Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Marten Niner. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Marten, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Have you ever had an amazing boss? What did you learn from them? Maybe you can share a story that illustrates the kind of boss they were or maybe you can share your thoughts on what you think made them an awesome person to work for?

Dr. Marie Loscavio and Laura Hahn from Cognova Consulting have been the most remarkable mentors in my life. Back in 2014, I found myself in a state of utter chaos. I was managing two companies on the brink of failure, facing the prospect of a potentially messy divorce, and feeling like I was losing my mind. It was through a series of fortunate coincidences that I crossed paths with Marie and Laura.

From the moment we met, their guidance and support were nothing short of transformative. They helped me navigate the turbulent waters I was in, leading me to a much better mental place. With their wisdom and encouragement, I was able to make a huge shift in my businesses. They also helped me shift my perspective on my divorce, turning it into an amicable process rather than a contentious one.

Thanks to their influence, I began the process of becoming a better version of myself. In 2017, after extensive training and certification work, I had the privilege of joining them in their mission. Together, we have been helping executives navigate the complexities of life, just as they once helped me.

Marie and Laura’s impact on my life has been profound, and I am forever grateful for their mentorship and friendship. Their expertise and compassion have not only saved me during one of the most challenging periods of my life but also inspired me to pay it forward and assist others in their journeys.

Marten, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a serial entrepreneur, having founded and managed 10 businesses over a span of more than 35 years. My journey into the realm of leadership development was deeply influenced by my mentors, Dr. Marie Loscavio and Laura Hahn, whose guidance profoundly transformed my professional trajectory.

Today, I specialize in Leadership Development and work with several esteemed organizations, including Cognova Consulting, Cadence Leadership & Communication out of Canada, and THEY Improv. We offer a comprehensive suite of services that encompass leadership development, team building, assessment, and communication solutions. Our primary focus is on collaborating with high-performing teams to enhance their efficiency and effectiveness, often seeing improvements ranging from 40 to 60 percent.

What sets us apart is a tailored approach. We understand that every organization and team is unique, and we strive to provide customized solutions that address specific challenges and goals. Our methodologies are rooted in practical experience and cutting-edge research, ensuring that our clients receive the best possible guidance and support.

I am immensely proud of the impact we have on the next generation of leaders. By sharing my experiences and knowledge, I aim to help others navigate the complexities of leadership with greater ease and confidence. My goal is to enable them to avoid the pitfalls I encountered and to achieve success more swiftly and with less effort.

At the heart of my work is a commitment to continuous improvement and a passion for helping others realize their full potential. Whether it’s through one-on-one coaching, dynamic team workshops, or comprehensive organizational assessments, I am dedicated to fostering environments where leaders can thrive and drive their teams toward outstanding achievements.

For those who may not be familiar with my work, I want to emphasize that my approach is not just about enhancing leadership skills but about transforming the entire organizational culture. I believe in creating leaders who are not only effective but also empathetic, innovative, and resilient. These qualities are crucial for navigating the ever-evolving business landscape and for fostering a collaborative and inclusive workplace.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

Yes, there are a couple of resources that have profoundly shaped my management and entrepreneurial philosophy. Two books in particular stand out, and I recommend them to every client at the start of their transformational journey: “The Untethered Soul” and “The Surrender Experiment” by Michael Singer.

“The Untethered Soul” by Michael Singer is a profound exploration of the mind and consciousness. Singer delves into the nature of self-awareness and offers practical advice on how to achieve inner peace and emotional freedom. The book encourages readers to transcend the habitual thought patterns that limit our potential and to embrace a more expansive sense of self. For leaders and entrepreneurs, this is particularly valuable. It helps them cultivate a mindset that is open, resilient, and unencumbered by unnecessary fears and doubts.

This book lays the groundwork for deep, meaningful executive coaching by helping individuals understand their inner landscapes. By gaining insight into their thoughts and emotions, leaders can better manage stress, make more thoughtful decisions, and foster a positive organizational culture.

“The Surrender Experiment” by Michael Singer takes the concepts from “The Untethered Soul” a step further by illustrating them through Singer’s own life experiences. This book is an autobiographical account of how Singer learned to let go of his personal preferences and trust the flow of life. His journey is a testament to the power of surrendering to life’s natural progression, rather than constantly striving to control every outcome.

For entrepreneurs and leaders, “The Surrender Experiment” offers a powerful lesson in flexibility and adaptability. It encourages readers to embrace opportunities as they come and to trust in the process of life. This mindset can lead to unexpected and often beneficial outcomes, fostering innovation and growth within an organization.

These books have significantly impacted my approach to leadership and entrepreneurship. They have taught me the importance of self-awareness, mindfulness, and the ability to adapt to change. By incorporating the principles from these books, I have been able to help clients develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their motivations, leading to more authentic and effective leadership.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

Read the two books above, reach out, and let’s have a discussion about your particular situation.

Contact Info:

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marten9r/
• Other: https://cadenceleadership.ca/ https://www.cognova.com/ https://theyimprov.com/ http://www.junktheband.com

Image Credits
Apologies, unfortunately I don’t have any pictures to share of my leadership work due to copyright and confidentiality restrictions. I did, however, include a couple of pics from my band JUNK for fun. Enjoy.