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If you want to build a sales engine that consistently turns interest into booked revenue, you need a system that works without you. In this episode, Mark Gordon—the “Rebel CRO”—shares his 4-part framework across messaging, lead generation, sales process, and technology to create sustainable, predictable growth. We dig into go-to-market strategy, marketing that works, AI in marketing, hyperlocal SEO, reviews & awards strategy, referrals, and how these play out for doctors in private practice and other professional services.If you've been searching for answers to why your marketing isn't working, this conversation gives you the solutions: how to fix unclear positioning, differentiate in a “commodity” market, and turn value-first offers into sales meetings. Mark explains how to use go-to-market frameworks to define your ideal customer profile (ICP), craft a unique value proposition (UVP) that lands, and balance demand creation with demand capture.By the end of this episode, you'll understand how to create a simple nurture cadence, boost pipeline velocity, build trust signals like Google reviews and local awards, and maintain CRM hygiene—so your sales engine doesn't rely on hustle, luck, or the founder. If your search intent is to find a proven path to higher conversions, fewer no-shows, and stronger market authority, Mark delivers the playbook you've been looking for.00:00 Intro: who Mark helps & why engines beat ad-hoc selling00:42 Mark's background and “Rebel CRO” approach02:05 Why marketing “isn't working” (and how to diagnose it)03:38 Differentiation in commodity markets; sub-category moves05:02 Value-first offers → capture → consult → close06:15 The 4 systems overview: messaging, lead generation, sales process, tech07:40 Follow-up cadence, pipeline hygiene, and CRM automation09:12 AI in marketing: where it helps vs. where trust is human10:34 Hyperlocal SEO, reviews & awards strategy, and trust signals12:28 “Mom test” messaging and category language that resonates14:03 Creating the “I never thought of it that way” sales moment15:20 Examples for doctors in private practice, lawyers, and local pros16:35 How to work with Mark; first steps to implement17:10 Final takeaways & next action17:54 End#BuildASalesEngine #Sales #GoToMarket #LeadGeneration #Messaging #SalesProcess #MarketingThatWorks #AIinMarketing #HyperlocalSEO #Reviews #Referrals #PrivatePractice #Doctors #Dentists #Lawyers #SmallBusinessGrowth #RebelCRO #BusinessPodcast #EntrepreneurshipTo check out the YouTube (video podcast), visit: https://www.youtube.com/@drchrisloomdphdDisclaimer: Not advice. Educational purposes only. Not an endorsement for or against. Results not vetted. Views of the guests do not represent those of the host or show. Click here to join PodMatch (the "AirBNB" of Podcasting): https://www.joinpodmatch.com/drchrisloomdphdWe couldn't do it without the support of our listeners. To help support the show:CashApp- https://cash.app/$drchrisloomdphdVenmo- https://account.venmo.com/u/Chris-Loo-4Spotify- https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-loo/supportBuy Me a Coffee- https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chrisJxClick here to purchase my books on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2PaQn4pFollow our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/chL1357Follow us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/drchrisloomdphdFollow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thereal_drchrislooFollow the podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3NkM6US7cjsiAYTBjWGdx6?si=1da9d0a17be14d18Subscribe to our Substack newsletter: https://substack.com/@drchrisloomdphd1Subscribe to our LinkedIn newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=6992935013231071233Subscribe to our email list: https://financial-freedom-podcast-with-dr-loo.kit.com/Thank you to all of our sponsors and advertisers that help support the show!Financial Freedom for Physicians, Copyright 2025
Emotional Differentiation and Healthy Boundaries in RelationshipsIn this episode of Healing With Worth, hosts Naomi and Marquelle discuss emotional differentiation in relationships, particularly in the context of betrayal trauma. They share personal experiences and strategies for managing one's own emotions without taking on a partner's negative emotions. The hosts emphasize the importance of grounding, healthy coping mechanisms, and setting boundaries to ensure emotional safety and stability. They also touch on the challenges of dealing with partners who engage in numbing behaviors like excessive video gaming and highlight the significance of support groups in navigating these complex dynamics.00:00 Introduction to Healing With Worth00:51 Understanding Emotional Differentiation02:21 Managing Partner's Negative Emotions06:05 Setting Boundaries for Emotional Health08:35 Dealing with Gaslighting and Emotional Manipulation13:38 Coping Mechanisms and Numbing Out19:24 Creating Safety and Emotional Freedom30:23 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Higher education in the U.S. is facing a perfect storm: declining enrollments, rising skepticism about its value, and fierce competition for a shrinking pool of students. According to Gallup, confidence in higher ed has dropped sharply over the past decade—driven by concerns over cost, elitism, and relevance—though recent data shows a slight rebound tied to public perceptions of universities as engines of innovation. Against this backdrop, the battle for survival may hinge less on tradition and more on how institutions define, communicate, and live their brand.So, if higher ed is entering an era of brand warfare, what does it take for a college or university to win?On this episode of DisruptED, host Ron J. Stefanski sits down with Brandon Busteed, CEO of BrandEd, to explore whether branding has become the new curriculum for higher education. Their conversation spans the urgent need for differentiation, the role of public benefit narratives in restoring trust, and lessons from universities that have successfully reinvented themselves.Key takeaways from the episode…Differentiation is survival: Most colleges market themselves with the same language, but in a shrinking market, distinctive value propositions—like Northeastern's co-op model or Babson's focus on entrepreneurship—are critical.Language shapes perception: The terms colleges use to describe themselves—such as “liberal arts”—can be outdated or misunderstood. Reframing these in ways that highlight universal skills, career versatility, and durable learning can strengthen an institution's appeal and clarity of value.Brand is more than marketing: Successful institutions align their messaging with authentic values and deliver consistently on that promise, creating experiences that can't be replicated elsewhere.Brandon Busteed is a leading voice at the intersection of education and workforce development, with decades of experience building partnerships between universities, employers, and global brands. He currently serves as CEO of BrandEd, following senior leadership roles at Kaplan and Gallup, where he drove initiatives in learn–work innovation, higher education strategy, and public sector engagement. A seasoned entrepreneur and keynote speaker, Busteed has founded and led education-focused companies, served on national higher ed boards, and is recognized as a LinkedIn Top Voice for his insights on experiential, career-relevant learning.
In this episode of the Move The Ball podcast, host Jen Garrett kicks off a new two-part solo series, "The Entrepreneur's Edge: Position, Monetize, Scale." Jen shares actionable strategies for entrepreneurs and high-performance professionals to build a brand that attracts opportunities and turns them into scalable income and impact. She emphasizes the importance of brand positioning, clarity, and credibility, drawing on her global experiences and lessons from elite athletes and executives. Episode Highlights:[2:57] Introduction to the new series: "The Entrepreneur's Edge" [3:55] The importance of brand positioning before business growth [6:11] Building a global brand and the power of positioning [7:12] What a brand truly is (beyond logos and taglines) [8:04] The "brand triangle": niche, audience, and signature edge [10:18] Differentiation and being referable [11:22] Visibility vs. credibility in the digital world [12:08] Auditing your online presence and using AI for a brand audit [12:59] Lessons from pro athletes and executives on positioning IT'S TIME TO SHOW UP WITH CONFIDENCE, MAKE AN IMPACT, AND MOVE THE BALL:
We can't simply squeeze ourselves into expected heteronormative structures and find happiness. It's not going to happen! That's why Tom Bruett, a therapist and founder of the Queer Relationship Institute, wrote the book, The Go-To Relationship Guide for Gay Men: From Honeymoon to Lasting Commitment, a guide that provides the tools to build a rich, deep gay relationship. In any romantic relationship or friendship, there will be differences. This is how we learn about our partners and ourselves, and how we can grow in a relationship. If we do not go through the differentiation process, it creates angry fighting and static toxicity, Bruett finds. In this podcast, we talk about how to connect with your partner when you are not on the same page, and how to start the differentiation process and end with problem solving and a deep, sustaining and committed relationship. It will not happen if you are trying to create a carbon copy of a heterosexual relationship. It's time to find queer joy, Bruett exclaims.
