Anything And Everything

What does true wealth look like beyond bank accounts and net worth? Dan Sullivan and Jeffrey Madoff explore generational wealth, the pitfalls of financial success without purpose, and why relationships, time freedom, and fulfillment matter more than money. Learn how entrepreneurs can build lasting value—without losing themselves in the process. Show Notes: Wealth isn't just net worth—it's the freedom to focus on what matters most, without financial constraints. An entrepreneur can pass on the results of their talent, but they can't pass on their talent itself. The wealthiest 20% rarely stay in that bracket for long. True sustainability requires reinvention, not just inheritance. The distance between "rich" and "poor" isn't a gap—it's a ladder with multiple rungs, and movement happens in both directions. Taxes don't just redistribute wealth; they reveal how fragile financial success can be without strategy. Generational wealth often persists due to lawyers and accountants, not the achievements of descendants. Once you've maxed out what your efforts can bring you, you have to multiply your income by working less. It might seem counterintuitive, but you can spend your time doing only what you love doing and find people who love doing the rest. True confidence in business comes from pricing boldly—charge what scares you, plus 20%—and eliminating "maybes." Wealth without relationships, purpose, or peace is poverty in disguise  Resources: The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel You Are Not A Computer by Dan Sullivan Learn more about Jeffrey Madoff Dan Sullivan and Strategic Coach®

How did you land your first customers, and how did that shape your entrepreneurial journey? Dan Sullivan and Jeffrey Madoff share their origin stories, from life insurance referrals to fashion industry breakthroughs. They explain why longevity in business comes from curiosity, calculated risks, and a relentless focus on making your future bigger than your past. Show Notes: Thinking about your thinking is beneficial no matter who you are or what industry you're in. There's no recipe for creativity. Risk and excitement are two sides of the same coin—you can't have growth without embracing both. The first person you have to sell an idea on is yourself. If you have an advantage in a competitive industry, you won't tell your competitors about it. When experimenting with a new solution, you have to start by making sure it works for one person. Longevity is something to be proud of. If you have a successful approach, you can keep it, and just add more experience to it. There are two types of support: moral and financial. Longevity in business isn't about luck; it's about staying alert, curious, and adaptable to new opportunities. Your number one job is to always make your future bigger than your past. The more committed you are to something, the less you care about the obstacles. Resources: The Impact Filter™ Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman Learn more about Jeffrey Madoff Dan Sullivan and Strategic Coach®

Do you ever notice how some people obsess over things, gossip about others, or recycle old ideas? Why is it that true innovators think differently? Dan Sullivan and Jeffrey Madoff break down the four levels of thinking and explain why thinking about your thinking fuels creativity, collaboration, and breakthroughs. Show Notes: Most people spend their lives fixated on things, people, or others' ideas, but true innovators think about how they think. People who think about their thinking are looking for other people who are doing the same thing. The highest level of thinking isn't competitive—it's collaborative. Two original minds create a third idea neither could alone. Nearly every meaningful innovation stems from that fourth level of thinking, where you examine how and why you think the way you do. Some of the most creative people don't even realize how they think—they just do.  The moment you care more about stuff than ideas, you've lost the game. Like casting a play, the best teams are built when you assign people roles based on their unique strengths, not rigid job descriptions. If your team fears being wrong, they'll never risk being right. Defensiveness is the enemy of breakthroughs. Corporations reward conformity, but entrepreneurs win by asking, "What if we did the opposite? Resources: Casting Not Hiring by Dan Sullivan and Jeffrey Madoff Thinking About Your Thinking by Dan Sullivan Learn more about Jeffrey Madoff Dan Sullivan and Strategic Coach®

Do you chase external success or internal fulfillment? Jeffrey Madoff and Dan Sullivan discuss ambition versus passion—how they differ, intersect, and fuel entrepreneurs. Learn why passion sustains long-term commitment while ambition alone falls short, and discover how to combine them for lasting impact. Show Notes: Passion is your internal drive, while ambition translates that drive into measurable success. Ambition without passion burns out because external milestones like money and fame hollow out without the joy of the process. Passion is what fuels long-term commitment because it's what you can't not do. True passion creates freedom—doing what you want, when you want, with whom you want. Childhood clues reveal your passion. What lit you up as a kid often points to your lifelong strengths. Great entrepreneurs fuse principle (passion) with strategy (ambition). Retirement is the enemy of passion. Getting people to talk about their experiences is a great way to learn a lot about the world. If you ask people questions that connect their experiences, they get very excited. Resources: Everything Is Created Backward by Dan Sullivan How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie The Power of Positive Thinking by Dr. Norman Vincent Peale Casting Not Hiring by Dan Sullivan and Jeffrey Madoff Learn more about Jeffrey Madoff Dan Sullivan and Strategic Coach®

What if predictability is the ultimate competitive advantage? Dan Sullivan and Jeffrey Madoff dissect how standards and intent create unshakable trust in business and in life. Learn why elite entrepreneurs prioritize dependable relationships over short-term gains, how to spot (and avoid) toxic partnerships, and why money is just a metric—not the mission. Show Notes: Humans don't like unanswerable questions. You can't seek answers unless you have questions, and you have to ask the right questions. Prediction is necessary for survival, which is why we're always looking for things we can count on in the future. A lot of power comes with the belief that your intelligence is better than someone else's intelligence. Thought is a luxury. Only those freed from survival mode can engage deeply with creativity, innovation, and purpose. Humans aren't information processors—they're meaning makers. Purpose is created out of greater and greater freedom of money, time, and relationships. Money is the scorecard, not the game. The greatest contribution you can make to another person is your standards. Teams thrive when they know your standards are non-negotiable, even if it's uncomfortable. Resources: Same As Ever by Morgan Housel You Are Not A Computer by Dan Sullivan The 4 Freedoms That Motivate Successful Entrepreneurs Casting Not Hiring by Dan Sullivan and Jeffrey Madoff Learn more about Jeffrey Madoff Dan Sullivan and Strategic Coach® 

What effect do the games we play have on us—and what do our motivations for playing them say about us? Dan Sullivan and Jeffrey Madoff discuss the kinds of “games” that are interesting and beneficial to entrepreneurs, and why you don't have to choose between passion projects and commercial projects. Show Notes: Competing with yourself means measuring your progress against your previous performance, not against other people. Life itself is the ultimate game for self-competition. If you're questioning what you're doing, ask yourself what you could be doing instead. Games have a binary outcome: victory or defeat. Some people are born with a competitive chip in their brains, and some aren't. This applies to creative individuals too. Creativity can be collaborative, but many creators believe their creativity has to be better than everyone else's. People who oppose a system often create something directly related to what they resist.  Truly passionate people cannot not do what they're doing. Entrepreneurs have the self-awareness and confidence necessary to confront the marketplace head-on. An opportunity only becomes one when you recognize it as such. Resources: Your Business Is A Theater Production: Your Back Stage Shouldn't Show On The Front Stage The 4 C's Formula by Dan Sullivan Learn more about Jeffrey Madoff Dan Sullivan and Strategic Coach® 

