Podcasts about business innovation

Alan Gregerman is an internationally renowned authority on business strategy, innovation, and the hidden potential of grownups who has been called “one of the most original thinkers in business today” and “the Robin Williams of business consulting.”As the president and chief innovation officer of Washington, D.C.-based consultancy VENTURE WORKS, a best-selling author, sought-after keynote speaker, and community volunteer he focuses on helping companies and organizations unlock the genius in all of their people in order to deliver the most compelling value to their customers. He is also the founder of Passion forLearning, an award-winning nonprofit that teaches girls technology skills as a key to life and career success.His work has been featured in over 250 leading publications and media outlets in the U.S. and in other countries including the Wall Street Journal, NPR, CNN, The Economic Times, Business Week, Dagens Industri, and Fast Company and his writing, speaking, and teaching has informed and hopefully inspired over 700,000 people.His three previous books—The Necessity of Strangers, Surrounded by Geniuses, and Lessons from the Sandbox—challenge conventional thinking about people, the world around us, what it means to be remarkable, and where brilliant ideas come from. His new book, “The Wisdom of Ignorance: Why Not Knowing Can Be the Key to Innovation in an Uncertain World,” provides a powerful formula for making a difference in a world moving super-fast.Fun? fact…In March 2021 I had a rare and remarkable stroke and lost the ability to see and speak. It happened during dinner with my family and was a very clear reminder that we all live in an uncertain world. Fast forward and after eighteen months of speech, vision, and occupational therapy I am doing great, traveling, climbing mountains, kayaking, walking our dogs, and speaking with audiences around the world. Definitely grateful!The Wisdom of Ignorance is out October 14th! Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform.Stay connected with us:Follow us on LinkedIn!Follow our co-host Eileen Rochford on Linkedin!Follow our co-host Rob Johnson on Linkedin!

Retail is experiencing seismic shifts, and businesses that don't adapt risk becoming irrelevant overnight. In this compelling episode of Talk Commerce, recorded live from Shop Talk Fall in Chicago, host Isaac Morey sits down with Pano Anthos, founding member of XRC Ventures, to explore how agentic AI is reshaping consumer behavior and business operations. Their conversation reveals why traditional e-commerce strategies won't survive the next wave of technological disruption.About Pano AnthosPano serves as a founding member of XRC Ventures, an investment firm operating at the intersection of consumer behavior and technology. His expertise spans venture capital, retail innovation, and emerging technology trends that impact how businesses connect with customers. Pano's investment philosophy centers on understanding consumer adoption patterns to predict corporate technology trends. He's particularly focused on agentic AI applications across supply chain management, customer support, and e-commerce optimization. His insights come from years of observing how consumers embrace new technologies before enterprises catch up. Throughout his career, Pano has maintained that studying consumer behavior provides the clearest roadmap for understanding where business technology is headed next.Episode SummaryPano explains why XRC Ventures focuses on consumer behavior as a predictor of technological advancement. "Consumers are responsible for two trillion in spend and a massive portion of our GDP," he explains. "They tend to be relatively much faster early adopters of technology than corporations." This philosophy drives their investment strategy and provides unique insights into market direction.When discussing agentic AI, Pano breaks down the concept into four essential components: autonomous planning, adaptive reasoning, tool integration, and goal orientation. "AI to figure out the rules. You have to really lay out the rules first," he emphasizes. "That's the misconception of autonomous AI is that it will make decisions within boundaries. But you have to set those boundaries or you get nothing."The conversation takes a practical turn as Pano shares examples of agentic AI in action. He describes an investment opportunity involving supply chain automation where AI intercepts and processes manufacturer communications. "There's a very set of manual tasks today," he explains. "This team out of Israel has figured out how to automate using an LLM to basically take all those messages they're going back and forth and make decisions based on the rules that have been set by the organization."For small e-commerce businesses, Pano delivers stark advice about the changing landscape. "Your website is toast," he warns. "Unless you are a fashion-oriented product where discovery is important and inspiration is important and it's truly discretionary, the chat engines are going to take over." He demonstrates this point using Perplexity Shopping, showing how consumers can research, compare, and purchase products without ever visiting a brand's website.The discussion reveals how AI-powered shopping platforms threaten traditional cross-selling strategies. "You are, you know, for that transaction, yes. To build some brand awareness, maybe. Cross-sell, absolutely not," Pano states. This fundamental shift forces businesses to reconsider their entire customer acquisition and retention strategies.Pano's advice for content teams reflects the urgency of this transition: "Start using the engines and asking all the questions that any consumer and they give you all the questions that consumers can ask and go figure out whether you're in the top three or top one or top two." He stresses the importance of understanding where brands rank in AI responses and working backward to improve visibility in source content.The conversation concludes with predictions about Google's future. "The judges in the trial that just came out last week or two weeks ago, it's pretty obvious that the judge knows that what we all know is Google search in the traditional SEO, SEM world, it's over," Pano observes. He compares Google's potential fate to previous tech giants, noting how quickly market leaders can become irrelevant when disrupted by superior technology.Key Takeaways• Consumer adoption drives innovation: Consumers spend two trillion dollars annually and adopt technology faster than corporations, making them the ultimate predictor of future trends• Process documentation is crucial: Successful AI implementation requires clearly defined rules and boundaries before automation can begin• Reddit has become the new SEO: Chat engines prioritize Reddit content over traditional website reviews, fundamentally changing how brands build credibility• Website traffic will decline dramatically: Hard goods businesses face inevitable traffic drops as consumers turn to AI-powered shopping experiences• Transparency is the new currency: AI engines expose product quality issues that brands previously could hide through marketing• Google's dominance faces serious threats: Traditional search is being replaced by conversational AI interfaces that provide instant, comprehensive answersFinal ThoughtsThe retail revolution isn't coming—it's already here, reshaping how consumers discover, evaluate, and purchase products. Pano Anthos delivers a clear message: businesses must abandon traditional web-centric strategies and embrace AI-powered commerce platforms or risk obsolescence. The winners won't be those with the prettiest websites but those who understand how to position themselves effectively within AI-driven discovery systems. As we navigate this transformation, one question remains: will your business become an agent of change or merely another victim of technological disruption?Connect with XRC Ventures:https://xrcventures.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/xrcventureshttps://www.instagram.com/xrcventuresFollow Talk Commerce on your favorite platform:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@talkcommerceBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/talkcommerce.bsky.socialApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talk-commerce/id1561204656Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7Alx6N7ERrPEXIBb41FZ1nTwitter: @talkingcommerceLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/talk-commerceFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/talkingcommerceWebsite: https://talk-commerce.com/

Are you still treating AI like a glorified spell-checker?If so, you're missing out on at least 90% of its power and that power can save your team hours, boost productivity, and give your business a serious edge.In this solo masterclass, host Isar Meitis walks through the real-world, tactical ways you should be using AI, especially ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini to automate complex workflows, enhance proposal writing, improve learning, and cut down time spent on repetitive tasks.From uploading documents the right way to building custom GPTs that can practically write your RFPs for you, this episode is packed with actionable techniques that most professionals have no idea exist — and it's all tailored for business use.In this session, you'll discover:The 4-part prompt framework that stops hallucinations and delivers reliable citationsHow to build and share a prompt library for your team's efficiencyThe secrets of NotebookLM, Study Mode, and Custom GPTs for business useReal examples of interactive AI tools that go beyond text — from simulations to training gamesAbout Leveraging AI The Ultimate AI Course for Business People: https://multiplai.ai/ai-course/ YouTube Full Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@Multiplai_AI/ Connect with Isar Meitis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isarmeitis/ Join our Live Sessions, AI Hangouts and newsletter: https://services.multiplai.ai/events If you've enjoyed or benefited from some of the insights of this episode, leave us a five-star review on your favorite podcast platform, and let us know what you learned, found helpful, or liked most about this show!