In this captivating experiment, we bring together ChatGPT and Claude to channel the thoughts and strategies of renowned marketing experts Mark Ritson, Byron Sharp, Scott Galloway, and James Hurman. This episode dives deep into hotly debated marketing principles such as segmentation, targeting, and positioning, the myth or necessity of differentiation, and the optimal balance between brand building and performance marketing. From exploring whether traditional marketing models are outdated to discussing the importance of mental availability and brand distinctiveness, ChatGPT and Claude provide unique perspectives by embodying famous thought leaders. You'll hear strong arguments on both sides, including detailed strategies for brands with limited budgets and insights on how AI is transforming the world of search. Is differentiation essential, or is distinctiveness the key to brand success? Should marketers focus on broad reach or targeted campaigns? How will AI reshape the landscape of consumer interactions and search? Join us as we address these questions and more in a compelling AI-driven debate. Don't miss the chance to see which AI delivers a more convincing argument and what real marketing heavyweights might think of their digital counterparts. Share your thoughts on who you believe was the better debater—ChatGPT or Claude? Tune in to find out.00:00 – Intro: Robots Debate Marketing00:47 – Why this matters01:32 – Meet ChatGPT & Claude02:22 – STP: Outdated or essential?02:52 – Differentiation vs Distinctiveness03:46 – Reach or segments?04:29 – What should small brands do?05:16 – Budget advice: Claude vs ChatGPT06:49 – Do great brands advertise?08:01 – Galloway vs Hurman09:20 – What to tell a CFO10:45 – Are you contradicting yourself?11:52 – Innovation vs advertising12:23 – €1M plan for challenger brands13:49 – Fame first, clicks second14:44 – How AI changes search15:56 – If you're not in the model, you don't exist16:24 – Final thoughts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of "The People Not Titles Podcast," host Steve Kaempf interviews Carly Rios, a real estate attorney at Damo Law, about her journey from pre-med to law, adapting to industry changes, and the supportive culture at her firm. Carly also shares insights on fraud prevention, technology in legal practice, and balancing her legal career with creative pursuits like making music.Full episodes available at www.peoplenottitles.comIntroduction and Guest Welcome (00:00:00) Karley's Path to Law (00:00:50) Transition from Litigation to Real Estate Law (00:02:23) Early Career and Entry into Real Estate Law (00:04:18) Starting at Damo Law During COVID-19 (00:05:05) COVID-19's Impact on Real Estate Closings (00:06:15) Building a Book of Business and Networking (00:07:46)Entrepreneurship and Business Development (00:08:13)Personal Branding and Differentiation (00:09:58) In-Person vs. Remote Closings Post-COVID (00:12:09) Industry Changes: Buyer's Agent Compensation (00:13:35) Seller vs. Buyer Commission Trends (00:14:57) Current State of the Chicago Real Estate Market (00:18:05) Communication and Agent Support (00:18:46)AI and Technology in Real Estate Law (00:20:17) Fraud Prevention and Security in Transactions (00:21:45)Work Culture and Career Growth at Damo Law (00:24:36) Personal Life, Hobbies, and Music (00:27:08) Creativity and Its Role in Professional Life (00:29:33)Closing Remarks and Podcast Wrap-Up (00:32:18)People, Not Titles podcast is hosted by Steve Kaempf and is dedicated to lifting up professionals in the real estate and business community. Our inspiration is to highlight success principles of our colleagues.Our Success Series covers principles of success to help your thrive!www.peoplenottitles.comIG - https://www.instagram.com/peoplenotti...FB - https://www.facebook.com/peoplenottitlesTwitter - https://twitter.com/sjkaempfSpotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1uu5kTv...
Looking for fun, engaging, and low-prep ideas for your reading block? In this video, I'm sharing 5 ELA reading stations and literacy center activities perfect for grades 3–5. These stations are designed to build reading comprehension, vocabulary, fluency, and writing skills - all while keeping students actively engaged!
In this episode, we sit down with Felix, a YouTube educator and PhD researcher in computational science, to explore the intersection of engineering, AI, and simulation. We dive into his journey of growing a YouTube channel from scratch and discuss whether AI can truly replace physics-based simulations. The conversation also touches on the importance of education, mindset, and productivity tools in modern engineering, along with the challenges and breakthroughs in deep learning for simulation and optimization. Finally, we examine why engineers need to embrace AI-driven workflows to stay competitive. Felix's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCh0P7KwJhuQ4vrzc3IRuw4Q/featured/featured Connect with Felix: https://www.linkedin.com/in/felix-koehler/
In this episode, Isobelle joins the podcast to discuss her experiences and insights from working in the UK market, particularly focusing on mergers and acquisitions (M&A) of Managed Service Providers (MSPs). Isobelle talks about Evergreen's growth, including partnering with seven MSP businesses across the UK, and their approach to acquiring and supporting new businesses. Isobelle also touches on the importance of valuation, the quality of revenue streams, and the operational maturity of businesses. The conversation further explores the differentiation of Evergreen as a permanent partner, their decentralised model, and the extensive support they offer to their partner businesses. 00:00 Introduction and Greetings 00:40 Company Updates and Achievements 04:53 Team Expansion and Operations 06:33 UK Summit and Business Insights 08:17 Financial Metrics and Valuations 18:47 Revenue Quality and Business Growth 26:11 Differentiation in the Competitive Landscape 33:33 Conclusion and Contact Information Connect with Isobelle Coventry on LinkedIn by clicking here –https://www.linkedin.com/in/isobelle-coventry Connect with Daniel Welling on LinkedIn by clicking here –https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-welling-54659715/ Connect with Adam Morris on LinkedIn by clicking here – https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamcmorris/ Visit The MSP Finance Team website, simply click here –https://www.mspfinanceteam.com/ We look forward to catching up with you on the next one. Stay tuned!
Highlights from this week's conversation include:Wendy's Origin Story and Entry into Allocator World (1:17)Early Lessons as an Allocator (3:59)Gravitating Toward Private Assets (6:39)Founding Ivy Invest: The Problem and Vision (8:06)Trends and Tailwinds in Asset Management (11:01)Challenges Bridging Institutions and Individuals (13:55)Bridging Institutional and Individual Experiences (16:47)Is Retail Capital a New Institutional Staple? (19:58)Why Early-Stage Venture “Math Still Works” (24:00)Institutional Governance and Fund Size Trends (27:14)Advice for Emerging Managers Approaching Institutions (29:45)Where Alpha Will Come From in Venture (33:13)Intangibles and Differentiation in Early-Stage Managers (36:26)Final Thoughts and Takeaways (39:56)Ivy Invest brings institutional-quality portfolios to individual investors using an endowment-style investment framework. Co-founded by Wendy Li, Ivy invests across equities, income, and diversifiers—partnering with experienced asset managers to deliver performance, discipline, and access. Learn more at www.ivyinvest.com.Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), a division of First Citizens Bank, is the bank of the world's most innovative companies and investors. SVB provides commercial and private banking to individuals and companies in the technology, life science and healthcare, private equity, venture capital and premium wine industries. SVB operates in centers of innovation throughout the United States, serving the unique needs of its dynamic clients with deep sector expertise, insights and connections. SVB's parent company, First Citizens BancShares, Inc. (NASDAQ: FCNCA), is a top 20 U.S. financial institution with more than $200 billion in assets. First Citizens Bank, Member FDIC. Learn more at svb.com.Swimming with Allocators is a podcast that dives into the intriguing world of Venture Capital from an LP (Limited Partner) perspective. Hosts Alexa Binns and Earnest Sweat are seasoned professionals who have donned various hats in the VC ecosystem. Each episode, we explore where the future opportunities lie in the VC landscape with insights from top LPs on their investment strategies and industry experts shedding light on emerging trends and technologies. The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this podcast are for general informational purposes only.
Live Session today at 9:30 p.m. on : law of differentiation vs law of Loopingjoin here for linkshttps://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaeFYDM0G0XjYpbz4i3X
Live Session Today : Law of Differentiation vs Law of Looping by Paarth Singhjoin here for links : Follow the This is Spirituality By Paarth Singh ✅ channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaeFYDM0G0XjYpbz4i3X
In this episode of The Voice of Retail, I'm thrilled to welcome back Chris Jones, Founder and CEO of Cannabis Xpress, for his third appearance on the show. Chris offers an insider's view of the fast-changing cannabis retail landscape in Canada. Since we last spoke, Cannabis Xpress has grown to 21 stores—14 in Ontario and 7 in New Brunswick—becoming the largest private cannabis retailer in New Brunswick.Chris shares how his focus on underserved communities and cost-efficient, compact store formats has created a sustainable and profitable business model in a sector plagued by high overhead, oversupply, and stiff competition. He explains why small-town locations, limited SKU count, and fast, expert service are at the heart of his winning value proposition.We explore the broader industry landscape, including how Ontario's cannabis market has peaked and is now in a correction phase, with closures and lease renewals looming. Chris offers a frank take on regulatory blind spots that allowed a flood of stores—sometimes side by side—without proper planning. He also speaks to the remaining dominance of the illicit market, and how changes to edible dosage limits, store hours, and licensing could help bring more consumers into the legal fold.Chris doesn't shy away from highlighting the pros and cons of the Canadian system compared to U.S. states like California and New York, where regulatory complexity and taxation have stifled growth. Yet, he remains optimistic about the future of cannabis retail—both in Canada and abroad.Looking ahead, Chris reveals plans to pursue more licenses in Atlantic Canada, potentially introduce private label products, and eventually sell the business. Despite a challenging retail environment, Cannabis Xpress is not just surviving—it's thriving, with over $10 million in revenue and 70 employees across Canada. Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels, most recently on the main stage in Toronto at Retail Council of Canada's Retail Marketing conference with leaders from Walmart & Google. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fifth year in a row, the National Retail Federation has designated Michael as on their Top Retail Voices for 2025, Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail, RTIH has named him a top 100 global though leader in retail technology and Coresight Research has named Michael a Retail AI Influencer. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.
