Podcasts about developing

174 Chris Egan - With Tayton Keezer This episode brings us a fresh perspective as Conservation Law student Tayton Keezer steps behind the mic to interview retired New Hampshire CO Chris Egan. What starts as a simple student-to-officer conversation turns into a mix of mentorship, hard truths, and wild field stories, as Tayton connects what he's learning in school to what the job really looks like in the field. Our Sponsors: Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet North American Game Warden Museum Hunt Regs WiseEye SecureIt Gun Storage XS Sights “A Cowboy in the Woods” Book Iron Skillet Seasonings Maine Operation Game Thief New Hampshire Operation Game Thief Conservation Officers of Pennsylvania North East Conservation Law Enforcement Chiefs Association International Wildlife Crimestoppers North American Wildlife Enforcement Officers Association Here's what we discuss:  Tayton stepping in as guest host and kicking things off with Chris  Chris' early love for the outdoors and where it came from  Growing up around hunting, fishing, and camp culture with family  “I think it's innate in every kid… it just needs to be fostered.”  Early influences from his dad and grandfather  Developing people skills at a young age by learning from others in the field  The importance of curiosity and asking questions  The best parts of the job, independence and building your own patrol days  “Patrolling woods and waters in an area that I love to be in”  Flexibility in choosing how to work, from boats to ATVs to foot patrol  Balancing independence with the structured nature of the role  Least favorite parts - including paperwork and detailed reporting  The reality that reports can become court evidence  The harder side of the job: fatalities, searches, and recoveries  “Those things don't go away… they're like a scar in your mind.”  How difficult calls can stay with you over time  Advice for young hunters and anglers entering the outdoors  Concerns about fewer kids spending time outside  “I just don't understand how you could be bored outside.”  The mental health benefits of being outdoors  The joy and meaning the outdoors brought to Chris' life  The balance of the job, rewarding one day and demanding the next  “Some days you shouldn't be getting paid… other days you should be getting paid 10 times.”  Early interactions with wardens and how they shape perception of the role  Field techniques and tricks learned from other officers  A case involving illegal exotic animals inside a residence  Walking into what felt like a zoo inside someone's home  A late-night Sasquatch call  “I had to respond to it without laughing.”  The risks of working in remote areas at night  A major poaching case involving a moose shot multiple times  The long investigation that went unsolved for years  A last-minute confession just before the statute of limitations expired  “I'm here to take responsibility for what I did.”  Accountability, personal change, and closure in that case  Chris' approach to enforcement, firm but fair  The importance of maintaining relationships in small communities  How those relationships can impact safety and future cases  Conservation officers as a voice for wildlife  Encouragement for the next generation entering the field  Reflecting on a career built on passion, responsibility, and respect Credits Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores Producer: Jay Ammann Warden's Watch logo & Design: Ashley Hannett Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Buddha taught a path of awakened living, but how does that manifest in today's world of constant connectivity and widespread suffering? How do we keep our hearts open without being defined or hardened by the pain that surrounds us, whether personal, collective, or historical? How do we navigate the paradox of holding both pain and joy, without mistaking suffering for punishment or personal failure? Can we infuse our compassion with wisdom and perspective to find the agency to take meaningful action in our communities? In her new series, Engaged Compassion, Sharon delves into these questions and more, engaging in candid conversations with a diverse group of teachers, activists, and changemakers. For the seventh episode in the series, Sharon's speaks with teacher Geshe Lobsang Tenzin Negi, marking his first appearance on the Metta Hour.Geshe Lobsang Tenzin Negi, PhD, is the cofounder and director of the Emory-Tibet Partnership, a multi-dimensional initiative founded in 1998 to bring together the foremost contributions of the Western scholastic tradition and the Tibetan Buddhist sciences of mind and healing. He is also professor of practice in Emory University's Department of Religion. In 2018, he launched, with the Dalai Lama, SEE Learning, a free compassion curriculum for children. Geshe Lobsang, a former monk, was born in Kinnaur, a small Himalayan kingdom adjoining Tibet. He began his monastic training at the Institute of Buddhist Dialectics and continued his education at Drepung Loseling Monastery in south India, where he received his Geshe Lharampa degree in 1994, the highest academic degree granted in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition.In this conversation, Geshe and Sharon speak about:• How Geshe grew up in the Himalayas • Becoming a monk at age 14 in 1974• Geshe and Sharon's first meeting • Center for Contemplative Science and Compassion-Based Ethics• Cognitively Based Compassion Training • What neuroscience says about compassion• Tania Singer's research work• Richie Davidson's discovery with neuroplasticity• The inner qualities that are actually skills• Putting compassion into real action• How discernment must guide compassion• Story of the starfish on the beach• How small acts of kindness affect others• Developing the inner disposition for kindness• Is compassion fatigue actually compassion?• The natural reciprocity of compassion • “Compassionomics” by Stephen Trzeciak• Why self-compassion is a struggle• Accepting the human condition• Drepung Loseling Monastery• H.H. Dalai Lama's SEE Learning ProgramAdditional ResourcesGeshe Lobsang closes out the conversation with a guided gratitude practice from his book, Engaged Compassion. Learn more about Geshe Lobsang's work right here. Get a copy of his new book right here and explore the SEE Learning Program right here.Help us celebrate 10 years of Be Here Now Network and support the next chapter of Ram Dass Here and Now. Gifts are matched dollar for dollar through June 30. Learn more and give at https://beherenownetwork.com/10years.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Drs. Milt Lowder and Drew Brannon explore one of the most challenging transitions in any organization: moving from individual contributor to leader. They discuss why success in a role doesn't always translate to success in leadership, the mindset shifts required to lead others well, and the common mistakes organizations make when promoting talent. Whether you're considering a leadership role or developing future leaders, this conversation offers practical insights on redefining success, serving a team, and leading with humility.

The Royal Bank of Canada CHRO explains how the bank's early AI investments are reshaping talent, leadership, and work. Also: RBC's strategic approach to integrating HSBC Bank Canada, redesigning entry-level roles, expanding college recruiting, balancing automation with relationship banking, and why human judgment remains a lasting competitive advantage.

Get Weekly Leadership Blueprints in your inbox: https://mailchi.mp/mcfaglobal/leadership-blueprints-newsletter Most firms send their project managers to a bootcamp once a year, hand them a certificate, and call it development. Anthony Fasano says that's not even close. PMs are running your client relationships, your budgets, your teams. They are CEOs of their projects. If you are not building them like CEOs, you are capping your own growth. Anthony just released Beyond PM Training, and his ecosystem approach is a wake up call for any firm that thinks a seminar is a strategy.In this episode, Anthony and BJ break down the four phases of real PM development, why 90 percent of firms cannot even tell you how many PMs they have, the abundance mindset most of the industry is missing, and the line BJ keeps coming back to. Systems beat seminars. If you run a firm or you are a PM trying to develop yourself, this one is the blueprint.Topics discussed:00:00 - Why PM development is the real growth lever02:33 - PM development is an ecosystem, not a class04:01 - The four phases of the development ecosystem05:07 - Why 90 percent of firms cannot even count their PMs06:18 - Why you have to assess PMs before you train them10:14 - Getting senior PMs speaking the same language17:14 - PMs have to advocate for themselves too19:10 - The abundance mindset that lifts the whole industry21:19 - Why systems beat seminars23:11 - How to micro dose PM developmentConnect with Anthony Fasano:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyjfasano/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EngineeringManagementInstitute/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/engineeringmanagementinstitute/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@engmgtinstituteX: https://x.com/EngMgtInstituteYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@EngineeringManagementWebsite:https://engineeringmanagementinstitute.org/Connect with BJ Kraemer:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bj-kraemer-9a0855b/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bj_kraemer/Website: https://mcfaglobal.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4bcvcAw0rigwymZCwZgfgN?si=45fc1e07c82742eeApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leadership-blueprints/id1561090224This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique: https://www.podcastboutique.com

These are clips highlighting some of the topics discussed in the full episode! Check it out if you want a bite-sized version of the full episode. Educator, stylist, and founder of DAP, Reagan Kaalekahi @longhairswagg, joins us on the podcast to share his journey from cutting hair in a garage as a young barber to becoming a respected educator in the beauty industry. Reagan dives into the power of in-person marketing, building authentic relationships, personal development, and the mindset shifts that help hairstylists create long-term success behind the chair. This Week's Topics: •  Reagan's journey from barbering to education •  Effective in-person marketing and client acquisition strategies •  Developing sales and communication skills behind the chair •  The DAP Framework: Development, Artistry & Performance •  Education opportunities for beauty school students and professionals •  Pricing strategies and understanding your value •  Managing rising product costs in today's industry •  Social media trends and changing client behavior   •  Personal development, mindset, and long-term career growth •  Lessons learned from hair horror stories and real-world experiences Video versions of our episodes are on our YouTube channel for you to watch! Subscribe to our channel The Hair Game on YouTube and check out 'The Hair Game Podcast' playlist. Our podcast thrives on the opinions of you, the listener... if you have a moment (and you are an Apple user), please leave us a rating & review on the Apple podcasts app or iTunes! Here's what you do: - Scroll down to 'Ratings & Reviews'  - Click on the empty purple stars (5 is the best)!  - Click on 'Write a Review' and let us know what you love most! Each rating & review helps us reach more and more of your fellow hair loves, and our goal is to help as many hairdressers as we can find success. Thanks in advance! FOLLOW US @thehairgamepodcast @salonrepublic @loveerictaylor   FOLLOW REAGAN: @longhairswagg DAP Skool: https://www.skool.com/dap-7685/about?ref=5c64dbe9469b4f99bb7463819f06eb78 High Impact Blonding | Cutting Made Simple: https://swagghousesalon.co/pages/high-impact-blonding-and-cutting-made-simple?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAdGRleASgOYtleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA8xMjQwMjQ1NzQyODc0MTQAAacQABKKbkCziYSOcC0v4_uWG0JE-gP9pg4NgSCJpknu8Upum_dFy3sPvLLMTQ_aem_X4BPDwngcfYlsAiI4a4Ntw

On this episode we were joined by special guest researcher Judd Kalkhoven from Western Sydney University! Developing a fundamental theoretical definition for athletic injury: metaphysics, logic, and mathematics Kalkhoven, JT Sports Med. 2026;56(6):1405-1431. doi:10.1007/s40279-026-02418-3 Due to copyright laws, unless the article is open source we cannot legally post the PDF on the website for the world to download at will. Brought to you by our sponsors at: CSMi – https://www.humacnorm.com/ptinquest VALD MoveHealth - https://movehealth.me/ Learn more about/purchase our courses: The Science PT | Dungeons & Dynamometers Support us on the Patreons! Music for PT Inquest: "The Science of Selling Yourself Short" by Less Than Jake Used by Permission Other Music by Kevin MacLeod – incompetech.com: MidRoll Promo – Mining by Moonlight Koal Challenge – Sam Roux  

How do you train and develop healthy deacons? In part two of this series, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss how pastors can equip deacons for effective ministry within their local churches. Rather than simply filling positions, churches should intentionally disciple servant leaders who understand the church’s mission, care well for people, and support the ministry of the local church. In this episode, you’ll discover: Why intentional deacon training is essential How to communicate your church’s vision and ministry philosophy Practical ways to equip deacons to shepherd, pray for, and encourage others in their service to the church Why trust and healthy communication help strengthen the pastor-deacon relationship How meaningful ministry responsibilities help deacons thrive

Is your brand's promise falling flat? In this episode, we reveal how today's buyers demand proof, not just words. Learn the secrets to closing the trust gap, building lasting credibility, and turning every touchpoint into a reason customers keep coming back!And don't forget! You can crush your marketing strategy with just a few minutes a week by signing up for the StrategyCast Newsletter. You'll receive weekly bursts of marketing tips, clips, resources, and a whole lot more. Visit https://strategycast.com/ for more details.==Let's Break It Down==06:04 Discussing the trust recession10:28 Trust beyond marketing's control15:25 Developing the trust architecture18:57 Introducing Big O Tires19:52 Building trust in the tire industry25:33 Building Trust through Consistency==Where You Can Find Us==Website: https://strategycast.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strategy_cast/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strategycast==Leave a Review==Hey there, StrategyCast fans!If you've found our tips and tricks on marketing strategies helpful in growing your business, we'd be thrilled if you could take a moment to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts. Your feedback not only supports us but also helps others discover how they can elevate their business game!

DMV Hoops Podcast – Episode 119

DMV Hoops Podcast – Episode 121

DMV Hoops Podcast – Episode 120

Tailgate Talks with Donald Forgione Episode Title: Leading From The Middle: The Art Of Managing Up Guest: Warren Poplin In this episode of Tailgate Talks, Donald Forgione and Warren Poplin tackle a topic suggested by a listener: Managing Up. What do you do when you are a passionate employee or mid-level manager who wants to move an organization forward, but your supervisor seems reluctant to make difficult decisions, lacks urgency, or struggles with leadership responsibilities? How can you influence positive change without creating conflict, threatening your supervisor, or damaging your career? Donald and Warren explore practical strategies for supporting leaders from below, building trust, increasing influence, and helping supervisors succeed while maintaining professionalism and respect. Topics Discussed What "managing up" really means Understanding the pressures your supervisor faces Why frustration alone rarely creates positive change Building credibility before offering solutions Learning to influence without appearing threatening The importance of timing, tact, and trust Becoming a problem solver instead of a problem identifier Helping supervisors make better decisions through information and preparation Recognizing when to push, when to pause, and when to adapt Maintaining professionalism when leadership falls short Developing leadership skills regardless of your position title How managing up can strengthen your career and your organization Key Takeaways Leadership is not limited to those with titles. Influence is earned through trust, competence, and consistency. Present solutions, not just problems. Help your supervisor succeed and your entire team benefits. Understand your supervisor's challenges before judging their decisions. Effective leaders learn to lead in every direction: down, across, and up. Quote from the Episode "You don't have to be the boss to make the organization better. Sometimes the most effective leadership comes from helping those above you succeed." Connect with Donald Forgione donald.forgione@gmail.com  Tailgate Talks Podcast Tailgate Talks with Donald Forgione About the Host Donald Forgione is a former Director of the Florida Park Service, leadership consultant, speaker, author, and host of Tailgate Talks. Through candid conversations and real-world experience, Donald shares practical leadership lessons for professionals in parks, recreation, conservation, and public service. Subscribe and Listen Tailgate Talks is available on major podcast platforms, including: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a colleague who is learning to lead from where they are.      

Educator, stylist, and founder of DAP, Reagan Kaalekahi @longhairswagg, joins us on the podcast to share his journey from cutting hair in a garage as a young barber to becoming a respected educator in the beauty industry. Reagan dives into the power of in-person marketing, building authentic relationships, personal development, and the mindset shifts that help hairstylists create long-term success behind the chair. This Week's Topics: •  Reagan's journey from barbering to education •  Effective in-person marketing and client acquisition strategies •  Developing sales and communication skills behind the chair •  The DAP Framework: Development, Artistry & Performance •  Education opportunities for beauty school students and professionals •  Pricing strategies and understanding your value •  Managing rising product costs in today's industry •  Social media trends and changing client behavior   •  Personal development, mindset, and long-term career growth •  Lessons learned from hair horror stories and real-world experiences Video versions of our episodes are on our YouTube channel for you to watch! Subscribe to our channel The Hair Game on YouTube and check out 'The Hair Game Podcast' playlist. Our podcast thrives on the opinions of you, the listener... if you have a moment (and you are an Apple user), please leave us a rating & review on the Apple podcasts app or iTunes! Here's what you do: - Scroll down to 'Ratings & Reviews'  - Click on the empty purple stars (5 is the best)!  - Click on 'Write a Review' and let us know what you love most! Each rating & review helps us reach more and more of your fellow hair loves, and our goal is to help as many hairdressers as we can find success. Thanks in advance! FOLLOW US @thehairgamepodcast @salonrepublic @loveerictaylor   FOLLOW REAGAN: @longhairswagg DAP Skool: https://www.skool.com/dap-7685/about?ref=5c64dbe9469b4f99bb7463819f06eb78 High Impact Blonding | Cutting Made Simple: https://swagghousesalon.co/pages/high-impact-blonding-and-cutting-made-simple?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAdGRleASgOYtleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA8xMjQwMjQ1NzQyODc0MTQAAacQABKKbkCziYSOcC0v4_uWG0JE-gP9pg4NgSCJpknu8Upum_dFy3sPvLLMTQ_aem_X4BPDwngcfYlsAiI4a4Ntw

What can small language models teach us that the largest AI models cannot? Kelly and Julian are joined by Microsoft Cloud Advocate Gwyneth Peña-Sigüenza to explore why working with small language models (SLMs) may be one of the best ways to understand AI. Rather than relying on increasingly capable models that hide complexity, Gwyneth argues that constraints build stronger fundamentals. From prompt engineering and context management to deployment and security, SLMs force learners to think more carefully about how AI actually works. The conversation extends beyond AI models into learning itself. Gwyneth shares her self-taught journey from growing up on a remote farm in Ecuador with limited internet access to becoming a Microsoft Cloud Advocate and creator of the Learn to Cloud platform. Along the way, the group discusses productive struggle, mentorship, cloud engineering, Python, security, and what educators should prioritize as AI becomes part of every student's learning experience. The episode closes with a thoughtful discussion about AI dependency, judgment, and whether we would actually flip the switch and turn AI off if given the choice. Show Notes Wins of the Week Gwyneth celebrates the New York Knicks reaching the NBA Finals after more than 50 years. Julian shares that he has accepted a new role as a Fractional CTO. Kelly reflects on taking her first real vacation in over a year—and how stepping away from work sparked unexpected ideas. Small Language Models Why SLMs are valuable teaching tools Learning prompt engineering through constraints Running models locally on everyday hardware When local AI makes sense for classrooms Understanding tokens, context windows, and model limitations Why bigger models can sometimes hide important lessons Learning Through Constraints Learning to drive in an old manual pickup truck as a metaphor for learning AI fundamentals Why difficult learning experiences often create lasting understanding Building strong habits before relying on more capable tools Consistency versus constantly chasing the newest resource Self-Taught Learning Growing up without reliable internet in rural Ecuador Downloading YouTube playlists to learn programming offline Developing discipline through limited access The value of repetition and focused practice Why mentorship accelerates learning Python Journey Transitioning from cloud engineering to Python advocacy Learning Python beyond scripting Discovering what "Pythonic" really means Wrestling with list comprehensions and other advanced syntax Favorite learning resources: Fluent Python Effective Python Learn to Cloud Building an open-source cloud engineering curriculum Hands-on labs and automated verification AI-assisted assessment Supporting self-taught learners around the world Creating accessible technical education Cloud, AI, and Security Deploying AI applications to the cloud Containers, virtual machines, and serverless deployments Why operations and security deserve more classroom attention Introducing secure development practices early The importance of authentication, secrets management, and responsible deployment Teaching in the AI Era Helping students understand how AI works instead of simply using it Why productive struggle still matters The changing role of educators Balancing AI assistance with independent thinking Preparing students for a future where AI is always available Final Thoughts AI dependency versus capability Judgment as the skill that matters most Human connection in an AI-driven world Would we actually turn AI off? Finding balance between technological progress and intentional learning

From Breaking News to Breaking Through: How Leaders Master Storytelling and Presence. In this enlightening episode of the Developing the Leader Within Podcast, we welcome Eileen Frere, a former Canadian radio journalist turned journalism professor and media coach. With over two decades of experience in storytelling and breaking news, Eileen shares her insights on how leaders can master the art of storytelling and presence to communicate effectively in any setting.

Kellen Sampson joins the JAMODI Podcast for a deep dive into championship culture, player development, coaching philosophy, leadership, and the principles that have helped build one of the most successful programs in college basketball at the University of Houston.In this conversation, Coach Sampson shares lessons learned from growing up around the game, working alongside legendary coach Kelvin Sampson, developing elite defensive teams, simplifying coaching, building player confidence, and creating an environment where accountability and relationships thrive.From offensive rebounding and defensive identity to player development and leadership, this episode is packed with practical wisdom for coaches at every level.

Interview Date: June 14th, 2026Episode Summary:In this episode, Julian Mireles shares his unconventional journey into dance, beginning with a background in martial arts and overcoming early physical limitations. Starting later than most, Julian developed a deep curiosity for movement, leading him to study anatomy, biomechanics, and performance science to accelerate his growth and prevent injury.Julian breaks down how his personal struggles shaped the creation of the BodyTech Method—a system built on the belief that strength must come before flexibility. He dives into the gaps within traditional dance training, emphasizing the importance of stability, alignment, and long-term dancer health. Through trial, rejection, and persistence, he transformed his knowledge into a globally recognized training system used by dancers and athletes worldwide.Beyond technique, the conversation explores entrepreneurship, scaling a business, and building authority in a competitive industry. Julian shares insights on mindset, resilience, and creating opportunities, leaving dancers with actionable advice on how to build sustainable, long-term careers both on and off the stage.Shownotes:0:01 – Introduction and unconventional start in dance3:28 – Starting late and accelerating development5:34 – Learning anatomy to improve performance6:14 – Pandemic pivot to online training platform7:41 – Turning setbacks into scalable opportunities9:00 – Building a business independently11:33 – Facing rejection and proving credibility14:20 – Leveraging relationships for growth19:27 – Developing long-term vision and mindset24:45 – Positioning within the dance industry30:05 – Gaps in traditional dancer training36:15 – Shifting from dancer to entrepreneur42:10 – Building authority and industry trust48:50 – Systems for sustainable growth1:02:45 – Final reflections on discipline and successBiography:Julian Mireles is a flexibility, strength, and biomechanics specialist, entrepreneur, and educator, best known as the founder of Bodybreaker Corp and creator of the BodyTech Method. With over 20 years of experience in dance and athletic training, he has built a global reputation for redefining flexibility through strength, stability, and functional movement.His method integrates anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and injury prevention to help dancers and athletes improve performance safely. Developed through years of research and experience, his system includes over 1,700 exercises targeting flexibility, mobility, turnout, jump mechanics, and overall body control.Through private coaching, studio intensives, teacher education, and online platforms, Julian has trained thousands of dancers worldwide. His students have earned top scholarships, titles, and industry recognition. Rooted in his philosophy, “strength creates safe flexibility,” his work focuses on longevity, measurable progress, and building resilient, high-performing bodies.Based in Miami, he continues to expand the BodyTech Method globally while educating the next generation of dancers and athletes.Connect on Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bodytechmethod/?hl=en

We like to think we make rational financial decisions, but the reality is our spending habits are heavily driven by weird, internal cognitive biases. Today, we unpack the completely subjective psychology of how we value money, from price anchoring to mental accounting. By exploring our own financial quirks—like happily splurging on vacation while refusing to buy a $25 airport muffin—we uncover how to align our habits with our true values. Developing a personal spending philosophy empowers you to stop sweating the small stuff and confidently put your dollars where they bring the most joy.Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/168-from-25-airport-muffins-to-12-underwear-the-weird-irrational-psychology-of-how-we-spend/

How do you know whether something is actually true—or whether it just feels right?Every day, culture, emotions, experiences, and opinions compete to shape the way we see God, ourselves, and the world around us. In this message, Pastor Adam Haugen shares how to develop a truth filter that helps you recognize deception, make wiser decisions, and build your life on something unchanging. Discover how Scripture, the larger story of redemption, and your identity in Christ can help you see clearly today—before regret teaches you tomorrow.

In this episode of The IT Experts Podcast, we explore one of the most powerful leadership skills any MSP owner can develop: self-awareness. While many business conversations focus on strategy, sales, systems, and growth, this discussion takes a different path. I am joined by leadership coach Julie Hutchison and Managing Director of Mark1 IT Mark Stevens to unpack how self-awareness impacts you, your team, and ultimately the success of your business.     The conversation begins with Mark sharing his own leadership journey and the challenges he experienced as his business grew. Like many MSP owners, he found himself frustrated when team members did not perform in the way he expected. He wanted people to move at the same speed, think in the same way, and approach challenges with the same intensity. Over time, that created pressure, frustration, and a growing disconnect between what he wanted from his team and what they were able to deliver.     What makes this episode particularly valuable is Mark's honesty. Rather than focusing on what was wrong with his team, he reflects on what he discovered about himself. Through coaching, reflection, and experience, he began to understand that many of the challenges within the business were connected to the way he was showing up as a leader. This realisation became the starting point for meaningful change.     Julie explains that self awareness is not simply about understanding your personality. It is about recognising the impact your behaviour has on other people. Every leader influences the confidence, motivation, and performance of their team. When leaders become more aware of how they communicate, react under pressure, and set expectations, they create an environment where people can thrive.     A key moment in the discussion centres around behavioural profiling and understanding different communication styles. Mark shares how learning about his DISC profile helped him recognise that not everyone thinks, works, or processes information in the same way. What felt obvious and straightforward to him often felt overwhelming or unclear to others. Developing greater self-awareness allowed him to adapt his communication and lead people more effectively.     The conversation also explores the relationship between self-awareness and emotional intelligence. Mark talks openly about recognising the impact of stress, fatigue, and even lifestyle choices on the way he interacted with his team. Rather than allowing frustration to dictate his behaviour, he learned to pause, reflect, and respond more intentionally. This shift created stronger relationships and helped build trust throughout the business.     One of the most powerful themes throughout the episode is the idea that leadership starts with personal responsibility. It is easy to blame team members when results are not where you want them to be. It takes courage to hold up the mirror and ask what role you might be playing in the situation. Julie introduces the concept of "Can't, Won't, Don't", a framework that helps leaders understand whether team members lack capability, confidence, motivation, or clarity. Instead of assuming people are underperforming, leaders are encouraged to become curious and seek understanding.     As self-awareness increases, leaders become better equipped to identify the real barriers holding their teams back. They stop reacting emotionally and start creating conditions where people can succeed. This leads to improved communication, stronger accountability, and greater engagement across the organisation.     Mark also shares how greater self-awareness transformed the culture inside Mark1 IT. What was once a source of frustration became a business environment he genuinely enjoys. Team members became more confident. Conversations became more productive. The business became more structured and aligned. Most importantly, people started taking ownership and making decisions with confidence.     The discussion highlights another important lesson for MSP owners. Self-awareness is not a destination. It is an ongoing process. Every stage of business growth brings new challenges, new responsibilities, and new opportunities for personal development. The leaders who continue to learn, reflect, and adapt are the ones who create sustainable success for themselves and their teams.     Throughout the episode, Ian, Julie, and Mark remind us that people are the most valuable asset in any business. Systems, technology, and processes all matter. Yet the way leaders think, behave, and communicate has a profound impact on everything else. When leaders invest in their own growth, they create ripple effects that influence culture, performance, and long-term business results.     If you have ever found yourself frustrated with your team, questioning why people are not taking ownership, or wondering why progress feels slower than it should, this episode offers a valuable perspective. It provides practical insights, honest reflections, and powerful reminders that leadership begins with understanding yourself first.     Self-awareness creates clarity. Clarity builds confidence. Confidence helps people perform at their best. When leaders embrace that journey, they create stronger businesses and more fulfilling places to work.    Connect with Mark Stevens through LinkedIn and his website.    Make sure to check out our Ultimate MSP Growth Guide, a free guide that walks you through a proven process to take your MSP from stuck to scalable, without working even more hours. It's 44 pages rammed with advice, insights and inspiration to help you decide what support is available to you now if you want to grow and scale your business. Click HERE to get your copy.    Connect on LinkedIn HERE with Ian and also with Stuart by clicking this LINK    And when you're ready to take the next step in growing your MSP, come and take the Scale with Confidence MSP Mastery Quiz. In just three minutes, you'll get a 360-degree scan of your MSP and identify the one or two tactics that could help you find more time, engage & align your people and generate more leads.    If you're serious about growth and want to explore what this could look like for your MSP, you can book a Right Fit Clarity Call with us HERE.  OR   To join our amazing Facebook Group of over 400 MSPs where we are helping you Scale Up with Confidence, then click HERE  Until next time, look after yourself and I'll catch up with you soon!   

Teaching Counselling – A New Career Path? - The Reality of Self-Employment in Counselling In Episode 380 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, your hosts Rory Lees-Oakes and Ken Kelly take us through this week's three topics: Firstly, in ‘Ethical, Sustainable Practice', they explore AI and regulation in counselling practice - looking at the current regulatory landscape, ethical responsibilities, and what practitioners need to consider when using AI tools. Then in ‘Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Sarah Henry about teaching counselling as a potential career path - exploring the transition from practitioner to educator and the skills required to support future counsellors. And finally, in ‘Student Services', Rory and Ken discuss the reality of self-employment in counselling - examining what it takes to build and sustain a private practice as a business. AI and Regulation in Counselling Practice [starts at 03:13 mins] In this section, Rory and Ken explore AI and regulation in counselling practice, examining the developing regulatory landscape surrounding AI in counselling and psychotherapy, and what ethical practitioners need to consider before integrating AI tools into their work. Key points discussed include: AI tools sit within a practitioner's professional responsibility - counsellors remain accountable for how these tools are used in practice. The UK regulatory landscape includes medical device regulation, UK GDPR, data protection legislation, professional ethics, and evidential standards. Practitioners should carefully review what data an AI tool collects, where it is stored, how it is used, and whether clients have provided informed consent. The Shared AI Charter for counselling and psychotherapy organisations emphasises client-centred ethics, transparency, human connection, equality, and ongoing evaluation. NICE is increasingly evaluating digital health technologies, encouraging practitioners to look for independent evidence supporting any AI tool they use. Key considerations include purpose, evidence, data protection, consent, bias, impact on the therapeutic relationship, and accountability if something goes wrong. Teaching Counselling – A New Career Path? [starts at 33:41 mins] In this week's ‘Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Sarah Henry about what counsellors should consider if they are thinking about moving into teaching and counselling education. Key points from this conversation include: Becoming a counselling tutor requires a shift from the role of practitioner to educator, with teaching skills being just as important as counselling knowledge. Formal teaching qualifications and experience of educational practice provide an important foundation for effective counselling education. Counselling tutors carry significant emotional labour as they support learners through personal and professional development. Maintaining appropriate boundaries is essential, balancing relational teaching with the responsibility to assess students against required standards. Tutors bring counselling theory to life by integrating real-world clinical experience and helping students connect learning with practice. Effective educators model professionalism, authenticity, and ethical practice while encouraging students to develop their own therapeutic identity. The Reality of Self-Employment in Counselling [starts at 01:01:26 mins] In this section, Rory and Ken discuss what counsellors need to understand about running a private practice and why counselling skills alone are not enough to sustain a successful business. Key points include: Private practice is fundamentally self-employment and requires business knowledge alongside counselling competence. Counselling fees must cover much more than client sessions, including supervision, CPD, insurance, administration, room hire, taxes, holidays, and other business costs. Developing business skills such as marketing, networking, budgeting, and client acquisition is crucial for long-term sustainability. Many practitioners benefit from a portfolio career, combining counselling with teaching, supervision, consultancy, or related work. Building a successful practice takes time, patience, and consistent effort, with referrals and professional networks often becoming important sources of clients. Surrounding yourself with positive, experienced practitioners rather than pessimistic voices can help build confidence and support professional growth. Links and Resources Counselling Skills Academy Advanced Certificate in Counselling Supervision Basic Counselling Skills: A Student Guide Counsellor CPD Counselling Study Resource Counselling Theory in Practice: A Student Guide Counselling Tutor Training and CPD Facebook group Website Online and Telephone Counselling: A Practitioner's Guide Online and Telephone Counselling Course