A 75-year legacy built on survival, relationships and faith continues to drive innovation at Conner Insurance, where CEO Ben Conner and his team focus on providing sound counsel during life's most significant moments.• Founded in 1949 by WWII veteran Henry Clay Conner Jr., whose 30 months surviving in Philippine jungles shaped core values of seriousness, relationships, and entrepreneurial spirit• Second-generation leadership of four Conner brothers emphasized shepherding the next generation into leadership roles while maintaining family values• Mission evolved from "selling policies" to walking alongside clients during critical life moments including medical diagnoses, accidents, and positive transitions• Over 80% of clients experience flat or reduced healthcare expenses through innovative supply chain management, especially in pharmacy benefits• Team members know individual patients by name, working to source medications affordably for both employers and employees• Documentary "It's Not Personal, It's Just Healthcare" educates about systemic problems in healthcare delivery• Challenges traditional strategies like high-deductible health plans that create false "consumerism" while making healthcare inaccessible• Remains independent despite private equity consolidation in insurance industry, focusing on talent development and embracing technologies like AIVisit connerins.com to watch the full documentary "It's Not Personal, It's Just Healthcare" and learn more about their approach."It's Not Personal, It's Just Healthcare""The Ideal Team Player" - Patrick Lencioni

Timestamps:9:00 – What Is Venture Kick and Kickfund?12:55 – Why Wanja Joined Kickfund 18:45 – Why Founders & Investors Love Kickfund 27:05 – The Long-Term VisionThis episode was co-produced with KickFund, a VC fund investing in the most promising Swiss deeptech startups. Check out the link in the bio/comments to learn more about them!Episode summary:Wanja Humanes is the CEO of Kickfund, a Swiss investment fund that invests in leading deep tech startups recognized by the Venture Kick competition, providing strategic support and resources to help them scale and succeed globally. Wanja holds a BA in Business Innovation from the University of St. Gallen.In his chat with Merle, Wanja shares how Switzerland's flagship accelerator Venture Kick and its follow-on investment fund create a seamless path from lab to market. He reflects on his years at Swisscom Ventures, lessons from 90+ investments, and why a flexible co-investment strategy beats rigid thesis-driven VC.Wanja also details Kickfund's unique model: startups that graduate from Venture Kick can receive up to CHF 1 million in combined non-dilutive grants and follow-on capital—fast, founder-friendly, and backed by a growing community of investors and alumni. For Swiss founders and early-stage investors, it's a masterclass in building and financing high-impact companies.The cover portrait was edited by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.smartportrait.io⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.‍‍Don't forget to give us a follow on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Linkedin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Youtube ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠so you can always stay up to date with our latest initiatives. That way, there's no excuse for missing out on live shows, weekly giveaways or founders' dinners.

Steve sits down with Bruce De Torres, Director of Communications for the American Small Business League and the Don't Cheat Woman Project. They discuss the House Committee's recent vote to extend key innovation programs for small businesses and what that means for entrepreneurs across the country. Bruce also highlights the importance of supporting women-owned businesses in federal contracting, sharing insights from the Don't Cheat Woman advocacy project and how these programs help level the playing field. Listeners will hear practical steps for leveraging these programs and the broader impact on innovation, economic growth, and opportunities for small businesses nationwide.

Can your AI tool actually do what it promises or is it just fancy fluff?When it comes to running your business, choosing the right AI platform isn't just about features—it's about real-world performance under pressure. In this episode, I share my experience which AI platform is actually better for things like custom workflows, client-specific automation, data dashboards, deep research, or image generation, this episode is your ultimate field guide.In this session, you'll discover:- Why ChatGPT crushed Gemini in memory, personalization, and multi-step automations- How Gemini unexpectedly won in dashboard building and deep market research- Real use cases comparing Gems vs. Custom GPTs and the key limitation that still plagues Gemini- A real-world test of building data-rich dashboards in Gemini vs. ChatGPT (with shocking results)- How both tools struggled to pull business travel info across emails, proposals, and calendars and why that matters- A step-by-step visual branding test using AI image generation and who came out on top- The one killer feature ChatGPT offers that Gemini just doesn't match (yet)

Welcome to episode #1001 of Thinking With Mitch Joel (formerly Six Pixels of Separation). Toby Stuart is a Distinguished Professor of Business Administration at the Haas School of Business, UC Berkeley, where he directs the Berkeley-Haas Entrepreneurship Program and the Institute for Business Innovation. Over his career, he has also taught at Harvard, Columbia, Chicago Booth and MIT Sloan, and he is recognized globally as one of the leading thinkers on entrepreneurship, networks and organizational strategy. Beyond academia, Toby sits on the boards of multiple technology companies, cofounded the Black Venture Institute, and serves as the founding Chairman of Workday's AI Advisory Board. His latest book, Anointed - The Extraordinary Effects Of Social Status In A Winner-Take-Most World, examines the invisible hierarchies that govern so much of human life and why small advantages so often compound into massive outcomes. From why blurbs on books sway readers, to how neighborhoods or technologies become “the next big thing,” to the inequalities embedded in who gets credit for innovation, Anointed reveals how status shapes trust, opportunity and even our sense of self (I loved this book). Toby argues that status is both necessary - helping us navigate infinite choices in the modern world - and corrosive, creating inequality that is often disconnected from true merit. In our discussion, Toby unpacks the mechanics of anointment, the ways status rubs off through association and how technology, especially AI, might both entrench and disrupt these hierarchies. The conversation explores the paradox of meritocracy, the illusions of self-anointment in today's digital culture and the future of work as AI accelerates change. If you've ever wondered why some ideas, people, or companies get chosen while others languish (or even how you go to where you are), this conversation will challenge you to see the hidden operating system behind everyday decisions. Enjoy the conversation... Running time: 55:24. Hello from beautiful Montreal. Listen and subscribe over at Apple Podcasts. Listen and subscribe over at Spotify. Please visit and leave comments on the blog - Thinking With Mitch Joel. Feel free to connect to me directly on LinkedIn. Check out ThinkersOne. Here is my conversation with Toby Stuart. Anointed - The Extraordinary Effects Of Social Status In A Winner-Take-Most World. Haas School of Business. Follow Toby on LinkedIn. Chapters: (00:00) - Introduction to Toby Stuart. (01:50) - Understanding Anointed and Social Status. (04:40) - The Necessity and Corrosiveness of Status. (08:54) - Blurbs, Status, and the Publishing Industry. (12:40) - The Role of Association in Anointment. (15:29) - Breaking into New Fields and Status Transfer. (19:44) - Meritocracy and the Role of AI. (27:12) - AI's Impact on Status and Society. (31:38) - The Impact of AI on Status and Credentials. (34:46) - Evaluating Human Contribution in the Age of AI. (39:17) - The Future of AI Regulation and Power Dynamics. (45:29) - Self-Anointed Status in a Digital World. (51:25) - Reflections on Status and Personal Growth.

In this discussion, Deon Stroebel, Chief Innovation Officer at LSD Open, explains how the company helps organizations modernize through cloud-native solutions, Kubernetes, containers, and automation. With over 25 years of experience, LSD Open has guided leading businesses in banking, telecoms, and media through successful digital transformation journeys, ensuring modernization drives measurable ROI while avoiding common pitfalls of cloud adoption. Deon also shares insights on the importance of modernization, the human role in technology, and why businesses should embrace AI responsibly. He emphasizes how AI, automation, and cloud technologies can augment people rather than replace them, enabling greater efficiency, scalability, and innovation. By pairing human expertise with advanced tools, organizations can unlock faster growth, reduce risk, and remain competitive in an evolving digital landscape.

In this episode of What The Web 3, hosts Dave Wallace and Suresh Balaji tackle the seismic shifts in journalism and digital media brought on by generative AI, deepfakes, and Web3. Their guest is Harry Burt, Director of Business Innovation and Transformation at News UK, who shares frontline insights into how one of the world's leading media groups is responding to disruptive technologies.Harry explains how News UK—and the wider News Corp group—moved beyond early NFT experiments to focus strategically on distributed web components, content authentication, and ownership models. He addresses industry scepticism around Web3, stressing the urgency for media companies to rethink value chains and reclaim control of intellectual property and audience data that platforms often monetise at creators' expense.The conversation then turns to the existential challenges posed by generative AI. From paywalled journalism being scraped to train large language models, to the proliferation of misinformation and the lack of fair compensation for creators, Harry describes these as “mega tsunami” problems threatening publishers both large and small.Collaboration, he argues, is the only way forward. Harry reveals how News UK is spearheading efforts to establish open standards for content provenance, using blockchain to build transparent ledgers that improve attribution in search engines and provide regulators and platforms with trustworthy signals of authenticity.Yet the episode also highlights opportunities. Generative AI is already proving useful inside newsrooms—re-tagging archives, automating workflows, and making research more accessible through natural language interfaces. These tools can free journalists to focus on impactful, investigative work that underpins democracy.Looking further ahead, the hosts and Harry explore the role of immersive technologies like AR, VR, and the metaverse in creating “experiential news reporting.” While cautious about the pace of adoption, Harry sees long-term potential in enabling audiences to engage with stories in 3D, interactive environments.This episode is a dynamic primer on the urgent threats and emerging opportunities facing modern media—showing how journalism can protect its integrity in the AI era while exploring the next frontier of news through innovation and collaboration.

Stephen Wolfram answers questions from his viewers about business, innovation, and managing life as part of an unscripted livestream series, also available on YouTube here: https://wolfr.am/youtube-sw-business-qaTopics discussed: Education and self-learning - Patents and the innovation process - Computational thinking - Philosophy and ethics of AI - Decision-making and collaboration

Leading with a growth mindset isn't just a buzzword—it's a transformative approach that defines how businesses adapt, innovate, and thrive in competitive markets. For Larisa Walega, Chief Growth Officer at Ziebart, this mindset has been the foundation of a remarkable career and a driving force behind the evolution of a 65-year-old global brand. Ziebart is a name many associate with automotive protection, but under Larisa's leadership, the brand has become much more. Today, it operates in 37 countries with over 400 locations, serving millions of customers worldwide. That level of scale doesn't happen by chance. It's the result of forward-thinking strategies, deliberate culture-building, and a willingness to embrace change when others resist it. Larisa's journey with Ziebart began in field marketing—a role that gave her an up-close perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing franchise owners. That hands-on experience shaped her leadership philosophy. She believes growth starts with listening, understanding stakeholder goals, and aligning strategies to support them. This isn't theory; it's a practical application of leading with a growth mindset. For Larisa, adaptability isn't optional—it's essential. Her rise to the C-suite coincided with one of the most pivotal chapters in Ziebart's history: rebranding. Legacy brands often face an identity challenge. They carry decades of success, but shifting consumer expectations and market disruptions demand reinvention. Rather than clinging to the past, Ziebart doubled down on transformation, modernizing its image and strengthening its positioning as the leader in automotive appearance and protection. That decision required bold leadership, and Larisa played a central role in making it happen. What does leading with a growth mindset look like in practice? It's a mix of strategy, empathy, and execution. Larisa emphasizes the importance of culture—both at corporate headquarters and within franchise locations. For her, team members are not just employees; they are brand ambassadors. Building a strong internal culture translates directly into customer experience. When employees feel valued and connected to a company's mission, they deliver better service, foster loyalty, and strengthen the brand. Technology also plays a key role. Under Larisa's leadership, Ziebart embraced digital tools to enhance customer engagement and streamline operations. This included integrating systems that make it easier for franchisees to connect with customers through text, email, and other digital channels. These shifts might seem minor, but they reflect a mindset focused on relevance and responsiveness—two traits that define market leaders. Ford Saeks, a business growth strategist and longtime advocate for operational excellence, often underscores this principle: businesses that fail to adapt risk becoming obsolete. Leading with a growth mindset means anticipating change and preparing for it long before the market demands it. Larisa embodies that principle, guiding Ziebart through initiatives that prioritize customer needs while safeguarding franchisee success. Franchising, by nature, requires balance. Brands must maintain consistency while allowing flexibility for local markets. For Larisa, the answer lies in systems and relationships. A structured framework ensures brand integrity, while strong communication fosters collaboration and trust. This dual approach has helped Ziebart maintain decades-long relationships with many of its franchise owners—a rarity in today's fast-changing business environment. Recognition of Larisa's influence extends beyond Ziebart. She chairs the International Franchise Association's Women's Franchise Committee and serves on its Board of Directors. Her leadership has earned her accolades from Entrepreneur, Brand Innovators, and 1851 Franchise, placing her among the top thought leaders shaping the future of franchising. As industries navigate economic uncertainty, labor challenges, and technological disruption, one truth stands out: companies that embrace growth-minded leadership will outpace those that don't. Leaders like Larisa Walega demonstrate that success isn't about maintaining the status quo—it's about challenging it. By fostering innovation, empowering teams, and staying customer-focused, brands can achieve sustainable growth in any market. Leading with a growth mindset isn't just a leadership style. It's a competitive advantage. And for organizations willing to embrace it, the opportunities are limitless. Watch the full episode on YouTube. Fordify LIVE! streams every Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. Central across all social media platforms, featuring conversations with top business leaders. New episodes of The Business Growth Show podcast drop every Thursday. About Larisa Walega Larisa Walega is the Chief Growth Officer at Ziebart, a global automotive appearance and protection brand with more than 400 locations in 37 countries. With over 16 years at Ziebart, Larisa has led initiatives in franchise development, marketing, and brand transformation, helping position Ziebart as a modern leader in its category. She serves as Chair of the International Franchise Association's Women's Franchise Committee and sits on the IFA Board of Directors. Recognized as a Top 100 Influencer in Franchising and honored by Entrepreneur and Brand Innovators for her marketing leadership, Larisa is passionate about building strong cultures, driving innovation, and leading with a growth mindset. Learn more about Ziebart. About Ford Saeks Ford Saeks is a Business Growth Accelerator with over 20 years of experience helping organizations—from startups to Fortune 500s—generate more than a billion dollars in sales. As President and CEO of Prime Concepts Group, Inc., Ford specializes in marketing strategy, innovation, and customer engagement. He is the founder of Fordify LIVE and The Business Growth Show podcast, where he shares real-world insights for business leaders. An award-winning entrepreneur, Ford has authored five books, holds three U.S. patents, and speaks globally on growth strategies and leadership. Learn more at ProfitRichResults.com and watch his show at Fordify.tv.

In this episode of Disruption Interruption, host KJ sits down with Karthik Manimozhi, Chief Growth Officer at MindBridge, to discuss the transformation of finance and auditing through human-centric AI. From the limitations of traditional sampling audits to the promise of AI-driven transparency, Karthik shares insights from his journey as a FinTech entrepreneur and offers a vision for a future where technology and human expertise work hand-in-hand to drive meaningful change in business and society. Key Takeaways: [4:00] - The End of Sampling in AuditsTraditional audit sampling only reviews a small fraction of data, leading to missed issues. AI now enables analysis of 100% of financial data, increasing trust and transparency. [10:20] - Human-Centric AI: Augment, Not ReplaceAI should empower people, not replace them. The future is about using AI to solve complex problems and enable small teams to manage massive operations. [36:45] - Digital Readiness is CriticalOnly 20% of finance organizations are currently digital-ready; this must reach 50% by 2030 for meaningful change. Upskilling and embracing new technology are essential. [29:00] - AI Democratizes OpportunityAI is not just for large enterprises—no-code platforms and accessible tools are unlocking value for small businesses and addressing global challenges like education and healthcare. Quote of the Show (31:38):"Artificial intelligence is an Iron Man suit on your conventional systems. You can still keep your data, your processes in the same place, and now you can collate all of them and create that unified view." - Karthik Manimozhi Join our Anti-PR newsletter where we’re keeping a watchful and clever eye on PR trends, PR fails, and interesting news in tech so you don't have to. You're welcome. Want PR that actually matters? Get 30 minutes of expert advice in a fast-paced, zero-nonsense session from Karla Jo Helms, a veteran Crisis PR and Anti-PR Strategist who knows how to tell your story in the best possible light and get the exposure you need to disrupt your industry. Click here to book your call: https://info.jotopr.com/free-anti-pr-eval Ways to connect with Karthik Manimozhi: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karthikmanimozhi Company websites: MindBridge , mindbridge.ai How to get more Disruption/Interruption: Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/eccda84d-4d5b-4c52-ba54-7fd8af3cbe87/disruption-interruption Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/disruption-interruption/id1581985755 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6yGSwcSp8J354awJkCmJlDSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Catharine Arnston, the visionary entrepreneur behind EnergyBits, shares her fascinating journey from a 25-year career in corporate America to revolutionizing the health and wellness industry with algae tablets. With academic credentials from Canada's Ivy School of Business and a PhD in natural health, Catharine's transition was fueled by personal experiences, including her sister's battle with cancer. Her unwavering determination to discover the immense nutritional benefits of algae has led to significant advancements in the wellness space, challenging traditional notions of health supplements.   Join us as Catharine opens up about the trials and triumphs of building her business from the ground up. She candidly discusses the challenges she faced, from enduring personal bankruptcy to pivoting her business strategy to survive in a competitive market. Her story is a compelling testament to the power of resilience and adaptability, shedding light on how she rebranded her company and tapped into the sports nutrition market. Catharine's journey is a masterclass in persistence and innovation, providing invaluable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs.   Explore the transformative potential of algae supplements as Catharine delves into their health benefits, from boosting brain health to enhancing insulin sensitivity. Her discussion on spirulina and chlorella offers a fresh perspective on strategic supplementation and underscores the importance of quality sourcing. As Catharine's business continues to thrive, her insights into optimizing health through algae serve as an inspiration for those seeking to break free from the ordinary and pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.   CHAPTERS    (00:00) - Building a Successful Algae Tablet Business (03:58) - From Ivy League to Algae Innovation (15:09) - Launching an Algae Tablet Business (21:57) - Surviving Bankruptcy and Pivoting (24:57) - The Evolution of Business Innovation (35:57) - Nutrients in Algae for Health (45:03) - Optimizing Health Through Algae Supplements  

Are we watching the rise of a trillion-dollar empire—or sleepwalking into another dot-com crash?From OpenAI's wild ambitions and Sam Altman's eyebrow-raising dinner confessions, to Google's AI-powered Pixel 10 and Meta's highly questionable chatbot ethics—this episode dives deep into what every forward-thinking business leader needs to know now.Because the truth is, whether you're building, scaling, or just trying to survive the AI transformation, the ground is shifting fast—and not always in ways you'd expect.In this episode, Isar breaks down the latest AI news with clarity, strategy, and the occasional raised eyebrow. You'll hear exactly what matters, what doesn't, and how to separate hype from opportunity in a world moving at LLM speed.In this session, you'll discover:What Sam Altman really said about GPT-6, compute shortages, and raising trillionsWhy Google's Pixel 10 might be the first actual AI phone—and what it means for your dataThe OpenAI vs. Google browser war (and the subtle takeover of web search)Why Meta's leaked AI chatbot guidelines are more disturbing than anyone expectedThe death of entry-level jobs? New data shows how AI is upending the talent pipelineThe “Shadow AI Economy”: How 90% of employees are using AI—even when leadership isn'tLessons from CEOs: The right (and wrong) way to lead your team into the AI futureWhy we urgently need global AI guardrails—and how the current path is dangerously unregulatedAnd yes, a pregnancy robot is in the works. We're not kidding.About Leveraging AI The Ultimate AI Course for Business People: https://multiplai.ai/ai-course/ YouTube Full Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@Multiplai_AI/ Connect with Isar Meitis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isarmeitis/ Join our Live Sessions, AI Hangouts and newsletter: https://services.multiplai.ai/events If you've enjoyed or benefited from some of the insights of this episode, leave us a five-star review on your favorite podcast platform, and let us know what you learned, found helpful, or liked most about this show!

In this episode of Disruption/Interruption, host KJ sits down with Bill Lederer, Founder and CEO of MADTECH.AI, to discuss how marketing analytics is being transformed by automation, AI, and decision intelligence. Bill shares his journey as a serial entrepreneur, the challenges of messy marketing data, and how his innovations are helping brands make smarter, faster decisions. Key Takeaways: [2:12] - Most marketing data is disconnected, siloed, and often unusable, making good decision-making difficult. [6:57] - AI and automation are reducing the need for large teams in marketing analytics, allowing companies to do more with less. [11:32] - Automating data pipelines and transformations can lead to significant cost savings and efficiency gains. [13:04] - MADTECH.AI acts as a multi-tool for marketers, integrating data unification, visualization, and predictive analytics. [19:02] - Bill advises listeners to be skeptical of hype, test new technologies carefully, and focus on early ROI. Quote of the Show [23:42]:"The time compression in order to be able to do anything—to learn, to fix, to improve—it's a qualitative difference. The speed with which everything is able to be done now... it's dramatic. If you’re not leveraging this, you’re already behind." – Bill Lederer Join our Anti-PR newsletter where we’re keeping a watchful and clever eye on PR trends, PR fails, and interesting news in tech so you don't have to. You're welcome. Want PR that actually matters? Get 30 minutes of expert advice in a fast-paced, zero-nonsense session from Karla Jo Helms, a veteran Crisis PR and Anti-PR Strategist who knows how to tell your story in the best possible light and get the exposure you need to disrupt your industry. Click here to book your call: https://info.jotopr.com/free-anti-pr-eval Ways to connect with Bill Lederer: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billederer/ Company Websites: MadTech.AI How to get more Disruption/Interruption: Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/eccda84d-4d5b-4c52-ba54-7fd8af3cbe87/disruption-interruption Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/disruption-interruption/id1581985755 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6yGSwcSp8J354awJkCmJlDSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stephen Wolfram answers questions from his viewers about business, innovation, and managing life as part of an unscripted livestream series, also available on YouTube here: https://wolfr.am/youtube-sw-business-qaTopics discussed: Early academic experiences - Innovation and business dynamics - Evaluating AI companies and tools - AI Regulation - Career advice in a changing tech job market

Stephen Wolfram answers questions from his viewers about business, innovation, and managing life as part of an unscripted livestream series, also available on YouTube here: wolfr.am/youtube-sw-business-qaTopics discussed: Choosing the right college - Early business lessons & company mission - Balancing leadership with personal projects - Software risks & bug management - The role of AI in business.

In this Swift Chat conversation, Marie Swift speaks with Claire Alexander, founder of The Arch's Anvil, an operations and growth platform designed to help service-based businesses, particularly financial advisors, transform big visions into high-functioning businesses. Claire shares her journey from working in administrative roles to building and leading complex wealth management firms, culminating in the creation of her 10-week operational transformation program. Designed to help professionals, such as financial advisors, CPAs, attorneys, real estate agents, insurance professionals, and trusted consultants, The Arch's Anvil offers a structured dashboard with video modules, templates, and weekly strategy sessions directly with Alexander. She emphasizes practical tools, accountability, and customization to help entrepreneurs gain time, reduce stress, and achieve clarity in their vision. Alexander's approach is rooted in hands-on experience across financial services, insurance, real estate, and project management. The conversation highlights Alexander's no-nonsense, high-impact style and her passion for helping others architect a better version of their business and life. Whether you're an independent advisor or a small professional team seeking operational excellence, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration. Learn more about Claire Alexander and The Arch's Anvil at www.TheArchsAnvil.com

In this episode of the Investor Fuel Podcast, host Michelle Kesil speaks with Steve Fingerman, who has successfully created a one-stop shop for real estate services, integrating mortgage, real estate, and title services. Steve shares insights on scaling his business, supporting new investors, navigating challenges, and the importance of building relationships in the industry. He emphasizes the significance of careful acquisition strategies and the need for innovative solutions in the real estate market. 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   —--------------------

Introduction: How do you dig deeper with your team to create real engagement? In part two, Shannon Nutter shares advanced strategies for innovation, avoiding the whack-a-mole trap of constant firefighting, and the critical skill of asking better questions as a leader-facilitator. Summary: This episode dives into the practical side of leadership development. Shannon explains why leaders should function as facilitators rather than directors, how to balance innovation with results, and the importance of slowing down to truly know your people. She shares personal stories about recognizing when team members need human connection over business conversations. Highlights: Why successful innovation requires a 70% failure rate (like baseball batting averages) The whack-a-mole syndrome that keeps teams busy but not productive How great leaders facilitate rather than dictate solutions The power of asking "What are we missing here?" and "How could that work?" When to pause business conversations for human moments Key Takeaways: Innovation means creating customer value in new ways, not just building new features Experimentation should include budget for learning, not just success metrics Leaders are facilitators who pull knowledge from the room rather than pushing their own Knowing your people deeply means understanding their motivations, frustrations, and insecurities Sometimes the most important conversation isn't about work at all Next Steps: Start one project as an experiment with defined learning goals, not just success metrics Practice facilitating meetings by asking questions instead of giving answers Create space in your schedule for unplanned human moments with team members Connect with Shannon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-nutter/

Stephen Wolfram answers questions from his viewers about business, innovation, and managing life as part of an unscripted livestream series, also available on YouTube here: https://wolfr.am/youtube-sw-business-qaTopics discussed: Using AI in daily work and research - Interfaces and the adoption of AI technology - Computation and the future of algorithms - Modern day skills and computational thinking - Productivity and procrastination - Innovation, markets, and globalization

Melissa Dinwiddie doesn't have an MBA. She's never worked for a consulting giant, such as McKinsey, Boston Consulting, or Bain. She is a ukulele-playing, jazz-singing, Julliard-trained dancer and improv entertainer. Yet when companies, including Meta, Google, Uber, Intuit, and Salesforce, seek fresh thinking on innovation and team creativity, they turn to Melissa for results. Melissa draws parallels between performance troupes, such as her All That Jazz improv jazz group, and business teams. To be successful, she notes, all members must listen closely, support one another, adapt on the fly, and create something from nothing.   Melissa is the founder and CEO of Creative Sandbox Solutions, communication, connection, and creativity experts. Her firm's specialty is helping teams blast through creative roadblocks. She is the author of The Creative Sandbox Way: Your Path to a Full-Color Life, which she wrote to help readers be comfortable with and embrace their own, authentic creativity. As Melissa explains this week, her unconventional background and unorthodox methods —  including having six- and seven-figure salaried executives build with Lego bricks — consistently unlock breakthrough ideas and enhance team performance. Monday Morning Radio is hosted by the father-son duo of Dean and Maxwell Rotbart. Photo: Melissa Dinwiddie, Creative Sandbox SolutionsPosted: July 21, 2025 Monday Morning Run Time: 49:42 Episode: 14.7

 Most leaders react to disruption. Exceptional ones prepare for it. This episode outlines seven strategic shifts that will define effective leadership by 2030 — from building core capabilities and mastering foresight to transforming compliance and leading ecosystems. Designed for executives, consultants, and transformation leaders, this episode explores how to lead with resilience, clarity, and long-term vision in a world shaped by AI, innovation, and global complexity. 

In this conversation, Brandon Laws sits down with Fritz Brumder, serial entrepreneur and co-founder of WiseOx, to explore how “AI mascots” are helping organizations move from one-off ChatGPT experiments to secure, organization-wide automation. Fritz explains why legacy chatbots struggled, how large-language-model (LLM) technology unlocks far richer support and HR workflows, and what an 80/20 security model looks like in practice. They also discuss practical first-steps for leaders, new skills employees should cultivate, and a realistic one-, two-, and ten-year outlook on AI's impact on talent and trust at work. If you're AI-curious but cautious about compliance, this episode offers a roadmap—and a few reality checks—to get started. Key Timestamps Time stamp Topic 00:00 Welcome, show purpose, and Xenium HR sponsor read 02:00 Introducing Fritz Brumder and the concept of “AI mascots” at WiseOx 03:30 Fritz's startup journey, timing the leap from video tech to GenAI 07:00 Chatbots 1.0 vs. LLM-powered assistants—what changed and why it matters 11:00 Training an AI on SOPs, policies, and compliance docs: HR use cases 15:00 Internal roll-outs first, then customer-facing support and sales assistants 18:00 Beyond chat: email, voice, multilingual interaction, and task automation 22:00 Data privacy & the 80/20 security model (private vector store + LLM) 26:00 Pricing, five-step implementation path, and change-management tips 30:00 Future-proof skills: clear problem-solving, prompt design, creative thinking 33:00 1-, 2-, and 10-year AI forecasts—why pace feels fast but adoption is a decade-long shift 34:30 Workflow examples: AI-driven applicant screening and onboarding 35:30 How to connect with Fritz and learn more about WiseOx; episode close   A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST Podcast: Transform Your Workplace, sponsored by Xenium HR Host: Brandon Laws “The Transform Your Workplace podcast is your go-to source for the latest workplace trends, big ideas, and time-tested methods straight from the mouths of industry experts and respected thought-leaders.” — Brandon Laws About Xenium HR Xenium HR is on a mission to transform workplaces by providing expert outsourced HR and payroll services for small and medium-sized businesses. With a people-first approach, Xenium helps organizations create thriving work environments where employees feel valued and supported. From navigating compliance to enhancing workplace culture, Xenium offers tailored solutions that empower growth and simplify HR. Whether managing employee relations, payroll processing, or implementing impactful training programs, Xenium is the trusted partner businesses rely on to elevate their workplace experience. Learn more › Connect with Brandon Laws LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawsbrandon Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawsbrandon About: https://xeniumhr.com/about-xenium/meet-the-team/brandon-laws Connect with Xenium HR Website: https://xeniumhr.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xenium-hr Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/XeniumHR Twitter: https://twitter.com/XeniumHR Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xeniumhr YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/XeniumHR

Want to Automate your work with AI? Get the playbook here: https://clickhubspot.com/wgk Episode 66: Can you really build a zero-employee business with AI? Nathan Lands (https://x.com/NathanLands) sits down with John Rush (https://x.com/johnrushx), founder and self-proclaimed builder of “the most automated org on earth,” to unpack what it takes to launch and run a company where 80% of the work (and soon, 100%) is done by AI agents. John shares his journey from managing large VC-backed teams to going fully solo and using AI to automate nearly every task in his startups, from prototyping and front-end design to sales outreach and SEO content creation. The conversation covers unique agent workflows, how to rapidly test business ideas, how specialized vs. generalist AI agents can supercharge productivity, and practical insights for solopreneurs and founders curious about leveraging automation for scale. Check out The Next Wave YouTube Channel if you want to see Matt and Nathan on screen: https://lnk.to/thenextwavepd — Show Notes: (00:00) Transitioning from Teamwork to AI Entrepreneurship (04:01) Rapid AI Prototyping Strategy (08:40) Specialized vs. General AI Agents (10:25) Automating Marketing with Limited Coding (13:38) Embrace AI Agents' Autonomy (19:09) AI Directories Enhance Contextual Accuracy (22:36) LLMs Prefer Directories Over Blog Posts (23:31) LLMs and Directory Discovery (28:36) Reddit Manipulation Exploits Google's Search Algorithm (30:42) Elon Musk Boosts X Account (34:36) AI Progress Hindered by Infrastructure Constraints (39:11) Limit Screen Time for Balance (42:11) Leveraging AI for Business Innovation (43:07) Weekly Idea Generation Strategy — Mentions: John Rush: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnrushx/ Unicorn Platform: https://unicornplatform.com/ Grok: https://x.ai/ Replit: https://replit.com/ Cursor: https://cursor.com/en Lindy: https://www.lindy.ai/ Get the guide to build your own Custom GPT: https://clickhubspot.com/tnw — Check Out Matt's Stuff: • Future Tools - https://futuretools.beehiiv.com/ • Blog - https://www.mattwolfe.com/ • YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@mreflow — Check Out Nathan's Stuff: Newsletter: https://news.lore.com/ Blog - https://lore.com/ The Next Wave is a HubSpot Original Podcast // Brought to you by Hubspot Media // Production by Darren Clarke // Editing by Ezra Bakker Trupiano

Do you feel trapped in the constant cycle of putting out fires, leaving no time or energy to innovate and grow? You're not alone! Innovation isn't just a buzzword reserved for tech startups—it's the lifeblood of every thriving business. In this game-changing episode of SoTellUs Time, hosts Trevor and Troy Howard reveal practical strategies to break free from daily grind mode and intentionally foster creativity, new ideas, and continuous improvement in your business.

In this Mission Matters episode, Adam Torres interviews Csaba Lucas, a renowned business advisor and entrepreneur, on his unique journey blending tribal wisdom, regenerative technologies, and leadership strategy. From mentoring Wall Street leaders to reshaping modern entrepreneurship, Csaba delivers a profound look at what it truly means to lead. Follow Adam on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/askadamtorres/ for up to date information on book releases and tour schedule. Apply to be a guest on our podcast: https://missionmatters.lpages.co/podcastguest/ Visit our website: https://missionmatters.com/ More FREE content from Mission Matters here: https://linktr.ee/missionmattersmedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Send us a textForget 80-page business plans gathering dust - this week, Mike and Blaine dive into the Lean Canvas and how to map your entire business model on a single page.  They'll explore how this tool helps you spot holes in your strategy, simplify your thinking, and finally answer: “Do I even know how my business actually works?” Along the way, they'll roast bloated business plans, talk pivot moments, and confess which section always trips them up.  If your strategy can't fit on a napkin… maybe it's not a strategy at all.Don't miss the latest insights and entertaining discussions on entrepreneurship, small business, and random BS. Subscribe, follow, and like Mike and Blaine's "Business, Beer, and BS" and catch every episode! Featured Beer: @buroakbrewing @polyrhythmbrewingMike: Bur Oak Brewing Company “Clyde's Caramel Cream” AleBlaine: Polyrhythm “808” Irish RedWatch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/nRvjCrWfqkEThanks to our Beer Sponsors: • Rachel Barnett from Gentle Frog: youtube.com/@GentleFrog • Karen Hairston from 3S Smart Consulting: 3ssmartconsulting.com• Larry Weinstein, the Cash Flow Cowboy in Houston Texas!• Neighbor Pat• DevinListen to all our episodes at mikeandblaine.comcashflowmike.comdryrun.com#mikeandblaine #smallbusines #cashflow #finance #beer #entrepreneur #craftbeerSupport the showCatch more episodes, see our sponsors and get in touch at https://mikeandblaine.com/

Meesho, Rapido, and Zepto have managed to challenge what seemed like firmly established duopolies, such as Amazon and Flipkart, Uber and Ola, and Blinkit and Swiggy Instamart, respectively.The third-place player trying to break the duopoly with its ‘challenger DNA' came in and caught up with the incumbents by targeting the unserved or underserved markets they overlooked, innovation, be it through providing a zero commission platform for sellers, delivering groceries in minutes or connecting drivers to riders based on a subscription model.But what other factors cause this disruption in these duopolies?A critical factor enabling these new entrants is often incumbent complacency combined with venture capital pressures in India, which push established players towards short-term profits over broader market expansion.In episode 48 of Two by Two, we discuss how these disruptors came about, and based on their journey, can we observe other such disruptive third players in India?Joining hosts Rohin Dharmakumar and Praveen Gopal Krishnan was Professor Rajendra Srivastava, former dean at the Indian School of Business and presently the executive director at the ISB Centre for Business Innovation.–Additional reading:Does your company have an India strategy – https://hbr.org/2023/06/does-your-company-have-an-india-strategyWhy Indigo Airlines may be India's best export to the world after cricket and bollywood? – https://medium.com/@rks_72086/why-indigo-airlines-may-be-indias-best-export-to-the-world-after-cricket-and-bollywood-5beb92182343Market-based assets and shareholder value – https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/002224299806200102Peripheral Vision: Detecting the Weak Signals that Will Make or Break Your Company written by George S. Day and Paul J. H. Schoemaker (recommended by Professor Shrivastava)The Rule of Three: Surviving and Thriving in Competitive Markets written by Jagdish Sheth and Rajendra Sisodia (recommended by Professor Shrivastava)Additional listening:Is Zepto a gold medallist or a bronze medallist? – https://the-ken.com/podcasts/two-by-two/is-zepto-a-gold-medalist-or-a-bronze-medalist/Vidit Aatrey on building a problem-first mindset into Meesho's culture – https://the-ken.com/podcasts/first-principles/vidit-aatrey-on-building-a-problem-first-mindset-into-meeshos-culture/–This episode of Two by Two was produced by Hari Krishna. Rajiv CN, our resident sound engineer, mixed and mastered this episode.If you liked this episode of Two by Two, please share it with your friends and family who would be interested in listening to the episode. And if you have more thoughts on the discussion, we'd love to hear your arguments as well. You can write to us at twobytwo@the-ken.com.

Navigating AI: Expert Strategies for Innovation & Growth with Vlas Lesnoy How can your organization thrive amidst AI innovation and disruption? Vlas Lesnoy, CEO of the Silicon Valley Innovation Center, offers expert guidance in a recent podcast episode. He stresses that true innovation stems from organizational readiness, strategic prioritization, and human-centric communication. Key takeaways from Lesnoy's discussion include: Global innovation networks: Look beyond local markets for partnerships and diverse thinking. Strategic AI adoption: Evaluate AI tools carefully, focusing on solutions that align with core needs and clean data. Internal alignment: Use clear, one-page plans and cross-functional meetings to ensure everyone understands goals. Prioritization is paramount: Ruthlessly assess projects to focus resources on high-impact initiatives. The human element: Design experiences for all stakeholders, recognizing that every business interaction is human-to-human.

Join us for an in-depth conversation exploring the intersection of mental health awareness and early risk detection in school safety. This session will focus on equipping educators, administrators, and safety professionals with the tools and insights necessary to identify and address early signs of at-risk behaviors. By integrating mental health frameworks with threat assessment strategies, we aim to create proactive approaches to school safety that prioritize student well-being while preventing harm. Our panel of experts share actionable insights, real-world examples, and innovative practices to enhance the safety and security of our schools.GuestsMelissa KreeSchool Psychologist·Oxford Community SchoolsMelissa Kree has been a School Psychologist with Oxford Community Schools for the last 12 years. She has worked at all levels from PreK through high school. She coordinates building level MTSS teams and special education evaluations and is a district level IEP Coach. She serves on the district's crisis team as well as building level threat and suicide risk assessment teams, following both BTAM and PREPaRE models. She has been an ongoing part of Oxford's response to the tragedy on November 30th, 2021, and works closely with the Executive Director of School Safety, Operational Technology, and Student Services to regularly review and implement policies and procedures, as well as lead building level teams in the implementation as situations arise. She serves on the district mental health/SEL committee and participates in county level PREPaRE community of practice groups. Melissa serves on the Mental Health subcommittee of the Michigan Association of School Psychologists and is an advocate for the mental health involved in all aspects of school safety before, during and after an event. Melissa lives in Oxford with her husband and two children (2nd and 5th grade)Randolph MercedExecutive Director of Public Safety & Emergency Management·Seattle UniversityCareer university public safety professional with extensive experience supporting student well-being and campus safety. Currently serving as Executive Director of Public Safety and Emergency Management at Seattle University. An active member of the university's CARE Team and contributor to the development of student support strategies. Previously held a leadership role at the Community College of Philadelphia, where I established the institution's first BITA/CARE Team. Also provided instruction to graduate counseling students, bringing a public safety lens to student behavioral intervention and support.Rick ShawFounder·First PreventersRick Shaw founded Awareity in 2004 and is the CEO. Rick also founded First Preventers, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, in 2019. Rick is a Pre-Incident Prevention Expert, author of The First Preventers Playbook, and Prevention Coach to forward looking leaders of schools, universities, organizations, and communities. Rick Shaw has been researching failed preventions for over 25 years and has identified dangerous gaps, silos, disconnects, and blind spots that are common in nearly every failed prevention. Rick's visionary pre-incident prevention innovations offer a new category of solutions that have been recognized with the Risk Innovator award from Risk & Insurance Magazine, Responsibility Leader award from Liberty Mutual, Business Innovation award from Business Insurance, Campus Safety BEST Award from Campus Safety Magazine, and MVP Award from Security Sales & Integration Magazine. Rick also created the First Preventers Framework, a different category of solutions to deliver different and better results, which has been delivering impressive successes and safer schools, workplaces, and communities since 2016.

AI is changing the game for business owners—but many are still stuck in fear or confusion. I get it. I've been there. In today's episode, I pull back the curtain on my personal journey learning about AI, why it matters more than ever, and how I'm already seeing results in my real estate business. Tune in to discover how you can start small, think big, and use AI to amplify your impact—no tech degree required.Support the showDOWNLOAD THE FREQ APP:www.thefreqapp.com VISIT THE SHOP:www.thebeckonsouk.com CONNECT ON SOCIAL:Instagram: @beckonliving, @jaclynsteele, @samthurmond_reiTikTok: @beckonliving JOIN THE HIGH FREQUENCY SOCIETY:Text us at 480-531-6858 and type the word FREQUENCY to receive periodic uplifting, high frequency text messages from Sam and Jaclyn. You can also join by following this link. NEWSLETTER:Sign up! WEBSITE:www.beckonliving.com

Stephen Wolfram answers questions from his viewers about business, innovation, and managing life as part of an unscripted livestream series, also available on YouTube here: https://wolfr.am/youtube-sw-business-qaTopics discussed: Wolfram Summer School - Computational thinking and education - Parenting and learning from family - Project habits, curiosity and life decisions

What does entrepreneurship have to do with the Church? In this episode, we're joined by President David Janzen of Tabor College to talk about the unique intersection of business, creativity, and calling.President Janzen shares why Christian entrepreneurs are uniquely positioned to shape culture, solve real-world problems, and live out their faith in bold, innovative ways. We also explore the heart behind Tabor's new Business & Entrepreneurship Center, how it's training the next generation of faith-driven leaders, and why churches should care deeply about cultivating entrepreneurs.Whether you're a business leader, a pastor, or someone with a big idea on your heart, this episode offers fresh encouragement for thinking differently about vocation, risk, and Kingdom impact.

SAP's Lauren Husum, Vice President of Product Marketing for SaaS ERP, dives into the evolving landscape of ERP systems. Lauren explains why ERP remains the heart of organizations, serving as a critical foundation for innovation rather than becoming obsolete. She highlights three key trends shaping the future of ERP: the integration of AI, the importance of smart data, and the continued evolution of ERP applications. Lauren explains how AI is revolutionizing business processes by enhancing decision-making, boosting operational efficiency, and increasing employee productivity. SAP's approach to AI emphasizes relevance, reliability, and responsibility, ensuring AI solutions are embedded in enterprise applications, trained on extensive business data, and developed with strong ethical standards. She stresses that AI's success depends on high-quality, harmonized data across systems, which ERP platforms uniquely provide. Ultimately, the episode underscores that ERP is not dead but evolving into a powerful enabler of digital transformation. Organizations that leverage ERP combined with AI and smart data will unlock greater agility, efficiency, and growth in the years ahead.

Join us in Chicago October 2nd-3rd: https://link.shaminataylor.com/wealth-consciousness-experience-2025 The Wealth Consciousness Experience is the #1 Women's Empowerment Event that will quantum leap you into the version of yourself that attracts EFFORTLESS wealth. The woman you're becoming is right on the other side of this immersive experience.  In this episode of The Unapologetically Rich Show, Shamina Taylor dives deep into the hidden cost of craving approval and being liked. She exposes how this need silently drives high-achieving women to overachieve, play small, and wear emotional masks that disconnect them from their truth and power. If you've ever felt like you have to prove your worth, hold it all together, or hide your real self to be accepted—this conversation is your wake-up call. Shamina shares how to create emotional safety, speak up, and set powerful boundaries so you can stop shrinking and start showing up fully, as the woman you were always meant to be. Join our HIGHEST CASH MONTH CHALLENGE June 24th-26th: https://link.shaminataylor.com/highest-cash-month-challenge-og-m If you LOVED this episode check out Episode 151: A Woman In Her Power Doesn't Hold Disempowering Patterns How to BECOME Unapologetically Rich yourself:  ✨Grab your ticket for our in-person event in West Loop, Chicago October 2nd-3rd: The Wealth Consciousness Experience

In episode 39 of Wake Up to Wealth, Brandon Brittingham interviews Glenn Sanford, the Founder and CEO of eXp World Holdings, Inc., as he discusses the importance of focusing on agent experience and the innovative strategies that have led to eXp's rapid expansion, both in the U.S. and internationally.Tune in to discover insights from Glenn that have the potential to change your perspective on real estate and wealth-building. SOCIAL MEDIA LINKSBrandon BrittinghamInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mailboxmoneyb/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brandon.brittingham.1/ Glenn SanfordInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/glenndsanford/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gsanford/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glenndsanford/ WEBSITESBrandon Brittingham: https://www.brandonsbrain.org/homeeXp World Holdings, Inc.: https://expworldholdings.com/==========================SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS:Horizon Trust: https://www.horizontrust.com/brandonbMS Consultants: https://www.costsegs.com/Email Carson at The Money Multiplier: carson@themoneymultiplier.comRocketly: https://rocketly.ai/  

Is your organisation struggling to scale AI beyond isolated experiments? In this episode, Rob Llewellyn unpacks what enterprise AI really means—and why it's not just about technology, but transformation. Discover the leadership mindset, scalable infrastructure, and cross-functional collaboration needed to drive AI at scale. Learn how cultural change plays a pivotal role in adoption and hear insights from real-world examples like Unilever. If you're a business leader, manager, or consultant navigating AI transformation, this episode offers the strategic clarity you need. 

Stephen Wolfram answers questions from his viewers about business, innovation, and managing life as part of an unscripted livestream series, also available on YouTube here: https://wolfr.am/youtube-sw-business-qaTopics discussed: Building companies that do real science - New frontiers in science, complex systems and generative art - Risks of algorithmic trading and LLMs in finance - Balancing science and profits - Blockchain ideas that aren't just buzzwords

In our conversation, Katrena Friel discusses the importance of building a sustainable revenue model for projects. She emphasizes a dual approach where one can test the model in the background while gradually transitioning to it, ensuring that it proves effective before fully committing to it. This strategy allows for a smoother transition and minimizes risks associated with abandoning existing revenue streams.TakeawaysBuilding a sustainable revenue model is crucial.Testing a model in the background can reduce risks.A dual approach allows for gradual transition.Proving the model's effectiveness is essential before commitment.Maintaining existing revenue streams during transition is important.Flexibility in approach can lead to better outcomes.Understanding the project funding dynamics is key.A well-structured plan can enhance project success.Gradual implementation can lead to more confidence in the model.Collaboration can strengthen the revenue generation process.Chapters00:00Introduction to Katrina Friel and Her Business20:39Katrina's Journey into Coaching and Business Development25:42Navigating Economic Challenges as an Entrepreneur28:42The Importance of Personal Branding31:12Target Audience and Technology Savviness32:28Sales Strategies and Platforms for Success35:58Closing Thoughts and Free Discovery Session

What if the key to unlocking a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem lies not just in funding, but in research, mentorship, and global collaboration? On this episode of The Angel Next Door Podcast, host Marcia Dawood sits down with Dr. Shakenna Williams, Executive Director of the Center for Women's Entrepreneurial Leadership at Babson College, to discuss the center's 25-year evolution and its impactful work supporting women and allies in entrepreneurship.Dr. Williams leads initiatives ranging from student and founder support to global research through Babson's accelerator and the Diana International Research Institute. She sheds light on how Babson's blend of mentorship, education, and research is empowering new generations of entrepreneurs while challenging and refining the statistics around women's access to venture capital.This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in building a more inclusive entrepreneurial landscape. You'll hear practical insights on the importance of research-driven programs, mentorship dos and don'ts, and what's next for global women's entrepreneurship—making it essential for founders, investors, and ecosystem builders alike. To get the latest from Dr. Shakenna Williams, you can follow her below!https://www.linkedin.com/in/drshakennawilliams/https://www.babson.edu/womens-leadership-institute/about-us/dr-shakenna-k-williams/ Sign up for Marcia's newsletter to receive tips and the latest on Angel Investing!Website: www.marciadawood.comLearn more about the documentary Show Her the Money: www.showherthemoneymovie.comAnd don't forget to follow us wherever you are!Apple Podcasts: https://pod.link/1586445642.appleSpotify: https://pod.link/1586445642.spotifyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/angel-next-door-podcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theangelnextdoorpodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marciadawood

In the latest bonus episode of 50 Shades of Green, we cover the role of cities and states in building smart and sustainable transportation infrastructure.Speakers include: Featured speakers include:⭕ Richard Parker, Senior Manager, Transportation Programs, Climate Group North America⭕ Frederic Langlois, Sustainable Mobility & Renewable Energy, Québec Government Office in New York⭕ Michael Carroll, Deputy Managing Director, Office of Transportation and Infrastructure Systems, City of Philadelphia⭕ Emily Duncan, Manager of Business Innovation, Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA)

Stephen Wolfram answers questions from his viewers about business, innovation, and managing life as part of an unscripted livestream series, also available on YouTube here: https://wolfr.am/youtube-sw-business-qaTopics discussed: Starting and funding a biotech company - Thinking clearly and building ideas from scratch - Getting better at asking questions - Is college still worth it? - The future of remote workspaces - Words, language and how we talk.

Alex Rodriguez shares why in sports and business, striking out is just a part of the game.From the baseball field to the boardroom, great communication is critical for success. But as Alex Rodriguez knows, we don't always hit it out of the park. For this sports superstar turned entrepreneur, striking out is never the end of the story.“I'm fifth all-time in the history of strikeouts,” says Rodriguez. “That means there's only four people in the history of mankind that have failed more than me.” For the 14-time Major League Baseball All-Star and World Series champion, failures aren't endings, but opportunities to learn and grow. "The key is how you get back up with the same energy and enthusiasm," explains Rodriguez, who is now chairman and CEO of A-Rod Corp, leading a team of experts in building high-growth businesses.In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, co-hosted by Matt Abrahams and Stanford GSB colleague Jeffrey Pfeffer, Rodriguez shares lessons on resilience, authenticity, and effective communication. From maintaining a "slow heartbeat" in high-pressure moments to his approach of "intentional listening," he offers insights on leadership, giving feedback, and viewing communication as "an unselfish act." Whether you're stepping up to the plate or stepping up to present, these strategies can help you turn strikeouts into home runs.Episode Reference Links:Alex RodriguezJeffrey Pfeffer  Ep.166 Why Relying on Talent Alone Will Fail YouEp.153 Listen Up, Leaders: A Record-Setting Coach's Guide to Communication  Connect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInChapters:(00:00) - Introduction (02:53) - Teaching at Stanford: Strategic Pivoting (04:28) - Preparing for Life After Baseball (06:51) - Performing Under Pressure (08:16) - Finding Balance Post-Pandemic (09:14) - Building a Media Presence (11:05) - Creating Great Teams (12:15) - The Role of Ego and Intentional Listening (14:26) - Giving and Receiving Feedback (17:06) - Setbacks, Resilience, and Redemption (20:09) - Developing Authenticity (21:39) - The Final Three Questions (25:31) - Conclusion    *****This episode is brought to you by Babbel. Think Fast Talk Smart listeners can get started on your language learning journey today- visit Babbel.com/Thinkfast and get up to 55% off your Babbel subscription.Support Think Fast Talk Smart by joining TFTS Premium.       

Stephen Wolfram answers questions from his viewers about business, innovation, and managing life as part of an unscripted livestream series, also available on YouTube here: https://wolfr.am/youtube-sw-business-qaQuestions include: Did you see the recent news about the dire wolves coming back from extinction? Is there a genuine business for bringing back extinct animals?  - There are also scientists making hybrids by injecting extinct animal DNA into modern animals. Recently they made woolly mice. - But would our atmosphere sustain dinosaur life, considering there was more oxygen back then? - At the remarkable age of 15, you began doing things that many would consider grown-up. I'm just curious as to how you went about attacking things that you simply felt like attacking. There are some people who wonder about stuff but don't necessarily know where to begin. How did you get so emboldened, if you can recall what that felt like? - I am curious about the "health trackers" you currently use (without revealing anything too personal!). I see at the time, you used a Fitbit Charge 2 and ServiceConnect, etc. Do you still use these, or have you switched to an Apple Watch etc.? Asking because I love your idea of tracking all kinds of health data, and I especially agree that automated is best. - Going back to your answer to my question about AI agents, which I agree that most websites will be used for LLMs instead of humans, should Wolfram|Alpha's next product be like Alexa—perhaps called "Wolfie"? - How to build that sort of confidence, then? What if I overthink at all times? How to challenge if I'm old already? - ​​Should my next venture be based on an intellectual curiosity that might develop into something organically or a big ambition? - Do you think someone will come up with an internal fitness tracker which would be more accurate? - Is capital becoming more free to take risks or more constrained because of complexity of high-earning businesses? - How do you deal with real exogenous risks (i.e. global pandemic), with respect to innovation and commercialization thereof? - What are some early finance tips and tricks to teach kids to prepare them for the future? - ​​I feel like I became a friend with ChatGPT—is it healthy? - ChatGPT and my daily-driver LLMs definitely know and remember more about me than I do myself at this point! - That seems a great idea. In the "Computational X" program, why not something to teach financial literacy and key financial math (compounding etc.), notably for kids, in interactive forms? - ​​When designing humanoid robots, what do you think is a key component design of them?

Send us a textIn this powerful episode of the Stories to Create Podcast, Cornell Bunting sits down with one of Southwest Florida's most sought-after motivational speakers—Jason Teeters—for The Juice Edition. Known as a visionary, innovator, and emergent strategist, Jason brings the energy, insight, and fire that have made him a go-to resource for CEOs, small business owners, nonprofits, and community leaders across the globe.For over a decade, Jason has not just studied the science of achievement—he's mastered it, transforming theory into real-world results. In this conversation, he shares his journey, the mission behind his signature program UnpackED: How to Eliminate Clutter and Create a Life and Business You Love, and how he helps people clear mental and organizational roadblocks to unlock their true potential.Whether you're building a brand, leading a team, or just trying to level up in life, this episode is packed with game-changing juice that will challenge your mindset and leave you inspired to take bold, intentional action.Tune in and get ready to sip some serious wisdom from Jason Teeters—this one's got the juice! Purpose & Profit Club™ for NonprofitsThe Playbook to Raise & Reach Millions Faster Than Ever Before -- No gimmicks!Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showThank you for tuning in with EHAS CLUB - Stories to Create Podcast

Send us a textIn this insightful conversation, Joey Pinz sits down with Sergio Farache, a visionary entrepreneur who transformed a struggling distribution company into a powerhouse at TD SYNNEX. From growing up in Venezuela to navigating the ever-changing tech landscape, Sergio shares his journey of innovation, leadership, and resilience.

➡️ Join 321,000 people who read my free weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.scottdclary.com➡️ Like The Podcast? Leave A Rating: https://ratethispodcast.com/successstoryJim McCann is the founder and executive chairman of 1-800-Flowers.com, a company he grew from a single flower shop in 1976 into a multi-billion-dollar business. Under his leadership, the company became a pioneer in e-commerce and direct-to-consumer floral delivery, generating over $2 billion in annual revenue and serving millions of customers worldwide. McCann also expanded the brand through strategic acquisitions, including Harry & David, Cheryl's Cookies, and The Popcorn Factory. A best-selling author and entrepreneur, he is known for his focus on customer relationships, innovation, and leveraging technology to transform the gifting industry. ➡️ Show Linkshttps://www.x.com/jim1800flowers/   https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim1800flowers/ ➡️ Bookshttps://www.amazon.com/Lodestar-Tapping-Historic-Pillars-Success/dp/1637632738 ➡️ Podcast SponsorsHubspot - https://hubspot.com/  Lingoda - https://try.lingoda.com/successstory (Code: scott25)Vanta - https://www.vanta.com/scottFederated Computer - https://www.federated.computerCornbread Hemp - https://cornbreadhemp.com/success (Code: Success)Create Like The Greats Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/lu/podcast/create-like-the-greats/id1653650073FreshBooks - https://www.freshbooks.com/pricing-offer/Bank On Yourself - https://www.bankonyourself.com/scottStash - https://get.stash.com/successstoryNetSuite — https://netsuite.com/scottclary/Indeed - https://indeed.com/clary ➡️ Talking Points00:00 - Intro05:34 - Did Jim Know 1-800-Flowers Would Be Huge?07:52 - Fixing the Biggest Flower Shop Problem11:09 - Jim's Entrepreneurial Roots16:48 - Leading & Scaling a Successful Company21:06 - Jim's Boldest Move at 1-800-Flowers24:12 - The Success Pillars from Lodestar33:29 - The Power of Words35:06 - Sponsor Break37:44 - Jim's Best Self-Improvement Habit42:59 - The #1 Success Principle from Lodestar47:25 - How Jim Stayed Optimistic50:14 - Game-Changing Lessons from Jim's Career55:43 - Sponsor Break57:57 - AI: The Good & The Bad1:03:10 - Jim's Journey & the Story of Smile Farms1:10:58 - Building a Non-Profit That Works1:17:39 - Why Work Is More Than Just a Paycheck1:24:52 - Jim's Life Lesson for His Kids