Podcasts about continuously

In this special SaaS Fuel episode, host Jeff Mains welcomes James Piacentino, co-founder and CEO of Thrive Genetics—a company at the intersection of healthcare, genetics, technology, and compassionate mission. James shares his deeply personal connection to the opioid crisis, describing the family loss that shaped his life's purpose and eventually sparked the founding of Thrive Genetics.The conversation explores how advances in genetic testing, behavioral analysis, and AI are enabling physicians to proactively identify and mitigate addiction risk—before opioids are prescribed. Along the way, they discuss building solutions in complex, regulated markets, the importance of pilots and product-market fit, and why mission-driven leadership can turn innovation into real-world impact.Key Takeaways00:00 "Building Leaders and Scaling Success"06:25 Generational Trauma: Beyond Genetics07:24 Breaking Cycles Through Innovation11:53 High Pain Procedures and Opioids15:30 "Genetic Testing for Addiction Risk"20:09 Market Applications and Opportunities22:48 Integrated Healthcare Ecosystem Insights25:43 "Customer-Centered Product Development Insights"29:36 "Vision and Path to Scale"33:52 Streamlining Customer Service Efficiency37:27 "Focus on Solutions, Not Problems"40:01 Simplifying Healthcare Innovation43:18 "Collaborate for Impactful Leadership"47:18 AI Monitors Patient Pain Signals49:50 "Simple Design, De-Identified Data"52:16 "Embracing Rejection as Growth"55:36 "Fractional Legal & Personality Insights"Tweetable QuotesViral Topic: Building Products That Truly Fit Customer Needs: "It's very important to sit with your customer and just literally build the product to ensure that you are satisfying those specific business needs." — James PiacentinoViral Topic: Simplicity in Healthcare Innovation: "Complicated's fun and tech, maybe, but when you get into these healthcare scenarios, it's gotta be really, really lean, simple." — James Piacentino Viral Topic: Keep It Simple in Complex Systems: "We're just giving you some Information to use. We're not telling you you should. You should drive here or not, you know, so it was like a very simple workaround to something that could have been awfully complex, especially for what we're doing." — James PiacentinoViral Topic: Rethinking Opioid Addiction Prevention: "Why is it that we only talk about addiction after it happens, when technology now makes it possible to see the risk before the first prescription is even written?" — Jeff MainsViral Topic: The Future of Opioid Prescription"Advancements in personalized medicine are helping physicians make better informed decisions, balancing the need for pain relief with the responsibility to prevent addiction." — Jeff Mains Healthcare Innovation Mindset: "You don't have to tackle the bear, just drive by and wave." — Jeff Mains SaaS Leadership LessonsMission Drives Resilience:Stay true to your personal and company values, especially in high-stakes industries. Purpose fuels perseverance through complexity.Customer Collaboration is Key:Meet customers where they are. Continuously incorporate their feedback to ensure product-market fit and genuine value.Embrace Simplicity:In regulated spaces, complexity can kill progress. Strive for solutions that minimize barriers for adoption and use.Learn from the ‘No's:Rejection (from investors or stakeholders) is a gift. Each “no” teaches you something new to incorporate or consider.Surround...

The Intensity is Real, But Your Power is Greater.Acknowledge the current intense environment (mentally, emotionally, globally).Reintroduce the core belief: When you are soul-centered, you are more powerful than anything.The problem: We absorb "heavier energies" without realizing it.The Core Practice: 5-to-10 Conscious Cycles.Break down the simple, powerful formula (5-10 breaths).Affirmation Focus: Dedicate each in-breath to calm and centering ("Breathing in, I calm my body, mind, and emotions.") and each out-breath to release ("Breathing out, I release all heavier energies and attachments...").The Command: Lock in the shielding and safety ("I am centered. I am safe. I am surrounded and infused with divine light and shielding. And SO IT IS.").Energetic Inventory & Regulation.Explain the concept: Continuously stay aware of what is yours and not yours—mentally and emotionally.This is not just for spiritual folks; this is nervous system regulation at its finest. When you release what isn't yours, your system calms down.The Cleanest Frequency: Nature.Why Nature is a non-negotiable step. It is the least contaminated, cleanest frequency on the planet right now.Practical call to action: Walk barefoot, sit by a tree, simply Breathe in the natural air. This simple act recenters your entire spirit.Conclusion: Keep Returning Here.Reiterate that Breath is the connect point, the clearing, and the recentering.Encouragement to practice daily, especially during moments of intensity.Wim Hof breathing techniques, which focus on deep, intentional breath cycles, can help regulate the autonomic nervous system, a key component in managing stress and emotional energy, which directly correlates with the "conscious in and out breaths" and "nervous system regulation" mentioned in your notes. Join Grandpa Bill for your daily dose of holistic wisdom, health, and high-vibe wellness. From the power of Wim Hof breathing to managing your energy field, this podcast cuts through the noise to deliver practical, soul-centered strategies for all ages. It's a healing hour that keeps you grounded, healthy, and connected to your inner power.In a world of constant noise, how do we use a simple, 5-breath cycle to instantly discern between our energy and the heavy energies we unknowingly carry!Podcasts-#BreathIsTheBridge, #EnergeticBoundaries ,#SoulCenteredLiving, #NervousSystemRegulation ,#GrandpaBill #SilverStreakers, #WimHofWisdom ,#ConnectToNature #CleanFrequency #HolisticHealing,

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping the cybersecurity landscape across Ireland. While it's unlocking new efficiencies and accelerating innovation, it's also giving cybercriminals new evasive tools to launch faster and more sophisticated attacks. Across Ireland, organisations are navigating a new era of cyber risk defined by speed, sophistication, and AI. As Dell Technologies continues to work closely with Irish businesses to modernise their digital infrastructure, it's clear that cybersecurity must evolve in tandem, as a strategic enabler of trust and resilience. Threat actors are using AI to enhance ransomware, zero-day vulnerabilities, Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) all making advanced spear-phishing much harder to identify, outpacing conventional security measures. According to the latest Dell Technologies Innovation Catalyst Study, 84% of Irish organisations view security as a key part of their business strategy, yet many continue to struggle with balancing innovation and security. Almost all respondents (96%) admitted that integrating security into wider business strategies is proving difficult. These figures highlight that organisations must rethink their cybersecurity strategies to adopt proactive, intelligent, and resilient approaches that keep pace with the evolving threat environment. Here are five ways to stay resilient against cyber threats: 1. Adopt zero trust for AI Security As threat actors use AI to scout, steal credentials and adapt attack techniques, traditional perimeter-based defences fall short. That's why more Irish organisations are adopting a Zero Trust model built on the principle of "never trust, always verify" ensuring that every user, device, and application is continuously authenticated, regardless of location. The benefits are clear; the latest Innovation Catalyst Study revealed a 100% increase in confidence levels among Irish organisations that have adopted zero trust principles, underscoring its growing value as a security framework. By implementing zero trust principles, organisations can help reduce risk by continuously verifying every access request and implementing strict authentication processes. Using role-based access controls (RBAC) and network segmentation, organisations can minimise the risk of an attack and reduce the impact radius if an attack occurs. Zero trust is more than a security philosophy. It's a unified and adaptive strategy for identity and access management. Through a zero trust approach, organisations not only reduce their attack surface, but also strengthen their ability to detect, respond to and contain threats. 2. Reduce the attack surface In an environment where AI-powered threat actors are constantly probing for weaknesses, reducing the attack surface is a critical line of defence. Every exposed endpoint, unsecured API, or overlooked supply chain vulnerability represents an opportunity for adversaries to infiltrate systems, deploy malware and exfiltrate sensitive data. To mitigate these risks, Irish organisations should begin with assessing and understanding their attack surface and related vulnerabilities. From there, they should have a layered defence strategy focused on securing entry points and minimising exposure. This includes strengthening authentication, encrypting data, regularly testing for vulnerabilities and actively monitoring endpoints. Keeping systems patched and devices hardened further limits risks. By reducing the attack surface, organisations make themselves a harder target, thereby decreasing the likelihood of an attack. 3. Continuously detect and respond to threats AI-powered attacks are capable of mimicking legitimate behaviour and evading traditional security tools, and organisations need to combine advanced threat detection with rapid response capabilities. Leveraging AI and machine learning, organisations can monitor operational data, detect anomalies, and trigger automated responses in real time. This AI-powered threat...

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Key Takeaways:True leadership success is measured by alignment with your values and season of life. It is not about busyness but about making intentional, sustainable choices that bring fulfillment.Leadership has natural rhythms of growth, energy, refinement, and rest. Recognizing and embracing each season allows leaders to act with clarity and avoid burnout.Success is reflected in energized weeks, meaningful relationships, lasting influence, and personal joy. Leadership thrives when others feel better and positive change continues.Lead from peace, set boundaries, and focus on depth over breadth. Continuously evolve your definition of success to expand in wisdom and align your leadership with purpose. “Sometimes you have to stop moving to see where you're really going.” “Busyness is not being important. It's just filling your life with stuff so you can feel important.” “Joy is not optional. It's a leadership strategy.”- Maryanne Dersch   Let's Work Together to Amplify Your Leadership + Influence1. Group Coaching for Nonprofit LeadersWant to lead with more clarity, confidence, and influence? My group coaching program is designed for nonprofit leaders who are ready to communicate more powerfully, navigate challenges with ease, and move their organizations forward. 2. Team Coaching + TrainingI work hands-on with nonprofit teams to strengthen leadership, improve communication, and align around a shared vision. Whether you're growing fast or feeling stuck, we'll create more clarity, collaboration, and momentum—together. 3. Board Retreats + TrainingsYour board has big potential. I'll help you unlock it. My engaging, no-fluff retreats and trainings are built to energize your board, refocus on what matters, and generate real results.Get your free starter kit today at www.theinfluentialnonprofit.comConnect with Maryanne about her coaching programs:https://www.courageouscommunication.com/connect Book Maryanne to speak at your conference:https://www.courageouscommunication.com/nonprofit-keynote-speaker

