The Year of Practice
 
September 2024
 
 
 
 
 
 
VIP Nearly Gone, 18 Premium Tickets Remaining
 
 
OJAI VALLEY INN
 
 
Join us for the 2025 Annual Conference, celebrating our 15th anniversary in picturesque Ojai, California, from January 13-17. This year's theme, "Performing: a harmonious blend of preparation, practice, and spontaneous magic," promises to inspire and elevate your professional and personal endeavors.
Experience captivating keynotes, interactive sessions, and exclusive networking opportunities designed as an unparalleled opportunity to aim toward the future. Now, with limited tiers available, including Virtual, Standard, Premium, and VIP options, secure your spot today to ensure you don't miss this transformative event.
 
 
Level up your conference experience with tiers available from virtual to VIP. Stay tuned for more info on conference addons!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Get CEO Time
 
 
MAKE COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
 
 
Our self-paced Thrive program includes Weekly eCoaching that could become the most valuable 40 minutes of your work week. It’s one thing to study Transactional Competence. It’s another thing to practice it.
Thrive members are invited to Zoom in early and connect with the IU community before sessions. Thrive eCoaching is your weekly chance to get priceless time with CEO John Patterson backed up a rich library of professional resources. Join us next week!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
How to Increase Your Value
 
 
WITH TRISHA TYLER
 
 
Working as a principal in a large healthcare enterprise, Trisha Tyler of Mercer Health & Benefits, talks about how to create value for the companies that you work for; when you become reliable for that value, you get to do what you love and increase your income accordingly.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
November Cohort Now Open
 
 
APPLICATION DEADLINE — 25 OCTOBER 2024
 
 
Experience the thrill of mastering your skills and growing your business! This is your chance to dive into the IU curriculum, applying smart solutions to real-world challenges. Elevate your skills, transform theory into action, and navigate your career path with precision and confidence. Don't just watch opportunities pass by — seize them. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Hidden Power of Context
 
 
ENTREPRENEURS
 
 
Startup success often hinges on identifying and solving problems others haven’t yet recognized. Some of the most groundbreaking innovations emerge not from market research but from the lived experiences of those at the cutting edge—those we call “lead users.” By adopting the mindset of a lead user, startups can uncover hidden opportunities, innovate ahead of the curve, and ensure their solutions resonate with real-world needs. In a world where the difference between success and failure can hinge on finding the right problem to solve, the power of context cannot be underestimated.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Most People Won't Practice
 
 
WITH MARCUS BELL
 
 
Tune into this Classics episode of the Influential U podcast, where John Patterson sits down with music industry legend Marcus Bell. Marcus, who began his musical journey at the tender age of two, reveals the work ethic and discipline that have fueled his impressive career.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Avoid the Founder Trap
 
 
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
 
 
Innovative founders are often celebrated for their groundbreaking ideas and creative vision. However, many of these brilliant minds face a significant challenge that can make or break their ventures: lacking essential people skills. While technical expertise and innovation are critical, effectively leading, communicating, and managing a team is just as vital for a startup’s survival and growth.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balancing Confidence with Competence
 
 
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
 
 
In a previous article, I explored the decline of the self-esteem movement and highlighted the need to balance confidence with competence for genuine personal and professional growth. Once a powerful cultural force, the self-esteem movement often promised the experience of confidence without its essential foundation of skills and abilities. As we continue to evolve in our understanding of what drives genuine success, we must adopt practical strategies that foster both competence and confidence.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Hidden Pitfalls of Automated Sales Funnels
 
 
SMALL BUSINESS
 
 
Businesses are increasingly turning to automated sales funnels to streamline marketing efforts and reduce costs. The allure of these systems lies in their promise of quick, effortless results and operational excellence. However, the reality often falls short of expectations, particularly for small businesses.