In this live edition of 'Most People Don't, But You Do,' I welcome Brooke Sellas, founder and CEO of B Squared Media and author of 'Conversations That Connect.'

We met at a KINDNESS CONFERENCE and I found her to be indeed not only KIND, but exceptionally smart and driven.

I did not know the term "social care" before I spoke with her. Essentially, imagine how much better you feel when you share feedback, complaints, inquiries online with a brand and they actually have a CONVERSATION back with you. This is the essence of B Squared Media; employing a team that can not only create your social media strategy, but also respond as human beings in a way that is meaningful and caring.

Social Care. They are the BEST in the INDUSTRY.

Brooke discusses her journey from luxury real estate to founding her own company, driven by her commitments to kindness, social media strategy, and customer care.

We dive into her experience with social media at the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the importance of customer interaction through social media, and the innovative approach of social care.

Brooke also shares insights on the impact of AI and the concept of building AI doppelgangers. The conversation highlights the significance of making people feel seen and valued, both in personal and business contexts.

More about Brooke Sellas:

Brooke Sellas is shaping the future of digital marketing one conversation at a time. As an award-winning CEO, she's the visionary behind B Squared Media, a boutique digital marketing agency that's redefining 'social care' for industry giants like Brother International, Endless Pools, and BCU. Dive into her insights on the pages of her book, "Conversations That Connect," or from one of two digital marketing courses she teaches at the University of California, Irvine.

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Surely, he has no worries. Just look at Cesar Wurm. He has a loving family, the appearance of an international model, the stride of a professional athlete, and the perceived confidence of a rockstar. He is a senior leader within an incredible hospitality company. He is a published author. He exudes confidence. However, 10 years ago, his "inside story" was much different.

Today's podcast guest is now not only helping to create service and sales excellence for Premium hotels within the IHG Brand (Crowne Plaza, VOCO, EVEN, HOTEL INDIGO), but also aiding those that are facing addiction problems.

In this podcast episode, recorded live from the Crowne Plaza Louisville Airport and Expo Center during the Greatness Conference, the host interviews Cesar Wurm, Vice President of Commercial for Premium Brands at IHG and author of 'The Powers of Addiction: Finding Freedom and Acceptance in Recovery.'

Cesar shares his inspiring life story, from a challenging childhood in Brazil where he lost his mother and dealt with his father's alcoholism, to his rebellious teen years involving early alcohol use, and his eventual journey towards sobriety. Facing his addiction profoundly changed Cesar’s life, enhancing his leadership skills and aligning his values with his role at IHG.

Cesar emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, empathy, and understanding that addiction is not a fault but something one can overcome with support. The conversation also explores how these personal growth experiences have enriched his career and deepened his connection with family and colleagues.

More about Cesar Wurm:

As the VP of Commercial, Premium Brands at IHG Hotels & Resorts in the US, Cesar Wurm combines his deep expertise in sales and marketing with a passion for personal growth and community involvement. With a background that includes leadership roles at IHG, Starwood, Trust Hospitality, and Hotel Equities, Cesar has a rich history in the hospitality industry.

Outside of work, Cesar cherishes time with his family, his wife Laura and daughter Gabby, and enjoys Formula One racing. He is deeply committed to supporting addiction recovery, reflecting his own journey to sobriety. This commitment is showcased in his book, "The Powers of Addiction: Finding Freedom in Acceptance and Recovery," which shares his personal story and offers hope to others.

Cesar's professional and personal contributions have been recognized widely, earning him spots on the Marquis Who’s Who 2023 and the Empower Role Model List- 2022 Top 100 Executives. He holds degrees from Washington State University and Cesar Ritz College, Switzerland, and is actively involved in various boards including IHG’s Americas Regional DE&I and HOPE Atlanta.

Through his life's work and book, Cesar aspires to inspire and assist others on their recovery journey, promoting a message of resilience, acceptance, and empowerment.

Connect with him here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cesar-wurm-5aa855b/

Find his book here: https://a.co/d/dQHicIZ

More about IHG here: https://www.ihg.com/hotels/us/en/reservation

Most People Don't | Resources

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"Nothing happens by chance. It happens as intended."

I was meant to meet this woman called Tommie. She exudes an aura that is calming, contagious, and confident.

"Success is there for anyone that wants it."