What does leadership look like at the highest levels of service?  SUMMARY In this episode of Long Blue Leadership, Col. (Ret.) Michael Black '85 discusses his journey from cadet to commanding the White House Communications Agency. He reflects on what it means to be a calm, steady presence in high-pressure environments — and how small daily practices can shape a lifetime of leadership. The full episode is now available.   SHARE THIS PODCAST FACEBOOK  |  LINKEDIN   MICHAEL'S LEADERSHIP TAKEAWAYS Develop a personal leadership philosophy that guides your actions (like Michael's 5F's: Family, Fitness, Flying, Fairness, and Fun). Always be aware that people are watching you and learning from your example, even when you don't realize it. Nurture relationships continuously - they are critical for long-term success and mentorship. Practice empathy and compassion, especially during difficult moments like delivering challenging news Maintain a holistic approach to fitness - physical, mental, and spiritual well-being are interconnected. Take pride in leaving organizations better than you found them and focus on developing future leaders. Be fair and be perceived as fair - understanding different perspectives is crucial to effective leadership. Incorporate fun and balance into your professional life to maintain team morale and personal resilience. Stay connected to your roots and be willing to mentor the next generation, sharing your experiences and lessons learned. Continuously practice self-reflection and ensure you're living up to your core values and leadership principles.   CHAPTERS Chapter 1 - 0:00:00 - 0:08:55: Family and Military Roots   Michael Black shares his background as a military brat and the educational legacy of his family. Chapter 2 - 0:08:55 - 0:12:10: Delivering a Difficult Notification A profound leadership moment where Black sensitively delivers news of a combat-related death to a staff sergeant's family. Chapter 3 - 0:12:10 - 0:18:40: The 5F Leadership Philosophy Introduction Col. Black explains the origin and core components of his leadership framework: Family, Fitness, Flying, Fairness, and Fun. Chapter 4 - 0:18:40 - 0:25:59: Detailed Exploration of 5F Philosophy   In-depth breakdown of each leadership principle, including personal anecdotes and practical applications. Chapter 5 - 0:25:59 - 0:32:21: Family Legacy and Academy Experience   Discussion of his son's Air Force Academy journey and the importance of nurturing relationships across generations. Chapter 6 - 0:32:21 - 0:38:36: Mentorship and Relationship Building Michael shares his approach to mentoring cadets and the significance of maintaining long-term professional connections. Chapter 7 - 0:38:36 - 0:40:13: Leadership in Civilian and Nonprofit Sectors Reflection on applying military leadership principles in private and nonprofit environments. Chapter 8 - 0:40:13 - 0:41:28: Personal Reflection and Leadership Advice  Final thoughts on leadership, self-improvement, and the importance of continuous personal development.   ABOUT COL. BLACK BIO Michael “Mike” B. Black, vice president for Defense, joined the nonprofit Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association International in July 2022. He is a senior cyber/information technology leader with more than four decades of experience in cyber operations, communications, project/program management, leadership disciplines and organizational development. As AFCEA's vice president for Defense, Col. Black builds strong professional relationships with government, industry and academia partners to position AFCEA International as a leader in the cyber, defense, security, intelligence and related information technology disciplines. Col. Black leads defense operations in support of planning and executing global, large-scale, technically focused, trade shows/conferences supporting Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Operations, Cyber and Homeland Security.  Col. Black is focused on providing opportunities for engagement between and among government, industry and academia. Prior to joining AFCEA International, Col. Black served as chief operating officer at Concise Network Solutions for four years, directly supporting the CEO in developing, executing and managing CNS's master business plan. Prior to joining CNS, he served as the COO and chief corporate development officer at JMA Solutions for two and a half years, working in concert with senior executives to lead operations and the planning and execution of strategies. Prior to joining JMA Solutions, he served as the COO at Premier Management Corporation for four years, where he was responsible for day-to-day operations, all business units and the company's profit and loss. Prior to joining the private sector, Col. Black spent 26 years in the U.S. Air Force holding various communications and leadership positions at many levels. He culminated his distinguished military career as a colonel, commander, White House Communications Agency, leading a 1,200-person team of selectively manned military, then-Department of Defense civilian and contract personnel to provide “no fail” telecommunications services for the president, vice president, named successors, first lady, senior White House staff, National Security staff, U.S. Secret Service and the White House Military Office. Col. Black holds a Bachelor of Science in basic science from the U.S. Air Force Academy, where he was a Distinguished Military Graduate. He holds a Master of Science in national resource strategy, with an information operations concentration, from the National Defense University, Industrial College of the Armed Forces; a Master's Degree in military arts and science from the Army Command & General Staff College; and a Master of Arts Degree in management from Webster University. He is a published author, including writing several leadership articles for The New Face of Leadership Magazine as well the thesis Coalition Command, Control, Communication, and Intelligence Systems Interoperability: A Necessity or Wishful Thinking? BIO EXCERPTED FROM AFCEA.ORG   CONNECT WITH MICHAEL IG: @chequethemike FB: @michael black LinkedIn: Michael Black   CONNECT WITH THE LONG BLUE LEADERSHIP PODCAST NETWORK TEAM Send your feedback or nominate a guest: socialmedia@usafa.org Ted Robertson | Producer:  Ted.Robertson@USAFA.org    Ryan Hall | Director:  Ryan.Hall@USAFA.org  Bryan Grossman | Copy Editor:  Bryan.Grossman@USAFA.org Wyatt Hornsby | Executive Producer:  Wyatt.Hornsby@USAFA.org      ALL PAST LBL EPISODES  |  ALL LBLPN PRODUCTIONS AVAILABLE ON ALL MAJOR PODCAST PLATFORMS   TRANSCRIPT SPEAKERS Guest, Col. (Ret.) Michael Black '85 | Host, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz '99   Naviere Walkewicz Welcome to Long Blue Leadership, where transformative journeys of Air Force Academy graduates come to life. There are moments in a leader's life that leave a permanent mark. For my guest today, Col. (Ret.) Michael Black, USAFA Class of '85, one such moment came when he was actually sent to deliver news of a combat-related death. It was the first time he'd ever been tasked with that duty, and knew he only had one chance to get it right. As he sat with the widow, Michael found the strength to guide the family through their grief. That part of Michael's story speaks to the depth of his empathy and the calm steadiness that defines him as a leader. We'll explore much more of Michael's journey, from leading the White House Communications team to mentoring cadets at the Academy to daily practices that ground him and the framework that guides him today, what he calls the five Fs of leadership: family, fitness, flying, fairness and fun a guide not only for his life, but for the leaders he inspires. Michael, welcome to Long Blue Leadership. Michael Black Naviere, thank you for having me, and thank you for that very kind introduction. I'm so happy to be here, and I'm just thankful for what you guys do, the AOG and putting this together and telling stories. I think this is amazing. So thank you for the opportunity. Naviere Walkewicz Well, we're grateful you're here. You got your silver on. You got your ‘85 Best Alive, you know, I mean, I'm just blown away here. The class crest… Michael Black Yeah, got it all, you know, the crest and the two squadrons that I was in. I'm just excited, back here for our 40th reunion. Yeah. So that's amazing. So fellowship and fun with your classmates, and just seeing the mountains, you know. Getting off the plane and looking west and seeing the mountains and seeing God's creation is just amazing. And then, of course, the Academy in the background, you know, pretty excited. Naviere Walkewicz Wonderful, wonderful. Well, we're going to jump right in. And actually, the topic is a bit sensitive, but I think it's really important, because we know that when we all raise our right hand, some are prepared and they give all. But not everyone has to actually give the news to the family when their loved one is lost, so maybe you can share what that was like. Michael Black Thank you for allowing me to talk about that. You hit the nail on the head when you said you only have one chance to get it right when you're talking to the family. And so I had a young staff sergeant that was deployed down range at the Horn of Africa, and he happened to be a radio operator in a helicopter supporting the Marines. And there was a mid-air collision that happened while he was deployed, and he was one of the people that perished. So the first notification that I had to make was duty status: whereabouts unknown — to say that to the family. And of course, you can think about the range of emotions that are associated with that. They don't know. We don't know.   Naviere Walkewicz There's still hope. There's not hope.   Michael Black So that was the first day. So going over there with my first sergeant, a medical team, chaplain, you know, that kind of thing, to support us and the family.   Naviere Walkewicz And what rank were you at that time?   Michael Black So I was a lieutenant colonel. So I was a squadron commander of the 1st Comm Squadron at Langley Air Force Base. And I like to say, you don't get to practice that. You have one time to get it right. At least back then, there was not a lot of training to do that. It doesn't happen that often, and so having to make that notification was a tough thing. It was one of the hardest things, if not the hardest thing, I had to do in the service. Two young boys. He had two sons, and at the time, his spouse was military as well, so I go over there to do that the first day. You can imagine, you know, knocking on the door, right, and I'm in uniform, and just the emotions that they can be going through. So we're sitting on the couch in their house, two young boys. I believe their ages were 3 and 5 at the time, they were very young. And I explained to Michelle what we knew. And again, it's scripted. I can't say more or less than that, because 1) don't know, right? And 2), you just don't want to speculate on anything. And then we're waiting to find out his status. So then I have to go back the next day to make that notification, and you're representing the chief of staff of the United States Air Force, and that's kind of something that's scripted for you. “I'm here on the behalf of the Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force, and I regret to inform you of the untimely death of your spouse.” The part that was even more heartening for me was after I told her, and with the boys sitting, I believe, on either side of me, she said, “And now Col. Black is going to tell you what happened to your dad.” That was a tough thing to do. And I would say it was the hardest thing that I had to do in the Air Force, in my career, and reflect on “you have one chance to get that right.” I believe we got it right, me and my team, but that was tough. Naviere Walkewicz Wow. Have you kept in touch with the family? Michael Black Yes, I keep in touch with Michelle, just from — just a personal because I'm very personal, outgoing, as you know. And so I've kept in touch with Michelle and the boys. But we're forever bonded by that, and I think that's important to stay in touch. And that's kind of one of my things I think we'll get into a little bit later in the conversation, but that's what I do. Naviere Walkewicz Well, it touches, certainly into, I think, that the family aspect of the five Fs, and because it seems like you even take in them as your family. And I'm curious about your family, because when you're going through that, I mean, you have at least a son — you have son, right?   Michael Black Yes, and two daughters.   Naviere Walkewicz Two daughters. So were you thinking about — did you put on your dad hat in that moment?   Michael Black I certainly did put on my dad hat and, and I think that helped in things. And I think all of the training that I got along the way about dealing with tough situations, and being a leader, it helped. But I took it upon myself after that to talk to other commanders. And in fact, my wing commander at the time, Burt Field, Gen. field was a '79 grad, and we talked, and that also brought him and I closer, because he also asked me to brief the other squadron commanders on that process and how I handled that. And I know when — to this day, Gen. Field and I are still very connected, and he's pretty engaged right now with the Air Force Association's birthday and all that. But a great mentor of mine who also helped in dealing with that. But he was extremely supportive and, and I think that had a factor in just how he evaluated me, right, how I handled that situation?   Naviere Walkewicz Well, it sounds like you certainly picked up some of those traits of taking care of your people recognizing empathy within processes and sharing it. I'm curious, were you always like this, or did you see some of this emulated from your family? Michael Black No, it's a great question. I am a military brat. My dad was in the Army. My dad went to Tuskegee — it was called Tuskegee Institute at that time. My mom went to Alabama A&M, so two schools in Alabama. They're from a very small towns in Alabama. My dad's from Beatrice, Alabama — which is less than 200 people today — and my mom is from Vredenburgh, Alabama. It's about 15 miles away, and it's even smaller than Beatrice. But they went to the same elementary school and high school, so high school sweethearts, and then they went off to college. And then dad got a direct commission in the Army, the Signal Corps. Well, he started out Medical Service Corps, but getting back to your question, so yes, family with that, and even take a step further back to my grandparents, on both sides of the family, but particularly with my paternal grandparents, they went out and visited the Tuskegee Institute at that time, and they saw the statue of Lifting the Veil of Ignorance there, and they decided at that point that they wanted their kids to go to that school. And so there's seven kids within my dad's family, and six of them went to Tuskegee. Naviere Walkewicz   Wow. So I want to fast forward a little bit, and you can certainly share whether it was during the Academy or after graduation, but you have kind of had this great foundation from your family. Let's talk a little bit about the Academy or after-Academy experience, where you had seen additional time where you had grown as a leader. Was there a particular experience that can come to mind, where another shaping of this leadership journey that you've been on? Michael Black Yeah, I think there's multiple throughout my career. I mean, I went to the Army Command and General Staff College for my intermediate professional military education. And there's a story there too. My dad was in the Army, and so I wanted to experience some of the things that my dad did, even though I was Air Force. And so one of my mentors, now-retired Lt. Gen. Harry Raduege, was instrumental in me getting selected for Army Command and General Staff College. And so I went there, and I think that was a big portion of my shaping, although had mentors and folks and coaches in my life leading up to that were, you know, helped shape me, but going to that school… And what I noticed when I got there that the Army was very serious about leadership and leadership philosophy, so much so that we took a class on that where we had to develop a leadership philosophy. And so in taking that class, before the Christmas break, I found out that I was going to be a squadron commander. So I was a major, and I was going to be a squadron commander. And so in that leadership course, I said, “Well, I'm going to go be a squadron commander. I'm going to the fifth combat con group in Georgia. Let me make this philosophy that I'm doing in class be my philosophy, so that when I get there…” And that was really the first time that I thought very serious about, “OK, what is my leadership philosophy?” And I had been a flight commander before, and had people under my tutelage, if you will. But being a squadron commander, you know, being on G series orders. And you know, we know how the military takes the importance of being a commander. And so having that so I did decide to develop my philosophy during that time. And you mentioned the five Fs earlier. And so that was — that became the opportunity to develop that. So family, that's what it was. That's when I developed that — in that course. So family, fitness, flying, fairness and fun — the five Fs. I worked on that when I got there. And so then when I got to take command, I had prepared all of that stuff in this academic environment, and I used it to a T and I briefed the squadron after I took command. I think this is my command philosophy, the five Fs. I subsequently had the opportunity to command two more times after that, another squadron, and then at the White House Communications Agency, which is now wing command equivalent. So had the opportunity to tweak and refine, but the foundation was still the five Fs. And so in doing that, and I can go into a little detail. So you know, family is your immediate family, your your blood family, and that that kind of thing. But family also encompasses your unit, your extended family, you know, and part of that. And so I always tell people you know, your family, you don't want to be the only one at your retirement ceremony because you neglected your family. And I've done many retirement ceremonies. In fact, I've done 25-plus since I retired. Well, that shows you really made no so family is, is important, take care of your family. And I, you know, one of the things I said about that to the folks was if you in your unit, if folks are getting assigned unit, permanent changes, station, PCS to your unit, and they haven't found the place to live in the due time and whatever the house hunting days are, I always gave my folks the option of give them some more time to find a place. They may be looking for schools, I mean looking for a place that just fits the environment that they need. And let's give them that time now, because they're not going to be effective in the organization if they're worried about where they have to live, where their kids are going to go to school and that kind of thing. So take care of all of that, and then get them to work, and they'll be that much more effective because they won't have to worry about where they're living, where the kids are going to school. So take care of your family fitness. You understand physical fitness and what you do and all of that, and I admire all of your accomplishments in that. And so physical fitness in the military kind of goes without saying. You have to maintain certain standards and do that, and do a PT and take a test and that kind of thing. But fitness is more than just physical fitness. It's spiritual and mental fitness. Now I would never be one to tell somebody this is how you need to nurture your spiritual and mental fitness. I think that's personal. But if your spiritual mental fitness is not being nourished, you're not going to be doing yourself any good, your team any good. And honestly, you would be able to tell if an individual is struggling with their spiritual or mental fitness, particularly as a leader and just kind of looking and observing characteristics and the behavior of folks. So I basically told my team, I want you to do whatever it takes to nurture your spiritual and mental fitness, whatever you need to do — if it's meditating, if it's praying, if it's walking, whatever is personal to you, but make sure that it's nurtured. But I also told my folks that if you think my spiritual fitness and mental fitness is out of balance, I want you to tell me, because I might have blinders on. I could be focused on things, just like they could be focused on things, and I would tell them. And I think folks really appreciated the candor and the openness of the leader, the commander, you know, saying that, yes, I want you to tell me if you think my spiritual mental fitness is, you know, is out of balance.   Naviere Walkewicz Did you ever have anyone tell you that?   Michael Black I did. I had strong relationships with my first sergeant, or my command sergeant major, the senior enlisted adviser. So we were, you know, we're hand-in-hand and all the places I was at. And so, yes, I've had them. I've had my wife tell me that. So I think that's important. I just — like I said, you can easily have blinders on and maybe just not see that or have blind spots. And speaking of that, I've written a leadership article on blind spots. I've kind of studied that and understand that. Flying — at the time the primary mission of the Air Force was flying. And so I'd always say, “What is your role in supporting the primary mission, or what is our role in supporting the primary mission of the Air Force?” So make sure you understand that. As a communicator, how do you contribute to the primary mission, or as a logistician, or as information management? But understand what your role is in the primary mission of the Air Force. Fairness, as a leader — it is so important for the leader to be fair, right? It can affect good order and discipline if you're not fair, but equally important is to be perceived as being fair. So I could think I'm being fair, I could think that I'm being fair, but if the perception of the unit, the team, is that I'm not being fair, that's just as detrimental to the mission as actually not being fair. And so I think perceptions are important, and you need to understand that. You need to be aware of the perceptions; you need to be ready to receive the information and the feedback from your team on that. And so I stress the importance of also the perception people have different management. I could be looking at something over there, and I say, “OK, yeah, sky is blue over there,” but somebody's looking at it from a different you know, they may see a touch of some clouds in there, and so they see some light in there, and from their vantage point. And it's just like that in life: Respect everybody's vantage point in things. And so that was the fairness aspect. Then finally, fun. I'm a person that likes to have fun.   Naviere Walkewicz You are?!   Michael Black Yes, I am. I'm a person that loves to have fun. And so for me, I grew up playing sports. And so I played sports throughout my Air Force career. So that was kind of one of the things I did for fun, intramurals.   Naviere Walkewicz What was your favorite sport?   Michael Black My favorite sport was baseball growing up. I mean, I dreamed about trying to play in the Major Leagues and that kind of stuff. And I played on a lot of baseball teams growing up, and then when I got into the service, played softball, and I played competitive softball. Back in the day, they have base softball teams, and so you would, you know, try out for the team, and I would try out, and I played on base team at probably at least four or five bases that I was at. So I was, these are my own words: I was good. So I played and was very competitive in intramurals. That's another way to bring your team together — camaraderie. They see the boss out there playing. And I always would tell folks that on the squadron team: They're not playing me because I'm the commander. They're playing me because I'm good. I can contribute to the wins in a game. But so it's very competitive. I wasn't a win at all costs, but it wasn't fun to lose. So being competitive and fun. So that's one of the things I did for fun. I also follow professional sports. San Antonio Spurs is my basketball team; Washington Commanders, my football team. So I would go to those events, those games, those contests and stuff like that. Music, concerts, still do that kind of stuff with my kids and my family incorporate fun into — so it's not all work and no play. I think you do yourself justice by, winding down relaxing a little bit and having fun and that kind of thing. And so I encourage my team to do that. Wasn't gonna tell people what they needed to do for fun. I think that's personal, but having fun is important and it helps strike that balance. So that's really the five Fs. And I carried that, as I said, every time I command, every time I've, you know, unit that I've been associated with, particularly after the 2000 graduation from Army Command and Staff College. And I still carry that five Fs today And incidentally, I think the if you bump into somebody who was in one of my units, they're going to remember the five Fs, or some portion of it. In fact, I have a couple mentees that commanded after me, and they adopted the five Fs as their command philosophy. And that's kind of something that's very satisfying as a leader to have somebody adopt your leadership style. They think that it was good for them while they were in the unit. And it's very flattering to see that afterwards. I mean, so much so that I've had people that were in my unit, and then they got assigned to one of my mentee's unit, and they would call me up and they'd say, “Hey, Col. Black, you know, Col. Packler says his command philosophy is the five Fs.” Yeah, I said Marc was in my unit at Langley, and he probably felt that. But that's, that's a true story. Naviere Walkewicz That's a legacy, right there; that's wonderful. Well, speaking of legacy, you have a son that's also a graduate. So talk about that. I mean, you were expected to go to college. It wasn't an if, it was where? How about your children? Was that kind of the expectation? Michael Black So my wife is a college graduate. She's a nurse as well. And so we preached education throughout. And just as an aside, shout out to my wife, who just completed her Ph.D.   Naviere Walkewicz Wow, congratulations!   Michael Black Yes. Wilda Black, last week, in doing that. And so between my family, my immediate family — so my wife, and my two daughters and my son, there are 15 degrees between us.   Naviere Walkewicz And you?   Michael Black And me. So five us, there are 15 degrees. My wife has two master's, a bachelor's and now a Ph.D. My oldest daughter has a bachelor's and two master's. My son has a bachelor's and a master's. My younger daughter has a bachelor's and a master's, and I have a bachelor's and three master's degrees. So I think that adds up to 15.   Naviere Walkewicz I lost count. Social sciences major here.   Michael Black So yes, education. And so my son — he really liked quality things, likes quality things growing up. And so he was looking at schools and researching and looking at the Ivy League, some of the Ivy League schools, and some other schools that, you know, had strong reputations. I purposely did not push the Air Force Academy to him because I didn't want him to go for the wrong reasons. I didn't want him to go because I went there and that kind of thing. But late in the game, you know, in his summer, going into his senior year of high school, he came to me and said, “Hey…” and I'm paraphrasing a little bit, “Dad, you know, your alma mater is pretty good, you know, pretty, you know, pretty has a strong reputation.” And I said, “Yeah, you know, you know, strong academic curriculum and everything else there.” So that summer he said, “Well, I'm thinking I might want to go there.” And I'm thinking to myself, “That's a little bit late in the game, like the summer going into senior year.”   Naviere Walkewicz Did you recruit your mom again?   Michael Black Mom got involved. And then I think you know Carolyn Benyshek. So Carolyn was the director of admissions. I reached out to her and just said, “Hey, I got my son that's interested.” They were actually coming to Baltimore, I believe, for a…   Naviere Walkewicz The Falcon Experience. Right.   Michael Black And so we went to see her, and I'll just kind of say the rest is history. Through her help and guidance, through my son's qualifications — he was able to get in. He went to the Prep School, which is great, and I just want to give a shout out to the Prep School for that. I did not attend the Prep School, but I saw the value of my son going to the Prep School and then coming to the Academy. So I just to this day, thankful for our Prep School and how they prepare folks.   Naviere Walkewicz We feel similarly about that.   Michael Black So, yeah. So he went. And so, of course, a proud dad, right? Your son following in your footsteps, and that kind of thing. So Clinton, Clinton Black is in the Space Force now, and he's assigned to Vandenberg. But my son, he was a soccer player growing up, played a lot of competitive soccer, came here and decided that he wanted to do Wings of Blue, and so he was on Wings of Blue parachute team. And the neat thing about that is that the jump wings that my son wears are the jump wings that my dad earned at Airborne School in 1964, '65 — sometime in the early ‘60s. And so my dad was still living at the time and so he was able to come out here and pin the wings on Clinton. So it skipped a generation because I didn't jump or anything. But my son jumped, and he has mid-500 number of jumps that he's had. And so my dad was able to see him jump, and that was even though Airborne is a teeny bit different than free fall, but still, you know, parachuting, and all of that. So getting to see Clinton excel and do that and see him jump into the stadium, and that kind of thing. He jumped with some of the former Navy SEALs in the X Games, you know, in the mountains. So that was just a proud parent moment. Naviere Walkewicz Wow. That is very exciting. And so, through all of these experiences that you had, I keep wanting to go back to the five Fs .yYu had mentioned earlier that you did some refinement to it. So where you are now, how are you using them? How have they been refined? I mean, flying. What is that? Michael Black So, I asked people to take a little bit of a leap in that, understand where it came from, in my 5s but that aspect refers to the mission, right? And so the Air Force mission has evolved to include space and that kind of thing. But even on the private side, the civilian side, I still use the five F's. And so the flying aspect just refers to the mission, or whatever the mission of your organization is. And so there was some refinement as we brought in space into our mission, but it really reflected on the mission. And so I had different AFSCs that worked for me in in the different units that I was at, and also different services. And so understanding the service aspect of things also was something that I had to take into consideration as far as keeping and refining that, at the White House Communications Agency, about 1,200 military — more Army than Air Force, more Air Force than Navy, more Navy than Marine Corps, and more Marine Corps than Coast Guard. And so being an Air Force commander of a joint unit that had more Army folks in it, you have to understand that lingo, and be able to speak cool and that kind of thing. Dad loved that. And so going to the Army Command General Staff College, and, getting some of that philosophy and understanding that. And then I went to what's now called the Eisenhower School, now ICAF, the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, which is another joint school. And so being around that helped me in those aspects. But really applying that throughout and after I retired, I did 10 years in the private sector with a couple of different small businesses that were government contracted focused, providing professional services, but still, as the chief operating officer of each one of those, it's a pretty high leadership position within the company and so I talked about the five Fs in some terms that my team could understand that, and so still apply that. And then now, with three years working for the nonprofit, the AFCEA organization, where we bring government, industry and academia together to do IT, cyber kind of things, machine learning, artificial intelligence — I still have that philosophy to buy that and what I do, I think it's something that's applicable across the board, not just military. At least I've made it applicable. Naviere Walkewicz I was just gonna ask that, because talk about the private sector and — some of our listeners, they take off the uniform, but they still have that foundation of the military, but they're working with people who maybe don't have that foundation of the military. So how did you translate that in a way that they could feel that same foundation, even though they hadn't gone through a military family or through the Air Force Academy? Michael Black Yeah, no, that's a great question, Naviere. And I think, as a leader, you have to be aware of that. You have to be aware of your team and their background and their experiences. You also you have to speak their lingo, right? I mean, I can't talk just Air Force or military lingo. We talk a lot in acronyms. Naviere Walkewicz Like AFCEA. And I'm sure many know it but would you mind spelling it out? Michael Black Armed Forces Communications Electronics Association. And even though we have that we are more than the armed forces now, so we really are known by just AFCEA, even though that's what that acronym stands for. So I mean, I work with Homeland Security, VA and that kind of thing. But to your point, getting folks to understand where I'm coming from, and I need to understand where they're coming from, you have to take the time, put in the work to do that, so that you can communicate with your folks, and so that they understand where you're coming from, and also, so that they feel valued, right? That you understand where they're coming from. And I think all of that is important. And I tried to make sure that I did that, and I had coaches, mentors and sponsors along the way. So I learned when some of my mentors transition from the military time, and so when they went to go work in the private sector, I still lean on them. “OK, how did you make this transition? And what is it about? And what are the similarities and what are the differences? What do I need to consider in doing that?” And I'm thankful, and that goes back to one key point that I want to make about relationships and nurturing that relationship. I mentioned Gen. Field, worked for him in the early 2000s. But here we are, 2025, and he's in my contacts, he will take my call, he will respond to a text, and vice versa. You know, building that relationship. And so he's with a nonprofit now, and so I still stay in touch with him. The director of the White House Military Office was a Navy admiral that I worked for when I was at the White House. He is now the president and CEO of the United States Naval Institute — Adm. Spicer. You know, 20-something, 15 years ago, worked for him and now we're working together on a big conference. But those relationships are important in nurturing those relationships. And I learned about nurturing from my family. You know, my grandparents, who did that. My grandfather was a farmer. He had to nurture his crops for them to produce. So the same thing, analogy applies in relationships; you have to nurture that relationship. And you know, it circled all the way back to, you know, our 40-year reunion now, and my classmates that are here and nurturing those relationships with those classmates over the years is important to me. I'm the connector within my class, or the nucleus. I mean, those are two nicknames that my classmates have given me: the Col. Connector and Nucleus, and I embrace those. Naviere Walkewicz Yes, that's wonderful. I know that you also mentor cadets. And I think my question for you, from the aspect of some of our listeners, is, did you seek out the cadets? Did they seek you out? How does that mentorship relationship start? Because you talked about how, like, for example, Gen. Field, you had that relationship years ago. That's kind of carried through. But how do you know when that mentorship is beginning? Michael Black I think both of those aspects, as you mentioned. Do they seek that? There are cadets that seek that based upon just what they've experienced and what they've learned. And then some of the cadets know people that I know, and so they've been referred to me, and all that. Some were — like their parents, I worked with their parents. I mean, particularly in the Class of 2023 there are three young ladies that I mentored in the Class of 2023 one whose father worked with me on the White House Communications Agency, one whose mother babysat my kids OK. And then one who's ROTC instructor in junior in high school was my first sergeant. So in those three instances, I was connected to those folks through relationship with either their parents or somebody that worked for me and that that kind of thing. And that was a neat thing to, you know, to be here. I did the march back with those young ladies, and then I connected those three young ladies who did not know each other at the march back, when we got back on the Terrazzo, I found all three of them and explained my relationship with each of them. And they were able to be connected throughout and two of them I actually commissioned, So that was really, really nice. And so, you know, seeking mentorship is, well, mentorship has just been important to me. I benefited from mentorship, and I want to return that favor. I am the chairman of the Air Force Cadet Officer Mentor Association, AFCOMA, whose foundation is mentorship, fellowship and scholarship, and so I'm passionate about mentorship and doing that. I've seen the benefits of it. People did it for me, and I think you can shorten the learning curve. I think you can just help folks along the way. So I'm very passionate about that. Naviere Walkewicz Well, this has been amazing. I think there's two questions I have left for you. The first one being — and I think we've learned a lot about this along the way — but if you were to summarize, what is something you are doing every day to be better as a leader? Michael Black I think every day I take a deep look inside myself, and am I living and breathing my core values? And what am I doing to help the next generation? You know, trying to put that on my schedule, on my radar, that's important to me. And whether I'm at work with AFCEA, whether I'm out here at my 40th reunion, whether I'm on vacation, I always take the time to mentor folks and pass on that. I think that's something that's passionate for me. You mentioned, when we talked about the retirement ceremonies. I mean, I've done 20-plus since I retired. In fact, I have one in November, but it will be my 27th retirement ceremony since I retired. And those things are important to me. And so I reflect, I try to keep my fitness — my physical, spiritual and mental fitness, in balance every day so that I can be effective and operate at a peak performance at the drop of the hat. You know, being ready. And so that's important to me. So there's some self-analysis, and I do live and breathe the five F's. I think that's important. And I think I've proven to myself that that is something that is relatable, not only to my time in the military, but my time in the private sector, and now my time in a nonprofit. And I just continue to do that so self-reflection and really practicing particularly the fitness aspect of the five Fs. Naviere Walkewicz Wow, that's outstanding. And then you probably share this with your mentees. But what is something that you would help our aspiring leaders — those who are already in leadership roles in any facet of it — but what is something that they can do today so that they will be more effective as a leader? Michael Black So I think being aware that people are watching you and your actions. Even when you think that somebody is not watching, they are watching. And so they are trying to learn what to do next, and to be aware of that. And so I think, again, that goes with what you asked me first: What do I do every day. But also being aware of that, so that you can be that example to folks. And then take the time, have some pride in leaving the organization better than it was when you got there. I mean, it's a cliche, but I think I take a lot of pride in that. And then, when the team does good, everybody does good, so you shouldn't necessarily be out there for any kind of glory. That's going to come. But do it for the right reasons. And provide… give the people the tools, the resources and the environment to be successful. And in… I just take satisfaction when I see one of my mentees get squadron command, go do something like the current commander of the White House Communications Agency, Col. Kevin Childs. He was a captain and a major in the organization when I was there. Nothing makes me happier than to see my mentees excel. And then, in this particular instance, he's holding a job that I had, and we still talk. I mean, he had me come out there to speak to the unit about a month ago. And those things give me a lot of pride and satisfaction and confirmation that I am doing the right thing. And so I'm excited about that. Naviere Walkewicz Well, I can say, from the time that I met you a few years ago, you are living what your five Fs. I see it every time you help champion others. Every time I'm around you I'm  energized. So this has been a true joy. Has there been anything that I haven't asked you that you would like to share with our listeners? Michael Black Well, I do want to say personally, thank you to you for all that you do and what the association is doing here. This Long Blue conversation, Long Blue Line — I think this is important to share. There's a Class of 1970 that's in the hotel with us, and I don't know, really, any of those folks, but when I see them walking around with their red hat on — that was their color — and I think about, “OK, 15 years before me.” And so I'm 62. These guys are, if I did the public math, right, 77, 78, maybe even older, depending upon what they did, and still out there doing things, and some of them here with their spouses and that kind of thing. I was just talking to one of the classmates this morning, I said, “You know, I wonder if we're going to be like this when our 55th reunion is,” and they were walking around, and most were in good health and able to do things. So that gives a lot of pride. But, what you're doing, what the rest of the folks here are doing, I think this is amazing. I love the new building, the studio that we're in. This is my first time in the new building, so I'm thankful for this opportunity, and just excited about what you guys do. Naviere Walkewicz Well, thank you so much for that. It's been an absolute pleasure having you on Long Blue Leadership. Michael Black Well, I appreciate it. It's been an honor, and I'm glad you guys timed this for my '85 Best Alive reunion and in the new studio. Naviere Walkewicz Yes, wonderful. Well, as we bring today's conversation to a close, Michael left a reminder for us that stands to me. As a leader, you're always on, you're always being watched. You know your steady presence and deep empathy were forged in life's hardest moments, from guiding a young family through unimaginable loss to breaking the barriers at the highest levels of service to mentoring cadets who will carry forward the legacy of leadership. And then there's that framework he lived by, the five Fs of leadership. It is practical as it is powerful, family, fitness, flying mission, fairness and fun, each one a reminder that leadership is about balance grounding and the courage to keep perspective no matter the challenge. His story reminds us that true leaders create more leaders, and when we anchor ourselves in purpose, faith and these five Fs, we leave behind a legacy that lasts. Thank you for listening to Long Blue Leadership. I'm Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz. Until next time. KEYWORDS Michael Black, Air Force leadership, 5F leadership philosophy, military mentorship, leadership development, combat communication, White House Communications, Space Force, veteran leadership, empathetic leadership, military career progression, leadership principles, professional growth, organizational effectiveness, cadet mentoring, military communication strategy, leadership resilience, Air Force Academy graduate, leadership philosophy, team building, professional relationships.       The Long Blue Line Podcast Network is presented by the U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation    