In this episode of "The Free Lawyer," host Gary Miles interviews Alexandra "Sasha" Berkowitz, discussing Sasha's journey from contract lawyer to founding her intellectual property firm, Iconic Inc. Sasha shares insights on overcoming fears, embracing entrepreneurship, and prioritizing personal well-being. She highlights the value of flexibility, meaningful client relationships, and cost-effective legal services. The conversation offers practical advice for lawyers seeking independence and fulfillment, emphasizing the importance of aligning career choices with personal values and goals. Sasha's story inspires listeners to pursue professional growth and personal freedom within the legal field.Sasha first developed a love of intellectual property during a trip to the World Intellectual Property Organization headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland as an undergraduate student. After a brief stint as an IP paralegal, Sasha attended law school at the University of San Diego School of Law in San Diego, California, where she concentrated on intellectual property law. Following her tenure as Senior Partner at a World Trademark Reporter-rated firm, Sasha launched Iconic Inc.Sasha has over a decade of experience assisting small and medium businesses in all industries with securing and protecting their intellectual property rights. She provides advice and counsel to clients nationwide, and is dedicated to helping them protect their intangible assets in a way that is accessible and affordable.Decision to Start Her Own Firm (00:04:36) Managing Mindset and Overcoming Fears (00:05:10) Early Success and Client Work (00:06:04) Benefits of Independence (00:06:25) Dealing with Doubts and Work-Life Balance (00:06:46) Advice for Lawyers Considering Entrepreneurship (00:07:34)Personal Growth and Lessons Learned (00:08:26) Marketing and Business Development Strategies (00:09:30) Biggest Challenges in Running a Firm (00:10:20) Balancing Cost-Effective Services and Profitability (00:10:49) Client Collaboration and Proactive Legal Solutions (00:11:51) Building Strong Client Relationships (00:12:53)Professional Development and Differentiation (00:13:48) Fee Structures: Flat Fees vs. Hourly Billing (00:14:27) Problems with Hourly Billing and Benefits of Alternatives (00:14:59) Attorney Burnout: Causes and Solutions (00:16:50) Advice on Facing Fears and Finding Mentors (00:17:34) Advice to Her Younger Self and Career Reflections (00:19:02) Greatest Joys of Founding Iconic Inc. (00:20:08) Final Advice for Unhappy Lawyers (00:20:42) Would you like to learn more about Breaking Free or order your copy? https://www.garymiles.net/break-free Would you like to schedule a complimentary discovery call? You can do so here: https://calendly.com/garymiles-successcoach/one-one-discovery-call
Categorizing LGBTQ+ people as a single community, rather than a broad coalition of diverse groups, is paralyzing the advancement of services, spaces, and political outcomes most of us want.Recognizing our coalition-ness would allow for a greater diversity of thought and, more importantly, more resources for the goals we all agree on.This gay man would rather defeat MAGA authoritarianism and celebrate gay male culture than land a painful blow to any of the other letters in the rainbow alphabet coalition, but the TQ+ letters of our coalition are making that difficult.So, I'm writing this essay.Little, if anything, is being done within the LGBTQ+ Community to further the development of gay culture. Bringing that up is one of the many things that's unpopular within the current rainbow alphabet zeitgeist..Differences of thought are simply not allowed. The rainbow alphabet is “all in” on the needs of TQ+. The rest of you need to not only chip in and help, but you also need to accept LGB invisibility. We're all Queer now. End of story.Only a heretic would share any comment on “gender affirming care” or "puberty blockers” outside of the approved ideological orthodoxy, which is “I agree with anything and everything the TQ+ activists say.”As an LGBTQ+ “Community,” currently dominated by the TQ+s, we are forming circular firing squads, performing purity tests, and then eliminating people, their talent, and their resources rather than building things.We Need To TalkAfter my last Substack post, "On Edge" (a poem about my political angst), a friend who has always been real with me texted to see if I was okay. I told him about sitting on an essay instead of publishing it because I didn't want to add more heft to our frighteningly polarized, burn-it-all-down community conversation. But I had to say something, so I wrote the poem.He replied, “I am frustrated with the politics of our community as well. Not sure what the answers are, and it is hard to discuss.”It really is hard to discuss.My friend and I saw each other at two parties soon after that. We didn't discuss it. The gays I tried to bring it up with quickly changed the subject or excused themselves from my presence.The meta‑message: Only one sanctioned script is safe. Say it wrong, and you're out!Having any opinion other than “Anything the TQ+s want is what I want” is queer heresy.We Can ShareThere are enough resources for each letter of the rainbow alphabet coalition to focus on the needs of its own group and then bring those needs to the community conversation.A coalition allows each group (L, G, B, T, Q+, etc.) to:* Identify its own authentic specific needs without apology.* Build its own cultural confidence, spaces, and support structures.* Bring clarified priorities to a central table, like delegations to the UN, where we can collaborate on overlapping agendas.That's the work our modern LGBT Centers (and allied institutions) need to lean into: conveners, translators, mediators. NOT enforcers of a single orthodoxy.Let's work together on the things we agree on and let people have diverse opinions.All of us working together on the goals we honestly believe in will result in things being created rather than watching things fall apart as we entertain endless “ouch” sessions that go nowhere.Disagreement ≠ disloyalty.Debate ≠ bigotry.Silence out of fear ≠ solidarity.Need permission?Hey gay!Yeah, I'm talking to you; you have a difficult time asking for anything gay.I understand.During the short time I ran for a seat on the West Hollywood City Council, I quickly learned (in a city that is 40% gay men) that gays don't give themselves permission to talk about or prioritize gay stuff.Don't worry, we can do gay stuff while simultaneously working on broader, alphabet coalition stuff as well.Consider this your permission slip!You have permission to use your agency to advocate for your gay self.Let's Do It!Let's celebrate the freedoms our hard-won civil rights victories afford us.* Let's build physical spaces for gay men to drop into and discuss the realities of being homos.* Let's work towards opening European-style bathhouses.* Let's host annual gay men's conferences to develop strategies on everything from coming out to dying with dignity.* Let's change the laws that make that possible.Currently, we are not working towards ANY of those goals.Just Gays and LGBs are TalkingSome gay, lesbian, and bisexual people (same-sex attracted people) are already talking about it.If you look beyond polite silence, there's a growing set of LGB‑forward or gay‑led platforms wrestling with these tensions: The Queer Majority (Substack), HumanGayMale, Just Gay Germany, and the various LGB Alliance orgs (UK, USA, Australia, Germany, Norway, Ireland).Unfortunately, a lot of their conversations focus on TQ+ issues they believe are at odds with LGB issues. I want more strategy sessions on building LGB infrastructure that celebrates and preserves LGB cultures.Many in these groups are quite angry–like I was when I wrote the piece I didn't post.I'm doing my best to keep most of my attention on creating things for gays and less on calling out the negative impacts of TQ ideologies on LGB people. But I am writing this essay, so I obviously think there are things wrong with our current political and operational configuration.I listened to Andrew Sullivan on The Queer Majority podcast with Ben Appe and found it enlightening. It dives deep into the problems of TQ ideology. Here's a taste: “We have little in common. LGBs love their own sex while TQs are in conflict with their own sex.”I'll let Sullivan parse out those issues while I keep my focus on gay stuff.His interview is particularly compelling because Sullivan is speaking publicly with another gay man on these heretical issues.So far, the only gay on gay conversations I've had on these issues have been well hidden from public view. One was with a massage client in my studio after his massage. He works at the LGBT Center in Los Angeles and can not speak his mind at work about the dearth of gay offerings. Others have occurred with acquaintances in one-on-one conversations in the sauna at the gym or with fuck buddies in the sanctum of a bedroom.So far, here in Los Angeles, every gay-gay conversation I have had on these issues has been in the shadows.These conversations shouldn't feel rare in 2025, but they are. Let's change that.Most But Not AllI have always supported non-discrimination in public accommodations for TQ+ people as outlined in Title II Of The Civil Rights Act.Let's get LGBTQ+ folks included in that law!I support TQ+ people on most of their issues, but our issues are sufficiently dissimilar to require different lobbying groups.Things I will fight for alongside every letter of the rainbow alphabet:* Non‑discrimination / civil rights inclusions.* Protection from violence and harassment.* Mental health support and suicide prevention.* Youth safety and anti‑bullying measures.* Accessible evidence‑informed healthcare free from political distortion.Let's Talk: Invest In Gay CultureWe can keep policing language and reciting scripts, or we can mature into a coalition that trusts its authentically expressed parts to flourish and then collaborate.Differentiation plus solidarity is a strength formula, not a weakness.Let's evolve from performative unanimity to productive pluralism (a fundamental liberal idea), and start building the things we still need.Let's talk about gay stuff.I'll host.Small groups, Zoom salons, in-person meetups, something.If you're game, feel free to drop a comment, forward this to a friend, or reply privately. Let's sketch out what a functioning coalition looks like in practice.Because if we don't build it, we'll just keep fighting over words like, community, while the spaces we've already built continue to fade into nothingness. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mikegerle.substack.com/subscribe
PSR Podcast is a listener supported outreach of Be Broken Ministries. Partner with us through giving at BeBroken.org/donate. Thank you for your support!----------In this episode, we have back with us on the program Dr. Eddie Capparucci, counselor and co-author of Going Deeper for the Betrayed Partner.* Our topic of conversation is to explore the journey of healing from betrayal trauma, especially for women who have experienced infidelity. Dr. Eddie shares his unique inner child model, helping us understand how past wounds shape our emotional responses today. Together, we discuss practical tools for managing difficult feelings, the importance of self-compassion, and how both partners can support each other on the path to recovery. It's an honest, hopeful conversation about reclaiming your sense of self and finding healing after deep hurt.For more information about Dr. Eddie and his resources, visit AbundantLifeCounselingGA.com or search for “Going Deeper books” on Amazon.com.Topics Covered in this Episode:Definition and significance of betrayal trauma, particularly in marital relationships.The emotional impact of infidelity on individuals, especially women.Introduction and explanation of the inner child model as a therapeutic approach.The connection between unresolved childhood wounds and adult emotional responses.Differentiation between sexual betrayal and other forms of betrayal (e.g., financial, emotional).The importance of recognizing and nurturing the inner child for healing.Strategies for managing emotions and shifting from emotional responses to rational thinking.Addressing common objections and validating emotions while assessing their accuracy.Encouragement for both partners in a relationship affected by betrayal to support each other.Resources and tools for further exploration of betrayal trauma and inner child work.More Resources:Going Deeper for the Betrayed Partner*Going Deeper: How the Inner Child Impacts Your Sexual Addiction*Wives Care Online GroupsRelated Podcasts:Emotional Transformation Therapy for Betrayed WivesBetrayal Trauma Healing (PSR Podcast Bundle)Helping a Wife Heal*This is an affiliate link. Be Broken may earn referral fees on purchases through this link.----------Please rate and review our podcast: Apple PodcastsFollow us on our Vimeo Channel.
