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Simplifying the Complexities of Your Leadership Journey
Episodes
Monday Feb 05, 2024
Monday Feb 05, 2024
Episode 70: Leaders Take Care
Point 1: Address the Need for Wellbeing
- 70% of Americans feel that the nation doesn't care for them, and 38% are considering moving abroad due to concerns about their human rights. (American Psychological Association)
- Gallup's "State of the Global Workplace" report reveals that 57% of U.S and Canadian workers experience regular stress, impacting their performance and satisfaction.
- Leaders need to understand the real costs of workplace stress.
- Leaders set goals.
- Writing out goals solidifies them.
Point 2: Promote Wellbeing in Your Team Culture
- Leaders should always be promoting wellbeing within their organizations.
- Foster a culture of empathy and support,
- Provide resources and programs to help employees manage stress
- Recognize employees who are happy and healthy are more engaged and likely to perform at their best.
- When it comes to work life balance, you as the leader have to lead the way.
- Take care of your people and take care of yourself.
BOOK: (Walsh, Bill; Jamison, Steve; Walsh, Craig. The Score Takes Care of Itself: My Philosophy of Leadership (pp. 215-216). Penguin Publishing Group. Kindle Edition)
QUESTIONS:
- Are you practicing that self care right now?
- What do you need to do to change so that you are better ready to serve those who follow you?
Unhealthy Workplace:
- You need to get out
- Start making an extra strategy now
- Or you will be in the exact same spot
- If the people above you are not taking care of your well-being now, they are not going to do so in the future.
- Don't be the problem.
- How do you know whether you are doing things the right way or not?
- Ask the people that you are leading.
Perception vs. Reality:
- People say they want to take care of themself, but don’t do it.
- Have a standard for yourself.
Point 3: Make Wellbeing a Priority Now
- Leaders must know the importance of making wellbeing a top priority.
- Collaborate and develop strategies and policies that prioritize employees' wellbeing.
- Find strategies to help people feel better about what they do.
Practical Tips:
- You need to take a day off.
- step away from your phone and anything else that distracts you from letting your mind rest.
- if you don't, you are never going to be fully replenished your energy level.
ARTICLE: Productivity Tips – Be More Productive With Less Effort, Brian Tracy
BOOK: “How I Raised Myself from Failure to Success in Selling”, by Frank Betcher.
- Self Organization Day
“A rising tide lifts all boats”.
MO’s Final Thoughts:
Make this the time in your life you put forth a plan to take care of your well-being. Then invite those around you to be part of the process. When you do this, you will have a friend for life.
Amazon Book Link:
The Score Takes Care of Itself: My Philosophy of Leadership, by Bill Walsh, Dick Hill, Craig Walsk, Steve Jamison - https://a.co/d/3jmnubU
How I Raised Myself from Failure to Success in Selling, by Frank Betcher. - https://a.co/d/7FPwhs8
Special Thanks To:
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Work it out by LiQWYD https://soundcloud.com/liqwyd
Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0
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Monday Jan 29, 2024
Monday Jan 29, 2024
Episode 69: A Conversation with a Champion
Special Guest: Candace Motes, Indiana Wesleyan University Women's Volleyball Head Coach
- Won the NAIA National Championship.
- Every person has a different philosophy and there's no two leadership philosophies that are exactly the same.
Background Information:
- When did you start coaching?
- I got into volleyball and it took me to an opportunity to go play at the University of Nebraska Omaha.
- That's where I became knowledgeable as a coach in a sense being a player around great coaches
- I Wasn't thriving in that culture at all and it was becoming more of a heartache for me So I left and went to a Christian University.
- What made you want to be a coach?
- Assistant Coach for the team I played on and enjoyed it
- Was recommended to take over as my college coach left.
- Coaching peers - “One of the hardest things that I did”
- “When God calls you to something and you, even if fear, go towards it, it changes your life.”
- Coached at Alma Mater for 10 years before coaching in Indiana.
- How long have you been in your current position at Indiana Wesleyan?
- Coaching at Indiana Wesleyan for 22 years
- There's been hardships, there's been growth, but overall it's been a great experience for me.
Team Background:
- How did you feel going into this season? Did you know that this was going to be the season?
- No, I didn't.
- There were lessons learned from each individual.
- But for me personally, I did not have the trust that I needed.
- Didn’t see this team for the potential that they had.
- I was very critical, skill set wise,
- The grind of continuing to have the vision of what it took to get to the highest level and going through that journey.
- Chasing little goals
- What do you think contributed to this being the championship winning season?
