Thrive LouD with Lou Diamond

What if everything you thought about workplace connection was wrong—and remote workers are actually the most connected employees of all? In this eye-opening episode, Lou Diamond welcomes back human connection expert Jason Lauritsen to reveal the surprising and actionable findings from a groundbreaking study on connection at work. Discover why connection isn't just a nice-to-have, but the upstream force driving motivation, inclusion, and real organizational performance.Key highlights include the two forms of workplace connection (and the critical prerequisite that makes them work), why clarity from leadership matters more than ever, and how being able to "be yourself" at work is the secret ingredient for engagement and results. Plus, Jason Lauritsen offers simple, high-impact ways leaders and managers can immediately start building a more connected—and higher-performing—organization.Tune in to learn the science behind true connection and how to power up your team's performance with proven, practical steps.To Download the Connection Diagnostic - app.connectedperformancegroup.com/connection-diagnosticTo connect directly with Jason Lauritsen - https://schedule.jasonlauritsen.com/preview/xOZpJLTiVsO9IZ0Wv2NL?notrack=trueTimestamped Overview00:00 Episode intro and welcome00:55 Why study human connection at work?03:37 Study design, participants, and methodology06:38 Demographics, tenure, and industries represented10:16 How connection was measured13:14 What surprised—and didn’t—in the findings15:37 Remote vs. on-site: The real story of connection18:01 Two types of connection and the “identity congruence” prerequisite23:24 How leaders can drive better connection26:00 The manager’s crucial role in fostering connection29:47 The connected performance system: practical applications34:12 Sports analogies, team connection, and energy37:12 What’s next for Jason Lauritsen and how to learn more39:51 Episode outro

What if the most powerful thing you could do in your career was simply trust your gut—and voice? In this episode of Thrive Loud, bestselling author and communication expert Karen Laos reveals how a lesson learned at age six—and a mortifying boardroom moment—set her on a mission to empower professionals to own their value and speak with confidence that gets noticed.Host Lou Diamond dives deep with Karen Laos into the nuances of effective communication, including why many leaders unknowingly silence themselves, how to balance authority and likability, and the surprisingly simple trick to stop rambling and get to the point. Karen shares the story behind her book, Trust Your Own Voice, and offers practical tips for conquering self-doubt, breaking the “data dump” cycle in presentations, and adapting to today’s multigenerational workplace culture.You’ll also hear:Karen’s childhood flea market negotiation lessons and their lasting impact (01:50)The importance of asking yourself for permission, not just others (04:28)How tone, punctuation, and facial expressions shape your ability to connect (07:01)Real-world strategies to make your presentations audience-focused (17:37)Karen’s top tip for curing “rambling syndrome” (19:52)A fun trek through Karen’s favorite movies, music, food, and dream destinations (21:55)Whether you’re a seasoned leader or a rising professional, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you speak up, stand out, and thrive.Episode Timestamped Overview:00:02: Welcome and introduction to Karen Laos01:50: Karen’s childhood lessons and early influences02:27: A boardroom defining moment and trusting your gut04:28: The concept of asking yourself for permission07:01: Voice tone, punctuation, and likability in communication09:45: Warmth vs. assertiveness: balancing authority and likability11:16: Multi-generational workplace challenges14:56: The biggest communication challenge leaders face today17:37: Shifting presentations from information dumps to audience needs19:52: Simple tip for stopping rambling21:55: Fun Street: movies, music, food, activities, dream destinations26:00: Karen’s mission to empower 10 million women26:53: Closing thoughts and gratitude

What if the next big business threat isn't what you know—it's what you don't know, and acting fast could mean heading for disaster even quicker?Lou Diamond brings back Eric Eager, CEO of 4Impact Data and host of the Codified Wisdom podcast, to pull back the curtain on the rapidly evolving world of Decision Intelligence. From the frontline of AI-enabled advisory, Eric Eager reveals why simply using AI in your business could steer you onto the wrong path—faster than ever before.Key highlights from this conversation:Discover the crucial difference between Artificial Intelligence and Decision Intelligence, and why your company’s future might depend on bridging that gap.Learn why 80% of businesses never measure the outcome of their decisions, and how this missing accountability can sink even the most promising organizations.Find out how 4Impact Data's new system, from codifying senior advisor “wisdom” to creating audit trails for every important decision, is transforming CPAs from rearview-mirror historians into forward-looking navigators.Get an exclusive look at how these technologies are democratizing critical business guidance for small and medium-sized businesses—not just Fortune 500s.Hear about the upcoming "Great Promotion Era" in accounting, where AI agents are replacing basic tasks, and what this means for the next generation of business advisors.Learn how the Codified Wisdom approach can dramatically fast-track the experience curve for young professionals and help firms scale the right kind of decision-making.Whether you’re a business owner, a CPA, or just fascinated by the future of business, this episode arms you with a new perspective—and possibly a lifeline—on thriving in the age of AI.Episode Timestamped Overview:00:00 – Intro Announcer sets the stage; Lou Diamond welcomes Eric Eager back for an AI update01:30 – The new frontier: from GPS guidance systems to Decision Intelligence03:38 – Breaking down AI vs Decision Intelligence—accountability, prioritization, and audit trails07:00 – The transformation of the CPA, and why human advisors are more important than ever11:11 – Comparing 4Impact Data’s approach to industry giants like Palantir, and why “measuring outcomes” changes everything14:01 – How decision intelligence empowers small businesses and upskills the next generation20:15 – What the “Great Promotion Era” means for the profession24:46 – Final thoughts, plug for 4impactdata.com, and where you can learn more27:21 – Outro Voiceover: How to subscribe and connect with Thrive LoudReady to move from constant firefighting to genuine fire prevention? Press play now and step into the future of business guidance.

What if being “busy” isn’t a badge of honor, but a one-way ticket to burnout? Lou sits down with productivity strategist and former chief marketing officer Sarah Ohanesian for a candid look at why chasing endless tasks keeps so many professionals from meaningful work—and life.Together, they dig into the real roots of burnout, revealing the shocking truth that even the highest achievers sometimes give their families the “worst version” of themselves after a long day of decision fatigue. Sarah Ohanesian shares her personal journey from feeling perpetually overwhelmed in a CMO role to reshaping her career with a mission: help high-performers achieve their most important goals without sacrificing their well-being.Highlights include:The difference between being “busy” and truly “productive,” and how reframing those definitions can transform your workday and your mindset.Sarah Ohanesian’s simple but powerful system for identifying High Priority Tasks (HPTs) so you can break the cycle of “doing everything” and start doing what matters most.Strategies for figuring out your peak performance hours and building a schedule that fits YOU (not another “magic morning” book’s prescription).Real-life tips for limiting distractions—whether it’s muting notifications or literally closing your curtains to hide the UPS truck.Honest insights into why burnout isn’t new—but why, post-COVID, it’s more amplified, complicated, and pervasive than ever before.Sarah Ohanesian’s actionable advice for moving from stuck to starting, including how to break overwhelming projects into tiny steps and regain your sense of hope and control.Whether you’re a solopreneur stretching your work hours into the night or a team leader looking to prevent burnout, this episode will give you a much-needed reset button.Timestamped Overview:00:00:00 – Introduction and setting up the conversation on thriving without burning out00:02:15 – Sarah Ohanesian’s story: Burnout, career pivot, and her “aha” moment00:04:03 – Busting the “busy as a badge of honor” myth and shifting to productivity00:06:08 – The HPT Method: How to prioritize what matters00:08:17 – When to do your best work—tailoring schedules for real productivity00:11:27 – Managing distractions (and some practical tech/workspace tweaks)00:13:24 – The universal “that’s me!” moment when audiences hear Sarah’s message00:15:35 – Is burnout new, or just finally getting named?00:17:15 – Sarah’s personal tools for getting back on track (even on off days)00:18:51 – Fun Street: Taylor Swift binges, Chicago pizza, and what Sarah’s loving outside work00:25:46 – Outro and where to find Sarah Ohanesian onlineTune in for an honest, actionable road map to thriving at work, delivering your best self at home, and finally making busy work for you—not against you.

What if we told you that the world’s ultra-wealthy are powering an investment vehicle bigger than private equity and venture capital—managing a mind-blowing $14 trillion—and yet, most people have no idea what a family office actually is? Get ready to have your perspective shifted in this episode of Thrive Loud with Lou Diamond!Host Lou Diamond sits down with Richard Wilson, founder of the Family Office Club, leader of the largest global investor community in the family office niche. Coming to us from Hawaii and fresh off a mega event in South Florida, Richard pulls back the curtain on:How family offices became the global investment powerhouseThe biggest challenges family office investors face—including the trust crisis and AI-fueled disruptionWhy so many hedge funds are converting to family offices, and what that means for the industry’s explosive growthThe all-powerful daily practice that has made Richard millions (and how you can use it yourself)Personal insights into balancing ambition, family, and well-being—plus a peek at Richard’s goals for 2026Rapid-fire fun: favorite movies, songs, family adventures, and dream destinations (yes, even for someone living in Hawaii!)Whether you’re interested in elite investing, the psychology of influence, or want practical advice for thriving every day, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable wisdom.Episode Overview:[00:00:02] Show intro: Meet host, Lou Diamond and guest, Richard Wilson[00:01:11] How Richard discovered and built the Family Office Club[00:02:16] What is a family office? And why are they so important?[00:03:32] The challenges family offices face today: Trust and adaptation in a changing world[00:04:40] Hedge funds turning into family offices—industry secrets revealed[00:06:39] Legal and regulatory definitions, and what’s really a family office[00:07:42] Richard’s simple, millionaire-making daily practice (and how YOU can do it)[00:10:32] 2026 goal setting—a behind-the-scenes look at Richard’s annual targets[00:12:02] Personal and family goals: Health, fatherhood, adventure, and thriving in business and life[00:14:06] Where to find Richard Wilson and Family Office Club resources[00:14:35] Fun Street rapid fire: Movies, music, food, adventure, dream destinations[00:17:54] Outro and next steps to keep thriving!Ready to learn firsthand what it means to operate at the next level? Press play and jump in!