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Welcome to Sparky Life, where we chat with the builders of our civilisation! In this episode, Lia Lamela welcomes James Hatfield, the Chief Revenue Officer of Live Switch, a total disruptor in the trades tech space. James Hatfield, a "blue-collar baddie", shares his journey from running painting and power washing companies to revolutionising how skilled trades operate with innovative tech tools. It's a real conversation with someone who gets the real world of construction, and it's not what you think!

This isn't your typical tech talk; James brings a relatable, down-to-earth perspective that you'll appreciate. He gets the frustrations of the trades because he’s lived it! From his early days knocking on doors to building a multi-billion dollar tech company, James shares what it means to create opportunities for those of us who work with our hands. It's packed with insights, laughs, and actionable advice you can use, whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out. We also discuss everything from the importance of human connection in a digital world to the value of community college and the importance of building your personal board of directors!

Timestamps:

0:00 Intro
0:42 Introducing James Hatfield and Live Switch
2:10 The Story Behind Live Switch
4:15 How Live Switch Works in the Field
7:55 Internet and Connectivity Challenges
10:00 The Problem with Software Engineers
12:50 The inspiration behind the 911 tech
14:40 How Live Switch is helping the trades
17:00 The meaning behind the name 'Live Switch'
18:00 Why James Created Live Switch
19:50 Bridging the Gap Between Technology and Skilled Trades
24:00 The Importance of Human Customer Service
32:40 The disconnect between sales and technicians
37:50 Using QR codes
40:40 How to get past resistance to tech
46:00 Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs in the trades
49:00 Networking Tips
51:50 Advice for Introverts
54:50 James’ Personal Story
59:00 College or Not College
69:00 Closing remarks

Interesting Quotes:

"Why are you driving to bid right now like a cave person?"
"It's better to serve than to be served."


Sponsor: This episode is brought to you by SupplyHouse.com - your go-to for all things electrical. Check them out at www.supplyhouse.com/t-m for a huge inventory of top brands and real customer service.

Guest: James Hatfield, Chief Revenue Officer of Live Switch, bringing innovative tech solutions to the skilled trades.

Host: Lia Lamela

Key Topics: Live video technology, skilled trades, construction, virtual estimates, customer service, entrepreneurship, networking, community college, overcoming challenges.

Don't forget to subscribe for more episodes of Sparky Life, where we discuss all things construction and career-oriented! Let us know in the comments if you tried James’ LinkedIn challenge!

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Thanks to our sponsor www.supplyhouse.com/t-m - the best place to pick up your construction supplies.

In this eye-opening episode of The Sparky Life, Lia sits down with Andrea Janzen, founder and CEO of Ambition Theory, to discuss a groundbreaking revelation: mentorship may not be the key to career success as we’ve always believed.

Join Lia and Andrea as they dive deep into the nuances of mentorship, particularly how it affects men and women differently in the workplace. Discover the concept of sponsorship versus mentorship, and learn why women often find themselves needing to prove their worth repeatedly in male-dominated industries like construction.

Andrea shares compelling research that highlights the unconscious biases at play and offers actionable insights for women looking to navigate their careers more effectively. If you’ve ever felt overlooked or undervalued in your professional journey, this episode is a must-listen!

Find out more about Andrea here:

Ambition Theory: www.ambitiontheory.com

Ambition Theory Women In Construction Podcast:
www.ambitiontheory.com/the-ambition-theory-podcast/

NAWIC Leadership Academy x Ambition Theory:
www.nawicleadershipacademy.org/

00:00:00 - Introduction to the Episode
00:01:31 - Defining Mentorship
00:02:45 - Personal Experiences with Mentorship
00:03:44 - The Gender Gap in Mentorship
00:06:00 - The Challenge of Implementation
00:08:28 - Sponsorship vs. Mentorship
00:12:15 - The Importance of Sponsorship
00:16:05 - Networking and Building Relationships
00:20:03 - Prove It Again Bias
00:21:10 - The Burden of Reproving
00:24:17 - Transactional vs. Transformational Leadership
00:30:28 - The Disconnect in Leadership Skills
00:32:06 - The Role of Transformational Leadership
00:39:18 - Cultural Fit and Leadership
00:40:30 - The Value of Women in Leadership
00:44:08 - Taking Action for Change

Tune in for an enlightening conversation that challenges traditional beliefs about mentorship and empowers you to take charge of your career path!

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more inspiring content!

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Welcome to this episode of The Sparky Life! Join host Lia Lamela as she catches up with her good buddy, Stephen Richardson, a recent reality TV star from Love is Blind and a dedicated electrician.

In this engaging conversation, Stephen shares his journey in the skilled trades, discussing the challenges he faced during his apprenticeship and how he ultimately found his passion for electrical work. They dive deep into the often-overlooked aspects of the trades, including the importance of mental health and the need for supportive work environments.

00:00:00 - Introduction to Stephen Richardson
Welcome back and introduction of Stephen Richardson, a recent reality TV star from Love is Blind and a fellow electrician.

00:02:10 - Stephen's Journey in the Electrical Trade
Discussion about Stephen's experiences as an electrician, including his work with big terminations and data centers.

00:03:45 - Physical Demands of the Trade
Exploration of the physical challenges in the electrical field and how Stephen manages them.

00:06:22 - The Nature of Data Centers
Explanation of what data centers are and the importance of redundant power systems.

00:08:30 - Different Perspectives on the Skilled Trades
Comparison of Stephen's and Leah's experiences in the trades, highlighting the impact of leadership and environment.

00:12:13 - Burnout and Job Satisfaction
Discussion on the feelings of burnout and dissatisfaction in the apprenticeship phase.

00:16:02 - Mental Health in the Trades
The importance of mental health awareness in the construction industry and its impact on workers.

00:27:00 - Hitting Rock Bottom
Stephen shares his experience of hitting rock bottom and the turning point in his career.

00:30:10 - Supportive Leadership
The role of supportive leadership in Stephen's career and how it helped him regain his motivation.

00:36:07 - Finding a Positive Work Environment
The significance of a positive work environment and camaraderie among workers in the trades.

00:42:03 - Empowerment and Options in the Trades
Encouragement for workers to seek out supportive companies and not feel trapped in negative environments.

00:49:09 - Conclusion and Reflection
Wrap-up of the conversation, reflecting on Stephen's growth and evolution in his career.

Key Highlights:

Stephen's transition from wrestling with his career choice to embracing the joys of being an electrician.

Insights into working in data centers and the critical role electricians play in maintaining our digital infrastructure.

The impact of toxic work environments and the importance of good leadership in the trades.

Tips on how to create a positive work culture and support mental health in the construction industry.

Whether you're an aspiring electrician, a seasoned pro, or just curious about the skilled trades, this episode is packed with valuable insights and inspiration. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more episodes every Thursday!

Sponsored by: www.supplyhouse.com - Your go-to source for top brands and real customer service in the electrical industry.

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