“AI companies are taking advantage of our natural tendency to ascribe an inner life to our interlocutors. They profit when you think the chatbot cares.” — Kate O'Neill If we don't like someone, we call them a fascist. And if we like them, we say they are a humanist. The F and H words. Both meaningless in our sloppy, bot-infested age. But maybe I'm just a cranky anti-humanist. Even anti-human — whatever that means. Or maybe I'm being harsh (moi?). Humanism certainly is all the rage in our AI age. Corporate consultant Kate O'Neill likes the word so much that she has built her brand around it. The self-styled “Tech Humanist” is the author of Tech Humanist, the host of the Tech Humanist Show, and a frequent speaker on the TED circuit. So how to use the H word without sounding like Claude or ChatGPT? O'Neill argues that what makes us human is our quest for meaning. The M word. That's what distinguishes us from the bots. But as Kazuo Ishiguro warns in Klara and the Sun, we are fast arriving at a point when the bots are better than us at extracting meaning from the world. So did Kate O'Neill pass the Keen Test (reverse of Turing)? Did the Tech Humanist say anything that would have eluded Claude? Or have we already arrived at Ishiguro's bleak terminus where the bots are more skilled at infusing the H word with meaning than we are? Five Takeaways •       What Is Tech Humanism? Aligning Business and Human Outcomes: O'Neill's definition: technology shapes human experiences at scale, and it does so almost always in service of a business objective that is accelerating its advance. The purpose of tech humanism is to find the business objectives that need to be met and align them with human outcomes that are rewarding and fulfilling for people. This means using technology to amplify the alignment between business and human outcomes — rather than simply making the business more successful. It is, she acknowledges, not the habit of most business leaders. But it is a habit that can be developed. •       You Sound Like a Bot: Andrew's Challenge: Andrew's opening challenge: O'Neill sounds exactly like a well-prompted language model. She uses the h word (humanism) and the m word (meaning). What is she saying that Claude couldn't say? O'Neill's answer: meaning is not a word but a phenomenon. It is what emerges from the combination of embodied sensory experience and language — the way humans encode meaningful experiences with language in their brains. As far as we know, this is a uniquely human capability. Machines process information statistically. Humans process it meaningfully. That distinction is, she argues, precisely the gap that matters. •       AI Companies Profit When You Think the Chatbot Cares: O'Neill's sharpest observation: we are constituted to look for inner life in the things we interact with. We give nicknames to our cars and talk to our toasters. At this early stage of interacting with large language models, it is entirely natural to assume there is a consciousness on the other side. The problem: AI companies are actively taking advantage of that natural tendency. They profit from it. The more people believe the chatbot genuinely understands them, the more they use it. That manipulation is real and it is working. Developing critical thinking about AI interactions is, O'Neill argues, now a form of self-defence. •       The Intersection of Meaning and Scale: O'Neill's key contribution to the tech humanism conversation: the problem with technology is not technology itself but the scale at which it operates. A single interaction with a biased algorithm is annoying. A billion such interactions, aggregated and accelerated by a business objective, reshapes society. The tech humanist's job is to ensure that when we deploy technology at scale, the outcomes remain aligned with human meaning rather than with the extraction of human attention. This, she says, is both a business problem and a civilisational one. The two are, in her view, inseparable. •       A Message to 2126: What We Valued About Ourselves: Andrew asks O'Neill: it is 2126. Humans and machines are indistinguishable. What do you say to whoever is listening? O'Neill's answer: hello from the past. What we valued about ourselves was our ability to understand each other — intellectually, emotionally, sympathetically, empathetically. We could come into our interactions by holding space for what the other person feels and cares about. And we could, even when we disagreed, create more shared understanding by virtue of having the conversation. That is a beautiful thing, she says, whether we are distinctly human and distinctly machine or increasingly a blend of both. About the Guest Kate O'Neill is founder and CEO of KO Insights and is widely known as “the Tech Humanist.” She was one of the first 100 employees at Netflix and has held roles at Toshiba and founded the analytics firm [meta]marketer. She is named to the Thinkers50 global ranking of top management thinkers. She is the author of What Matters Next: A Leader's Guide to Making Human-Friendly Tech Decisions in a World That's Moving Too Fast (Wiley, January 2025), Tech Humanist (2018), A Future So Bright (2021), and Pixels and Place (2016). She advises Google, IBM, Microsoft, the United Nations, Harvard, and Yale. She hosts The Tech Humanist Show on YouTube. References: •       What Matters Next: A Leader's Guide to Making Human-Friendly Tech Decisions in a World That's Moving Too Fast by Kate O'Neill (Wiley, January 2025). •       Kazuo Ishiguro, Klara and the Sun (2021) — the novel discussed in the conversation's closing section. •       Victoria Hetherington, The Friend Machine — referenced by Andrew in the conversation on AI companionship. About Keen On America Nobody asks more awkward questions than the Anglo-American writer and filmmaker Andrew Keen. In Keen On America, Andrew brings his pointed Transatlantic wit to making sense of the United States — hosting daily interviews about the history and future of this now venerable Republic. With nearly 3,000 episodes since the show launched on TechCrunch in 2010, Keen On America is the most prolific intellectual interview show in the history of podcasting. WebsiteSubstackYouTube

Bob Zimmerman. Bob Zimmerman introduces Dawn Aerospace, a company developing reusable suborbital space planes. Having raised $25 million, they aim to challenge industry giants like Blue Origin by making space tourism more routine and cost-effective.FEB 1955

Building a great kids martial arts program requires more than one talented instructor. It requires systems, structure, and a deep bench of coaches who are prepared to deliver a consistent experience every day. In this episode of the Black Belt Business Podcast, Eliot Marshall sits down with Easton Kids Program Director Jordan Shipman to break down why coach-to-student ratios matter, how a lack of bench strength impacts retention, and why many schools mistakenly blame outside factors for declining programs instead of addressing internal problems. Eliot and Jordan also dive into Easton's process for recruiting, onboarding, and developing kids coaches, including the systems, training courses, and standards that help maintain consistency across multiple academies. They discuss the importance of always staying ahead of growth, creating a pipeline of future instructors, and ensuring every coach understands class structure, training philosophy, safety protocols, and student development. Whether you're struggling to find instructors, looking to improve your kids program, or trying to scale your academy without sacrificing quality, this episode provides a practical blueprint for building a stronger team and a better student experience. Watch or listen to the full podcast on our blog:  https://www.easton.online/blog/ Visit https://www.easton.online to sign up for our mailing list!

On this episode of the Samson Strength Coach Collective, we sit down with Kainon Clark, Associate Director of Football Performance at Washington State University. Kainon reflects on his path through the strength and conditioning profession, highlighting how experiences at multiple programs helped shape his coaching philosophy and approach to athlete development.Throughout the conversation, Kainon discusses the importance of moving outside your comfort zone to gain new perspectives, balancing sports science with traditional coaching principles, and tailoring training to meet the unique demands of football positions. He also shares valuable lessons learned from working alongside respected leaders in the profession and explains why relationships remain one of the most important aspects of long-term success in coaching.Key TakeawaysMoving between programs can accelerate growth and broaden coaching perspectives.Developing your own coaching philosophy requires exposure to multiple environments and mentors.Effective football training balances sports science data with practical coaching experience.Position-specific demands should influence program design and athlete development strategies.Strong relationships and mentorship opportunities are critical for career advancement.Building connections within the profession creates lasting opportunities and support systems.Quote"Realizing how small this industry is, but also the fun, beneficial connections that you don't realize you get to run into. It's always fun, but it connects you as a staff." — Kainon Clark

Making CAR-T cells from donor bone marrow already used to treat someone's cancer helped rein in cancer recurrence, a new study shows. Kimmel Cancer Center director William Nelson at Johns Hopkins says this is one more place where an expansion … Can a new method for developing CAR-T cells to treat cancer be expanded? Elizabeth Tracey reports Read More »

Preview for Later Today: Bruce Nichols reveals the entrepreneurial side of Henry David Thoreau, who significantly improved his family's pencil-making business. By researching German techniques and developing better graphite-boring methods, Thoreau created market-leading pencils. Despite his technical ingenuity, he eventually turned away from commerce toward a life of contemplation and letters at Walden.

Most organizations have the systems. They have the processes, the KPIs, the structured meetings, the strategic plans. And they are still stuck. Norman Wolfe has spent decades helping leadership teams understand why, and the answer keeps coming back to something the org chart cannot capture. The beliefs, priorities, and unspoken assumptions that shape how departments actually behave are running the show, often invisibly. In this episode you’ll learn: Why a quote about paradigms became the lens for Norman’s entire career (3:03) Why strong systems alone are not enough to fix execution problems (11:39) How departments behave like people and why that changes everything (15:00) What it actually looks like to surface and resolve a context conflict between departments (19:21) Three lenses leaders can use to see what is really blocking performance (24:50) What Norman would tell his younger self about building a lasting career (28:19) Why developing organizational maturity matters as much as optimizing processes (30:33) “Change the paradigm and what was difficult and almost impossible in one becomes easy and simple in another.” – Norman Wolfe Keep Learning If the gap between your organization’s systems and its actual execution sounds familiar, the School of Leadership can help you build the skills to work on both the visible and invisible forces shaping your team’s behavior. Learn More About School of Leadership at gembaacademy.com/leadership Podcast Resources Norman on LinkedIn Norman’s Website Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Stay current on new courses, podcast episodes, and continuous improvement resources. Sign up for the Gemba Academy newsletter at gembaacademy.com/news What Do You Think? When you look at the persistent friction between departments in your organization, does it look more like a process problem or a context problem?

What if your greatest creative gift is seeing what others overlook? In this inspiring episode of The Motivatarian Exchange, I sit down with Kelly Huskins, artist, entrepreneur, YouTube creator, and the creative force behind Whimsykel Designs, a decoupage paper brand known for bold storytelling, expressive color, and imaginative designs that help artists transform ordinary pieces into meaningful works of art. Kelly's creative journey has taken her through stained glass, faux finishing, upholstery, interior decorating, painted furniture, product development, subscription boxes, retail partnerships, and even launching her own paint brand. But what struck me most about our conversation wasn't simply what she's built. It was how she learned to heal. Together, we talk about: ✨ Creativity as a pathway through difficult seasons ✨ Learning to embrace your feelings instead of avoiding them ✨ Painting, walking, creating, and processing grief ✨ Trusting your creative instincts ✨ Why rules aren't always necessary for innovation ✨ Developing your unique artistic voice ✨ Seeing beauty and possibility where others don't Kelly shares how creativity became a companion through challenging moments and how making, creating, and even crafting "ugly dolls" helped her process emotions and move forward. As the founder of Whimsykel Designs, she continues to encourage artists to trust themselves, embrace curiosity, and fully step into their creative voice. Whether you're an artist, entrepreneur, maker, designer, or someone navigating a difficult season, this conversation is a beautiful reminder that creativity isn't just about what we make. Sometimes it's about how we heal. Listen now and discover the power of trusting your vision. Whether she's creating magical animals, moody florals, vintage-inspired pieces, or emotionally driven collections tied to personal stories, Kelly believes creativity is about far more than making something beautiful. Through her work, she encourages others to embrace curiosity, trust their instincts, and fully step into their own creative voice. Upcoming Events: New Design Launch coming mid-July Fun Facts: When Kelly isn't creating, there's a good chance she's disappearing down a tech rabbit hole looking for new ways to bring ideas to life. Website Whimsykel Designs Facebook WhimsyKel Designs Instagram Whimsykel Designs- Digital Art - Decoupage Paper Brand (@whimsykel) • Instagram profile YouTube Email: whimsykel@gmail.com

In this episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast, host Josh Hadley explains why he's intentionally working less in his ecommerce business and aims to "fire himself" within 18 months. Rather than stepping away, Josh is building a self-sustaining business by implementing five key strategies: delegating decisions to capable team members, developing leadership through extreme ownership principles, investing in his leaders' personal and professional growth, implementing scorecards focused on leading KPIs, and documenting his decision-making processes to eventually create an AI system that replicates his judgment, freeing him to focus on higher-level opportunities.Bullet Points:Transitioning from hands-on involvement to a more strategic role in the ecommerce business.The goal of "firing himself" from daily operations within 18 months.Importance of delegating tasks and decision-making to team members.Developing leadership skills and promoting a culture of extreme ownership among team members.Investing in the personal and professional growth of leaders through coaching and mastermind groups.Implementing scorecards and focusing on leading indicators for performance measurement.Documenting processes and decision-making criteria to empower the team and reduce reliance on the founder.Leveraging AI to replicate decision-making processes and enhance operational efficiency.Creating systems that allow the business to operate independently of the founder's direct involvement.Building a resilient and autonomous organization that can scale sustainably.Timestamps:00:00:00 Introduction: Working Less to Grow MoreJosh Hadley explains his goal to "fire himself" from his business within 18 months by building systems and empowering his team.00:01:50 Strategy 1: Do Less, Delegate MoreFocus on delegating tasks and decision-making authority to capable team members, even if you can do the work yourself.00:04:11 Strategy 2: Develop Leadership and Decision-MakingTeach your team principles like extreme ownership and allow them to make mistakes, which is a crucial part of learning.00:07:42 Strategy 3: Invest Heavily in Your LeadersInvest in your leaders' growth through masterminds and coaching, which boosts their skills and acts as a powerful retention strategy.00:10:22 Strategy 4: Implement Scorecards and Leading IndicatorsFocus on leading indicators (KPIs) for each team member to proactively measure progress and ensure clarity on roles and responsibilities.00:14:11 Strategy 5: Document Your JudgmentRecord your decision-making processes using tools like Loom to extract your judgment and create systems others can follow, ultimately cloning yourself.Links and Mentions:Books"Extreme Ownership": "00:04:38"Tools for Documentation"Loom": "00:14:37"Transcript:Josh Hadley 00:00:00  I'm going to share with you why I'm working less in my business today than I was last year and the year before that. And why? Ultimately, I'm trying to fire myself from the business in the next 18 months. Welcome to the Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast. I'm Josh Hadley. I've scaled my own ecommerce brand from 0 to 8 figures, and I'm actively building towards nine figures in sales. This podcast is where I document that journey and share the systems, the strategies, and the lessons learned in real time so that you can learn what actually matters and scale your own business. My name is Josh Hadley. First and foremost, I'm a man of faith. I'm a husband to a beautiful wife and a father of four children. I've been selling in the e-commerce space for over a decade now, doing over $20 million in annual revenue and selling multi-millionaire on Amazon, TikTok, shop and Shopify. And last but not least, I'm the host of the number one business strategy podcast in the E-com space, and that is E-com breakthrough.Josh Hadley 00:00:54  Today, I want to dive into why I'm working less in the business today than I was a year ago, and why I'm ultimately trying to fire myself from the business 18 months from now, and the specific action items that I'm taking inside of the business, to be able to get to a point where I'm able to fire myself as the CEO of the brand. Now, you may be listening to that and thinking like, why in the world are you trying to, like, fire yourself? Like, are you no longer interested in this business? I've never been more bullish in optimistic about my brand than ever before, to be honest with you, I'm more excited about what the future looks like for the business than I have ever been in the past, and that's the and the reason why I am more excited about the future of the business is because of the focus that I have had to replace myself in the business and focus on putting smarter people around me inside the business than just myself. So I want to share with you five different things I am focused on inside of my business.Josh Hadley 00:01:50  To ultimately fire myself and work less and less inside of the business within the next 18 months. So let's start with number one. I am doing less work, even though I am more than capable of doing the work inside of the business. Let's take this for an example. Can I go make a decision about how much inventory we need to purchase for the next, you know, back to school season or for the next, you know, holiday Q4 season? I most certainly can. I could certainly make that call. I've got a decade of experience selling. I know my brand. I know the peaks and valleys, and I know the mistakes that I've made in the past. However, what I am adamantly focused on, and especially if there's something simple that I could do in the business, like, let's take this as a really good use case on Amazon. You have like there's the forms that you have to register for it to be like, hey, this is a woman owned business or a minority owned business, or to register for trademarks and things like that.Josh Hadley 00:02:45  Typically you would say, hey, the CEO should be responsible for that. That's confidential information. But for me, can I easily go do that? Yes, I can, but the way I approach it is, I say, number one, the people at Nike, like most certainly there's not one guy that is going around to me like, oh, sorry, this is too confidential. I have to do this myself and hording all of that information. So how does it work with the largest corporations? Number one, they're delegating authority to others. And so my biggest thing that I have been focused on is asking myself the question before I do any task inside of the business, whether it's inventory, planning decisions or it's as simple as like a trademark related decision, I am going to ask myself and say, can somebody else make this call? And if so, I'm going to let them make the call, and then I'm going to coach them afterwards. And ultimately, I want to ensure that this person has at least been familiar enough with the process.Josh Hadley 00:03:41  Like they're not brand new. They didn't just start yesterday and they're walking into it blind. What I'm referring to is, you know, the supply chain team members that that have been here in the business for the past 3 or 4 years, instead of continuing down this path of like, needing my approval or my final blessing. I'm pushing more onto them to say, no, you can go do this. You can go make this call. You can go get this data piece. I want you to be the final owner of that. So that's number one. Ask yourself the question before you ever fire off that next email or go solve the next problem in your business. Could that be better done by somebody else? Number two, the second way that I'm trying to fi...

