Ria and Mack Story share how dealing with a boss you can't stand boils down to three core options:
Proactive choices often earn respect, maintain relationships, and open doors, while reactive choices create friction, rupture relationships, and decrease your influence.
#careeradvice #careertips #careeradvancement #successtips
Kick off the new year with intention and clarity.
As we wave goodbye to 2025 and step boldly into 2026, Mack & Ria Story guide you through a reflective exercise designed to help you audit your habits, celebrate your wins, and set the stage for transformative change.
With a common sense approach, this episode breaks down five essential questions to help you declutter your life, amplify what works, and embrace new possibilities. This 30-minute session will provide you with a mental roadmap to help you get more out of the year ahead.
#motivation #inspiration #reflection #success #successtips
In this episode of the podcast, Mack Story delves into the transformative power of self-control and personal growth as outlined in his book Defining Influence: Increasing Your Influence Increases Your Options.
Drawing from his own life-changing encounter with Stephen R. Covey's principle—that between stimulus and response lies a space for choice—Mack shares how embracing this idea shifted his mindset, mended fractured relationships with his son and father, and laid the foundation for his leadership journey. He emphasizes that true influence begins with self-leadership, urging listeners to reflect on their own responses, motivate themselves through passion and purpose, and learn intentionally from experiences to avoid repeating mistakes.
Mack also explores the challenges of growth, including resistance from those around you who may prefer the status quo, and the necessity of moving forward even if it means leaving some people behind.
Through personal stories that enhance the book's insights, he illustrates how increasing one's influence expands options in life, encouraging reflection on Socrates' wisdom about the quality of questions we ask ourselves.
This episode inspires listeners to take responsibility for their development, apply leadership principles for better results, and extend their positive impact to others.
#leadership #leadershiptips #leadershippodcast #podcast #reflection #intentionalliving #bluecollarleadership #skilledtrades #construction #manufacturing #selfhelp #growthmindset #successtips
In this raw and real episode, Mack Story pulls no punches as he takes us back to his early 20s—long hours at work, chasing more stuff, and wasting every free minute hunting, fishing, partying, and coasting through life with a crew that was headed absolutely nowhere.
He thought he had it all together because he was paying the bills (sometimes) and having “fun.”
The truth?
He was clueless, surrounded by clueless people, and leading a pack straight into the land of wasted potential. With brutal honesty and his signature blue-collar style, Mack walks us through the wake-up call that finally hit: experience by itself teaches nothing—only evaluated experience does.
Drawing straight from his book Defining Influence: Increasing Your Influence Increases Your Options, Mack breaks down the game-changing difference between raw experience and reflection that actually moves you forward.
He shares how he shifted from a selfish “me” mindset to a “we” mindset, why your intent behind every action is what people really judge, and how character (not just competency) determines who you attract and who you become.
If you’ve ever felt stuck hanging with the same crowd, getting the same results, and wondering why nothing ever changes, this episode is your fork-in-the-road moment.
Stop coasting. Start evaluating. Because until you look backward on purpose, you’ll never move forward with purpose.
#leadership #leadershiptips #leadershippodcast #podcast #reflection #intentionalliving #bluecollarleadership #skilledtrades #construction #manufacturing #selfhelp #growthmindset #successtips
Discover simple, yet highly effective ways to methodically and intentionally enhance and/or transform your organizational culture.
Mack & Ria Story discuss the methods their most effective clients implement in-house to grow and develop the people within their organization.
For a deep dive into the methods they'll be discussing, visit BlueCollarLeadership.com/implement
Mack & Ria Story discuss the importance of discipline and the impact of making excuses.
Discipline is giving yourself a command and following through with it.
Excuses are exits off of the highway to success.
In this interview, Ben Hopkins discusses:
Ben Hopkins is a USAF Veteran who spent time as a Weapons Systems Officer in the back of an F-15E Strike Eagle. Currently, he is the Founder and host of The Warehouse Underground🦺Website & Podcast Series🎙️REAL talk for warehouse, distribution center, & fulfillment center professionals of all levels around the globe!