How much more impactful would your speaking be if you mastered emotional connection?In this insightful SPEAKPact episode, learn why speaking requires emotional regulation—not just to manage nerves, but to create a contagious calm that draws your audience in. Discover how true connection comes from understanding your audience's needs, asking gently-curious questions, and showing genuine care. In this episode of SPEAKPact, gain vital insights into why emotional regulation is even more important than intelligence. It shapes how you connect with your audience— and yourself on stage and beyond.Understand that feedback is essential for growth, helping speakers continuously improve and refine their craft. Grasp why trust is built not by performance alone, but through authentic connection and understanding. Uncover how sometimes surrendering control in relationships and interactions actually leads to better outcomes and deeper bonds. Ultimately, the power of emotional connection not only impacts your influence but can also significantly shape your revenue as a speaker.Uncover:Emotional regulation is a superpower: It not only helps you manage nerves but also creates a contagious calm that relaxes and engages your audience.Connection is built through empathy. Empathy is built through connection: Understand your audience's needs, ask curious yet gentle questions, and show genuine care to foster trust and relevance.Emotional maturity outweighs intelligence: Your ability to regulate yourself on stage directly shapes how deeply you connect with others.Feedback fuels growth: Constructive feedback is essential for refining your craft and continuously improving as a speaker. Continuously invite it. Trust comes from authenticity, not performance: Audiences connect more with sincerity than with polished delivery alone.Surrender can be powerful: Sometimes letting go of rigid control in interactions leads to stronger bonds and better outcomes.Emotional connection drives impact and income: The way you connect with your audience can significantly influence both your influence and your revenue as a speaker.Stories and experiences resonate: Weaving in personal insights makes your message relatable and memorable.Celebrated speaker agent, Antoniette Roze and Success Coach, Jerry Clark discuss the vital role of emotional regulation in building connections, both in personal relationships and public speaking.Jerry emphasizes that true connection goes beyond mere words and requires understanding and empathy towards the audience.Antoniette and Jerry explore how emotional maturity can enhance communication, the importance of feedback, and the impact of connection on professional success and revenue.Jerry shares personal experiences and insights on how to effectively engage with audiences and foster trust, ultimately leading to a more impactful speaking career.The secret to becoming a truly unforgettable speaker isn't in the words you say, but in the emotional connection you create!Ready to master emotional regulation, deepen audience trust, and discover how connection can elevate not just your impact but also your income? Tune in now and unlock the superpower that could transform your speaking career!LEARN MORE at

Aubrey Masango speaks to Tshepo Matlou, Life coach and author to discuss the part we play in people who hurt us exploring how our own responses, boundaries, and courage to speak up might shape the way others treat us. Tags: 702, Aubrey Masango show, Aubrey Masango, Tshepo Matlou, Setting boundaries, Trauma responses, Childhood trauma, Emotional triggers The Aubrey Masango Show is presented by late night radio broadcaster Aubrey Masango. Aubrey hosts in-depth interviews on controversial political issues and chats to experts offering life advice and guidance in areas of psychology, personal finance and more. All Aubrey’s interviews are podcasted for you to catch-up and listen. Thank you for listening to this podcast from The Aubrey Masango Show. Listen live on weekdays between 20:00 and 24:00 (SA Time) to The Aubrey Masango Show broadcast on 702 https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj and on CapeTalk between 20:00 and 21:00 (SA Time) https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk Find out more about the show here https://buff.ly/lzyKCv0 and get all the catch-up podcasts https://buff.ly/rT6znsn Subscribe to the 702 and CapeTalk Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/v5mfet Follow us on social media: 702 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702 702 on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702 702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/ 702 on X: https://x.com/Radio702 702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio702 CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Day two of class; the boys get tested. Based on the work of firebird68. listen to the Podcast on Steamy Stories “Hi, Samantha!” Sunny greeted as the black-haired girl entered the room. “How were your morning classes?” “Fine.” Samantha rasped, swiftly walking to her seat, and dropping her bag. “Oh, wow.” Sunny came to stand next to her desk. “You sound terrible! What's wrong?” “Oh, I don't know!” Samantha snapped, turning to face Tanner. “Maybe it's because SOMEONE fucked the ever-living shit out of my throat yesterday.”Tanner just shrugged and lounged in his seat. “Guilty.” He said in a bored tone. “And someone else, held me down while he did it!” she directed this to Andrea. “Oh, stuff it, Morticia!” Andrea retorted. “I just did what I was told to do.” “Yeah, well, it's your turn today, missy.” Samantha grinned fiendishly. “I hope you get the same treatment. I'll even volunteer to hold you down.” She shrunk in her seat and put on a mockingly sweet tone. “Oh, please, Miss Banks! Let me pin Andrea down while she gets her throat reamed out! I would absolutely love to keep her still for you. Will I get extra credit for this?” Andrea just rolled her eyes, but a cold pit was forming in her stomach as she was further reminded that she was, in fact, going to be giving her blowjob first thing today. She maintained her poise and confident exterior, but on the inside, her nerves were tangling themselves in knots, hoping and praying that she didn't get the 'Samantha fuckdown'. Chris and Daniel were the last to enter the classroom. Daniel reached into his bag and pulled out a book, walking it over to Samantha. “You left this in comp class.” He said, placing it on her desk. “Thanks.” She muttered. “Jesus, are you sick or something?” Chris asked. “Why is you voice so sore?” Samantha threw up her hands, exasperated, and curled her fist in front of her face, miming a vigorous blowjob in answer. “Lemon tea and honey!” Sunny snapped her fingers. “I was trying to remember what it was. When I was first starting out with deepthroating, my voice would get all hoarse, too. I found that lemon tea with a tablespoon of honey will fix it right up.” “How am I not surprised that you have a remedy for something like that?” Andrea sniffed. “Well, duh, because I didn't want to be sounding like I'm on my third pack of cigarettes every day.” Sunny replied. Andrea just shook her head in awe of Sunny's airheaded attitude and wondered how someone like her ever managed to get good grades back in high school. Before she could make the rude suggestion that Sunny must be sucking off all her teachers, the door opened, and Miss Banks walked in. “Good morning, class.” She said, setting her briefcase down on the desk. “How's everyone today?” The students all echoed greetings as Miss Banks did a quick headcount to make sure everyone was present. “And Miss Samantha?” she turned to the girl. “How are you feeling this morning?” “Fantastic.” Samantha replied, her voice gravelly. “Great.” Miss Banks smiled. “Well, yesterday I gave the girls an initial examination to test their abilities. Today, I will be testing the boys. But first, of course, before we begin, Andrea, we ran out of time for you to go yesterday so you will be up first today. I'm just waiting for…Oh! Here he is. Perfect, right on time.” A knock came at the door and Miss Banks hurried over to open it. A man entered the room, dressed in a suit and tie. He was tall and handsome, clearly muscular beneath his attire. Some neatly trimmed scruff covered his chin, giving him a rugged businessman appearance. “Great timing!” Miss Banks said. “Glad you were able to make it. Class, this is Rick Boulder. Does anyone happen to know who that is?” She looked around the room, raising an eyebrow when David slowly lifted his hand. “David?” She called on him. “He's a pornstar.” David offered, looking somewhat sheepish. “Very good!” Miss Banks praised. “Yes, I'm sure most of you have seen his performances online. Rick isn't his real name, but that's the pseudonym he uses when in a professional capacity, such as today. As someone in the sexual education industry, I have numerous contacts with on-screen talent and behind the scenes workers in the porn world. Rick has generously volunteered his time today to help us out.” She turned and fixed her gaze on Andrea, who shrunk a bit in her seat. “Miss Andrea.” She addressed her. “Please join us at the front of the room.” Swallowing nervously, Andrea rose from her seat and went to the front to stand there, her hands clasped in front of her. “You'll be performing your examination on Rick.” Miss Banks explained. “I need the male students to be ready for their test afterwards. Go ahead, Rick.” Rock removed his suit jacket and loosened his tie, laying them both on the desk. Unbuttoning his cuffs, he rolled up his sleeves and stepped up to Andrea. Andrea looked up at the imposing man towering her and hesitated, making Miss Banks frown. “Go on, Andrea.” She chastised. “Don't make our guest wait all day. We have much to get done today. Get on your knees.” She strode up behind the girl and put her hands on Andrea's shoulders, gently pushing her down to her knees and joining her by dropping to her knees behind her. “There.” She said. “Now unzip his pants and get started.” Andrea forced her hands to move and fumbled around the crotch of his pants, grasping the zipper and pulling it down. Chewing on the inside of her cheek, she reached her small hand through the opening of his pants and boxers and fished around until her fingers closed on his penis. Bringing it out into the light, her heart sank as she beheld the size of it. It wasn't even hard, yet she could tell it was massive. It gradually grew to life in her fingers until it was at the intimidating size of about ten inches in length, and nearly as thick as her wrist. “Good.” Miss Banks encouraged. “Does he feel fully engorged?” Andrea nodded. She could feel her teacher's large breasts pushing into her back. “All right.” Miss Banks continued. “Then put it in your mouth.” Leaning forward, Andrea tentatively stuck out her tongue, touching it to the tip of Rick's cock. A bead of pre-cum emerged and dripped down onto her tongue. Andrea recoiled, but was surprised to find that the taste wasn't all that terrible at all. Swallowing it down, she leaned back in and wrapped her lips around his head. She could feel Miss Banks soft breath against her ear, watching intently just over her shoulder. “Keep going. A little deeper and add some suction.” She instructed. Andrea moved in, taking more between her lips. She did as she was told and applied some suction to the movement. She didn't really have a reference for this, having never given a blowjob, so she just pretended as though she were trying to drink a thick milkshake through a straw. Of course, in this instance, the milkshake in question was considerably warmer and much more protein rich. She bobbed her head over the tip of Rock's penis, doing her best to perform as she had seen other girls do. “Don't forget to use your hands.” Miss Banks reminded her. “If you can't deepthroat your partner, utilize your hands to manually stimulate the rest of him. Understood?” Andrea nodded with his cock still in her mouth and timidly reached up to wrap her fingers around him. Her slim digits barely managed to encircle his thick girth, making her confidence waver. His size greatly intimidated her. She had only taken the head, but her tiny mouth was almost completely stuffed by that alone. Steeling herself, she pushed forward and slid her lips further down him. She managed to get two inches in before her mouth was full, and the tip was threatening to trip her gag reflex. Her eyes flicked up to Rick's face, which had remained expressionless throughout, before returning her focus and resuming her beginner head-bobbing motion. She knew that she wasn't going to be anywhere near as good as someone like Sunny, that slut, but maybe she could at least keep this from taking all day if she put her back into it. “You're not stroking. Don't simply hold onto him, you need to put some motion into your hand, as well.” Miss Banks said. “Like this.” She reached her arm around Andrea and took hold of her wrist, guiding the teen girl in stroking her hand along the remainder of his length, which was the vast majority of it. After a few strokes, Miss Banks let go of Andrea's wrist, nodding in satisfaction when the girl kept up the action in her absence. Andrea began multitasking, working her hand in tandem with her mouth. Determined, she pushed a bit deeper and taking another half inch past her lips, but immediately flinched and gagged when the tip tickled her uvula. Withdrawing to cough, she sniffled and blinked the forming tears back, before moving in to recapture the head. She worked as best as she could, but refrained from pushing any deeper than two inches, fearful of choking again. As the minutes ticked by, Andrea's jaw and arm started getting increasingly tired. After ten minutes, Miss Banks could tell that this was getting nowhere and tapped Andrea on the shoulder, signaling her to stop. “Okay, we have a clear baseline.” She noted. “You're definitely as beginner as they come. We will have a lot of work to do in the coming semester. In the meantime, we can't waste the whole class on this, so I'll finish Rick off for a little demonstration. Move over and watch carefully, okay?” Andrea nodded, relieved that she was done, and shuffled to the side, clearing room for her teacher to move forward. In one smooth motion, she dipped her head down and captured the tip between her lips and swallowed it to the base. Andrea gaped in shock as the massive cock disappeared into her mouth and without so much as a peep from Miss Banks' gag reflex. Moaning and focusing on cumming as quickly as possible so that she could get on with her class, Rick dropped his hand to rest on her head. He thrust in gently to meet her movements, her nose connecting with his naval each time. Whenever she withdrew until the head was all that remained in her mouth, Andrea could see her nostrils flare slightly, denoting her expert breath control. It reminded the teen of an Olympic swimmer that perfectly timed their breaths while in the pool. Gripping his muscular gluts, Miss Banks pulled him into her on every stroke, drawing him closer and closer to completion. It didn't take long before Andrea saw his shaft flex and his balls twitch, signaling his orgasm. Feeling the first shot of cum splash against her tongue, Miss Banks quickly swallowed it and then buried the whole shaft down her throat. She expertly worked her throat muscles to draw out every last drop of jizz that he had to give to her, sending it straight into her stomach. When his orgasm finally petered out, she slowly pulled back, her lips sealed tightly to clean him along the way, and finished by sucking on his head, nursing the last drips from him, and swallowing them as well. When she released him from her lips, she looked perfect and proper. Andrea couldn't see any signs of the impressive deepthroating she had just performed. Her chin was completely dry of saliva and her makeup was free of tear streaks. Even her bright red lipstick was barely smudged. Rick pulled out a small mirror from his pocket and handed it to Miss Banks, who checked her appearance to be sure she was professional. Fixing one stray strand of brown hair that had escaped her tight bun, she handed the mirror back to him and rose, gesturing for Andrea to do the same. “I hope you were watching closely.” She told the girl. “I'll be working with you on your oral skills throughout the term. You need a lot of help in this department. You may return to your seat. Don't forget to thank our guest.” Andrea thanked Rick, who smiled kindly at her, and hurried back to her seat. Sunny leaned toward her when she sat down. “Wow, that was a huge cock!” she whispered. “I know. Shut up.” Andrea hissed back. “What did it taste like?” Sunny ignored her request. “Did you count how many ropes he pumped into Miss Banks? God, she is so good at that. I hope I'm that good one day.” “Yeah, I get it.” Andrea retorted. “You're a slut. Now shut up, please.” “Ladies.” They both straightened and closed their mouths as Miss Banks returned from showing Rick to the door. “Is there an issue?” “No, Miss Banks.” They spoke in tandem. “Good. In that case, it's time to move on to the boys. I want to get an idea of your stamina, so I will be giving all of you handjobs until completion. I don't expect you to last long. My skill is considerably higher than any girlfriend you'll ever have. However, this will give me a reference point for later in the semester. Tanner, since you went last yesterday, how about we start with you. Please join me.” Miss Banks walked behind her desk and retrieved her chair, wheeling it out into the open, patting it and indicating for him to sit. Tanner sat in the chair and waited as his teacher went back to her desk and opened a drawer, pulling out a plastic tube of lubricant. Returning to him, she swiveled the chair to give the class a side profile of the demonstration and knelt in front of him. “Girls, just because this is for the males, doesn't mean you can zone out.” She said. “I want you all paying close attention to what I do. Take notes if you need to. First off, I would recommend you all get something like this.” She held up the bottle of lube to show the class. “This is a flavored lubricant.” She explained. “Unless your partner requests to finish somewhere on your body, you should always be taking his load internally. In the case of a handjob, that means you are expected to swallow. A flavored lubricant is always preferable to unflavored. This one is strawberry, but you can purchase any flavor or brand of your choice.” Unzipping Tanner's pants and undoing his belt, she slid them down his legs until they were bunched around his calves, letting his growing cock spring into view. A low hum emanated from Sunny as she caught sight of it again, enamored by his nine-and-a-half-inch length. Miss Banks grasped his dick and hefted it straight up, pointing it towards the ceiling. Popping open the bottle of lube, she poured a generous portion onto his tip, watching as it cascaded down the sides of his erection. When she had enough, she began working her hand and spreading around the slippery, viscous fluid until it covered his whole shaft. Tanner grunted in pleasure when she began to stroke in earnest. True to her word, she was an extraordinary sexual talent. Her strong fingers squeezed him, riding the line between gentle and firm at just the right amount. Her hand slid up and down his length at a steady pace, caressing and rubbing him from tip to base. Each time she crested his head, her thumb swirled around it expertly before massaging his glans on the way back down. Reaching between his legs with her other hand, Miss Banks closed her fingers around his heavy balls and started to massage them as well. Her deft digits flitted around his orbs, fondling and squeezing them gently, making him groan. Her hands worked perfectly in tandem, never interfering with the work of the other. While one jacked and rubbed his stiff cock, the other manipulated his balls. She stopped squeezing both and alternated to one at a time, focusing on one first and then moving to the other shortly after. Changing up her method, she dropped his balls altogether and brought that hand to join the other on his penis. She closed both hands around his shaft and used them to simultaneously jack his length. All ten of her fingers skillfully rubbed along his skin, edging him closer to his climax. She twisted and rotated her hands in opposing directions as they rose and fell throughout the course of the handjob. She could feel his legs shaking and trembling as he tried to hold out as long as possible, but she knew it was only a matter of time. He had no chance to withstand her ministrations for much longer. Sure enough, a few minutes later, she spotted his balls twitch and hurriedly swooped down to capture the head of his cock in her mouth milliseconds before he erupted like a geyser into her. She stopped her twisting motion, opting for a simple jerking method as he came into her mouth. Continuously swallowing his load as he filled her mouth, her hands worked in unison to heighten his orgasm and draw as much cum as possible from his balls. His payload was copious and plentiful, impressing Miss Banks with its quantity as she quickly gulped it all down. When his climax began to falter and his shots became smaller and smaller until it was just a trickle, she slowed her hands down to no more than a crawl, careful not to overstimulate him, and ultimately stopping moving altogether. Her lips suctioned tightly around him, pulling every last drop of his orgasm out and sending it to join the rest in her stomach. With one final stroke from his base to his tip that squeezed the final bead of cum out and onto her tongue, she released him from her oral grip with a pop and let go of his wilting hard-on to glance at the clock. “Ten minutes.” She noted. “Almost eleven. Very impressive, Tanner. Not many men can last that long from my handjobs. Well done. Sunny.” The blonde broke her stare off of Tanner's dick and snapped her attention to her teacher. “Yes, Miss Banks.” She answered. “Go into the top left drawer of my desk.” She instructed. “There's a stack of hand towels in there. Take four and go back to Tanner's desk with him and clean him off before he zips his pants back up. Do the same with each of the boys when I finish with them. Understood?” “Yes, Miss Banks!” Sunny nodded. She hurried to the desk and retrieved the folded towels from where she had been directed, before following Tanner back to his desk. She knelt before him, eagerly, and reverently wiped all the lubricant from his softening penis. A tiny drop of remaining cum appeared at the tip and she quickly extended her tongue to lap it up, savoring the flavor, before finishing her work and returning to her chair. “Daniel, you're up next.” Miss Banks continued on with the class. “Please come take a seat for me.” Daniel rose and headed up to the front. At his teacher's direction, he undid his belt and zipper, dropping his pants and sitting down. She immediately knelt between his legs and grasped his cock, gently tugging and coaxing it to full mast. When it was completely hard to her satisfaction, she applied a long string of lube along him and her hands went to work, smearing the liquid all around him. With his shaft good and slick, she began the exact same process as she had performed on Tanner. Consistency was important for this, and she knew that if she changed up her techniques drastically from student to student, the results would be skewed, and she would not be able to replicate the process later in the semester. She had meticulously written down her process for this exam beforehand and filed it in her exam notes, so that she could test the boys in the exact same fashion and get a satisfactory result to see their progress down the line. Daniel didn't last quite as long as Tanner, but his stamina was still good, nonetheless. At the eight-minute mark, she felt him shudder under her grip, and the signature flex of his balls told her all she needed to know. Her head flew down to his erection and slurped him between her lips, catching the entirety of his load in her mouth. Shot after shot flowed down her throat and into her stomach, giving her the same thrill of achievement that she got every time she finished a man off. Gulping down the last couple bits of his orgasm, she leaned back and checked the time. “Almost nine minutes.” She noted. “Very good once again. You may return to your seat, Daniel.” Sunny was already eagerly awaiting him, a fresh towel in hand. She dropped down to her knees and wrapped her hand around his cock, drying him off and eking out the jizz that had lazily flowed up in the aftermath of his orgasm, which she hungrily lapped up. Meanwhile, Miss Banks had already begun testing David. Her hands were latched onto his shaft and balls, working together to tease and stroke him to completion. He shifted about in the chair, groaning from the efforts of his teacher and steadily approaching the ultimate resolution that was inevitable. David didn't last nearly as long as Tanner. Within only a couple minutes of her switching to the double fisted method, he was already thrusting up into her hands and gritting his teeth. Watching his body language carefully, Miss Banks spotted the moment he went over the edge and dipped her head, encompassing the tip in her warm, wet mouth to contain his eruption. She was pleasantly surprised by the sheer volume of his climax. The first explosion nearly filled her mouth to the brim, causing her cheeks to puff out before she could gulp it down. The second was just as copious and once again made her cheeks bulge, flooding her mouth with hot cum. His subsequent shots were less extensive, but still gave her a large amount to swallow down. She kept expecting it to end, but he continued to exceed her expectations by cumming for more than a minute and giving her plenty of cum. By the end of it, her belly was feeling good and full. “Just over six minutes.” She said, looking at the clock. “That's closer to average with my handjobs. What isn't average is how much you ejaculate. That was quite the finish. I'm sure that we can improve your stamina during the term, it will just take dedication. Girls, quick note. When you know that you are going to be swallowing multiple loads, it is prudent to skip the meal that would take place beforehand. This will help you avoid stomach aches which will diminish your proficiency.” Miss Banks sent over to his desk and Sunny's waiting hands and called up Chris, who lowered his pants, and dropped into the chair. He was already stiff and ready for her when she lubed up his length and began her work. His balls bounced and shifted in her hands as she toyed with them. Her well versed technique fluidly worked on his erection, stroking and rubbing him at the same time. Glancing at the clock occasionally, she waited until the five-minute mark and then changed up to the two-handed method. Her accomplished fingers caressed him from tip to base and back again over and over. Shutting his eyes, Chris did his best to make himself last longer. His hands gripped the arms of the chair tightly until his knuckles turned white. His focus helped him to extend the test, but it was a losing battle. Releasing his pent-up breath, he gave in and allowed himself to climax, feeling Miss Banks' lips close around his head to catch his discharge. Popping her mouth off of him at the conclusion of his orgasm, she checked the time mark. Like his friend, Daniel, he had made it past eight minutes, an impressive mark for a young man such as him. She dismissed him back to his desk and grabbed another towel from her drawer to wipe her hands dry. Free of any lube, she opened her laptop to log all of the times in her spreadsheet to keep on file for later on. When Sunny finished with Chris and returned the used towels to her, Miss Banks checked the clock once more to see what time it was. “Thank you, gentlemen.” She said. “We now have a baseline to work from. Ladies, I hope you were paying attention, because our first chapter starts tomorrow. If any of you have peaked in your textbooks yet, you might have seen that the first section is on non-penetrative sex acts. Since we have a few minutes before class ends, I'll give a quick introduction to a couple of these. Andrea, why don't you assist me with this one.” She beckoned Andrea to stand in front of her, facing the rest of the class. “Can anyone name a non-penetrative sex act?” Miss Banks asked. “Tittyfucking!” Sunny blurted out. “Please raise your hand next time.” Miss Banks corrected. “But yes. Breast stimulation is one of the most common examples.” She stepped up behind Andrea and reached around her, making the girl flinch as she cupped her boobs. “I'm sure most of you have seen how this works, but just in case, it goes like so. The girl presses her breasts together, forming a tight valley for her partner's penis.” Miss Banks explained, demonstrating the action on Andrea's tits as she spoke. “This act typically works best with more well-endowed women, but it can be accomplished with anyone.” Lindsay glanced down, self-consciously, at her small B-cups and blushed, knowing that the comment was probably directed at her. “Like I said, the man puts his cock in the girl's cleavage.” Miss Banks continued, releasing one of Andrea's boobs to run her finger down the center of the girl's chest, indicating to the spot. “The girl can also suck on his tip if he is on the larger side, but climax typically ends on her face and chest. Does everyone understand?” The students echoed verbal confirmation and Miss Banks dropped her hands from Andrea's front. “Good. We'll go into far more detail during the chapter, but that is a quick introduction.” She said. “Let's move on. Andrea, please lay on the top of my desk.” Andrea's heart raced as visions of Samantha on her back being orally impaled flashed through her mind, but she did as she was asked. Miss Banks directed her to lay down with her legs pointing toward the class. When she was in position, Miss Banks grasped Andrea's ankles, holding them tightly together, and lifted her legs until her body was at a ninety-degree angle. Andrea's face burned bright red as she realized that her skirt was useless in this position, and her stockings and panties were on full display to her peers. “Has anyone seen or experienced a thigh-job before?” Miss Banks asked. When no one raised their hand, she carried on with her explanation. “A thigh-job is fairly self-explanatory.” She spoke. “It is a non-penetrative sex act that utilizes the thighs to provide stimulation. I'll demonstrate.” Holding Andrea's ankles together with one hand, she brought her other one down and flattened her palm and fingers. She inserted her hand between Andrea's thighs, and pushed it through, rubbing against her stocking clad thighs. Andrea bit her lip as she felt her teacher's pinky finger brush against her pussy, only her panties and the thin material of the stockings between them. Miss Banks repeatedly thrusted her hand between the girl's thighs, eventually drawing a squeak from her. Miss Banks hid her smile as Andrea clamped her hand over her mouth to silence her noises. Stopping her movement, she withdrew her hand from where it was squeezed between Andrea's thighs. “Of course, in a practical demonstration with a male partner, his cock would take the place of my hand and slide between her thighs. This can be done with or without clothes depending on the man's preference. For example,” She paused and ran her fingers over the thin, see through material of Andrea's stockings. “This would be an excellent material for a clothed thighjob. If a slicker, smoother surface is preferred, then nudity would work best in conjunction with a lubricant of some kind.” Glancing at the clock, Miss Banks let go of Andrea's ankles and let her drop her legs back down, hiding her panties from view as her skirt fell into place. “It looks like we are out of time for today.” She said. “Please hold your questions until next class. Read section one of the first chapter. Tomorrow, we will be going over that material. Have a good afternoon.” To be continued. Based on the work of firebird68 for Literotica.Day two of class; the boys get tested.

Day two of class; the boys get tested. Based on the work of firebird68. listen to the Podcast on Steamy Stories “Hi, Samantha!” Sunny greeted as the black-haired girl entered the room. “How were your morning classes?” “Fine.” Samantha rasped, swiftly walking to her seat, and dropping her bag. “Oh, wow.” Sunny came to stand next to her desk. “You sound terrible! What's wrong?” “Oh, I don't know!” Samantha snapped, turning to face Tanner. “Maybe it's because SOMEONE fucked the ever-living shit out of my throat yesterday.”Tanner just shrugged and lounged in his seat. “Guilty.” He said in a bored tone. “And someone else, held me down while he did it!” she directed this to Andrea. “Oh, stuff it, Morticia!” Andrea retorted. “I just did what I was told to do.” “Yeah, well, it's your turn today, missy.” Samantha grinned fiendishly. “I hope you get the same treatment. I'll even volunteer to hold you down.” She shrunk in her seat and put on a mockingly sweet tone. “Oh, please, Miss Banks! Let me pin Andrea down while she gets her throat reamed out! I would absolutely love to keep her still for you. Will I get extra credit for this?” Andrea just rolled her eyes, but a cold pit was forming in her stomach as she was further reminded that she was, in fact, going to be giving her blowjob first thing today. She maintained her poise and confident exterior, but on the inside, her nerves were tangling themselves in knots, hoping and praying that she didn't get the 'Samantha fuckdown'. Chris and Daniel were the last to enter the classroom. Daniel reached into his bag and pulled out a book, walking it over to Samantha. “You left this in comp class.” He said, placing it on her desk. “Thanks.” She muttered. “Jesus, are you sick or something?” Chris asked. “Why is you voice so sore?” Samantha threw up her hands, exasperated, and curled her fist in front of her face, miming a vigorous blowjob in answer. “Lemon tea and honey!” Sunny snapped her fingers. “I was trying to remember what it was. When I was first starting out with deepthroating, my voice would get all hoarse, too. I found that lemon tea with a tablespoon of honey will fix it right up.” “How am I not surprised that you have a remedy for something like that?” Andrea sniffed. “Well, duh, because I didn't want to be sounding like I'm on my third pack of cigarettes every day.” Sunny replied. Andrea just shook her head in awe of Sunny's airheaded attitude and wondered how someone like her ever managed to get good grades back in high school. Before she could make the rude suggestion that Sunny must be sucking off all her teachers, the door opened, and Miss Banks walked in. “Good morning, class.” She said, setting her briefcase down on the desk. “How's everyone today?” The students all echoed greetings as Miss Banks did a quick headcount to make sure everyone was present. “And Miss Samantha?” she turned to the girl. “How are you feeling this morning?” “Fantastic.” Samantha replied, her voice gravelly. “Great.” Miss Banks smiled. “Well, yesterday I gave the girls an initial examination to test their abilities. Today, I will be testing the boys. But first, of course, before we begin, Andrea, we ran out of time for you to go yesterday so you will be up first today. I'm just waiting for…Oh! Here he is. Perfect, right on time.” A knock came at the door and Miss Banks hurried over to open it. A man entered the room, dressed in a suit and tie. He was tall and handsome, clearly muscular beneath his attire. Some neatly trimmed scruff covered his chin, giving him a rugged businessman appearance. “Great timing!” Miss Banks said. “Glad you were able to make it. Class, this is Rick Boulder. Does anyone happen to know who that is?” She looked around the room, raising an eyebrow when David slowly lifted his hand. “David?” She called on him. “He's a pornstar.” David offered, looking somewhat sheepish. “Very good!” Miss Banks praised. “Yes, I'm sure most of you have seen his performances online. Rick isn't his real name, but that's the pseudonym he uses when in a professional capacity, such as today. As someone in the sexual education industry, I have numerous contacts with on-screen talent and behind the scenes workers in the porn world. Rick has generously volunteered his time today to help us out.” She turned and fixed her gaze on Andrea, who shrunk a bit in her seat. “Miss Andrea.” She addressed her. “Please join us at the front of the room.” Swallowing nervously, Andrea rose from her seat and went to the front to stand there, her hands clasped in front of her. “You'll be performing your examination on Rick.” Miss Banks explained. “I need the male students to be ready for their test afterwards. Go ahead, Rick.” Rock removed his suit jacket and loosened his tie, laying them both on the desk. Unbuttoning his cuffs, he rolled up his sleeves and stepped up to Andrea. Andrea looked up at the imposing man towering her and hesitated, making Miss Banks frown. “Go on, Andrea.” She chastised. “Don't make our guest wait all day. We have much to get done today. Get on your knees.” She strode up behind the girl and put her hands on Andrea's shoulders, gently pushing her down to her knees and joining her by dropping to her knees behind her. “There.” She said. “Now unzip his pants and get started.” Andrea forced her hands to move and fumbled around the crotch of his pants, grasping the zipper and pulling it down. Chewing on the inside of her cheek, she reached her small hand through the opening of his pants and boxers and fished around until her fingers closed on his penis. Bringing it out into the light, her heart sank as she beheld the size of it. It wasn't even hard, yet she could tell it was massive. It gradually grew to life in her fingers until it was at the intimidating size of about ten inches in length, and nearly as thick as her wrist. “Good.” Miss Banks encouraged. “Does he feel fully engorged?” Andrea nodded. She could feel her teacher's large breasts pushing into her back. “All right.” Miss Banks continued. “Then put it in your mouth.” Leaning forward, Andrea tentatively stuck out her tongue, touching it to the tip of Rick's cock. A bead of pre-cum emerged and dripped down onto her tongue. Andrea recoiled, but was surprised to find that the taste wasn't all that terrible at all. Swallowing it down, she leaned back in and wrapped her lips around his head. She could feel Miss Banks soft breath against her ear, watching intently just over her shoulder. “Keep going. A little deeper and add some suction.” She instructed. Andrea moved in, taking more between her lips. She did as she was told and applied some suction to the movement. She didn't really have a reference for this, having never given a blowjob, so she just pretended as though she were trying to drink a thick milkshake through a straw. Of course, in this instance, the milkshake in question was considerably warmer and much more protein rich. She bobbed her head over the tip of Rock's penis, doing her best to perform as she had seen other girls do. “Don't forget to use your hands.” Miss Banks reminded her. “If you can't deepthroat your partner, utilize your hands to manually stimulate the rest of him. Understood?” Andrea nodded with his cock still in her mouth and timidly reached up to wrap her fingers around him. Her slim digits barely managed to encircle his thick girth, making her confidence waver. His size greatly intimidated her. She had only taken the head, but her tiny mouth was almost completely stuffed by that alone. Steeling herself, she pushed forward and slid her lips further down him. She managed to get two inches in before her mouth was full, and the tip was threatening to trip her gag reflex. Her eyes flicked up to Rick's face, which had remained expressionless throughout, before returning her focus and resuming her beginner head-bobbing motion. She knew that she wasn't going to be anywhere near as good as someone like Sunny, that slut, but maybe she could at least keep this from taking all day if she put her back into it. “You're not stroking. Don't simply hold onto him, you need to put some motion into your hand, as well.” Miss Banks said. “Like this.” She reached her arm around Andrea and took hold of her wrist, guiding the teen girl in stroking her hand along the remainder of his length, which was the vast majority of it. After a few strokes, Miss Banks let go of Andrea's wrist, nodding in satisfaction when the girl kept up the action in her absence. Andrea began multitasking, working her hand in tandem with her mouth. Determined, she pushed a bit deeper and taking another half inch past her lips, but immediately flinched and gagged when the tip tickled her uvula. Withdrawing to cough, she sniffled and blinked the forming tears back, before moving in to recapture the head. She worked as best as she could, but refrained from pushing any deeper than two inches, fearful of choking again. As the minutes ticked by, Andrea's jaw and arm started getting increasingly tired. After ten minutes, Miss Banks could tell that this was getting nowhere and tapped Andrea on the shoulder, signaling her to stop. “Okay, we have a clear baseline.” She noted. “You're definitely as beginner as they come. We will have a lot of work to do in the coming semester. In the meantime, we can't waste the whole class on this, so I'll finish Rick off for a little demonstration. Move over and watch carefully, okay?” Andrea nodded, relieved that she was done, and shuffled to the side, clearing room for her teacher to move forward. In one smooth motion, she dipped her head down and captured the tip between her lips and swallowed it to the base. Andrea gaped in shock as the massive cock disappeared into her mouth and without so much as a peep from Miss Banks' gag reflex. Moaning and focusing on cumming as quickly as possible so that she could get on with her class, Rick dropped his hand to rest on her head. He thrust in gently to meet her movements, her nose connecting with his naval each time. Whenever she withdrew until the head was all that remained in her mouth, Andrea could see her nostrils flare slightly, denoting her expert breath control. It reminded the teen of an Olympic swimmer that perfectly timed their breaths while in the pool. Gripping his muscular gluts, Miss Banks pulled him into her on every stroke, drawing him closer and closer to completion. It didn't take long before Andrea saw his shaft flex and his balls twitch, signaling his orgasm. Feeling the first shot of cum splash against her tongue, Miss Banks quickly swallowed it and then buried the whole shaft down her throat. She expertly worked her throat muscles to draw out every last drop of jizz that he had to give to her, sending it straight into her stomach. When his orgasm finally petered out, she slowly pulled back, her lips sealed tightly to clean him along the way, and finished by sucking on his head, nursing the last drips from him, and swallowing them as well. When she released him from her lips, she looked perfect and proper. Andrea couldn't see any signs of the impressive deepthroating she had just performed. Her chin was completely dry of saliva and her makeup was free of tear streaks. Even her bright red lipstick was barely smudged. Rick pulled out a small mirror from his pocket and handed it to Miss Banks, who checked her appearance to be sure she was professional. Fixing one stray strand of brown hair that had escaped her tight bun, she handed the mirror back to him and rose, gesturing for Andrea to do the same. “I hope you were watching closely.” She told the girl. “I'll be working with you on your oral skills throughout the term. You need a lot of help in this department. You may return to your seat. Don't forget to thank our guest.” Andrea thanked Rick, who smiled kindly at her, and hurried back to her seat. Sunny leaned toward her when she sat down. “Wow, that was a huge cock!” she whispered. “I know. Shut up.” Andrea hissed back. “What did it taste like?” Sunny ignored her request. “Did you count how many ropes he pumped into Miss Banks? God, she is so good at that. I hope I'm that good one day.” “Yeah, I get it.” Andrea retorted. “You're a slut. Now shut up, please.” “Ladies.” They both straightened and closed their mouths as Miss Banks returned from showing Rick to the door. “Is there an issue?” “No, Miss Banks.” They spoke in tandem. “Good. In that case, it's time to move on to the boys. I want to get an idea of your stamina, so I will be giving all of you handjobs until completion. I don't expect you to last long. My skill is considerably higher than any girlfriend you'll ever have. However, this will give me a reference point for later in the semester. Tanner, since you went last yesterday, how about we start with you. Please join me.” Miss Banks walked behind her desk and retrieved her chair, wheeling it out into the open, patting it and indicating for him to sit. Tanner sat in the chair and waited as his teacher went back to her desk and opened a drawer, pulling out a plastic tube of lubricant. Returning to him, she swiveled the chair to give the class a side profile of the demonstration and knelt in front of him. “Girls, just because this is for the males, doesn't mean you can zone out.” She said. “I want you all paying close attention to what I do. Take notes if you need to. First off, I would recommend you all get something like this.” She held up the bottle of lube to show the class. “This is a flavored lubricant.” She explained. “Unless your partner requests to finish somewhere on your body, you should always be taking his load internally. In the case of a handjob, that means you are expected to swallow. A flavored lubricant is always preferable to unflavored. This one is strawberry, but you can purchase any flavor or brand of your choice.” Unzipping Tanner's pants and undoing his belt, she slid them down his legs until they were bunched around his calves, letting his growing cock spring into view. A low hum emanated from Sunny as she caught sight of it again, enamored by his nine-and-a-half-inch length. Miss Banks grasped his dick and hefted it straight up, pointing it towards the ceiling. Popping open the bottle of lube, she poured a generous portion onto his tip, watching as it cascaded down the sides of his erection. When she had enough, she began working her hand and spreading around the slippery, viscous fluid until it covered his whole shaft. Tanner grunted in pleasure when she began to stroke in earnest. True to her word, she was an extraordinary sexual talent. Her strong fingers squeezed him, riding the line between gentle and firm at just the right amount. Her hand slid up and down his length at a steady pace, caressing and rubbing him from tip to base. Each time she crested his head, her thumb swirled around it expertly before massaging his glans on the way back down. Reaching between his legs with her other hand, Miss Banks closed her fingers around his heavy balls and started to massage them as well. Her deft digits flitted around his orbs, fondling and squeezing them gently, making him groan. Her hands worked perfectly in tandem, never interfering with the work of the other. While one jacked and rubbed his stiff cock, the other manipulated his balls. She stopped squeezing both and alternated to one at a time, focusing on one first and then moving to the other shortly after. Changing up her method, she dropped his balls altogether and brought that hand to join the other on his penis. She closed both hands around his shaft and used them to simultaneously jack his length. All ten of her fingers skillfully rubbed along his skin, edging him closer to his climax. She twisted and rotated her hands in opposing directions as they rose and fell throughout the course of the handjob. She could feel his legs shaking and trembling as he tried to hold out as long as possible, but she knew it was only a matter of time. He had no chance to withstand her ministrations for much longer. Sure enough, a few minutes later, she spotted his balls twitch and hurriedly swooped down to capture the head of his cock in her mouth milliseconds before he erupted like a geyser into her. She stopped her twisting motion, opting for a simple jerking method as he came into her mouth. Continuously swallowing his load as he filled her mouth, her hands worked in unison to heighten his orgasm and draw as much cum as possible from his balls. His payload was copious and plentiful, impressing Miss Banks with its quantity as she quickly gulped it all down. When his climax began to falter and his shots became smaller and smaller until it was just a trickle, she slowed her hands down to no more than a crawl, careful not to overstimulate him, and ultimately stopping moving altogether. Her lips suctioned tightly around him, pulling every last drop of his orgasm out and sending it to join the rest in her stomach. With one final stroke from his base to his tip that squeezed the final bead of cum out and onto her tongue, she released him from her oral grip with a pop and let go of his wilting hard-on to glance at the clock. “Ten minutes.” She noted. “Almost eleven. Very impressive, Tanner. Not many men can last that long from my handjobs. Well done. Sunny.” The blonde broke her stare off of Tanner's dick and snapped her attention to her teacher. “Yes, Miss Banks.” She answered. “Go into the top left drawer of my desk.” She instructed. “There's a stack of hand towels in there. Take four and go back to Tanner's desk with him and clean him off before he zips his pants back up. Do the same with each of the boys when I finish with them. Understood?” “Yes, Miss Banks!” Sunny nodded. She hurried to the desk and retrieved the folded towels from where she had been directed, before following Tanner back to his desk. She knelt before him, eagerly, and reverently wiped all the lubricant from his softening penis. A tiny drop of remaining cum appeared at the tip and she quickly extended her tongue to lap it up, savoring the flavor, before finishing her work and returning to her chair. “Daniel, you're up next.” Miss Banks continued on with the class. “Please come take a seat for me.” Daniel rose and headed up to the front. At his teacher's direction, he undid his belt and zipper, dropping his pants and sitting down. She immediately knelt between his legs and grasped his cock, gently tugging and coaxing it to full mast. When it was completely hard to her satisfaction, she applied a long string of lube along him and her hands went to work, smearing the liquid all around him. With his shaft good and slick, she began the exact same process as she had performed on Tanner. Consistency was important for this, and she knew that if she changed up her techniques drastically from student to student, the results would be skewed, and she would not be able to replicate the process later in the semester. She had meticulously written down her process for this exam beforehand and filed it in her exam notes, so that she could test the boys in the exact same fashion and get a satisfactory result to see their progress down the line. Daniel didn't last quite as long as Tanner, but his stamina was still good, nonetheless. At the eight-minute mark, she felt him shudder under her grip, and the signature flex of his balls told her all she needed to know. Her head flew down to his erection and slurped him between her lips, catching the entirety of his load in her mouth. Shot after shot flowed down her throat and into her stomach, giving her the same thrill of achievement that she got every time she finished a man off. Gulping down the last couple bits of his orgasm, she leaned back and checked the time. “Almost nine minutes.” She noted. “Very good once again. You may return to your seat, Daniel.” Sunny was already eagerly awaiting him, a fresh towel in hand. She dropped down to her knees and wrapped her hand around his cock, drying him off and eking out the jizz that had lazily flowed up in the aftermath of his orgasm, which she hungrily lapped up. Meanwhile, Miss Banks had already begun testing David. Her hands were latched onto his shaft and balls, working together to tease and stroke him to completion. He shifted about in the chair, groaning from the efforts of his teacher and steadily approaching the ultimate resolution that was inevitable. David didn't last nearly as long as Tanner. Within only a couple minutes of her switching to the double fisted method, he was already thrusting up into her hands and gritting his teeth. Watching his body language carefully, Miss Banks spotted the moment he went over the edge and dipped her head, encompassing the tip in her warm, wet mouth to contain his eruption. She was pleasantly surprised by the sheer volume of his climax. The first explosion nearly filled her mouth to the brim, causing her cheeks to puff out before she could gulp it down. The second was just as copious and once again made her cheeks bulge, flooding her mouth with hot cum. His subsequent shots were less extensive, but still gave her a large amount to swallow down. She kept expecting it to end, but he continued to exceed her expectations by cumming for more than a minute and giving her plenty of cum. By the end of it, her belly was feeling good and full. “Just over six minutes.” She said, looking at the clock. “That's closer to average with my handjobs. What isn't average is how much you ejaculate. That was quite the finish. I'm sure that we can improve your stamina during the term, it will just take dedication. Girls, quick note. When you know that you are going to be swallowing multiple loads, it is prudent to skip the meal that would take place beforehand. This will help you avoid stomach aches which will diminish your proficiency.” Miss Banks sent over to his desk and Sunny's waiting hands and called up Chris, who lowered his pants, and dropped into the chair. He was already stiff and ready for her when she lubed up his length and began her work. His balls bounced and shifted in her hands as she toyed with them. Her well versed technique fluidly worked on his erection, stroking and rubbing him at the same time. Glancing at the clock occasionally, she waited until the five-minute mark and then changed up to the two-handed method. Her accomplished fingers caressed him from tip to base and back again over and over. Shutting his eyes, Chris did his best to make himself last longer. His hands gripped the arms of the chair tightly until his knuckles turned white. His focus helped him to extend the test, but it was a losing battle. Releasing his pent-up breath, he gave in and allowed himself to climax, feeling Miss Banks' lips close around his head to catch his discharge. Popping her mouth off of him at the conclusion of his orgasm, she checked the time mark. Like his friend, Daniel, he had made it past eight minutes, an impressive mark for a young man such as him. She dismissed him back to his desk and grabbed another towel from her drawer to wipe her hands dry. Free of any lube, she opened her laptop to log all of the times in her spreadsheet to keep on file for later on. When Sunny finished with Chris and returned the used towels to her, Miss Banks checked the clock once more to see what time it was. “Thank you, gentlemen.” She said. “We now have a baseline to work from. Ladies, I hope you were paying attention, because our first chapter starts tomorrow. If any of you have peaked in your textbooks yet, you might have seen that the first section is on non-penetrative sex acts. Since we have a few minutes before class ends, I'll give a quick introduction to a couple of these. Andrea, why don't you assist me with this one.” She beckoned Andrea to stand in front of her, facing the rest of the class. “Can anyone name a non-penetrative sex act?” Miss Banks asked. “Tittyfucking!” Sunny blurted out. “Please raise your hand next time.” Miss Banks corrected. “But yes. Breast stimulation is one of the most common examples.” She stepped up behind Andrea and reached around her, making the girl flinch as she cupped her boobs. “I'm sure most of you have seen how this works, but just in case, it goes like so. The girl presses her breasts together, forming a tight valley for her partner's penis.” Miss Banks explained, demonstrating the action on Andrea's tits as she spoke. “This act typically works best with more well-endowed women, but it can be accomplished with anyone.” Lindsay glanced down, self-consciously, at her small B-cups and blushed, knowing that the comment was probably directed at her. “Like I said, the man puts his cock in the girl's cleavage.” Miss Banks continued, releasing one of Andrea's boobs to run her finger down the center of the girl's chest, indicating to the spot. “The girl can also suck on his tip if he is on the larger side, but climax typically ends on her face and chest. Does everyone understand?” The students echoed verbal confirmation and Miss Banks dropped her hands from Andrea's front. “Good. We'll go into far more detail during the chapter, but that is a quick introduction.” She said. “Let's move on. Andrea, please lay on the top of my desk.” Andrea's heart raced as visions of Samantha on her back being orally impaled flashed through her mind, but she did as she was asked. Miss Banks directed her to lay down with her legs pointing toward the class. When she was in position, Miss Banks grasped Andrea's ankles, holding them tightly together, and lifted her legs until her body was at a ninety-degree angle. Andrea's face burned bright red as she realized that her skirt was useless in this position, and her stockings and panties were on full display to her peers. “Has anyone seen or experienced a thigh-job before?” Miss Banks asked. When no one raised their hand, she carried on with her explanation. “A thigh-job is fairly self-explanatory.” She spoke. “It is a non-penetrative sex act that utilizes the thighs to provide stimulation. I'll demonstrate.” Holding Andrea's ankles together with one hand, she brought her other one down and flattened her palm and fingers. She inserted her hand between Andrea's thighs, and pushed it through, rubbing against her stocking clad thighs. Andrea bit her lip as she felt her teacher's pinky finger brush against her pussy, only her panties and the thin material of the stockings between them. Miss Banks repeatedly thrusted her hand between the girl's thighs, eventually drawing a squeak from her. Miss Banks hid her smile as Andrea clamped her hand over her mouth to silence her noises. Stopping her movement, she withdrew her hand from where it was squeezed between Andrea's thighs. “Of course, in a practical demonstration with a male partner, his cock would take the place of my hand and slide between her thighs. This can be done with or without clothes depending on the man's preference. For example,” She paused and ran her fingers over the thin, see through material of Andrea's stockings. “This would be an excellent material for a clothed thighjob. If a slicker, smoother surface is preferred, then nudity would work best in conjunction with a lubricant of some kind.” Glancing at the clock, Miss Banks let go of Andrea's ankles and let her drop her legs back down, hiding her panties from view as her skirt fell into place. “It looks like we are out of time for today.” She said. “Please hold your questions until next class. Read section one of the first chapter. Tomorrow, we will be going over that material. Have a good afternoon.” To be continued. Based on the work of firebird68 for Literotica.Day two of class; the boys get tested.

