Welcome back to the 2024 Memory Maker Awards Gala Series, where we go behind the scenes of the Gala and hear from Memory Makers about their 2024!

In this second episode of the series, we talk to Chris Wright from the West Region. Chris shares his experiences and excitement surrounding the Annual Awards Gala, where he looks forward to connecting with fellow Memory Makers. The conversation highlights Chris's achievements, including his recognition as the Multi-Unit Leader of the Year in 2023 and the improved performance of the Wild West region in 2024. Chris expresses pride in the accomplishments of several standout Memory Makers in his region, including Jamar Wray and Brian Johnson, who achieved significant milestones in sales and performance.

Chris also discusses the significant challenges and triumphs of 2024, particularly the impact of Hurricane Helene and how the company came together to support those affected. He commends the efforts of Memory Makers like Brett Cary and Chris Morrell for their outstanding contributions during the crisis. Looking ahead to 2025, Chris is optimistic about building a dynasty in the West region and continuing to foster strong connections among Memory Makers.

This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/-m_4Z38b9CU

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Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com

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Welcome to the 2024 Memory Maker Awards Gala Series, where we go behind the scenes of the Gala and hear from Memory Makers about their 2024!

In the first episode of the series, we kick off with this year's top Million Dollar Memory Maker - Jamar Wray! Jamar has been with the company since January 2016 and has consistently achieved the status of Million Dollar Memory Maker for eight consecutive years. Notably, 2024 marked his most successful year, with record-breaking sales exceeding $2 million. Jamar attributes this stellar performance to a heightened sense of competition and a pivotal moment halfway through the year when he realized $2 million was within reach. His focus on maximizing opportunities with each guest, rather than the volume of foot traffic, played a crucial role in his success.

During the interview, Jamar shares his excitement about winning a car for the first time and receiving a substantial jackpot bonus of $62,000. He discusses his plans to invest his jackpot bonus as well as planning some upcoming trips with his wife. Reflecting on his past experiences, Jamar highlights his role in the 2024 Sleep Connection event at the Charlotte Motor Speedway, where he enjoyed connecting with fellow Memory Makers and sharing insights.

This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/dkFY3YFpxCk

Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.

Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com

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In this solo episode of Stories from the River, host Charlie Malouf, CEO of Broad River Retail, discusses the importance of identity and its profound impact on our lives. A favorite saying at The River is, "Purpose begins with identity." Charlie introduces listeners to the concept of identity within Broad River Retail, where each store and department is encouraged to craft its unique identity or nickname. This identity serves as a North Star, guiding and anchoring Memory Makers in their roles. From Distribution Center identities like the "Fort Mill Otters" to departmental identities such as the "The Knights of the Ledger," Broad River Retail invests heavily in creating a strong sense of identity. This process, according to Charlie, not only elevates how Memory Makers see themselves but also reinforces a sense of purpose within the organization.

The episode further delves into the idea of identity as a personal internal thermostat, an analogy Charlie borrows and elaborates on from the Ed Mylett Show. He emphasizes that success and achievement are deeply intertwined with internal self-perception rather than external circumstances. By raising their internal thermostat settings—their self-identity—Memory Makers can achieve sustainable results in various aspects of their lives, whether it's in business, relationships, or personal growth. Charlie encourages listeners to reflect on and invest in their identity, asserting that a well-defined personal and professional identity provides a stable foundation for achieving long-term goals.

Stay tuned for our 2024 Memory Maker Awards Gala Series coming up next!

Additional Resources:

The Most Underrated Way To Change Your Life | Ed Mylett - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oaFOGcOmlpo

The Power of One More: The Ultimate Guide to Happiness and Success by Ed Mylett - https://www.amazon.com/Power-One-More-Ed-Mylett/dp/1119815363

Stories from the River Episode 191: Leaving Drift Behind: How Goals and Standards Propel You Forward - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-SyCd3a5u_o

This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/V64zrRwe_eI

Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.

Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com

Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail

In this episode of Stories from the River, host Charlie Malouf welcomes back guest Nick Craig, best selling author as well as President and Founder of the Core Leadership Institute (CLI), a global development firm committed to waking up those who will wake up the many.

Charlie reflects on how he was deeply inspired by an article Nick wrote over five years ago, which led to their ongoing collaboration. The conversation delves into Nick's journey of discovering and living his purpose, transitioning from focusing on being the smartest person in the room to realizing the importance of deeper wisdom in leadership. Nick shares transformative experiences, including his collaboration with Bill George at Harvard Business School to co-create a successful course on authentic leadership and how that led to the global success of his Purpose to Impact program. Additionally, Nick recounts his interaction with Brené Brown, who encouraged him to write his influential book ("Leading from Purpose") and also wrote the foreword for it after he helped her discover her purpose.