Ben is a battle tested proven leader and "results getter" in the world of warehouse/distribution and operations.
He has multi-site leadership experience nationwide simultaneously (CA, WI, PA, TN.) Two ERP and WMS implementations. Planned and designed 200,000 square foot green field distribution center to include use of 21st century automation with conveyor belt actuated sortation, multi-level pick modules, and VNA racking preparation.
Ben has grown, developed, and promoted countless warehouse and distribution mangers, floor leaders, and inventory control specialists.
Prefer to watch the video?
Check out the 37th episode of the "Real People Getting Real Results!" interview series featuring Ben Hopkins interviewed by Mack Story under the playlist titled "Real People Getting Real Results! on the Blue-Collar Leadership YouTube channel at YouTube.com/@BlueCollarLeadership
Be sure to subscribe while you're there, and tap the 🔔 to be notified of future video releases in this series.
#leadershiptips #leadershippodcast #leadershipmindset #success #warehousemanagement #warehouseoperations #leadership #bluecollarleadership #logistics
In today’s hyper-connected world, your social media presence isn’t just personal anymore; it’s often the first impression a hiring manager gets before they even open your resume.
What you post, like, or comment on can quietly signal your professionalism, judgment, and emotional maturity (or the lack thereof).
A single ill-timed rant, a subtle dig at your boss, or an old spring-break photo that never got untagged can instantly move your application from the “yes” pile to the trash without you ever knowing why.
The good news is that avoiding the most common pitfalls is straightforward once you know what recruiters are quietly screening for.
By keeping your online voice positive, authentic, and drama-free, you protect your reputation, you not only safeguard your current job search but also build a personal brand that makes opportunities come to you.
In this episode, I dive into the seven subtle (and not-so-subtle) social media habits that silently sabotage even the most qualified candidates, and exactly how to clean up your digital footprint before it costs you your next big role.
#socialmediatips #leadershippodcast #jobsearchtips
Mack Story unpacks the subtle yet powerful ways distrust creeps into relationships, both personal and professional, often without us realizing it.
By sharing practical strategies, Mack equips listeners to recognize and counteract distrust, fostering stronger, more resilient connections with their teams and loved ones.
Mack explains how seemingly minor actions—like forgetting to say thank you, ignoring a colleague, or taking someone’s efforts for granted—can create distrust faster than trust is built, as distrust taps directly into our emotions.
Drawing from personal anecdotes, like his appreciation for his wife Ria’s cooking, Mack illustrates how automatic or accidental distrust accumulates over time, especially with those closest to us. He emphasizes that without intentional trust-building efforts, relationships risk deteriorating into divorce, workplace conflicts, or stagnation, using real-world examples to highlight the stakes in blue-collar environments.
Mack challenges leaders to offset unintentional distrust by actively building trust through consistent, caring actions, such as acknowledging others’ contributions or showing genuine respect.
Mack contrasts the ease of reconnecting with old friends—where trust remains intact due to time apart—with the daily erosion that occurs in close relationships when trust isn’t nurtured.
Mack Story explores the essential art of building rapport as the gateway to trust in blue-collar leadership. This episode equips listeners with actionable strategies to connect authentically, strengthen teams, and lead with influence rooted in care.
Drawing from Christian Simpson's insight, "When building rapport, we are conveying to others, 'I’m like you, so it’s okay for you to like me,'" Mack explains how relating to others—through shared language, actions, and appearance—creates safety and openness.
However, Mack stresses that true rapport begins with sincere intent and unconditional care for the other person.
In the demanding world of blue-collar work, where quick connections can make or break teams, Mack shares how genuine concern transcends superficial differences, allowing leaders to foster deep, instant bonds that people feel immediately.
Mack delves into practical ways to build trust through consistent "deposits," from simple gestures like calling someone by name or offering a pat on the back, to larger acts like believing in a teammate's potential or providing real help in tough times.
Mack warns against manipulative intent, emphasizing that people intuitively sense when care is authentic versus self-serving.
For blue-collar leaders, Mack outlines how to make ongoing trust deposits without expecting withdrawals, creating resilient relationships that withstand inevitable setbacks.
Mack Story dives into the critical role of trust as the foundation of influence in leadership. This episode offers actionable insights for leaders to cultivate trust, enhance their influence, and build stronger teams.
Drawing from his experiences and insights from thought leaders like Stephen M. R. Covey and John C. Maxwell, Mack emphasizes that trust is built on a solid foundation of intent and character.
He explains how 87% of a leader’s influence stems from their values, consistent actions, and ability to connect with others, while only 13% relies on technical skills.
Through real-world examples, Mack illustrates how trust shapes relationships and drives results, warning that without it, leadership falters. He challenges listeners to focus on building their character first, as it’s the key to creating sustainable, high-trust relationships that withstand adversity.
Mack also explores the dynamic nature of trust, highlighting that every interaction either strengthens or weakens it.
Quoting Peter Drucker, he underscores the importance of unspoken communication in building trust and shares practical strategies for blue-collar leaders to align their intent with their actions.
From his time in Guatemala with John Maxwell to everyday workplace scenarios, Mack shows how character-driven influence creates a ripple effect, fostering collaboration and inspiring others to follow.
In this interview, Mike Chiles discusses:
Mike Chiles lives in Blue Springs, MO on the eastern outskirts of Kansas City, and is a Project Director with JE Dunn Construction. He’s been with JE Dunn nearly 20 years!
Mike is a student of personal growth and leadership development and has a passion for sharing what he’s learning with others. He’s also a student of Lean Construction and leverages the principles of Lean to make his projects and his teams much more efficient.
Mike is a husband and a father of four children. As he’s intentionally grown and developed himself, being a better role model while growing and developing his children has become an even higher priority.
Want to watch the video version?
Check out the 36th episode of the "Real People Getting Real Results!" interview series featuring Mike Chiles interviewed by Mack Story by visiting the Blue-Collar Leadership YouTube channel at YouTube.com/@BlueCollarLeadership and be sure to take a look the previous interviews in this series. All can be found under the playlist titled "Real People Getting Real Results!"
Be sure to subscribe while you're there, and tap the 🔔 to be notified of future releases in this series.
#leadershippodcast #personalgrowth #leadershipmindset #leanconstruction #projectmanager #construction #constructionindustry #successmindset #leadership #bluecollarleadership #growthmindset
In this interview, Greg Crumpton discusses:
Greg Crumpton lives in Greenville, SC and is Vice President of Service Logic, the largest privately held HVAC and mechanical services company in North America with over 8,000 team members. He has over 43 years of experience in providing integrated solutions that optimize energy efficiency, comfort, productivity, health and safety for commercial, institutional and mission critical real estate.
Greg is the author of deepKnowledge. He says, “When I first began contemplating this book, I envisioned it as a chronicle of my experiences and lessons learned while forging a path in the HVAC industry. However, what I’ve come to realize is that I was writing this book in part to connect with people who haven’t yet figured out what they want to do in life…the ‘untouched.’ What I mean is they haven’t been touched yet by what may be exciting to them, or what they find interesting.”
Greg also believes in giving back to his community and supporting causes that matter to him, such as Bring Back the Trades, CommonPlace Coffee and Nomad Futurist, and other associations that are helping rebuild the Trades in the USA. His personal and professional goals are to serve the people he works with and for, and to transfer his knowledge and relationships to the current generation.
Contact Greg by email at: Greg@GregCrumpton.com
Be sure to check out his website at: GregCrumpton.com
Don't miss the video recording of this podcast...the 35th episode of the "Real People Getting Real Results!" interview series featuring Greg Crumpton interviewed by Mack Story. Visit the Blue-Collar Leadership YouTube channel at YouTube.com/@BlueCollarLeadership and check out this and the previous video interviews in this series which can be found under the playlist titled "Real People Getting Real Results!"
