Podcasts about business strategy

If you've ever woken up wanting to create a new client or generate more revenue and found yourself spinning on what you should actually be doing, this episode is for you. I'm going solo and I'm going deep on what I consider to be the number one business strategy for coaches, teachers, experts, and anyone with a human-centered business: personal outreach. It is the fastest path to a client, the foundation of a relationship-driven business, and the strategy that gets the most overlooked and underused by so many business owners - and in this one I'm telling you why.Showing up in our businesses and for our people takes a lot - it takes time, energy, effort and a whole lot of mindset work to boot. And for most people, the mindset is exactly where it all breaks down. In this episode, I'm going deep on the psychology of both sides: what it takes to be the one doing the outreach, and what it means to be on the receiving end. I'm sharing the good, the bad, and the ugly — including real stories of how I use this strategy in my own business and how to build up the resilience and “thick skin” it takes to keep showing up - even when it's vulnerable, frustrating and downright disappointing.Here's what you'll hear in this episode:Why personal outreach is the #1 strategy for creating clients — and why so many coaches, experts, and entrepreneurs are overlooking, underusing, or avoiding it altogetherWho your real warm and hot leads are — and why going to them first is always the right move when you want to create clients nowWhat it actually takes mentally and emotionally to implement this strategy with consistency — and why the mindset piece is where most people get stuckWhy being afraid of coming across as salesy or pushy is keeping you from doing the one thing that would actually workThe good, the bad, and the ugly of personal outreach — including what to do when it doesn't go the way you hopedWhat to make of the full range of responses you're going to get — and why all of it, including the silence, is useful information for your businessWhy being on the receiving end of outreach matters just as much as being the one who sends it — and what that reveals about where you are in your businessIf you keep thinking you need more leads, more visibility, or a better marketing strategy — and you still don't have the clients you want — this episode is going to reframe everything.And if you want more strategy, mindset and clients join me for Summer Business School July 1, 8 + 15!I'm hosting a FREE 3-part workshop series so you can keep your biz momentum going while also enjoying your summer!REGISTER HERE!

This week on Catalyst, Tammy is joined by Carolyn Lee, President of The Manufacturing Institute, the workforce development and education affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers. Carolyn grew up in a manufacturing family on Long Island and spent years on Capitol Hill before taking the helm of the MI in 2017. Tammy and Carolyn dig into the widening gap between AI adoption at the executive level and awareness on the shop floor, and why closing it is the defining challenge for American manufacturing right now. They also unpack the fear factor driving resistance to change and Carolyn announces the forthcoming AI for Manufacturing 101 curriculum to help manufacturers who are at risk of falling behind. Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATALinks:Carolyn LeeThe Manufacturing Institute - AI Skills Training Learn more about Launch by NTT DATASee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What if the key to growing your coaching practice wasn't better marketing, a bigger audience, or a new offer… but was simply getting better results for the clients you already have?    This episode makes the business case for impact over volume, and walks through exactly how better client results creates retention, referrals, and more revenue.    Plus: the real objection keeping coaches from prioritizing results, and why it's costing them everything.   Register for the "Confidently get any client with any problem any result- Double your client results with trauma informed coaching" webinar: https://jessicademarchis.myflodesk.com/confidentlygetanyclientwebinar    Learn more about The Art & Skill of Coaching certification: https://www.jessicademarchis.com/the-art-skill-of-coaching    1-1 Trauma-Informed Coaching: www.chatwithjess.com   Stay in Touch: www.jessicademarchis.com IG @jess_demarchis_coaching  

In this episode of the Story Engine Podcast, I sit down with Carolee Moore, an expert storyteller who helps corporate leaders and subject matter experts find their voice, get on the right podcasts, and turn their visibility into real business growth. What stood out to me most is how Carolee doesn't just focus on booking interviews—she helps people reconnect with their authentic voice after years of operating inside corporate expectations. We explore how storytelling, when done right, becomes the bridge between deep expertise and real influence. Carolee shares her journey from growing up in Jamaica surrounded by storytelling, to navigating corporate America, to building (and walking away from) a successful marketing agency that no longer aligned with her. We also dive into how podcast guesting can fast-track credibility in B2B spaces, why so many experts struggle with visibility despite their experience, and how finding your voice can literally "change the vote" in the rooms that matter most. If you've ever felt unseen, under-recognized, or stuck playing small—this conversation will show you a new path forward. 00:49 – From Jamaica to the U.S.: The Roots of a Storyteller 02:09 – Corporate Life, Structure, and Suppressed Creativity 03:30 – Building (and Closing) a Multi-Six-Figure Agency 04:24 – The Pivot: From Marketing to Podcast Guesting 05:31 – The Types of Experts She Works With 07:41 – Why Podcasting Works for High-Level Experts 09:00 – Turning Stories Into Credibility and Sales 11:14 – The Hidden Struggles of High-Achieving Experts 12:46 – Watching Less Experienced People Win (and Why It Hurts) 14:08 – The Real Transformation: Finding Your Authentic Voice 16:46 – Integrating Visibility With Sales and Business Strategy 17:23 – The Boardroom Moment That Changed Everything 19:00 – Speaking Up and Changing the Vote 20:58 – Learning to Own Your Voice 21:39 – Underpricing and Positioning Lessons as an Agency Owner 22:46 – A Major Win: Earning a Year's Salary in One Day 23:30 – Learning to Celebrate and Step Away 24:44 – The Story Reflection: From Silence to Impact

Your favorite Blerds are back bringing you all of their thoughts on everything happening in nerd culture. This week, Shannon, Jaja and James are discussing the Xbox showcase and the most recent Nintendo Direct where a very surprising announcement was made. We're also talking about the impact of Streaming on RPG's. Is it hurting the genre? Plus other nerd news. Make sure to subscribe to us on Youtube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your podcast app of choice.   Chapters 00:00-Celebrating the Knicks Championship Win 02:44- Weekly Nerdy Things  05:27-Showcase Highlights and Anticipated Games 08:16-Nintendo Direct Highlights  11:04-Kingdom Hearts 4 and Its Controversies 23:12-Upcoming Game Releases and DLCs 24:38-Xbox Showcase Highlights  28:51-September Game Releases and Competition 32:37-The Future of RPGs and Streaming Impact 37:02-The Evolution of Story-Driven Games 46:38-Next-Gen Console Release Speculations 49:26-Affordability and Economic Concerns in Gaming 53:03-The Role of Exclusives in Console Sales 56:13-Xbox's Business Strategy and Potential Layoffs 59:09-Warner Bros Sale to Paramount and Industry Implications 01:02:18-Exciting Anime Releases and Nostalgia   Follow Us!  https://linktr.ee/blerdsnerds National Resources List https://linktr.ee/NationalResourcesList Youtube  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK56I-TNUnhKhcWLZxoUTaw Email us: Blerdsnerds@gmail.com Follow Our Social: https://www.instagram.com/blerdsnerds/ https://twitter.com/BlerdsNerds https://www.facebook.com/blerdsnerds https://tiktok.com/blerdsnerds_pod Shannon: https://www.instagram.com/luv_shenanigans James: https://www.instagram.com/llsuavej  Jaja: https://www.instagram.com/jajasmith3 

What happens to your practice when you're ready to walk away? Most private practice owners have no idea. Lord knows I sure didn't when that day came for me.And this week's guest, Dr. Ruth Mannschreck, believes that's a problem - and she wants you to KNOW what to do. A dentist, practice strategist, and founder of Shoreline Strategies, Ruth helps practice owners create businesses that run more efficiently today while also becoming far more valuable tomorrow.So in this episode, we'll talk about how to prepare your business to sell - information you need. But what surprised me about this conversation was that it's not really about selling your practice at all. It's about building a business that isn't completely dependent on you, one that can survive and thrive even after you're gone.There are many reasons you may want to step away from your practice some day. Retirement is the obvious one, but there are many others. So whether you're thinking about an exit in five years or twenty-five, the lessons in this episode can help you create a healthier practice, a stronger team, a better client experience, and more options for your future.And isn't that a good thing? :) In this episode, you'll hear...The four pillars of a healthy practice that's ready to sell.Why most owners wait far too long to think about their exit strategy (and what to do instead.)How Ruth cut her clinical hours in half while ultimately doubling her revenue. (Wait a minute. Whaaaa?!)Why systems, culture, and team ownership matter WAY more than most owners realize.And really, we'll talk about how creating a practice worth selling means creating a healthier business right now… so that you can build a practice that serves your clients well today without trapping you in it forever.Ruth also created a free resource that walks through the framework we discussed in today's episode. Visit www.PrepItNow.com to grab a checklist to help you begin thinking strategically about your own future.I wish I'd known all of this when I started my practice. Don't wait. ~WendyP.S. There are MANY reasons why you will one day want to walk away from your practice... so this conversation is worth hearing. What you're building today will bring value and choices to your life tomorrow._______________TODAY'S GUEST:  Dr. Ruth Mannschreck  Mannschreck is a dentist, practice management strategist, and founder of Shoreline Strategies. After spending more than 30 years in private practice, she learned firsthand how systems, culture, and leadership can dramatically improve both quality of life and business performance. Following the sale of her own practices (twice!), she became passionate about helping other owners avoid the mistakes she made and prepare their businesses for successful transitions. Today she helps private practice owners reduce their workload, strengthen their teams, and build practices that can thrive long after they're ready to step away.Her website: www.ShorelineStrategies.com  A Free Resource: www.prepitnow.com  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ruthmannschreck_______________WANT to BE a GUEST on the podcast?We are currently scheduling interviews for the 2nd half of the year. If you have a clear message, an engaging style, and a heart for healers, let's meet!  Submit your application right here.Support the showWendy Pitts Reeves, LCSWHost, Ideal PracticePrivate Practice Coach and Mentorwww.WendyPittsReeves.comWendy@WendyPittsReeves.com

The Red Key After-Action Review explores how leaders can learn more from their critical moments by intentionally reviewing what happened, what worked, what failed, and what should change moving forward. This episode provides a practical framework for turning experience into wisdom and building stronger leadership decisions over time.Host: Paul FalavolitoConnect with me on your favorite platform: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, Substack, BlueSky, Threads, LinkTree, YouTubeView my website for free leadership resources and exclusive merchandise: www.paulfalavolito.comBooks by Paul FalavolitoThe 7 Minute Leadership® Handbook: bit.ly/48J8zFGThe Leadership Academy: https://bit.ly/4lnT1PfThe 7 Minute Leadership® Survival Guide: https://bit.ly/4ij0g8yThe Leader's Book of Secrets: http://bit.ly/4oeGzCI

A CMO Confidential Interview with Dr. David Bray, Distinguished Fellow and Chair of the Accelerator with the Alfred Lee Loomis Innovation Council and bipartisan advisor on cyber, space, AI as well as countering terrorism, inauthentic information campaigns, and bioterrorism. David shares thoughts on why geopolitics have become so important so quickly, the universal breakdown in trust, how anxiety fuels anger, which fuels grievance, and how business leaders might adjust to all of this.Key topics include: - Why geopolitical and tech issues should be added to the "risk management committee"- The need for contingency planning and directional decision-making - How anyone is now the equivalent of a 1970's cold war spy- Why "getting better at discernment" is critical. Tune in to hear about "responsible heretics" and how a high school science project resulted in a South American assignment for a 17-year old.⏱️ Chapters1:12: Introducing Dr. David Bray1:39: Why Business Leaders Should Care About Geopolitics2:33: Mapping the Ripple Effects of Technological Revolutions4:47: Historical Context: 1890s Polarization and Yellow Journalism7:01: Societal Anxiety, Governance, and the Path to Anarchy9:10: Impact on Global Supply Chains and Geopolitical Uncertainty12:25: The Complexity of Microprocessors and Hardware Risks14:10: Upgrading the Board: Risk Management for Tech and Geopolitics16:21: Pressures on the C-Suite and Decision-Making with Incomplete Information18:06: Marketing in a Volatile Landscape: Early Signal Networks20:07: The Role of the “Responsible Heretic” in Avoiding Groupthink23:29: Managing Super-Empowered Employees and Information Capabilities25:16: Disinformation Strategy: From Operation Denver to Modern Bots27:56: Balancing Principles, Ethics, and Global Competitiveness29:07: Preparing for the Future: Data Reassessment and the Art of Discernment31:43: Strategic Headspace: Establishing Pivot Options33:11: Predictions for 2026: AI Pushback and Conflict De-escalation34:03: Funniest Story: The South American Science Fair Mosh Pit35:51: Practical Advice: Leadership vs. Management Expectations36:07: Final Takeaways and Closing RemarksThis episode is sponsored by Typeface - the agentic AI marketing platform that turns one idea into thousands of on-brand assets. Learn more: typeface.ai/cmo. Subscribe for weekly episodes featuring world-class marketing leaders, board members, and C-Suite executives.#CMOConfidential, #MarketingLeadership, #BrandStrategy, #CorporateActivism, #MarketingStrategy, #CMO, #AIinMarketing, #ExecutiveLeadership, #BrandReputation, #ConsumerTrust, #DigitalMarketing, #MarketingInsights, #ThoughtLeadership, #BusinessStrategy, #CustomerCentricSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Overthinking is the hidden trap that's slowing down your online business. In this episode, I'm sharing how to make clearer, faster decisions that actually move your business forward. You'll learn why calm is your secret superpower when making choices, how to shift out of perfectionism mode, and the one mindset question that can break you out of an overthinking spiral.Take Your Next Step:Podcast Startup Academy: www.ThePodcastTeacher.com/academyPodcast Growth Collective: www.ThePodcastTeacher.com/collectiveA free consultation: www.ThePodcastTeacher.com/consultThis episode was produced by me, The Podcast Teacher! Contact me at Hello@ThePodcastTeacher.com.

So many business owners are pouring their energy into creating more content, improving their visibility, tweaking their messaging, and chasing reach. Meanwhile, they've got discovery calls they never followed up on, warm leads sitting in their inbox, referral partners they haven't spoken to in months, and past clients who would happily buy again if they were simply invited. This episode is about shifting your focus from constantly attracting new people to making better use of the opportunities already sitting in front of you. I walk you through what sales maxxing actually means in practice. No sleazy tactics. No awkward scripts. No pressure. Just becoming more proactive about conversations, relationships, follow-up, objections, referrals, and helping people move from interest to commitment. Because sales isn't about convincing people to buy. It's about making it easier for the right people to say yes. You'll also leave with a simple challenge designed to help you uncover sales opportunities you may have been overlooking. If you've been feeling frustrated that your visibility efforts aren't translating into enquiries or revenue, this episode might just help you spot where the real opportunities for growth are hiding. What You'll Learn in This Episode What “sales maxxing” means Why more content isn't always the answer to revenue growth The difference between marketing activity and sales activity Signs you may be overlooking warm opportunities Where to find hidden sales opportunities in your business A simple exercise to help you generate more conversations and enquiries "Sales maxing is simply looking for every possible opportunity to make it easier for people to buy from you." If this episode has made you realise you've been marketing maxxing instead of sales maxxing, I've got something exciting for you. Parade On Tour is my new 90-day sales club designed to help service providers build a consistent sales habit, have more conversations, and make their businesses easier to buy from. Join the guest list now for early access and special pricing before doors open.  Step into my festival world...

At some point, a full book stops being the goal and starts becoming the ceiling. You built something real. Your clients trust you, your team shows up, your schedule is packed weeks out — and at the end of the month, the number doesn't match the effort. You did everything right. You saw the clients. You marketed, you sold, you delivered. And still the cash in your account doesn't reflect the pace of your business. This is not a hustle problem. It is a pricing and profitability problem — and it is more common than you think. In this episode, Daniela breaks down exactly why being fully booked and being profitable are two different things, what is actually happening inside the numbers of a busy spa that isn't hitting its financial goals, and how the cost of treatment analysis changes the picture completely. In this episode, we discuss: why the industry's primary scoreboard — 'are you booked?' — becomes a ceiling instead of a goal the two-component calculation most spa owners have never run, and why it matters more than total revenue how to identify which services on your menu are building your business and which are just keeping you busy the three-layer AI analysis Addo uses inside Growth Factor® Implementation to move from data to real strategy what actually changes when a spa owner has this analysis in her hands — and why it is not what most people expect   Want to break past $25K–$35K months without adding more treatment hours? Watch The Systems Shift and learn how 600+ spa owners are scaling into their Spa CEO role (without sacrificing family time or sanity). 