The episode also highlights a recent Purpose to Impact event hosted at Broad River Retail, led by Nick himself. Charlie enthusiastically shares how this program has profoundly impacted those who attended. The conversation touches on the universality and adaptability of the Purpose to Impact program, which has been successfully implemented across various cultures and organizations worldwide. Nick emphasizes that purpose helps individuals navigate through life's uncertainties and encourages everyone to explore what deeply excites and scares them a little—a combination that often reveals their true purpose. The discussion concludes with mutual admiration and a commitment to continue fostering purpose-driven cultures within Broad River Retail and beyond.

Additional resources:

Core Leadership Institute - https://coreleader.com

From Purpose to Impact article in Harvard Business Review by Nick Craig and Scott A. Snook - https://hbr.org/2014/05/from-purpose-to-impact

Purpose to Impact events - https://coreleader.com/events/

Leading from Purpose: Clarity and the Confidence to Act When It Matters Most by Nick Craig - https://www.amazon.com/Leading-Purpose-Clarity-Confidence-Matters/dp/031641624X

Discover Your True North by Bill George - https://www.amazon.com/Discover-Your-True-North-George/dp/1119082943

The Discover Your True North Fieldbook: A Personal Guide to Finding Your Authentic Leadership - https://www.amazon.com/True-North-Fieldbook-Warren-Bennis/dp/1119886260

Man's Search for Meaning - https://www.amazon.com/Mans-Search-Meaning-Viktor-Frankl/dp/0807014273

This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/cl7jFE2pfNY

Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.

Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com

Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail

Welcome to the second episode of the Purpose to Impact series on Stories from the River. In this episode, host Charlie Malouf introduces Teri Frangie, the newly appointed Senior Vice President of Global Business Development with Core Leadership Institute, and Kip Meyer.

Both Teri and Kip attended the two-day Purpose to Impact program held on October 22nd and 23rd in Fort Mill, South Carolina, facilitated by Nick Craig from the Core Leadership Institute. Before diving into their reflections from the two-day experience, they discuss the evolution of the program over the past several years from its initial focus on authentic leadership to its current dedication to discovering and refining one's purpose.

During the course of the conversation, they reveal the process of discovering their own personal purpose statements. Teri shares her inspiring purpose statement of "To uplift others and bring their score to light" with a tagline of "Co-creating melodies that inspire light and harmony,"

Kip reveals his refined purpose of "Excavating for hidden treasures within," which derived from "To help people see something meaningful that they do not see on their own."

Then Charlie also reflects on his purpose, distilled to "Play the game," which started as a more lengthier version of "Play the game of life with a driven commitment that echoes and inspires others to rise to the occasion and reach their potential," before getting reduced to "Play the game of life." Charlie is still weighing whether or not to include the 2nd part, which in full would then be, "Play the game. Rise to the occasion."

The episode delves into their personal growth experiences and the power of collaborative reflection and storytelling. They highlight the value of the program in fostering deep, non-judgmental relationships and gaining clarity and confidence through shared vulnerability. They appreciate the iterative process of creating and refining purpose statements, emphasizing that self-discovery is an ongoing journey. Charlie, Teri, and Kip urge listeners to consider the Purpose to Impact program for its significant impact on personal and professional development. Charlie also underscores the importance of "slowing down to go fast," ensuring one aligns with their true direction in life.

Additional links and resources:

Core Leadership Institute: https://coreleader.com

Connect with Teri: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terifrangie/

Connect with Kip: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kipmeyer/

The Power of Purpose: Find Meaning, Live Longer, Better by Richard Leider - https://www.amazon.com/Power-Purpose-Meaning-Longer-Better/dp/1626566364

Richard Leider - https://richardleider.com

Richard Leider Explains How To Find Your Purpose: https://www.bluezones.com/2011/11/richard-leider-explains-how-to-find-your-purpose/

Lois Holzman - the art of becoming through play and performance - https://www.engagingpresence.com/lois-holzman-the-art-of-becoming-through-play-and-performance/

Lois Holzman, East Side Institute - https://eastsideinstitute.org/about/our-people/lois-holzman/

Maureen Kelly, Performance of a Lifetime - https://performanceofalifetime.com/member/maureen-kelly/

This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/dxQVujiN3lQ

Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.

Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com

Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail

Welcome to the first episode of the Purpose to Impact Series here on Stories from the River.

In this episode, Charlie Malouf, Manny Rodrigues, and Heather Greenwood dive into their enriching experiences from a two-day workshop hosted by Broad River Retail and created by Nick Craig of the Core Leader Institute. The workshop, focusing on the Purpose to Impact program, brought together a diverse group of leaders from across the country and a few Memory Makers from Broad River for two days (October 22-23, 2024) in Fort Mill, South Carolina, and was led by Nick Craig along with Davin Salvagno.