In a tech-driven world, can businesses stay human? Dan Sullivan and Jeffrey Madoff explore how to balance automation with genuine connection. From Chaplin to Spartacus, they explore resisting dehumanization, celebrating the human touch in business, and reclaiming creativity. They also reveal how to ensure technology elevates—rather than diminishes—your entrepreneurial spirit. Show Notes: Tech can empower or dehumanize. Confidence and human connection are crucial. Customers crave real conversations, not automated prompts. Knowing how to ask the right questions is an art form. Real solutions that address people's pain points require empathy and personal connection. Layoffs aren't a sustainable path to success (or profitability). Inflating profits by slashing costs is a short-sighted strategy that executives often resort to when preparing a company for sale. The most interesting people are always the ones who defy conformity.         The U.S. founders aimed to create a society where individuals could thrive. Prioritizing quality, service, and the human touch is a smart business plan. Resources: Casting Not Hiring by Dan Sullivan and Jeffrey Madoff Perplexity Charlatan: America's Most Dangerous Huckster, the Man Who Pursued Him, and the Age of Flimflam by Pope Brock Your Business Is A Theater Production: Your Back Stage Shouldn't Show On The Front Stage Learn more about Jeffrey MadoffDan Sullivan and Strategic Coach®

Are the people on your team ready to step into any role if needed? If not, why not? Dan Sullivan and Jeffrey Madoff explore the "swing cast" concept, explaining how adaptable, cross-trained teams—like actors ready for any role—drive entrepreneurial success. Learn why prioritizing ample time off for team members and focusing on results builds a high-performing business. Show Notes: If you try to work continuously without taking time off to recharge, your overall productivity and performance will decline. Most Strategic Coach team leaders have experience in multiple roles. Team members can grow by volunteering for responsibilities beyond their initial job description. People accustomed to working within large corporate structures may struggle in smaller, more agile entrepreneurial environments, which have fewer support systems in place. Entrepreneurism is a “Results Economy,” not a “Time and Effort Economy.” Selling is about getting a sale, not the time and effort you put in to get the sale. Most entrepreneurial companies begin with the founder acting as the primary salesperson. We can expect to see more people returning to the office, driven by our innate need for social interaction and connection. If you want to build a great company culture, you need team members in the office. Resources: Casting Not Hiring by Dan Sullivan and Jeffrey Madoff What Free Days™ Are And How To Know When You Need Them Give and Take by Adam Grant Your Business Is A Theater Production: Your Back Stage Shouldn't Show On The Front Stage Learn more about Jeffrey Madoff Dan Sullivan and Strategic Coach®

Paying your team is a given, but the way you think about it can make a huge difference—for both them and you. If you see your team as just a cost, that mindset won't get you far. But when you view your team as an investment, everything changes. Dan Sullivan and Jeffrey Madoff dive into why this shift in perspective will be transformative for your entire company. Show Notes: If you think of someone as a cost, you'll communicate that to them. If someone feels that they're seen as a cost, they're deprived of all their creativity. Creative people compete with other creative people for attention. If you're on the receiving end of indifference, you feel taken for granted. If you're an owner and founder, your team members are always paying attention to what you say and how you behave. If you let someone know you see them as a cost, you've lost most of their value as an investment. Just because someone's successful doesn't mean working with them is a positive experience. The top entrepreneurs are collaborative, not competitive. Every entrepreneur is motivated by either status or growth. Power is the ability to either produce change or prevent it. Resources: Your Business Is A Theater Production: Your Back Stage Shouldn't Show On The Front Stage The 4 Freedoms That Motivate Successful Entrepreneurs The Gap And The Gain by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy The 4 C's Formula by Dan Sullivan Learn more about Jeffrey Madoff Dan Sullivan and Strategic Coach®

Entrepreneurs come in all types. Just like in TV, movies, and theater, there are character archetypes in the entrepreneurial world. Jeffrey Madoff and Dan Sullivan discuss the ways entrepreneurs can differ from one another, what all of them have in common, and some of the traits they need for success. Show Notes: The earliest definition that fits entrepreneurs of today is: an entrepreneur is someone who takes a resource from a lower level of productivity to a higher level of productivity. Society is generally pretty forgiving of entrepreneurs because they move things forward that benefit a lot of other people. There are entrepreneurs who raise the value of something, but it only benefits themselves. Some entrepreneurs' work robs and endangers people. The basis of entrepreneurism is someone who has a conception of the future where they can be better off if they take certain actions that would be daunting or even dangerous for other people. With entrepreneurs, as with fictional characters, it's about the individual decisions and actions that they take and the consequences of them. To achieve their goals, both entrepreneurs and story heroes have to make sacrifices. The founders of the U.S. were basically all involved in entrepreneurial activities. Wanting to have more power isn't necessarily bad. As you become more successful, you need to reinvent yourself. Resources: Welcome to Cloudlandia podcast The Power of Film by Howard Suber Deep D.O.S. Innovation by Dan Sullivan Unique Ability® The 4 C's Formula by Dan Sullivan Learn more about Jeffrey Madoff Dan Sullivan and Strategic Coach®

Do you see yourself as normal, or do you embrace your weirdness? Dan Sullivan and Jeffrey Madoff explore the nature of normality and weirdness, reflecting on their personal experiences. They discuss the importance of self-consistency, the impact of external perceptions, and how curiosity fuels personal growth and authenticity. Show Notes: Most people consider themselves normal and view anyone who perceives them as weird as weird in turn. You don't have to take it personally if someone calls you weird. As an entrepreneur, you'll likely find that other entrepreneurs share your understanding of what's considered normal, more so than those outside your field. You can remain true to yourself across a variety of activities and experiences. Some people view significant life events as opportunities to reinvent themselves. If you're consistent, people who reinvent themselves might mystify you. Reinventing oneself often involves distancing from people from the past. A good story is better than a good statistic. If what you're doing works for you, that's a solid reason to remain consistent in your approach. A person behaving inconsistently might be trying to please others rather than please themselves. Resources: Your Business Is A Theater Production: Your Back Stage Shouldn't Show On The Front Stage Perplexity Learn more about Jeffrey Madoff Dan Sullivan and Strategic Coach®

What is it about creative people that sets them apart? Why can some people consistently create new things while others can't? Dan Sullivan and Jeffrey Madoff discuss the individuals who bring new value into the world and the best ways someone in business can use their creativity. Show Notes: Quality is the foundation of every successful business plan.Never say no to yourself; there are plenty of others who will do that for you.Instead of wasting time pondering your ideas, you often just need to take action.No one has ever spent any time in the future or in the past. All we have is the present.Many people dismiss ideas prematurely without knowing how they might turn out.The majority of people struggle to engage directly with the marketplace.Creativity isn't only about having a unique vision. It's also about taking that vision and being able to replicate it.You can replicate a creation, but not its creator.To build a thriving business, focus on faithfully replicating what has been successful in the past.Every new creation has a limited lifespan; innovation is the key to longevity.Balancing creativity with consistency is crucial. Too much focus on expansion can dilute the original experience.Your customers are 50% of your creative team. Their feedback and insights matter.Beware of letting greed influence your creative process. Passion should come before profit.  Resources: Personality: The Lloyd Price Musical Your Business Is A Theater Production: Your Back Stage Shouldn't Show On The Front Stage Learn more about Jeffrey Madoff Dan Sullivan and Strategic Coach® 

