Podcasts about competitors

Today's guest is Jennifer Capozzi, an IFBB Bikini Pro, wife, mom of two, certified personal trainer, and Bombshell Fitness coach who has been coaching for more than 13 years. Originally from Queens, New York, she now calls the East End of Long Island home. Fitness has been a constant throughout her life, and she has built a career around helping both everyday women and competitive athletes become stronger, build muscle, and create sustainable lifestyles. Her competitive bodybuilding journey began more than a decade ago at the 2013 Brooklyn Grand Prix, and she has competed extensively across the NPC, including numerous Masters and Open competitions never placing out of top 5. After years of competing, multiple national-level placings, and coming close to the top of her divisions, she ultimately earned her IFBB Pro Card at the 2024 Masters Nationals in Pittsburgh, winning the Masters 40+ division. She made her professional debut in 2025 at the GRL PWR Pro, competing in Masters 40+. She is passionate about bodybuilding as an art form and believes that strength, discipline, and consistency can help women build not only their physiques, but also their confidence.   QUICK RECAP: The episode featured a conversation between Celeste and IFBB Bikini Pro Jennifer Capozzi, who shared her journey from starting bodybuilding in 2013 to earning her pro card in 2024. Jennifer discussed the challenges of balancing competition with motherhood, the evolution of the bikini division, and the importance of discipline and consistency. She emphasized the role of support systems, communication, and self-talk in overcoming doubts and achieving long-term goals. Jennifer also spoke about her coaching philosophy, which focuses on listening and meeting clients where they are, and encouraged women to pursue competition if they feel the calling. The conversation covered her experiences backstage, the changes in the sport, and her future aspirations, including competing at the Masters Olympia.   Celeste interviewed Jennifer Capozzi, an IFBB Bikini Pro and personal trainer, discussing her competitive bodybuilding journey spanning over a decade. Jennifer shared her pre-stage routine, which involves breathwork to manage nerves and focus on the hard work already completed. She explained how her approach to competition has evolved over time, learning to transform anxiety into positive energy and use feedback from placements to drive continuous improvement rather than get discouraged by consistent second-place finishes. Jennifer's Bodybuilding Journey Jennifer discussed how she discovered bodybuilding after growing up in a very active family with three brothers, where she was the only girl and participated in all their sports and activities. She began bodybuilding in 2013 after her brother-in-law, an Olympic and IFBB pro bodybuilder, encouraged her to try it, and she won her first show, which motivated her to continue. Jennifer managed to balance training with being a mother of two young children by preparing family meals together and incorporating healthy eating habits for everyone. Bodybuilding Division Evolution Discussion Jennifer discussed the evolution of bodybuilding, particularly in the bikini division, noting how competitors have become larger over time. She explained how the introduction of the Fit Model division created more opportunities for athletes, allowing them to focus on building muscle while maintaining an artistic approach without the extreme demands of traditional bikini competition. Jennifer emphasized that both divisions require significant dedication and commitment, with the goal of continuous improvement rather than maintaining a specific body standard. Competitor's Journey to Professional Success Jennifer shared her journey from her first nervous competition to becoming a professional competitor, describing how she overcame initial anxiety and developed discipline through structured training and diet. She explained that seeing herself on stage successfully motivated her to pursue professional competition, and she eventually joined the Bombshell team where she now coaches others. Jennifer described her personal mission as helping women find their strength and voice while balancing life responsibilities, noting how her own journey has prepared her to mentor other competitors. Balancing Bodybuilding with Motherhood Jennifer discussed her journey balancing bodybuilding with motherhood, emphasizing the importance of communication and support from her family. She shared how she overcame initial mom guilt by explaining her passion to her children and husband, who accommodated her schedule by planning around her competitions and providing emotional support. Jennifer noted that her children now understand the dedication required in competitive sports through their own dance training, which involves similar time commitments and physical demands. Bodybuilding Family Support Discussion Jennifer discussed how her daughters help with posing and guidance during her bodybuilding competitions, though they sometimes get frustrated when she doesn't pick up techniques as quickly as they do. She explained that her daughters specialize in lyrical and contemporary dance rather than ballet or tap. Jennifer also shared that her husband has been a strong support throughout their 22-year marriage, helping with meal preparation and maintaining open communication, which they both consider essential for their relationship. Managing Competitive Goals Strategically Jennifer discussed strategies for managing social relationships while pursuing a competitive goal, emphasizing the importance of clear communication with supportive friends and family about her vision. She advised finding alternative social activities beyond traditional dining and drinking, and suggested focusing on appreciation rather than demanding more sacrifices from loved ones. Jennifer also shared her approach to overcoming doubts and emotional exhaustion during her long-term competitive efforts, describing how morning self-talk and meditation helped her maintain motivation and focus on her goals. Bodybuilding Life Skills Transfer Celeste and Jennifer discussed how the discipline and structure developed through bodybuilding transfers to other areas of life, including work and parenting. Jennifer explained how maintaining routines and proper nutrition has helped her children excel in activities like dance and school. They also discussed how bodybuilding taught Jennifer the importance of patience and proper nutrition, which she applies to daily life and considers a form of self-care. Bodybuilding Competition Experience Jennifer described her experience winning a pro card at a bodybuilding competition in Pittsburgh, where she was called out on stage multiple times and ultimately achieved her goal. After winning her pro card, she competed in the Girl Power show where she placed 8th, receiving feedback to come back bigger. Jennifer expressed interest in competing at the Girl Power show again in 2027, citing the all-female atmosphere, supportive team environment, and positive experience at the Orlando venue as reasons for wanting to return. Pro Competition Training and Goals Jennifer shared her experience transitioning from amateur to professional competition, describing how the longer stage time in the pro division allowed her to enjoy the moment more and connect with judges. She outlined her current training approach with Jessica, focusing on a 5-day split routine and consistent nutrition, while working to develop her glutes and shoulders for future bikini competition success. Jennifer expressed her long-term goal of qualifying for the Masters Olympia and her passion for coaching other women toward their fitness and competition goals, emphasizing the importance of building daily habits and mental toughness. Competitor Challenges and Coaching Strategies Jennifer discussed the challenges competitors face, particularly issues with family support and making excuses to avoid following through with their fitness goals. She emphasized the importance of maintaining some structure and discipline, even if it's just 10 minutes of activity. Jennifer identified listening as the key difference between good and great coaching, and shared her approach to having difficult conversations with clients about realistic goals and timelines. Aspiring Competitors Coaching Advice Jennifer shared advice for aspiring competitors, emphasizing the importance of following through on visions, finding a good coach, and starting with local competitions. She discussed her preference for training core and glutes, and mentioned her memorable first competition and pro win experience. Jennifer also provided her social media handles for people to connect with her and learn more about her coaching services. CONNECT WITH JENNIFER: INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/jennifercapozzi_ifbbpro/?hl=en WEBSITE WITH ALL LINKS: https://linktr.ee/Jenncapozzi CONNECT WITH CELESTE: Website:http://www.celestial.fit Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/celestial_fit/ All Links:http://www.celestial.fit/links.htm

Bloomberg reported that AI cloud provider Lambda is in talks to raise a $3 billion pre-IPO round. The financing would precede a potential public listing and reflects the capital intensity of building GPU cloud infrastructure. Lambda provides NVIDIA GPU access in the cloud and sells on-premises systems, serving both on-demand and reserved capacity needs. Pre-IPO capital in this sector is often used to secure chips, expand colocation capacity, and improve networking. Competitors include CoreWeave and large clouds such as AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, and Oracle Cloud. Founders are evaluating multi-year reservations, vendor diversification, and transparent pricing as they plan AI compute budgets.Learn more on this news by visiting us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, Today's Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty Watch Full Video Episode Who is your shop's toughest competitor: the business down the street, or the people inside your own four walls? Carm Capriotto sits down with shop owners Dwayne Myers and Al Oramas to explore internal competition and why the biggest threats to a shop's success often come from within. The conversation challenges owners to stop obsessing over competitors and start examining their own leadership, consistency, processes, and customer experience. What You'll Learn Why operational consistency matters and how small deviations can create chaos.Why owners can't effectively lead from the "engine room."How true delegation requires owners to let go of control and trust their teams.Why "everything speaks" when it comes to the customer experience.How standing at the curb can reveal things owners no longer notice inside their own shops.How simple physical and operational improvements can create meaningful change.Why asking employees what they love and what they would change can reveal the true health of a business. Your greatest competitor may be staring back at you in the mirror. The shops that grow stronger are willing to look inward, challenge their own habits, listen to their teams, and consistently raise the standard. Leadership isn't about controlling every detail; it's about creating the environment, expectations, and trust that allow the entire team to perform at its best. Dwayne Myers, Dynamic Automotive, 8 locations, Maryland. Dwayne's previous episodes HERE. Al Oramas, Pro Auto Care, 2 locations, Denver and Littleton, CO Optimize training with Today's Class: In just 5 minutes daily, boost knowledge retention and improve team performance. Find Today's Class on the web at https://www.todaysclass.com/ David Boyes, President of ‘Today's Class”  David's previous episodes HERE Brad Updegraff, Dave's Ultimate Automotive, 7 locations, Austin, TX. Brad's previous episodes HERE. Thanks to our Partner, NAPA TRACS NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/ Thanks to our Partner, Today's Class Optimize training with Today's Class: In just 5 minutes daily, boost knowledge retention and improve team performance. Find Today's Class on the web at https://www.todaysclass.com/ Thanks to our Partner, KUKUI Stop juggling multiple marketing tools. KUKUI's integrated platform delivers 4x better website conversions, automated follow-up, and real-time ROI tracking. Get industry-leading customer support with KUKUI at https://www.kukui.com/ Thanks to our Partner, Pit Crew Loyalty You're probably tired of chasing new customers who never return. We understand. Pit Crew Loyalty ends the one-and-done cycle, turning first visits into lasting, reliable revenue at https://www.pitcrewloyalty.com/ Connect with the Podcast: Download and Listen on Our Mobile App: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/app/Visit the Website:https://remarkableresults.biz/Subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/carmcapriottoFollow on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/Follow on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmcapriotto/Follow on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/remarkableresultsradiopodcast/Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club:https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmastersJoin Our Private Facebook Community:https://www.facebook.com/groups/1734687266778976Join our Insider List:https://remarkableresults.biz/insiderAll books mentioned on our podcasts:https://remarkableresults.biz/booksOur Classroom page for personal or team learning:https://remarkableresults.biz/classroomBuy Me a Coffee:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/carmSpecial episode collections:https://remarkableresults.biz/collections...

