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.
In today's fast-paced world, finding happiness can be elusive. In a recent episode of Flow Working the Entrepreneurs Podcast, we discussed the importance of clarity, intentionality, and aligning personal values with entrepreneurial pursuits. Happiness is a choice we make every day, rooted in a positive mindset and focusing on what we can control. Reflecting on my own journey, I transitioned from a corporate career to entrepreneurship driven by my pursuit of happiness and passion for helping small businesses thrive. By being true to ourselves, exploring new experiences, and embracing self-awareness, we can uncover true desires and create a life filled with happiness and fulfillment.
THE SAFARI WAY: TEAM BUILDING INSIGHTS TO IMPROVE PRODUCTIVITY, ENGAGEMENT, AND RETENTION
Formats: 45-90 minute Keynote, breakout or workshop – live, virtual or hybrid
Most leaders struggle with productivity, engagement, and retention among their teams and, despite their best efforts, results continue to disappoint. Weary, frustrated and burnt out, leaders often give up and settle into the standard approaches and relying on hope as their strategy to build effective teams.
Steve Fredlund, the Safari Dude, has the insights and methods you need to finally see better results. As an award-winning actuary who has studied the data on more than 150,000 global employees, Steve has gained unique insights into what drives productivity, engagement, and retention. Steve has ignited a movement, known as The Safari Way, that has transformed leaders, teams, and organizations around the world.
In this keynote presentation, Steve shares the principles and strategies he’s learned from building and leading teams on six African safaris and within Fortune 500 companies, small businesses, and nonprofits. You will discover effective team-building strategies that increase results, collaboration and culture so, like leading a safari on the Serengeti, you can create a successful and epic adventure for your team.
This presentation is a must-attend for anyone looking to transform their leadership skills and improve the performance of their team. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from one of the most sought-after team-building experts in the industry!
Key Takeaways
After the talk, the audience will:
Understand what does (and does not) drive productivity, engagement, and retention.
Be equipped to enhance hiring and management processes to improve business results
Be equipped to supplement leadership training programs to cultivate alignment and connection
THE SAFARI WAY TO A HAPPIER LIFE
Formats: Keynote, breakout or workshop – live, virtual or hybrid Sample audiences: All-employee groups, independent workers, solopreneurs, students Sample events: Agent training, school assemblies, chamber of commerce gala
Do you know the pain that comes from being unhappy even in the midst of your good life? On paper everything is great, but inside you are a bit of a mess? You tried so hard year after year to do the right thing, believing those right choices would lead to a happy life; yet here you are with that external good life and internal discontentment. Steve knows that feeling all too well and was fortunate to figure out how to escape what he calls, “The Good Life Trap.”
As a recovering long-time actuary, Steve conducted his own research and has studied what truly drives our happiness – not those momentary bursts of laughter – but that core contentment that brings us joy, assurance and confidence in knowing we are the heroes of our own epic adventure, living the life we want, with the people we need. This is “The Safari Way” and it will change your life.
Steve’s passion combined with several experiences leading East African safaris results in a fun, entertaining and insightful talk that will be discussed by audience members for years to come and they pursue their authentic epic adventure.
The Safari Way is a movement of individuals, teams and organizations around the world who are finding greater happiness and success. Through the lens of an African safari, Steve shares insights from his research as an HR actuary through the lens of his epic travel adventures. HIs speaking motivates and empowers audiences to become personally more happy and collectively more collaborative and effective.
After the talk, the audience will:
Realize the similarities between their life and an African safari
Understand how the data proves that alignment & connection are the drivers of happiness
Have clear steps to recognize and escape the Good Life Trap
Have clear steps to take immediately to begin their journey to greater happiness
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.
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