We all have the ability to create. So why do some people feel they need permission in order to move forward with their ideas? Dan Sullivan and Jeffrey Madoff discuss how to cast off the need for permission and create value like you were meant to do. Show Notes: Permission means that you can't move forward unless someone else says you can. If you're asking permission, you're giving someone power to exercise over you in certain situations. Some people's first consideration when they have a new idea is to prepare a proposal and get permission to move forward. Some parents give their children free rein to do whatever they want to do. If you have a lot of children, you have to manage, not just parent. Being a parent is like being a business owner in that you're always being watched. If you ignore your surroundings and you aren't tuned in, you can get old without having any wisdom. When you go for the easiest, fastest solution, you're usually going for the worst one. Resources: Creative Careers: Making a Living With Your Ideas by B. Jeffrey Madoff Charlatan by Pope Brock Empire of Deception by Dean Jobb “The Junkification of American Life” by David Brooks Thinking About Your Thinking by Dan Sullivan Learn more about Jeffrey Madoff Dan Sullivan and Strategic Coach®

When a friend asks for your opinion on a new idea, you want to be helpful, but how should you respond when you don't think their idea will succeed? Dan Sullivan and Jeffrey Madoff discuss ways to be supportive and helpful without lying or making a commitment.  Show Notes: You can decide to help someone in a way that won't involve you beyond a conversation. In the business of coaching small businesses, you discover quickly that there's a reason why small businesses are small. People who can afford to make high investments usually know other people who can afford to make high investments. If you tell the truth, you don't have to keep track of what lies you've told. The biggest factor in qualifying for The Strategic Coach® Program is being a growth-minded person instead of a status-minded person. The problem is never the problem. The problem is that people don't know how to think about the problem. It's a service to anybody who's had a new idea to get them thinking about their thinking about how they're going about it. When somebody comes to you with a new idea, they're locked into a context that this is going to be a real winner. If honesty ruptures a relationship, it wasn't really a relationship to begin with. A lot of times, people are looking for reinforcement for what they've already done, and it's too late for them to do anything different. Resources: Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It by Christopher Voss and Tahl Raz Charlatan: America's Most Dangerous Huckster, the Man Who Pursued Him, and the Age of Flimflam by Pope Brock Learn more about Jeffrey Madoff Dan Sullivan and Strategic Coach®

Do you recognize the unique strengths of your team, or do you overlook them? Jeffrey Madoff and Dan Sullivan explore the art of "casting" in business and life, revealing how self-awareness and understanding can lead to greater success. Discover how knowing oneself can transform team dynamics and drive long-term achievement. Show Notes: There are a lot of talented people out there who are compelled to do what they're doing.When someone's auditioning for a role, you get a gut feeling if they're nailing it or not.Someone having the right appearance for a role doesn't mean they can pull it off.Some talented people can take direction, and some can't.In addition to skill, you can test someone's instincts in the audition process.Sometimes, you find out that someone you called in to audition for one role would actually be good in a different role.For a person to be the right fit, they have to be both good in their role and good in teamwork with everybody they'll be working with.While you're casting, you have to be focused, and aware of the context of the role.The more casting you do, the sharper your casting skills become.Finding the right person for a role might require a lot more looking than you'd hoped for.The higher your standards, the longer it might take to cast someone in a role.Greatness is only achieved over a long period of time.If you know who you are, you don't have to spend time thinking about it.It's hard to care for others when your full-time job is caring about yourself.If someone doesn't know who they are, you can't predict how they'll respond to challenges. Resources: Book: Casting Not Hiring by Dan Sullivan and Jeffrey Madoff Book: Wanting What You Want by Dan Sullivan Learn more about Jeffrey Madoff Dan Sullivan and Strategic Coach® 

Jeffrey and Dan discuss the intricate relationship between humans and technology as they seek to understand how our thoughts and intentions shape technological advancements. Join them as they explore the historical context of technology, the importance of mindset, and how necessity drives innovation—and discover how our human nature fuels continual improvement. Show Notes: Technology is a human-driven process. As long as there have been humans, there have been humans creating technology.The evolution of technology is fundamentally about how humans think and improve upon existing ideas rather than the technology itself.Jeffrey and Dan define technology as the intentional arrangement of resources and ideas to create systems that solve problems or enhance capabilities.Early technological advancements were rooted in survival needs, such as the management of fire and the creation of tools for protection and sustenance.The creation of a new tool will inevitably create inequality because it's an advantage.The phrase "necessity is the mother of invention" highlights how challenges often drive technological advancements, leading to creative solutions.Our mindset plays a crucial role in technological development. Those who can envision possibilities often lead innovation.Certain technologies become inevitable, and you can either adopt them or resist them.If you feel victimized by a technology, that means you see the technology as a force outside of yourself.It's easier to improve on something than to create something new.The best learning comes when you put things together in a new way.Successful technology development often requires collaboration and the ability to communicate ideas effectively to garner support and resources. Resources: Perplexity The Technological System by Jacques Ellul Casting Not Hiring by Dan Sullivan and Jeffrey Madoff Who Not How by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy Learn more about Jeffrey Madoff Dan Sullivan and Strategic Coach®

Will AI be a burden on human creativity, or will it free us up to innovate in ways we never thought possible? Jeffrey Madoff and Dan Sullivan predict how artificial intelligence will reshape work, culture, and the economy. Explore the balance between tech advancements and human connection, and discover the surprising ways AI might redefine fulfillment in our lives. Show Notes: AI is set to transform many job sectors, especially those repetitive tasks that don't bring joy. This isn't just a challenge; it's an opportunity to rethink what fulfilling work means.The idea of finding fulfillment in work is a relatively new concept. In the past, we were focused on survival and stability.As AI takes over more routine and repetitive tasks, people have the opportunity to move beyond being consumers to become creators. How will this shift culture?Financial security affords people the ability to take risks in pursuing their passions.What does the world you're born into owe you? What does the world you're given allow you to create?Will AI be the common “enemy” that brings us together?Dan believes in strengthening strengths instead of fixing weaknesses.Goldman Sachs estimated generative AI could automate activities equivalent to 300 million full-time jobs globally.New technology always creates new jobs, however, and we tend to forget that when we focus only on the disruption.Are we hitting a wall with technology commoditizing the parts of our lives that we find meaningful?We can't ignore the ethical challenges of AI, such as intellectual property rights and data privacy. Consider the implications of unauthorized use of personal data or voices.Future conversations on AI will include the seven stages of robots and the essence of intelligence.Resources: Goldman Sachs 2023 report: Briggs, J., Kodnani, D., Hatzius, J., Pierdomenico, G. (2023). The Potentially Large Effects of Artificial Intelligence on Economic Growth. Goldman Sachs Economic Research. Learn more about Jeffrey Madoff Dan Sullivan and Strategic Coach®

We live in a world saturated with technology. It can be difficult to tell how much you're using technology and how much technology is using you. But you can avoid distraction and stick to your purpose by focusing on the basics. Dan Sullivan and Jeffrey Madoff discuss who we are, and who we're right for, in a world of technology. Show Notes: Regardless of technology, what matters is what you actually have to say that's interesting and valuable to other people. Technology is a tool, so all you need to know is how to use it most effectively. Technology changes, but human behavior stays the same. The fundamentals of what makes a good story never change. Creativity, a human trait, is the cornerstone of the effective use of technology. Most social media influencers aren't creating anything. When a new technology emerges, it's generally applied to the content that already exists. Technologies have a hype phase where everybody claims it changes everything. You pay for social media with your attention.  Resources: Article: Unlocking Entrepreneurial Freedom: The Four Phases Of The Freedom Cycle The Entrepreneur's Guide To Time Management (Free Days™, Focus Days™, and Buffer Days™) Learn more about Jeffrey MadoffDan Sullivan and Strategic Coach®

About 50 years ago, the microchip had people making predictions about how the technology would influence all areas of human life. Now, advancements in artificial intelligence are generating the same sorts of predictions. Dan and Jeffrey discuss the psychological effect of AI's potential, the very different mindsets with which people are approaching it, and who is set to benefit the most. Show Notes: New technologies can force people to rethink their relationship to work and to everything else in their lives. If you want to remain human, you have to adopt a theater-based attitude because the attitudes related to computers take the human out of the picture. Every technological advancement has given a certain advantage to early adopters. When it comes to technology, the playing field levels rapidly. There are people whose mentality is that machines are good and humans are bad. There's a certain Ponzi scheme quality to the way early investments are done. In some industries, money isn't made in coming up with new ideas, but in taking advantage of other people being enthralled by new ideas. There are businesspeople who have been almost deified by a certain level of consumers.  The new luxury and desirability come from something that has the human touch. You can get so far into the world of new that you've lost touch with everything that already exists. Every time we lose the ability to connect and share an experience with others, we're losing something fundamental to what we are as humans. Theater is the ultimate in a shared emotional experience because it's live. Creating a brand can be all about storytelling, theater, and connection. Resources: Casting Not Hiring by Dan Sullivan and Jeffrey Madoff The Gap And The Gain by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy Learn more about Jeffrey MadoffDan Sullivan and Strategic Coach®

Are you casting your team like a theatrical production or just going through the motions with your hiring? Jeffrey and Dan explore how theater principles can revolutionize entrepreneurship. Discover how casting roles can improve creativity, productivity, teamwork, and engagement. Learn about their new book, Casting Not Hiring, and gain insights into innovative tools for defining roles in your business. Show Notes: The key to building a successful entrepreneurial team is to cast people for roles rather than just hire them for jobs.This leads to collaborative teamwork that builds on and amplifies individual strengths and talents.There is a significant overlap between entrepreneurship's activities and theater as an expression of entrepreneurship, since both involve taking risks, engaging an audience, delivering compelling narratives, and bringing creative concepts into reality.Entrepreneurship is an inherently creative act that involves taking an idea and attempting to actualize it into products or services.Similarly, every interaction is a performance; treat pitches and meetings as auditions to captivate your audience.These traits contribute to the adaptability, innovation, and forward-thinking mindset essential for navigating the challenges and opportunities within entrepreneurship.The 4 x 4 Casting Tool™, available in Jeffrey and Dan's upcoming book, Casting Not Hiring, is a fantastic resource for defining roles and expectations clearly within teams that facilitates success from day one.Past events, challenges, and opportunities have a significant impact on shaping present and future decisions within entrepreneurship.By acknowledging the importance of past experiences, entrepreneurs can draw upon lessons learned, insights gained, and skills developed, and leverage them to inform current strategies, problem-solving approaches, and decision-making processes. Resources: Book: Casting Not Hiring by Dan Sullivan and Jeffrey MadoffLearn more about Jeffrey MadoffDan Sullivan and Strategic Coach®

Do you understand the true potential of AI for your business? Jeffrey and Dan explore the practical applications of AI for entrepreneurs and discuss how it can streamline operations, improve productivity, and solve complex problems across various industries. Learn to navigate the current AI hype and discover how to leverage this technology as a powerful tool for driving business growth and innovation. Show Notes: AI is primarily a complexity solver, excelling in areas involving multiple interwoven systems.Effective AI applications include traffic systems, air traffic control, healthcare, military operations, and gaming.Entrepreneurs should evaluate AI based on whether it makes processes faster, easier, and cheaper and produces bigger results.Entrepreneurs should focus on backstage AI applications to improve human front stage performance.Creating newsletters with AI can significantly reduce team workload and achieve high engagement rates.AI search engines like Perplexity provide concise, relevant information quickly compared to traditional search engines.AI uses an enormous amount of electricity, potentially straining current power grids.Modular nuclear reactors may be a potential solution to AI's energy demands.Many AI start-ups may not survive long-term; successful companies will likely consolidate multiple AI applications.AI is an extension of human thinking, not a replacement.Avoid getting caught up in trying every new AI tool. Instead, focus on applications that provide tangible benefits to your business.AI can make productive people significantly more productive, but may make unproductive people more unproductive.It's important to balance AI insights with human judgment and experience when making decisions about your business. Resources: PerplexityBook: Cue the Sun!: The Invention of Reality TV by Emily NussbaumBook: Which Lie Did I Tell?: More Adventures in the Screen Trade by William GoldmanLearn more about Jeffrey MadoffDan Sullivan and Strategic Coach®

Jeffrey Madoff and Dan Sullivan explore the evolving concept of retirement. They discuss its historical origins, the unique challenges entrepreneurs face, and the impact of longevity on financial planning. The conversation offers valuable insights for any entrepreneur hoping to redefine success and navigate the modern economic landscape. Show Notes: The concept of retirement is relatively new, emerging in the late 19th and 20th centuries.The word "retire" comes from the French word repérer, meaning to pull back or withdraw, initially used in a military context.Otto von Bismarck introduced the first state pension system in Germany in 1889 to address social and economic challenges. By providing financial security for older citizens, he aimed to reduce the risk of social unrest and promote economic stability. The United States lacks a mandatory retirement age, making retirement an individual choice.Entrepreneurs often resist traditional retirement, viewing it as a withdrawal from their passion and purpose. They see retirement instead as an opportunity for reinvention.Retirement should be a strategic choice that aligns with your personal and professional goals.As life expectancy rises, retirement planning becomes more complex. Entrepreneurs need to consider extended financial needs and healthcare costs and ensure their ventures and investments can support a longer life.Moore's Law highlights how rapidly computing power doubles, reshaping the business landscape. Entrepreneurs must adapt to these technological shifts, which drive efficiency and innovation, to stay relevant. The COVID-19 pandemic acted as a catalyst for many entrepreneurs to re-evaluate their career paths and business models and highlighted the importance of adaptability and resilience.Retirement is perceived differently across cultures, impacting how entrepreneurs plan for the future. Some cultures emphasize family support, while others focus on individual financial independence.Understanding these diverse perspectives can help you tailor your retirement strategies to align with your personal and cultural values.Dan's secret to a long and fulfilling life: Always make your future bigger than your past. Resources: Book: The Great Crossover® by Dan Sullivan Blog: How To Cast A Collaborator, Not Hire An Employee Personality: The Lloyd Price Musical Learn more about Jeffrey Madoff Dan Sullivan and Strategic Coach®