- Focused on Building Culture
- Adjusted practices to reflect this priority
- Brought in a mindset coach
- Took an international trip
- The value of being uncomfortable
- Doing something together
- Serving
- Recruited great players
Facing Obstacles:
- Not always just players and their drama
- Coaches can bring in obstacles too
- Injuries
- Keep the mindset in a positive direction
- Helping our culture stay together
- Understanding roles
Who is someone who has really influenced your leadership?
- Debbie Brown from Notre Dame.
- John Dunning from Stanford.
- Ruth Nelson - Olympian coach
- https://www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/profile-ruth-nelson/
- Has really shown me to stay in it till you don't have a passion anymore, but don't leave because you're believing lies that tell you that you should be done and do something different.
BOOK: “Starts with Why”, by Simon Sinek.
Coach Candace’s Final Thoughts:
Don't be afraid to change your thoughts. Don't be afraid. First of all, for young coaches, don't try to be anybody else that you think you should be. I have to be who I am. And I have to be who God created me to be. And I have to be the person that he wants me to be influencing in the moment that I'm in. But then, as you continue to go, continue to stay grounded in, “I can change, and I can make changes.”
Amazon Book Link:
Start With Why, Simon Sinek - https://a.co/d/1SQnw4G
Special Thanks To:
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Work it out by LiQWYD https://soundcloud.com/liqwyd
Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0
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Monday Jan 22, 2024
Monday Jan 22, 2024
Episode 68: The Adaptable Leader
1: Leaders Navigate Uncertainty
- That’s what leaders are all about!
- Stay composed and level-headed in the face of uncertainty.
Practical Technique: Stop and count to 10.
- Don’t be hasty in the way that we react.
- Don't ever say anything that you can't take back.
- By being adaptable, you can act as a source of stability and reassurance.
BOOK: “Leading Up,” by Michael Useem.
- Help those who lead you
- As you learn to lead up, you are setting an example for others to follow
2: Leaders Continually Learn
- You are never done learning!
- Leaders who prioritize continuous learning aren't afraid to admit when they don't know something and actively seek knowledge and expertise from others.
- Investing in yourself is the most important expense you will ever make.
- It is YOUR responsibility to learn on an everyday basis.
POINT 3: Leaders Empower Teams
- Unlock the collective creativity and problem-solving potential of their workforce.
- Leads to more innovative solutions and provides a competitive edge in the market.
- You cannot get people to change. PERIOD.
- Change the way that you encourage and motivate people.
BOOK: “How to Win Friends and Influence People”, by Dale Carnegie
- People are only going to do what they want to do.
- It’s our job to help people execute for their good and the organization
- “You manage things, but you lead people.” Rear Admiral Grace Murray Hopper
MO’s Final Thoughts
The Greek philosopher Heraclitus Said that the only constant is change. Blessed are the flexible for they will not be broken. My Hope is that you become that kind of leader. That nothing can stop you from going forward and getting better, but that you take the hits, and you keep on rolling.
Amazon Book Link:
Leading Up, Michael Useem - https://a.co/d/1WqGn8e
How to Win Friends and Influence People - https://a.co/d/jlUn8Un
Strengthsfinder 2.0, Tom Rath - https://amzn.to/3Sn7uNm
Extreme Ownership, by Jocko Willink, Leif Babin - https://a.co/d/beGQe6e
Special Thanks To:
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Work it out by LiQWYD https://soundcloud.com/liqwyd
Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0
Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/l_work-it-out
Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/erSmdVocHO0
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Monday Jan 08, 2024
Monday Jan 08, 2024
Episode 67: Leaders Start with Why
Questions to Ponder:
- Have you ever been asked to do something by a leader and not fully understood why?
- Have you, as a leader, ever asked your team to do something without explaining the task's true purpose?
1. Leaders Start with "Why"
BOOK: Start with Why, by Simon Sinek
- Knowing the vision and direction as a leader is paramount.
BOOK: Leadership Lessons from the Age of Fighting Sail, by Chris Brady
- Leaders who possesses a clear and unwavering belief in their vision become a beacon of inspiration for their team.
- You need to know where you are headed and why it matters.
- This fosters a sense of authenticity and credibility that is inherently persuasive.
- Team members are naturally drawn to leaders who can articulate
- What
- How
- Why
BOOK: StrengthsFinder 2.0, Gallup and Tom Rath
- A leader's ability to get others to believe in and follow her isn't solely dependent on the vision itself, but also on their ability to effectively communicate and share it.
- A leader must convey the "why" in a way that resonates with her team.
- listening,
- understanding,
- and empathizing
- A leader's consistent actions, integrity, and accountability play a pivotal role in earning and maintaining the trust and respect of their team.
2. Leaders Pinpoint Essentials
- Effective leadership involves several crucial elements.
- resilience in the face of failure.
- “Major on the majors and minor on the minors.”
- Focus on the big picture.
- Transparent communication is key.
QUESTION: Are you a communicative person, whether it is with your family at home or with those at work?
QUESTION: What is it that I can do, that nobody else can do all the time?
- Your people want to do what they are good at. Get out of their way and let them do it.
- Leaders Empower with Purpose
- Empower through a clear sense of purpose.
- By explaining the "why" behind actions and decisions, leaders encourage their teams to take ownership of their responsibilities.
- Work during the day to make a living. Work during the night to make a life.
- If you are not happy where you work, work hard enough to earn your way out.
MO’s Final Thoughts
If you want people to follow you, you need to know why you are doing what you are doing. You need to give your people the reason to follow you. Don’t ever be upset if someone isn’t following you. There are no bad teams, only bad leaders. You need to be willing to put the work in. People want to follow someone who is passionate and knows what they are doing. Get out there, work hard enough and find your why. Live in the why!
Amazon Book Link:
Start with Why, by Simon Sinek - https://a.co/d/bCcXp8r
Leadership Lessons from the Age of Fighting Sail, by Chris Brady - https://a.co/d/9nn3arJ
Strengthsfinder 2.0, Tom Rath - https://amzn.to/3Sn7uNm
Special Thanks To:
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Work it out by LiQWYD https://soundcloud.com/liqwyd
Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0
Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/l_work-it-out
Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/erSmdVocHO0
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Tuesday Dec 19, 2023
Tuesday Dec 19, 2023
Episode 66: Hero Spotlight with SFC John Noe
Mortuary Affairs – Provides dignity, honor and respect to fallen soldiers.
BOOK: Where Men Win Glory: The Odyssey of Pat Tillman
MOVIE: Taking Chance, starring Kevin Bacon
- Most rewarding part of your job?
I feel like I am helping people with a service that a lot of people wouldn’t want to do…knowing I provide a service that gives family’s closure.
- Who is someone in your life that has helped to shape you as a person?
Dad – “If I was as good as he is, this world would be a better place.”
Current Boss – Taught me that how you say things influences the reaction you are going to get.
- What’s a book that’s influenced you?
A Purpose Driven Life, by Rick Warren https://a.co/d/2mySojD
“If you don’t have a purpose in your life, how are you able to lead anyone?”
SFC John Noe’s Final Thoughts:
LDRSHIP Acronym
- Loyalty
- Duty
- Respect
- Selfless Service
- Honor
- Integrity
- Personal Courage
Special thanks to:
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Work it out by LiQWYD https://soundcloud.com/liqwyd
Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0
Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/l_work-it-out
Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/erSmdVocHO0
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Monday Nov 20, 2023
Monday Nov 20, 2023
Episode 65 - Building Your Leadership Well: Going Deep to Lead Effectively
- Depth Equals Competence
You are only as good as you continue to learn.
To become a truly competent leader, you must dive deep into your field or industry.
Competence allows you to:
- Make informed decisions
- Solve complex problems effectively
- Earn the respect and trust of your team
- Depth Inspires Confidence
Leaders who invest in their development and continually deepen their skills become a source of inspiration and confidence for their teams.
QUESTION: What is one quality you look for in a leader that instills confidence?
Deep leadership involves having a well-rounded understanding of not only your domain but also your team's needs and aspirations.
Leadership is not about being selfish.
When your team witnesses your commitment to self-improvement, it encourages them to do the same, creating a culture of growth and excellence within your organization.
BOOK: The Gap and The Gain, by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy
Don’t worry about what other people are doing. Worry about what you are doing.
QUESTION: Are you inspiring confidence in the people you lead?
- Depth Encourages Adaptability
Blessed are the flexible, for they will not be broken.
Deep-rooted knowledge and skills make you better equipped to adapt to changing circumstances.
There would be no need for leaders if things didn’t go wrong.
You can make changes or you can make excuses, but you can’t do both.
BOOK: Leading Up, by Michael Useem
Good leaders ask great questions.
Stay dynamic. Don’t be stale. Change with the times.
In times of crisis, depth of knowledge becomes an anchor for the team, fostering trust and stability.
MO’s Final Thoughts:
Strive to master your field and continuously expand your knowledge. Be a source of inspiration and confidence for your team through your commitment to growth. By nurturing your Leadership Well, you not only become a more effective leader but also empower your team to reach new heights of success.
