#378 Lessons From CEO to CVO | Joel Strom

Interview with Joel Strom

Guest bio:

Joel is the founder of Chief Value Officers. His practice is focused on only one thing, helping CEOs accelerate their company’s Strategic Value and move their businesses from ordinary to extraordinary. He developed the concept and process of Strategic Value based on more than four decades of practical experience as a business owner, advisor, investment banker, and CEO. His clients have realized spectacular results working with Joel and following his value creation methods.

3 big ideas discussed in this episode:

BIG IDEA #1: You and they need to own it

BIG IDEA #2: You and they need to know where they are going, why they are going there, and how they will get there

BIG IDEA #3: You and they need patience because it will go down before it can go up

Resources:

Website: joelstrom.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joel-strom-82a1471/

Enjoy the interview

Three Game-Changing Ideas to Elevate Your Path to Success

In this latest episode, we dive into three powerful ideas that can reshape the way you approach goals, leadership, and personal growth. Whether you’re managing a team or working toward your own ambitions, these insights can help you find clarity, commitment, and resilience along the way. Let's explore each idea in detail.

BIG IDEA #1: You and They Need to Own It

Ownership is the foundation of true progress. Whether it's a personal goal or a team objective, taking responsibility means embracing both the successes and the setbacks. In the episode, we discuss how critical it is for everyone involved to genuinely "own" the process and outcomes. When you take ownership, it’s not just about executing a task but about committing to the purpose behind it. Ownership breeds accountability and drives motivation, making each step more meaningful.

Owning the process also involves recognizing your role in every success and failure. When people feel responsible, they engage with more intention, making it easier to navigate the inevitable challenges that arise. As we emphasize, it's essential for leaders to foster a culture of ownership among their teams, encouraging individuals to take pride in their work and their contributions to the bigger picture.

BIG IDEA #2: You and They Need to Know Where They’re Going, Why They’re Going There, and How They’ll Get There

Clarity is critical in any journey. Without a clear destination and a reason for pursuing it, even the most motivated individuals can lose direction. Knowing "where," "why," and "how" creates a road map that guides you forward, even in tough times. This clarity fuels motivation and provides a sense of purpose that keeps people aligned with their goals.

In the episode, we break down the importance of setting clear, achievable goals and ensuring everyone understands not only the end goal but the reasons behind it. Understanding the “why” can be the most powerful driver, offering context that strengthens commitment. Once you have clarity on why you’re heading in a certain direction, the “how” becomes a framework. This could mean outlining specific strategies, resources, and timelines to keep the momentum strong. Leaders who prioritize clarity in these three areas help their teams feel empowered, focused, and resilient, even when facing obstacles.

BIG IDEA #3: You and They Need Patience Because It Will Go Down Before It Can Go Up

Lastly, patience is a crucial ingredient for any journey worth taking. In the episode, we discuss how progress is rarely linear. Often, things can look like they’re getting worse before they get better. Recognizing this pattern allows you to stay grounded and avoid the discouragement that can come from short-term setbacks. Growth often requires working through a period of decline, whether it’s skill-building, project development, or personal growth.

This idea also emphasizes resilience. By accepting that struggles are a natural part of the process, you’re better equipped to push through them. Leaders play a significant role here by setting realistic expectations for their teams, reminding them that setbacks are not failures but stepping stones. In fact, some of the most significant breakthroughs come right after you’ve weathered a difficult phase. When patience is built into your approach, the lows become manageable, and the highs feel even more rewarding.

These three ideas—ownership, clarity, and patience—offer a framework to guide both personal and collective efforts toward lasting success. Tune into the full episode to hear more examples and insights on how you can apply these ideas to your journey.