In this podcast episode, I interview S. R. Tommie a/k/a Tommie, the President and Founder of Redline Media Group and a member of the Seminole Tribe of Florida (the owners of Hard Rock International).

The podcast explores Tommie's background, her influential upbringing in a Seminole tribal camp, and her journey to success. She discusses growing up with rich cultural traditions and the significant impact of her grandmother.

She also elaborates on her company's strong values, which align with those of Hard Rock, focusing on kindness, community, and integrity. Tommie emphasizes the importance of authentic storytelling and supporting one another in business.

The episode highlights her determination to achieve success, the cultural importance of the Seminole Tribe, and the community-oriented ethos of Redline Media Group.

More about Tommie:

Tommie has worked in many capacities throughout her career, serving in various capacities, from economic development, social welfare, community development/management, on both the Board and Council arms of Tribal Government, ultimately retiring in 2010, as Chief of Staff to the Chairman of the Seminole Tribe of Florida.
Throughout her many experiences Tommie has realized the importance of communication, consistency and making a positive impact. With that at the forefront of her mind, she founded Redline Media Group, a full service creative marketing and strategic advertising agency. As a start-up company, Tommie assembled a highly experienced team consisting of industry veterans that possessed proven leadership skills to ensure success.
Redline Media Group launched as an organization consisting of three employees, and currently employs nearly 50 fulltime Team Members. Today, after 15 short years, RMG is a multi-award winning creative, marketing and advertising agency, providing services Internationally, with a proven track record of developing and executing successful campaigns for a variety of products, services and brands, as well as, representing tribal and non-tribal municipalities and their respective business endeavors.
Tommie continues to drive forward each, and every day, committed to building a legacy that will make her tribe and the matriarchs of her family proud. More about Redline Media Group:

https://redlinemediagroup.com

More about Hard Rock International:

https://hardrock.com

Most People Don't | Resources

Learn additional key take-aways by listening to more of Bart Berkey's conversations with successful leaders on his weekly podcast.

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He taught me to "throw spaghetti against the wall" to see what would stick.

His friendship and guidance STUCK.

A brilliant entrepreneur that is also KIND BEYOND WORDS.

When I needed work, he gave me work.

When I needed an answer, he provided it.

When I needed a friend, he was there.

Many of my hospitality friends already know him, Serge Asensio, and his company, TOPLINE GROUP, LLC.

We discuss the POWER OF TAKING ACTION and FACING FEARS. For years, Serge was afraid of stealing second base. He was scared to leave the safety and security of first base. Finally, one of his mentors called him out on this.

With the support of his wife who said, "we'll figure this out", he then found enough confidence to not go it alone and to start an incredible business that has lasted over 25 years. He is not greedy and stresses the importance of making $.05 from a customer over and over, rather than making $.10 once from a client.

More about Serge:

Serge Asensio is managing director of Topline Group, a Sales & Marketing company specializing in customer data analysis. Founded in 1998, Topline Group helps Fortune 500 companies maximize their sales efforts by ensuring that the right resources are applied against the right customers, at the right time.

Mr. Asensio and Topline Group have worked with Kraft, Nabisco, Gillette, Hershey Foods, and most of the major hotel companies in North America, helping them maximize their sales efforts.

Prior to founding Topline Group, Mr. Asensio was Vice President of Sales Deployment & Analysis for Marriott International. His responsibilities spanned all full-service brands and all geographies.

More about Topline Group https://toplinegroup.com

Most People Don't | Resources

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Today’s podcast guest is a leader that embraces the culture of CARING and LEARNING. His name is Pete DiMaio and he is the Chief Operating Officer of TravelBoom. Not many people use personal hobbies to enhance their professional skills. Not many people embrace the culture of caring for clients and others. Not many people solve problems authentically. Pete DiMaio does...

We discuss:

- He highlights the importance of understanding the business thoroughly, including both technical aspects and client needs.

- Pete emphasizes the significance of continuous learning and improvement in his career.

-He discusses the importance of caring for the team, being a servant leader, and solving small problems proactively.

- He shares examples of thoughtful leadership, such as noticing and fixing minor issues (broken window theory).

- Pete explains Travel Boom’s focus on independent hoteliers and vacation rental companies, helping them succeed online.

- He also stresses the value of learning new skills, whether it’s beekeeping, lockpicking, or professional growth.

- He explains how personal hobbies and interests can contribute to professional success by keeping the mind active and applying learned processes.

