Host: Carrie Tuttle
Guest: Markku Kauppinen

What if you focused on making a life, instead of making a living? That is one of the deep topics Carrie discussed with Markku Kauppinen, President and CEO of Extended DISC North America. Markku shares the unexpected story of how a $12 dare and a family emergency led him from Helsinki to the helm of his company. Extended DISC has become one of the top assessment companies in the world that provides data to develop self awareness, make better decisions, build better teams and support improved results.Quick reference on DISC styles:

D (Dominance/Driver): Fast-paced, risk-takers, focused on immediate results.
I (Influence): Outgoing, social, energized by people and excitement.
S (Steady-relater): Team-oriented, patient, focused on long-term plans and stability.
C (Compliance): Detail-oriented, analytical, driven by accuracy and facts.
Every leader and team member is a blend of all four, but one usually feels most natural.

From elevator rides to emergency rooms, Markku brings the DISC behavioral model to life with real-world analogies and stories, showing leaders how to spot—and leverage—the unique communication styles on their teams. He discusses how the sports world is set up to break down roles and identify improvement areas, but in our personal and professional lives, we can do a better job of that. Having a system like DISC helps. Markku reminds us the most successful leaders don’t just know their own style—they adapt their communication and leadership to meet others where they are. Listen in for life lessons and wisdom to live by, like treating time as the most precious currency!

QUOTE-WORTHY MOMENTS:

“One thing I've noticed observing successful people… that they all have in common. They are all confidently self-aware.”
“Don’t build a happy life—build a happy today.”
“If you want success in any part of your life, you need to develop good habits.”

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

Self-awareness is crucial for successful leadership.
The DISC model helps in modifying behavior and communication.
Leaders must adapt their communication to differentstyles.
Different DISC styles impact team dynamics andcommunication.
Integrating DISC into organizational culture enhances teamwork.
Understanding DISC styles aids in better hiring decisions.
Good habits are essential for effective leadership.
Time is a valuable currency that should be spent wisely.
Clarity in personal and professional goals leads to fulfillment.
Leadership is a collective effort, not a solo act.

LINKS FROM EPISODE:

Learn more about Extended DISC @ Website: https://www.extendeddisc.org/

Markku on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markkukauppinen/

Extended DISC on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/extendeddisc/

Extended DISC on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/extendeddisc/

Resources mentioned:

Book: What Got You Here Won’t Get You There by MarshallGoldsmith https://amzn.to/4lqRbfY

Book: Triggers by Marshall Goldsmith https://amzn.to/3G38k07

Extended DISC Quick explainer videos - https://www.extendeddisc.org/videos/

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Leading with DISC and Confident Self-Awareness with Markku Kauppinen