Amazon Book Links:
Leading Up: How to Lead Your Boss So You Both Win, by Michael Useem - https://a.co/d/3j5Fxp4
The Gap and the Gain, by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy - https://a.co/d/1vMDQk3
Special thanks to:
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Work it out by LiQWYD https://soundcloud.com/liqwyd
Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0
Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/l_work-it-out
Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/erSmdVocHO0
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Monday Oct 16, 2023
Monday Oct 16, 2023
Episode 64: Leaders Attract the Best
Point 1: Remote work is here to stay
- Leaders need to recognize that remote work is here to stay for a significant portion of the workforce.
- Invest in technology, foster open communication, and create a work culture that values flexibility.
- Leaders who adapt and provide the tools and support for remote work will thrive in this new environment.
BOOK: “The Four Hour Work Week,” by Tim Ferris
- It's not about punching a time clock, it’s about helping people to be able to get their stuff done.
- If you breed a culture of people that are trying to skirt work and not get things done, it says more about you as a leader than it does about them as an employee.
- “There are no bad teams, only bad leaders”. Jacko Wilinks
- Be better at leadership and give your people a reason to be a part of your team.
Point 2: Offer flexibility and adaptability
- Leaders should empower their teams to choose the work setup that suits them best.
- Encourage open dialogue about preferences
- Provide the necessary resources for each scenario
- Flexibility will increase employee engagement and retention
- Leaders find a way to help their people want to be a part of their culture
QUESTION: Are you creating flexibility and adaptability?
EXERCISE (Write it down): What parts of your job are the in-person kind of stuff and what parts are virtual? What percentage of time do you have to be with your people and what percentage do you not need to be in front of others?
- Help your superiors understand those percentages
- Make sure that your people that look to you as a leader are okay with those percentages as well. (Do your percentages match up with what the company, and your people, need from you?)
Point 3: Embrace Technology
- Leaders must ensure that their teams have access to secure systems, collaborative tools, and effective communication platforms.
- You should be learning from young people on your team more than they are learning from you
BOOK: “21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership” by John Maxwell - You have to make the connection before you can have people buy into your vision.
QUESTION: Are you the kind of leader that people want to follow? Are you using technology in the right way?
MO’s Final Thoughts
If you want the best people, if you want to attract the best, you are going to need to continue to change with the times. If you have stuff that you can have your people do remotely, give them the autonomy to do that. Let them show you how good they are. And, reward those who do well and get rid of the people who refuse to get on board and make those changes with you. If you make these changes, it is only helping them because this is the kind of work that people are expecting today. They would rather be at home or be on the move or whatever, and you as a leader just need to get things done. Why don't you just learn how to do both? That's the true Mark of leadership.
Amazon Book Links:
The Four Hour Work Week, by Tim Ferris - https://a.co/d/fYpk9ia
21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John Maxwell - https://a.co/d/3e0sziL
Special thanks to:
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Work it out by LiQWYD https://soundcloud.com/liqwyd
Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0
Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/l_work-it-out
Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/erSmdVocHO0
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Monday Oct 02, 2023
Monday Oct 02, 2023
Episode 63: Building Your Winning Team
Point 1: Assembling the Right Mix of Talent
It's not about finding the best individuals; it's about finding the right individuals to work effectively together to achieve a common goal.
QUESTION: Where are you called to be a leader?
Leaders need to assess the strengths and weaknesses of their team members and align them with these roles.
BOOK: Strengths Finder 2.0 by Tom Rath
- Once you know your top five strengths, you can start to lead from those strengths.
- Know the strengths of your team.
Point 2: Fostering Collaboration and Synergy
A winning team isn't just a group of talented individuals; it's a group of talented individuals who work seamlessly together.
- Create opportunities for team members to get to know each other on a personal level
- put team in scenarios where they work together
If they can work together on the small things, they will support one another and achieve objectives
Leaders should encourage open communication and provide a safe space for team members to express their concerns.
- Mediate conflicts early and effectively.
- Don’t make it too easy for your team.
- Butterfly/Cocoon - the struggle that makes it able to live.
- Learn to love the process.
- Facilitate good interactions and communication.
Point 3: Empowering and Developing Your Team
A winning team not only achieves its current goals but also grows and evolves over time.
Trust them to make decisions and take ownership of their work.
Leaders have to develop their people into a team they can trust by delegating responsibilities and providing autonomy.
- offer guidance and support when needed
- provide opportunities to develop the necessary skills and knowledge
When your team members feel valued and supported, they're more likely to give their best.
Delegation
- You need to know what to give away and what to keep
MO’s Final Thoughts:
Take time to build your team. Give yourself the grace. Don't worry about setbacks. Embrace the struggle. Try new things. You’ll be better for it.