Connect with Pete on LinkedIn:

More about TravelBoom here:

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Today's podcast guest is Leonard Simpson, the CEO of IARFC (International Association of Registered Financial Consultants). He leads the efforts to guide, mentor, and provide resources for this industry.

Many of my guests share people that influenced them at an early age. Uniquely, Leonard had to "figure things out" on his own. This enabled him to become the leader that he is by always finding ways, being creative, showing flexibility, and remaining resilient.

A terrific conversation with a special gentleman.

More about IARFC at https://iarfc.org.

Most People Don't | Resources

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This week’s podcast guest, Alex Sheen, the Founder of “because I said I would” is also the topic of today’s newsletter story.

By applying Alex's philosophies, businesses can create a culture of excellence, accountability, and strong relationships, ultimately leading to greater success and guest satisfaction.

It is about “honoring your word” and “doing what you say you will do”. (Most People Don’t).

Alex’s simplistic message helped to serve as a beacon for me years ago when I trademarked the three words:

“Most People Don’t”

He has set the example that very simple words, when placed together, can have an extremely deep meaning and powerful impact.

"because I said I would"

Imagine my delight when we not only enjoyed a meal together, strategized, and he also agreed to be on my show.

My pursuit and goal with “Most People Don’t” at the fundamental level is to “encourage, inspire, and motivate others to take action”.

This can relate to so many things; becoming a better leader, building better relationships, accomplishing tasks & goals, by “doing what you say you’re going to do”. You CAN DO when you take an individualized approach and realize the impact of each contribution you make. It matters!

During the interview we discuss:

1. The Individualized Approach

Experimenting on yourself. Try to use the lessons that you’ve learned from others. If they work, use them to their fullest. If they don’t, move on, and try something else.

2. The Importance of Three Simple Things

Diet, sleep, and exercise for your health and well-being. Everyone knows this, but few conform and apply it.

3. Volunteering

75% of all Americans do not volunteer a single hour in an entire year. The bystander effect, “we think someone else will do it”

4. Why Your Efforts Matter

Your individualized approach and contributions add up. If we all take action, then everyone will be taking action. Don’t wait and don’t be afraid to “do something when you see something”.

"Whatever you do in life will be insignificant, but it is important that you do it, because nobody else will." -Mahatma Gandhi.

“With great power, comes great responsibility” -Voltaire and Uncle Ben (Spider Man)

How brilliant.

We, You, I can control this.

This is most likely one of the only things we can control. Our individual action (what we do, think, say, react, and feel) is something we control.

More about Alex Sheen

More about "because I said I would"

Most People Don't | Resources

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Any KEYNOTE SPEAKING OR LEADERSHIP TRAINING REQUESTS can be directed to bart@mostpeopledont.com

Today’s guest is David Millili, a REAL leader who does his best always to make a difference. He is the CEO of LodgIQ and the GAIN Chairman of the Board. A REAL leader who works hard and tries to do the right thing, always.

We discuss:

-Growing up the son of a mechanic, pumping gas, and detailing cars

-Wanting to do more than own a gas station, while always respectful of his roots

-Loving the vibes and magical buzz of hotels

-The realization that he needed to adjust his goals to being more than a professional baseball player

-Learning PERSEVERANCE through the spelling bee sessions with his father

-Gaining SELF-RELIANCE by challenges his dad put him through while giving him time to figure it out on his own

More about David:

David Millili is a hospitality technology leader with over 25 years of experience in the industry. He is the CEO of LodgIQ, a company that provides predictive and prescriptive analytics solutions for revenue management. He is also the Chairman of the Board of GAIN, a network of professional management partners, members, and associates in the technology sector.

In addition, he is the host and executive producer of The Modern Hotelier, a podcast that explores current trends, new technologies, and industry experts in hospitality. He also mentors aspiring entrepreneurs at the Hospitality Innovation Hub Incubator at New York University, where he previously taught hotel distribution courses. He has a proven track record of leading, innovating, and advising in various aspects of hotel operations, marketing, and e-commerce.

Connect with David Millili:

https://lodgiq.com/

Most People Don't | Resources

Learn additional key take-aways by listening to more of Bart Berkey's conversations with successful leaders on his weekly podcast. Please subscribe, like & share to help others find these words of wisdom.

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www.mostpeopledont.com