Jeffrey Madoff and Dan Sullivan explore the limitations of AI, debunking the myth of technological singularity. They discuss Gödel's incompleteness theorem, Apple's controversial iPad ad, and the evolving global economy. The conversation challenges common assumptions about AI's potential to surpass human intelligence, offering valuable insights for any entrepreneur navigating the tech landscape. Show Notes Gödel's incompleteness theorem suggests that technology, as a subset of humanity, cannot surpass human intelligence.Technological singularity, predicted for 2029, is unlikely to happen because speed and information retrieval don't equate to true intelligence or creative thinking.Military research, gaming, and adult entertainment have been major drivers of technological advancement.Apple's recent iPad ad controversy highlights shifting consumer attitudes toward technology.Tech companies may be facing market saturation, challenging the constant push for new products.The revival of retro trends and vintage items reflects a broader cultural shift toward appreciating the past and seeking uniqueness.There's a growing disconnect between human creativity and the tech industry's approach to content creation and distribution.Tech giants like Apple have transitioned from being rebels against the establishment to becoming the establishment themselves.Tech companies should focus on balancing technical specifications with human-centric storytelling in their marketing strategies.AI excels at pattern recognition but falls short in replicating human-like thinking and creativity.Entrepreneurs should consider the limitations of AI when integrating it into their business strategies.Understanding the distinction between technological capabilities and human intelligence is crucial for innovation. Resources Personality: The Lloyd Price Musical Learn more about Jeffrey Madoff Dan Sullivan and Strategic Coach®Book: You Are Not A Computer by Dan Sullivan Book: Your Attention: Your Property by Dan Sullivan Video: “Crush!” (iPad Pro ad)

If you run a business, are you sure that every detail is being handled? When the little things aren't being taken care of, it can be an indication that the big things aren't going well. In this episode, Dan Sullivan and Jeffrey Madoff share the enormously important things companies have to do now to make sure customers keep coming back. Show Notes: In businesses, one of the first things to go is customer service. The only reason to shop in person rather than online is because it becomes a social event in a certain way. The purpose of automation can be to free someone up so they can have more time with customers. When a company starts cutting costs, especially by firing people, it shows you that they're packaging the company for sale. The cost of personal service is going up. People interacting with people has a hundred times more dimensions than people interacting with mechanical replacements for people. Some people delude themselves into thinking that because AI can form an answer, it's somehow sentient and like a person but even more efficient. These days, luxury means an actual person paying attention to you. It's harder to get people's attention now than it was 30 years ago. Having a great reputation is much more important than having great marketing. Resources: The Referability Habits™ Who Not How by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy The Gap And The Gain by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy 10x Is Easier Than 2x by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy Within The Context of No Context by George W.S. Trow Creative Careers Madoff Productions Strategic Coach

Jeffrey and Dan discuss Dan's latest book and explore how technological advancements like AI are often perceived as revolutionary, yet are actually extensions of historical innovations. This episode challenges conventional wisdom about creativity and offers a fresh perspective on how we can harness our past experiences to fuel future success.In This Episode:Although we perceive every new technological advancement, like AI, as a game changer, innovations are merely continuations of humanity's long history of tool making, dating back to the first caveman who used a rock as a weapon.The term “artificial intelligence” suggests something that is both man-made and potentially phony, but what does intelligence actually mean, and how does AI fit into that definition? The language we use to describe our creative process can significantly impact how we approach and execute our ideas.Viewing creativity as "putting stuff together in a new way" (as Steve Jobs described it) encourages us to find novel connections between existing concepts.Some of the most creative people in the world drew from past experiences and knowledge to create something new.Confidence in creative pursuits often comes from within rather than requiring external validation. This internal assurance allows us to tackle new challenges without being paralyzed by potential failure.Diverse experiences, even seemingly unrelated ones like parenting and filmmaking, can inform and enrich our creative work in unexpected ways.Embracing a mindset of continual learning, rather than focusing solely on winning or losing, can lead to greater creative growth and resilience.To put this all into practice, Dan introduces his new thinking tool, The Triple Play™, which connects three seemingly unrelated experiences, leading to new insights and creative breakthroughs.Resources: Personality: The Lloyd Price Musical Learn more about Jeffrey MadoffDan Sullivan and Strategic Coach®Everything Is Created Backward by Dan SullivanThe Language Instinct: How the Mind Creates Language by Steven PinkerBook: Connections by James Burke The Power of Film

In this episode, Jeffrey and Dan explore the world of thinking tools and the framework that helps entrepreneurs think strategically. Dan shares the origin story of his first tool and how it evolved into over 240 trademarks. He also touches on the concept of Unique Ability® and its role in his company's success. In This Episode:Self-examination and curiosity play a crucial role in achieving success, but most people don't make the time for it.So, what are thinking tools? Dan provides a definition and examples, and explains their purpose.The first tool Dan created, The Strategy Circle®, is still used today exactly as he first created it over 40 years ago.Dan has created over 240 trademarked thinking tools since then.Jeffrey and Dan explore the origins of Unique Ability.Dan reveals where he got the name “Strategic Coach.”Dan explains the difference between process, methodology, and strategy. One is more about the outcome, while the others are about the steps to achieve that outcome.Dan divulges what motivates all of his personal and professional endeavors. (Hint: It's not money!) Resources: Learn more about Jeffrey MadoffDan Sullivan and Strategic Coach®Unique Ability®Book: Your Life As A Strategy Circle by Dan Sullivan

How can entrepreneurs build a high-performing team that operates like a well-cast theatrical production? Evaluate candidates not just for skills, but for their ability to work seamlessly with your existing team. Put together a cohesive group where each member complements the others. By approaching team-building through a theatrical lens, you create a harmonious company culture that delivers a captivating performance for your clients. In This Episode:In theater, casting is about creating an ensemble where each member fits in and complements the others.Hiring is exactly the same. It involves not only assessing individuals' skills and experience, but also evaluating how they fit in with the rest of the team.It's crucial to consider how someone interacts with others and whether they contribute positively to the overall team dynamic.Casting instead of hiring also ensures that team members are aligned with the organization's mission and vision.In both theater and entrepreneurial settings, team members have a significant stake in the success of the production or business.Casting involves an ongoing process of improvement and refinement.Establishing relationships based on value and trust is crucial in casting.Team members must trust one another and the leadership to create a supportive and collaborative environment. Resources: Learn more about Jeffrey Madoff Learn more about Dan Sullivan and Strategic Coach®

