Podcasts about Competitive advantage

This episode cuts through the noise about AI to address the urgent question of how to use it to increase capacity rather than replacing it. It introduces the critical distinction between using AI as Autopilot—which produces the finished thing but outsources core thinking—and using it as an Amplifier, which forces you to think sharper and compounds your ability over time.

There was a time when skills lasted decades. You learned your craft, gained experience, and slowly climbed the ladder.But that world is gone.Today:Technology changes faster than job descriptionsAI reshapes roles before annual reviews even happenSkills expire in just a few yearsSo leadership is no longer about what people know.It's about how fast they can learn what's next.

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Marcus Collins, Best-Selling Author, Keynote Speaker and Professor at University of Michigan - Stephen M. Ross School of Business, to unpack why culture is the most powerful force shaping human behavior, inside and outside organizations.Marcus explains why most companies misunderstand culture by reducing it to slogans, rituals, values, or “how we do things around here.” In reality, culture starts with how people think, what they believe, how they make meaning, and what behaviors those shared beliefs produce.Most importantly, he reveals why the future of work will not be won by technology alone. It will be won by organizations that understand the culture of work, align the front stage and backstage of the business, and build environments where people are truly connected to the beliefs, behaviors, and conviction behind the work.

On this special segment of The Full Ratchet, the following Investors are featured: Natalie Dillon of Maveron Sandesh Patnam of Premji Invest Eric Ries Author of The Lean Startup We asked guests to discuss the most visionary founder that they've worked with and what makes them so special. The host of The Full Ratchet is Nick Moran of New Stack Ventures, a venture capital firm committed to investing in founders outside of the Bay Area. We're proud to partner with Ramp, the modern finance automation platform. Book a demo and get $150—no strings attached.   Want to keep up to date with The Full Ratchet? Follow us on social. You can learn more about New Stack Ventures by visiting our LinkedIn and Twitter.

How do you break free from corporate anxiety and build an authentic personal brand on LinkedIn without compromising your senior corporate role?    In this dynamic interview, host Billy Keels sits down with Mike Dowling, a veteran with over 25 years of sales leadership in the enterprise software space who currently leads partner development at AWS. Mike shares the raw truth behind launching "The Daily Grit"—a content streak he maintained for over 368 consecutive days by trading unreliable willpower for bulletproof structural systems and public accountability. Discover how to disarm your primitive lizard brain's fear of perception, utilize radical clarity as the ultimate antidote to professional anxiety, and structure your 168 hours so you can conquer monumental goals both inside and outside the enterprise walls.  

In "How to Predict the 2026 Intermodal Rebound with IANA's Andrew Sibold" Joe Lynch and Andrew Sibold, Director of Economics and Freight Policy at the Intermodal Association of North America (IANA), discuss how IANA's new predictive Intermodal Volume Index (IVI) helps logistics leaders navigate shifting market capacity and operational friction to successfully forecast the 2026 freight recovery.  About Andrew Sibold Andrew Sibold is the Director of Economics and Freight Policy at the Intermodal Association of North America (IANA), where he leads market analysis, research, and economic forecasting that informs both private capital strategy and public policy. Before IANA, he spent five years at the Federal Highway Administration as a financial and economic analyst, where his benefit-cost and net present value modeling helped adjudicate more than $12.1 billion in federal infrastructure grants. He came to economics through the U.S. Army, serving as an Armor officer who led logistics and operations on deployments across Europe and Central Asia. Andrew holds a Master of Public Policy from the University of Tennessee, as well as advanced degrees in economics, econometrics, and international relations. He lives in Bethesda, Maryland, with his wife and four children. About Intermodal Association of North America (IANA) The Intermodal Association of North America (IANA) is the leading industry trade association representing the combined interests of the intermodal freight community. Its membership spans the full ecosystem that moves containerized freight across modes — railroads, ocean carriers, ports and terminals, drayage and motor carriers, intermodal marketing companies, and equipment providers. IANA promotes the efficiency, safety, and growth of intermodal transportation through industry standards, professional education, government affairs, and data services. As the connective tissue of a sector that handles a substantial share of North American freight, IANA gives members a unified voice on policy and a shared infrastructure for operations. Increasingly, it also serves as a source of market intelligence, equipping members with the economic data and forecasting they need to navigate a volatile freight cycle. Key Takeaways: How to Predict the 2026 Intermodal Rebound In "How to Predict the 2026 Intermodal Rebound with IANA's Andrew Sibold" Joe Lynch and Andrew Sibold, Director of Economics and Freight Policy at the Intermodal Association of North America (IANA), discuss how IANA's new predictive Intermodal Volume Index (IVI) helps logistics leaders navigate shifting market capacity and operational friction to successfully forecast the 2026 freight recovery.  IANA as the "Conductor" of the Intermodal Ecosystem: The Intermodal Association of North America (IANA) serves as the critical connective tissue and unified voice for a fragmented freight community. By connecting railroads, ocean carriers, ports, drayage motor carriers, and 3PLs, IANA acts as an industry "conductor" to harmonize operations across multiple transportation modes that handle a substantial share of North American freight. Eliminating Blind Spots with the Intermodal Volume Index (IVI): Historically, intermodal freight data has been fragmented and heavily lagging—with rail data delayed by a week and port data lagging by two to three months. Launched publicly in May, IANA's new IVI solves this industry pain point by acting as a real-time, seasonally adjusted "pulse check" on North American freight activity. Shifting from Lagging to Predictive Capacity Planning: Unlike traditional freight indicators that only look backward (like GDP or older equipment data), the IVI functions as a predictive bridge. By utilizing a mathematical process to bring historical data into the present and factoring in seasonal fluctuations, it provides mid-market shippers, 3PLs, and asset-based carriers with a forward-looking forecast to confidently adjust capacity planning. Unconventional Market Strength in 2026: The IVI is currently printing quite strong—tracking right around 106 for June, which is 6% higher than the pre-COVID baseline. While total import container volumes (TEUs) have softened due to tariff effects, intermodal volumes are rebounding rapidly due to a surge in high-value domestic manufacturing freight, driven heavily by investments in data centers and infrastructure built to support modern AI. Reducing Operational Friction via Standardization: Intermodal logistics inherently suffers from handoff friction between different actors, leading to costly demurrage, detention, and lost productivity. IANA mitigates this administrative nightmare by managing standardized operational frameworks—most notably the Uniform Intermodal Interchange and Facilities Agreement (UIIA)—which serves as a single, universal contract that lowers industry insurance costs and streamlines driver registrations. Navigating Volatility and Truck-to-Rail Conversion: Global supply chains remain highly volatile due to geopolitical factors, international conflicts, and oil infrastructure damage keeping global energy prices elevated. When diesel prices spike and over-the-road trucking capacity tightens due to shifting domestic regulatory and immigration policies, the IVI helps transportation managers identify exactly when and where rail capacity is tightening so they can strategically lock in contractual rates. The Competitive Advantage of Modal Conversion: Beyond operational efficiency, IANA empowers its members to turn modal conversion into a measurable economic and environmental advantage. Because rail transport is significantly cleaner and greener than over-the-road trucking—with a single stacked rail car capable of moving the equivalent of multiple trucks—shippers are increasingly leveraging intermodal data to hit corporate sustainability mandates as the 2026 market recovers. Learn More About How to Predict the 2026 Intermodal Rebound Andrew Sibold | Linkedin IANA | Linkedin Intermodal Association of North America (IANA) Scale: The Search for Simplicity and Unity in the Complexity of Life, from Cells to Cities, Companies to Ecosystems by Geoffrey West The Box (Levinson book) – Wikipedia The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube

The use of AI is one of the biggest strategic questions in hospitality, and many hotel leaders face the same challenge: they believe in the potential, but need a clearer path from experimentation to measurable results.In this episode, Actabl CEO Steven Moore and CTO Joseph Benjamin explain Actabl's new forward-deployed engineering offering for the hotel industry. They discuss why data foundations matter, how AI might help hotel companies improve profitability, and why custom workflows matter for operators with distinct brands, ownership models, portfolio strategies, and ways of working.You'll hear how forward-deployed engineering differs from traditional technology development and consulting, why the model matters for hotel companies, and how Actabl engineers work alongside customers to solve business-specific data, analytics, and AI problems on top of the Actabl platform.For hotel executives thinking about AI strategy, margin pressure, labor challenges, above-property decision-making, forecasting, or portfolio performance, this conversation offers a practical look at where to start and how to move from interest in AI to outcomes.Learn more about Actabl's forward-deployed engineering program here, and contact Actabl here for a discovery conversation about this.  A few more resources:If you're new to Hospitality Daily, start here. You can send me a message here with questions, comments, or guest suggestionsIf you want to get my summary and actionable insights from each episode delivered to your inbox each day, subscribe here for free.Follow Hospitality Daily and join the conversation on YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram.If you want to advertise on Hospitality Daily, here are the ways we can work together.If you found this episode interesting or helpful, send it to someone on your team so you can turn the ideas into action and benefit your business and the people you serve!Music for this show is produced by Clay Bassford of Bespoke Sound: Music Identity Design for Hospitality Brands