Charlie, Heather, and Manny found the intimate setting and pre-work exercises beneficial for deep self-reflection. There were a dozen overall leaders who were then put into smaller cohorts of four people each. The smaller group size facilitated candid sharing, enabled the participants to form strong bonds, and minimized passive participation. Each person was encouraged to explore significant life challenges and leadership successes, paving the way for meaningful discussions and authentic connections.

Charlie, Heather, and Manny shared personal reflections and takeaways, underscoring the importance of fully engaging with the process. The effective facilitation by Nick and Davin allowed for impactful one-on-one sessions and cohort sharing. The two-day workshop culminates in crystallizing your personal purpose statement. Charlie, Heather, and Manny each revealed their own personal purpose statements that came about through this intensive and reflective workshop.

Heather's purpose statement, "To light the spark that ignites greatness in others," resonated with her belief in supporting and inspiring others.

Manny's purpose statement, "Illuminating the path one story at a time," echoed his commitment to understanding and sharing stories to help others.

Charlie's simplified purpose statement of "Play the game" defines his philosophy and approach to life.

The trio emphasized the value of forming deep relationships and the transformative potential of fully participating in the workshop, ultimately advocating for intentional living and continuous personal growth.

Additional Resources:

Core Leadership Institute: https://coreleader.com

Core Leadership Institute Purpose Assessment: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VHP9K58

Leading from Purpose podcast with Nick Craig: https://coreleader.com/podcast/

Leading from Purpose: Clarity and the Confidence to Act When It Matters Most by Nick Craig: https://www.amazon.com/Leading-Purpose-Clarity-Confidence-Matters/dp/031641624X

HBR article From Purpose to Impact by Nick Craig and Scott A. Snook: https://hbr.org/2014/05/from-purpose-to-impact

This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/umRWYRkL8eU

Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.

Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com

Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail

Welcome back to the second episode of the Retail 101 Series on Stories from the River. The episode includes perspectives from GM Alexis Strafuss, REM Amanda Parrish, Home Furnishings Associate Jacob McMillan, and Home Furnishings Consultant Kay Edwards, who share their unique experiences and takeaways from the Retail 101 onboarding and educational program. Each guest brings a unique perspective and represents a different role within the Company from Retail Leadership to individual contributor and producer. The guests speak about the benefits of the Retail 101 program, the growth of the Company over the years, and their renewed enthusiasm and motivation upon returning to or joining the Company.

Jacob McMillan and Kay Edwards, both returning Memory Makers, express their appreciation for the improved processes and technologies that have been integrated since their last tenure. Amanda Parrish highlights the practical benefits of the training, such as better managing the CXM process, while Alexis Strafuss reflects on the meaningful relationships formed and the motivational impact of leaders who presented like CEO Charlie Malouf and EVP of Retail Performance "Coach" Stacey McCormick. The episode captures a broad spectrum of experiences and insights, all pointing towards a shared goal of mutual growth and excellence within Broad River Retail. Each Memory Maker emphasizes the supportive and family-like environment that characterizes the Company's culture, leaving listeners with a sense of commitment and passion that drives their success.

This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/yV2-ocx_444

Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.

Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com

Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail

In this exciting episode of Stories from the River, host Charlie Malouf introduces the eagerly anticipated Retail 101 Series, aimed at offering a comprehensive behind-the-scenes look into the retail onboarding and education program at Broad River Retail. To help kick off this new series, Charlie is joined by Bre Dolphin, Broad River's Retail Onboarding and Education Senior Specialist, who plays a pivotal role in running the onboarding and training program for new Memory Makers. Bre brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the table, having started her journey with Broad River Retail in 2014 on the sales floor, then becoming a Sales Manager, and eventually combining her experience from the sales floor with her passion for training and development to the Learning and Development department to support all new Memory Makers.

Bre elaborates on the structure and objectives of the Retail 101 program, which spans two intensive training days. She outlines the blend of company culture, technical sales frameworks, and positive mindset development that the program encompasses. Through engaging activities, guest speakers, and personalized attention, the Retail 101 series aims to equip new Memory Makers with the tools they need to succeed and grow within the company. Bre's insights and dedication to the program highlight its critical role in maintaining Broad River Retail's reputation as a premier retailer and enhancing its supportive, growth-focused culture.

Previous Episodes Referenced:

Go Boldly and Be Brave: Managing Change in Retail Accounting with Hope Stocker - https://youtu.be/hSvl0lFzQ5s

The Evolving Role of Women: Navigating Leadership and Personal Lives - https://youtu.be/UzSFNNjL3eU

Breaking Barriers: Women Leaders on Trust, Support, and Success - https://youtu.be/eIA_tya2bt8

This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/obk_aJ6oV1I

Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.

Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com

Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail