Money Lessons with Andrew Temte, PhD, CFA

How Bond Duration Affects Your Investment

Sat, 28 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -0600

In this episode of Money Lessons, Andy introduces the concept of duration in bond investing, explaining its significance in understanding how bond prices react to changes in interest rates. He discusses the historical context of duration, its mathematical underpinnings, and its practical implications for investors. The conversation highlights the importance of duration in managing interest rate risk and the role of advanced mathematics in financial decision-making.

AndrewTemte.com

What Bond Markets Reveal About Economic Health

Sat, 21 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -0600

In this episode of Money Lessons, Andy explores the concept of the yield curve, its various shapes, and implications for the economy and investors. He discusses the normal upward slope of the yield curve, the significance of flat and inverted curves, and how these indicators can signal economic conditions and potential recessions. Andy also emphasizes the importance of understanding the yield curve for making informed investment decisions and interpreting financial news.

#yieldcurves #bondmarkets #financialliteracy #personalfinance #financialeducation #moneylessons #recessionsignals

The Dark Side of Credit Ratings: Three Failures Every Investor Should Know

Sat, 14 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -0600

In this episode of Money Lessons, Andy explores the failures of credit ratings through historical examples, including the Penn Central bankruptcy, the Enron collapse, and the 2008 financial crisis. He discusses the inherent conflicts in the credit rating system, particularly the issuer-pay model, and the implications of these failures for investors. The episode concludes with lessons learned and the importance of using credit ratings as one of many tools in risk assessment.

AndrewTemte.com

What Are Credit Ratings & Why Do They Matter?

Sat, 07 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -0600

In this episode of Money Lessons, Andy discusses the world of credit ratings, explaining their significance in the bond market. He introduces the historical context of credit ratings, their development by John Moody, and how they provide a simplified measure of bond quality. The episode covers the different rating scales, the factors influencing ratings, and the implications of these ratings on investment decisions. Temte also highlights the importance of credit ratings in assessing default risk and the limitations inherent in the rating system.

AndrewTemte.com

Why Some Bonds Pay More: Understanding the Risk-Return Tradeoff

Sat, 31 Jan 2026 05:00:00 -0600

In this episode of Money Lessons, Andy explores the landscape of bond types, focusing on the reasons behind varying yields. He discusses Treasury bonds as the safest investment, corporate bonds and their associated risks, and municipal bonds with tax advantages. The conversation emphasizes the relationship between risk and return in bond investing, providing insights into how investors can make informed decisions based on their risk tolerance and investment goals.

#financialliteracy #personalfinance #riskreturn #bondtypes #bondmarkets #interestrates #financialeducation

Understanding Bond Yields: Measuring Your Return

Sat, 24 Jan 2026 05:00:00 -0600

In this episode of Money Lessons, Andy discusses the concept of yield on bonds, explaining their significance in evaluating investment returns. He breaks down various yield measures, including nominal yield, current yield, and yield to maturity, highlighting their differences and importance in bond investment. The episode also covers callable bonds and the hierarchy of yield measures, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of how to compare bonds effectively.

AndrewTemte.com

Greenland Could Cost Us More Than We Think

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 15:47:45 -0600

In this SPECIAL EPISODE of Money Lessons, Andy discusses the implications of the U.S. government's interest in acquiring Greenland, arguing that such a move could exacerbate global tensions, undermine the country's financial stability, and have direct negative consequences for the average citizen.

He emphasizes the importance of maintaining strong global alliances, particularly in light of the U.S.'s significant national debt, which stands at over $38 trillion. Temte warns that escalating tensions could lead to foreign governments selling U.S. Treasury bonds, destabilizing financial markets and increasing borrowing costs for both the government and consumers.

AndrewTemte.com

Bond Mechanics: How Bonds Actually Work

Sat, 17 Jan 2026 05:00:00 -0600

In this episode of Money Lessons, Andy discusses the world of bonds, explaining their mechanics, pricing, and the INVERSE relationship between interest rates and bond prices.

He emphasizes the importance of understanding these concepts for making informed investment decisions and introduces the topic of yield, which will be explored in the next episode.

The Modern Bond Market Takes Shape

Sat, 10 Jan 2026 05:00:00 -0600

In this episode of Money Lessons, Andy explores the evolution of bond markets from the aftermath of World War II to the present day. He discusses the regulatory reforms that laid the groundwork for modern bond investing, the rise of institutional investors, the transformation brought by electronic trading, and the impact of globalization. Andy highlights how these changes have democratized bond investing, making it accessible to ordinary investors and creating a diverse and liquid market.

AndrewTemte.com

A Slow Motion Collapse and Bond Market Regulations

Sat, 03 Jan 2026 05:00:00 -0600

In this episode of Money Lessons, Andy explores the historical context and implications of the bond market collapse during the Great Depression, the subsequent regulatory reforms, and their lasting impact on today's financial landscape.

He discusses the failures of the credit rating system, the introduction of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, and the significance of the Glass-Steagall Act in protecting investors. The episode concludes with a reflection on the ongoing debate surrounding regulation in financial markets.

#financialliteracy #moneylessons

Corporate Bonds - The Promises Corporations Must Keep

Sat, 27 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0600

In this episode of Money Lessons, Andy explores the evolution of corporate bond markets, highlighting their historical significance, the role of credit ratings, and the legal protections that make corporate lending viable. He emphasizes the importance of understanding corporate bonds as a stable investment option compared to stocks, and discusses the current state of the bond market.

#financialliteracy #bondmarkets #corporatebonds #financialhistory #personalfinance

The Implications of Government Debt Default

Sat, 20 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0600

In this episode of Money Lessons, Andy explores the complexities of sovereign debt, focusing on historical examples of nations that have defaulted on their obligations. He discusses the immediate relief that defaults may provide, but emphasizes the long-term consequences, including loss of credibility, economic isolation, and political instability.

The episode highlights the importance of understanding the implications of broken promises in government borrowing and sets the stage for future discussions on corporate debt.

Sovereign Debt: Financing Empires

Sat, 13 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0600

In this episode of Money Lessons, Andy explores the evolution of sovereign debt from its early origins in ancient Mesopotamia to its transformation into a systematic foundation for modern nation-states.

He discusses the role of the Fugger family in early sovereign lending, the impact of the Glorious Revolution on government borrowing, and the establishment of the Bank of England, which revolutionized the way governments manage debt. Temte emphasizes the importance of institutional credibility in sovereign lending and warns of the risks of complacency in borrowing practices.

Ancient IOUs: The Origin of Debt Instruments

Sat, 06 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0600

From Trading Floors to Smartphones: The Democratization of Investing

Sat, 29 Nov 2025 05:00:00 -0600

This episode of Money Lessons with Andrew Temte explores the evolution of equity investing, highlighting how technology has transformed stock ownership from an exclusive privilege to a widely accessible opportunity.

Andy discusses the historical context of investing, the impact of regulatory changes, and the rise of online trading platforms. The conversation emphasizes the importance of financial literacy in navigating this new landscape, where accessibility does not guarantee wisdom in investment decisions.

The Mutual Fund Revolution

Sat, 22 Nov 2025 05:00:00 -0600

** News Flash ** The Saturday Morning Muse is now MONEY LESSONS with Andrew Temte, PhD, CFA!

Since the beginning of 2025, the show has been focused on the topic of financial literacy and we’ll be creating financial literacy lessons for the foreseeable future!

In this episode of Money Lessons, Andy discusses the evolution of equity securities markets, focusing on mutual funds and index funds. He explains how these investment vehicles democratized access to the stock market, allowing ordinary Americans to achieve diversification and participate in equity markets. The episode highlights the historical context of mutual funds, the revolutionary impact of index funds, and the future of investing with technology.

#financialliteracy #moneylessons #mutualfunds #stockmarket #personalfinance #indexfunds #diversification

A Crash Sparks The Rise of Market Regulation

Sat, 15 Nov 2025 05:00:00 -0600

In this episode of Saturday Morning Muse, Andy explores the evolution of financial markets, focusing on the investor optimism of the 1920s, the catastrophic market crash of 1929, and the subsequent regulatory reforms that shaped modern securities laws.

The discussion highlights the role of margin trading, the impact of speculation, and the necessity for investor protection through regulatory oversight.

You can find The Saturday Morning Muse on your favorite podcast streaming platform as well as out on YouTube. https://youtu.be/w9v5Evl_rl4

Here’s the link to the show on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/saturday-morning-muse/id1741154728

Here’s the link to the article on my website: https://www.andrewtemte.com/a-crash-sparks-the-rise-of-market-regulation

#smoothawley #crashof1929 #economichistory #stockmarket #financialliteracy #personalfinance #financialeducation #margintrading #greatdepression #sec

The Ticker Tape Revolution

Sat, 08 Nov 2025 05:00:00 -0600

In this episode of Saturday Morning Muse, Andy explores the evolution of financial literacy and the impact of information technology on stock trading. He discusses how the telegraph revolutionized communication in the 19th century, enabling faster and more efficient trading. The introduction of the stock ticker further democratized access to market information, but also led to new challenges such as manipulation and speculation.

Railroads & the Rise of Middle-Class Investors

Sat, 01 Nov 2025 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Saturday Morning Muse, Andy explores the evolution of stock markets, focusing on the democratization of equity investments through railroads in the 19th century. He discusses the rise of “the market” as an economic barometer, the impact of the Panic of 1873, the creation of the first stock market indices, and the fundamental shift in understanding investment versus speculation, culminating in the principles established by the “father of financial analysis,” Benjamin Graham.

Chaos at Jonathan's Coffee House

Sat, 25 Oct 2025 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Saturday Morning Muse, Andy explores the evolution of equity ownership and stock trading from the Dutch East India Company to the establishment of the London Stock Exchange. He discusses the challenges of informal trading, the catastrophic South Sea Bubble, and the eventual need for organized stock markets, highlighting the principles that govern modern financial markets today.

The Dutch East India Trading Company

Sat, 18 Oct 2025 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Saturday Morning Muse, Andy explores the evolution of financial markets, focusing on the innovations of the Dutch Republic in the early 1600s. He discusses the limitations of previous equity ownership models and how the establishment of the Dutch East India Company (VOC) revolutionized investment through the introduction of transferable shares and a secondary market.

You can find The Saturday Morning Muse on your favorite podcast streaming platform as well as out on YouTube. https://youtu.be/SIVkx7_Td78

Here’s the link to the show on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/saturday-morning-muse/id1741154728

Here’s the link to the article on my website: https://www.andrewtemte.com/saturday-morning-muse/the-dutch-east-india-company

#financialliteracy #personalfinance #StockMarket #EquitySecurities #EconomicHistory #FinancialHistory #VOC #Liquidity

The First Equity Shareholders

Sat, 11 Oct 2025 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Saturday Morning Muse, Andy explores the historical evolution of stock ownership, beginning with the Roman Publicani and the Venetian Commenda.

He discusses how these early systems of equity ownership laid the groundwork for modern financial practices through capital pooling and risk spreading for investment in major infrastructure projects and trading expeditions.

#financialliteracy #personalfinance #StockMarket #EquitySecurities #EconomicHistory #FinancialHistory #CapitalPooling

Insurance for Everyone - The Democratization of Risk Protection

Sat, 04 Oct 2025 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Saturday Morning Muse, Andy explores the evolution of insurance and its democratization in the late 19th century. He discusses how industrial life insurance, expanded property coverage, and the rise of automobile insurance transformed the industry into a mass market service accessible to ordinary families.

Andy highlights the significant innovations that made insurance affordable and essential, as well as the role of insurance companies as major institutional investors in the early 20th century.

The Birth of Modern Insurance: Lloyd's Coffee House

Sat, 27 Sep 2025 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Saturday Morning Muse, Andy explores the origins of modern insurance, focusing on Edward Lloyd's Coffee House in the 1680s.

He discusses how Lloyd's transformed the insurance landscape by introducing innovative practices such as syndicated underwriting, the publication of shipping news, and the establishment of a systematic reinsurance market.

The Ancient Art of Risk Sharing

Sat, 20 Sep 2025 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Saturday Morning Muse, Andy explores the evolution of insurance, tracing its origins from ancient civilizations to modern practices. He discusses how early merchants shared risks to protect their goods, the development of mutual aid societies in medieval Europe, and the establishment of formal insurance contracts. The conversation culminates in the recognition of the need for systematic fire insurance following the Great Fire of London, setting the stage for the emergence of modern insurance marketplaces.

#Insurance #economichistory #financialliteracy #risksharing #greatfireoflondon #mutualaidsocieties

The Dark Side of Compounding

Sat, 13 Sep 2025 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Saturday Morning Muse, Andy explores the dual nature of compound interest, highlighting its potential to build wealth while also revealing its darker side through the lens of compound debt.

The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding how compound interest works in both investing and borrowing contexts, particularly in relation to credit card debt. Temte provides practical advice on managing debt and making informed financial decisions to harness the power of compound interest for wealth building.

Unlocking the Power of Compound Interest

Sat, 06 Sep 2025 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Saturday Morning Muse, Andy explores the concept of compound interest, its historical significance, and practical applications for building wealth.

He explains the mathematics behind compound interest, introduces the Rule of 72 for estimating investment growth, and illustrates the impact of small daily expenses on long-term wealth accumulation through the 'latte effect.' Andy emphasizes the importance of time and consistency in investing, particularly for young investors, and warns about the dangers of high-interest debt.

The History of Compounding & Compound Interest

Sat, 30 Aug 2025 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Saturday Morning Muse, Andy explores the concept of compound interest, discussing its historical significance and mathematical foundations. He introduces Benjamin Franklin's experiment with compounding, the contributions of mathematicians like Edmund Halley and Leonhard Euler, and the implications of compounding in both wealth creation and destruction, illustrated by the Tulip Mania and government debt crises. The episode emphasizes the importance of patience and long-term thinking in financial growth.

The Many Faces of Return: Understanding Investment Performance

Sat, 23 Aug 2025 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Saturday Morning Muse, Andy delves into the basics of investment returns, emphasizing the importance of understanding different types of returns such as nominal, real, holding period, and total returns. The discussion also touches on the historical development of return calculations and the significance of the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in comparing investments over time. Andy encourages listeners to be informed and critical of marketing materials that may present misleading return figures.

#financialliteracy #investmentreturns #interestrates #personalfinance

Understanding Inflation: When Money Loses its Power

Sat, 16 Aug 2025 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Saturday Morning Muse, Andy explores the concept of inflation, its historical context, and the implications of monetary policy on everyday life. He discusses the various types of inflation, including demand-pull, cost-push, monetary, and expectational inflation, and illustrates these concepts with historical examples, particularly the Great Recoinage of 1696. Andy emphasizes the importance of understanding inflation to make informed financial decisions and highlights the complexities of monetary policy.

#financialliteracy #personalfinance #inflation #economichistory #macroeconomics #purchasingpower #deflation

The Moral Dilemma of Interest

Sat, 09 Aug 2025 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Saturday Morning Muse, Andy explores the historical tension between the moral objections to charging interest and the economic necessity for credit. It traces the evolution of interest from ancient civilizations, through religious prohibitions, to modern acceptance, highlighting the innovative financial practices that emerged to reconcile these conflicting views. The discussion emphasizes the ongoing challenge of balancing the need for credit markets with concerns about exploitation and inequality.

Interest: The Price of Money

Sat, 02 Aug 2025 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Saturday Morning Muse, Andy discusses the concept of interest, exploring its fundamental role in economics as the price of time. He explains how interest rates are determined by factors such as inflation, real returns, and risk compensation. The discussion also covers the calculation of simple interest and the implications of understanding interest for personal financial decisions. Temte highlights the historical moral dilemmas surrounding interest and emphasizes its significance in modern economic systems.

The Birth of the Banknote

Sat, 26 Jul 2025 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode of the Saturday Morning Muse, Andy explores the introduction of the banknote by the Bank of England in 1694, which revolutionized modern finance by standardizing currency and formally establishing government currency backing. This historical narrative connects the evolution of banking practices to the currency we use today.

The Medici Bank: A Banking (r)Evolution

Sat, 19 Jul 2025 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Saturday Morning Muse, Andy explores the evolution of banking from the Knights Templar to the Medici family, highlighting key innovations, market opportunities, and lessons learned from history. It emphasizes the importance of transparency, political integration, and diversification in financial practices, while drawing parallels to modern banking and financial technology.

The Crusades, the Knights Templar, and Modern Banking

Sat, 12 Jul 2025 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Saturday Morning Muse, Andy explores the historical roots of banking, tracing its origins back to the Crusades and the role of the Knights Templar. He discusses how the need for secure wealth storage during the Crusades led to the development of early banking practices, including the issuance of letters of credit. The conversation also delves into the evolution of usury laws and their implications for modern banking, highlighting the ongoing relevance of these historical developments in today's financial landscape.

What is a Bank?

Sat, 05 Jul 2025 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Saturday Morning Muse, Andy Temte explores the evolution of currency from promissory notes to modern fiat money, emphasizing the role of trust in the value of currency. He introduces the concept of banking, its characteristics, and importance in the economy. Andy also touches on the Great Recession, highlighting the consequences of poor risk management in banking.

The History of Paper Money

Sat, 28 Jun 2025 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Saturday Morning Muse, Andrew Temte explores the evolution of currency, starting from ancient Rome's coinage to the introduction of paper currency through promissory notes. He discusses the significance of these financial instruments in facilitating trade and their role in economic systems. The conversation also touches on the transition to fiat money and the implications of trust in currency value.

The History of Money & Inflation

Sat, 21 Jun 2025 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Saturday Morning Muse, Andrew Temte delves into the history of money, focusing on the evolution of coinage from ancient Rome to modern monetary policy. He discusses the significance of financial literacy, the role of governments in establishing trust in currency, and the implications of currency debasement and inflation. The episode concludes with a reflection on the responsibilities of modern central banks in managing economic activity.

Here’s the link to the show on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/saturday-morning-muse/id1741154728

#financialliteracy #dadjokes #historyofmoney #romancoins #romanempire #debasement #inflation #macroeconomics #centralbanks #currencyvalue

My Top Ten List of Dad Skills

Sat, 14 Jun 2025 05:00:00 -0500

In this special Father's Day edition of Saturday Morning Muse, Andrew Temte reflects on the essential role of fathers in shaping their children's lives. He shares a top 10 list of skills that every dad should focus on, emphasizing the importance of self-love, emotional intelligence, and financial literacy. Temte encourages fathers to embrace their journey of continuous improvement and to model these skills for their children, highlighting that being a dad is a lifelong learning experience.

Trust, Confidence & Money

Sat, 07 Jun 2025 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode of the Saturday Morning Muse, Andrew Temte discusses the evolution of money, emphasizing the critical role of trust and confidence in economic systems. He explores how governments have historically been involved in issuing money to enhance trust, referencing the Code of Hammurabi as an early legal framework. The conversation also touches on the U.S. dollar's status as a reserve currency and the implications of the US national debt on global trust in the currency.

Those that Fail to Learn from History...

Sat, 31 May 2025 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Saturday Morning Muse, Andrew Temte emphasizes the importance of financial literacy and understanding the history of trade and economics. He discusses the Smoot-Hawley Act of 1930, its implications on modern economic policies, and the lessons that can be learned from it. Temte highlights the significance of stability, consumer confidence, and the interconnectedness of the global economy, urging listeners to consider the historical context of current economic challenges.

Money and the Origins of Debt

Sat, 24 May 2025 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Saturday Morning Muse, Andrew Temte reflects on Memorial Day and discusses the history and functions of money, focusing on credit transactions. He explains how credit transactions emerged from the need for trade in ancient economies and highlights the importance of understanding credit and debt in today's consumer-driven economy. Temte emphasizes the historical context of credit and debt, noting the unsustainable levels of national and household debt in the U.S.

The History of Money

Sat, 17 May 2025 05:00:00 -0500

Summary

In this episode of Saturday Morning Muse, Andrew Temte explores the evolution of money, starting from the limitations of the barter system to the introduction of coinage and modern perspectives on cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. He discusses the essential functions and properties of money, the historical context of trade, and the ongoing debate about what constitutes money in today's economy.

How Trade Shaped the Modern World

Sat, 10 May 2025 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Saturday Morning Muse, Andrew Temte explores the evolution of trade from barter systems to modern currency. He discusses the inefficiencies of barter, such as the double coincidence of wants and the challenges of measuring value. Temte highlights the historical advancements that arose from the need to improve trade, including the development of writing, measurement systems, and currency. He emphasizes the importance of trade in human history and its role in fostering cooperation and economic growth.

The Basics of Global Trade

Sat, 03 May 2025 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Saturday Morning Muse, Andrew Temte explores the foundational concepts of trade and macroeconomics through a hypothetical economy consisting of two regions: Fruit Land and Protein Land. He discusses the advantages of trade, the impact on societal well-being, and the necessity of education and retraining for those affected by economic changes. The conversation sets the stage for future discussions on currency and deeper economic principles.

#financialliteracy #globaltrade #macroeconomics #internationaleconomics #personalfinance

Common Risk Tolerance Blunders

Sat, 26 Apr 2025 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Saturday Morning Muse, Andrew Temte discusses common blunders related to risk tolerance that investors often make. He emphasizes the importance of understanding personal risk tolerance, the dangers of following the crowd, and the necessity of doing thorough research before making investment decisions. Temte also highlights the need for periodic reassessment of risk tolerance and the impact of cognitive biases on investment behavior.

Here’s the link to the article on my website: https://www.andrewtemte.com/saturday-morning-muse/factors-that-drive-risk-tolerance

#financialliteracy #decisionmaking #cognitivebias #risktolerance #personalfinance #FOMO #continuousimprovement

Factors That Affect Risk Tolerance

Sat, 19 Apr 2025 05:00:00 -0500

What are the Factors that Influence Your Tolerance for Risk? In today’s episode of Saturday Morning Muse, Andy explores the concept of risk tolerance in personal finance and discusses various factors that influence an individual's willingness and ability to take risks in investments. He emphasizes the importance of understanding one's financial goals, time horizon, age, income, existing portfolio size, knowledge, and stress tolerance.

Learn more at: https://www.andrewtemte.com/saturday-morning-muse/

#financialliteracy #investmentstrategies #selfconfidence #risktolerance #personalfinance #continuousimprovement #riskaversion

Self-Confidence, Self-Esteem, and Risk Tolerance

Sat, 12 Apr 2025 05:00:00 -0500

What’s the link between self-confidence, self-esteem, and risk tolerance? We’ll explore this question on today’s Saturday Morning Muse!

You can find The Saturday Morning Muse on your favorite podcast streaming platform as well as out on YouTube. Here’s the link to the show on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/saturday-morning-muse/id1741154728

#financialliteracy #selfesteem #selfconfidence #risktolerance #decisionmaking #personalfinance #continuousimprovement #riskaversion #lifelonglearning #riskVreward

What's Your Relationship with Risk?

Sat, 05 Apr 2025 05:00:00 -0500

What’s your relationship with risk? How do your feelings about risk affect your decision-making? Are you a risk-taker or risk-avoider? We’ll explore these questions and more on today’s Saturday Morning Muse!

#financialliteracy #decisionmaking #risk #personalfinance #continuousimprovement #riskaversion #risktolerance #cognitivebias

Financial Literacy Lessons - A Q1 Recap

Sat, 29 Mar 2025 05:00:00 -0500

Since the beginning of the year, I’ve been releasing short lessons on financial literacy on The Saturday Morning Muse. I expect to continue building financial literacy lessons for the foreseeable future. At the end of each quarter, I will provide a recap of the lessons that were released during the preceding quarter. Here is the first of those recap lessons. Thanks for listening!

#financialliteracy #decisionmaking #success #personalfinance #continuousimprovement #valueanalysis #financialsecurity #personalconsumption

Wants, Needs, Habits, and Financial Literacy

Sat, 22 Mar 2025 05:00:00 -0500

Is your financial decision-making on autopilot? When’s the last time you reviewed your spending habits? Have Find out more on this week’s episode of The Saturday Morning Muse!

#financialliteracy #needsversuswants #spendinghabits #personalfinance #continuousimprovement #decisionmaking #financialsecurity

Is Your Mind Hijacking Your Journey to Financial Literacy?

Sat, 15 Mar 2025 05:00:00 -0500

Is financial literacy all about numbers and formulas or is it more about our behaviors and how we feel about consumption, money, and investing? Find out more on this week’s episode of The Saturday Morning Muse!

The Subconscious Mind & Financial Literacy

Sat, 08 Mar 2025 05:00:00 -0600

How might our subconscious mind conspire against us when we’re making financial decisions? Find out more on this week’s episode of The Saturday Morning Muse!

#financialliteracy #subconsciousmind #subconsciousbias #confirmationbias #personalfinance #continuousimprovement

Understanding Product Value Analysis

Sat, 01 Mar 2025 05:00:00 -0600

How can you estimate the value of the products you consume? How do companies set the price of their products? What do the answers to these questions have to do with improving financial literacy? Find out more on this week’s episode of The Saturday Morning Muse!

#financialliteracy #valueanalysis #valuebasedpricing #decisionmaking #personalfinance #continuousimprovement

Price, Value, and Financial Literacy

Sat, 22 Feb 2025 08:00:00 -0600

How much time do we really spend thinking about the VALUE we derive from the products and services we buy? How can we use the concept of VALUE to make better decisions about how we spend our money? Find out more on this week’s episode of The Saturday Morning Muse!

#financialliteracy #financialfreedom #value #decisionmaking #personalfinance #continuousimprovement

How to Improve Financial Literacy

Sat, 15 Feb 2025 05:00:00 -0600

How do we improve the financial literacy of the average citizen in the United States? We start with improving numeracy literacy.

#financialliteracy #numeracyliteracy #numeracy #basicmathskills #mathematics #makemathapproachable #personalfinance #continuousimprovement

We're Flunking Out of Financial Literacy 101

Sat, 08 Feb 2025 05:00:00 -0600

What’s the case for investing in building financial literacy skills in our population? Are the concepts of financial literacy and success interrelated? Join me for today’s Saturday Morning Muse to learn more.

#financialliteracy #financialfragility #financialwellbeing #success #definingsuccess #mentalhealth #personalplanning #personalplanningguidebook #continuousimprovement

The Ingredients for Success

Sat, 01 Feb 2025 05:00:00 -0600

What do grace, competence, financial literacy, curiosity, effective communication, and good old fashioned showing up have in common? They are essential ingredients to achieving success irrespective of how success is defined. Join me for today’s Saturday Morning Muse to learn more.

#grace #competency #financialliteracy #curiosity #effectivecommunication #bethere #justshowup #courage #purpose #personalplanning #personalplanningguidebook

Courage, Grit, Agility & Success

Sat, 25 Jan 2025 05:00:00 -0600

What do the characteristics of courage, grit, and agility have in common? They are essential ingredients to achieving success irrespective of how success is defined. Join me for today’s Saturday Morning Muse to learn more.

#grit #mentalagility #secretstosuccess #continuousimprovement #personalplanning #personalpurpose #courage #authenticity

The Foundation Under Your Success

Sat, 18 Jan 2025 05:00:00 -0600

Your Personal Blockers to Success

Sat, 11 Jan 2025 05:00:00 -0600

The Secrets to Your Success, Part 1

Sat, 04 Jan 2025 05:00:00 -0600

Are there really secrets to success or are the ingredients to success in plain sight? This week’s Saturday Morning Muse is part one in a series where we explore the answers to this enduring question.

Decision-Making and New Year's Resolutions

Sat, 28 Dec 2024 05:00:00 -0600

Did you know we make ~33,000 decisions per day? What does the skill of decision making have to do with New Year’s Resolutions? Why do NYE Resolutions fail at a high rate? In this final installment of The Saturday Morning Muse for 2024, I’m musing about the value of resolutions and why the skill of decision making is so important.

Just FYI that we’ve launched the show as a podcast on your favorite podcast streaming services. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/saturday-morning-muse/id1741154728

#decisionmaking #goodhabits #leadershipdevelopment #continuousimprovement #personalplanning #newyearsresolutions #NewYear2025

The Power and Danger of Habits

Sat, 21 Dec 2024 05:00:00 -0600

Are habits a good thing or a bad thing? How do we ensure habits are a net positive in our lives? To find out more, tune into The Saturday Morning Muse!

Just FYI that we’ve launched the show as a podcast on your favorite podcast streaming services. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/saturday-morning-muse/id1741154728

#powerofhabits #goodhabits #entropy #leadershipdevelopment #continuousimprovement #personalplanning #newyearsresolutions #growthmindset

Self-Awareness and Challenging Conversations

Sat, 14 Dec 2024 05:00:00 -0600

Welcome to The Saturday Morning Muse! How are the skill of self-awareness and the art of challenging conversations interrelated? We’re going to explore this issue with a short story from my first book, Balancing Act: Teach, Coach, Mentor, Inspire.

Just FYI that we’ve launched the show as a podcast on your favorite podcast streaming services. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/saturday-morning-muse/id1741154728

Buy Balancing Act on Amazon at:https://www.amazon.com/Balancing-Act-Teach-Mentor-Inspire/dp/1506276644/

#self-awareness #challengingconversations #powerofwords #emotionalintelligence #leadershipdevelopment #continuousimprovement

The Holidays and Financial Literacy

Sat, 07 Dec 2024 05:00:00 -0600

Welcome to The Saturday Morning Muse! What’s one of the most important gifts you can give yourself this holiday season? Investing in financial literacy skills!

Just FYI that we’ve launched the show as a podcast on your favorite podcast streaming services. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/saturday-morning-muse/id1741154728

#FinancialLiteracy #HolidaySpending #CreditCardDebt #ContinuousImprovement #FinancialHealth #Mentorship #MoneyAndInvesting #BehavioralFinance

Thanksgiving Reflections

Sat, 30 Nov 2024 05:00:00 -0600

Welcome to The Saturday Morning Muse! With Thanksgiving 2024 in the rearview mirror, I’m offering a few Thanksgiving reflections this weekend.

What does your inventory of gratitude look like? I encourage you to write down your thoughts for future reflection and refinement.

Just FYI that we’ve launched the show as a podcast on your favorite podcast streaming services. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/saturday-morning-muse/id1741154728

#Thanksgiving2024 #gratitude #continuousimprovement #givingback #mentorship #coaching #brotherhood

Don't Give Up!

Sat, 23 Nov 2024 05:00:00 -0600

Welcome to The Saturday Morning Muse! Today, I’m celebrating the release of my rock band’s new album with a message that dreams can come true at any age!

Here’s an excerpt: “But now it’s time for a new chapter—one where I stand and say “I’m not finished—I’ve got more to contribute.” It’s time to make the dream of creating a lasting work of art that will outlive me a reality. Just because I’m in my early 60s does not mean that I lack the energy to create new music to give to the world. Music that I’m deeply proud of and hope resonates with listeners of all ages.”

Stream Feel Something New by The Remainders @theremainders today: https://ffm.to/feelsomethingnewlp

Just FYI that we’ve launched the show as a podcast on your favorite podcast streaming services. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/saturday-morning-muse/id1741154728

#albumrelease #newmusic #rockmusic #feelsomethingnew #leadershipdevelopment #growthmindset #personalgrowth #liveyourdream #dreamscometrue

Essential Skills for Critical Thinking

Sat, 16 Nov 2024 05:00:00 -0600

Welcome to the Saturday Morning Muse!

Today, I’m talking about the skill of critical thinking and the essential sub-skills that are needed to build this skill.

Here’s an excerpt: “The challenge we face is that critical thinking is hard. The easy path is to not question, not ask ‘why,’ and not dig for deeper meaning and root cause. The more difficult, but ultimately more rewarding path is to challenge fixed belief systems, internal biases, and recognize that when we deflect and point fingers at others, three more are pointing right back at us.”

Just FYI that we’ve launched the show as a podcast on your favorite podcast streaming services. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/saturday-morning-muse/id1741154728

#criticalthinking #skilldevelopment #continuousimprovement #leadershipdevelopment #lifelonglearning #growthmindset #activelistening #listeningskills #selfawareness #decisionmaking

A Simple Tip to Improve Critical Thinking

Sat, 09 Nov 2024 05:00:00 -0600

Waking up this morning in Madison, Wisconsin enjoying a brief visit with our eldest son! Welcome to the Saturday Morning Muse.

Today, I’m musing about the skill of critical thinking and how to make progress on the lifelong journey to improve this skill.

Here’s an excerpt: “Since (a) an individual’s life experience is primarily defined by the decisions they make over time, and (b) critical thinking is a necessary condition for making better decisions; if an individual wants to (c) live a rich, meaningful life and achieve economic and professional success, then (d) it is essential to build critical thinking skills so they can make more good decisions than bad. Put differently, if an individual wants to be successful, by whatever definition of success matters to them, the path to success depends on investing in critical thinking and decision-making skills.”

#criticalthinking #skilldevelopment #continuousimprovement #leadershipdevelopment #lifelonglearning #growthmindset #activelistening #listeningskills #selfawareness #decisionmaking

The Dangers of a Retirement Mindset

Sat, 02 Nov 2024 05:00:00 -0500

Well, the spooky season is officially behind us, so let the holiday season begin! Welcome to the Saturday Morning Muse.

Today, the topic is our historical learn→work→retire mindset and the dangers of succumbing to the allure of the easy chair.

Here’s an excerpt: “So what’s your plan for retirement? Yes, you may want to step off the treadmill of a fast-paced career path, but it’s essential that you not stand still. Standing still is the fast pass to a slow and oftentimes painful slide into oblivion. Instead, commit now to developing the habit of continuous improvement and lifelong learning. Keep moving in retirement. Give back. Mentor. Take a part-time job that fits your purpose. Living a full life means living a full life. Don’t give up on yourself.”

#retirement #retirementmindset #continuousimprovement #brainhealth #lifelonglearning #growthmindset #lifeexpectancy #balancingact #selfcare #priorities #neuroplasticity #workaholics #leadershipdevelopment

VOTE! It's Your Civic Duty

Sat, 26 Oct 2024 05:00:00 -0500

Today, the topic is your civic obligation to VOTE and our collective duty to defend and protect the US Constitution.

Here’s an excerpt: “Are we perfect? No. Is the great American experiment in democracy worth defending and protecting? Yes. How do can we do that? Open your mind; break free of your information cocoon; get informed; know the difference between entertainment and hard, unbiased journalism; build your critical thinking muscles; don’t worry about what your friends or neighbors will say about your vote; and then VOTE on November 5th.”

Just FYI that we’ve launched the show as a podcast on your favorite podcast streaming services. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/saturday-morning-muse/id1741154728

#decision2024 #voting #civicduty #USConstitution #politicalpolarization #geopoliticaltensions #criticalthinking

An Epidemic of Anxiety, Part 3

Sat, 19 Oct 2024 05:00:00 -0500

What can we do to help reduce overall stress and anxiety levels in our communities?

This week’s Saturday Morning Muse is part 3 of 3 in our series that explores generational differences and offers solutions to high stress/anxiety levels.

"These are just a few suggestions for how we can address the current epidemic of anxiety in the U.S. Increase financial literacy, get educated, adopt an agile, lifelong learning mindset, periodically unplug from social media, advocate for changes to our educational system to improve the skills of critical thinking, creativity, and decision-making, do what you can to reduce your impact on the planet, and understand when you’re being played by politicians and the media. We are all in this together. Support your neighbor, get to know individuals from other cultures and other parts of the world."

Just FYI that we’ve launched the show as a podcast on your favorite podcast streaming services. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/saturday-morning-muse/id1741154728

#decisionmaking #anxiety #stress #genz #educationmatters #climatechange #politicalpolarization #geopoliticaltensions #criticalthinking

An Epidemic of Anxiety, Part 2

Sat, 12 Oct 2024 05:00:00 -0500

What can we do to help reduce overall stress and anxiety levels in our communities?

This week’s Saturday Morning Muse is part 2 of 3 in our series that explores generational differences and offers solutions to high stress/anxiety levels in our population.

"I can’t put enough focus on the value of education and good decision-making that’s accompanied by a lifelong learning mindset as ways to reduce stress and anxiety. Too many in our society are on auto-pilot, going through the motions of life. Life is happening to them. Self-reliance developed through learning and education coupled with better decision making skills is the path to making things happen in your life and taking control of your narratives and outcomes."

Just FYI that we’ve launched the show as a podcast on your favorite podcast streaming services. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/saturday-morning-muse/id1741154728

#decisionmaking #anxiety #stress #genz #educationmatters #creativity #criticalthinking

An Epidemic of Anxiety, Part 1

Sat, 05 Oct 2024 05:00:00 -0500

Is stress and anxiety holding you back from reaching your goals? Does your internal balancing act between self-doubt and self-confidence tilt heavily toward self-doubt?

This week on the Saturday Morning Muse, I’m continuing last week’s conversation on self-belief with an exploration of the self-doubt and anxiety that can hold us back from achieving our goals and dreams.

Just FYI that we’ve launched the show as a podcast on your favorite podcast streaming services. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/saturday-morning-muse/id1741154728

Buy The Balanced Business on Amazon at:https://www.amazon.com/Balanced-Business-Organizational-Accountability-Workflows/dp/1637557507/

Buy Balancing Act on Amazon at:https://www.amazon.com/Balancing-Act-Teach-Mentor-Inspire/dp/1506276644/

Learn more about Andy at www.andrewtemte.com

Enjoy and have a great weekend…

#decisionmaking #anxiety #stress #genz #financialliteracy #financialacumen #personalfinance #personaldevelopment #selfdoubt #selfconfidence

Do You BELIEVE?

Sat, 28 Sep 2024 05:00:00 -0500

Do you believe in yourself? Do you believe in the power of your team? Is self-doubt holding you back?

This week on the Saturday Morning Muse, I’m using my prep for a big rock show as the backstory for a message on the power of believing in YOU.

Buy The Balanced Business on Amazon at:https://www.amazon.com/Balanced-Business-Organizational-Accountability-Workflows/dp/1637557507/

Buy Balancing Act on Amazon at:https://www.amazon.com/Balancing-Act-Teach-Mentor-Inspire/dp/1506276644/

Learn more about Andrew at www.andrewtemte.com

#leadershipdevelopment #selfdoubt #selfconfidence #believeinyou #believeinyourself #believe #teamwork #corporateculture #continuousimprovement

Employee Engagement is a Two-Way Street

Sat, 21 Sep 2024 05:00:00 -0500

Welcome to the Saturday Morning Muse! We’re entering my favorite season of the year tomorrow – fall!

In last week’s Muse, I had an open letter to employers and leaders regarding employee engagement and policing return-to-office policies. This week is an open letter to employees regarding the same subject… Employee engagement is indeed a two-way street.

Enjoy and have a great weekend…

#leadershipdevelopment #employeeengagement #activedisengagement #disengagedemployees #badmanagers #badbosses #returntooffice #corporateculture #humanresources

Employee Disengagement and RTO Policies

Sat, 14 Sep 2024 05:00:00 -0500

I talk a lot about employee engagement in this forum and about the costs/dangers of employee disengagement. According to a recent Gallup survey, for the full year 2023, only 33% of employees are ‘engaged’ in their work—a slight uptick from the previous year’s number of 32%. More importantly, the proportion of employees who are actively disengaged fell slightly to 16% from a 2022 high of 18%. While this represents a small year-over-year improvement, Gallup estimates that the impacts of active disengagement amount to $1.9 trillion of lost productivity in the US. Putting it into perspective, that’s a whopping 8% of US GDP. Just imagine the lift in economic growth, equity markets, trade, etc., that would accompany a significant reduction in active disengagement!

Learn more at www.andrewtemte.com.

#leadershipdevelopment #employeeengagement #activedisengagement #disengagedemployees #badmanagers #badbosses #returntooffice #corporateculture #humanresources

Mergers, Acquisitions, and the Growth Trap

Sat, 07 Sep 2024 05:00:00 -0500

Is growth for the sake of growth a good thing in business? What’s the growth trap and how is it affecting the health of your organization? In this episode, I’m talking about mergers & acquisitions and the growth trap that many leaders unwittingly fall into.

Learn more at: www.andrewtemte.com

Enjoy and have a great weekend…

#GrowthTrap #Mergers #Acquisitions #M&A #EmployeeEngagement #ContinuousImprovement #CorporateCulture

Is Bigger Always Better?

Sat, 31 Aug 2024 05:00:00 -0500

The question today is this. Is bigger always better? In zucchini, the answer is a resounding no. In business, the answer is a bit more nuanced, but bigger is certainly not always better.

As leaders, we routinely fall into what I like to call the growth trap. The growth trap shows up in various forms, but it can be a huge morale killer and represent significant risk to the business. One way the growth trap evidences itself is in your business’s annual budgeting process. Some companies take a thoughtful bottom-up tack in which each functional area of the business submits forecasts for the upcoming year based on inputs from marketing, sales, product management, operations and other client/customer-facing parts of the business...

For the full transcript and to learn more, visit www.andrewtemte.com/saturday-morning-muse

What's Old is New Again

Sat, 24 Aug 2024 05:00:00 -0500

Is it really the case that nobody wants to work anymore? Is it really the case that GenZ is lazy?

My advice is instead of looking down your nose and denigrating members of the generations that follow you, lend a hand. Use your gifts to mentor, lift up, and inspire those who are less experienced than you are.

To learn more about Andrew Temte, visit www.andrewtemte.com.

Working with Intention

Sat, 17 Aug 2024 05:00:00 -0500

Working with Intention: Self-reflection and the use of the five whys requires an open mind and a strong ego in order to challenge potential unconscious bias and consider answers that may not be popular or fit neatly into existing narratives. Hence, it's seldom the case that meaningful results come solely from self-reflection exercises. To make more progress, we will need the help of our coaches and mentors.

Visit www.andrewtemte.com/saturday-morning-muse for the full transcript of this episode and to learn more about all things Andrew Temte

Subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts at: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/saturday-morning-muse/id1741154728

My Political Views

Sat, 10 Aug 2024 05:00:00 -0500

I do my best to keep The Saturday Morning Muse out of the political spectrum, but this week I will make an exception. As we march toward election day on November 5, 2024, it’s important that our voices are heard and that we exercise our rights to free speech. This episode is on the longer side of things and should be watched in its entirety. To do otherwise would mean that what I have to say has a high probability of being taken out of context and twisted for political gain.

Visit www.andrewtemte.com/saturday-morning-muse for the full transcript of this episode and to learn more about all things Andrew Temte

Reducing Emotional Waste

Sat, 03 Aug 2024 05:00:00 -0500

The sources of insecurity abound. Jealousy, unresolved failure, challenging relationships, lack of skill/education, poor planning, bullying, institutionalized bias, and the absence of a sense of belonging are but a few. To punch the point regarding the fluid nature of insecurity, just spend a little time with the preceding list and explore how easy it is to find examples where these issues apply both at home and at the office.

Subscribe to the show today on your favorite streaming service!

Learn more at www.andrewtemte.com.

My Word is My Bond

Sat, 27 Jul 2024 05:00:00 -0500

A business is a collection of written and unwritten contracts with and between employees, vendors, governmental agencies, and customers. A high functioning business is one that takes those contracts seriously and establishes clear and concise rules of engagement along its vectors of interaction both internally and externally. To connect this back to previous conversations, a high functioning business builds and installs a management operating system that’s rooted in a foundation of continuous improvement and organizational health. Guardrails, systems, and processes are established and continually refined/reinforced to allow for trust to flourish.

Everyone wins when “my word is my bond” becomes woven into the fabric of your organizational culture. Accountability and trust simultaneously improve as the nooks and crannies to hide half-truths, speculation, and agendas that run counter to the company North Star become fewer and farther between.

Learn more at www.andrewtemte.com.

Grace, Dignity, Compassion

Sat, 20 Jul 2024 05:00:00 -0500

How can we reduce political polarization? I fear that we are becoming anesthetized to what would be considered vicious, uncivil, unacceptable, and unproductive discourse to a prudent, independent observer.

Writing: An Essential Leadership Skill

Sat, 13 Jul 2024 05:00:00 -0500

One of the unpleasant truths of leadership is that the people who populate your organization (at all levels) are constantly trying to divine your position on myriad topics - everything from purpose and vision to the stack ranking of current-period priorities. Like it or not, as a leader, you are a significant topic of conversation and your position on issues matters.

The less visible you are, the more active the water-cooler will be. Infrequent communication from the top provides more oxygen for conspiracy theories and rumors to thrive. Conspiracy theories and rumors breed significant emotional waste that can negatively impact morale, engagement, and productivity.

Leadership: It's Not About You

Sat, 06 Jul 2024 05:00:00 -0500

The starting point for the journey to change your culture takes real courage and is an application of courage that doesn’t get nearly enough airplay. You see, the easy leadership road that leads to mediocrity is to hire people that look and talk like you and ensure that you remain the smartest person in the room. The more difficult, but more rewarding path is to find the courage to hire people who have the potential to surpass you, who think differently than you do, and who are willing and able to challenge you.

The Skill of Active Listening

Sat, 29 Jun 2024 05:00:00 -0500

By definition, when someone is listening, someone else is speaking - either verbally, through the written word, or both. To ensure that the conversation isn’t encumbered by unnecessary tension or spin, help your colleagues find their voice. How? It’s important to lead by example and the best way to do this is to shed your emotional suit of armor. Let your colleagues see that you’re human by being constructively vulnerable. Tell a story about how terrified you were the first time you spoke to the CEO of the business and how you navigated the accompanying anxiety. Hopefully, you can share an experience where a boss from your past showed compassion and helped you overcome your fears.

The Benefits of Becoming Multidimensional

Sat, 22 Jun 2024 08:36:16 -0500

I believe in bringing more of one's “whole or best self” to work. I believe that a diversity of voices and lived experiences leads to a richer tapestry of potential solutions to business challenges and ultimately, better outcomes. Conversely, I believe that heavy conformance to preconceived norms and blindly following overpowering voices stifles creativity and leads to the adoption of a fixed, unyielding mindset.

A Corporate Culture Story

Sat, 15 Jun 2024 05:00:00 -0500

As time passes, the business matures, growth slows, and entropy sets in. Leaders and team members pull their heads up and take a look around at the state of their business. The common refrain goes something like this: “Wow, how did our culture deviate so far from our original intention? We need to get back to growth mode, but we also need a culture that will facilitate further growth, not impede it!”

Integrity & Compassion

Sat, 08 Jun 2024 05:00:00 -0500

Welcome to the Saturday Morning Muse! In this episode, I'm talking about what integrity means and propose a simplified definition. Here's an excerpt:

"I propose that when we teach and coach the human skill of integrity, we must also add the words empathy, compassion, and understanding. As a result, the definition of integrity can be simplified to: Integrity: Compassionately doing the right thing."

Learn more about Andrew Temte at https://www.andrewtemte.com.

Posture, Self Confidence, and Well-Being

Sat, 01 Jun 2024 05:00:00 -0500

This episode tells the story of 10-year-old Andy as a member of the La Crosse Boychoir, my mentor, Dan Johnson-Wilmot, and outlines three benefits of focusing on good posture for your personal and professional journey of continuous improvement.

"Nothing says “you’ve got this,” more than good posture. Many people will tell you that “clothes make the person,” but those clothes have to fit onto a frame—your frame. So before you go out and spend big money on a new wardrobe to boost self confidence, make the time to invest in posture by strengthening both mind and body."

Learn more about Andrew Temte at www.andrewtemte.com.

#Posture #Self-Confidence #LeadershipDevelopment

The Case for Compassionate Leadership

Sat, 25 May 2024 05:00:00 -0500

My goal with this muse is to gently, but purposefully change the arc of the conversation in corporate circles around the concept of empathy and empathetic leadership. In my opinion, empathy is great, but it lacks two essential ingredients—the willingness/ability to help, and the ability to detach. Compassion represents a logical extension of empathy as it combines the ability to recognize someone else’s feelings and the motivation to help them do something about it. This addition of the motivation to help requires an ability to separate or detach oneself from the challenge the other person is experiencing. Without this ability to mentally detach, their challenge or pain becomes yours and carrying around that emotional burden will ultimately lead to your own exhaustion and burnout. Yes, it’s awesome that you feel another’s pain and want to help alleviate it, but if it’s at the expense of your own well-being, what’s the point?

www.andrewtemte.com

Budgeting and Building Financial Acumen

Sat, 18 May 2024 05:00:00 -0500

Financial literacy is a woefully underdeveloped skill in both our homes and businesses. I frequently hear business leaders lament about the lack of financial literacy within their teams. In my first book, Balancing Act, I outline the four most important future-facing skills and financial literacy (and it’s more sophisticated cousin, financial acumen) is one of these four critical skills. So what is to be done to close the financial literacy skills gap? Use your annual budget process as an experiential learning opportunity for managers and key individual contributors in your organization.

Does Your Budgeting Process Add Value?

Sat, 11 May 2024 05:00:00 -0500

Today, I'm musing about turning your company's budgeting process from wasteful drudgery to a value-adding exercise that helps develop individuals, teams, and builds your corporate culture. Optimally, your company’s budget should be an elegant financial expression of a tight, cohesive storyline that explains how tactics and execution in the upcoming year align with the company’s purpose, long-term vision, and master (or top level) goals.

Are You a Boss or a Leader?

Sat, 04 May 2024 05:00:00 -0500

So how do we balance control and empowerment? How do we create a high trust, high accountability workplace? We do so by installing a clear set of guardrails and guidelines within which the organization can function. Said differently, we install a “management operating system.”

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

Sat, 27 Apr 2024 05:00:00 -0500

Excerpt:

If I’m living my personal purpose in both life and work and striving toward my long-term personal vision, then the likelihood that I feel unworthy of my successes is reduced because my success is more genuine to me and, no pun intended, purposeful. So if natural feelings of unworthiness and self-doubt creep in, I can remind myself that my success didn’t come out of nowhere, but was instead the result of planning, skill, and hard work.

Wrestling with Imposter Syndrome

Sat, 20 Apr 2024 05:00:00 -0500

Episode Excerpt: "What I do know is that reducing the negative feelings that accompany my imposter syndrome has distinct benefits. My anxiety is much more manageable, I’m happier and feel more fulfilled, and I believe I’m a better parent, partner, and friend. So how did I reduce my exposure to imposter syndrome? I defined and connected to my personal purpose."

Practicing the Skill of Mindfulness