Stevie Case breaks down how she's building one of the most advanced outbound sales machines in SaaS—balancing AI-driven efficiency with human-first selling to achieve conversion rates that beat inbound.

Ben Baird reveals US government agencies, under both Obama and Biden administrations, continuously funded extremist Muslim groups. Despite warnings and previous Trump administration cuts, over $25 million in grants went to organizations with alleged ties to terrorism, antisemitism, the Muslim Brotherhood, and Hamas. This included partnering with groups like CAIR, which also provided firearms training to radical mosques, raising serious questions about oversight and vetting standards for federal funds.

Have you ever experienced a conversation like this with someone?* “I want wild adventure, but I must feel safe at all times.” * “I want to quit my job, but I can't give up the nice lifestyle I enjoy.”* “I crave more freedom, but I dread losing security.”* “I hate working for someone else, but I'm too afraid to work for myself.”* “I want a better life, but I can't change anything.” If it were easy to have it all, you would already have it. Right? Why would you deny yourself a dream life if it were easy to create? Why would you punish yourself unnecessarily? Why would you suffer? The reason you're feeling stuck is that it is not easy! It's damn hard to build a life that gives you what you want in balance with what you need. The hard pill to swallow is: Something has to give. You must give up something to gain something. I've learned that 99% of the time when people say, “I can't!” what they really mean is “I won't.” They could make the necessary changes if they really wanted to, but they don't. The pain of remaining the same is slightly less than their fear of change and the unknown. When I left my corporate career behind in 2010, I spent the next five years trying to have it all. I wanted the freedom of escaping my old 9-to-5 job (more like 7 AM to Midnight). I wanted the stress relief of leaving behind toxic bosses. I wanted the joy of owning my time every day. I wanted the pleasure of reclaiming my health and rediscovering fitness. However, I also wanted to maintain my expensive home, fancy car, and luxurious lifestyle. I tried really hard for those years, but eventually, the harsh reality came crashing down: I just could not have it all. So, we discussed a new plan. We decided what we would have to give up to create the new life we desired. * We had to downsize our home. * We had to leave Silicon Valley. * We had to sell the luxury car. * We had to live more simply. * We had to make changes.I won't tell you it was easy. That's kind of the point of this episode. It was hard, but it was worth it. Within a few years, we knew it was the right decision. What we had gained was worth far more than what we had “lost.” Maybe others are telling you that you can “have it all.” I've seen plenty of BS posts online about that. But let me be the honest person who will give it to you straight: Make some hard choices. Create a spreadsheet with two columns: A. Gain and B. Give up. Decide what you want most in your life and put those items in the Gain column. Choose what you are willing to leave behind and sacrifice so you can have what's in the Gain column. Put the items you will give up in column B. Now, create a plan and a schedule to build a roadmap to give up more of column B to have more of column A. This process can take years, by the way. Go slow if you want, but don't wait long. By the way, column B is a trap. It's a noose that tightens more with every new thing you add to it. It's a golden cage that you may never escape if you keep adding more bars. The longer your Column B list gets, the harder it will be to escape later. Column A is a delight. The longer you delay gaining the items on that list, the less time you will have to enjoy them. Sadly, most people wait until retirement to pursue that list. So, they don't enjoy that lifestyle for as long as they could have. Even worse, some of those items have an expiration date. You will be too old to pursue them anymore, or the opportunity has passed. It's too late. Want to make this process easier? Here are a few things that can help (I explain them in more detail in the podcast audio, so scroll up and hit play to listen):* Create wiggle room in your professional career. * Become a lifelong learner to avoid stagnation and avoid being left behind. * Develop flexible streams of income outside your primary job. * Build revenue models that aren't locked into specific locations. * Do not increase the cost of your lifestyle as your income increases. * Aggressively manage your expenses to see if you can reduce them. * Continuously feed funds into your financial cushion for some breathing room. * Get outside your bubble to expand and diversify your network. * Open your mind to unexpected opportunities and new ways of living. * Invest in your physical, emotional, and mental health. * Calculate more realistic risk assessments of what you want to pursue. * Build backup plans for the worst-case scenarios. * Realize that intelligent and ambitious people can bounce back from failure. I recently met with Cory Vinny on my Invincible Life podcast. He shared how he prepared for a life of adventure, and what he had to sacrifice to pursue it. Listen and note the tradeoffs they had to make so they could spend the next year sailing around the world. What do you have in your Gain column? What do you want more of in your life? What is in your Give Up column? What are you willing to sacrifice to acquire more of the things you want to gain?I'd love to hear about it, so leave a comment below!I'm Larry Cornett, an executive coach who works with ambitious professionals to help them reclaim their power, become more invincible, and create better opportunities for their work and lives. Do more of what you love and less of what you hate!

Venkat Atluri, McKinsey senior partner and coauthor of The Ecosystem Economy: How to Lead in the New Age of Sectors Without Borders, explains how value creation is shifting from stand-alone enterprises to coordinated networks of collaborators. Drawing on two decades advising leaders in technology, media, and telecom, he outlines what makes ecosystem businesses distinct from traditional conglomerates—and the governance required to make them work at scale.   Atluri emphasizes that ecosystems aren't about diversification for its own sake, but about following a customer-led thread: “Start with the customer and then follow the thread—what other problems does that customer have that you can solve together with partners?”   Key Insights from the Conversation Beyond Suppliers: Many firms mistake a supplier list or procurement process for an ecosystem. Atluri is clear: “A supplier list is not an ecosystem. An ecosystem is about mutual value creation and sharing in the upside.” Role Clarity Matters: Some firms will anchor the platform, continuously raising the bar for developers and users. Others will participate as contributors, protecting privacy, quality, and customer experience. Scale only comes when “responsibilities, incentives, and accountability” are explicit. Discipline in Operating Models: He advises executives to integrate ecosystem thinking into strategy, but then run deeper, dedicated workstreams to define roles, economics, and governance. Competition Is Ecosystem vs. Ecosystem: Scenario planning must account for new types of disruptors and ask, “What would an ecosystem leader do here?” Over time, Atluri expects the economy to consolidate into a few macro-ecosystems with multiple micro-ecosystems nested beneath them. History as a Control: Symbian and BlackBerry illustrate that large user bases are not moats. “Unless you keep raising the bar on your proposition, you lose.” Customer Experience Sets the Standard: Consumer expectations now apply in B2B as well: “If something doesn't work out of the box, that tells you the company is focused on itself, not the customer.”

From the archive: This episode was originally recorded and published in 2022. Our interviews on Entrepreneurs On Fire are meant to be evergreen, and we do our best to confirm that all offers and URL's in these archive episodes are still relevant. Taijaun Reshard is a 20 year old who helps business owners make 10,000 plus dollars/month in their business by utilizing JUST Instagram Theme Pages - no Facebook or Google ads. Top 3 Value Bombs 1. Be comfortable being uncomfortable. Find new and creative ways for people to consume your content. 2. Instagram theme page marketing is so effective because it allows you to reach your target audience in a direct and cheaper way. 3. Constantly test new pages and ads. One ad may do good and another ad may do bad. Even if you have a good ad, don't be complacent. Continuously test new ads and new pages. Sponsors HighLevel - The ultimate all-in-one platform for entrepreneurs, marketers, coaches, and agencies! Learn more at HighLevelFire.com. Franocity - Franocity has helped hundreds of people leave unfulfilling jobs, invest in recession-resilient businesses, and create legacy income for their families through franchising. Get started today by downloading Franocity's Franchise Funding Guide at Franocity.com.

  Key Takeaways Sabrina's journey from the pharmaceutical industry to management consulting focused on learning and lean principles The importance of creating psychologically safe environments for learning and coaching Key insights on writing a book, including the value of accountability and developing one's writing voice Sabrina's book “Lernen leben” ("Learning and Living)" (available in the German language only) focuses on fostering a learning mindset and culture in organizations Sabrina's Career Journey 25 years in the pharmaceutical industry, starting in quality testing Transitioned to people and culture, then back to production Gradually learned about lean, initially viewing it as just tools Gained a deeper understanding of lean as a learning and continuous improvement approach Introduction to Coaching Implemented peer coaching program for the leadership team Started with basics: open-ended questions, active listening Learned about Kata coaching, which became a powerful tool Created a "coaching community of practice" for ongoing learning Learning Mindset and Culture Emphasizes learning as a state of mind, not a fixed characteristic Discusses psychological safety, trust, and accountability in learning cultures Focuses on making change easier by applying learning principles Book Writing Process Worked with a book coach to improve writing style and process Learned the importance of writing for reader enjoyment Used accountability (telling others, publisher deadline) to stay motivated Developed a writing routine and personal mantras Book Content Aimed at people leaders and change agents Covers learning attitudes, culture, Kata coaching, and change management Includes case studies from companies promoting learning Sabrina Malter is passionate about creating a work environment where everyone can bring their full self to work and make the boldest impact for the organization and beyond. She loves to challenge, encourage, and support organizations that embark on their learning and growth journey. Sabrina brings her passion to life as a Leadership and learning coach and consultant at her own business, Unveil Business Consulting GmbH. She understands the power of Lean thinking in working towards her vision with a special expertise and skill in Kata Coaching, Leadership Development and Cultural Change. Sabrina's 25 years of industry background brought her experience and expertise in Business Transformations, Organizational Development and Strategy Management. Her educational background includes a M.Sc. in Sustainability Management from The Open University, UK, as well as further study on Leading People Centered Change, Leadership Coaching, and Professional Resilience. Sabrina lives with her husband and two daughters in the south of Germany. Find Sabrina on LinkedIn or at https://www.unveil-businessconsulting.com

Breeann Poland, Director of Marketing and Communications at Mecum auctions, shares a high-energy look into her journey from motorcycle racing to leading a global auction powerhouse. Continuously seeking new challenges, we explore Mecum's evolving brand and its drive to engage younger audiences through entertainment and inclusiveness. Breeann shares personal stories, from her eclectic music taste to her passion for empowering women in motorsports. It's a fast-paced conversation that blends business insight with bold personality and her subtle mention of world domination.Connect with Breeann here:https://www.facebook.com/breeann.polandhttps://www.instagram.com/breetashski_/Connect with Red Line Oil: www.redline.com Connect with Mecum Auctions: www.Mecum.com Connect with JP Emerson: www.jpemerson.comOlivia “Liv” Harper, PR, Marketing, & Distribution Executive: www.jpemerson.comFor more podcasts on cars, check out Ford Mustang: The Early Years Podcast at www.TheMustangPodcast.com, on Apple Podcasts, or anywhere you get your podcastsFor more information about sponsorship or advertising on The JP Emerson Show or podcast launch services, contact Doug Sandler at doug@turnkeypodcast.com or visit www.turnkeypodcast.com

This integrative session weaves together all the week's insights, allowing you to embody peace in reality's flow. You'll solidify your connection to truth, reinforcing your ability to navigate challenges from a place of grounded serenity. WELCOME TO THIS WEEK'S Truth's Embrace: Finding Peace in Reality's Flow Welcome to "Truth's Embrace: Finding Peace in Reality's Flow," a journey designed to anchor you in the authentic calm of the present moment. In a world of constant change and swirling perceptions, discovering peace often means aligning with what is, rather than resisting. Each episode will gently guide you to release illusions, embrace reality, and uncover the profound serenity that blossoms when you live in harmony with truth. This is a replay of a series I released a few years ago! I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed recording it for you. As always, I'll be listening to the series along with you. This is day 7 of a 7-day meditation series, "Truth's Embrace: Finding Peace in Reality's Flow," episodes 1480-1486. YOUR WEEKLY CHALLENGE You're Invited To Take Part In Quest to Trust Yourself! Every day this week, start your day by tuning into your intuition. Trust your intuition. Continuously tune into your intuition as you go about your day. YOUR MEDITATION JOURNEY DURING THIS WEEK'S SERIES This is episode 7 of a 7-day meditation series, "Truth's Embrace: Finding Peace in Reality's Flow." Day 1:   Truth Visualization Day 2:  Truth Affirmation Day 3:  Your Breath as an Anchor Day 4:  Mudra to Trust Yourself Day 5:  Trust Chakra Focus Day 6: Flow meditation combining the week's techniques Day 7:  Weekly review meditation and closure SHARE YOUR MEDITATION JOURNEY WITH YOUR FELLOW MEDITATORS Let's connect and inspire each other! Please share a little about how meditation has helped you by reaching out to me at Mary@SipandOm.com or better yet -- direct message me on https://www.instagram.com/sip.and.om. We'd love to hear about your meditation ritual!  WAYS TO SUPPORT THE DAILY MEDITATION PODCAST SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss a single episode. Consistency is the KEY to a successful meditation ritual. SHARE the podcast with someone who could use a little extra support. I'd be honored if you left me a podcast review. If you do, please email me at Mary@sipandom.com and let me know a little about yourself and how meditation has helped you. I'd love to share your journey to inspire fellow meditators on the podcast! All meditations are created by Mary Meckley and are her original content. Please request permission to use any of Mary's content by sending an email to Mary@sipandom.com. FOR DAILY EXTRA SUPPORT OUTSIDE THE PODCAST Each day's meditation techniques are shared at: sip.and.om Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sip.and.om/ sip and om Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SipandOm/ SIP AND OM MEDITATION APP Looking for a little more support? If you're ready for a more in-depth meditation experience, allow Mary to guide you in daily 30-minute guided meditations on the Sip and Om meditation app. Give it a whirl for 7-days free! Receive access to 2,000+ 30-minute guided meditations customized around a weekly theme to help you manage emotions. Receive a Clarity Journal and a Slow Down Guide customized for each weekly theme.  2-Week's Free Access on iOS https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/sip-and-om/id1216664612?platform=iphone&preserveScrollPosition=true#platform/iphone All meditations are created by Mary Meckley and are her original content. Please request permission to use any of Mary's content by sending an email to Mary@sipandom.com.Let go of repetitive negative thoughts. The beach waves were composed by Mike Koenig. Music composed by Christopher Lloyd Clark licensed by RoyaltyFreeMusic.com, and also by musician Greg Keller.

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Embrace the ever-changing nature of life with grace and equanimity. This meditation uses visualization and mindful presence to help you release attachment to outcomes and find peace in life's natural ebb and flow. WELCOME TO THIS WEEK'S Truth's Embrace: Finding Peace in Reality's Flow Welcome to "Truth's Embrace: Finding Peace in Reality's Flow," a journey designed to anchor you in the authentic calm of the present moment. In a world of constant change and swirling perceptions, discovering peace often means aligning with what is, rather than resisting. Each episode will gently guide you to release illusions, embrace reality, and uncover the profound serenity that blossoms when you live in harmony with truth. This is a replay of a series I released a few years ago! I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed recording it for you. As always, I'll be listening to the series along with you. This is day 6 of a 7-day meditation series, "Truth's Embrace: Finding Peace in Reality's Flow," episodes 1480-1486. YOUR WEEKLY CHALLENGE You're Invited To Take Part In Quest to Trust Yourself! Every day this week, start your day by tuning into your intuition. Trust your intuition. Continuously tune into your intuition as you go about your day. YOUR MEDITATION JOURNEY DURING THIS WEEK'S SERIES This is episode 6 of a 7-day meditation series, "Truth's Embrace: Finding Peace in Reality's Flow." Day 1:   Truth Visualization Day 2:  Truth Affirmation Day 3:  Your Breath as an Anchor Day 4:  Mudra to Trust Yourself Day 5:  Trust Chakra Focus Day 6: Flow meditation combining the week's techniques Day 7:  Weekly review meditation and closure SHARE YOUR MEDITATION JOURNEY WITH YOUR FELLOW MEDITATORS Let's connect and inspire each other! Please share a little about how meditation has helped you by reaching out to me at Mary@SipandOm.com or better yet -- direct message me on https://www.instagram.com/sip.and.om. We'd love to hear about your meditation ritual!  WAYS TO SUPPORT THE DAILY MEDITATION PODCAST SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss a single episode. Consistency is the KEY to a successful meditation ritual. SHARE the podcast with someone who could use a little extra support. I'd be honored if you left me a podcast review. If you do, please email me at Mary@sipandom.com and let me know a little about yourself and how meditation has helped you. I'd love to share your journey to inspire fellow meditators on the podcast! All meditations are created by Mary Meckley and are her original content. Please request permission to use any of Mary's content by sending an email to Mary@sipandom.com. FOR DAILY EXTRA SUPPORT OUTSIDE THE PODCAST Each day's meditation techniques are shared at: sip.and.om Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sip.and.om/ sip and om Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SipandOm/ SIP AND OM MEDITATION APP Looking for a little more support? If you're ready for a more in-depth meditation experience, allow Mary to guide you in daily 30-minute guided meditations on the Sip and Om meditation app. Give it a whirl for 7-days free! Receive access to 2,000+ 30-minute guided meditations customized around a weekly theme to help you manage emotions. Receive a Clarity Journal and a Slow Down Guide customized for each weekly theme.  2-Week's Free Access on iOS https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/sip-and-om/id1216664612?platform=iphone&preserveScrollPosition=true#platform/iphone All meditations are created by Mary Meckley and are her original content. Please request permission to use any of Mary's content by sending an email to Mary@sipandom.com.Let go of repetitive negative thoughts. The beach waves were composed by Mike Koenig. Music composed by Christopher Lloyd Clark licensed by RoyaltyFreeMusic.com, and also by musician Greg Keller.

If you have followed recent activations and the meditations on my channel I have focused on a new and powerful concept that transcends quantum jumping. We are learning to access our future self from another timeline and accessing their intelligence as they essentially become a walk in and create a total identity shift. I have to report the most profound results of any technique ever as I have explored this with my clients. Many of you have tried this activaiton or meditation. You've experienced the identity shift. The future self walk-in has occurred. But now you're discovering that with great power comes great responsibility to learn how to use it. If this is your first time with me, Iwork with the concept that your future self—the version of you living your optimal timeline—can merge with your current identity through advanced consciousness techniques. This is the next evolution of human potential. The emergence of abilities that were always latent within the structure of consciousness itself. Your future self didn't just merge with you and disappear like some cosmic one-night stand. They're still there. Present. Active. Continuously guiding you through frequencies, sensations, and quantum information streams that your consciousness receives every moment of every day. Most people who experience transformation—whether through meditation, plant medicine, near-death experiences, or consciousness work—report the same phenomenon. They return to their ordinary life with expanded awareness, but they struggle to integrate that expansion into practical decision-making. They have access to higher wisdom, but they don't know how to consistently tap into it when they need it most. Without proper navigation, you become like someone with a smartphone who only uses it to make phone calls. You have access to infinite information, but you're only using a fraction of the available functions. Today we're upgrading your internal GPS. We're teaching you to receive, interpret, and act on the constant guidance flowing from your optimal timeline. You're going to learn to read the quantum information streams that your future self broadcasts every second of every day. By the end of this session, you'll have a functioning navigation system that turns decision-making from guesswork into precision. You'll stop wondering whether you're making the right choice and start knowing it with unshakeable certainty. This is your user manual for operating at your highest potential. 

Bonus episode! Today's full meditation guides you with deeper insight and a full guided meditation. Treat yourself to meditating a little longer today as you open your heart center to feel what genuinely resonates as true and aligned for you. This meditation helps you distinguish between external pressures and your deepest, most authentic desires, fostering clarity and inner harmony. Welcome to "Truth's Embrace: Finding Peace in Reality's Flow," a journey designed to anchor you in the authentic calm of the present moment. In a world of constant change and swirling perceptions, discovering peace often means aligning with what is, rather than resisting. Each episode will gently guide you to release illusions, embrace reality, and uncover the profound serenity that blossoms when you live in harmony with truth. This is a replay of a series I released a few years ago! I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed recording it for you. As always, I'll be listening to the series along with you. This is day 5 of a 7-day meditation series, "Truth's Embrace: Finding Peace in Reality's Flow," episodes 1480-1486. YOUR WEEKLY CHALLENGE You're Invited To Take Part In Quest to Trust Yourself! Every day this week, start your day by tuning into your intuition. Trust your intuition. Continuously tune into your intuition as you go about your day. YOUR MEDITATION JOURNEY DURING THIS WEEK'S SERIES This is episode 5 of a 7-day meditation series, "Truth's Embrace: Finding Peace in Reality's Flow." Day 1:   Truth Visualization Day 2:  Truth Affirmation Day 3:  Your Breath as an Anchor Day 4:  Mudra to Trust Yourself Day 5:  Trust Chakra Focus Day 6: Flow meditation combining the week's techniques Day 7:  Weekly review meditation and closure SHARE YOUR MEDITATION JOURNEY WITH YOUR FELLOW MEDITATORS Let's connect and inspire each other! Please share a little about how meditation has helped you by reaching out to me at Mary@SipandOm.com or better yet -- direct message me on https://www.instagram.com/sip.and.om. We'd love to hear about your meditation ritual!  WAYS TO SUPPORT THE DAILY MEDITATION PODCAST SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss a single episode. Consistency is the KEY to a successful meditation ritual. SHARE the podcast with someone who could use a little extra support. I'd be honored if you left me a podcast review. If you do, please email me at Mary@sipandom.com and let me know a little about yourself and how meditation has helped you. I'd love to share your journey to inspire fellow meditators on the podcast! All meditations are created by Mary Meckley and are her original content. Please request permission to use any of Mary's content by sending an email to Mary@sipandom.com. FOR DAILY EXTRA SUPPORT OUTSIDE THE PODCAST Each day's meditation techniques are shared at: sip.and.om Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sip.and.om/ sip and om Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SipandOm/ SIP AND OM MEDITATION APP Looking for a little more support? If you're ready for a more in-depth meditation experience, allow Mary to guide you in daily 30-minute guided meditations on the Sip and Om meditation app. Give it a whirl for 7-days free! Receive access to 2,000+ 30-minute guided meditations customized around a weekly theme to help you manage emotions. Receive a Clarity Journal and a Slow Down Guide customized for each weekly theme.  2-Week's Free Access on iOS https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/sip-and-om/id1216664612?platform=iphone&preserveScrollPosition=true#platform/iphone All meditations are created by Mary Meckley and are her original content. Please request permission to use any of Mary's content by sending an email to Mary@sipandom.com.Let go of repetitive negative thoughts. The beach waves were composed by Mike Koenig. Music composed by Christopher Lloyd Clark licensed by RoyaltyFreeMusic.com, and also by musician Greg Keller.

Be guided with a calming breathing technique to cultivate deep acceptance of your current experience. This meditation teaches you to breathe through discomfort and uncertainty, finding a steady rhythm that supports inner peace regardless of external circumstances. WELCOME TO THIS WEEK'S Truth's Embrace: Finding Peace in Reality's Flow Welcome to "Truth's Embrace: Finding Peace in Reality's Flow," a journey designed to anchor you in the authentic calm of the present moment. In a world of constant change and swirling perceptions, discovering peace often means aligning with what is, rather than resisting. Each episode will gently guide you to release illusions, embrace reality, and uncover the profound serenity that blossoms when you live in harmony with truth. This is a replay of a series I released a few years ago! I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed recording it for you. As always, I'll be listening to the series along with you. This is day 3 of a 7-day meditation series, "Truth's Embrace: Finding Peace in Reality's Flow," episodes 1480-1486. YOUR WEEKLY CHALLENGE You're Invited To Take Part In Quest to Trust Yourself! Every day this week, start your day by tuning into your intuition. Trust your intuition. Continuously tune into your intuition as you go about your day. YOUR MEDITATION JOURNEY DURING THIS WEEK'S SERIES This is episode 3 of a 7-day meditation series, "Truth's Embrace: Finding Peace in Reality's Flow." Day 1:   Truth Visualization Day 2:  Truth Affirmation Day 3:  Your Breath as an Anchor Day 4:  Mudra to Trust Yourself Day 5:  Trust Chakra Focus Day 6: Flow meditation combining the week's techniques Day 7:  Weekly review meditation and closure SHARE YOUR MEDITATION JOURNEY WITH YOUR FELLOW MEDITATORS Let's connect and inspire each other! Please share a little about how meditation has helped you by reaching out to me at Mary@SipandOm.com or better yet -- direct message me on https://www.instagram.com/sip.and.om. We'd love to hear about your meditation ritual!  WAYS TO SUPPORT THE DAILY MEDITATION PODCAST SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss a single episode. Consistency is the KEY to a successful meditation ritual. SHARE the podcast with someone who could use a little extra support. I'd be honored if you left me a podcast review. If you do, please email me at Mary@sipandom.com and let me know a little about yourself and how meditation has helped you. I'd love to share your journey to inspire fellow meditators on the podcast! All meditations are created by Mary Meckley and are her original content. Please request permission to use any of Mary's content by sending an email to Mary@sipandom.com. FOR DAILY EXTRA SUPPORT OUTSIDE THE PODCAST Each day's meditation techniques are shared at: sip.and.om Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sip.and.om/ sip and om Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SipandOm/ SIP AND OM MEDITATION APP Looking for a little more support? If you're ready for a more in-depth meditation experience, allow Mary to guide you in daily 30-minute guided meditations on the Sip and Om meditation app. Give it a whirl for 7-days free! Receive access to 2,000+ 30-minute guided meditations customized around a weekly theme to help you manage emotions. Receive a Clarity Journal and a Slow Down Guide customized for each weekly theme.  2-Week's Free Access on iOS https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/sip-and-om/id1216664612?platform=iphone&preserveScrollPosition=true#platform/iphone All meditations are created by Mary Meckley and are her original content. Please request permission to use any of Mary's content by sending an email to Mary@sipandom.com.Let go of repetitive negative thoughts. The beach waves were composed by Mike Koenig. Music composed by Christopher Lloyd Clark licensed by RoyaltyFreeMusic.com, and also by musician Greg Keller.

Gently observe where you might be resisting reality or clinging to how things "should be." This session offers practices to soften resistance and surrender to the natural flow of life, creating space for peace to emerge. WELCOME TO THIS WEEK'S Truth's Embrace: Finding Peace in Reality's Flow Welcome to "Truth's Embrace: Finding Peace in Reality's Flow," a journey designed to anchor you in the authentic calm of the present moment. In a world of constant change and swirling perceptions, discovering peace often means aligning with what is, rather than resisting. Each episode will gently guide you to release illusions, embrace reality, and uncover the profound serenity that blossoms when you live in harmony with truth. This is a replay of a series I released a few years ago! I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed recording it for you. As always, I'll be listening to the series along with you. This is day 4 of a 7-day meditation series, "Truth's Embrace: Finding Peace in Reality's Flow," episodes 1480-1486. YOUR WEEKLY CHALLENGE You're Invited To Take Part In Quest to Trust Yourself! Every day this week, start your day by tuning into your intuition. Trust your intuition. Continuously tune into your intuition as you go about your day. YOUR MEDITATION JOURNEY DURING THIS WEEK'S SERIES This is episode 4 of a 7-day meditation series, "Truth's Embrace: Finding Peace in Reality's Flow." Day 1:   Truth Visualization Day 2:  Truth Affirmation Day 3:  Your Breath as an Anchor Day 4:  Mudra to Trust Yourself Day 5:  Trust Chakra Focus Day 6: Flow meditation combining the week's techniques Day 7:  Weekly review meditation and closure SHARE YOUR MEDITATION JOURNEY WITH YOUR FELLOW MEDITATORS Let's connect and inspire each other! Please share a little about how meditation has helped you by reaching out to me at Mary@SipandOm.com or better yet -- direct message me on https://www.instagram.com/sip.and.om. We'd love to hear about your meditation ritual!  WAYS TO SUPPORT THE DAILY MEDITATION PODCAST SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss a single episode. Consistency is the KEY to a successful meditation ritual. SHARE the podcast with someone who could use a little extra support. I'd be honored if you left me a podcast review. If you do, please email me at Mary@sipandom.com and let me know a little about yourself and how meditation has helped you. I'd love to share your journey to inspire fellow meditators on the podcast! All meditations are created by Mary Meckley and are her original content. Please request permission to use any of Mary's content by sending an email to Mary@sipandom.com. FOR DAILY EXTRA SUPPORT OUTSIDE THE PODCAST Each day's meditation techniques are shared at: sip.and.om Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sip.and.om/ sip and om Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SipandOm/ SIP AND OM MEDITATION APP Looking for a little more support? If you're ready for a more in-depth meditation experience, allow Mary to guide you in daily 30-minute guided meditations on the Sip and Om meditation app. Give it a whirl for 7-days free! Receive access to 2,000+ 30-minute guided meditations customized around a weekly theme to help you manage emotions. Receive a Clarity Journal and a Slow Down Guide customized for each weekly theme.  2-Week's Free Access on iOS https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/sip-and-om/id1216664612?platform=iphone&preserveScrollPosition=true#platform/iphone All meditations are created by Mary Meckley and are her original content. Please request permission to use any of Mary's content by sending an email to Mary@sipandom.com.Let go of repetitive negative thoughts. The beach waves were composed by Mike Koenig. Music composed by Christopher Lloyd Clark licensed by RoyaltyFreeMusic.com, and also by musician Greg Keller.

Explore the subtle sensations and emotions within your body, understanding them as direct feedback from your authentic self. This session helps you listen to your body's wisdom, distinguishing genuine signals from conditioned responses. WELCOME TO THIS WEEK'S Truth's Embrace: Finding Peace in Reality's Flow Welcome to "Truth's Embrace: Finding Peace in Reality's Flow," a journey designed to anchor you in the authentic calm of the present moment. In a world of constant change and swirling perceptions, discovering peace often means aligning with what is, rather than resisting. Each episode will gently guide you to release illusions, embrace reality, and uncover the profound serenity that blossoms when you live in harmony with truth. This is a replay of a series I released a few years ago! I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed recording it for you. As always, I'll be listening to the series along with you. This is day 2 of a 7-day meditation series, "Truth's Embrace: Finding Peace in Reality's Flow," episodes 1480-1486. YOUR WEEKLY CHALLENGE You're Invited To Take Part In Quest to Trust Yourself! Every day this week, start your day by tuning into your intuition. Trust your intuition. Continuously tune into your intuition as you go about your day. YOUR MEDITATION JOURNEY DURING THIS WEEK'S SERIES This is episode 2 of a 7-day meditation series, "Truth's Embrace: Finding Peace in Reality's Flow." Day 1:   Truth Visualization Day 2:  Truth Affirmation Day 3:  Your Breath as an Anchor Day 4:  Mudra to Trust Yourself Day 5:  Trust Chakra Focus Day 6: Flow meditation combining the week's techniques Day 7:  Weekly review meditation and closure SHARE YOUR MEDITATION JOURNEY WITH YOUR FELLOW MEDITATORS Let's connect and inspire each other! Please share a little about how meditation has helped you by reaching out to me at Mary@SipandOm.com or better yet -- direct message me on https://www.instagram.com/sip.and.om. We'd love to hear about your meditation ritual!  WAYS TO SUPPORT THE DAILY MEDITATION PODCAST SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss a single episode. Consistency is the KEY to a successful meditation ritual. SHARE the podcast with someone who could use a little extra support. I'd be honored if you left me a podcast review. If you do, please email me at Mary@sipandom.com and let me know a little about yourself and how meditation has helped you. I'd love to share your journey to inspire fellow meditators on the podcast! All meditations are created by Mary Meckley and are her original content. Please request permission to use any of Mary's content by sending an email to Mary@sipandom.com. FOR DAILY EXTRA SUPPORT OUTSIDE THE PODCAST Each day's meditation techniques are shared at: sip.and.om Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sip.and.om/ sip and om Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SipandOm/ SIP AND OM MEDITATION APP Looking for a little more support? If you're ready for a more in-depth meditation experience, allow Mary to guide you in daily 30-minute guided meditations on the Sip and Om meditation app. Give it a whirl for 7-days free! Receive access to 2,000+ 30-minute guided meditations customized around a weekly theme to help you manage emotions. Receive a Clarity Journal and a Slow Down Guide customized for each weekly theme.  2-Week's Free Access on iOS https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/sip-and-om/id1216664612?platform=iphone&preserveScrollPosition=true#platform/iphone All meditations are created by Mary Meckley and are her original content. Please request permission to use any of Mary's content by sending an email to Mary@sipandom.com.Let go of repetitive negative thoughts. The beach waves were composed by Mike Koenig. Music composed by Christopher Lloyd Clark licensed by RoyaltyFreeMusic.com, and also by musician Greg Keller.

John 6:56 He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him. Foundational to living to love with Jesus is abiding in Jesus. For God to receive glory from our lives, our love must flow from Jesus, the Vine. As branches, fruit-bearing occurs as we abide in the vine. In this verse, Jesus told the crowd how they may receive the bread of life, not die, and live forever. The one who eats His flesh and drinks His blood abides, which is a continual action, in Jesus and Jesus abides in him. The Father gave this bread of life for His glory. He gets all the praise and honor from our lives as we abide in Jesus, filling ourselves with the life of Christ. The love that flows from Jesus in us is the fruit that glorifies the Father. This gives us great encouragement to know that we are pleasing to the Father and fulfilling our purpose in Christ. What a great honor it is to be branches of the Vine, displaying the fruit that brings joy to both the Father and the Son, and also to us. This occurs as we continuously abide in Jesus and He in us, as we continuously eat of Him. May we be filled with the joy of the Lord as we live to love with Jesus today. I invite you to become a partner in our ministry. Would you pray about becoming a regular supporter of Elijah Ministries and the Live to Love with Jesus ministry? I hope you will receive the joy and benefit of "giving it forward," so others may receive encouragement to turn their hearts to God and to live to love with Jesus. You may give online or send a check to the address listed at www.spiritofelijah.com/donate.

