S4:36 🎙️LIVE with Al Kushner

Hi, I'm John Maxwell. When the top companies in the world are looking for trainers, speakers, and coaches, there's one name that stands above the rest, and that's Maxwell Leadership. Our certified team members have gotten proven results for companies all over the globe, and our reputation, I'm proud to say, is second to none. Some of our members have risen to the top of their profession, including the one you're going to meet today. I proudly introduce you to my friend, Bob Fabien Zinga.

Welcome to the Leadership and Success Podcast with your host, Coach BZ. If you need to develop into a better leader, this podcast is for you. If you want to achieve a greater level of success, this podcast is for you. His mentor, Dr. John C. Maxwell, said it best: everything rises and falls on leadership. We hope to inspire you today and provide you with an insight that has the potential to positively impact the trajectory of your life. Welcome to the Leadership and Success Podcast.

Imagine gaining the leadership skills that could redefine your career. Join Coach BZ on the Leadership and Success Podcast, where each episode delivers practical insights from world-class speakers, military leaders, and industry experts. We dive deep into what matters most: building resilient teams, leading through uncertainty, and navigating complexity with clarity and confidence. Every conversation is crafted for aspiring leaders like you, who are ready to grow, lead, and make a lasting impact. Don't miss our powerful live sessions and recent highlights. Michelle Hayward on building diverse, high-performing technical teams. Ann Leslie on leading through global complexity and cybersecurity risk. Ron Carpenter AI exploring faith, resilience, and AI-powered leadership. Colonel Michelle G.I. Gardner-Ins on commanding influence from the battlefield to the boardroom. Chris Robinson on shifting from drift to drive in life and leadership. And Coach Enrique Acosta Gonzalez on mentorship, legacy, and heart-centered leadership. Ready to level up your leadership journey? Tune in on Spotify, Apple, Audible Podcasts, YouTube Live, and LinkedIn Live. Join the movement toward leadership excellence. Listen now and start transforming your success.

Hello everyone, this is Coach Puzy coming to you from the San Francisco Bay Area. Good morning. Thank you for being here with me. I do have a treat for you today. Before we get started, I want to make sure if you would please type in the comment where you are joining us from. And also, if this podcast is adding value to you, if you will please tag someone within your circle of influence. And as we are going through this episode, if you are being reminded of a principle that you think you're going to apply this week, that might be able to help you, or you are learning a brand new leadership principle, please type it into the comment section as well. And my guest today, let me get to the screen, just a second, I'm gonna be sharing my screen here. Okay, here we go, you should be seeing Al on the screen now. Looks like I've lost— okay, here we go. So we are gonna be talking about you if you are ready to level up your LinkedIn strategy, if you want to lead with AI, artificial intelligence, and build real-world influence without losing authenticity, Well, this podcast is for you and Al is the person you really need to talk to.

So Al, I must tell you, is an award-winning author, right? He has a great book on LinkedIn and not just LinkedIn as a professional, but how you can use this to really level up your business. So, thank you so much for being with us today.

Al, a winning author, a LinkedIn growth strategist, but also an artificial intelligence thought leader. So, without no further ado, let me bring to you Al Kushner. Al, can you hear me?

Yes, I can.

Okay, fantastic. Thank you so much for being here.

Very, very grateful that you took time to be here all the way from Florida. So what inspired you to focus your work on LinkedIn growth strategy, and why is LinkedIn still such a powerful tool for professionals today?

Well, LinkedIn was a game changer for me when I first used it to grow my professional network. The platform allows you to connect with people across industries, showcase your expertise, and build real relationships. LinkedIn remains incredibly powerful today because it's still the leading platform for professionals to network, build their personal brand, and generate business opportunities. The unique combination of professional contacts and vast reach makes it irreplaceable for any career-driven individual. Wow.

So, uh, you talk a lot about blending artificial intelligence with authenticity.

What are some of the biggest mistakes people make when trying to grow their LinkedIn presence?

Well, a common mistake is focusing too much on automation and not enough on genuine engagement. AI tools can help streamline content creation and outreach, but if the authentic connection isn't there, the results can be shallow. It's essential to use AI for efficiency but always ensure that you're maintaining a personal touch in your interactions and posts.

Okay. And, uh, if someone is starting from scratch, what are the top 3 profile optimizations they should make today to attract opportunity?

Well, start with the headline. Craft a headline that speaks directly to the value you offer, not just your job title. Next one is summary. Create a compelling summary that highlights skills, passion, and what sets you apart. And lastly, the featured section. Use the featured section to display case studies, articles, or videos that showcase your expertise.

