Podcasts about decision makers

Hey Voices from the Bench community! Jessica Love here, sending a shoutout from Utah! If you're passionate about creating natural, beautiful smiles—but want to simplify your workflow without sacrificing aesthetics—this is for you. I'm honored to be part of Ivoclar's development team introducing a powerful new stain and glaze system featuring Structure Paste, IPS e.max Ceram Art. Create stunning depth and lifelike color in as little as one firing. Let's continue to innovate, simplify, and create meaningful change—one smile at a time. Elvis actually made it down to the exhibition halls this year — and hyperDENT from FOLLOW-ME! Technology was everywhere. Booth after booth, people were talking milling strategies, templates, and workflows. It felt like a full-on CAM takeover. Their Milling Roadmap scavenger hunt had attendees bouncing between Axsys, Imagine, D.O.F., and Roland collecting stamps like responsible adults… Responsible adults chasing a bright orange folding electric hyperDENT scooter. That's what we love about the FOLLOW-ME! team — world-class CAM engineers talking microns and validation protocols one minute, then ripping around Lab Day the next. Serious about precision. Not too serious about themselves. Big shoutout for bringing the brains — and the electric horsepower. Come see and talk to Elvis and Barb at all these amazing shows in 2026* Dental Lab Association of Texas Meeting in Dallas Apr 9-11 https://members.dlat.org/ exocad Insights in Mallorca, Spain Apr 30 - May 1 https://exocad.com/insights-2026 This week we finally get Jay Collins to stop dodging Elvis long enough to sit down and share one of the wildest journeys in dental lab history. From a family split between union steamfitters and dental technicians in Philadelphia to surviving “The Great Brotherly Lab War,” Jay's story is packed with grit, loyalty, and a whole lot of Irish Catholic chaos. What started with an uncle drafted into dental technology during Vietnam eventually turned into a multi-generation lab legacy—and Jay swearing he'd never get into teeth… only to build a powerhouse anyway. After the 2008 crash wiped out his construction business, Jay bet everything on selling outsourced restorations door-to-door, sleeping in his car, showering at the gym, and cold-calling hundreds of offices a week. What followed was the development of his unapologetically bold, psychologically savvy sales approach—what he calls being “aggressively calm.” From pushing doctors to “no,” to matching their energy toe-to-toe, to walking into offices as “the lab” and walking out with cases in hand, Jay breaks down the mindset shift most lab owners desperately need: sales isn't optional, and it definitely isn't accidental. Now leading multiple lab locations under the brilliantly simple name thedentallab.net, Jay shares hard truths about growth, mergers, firing abusive clients, and why cutting your sales department in tough times is the worst move you can make. If you've ever struggled with prospecting, scaling, or standing your ground with doctors, this episode is packed with practical strategies, hilarious role-playing, and a reminder that confidence—backed by accountability—wins every time. At Canadian Dental Labs, Icortica has become a cornerstone of how we operate—giving us at-a-glance visibility into performance, helping us focus our efforts, spot opportunities early, and solve problems before they grow. It takes the guesswork out of decision-making and shows us what to do next. Plus, the Icortica team is incredibly responsive and feels like a true partner in our success. If you're serious about growing your business and understanding your customers better, Icortica can get you there. Learn more at icortica.com/voices — Icortica, helping dental labs grow. Join us at exocad Insights 2026, happening April 30–May 1, 2026, on the stunning island of Mallorca, Spain. This two-day event features powerhouse keynotes, hands-on workshops, live software demos, and top-tier industry showcases—all in one unforgettable setting. Barb and Elvis will be on site bringing you exclusive interviews, plus don't miss the Women in Dentistry Lunch, celebrating career growth, wellbeing, and the real stories shaping our profession. And of course, cap it all off with the legendary exoGlam Night under the stars. Tickets are limited. Visit exocad.com/insights-2026 and use code VFTBPalma15 for 15% off.Special Guest: Jay Collins.

Today Jess tackles the surprisingly overlooked issue that's stopping entrepreneurs and sales professionals from landing corporate clients: a communication gap that's causing more trouble than you think. Forget "mindset." It's all about how you communicate. After working with thousands of entrepreneurs and professional salespeople over 18 years, Jess has noticed a universal fear: nobody wants to come across as "salesy, sleazy, or pushy." But here's the breakthrough - this isn't a mindset problem, it's a communication one. If your messaging doesn't make it crystal clear what you do and how you help, decision-makers will tune out. Worse, they might feel "stupid" and avoid engaging altogether. Are you making sales too complicated? From job titles to lead generation to elevator pitches, Jess shares real examples where entrepreneurs are unintentionally alienating potential buyers: Job titles that sound clever but are confusing. Lead generation messages stuffed with buzzwords but lacking clarity. Elevator pitches packed with expertise but out of touch with what buyers actually care about. The simple truth? Clarity wins. You don't have to prove you're the smartest person in the room - just make it easy for decision-makers to understand what you do. Jess's Sparkling Sales Advice: Wear your intellectuality subtly. Make your messaging accessible. Help buyers feel comfortable enough to ask questions and start conversations. If your 5-year-old godson wouldn't get it, it's probably too complex!   Practical Takeaways Simplicity Wins: Whether through your job title, outreach, or elevator pitch, keep your messaging clear. Make It Accessible: The best salespeople can explain complex solutions in ways anyone can understand - and that's what builds trust and opens doors for meaningful dialogue. Invite Conversation, Not Intimidation: When people feel comfortable, they ask questions and engage. If you make them feel stupid, they'll simply opt out. Key Quotes; Are You Making It Harder for Decision Makers to Buy? 00:10:1100:10:23 "Am I actually making it easy and simple for decision makers to buy from me, or am I unwittingly making this so much harder than it needs to be?" Why Confusing Messaging Kills Sales 00:26:4800:27:05 "And that is a big sales problem, because when we put other people into that position where they don't understand something, A, it's impossible for them to buy anything, and B, they feel stupid. And when people feel stupid, they don't buy, right?" The Gift of Simplicity in Sales 00:33:3200:33:51  "The most gifted salespeople are the ones who can take something that is so incredibly complex and make somebody who doesn't have that same level of technical expertise or capability understand, and understand why it's relevant to them, that is a gift." The Power of Simplicity in Networking 00:40:1600:40:45 "It's not that I don't do all the things, it's that there is no point in saying all of the things to people who won't know what they are and won't be interested. And that's the same for you, you know. Think about the difference between all of the things that you can do and the things that actually give people the ability to have a conversation with you, that give them the ability to ask questions without feeling dumb."   Key Resources Mentioned in this Episode:   Cold & Sold Bundle: Secure your spot at Converting Corporates 2026, get a year's inbound leads, plus access to the popular Cold to Closed course (8 sales calls in 4 weeks, anyone?) .https://smartleaderssell.thrivecart.com/cold-and-sold-bundle/ Episode sponsored by The Expert Services Directory: A key resource for coaches / consultants / trainers and done-for-you service providers to generate inbound leads. Access The Expert Services Directory here https://bit.ly/ExpertServicesDirectory and use code PODCAST for a special bonus. If you've enjoyed listening to 4 focus areas to smash your sales goals in the first 90 days of 2026 check out this episode.   Sales planning season is here... what do you need to consider? https://bit.ly/SellingToCorporate139   If you would like to sign up for our weekly newsletter to stay in touch with the latest B2B sales tips and techniques click https://sellingtocorporate.com/newsletter/   Content Disclaimer The information contained above is provided for information purposes only. The contents of this article, video or audio are not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of this article, video or audio. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of this article, video or audio. Jessica Lorimer disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of this article, video or audio.  

When leaders don't define decision guardrails early, decisions drift upward, risk feels unsafe, and teams stop building the muscle to decide for themselves.In this episode of Let's Talk, People, Emily sits down with Olesya Govorun, who leads organizational development and culture transformation at Pfizer, to unpack why ineffective decision-making is one of the most costly (and fixable) leadership challenges today.Drawing on her work at Pfizer, including efforts to empower expert-level decision-making during the rapid development and launch of the COVID-19 vaccine, Olesya shares what it actually takes to move decisions closer to the work without sacrificing alignment or trust.Together, they explore why decision rights often remain unclear, how over-involving leaders slows momentum, and what leaders can do to shift from being the final approver to building confident, capable decision-makers across their teams.Whether you're leading in a complex organization, navigating high-stakes change, or trying to speed up execution without losing rigor, this episode offers practical frameworks and mindset shifts to help you redesign how decisions get made and unlock better outcomes at every level.Timestamps: [00:16:40] Establishing Decision Guardrails Early – Olesya introduces the principle of Decision Guardrails - clarifying and agreeing upon which decisions can be fully owned, who gets to decide, and when a decision needs feedback or approval.[00:19:34] Decision-Making as a Learnable Skill – Emily and Olesya explore how leaders can reduce the fear and risk tied to decision-making by adopting a learner's mindset and providing the right supports like coaching, training, hands-on experience, and real-time feedback.[00:22:31] Making It Safe for People to Make Decisions – Emily and Olesya unpack how psychologically safe teams create norms around risk-taking, having disagreement, and challenging ideas (not people) to make better decisions faster.[00:26:11] Shifting the Role of the Leader from Decision Makers to Decision Builders – Olesya articulates that one of the most critical roles of leadership today is building others' confidence and capability to decide.Access the episode transcript.Join the Conversation: This year we're taking audience questions! Send in your toughest people management and leadership challenges, and we'll anonymize them and tackle them in an upcoming episode. Email Abigail on our Let's Talk, People team with your situation as a written note or voice memo to abigail@arosegroup.com.Connect with Emily Frieze-Kemeny on LinkedIn and Instagram or explore her work through AROSE Group's website.If you'd like to receive new episodes as they're...

