The Action Catalyst

Dr. Ivan Misner is the Founder & Chief Visionary Officer of BNI, the world’s largest business networking organization. Founded in 1985, the organization now has over 8,400 chapters throughout every populated continent of the world. Last year alone, BNI generated 9.1 million referrals resulting in $13.1 billion dollars’ worth of business for its members. Dr. Misner’s PhD is from the University of Southern California. He is a New York Times bestselling author who has written 22 books. He is also a columnist for Entrepreneur.com and has been a university professor as well as a member of the Board of Trustees for the University of La Verne. Called the “Father of Modern Networking” by CNN and one of the “Top Networking Experts” by Forbes, Dr. Misner is considered to be one of the world’s leading experts on business networking and has been a keynote speaker for major corporations and associations throughout the world. He has been featured in the L.A. Times, Wall Street Journal, and the New York Times, as well as numerous TV and radio shows including CNN, the BBC and The Today Show on NBC. Among his many awards, he has been named “Humanitarian of the Year” by the Red Cross and was recently the recipient of the John C. Maxwell Leadership Award. He is also proud to be the Co-Founder of the BNI Charitable Foundation. He and his wife, Elisabeth, are now “empty nesters” with three adult children. Oh, and in his spare time, he is also an amateur magician and a black belt in karate.

More with Moore is Action Catalyst host Dan Moore's reflections and commentary on discussions with each of his esteemed and accomplished guests. In this segment, Dan dissects Episode 256, with Dr. Terry Lyles, Ph.D. in psychology, recognized international educator, author, and speaker.

Dr. Terry Lyles holds a Ph.D. in psychology and is recognized as a national/international educator, author of three books, speaker to universities, schools, Fortune 500 Companies, world-class athletes, and public audiences. Dr. Lyles has trained hundreds of individuals including Fire Rescue workers in and around Ground Zero, International Forensic Medical Teams in the Asian torn Tsunami area and the Haiti relief effort, sharing his time-tested, scientifically-measured approach to stress utilization. Major corporations have also benefited from this training technology such as Gulfstream, Chrysler Group, GM, Banana Republic, Macy’s, Pfizer, Universal Studios, Tommy Hilfiger, and Dior to name a few. NASCAR’s Richard Petty Motorsports, Military Special Forces, Air Force fighter pilots and Space Command have all utilized this specialized training. Dr. Lyles has appeared on CNN, CNBC, HLN, NBC, ABC, FOX NEWS, USA Today, and in U.S. News & World Report as a Human Engineering Life-Balance Specialist. He hosted a premier talk show sponsored by Success Magazine, and was heard as the “The Stress Doctor” in South Florida and recently launched his Biometrictelemetry broadcasted on live real-time TV with ABC ESPN in INDYCAR at the INDY 500.

More with Moore is Action Catalyst host Dan Moore's reflections and commentary on discussions with each of his esteemed and accomplished guests. In this segment, Dan dissects Episode 255, with Todd Browne, CEO of the Tom James Company.

Todd Browne began his career at Tom James in August 1990. Through hard work, a steadfast commitment to staying at Tom James, and living out the principles of success that Tom James was founded on, Todd rose through the ranks and became President in 2011 and CEO in 2016. With a mediocre track record prior to Tom James, including flunking out of college after one semester, Todd credits his success first and foremost to his Lord Jesus Christ, as well as Spencer Hays, Jim McEachern, his father Chet Browne, and the many, many books he has read and made his own since 1990. As Charlie “Tremendous” Jones says, “You will be the same person in five years as you are today with two exceptions: the books you read and the people you associate with.” Todd lives in Indianapolis with his wife of 29 years, Nanci. They have three children: twins Josh and Lindsay and son Jake, and three grandchildren: Kayla, Everly, and Magnolia.

More with Moore is Action Catalyst host Dan Moore's reflections and commentary on discussions with each of his esteemed and accomplished guests. In this segment, Dan dissects Episode 254, with Kimberly Ritzer, Founding Leader at EVEREVE.

In November of 2004, Kimberly Ritzer walked into a little boutique during its opening week with one intention: congratulating the stranger behind the counter for being courageous enough to open her own business. What ensued was a lesson in celebrating each other’s differences and strengths. The stranger behind the counter was Megan Tamte, a third-grade teacher turned stay at home mom, turned aspiring entrepreneur. Kimberly had been a Senior Designer of Owned Brand Product at Dayton’s, Hudson’s and Marshall Field’s before she retired to be a stay at home mom. In that small boutique, Megan and Kimberly bonded while creating a beautiful in-store experience that made women feel amazing. Three months later, along with the support of her husband Tim, Kimberly became business partners with Megan and Mike Tamte. Thus, starting Kimberly on a whole new, uncharted path as a partner in a small business… all while navigating life as the mom of a newborn and a 3-year-old. Together, with a whole bunch of awesome people, they have now opened 85 more stores across the country and built a business that is currently 100M. The retail stores are called EVEREVE and they are known for providing an amazing fashion and styling experience for women. They have also developed a thriving e-commerce business at Evereve.com and a subscription box service called Trendsend. Kimberly Ritzer holds a Bachelor of Science in Fashion Merchandising from North Dakota State University.