"Sicha #174: *Parshas Matos-Maasei,* Chelek Chof Gimmul page 214. My body's experience and ability is the deepest expression of Hashem's power. Menachem Av - We bring our father comfort.This week's learning sponsored by 3 individuals!*Chaya Musha bas Devorah Leah* & *Henna Shomer*both in honor of their Yom Huledes - May this learning be a zchus for a shnas bracha, ad bli dai!!* Thank you for choosing these sichos as your birthday gift!Learning sponsored also by *Susan Shapiro* in honor of the yahrtzeit of her mother (my Safta!) *Basya bas Nessa*. May her neshama have an aliyah and endless nachas!_Want to get in on sponsoring? PM me!__*Sicha Summary Notes*_Ever had a moment where you were really *stuck* in your own challenge?In this month of Menachem Av, we comfort Hashem for the pain He is in.There are 2 dimensions of Hashem's pain of being in golus1. *Shchina is with the yidden in Golus.* When we experience our Geulah it is Hashem's Geulah. Our neshamos are always Godly, no choice there, but our bodies - that dont reflect godliness, those Hashem chose! When we are physically (body) in golus, so is Hashem.2. Like a king who said to his servants, if you are looking for me, *I am going to be next to my son.*What is deeper about this that is being added?Differentiation! Jewish Mothers - *we get it!* Where my kid is, that's where Ill be.*2 different situations*The father feels obvious cherishing of the child, bringing nachas! Warm fuzzy feeling, my delicious child, i'm with them! - neshama part of the yid, *nachas producer* , neshama is never affected by the golusRebbe adding! This is also true when it comes to the body. The body does NOT show Hashem. It looks just as coarse as other bodies. Mashal - if you are looking for me, I am going to be with my son. Ya this is my kid, i go with him everywhere he is at. *Hashem is with us in our tumah* . *Essential connection*Only in the Jewish Body (vs soul) do you see the connection of Hashems essence. I'm with my kid. Period.Hashem is ALWAYS with us. Menachem Av - Hashem is here as the father to his child.Level 1 nachas connection - *neshama experience*Level 2 essential connection - *body experience*Taking this even deeper...We also suffer loss, How can we comfort Hashem?The greatness of what the child can do > parentsLike a blue eyed child born from brown eyed parents, the child _reveals a recessive gene his parents have, but did not display._You have incredible power! Show up with all the emunah, all the positivity - WOW! This was always there in Hashem but not expressed until a Yid does this.We have the ability through our physical struggles, we are bringing out a koiach always there in Hashem - that had not yet been brought out.*All of us showing up in Mitzvos, Torah, we are bringing out Hashems “recessive DNA”. there is no such thing as a ME struggle - don't ever feel alone, you are Hashems essence being expressed*. Feel empowered! We can define the golus, tap into incredible koiach, Hashems essence pumping through us. Shift to new approach: Moshiach!"
This week, Shawn Gervais and Marshall Hill dive deep into the wild world of business, branding, and Brazil - unpacking everything from coconut water kiosks to the secret sauce of stealth wealth. With “the beach” as a metaphor for untapped market opportunities, they explore how creativity and collaboration can flip traditional marketing on its head.Whether it's mastering non-verbal cues or crafting campaigns that seduce rather than sell, this episode is packed with hot takes and hilarious insights that will have you rethinking how you position your business. From cultural curveballs to consumer psychology, it's time to stop chasing trends and start owning your beach.
Today we're joined by the fabulous Julia - an experienced classroom teacher who brings a calm, clear-eyed approach to differentiation that will leave you feeling capable, confident, and ready to make small changes with big impact.Together we explore what differentiation really looks like in action, and spoiler alert, it doesn't have to mean rewriting your entire lesson plan! From math warm-ups to the powerful “bump it up” wall strategy, Julia offers super practical tips for meeting students where they are, while keeping things simple and sustainable for busy teachers.What You'll Learn:Why starting small with differentiation (like warm-ups or wrap-ups) is a game-changerHow to ditch the myth that you need 3 different versions of every activitySmart ways to manage differentiated math groups (and why you don't need to be everywhere at once!)How the “bump it up” wall builds student ownership and writing confidenceThe power of repetitive, low-prep activities like number talks and “What Doesn't Belong”Tips for using simple tweaks for instant differentiationHow strong routines and a resilient mindset make classroom life smootherThe ultimate reminder: Your presence matters more than perfection.This episode is for any teacher looking to streamline their existing strategies when it comes to differentiation. It is packed with doable ideas, mindset shifts, and encouraging truths that will help you support every learner in your classroom, without burning out.Rainbows ahead,Alisha and AshleighResources mentioned in this episode:Connect with Julia on Instagram @mrschalmerscherubsFind Julia's resources here: www.mrschalmerscherubs.comFind our low-prep UNO activities here.See what a ‘Bump it up wall looks like.Our previous episodes about Differentation: Part 1 (episode 54) and Part 2 (episode 76)APPLE PODCAST | SPOTIFY | AMAZONLet's hear from you! Text us!
Let's talk about the challenges of navigating disapproval and emotional reactions in relationships. You'll learn about differentiation — maintaining one's identity while being in a relationship — and hear about ways to manage emotional responses. We'll look at the significance of self-respect, personal growth, and keeping the courage to stand firm in your truth, even when faced with someone else's discontent. Key Takeaways: Healing from infidelity involves becoming your truest self. Disapproval can trigger deep-seated fears of rejection. Differentiation means staying true to yourself in relationships. Emotional reactions should be managed before responding. It's okay to feel sad when others are upset with you. Self-awareness is crucial for personal growth. Supporting yourself is not selfish; it's courageous. You can hold space for others' feelings without losing yourself. Grief for the current situation is different from guilt. Trusting yourself leads to healthier relationships. Reference: Episode #69 - Differentiation More from me: Sign up for the "Heal on the Go - Audio Membership" here: https://portal.andreagiles.com/offers/9tSEsULS Sign up for the $47 class "Decide: How to Commit to Staying or Going After Infidelity" here: https://portal.andreagiles.com/decide Apply to join the "Get Your Life Back After Infidelity" group program here: https://andreagiles.com/get-your-life-back/ Follow me on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/theinfidelitycoach/ Please click the button to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes and leave a review if your favorite podcast app has that ability. For transcripts and other available downloads, please visit Andrea's website at https://andreagiles.com/podcast/ © 2020 - 2025 Andrea Giles
Send us a textEveryone loves an underdog—but in business, they don't just need heart, they need strategy. This week, Mike and Blaine crack open a story about a small brewery taking on the beer giants by doubling down on quality. It sparks a deeper convo about what gives small businesses an edge when they're outspent, outstaffed, and outscaled. From authenticity and agility to being the local favorite, they break down how to win when you're not the biggest player on the shelf. Because sometimes, the smaller you are, the harder you punch.Don't miss the latest insights and entertaining discussions on entrepreneurship, small business, and random BS. Subscribe, follow, and like Mike and Blaine's "Business, Beer, and BS" and catch every episode! Featured Beer: @polyrhythmbrewing @RealAleBrewingMike: Real Ale Texas LightBlaine: Polyrhythm “808” Irish RedWatch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/O7OTe3QmlTEThanks to our Beer Sponsors: • Rachel Barnett from Gentle Frog: youtube.com/@GentleFrog • Karen Hairston from 3S Smart Consulting: 3ssmartconsulting.com• Larry Weinstein, the Cash Flow Cowboy in Houston Texas!• Neighbor Pat• Devin• Jeff Robertson at jeffreyrobertson.comListen to all our episodes at mikeandblaine.comcashflowmike.comdryrun.com#mikeandblaine #smallbusines #cashflow #finance #beer #entrepreneur #craftbeer Support the showCatch more episodes, see our sponsors and get in touch at https://mikeandblaine.com/
In this episode, we break down the real meaning of branding and why it's the sum of every experience, every touchpoint, and every memory people have with your practice. Danielle shares some fantastic insights on how to go beyond just visuals—like logos and colors—and focus on the details that truly matter, from the way your team answers the phone to the scent in your waiting room. We talk about the three core branding questions every practice owner should ask before even thinking about design: What problem do you solve? How do you solve it differently? And who do you solve it for? Danielle also walks us through how to find your emotional core by channeling your “inner toddler” and asking “why” until you get to the heart of your brand's purpose. We also dive into the importance of backing up your brand promises with real action, the difference between brand promises and core values, and why being authentic and consistent is key to building trust with both clients and your team. Danielle shares some great examples of employer branding, showing how practices can attract the right team members by being clear about who they are—and who they're not. We cover how to maintain brand consistency as you scale, the importance of ongoing brand management, and how to keep your messaging human and specific in the age of AI. If you're wondering when to start thinking about branding, Danielle's advice is clear: the sooner, the better—ideally before you even open your doors. We also talk about why it's okay (and actually necessary) to be picky about the clients you attract, and how serving everyone can actually hurt your brand in the long run. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your practice's brand to the next level, this episode is packed with actionable tips, real-world examples, and expert advice to help you build a veterinary brand that resonates and endures. Tune in to learn how to create a brand that's more than just a logo—it's a lasting promise to your clients, your team, and your community.
Today, we're talking with Lanie Schenkelberg, former product manager and current VP of Product Marketing at Inovalon. In this episode, we discuss: The 4 essential elements of compelling product storytelling How to spot weak messaging - and what strong positioning really looks like How Lanie's team led a storytelling overhaul that contributed to Inovalon's growth Links LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laineschenkelberg/ Inovalon: https://www.inovalon.com/ Resources Make it Punchy, By Emma Stratton: https://punchy.co/make-it-punchy-book/ Obviously Awesome Positioning, April Dunford: https://www.amazon.com/Obviously-Awesome-Product-Positioning-Customers/dp/1999023005 Chapters 00:00 Intro 01:48 The Importance of Messaging and Storytelling in Product 03:01 How to go from Product Management to Marketing 06:10 Understanding the Customer's Big Win 12:45 The Hero Story Format 15:12 The Role of Positioning and Differentiation in Product Marketing 21:23 How Lanie Scaled Positioning at Inovalon 31:29 Outro Follow LaunchPod on YouTube We have a new YouTube page (https://www.youtube.com/@LaunchPod.byLogRocket)! Watch full episodes of our interviews with PM leaders and subscribe! What does LogRocket do? LogRocket's Galileo AI watches user sessions for you and surfaces the technical and usability issues holding back your web and mobile apps. Understand where your users are struggling by trying it for free at LogRocket.com (https://logrocket.com/signup/?pdr). Special Guest: Lanie Schenkelberg.
Send us a textIf you're trying to reach every student by creating multiple versions of your math lesson—this episode is for you. Host Mona Iehl, math coach and creator of Word Problem Workshop, shows you how to differentiate effectively without doubling your workload. The secret? One well-chosen, open-ended problem—and the right mindset to support it.Many of us grew up believing that differentiation meant creating different work for different learners—and then spent hours doing just that. But Mona breaks down a more effective approach: planning for variation, not perfection. Differentiation happens when we vary the content, process, product, or learning environment—not when we run ourselves ragged with busywork.
Jake Knapp and John Zeratsky are the co-creators of the Design Sprint (the famous five-day product innovation process) and authors of the bestselling book Sprint. After decades of working with over 300 startups in the earliest stages, they discovered that most startups fail not because they can't build, but because they build the wrong thing. The very beginning of a startup is your highest-leverage moment, and most teams waste months or years by skipping a few critical early questions. Jake and John developed the Foundation Sprint to help startups validate ideas and compress months of work into just two days.What you'll learn:1. The step-by-step Foundation Sprint process that compresses three or four months of validation into two days—including templates you can use immediately2. Why differentiation is the #1 predictor of startup success (with the 2x2 framework that you can use with your team)3. The three fundamental questions every founder should answer before writing a line of code4. The “note and vote” technique that eliminates groupthink and gets honest answers from your colleagues5. The seven “magic lenses” for choosing between multiple product ideas6. The biggest mistake engineers make when building with AI tools7. The paradox of speed: why “building nothing first” can get you to product-market fit faster—Brought to you by:Brex—The banking solution for startups: https://www.brex.com/product/business-account?ref_code=bmk_dp_brand1H25_ln_new_fsParagon—Ship every SaaS integration your customers want: https://www.useparagon.com/lennyCoda—The all-in-one collaborative workspace: https://coda.io/lenny—Transcript: https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/p/the-foundation-sprint-jake-knapp-and-john-zeratsky—Where to find Jake Knapp:• X: https://twitter.com/jakek• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-knapp/• Website: https://jakeknapp.com/—Where to find John Zeratsky:• X: https://twitter.com/jazer• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnzeratsky/• Website: https://johnzeratsky.com/—In this episode, we cover:(00:00) Introduction to Jake Knapp and John Zeratsky(04:41) Origins of the Design Sprint(11:06) The Foundation Sprint process(14:40) Phase one: The basics(16:57) Case study: Latchet(28:50) Phase two: Differentiation(36:24) The importance of differentiation(40:15) Thoughts on price differentiation(43:37) Case study: Mellow(46:04) Custom differentiators(49:30) The mini manifesto(52:02) Phase three: Approach to the project(54:50) Magic lenses activity(01:02:39) Prototyping and testing(01:10:00) Real-world examples and success stories(01:15:15) Motivation behind The Foundation Sprint(01:17:15) The outcome of the sprint: The founding hypothesis(01:19:28) The Design Sprint(01:28:19) The role of AI in prototyping(01:36:50) Final thoughts and resources—Referenced:• Introducing the Foundation Sprint: From the creators of the Design Sprint: https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/p/introducing-the-foundation-sprint• Making time for what matters | Jake Knapp and John Zeratsky (authors of Sprint and Make Time, co-founders of Character Capital): https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/p/making-time-for-what-matters-jake• Eli Blee-Goldman on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eli-blee-goldman/• Character Capital: https://www.character.vc/• Character Labs: https://www.character.vc/labs• Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/• Shopify: https://www.shopify.com/• Naming expert shares the process behind creating billion-dollar brand names like Azure, Vercel, Windsurf, Sonos, Blackberry, and Impossible Burger | David Placek (Lexicon Branding): https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/p/naming-expert-david-placek• Sonos: https://www.sonos.com/• Vercel: https://vercel.com/• Windsurf: https://windsurf.com/• April Dunford on product positioning, segmentation, and optimizing your sales process: https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/p/april-dunford-on-product-positioning• Positioning: https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/p/positioning• 10 things we know to be true: https://about.google/company-info/philosophy/• Gandalf: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gandalf• Frodo: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frodo_Baggins• Mordor: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mordor• 35 years of product design wisdom from Apple, Disney, Pinterest, and beyond | Bob Baxley: https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/p/35-years-of-product-design-wisdom-bob-baxley• The Primal Mark: How the Beginning Shapes the End in the Development of Creative Ideas: https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/faculty-research/publications/primal-mark-how-beginning-shapes-end-development-creative-ideas• Base44: https://base44.com/• Solo founder, $80M exit, 6 months: The Base44 bootstrapped startup success story | Maor Shlomo: https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/p/the-base44-bootstrapped-startup-success-story-maor-shlomo• Google Meet: https://meet.google.com/• Blue Bottle Coffee: https://bluebottlecoffee.com• Reclaim: https://reclaim.ai/• The official Foundation Sprint + Design Sprint template: https://www.character.vc/miro-template• Rippling: https://www.rippling.com/• Latchet: https://latchet.com/• Mellow: http://getmellow.com/• AxionOrbital: https://axionorbital.space/—Recommended books:• Sprint: How to Solve Big Problems and Test New Ideas in Just Five Days: https://www.amazon.com/Sprint-audiobook/dp/B019R2DQIY• Make Time: How to Focus on What Matters Every Day: https://www.amazon.com/Make-Time-Focus-Matters-Every/dp/0525572422• Click: How to Make What People Want: https://www.amazon.com/Click-Make-What-People-Want/dp/1668072114Production and marketing by https://penname.co/. For inquiries about sponsoring the podcast, email podcast@lennyrachitsky.com.—Lenny may be an investor in the companies discussed. To hear more, visit www.lennysnewsletter.com
This episode is sponsored by MagicSchool AI. With over 6 million users worldwide, MagicSchool offers more than 80 educator-friendly tools that support everything from AI literacy instruction to smarter lesson planning. To learn more and get started, visit www.magicschool.ai. Differentiation doesn't have to feel like chaos! In this episode recorded live at the TCEA Elementary Technology Conference, I chat with Melanie Rhode and Bernadette Zamora, two incredible educators, who break down how they use station rotations to meet the needs of every learner. We unpack what differentiation really means, how they plan rotations, manage tech tools, and handle off-task behavior. You'll also hear practical tips on grading, station setup, and how to kick off your school year with strong routines. If you're looking to spice up your instruction and streamline your workflow, this one's for you! Connect With Gabriel Carrillo EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com EdTech Bites On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/edtechbites.bsky.social EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites X: https://twitter.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@edtechbites EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@edtechbites About Melanie Rhode Melanie is a third grade teacher at an independent school in Houston. She's taught for 28 years. She's taught 1,2,3,4,and 5th grade and loves anything ELA. About Bernadette Zamora Bernadette has been in education for almost 16 years. She has taught 3rd grade, 4th grade and 5th grade and was an instructional specialist for two years. She is currently teaching 2nd grade and teaches all subject areas.