Who do you trust most to bring a championship back to Wisconsin? In this episode of The Man Cave Podcast, Dan Kasper puts the state’s top decision-makers under the microscope — Brewers GM Matt Arnold, Packers GM Brian Gutekunst, Bucks GM Jon Horst, and Badgers AD Chris McIntosh. From the Caleb Durbin trade and long-term pitching philosophy to playoff failures, aggressive moves, and roster construction, this is a real, unscripted debate about winning now versus building for later — and who truly belongs in the circle of trust.#TheManCavePodcast #CircleOfTrust #WisconsinSports #Brewers #Packers #Bucks #Badgers #MattArnold #BrianGutekunst #JonHorst #ChrisMcIntosh #CalebDurbin #ChampionshipTalk #SportsDebate #ManCaveTalkSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Toxic leadership is one of the most damaging yet misunderstood challenges in modern organisations. In this episode, Niels Brabandt explains how decision-makers can accurately identify toxic leadership, distinguish it from direct and necessary leadership, and respond in a professional and strategic manner. The episode explores early warning signs such as lack of accountability and micromanagement, escalating patterns including inconsistency, favouritism and fear-based leadership, and extreme cases involving abuse of power, gaslighting and ethical flexibility. Niels Brabandt also outlines concrete steps for self-protection, external reality checks, formal escalation and leadership by leaving. This episode is essential listening for executives, senior leaders and business decision-makers who want to address toxic leadership responsibly and protect organisational performance. Keywords: Niels Brabandt, toxic leadership, toxic leadership podcast, leadership failure, business leadership, organisational culture, power abuse, micromanagement, gaslighting, ethical leadership, decision-makers Host: Niels Brabandt / NB@NB-Networks.com Contact with Niels Brabandt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsbrabandt/ Niels Brabandt's Leadership Letter: https://expert.nb-networks.com/ Niels Brabandt's Website: https://www.nb-networks.biz/ 

Send us a textSubscribe to my Substack for weekly decision-making frameworks: https://maaponte.substack.com/Not all thinking is created equal. There are five distinct levels—and most people get stuck at Level 3 without realizing it.In this episode, I break down the Cognitive Ladder: from recall to comprehension to application to transfer to evaluation. I share the story of a student who could memorize the Constitution but couldn't apply it to modern life, a teacher who transferred literary analysis skills to crisis intervention, and the Level 5 judgment call I had to make when deciding whether to fire a beloved teacher.What you'll learn:The five levels of thinking (and how to diagnose where you are)Why smart people struggle when the context changesTraps at each level and how to avoid themHow I transferred thinking skills across four different careersThe difference between knowing how to do something and being able to adapt itHow to move up the ladder one rung at a timestep-by-step methods to move up a levelaligning tasks with levels to lead and teach betterbuilding tolerance for ambiguity and owning decisionsIf you want to go deeper on this, if you want to diagnose your thinking level and frameworks for moving up the ladder, I write about this every week in my Substack. If you want the insider of Substack, that's a $10 a month, and the link is in the show. Support the showJoin My Substack for more content: maaponte.substack.com

Are the Astros gonna make the baseball move? OR, the emotional move?!? The conversation has been that there is a crowd on the roster of everyday players (Yordan, Altuve, Correa, Walker, Paredes,) all these guys are DH's or infielders-so it seems like a move should be made.. The most popular name that's been out there is Paredes, & from a baseball perspective, that's insane..! RIGHT!?!?

The Great Wealth Transfer is already in motion, and Gen X is standing in the receiving line! Wendy F. Adams, CFRE, CEO of Cultivate for Good and longtime friend of the show, brings a leader's lens and a fundraiser's candor to a question many nonprofits still avoid: Who inherits donor loyalty, and what are we doing to earn it? She shares a personal story that makes the business case impossible to ignore—after her mother passed, Wendy discovered a long list of recurring gifts to multiple organizations. The dollars were real, consistent, and meaningful. The relationship? Nearly invisible.Wendy introduces a practical concept that flips stewardship into a forward-looking strategy: the “beneficiary checkup.” Instead of waiting until a donor is gone and the organization is forced into an awkward conversation, Wendy challenges nonprofits to invite beneficiaries into the relationship now—while the donor can celebrate impact, and while the next decision-maker can form a real connection.The episode presses on a tough truth: recurring donors are often treated as “set it and forget it,” and that quiet neglect can become a revenue cliff when a family member inherits the decision. Wendy also speaks directly to Gen X expectations: they want clarity, outcomes, and honesty, not glossy language. As she puts it, “Proof beats poetry.” And when it comes to legacy decisions, she's blunt: “Give it to us straight and keep us a part of the dialogue.”For leaders and boards, the call is simple: build confidence around assets, legacy tools, and storytelling that shows what happens because someone invested. The wealth is moving. The question is whether your nonprofit will be part of the next chapter—or quietly left behind.Find us Live daily on YouTube!Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits! 12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

Reps assume senior titles equal decision authority, but real buying decisions are shaped by influence, risk, and ownership. In this episode, Brandon explains why deals stall when sellers chase hierarchy instead of commitment. He breaks down the three roles inside most deals (economic buyer, operator, and risk owner) and how to spot the true decision driver through behavior.You'll learn how to ask the right questions without sounding political, recognize “meeting multiplier” signals, and build internal alignment before deals slip into silent delay. If your opportunities keep stalling despite “great calls,” this episode will help you sell to the right person sooner.

Wondering why your lead generation efforts aren't landing sales? In this episode, I'm sharing the key difference between decision makers and influencers in corporate organisations - and why targeting the right people will transform your business. Consistency matters and so does knowing who truly holds the budget and sign-off power. Build relationships, but be strategic.  You'll learn why consistency trumps any "magic" lead generation method, and how focusing your energy on the right contacts can be the difference between wasted time and revenue growth. Whether you're a coach, consultant, speaker, or trainer looking to supplement your lead generation, this episode goes deep into practical strategies—and offers actionable advice to help you build relationships that truly move the needle for your business. Ready to unlock the secrets to better B2B sales and start this year off strong? Tune in, get inspired, and learn how to have more impactful conversations (and more closed deals) with the people who count. Key Takeaways: Qualified Lead vs. Influencer: Decision makers are those with the job title, remit, and budget autonomy to actually buy your services. Influencers may champion you internally or help you understand organisational needs—but without buying power, your efforts might not convert to sales. Volume and Consistency Matter: Lead generation isn't about finding a single "magic bullet" strategy. Whether you use email, LinkedIn, networking, or speaking gigs—consistency in executing your method and clear targeting are what drive results. Don't Get Stuck on Dead-End Relationships: If you're spending hours on calls with people who love your insights but never have purchasing authority, it may be time to re-evaluate your prospect list. Pouring energy into non-reciprocal relationships is wasted time (and money). How to Qualify a Decision Maker: Ensure your contacts tick these boxes: Their job title aligns with responsibility for your expertise. They hold autonomous budget. They have sign-off power for purchases. Influencers Still Matter—Just Differently: Influencers can introduce you to decision makers or champion your offer internally. But remember, if a relationship isn't productive or mutually beneficial, set boundaries so your focus stays on revenue-generating prospects. Key Quotes; The Real Challenge of Lead Generation "One of the major challenges is that people aren't always generating the right kind of leads." 00:03:0100:03:05 Why Your Outreach Isn't Getting Results "If you haven't worked on the quality and volume and targeting pieces of whatever, whatever outreach strategy you employ, whether it's email, whether it's LinkedIn, whether it's speaking, whether it's networking, whether it's any executive effort, you are not going to see the result you want." 00:17:2300:17:41 The Hidden Pitfall in Sales Strategies Quote: "Most people are not doing that in their sales process and as a result, it means their sales process is stalled. And it means that they're, I'm going to use the phrase wasting time because they're spending lots and lots of time and energy on cultivating relationships with influencers who are not going to be able to push them up the chain to the, to the actual sale." 00:23:5100:24:16 The Importance of Building Relationships Across All Levels "Even junior employees are important to know because one day they will get jobs that are in leadership positions where they are a decision maker. So it's important to create relationships with everybody." 00:37:5200:37:54 Key Resources Mentioned in this Episode:   Cold & Sold Bundle: Secure your spot at Converting Corporates 2026, get a year's inbound leads, plus access to the popular Cold to Closed course (8 sales calls in 4 weeks, anyone?) .https://smartleaderssell.thrivecart.com/cold-and-sold-bundle/   Episode sponsored by The Expert Services Directory: A key resource for coaches / consultants / trainers and done-for-you service providers to generate inbound leads. Access The Expert Services Directory here https://bit.ly/ExpertServicesDirectory and use code PODCAST for a special bonus. If you've enjoyed listening to Are you speaking to decision-makers or influencers (& why it matters!) check out these episodes.   Generating Corporate Leads  https://sellingtocorporate.com/podcast/stc002-generating-corporate-leads/   How to find the right decision maker in corporate organisations  https://sellingtocorporate.com/podcast/stc022-how-to-find-the-right-decision-maker-in-corporate-organisations/     If you would like to sign up for our weekly newsletter to stay in touch with the latest B2B sales tips and techniques click https://sellingtocorporate.com/newsletter/   Content Disclaimer The information contained above is provided for information purposes only. The contents of this article, video or audio are not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of this article, video or audio. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of this article, video or audio. Jessica Lorimer disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of this article, video or audio.  

