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n this episode of the Grow A Small Business Podcast, host Troy Trewin interviews Casey Berman, founder of Leave Law Behind Casey joins Troy to share his journey from a law career he found unfulfilling to building a thriving business helping lawyers transition into new careers. Starting with blogging in 2010, Casey turned his personal story into a coaching business, later scaling it with online courses. He and his business partner now run a lean, lifestyle-driven company with five team members, generating around half a million USD annually. Casey reflects on the importance of discipline, alignment, and emotional connection in entrepreneurship, while emphasizing the value of balance, automation, and continuous learning in sustaining growth. Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here. Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? According to Casey Berman, the hardest thing in growing a small business is feeling worthy of success. He explains that as the business starts making good money, many entrepreneurs struggle internally with questions about whether they deserve it or how success might change them. Casey admits he once worried about becoming greedy or losing his values but learned that money itself isn't the issue—it's the love of money that causes problems. Over time, he realized that maintaining generosity, reinvesting in the business, and focusing on helping others allowed him to embrace success without guilt. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Casey Berman's favorite business book that has helped him the most is The Million-Dollar, One-Person Business by Elaine Pofeldt. He found it inspiring because it showed that it's possible to build a lean, highly profitable business without a large team — something that aligns closely with how he runs Leave Law Behind. He also mentioned Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki as another influential read, especially early in his career, because it opened his eyes to the difference between being an employee and becoming an entrepreneur. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Casey Berman recommends several great podcasts and online resources for small business growth, including the Work From The Inside Out podcast episode "Discover Your Unique Genius to Build Meaningful Work," where he shares how to align your strengths with meaningful entrepreneurship, and the Digital Marketing Success Stories episode with West Kraemer, where he discusses strategies for building a niche audience and online following. He also shares practical business insights on his own website, www.caseyberman.com, focusing on growth, purpose, mindset, and transitioning from employee to entrepreneur. These resources emphasize discovering your unique value, mastering marketing in your niche, and developing the mindset needed to confidently grow and sustain a successful small business. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Casey Berman shared that the most crucial tool for growing a small business is a robust CRM platform, which he credits as the central nervous system for managing all customer interactions and streamlining operations. He specifically highlighted the value of a CRM with integrated texting capabilities, like Salesmate.io, for enabling effective and personalized outreach to clients. This system allows a business to consolidate contacts, automate key processes, and handle payments seamlessly from one unified hub. By implementing such a foundational tool, companies can achieve greater efficiency and scalability without needing a large team. Ultimately, he champions a powerful CRM as the key to systematizing sales and marketing for sustainable growth. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Casey Berman would advise his day-one self that the entrepreneurial journey is an ongoing process of personal growth, not a destination to be reached. He would emphasize the critical importance of learning to enjoy the entire slog, with all its inherent ups and downs, rather than just chasing a future moment of "success." He'd stress that true happiness is found in the process of becoming your ideal self through the challenges of building a business. Finally, he would encourage himself to see and appreciate his own development, recognizing that the person behind the business is the most important project of all. Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Find power in discipline by mastering the work when inspiration is absent - Casey Berman Elevate your marketing by aligning your energy with your purpose - Casey Berman Unlock success by falling in love with the process, not the prize - Casey Berman
"If this task had to be repeated 100 times, would you still want to be doing it?" This is the question I ask every staging CEO, and honestly, it's the one that opened the door to the world of automations for me. In this episode, I am sharing why automations became one of my favorite leadership tools. Not because they're techy or trendy, but because they create clarity, consistency, and real breathing room inside a business. Especially a staging business like ours where there are so many processes and repeats. From my early days building simple workflows to now helping staging business owners at various phases streamline theirs, I've learned that automations don't take away the human side of your business, they amplify it. Afterall, it is when the backend runs smoother and calmer that you get to focus on the work only you can do; the real staging business owner duty. Wonder what automations can do for you? Listen to find out! WHAT YOU'LL LEARN FROM THIS EPISODE: Why automations are leadership tools and how they shift you from reactive to intentionally designed operations. The first workflow I ever built and why it still runs eight years later The causes of business bottlenecks and how automations support all three. How to identify your next automation opportunity RESOURCES: Learn more about the Automation Atelier here Apply for Private Coaching: www.rethinkhomeinteriors.com/privatecoachingapp Enroll in Staging Business School Accelerate Track: www.rethinkhomeinteriors.com/accelerate Join the Staging Business School Growth Track Waitlist: www.rethinkhomeinteriors.com/growth Follow the Staging Business School on Instagram: www.instagram.com/stagingbusinessschool Follow Lori on Instagram: www.instagram.com/rethinkhome If you want to learn how to streamline your operations so you can grow with less stress and burnout in your staging business, enrollment is open for Staging Business School Accelerate Track. I'd love to see you in the classroom! ENJOY THE SHOW? Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts so that more Staging CEOs find it. Also, include links to your socials so that more Staging CEOs can find you. Follow over on Spotify, Stitcher, Amazon Music, or Audible
Our inboxes are about to be inundated with sales emails and affiliate-link riddled round-ups. Should I contribute to the noise? I'm thinking yes...but I want it to feel different. What do you think? Let me know at https://streamlinedfeedback.com ★ Support this podcast ★
Everyone knows AI needs your data to truly work. But, what about your company's reasoning?
In this episode of Arm Viewpoints, Brian Fuller talks with Anders Beck, VP of Innovation and Strategy at Universal Robots, part of Teradyne Robotics. They explore how AI is transforming robotics—from flexible cobots and mobile robots to AI-powered pallet handling and no-code automation. Anders shares why traditional industrial robotics has plateaued, what “physical AI” means for the next wave of automation, and how Arm's edge computing technology is powering this revolution on the factory floor and beyond.
Kristopher Goins, CEO of Foreman Technologies, Inc., a robotics and AI company building safer, smarter tools for high-risk industries like construction, energy, and marine joins … Read more The post Automation Without Alienation: How Kristopher Goins Is Building Robots That Put Safety First appeared first on Top Entrepreneurs Podcast | Enterprise Podcast Network.
In episode 267 of our SAP on Azure video podcast we talk about an upcoming Ignite session with Copilot Studio and SAP. Today we have another first: as you probably know Microsoft Ignite is just around the corner. Next week thousands of customers and partners will meet in San Francisco to learn the latest about Microsoft. Well, there will be several SAP focused sessions and one of these session is hosted by Marian Guenther. He will show a really cool integration scenario of Copilot Studio with not only SAP, but also ServiceNow. It gets even better: even if you cannot attend in person, you can already see a sneak peak today. Find all the links mentioned here: https://www.saponazurepodcast.de/episode267Reach out to us for any feedback / questions:* Goran Condric: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gorancondric/* Holger Bruchelt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holger-bruchelt/ #Microsoft #SAP #Azure #SAPonAzure #Copilot #Agents #ServiceNow
Ciro Greco, Co-founder & CEO at Bauplan, joins the podcast to discuss a new paradigm for data engineering rooted in software engineering principles. He explains how treating the data lakehouse like a software project — with version control, branching, and transactional pipelines — creates a robust and safe environment for development. Subscribe to the Gradient Flow Newsletter
Boris Sofman is the CEO and Co-Founder of Bedrock Robotics, a company turning existing construction equipment into fully autonomous fleets through same-day hardware upfits. With over $80 million in funding from Eclipse, 8VC, NVIDIA Ventures, and former Waymo CEO John Krafcik, Bedrock is tackling a major bottleneck in the global economy: a massive construction labor shortage just as demand for data centers, clean energy projects, housing, and manufacturing is skyrocketing. In this episode, Boris shares how his experience building autonomous vehicles at Waymo inspired him to apply similar AI and machine learning approaches to heavy equipment. He explains why full autonomy matters in construction, what it unlocks for efficiency and safety, and how Bedrock plans to accelerate infrastructure and industrial development through robotic automation.Episode recorded on Sept 30, 2025 (Published on Nov 13, 2025)In this episode, we cover: [02:45] Boris's background in robotics and autonomous vehicles[04:50] Learnings from Waymo applied to construction[10:09] Boris's predictions for autonomous vehicles in the future[18:44] Why he left Waymo to start Bedrock Robotics[22:59] Choosing construction as the first market for autonomy[25:26] How Bedrock upfits machines without permanent modifications[26:25] Why excavators are the first target use case[28:20] Training AI to navigate changing job site environments[30:54] Skipping teleoperation and going straight to autonomy[35:52] Bedrock's GTM focus on heavy industrial sectors[40:46] How to work with traditional industries effectively[43:55] How autonomy solves labor shortages and safety challenges Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review! Share feedback or suggest future topics and guests at info@mcj.vc.Connect with MCJ:Cody Simms on LinkedInVisit mcj.vcSubscribe to the MCJ Newsletter*Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant
What if I told you your biggest obstacle to growth isn't competition or burnout – but other people's envy? In this powerful new episode, Dan Sullivan and I unpack the hidden forces that shape (and sometimes sabotage) entrepreneurial ambition and reveal how to protect, amplify, and sustain it for life. Dan also debuts his brand-new “Four-Day Future” method for staying focused, fulfilled, and future-ready.SHOW NOTES:Ambition is the fuel that powers entrepreneurs but it's also fragile – Dan Sullivan reveals how to safeguard your drive from the silent forces of comparison, guilt, and envy.We explore why envy is the most dangerous ambition killer, how modern culture has engineered it into our daily lives, and what you can do to stay immune. Dan unveils his newest framework, The Four-Day Future a simple but profound way to measure progress, recalibrate quickly, and keep your ambition expanding at every stage of life.You'll also hear how Dan's recontextualizing Strategic Coach's entire curriculum to help entrepreneurs turn every “thinking tool” into an “ambition tool.”Whether you're an established founder or just reawakening your drive, this episode is a masterclass in staying focused, fulfilled, and fearless no matter what the world throws your way.KEY INSIGHTS & TAKEAWAYS:Ambition Is a CapabilityDan shares how ambition isn't about chasing goals it's about building the capability to think bigger, act faster, and stay confident through every stage of growth.The True Enemy of Ambition: EnvyDiscover how envy operates like gravity pulling ambitious people down, and how to protect yourself from its influence (especially when you're tired or doubting yourself).Socialism, Social Media & the Envy MachineDan explains why modern culture is engineered to make you feel guilty for succeeding, and how to escape that mental trap.From “The Gap” to “The Gain”Learn to measure your progress backward (not forward), and instantly turn frustration into fuel for the next level of growth.The Four-Day Future Method Dan unveils his new tool to measure progress and recalibrate your goals in real-time, staying focused, happy, and ambitious every week.Ambition Killers vs. Amplifiers Mike and Dan break down how guilt, fatigue, and overcommitment can kill drive, and how mini-calibrations and micro-wins keep ambition alive.TIMESTAMPS:[00:00:00] Introduction: Why NASA is betting on Ai to reach Mars by 2040[00:01:48] The biggest challenges: health, food, sanitation, power, mental health[00:06:20] How a simple brainstorm led to CoughSense - an Ai-powered astronaut health app[00:09:04] The “Genius Stack” Framework: stacking 10+ Ais for breakthroughs[00:13:12] The truth about trusting Ai platforms (and why speed beats loyalty)[00:16:13] Turning ideas into code prompts (even if you can't code)[00:19:52] Testing 10 Ai coding tools in parallel - winners and losers revealed[00:26:47] What my son built with Ai at 23 (and why it landed him equity in a company)[00:30:45] The Americium Story: turning nuclear waste into power for space exploration[00:38:22] Ai storytelling: from scripts to synthetic video to pitch decks in minutes[00:44:20] Why founders must lead by example - culture, behavior, and mindset shifts[00:47:08] The Four Quadrants of Ai: Superpowers, Marketing, Top-Line Growth, Automation[00:53:20] Real stories from Ai Accelerator Live - teams, families, and breakthroughs[00:57:59] Final message: The 18–36 month window before Ai becomes non-optionalPS – When you're ready, here's how I can help: Want to discover your next big opportunity? Meet me for a Cup of Coffee at my Digital Cafe (this is where we can meet): www.MikeKoenigs.com/1kCoffeeCAReady to reinvent yourself, your business, and your brand, and experiencing a massive personal and professional breakthrough? Watch this.
Ross sits down with Josh Spilker, Content Marketing & SEO Lead at AirOps, to unpack the rise of the content engineer — what it means, why it matters, and how it's reshaping SEO and content operations. They dive into Ryan Law's critique, hybrid-AI workflows, org-chart ownership, automation opportunities, and why Josh believes AI doesn't kill content — it rewires strategy. Plus: the “context librarian” concept, content refresh automation, spotting slipping queries, using multiple models together, and avoiding low-quality AI traps. Show Notes: 0:08 – What is a “content engineer” and why the role is emerging 1:17 – How content engineering evolved from early UX concepts 2:13 – Who fits best in this role: writers, SEOs, or automation pros? 3:39 – Ryan Law's critique: “I wouldn't hire a content engineer” 4:51 – Internal linking as a powerful semi-automated workflow 5:56 – From manual outlines to AI-assisted research and briefs 6:48 – Balancing AI workflows and human-led quality control 7:24 – Why “Director of Automation” might better describe the role 8:35 – Who should lead content automation inside organizations 9:15 – AI text generation vs. hybrid workflows: what's really working 10:38 – The limits of pure AI content and why oversight matters 11:19 – How AirOps customers use hybrid models for scale 12:01 – Using multiple models (ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity) together 13:02 – The “7% of AI pages” debate and Patrick Stox's counter-data 14:19 – How editorial standards and compliance shape AI adoption 15:23 – “AI doesn't kill content — it rewires strategy” 16:15 – Refresh workflows: detecting pages and queries that slip 17:18 – Where content engineers fit in the org chart today 18:16 – The rise of the “context librarian” for brand knowledge bases 19:19 – Combining brand governance with AI-driven workflows 20:21 – How automation can unify voice and style across teams 21:32 – Why AI helps close the creative gap faster, not replace writers 22:29 – Teaching non-engineers to think like product builders 23:19 – Breaking down creative processes into repeatable systems 24:07 – Turning everyday editorial routines into structured workflows 25:08 – Automating meeting summaries and reporting emails 26:12 – Using AI to surface key quotes and podcast clip highlights 27:17 – “Transformation content”: repurposing, summarizing, clipping 28:13 – AirOps' content strategy: optimization, refresh, iteration 29:04 – Refresh workflows tied to GSC data and ranking drops 30:33 – Risks of shallow “freshness updates” and engagement metrics 31:47 – How informed SEOs make the best use of AirOps workflows 32:07 – Why fundamentals matter before scaling with AI tools 33:02 – Barry Bonds analogy: AI only helps pros with solid foundations 34:15 – Automating backlink outreach with contextual relevance 35:34 – Why personalization still wins over high-volume outreach 36:17 – The balance between automation and editorial craft 37:11 – Where to find Josh's webinars, reports, and AirOps resources Josh Spilker on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshspilker AirOps: https://www.airops.com AirOps Webinars: https://www.airops.com/categories/events Ahrefs Post (Ryan Law): https://ahrefs.com/blog/i-wouldnt-hire-a-content-engineer Patrick Stox Response: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/patrickstox_im-sure-youre-all-seeing-the-study-saying-activity-7385017156213788672-5srr Subscribe today for weekly tips: https://bit.ly/3dBM61f Listen on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/content-and-conversation-seo-tips-from-siege-media/id1289467174 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1kiaFGXO5UcT2qXVRuXjsM Listen on Google: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5zaW1wbGVjYXN0LmNvbS9jT3NjUkdLeA Follow Siege on Twitter: http://twitter.com/siegemedia Follow Ross on Twitter: http://twitter.com/rosshudgens Directed by Cara Brown: https://twitter.com/cararbrown Email Ross: ross@siegemedia.com #seo | #contentmarketing
Modern business demand that the professionals working for them have good understanding not only of their immediate responsibility but of the basics of all related functions as well. Working, managing or having responsibility for the accounts payable function, the accounts receivable function, purchasing, treasury and a myriad of other related fields requires knowledge of certain basic accounting functions. We'll take a look at some of them, but first, let's stat with some basic information to make sure we are all on the same page. #accounting #accountingbasics #accountspayable #accountsreceivable Watch next: Link to Master Accounting for AP in LESS than 30 Minutes https://youtu.be/dGJP6V5J9as Subscribe for more tips and insights like this: https://www.youtube.com/APNow?sub_confirmation=1 Looking for more of the most current business intelligence about + Best practices around your payment and accounts payable function + Current and new fraud protection protocols + The newest technology impacting your accounting, accounts payable, and payment functions + Career advancement +And much more!! +++++++++++++++++++++++ See most recent videos at: https://www.youtube.com/@APNow/videos See all short tips at: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtL6rWSXZ-He5ELp9TP3wqQdHIbfIcFAB Learn more about AP Best Practices; Playlist at: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtL6rWSXZ-HcvMSJTdNs0BCQJ0Ivb4l9V Learn more about Internal Controls in AP; Playlist https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtL6rWSXZ-HdV9JIterJ-bf6TwMset_z_ Looking for Automation insights: Playlist at: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtL6rWSXZ-Hf_cZwQOcDZrYV4dA0oDVby
In this conversation recorded at the Ignition Community Conference, Vlad, Dave, and their guest David Grussenmeyer from Inductive Automation explore one of the most important and inspiring stories in the world of industrial automation education. David leads the Educational Engagement Program at Inductive Automation and has spent the last several years building a global network of universities, colleges, students, and integrators who are working together to bridge the gap between academic theory and real world industrial skills. This episode provides a detailed look at how the Student Buildathon was created, how it works, why it matters, and what it means for the future of the controls and automation workforce.The discussion goes far beyond the event itself. David explains how the industry's needs for engineering talent have shifted, why many academic institutions struggle to keep pace with modern automation technologies, and how Inductive Automation is supporting both professors and students to meaningfully upgrade the curriculum. The episode also explores the importance of industry partnerships, the challenge of faculty bandwidth, the value of internships and academic co op programs, and the realities of teaching automation in an evolving landscape of legacy systems, modern platforms, and everything in between.Listeners will gain insight into how universities can adopt Ignition, how integrators can help shape the workforce pipeline, how students can develop real industry skills before graduating, and how modern industrial technology can be taught effectively without overwhelming educators. Vlad and Dave also share their own perspectives from years of integration work and reflect on how different their own educational experiences would have been if programs like this had existed earlier. This episode is educational, practical, and inspiring for anyone working in automation, industrial education, system integration, or workforce development.Timestamps00:00 Introduction to the Ignition Community Conference and the Student Buildathon01:25 How the Educational Engagement Program at Inductive Automation was created03:22 The origin story behind the Student Buildathon concept05:16 How the seventy two hour challenge works for student competitors06:44 Requirements for student teams and how the selection process works08:49 Why universities struggle to adopt new technology and how industry partnerships help10:41 How integrator involvement accelerated program adoption across universities12:28 The gap between academic theory and real industry practice14:01 Building a complete lab curriculum for professors using Ignition17:24 Why students should learn both modern and legacy industrial systems18:20 Feedback from professors teaching Ignition for the first time20:59 Understanding the different educator profiles and adoption journeys23:15 How Inductive Automation built the five lab training series for schools25:17 The future of the educational program including internships and co op models27:39 Why academic co op programs are powerful for building real engineering experience29:26 How to join the Student Buildathon or the Educational Engagement ProgramVlad RomanovVlad is the founder of Joltek, co host of the Manufacturing Hub podcast, and a long time controls and manufacturing systems engineer with deep experience in SCADA, MES, data architecture, and plant digital transformation. Vlad creates practical industrial education content across YouTube, LinkedIn, and SolisPLC, and works directly with manufacturers on modernization, integration, and performance improvement initiatives. Learn more at https://www.joltek.com/Dave GriffithDave is a systems integration expert, strategist, and consultant with many years of hands on work in automation, SCADA, robotics, and digital manufacturing. Dave is the co host of Manufacturing Hub and advises companies on the intersection of technical systems, operational strategy, and workforce development.David GrussenmeyerDavid Grussenmeyer is the Educational Engagement Program Manager at Inductive Automation. He leads global initiatives to support universities, colleges, faculty members, and students in adopting Ignition for hands on learning. His work has expanded the program from zero to more than three hundred academic institutions worldwide. David also created the Student Buildathon, a seventy two hour Ignition competition designed to push students to think creatively, develop real industrial projects, and gain practical skills that prepare them for careers in controls, industrial software, and automation.Learn more about the program at https://inductiveautomation.comEducational inquiries can be sent to edengagement@inductiveautomation.comReferenced Resources from the EpisodeInductive Automation Educational Engagement Programhttps://inductiveautomation.com/community/educationInductive Universityhttps://inductiveuniversity.com
This week on Innovation Mavericks, we sat down with Elliott Davis, Owner and Operator of Automatic Audio Video, to explore what it really takes to build a business at the cutting edge of audio and video technology. From identifying a simple need, “a guy who can make it all work,” to creating a thriving company […] The post Innovation Meets Automation: Insights with Elliott Davis first appeared on Fi Plan Partners.