Send us Fan MailWhat does it really mean to build a “fundamentally sound” baseball program?In this episode, we sit down with Eddie Hull, Head Baseball Coach at Charlotte Catholic High School in North Carolina, whose teams have earned a reputation for consistency, toughness, and attention to detail. That reputation doesn't happen by accident. Coach Hull breaks down the everyday standards that drive his program, starting with two clear non‑negotiables: play fast and compete every pitch.We dive into what “playing fast” actually looks like inside a high school program—how tempo, urgency, and preparation keep players mentally locked in and how pace of play can quietly become a competitive advantage.Coach Hull also walks us through the player development model at Charlotte Catholic, including the strength and conditioning culture he builds from the moment freshmen enter the program. He explains why year‑round lifting matters, how strength translates directly to speed and durability, and how a stronger, more physical roster expands what you can demand from players on the field.The conversation also covers youth development and why successful camps aren't just about drills—they're about creating an environment where young players stay engaged, have fun, and build real baseball habits that last.Beyond the high school season, Coach Hull shares insights from managing the Queen City Corn Dogs, a summer collegiate team in the Old North State League. He discusses the challenges of balancing development and competition with college athletes, as well as what he's learned about travel baseball, year‑round training, and how coaches and parents can help players avoid burnout through smarter scheduling and intentional recovery.We also get into the details of in‑game decision making, including:• How hitters can adjust when facing elite velocity• Using pitching machines to simulate high‑level pitching when your staff can't replicate 95 mph• What a coach should actually say during a mound visit when the game is on the lineWhether you're a coach, player, or parent trying to build a better development plan, this conversation offers practical insights you can apply immediately.Subscribe to the show, share this episode with a coaching buddy, and leave a quick review.One question to think about: What standard in your program do you refuse to compromise on?Support the showFollow:  X | @BCUPod / IG @baseballcoachesunplugged Website - https://www.athlete1.netSponsor: The Netting Professionalshttps://www.nettingpros.com

What does it actually look like to live out positive leadership not just on stage but at home, in your marriage, in your family, and on the days you really do not feel like it? This week, Jon Goehring and Coach Jim Johnson welcome the first ever mother and daughter duo to the Limitless Leadership Lounge, Kathryn Gordon and Jade Gordon, the wife and daughter of bestselling author and leadership legend John Gordon, for one of the most warm, honest, and genuinely inspiring conversations the show has ever had.Kathryn opens with a story that will surprise a lot of people. Before John Gordon became the voice of positive leadership that millions of people know today, he was stressed, negative, and by his own family's account, blaming the people around him for his unhappiness. Kathryn shares what it took, including a moment where she told him plainly that something had to change, and how John's willingness to start small with a daily walk and a few simple habits transformed not just their marriage but the foundation of everything he now teaches the world.Jade picks up from there with her own story of growing up wanting nothing to do with her dad's principles, getting her first taste of real leadership at a world famous restaurant in Los Angeles where the culture was toxic and the management was anything but positive, and the moment a stranger in that restaurant prayed over her and set her on a completely different path. Her account of how she began implementing positive leadership principles from the inside out as a hostess, going out of her way to help the busers, driving teammates to practice, taking freshmen out to lunch, is one of the most practical and moving illustrations of servant leadership the Lounge has ever heard.The conversation covers the power of committing to a mission statement as an organization and as a family, how to navigate seasons where your role is to support someone else's calling rather than lead your own, and why every single person contributes to culture whether they have a title or not. Kathryn also shares what she is building with Gordon Publishing and why she believes everyone has a book inside them waiting to help someone else.The episode closes with both Kathryn and Jade defining servant leadership in their own words, grounded in real stories of John Gordon driving an hour each way to bring Jade food she could eat before her lacrosse games, and Kathryn recognizing that sometimes leading well means stepping back so someone else can move forward.Whether you are stepping into a new leadership position, navigating a season where you feel like you are in someone else's shadow, or just need a reminder that your feelings and your commitments are two very different things, this episode will both challenge and encourage you.Connect with Kathryn: gordonpublishing.com Connect with Jade and the John Gordon Companies: johngordonscompanies.com

Recorded live at ICBC Berlin 2026, Chuck Warner sits down with Michael Lucchino, Executive Vice President of Sales at Cannatrol, to discuss one of the most overlooked yet critical stages of cannabis cultivation: post-harvest processing. While cultivators often focus heavily on genetics, lighting, nutrients, and environmental controls, Michael explains why drying, curing, and storage can ultimately determine product quality, consistency, shelf life, and profitability. The conversation explores Cannatrol's origins in artisanal food preservation, the science of vapor pressure control, the growing importance of GMP compliance in global cannabis markets, and how precision-controlled curing can improve everything from flower quality to pre-roll manufacturing efficiency. Whether you're a commercial cultivator, processor, cannabis entrepreneur, or simply interested in the science behind premium cannabis products, this episode offers valuable insights into how technology is transforming the industry's post-harvest workflow.

Will AI make the office obsolete—or more important than ever? In this episode, Jean-Yves Huwart, Founder of Coworking Europe, speaks with Pietro Martani, serial entrepreneur, founder of Stella33, and former co-founder of Copernico, about how Artificial Intelligence is reshaping the future of work and workplaces. Drawing on insights from *Limitless Workspace – LW*, the editorial insert developed together with MIT Sloan Management Review Italia, Pietro explains why the next decade will transform not just offices, but the way organizations collaborate, innovate, and create value. Topics covered in this episode include: • The rise of Workspace as a Service • Activity-based working and the changing office layout • Why collaboration spaces matter more than ever • The impact of AI on organizations and workplace design • Why culture and trust will become key competitive advantages • How flex operators are uniquely positioned to lead this transformation • Why, in Pietro's words, "machines will make us more human" Whether you're a workplace strategist, flex office operator, real estate professional, or simply interested in the future of work, this conversation offers valuable insights into the next phase of workplace evolution. Learn more about Coworking Europe: https://coworkingeurope.net Join the Coworking Europe Conference: https://coworkingeurope.net/conference/

Why do accountability systems fail even when roles and responsibilities seem clear? In this episode, we sit down with Robert Snyder, Founder and President of Innovation Elegance, LLC, to explore why most organizations unintentionally separate authority from accountability, creating confusion, project delays, and trust issues. Robert introduces his Five Verbs framework—draft, review, revise, approve, and distribute—and explains how it creates clearer ownership, stronger collaboration, and better decision-making. Together, we discuss why documentation is a leadership tool rather than administrative overhead, how teams can detect and address untrustworthiness earlier, and why discipline and empathy must work together to build high-performing cultures. We leave with a practical perspective on creating trust through clear expectations, transparent decisions, and systems that help people succeed together. Key Takeaways: Keep authority and accountability connected to strengthen trust and execution.Use simple, repeatable processes to create clarity across teams.Document decisions that matter and avoid relying on memory alone.Encourage healthy task conflict while preventing personality conflict.Build empathy through consistent habits, questions, and team rhythms. Resources Mentioned The Inspire Your Team to Greatness assessment (the Courage Assessment) - In less than 10 minutes, find out where you're empowering and inadvertently kills productivity, and get a custom report that will tell you step by step what you need to have your team get more done. Get it here: https://courageofaleader.com/inspireyourteam/ You don't need to have all the answers to lead well. Get your copy of the Clarity Kit for just $17 to learn the five practices to bring more clarity, confidence and courage into your leadership - https://courageofaleader.com/the-clarity-kit/ About the Guest: Robert Snyder is the founder and president of Innovation Elegance, LLC. His thirty-year career spans roles such as developer, project management, change management, sales enablement, and the performing arts. His career path includes corporate roles, consulting roles, startups, PMP, and Agile certifications. He's performed in numerous vocal, dance, and theater ensembles. Robert earned his BS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Illinois and his MBA in Strategy from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. Robert is publishing a series of books on innovation methodology. Innovation Elegance: Transcending Agile with Ruthlessness and Grace - https://a.co/d/0e8MCIao Innovation Portfolio: Five Verbs Shape Your Team's Legacy - https://a.co/d/0h1K85BO Elegant Leadership: Distinguishing the Good, the Bad, and the False (targeting 2027) About the Host: Amy L. Riley is an internationally renowned speaker, author and consultant. She has over 2 decades of experience developing leaders at all levels. Her clients include Cisco Systems, Deloitte and Barclays. As a trusted leadership coach and consultant, Amy has worked with hundreds of leaders one-on-one, and thousands more as part of a group, to fully step into their leadership, create amazing teams and achieve extraordinary results. Amy's most popular keynote speeches are: The Courage of a Leader: The Power of a Leadership LegacyThe Courage of a Leader: Create a Competitive Advantage with Sustainable, Results-Producing Cross-System CollaborationThe Courage of a Leader: Accelerate Trust with Your Team, Customers and CommunityThe Courage of a Leader: How to Build a Happy and Successful Hybrid TeamHer new book is a #1 international best-seller and is entitled, The Courage of a Leader: How to Inspire, Engage and Get Extraordinary Results - https://a.co/d/06hsUz64 http://www.courageofaleader.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyshoopriley Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the, podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app. Leave us an Apple Podcasts review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts. Mentioned in this episode:The Inspire Your Team to Greatness Assessment (The Courage Assessment)https://courageofaleader.com/inspireyourteam/