Mohini Kissoon: The One Question That Transforms Messengers Into Product Owners The Great Product Owner: The Calm Navigator Who Shields the Team Read the full Show Notes and search through the world's largest audio library on Agile and Scrum directly on the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast website: http://bit.ly/SMTP_ShowNotes.   "He said "no" often, but he did it with such clarity that people respected it. It's not just no—it's giving the reason why." - Mohini Kissoon   Mohini has had the privilege of working with many great Product Owners, but one stood out for his calm demeanor and ability to navigate complex situations. Whatever stakeholders threw at him, he remained professional and calm—and critically, he never transferred that pressure onto the team. He had built strong relationships with stakeholders and was the go-to person who commanded respect across the organization.  When stakeholders demanded features that didn't align with team goals, he would acknowledge the request, explain the trade-offs, and offer to revisit it once the current direction was validated. He said no often, but with such clarity and reasoning that people respected his decisions.  This Product Owner also shielded the team from ad hoc requests, handling stakeholder bypass attempts so developers could maintain focus. He would only bring truly urgent items—like compliance issues—directly to the team.  With his helicopter view, he understood how incoming work would impact different stakeholders and parts of the business. Most importantly, he was a good listener who gave the team space to grow and experiment while challenging them constructively.   Self-reflection Question: When you work with your Product Owner, do they shield the team from chaos or pass it through unfiltered—and how might you help them develop that protective capability? The Bad Product Owner: The Messenger Who Couldn't Say No Read the full Show Notes and search through the world's largest audio library on Agile and Scrum directly on the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast website: http://bit.ly/SMTP_ShowNotes.   "When the team would ask 'why are we building this?' the answer would be 'because sales asked for it.' There was no triaging, no challenging stakeholders—just saying yes." - Mohini Kissoon   Mohini shares a story about a Product Owner who appeared to be doing everything right on paper: attending ceremonies, responding to questions, being present for the team, and working closely with stakeholders. But the team was constantly frustrated with scope creep, and the root cause was that this Product Owner was operating as a messenger, not a decision maker. She would bring requests from stakeholders directly into the backlog with no prioritization based on value and no pushback.  Major new work would appear at sprint planning that hadn't been discussed during backlog refinement. The team was committing to 100 story points but only completing 40, with items constantly carrying over.  When Mohini was brought in to help, she asked one simple question that changed everything: "What is the vision for your product?" The Product Owner couldn't answer—because nobody had ever asked her before.  Mohini ran a product vision workshop with her and key stakeholders, created a one-page strategy identifying target users, core problems, and success metrics, and established a working agreement that backlog items must align with identified goals. She also introduced prioritization sessions involving stakeholders. The transformation came when the Product Owner finally felt equipped to say no with informed reasoning.   Self-reflection Question: Does your Product Owner have a clear product vision they can articulate, and if not, what workshop or conversation could you facilitate to help them discover it?   [The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]

Send us a textYou've built the team. You've tried delegating. But somehow, you're still making the final call on every. single. thing.Sound familiar? Then this episode is a must-listen. We're digging deep into the “Final Decision Maker Trap”—that sneaky leadership dynamic that keeps you stuck as the bottleneck, even when your intentions are good. This episode is all about bringing you clarity, ownership, and a structure that actually supports your team to lead alongside you.Because delegation without decision rights isn't leadership. It's just another form of overwhelm.⚡️ Episode Highlights

Send us a textYou've built the team. You've tried delegating. But somehow, you're still making the final call on every. single. thing.Sound familiar? Then this episode is a must-listen. We're digging deep into the “Final Decision Maker Trap”—that sneaky leadership dynamic that keeps you stuck as the bottleneck, even when your intentions are good. This episode is all about bringing you clarity, ownership, and a structure that actually supports your team to lead alongside you.Because delegation without decision rights isn't leadership. It's just another form of overwhelm.⚡️ Episode Highlights

While you're preparing for your 2026 big move, decision makers are running a new calculation.   Not "is this person qualified?" But "will this hire move the needle in 12 months?"   The 2026 bounce-back didn't happen.  The market shifted instead.   In this episode, I break down: → Why 2025's playbook is now a liability → The shift from headcount to precision hiring → What boards are really measuring (it's not your experience) → How one exec repositioned herself from "qualified candidate" to "strategic lever" → The new question you have to answer before you walk in the room   Plus — a thank you to everyone who made this community what it is, and what's coming in 2026.   If you're in transition and wondering why qualified isn't converting to hired, this one's for you.   Subscribe to Career Blast in a Half Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/career-blast-in-a-half/id1670977528 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3b3kSamj8RbTNNgOg5E5oi?si=5fea15335a744e73 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpGM7j8croBkkZ4bLqN7DOQ/   About Career Blast in a Half A third of our lives is spent working. Career Blast in a Half is your 30 minutes of weekly simple, powerful, and actionable career fuel to keep your success track no matter where you are in your career or what's to come next. Hosted by career strategist Loren Greiff.   Work with Loren Join the 30-Day BLAST Program: https://www.portfoliorocket.com/our-programs   Connect with Loren Website: https://www.portfoliorocket.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorengreiff/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/portfoliorocket/   Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and let us know what career topics you'd like us to cover!

Connect with God — on Abide, a Christian meditation app that provides a biblically grounded place to experience peace and progress in your relationship with Christ. Use this biblical meditation, narrated by Tyler Boss, to center yourself on the truth in God's word. Are you receiving every blessing God already has given you? Meditate on Deuteronomy 11:26-28. Allow the music & nature sounds, deep breathing, prayer, and scripture help you connect with God in a new way. For a 30 day free trial of our premium ad-free content, your trusted friend for meditation is right here: https://abide.com/peace Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

"Part of being a good advisor is trusting the other person to be an expert in their context, in their life, in the things that they're doing and to listen to them when they say things around that."Karen & Paul discuss how to effectively provide advice in a collaborative space, particularly for consultants or advisors who must respect their clients' autonomy while offering their expertise. They explore the challenges of finding a middle ground between being overly directive and completely hands-off, emphasizing the importance of mutual respect and understanding. 

Carl and Mike get back to Falcons talk and share thoughts on what Matt Ryan's responsibilities as president of football should include, which they agree the team should allow their former franchise QB to should too many responsibilities and should moreso have the final say that the eventual general manager and head coach make in regards to player and coaching personnel.

Steak and Mike Johnson get in to the Falcons hiring of Matt Ryan as President of Football, and how this job has likely been accepted for weeks.

Why does a request for a proposal in Japan not always mean you are winning? In Japan, reaching "please send a proposal" can feel like major progress, because it sounds like interest. But the request can also be a polite way to avoid a direct "no". Because Japan is a very polite society, a blunt refusal is often uncomfortable, so people use indirect ways to close a conversation without confrontation. Therefore, if you automatically treat the request as a buying signal, you can waste hours producing a proposal that was never going to be acted on. The practical takeaway is to treat the proposal request as a checkpoint, not a victory lap. Use it to test fit and seriousness before you invest heavy time in writing. Mini-summary: A proposal request can mean interest, or it can be polite disengagement. Treat it as a test point, not proof you have the deal.  How can you quickly test whether the proposal request is real or just politeness? A simple way to test is to agree to provide the proposal, but add a second step: discuss pricing while you are still together. Because you usually understand what will be involved in the solution, you should be able to talk about pricing, or at least the main pricing component, on the spot. If the real issue is budget, raising pricing early helps flush that out immediately. This approach protects your time. If the buyer reacts as if the pricing is impossible, you have saved yourself from "slaving away" on a document that will be rejected later. If they stay engaged, you have a stronger sign that the request is not just a soft "no". Mini-summary: Say yes to the proposal, then discuss pricing in the meeting. You are testing budget fit before you spend time writing. Why does pricing discussion still not produce a clear yes or no in Japan? Even if you talk about pricing, you should not expect an on-the-spot commitment. Because the person in front of you often needs internal consensus, the decision makers may be "unseen", effectively sitting behind the meeting-room wall. Therefore, the meeting is rarely the final decision point, even when the buyer personally likes your offer. What you can gain is intelligence. When you introduce pricing, watch body language closely. It can indicate whether you will be a serious contender or whether the organisation will quietly move away from you later. Mini-summary: Consensus decision making limits instant decisions. Pricing is still valuable because body language can reveal your standing. Why might Japanese buyers still ask for a proposal even when they do not want to proceed? There are at least two common reasons. First, they may need something written to show colleagues as part of building consensus. Second, they may prefer to deliver the "no" when you are not physically present, because that is less stressful and less embarrassing. Because people tend to choose the path of least resistance, delaying the refusal can feel easier than saying it face-to-face. This is why a proposal request, by itself, is ambiguous. You need additional signals to understand whether the written document is for internal alignment or for an indirect rejection. Mini-summary: They may need paper for internal discussion, or they may want to reject you at a distance. The same request can serve both purposes. Why does a guilt-based proposal tactic from the United States not translate well to Japan? One sales tactic described in Victor Antonio's podcast involves highlighting how many hours it takes to create a proposal, to encourage the buyer to give a clear answer. In Japan, this does not work well because the buyer often avoids confrontation. Rather than choosing a firm "no", they may default to "interested but not sure" regardless of reality, simply to keep the interaction smooth. Because of this, you should avoid methods that depend on direct refusal or open disagreement. Instead, focus on non-confrontational tests such as discussing pricing and observing reactions.  Mini-summary: Techniques that rely on forcing a direct "no" can fail in Japan. Use low-friction tests that do not create confrontation. What do tatemae and honne mean, and why do they matter for proposals? Tatemae is the public truth, and honne is the real truth. In Japan, tatemae is a basic tool of polite society. Western businesspeople can feel they were lied to when they first encounter tatemae, but the mechanism is familiar: many cultures use "little white lies" to protect feelings and avoid unnecessary conflict. Because tatemae exists, your buyer's words can be courteous without being decisive. Therefore, you need to listen for what is not said and to design your process so you can clarify intent without pushing the buyer into an embarrassing refusal.  Mini-summary: Tatemae (public truth) can mask honne (real truth). Your process must account for polite ambiguity. If you still have to create a proposal, what is the biggest mistake to avoid? The biggest mistake is sending the proposal by email and letting it arrive "alone and undefended". When the document lands without you, the buyer can misunderstand what you mean. It does not matter whose fault that misunderstanding is; the consequence is that your value can be lost before you ever get to explain it. Because buyers often look straight to the numbers first, the cost can taint their view of the value explanation that appears earlier in the document. Therefore, you need to control how the document is consumed. Mini-summary: Do not send an undefended proposal. If they jump to the price first, you may lose the value context. How should you present a proposal so the value does not get drowned out by the price? Whenever possible, present the proposal in person. Walk them through the value explanation first, and check along the way that you have correctly understood what they need. This lets you answer questions, clarify misunderstandings, and "shepherd" the buyer through the logic of the offer before they reach the number section. By the time they see the price, it should be wrapped in context: outcomes, fit, and a shared understanding of the problem. This approach improves your chances because it reduces misinterpretation and keeps the focus on value before cost. Mini-summary: Present proposals in person and guide the buyer through value before price. Control the sequence, context, and understanding.  

Show and BK discuss the future of some Chiefs decision makers, and Brian B. Shynin' offers his best of 2025. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ron Hughley, Brandon Kiley, and Stephen Serda are back to discuss Travis Kelce's future ahead of the Chiefs' season finale. Are we being too critical of the Chiefs' decision-makers? Has Chris Oladokun proved anything for the Chiefs? We don't need to be drastic when it comes to Andy Reid's playcalling. Subscribe: https://youtu.be/2Y1ApfXl3ps Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Request A Customized Workshop For Your Company⁠: https://www.americannegotiationinstitute.com/services/workshops/ Looking to take your negotiation skills to the next level? Join host Kwame Christian and guest David Johnson, an esteemed legal professional and design thinking expert, as they delve into the world of design thinking applied to negotiations. Gain invaluable insights into this innovative approach and learn how to leverage design thinking principles for success in your own negotiations. Tune in for actionable strategies and a fresh perspective on achieving better results. David Johnson Bio: David Johnson is a respected legal practitioner with extensive courtroom experience and a passion for teaching and research. He teaches at Stanford Law School and the Hasso Plattner School of Design, specializing in the intersection of law and design. With a background in both law and technology, David brings a unique perspective to negotiations, applying design thinking principles to enhance problem-solving and drive impactful outcomes. His expertise and dedication to improving social activism make him a sought-after speaker and author. Visit his personal website for more information on his groundbreaking work. ⁠Negotiation By Design Course ⁠ https://dschool.stanford.edu/classes/negotiation-by-design ⁠Follow Dave on LinkedIn⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/djohnsonllc/ ⁠Follow Kwame Christian on LinkedIn⁠: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kwamechristian/ ⁠The Ultimate Negotiation Guide⁠: https://www.americannegotiationinstitute.com/guides/ultimate-negotiation-guide/ ⁠Click here to buy your copy of How To Have Difficult Conversations About Race!⁠: https://www.amazon.com/Have-Difficult-Conversations-About-Race/dp/1637741308/ref=pd_%5B%E2%80%A6%5Df0bc9774-7975-448b-bde1-094cab455adb&pd_rd_i=1637741308&psc=1 ⁠Click here to buy your copy of Finding Confidence in Conflict: How to Negotiate Anything and Live Your Best Life!⁠: https://www.amazon.com/Finding-Confidence-Conflict-Negotiate-Anything/dp/0578413736/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2PSW69L6ABTK&keywords=finding+confidence+in+conflict&qid=1667317257&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIwLjQyIiwicXNhIjoiMC4xNCIsInFzcCI6IjAuMjMifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=finding+confidence+in+conflic%2Caps%2C69&sr=8-1

