Zev Audio Zone

In this episode, I'm joined by stand-up comedian and public speaking expert, Jenn Lederer, and we delve into the fascinating parallels between stand-up comedy and business presentations. Jenn shares how lessons from stand-up comedy—like structure, timing, and audience connection—can be applied to business and keynote speaking, and how those skills translate in both directions. We also explore how to find your own authentic voice, how boundaries can be a springboard for creativity, and the importance of reading the room to understand your audience. Jenn also offers insight into how anyone can tap into their creativity and craft a unique story that resonates.  Whether you're speaking in front of a crowd or delivering a business pitch, this episode will help you refine your delivery, own your story, and connect with your audience in a meaningful way. These skills can help you build your personal brand or make a stronger impression during a presentation or networking event. Tune in for a deep dive into creativity, authenticity, and the art of public speaking and presenting! About our guest:  Jenn Lederer is a comedian, keynote speaker, and consultant known for blending humor with business insights. Jenn specializes in helping individuals and businesses master the art of storytelling to create authentic connections and make an impact on their audiences. Whether performing on stage or advising clients, she empowers people to embrace their unique voices, foster creativity, and build meaningful relationships.  Using her signature COMEDIAN'S FORMULA, she helps clients master the art of effective communication and become go-to experts in their fields. Jenn's unique blend of comedy, business insights, and coaching has made her a sought-after speaker and consultant, delivering impactful workshops on effective communication. Lederer's work has been featured by SiriusXM, Forbes.com, The Huffington Post, Inspiring Lives Magazine, and comedy clubs throughout New York City. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/HLuZGTNz3xw  Connect with Jenn Lederer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennlederer/  Learn more: https://www.jennlederer.com/  Jenn's Google Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HC20zO2BFR8&ab_channel=TalksatGoogle   

production company. Previously, C.A. Green worked on major film and television productions for big media organizations, including NBC, ABC, and Netflix. He now owns his own company and makes promotional videos mainly for non-profits and small businesses. In this episode, we talked about his journey of working in the film industry before striking out on his own and how he balances freelancing with his values and obligations in his personal life.  Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/I3-9YBvb7j0  Connect with C.A. Green: https://www.linkedin.com/in/c-a-green-70b88618a/ Learn more: https://www.behindthebeardmedia.com/

A lot of people think cold calling is dead. John Waller disagrees. John Waller is a true, old-school salesman and the founder of The OnHold Experience, a company that produces audio recordings that promote your business to your customers over the phone while they're waiting on hold. John's been selling since he was a kid growing up in England in the early 1960s trading bubble gum for toy cars  – something that he paid dearly for as you'll find out. Undeterred by that early childhood incident, he's since led a successful sales career spanning decades, selling insurance and phone headsets before he got into selling on-hold messages. While a big fan of cold calling, John has also incorporated newer tactics into his sales process such as LinkedIn and attending virtual networking groups to set up “warm calls” and build relationships that lead to numerous referrals and new business.  Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/b22mr7UTn7Y  Connect with John Waller: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wallerjohntheonholdguy/  Learn more: https://www.theonholdexperience.com/   

Vance Morris is an entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and an authority on customer experience & customer service. Vance previously worked at Walt Disney World where he managed multiple restaurants and nightclubs. At Disney, he learned much about customer service, paying attention to small details, and creating memorable guest experiences. In this episode, we discussed how Vance applies the lessons he learned at “the happiest place on Earth” to his carpet cleaning company and other service businesses. By sprinkling in some Disney magic and going the extra mile to surprise and delight his customers, Vance Morris made his cleaning companies stand out from the competition.  While carpet cleaning and mold remediation may not sound like the most glamorous and exciting businesses in the world, Vance set his companies apart by using creative branding and marketing tactics, building a strong culture, and bending over backward to deliver a level of service that leaves his competitors in the dust.  Also a business coach and mentor to entrepreneurs, Vance shares his Disney-influenced approach with his coaching clients to help them build strong, engaged teams and drive customer loyalty without getting in their own way. He helps his clients create systems that give them more freedom and allow them to spend more time working on their businesses and less time in their businesses. If you're anything like me, you don't want to be coached by someone whose only business has been a coaching business or someone who has only studied business from books and courses; you want to get advice from a business owner who has firsthand experience running successful small businesses. Vance Morris is the real deal with the wisdom and insights to share that can only be learned from experience.  Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/I9osnSwhnnk Connect with Vance Morris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vancemorris/  Get his free list of 52 Ways To Wow Your Customers Without Breaking The Bank here: www.wow52ways.com   Learn more about his three successful service businesses: www.easternshorecarpetcleaning.com  www.easternshorerugcleaning.com  www.marylandmoldbusters.com   

Mark Schaefer is a digital marketing consultant, a globally recognized keynote speaker, a futurist, a university educator, a renowned expert in marketing and personal branding, and the bestselling author of many books, including "Belonging to the Brand," "Marketing Rebellion," "Known," and "Audacious: How Humans Win in an AI Marketing World". His blog, {grow} is hailed as one of the top marketing blogs in the world and he is also the host of The Marketing Companion, one of the top 10 marketing podcasts on iTunes. He has also appeared on many national television shows and periodicals including the Wall Street Journal, Wired, The New York Times, CNN, National Public Radio (NPR), CNBC, the BBC, and CBS News, and he is a regular contributing columnist to The Harvard Business Review. Connect with Mark Schaeffer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markwschaefer/ Buy the book, “Belonging to the Brand”: https://www.amazon.com/Belonging-Brand-Community-Marketing-Strategy-ebook/dp/B0BQCRN6JQ Blog: https://businessesgrow.com/ Podcast: The Marketing Companion Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/-IKcl_my7vQ What if you could build a community around your brand or business? What if I told you that you can cultivate an engaged, supportive community of fans around your business where people clamor to buy anything you offer and never leave because your community is such an important part of their lives and identities? My guest, Mark Schaefer is the author of Belonging to the Brand, Why Community is the Last Great Marketing Strategy.  In an age of AI and automation where even many global brands are losing market share and relevance, Mark believes that community is the last refuge for preserving our humanity and ensuring brands, businesses, and non-profits stand out. As Mark explains in his book, and as we discussed in this episode, building a community goes way beyond simply amassing a following. Social media followers and casual readers or viewers are a weak relational link. According to Mark Schaefer, the real magic happens when you're able to bring people together so they connect to one another and find a sense of belonging within your brand community. Once you create a community, your organization becomes a home for your audience – a place where they find meaning. And, a sense of meaning is often what is missing from many people's lives today. For all of our technological advancements and social progress, many people feel lonely or socially isolated. As Mark says in his book, we humans are “wired for community,” which can be hard to find in a world that is so virtual and where remote work is common. The demand for community has, perhaps, never been greater than at any time in human history. If you can help fulfill your audience's need for belonging and community, then you will acquire a tribe of loyal supporters and repeat customers. According to Mark's thesis, which I believe is correct, building a community is how organizations can make the greatest impact and drive the biggest outcomes if they're willing to put in the time and work into making their community grow. Creating a community requires long-term thinking and an investment of time and energy, but it will pay off for those who commit to it, as Mark explains on the podcast and in his book.  In this conversation, Mark and I spoke about the importance of community from both a marketing and a sociological perspective. He also shared interesting case studies of people who found success by building communities around their brands. From a business and marketing standpoint, having your own community on an owned channel also strengthens your brand long-term, dramatically increases customer loyalty and retention, and lessens your reliance on the whims of social media algorithms and changing markets.  In this episode, we discussed his “Belonging to the Brand,” published in 2022, but you should also check out his new book that just came out, "Audacious: How Humans Win in an AI Marketing World." Connect with Mark Schaefer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markwschaefer/ Buy the book, Belonging to the Brand: https://www.amazon.com/Belonging-Brand-Community-Marketing-Strategy-ebook/dp/B0BQCRN6JQ  Learn more: https://businessesgrow.com/ Buy his new book, Audacious: How Humans Win in an AI Marketing World: https://www.amazon.com/Audacious-How-Humans-Marketing-World/dp/B0DSHRN3PC#:~:text=Mark%20Schaefer's%20%22Audacious%22%20is%20a,AI%20by%20a%20million%20watts.  Mark Schaefer is a globally recognized keynote speaker, educator, business consultant, and author. His blog {grow} is hailed as one of the top marketing blogs in the world. Mark has worked in global sales, PR, and marketing positions for more than 30 years and provides consulting services as Executive Director of Schaefer Marketing Solutions. Mark has advanced degrees in marketing and organizational development, holds seven patents, and is a faculty member of the graduate studies program at Rutgers University. For three years, Mark studied under the late Peter Drucker (a world-renowned consultant and author known as the founder of modern management). He is one of the world's most popular business-related keynote speakers, taking the stage at some of the largest industry and corporate conferences including SXSW, Dell World, the American Bar Association Annual Conference, and many others. He has spoken in 35 different countries. Mark is also well-known for developing corporate marketing strategies and marketing workshops. His clients range from successful start-ups to global brands such as Adidas, Johnson & Johnson, GE Life Sciences, Pfizer, The U.S. Air Force, and the UK Government. Mark is the bestselling author of ten other books: Belonging to the Brand: Why Community is the Last Great Marketing Strategy: This book was number one in both marketing and advertising categories and provides a spellbinding view of the future of marketing. Cumulative Advantage: How to Build Momentum for your Ideas, Business, and Life Against All Odds — This book explores the art and science of momentum Marketing Rebellion: The Most Human Company Wins — Some reviewers note this might be the most influential marketing book of the decade. KNOWN: How to Build and Unleash Your Personal Brand in the Digital Age — World's number one book on personal branding. The Content Code — Named one of the top five marketing books of the year by INC Magazine. Social Media Explained — Essential primer on social media marketing. Return on Influence — First book ever written on influencer marketing. Named to the elite list of top academic titles of the year by the American Library Association, which declared it an “essential” and “pathfinding” book. Born to Blog — All-time bestselling book on blogging! LESSONS — Collection of essential essays on embracing chaos. The Tao of Twitter – Best-selling book on Twitter in the world. Mark's books have been used as textbooks at more than 70 universities, have been translated into 15 languages, and can be found in more than 750 libraries worldwide. He is the founder and co-host of The Marketing Companion, one of the top 10 marketing podcasts on iTunes. The show has been downloaded more than 1.5 million times. Mark is also a popular and entertaining commentator and has appeared on many national television shows and periodicals including the Wall Street Journal, Wired, The New York Times, CNN, National Public Radio, CNBC, the BBC, and CBS News. He is a regular contributing columnist to The Harvard Business Review. Learn more: https://businessesgrow.com/  

Start the new year off right with sales strategies and tools that will help you build connections, cultivate strong relationships, and win more referrals! Reuben Swartz is the host of the Sales for Nerds Podcast and founder of Mimiran, the fun "Anti-CRM" CRM solution for solopreneurs and consultants who hate "Selling" but love serving clients. Utilizing his background of doing sales and marketing for Fortune 500 companies, and his own experience overcoming his personal aversion to selling, Reuben Swartz created, Mimiran a CRM specially designed for consultants, solo entrepreneurs, and solo professionals who may not be comfortable with sales. This "anti-CRM," as he calls it was made with the solopreneur in mind. It caters to the specific needs solopreneurs with unique features not offered by other CRMs and without burdening users with complex features typical of other CRMs that are unnecessary for the solopreneur or consultant. Some Topics Discussed in this episode include: ✅ How to get over your negative feelings about selling ✅ The right way to network and cultivate relationships ✅ Relationship-driven selling and fostering referral partnerships ✅ Follow-up strategies and tips ✅ Bridging the gap between marketing and sales with a CRM solution designed with solopreneurs in mind Connect with Reuben Swartz: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reubenswartz/ Learn more about Mimiran CRM (client relationship management): https://www.mimiran.com/  Traditional CRMs are for the VP of Sales to keep track of the sales team, not for consultants to create and nurture relationships in their “spare” time. Mimiran gives you more of what you need and less of what you don't. Sales for Nerds Podcast: https://www.salesfornerds.io/ 

Photo Credit: MARGARET CORONA/DFP Enjoy a jolly conversation between Zev Gotkin and Jim Manning, the official Santa Claus of Boston, and the state of Massachusetts. Happy holidays!

My guest, Allison Kade is a content marketer, writer, brand journalist, and the founder of Contented, a boutique content marketing agency based in Philadelphia providing content strategy, writing, editing, copyediting, and more. Drawing on her eclectic interests and areas of expertise, her agency focuses on creating content about finance, climate, and health care. Allison Kade's writing has been published in several media outlets, including Fox Business News, Business Insider (now Insider), The Fiscal Times, The Huffington Post, Travel + Leisure, Lifehacker, The Travel Channel, and xoJane. In addition to her work as a content marketer, she is also a money coach who helps people with their personal finance and financial planning. Some topics discussed: What the right content marketing strategy can do for your business The current state of content marketing Utilizing AI in content generation (or not) and how AI will impact content marketing Combining a diverse array of interests and areas of expertise into your work Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/jV7y6ZvHzFI?si=RcVWULvCKCBB7hwU  Connect with Allison Kade: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allison-kade-9007804/  Learn more: https://allisonkade.com/  Allison's appearance on Fox Business News: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJBfBjIbvOk&ab_channel=FOX61

PPC (Pay-Per-Click) and SEM (Search Engine Marketing) Strategies for Non-Profit Organizations  In this episode, my guest is Sean Littman, a Search Engine Marketing and Google Ads expert who focuses on helping non-profit organizations grow. Sean Littman is the founder of GiveSuite and the host of the podcast, “Profiting with Non Profits.” While he shies away from bombastic approbations like “guru” and “expert”, don't let his humility fool you. Non-profit organizations from around the world consult him about marketing strategies for fundraising. In this conversation, just in time for Thanksgiving and #GivingTuesday, Sean Littman generously shared insights from his vast experience managing successful, ROI-positive ad campaigns on Google and other search engine platforms for small and medium-sized non-profits.  Topics Covered: How Non-Profits can put their best foot forward The Psychology Behind Why People Give to Some Organizations and Not Others Non-profit Growth Strategies and Taking Advantage of Google Grants CRMs and all-in-one marketing solutions for managing your fundraising and donor base And much, much more! Connect with Sean Littman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-littman-catch22nonprofit/  Learn more about GiveSuite: https://givesuite.com/ Check out the Profiting with Non-Profits Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHJPx7qg79CYEe6hV7qV6Q3Yu5cYMRimF Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/q6vmSsIV8xc   

Organic Growth on YouTube: Tips from a Marketing Pro In this episode, we sit down with Mary Ann Bautista, a YouTube strategist and direct response marketing expert based in San Francisco. Mary Ann specializes in organic YouTube optimization, leveraging search strategies to help you gain visibility, succeed on the YouTube platform, and convert views and subscribers into tangible business results. She shared secrets to maximizing views and growing your channel's audience, turning your YouTube channel into a brand and business builder as well as a passive income stream.  Some topics we covered:  Why your business should be on YouTube and why YouTube organic growth is valuable for brands Proven strategies for optimizing your content to reach the right audience How she pivoted her extensive marketing career to focus on YouTube strategy Mary Ann's 30+ years in direct response services have included high-impact campaigns across TV, radio, podcasts, and social media. Her proprietary techniques have powered significant growth for countless brands Connect with Mary Ann Bautista: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryannbautista/  Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/4fe05R8cjQU

They say your network is your net worth. My guest, Rachel Rozen, believes networking is a skill like any other. While some might have more of a natural affinity for networking than others, anyone can improve and get better at it with the right strategy and plenty of practice. In my conversation with networking coach, Rachel Rozen, we discussed tips, tricks, and strategies for making valuable connections, cultivating relationships, and building a powerful network. Rachel Rozen is the founder of Connection Catalyst, a consultancy helping people become stronger networkers. In addition to providing workshops, classes, and 1:1 coaching, she also hosts exclusive, 8-person dinners in Manhattan for like-minded professionals and business owners looking to step up their networking game. You can learn more about Rachel Rozen's coaching services and her dinners in NYC by clicking the links below.  Connect with Rachel Rozen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-rozen/ Learn more: https://www.connectioncatalyst.me/ Apply to attend a dinner in NYC here: https://www.connectioncatalyst.me/dinners Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/GI3C25wMx0Y  

Tiffany Wilburn is a fractional food & beverage Chief Marketing Officer, the founder of Clever Disruption, and brand strategist who has been published in AdWeek. Throughout her career, she has helped larger-than-life brands such as Nestle, TGIF Fridays, Hot Pockets, and Southern Comfort (AKA: SoCo) revamp their marketing strategies, develop new products, reach new audiences, and grow their market share. In addition to food/bev, she also provides consulting to beauty and CPG (consumer packaged goods) brands.  In this episode we talked about her work with big food/bev brands, lesser-known regional styles of pizza, sweet whiskey, and what makes a grocery shopper pick your product off the shelf over that of your competition. Apologies in advance if this episode makes you hungry! Connect with Tiffany Wilburn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffanywilburn/ Learn More: https://www.cleverdisruption.com/ Watch the episode on YouTube here: 

Naphtali Hoff is a coach for busy executives who takes leaders from overstretched to over-delivered. He is also a sought-after speaker, the founder of Impactful Coaching, and the author of Becoming the Productive Boss: 5 Proven Steps to Leading High Performing Teams. A leadership coach for for-profit and non-profit leaders alike, Naphtali Hoff helps clients avoid mistakes and maximize their potential. Watch Episode Here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKw3i2Rzfu0&t=341s&ab_channel=ZevGotkin Connect with Naphtali Hoff: https://www.linkedin.com/in/naphtalihoff/  Learn more about Naphtali Hoff: https://www.impactfulcoaching.com/ Order Becoming the Productive Boss: 5 Proven Steps to Leading High Performing Teams here: https://www.amazon.com/Becoming-Productive-Boss-Leading-Performing/dp/B0BVSXCWZP Mastermind Group: https://www.impactfulcoaching.com/blm  

Peter Shankman is a serial entrepreneur, author, speaker, podcaster, and thought leader in marketing and public relations. Ever wanted to be quoted in a major news outlet as an authority or an expert in your space? Now, you can get valuable PR placements for free. In this conversation, we talked about Peter's free new online service, Source of Sources. Launched earlier this summer, SOS is already making waves in the world of public relations with over 22,000 subscribers. Much like its better-known earlier incarnation, HARO – which stands for Help a Reporter Out – Source of Sources is an email listserv designed to make it easier for journalists to find the sources they need, and for sources, such as brands, business owners, and thought leaders to get the publicity they seek. Up to three times a day, subscribers get an email with queries by journalists from various media outlets.  If a journalist asks about a topic you know a lot about, simply reply directly with helpful information or feedback for a chance to be featured or quoted in the story. The only rule? Only reply to a journalist's query, or SOS, if you have something productive and relevant to add. If you respond with something unhelpful, you will be permanently removed from the list! No exceptions; no appeals. This is serious business. He's not messing around here! Peter Shankman is perhaps best known as the founder of HARO (Help a Reporter Out), an online service that worked the same ways as Source of Sources. Groundbreaking at the time and user-friendly, HARO bridged the gap between journalists and public brands seeking media coverage by allowing journalists to connect with industry experts and the public for feedback on issues related to their reporting. In 2010, HARO was sold to Vocus, which was subsequently acquired by Cision in 2014. Earlier this year,  Cision folded the classic HARO into Connectively, a web-based tool. Shortly after, our guest, Peter Shankman revived HARO as Source of Sources, an incredible resource he provides to subscribers free of charge.  A lifelong Manhattanite, marketing expert, and futurist, the New York Times called Peter Shankman “a rock star who knows everything about social media and then some.” He is a 5X best-selling author, and the author of Faster Than Normal: Turbocharge Your Focus, Productivity, and Success with the Secrets of the ADHD Brain. He also has a fantastic podcast about ADHD called The Faster than Normal podcast where he interviews psychologists and successful people from all fields who have ADHD. I highly recommend the book and the podcast is one of my favorites!  In this episode, Peter Shankman and I spoke about Source of Sources, the current state of PR and news media in general, and how to become savvier consumers of information. We also discussed Mental Capital Consulting, a consultancy he co-founded with a psychologist in 2023 that helps companies attract, hire, and retain neurodiverse employees while helping companies to become neuro-inclusive. And, to top it all off we resolved a mysterious bone of contention about cold pizza.  Peter assured us his new service, Source of Sources is free, but he says if you really feel like sending him a donation, you should send it to a charity such as Best Friends Animal Society or The NYC Mayor's Alliance for Animals.  Watch on YouTube:  Follow Peter on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petershankman/  Learn more about Source of Sources: https://sourceofsources.com/ Mental Capital Consulting: https://mentalcapitalconsulting.com/ Coaching and Mastermind: https://www.shankminds.com/  Instagram: @petershankman https://www.instagram.com/petershankman/ Over 79K followers Faster than Normal Podcast: https://www.fasterthannormal.com/  Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Shankman

Make no mistake; people don't just buy the product. They're also buying YOU. When you're selling anything, remember that you're also selling yourself. One man who has done a great job selling himself -- and B2B solutions -- is our guest, Luca Giorgiantonio. To succeed in sales, your prospect needs to feel that you're passionate about what you're selling. Your passion needs to come through, and Luca certainly has passion and an enthusiasm that is infectious, as you will witness. Luca Giorgiantonio is a salesperson for ePaymints, a merchant processing solution. Previously he worked for nearly two decades in the restaurant business. Today, he leverages his relationships in the hospitality world in his current sales role. With his colorful, passionate personality

Coach Dan Gordon is a sales trainer, podcaster, and the author of No Douchebag Selling “Sell like a badass…Not like a douche!” Dan Gordon's training and workshops (link below) are designed for badass entrepreneurs who want more clients, but selling makes them feel sick. Coach Dan Gordon is here to help you reframe how you look at sales and selling so that you can sell authentically and feel great about doing it.  https://dangordonenterprise.com/ Connect with Coach Dan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachdangordon/ Watch Here:   

My guest is Ardor Technologies Head of Sales (North America), Brian Hellgeth. Business travel can be difficult. Last-minute schedule changes, new cities to visit, clients to support, etc. Wouldn't it be great for your travel partner to support you? Ardor is a next-generation all-in-one business travel and expense management platform focused on business-to-business and agency travel solutions, helping business travelers save money and get their time back so they focus on their clients. You can also use the Ardor platform to book personal travel during your time off. Ardor believes you deserve the same discounts your company enjoys! Learn more about Ardor here: https://www.ardortrip.com/ Connect with Brian Hellgeth: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bhellgeth2045/  

Matt Stein is the Founder and President of Unique Luxury Travels, a custom travel consultancy where he combines his knowledge and expertise in luxury experiences with his deep-rooted love for art and wine. Driven by his unwavering passion for exploration and voracious curiosity about other cultures, Matt Stein made the daring choice to leave an illustrious 20-year career in journalism to found his travel agency. With a commitment to exceeding expectations, Matt ensures every client embarks on a tailor-made, custom, bespoke journey that transcends the ordinary. Based in New York City, Matt Stein has dedicated himself to redefining the travel experience, alleviating the stresses and frustrations commonly associated with travel. At Unique Luxury Travels, Matt caters to various custom luxury travel needs and wishes, crafting itineraries based on your interests and taking care of everything from planning to booking hotels, excursions, and meals so all you have to do is pack up, go, and enjoy. Whether you are an experienced globetrotter, a wine enthusiast, an art collector, an adventure seeker, or a sports fan, Unique Luxury Travels is committed to meeting your unique preferences and surpassing your expectations.   In this episode we talked about how Matt went from a fear of flying (didn't fly until his 30s) to a travel enthusiast, travel do's and don'ts, and his story of leaving a celebrated 20-year career in TV journalism to become a full-time travel agent and entrepreneur. Learn more: https://uniqueluxurytravels.com/ Matt Stein: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-stein-nyc/  Watch: YouTube

Doug Wood is the CEO of Tommy Bahama, the world-renowned American fashion and lifestyle brand. Tommy Bahama sells tropical island-inspired casual clothing, accessories, footwear, and home furnishings for men and women. Toward the end of 2023, the brand opened Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa, a luxury resort in Indian Wells, California. Learn More: https://www.tommybahama.com/ https://www.tommybahamamiramonte.com/ In this episode of the Zee Learning Podcast, I sat down with Doug Wood, the visionary CEO of Tommy Bahama, and delved into his remarkable journey and leadership that has driven over 20 years of impressive growth and expansion for the iconic brand. Throughout the interview, Doug shared insights into his leadership style and management philosophy that have unified Tommy Bahama's diverse businesses—wholesale, retail, restaurant, e-commerce, and licensing — under a consistent and compelling brand message. Watch: YouTube Doug Wood joined Tommy Bahama in 2001 as Chief Operating Officer, rising to President in 2008 and CEO in 2015. Under his leadership, Tommy Bahama has transformed from a wholesale-centric company to a flourishing direct-to-consumer business with a robust wholesale division. Doug's strategic direction has been pivotal in developing a successful e-commerce platform, expanding retail and restaurant ventures, and spearheading the brand's international growth. With over 25 years of executive experience in business management, finance, and operations, Doug's expertise has been a cornerstone of Tommy Bahama's sustained success. Before his tenure at Tommy Bahama, Doug held key positions at AT&T/McCaw Communications and Boeing Defense and Space Group. A native of Washington State, Doug earned his MBA from Pacific Lutheran University and a BS in Business Administration for Finance and Economics from Central Washington University, where he was honored as the commencement speaker for the class of 2015. Join us as we explore Doug Wood's incredible journey, his approach to leadership, and the strategies that have positioned Tommy Bahama as a leader in its industry, along with an exciting look at the new Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa. Located in Indian Wells in the Greater Palm Springs area, Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa debuted on November 1st, 2023 following an extensive, $20 million renovation and redesign that pairs island living with desert luxury. This is the first resort concept for the elevated lifestyle brand, Tommy Bahama. Situated against the Santa Rosa Mountains, the transformed resort boasts 215 guestrooms and reimagined villa suites infused with a custom tropical design aesthetic woven into 11 acres of olive trees, fragrant citrus groves, and flower gardens. With 35,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space; three saltwater swimming pools with cabanas; Grapefruit Basil, a new signature restaurant and bar created specifically for the resort; exclusive retail products at the new Rosa Boutique; and the 12,000-square-foot Spa Rosa, Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa will serve as a chic desert escape for travelers looking to soak up life's simple pleasures and celebrate their most significant moments. Learn more about Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa:  https://www.tommybahamamiramonte.com/ Watch this episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0or4jqtqwY&list=PLlTwnBWzuS7yU31j9qrZEY8T8QsSH-SjA&ab_channel=ZevGotkin

Rochelle Lisner is the founder of Dynamic Business Growth. She is a sales and customer service coach who has worked with corporations, entrepreneurs, small business owners, and solopreneurs for two decades, helping them perfect their elevator pitches, be more interesting, and, as she puts it, “story tell” rather than “boring tell.” Rochelle Lisner has been dubbed “a teaching, training, and motivating dynamo.” Her quick wit, quintessential Queens New York sass, and blunt, no-BS style not only inspires, motivates, and educates, but also entertains her clients. Using her methodology, she helps business owners cut to the chase and communicate their value proposition clearly in a way that engages prospects or investors.  Her previous 22 Years of success in the challenging world of corporate travel has given Rochelle a unique and incredibly practical perspective on sales processes and on the most effective way to deal with difficult clients. She infuses her innovative sales training and interactive programs with the wisdom borne out of dealing with diverse industries, crisis management, multicultural clients, and demanding customers. https://www.linkedin.com/in/rochellelisner/ https://dynamicbusinessgrowth.com/   

Aaron Itzkowitz is the founder and CEO of EmotionTrac. EmotionTrac is an AI-driven AdTech tool that replaces the need for a focus group. Using insights from real people combined with AI, EmotionTrac uncovers the emotional triggers that tell you how people respond to your ad. In this episode, Aaron Itzkowitz describes how EmotionTrac works and outlines several use cases. While he goes into more detail about it, it basically works as follows. Users get paid in fungible tokens they can redeem for prizes to watch ads on their mobile devices. EmotionTrac's technology can read facial expressions that indicate emotional reactions such as disgust, delight, laughter, happiness, and sadness to accurately determine how users respond to the ads without violating user privacy, giving advertisers honest feedback and consumer responses in real time. Learn more: https://www.emotiontrac.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronitzkowitz/ Watch this episode on YouTube here: YouTube Episode

Marty Katz is a Marketing Consultant with over 40 years of experience specializing in brand messaging. He is also the founder of Connectors 360. Marty Katz helps retail, entertainment, and packaged goods companies develop a message that connects them with their audience, creates engagement, and generates sales. In this episode, Mary Katz and I discuss branding, what it means to have a ‘brand,' the difference between a rebrand and a brand refresh, and the relationship between marketing and sales and how they work together. Other topics we addressed include Mad Men, developing a marketing plan and strategy, and why companies should invest in building a brand for the long term. Connect with Marty Katz: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marty-katz/ https://connectors360.com/

In this episode, we sit down with Darryl Haberman, a digital media strategist, consultant, and fractional COO with a passion for driving business growth through innovative content and collaboration. With over 25 years of experience working with industry giants like Disney+, ESPN, Major League Baseball, and the National Hockey League, Darryl shares his unique approach to engaging audiences and revolutionizing digital media. We'll discuss his track record of leading cross-functional teams, developing award-winning platforms, and his latest venture—a SaaS platform designed to enhance fan engagement and generate new revenue streams for sports teams and athletes. Whether you're looking to elevate your business or gain insights into the world of digital media, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways. Tune in to learn from one of the best in the industry! Learn more about Darryl Haberman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haberman/ How to Get Involved: https://sportsphilanthropynetwork.org/  

Neco Turkienicz is the president and CEO of Leib Productions, a video marketing agency that specializes in shooting testimonial videos remotely. He is an experienced videographer and marketer who has shot documentaries and commercials for big brands and offers his remote testimonial video packages at refreshingly affordable, reasonable rates. In this interview, Neco walks us through how he shoots these remote videos, his process for getting your clients/customers to open up on camera about their experience with your company, and how these video testimonials can be utilized on your website, social media, email, and more to grow your brand.  Learn more about Neco Turkienicz: https://www.linkedin.com/in/necoturkienicz/ https://www.leibproductions.com/  Neco Turkienicz has been directing and editing for over 30 years, and he sees every new project with the same excitement and curiosity as his first one. Being able to put yourself in your client's shoes, and embracing their goals as your own, is a self-requirement that guides Neco to create video content that is emotionally engaging, truthful to who the client is, and, above all, effective. Neco is a storyteller who studied Film and Television at the University of Tel-Aviv, Israel and started his career as an editor and later as a director in Cable Television in Israel. He directed eight documentaries for TV and worked as a TV director and editor on the Israeli Sports Channel for 14 years. He moved to the US in 2004, where he was a creative director in two NY-based animation companies, working with the largest ad agencies in the world. He founded his own company in 2009 and has been working since then creating video content for businesses. In the last few years, Neco became a specialist in Remote Video Production, which is creating high-quality, professional videos without the need for a video crew on location. His company, Leib Productions, is dedicated to creating this kind of content for businesses and non-profit organizations in the US and around the world.  

Josef Katz is a senior-level marketer and CMO known for his expertise in helping startups grow. Nicknamed the “Direct Maestro” and the “Startup Marketing Guy”, Josef Katz is specialized in building strategic and growth marketing programs for startups. Josef Katz is the Director of Marketing and Communications at the Jewish Learning Initiative on Campus (JLIC). Connect with Josef Katz here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josefkatz/ 

Sydney Campos believes social media can be better and live up to its potential. Join us for a lively conversation about social media, community, and human connection! Sydney Campos is an accomplished author, serial entrepreneur, and the founder of Ascend as well as the Chief of Staff of Mattermore. She is passionate about mental health, human connection, well-being, and the future of work. A strategic consultant and performance coach, Sydney Campos leads countless workshops, courses, and retreats where she helps guide people through powerful transformation and healing so they can live their purpose, own their power, and live a fulfilling, joyful life.  Over the past decade, she has guided leaders and conscious companies worldwide in realizing their full potential. Sydney Campos is also the author of two best-selling books, “The Empath Experience” and her new book, “I'm Ascending, Now What?” Both of her books are in-depth resources for human potential and embodiment enjoyed by over 65,000 readers globally and are often recommended by clinicians, coaches, therapists, and parents. Learn more about Sydney Campos: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sydneycampos/  “I'm Ascending, Now What?” (2023) https://www.amazon.com/Im-Ascending-Now-What-Authentic/dp/B0BKKC32DR/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=aMFGI&content-id=amzn1.sym.cf86ec3a-68a6-43e9-8115-04171136930a&pf_rd_p=cf86ec3a-68a6-43e9-8115-04171136930a&pf_rd_r=134-0995366-6082259&pd_rd_wg=YLCJb&pd_rd_r=d8909c2b-c2ef-4e08-aaac-a3e09535de39&ref_=aufs_ap_sc_dsk “The Empath Experience: What to Do When You Feel Everything” (2018) https://www.amazon.com/Empath-Experience-What-When-Everything/dp/1507207166   

In this episode, we're joined by Tina Liu, a seasoned financial professional based out of San Diego, California, and President of TSL Partner, a consultancy that provides fractional accounting and financial advisory services to guide entrepreneurs through every phase of their company's growth and journey. They say you should start with the end in mind.  Having an exit strategy or a plan for profitability is not only essential to the long-term success of your business, but it will transform how you approach your business in the present. Having a solid financial plan for your business is about more than just “knowing your numbers,” as you'll soon find out. It's also a mindset. Having a strategic, big-picture plan not only for revenue growth but also for profitability, will ensure your startup evolves into a scalable organization that ultimately becomes a valuable asset you can sell at a high value at a later date. With her sharp financial acumen and unwavering commitment to client success, Tina is revolutionizing how small businesses navigate the complexities of company building. I think her passion and enthusiasm for empowering entrepreneurs to create financially profitable businesses is infectious and inspiring as I'm sure you'll agree. Learn more about Tina Liu: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-liu-b146698/ TSL Partner: https://tslpartner.com/  Watch here: https://youtu.be/phAFltRxVDs?si=vTBwepiB6lxIfws8

Recorded June 8th, 2023 Zev Gotkin in conversation with Adam Karofsky. Two content writers continue their conversation about AI and its impact on the written word.  Adam Karofsky is a professional content writer and editor, and the owner of the business, ASK Writes. Adam specializes in creating content, such as articles, blogs, and books that are true to everyone's unique voice.  Learn more about Adam Karofsky: https://www.linkedin.com/in/askwrites/ https://www.askwrites.com/

In his new book titled Get Over Yourself: How to Lead and Delegate Effectively for More Time, More Freedom, and More Success, Dave Kerpen teaches effective strategies for leadership and delegation. Written in a quick and readable style for the modern-day entrepreneur, manager, or leader operating in our new world of hybrid and remote work, this user-friendly step-by-step guide provides you with the tools and time-tested strategies you need to grow a successful business and lead a team without sacrificing your personal life.  Preorder your copy now: https://rb.gy/0t3zm2 Dave Kerpen is a serial entrepreneur, New York Times bestselling author, global keynote speaker, and return guest to the Zee Learning Podcast. He is the cofounder and CEO of Apprentice, a platform connecting entrepreneurs with top college student talent, the cofounder of Likeable Media, a successful social media marketing agency he sold to 10Perals Studio in 2021, and the author of several bestselling books, including The Art of People, Likeable Social Media, and Likeable Business.  Dave Kerpen is a popular contributor to Inc.com, a LinkedIn influencer, and he has been regularly featured in numerous media outlets, including the New York Times, TODAY, CBS's The Early Show, BBC, Financial Times, and more. Additionally, Kerpen is the executive chairman of The Nursing Beat and the cofounder of Kip.ai.

Today my guest is Jesan Sorrells, a management consultant and the dynamic CEO of Leadership Toolbox, the host of the “Leadership Lessons From The Great Books” Podcast, author of 12 Rules for Leaders: The Foundation of Intentional Leadership, and a trusted mentor and adviser to numerous startups.  With over a decade of hands-on experience, Jesan has personally trained and influenced the skills of more than 15,000 managers and supervisors spanning various industries. He and his team have made it their mission to revolutionize leadership and talent development, catering to managers and supervisors across all organizations and verticals. In this episode, we talked about Jesan's popular and fast-growing podcast, unpack what modern-day, relevant lessons today's leaders can learn from literature, philosophy, history, and the great books of the past, and delve deeply into a discussion about humanity and AI.  This was one of the most fascinating and deepest discussions I've had yet on the podcast. I sincerely look forward to having more of these intellectual, higher-level kinds of conversations on this show going forward. I think you're going to love this episode, but before we get into it, a quick word from our sponsor! Learn more: Leadership Lessons From The Great Books” Podcast: https://leadershiplessonsfromthegreatbooks.transistor.fm/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesansorrells/ https://leadershiptoolbox.us/ https://www.amazon.com/Rules-Leaders-Foundation-Intentional-Leadership/dp/0997408820#:~:text=12%20Rules%20for%20Leaders%3A%20The%20Foundation%20for%20Intentional%20Leadership%20explores,modern%20world%2C%20and%20with%20the 

Thomas Helfrich is a professional sales trainer, B2B marketer, and lead generation expert. He is also the Chief Executive Officer of InstantlyRelevant.com and the author of Never Been Promoted. On this episode, we talk about how to be relevant and capture the attention and interest of your target prospects.  Learn more: https://www.instantlyrelevant.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomashelfrich/ https://www.neverbeenpromoted.com/

Scott Rosenblum's course, “PR Toolkit for Tech Startups,” can be found here: https://courses.levelpr.co/  Zee Learning Podcast listeners will get 25% off whenever they register for any of Scott's courses by using the coupon code, zev25. This discount code is exclusively offered to ZEE Learning Podcast listeners and does not expire.  www.levelpr.co scott@levelpr.co https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottrosenblum/   

Guest: Marty Nachel - Beer Educator, International Beer Judge, Author of Beer for Dummies and Homebrewing for Dummies, Head Honcho of Nachel Beer Education A great man once said, “Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.” That quote has been incorrectly attributed to Benjamin Franklin, and while I'm not sure who really said it, my guest today is a craft beer brewer who, in his own words, has been working in craft beer before it was called “craft.” Marty Nachel is a long-time Beer Educator, the author of "Homebrewing for Dummies,” the co-author of “Beer for Dummies,” and an International Beer Judge. He's also the “Head Honcho” at Nachel Beer Education, an online course where you can learn everything you ever wanted to know about beer – how to understand it, appreciate it, brew it, and promote it. You can find a link to his course in the show notes. With over three decades of beer knowledge and a wide range of industry experience, Marty Nachel can help you become an expert in the world's oldest beverage. So sit back, relax, and crack open a cold one or fill up your pint and get ready to learn a little more about your favorite drink. Before we start, a quick word from our sponsor! Try his online course: https://www.nachelbeereducation.com/ Buy: Beer for Dummies Buy: Homebrewing For Dummies TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@martynachel

Are you a marketer or business owner interested in learning how to use AI to dramatically improve your productivity and retain a competitive edge in a rapidly changing market? Then, you need to listen to this episode where we discuss how to make artificial intelligence work for you, and some AI marketing tools that will help you automate tasks, enhance your productivity, and make your workflow 10X more efficient.  Guest: Joe Apfelbaum is the founder/CEO of AJAX Union, a B2B marketing agency, an expert in AI marketing tools, and a part-time rapper.  Check out his new course to stay up-to-date with the latest AI marketing tools, tactics, and strategies: https://learn.evyrgreen.com/offers/LQpxxJGq/checkout?coupon_code=EN50OFF

Zev in conversation with Adam Karofsky. Two content writers have a heart-to-heart about writing, AI, Chat GPT, and the future.  Adam Karofsky is a professional content writer and editor, and the owner of the business, ASK Writes. Adam specializes in creating content, such as articles, blogs, and books that are true to everyone's unique voice.  Learn more about Adam Karofsky: https://www.linkedin.com/in/askwrites/ https://www.askwrites.com/     

Mike Yates is an educator, entrepreneur, and learning activist. His passion and expertise lie at the intersection of education and technology and he is a big believer in the gamification of education. Only in his late 20's or early 30's, Mike Yates led a K-12 private school in his hometown of Austin, Texas called Alpha. According to their website, Alpha was founded by education and technology experts in partnership with parents interested in bringing true innovation to the classroom guided by the belief that kids who love school work harder, step out of their comfort zone, connect with each other, and take ownership of everything from their day-to-day life to their future. Alpha uses adaptive software and unique motivational strategies to empower students to learn at the pace and in the style that works best for them, increasing productivity while fostering passions and building life skills. Alpha uses adaptive learning technology in place of direct instruction to maximize academic learning outcomes. You can learn more about Alpha in the show notes.  Yates is currently utilizing his talents as a Senior Product Manager at Teach for America, the largest education nonprofit in the United States. You can learn more about Mike Yates and all the exciting things he's working on in the education space on his LinkedIn profile, also linked in the show notes. https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-yates/ https://alpha.school/about-alpha/

Peter Shankman is an author and popular keynote speaker in marketing, brand building, social media, and customer service. In this episode, Peter Shankman and I discuss the metaverse and its implications for edtech, eLearning, and upskilling and neurodiverse education. More Peter Shankman is an author, popular keynote speaker, and authority on marketing, brand building, social media, and customer service. He is also a futurist and expert in the latest trends in digital marketing and technology. In this episode, Peter Shankman and I discuss the metaverse and its implications for edtech, eLearning, upskilling and neurodiverse education. A little about Peter  The New York Times has called Peter Shankman “a rock star who knows everything about social media and then some.” He is a 5X best-selling author, entrepreneur, and corporate in-person and virtual keynote speaker. Among his many ventures, Peter Shankman founded HARO (Help a Reporter Out), an online service for journalists to obtain feedback from the public and connect with experts on issues relevant to their reporting. Shankman founded HARO originally as a Facebook group in 2008 and it was later turned into a mailing list claiming over 800,000 sources and 55,000 journalists and bloggers. Within three years, HARO was already generating $1.55 million selling simple text ads on email blasts. In June 2010, Shankman made a successful exit, selling HARO to a large advertiser. Today, the company is part of Cision. With three startup launches and exits under his belt, Peter is recognized worldwide for radically new ways of thinking about the customer experience, social media, PR, marketing, and advertising. He is also a sought-after expert and commentator on ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and the new Neurodiverse Economy.  An ADHD entrepreneur himself (like me!), he is the host of a popular ADHD podcast called “Faster than Normal.” Peter Shankman is currently Futurist in Residence at BluShark Digital, a marketing agency, where he tracks trends in the constantly changing digital landscape in order to devise cutting-edge solutions that help clients gain maximum visibility.  Peter Shankman is a fascinating guy, known not only for his out-of-the-box thinking but also for his incredible, unconventional habits and hobbies. If he's not getting up at 3:30 am for a run followed by a cold shower or jumping out of an airplane, he's often traveling the word and consulting. He also has a Mastermind. It was a lot of fun talking to Peter and you can learn more about him by checking out the links in the show notes. I think you're really going to enjoy this interview, but first a quick word from our sponsor.  Learn more about Peter Shankman: https://www.shankman.com/about/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Shankman https://www.instagram.com/petershankman/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/petershankman/ https://www.fasterthannormal.com/  

In the wake of the pandemic, there is still a great deal of uncertainty in the world, the job market, and the global economy. In a trend that began about a year ago, record numbers of people started changing jobs, a phenomenon that is now known as “The Great Resignation.” Evan Francis is a futurist and a Senior Technical Recruiter at Bigeye, a big data operations platform. In this episode, Evan and I discuss what might be the reasons driving the Great Resignation. We also talk about the most sought-after skills and qualifications tech companies are looking for in job candidates, the metaverse, and the Future of Work. Learn more about Evan Francis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-francis-43198629/

Joseph Gerstel is the founder and CEO of Get Some Class, a startup that provides fun, interactive team-building events and group experiences, both virtual and in-person, for law firms and corporate organizations. A lawyer by training and profession, Joseph Gerstel started Get Some Class as a way to express his entrepreneurial and creative side while bringing more levity to the workplace.  In this interview, we talk about why team-building matters and why it's such an integral part of creating culture, cultivating team cohesion, and boosting retention, which is now more important than ever during this period of time experts are calling the “Great Resignation.” We also talk about following your dreams, reinventing yourself professionally, bringing fun to the workplace, and empowering people to be their true selves. When you think of a corporate team-building event, usually what comes to mind are uncomfortable, forced “ice breakers” or stale retreats, but Get Some Class puts its own spin on the team-building concept. In addition to the usual wine tastings, trivia, and steak nights, Get Some Class has some unconventional, out-of-the-box, funky offerings like Ha Ha Yoga, where participants take part in a yoga class while a stand-up comic pokes fun at their movements and exertions, and Coral Creations where participants paint underwater scenes under the guidance of a world-class artist while a marine biologist teaches them about oceanic eco-systems. Learn more: https://getsomeclass.com/

Just like companies and non-profit organizations, colleges and universities also need to do marketing. While an institution of higher learning is focused on education, it's also a business. And, like other organizations, an academic institution must trade on its brand and reputation to attract its ideal students, fundraise, build key relationships with the community, and engage students, faculty, alumni, and donors.  My guest is Kasandrea Sereno. In addition to her responsibilities as a Senior Advisor for Student Success & Technology at the University of Tampa, Kasandrea Sereno is a social media strategist and the founder of Higher Ed Social, a unique social media consultancy that helps advise social media managers focused on managing the social media presence of a college or university.  Her Facebook group, #HigherEdSocial is the world's largest network of social media managers in higher education with a membership of over 10 thousand strong, bringing social media managers at colleges and universities together to share best practices. The members of this passionately engaged community post in the group daily, asking questions, swapping anecdotes, and sharing social media strategies, tools, tips, and tricks tailored to the needs of institutions of higher learning. Kasandrea regularly holds training and workshops for her community where she shares award-winning strategies and best practices that help colleges and universities grow their brands and maintain vibrant, engaged communities across all the major social media platforms.  Kasandrea Sereno is also the founder of My Advisor Says, an organization that works with students of all ages, helping them achieve their dream of a college education. When she sleeps is anybody's guess! Learn more about Kasandrea Sereno and Higher Ed Social: https://www.facebook.com/groups/HigherEdSocial/ http://kasandreasereno.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/kasandreasereno/

Mark Zides, is an entrepreneur and career mentor as well as a pioneer and leader in the eLearning industry. Mark Zides is the CEO of CoreAxis Consulting, a leading learning & development company that creates custom learning experiences and training solutions for a wide variety of businesses. CoreAxis Consulting has created custom training content for major industry players, Fortune 500 companies, and global brands including Pfizer, Amazon, Bank of America, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and Takeda, just to name a few. CoreAxis's large team of instructional designers, project managers, eLearning developers, animators, artists, and more is able to produce video, audio, and written content at scale focused on anything from onboarding to new employee training, upskilling, and routine compliance training, making CoreAxis a one-stop-shop for all things eLearning.  Mark Zides is also the author of the new book, The #PACE Process for Early Career Success, a book aimed at GenZ and younger Millennials that is designed to help you unlock the mindset, traits, and techniques needed to Plan, Apply for, Commit to, and Evaluate your ideal career path. Whether you plan to enter the corporate world, join a startup, or start your own business, The #Pace Process for Early Career Success will teach you how to build a network, master interviewing skills, leverage your personal brand, and how and when to move on to your next opportunity.  And, even if you're a little older and have been in the workforce for a while, much of the advice Mark shares in his book applies equally to those of you who are contemplating your next move or thinking of transitioning to a new career path. Drawing on over 30 years of his own experience climbing the corporate ladder, changing careers, becoming an entrepreneur, and starting his own successful company, which today employs hundreds of eLearning professionals, Mark imparts practical wisdom that will help you land your dream job or move forward in your career. The #PACE Process for Early Career Success comes out on Tuesday, April 5th and makes for the perfect graduation present for the college or graduate student in your life, who will no doubt benefit from the powerful insights shared in this book, all with a little bit of tough love and Mark's characteristic no-bullshit, straight talk, pull-no-punches style.  You can order the book now by clicking on the link below. You can also learn more about Mark Zides and CoreAxis Consulting by clicking the links in the show notes. Order The #Pace Process for Early Career Success here: https://www.amazon.com/PACE-Process-Early-Career-Success/dp/1956450165/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1OP6KV3H6A1U8&keywords=pace+process&qid=1646766227&sprefix=pace+process%2Caps%2C60&sr=8-2  More information about Mark Zides: https://coreaxis.com/ https://www.markzides.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/mzides/

Purpose. We all want to have a sense of purpose in our lives. Most of us find purpose in our families, careers, or activities we enjoy. But, how do we find purpose, or meaning in life, during our final years when all, or most, of the things that once gave us a sense of purpose may no longer be part of our lives? Finding one's purpose is a notion we most often associate with youth -- people in college or at the start of their careers. And, we all know of people who had a mid-life crisis and redefined or shifted their sense of purpose in middle age or even in their Golden years. But, my guest, Anna Hall, founder of The Purpose Equation, uniquely caters to seniors and the elderly, including patients with dementia, helping them to find their purpose.  A former caregiver in an assisted living community, Anna Hall set out on a quest to help seniors find their purpose. She believes that when we are too old to work, raise a family, or do many of the activities we enjoyed throughout most of adulthood, we must redefine our purpose and gain the strength to continue living happy and fulfilling lives. Her company's motto: “Purpose clarifies life.” The Purpose Equation provides exercises and workshops that help seniors and caregivers find their life's purpose, giving them a renewed sense of meaning and happiness. Their certified ‘Purpose Guides' are trained to work with elderly patients in homes and senior living communities to help them unlock their “Purpose Equation,” which can give them more of a sense of joy and meaning in their everyday lives and ease transitions like retiring or moving into an assisted living facility.  Learn more about the Purpose Equation: https://thepurposeequation.com/  

Ian Oppel is the co-founder and Chief Clinical Officer of Restore Skills, a software (SAAS) platform that gamifies occupational and physical therapy. Restore Skills transforms any hospital room, living room, or assisted living facility lounge into a private gym. Under the watchful eye of a clinician, users master cognitive and motor skills by playing fun and engaging computer games that simulate ‘real-life' activities that they enjoy (or once enjoyed), such as Bingo, slot machines, grocery shopping, skiing, rock climbing, and more. Connected to the Internet, the platform enables users to play these games with friends and loved ones virtually or in person, making for a fun, interactive, and social experience. An occupational therapist himself, Ian conceived of the platform as a way to help elderly users master skills while having fun and staying connected to their loved ones.  Learn more about Restore Skills: 

B.L. Ochman is an award-winning marketing consultant, strategic content creator, podcast producer, social media marketer, and YouTube optimization expert. A trusted advisor to blue-chip companies, entrepreneurs, and nonprofits, B.L. Ochman is the creator of the What's Next Blog and the host of the popular digital marketing podcast, Beyond Social Media.  Learn more about B.L. Ochman: https://beyondsocialmediashow.com/ https://www.whatsnextblog.com/ Twitter: @whatsnext https://www.linkedin.com/in/bl-ochman/ https://www.youtube.com/user/beyondsocialmedia https://blochman.com/

Brian Marks is a veteran entrepreneur and the brains behind two of the most successful African-American hair care brands, African Pride, which he sold to Revlon in 1998 for $35 million, and Dr. Miracles. A Brooklyn native and a natural-born salesperson, today Brian Marks lectures and mentors a new generation of entrepreneurs. In his latest venture, Brian Marks is launching a brand new beauty brand and line of products called, My Israel's Miracle. In this episode, Brian shared many important lessons for entrepreneurs. We also talked about sales, the wild world of beauty products and hair care, Amazon, eCommerce, and the future of retail.  Learn more about MyIsraelMiracle here: https://www.myisraelsmiracle.com/

Jamie Cohen is the founder and CEO of Nevvon, a user-friendly healthcare compliance training mobile platform.  Nevvon is a global healthcare education company with an advanced e-training platform designed to simplify mandatory annual education for caregivers. Everything takes place through a simple, intuitive, and user-centric app that lets your caregivers easily educate themselves at their pace and on their schedule. The Nevvon platform simplifies and streamlines your regulatory requirements in any State so you can focus on what matters most: running a successful business. Learn more about Nevvon here: https://www.nevvon.com/

Doug C. Brown is a sales and revenue growth expert, author, business coach, and CEO of Business Success Factors. Business Success Factors is an advanced coaching and consulting company. Over the years, Doug has helped startups as well as Fortune 500 companies, CEOs, entrepreneurs, and upper management grow and develop high-performing sales and marketing teams.  In this episode, we discussed growing revenue, automation, burnout, and building a self-sustaining business for the long term. My conversation with Dough was basically a free, high-level business consultation so you might want to take notes as you listen, especially if you're an entrepreneur or business owner! Learn more about Doug C. Brown: https://www.businesssuccessfactors.com/  

Sina Kahen is a consultant, speaker, author, and the Co-Founder and Chief Innovation Officer of Vaice, a Conversational AI (artificial intelligence) and Voice technology consultancy. Through Vaice, Sina has launched an online course on the Conversational Design Institute, an online training academy providing certifications in AI and conversational design. Students of the Conversational Design Institute have gone on to develop voice applications for major brands, including JP Morgan Chase, T-Mobile, and ENGIE. You can learn more about the Conversational Design Institute and the courses they offer here: https://www.conversationdesigninstitute.com/ Learn more about Sina Kahen: https://www.sinakahen.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/sina-kahen-b8681a38/ After receiving his education in biomedical sciences, Sina Kahen went on to become an international sales manager for DeSoutter Medical, one of the world's leading manufacturers and distributors of powered surgical instruments and medical devices. In his current role at DeSoutter, Sina is tasked with discovering new opportunities in surgical robotics and medical AI, and designing go-to-market, commercialization strategies for newly developed products. Something of a modern-day "Renaissance Man," in his “free time,” Sina Kahen leads a virtual school he founded with an international student body dedicated to the study of classical Jewish texts, history, and reviving knowledge and appreciation of Rabbinic philosophy. You can learn more about his online school, The Habura, here: https://www.thehabura.com/

Patrick Grehan is a voice actor for eLearning, commercials, corporate training videos, and IVR who runs his business from his home studio in Ontario. Patrick also uses his gifts as a singer/songwriter (link to his album below).  Email: ptgrehan@gmail.com Website: https://patrickgrehanvoice.com/ LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrickgrehan/ Music website: http://dyedinblue.com/

Jeff Giorgi is a partner and the Head of Higher Ed Partnerships at Quad C, an #EdTech​ startup based in Ottawa, Canada that is helping higher ed schools connect their students with their services both virtually and in-person. In this episode, we discuss the future of higher education, how technology is transforming the college experience, and whether or not a college degree is valuable. We also talk a little bit about sales and speculate about what will be the future of education and institutions of higher learning. QuadC has helped colleges and universities such as Georgia State and the University of Pittsburgh streamline performance evaluations, hiring processes, scheduling & attendance tracking, payment management and processing, results reporting, and communication & video conferencing. You can learn more about QuadC's services and features by clicking the link below.  Learn more about QuadC: https://quadc.io/    

Chris Colt is an entrepreneur, professional connector, personal branding expert, and the Chief Endurance Officer of The Challenge Sherpa. He’s successfully created engaged business communities on LinkedIn and Clubhouse by initiating challenges that help participants grow their networks and increase revenue for their businesses.  In this episode of the Zee Learning Podcast, Chris Colt breaks down the basics of the Clubhouse app and walks us through how to utilize this new social platform to grow your business or B2B brand.  You can learn more about Chris and the services he offers by clicking the links below.  https://chriscolt360.groovepages.com/teawithchris/index https://www.chriscolt360.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/social-selling-sales-lead-generation-challenges-revenuegrowth/ Clubhouse: @chriscolt