In this episode of the Travel Tech series, we speak with Riccardo Vittoria, CEO and Co-Founder, Acai Travel, and Gabriel Langella, VP of Customer Operations, Travel Distribution at Amadeus. The conversation explores how AI is Transforming Travel operations, the power of startup-corporate partnerships, and what the future holds for human and Artificial Intelligence (AI) collaboration in the industry. Tune in to this episode to understand: ➤ Why contact centers are becoming the control tower for next-gen travel operations and how Acai Travel is using AI agents and supervisors to automate intent recognition, task execution, and decision-making in real time➤ The power of startup-corporate partnerships to drive meaningful innovation: hear how collaboration between Acai Travel and Amadeus unlocks speed and scale, combining bold thinking and complementary expertise.➤ Where AI is going next in travel: from agentless operations and real-time orchestration to human and AI collaboration at scaleWhat can we expect in this next exciting chapter of our industry? Tune in to find out. Speakers: Riccardo Vittoria, CEO and Co-Founder, Acai Travel Gabriel Langella, VP of Customer Operations, Travel Distribution, Amadeus.To stay up to date on the latest news from Amadeus, and to catch the next episodes in our series, check out the Resource section on our website or follow us on Spotify or Apple podcasts.
It is never too late to build your list and it's a lot easier than you think. In this episode, social media strategist Madi Beumee breaks down exactly how to use ManyChat to turn Instagram comments into DM conversations, capture emails directly inside IG, and move followers into offers you actually monetize. We talk about the must-have flows (from “shop my links” to resource bundles), common setup mistakes that cost you conversions, and video content systems so your automations actually have something worth responding to. Tune in to simplify, automate, and scale smarter. Check out our Sponsors: SKIMS - I finally tried SKIMS and I get all the hype. Shop SKIMS Fits Everybody collection at SKIMS.com and let them know we sent you in the dropdown after checkout. Brevo - the all-in-one marketing and CRM platform designed to help you connect with customers and grow your business. Get started for free today - go to www.brevo.com/happy Blinds.com - Blinds.com makes it easy to get the designer look without the showroom markups. Get an exclusive $50 off when you spend $500 or more with code EARN at checkout. Shopify - Try the ecommerce platform I trust for Glōci, Sign up for your $1/month trial period at Shopify.com/happy Northwest Registered Agent - protect your privacy, build your brand and get your complete business identity in just 10 clicks and 10 minutes! Visit https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/earnfree Headway - the #1 daily growth app that delivers key insights from the world's best non fiction books in bite sized 15 minute reads and audio. Save 25% off when you go to makeheadway.com/happy. HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 Meet Madi Beumee, the “ManyChat girl” behind our DM automation strategy. 03:30 How the “comment a keyword” flow works in ManyChat. 09:15 Tips on creating your email list. 12:00 Systems for talking-head content that feeds your automations. 16:30 Why the first 3–6 months of video feel hard (and worth it). 20:00 The 3-part hook that makes your content watchable. 24:00 The most common automation mistakes. 27:00 Advice to improve completion rates & tracking. 33:00 When do you keep automated, and when do you add a human touch for higher-ticket offers? 35:00 Personal voice notes 48 hours after “seen” for higher-ticket follow-up. 39:15 Example series ideas you can use. 46:00 Why you don't have to niche down to one sentence. 50:00 When should you start ManyChat? RESOURCES Join the Audacity Challenge HERE! Join the most supportive mastermind on the internet HERE! Check out our FREE 90-Day Business Blueprint HERE! Listen to my free SECRET PODCASTS SERIES - Operation: Rekindle This B*tch Get glōci HERE Use code: HAPPY at checkout for 25% off! FOLLOW Follow me: @loriharder Follow glōci: @getgloci Follow Madi: @madibeumee
What if your next coworker isn't human? What if it's a robot… and it's already cost‑effective? In this episode, Matt and Luigi sit down with Dr. Don Capener, a serial entrepreneur whose career jumps from streetwear to startups to scaling robotics companies. From founding a basketball apparel brand bought by Reebok, to leading a tech IPO during the dot-com boom, to now helping small and mid-size manufacturers automate with Chang Robotics, Don proves that business is a contact sport... and he's still dunking.
Tomas Kirnak, CEO of Unimus, joins Eric Chou in this sponsored episode to introduce Unimus, an on-premise network configuration management system built by network engineers to solve real-world problems. In this deep dive they discuss Unimus' proprietary “Behavioral Tree” for automatic device discovery, the platform’s vendor support, the 70/30 rule, and lowering the barrier for... Read more »
Key Takeaways from This Week's DiscussionETFs vs. Mutual Funds — Tax Efficiency MattersMutual funds often create higher annual taxes in taxable accounts. ETFs and index funds are more tax-efficient because of how they handle capital gains—saving investors up to 1% a year. Keep mutual funds inside IRAs to avoid unnecessary taxes.Equal-Weighted vs. Cap-Weighted PortfoliosThe Invesco Equal Weighted S&P 500 (RSP) holds the same 500 companies as the standard index but gives each stock equal weight. This creates different exposure and more turnover, yet the ETF version reduces the tax drag—a key advantage for long-term investors.Small-Cap Value Funds — Choosing the Right FitVBR (Vanguard) performs best when large-cap growth leads, while AVUV and DFSV outperform when smaller value companies rise. The lesson: size and style matter in long-term returns.The Power of Rebalancing & “Shannon's Demon”Mentioned by Bill Yount from the Catching Up to FI podcast, Shannon's Demon illustrates how periodic rebalancing can turn volatility into profit. By selling high and buying low, you can enhance long-term performance while keeping risk in check.Morningstar Ratings — Don't Chase the StarsStar ratings mostly reflect recent trends, not future potential. Focus instead on the underlying asset class and decades of evidence, not last year's winners.Small-Cap Value Slump — Patience Pays OffSmall-cap value has struggled this year, but historically it offers one of the best long-term premiums. Remember: asset class selection drives up to 99% of overall portfolio performance.Risk Parity Portfolios — Balancing Risk the Smart WayPaul compared traditional diversification to risk parity, which balances exposure across stocks, bonds, and commodities. He prefers government bonds over commodities since bonds generate income and often rise when stocks fall.Diversifying Within an Asset ClassInstead of going “all or nothing,” you can hold multiple ETFs—like AVUV and DFSV—for extra balance within a category. Just keep the lineup manageable for your brokerage or platform.Factor Investing — What Really Drives ReturnsThe strongest long-term drivers are size and value. Momentum and quality can help, but smaller, cheaper companies historically deliver the best rewards.Growth Funds & Ten-Year PerformanceTen-year snapshots can mislead. From 2000 to 2025, small-cap value funds far outperformed growth and the S&P 500, showing the value premium remains powerful across full market cycles.S&P 500 vs. Total Market — Nearly Identical Over TimeSince 1928, returns differ by only 0.1%. The S&P's recent edge comes mainly from a handful of mega-cap tech stocks, not fundamental differences in the indexes.Hiring an Advisor — When It's Worth ItA skilled fiduciary advisor can help manage emotions, discipline, and rebalancing. If you struggle to stay consistent, professional guidance may be worth far more than the fee.The DIY Investor Myth — Overcoming Human Biases“No one cares more about your money than you” sounds good, but behavioral biases—recency, overconfidence, and loss aversion—can derail results. Automation or a trusted advisor can protect you. For more insight, see Paul Hayes' free book Spending Your Way to Wealth, especially the appendix on 48 investor biases.Thank you again for your time, attention, and thoughtful participation. Despite the technical hiccups, your engagement made this an incredibly rewarding session!
In this episode of the Power Producers Podcast, host David Carothers sits down with Jeff Harris, the CEO and co-founder of Appulate, widely considered the original Insurtech (founded in 2005). Jeff shares Appulate's journey from solving the "abysmal" problem of supplemental form generation to becoming an all-in-one AI solution for agencies. They discuss the critical gap between insurance and technology, how AI is reshaping the industry, and why Appulate is taking a conservative and reliable approach to its implementation. The conversation also covers the dangers of agents using public AI tools with client PII and how technology is the "great equalizer" for small agencies. Key Highlights: The Evolution of the Oldest Insurtech Jeff Harris details Appulate's nearly 20-year history, which began by solving the pain of manual supplemental forms. Today, their Producer Connect platform serves as a "bolt-on" to an agency's AMS, acting as a broad marketing platform that saves time on data entry, obtains loss runs, and integrates with thousands of carrier portals to eliminate redundant work. AI's Role: A Conservative and Reliable Approach While AI is changing the industry, Jeff emphasizes that it must be reliable and consistent. He compares it to Tesla's autonomous driving—it had to be perfected before users could trust it. Appulate currently uses AI where it excels, such as parsing data from loss runs and deck pages, but avoids areas where the industry (like carrier portals) isn't ready for full AI integration, which could cause more problems than it solves. The Danger of "Lazy" AI Implementation David and Jeff discuss the significant E&O and cyber risk of "fundamentally lazy" agents uploading policies with Personally Identifiable Information (PII) into public Chat-GPT. Jeff stresses the importance of using secure, vendor-provided AI solutions rather than unvetted public tools, highlighting that AI is already being effectively used in areas like fraud detection. AI as the "Great Equalizer" for Agencies Jeff explains that AI is a "once-in-a-generation opportunity" for small and mid-sized agencies to compete with the 100-pound gorillas. By automating manual, time-consuming tasks, AI reduces burnout and turnover, helps retain younger tech-savvy talent, and allows smaller agencies to achieve the same level of output and efficiency as their largest competitors without massive investments in headcount. Connect with: David Carothers LinkedIn Jeff Harris LinkedIn Kyle Houck LinkedIn Visit Websites: Power Producer Base Camp Appulate Killing Commercial Crushing Content Power Producers Podcast Policytee The Dirty 130 The Extra 2 Minutes
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China is breaking the rules of development. Typically, as countries progress up the value chain, they transition from agriculture to light industry, then to heavy industry, and ultimately to high-technology and services. And as they move up the value chain, this creates opportunities for less-developed countries to advance. But China's not doing that. Chinese manufacturers are holding on to their immense productive capacity, enabling them to produce both low-tech sneakers and high-tech semiconductors at a scale and cost that are unrivaled. Now, as developing countries around the world seek to move up the value chain, they will have to compete head-on against the dreaded "China Price." James Kynge, who covered China for nearly 30 years at the Financial Times, delved into this challenge in a fascinating audiobook that came out earlier this year, "Global Tech Wars: China's Race to Dominate." James joins Eric from London to explain how China's ability to produce a $6 toaster exemplifies the country's enormous manufacturing advantage that will be very difficult, if not impossible, for other countries to match. CHAPTERS: • Introduction – The $6 toaster and the global value chain crisis • The Flying Geese Model – How automation broke development's old path • China's Dual Reality – A continent-sized economy of billionaires and low-wage labor • Industrial Clusters – The unbeatable advantage of Shenzhen and the Pearl River Delta • The Global South's Dilemma – Competing against the "China price" • Automation and Inequality – Why manufacturing isn't moving offshore • The $1 Trillion Surplus – Trade backlash and global tensions • Searching for Solutions – Industrial policy and self-strengthening in the Global South • Winners and Losers – Cheap exports, consumer gains, and producer pain • Political Risk – Xi Jinping's lesson from Western deindustrialization • The Humanoid Robot Moment – From $6 toasters to $6,000 robots • China's Auto Revolution – BYD and the new wave of affordable EVs • The Double-Edged Future – Opportunity and disruption in China's rise SHOW NOTES: Financial Times: Global Tech Wars: China's Race to Dominate by James Kynge Financial Times: China's plan to reshape world trade on its own terms by James Kynge and Keith Fray JOIN THE DISCUSSION: X: @ChinaGSProject | @eric_olander | @christiangeraud Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChinaAfricaProject YouTube: www.youtube.com/@ChinaGlobalSouth Now on Bluesky! Follow CGSP at @chinagsproject.bsky.social FOLLOW CGSP IN FRENCH & SPANISH: French: www.projetafriquechine.com | @AfrikChine Spanish: www.chinalasamericas.com | @ChinaAmericas JOIN US ON PATREON! Become a CGSP Patreon member and get all sorts of cool stuff, including our Week in Review report, an invitation to join monthly Zoom calls with Eric & Cobus, and even an awesome new CGSP Podcast mug! www.patreon.com/chinaglobalsouth
Tomas Kirnak, CEO of Unimus, joins Eric Chou in this sponsored episode to introduce Unimus, an on-premise network configuration management system built by network engineers to solve real-world problems. In this deep dive they discuss Unimus' proprietary “Behavioral Tree” for automatic device discovery, the platform’s vendor support, the 70/30 rule, and lowering the barrier for... Read more »
Reverification Leads to Prior Authorization Automation Live Demo Reverification can uncover coverage changes that require new prior authorizations. In this live demo, we'll show how intelligent automation and AI agents determine when an authorization is needed, initiate it automatically, and keep the process moving without disrupting staff or patient care. Find all of our network podcasts on your favorite podcast platforms and be sure to subscribe and like us. Learn more at www.healthcarenowradio.com/listen
The world record for fastest pit stop—a mere 1.8 seconds—was set by the McLaren F1 Team at the Qatar Grand Prix in 2023. It's an incredible feat of speed and choreography; a pit stop that fast can't happen without a team of people operating at peak human performance. But as Dan Keyworth explains, AI plays a crucial role, too. As the Director of Business Technology at McLaren Racing, Dan is responsible for helping the whole team perform at their best—and that starts with having the right tools. Whether it's the firehose of sensor data coming off a race car, video analysis of the pit crew in action, or marketing analytics for the next Grand Prix, AI helps the McLaren F1 Team make the right decisions—and make them fast.On this episode, Dan talks about the importance of getting simple answers from complex data, how they use Dropbox Dash, and why we shouldn't think of AI as labor replacement so much as laborious replacement.You can learn more about the McLaren F1 Team at mclaren.com/racing/formula-1. And if you haven't already seen it, be sure to watch their world record pit stop at youtube.com/watch?v=tRBOiq-Q6_s. Seriously, it's blink-and-you'll-miss-it fast.~ ~ ~Working Smarter is brought to you by Dropbox Dash—the AI universal search and knowledge management tool from Dropbox. Learn more at workingsmarter.ai/dashYou can listen to more episodes of Working Smarter on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts. To read more stories and past interviews, visit workingsmarter.aiThis show would not be possible without the talented team at Cosmic Standard: producer Dominic Girard, sound engineer Aja Simpson, technical director Jacob Winik, and executive producer Eliza Smith. Special thanks to our illustrators Justin Tran and Fanny Luor, marketing consultant Meggan Ellingboe, and editorial support from Catie Keck. Our theme song was composed by Doug Stuart. Working Smarter is hosted by Matthew Braga. Thanks for listening!
