Podcasts about Chief strategy officer

What does strategy look like when the technology industry seems to change every few months? Recorded at Cisco Live, this episode features Ammar Maraqa, Cisco's Chief Strategy Officer, whose role spans corporate strategy, mergers and acquisitions, venture investments, technology incubation, strategic partnerships, and long-term planning. Few people have a broader view of where the technology industry is heading and how companies can position themselves for what comes next. During our conversation, Ammar shares why he believes many organizations are thinking about AI the wrong way. Rather than viewing it as a productivity tool or cost-saving exercise, he argues that AI represents a much deeper shift in how work gets done, how organizations operate, and how leaders should think about growth. We explore Cisco's approach to strategy in an era defined by constant disruption, including why the company focuses on testing assumptions rather than repeatedly changing direction. Ammar also explains how Cisco uses a combination of building, acquiring, partnering, investing, and incubating to accelerate innovation and stay close to emerging technologies. The discussion also examines what Cisco learns from engaging with startups, entrepreneurs, venture investors, customers, and partners around the world. From advances in AI infrastructure and silicon to agent orchestration, observability, security, and enterprise adoption, Ammar shares the themes he believes deserve the closest attention from business leaders today. We also discuss one of the biggest challenges facing organizations: the growing gap between what AI is capable of and what companies are actually prepared to adopt. Ammar explains why infrastructure, data, security, workflow redesign, and organizational change remain essential ingredients for success, regardless of how powerful the underlying models become. Along the way, he offers insights into business model disruption, the future of enterprise software, and why some companies successfully reinvent themselves while others struggle to adapt. If you're interested in strategy, innovation, AI adoption, or the forces shaping the next decade of enterprise technology, this conversation provides a thoughtful perspective from someone helping guide one of the industry's most influential companies through a period of extraordinary change. How often does your organization challenge the assumptions behind its strategy, and would those assumptions still hold true if you were making them today?

You know what you have to offer and why a client should trust you. But does your audience?In today's episode, after a football-themed "This or That" (Bear Down vs. Roll Tide!), Austin is diving in with the Chief Strategy Officer at Savage Content Collective, Kristi Zobrist. We discuss building trust with clients and customers before ever pushing paid offerings and Kristi shares 5 things you need to include in your content in order to build trust.We can't wait to hear what you take away from the conversation!//

Scott Ensign, Chief Strategy Officer at Butler/Till, joins Ari Paparo to discuss the advantages of being a 100% employee-owned agency, the rise of agentic AI in media buying, AdCP adoption, and the future of pharmaceutical advertising. Learn how Butler/Till is leveraging AI-powered workflows, healthcare expertise, mobile gaming inventory, and programmatic innovation to drive growth in a rapidly evolving media landscape. Takeaways Butler/Till operates as a 100% employee-owned ESOP, giving employees ownership stakes and allowing the agency to remain independent and agile. The agency is a women-owned and women-led business, with roughly two-thirds of employees being women. Thanks to its status as an independent agency, Butler/Till can operate with agility, making faster decisions and investing strategically without outside shareholder pressure. Butler/Till takes a product-focused approach, building technology and solutions around client needs rather than creating products solely for commercialization. Pharmaceutical advertising is shifting away from broad-reach TV campaigns toward addressable, data-driven digital media channels. Even if pharmaceutical advertising regulations change, opportunities will remain through disease-state education and targeted healthcare professional outreach. Mobile gaming remains an undervalued advertising channel, particularly for reaching healthcare professionals during everyday moments. Butler/Till participated in one of the industry's earliest agentic AI-powered media transactions using AdCP technology. Agentic AI can automate traditionally manual workflows such as RFPs, publisher negotiations, and media planning. The agency views AI primarily as a tool for accelerating work and solving talent shortages rather than replacing employees. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Scott Ensign and Butler/Till00:41 What makes Butler/Till unique as an employee-owned agency01:24 The history behind Butler/Till's ESOP structure02:25 Independent agencies vs. holding companies03:47 Product development and technology investments at Butler/Till04:33 Why Butler/Till hired a Chief Product Officer05:08 How clients approach AI and workflow innovation06:33 The changing landscape of pharmaceutical advertising08:31 Regulatory concerns and the future of pharma marketing10:44 Reaching healthcare professionals in the digital age12:15 Why mobile gaming is an overlooked advertising opportunity14:19 Butler/Till's early agentic AI and AdCP media transaction16:25 How buyer and seller AI agents could negotiate media deals19:28 Why pharma is a strong fit for agentic media buying21:24 Expanding AdCP into audio and offline media channels23:01 AI, efficiency, and the future of agency work23:57 Butler/Till's growth, hiring plans, and closing thoughts Guests: Ari Paparo, Scott Ensign Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Instead of siloed perspectives, this session pairs buyside and sellside leaders to tackle pressing industry questions collaboratively: •    Which trends will shape the next 12–24 months? •    How are vendors and exchanges prioritizing innovation? •    What role can buyside firms play in shaping product development and liquidity frameworks? Moderator: Ivan Brown, Head of Options, IEX Panelists: John Ruby, Trader, Jane Street Andy Hicks, Option Strategist, BlackRock Tommy Martin, Chief Strategy Officer, DASH Financial Technologies Anthony Denier, Group President and U.S. Chief Executive Officer, Webull This panel is proudly sponsored by BofA Securities.  

In aerospace, we talk a lot about “the future of flight.” But most of that conversation has been driven by fantasy. Fully electric aircraft that can't fly far enough, and technologies that look good in a render but can't sustain the physics or economics of real aviation.   That's why what Electra Aero is building feels like the first practical revolution in modern air mobility. It's not about escaping airports altogether; it's about rethinking what access to the air actually means.    A platform that combines the short-range flexibility of a helicopter with the efficiency, speed, and safety of a fixed-wing aircraft. A system that can land in 150 feet, carry nine passengers, and fly 1,000 miles…all at a cost per seat mile that rivals a Cessna Caravan.   In other words, not a science experiment, but an aircraft for both the Pentagon and Palm Springs.   When you look at the infrastructure, the capital, and the technology now converging, from turbo generators to hybrid propulsion, it's clear the “inflection point” for advanced air mobility is already here. The question isn't if we'll see it, but when the iceberg breaks the surface and everyone suddenly realizes how much has already been built underneath.   What makes this design different enough for the Department of Defense to back it, and powerful enough to fly missions no existing aircraft can?   In this special replay episode, the CEO of Electra Aero, Mark Allen, joins me to dive into what it takes to turn an experimental prototype into a scalable aircraft production company. We also discuss how hybrid-electric flight could redefine how people and goods move between cities in the next decade.   You'll learn: Why “payload-to-range” is the real metric that will define the winners in advanced air mobility How Electra's hybrid-electric system radically cuts maintenance and lifecycle costs Why vertical takeoff isn't the future, ultra-short takeoff and landing is How runway independence could transform both defense logistics and civilian travel What it takes to fund deep-tech aviation in a VC world built for SaaS Why the next big shift in aerospace will feel like a “ketchup bottle” moment: slow, then all at once How leadership and team “swing” drive complex innovation when the mission is bigger than any one person About the Guest: Marc Allen is the CEO of Electra Aero. At Electra, Marc is leading the charge in developing hybrid-electric Ultra Short aircraft to define the next level of seamless air travel connectivity. Through direct aviation, Electra is bringing air travel closer to where people live, work, and play – without airports, emissions, or noise. ‍Marc joined Electra after a distinguished career at The Boeing Company, where he held several key leadership roles, including Chief Strategy Officer and Senior Vice President for Strategy and Corporate Development. He led the $5 billion customer finance business before spending nearly a decade on Boeing's Executive Council, where he served as President of Boeing International and oversaw critical enterprise-wide functions. As head of all venture businesses, he led Wisk Aero's restructuring and full acquisition, focusing on the future of autonomous flight and serving as Chairman. Other roles at Boeing included President of the Embraer Partnership, President of Boeing China, and General Counsel of Boeing International. To learn more, go to http://electra.aero/ or connect with Marc on LinkedIn.  About your Host: Craig Picken is an Executive Recruiter, writer, speaker, and ICF Trained Executive Coach. He is focused on recruiting senior-level leadership, sales, and operations executives in the aviation and aerospace industry. His clients include premier OEMs, aircraft operators, leasing/financial organizations, and Maintenance/Repair/Overhaul (MRO) providers, and since 2008, he has personally concluded more than 400 executive-level searches in a variety of disciplines. Craig is the ONLY industry executive recruiter who has professionally flown airplanes, sold airplanes, and successfully run a P&L in the aviation industry. His professional career started with a passion for airplanes. After eight years' experience as a decorated Naval Flight Officer – with more than 100 combat missions, 2,000 hours of flight time, and 325 aircraft carrier landings – Craig sought challenges in business aviation, where he spent more than 7 years in sales with both Gulfstream Aircraft and Bombardier Business Aircraft. Craig is also a sought-after industry speaker who has presented at Corporate Jet Investor, International Aviation Women's Association, and SOCAL Aviation Association.    Resources: For more aerospace industry news & commentary: https://craigpicken.com/insights/.  To learn more about Craig Picken, visit https://craigpicken.com/.   Check out this episode on our website, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm, so our show reaches more people. Thank you! 

In the spirit of recording content at Conferences, we want to replay a special episode with Ryan Walsh, Chief Strategy Officer, Pax8. Enjoy and be in the look out for exciting episodes from Beyond 26. Success doesn't happen by accident—it's a journey we must own, and that begins with the right mindset. Ryan Walsh, Co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer at Pax8 discusses the power of strategic leadership, embracing innovation, and the importance of cultivating community within the channel. From his rock-climbing analogy of navigating challenges to his passion for helping MSPs grow through “guided growth” and “amplifying uniqueness,” Ryan underscores the need for focused vision and teamwork.   Highlights also include: A glimpse into the Voyager Alliance partner program. The expanding influence of AI, agents, and a shift to managed intelligence partners (MIPs). To be competitive means owning a niche, staying connected, and thinking collaboratively. Family and basketball as foundational to his leadership philosophy.   His leadership philosophy, rooted in enabling others and fostering shared success, offers valuable lessons for anyone seeking to lead with purpose in a rapidly changing tech landscape. Follow Ryan on LinkedIn and visit Pax8.com to stay informed about the marketplace.   Timestamps: [08:21] Father modeled passion [18:03] Voyager Alliance Growth Tracks [18:57] Owning your niche [23:05] Power of Team   --- more ---   If you want to master the art of audience engagement while learning how to conquer speaking anxiety, deliver persuasive presentations, and close more deals, this is the program for you. Twins Talk It Up is hosted by identical twin brothers Danny Suk Brown and David Suk Brown, who share leadership communication strategies designed to help professionals embrace the power of their authentic voice.   Together, we'll explore tips and tools to unlock the full potential of your voice, dominate every stage you step onto, and elevate your influence and value. Along the way, we'll crush goals and share plenty of laughs.   Book a Free 15-minute discovery call: dsbleadershipgroup.com/schedule-a-call/ Website: appmeetup.com/twinstalkitup/ Community: facebook.com/groups/publicspeakingpoints Patreon: patreon.com/twinstalkitup

Healthcare marketers are making major budget decisions based on attribution models that often tell an incomplete story. In episode two of The Strategists' Corner, host Rich Briddock sits back down with Ben Dutter, Chief Strategy Officer at Power Digital Marketing, to tackle the measurement problem hiding inside most healthcare marketing organizations. They introduce a practical framework that reorders how marketers should prioritize evidence, and explains why the metrics teams trust most are often the least reliable. You'll learn: Why last-click attribution gives healthcare marketers a false sense of confidence How to use marketing mix modeling to challenge assumptions about channel performance A proven approach to running incrementality tests without tanking lead volume How to get C-suite and PE-backed stakeholders bought into a new measurement strategy If your P&L and your dashboards are telling two different stories, this is the episode that helps you figure out which one to believe. RELATED RESOURCES The Search Plateau Problem: Why Healthcare Providers Need Incrementality Testing -https://www.cardinaldigitalmarketing.com/healthcare-resources/blog/healthcare-incrementality-testing/ RevRx™: Unlocking the Power of Media Mix Modeling - https://www.cardinaldigitalmarketing.com/healthcare-resources/blog/media-mix-modeling-revrx/ When & How to Expand Your Healthcare Media Mix  - https://www.cardinaldigitalmarketing.com/healthcare-resources/blog/expanding-channel-media-mix-strategy/ Building a privacy-safe engine for patient growth  - https://www.cardinaldigitalmarketing.com/healthcare-resources/blog/health-system-privacy-safe-measurement-framework-case-study/  

Your host, Catherine Cantey, speaks with the Chief Strategy Officer of Dlivrd, Ashley Campos.In this episode, we sit down with a former restaurateur who turned a failing Little Caesars franchise into a launchpad for a custom food delivery network and a global virtual assistant company. We dive into the real, unglamorous side of entrepreneurship—like losing sleep to make payroll before you pay yourself—and chat about how to navigate tech projects without letting scope creep completely ruin your timeline.We talk about:-Trusting your gut,-Leading to empower others,-Success with global VAs.To learn more about Ashley's work, visit Dlivrd.io.If you'd like to be a guest on The Business Vitality® podcast, click HERE.For more information, visit CatherineCantey.com.

Martine van Vugt is Executive VP en Chief Strategy Officer van Genmab.***Volg Leaders in Life Sciences via de website.Volg Leaders in Life Sciences via LinkedIn.Bezoek www.henkjanout.nl voor meer informatie over de host.***Vragen, suggesties of feedback? Graag! Stuur een email naar: henkjan.out@me.com***Vind jij de Leaders in Life Sciences podcast leuk? Dan zouden we het enorm waarderen als je een recensie zou willen achterlaten op Apple Podcasts of een vijf sterren beoordeling zou willen geven op Spotify.Jouw steun betekent veel voor ons, omdat het anderen kan aanmoedigen om de podcast ook te gaan beluisteren. Heel erg bedankt!***Leaders in Life Sciences wordt mede mogelijk gemaakt door Pivot Park, Pedersen & Partners en Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine.