In this episode, host Josh interviews Eric Kooymans, an online marketing expert with 18 years of experience. Eric shares actionable strategies for e-commerce growth, including in-depth keyword research, competitor and paid ad analysis, and cost per acquisition estimation. He emphasizes the importance of product bundling, expanding sales channels, and leveraging tools like SEMrush and Facebook Ad Library. Eric offers practical tips on using Google and Facebook Shopping integrations and provides advice for building sustainable, scalable e-commerce brands that attract long-term investment.Chapters:Introduction to Eric Kooymans and His Expertise (00:00:00)Eric's background, experience, and notable clients in e-commerce and online marketing.Starting a Growth Strategy: Self-Audit & Audience Analysis (00:01:34)Initial steps for developing a growth plan: self-audit, understanding target audience, and identifying customer problems.Keyword Research and Demand Analysis (00:02:05)Using tools like Keyword Keg, SEMrush, and Google Keyword Planner to analyze search volume, demand, and seasonal trends.Building a Demand Growth Strategy (00:02:56)Translating keyword research into a demand-driven business strategy, considering seasonality and cost per acquisition.Evaluating Cost per Acquisition and Product Bundling (00:03:52)Assessing average order value, cost per acquisition, and the importance of bundling products for profitability.Keyword Research Tools and Competitor Analysis (00:04:41)Comparing keyword research tools and introducing competitor analysis using SEMrush for deeper market insights.Deep Dive into Competitor Analysis (00:05:36)How to audit competitors, analyze their strengths, weaknesses, and identify cost-effective keyword opportunities.Paid Advertising and Ad Analysis (00:06:52)Conducting paid ad research using SEMrush, SpyFu, and Facebook Ad Library to understand competitors' ad strategies.Estimating Cost per Acquisition with Industry Data (00:08:50)Using WordStream and industry benchmarks to estimate cost per acquisition and conversion rates before launching campaigns.Optimizing Product Assortment and Bundling (00:11:24)Developing product bundles and assortments that increase average order value and align with customer passion.Actionable Takeaway 1: Activate Shopping Channels (00:12:37)Quick win: Turn on Google Shopping, Facebook Shopping, and use plugins to expand product reach.Actionable Takeaway 2: Focus on Product Bundles (00:13:49)Group winning products into bundles or seasonal packages to improve ad ROI and scale growth.Actionable Takeaway 3: Expand to New Marketplaces (00:14:44)Leverage platforms like Faire and other marketplaces to increase exposure and test new channels with bestsellers.Closing Remarks and Resources (00:15:58)Eric thanks the host, offers to answer questions, and mentions show notes with additional resources.Links and Mentions:Keyword Keg: "00:02:05"  SEMrush: "00:02:05"  Google Keyword Planner: "00:02:05"  SpyFu: "00:07:14"  Facebook Ads Library: "00:07:14"  WordStream: "00:09:48"  Sales and Orders: "00:13:19"  Transcript:Josh 00:00:00  Today I am super excited to introduce you to Eric Kooymans. Eric is an online marketing expert with over 18 years of experience in e-commerce development, search engine optimization, Facebook ads, influencer marketing and much more. With a portfolio boasting over 180 different companies including the American Cancer Society, passion, passion, City Church and Chris Tomlin. Eric's specialties include WordPress, Shopify and Magento e-commerce, as well as various marketing automation tools like Activecampaign and HubSpot. Get ready to learn from the best of in this business on today's podcast. So with that introduction, welcome to the show, Eric.Eric 00:00:42  Thank you for having me. I appreciate your time.Josh 00:00:44  Every single listener is going to want to hear, like, what are those growth strategies that you implement? Right? What are those the tactical things that you do that help diversify, provide comfort. But I think it's not even just the aspect of diversification. I think it is building a comprehensive brand that private equity truly would be hungry to acquire, right? Because they don't just see you as a fly by night Amazon seller.Josh 00:01:14  You had success on that, but you can't repeat that success anywhere else. so Eric, let's let's dive into those strategies. Somebody comes to you, you know, how do you work them or how do you start to develop that 6 to 24 month, you know, growth strategy? I guess ramp up for them.Eric 00:01:34  Sounds good. Yeah. So the first off, before we do it, we basically have we want to ask the basic questions and we kind of we normally have a little questionnaire that we have that we'll provide in the show notes. But the big question that you always want to kind of do a kind of little self audit. And we need to be able to understand, you know, who you are, who is the target audience? You know, what specifically is their problem or what are they looking for? Like what's their big, you know, when they're looking for your products? Kind of. What is that? What are we think of that is kind of what's the keywords, what's the what's the the symptom or the problem that they're having.Eric 00:02:05  And then with that, also, when it comes to the types of gifts or ways that this product could be used in, if it were to be a, a type of a gift or a, you know, holiday type thing. We put together all the different audiences and we do what we call the keyword research around that. And that's basically using cool tools like, keyword keg. there's also, SEMrush. There's also Google, Keyword Planner, but these are tools that we put it in there. And that basically tells us over the last 12 months what is the search volume and not just what we think we want to offer, but what are all the other things that we never thought of. And from there, we're then able to kind of have a lay of the land of what's the demand? Then we put together what we call the demand growth strategy, which basically is a how do we build our business around where the opportunity is. We don't want to just go buy a whole bunch of products and hope it works.Eric 00:02:56  We actually have to plan for it. And so the way that we do that is, is we understand what's the demand and what how many people are searching for what. And then and that's not just only at what times of the year as well, because you want to know what our seasonal business is. And if you have something that's big and and at Christmas time, well, how do you get busy in the summertime? You know, how do you not have the slow months? And how do you build products in a company around a sustainable growth strategy with that? And so we really kind of look at the seasonal trends. and then lastly, when you look at the keyword research, we're then able to understand what's the average cost per click and, and what the key thing to note is that is that if we were to go say, let's go do this, let's go and put together, a strategy, what is the average cost per acquisition? And those are the things that really allow us to say, hey,...

In this episode, we tackle a challenging sales scenario: how to effectively sell against an incumbent or competitor MSP that your prospect already likes. Learn how to qualify the relationship early, stay in control of the sales process, and highlight your unique value without criticizing the competitionChapters00:13 - Selling against a liked or incumbent MSP competitor.01:40 - Qualifying the opportunity and understanding relationship dynamics.05:42 - Asking open-ended qualifying questions.06:21 - Discovering why a prospect is exploring options without criticizing competitors.08:48 - Acknowledging competitor strengths while highlighting your unique future vision.11:08 - Embracing the idea of not being the right fit to build trust.12:00 - Focusing on future security and productivity trends to give a reason to change.16:13 - Using third-party articles to reinforce your value.17:06 - Addressing the psychology behind human resistance to change.20:53 - Focusing on the core drivers of buying: problems and desires.21:24 - Explaining the customer onboarding journey and the four phases of sales.23:49 - Walking away early from low-chance deals to save time.25:00 - Inspirational closing story about John Parry's charity walk. --------------------------------------------------------------------------SUBSCRIBE and hit the ALERT button for upcoming videos!Want to know the secrets to sales growth? Sign up for my weekly newsletter to get weekly insights on how you can grow and scale your business or Sales career. https://www.jameswhite.business/newsletter-sign-up/

Coach Austin Kapetanakis joins the show to talk about the challenges & rewards of writing training for CrossFit competitors.» Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/5qa3uEWw9NI» Free Educational Content: https://zoarfitness.com/articles» Hire a Coach: https://www.zoarfitness.com/coach/» Shop Programs: https://www.zoarfitness.com/product-category/downloads/» Follow ZOAR Fitness on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zoarfitness/Support the show

Axios reported that Crusoe is in talks about a potential IPO as AI data center demand strains power supplies. Crusoe, founded by CEO Chase Lochmiller and president Cully Cavness, builds modular data centers powered by stranded energy at oilfields. The company raised a $350 million Series C in 2022 and launched Crusoe Cloud to offer Nvidia GPU compute. EPA methane regulations finalized in December 2023 increase incentives for flare mitigation partnerships that can supply Crusoe with power inputs. Competitors such as CoreWeave, Equinix, Digital Realty, Applied Digital, and Iris Energy are expanding capacity through debt, construction, or pivots to AI hosting. Investors would assess site counts, megawatts deployed, utilization, GPU procurement, capex per megawatt, and power sourcing economics if Crusoe files an S-1.Learn more on this news by visiting us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Four years ago Elysia Krstevski didn't know what ecommerce was. She'd spent 15 years in musical theatre, working her way from receptionist to co-CEO. Today she runs Mekė Baby, the brand behind Australia's first portable milk warmer, she's in the 2026 Top 50 People in eCommerce, and she's the face of Australia Post's national "Big Boss Energy" campaign.It started with a bad moment. Stuck in a supermarket during Covid, dealing with mastitis and unable to warm expressed milk for her screaming baby, Elysia went looking for a product that didn't exist and decided to build it herself.In this episode, Elysia sits down with Nathan Bush to break down how she created a feeding category from scratch. We get into why she built the brand before she had a product, why she handed prototypes to high-profile mums instead of waiting for perfection, and the wild story of answering a copycat competitor by borrowing Adrian Portelli's jet for a Black Friday film. Elysia is refreshingly direct about the numbers, why she stopped chasing top-line revenue on Meta and moved into Baby Bunting, why she runs her own ad account, and why she'll never hand customer service to AI. Plus building a brand while raising three kids, and launching the Go-Box while she was in labour.Brands and tools mentioned: Mekė Baby, Baby Bunting, The Memo, Australia Post, Shopify, Meta, TikTok, ClaudeThis episode is brought to you with thanks to our partners: 