SEO Expert vs. SEO Agency: Making the Right Choice for Your Business (Decision Makers Edition) with Favour Obasi-ike with Favour Obasi-Ike | Sign up for exclusive SEO insights.Episode SummaryBusiness decision-makers constantly face the challenge of choosing between a solo SEO expert and a full-service SEO agency to drive their online growth. In this episode, host Favour Obasi-ike is joined by guests Marc McIntosh, (G.A.) Pimpleton, and Jolanta Kissoon Young to demystify this critical choice.The discussion unpacks the distinct roles of each provider, revealing that an expert acts like a specialist "doctor" for targeted advice, while an agency serves as a holistic "coach" for comprehensive execution. The conversation also ventures into the dark side of the industry, exposing common pitfalls and scams with firsthand accounts of fraudulent practices.Finally, the group provides a concrete, actionable framework for vetting a trustworthy partner, emphasizing the non-negotiable need for proven results and the power of earned trust to ensure your SEO investment translates into real business growth.Read New SEO Article: Is It Worth Hiring an SEO Expert in 2026? [Table Comparison]Next Steps for Booking A Discovery Call | Digital Marketing + SEO Services:>> ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Need SEO Services? Book a Complimentary SEO Discovery Call with Favour Obasi-Ike⁠ here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠>> Visit our Work and PLAY Entertainment website to learn about digital marketing services.>> ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our exclusive SEO Marketing community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠>> Read SEO Articles>> ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to the We Don't PLAY Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Key Takeaways for Business LeadersFirst, define your need before you hire. The most critical first step is to align your business stage with the right provider. An SEO expert is ideal for startups or businesses needing strategic advice, specialized audits, or tactical guidance ("seeing where the needle is"). A full-service agency is better suited for mid-to-large companies that require an aggressive, multi-disciplinary growth strategy and hands-on implementation ("moving the needle").Second, "receipts" are non-negotiable. Do not hire a provider based on promises alone. Demand tangible proof of their competence and impact. Ask for detailed case studies, analytics, and data—what G.A. calls "receipts"—that show where past clients in your industry started and where they finished. This data should clearly demonstrate an increase in revenue, reach, and other key business metrics.Third, trust is earned through value. The most reliable and effective SEO partners are often those who don't rely on aggressive advertising. As Marc argues, trust is built over time. Seek out experts and agencies who freely educate their audience through podcasts, blogs, or online communities. This demonstrates genuine expertise, builds a foundation of trust, and proves they are more focused on delivering value than just making a sale.Detailed Episode Breakdown & Timestamps1. Introduction: The Core DilemmaStarting at 00:00, host Favour Obasi-ike opens the discussion by framing the critical decision business owners face: whether to engage a freelance SEO expert or a larger SEO agency. He emphasizes the strategic importance of this choice, noting that it can define a company's digital foundation and shape its future growth trajectory.At 01:15, Favour Obasi-ike provides an initial breakdown of the fundamental differences, describing an expert as a specialist focused on a specific problem, while an agency covers a comprehensive range of needs. He also introduces the idea that, under specific circumstances, the two can work together effectively.At 03:30, two primary scenarios for collaboration are detailed: an expert can augment an agency's team with specialized skills for a particular project, or an expert can be brought in to provide a "third eye" perspective for an established in-house team, offering an outside view to improve internal processes.With the core dilemma established, the discussion moves to the crucial task of matching your specific business needs to the right provider model.2. Differentiating Roles: The Doctor vs. The CoachBeginning at 05:00, the conversation highlights that to make a smart investment, you must first diagnose your own needs. This section provides a clear framework—the "Doctor vs. the Coach"—to help you distinguish between the need for tactical advice versus comprehensive execution and align your specific requirements with the right type of service provider.At 06:45, the conversation compares the two roles using a clear analogy: the expert is like a doctor who diagnoses and prescribes, while the agency is like a coach who manages the team and executes the game plan. The SEO Expert, or "Doctor," acts as a consultant or specialist who provides tactics and strategies, helping you "see where the needle is." They typically cost between $500 to $3,000+ per month on average. The SEO Agency, or "Coach," provides a full team for execution and acts as the "backbone of your brand online," actively "moving the needle" for you with a robust, multidisciplinary approach.At 09:10, Favour Obasi-ike explains the concept of an SEO agency acting as the technical "backbone" for a brand online. An agency is responsible for a wide array of needs, from generating traffic and performing technical fixes to assisting with branding, backlinks, and local SEO.At 11:25, clear advice is given on when to hire each: an expert is ideal for those just starting out who need to learn the ropes and get strategic direction. In contrast, an agency is necessary for mid-to-large businesses or well-funded startups that require an aggressive, multifaceted growth strategy.While understanding the ideal roles is essential, the real risk lies in the industry's dark side. The speakers now pivot to the critical red flags that can save a business from costly mistakes.3. Industry Pitfalls: Scams, Red Flags, and Cautionary TalesAt 15:30, the conversation shifts to address the "bad rep" of the SEO industry, highlighting why business owners must be exceptionally vigilant. This segment underscores the importance of recognizing red flags to avoid wasting money, losing time, and protecting critical company assets like websites and data.At 17:00, G.A. shares his negative experiences with agencies, explaining his preference for direct, one-on-one relationships. He recounts a client's horror story where a previous agency held their website and data hostage, making it nearly impossible to transition to a new provider and regain control of their own intellectual property.At 20:15, Marc McIntosh offers a powerful anecdote about a new client who had been paying a significant sum for "SEO services" but did not even have Google Analytics or Google Search Console connected to their site—a fundamental flaw. He warns against providers selling overpriced, templated services and using fake bot traffic to manipulate reports and create the illusion of progress.At 24:50, G.A. describes a common scam in his industry where companies buy recycled, low-quality leads from "SEO experts" who use impressive-sounding buzzwords like "quantum computing" to sell ineffective, boilerplate services that fail to deliver genuine clients.Recognizing the scams is half the battle; the other half is proactively identifying a trustworthy partner. The conversation now provides a practical vetting framework to do just that.4. Vetting a Partner: How to Find a Trustworthy ProviderStarting at 28:00, and armed with an understanding of the risks, this section delivers a practical toolkit for due diligence. Follow these systematic steps to move beyond a provider's sales pitch and verify their true capabilities, establishing a successful and transparent partnership from the start.At 29:30, the speakers collectively outline actionable steps for vetting any potential SEO provider.First, ask probing questions. Favour Obasi-ike suggests asking specific operational questions to gauge professionalism and process, such as: "What is your tech stack?", "How do you handle sensitive data and passwords?", and "How do you work as a team?".Second, demand "receipts" (proof of work). Synthesizing advice from the panel, this point stresses the need to see hard evidence. Demand what GA calls "receipts"—case studies, analytics, and performance data showing where clients started and finished. Additionally, as H advises, ensure these case studies explain the strategy behind the results, demonstrating their understanding of your industry.Third, check their own fundamentals. Marc provides a simple but effective tip: audit the provider's own website for basic SEO health. If they have fundamental errors like multiple H1 tags (Mark's example) or an outdated copyright date (Jolanta's example), it's a major red flag.Fourth, verify their authority. Look for tangible proof that they are a genuine expert in their field. A credible provider often has a presence on platforms like LinkedIn, hosts a podcast, writes a blog, or runs a community where they actively share knowledge and engage with their industry.Fifth, prioritize referrals and earned trust. Marc makes a compelling argument that the best partners are found through trusted referrals, not advertisements. He advises following potential experts over time. Those who consistently teach and give value freely are building genuine trust, making them a much safer and more reliable choice.A thorough vetting process is the best defense against industry scams and serves as the foundation for a fruitful, long-term relationship.5. Final Thoughts & Resources MentionedAt 45:00, the final segment wraps up the discussion by covering specific tools and platforms that can aid in SEO efforts. This reinforces the core idea that successful SEO is not a one-time fix but an ongoing, dynamic process of learning, implementation, and adaptation.At 46:15, the discussion touches on leveraging specific platforms for greater reach. In response to Jolanta's question, Favour Obasi-ike explains that Pinterest is a powerful visual search engine, not just a social media platform. Because the lifespan of a "pin" is 3.5 months to 5 months (compared to 19-72 hours for an Instagram post), content published there continues to drive traffic and build authority for a brand long after it's posted.At 52:30, the tools and platforms mentioned throughout the episode include: ClickUp, Zoom, Google Search Console, Google Analytics, ChatGPT, LinkedIn, Clubhouse, and Pinterest.At 55:00, Favour Obasi-ike closes the episode with a final call to action, encouraging listeners to connect with him directly via the link in his bio to turn the insights from the conversation into concrete action for their businesses.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Request A Customized Workshop For Your Company⁠: https://www.americannegotiationinstitute.com/services/workshops/ Looking to take your negotiation skills to the next level? Join host Kwame Christian and guest David Johnson, an esteemed legal professional and design thinking expert, as they delve into the world of design thinking applied to negotiations. Gain invaluable insights into this innovative approach and learn how to leverage design thinking principles for success in your own negotiations. Tune in for actionable strategies and a fresh perspective on achieving better results. David Johnson Bio: David Johnson is a respected legal practitioner with extensive courtroom experience and a passion for teaching and research. He teaches at Stanford Law School and the Hasso Plattner School of Design, specializing in the intersection of law and design. With a background in both law and technology, David brings a unique perspective to negotiations, applying design thinking principles to enhance problem-solving and drive impactful outcomes. His expertise and dedication to improving social activism make him a sought-after speaker and author. Visit his personal website for more information on his groundbreaking work. ⁠Negotiation By Design Course ⁠ https://dschool.stanford.edu/classes/negotiation-by-design ⁠Follow Dave on LinkedIn⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/djohnsonllc/ ⁠Follow Kwame Christian on LinkedIn⁠: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kwamechristian/ ⁠The Ultimate Negotiation Guide⁠: https://www.americannegotiationinstitute.com/guides/ultimate-negotiation-guide/ ⁠Click here to buy your copy of How To Have Difficult Conversations About Race!⁠: https://www.amazon.com/Have-Difficult-Conversations-About-Race/dp/1637741308/ref=pd_%5B%E2%80%A6%5Df0bc9774-7975-448b-bde1-094cab455adb&pd_rd_i=1637741308&psc=1 ⁠Click here to buy your copy of Finding Confidence in Conflict: How to Negotiate Anything and Live Your Best Life!⁠: https://www.amazon.com/Finding-Confidence-Conflict-Negotiate-Anything/dp/0578413736/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2PSW69L6ABTK&keywords=finding+confidence+in+conflict&qid=1667317257&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIwLjQyIiwicXNhIjoiMC4xNCIsInFzcCI6IjAuMjMifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=finding+confidence+in+conflic%2Caps%2C69&sr=8-1

Your technical mastery is not the problem. The problem is that you are optimizing for the wrong signals. Decision-makers evaluate leadership capacity through five specific values, and most high performers never learn what they are. If you are ready to transition from contributor to leader with precision and speed, speak with a trusted adviser on Dr. Grace's team: https://m.masteryinsights.com/application What are The Five Values Decision-Makers Evaluate for Leadership? The Five Values Decision-Makers Evaluate is a strategic framework that reveals how organizations assess leadership capacity before granting formal authority. Unlike traditional competency models that focus on skills developed after promotion, these are principles professionals must embody before receiving leadership positions. This framework explains why technical mastery and sustained effort alone do not translate to advancement, and what signals actually demonstrate readiness to operate at the next level. Key Concepts & Mechanisms: The Contributor's Ceiling: High performers remain stuck because they optimize for execution quality within their current role while decision-makers evaluate capacity to create scalable value beyond individual scope. Expiration Value of the Role: Every job description contains an implicit termination date that accelerates as organizations evolve. Leaders make decisions from their future self rather than anchoring identity to current specifications. Economic Value of Perception: Your internal framework for interpreting reality governs resource allocation decisions that compound to create professional trajectory. Perception is the only variable under complete control. Priority Alignment: Promotions follow strategic priority alignment, not merit-based queues. Authentic priorities are revealed through behavioral patterns over time, not declarations. Presence as Currency: Before formal authority, presence operates as primary currency. The goal is developing a presence so valuable that exclusion becomes more expensive than inclusion. The Team You Already Have: Leadership capacity is measured by ability to generate leveraged value through networks of peers influenced, mentors cultivated, and support systems constructed before receiving direct reports. When you evaluate your current approach, are you signaling contributor capacity (optimizing for deliverables and efficiency) or leadership capacity (building leverage and strategic value)?   Show notes and free resources: https://CareerRevisionist.com/episode223 Do you want to move up in executive leadership? Want to elevate your communication skills, leadership abilities and influence in the world around you? If you're ready to start leveling up in your career and you want to develop all of the skills and professional acumen that will allow you to grow into senior executive positions with confidence, apply here: https://m.masteryinsights.com/application Answer a few questions to see if you qualify for Dr. Grace's executive coaching program, then book a time to speak with a member of our team. --------- Thank You for Listening! I am truly grateful that you have chosen to tune in. Visit my Youtube channel where I release new videos weekly on executive career growth, communication, increasing income, and professional development. Please share your thoughts! Leave questions or feedback in the comments below. Leave me a review on iTunes and share my podcast with your colleagues. With Love & Wisdom, Grace

In this episode of the Federal Help Center Podcast, Randie Ward breaks down the critical difference between tactical and strategic contracting. Randie walks through how experienced contractors identify expiring contracts, research incumbent awards, and uncover the real people behind the requirement—before the RFP ever hits SAM.gov. The episode reinforces a core truth in federal contracting: winning isn't about reacting to opportunities, it's about positioning early through relationships with the program office and end users. Key Takeaways SAM.gov is a tool—not a strategy Contracting officers sign awards, but program offices drive decisions Expiring contracts are your best window to build relationships early If you want to learn more about the community and to join the webinars go to: https://federalhelpcenter.com/ Website: https://govcongiants.org/  Connect with Encore Funding: https://www.encore-funding.com/ 

Episode SummaryI discuss the pivotal choices you will face in life, and how to navigate them with confidence..Show Notes Pagejeffsanders.com/606b.Go Premium!Exclusive bonus episodes, 100% ad-free, full back catalog, and more!Free 7-Day Trial of 5 AM Miracle Premium.Perks from Our SponsorsStuff → Get 50% off your first year with code MIRACLEClickUp → Use my code MIRACLE to get 15% off all AI add ons.Learn More About The 5 AM MiracleThe 5 AM Miracle Podcast.Free Productivity Resources + Email Updates!Join The 5 AM Club!.The 5 AM Miracle BookAudiobook, Paperback, and Kindle.Connect on Social MediaLinkedIn • Facebook Group • Instagram.About Jeff SandersRead Jeff's Bio.Questions?Contact Jeff.© 5 AM Miracle Media, LLC.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us a textStill explaining your business to ChatGPT like it's a temp with amnesia? You're wasting 12 weeks a year—and I'm about to help you win them back.In this tactical Tuesday workshop, Dawn Andrews unveils the three custom GPTs every founder needs to reclaim their time, sharpen their strategy, and scale like a CEO. You'll learn exactly how to build your first AI teammate—your Decision-Maker GPT—in under 10 minutes. If you're tired of re-explaining your business and craving AI that actually gets you, this episode is your gateway to clarity and efficiency.Join the Insider Email Community at hellodawn.live/insider to get access to exclusive GPT Build Days, training templates, and advanced workflows that actually sound like YOU.Key Takeaways:The top 3 custom GPTs that act like AI employees: Decision-Maker, Brand Voice, and Team DelegatorReal-world examples of how founders are saving 10+ hours a week using custom GPTsStep-by-step walkthrough for building your first GPT inside ChatGPT (no tech overwhelm)How to iterate and refine your GPT over time for better decisions, better content, and better delegationThe mindset shift that separates AI amateurs from AI-powered CEOsResources & Links:Join the Insider Email CommunityRelated Episodes:098 | The AI Content System That Sounds Like You (In 10 Minutes) — builds on the “Brand's voice as system” idea. 072 | How Female Founders Delegate Like a CEO Before They Burn Out — ties into the “Team Delegator” angle. 079 | Your Attachment to the Founder Struggle is expensive — relevant mindset + systems framework episode.Want to increase revenue and impact? Listen to “She's That Founder” for insights on business strategy and female leadership to scale your business. Each episode offers advice on effective communication, team building, and management. Learn to master routines and systems to boost productivity and prevent burnout. Our delegation tips and business consulting will advance your executive leadership skills and presence.

Great discovery doesn't just uncover pain, it uncovers power.Brian LaManna shared how to stop running “comfortable” calls that go nowhere and start connecting with the people who can actually say yes.He broke down how to identify true decision-makers, ask smarter questions to reveal power dynamics, and earn credibility with senior authority without coming off as pushy.Learn how to spot influence cues during discovery, respectfully ask for access when you're stuck below power, and position yourself as a trusted advisor instead of just another seller pitching a demo.You'll Learn:The cues that reveal who truly holds decision-making powerSmart, natural questions to uncover influence in discoveryCredibility plays that earn you access to senior authorityThe Speakers:Will Aitken and Brian LaMannaIf you want to catch The Daily Sales Show live, join hereFollow Sell Better to get the latest actionable tactics from sales pros at the top of their gameExplore our YouTube ChannelThank you to our sponsors: Gong

Why do brilliant leaders make reckless decisions? It's the same reason King David fell.In this episode, we unpack the single most critical factor in David's success—and the tragic silence that led to his greatest failure with Bathsheba. If you've ever felt a disconnect between your public leadership and your private reality, David's story is a powerful mirror.We explore how to move from reactive, isolated choices to integrated, Spirit-led decision-making that stands up under pressure.You will learn:The crucial difference between David as a Warrior vs. David as a Decision-Maker.The exact moment integration cracked in the Bathsheba story.A 4-step framework to align who you are with how you lead, so you never have to live a double life again.

Today's guest is Robert Kubin, Head of Sales for Central Europe at Amundi. Amundi is a European asset manager, ranked among the top 10 globally by assets under management. It provides savings and investment solutions across active and passive management, in both traditional and real assets. Its offering includes IT tools and services (Amundi Technology) that cover the savings value chain. Amundi is listed on the stock exchange and manages more than €2.3 trillion in assets. A senior executive with more than 20 years of international experience across asset management, insurance, and consulting, Robert brings deep expertise in investment strategy and operational leadership. He joins Emerj Editorial Director Matthew DeMello to discuss how AI can move beyond legacy technology to improve decision-making and automate manual processes in asset and wealth management. Robert also shares practical strategies for embedding AI into core workflows, reducing manual workload, and enabling smaller teams to operate at scale while driving measurable ROI. This episode is sponsored by FE fundinfo. Learn how brands work with Emerj and other Emerj Media options at emerj.com/ad1. Join an exclusive circle of AI executives shaping the conversation. Share your insights as a guest on the 'AI in Business' podcast and be recognized among peers driving innovation: emerj.com/expert2.

