538: Leadership is Changing Highlights 2023 (ft. Steve Sommerfeld, Ernie Sander and Jim Massey)

In this episode, we delve into the captivating journeys of three remarkable individuals. First, we meet Steve Sommerfeld, a professional freestyle motocross rider turned business manager, whose path from an Australian dairy farm to international motocross arenas is a tale of resilience and adaptability, marked by a life-altering injury that redefined his career. Next, we explore the world of media with Ernie Sander, a seasoned media executive from Boston, now making waves in New York City. Ernie's extensive experience, from the Wall Street Journal to the forefront of digital media, provides an insider's look at the industry's evolution and the shifting work culture in a post-pandemic world. Finally, we hear from Jim Massey, a "five and dime behaviorist" with a diverse background spanning politics, marketing, and sustainability. Jim's journey, from his transformative work at AstraZeneca to navigating personal and global changes during the COVID-19 crisis, highlights the power of human behavior in driving ethical and societal progress.Join us as we uncover the resilience, innovation, and human insight that define these extraordinary lives.In this episode:Steve discusses his background, growing up on a dairy farm in Australia and how it led to his career in motocross.Steve recounts his severe injury that led him to relearn walking and how it impacted his career.Steve reflects on the unpredictability of life and the importance of being prepared for anything.Ernie discusses his current location in New York City and the dynamics of city life post-pandemic.He details his career progression from traditional journalism to digital media and his role at Pioneer Collective.He covers the transformation of the media industry from pre-digital to the current digital and diverse media landscape.Jim discusses his location near Washington D.C. and his background as a "five and dime behaviorist."He talks about embracing change and the concept of "always be changing."He also advises on coping with change, highlighting the importance of self-belief and readiness for the next challenge.Main takeaways:Steve's experience of relearning to walk after an accident teaches the importance of resilience and perseverance in the face of challenges.Being theoretically prepared for life's challenges is different from actually experiencing and overcoming them.The discussion on work-from-home dynamics post-pandemic illustrates the changing nature of work environments and employee preferences.Utilizing a support network of people who provide honest feedback and encouragement is vital during periods of change.It's important to have a balance of people who provide unconditional support and those who challenge you to grow.Quotes:"You don't take things for granted because anything can happen at any time." - Steve Sommerfeld"Being prepared for it and going through it are still two very different things." - Steve Sommerfeld"I describe myself as a five and dime behaviorist... trying to drive human behavior for good." - Jim Massey"Change is the only thing I know... it's all any of us know, and it's just increasing." - Jim Massey"Always be changing... never be complacent." - Jim Massey"95%t of the issue with change is in our head." - Jim MasseyConnect with Denis: Email: [email protected]: