Podcasts about comcast nbcuniversal

When Rebecca Gray '94 arrived at her first duty station, she thought she was ready to lead — until a senior master sergeant told her to get a coffee cup and led her away from the safety of her desk. “You've got to know who people are, so that you know how to relate to them,” he told her. That simple moment became the foundation of her entire leadership journey.    SHARE THIS PODCAST LINKEDIN  |  FACEBOOK    REBECCA'S TOP 5 LEADERSHIP TAKEAWAYS 1. Lead With Authentic Connection Genuinely care about your team members as people, not just colleagues—know their stories, show real interest in their lives, and let authenticity drive your leadership style. This builds trust and drives engagement. 2.Adapt and Balance Across Life's Seasons Recognize that leadership and career paths aren't always linear. It's important to intentionally adapt your role and focus to meet the current stage of your life, whether that means prioritizing family, professional growth, or personal health. 3. Translate Core Values Across Environments Military leadership lessons—like accountability, communication, and team cohesion—are just as powerful in civilian life. Carry these values into new environments and roles, and tailor them to fit each unique context. 4. Empower Others Through Example Be a “working leader” by setting the pace and modeling the behaviors you want to see. Encourage your team's growth by giving responsibility, asking for input, and trusting them to rise to new challenges—even if it means letting them make mistakes. 5. Continuous Self-Development Fuels Leadership Commit to lifelong learning and personal development through regular habits—like reading, exercise, and reflection. Maintaining intellectual curiosity and a growth mindset not only strengthens your leadership but also inspires others to do the same.   CHAPTERS 0:00:04 – Introduction to the Podcast and Guest Rebecca Gray 0:00:29 – The Coffee Cup Lesson: Early Leadership and the Influence of Senior Master Sergeant Kennedy 0:01:48 – Authentic Connection: Lessons Carried From the Military to Corporate Leadership 0:03:32 – The Power of Authenticity and Understanding Team Members' Lives 0:04:49 – Translating Military Leadership Lessons to the Corporate World 0:07:58 – Creating Team Connection in Remote and Fast-Paced Environments 0:11:47 – Memorable Military Leadership Influences 0:13:24 – Balancing Military Service, Family, and Career Transitions 0:16:53 – Career as Seasons: Crafting Balance and Intentionality 0:19:19 – Navigating Critical Career Junctures and Embracing Change 0:22:18 – Building Confidence and Trusting Yourself 0:23:46 – Fostering Confidence and a ‘Go Mentality' on the Team 0:25:39 – Leading and Aligning Family and Professional Goals 0:27:28 – Practicing Continuous Learning and Personal Development 0:28:32 – Advice to Emerging Leaders: Value Well-Roundedness and Humility 0:29:43 – Reflections on Alumni, Family Connection, and Leadership Beyond the Academy 0:30:15 – Closing Thoughts on Leadership, Service, and Authentic Paths ABOUT REBECCA BIO Rebecca Gray ‘94, Boingo Wireless senior vice president and general manager, leads a division providing soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines connectivity wherever they go. Alongside her military service, she's held leadership roles at Fortune 200 companies in energy, media and telecommunications — including Southern Company and Comcast NBCUniversal — and has volunteered with multiple nonprofits. Her focus is on innovation that strengthens communities and keeps people connected. A three-time All-American springboard diver, Gray started her Air Force journey as a recruited athlete at the U.S. Air Force Academy. After graduation, she trained as a World Class Athlete and competed for Team USA at the 1995 World Games in Rome. She's served in key leadership roles across the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve, including deputy wing commander at the 111th Attack Wing in the Pennsylvania ANG, as well as director of staff for the Georgia ANG. She's also a graduate of the Secretary of Defense Fortune 500 Corporate Fellowship Program and earned her doctorate after studying around the globe in Israel, England, India and China. She and her husband — an Air Force Academy '93 grad — married at the Cadet Chapel in 1994. They have three daughters: Jasmine, a junior at Bates College; Grace, a sophomore at Centenary University; and Kennedy, a freshman at NJIT. Their Yorkie, Cookie, has become a seasoned traveler, having visited all but two states in the continental U.S.   CONNECT WITH REBECCA LINKEDIN BONIGO WIRELESS   CONNECT WITH THE LONG BLUE LINE PODCAST NETWORK TEAM Ted Robertson | Producer and Editor:  Ted.Robertson@USAFA.org Send your feedback or nominate a guest: socialmedia@usafa.org   Ryan Hall | Director:  Ryan.Hall@USAFA.org  Bryan Grossman | Copy Editor:  Bryan.Grossman@USAFA.org Wyatt Hornsby | Executive Producer:  Wyatt.Hornsby@USAFA.org      ALL PAST LBL EPISODES  |  ALL LBLPN PRODUCTIONS AVAILABLE ON ALL MAJOR PODCAST PLATFORMS     FULL TRANSCRIPT OUR SPEAKERS Guest, Rebecca Gray '94  |  Host, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz '99   Naviere Walkewicz  00:04 Welcome to Long Blue Leadership, where we explore the lessons of leadership through the lives and stories of Air Force Academy graduates. I'm your host, Naviere Walkewicz, Class of '99. When Rebecca Gray walked into her first duty station after graduating from the Academy, she thought she was ready to lead. But it wasn't a general, a colonel or a policy manual that changed her view of leadership. It was a senior master sergeant named Patrick J. Kennedy and a coffee cup.   Rebecca Gray  00:29 He said, “You're doing this all wrong. You need to be out, out, out.” He told me, “Go grab a coffee cup.” I didn't drink coffee at the time, so he goes, “Go get some water. Stop being difficult.” And he walked me around and said, “This is this is what matters. You've got to know who people are, so that you know how to relate to them.” That really shaped me.   Naviere Walkewicz  00:50 That simple moment became the foundation for how Rebecca has led her teams ever since. From the Air Force to corporate boardrooms, from public service to private equity, Rebecca Gray, USAFA, Class of '94, has led across nearly every domain — active duty, Reserve and Guard — and built a remarkable second career spanning nonprofit work, education and now executive leadership. Her path has been shaped by transformational moments, moments that taught her how to connect, to trust herself and to lead with conviction. Rebecca, welcome to Long Blue Leadership.   Rebecca Gray  01:23 Thank you so much for having me. It's just a privilege to be here. Thank you for what you're doing for the grads, for the parents, for alumni, all of that. It's really impressive.   Naviere Walkewicz  01:31 Oh gosh. Really appreciate that. And I think, you know, that clip was so wonderful to hear. And I think we should just jump right in to that moment in time, kind of winding back the clock when you were just really transformed in your leadership style by your senior enlisted leader. Can we talk about that?   Rebecca Gray  01:48 I was just, had just graduated, and, as you said, my first duty assignment, and the only officer in the shop. And so senior master sergeant, which is one rank below chief — so the top, one of the top senior enlisted advisers in my shop, and we went for a walk and he really just taught me how to connect with the troops, to connect with people, walk around, get to really know them. And I'll have to tell you the first time I did it, I did a pass through, I went through the motions, if you will. And, you know, I came back, I was like, “Oh, OK, I did it. I did it. I'm all… I'm good, and have done my leadership duty for the day.” And he asked me, he said, “Who got a new car?” And I mentioned the airman's name of who got a new car. He goes, “What color was the car and what was the type of car?” And I was like, “Oh, OK.” And he goes, “So you didn't really care.” And I thought that's true, that's actually accurate. I needed to really care about what his first car was, and was it a truck? Was it a sedan? What was it? And so that really shaped me into really caring in a way that's already in your heart. But how do you express that in a leadership capacity? And so that changed the course of my 30-plus years in the military and then in corporate.   Naviere Walkewicz  03:07 What a powerful story. I mean, we can actually visualize you walking around. And as you know, graduates, we are kind of like, you know, task-minded. We're going to get this done. And you did it. You check the box. But to go down that next level, how do you see that actually becoming actionable across, you know, all leadership levels, you know, where you're actually walking the walk with your troops, so to speak. Can you talk about that a little bit more?   Rebecca Gray  03:32 Well, I think you have to be authentic, and be your authentic, you know, be authentic in your heart and what you're really doing. And if you don't have that, then people can feel it. People can tell if they don't feel your connection or your care concern for them. I think that really just mirrored an opportunity for me to put the two together. To your point, we're very task-minded, results-driven. When you graduate, very results-driven. It still impacts me every day, to be results, but you were doing it alongside of other people who have lives and who have things going on in their personal and professional lives, and we bring that to the table too, and really connecting with that and how to motivate people, how to encourage, how to walk with people and help them get to the results that they need to do, you know, as part of your team.   Naviere Walkewicz  04:29 Maybe, can you share an example of how you're using this? You said this has impacted you over the past 30 years. You know, it seems very clear — we're in an in middle military setting, and you're, you know, amongst your troops, you're leading beside them, you're understanding. How does that translate now and where you're at in the corporate world, at your level of leadership. What does this look like?   Rebecca Gray  04:49 I think that's a really good question, because when you look at it, you can see it very easily in the military. It plugs and plays very easily. Once you understand and you put it all together and you can develop it. You get a opportunities to develop that every day, if you will, every day you get that opportunity. But I think when you translate it into civilian life — and we all end up having a civilian life after the military — whether it's, you know a first-term enlistment, whether it's your first duty assignment, you fulfill your active-duty commitment from the Academy, whatever those years are. Whether you, you know, finish your 20 or what have you, you do transition out of military life at some point in time.   Naviere Walkewicz  05:37 Let's talk about what you're doing right now. I think it's important for our listeners to understand what that looks like and, you know, how you're leading in that space.      Rebecca Gray  05:44 Oh my gosh. I am so excited about what I do. It's the best job I've ever had. It's a great company that I work for. I work for Boingo Wireless. And what I do — my job at the company is to do anything that relates to the military. So we provide connectivity to over 100 bases around the world. I've got an incredible team that many of them have served, either as a veteran retiree or still serving. You have to understand what they know. What is their background? Where have they been? Where have they served, so to speak? What companies have they worked in? What role, leadership roles? What technology have they been around? What schools have they been to? All those things, and then also some of their things that are going on in their personal life so that you understand what's bringing them to work every day to support their personal and professional goals. And so you have to translate that, take that military experience and put that into the civilian workforce. And I think it's very powerful. It's so natural. I really actually don't think about it as much because you've developed it so such a tried and true part of who your character becomes, that coming back into civilian life and transitioning back into it, it's a great opportunity to bring all of those skill sets and move right into that — in leading teams, in learning that new chain of command, if you will, in corporate. And so that's a really powerful thing, and it feels like it's an enjoyable part of my day is the people I get to work with, the quality of people I get to work with. If I don't have that connection, I feel like I'm missing something at the end of the day.   Naviere Walkewicz  07:36 Can you share an example in which to that level that, you know, that the senior master sergeant said, “Did you know what type of car it was?” Where you've actually got to that level with someone, maybe in your civilian career, and how that has… Have you seen that actually make an impact on either performance or the results, or really just their own worth?   Rebecca Gray  07:58 Well, I think that's an interesting question. I think that can be played in two different areas. If you're in the office, there's an ability to be connected just by having lunch together, by having coffee, you know, you're in and you're around and about, and physically, there's just a different kind of energy when you're around people. So my team, we get together at some regular intervals that we set as a team for the year. We do one big, we call it an all-hands, an annual meeting, we're going to Vegas this year, and we're going in February. And so we're bringing the entire team; everybody's coming out of the field, everybody's coming from around the world, and they're all coming. We're meeting in Vegas, and we're going to spend a couple days together talking about what we accomplished last year, what we're going to do in the future, and then we also do some learnings, and, you know, things like that, some technology growth opportunities and things like that. So that's one thing that shows that you use… You're going to spend some budget dollars to really ensure that people know how you feel and how you value them as being part of this team, and making sure… I spend every other week planning this for a year and we do that every other week, and we talk about the hotel, we talk about the food, we, you know — our team-building exercises, the agenda, the T-shirts, the design of those, every detail, because I want my team to walk away at the end of that — we'll probably have over 100 people in the room — and I want everyone to walk out of that knowing that they are a valuable member of the team. So that's one thing we do, you know, on my team. And then on Monday mornings, we have a staff meeting every Monday morning, a team meeting, and the first question of the day is, “What did you do for the weekend?” And that's where we learn about all kinds of, you know, really fun things about people and what they're doing, what they're doing with their family, or who they're, you know, trying to date, or, you know, buying a new house, or, you know, all kinds of things that you learn. And then also you develop that within the team, because other people hear that question, and otherwise it's very transactional. This is what you do. This is what you can do for me. And in this fast-paced technology world, taking that time at the beginning of the meeting to say, “Let's take a pause, and I want to hear about you.” And so to me, that's another small thing, but a very powerful thing. In a fast-paced technology space, I think it's even more critical to take a pause, to take a stop and take a breath and realize the people that we're working with are… It's a gift to have this opportunity to work with one another, and I want them to feel a part of the team, even though we're in a remote setting, because most of my team is in the field. And so in that remote setting, that is even more critical, I think. So I think there's both, you know… When you're in the office, there's one way to do things, and then when you're in this more remote setting that we are — and then we're in a fast-paced technology setting. It's moving all the time, and sometimes you get into more activity and results and results and activity, and you accomplish one thing, and you're on to the next and, and that's… I don't know if that wheel spinning so fast is always, you know, healthy.   Naviere Walkewicz  11:15 Well, I really appreciate how you actually gave very specific examples of this leadership in action, because you're right: In this pace and in this remote kind of setting that many of us operate in, being able to still find that human touch and that connection to what you were speaking about that went all the way back to, you know, the senior master sergeant. But I'm sure you also had leaders throughout your military career that also exemplified some of this. Can you share any other moments while you're in uniform, where you saw some of these leadership traits that you really wanted to embody and that you've carried through your career to date?   Rebecca Gray  11:47 Gen. Hosmer was the, I think he was the calm when I was at the Academy, and he would walk around with his A-jacket. So you didn't really know if he was a cadet or not, because once you put your hat on, you can't tell. But, and you know, “Oh my gosh, it was a general just walked past me.” But he knew people's names. He remembered my name, and he remembered it for four years, and it was just a powerful moment that I remembered on my graduation, when we walked through the line with your parents, and you're doing that reception, and he said, “Rebecca, congratulations. Well done, and you did great.” And all those kinds of you know things. And I'll never forget that walk, whether he was walking on the Terrazzo and called my name, whether he remembered it going through a line of 1,000 people with all their parents, and you know, all of that. And I think that's always stuck with me, that level of remembering somebody's name, remembering who they are, that really was powerful to me early on in my military career.   Naviere Walkewicz  12:48 Oh, thank you for sharing that, because those are the moments that so many people can connect with that really do imprint on them and how they are as leaders, you know, and I'm curious, because…   Rebecca Gray  12:57 That's a good word, “imprint.” That's a really good word, “imprint.”   Naviere Walkewicz  13:03 Yeah, it feels that way. Thank you. Thank you. You know, I would love to dive into your Air Force career and the decision to transition out, because I just imagine in the way that you have done so many incredible things that your time in the military was very successful. Can you talk about what that was and then the decision to transition, why that came about and why you made it?   Rebecca Gray  13:24 That's a very powerful decision. It's a big decision to come into the military, and it's a big decision when it's time to leave. And those are hard decisions. And sometimes you leave too early, sometimes you stay in too long. You know, different things like that. But for me, it was my husband was a '93 grad. So I'm '94 he was '93 we got married at the Cadet Chapel right after I graduated in September. I share that because my husband and I were dual spouse, joint spouse. We were just talking about it the other day, because we just celebrated — it was our 31st wedding anniversary — and we looked at it and we said, “Gosh, you know, what a ride we've had.” And we got to know each other. We were in the same cadet squadron. We were both in 29 for three years and sophomore through senior year. And we both looked at each other. We were going to get separated. I was going to do a remote to Korea. He was going to Malstrom in Montana, and my follow on was Vegas, at Nellis. And so we realized we were going to be as separated for a few years, and that was a really big decision for us, because we loved the military, we loved our lifestyle, we loved our friends, we loved the camaraderie and all the things that you love, and we realized, where does that fit with our marriage and how do we pull this off? And so I think along the way, we've really tried to drive a commitment to service. We both went off active duty. We decided to go into the Reserve together, and then I eventually went into the Guard. So I ended up serving active duty, Guard and Reserve, which was really wasn't done back in the day.   Naviere Walkewicz  15:04 No, I was going to say…   Rebecca Gray  15:07 No, that was not done. I mean, you stay active duty for 20 years. You stay Reserve. You might do active duty and then Reserve, but to finish up and get to your 20… But I had three little children, and so I was able to do the Reserve. And so I think what's great about the military is, if you are open to looking at your career and seeing it as a different stages and phases of your life and letting it shape and form around that too, there are ways to serve. That was the way I felt called to serve. I think other people, active duty is the way to go, or Reserve or Guard is the way to go, you know, straight through. But for me, it gave me the flexibility, and I found that it was a lot of fun to do it that way. I got to learn different things in each of the different statuses, if you will. And I was able to put a whole career together with three little kids, and, you know, 31 years of marriage.   Naviere Walkewicz  16:04 Well, I think as a leader, those decision points — and it sounds like you were really well grounded in, you know, what do we want to commit to. Commitment to service, a commitment to each other. But I think what is so special about your career, when you look at it in seasons or in stages, is you've had some incredible opportunities to still continue to thrive professionally, even as those stages change. And if you wouldn't mind sharing some of that, because I think there's times when listeners feel like, “If my trajectory is not vertical, like in one path that you know, that everyone kind of recognizes as the path, then it's not successful.” But to your point, if you look at it in stages, and what is this stage, how do I evolve in this stage? In this stage? And maybe it's not always directly vertical, but we're still moving in it at an angle. I think it's powerful for our listeners to hear, if you don't mind sharing what that's been like.   Rebecca Gray  16:53 I made a very intentional decision to serve as a squadron commander in a certain season. So I wanted to build a life that had different components to it, and to do that, that meant you have to be intentional about that if you want to stay on one path. And I think as this world gets more complex, the technology is moving very fast. You want to stay balanced. I think the only way you can stay balanced in life is to really have different components of your life. There's a time to be a squadron commander, there's a time to be a senior leader. There's a time to be an individual contributor and there's a time to say this is, you know, for whatever myriad of reasons, health or family dynamics, or you're going through a degree program. And so you have to kind of make those things to ebb and flow appropriately. And I wanted to put those building blocks and pieces together to make something really interesting and a reason to wake up in the morning and something that got me out of bed. I do Squadron Officer School. I do, you know, ACSC, and then War College. And so you can end up checking these boxes and checking, you know, different assignments and different levels. Just like you graduate from college, you got to meet certain, you know, credit requirements and different kinds of classes and things like that. So I'm not saying it's a negative, but it shouldn't be a mindset. It should be just the way you need to get certain things done.   Naviere Walkewicz  18:17 And by the way, Sgt. Kennedy would come back and be like, “This is not enough, ma'am.” So, but you know what I really loved about what you just described? This might be the first time I've heard the description of balance, because you did it in a way that — you talked about balance being almost having holistic, a holistic view of various pillars. And there's times when you know you're bringing one of the forefront, so you're not ever saying they're in balance, where they're all, you know, equitable or like, everything is just, you know, the scale is exactly the same on both sides. But what you're saying is, there's time when you're bringing stuff to the forefront, but I'm really aware of the all of those pieces, and I think that is such a wonderful way to look at balance. Which brings me to this question of, you know, you have approached your career and, you know, being a mother and a wife was such, you know, a unique view. When did you know it was time to add onto your plate in this nonprofit space? And then you go, you know, going… So it just seems like you've made these decisions at critical points. How do you measure when that next point is supposed to come around and you take that leap?   Rebecca Gray  19:19 Sometimes, life gives you that opportunity to take a step back and say, “OK, I'm now at a critical juncture. What do I want to do?” That can be your, you know, your health, or a family dynamic, or you get accepted into a program and you want to do this. When I got accepted into that secretary of defense corporate fellowship program that's basically Air War College in residence. You can imagine doing Air War College in residence as a Guard member was very prestigious, an incredible opportunity, and then they sucked me into this fellowship opportunity. But that really changed my trajectory, because at the time, I was in nonprofit, and it pulled me out, put me back in uniform for one year. That was a one-year commitment to do War College in that capacity. And then it was after that I decided to move into corporate. And so I think there's certain times when you get those moments, and what I think is, people race through those — I think they race through that moment. And instead to take a stop and a pause and say, “Do I want to make a change at this moment? Do I want to do this?” I really didn't want to make that change. I didn't want to come out of nonprofit at the time. I didn't want to do War College in residence. I didn't want to do some of those things. And instead, I took it and I said, “I don't know where this is heading, but I'm OK with where this is gonna go.” And I don't think sometimes you need to know all those pieces before you make those decisions. And I think — because then if you need that, you're never going to have it. I mean, you just don't. And so for me, it's always a moment where you stop and you say, “This is an opportunity for me to change where I live, to change my career, to change a family dynamic.” Do you add another kid? Do you, you know, stop at three? You know, what do you do? I think what I have tried to really do is stop and really have it like, really, I really take it… Really take that moment and have that moment and say, this is a moment for me to say, is, “What do I need to change? What do I want to change?” Or nothing? Do I want — I keep going, but I have made that decision.   Naviere Walkewicz  21:30 Well, what I'm hearing from that is a level of confidence in yourself that you've probably developed over time. From, you know, the different interactions you've had from… I mean, wearing so many hats has probably actually given you a stronger confidence in what you're able to accomplish, what your capacity is when you don't really know what's all around you, so to speak, you don't have all the answers. Can we talk a little bit about when you knew that, or when you recognize that in yourself? Because when you made those decisions and you said you walked through those doors with your eyes wide open, you're essentially betting on yourself, right? You have built this trust and confidence in your ability. Can you talk about what that looks like? How you came to that? Because I think there's times where our listeners have this doubt, this self-doubt, so let's talk about that.   Rebecca Gray  22:18 If you have good, good people around you, you ask for good advice. You have a, I think, a faith that can ground you. And you know that you've been given these gifts and this skill set, and you've made certain mile markers in life. I think it just builds over time.   Naviere Walkewicz  22:39 Would you say that you recognized, I guess, betting on yourself and confidence in yourself early in the years when you started diving and recognized, “Wow, this is scary, but OK,” right? Or was it more developed later?   Rebecca Gray  22:52 I started diving when I was 10, and you know, I would be up there on the diving board. I was a little 10-year-old, and sometimes you couldn't get walked down the board. You were terrified. My coach would sit there and she would say, “OK, we're gonna go — 1, 2, 3,” and you go, you learn how to walk down that diving board, and you learn how to do things that you you're not really confident on, and you're not really… But once you master it, it's really fun. It's probably from, I think, diving, athletics, I think does that to you. You know, whether you're chasing that soccer ball and you got to go up against somebody bigger, whether you're in football, and you got to go off up against… My husband was a fullback at the Air Force Academy, and so he went up against lineman at Notre Dame and Ohio State and things like that. And he goes, “It was terrifying.” And so… But when the whistle blows and the play calls called you. You go and so you develop that strength some somehow along the way to push through.   Naviere Walkewicz  23:46 How have you developed those that have come under your care as a leader that maybe didn't have that athletic background? How do you teach them that? How do you instill in them that “go” mentality, that, you know, fear is just your body's response, gets your blood, you know, your blood flowing. How do you do that as a leader?   Rebecca Gray  24:03 I think, I think you do it by going out ahead and standing out there, and maybe you're the only one out there, so to speak, ahead of it, ahead of the team, in believing whatever direction you need to go, whatever new business direction you need to go in, or what new product line you need to develop, or what new revenue goals do you need to accomplish? And you have to go out there, and you've got to do it yourself. I'm probably more of a working leader than a leader that manages. I'm not the best manager, if you will, but I can get out in front. But I think, for me, it's just been leading out in the head, going out there and saying, this is the direction, building that conversation across the team leaders to make sure we're aligned, to make sure we're thinking the same thing. Are you reading the market the way I'm reading the market? Are you reading some of these leadership decisions within the industry that we're reading? And are we seeing this the same way — bouncing those ideas off and then developing that and that groundswell to really go for it.   Naviere Walkewicz  25:06 I want to ask you this question that's tied to this idea of understanding your capacity, your capabilities, your talents, your strengths, betting on yourself, and how you've been able to do that while you still successfully have a 31-year marri… right? Like a marriage and a family that has to also buy into those decisions. What does that look like as a leader when you're making those decisions, when you have children and a family or a spouse, you know? How do you navigate that when they also have their goals?   Rebecca Gray  25:39 Oh, it's so deep. It's so deep because…   Naviere Walkewicz  25:43 It's real because this is what they're facing. You know, all of our leaders are facing these questions.   Rebecca Gray  25:47 It is, it is. You're facing these decisions back at home, and what you've got to manage at home. You know, my husband, I really lead, and we lead by example — that we take care of our business and we do our things. And as soon as the girls were able to do a lot of things for themselves, we gave them that responsibility. That really helped. I think your kids are pretty capable, and they're really strong and they're very smart and they're wise, and they can feel the energy in the room. They can feel your commitment to them.   Naviere Walkewicz  26:19 Well, I mean, I think what I heard through all that as well, is having those values aligned like you do, and then really communicating and then just championing the responsibility and the capabilities of your family members. It seems like, you know, you don't only just do that at work, but what I'm hearing is you've done this and the home life as well, and it's continued to just really evolve your family in such a beautiful way. So thank you for sharing that with us. Because I think that's really powerful and sometimes when our listeners feel like, “Gosh, I don't know how to make this decision,” I think if you start from that place of, “Are we aligned? Do we know what our core, you know, piece is,” go from there, it seems like you've been able to navigate that really well. Thank you for sharing that. Well, I want to ask you something that you're doing every day, because as leaders… And I'm not sure what your thoughts are on this, maybe you can share, but a lot of people will talk about how “I'm always learning. I'm continuing to learn, even as a leader, I'm still learning every day.” Can you share if that's how you feel, and if so, what are you doing on a daily basis to just be a better version of yourself as a leader, professional, etc.?   Rebecca Gray  27:28 I think when you work out and you get a really good workout, and whatever that is, walking or, you know, at the gym or lifting, or whatever that is, biking or swimming — I think for me, that exercise and reading — those are probably the two things that I really work a lot on, and making sure that's just part of the day. You know, a lot of times we don't have to think too much about eating because we get hungry. But, you know, once you start exercising a lot, and you read a lot, and you have that quiet time — when you don't have it, you miss it, and so you almost get hungry for it. And so to create that consistency, so you can create that hunger. If you do skip it, or you want to skip it. Even when I travel for work, I do it. The girls know that if we're in a hotel, I'm going to go run down to the gym for a little bit. They'll come with me or not, but that's something I'm going to do regardless. And then the reading is really, really critical.   Naviere Walkewicz  28:20 You know, one of the things we also love to ask, and maybe this is a better way to ask it, is, if you were to give advice to your daughters on what they could do today to be better leaders for tomorrow, what would that be?   Rebecca Gray  28:32 I don't know if it's a goal to be a leader, but I think it's a goal to develop and be really well rounded, really solid, because you will default to being the leader. If you have that strength, you have that intellectual capacity, you have the humility. But I think having that humility is really, really critical, the well-roundedness, having different aspects to your life. You know, it can't all be just school and homework, and it needs to be whatever that is music or athletics or, you know, what have you in your faith community or something, you've got to have a well-rounded… because things come and go in your life.   Naviere Walkewicz  29:12 Well, I love how you really put that together. Because I think the key thing was, you know, I don't know that they're necessarily aspiring to be a leader, but if they aspire to be well rounded and that kind of a wholesome approach, they will be the leader in the room. And I just, I just love that, because it just makes it so clear, right? I thought that was incredible. Well, we're coming up at our time, and I just have loved this conversation. Is there anything we didn't cover that you just like, this is a time, like, we want to make sure we didn't miss anything that you would like to share.   Rebecca Gray  29:43 What you're really focused on is really powerful. And connecting the alumni, connecting the families, so that they understand what their child is going through at the Academy is really important. Realizing there's life out of the Academy, and you still need to serve, and you still need to contribute, and there's a way, there's a lot of lessons that we had at those four critical years of our life that can carry us. And I think you're really highlighting that and giving us the space to share some of that. So really appreciate that.   Naviere Walkewicz  30:15 Well, I appreciate you saying that, and I just have to share with our listeners: You know, what I've really taken away from today's conversation is that leadership begins in small moments, a cup of coffee, a conversation, you know, choosing to listen, but it grows through courage, you know, the courage to step into uncertainty, which you've done, to serve where others maybe wouldn't, and to believe in your path, even if it looks unconventional.   Rebecca Gray  30:38 It has, yeah, even if it looks unconventional, that's OK. It's OK too.   Naviere Walkewicz  30:43 And I love that you talked about how it wasn't about the titles, but it was really about the experiences and kind of having that full picture of you and the confidence to bet on yourself. So this has just been a privilege to be with you on Long Blue Leadership I want to thank everyone for listening to this Long Blue Leadership episode. If you know others that are really growing in their leadership journeys and could benefit from this, please share it with them. We love having all of you listen to these wonderful lessons on leadership from our Air Force Academy graduates. So Rebecca, again, thank you so much. We will see you another time, but for now, I'm Naviere Walkewicz, Class of '99. Thanks for joining us.   KEYWORDS Rebecca Gray, leadership lessons, authentic leadership, Air Force Academy, military to corporate transition, women leaders, team connection, career development, executive leadership, Boingo Wireless, building confidence, personal growth, leadership podcast, work-life balance, empowering teams, transformational leadership, continuous learning, squadron commander, leadership journey, remote team management, military experience, family and career balance, purpose-driven leadership, leading by example, leadership advice, mentoring, professional development, inspirational stories, alumni connections, values-driven leadership.       The Long Blue Line Podcast Network is presented by the U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation    

This special episode was recorded live at The Philadelphia Citizen's eighth annual Ideas We Should Steal Festival presented by Comcast NBCUniversal. Our hosts, former Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter, former Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed and Citizen Media Group President and CEO Larry Platt were joined on stage by a return guest, five-term Rochester Hills, Michigan Mayor Bryan Barnett, a Republican. Barnett is a consummate showman, as evidenced by his increasingly elaborate State of the City addresses (full-scale musical productions). Here, Barnett and the hosts discuss the importance of leading a city with joy and finesse, and how the Democratic party is fumbling the ball — in messaging and in the recent government shutdown. As Mayor Barnett points out, there really is no Republican or Democrat way to fill a pothole. You just fill the pothole. "The moment you put your foot on the sidewalk," Nutter responded, "people are looking to see how's the mayor doing? Is the city upbeat? Is it grumpy? There's a public impact to this job." Join us as we dive back into Rochester Hills with Mayor Barnett and explore how to really run a city with style and good humor. Remember to subscribe to the podcast to keep up on all the latest episodes. Watch and follow new episodes on YouTube. As cities go, so goes the nation!

This special episode of How To Really Run a City was recorded live at The Philadelphia Citizen's eighth annual Ideas We Should Steal Festival presented by Comcast NBCUniversal. Our hosts were joined on stage by a return guest, five-term Rochester Hills, Michigan Mayor Bryan Barnett, a Republican. Barnett is a consummate showman, as evidenced by his increasingly elaborate State of the City addresses (full-scale musical productions). Here, Barnett and the hosts discuss the importance of leading a city with joy and finesse, and how the Democratic party is fumbling the ball — in messaging and in the recent government shutdown. As Mayor Barnett points out, there really is no Republican or Democrat way to fill a pothole. You just fill the pothole. "The moment you put your foot on the sidewalk," Nutter responded, "people are looking to see how's the mayor doing? Is the city upbeat? Is it grumpy? There's a public impact to this job." Join us as we dive back into Rochester Hills with Mayor Barnett and explore how to really run a city with style and good humor. As cities go, so goes the nation!

On this episode of How To Really Run A City, innovation in cities takes a backseat to a more pressing question: How do we find our way back to recognizing the humanity in one another? Our guest: Joe Walsh, a former Representative from Illinois. He was a self-described Tea Party arsonist, right-wing radio provocateur and mentor to Turning Point USA's Charlie Kirk. All of that changed when Donald Trump rode down an escalator and completely captured the Republican Party.  “It was never this way with Reagan, with Bush, with old-man Bush, this is something completely different,” Walsh told our hosts, former Philly Mayor Michael Nutter and Citizen Co-founder Larry Platt. (Former Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed was unable to attend.) Walsh's public split from his party made him a target of MAGA loyalists, who to this day threaten him and his family. Still, he's not backing down. “I helped to divide this country,” Walsh said. “People like me helped put us on this road. I have to live with that.” As a newly-minted Democrat, Walsh tours the country connecting with people from across the political spectrum. “Do you leave these conversations hopeful or less hopeful?” Platt asked. “I'm right down the middle,” Walsh said. “Half the folk out there are ready for a national divorce. They tell me, 'Joe, I want it to be peaceful, but we just can't coexist anymore.'” Listen to this episode now for a passionate conversation about a return to civility and the true stakes of our national debate with a public figure who describes himself as a former “political asshole” trying to make amends. And for more from Walsh, join us at The Citizen's 8th annual Ideas We Should Steal Festival, presented by Comcast NBCUniversal, where he will talk with former foe-turned-friend Fred Guttenberg, a gun rights activist who lost his daughter in the Parkland school shooting.  Remember to subscribe to the podcast to keep up on all the latest episodes. Watch and follow new episodes on YouTube. As cities go, so goes the nation!

In this episode, we bring you an exclusive recording from the Innov8rs LearningLab featuring Tito Obaisi, Senior Manager of Pipeline and Insights at Comcast NBCUniversal LIFT Labs, in conversation with our Founder and CEO Fred Schonenberg. Tito shares how his team captures and socializes insights from startup collaborations across Comcast, NBCUniversal, and Sky to inspire colleagues, educate teams, and uncover opportunities for transformation. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at how strategic partnerships with startups fuel enterprise-wide innovation and shape the next generation of products, technologies, and services.

On today's show, we have Tito Obaisi, the Senior Manager of Pipeline and Insights for Comcast NBCUniversal LIFT Labs. Tito leads efforts to identify strategically relevant, enterprise ready AI startups that are at the cutting edge of new technology that not only deliver new capabilities but also shape insights from working with the world's largest media and technology companies. Tito brings a unique perspective on how large organizations can drive innovation through collaboration – the value of an always learning mindset, grounding insights in tangible business needs, delivering insights at the speed of AI. We talk about the disruption of SaaS, Agentic Orchestration, Intelligence Allocation and how Enterprise-Ready startups are spinning up faster, with less people, and more impact for enterprise organizations.

In this thought-provoking episode, Greg Verdino and Geoff Livingston sit down with media ecologist, leadership expert, and author Jack Myers for a wide-ranging conversation on the intersection of AI, leadership, creativity, and Taoist philosophy. Drawing on insights from his latest book, The Tao of Leadership, Jack shares why 3,000-year-old Taoist wisdom might be the perfect guide for navigating today's era of AI and exponential technological change. The conversation explores how principles like “leading by following” and “fusion flow” can help leaders move more fluidly through uncertainty, disruption, and accelerated innovation. Rather than building slow, rigid bridges to a future that keeps shifting, Jack advocates for fast-moving portals that help teams adapt in real time, led not just by technology but by deeply human values. Jack, Greg and Geoff also unpack the creative implications of AI, arguing that the real power lies not in replacement but in remix: combining machine-generated suggestions with human intuition, emotional nuance, and originality. Along the way, they touch on education, culture, risk-taking, and what it takes to lead through fear, data deluge, and systemic stagnation. With stories drawn from marketing, media, music, and even (wait for it…) Second Life, this episode offers a human-centered lens on a fast-evolving future and invites listeners to rethink not just how we work but how we imagine what's possible. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:57 The Relevance of Taoism in Leadership 05:30 AI and Technology: Embracing Change 08:08 Portals vs. Bridges: Navigating Change 10:43 Decisive Leadership in a Rapidly Changing World 16:17 Balancing Data and Humanity in Decision Making 19:04 Creativity and Innovation in the Age of AI 27:36 The State of Creativity in Media 29:13 AI as a Creative Partner 32:33 The Resistance to AI in Creative Fields 35:42 AI's Ubiquity in Everyday Tools 40:35 The Future of AI and Education 43:22 AI Reshaping Organizational Models   About Jack Myers Jack Myers is a pioneering media ecologist and influential thought leader whose work has put him at the forefront of technological, cultural, and generational change. Known for his visionary insight into emerging trends and deep expertise in organizational dynamics, he has served as a trusted advisor and coach to leaders at many of the world's most innovative companies, including General Motors, Comcast/NBCUniversal, Microsoft, CBS, TJX Corp, Aegis/Carat, Campbell Soup, Warner Bros. Discovery, Active International, and The Walt Disney Company. As the founder of The Myers Report and MediaVillage Education Foundation, the media industry's premier knowledge exchange platform, Jack helps organizations navigate disruption, unlock growth opportunities, and align strategy with the future. He is also a senior lecturer, award-winning author, and recipient of honors including a Peabody Award, International Book Awards, UJA Humanitarian Award, and Oscar and Emmy nominations. A graduate of Syracuse University and NYU Steinhardt, where he studied under media scholar Dr. Neil Postman, Jack brings a rare combination of media literacy, cultural fluency, and strategic foresight to leaders preparing their organizations for the age of AI, machine intelligence, and accelerating change.  For More About Jack, His Work, and The Tao of Leadership ·     https://www.jackmyers.com ·     https://www.jackmyers.com/themyersreport/ ·     https://www.mediavillage.com/ ·      https://www.jackmyers.com/visionary-blueprint-for-thriving-in-the-age-of-ai/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join our Founder & CEO, Fred Schonenberg, alongside Laura Plunkett, Vice President, Startup Engagement, Head of Comcast NBCUniversal LIFT Labs, and Marc Silberman, Partner at Comcast Ventures, for a fireside chat entitled From Pilots to Portfolios: Comcast's Integrated Corporate Growth Startup Strategy recorded earlier this year during the Global Corporate Venturing & Innovation Summit 2025. The discussion delves into how LIFT Labs' strategic pilots with business units seamlessly complement Comcast Ventures' investment strategy in adjacent and emerging markets, with a particular focus on AI technologies. VentureFuel is proud to serve as the operating partner for the new accelerator—focused on identifying and supporting startups that align with Comcast's strategic priorities.

Welcome to Washday Woosah, BA Fam! It's the Sunday slow-down you need, something to listen to while you're doing the laundry, deep conditioning, or simply enjoying a nice quiet moment of relaxation before the Sunday scaries start to hit. If you needed a sign to play matchmaker for your friends, this episode is it! Gabrielle and I were "set up" by a mutual friend during the pandemic when he realized we were two media mavens juggling our careers and motherhood in New York and somehow had never crossed paths. Gabrielle is a multi-hyphenate who's lead communications at technology giants like Disney ABC, Comcast NBCUniversal, CBS Corporation and Amazon. She's a college professor at NYU and Columbia and a proud wife and mother of two. Today, I got to dive deep with Gabrielle who shares her inspiring journey from humble beginnings in Los Angeles to becoming the Chief Communications Officer at Hachette Book Group. She discusses the importance of mentorship, the impact of her upbringing on her career, and the significance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Gabrielle also emphasizes the need for work-life balance, her financial strategies, and her commitment to teaching and empowering the next generation. The discussion highlights the challenges and triumphs of navigating a successful career while being a dedicated mother and partner. I hope you're loving these Washday Woosah episodes as much as I am! If there's anyone in particular you'd love to hear from or a topic you'd like me to address, don't be shy! DM me at @brownambitionpodcast on IG or hit me up at brownambitionpodcast@gmail.com. New here? Join us three times a week: •

Original Release Date: Monday 23 June 2025    Description:   Dean is back home in Birmingham, Michigan. Phil is at home in Los Angeles. They connect via Zoom to discuss the fire damage Dean witnessed while he was in L.A. last week, as well as his ongoing and evolving thoughts regarding Captain America: Brave New World which he caught up with on a flight. Phil has thoughts about the recent Mickey 17, and about the current theatrical releases Caught by the Tides and Friendship. The talk then turns to the business of show and the recently announced/ongoing breakups of media conglomerates Warner Bros. Discovery and Comcast/NBC Universal. Finally, in "Celebrity Deaths", a character actor on the brink of big fame, a chart-topping singer of 1960s hits, and a legendary jazz singer and pianist all get remembered, and Phil corrects something Dean said last week in remembering the great Brian Wilson, as well as offering something he recently learned about beloved television star Loretta Swit (who was remembered a couple weeks back).

"Everybody has value to give." “It's not a game breaker, it's a game changer.” “How are you doing that differently? How are you going to stand out from the crowd?”   Episode summary | In this episode of the ROG Return on Generosity podcast, host Shannon Cassidy interviews Yvette Thornton, a registered patent agent and advocate for innovation and women in leadership. Yvette shares her journey from growing up on a farm in Virginia to her career in intellectual property, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, empowerment, and generosity. She discusses her advocacy for the National Down Syndrome Society, her experiences in patent law, and the lessons learned from her upbringing that shape her leadership style. The conversation also touches on navigating career transitions, the power of community, and the significance of recognizing one's own value and strengths.   R.O.G. Takeaway Tips | Leadership is about recognizing and valuing everyone's contributions. Empowering women in leadership roles is crucial for industry transformation. Advocacy for individuals with Down syndrome is about recognizing their abilities. Intellectual property protects innovations and encourages creativity. Listening and asking the right questions are key skills in patent law. Transitioning careers involves self-discovery and recognizing one's strengths. Generosity can come from unexpected places and has a ripple effect. It's important to grieve the loss of a job and give oneself time to heal. You are enough; own your strengths and contributions.   Chapters |  00:00 Introduction to Yvette Thornton and Her Journey 03:20 Growing Up on the Farm: Roots and Values 06:16 Influence of Family and Community on Leadership 08:59 Empowering Women in Leadership through WICT 11:57 Advocacy for Down Syndrome Awareness 14:48 Understanding Intellectual Property and Patents 15:43 The Journey to Becoming a Patent Agent 18:23 Innovations and Patents: The Impact of Ideas 21:21 Listening and Questioning: Keys to Innovation 23:10 Navigating Project Management and Innovation 24:34 Advice for Innovators: Protecting Your Ideas 26:34 Understanding Patents and Intellectual Property 27:48 The Power of Generosity in Professional Transitions 31:14 Embracing Career Transitions and Self-Discovery 35:27 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Embracing Your Value 39:00 The Importance of Asking for Help 42:15 Empowerment and Believing in Your Worth 43:21 Recharge and Leadership Style   Guest Bio | Yvette Thornton, a registered patent agent, is the driving force behind Clarke Innovations LLC, where she advises organizations on innovation strategies, operational improvements and intellectual property (IP).  Her work focuses on the intersection of engineering and IP, expanding access to patenting, and fostering innovation-driven cultures.  In her previous role as Director of Patent Development at Comcast NBCUniversal, Yvette collaborated with engineers and senior leaders to identify and capture innovation across the company. Yvette's impact extended beyond idea generation; she developed internal patent process, launched an Employee Recognition Program and created “Girl Storm” a program supporting women in patenting. Yvette began her IP career as a Primary Patent Examiner at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. She holds a M.S.  in Chemistry from the University of Virginia and a B.S. from Norfolk State University, where she was a Dozoretz National Institute for Mathematics and Applied Sciences (DNIMAS) Scholar. Based in the Philadelphia area, Yvette is active in The WICT Network: Greater Philadelphia, an advocate for the National Down Syndrome Society and enjoys reading, drawing, and spending time with her family.   Guest Resources:  https://clarkeinnovations.com/   Bridge Between Resources: 5 Degree Change Course Free N.D.I. Network Diversity Index  Free Generosity Quiz    Credits: Yvette Thornton, Host Shannon Cassidy, Bridge Between, Inc. Coming Next: Please join us next week, Episode 237, Special Guest, Brett Brackett.

On this episode of the SeventySix Capital Sports Leadership Show, Wayne Kimmel interviewed the Executive Chairman of Playfly Sports and Venture Partner at SeventySix Capital, Michael Schreiber. Schreiber brings his operational experience and media competency to the SeventySix Capital team as it continues to invest in the convergence of the physical and digital worlds in sports, where media serves as the glue between the two. Additionally, he uses his expansive network to grow SeventySix Capital's strategic investor base and enhances the team's media, digital, and television relationships.Schreiber is the Executive Chairman of Playfly the company he founded in 2020 with the backing of Sinclair Broadcast Group and Access Holdings. Playfly has four key business divisions - media, properties, technology and global partnerships. As the CEO of Playfly, Schreiber completed more than 10 acquisitions, and the employee count grew to more than 1,000 people. Playfly works with more than 2,000 brand partners, which include professional teams and college athletics departments such as Auburn, LSU, Maryland, Michigan State, Penn State, USC, Villanova, Virginia, and Virginia Tech.Schreiber served as the Chief Content Officer at Fortune 500 company Altice USA and President of Altice USA News. He was a founding member of Altice USA, part of their first management team, their 2017 IPO, and a key stakeholder in their acquisition of Cheddar. As president, Schreiber had direct oversight of its 13 networks and 600+ people. Prior to joining Altice USA, he spent 14 years at NBCUniversal and Comcast in several commercial, operating and revenue roles, including SVP of Content at Comcast, and VP of Business Development & Strategy at NBCUniversal Digital Distribution. During his time at Comcast NBCUniversal, Schreiber helped partner in the development, formation and launch of Hulu in 2007. He was also involved in some of the media industry's first digital distribution deals with the likes of Netflix, Amazon, and Apple. He also has board experience, competency in revenue and value generation, and turn-around and restructuring skills via his time as an Altice executive. He graduated from the University of Virginia, has a Master of Business Administration from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, and attended an executive education program at Harvard Business School.Michael Schreiber:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-schreiber-4b262a1/X: https://x.com/maschreiberModernizing the Business of College Sports Report

Welcome to The Bundle, our regular series on the sports media and streaming marketplace with co-hosts Yannick Ramcke, General Manager of OTT at the streaming service OneFootball and Murray Barnett, founder of 26West Consulting and formerly of F1, World Rugby and ESPN International.QuizWhat is UC3, and what significance does Relevent Sports taking over global commercial rights from Team Marketing hold for this entity?According to the discussion, what were some potential reasons behind UEFA and the European Club Association's decision to move away from their long-standing partnership with Team Marketing?What were the key components of the new long-term deal between Comcast/NBCUniversal and the International Olympic Committee (IOC), and why was the timing of the announcement considered interesting?Beyond just viewership numbers, what other strategic benefits do live sports like the Olympics offer to broadcasters like NBCUniversal in the current media landscape?Describe the unique characteristics and appeal of events like the Sidemen Charity Match and the Baller League that differentiate them from traditional sports broadcasts.How might an influencer like Cristiano Ronaldo broadcasting Premier Padel matches on his YouTube channel impact the reach and perception of a sport like padel?What does NASCAR debuting select races exclusively on Amazon Prime Video suggest about the current state of sports media consumption and the perceived reach of streaming platforms?Why might a major streaming platform like Amazon consider distributing content, such as Bundesliga matches in Germany, through traditional linear television channels?Initially exclusive to Apple TV, the MLS Season Pass is now available through other providers. What potential reasons were discussed for this shift in distribution strategy?What potential fundamental challenges or flaws might exist within the MLS and Apple TV partnership, as suggested by the recent changes in distribution?Unofficial Partner is the leading podcast for the business of sport. A mix of entertaining and thought provoking conversations with a who's who of the global industry. To join our community of listeners, sign up to the weekly UP Newsletter and follow us on Twitter and TikTok at @UnofficialPartnerWe publish two podcasts each week, on Tuesday and Friday. These are deep conversations with smart people from inside and outside sport. Our entire back catalogue of 400 sports business conversations are available free of charge here. Each pod is available by searching for ‘Unofficial Partner' on Apple, Spotify, Google, Stitcher and every podcast app. If you're interested in collaborating with Unofficial Partner to create one-off podcasts or series, you can reach us via the website.

In this episode of The Authority Company Podcast, Joe sits down with Jack Myers, a renowned media ecologist, speaker, and advisor to major brands like GM and Disney. Jack discusses his latest book, The Tao of Leadership: Harmonizing Technological Innovation and Human Creativity in the AI Era, and explores how ancient philosophies, can guide us through the rapid advancements of artificial intelligence. Jack delves into the five core principles - harmony, stability, balance, flexibility, and integrity—and how they align with modern leadership challenges in the age of AI. He also shares insights on the generational divide in technology adoption, the importance of simplicity in leadership, and how companies can avoid being left behind in the AI revolution. From the impact of capitalism on technology to the future of education and the role of media in shaping society, this conversation offers a thought-provoking look at how we can navigate the complexities of the AI era while staying true to our human values. Tune in to discover how ancient wisdom can help us unlock our full potential in a world dominated by technological innovation.JACK MYERS is uniquely prepared to support leaders of organizations and corporations as they navigate the rapid transformation brought by AI, machine intelligence, and evolving cultural dynamics. The Tao of Leadership provides a blueprint for leaders, students, educators, and all those who seek to learn and successfully navigate the business world from 2025 to 2050. Jack is a pioneering Media Ecologist and influential business advisor, coach, and speaker focused on the intersection of technological, cultural, and generational change. His insight into emerging trends and expertise in organizational dynamics have made him a trusted advisor to leaders of many of the world's largest and most innovative corporations, including General Motors, Microsoft, Comcast/NBCUniversal, CBS, TJX Corp, Campbell Soup, and The Walt Disney Company. Known for his ability to navigate disruption, Jack helps leaders align their strategies with the future, fostering agility, creativity, and sustainable success.

Edwige Robinson - a visionary leader in technological evolution with over 25 years of experience in the tech industry, Edwige is a recognized force in reshaping technology landscapes for some of the world's largest companies, including T-Mobile and Comcast NBCUniversal. At the forefront of technological evolution, she has consistently driven impactful change, from orchestrating massive corporate integrations to pioneering innovations that elevate customer experiences.At T-Mobile, Edwige played a pivotal role in the T-Mobile/Sprint merger integration, leading network consolidations and expansions that accelerated 5G deployment to cover over 300 million people, doubled Ultra Capacity 5G coverage compared to competitors, and extended rural 5G reach by 90%. Through this effort, Edwige positioned T-Mobile as the undisputed 5G technology leader, managing a team of over 1,200 employees and 5,000 contractors, while achieving an impressive 99.9999% network availability.At Comcast NBCUniversal, Edwige spearheaded the launch of Xfinity Mobile, growing it from a soft launch to over 7 million subscribers. Their leadership in creating Xfinity Assistant, an AI-driven customer service platform, dramatically improved self-service capabilities and elevated customer satisfaction, pushing the company's Net Promoter Score (NPS) from -5 to 20+.Honored as one of the Top 100 Women in Tech (2024) by Technology Magazine and a Top 10 5G Leader, Edwige has a track record of building high-performing teams and delivering innovative solutions that drive significant operational efficiencies and cost savings.A bestselling author of Believe It's Possible, Edwige continues to shape the future of technology by harnessing the transformative power of AI and Machine Learning, helping organizations unlock new opportunities and revolutionize their operations. Connect with Edwige - https://www.linkedin.com/in/edwigearobinson/Support the showFollow me on Facebook ⬇️https://www.facebook.com/manuj.aggarwal❤️ ID - Manuj Aggarwal■ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/manujaggarwal/ ■ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realmanuj■ Instagram: ...

Women Veterans ROCK On The Hill - The Podcast! is the Award-Winning Podcast for Today's Women Veterans and Military Families. Its New People, New Policies & Prose with Dynamic Women Leaders for Women On The Move!  We are the Premier Civic, Business, and Nonprofit Leadership Community for Today's Women Veterans, Military Millennials and Emerging Leaders of Generation Z. Retired U.S. Army Major April Harris is "Transforming Lives Through Theater Education at "The Theatre Lab of Washington, DC. -  April Harris teaches a unique version of The Theatre Lab's "Life Stories Program" specially designed for today's Military Women called "Finding Your Voice." The Theatre Lab offers this pioneering, tuition-free program that supports Women Veterans in creating original dramatic works using their own life experiences.  The "Life Stories Program" has been proven to increase self-esteem, reduce feelings of isolation, and improve communication and critical-thinking skills.  Contact Us At www.WomenVetsRock.org to Register Early for our Spring 2025 Tuition-Free Class.  Our Classes @ The Theatre Lab Are Open To: Women Veterans; Active Duty; Reservists; National Guard; ROTC; Military Spouses; and Military Moms Too.   Subscribe Today and Stay Connected To The Women Veterans ROCK Podcast Posse! ABOUT THE HOST Deborah Harmon-Pugh is a recognized authority on Women's Leadership in America. She has dedicated the past two decades to assisting women advance into positions of influence by leveraging their expertise and leadership strengths. She is the creator of proven and powerful Leadership Development Programs that guide women to becoming leaders in Civic Leadership, Business Leadership, and Nonprofit Leadership. Professor Deborah Harmon-Pugh is the National Campaign Chair of Women Veterans ROCK; The Women Veterans Civic Leadership Institute; and The Women Veterans Public Policy Delegation To Capitol Hill. She teaches in the Graduate School of Studies at Chestnut Hill College. Professor Deborah Harmon-Pugh is a retired Military Spouse of 27 years. ABOUT OUR SPONSOR Comcast NBCUniversal - We thank Comcast NBCUniversal for their support of Women Veterans, Military Families, and America's entire Military Community. For more information on how Comcast NBCUniversal is supporting the military community, visit the link below. ⁠⁠www.corporate.comcast.com/values/military⁠⁠ VISIT US & SUBSCRIBE TODAY Our Website Is: ⁠⁠WomenVetsRock.org ⁠⁠ FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA ⁠⁠Facebook: @WomenVeteransRock⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Twitter: @WomenVetsRock⁠⁠ ⁠⁠LinkedIn: @WomenVeteransRock⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Instagram: @WomenVetsRock⁠⁠ ⁠⁠YouTube: @WomenVetsRock

Live, from Bloomberg Screentime, Comcast NBCUniversal Brian Roberts Chairman & CEO discusses the state of TV and streaming. Roberts spoke with Bloomberg's Lucas Shaw. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest episode of our podcast, former Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed and former Philly Mayor Michael Nutter chat with Devin Cotten, the Founder and CEO of The Universal Basic Employment and Opportunity Initiative in Cleveland, Ohio. Cotten is helping to extend universal basic employment to one hundred Clevelanders through a pilot that guarantees a living wage of $50,000 a year. This initiative bypasses the common criticism about universal basic income being just a financial handout.  "I think this is a more effective tool, politically," Reed said on the podcast, "because you've got somebody getting up and going to work, just like the rest of us. It's hard for people to hate on someone who's doing the very best they can." Join us for this episode about an idea we should be stealing from Cleveland. For more from Cotten, see him at The Citizen's 7th annual Ideas We Should Steal Festival presented by Comcast NBC Universal on November 15th. (Secure your seats here.) Remember to subscribe to the  podcast to keep up on all the latest episodes. You can even watch the conversation play out on YouTube. As cities go, so goes the nation!

On the latest episode of How To Really Run A City, former Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed and former Philly Mayor Michael Nutter chat with Devin Cotten, the Founder and CEO of The Universal Basic Employment and Opportunity Initiative in Cleveland, Ohio. Cotten is helping to extend universal basic employment to one hundred Clevelanders through a pilot that guarantees a living wage of $50,000 a year. This initiative bypasses the common criticism about universal basic income being just a financial handout.  "I think this is a more effective tool, politically," Reed said on the podcast, "because you've got somebody getting up and going to work, just like the rest of us. It's hard for people to hate on someone who's doing the very best they can." Join us for this episode about an idea we should be stealing from Cleveland. For more from Cotten, see him at The Citizen's 7th annual Ideas We Should Steal Festival presented by Comcast NBC Universal on November 15th. As cities go, so goes the nation!  

Our special guest today is John Onderdonk, the Co-Founder and CEO of Flume TV, an innovative ad-supported streaming service dedicated to independent content. Prior to founding Flume TV, John accumulated five years of media strategy experience at Comcast NBCUniversal. During this tenure, he held roles in Corporate Development, Corporate Strategy, Cable FP&A, and NBCU Corporate Strategy and Business Development, with a focus on forming the company's direct-to-consumer streaming strategy. Currently based in Palo Alto, California, John is originally from Dallas, Texas. John holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with Highest Distinction from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He is currently pursuing an MBA at the Stanford Graduate School of Business, where he also serves as the Student Body Co-President, leading various initiatives to enhance the student experience and foster a vibrant community. Today we'll discuss Flume TV.

“Take micro steps and achieve uncommon success.” “Build supportive communities and extend grace.” “Define success on your own terms and embrace uniqueness.” Chapters: 00:00 Introduction: Edwige Robinson's Journey 02:45 Believe It's Possible: Conquering Mountains and Achieving Uncommon Success 05:15 The Power of Micro Steps and Momentum 10:03 Building Supportive Communities and Extending Grace 16:04 Defining Success on Your Own Terms 21:13 Assuming Positive Intent and Choosing Love in the Workplace 25:05 Creating Your Own Path and Making a Positive Impact Episode Summary: Edwige Robinson, author of 'Believe It's Possible,' shares her insights on achieving success and embracing your uniqueness. She emphasizes the importance of taking micro steps, building supportive communities, and defining success on your own terms. Edwige encourages listeners to extend grace, assume positive intent, and choose love in the workplace. She reminds us that we have the power to create our own path and make a positive impact on others. Her book serves as a guide to help readers conquer their mountains, blaze their trails, and achieve uncommon success. R.O.G. Takeaway Tips: Take micro steps and embrace the momentum of small wins to achieve success. Build supportive communities and surround yourself with a personal board of directors. Define success on your own terms and embrace what makes you different. Extend grace, assume positive intent, and choose love in the workplace. You have the power to create your own path and make a positive impact on others. Guest Bio: Edwige A. Robinson is a transformative force in the world of technology. Recognized as a subject matter expert, speaker, and visionary, Edwige seamlessly combines her engineering proficiency, technological acumen, and business expertise to bring the future to the present for both her team and customers. One of her superpowers is her ability to take complex ideas and simplify them to enable accelerated business growth.  Her collaborative approach across Fortune 100 enterprises has proven to be a winning strategy for transformation. With over 27 years in telecommunications and technology, she specializes in leading strategic initiatives that drive transformative change within Fortune 100 companies. In her previous role, at industry leaders like T-Mobile, Edwige directed multi-billion-dollar projects in engineering, operations, and risk management, focusing on operational excellence, cost efficiency, and rapid market deployment. Moreover, in telecom giants like CommScope, Verizon Wireless, Nortel, AT&T, and Comcast NBC Universal, Edwige has honed her ability to adapt quickly to market shifts and evolve legacy systems into agile, efficient operations. Her journey in technology began as a Field Technician, navigating the streets and scaling rooftops in Washington, D.C. It was in these humble beginnings that she realized the impact on customer experience and the power of strategic planning. Today, acknowledged as the third-ranked leader in Telco and Innovation by Mobile Magazine and a recipient of the 30 Black Stars Pinnacle Award, Edwige's impact extends globally. She's recognized in Crain's 2023 Chicago Business Notable Women in STEM, a member of Forbes Magazine Technology Council, and listed in Onalytica's Who's Who in 5G, and March 8's top 100 women in Technology. Edwige is also a member of the Executive Leadership Council, which enables Black executives to positively impact business and their communities. Beyond her professional achievements, Edwige is a beacon of hope and courage. Recognized by Aleria Tech as one of the “Awesome Black Women Everyone Should Know” and a mentor for the 1 million STEM women, she exemplifies the possibilities that arise with the right mentors, guidance, and courage. She is a sought-after speaker at global tech conferences as well as at AfroTech and Grace Hopper Conferences. Edwige recently released her book, Believe It's Possible. A narrative of hope, courage, leadership, and the unwavering belief in the potential within each individual. Resources: Be your own hero - Edwige A Robinson, Sr. Vice President at T-Mobile Wednesday Live! with Edwige Robinson  Edwige A. Robinson, As triple minority leader in Tech - Navigating the Technology Realm  Edwige Robinson - Global Motivational Speaker  How to Become a Leader in Technology  Edwige Robinson's Website  Edwige Robinson on Twitter/X (@Edwigerobinson) Edwige Robinson on Instagram (@edwigerobinson) Edwige Robinson on TikTok (@Believeitspossible8) Edwige Robinson on Linkedin (in/edwigearobinson) Linkedin newsletter for Edwige Robinson Where to find R.O.G. Podcast: R.O.G on YouTube R.O.G on Apple Podcasts R.O.G on Spotify How diverse is your network?  N.D.I. Network Diversity Index What is your Generosity Style?  Generosity Quiz Credits: Edwige Robinson, Sheep Jam Productions, Host Shannon Cassidy, Bridge Between, Inc. Coming Next: Please join us next week, Episode 200, Host, Shannon Cassidy.

Women Veterans ROCK On The Hill - The Podcast! is the Award-Winning Podcast for Today's Women On The Move! Its New People, New Policies & Prose for Today's Business, Civic and Nonprofit Women Leaders. In this episode of "F.I.T. For Success" we meet the dynamic "Coach Adrean Turner - The Career Fulfillment Expert" for an insightful session of Personal and Business Development beginning with a focus on "START ME UP!" - Part 1 of our 4-Part Fall Leadership Series. Subscribe today and join The Women Veterans ROCK Podcast Posse as we get F.I.T For Success! ABOUT THE HOST Deborah Harmon-Pugh is a recognized authority on Women's Leadership in America. She has dedicated the past two decades to assisting women advance into positions of influence by leveraging their expertise and leadership strengths. She is the creator of proven and powerful leadership development programs that guide women to becoming leaders in Civic Leadership, Business Leadership, and Nonprofit Leadership. Professor Deborah Harmon-Pugh is the National Campaign Chair of Women Veterans ROCK; The Women Veterans Civic Leadership Institute; and The Women Veterans Public Policy Delegation To Capitol Hill. She teaches in the Graduate School of Studies at Chestnut Hill College. Professor Deborah Harmon-Pugh is a retired Military Spouse of 27 years. ABOUT OUR SPONSOR Comcast NBCUniversal - We thank Comcast NBCUniversal for their support of Women Veterans, Military Families, and America's entire Military Community. For more information on how Comcast NBCUniversal is supporting the military community, visit the link below. ⁠⁠www.corporate.comcast.com/values/military⁠⁠ VISIT US & SUBSCRIBE TODAY Our Website Is: ⁠⁠WomenVetsRock.org ⁠⁠ FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA ⁠⁠Facebook: @WomenVeteransRock⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Twitter: @WomenVetsRock⁠⁠ ⁠⁠LinkedIn: @WomenVeteransRock⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Instagram: @WomenVetsRock⁠⁠ ⁠⁠YouTube: @WomenVetsRock

Michael Soileau, Director of LUS Fiber, joins us to discuss his vision for the organization. A native of Mamou, Michael graduated from Mamou High, and then earned a degree in International Business from UT in Austin and an MBA from LSU - Shreveport. He took over the reins at LUS Fiber in May 2024. Before this appointment, Michael had worked exclusively in private enterprise. His past employers include Comcast NBCUniversal, specializing in the broadband and cable television business, as well as Toffler Associates, O3, Viya, Comcast Cable, AT&T Broadband, and Optel. He's a proven business leader in sales, business development, and strategic planning in the telecommunication and fiber-optic industry. Michael's first work experiences in broadband came about through his work with Optel. The company was first acquired by AT&T Broadband, which was then acquired by Comcast Corporation, making it the largest broadband and cable subscription business provider in the U. S. Then, Comcast purchased 49% ownership of NBC, and several years later bought the remaining ownership in the broadcast network. These mergers resulted in Michael moving into the entertainment and distribution side of the business. "I worked with Comcast NBC Universal for twenty years, in every operational role you can imagine....sales, marketing, finance, strategic planning on how to grow the business. With the Time Warner acquisition, affordabiIity came up. We started off offering programs for low-income households, and expanded it to sectors such as seniors, Veterans, students...different sectors of the community that can find broadband expensive. I learned so much." Advocate staff photo by Leslie Westbrook. Michael retired from Comcast and then dedicated his life to studies, earning an MBA from LSU. "I admit to being a lifelong learner. When I retired from Comcast, I went to school to get my Master's degree. I had considered working in academia as I had guest lectured at UT for a while. I earned the degree to gain the needed credibility to lecture on international business. But I was reinvigorated by school to get back into the 'business of the business.'" He then spent a year and a half as CEO of O3, a digital experience consultancy based in Philadelphia. At O3, he focused on digital customer experience, strategy, and innovation, bringing the organization a fresh set of eyes on how to position it to tap into new markets and create innovative solutions. Michael had maintained a residence in Lafayette in order to be close to his parents who still reside in Mamou. One day, his neighbor was visiting and they started talking about the open position at LUS Fiber. Rachel Godeaux, LCG's Chief Administrative Officer, met with him and Michael then met with Lafayette Mayor Monique Boulet, who inspired him with her vision for Lafayette and the role fiber could play in attracting companies and driving economic development. "Her overarching belief in the importance of transparency in government was compelling." He wasn't looking for a position, but couldn't say no. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYsXM71kDIw "I love the business of broadband. I've seen the power of broadband and what it does to change communities across the country, so I was excited about the opportunity to come back." Familiar with the history of LUS Fiber, having watched it from its inception back in 2005 when the citizens of Lafayette voted to make it a reality, he remembers having a conversation with the President of Comcast's cable division, saying at the time, "This is a model that will hurt us because it drives community engagement and loyalty with in the community." He further added during our interview, "Those are the values that we are all a part of by living here in Lafayette." "LUS Fiber has had 17 years of operations. We have the opportunity to rethink our marketing and ask what do we stand for, what is our brand, what is our promise to the community,

E sits down with Jason Muth, a member of our mastermind, who transitioned from working a W2 job in the media business to successfully running a thriving co-hosting business in the short-term rental market. Jason shares his journey, his participation in significant events like the STR WealthCon in Miami, and his strategic niching down in locations like Provincetown. They discuss the importance of investing in fulfilling ventures, tools and systems used for property management, and the value of rebranding and investing in oneself. Jason emphasizes the importance of confidence, purposeful work, and creating a legacy for his family. The episode concludes with practical advice for those considering taking the leap into the short-term rental business. 00:00 Introduction and Priorities 00:17 Host Update and Personal Anecdotes 01:05 Guest Introduction: Jason Mute 01:59 Onboarding New Properties and Market Strategy 03:36 Jason's Journey in Real Estate 04:16 The Decision to Co-Host 09:00 Rebranding and Community Focus 13:45 Niching Down in the Market 18:11 Purpose and Fulfillment in Work 23:25 The Reality of Retirement 23:59 Rewriting Your Identity 26:07 Diving into Real Estate 27:51 Networking and Conferences 30:48 Investing in Yourself 34:43 Tech Stack and Team 39:58 Final Thoughts and Advice Jason Muth's Bio Jason Muth is a full-time real estate investor and entrepreneur. He is the co-founder of Prideaway Stays - Provincetown and the owner/operator of Straightfoward Short-Term Rentals. Jason is a 29x Airbnb Superhost and 28x VRBO Premier host. He also hosts and produces a podcast called The Real Estate Law Podcast. Jason stepped away from W-2 life after decades of work at some of the biggest media companies in the country (Comcast / NBC Universal, iHeartMedia, and others) becoming a full-time entrepreneur in 2022 when his ongoing real estate investing side hustle became more profitable than corporate life. Connect with Jason https://jasonmuth.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@therealestatelawpodcast https://www.realestatelawpodcast.com/ https://prideawaystays.com/ https://www.straightforwardstrs.com/ Connect with the Hosts Michael Sjogren: Short Term Rental Secrets Facebook Group | Clubhouse | Instagram | Youtube | Facebook Page | Linkedin https://linktr.ee/mikesjogren Emanuele Pani: Clubhouse | Instagram | Facebook | Linkedin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

E sits down with Jason Muth, a member of our mastermind, who transitioned from working a W2 job in the media business to successfully running a thriving co-hosting business in the short-term rental market. Jason shares his journey, his participation in significant events like the STR WealthCon in Miami, and his strategic niching down in locations like Provincetown. They discuss the importance of investing in fulfilling ventures, tools and systems used for property management, and the value of rebranding and investing in oneself. Jason emphasizes the importance of confidence, purposeful work, and creating a legacy for his family. The episode concludes with practical advice for those considering taking the leap into the short-term rental business. 00:00 Introduction and Priorities 00:17 Host Update and Personal Anecdotes 01:05 Guest Introduction: Jason Mute 01:59 Onboarding New Properties and Market Strategy 03:36 Jason's Journey in Real Estate 04:16 The Decision to Co-Host 09:00 Rebranding and Community Focus 13:45 Niching Down in the Market 18:11 Purpose and Fulfillment in Work 23:25 The Reality of Retirement 23:59 Rewriting Your Identity 26:07 Diving into Real Estate 27:51 Networking and Conferences 30:48 Investing in Yourself 34:43 Tech Stack and Team 39:58 Final Thoughts and Advice Jason Muth's Bio Jason Muth is a full-time real estate investor and entrepreneur. He is the co-founder of Prideaway Stays - Provincetown and the owner/operator of Straightfoward Short-Term Rentals. Jason is a 29x Airbnb Superhost and 28x VRBO Premier host. He also hosts and produces a podcast called The Real Estate Law Podcast. Jason stepped away from W-2 life after decades of work at some of the biggest media companies in the country (Comcast / NBC Universal, iHeartMedia, and others) becoming a full-time entrepreneur in 2022 when his ongoing real estate investing side hustle became more profitable than corporate life. Connect with Jason https://jasonmuth.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@therealestatelawpodcast https://www.realestatelawpodcast.com/ https://prideawaystays.com/ https://www.straightforwardstrs.com/ Connect with the Hosts Michael Sjogren: Short Term Rental Secrets Facebook Group | Clubhouse | Instagram | Youtube | Facebook Page | Linkedin https://linktr.ee/mikesjogren Emanuele Pani: Clubhouse | Instagram | Facebook | Linkedin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Women Veterans ROCK On The Hill - The Podcast! is the Award-Winning Podcast for Today's Women Veterans and Military Families. Its New People, New Policies & New Prose for Today's Women On The Move!  We are the Premier Civic, Business, and Nonprofit Leadership Community for Today's Women Veterans, Military Women, Military Families and Generation Z. Today's special guest is Ms. Maria Morrero. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and an Enrollment Specialist at The Veterans Upward Bound Program hosted at The University of Pennsylvania.   Veterans Upward Bound provides a unique pre-collegiate experience that prepares veterans for successful entry into post-secondary college education programs.   Subscribe To Our Podcast Today!  Join other Members of The Women Veterans ROCK Podcast Posse and get early alerts to meet Today's Amazing Women Leaders. ABOUT THE HOST Deborah Harmon-Pugh is a recognized authority on Women's Leadership in America. She has dedicated the past two decades to assisting women advance into positions of influence by leveraging their expertise and leadership strengths. She is the creator of proven and powerful leadership development programs that guide women to becoming leaders in Civic Leadership, Business Leadership, and Nonprofit Leadership. Professor Deborah Harmon-Pugh is the National Campaign Chair of Women Veterans ROCK; The Women Veterans Civic Leadership Institute; and The Women Veterans Public Policy Delegation To Capitol Hill. She teaches in the Graduate School of Studies at Chestnut Hill College. Professor Deborah Harmon-Pugh is a retired Military Spouse of 27 years. ABOUT OUR SPONSOR Comcast NBCUniversal - We thank Comcast NBCUniversal for their support of Women Veterans, Military Families, and America's entire Military Community. For more information on how Comcast NBCUniversal is supporting the military community, visit the link below. ⁠www.corporate.comcast.com/values/military⁠ VISIT US & SUBSCRIBE TODAY Our Website Is: ⁠WomenVetsRock.org ⁠ FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA ⁠Facebook: @WomenVeteransRock⁠ ⁠Twitter: @WomenVetsRock⁠ ⁠LinkedIn: @WomenVeteransRock⁠ ⁠Instagram: @WomenVetsRock⁠ ⁠YouTube: @WomenVetsRock

Women Veterans ROCK On The Hill - The Podcast! is the Award-Winning Podcast for Today's Women Veterans and Military Families. Its New People, New Policies & Prose with Dynamic Women Leaders for Women On The Move!  We are the Premier Civic, Business, and Nonprofit Leadership Community for Today's Women Veterans, Military Millennials and Generation Z Emerging Leaders. In today's episode of "She Should Run!" - You will meet - Ms. Mishon Montgomery, Program Director at She Should Run - in the great State of Nevada. This is a nonpartisan and nonprofit 501c3 organization that is dedicated to supporting women from all political leanings and backgrounds to see themselves as future candidates for public office.   Learn about the many Pathways to Public Leadership - and - How To Prepare For Elected Office in today's exciting conversation.  Also, visit www.SheShouldRun.org to get your very own "Starter Kit" and to support them with your donations too! Contact Us at www.WomenVetsRock.org to learn more about The Work & The Vision of The 2030 Commission For Women Veterans & Military Families. Subscribe Today and Stay Connected As A Member of "The Women Veterans ROCK Podcast Posse!" ABOUT THE HOST Deborah Harmon-Pugh is a recognized authority on Women's Leadership in America. She has dedicated the past two decades to assisting women advance into positions of influence by leveraging their expertise and leadership strengths. She is the creator of proven and powerful Leadership Development Programs that guide women to becoming leaders in Civic Leadership, Business Leadership, and Nonprofit Leadership. Professor Deborah Harmon-Pugh is the National Campaign Chair of Women Veterans ROCK; The Women Veterans Civic Leadership Institute; and The Women Veterans Public Policy Delegation To Capitol Hill. She teaches in the Graduate School of Studies at Chestnut Hill College and the Undergraduate School of Continuing Education and Professional Studies. Professor Deborah Harmon-Pugh is a retired Military Spouse of 27 years. ABOUT OUR SPONSOR Comcast NBCUniversal - We thank Comcast NBCUniversal for their support of Women Veterans, Military Families, and America's entire Military Community. For more information on how Comcast NBCUniversal is supporting the military community, visit the link below. ⁠⁠www.corporate.comcast.com/values/military⁠⁠ VISIT US & SUBSCRIBE TODAY Our Website Is: ⁠⁠WomenVetsRock.org ⁠⁠ FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA ⁠⁠Facebook: @WomenVeteransRock⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Twitter: @WomenVetsRock⁠⁠ ⁠⁠LinkedIn: @WomenVeteransRock⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Instagram: @WomenVetsRock⁠⁠ ⁠⁠YouTube: @WomenVetsRock

Women Veterans ROCK On The Hill - The Podcast! is the Award-Winning Podcast for Today's Women Veterans, Military Millennials, Gen Z and Military Families Too! Democracy Wins with Civic Engagement! - We Welcome New People, New Policies & Prose for Today's Women On The Move. Today's special guest is Katheryn (Kat) Kirkman. She served as a U.S. Air Force Captain.  She continues to proudly serve our country as a Congressional Fellow in the office of U.S. Congressman Dwight Evans of Pennsylvania's 3rd Congressional District. Kat Kirkman is the Director of Military and Veterans in Pennsylvania's 3rd Congressional District where she is serving and connecting veterans to information, resources, educational and career opportunities. Meet a Post-Military Congressional Fellow and learn how you can become a Congressional Fellow too!  Subscribe Today!  Join The Women Veterans ROCK Podcast Posse and Meet Today's Amazing Women Leaders. ABOUT THE HOST Deborah Harmon-Pugh is a recognized authority on Women's Leadership in America. She has dedicated the past two decades to assisting women advance into positions of influence by leveraging their expertise and leadership strengths. She is the creator of proven and powerful leadership development programs that guide women to becoming leaders in Civic Leadership, Business Leadership, and Nonprofit Leadership. Professor Deborah Harmon-Pugh is the National Campaign Chair of Women Veterans ROCK; The Women Veterans Civic Leadership Institute; and The Women Veterans Public Policy Delegation To Capitol Hill. She teaches in the Graduate School of Studies at Chestnut Hill College. Professor Deborah Harmon-Pugh is a retired Military Spouse of 27 years. ABOUT OUR SPONSOR Comcast NBCUniversal - We thank Comcast NBCUniversal for their support of Women Veterans, Military Families, and America's entire Military Community. For more information on how Comcast NBCUniversal is supporting the military community, visit the link below. ⁠www.corporate.comcast.com/values/military⁠ VISIT US & SUBSCRIBE TODAY Our Website Is: ⁠WomenVetsRock.org ⁠ FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA ⁠Facebook: @WomenVeteransRock⁠ ⁠Twitter: @WomenVetsRock⁠ ⁠LinkedIn: @WomenVeteransRock⁠ ⁠Instagram: @WomenVetsRock⁠ ⁠YouTube: @WomenVetsRock

Women Veterans ROCK On The Hill - The Podcast! It's the Award-Winning Podcast for Today's Women On The Move. We Are Dynamic Military Business Women, Community Leaders & Women Entrepreneurs who are in The Business of Connecting Our Listeners to New People, New Policies and New Prose - That Matters Most To Today's Women. In this episode of Women Veterans ROCK! On The Hill - you will meet State Senator Pat Spearman of the Great State of Nevada. She is the Nevada State Senator for District 1 in North Las Vegas. Senator Spearman is also President Tempore of Nevada's State Legislature. Senator Spearman is a Retired Lt. Colonel of the U.S. Army and has earned her Doctorate Degree in Business Management. She is a long-time Advocate for Women Veterans, Military Spouses, Military Families, and Military Children. The Women Veterans ROCK Welcomes State Senator Pat Spearman as a "New Member" of its National Public Policy Delegation. Women Veterans ROCK On The Hill is the Fastest Growing Group of Engaged and Enlightened Women Veterans, Military Women & Military Family Members. Subscribe Today! And, You Can Join The Women Veterans ROCK Podcast Posse and get our early alerts to meet amazing Women Leaders.  ABOUT THE HOST Deborah Harmon-Pugh is a recognized authority on Women's Leadership in America. She has dedicated the past two decades to assisting women advance into positions of influence by leveraging their expertise and leadership strengths. She is the creator of proven and powerful leadership development programs that guide women to becoming leaders in Civic Leadership, Business Leadership, and Nonprofit Leadership. Professor Deborah Harmon-Pugh is the National Campaign Chair of Women Veterans ROCK; The Women Veterans Civic Leadership Institute; The STEM Civic Leadership Institute for JROTC Cadet Girls; and The Women Veterans Public Policy Delegation To Capitol Hill. She teaches in the Graduate School of Studies at Chestnut Hill College. Professor Deborah Harmon-Pugh is a retired Military Spouse of 27 years. ABOUT OUR SPONSOR Comcast NBCUniversal - We thank Comcast NBCUniversal for their support of Women Veterans, Military Families, and America's entire Military Community. For more information on how Comcast NBCUniversal is supporting the military community, visit the link below. ⁠⁠⁠www.corporate.comcast.com/values/military⁠⁠⁠ VISIT US & SUBSCRIBE TODAY Our Website Is: ⁠⁠⁠WomenVetsRock.org ⁠⁠⁠ FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA ⁠⁠⁠Facebook: @WomenVeteransRock⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Twitter: @WomenVetsRock⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: @WomenVeteransRock⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Instagram: @WomenVetsRock⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠YouTube: @WomenVetsRock

What makes messaging stick?Today, I'm digging into that question with marketing and communications expert, Ben Guttmann. Plus we'll talk about his experience of growing and then selling an agency, and the opportunities that have opened up as a result.Ben Guttmann is a marketing and communications expert and author of Simply Put: Why Clear Messages Win–and How to Design Them. He's an experienced marketing executive and educator on a mission to get leaders to more effectively connect by simplifying their message. Ben is former co-founder and managing partner at Digital Natives Group, an award-winning agency that worked with the NFL, I Love NY, Comcast NBCUniversal, The Nature Conservancy, and other major clients. Currently, Ben teaches digital marketing at Baruch College in New York City and consults with a range of thought leaders, venture-backed startups, and other brands.Tune into this episode to hear:The story behind the sale of Ben's agencyThe intangible benefits of having taken an agency through a saleFive key qualities of simply, effective messagingWhat we can learn about effective messaging from political campaign slogansWhy designers need to remember that design is first and foremost about businessLearn more about Ben Guttmann:WebsiteConnect on LinkedInInstagram: @ben.guttmannSimply Put: Why Clear Messages Win–and How to Design ThemResources:Read the first chapter of Simply Put for FreeNo BS Agencies MasteryThe Price to Freedom Calculator™No BS LaunchpadNo BS Agency Owners Free Facebook GroupStart reading the first chapter of my bookPiasilva.com

We discuss the "Friends of the IDF" in leadership roles at Interscope (Kendrick's label), UMG (Drake's label and Interscope's parent company), NBC Universal (UMG's parent company), and Comcast (NBC Universal's parent company).We apologize for our tardiness and for this cop-out pop culture ep. We both had crazy schedules the last couple of weeks (on top of our side hustle as outside agitators on college campuses) and will be back to our regularly scheduled program next week ... BBL Drizzayyyy

Ben Guttmann is a marketing and communications expert and author of Simply Put: Why Clear Messages Win — and How to Design Them. He's an experienced marketing executive and educator on a mission to get leaders to more effectively connect by simplifying their message. Ben is former co-founder and managing partner at Digital Natives Group, an award-winning agency that worked with the NFL, I Love NY, Comcast NBCUniversal, Hachette Book Group, The Nature Conservancy, and other major clients. Listen to The Tony DUrso Show on VoiceAmerica Influencers Platform every Friday at 2pm Pacific or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or tonydurso.com/podcast.

In a world overflowing with notifications and updates, how do you cut through the noise? Ben Guttmann emphasises on clear messaging as a way to get attention, salience and salience. Clarity or simplicity emerges as the beacon guiding us toward effective communication. Ben also gives his insights on how to design simple & clear messages. He answers questions like What defines a simple message? Why is clear messaging essential in various contexts? What are the five dimensions of clear messaging? How does design play a role in crafting clear messages? What strategies can minimize friction in communication? How does empathy contribute to effective communication? Ben Guttmann is an entrepreneur, educator, and advisor who has been trusted to help tell the story of global brands including the NFL, I Love NY, and Comcast NBCUniversal. For ten years before its acquisition, he ran Digital Natives Group, an award-winning marketing agency that partnered with brands including The Nature Conservancy, Grand Central Terminal, and SwissRe, as well as luminaries including Nobel laureates, Fortune 500 CEOs, and #1 best-selling authors. He is the author of the book - "Simply Put: Why Clear Messages Win―and How to Design Them." Connect with Ben Guttmann on Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/benguttmann/ Visit Ben's Website. https://www.benguttmann.com/ Ben's Book on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Simply-Put-Messages-Win_and-Design/dp/1523004681 Jagged with Jasravee is facilitated by Jasravee Kaur Chandra. Jasravee has over 20 years experience as a Strategic Brand Builder, Communications Leader and Entrepreneur. Please visit Jasravee at https://jasravee.com/ Connect with Jasravee on Linkedin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasravee/ Email Jasravee at jasravee@gmail.com Index 00:00 Preview & Introduction to Ben Guttmann 03:03 What is a Simple Message 05:18 When Messages Click - Are Perceived & Understood 06:49 Perception vs. Salience: Crafting Messages That Resonate 07:30 Why Brains Prefer Simple - Fluency 11:04 Why Complicated Fails -The Art of Ruining Organizations 15:23 Unveiling Design Principles: Benefits vs. Features 18:35 Keeping it Complicated is Dangerous, Selfish & Cowardly 24:51How to Design a Simple Message - 5 Design Principles 27:24 Focus: The Walmart Example of Design Principle 30:31 Salience: Harnessing the Power of Contrast 33:33 Empathy in Design: Connecting with Your Audience 35:31 Minimalism: Reducing Friction for Maximum Impact 37:51 Simple is Not Easy 39:06 Future of Communication: The Rise of Simplicity 43:18 Rapid Fire - Personally Speaking with Ben 47:25 Connecting with Ben Guttmann Follow Jagged with Jasravee on Social Media Campsite One Link : https://campsite.bio/jaggedwithjasravee Facebook Page : https://www.facebook.com/jaggedwithjasravee Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/jagggedwith #SimpleIdeas #SimpleCommunication #BoldMessaging #CompellingMessages #ClearMessaging #EffectiveCommunication #Marketing101 #ContentMarketing #BrandStorytelling #storytelling #marketingcommunications #ContentMarketingTips #StrategicCommunication#AudienceEngagement #branding101