In this episode of 'For the 23%', host Dielle speaks with Eman about the importance of email marketing, storytelling, and specificity in copywriting. They discuss how personal stories can create relatability and connection with audiences, leading to better sales. The conversation also covers strategies for engaging different types of decision-makers and the value of creativity in email campaigns. Eman shares insights on how to improve writing skills and the necessity of living life to gather stories for effective communication. In this conversation, the speakers delve into effective email segmentation strategies, emphasizing the importance of personalizing the selling experience for different audience segments. They discuss the unique challenges and perspectives of women of color entrepreneurs, particularly in navigating identity and representation in business. The conversation highlights the significance of understanding audience needs and the long-term nature of segmentation strategies, while also addressing the emotional complexities of being a representative for multiple communities. 00:00 — Introduction 01:01 — The Power of Email Marketing 04:06 — Storytelling in Email Campaigns 08:12 — Specificity and Detail in Copywriting 12:07 — Engaging Different Types of Decision Makers 16:14 — Creative Email Strategies and Experiments 22:35 — Effective Email Segmentation Strategies 28:11 — Personalizing the Selling Experience 32:30 — The Unique Perspective of Women of Color Entrepreneurs 39:34 — Navigating Identity and Representation in Business Connect With: Eman Ismail Website: emancopyco.com Instagram: @emancopyco Email: eman@emancopyco.com For the 23% is the women of color business and entrepreneurship podcast hosted by multi-million-dollar entrepreneur Dielle Charon. Each week you'll learn how to grow your sales, money, and freedom so we can increase the 23% of business owners who are women of color. Website: forthe23percent.com Instagram: @forthe23percent Membership: forthe23percent.com/membership

Kam Germany breaks down how elite sellers win complex deals by uncovering the true decision makers, sparking internal alignment, and turning every stakeholder into a champion that sells for you when you're not in the room.

In this episode of the Owaken Podcast, Lukis Mac and Hella Omega dive into becoming the decision maker in your own life and overcoming the habit of people pleasing. For more information on The Intuitive Impact Academy click this link ⬇️https://www.owaken.com/intuitiveimpactIn this podcast we explore practical steps for building confidence, setting boundaries, and prioritizing your own needs while maintaining loving, connection and respectful relationships. Through candid conversations and personal insights, we discuss how to reclaim your power, live authentically, and make aligned, joyful decisions. Tune in for an inspiring discussion that empowers you to take radical responsibility for your life and align with your true desires.You can join the Owaken App with a 7-day free trial and check out the new Self-Sourcing Challenge at: https://app.owaken.com/Follow for more insights and inspiration:Follow Owaken: instagram.com/owakenbreathworkFollow Hella Weston: instagram.com/hella_westonFollow Lukis Mac: instagram.com/lukismacLearn more about Owaken Breathwork at: Owaken.comTime Stamps00:00 Introduction: Becoming the Decision Maker in Your Life00:56 Setting Intentions and Teabag Wisdom02:05 Understanding People Pleasing and Its Costs03:41 The Impact of Self-Abandonment06:22 Grounding and Connecting with Your True Desires09:21 Radical Responsibility and Self-Sourcing16:25 Navigating Relationships and Maintaining Sovereignty21:09 Eliminating Sloppiness and Raising Standards25:47 Invitation to Intuitive Impact Academy27:19 Returning to Joy and Honoring Your Truth28:32 The Power of Decisiveness29:08 Aligning with the Right People30:29 Five Things I No Longer Tolerate32:00 Embracing Courage and Intuition38:23 Setting Boundaries and Sacred Structure48:05 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Jim Foote, CEO and Founder of First Ascent Biomedical a pioneer in functional precision medicine (FPM) that aims to eliminate guesswork from cancer treatment. After losing his son to cancer, Jim left a career in cybersecurity to build a data-driven platform that combines AI, robotics and real-time tumour testing to help doctors choose the right therapy for each patient. In this episode, we explore how FPM differs from traditional genomics-only testing, why tumours can respond differently even with the same patient and how AI can support rather than replace clinicians in treatment decisions. Jim also shares the economic impact of ineffective therapies, the challenges of scaling regulatory innovation in oncology, and why the future of cancer care depends on personalisation at the  cellular level.Timestamps:[00:00:45] What Is Functional Precision Medicine?[00:02:00] Jim's Personal Journey from Tech to Healthcare[00:05:50] Overcoming Regulatory and Systemic Gatekeepers[00:08:13] From Reactive Care to Personalised Treatment[00:09:08] What Lab Findings Reveal about Cancer Cells[00:10:30] Why Genomics Alone Isn't Enough[00:12:03] AI as Decision Support Not a Decision Maker[00:15:55] Cancer in Younger Populations and Misconceptions[00:20:25] Reducing Cost and Waste in Cancer Treatment[00:26:34] What Success Really Means to Jim FooteConnect with Jim - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-foote/ Learn more about First Ascent Biomedical - https://www.linkedin.com/company/firstascentbio/ Get in touch with Karandeep Badwal - https://www.linkedin.com/in/karandeepbadwal/ Follow Karandeep on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@KarandeepBadwalSubscribe to the Podcast

At Snap's Developer Conference of Lensfest, I did an interview with 1st place team in the Snap Spectacles Lensathon named Decisionator including Candice Branchereau, Marcin Polakowski, Volodymyr Kurbatov, and Inna Horobchuk. I also summarize the other 10 Spectacles Lensathon projects after serving as a preliminary judge for the competition. See more context in the rough transcript below. This is a listener-supported podcast through the Voices of VR Patreon. Music: Fatality

HOUR #3 The Drive's Reaction TUESDAY - BIG & Real Questions Regarding the Texans' Shot Callers/Decision Makers After Week 7 THUMPING in Loss to Seattle full 2447 Tue, 21 Oct 2025 23:43:42 +0000 EkHwesdmGJtHaIVrrRRan2y3LKrS0hf9 nfl,mlb,nba,seattle seahawks,afc,cj stroud,houston texans,kevin durant,demeco ryans,nfc,seahawks,afc south,nfl news,texans,astros,rockets,nba news,mlb playoffs,durant,okc thunder,texans news,stroud,rockets news,nba news notes,sports The Drive with Stoerner and Hughley nfl,mlb,nba,seattle seahawks,afc,cj stroud,houston texans,kevin durant,demeco ryans,nfc,seahawks,afc south,nfl news,texans,astros,rockets,nba news,mlb playoffs,durant,okc thunder,texans news,stroud,rockets news,nba news notes,sports HOUR #3 The Drive's Reaction TUESDAY - BIG & Real Questions Regarding the Texans' Shot Callers/Decision Makers After Week 7 THUMPING in Loss to Seattle 2-6PM M-F © 2025 Audacy, Inc. Sports

From the angio suite to the boardroom, what qualities of an interventional radiologist translate into pioneering leadership? Tune in to hear from Dr. Howard Chrisman, the President and CEO of Northwestern Medicine, as he discusses his journey with hosts Dr. Sabeen Dhand and Dr. Aaron Fritts.---SYNPOSISDr. Chrisman shares his inspiring journey from a student with an initial interest in veterinary medicine to a leader in interventional radiology (IR) and healthcare administration. He recounts his pivotal experiences, including his mentorship under prominent IRs, his decision to pursue an MBA, and the importance of building trust and fostering relationships within clinical and administrative realms. He details his learnings in developing self-awareness, being open to multiple viewpoints, and amplifying your voice as an IR. The discussion touches on the future of interventional radiology, the impact of artificial intelligence on the field, and the essential qualities for leadership in healthcare. Dr. Chrisman also reflects on the significance of learning from mistakes and the role of mentorship in his career, emphasizing the value of collaboration and empathy in achieving success.---TIMESTAMPS00:00 - Introduction 03:21 - Mentorship and Career Development09:55 - Balancing Bias and Decision Making18:32 - Building Trust and Value in Healthcare23:13 - The Future of Radiology and AI Integration28:48 - The Role of MBAs in Healthcare32:24 - Reflections on Leadership and Career35:43 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

This episode of Winning Season features a real lesson from Jacqueline V. Twillie, originally delivered live to a group of mid-career professionals. In it, Jacqueline unpacks the moment she cracked a high-stakes global project stalemate by identifying the single metric and timeline that mattered most to a senior leader.She walks listeners through her signature L.A.T.T.E. Framework—Look, Anticipate, Think, Talk, Evaluate—and shows how to use it to translate your solution into the language of decision makers. You'll learn how to pinpoint priorities, anticipate objections, and present your ideas in a way that earns approvals faster.Whether you're preparing for a big pitch or navigating shifting priorities, this lesson gives you a repeatable playbook to get a clear yes.This podcast episode is an actual lesson taught by Jacqueline V. Twillie, founder of ZeroGap and creator of the L.A.T.T.E. Framework. You'll hear her teaching in real time, not a scripted studio segment, so grab a notebook and get ready to apply these strategies immediately.

Details What separates the best decision-makers from the rest? In this episode, Joe Folkman shares research on nearly 16,000 leaders to reveal seven key qualities that enable effective decision-making. Discover why information overload slows decisions down, how to balance speed with quality, and the surprising link between decision-making effectiveness and employee engagement. If you're struggling … Continued The post Episode 175: 7 Key Leadership Behaviors of the Most Effective Decision Makers first appeared on ZENGER FOLKMAN.