Okay, and what is one overlooked feature of LinkedIn that you think professionals underutilize?

Well, the featured section is one of LinkedIn's most underutilized features. It's an excellent place to showcase your best work whether it's a video, a blog post, or a client testimonial. It's a perfect way to build credibility and give others a quick way to see your value.

All right, so you've got a, a book, right?

The AI LinkedIn Advantage, uh, which is getting great reviews. Uh, what motivated you to write it and what, uh, gap were you hoping to fill?

Well, I wrote the book to help professionals leverage AI to optimize their LinkedIn strategy. The gap I saw was that while many people were using LinkedIn, they weren't using it strategically. I wanted to show how AI-driven insights can elevate their profiles, increase engagement, and ultimately help them achieve measurable results. Wow. Hmm.

What role do you see artificial intelligence playing in personal branding?

And leadership development in the next, let's say, 3 to 5 years?

Well, AI will become a crucial tool for personal branding and leadership development. It will help leaders optimize their content, track their audience sentiment, and improve engagement in real time. In 3 to 5 years, AI will help professionals craft more personalized content that resonates with their audience, making them more effective leaders and communicators.

So, can AI actually help people build real relationships, or are we risking too much automation in a human-first platform?

Well, AI can absolutely help build real relationships if used properly. For example, AI tools can suggest relevant connections or help you craft better messages, but real relationships are built when you take the time to interact meaningfully with those people. AI should enhance, not replace, the human aspect of LinkedIn.

So what is one AI tool or prompt you recommend for someone trying to grow their LinkedIn audience with limited time?

Well, I highly recommend using Jasper for AI-driven content creation. It helps you write posts, messages, or even articles that are tailored to your target audience. By using Jasper, you can maintain a consistent LinkedIn presence without sacrificing time or on content creation.

Okay, let's switch over to leadership, influence, and impact.

What's your personal leadership philosophy and how has it evolved through your journey as an author, a speaker, and a strategist?

My leadership philosophy is around empowering others. Early in my career, I focused a lot on my own growth, but as I progressed, I realized that true leadership comes from lifting others up. Empathy, authenticity, and continuous learning have been the core of my education as a leader.

Hmm.

So how do you balance being an educator and entrepreneur with staying on the cutting edge of tech and communication trends?

Well, I balance these by constantly dedicating time to learning and experimenting, whether it's reading industry reports, taking online courses, or testing new AI tools. I make sure to stay curious and adaptive. This helps me stay on top of both the latest trends and evolving needs for my clients.

I see.

And what is the most rewarding story of transformation you've seen from someone who applied your strategies?

Well, one of my clients, a small business owner, used the strategies from the AI LinkedIn Advantage to just transform their LinkedIn presence. Within a few months, they saw a 50% increase in inbound inquiries and secured several high-value partnerships. Seeing the direct impact on their business was incredibly rewarding. Wow.

So as a thought leader who advises across industry, uh, from healthcare to law to finance, what traits do you see in the most successful professionals?

Well, the most Successful professionals have a growth mindset and a commitment to authenticity. Uh, they are adaptable to new tools and technologies, but they never lose sight of their core values. They understand that success is a journey, not a destination.

I see.

So what was your biggest failure or lessons early in your career, and how did it shape your current success?

My biggest lesson came when I tried to do it all myself early in my career. I learned that building a team of people who complement your skills is essential for growth. It also taught me the importance of delegation and focusing on what you do best.

I see. And if you could go back and give your younger self one piece of advice about leadership or personal branding, what would it be?

I tell my younger self to trust the process. And be patient. Building a personal brand doesn't happen overnight, and your journey will have setbacks. But each step forward is valuable in shaping the future.

And how do you stay grounded and inspired while helping others rise in their careers?

I stay grounded by practicing gratitude and setting boundaries. I make the time to self-reflection, meditation, and reading. Staying inspired comes from seeing the positive changes that my work brings to others, and knowing that I'm contributing to something greater.

I see. So what daily or weekly habits keep you effective and connected as a thought leader?

Well, I start each day with a focus task relating to my core goals, whether it's content creation, speaking, or client work. I also make the time every week to engage with my LinkedIn network and stay updated on trends. Regular self-reflection helps me stay on track with my mission.

So what's the latest book you read that you could not put down?

Oh, Atomic Habits by James Clear. It's all about the small changes that lead to big results, which ties in perfectly with my approach to LinkedIn growth.

Yes, that is quite a life-changing book, Atomic Habits. I highly, highly recommend it.