Send me a messageWhat if supply chain resilience is already too slow for the world we're now operating in?In this episode of the Resilient Supply Chain Podcast, I'm joined by Abe Eshkenazi, CEO of ASCM, the Association for Supply Chain Management. Abe has watched supply chain move from a quiet back-office function to a boardroom priority, and this conversation gets into why that shift matters now, as export controls, tariffs, climate volatility, cybersecurity, sustainability pressures, and supplier risk collide in real time.You'll hear how agility has become more than a contingency plan. Abe makes the case that resilient supply chains are no longer just about recovering after a shock. They are about seeing earlier, deciding faster, and building optionality before disruption turns expensive. We break down why supply chain visibility is now table stakes, but also why knowing who and what is in your supplier network creates a harder question: should those suppliers still be there?We also explore the tension between CFOs pushing for lower inventory and cash flow discipline, and supply chain leaders pushing for flexibility, resilience, and long-term capability. Abe explains why AI in supply chain, automation, data, and real-time visibility matter, but also why technology without talent and critical thinking can become another risk vector. And you might be surprised by the cybersecurity angle: connecting the extended supply chain solves one visibility problem, while opening up new exposure through smaller suppliers.

Busting gen AI fears in the workplace requires education, transparent leadership and early success stories. That's the key take-away message of this episode of the Wise Decision Maker Show, which talks about myth-busting Gen AI fears to create a culture of confidence.This article forms the basis for this episode: https://disasteravoidanceexperts.com/myth-busting-gen-ai-fears-to-create-a-culture-of-confidence/

Successful AI transformation depends not only on technology but also on clear, consistent, multi-channel communication that keeps employees informed, engaged, and involved in the change process. That's the key take-away message of this episode of the Wise Decision Maker Show, which talks about why your employees aren't hearing you on Gen AI transformation.This article forms the basis for this episode: https://disasteravoidanceexperts.com/why-your-employees-arent-hearing-you-on-gen-ai-transformation/

Summary In this solo episode, Mike Brevik picks up where "The Death of Average" left off and gets into the real work behind brand differentiation. If every business has access to the same tools, templates, and tactics, what actually separates one brand from another? Mike walks through a practical framework for uncovering your authentic point of view, communicating it without sounding corporate, and embedding it into your team, your client experience, and your culture. He also pulls back the curtain on Cyberdogz's own brand calibration, a six-month process still in progress, and the costly lessons learned from taking their eye off the brand for nearly three years. Key Takeaways Authenticity isn't invented, it's extracted. Your differentiators are already there. You just have to surface them. Three questions to start: What frustrates you about your industry that nobody says out loud? What should be true that isn't? Who is this perspective actually for? Don't polish your beliefs into a mission statement. The more corporate it sounds, the less authentic it is. Your point of view has to trickle all the way through, from messaging to team culture to client experience. Consistency and cadence matter. A great brand identity without follow-through is just noise. Links and Resources cyberdogzmarketing.com brandretro.com Keywords brand authenticity, brand differentiation, brand identity, competitive advantage, brand positioning, brand strategy, authentic marketing, business branding, brand calibration, brand point of view, brand voice, brand messaging, company culture and brand, client experience, death of average, Brand Retro podcast, Cyberdogz, Mike Brevik, stand out from competition, brand retro mindset Episode Highlights [00:00:45 - 00:01:20] Mike explains why authenticity feels cliche and how to make it concrete by identifying what actually sets you apart. [00:03:34 - 00:05:00] Introduction to the three-question framework for uncovering your real brand differentiators. [00:08:12 - 00:09:10] How most businesses kill their authentic message by over-polishing it into corporate language. [00:09:38 - 00:10:28] Why you don't need to convince people of your beliefs, and why client validation is the real proof point. [00:14:30 - 00:16:25] Common failure pattern: copying competitors instead of finding your own path, and why that's white noise. [00:20:54 - 00:22:44] Mike opens up about Cyberdogz's own brand calibration, the Frankenstein effect of adding layers over time. [00:25:52 - 00:27:14] The three-year gap where Cyberdogz ignored their own brand and what it cost them in clients and momentum. [00:32:32 - 00:33:33] Closing argument: brands that win know exactly who they are, and they stick with it even when it's hard.  

Opening an independent optometry practice has never been more challenging—or more rewarding. In a recent episode of the Depth Perception Podcast, Dr. Danielle Richardson shared her journey of launching Clarity on Melrose, a boutique private practice in West Hollywood that blends personalized patient care with intentional branding and business strategy. Rather than competing on volume, her approach […]

Content note: This episode includes open conversation about mental health, suicidal ideation, and personal crisis. If you are struggling, please know you are not alone. In the U.S., call or text 988. In Canada, call Talk Suicide Canada at 1-833-456-4566. A conversation with Trevor Muir -- leadership coach, keynote speaker, poet, and co-founder of SurePoint, the Alberta-based company he helped scale from $4 million to over $120 million in revenue while holding on to its people through a near-bankruptcy and a pandemic. This is not an episode about farming or fuel prices. It is a conversation about what happens when you get everything you thought you wanted and still feel empty on the bathroom floor of a condo you own. It is about terminal uniqueness -- the belief that nobody could possibly understand -- and the slow, expensive way most of us learn it isn't true. Trevor and I met earlier this year in a leadership course he was teaching with Corliss Russell. I broke down in the intro. A room full of oilfield and farm guys went there with me. This episode is the conversation I wanted to have with Trevor once the dust settled.   Topics and Timestamps 0:00 -- Introduction: Trevor Muir, Lean In to Lead, and why this episode exists 6:57 -- SurePoint: how ten farm kids from Grand Prairie built a $92M company 8:17 -- The bathroom floor: Edmonton, 2011, the worst and best day of Trevor's life 10:44 -- Dr. Gons and the life coach: "I get it. I totally get it." 13:13 -- Terminal uniqueness: the belief that nobody could understand your pain 14:21 -- Mount Kilimanjaro and the billionaire: testing whether all humans feel the same 20:00 -- SurePoint near-bankruptcy: going full-vulnerable with team, vendors, and clients 23:00 -- Buying the company back in 2018 and the pandemic decision 25:43 -- The pandemic pay cuts: 10%-35%, keeping every employee 27:39 -- $30M to $98M to $125M: how caring became a competitive advantage 30:00 -- Scale Like You Give a Shit -- Trevor's book in progress 37:00 -- "Change Your Someday to Today": the poem, Marty's CPR story, and Brian's car 43:11 -- The three A's of change: awareness, acceptance, action 44:34 -- The flooding basement analogy 51:00 -- Affirmations: "I am enough, I deserve abundance, I love you [name]" 57:02 -- 30 days in the mirror: the NASA research and Jack Canfield connection 1:00:04 -- Gratitude as the number one brain hack 1:07:29 -- Wave of fortune: Dan's Thailand story and Vadim Zeland's Transurfing 1:15:00 -- Walking one kilometer every day for 365 days 1:27:00 -- How Trevor works with business owners now, and where AI fits in 1:35:12 -- Trevor's closing challenge: change your someday to today   Resources Mentioned Addiction to Poetry -- Trevor Muir (book, available on Amazon) Lean In to Lead -- Trevor's podcast, launching soon Scale Like You Give a Shit -- Trevor's book in progress on the SurePoint story Jack Canfield -- affirmation and manifestation framework Mindvalley / Vishon Lakhiani -- gratitude research Wim Hof Method -- 90-day cold exposure and breathwork program Transurfing -- Vadim Zeland (wave of fortune concept) 12 Rules for Life -- Jordan Peterson (lobster and serotonin, referenced by Dan) Corliss Russell -- Conversations with Corliss podcast; LEED event Saskatoon, November 2026   Connect with Trevor Muir LinkedIn: search Trevor Muir -- he reads his messages and responds, especially from people who are struggling Lean In to Lead podcast: launching soon Connect with Growing the Future Website: growingthefuture.ca YouTube: Growing the Future Instagram: @growingthefuture LinkedIn: Growing the Future   Crisis Support If you or someone you know is struggling: Canada -- Talk Suicide Canada: 1-833-456-4566 U.S. -- Call or text 988 Register for the Convergence Conference at convergence.ag and stay updated by subscribing to the Growing the Future Podcast at growingthefuturepodcast.ca.