Jeffrey and Dan dive deep into creativity, innovation, and the intricate dance between good business and exciting innovation. Inspired by Dan's quarterly book, Everything Is Created Backward, they discuss how integrating existing technologies and ideas to create something entirely new can completely disrupt the market and lead to record-breaking profit. In This Episode: There's a permanent tension between creative people and organizational people (business executives).Most creative people are not good organizational people.Creatives are focused on innovation, while executives are focused on finances and risk aversion—and furthering their careers.This approach often stifles innovation.Creatives are also subject to immediate public scrutiny. Their work is usually under the critical eye of audiences and critics.Executives, by contrast, are evaluated based on stock market performance and long-term organizational success. Their reviews are reflected in corporate outcomes.Successful partnerships, like that of Brian Grazer and Ron Howard, showcase how creative and organizational individuals can collaborate effectively to create engaging content.In order to bridge the gap, creatives need to better package their ideas to highlight the business potential to financially-minded decision makers.Businesses, on the other hand, need to be more open to creative, potentially risky ideas that could pay off big time.Recognizing your core business focus is what drives long-term success.Major business innovations often come from combining three existing components in a new way rather than from creating something entirely new from scratch.Large companies sometimes buy promising start-ups, not to integrate their innovation, but to shut down potential future competition. Resources: Personality: The Lloyd Price Musical Learn more about Jeffrey Madoff

Dan and Jeffrey reveal the psychological complexities behind why some people feel like frauds despite their achievements, and how self-doubt can be a significant hurdle for entrepreneurs. If you've ever had the nagging suspicion you were fooling everybody into thinking you're more competent than you are, this episode is for you.In This Episode: Jeffrey and Dan define imposter syndrome and discuss how common it is among entrepreneurs and other successful individuals.Most entrepreneurs will struggle to recognize their own journey of self-creation.Jeffrey and Dan explore the role of ambition and self-measurement in perpetuating imposter syndrome, distinguishing between internal growth driven by ambition and external validation sought through imitation.They also share the importance of cultivating self-confidence over self-esteem, emphasizing the need to embrace your past achievements as stepping stones toward a healthier mindset.Drawing from personal anecdotes and philosophical insights, they offer a refreshing perspective on navigating imposter syndrome and overcoming societal pressures fueled by social media. Resources: More about Jeffrey Madoff Dan Sullivan and Strategic Coach®

What makes a movie great? And why are some movies timeless, while others are forgotten? Jeffrey and Dan delve into the essence of what makes a great movie story, discussing the magical and timeless qualities that allow characters and narratives to resonate across generations.In This Episode:They discuss the timeless allure of classic stories and the underlying magic that makes them perennial favorites.They explore the intricate process of creating compelling characters and weaving them into captivating narratives.Insightful discussions on the balance of courage and commitment necessary in good storytelling and its impact on audience reception.They navigate the tension between creativity and profit, uncovering the unpredictable nature of crafting timeless tales and the courage it demands.The conversation touches on the storytelling legacy of movies like Casablanca, highlighting the unexpected success of some films and the distinction between stories that resonate and those that are soon forgotten.Jeffrey and Dan also explore the significant impact that casting has on a story and the challenge of breaking out of being typecast, referencing actors like Sean Connery and Johnny Weissmuller.The dialogue expands to discuss the influence of Canada in the film industry, highlighting the significance of certain cities like Toronto and Montreal and the dollar-driven nature of film production.Jeffrey and Dan share insights into the mysterious nature of creativity, discussing the impact of commitment and courage in pursuing new projects and facing public reception.Resources: Personality: The Lloyd Price MusicalLearn more about Jeffrey MadoffDan Sullivan and Strategic Coach®

While a great many things are different than they were, there are certain principles and ideals that people are always striving for. Dan Sullivan and Jeffrey Madoff explain what's changed since they were kids, and share some new tricks and strategies they use to achieve their goals. In This Episode: Decades of live experience create an ease of performance and an ability to create on the spot. Having fewer choices meant you ended up paying attention to something instead of flicking through the channels. When you're in front of a live audience and it's not going well, you've got to be agile enough to both take the hits and be able to come back on top and recover. Your strongest permanent impressions are made when you're young. It's hard for a fan to get really attached to a team when any player can suddenly be gone. Being an entrepreneur is a life sentence. An entrepreneur's career can last as long as they want it to. A lot of companies end up losing the pride of the family mission. Quality is the smartest business plan. Resources: Learn more about Dan Sullivan and Strategic CoachJeffrey Madoff's production company Madoff ProductionsCreative Careers by Jeffrey MadoffThinking About Your Thinking by Dan Sullivan

While customers and clients don't need to know what goes on behind the scenes of an organization, they will know if there's a lack of consistency between a company's “front stage” and “backstage.” Dan Sullivan and Jeffrey Madoff delve into the reasons why there can't be a gap between how a business operates internally and how it operates externally, and how an entrepreneur can foster a high level of dedication from their clients and team members through their behavior. In This Episode: A sign of a company's consistency is how long team members stay. If you're being yourself in the way you grow your business, it suggests your front stage and backstage are consistent with each other. Your Unique Ability is something you cannot not do. Strategic Coach team members are expected to increasingly only do what they love doing. A backstage isn't just an event; it's the day-to-day behaviors in a business. Consistency in behavior from a company doesn't mean that everybody working there is the same. You shouldn't treat your best client any differently than you treat your newest employee. There are entrepreneurs who are very famous but who have no growth potential. You can be fantastically bright, talented, and successful in one area of activity, and a complete idiot when you're delving into another area. If you have consistency between your front stage and your backstage, you don't have to worry about people seeing your backstage. A personal brand is your reputation. Resources:Article: Your Business Is A Theater Production: Your Back Stage Shouldn't Show On The Front Stage Unique Ability® Personality: The Lloyd Price Musical Dan Sullivan and Strategic Coach® Jeffrey Madoff's production company is Madoff Productions Creative Careers by Jeffrey Madoff

Jeffrey and Dan discuss the importance of following your passion. How do you identify it and then what do you do? They share their experiences and the challenges involved in pursuing passions, particularly in creative entrepreneurial careers. In This Episode: The safe careers of the past—the ones people might choose over their passion—aren't so safe anymore.The role of The 4 C's Formula®: Commitment, Courage, Capability, and Confidence.What is “Impostor Syndrome”?Who are the real impostors today?What happens when you don't follow your passion or listen too much to others' opinions?Being yourself is a fast-forward button to the result you're searching for Resources: Nyad (movie)The 4 C's Formula by Dan SullivanDan Sullivan and Strategic CoachJeffrey Madoff's production company is Madoff ProductionsCreative Careers by Jeffrey Madoff 

Jeffrey and Dan dive into the power of saying no and the valuable lessons this word holds for entrepreneurs. They discuss how saying no can open doors to bigger and better opportunities. With insightful anecdotes and practical advice, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to harness the power of saying no in their entrepreneurial journey. In This Episode: “No is a complete sentence” and a powerful tool for entrepreneurs.How do you decide whether to say yes or no? Consider your time, energy, and priorities.What about the fear of missing out? You can't miss out if you make a priority of yourself, your thinking, and your experiences.Show gratitude when declining an opportunity.Saying no can be challenging, especially when you're starting out and hungry, but it gets easier with practice.Knowing your core values makes decision-making a lot easier and ensures that the opportunities you take will be true to who you are and what you're about.Giving or receiving a “no” doesn't have to be a personal rejection.A solid yes or no is always better than a limbo of maybes.Jimi Hendrix: “Don't be reckless with other people's hearts. Don't put up with people who are reckless with yours.” Resources: Dan Sullivan and Strategic CoachJeffrey Madoff's production company Madoff ProductionsCreative Careers by Jeffrey MadoffThinking About Your Thinking by Dan Sullivan

Jeffrey and Dan discuss the importance of community in overcoming the isolation of being an entrepreneur, and the pitfalls of being obsessed with productivity. Discover how these two highly successful entrepreneurs focus only on their interests and strengths, and learn how to achieve your greatest successes well after your 70th birthday. In This Episode: Jeffrey and Dan discuss finding new excitement in their work through their seventies and beyond.Turning 70, along with the COVID lockdowns, made Jeffrey realize that time is limited, and it's essential to focus on what matters most.Dan describes a company meeting in which he asked his team to consider what they would do if he and Babs were suddenly gone. What was their answer?They discuss the dangers of comparing oneself to others, fear's influence on childhood behavior, and the foolishness of working on your weaknesses.They explore the cultural aspects of growing up in the 1940s and 1950s and the influence of media.Dan explains the “Your Best Decade Ever” exercise he's using with clients, emphasizing the importance of health and fitness in sustaining creativity and productivity.They discuss the balance between isolation and community, and the need for learning and understanding rather than blindly emulating successful entrepreneurs. Resources: Unique Ability®Dan Sullivan and Strategic CoachJeff Madoff's production company Madoff ProductionsJeff Madoff's book Creative Careers

How entrepreneurial can you be if you're creating art? The answer is, entirely entrepreneurial. Dan Sullivan and Jeffrey Madoff discuss the challenges and opportunities encountered in putting together a new stage musical.  In This Episode: Failure is giving up something that's important to you. Perseverance is probably the biggest part of being an entrepreneur. The way to get the best out of people is to work with them, listen to them, and show them respect. The number one bet that people make in their lives is on other people. Whenever you're dealing with money, people figure out all the loopholes and tricks to try to game the system. You have to go through the stages of commitment and courage before you gain capability and confidence. The situations that require the most courage are when you have no control over the outcome. As you get older, you can become more suited to risk because you've been through more. The difference between confidence and courage is that confidence feels good.  Resources: The 4 C's Formula by Dan Sullivan The Capability Amplifier Podcast with Dan Sullivan and Mike Koenigs Article about The Front Stage/Back Stage® Model Unique Ability®

The pressures and unpredictability of live theater come to life in this episode. Jeffrey and Dan delve into the tightrope walk of mounting a Broadway-bound production, from last-minute illnesses to navigating reviews. In theater, as in any business, life throws curveballs, so learn how to be ready to take action when the spotlight's on you. In This Episode: Jeffrey and Dan discuss the play Personality. Dan notes that it's unusual in that it's thoughtful and transformational, which audiences aren't used to.The hosts share the influence of reviews on the success of a play, and how critics often follow the narrative created by a prominent publication.Marketers like to emphasize tricks like QR codes, but actual patrons are indifferent to them or even annoyed by them.Live theater is a “tightrope,” which makes it exciting but also full of random risks, like lead actors losing their voices to high levels of pollen.Dan and Jeffrey discuss the value of improvisation and relating to “tonight's audience,” citing Tony Bennett and even General Rommel as examples.Dan shares his experience of using a brain-reprogramming program and trying to eliminate medication in order to get better sleep.Dan: “As you get closer to success, you're also vividly more aware of what failure looks like.” Resources:Personality: The Lloyd Price MusicalMore about Jeffrey Madoff Dan Sullivan and Strategic Coach®

Jeffrey Madoff and Dan Sullivan share how they've turned ideas into tangible success. Discover how your greatest asset might not be a product or service, but the intellectual property you haven't realized that you own. Explore how your innovative solutions can be transformed into valuable patents, creating a future of unlimited potential. Dan and Jeffrey redefine the way you look at pricing, and show you that it's all about making a genuine connection and understanding your customers' unique aspirations. In This Episode: 1. Context and connection: Both Jeffrey and Dan emphasize the importance of context when communicating with potential partners or clients. Just as Jeffrey navigates potential candidates, Dan encourages entrepreneurs to focus on understanding the person they're communicating with and their future goals. 2. Value of intellectual property: They further delve into how intellectual property has become a crucial asset, more valuable now than ever before. Dan also mentions his initiative called "The IP Value Builder Series," which provides participants with information on transforming solutions into patents, creating an asset that could yield high returns. 3. Importance of pricing: Jeffrey and Dan close on the importance of pricing, emphasizing how it's not just about market value, but about personal perception of value and how the product or service fits into the buyers' lives. Resources:•         Learn more about Jeffrey Madoff •         Learn more about Dan Sullivan and Strategic Coach•         For more about buying and selling, see Dan's book Always Be The Buyer

Jeffrey Madoff and Dan Sullivan explore the concept of complexity within simplicity in various forms of entertainment. Drawing parallels to other fields like watch-making, architecture, and design, they emphasize the importance of presenting intricate work in a way that appears effortless and beautiful. This notion of packing complexity into simplicity holds significant implications for entrepreneurs seeking to create innovative and compelling experiences. In This Episode:Dan talks about a 1984 performance of Sergio Mendes's “Never Gonna Let You Go” he recently saw online. Rick Beato, of the session musicians who worked on the song, was amazed by the incredible complexity of what seemed like a simple pop tune.Jeffrey explains the “complications” in watch-making, and how they're prized in more expensive watches.Dan highlights the significance of Shakespeare, whose complex characters continue to provide insight into human nature hundreds of years after the author's death.Because of his Ohio farmland roots, Dan Sullivan feels a connection with blue-collar workers like mechanics, drivers, and dock workers. Jeffrey also highlights the shift in societal re-evaluation of the value of front-line workers during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.The pair discuss the life and work ethos of Lloyd Price, the subject of Jeffrey's musical currently running in Chicago. They highlight his never-changing perspective towards his roots and his grounded personality throughout his successful career.Frenetic modern social platforms like TikTok and “fast fashion” demonstrate the short lifespan of work that's simple without context.Something that seems simple can contain a great deal of complexity, and understanding this requires an appreciation for context. Resources:Learn more about Jeffrey MadoffDan Sullivan and Strategic Coach“Never Gonna Let You Go” live in Tokyo, with Sergio Mendes, Joe Pizzulo and Kate YanaiPersonality: The Lloyd Price Musical 

Jeffrey Madoff and Dan Sullivan provide a captivating behind-the-scenes look into the world of theater production, as Jeffrey's play Personality: The Lloyd Price Musical enters previews at Chicago's Studebaker Theater. From the initial table read to the tension-filled tech rehearsals, the duo offer insights into the intricate and collaborative creative process leading up to a pre-Broadway premiere. In This Episode:Jeffrey and Dan discuss the premier of Personality: The Lloyd Price Musical, which opens in Chicago this week.Jeffrey talks about the rehearsal process and how the creative team approached the play, creatively and technically.Dan and Jeffrey examine the differences between theater in the past and today. Dan points out that theater in the past required a lot of creativity and skill, while today's theater is more technologically advanced.The Tony Award-winning set designer for Personality used LED screens to show a range of different settings, yet manages to keep the experience from feeling like watching a movie.Professional actors must quickly adapt to changes in their roles, whether it be music, lighting, or dance changes.The person in charge of the wigs is given as a perfect example of someone who'll never be replaced by technology.The success of the play depends on how well it's received by audiences over its 12-week run.Dan: “A lot of clichés shatter when they encounter reality.” Resources: Personality, The Lloyd Price Musical — running June 2 through September 3 at Chicago's Studebaker Theater in the Fine Arts Building, 410 S Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL

Jeffrey and Dan discuss the importance of philosophy and psychology in entrepreneurship. They explore how The Strategic Coach® Program helps clients think differently, and the value of building relationships based on trust. Dan shares his unique D.O.S.® formula for understanding clients' future dreams and plans. All of this gets discussed, as usual, in the context of world events, personal insights, and anything and everything else. In This Episode: Jeffrey and Dan explore philosophy, psychology, and communication in entrepreneurship, emphasizing relationship-building and the “three-year question” technique.Dan's coaching approach involves asking entrepreneurs powerful questions that prompt them to reflect on their past experiences, fostering confidence in their future and making them historians of their own careers.The hosts discuss confidence, courage, and risk-taking in entrepreneurship, with examples of pricing strategies, personal commitments, and the impact of actions on one's legacy.Childhood interests and experiences can shape whole careers: Dan's mother instilled in him a love of reading and exploration, leading him to uncover people's stories professionally.Jeffrey and Dan reflect on living through social, technological, and political revolutions, discussing the collapse of the Soviet Union and the dangers of losing one's sense of meaning. Resources: Personality: The Lloyd Price MusicalJeffrey MadoffDan Sullivan and Strategic Coach

Jump into the next conversation with Dan and Jeffrey as they explore the impact of technologies like ChatGPT on productivity, creativity, and critical thinking, while emphasizing the importance of context and the human touch. From the fashion world's hype about sustainability to the success of the Four Seasons hotel chain, this episode delves into the significance of boundaries, institutional wisdom, and the role of technology in shaping entrepreneurial businesses and our everyday lives. In This Episode: Dan and Jeffrey discuss ChatGPT, a popular tool among entrepreneurs for idea-packaging and tackling repetitive tasks.They express skepticism about ChatGPT's practical uses beyond routine tasks, with concerns about declining writing and literacy skills.Process and context matter. Shortcuts may hinder critical thinking.An obsession with speed and efficiency may lead to a loss of quality in education and creative work, with technology and “hacks” potentially stifling original thought.It's “insidious,” says Jeffrey, how our behavior is being corralled by Big Tech algorithms that encourage us to consume without thinking.Can fashion be sustainable? What about finding a personal style you can stick with?The Four Seasons hotel chain exemplifies timeless sustainability with its consistent quality and customer service.Establishing your own standards versus the limitations of commoditized thinking.Technology boosts productivity but may also increase workload and compromise quality, as seen in the legal and architectural industries.The significance of the microchip and its impact on productivity, with reference to the New York Times article that gave birth to “Moore's Law.”Boundaries and limitations are crucial for quality, with technological advancements supporting that quality, not just speed.Institutional wisdom is the key to Real Intelligence, as opposed to Artificial Intelligence. Resources: Learn more about Jeffrey Madoff Learn more about Dan Sullivan and Strategic CoachGordon Moore's original New York Times article (PDF)

Dan Sullivan and Jeffrey Madoff explore the importance of collaboration in both entertainment and business, using examples from stellar performers. Discover the dedication and skills required and how these can enhance collaboration and improvisation in the business world. In This Episode: Explore captivating 1930s and 1940s black and white film performances, featuring Eleanor Powell and Fred Astaire, and the importance of collaboration in entertainment and business.Discover the dedication and training required to master tap dancing, as demonstrated by Powell and Astaire's magical performance.Learn about the simplicity and effectiveness of old-style, one-take film-making and its relevance to modern-day collaboration in film and business.Delve into the significance of teamwork in achieving success, with examples from artists Bernini and Chihuly, and the role of skill development in collaboration.Understand the power of shared vision and talent pooling, using examples from the art world and the lesser-known but talented Nicholas Brothers duo.Discuss the physicality and precision of the Nicholas Brothers' performance in "Stormy Weather," and how performing arts skills can benefit entrepreneurs.Gain insights into the value of applying skills learned outside traditional business settings through a conversation on the parallels between performing arts and the business world.Explore the importance of teamwork, listening, and mastering every aspect of a production in both musicals and business.Recognize the significance of great listening, timing, and respect for the process in both music and business, while avoiding the temptation of prioritizing quick success over skill development.Reflect on the importance of continual growth in one's career, and enjoy remastered performances of famous artists from the past on YouTube, as recommended by Dan and Jeffrey. Resources: Eleanor Powell and Fred Astaire dance to “Begin the Beguine”The Nicholas Brothers with Cab CallowayJudy Garland and Mel Tormé singing “Clang, Clang, Clang Went the Trolley”

In this episode, Jeffrey quizzes Dan about his unique journey from being a curious child engaging with adults to becoming the trusted coach to some of the world's most successful entrepreneurs. They discuss the power of asking questions, the complexities of adulthood, and how your early experiences might just shape your whole career. Entrepreneurs and creatives alike will gain valuable insights from Dan's business coaching expertise and Jeff's experience in producing hits.

Dan and Jeffrey discuss the similarities between producing a hit musical and running a successful business. As Personality moves toward its opening at the Studebaker Theater in Chicago next summer, Jeffrey shares insights into talent management and the importance of collaboration for success. The two experts also draw parallels between the theater industry and entrepreneurship and offer valuable lessons for business leaders looking to create triple-threat teams and achieve success in their own ventures.

More and more major business decisions are being made by analyzing data. But, as Dan Sullivan points out, data has a major flaw: It's only about the past. Listen in as Dan and Jeff look past the hype about Big Data and artificial intelligence to find out where entrepreneurs' real successes come from.

Everyone wants to be an achiever, but not all achievers are chasing the same thing. Dan Sullivan and Jeffrey Madoff explain the difference between status-based goals and excitement-based goals, why excitement and fear go hand in hand, and how different motivations lead to different results.

Join the show as Jeffrey Madoff asks business coach Dan Sullivan about luck: Are you just born with it? Or is it something you can cultivate? From his decades of experience coaching successful entrepreneurs, Dan suspects that luck might be something you can attract with the right mindset.

Unlike salaried employees, entrepreneurs are only as successful as the results they produce in the time available, so it's natural that the entrepreneurial community is obsessed with “productivity hacks.” Dan Sullivan and Jeffrey Madoff discuss whether it's actually possible to become more productive—or if that's even the right question to be asking!

Archetypes have been with us for as long as we've been communicating, and they hold immense power over public perception and imagination, regardless of whether they live up to the truth. Listen in as Dan Sullivan and Jeffrey Madoff explore the many ways archetypes show up in our lives—and why we're so drawn to them.

A compelling offer creates a story in someone's mind about a bigger future—a tale laced with emotions that probably weren't even conscious until now. This approach will always beat out statistics, research, and any other kind of convincing argument.