Be sure to subscribe while you're there, and tap the 🔔 to be notified of future releases in this video interview series.
#leadershiptips #leadershippodcast #leadershipmindset #success #deepKnowledge #HVAC #HVACindustry #HVACtech #successmindset #leadership #bluecollarleadership #growthmindset
Ever caught yourself pushing your team harder for your own deadlines without considering what’s in it for them?
This episode draws from Mack Story's insights in "Defining Influence" to highlight the power of intent in blue-collar leadership, distinguishing low-impact manipulation from high-impact motivation.
Perfect for mechanics, welders, or any hands-on foreman, Mack will break down why believing "I'm here to serve others" fosters trust and moves your crew to action, while a self-serving attitude creates distrust and reduces your influence in the workplace.
Engage with key "Stop and Think" reflections: Does self-concern build or destroy trust, and how does that affect your influence?
Mack covers how principles—like adapting to individual differences—outperform one-size-fits-all practices, using examples from parenting parallels to workplace dynamics.
Discover the value of empathy in recognizing what truly benefits your team, and learn from personal stories of transformation to elevate your leadership.
By focusing on mutual gains and demonstrating genuine care, you'll increase your effectiveness, strengthen relationships, and lead with the kind of integrity that transforms groups of people working together into empowered teams making things happen together.
Find out what kind of leader you are and what kind of leader you report to at The5TypesOfLeaders.com
In this episode, Mack Story dives into the core of what makes a great leader in the trades and the impact of the intent behind your actions and words.
Drawing from his insights in "Defining Influence," he explore how your inner character shapes your influence with co-workers. Whether you're a foreman directing a construction team or a mechanic leading those working under the hood, understanding that intent is the bedrock of trust can transform how your team responds to you.
Mack will break down why first impressions hinge on your motives and how hiding a shady agenda can erode your authority fast.
He’ll also tackle real-world scenarios with thought-provoking questions to help you stop and think: When a coworker builds trust with you, does their influence grow? Flip it around—what happens when distrust creeps in?
By internalizing these principles, you'll learn to shift from manipulation to genuine motivation, boosting your effectiveness and opening up more options in your blue-collar career. Tune in to discover how aligning your 'why' with honest intent can elevate your leadership game and foster unbreakable team bonds.
Find out what kind of leader you are and what kind of leader you report to at The5TypesOfLeaders.com
Explore how negative self-talk erodes hope and often leads to life-altering despair. Then, consider how modeling unshakeable character allows you to increase your influence. Learn to borrow belief from others and cultivate habits that reflect integrity which will allow you to turn personal struggles into powerful examples of resilience.
Looking for resources? You'll find them at BlueCollarLeadership.com
In this no-nonsense episode, Mack Story gets real about the mental grind that powers your daily hustle—because if you knew exactly what to do, you'd already be running the show instead of punching the clock.
Mack draws from his blue-collar roots in small-town Tallassee, Alabama (pop. under 6,000), and breaks down the Choice Formula: Thought + Emotion + Action = Choice.
Thoughts harden into habits that build your circumstances, good or bad. Whether you're swinging a hammer or calling the shots as a foreman, tune in for a dose of straight-talk that will help you toughen your thinking, own your actions, and turn everyday choices into the wins that will launch you from where you are to where you want to be.
Looking for resources? You'll find them at BlueCollarLeadership.com
You were born a leader! Your awareness of self, others, and your environment has been increasing since your birth.
Your influence increased the most in your early years. For many people, it seems to slow down dramatically as they reach adulthood.
How much influence do you have with others at this moment?
Your influence today is based on the choices you made in the past. Your influence in the future will increase or decrease based on the choices you make today.
Choose wisely!
Want to dive deeper into leadership and influence?
Don't miss our FREE 2-hour course at The5TypesOfLeaders.com which comes with an 8 page downloadable Participant's Guide. Once complete, you'll receive an official Certificate of Completion.
Be sure to add that to your resume or as an achievement on your LinkedIn profile to begin separating yourself from your competition as you strive to climb the leadership mountain.