Mark Kelly built Inbound Revenue by doing the work other agencies were selling.For roughly a decade, white-label Google Ads made up most of his business. It reduced the sales burden and gave partner agencies a productized fulfillment system, but it also meant his team had to jump between completely different industries.Mark is now shifting toward direct relationships with outdoor living contractors. We talk about why narrowing the niche gives him more control over budgets, client communication, and lead feedback. We also discuss why white-label agencies can lose accounts over problems they had nothing to do with.We compare pricing, landing-page control, hiring Google Ads specialists, and the systems required to keep fulfillment consistent. Mark is building a different version of a niche agency than ours, which is exactly the point: two competitors can serve the same market without building the same business.-----MENTIONS IN THE EPISODE:Contact Mark:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mark.d.kelly1LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mdkelly/Inbound Revenue:https://inboundrevenue.com-----RESOURCES:Want the tools and resources we recommend for agencies? Check them out here:https://www.agencygrowthpod.com/tools-----NEWSLETTERWant the show in your inbox? Sign up for the newsletter!https://www.agencygrowthpod.com/newsletter-----COMMUNITYLooking to join a community of agency owners? Join our Discord!https://discord.gg/uvHRRRFVRD-----CONTACTGot something to say? Send us a message:https://www.agencygrowthpod.com/contact

What does it take to perform at your highest level—not just once, but consistently, when the pressure is on? In this episode of the Super U Podcast, hosted by Erik Qualman, we sit down with Dr. Tom Mitchell, performance coach and former sports psychiatrist for the Golden State Warriors, to explore the mindset behind peak performance. Tom shares insights from his career working with elite athletes, coaches, and leaders, along with lessons from his book co-written with legendary quarterback Joe Montana. Tom also pulls back the curtain on his time working alongside Chris Mullin, his experiences as a college basketball coach and the unique lessons that coaching taught him about leadership, resilience, and bringing out the best in others. The conversation explores mentality, focus, and what it really takes to perform when the stakes are high. Tom shares practical strategies for staying present, maintaining confidence, handling pressure, and keeping your mind focused on what you can control.  Whether you're an athlete, entrepreneur, leader, or simply someone looking to perform at a higher level, this episode is packed with powerful stories and actionable lessons on developing the mindset to stay focused, overcome challenges, and become your best self. Five-time #1 Bestselling Author and Motivational Speaker Erik Qualman has performed in over 60 countries and reached over 60 million people this past decade. He was voted the 2nd Most Likable Author in the World behind the Harry Potter series. Have Erik speak at your conference: eq@equalman.com Motivational Speaker | Erik Qualman has inspired audiences at FedEx, Chase, ADP, Huawei, Starbucks, Godiva, FBI, Google, and many more on Focus and Digital Leadership.

"We hated your books." That's what a European competitor once admitted to Ivan Misner — years after trying to build a rival networking organization and watching his own members ask, "How come we don't have books like BNI's?" It's a story that gets at the heart of this conversation: sometimes the most competitive thing you can do is give your best thinking away. Bill Sherman sits down with Dr. Ivan Misner, founder and Chief Visionary Officer of BNI (Business Network International), to explore how a mindset of generosity — not scarcity — fueled BNI's growth into 11,000+ chapters, 355,000+ members, and 41 consecutive years of growth. Misner walks through the origin of his 32 books, why he calls his approach "law of abundance," and why he'd rather teach the world how to network than protect BNI's playbook. The conversation goes deeper than tactics. Misner unpacks his VCP process (visibility, credibility, profitability) as a model for how trust — and thought leadership — actually gets built over time. He talks candidly about being a lifelong introvert who built an empire on relationships, the mindset shift from "hunting" to "farming" in networking, and why he now describes himself as having gone from King Arthur to Colonel Sanders as he handed off day-to-day leadership. There's also real vulnerability here: a childhood report card that said he talked too much in class, an honest reckoning with imposter syndrome, and a tribute to the late Mark Goulston, whose "if you always try, you could eventually win" philosophy still guides how Misner thinks about leadership. Whether you're building a personal brand, leading a team, or wondering whether your story has already been told by someone else, this episode offers a grounded, generous perspective on what it actually takes to build something that outlasts you — and how to stay in your flame while doing it. Three Key Takeaways: • Generosity builds competitive advantage, not just goodwill. Misner's "law of abundance" mindset — publishing 32 books that teach networking skills for free — created more credibility and media access than protecting BNI's methods ever could have. Competitors who withheld their own playbooks couldn't keep pace. • The VCP process explains why most networking fails. Visibility, credibility, and profitability build in sequence — but most people skip straight to asking for business before they've earned trust. Misner calls jumping all three stages "invisibility," and it's the single biggest mistake he sees at networking events. • You can reinvent your role without abandoning your purpose. After 12 years as CEO, Misner shifted to Chief Visionary Officer — going, in his words, "from King Arthur to Colonel Sanders." Staying in your flame over decades sometimes means changing the job, not the mission. This episode is a live case study of the book. The story that opened today's conversation — a rival founder admitting "we hated your books" because Ivan's own members had already read them — comes straight from The Thought Leadership Handbook, which draws on 700+ conversations from this podcast to map how thinkers build lasting influence. If today's episode resonated, The Thought Leadership Handbook by Bill Sherman, Peter Winick, and Naren Aryal gives you the frameworks behind what you just heard — including the five thought leadership avatars that help you figure out which one describes you. Free chapter & quiz: thoughtleadershiphandbook.com Get your copy: • Amazon • Barnes & Noble • Bookshop.org • Amplify Publishing • Apple Books

There is lots of Irish interest with some big names on the track and in the pool. For the latest and a look ahead RTE's Greg Allen.

Pressure doesn't disappear just because you ignore it. Cricket legend Kumar Dharmasena shares how Sri Lanka transformed its approach to World Cup finals by acknowledging the reality of pressure rather than pretending it wasn't there.Discover why honest conversations can unlock peak performance under stress, and how embracing difficult truths helped turn years of disappointment into championship success.Looking to take your leadership to the next level? Why not join our next cohort of the Winning Mindset for Leaders Programme featuring inspirational insights and success strategies from some of the world's leading minds. This flexible twelve week digital coaching experience will give you the confidence and clarity you need to thrive in uncertain times. Learn more here Winning Mindset for Leaders Programme - Sporting EdgeConnect with JeremyContact hello@sportingedge.com LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremysnape/ Website https://www.sportingedge.com/

Get a look behind the curtain as two ZOAR coaches talk about the inspiration behind some of our community workouts.» Follow Brennan: https://www.instagram.com/unbroken_or_dub/» Hire a Coach: https://www.zoarfitness.com/coach/» Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/EDgV3UX1fzk» Follow ZOAR Fitness on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zoarfitness/Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn this solo episode, Sarah Parker breaks down the most common mistakes she sees both first-time and experienced competitive bodybuilders make throughout the entire prep journey - from choosing the right coach to navigating mindset, relationships, nutrition, posing, peak week and show day.Sarah shares practical lessons from her own competitive experience, including why you should always have a consultation and 'vibe check' before committing to a coach, why your posing coach can be just as important as your prep coach, and how to avoid becoming overly obsessive with food preparation.She also dives into the mental side of bodybuilding, including dealing with comparison, negative self-talk and the impact prep can have on relationships. You'll hear why communicating with the people around you before prep starts can make a huge difference - and why changing “I have to” into “I get to” can completely shift your mindset.The episode also covers the realities of sugar-free products, food-related neuroticism, posing preparation, show-day logistics and the truth about peak week and post-show recovery. Sarah explains why peak week isn't a magic transformation, why the work is done long before stepping on stage, and why recovery can take considerably longer than many competitors expect.Plus, Sarah shares how she managed a seven-hour drive and a sickness bug just 48 hours before winning the 2019 British Finals - a reminder that you can't control everything on show day, but you can control your preparation.In this episode:How to choose the right prep coach and posing coachThe importance of doing your research before committingManaging mindset, comparison and negative self-talkProtecting relationships during prepAvoiding food-prep obsession and unnecessary restrictionThe potential pitfalls of excessive sugar-free productsWhy posing deserves serious attentionHow to organise your show-day logisticsWhat peak week can and can't actually achieveWhy post-show recovery timelines vary so dramaticallyPreparing for the things you can control - and letting go of the things you can'tWhether you're preparing for your first competition or you've already stepped on stage multiple times, this episode is packed with honest advice to help you approach bodybuilding prep with more perspective, preparation and confidence.Watch this episode here: https://youtu.be/1mlaow6ucTgFind Sarah on Instagram: @sarahparker_bbTHE ULTIMATE SHOW DAY GUIDE E-BOOK: Purchase hereBeyond Condition Coaching Application: Click here

Customers are bypassing Google and asking AI assistants like ChatGPT who to call. If your business isn't one of the top three AI recommendations, you're invisible. Learn how automated growth engines and AI platform visibility can lock your competitors out. Sure Bet Media City: Fish Hawk Address: 16429 Bridgewalk Drive Website: https://surebetmedia.com/ Phone: +1 778 215 0288 Email: todd@surebetmedia.com

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Meta Platforms (META) announcing Muse Glimmer and making other AI models publicly available is good for the broad ecosystem, says James Czerniawski. He believes the move will "compress" the needs of AI and give Meta an edge with accessibility. James adds that it will add competitive pressures to other AI compute companies, so long as the product wows consumers. The Mag 7 giant also needs to overcome souring sentiment on the AI trade. ======== Schwab Network ========Empowering every investor and trader, every market day. Subscribe to the Market Minute newsletter - https://schwabnetwork.com/subscribeDownload the iOS app - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/schwab-network/id1460719185Download the Amazon Fire Tv App - https://www.amazon.com/TD-Ameritrade-Network/dp/B07KRD76C7Watch on Sling - https://watch.sling.com/1/asset/191928615bd8d47686f94682aefaa007/watchWatch on Vizio - https://www.vizio.com/en/watchfreeplus-exploreWatch on DistroTV - https://www.distro.tv/live/schwab-network/Follow us on X – https://twitter.com/schwabnetworkFollow us on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/schwabnetworkFollow us on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/schwab-network/ About Schwab Network - https://schwabnetwork.com/about

Value Capital Funding came to Exposure Ninja almost entirely reliant on PPC for their leads. Competition was brutal, and costs were climbing. Twelve months later, they rank in the top five for over 180 keywords, they're generating leads from ChatGPT and Perplexity, and their organic leads have grown 7.4x.Tim Cameron-Kitchen breaks down the three-step Exposure Ninja playbook behind that shift, using the real client work as the example:Rebuild the website around conversion. Customer research showed prospects were searching the symptoms of their problem, not the solution, and that shame was blocking them from acting. Reframing the site around that took conversions from 53 a month to 393, a 640% increase.Get the SEO foundations right. Technical audit, structured data, an optimised Google Business Profile, and 268 overlapping blog posts consolidated into four content pillars. Organic sessions doubled, blog conversions rose 10x, and total traffic increased 4.7x.Build visibility in AI search. Competitor benchmarking, content built for long tail conversational queries, FAQs across key pages, and mentions on the sites AI tools actually cite. ChatGPT sessions rose 231%, conversions from that traffic rose 1600%, and Perplexity became a lead source for the first time.Read the full case study: https://exposureninja.com/our-work/value-capital-funding/Get the full show notes: https://exposureninja.com/podcast/value-capital-funding-strategy/If you're looking to get in-depth customer, competitor, and positioning insights, check out our Brand and Positioning Accelerator https://exposureninja.com/services/branding/brand-accelerator/Book a consultation call for a live review of your website and marketing