So coffee or tea while writing?

Herbal tea. It's part of my morning routine to get me into the zone.

Fantastic.

And what surprising place you've gained a client from?

LinkedIn?

Well, I once gained a client from a small startup in an entirely different country. Thanks to my LinkedIn global reach.

So what is one word that describes your leadership style?

Empowering.

Empowering. All right, so we are about now to transition into the second phase of our interview. Is there anything you would like to share to the audience before we do? That's where I ask you the 7 categories of questions I ask every guest on this show.

Well, happy to share my greatest lessons and success.

Fantastic. Okay, let's, let's, let's, let's start there.

So the first category of question I ask is, uh, what is the greatest lesson you have learned so far?

Well, one of the most important lessons I've learned is the power of adaptability. The ability to adapt to new technologies, changing market conditions, and shifting audience behaviors has been key to staying relevant in today's business environment.

So, uh, what is the secret of your success, you think?

Well, consistency and authenticity. It's all about showing up every day, delivering value, and being true to yourself and your mission. Uh, building genuine relationships, especially on platforms like LinkedIn, has been a cornerstone of my success.

Okay, uh, what is the greatest leadership advice you have ever received, you think?

I say the best advice that I see was from a mentor who told me, lead with empathy and always listen first. This approach has helped me build strong relationships and understand the needs of those I've worked with, which in turn has led to better outcomes and growth.

All right, I do believe that leaders are learners.

Uh, what are you learning now?

Well, I'm currently deep— I get diving deep into the intersection of AI and personal branding. I'm fascinated by how artificial intelligence can be harnessed to help individuals craft their personal brand, reach their target audience, and engage more meaningfully.

And, uh, what is the greatest investment you have made in yourself?

Well, my education around digital networking and AI technologies. Learning these systems has not only enhanced my professional work but also deepened my understanding of how business and individuals can thrive in the digital space.

All right, now in the third category of question, I like showing this coin.

I love this. On one side it says success, on the other side it says failure, right? It says success, never be awed by success, and then failure, never be intimidated by failure. Most people, when they look at you, they look at your books and your speaking engagement and all of that, they only see all of the successes. But I'm sure you've had to go through periods of failure as well to get to where you are today. Can you share about how failure shaped your life?

Failure has always been a catalyst for growth. It has taught me resilience and provided critical lessons on patience, Persistence and flexibility. Every setback provided an opportunity to reassess and come back stronger.

So, uh, can you share about a specific failure that, uh, refined your leadership and deepened your spiritual maturity?

Well, early in my career, I faced a major setback when a project I led failed to meet the client's expectation. That experience taught me the importance of clear communication, setting realistic goals, and the value of regular feedback. It ultimately shaped my leadership style by reinforcing the need for ongoing adaptation and learning. Hmm.

What is the greatest fear that you were able to overcome?

Um, I would say not being able to make a significant impact Overcoming that fear came with the realization that success isn't about massive instant wins, but about the incremental, consistent contributions we make to others' lives.

Okay.

And when was your faith most tested?

It's a good question. I'm trying to think. I guess what helped me push through was focusing on small wins and realizing that growth is incremental. Self-doubt is natural, but overcoming it requires consistent action and belief in the process.

All right, so can you share a moment where your values were tested as a leader, and what did you learn from that experience?

Uh, that's a good question. Um, Not sure how to answer that correctly. Maybe we can get back to that.

Uh, yeah, because we are talking about, uh, failure, right?

Kind of, uh, shaping, uh, your life as a successful person. So was there a specific moment where your own values were tested as a leader? Is there— do you want to share? Some of that and how you were able to overcome and learn from that experience?

I addressed that question before, but I'd like to talk about networking and mentorship.

Okay, okay.

So, uh, the fourth portion then of this, uh, interview is when I talk about the people that you know, people who have mentored you, and the thought leaders that you are following. So, uh, one of the questions I ask is, who do you know that we should know?

Well, I recommend connecting with Delphi, my team leader, for insights into leadership and team dynamics in the digital era. Her strategy, her strategic thinking has been incredibly inspiring.

Okay, who are some of your mentors?

Who are some of the thought leaders that you are following? Right now across social media?

Well, I love Gary Vaynerchuk and Simon Sinek, are two thought leaders I highly respect for their focus on leadership, human connection, and understanding the importance of social media in today's world.

Okay, and if you could choose 3 people to have dinner with, who would you choose and why? And they could be alive now, dead, or even fictional figure. 3 people, who would you go for?