Airey Bros Radio Episode 462 welcomes New Mexico Highlands University Head Wrestling Coach Chris Freije.A former NCAA Division II National Finalist and RMAC Champion, Coach Freije joins us to discuss his wrestling journey from Arizona to Western Colorado, his coaching stops across NCAA Division II, NAIA, and NJCAA wrestling, and his vision for building New Mexico Highlands into a national contender. Coach Freije shares lessons learned from coaching at programs across the country, the importance of culture and family within a wrestling program, recruiting overlooked talent, developing NCAA All-Americans, and what makes Las Vegas, New Mexico a unique destination for student-athletes.We also discuss Ivan Smith's All-American season, the future of Cowboys Wrestling, the transfer portal, recruiting philosophy, academic excellence, and how New Mexico Highlands is positioning itself for success in the highly competitive Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC).Whether you're a wrestler, coach, recruit, parent, or college wrestling fan, this episode offers valuable insight into NCAA Division II wrestling, athlete development, and building a championship culture.

Michael Smith—Managing Partner and Founder, Emerald Advisors Michael Smith shares how a client-first philosophy, niche specialization, and independence helped Emerald Advisors grow from $385mm to more than $1B in assets. In Summary What happens when an advisor builds a business around client service rather than operational efficiency? Jason Diamond speaks with Michael Smith, Founder and Managing Partner of Emerald Advisors, about the path from a successful Merrill practice to an independent RIA that has grown from approximately $385mm to more than $1B in assets. Along the way, Michael shares the story of being told he was “overservicing” clients, why that moment became a catalyst for independence, and how a highly specialized service model fueled the firm's growth. Drawing on lessons from a 24-year Navy career, Michael offers a perspective on leadership, specialization, client care, and what it takes to build a durable business in today's wealth management landscape. The Storyline Growth is often viewed as the result of marketing, referrals, acquisitions, or scale. Michael Smith sees it differently. After building a successful practice at Merrill, Michael found himself at odds with the constraints of the traditional wirehouse model. What ultimately stood out wasn't compensation, technology, or platform capabilities. It was a philosophical difference around client service. When he was told he was spending too much time helping clients navigate tax planning, equity compensation, and other financial decisions outside the traditional scope of investment management, he began to question whether the model aligned with the way he wanted to serve families. That realization eventually led him to launch Emerald Advisors in late 2019. The firm started with roughly 85 clients and approximately $385mm in assets. Today, Emerald serves more than 225 families and oversees more than $1B in assets. Throughout the conversation, Michael reflects on the lessons learned from building an independent firm, developing a niche around concentrated stock positions and executive compensation, navigating custodial and technology decisions, and creating a culture rooted in accountability and service. Underlying it all is a simple belief: when firms become highly intentional about who they serve and how they serve them, growth often becomes the outcome rather than the objective. Topics Covered Merrill breakaways and independence Client service as a growth driver Building an RIA RIA growth and scalability Organic growth strategies Concentrated stock positions and equity compensation planning Ideal client personas and niche specialization Schwab and Fidelity custody relationships Advisor succession and enterprise value Navy leadership principles in wealth management The rise of mega RIAs Advisor technology and infrastructure > Download a transcript of this episode… Listen and Learn Highlights for Advisors Why did being accused of “overservicing” clients become a turning point? (08:15)Michael explains how a conversation with management revealed a deeper misalignment between his client-service philosophy and the wirehouse model. What does client service look like beyond portfolio management? (11:30)The discussion explores how tax planning, equity compensation guidance, and proactive coordination can deepen client relationships. Why can specialization accelerate growth? (15:45)Michael shares why serving a defined niche often creates stronger referrals, greater expertise, and clearer positioning. How has the RIA landscape evolved since 2019? (20:30)Michael reflects on the rise of mega RIAs, changing technology capabilities, and why he believes independent firms still have significant advantages. What role do custodians really play in an independent business? (23:15)Michael discusses his experience working with Schwab and Fidelity and why he views custodians as strategic partners rather than competitors. Is the wirehouse model still the right fit for some advisors? (26:45)The conversation challenges the assumption that independence is the best path for everyone and explores the realities of running a business. Does reaching $1 billion in assets actually change anything? (32:45)Michael offers a practical perspective on growth, success, and why asset milestones can be misleading. What can advisors learn from the “steamboat” philosophy? (37:15)Drawing on his Navy experience, Michael shares a leadership framework that continues to shape how he approaches business building and decision-making. Key Takeaways Exceptional client service can become a meaningful competitive advantage when it extends beyond investment management. Independence gave Michael the flexibility to build a service model that aligned with his philosophy rather than adapting his philosophy to fit the platform. Developing a niche around executive compensation and concentrated stock positions helped accelerate Emerald's growth. The ability to make technology, custodial, and operational decisions quickly remains a significant advantage for independent firms. Not every advisor should be independent. Running a business requires a different set of skills and responsibilities than serving clients alone. Growth milestones are useful, but they do not define success. Michael believes success existed long before Emerald reached $1 billion in assets. High-performing teams with a clear client focus often find that growth becomes a natural byproduct of execution. https://youtu.be/RjzsMcC2DnY Quotable Moments “I literally had to go back and Google the word overservicing.” “Servicing the client is the most important thing that we can do today.” “If you serve a niche and you're very good at that niche, that word gets around.” “Growth becomes the outcome.” FAQs Can an advisor really “over-service” clients? The discussion explores the tension between efficiency and depth of service. While some business models prioritize scale and consistency, others are built around solving a broader range of client problems. The right answer often depends on the advisor's philosophy and business model. Does specialization still matter in a relationship business? Michael argues that developing expertise in a specific area can accelerate growth by making referrals easier and helping advisors become known for solving a particular set of problems. What actually changes when an advisor becomes independent? Beyond economics, independence often creates more flexibility around client service, technology, processes, and business decisions. At the same time, advisors assume responsibility for running the business itself. Is full independence the right path for every advisor? No. Michael acknowledges that many advisors benefit from the structure, support, and resources available within traditional firms. Independence offers flexibility, but it also introduces complexity and responsibility. How should advisors think about the $1 billion milestone? Michael views asset milestones as useful benchmarks but not measures of success. In his view, business quality, client outcomes, and sustainability matter more than any specific asset number. What role does an ideal client persona play in growth? Rather than trying to serve everyone, Emerald built its business around a clearly defined client profile. Michael believes that focus improves service, creates operational consistency, and supports organic growth. How can advisors balance growth with client service? One of the central themes of the episode is that growth and service are not necessarily competing objectives. In some cases, a differentiated service model becomes the reason a business grows. The discussion explores the tension between efficiency and depth of service. While some business models prioritize scale and consistency, others are built around solving a broader range of client problems. The right answer often depends on the advisor's philosophy and business model. Michael argues that developing expertise in a specific area can accelerate growth by making referrals easier and helping advisors become known for solving a particular set of problems. Beyond economics, independence often creates more flexibility around client service, technology, processes, and business decisions. At the same time, advisors assume responsibility for running the business itself. No. Michael acknowledges that many advisors benefit from the structure, support, and resources available within traditional firms. Independence offers flexibility, but it also introduces complexity and responsibility. Michael views asset milestones as useful benchmarks but not measures of success. In his view, business quality, client outcomes, and sustainability matter more than any specific asset number. Rather than trying to serve everyone, Emerald built its business around a clearly defined client profile. Michael believes that focus improves service, creates operational consistency, and supports organic growth. One of the central themes of the episode is that growth and service are not necessarily competing objectives. In some cases, a differentiated service model becomes the reason a business grows. Related Resources The Transitioning Advisor's Lament: Things I Wish I Knew Before Freedom vs. Familiarity: Is it Worth Disrupting Comfort for Something That Might Be Better? IBD vs. RIA Revisited: Two Independent Pathways for Advisors to Consider Advisor Transition Report 2026 Guest Bio Michael Smith, CPWA® is the Founder and Managing Partner of Emerald Advisors, an independent wealth management firm overseeing more than $1 billion in assets for affluent families, executives, and business owners with complex planning needs. Mike entered the wealth management industry in 2005 after a distinguished 24-year career in the United States Navy, where he served both as an enlisted sailor in the Submarine Force and later as a Limited Duty Officer aboard USS Abraham Lincoln and on major staffs around the world. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Management and an MBA with dual emphases in Finance & Accounting and International Business. Throughout his career, Mike has been known for his commitment to comprehensive planning, helping clients navigate complex issues involving concentrated stock positions, executive compensation, tax strategy, estate planning, philanthropy, and multi-generational wealth transfer. His client-first approach and passion for education have helped Emerald Advisors grow from a startup firm in 2019 to a nationally recognized RIA serving more than 225 families. Outside of the office, Mike is an avid ultrarunner, golfer, lifelong learner, and dedicated advocate for children’s health initiatives. He is a current member of the Legacy Council at Seattle Children’s Hospital and has served in leadership and board roles supporting the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes, the ALS Association, and the Alyssa Burnett Adult Life Center. He is also the proud father of Kat Smith. NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation. View the transcript of this episode… From “Overservicing” Clients to Building a $1B RIA: A Merrill Breakaway Story A conversation with Jason Diamond and Michael Smith, Managing Partner and Founder of Emerald Advisors.      Jason Diamond: Welcome to the latest episode of our podcast series for financial advisors. Today’s episode is From “Overservicing” Clients to Building a $1B RIA: A Merrill Breakaway Story. It’s a conversation with Michael Smith, managing partner and founder of Emerald Advisors. I’m Jason Diamond and this is the Diamond Podcast for financial advisors. Mindy Diamond: At Diamond Consultants, we help elite advisors identify the right environment for their businesses to thrive whether that’s at a wirehouse, boutique or independent firm. With nearly three decades of experience, we’ve guided thousands of advisors and represented more than a quarter of a trillion dollars in assets transitioned and, each year, one in four advisors managing a billion dollars or more who change firms are our clients. Our process is education driven and based on building relationships starting as your strategic partner well before you’re even thinking of a move. To schedule a confidential conversation, call us at (908) 879-1002. Wondering why advisors change firms and where they’re headed? Are transition deals going up or down? Those very questions and more inspired us to create our annual advisor transition report. It’s the award-winning, data-driven resource designed for advisors that connects the dots between the motivations around movement and the firm’s appetite for top talent. Arm yourself with the knowledge you need to make smart decisions. Download your copy at diamond-consultants.com/transitionreport. Jason Diamond: Growth is often viewed as the result of better marketing, stronger referrals, a larger team and even acquisition and that’s all true yet growth can be the byproduct of something else entirely. For example, Michael Smith built a successful practice at Merrill then, one day, he was told he was spending too much time with his clients, or his management put it over-servicing clients. For Michael, that wasn’t a warning sign about his approach, it was a signal that he might have outgrown the firm and the model. Today, Michael is the founder and managing partner of Emerald Advisors, the independent RIA he launched in late 2019 with roughly 385 million in assets and 85 client relationships. Less than seven years later, the firm has grown to more than a billion in assets while remaining deeply focused on a highly-specialized client base and an unusually hands-on service model. What makes this story particularly interesting isn’t just the growth, it’s the thinking behind it. Michael’s perspective was shaped long before he entered wealth management. After serving more than two decades in the Navy, he brought a leadership philosophy centered on accountability, discipline and what he calls steamboat people, those who keep moving forward regardless of conditions, that mindset continues to influence how he builds his team, serves clients and evaluates opportunities. In this episode, we discuss the decision to leave Merrill, the realities of launching a fully independent RIA, why specialization can accelerate growth, the evolving role of custodians and technology and why he believes exceptional client service remains one of the industry’s most durable competitive advantages. Because Michael’s experience suggests that growth isn’t always the result of finding more opportunities, sometimes it’s the result of creating the freedom to execute the vision you already had so let’s jump in. Michael, thank you so much for joining us today. For starters, can you walk us through your background and what brought you to the world of wealth management? Michael Smith: Jason, thank you so much for the opportunity to be here today, I do listen to the podcast a lot especially before I left Mother Merrill. But my background and how I got into financial services is really distinct because I was on the board of JDRF back in the day and the national sponsor for JDRF was UBS PaineWebber and they’re like, “Mike, why don’t you be a financial advisor?” And my master’s degree was actually a finance and accounting in portfolio management because I’ve managed my own portfolio for years and years and so, when I couldn’t get a job, I just fell into it because I couldn’t get a job and I needed a job. That was 21 years ago, Memorial Day so that’s how I got into this industry. Jason Diamond: It’s a unique background, it’s super interesting and I want to talk more about it. You mentioned Mother Merrill, we’ll certainly get there. Before we do, give us a little bit of context on the current business you operate, Emerald Advisors, any context you can share on size, number of staff, types of clients you serve would be great. Michael Smith: Sure. So, we launched Emerald in 2019, November 2019 with about 85 clients and you always talk about this on the podcast how scared it is to launch and go independent. And I would say we took over about 95% of our clients that we wanted to bring over and today we’re at about 230 clients, I think we have some onboarding right now, we have just over a billion of assets. So, we launched with the 85 clients and around 350, 385 million, now we’re over a billion. Jason Diamond: Good for you. Michael Smith: Thank you. And I launched with four employees and we’re now at 11. And I would give a shout-out to one of my key employees because, when I launched, I actually hired somebody that had no experience with us and that was really a good thing because that allowed that person to really focus on operations and back office stuff while my business partner Emily and I were able to focus on bringing on the clients and alleviating any issues that they may have or thought. Jason Diamond: So, meaning you hired somebody basically immediately upon launch to help you with the transition and with this next chapter? Michael Smith: Correct. I hired them before but they started the day we launched. Jason Diamond: Brilliant, I love it. Oh, let’s definitely talk more about that because I think that’s a great strategy for … You’re right, you said it in a joking manner now because you’re seven years past but it’s a very real fear that advisors have and I think it’s worth talking more about. I want to mention too you have, obviously, built this business and grown this business dramatically. I don’t want to make this episode about the pandemic but you moved the business at a, certainly, a unique time. Did it impact your growth at all? Did you feel like you hit a brick wall? Just curious about your thoughts. Michael Smith: No, Jason, that’s a great observation. I would venture to say that the pandemic was actually a good thing for us. Jason Diamond: Interesting. Michael Smith: And I say that because, all of a sudden, you could hit pause because everyone was relearning how to do business, how do we do client reviews, how do we communicate with clients in a environment. So, I think the pandemic allowed us to just really reset our expectations visiting with clients because I used to fly a lot because I have clients in 38 different states so this has actually been, not just good for me, but good for the industry because I think it’s reset our expectations that we don’t have to be every day with a client facing. Jason Diamond: I agree with that largely and it’s true of our business too, by the way, it’s certainly reshaped the way people expect to be communicated with. I think Zoom has become much more mainstream, phone calls and we’ve heard from many other advisors who say something similar. I was just curious because you moved so close to or if there was an impact but I get, honestly, I think you’re right, it allowed you to have this nice natural inflection point and almost like flipping a switch of a clean slate. Michael Smith: It allowed us to learn the processes too. So, we launched in November 1st, by March we were in lockdown and so it gave us the opportunity to take several months of just learning the processes of how to be an RIA, it was pretty good. Jason Diamond: Absolutely. So, one of the things you mentioned in that was the way in which you serve clients and I’d read something funny and I think it was around the time of your move. You were talking about that, Merrill, you had a manager who spoke about that you would overserve your clients, you serve clients too much, tell me about that. Michael Smith: That was such an interesting topic because I got called down to the ops officer’s office and they’re like, “Ugh, Mike.” And it brought my admin down with me and they’re like, “Mike, these reports that you’re taking care of your clients too much,” and I’m like, “What do you mean?” “Well, you’re overservicing them.” Jason, I literally had to go back and Google the word overservicing because I was like, “How do you overservice the client? I’m not making their bed.” It was just so funny to me that I got counsel for overservicing clients when we’re in a client-facing job and I think that was part of the catalyst. Jason Diamond: Tell me more about what they meant, you think. Michael Smith: Hindsight, I think they … I like to take care of people which means I’m very intuitive towards taxes, I understand how the tax code works, I understand how everything impacts their bottom line. So, when we’re doing deferred comp enrollments or 401(k) enrollments or I’m a big believer in Roth 401(k)s and backdoor Roths and I’ve been doing them for years, I think what Mother Merrill wanted at that time was us not to do that. And, again, nothing against Merrill, I get it but this is how they wanted us to act and I wasn’t in that mold, I was taking care of clients to a much deeper depth is how I would say it. Jason Diamond: And I think that speaks to you outgrew the model not necessarily the firm. I think Merrill does a lot of things really well, you would agree with that, I think given that you built 85 clients and 350 million in assets is nothing to sneeze at. But the model that it seems like you value client service and an integrated client service experience of that and the wirehouse model oftentimes doesn’t put a premium on that. Tell me about your ethos or your thoughts around client service today and what being independent enables you to do. Michael Smith: So, that’s an interesting observation because one of my clients actually just mentioned to me that the reason we’re growing so much is because of our service model and the fact that we deliver a tremendous amount of value over just portfolio management. I said my managers is in portfolio management, I don’t do that any longer, I have a staff that handles that for me but it’s really the servicing of the clients because they don’t know what we know and I think servicing the client is the most important thing that we can do today. Jason Diamond: Give me some examples of what you mean by servicing the client in a more holistic way. I agree with you, by the way, portfolio management, table stakes, financial planning, table stakes, tell me more about what you mean. Michael Smith: By that I mean we do a quarterly review on tax. So, a lot of people don’t understand how taxes work and how estimated taxes work. So, estimated taxes are January 1st to March 31st, January 1st to May 31st, January 1st to August 31st, that’s how you do your estimated tax payments, you figure out what that is. And for compensated employees where they have RSUs that come in at different times of the year or different grants or exercise their options at a different time, that can affect their estimated tax liability and I’m not big on giving Uncle Sam any more money than they have to have until they need it. And then everyone doesn’t understand how the penalties and interest works on the IRS. And I’m big on the tax payments because that’s where we can add a lot of value for not a lot of time and we integrate it with our portfolio so we know what we’re doing with our gains. And I happen to reside in Washington State which has a long-term capital gains tax rate once you surpass about 270,000 of long-term capital gains. So, it’s super important for us to be aware of this and that’s how we service them. We also help them with their rebalancing of their 401(k)s, things that wirehouses cannot supposed to do, we are not supposed to be helping them with some of their aspects of life. Jason Diamond: Yup. That’s what I was alluding to earlier, it’s limitations on the model, not because they’re bad models, it’s just a different way, a different ethos around client service. You mentioned RSUs and corporate employees, I know that’s a niche you have is around concentrated stock positions and equity comp plans. I guess let me ask you two different questions around this. First of all, why that niche? Interested. And then, second of all, do you think a team needs to have a specialization to be competitive these days or do you think it’s okay just to be like, “My job is to be the best advisor and I want to service assets wherever those assets may come from?” Michael Smith: Another great observation. I’m going to address the niche first and foremost. I think, and I talked to R.J. Shook’s staff just recently, and having a niche gives you a specialization and it also accelerates your growth factor. If you serve a niche and you’re very good at that niche, then that word gets around. If you’re a jack of all trades, you can do lots of things but I don’t think you’re focused and you’re not hitting the right numbers that I like to see. And I think that would be my theme is the niche allows you to focus on a very specific type of ideal client, that’s a Schwab thing where you have an ideal client persona and our firm has an ideal client persona. As far as having the equity comp, I absolutely was one of the teams at Merrill Lynch that was equity compensation designated, I managed a couple of plans. My exposure to that, Jason, I haven’t thought about this in a very long time, came from UBS where I had team members that were colleagues that were associated with the Nextel Sprint plan. And I always thought that you’re taking care of the top executives but, really, my background being in the military was how do we take care of the troops, the troops, I call them sailors, and how do we educate those sailors. And one of the things I’ve always said in my entire career in the military and I still say to this day is 50% of every bonus or a promotion or something like that should go to long-term savings. So, I use that same mentality with RSUs, with stock options, with bonuses. Set that aside, let that grow because you’re not used to spending it and you will learn to spend what you make. Jason Diamond: I think that’s a great reason, it’s super smart and I love your explanation, it was a very simplistic way. Honestly, even I hadn’t thought about that around your niche, I think, becomes almost like a force multiplier for your own growth because it’s much easier to become the guy in X, Y, Z vertical than to be the guy in every financial advisor of America, across America. Let me ask you a follow-up question, you mentioned the ideal client persona. I spend a lot of time at our firm thinking about this as well, what does your ideal client persona look like. How do you think about an opportunity though that differs from that persona? So, it’s great. Obviously, everybody, it’s easy, you get somebody who’s your perfect prospect, they walk in the front door, sign me up. But when you get something that’s not down the fairway for you, is it just I evaluate it on a one-off basis or are you super disciplined to that approach because it’s who your firm is? Michael Smith: I truly haven’t given that a whole lot of thought but I will tell you how I would handle that because I am handling it with some one-offs. I like the opportunity because you’re stretching your brain in that you’re thinking about how somebody else is reacting so you’d never know. So, I like it from a learning perspective but I also know it comes with a lot of other baggage, I’ll call it baggage, because, all of a sudden, they want to short the market, they want to go long-short strategies. So, all of a sudden, they’re not in our niche and, all of a sudden, they’re taking a lot of time, they’re draining our time so I think you got to be very careful about what you wish for. And there’s a lot of great advisors out there that will walk circles around these topics that I’m like, “Okay, I would rather refer somebody so they get the right experience than give them the wrong experience.” Jason Diamond: I absolutely love that answer. The bow you just put on it, I think, is the appropriate way in my mind to put a bow. At the end of the day, wouldn’t you rather service somebody more optimally even if you don’t believe it’s yourself, I agree with that. I want to ask you one more point on the client service piece. I was playing around on your website and, on your service model, you have health as a component of the client experience of your diagram. Why do you think health matters in a financial context? Michael Smith: I always believed in a healthy mind and a healthy body will bring so much joy to you and I think health is just part of your persona. If you don’t take care of yourself and your body and your mind, then it doesn’t matter what I do, I think you got to start with health. So, I’m very big on the executive physicals, I routinely require all of our staff to have an annual physical. And, again, they’re young people but you got to have these annual … I live and breathe going to see a doctor every year to do my annual physical, not because I think I’m pretty good health, I still run, I do a lot of things but I think your life starts with being healthy. Jason Diamond: Yeah, it’s refreshing to hear that, no doubt. It’s funny to think about but 2019 is a long time ago now and, in RIA world, I almost think of it like dog years. You’ve been around the block now for a little while so I’m curious how have you seen this space change since you launched in 2019? Michael Smith: In 2019, I didn’t know what I was doing, I could barely get out a wet paper bag but I do think it’s changed dramatically. I would say the biggest thing I’ve seen in just the six and a half, almost seven years is the rise of the mega RIAs and how they’re going to shape the industry. Everyone talked about fee compression at Merrill Lynch. When I was at Merrill, we talked about fee compression, then they talked about robo-advisors and now they’re talking about artificial intelligence replacing advisors, I don’t believe that and I don’t think that’s going to happen in the RIA space. What I see the RIA space maturing is into these very big mega firms as well as these independent RIAs like myself that serve a very niche market where we can walk in our lane. The ability to transact today is so much easier as an RIA than it was at a wirehouse as well because we have instant access to technology. My military background, my Navy background says make a decision right, wrong or different, if you don’t like it afterwards or you get new data, course change. So, in our industry, we can change on a notice. I hired a tech firm last year, I didn’t like the experience nine months into it, guess what, they’re not coming back. So, I can do that but you can’t do that at the bigger firms and even the bigger mega firms would have a hard time navigating a change just like that on a dime. Jason Diamond: You bring up an interesting point. To the extent you face competition, do you find yourself competing more against traditional wirehouse type firms or RIAs like yourself, mega caps RIAs? Are your clients attuned to any of this? Michael Smith: That’s an observation I haven’t thought of either there, Jason. I would say I don’t feel that I have a … I know there’s competition out there but we have a growth issue more than we have anything else so I don’t … I can’t take on the clients that want to become my clients so I’m not competing with people too much. Jason Diamond: A capacity issue, you mean? Michael Smith: Yeah, I have a capacity issue. Jason Diamond: I think you’re not alone in that. How can I even think about competition and the like when … A lot of advisors would probably say that. I want to talk more about the capacity situation but, before I do, let’s talk a little more about the RIA setup. Who do you custody with, remind us, and why or how did you arrive at that decision? Michael Smith: Yeah. So, when I launched, I went with Schwab, Schwab is a phenomenal partner, they helped me get a lot of stuff done, I couldn’t have done it without Schwab. During the pandemic, I realized that I should probably … So, remember, during the pandemic, we had a lot of issues with the banking industry, it was almost like a financial crisis but in a very compressed time. So, during the COVID, I decided to add Fidelity as another custodian so now I have two custodians and I opened accounts on both sides of the house but I like the custodians that are there to help you, they’re very good at what they do. I don’t even consider them a competitor and they aren’t competitors, they have their own branch so I don’t consider them competitors, I think they’re my partners and both Charles Schwab and Fidelity are good partners. Jason Diamond: Yeah, I think that’s the healthy way to look at the custody relationship. That’s a very common approach, I think, is launching with one custodian and then adding a secondary custodian or a tertiary custodian down the line for one reason or another so I appreciate you sharing that because we get those types of nuts and bolts questions a lot so I figured I’d ask you. One last question on the setup and then we’ll shift gears. Has anything been a negative? So, you talked about leaving Mother Merrill behind and, Mother Merrill, we use it facetiously but obviously it implies a degree of comfort and the homeland so I’m curious if you miss anything. Michael Smith: I miss the camaraderie of being with a bunch of other folks. I mentioned this when I first launched, I mentioned it year over year with my team, the one thing that we miss as an RIA and, again, Dynasty has their benefits as well and the mega RIAs have their benefits but, if you’re a true independent like myself, we get to go to conferences that we want to and that’s a timing issue, really, a time constraint. But one thing Merrill and Morgan, JPMorgan, and the other big wirehouses have as well as the megas, they have the ability to put conferences together for their advisors or their administrators and have this education. That’s the one thing that, I think, would evolve in the RIA industry in the future as well. They’re not my competitors, they’re my business colleagues. And if we think of them as competitors, and a lot of people do because I don’t want to share my client information or what I do with my competitor because they may steal them, if you’re that insecure, then you’re probably not the right advisor in the first place. Jason Diamond: I don’t disagree with that. It’s interesting too, I hear two common answers to that question, not about Merrill but just about somebody who’s broken away, what do you miss about the captive firm world. Either on this podcast or just in conversations with advisors, brand comes up a lot and then the point you just raised. I’ll even hear like, “Hey, forget the conferences and the trainings, just being able to have an office where I’ve got eight other advisors on a row for me, it’s a little bit of a different setup than in the independent space,” and I think that’s just a reality of you take the good with the bad. And for other advisors, by the way, one of the things I want to ask you about to this point is do you believe that there are advisors that are just better served in the W2 traditional firm world or do you think that every advisor should be looking at the RIA space? Michael Smith: I think that wirehouse serves a great purpose and- Jason Diamond: Okay, me too. Michael Smith: … there’s a lot of great people that are great advisors in that wirehouse, they need the structure. What I hadn’t alluded to is, and I mentioned this to a former manager from Merrill Lynch of mine just recently, actually, I was like, “I don’t think advisors realize what it takes to run a business.” I’m not trying to sugarcoat it, running an RIA is hard work, it takes a lot of your time day in and day out to run a business as well as taking care of and servicing your clients so I do think the wirehouse venue is the right way to go. And, Jason, I want to go back to one other thing about your identity. I launched as the Smith Group because that’s what I was known at Merrill Lynch. Within three or four months, I changed that name to a firm because I did not want to be associated with it. So, when you’re at one of the wirehouses, you’re known as your team name or something of that sort, I didn’t want to be known as that, I wanted to be known as Emerald Advisors not the Smith Group because, all of a sudden, you have a single point of failure. So, brand identity, it’s not so unique inside the wirehouse because it’s a team name versus Merrill or Morgan Stanley or something like that. Jason Diamond: It’s a good segue because I’ll tell you where my mind goes when you bring that up. My mind goes is you’re smart in a way that you might not even realize or maybe you do realize which is that, if and when it ever comes time to sell this business, it is probably more valuable without your name attached to it or maybe not. But in some way, shape or form, as an RIA, you have an obligation to be thinking about that or it’s probably on your radar, maybe not an obligation. Have you given an ounce of thought to M&A either acquiring businesses, growing in that way or, ultimately, when you succeed out of this business and what the RIA space enables you to do? Michael Smith: To answer that question, yes. Everyone’s thinking about merger and acquisition, I think about succession planning from day one. I actually thought about I’m a big team person, I come from the submarine force where everyone is a key player on a submarine, every single person has a job and responsibility on a nuclear submarine. So, inside the financial services industry, I know Merrill Lynch was very big on teaming, I understand Morgan Stanley is as well because teaming gives them a breadth of responsibility where the responsibilities are shared. So, mergers and acquisitions or selling my business, I think, if you’re not thinking about that … And I’m not thinking about selling my business because that’s a distraction to me. If I needed the money, then I would’ve went to a wirehouse and that’s okay, you monetize your life’s work. Today, I’m all about what’s right for the client, what’s right for my team and what’s right for where I want to be in the next 10 to 20 years. So, I am growing, I do want to grow, I’m looking at opening offices in probably three locations in the next 24 months or so. Jason Diamond: Well, that’s what I was going to say, plenty of advisors I think would say the same, I have a lot of runway. But what about the other side of this equation which is you’ve had tremendous organic growth, you’ve tripled your client base, you’ve more than tripled the asset base, have you thought about acquisition as a mean to jet fuel the inorganic growth side of things? Michael Smith: I have but not in the typical sense that you’re looking at as buying a book of business. I want to partner with like-minded advisors that share that common thread of taking care of clients where you can serve as their trusted counsel and sit in the meetings with their attorneys and sit in the meetings with the accountants and give them sage counsel that you can only do because you’ve been with the family for 20 years. You know this family and that, not always, but I think that’s missed a lot in other firms. Jason Diamond: Yeah, I think that’s fair. I just thought of something else that you brought up. You brought Dynasty so I’m going to ask … I’m going to pull on this thread. That implies to me that you’re at least loosely aware of the supportive independence models that are out there yet you chose a very independent, autonomous path, why? Michael Smith: Because I didn’t know what I was doing. Jason Diamond: Fair. Michael Smith: Let’s be honest, I like Dynasty, I talked with Dynasty when I left. I talked to them all, I talked to Rockefeller, I talked to Morgan, I talked to Dynasty and then, when push came to shove, I wanted to be Mike Smith and launch my own firm and learn. And I will tell you, you learn drinking through a fire hose and we did that, we learned, I know the mistakes. What I didn’t want to do is just go to someplace where this is the stuff you’re going to have to use. So, I think Dynasty is a great launching platform, I think there’s other ones out there that are similar to Dynasty or the Rockefellers or the Morgans, it’s truly what you’re trying to achieve in life. What do you want for you and your clients and I always put my clients before me because I’ve always had this lifelong thing of, you do the right thing, you’re going to get taken care of. Jason Diamond: Yeah. And that’s a very common analysis, by the way, and it’s very common too for big advisors like yourself to say I did my homework across all of those different categories. I looked at the traditional wirehouses and regional firms and boutique firms, I looked at the independent broker dealers, I looked at the support platforms and the aggregators and the roll-ups and here’s ultimately what I landed on and why. Did you always know that though or was that something that it took you a diligence process to figure out? There was plenty of advisors, by the way, who come to us and they’re like, “I knew for the last five years that I was sitting there I was launching an RIA someday.” Michael Smith: Yeah. I did not know that and, to be honest with you, hindsight, I think one of those partners probably could have made me a little bit better at first because then I could have focused on clients versus focusing on, hey, how to open a business, who’s your technology … We talked about custodians and some other things but we didn’t talk about technology, how do you go find that technology. Where’s your email address come from? Who’s your chief compliance officer? When it resides on you, you got to look in the mirror. So, I think those parties out there that provide that for brand-new advisors launching could be very beneficial. I had in my mind what I needed to do and I knew I’m very frugal so mine boiled down to how much money I wanted to spend, to be honest with you. Jason Diamond: I think it is a cost benefit analysis, it is. It’s absolutely … Because if you list the functions of a support platform on paper and you showed it to somebody who didn’t know the industry, they would say, “Why on earth wouldn’t you do this? They’re taking off your plate compliance and tech and custody and the like,” and the answer is because there’s a cost associated with it and plenty of advisors decide what you decide, I wanted … Or I just wanted a greater degree of autonomy and freedom, to your point, the name on the door piece, I wanted this to be mine. Michael Smith: And, Jason, I think it also goes to the uncertainty. I had never done anything since Navy, financial advising and then launching. So, for me, I was launching with four employees I had to take care of and here I was going to hire a third party that I was going to have to spend X amount on and I didn’t even know what my income was going to be. That’s different if you’re a multi-billion dollar FA coming out of a wirehouse, the monetary dynamics are different. Jason Diamond: Agreed. Okay, here’s a good one for you. We get this concept from advisors, from firms, from private equity that a billion dollars in assets is like this magic number in our industry. Do you feel like anything’s changed now that you’re at a billion and what’s the next chapter for Emerald Advisors? Is it just continuing on this steady trajectory and serving clients and trust that everything else comes with that? Michael Smith: I go back and forth on a billion, everyone thinks that’s the right number, the biggest number that you need but I think it’s just an arbitrary numbers because it didn’t define who I was. And a lot of people define success at a billion, they define success that you’re a successful firm at a billion. I think I was a successful firm at 300 million, I was a successful financial advisor with 20 clients in 2005. I would say a billion is a multiplier, what I would tell new advisors out there today is gather assets. The more assets you have, the more revenue you generate. The more revenue you generate, the more money you can put in your pocket which means the longer you can stay in the industry. The problem with the industry is an attrition problem, not anything else. So, assets just give us the ability to have revenue which gives us the ability to grow. Jason Diamond: And is that the plan? Keep adding assets, keep growing one client at a time with the focus though, obviously, on what makes you which is a very client-centric service model. Michael Smith: Correct. There’s a lot of things I want to do in the next couple of years and expanding our footprint is our biggest one with the right partners and then just keep adding. I have a business development officer that I’m probably offer a job to here pretty soon and things are going well. Jason Diamond: Yeah, that’s great. You mentioned the tech stack and the other components of the business and I hear you on the frugal cost-benefit analysis. But who did you turn to for some of those early decisions, was it Schwab primarily who helped hold your hand through that? Michael Smith: Schwab was very good at helping me identify the tech stack at first and the tech stack is actually the one consistent, there’s a lot of things I’ve been consistent on but tech is one that I’ve stayed with them. I launched with RightSize, now they’re Advisory, they’re very good, they do the right job for us and I’m big on cybersecurity. So, tech was helpful from Schwab, Schwab helped us with that. Jason Diamond: So, we spoke a little bit about your naval experience but, I’m curious, can you tell us how has your naval experience shaped your perception or your experience in wealth management? Michael Smith: My Navy path was a lot different than many officers. I served 12 years as an enlisted person before I got my direct commission as a Mustang officer, typically called limited duty officers or loud, dumb and obnoxious as I like to say. But that experience gave me a unique perspective because I was able to be the enlisted side and officer which are the workers and then the management side so I had both experiences which was unique. When I was commissioned, Admiral Jerry Ellis, a submarine admiral that commissioned me, heard this lesson to the podium, he was just talking about me in this point but he said, “There are three kinds of people in every organization. You have rowboat people who need to be pushed, you have sailboat people who move whenever the conditions are favorable and then there’s steamboat people, they move continuously through calm or storm.” And he said, “This is Ensign Michael Smith,” he said, “Make your course.” And that’s always stood with me because you do have those three types of people in life. You got people that are just … They’re robo people, they go until they get tired. You got sailboat people that go wherever the wind blows them and then you got steamboat people that chart their own course. I would say for advisors out there make your course or just be happy with what you’re doing. But for some of us hard chargers, I think that analogy has stayed with me my entire career. Jason Diamond: It’s fantastic. I love the analogy, great naval tie in also. Thanks for sharing that. We got time for one more question. You have a fascinating background, a fascinating path to the industry, obviously, an incredibly disciplined approach around client service, any parting thoughts, words of wisdom especially as it relates to growth? That’s what strikes me most about your story is the growth that your move unlocked and that’s what every advisor who listens to our show is looking for. Michael Smith: I’m going to give another plug to Schwab on this. We actually were fortunate and I got their consulting group to come in right afterwards and I’m a big believer in having offsite. So, I’ve had an offsite, two offsites a year for my team and it’s the entire team unlike the wirehouses where you don’t take your admins and stuff like that. I take my entire team to an offsite and we group up on what we’re trying to achieve and have goals and objectives for the year. Schwab allowed us to use their consultants and we came up with our ideal client persona. Teams or firms that have this model become high performing. When you become high performing, growth becomes the outcome. I couldn’t do anything but grow. Jason, I couldn’t not grow because I had this ideal client persona, I knew how I was going to do it, it was measurable. So, growth becomes the outcome and, if you hold people responsible, then we’re all going to grow together and it’s a fun outcome. Jason Diamond: Fantastic, it’s a great place to end. Thank you so much for sharing your expertise with us, I can’t wait to see what the next chapter holds for Emerald, this has been a lot of fun. Michael Smith: Jason, thank you so much. I appreciate everything you do for the industry as well. Mindy Diamond: As a financial advisor, you hold yourself to the highest standards of integrity, honesty and credibility. You are successful because you take your professional responsibility seriously and are dedicated to your clients. But are you living your best business life? Are your goals aligned with your firms or could a better option exist? Should I Stay or Should I Go? Is a book written with you in mind? It’s a self-guided journey that walks you through the key steps that we take with our advisor clients. This strategic thought process and roadmap to professional self-discovery is designed to help you ask the right questions and think critically and objectively whether you’re considering change or not. Learn how to get your copy at diamond-consultants.com/thebook. From “Overservicing” Clients to Building a $1B RIA: A Merrill Breakaway Story A conversation with Jason Diamond and Michael Smith, Managing Partner and Founder of Emerald Advisors.      Jason Diamond: Welcome to the latest episode of our podcast series for financial advisors. Today’s episode is From “Overservicing” Clients to Building a $1B RIA: A Merrill Breakaway Story. It’s a conversation with Michael Smith, managing partner and founder of Emerald Advisors. I’m Jason Diamond and this is the Diamond Podcast for financial advisors. Mindy Diamond: At Diamond Consultants, we help elite advisors identify the right environment for their businesses to thrive whether that’s at a wirehouse, boutique or independent firm. With nearly three decades of experience, we’ve guided thousands of advisors and represented more than a quarter of a trillion dollars in assets transitioned and, each year, one in four advisors managing a billion dollars or more who change firms are our clients. Our process is education driven and based on building relationships starting as your strategic partner well before you’re even thinking of a move. To schedule a confidential conversation, call us at (908) 879-1002. Wondering why advisors change firms and where they’re headed? Are transition deals going up or down? Those very questions and more inspired us to create our annual advisor transition report. It’s the award-winning, data-driven resource designed for advisors that connects the dots between the motivations around movement and the firm’s appetite for top talent. Arm yourself with the knowledge you need to make smart decisions. Download your copy at diamond-consultants.com/transitionreport. Jason Diamond: Growth is often viewed as the result of better marketing, stronger referrals, a larger team and even acquisition and that’s all true yet growth can be the byproduct of something else entirely. For example, Michael Smith built a successful practice at Merrill then, one day, he was told he was spending too much time with his clients, or his management put it over-servicing clients. For Michael, that wasn’t a warning sign about his approach, it was a signal that he might have outgrown the firm and the model. Today, Michael is the founder and managing partner of Emerald Advisors, the independent RIA he launched in late 2019 with roughly 385 million in assets and 85 client relationships. Less than seven years later, the firm has grown to more than a billion in assets while remaining deeply focused on a highly-specialized client base and an unusually hands-on service model. What makes this story particularly interesting isn’t just the growth, it’s the thinking behind it. Michael’s perspective was shaped long before he entered wealth management. After serving more than two decades in the Navy, he brought a leadership philosophy centered on accountability, discipline and what he calls steamboat people, those who keep moving forward regardless of conditions, that mindset continues to influence how he builds his team, serves clients and evaluates opportunities. In this episode, we discuss the decision to leave Merrill, the realities of launching a fully independent RIA, why specialization can accelerate growth, the evolving role of custodians and technology and why he believes exceptional client service remains one of the industry’s most durable competitive advantages. Because Michael’s experience suggests that growth isn’t always the result of finding more opportunities, sometimes it’s the result of creating the freedom to execute the vision you already had so let’s jump in. Michael, thank you so much for joining us today. For starters, can you walk us through your background and what brought you to the world of wealth management? Michael Smith: Jason, thank you so much for the opportunity to be here today, I do listen to the podcast a lot especially before I left Mother Merrill. But my background and how I got into financial services is really distinct because I was on the board of JDRF back in the day and the national sponsor for JDRF was UBS PaineWebber and they’re like, “Mike, why don’t you be a financial advisor?” And my master’s degree was actually a finance and accounting in portfolio management because I’ve managed my own portfolio for years and years and so, when I couldn’t get a job, I just fell into it because I couldn’t get a job and I needed a job. That was 21 years ago, Memorial Day so that’s how I got into this industry. Jason Diamond: It’s a unique background, it’s super interesting and I want to talk more about it. You mentioned Mother Merrill, we’ll certainly get there. Before we do, give us a little bit of context on the current business you operate, Emerald Advisors, any context you can share on size, number of staff, types of clients you serve would be great. Michael Smith: Sure. So, we launched Emerald in 2019, November 2019 with about 85 clients and you always talk about this on the podcast how scared it is to launch and go independent. And I would say we took over about 95% of our clients that we wanted to bring over and today we’re at about 230 clients, I think we have some onboarding right now, we have just over a billion of assets. So, we launched with the 85 clients and around 350, 385 million, now we’re over a billion. Jason Diamond: Good for you. Michael Smith: Thank you. And I launched with four employees and we’re now at 11. And I would give a shout-out to one of my key employees because, when I launched, I actually hired somebody that had no experience with us and that was really a good thing because that allowed that person to really focus on operations and back office stuff while my business partner Emily and I were able to focus on bringing on the clients and alleviating any issues that they may have or thought. Jason Diamond: So, meaning you hired somebody basically immediately upon launch to help you with the transition and with this next chapter? Michael Smith: Correct. I hired them before but they started the day we launched. Jason Diamond: Brilliant, I love it. Oh, let’s definitely talk more about that because I think that’s a great strategy for … You’re right, you said it in a joking manner now because you’re seven years past but it’s a very real fear that advisors have and I think it’s worth talking more about. I want to mention too you have, obviously, built this business and grown this business dramatically. I don’t want to make this episode about the pandemic but you moved the business at a, certainly, a unique time. Did it impact your growth at all? Did you feel like you hit a brick wall? Just curious about your thoughts. Michael Smith: No, Jason, that’s a great observation. I would venture to say that the pandemic was actually a good thing for us. Jason Diamond: Interesting. Michael Smith: And I say that because, all of a sudden, you could hit pause because everyone was relearning how to do business, how do we do client reviews, how do we communicate with clients in a environment. So, I think the pandemic allowed us to just really reset our expectations visiting with clients because I used to fly a lot because I have clients in 38 different states so this has actually been, not just good for me, but good for the industry because I think it’s reset our expectations that we don’t have to be every day with a client facing. Jason Diamond: I agree with that largely and it’s true of our business too, by the way, it’s certainly reshaped the way people expect to be communicated with. I think Zoom has become much more mainstream, phone calls and we’ve heard from many other advisors who say something similar. I was just curious because you moved so close to or if there was an impact but I get, honestly, I think you’re right, it allowed you to have this nice natural inflection point and almost like flipping a switch of a clean slate. Michael Smith: It allowed us to learn the processes too. So, we launched in November 1st, by March we were in lockdown and so it gave us the opportunity to take several months of just learning the processes of how to be an RIA, it was pretty good. Jason Diamond: Absolutely. So, one of the things you mentioned in that was the way in which you serve clients and I’d read something funny and I think it was around the time of your move. You were talking about that, Merrill, you had a manager who spoke about that you would overserve your clients, you serve clients too much, tell me about that. Michael Smith: That was such an interesting topic because I got called down to the ops officer’s office and they’re like, “Ugh, Mike.” And it brought my admin down with me and they’re like, “Mike, these reports that you’re taking care of your clients too much,” and I’m like, “What do you mean?” “Well, you’re overservicing them.” Jason, I literally had to go back and Google the word overservicing because I was like, “How do you overservice the client? I’m not making their bed.” It was just so funny to me that I got counsel for overservicing clients when we’re in a client-facing job and I think that was part of the catalyst. Jason Diamond: Tell me more about what they meant, you think. Michael Smith: Hindsight, I think they … I like to take care of people which means I’m very intuitive towards taxes, I understand how the tax code works, I understand how everything impacts their bottom line. So, when we’re doing deferred comp enrollments or 401(k) enrollments or I’m a big believer in Roth 401(k)s and backdoor Roths and I’ve been doing them for years, I think what Mother Merrill wanted at that time was us not to do that. And, again, nothing against Merrill, I get it but this is how they wanted us to act and I wasn’t in that mold, I was taking care of clients to a much deeper depth is how I would say it. Jason Diamond: And I think that speaks to you outgrew the model not necessarily the firm. I think Merrill does a lot of things really well, you would agree with that, I think given that you built 85 clients and 350 million in assets is nothing to sneeze at. But the model that it seems like you value client service and an integrated client service experience of that and the wirehouse model oftentimes doesn’t put a premium on that. Tell me about your ethos or your thoughts around client service today and what being independent enables you to do. Michael Smith: So, that’s an interesting observation because one of my clients actually just mentioned to me that the reason we’re growing so much is because of our service model and the fact that we deliver a tremendous amount of value over just portfolio management. I said my managers is in portfolio management, I don’t do that any longer, I have a staff that handles that for me but it’s really the servicing of the clients because they don’t know what we know and I think servicing the client is the most important thing that we can do today. Jason Diamond: Give me some examples of what you mean by servicing the client in a more holistic way. I agree with you, by the way, portfolio management, table stakes, financial planning, table stakes, tell me more about what you mean. Michael Smith: By that I mean we do a quarterly review on tax. So, a lot of people don’t understand how taxes work and how estimated taxes work. So, estimated taxes are January 1st to March 31st, January 1st to May 31st, January 1st to August 31st, that’s how you do your estimated tax payments, you figure out what that is. And for compensated employees where they have RSUs that come in at different times of the year or different grants or exercise their options at a different time, that can affect their estimated tax liability and I’m not big on giving Uncle Sam any more money than they have to have until they need it. And then everyone doesn’t understand how the penalties and interest works on the IRS. And I’m big on the tax payments because that’s where we can add a lot of value for not a lot of time and we integrate it with our portfolio so we know what we’re doing with our gains. And I happen to reside in Washington State which has a long-term capital gains tax rate once you surpass about 270,000 of long-term capital gains. So, it’s super important for us to be aware of this and that’s how we service them. We also help them with their rebalancing of their 401(k)s, things that wirehouses cannot supposed to do, we are not supposed to be helping them with some of their aspects of life. Jason Diamond: Yup. That’s what I was alluding to earlier, it’s limitations on the model, not because they’re bad models, it’s just a different way, a different ethos around client service. You mentioned RSUs and corporate employees, I know that’s a niche you have is around concentrated stock positions and equity comp plans. I guess let me ask you two different questions around this. First of all, why that niche? Interested. And then, second of all, do you think

Tanner Mullen (founder of DripJobs) returns to the Painter Growth Podcast for one of his most tactical conversations yet. Mike Workman and Tanner dig into why software is becoming commoditized, why education and service are the real moats, and how AI is reshaping what it means to run a painting business in 2025.Tanner breaks down his new product, Routimize, a route-optimization booking system that lets customers book themselves directly from Facebook at peak intent, eliminates wasted drive time, and is already live in 36 beta companies. He explains why he's "done with leads," how the illusion of choice drives take rates, and how the same engine now powers an AI voice agent that books appointments end-to-end on nights and weekends.If you're a painting contractor trying to build an income-producing asset instead of a job, this episode is your playbook.⏱️ Timestamps below.00:00 Intro: Tanner Mullen returns00:32 Why it's the best time ever to be in business01:17 Using AI to automate the boring stuff01:52 Building an income-producing asset02:46 Risk-takers vs. people who wait04:03 The guy who asked for a free trial 4 years apart04:29 Developing the investor mindset05:13 Why DripJobs killed free trials05:33 Software is becoming commoditized06:24 Why education & service are the real moat06:53 Knowing the problem vs. implementing the change07:37 Building a department just for free training07:59 The four quadrants: urgent vs. important09:06 Time management is the #1 scaling skill09:26 Five recommended CEO calendars by business stage10:31 How AI changed software development for DripJobs11:37 Differentiating yourself in a gold rush12:13 Early-mover leverage & filing the patent13:18 Trust as a moat: protecting customer data14:13 Personal brand leverage in software15:02 Killer AI use case: instant custom proposals16:30 Staying focused as a product leader (no shiny objects)17:03 DripJobs' biggest bottleneck: offline mode & V217:41 What Routimize actually does18:03 The origin of DripJobs & speed to lead18:51 Why request systems still create friction19:42 How Routimize filters territory & enables VAs20:37 Building friction to get the right bookings20:58 Booking direct from Facebook with an AI chatbot21:46 "I don't want leads anymore"22:40 36 companies in beta23:14 The illusion of choice & booking rates24:17 Live demo: booking inside the service zone25:34 Propagating the best appointment time26:24 How much time it saves per salesperson27:00 The Calendly for service businesses27:20 Bulk routing for project managers28:19 Tanner the "time dealer"28:37 Customer experience & shortening the buying cycle29:55 On-the-way texts with real drive-time ETAs30:47 The Google Maps API cost reality31:05 Voice AI: booking calls on nights & weekends32:37 Why callers prefer to book by phone33:36 Reassuring admins this won't replace them35:10 Solving a problem that shouldn't exist35:38 Will Routimize beat DripJobs? The December 2027 bet36:12 Building features at AI speed37:07 The 30-day runway to public launch37:50 The pay-gate philosophy & 14-day trial38:18 DripJobs V1 vs. V2 strategy39:02 Big news: Tanner is fully free from Premium Painting39:31 Why job scheduling is a high-level task40:14 The estimating & proposal model that freed him41:07 Selling the business kicked him into a new gear41:49 Building a business worth keeping42:36 Measuring cost by how much you think about it43:08 Spotting and motivating A-players43:29 Be 1% better than your best player44:18 The personal development journey since age 1645:00 Personal rules for leading a team45:20 The State, Story, Strategy framework46:43 Getting into the right state faster47:24 Tanner's one-on-one Routimize offer48:07 The June 19th deadline & how to claim it48:42 Wrap-up.

Struggling to get VO gigs on LinkedIn even when you do everything "right” Here's the truth.Most voice actors flounder on LinkedIn by following surface-level advice. In this video, you'll discover why connection requests and profile tweaks rarely lead to bookings and the invisible funnel pros use to turn cold contacts into clients, fast. Learn step-by-step how to move conversations off LinkedIn, build genuine industry relationships, and land more voice over work without spamming or sounding desperate.Dive deeper:Get the Invisible Funnel Flowchart (Free Download): https://welcome.vopro.pro/invisible-funnel-flowhart#VoiceOver #LinkedInTips #VoiceActors #ClientBooking #Networking #VOProLinks: (When possible, I use affiliate links and may earn a commission. See disclosure below.)▶️ Subscribe: https://vopro.pro/youtube

Preview for Later Today: Henry Sokolski explores South Korea's internal debate over developing its own nuclear weapons to counter Northern threats. He emphasizes that maintaining a strong US alliance is safer than the "schizophrenic" prospect of going nuclear alone.1959

"What if the headache, anxiety, fatigue, chronic pain, or illness you've been fighting isn't working against you... but trying to communicate something you've never stopped to hear?" Most of us have been taught to see our bodies as machines that break down and need fixing. We silence symptoms, push through exhaustion, ignore stress, and hope things will simply go away. But what if your body is speaking a language of its own and every symptom is an invitation to pay attention rather than something to fear? In this fascinating episode of SoulTalk, Kute Blackson sits down with renowned intuitive healer and bestselling author Inna Segal to explore the profound connection between the body, emotions, beliefs, and spiritual wellbeing. Together, they uncover how unresolved grief, suppressed emotions, inherited family patterns, and limiting beliefs can quietly shape our physical health; and why true healing often begins by understanding the message beneath the symptom. This conversation isn't about blame or magical thinking. It's about curiosity. It's about learning to see your body as an ally instead of an enemy and discovering how greater awareness can open the door to deeper healing, resilience, and transformation. If you've ever wondered why certain patterns keep returning, why stress shows up physically, or whether your body might be revealing something your mind has overlooked, this episode may forever change the way you think about healing.    Timestamps (00:01:35) – Where intuition really comes from (00:05:00) – The relationship lesson that changed everything (00:07:48) – Why intuition is often quieter than fear (00:10:02) – The surprising practice that builds self-trust (00:13:11) – Why highly sensitive people often attract narcissistic partners (00:17:16) – Recognizing and leaving unhealthy relationships (00:25:32) – Was it really love, or something else? (00:28:51) – Reclaiming your power and creating healthy boundaries (00:33:13) – Practical ways to protect and strengthen your energy (00:39:33) – Developing intuition through sensitivity and awareness Some Question I Ask: Have you ever ignored your intuition because you wanted a different answer? Can you distinguish between fear, desire, and genuine inner knowing? Where might you be abandoning your own wisdom in relationships? What agreements with yourself have you been breaking? What would change if you trusted yourself more deeply?   In This Episode You'll Learn Why healing the heart is essential for developing intuition The difference between emotional intensity and genuine inner guidance Practical exercises to strengthen intuition and concentration How self-trust is built through honoring commitments to yourself Common signs of narcissistic and emotionally manipulative relationships Why many intuitive people ignore important red flagsHow to reclaim your voice and personal power after unhealthy relationships Powerful methods for protecting and strengthening your energetic field Get in Touch: Inna Segal www.innasegal.com   Create a life that is a masterpiece. Join the transformational journey: www.boundlessblissbali.com Email: kuteblackson@kuteblackson.com Website: www.kuteblackson.com  

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/aFukUzs51gE In Episode 346 of the Glass and Out Podcast, we're joined by longtime coach and executive Willie Desjardins, Head Coach and General Manager of the Medicine Hat Tigers. A native of Climax, Saskatchewan, Desjardins began his coaching career at the University of Calgary under George Kingston before eventually taking over as head coach of the program. After a decade behind the bench in Calgary, he headed overseas to coach in Japan before returning to Alberta in 2002 to lead the Medicine Hat Tigers, quickly establishing the club as one of the WHL's premier programs. Desjardins later joined the Dallas Stars organization as an assistant coach and went on to guide their AHL affiliate, the Texas Stars, to a Calder Cup championship. From 2014 to 2017, he served as Head Coach of the Vancouver Canucks and also spent the 2018-19 season behind the bench of the Los Angeles Kings. Internationally, Desjardins has represented Canada at nearly every major tournament, building a resume that spans the highest levels of junior, professional, and international hockey. Listen as he shares why instilling confidence is at the heart of a coach's role, how winning cultures are built, and what goes into developing offensive defencemen. Secure your TCS Live ticket: https://thecoachessitelive.com/ Download the TCS app: https://www.thecoachessite.com/app Start your 30 Day Free Trial: https://www.thecoachessite.com/ Learn more about our sponsors: Hudl: hudl.com/tcs Biosteel: BioSteelTeams.com/Glassandout

Does your church have a crisis communication plan? In this interview, Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com talks with David Middlebrook, one of the country's leading practitioners in religious nonprofit organizations law and founder of The Church Lawyers. David's team provides legal support to churches, ministries and nonprofits, domestically and internationally, with years of experience helping churches with crisis planning and crisis management. In this interview, you'll gain practical wisdom on how to: 

How different would your results be if you stopped focusing on commission splits and started focusing on the tools, mentorship, and systems that actually help you succeed? In this episode of the Real Estate Excellence Podcast, Tracy Hayes sits down with Claudia Hernandez. Claudia Hernandez is a Jacksonville real estate agent with Coldwell Banker Anandale Basin Realty who specializes in helping buyers, first time homeowners, veterans, and relocating families navigate the home buying process. Fluent in Spanish, English, and French, Claudia brings a unique perspective shaped by her journey from Mexico to Florida and her background in translation and interpretation. Claudia shares how mentorship, technology, and the right brokerage transformed her career from having no clients to building a thriving real estate business. She discusses the importance of setting expectations, guiding first time buyers, leveraging AI responsibly, serving Spanish speaking clients, and creating confidence through education and communication. Her story highlights perseverance, adaptability, and the value of surrounding yourself with the right people and systems. If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to the Real Estate Excellence Podcast, leave a review, and share this conversation with a real estate professional, homebuyer, or entrepreneur who wants to learn how mentorship, technology, and persistence can accelerate success.   HighlightsTop of FormBottom of Form 00:00 - 13:42 Building Trust and Creating Buyer Confidence Setting expectations from the first conversation Creating a stress-free buying experience Using transaction coordinators for client support Helping first time buyers feel comfortable Building credibility through communication 13:42 - 28:15 Technology Mentorship and Modern Real Estate Choosing brokerage value over commission splits Why mentorship accelerates growth Using AI as a real estate tool Combining technology with human expertise Learning from experienced professionals 28:15 - 42:08 From Mexico to Jacksonville Growing up in Puebla Mexico Starting a career in Cabo San Lucas Learning from an international mentor Discovering Jacksonville neighborhoods Developing a passion for real estate 42:08 - 56:37 Overcoming Challenges and Starting From Scratch Working at a golf course community Saving money for real estate education Learning contracts in Spanish first Passing the licensing exam after setbacks Navigating early career struggles 56:37 - 01:12:04 Finding the Right Brokerage and Support System Recognizing limitations in previous training The importance of hands-on experience Discovering Coldwell Banker Anabasis Meeting Bryce and embracing innovation Turning opportunities into business growth 01:12:04 - 01:28:16 Helping Buyers Achieve Homeownership Supporting Spanish speaking families Explaining contracts with clarity Guiding first time home buyers Helping veterans maximize VA benefits Creating successful outcomes for clients   Quotes: "I absolutely love having a connection with people." – Claudia Hernandez "When I believe in something and I fall in love with it, it is very easy for me to transmit that feeling." – Claudia Hernandez "AI is never going to replace a human. It is a tool." – Claudia Hernandez "If I put my mind into something, it is going to happen." – Claudia Hernandez   To contact Claudia Hernandez, learn more about her business, and make her a part of your network, make sure to follow her Website, Instagram, and Facebook.   Connect with Claudia Hernandez! Website: https://claudiasellsjax.sites.cbmoxi.com Instagram: http://instagram.com/claudia.sellsjax Facebook: http://facebook.com/claudiahhz   Connect with me! Website: toprealtorjacksonville.com   Website: toprealtorstaugustine.com    SUBSCRIBE & LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW as we discuss real estate excellence with the best of the best.   #RealEstateExcellence #RealEstate #ClaudiaHernandez #RealEstateExcellence #JacksonvilleRealEstate #FloridaRealEstate #HomeBuying #FirstTimeHomeBuyer #VeteransBenefits #VALoan #RealEstateAgent #ColdwellBanker #Mentorship #ArtificialIntelligence #RealEstateTechnology #JacksonvilleFlorida #RelocationExpert #SpanishSpeakingAgent #HomeOwnership #RealEstateCareer #BusinessGrowth #Podcast

“If we don't pay attention and aspire to a life where we are all living better, happier, healthier lives that are sustainable, then I don't know that we reach it accidentally,” Martin Ogle I'm Dr. Shelly Mahon, your host, and today's Well Source is Martin Ogle. Martin is an environmental educator, naturalist, and founder of Geo sapiens, an initiative focused on helping people become “Earth-wise humans” by integrating environmental and energy literacy into everyday life, work, and community. This podcast centers around how parents can help children build a meaningful relationship with nature, develop a sense of wonder, and see themselves as connected, capable contributors to a healthier world through whatever work and careers they are interested in. #EnvironmentalLiteracy #Communication #mentalhealth #AllAges #PracticalTips In this Podcast we talk about: Developing a relationship with nature Understanding how living systems work and how humans fit in The social & emotional, mental, and physical benefits of being outside The connection between the health of a living system and your own well being Creating an economy that is in balance with all living systems Developmental approaches to talking to kids about the nature, environmental factors, and sustainability practices Specific ways that businesses are creating sustainability and the opportunities young people have to contribute to that in their career Managing advancements in technology with being in balance with living systems Incorporating living processes in all we do, including schools curriculum and careers The importance of putting the concepts together Simple ways to integrate these concepts into your day-to-day life  Resources:  Martin's Website: Entrepreneurial Earth, LLC Project Drawdown: The World's Leading Guide to Science-Based Solutions   The Biggest Little Farm Documentary Book: Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv Book: The Nature Principle by Richard Louv

Have you ever felt a presence you couldn't explain? That quiet knowing that someone you loved was near, even when nothing about it made logical sense? My guest is Courtney Dawson, an evidential psychic medium who has been seeing spirit since she was a toddler, and spending most of her life terrified of it.  She grew up in a devout Christian home where what she was experiencing had no language, no permission, and no safe place to land. That fear became anxiety that stayed with her for decades, until the moment everything cracked open. We get into evidential mediumship, what it actually looks and feels like to receive messages from the other side, and how her dad, who never fully came to terms with her abilities while he was alive, showed up clairaudiently within hours of passing.  He told her about his new shoes for the journey and something else that would take your breath away… Stay with us to the close. Courtney opens it up to a live collective message from spirit, and it is worth every single minute. ✨ Let me know what resonated. I always love hearing from you. Be kind, gentle, and loving with yourself! With so much love, P.S. A 90-minute Soul-Alignment Intensive Session is absolute alchemy and exactly what it sounds like. If you're ready for a real breakthrough, let's go. ✨ juliereisler.com/calendar ✨   Key Topics Courtney Dawson's journey from childhood to mediumship The nature of spirit and soul progression How everyone has innate intuitive abilities The importance of evidence in mediumship Connecting with loved ones in spirit The role of divine and source in spirituality Healing through mediumship and spirit communication The impact of religious beliefs on mediumship Developing and trusting your intuitive gifts The multi-dimensional nature of spirit entities   About Courtney Dawson Courtney Dawson is an Arthur Findlay-trained evidential psychic medium, ordained spiritualist minister, and founder of the Connected Spirit School. She trains developing and working mediums worldwide to deliver accurate, ethical, and specific evidence in every reading -- with clarity, confidence, and grounded integrity. She's also the host of The Connected Spirit Podcast.   About Your Host, Julie Reisler Julie Reisler is a heart-led intuitive guide, TEDx speaker, author, and host of The You-est You® Podcast. For over 15 years, she has helped high-achieving souls reconnect to their intuition, trust their inner guidance, and build lives rooted in inner peace and purpose. A faculty member at Georgetown University and founder of the Intuitive Life Designer® Coach Academy, Julie blends spirituality, science, positive psychology, and lived experience to help you remember and embody your You-est You.   Be sure to subscribe to Julie's YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/juliereisler and ring the notification bell so that you never miss a powerful episode!   Here's to your truest, You-est You! Love, Julie   You-est You® Resources for YOU! See below for free tools, resources, programs, and goodies to help you become your YOU-EST YOU!   FREE Manifest Your Goals & Dreams 7-Day Toolset This stunning free toolset is a 7-day workbook (25 pages full) of powerful mindset practices, grounding meditations (and audio), a new beautiful time management system and template to set your personalized schedule for your best productivity, a personalized energy assessment, and so much more. It was designed to specifically help you uplevel your routine and self-care habits for success so you can radiate and become your 'You-est You'. These tools are some of Julie's best practices used with hundreds of her clients to help you feel more confident, clear, and connected to your best self so that you feel inspired to take on the world. Get it at: juliereisler.com/toolset   FREE Intuition Test - Your Intuition on Demand Unlock your unique intuitive super-powers and discover your dominant Intuition Language™. Take the free test now at https://juliereisler.com/intuitiontest   Intuition Activation Mini-Course - 50% OFF! For a limited time only, get access to Julie's powerful transformative Intuition Activation mini-course for 50% off! You'll have lifetime access to this course that is full of video modules, worksheets, meditations, tools and practices to unlock your intuition and activate your inner guidance! Sign up now at https://juliereisler.com/activation    Julie's Private Soul Circle Membership on YouTube is Here! If you've been craving a deeper connection to your intuition, spiritual guidance, and heart-centered community, this is your invitation.

What happens when profound grief becomes the doorway to spiritual awakening?In this powerful conversation, Julie Cluff shares how the tragic loss of her two youngest children transformed her understanding of God, angels, the afterlife, and spiritual connection. Through near-death-like experiences, angelic encounters, mediumship, and years of healing, Julie discovered a deeper relationship with the divine that ultimately led her beyond traditional religious frameworks.Together, Julie and Meghan explore grief as a catalyst for transformation, spiritual gifts, soul planning, faith deconstruction, angel communication, discernment, direct revelation, and how to maintain a grounded connection with God outside institutional structures.If you've experienced loss, spiritual awakening, religious deconstruction, or a desire for deeper connection with the divine, this conversation offers hope, perspective, and practical wisdom for navigating your own journey.In this episode: Julie's transformative experience after losing her children  Encounters with Yeshua and angelic guidance  Signs, synchronicities, and spiritual communication  Mediumship and connecting with loved ones beyond death  Faith deconstruction and spiritual expansion  The role of grief in awakening consciousness  Discernment, intuition, and receiving divine guidance  Spiritual practices for connecting with God and spirit #SpiritualAwakening #FaithDeconstruction #GriefHealing #NearDeathExperience #Angels #Mediumship #HiddenWisdomSource: Timestamps00:00 Introduction & Parting the Veil Retreat 02:00 Meet Julie Cluff 04:10 The tragic accident that changed everything 07:35 Encountering Yeshua after the accident 11:00 Grief, darkness, and spiritual awakening 13:30 Death, rebirth, and soul transformation 17:00 Soul planning and life's deeper purpose 20:25 Grief, spirit, and divine presence 25:20 Sin, ego, and remembering who we are 27:45 Leaving religious certainty behind 32:00 Angelic guidance and spiritual signs 35:00 Teaching about angels and awakening gifts 38:25 Discovering mediumship and sacred communication 41:15 How God actually speaks 42:20 Faith deconstruction and healing religious grief 46:15 Rebuilding spirituality after religion 51:15 Embodying divinity and releasing certainty 55:15 Conversations with Yeshua 56:50 Developing spiritual gifts and intuition 59:35 Creating spiritual structure outside religion 1:00:20 Calm, Clear, Connect practice 1:05:25 Angel message for the audience 1:07:55 Final reflectionsJulie Cluff is a spiritual teacher, psychic medium, grief specialist, and podcast host whose work centers on healing, spiritual connection, and personal transformation. Following the loss of her two youngest children in 2007, Julie experienced a profound spiritual awakening that led her into decades of study and service focused on grief recovery, consciousness, angelic communication, and spiritually transformative experiences. Today, she helps others navigate loss, awakening, and the journey toward deeper connection with the divine. Learn more at Juliecluff.com If you feel called to better understand and embody your divine femininity, consider if our next cohort of Return to the Garden is for you! We gather starting September 28th. Hidden Wisdom initiates truth-seekers into the Mysteries, guiding listeners toward a lived experience of the Divine that awakens and transforms faith—without dismantling family or community. Pursue your Journey: ✨ Hidden Wisdom App – Join for FREE and enjoy pathway programs, community, expansive library, and more!

Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, LG or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.Devin: What is your superpower?Mohit: Service, grounded in humility, listening, and a commitment to community building.Crowdfunding for startups and investors has often been tangled in legal and logistical complexities. Enter EquiDeFi, a platform designed to simplify regulated investment crowdfunding. In today's episode, Mohit Bhansali, CEO of EquiDeFi, explained how the platform stands apart by offering technology-driven solutions for entrepreneurs seeking to raise millions and investors aiming for easier participation.EquiDeFi empowers entrepreneurs to raise up to $75 million under Regulation A offerings, considerably more than Regulation CF's $5 million cap. “We've raised nearly $200 million for our clients with many offerings still ongoing,” Mohit shared. Emphasizing affordability, he added, “The economics of these platforms need to work.” EquiDeFi's business model eliminates the need for issuers to rely on broker dealers, reducing costs and delivering the tools needed for compliance and investor onboarding.The platform also incorporates cutting-edge features like credit card payments, cryptocurrency options, and investor accreditation workflows. Remarkably, they've helped an 86-year-old investor navigate the process in under ten minutes. By ensuring fast, streamlined participation for investors of all backgrounds, Mohit aims to make equity crowdfunding accessible and convenient.What sets EquiDeFi apart is its modularity. Mohit clarified, “Issuers can decide how they market or whether to engage a broker dealer.” This flexibility allows startups to manage costs while leveraging features like compliance tools and Know Your Customer (KYC) processes.The vision doesn't stop at functionality. EquiDeFi is working on implementing artificial intelligence tools to help entrepreneurs preview and refine their offerings through mock environments. These innovations help issuers experiment with their campaigns before fully launching, offering insights critical to success.This episode highlighted the importance of inclusivity, simplicity, and education in transforming the investment process. Mohit and EquiDeFi are paving the way for entrepreneurs to reach their communities while enabling smoother, frictionless investing opportunities.If your company needs to raise up to $75 million or you're curious about alternative investment opportunities, EquiDeFi's innovative platform is worth exploring.tl;dr:Mohit Bhansali explained how EquiDeFi simplifies Regulation A crowdfunding for businesses raising up to $75 million.EquiDeFi provides modular tools for compliance, marketing flexibility, and integrating cryptocurrency payment options.A human-first, service-oriented approach distinguishes EquiDeFi while leveraging efficient technology like AI workflows.Mohit emphasized lessons from his immigrant upbringing and professional journey that shaped his commitment to service.Entrepreneurs are encouraged to explore inexpensive, flexible tools for raising capital through equity crowdfunding platforms.How to Develop Service As a SuperpowerMohit's superpower is service, grounded in humility, listening, and a commitment to community building. Reflecting on lessons from his father, Mohit shared, “Service is going to be important.” This ethos drives EquiDeFi's customer-first approach, where employees provide direct human support to investors and entrepreneurs alike. “We use AI to assist, but when escalations happen, we put a real voice behind it,” Mohit explained, emphasizing his dedication to both using technology and creating human connections for better engagement.Mohit's focus on service stems from personal experience. Growing up as a young immigrant in Brooklyn, his father—a practicing surgeon at 81—taught him the importance of building trust and community as a foundation for success. At EquiDeFi, Mohit hires former musicians, citing their teamwork and fan engagement skills over traditional finance experience. “They bring a different perspective,” Mohit noted, highlighting his drive to create a culture that prioritizes collaboration.Tips for Developing the Superpower:Practice Humility: Approach every situation willing to learn from others, regardless of your role or credentials.Actively Listen: Take time to deeply understand customers' and colleagues' needs before offering solutions.Build Trust: Prioritize relationships that foster genuine support and service within your community or organization.Be Accessible: Use technology for efficiency but provide human interaction for escalations or personalized support.Value Diversity: Embrace nontraditional perspectives by hiring individuals with unique life experiences.By following Mohit's example and advice, you can make service a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!Guest ProfileMohit Bhansali (he/him):CEO, EquiDeFi Ltd.About EquiDeFi Ltd.: EquiDeFi is a cloud-based compliance and capital markets infrastructure platform powering private securities offerings under Regulation D, Reg A+, and Reg S. We unify investor onboarding, KYC/AML, subscription management, escrow, payments, tokenization, and secondary liquidity into one integrated system for issuers, broker-dealers, and placement agents. Importantly, EquiDeFi is not a broker-dealer and takes no sales-based compensation; we're pure infrastructure, aligned with our customers' success rather than competing with them for transaction economics.Website: equidefi.comBiographical Information: Mohit Bhansali is a 30 year veteran of the capital markets. From his early beginnings as an equity trader with Tradescape.com (subsequently acquired by Etrade Securties), to servicing major US law firms as a securities regulation specialist and then launching an SEC-registered transfer agent which was acquired recently this year, Mohit sits in a very unique position to have touched nearly corner of the private and public securities world. He also serves on DTCC's Asset Services Advisory Council and on the Security Transfer Association's Blockchain Working Group.LinkedIn Profile: linkedin.com/in/bhansali-mohitSupport Our SponsorsOur generous sponsors make our work possible, serving impact investors, social entrepreneurs, community builders and diverse founders. Today's advertisers include Riemann Computing, and High Desert Gear. Learn more about advertising with us here.Max-Impact Members(We're grateful for every one of these community champions who make this work possible.)Brian Christie, Brainsy | Cameron Neil, Lend For Good | Carol Fineagan, Independent Consultant | Hiten Sonpal, RISE Robotics | John Berlet, CORE Tax Deeds, LLC. | Justin Starbird, The Aebli Group | Lory Moore, Lory Moore Law | Marcia Brinton, High Desert Gear | Mark Grimes, Networked Enterprise Development | Matthew Mead, Hempitecture | Michael Pratt, Qnetic | Mike Babbit | Coledger Solutions | Mike Green, Envirosult | Nick Degnan, Unlimit Ventures | Dr. Nicole Paulk, Siren Biotechnology | Paul Lovejoy, Stakeholder Enterprise | Pearl Wright, Global Changemaker | Scott Thorpe, Philanthropist | Sharon Samjitsingh, Health Care Originals | Add Your Name HereUpcoming SuperCrowd Event CalendarIf a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.Join the SuperCrowd Impact League! You can be recognized for making impact investments via Reg CF. See how your activity compares to your peers. It's free. Win valuable prizes. Start now!Devin Thorpe will lead SuperCrowdHour on June 17, 2026, at 12:00 PM Eastern. In this insightful session, “How to Benchmark Your Impact Crowdfunding Portfolio v. the Stock Market,” Devin will explore how impact investors can evaluate the performance of their regulated investment crowdfunding portfolios alongside traditional stock market benchmarks. Drawing on his experience as a former investment banker, impact investor, and crowdfunding advocate, he will break down practical methods for measuring returns, assessing risk, and understanding the broader value created through impact investing. Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of how private impact investments compare with public market performance, what metrics matter most, and how to build a more informed long-term investment strategy. Whether you're an experienced impact investor or just beginning to build your crowdfunding portfolio, this SuperCrowdHour will provide valuable insights to help you evaluate both financial and social returns with greater confidence and clarity.SuperCrowd Impact Member Networking Session: Impact (and, of course, Max-Impact) Members of the SuperCrowd are invited to a private networking session on July 14th at 8:00 PM ET/5:00 PM PT. Mark your calendar. We'll send private emails to Impact Members with registration details. Upgrade to Impact Membership today!SuperCrowd26 featuring PurposeBuilt100™: This August 25–27, founders, investors, and ecosystem leaders will gather for a three-day, broadcast-quality global experience focused on disciplined capital formation, regulated investment crowdfunding, and purpose-driven growth. We're bringing together leading voices in impact investing, compliance, digital marketing, and circular economy innovation to deliver practical frameworks, real-world case studies, and actionable strategies. The event culminates in the PurposeBuilt100™ Showcase, recognizing 100 of the fastest-growing purpose-driven companies in the U.S. Register now to secure your seat and get all the details. August 25–27, streaming worldwide.Share the application for the PurposeBuilt100™: Purpose-driven founders deserve recognition. The PurposeBuilt100™ application window is now open—celebrating the fastest-growing companies building profit with purpose. If you know a founder creating real impact and real growth, please share this opportunity. Applications are free and confidential. Explore the program and apply today: PurposeBuilt100.com.Community Event CalendarSuccessful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events.On June 18th at 5pm ET, join Tampa Bay Innovation and Menlo Park Patents for the Q2 Pitch Showcase, a live gathering for founders, inventors, investors, and startup supporters. Watch selected entrepreneurs pitch bold ideas, network with the innovation community, and see winners earn valuable prizes, including patent, valuation, and investor-meeting opportunities in St. Petersburg, Florida.Register Now! October 20th and 21st will be the Crowdfunding Professional Association Regulated Investment Crowdfunding Summit for 2026. This is the event of the year for everyone in the crowdfunding ecosystem.If you would like to submit an event for us to share with the 10,000+ changemakers, investors and entrepreneurs who are members of the SuperCrowd, click here.Manage the volume of emails you receive from us by clicking here.We share educational information—not investment advice. Some links may generate compensation. See our full disclosure.We use AI to help us write compelling recaps of each episode. Get full access to Superpowers for Good at www.superpowers4good.com/subscribe

Matt Davies to joined by Dan Cook and Pete Blackburn for their third scouting report of the summer as they put together a 25 man shortlist of striker Nottingham Forest could consider this summer. #nffc #nottinghamforest

Dr. Ashok K. Shetty is a University Distinguished Professor in the Department of Cell Biology and Genetics and Associate Director of the Institute for Regenerative Medicine at Texas A&M University, Naresh Vashisht College of Medicine. He is developing treatments for neurological and neurodegenerative disorders using stem cells and stem cell-derived products, such as extracellular vesicles. These are tiny vesicles secreted by stem cells that carry microRNAs and proteins. Once they make their way into the brain, they can induce beneficial changes in neural cells to improve brain function. Science takes up a lot of Ash's time, but when he's able to get a moment to himself, he enjoys spending time with family, cycling on a stationary bicycle, playing brain games like Sudoku, and going out to see movies at the theater. Ash earned his Ph.D. in Neuroscience from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi, and he completed postdoctoral research at Montana State University and Duke University. Afterward, he joined the faculty at Duke University in the Division of Neurosurgery. He joined the faculty at Texas A&M University College of Medicine in 2011. In 2024, he was honored with the University Distinguished Professor Award from Texas A&M University, and he has also received the College of Medicine's Senior Research Excellence Award. In addition, Ash is a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the American Society for Neural Transplantation and Repair. He has received the Research Career Scientist Award from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, has been recognized among the "World's Top 1% of Scientists" across all scientific fields, and he was the 2025 honoree of Fast Company's World Changing Ideas. In this interview, Ash shares details about his life and his work in science.

Do you know who you are in Christ? Be encouraged today as Joyce discusses the importance of receiving God's forgiveness, mercy, and so much more!

Are you ready to grow in your walk with God? Today, Joyce shares the truth about going deeper and growing up in your journey with God.