In this episode of the 7 Minute Leadership Podcast, Paul breaks down one of the most underrated leadership skills — the ability to see clearly before you act. Experienced leaders aren't reacting to surface-level information. They're reading the energy in the room, identifying where real influence lives on their team, spotting the gap between what people say and what's actually true, recognizing where pressure is wearing their people down, and uncovering potential in the people others have overlooked. Paul explains that these aren't innate gifts — they're learnable skills built through intentional observation and genuine curiosity about the people you lead. Whether you're a new leader or a seasoned executive, this episode will challenge you to slow down, look deeper, and start seeing what you've been walking past.Host: Paul FalavolitoConnect with me on your favorite platform: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, Substack, BlueSky, Threads, LinkTree, YouTubeView my website for free leadership resources and exclusive merchandise: www.paulfalavolito.comBooks by Paul FalavolitoThe 7 Minute Leadership® Handbook: bit.ly/48J8zFGThe Leadership Academy: https://bit.ly/4lnT1PfThe 7 Minute Leadership® Survival Guide: https://bit.ly/4ij0g8yThe Leader's Book of Secrets: http://bit.ly/4oeGzCI

What happens when a digital strategist stops fighting reality and starts leading from it.There are conversations that feel like a strategy session and a therapy session at the same time. This one was both. Mary Brodie came into the Power Lounge and did something rare. She made acceptance sound like the most powerful leadership move you can make.If you work in digital, lead a team, or run your own business, you know the pressure to chase the aspirational audience, the perfect product, the frictionless experience. Mary has spent over 20 years helping companies stop chasing and start seeing. And what she has found is that the women in digital who thrive are the ones who learn to work with what is, not just what they wish were true.Mary Brodie is the Founder and Digital Experience Strategist at Gearmark, a consultancy she has built over two decades across apps, websites, content strategy, lead generation, and full digital experience design. She holds a BA and MA from Simmons College, a certificate from MIT, and an Executive Master's in Corporate Communications from IE University in Madrid. She is currently pursuing her doctorate at Case Western Reserve University, where her research explores how B2B buying teams build relationships with supplier salespeople.Key TakeawaysAcceptance is not passive. It is the foundation of every smart business decision, from knowing your real customers to building a team that actually trusts each other.Your digital experience reflects your internal experience. If your employees are disengaged, that bleeds into every customer touchpoint, every chatbot, every support call.Women in digital and female entrepreneurs online often chase aspirational audiences instead of maximizing the ones they already have. The brands that win know exactly who their customer is and own it.AI is a tool, not a replacement. Using it well means knowing what question you are actually trying to answer and what data you are feeding it.The most underrated skill in women leadership and digital marketing for women is listening. Not the performative kind. The kind where you feel something shift in the room.Mary Brodie said, "Accept yourself and make sure that you're happy with what you're doing and what your output is. Not your perfect foot. Your best foot."Mary Brodie said, "Once you accept that we don't all share the same values, the world becomes a very different place. And it's not a scary place. It's just a different place. And a lot of the world becomes a lot clearer."Timestamps00:00 Welcome to the Power Lounge.01:51 Twenty years of entrepreneurship. What keeps Mary going.04:26 Why Mary kept going back to school, MIT, Simmons, Madrid.07:37 Being the only American in the room. What that taught her.09:41 Customer experience and employee experience are the same problem.13:10 How to know if your company actually has a digital experience.16:33 AI and digital strategy. Tool or replacement.21:00 What gets in the way of leaders communicating their vision clearly.26:54 What a broken internal experience is costing your organization right now.31:08 The Art of Acceptance. What it means as a leadership practice.40:04 What Mary looks for before any strategy or deliverable.41:19 One shift for every woman in the audience.42:37 Power Round. Rapid fire with Mary Brodie.Connect with Mary BrodieEmail: mfbrodie@gearmark.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/marybrodieWebsite: gearmark.comSupport the show

In this episode of the 7 Minute Leadership Podcast, Paul explores why the dashboards leaders rely on every day can give a dangerously incomplete picture of organizational health. Using a real-world example of gamed metrics, the episode unpacks how measuring what's easy — rather than what's meaningful — can lead leaders to make confident decisions based on a distorted reality. Paul explains the cultural dynamics that cause teams to optimize for the numbers leadership watches rather than the outcomes that actually matter, and why a fear-based environment makes dashboard data even less reliable. The episode closes with three practical actions listeners can take immediately to close the gap between what their data says and what's really happening on the ground. If you're a leader who wants to make better decisions with better information, this episode is essential listening.Host: Paul FalavolitoConnect with me on your favorite platform: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, Substack, BlueSky, Threads, LinkTree, YouTubeView my website for free leadership resources and exclusive merchandise: www.paulfalavolito.comBooks by Paul FalavolitoThe 7 Minute Leadership® Handbook: bit.ly/48J8zFGThe Leadership Academy: https://bit.ly/4lnT1PfThe 7 Minute Leadership® Survival Guide: https://bit.ly/4ij0g8yThe Leader's Book of Secrets: http://bit.ly/4oeGzCI

Nevena, Macca and Paul  are joined live on air  by Alex Makin, Lord Mayor, City of Port Phillip, Latest in City of Port Phillip; Outside Broadcast: Sth Melb. Market Alex Makin, has lived in Port Phillip for over a decade, residing in Port Melbourne and the Montague Ward, drawn to its vibrant community and central location to beaches, markets, arts and culture. Alex brings extensive experience from both the private and not-for-profit sectors. He founded and ran a consulting business for nearly a decade before transitioning into strategic management roles within the not-for-profit sector. Alex is also a lecturer in postgraduate studies teaching Business Strategy, Marketing and Data Analytics. His leadership journey began as one of Victoria's youngest politically independent Mayors. He previously served on Maroondah City Council (2005 to 2012) and as Mayor in 2010, where he helped transform Ringwood into a dynamic urban centre. He will be drawing on this experience to help Fishermans Bend fulfil its potential as Australia's largest urban renewal. L Photos courtesy of Betty Sujecki and James WF Roberts/Red Wolf Press Aust. The post Radiothon 2026; Sat, 13th June: Alex Makin, Mayor City of Port Phillip, Outside Broadcast: Sth Melb. Market appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

In this episode of the 7 Minute Leadership Podcast, Paul explores the concept of confidence as something that must be intentionally built long before a crisis arrives — not discovered in the middle of one. Using a relatable two-leader scenario, the episode breaks down why some leaders stay steady under pressure while others fall apart, and reveals that the difference isn't talent or experience — it's preparation. Paul outlines three practical, no-fluff strategies for building genuine leadership confidence: getting crystal clear on your personal values, developing the habit of decisive decision-making in everyday situations, and cultivating trusted relationships before you desperately need them. This episode is ideal for leaders at every level who want to show up with calm, grounded authority when it matters most.Host: Paul FalavolitoConnect with me on your favorite platform: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, Substack, BlueSky, Threads, LinkTree, YouTubeView my website for free leadership resources and exclusive merchandise: www.paulfalavolito.comBooks by Paul FalavolitoThe 7 Minute Leadership® Handbook: bit.ly/48J8zFGThe Leadership Academy: https://bit.ly/4lnT1PfThe 7 Minute Leadership® Survival Guide: https://bit.ly/4ij0g8yThe Leader's Book of Secrets: http://bit.ly/4oeGzCI

Sam Altman and Dario Amodei both published essays this week on the future of AI and what we must do so everyone benefits. One of them is literally titled "Our Plan." The other one has an actual plan.Kwaku and I dig into it all on this week's FAFO Friday. Plus — and this story isn't getting enough attention — according to New Scientist, two years ago Ukraine used fully autonomous “Terminator” drones that killed everything they saw. No human in the loop. Dead Russian soldiers. But rest assured, according to the drone-maker cited, it was just a one-off “test.” But how long until this is standard practice? And do we want that future? So, yeah, maybe we should get planning… ---Support Future Around & Find Out:* Follow Dan on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/dblums/* Get the free newsletter: https://www.futurearound.com* Become a paid subscriber and help future proof FAFO! https://www.futurearound.com/upgradeMusic by Jonathan Zalben

In this episode of the 7 Minute Leadership Podcast, Paul explores one of the most overlooked challenges in leadership — the fact that stress fundamentally changes how leaders think and make decisions. Under pressure, the brain shifts into survival mode, narrowing focus and pushing leaders toward reactive, familiar choices rather than thoughtful strategy. Paul breaks down what "strategy under stress" actually looks like in practice, including common patterns like choosing the path of least resistance, doubling down on outdated approaches, or avoiding decisions altogether. He then offers three practical habits to protect strategic thinking under pressure: building a pause ritual before major decisions, keeping core strategic anchors visible and accessible, and maintaining a small circle of honest voices who provide perspective when stress isolates us. The episode closes with a powerful reminder that teams watch their leaders most closely during hard times — and that intentional, thoughtful leadership under pressure is what builds lasting trust.Host: Paul FalavolitoConnect with me on your favorite platform: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, Substack, BlueSky, Threads, LinkTree, YouTubeView my website for free leadership resources and exclusive merchandise: www.paulfalavolito.comBooks by Paul FalavolitoThe 7 Minute Leadership® Handbook: bit.ly/48J8zFGThe Leadership Academy: https://bit.ly/4lnT1PfThe 7 Minute Leadership® Survival Guide: https://bit.ly/4ij0g8yThe Leader's Book of Secrets: http://bit.ly/4oeGzCI

What makes a home staging business truly sellable?Many home stagers assume that if their calendar is full, their inventory is moving, and revenue is strong, their business must be valuable to a buyer. But what if that's not the whole story?In this episode of The Real Women Real Business Podcast mini-series, How to Sell Your Home Staging Business, Shauna Lynn Simon breaks down one of the most important concepts business owners need to understand before they ever think about selling: a busy business is not always a sellable business.Listeners will learn how buyers evaluate a home staging business differently than owners do, why owner-operated and owner-dependent are not the same thing, and what creates confidence or concern during the sale process. Shauna Lynn also shares the five key things every buyer needs to believe before they are willing to invest in a business, along with practical questions that can help owners identify hidden risks and opportunities within their company today.Whether selling is years away or simply an option you'd like to preserve, this episode will help you build a stronger, more transferable, and more valuable business now while preparing for whatever comes next.If this episode sparks questions about your own business, be sure to grab the free Sell Ready ebook and continue following this series as Shauna Lynn explores the numbers, systems, inventory, and buyer conversations that influence business value and saleability.Timestamps:(00:08) - (04:42) - Why a busy staging business is not always a sellable business(04:43) - (09:21) - How buyers evaluate your business differently than you do(09:22) - (13:33) - The difference between owner operated and owner dependent(13:34) - (18:53) - The five things a buyer needs to believe before they buy(18:54) - (23:36) - Why your business needs a clear, transferable story(23:37) - (25:15) - Free sell-ready resources and what buyers care about nextResources:Get your "Is Your Home Staging Business Sellable?" ebook free when you use promo code SELL100: https://slsacademy.com/sellreadyLearn more about the Sell Your Staging Business Bootcamp (and claim your spot): https://slsacademy.com/sellyourbizRead the blog on the 4 Different Types of Business Buyers: https://www.slsacademy.com/how-to-sell-your-staging-business-buyer-types/

In this episode of the 7 Minute Leadership Podcast, Paul explores what truly separates high-performing teams from those stuck in a cycle of hesitation. The episode unpacks why "teams that wait" aren't held back by a lack of talent or effort, but by leadership cultures that have unintentionally rewarded passivity. Listeners will discover how psychological safety, consistent clarity, and a leader's willingness to step back are the real drivers behind teams that take initiative and rise to every challenge. Whether you're leading a small department or an entire organization, this episode delivers practical, honest insights on how to stop being the ceiling on your team's potential and start building the kind of team that moves with purpose.Host: Paul FalavolitoConnect with me on your favorite platform: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, Substack, BlueSky, Threads, LinkTree, YouTubeView my website for free leadership resources and exclusive merchandise: www.paulfalavolito.comBooks by Paul FalavolitoThe 7 Minute Leadership® Handbook: bit.ly/48J8zFGThe Leadership Academy: https://bit.ly/4lnT1PfThe 7 Minute Leadership® Survival Guide: https://bit.ly/4ij0g8yThe Leader's Book of Secrets: http://bit.ly/4oeGzCI

We are diving into the heart of what it means to scale a business. We often hear about the startup spark or the final exit, but rarely do we talk about the "messy middle”that critical phase where revenue is real, the weight of responsibility is heavy, and leadership can often feel very lonely.  Robyn Goldenberg is a business strategist deeply invested in the success of small businesses navigating the messy middle of growth — where revenue is real, responsibility is heavy, and leadership gets lonely. She is the President and Co-Owner of Strategy Leaders, a 30-year business consulting firm, the founder of Bad B Marketing, and co-founder of Find Staff.  Robyn's work is shaped by lived experience: stepping into leadership of a legacy business while building her own companies, balancing growth with stewardship, and learning firsthand how systems, people, and life events collide inside real organizations. Robyn works closely with $1M–$15M businesses to help owners build durable systems, strengthen decision-making, and grow in ways that protect both the business and the humans behind it.  Contact Info:Email: Robyn@strategyleaders.comWebsite: https://strategyleaders.com/   Remember to SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss "Information That You Can Use." Share Just Minding My Business with your family, friends, and colleagues. Engage with us by leaving a review or comment on my Google Business Page. https://g.page/r/CVKSq-IsFaY9EBM/review Your support keeps this podcast going and growing.  Visit Just Minding My Business Media™ LLC at https://jmmbmediallc.com/ to learn how we can help you get more visibility on your products and services.    

How much cash is hiding in your business? See if you qualify for a Free Financial Health Check Financial Intelligence Toolkit Most business owners have sat through a strategy session that felt productive in the room and changed nothing back at the office.In this episode Steve breaks down the three biggest mistakes he sees business leaders make when doing strategy. Not because they are not smart or ambitious, but because nobody ever showed them what strategy actually requires before the vision work even starts.If your team keeps doing strategy but keeps staying stuck, this one is for you._______________________________________Disclaimer:The views expressed here are those of the individual Coltivar Group, LLC (“Coltivar”) personnel quoted and are not the views of Coltivar or its affiliates. Certain information contained in here has been obtained from third-party sources. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Coltivar has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation.This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. You should consult your own advisers as to those matters. References to any securities or digital assets are for illustrative purposes only, and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendations. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. Please see https://www.coltivar.com/privacy-policy-and-terms-of-use for additional important information.LinkedIn | YouTube coltivar.com

What happens when the business playbook that built great companies suddenly stops working?In this fascinating conversation, bestselling author and business strategist Ralph Welborn discusses the ideas behind Topple: The End of the Firm-Based Strategy and the Rise of New Models for Explosive Growth. Welborn explains why many organizations struggle to adapt in today's rapidly changing economy and how emerging business models are reshaping entire industries. Drawing on decades of experience advising leading technology companies, he reveals what separates market leaders from those destined to be disrupted.Whether you're an entrepreneur, executive, business owner, or simply interested in the future of innovation, this episode offers valuable insights into growth, competition, leadership, and the strategies needed to thrive in an era of constant change. 

What happens when the business playbook that built great companies suddenly stops working?In this fascinating conversation, bestselling author and business strategist Ralph Welborn discusses the ideas behind Topple: The End of the Firm-Based Strategy and the Rise of New Models for Explosive Growth. Welborn explains why many organizations struggle to adapt in today's rapidly changing economy and how emerging business models are reshaping entire industries. Drawing on decades of experience advising leading technology companies, he reveals what separates market leaders from those destined to be disrupted.Whether you're an entrepreneur, executive, business owner, or simply interested in the future of innovation, this episode offers valuable insights into growth, competition, leadership, and the strategies needed to thrive in an era of constant change. 

Could your home staging business be sold if life, burnout, or a major opportunity forced you to make a move sooner than expected?In this first episode of a special mini-series for home stagers, How to Sell Your Home Staging Business, Shauna Lynn Simon opens an important conversation for stagers who have wondered what happens to their business when they are ready to step away. She explains why exit readiness is not the same as selling, and why preparing now can make a staging business stronger, more profitable, and easier to run today.Listeners will learn why buyer-ready financials, transferable systems, clean processes, inventory clarity, and owner independence matter long before a sale is on the table. Shauna Lynn also reframes business value through a buyer's lens, helping owners understand what makes a staging business appealing, what can weaken buyer confidence, and why waiting until selling feels urgent can leave money behind.Tune in to start thinking more strategically about the business you are building, whether you plan to sell soon, years from now, or never.Timestamps:(00:09) - (04:48) - Why exit readiness matters before you are ready to sell(04:49) - (09:27) - The exit readiness test every staging business owner should ask(09:28) - (14:00) - Why waiting until you have to sell can cost you money and leverage(14:01) - (20:59) - What buyers are really looking for when they evaluate a staging business(21:00) - (27:55) - The five key areas that make a staging business more sellable(27:56) - (31:31) - How exit readiness can make your business stronger even if you never sell Resources:Get your "Is Your Home Staging Business Sellable?" ebook free when you use promo code SELL100: https://slsacademy.com/sellreadyLearn more about the Sell Your Staging Business Bootcamp (and claim your spot): https://slsacademy.com/sellyourbiz

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In this episode, Josh interviews Norm Lanier, CEO of a long-running Amazon private label business. Norm discusses his journey from side hustles to full-time e-commerce, the challenges of increased competition and inventory management, and insights gained from Josh's business strategy audit. Key takeaways include focusing on the most profitable products, increasing strategic ad spend, and shifting from “base hit” to “home run” products. The conversation highlights the importance of data-driven decision-making and adapting business strategies to sustain growth and profitability in a rapidly evolving e-commerce landscape.Chapters:Introduction & Guest Background (00:00:00)Josh introduces Norm Lanier, outlines his Amazon business experience, and sets up the episode's focus on the business audit.Norm's E-commerce Journey (00:00:59)Norm shares how he started in e-commerce, his transition from HP, and his experience across multiple marketplaces.Challenges in E-commerce (00:02:24)Norm discusses recent challenges: increased competition, economic downturn, and feeling out of touch with business metrics.Importance of Data & Inventory Control (00:03:15)Norm explains the need for granular dashboards, product-level profitability, and efforts to clean up catalog and manage inventory.Purpose of the Strategy Audit (00:04:15)Norm describes his motivation for the audit: getting an expert's perspective and actionable insights beyond what accountants provide.Key Audit Takeaways: Advertising & Levers (00:05:28)Norm highlights the realization that increasing advertising spend is a major growth lever, a unique insight from the audit.Profitability & SKU Management (00:06:00)Josh and Norm discuss the struggle with profit margins, managing 7000 SKUs, and the need to focus on high-value activities.Mindset Shift: From Base Hits to Home Runs (00:07:28)Norm reflects on shifting from launching many small products to focusing on bigger opportunities that can significantly grow the business.Action Items & 80/20 Focus (00:10:02)Josh summarizes three action items: prioritizing high-impact levers, simplifying by focusing on top-performing products, and strategic PPC investment.Keyword Strategy for PPC (00:13:19)Norm and Josh discuss the importance of identifying and categorizing keywords before increasing PPC spend for maximum impact.Audit Value & Closing Thoughts (00:14:05)Norm shares the value of the audit, the benefit of an expert's perspective, and appreciation for the insights received.Wrap-up & Future Outlook (00:15:04)Josh and Norm conclude, expressing interest in a follow-up episode to track progress and encouraging listeners to seek similar audits.Links and Mentions:E-commerce Platforms  "Amazon": "00:01:06"  "Shopify": "00:01:06"  "Etsy": "00:01:06"  Business Tools and Evaluation  "Dashboards and Tools for Business Evaluation": "00:03:15"  "Comprehensive Business Strategy Audit": "00:00:00"  Marketing and PPC  "PPC (Pay-Per-Click) Management": "00:10:02"  "Keyword Strategy for PPC": "00:13:19"  Business Strategy and Mindset  "Mindset Shift for Entrepreneurs": "00:09:02"  "Identifying Levers for Business Impact": "00:11:03"  "20/80 Rule (Pareto Principle)": "00:12:16"  "Simplifying Business by Focusing on Top Products": "00:12:16"Transcript:Josh 00:00:00  Today I am speaking with Norm Lanier. He is the CEO of his own Amazon private label business that he's been running for over a decade now, and he has lots of experience. In fact, Norm is one of the lucky winners of my comprehensive business strategy audit sessions. And so today, I'm super excited that we're going to be diving into the conversation, the audit that we just performed on Norm's business, and he's going to be sharing his takeaways, the insights that he's gleaned. he is already doing millions of dollars in business, but he has aspirations to continue to grow his business and to hopefully one day be able to exit that business. And today, that's the conversation that we had and we talked about. So, Norm, with that introduction, I want you to kind of give us a quick intro about yourself, how you got started into the e-comm world and what you've been doing over the last decade.Norm 00:00:59  Yeah. Thanks, Josh. I appreciate the opportunity to talk with you and your listeners also.Norm 00:01:06  I've been doing, First. e-com business. I kind of, came in the back door and started that in 2004. I started building some side hustles while I was an employee at at HP. I got to the point where I was making more of my side hustles than my real job. So for my 50th anniversary, I 50th birthday, I turned in my resignation. And I've been doing Amazon and Shopify, Etsy, a lot of different marketplaces since then full time. And that's kind of where I'm at today.Josh 00:01:44  I love it, and Norm and I dance in the same space. Sometimes we might be considered competitors, but there's such a big marketplace out there that we were able to, you know, really kind of lift up, open the hood today and really dive into each other's businesses. He was able to ask me a lot of questions, and hopefully I was able to share some valuable insights with you, Norm. And that's what we'll talk about. Norm, we first started off by talking about, you know, what is your overall goal in in your business.Josh 00:02:15  Right. And what are the biggest obstacles that you're facing. So why don't you go ahead and kind of reiterate what we started our conversation off with.Norm 00:02:24  Yeah. So, you know, just taking a look, you know, I think I'm fall into the same category as most people are selling in the e-commerce space right now, dealing with more competition. things are constantly moving. you know, the economy is down to a degree. So I think in our space, we're, we're seeing, you know, some pullback on, on spend over the last couple of years. So that's created challenges, right. And you know, as we as we mentioned, I've been doing this for a long time, and I really had gotten to the point where, a couple of years ago and stuff. I really felt like I was out of touch that before. It was pretty easy for me. I really felt like I had it dialed in, and over the past few years, it really felt like I was kind of losing control.Norm 00:03:15  And a lot of that had to do with not having the proper dashboards and tools to be able to evaluate kind of where we're at on a very granular level. Right. Because it's one thing to see your big number and your paychecks and all of those things come in on a monthly basis. But, you know, on a product level, after shipping fees and advertising and all of those refunds and so forth, what is each product actually generating as far as income and what is really driving bottom line growth? And once I got the proper tools in place, really kind of opened my eyes that a lot of products that we had, it's like, why am I even bothering with this when it's all said and done? I'm not making any money. It's certainly not worth the effort on this. So we've really have gone in and cleaned up our catalog and eliminated a lot of stuff. A lot of exce...

In this episode of the 7 Minute Leadership Podcast, Paul explores one of the most powerful — and often overlooked — truths in leadership: that you, as a leader, are the decision. Long before any formal choice is made, your behavior, energy, and presence are already communicating to your team what's safe, what's valued, and what kind of culture they're operating in. Paul breaks down how leaders unknowingly create environments where honesty feels risky, and why team silence or disengagement is often a reflection of the leader rather than the team. The episode challenges listeners to close the gap between who they think they are and who their team actually experiences — not through big programs or announcements, but through small, intentional daily choices. If you want a high-trust, high-performance culture, it starts with recognizing that leadership is less about what you decide and more about who you are when no one thinks anyone's watching.Host: Paul FalavolitoConnect with me on your favorite platform: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, Substack, BlueSky, Threads, LinkTree, YouTubeView my website for free leadership resources and exclusive merchandise: www.paulfalavolito.comBooks by Paul FalavolitoThe 7 Minute Leadership® Handbook: bit.ly/48J8zFGThe Leadership Academy: https://bit.ly/4lnT1PfThe 7 Minute Leadership® Survival Guide: https://bit.ly/4ij0g8yThe Leader's Book of Secrets: http://bit.ly/4oeGzCI

Learn more and apply for the November 2026 cohort of my Japan Leadership Experience: https://kbjanderson.com/japantrip/Joy isn't a perk. It's a business strategy.Have you ever wondered whether work has to feel this hard? Whether the team you've built can actually function without you? Whether there's a way to lead that doesn't burn you — or your people — out?Rich Sheridan built Menlo Innovations around one bold idea: ending human suffering in the workplace. The result is a company where joy isn't a slogan. It's how things actually get done. It's a place built on collaboration, human energy, and pride in what people create together.Joy isn't constant happiness. It's the long arc of meaning and contribution alongside people who care. And it becomes possible the moment you stop being the center of every problem and start creating the conditions for ownership, continuous learning, and yes, joy.You don't have to change the world. You just have to change your world.You'll Learn:The mistake most leaders make about mistakes, and why more mistakes can get you ahead fasterWhy what looks like a questionable decision from below makes sense from aboveThe difference between joy and happiness, and why most leaders are chasing the wrong thingWhy running a small experiment will move you further than creating the perfect planWhat it really takes to build a company designed to last a hundred yearsABOUT MY GUEST:Rich Sheridan is the co-founder, CEO, and Chief Storyteller of Menlo Innovations, a software development and consulting firm known for its people-centered culture and focus on joy in the workplace. He is the author of Joy, Inc. and Chief Joy Officer and was inducted into the Shingo Academy in 2022 for his contributions to organizational excellence.IMPORTANT LINKS:Full episode show notes: ChainOfLearning.com/77Connect with Rich Sheridan: linkedin.com/in/menloprezFollow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjandersonSubscribe to my newsletter: kbjanderson.com/newsletterCheck out my website for resources and working together: KBJAnderson.comJoin us on the Japan Leadership Experience: KBJAnderson.com/japantripPurchase a copy of Rich's books: Joy, Inc. and Chief Joy OfficerLearn more about Menlo Innovations: menloinnovations.comTugboat Institute: tugboatinstitute.comTIMESTAMPS FOR THIS EPISODE:02:37 When work no longer feels sustainable05:26 The moment Rich realized the problem wasn't technology07:27 What an 8-year-old noticed about leadership08:23 Why hero-based organizations scale through exhaustion09:39 When caring becomes carrying12:21 The codependency leaders develop with crises14:09 What joy at work actually means17:13 Working with pride and delighting customers19:17 Why human energy is a leadership responsibility21:00 What's the cost of not having joy?23:28 From constant firefighting to two emergencies in 25 years25:24 Joy vs. happiness: What's the difference?27:02 Why joy isn't happiness every day32:17 The phrase that keeps Menlo moving forward 34:15 The leadership lesson Rich learned from flying40:39 Why Menlo isn't chasing exponential growth43:02 The book that changed Rich's career45:18 Why crisis practices work when there isn't a crisis47:28 Why your system keeps producing the same results49:38 The shift from carrying to creating conditions for change leadership51:46 Why stepping in can hold people back Learn more and apply for the November 2026 cohort of my Japan Leadership Experience: https://kbjanderson.com/japantrip/

In this episode of The Parlor Room Presents: Hello AI, host and Harvard Business School Online Creative Director Chris Linnane speaks with HBS Professor Felix Oberholzer-Gee about AI's impact on productivity, jobs, and competitive advantage. He explains how organizations can use AI to create lasting value, why human judgment remains essential, and what the future of work may look like in an AI-powered economy. GUEST Felix Oberholzer-Gee, Andreas Andresen Professor of Business Administration RESOURCES Learn more from Oberholzer-Gee in the HBS Online credential, Core Business Essentials And the HBS Online course, Business Strategy Catch up on previous episodes of The Parlor Room, featuring Oberholzer-Gee: Felix Oberholzer-Gee on the Frameworks of Business Strategy

In this engaging interview, fabric designer and quilter Tula Pink shares her journey from illustration to fabric design, her business philosophy, and the joy of serving her community through her craft. Discover insights on creativity, business strategy, and the importance of authenticity in the quilting industry.

Author, naturopath and business woman, Catie Gett built The Staple Store  from a tiny whole food shop into a deeply loved Melbourne community hub and online education platform. In this episode, she shares what it took to close the doors, rebuild her work, write a meaningful and impact-driven cookbook (available here) and create a mission around making healthy food more accessible for a now global community. You'll learn: Why closing a successful business can sometimes be the right move How Catie rebuilt her brand through community, recipes and storytelling Why simple, affordable food can be a powerful form of health and care Need help with your own business strategy, impact, visibility or personal brand ? Get in touch: hello@mydailybusiness.com  Connect with The Staple Store / Catie Gett The Staple Store Cookbook Vol 1 Instagram: @thestaplestore  Instagram: @categett Instagram: Substack: @catiegett Website: thestaplestore.com.au Connect with My Daily Business: Instagram: @mydailybusiness_ TikTok: @mydailybusiness Email: hello@mydailybusiness.com Website: mydailybusiness.com Resources mentioned: AI Monthly Chat Group for Small Business Owners My Daily Business courses - mydailybusiness.com/courses Want to get your #smallbusiness sorted in 2026? Check out our 1:1 business coaching packages from a one-off session to 6-months of coaching. Want to know more about AI and how to harness it for your small businesS? Join our new monthly AI chat for small business owners. You can join anytime at www.mydailybusiness.com/AIchat Try out my fave AI tool, Poppy AI here and use discount code FIONA. We also love Descript. Connect and get in touch with My Daily Business via our shop, freebies, award-winning books, Instagram and Tik Tok.

In this episode, Donna and Tom sit down with Jennifer Becka, Global Sourcing Leader at Intuit and a supply chain innovator with over 15 years of global sourcing experience across manufacturing, healthcare, and technology. Jennifer shares insights from her diverse career journey, from managing the world's largest powered industrial fleet at Amazon to leading procurement transformation at GE, Cleveland Clinic, and Diebold, and now driving AI-powered sourcing at Intuit. Jennifer explores the critical distinction between resilient and anti-fragile supply chains, explaining how organizations can build systems that don't just withstand stress but actually improve because of it. She discusses the evolution of value creation from physical goods to digital services, strategies for earning executive buy-in through stakeholder collaboration, and her groundbreaking end-of-life fleet initiative at Amazon that optimized total cost of ownership. Takeaways: The difference between resilient and anti-fragile supply chains How value definition evolves across physical goods, healthcare services, and digital platforms Strategies for stakeholder engagement and earning executive buy-in Lifecycle management and total cost of ownership optimization Jennifer's career philosophy: building systems strong enough to improve under stress Stay connected with CSCR on LinkedIn (Center for Supply Chain Research) and Instagram (@pennstatesupplychain), and be sure to follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you are tuning into Unpacked: Insights hosted by the Penn State Smeal Center for Supply Chain Research™. Thank you for joining us!  Visit our website: https://www.smeal.psu.edu/cscr  Guest Bio: Jennifer F. Becka leads Accelerating Functions and Services Sourcing at Intuit. With over 15 years of global sourcing leadership, Jennifer has built and transformed procurement functions across manufacturing, healthcare, and technology—including leadership roles at GE, Diebold, Cleveland Clinic, and Amazon, where she directed global categories spanning the world's largest powered industrial fleet and critical digital security and marketing services. Known for building high-performing teams and driving enterprise transformation, Jennifer brings a rare combination of operational rigor, strategic vision, and technical fluency—including a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, and certifications with ASCM and AI for Business Strategy. Jennifer is a member of the Penn State Smeal Executive DBA Cohort of 2029, where her research explores the governance of agentic AI in cognitive supply chains. She is based in San Diego, California.

This week on Catalyst, Tammy is joined by Sezin Palmer, AI Solutions Leader at NTT DATA in North America. Sezin traces her impressive and unconventional journey from CIA analyst and Navy submarine warfare programs to building the National Health Mission area at Johns Hopkins' Applied Physics Lab from scratch, then leading health AI and data at EY. Tammy and Sezin dig into the democratization of AI and what it means that capabilities once locked behind years of data science training are now accessible to nearly anyone. They also discuss the thorny challenge of how organizations decide what not to build and why the hardest leadership problem right now isn't launching AI, it's knowing when to stop. Sezin also shares her vision for what has her most excited: the convergence of software, robotics, and biology. Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATALinks: Sezin Palmer Learn more about Launch by NTT DATASee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Great leaders understand that process creates consistency, but leadership creates movement. Episode 729 explores how to recognize high consequence moments, empower judgment, and lead effectively when systems break down.Host: Paul FalavolitoConnect with me on your favorite platform: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, Substack, BlueSky, Threads, LinkTree, YouTubeView my website for free leadership resources and exclusive merchandise: www.paulfalavolito.comBooks by Paul FalavolitoThe 7 Minute Leadership® Handbook: bit.ly/48J8zFGThe Leadership Academy: https://bit.ly/4lnT1PfThe 7 Minute Leadership® Survival Guide: https://bit.ly/4ij0g8yThe Leader's Book of Secrets: http://bit.ly/4oeGzCI

A CMO Confidential Interview with Joe Gagliese, Co-Founder and CEO at Viral Nation, a full-service digital and social agency. Joe discusses the concept of social as "the people's media," details why he believes "discovery begins with social" and outlines how brands might think about becoming "social centered." Key topics include:Why social has become a prerequisite for certain categoriesQuestions to ask your social agencyWhy measurement is still a bit of an Achilles heelHow to think of social as a living organism which works in concert with the rest of your marketingTune in to hear why social is so important for autos and thoughts on reading Marcus Aurelius.⏱️ Chapters01:12 - Introduction to CMO Confidential01:42 - Introducing Joe Gagliese02:46 - Defining "Social First"05:40 - Social Strategy as a Behavioral System08:03 - The Prerequisite of Radical Transparency12:11 - Transitioning to a Social-First Organization15:03 - Maintaining Authenticity with Creators17:33 - Steps to Develop a Social-First Strategy20:20 - Determining Brand Readiness22:01 - Measuring Social Performance and Conversion25:18 - Five Questions to Ask Social Agencies28:28 - Common Mistakes in Social Marketing30:10 - Practical Advice and Closing RemarksThis episode is sponsored by Typeface - the agentic AI marketing platform that turns one idea into thousands of on-brand assets. Learn more: typeface.ai/cmo.Subscribe for weekly episodes featuring world-class marketing leaders, board members, and C-Suite executives.#CMOConfidential, #MarketingLeadership, #BrandStrategy, #CorporateActivism, #MarketingStrategy, #CMO, #AIinMarketing, #ExecutiveLeadership, #BrandReputation, #ConsumerTrust, #DigitalMarketing, #MarketingInsights, #ThoughtLeadership, #BusinessStrategy, #CustomerCentricSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rajiv Pant thinks of AI as an Iron Man suit for the mind. Something you put on. That you fuse with. That takes you to greater heights — but could also make you incredibly dizzy and be very dangerous if you, the human, don't stay in control of it.Rajiv sees successful collaboration with AI as a “synthesis.” And to that end, he's building a series of skills and methodologies for synthesis engineering, coding, writing and project management. In this episode, Rajiv explains why synthesis engineering is a kind of middle ground between vibe coding and agentic engineering. It's a method for human-AI collaboration that helps builders go faster while not falling into the trap of letting AI do the things we humans ought to own. i.e. The architecture. The judgment. The thinking and learning. Rajiv is an engineering and product leader with deep experience in media. He's held senior roles at the Wall Street Journal, Hearst, and the New York Times (where he and I first met). Today he's the president of Flatiron Software. Rajiv has open-sourced all of his Synthesis methodologies and he and I also discuss why open source is so important as we increasingly turn to AI to sharpen our thinking. Can we really trust a system we don't understand? Would Tony Stark have trusted his suit if he didn't know how it was built? Chapters:(00:00) - Iron Man suit for the mind (02:11) - What goes wrong when you vibe code into production (04:20) - What synthesis coding looks like hands on keyboard (05:40) - What AI code slop looks like (08:30) - The unexpected joy of managing a team of agents (11:00) - Using AI as a thinking partner without outsourcing your thinking (15:30) - How a non-programmer built a better version of his own software (18:15) - Is your use of AI making you dumber? (23:26) - Trusting AI when it's a black box (27:11) - If Tony Stark owned your suit, would you trust it? (28:26) - What AI does to the economics of open source Support Future Around & Find Out:* Follow Dan on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/dblums/* Get the free newsletter: https://www.futurearound.com* Become a paid subscriber and help future proof FAFO! https://www.futurearound.com/upgrade

I talk about why sales calls became such a big thing in the first place and why, despite all the AI tools, automations, funnels, and clever systems available to us, there is still something incredibly powerful about a real conversation. I also share some alternatives if you're looking to reduce the number of calls you're doing. From enquiry forms and voice notes to automated email sequences and AI-assisted sales journeys, there are plenty of ways to create a smoother sales experience. But I also explain why I believe newer business owners should be cautious about skipping discovery calls too soon. Some of your most valuable sales lessons come from hearing people describe their problems in their own words. Ultimately, this isn't really an episode about discovery calls. It's a conversation about connection, about understanding how your buyers make decisions and creating a sales process that works for both of you. What You'll Learn in This Episode Why discovery calls became such a core part of online business The benefits of sales conversations in an increasingly automated world Alternative ways to sell without relying on calls Why discovery calls can be especially valuable early in business When it might make sense to automate parts of your sales process How to decide whether discovery calls fit your audience and offers "Calls are also connection. They're a space that no robot, email, or DM can replace." If discovery calls make you feel like you're waffling, wobbling, or winging it, I've created something to help. Grab a free copy of Let's Disco, my brand-new training designed to help you run discovery calls with more confidence and ease. Step into my festival world...