Well, I'd start with Elon Musk for his innovative mindset, Malia Yousafzai for advocacy and leadership in global education, and Oprah Winfrey for ability to empower and inspire people across the world.

Wow.

All right, so the fifth, uh, portion of the second segment is where I, I ask about what, what you are reading and what is influencing you right, right now. So which book would you recommend our reader, uh, to read?

Well, my book, um, The AI LinkedIn Advantage. I'd love for your audience to learn and understand how AI is revolutionizing LinkedIn strategies. And the other one would be, um, by Simon Sinek. It's Thought with Life, a fantastic read on leadership and purpose-driven business.

Very good.

And earlier you also mentioned Atomic Habits by James Clear, which is a fantastic book to, to read.

It is, it is very interesting.

I have interviewed hundreds of thought leaders now on this podcast, and many of them go back to those books, Simon Sinek and James Clear. That's pretty cool.

What about podcast, any podcast that you would recommend to my audience?

Yeah, I like the, the Tim Ferriss Show. It's a great resource for insights on productivity, self-improvement, and interviews with top performers, as well as the AI Alignment Podcast. Since we're discussing AI, this podcast dives deep into the ethical and practical applications of AI technology.

Very good. And what about movies?

Any movies you would recommend?

Well, The Social Dilemma, it's a fascinating documentary about social media's role in our lives. And The Pursuit of Happiness, which is an inspiring story about resilience and perseverance.

Yeah, The Pursuit of Happiness is very funny because at least 6 or 7 people this year alone for Season 4 have recommended that movie. And I don't think it plays anywhere for free.

You do have to pay to rent the movie now, but it's definitely worth it. So, I would encourage every member of my audience to kind of seek for those leadership moments. And earlier, we talked about failure shaping success. This man definitely went through tremendous trial and what everybody would call failure. But out of that, he was able to overcome and enjoy great success.

Any YouTube channel you would recommend, Al?

Oh, uh, so many. We don't have enough time in this podcast to go over, so I'm gonna have to pass on that one.

And I guess the last thing I would ask in this section is, uh, any song, music that has inspired you through the years that you would recommend?

Yeah, like Eye of the Tiger. I think perfectly encapsulates the resilience and drive needed to succeed.

Eye of the Tiger by Survivor.

I love that.

So, uh, what is one song, book, movie that would be your life's theme or anthem?

Um, also good question. There's so many to think about. I'm, um, kind of drawing a blank right now. So many to look at.

Okay, okay.

No, that, that is, uh, fine, because I, I, I like to ask that just to, to kind of see some, some things that you, you feel like represent your life or, or kind of like your, your mindset. Okay, let's, let's move on to, uh, uh, Section 6 for the second half of our discussion on leadership and success today.

Uh, what have you done that we should do?

Well, one thing I highly recommend is embracing AI tools to streamline your personal branding effort. By optimizing your LinkedIn presence with AI, you can attract the right audience, build your network, and enhance your visibility.

Okay. And what is one action you have taken that has positively impacted your life?

Easy. Investing in AI tools that help me automate and optimize my outreach, making the process more efficient and effective.

Wow.

Now, do Do you believe that all AI tools have similar impact, or are there some specific tools that you would recommend to my audience, especially when it comes to improving your LinkedIn profile?

Well, there are many tools. Again, we discussed before, Jasper is one. I'm trying to remember, ChatGPT is another one. I like Grammarly. Uh, Canva is great for graphics. So there are a whole host of— I list a lot of resources in my book.

Fantastic, fantastic.

That, that is so helpful.

So what is one action you are thinking about taking now that you believe will positively impact your life?

Um, well, I think, uh, it's about investing in automation and optimizing my outreach, making my processes more effective and efficient.

That's an ottoman zait.

Okay, if you had one and only one day to live, what would you have liked your final contribution to be?

Final contribution, I guess it's, um, the legacy of my book. If it helped others out there and helped them with their outreach, I think I lived a great life.

Yes.

So when you wake up in the morning, what is one problem you would like to solve?

I don't wake up in the morning solving problems. I just wake up refreshed. For me, it's about having a good night's sleep, and with the hot weather we're having over here in Florida, not easy.

I see, but do you feel like your life purpose is kind of aimed at a specific type of problem? I guess a lot of work you do has to do with marketing and sales and especially focus on LinkedIn and trying to get clients and building businesses there. But is there like a specific niche or some issues you feel like your life is aimed at solving, maybe in the area of marketing and sales or building a brand?

Well, I'm always interested in developing an outreach and creating content that's of value to other people. I'm looking into creating a podcast to address issues with AI and marketing, so it is on my, uh, radar.