In this powerful conversation, Michael D. Levitt and branding expert Barry LaBov explore the critical role of differentiation in today's hyper-competitive and fast-moving business world. It's not about being the biggest or best in every category—it's about being unmistakably you. The Human Edge of Differentiation Barry opens with a compelling take: while modern tools have made producing fast, mediocre content easier, what sets brands apart today is authenticity and humanity. He warns that failing to stand out leads to commoditization, lower profits, and disengaged teams. The takeaway? Know what makes you unique—and amplify it with intention. Purpose Starts with "Who Are We?" Michael shares a story from a nonprofit healthcare board meeting where a simple but profound question was raised: “Who are we?” That moment sparked a conversation about alignment, identity, and clarity. He reminds leaders to pause regularly, assess direction, and stay grounded in purpose. Barry echoes this, referencing Simon Sinek's “Start With Why,” but adds: you also need to clearly explain what you do and how it fulfills that purpose. Belief Begins Within Barry shifts the focus inward, discussing how employee belief in a company's mission and differentiation directly impacts its longevity—citing that 16 of 17 startups fail within 10 years. His latest book, written during the COVID-era resignation wave, focuses on helping companies win hearts and minds through internal and external clarity. Real-world stories and practical frameworks help teams rediscover what makes them special. Small Shifts, Big Impact Michael dives into adaptability with a brilliant metaphor: changing the lighting in a room can completely alter its feel without replacing the furniture. In the same way, businesses often need thoughtful tweaks—not complete reinventions. He also addresses current workplace trends—like post-2021 turnover and return-to-office debates—urging leaders to listen to their people and lead with empathy and internal communication. Say It Like You Mean It Wrapping up, Barry and Michael discuss how language shapes culture. Self-deprecating phrases like “best kept secret” can quietly undermine confidence inside and outside the organization. Instead, leaders should communicate honestly and boldly about their value—without veering into ego. Michael even mentions recommending Barry's book to a client struggling with this exact challenge. Key Takeaways: True differentiation stems from authenticity, not superiority. Purpose is revealed by asking the hard questions—internally and externally. Your team must believe in what sets your organization apart. Minor shifts in leadership and culture can produce major results. How you describe your business matters—internally and externally.
When you manage your anxiety by assuming you know what others are thinking, you often forgo the best possible outcomes.Show Notes:Are You Saying "No" For Others? - by Kathleen Smith Note: this is behind a paywall, but you can subscribe for $5/month (not an affiliate link).Become a Patron for as little as $5/month.Subscribe to my weekly Two for Tuesday email newsletter.
In this game-changing episode of Mindset Mastery Moments, Dr. Alisa Whyte sits down with certified John Maxwell coach and author Rutherford Pascal to explore The P.I.D. System—a proven framework for advancing your career and standing out in your industry.Rutherford shares transformative stories from his 35-year career in the pharmaceutical industry, including how small, strategic mindset shifts can lead to massive promotions and professional influence. Discover how to:Prepare with purpose and maximize every opportunityAct with intentionality in meetings, branding, and relationshipsDifferentiate yourself with authenticity and consistencyUnlock career advancement through mindset routines and triggersInspire others through value-based leadership and follow-throughFrom irrational belief to authentic impact, this episode is packed with tools to help you rise above the sea of sameness and lead with significance.
In this episode of Sg2 Perspectives, Jayme Zage, PhD is joined by Sg2 Principals Rebecca Limestall and Brian Esser to explore what true differentiation means in today's health care landscape. They dig into why many health systems struggle to stand out and how focusing on micro-level strategies, stakeholder priorities, and market dynamics can create sustainable competitive advantages. From rural access to innovation investments, the conversation covers where and how organizations can win in an increasingly complex and competitive environment. We are always excited to get ideas and feedback from our listeners. You can reach us at sg2perspectives@sg2.com, or visit the Sg2 company page on LinkedIn.
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Nicole Powell's journey from the Philippines to becoming a successful marketing entrepreneur exemplifies resilience and creativity. Growing up in a vibrant culture, her family's move to the United States was driven by the pursuit of the American dream. This transition, while challenging, instilled in her a deep appreciation for hard work and sacrifice, particularly inspired by her mother's dedication as a nurse. Nicole's passion for storytelling and understanding human behavior led her to a career in marketing, where she recognized the power of authentic narratives in connecting brands with their audiences. After gaining valuable experience in various marketing roles, Nicole took a bold step to launch her own consultancy, Halcon Marketing. Her approach focuses on helping small and mid-sized businesses differentiate themselves in a crowded marketplace by embracing their unique identities rather than conforming to industry norms. By integrating principles of neuromarketing, she crafts impactful campaigns that resonate deeply with consumers, emphasizing the importance of building meaningful connections over mere transactions. As Halcon Marketing continues to grow, Nicole invites businesses seeking to elevate their brand presence to explore her services. With a commitment to authenticity and differentiation, Halcon Marketing is dedicated to helping clients create memorable marketing strategies that stand out in today's competitive landscape. To learn more about how Nicole and her team can help your business thrive, visit Halcon Marketing. For the accessible version of the podcast, go to our Ziotag gallery.We're happy you're here! Like the pod?Support the podcast and receive discounts from our sponsors: https://yourbrandamplified.codeadx.me/Leave a rating and review on your favorite platformFollow @yourbrandamplified on the socialsTalk to my digital avatar
In this episode, the FBA University boys discuss how to master differentiation.
What do you get when you mix a 70-year-old legacy brand, Gen Z tax filers, and a reality TV show called Responsibility Island?An absolute marketing fever dream. And Jill Cress — CMO of H&R Block — is the mastermind behind it. We unpack how she's giving TurboTax-meets-Gen-Z realness. We're talking Roblox integrations, bold brand storytelling, and what happens when you challenge a category that's historically allergic to change.We cover:– How H&R Block turned tax season into a cultural moment– What marketers get wrong about Gen Z (and how to fix it)– Why AI is useful, but human empathy still pays the bills– The 4 E's of customer experience (one of them might make you cry)This is legacy brand marketing with ✨main character energy.✨Press play. Take notes. Maybe even call your tax pro. Key Moments:00:00 Introduction to Jill Cress, CMO of H&R Block01:49 H&R Block's Legacy and Innovation13:03 Challenges and Surprises in Marketing19:45 Responsibility Island: A Bold Marketing Move25:41 Measuring Success and Future Plans30:59 Differentiation and Brand Storytelling33:15 Life Stage Stories and Customer Experience38:21 The Role of Empathy in Customer Relationships44:08 AI in Tax Assistance51:33 The Future of Brand Storytelling53:43 Advice for Young Marketers57:02 Relevant or Irrelevant: Lightening Round Mission.org is a media studio producing content alongside world-class clients. Learn more at mission.org.
