On this episode of The Small Business Radio Show…
In business, I have always been a sucker for a good grifter story- how people do it, why they do it and why people believe them in a game that relies on winning someones confidence.
Over a span of 39 years, 23 aliases, 28 arrests in 20 cities, and nearly a dozen imprisonments, Robert Spears had lived a con artists’ life of unparalleled adventure and intrigue.. Shortly before Thanksgiving Day in 1959, a plane exploded in mid-air, killing all 42 passengers and crew and leaving scattered debris and bodies across the otherwise tranquil Gulf waters. Listed on the manifest was Dr. Robert Spears—once the highly regarded president of the Texas Naturopathic Association. Father of two small children with a lovely, society-minded wife and an elegant home in an exclusive neighborhood, it was a monumental tragedy for them as it was for all the souls lost that day.
Less than two months later, Robert Spears miraculously “rose from the dead” in Phoenix where he was promptly arrested.
Jerry Jamison is an award-winning advertising copywriter with more than thirty national writing commendations during his career. Following his years as a copywriter, Jamison turned to a career as a novelist, generating more than 30 books in a wide range of genres. Jamison has been the recipient of numerous national awards during his career including a national commendation, alongside Senator Edward Kennedy, for his service to underserved communities. He has a new book out called “Vanishing Act: A Crashed Airliner, Faked Death, and Backroom Abortions”.
How do you need to change your leadership style during uncertain times like we are living in now?
Dr. Rebecca Homkes is a high-growth strategy specialist and CEO and executive advisor. She is a Lecturer at the London Business School, Faculty at Duke Corporate Executive Education, Advisor and Core Faculty for BCGU (Boston Consulting Group), and a former fellow at the London School of Economics Centre for Economic Performance-the author of “Survive, Reset, Thrive: Leading Breakthrough Growth Strategy in Volatile Times”.
We discussed:
- You say that leaders should reframe their understanding of uncertainty. Can you share what this means?
- What are the biggest leadership blind spots you see among small and mid-sized business executives during periods of economic uncertainty, especially in relation to tariffs?
- How are small and large businesses experiencing and adapting to these shocks?
- Why does what you call the “cost of chaos” fall disproportionally to small/mid size businesses?
- Are there strategic frameworks or tools you recommend for small businesses trying to reset their approach in uncertain times?