Begin to let go of distracting thoughts and listen to your inner voice. These days with so much distraction happening in the world, it can be a challenge to listen to your own voice. This week, I invite you to allow yourself to pause and tune into your intuition. Listen to your inner voice. This is a replay of a meditation series I recorded a few years ago. I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed recording it for you! As always, I'll be listening along with you.  WELCOME TO THIS WEEK'S Truth's Embrace: Finding Peace in Reality's Flow Welcome to "Truth's Embrace: Finding Peace in Reality's Flow," a journey designed to anchor you in the authentic calm of the present moment. In a world of constant change and swirling perceptions, discovering peace often means aligning with what is, rather than resisting. Each episode will gently guide you to release illusions, embrace reality, and uncover the profound serenity that blossoms when you live in harmony with truth. This is day 1 of a 7-day meditation series, "Truth's Embrace: Finding Peace in Reality's Flow," episodes 1480-1486. YOUR WEEKLY CHALLENGE You're Invited To Take Part In Quest to Trust Yourself! Every day this week, start your day by tuning into your intuition. Trust your intuition. Continuously tune into your intuition as you go about your day. YOUR MEDITATION JOURNEY DURING THIS WEEK'S SERIES This is episode 1 of a 7-day meditation series, "Truth's Embrace: Finding Peace in Reality's Flow." Day 1:   Truth Visualization Day 2:  Truth Affirmation Day 3:  Your Breath as an Anchor Day 4:  Mudra to Trust Yourself Day 5:  Trust Chakra Focus Day 6: Flow meditation combining the week's techniques Day 7:  Weekly review meditation and closure SHARE YOUR MEDITATION JOURNEY WITH YOUR FELLOW MEDITATORS Let's connect and inspire each other! Please share a little about how meditation has helped you by reaching out to me at Mary@SipandOm.com or better yet -- direct message me on https://www.instagram.com/sip.and.om. We'd love to hear about your meditation ritual!  WAYS TO SUPPORT THE DAILY MEDITATION PODCAST SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss a single episode. Consistency is the KEY to a successful meditation ritual. SHARE the podcast with someone who could use a little extra support. I'd be honored if you left me a podcast review. If you do, please email me at Mary@sipandom.com and let me know a little about yourself and how meditation has helped you. I'd love to share your journey to inspire fellow meditators on the podcast! All meditations are created by Mary Meckley and are her original content. Please request permission to use any of Mary's content by sending an email to Mary@sipandom.com. FOR DAILY EXTRA SUPPORT OUTSIDE THE PODCAST Each day's meditation techniques are shared at: sip.and.om Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sip.and.om/ sip and om Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SipandOm/ SIP AND OM MEDITATION APP Looking for a little more support? If you're ready for a more in-depth meditation experience, allow Mary to guide you in daily 30-minute guided meditations on the Sip and Om meditation app. Give it a whirl for 7-days free! Receive access to 2,000+ 30-minute guided meditations customized around a weekly theme to help you manage emotions. Receive a Clarity Journal and a Slow Down Guide customized for each weekly theme.  2-Week's Free Access on iOS https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/sip-and-om/id1216664612?platform=iphone&preserveScrollPosition=true#platform/iphone All meditations are created by Mary Meckley and are her original content. Please request permission to use any of Mary's content by sending an email to Mary@sipandom.com.Let go of repetitive negative thoughts. The beach waves were composed by Mike Koenig. Music composed by Christopher Lloyd Clark licensed by RoyaltyFreeMusic.com, and also by musician Greg Keller.

This week's guest is Nikhil Pal. Ron and Nikhil discussed the concept of the Smart Factory, the analytics involved, the effect technology has had on humanity, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  Nikhil's quote (2:48) His background (3:50) What "Smart Factory" means (5:18) Continuously improving in a smart factory (6:54) What the analytics look like (8:20) The effect technology has on humanity (11:48) The key to managing the potential stress involved (15:06) Getting tools and lean fundamentals to work in harmony (16:58) The common pitfalls Nikhil has seen (18:33) A "favorite mistake" Nikhil has made (20:15) His final words of advice (22:54) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Nikhil on LinkedIn Process Masters on YouTube Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here. What Do You Think? What about a "smart factory" appeals to you? What concerns do you have?

Send us a textWe explore God's design for intimacy within marriage and share eight essential principles for newlyweds navigating sexual expectations versus reality after the wedding day.• Understanding God's purpose for sex: procreation, enjoyment, and intimacy between husband and wife• Recognizing that great intimacy takes time, communication, and patience to develop• Being patient with the journey rather than expecting instant perfection• Communicating clearly and often about desires, preferences, and boundaries• Inviting God into every aspect of your marriage, including the bedroom• Focusing on connection beyond just physical pleasure• Addressing and releasing unhelpful expectations from past experiences• Overcoming insecurity and comparison for greater vulnerability• Protecting intimacy with intentional boundaries against distractions• Continuously learning and growing together through resources and conversation• Approaching intimacy with tenderness, focusing on your spouse's experience• Scheduling regular times for connection rather than leaving it to chanceShare this episode with anyone who is dating, engaged, newly married, or could use biblical insight on building a fulfilling intimate life with their spouse.GET THE BETTER MARRIAGE BOOTCAMP HERE:Better Marriage Bootcamp (kenandtabatha.com)Better Marriage 90-Day Devotional:90 Day Better Marriage Devotional - Ken and Tabatha (square.site)DOWNLOAD THE FAMILY MEETING OUTLINE HERE ⬇️https://www.kenandtabatha.com/pl/2148103888Support Our Ministry: https://myalivechurch.org/giveConnect with us:- Website:https://www.kenclaytor.comhttps://www.tabathaclaytor.comhttps://www.myalivechurch.org- Socials:Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/kenclaytor/https://www.instagram.com/tabathaclaytor/https://www.instagram.com/myalivechurch/TikTok-@Ken_Claytor@Tabathaclaytor@myalivechurchFacebook-https://www.facebook.com/PastorKenClaytorhttps://www.facebook.com/pastortabathaclaytorhttps://www.facebook.com/myalivechurch- Ask us questions: info@kenandtabatha.com

Today Eric emphasizes the ongoing nature of mastery in various aspects of life, from professional skills like sales to personal hobbies and relationships. He highlights that consistent practice and sustained effort are crucial for developing expertise, drawing parallels to athletic training and musical instrument proficiency. He and his coaching call group discuss how facing challenges, embracing vulnerability, and learning from peers accelerate growth, even when progress isn't linear. Eric advocates for a mindset of continuous improvement and active engagement to achieve and maintain mastery, underscoring that stagnation leads to a decline in skill. Key Takeaways: • Consistent effort and dedicated time are essential for achieving mastery. • Embrace repetition and continuous practice to develop and maintain skills. • Seek out and lean into challenging situations as opportunities for significant growth. • Continuously learn and adapt, understanding that growth may involve plateaus as well as surges. • Train with peers, share vulnerabilities, and embrace constructive criticism to accelerate your learning and mastery.   Resources: Contractor Sales Secrets: ContractorSalesSecrets.com Fitz Fish Ponds: Koi Trips Book A Call With Triplett: Call with Triplett The Pond Digger: https://theponddigger.com/ Atlantic-Oase: https://www.atlantic-oase.com/ Helix Pond Filtration: http://helixpondfiltration.com/ TWT Contractor Circle (Facebook Group): TWT Contractor Circle TWT Contractor Power Circle (Facebook Group): TWT Contractor Power Circle The Pond Digger Instagram: Instagram The Pond Digger Facebook: Facebook Train With Triplett TikTok: TikTok EasyPro Pond Products: https://easypro.com/  Pond Trade Magazine: https://www.pondtrademag.com/ MDM Pumps: https://mdminc.com/sequence/  2025 LCR Summit - Oct. 20-21 Louisville, KY: https://www.lcrmedianetwork.com/  PNW Custom: https://www.pnw-custom.com/ 

Kevin Dubois and Thomas Vitale, two cloud-native enthusiasts in the Java ecosystem, discuss the evolution of frameworks and tooling that has led to increased development and developer joy. They cover everything from Testcontainers to incorporating LLMs in existing applications, as well as how to ensure the code quality remains high, even with the proliferation of code generation tooling. Read a transcript of this interview: http://bit.ly/3I0PcQJ Subscribe to the Software Architects' Newsletter for your monthly guide to the essential news and experience from industry peers on emerging patterns and technologies: https://www.infoq.com/software-architects-newsletter Upcoming Events: InfoQ Dev Summit Munich (October 15-16, 2025) Essential insights on critical software development priorities. https://devsummit.infoq.com/conference/munich2025 QCon San Francisco 2025 (November 17-21, 2025) Get practical inspiration and best practices on emerging software trends directly from senior software developers at early adopter companies. https://qconsf.com/ QCon AI New York 2025 (December 16-17, 2025) https://ai.qconferences.com/ The InfoQ Podcasts: Weekly inspiration to drive innovation and build great teams from senior software leaders. Listen to all our podcasts and read interview transcripts: - The InfoQ Podcast https://www.infoq.com/podcasts/ - Engineering Culture Podcast by InfoQ https://www.infoq.com/podcasts/#engineering_culture - Generally AI: https://www.infoq.com/generally-ai-podcast/ Follow InfoQ: - Mastodon: https://techhub.social/@infoq - X: https://x.com/InfoQ?from=@ - LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/infoq - Facebook: bit.ly/2jmlyG8 - Instagram: @infoqdotcom - Youtube: www.youtube.com/infoq - Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/infoq.com Write for InfoQ: Learn and share the changes and innovations in professional software development. - Join a community of experts. - Increase your visibility. - Grow your career. https://www.infoq.com/write-for-infoq

This episode of the Amazing Cities and Towns Podcast, sponsored by Civi Social and Bearing Advisors, Jim Hunt interviews Jolien Caraballo from Port St Lucie, FL   ·       A candid conversation about governing a growing city ·       And, much more   7 Steps to an Amazing City:   Attitude Motivation Attention to Detail Zing Inclusiveness Neighborhood Empowerment Green Awareness   Thanks for listening and look forward to having you join us for the next episode.   Links Mentions During Show:   ·       www.AmazingCities.org ·       www.AmazingCities.org/podcast to be a guest on the podcast   About Jolien Caraballo     Jolien Caraballo has been a resident of Port St. Lucie for more than 30 years. Her passion for serving the public began early in life, sparked while attending local public schools and actively participating in student governments. In particular, her experience in a high-school teen court program made an indelible impression — and led to a lifelong interest in public affairs and government. Not long after, she landed an internship with the City of Port St. Lucie's Community Relations Department, where she attained invaluable skills and knowledge into local government. She has stayed involved in the City of Port St. Lucie ever since those early experiences. This involvement has given her inestimable insight into local government operations and helped her develop an appreciation for the work of the City Council. Her eagerness to be in the know and make positive changes influenced her to volunteer in various political causes and campaigns while pursuing higher education at Indian River State College. Continuously engaged in the community, Caraballo also is an active member of the St. Lucie County Transportation Planning Organization and the Treasure Coast Regional League of Cities. She was the former Director of the PSL Historical Society and has served on the Keep PSL Beautiful committee. Caraballo is also the immediate past president of the Treasure Coast Regional League of Cities. In 2021, she became Vice Mayor and in 2022, she was sworn in as President of the Florida League of Cities, which promotes cities and local self-governance throughout the State. Since becoming President, Caraballo has focused on her initiative of #CommonGrounds, which urges local and state leaders to put people over politics, access over agendas and success over shouting, while strengthening our communities over the common grounds that unite us. She has been married to her husband, Ben, for 22 years. They have two children, Antonio and Anaiah. As a family, the Caraballo's enjoy the staples of PSL — spending their free time visiting local attractions such as the Botanical Gardens, the St. Lucie River, events at the Civic Center and watching the Mets play ball.   About Your Host, Jim Hunt: Welcome to the “Building Amazing Cities and Towns Podcast” … The podcast for Mayors, Council Members, Managers, Staff and anyone who is interested in building an Amazing City.   Your host is Jim Hunt, the author of “Bottom Line Green, How American Cities are Saving the Planet and Money Too” and his latest book, “The Amazing City - 7 Steps to Creating an Amazing City”   Jim is also the former President of the National League of Cities, 27 year Mayor, Council Member and 2006 Municipal Leader of the Year by American City and County Magazine.   Today, Jim speaks to 1000's of local government officials each year in the US and abroad.   Jim also consults with businesses that are bringing technology and innovation to local government.   Amazing City Resources:   Buy Jim's Popular Books: ·       The Entrepreneurial City: Building Smarter Governments through Entrepreneurial Thinking:   https://www.amazingcities.org/copy-of-the-amazing-city   ·       The Amazing City: 7 Steps to Creating an Amazing City:   https://www.amazingcities.org/product-page/the-amazing-city-7-steps-to-creating-an-amazing-city   ·       Bottom Line Green: How America's Cities and Saving the Planet (And Money Too)  https://www.amazingcities.org/product-page/bottom-line-green-how-america-s-cities-are-saving-the-planet-and-money-too   FREE White Paper: ·       “10 Steps to Revitalize Your Downtown”  www.AmazingCities.org/10-Steps   Hire Jim to Speak at Your Next Event: ·       Tell us about your event and see if dates are available at www.AmazingCities.org/Speaking   Hire Jim to Consult with Your City or Town: ·       Discover more details at https://www.amazingcities.org/consulting   Discuss Your Business Opportunity/Product to Help Amazing Cities: ·       Complete the form at https://www.amazingcities.org/business-development   A Special Thanks to Bearing Advisors for the support of this podcast:  www.BearingAdvisors.Net      

In this episode, host Randy Goruk, has a conversation with the CEO of Saybr Contractors Inc., Karen Say-Valadez. They talk about her remarkable construction business start-up story and the leadership values and principles that have helped her and her team to grow the business to where it is today. In this story of inspiration and resilience, you will hear: ·        That confidence and willingness to take calculated risks are crucial for success ·        Being prepared with a Plan B is important. ·        Why you should model the behavior you want to see in your organization. ·        Building strong relationships both internally and externally are a key to success. ·        Continuously learning and being open to learning from others is important for leaders. ·        Mentorship is critical - both receiving mentorship and providing it to others. ·        Your past experiences and even mistakes can be valuable lessons for others. ·        There is value in creating opportunities for team building through volunteer work. ·        Using your professional skills to give back to the community is a good investment. ·        Engaging employees in meaningful projects will create a sense of pride and purpose. ·        It's wise to empower the next generation of leaders in your organization. ·        Delegating basic responsibilities to free up time for strategic initiatives. These takeaways emphasize the importance of resilience, continuous learning, relationship-building, and purposeful leadership in achieving business success. Saybr Contractors Website: https://www.saybr.com/

Harley Finberg, owner of PNW Custom, a company specializing in micro reef tanks, is Eric's guest today. Harley discusses the inspiration and evolution of these miniature aquariums, highlighting their portability and ease of maintenance compared to larger setups. He explains the manufacturing process using laser cutters and CNC machines, and details the tank's features like the battery pack for travel and an integrated heater/fan for temperature control. The interview also covers practical aspects such as daily care, water changes, species compatibility, and the company's commitment to customer education and product innovation. Key Takeaways: Embrace side projects and challenges, as they can unexpectedly lead to your most popular and successful endeavors. Continuously seek to push the limits of your skills and capabilities to innovate and grow. Pay close attention to customer feedback and inspiration, as it can drive significant improvements and new ideas. Prioritize simplicity and consistency in your daily routines and processes for easier and more effective results. Cultivate resilience and adaptability when facing challenges, focusing on what more you can achieve rather than being discouraged by setbacks. Resources: Contractor Sales Secrets: ContractorSalesSecrets.com Fitz Fish Ponds: Koi Trips Book A Call With Triplett: Call with Triplett The Pond Digger: https://theponddigger.com/ Atlantic-Oase: https://www.atlantic-oase.com/ Helix Pond Filtration: http://helixpondfiltration.com/ TWT Contractor Circle (Facebook Group): TWT Contractor Circle TWT Contractor Power Circle (Facebook Group): TWT Contractor Power Circle The Pond Digger Instagram: Instagram The Pond Digger Facebook: Facebook Train With Triplett TikTok: TikTok EasyPro Pond Products: https://easypro.com/  Pond Trade Magazine: https://www.pondtrademag.com/ MDM Pumps: https://mdminc.com/sequence/  2025 LCR Summit - Oct. 20-21 Louisville, KY: https://www.lcrmedianetwork.com/  PNW Custom: https://www.pnw-custom.com/ 

“ It's a core tenant of who we are, and it's called put people first. We take care of our people.” Derek De Salvia, Executive Vice President and Chief Customer Officer at Hilton Grand Vacations, joins Dan today to dive into the world of vacation ownership. The discussion covers the personal and professional aspects of hospitality, the evolution and benefits of the vacation ownership model, and how Hilton Grand Vacations differentiates itself in the industry, especially as one of Newsweek's Top Most Loved Workplaces. Derek shares insights into customer education, the impact of multi-generational ownership, the importance of team member engagement, and the adaptability of vacation ownership through economic cycles and evolving customer needs. The episode concludes with advice for potential customers and an invitation to experience Hilton Grand Vacations firsthand.Takeaways: Train your team to understand the difference between basic service and true hospitality. Aim for over-delivery on guest expectations.Highlight the importance of creating lasting memories for families, which can be a significant selling point for returning customers and multi-generational travel.Ensure guests are well-informed about how to maximize their memberships or stays through tutorials, seminars, and resources available on member pages.Foster a culture of hospitality among team members. When employees feel valued and cared for, they are more likely to pass on that sentiment to guests.Consider the long-term benefits and memories that owning a timeshare can create for your family across generations, rather than just focusing on the upfront costs and annual fees.Continuously gather and act on feedback from guest surveys and team member inputs to refine services and address any issues promptly.Quote of the Show:“We couldn't talk about hospitality and what that means to people if we didn't share that love and warmth of hospitality to our team members.” - Derek De SalviaLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-desalvia-m-s-5a2b5521/ Website: https://www.hiltongrandvacations.com/ Shout Outs:0:59 - Newsweek https://www.newsweek.com/ 3:32 - Hilton https://www.hilton.com/en/ 7:59 - Danny Meyer https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Danny_Meyer 18:21 - Great Wolf Lodge https://www.greatwolf.com/ 18:25 - Blue Green Vacations https://www.bluegreenvacations.com/ 18:27 - Bass Pro https://www.basspro.com/home 

From 200 mph electric cars to 20 mph electric tractors, Praveen Penmetsa, CEO of Monarch Tractor, leveraged his passion and expertise in vehicles, robotics, and batteries to develop the first smart, electric tractor. Making farmers more profitable and efficient first, and then sustainable, are the core tenets that drive Monarch's business. Praveen discusses the core benefits of using an electric tractor and how it works with farmers to take advantage of government incentives, making farming more efficient and cost-effective.  Detailed Show Notes: Praveen's background: mechanical engineering, loves fast cars, worked on electric vehicles, robots, and battery systemsFounded Monarch in 2018, the company is currently the only company selling smart, electric tractorsNow on four continents, with most sales in the US, pilots internationallySolution is a smart electric tractor with an app and piloting autonomous drivingFits in 5' rowsRuntime 10-14 hrs for pushing, 8-11 hrs for mowing, 4-6 hrs for heavy operations; takes ~6 hours to chargeCore markets - vineyards #1, dairy #2, orchards, horse ranchesCore benefitsSave $7-12/hr on diesel savingsRemote service and support, day and night - can submit a service ticket on the machine and get help remotelyProduct gets better over time with SW updates (e.g., released the ‘row follow' feature)Can power other things, be used like a generator (e.g., night lights for harvest)Easier to train operators (smart screen vs 20 manual controls)Environmental impacts - reduces carbon emissionsWith increasing automation (mowing is 1st operation), more labor savingsAutonomous driving has guidelines by CA OSHA (need signs that the autonomous tractor is running and no people in the block), but there are no legal guidelines in other placesPricing$90k baseline price + options + subscriptionsGov't incentives can make it cheaper than a diesel tractor, 20-70% savingsMonarch helps apply for subsidies, including charging infrastructure and solar installationSubscription charge for connectivity and SW has various levels; some charges can be offset by incentives with carbon offset reporting (e.g., Dannon gives dairy farmers incentive payments for the carbon offsets)ROI driven by tractor usage, payback ~2 years; has an ROI calculator on the website; needs to be cheaper and more efficient before sustainability elements come into playMost farmers want autonomy to reduce labor costsSells through a direct sales team and dealersMarketing driven by non-electric tractors today, podcasts are helpful, social media, and demos have been very effectiveSocial media, primarily Facebook and LinkedIn for owners, Google SEO, and local dealer supportDemos are essential; most farmers want to try before they buyPartnering with other companies to use their technology inside, also partnered with AgScout to leverage AI for vineyardsBarriers to purchase primarily worry about service and support, and wanting more autonomy for labor savingsContinuously update both HW and SW on machines, some tractors now close to 4,000 hours of operation (vs. standard tractors need to be replaced after 4-6k hours) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Emmy-winning ESPN broadcaster Jenn Hildreth and FOX Sports Senior Vice President Talent Relations Aimee Leone, talk about “Tough as a Mother: Women in Sports, Working Moms, and the Shared Traits That Empower Us All”, their anthology offering an intimate look at the lives of iconic women in sports and their journeys of balancing family and career. Jenn also talks about her mom Sandra, from whom she learned to love, have courage and strength, always do her best, and find her own way of doing things. Aimee talks about her mom Diane, from whom she learned to always keep evolving, be accepting of others, face her fears, and not to overthink. Aimee and Jenn also talk about what “having it all” means and if it's possible, about moxie, prioritizing, and lifting others. To order "Tough as a Mother" please visit here.  Subscribe to Ana's new "Mama Loves…” newsletter here.  To contact Ana, to be a guest, or suggest a guest, please send your mail to: info@thankyoumama.net For more about “Thank You, Mama", please visit: http://www.thankyoumama.net Connect with Ana on social media: https://www.instagram.com/anatajder/ https://www.facebook.com/ana.tajder  

In this episode of Long Blue Leadership, Dr. John Torres shares his inspiring journey from being the first in his family to attend college to becoming NBC's senior medical correspondent. SUMMARY Dr. Torres discusses the challenges he faced at the Air Force Academy, the pivotal moments that shaped his leadership skills, and the influence of his family values. He reflects on his unconventional experiences, including survival training and falconry, and how these experiences prepared him for a successful career in medicine and media. His story is a testament to resilience, curiosity, and the importance of mentorship in leadership. In this conversation, he shares his journey from dealing with hantavirus outbreaks in New Mexico to becoming a prominent medical correspondent during the pandemic. Dr. Torres discuss the challenges of communicating complex medical information to the public, the importance of empathy when delivering bad news, and the role of family support in his career. Finally, he emphasizes the need for continuous improvement in leadership and the value of instilling positive values in the next generation.   SHARE THIS EPISODE LINKEDIN | FACEBOOK   DR. TORRES' TOP 10 LEADERSHIP TAKEAWAYS  - Lead with empathy: Understand where people are coming from, recognizing that anger often stems from fear and underlying concerns.  - Communicate clearly: Break down complex information into understandable terms, whether speaking to patients, soldiers, or the public.  - Be willing to admit mistakes: True leadership means having the courage to acknowledge when you're wrong and take responsibility.  - Develop a "no excuse" mentality: Take ownership of situations, even when they're not entirely your fault.  - Build trust through peer-to-peer interactions: Treat people as equals rather than using an authoritarian approach.  - Continuously learn and adapt: Stay current in your field and be open to new experiences and perspectives.  - Support your team's individual growth: Encourage people to pursue their passions and provide guidance without pressure.  - Match your emotional delivery to your message: Ensure your communication is authentic and appropriate to the content.  - Lead by example: Demonstrate the values and work ethic you expect from others through your own actions.  - Focus on purpose over position: Leadership is about making a positive impact and helping others grow, not about title or status.   CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Dr. John Torres 02:01 Overcoming Challenges at the Academy 05:03 Discovering Leadership Through Survival Training 08:33 Influence of Family Values on Leadership 10:42 Unconventional Experiences at the Academy 13:41 Transitioning from Pilot to Medical Doctor 20:06 Lessons Learned as a Flight Doc 23:58 Becoming an NBC Correspondent 24:37 Hantavirus and Early Medical Experiences 26:00 Transitioning to Media: From ER to TV 27:23 The Pandemic: A Super Bowl for Medicine 29:05 Communicating Medical Information Effectively 32:29 Delivering Bad News with Compassion 34:41 Teaching NATO Special Forces Medics 37:02 Family Support and Legacy 39:58 Instilling Values in the Next Generation 41:56 Continuous Improvement as a Leader 45:52 Final Thoughts and Future Aspirations   ABOUT DR. TORRES BIO Dr. John Torres '82 is currently Senior Medical Correspondent for NBC News and a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy. With a career spanning more than 30 years in emergency medicine, military service, and national media, Dr. Torres brings a rare blend of clinical expertise, crisis leadership, and public communication to every role he takes on. Before joining NBC, he served in the Air Force, deploying to combat zones and responding to humanitarian crises around the globe. After retiring from the military, Dr. Torres transitioned to civilian emergency medicine and later began sharing trusted medical insights with millions of viewers through his work in broadcast journalism. On camera and off, he is known for making complex medical issues accessible and relevant, especially during moments of national concern like the COVID-19 pandemic. A seasoned leader shaped by experience in the field, the ER, and the newsroom, Dr. Torres exemplifies the values of service, clarity under pressure, and lifelong learning—principles he credits in large part to his upbringing in rural New Mexico, foundational Academy education and military experiences.   CONNECT WITH DR. TORRES LINKEDIN       ALL PAST LBL EPISODES  |  ALL LBLPN PRODUCTIONS AVAILABLE ON ALL MAJOR PODCAST PLATFORMS     TRANSCRIPT SPEAKERS:  Guest, Dr. John Torres '82 | Host, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz '99   KEYWORDS Leadership, Air Force Academy, Dr. John Torres, survival training, medical correspondent, family values, unconventional journey, overcoming challenges, mentorship, public health, Hantavirus, medical communication, pandemic, media, family legacy, leadership, teaching, NATO, bad news delivery, continuous improvement       The Long Blue Line Podcast Network is presented by the U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation    

Mike Vrabel seems to have established himself during mini camp and all other Patriots activities, but for at least the 2025 season, he will keep getting compared to Jerod Mayo after Keion White now says he's finally getting coached.

On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I'm diving into why we shouldn't be "parrots" – just mindlessly repeating the things we're told, the words we read, or what we hear in our environment - without thinking for ourselves. Drawing from some personal stories about actual parrots and my experiences working with author Marianne Williamson, I share how important it is to develop your own unique voice and point-of-view.I discuss how we often unconsciously repeat sayings and stories from our childhood, family of origin, or the media, without ever even questioning them.Whether it's religious dogma, political views, or random so called "facts" we've heard online, I invite people to do their homework, to dig deeper, to spend some time with yourself, and figure out what you truly think, feel, and believe.The world doesn't need another “carbon copy” of what's already out there - it needs YOU! Your unique experiences, insights, and one-of-a-kind perspectives are invaluable.So, I encourage us all to be curious, ask questions, challenge inherited narratives, and have the courage to speak our authentic truth, even if it means standing out from the familiar crowd.My hope is to inspire you to be the first ever version of yourself, not a watered-down replica of somebody else.Whether you're dealing with old family stories, professional expectations, or societal pressures, remember: your individual voice matters.So, let's stop parroting and start exploring what YOU really think and feel!KK'S KEY TAKEAWAYS:•​ Don't mindlessly repeat beliefs without understanding their true origin.•​ Question everything you've been taught, especially childhood-inherited narratives.•​ Your unique perspective is valuable.•​ Research deeply and gather your own empirical evidence.•​ The world needs your authentic voice, not some watered-down version of somebody else.•​ Be courageous enough to develop and share your original thoughts.•​ Verify sources and information before repeating what you've read or heard.•​ Your individual experiences create a perspective that no one else has.•​ Continuously learn, grow, and refine your understanding of the greater world.• The Nest - Group Mentoring Program BIO:Karen Kenney is a certified Spiritual Mentor, Writer, Integrative Change Worker, Coach and Hypnotist. She's known for her dynamic storytelling, her sense of humor, her Boston accent, and her no-BS, down-to-earth approach to Spirituality and transformational work. KK is a wicked curious human being, a life-long learner, and has been an entrepreneur for over 20 years! She's also a yoga teacher of 24+ years, a Certified Gateless Writing Instructor, and an author, speaker, retreat leader, and the host of The Karen Kenney Show podcast.She coaches both the conscious + unconscious mind using practical Neuroscience, Subconscious Reprogramming, Integrative Hypnosis/Change Work, and Spiritual Mentorship. These tools help clients to regulate their nervous systems, remove blocks, rewrite stories, rewire beliefs, and reimagine what's possible in their lives and business!Karen encourages people to deepen their connection to Self, Source and Spirit in down-to-earth and actionable ways and wants them to have their own lived experience with spirituality and to not just “take her word for it”.She helps people to shift their minds from fear to Love - using compassion, storytelling and humor. Her work is effective, efficient, memorable, and funKK's been a student of A Course in Miracles for close to 30 years, has been vegan for over 20 years, and believes that a little kindness can make a big...

CLICK HERE TO JOIN CONQUERThrough years of dieting, you've developed strong urges to binge. Continuously acting on your binge urges creates a habit in your brain. The urges you experience is why you feel compelled to go into the pantry to have something sweet even though you're full from dinner. So you need to not give into them in order to eliminate them. Every urge you don't give into, is helping you become less impulsive and eventually your urges will stop popping up.CONNECT WITH LORNA:---> Instagram @lorna_bingeeatingcoach---> Tiktok @lorna_bingeeatingcoach

In this episode, Dave breaks down his personal strategy and process for launching new products on Amazon, detailing a four-stage approach that spans from the first few weeks after launch to ongoing strategies for maintaining sales and optimizing listings. We talk about why its important to have a pricing strategy and an ACOS goal, to have only exact match turned on, and to have reviews as soon as possible.    Struggling with tariffs? Unsure about upcoming changes? Let's talk! With Portless, you only pay tariffs after your customers pay you – so your cash always moves faster than your costs. Schedule a risk assessment and leverage tariff deferment today. All new customers get $1,000 to reinvest in their business.   Launching a product isn't as crazy as it used to be.    Back in the 2010s, you could put up anything on Amazon and it would do huge numbers.    But today, its a different story.    You have to have enough reviews for your product and a low price to stand out from the competition at the minimum.    How do you get this all done? More importantly, what else can I do to guarantee success?    Here's the ultimate 3 month launch plan that we incorporate in our businesses for each new product we launch.    Takeaways In the first few weeks of launch, price your product 40% lower to attract buyers. Focus on exact targeting for PPC in early stages. Send your products into Amazon Vine to get reviews early. Gradually increase prices; Amazon hates when you increase prices abruptly. Utilize promotions based on how competitive your product category is. Auto campaigns help identify effective keywords that you can eventually add to your manual keywords. Aim for 30+ reviews for basic social proof. Incorporate top keywords into product imagery. If you get a lot of bad reviews, consider relaunching your product. Continuously improve your product based on customer feedback. Timestamps 00:00-  The Launch Process Overview 02:22 - Stage One: Weeks One and Two 05:44 - Stage Two: Weeks Three to Six 09:23 - Stage Three: Weeks Seven to Twelve 11:35 - Stage Four: Month Three and Beyond As always, if you have any questions or anything that you need help with, leave a comment down below if you're interested.    Don't forget to leave us a review on iTunes if you enjoy our content.     Thanks for listening!   Until next time, happy selling!

In this episode, Eric interviews Austin Johnson, one of his crew chiefs, about his five-and-a-half-year journey with the company. They discuss Austin's experience, from his first day and past jobs to his career growth, weight loss, and the camaraderie and challenges of working in pond construction and traveling for projects. The conversation also touches on the company's culture, including its approach to social media, employee development, and the overall transformation of Austin's life since joining the team. Key Takeaways: Don't be afraid to leave a job you hate, even if you don't have the next step perfectly planned. Actively pursue your passions, as they can lead to unexpected and fulfilling career opportunities. Embrace physical challenges and demanding work, as they can lead to significant health and personal transformations. Seek out and contribute to a supportive and positive team culture where you feel valued and encouraged to grow. Continuously learn and develop your skills, as every day can offer new experiences and insights to enhance your expertise. Resources: Contractor Sales Secrets: ContractorSalesSecrets.com Fitz Fish Ponds: Koi Trips Book A Call With Triplett: Call with Triplett The Pond Digger: https://theponddigger.com/ LA Pet Fair: https://www.lapetfair.com/ Atlantic-Oase: https://www.atlantic-oase.com/ Helix Pond Filtration: http://helixpondfiltration.com/ TWT Contractor Circle (Facebook Group): TWT Contractor Circle TWT Contractor Power Circle (Facebook Group): TWT Contractor Power Circle The Pond Digger Instagram: Instagram The Pond Digger Facebook: Facebook Train With Triplett TikTok: TikTok EasyPro Pond Products: https://easypro.com/ 

Joining us for this episode is Leanne Jefferies, Vice President of Strategic Accounts at OEC. Leanne has been on the front lines of OEM certification for years and brings a unique perspective on how shops can not only achieve certification—but truly leverage it as a strategic business advantage. We'll talk about how certifications have expanded from luxury-only to mainstream, how they're adapting for the EV era, what the investment and ROI really look like, and how certified shops can better serve consumers, insurers, and their own teams. Connect with Leanne: Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leannejefferies/ OEC's Certified Repair Network (CRN): https://oeconnection.com/products/oec-certified-repair-network/ Collision Performance Network (CPN): https://oeconnection.com/products/cpn/ Canadian OEM Certification – Certified Collision Care:  https://certifiedcollisioncare.ca//canada Electric Vehicle Handling Qualified (EVHQ): https://oeconnection.com/products/evhq/ CRN Coaching:  https://oeconnection.com/products/quality-coaching/     This episode is sponsored by: asTech asTech is dedicated to safety, precision, and innovation in vehicle diagnostics. With industry-leading scanning and calibration solutions, asTech ensures every repair meets OEM standards, enhancing safety and customer satisfaction. Continuously testing and scanning new vehicles, asTech refines its technology to stay ahead of modern repair challenges. A tool stack covering 40+ brands and a network of 400+ ASE and I-CAR certified technicians provide fast, accurate diagnostics that maximize efficiency. asTech—driven by precision, powered by safety. Visit https://astech.com/ today or call 1-888-486-1166.

Today's guest is Liz Stein, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at Certified Collision Group, one of the largest networks of independent, OEM-certified repairers in the country. CCG is known for helping its members obtain, maintain, and—critically—maximize the value of their certifications. During our conversation, we'll dig into how CCG supports shops in building a certification game plan, what independent operators can learn from that approach, and how certification can be much more than a credential—it can be a driver of long-term business growth.  Connect with Liz: Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-stein-77412850/ Website: https://certifiedcg.com/https://certifiedcg.com/   This episode is sponsored by: asTech asTech is dedicated to safety, precision, and innovation in vehicle diagnostics. With industry-leading scanning and calibration solutions, asTech ensures every repair meets OEM standards, enhancing safety and customer satisfaction. Continuously testing and scanning new vehicles, asTech refines its technology to stay ahead of modern repair challenges. A tool stack covering 40+ brands and a network of 400+ ASE and I-CAR certified technicians provide fast, accurate diagnostics that maximize efficiency. asTech—driven by precision, powered by safety. Visit https://astech.com/ today or call 1-888-486-1166.

Good teams get it right about half the time. Great teams work hard, build skill, and get it right most of the time. Exceptional teams excel because they critically review even their best performances to see what wasn't perfect that they could learn from and do better on the next time. It is a process that some call Plan-Do-Review and it was essential to high performance in the nuclear submarine force and for every team I've been on since. Highlights Networking with clients in person. Aspire for More Mastermind Group. Introduction to captive insurance. Switch to exclusively using Delta Airlines. The role of faith in aligning life choices. Concept of continuous improvement. U.S. Navy Nuclear Submarine Force's approach. High stakes in executive officer training. Importance of critical evaluation. Submarine valve error illustration.   Links and Resources from this Episode https://www.blueprintprocess.com/tammi-brannan Connect with Gary Pinkerton https://www.paradigmlife.net/ gpinkerton@paradigmlife.net https://garypinkerton.com/ https://clientportal.paradigmlife.net/WealthView360   Review, Subscribe and Share If you like what you hear please leave a review by clicking here Make sure you're subscribed to the podcast so you get the latest episodes. Subscribe with Apple Podcasts Follow on Audible Subscribe with Listen Notes Subscribe with RSS

In this episode, Dave shares some easy Amazon image hacks that can help you improve your click-through rates (CTR) and conversion rates. We'll talk about how important it is to show your packaging in your main images, how you can sneak in some keywords without alerting Amazon's ban hammer,  and how you can A/B test against your competition.    Struggling with tariffs? Unsure about upcoming changes? Let's talk! With Portless, you only pay tariffs after your customers pay you – so your cash always moves faster than your costs. Schedule a risk assessment and leverage tariff deferment today. All new customers get $1,000 to reinvest in their business.  As an Amazon seller, you always have to be ahead of the competition. This means offering a better customer experience overall, but what does that look like in e-commerce?    This means better product imagery. Images are the only way for customers to truly know what they're getting and better images often means higher click-through rates and higher conversion rates.    How do you get better product images? Here's 7 easy ways you can make your product imagery better than your competition.  The Big Takeaways Include a keyword in your main image packaging and add your packaging to your main Amazon image. More items in the main gallery image convey better value. A/B test your product image against competitors using PickFu. Check Amazon brand analytics for the performance of keywords for your product. Regularly update product images to reflect trends. Do not fear Amazon's TOS when it comes to images. Review competitors' images in competitive categories. Sometimes, ugly images perform better than beautiful ones. Continuously refresh your images to avoid looking dated. Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction to Amazon Image Hacks 01:55 - Utilizing Packaging for Keywords 03:48 - Enhancing Product Images for Better Value 05:15 - A/B Testing Against Competitors 06:38 - Leveraging Amazon Brand Analytics 08:33 - Regularly Updating Product Images 09:59 - Pushing the Limits of Amazon's TOS 10:56 - Learning from Competitors' Successes And that's the 7 ways you can improve your images. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below!  Thanks for listening and happy selling!   

Continuously, Arizona drivers are ranked among the worst in the nation. Just last year, a Forbes study using data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the U.S. Census Bureau ranked Phoenix and Tucson in the top 10 cities with the worst drivers. So why are the roads in Arizona particularly dangerous, and what is being done about it? This week on Valley 101, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com about metro Phoenix and beyond, we are joined by Sgt. Eric Andrews, an officer at the Department of Public Safety, to discuss driver safety in Phoenix, explain what AZ DPS is doing to help people on the road and tips for ensuring the safest ride. Also, Arizona Republic staff share some of their craziest driving stories. Submit your question about Phoenix! Follow us on X, Instagram and Tik Tok. Guests: Sgt. Eric Andrews Host, Producer: Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Jason is joined by an absolutely powerhouse in the fashion business and now reality TV world, Rebecca Minkoff! Rebecca Minkoff is a renowned fashion designer, entrepreneur, and author who co-founded the Rebecca Minkoff brand in 2005 with her brother, Uri Minkoff. What started with an "I Love New York" shirt has since grown into a multi-million dollar empire, known for its handbags, ready-to-wear collections, footwear, and accessories. Continuously adapting to changing trends, Rebecca has expanded into fragrance and sustainable fashion. Recently, she joined The Real Housewives of New York, offering fans an inside look into her personal life and the challenges of growing a business while balancing family and fame. Rebecca discusses the realities of her RHONY experience, including how the show differed from her expectations, its impact on her brand, and the emotional toll of the drama. She shares insights on navigating business challenges like tariffs and the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as her strategic moves to ensure longevity. Additionally, she reveals the complexities of selling her company, shifting away from influencer-driven promotions, and empowering women through her book Fearless: The New Rules for Unlocking Creativity, Courage, and Success. With candid advice on working with family, investments, and the evolving job market, Rebecca's journey highlights both the rewards and challenges of entrepreneurship in the modern world. Rebecca reveals all this and so much more in another episode you can't afford to miss! Host: Jason Tartick Co-Host: David Arduin Audio: John Gurney Guest: Rebecca Minkoff Stay connected with the Trading Secrets Podcast!  Instagram: @tradingsecretspodcast  Youtube: Trading Secrets Facebook: Join the Group All Access: Free 30-Day Trial  Trading Secrets Steals & Deals! Tonal: It can feel like there's not enough hours in the day to do everything you need to get done. With Tonal - you can ensure you're checking "workout" off your to-do list with the convenience of having an at-home gym, 24-7. For $200 off your Tonal purchase, use promo code TRADINGSECRETS. Quince: Vacation season is nearly upon us. This year, treat yourself to the luxe upgrades you deserve with Quince's high-quality travel essentials at fair prices. Go to Quince.com/tradingsecrets for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order. Robinhood: With Robinhood Gold, you can now enjoy the VIP treatment, receiving a 3% IRA match on retirement contributions. The privileges of the very privileges are no longer exclusive. The new gold standard is here with Robinhood Gold. To receive your 3% boost on annual IRA contributions, sign up at robinhood.com/gold  YouTube Title: Needs to be 100 characters or less  | Trading Secrets w/ Jason Tartick