Meet Joe Makston | Leadership Development Consultant & Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Joe Makston and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Joe, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I spent 30 years in the corporate space and loved most of it. I was the only one in my friend group who wasn’t a small business owner. I liked the structure and security of a corporate role with its constant salary, benefits, and working with a team of people. I had aspirations of starting my own business in my sixties, when I had everything figured out and could share my knowledge. I’d write a book, then coach, mentor, and speak at conferences. Well, that’s what I had planned at least.

In July of 2023, like many others, I was laid off from a job I loved. I had spent seven years building and scaling a department and programs in the contact center, learning, and employee experience space. I didn’t think I was immune from layoffs, I actually held my job loosely because I knew I was replaceable like anyone else.

I spent about a month processing the why, took a break from “working” all the time, and thought about what was next for me. Then I started applying for jobs, but none of them felt right. I knew I wanted to continue making a difference in the world, but wasn’t sure how to do it. Then I remembered my goal of starting my own thing in my sixties and asked myself, “Why not now?” After talking through it with a few trusted friends, advisors, and the non-risk taker that lived in my psyche, I decided to make the leap and start my own business. That’s where Ryppl Effect was born.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I spent over 20 years in bank operations before moving to a tech company. Starting as a part-time teller out of high school, I worked my way up through branches, ultimately becoming a department head for an international bank.

Early in my career, I was young and inexperienced, though I had received quality training from the banks I worked for and been recognized for it, even receiving an offer for a role in the regional office. It was there, however, that my inexperience was highlighted.

During my first annual review, my boss called me into her office and started with, “Joe, at some point in your career, you’re going to have to create your own influence. You won’t be able to rely on mine. You can be direct and demanding, or you can figure out a different way.”

A few days earlier, I had called a branch to speak with the manager about an issue the regional office needed help with. When the person answered the phone, I said, “This is Joe Makston calling from Nan’s office. Can I speak to your manager?” He responded, “I’m sorry, who is this?” I repeated myself more sternly. When he put me on hold, I thought out loud, “I can’t believe this guy doesn’t know who I am.” Whether Nan heard it, or someone else in the office did, it was clear Nan knew I needed help.

Nan had spent a significant time getting to know me. She offered coaching when needed, encouraged me to share my perspective, and saw a leadership ability I couldn’t quite see in myself at the time.

In that meeting, I had a choice to make: either disregard her advice and assume I knew better, or trust her. I chose the latter, and that decision changed the trajectory of my career. She introduced me to other leaders who were willing to mentor me. Our first session involved reading Simon Sinek’s book “Start With Why.” This was a turning point for me. Instead of focusing on the “what” or “how,” I learned to focus on the “why.” Why do I do what I do? What motivates me each day? The answer was clear: I wanted people to feel cared for.

It wasn’t an easy shift, and it didn’t happen overnight. However, with practice, learning new skills, and shifting my mindset, I started to see a change in the way I interacted with others, and in turn, how they interacted with me. This change impacted others so much that colleagues began asking what we were doing differently and how they could incorporate it into their own work.

In the end, I realized that I needed to effectively lead myself before I could successfully lead others. This is the basis of Ryppl Effect – Leading Self, Leading Others, and Winning Together. I still have a lot to learn and grow, and I’m glad for that. It means there’s always room for me to keep improving, learning, and supporting others.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Saturday Uptown Market to grab a few pastries, bagels, and fresh veggies
Pedro’s Nursery to walk around and grab an oat latte from Caffio
A short hike on the National trail at South Mountain
Grab dinner at Otro Cafe on the patio

Sunday
Breakfast at Snooze
Desert Botanical Garden
Lunch at Olive & Ivy Scottsdale
Walk around Old Towne Scottsdale
Dinner at Postino

Monday
Make breakfast with the bagels from Saturday & coffee from Cultivate Coffee on the patio
Prep snacks and a sack lunch to hike Flat Irons in the Superstitions
Grab dinner at Federal Pizza – Detroit style is the best

Tuesday
Coffee at Provision
Check out Jungle Box plant store
Video the Phx Zoo and walk around Papago park

Wednesday
Free entrance to Phx art Museum
Lunch at Cibo
Browse around at Changing Hands Book Store
See a show at Phoenix Theater Company

Thursday
Mountain biking in Mt Dowell Mountains
Chill afternoon at Scottsdale Fashion Square

Friday
Breakfast at Fame
Antiquing at Sweet Salvage
Hike Piestwa Peak & Dreamy Draw
Dinner at The Parole

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There were several people, podcasts, and books that played a role in helping move through my struggles to ultimately set up my business and keep me encouraged. For brevity, I’ll highlight two.

First, would be my partner, Will. When I received the news of being laid off, he was the first person to call. He was encouraging, empathetic, and a little pissed off for me. He’s a constant strength as I applied for jobs, began to build my business, and a listening ear when I worry about money and questions whether I could actually do this or not.

Secondly, would be my friend, Dana. She’s been down the small business owner road before and understands all the work you have to put in, trusting yourself, being okay that you’re still figuring it out, and will listen to me vent. Dana is also my running partner, which is the perfect place to test ideas, talk out business strategy.

I’m incredible grateful for their support throughout this journey. They’ve not only celebrated my successes, but also been there during the inevitable challenges that come with starting a business. They continue to remind me that I can do hard stuff, and that I’m gifted and capable.

Website: https://ryppleffect.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jmakston/

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/joemakston

Image Credits
Professional headshot is from Sandi Shipley Photography.