Why do the same competitors always outrank you on Google?The answer usually comes down to links, but figuring out where those links come from takes real digging.Most SEO advice stops at optimizing your own site, but the bigger gap is usually how other websites link to your competitors and not you.Local directories that pass along a valuable backlinkFree versus paid directory listingsUsing AI to surface where a competitor is mentioned onlineSorting real opportunities from dead endsFollowing this process gives you a short list of specific, findable places to get your own site linked and mentioned.Timestamps [0:00] Introduction [0:30] Why competitor research matters [1:04] Links versus on-site SEO [1:39] What clients pay for [2:14] How this connects to the mentoring program [2:49] Links and mentions, ranked [3:48] Finding local directories [5:23] Deciding if a directory is worth paying for [6:23] Using AI to find competitor mentions [8:15] Needle in a haystack, and why that's still worth it --Send me your AI/SEO questions!https://www.meredithshusband.com/podcast

CoinDesk reported that Mastercard agreed to acquire stablecoin firm BVNK for about $1.8 billion, signaling a push to embed on-chain settlement into mainstream payments. BVNK provides APIs for merchant acceptance, cross-border payouts, and treasury operations, with compliance features for onboarding and monitoring. Mastercard has built crypto capabilities through its 2021 acquisition of CipherTrace and its 2023 Multi-Token Network pilots. Regulatory frameworks such as the European Union's Markets in Crypto-Assets and ongoing United States policy debates will shape execution. Competitors including Visa, PayPal, and Stripe are advancing stablecoin initiatives. Founders should track network roadmaps, model settlement and fee impacts, and prioritize compliance ready integrations as stablecoin rails scale.Learn more on this news by visiting us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The American Real Estate Association is growing fast and positioning itself as an alternative to the National Association of Realtors. ARA expects membership to reach at least 100,000 by the end of 2026, helped by new brokerage partnerships including RE/MAX. Kathy Fettke looks at what the group's growth could mean for the real estate industry and housing policy.  

Meta reveals one of its AI models escaped its environment and hacked a competitor's system—joining OpenAI and Anthropic in a series of shocking rogue AI incidents! Plus, AI models are now designing new reproducing viruses and scheming online. Are we losing control? Rogue AI, Meta AI, Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, AI Safety

In this episode of the EvoSec Podcast, the Tactical Twins (Eric & Aaron) sit down with competitive shooter Sam Elam. Youtube: @ArmoredFlycatcher Sam shares his journey from a Kentucky tobacco farm and four years in the Marine Corps (early GWOT era) to becoming a multi-division IDPA Master and strong USPSA competitor in the competitive Oklahoma/Arkansas/Texas region. He discusses:Jumping into IDPA in March 2023 and rapidly shooting nearly 190 matchesThe high talent density in the Tulsa area and how local competition accelerates skillHis practical, sustainable training philosophy (short, consistent dry-fire, frequency over long sessions)Why he deliberately switched back to Glocks after running 2011s and Shadows—to expose and correct fundamental errors the heavier guns were maskingGear lessons, range culture, and balancing competition with family lifeA straightforward, no-BS conversation full of useful insights for anyone looking to improve at competition or practical pistol shooting.Support our sponsors: www.tenicor.comFor more info on EvoSec: www.evosec.org/ Youtube @evosec2840 instagram and facebook @evosecusa

For the past week, Canada has played host to more than 2,000 Jewish teen athletes from around the world, who competed at the 2026 JCC Maccabi Games. Competitors and their families came from 75 communities across Canada, the U.S.A, Israel, Europe and South America. Due to tight security, Monday night's opening ceremony—with 10,000 guests and Israeli entertainers Yuval Rafael and Nissim Black—was staged far outside the city. Even the locations of the main activity venues were being kept under wraps until after the final whistles on Aug. 6. The teenage athletes say they came first and foremost hoping to win medals in the myriad sports being played. But, as The CJN's North Star host Ellin Bessner discovered after spending a day with some of them, the Games were also about meeting other Jewish teens who may be the only person of their faith on their school or city teams. On this episode you'll hear from three Toronto baseball players chasing gold on home turf after missing this summer's Maccabiah in Israel; an Edmonton goalkeeper playing on a composite team with athletes from small Jewish communities; an Israeli volunteer spending his gap year mentoring vulnerable youth; a pioneering JCC Access athlete from Miami; and former Survivor winner Ethan Zohn, who shared his message of resilience with a new generation of Jewish athletes. Related stories Why the 2026 Toronto JCC Maccabi games are a family affair for cancer survivor Darryl Silverstein, the coach of a Toronto boys baseball team competing this week, in The CJN. 300 Canadian athletes were not able to compete in the Maccabiah Games in Israel this July, when Maccabiah Canada pulled out due to Middle East hostilities with Iran, in The CJN . Hear The CJN's Menchwarmers interview with two pro-basketball stars Tamir "Jewish Jordan" and NBA veteran Ricky "Buckets" Davis who gave clinics at this years JCC Maccabi Games. Credits Host and writer: Ellin Bessner ( @ebessner ) Production team: Zachary Kauffman (senior producer), Izzie Helenchilde (producer and video editing), Michael Fraiman (executive producer), Alicia Richler (editorial director) Music: Bret Higgins Support our show Subscribe to The CJN newsletter Watch our podcasts on YouTube. Donate to The CJN (+ get a charitable tax receipt) https://thecjn.ca/north

The 2026 Iowa State Fair is almost here. On this episode, we meet some of the winningest State Fair competitors of all time. Dr. Rod Zeitler is a master canner, Deb Zeitler is a master weaver and Marcia Miller is a master pie maker. Rod and Deb Zeitler's State Fair entries made it to the Smithsonian Museum in Washington D.C. And Marcia Miller shares how she turned her State Fair pie domination into a way to raise money for animals. Then, a new documentary tells an untold State Fair story. East side native and filmmaker Shawn Hicks decided to capture those who live around the State Fair grounds and sell parking. There will be screenings of 'Parkers' at the Fleur in Des Moines Aug. 29 and Sept. 5 at 7 p.m.

Discover why most businesses adopt AI without a clear strategy and how a free AI readiness audit can reveal the gaps your competitors are missing. Learn to build your Source of Truth and gain a competitive edge. CM2 Digital Enterprises LLC City: Northport Address: 240 Main Street Website: http://cm2digitalenterprises.com

The federal government has declared foreign-made power inverters a national security threat — and the new restrictions could eventually affect some of the biggest names in RV solar and portable power. Plus, Battle Born's parent company has purchased competitor Dakota Lithium at a pretty interesting moment for the brand. Ram is making some major changes to its trucks, including more payload for the 2500 and the end of automatic stop/start on the Hemi. We've also got an RV toilet conversion that lets you basically abandon your black tank, an all-electric furnace that can run through your existing ductwork, and one of the old-school satellite internet companies that RVers used before Starlink has filed for bankruptcy. And somehow, none of that is the craziest story this week — because a Montana hiker impaled himself completely through the torso with a trekking pole…and then hiked ten miles out of the mountains with the pole still sticking out of him. Get a free quote for an RV extended warranty at https://wholesalewarranties.com *Support RV Miles and the weekly news videos: https://RVMiles.com/milemarkers *Get the latest news, National Park updates, happenings around RV Miles, and more when you sign up for our weekly newsletter: https://RVMiles.com/mailinglist *It's our only in-person event this year! Join us at HOMECOMING October 7 - 11 in Amana, IA. Seminars, a Rig Crawl, Trivia, Giveaways, Nightly catered meals, time to explore historic Amana, and so much more! https://RVMiles.com/HOMECOMING 00:00 Headlines Preview 01:01 FCC Inverter Crackdown 04:10 Battle Born Owner Buys Rival 05:53 Impaled Hiker Survival 07:25 Sponsor Break 08:14 Ram Recall and Upgrades 10:47 GM CarPlay Reversal 12:26 Membership Pitch 12:53 Electric Furnace Upgrade 14:37 Dry Flush Toilet Kit 16:27 HughesNet Bankruptcy 17:35 Camping History Documentary 18:46 Homecoming Rally and Farewell

When an athlete earns a pro card, the industry looks at the last 16 weeks. The peak week photos. The stage shots. The condition. And immediately the conversation becomes about prep: how low were the calories, how much cardio and what did peak week look like.Here's the reality. That's the wrong place to look.The card my client Wes Patterson earned this July was won long before the prep that produced it ever started. It was won in the 12 weeks we spent in a Post-Show Metabolic Restoration Phase restoring his physiology after his last show. It was won in the Lean Building Phase that followed. It was won across 50 plus check-ins where I analyzed his data and made strategic adjustments to his programs. The prep didn't build his physique. It simply revealed it.Wes came to me in June of 2025 roughly 9 weeks out from NPC North Americans, and we brought his best-ever look and finished one placing away from a pro card in two separate classes. Then we spent the next thirteen months making sure he would never have to run a prep like that again. This episode is the complete walkthrough of how an amateur who had placed 10th at a national show became an IFBB Professional, told from both sides of the coaching relationship.IN THIS EPISODE WE COVER:WHY THE PRO CARD WAS WON IN THE PHASES NOBODY POSTS ABOUTWHAT A NINE-WEEK PREP CAN AND CANNOT ACCOMPLISHTHE METABOLIC RESTORATION PHASE AND WHY MOST COMPETITORS SKIP ITTHE LEAN BUILDING PHASE AND THE BACK SPECIALIZATION CYCLE THAT CHANGED HIS PACKAGETHE DESCENDING AND DYNAMIC RATE OF FAT LOSS APPROACHWHAT GETTING AHEAD OF PACE EARLY ACTUALLY BUYS YOU EXTRA RUNWAYREHEARSING PEAK WEEK INSTEAD OF GUESSING DURING ITWHAT SHOW DAY AT THE UNIVERSE FELT LIKE FROM THE ATHLETE'S SIDEIf you've ever dieted hard, gotten a result, rebounded, and then started over from a worse place than you began, this episode is going to reframe the entire way you think about fat loss. Because what turned Wes into a pro isn't a competitor problem. It's the same principle that governs every lifestyle client, every executive, and every person who has ever tried to change their body: fat loss is a phase, not a lifestyle, and a healthy body is a responsive body.Wes spent the overwhelming majority of these thirteen months not dieting. That's precisely why the prep worked when we finally did it.CONNECT WITH WES:Instagram: @mr.wes_ifbb_proWHERE TO CONNECT WITH ME:Follow Brandon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/brandondacruz_/For Info on Brandon's Coaching Services: https://form.jotform.com/bdacruzfitness/coachinginquiryEmail: Bdacruzfitness@gmail.comMy Reading Recommendations:THE MUSCLE & STRENGTH PYRAMIDShttps://getdpd.com/cart/hoplink/25469?referrer=1l54og96lf1ccw

Most construction owners think they have four exit options. Pass it to a kid. Sell to an employee. Sell to a competitor. Sell to private equity. The reality is harder. Private equity passes on most contractors. Competitors often aren't buying. That's why ESOPs are now the fastest-growing succession trend in construction. Kelly Finnell, CEO of EFS ESOP Consultants, has done 22 ESOPs for general and specialty contractors in recent years. In this episode, Kelly explains how the deal is actually structured, what the owner walks away with, and where most owners are wrong about "leaving money on the table." What you'll learn: Why construction is the fastest-growing industry for ESOPs in the country The three sources of capital that fund an ESOP: bank loan, seller note, excess cash How two contractors with $3M EBITDA sold for $25M to an ESOP after $12M offers from a strategic buyer Why an owner is not personally on the hook for the ESOP bank loan How to manage the repurchase obligation so it doesn't crush you in a down year The first two moves to make if you're 58 and seriously considering this path   Connect with Kelly Finnell on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/esopcoach/ Kelly's Website: www.execfin.com Kelly's Book, The ESOP Coach: https://www.amazon.com/ESOP-Coach-Ownership-Succession-Paperback/dp/B010CKUN9U National Center for Employee Ownership: https://www.nceo.org/ Free Succession Planning Guide: https://www.constructiongenius.com/free-succession-planning-guide

Host Pete Deeley welcomes back Professor Kenny Kim to discuss when martial arts became a lifelong path for him, starting at age four or five and realizing by high school he wanted a future in martial arts. Kim shares how training helped him overcome racism, bullying, and childhood shyness by building confidence and a desire to lead and teach, even while competing. He describes a major period of disillusionment in his late 20s/early 30s: business stress from running an academy since age 20–21, debt around $100,000, selling his academy for $100,000 to reset, briefly pursuing home inspection and then thriving as a personal trainer before returning to open a new school in 2006. Kim credits close teammates and world champions for shaping him and emphasizes humility, aging as a privilege, and giving back. He also previews Mat Made's expansion: matmade.com now hosts short stories and a large U.S. jiu-jitsu directory with 7,000+ listings and a rebooted, raw vlog-style academy-visit series.   00:00 Welcome and Sponsors 00:58 Kenny Kim Returns 01:48 Martial Arts Beginnings 03:47 Confidence Through Training 06:01 Competitor to Teacher 07:53 Burnout and Debt Spiral 11:39 Starting Over in 2006 14:53 Hustle and Self Learning 16:51 Brothers and Mentors 18:57 Legacy Humility Giving Back 21:52 Mat Made Directory Expansion 23:37 New Raw Vlog Series 25:14 Closing Thanks and Farewell

Send us Fan MailDoes your company look and sound like every other contractor in your market?That sameness is not harmless. When customers cannot tell companies apart, they compare more options, rely more heavily on price, and force every contractor to spend more money earning attention.Ready to build a brand and marketing playbook that is actually yours? Book a call with Lemon Seed Marketing:https://www.lemonseedmarketing.com/contact/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=ftyc_ep232&utm_content=show_notes_primary_ctaIn this episode of From the Yellow Chair, Crystal Williams explains why contractors copy their competitors, how imitation makes brands forgettable, and what it takes to become the company customers remember first.You will learn:• Why looking like everyone else can increase your cost per lead• How to use other companies for inspiration without imitating them• Why recognition and emotional connection influence customer choice• How community involvement and brand consistency work together• Three questions every contractor should answer about uniqueness, investment, and professional guidance• Why the best marketing leaders continue evolving while competitors try to catch upFeatured speaker: Crystal Williams of Lemon Seed MarketingWatch the episode on YouTube:https://youtu.be/qZeS5vWIlHoFollow the show on Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-the-yellow-chair/id1598195561Follow the show on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/1goGP66YLPIxzpX1TxFGvTExplore more episodes:https://www.lemonseedmarketing.com/contractor-marketing-podcast/Lemon Seed Marketing helps home service contractors build recognizable brands, make smarter marketing decisions, and lead their vendors with a clear strategy.If you enjoyed this chat From the Yellow Chair, consider joining our newsletter, "Let's Sip Some Lemonade," where you can receive exclusive interviews, our bank of helpful downloadables, and updates on upcoming content.Please consider following and drop a review below if you enjoyed this episode. Be sure to check out our social media pages on Facebook and Instagram.From the Yellow Chair is powered by Lemon Seed, a marketing strategy and branding company for the trades. Lemon Seed specializes in rebrands, creating unique, comprehensive, organized marketing plans, social media, and graphic design. Learn more at www.LemonSeedMarketing.comInterested in being a guest on our show? Fill out this form!We'll see you next time, Lemon Heads!

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In this episode, our hosts dive into what to do when your competition season is over and why the improvement season is one of the most important phases of your bodybuilding journey. Paul, Evan and Lexie discuss how to navigate post-show life with purpose. They also explore how bodybuilding can positively impact every area of your life, not just your physique. From building discipline, resilience, and confidence to developing habits that carry over into your career, relationships, and personal growth.

Kris Jones has been in search since the late 1990s. He built and sold Pepperjam, and now runs the agency LSEO. In this latest episode of the SEJ Podcast, he gives Loren Baker a one-word answer to the biggest question in AI search right now, and everything else we cover comes back to it.   We get into why AI systems have taken over the comparison step that buyers used to do themselves, why the raw material for those answers sits on websites you don't own, and what that means for where your budget actually goes. Kris makes the case that most of this is still fundamental SEO, names the cheapest immediate step most businesses are ignoring, and explains why brand messaging consistency is the new NAP consistency.   We also dig into what happens when AI Overviews get your pricing wrong, how people are really asking these questions, and why sizing your AI budget against today's referral traffic will leave you short. [06:02] — AI Took Over The Comparison Step [07:33] — Why Brand Is The Bridge [13:33] — The Awards Your Competitors Are Applying For [18:32] — Brand Messaging Is The New NAP Consistency [21:23] — When AI Overviews Get Your Pricing Wrong [28:56] — How People Are Actually Asking [37:29] — Beyond ChatGPT And Google

Those Long-Term Chip Deals May Not Be as Secure as Investors Are Led to Believe When you listen to memory chip companies like Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix, and Micron Technology discuss their businesses, they often make it sound like customer contracts—some extending as long as five years—are essentially set in stone. Unfortunately, that's not entirely true. Yes, these companies have long-term agreements in place, but contracts in this industry are often renegotiated when market conditions change. If demand for memory chips weakens significantly, chip manufacturers have a strong incentive to work with their customers rather than strictly enforce every contractual commitment. The reason is simple: preserving long-term customer relationships is often far more valuable than maximizing short-term revenue. Imagine a customer that suddenly doesn't need as many chips because its own sales have slowed. If a supplier forces that customer to accept unwanted inventory, those chips may simply sit in a warehouse until demand recovers. By the time the customer needs additional chips, it may choose to reduce future orders or move business to a competitor that proved to be more flexible during difficult times. Competitors are always looking for opportunities to gain market share. If one supplier refuses to work with its customers, another is usually willing to offer better pricing or more favorable terms. Losing a major customer over a rigid interpretation of a contract can cost far more in future profits than making temporary concessions during a downturn. This isn't just theory and it has happened before. During the COVID-era, many long-term agreements were adjusted as demand shifted. Rather than forcing customers to take products they no longer needed, suppliers often renegotiated delivery schedules and purchasing commitments to preserve long-term partnerships. The same principle applies across many industries. Companies frequently modify or delay large commercial agreements when business conditions change. While contracts provide a framework, successful businesses understand that maintaining trust with key customers is often more important than enforcing every clause to the letter. Investors should remember that a signed contract does not necessarily guarantee future revenue will be recognized exactly as originally planned. Management teams often emphasize the value of their long-term agreements during earnings calls, but those agreements can evolve if market conditions deteriorate. At the end of the day, great businesses understand that customer relationships are built over years but can be damaged in a matter of weeks. In many cases, giving a customer flexibility during a downturn is a much better investment than insisting on strict contract enforcement. That's why investors should view long-term chip contracts as valuable, but not invincible.   Why Index Investing Could Leave You Disappointed Long Term I often hear people say, "Just buy the S&P 500 and forget about it. You'll be fine." While that sounds simple, investing is rarely that easy. Many investors don't fully understand how an index works or why it has performed so well in recent years. The S&P 500 has been driven largely by a handful of technology and AI companies. By blindly investing in the index, many people are simply participating in a momentum strategy without realizing it. Very little thought is given to what those 500 companies are actually worth. There is no effort to trim positions that have become extremely expensive or overly concentrated. As valuations climb, the index simply gives those companies an even larger weighting, leaving investors with greater exposure to the stocks that have already gone up the most. Some people respond by saying, "I won't put everything in the S&P 500. I'll diversify into other index funds." But once you go down that road, investing becomes much more complicated and you'll likely underperform the S&P 500. Should you own an international index? A European index? A bond index? A growth index? A value index? Small-cap funds? REITs? There are hundreds of ETFs and mutual funds to choose from. Now you have another challenge: deciding how much to allocate to each one. When your portfolio declines will you understand why? More importantly, will you know what to do next? Many investors don't, and that uncertainty often leads to emotional decisions at exactly the wrong time. This is why I prefer managing a portfolio of individual value-oriented stocks, combined with money market funds and selected real estate investment trusts (REITs). That approach still provides diversification, but I understand what each investment is worth and why I own it. In my view, that's a much better foundation than owning five or ten different index funds without truly understanding what's inside them or how they're valued. Another common argument for index investing is lower fees. While fees certainly matter, they shouldn't be the only factor. The number that ultimately matters is your total return after all fees and expenses. A lower fee doesn't automatically translate into better long-term performance. If you own index funds, take some time to look under the hood. Do you really understand what you own? Do you know which sectors dominate your portfolio, which companies make up the largest holdings, and how expensive those businesses are today? If the answer is no, don't assume you'll be comfortable when the market experiences its next major decline. Investors who don't understand what they own are often the first to panic, and that confusion can lead to costly investment mistakes.   The U.S. economy is still in much better shape than many people think. This week brought three major events for investors: GDP, PCE inflation, and the Federal Reserve meeting. While the headlines may have sounded mixed, the underlying data still paints a healthy consumer. Second-quarter GDP grew at a 1.5% annualized rate, below economists' expectations. At first glance, that may seem disappointing. But when you look under the hood, the economy continues to show resilience. Consumer spending, which accounts for nearly 70% of U.S. GDP, increased 3.2% after a weak first quarter where it only climbed 0.5%. That tells me the American consumer is still in good shape, and that's one of the biggest reasons the economy continues to avoid the recession that so many have been predicting. Major drags on the headline GDP figure included government spending, which reduced growth by 0.14 percentage points, as well as the more volatile components of trade and the change in private inventories, which subtracted 1.01 and 0.67 percentage points, respectively. Inflation remains the biggest challenge. The Fed's preferred inflation measure, core PCE, increased 3.3% over the past year. While that's an improvement from where we've been, it's still well above the Federal Reserve's 2% target. I continue to believe inflation will remain sticky until energy prices become more stable. Energy impacts transportation, manufacturing, and virtually every supply chain, so it's difficult to see inflation falling sustainably while energy costs remain volatile. The Fed, as expected, left interest rates unchanged. What stood out wasn't the decision, it was the growing disagreement among policymakers. The 3 dissents that voted for a 25-basis point increase highlight just how uncertain the economic outlook remains. When inflation is still elevated but the economy continues to grow, there isn't an easy policy answer. One thing I do like so far is Kevin Warsh's changes at the Fed. I like the simplified statement, the encouragement of differing viewpoints, and rather than projecting absolute confidence in economic forecasts, he has acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding them. That's a refreshing change. Economic forecasting has never been an exact science, and I would rather have a Fed Chair who recognizes the limitations of those projections than one who pretends they are precise. What's surprising is how quickly some of the talking heads have claimed Warsh already has a credibility problem. I don't see it that way. Credibility isn't about making bold predictions that later need to be revised. It's about being honest about what we know, what we don't know, and allowing incoming data to guide policy. The takeaway for investors is simple: don't let one headline drive your investment decisions. The economy continues to expand, consumers are still spending, inflation remains stubborn, and the Fed is navigating a difficult policy environment. Looking beneath the surface is often where you'll find the real story.   Leverage Is Fuel... Until It Becomes the Fire The last few weeks have been a reminder that leverage looks like a wonderful tool on the way up... but it's a devastating one on the way down. FINRA's new margin rules have effectively replaced the 25-year-old Pattern Day Trader rule, allowing traders with as little as $2,000 to make unlimited day trades using intraday margin. While this opens the door for more retail participation, it also means more investors have access to leverage, something that has historically magnified both gains and losses. This is a big problem considering FINRA margin debt climbed 49% year over year to another record in June of roughly $1.5 trillion. This comes as investor net credit balances have fallen to a record negative $1.06 trillion. In other words, investors collectively owe more on margin than they have sitting in cash accounts. For comparison's sake, in March 2000 this measure stood at a negative $0.13 trillion. That's an aggressive setup if volatility returns. We also saw this past week the spectacular collapse of Leopold Aschenbrenner's AI-focused hedge fund, Situational Awareness, which shows what can happen when conviction is paired with excessive leverage. The near 25-year-old Aschenbrenner was painted as a genius with strong credentials like being Columbia University's valedictorian at age 19. His fund was launched in July 2024 and he had no experience managing money before that. Before this month's decline the fund had gains of more than 1,000% since inception. The fund used tons of leverage with some saying as much as 400% to build massive positions in AI and semiconductor stocks while shorting stocks in the software space like Adobe. The problem is when names like Coreweave, Nebius, and Sandisk fell more than 50% from their highs and the software stocks rallied, margin calls forced the liquidation of most of its public equity portfolio. The result was staggering considering the fund peaked at above $45 billion in assets and with the selloff they plunged to around $10 billion. This forced a fire sale of assets at a discount to Ken Griffin's Citadel. Some speculate that the forced selling may have helped create the bottom. Once one of the market's largest leveraged sellers had finished liquidating, the selling pressure eased and many AI stocks staged a sharp rebound. Others believe the selling is not over as Michael Burry reportedly used Thursday's powerful rally as an opportunity to increase several of his bearish positions in Micron, Nvidia and the VanEck Semiconductor ETF. Whether he's ultimately right or wrong remains to be seen, but it's a reminder that some experienced investors still believe AI-related valuations and leverage remain stretched.   Here Come the Robots! Robots have been making their way into manufacturing for decades. The first industrial robotic arm, called Unimate, was installed in 1961 on the assembly line at a General Motors plant in Trenton, New Jersey. But today's robots are very different. They're no longer just stationary robotic arms bolted to the factory floor, they're starting to look and move like humans. That reality is beginning to make workers uneasy. At a Hyundai Motor plant in South Korea, employees have gone on a partial strike, with concerns over automation playing a role. Hyundai recently unveiled its humanoid robot, Atlas, which stands 6'2", weighs about 200 pounds, can lift up to 110 pounds, and can continuously carry nearly 70 pounds. It's easy to understand why workers are wondering what these machines could mean for their jobs. South Korea is already the world leader in industrial robot adoption, with approximately 1,220 industrial robots for every 10,000 manufacturing employees. By comparison, the United States has around 307 robots per 10,000 workers. One statistic that surprised me was China, which currently has only about 166 industrial robots per 10,000 manufacturing workers. If Elon Musk has anything to say about it, those numbers could change dramatically over the next several years. Tesla is aggressively developing its humanoid robot, Optimus, with the goal of having it help build vehicles in its factories before long. If that vision becomes reality, other manufacturers will almost certainly follow. The idea of humanoid robots can be unsettling, but the transition is likely to be slower than many people expect. Industry forecasts suggest that global annual production of humanoid robots could reach roughly 1.2 million units by 2030. While that sounds like a large number, it's still a tiny fraction of the global workforce. So, we're probably still a few years away from living like The Jetsons. If you're not familiar with the cartoon, it debuted in September 1962 and imagined a future filled with flying cars and household robots. I guess I will have to wait a few more years to get a maid like the Jetsons had named Rosie the robot.   Financial Planning: Tax Relief Coming for Older Home Sellers? The federal home sale capital gain exclusion has remained unchanged since 1997, allowing homeowners to exclude up to $250,000 of gain if single or $500,000 if married filing jointly when selling a primary residence. With home values rising significantly over the past three decades, particularly in high-cost areas like California, many long-time homeowners now face substantial capital gains taxes when downsizing. A new proposal, the Nest Egg Protection Act, would increase the exclusion to $1 million for homeowners age 65 and older who have owned and lived in their home for at least 25 years. This would allow more seniors to keep the equity they've built over a lifetime. In addition to providing tax relief, the proposal could encourage more older homeowners to sell, increasing housing inventory and making homeownership more attainable for first-time buyers. While the legislation has not yet been enacted and homeowners should continue planning under current law, the proposal reflects a growing recognition that the existing exclusion no longer aligns with today's housing market.   Companies Discussed: International Business Machines Corporation (Ticker: IBM)

You do not always have to outperform your competition one customer at a time. Sometimes, the fastest path to growth is acquiring the business standing in your way. In this episode of The Level Up Podcast, Paul Alex breaks down how buying a competitor can accelerate growth, expand market share, and give you immediate access to established revenue, talent, and customer relationships. Acquisitions can create massive leverage. But only when the numbers are real, the risks are controlled, and the integration plan is strong. A bad deal can drain your company. A well-structured deal can transform it overnight. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why acquisitions can create faster growth than traditional sales and marketing• How to identify competitors with valuable assets and weak operations• Why due diligence must uncover debt, retention problems, and cultural risks• How seller notes, earn-outs, and strong integration protect the deal The truth is simple: You do not have to defeat every competitor. You may be able to acquire them. Find the right target. Audit the numbers. Structure the financing. Protect the client relationships during the transition. When you combine their market share with your stronger systems, you can scale faster and take greater control of the industry. Your Network is your NETWORTH! Make sure to add me on all SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS: Instagram: https://jo.my/paulalex2024Facebook: https://jo.my/fbpaulalex2024YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGhDAD1JyGGzSQUPD9lc9HQLinkedIn: https://jo.my/inpaulalex2024 Looking for a secondary source of income or want to become an entrepreneur? Check out one of my companies below to see if we can help you: www.CashSwipe.com FREE Copy of my book “Blue to Digital Gold - The New American Dream”www.officialPaulAlex.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Operational leadership isn't built in the boardroom. It's built through years of solving problems, understanding people, refining processes, and making decisions that strengthen every part of an organization. The most effective leaders rarely begin at the top. They build their perspective one role at a time, gaining firsthand knowledge of how operations, customer experience, technology, supply chains, and leadership intersect. That breadth of experience often becomes their greatest competitive advantage, especially during periods of uncertainty. Today's business environment demands exactly that kind of leadership. Organizations are navigating economic shifts, changing consumer expectations, workforce challenges, emerging technologies, and increasing competition. Navigating those complexities requires more than expertise in a single discipline. It requires leaders who understand how every function of the business contributes to long-term success. Operational leadership begins with that understanding. One of the biggest misconceptions about leadership is that executives eventually outgrow operations. In reality, the strongest leaders remain closely connected to the daily realities of their organizations. They understand the challenges facing employees, the needs of customers, and the pressures experienced by business owners and operators because they've often lived those experiences themselves. That perspective creates better decisions. Rather than making assumptions from behind a desk, operational leaders recognize how changes in one area affect every other part of the business. Marketing influences operations. Operations shape customer experience. Customer experience drives loyalty. Technology impacts efficiency. Every decision creates a ripple effect throughout the organization. As Jeff Hetsel puts it, "Great leaders don't just understand one department. They understand how every part of the business works together." That philosophy has become increasingly important as organizations continue adapting to rapid change. Few industries illustrate this better than the restaurant business. The COVID-19 pandemic challenged nearly every assumption about how restaurants operated. Dining rooms closed, customer expectations changed overnight, supply chains became unpredictable, and operators were forced to rethink nearly every aspect of their businesses. While every organization faced difficult decisions, the companies that emerged strongest shared several common characteristics. They communicated frequently, adapted quickly, stayed close to their customers, and maintained strong relationships with the people responsible for executing the business every day. Communication proved especially valuable. When uncertainty increases, information becomes leadership. Organizations that communicated consistently with franchisees, employees, suppliers, and customers were often able to make better decisions because everyone understood the challenges, priorities, and direction of the business. Transparency created trust, and trust created alignment. That principle extends far beyond franchising. Whether leading a small business or a global organization, communication remains one of the most effective operational tools available. People perform better when they understand not only what is changing, but why those changes matter. Operational leadership also requires the discipline to continually evaluate how technology supports the customer experience. Artificial intelligence, automation, digital ordering, customer relationship management systems, and advanced analytics are reshaping nearly every industry. Businesses that ignore these innovations risk falling behind. At the same time, technology should never become a substitute for genuine human connection. Instead, the most successful organizations use technology to remove friction. Automating repetitive tasks allows employees to focus on serving customers, solving problems, and building relationships. Rather than replacing people, technology should create more opportunities for meaningful interactions. This balance will likely define the next generation of business leadership. Consumers increasingly expect convenience, speed, and personalization. They also continue to value authenticity, trust, and personal service. Organizations capable of delivering both will create stronger customer loyalty and long-term competitive advantages. Continuous learning is another defining characteristic of operational leadership. Business landscapes evolve too quickly for leaders to rely solely on past experience. Markets shift. Competitors innovate. Customer preferences change. The leaders who continue growing are those who remain curious enough to keep learning. Books remain one of the simplest ways to develop that perspective. While digital content provides quick answers, books offer something different: depth, context, and thoughtful analysis. Many accomplished executives continue to make reading a priority because it exposes them to new ideas, leadership philosophies, and strategies that can be applied long before competitors recognize the opportunity. That mindset reflects another simple but powerful philosophy. "You have to earn your job every day." Leadership is never permanent. Every day presents new opportunities to improve processes, strengthen teams, create value, and serve customers more effectively. The strongest leaders understand that success yesterday guarantees nothing tomorrow. They remain students of their industry, constantly asking better questions and looking for smarter ways to operate. Perhaps the most overlooked aspect of operational leadership is service. Leadership is often associated with authority, decision-making, and accountability. Those responsibilities certainly matter. Yet the organizations that consistently outperform their competitors often embrace a different philosophy. They view leadership as service. Serving employees. Serving franchisees. Serving customers. Serving communities. That perspective influences every decision throughout the organization. As Hetsel explains, "Being great is anything you do in the service of others." It's a simple statement, yet it captures an essential truth about sustainable business growth. Organizations succeed when the people inside them succeed first. Strong leaders remove obstacles instead of creating them. They build systems that support consistency. They communicate with transparency. They embrace innovation without abandoning the human experience that customers value most. Operational leadership is not about knowing every answer. It's about understanding the business well enough to ask better questions. It's about remaining curious after decades of experience. It's about recognizing that growth depends on people just as much as processes. Most importantly, it's about never becoming disconnected from the customers, employees, and partners who make long-term success possible. Business will continue to evolve. Technology will continue advancing. Customer expectations will continue changing. The organizations best positioned for the future will be led by individuals who understand operations from the ground up, lead through service, embrace continuous learning, and never lose sight of the people behind every business decision. About Jeff Hetsel Jeff Hetsel is President of Cicis Pizza and JMC Restaurant Distribution, bringing nearly 40 years of restaurant and franchise leadership experience. A Certified Franchise Executive, Jeff began his career with Cicis in 1992 as a restaurant manager and has since served in leadership roles spanning operations, franchise development, real estate, construction, distribution, and executive management. His hands-on experience across virtually every aspect of the business has helped guide the brand through significant industry change while supporting franchisees, strengthening operations, and positioning Cicis for continued growth. About Ford Saeks Ford Saeks is a Business Growth Accelerator who has generated more than a billion dollars in sales worldwide by helping businesses attract loyal customers, increase visibility, and accelerate growth. As President and CEO of Prime Concepts Group, Inc., Ford has founded more than ten companies, authored eleven books, earned three U.S. patents, and advised organizations ranging from startups to Fortune 500 companies. A recognized expert in business growth, customer acquisition, leadership, franchising, marketing, and AI-driven business strategies, Ford helps business owners and leaders identify opportunities, improve performance, and achieve sustainable results. Learn more at ProfitRichResults.com and watch Fordify LIVE at Fordify.tv

Alamin Uddin is the co-founder and CEO of NexHealth.Today, NexHealth's healthcare infrastructure serves 89 million patients. But at one point, the company had $4,000 in the bank and a maxed-out Amex card.We talk about why 75% of dentists still keep a server in the closet, how healthcare skipped the internet, cloud, and mobile and went straight to AI, why most healthcare systems have no API, funding the company with side hustles, the $36k customer pre-pay that saved the business, how 81% of new AI healthcare startups are built on NexHealth, where he thinks AI value actually accrues, and outlasting OpenAI.Thanks to this episodes sponsors!Numeral: Sales tax on autopilot https://www.numeral.comFlex: Premium banking, 60-day credit, 0% APR https://home.flex.one/referral/bananacapitalAmplitude: AI analytics https://www.amplitude.comMerge: Every model, one API https://www.merge.dev/turnerMonaco: The revenue engine for startups https://www.monaco.com/Timestamps:(0:00) Healthcare skipped 3 platform shifts and went straight to AI(4:10) 75% of dentists still have on-prem servers(10:05) How data interoperability holds back healthcare innovation(16:02) Why everyone blames Epic(20:15) Building the developer platform for healthcare(24:36) Why everyone fails to fix the problem(29:11) Fragmented markets enabled developer platforms(32:32) Working as a receptionist at a doctor's office(36:13) Building a prototype on Twilio(39:15) How incumbents went from blocking to partnering(46:05) Canvassing Soho dentists door-to-door(53:47) Reverse-engineering 40-year old databases(56:21) Funding NexHealth with side hustles for two years(57:30) The scheduling wedge no one could match(1:02:20) Raising $391k from professors and customers(1:03:46) Running out of cash, why customers kept churning(1:07:45) $4,000 in the bank and a maxed-out Amex(1:11:12) The $36k pre-pay that saved the company(1:13:24) NexHealth's three businesses today(1:20:18) Payments and the “admin-day” problem(1:26:15) 72% sales win rate(1:28:27) The term sheet signed the week before COVID(1:30:26) Spending half the Series A on an acquisition(1:33:47) Raising $176M they didn't need(1:37:28) Why starting before 2022 is an advantage(1:42:22) Where AI value accrues: chips, models, the action layer(1:44:55) 81% of AI products are built on NexHealth(1:48:24) Staying patient for three years after ChatGPT(1:51:25) Competitors building on their API(1:54:02) “We're a tech company, not healthcare company”(1:56:09) Hiring from outside healthcare(1:58:34) Shoes, email over Slack(2:01:21) What AI changed inside the company(2:04:16) Inspiration from Microsoft in 1977 - 1990ReferencedNexHealth: https://www.nexhealth.com/Build on NexHealth: https://docs.nexhealth.com/Careers at NexHealth: https://www.nexhealth.com/careersThe Secret 3-Step Master Plan to Cure Healthcare: https://www.notboring.co/p/the-secret-3-step-master-plan-toFollow AlaminTwitter: https://x.com/alfromnexhealthLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alamin-uddin-95284889Follow TurnerTwitter: https://twitter.com/TurnerNovakLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/turnernovakSubscribe to my newsletter to get every episode + the transcript in your inbox every week: https://www.thespl.it/

Learn More About Nutrition Coaching Here: https://zoarfitness.com/nutrition/» Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/wXXmyaNNh6U» Free Educational Content: https://zoarfitness.com/articles» Hire a Coach: https://www.zoarfitness.com/coach/» Shop Programs: https://www.zoarfitness.com/product-category/downloads/» Follow ZOAR Fitness on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zoarfitness/Support the show

AI is changing the way patients find chiropractors, but that doesn't mean traditional SEO is dead. It means the rules are evolving.In this episode, you'll learn what AI Search Optimization really is, how it differs from traditional SEO, and what chiropractors can do today to improve their chances of being recommended by AI-powered search tools like ChatGPT, Google AI Overviews, Gemini, Perplexity, Microsoft Copilot, and Grok.We'll cover why authority matters more than ever, the trust signals AI looks for before recommending a clinic, common mistakes chiropractors make with their websites, and practical strategies to help your practice stay visible as search continues to evolve.Whether you're just starting to explore AI search or looking to stay ahead of your competition, this episode will help you prepare your practice for the future of online visibility.Episode webpage and blog post: https://propelyourcompany.com/ai-seo-for-chiropractors/Send in your questions. ❤ We'd love to hear from you!Webinar: The Hidden SEO Mistakes Costing Clinics Patients Right Now (And Easy Fixes You Can Start Making This Week)Save your spot: https://propelyourcompany.com/june/** Can't make it live? Register anyway. You'll get access to the limited-time replay. *** 

This episode is presented by Create A Video – OpenAI announced one of its "rogue AI models" escaped containment and hacked into another AI company. Critics are saying the incident proves AI needs to have guardrails and constraints erected so it doesn't wreak havoc. Or maybe it's all a stunt by OpenAI which is planning to go public on the stock exchange?Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-pete-kaliner-show--6946691/support.Subscribe to the podcast My preferred podcast platform: SpreakerAll the links to Pete's Prep are free!Get exclusive content here!Media Bias Check: GroundNews promo code!Advertising and Booking inquiries: Pete@ThePeteKalinerShow.com  

Leo Poitevin is the founder of Astrak, a SEO agency that helps ambitious companies build sustainable organic growth through SEO strategy, content production, and link-building. Working with businesses in competitive industries such as eCommerce, high-intent services, and complex SEO niches, he focuses on creating long-term visibility that translates into measurable business results.Before launching Astrak, Leo led SEO initiatives for international companies and helped brands improve their search visibility and organic performance. Leo also shares practical insights on SEO and link-building through his YouTube channel, where he helps marketers and founders better understand what drives sustainable search growth.In this episode we cover:00:00 - Intro02:01 - From SEO Expert to Agency Founder05:00 - The Rise of AI Visibility and GEO10:12 - Why AI Recommends Some Brands Over Others17:50 - Adapting SaaS Growth for the AI Era23:44 - Building Trust and Authority in an AI-First Internet33:52 - Growing Organically Without Paid Ads37:07 - Leo's Favorite Activity To Get Into a Flow State37:30 - Leo's Piece Of Advice For His Younger Self38:09 - Leo's Biggest Challenges at Astrak39:08 - Instrumental Resources For Leo's Success39:57 - What Does Success Mean for Leo Today40:55 - Get In Touch With LeoGet In Touch With Leo:Leo LinkedInAstrak WebsiteMentions:Alex HormoziMy First Million PodcastBooks:How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale CarnegieTag Us & Follow:FacebookLinkedInInstagramMore About Akeel:TwitterLinkedInMore SaaS Podcast EpisodesSaaS ConsultantsHow To Value Your SaaS Company

If you've ever felt like local search is a game rigged for the big guys with bottomless ad budgets, this episode is going to change how you think about winning. My guest, Nick Cohen, is a rare combination: a practicing attorney and the COO of Matador, where he helps over 180 law firms compete against much bigger competitors in local search. But don't let the law firm focus fool you. Everything Nick shares here about reviews, backlinks, content, and the wild new world of GEO (that's optimizing for AI search) applies just as much to your HVAC company, your dental practice, or your marketing agency. We get into why reviews might be the single highest-leverage thing you can do this month, how to figure out exactly which keywords to target with his refreshingly simple "what you do, where you do it" framework, and why showing up in ChatGPT might convert better than showing up in Google. Let's get into it. GEO Audit: https://www.takeflyte.com/geo-audit?utm_source=aocp&utm_medium=id3&utm_campaign=aocp GEO Snapshot: https://www.takeflyte.com/geo-snapshot?utm_source=aocp&utm_medium=id3&utm_campaign=aocp https://www.theagentsofchange.com/631 Need help with your branding, website, or digital marketing? Reach out to me (Rich Brooks!) today at https://www.takeflyte.com/contact

When COVID wiped out her entire client base overnight, Liz Slade didn't fold—she reinvented two businesses and went on to transform an entire industry with better video. In this episode, she shares how she escaped the race to the bottom, stayed ahead of the copycats nipping at her heels, and finally found the courage to launch her own podcast after sitting on a fully built studio for three years. It's a candid, funny, and genuinely useful conversation about quality, bravery, and getting out of your own head. Key Takeaways Quality is your moat. Taking the time to do the work well is what separates you from the bottom feeders racing to the cheapest price. Staying ahead is a habit, not a happy accident. Liz constantly researches, invests, and innovates before competitors even notice what she's up to. Bravery beats readiness. Liz sat on a $20k studio for three years before a hard deadline finally pushed her to hit record. Your past clients are a treasure trove. A simple 15-minute catch-up call surfaces why people hire you—and where your next job is hiding. About Liz Slade Liz Slade, founder of CI Marketing, host of The Visual Marketing Podcast, and someone who's built businesses across marketing, photography, production, and even the lift technology industry.  Liz is passionate about authentic storytelling, human-centered marketing, and helping businesses create content that actually connects with people.  In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the show! [03:01] Meet Liz Slade [06:43] Podcasting [16:57] Real Estate [20:50] Using AI [33:01] Talk To Your Clients [37:20] Connect with Liz [39:08] Outro  Quotes "Get out of your own head and get in the head of your customers." — Liz Slade "The key is to stay three steps ahead of everybody else. If you can keep doing that, they'll never keep up." — Liz Slade "AI is only as good as the human inputs and the human direction that you give it." — Liz Slade "Just talk to your people who've already given you money. They hold a treasure trove of information." — Ryan Koral "It's not that scary once you start." — Liz Slade Guest Links Follow The Visual Marketing Podcast CI Marketing — @CIMarketing on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and TikTok Links Find out more about the Studio Sherpas Mastermind Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group  Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram Get your Early Bird tickets for the Onward Summit Join the Studio Sherpas newsletter  

In this episode of the 2 Be Better Podcast, we explore how the way we parent shapes a child's nervous system, emotional regulation, self esteem, and future relationships. Using the concept of **Control Dramas**, inspired by *The Celestine Prophecy* and expanded through modern psychology, attachment theory, and real world coaching experience, we break down the hidden parenting patterns that quietly influence children for decades. We cover the original four Control Dramas, the Intimidator, Interrogator, Aloof, and Poor Me parent, along with five additional parenting patterns we believe deserve attention, including the Rescuer, Charmer, Gaslighter, Competitor, and Perfectionist.Whether you're raising young children, healing from your own childhood, or trying to become a more emotionally healthy parent, this conversation will help you recognize unconscious family dynamics before they become generational patterns. We discuss attachment styles, nervous system development, emotional safety, trauma, parenting mistakes, emotional intelligence, and practical ways to break unhealthy cycles while building stronger relationships with your children. If you're interested in parenting, psychology, self improvement, personal development, emotional healing, or creating a healthier family, this episode will give you powerful insights that can change the way you see both yourself and your role as a parent.Disclaimer: We are not professionals. This podcast is opinioned based and from life experience. This is for entertainment purposes only. Opinions helped by our guests may not reflect our own. But we love a good conversation.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/2-be-better--5828421/support.

In This Episode of Business Lunch: We explore the evolving landscape of search engine optimization (SEO) versus answer engine optimization (AEO), and how businesses can adapt their strategies to stay ahead in AI-driven search environments. They discuss practical tactics, the importance of evidence and authority, and how to leverage paid and organic channels effectively.Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview00:17 Challenges with Technology and Setup00:30 Introduction to ChatGPT Ads and Platform Insights00:58 SEO vs AEO: What's the Difference?01:26 Understanding Search Engine Optimization and Answer Engine Optimization02:02 Should You Invest in SEO Now?02:30 Clarifying SEO, GEO, and Generative Engine Optimization03:06 How Answer Engines Are Replacing Search Engines03:42 The Shift from Rankings to Recommendations04:15 Using Search Engines for Direct Source Verification04:56 The Changing Role of Search in Customer Awareness Levels05:36 Branded Search and Its Importance06:01 The Evolving Nature of Search Optimization06:19 Optimizing for Recommendations, Not Rankings07:15 Bidding Strategies on Competitors and Trademark Terms08:40 Cost-Effective Strategies for Competing in Answer Engines10:00 Practical Approach for Business Owners11:00 From Rankings to Recommendations: New Optimization Goals12:08 The Role of Evidence and Proof in AI Recommendations13:15 Creating Credibility and Authority for Search Engines14:06 Content Strategy for AEO Success15:29 Schema and Technical SEO for AI16:29 Building the Neural Network: Assets and Relationships17:32 Practical Steps to Optimize for AI and Answer Engines18:36 Focusing on Questions, Not Keywords19:10 Gathering Evidence to Prove Authority20:39 Distribution, Freshness, and Uniqueness in Content21:26 The Importance of Original and Contrarian Content22:29 Using the Skyscraper Strategy for AI Optimization23:46 Reverse Engineering Top Sources and Cited Content25:38 Prioritizing Strategies Based on Business Needs26:09 Shifting Budgets from SEO to AEO27:05 Content and Embedded Influencers for Organic Growth28:14 Paid Search and Branded Terms for Immediate Impact29:41 Balancing Organic and Paid Strategies33:02 The Role of Authority and Evidence in AI Rankings36:34 Starting with Paid Search and Organic Content37:49 The Future of Search and Business Strategy40:13 Encouragement to Experiment and Share Results42:22 Final Thoughts and Wrap-upConnect with me on social:TikTok: Check out my TikTok HereInstagram: Check out my Instagram HereFacebook: Check out my Facebook HereLinkedIn: Check out my LinkedIn HereSubscribe to my YouTube

This week, Emily sits down in Paris with Laura Thweatt, three-time US Cross Country National Champion, top-10 finisher at major marathons like New York and Chicago, and the assistant roads team coach for the On Athletic Club (OAC). Fresh off her stellar 13-year professional running career, Laura discusses transitioning from elite athlete to coaching world-class talent, navigating injury cycles, and why she is passionate about helping female athletes understand their own physiology to unlock peak performance. IN THIS EPISODE The Transition to Coaching: Laura explains her role with OAC, helping to construct and build out a specialized marathon team alongside coach Dathan Ritzenhein. A Lifelong Passion: Why a stint coaching high school cross country at Monarch High School made Laura realize she wanted to stay on the coaching side of the sport after hanging up her own competitive sneakers. The Power of Female Physiology: Laura opens up about why women need spaces to comfortably discuss their menstrual cycles, recovery, and training adjustments to treat their bodies like a superpower. Tracking and Biofeedback: How OAC is working with tools like the Oura Ring to help athletes track data, optimize their schedules, and actively reduce injury risks. Navigating Chronic Injury: A deep dive into Laura's battle with osteitis pubis (inflammation of the pubic symphysis) and how complete time away from running reshaped her listening relationship with her body. Small Wins and Journaling: Why tracking tiny daily progression points became a vital mental health tool when facing an extended recovery with no clear return date. QUOTABLE MOMENTS "So many of my hardships in my running, in life, have always taught me that in the moment it’s so hard to see, but it’s what sets you up for the things that come later." "If you don't schedule breaks for yourself, your body will eventually force you to take one." "I believe in myself the way that I want my athletes to believe in themselves. We’re a team... I have to believe in myself that I can help them get there." SOCIAL@lthweatt@emilyabbate@iheartwomenssports JOIN: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Daily Hurdle IG Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ SIGN UP: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Weekly Hurdle Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ASK ME A QUESTION: Email hello@hurdle.us to with your questions! Emily answers them every Friday on the show. Listen to Hurdle with Emily Abbate on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.