Podcasts about Commerce

In this episode, we explore Reddit's strategic move into AI-powered commerce, leveraging its unique community discussions for shoppable experiences. We also discuss how Reddit is monetizing user data and integrating AI into its search and advertising functions, alongside its recent financial successes.Chapters00:00 Reddit's AI Commerce Move03:09 New AI-Driven Search Experience10:09 Industry Shift & Reddit's Growth15:13 AI Acquisitions and Revenue LinksGet the top 40+ AI Models for $8.99 at AI Box: ⁠⁠https://aibox.aiAI Chat YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@JaedenSchaferJoin my AI Hustle Community: https://www.skool.com/aihustle

In this solo episode of Business Coaching Secrets, Karl Bryan dives deep into actionable strategies for coaches looking to get "unstuck," sign more high-end clients, and build lasting, meaningful rapport with business owners. With Rode Dog away, Karl brings raw, practical guidance on everything from lead generation and goal setting to winning the trust of seven-figure entrepreneurs and using universal truths to transform coaching practice. Key Topics Covered Strategies to Get Unstuck as a Coach Karl outlines a direct three-step process for coaches feeling stuck: get real about what you're not doing, set simple goals with clear steps, and break sabotaging habits. He drills into the importance of direct action, from reaching out to close friends and family for referrals, to building substantial prospect lists, and ramping up daily outreach efforts. Lead Generation and Goal Setting Karl emphasizes that most coaches fail simply because they aren't generating enough leads or having enough conversations with potential clients. He offers tangible frameworks for stacking the odds in your favor—like setting a goal to sign one client within seven days and reaching out consistently, no matter what obstacles arise. Building Rapport That Closes High-End Clients Success in selling coaching hinges on powerful rapport. Karl shares a proven three-step rapport-building method: genuine compliments, relatable conversations, and strategic framing (saying no to non-ideal clients to boost trust). He stresses, "People buy from people they like, and people like people like themselves." Selling to Seven-Figure vs. Smaller Business Owners Karl details the mindset differences between selling to affluent, driven business owners versus those just starting out. He shares the 10-10-80 influence frame, how to educate and impress experienced prospects, and why hunger (not mere motivation) is your #1 client selection metric. Universal Truths That Drive Success The episode wraps up with essential universal truths and time-tested advice—from the 80/20 rule and compounding wealth principles to the reality that "freedom lives in structure" and that laughter and play are keys to sustained energy and youthfulness in business. Notable Quotes "If you want to improve your closing, improve your opening. The opening is all about building rapport." "You can control your effort, not your outcome. Stack the odds in your favor with persistent action." "Lead generation isn't sexy, but it's what you're not doing and what's making you stuck." "People who read earn double what non-readers do. Teach something unique and awesome—affluent people respect that." "Trust is the currency of business. What are you doing every day to build and accelerate it?" "Being fun will open more doors than determination ever will." Actionable Takeaways Generate More Leads: Make a list of 100+ local businesses or prospects and commit to reaching out—via email, phone, or message—every single day, regardless of life's curveballs. Set Simple, Achievable Goals: Break big goals into three actionable steps and ruthlessly eliminate habits that lead to procrastination or hiding. Build Rapport, Not Scripts: Use heartfelt compliments, highlight common ground, and boldly state what you do not do—this authenticity attracts the right clients. Serve Before You Sell: Offer value and insights freely; your best prospects are seeking guidance, not just motivation. Learn and Teach Upmarket Clients: Don't just agree—explain ideas in ways they've "never heard before" to earn respect and premium fees. Leverage Social Proof: In presentations or networking, let happy clients tell their stories to build instant credibility and trust. Embrace Structure and Play: Consistent planning breeds freedom. And don't forget to make room for joy and play—laughter is a fountain of youth (and business energy). Resources Mentioned Profit Acceleration Software™ by Karl Bryan (focused.com)—Karl's unique tool for demonstrating ROI and closing high-fee clients Networking Groups: BNI, Chamber of Commerce, local business clubs for lead generation and rapport-building Books and Biographies: Elon Musk's biography for lessons on first principles and compounding success; Ryan Holiday and Stoic texts for focus and minimalism The Six-Figure Coach Magazine (free subscription): https://thesixfigurecoach.com/get-it Demo Request for Profit Acceleration Software™: https://go.focused.com/profit-acceleration If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share with a fellow coach, and leave a review. See you next week on Business Coaching Secrets! Ready to elevate your coaching business? Don't wait—visit Focused.com for resources and a community dedicated to your growth.

David Roberts spent nearly four decades in finance—starting on Wall Street in 1983 and joining Angelo Gordon in 1993, when the firm was a 15-person shop managing about $300M. By the time he left, the firm managed roughly $50B in assets, and David contributed to that growth by helping build and launch several of the firm's businesses. After retiring, he created Sparks From Culture, a widely read Substack, which provides its nearly 9,000 readers with “weekly personal essays on wealth, status, and family from someone with generational wealth, writing with transparency.”Our host, Ross Overline, is one of David's readers.In this conversation, David and Ross explore the hardest questions finance leaders rarely discuss publicly: How do you know when you have “enough”? Why does comparison keep resetting our definition of success? What are the risks of wealth concentration?They discuss inequality, philanthropy, competing views of capitalism's current state, and how greed often shows up as self-justification. David makes the case for generosity as a stabilizing force in society—and shares how he's translated these beliefs into real, high-impact giving.The episode closes with a simple but unforgettable principle: the butterfly effect—small acts of generosity can change a life more than you'll ever know.Meet David David Roberts is a retired Partner of Angelo Gordon, where he joined in 1993, helping build and scale investment platforms across real estate, structured credit, and net lease. After retiring in 2022, he briefly served in public service as Senior Advisor to Maryland's Secretary of Commerce.In recent years, David has become a thoughtful public voice through his Substack newsletter Sparks From Culture (no payment necessary). All proceeds from paid subscriptions are donated to the Robin Hood Foundation, reflecting David and his wife Debbie's long-standing commitment to impact-driven giving.He holds a B.S. from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

In episode 240, Coffey talks with Yoram Solomon about motivating disengaged employees by building trust, increasing autonomy, and aligning intrinsic motivation with meaningful work.  They discuss quiet quitting and job hugging trends in uncertain economic times; intrinsic versus extrinsic motivation using the car engine analogy; why pay and bonuses fail as long-term engagement strategies; the critical link between trust, autonomy, and employee engagement; why trustworthiness matters more than intelligence or effort; how micromanagement destroys creativity and productivity; designing roles that fit personality and tolerance for repetitive work; diagnosing turnover caused by boring or monotonous jobs; involving employees in organizational change initiatives; rebuilding lost trust through accountability and ownership; and why leadership should be treated as a profession rather than a promotion.  For HR teams who discuss this podcast in their team meetings, we've created a discussion starter PDF to help guide your conversation. Download it here https://goodmorninghr.com/EP240  Good Morning, HR is brought to you by Imperative—Bulletproof Background Checks. For more information about our commitment to quality and excellent customer service, visit us at https://imperativeinfo.com.   If you are an HRCI or SHRM-certified professional, this episode of Good Morning, HR has been pre-approved for half a recertification credit. To obtain the recertification information for this episode, visit https://goodmorninghr.com.   About our Guest:  Dr. Yoram Solomon is one of the world's leading experts on trust. He's the author of The Book of Trust and The Trust Premium, host of The Trust Show podcast, and creator of the Trust Habits® process. A 3-time TEDx speaker and founder of the Innovation Culture Institute®, Dr. Solomon has worked with organizations like AT&T, Dannon, Northrop Grumman, and HR.com. His research-backed, no-BS approach challenges conventional wisdom on leadership, culture, and motivation—and replaces it with brutally honest, practical strategies that actually work. With a PhD in organization and management, and a background that spans tech, military, law, and education, he brings a rare combination of academic depth and real-world experience. Whether he's on stage, on TV, or in the boardroom, his message is simple: trust isn't fluffy—it's measurable, learnable, and the most powerful driver of performance.  Dr. Yoram Solomon can be reached at: https://www.yoramsolomon.com  https://www.linkedin.com/in/yoramsolomon  https://www.instagram.com/yoramsolomon  https://www.facebook.com/TheBookofTrust https://x.com/yoramsolomon  https://www.youtube.com/@TheTrustShow   About Mike Coffey:  Mike Coffey is an entrepreneur, licensed private investigator, business strategist, HR consultant, and registered yoga teacher. In 1999, he founded Imperative, a background investigations and due diligence firm helping risk-averse clients make well-informed decisions about the people they involve in their business. Imperative delivers in-depth employment background investigations, know-your-customer and anti-money laundering compliance, and due diligence investigations to more than 300 risk-averse corporate clients across the US, and, through its PFC Caregiver & Household Screening brand, many more private estates, family offices, and personal service agencies. Imperative has been named a Best Places to Work, the Texas Association of Business' small business of the year, and is accredited by the Professional Background Screening Association.  Mike shares his insight from 25+ years of HR-entrepreneurship on the Good Morning, HR podcast, where each week he talks to business leaders about bringing people together to create value for customers, shareholders, and community. Mike has been recognized as an Entrepreneur of Excellence by FW, Inc. and has twice been recognized as the North Texas HR Professional of the Year.  Mike serves as a board member of a number of organizations, including the Texas State Council, where he serves Texas' 31 SHRM chapters as State Director-Elect; Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County; the Texas Association of Business; and the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, where he is chair of the Talent Committee. Mike is a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) through the HR Certification Institute and a SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP). He is also a Yoga Alliance registered yoga teacher (RYT-200) and teaches multiple times each week. Mike and his very patient wife of 28 years are empty nesters in Fort Worth.  Learning Objectives:  Differentiate between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation in workplace performance. Identify how trust and autonomy directly impact employee engagement and retention. Apply practical strategies to rebuild trust and increase motivation during organizational change. 

This episode of Carlsbad: People, Purpose and Impact highlights the Carlsbad Chamber's 2026 Chamber Travel adventure to Normandy and the Champagne region of France.Host Bret Schanzenbach sits down with Ian Scott of Quest Voyager and Kathy Steffen, the Chamber's Director of Fun, to preview the unforgettable journey scheduled for October 4–12, with an optional Paris extension.Trip highlights include:• Mont Saint-Michel • Omaha Beach & Pointe du Hoc • Normandy American Cemetery • Rouen (Joan of Arc & Richard the Lionheart) • Camembert cheese tasting in its birthplace • Champagne cellar tours in ÉpernayEarly bird pricing ($4,199) ends March 29th.Learn more and register at: carlsbad.org → Events → Travel

In this episode, I'm challenging the popular advice that you should "only do what you love" by exploring why friction is often a necessary data point rather than a signal to quit. While finding your flow is the ultimate destination, I've found that the path to success—whether you're a NASA engineer or a founder—inevitably requires grinding through tasks that drain your energy just to reach the next level. I break down how to distinguish between high-value flow and simple dopamine-seeking avoidance, offering a three-question framework to help you decide when to delegate, when to drop a task entirely, and when you just need to embrace the "mouse fart" course corrections required to get your business off the ground.Chris Walker podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/5eEzaXy4hUSqlvzD9ROqrz?si=09ac9ae5cfde4157Dave Rendall YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/drendallDave Rendall Website: www.drendall.comJustin Welsh Website: https://www.justinwelsh.me///Welcome to The Ray J. Green Show, your destination for tips on sales, strategy, and self-mastery from an operator, not a guru.About Ray:→ Former Managing Director of National Small & Midsize Business at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, where he doubled revenue per sale in fundraising, led the first increase in SMB membership, co-built a national Mid-Market sales channel, and more.→ Former CEO operator for several investor groups where he led turnarounds of recently acquired small businesses.→ Current founder of MSP Sales Partners, where we currently help IT companies scale sales: www.MSPSalesPartners.com→ Current Sales & Sales Management Expert in Residence at the world's largest IT business mastermind.→ Current Managing Partner of Repeatable Revenue Ventures, where we scale B2B companies we have equity in: www.RayJGreen.com//Follow Ray on:YouTube | LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

In this 5 Insightful Minutes episode, Maia Josebachvili, Chief Revenue Officer of AI at Stripe, joins Omni Talk to break down what retailers are really saying about Agentic Commerce — and how the conversation has shifted dramatically in just six months. From fraud concerns to discoverability challenges, Maia explains how Stripe is helping merchants navigate the AI agent landscape with the tools they need to stay in control, stay competitive, and sell through AI agents without rebuilding their entire commerce stack.

What we're Sipping Jessica ia aipping a 2022 Parra Wine Co. Chardonnay from Zenith Vineyards in Oregon's Willamette Valley, while Marisa sips nettle tea with electrolyte salt. Episode Summary In this episode of Wine & Chisme, Jessica sits down with Marisa Gonzales, a proud Mexican-American graphic designer, brand strategist, and the founder of Marisa Gonzalez Studios, for a deeply personal and empowering conversation. Based in Kansas City, Kansas, Marisa shares what it was like growing up as one of the only Latinas in a predominantly white suburb of Missouri, how chronic migraines and a serious car accident reshaped her path, and how she overcame medication dependency to reclaim her health and creativity. She also opens up about walking away from a toxic corporate job as a new mom, and how all of these experiences led her to build an intentional, client-centered design business that centers the voices of women, minorities, and nonprofits. What We Cover in This Episode Growing up Latina in Blue Springs, Missouri, one of the only Mexican-American families in a predominantly white suburb How Marisa's parents kept her culture alive through weekly family dinners, Mexican music, and tostadas at abuela's house- even without teaching Spanish The shared Gen X/elder Millennial experience of being raised without Spanish, and the generational trauma behind it Experiencing racial bias in school. From a teacher who gave her less attention than white students, to friends casually throwing around slurs The car accident in her 20s that broke her nose, injured her spine (C1/Atlas), and escalated into chronic migraines Her journey with Fioricet dependency, the first time she has spoken about this publicly, and how her husband Travis helped her taper off gradually Overcoming rebound migraines caused by the very medication she was using to function at work The toxic corporate job she left cold- on the day they wrote her up for calling in after her infant son got sick Using her maternity leave to quietly build her design business on the side before making the leap full-time Her non-traditional career path: graphic design → production artist → burned out at 2008 recession → physical therapy assistant → office job → full-time entrepreneur How her dad's encouragement to "follow your heart" changed the direction of her life What it means to center Latinidad and lived experience in brand strategy How she vets clients and intentionally limits her workload to protect her health and family Her certifications: Women's Business Enterprise (WBE) and MWBE through the Kansas Department of Commerce Practical branding insight: why having a "signature look" is non-negotiable for standing out About Marisa Gonzales Marisa Gonzales is the CEO, Principal Strategist, and Designer of Marisa Gonzalez Studios, a boutique brand and web design agency based in Kansas City, Kansas. She helps women-owned businesses, minority entrepreneurs, and nonprofits build standout brands and websites that don't just look beautiful — they work. A proud Mexican-American woman, Marisa grew up in Blue Springs, Missouri, navigating life as one of the few Latinas in a predominantly white community. That experience — of being unseen, mislabeled, and underestimated — shapes everything about how she shows up for her clients today. She is certified as a Women's Business Enterprise (WBE) and as a Minority Women's Business Enterprise (MWBE) through the Kansas Department of Commerce. Marisa also lives with chronic migraines and late-diagnosed ADHD, and has built her business around flexibility, intentionality, and listening to her body — modeling for her clients that sustainable success is possible. Connect with Marisa Marisa's Website: MarisaGstudios.com → MarisaGstudios.com Instagram: @MarisaGStudios Facebook: Marisa G. Studios LinkedIn: Marisa Gonzalez

A very serious threat to freedom is rising in our nation. Many people have not heard of, nor do they understand how adherents to Sharia Law want to change our culture, legal system, and ultimately our entire system of government. They have openly admitted such desires and are working diligently throughout the country to accomplish their goals. In this episode, Linda interviews policy expert, Frank Gaffney, to discuss the need for all citizens to be aware and informed on this matter. Frank also provides time-sensitive information for people in Texas who have an opportunity to express opposition to Sharia Law and show support for our Constitution through voting in a special election on March 3, 2026. (Early voting has already started.) Proposition 10 is a simple ballot proposal stating opposition to Sharia Law, and if passed it will send a message to Texas and the nation that we want our Constitution to remain the law of the land. This issue affects every community and every citizen, not just those in Texas. If you care about freedom, you do not want to miss this episode.  ©Copyright 2026, Prosperity 101, LLC For more information on Sharia Law and the Texas ballot proposal, please visit www.BanSharia.com. __________________________________________________________ For information about our online course and other resources visit: https://prosperity101.com To order a copy of Prosperity 101 – Job Security Through Business Prosperity® by Linda J. Hansen, click here: https://prosperity101.com/products/ Become a Prosperity Partner: https://prosperity101.com/partner-contribution/ If you would like to be an episode sponsor, please contact us directly at https://prosperity101.com. You can also support this podcast by engaging with our Strategic Partners using the promo codes listed below. Be free to work and free to hire by joining RedBalloon, America's #1 non-woke job board and talent connector. Use Promo Code P101 or go to RedBalloon.work/p101 to join Red Balloon and support Prosperity 101®. Connect with other Kingdom minded business owners by joining the US Christian Chamber of Commerce. Support both organizations by mentioning Prosperity 101, LLC or using code P101 to join. https://uschristianchamber.com Mother Nature's Trading Company®, providing natural products for your health, all Powered by Cranology®. Use this link to explore Buy One Get One Free product options and special discounts: https://mntc.shop/prosperity101/ Unite for impact by joining Christian Employers Alliance at www.ChristianEmployersAlliance.org and use Promo Code P101. Support Pro-Life Payments and help save babies with every swipe. Visit www.prolifepayments.com/life/p101 for more information. Maximize your podcast by contacting Podcast Town. Contact them today: https://podcasttown.zohothrive.com/affiliateportal/podcasttown/login Check out VAUSA, America's choice for virtual assistants- https://hirevausa.com/connect" Thank you to all our guests, listeners, Prosperity Partners, and Strategic Partners. You are appreciated!   The opinions expressed by guests on this podcast do not necessarily represent those held or promoted by Linda J. Hansen or Prosperity 101, LLC.

Senior executives face unprecedented challenges: AI-driven processes, multi-generational teams, and constant change can make leadership feel overwhelming.In this episode of The Executive Appeal, Alex D. Tremble sits down with Alejandra Castillo, Senior Fellow for Economic Development at Purdue University NW and former U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development. Alejandra shares her decades of leadership experience across three presidential administrations and explains how human-centered leadership drives alignment, innovation, and team performance.You'll learn:- How to quiet your mind and lead with clarity under pressure- Strategies for aligning multi-generational, AI-impacted teams- Why empathy and human connection accelerate performance- How to empower your team without over-relying on technology- When to push forward and when to allow space for others to catch upThis episode is for you if:- You're managing teams across generations or tech disruption- Your team struggles with alignment or communication- You want to maintain humanity in an AI-influenced workplace- You want to drive results while reducing burnout and frictionListen now to discover how human leadership is your most powerful strategic advantage.

(Lander, WY) – The KOVE 1330 AM / 107.7 FM Today in the 10 interview series Coffee Time continued today with host Vince Tropea, who recently spoke with Meghan Manning from the Lander Chamber of Commerce and MJ Greene from the Lander Community Foundation. Manning and Greene stopped by to chat about tomorrow’s Business After Hours event (Feb. 19), which will take place from 5:30-7 pm at the Lander Community Foundation office, located at 101 East Main Street. Check out the full Coffee Time interview below for all of the details on the Business After Hours, and for sneak peeks about upcoming Chamber events! Be sure to tune in to Today in the 10 and Coffee Time interviews every morning from 7:00 to 9:00 AM on KOVE 1330 AM / 107.7 FM, or stream it live right here.

I made the biggest hire in my business this week—and the numbers today didn't justify it. I did it anyway. Not out of gut instinct, but because a big bet is a forcing function. The moment I committed, every meeting and every project on my calendar had to justify its existence. Waiting for the safe moment feels smart, but it just gives you permission to drift. Here's what I see with businesses that plateau: early on, every entrepreneur makes bold bets because the math is simple—huge upside, little to lose. But once momentum builds, the internal math quietly flips from "what do I have to gain" to "what do I have to lose." You still say you want to scale, but the decisions tell a different story. You lose the forcing function, you lose the focus, and you stall. If you've been sitting at the same revenue number for a while, ask yourself: when's the last time you made a commitment that actually scared you?//Welcome to The Ray J. Green Show, your destination for tips on sales, strategy, and self-mastery from an operator, not a guru.About Ray:→ Former Managing Director of National Small & Midsize Business at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, where he doubled revenue per sale in fundraising, led the first increase in SMB membership, co-built a national Mid-Market sales channel, and more.→ Former CEO operator for several investor groups where he led turnarounds of recently acquired small businesses.→ Current founder of MSP Sales Partners, where we currently help IT companies scale sales: www.MSPSalesPartners.com→ Current Sales & Sales Management Expert in Residence at the world's largest IT business mastermind.→ Current Managing Partner of Repeatable Revenue Ventures, where we scale B2B companies we have equity in: www.RayJGreen.com//Follow Ray on:YouTube | LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Each week, the CPG Guys will riff on the hottest topics in the world of omnichannel commerce. This week's topics:Grok market shareRoku resultsAlbertsons partners with Open AIKraftHeinz halts breakupCPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comSheCOMMERCE Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/Rhea Raj's Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual's use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.

In this engaging conversation, Kelly connects with Paul Eastwick to discuss his new book, ‘Bonded by Evolution,’ exploring misconceptions about love and connection. He critiques the outdated ‘Evo script’ that shapes our understanding of attraction and relationships, emphasizing the impact of modern dating practices. Eastwick highlights the fluidity of attraction, the importance of close relationships, […]

(Fremont County, WY) – Wind River Transportation Authority (WRTA) Director Tim Nichols joined the County 10 Podcast this week to discuss a few different items regarding local public transportation. First, he encouraged community members to voice their support at a Tuesday, February 17th meeting hosted by the Riverton Chamber of Commerce from 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. He discusses ridership numbers over the last few months and ways you can take advantage of public transportation!

How One Virginia Town is Reinventing Community Commerce During Its Bicentennial Mount Jackson, Virginia, is having a moment. During a recent Tourism Tuesday episode of The Valley Today, Town Manager Olivia Hilton sat down with host Janet Michael to share an ambitious slate of initiatives transforming this small Shenandoah County community. From quirky farmers markets to business incubators, Mount Jackson is proving that small towns can think big—and get a little weird while doing it. Honoring History First Before diving into future plans, Olivia highlights the town's commitment to preserving its past. On February 28th, Mount Jackson will host "Roots and Resilience," the finale event for Shenandoah County's Black History Month programming. The event features historian Rosemary Wallinger, who will discuss the CCC camp at Wolf Gap and her work revitalizing the Mount Jackson Colored Cemetery, which was recently added to Virginia's historic registry. Notably, the town plans to record Wallinger's presentation so descendants living in other states can participate virtually, demonstrating how Mount Jackson balances heritage preservation with modern accessibility. Junk and Jams: When Markets Get Funky Starting in April, Mount Jackson launches what might be the region's most creative take on the traditional farmers market. "Junk and Jams" reimagines the second Saturday market experience by pairing music genres with seasonal themes, creating what Olivia describes as a "funky" alternative to larger regional markets. The concept emerged from a brainstorming session—or perhaps a dream—by Assistant Town Manager, Greg Beam, who texted Olivia a flurry of ideas one morning. Rather than competing with established markets in Harrisonburg or Winchester, Mount Jackson decided to embrace its quirky side. Each month features a distinct theme: April kicks off with "Retro and Roots," a 1950s greaser aesthetic meets spring cleaning, complete with retro kitchen kitsch, greenhouse starts, and farm-fresh eggs. May transitions to "Floral and Fiddles," while August brings "Sunflowers and Southern Rock" during the town's yard crawl weekend. Beyond the alliterative themes, Junk and Jams incorporates interactive elements that set it apart. A Model T club will demonstrate disassembling and reassembling vintage cars. The local museum plans a "Price is Right" style game featuring historical products. Vendors will demonstrate kombucha brewing and tea making. Meanwhile, the town is developing a digital cookbook to tie into the bicentennial celebration, weaving history into every program. Importantly, vendors don't need to match the monthly theme—the music and decor create the vibe while crafters, farmers, and vintage sellers bring whatever handmade, homemade, or antique goods they offer. At just $10 per market or $60 for all six events, the barrier to entry remains intentionally low. As Olivia jokes, even if only she and Greg show up, "we're gonna have the time of our lives." The Nest: Incubating Main Street's Future Perhaps Mount Jackson's most ambitious project is The Nest, a retail incubator opening this spring in a renovated 1930s hardware store on Main Street. The concept addresses a common small business challenge: entrepreneurs who aren't quite ready for their own brick-and-mortar location due to full-time jobs, health insurance needs, family obligations, or simple uncertainty about whether their hobby can become a viable business. Thanks to two years of grant funding from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development totaling $125,000 distributed among 11 businesses, Mount Jackson created this shared retail space. Four "nesters" from the Mount Jackson Five business program will anchor the location: Joyce Kelly with Two Turtle Doves, Ryan Peters with Home Revival & Decor, Mike with Poppy's Dust, and Alex and Abby with Sunbliss, a healthy prepackaged meal service. However, The Nest won't resemble typical booth-style antique malls. Instead, Olivia envisions one cohesive boutique experience where established businesses like Jon Henry's, Clementine Vintage, and Nana's Blue Greenhouse occupy corners alongside the newer entrepreneurs. The space will even incorporate display pieces from other downtown businesses like Mount Jackson Thrift & Gift and Search, with commission-based sales creating a truly collaborative downtown ecosystem. Currently, the town's public works team is renovating the space, leaving Olivia with what she calls "the most stressful choice of my life"—picking paint colors. Meanwhile, Alex from Sunbliss, who happens to be a talented artist, will create a 2.5-by-25-foot mural inside, possibly featuring a woodpecker doing woodwork. As Olivia puts it, "Whatever you wanna do, you're the artist." The nesters will contribute volunteer hours as part of their learning experience, while the town navigates various business models including consignment, wholesale, and commission arrangements. The goal remains clear: give entrepreneurs one to two years to test their concepts before they "fly the nest" into their own storefronts. Nights at the Nest: Midweek Main Street To launch The Nest and activate downtown during typically quiet evenings, Mount Jackson introduces "Nights at the Nest" beginning in May. Every second Tuesday from 4 to 8 PM, the retail space stays open late while a food truck parks in the grassy pocket park between Search Thrift and The Nest. The town plans to string bistro lights between buildings, book live music, and transform an underutilized green space into a gathering spot. As Olivia notes, "Nothing to do on a Tuesday? Come on out and shop a little bit, maybe do some live demonstrations." It's another example of Mount Jackson creating its own social scene while supporting local businesses. The Vintage in the Valley Question The conversation took a bittersweet turn when discussing Vintage in the Valley, Strasburg's beloved festival that was canceled for 2025. Olivia expressed frustration that a community with such dedicated volunteers—including Cath from Lydia's, Sue at Clementine, and the Emporium team—couldn't secure municipal support to continue the event. While she quickly dispelled rumors that Mount Jackson would simply absorb the festival (she clarified that the heart of Vintage lies with its volunteer committee, not just a location), she revealed that discussions are underway for a potential "Vintage Through the Valley" concept that would spread the event countywide. This approach would preserve the Emporium's central role while preventing the complete loss of a cherished regional tradition. Janet admitted she may have started the Mount Jackson rumor herself, though Olivia acknowledged the temptation was real. Instead, she's been reaching out to former Vintage in the Valley vendors, inviting them to try Junk and Jams as an alternative. A Town Creating Its Own Social Life Throughout the conversation, Olivia's enthusiasm and self-awareness shine through. She jokes about "creating my own social life in Mount Jackson," acknowledges when she loses naming debates (she advocated for "Citrus and Soul" in September but conceded to "Apples and Americana" for proper alliteration), and celebrates the "you're changing the world" text messages she receives from Rosemary Wallinger. This personal investment reflects a broader truth about small-town revitalization: it requires passionate individuals willing to take risks, embrace quirkiness, and build community one event at a time. Mount Jackson isn't trying to become Harrisonburg or Winchester. Instead, it's carving out its own identity as a place where vintage meets vegetables, where business incubators share space with established retailers, and where a Tuesday night can become a destination. Looking Ahead As Mount Jackson celebrates its bicentennial, the town demonstrates that honoring 200 years of history doesn't mean living in the past. By supporting entrepreneurs, creating unique market experiences, preserving important heritage sites, and fostering collaboration across the downtown business community, this small Shenandoah County town offers a blueprint for rural revitalization that other communities might study. Whether you're interested in retro kitchen kitsch, healthy meal prep, vintage treasures, or simply supporting a town that's willing to get funky with its farmers market, Mount Jackson invites you to be part of its story. Just follow Town of Mount Jackson on Facebook and Instagram, or check out The Nest's new social media managed by Black Valley Creative. And if you see Olivia recording a podcast from her parked car before class, know that she got there early just to share Mount Jackson's good news. That's the kind of dedication that's making this small town's big year possible.

Brent Peterson sat down with Jorrit Steinz, founder and CEO of ChannelEngine, to discuss one of the most transformative shifts in ecommerce today: agentic commerce. The conversation covered how brands and retailers must rethink their multi-channel strategies now that AI-powered agents, from ChatGPT to Microsoft Copilot, are becoming transactional shopping platforms. With marketplaces multiplying, social commerce expanding, and LLMs entering the buying funnel, the episode delivered a forward-looking perspective on what merchants need to do right now to stay competitive.TakeawaysThe ultimate vision of agentic is consumer empowerment.Consumers will deploy agents to find products online.Agents will scrape the internet for purchasing options.In B2B, agents will facilitate shopping across platforms.Automation will enhance the shopping experience.The future of shopping involves digital agents.Agents will present curated options to consumers.B2B transactions will become more efficient with agents.The role of agents is expanding in digital commerce.Consumer agents will revolutionize how we buy. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Channel Engine and E-commerce Passion00:23 The Role of APIs and Data Feeds in E-commerce

What do the design of high-visibility public safety vests, the distance between two railroad tracks, and the protocols that allow for file transfers between devices have in common? Each is determined by a technical standard set through a process coordinated by a private, non-profit organization called the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Technical standards are behind most of the products Americans interact with in everyday life, underpinning public safety, consumer protection, interoperability, and innovation. On this episode, host Megan Nicholson is joined by president and CEO of ANSI and former director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, Laurie Locascio. Locascio explains the importance of standards for innovation and competitiveness, and describes how the US approach to standards development depends on the participation of people with all kinds of expertise. She also shares how more researchers can find their way into setting “the invisible infrastructure of modern life.” ResourcesRead ANSI's United States Standards Strategy 2025 and review their courses and webinars about the American national standard designation.  Check out the US government's 2023 National Standards Strategy for Critical and Emerging Technology, which has not been adopted by the Trump Administration. Read an Issues piece from 1999 on “Why Standards Matter” by Robert L. Mallett, former Deputy Secretary of Commerce.

Hey there, hero!Actors, voice talent and writers often face the question of whether they should run their creative practice as an individual, being paid as an employee, or as a company, paid via invoicing on a more formal basis.And the answer is……it depends.In this episode, I take a look at the options you have in either case, not as a professional business manager, but from both sides of the equation.What has your experience been when making this decision? As I say in the episode, please don't offer any advice to anyone (even if you are a professional at money management and/or taxes), but let me know in the comments below what you've decided and what led to that decision. If you want to. No pressure.REQUEST: Please join this video's conversation and see the full episode on VOHeroes, where the comments are moderated and civil, at https://voheroes.com/should-you-run-your-creative-career-through-a-company-or-as-an-individual/#Acting #Voice #VoiceOver #Performance #Productivity #Tips #Art #Commerce #Science #Mindset #Success #Process #Options #BestPractices #MarketingWant to be a better VO talent, actor or author? Here's how I can help you......become a VO talent (or a more successful one): https://voheroes.com/start ...become an audiobook narrator on ACX (if you're an actor or VO talent): https://acxmasterclass.com/ ...narrate your own book (if you're an author): https://narrateyourownbook.com/ ...have the most effective pop filter (especially for VO talent): https://mikesock.com/ ...be off-book faster for on-camera auditions and work (memorize your lines): https://rehearsal.pro/...master beautiful audiobook and podcast audio in one drag and drop move on your Mac: https://audiocupcake.com/ The VOHeroes Podcast is heroically built with: BuddyBoss | LearnDash | DreamHost | SamCart | TextExpander | BuzzSprout ...

One of my coaching clients said something on a discovery call that took serious guts: "From my selfish standpoint of wanting to sell you services, I can absolutely bring you a proposal. But I don't think you're going to be ready to buy. I'm not seeing a big enough problem for us to solve." That one candid line completely changed the dynamics of the deal. The prospect opened up, revealed the CIO's days were numbered, that he was spending $340K a year across three internal IT people, and that the CIO had been slow to respond despite the owner pushing the initiative. All roads lead to discovery—and this is what I mean by that. Every question I get from sellers about stalled deals, pricing objections, unexpected decision makers, or lack of urgency can be traced back to what we didn't learn in discovery. Most sellers stop at the surface level. They ask their scripted questions, get standard answers, and move on to the next checkbox. They never pull on the thread. This episode breaks down why digging deeper in discovery requires emotional intelligence and courage that most sellers never develop, how being candid and challenging a prospect who gives surface-level answers can completely reframe the problem you're solving—from IT issues to a fundamental business problem worth hundreds of thousands—and why the seller who gets to the real pain differentiates themselves from everyone else competing for the same deal. If you don't know the real problem you're solving, your prescription won't be credible. Keep digging.//Welcome to The Ray J. Green Show, your destination for tips on sales, strategy, and self-mastery from an operator, not a guru.About Ray:→ Former Managing Director of National Small & Midsize Business at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, where he doubled revenue per sale in fundraising, led the first increase in SMB membership, co-built a national Mid-Market sales channel, and more.→ Former CEO operator for several investor groups where he led turnarounds of recently acquired small businesses.→ Current founder of MSP Sales Partners, where we currently help IT companies scale sales: www.MSPSalesPartners.com→ Current Sales & Sales Management Expert in Residence at the world's largest IT business mastermind.→ Current Managing Partner of Repeatable Revenue Ventures, where we scale B2B companies we have equity in: www.RayJGreen.com//Follow Ray on:YouTube | LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

The Rexburg Area Chamber of Commerce is once again turning dining out into a friendly competition as its fourth annual Restaurant Rush invites residents to take part in a two-week bingo card challenge at participating restaurants.

Welcome back to Behind the Wind. Today we're joined by Angie Osguthorpe, the CEO of the Davis Chamber of Commerce. Angie has spent her career championing businesses, strengthening local economies, and bringing leaders together at a time when connection and advocacy matter more than ever. Today we're talking all things chambers of commerce, why they still matter, why they matter more now than ever, and how chambers are evolving to support businesses through uncertainty, growth, and change.

MCALLEN, Texas - There was a 30 percent decrease in loans for construction companies in the Rio Grande Valley in January, the executive director of the South Texas Builders Association reports.Mario Guerrero visited Washington, D.C., recently to urge the White House and the Department of Homeland Security to stop ICE from conducting raids at construction sites. Those meetings in D.C. were set up by U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar.“We need to protect our economy. Right now in South Texas, we're being dramatically affected. In January, there was a 30 percent decrease in construction loans. Compared to 2025, there's been a 30 percent  decrease in construction loans that have been acquired by contractors in order to go ahead and build homes. It's a big strain on the economy. We have companies that have filed for bankruptcy. It's no secret to the people that are here from the Valley. We've also had companies that are seeing 40% losses on revenues, lumber companies, tile companies across the Valley.”Guerrero made those comments on a webinar with Congressman Cuellar and Monica Y. Martinez, executive director of Laredo Chamber of Commerce. Guerrero also participated on a webinar hosted recently by Comite de 100, a group founded buy business leaders who wish to create “an immigration system that reflects the values of fairness, economic prosperity, and respect for all.”Guerrero told the group that he will continue to call out local elected officials until ICE stops its raids of construction sites. “I'm nowhere near a professional when it comes to politics, and maybe my tactics are a little rugged, but one of the things that I did down here in South Texas is I called out every elected official by name, and I also put their picture on a video,” Guerrero said, explaining his tactics in getting attention for STBA's cause.“I really believe that our elected officials should be our voice. I'm a civilian, and if you're an elected official, you should be our voice in the good and in the bad. So I stated in a video that was released by my team in early November of last year that we needed to hold each elected official accountable. (The meeting) was set up for 200 people, and we had close to 400 people show up. It was extremely packed.”As a result to that meeting, STBA secured national media attention, Guerrero told Comite de 100. “I do have a very strong presence in the media outlets. I also have a podcast that reaches hundreds of thousands of people. I don't believe I'm doing anything special, but I do believe that we need to hold the politicians that we put an office accountable for what they're voting for.”The saddest thing builders are seeing is ICE agents racing 50 and 60 miles an hour in neighborhoods as they try to apprehend their construction workers, Guerrero said.“The saddest part that we're seeing is these ICE agents are going 50, 60, miles per hour down a subdivision. Okay, we understand that you're probably trying to get to a job site that's inside that subdivision. But what are you going to do if you kill the child? What if there's a child riding a bike? And I have videos that I showed at that meeting. When you have these ICE agents going and driving these vehicles between 40 to 60 miles per hour in people's backyards that are not fenced we have a real problem.”Editor's Note: To read the full story go to the Rio Grande Guardian website. The attached audio comes from the Comite de 100 webinar. Go to www.riograndeguardian.com to read the latest border news stories and watch the latest news videos.

You can put new curtains on the windows, light a candle, and set the table real nice — but if the milk ain't clean, everything you pour it into is spoiled. Washington State made history when it funded the Charles Mitchell and George Washington Bush Reparations Study — only the fourth statewide reparations study in the nation. Our communities organized. WENA — the Washington Equity Now Alliance — raised nearly half a million dollars in supplemental funding from Pierce County, King County, and beyond. Close to a million dollars in total support. That's not government writing a check. That's everyday people putting their faith, their money, and their ancestors' names on the line. So when the Department of Commerce ran the procurement process to select who would do this sacred work — the community expected excellence. Transparency. Integrity. What they got was something else. In this episode, sisters Melannie and  Audrey connect with Dr. Marcus Anthony Hunter — one of the nation's leading reparations scholars and one of the unsuccessful bidders for the study. Dr. Hunter is the Scott Waugh Endowed Chair at UCLA, author of Radical Reparations: Healing the Soul of a Nation (HarperCollins/Amistad), the visionary who coined #BlackLivesMatter, inaugural Chair of UCLA's African American Studies Department, two-term President of the Association of Black Sociologists, and the scholar who drafted Congresswoman Barbara Lee's historic Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation Commission bill. His work has been featured on C-SPAN's BookTV, MSNBC, BBC, NPR, the Washington Post, the New York Times, and the LA Times. He submitted a proposal for Washington's study. And then the system showed its hand. His proposal was quarantined in the state's email system as “malware” for 22 days while other bidders were being evaluated. When he was finally told he wasn't selected, the state denied him the debriefing that Washington law guarantees every unsuccessful bidder. Denied him twice. He had to retain an attorney just to access a process the law says is his right. Meanwhile, the winning bidder — a DEI consulting firm — was awarded the contract to do work that requires expertise in reparations research, historical accounting, intergenerational economic harm, genealogy, and public policy analysis. The community asked questions. Filed public records requests. And invited the winning firm on this very show. Their general counsel said they'd love to come. That was six weeks ago. Silence ever since. The milk ain't clean. This episode is not about who won or lost a contract. Dr. Hunter is not here as a sore loser — he's here as a witness. This is first-source, insider testimony about how the state administered a process that the community invested in, that the legislature authorized, and that our ancestors are owed. In this conversation you'll hear: Why one of the most qualified reparations scholars in the country answered Washington's call What happened to his proposal inside the Department of Commerce's system — documented, timestamped, on the record The legal fight for a debriefing the state tried to deny him — twice Why DEI consulting is not reparations research — and why that distinction matters for every person this study is supposed to serve What this process tells us about whether the state is truly ready for the work of repair What we demand from our government — and what we owe our ancestors Reparations are policy, process, and praxis. If the process ain't right, the outcome can't be trusted. And trust, once broken, has to be earned back in public. This one is for the record. For the archive. For Charles Mitchell and George Washington Bush. For Mother Viola Fletcher. For every descendant who is counting on this study to tell the truth. To Truclusion – the successful bidder: the invitation is still open. Come tell your story. Show yourself. This IS community. And community is waiting…please. What Say U? LINKS & REFERENCES Previous Episode-Listen for Context “When the System Shows Its Hand: Sacred Work, Shady Process” https://whatsayupodcast.com/when-the-system-shows-its-hand-sacred-work-shady-process/ About Our Guest Dr. Marcus Anthony Hunter — marcusanthonyhunter.com Radical Reparations: Healing the Soul of a Nation — HarperCollins/Amistad (2024) UCLA Department of Sociology — soc.ucla.edu Dr. Hunter's Op-Ed in the AFRO: “When Equity is Performed, Not Practiced” When equity is performed, not practiced Washington Equity NOW Alliance https://waequitynow.org/ Washington State Reparations Study WA Dept. of Commerce — Reparative Study for Washington Descendants — https://www.commerce.wa.gov/community-initiatives/reparations-study/ Community Action Petition: Stand for Integrity & Justice in Washington's Reparations Process — https://www.thefactsnewspaper.com/post/stand-for-integrity-justice-in-washington-s-reparations-process-sign-the-petition More Context & Receipts Department of Commerce: https://www.commerce.wa.gov/community-initiatives/reparations-study/ Department of Commerce: https://www.commerce.wa.gov/reparations-study-update-january-2026/ Seattle Medium: “Community Questions Firm Named As Apparent Successful Bidder” https://seattlemedium.com/truclusion-consulting-firm-controversy/ Community Debate of the selection of Truclusion as apparent successful bidder: https://seattlemedium.com/reparations-legislation-community-concerns/ South Seattle Emerald: “Washington Will Spend $300K to Study Reparations” https://southseattleemerald.org/news/2025/06/07/washington-will-spend-300k-to-study-reparations-multiracial-solidarity-made-it-possible Attachment Department Commerce email naming Reparation Study scorers (.pdf)

An Unexpected Path to Baking Chef Chuck Arnaud didn't follow a traditional route to becoming one of Luray's most beloved bakers. For over two decades, he worked in stagecraft, starting as a junior high school stagehand and eventually country music artists in Nashville. However, his career took a dramatic turn when he traded stage lights for bread ovens, opening Main Street Bakery and Catering in the heart of Page County. During this episode of The Valley Today with host Janet Michael and Gina Hilliard, president of the Luray Page Chamber of Commerce, Chef Chuck revealed what drew him to this picturesque Virginia community. "I've lots of kin in the area," he explains, describing his deep family roots on the other side of the ridge in Shenandoah County. This connection made the transition feel natural rather than terrifying. Moreover, Page County's stunning landscape—featuring Shenandoah National Park, the Shenandoah River, and George Washington National Forest—provided the perfect backdrop for his new venture. The Aroma of Home Walking into Main Street Bakery triggers something profound in visitors. "The number one thing people say is, 'Wow, it smells wonderful in here,'" Chef Chuck shares. This reaction isn't accidental. He believes people have become disconnected from their grandmother's kitchens, where families gathered around tables filled with home-baked bread and the aroma of love filled the air. Furthermore, Chef Chuck sees his bakery as more than a business—it's a bridge to lost traditions. "That magical aroma of family and love has just become lost to us," he reflects. "So people reconnect with that when they come in because that aroma—pow—it's front and center right there when you walk into the bakery." What's on the Menu Currently, Main Street Bakery operates with a skeleton crew of three people, plus dedicated volunteers like Mike Salvino. The team focuses primarily on artisan breads, muffins, scones, and quiche. Chef Chuck personally handles everything that goes into the oven, while Emma has moved into savory work, tackling knife work, soups, and salads. The bakery's soup program has become particularly popular. Two standouts fly off the shelves: the Senegalese peanut soup, which customers request repeatedly because of its unique, original flavor, and the classic potato leek soup, which sells by the quart. Customers can enjoy soup in the bakery or take it home in half-pint, pint, or quart containers, either hot or cold. Meanwhile, the sweet treats maintain their own devoted following. Chocolate chip cookies disappear so quickly that they rarely make it to closing time. Brownies and blondies also prove to be "good problems to have," as Chef Chuck puts it, consistently selling out. The Art of Bread Making Unlike many modern bakeries that focus exclusively on cakes and cupcakes, Main Street Bakery champions the nearly lost art of bread baking. Chef Chuck approaches bread with seasonal creativity rather than rigid schedules. On cold, chilly days, he gravitates toward dark, rustic loaves. Recently, he crafted a buttered honey oat multigrain bread that toasts beautifully, as well as a traditional pumpernickel—chocolatey and coffee-forward with generous amounts of caraway and fennel seeds. Additionally, Chef Chuck emphasizes that customers shouldn't hesitate to make special requests. Want a bread bowl for your soup? Just call ahead. "If you want a bowl, call us," he insists. "We'll make you a bowl and we'll put soup in it and sit you down and make you happy. That's just what we do and who we are right now." Building Community Through Collaboration Chef Chuck's philosophy extends beyond his own storefront. He actively seeks collaborations with other local businesses, understanding that a rising tide lifts all boats. His strongest partnerships include Hawksbill Brewing Company and Wisteria Vineyard, where food naturally pairs with beer and wine. These collaborations take various forms. For Mardi Gras, he brings king cake to Hawksbill Brewing Company, complete with the traditional baby hidden inside—whoever finds it wins a free beer. For St. Patrick's Day, he plans to serve cottage pies with ground beef, gravy, mashed potatoes, and caramelized cheese. At Wisteria Vineyard, he creates seasonal popups that showcase wine pairings with his culinary creations. Nevertheless, Chef Chuck remains open to new partnerships. He specifically mentions The Vintage Barrel and Coal Ridge Brewery as businesses he'd love to work with, encouraging anyone interested to reach out directly. The Power of Food Memories Throughout the conversation, Chef Chuck returns repeatedly to the concept of food memories—those powerful moments when a simple dish transports you to another time and place. "It can be a simple moment where you have a dish in front of you," he explains. "It could be in Tuscany. It could be at the top of a mountainside just having a ham and cheese sandwich, but that moment, that exhilaration of you just climbed up Old Rag Mountain and you have a cheese sandwich, and by God that is the best cheese sandwich because you are sitting on top of the known world at that point." These memories stick with people forever, whether they're teenagers or ninety years old. Consequently, Janet believes parents need to create more of these moments for their children, exposing them to the aromas and experiences that will become their own cherished food memories. Catering with Intention While COVID devastated the bakery's large-scale catering operations, Chef Chuck has found his sweet spot in wedding brunches. His pitch to couples is simple but compelling: at a wedding reception with 175 guests, newlyweds won't get quality time with Aunt Maggie. However, a brunch the next day allows them to sit, have coffee, and actually hear about her whale-watching trip. "Isn't that what weddings are about?" he asks. "It's just a unification of two people who have, against all odds, found love." Brunches also unite two families who may have nothing in common, giving them time to discover shared interests—like realizing they both golf and should play together sometime. For these events, Main Street Bakery arrives with coffee, creamer, quiche, muffins, scones, and seasonal pastries. Importantly, Chef Chuck sources as much as possible from local farmers, which sets his offerings apart from generic catering options. "You can tell a muffin from Costco," he notes. "It might as well have a red light that's flashing on it." The Kindness Economy One of the most touching stories Chef Chuck shares involves Tommy and Hannah Chang, who became regular customers after Main Street Bakery made them feel welcome in the community. When they noticed his outdated website, they brought in a videographer from DC with drones, track cameras, and steady cams. They spent an entire day filming and creating a professional website. When Chef Chuck reached for his checkbook, expecting a bill in the thousands, they refused payment. "You showed us kindness and here's kindness repaid," they told him. This exchange perfectly illustrates the reciprocal nature of community building that Chef Chuck champions. Similarly, regular customer Noel now works at the bakery and has become an exceptional salesperson. "People are like, 'Dude, I just wanted a cookie,'" Chef Chuck laughs, "and they walk out of there with three quiches, four bread puddings, and six breads. And they're feeling good about it." Looking Toward Retirement As Chef Chuck enters his sixties, retirement looms on the horizon. His plans? "I'm gonna smoke stuff and ferment things," he declares with a smile. This includes smoked meats, smoked fish, fermenting ales, wines, and exploring breads from different cultures around the world. More importantly, he hopes to find a venue where he can help people recapture the lost moments of generational knowledge transfer. "It used to be the grandmothers would teach the young ladies sewing and needlepoint and crafting," he reflects. "Guys would show their sons and grandsons how to hunt, how to fish, how to tie a lure on." These traditions are disappearing, and Chef Chuck worries that Page County's agrarian roots are being forgotten in the rush toward progress. Practical Information Main Street Bakery operates Tuesday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Saturdays from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Located at 127 East Main Street in Luray, the bakery sits right at the top of the hill with flags out front—you can't miss it. While the bakery doesn't post menus online because offerings change frequently based on season and availability, customers can visit mainstreetbakery-catering.com/ for more information. The bakery maintains an active presence on Facebook and Instagram, where Chef Chuck's wife Janet showcases her exceptional food photography skills. Finally, Chef Chuck encourages customers to call ahead, especially near closing time. "If it's 4:45 and we close at five, call ahead and say, 'Hey, do you have three cookies that would really make my day?' I will stay open till you get there," he promises. "What's the worst thing that's gonna happen? I'm gonna say I just don't have that, but maybe tomorrow." The Bigger Picture As the conversation winds down, it becomes clear that Main Street Bakery represents something larger than artisan bread and chocolate chip cookies. It embodies a philosophy of community, collaboration, and connection—values that Chef Chuck believes are essential to preserving what makes small-town life special. In an era when people increasingly feel disconnected from their food sources and family traditions, Chef Chuck offers a simple remedy: walk through his door, breathe in the aroma of fresh-baked bread, and remember what it felt like when someone who loved you baked with care. That memory, that feeling, that moment of connection—that's what Main Street Bakery serves alongside every loaf, every muffin, every bowl of soup. And perhaps that's the most important recipe of all.

I introduce my daily podcast for operators and founders who need sharper thinking around decisions that don't come with playbooks. As an investor, operator, and founder of MSP Sales Partners and Repeatable Revenue Ventures, I explain why this show focuses on how to think before deciding what to do. I challenge the common pattern of jumping straight to tactics without examining the underlying assumptions that shape every business decision. This episode establishes the show's core premise: that getting the frame right makes the decision easier, and that real-world business requires context, not just guru advice. I outline what listeners can expect from the daily format and who will benefit most from this approach to thinking through sales, strategy, hiring, leadership, and the moments when you're the only one willing to acknowledge something isn't working.//Welcome to The Ray J. Green Show, your destination for tips on sales, strategy, and self-mastery from an operator, not a guru.About Ray:→ Former Managing Director of National Small & Midsize Business at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, where he doubled revenue per sale in fundraising, led the first increase in SMB membership, co-built a national Mid-Market sales channel, and more.→ Former CEO operator for several investor groups where he led turnarounds of recently acquired small businesses.→ Current founder of MSP Sales Partners, where we currently help IT companies scale sales: www.MSPSalesPartners.com→ Current Sales & Sales Management Expert in Residence at the world's largest IT business mastermind.→ Current Managing Partner of Repeatable Revenue Ventures, where we scale B2B companies we have equity in: www.RayJGreen.com//Follow Ray on:YouTube | LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Burkina Faso, Gabon, RDC… La liste des États où les Émirats arabes unis investissent s'est allongée ces derniers mois. Les annonces de financements d'infrastructures se multiplient. Abou Dhabi, acteur dont l'implication dans certains conflits régionaux fait polémique, s'est néanmoins imposé comme un partenaire commercial incontournable ces dernières années. Comment analyser cet attrait des gouvernements africains pour ce partenaire ? Travail sur la filière or, construction du port commercial de Banana à l'embouchure du Congo, accords commerciaux sur 6 000 produits… Julien Paluku, ministre congolais du Commerce, rentre d'une visite très fructueuse d'Abou Dhabi : « Nous exploitons une disponibilité qui est à même de devoir nous accompagner aux côtés d'autres partenariats que nous avons tissés avec d'autres pays à travers le monde. » Abou Dhabi s'est imposé comme l'un des principaux partenaires commerciaux de la RDC, car l'un de ses points forts provient de sa capacité à investir dans les projets. « Pour qu'elle se développe après la Deuxième Guerre mondiale, l'Europe a bénéficié d'un plan Marshall. Des milliards de dollars ont été investis pour que l'Europe puisse recouvrer sa santé », rappelle le ministre. « Et donc la RDC aussi, après tous ces moments de turbulences, est à la recherche de capitaux frais et se dirige vers des capitaux frais. Et les Émirats arabes unis constituent une destination importante où les capitaux sont disponibles pour pouvoir échanger avec nous et transformer notre potentiel en richesse. C'est donc dans ce sens que nous nous tournons vers les Émirats arabes unis », explique-t-il. À lire aussiLa RDC et les Émirats arabes unis ont signé un accord économique global à Abou Dhabi Les Émirats adoptent « une approche business to business » De nombreux dirigeants africains se sont succédé à Abou Dhabi ces derniers mois. Pour Oscar Lafay – ex-consultant senior de chez Deloitte, la percée des Émirats arabes unis est nette. « Ce qu'on observe avec cette percée émiratie, c'est la fin d'un monopole des puissances traditionnelles, analyse l'expert. En quatre ans, ils sont devenus le premier investisseur du continent avec plus de 110 milliards d'euros injectés. Et ils sont devenus en effet le grand argentier, là où le FMI ou les banques de développement sont plus lentes. » Autre aspect plus politique, les Émirats ont l'avantage d'avoir la neutralité postcoloniale. « C'est un grand atout puisqu'ils n'ont aucun passif historique sur le continent et ils proposent donc une approche business to business qui est très attrayante pour les différents acteurs africains », poursuit Oscar Lafay. « Et enfin, ils ont un pragmatisme transactionnel, avec une agilité pure qui leur permet d'investir là où les autres ont peur, comme récemment au Burkina, où les questions sécuritaires ou politiques ne leur font pas peur », souligne-t-il. À lire aussiKinshasa mise sur un partenariat avec Abou Dhabi pour reprendre la main sur l'or de l'Est de la RDC Un puissant réseau d'entreprises détenu par l'État Et pour faire avancer cette ambition, les Émirats s'appuient sur leur puissant réseau d'entreprises : « Il faut comprendre que ce réseau d'entreprises est finalement un réseau étatique, puisque l'influence aux Émirats arabes unis d'Abou Dhabi sur le business est très puissante. Et donc ces entreprises sont des leviers pour le pouvoir émirati afin de s'implanter durablement en Afrique. Ce qui est important avec les entreprises émiraties, c'est de comprendre leur capitalisation. Souvent plus de 20 à 30 %, voire plus, du capital est détenu par l'État. Donc, dans ce cas-là, ces entreprises sont des leviers étatiques. » Les Émirats arabes unis semblent bien déterminés à profiter du contexte international de recomposition des partenariats commerciaux et de la baisse drastique de l'aide publique au développement. À lire aussiLe président Randrianirina en visite à Abu Dhabi pour «promouvoir une diplomatie économique offensive»

We're live this week in the "Center of the Universe" in Seattle for a special recording of the GeekWire Podcast, presented by the Fremont Chamber of Commerce at Fremont Brewing Co. Fresh off the Seahawks' Super Bowl victory, we debate some potential ownership groups for the Seahawks and Sonics — from Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez to Costco's Jim Sinegal. (Who wouldn't want $1.50 hot dogs and sodas at Lumen Field or Climate Pledge Arena?) Then we dig into the debate over Seattle's tech future, sparked by angel investor Charles Fitzgerald's GeekWire column, "A warning to Seattle: Don't become the next Cleveland," which led to a response and ultimately a great conversation with Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb. Fremont Chamber Executive Director Pete Hanning joins us to talk about the neighborhood's tech corridor, why Fremont offices are seeing some of the highest return-to-office rates on the West Coast, and how the neighborhood balances its quirky identity with serious business. In the final segment: Test your Seattle tech knowledge with our Fremont-themed tech trivia, plus audience Q&A, in which Todd comes clean about his relationship with Claude. With GeekWire co-founders Todd Bishop and John Cook. Edited by Curt Milton.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Seniors of the cheer and dance teams (Thea, Lilly, and Caroline), discuss exploring their journeys, the challenges they face, and the camaraderie that develops through their shared experiences. The conversation delves into the physical and mental demands of their sports, the pressures of performance, and the importance of support systems. The guests share memorable moments, discuss the role of music in their routines, and reflect on their aspirations for the future. 00:00 Introduction to the Cheer and Dance Teams 03:02 Journey into Cheer and Dance 05:59 The Dynamics of Competition vs. High School Performance 08:59 Behind the Scenes: The Chaos of Preparation 11:54 The Physical Demands of Cheer and Dance 14:58 The Pressure of Performance 17:54 Mental Health and Support Systems 20:48 Finding Balance and Avoiding Burnout 24:08 Memorable Moments in Cheer and Dance 26:52 Music and Dance: The Perfect Pair 30:04 Future Aspirations and Closing Thoughts Presented by the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce

What if your website... doesn't matter anymore?This is called “Zero Click Commerce” In this episode of the High Voltage Business Builders Podcast, Neil breaks down the shift from keyword search to conversational buying. Customers are completing purchases inside ChatGPT, TikTok Shop, Instagram, and Google's AI environments without ever touching your website.If you are still optimizing only for traffic, funnels, and on-site conversions, you may be improving a system that customers are bypassing entirely.

Quand tout le monde se bat pour entrer dans la grande distribution, qui représente pourtant près de 70% du marché, Le Chocolat des Français choisit délibérément le chemin inverse. Transformer une simple tablette en un objet cadeau et bâtir une marque rentable dans un marché de près de 4 milliards d'euros : c'est le pari de Paul-Henri Masson et de son associé, lancé avec seulement 15 000 €. Aujourd'hui, la marque vise près de 10 M€ de chiffre d'affaires. Comme vous l'aurez compris, Laurent Kretz reçoit Paul-Henri Masson, cofondateur, pour analyser ensemble les choix stratégiques qui ont permis à Le Chocolat des Français de se différencier.La conversation revient sur les décisions clés de la marque : le refus de la grande distribution, le positionnement cadeau, l'importance de l'illustration et du branding, et la stratégie omnicanale qui combine e‑commerce, boutiques, wholesale et travel retail. Au final, elle montre surtout comment un pari, pensé à contre-courant, peut devenir un modèle rentable et désirable. 00:00:00 - Introduction00:07:52 - Financement : rentabilité, lancement avec 15 k€, levées de fonds et modèle économique00:16:47 - Premiers sites web : vitrine Squarespace, fond d'écran Apple, puis e‑commerce PrestaShop00:19:23 - Panorama des canaux de distribution et CA par canal (wholesale, travel, corporate, hôtellerie, retail, web)00:24:25 - Apprentissage retail : rester humble, dupliquer un concept rentable, importance de l'animation00:35:06 - Le vrai enjeu wholesale : rester dans les rayons, rotation et relation avec les équipes de vente00:41:37 - Travel retail : comment entrer en aéroports, trains, avions (prospection, LinkedIn, système D)00:47:10 - Enjeux 2026 : refonte Shopify, expérience client & personnalisation, influence & artistes00:52:42 - Acquisition vs fidélisation, lisser la saisonnalité en e‑commerce00:58:01 - ConclusionEt quelques dernières infos à vous partager :Suivez Le Panier sur Instagram @lepanier.podcast !Inscrivez- vous à la newsletter sur lepanier.io pour cartonner en e-comm !Écoutez les épisodes sur Apple Podcasts, Spotify ou encore Podcast Addict Hébergé par Audiomeans. Visitez audiomeans.fr/politique-de-confidentialite pour plus d'informations.

Three food delivery services. Two AI giants throwing punches. Multiple website builders promising instant entrepreneurship. One Super Bowl. And a clear message: the competition for your wallet is about to get brutal.Hosted by Chris Walton, former Target executive and co-host of the Omnii Talk Retail Fast Five Podcast. New episodes of Walton's Weekly Wramblings drop every Friday.Brought to you with the help and support of Grocery Dealz and MiraklSubscribe now and be careful out there - the retail landscape is changing faster than ever.

Bob Perkins has done things most people only read about — fighter pilot instructor, political fundraiser, the ad agency behind Apple's 1984 Super Bowl commercial, CMO at Calvin Klein, executive at Playboy, head of marketing at Pizza Hut, and turnaround CEO. He's sat on boards, built ventures inside the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and now spends his time thinking and writing about how AI is fundamentally reshaping competition.We got into all of it. From the real story behind the most famous Super Bowl ad ever made (and the worst one, made by the same people the very next year) to why marketing as a discipline is being consumed by AI, to a fighter pilot decision-making framework that most companies are too slow to execute. We also talked about what actually drives organizational change, why group dynamics override expertise, and what Bob would tell his 40-year-old self if he could go back.This one went deep. If you run a business or lead a team, there's a lot here.What you'll learn in this episode:Why marketing is becoming unrecognizable — and what's replacing itThe real story behind Apple's 1984 ad and how it almost never airedThe Boyd Loop (OODA) — how fighter pilots make decisions at 500 mph and why it matters for your businessWhy competitive advantage is shifting from planning to execution speedHow AI changes the feedback loop — and why that's the real unlock for sales teamsWhat stops organizations from acting on decisions they've already madeWhy the power of the group is the most underrated force in business — and how it quietly kills changeBob's advice to his 40-year-old self (and the one skill he wishes he'd developed more)Books referenced in this episode:Sapiens by Yuval Noah HarariThe Geek Way by Andrew McAfeeThe Innovator's Dilemma by Clayton ChristensenOn the Edge: The Art of Risking Everything by Nate SilverThe Infinite Game by Simon Sinek//Welcome to The Ray J. Green Show, your destination for tips on sales, strategy, and self-mastery from an operator, not a guru.About Ray:→ Former Managing Director of National Small & Midsize Business at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, where he doubled revenue per sale in fundraising, led the first increase in SMB membership, co-built a national Mid-Market sales channel, and more.→ Former CEO operator for several investor groups where he led turnarounds of recently acquired small businesses.→ Current founder of MSP Sales Partners, where we...

Recorded live at the NRF Big Show in the Narvar podcast studio, Michael LeBlanc sits down with Rachel J. Calhoun, Global Leader, Retail, Consumer Goods & Travel at Kyndryl, for a fast-paced and insight-rich conversation on the future of retail technology, AI integration, and enterprise transformation.Rachel shares Kyndryl's evolution since spinning off from IBM, moving beyond managed infrastructure into advisory, consulting, AI integration, and mission-critical systems modernization. With over 80,000 employees globally and deep roots in retail, airlines, and banking, Kyndryl is helping retailers close what Rachel calls the “adaptation gap” — the widening divide between consumer expectations and retailers' ability to integrate emerging technologies into legacy systems.A central theme of the episode is the shift from project-based IT transformation to an always-on, agile operating model. Rachel explains that retailers can no longer treat digital modernization as a three-year refresh cycle. Instead, AI, data integration, and real-time systems must evolve continuously to drive customer experience, dynamic pricing, retail media growth, inventory optimization, and supply chain resilience.The conversation dives deep into AI's real-world impact. While some economists question AI-driven productivity gains, Rachel points to measurable improvements: reduced stockouts, improved inventory visibility, faster commerce re-platforming, and agentic AI use cases moving from pilot to production. She emphasizes that the real unlock isn't just technology — it's organizational change management. Retailers must integrate people, process, and platform simultaneously to see ROI.Michael and Rachel also discuss RFID adoption, visual AI in grocery and loss prevention, 5G infrastructure constraints across store fleets, and the growing board-level urgency around AI investment prioritization. Rachel outlines Kyndryl's “show versus tell” consulting model, where forward-deployed engineers demonstrate live code modernization and AI activation in real time, shifting commercial models toward shared-value, outcome-based engagements.The episode concludes with Rachel's bold outlook on AI in retail. On a scale of 1–10, she ranks her optimism at a 9, citing firsthand evidence of agentic commerce, conversational commerce, and real-time system integration driving tangible business outcomes.For Canadian retailers navigating market disruption, store fleet transitions, and accelerating digital expectations, this episode offers both strategic clarity and operational guidance. Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels, most recently on the main stage in Toronto at Retail Council of Canada's Retail Marketing conference with leaders from Walmart & Google. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fifth year in a row, the National Retail Federation has designated Michael as on their Top Retail Voices for 2025, Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail, RTIH has named him a top 100 global though leader in retail technology and Coresight Research has named Michael a Retail AI Influencer. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.