In the latest episode of the Empowerography Podcast, my guest is Jaclyn Gallo. Hi, I'm Jaclyn. I'm a speaker, writer and life coach helping people create lives that spark the light inside of them. I'm a 2x bestselling author, host of the top 100 podcast Spark Your Light, and Tedx speaker who has delivered keynotes across the globe to organizations including Deloitte and Comcast NBCUniversal. My company, Spark Your Light Studios, has proudly reached millions of women in 96 countries. My journey began 7 years ago, when I found myself in a corporate internship, as a 21-year-old college student, questioning what I really wanted out of life. I wondered, "Is this it? Is this the best its ever going to get?" I knew that there had to be more out there for me. With no experience and no savings, I took a leap of faith and pursued my first business idea. It was a total failure, and I spent more than $50,000 (that I won in pitch contests, raised on Kickstarter and borrowed using credit cards) on ideas that never made it off the ground. Applying the lessons from the failures I experienced, I built a thriving company helping women use their failures as a springboard to achieve their goals, just like I did. And that's where it all began. In this episode we discuss failure, regret, courage, finding our purpose and the importance of listening as a coach.   Website - https://www.jaclyngallo.com/ IG - https://www.instagram.com/jaclyntgallo/ FB - https://www.facebook.com/jaclyngallospeaker Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/4XQxx9Oaq5sZlvk2CKFn9x TEDx - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IitIgGHsPWw   In this episode you will learn: 1. Why it's so important to re-frame the way we look at failure. 2. How embracing the hard things from the beginning with ultimately create more ease. 3. What the top 3 lessons are for coaches to implement into their coaching business.   "I think it's so important to be motivated because entrepreneurship is really hard. And pursuing any dream is hard." - 00:05:35 "Helping people create lives that they love. I feel like so many people are just mediocre, kind of miserable, kind of bleh."- 00:32:58 "One of the most important things I've learned is that all things that are easy. Now, we're once hard for you. And so in order to create an easy life, which most of us are ultimately seeking on some level, the answer is to do the hard things." - 00:57:41   THE WORLD needs to hear your message and your story. Don't deny the world of that gift within you that the universe has gave to you. Someone out there needs to hear your story because it will support them in feeling hope, inspired and even transformed. Want to discover how I help my clients get out of their own way, show up and confidently share their message? I would like to invite you to check out my FREE MASTERCLASS REPLAY Start Your Own Podcast: Idea to Implementation Watch Here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7iItDG4qaI

In the latest episode of the Empowerography Podcast, my guest is Jaclyn Gallo. Hi, I'm Jaclyn. I'm a speaker, writer and life coach helping people create lives that spark the light inside of them. I'm a 2x bestselling author, host of the top 100 podcast Spark Your Light, and Tedx speaker who has delivered keynotes across the globe to organizations including Deloitte and Comcast NBCUniversal. My company, Spark Your Light Studios, has proudly reached millions of women in 96 countries. My journey began 7 years ago, when I found myself in a corporate internship, as a 21-year-old college student, questioning what I really wanted out of life. I wondered, "Is this it? Is this the best its ever going to get?" I knew that there had to be more out there for me. With no experience and no savings, I took a leap of faith and pursued my first business idea. It was a total failure, and I spent more than $50,000 (that I won in pitch contests, raised on Kickstarter and borrowed using credit cards) on ideas that never made it off the ground. Applying the lessons from the failures I experienced, I built a thriving company helping women use their failures as a springboard to achieve their goals, just like I did. And that's where it all began. In this episode we discuss failure, regret, courage, finding our purpose and the importance of listening as a coach.   Website - https://www.jaclyngallo.com/ IG - https://www.instagram.com/jaclyntgallo/ FB - https://www.facebook.com/jaclyngallospeaker Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/4XQxx9Oaq5sZlvk2CKFn9x TEDx - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IitIgGHsPWw   In this episode you will learn: 1. Why it's so important to re-frame the way we look at failure. 2. How embracing the hard things from the beginning with ultimately create more ease. 3. What the top 3 lessons are for coaches to implement into their coaching business.   "I think it's so important to be motivated because entrepreneurship is really hard. And pursuing any dream is hard." - 00:05:35 "Helping people create lives that they love. I feel like so many people are just mediocre, kind of miserable, kind of bleh."- 00:32:58 "One of the most important things I've learned is that all things that are easy. Now, we're once hard for you. And so in order to create an easy life, which most of us are ultimately seeking on some level, the answer is to do the hard things." - 00:57:41   THE WORLD needs to hear your message and your story. Don't deny the world of that gift within you that the universe has gave to you. Someone out there needs to hear your story because it will support them in feeling hope, inspired and even transformed. Want to discover how I help my clients get out of their own way, show up and confidently share their message? I would like to invite you to check out my FREE MASTERCLASS REPLAY Start Your Own Podcast: Idea to Implementation Watch Here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7iItDG4qaI

Summary:Why is it that some messages connect, and others don't? The answer is simple. I mean, the answer is simple, or rather, simplicity. But simple doesn't mean it's easy to do.In episode #140 of The Author's Corner, Robin is joined by marketing expert Ben Guttmann, to share some of his best design principles that enable us to communicate clearly and simply with our readers. Key takeaways:The simple difference between successful and unsuccessful marketing messagesWhat it means to be “simple”How empathy and simplicity work togetherThe idea of an “enlightened idiot”What we can learn from Taylor SwiftBeing nice versus being kindHow to connect with the root of what people wantWhat we can learn from GodzillaAnd more!Resources mentioned in this episode:Ben's book, Simply Put: Why Clear Messages Win — and How to Design ThemAbout Ben Guttmann:Ben Guttmann is a marketing and communications expert and author of Simply Put: Why Clear Messages Win — and How to Design Them. He's an experienced marketing executive and educator on a mission to get leaders to more effectively connect by simplifying their message. Ben is former co-founder and managing partner at Digital Natives Group, an award-winning agency that worked with the NFL, I Love NY, Comcast NBCUniversal, Hachette Book Group, The Nature Conservancy, and other major clients. Currently, Ben teaches digital marketing at Baruch College in New York City and consults with a range of thought leaders, venture-backed startups, and other brands. Spread the word:LinkedInTwitterInstagramFacebook

Summary:Why is it that some messages connect, and others don't? The answer is simple. I mean, the answer is simple, or rather, simplicity. But simple doesn't mean it's easy to do.In episode #140 of The Author's Corner, Robin is joined by marketing expert Ben Guttmann, to share some of his best design principles that enable us to communicate clearly and simply with our readers. Key takeaways:The simple difference between successful and unsuccessful marketing messagesWhat it means to be “simple”How empathy and simplicity work togetherThe idea of an “enlightened idiot”What we can learn from Taylor SwiftBeing nice versus being kindHow to connect with the root of what people wantWhat we can learn from GodzillaAnd more!Resources mentioned in this episode:Ben's book, Simply Put: Why Clear Messages Win — and How to Design ThemAbout Ben Guttmann:Ben Guttmann is a marketing and communications expert and author of Simply Put: Why Clear Messages Win — and How to Design Them. He's an experienced marketing executive and educator on a mission to get leaders to more effectively connect by simplifying their message. Ben is former co-founder and managing partner at Digital Natives Group, an award-winning agency that worked with the NFL, I Love NY, Comcast NBCUniversal, Hachette Book Group, The Nature Conservancy, and other major clients. Currently, Ben teaches digital marketing at Baruch College in New York City and consults with a range of thought leaders, venture-backed startups, and other brands. Spread the word:LinkedInTwitterInstagramFacebook

Have you ever considered how the simplicity of your message could be the key to breakthrough communication? Discover how to cut through the noise and connect more effectively.In this insightful episode of "Innovation Meets Leadership," host Natalie Born sits down with marketing communications expert and author Ben Guttmann to explore the power of simplicity in messaging. Gutman shares his journey from starting a marketing agency to teaching and writing, emphasizing the critical importance of clear, concise communication in our cluttered world. Through engaging stories and practical advice, this episode uncovers the secrets to designing messages that resonate, inspire action, and stand the test of time. Dive into a conversation that will transform the way you think about marketing, leadership, and the art of communication. Ben Guttmann is a marketing and communications expert and author of Simply Put: Why Clear Messages Win — and How to Design Them. He's an experienced marketing executive and educator on a mission to get leaders to more effectively connect by simplifying their message. Ben is former co-founder and managing partner at Digital Natives Group, an award-winning agency that worked with the NFL, I Love NY, Comcast NBCUniversal, Hachette Book Group, The Nature Conservancy, and other major clients. Currently, Ben teaches digital marketing at Baruch College in New York City and consults with a range of thought leaders, venture-backed startups, and other brands. [00:00:00 - 00:03:00] Unveiling Simplicity in CommunicationIntroduction of Ben Gutman and the essence of simplicity in messaging.The backstory of Gutman's journey from a student to a marketing guru.The inspiration behind his book, "Simply Put." [00:03:00 - 00:08:00] The Science of Simple MessagesHow cognitive fluency impacts message reception and action.The struggle between sender complexity and receiver preference for simplicity.The role of empathy in crafting effective communications. [00:08:00 - 00:12:00] Design Principles for Powerful MessagingThe five design principles for simplicity in messages.The common mistakes in communication and how to avoid them.The significance of focusing on benefits over features. [00:12:00 - 00:16:00] The Art of SimplificationPractical strategies for simplifying complex ideas.The importance of asking "So what?" to find the core benefit.How to use the "So what?" method to connect deeply with your audience. [00:16:00 - 00:20:00] The Future of Communication: AI and BeyondGutman's nuanced view on the role of AI in communication.The potential and limitations of generative AI for content creation.How simplicity remains crucial amidst the rise of AI-generated content. Quotes:"The messages that work... are simple." - Ben Guttmann"We are all marketers in many ways." - Ben Guttmann Connect with Ben:Website: https://www.benguttmann.com/LEAVE A REVIEW + help someone empower their businesses through collaboration, innovation, and transformation by sharing this episode or clicking here to listen to our previous episodes. Check Natalie's new book, SET IT ON FIRE: The Art of Innovation, available now at setitonfire.coThese are proven solutions to advance your leadership and innovation process. Check out our website innovationmeetsleadership.com, or connect with me on Linkedin, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Youtube.Don't forget to subscribe and leave a 5-star review. Let's go transform something! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/natalie-born/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/natalie-born/support

Crafting compelling messages that resonate with your audience isn't just an art – it's a science. Today's guest is Ben Guttmann. Ben is the author of Simply Put and has worked with brands like Comcast NBCUniversal & the NFL… moving millions of dollars in product. Today, we're diving into why clear messages win… and how YOU can design them. Here are 3 things to look forward to in today's episode: 1. What strange bet was given to Dr. Seuss that led to creating Cat In The Hat and Green Eggs & Ham… and what that has to do with making your messages more powerful 2. What creating simple and effective messages has to do with fluency 3. How to use the “Drill Build Method” to create messages that cut through the noise and resonate with people on an emotional level To learn more about Ben, visit https://gobeyondcurious.com/podcast/ben-guttmann/

Ben Guttmann is the author of the new book Simply Put: Why Clear Messages Win — and How to Design Them. Ben is on a mission to get leaders to more effectively connect through clear and concise messages. We discussed all of this and more this week on the On Brand podcast. About Ben Guttmann Ben Guttmann is a marketing and communications expert and author of Simply Put: Why Clear Messages Win — and How to Design Them. He's an experienced marketing executive and educator on a mission to get leaders to more effectively connect by simplifying their message. Ben is former co-founder and managing partner at Digital Natives Group, an award-winning agency that worked with the NFL, I Love NY, Comcast NBCUniversal, Hachette Book Group, The Nature Conservancy, and other major clients. Currently, Ben teaches digital marketing at Baruch College in New York City and consults with a range of thought leaders, venture-backed startups, and other brands. Links from the Show Here's Ben's new book Simply Put: Why Clear Messages Win — and How to Design Them. Connect with Ben on LinkedIn and check out his website BenGuttmann.com. What brand has made Jamie smile recently? Ben doesn't drink coffee so he pointed us to Bellocq luxury tea. Treat yourself! As We Wrap … Listen and subscribe at  Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon/Audible, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeart, YouTube, and RSS. Rate and review the show—If you like what you're hearing, be sure to head over to Apple Podcasts and click the 5-star button to rate the show. And, if you have a few extra seconds, write a couple of sentences and submit a review to help others find the show. Did you hear something you liked on this episode or another? Do you have a question you'd like our guests to answer? Let me know on Twitter using the hashtag #OnBrandPodcast and you may just hear your thoughts here on the show. On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I'll see you on the Internet! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What story will your audience notice and act on? How do you cut through noise to connect? And why does it seem so difficult for people and organizations to communicate clearly?  In today's SPARKED hot take episode, messaging expert Ben Guttmann joins me to explore simplifying communication to ensure it resonates. Together, we tackle why most messages fail and how to design ones that compel action. Ben reveals the gap between hyper-distracted modern brains and Stone Age instincts. And why must we meet audiences where they are? He also offers interesting insights on how to use constraints to spark creative breakthroughs. In today's episode we're digging into: How do we simplify messaging and communicate complex ideas effectively? How can we better understand our target audience and what motivates them? What principles and techniques make messages more salient, focused, and empathetic? How can we minimize friction and guide audiences smoothly to where we want them to go? And we're in conversation with: SPARKED HOT TAKE WITH: Ben Guttmann | Website | Book Ben Guttmann is a marketing entrepreneur and educator, and is the author of Simply Put: Why Clear Messages Win — and How to Design Them. Ben is the former co-founder and managing partner at Digital Natives Group, an award-winning agency that worked with the NFL, I Love NY, Comcast NBCUniversal, Hachette Book Group, The Nature Conservancy, and other major clients. Currently, Ben teaches digital marketing at Baruch College in New York City and consults with a range of thought leaders, venture-backed startups, and other brands.  YOUR HOST: Jonathan Fields Jonathan is a dad, husband, award-winning author, multi-time founder, executive producer and host of the Good Life Project podcast, and co-host of SPARKED, too! He's also the creator of an unusual tool that's helped more than 650,000 people discover what kind of work makes them come alive - the Sparketype® Assessment, and author of the bestselling book, SPARKED. How to submit your question for the SPARKED Braintrust: Wisdom-seeker submissions More on Sparketypes at: Discover You Sparketype | The Book | The Website Find a Certified Sparketype Advisor: CSA Directory Coaches & Leaders: Tap a Game-Changing Credential - The Certified Sparketype® Advisor Training. This powerful training and certification is designed to help you:⁣ Deliver more outstanding service while helping your clients and/or team members live a more-fulfilling life, and craft a more purpose-led, meaningful, and alive career path. ⁣ Better understand how to powerfully motivate and inspire employees or teams to perform at the highest levels, so that they generate exceptional results and do more of what makes them come alive.⁣ AND… get there much faster with next-gen tools that do what no others can⁣.  Learn more HERE. Next Training starts March 2024 Presented by LinkedIn.

Here are the things to expect in the episode:How important is it to consciously work on exercising your resilience in daily life?Many people naturally feel scared when considering making changes.What practical steps can you take if you are afraid to make a change?Building resilience has the power to ignite your inner light!And much more! About Jaclyn:Jaclyn Gallo is a speaker, writer, and life coach, inspiring women to create lives that spark the light inside of them. She's a 2x bestselling author, host of the Spark Your Light podcast, which is ranked in the top 1.5% of podcasts globally, and TEDx speaker who has delivered keynotes to top organizations, including Deloitte, Meta, and Comcast NBCUniversal.Jaclyn is also the founder and CEO of Spark Your Light Studios, a media company that has proudly reached millions of women in 96 countries. Jaclyn's work has been featured by Forbes, Elite Daily, Bustle, and Good Morning Washington. Connect with Jaclyn Gallo!Website: https://www.jaclyngallo.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaclyntgallo/Spark Your Light Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/spark-your-light/id1485250275 Connect with Ingrid Dick!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IngridHealthCoachLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachingrid/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coach_ingrid_uncensored/

Just because you use pretty words that sound nice doesn't mean they are effective. Although we know what we do because we do it all the time; it's hard to separate that from what your audience wants and experiences. Thankfully, today's guest is here to help. Ben Guttmann is a marketing and communications expert and author of Simply Put: Why Clear Messages Win — and How to Design Them. We discuss why business owners often muck up their sales pages (what I call invitation letters), how to reduce friction when attracting clients and customers, and the toll that writing too much takes on the receiver. More About Ben: Ben is former co-founder and managing partner at Digital Natives Group, an award-winning agency that worked with the NFL, I Love NY, Comcast NBCUniversal, Hachette Book Group, The Nature Conservancy, and other major clients. He's an experienced marketing executive and educator on a mission to get leaders to more effectively connect by simplifying their message. Currently, Ben teaches digital marketing at Baruch College in New York City and consults with a range of thought leaders, venture-backed startups, and other brands.

Raul interviews Marketing Expert Ben Guttmann who discusses the importance of clear and simple messaging in marketing in a podcast episode. He argues for messages that are beneficial, focused, salient, empathetic, and minimal, and suggests that trying to communicate too much at once can detract from a message's impact. Ben also addresses changes in attention spans in an increasingly distracted society, stating that this is not a new phenomenon but is impacted by data optimization and capitalist incentives that seek to fragment attention. However, he asserts that human attention spans fundamentally have not changed over time, and that ineffective messages are more likely due to poor design than increased distractions. Ben extends an invitation to listeners to learn more through his website, newsletter, and a free chapter of his book. Who's The Guest? Ben Guttmann is a marketing and communications expert and author of Simply Put: Why Clear Messages Win — and How to Design Them. He's an executive and educator on a mission to get leaders to more effectively connect by simplifying their message. Ben is former co-founder at Digital Natives Group, an award-winning agency that worked with the NFL, I Love NY, Comcast NBCUniversal, and other major clients. Currently, Ben teaches digital marketing at Baruch College in New York City and consults with a range of thought leaders, startups, and other brands. Episode Highlights Importance of effective communication in fields such as sales and marketing The concept of 'fluency' in cognitive science Five attributes of simple messages The importance of emotional benefits and how they connect the tangible features with the audience's motivations Steps to identify what to say what's necessary How influential and effective individualized communication can be   Episode Resources Connect with Raul Hernandez Ochoa https://www.linkedin.com/in/dogoodwork/ https://twitter.com/rherochoa https://dogoodwork.io/ Connect with Ben Guttmann Website: https://www.benguttmann.com/ Book: https://www.benguttmann.com/simply-put-book Free Chapter: https://www.benguttmann.com/simply-put-book/download LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benguttmann/   Review, Subscribe and Share If you like what you hear please leave a review by clicking here

In this episode of the Thoughtful Entrepreneur, your host Josh Elledge speaks to Marketing Entrepreneur, Educator, & Author, Ben Guttmann.In a world filled with constant noise and messaging, Ben emphasized the importance of simplicity. He explained that effective messages are simple and easy to understand. Fluent messages that require less mental load tend to perform better in terms of trust, likability, and buying behavior.Ben mentioned Apple as a prime example when asked about brands that excel in simple messaging. Apple effectively communicates benefits rather than focusing on features, contrasting with Microsoft's struggles in marketing their Zune product.He also explored the power of simple messaging in branding and communication. Successful slogans like Apple's "A thousand songs in your pocket" and FedEx's "when it has to Be There Overnight" resonate with customers because they are concise, relatable, and empathetic.Ben shared a personal story about his dentist, who used a simple and relatable line, "You only have to floss the teeth you want to keep," which motivated him to start flossing regularly. This example highlights the power of empathy and direct communication in influencing behavior.Ben offers a wealth of resources on his website, including a weekly email newsletter with exciting ideas and downloads. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn. Ben is a wellspring of knowledge with his experience as a speaker, teaching marketing at Baruch College, and speaking at various meetups, corporations, non-profits, and conferences.Key Points from the Episode:Importance of simplicity in messaging and communicationFive principles for achieving simplicity in design: benefit to the receiver, focus on one thing at a time, stand out from noise, empathy for the audience, minimalismEditing process and conveying the message immediately in book titles and coversExamples of brands with simple messaging: Apple vs MicrosoftPower of simple and straightforward messaging in branding and communicationExamples of successful slogansApplication of simple messaging in personal relationshipsThe target audience for the book "Simply Put": leaders, entrepreneurs, advocates, faith leadersResources available on Ben's website: newsletter, downloads, LinkedIn connectionAbout Ben Guttmann:Ben Guttmann is a seasoned marketing professional, educator, and author dedicated to unraveling the motivations behind human behavior. With a wealth of experience running a successful marketing agency, teaching at Baruch College, and collaborating with major brands, Guttmann emphasizes the power of simplicity in winning ideas.Founder of the award-winning marketing agency Digital Natives Group, Guttmann's journey began with local businesses. It evolved into partnerships with notable entities like the NFL, Comcast NBCUniversal, and The Nature Conservancy. In addition to teaching marketing to aspiring professionals at Baruch College since 2014, Guttmann has contributed to major publications like the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal. He's a sought-after speaker at conferences and events, having organized the successful Queens Tech Night meetup series.Beyond his professional endeavors, Guttmann has served on the boards of influential organizations such as the Long Island City Partnership and the Queens Economic Development Corporation. His commitment to exploring new ideas, advising clients, and blending technology with humanity defines his current focus. Guttmann's impactful career underscores the significance of clear and direct messaging in a distracted world.Tweetable Moments:3:49 - “Marketing is...

Why do we overcomplicate things? Certainly details matter with SOPs , recipes, etc...but communication to our customers and staff can often be more confusing than helpful in delivering the impact and purpose we intend. The coffee shop is a dynamic place with a ton of inputs and noise swirling together. Having a simple clear way to communicate will help cut through the noise.  Today we will be exploring how to do just that, and in turn how simple communication and messages can bring big results for cafes. I am happy to be joined today by author and expert in simple messaging, Ben Guttmann!  Ben Guttmann is a marketing and communications expert and author of Simply Put: Why Clear Messages Win — and How to Design Them. He's an experienced marketing executive and educator on a mission to get leaders to more effectively connect by simplifying their message. Ben is former co-founder and managing partner at Digital Natives Group, an award-winning agency that worked with the NFL, I Love NY, Comcast NBCUniversal, Hachette Book Group, The Nature Conservancy, and other major clients. Currently, Ben teaches digital marketing at Baruch College in New York City and consults with a range of thought leaders, venture-backed startups, and other brands. In our talk we cover:  The reason and ways we over complicate massages What makes a simple message impactful  The negative impact of too many words How do we ensure the right result from our communication?  Nobody cares and the paradox of choice Applying constraints to challenge ourselves The perception of confidence  We can only care about so much Links: Buy the book : Simply Put!    www.Benguttmann.com Ben Guttmann on LinkedIn   Listen to these episodes next: 215 : Communication and Marketing Master Class w/ Spencer M. Ross, PH.D. 421: Encore Episode: Simple, Powerful, Hospitality w/ Philip Paul Turner 432 : How to Win in Specialty Retail Coffee BLOG: Good Communication is “For Here” 321 : Marketing and Moral Injury w/ Josh Tarlo of Kiss the Hippo   Hire Keys to the Shop Consulting to work with you 1:1 to transform your operations, quality, and people. Schedule a free discovery call now! https://calendly.com/chrisdeferio/30min Thank you to our amazing sponsors! Get the best brewer and tool for batch espresso, iced lattes, and 8 minute cold brew! www.groundcontrol.coffee   The world loves plant based beverages and baristas love the Barista Series! www.pacificfoodservice.com  

Simply Put: Why Clear Messages Win―and How to Design Them by Ben Guttmann About the Book: How do you break through the noise? Why do some messages work when others don't?  Why do some ideas break through, why do some slogans stick in your brain, and why do some leaders inspire change - when others don't? The answer is simple. Literally. The most effective communicators in the world all structure their messages the same way, by designing for simplicity.  But the problem is, simple is hard work.  Our brains are programmed to complicate.  Our world incentivizes more, more, more.  It takes deliberate, intentional effort to communicate in a way that seems effortless. In Simply Put, award-winning marketing entrepreneur Ben Guttmann unveils a five-part framework that allows anybody to communicate with clarity.  With this book, you'll be able to design messages that are beneficial, focused, salient, empathetic, and minimal - and that work. About the Author: Ben Guttmann is an experienced marketing executive and educator on a mission to get leaders to connect more effectively by simplifying their message.  Ben is a former co-founder and managing partner at Digital Natives Group, an award-winning agency that worked with the NFL, I Love NY, Comcast NBCUniversal, The Nature Conservancy, and other major clients.  Currently, Ben teaches digital marketing at Baruch College in New York City and consults with a range of thought leaders, venture-backed startups, and other brands. And, interesting facts – he was president of the student government at Baruch College and was an intern for a member of the U.S. House of Representatives and a U.S. Senator! Click here for this episode's website page with the links mentioned during the interview... https://www.salesartillery.com/marketing-book-podcast/simply-put-ben-guttmann 

Ben Guttmann is a marketing and communications expert and author of Simply Put: Why Clear Messages Win — and How to Design Them. He's an experienced marketing executive and educator on a mission to get leaders to more effectively connect by simplifying their message. Ben is former co-founder and managing partner at Digital Natives Group, an award-winning agency that worked with the NFL, I Love NY, Comcast NBCUniversal, Hachette Book Group, The Nature Conservancy, and other major clients. Currently, Ben teaches digital marketing at Baruch College in New York City and consults with a range of thought leaders, venture-backed startups, and other brands. Simply put, he shares his process, story, book and brilliance on Thrive LouD with Lou Diamond. ***CONNECT WITH LOU DIAMOND & THRIVE LOUD***

This episode is a Patreon Exclusive!! This episode has a little bit of everything: Peter Popoff, Matt's crazy dream, Travis Scott's album, Cash Money vs. Star Trak Part 5,098 and a super deep dive on THE STREAMING WARS. Comcast NBC Universal operate a cable monopoly and have their hands in all things TV and film related. When you are a cable giant with extensive reach opportunities tend to fall at your feet. With that in mind, Comcast Group checked out the on demand landscape and elected to get involved with THE STREAMING WARS... but it hasn't quite gone as they've expected. Last quarter their streaming service Peacock lost $651M and is trending for a close to $3B loss for the year. How this has happened with all their great digital properties is anyone's guess but today Chad and Matt discuss this in detail and try to get to the bottom of it. For the first time ever we are offering FREE 7 DAY TRIALS OF OUR PATREON!!! Click the link [https://patreon.com/officialtrpe] to sign up now. For those of your ready to make the big leap… 15% discount applied to all yearly subscriptions at checkout‼️ Stop

ZeroEyes is a human-verified proactive gun detection solution that integrates into existing security cameras with a mission to stop mass shootings and gun-related violence. ZeroEyes was founded by four former Navy SEALs: Michael (Mike) D. Lahiff serves as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ZeroEyes, previously serving as Director of Digital Programs at Comcast NBC Universal where he oversaw the coordination between project management teams and software development teams in order to deliver multiple digital products. Prior to joining Comcast, Mr. Lahiff was the managing member of Horsemen Partners, a private fund focused on acquisitions of small and medium-sized businesses. Mr. Lahiff also spent ten years in the United States Navy as a Navy SEAL. Mike holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and Finance from Columbia College and a Master of Business Administration in Private Equity and Venture Capital from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. Sam Alaimo is the Chief Revenue Officer and Co-Founder of ZeroEyes. Before founding ZeroEyes in 2018, Mr. Alaimo worked as an Operating Partner at Hawk Capital Partners, and previously as the Founder and Managing Director of the private investment firm Horsemen Partners. Mr. Alaimo also served in the US Navy as a Navy SEAL. He earned his MBA from Columbia University and his Bachelor of Science in Political Science. Rob Huberty is the Chief Operating Officer and Co-Founder of ZeroEyes. Before founding ZeroEyes in 2018, Mr. Huberty worked as a Pathways Operations Manager at Amazon, leading cross-functional teams, initiating process improvement, developing standard operating procedures, and serving as a mentor for his teammates. He served in the U.S. Navy as a Navy SEAL where he collaborated with international governments to conduct special operations, trained foreign forces to ensure mission success and employed innovative problem-solving. Rob earned an MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, where he concentrated in Finance and General Management, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Government from the University of Arizona. Timothy Sulzer is the Chief Technology Officer and Co-Founder of ZeroEyes. Mr. Sulzer founded VEG-E Systems, one of the first indoor vertical farms in the US where he invented automated growing systems and plant-tracking software to optimize growth indoors. Before ZeroEyes, Mr. Sulzer founded another startup where he developed a computer vision application to detect and pattern animals for wildlife enthusiasts. Mr. Sulzer earned his Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from Delaware Valley University, graduating Magna Cum Laude. Dustin Brooks is the Chief Customer Officer and Co-Founder of ZeroEyes. Before founding ZeroEyes in 2018, Dustin worked at Global Asset Technologies as a Military Instructor developing Navy SEAL candidates. Mr. Brooks served in the US Navy as a Navy SEAL for 6 years. Mr. Brooks earned his MBA from the Owen Graduate School of Management at Vanderbilt University, and a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Pennsylvania State University.