In the continuation of their conversation, Mark and “El Paso” Sam Trimble continue their thought-provoking dialogue, exploring the intersection of AI, faith, creativity, and human connection. They reflect on how meaningful conversations, vulnerability, and small acts of kindness can ripple through communities and change lives. They share personal stories about love and legacy, the power of music in community bonding, and the value of long-form conversations in understanding complex ideas. The discussion also touches on overcoming fear, embracing change, and the significance of intentional conversations in fostering connections. Keep up with Sam on his webpage! Takeaways Faith is a deeply personal concept that varies for everyone. Every friend was once a stranger, emphasizing the importance of connection. Being open to conversations can lead to unexpected friendships. Differentiation in business is crucial for success. Small acts of kindness can create a butterfly effect. The universe provides opportunities when we are open to them. Creativity can be enhanced through technology and innovation. Personal touch in business fosters loyalty and repeat business. We are all capable of being the change we want to see. Graduation signifies a new beginning, not an end. Living authentically means embracing vulnerability. Constructive criticism can lead to personal growth. Mentorship plays a crucial role in guiding others. True love leaves a lasting legacy. Music has the power to unite communities. Long-form conversations provide depth and understanding. Embracing change is essential for growth. Fear often holds us back from taking the first step. Intentional conversations foster deeper connections. Chapters 05:18 Exploring Faith and Personal Beliefs 10:17 The Power of Connection and Conversations 16:31 Creativity and Innovation in the Digital Age 24:39 The Impact of Personal Touch in Business 30:13 The Butterfly Effect of Kindness 40:50 Celebrating Milestones: Graduation and Commencement 43:02 Living Authentically: Embracing Vulnerability 46:24 The Impact of Constructive Criticism 49:56 Coaching and Mentorship: Guiding Growth 52:00 True Love and Legacy: Personal Stories 55:04 The Power of Music and Community 58:09 Long-Form Conversations: Depth Over Soundbites 01:03:50 Navigating Change: Embracing New Ideas 01:09:05 Overcoming Fear: Taking the First Step 01:14:46 The Value of Intentional Conversations Affiliate Links: Unleashing the Power of Respect: The I-M Approach by Joseph Shrand, MD This episode is brought to you in part by SecuriTitle, a fractional paralegal service assisting with all things real estate in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Stay connected with the Joze.ai team on LinkedIn! Interested in recording your podcast at 95.9 WATD? Email clarissaromero7@gmail.com
In this episode of the IoT For All Podcast, Jingyi Chew, Marketing Specialist at Milesight, joins Ryan Chacon to discuss the state of smart buildings. The conversation covers wireless IoT solutions, people sensing, LoRaWAN, the challenges of making buildings smart, real-world smart building use cases and success stories, the importance of partners in IoT, and advice for deploying smart building solutions.Jingyi Chew is a Marketing Specialist at Milesight, where she is instrumental in expanding brand reach and customer engagement. With years of hands-on experience in the IoT industry, Chew architects and executes data-driven digital marketing campaigns that elevate product visibility and drive measurable growth. As a dynamic communicator and avid advocate for innovation, she regularly contributes thought leadership and stays at the forefront of emerging IoT trends.Milesight offers a broad portfolio of multi-dimensional sensing products designed to capture the most meaningful data and make it accessible across diverse applications. These IoT products leverage cutting-edge technologies such as AI, 5G, and LoRaWAN to provide smart solutions for smart buildings, smart cities, and smart agriculture. With a commitment to making sensing matter, Milesight quickly responds to customer-specific challenges and collaborates with an expanding network of partners to deliver unique data value.Discover more about IoT at https://www.iotforall.comFind IoT solutions: https://marketplace.iotforall.comMore about Milesight: https://www.milesight.comConnect with Jingyi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jingyi-chew-94280a161/(00:00) Intro(00:08) Jingyi Chew and Milesight(00:57) The state of smart buildings(02:32) What are people sensing-driven smart buildings?(04:45) Differentiation in smart building solutions(06:04) Challenges of legacy infrastructure(07:18) Real-world smart building applications and benefits(09:15) The role of LoRaWAN in smart buildings(10:31) The importance of partners in IoT(11:33) Smart building success stories(13:26) Learn more and follow upSubscribe on YouTube: https://bit.ly/2NlcEwmJoin Our Newsletter: https://newsletter.iotforall.comFollow Us on Social: https://linktr.ee/iot4all
In this Company episode of The Synopsis we draw on our 108-page research report on Airbnb; the company that pioneered the sharing economy and become a Silicon Valley poster child for what a succesful start-up can become. Having started as a means to pay rent, Airbnb quickly turned into one of the world's largest accommodations provider. In a matter of just a decade, Airbnb was able to host more guests than Hilton could in 100 years. However, despite their large impact in how tens of millions of people traveled and millions more monetized their unused properties, they struggled for years to turn a profit. That is until founder Brian Chesky decided to do something drastic and reshape the business—in the midst of Covid no less. In the matter of just a few years he took the business from losing $4bn a year to generating $3bn annually in free cash flow. With Airbnb having a firm grasp on the Alternative Accommodations segment, they are preparing to enter into new businesses and new verticals. Tune in for all of this and more! Learn more about our 108-page report here. For full access to all of our in-depth research reports, become a Speedwell Member here. If you need help getting Speedwell Research to become an approved research vendor, so you can expense your subscription, please email info@speedwellresearch.com *~*~*~* Mentioned Speedwell Memos: Minimum Viable Products versus Maximum Possible Products Introducing the Piton Network Concept -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*- Show Notes (0:00) — Airbnb Intro Section 1: Business History (5:33) — From RISD to SF (19:05) — Cereal Boxes, Y Combinator (34:12) — Early Airbnb Experience, Competitors, International (43:10) — First Disaster (47:21) — Toshi Hotels, Regulation (52:50) — Covid, Pulling the IPO (1:01:50) — IPO *~*~* Section 2: Industry and TAM (1:05:27) — Business, How do they Make Money? (1:18:13) — Experiences (1:22:31) — Margins and Cost Structure (1:25:26) — TAM Discussion (1:39:21) — Categories of Competition *~*~* Section 3: Competitors and Competitive Differentiation (1:42:16) — Booking Competition (1:52:21) — Merchant vs Agent Business Model, OTAs (2:02:17) — Booking's Alternative Accommodation Push, Booking vs Airbnb (2:12:25) — Expedia, VRBO (2:25:47) — Other Competitors (2:30:47) — Comparing all Competitors, Network Effects, Differentiation (2:45:26) — Competitive Advantages (2:54:28) — Airbnb Negatives *~*~* Section 4: Other Bets, Capital Allocation, Valuation (2:58:33) — New Services, Super App (3:13:25) — ROIC and Free Cash Flow (3:20:04) — Capital Allocation, Stock Awards (3:27:44) — Growth Drivers (3:35:42) — Valuation (3:37:11) — Risks and Conclusion -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*- Become a Speedwell Member here to gain access to *all* of our in-depth research reports and more! Sign up for Speedwell's free newsletter and weekly memos here *-*-*- Follow Us: Twitter: @Speedwell_LLC Threads: @speedwell_research Email us at info@speedwellresearch.com for any questions, comments, or feedback. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*- Disclaimer Nothing in this podcast is investment advice nor should be construed as such. Contributors to the podcast may own securities discussed. Furthermore, accounts contributors advise on may also have positions in companies discussed. At the time of recording contributors had a position in Airbnb. Furthermore, accounts contributors advise on also may have a position in Airbnb. This may change without notice. Please see our full disclaimers here: https://speedwellresearch.com/disclaimer/
[Rerun] Dr. Kirk Honda talks about Bowen's differentiation.This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/KIRK to get 10% off your first month.Become a member: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOUZWV1DRtHtpP2H48S7iiw/joinBecome a patron: https://www.patreon.com/PsychologyInSeattleEmail: https://www.psychologyinseattle.com/contactWebsite: https://www.psychologyinseattle.comMerch: https://psychologyinseattle-shop.fourthwall.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/psychologyinseattle/Facebook Official Page: https://www.facebook.com/PsychologyInSeattle/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kirk.hondaJuly 18, 2016The Psychology In Seattle Podcast ®Trigger Warning: This episode may include topics such as assault, trauma, and discrimination. If necessary, listeners are encouraged to refrain from listening and care for their safety and well-being.Disclaimer: The content provided is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only. Nothing here constitutes personal or professional consultation, therapy, diagnosis, or creates a counselor-client relationship. Topics discussed may generate differing points of view. If you participate (by being a guest, submitting a question, or commenting) you must do so with the knowledge that we cannot control reactions or responses from others, which may not agree with you or feel unfair. Your participation on this site is at your own risk, accepting full responsibility for any liability or harm that may result. Anything you write here may be used for discussion or endorsement of the podcast. Opinions and views expressed by the host and guest hosts are personal views. Although, we take precautions and fact check, they should not be considered facts and the opinions may change. Opinions posted by participants (such as comments) are not those of the hosts. Readers should not rely on any information found here and should perform due diligence before taking any action. For a more extensive description of factors for you to consider, please see www.psychologyinseattle.com
One of the keys to maintaining value is to be able to differentiate your product or service from the competition. While this can be difficult to do, it is necessary to keep from becoming commoditized. Be ready for some critical thinking as Scott and I investigate The Power of Product Differentiation and other flippant philosophies on Episode 673 of the Winning at Selling podcast. Our next book – The Power of Purpose by Mitch Larsonhttps://www.amazon.com/Power-Purpose-guide-discover-yours/dp/1960111280/ref=sr_1_1 Top 90 Sales Management Podcast - We're #3! https://www.millionpodcasts.com/sales-management-podcasts/ Bill Hellkamp – See my LinkedIn profile and send me an invite Visit my website: http://www.reachdev.com/ Scott “Professor Plum” Plum – See my LinkedIn profile and send me an invite Visit my website: https://www.mnsales.com
In this powerhouse episode, we sit down with David Aaker, Vice Chairman of Prophet, Professor Emeritus at UC Berkeley's Haas School of Business, and the legendary “Father of Modern Branding.” With over 17 influential books to his name — including Building Strong Brands, Brand Leadership, and Aaker on Branding — David shares the groundbreaking insights that have transformed how businesses think about brand strategy.We dive deep into:The evolution of brand equity and why loyalty must be at its coreWhy brand relevance, not just awareness, is key to market dominanceThe secret to building energy and differentiation with “Silver Bullet” brandsWhy disruptive innovation creates real growth, not brand preferenceThe role of signature stories and purpose-driven branding in creating lasting impactHow legacy brands can remain relevant in an age of constant disruptionWhether you're a founder, marketer, or strategist, this episode offers practical, timeless advice on building brands that endure.
This is Matt Reustle. Today we are breaking down EQT, the Swedish global investment organization. Right off the top, I need to mention our guest today, Sean Barrett, who couldn't have been more perfect for this breakdown. Sean has been investing in the Alts since Blackstone christened this asset class just over a decade ago. Sean is the founder of Counter Global, and alt investing is ingrained in its DNA. We cover the massive, yet lesser-known EQT, the Wallenberg family ties, and how this business has continued to generate returns at scale. Beyond the EQT conversation, you are going to get a masterclass on Alts investing. Please enjoy this Breakdown of EQT. Subscribe to Colossus Review For the full show notes, transcript, and links to the best content to learn more, check out the episode page here. —- Business Breakdowns is a property of Colossus, LLC. For more episodes of Business Breakdowns, visit joincolossus.com/episodes. Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com). Show Notes (00:00:00) Welcome to Business Breakdowns (00:01:38) Complexities of Alternative Asset Management (00:04:27) Understanding EQT: A Thematic Private Markets Investment Manager (00:06:36) The Wallenberg Legacy and EQT's Origins (00:11:54) EQT's Differentiation and Investment Strategy (00:20:36) Leadership and Succession Planning at EQT (00:25:15) Regulatory Environment and Strategic Focus (00:31:15) EQT's Private Equity and Asia Strategies (00:37:39) EQT's Strategic Use of M&A (00:39:49) EQT's Infrastructure Business (00:42:01) EQT's Real Estate Business (00:45:28) Innovative Exit Strategies (00:49:08) Fundraising Success and Future Prospects (00:59:31) Financial Model and Valuation (01:06:46) Key Risks and Opportunities (01:16:15) Lessons from EQT
What if sales didn't have to be about being pushy or intimidating, but instead about solving problems and making life better? Join us as we explore this concept with our guest, Andee Hart, who transformed her corporate sales expertise into a flourishing candle business during the pandemic. Andee's inspiring journey is a masterclass in differentiation and tenacity, from how she successfully stood out in a crowded market to how she scaled her business to hundreds of boutiques. Listen in as we cover effective pricing strategies, as well as the critical role of personalized retailer outreach for wholesale brands. We also examine how missteps in pricing can affect perceived quality, the importance of market research, and how assuming positive intent can turn customer service challenges into opportunities for creating brand loyalty. This episode is packed with practical advice and personal anecdotes that offer a roadmap for anyone looking to scale their product-based business. Resources: Andee Hart: Instagram | Pinterest | Podcast | LinkedIn Hart Design Co Join The Boutique Hub Ashley Alderson: Instagram The Boutique Hub: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok | YouTube
In 2025, being “different” on Amazon isn't enough. Product tweaks and minor upgrades don't move the needle when the market is flooded with lookalikes. In this episode of Built by Business with Andy Isom, we unpack why traditional product differentiation has lost its edge—and what actually works today: strategic brand positioning. I'm sharing behind the scenes of a consulting call, we'll review the Product/Marketing Matrix, how market significance outperforms feature changes, and Amazon-native brand examples that win without being the cheapest or most advanced. Whether you're building a new private label product or trying to revive a flat listing, this episode will give you a fresh lens for standing out where it matters most. Grab an audit or consulting call here: www.andyisom.com
Insurance agents who struggle at setting new business appointments with prospects, or winning signed Broker of Record Letters, or winning through a quoting process, are typically agents that don't have a Competitive Differentiation that makes the prospect say, "Wow!" In other words, if you don't have anything -- either a tangible service or a unique process -- that separates you from other competitors, your prospect will subconsciously toss you in the bucket of mediocrity and not do business with you. Why? Because, they already have an agent equal to or better than you, so they don't need you. In this throwback episode of the Millionaire Insurance Producer podcast, host Charles Specht will GIVE YOU EXAMPLES of differentiation services, both that are insurance-related and also Micro-Niche focused. Also, be sure to check out www.permissionproducerschool.com as the next cohort of students to go through our sales school will take place at the end of February. Get registered before all of the seats are gone! Key Topics: Why competitive differentiation is key to winning more business The power of micro-niching to stand out from competitors How to create a unique value proposition that prospects can't ignore Differentiation services that help secure more clients Proven strategies for negotiating lower premiums with underwriters Real-world examples of successful competitive differentiation tactics Overview of the Permission Producer School for mastering sales and prospecting Reach out to Charles Specht Visit: Permission Producer School Permission Network Produced by PodSquad.fm
Insurance agents who struggle at setting new business appointments with prospects, or winning signed Broker of Record Letters, or winning through a quoting process, are typically agents that don't have a Competitive Differentiation that makes the prospect say, "Wow!" In other words, if you don't have anything -- either a tangible service or a unique process -- that separates you from other competitors, your prospect will subconsciously toss you in the bucket of mediocrity and not do business with you. Why? Because, they already have an agent equal to or better than you, so they don't need you. In this throwback episode of the Millionaire Insurance Producer podcast, host Charles Specht will GIVE YOU EXAMPLES of differentiation services, both that are insurance-related and also Micro-Niche focused. Also, be sure to check out www.permissionproducerschool.com as the next cohort of students to go through our sales school will take place at the end of February. Get registered before all of the seats are gone! Key Topics: Why competitive differentiation is key to winning more business The power of micro-niching to stand out from competitors How to create a unique value proposition that prospects can't ignore Differentiation services that help secure more clients Proven strategies for negotiating lower premiums with underwriters Real-world examples of successful competitive differentiation tactics Overview of the Permission Producer School for mastering sales and prospecting Reach out to Charles Specht Visit: Permission Producer School Permission Network Produced by PodSquad.fm
Chris Lattner of Modular (https://modular.com) joined us (again!) to talk about how they are breaking the CUDA monopoly, what it took to match NVIDIA performance with AMD, and how they are building a company of "elite nerds". X: https://x.com/latentspacepod Substack: https://latent.space 00:00:00 Introductions 00:00:12 Overview of Modular and the Shape of Compute 00:02:27 Modular's R&D Phase 00:06:55 From CPU Optimization to GPU Support 00:11:14 MAX: Modular's Inference Framework 00:12:52 Mojo Programming Language 00:18:25 MAX Architecture: From Mojo to Cluster-Scale Inference 00:29:16 Open Source Contributions and Community Involvement 00:32:25 Modular's Differentiation from VLLM and SGLang 00:41:37 Modular's Business Model and Monetization Strategy 00:53:17 DeepSeek's Impact and Low-Level GPU Programming 01:00:00 Inference Time Compute and Reasoning Models 01:02:31 Personal Reflections on Leading Modular 01:08:27 Daily Routine and Time Management as a Founder 01:13:24 Using AI Coding Tools and Staying Current with Research 01:14:47 Personal Projects and Work-Life Balance 01:17:05 Hiring, Open Source, and Community Engagement
We are delighted to welcome Valerie Hamaker back to the show! Early on in the discussion between Valerie and LDF host Dan Wotherspoon, we get caught up about the shake up this past March that was started by church leaders who disapproved of the content of her podcast, Latter-day Struggles. They couldn't understand see how her work was actually a boon for the Mormon community through its forthright conversations about matters troubling Latter-day Saints, and how she worked with them, using her background and skills as a licensed therapist, to see broader perspectives and find healing. Faced wth looming excommunication from the church, she and her husband, Nathan, withdrew their membership. Our main focus in relating a short synopsis of these events is to talk about reactions to the news by Latter-day Struggles listeners and members of discussion groups. Has it affected her work with those seeking understanding and healing. The bulk of the conversation in this episode focuses on how a person can differentiate in healthy ways from family members, institutions like the LDS Church, and most of all our spouses or partners. How can we be ourselves in places and situations in which people don't see things the same way? Why is differentiation so important? Ultimately the conversation focuses on marriage relationships that have been affected by differing views, or from trauma that is hard for a partner to recognize and understand. As couples work through these things in healthy ways, their love and commitment allows them to fully accept each other. Everything about being partnered is a crucible for change and growth! Though it talks about hard things, this conversation is upbeat and optimistic about all of us discovering ourselves and bettering our relationships. Listen in! There is lots of wisdom in this episode.
When it comes to positioning, David is still seeing creative firms failing to answer three essential questions in the proper sequence: category, specialization, and then secondary differentiators (or qualifying characteristics).