Amazon Book Link:
Strengthsfinder 2.0, Tom Rath - https://amzn.to/3Sn7uNm
Special Thanks To:
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Work it out by LiQWYD https://soundcloud.com/liqwyd
Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0
Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/l_work-it-out
Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/erSmdVocHO0
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Monday Sep 11, 2023
Monday Sep 11, 2023
Episode 62: Nurturing Innovative Leaders
-
Leaders Empower Creative Mindsets
QUESTION: Are you helping your people take calculated risks to be creative?
- The best leaders promote innovation by creating an environment of psychological safety.
How to foster growth mindsets:
- Create learning opportunities (books, seminars, etc.)
- Continuous skill development
- Support personal projects
When you focus on empowering creative thinking in your people, it will ultimately lead to increased engagement and a sense of ownership among employees.
-
Leaders Focus on Collective Success
QUESTION: What does success look like for your team? What are the deliverables?
BOOK: “Dare to Serve”, Cheryl Bachelder
- By fostering cross-departmental interactions and encouraging participation in problem-solving, leaders allow individuals with diverse skills and perspectives to unite towards a common goal.
Two Techniques:
- Diverse Problem-Solving Approaches: Encourage teams to approach problems from different angles. Asking, “What’s the angle you would take?”
- Transparent Resource Allocation: Ensure resources are allocated fairly across departments.
-
Leaders Cultivate Purposeful Empathy
Leaders who value empathy inspire their team members, leading to a sense of belonging and commitment to the organization's innovation journey.
BOOK: “Pour Your Heart Into It: How Starbucks Built a Company One Cup at a Time”, by Howard Schultz
Once you get people on your side, believing in the same goal, you are going to create an unstoppable team.
QUESTION: How do you treat your people?
- Value your employees not by what they can produce, but by how you know their strengths connect with the rest of the people on your team.
- Be empathetic and learn about your people. Get to know them as more than just people on your team.
MO’s FINAL THOUGHT:
Share your own experiences, challenges, and success stories related to nurturing innovative leaders. Do this with the men and women that you trust. Connect with someone today and ask them how you are doing when it comes to nurturing innovation.
Amazon Book Link:
“Dare to Serve”, by Cheryl Bachelder - https://a.co/d/5cMSsDp
“Pour Your Heart Into It: How Starbucks Built a Company One Cup at a Time”, by Howard Schultz - https://a.co/d/2zIAwoC
“Good to Great”, by Jim Collins - https://a.co/d/8xrV4KA
Special Thanks To:
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Work it out by LiQWYD https://soundcloud.com/liqwyd
Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0
Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/l_work-it-out
Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/erSmdVocHO0
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Wednesday Aug 16, 2023
Wednesday Aug 16, 2023
Episode 61: Leaders Sacrifice More
- Personal Time and Energy Investment
QUESTION: What kind of time and energy do you give to your team?
- Sacrificing personal time for work-related tasks is a hallmark of effective leadership.
QUESTION: Are you the one who gets it done? Are you willing to go the extra mile?
- When everybody else goes home, leaders stay to pick up the pieces and make things happen.
- Decision-Making and Accountability
- Leaders demonstrate accountability by taking ownership of both successes and failures.
- Accountability requires leaders to sacrifice their ego for the benefit of the team's growth.
- True leaders understand that responsibility is a core of what they do in their role. They recognize they can't simply pass the buck to someone else. Instead, they step up and take ownership of their decisions, whether they're big or small.
- True leaders say, “I want the buck to stop with me”.
- The best leaders don’t whine and don’t complain—they get things done.
- Development of Team Members
- This investment drives individual growth and contributes to the overall success of the team.
- Find the right people first.
QUESTION: Is your company finding the right people?
- If you take the time to find the right person, you will actually be doing less work than if you were to just fill the spot.
- Burnout shouldn’t happen. Make a change!
- Talk to the decision makers.
- You have to have trust in your leaders because those who you lead need to have trust in you.
- Get under a leader who knows how to pick the right people.
- Actively promote the career advancement of the people on your team.
MO’s Final Thoughts:
Leadership is a journey that demands continuous commitment and sacrifice. The higher you go, the more you have to sacrifice. As leaders, we set the tone for the entire team. Our willingness to sacrifice paves the way for others to be a stronger, more cohesive, and successful group.
Amazon Book Links:
“Extreme Ownership” by Jocko Willink - https://amzn.to/3ke0tSA
“Good to Great” by Jim Collins - https://amzn.to/3lXHuvQ
Special thanks to:
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Work it out by LiQWYD https://soundcloud.com/liqwyd
Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0
Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/l_work-it-out
Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/erSmdVocHO0
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