Have you ever caught yourself second-guessing something as small as what to make for dinner or as big as how to respond to a struggling child and felt completely paralyzed? As moms, we make thousands of decisions every day, and it's easy to lose confidence in our ability to choose well, especially when we're weighed down by “shoulds” from outside voices.  In today's episode, I'm joined by Jessica Frew, a decision coach who helps women rebuild trust in themselves and make choices that feel aligned with their true values. Jessica has lived through some incredibly complex circumstances (tune in to learn more!

Have you ever felt powerless in an interview when asked about a skill you don't have? In this episode, I'm breaking down exactly how to flip the power dynamic so decision makers start selling themselves to you instead of the other way around.Using a simple example about PowerPoint skills, I walk you through three levels of answers—from the lowest (apologetic and defeated) to the mic drop response that shifts the entire conversation. Learn why trap questions keep you in "convincing mode" and how owning what you don't know while redirecting to your bigger vision makes interviewers lean in and want you more.I also share why the outdated mindset of "the employer has all the power" is just like thinking men control dating—it's simply not true anymore. Discover the psychology behind why pulling back instead of convincing makes people come toward you, and why collecting certifications before anyone commits to hiring you is like buying an entire grocery store before knowing what your dinner guests want to eat.Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.nataliefishertraining.com/episode-252

In this episode of the Move the Ball podcast, host Jen Garrett breaks down five powerful shifts job seekers must make to stand out in today’s competitive market. Jen starts by unpacking the latest hiring trends—how AI, automation, leaner organizations, and brand visibility are changing the rules of the game—and then dives into the strategies that will set you apart. From replacing résumé spamming with strategic relationship building, to positioning yourself like a brand and leading before you’re even hired, Jen shares actionable moves that help you become the candidate decision-makers can’t overlook. Drawing on market insights, client success stories, and her Fortune 50 leadership experience, this episode gives you the playbook to position yourself to be picked—and to keep moving the ball forward in your career. Episode Highlights: Dominate Your Game Mindset - 0:20Jen sets the tone for the episode, encouraging listeners to differentiate their brand and move like an athlete, win like a CEO. Why Positioning Matters in Job Search - 3:34Jen discusses the changing job market, the impact of AI, and the importance of strategic positioning over traditional job search tactics. Stop Job Searching, Start Positioning - 5:30Jen explains the first key shift: moving from chasing job postings to proactively positioning yourself as an asset in the market. RESOURCES: GRAB a Copy of Dominate the Game on Amazon: https://amzn.to/43CzOD1 GRAB your Move the Ball: Mastering Your Unique Value Proposition Digital Workbook: https://bit.ly/masteringyourUVP GRAB your Move the Ball: Mastering Strategic Networking Digital Workbook: https://bit.ly/masteringnetworking ACCELERATE YOUR CAREER BY LISTENING TO THESE OTHER MTB PODCASTS: Mastering the Executive Edge Part 1: The Mindset Shift: https://bit.ly/3ZoXyI1 Mastering the Executive Edge Part 2: The Behavior Shift: https://bit.ly/3HyDexS The Strategic Career Map Part 1: Laying the Foundation: https://bit.ly/4kAuPsj The Strategic Career Map Part 2: Execution and Elevation: https://bit.ly/3HxEKAf The Influence Factor Part 1: Becoming a Trusted Voice: https://bit.ly/451wIYl The Influence Factor Part 2: Activating Influence: https://bit.ly/4odgjsK The Visibility Equation Part 1: The Positioning Shift: https://bit.ly/4mWlsE8 The Visibility Equation Part 2: The Proximity Playbook: https://bit.ly/3HEPa1l No Permission Needed: 10 Power Moves: https://bit.ly/4lH1a19 Career Currency: Building a Digital Presence that Opens Executive Doors: https://bit.ly/4mcVH1l The Power Audit: Building the Right Personal Board of Directors: https://bit.ly/48ncYS6 Winning the Access Game: https://bit.ly/4nAeMfe IT'S TIME TO SHOW UP WITH CONFIDENCE, MAKE AN IMPACT, AND MOVE THE BALL:

Rishee Jain is an engineer and an expert in the built environment – the manmade structures of modern life. The future, Jain says, will be a place where everyone has a safe, comfortable place to live and work, and the built environment adapts in real time to our needs. Jain is now exploring cool roofs that reflect heat to lower indoor temperatures and improve occupants' well-being. We once believed that humans bent infrastructure to our needs, but now we understand how infrastructure changes us, too, Jain tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering'sThe Future of Everything podcast.Have a question for Russ? Send it our way in writing or via voice memo, and it might be featured on an upcoming episode. Please introduce yourself, let us know where you're listening from, and share your question. You can send questions to thefutureofeverything@stanford.edu.Episode Reference Links:Stanford Profile: Rishee JainConnect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / FacebookChapters:(00:00:00) IntroductionRuss Altman introduces guest Rishee Jain, a professor of civil and environmental engineering at Stanford University.(00:03:50) Focus on Built Urban EnvironmentsRishee Jain shares how early hands-on projects inspired his career.(00:04:51) The Social DimensionWhy infrastructure must account for human behavior and social needs.(00:07:03) How Infrastructure Shapes UsExamples of sidewalks, bike lanes, and design choices influencing wellbeing.(00:09:11) Defining Urban FormDefining urban form as design across buildings, neighborhoods, and cities.(00:10:58) Decision-Makers at Every LevelHow policymakers, communities, and building owners shape design.(00:13:38) Dynamic InfrastructureThe shift from static infrastructure to adaptable, responsive systems.(00:15:19) Levers of ChangeUsing thermal and lighting design as key factors for wellbeing.(00:19:36) Climate & Extreme HeatThe impact of extreme heat on building design and vulnerable communities.(00:23:25) Measuring ImpactStudies using wearables to track the benefits of infrastructure interventions.(00:24:25) Community FeedbackThe optimistic research results on infrastructure interventions.(00:26:18) Retrofitting Old BuildingsChallenges in adapting existing infrastructure with minimal disruption.(00:31:12) Future in a MinuteRapid-fire Q&A: hope, infrastructure, research needs, and lessons from history.(00:33:01) Conclusion Connect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Will we die young & rich or live older & less rich? That is why Henk Ovink is formal: We will fail on climate change if we fail on water. Wanna know why? Listen to this! More #water insights? Connect with me on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antoinewalter1/

Connect with God — on Abide, a Christian meditation app that provides a biblically grounded place to experience peace and progress in your relationship with Christ. Use this biblical meditation, narrated by Tyler Boss, to center yourself on the truth in God's word. Are you receiving every blessing God already has given you? Discover in Deuteronomy 11:26-28 the key to being blessed. Allow the music & nature sounds, deep breathing, prayer, and scripture help you connect with God in a new way. For a 30 day free trial of our premium ad-free content, your trusted friend for meditation is right here: https://abide.com/peace Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Serving on a school board is not a glamorous position, but it's an important one that plays a big role in Native American students' success. Elected members of school boards make decisions ranging annual budgets to what's allowed in classroom lessons. They are also responsible for representing the community's values and interests. As such, individual board members are lightning rods for public criticism. We'll get a look at what school board members encounter on a daily basis and hear about a program designed to support Native school board participation. GUESTS Stacey Woolley (Choctaw), member on Tulsa Public Schools Board of Education Regina Yazzie (White Mountain Apache), member for the Theodore Roosevelt School Governing Board Michele Justice (Diné), owner of Personnel Security Consultants Dr. Chris Bonn, owner of Bonfire Leadership Solutions

This is Jon Fortt, CNBC journalist, co-host of Closing Bell Overtime, and creator and host of the Fortt Knox podcast. I'm stepping in to guest host a few episodes of Decoder this summer while he's out on parental leave, and I'm very excited for what we've been working on. For my first episode of Decoder, a show about how people make decisions, I wanted to talk to an expert. So I sat down with Cassie Kozyrkov, the CEO and founder of AI consultancy Kozyr and the former chief decision scientist at Google. Links:  Google's ‘chief decision scientist' explains why she left the company | Fortune What is Decision Science? | DataCamp (YouTube) Is It All About the Data? | DLD24 (YouTube) Cassie Kozyrkov on how AI can be a leadership partner | WorkLab Decision Intelligence with Cassie Kozyrkov | Google Cloud Platform Podcast Why AI and decision-making are two sides of the same coin | Cassie Kozyrkov Google's got a chief decision scientist. Here's what she does | Wired Credits: Decoder is a production of The Verge and part of the Vox Media Podcast Network. Our producers are Kate Cox and Nick Statt. Our editor is Ursa Wright.  The Decoder music is by Breakmaster Cylinder. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices