Today, amidst the pressures faced by businesses, my approach involves understanding the root causes of stress and anxiety among troubled leaders and professionals, guiding them towards authentic happiness. By aligning business goals with employee well-being and fostering a positive work culture, organizations can enhance engagement, productivity, and overall success.
From being an actuary in the corporate world to becoming a successful consultant and business owner, my journey taught me the importance of aligning my actions with my authentic self. Leaving behind financial stability, I embraced chaos as an opportunity to reassess my life. Through self-reflection, I discovered my true identity and purpose, allowing me to create a business that resonates with who I am. Though I may not earn as much, I've never been happier with my work. My story inspires others to step out of their comfort zones, make lemonade out of lemons, and live a fulfilling life.
Starting a business has always been a dream of mine. Being my own boss, creating something from scratch, and pursuing my passions are incredibly fulfilling endeavors. However, I've come to realize that without understanding my motivation from the start, this path could lead to misery, even if my business becomes successful by financial or client standards. In an interview on the Photo Business Help podcast, I had the opportunity to discuss the importance of understanding one's motivation when starting a business. I strongly believe that without a clear vision of what I'm trying to accomplish and why I'm doing it, I might wake up one day feeling miserable despite outward signs of success.
In this podcast episode, I share my journey from a corporate actuary to a dedicated humanitarian. We discuss the power of nonprofit work, community transformation, and the misconceptions of owning a business. Through personal stories and uniting diverse individuals, we discover the ability to effect real change in the world. I hope to inspire others to follow their passions, make a positive impact, and remember that even small actions can contribute to a better world.
As a business coach and consultant specializing in micro-businesses, I understand the unique struggles faced by small enterprises. These businesses, often run by dedicated mom and pop shops in rural communities, are the heartbeat of their surroundings, contributing to community pride and revitalization. However, they are frequently underserved and lack the necessary support. That's where I come in. With my expertise and passion for community involvement, I offer a unique approach that not only helps businesses thrive but also fosters overall area success. If you're feeling overwhelmed or seeking guidance, reach out today. Together, we can make a difference and propel your business forward.
In a competitive business landscape, small businesses can thrive with clear goals, a positive mindset, and the power of the subconscious mind. Setting specific goals and nurturing a positive mindset are essential for success. By unlocking the potential of the subconscious and developing a strong personal brand, small businesses can achieve their goals and contribute to a thriving community.
How the Unright Thing is the Catalyst for Breakthrough
It’s hard to break through to the extraordinary. After years of working incredibly hard to do everything “right” most of us give up the fight. If we couldn’t get there with all the time and effort we poured in, it must not be achievable. Although we still long for something more, we dampen our expectations and instead focus on trying to improve our good and expected experience.
But what if the extraordinary was not the result of working hard to do everything “right”? What if the extraordinary is reserved for those who have the courage to do the “unright” thing?
In this talk, Steve shows the framework to reaching the extraordinary, whether that is on African safari, in our personal lives, or within our organizations. While there are five elements necessary to achieve breakthrough, there is only one that is the true catalyst for the extraordinary: doing The Unright Thing.
ROARING SUCCESS WITH THE RIGHT PEEPS IN THE JEEP
It is so frustrating to have high potential team members who aren’t as productive as they could be. They have the skills, knowledge and abilities to make a huge impact but are disengaged and don’t stick around. The problem is not their potential, it is converting that potential to actual contribution. How can we add team members who will have the impact they are capable of?
As an award winning actuary, Steve Fredlund analyzed data on more than 150,000 global employees, uncovering the core drivers of productivity, engagement and retention. In this session, he will teach you how to enhance hiring to build a more productive team. Known as “The Safari Dude”, Steve calls this “getting the right peeps in our jeep” and it is one of the “Big 5” in his breakthrough approach to live, work and lead The Safari Way.
THE SAFARI WAY TO GREATER HAPPINESS
Life can feel like an African safari, an ongoing experience of ups & downs, high & lows, knowns & unknowns; where excitement and tension run side by side. As we learn to apply the same principles that make safaris epic, we become more engaged, less burnt out, and happier in life, work and leadership.
Steve “Safari Dude” Fredlund uses compelling stories from the savannah to invite us into The Safari Way by choosing our experience, getting the right peeps in our Jeeps, doing the unright thing, taking in the view and embracing the adventure.
BUILD A TEAM FOR AN EPIC ADVENTURE: THE POWERFUL SECRET GREAT LEADERS KNOW ABOUT HIRING
Keynote or Breakout
Do you want to become a more successful and happier leader? Are you tired of dealing with unproductive, disengaged employees who don’t stick around? Steve Fredlund (The Safari Dude) has the answer — Get the “Right Peeps in Your Jeeps”!
For three decades, Steve has been a leader in corporate, nonprofit and entrepreneurial environments. His actuarial analysis of Human Resources data uncovered surprising insights about employee behavior including what actually drives productivity, engagement and retention.
Through compelling personal stories from African safaris, Steve will challenge your current understanding about the “peeps” you need in your “jeep” and help you identify who they really are. He will share the methods given to his coaching clients to find, attract, invite, onboard and connect them to become part of your epic team – fully aligned and on mission together!
Great leaders are on an epic adventure. Discover their powerful secret about building productive and engaged teams who stick around and work together.
After this talk, the audience will:
Recognize the power of building a team of aligned and engaged members who share a common purpose
Understand the core drivers of productivity, engagement and retention, and how to implement them in their teams
Develop a strategy for selecting and onboarding the “right peeps for their jeeps” that will lead to success, happiness and longevity
Format: 30 to 90-minute keynote or breakout
This program can be dialed up or down between humor and information, making the customized talk perfect for:
Leaders wanting to build a team of aligned and engaged members who share a common purpose
Leaders looking to reduce stress, overwhelm, and burnout while increasing productivity and job satisfaction
Teams struggling with recruitment, hiring and turnover
Organizations needing a fresh perspective on team building and team development
Organizations wanting to recognize and celebrate their leaders
New and emerging leaders interested in innovative approaches to team building
HR teams looking for creative solutions to recruitment, hiring and onboarding.