Why organizations investing in artificial intelligence without investing in human readiness are setting themselves up for failed adoption and wasted capital In this episode: Dr. Heather Morton, Tom Bradshaw, LindaAnn Rodgers,  Nic Kruegar, Dr. Jagadesh Chander, Cynthia Cole     I/O Career Accelerator Course: https://www.seboc.com/job Visit us https://www.seboc.com/ Follow us on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/sebocLI Join an open-mic event: https://www.seboc.com/events   References: 2026 Global Human Capital Trends. (2026). Retrieved from https://www.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/topics/talent/human-capital-trends.html?id=us%3A2ps%3A3gl%3Achc26%3Aawa%3Agreendot%3Anonem%3AK0219492%3A041326%3Akwd-461493411780%3A196756941353%3A804670332474%3A%3A&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23331251908&gbraid=0AAAAADenGPBvHbAOgkq78Jysdo7i1C0lG   Crumley, B. (2026, February, 25). Businesses bet big on AI while cutting workers—economists say that's produced ‘zero growth'. Inc.  https://www.inc.com/bruce-crumley/businesses-bet-big-on-ai-while-cutting-workers-economists-say-thats-produced-zero-growth/91307695   Daly, S. J., Wiewiora, A., & Hearn, G. (2025). Shifting attitudes and trust in AI: Influences on organizational AI adoption. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 215, 124108. Lee, C. P., Lee, M. K., & Mutlu, B. (2026). Making the Invisible Visible: Understanding the Mismatch Between Organizational Goals and Worker Experiences in AI Adoption. arXiv preprint arXiv:2605.03078.   McKinsey & Company. (2025, January 2025). AI in the workplace. A report for 2025.  https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/tech-and-ai/our-insights/superagency-in-the-workplace-empowering-people-to-unlock-ais-full-potential-at-work   Ratanjee, V. (2026, February 14). The deficit reflex: Why change management keeps solving the wrong problem. Forbes.  https://www.forbes.com/sites/vibhasratanjee/2026/02/12/the-deficit-reflex-why-change-management-keeps-solving-the-wrong-problem/

On this episode of the THINK Business Podcast, Deb Lapin shared five timeless takeaways for any business person looking to think sharper, prepare better, and lead with confidence. Deborah S. Lapin is a shareholder at Maddin Hauser known for her sharp litigation skills and client-first approach. Top 5 Takeaways for Any Business Person Looking to Elevate Their Game: The Power of Being Underestimated Fundamentals Always Win Anticipation Is a Competitive Advantage Over-Prepare and Stay Adaptable to Be Ready for Anything Being True to Yourself Is the Ultimate Strategy --- Deborah (Deb) S. Lapin, a shareholder in Maddin Hauser's Financial Services and Real Property Litigation group, is a zealous advocate who blends creativity, determination, and pragmatism to obtain favorable outcomes in real estate litigation and a wide range of business disputes. Always cognizant that her efforts must consider the bigger picture and the bottom line, Deb develops individual case strategies that align with her clients' broader strategic objectives and financial and reputational interests. The foundation of Deb's courtroom acumen is the intensive trial experience she gained during her time as a public defender in New York City and as an associate in a busy plaintiff's litigation firm. She has since complemented the advocacy skills and insights she developed in these roles with extensive and immersive work handling real estate litigation, particularly mortgage-related issues and title insurance coverage disputes. Her practice also extends across the full spectrum of business litigation matters, where she leverages the firm's cross-disciplinary capabilities and resources to supplement her efforts on behalf of clients spanning multiple industries. Tough but reasonable, she is as adept at obtaining early resolutions of disputes as she is at securing verdicts in her clients' favor. Appreciating the internal pressures and priorities her institutional clients face, Deb is committed to transparent communication, thoughtful efficiency, and strong, collaborative working relationships. She makes the litigation experience less stressful and taxing for clients, who appreciate her clear expectation-setting and personable counseling style. Deb enjoys speaking and blogging on topics relevant to her practice and clients and regularly presents continuing legal education courses to her colleagues. She also takes an active interest in the industries where her clients do business, including serving on the Board of Directors of the Michigan Recreational Boating Industries Educational Foundation. Connect with Jon Dwoskin: Twitter: @jdwoskin Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.dwoskin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejondwoskinexperience/ Website: https://jondwoskin.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jondwoskin/ Email: jon@jondwoskin.com Get Jon's Book: The Think Big Movement: Grow your business big. Very Big! Connect with Deb Lapin:Website: https://maddinhauser.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MaddinHauser X: https://twitter.com/MaddinHauserPC LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/maddin-hauser-roth-and-heller-pc YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@maddinhauserlaw *E - explicit language may be used in this podcast.

With regulators increasingly urging consumer communities and dealers to "turn in your neighbor," your dealership cannot rely on local complacency to escape compliance penalties. We caught up with Lauren Bailey, Vice President of State and Regulatory Affairs at ComplyAuto, for an exclusive sneak peek at the advertising, privacy, and safety compliance strategies she is bringing to the VADA '26 Convention stage at the Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront. Register for VADA '26: https://vada.com/convention/ In this bonus "Convention Sneak Peek" episode, Lauren challenges dealers to shift their mindsets away from viewing legal compliance as a dry line-item cost. Instead, she outlines how robust compliance gives dealerships a massive edge in customer experience and employee retention. Lauren breaks down the shifting rules of AI-generated advertising, emerging state privacy laws, and why your physical service drive setup might be making you a target for unexpected OSHA inspections. In this episode: The "Turn In Your Neighbor" Era — Regulatory agencies are actively hunting for deceptive automotive retail ads. Relying on the excuse that "the guy down the street is doing it" is no longer a safe harbor. The Deceptive Reality of AI Ads — Dealerships are leveraging AI for customer testimonials, virtual chatbots, and credit decisions. Lauren highlights the legal risks of automated deception and the mandatory disclosures required by attorneys general. The Looming Privacy Patchwork — State privacy regulations have expanded across 21 states. Assuming your business is fully exempt under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) is an operational trap. OSHA's Heat Enforcement Trap — Franchise dealerships are usually excluded from OSHA's national emphasis program on heat injury. However, depending on your NAICS code classification and whether your service center is a non-contiguous location, your shop could be hit with steep penalties under the General Duty Clause. Once Every 100 Years — Statistically, a standard dealership is only inspected by OSHA once a century. But disgruntled employees or unsatisfied consumers change those odds instantly. Lauren details how to handle complaints proactively. Watch, then register: https://vada.com/convention/

In this World Environment Day episode of The Quality Hub, host Xavier Francis is joined by ISO consultant Norm Verbeck to discuss how ISO 14001 can help organizations turn environmental responsibility into a competitive advantage. They explore how a certified environmental management system supports waste reduction, energy efficiency improved market positioning and more. The conversation also highlights why customers, investors, and procurement teams increasingly value sustainability, and how companies can use ISO 14001 not just as a certification, but as a long-term business improvement tool that strengthens credibility, reduces risk, and supports continual improvement. Helpful Resources: ISO 14001:  https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-14001 For All Things ISO 9001:2015: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-9001-2015 Contact us at 866.354.0300 or email us at info@thecoresolution.com ISO 9001 Standards: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-90012015-standard-1 Articles: https://www.thecoresolution.com/free-learning-resources ISO 9001 Consulting: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-consulting

Most pharma launch frameworks don't fail because they lack structure; they fail because they become rigid checklists that kill strategic thinking. In this episode, Lumanity's Business Development Director, Jeff Hart, and Launch Excellence Principal, Kirsty Tait, talk about how pharmaceutical companies can scale launch excellence as pipelines grow and complexity increases. Kirsty and Jeff explain that rigid, one-size-fits-all frameworks lead to inefficiency, slow decisions, and misalignment across global and local teams. Instead, organizations need a standardized operating system with built-in flexibility to tailor strategy by asset and market. Ultimately, success depends not just on process, but on strong governance, a single source of truth, and a winning culture that drives execution. If your launch process feels slow, inconsistent, or overly complex, this conversation will help you rethink how to scale without losing speed or impact. Resources: Follow Lumanity on LinkedIn and explore their website! Connect with and follow Kirsty Tait on LinkedIn. Connect with and follow Jeff Hart on LinkedIn. Take a look at the Launch Excellence Health Check here! Learn more about this series we're doing with Lumanity here: https://lumanity.com/commercialization-podcasts

What if the hardest thing you ever face becomes the experience that shapes you into a stronger leader?Steve Garraty shares how a cancer diagnosis at age 18 became one of the most defining experiences of his life. Through a season marked by uncertainty, loss, and physical hardship, he discovered the power of perspective, resilience, and gratitude. Steve reflects on how adversity can shape us, not by avoiding difficult emotions, but by choosing how we respond and what we learn along the way.In our conversation, Steve offers practical insights for navigating challenges with courage and intention. He explores the importance of leaning on support systems, moving beyond a victim mindset, and finding meaning in life's hardest moments. We also discuss how these lessons have influenced the way he leads others, helping him approach leadership with greater empathy, patience, and appreciation. His story reminds us that while adversity is unavoidable, it can become a powerful catalyst for growth, perspective, and purposeful leadership.Key Takeaways:Reframe difficult experiences to build resilience and long-term growth.Crest a support system and lean on others, even when people are disappearing from your life.Acknowledge hardship without becoming trapped by it.Authentically practice gratitude and transform the way you lead others.Make past struggles a source of confidence and strength for future challenges.Resources The Inspire Your Team to Greatness assessment (the Courage Assessment) - In less than 10 minutes, find out where you're empowering and inadvertently kills productivity, and get a custom report that will tell you step by step what you need to have your team get more done. Get it here: https://courageofaleader.com/inspireyourteam/You don't need to have all the answers to lead well. Get your copy of the Clarity Kit for just $17 to learn the five practices to bring more clarity, confidence and courage into your leadership - https://courageofaleader.com/the-clarity-kit/Get your copy of Steve's book, Greatfruit: How Cancer Led to Living a More Fruitful Life - https://a.co/d/0bG6NVcZAbout the Guest:Steve Garraty is a cancer survivor, husband, and father of two beautiful children he was told he would unlikely ever have due to chemotherapy. He has a finance degree from the University of Georgia. He's been in sales and leadership roles for thirty years and has hired, trained, and coached hundreds of people. Steve is passionate about coaching and mentoring others to achieve their goals and accomplish more than they ever imagined. His experience battling cancer led to him being a better parent and leader with a new perspective to live a better, more fruitful, and wonderful life.About the Host:Amy L. Riley is an internationally renowned speaker, author and consultant. She has over 2 decades of experience developing leaders at all levels. Her clients include Cisco Systems, Deloitte and Barclays.As a trusted leadership coach and consultant, Amy has worked with hundreds of leaders one-on-one, and thousands more as part of a group, to fully step into their leadership, create amazing teams and achieve extraordinary results.Amy's most popular keynote speeches are:The Courage of a Leader: The Power of a Leadership LegacyThe Courage of a Leader: Create a Competitive Advantage with Sustainable, Results-Producing Cross-System CollaborationThe Courage of a Leader: Accelerate Trust with Your Team, Customers and CommunityThe Courage of a Leader: How to Build a Happy and Successful Hybrid TeamHer new book is a #1 international best-seller and is entitled, The Courage of a Leader: How to Inspire, Engage and Get Extraordinary Results.http://www.courageofaleader.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/amyshooprileyThanks for listening!Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!Subscribe to the podcastIf you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the, podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.Leave us an Apple Podcasts reviewRatings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.Mentioned in this episode:The Inspire Your Team to Greatness Assessment (The Courage Assessment)https://courageofaleader.com/inspireyourteam/

In this episode of All In: The Sustainable Business Podcast, former IKEA CEO Jesper Brodin shares hard-won insights from three decades with one of the world's most influential companies revealing why sustainability is a powerful driver of growth, resilience, and competitive advantage. Jesper unpacks how embracing “dilemmas” unlocks innovation, why affordability, not premiums, is the key to real transformation, and how companies can grow while cutting emissions at scale. Jesper also comments on leadership courage, corporate silence, and the emerging proof points supporting the development of a low-carbon economy.

AI is reshaping work by expanding roles, increasing multitasking, and accelerating productivity—but companies must set healthy guardrails and rebuild entry-level pathways as AI automates traditional starter tasks. That's the key take-away message of this episode of the Wise Decision Maker Show, which describes how generative AI is reshaping work exactly as expected.This article forms the basis for this episode: https://disasteravoidanceexperts.com/generative-ai-is-reshaping-work-exactly-as-expected/

Why do companies with the best intentions end up betraying their customers, employees, and mission? Eric Ries calls it “financial gravity” — an invisible force that pulls even the most principled companies toward corruption, and understanding it is the first step to resisting it.In this episode, Eric Ries, entrepreneur and author of The Lean Startup and Incorruptible, shares why building a great company isn't just about having a strong vision — it's about building structures that protect that vision from external pressure. Eric revisits the core ideas behind the Lean Startup and MVP, explaining how the purpose of a minimum viable product is not to ship fast but to learn fast. He then introduces the central thesis of his new book: that the corruption we see in companies isn't caused by bad people, but by a financial system that pulls organizations away from their values. Drawing on stories of Sol Price, FedMart, Costco, HEB, Novo Nordisk, and Anthropic, he shows that incorruptible companies are built through a combination of ethos — a deep operational commitment to doing right — and structural governance that resists outside pressure. He also unpacks how false metrics like OKRs can hollow out a company's integrity over time, and how Mary Parker Follett's concept of the “invisible leader” helps culture survive beyond any single founder or CEO.Key topics discussed:What “financial gravity” is and why even good companies fall to itThe true purpose of an MVP (hint: it's not about shipping fast)Why OKRs become dangerous false proxies over timeBlueprint for building a truly incorruptible companyWhy Costco and Novo Nordisk resisted forces that killed FedMartMary Parker Follett's invisible leader explainedWhy Anthropic's structure gives it a lasting competitive edgeHow everyday decisions become acts of systemic changeTimestamps:(00:00) Trailer & Intro(02:31) What Two Mega-Trends Make Lean Startup More Relevant Than Ever?(04:03) What Is the True Purpose of a Minimum Viable Product?(11:04) Has AI Actually Made Building Software Cheaper and Better?(13:41) What Two Stories Inspired the Book Incorruptible?(20:38) What Is Financial Gravity and Why Does It Corrupt Even Good Companies?(26:29) What Is Surrogation and Why Do OKRs Become Dangerous False Proxies?(29:55) What Is the Blueprint for Building an Incorruptible Company?(33:53) What Is the Invisible Leader and How Does It Keep Company Culture Alive?(39:56) What Governance Structures Can Shield a Company's Mission from Financial Gravity?(48:27) Why Does Anthropic's Unique Structure Give It a Competitive Advantage in AI?(51:43) 3 Tech Lead Wisdom_____Eric Ries's BioOver the last two decades, Eric Ries's ideas about continuous innovation, long-term thinking, governance, and market reform have reshaped company building and management practices. He is the creator of the Lean Startup method, and the author of the New York Times bestseller The Lean Startup; The Leader's Guide; and The Startup Way.As a founder, he has put his own ideas into practice with The Long-Term Stock Exchange (LTSE); Answer.AI, an AI R&D lab; Virgil, a legal services startup; and IMVU. On The Eric Ries Show, he talks with world-class technologists, thought leaders, and executives building for the long-term. He lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with his wife and three children.Follow Eric:LinkedIn – linkedin.com/in/eriesX – x.com/ericriesPodcast – www.ericriesshow.comWebsite – incorruptible.coNewsletter – news.theleanstartup.comLike this episode?Show notes & transcript: techleadjournal.dev/episodes/259.Follow @techleadjournal on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.Buy me a coffee or become a patron.

Today, we are breaking down Toast, a name we have covered before but are revisiting because the story has changed enough to be worth telling again. Most listeners will have tapped a Toast terminal without thinking much about the business behind it.  Our guest is Sean Barrett, founder, managing partner, and chief investment officer of Counter Global, who holds Toast as one of his largest positions and walks us through how a restaurant point of sale company became the operating system that runs the restaurant. He argues that Toast is best understood as the operating system for the restaurant rather than a payments terminal with software attached, and that the business grows as fast and as profitably as it does because the company spent years building purpose-built hardware, a multi-tenant software platform, and a sales force on the ground before it moved into new markets across grocery, enterprise, hospitality, and international.  We also discuss why a business winning roughly half of new restaurant openings in the United States still trades at a multiple that looks closer to a mature company than a category killer. Please enjoy this Breakdown of Toast. For the full show notes, transcript, and links to the best content to learn more, check out the episode page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ here.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ----- Become a Colossus member to get our quarterly print magazine and private audio experience, including exclusive profiles and early access to select episodes. Subscribe at ⁠colossus.com/subscribe⁠. ----- This episode is brought to you by⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Portrait Analytics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - your centralized resource for AI-powered idea generation, thesis monitoring, and personalized report building. Built by buy-side investors, for investment professionals. We work in the background, helping surface stock ideas and thesis signposts to help you monetize every insight. In short, we help you understand the story behind the stock chart, and get to "go, or no-go" 10x faster than before. Sign-up for a free trial today at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠portraitresearch.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ----- Stay up to date on all our podcasts by signing up to Colossus Weekly, our quick dive every Sunday highlighting the top business and investing concepts from our podcasts and the best of what we read that week. Sign up here. ----- Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thepodcastconsultant.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠). Timestamps (00:00:00) Welcome to Business Breakdowns (00:03:19) Toast Business Overview & Financials (00:06:31) Recurring vs. Reoccurring Gross Profit (00:07:39) Nuance on Revenue Semantics (00:10:05) Transformation from 2020 to Today (00:11:51) Full Product Offering Overview (00:14:13) Revenue Model — Recurring vs. Transaction-Based (00:16:08) Net Take Rate (00:17:22) Software Side of Revenue (00:18:49) Hardware & SaaSpocalypse Connection (00:22:31) AI Offering & What They're Shipping (00:27:01) Impact of 8% Revenue Uplift for Restaurants (00:27:12) Competitive Landscape (00:32:44) Switching & Churn Dynamics (00:34:52) Competitive Advantage & Moat (00:37:43) Management Team & Culture (00:39:57) $10B Gross Profit TAM & Runway (00:44:01) Valuation Approach (00:45:53) Key Risks (00:48:32) Key Lessons

AI feedback drives continuous improvement in Gen AI tools by helping organizations adapt faster, improve user satisfaction, boost efficiency, and create a culture where employee insights lead to smarter innovation and better results. That's the key take-away message of this episode of the Wise Decision Maker Show, which talks about why Gen AI feedback is the real advantage.This article forms the basis for this episode: https://disasteravoidanceexperts.com/forget-algorithms-gen-ai-feedback-is-the-real-advantage/

Episode Overview In this episode of the Agent to CEO Podcast, John Kitchens sits down with longtime real estate leader Tricia Turner for a raw conversation about what it really takes to survive and win in today's market. With 23 years in the business, hundreds of homes sold, a team in Houston, brokerage experience, staging, events, and community building, Tricia brings a no-fluff perspective on where the industry is headed and why many agents are struggling. This episode dives into the market shift, agent skill gaps, brokerage consolidation, community-driven leadership, and the hard truth most team leaders avoid talking about: Profitability. If you're an agent, team leader, or broker trying to navigate this new real estate landscape, this conversation is a wake-up call. Key Topics Covered The Market Shift That Exposed Everything Tricia shares how the 2022 shift completely changed the game after the COVID boom. Topics include: Why 2023 and 2024 were two of the hardest years in her career How listings stopped moving Why many teams didn't cut expenses fast enough How a strong market can hide weak systems Why the Industry Needed a Reset John and Tricia unpack why the real estate industry is going through a major shakeout. They discuss: Agent bloat Low-production agents damaging consumer trust Why the market is forcing weak businesses to restructure The reality that consumers often feel they know more than their agents The Rise of New Brokerage Models Tricia breaks down the shift from traditional brokerage models to cloud-based, revenue-share, stock-based companies. They discuss: eXp Real Realty of America Compass and Anywhere Why ownership and compensation drive behavior Why agents are looking for more than a split Why Community Matters More Than Ever Tricia shares why agents are craving leadership, training, and real community right now. Her belief: Agents don't just need a brokerage. They need a place where someone actually helps them win. This led to her building the Rise and Thrive Community, a Monday-through-Friday training environment focused on real estate, AI, listings, market stats, and what agents need to say right now. The Skill Gap Crushing Agents Tricia calls out the biggest problem in the industry: Too many agents are untrained, unskilled, and unwilling to do the work. They discuss: Why agents chase lunches instead of leads The danger of following influencers with no real production history Why agents must sharpen listing skills, confidence, and market knowledge Why reps matter more than theory Who Agents Should Actually Listen To John and Tricia talk about the importance of paying attention to the right people. The message is simple: Don't follow people because they market well. Follow people who have actually done the work. Tricia's Decision-Making Filter Tricia shares how clarity around her future has shaped her decisions. Her North Star: Financial freedom Legacy for her family Building a company and community that creates opportunity Leading people the right way The Hot Seat: Profitability Tricia gets real about her biggest current bottleneck: Profitability. She opens up about the tension between wanting to give agents everything and needing the company to remain financially healthy. The hard truth: If the company isn't profitable, the mission cannot scale. Resources & Mentions Rise and Thrive Community → JoinRiseAndThrive.com Realty of America Kitchen Table Mastermind John Kitchens Executive Coaching → JohnKitchens.coach Final Takeaway This market is exposing everything. Weak skills. Weak systems. Weak leadership. Weak financial models. But for the agents and leaders willing to get clear, get trained, build community, and focus on profitability, there is massive opportunity ahead. As Tricia says: "Get crystal clear on what you really want your life to look like." Connect with Us: 7 Figure Audit: 7figurecall.com Instagram: @johnkitchenscoach LinkedIn: @johnkitchenscoach Facebook: @johnkitchenscoach If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Stay tuned for more insights and strategies from the top minds. See you next time!

Most leaders wait for the data to be obvious before they act.In this episode, Fred Crosetto, Founder and Chairman at AMMEX and Founder of iSupport Worldwide, talks about acting before anyone else is even paying attention. He built his business across three decades, navigated the chaos of COVID from both sides of the world, and came out stronger on every front. We unpack how he saw the pandemic coming before the US did, why he replaced his entire C-suite two years before COVID hit, and what it really means to run your own race in business and in life.Key Takeaways:00:00 Introduction03:00 A book on megatrends sent Fred to Asia at 2306:40 How Fred built AMMEX by calling every dentist he could find15:16 Being in China first gave AMMEX an unfair advantage21:40 Replacing the entire C-suite two years before COVID23:09 Pressure testing remote work six weeks before the world shut down28:01 Glove communism and whale hunting: how they won the pandemic46:15 The one question every founder must answer before stepping back50:13 The biggest mistake Fred made as a founder58:22 Competing in the cross-country skiing world championships at 61Resources Mentioned:Fred Crosettohttps://www.linkedin.com/in/fredcrosetto/AMMEX Grouphttps://www.ammex.com/iSupport Worldwide | LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/isupport-worldwide/iSupport Worldwide | Websitehttps://isupportworldwide.com/#MakeBIGHappen #CEOCoaching #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth

Discover how AI is transforming business strategies, branding, and product development through insights from seasoned entrepreneur Joe Gullesserian. Learn practical tips for leveraging technology to create competitive advantages and build iconic brands.Key Topics Covered:Joe Golisarian's entrepreneurial journey from rigid engineering to branding and product designThe evolution of industrial robots and the integration of AI in manufacturingHow AI can enhance efficiency: automating sales, marketing, and product analysisStrategies for creating emotional brand connections with examples like Tide and AppleThe concept of competitive advantage: differentiation, low cost, and imitation gapsThe importance of sensory experiences and emotional branding in consumer choiceUsing AI for market research, product feedback, and social media marketingThe shift towards living at the edge of risk as an entrepreneur, inspired by Steve Jobs and Elon MuskPractical advice on reading, studying, and continuous learning for successThe impact of digital distraction on attention spans and how to foster focusThe importance of resilience and suffering in entrepreneurial growth

If you want your creative work to become a real business, there comes a point where passion alone isn't enough. In this episode, I'm sharing the mindset shifts, habits, and leadership decisions that help creatives stop operating like hobbyists and start thinking like CEOs. This final episode in May (honoring Small Business Month), is packed with everything you need to make the shift from thinking you're only a creative to knowing you can be the CEO.Things mentioned in this episode:#220: Stop Starting. Start Finishing.Turning Pro by Steven PressfieldOrganized Actor® Online AppStart an Etsy ShopOther episodes you might enjoy:#221: How to Make Creative Decisions Without Second Guessing Yourself#204: Two Simple Things That Impact Everything in Your Life#187: How to Use AI to Your Creative and Competitive Advantage

Most businesses think their competitive advantage is price. They're wrong.In this episode of The Modern Marketer Podcast, we break down one of the most common misconceptions in business and marketing: the belief that lower prices create a stronger competitive position.You'll learn why competing on price often leads to shrinking margins, weaker customer loyalty, and a never-ending race to the bottom. More importantly, you'll discover what actually makes customers choose one business over another.We explore the three most sustainable sources of competitive advantage:• Why specialization makes you easier to choose• How a unique perspective can separate you from competitors• The role proof plays in building trust and accelerating buying decisionsIf you're tired of competing on price and want to build a business that stands out for the right reasons, this episode will help you identify and strengthen the advantages that competitors can't easily copy.Key Takeaways: Why price is rarely a true competitive advantage  The difference between positioning and pricing problems  How specialization increases perceived expertise  Why unique perspectives create memorability  The importance of proof in building trust and preference  How to become the obvious choice in your market Listen now and discover how to create a competitive advantage that drives long-term growth and profitability.

Want strategies to help you stay mentally strong right now? Pick up a copy of The Mental Strength Playbook. Have you ever been about to walk into something important — a big presentation, a tough call, a conversation you've been dreading — and your body just completely betrays you? Your heart is pounding, your palms are sweaty, your stomach is in knots. And no matter how many times you tell yourself to just calm down, it doesn't work? When they physical symptoms of anxiety spike, telling yourself to calm down is usually the worst thing you can do. So today I'm sharing a play that does the opposite of what your instinct tells you to do. Some of the things I talk about are: What was really happening backstage at my TEDx talk — and why I deliberately didn't try to calm down Why "just calm down" backfires when your anxiety is giving you physical symptoms, like a racing heart Why the label your brain puts on your physiological symptoms matters and how to assign it a different label How a threat mindset quietly sabotages your performance, and what flips you into an opportunity mindset instead The story of an NBA player whose game-day jitters were wrecking his performance — and the small change that turned his nerves into fuel The four steps to run the play so you can calm down fast The two mistakes that wreck this play ( including the subtle one almost everyone gets wrong) Why your racing heart isn't proof that something's wrong or that you're not ready Related Episodes ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 208 — Coping With Anxiety: An Anxiety Toolkit for Fast Relief ⁠⁠73 — Calm Intense Anxiety in 30 Seconds Connect With the Show Buy a copy of⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Amy on Instagram —⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@AmyMorinAuthor⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit my website —⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AmyMorinLCSW.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sponsors MUDWTR — Get up to 43% off your entire order, plus free shipping and a free rechargeable frother when you use code STRONGER at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mudwtr.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. AirDoctor — Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AirDoctorPro.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and use promo code STRONGER to get UP TO $300 off today! One Skin — Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠oneskin.co/STRONGER⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use code stronger to get up to 30% off your first 3 subscription orders First Day — Get up to 57% off and a free gift with code stronger at ⁠⁠⁠FirstDay.com⁠⁠⁠ Quince — Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quince.com/stronger⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns! Flamingo — Get a $7 starter set at ⁠ShopFlamingo.com/STRONGER⁠ Cozy Earth — Head to ⁠cozyearth.com⁠ and use code STRONGER20 to get 20% off your order. Subscribe to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mentally Stronger Premium⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for exclusive content like weekly bonus episodes, mental strength challenges, and office hours with me. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the second episode of the Courage in Action series, Amy explores the traits that define courageous leadership in today's workplace. She challenges the idea that leadership is about having all the answers and instead focuses on the courage required to navigate uncertainty, have difficult conversations, build trust, and lead authentically. Through practical leadership examples, Amy breaks down how emotional intelligence, self-awareness, adaptability, and vulnerability strengthen leadership credibility and team connection. This episode is a grounded reminder that courageous leadership is not built through perfection. It is built one intentional choice, one conversation, and one act of courage at a time.Key Takeaways:Leadership Beyond Titles – Why courageous leadership is demonstrated through behavior, not authority or position.Emotional Intelligence Under Pressure – Discover how self-awareness and emotional discipline strengthen leadership effectiveness.Building Trust Through Honesty – Explore how transparency and authenticity create stronger team trust during uncertainty.Courage Through Everyday Choices – Learn how courageous leadership traits are developed through consistent practice and reflection.Vulnerability and Credibility – How healthy vulnerability strengthens trust, psychological safety, and leadership connection.Resources MentionedThe Inspire Your Team to Greatness assessment (the Courage Assessment) - In less than 10 minutes, find out where you're empowering and inadvertently kills productivity, and get a custom report that will tell you step by step what you need to have your team get more done. Get it here: https://courageofaleader.com/inspireyourteam/You don't need to have all the answers to lead well. Get your copy of the Clarity Kit for just $17 to learn the five practices to bring more clarity, confidence and courage into your leadership - https://courageofaleader.com/the-clarity-kit/About the Host:Amy L. Riley is an internationally renowned speaker, author and consultant. She has over 2 decades of experience developing leaders at all levels. Her clients include Cisco Systems, Deloitte and Barclays.As a trusted leadership coach and consultant, Amy has worked with hundreds of leaders one-on-one, and thousands more as part of a group, to fully step into their leadership, create amazing teams and achieve extraordinary results.Amy's most popular keynote speeches are:The Courage of a Leader: The Power of a Leadership LegacyThe Courage of a Leader: Create a Competitive Advantage with Sustainable, Results-Producing Cross-System CollaborationThe Courage of a Leader: Accelerate Trust with Your Team, Customers and CommunityThe Courage of a Leader: How to Build a Happy and Successful Hybrid TeamHer new book is a #1 international best-seller and is entitled, The Courage of a Leader: How to Inspire, Engage and Get Extraordinary Results.http://www.courageofaleader.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/amyshooprileyThanks for listening!Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!Subscribe to the podcastIf you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the, podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.Leave us an Apple Podcasts reviewRatings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.Mentioned in this episode:The Inspire Your Team to Greatness Assessment (The Courage Assessment)https://courageofaleader.com/inspireyourteam/

YouTube - https://youtu.be/lr9T76Z6pEo90-day Guide - https://idealwealthgrower.kit.com/90-day-growth-planRead this episode's action plan - https://idealwealthgrower.substack.com/p/your-only-competitive-advantage***WHO IS AXEL?  A business consultant. A real estate investor. A mentor. Avid Tesla fan & investor. AI in the Age of Abundance thought leader. His wife's gardener.

On this episode of Chit Chat Stocks, we go through another Ryan Research Episode covering MSCI Inc. We discuss:(00:00) Introduction(03:15) The Importance of Indexes and Benchmarking(06:12) Challenges in Building and Maintaining Indexes(09:25) Revenue Generation and Business Model of MSCI(12:19) The Role of AI in Index Management(15:22) Future Growth and Market Trends for MSCI(31:33) The Role of MSCI in the ETF Market(33:43) Growth Potential and Market Trends(35:01) Competitive Advantages of MSCI(40:44) Comparing Moats: Stock Exchanges vs. Index Providers(45:50) Valuation Insights and Future Projections(51:52) Investment Decisions and Market Considerations*****************************************************Subscribe to our newsletter, Emerging Moats: emergingmoats.com *********************************************************************Chit Chat Stocks is presented by Interactive Brokers. Get professional pricing, global access, and premier technology with the best brokerage for investors today: https://www.interactivebrokers.com/ Interactive Brokers is a member of SIPC. *********************************************************************Check out Value Spotlight: Stockwriteup.com *********************************************************************Fiscal.ai is building the future of financial data.With custom charts, AI-generated research reports, and endless analytical tools, you can get up to speed on any stock around the globe. All for a reasonable price. Use our LINK and get 15% off any premium plan: ⁠https://fiscal.ai/chitchat *********************************************************************Disclosure: Chit Chat Stocks hosts and guests are not financial advisors, and nothing they say on this show is formal advice or a recommendation.

Going Long Podcast Episode 630: How To Make Your Career Capital Your Biggest Competitive Advantage  ( To see the Video Version of today's conversation just CLICK HERE. ) In today's episode of The Going Long Podcast, you'll learn the following:   [00:24 - 01:04] Billy welcomes us to and introduces today's show. [01:04 - 14:11] Billy helps you understand how your accumulated career experience can be leveraged as a unique form of 'capital' to bring you a true and solid competitive advantage.  [14:11 - 15:39] Billy wraps up the show. If you're a corporate executive who wants to make your role optional, then grab your FREE ebook with Billy's proven 3 step process at:  www.makeitoptional.com What you can expect to get out of this ebook: Learn how to achieve corporate optionality Gain true control over your career Turn corporate skills into personal assets With 26 years of experience in corporate sales leadership, achieved optionality through multiple income streams, Billy has helped dozens of executives build their paths to take control of their time. This free ebook gives you everything you need to identify, plan, and take control of your career while building financial optionality, leveraging your skills, and start living your IDEAL day - today! Go to: www.makeitoptional.com Click the above link or just copy and paste the following directly into your browser to sign up and get your free ebook: https://www.makeitoptional.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=p2olm  To see the Video Version of today's conversation just CLICK HERE.   How to leave a review for The Going Long Podcast: https://youtu.be/qfRqLVcf8UI     Be sure to connect with Billy!  He's made it easy for you to do…Just go to any of these sites:   Website: www.billykeels.com Youtube: billykeels Facebook: Billy Keels Fan Page Instagram: @billykeels Twitter: @billykeels LinkedIn: Billy Keels

At some point in a successful career, a quiet question begins to surface: Is there more? You've built something meaningful, gained experience, and developed real expertise—but there's often a deeper pull toward greater impact, fulfillment, and alignment with who you've become. What if that instinct isn't restlessness, but direction? What if your most significant work isn't behind you—but still ahead? This next chapter isn't about starting over; it's about starting from strength. You bring a wealth of experience, perspective, and insight that can't be replicated early on—and that becomes your greatest advantage. The key is learning how to leverage what you've already built, your own "core common denominator," and apply it with renewed clarity and purpose. In today's episode, we'll explore how to shift your mindset, reframe your experience as an asset, and step into a season where your best work may be closer than you think. Full article here: https://GoalsForYourLife.com/best-work-ahead Listen, watch & subscribe on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/PFOAyTT_BBo  THE SUMMIT Book by Deborah Johnson Chapters 0:00 Is Your Best Work Still Ahead? 2:20 Starting From a Position of Strength 5:15 Principle 1: Clarity as a Competitive Advantage 8:05 Principle 2: Technology as Leverage, Not a Threat 11:10 Shifting From Activity to Meaningful Impact 14:25 Principle 3: Resilience and the Power of Discernment 17:50 Principle 4: Why Implementation Creates Transformation 21:30 Redefining Success at Mid-Career 23:45 Final Summary and How to Connect Get POWER OF AFTER BOOK HERE: https://amzn.to/3GpEGlJ Make sure you're getting all our podcast updates and articles! Get them here: https://goalsforyourlife.com/newsletter  Resources with tools and guidance for mid-career individuals, professionals & those at the halftime of life seeking growth and fulfillment: http://HalftimeSuccess.com

Generative AI reprices knowledge work by turning tasks that once required costly outsourced labor into low-cost model-driven workflows, reshaping hiring, budgeting, and productivity across industries. That's the key take-away message of this episode of the Wise Decision Maker Show, which discusses how AI reprices knowledge work.This article forms the basis for this episode: https://disasteravoidanceexperts.com/ai-is-twenty-five-times-cheaper-the-number-that-reprices-knowledge-work/

Something is shifting for solopreneurs and independent experts: the hunger for genuine human connection is growing, and it's not being satisfied by another webinar or WhatsApp group. In this episode, Anna Lundberg explores what's driving this trend, why community is a genuine competitive advantage for independent workers, and what investing in real connection can actually look like in practice. Key takeaways: Independence is not the same as isolation. There's a version of solo working that romanticises going it alone - but the most sustainable independents build deliberate communities around themselves. A trusted peer, a mastermind, a room where you can say the things you can't say elsewhere: that's not a nice-to-have, it's infrastructure. Three forces are driving the hunger for real connection. AI-generated noise is making genuine thinking and real relationships stand out more than ever. Transactional networking fatigue is real and widespread. And community - the right kind - turns out to be a genuine strategic asset, not just an emotional comfort. What "real connection" actually looks like in practice. Not grand gestures or big commitments. Anna shares the concrete things she's doing: a small quarterly supper club, monthly founder gatherings locally, and a more deliberate openness to conversations and collaborations. Permission to change with the season. The protective, time-guarded approach may have been exactly right for a previous chapter. But it's worth pausing to ask whether it's still right now - because we often keep running the same patterns long after the context has shifted. Start small and specific. One gathering. One person you keep meaning to reconnect with. One peer relationship you could invest in more deliberately. Know whether you're energised by one-to-one depth or group energy - then go from there. If you're an established independent looking for exactly that kind of room - real accountability, genuine connection, people to think out loud with - Offscript is Anna's community built for that. Head to offscript.club to find out more.

What happens when AI makes recruiting faster—but trust becomes the real differentiator? In this FDE+ session, Kortney Harmon sits down with Rob Reznick, founder and CEO of Beacon, to unpack why referrals, reputation, and human connection still drive the strongest business results in recruiting.Drawing from his background in tech, finance, and startup leadership, Rob explores the hidden cost of over-automation and why relationship-driven recruiting continues to outperform transactional outreach. From LinkedIn experiments to practical referral strategies, he shares how recruiters can strengthen credibility, build stronger networks, and create long-term business growth through trust.________________Follow Rob Reznick on LinkedIn: LinkedIn | RobCheck out Beacon hereFollow Crelate on LinkedIn: CrelateWant to learn more about Crelate? Book a demo hereSubscribe to our newsletter: The Full Desk Experience

AI is making creative work faster and leaner by turning brainstorming into an instant, AI-powered collaboration—shifting human value from drafting ideas to directing, refining, and applying original taste. That's the key take-away message of this episode of the Wise Decision Maker Show, which talks about how AI is making the one-person creative studio a reality.This article forms the basis for this episode: https://disasteravoidanceexperts.com/ai-is-making-the-one-person-creative-studio-a-reality/

What happens when you set out to break every rule in one of America's most traditional sports, and people flock to watch?In this Fan Favorite episode, Jared Orton, President of the Savannah Bananas, unpacks how a no-name baseball team triggered a movement by making fun non-negotiable and burning down industry norms. Discover how relentless experiments, cultural friction, player resistance, and pandemic chaos forced Jared Orton and his team to make brutal business choices, all while scaling from selling a few tickets to filling stadiums across America.Miss this episode, and you risk clinging to safe growth strategies while your competitors reinvent, electrify their culture, and claim your customers. Listen now. Get the raw, strategic truth behind explosive growth and team alignment that most leaders never hear about.Timestamped Highlights00:00 – Why telling fans “You can't buy a ticket” made them desperate to get in03:34 – The culture playbook that turned baseball on its head07:59 – The brutal truth: fun was their only real competitive edge12:03 – The $15 all-you-can-eat gamble that shocked their market15:39 – How they engineer relentless fun without losing operational discipline20:44 – Why letting the wrong players walk is a proven culture win25:00 – The pandemic forced a do-or-die vision shift overnight34:00 – Their biggest tactical mistake and how it nearly cost everythingAbout the GuestJared Orton is the President of the Savannah Bananas, an electrifying baseball brand known for redefining the fan experience and selling out stadiums nationwide. With a proven track record in entertainment-driven growth, Jared Orton has transformed the Savannah Bananas from a struggling local team into a national phenomenon.

President Trump heads to China with a powerhouse delegation of CEOs, including Elon Musk and Tim Cook, to redefine commercial diplomacy and secure America's economic future. FOX Business Network's Ed Lawrence joins the show to break down how the U.S. is using energy, technology, and "America First" policies to counter China's global influence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this bonus episode, I go on a deep-dive rant about why your professional achievements matter way less than your character. I share why I'm obsessed with proving that “nice guys win” and why I'll always choose soul-fulfillment over a bank account balance. I also break down the difference between being delusional and practicing "practical optimism," and why you need to stop letting fear or the opinions of others dictate your future. You'll learn about:Why character matters more than professional successHow to choose passion over profit for long-term happinessThe difference between toxic positivity and practical optimismWhy you need to cut out toxic friends and bad habits to winHow to stop letting generational fear hold you back

Confidence, clarity, and speaking when it matters.Confident communication isn't about being the loudest in the room. For Susie Wolff, it's about displaying assurance before you even open your mouth.Wolff is a former professional race car driver, managing director of F1 Academy, and author of Driven. Throughout her career in one of the world's most male-dominated industries, she's learned that confidence starts within. “If you want others to believe in you, you need to at least have confidence in your own abilities,” she says. By letting her capabilities speak for themselves, Wolff felt she didn't have to. “I was never the loudest voice in the room. But I made sure when I did speak that I really had something to say.”In this special episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, co-hosted by Matt Abrahams and Tiggy Valen, Wolff shares how inner drive creates outer clarity. From delivering hard truths with empathy to achieving buy-in for a bold vision, Wolff offers lessons on communicating with confidence, even in the face of stiff competition.Episode Reference Links:Susie WolffSusie's Book: DrivenTiggy ValenPaddock ProjectEp.235 Refine, Reframe, Repeat: Make Your Communication a Slam Dunk  Connect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInChapters:(00:00) - Introduction (03:06) - Early Motorsport Passion (04:01) - Finding Your Voice (05:33) - Building Confidence (06:28) - Becoming a Leader (08:48) - Cross-Cultural Communication (09:57) - Building F1 Academy (14:20) - Giving Tough Feedback (17:32) - Embracing Discomfort (20:01) - The Final Three Questions (26:18) - Conclusion  ********Thank you to our sponsors.  These partnerships support the ongoing production of the podcast, allowing us to bring it to you at no cost.This episode is brought to you by Babbel. Think Fast Talk Smart listeners can get started on your language learning journey today- visit Babbel.com/Thinkfast and get up to 55% off your Babbel subscription.Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be.