China is breaking the rules of development. Typically, as countries progress up the value chain, they transition from agriculture to light industry, then to heavy industry, and ultimately to high-technology and services. And as they move up the value chain, this creates opportunities for less-developed countries to advance. But China's not doing that. Chinese manufacturers are holding on to their immense productive capacity, enabling them to produce both low-tech sneakers and high-tech semiconductors at a scale and cost that are unrivaled. Now, as developing countries around the world seek to move up the value chain, they will have to compete head-on against the dreaded "China Price." James Kynge, who covered China for nearly 30 years at the Financial Times, delved into this challenge in a fascinating audiobook that came out earlier this year, "Global Tech Wars: China's Race to Dominate." James joins Eric from London to explain how China's ability to produce a $6 toaster exemplifies the country's enormous manufacturing advantage that will be very difficult, if not impossible, for other countries to match. CHAPTERS: • Introduction – The $6 toaster and the global value chain crisis • The Flying Geese Model – How automation broke development's old path • China's Dual Reality – A continent-sized economy of billionaires and low-wage labor • Industrial Clusters – The unbeatable advantage of Shenzhen and the Pearl River Delta • The Global South's Dilemma – Competing against the "China price" • Automation and Inequality – Why manufacturing isn't moving offshore • The $1 Trillion Surplus – Trade backlash and global tensions • Searching for Solutions – Industrial policy and self-strengthening in the Global South • Winners and Losers – Cheap exports, consumer gains, and producer pain • Political Risk – Xi Jinping's lesson from Western deindustrialization • The Humanoid Robot Moment – From $6 toasters to $6,000 robots • China's Auto Revolution – BYD and the new wave of affordable EVs • The Double-Edged Future – Opportunity and disruption in China's rise SHOW NOTES: Financial Times: Global Tech Wars: China's Race to Dominate by James Kynge Financial Times: China's plan to reshape world trade on its own terms by James Kynge and Keith Fray JOIN THE DISCUSSION: X: @ChinaGSProject | @eric_olander | @christiangeraud Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChinaAfricaProject YouTube: www.youtube.com/@ChinaGlobalSouth Now on Bluesky! Follow CGSP at @chinagsproject.bsky.social FOLLOW CGSP IN FRENCH & SPANISH: French: www.projetafriquechine.com | @AfrikChine Spanish: www.chinalasamericas.com | @ChinaAmericas JOIN US ON PATREON! Become a CGSP Patreon member and get all sorts of cool stuff, including our Week in Review report, an invitation to join monthly Zoom calls with Eric & Cobus, and even an awesome new CGSP Podcast mug! www.patreon.com/chinaglobalsouth
In this episode of Future Finance, Glenn Hopper and Paul Barnhurst sit down with Joe Friedman and Ranga Bodla from Oracle NetSuite to explore how AI is transforming enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. Amidst rising competition and a rapidly changing tech landscape, NetSuite is doubling down on intelligent automation, open platforms, and embedded AI to redefine how finance teams operate.Joe Friedman is the Senior Director of AI Innovation at Oracle NetSuite, driving efforts to integrate practical AI across finance and operations. With over 15 years at NetSuite, Joe focuses on converting AI into measurable productivity gains. Ranga Bodla is the Vice President of Field Engagement and Marketing at Oracle NetSuite, with more than 20 years in enterprise software. He leads industry strategy across verticals, helping businesses convert innovation into performanceExpect to Learn:Why AI is reinvigorating interest in ERP platforms like NetSuite.How NetSuite's AI strategy balances “AI every day” and “AI your way.”What the MCP connector does and why it's a game-changer for data analysis.How NetSuite's clean data models fuel better AI outcomes and user productivity.Joe Friedman and Ranga Bodla offer a compelling look at how NetSuite is embedding AI into the core of ERP to drive smarter, faster decision-making. Their insights show that clean data, open platforms, and practical AI tools are key to transforming finance operations today.Join hosts Glenn and Paul as they unravel the complexities of AI in finance:Follow Joe:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/friedman-ns/Follow Ranga:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ranga-bodla-bb45b/Follow Paul: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguyFollow QFlow.AI:Website - https://bit.ly/4i1EkjgFuture Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai, the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai. Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike.In Today's Episode:[02:00] – Where NetSuite Stands in Today's ERP Landscape[05:17] – Why ERP and AI Go Hand-in-Hand[07:29] – AI Every Day, AI Your Way: What NetSuite's MCP Connector Unlocks[10:29] – Practical AI Integration Inside NetSuite[13:30] – Real-World Use Cases for AI in Finance[16:22] – AI Agents, Automation, and What's Coming Next[18:05] – SaaS as the Real Driver of AI Adoption[19:48] – Why Clean Data Fuels Better AI Outcomes[21:12] – Closing Thoughts
In this behind-the-scenes episode, Chris Johnstone welcomes a new team member and walks them through exactly how Connection Incorporated helps loan officers dominate their markets. From mastering referrals to leveraging A.I. automation, you'll see how top producers are growing their businesses faster than ever — without chasing low-quality leads. 3 Key Takeaways: The 4 Pillars of Growth — How to build your mortgage business using referrals from your database, real estate agents, deals in process, and A.I. search engines like ChatGPT. Automation that Works — Discover how the Loan Officer A.I. CRM runs your marketing, calling, and follow-ups automatically. Done-for-You Success System — Learn how our North American concierge team makes calls, books appointments, and helps clients close more loans every month. See exactly how we help loan officers build consistent, referral-based growth using proven systems and cutting-edge A.I. tools.
In this episode of the Hospitable Hosts Podcast, our guest is Scott Sherin, founder of Trusted Stays and a short-term rental owner. Scott shares his journey into short-term rentals, emphasizing the importance of automation and technology in streamlining hosting. He discusses how AI and tools like Zapier can save time and improve guest experiences. Scott also provides insights into becoming a superhost, managing properties remotely, and the balance between automation and personal touch in hospitality.Sleep easy, host confidently with Hospitable. Automate your guest messages, sync your calendar across booking channels, and protect yourself from bad direct booking guests.Sign up today at hospitable.com/podcast and get 25% off your bill for 3 months.
Hey humans, let's talk about that hidden bottleneck that's absolutely killing your time to hire: scheduling. We're still playing calendar Tetris, sending those dreaded email chains back and forth. By the time you get everyone in the same virtual room, your perfect candidate has three other offers. This is the administrivia that's costing you top talent. But what if I told you that scheduling isn't your Achilles heel—it's your secret weapon? We're in a new world where a six-day scheduling standard is gold, and companies using automation are slashing their time to hire by 50%. This isn't just about saving your recruiters 14 to 17 hours a week, this is about the human experience. Think about it: manual scheduling takes 8 to 12 touchpoints for one interview. Automation cuts that down to one or two. That's a better impression of your organization. And here's what most people miss: when you cut that time to hire, your offer acceptance rates go up and your cost per hire drops. This one change affects all of your recruiting metrics. So, let's dive into it. In this episode, I'm giving you the playbook. We'll talk about the different tools, from enterprise-level products to integrating Calendly. We'll cover the pitfalls and watchouts, and I'll give you a three-step process to run a pilot, starting with your high-volume recs, so you can measure the ROI and make your business case. This is how we get better, faster, smarter. Stacie More episodes at StacieBaird.com.
Recorded live at the SaaS Summit in Amsterdam, this episode of the Grow Your B2B SaaS Podcast dives into a focused conversation with Mark Appel, Chief Marketing Officer at Sendcloud. As one of Europe's fastest-growing B2B SaaS platforms, Sendcloud operates across eight European markets, generating close to 60 million in annual recurring revenue with a team of about 450. In this discussion, Mark reveals how Sendcloud approaches international scaling, builds cross-functional go-to-market alignment, identifies and prioritizes compounding growth loops, and integrates AI agents across marketing and GTM operations. He also reflects on what he would do differently if he could rebuild a SaaS go-to-market motion from scratch, what early-stage founders should focus on to reach their first 10K MRR, and how to evolve from feature-led messaging to a brand-led narrative on the path to 10 million ARR.Key Timecodes(00:00) – Intro: Scaling B2B SaaS, Growth Loops & AI GTM 2026(01:10) – Guest Intro: Mark Appel, CMO of Sendcloud(01:39) – Company Snapshot: €60M ARR, 450 Employees, 8 Markets(02:20) – 2026 Focus: International SaaS Scaling Strategy(02:36) – Cross-Functional GTM: Marketing, Sales & CS Alignment(03:26) – GTM Motion: Hybrid PLG + SLG in B2B SaaS(03:39) – Finding Growth Loops Across 8 Countries(04:34) – Working Growth Loops: Demand to Revenue Flywheel(05:15) – Platform Network Effects: Merchants, Carriers & Partners(06:13) – Built-in Virality: Tracking Emails as Growth Channel(06:51) – Ad Break: Reditus Affiliate & Referral Growth(07:35) – AI for GTM 2026: AI SDRs & Marketing Agents(08:50) – AI Implementation: Challenges & Early Adoption(09:55) – Biggest GTM Shift: Retention, Expansion & Automation(10:22) – PLG in Product: Driving Adoption via In-App Prompts(11:40) – Rebuilding GTM: Cross-Functional Pods by Segment(12:41) – Segmentation: Startup to Enterprise Strategy(13:21) – Future Growth Loops: Consumer Visibility for SaaS(14:41) – 0 to 10K MRR: In-Market Demand & Search Campaigns(15:34) – 10K MRR to €10M ARR: Brand-Led SaaS Growth(16:03) – Connect with Mark Appel: LinkedIn & Email(16:18) – Outro & CTA: Subscribe, Sponsor & Learn via Reditus
In this episode of That Tech Pod, we get into the next industrial revolution, Industry 5.0, where technology and people work together instead of competing for the same space. Shay Howe, Chief Strategy Officer at ActiveCampaign, joins us to unpack how automation is evolving from efficiency-driven systems to human-centered collaboration.We explore how the relationship between humans and machines is shifting from replacement to augmentation, and what that means for marketers, entrepreneurs, and the future of work. Shay shares real examples of automation that make marketing more personal, not less, and explains why technologies that enable creativity, empathy, and ethics will define the next era of innovation. The conversation covers everything from data transparency and responsible AI to how automation might create entirely new industries, just like cars once did for roads, dealerships, and repair shops. Along the way, Shay draws lessons from The E-Myth and The Innovator's Dilemma to remind us that disruption always brings opportunity. The big takeaway? Industry 5.0 isn't about replacing humans, it's about empowering them. When used thoughtfully, automation can give people more time to focus on creativity, connection, and strategy. The future of marketing belongs to those who design technology that amplifies human potential.Shay Howe is the Chief Strategy Officer at ActiveCampaign, where he drives the company's corporate strategy, new product lines, corporate development, and strategic partnerships. He has previously held leadership positions across marketing, product, and design, and his product-led growth approach has helped scale the company into a global tech unicorn. Prior to ActiveCampaign, Shay was Vice President of Product at Belly and Yello, where he was responsible for product strategy and design. He previously led product teams at multiple high-growth companies, including Groupon, and has held in-residence roles as an advisor with Techstars, Lightbank, and Prota Venture portfolios. Shay's passion for building teams extends outside of work, as he also serves as a mentor with Techstars and LongJump Ventures.
Long hold times and overwhelmed front-office staff have made patient scheduling a pain point across healthcare. In this episode, we explore how Infinx and Voxology are redefining patient access with AI-powered scheduling agents that combine empathy, intelligence, and efficiency to transform the way patients connect with care.Brought to you by www.infinx.com
In this episode, Carl Holden joins Jeff Mains to dive deep into the evolution of SEO, its marriage with AI, and the realities of scaling a SaaS business honestly in a world awash with hype and misinformation. Carl Holden shares his journey from running a leading agency to launching RankBot, an AI-powered tool that automates SEO backlinks for businesses and agencies.Together, they discuss the myths and challenges in transitioning from services to SaaS, the role of human expertise alongside automation, and why authenticity and steady results still win over quick fame. Tune in for actionable insights, candid leadership lessons, and advice on building products and companies that last.Key Takeaways00:00 SEO vs AI Search Trends04:38 "Zero-Click Search Impact"09:25 "AI-Coded Rank Bot Success"12:39 Automated Link-Building Solution15:12 "Importance of Links in SEO"18:05 Automated Link-Building Solution21:07 "Bots for Targeted SEO Tasks"27:55 Risks of Automated Content Control28:50 AI Marketing Red Flags & Promises35:07 "Scaling Automation for Market Adjustments"39:31 Future Where Witnesses Are Needed41:26 Start, Fail, Improve, Repeat44:25 Easy Connections via Networking PlatformsTweetable Quotes“Everybody can make a nice website, but who else out there on the Internet is talking about your nice website? That's where links come in.” — Carl Holden“AI is starting to take certain tasks, and if you do anything regularly with patterns, AI will help—or do that in the future.” — Carl Holden“Organic traffic is not going away at this time. The way we get traffic may shift, but people still need it.” — Carl Holden“If money is all that matters, there are plenty of dishonest ways to get rich. But when you're dead, you don't get to keep it.” — Carl Holden“You want people to do business with you because you're good, not because you're popular.” — Carl Holden“Consistent authenticity—being out there telling people what you do and having a good product—will win over time.” — Carl HoldenSaaS Leadership LessonsEmbrace Change, Don't Run From ItWhen you see an industry shifting (like with AI), lean into change and make yourself indispensable by creating value within the new paradigm.Balance Optimism and Caution with New TechDon't blindly trust automation or AI—always validate and maintain oversight. The best results come from combining human judgment with smart tools.Build in Public, Iterate QuicklyLaunch your MVP, gather feedback, and improve over time. Perfection is the enemy of progress.Results Over HypeFocus on delivering genuine results; honest, consistent effort leads to sustainable success more than chasing trends or flashy viral tactics.Be Authentically Honest in Marketing & ProductResist the urge to oversell or stretch the truth—long-term, authenticity and integrity win client loyalty and positive reputation.Stay on Top of Industry ShiftsIn dynamic markets like SEO, regular learning and adaptation are critical. Monitor changes, test new strategies, and never get complacent.Guest Resourcescarl@rankbotai.comrankbot.aihttps://www.linkedin.com/in/carlholdenmarketing/Episode Sponsor
Are you spending hours manually responding to social media comments while your potential customers slip away because they never clicked that bio link? What if every comment could instantly become a direct message with your personalized link - automatically turning engagement into revenue while you focus on creating? Here's the thing: most solopreneurs are trapped in manual social media management, responding to comments one by one and hoping someone will take action. Meanwhile, AI can analyze every interaction, craft authentic responses, and convert casual commenters into paying customers - all without you touching your phone. Imagine your social media working like a 24/7 sales assistant that never sleeps and never misses an opportunity. Today I'm excited to introduce Jeff Dwoskin, founder of Stampede Social and a fascinating example of how unconventional backgrounds create breakthrough solutions. Jeff spent years as a comedian understanding what makes audiences tick, and he's channeled that insight into building AI tools that don't just automate responses - they amplify authentic connections. He's helping creators transform their social engagement into consistent revenue streams, and he's here to show you exactly how AI can become your most valuable business partner. The AI Hat Podcast host Mike Allton asked Jeff Dwoskin about: ✨ AI Revenue Conversion: Transform every social media comment into a direct sales opportunity through intelligent automation that sends personalized links straight to interested prospects' DMs. ✨ Smart Engagement Scaling: Use AI analysis to identify your most valuable interactions and automate responses that maintain authenticity while freeing up hours of manual work daily. ✨ Data-Driven Growth Strategy: Leverage AI-powered competitive analysis and reporting to make informed decisions about content, timing, and audience targeting that actually move the revenue needle. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Engagement Strategies 01:14 The AI Hat Podcast Introduction 02:44 Challenges of Manual Social Media Management 03:29 Guest Introduction: Jeff Dwoskin of Stampede Social 04:18 From Comedy to AI: Jeff's Journey 04:35 The Art of Audience Engagement 09:57 Automating Social Media Interactions 11:13 The Problem with Link in Bio 15:01 Benefits of AI-Driven Engagement 16:15 Introducing Stampede Social 19:16 Balancing Automation with Authenticity 24:47 Leveraging AI for Content Creation 25:13 Using AI for Podcast Show Notes 27:47 Competitive Analysis with AI 31:14 Automated DM Systems and Engagement 34:33 AI-Powered Data Reporting 35:41 Effective Social Media Strategies 42:56 Future of AI in the Creator Economy 45:26 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Learn more about Jeff Dwoskin Connect with Jeff Dwoskin on LinkedIn Resources & Brands mentioned in this episode Stampede Social Jenn Herman Agorapulse Notion Otter.ai Magai Grab the free Scalability Audit and find your leaky buckets Follow Mike Allton on Instagram and get more AI tips Explore past episodes of the The AI Hat Podcast podcast Show Notes & Full Transcript: https://theaihat.com/solopreneurs-guide-to-ai-powered-social-media-automation/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode of How to Ride a Roller Coaster, host David Ezell sits down with Perry Sheraw — a pioneer in marketing automation and customer experience strategy. Long before tools like HubSpot and Klaviyo became industry staples, Perry was building CRM systems from scratch, connecting call centers to digital marketing, and architecting the early blueprints of what we now call customer journey design.Together, David and Perry explore how founders and teams can bridge the gap between marketing and sales, transform chaos into consistency, and design systems that build trust over time — not just conversions. They dig into:Why marketing and sales silos still exist (and how to break them)How to map your customer journey using a whiteboard, not a dashboardBuilding automations that feel human — from welcome emails to onboarding flowsThe psychology behind customer trust and why email still outperforms socialNew frontiers in automation, including WhatsApp integration and conversational AIHow to “turn the lights on” in your marketing house — and stop losing leads you've already paid forWhether you're an entrepreneur trying to scale your first system or a marketing leader rethinking automation strategy, this episode offers a grounded, tactical approach to customer-centric growth.Perry Sheraw is a strategist, consultant, and speaker specializing in marketing automation and customer experience frameworks. She's led marketing and call center operations for highly regulated industries, built cross-functional CRM systems, and currently advises companies on scaling automation with empathy. Perry is also writing a forthcoming book on marketing automation frameworks for young professionals — a practical guide on integrating automation and selling it to the C-suite.Learn more at perrysheraw.comShow links:• Connect with Perry on LinkedIn• HubSpot – hubspot.com• Mailchimp – mailchimp.com• Klaviyo – klaviyo.com• Seth Godin – “Permission Marketing”• Neil Patel – neilpatel.comHigh-level takeaways:• “If you invite people to your house and then leave, that's what it's like sending paid traffic without follow-up.”• “Automation isn't about removing the human — it's about meeting them where they are.”• “Start your customer journey on a whiteboard, not in a platform.”• “Marketing and sales are two halves of the same customer conversation.”
In this episode of Supply Chain Connections, Brian Glick speaks with Dan Bailey, co-founder and CEO of Nexcade, about the evolving role of AI automation in logistics and how forward deployment is reshaping software development for freight forwarders. Drawing on his unique journey from investment banking to logistics tech, Dan shares what drew him into the industry and why he stayed.Key discussion points include: Dan's transition from finance to supply chain tech via Sedna and venture capital The foundational ideas behind Nexcade and its focus on rate lifecycle automation How forward deployment enables scalable AI implementation in logistics operations Lessons learned about change management and customizing software in complex environments The shift from deterministic to adaptive software approaches in supply chain tech Insights into improving the software buying process within logistics organizationsAbout the Guest:Dan Bailey is co-founder and CEO of Nexcade, a company building AI-powered automation tools for global freight forwarders. With a background that spans investment banking, venture capital, and supply chain tech, Dan brings a unique perspective to solving operational challenges in logistics. Before launching Nexcade, he served as COO at Sedna and was part of MMC Ventures, where he focused on early-stage supply chain software platforms. Dan's work centers on simplifying complex workflows and helping logistics teams operate more efficiently through automation.Connect with DanDiscover NexcadeConnect with BrianFollow Chain.io on LinkedIn
Send us a textOn this episode of The Get Ready Money Podcast, I spoke with Lily Vittayarukskul, co-founder of Waterlily, and Sumedha Rai, AI strategist, about how AI is reshaping financial planning—from enhancing advisor-client relationships to helping protect consumers from financial scams.We explored how advisors can integrate AI thoughtfully, while keeping empathy and human connection at the center of every conversation.
Most teams treat annual planning like a spreadsheet exercise.Finance builds the numbers. Everyone else nods along. Then the plan gets filed away until next year.But real planning isn't about producing a static budget – it's about creating a rhythm that connects finance, operations, and delivery all year round.In this episode of The Handbook: The Ops Podcast, Harv sits down with Adam Cooper, founder of ACC Finance Solutions and host of The Fractional CFO Show, to unpack how finance can become your business's operating rhythm – one that brings clarity, accountability, and foresight to every decision.Here's what we cover:How to use finance as your sat nav, not your rear-view mirrorBuilding a monthly rhythm that links financials, KPIs, and team accountabilityCreating a planning cycle that goes beyond budgets – with scenarios, reforecasts, and 3 - 5 year goalsManaging cash flow and runway with discipline (and less stress)Why financial storytelling matters – and how it helps the whole business make smarter choicesIf your annual planning still feels like a finance ritual, this episode will help you reframe it as an operating plan for the year ahead – one that helps your team navigate, adapt, and grow with confidence.Additional Resources:
In this episode of Crazy Wisdom, host Stewart Alsop talks with Jessica Talisman, founder of Contextually and creator of the Ontology Pipeline, about the deep connections between knowledge management, library science, and the emerging world of AI systems. Together they explore how controlled vocabularies, ontologies, and metadata shape meaning for both humans and machines, why librarianship has lessons for modern tech, and how cultural context influences what we call “knowledge.” Jessica also discusses the rise of AI librarians, the problem of “AI slop,” and the need for collaborative, human-centered knowledge ecosystems. You can learn more about her work at Ontology Pipeline and find her writing and talks on LinkedIn.Check out this GPT we trained on the conversationTimestamps00:00 Stewart Alsop welcomes Jessica Talisman to discuss Contextually, ontologies, and how controlled vocabularies ground scalable systems.05:00 They compare philosophy's ontology with information science, linking meaning, categorization, and sense-making for humans and machines.10:00 Jessica explains why SQL and Postgres can't capture knowledge complexity and how neuro-symbolic systems add context and interoperability.15:00 The talk turns to library science's split from big data in the 1990s, metadata schemas, and the FAIR principles of findability and reuse.20:00 They discuss neutrality, bias in corporate vocabularies, and why “touching grass” matters for reconciling internal and external meanings.25:00 Conversation shifts to interpretability, cultural context, and how Western categorical thinking differs from China's contextual knowledge.30:00 Jessica introduces process knowledge, documentation habits, and the danger of outsourcing how-to understanding.35:00 They explore knowledge as habit, the tension between break-things culture and library design thinking, and early AI experiments.40:00 Libraries' strategic use of AI, metadata precision, and the emerging role of AI librarians take focus.45:00 Stewart connects data labeling, Surge AI, and the economics of good data with Jessica's call for better knowledge architectures.50:00 They unpack content lifecycle, provenance, and user context as the backbone of knowledge ecosystems.55:00 The talk closes on automation limits, human-in-the-loop design, and Jessica's vision for collaborative consulting through Contextually.Key InsightsOntology is about meaning, not just data structure. Jessica Talisman reframes ontology from a philosophical abstraction into a practical tool for knowledge management—defining how things relate and what they mean within systems. She explains that without clear categories and shared definitions, organizations can't scale or communicate effectively, either with people or with machines.Controlled vocabularies are the foundation of AI literacy. Jessica emphasizes that building a controlled vocabulary is the simplest and most powerful way to disambiguate meaning for AI. Machines, like people, need context to interpret language, and consistent terminology prevents the “hallucinations” that occur when systems lack semantic grounding.Library science predicted today's knowledge crisis. Stewart and Jessica trace how, in the 1990s, tech went down the path of “big data” while librarians quietly built systems of metadata, ontologies, and standards like schema.org. Today's AI challenges—interoperability, reliability, and information overload—mirror problems library science has been solving for decades.Knowledge is culturally shaped. Drawing from Patrick Lambe's work, Jessica notes that Western knowledge systems are category-driven, while Chinese systems emphasize context. This cultural distinction explains why global AI models often miss nuance or moral voice when trained on limited datasets.Process knowledge is disappearing. The West has outsourced its “how-to” knowledge—what Jessica calls process knowledge—to other countries. Without documentation habits, we risk losing the embodied know-how that underpins manufacturing, engineering, and even creative work.Automation cannot replace critical thinking. Jessica warns against treating AI as “room service.” Automation can support, but not substitute, human judgment. Her own experience with a contract error generated by an AI tool underscores the importance of review, reflection, and accountability in human–machine collaboration.Collaborative consulting builds knowledge resilience. Through her consultancy, Contextually, Jessica advocates for “teaching through doing”—helping teams build their own ontologies and vocabularies rather than outsourcing them. Sustainable knowledge systems, she argues, depend on shared understanding, not just good technology.
When Justin Buzzi launched a clear kayak tour in Florida, his goal was to offer something memorable. What he built was one of the most highly rated kayak experiences in the country—with over 50,000 five-star reviews and 30+ franchise locations.In this episode, Justin joins Dustin Miller of Conversion Assist to unpack how they built a guest experience that keeps working long after the paddles are down. From guide training to personalized automations, they reveal the systems and strategies behind their flywheel of reviews, repeat customers, and referrals.Whether you run one tour or many, this conversation offers clear, actionable ideas for tightening operations, earning stronger reviews, and building a reputation that scales.Top 10 TakeawaysStart with experience. Build with systems. Clear kayaks got attention, but it was the systems behind the scenes—like training, hiring, and guest communication—that turned Get Up and Go Kayaking into a scalable business.Google reviews matter most. While they still collect reviews on TripAdvisor, Airbnb, and Facebook, the team prioritizes Google for its impact on search visibility and conversion. That focus shapes everything from email copy to in-person asks.Follow up with every guest, not just the booker. After each tour, automated messages go out to everyone who attended—not just the person who paid. That alone tripled their review volume in one year.Set expectations before guests arrive. Automated pre-tour texts help guests feel informed, reduce no-shows, and create a smoother arrival. That positive start lays the groundwork for better reviews.Empower guides to own the guest relationship.Top guides build connection, read the group, and ask for reviews in ways that feel natural. Some have personally earned over 2,000 five-star reviews through great service and follow-up.Automation can still feel personal. With name-based SMS, segmented follow-ups, and smart timing, Dustin's system balances efficiency with a human touch. Guests feel supported without extra strain on the team.Use your off-season to get stronger. Slow months are for updating SOPs, refreshing content, replacing gear, and optimizing tools. When the season picks up again, the whole operation runs better.Your reviews are a roadmap. Use AI to analyze common praise and complaints in your reviews. What guests love should shape your messaging. What they question should inform training or improvements.Bad reviews are a chance to show who you are. Reply quickly, stay calm, and put future guests at ease. Dustin recommends using AI to help write thoughtful, emotionally neutral responses if needed.Great reviews grow more than bookings. Consistent five-star reviews improve search rankings, boost conversion rates, and increase the long-term value of your company. It's not just a feedback loop—it's a growth engine.
Investor Fuel Real Estate Investing Mastermind - Audio Version
In this episode of the Real Estate Pros podcast, host Michelle Kesil speaks with Tanya Rooney, a successful short-term rental investor and former corporate real estate project manager. Tanya shares her journey into the short-term rental market, emphasizing the importance of automation, effective guest management, and the challenges she faces, including neighborhood issues and hiring reliable staff. She discusses her goals for expanding her business and her passion for empowering women in real estate. Tanya also addresses common misconceptions about financial barriers to entry in real estate and the importance of adapting to market changes. Professional Real Estate Investors - How we can help you: Investor Fuel Mastermind: Learn more about the Investor Fuel Mastermind, including 100% deal financing, massive discounts from vendors and sponsors you're already using, our world class community of over 150 members, and SO much more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/apply Investor Machine Marketing Partnership: Are you looking for consistent, high quality lead generation? Investor Machine is America's #1 lead generation service professional investors. Investor Machine provides true 'white glove' support to help you build the perfect marketing plan, then we'll execute it for you…talking and working together on an ongoing basis to help you hit YOUR goals! Learn more here: http://www.investormachine.com Coaching with Mike Hambright: Interested in 1 on 1 coaching with Mike Hambright? Mike coaches entrepreneurs looking to level up, build coaching or service based businesses (Mike runs multiple 7 and 8 figure a year businesses), building a coaching program and more. Learn more here: https://investorfuel.com/coachingwithmike Attend a Vacation/Mastermind Retreat with Mike Hambright: Interested in joining a "mini-mastermind" with Mike and his private clients on an upcoming "Retreat", either at locations like Cabo San Lucas, Napa, Park City ski trip, Yellowstone, or even at Mike's East Texas "Big H Ranch"? Learn more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/retreat Property Insurance: Join the largest and most investor friendly property insurance provider in 2 minutes. Free to join, and insure all your flips and rentals within minutes! There is NO easier insurance provider on the planet (turn insurance on or off in 1 minute without talking to anyone!), and there's no 15-30% agent mark up through this platform! Register here: https://myinvestorinsurance.com/ New Real Estate Investors - How we can work together: Investor Fuel Club (Coaching and Deal Partner Community): Looking to kickstart your real estate investing career? Join our one of a kind Coaching Community, Investor Fuel Club, where you'll get trained by some of the best real estate investors in America, and partner with them on deals! You don't need $ for deals…we'll partner with you and hold your hand along the way! Learn More here: http://www.investorfuel.com/club —--------------------
In this archive episode, we dive into email marketing strategy and how e-commerce merchants can maximize its potential. Andriy Boychuk, founder at flowium.com, an email marketing agency for e-commerce, shares strategies for improving your setup, metrics, and overall performance. He explains how to effectively grow your email list before major sales seasons like Black Friday or Cyber Monday, the power of segmentation, and the critical importance of email deliverabilityTopics discussed in this episode: Why merchants feel they are not maximizing email marketing.Why planning ahead for Q4 sales is extremely important.The four key segments for Black Friday/Cyber Monday.How to convert traffic into email subscribers before sales season.What early bird and giveaway strategies grow your list.How segmentation can multiply your campaign revenue.Links & Resources Website: https://flowium.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andriyboychuk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andriyboychuk/Twitter: https://twitter.com/aboychuk Get access to more free resources by visiting the show notes at https://tinyurl.com/2v2wkw4w______________________________________________________ LOVE THE SHOW? HERE ARE THE NEXT STEPS! Follow the podcast to get every bonus episode. Tap follow now and don't miss out! Rate & Review: Help others discover the show by rating the show on Apple Podcasts at https://tinyurl.com/ecb-apple-podcasts Join our Free Newsletter: https://newsletter.ecommercecoffeebreak.com/ Support The Show On Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EcommerceCoffeeBreak Partner with us: https://ecommercecoffeebreak.com/partner-with-us/
Remember diagramming sentences back in school? I always thought it was pointless, but the real goal wasn't the diagram itself—it was understanding the structure of a good sentence.The same exact logic applies to building automations. It's tempting to just jump into a tool like Zapier or Make and start connecting things, but that's like throwing a bunch of random words on a page and hoping it makes sense. If you want to build automations that actually save you time (and don't break), you need to understand the structure first.I'm breaking down the four essential components every automation has—the two that are required, and the two "optional" ones that make your workflows truly powerful and intelligent. We'll walk through the difference between a Trigger and an Action, how to use Conditions to make your automations smarter (like "only do this if X is true"), and when to use specific Timing to batch your work.Are you unsure what you should even automate first? I built a brand new quiz to help you pinpoint your biggest bottleneck. Answer four simple questions, and I'll send you personalized automation recommendations to solve your most crucial problem.Take the quiz now at: https://streamlined.fm/quizShow NotesWatch the Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i41JKLS9Uf4 for visualsSubmit Feedback: https://streamlinedfeedback.com Read to build your perfect site? Check out StellarSites. ★ Support this podcast ★
Today's guest is Jason Veiock, Founder & CEO at Bearing. Founded in 2025, Bearing's software solution digitally transforms corporate security on ServiceNow. Their expert team, which spans leadership of converged Global Security programs to the management of Global Security Operations Centers (GSOCs), brings a wealth of firsthand knowledge to address the persistent challenges their clients face. Bearing are committed to delivering transformative solutions that redefine security management for the modern enterprise.Jason is a data-driven and risk-informed security executive with a focus on strategy development, enhanced resilience and business enablement. He is successful in building and leading teams defending against full-spectrum threats spanning the cyber, physical and global security realms. He has a proven track record in managing programs, vendors and budget with on-time execution & delivery. Jason is experienced in both the corporate and government sectors as a seasoned law enforcement, intelligence and security professional.In the episode, Jason discusses:0:00 Ex-law enforcement founder now digitizing corporate security via ServiceNow3:36 As AI is reshaping founders, experience and critical thinking matter5:04 Solving physical security inefficiencies through practitioner-led workflow automation9: 19 Unifying corporate security and operations natively on ServiceNow12:18 Using AI on ServiceNow to detect workplace threats and support HR17:10 How workflow automation boosts security efficiency, consistency and ROI19:28 Why balancing AI agents versus scripted workflows is key startup challenge22:10 Driving Bearing's success by balancing security expertise with ServiceNow skillsTo find out more about all the great work happening at Bearing, check out the website www.getyourbearing.com
What if the leads coming through your ads weren't bad but just not ready yetWelcome to Gym Marketing Made Simple, the show that helps boutique gym owners grow membership, increase revenue, and simplify their marketing systems without the overwhelm of complicated tactics.Episode HighlightsIn this episode, Blake Ruff, Sherman Merricks, and Tommy Allen discuss the difference between lead quality and lead readiness. They explain how a qualified lead is someone who shows genuine interest, even if they are not ready to buy right away. The conversation explores the importance of clear marketing messages, effective follow-up, and nurturing relationships over time. They also highlight how understanding client lifetime value and cost of acquisition can guide smarter marketing decisions for long-term growth.Episode OutlineA qualified lead is someone showing interest, not necessarily someone ready to purchase.Many leads are lost due to poor follow-up and a lack of nurturing.Marketing messaging should clearly reflect what the gym offers and who it serves.Cold traffic can still convert at 10 to 15 percent with consistent follow-up.Focus on the lifetime value of clients instead of short-term ROI.Combine automation with personal communication to build stronger trust.Sustainable growth comes from clarity, effort, and a long-term approach.Episode Chapters00:00 Intro00:05 Lead Quality vs. Lead Readiness in Gym Marketing03:51 Defining a Qualified Lead 08:07 The Role of Marketing Messaging11:43 The Importance of Follow-Up12:43 The Impact of Marketing Efforts on Revenue Growth17:44 The Role of Automation and Manual Intervention19:26 The Long-Term Value of Leads23:22 The Shift in Marketing StrategiesCall to ActionFollow Gym Marketing Made Simple for more conversations on how to attract better leads, strengthen client relationships, and grow consistently without losing focus on what matters most.Supporting Information
Text us your thoughts on the episode or the show!In this episode of OpsCast, hosted by Michael Hartmann and powered by MarketingOps.com, we are joined by Tracey Fudge, AI Operations Architect and Agentic Workflow Designer at AI By Thrive. Tracey has spent the past several years working hands-on with language models, automation systems, and what she calls agentic workflows. She helps marketing and operations teams move past AI buzzwords and turn technology into practical tools that drive better results.The discussion focuses on how to build real, usable AI systems that enhance creativity, improve efficiency, and deliver measurable business outcomes. Tracey explains what agentic workflows are, how they differ from traditional automation, and how teams can start integrating AI into everyday work in a thoughtful, scalable way.In this episode, you will learn:How to apply AI and automation in practical marketing and operations use casesWhat agentic workflows are and how they create intelligent systemsTechniques for prompting and choosing the right AI tools for each taskWays to balance human creativity with AI assistance for better outcomesThis episode is ideal for marketing and operations professionals who want to make AI an integrated part of their workflow without losing the human touch.Episode Brought to You By MO Pros The #1 Community for Marketing Operations Professionals Join us at MOps-Apalooza: https://mopsapalooza.com/Save 10% with code opscast10Support the show
Send Bidemi a Text Message!In this episode, host Bidemi Ologunde connects Amazon's recent layoffs and AI/automation push to everyday life—how task automation is reshaping hiring, local economies, and the culture of work. He also unpacks the rise of loneliness in a more screen-mediated world and the booming business that monetizes it—from creator DMs and OnlyFans to AI companion apps—then shares practical steps on how to future-proof your skills, efficient budgeting on “comfort spending,” and rebuilding real connection at work and at home.Support the show
Brantley Pearce, Chief Technology Officer at RJ Young, discussed the integration of IT services, workflow automation, and workplace technology within the managed services sector. RJ Young, a 70-year-old organization with approximately 700 employees, has been providing managed services since 2012 and has seen significant growth, now generating $12 billion in revenue. The company emphasizes a collaborative approach, utilizing account managers as liaisons who work alongside specialists to deliver tailored solutions that meet client needs while maintaining operational efficiency.The conversation highlighted the growing importance of compliance, particularly in relation to the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) for Department of Defense contractors. RJ Young is actively engaging in this area, recognizing the demand for compliance services among small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) that often lack adequate security measures. Additionally, the firm is focusing on enhancing clients' security postures through network segmentation and the implementation of Security Operations Center (SOC) and Managed Detection and Response (MDR) services.Pearce also addressed the challenges of workflow automation, noting that many organizations struggle to implement these solutions due to their day-to-day operational demands. While there is interest in AI and automation, the most effective solutions are those that are already integrated into existing platforms. The need for human involvement in understanding and optimizing business processes remains critical, as many clients are too occupied with immediate tasks to focus on long-term improvements.For Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and IT service leaders, the discussion underscores the necessity of evolving service offerings to include compliance and security solutions while maintaining a human-centric approach. As automation technologies advance, the ability to provide strategic guidance and personalized service will differentiate successful MSPs in a competitive landscape. Engaging clients in meaningful conversations about their business goals and challenges will be essential for fostering long-term partnerships and driving growth.