Ari Paparo sits down with Damian Garbaccio, Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer at Affinity Solutions, and Doug Campbell, Chief Strategy Officer at DoubleVerify, to discuss why 91% of marketers distrust platform-reported results, the rise of outcome-based measurement, the role of verified purchase data, AI-driven optimization, media waste, and the future of advertising accountability.  Takeaways  91% of marketers distrust platform-reported results, signaling a major measurement credibility gap. Brands want to optimize toward real purchase outcomes, but technical and organizational barriers remain. Verified transaction data and independent measurement are becoming essential for improving accountability.  Reducing delays and complexity between purchase data and optimization systems can improve campaign performance.  AI can enhance marketing outcomes, but its effectiveness depends on the quality of the data it receives.  CMOs face growing pressure to prove measurable business results and justify marketing investments.  Chapters  00:00 Introduction to the Affinity Solutions Outcome Marketing Council  00:29 Why the council was created and its mission  01:34 The new report: Measurement's Tipping Point  02:28 Challenges connecting ad exposure to purchase behavior  03:06 Key survey findings and marketer sentiment  03:19 Why 91% of marketers distrust platform-reported results  05:31 Why marketers still rely on proxy metrics  07:10 The value of real purchase and transaction data  08:21 Barriers preventing outcome-based optimization  09:17 Platform measurement challenges and attribution overlap  09:38 Speed, data paths, and optimization challenges  10:53 The importance of third-party measurement  11:10 How much waste exists in media measurement?  13:04 Best practices for verified outcomes and optimization  14:20 How far the industry has progressed in recent years  14:44 AI, data quality, and marketing performance  16:45 Advice for CMOs navigating measurement uncertainty  17:43 Organizational change and financial accountability  18:30 Why the opportunity for innovation remains strong  Guests: Ari Paparo, Damian Garbaccio, Doug Campbell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Greenbook Podcast, Karen Lynch sits down with Adam Bai, Chief Strategy Officer and Chief Client Officer at Panoplai, winner of Greenbook's inaugural Industry Impact Award at IIEX North America. Adam shares how his background in anthropology, innovation, and enterprise transformation shapes Panoplai's approach to modern insights. The conversation explores digital twins, synthetic data, the importance of validated human data, and why AI should enhance—not replace—the role of insights professionals.Adam also discusses what it means to build for both today's market needs and the future of research, emphasizing the need for better standards, smarter workflows, and human judgment in increasingly automated systems.Key Discussion Points:Panoplai and Greenbook's Industry Impact AwardHow digital twins and synthetic data fit into the insights toolkitThe importance of grounding AI tools in validated human dataWhy insights professionals must become “shepherds of the right questions”Lessons from Panoplai's evolution from Glimpse to a modern insights platformResources & Links:PanoplaiIIEX Europe EventYou can reach out to Adam Bai on LinkedIn.Many thanks to Adam Bai for being our guest. Thanks also to our production team and our editor at Big Bad Audio.

To keep up in a changing market, are you building a responsive brand, or are you constantly playing catch-up?Agility requires more than just quick reactions; it demands a proactive understanding of evolving customer needs and emerging technologies. It also means building adaptable processes and systems that can flex with market demands.Today, we're going to talk about navigating the complexities of modern business strategy in a world of constant disruption. Specifically, we'll explore how Chief Strategy Officers can balance long-term vision with the need for near-term execution, particularly in the face of external pressures like economic shifts, competitive dynamics, and the transformative power of technologies like AI.To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome JD Carter, Chief Strategy Officer at Vasion. JD, welcome to the show! About JD Carter JD Carter is the Chief Strategy Officer at Vasion. JD joined Vasion in 2013 as employee number five. A self-described “jack of all trades” executive, he has served during his tenure as the company's VP of sales, CMO, and chief experience officer. In his current role, he helps develop the company's strategy and works with his executive peers to drive performance across the organization. JD also oversees Vasion's mergers and acquisitions function and plays an active role in defining the culture and values by which the company operates. JD Carter on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdcarter/ ---------- Resources ---------- Vasion: https://www.vasion.com The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://aglbrnd.co/r/2868abd8085a9703 We're proud to be a media partner for #MAICON26 - Oct. 13-15! Learn how AI can power your marketing and business and help you grow smarter. Use code AGILE150 to save! https://aglbrnd.co/r/7fe458ced0f04658Reach your customers with Reddit. Spend $500 in ad spend, get $500 back in ad credit! Learn more: https://advertalize.com/r/491818c79fb1873fEnjoyed the show? Tell us more at and give us a rating so others can find the show at: https://aglbrnd.co/r/faaed112fc9887f3 Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/35ded3ccfb6716ba Check out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Matrix Awards by NYWICI serves as our opportunity to recognize exceptional leaders in the communications industry. This year's theme is The Butterfly Effect: Women Who Transform the World and Inspire the Future! Sarah Ng, three-time NYWICI Scholarship recipient, interviewed award-winners on the red carpet of this star-studded event. Listen to this episode for insights from emcee Sheinelle Jones, co-host of TODAY with Jenna & Sheinelle! You'll also hear from our honorees: Tamsen Fadal, Emmy Award-winning journalist;, Debra OConnell, Chairman, Disney Entertainment Television; Khartoon Weiss, VP Global Customer Solutions, Google; Diana Haussling, CEO, hello Products; Abbey Klaassen, CEO, Tinuiti; Carla Serrano, Chief Strategy Officer, Publicis Groupe; and Ashley Miles, former NYWICI president and founder/CEO at Franklyn West.

Julian Lighton, executive coach, strategic consultant, board advisor, and author of the book Navigating Your Next, joins me on this episode. Julian is one of Silicon Valley's leading strategy practitioners and business coaches, helping individuals and organizations navigate what's next. He has served as Chief Strategy Officer at four billion-dollar public companies, a General Manager of a $300M+ business, an Associate Partner at McKinsey & Company, and a senior executive at Cisco and Hitachi. In this conversation, we explore why so many successful people struggle to answer one simple but powerful question: What do I actually want next?

SUMMARY: After the first successful AI IPO of 2026, we dig into what makes the Cerebras WSE architecture unique in the market for fast inference. GUEST: Andy Hock, at Chief Strategy Officer at Cerebras AISHOW: 1033SHOW TRANSCRIPT: The Enterprise AI Show #1033 TranscriptSHOW VIDEO: https://youtu.be/ed2nVbOtZiASHOW SPONSORS:OutShift - “Scaling Out Superintelligence”  The Internet of Cognition architectureShareGate - ShareGate Protect. Microsoft 365 Governance, we got this!Nasuni - Activate your data for AI and request a demoSHOW NOTES:OpenAI announces 750MW partnership with CerebrasCerebras and AWS partnershipCerebras announces IPOTopic 1 - Welcome to the show. Tell us about your background, and what you focus on today. Topic 2 - For anyone that's not familiar with Cerebras, give us an overview of the company, and especially an overview on the Cerebras technologies (e.g. Wafer-Scale Engine).Topic 3 - Cerebras' WSE architecture is different from many of the GPU or GPU-like architectures in the market today. Centralized vs. distributed architectures always have their tradeoffs. Walk us through the technical and economic value of the Cerebras architecture.Topic 4 - Congratulations on the recent IPO (raised $5.55B). Let's use that as a point in time vs the previous planned IPO. How has the market changed in that timeframe, and how has the Cerebras position changed? Topic 5 - Cerebras (today) offer both WSE hardware, and Cerebras Cloud (API) - very different GTM paths. Can we expect both of those to stay top priorities, or have the market dynamics shifted such that the priorities shift more towards the WSE business - as we're seeing OpenAI, AWS and other engagements announced?Topic 6 - Is Cerebras a training and inference company, or are the economics of inference significantly different enough that it needs to be the sole focus of the company (for now)? Topic 7 - How much effort is it for any company to add support for the Cerebras chips if they have previously been using other architectures?Topic 8 - An IPO is a major milestone for any company, but the markets will now look for your future story. How do you see the AI market evolving over the next 2-5 years, and what are some things that people aren't understanding yet about how it will evolve?FEEDBACK?Email: show @ the enterprise ai show dot comeBluesky: @TheEntAIShow.bsky.socialTwitter/X: @TheEntAIShowInstagram: @TheEntAIShow

A unanimous Supreme Court decision could have major implications for freight brokerages

In this exclusive Consensus 2026 Miami interview, Eric Trump joins David Sencil for a wide-ranging discussion on Bitcoin, cryptocurrency adoption, Bitcoin mining, AI infrastructure, energy policy, institutional investment, Bitcoin ETFs, regulation, and the future of digital finance in America.Eric shares his perspective on the rapid growth of American Bitcoin, the increasing role of Wall Street and institutional investors in Bitcoin, and why Bitcoin mining is becoming a strategically important industry connected to energy production, technological innovation, and national security.The conversation also explores:- The future of Bitcoin mining in the United States- How Bitcoin ETFs are accelerating mainstream adoption- The intersection of AI, data centers, and energy infrastructure- Why nations are competing for Bitcoin hash rate and digital asset leadership- Corporate treasury adoption of Bitcoin- Regulatory developments shaping the crypto industry- America's opportunity to become the world's leading Bitcoin superpowerWhether you're a Bitcoin enthusiast, investor, entrepreneur, policymaker, or simply curious about the future of money, this episode offers valuable insights into the forces shaping the next era of finance and technology.

Meet the AI robot companion that helps with healthcare needs and more. Assaf Gad, General Manager and Chief Strategy Officer at Intuition Robotics, joins Jon Hansen to talk about ElliQ. Assaf shares how ElliQ forms conversations around your needs. Whether it’s helping with medication, social isolation, or daily tasks, it makes every day easier and more […]

Join us for a special Behind the Geeks conversation with the team behind YetiCon, one of Ontario's most unique convention experiences. We sit down with Managing Director Brandon Forder, Creative Director Angela Forder, and Chief Strategy Officer of Cosplay & Social Community Saphiira.Cosplay to discuss stepping into leadership roles at YetiCon, what makes the event so special, and how they're balancing tradition while helping shape its future. We also dive into cosplay culture, the sense of community that conventions create, first cosplay memories, and what attendees can look forward to at this year's event at Blue Mountain.  Whether you're a longtime convention-goer, an avid cosplayer, or simply curious about what makes YetiCon such a beloved destination, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at the people helping bring it all together. YetiCon takes place at Blue Mountain Village from June 19–21, 2026. Learn more at YetiConOfficial.ca. Join the YetiCon Discord to connect with fellow attendees, cosplayers, and community members before the convention begins. Be sure to follow Saphiira.Cosplay for cosplay inspiration, convention coverage, and community updates. Check out Geekcentric onYouTube | Instagram | Twitter | TikTokJoin the Geekcentric Discord HEREFollow Eatcentric - Same geeks. New Eats

We talk with LaKesha Womack, Democratic nominee for North Carolina's 14th Congressional District, consultant, author, ordained minister, and Chief Strategy Officer at Aspire Community Capital. LaKesha shares her journey from rural Alabama to public service, discussing her grassroots approach to campaigning, the importance of listening to communities, and why she believes complex challenges require thoughtful, long-term solutions rather than political sound bites. The conversation explores economic opportunity, healthcare, childcare, small business development, political engagement, and her work helping entrepreneurs grow sustainable businesses through community-focused lending and technical assistance.LaKesha Womack is a consultant, author, ordained minister, and Chief Strategy Officer at Aspire Community Capital. With more than 20 years of experience in strategic planning, organizational development, and small business growth, she helps organizations and communities solve complex challenges through systems-based thinking and practical leadership. She is also the Democratic nominee for North Carolina's 14th Congressional District.

What does it really take to build a high-performing roofing company in today's construction landscape? In this episode of the People-First Builders Podcast, Fletcher Wimbush sits down with Brad Strawbridge — Founder & CEO of Capital City Roofing, Chief Strategy Officer at Builderlync, and founder of Feeding the Future Project — to discuss how operational systems, leadership development, and people-first values are transforming the roofing industry. Brad shares his journey from driving delivery trucks at Lowe's to leading multimillion-dollar operations, launching his own roofing company, and building technology solutions that help contractors scale smarter. Together, they explore the importance of SOPs, EOS implementation, hiring through relationships, overcoming fear-based leadership decisions, and why slowing down to build systems is often the fastest path to growth. This conversation is packed with practical insights for contractors, entrepreneurs, and construction leaders looking to scale sustainably while building strong teams and lasting culture. In this episode, you'll learn: How Brad transitioned from corporate leadership at Lowe's into entrepreneurship Why roofing and construction businesses need systems before scaling The role EOS and SOPs play in operational success How referrals and relationships drive high-quality hiring Why fear keeps many leaders stuck — and how to move forward anyway The biggest growth bottlenecks in commercial construction businesses How Builderlync is helping contractors streamline operations through technology

What if the reason you're losing business has nothing to do with your service and everything to do with being forgotten? This week we're taking a break from InSights and Take the Stage to bring you a replay of Lunch with Haley, hosted by Brad Smith (Chief Strategy Officer, Haley Marketing). Brad reveals why the staffing firms that consistently win aren't necessarily the best firms. They're simply the ones that stay visible long enough to be there when opportunity strikes. About the Guest Brad Smith is the Chief Strategy Officer at Haley Marketing and a Certified Inbound Marketing professional who has helped hundreds of staffing and recruiting firms implement effective digital marketing strategies. He specializes in translating emerging marketing trends and technologies into practical growth strategies for staffing organizations. Key Takeaways Consistency creates opportunities that luck cannot. The firms that stay visible win more business. Education builds trust faster than selling. Nurturing outperforms persistence alone. Relationships grow when value comes before the ask. Timestamps [00:44] – Why staffing is a timing business [03:31] – The costly “I didn't know you did that” [06:42] – The math behind winning new accounts [08:44] – Why sales teams need marketing air cover [11:06] – Building trust through systematic nurturing [13:32] – Why education beats hard selling [15:21] – The powerful 3x3 relationship matrix [19:23] – The multiplier effect of multi-channel marketing [22:14] – Branded publications that drive conversations [26:55] – Why print mail stands out again [31:41] – Automating touches without losing personalization [42:20] – Using Challenger insights to create demand Sponsors InSights is presented by Haley Marketing. For a limited time, we're offer 50% off of a brand new staffing website. Just message Brad Bialy on LinkedIn and mention the Crazy Website Promo.

Our conversation this week brings together two extraordinary leaders who have been previous guests on the Workers at Work platform, Megan Conahan and Libby Rodney. They join us this week to share their insights, strategies, and to discuss all of the signals and trends that we need to be paying attention to.  Our conversation goes beyond trends; it's about developing new ways of thinking in a changing workplace.  Megan Conahan is Executive Vice President at Direct Agents. She has spent over two decades helping brands unlock growth through the intersection of strategy, creativity, media, analytics and innovation. Whether it's scaling brands into category leaders or building funnel growth engines powered by AI, Megan understands what it takes to grow.  By keeping her finger on the pulse of marketing, she has always anticipated and preemptively prepared for major industry trends, helping her agency pivot to ensure its clients stay ahead of the curve.   Libby Rodney is a Chief Strategy Officer at the Harris Poll, where she leads the thought leadership and futures practice. Her work sits at the crossroads of human behavior, cultural shifts, consumer insights, and future forecasting. Libby helps leaders not only understand the moment that they're in, but anticipate what's next.   (3:52) Libby and Megan share each of their perspectives of what is happening in the world right now.  (8:42) We discuss whether we are currently feeling stagnant, always reacting to our environment or are we using this moment to sit and ask the question “what are the questions I should have asked before” and create a path to progression.  (12:31) Libby and Megan share some of the top trends that they notice right now.  What do they see that matters and why?  (15:24) Libby weighs in on what we might be underestimating, or missing, something that is bubbling up and we should pay closer attention.  (20:08) How do they have conversations, about these difficult subjects, with their clients and colleagues?  (23:15) Do they find people are receptive to these approaches, having direct and transparent conversations?  (25:43)  Individually, what are they most curious about happening in the world right now?  How do they see it all playing out?  (30:19) Do they notice any trends or conversations about creating a more human-centric business model?  (36:43) Where does someone begin?  How can they make sense of all of this and start putting it all into action?  (40:11) Are they noticing an evolution in the attributes that leaders should have to succeed in this changing climate?  (48:43) Looking forward to Jan 2027, what did we get right and what did we miss?    Connect with Megan Conahan https://www.linkedin.com/in/meganconahan/  Connect with Libby Rodneyhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/libbyrodney/    Subscribe: Warriors At Work PodcastsWebsite: https://jeaniecoomber.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/986666321719033/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanie_coomber/Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeanie_coomberLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanie-coomber-90973b4/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbMZ2HyNNyPoeCSqKClBC_w

As AI adoption surges across the enterprise, many organizations are struggling to keep pace with governance and security. The result? A growing wave of “shadow AI”—unauthorized tools and applications being used outside of IT oversight. In this episode, we break down the real risks behind shadow AI, including data leakage, intellectual property exposure, and unintended business consequences. With nearly half of technology leaders reporting suspected or confirmed data loss tied to unauthorized tools, the stakes are higher than ever.Hosted by: Alex Kalish, Chief Strategy Officer, StratixFeatured Guests: Sean Ginevan, Head of Partnerships, Android Enterprise, Google and Ian Marsanyi, Google Pixel for Business, Google

Send us Fan MailBall Watching hosts, Jake Koenig and Justin Graham, wrap their "Road to '26" interview series with a true icon of the modern American pitch: Jozy Altidore.With 115 caps, an MLS Cup title, and an MLS Cup MVP on his mantle, Jozy stands alone as one of the most dominant forces in national team history. As the third-highest goalscorer in USMNT history with 42 goals, he has summited the highest peaks of the sport and carries a rare, elite understanding of what it actually takes to win on the world stage.Now navigating the boardroom as the Chief Soccer Officer of our show partner, Sogility, Jozy is leveraging state-of-the-art, data-tracked training technology to fundamentally revolutionize how this country develops youth talent.We sit down with the absolute legend to dive deep into his legacy and look ahead to the home crucible of 2026, covering:The CSO Mandate: Unpacking his transition from scoring headlines to corporate leadership. Jozy explains how data and sensory tracking tech are designed to close the global development gap and fix America's historical training deficiencies.The Art of the No. 9: A masterclass on the pure, instinctual mechanics of elite finishing. Jozy details the fine line between clinical execution and overthinking in the box, and breaks down his absolute favorite international career goals.Handling the World Stage: What does it actually feel like to walk onto a pitch with the emotional expectations of an entire nation on your back? Jozy shares the mental adjustments required to handle the pressure cooker of multiple FIFA World Cups.The Pochettino Formula & 2026 Mandate: With the tournament arriving at our front door, Jozy issues a direct, filterless reality check for the current player pool. He reveals the exact baseline trait Mauricio Pochettino's squad needs to adopt to ensure 2026 is a success.Whether you want to hear from one of the greatest strikers to ever wear the crest or see the technological blueprint changing the sport's future, you cannot miss this grand finale.Follow the show on X and/or Instagram (@BallWatchingSTL)! Find our guest interviews and all episodes in video form on YouTube by searching https://www.youtube.com/@ballwatchingSTL. Be sure to hit subscribe and turn notifications on!Hoffmann Brothers is the 2025 presenting sponsor of Ball Watching! Headquartered right here in St. Louis for over 40 years, Hoffmann Brothers is a full-service residential & commercial provider, providing Heating, Air Conditioning, Plumbing, Drains, Sewer, Water Heaters, Duct Cleaning, Electrical and Appliance Repair services. Visit them online at hoffmannbros.com!Make The Pitch Athletic Club & Tavern (thepitch-stl.com) your St. Louis CITY SC pregame and postgame destination for all your food and drink needs! Tell them your friends at Ball Watching sent you... Shop in-store or online at Series Six (seriessixcompany.com) and receive a 15% discount  on all orders storewide using code "BALLWATCHING" at checkout!

Third-party validation signals matter more in AI search than traditional Google rankings. Whitney Hart, Chief Strategy Officer at Avenue Z, reveals how enterprise brands must align cross-functional teams to build authentic authority that AI systems recognize and trust. The discussion covers integrated validation frameworks spanning consumer reviews, analyst reports, and earned media, plus strategic alignment methodologies that prevent siloed marketing teams from diluting brand credibility across AI-powered search experiences.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

AI search algorithms prioritize third-party validation over self-promotional content. Whitney Hart, Chief Strategy Officer at Avenue Z, reveals how enterprise brands must orchestrate multiple validation signals to achieve AI visibility. The discussion covers unified third-party validation frameworks that align consumer reviews, analyst reports, and expert citations with overarching brand strategy, plus tactical approaches for breaking down marketing silos that dilute validation signals across AI search platforms.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

My podcast guest this week is Andy Hock, Chief Strategy Officer at Cerebras.  Andy and I are discuss the the revolutionary details of the Cerebras Wafer-Scale Engine (WSE). We also explore where the next major competitive frontier lies for AI hardware, how the latest WSE addresses the critical latency and energy efficiency challenges of deploying massive AI models for inference and Cerebras' role in democratizing access to large-scale AI research and deployment.

Affairs. Infidelity. Desire.Not exactly the conversations most people are having openly… but maybe we should be.In this episode, I sit down with Paul Keable, Chief Strategy Officer at Ashley Madison — the world's most well-known platform for people in committed relationships seeking discreet connections.And before you jump to conclusions… this conversation might surprise you.With over a decade at Ashley Madison, Paul has had a front-row seat to one of the largest real-world data sets on human desire, relationships, and unmet needs. What he shares challenges almost everything we think we know about cheating, monogamy, and why people look outside their relationships.We talk about:- Why people actually have affairs (hint: it's not just about sex)- The surprising truth about women, desire, and sexless relationships- What men are really craving (and why it's often misunderstood)- The role of technology in modern intimacy and connection- And the uncomfortable truth about the conversations most couples aren't havingThis isn't about promoting or condemning infidelity.It's about understanding the deeper emotional and psychological drivers behind it — so you can create more honest, connected, and fulfilling relationships… on your own terms.Because at the end of the day, the question isn't whether people are cheating…It's why.________Meet Our GuestPaul Keable is the Chief Strategy Officer at Ashley Madison, where he's spent over a decade shaping one of the most controversial - and revealing - platforms in modern dating. Based in Toronto, he brings a unique lens on human behavior, desire, and the evolving dynamics of relationships in the digital age.________Go Deeperhttps://www.krishall.ca Join our retreat in Mexico:https://www.krishall.ca/application-wild-women-unleashed Sex Coaching:https://calendly.com/krishall2/consultation-call Download The Pleasure Portal (FREE)⁠https://www.krishall.ca/the-pleasure-portal⁠ Learn Sex Magic (FREE)https://www.krishall.ca/sex-magic Use code KRIS10 for 10% off sex toys: waands.com Submit your questions:⁠⁠https://www.krishall.ca/podcast⁠⁠   IG:https://www.instagram.com/kris.the.pleasure.engineer/ https://www.instagram.com/illhavewhat_shes_having/ 

What does it really take to sit in the second seat and do it with drive, grace, and guts? In this episode, Lindsay uncovers the journey and mindset of Stanton Hill, the Chief Financial and Operating Officer for the National Society of Black Engineers. From his unexpected path into leadership to the high-stakes pivots required during a crisis, Stanton Hill reveals the nuts and bolts (and the emotional work) of steering a student-governed organization with 25,000+ members.If you're wrestling with hybrid teams, retention headaches, or scaling real culture, this is your masterclass. Avoid missing real-world tactics on delegation, resilience, and helping people thrive even when the world flips upside down. Listen now for the brutal, refreshing clarity on what it takes to lead from the number two seat while building a legacy that outlasts your title.Timestamped Highlights00:40 – The real reason student governance keeps NSBE thriving02:22 – The moment a father invests for life in his son's future06:04 – How a COO earns trust and evolves during big leadership shifts10:06 – Brutal revenue risks when in-person events collapse overnight13:02 – The hidden reality behind hybrid events few executives know16:12 – Career fair hacks that build total confidence in seconds17:20 – The overlooked muscle every COO needs: leading with empathy29:07 – The ruthless approach to blocking out overwhelm, not just emails40:12 – How personal adversity can forge leaders who never flinchAbout the GuestStanton Hill brings two decades of experience in financial strategy and nonprofit operations. Prior to joining NSBE, he held several roles at the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), where he managed multimillion-dollar operating budgets, streamlined financial processes, and led grant management initiatives totaling over $30 million. He began his career with a focus on business analytics and process optimization and has since advanced through NSBE's leadership ranks: from Director of Finance and Accounting to Chief Financial Officer, and now Chief Financial & Operating Officer. Stanton Hill earned his Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Morehouse College and a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and High Technology from Northeastern University. He resides in Georgia with his wife Adrienne and their sons Davis and Carter.

Third-party validation signals now outweigh content optimization in AI search rankings. Whitney Hart, Chief Strategy Officer at Avenue Z, reveals how enterprise brands must shift from content-centric to citation-focused SEO strategies. The discussion covers unified third-party validation frameworks across consumer reviews, analyst reports, and expert citations, plus strategic alignment methodologies that prevent siloed marketing teams from diluting brand authority signals.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of One Vision, Theodora Lau sits down with Hay Yip, Chief Strategy Officer and Chief of Staff at FundPark in Hong Kong, for a conversation that spans heritage, working capital, and what it really takes for SMEs to scale in an uncertain world.Hay shares his journey from a commercial banking career at HSBC — spanning both London and Hong Kong — to the electric pace of a fintech startup, and why he now goes to bed "with one eye open." Born in Hong Kong and grew up in the UK, his story comes full circle as he returns home to help the small businesses he's always been drawn to.At the heart of the conversation is the often-overlooked engine of commerce: working capital. Hay makes the case that cash flow is the "bloodline" of any growing business, and explains how FundPark uses data and analytics to serve e-commerce merchants who are not just underserved by traditional banks, but in many cases entirely unserved. Theo and Hay explore the founders' origin story, why entrepreneurs deserve more credit for their courage, and how global supply chain fragility shows up in the everyday lives of merchants and the customers who depend on them.Tune in for a candid look at the unglamorous but essential side of fintech, and FundPark's vision of "scale up as a service" — helping ordinary people behind real businesses thrive.

Third-party validation signals outweigh traditional SEO optimization in AI search algorithms. Whitney Hart, Chief Strategy Officer at Avenue Z, explains how AI systems prioritize external trust indicators over self-promotional content. The discussion covers integrating consumer reviews, analyst reports, and earned media into unified brand strategies. Hart outlines frameworks for aligning cross-functional marketing teams to deliver consistent validation signals that AI systems recognize and reward.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, we explore one of the most pressing challenges facing nonprofit leaders today: how to navigate growing polarization while staying true to mission, donors, and community. Trent Ricker, CEO and Chief Strategy Officer at AGP, and Tim Arnold, leadership development expert and best-selling author, examine why traditional either/or thinking falls short – and what it looks like to lead with a more nuanced both/and mindset in today's complex environments. Tim shares how leaders can often feel unequipped to unify teams and stakeholders across differing perspectives. From board dynamics to internal teams to donor communications, the discussion highlights where these tensions show up most and how leaders can navigate competing priorities like innovation versus stability, without losing focus. The conversation offers practical guidance for applying this both/and mindset in real-world situations, including how to approach donor messaging in a polarized environment and why curiosity and connection are critical leadership skills. Whether you're leading an organization, managing stakeholders, or shaping communications, this episode provides a grounded perspective on how to move forward without deepening division.

May 27, 2026 ~ Megan Spanitz, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Strategy Officer for the Detroit Regional Chamber joins Paul W. Smith live from the Mackinac Policy Conference. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Third-party validation now outweighs traditional SEO metrics in AI-driven search results. Whitney Hart, Chief Strategy Officer at Avenue Z, reveals how enterprise brands must shift from self-promotional content to earning external credibility signals. The discussion covers frameworks for coordinating consumer reviews, analyst reports, and expert citations across previously siloed marketing teams. Hart outlines strategic approaches for aligning third-party validation with overarching brand messaging to build the trust signals that AI systems prioritize over traditional on-page optimization.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of One Vision, Theodora Lau sits down with Hay Yip, Chief Strategy Officer and Chief of Staff at FundPark in Hong Kong, for a conversation that spans heritage, working capital, and what it really takes for SMEs to scale in an uncertain world.Hay shares his journey from a commercial banking career at HSBC — spanning both London and Hong Kong — to the electric pace of a fintech startup, and why he now goes to bed "with one eye open." Born in Hong Kong and grew up in the UK, his story comes full circle as he returns home to help the small businesses he's always been drawn to.At the heart of the conversation is the often-overlooked engine of commerce: working capital. Hay makes the case that cash flow is the "bloodline" of any growing business, and explains how FundPark uses data and analytics to serve e-commerce merchants who are not just underserved by traditional banks, but in many cases entirely unserved. Theo and Hay explore the founders' origin story, why entrepreneurs deserve more credit for their courage, and how global supply chain fragility shows up in the everyday lives of merchants and the customers who depend on them.Tune in for a candid look at the unglamorous but essential side of fintech, and FundPark's vision of "scale up as a service" — helping ordinary people behind real businesses thrive.

In today's episode, Mary sits down with Aine Lyons, Senior Vice President & Deputy General Counsel and Chief Strategy Officer at Workday, to talk about what it actually takes to build a modern legal department. They cover why Aine deliberately designed Workday's function without a traditional legal ops silo, what it means to reskill every lawyer in the department, and why guardrails and governance matter just as much as the agents you're building on top of them. This episode is presented by Workday ~~~ Thank you to our sponsors for making this show possible. Wordsmith.ai Brightflag ~~~ Join Mary's Substack Community Follow Mary on LinkedIn Rate and review on Apple Podcasts

AB sits down with Ammar Maraqa, Cisco's Chief Strategy Officer, to discuss topics such as turning an acquisition into a competitive advantage, fostering an agile and customer-centric culture, aligning business cases with long-term innovation goals to drive real value, and much more.

Good work is everywhere. Scalable work is rare. We sit down with three leaders who live at the intersection of innovation, inclusion, and scale to answer the question nonprofit leaders can't avoid anymore: can your solution expand and still deliver real outcomes across different people, policies, and places?Host, Scott Light, is joined by Jennifer Riha, Chief Strategy Officer at Boundless and a 2026 Zero Project nominee, Tom Butcher, Senior Advisor and Zero Project Ambassador, and Anna Szczepanek, Executive Director of Penta Medical Recycling and a 2026 Zero Project Awardee.  Together, we break down the Zero Project's lens for spotting what truly works: innovation, impact, and scalability. Anna shares how an operations-heavy model can still scale globally when it is built on relationships, local partner insight, and disciplined logistics across customs, shipping, and changing conditions, including conflict zones. We also name the obstacles that slow inclusive innovation, like fragmented funding and limited support for core operations.  Plus, we look ahead to trends shaping disability inclusion, assistive technology, equitable AI, co-designed community-led solutions, and disability-inclusive crisis response.Stick around for a mission moment featuring Boundless at Home, a person-centered model that supports families to choose trusted caregivers and build continuity of care. If this conversation sharpens your thinking, subscribe, share it with a fellow nonprofit leader, and leave a review so more people can find it.Send us Fan Mail

Third-party validation signals matter more in AI search than traditional Google rankings. Whitney Hart, Chief Strategy Officer at Avenue Z, explains how enterprise brands must align consumer reviews, analyst reports, and earned media to build AI-discoverable authority. The discussion covers integrated validation frameworks that break down marketing silos and strategic approaches for positioning brand credibility across AI search systems.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Join our champion program: mark@themomentumcompany.comAttend a Thriving Leader event: https://thriving-leader-2026.lovable.app/Instagram: @the.momentum.companyLinkedIn: /momentum-companyIn this episode of The Intentional Agribusiness Leader, Mark sits down with Eric Mittenthal, Chief Strategy Officer at the Meat Institute, for a timely conversation about trust, transparency, nutrition, and the future of animal protein.Eric defines intentional leadership through the lens of purpose:Feeding people well.At its core, the meat industry exists to provide safe, nutritious, nutrient-dense protein that people trust. But in today's world—where consumers are flooded with conflicting information, social media opinions, and health claims—earning that trust has become more complicated than ever.A major theme throughout the conversation is this:Trust can't just be claimed. It has to be proven.Eric explains how the industry is working to move beyond messaging and toward measurable proof points around:Food safetyAnimal welfareWorker safetyEnvironmental impactNutrition and food securityThe Meat Institute has spent years collecting industry-wide data and building measurable standards designed to support continuous improvement across the entire supply chain.Because in an era of declining institutional trust, transparency matters more than ever.The conversation also explores the challenge of navigating modern food culture.Consumers are overwhelmed with labels, opinions, and competing narratives:Organic vs conventionalSeed oils vs beef tallowAnimal protein vs plant-based alternativesAnd often, the loudest voices aren't the most informed.Eric shares how the industry approaches these conversations—not by attacking consumer choices, but by providing options, education, and science-backed information that allows families to decide what aligns with their own values.Another key topic is the growing recognition of protein's role in human health.For years, mainstream nutrition messaging often minimized animal protein. But today, there's increasing scientific acknowledgment around the nutrient density and bioavailability of meat—especially when paired with plants as part of a balanced diet.The conversation also highlights one of the most powerful ideas in leadership and business:Continuous improvement.Not perfection.Progress.Eric explains how the industry focuses on identifying “best of the best” practices and helping companies adopt them more broadly over time. Whether it's reducing injuries, improving animal handling, or strengthening food safety systems, the mindset is always the same:There is always a better standard to pursue.The episode closes with a reminder that intentional leadership requires humility.No industry, organization, or person has everything figured out.But the leaders who continue to improve, continue to measure, and continue to pursue trust through action are the ones who create lasting impact.Because in today's world, people don't just want information.They want proof.Listen if you are:Interested in the future of meat and consumer trustNavigating conversations around nutrition and food systemsLeading through public scrutiny or changing consumer expectationsFocused on continuous improvement inside your organizationTrying to build trust through transparency and action

In this episode, Robin Merttens is joined by Mark Twigg, CEO of Agentiv-x, and Rob Agnew, the company's Chief Strategy Officer, to explore how neurosymbolic AI could reshape commercial insurance broking.  While much of the insurance AI conversation has focused on underwriting automation, Agentiv-x is taking a different approach: helping brokers make faster, more consistent and more explainable placement decisions in increasingly complex commercial markets.  Drawing on backgrounds in financial services regulation, governance and insurance technology, Mark and Rob explain why they believe the next generation of AI tools must go beyond black-box automation. Instead, they argue the future lies in combining the pattern recognition power of large language models with structured reasoning and transparent decision-making.  The discussion centres on the practical application of neurosymbolic AI, an emerging approach designed to deliver the benefits of generative AI while improving explainability, consistency and regulatory accountability. Through their placement copilot platform, Agentiv-x is aiming to help brokers compare policies more effectively, evidence the quality of their recommendations and reduce the risks associated with manual decision-making.  Set against a backdrop of growing regulatory scrutiny, increasing compliance demands and rapid AI adoption across financial services, the conversation explores what responsible AI implementation in insurance could look like over the next decade.  At the heart of the episode is a key question: as brokers become increasingly reliant on AI-assisted decision-making, how can the industry balance automation with transparency, accountability and human judgement?  In this conversation, Mark and Rob share:  What neurosymbolic AI is and why it matters in insurance   How Agentiv-x combines large language models with symbolic reasoning   Why they chose to focus on brokers rather than underwriting workflows   The challenges brokers face when comparing complex commercial policies   How explainable AI can help reduce E&O exposure and improve client outcomes   Why consistency and traceability are becoming central regulatory concerns   How AI-native insurance businesses could disrupt incumbent market models   Why brokers remain essential in AI-assisted decision-making processes   How Agentiv-x is approaching claims advocacy using the same technology foundations   What success looks like as the business moves towards its next funding round  If you like what you're hearing, please leave us a review on whichever platform you use or contact Robin Merttens on LinkedIn.  Sign up to the InsTech newsletter for a fresh view on the world every Wednesday morning.

Turkey's game industry is overheating, Xbox just hired a chief strategy officer that has the panel in meltdown mode, and Roblox is betting big on a HD pivot that could blow up in their face.In this episode, we break down:● Why Turkey is dominating the gaming landscape and what's fueling its growth● The talent shortage threatening Turkey's gaming boom● Why West Coast game development costs are becoming unsustainable● Xbox's sweeping leadership shakeup and what it signals● Why bringing in non-gaming tech executives won't fix Xbox's core problem● Matthew Ball joining Xbox as Chief Strategy Officer, and why Kress is losing his mind● Whether Xbox's real problem is content, platform, or leadership● Why Roblox's push into HD content may be fundamentally misaligned with its audience● The failure of AAA-style games on Roblox and what it reveals about the platform● Whether Roblox's Incubator and Jumpstart programs can actually attract the right developers● The tension between monetizing a young, income-capped audience and growing into a new one● Arc Raiders' content update slowdowns and what it means for the West● Why child safety compliance is becoming a bigger issue for game platformsCHAPTERS:01:34 Shilling And Updates02:56 Shooter Monthly Check In05:31 Corrections And Credits07:24 Istanbul Event Recap12:24 GamesBeat LA Highlights16:32 Supercell NA Rumors20:21 Xbox Leadership Shakeup24:28 Xbox Content Crisis25:42 Talent Exodus Warnings28:04 Matthew Ball Shock Hire33:39 Predicting the Ball Playbook37:28 Roblox HD Pivot Risks38:44 Wall Street Versus Virality41:06 Three Reasons It Wont Work45:41 Incubator Programs Reality49:44 Frontlines AAA Lesson53:09 Monetization Limits Debate54:33 Safety Tools And Wrap Up

What if your team's biggest problem… ISN'T behavior? What if it's belief? Seriously. Because in this conversation, workplace culture expert Dr. Jessica Kriegel drops one of the most important leadership truths we've heard on DREAM THINK DO in a LONG time: "People act in alignment with their beliefs." BOOM. And once you hear her unpack that idea… you'll never think about leadership, accountability, workplace culture, or even your own behavior the same way again. Jessica is the Chief Strategy Officer at Culture Partners, former VP of Workplace Culture at Oracle, keynote speaker, podcast host, and co-author of the upcoming book Surrender to Lead. She's spent years helping organizations—from Fortune 100 companies to hospitals to manufacturing plants—transform culture from the inside out. But what makes this conversation so powerful isn't just the research… It's the honesty. Because Jessica doesn't just talk about culture. She talks about fear. Control. Burnout. Micromanagement. Faith. Surrender. And the exhausting pressure so many leaders quietly carry every single day. Including a moment where she made a radically transparent leadership decision during company-wide layoffs… and it completely changed the outcome. (Seriously… this story alone is worth the listen.) This episode is practical, deeply human, and packed with powerful insights on: Why most leaders are stuck in "The Action Trap" How fear quietly shapes workplace behavior And why surrender—not control—often leads to the BEST results If you've ever felt overwhelmed trying to lead people, influence culture, or carry responsibility well… this conversation is going to hit home. Read the full show notes here: https://mitchmatthews.com/453

What if the best leaders are the least visible? In this episode, José Mejia pulls back the curtain on how a Venezuelan teen with just $120 became a transformational COO, unpacking what it really means to be the “Merlin” behind the CEO. This intimate conversation unlocks how true leaders create common ground, give permission to execute, and wield vulnerability as a superpower, especially in high-stakes, purpose-driven companies like Rapid SOS.If you think AI will automate your edge, think again. José Mejia shows why the human element, experiences, handwritten notes, and emotional role modeling, drive outcomes tech never will. Miss this episode, and you keep searching for culture and leadership hacks, while the real magic quietly passes you by. Push play now for insights you won't find anywhere else.This episode is sponsored by our Silver Sponsor, STS Capital Partners: Your expert guides on the journey to an Extraordinary Exit™. To learn more about STS Capital Partners and how they achieve maximum value by Selling to Strategics™, complete the inquiry form here: https://stscapital.com/coo-alliance/Timestamped Highlights00:33 – The unlikely airport arrival that rewired Jose's confidence for life06:24 – The “self-directed team” principle that built a 40-year inner circle09:16 – Why leaders must channel Merlin, not the King, to win with teams11:18 – The brutal difference purpose makes when lives are on the line13:23 – What true CEO-COO alignment REALLY looks like behind closed doors16:44 – Underground, Battleground, Common Ground: The language that kills or creates culture20:12 – How AI quietly transforms operator decisions in real emergencies31:05 – The unspoken burden of leading a company where mistakes can cost livesAbout the GuestJosé Mejia is the President and COO of Rapid SOS, leading a team of 500+ to save lives at scale. With a career spanning IBM, Lucent, and high-growth startups, Jose has built self-directed teams and organizational cultures admired worldwide. His “Merlin” approach to leadership is redefining how rapid-growth companies scale with heart.

With the half-life of professional skills shrinking every year, is the traditional model of corporate learning and development fundamentally broken, and what role should employers play in the new era of continuous education?Agility requires a workforce that can adapt and acquire new skills as quickly as the market changes. This means the old models of education and professional development must be re-engineered for a world that demands continuous learning integrated with professional life.Today, we're going to talk about the evolution of higher education, specifically how online programs are being redesigned from the ground up to meet the complex needs of working adults. We'll explore how concepts we often discuss in customer experience—like personalization and flexibility—are being applied to learning to help professionals advance their careers without putting the rest of their lives on hold.To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Ruth Veloria, Chief Strategy and Customer Officer at University of Phoenix. About Ruth Veloria Ruth Veloria is Chief Strategy and Customer Officer at the University of Phoenix, where she leads strategic vision, customer experience innovation, and the use of student data to support progress, graduation, and career success. She joined the University in 2009 and has held roles including chief customer officer and executive dean of the Business School, with prior strategy experience at Booz Allen, BCG, and Charles Schwab. Veloria holds a bachelor's degree in chemistry from New College at the University of Oxford and a master's in management from the Kellogg School at Northwestern University. Ruth Veloria on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthveloria/ Resources University of Phoenix: https://www.phoenix.edu/ The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://aglbrnd.co/r/2868abd8085a9703 Drive your customers to new horizons at the premier retail event of the year for Retail and Brand marketers. Learn more at CRMC 2026, June 1-3. https://aglbrnd.co/r/d15ec37a537c0d74 We're proud to be a media partner for #MAICON26 - Oct. 13-15! Learn how AI can power your marketing and business and help you grow smarter. Use code AGILE150 to save! https://aglbrnd.co/r/7fe458ced0f04658Reach your customers with Reddit. Spend $500 in ad spend, get $500 back in ad credit! Learn more: https://advertalize.com/r/491818c79fb1873f Enjoyed the show? Tell us more at and give us a rating so others can find the show at: https://aglbrnd.co/r/faaed112fc9887f3 Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/35ded3ccfb6716ba Check out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's Casual Friday on The Majority Report On today's program: Carlyle's Chief Strategy Officer of Energy Pathways, Jeff Currie says U.S. oil reserves will run empty somewhere in the July 4th period. The CFO at household appliance manufacturer Whirlpool says that they haven't seen demand this low since the 2008 great recession. As oil and gas prices soar and the economy continues careen towards a recession Trump tells America that it's worth it because now Iran won't have the nuclear weapon that they've two weeks away from developing for the last 47 years. Heather 'Digby' Parton, friend of the show and contributing writer at Salon, joins the show to recap the week that was. In the Fun Half: Red state republicans are working hard, successfully, to disempower black voters. The Republican party - through the big, beautiful bill - have forced millions of Americans off of Medicaid. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy has spent the last 7 months filming a reality TV show as planes fall from the sky. Pete Hegseth makes a case that the $1.5 trillion-dollar military budget will be used efficiently and not involve payouts to fat cat CEO's Zohran Mamdani shows what it means to be a real leader in his press conference announcing $31 million in fines for a negligent slum lord in the Bronx. Ben Shapiro is desperate for a ratings boost as he tries to throw himself into the Candace Owens - Erika Kirk beef. All that and more. To connect and organize with your local ICE rapid response team visit ICERRT.com The Congress switchboard number is (202) 224-3121. You can use this number to connect with either the U.S. Senate or the House of Representatives. Follow us on TikTok here: https://www.tiktok.com/@majorityreportfm Check us out on Twitch here: https://www.twitch.tv/themajorityreport Find our Rumble stream here: https://rumble.com/user/majorityreport Check out our alt YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/majorityreportlive Gift a Majority Report subscription here: https://fans.fm/majority/gift Subscribe to the AMQuickie newsletter here: https://am-quickie.ghost.io/ Join the Majority Report Discord! https://majoritydiscord.com/ Get all your MR merch at our store: https://shop.majorityreportradio.com/ Get the free Majority Report App!: https://majority.fm/app Go to https://JustCoffee.coop and use coupon code majority to get 10% off your purchase Check out today's sponsors: AURA FRAMES: Exclusive $25-off Carver Mat at https://on.auraframes.com/MAJORITY. Promo Code MAJORITY SUNSET LAKE CBD: Now through May 11th, you can save 35% on all CBD and THC Gummies when you use code Mom26 at SunsetLakeCBD.com Follow the Majority Report crew on Twitter: @SamSeder @EmmaVigeland @MattLech On Instagram: @MrBryanVokey Check out Matt's show, Left Reckoning, on YouTube, and subscribe on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/leftreckoning Check out Matt Binder's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/mattbinder Subscribe to Brandon's show The Discourse on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/ExpandTheDiscourse Check out Ava Raiza's music here! https://avaraiza.bandcamp.