I see. So if this were your final conversation with humanity, what leadership truth would you want us to remember?

Leadership truth is to to— don't be afraid of AI technology. It's a tool. If you use it the right way, it can help you and become a better person.

Very good.

All right, so we are getting toward the end of this podcast.

So the 7th portion, as you know, I ask all of my guests, uh, you've spent time with us, you've shared from your wisdom, and we really do appreciate that, and from your experience. So now, how can we add value back to you?

Well, certainly, uh, the, um, if your audience can check out my book, The AI LinkedIn Advantage, it's designed to help professionals and businesses optimize their LinkedIn presence using AI, and I believe it would add immense value to your audience. And you can also check out my website at linkedvantage.com. I have a free resource on how to optimize your LinkedIn profile. You can download on my website and follow me on LinkedIn.

Very, very good. And, um, now to, to end, I'm going to ask you, uh, what is the most rewarding aspect of your life experience so far?

Rewarding is, um, well, I would say my, uh, my wife. Has been an incredible support system for me. I don't think I would be where I am today if it wasn't for her.

Wow, that is quite powerful. And, uh, if you could go back and give a piece of advice to your 17-year-old self standing at the edge of this incredible career you've had, what would you say to him?

I'd say that don't be afraid of failure because it's the only way you're going to grow. And don't try to be perfect, and try to remember that whatever you do, it's part of a team effort and you don't have to go it alone.

Wow, that is quite powerful.

Okay, uh, I have one more question to ask you, but before I do, is there anything else you would like to share to the audience, something we haven't covered that you, you wanted to speak about?

Well, I've got a lot of topics to cover. So again, it would not be enough to fill this program. So, okay. But if anyone wants to reach out to me, connect with me on LinkedIn, follow me, I'm happy to address any individual question.

Very good. Okay. I always finish with this. So what are 3 adjectives that described you as a child?

3, as a child?

Yes, 3 adjectives.

What would people say about you?

Um, inquisitive, uh, introverted, and, uh, ambitious.

What about as an adult?

Adult is, uh, certainly ambitious. Um, I would say Always looking to learn new things and open to new ideas.

Very, very good. And, uh, let me check on LinkedIn to make sure if we have any, uh, questions. Uh, okay, we have, uh, John Mercer.

Actually, I had him on the podcast, uh, this Sunday. He says, uh, excited about this podcast episode, very good point on being genuine, caring, shows, uh Atomic Habits is a great book and he also says The Social Dilemma is a good movie. So he likes all of the suggestions you have made. I don't see anybody else commenting. And by the way, Ion comes to us from Ottawa, Canada, which is pretty amazing. Technology brings us together. So the very, very last question I'm going to have for you then is what is one word that represents our shared experience on this podcast today? What word comes to mind?

Adaptability.

Adaptability. Very good. I guess for me, it would be humility.

Thank you so much, Al, for speaking to my audience.

I very much appreciate that. And I think if there is one thing I've really learned from our discussion together, it's very important to serve others and to add value. And I love the way you do it with marketing and sales, trying to level up somebody's brand and even building a business using LinkedIn. Thank you for all of your insight and wisdom. Any last word before we go, Al?

No, but certainly check out my book. It's available on Amazon and also an audiobook on Spotify.

Fantastic. Thanks again. I appreciate that.

So guys, you've got it.

So we had Al all the way from Florida. Very, very grateful that he made the time to speak with us today. And again, for those following this podcast, I would appreciate it if you put put in, uh, in the comment, uh, 3 takeaways from this episode. And if you can tag someone who would benefit, uh, from, uh, uh, what we are talking about on this podcast, I really, uh, appreciate that. I'm going to be back here again tomorrow, and, uh, I am going to have a terrific interview with one man I think who had a very significant impact on our national, uh, security, uh, and, uh, I'm not saying this lightly. He wrote a book, I think I have a copy here, Cybersecurity and Warfare. And this has almost been kind of like a manual for the information warfare community in the US Navy. So you don't want to miss that podcast. So until tomorrow, this is Coach Beezy, and have a wonderful, wonderful day.

Thank you for listening to the Leadership and Success Podcast with your host, Coach Beezy. If you If you like what you heard, please subscribe to our channels and come back for more wisdom nuggets on how you may develop into a better leader and achieve greater levels of success. Leadership is the most critical skill. The world will always need leaders to lead others, deploy the next disruptive technology, or execute a business strategy. You may as well decide on counting yourself among the 21st century leaders. See you right here next time on the Leadership and Success Podcast with Coach BZ.