If you've ever shouted “just let me talk to a person” at a chatbot, this one's for you. Jeannie Walters is joined by special cohost Brandon McGovern, Senior Director of Customer Experience at HP, to pressure-test the biggest question in AI customer service right now: how do we automate without breaking trust?We start with a headline that feels like a warning label. Norse Atlantic Airways offers dirt-cheap tickets, but customers say there's a catch: customer support is so locked behind tech that getting help can become impossible. We unpack why this isn't simply a “tech problem,” but a governance and leadership problem. When companies remove phone numbers, skip the escape hatch, and ignore high-emotion journeys like refunds and disruptions, they don't just frustrate people, they create financial harm and open the door to fraud.Then we zoom out to the enterprise reality. Cisco's line that adopting AI is “like surgery without the drugs” is painfully honest, and it frames the messy middle many CX teams are living through. We talk about why rushing to automate tasks can amplify mistakes, how to redesign workflows around outcomes, and why “faster” is the wrong North Star compared to what's now possible. Along the way, we dig into authenticity, rising customer expectations, and why AI is killing the illusion of fine print as customers use their own tools to read policies and push back.If you're leading CX, contact centers, or digital support, you'll leave with practical guardrails for pilots, measurement, and intent selection. Subscribe, share this with a teammate, and leave a review with the biggest AI question you're wrestling with right now.About Brandon McGovernSenior Director of Customer Experience at HPUnderstanding your customers isn't enough. I build the systems that turn that understanding into outcomes.I'm a Senior Director of Customer Experience at HP, leading enterprise-wide measurement, analytics, and operations that enable the company to understand and act on customer sentiment in real time. I oversee a global Voice of the Customer ecosystem capturing tens of millions of signals annually, translating them into product, service, digital, and brand strategy decisions across the business.My work has delivered double-digit NPS improvements and material revenue impact by shifting CX from a reporting function to an operational and strategic capability - powered by data, automation, and applied AI.Beyond enterprise implementation, I build with AI hands-on - personal projects in game design, product prototyping, and workflow automation using Claude, Lovable, and other tools. Building outside my domain teaches me where AI actually breaks down, which makes me a better architect of AI-powered operating models at work.I bring engineering depth coupled with business leadership (MBA, MS in Electrical Engineering, Stanford executive education), and I specialize in building scalable CX platforms, driving cultural change, and aligning executives around customer-led transformation. Follow Brandon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonmcgovern/Articles Mentioned:- Norse Atlantic Airways Offers Dirt-Cheap Tickets. There's a Catch (Wired) -- https://www.wired.com/story/norse-airlines-ftc-complaints-ai-scams/- Cisco exec says adopting AI is like 'surgery without the drugs' (Business Insider) -- https://www.businessinsider.com/cisco-ai-adoption-customer-service-2026-5- Dissatisfied: Three-fourths of AI customer service rollouts are a letdown (The Register) -- https://www.theregister.com/ai-ml/2026/05/13/ai-customer-service-bots-get-rolled-back-at-74-of-firms/5239800Enjoyed the show? Subscribe, share with your team, and leave a quick review to help others find us. Leave your review at ratethispodcast.com/xact.Want to ask a question? Visit askjeannie.vip to leave Jeannie a voicemail! (And don't forget to follow Jeannie Walters, CCXP, CSP on LinkedIn!)

In this episode of The Real Women Real Business Podcast, Shauna Lynn Simon explores how money pressure quietly influences pricing, boundaries, client decisions, follow-ups, and the way entrepreneurs show up in their businesses. Instead of focusing only on money mindset or affirmations, Shauna Lynn breaks down the practical decision-making patterns that cause business owners to discount, overdeliver, accept poor-fit clients, or avoid revenue-generating actions.Shauna Lynn shares why not all revenue is good revenue, how urgency can create expensive choices, and why survival mode is not the same as strategy. Through real examples around pricing, overdue invoices, unexpected expenses, and cash flow pressure, Shauna Lynn helps listeners reframe financial decisions with more clarity and confidence.If money stress has been making your business feel heavier than it needs to, this episode will help you pause, ask better questions, and make decisions that protect your profit, energy, and long-term growth.Timestamps:(01:49) - (06:30) - The money question that changes how you make business decisions(06:31) - (13:34) - Why saying yes under financial pressure can become expensive(13:35) - (20:22) - The difference between wanting revenue and needing revenue(20:23) - (27:26) - Pricing from fear, discounting, and why confidence needs clarity(27:27) - (34:26) - Revenue-generating actions and how to handle unexpected expenses(34:27) - (39:20) - Questions to ask before making financially charged decisions Resources:Book Your FREE Coaching Assessment Call with Shauna Lynn: https://www.aboutshaunalynn.com/coachmeLearn more about the show: AboutShaunaLynn.com/podcastLearn more about The Real Women Real Business Mastery Program: https://realwomenrealbusiness.comEp 100: Why People Pleasing Is Burning You Out and How to Set Boundaries Without Guilt: https://www.aboutshaunalynn.com/rwrb-podcast-episodes/people-pleasing

Why the best leaders treat uncertainty as a chance to learn, not a failure to avoid.Most companies are built to grow. Far fewer are built to stay true to their purpose as they do.Eric Ries is an entrepreneur, creator of the Lean Startup movement, and author of Incorruptible: Why Good Companies Go Bad and How Great Companies Stay Great. For Ries, innovation starts with a simple reality: nobody can predict the future. “If you're going to do something fundamentally new,” he says, “how are we supposed to forecast” what success will look like? Instead of relying on certainty, leaders should focus on learning. “If you cannot fail, you cannot learn.”In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Ries and host Matt Abrahams explore how leaders can communicate through uncertainty, turn setbacks into valuable insights, and build cultures rooted in trust. From the power of the build-measure-learn feedback loop to the importance of making “deposits” in a company's culture bank, Ries shares practical strategies for creating organizations that innovate, adapt, and stay true to their values as they grow.To listen to the extended Deep Thinks version of this episode, please visit FasterSmarter.io/premium.Episode Reference Links:Eric RiesEric's Book: IncorruptibleEp.56 Lean Messaging: How Simple Messages Really StickEp.54 Leadership and Ethics: How to Communicate Your Core Values  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 >>> LinkedIn Chapters:(00:00) - Introduction (02:21) - Lean Startup Fundamentals (04:03) - Business Plans vs. Reality (06:31) - Learning from Failure (08:11) - Why Companies Go Bad (10:49) - The Culture Bank (13:51) - The Final Three Questions (22:05) - Conclusion ********Thank you to our sponsors.  These partnerships support the ongoing production of the podcast, allowing us to bring it to you at no cost.Unleash your Superhuman potential with AI that meets you where you work. Learn more at superhuman.comJoin our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. 

Calm leadership is not passive leadership. This episode explores why leaders who regulate energy, control pace, and remain steady under pressure often outperform louder personalities. Learn practical ways to lead tense meetings, difficult conversations, and high pressure moments with confidence and control.Host: Paul FalavolitoConnect with me on your favorite platform: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, Substack, BlueSky, Threads, LinkTree, YouTubeView my website for free leadership resources and exclusive merchandise: www.paulfalavolito.comBooks by Paul FalavolitoThe 7 Minute Leadership® Handbook: bit.ly/48J8zFGThe Leadership Academy: https://bit.ly/4lnT1PfThe 7 Minute Leadership® Survival Guide: https://bit.ly/4ij0g8yThe Leader's Book of Secrets: http://bit.ly/4oeGzCI

Feeling a bit flat in your business? You're not alone. In this Quick Tip episode, Fiona explores why losing motivation doesn't mean you're failing, and how to tell the difference between a temporary slump and a genuine sign that something needs to change. You'll learn: Why periods of low motivation are a normal part of running a business, not a sign that you're on the wrong path. How to use your past wins, client feedback and "evidence" to challenge the stories your brain tells you during a tough patch. Three practical ways to navigate a business trough, including lowering the bar strategically and leaning on people who truly understand the entrepreneurial journey. Need help with your own business strategy, impact, visibility or personal brand ? Get in touch: hello@mydailybusiness.com  Connect with My Daily Business: Instagram: @mydailybusiness_ TikTok: @mydailybusiness Email: hello@mydailybusiness.com Website: mydailybusiness.com Resources mentioned: AI Monthly Chat Group for Small Business Owners My Daily Business courses - mydailybusiness.com/courses Want to get your #smallbusiness sorted in 2026? Check out our 1:1 business coaching packages from a one-off session to 6-months of coaching. Want to know more about AI and how to harness it for your small businesS? Join our new monthly AI chat for small business owners. You can join anytime at www.mydailybusiness.com/AIchat Try out my fave AI tool, Poppy AI here and use discount code FIONA. We also love Descript. Connect and get in touch with My Daily Business via our shop, freebies, award-winning books, Instagram and Tik Tok.

AI is changing how people discover, evaluate, trust, buy, create, hire, and compete. The bigger question is whether your business model is built to survive a future where attention is fragmented, trust is harder to earn, execution is easier to automate, and buyers have more options than ever. Learn how to activate the M.A.S.S. Effect Business Model, a strategic ecosystem built around: • Media to create attention, trust, authority, and discoverability • Assets to create scalability, leverage, and income beyond your direct time • Strategy to create clarity, alignment, interpretation, and better decisions • Systems to reduce friction, support consistency, and keep the business moving Many businesses are addicted to acquisition because they never built retention. In an AI accelerated world, that becomes dangerous because information is easier to access, skills are being compressed, and execution is becoming automated. The real value now shifts toward trust, experience, clarity, influence, systems, and community. The future belongs to adaptive businesses that can evolve with the market, keep customers connected, turn trust into retention, and scale without breaking the founder, team, or customer experience. If your business grew tomorrow, could it actually hold the growth, or would the model collapse under the weight of what you asked for? Beyond The Episode Gems: Buy Troy's Book, Strategize Up: The Blueprint To Scale Your Business StrategizeUpBook.com Discover All Podcasts On The HubSpot Podcast Network Get Free HubSpot Marketing Tools To Help You Grow Your Business Grow Your Business Faster Using HubSpot's CRM Platform Support The Podcast & Connect With Troy:  Rate & Review iDigress: iDigress.fm/Reviews Follow Troy's Socials @FindTroy: LinkedIn, Instagram, Threads, TikTok Subscribe to Troy's YouTube Channel For Strategy Videos & See Masterclass Episodes Need Growth Strategy, A Keynote Speaker, Or Want To Sponsor The Podcast? Go To FindTroy.com

Decision support tools can improve leadership performance, but over-reliance creates blind spots that damage culture, strategy, and decision quality. Episode 727 explores how great leaders use data, AI, and analytics without surrendering judgment and accountability.Host: Paul FalavolitoConnect with me on your favorite platform: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, Substack, BlueSky, Threads, LinkTree, YouTubeView my website for free leadership resources and exclusive merchandise: www.paulfalavolito.comBooks by Paul FalavolitoThe 7 Minute Leadership® Handbook: bit.ly/48J8zFGThe Leadership Academy: https://bit.ly/4lnT1PfThe 7 Minute Leadership® Survival Guide: https://bit.ly/4ij0g8yThe Leader's Book of Secrets: http://bit.ly/4oeGzCI

High pressure moments happen in every industry, and performance under stress can be trained. Episode 726 explores practical ways leaders can prepare their minds to make better decisions when the stakes are highest. This episode teaches a repeatable framework for staying calm, reducing decision fatigue, rehearsing scenarios, and improving performance under pressure.Host: Paul FalavolitoConnect with me on your favorite platform: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, Substack, BlueSky, Threads, LinkTree, YouTubeView my website for free leadership resources and exclusive merchandise: www.paulfalavolito.comBooks by Paul FalavolitoThe 7 Minute Leadership® Handbook: bit.ly/48J8zFGThe Leadership Academy: https://bit.ly/4lnT1PfThe 7 Minute Leadership® Survival Guide: https://bit.ly/4ij0g8yThe Leader's Book of Secrets: http://bit.ly/4oeGzCI

President Trump signed an executive order this week that “voluntarily” invites AI makers to share their most advanced models with the government thirty days before a wider release. Specifically, the NSA will be reviewing these models for cybersecurity threats. So what's this executive order mean for AI regulation? How voluntary is this really? Do we want the NSA involved? And what other forms of review may come next? And, related: NOTUS reports that federal officials are in talks with Sam Altman and other AI leaders about the US government stock in these companies. This comes as Sen. Bernie Sanders on the left and Steve Bannon on the right are both calling for the government to own 50% of the AI companies, with the American people getting dividends. So, should the government be regulating AI? Should it own AI? And should it both regulate and own AI? It's strange bedfellows all around…Kwaku and I get into on the latest FAFO Friday. Plus, we explore the concept of “cognitive uploading,” which Google NotebookLM's co-founder Steven Johnson divined in this week's interview (and subsequently blogged about). As we work with AI, we need to draw lines on what we will task it with and what we won't. And the lines are all over the place right now, which is a perfect jumping off point to future around and find out… ---Future Around & Find Out newsletter and more: https://www.futurearound.comMusic by Jonathan Zalben

What you'll learn in this episode: ● The key difference between leading and managing ● How your words can carry more weight than you realize ● Why great leaders attract people seeking guidance ● How to empower your team through influence, not authority ● The mindset shift that transforms management into leadership

Playing it safe can feel responsible until years pass and opportunity disappears. Episode 725 explores why leaders must embrace calculated courage before caution becomes the biggest risk of all. Leadership growth happens through movement, not perfect conditions. This episode challenges listeners to stop waiting and start acting with intention.Host: Paul FalavolitoConnect with me on your favorite platform: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, Substack, BlueSky, Threads, LinkTree, YouTubeView my website for free leadership resources and exclusive merchandise: www.paulfalavolito.comBooks by Paul FalavolitoThe 7 Minute Leadership® Handbook: bit.ly/48J8zFGThe Leadership Academy: https://bit.ly/4lnT1PfThe 7 Minute Leadership® Survival Guide: https://bit.ly/4ij0g8yThe Leader's Book of Secrets: http://bit.ly/4oeGzCI

Marketing leaders are being asked to drive more growth with less budget, fewer resources, tighter timelines, and more pressure from every direction while AI is being treated like the shortcut to replace entire marketing teams. But AI will not fix bad strategy, weak alignment, poor customer understanding, or broken marketing fundamentals. In part two of this master class conversation with Matt Hummel, CMO of Pipeline360, the focus moves into what it really takes to become the kind of CMO AI cannot replace. Not by chasing every new tool, adding more MarTech, or hiding behind automation, but by understanding the business as a whole, building trust across departments, speaking the language of revenue, and creating alignment between marketing, sales, product, leadership, and the customer. To lead marketing in a volatile market where expectations keep rising and the old playbook is no longer enough, you need to know how to: • Make sales an ally instead of your bitter rival • Build shared pipeline ownership across marketing and sales  • Communicate risk without becoming defensive • Connect marketing decisions to the larger goals of the business • Set clearer expectations with your team and leadership • Understand resource constraints without using them as excuses • Stay close to customers while leading strategy • Create momentum without pretending there is an easy button The best marketing leaders are not just managing campaigns, tools, reports, and dashboards. They are translating complexity into strategy the business can trust. The reminder is clear: AI will not fix bad strategy. More MarTech will not fix bad marketing. The CMO AI cannot replace is the one who understands the business, earns trust, aligns with sales, leads the team, knows the customer, and gets back to real marketing when everyone else is hiding behind tools. (P.S. If you haven't, listen to Ep. 149 for part one of this masterclass episode) Beyond The Episode Gems: Connect With Matt Hummel on LinkedIn Listen To Troy On Matt's Podcast, Pipeline Brew: The Evolving Role of CMOs & Community Building Visit Pipeline360 website to learn more about how they solve B2B marketers' biggest headaches Buy Troy's Book, Strategize Up: The Blueprint To Scale Your Business StrategizeUpBook.com Discover All Podcasts On The HubSpot Podcast Network Get Free HubSpot Marketing Tools To Help You Grow Your Business Grow Your Business Faster Using HubSpot's CRM Platform Support The Podcast & Connect With Troy:  Rate & Review iDigress: iDigress.fm/Reviews Follow Troy's Socials @FindTroy: LinkedIn, Instagram, Threads, TikTok Subscribe to Troy's YouTube Channel For Strategy Videos & See Masterclass Episodes Need Growth Strategy, A Keynote Speaker, Or Want To Sponsor The Podcast? Go To FindTroy.com