More with Moore is Action Catalyst host Dan Moore's reflections and commentary on discussions with each of his esteemed and accomplished guests. In this segment, Dan dissects Episode 253, with Germain Böer.

Germain Böer is an innovator in all that he does. His courses use technology and creative assignments that challenge students to think, and feature speakers who have created unusual companies. He also conducts experiential learning programs that transform students into self-driven entrepreneurs. After working for Arthur Andersen & Co., the Institute of Management Accountants., and two universities, Prof. Böer joined The Owen School in 1977 as a professor of management accounting, Since that time, he has initiated numerous entrepreneurship activities at Owen, including an annual entrepreneurship conference; student sessions with venture capitalists; and a new course, “Adventures in Entrepreneurship,” in which Owen students learn how to start a new venture by working directly with entrepreneurs. Prof. Böer also instituted a program that connected students holding graduate degrees in biology with local biotech companies so the students could learn about the business side of the industry while earning an MBA. He currently serves as an advisor to startup companies in the Nashville area and is a member of the editorial boards of Journal of Accounting and Public Policy, and Strategic Finance. He has provided consulting services for companies such as Chase Manhattan Bank, the National Heart and Lung Institute, General Electric, and Magnatek. Prof. Böer is the past recipient of two Owen teaching awards and in 1999 he was presented with the Most Outstanding Teacher Award by the graduating Executive MBA class. In 2003, the Tennessee District Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration named him Small Business Research Advocate of the Year. In addition to his academic service, Prof. Boer served as Interim Dean of the Owen School in 1986-87.

More with Moore is Action Catalyst host Dan Moore's reflections and commentary on discussions with each of his esteemed and accomplished guests. In this segment, Dan dissects Episode 252, with Jeff Dobyns.

Jeff Dobyns has enjoyed extraordinary success providing comprehensive financial planning to retirees, entrepreneurs, entertainers, and executives by taking the time to truly know his clients, understand their goals, and develop and execute their ongoing strategic financial plans. Jeff has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Ohio University and has held executive positions with financial planning firms for nearly two decades. After serving as Vice President of Investments of Lykins Financial Group, CPA’s, in his hometown of Westerville, OH, Jeff moved to Nashville, TN to found Southwestern Investment Group in 2002. As its President, Jeff has led Southwestern Investment Group to remarkable success, holding the distinction of being Raymond James’ top independent contractor office, and a member of its Chairman’s Council for several years running. Jeff and his wife, Amy, are raising their family in Brentwood, TN where they are members of the Brentwood Baptist Church, and their children, Gracyn, Hunter, and twins Tanner and Logan, attend the Christ Presbyterian Academy. For recreation, Jeff enjoys hunting, fishing, and just being outdoors.

More with Moore is Action Catalyst host Dan Moore's reflections and commentary on discussions with each of his esteemed and accomplished guests. In this segment, Dan dissects Episode 251, with Tracey C. Jones, international leadership expert and President of Tremendous Leadership.

Tracey C. Jones is nationally known for her leadership expertise, as well as her ability to connect on a core level with her audiences. With her signature wit, she masterfully weaves leadership concepts and actionable strategies together with humor and a deep understanding of life in the workplace. At the core of her philosophy on leadership is a simple belief that a commitment to lifelong learning results in a resilience and positive attitude that can alter the work environment for the better each and every day. With nearly four decades of experience across four industries from the military to semiconductor to publishing, Tracey has crafted organizational leadership techniques that can be implemented right away for noticeable results. She challenges her audiences to bravely embrace their challenges and take the all-important next steps toward effecting meaningful change in their personal and professional lives. Her father, the late Charlie “Tremendous” Jones, founded Executive Books in 1965 with the goal of changing the world one book at a time. After amassing an exceptional leadership background of her own, Tracey took the company’s reins in 2009 – and carries on her father’s tremendous legacy today. She believes that philanthropy and community engagement are at the heart of leadership. The profits of Tremendous Leadership support The Tremendous Trust which has provided over $1.3 million in donations locally and globally over the last eight years.

More with Moore is Action Catalyst host Dan Moore's reflections and commentary on discussions with each of his esteemed and accomplished guests. In this segment, Dan dissects Episode 250, with JT Olson, speaker, author, and Founder and President of Both Hands, a faith-based non-profit serving orphans and widows.

JT Olson is a sensational speaker and an avid proponent of adoption, the pro-life movement, and orphan care. He has given talks on God’s transformation of his pain into passion, the sanctity of life, growing a healthy marriage, encouraging dreamers and entrepreneurs to pursue their calling, and coaching leaders on building a stronger organization. After being orphaned as a child alongside his four siblings, JT Olson went on to start Both Hands — a faith-based non-profit serving orphans and widows. Olson’s personal tragedy gave him an overwhelming understanding of the need to find loving homes for the world’s orphaned and vulnerable children. His new book follows his powerful journey towards spiritual restoration by recounting significant moments in his life, including his family’s life-altering decision to adopt a little girl from China. JT and his wife Sara have been married for over 30 years and have five children (four biologically and one chosen): Jeff, Daley, Nick, Max, and Grace. They now reside in Brentwood, TN.