Here's what some of those who have completed the FREE course had to say...
“Excellent learning opportunity!“ ~ Thomas Armitage
“A great training I did about a month ago! I would recommend Blue Collar Leadership to anyone who’s already in leadership in a formal or informal position. Mack Story will give the avenue to a great learning experience!” ~ Jamel Wofford
“Just took this course. Great information here and would recommend this to anyone looking to invest in themselves!” ~ Lane Goos
“Mack & Ria, I wanted to reach out and thank you for your free course “The 5 Types Of Leaders!” This was very eye-opening for me. I have been in management for civil construction for 18 years, and your course just turned a light on for me. I appreciate you taking the time to share and look forward to listening to your podcast and taking more courses! Keep on rocking it have a great day!”
Thank you, Paul Campbell lll
Join Mack and Ria Story as they dive into a compelling LinkedIn post that sparked Mack’s curiosity.
The story centers on a frustrated equipment operator who boldly marched into their boss’s office, demanding a raise and threatening to walk out if their demands weren’t met.
In this episode, Mack and Ria unpack the operator’s frustration, explore how the boss responded, and discuss what could have been done to avoid this high-stakes showdown.
They’ll also reflect on a bigger question: How many people quietly leave their jobs without ever speaking up?
This scenario plays out in workplaces everywhere, and Mack and Ria’s insights will leave you thinking about communication, leadership, and how to address frustration before it leads to farewells.
Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that’s sure to resonate with anyone navigating workplace dynamics!
Want to dive deeper into leadership and influence?
Don't miss our FREE 2-hour course at The5TypesOfLeaders.com which comes with an 8 page downloadable Participant's Guide. Once complete, you'll receive an official Certificate of Completion.
Be sure to add that to your resume or as an achievement on your LinkedIn profile to begin separating yourself from your competition as you strive to climb the leadership mountain.
Here's what some of those who have completed the FREE course had to say...
“A great training I did about a month ago! I would recommend Blue Collar Leadership to anyone who’s already in leadership in a formal or informal position. Mack Story will give the avenue to a great learning experience!” ~ Jamel Wofford
“Just took this course. Great information here and would recommend this to anyone looking to invest in themselves!” ~ Lane Goos
“Excellent learning opportunity!“ ~ Thomas Armitage
“Mack & Ria, I wanted to reach out and thank you for your free course “The 5 Types Of Leaders!” This was very eye-opening for me. I have been in management for civil construction for 18 years, and your course just turned a light on for me. I appreciate you taking the time to share and look forward to listening to your podcast and taking more courses! Keep on rocking it have a great day!”
Thank you, Paul Campbell lll
Dive into this episode and discover what type of leader YOU are and learn what kind of leader you report to.
You’ll learn what type of leader is most effective.
And, you'll learn how character and competency impact each type of leader.
Want to dive deeper?
Don't miss our FREE 2-hour course at The5TypesOfLeaders.com which comes with an 8 page downloadable Participant's Guide. Once complete, you'll receive an official Certificate of Completion.
Be sure to add that to your resume or as an achievement on your LinkedIn profile to begin separating yourself from your competition as you strive to climb the leadership mountain.
Here's what some of those who have completed the FREE course had to say...
“A great training I did about a month ago! I would recommend Blue Collar Leadership to anyone who’s already in leadership in a formal or informal position. Mack Story will give the avenue to a great learning experience!” ~ Jamel Wofford
“Just took this course. Great information here and would recommend this to anyone looking to invest in themselves!” ~ Lane Goos
“Excellent learning opportunity!“ ~ Thomas Armitage
“Mack & Ria, I wanted to reach out and thank you for your free course “The 5 Types Of Leaders!” This was very eye-opening for me. I have been in management for civil construction for 18 years, and your course just turned a light on for me. I appreciate you taking the time to share and look forward to listening to your podcast and taking more courses! Keep on rocking it have a great day!”
Thank you, Paul Campbell lll