Marketing is being rebuilt from the infrastructure up. Search is changing. Commerce is becoming agent-driven. Measurement is being redefined in real time. And the line between engineering and marketing is disappearing. In this episode of Frontier CMO, host Josh Spanier sits down with Vidhya Srinivasan, Head of Ads and Commerce at Google. As the leader responsible for Google Ads, YouTube Ads, Shopping, Merchant Center, Gemini integrations, and payments, Vidhya is helping architect how the modern marketplace actually works. The conversation explores what “agentic commerce” really means, why the Universal Commerce Protocol could reshape how brands interface with AI systems, and how Gemini is already rewiring performance, creative, and intent matching across the ad stack. Vidhya explains why CMOs don't need to code — but must become technologically fluent — and outlines a five-part leadership blueprint for navigating AI transformation with optimism, speed, and accountability. 00:00 – The Vision: Reducing the “Commute Cost” from Desire to Purchase 00:28 – Engineering Meets Marketing: Why the Worlds Are Merging 01:31 – Inside Google Ads & Commerce: The Scale of the Role 03:13 – Agentic Commerce & the Universal Commerce Protocol Explained 04:29 – AI Search, Longer Queries & Reimagining Ads 05:05 – YouTube Creators, Culture & the Creator Partnership Hub 06:18 – How Gemini Powers Google's Ad Systems 07:06 – Why Trust Is the Foundation of AI Advertising 07:51 – What CMOs Must Understand in the AI Era 14:19 – Measurement, First-Party Data & Cracking Attribution 21:38 – Leading AI Transformation: A 5-Point Playbook 25:32 – The Holy Grail: The Right Ad, Right Person, Right Moment

En entrevista para MVS Noticias con Luis Cárdenas, Pedro Tello, experto en economía, habló sobre para la International Chamber of Commerce es indispensable combatir la corrupción para atraer inversiones a México.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leading with Purpose What happens when your professional success is no longer enough to satisfy your personal “why”? This week on A New Direction, Coach Jay explores the deeper mechanics of fulfillment with a man who has mastered the art of the pivot. Bob Winstead joins us to discuss the essential shift from chasing achievements to living a life rooted in purpose. If you've been feeling like you're winning the race but running in the wrong direction, this conversation is designed to help you recalibrate your internal compass and find a path that truly resonates. Leadership isn't just about the person at the front of the room; it's about the values that person carries when no one is watching. Bob brings a wealth of experience in building organizations and fostering high-performing teams, but his real expertise lies in the “human element.” We will dive into how authentic success is built on a foundation of service and integrity. Bob shares his philosophy on how to lead with a “team-first” mentality, ensuring that every milestone reached is a victory for the collective rather than just an individual accolade. In this deep-dive episode, Coach Jay and Bob unpack the “Purpose Gap”—the space between where we are and where we feel called to be. They'll explore practical strategies for identifying your core mission and, more importantly, how to integrate that mission into your daily leadership style. Whether you are an executive, an entrepreneur, or a community builder, you'll learn why a clear sense of purpose is the ultimate competitive advantage and the only sustainable fuel for long-term success. Join us for this live transformation!  This isn’t just an interview; it’s an opportunity to audit your own leadership journey and ask the hard questions about what success, leadership, purpose and entrepreneurship really means to you. Don’t miss this chance to hear Bob Winstead's insights on how to align your work with your soul's direction. Tune in live and take the first step toward a more purposeful future. About Bob Winstead Bob Winstead: Entrepreneur, Veteran, and Community Champion Bob Winstead is a lifelong North Carolinian whose entrepreneurial journey began at age 16 when he purchased his first property. A graduate of East Carolina University and a former Pirates football player, Bob transitioned from the gridiron to the U.S. Army, serving as an Airborne soldier. As a serial entrepreneur, Bob has successfully launched and scaled businesses across real estate, fitness, and media—even producing the FOX reality show “Entrepreneurs.” But his true legacy lies in mentorship. Having coached youth football for over 40 years and founded three nonprofits, Bob has made it his mission to uplift the next generation, a passion rooted in his own experience growing up without a father. A dedicated member of the Raleigh and Wake Forest Chambers of Commerce, Bob is now running for North Carolina Secretary of State. He aims to bring his purpose and “startup-to-success” mindset to government, focusing on transparency and creating opportunities for all North Carolinians. Bob resides in Raleigh with his wife of 35 years, Amy, their family, and their dog, Koda. You can learn more about Bob by going to www.Bob4NC.com Please reach out and thank the sponsors of A New Direction Linda Craft Team, Realtors no matter the time of year, for more than 40 years Linda Craft Team Realtors have been helping people fulfill their dream of homeownership.  Whether it is buying a new home, or helping them sell your current home to move into your next life dream. Their customers say that their service is “legendary”, and after 40 years of successfully helping 1000’s of people there is a reason why. Click on over and discover for yourself what the Linda Craft Team can do for you! www.LindaCraft.com The Missing Piece to Your Success As a business leader or founder, you often carry the weight of the world on your shoulders. You have the vision, the drive, and the strategy, yet sometimes it feels like you are hitting an invisible ceiling. The truth is, the biggest barrier to your company's growth isn't usually the market or the economy—it is human behavior. As a Behavioral Strategist, I help you decode the psychological patterns that are silently sabotaging your culture, your execution, and your personal leadership. I don't just tell you what to change; I help you understand why those behaviors exist so you can finally break through the noise and lead with absolute clarity and confidence. Your potential is limitless, but only if you are willing to look at the human element of your business through a new lens. Stop letting behavioral blind spots dictate your future and start making decisions that align your people with your purpose. If you are ready to stop spinning your wheels and start moving in a new, more profitable direction, let's have a conversation that will change the way you lead forever. Visit me today at www.jayizso.com or reach out directly to start your transformation at Jay@TheCoachJay.com.

Journalist Kate Murphy has a compelling conversation with Kelly about her new book “Why We Click: The Emerging Science of Interpersonal Synchrony.” In this conversation, Kelly and Kate find a direct line between improvisational training and the kind of synchrony that leads to better relationships, more effective teams and the superpowers that flow from human […]

In episode 239, Coffey talks with Carrie Fabris about why organizations seem to revisit the same issues repeatedly and how leaders can solve them for good through better communication, alignment, and accountability.  They discuss ineffective workplace communication and recurring problems; intuitive leadership versus inclusive decision-making; defining root causes instead of treating symptoms; creating buy-in through clarity, trust, and shared language; productive conflict and psychological safety on teams; accountability, execution, and avoiding chaos in organizations; leadership energy, burnout prevention, and sustainable performance.  For HR teams who discuss this podcast in their team meetings, we've created a discussion starter PDF to help guide your conversation. Download it here https://goodmorninghr.com/EP239  Carrie's book “ALL IN: A Working Mom's Unapologetic Quest for a Juicy Life” can be found here https://www.carriefabris.com/bookstore  Good Morning, HR is brought to you by Imperative—Bulletproof Background Checks. For more information about our commitment to quality and excellent customer service, visit us at https://imperativeinfo.com.   If you are an HRCI or SHRM-certified professional, this episode of Good Morning, HR has been pre-approved for half a recertification credit. To obtain the recertification information for this episode, visit https://goodmorninghr.com.   About our Guest:  Carrie Fabris is the founder and CEO of CareerFrame, a leadership development and executive coaching firm that helps high-performing leaders become energized, aligned, and execution-focused. Known for her fast trust and bold clarity, Carrie works with VPs and executive teams navigating growth, succession, and culture shifts.  She brings 20+ years of corporate experience with companies like Google, Travelocity, and Sabre—and for the past 10 years, coaches and advises leaders using her signature FRAMEit Method™, which blends CliftonStrengths®, EQ-i®, Situational Leadership and real-world leadership systems that emphasize a whole-human leadership approach to bring balance for busy people leaders. Carrie is especially passionate about helping leaders have hard conversations, build trust fast, communicate effectively and create accountability that actually energizes. She graduated from UT Austin and resides in Dallas, TX.  Carrie Fabris can be reached at  https://www.careerframe.com  https://www.linkedin.com/in/cfabris-reframe-coaching-training https://www.carriefabris.com/bookstore https://www.instagram.com/cdfabris https://www.facebook.com/chiefreframer https://x.com/yourcareerframe hello@carriefabris.com  About Mike Coffey:  Mike Coffey is an entrepreneur, licensed private investigator, business strategist, HR consultant, and registered yoga teacher. In 1999, he founded Imperative, a background investigations and due diligence firm helping risk-averse clients make well-informed decisions about the people they involve in their business. Imperative delivers in-depth employment background investigations, know-your-customer and anti-money laundering compliance, and due diligence investigations to more than 300 risk-averse corporate clients across the US, and, through its PFC Caregiver & Household Screening brand, many more private estates, family offices, and personal service agencies. Imperative has been named a Best Places to Work, the Texas Association of Business' small business of the year, and is accredited by the Professional Background Screening Association.  Mike shares his insight from 25+ years of HR-entrepreneurship on the Good Morning, HR podcast, where each week he talks to business leaders about bringing people together to create value for customers, shareholders, and community. Mike has been recognized as an Entrepreneur of Excellence by FW, Inc. and has twice been recognized as the North Texas HR Professional of the Year.  Mike serves as a board member of a number of organizations, including the Texas State Council, where he serves Texas' 31 SHRM chapters as State Director-Elect; Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County; the Texas Association of Business; and the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, where he is chair of the Talent Committee. Mike is a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) through the HR Certification Institute and a SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP). He is also a Yoga Alliance registered yoga teacher (RYT-200) and teaches multiple times each week. Mike and his very patient wife of 28 years are empty nesters in Fort Worth.  Learning Objectives:  Identify why unresolved communication leads to recurring organizational problems. Apply practical leadership behaviors that create alignment, buy-in, and accountability. Use frameworks and assessments to improve problem solving, execution, and team trust. 

Everyone that happens to own a small business will tell you a different story when it comes to the concepts, creation, and execution involved in turning their dream into reality. Each will also admit that small business success is hard to achieve, with constant variables and market influences -- and then occasionally it snows! The opportunity to keep the dream alive keeps small business owners motivated to clock in each day, no matter the circumstances, and when they achieve a milestone, it's time to celebrate!On this week's Mind Your Business, we take a look back at 10-years of The Cardinal, as popular for their cheeseburgers and Bisbee rolls as they are for creating community for their customers and staff. Co-owner Seth Sullivan tells us the origin story the restaurant we know today, how much of the initial vision is still prevalent 10-years later, and how they have managed to manage the ebbs and flows of business management over a tricky decade. This conversation is part inspirational, part motivational, and an examination of the traits that make small businesses stick in the High Country.Also on this week's show, we share a few long term Helene Recovery updates, including news about new leadership for the Watauga Long Term Recovery Group.Mind Your Business is written and produced weekly by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.Catch the show each Thursday afternoon at 5PM on WATA (1450AM & 96.5FM) in Boone.Support the show

In Episode 296 of The Rainmaking Podcast, Scott Love interviews Joshua Altman, founder of Beltway Media, on how professional services firms can repurpose content to drive business development and brand visibility. Instead of treating webinars, interviews, white papers, or conference panels as “one-and-done” events, Joshua explains how a single piece of thought leadership can be transformed into blog posts, LinkedIn articles, short-form video clips, podcasts, email newsletters, and even white papers. By using a structured content calendar strategy, professionals can multiply their marketing output without constantly creating from scratch. Joshua outlines a practical framework for modern content marketing built around four engagement pillars: what clients read, see, hear, and experience. He emphasizes planning ahead, avoiding platform dependency, and leveraging existing material to build consistent visibility across channels like LinkedIn, YouTube, email marketing, and professional blogs. For lawyers, consultants, and financial advisors looking to grow their brand and generate inbound business, this episode delivers tactical guidance on scalable content marketing, personal branding, and strategic media repurposing. Visit: https://therainmakingpodcast.com/ YouTube: https://youtu.be/jghfwLIYgNU ----------------------------------------

In this episode, I'm diving into a psychological trap that kills credibility in sales and marketing: the "Gold Delusion Effect." Drawing on research from the University of Chicago, I explain why stacking more benefits into your pitch actually makes people believe them less. It turns out that when you try to promise everything—saving time, saving money, increasing morale, and boosting revenue—you often end up being the "12-page menu" restaurant that no one trusts to make a great burger.I share real-world examples of "zero delusion" brands like Raising Cane's and WD-40 that have built empires by doing one thing exceptionally well. But even if you run a complex, multi-service business, I'll show you how to use "umbrella branding" and surgical discovery to keep your message undiluted. Join me as I break down why one message per moment is the key to building real belief in your prospects.//Welcome to The Ray J. Green Show, your destination for tips on sales, strategy, and self-mastery from an operator, not a guru.About Ray:→ Former Managing Director of National Small & Midsize Business at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, where he doubled revenue per sale in fundraising, led the first increase in SMB membership, co-built a national Mid-Market sales channel, and more.→ Former CEO operator for several investor groups where he led turnarounds of recently acquired small businesses.→ Current founder of MSP Sales Partners, where we currently help IT companies scale sales: www.MSPSalesPartners.com→ Current Sales & Sales Management Expert in Residence at the world's largest IT business mastermind.→ Current Managing Partner of Repeatable Revenue Ventures, where we scale B2B companies we have equity in: www.RayJGreen.com//Follow Ray on:YouTube | LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Au sommaire : Le gouvernement français présente aujourd'hui sa stratégie énergétique pour les 10 prochaines années, avec notamment la construction de 6 nouveaux réacteurs nucléaires et l'augmentation de la production d'énergies renouvelables.Aux États-Unis, le Congrès vote contre les droits de douane sur les produits canadiens, infligeant un revers à la politique protectionniste de Donald Trump.Face à la concurrence chinoise, plus de 1300 chefs d'entreprise européens appellent à l'instauration d'une "préférence européenne" pour protéger l'industrie locale, avec des mécanismes de subventions et de relocalisations.Malgré une hausse de la fréquentation, les centres commerciaux en France peinent à maintenir leur chiffre d'affaires, poussant les acteurs du secteur à diversifier leur offre avec plus de services et d'expériences.Face à l'arrivée de l'intelligence artificielle, le gouvernement britannique étudie la mise en place d'un revenu universel de base pour accompagner les employés des secteurs touchés.Hébergé par Audiomeans. Visitez audiomeans.fr/politique-de-confidentialite pour plus d'informations.

Trump's Commerce Sec Admits Epstein Island Lunch – Why He Won't ResignThe Bulwark's Will Saletan and Matt Lewis break down the mounting scandals rocking the Trump administration in February 2026.Howard Lutnick, Trump's Commerce Secretary, admitted under oath to lunch with Jeffrey Epstein on his private island in 2012 — years after claiming he'd cut ties in 2005 over disgust at Epstein's behavior. Despite bipartisan calls to resign, Trump stands by him. Is this more proof of "no apologies, no accountability" in MAGA world?Plus: — Trump's threat to block the Gordie Howe bridge after Lutnick met the rival Ambassador Bridge owner — classic cronyism sold as "America First— The House GOP revolt against Trump's tariffs (Massie, Kiley, Bacon defecting) signals real pain for working families from regressive taxes.— Tulsi Gabbard joins FBI raid on Fulton County 2020 ballots—setting up election interference claims for 2026 midterms?— Trump's speeches mocking biblical principles: bragging about stolen oil, defending murderers, zero fruits of the spirit. How did evangelicals get here?— And MUCH more!Subscribe to Matt Lewis on Substack: https://mattklewis.substack.com/Support Matt Lewis at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattlewisFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattLewisDCTwitter: https://twitter.com/mattklewisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattlewisreels/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhSMpjOzydlnxm5TDcYn0A– Who is Matt Lewis? –Matt K. Lewis is a political commentator and the author of Filthy Rich Politicians.Buy Matt's books: FILTHY RICH POLITICIANS: https://www.amazon.com/Filthy-Rich-Politicians-Creatures-Ruling-Class/dp/1546004416TOO DUMB TO FAIL: https://www.amazon.com/Too-Dumb-Fail-Revolution-Conservative/dp/0316383937Copyright © 2026, BBL & BWL, LLC

Outside the box. Maverick. Independent thinker. These terms are often over-used in our society, so much so that they almost become generic. However, every entrepreneur understands the very personal application and meaning of each word. To forge new paths, we must embody those definitions without fear. This episode, in which Linda interviews author, financial policy expert, and successful entrepreneur, Ziad K. Abdelnour, is a broad look at what it takes to achieve success – financially and personally – and how business leaders can positively impact our culture to foster human flourishing and freedom. Don't miss thought provoking comments about political changes in New York City, shifts in culture over past decades, and the perspective of it all through his immigrant eyes and experiences.  ©Copyright 2026, Prosperity 101, LLC __________________________________________________________ For information about our online course and other resources visit: https://prosperity101.com To order a copy of Prosperity 101 – Job Security Through Business Prosperity® by Linda J. Hansen, click here: https://prosperity101.com/products/ Become a Prosperity Partner: https://prosperity101.com/partner-contribution/ If you would like to be an episode sponsor, please contact us directly at https://prosperity101.com. You can also support this podcast by engaging with our Strategic Partners using the promo codes listed below. Be free to work and free to hire by joining RedBalloon, America's #1 non-woke job board and talent connector. Use Promo Code P101 or go to RedBalloon.work/p101 to join Red Balloon and support Prosperity 101®. Connect with other Kingdom minded business owners by joining the US Christian Chamber of Commerce. Support both organizations by mentioning Prosperity 101, LLC or using code P101 to join. https://uschristianchamber.com Mother Nature's Trading Company®, providing natural products for your health, all Powered by Cranology®. Use this link to explore Buy One Get One Free product options and special discounts: https://mntc.shop/prosperity101/ Unite for impact by joining Christian Employers Alliance at www.ChristianEmployersAlliance.org and use Promo Code P101. Support Pro-Life Payments and help save babies with every swipe. Visit www.prolifepayments.com/life/p101 for more information. Maximize your podcast by contacting Podcast Town. Contact them today: https://podcasttown.zohothrive.com/affiliateportal/podcasttown/login Check out VAUSA, America's choice for virtual assistants- https://hirevausa.com/connect" Thank you to all our guests, listeners, Prosperity Partners, and Strategic Partners. You are appreciated!   The opinions expressed by guests on this podcast do not necessarily represent those held or promoted by Linda J. Hansen or Prosperity 101, LLC.

Good morning and happy Monday! This morning we're excited to welcome Chad Swica of River Light FC and Karina Garcia, CEO of the Aurora Regional Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. They have an exciting collaboration taking shape this year and today we're going to learn more about it. Got questions? Send us an email to: goodmorningaurorail@gmail.comHave a great rest of the day! Good Morning Aurora will return with more news, weather and the very best of Aurora. Subscribe to the show on YouTube at this link: https://www.youtube.com/c/GoodMorningAuroraPodcastThe second largest city's first daily news podcast is here. Tune in 5 days a week, Monday thru Friday from 9:00 to 9:30 am. Make sure to like and subscribe to stay updated on all things Aurora.Threads: https://www.threads.net/@goodmorningaurorailInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/goodmorningaurorailSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6dVweK5Zc4uPVQQ0Fp1vEP...Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/.../good-morning.../id1513229463Anchor: https://anchor.fm/goodmorningauroraACTV (Aurora Community Television): https://www.aurora-il.org/309/Aurora-Community-TV#fyp #kanecountyil #bataviail #genevail #elginil #aurorail #auroraillinois #cityofaurorail #auroranews #morningnews #goodmorningaurora #fyp #monday

The War for the Crown continues as the Knights of Summer, after a long journey, arrive at Yanmass and prepare to meet with the Mercantile Council. Support us on Patreon to access our actual play of the Tyrant's Grasp Adventure Path, with new episodes every Monday, and other great content: https://www.patreon.com/FindthePath Cast Rick Sandidge is [...] The post War for the Crown Episode 128: City of Commerce appeared first on Find the Path Ventures.

In this conversation, Kelly welcomes best-selling author Daniel Coyle back to the podcast. His new book, “Flourish: The Art of Building Meaning, Joy and Fulfillment,” emphasizes the significance of meaningful moments in life, particularly in fostering relationships and collaboration. He discusses how these moments often occur during ritual-like pauses where individuals reflect on their purpose […]

" It's never about Paul Nicolaou; it's about other people, because you want to appreciate and show your passion towards them and helping them achieve an end result." In this episode of The Inner Chief podcast, I speak to Paul Nicolaou, the Executive Director of Business Sydney on the 3Ps of building an insanely valuable network, daring to be different, and making people happy.

Stay informed on current events, visit www.NaturalNews.com - The Great Cratering and Financial Crisis (0:11) - The Song "The Great Cratering" (4:03) - Investment Strategies and Precautions (7:43) - Trump's Economic Views and Reality (12:25) - Concentration Camps and Depopulation Agenda (24:14) - The Role of AI and Bitcoin in the Economic Crisis (47:22) - Preparing for the Economic Collapse (1:12:32) - The Future of AI and Robotics (1:15:04) - The Impact of AI on Decentralization (1:15:26) - The Role of Breakthrough Battery Technology (1:16:57) - Model Breakthrough and Decentralization Technology (1:19:35) - Advancements in AI and Automation (1:25:37) - Interview with Patrick Henningsen on Iran and Middle East Conflict (1:29:18) - Challenges for the US in Attacking Iran (1:42:26) - Geopolitical Implications and Economic Warfare (1:56:35) - The Role of China and Russia in Supporting Iran (1:56:49) - The Future of Global Trade and Commerce (2:06:49) - The Role of Gold and Silver in Economic Stability (2:07:09) - The Impact of US Economic Policies on Allies (2:07:40) - The Future of MAGA and US Politics (2:15:38) Watch more independent videos at http://www.brighteon.com/channel/hrreport  ▶️ Support our mission by shopping at the Health Ranger Store - https://www.healthrangerstore.com ▶️ Check out exclusive deals and special offers at https://rangerdeals.com ▶️ Sign up for our newsletter to stay informed: https://www.naturalnews.com/Readerregistration.html Watch more exclusive videos here: