Podcasts about Forecasting

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Best podcasts about Forecasting

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Latest podcast episodes about Forecasting

How to Decorate
Ep. 468: Forecasting Floral Trends & Expert Gardening Tips with Katie Tamony of Monrovia

How to Decorate

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2026 63:50


Today, Caroline and Tayrn are thrilled to welcome Katie Tamony to the podcast! Katie spent a decade (2001 to 2011) as the Editor-in-Chief of Sunset Magazine, celebrating the seamless indoor-outdoor living of the West Coast. Today, she heads up marketing and trend forecasting for Monrovia, one of the country's premier plant nurseries. Celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, Monrovia grows over 4,000 varieties of plants—from trees and shrubs to perennials and exquisite edibles—across thousands of acres in the US. Katie joins us to discuss the fascinating world of plant breeding, the top landscape trends shaping our backyards, and why you shouldn't be afraid to aggressively prune your plants! Quick Gardening Trends & Takeaways: Patio Culture: More people are focusing their gardening efforts on patios and balconies. Instead of just the traditional "thriller, filler, spiller" container combinations, homeowners are embracing wellness and luxury by potting single, stunning statement plants with lush, broad leaves. The "Easy Sunday" Garden: Think of a Nancy Meyers movie landscape. This highly tailored look relies on the luxurious, year-round structure of traditional boxwoods paired with classic flowering shrubs like hydrangeas, roses, and camellias. This trend limits color palettes (like all white or white-and-blue) and utilizes mass plantings of a few varieties rather than a chaotic mix. The Modern Meadow: A blend of wild and refined, this trend is incredibly popular with younger homeowners. It focuses on biodiversity by mixing native grasses with pollinator-friendly perennials like salvia, lavender, and agastache to invite bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds into the yard. Exquisite Edibles: Gardeners are looking beyond basic tomatoes and berries. Thanks to clever plant breeding, people are now growing exotic fruits like kiwis and figs in colder hardiness zones, or even planting compact apple trees in patio containers. Look closely at the branching: When shopping for shrubs, check if the plant is evenly branched on all sides. Good branching indicates the plant was pruned frequently and properly cared for at the nursery, meaning it will hold its shape much better in your yard. Buy plants with tight buds: We are often dazzled by fully blooming plants at the garden center, but you will get a much longer bloom time at home if you purchase a plant that is still tightly budded (like peonies, which should be bought when the "eye" is just coming up). Don't be afraid to prune: Many gardeners are too timid, but aggressive pruning is incredibly healthy for your plants. Cutting back perennials, hydrangeas, and trees at the right time helps them return fuller and with more blooms. Dig a wider hole, not a deeper one: When planting, dig a hole that is at least twice as wide as the plant's root ball. Ensure you aren't burying the plant too deep; the soil should just cover the root ball. Mix your native dirt with soil amendments, add a slow-release fertilizer into the hole, and always finish with a top layer of mulch to suppress weeds and retain moisture. What You'll Hear on This Episode: 00:00 Welcome & Introduction 03:00 Katie's background at Sunset Magazine and joining Monrovia 06:00 Monrovia's 100-year history and the only annual plant they grow 09:00 The top four landscaping trends: Patio Culture, Easy Sunday Garden, Modern Meadow, and Exquisite Edibles 15:00 The history of founder Harry Rosedale and the iconic green Monrovia pots 20:00 Why branching matters and why you shouldn't be afraid to prune 25:00 The science of plant breeding, plant hunters like Dan Hinkley, and bringing fragrance back to roses 32:00 The debate between native plants, invasives, and cultivars 43:00 Nursery shopping tips and why fall is the best time to plant large shrubs 54:00 The Nitty Gritty White Rose and using unique shrubs for your indoor cutting garden Also Mentioned in This Episode: SunBelievable Sunflower: The only annual Monrovia grows! It stays compact and bushy, making it a perfect pot filler that produces up to 1,000 blooms from spring until the first frost. Centennial Ruby Hydrangea: Monrovia's special 100th-anniversary release. It boasts a never-before-seen ruby color that ages to deep charcoal, with sturdy stems and thick leaves that hold blooms for 130 days. Nitty Gritty White Rose: A compact rose popularized by designer James Farmer, who planted masses of them in containers around his pool for a stunning, bouquet-like effect. Fatsia 'Camouflage': A beautiful statement plant with variegated foliage discovered by plant hunter Dan Hinkley. Cutting Garden Shrubs: Step outside the box for your floral arrangements by clipping from shrubs like Leucadendron, compact Crape Myrtles, or Loropetalum. Explore the Plant Finder Tool at Monrovia.com to find the perfect plants for your zip code. Follow Monrovia on social media: @monroviaplants. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Profit Answer Man: Implementing the Profit First System!
Ep 323 3 Cash Flow Leaks Draining Your Profit with Natalia Zacharin

Profit Answer Man: Implementing the Profit First System!

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2026 39:21


3 Cash Flow Leaks Draining Your Profit with Natalia Zacharin   Find Rocky Lalvani @ www.ProfitComesFirst.com  or email him at rocky@profitcomesfirst.com Make more, work less video: https://youtu.be/   Most business owners think they have a revenue problem when they really have a cash flow problem. In this episode, Rocky Lalvani talks with Natalia Zacharin about the hidden leaks that drain profit, the financial habits that help owners scale with more confidence, and why waiting until payroll gets tight is already too late. If you want better cash flow, stronger profit, and clearer financial decisions, this conversation gives you a practical framework for what to watch and what to fix.  Natalia Zacharin built her business from a bookkeeping side gig in 2019 into a 16-person firm that provides accounting, bookkeeping, and fractional CFO services. In this conversation, she shares what happened when she lost a major client, why high profitability gave her room to respond, and how owners can use financial data to make smarter decisions before a problem turns into a crisis.    In This Episode: Why cash flow problems often begin long before the bank balance shows it How forecasting helps owners see problems 3, 6, or 9 months early What Natalia learned after losing $250,000 in revenue Why hiring because you are busy can create bigger financial pressure The warning signs of weak pricing and poor payroll capacity How to judge marketing ROI faster and stop wasting money Why founders should usually own sales longer than they want to   Key Takeaways: Cash flow problems usually start months before the bank balance makes them obvious. Forecasting helps business owners see trouble coming 3, 6, or even 9 months ahead. If you are too busy to keep up but still cannot afford to hire, you may have a pricing problem. Marketing should be measured by booked calls, sales, and ROI, not vague activity. Founders should usually lead sales longer than they want to, especially before the business reaches roughly $750,000 to $1 million in revenue.   Natalia's Money Lesson: Natalia's biggest money lesson is that financials have to be used proactively, not reactively. She explains that strong profit margins, six months of cash reserves, and regular forecasting helped her navigate the loss of $250,000 in revenue without panicking. Her point is clear: if you understand your numbers early, you can spot trends, catch leaks, and make adjustments before you end up borrowing for payroll, missing tax obligations, or making emotional decisions under pressure.   Why This Conversation Matters: This conversation matters because it gets to the heart of what many small business owners experience but do not always understand: revenue can grow while profit and cash flow still get weaker. Natalia and Rocky talk about the slow trends that create pressure long before the bank account reveals it, including weak pricing, bad hiring timing, wasted marketing spend, and avoiding the numbers. For owners trying to grow without creating more chaos, this episode is a reminder that financial clarity is not optional. It is the tool that gives you time, options, and control.    About Natalia Zacharin: Natalia Zacharin is the  founder of Zacharin Consulting and an Inc. 5000 entrepreneur. She helps 7 and 8 figure business owners turn financial data into a forward-facing GPS. Natalia will reveal the silent cash leaks draining your profits, exactly when to make your next hire, and how to build a highly sellable asset. Get ready to stop guessing and start scaling with absolute financial clarity!   Links: Website: https://zacharinconsulting.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/growyourbottomline/   https://www.facebook.com/zacharinconsulting/   https://www.instagram.com/growyourbottomline/       Profit Blueprint Calculator I Profit Comes First: https://lp.profitcomesfirst.com/profitblueprintcalc-page   Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@profitanswerman Sign up to be notified when the next cohort of the Profit First Experience Course is available! Free Copy of the Profit Blueprint Book: https://lp.profitcomesfirst.com/landing-page-page  Monthly Newsletter signup: https://lp.profitcomesfirst.com/newsletter-signup Relay Bank (affiliate link): https://relayfi.com/?referralcode=profitcomesfirst Profit Answer Man Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/profitanswerman/ My podcast about living a richer more meaningful life: http://richersoul.com/ Music provided by Junan from Junan Podcast Any financial advice is for educational purposes only and you should consult with an expert for your specific needs.     

More or Less with the Morins and the Lessins
Did Anthropic Use the Pope as a Marketing Stunt? Ft. Amir Efrati

More or Less with the Morins and the Lessins

Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2026 50:52


This week on More or Less, Amir Efrati of The Information joins Jessica, Brit, and Dave to unpack the growing intersection of AI, government, and national security, from the rumored stalled executive AI order to why frontier model companies may soon face deeper U.S. oversight and pre-release access demands. The group debates whether slowing AI adoption is really a pricing and UX problem, why AI agents are causing token consumption to explode, and whether most consumers even want an always-on personal agent. They also dive into the geopolitical implications of data centers and open-source software, AI's impact on entertainment and voice cloning, Hollywood's anxiety over originality, and the strange new world where even papal writings prompt questions about whether AI had a hand in shaping the message.Chapters:1:57 — AI Predictions, Whispering to Models & Forecasting the Future4:37 — AI, National Security & the Trump Administration6:52 — The Pope's AI Document, Closed Models & Security Risks11:56 — AI Regulation, Job Fears & Public Sentiment15:45 — Is AI Adoption Slowing Down? Pricing, ROI & Enterprise Reality21:00 — Agents, CIOs & Whether Mainstream Users Will Ever Embrace AI36:00 — AI Entertainment, Voice Cloning & Hollywood's Future41:52 — Going Off-Grid, Book Recommendations & Digital Detoxes47:00 — Mark Rober, CrunchLabs & the $10,000 Bullseye StoryWe're also on ↓X: https://twitter.com/moreorlesspodInstagram: https://instagram.com/moreorlessYouTube: https://youtu.be/OyC7N42o36sConnect with us here:1) Sam Lessin: https://x.com/lessin2) Dave Morin: https://x.com/davemorin3) Jessica Lessin: https://x.com/Jessicalessin4) Brit Morin: https://x.com/brit

CiscoChat Podcast
AI Insights - Ep.5: Forecasting Mental Health with ML, Deep Learning and LLMs

CiscoChat Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2026 28:01


In this episode of The Cisco AI Insights Podcast, hosts Rafael Herrera and Sónia Marques are joined by Cisco's Technical Leader in Machine Learning Engineering Leticia Fernandes to explore the groundbreaking study, "A Comparative Study of Traditional Machine Learning, Deep Learning, and Large Language Models for Mental Health Forecasting Using Smartphone Sensing Data," which evaluates how different AI architectures analyze complex smartphone behavioral data to predict future mental health states. The discussion delves into the intricacies of forecasting mental health changes using five years of data from the College Experience Sensing dataset, highlighting how deep learning models, particularly transformer architectures, outperform traditional machine learning and Large Language Models by effectively leveraging personalized user behavior to identify subtle anomalies that could signal declining mental health, while also addressing the challenges of data imbalance and the inherent limitations of LLMs in processing high-dimensional, non-textual temporal sequences. A special thank you to the researchers from The Singapore University of Technology and Design, that developed this month's paper. If you are interested in reading the paper yourself, please visit this link: https://arxiv.org/pdf/2601.03603

The SaaSiest Podcast
212. George Storm, CRO at N.rich - Why your SaaS Forecasting Is Broken & Inaccurate

The SaaSiest Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2026 58:48


In this episode, we're joined by George Storm, CRO at N.rich, for a conversation about why traditional B2B SaaS forecasting is no longer good enough in today's market. George shares how N.rich, the European ABM platform, helps sales-led companies influence complex buying committees, warm up priority accounts, and progress accounts before sales ever reaches out.  We spoke with George about why forecasting can't be treated as a static quarterly exercise anymore, why revenue leaders need to account for macro signals like layoffs, budget freezes, acquisitions, interest rates, and market turbulence, and how to move from fixed-number forecasting to ranges, probabilities, and continuous forecast loops. He explains why CROs should think in “regimes” like calm, turbulent, and stormy markets, and how that changes the way you model win rates, sales cycles, ACV, and pipeline coverage. Here are some of the key questions we address: Why is traditional SaaS forecasting broken? Why should forecasts be modeled as ranges instead of fixed numbers? How do macro signals like layoffs, acquisitions, and budget freezes impact pipeline confidence? Why can historical win rates be misleading in today's market? What does it mean to forecast in calm, turbulent, or stormy weather? How can CROs build a continuous forecasting loop instead of relying on quarterly updates? What should revenue leaders monitor weekly to avoid surprise misses?

a16z
Robin Hanson on Prediction Markets, Gambling, and the Future of Forecasting

a16z

Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2026 27:55


Theo Jaffee and Sophia Puccini speak with economist Robin Hanson about prediction markets, gambling, and why he believes speculative markets are one of the most powerful tools humans have for aggregating information and forecasting outcomes. The conversation begins with Minnesota's recent law criminalizing prediction markets before expanding into the broader backlash surrounding platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket. Hanson explains his long-term vision for “decision markets,” where markets could help guide choices made by companies, governments, and even individuals. Along the way, they discuss sports betting, games and human psychology, futurism, AI, and Hanson's broader work on how societies misunderstand risk, incentives, and coordination Resources: Follow Robin Hanson on X: https://x.com/robinhanson Follow Theo Jaffee on X: https://x.com/theojaffee Follow Sophia Puccini on X: https://x.com/schisofrenia Stay Updated:Find a16z on YouTube: YouTubeFind a16z on XFind a16z on LinkedInListen to the a16z Show on SpotifyListen to the a16z Show on Apple PodcastsFollow our host: https://twitter.com/eriktorenberg Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Twenty Minute VC: Venture Capital | Startup Funding | The Pitch
20Sales: The $100M CRO Bubble: Why Anthropic Are Causing a Comp Crisis | Why You Should Never Hire From Salesforce or Service Now | How to Hire, Train and Forecase in a World of AI with Chad Peets and Chris Degnan

The Twenty Minute VC: Venture Capital | Startup Funding | The Pitch

Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2026 79:42


Chad Peets is one of the most straight-talking, no BS sales leaders of our time. Today, he partners with founders of the fastest growing companies in the world, like Harvey, Factory to build the best sales teams in a world of AI.    Chris Degnan is a legendary technology sales leader who achieved the historic feat of scaling Snowflake from $0 to $4BN in ARR.  AGENDA: 00:00 – The $100M CRO Packages Nobody Believes Are Real 04:10 – Why Most "Elite" Salespeople Are Actually Just Order Takers 08:00 – The Secret to Hiring Killer Sales Talent at Early-Stage Startups 10:05 – 20x Quotas & The Death of Traditional Pipeline Generation 16:20 – The ARR Scam: Why Most AI Revenue Numbers Are Fake 17:45 – Why the Best Engineers Do Not Want to Be Forward Deployed Engineers 21:10 – Why Paying Everyone the Same Kills Great Sales Organisations 24:15 – Anthropic's Crazy Compensation Is Breaking the Entire Sales Market 29:00 – The Brutal Truth About Replacing CROs & Firing Sales Leaders 32:20 – Forecasting in AI Is Completely Broken 38:20 – The Fatal Mistake Founders Make Chasing Venture Valuations 39:40 – Why Most VCs Give Absolutely Terrible Sales Advice 42:10 – Global Sales From Day One: The New AI Go-To-Market Playbook 44:15 – "Anthropic Is a $5 Trillion Company" 47:40 – The Death of the Traditional SDR & The Rise of Full-Stack AI Sellers 49:00 – Consumption Pricing, Vertical AI & Why SaaS Is Getting Rewritten 52:00 – What the Best Sales Cultures Still Get Right in the AI Era    

Russell Investments
Markets rally as IPO momentum builds

Russell Investments

Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2026 4:35


DisclosuresThese views are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and are current as of the date at the top of the page.Investing involves risk and principal loss is possible.Past performance does not guarantee future performance.Forecasting represents predictions of market prices and/or volume patterns utilizing varying analytical data. It is not representative of a projection of the stock market, or of any specific investment.This material is not an offer, solicitation or recommendation to purchase any security. Nothing contained in this material is intended to constitute legal, tax, securities or investment advice, nor an opinion regarding the appropriateness of any investment, nor a solicitation of any type.The general information contained in this publication should not be acted upon without obtaining specific legal, tax and investment advice from a licensed professional.  The information, analysis and opinions expressed herein are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual entity.Please remember that all investments carry some level of risk. Although steps can be taken to help reduce risk it cannot be completely removed. They do no not typically grow at an even rate of return and may experience negative growth. As with any type of portfolio structuring, attempting to reduce risk and increase return could, at certain times, unintentionally reduce returns.Investments that are allocated across multiple types of securities may be exposed to a variety of risks based on the asset classes, investment styles, market sectors, and size of companies preferred by the investment managers. Investors should consider how the combined risks impact their total investment portfolio and understand that different risks can lead to varying financial consequences, including loss of principal. Please see a prospectus for further details.Indexes are unmanaged and cannot be invested in directly.Copyright © Russell Investments Group LLC 2026. All rights reserved.This material is proprietary and may not be reproduced, transferred, or distributed in any form without prior written permission from Russell Investments. It is delivered on an “as is” basis without warranty.CORP-13022Date of first use: May, 2026

Run The Numbers
5 Ways CFOs Can Build a Better Sales Engine with Paul Stansik

Run The Numbers

Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2026 42:41


In this episode of Run the Numbers, CJ sits down with ParkerGale Operating Partner Paul Stansik to break down five ways CFOs can help build a better sales engine: making the budget mean something, improving forecasting, sharpening metrics, getting involved in key RevOps moments, and building real trust with sales.—SPONSORS:Aleph is a modern FP&A platform built for teams that want more than another planning tool. By connecting your ERP, CRM, and other systems into one trusted data layer with AI workflows, Aleph helps you move faster with real-time insights. Get a personalized demo at https://www.getaleph.com/runRightRev is an automated revenue recognition platform built for teams that have outgrown spreadsheets and billing tool workarounds. It handles high-volume subscriptions, usage-based contracts, and mid-cycle upgrades, so you can scale without scrambling at month-end. For RevRec that keeps your books clean, visit https://www.rightrev.com/CJRillet is an AI-native ERP built for modern finance teams that want to replace NetSuite and close faster. With revenue recognition, close management, multi-entity support, and native Stripe and Salesforce integrations, Rillet helps scaling companies run their finance stack in one place. Hundreds of teams, including Windsurf and Mercor, use Rillet to make the zero-day close real. Book a demo at https://www.rillet.com/cjEY works with high-growth tech companies to navigate the messy realities of scaling—from regulatory requirements to IPO readiness. By helping teams get it right early and often, EY lets founders stay focused on building while reducing risk as they grow. Learn more at https://www.ey.com/techstartupsSpendHound is a SaaS spend management platform built for finance and procurement teams that want visibility and leverage in every deal. By tracking all your software, benchmarking pricing across thousands of vendors, and surfacing contracts and renewals, SpendHound helps you stop overpaying and negotiate with confidence. Trusted by teams at ZoomInfo and Hootsuite. Get started at https://www.spendhound.com/cjBrex is an intelligent finance platform that combines corporate cards, built-in expense management, and AI agents to eliminate manual finance work. By automating expense reviews and reconciliations, Brex gives CFOs more time for the high-impact work that drives growth. Join 35,000+ companies like Anthropic, Coinbase, and DoorDash at https://www.brex.com/metrics—LINKS: Mostly Talent: https://mostlymetrics.typeform.com/to/cLTxtAsNGuest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulstansik/Company: https://www.parkergale.com/Hello Operator: https://hellooperator.substack.com/CJ: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cj-gustafson-13140948/Mostly metrics: https://www.mostlymetrics.com—RELATED EPISODES:Is a weekly martini ARR? | with Dave Kellogghttps://youtu.be/Yb1lUQLJ6qw—TIMESTAMPS:All verified. Here are the timestamps:0:00 Preview and intro2:27 Parker Gale and Paul's role3:52 Topic: how CFOs build a better sales engine6:21 1: Make the budget mean something8:11 Budget segmentation and cleaving the business10:54 Sponsors — Aleph | RightRev | Rillet14:08 2: Help emphasize forecasting17:23 Forecasting as non-threatening co-construction19:37 Sponsors — EY | SpendHound | Brex23:06 3: Lend a hand with data and metrics25:32 Walking sales through NDR levers27:16 Metrics tied to exit readiness28:00 4: Get involved in a few RevOps spots29:04 Pricing, proposals, and quoting31:22 Kill your SKUs32:51 Selling with certainty: quote formatting34:26 CFO letter for enterprise deals37:37 5: Build a great relationship with sales37:59 You can't fix a secret39:23 EQ over IQ for finance leaders40:41 Recap: all five tips42:11 Credits#RunTheNumbersPodcast #CFO #SalesStrategy #FinanceLeadership #RevenueOperations

Business Punk - How to Hack
Alles auf eine Karte: KoRo-Gründerin Michelle Calios über 300 Mio. € Umsatz und die Macht der Lieferkette

Business Punk - How to Hack

Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2026 35:45


In dieser Folge von How to Hack spricht Carsten Puschmann mit Michelle Calios, der Mitgründerin eines der bekanntesten Food-Startups Europas: KoRo. Michelle blickt auf eine beeindruckende Reise zurück, die 2012 begann, als sie gemeinsam mit ihrem Mann und dessen bestem Freund das traditionelle Handelsmodell für Lebensmittel auf den Kopf stellte. Heute macht KoRo monatlich rund 25 Millionen Euro Umsatz und beschäftigt 300 Mitarbeitende.Doch Michelle ist nicht nur eine erfolgreiche Gründerin, sondern auch ein absoluter Supply-Chain-Profi. Inzwischen ist sie operativ bei KoRo ausgeschieden, um als Beraterin und Business Angel junge Startups beim Skalieren zu unterstützen. Ein Gespräch über den Mut, kurz vor dem Staatsexamen alles auf eine Karte zu setzen, die Reize der frühen Gründungsphase und warum 70 % der Marge bereits im Einkauf entstehen.Wir reden über:

Revenue Builders
Why Consumption Pricing Makes Forecasting Harder with Devavrat Shah

Revenue Builders

Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2026 6:22


Consumption pricing puts pressure on the forecast in places traditional SaaS models rarely exposed. Total usage may be easier to model from the CFO's seat, but the field still has to answer harder questions: which customer, which channel, which rep, and when. In this replay segment, Devavrat Shah explains how AI can help teams learn across cohorts, spot patterns in uneven data, and create more trust in a forecast that would otherwise depend on isolated judgment calls.  Devavrat Shah is an MIT professor, director of MIT's Statistics and Data Science Center, and co-founder and CEO of Ikigai Labs. He brings a data science and operator's perspective to forecasting, consumption pricing, and enterprise AI. Connect with Devavrat: LinkedIn Listen to the full episode here: Understanding AI Through History and Practical Application with Devavrat Shah Hosted by five-time CRO John McMahon and Force Management Co-Founder John Kaplan, the Revenue Builders podcast goes behind the scenes with the sales leaders who have been there, done that, and seen the results. This show is brought to you by Force Management. We help companies improve sales performance, executing their growth strategy at the point of sale. Connect with Us: LinkedInYouTubeForce Management

Russell Investments
Sticky inflation tests markets as credit holds firm

Russell Investments

Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2026 4:37


DisclosuresThese views are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and are current as of the date at the top of the page.Investing involves risk and principal loss is possible.Past performance does not guarantee future performance.Forecasting represents predictions of market prices and/or volume patterns utilizing varying analytical data. It is not representative of a projection of the stock market, or of any specific investment.This material is not an offer, solicitation or recommendation to purchase any security. Nothing contained in this material is intended to constitute legal, tax, securities or investment advice, nor an opinion regarding the appropriateness of any investment, nor a solicitation of any type.The general information contained in this publication should not be acted upon without obtaining specific legal, tax and investment advice from a licensed professional.  The information, analysis and opinions expressed herein are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual entity.Please remember that all investments carry some level of risk. Although steps can be taken to help reduce risk it cannot be completely removed. They do no not typically grow at an even rate of return and may experience negative growth. As with any type of portfolio structuring, attempting to reduce risk and increase return could, at certain times, unintentionally reduce returns.Investments that are allocated across multiple types of securities may be exposed to a variety of risks based on the asset classes, investment styles, market sectors, and size of companies preferred by the investment managers. Investors should consider how the combined risks impact their total investment portfolio and understand that different risks can lead to varying financial consequences, including loss of principal. Please see a prospectus for further details.Indexes are unmanaged and cannot be invested in directly.Copyright © Russell Investments Group LLC 2026. All rights reserved.This material is proprietary and may not be reproduced, transferred, or distributed in any form without prior written permission from Russell Investments. It is delivered on an “as is” basis without warranty.CORP-13022Date of first use: May, 2026

The AC Method
Your Shop Is Hoarding Tools (And It's Costing You Thousands)

The AC Method

Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2026 9:32


Do you actually know how many tools are in your installers' trucks? Aaron Clippinger recently discovered 14 Hilti drills in his shop—for only 6 installers. In this episode, he dives into the massive "blind spot" of equipment mismanagement and the cultural issue of employees hiding broken tools.Aaron reveals the new SquareCoil "Resources" feature: a Home Depot-style tracking system that monitors machine hours, repair costs, and utilization. Learn how to use data to decide between a warranty repair or a trash can, and why 50% utilization on a crane truck means you need a better calendar, not a new vehicle.

Arbiters of Truth
Forecasting AI's Impact on the Economy with Deger Turan, CEO of Metaculus

Arbiters of Truth

Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2026 52:15


Deger Turan, CEO of Metaculus, joins Kevin Frazier to unpack new forecasts on how AI could reshape the labor market over the next decade.The conversation centers on a striking divergence between Metaculus forecasts and projections from institutions like the Bureau of Labor Statistics—raising fundamental questions about whether existing tools for understanding the economy can keep pace with rapid technological change.Deger walks through key findings from the Labor Automation Forecasting Hub, including:A potential decline in overall employment by 2035Increased pressure on entry-level workers and early-career pipelinesThe emergence of “lean” firms generating more value with fewer employeesA counterintuitive “wage paradox,” where fewer jobs may coincide with higher wagesThe growing role of political power, regulation, and licensing in shaping labor outcomesThe discussion also explores second-order effects, including how contraction in high-paying sectors could ripple through local economies, and what a shift away from traditional four-year degrees might mean for students and policymakers.Finally, Deger situates these forecasts within a broader vision: forecasting as a form of epistemic infrastructure. As AI accelerates change, the ability to form accurate beliefs about the future—and update them quickly—may become a core component of effective governance.*** - This episode was recorded on April 23, 2026. Metaculus is a live platform. It's likely that forecasts mentioned have subsequently changed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Weather With Enthusiasm
The Unsung Heroes of Weather: The Story of Weather Balloons 

Weather With Enthusiasm

Play Episode Listen Later May 11, 2026 17:03 Transcription Available


The Unsung Heroes of Weather: The Story of Weather Balloons 00:00 - 01:03: The Challenge of Forecasting: Diagnosing a "Patient You Cannot Physically Touch"01:03 - 02:09: Early Attempts: Kites, Hydrogen Balloons, and Near-Death Experiences02:09 - 03:19: The Breakthrough: Leon Teisserenc de Bort and the Discovery of Atmospheric Layers03:19 - 04:20: The Radiosonde: Robert Bureau's Innovation and Its Lasting Impact04:20 - 05:29: Anatomy of a Modern Weather Balloon: Latex, Lift Gas, and the Helium Shortage05:29 - 06:34: The History of Helium: Discovered in Space, Now a Precious Earth Resource06:34 - 07:42: The Radiosonde's Inner Workings: Sensors, GPS, and the Power of Data07:42 - 08:48: Global Synchronization: Why and How 900 Balloons Launch Simultaneously08:48 - 09:53: The Dramatic Ascent: From Small Balloon to Exploding Giant09:53 - 10:54: The Aftermath: Where Radiosondes Go and Why Most Aren't Recovered10:54 - 11:56: Why Balloons Still Matter: Calibrating Satellites and Feeding Forecast Models11:56 - 12:57: Chaos Theory and Forecast Busts: The Raleigh Blizzard Case Study12:57 - 13:58: The System Works: Improved Accuracy in Hurricane and Daily Forecasts13:58 - 15:01: The Future in Peril: Rising Costs, Staffing Shortages, and Network Gaps15:01 - 16:09: Specialized Balloons and Emerging Technologies: Ozonesondes, Dropsondes, and Autonomous Systems16:09 - 16:54: The Enduring Legacy: A Century-Old Technology Still Powering Modern Weather20 Hashtags: #WeatherBalloons #Meteorology #WeatherForecasting #Radiosonde #AtmosphericScience #HeliumShortage #DeepDive #SciencePodcast #ClimateChange #HurricaneForecast #NumericalWeatherPrediction #GPS #SatelliteCalibration #ChaosTheory #WeatherTech #NWS #Forecasting #Atmosphere #UnsungHeroes #ModernWeatherBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weather-with-enthusiasm--4911017/support.This episode includes AI-generated content.

CFO Thought Leader
1185: Scaling Smarter in the AI Era | Sarah Riley, CFO, dpt Labs

CFO Thought Leader

Play Episode Listen Later May 10, 2026 40:58


When the pandemic began reshaping the world in early 2020, Sarah Riley was helping guide finance at Zoom through an unprecedented surge in demand. “You could see the volume of Zoom almost spiking up by the regions that were going into shutdown,” Riley tells us. What followed was unlike anything most software companies had experienced before. During her four years at Zoom, the company expanded from roughly $200 million in ARR to $4 billion, Riley tells us. At one point, Zoom spent nearly half a billion dollars on AWS infrastructure costs it had not anticipated, she explains.For Riley, the experience fundamentally reshaped how she viewed finance leadership. Rather than becoming fixated on gross margin guidance or traditional planning cycles, she says the finance team had to continually reevaluate the “strategic heart” of the business as Zoom evolved from an enterprise software company into a platform supporting schools, consumers, and businesses worldwide. “Forecasting and discipline comes second” in moments of extraordinary change, Riley tells us.That mindset now informs her role as CFO of dbt Labs, where she oversees finance, accounting, and data operations while helping guide the company through its merger with Fivetran. Riley says today's defining challenge for software businesses is balancing legacy operating models with the realities of AI-driven transformation. “You need to balance that with how do we make sure that we're investing aggressively enough in capturing what our user base is turning into,” she tells us.

No Laying Up - Golf Podcast
1154: Forecasting The 2028 PGA Tour Schedule

No Laying Up - Golf Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2026 103:24


With 2028 looking to be the first year of meaningful schedule changes on the PGA Tour, Soly, TC and DJ do their best to carve out a theoretical schedule that embraces the new realities of the tour, yet makes noticeable improvements over the current structure with particular emphasis on implementing an actual “playoff” model to crown a tour champion. Support our Sponsors: Titleist Whoop East Sands Golf Co If you enjoyed this episode, consider joining⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Nest⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: No Laying Up's community of avid golfers. Nest members help us maintain our light commercial interruptions (3 minutes of ads per 90 minutes of content) and receive access to exclusive content, discounts in the pro shop, and an annual member gift. It's a $90 annual membership, and you can sign up or learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠nolayingup.com/join⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe to the No Laying Up Newsletter here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://newsletter.nolayingup.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe to the No Laying Up Podcast channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@NoLayingUpPodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Russell Investments
Earnings strength and easing risks support markets

Russell Investments

Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2026 3:01


DisclosuresThese views are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and are current as of the date at the top of the page.Investing involves risk and principal loss is possible.Past performance does not guarantee future performance.Forecasting represents predictions of market prices and/or volume patterns utilizing varying analytical data. It is not representative of a projection of the stock market, or of any specific investment.This material is not an offer, solicitation or recommendation to purchase any security. Nothing contained in this material is intended to constitute legal, tax, securities or investment advice, nor an opinion regarding the appropriateness of any investment, nor a solicitation of any type.The general information contained in this publication should not be acted upon without obtaining specific legal, tax and investment advice from a licensed professional.  The information, analysis and opinions expressed herein are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual entity.Please remember that all investments carry some level of risk. Although steps can be taken to help reduce risk it cannot be completely removed. They do no not typically grow at an even rate of return and may experience negative growth. As with any type of portfolio structuring, attempting to reduce risk and increase return could, at certain times, unintentionally reduce returns.Investments that are allocated across multiple types of securities may be exposed to a variety of risks based on the asset classes, investment styles, market sectors, and size of companies preferred by the investment managers. Investors should consider how the combined risks impact their total investment portfolio and understand that different risks can lead to varying financial consequences, including loss of principal. Please see a prospectus for further details.Indexes are unmanaged and cannot be invested in directly.Copyright © Russell Investments Group LLC 2026. All rights reserved.This material is proprietary and may not be reproduced, transferred, or distributed in any form without prior written permission from Russell Investments. It is delivered on an “as is” basis without warranty.CORP-13022Date of first use: May, 2026

The Midday Report with Mandy Wiener
Santam and SAWS partner to strengthen countrywide early warning and forecasting capabilities

The Midday Report with Mandy Wiener

Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2026 2:52 Transcription Available


Mandy Wiener speaks to South African Weather Service Head of Disaster Risk Reduction, Mr Rudzani Malala about Santam and SAWS partner to strengthen countrywide early warning and forecasting capabilities. The Midday Report with Mandy Wiener is 702 and CapeTalk’s flagship news show, your hour of essential news radio. The show is podcasted every weekday, allowing you to catch up with a 60-minute weekday wrap of the day's main news. It's packed with fast-paced interviews with the day’s newsmakers, as well as those who can make sense of the news and explain what's happening in your world. All the interviews are podcasted for you to catch up and listen to. Thank you for listening to this podcast of The Midday Report Listen live on weekdays between 12:00 and 13:00 (SA Time) to The Midday Report broadcast on 702 https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj and on CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from The Midday Report, go to https://buff.ly/BTGmL9H and find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/LcbDdFI Subscribe to the 702 and CapeTalk daily and weekly newsletters https://buff.ly/v5mfetc Follow us on social media: 702 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702 702 on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702 702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/ 702 on X: https://x.com/Radio702 702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio702 CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MPR News with Angela Davis
MPR News meteorologist Mandy Thalhuber on what goes into forecasting the weather

MPR News with Angela Davis

Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2026 35:49


A weather forecast can shape your whole day — from what to wear and when to exercise, to whether to make dinner plans for the patio. And when severe weather is on the horizon, those forecasts and warnings can save lives. So how do meteorologists get it right? And why do forecasts sometimes miss the mark?MPR News host Angela Davis sits down with MPR News meteorologist Mandy Thalhuber to talk about what goes into accurate forecasting, the impact of cuts to the National Weather Service and what makes the work so rewarding.Guest: Mandy Thalhuber is a meteorologist at MPR News, where her forecasts and weather insights can be heard on the radio and found online at Updraft. Before joining MPR News in 2024, she worked at Weatherology, providing local weather forecasts for radio stations across the country.

The President's Inbox
The Spillover: Are Prediction Markets Forecasting Tools or Virtual Casinos?

The President's Inbox

Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2026 47:22


Prediction markets have grown into a multibillion-dollar industry. This episode asks whether they are powerful forecasting tools or gambling platforms in disguise—and what their rise means for how risk and information are priced.    Hosts:    Rebecca Patterson, Senior Fellow, Council on Foreign Relations (CFR)   Sebastian Mallaby, Paul A. Volcker Senior Fellow for International Economics, Council on Foreign Relations (CFR)   Guest:    Christy Goldsmith Romero, Former Commissioner, Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC)   We discuss: How prediction markets are turning the world into a “casino” where you can bet on almost anything, from elections and geopolitics to sports and niche events. The evolution of prediction markets from academic tools to mainstream platforms shaping finance, politics, and culture. Why these markets sometimes outperform polls, where they fall short, and how they blur the line between forecasting and entertainment-driven gambling. As Rebecca Patterson asks: “Are these markets actually useful, or are they just gambling dressed up as forecasting?” The legal gray areas that are allowing prediction markets to expand so quickly and the growing risk of manipulation and insider bets. An anecdote from France, where someone allegedly tampered with a weather sensor to manipulate the outcome of a prediction market bet. How governments and regulators are struggling to keep up. Whether these markets truly reflect the “wisdom of crowds” or just loud, well-funded players.   Mentioned on the Episode:    Anthony M. Diercks, Jared Dean Katz, and Jonathan H. Wright, “Kalshi and the Rise of Macro Markets,” Federal Reserve Board   “The Future of Financial Services Regulation: A Conversation with CFTC Commissioner Christy Goldsmith Romero,” Brookings Institution    Adam Hoffer and Jacob Macumber-Rosin, “Expanded Sports Betting Legalization Would Generate Billions in Tax Revenue,” Tax Foundation   Andy Serwer, “Charles Schwab CEO Explains Why Investing Works—and Gambling Doesn't,” Barron's   Want to keep up with The Spillover? Sign up to receive an email alert when new episodes are released.   The Spillover is a production of the Council on Foreign Relations. The opinions expressed on the show are solely those of the hosts and guests, not of the Council, which takes no institutional positions on matters of policy.

WBSRocks: Business Growth with ERP and Digital Transformation
WBSP850: Scale Growth by Understanding Accurate Forecasting in Manufacturing Through A Customer Case Study with ERP and BI, an Objective Panel Review

WBSRocks: Business Growth with ERP and Digital Transformation

Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2026 62:55


Send us Fan MailManufacturers continue to face persistent challenges in sales and inventory forecasting due to fragmented data spread across ERP, CRM, and operational systems, leading to inconsistent inputs and downstream consequences such as excess inventory, stockouts, cash-flow strain, and missed revenue opportunities. This webinar addresses these issues through a practical, real-world use case, demonstrating how disciplined processes and system alignment can significantly improve forecasting accuracy. It showcases how an Algorithm customer leveraged Acumatica in combination with DataSelf to unify disparate data into a single source of truth, eliminating reliance on spreadsheets and enabling scalable, system-driven forecasting. More importantly, the session illustrates how BI-powered forecasting transforms executive decision-making—from reactive variance analysis to proactive, forward-looking planning—allowing leaders to optimize inventory levels, reduce carrying costs, and improve service outcomes, positioning forecasting not merely as a reporting function but as a strategic capability grounded in clean data and tightly integrated systems.Video: https://www.elevatiq.com/events-and-webinars/accurate-forecasting-in-manufacturing-a-customer-case-study-with-erp-and-bi/Questions for Panelists?

Ecomm Breakthrough
Throwback: Unlocking the Secrets of Global Sourcing - From Negotiating to Warehousing

Ecomm Breakthrough

Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2026 15:10


In this episode, Josh interviews Nathan Resnick, founder of Y-Combinator a sourcing platform. Nathan shares expert advice on negotiating with manufacturers, building strong supplier relationships, and managing payment terms. He discusses the importance of understanding your value to factories, balancing primary and backup suppliers, and regularly re-evaluating product costs. Nathan also offers practical tips on warehousing outside the U.S. to save on tariffs and improve cash flow. The episode wraps up with actionable takeaways for business owners looking to optimize their supply chain and sourcing strategies.Chapters:Introduction to Nathan Resnick and Sourcing (00:00:00)Josh introduces Nathan Resnick, his background, and the Sourcing platform's mission and achievements.Negotiation Tactics and Understanding Factory Value (00:01:00)Nathan explains how to assess your business's value to a factory and leverage it for better payment terms.Factory Cash Flow and Forecasting (00:02:01)Discussion on factory cash flow challenges, importance of forecasting, and mutual understanding in negotiations.Choosing the Right Factory and Negotiation Leverage (00:02:58)Advice on evaluating if you're the right customer for a factory and when to consider switching.How to Find Out Your Importance to a Factory (00:03:55)Nathan shares practical ways to determine your share of a factory's business and the value of building relationships.Building Relationships and Guanxi (00:05:27)The importance of personal, transparent relationships with manufacturers, especially in Chinese business culture.Balancing Primary and Backup Suppliers (00:06:19)Strategies for maintaining a primary manufacturer while having backup options and when switching is worthwhile.Re-evaluating Product Costs and Sourcing Quotes (00:08:31)How to revisit product pricing, get competitive quotes, and the realities of sourcing platforms like Alibaba.Three Actionable Takeaways (00:10:42)Josh summarizes key takeaways: building relationships, revisiting unit costs, and warehousing outside the US.Warehousing and Tariff Strategies (00:13:43)Advice on warehousing in Mexico to save on tariffs and improve cash flow, including 3PL recommendations.Closing and Contact Information (00:14:30)Nathan shares how listeners can connect with him and learn more about Sourcing.Links and Mentions:Tools and Websites  "Sourcify": "00:08:47"  "Alibaba": "00:10:23"  "Global Sources": "00:10:23"  Key Concepts  "Guanxi": "00:05:35"  Actionable Takeaways  "Build a Relationship with Your Manufacturer": "00:11:29"  "Revisit Product Unit Costs Regularly": "00:12:33"  "Start Warehousing Products Outside the U.S.": "00:13:43"  Contact Information  "Nathan Resnick" on LinkedIn: "00:14:44"Transcript:Josh 00:00:00  Today I am super excited to introduce you all to Nathan Resnick. Nathan is the founder of Sourcify, the fastest growing sourcing platform backed by Y Combinator that helps hundreds of companies manufacture products around the world. In the past, Nathan has brought dozens of products to market, ran three e-commerce companies. He's even sold one of them and has been part of projects on Kickstarter, raising over seven figures. He writes for media outlets like entrepreneur, The Next Web Business. Com, and can frequently be seen on CNBC. Nathan also used to live in China and he speaks Mandarin fluently. So with that introduction, welcome to the show, Nathan.Nathan 00:00:41  Josh, thanks so much for having me on.Josh 00:00:43  I'm sure with your experience you have probably some good negotiation tactics. you've probably have a few case studies of people that you've helped, navigate getting better payment terms with their manufacturer. So would you mind just kind of diving in and sharing more there?Nathan 00:01:00  Yeah, totally. I mean, I think first off, you got to understand how valuable your business is to your factory.Nathan 00:01:06  Right. So I would do that by really trying to understand, you know, you make up most of their production output, you know, of all the factories, production volume that you work with, what percentage are you? Is it 30%, 10%, 50%, 80%. You know what? What is it? And then you kind of understand where you're at from a negotiation position, right? Because if you're a brand that makes up the majority of a factory's output, obviously you have a much stronger lever to pull if you're a kind of minority customer for them or a smaller customer for them, then, you know, maybe that's not even the right factory for you to be working with because you don't have a strong lever to pull. So I think, you know, number one, you've got to see eye to eye to eye with them in terms of forecasting and helping them better understand. Well, hey, you know, this year, this is how many units I'm planning to produce. And I think there's a big disconnect between supply chain teams and factories when it comes to forecasting, because a lot of supply chain team members don't understand.Nathan 00:02:01  There are a lot of brand owners don't understand. You know, that factory has to go purchase raw materials to produce your products as well, so they have their own cash flow challenges when it comes to, you know, making sure they have enough factory workers to produce your product, making sure they have the raw materials to produce your product, and then they aren't getting paid, you know, for 30 or 60 days to produce your product if you're negotiating your terms. Well. And so you've got to understand it from their standpoint as well of, you know, hey, how is this going to help their factory grow? Because it can also put them in a cash flow position, which is challenging. And so that's something you need to be aware of when you go into your negotiations. So I think number one, I would just make sure you're seeing eye to eye with that factory that you're working with to understand, you know, how big of a customer am I for them? You know, what does their cash flow look like? And have I done a good job making sure they understand my forecast? And that's when I would go into the negotiation of saying, hey, you know, we're trying to grow and to grow.Nathan 00:02:58  We need more, you know, cash flow to scale up our ads, to get more customers right. And so that's how I would approach it. I think if you're a brand that is, you know, a smaller customer like sub 10% of a factory's output, it's going to be really hard for you to negotiate that. And honestly, in that position, I might actually, you know, kind of take my option to of, you know, trying to ask yourself, am I the best customer for this factory? And can I find a factory where I'm, you know, a much larger customer that I can grow with more? so that's that's another kind of question that I would ask of, trying to understand, like if you already know your small customer for this factory, are they even the right factory for you? and then, you know, it's just.Josh 00:03:41  Real quick, before you continue on that, my question would be on that. How do you have that conversation to say, hey, by the way, how much of your business do I make up, right? Like, that could be an awkward conversat...

The Agency Profit Podcast
Inside a Boutique Agency Holdco, With Sei-Wook Kim

The Agency Profit Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2026 37:08


Points of Interest 00:01 – 00:38 – Introduction: Marcel introduces Sei-Wook Kim, co-founder of Barrel and Barrel Holdings, highlighting his experience building and scaling multiple agencies. 00:38 – 01:31 – What Barrel Holdings Does: Sei-Wook explains their holdco structure, managing a portfolio of independent, specialized marketing agencies with a long-term acquisition strategy. 01:31 – 03:31 – Origin of the Holdco Model: The conversation explores how Barrel evolved from a single agency into multiple businesses through spin-offs and organic opportunities. 03:31 – 04:56 – Shift from Incubation to Acquisition: Sei-Wook shares why they moved from building agencies from scratch to acquiring established firms to accelerate growth. 04:56 – 06:07 – Independent Portfolio vs Roll-Up Strategy: They discuss why Barrel Holdings avoids the traditional roll-up model in favor of independently operated agencies with separate P&Ls. 06:07 – 07:31 – Long-Term Investment Philosophy: Sei-Wook explains their long-term hold strategy, focusing on durability, adaptability, and avoiding short-term exit pressure. 07:31 – 09:09 – Capital Strategy and Self-Funding: The discussion covers their decision to fund acquisitions through internal capital and debt rather than external investors. 09:09 – 12:52 – What Makes an Agency Attractive: Sei-Wook outlines key acquisition criteria, including specialization, recurring revenue, and strong leadership teams. 12:52 – 15:06 – Challenges in Financial Diligence: They break down common issues in agency financials, including inconsistent revenue tracking and unclear cost structures. 15:06 – 17:29 – Understanding True Profitability: The conversation highlights how to normalize owner compensation and adjust financials to reflect true EBITDA. 17:29 – 21:01 – Operating Model and Performance Metrics: Sei-Wook explains their weekly and quarterly cadence, including key metrics like revenue, expenses, and pipeline forecasting. 21:01 – 35:43 – Forecasting, Scaling, and the Impact of AI: The episode closes with insights on forecasting discipline, scaling leadership across multiple agencies, and how AI may reshape agency value and delivery. Show Notes Sei-Wook Kim on LinkedIn Peter Kang on LinkedIn Agency Habits Website Barrel Holdings Website Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

iGaming Daily
Mastering SEO Forecasting for Business Growth | Ep. 766

iGaming Daily

Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2026 24:35


In today's episode of iGaming Daily, SEO expert Ivana Flynn is joined by Andrew McGarry, Head of SEO at PowerPlay, as the duo discuss the commercial power of SEO forecasting and how to align technical strategy with business growth to secure executive buy-in.   Tune in to today's episode to find out:Bridging the Gap: Why SEOs often fail to show their value to C-suite executives and how to speak their language.  The Bucket Theory: Understanding why technical and content efforts are wasted if your site's "bucket" has structural holes.  Forecasting Growth: How to use historical data trends to map out FTD (First Time Deposit) uplifts instead of just tracking traffic.  World Cup Strategy: Choosing your "attack angle" to compete with media giants for high-intent sporting traffic.  The Death of "Good Enough": Why AI-generated vanilla content is being de-indexed and how original expertise is the only way to survive Google's quality bar.  Host: Ivana FlynnGuest: Andrew McGarryProducer: Anaya McDonaldEditor: Anaya McDonaldLearn how Optimove's Positionless Marketing is changing how iGaming teams operate. Discover how operators are using Optimove's Positionless Marketing Platform to launch personalised CRM campaigns, dynamically change casino lobbies and bet slips, and create engaging gamified experiences. Learn more at optimove.com.Finally, remember to check out Optimove at https://hubs.la/Q02gLC5L0 or go to Optimove.com/sbc to get your first month free when buying the industry's leading customer-loyalty service. 

Money Makers
331: Money Makers Investment Trusts Podcast - Ashley Thomas (02 May 2026)

Money Makers

Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2026 37:24


In this edition of the Money Makers Investment Trusts Podcast, Ashley Thomas, renewables infrastructure analyst at Winterflood Securities, joins Jonathan Davis, editor of the Investment Trusts Handbook (winner of the AIC Best Broadcast Journalist Award 2024 and 2025) to discuss recent developments affecting the renewables sector. This discussion was recorded on 24 April 2026. Jonathan is now writing market and other comments on Substack (jdinvestor.substack.com), and for those of you who follow Money Makers on social media, two new channels are now available - TikTok (@moneymakers_its) and Bluesky (@money-makers.co). Do give us a follow! *** OUT NOW: The 2026 Investment Trusts Handbook *** Available to order from Harriman House: https://harriman-house.com/authors/jonathan-davis/the-investment-trusts-handbook-2026/9781804094358 The Investment Trusts Handbook 2026 is the ninth edition of the highly regarded annual handbook for anyone interested in investment trusts – often referred to as the City's best-kept secret, or the connoisseur's choice among investment funds. It is expertly edited by well-known author and professional investor Jonathan Davis, founder and editor of the Money Makers newsletter and podcast. The Investment Trusts Handbook 2026 is an independent educational publication, available through bookshops and extensively online. With articles by 30 different authors, including analysts, fund managers and investment writers, plus more than 80 pages of detailed data and analysis, the latest edition is an indispensable companion for anyone looking to invest in the investment trust sector. *** Section Timestamps: 0:00:37 - Introduction 0:01:23 - The impact of the Iran War on the renewables sector 0:06:56 - Sector performance since the start of the conflict 0:08:35 - Government policy changes 0:23:03 - A short break 0:23:53 - Sector discounts 0:28:43 - Inflow and outflow trends 0:31:14 - Battery storage and specialists 0:34:51 - Forecasting the size of the sector 0:36:35 - Close If you enjoy the weekly podcast, why not also try the Money Makers Circle? This is a membership scheme that offers listeners to the podcast an opportunity, in return for a modest monthly or annual subscription, to receive additional premium content, including interviews, performance data, links to third party research, market/portfolio reviews and regular comments from the editor. A subscription costs £12 a month or £120 for one year. This week, as well as the usual features, the Circle features a profile of Cordiant Digital Infrastructure (CORD). Future profiles include Tetragon Financial (TFG) and Invesco Asia Dragon (IAD). Our weekly subscriber email includes a comprehensive summary of all the latest news plus the week's biggest share price, NAV and discount movements. Subscribe and you will never miss any important developments from the sector. For more information please visit https://money-makers.co/circle. Membership helps to cover the cost of producing the weekly investment trust podcast, which will continue to be free for the foreseeable future. We are very grateful for your continued support and the enthusiastic response to our more than 330 podcasts since we launched in 2020. You can find more information, including relevant disclosures, at www.money-makers.co. Please note that this podcast is provided for educational purposes only and nothing you hear should be considered as investment advice. Our podcasts are also available on the Association of Investment Companies website, www.theaic.co.uk. Produced by Ben Gamblin - www.bgprofessional.co.uk

Effective Altruism Forum Podcast
“Forecasting is Way Overrated, and We Should Stop Funding It” by Marcus Abramovitch

Effective Altruism Forum Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2026 8:44


Summary EA and rationalists got enamoured with forecasting and prediction markets and made them part of the culture, but this hasn't proven very useful, yet it continues to receive substantial EA funding. We should cut it off. My Experience with Forecasting For a while, I was the number one forecaster on Manifold. This lasted for about a year until I stopped just over 2 years ago. To this day, despite quitting, I'm still #8 on the platform. Additionally, I have done well on real-money prediction markets (Polymarket), earning mid-5 figures and winning a few AI bets. I say this to suggest that I would gain status from forecasting being seen as useful, but I think, to the contrary, that the EA community should stop funding it. I've written a few comments throughout the years that I didn't think forecasting was worth funding. You can see some of these here and here. Finally, I have gotten around to making this full post. Solution Seeking a Problem When talking about forecasting, people often ask questions like “How can we leverage forecasting into better decisions?” This is the wrong way to go about solving problems. You solve problems by starting with [...] --- First published: April 25th, 2026 Source: https://forum.effectivealtruism.org/posts/zmbfZjK54xF4oGjSB/forecasting-is-way-overrated-and-we-should-stop-funding-it --- Narrated by TYPE III AUDIO.

The Human Risk Podcast
Dr Carissa Véliz on Prophecy

The Human Risk Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2026 62:31


What if prediction isn't about knowing the future, but controlling it?  On this episode, I'm joined by a leading thinker on digital ethics, privacy and technology to explore the idea of prophecy.Episode SummaryMy guest is Dr Carissa Véliz and in our discussion, we talk about humanity's long-standing obsession with predicting what comes next, and why today's algorithms may be the most powerful (and dangerous) prophets we've ever created. From ancient oracles and court astrologers to modern AI systems and tech executives, we explore how prediction has always been less about knowledge and more about power. What becomes clear is that while the tools have changed, the underlying dynamics haven't. We still crave certainty, we still look for authority, and we're still willing to trust those who claim to see the future. The difference now is scale: predictive technologies don't just forecast behaviour; they shape it. And the more accurate they appear, the less likely we are to question them. We then explore responsibility. If prediction influences reality, then our willingness to accept it matters. This episode is a reminder that the future isn't something that simply happens to us, but something we're actively participating in, whether we realise it or not.Guest BioDr Carissa Véliz is Associate Professor of Philosophy at the Institute for Ethics in AI and a Fellow at Hertford College at the University of Oxford. She is a leading thinker on digital ethics, privacy, and technology. She is the author of several books including her latest release 'Prophecy: Prediction, Power and the Fight for the Future, from Ancient Oracles to AI' and 'Privacy Is Power: Why and How You Should Take Back Control of Your Data 'Her work explores how data, AI, and predictive systems reshape society—often in ways that are invisible but deeply consequential. Drawing on philosophy, history, and real-world systems, she examines how power operates through technology and what individuals and institutions can do to resist it.AI-Generated TImestamped Summary[00:00:00] Opening: prediction as something that shapes—not reveals—the future[00:01:00] Why prophecy is a lens for understanding modern AI[00:04:00] Kings, prophets, and the risks of getting predictions wrong[00:06:00] Survival strategies of ancient astrologers[00:08:00] Why humans crave certainty—and who exploits it[00:10:00] The danger of mistaking wealth for wisdom[00:12:00] Prediction as a tool of power throughout history[00:14:00] Surveillance as the foundation of modern prediction[00:16:00] How predictions shape behaviour (self-fulfilling dynamics)[00:17:00] Publishing as a case study in manufactured success[00:21:00] The strange economics of pre-orders and attention[00:23:00] Insurance: from solidarity to individualised risk[00:26:00] The hidden systemic risks of personalised prediction[00:30:00] Why citizens need to reclaim agency[00:31:00] Laziness vs values: why we default to algorithms[00:33:00] Tech creating problems it then claims to solve[00:34:00] The role of humour as truth-telling[00:35:00] Why algorithms would have killed Seinfeld[00:40:00] Practical alternatives: preparation over prediction[00:42:00] The importance of serendipity[00:43:00] Rediscovering the analogue world[00:46:00] Algorithms shaping culture and environments[00:48:00] Optimism vs doom in thinking about technology[00:50:00] Writing as exploration, not predictionLinksCarissa's website - https://www.carissaveliz.com/Her new book, Prophecy - https://www.carissaveliz.com/prophecyHer previous book Privacy Is Power - https://www.carissaveliz.com/booksCarissa's faculty page - https://www.oxford-aiethics.ox.ac.uk/dr-carissa-velizCarissa on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/carissa-v%C3%A9liz-a5781555/

Russell Investments
Patchwork growth meets resilient market sentiment

Russell Investments

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2026 4:40


DisclosuresThese views are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and are current as of the date at the top of the page.Investing involves risk and principal loss is possible.Past performance does not guarantee future performance.Forecasting represents predictions of market prices and/or volume patterns utilizing varying analytical data. It is not representative of a projection of the stock market, or of any specific investment.This material is not an offer, solicitation or recommendation to purchase any security. Nothing contained in this material is intended to constitute legal, tax, securities or investment advice, nor an opinion regarding the appropriateness of any investment, nor a solicitation of any type.The general information contained in this publication should not be acted upon without obtaining specific legal, tax and investment advice from a licensed professional.  The information, analysis and opinions expressed herein are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual entity.Please remember that all investments carry some level of risk. Although steps can be taken to help reduce risk it cannot be completely removed. They do no not typically grow at an even rate of return and may experience negative growth. As with any type of portfolio structuring, attempting to reduce risk and increase return could, at certain times, unintentionally reduce returns.Investments that are allocated across multiple types of securities may be exposed to a variety of risks based on the asset classes, investment styles, market sectors, and size of companies preferred by the investment managers. Investors should consider how the combined risks impact their total investment portfolio and understand that different risks can lead to varying financial consequences, including loss of principal. Please see a prospectus for further details.Indexes are unmanaged and cannot be invested in directly.Copyright © Russell Investments Group LLC 2026. All rights reserved.This material is proprietary and may not be reproduced, transferred, or distributed in any form without prior written permission from Russell Investments. It is delivered on an “as is” basis without warranty.CORP-13022Date of first use: April, 2026

Disaster Tough Podcast
Stop Guessing. Start Forecasting.

Disaster Tough Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2026 10:08


In this episode of the Disaster Tough Podcast, John Scardena breaks down one of the most misunderstood concepts in emergency management: forecasting. Moving beyond weather models and into real-world application, he outlines three critical truths every emergency manager needs to understand. First, forecasting is not a decision—it's decision support. Second, risk is more than probability; it's the combination of likelihood and consequence. And third, effective forecasting creates time—the most valuable resource in any disaster lifecycle. Through practical examples like evacuation planning and hazard vulnerability assessments, this episode challenges professionals to stop waiting for certainty and start using forecasts to posture resources, reduce impact, and lead with confidence.

Sales POP! Podcasts
50% Faster Forecasting: How Michael Hofer Uses AI to Lead Finance

Sales POP! Podcasts

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2026 23:00


Michael Hofer — CFO, M&A veteran, and founder of ByMichaelHofer — joins John Golden on Sales POP! to share hard-won lessons from 30+ international transactions, explaining why most deals fail during integration and how cultural alignment and strategic clarity matter more than financial engineering. He also walks through how AI is transforming finance functions in real time, from cutting forecasting time in half to accelerating due diligence that once took analysts a week. Learn more and connect with Michael at https://www.bymichaelhofer.com/.

Run The Numbers
How Great Deals Are Found, Evaluated, and Won | PSG's Chris Nesbitt

Run The Numbers

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2026 54:34


In this episode of Run the Numbers, CJ sits down with PSG Managing Director Chris Nesbitt to unpack how great deals are actually found, how investment decisions are really made, and why narrative often matters more than most investors admit. They also dig into forecasting, boardroom authenticity, simple vs. complex models, and the roles of market, product, and leadership in driving outcomes.—SPONSORS:Brex is an intelligent finance platform that combines corporate cards, built-in expense management, and AI agents to eliminate manual finance work. By automating expense reviews and reconciliations, Brex gives CFOs more time for the high-impact work that drives growth. Join 35,000+ companies like Anthropic, Coinbase, and DoorDash at https://www.brex.com/metricsAleph is a modern FP&A platform built for teams that want more than another planning tool. By connecting your ERP, CRM, and other systems into one trusted data layer with AI workflows, Aleph helps you move faster with real-time insights. Get a personalized demo at https://www.getaleph.com/runRightRev is an automated revenue recognition platform built for teams that have outgrown spreadsheets and billing tool workarounds. It handles high-volume subscriptions, usage-based contracts, and mid-cycle upgrades, so you can scale without scrambling at month-end. For RevRec that keeps your books clean, visit https://www.rightrev.com/CJRillet is an AI-native ERP built for modern finance teams that want to close faster without fighting legacy systems. Designed to support complex revenue recognition, multi-entity operations, and real-time reporting, Rillet helps teams achieve a true zero-day close—with some customers closing in hours, not days. If you're scaling on an ERP that wasn't built in the 90s, book a demo at https://www.rillet.com/cjEY works with high-growth tech companies to navigate the messy realities of scaling—from regulatory requirements to IPO readiness. By helping teams get it right early and often, EY lets founders stay focused on building while reducing risk as they grow. Learn more at https://www.ey.com/techstartupsSpendHound is a SaaS spend management platform built for finance and procurement teams that want visibility and leverage in every deal. By tracking all your software, benchmarking pricing across thousands of vendors, and surfacing contracts and renewals, SpendHound helps you stop overpaying and negotiate with confidence. Trusted by teams at ZoomInfo and Hootsuite. Get started at https://www.spendhound.com/cj—LINKS: Mostly Talent: https://mostlymetrics.typeform.com/to/cLTxtAsNGuest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophersnesbitt/Company: https://psgequity.com/CJ: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cj-gustafson-13140948/Mostly metrics: https://www.mostlymetrics.com—TIMESTAMPS:0:00 Preview and intro2:44 PSG origin story4:01 Growth to 30B AUM5:07 Strategy: small software at scale5:50 Vertical SaaS treasure hunting8:10 Ministry Brands: software meets payments9:28 Sponsors — Brex | Aleph | RightRev12:46 Early M&A work and rollup strategy15:52 Sourcing is more competitive now18:28 Smoke signals and relationship sourcing21:22 Does brand get you in the room?22:15 Authenticity as a sourcing edge22:52 Sponsors — Rillet | EY | SpendHound26:09 Brand name of investor or deal partner?27:44 Investors are narrative driven animals29:18 Market, product, then execution31:26 Danger of falling in love with the narrative33:40 Operator AI pivot story: GRC company34:51 Keep it simple: one tab, five key inputs39:21 Forecasting confidence beyond 12-18 months41:51 What makes a useful board meeting45:01 Build vs. buy: the payments decision47:45 ARR vs. EBITDA multiples50:30 Lightning round50:34 Board materials: send 3 days in advance51:03 LTV to CAC and cap software debates51:32 First deal at PSG52:35 What young investors get wrong54:04 Credits

WBSRocks: Business Growth with ERP and Digital Transformation
WBSP844: Scale Growth by Understanding Demand Forecasting vs. Reality, What ERP Buyers Must Fix First, an Objective Panel Review

WBSRocks: Business Growth with ERP and Digital Transformation

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2026 61:23


Send us Fan MailMost organizations blame their demand forecast when they encounter stockouts or excess inventory. On the surface, that explanation sounds logical. In reality, however, many so-called forecast failures are actually policy failures hidden inside planning systems. When replenishment rules, safety stock policies, and operational incentives are poorly designed, even the most sophisticated forecasting models will appear inaccurate. Conversely, when those policies are corrected, forecast performance often improves without changing the algorithm at all. This webinar reframes demand forecasting from a broader systems perspective, shifting the conversation away from chasing better statistical models and toward the operational realities that drive planning outcomes. Specifically, we examine how inaccurate actuals, fragmented master data, misaligned organizational incentives, inconsistent safety stock policies, and weak governance structures quietly introduce volatility into supply chains. By understanding these structural drivers, organizations can address the root causes of forecasting instability and build a more reliable planning environment without relying solely on increasingly complex algorithms.Video: https://www.elevatiq.com/events-and-webinars/demand-forecasting-vs-reality-what-erp-buyers-must-fix-first/Questions for Panelists?

The Agency Profit Podcast
Profitability Sequencing: How Agencies Maximize Margins, With Kristen Kelly

The Agency Profit Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2026 37:37


Points of Interest 00:01 – 02:30 – The Cost of Poor Sequencing: Marcel and Kristen introduce the core issue—agencies often apply the right tactics in the wrong order, leading to wasted effort and stalled profitability. 02:30 – 05:00 – The Insight Formula: They explain that data alone is meaningless without context, introducing the key concept that insight comes from comparing expectations to reality. 05:00 – 06:30 – Start with a Business Model: Agencies should begin by building a model of their business to define what success should look like before measuring performance. 06:30 – 08:30 – The Danger of Starting with Data: Many firms overinvest in tracking actuals first, only to realize they lack the benchmarks needed to interpret the data effectively. 08:30 – 10:30 – Why Expectations Come First: Establishing expectations is faster, requires no new data, and is essential for designing meaningful feedback loops. 10:30 – 12:30 – Misguided Pricing and Benchmarking: Agencies often rely on market benchmarks instead of internal cost structures, leading to misaligned pricing and profitability issues. 12:30 – 14:30 – Framework vs. Frankenstein Metrics: Combining disconnected industry formulas creates inconsistent and unreliable financial insights, highlighting the need for a unified framework. 14:30 – 17:00 – Forecasting as the Next Step: Once a model is established, agencies must forecast workload and capacity, starting with clear scope and effort assumptions. 17:00 – 20:00 – The Precision Trap in Forecasting: Overly detailed planning creates friction and reduces adaptability; executive-level forecasting should prioritize accuracy over precision. 20:00 – 22:30 – The Power of Forecasting Without Time Tracking: A strong forecast can provide meaningful insight even without detailed time-tracking data. 22:30 – 25:30 – Installing Feedback Loops: Feedback loops help refine assumptions and uncover operational issues by comparing planned vs. actual performance. 25:30 – 30:00 – Prioritizing Profitability Levers: Marcel outlines the correct order for improving profitability—starting with overhead (if needed), then utilization, followed by pricing (effective rate), and finally cost structure. Show Notes Connect with Kristen via LinkedIn Free Agency Toolkit Parakeeto Foundations Course Free access to our Model Platform Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

RTÉ - News at One Podcast
Department of Finance is forecasting a budget deficit of €1.2 billion for this year

RTÉ - News at One Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2026 4:16


For the latest our Pollitical Correspondemt, Mícheál Lehane.

The Handbook: The Agency Operations Podcast
Why Only 13% of Firms Feel Ready to Scale – with Manish Kapur & Rich Brett

The Handbook: The Agency Operations Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2026 48:08 Transcription Available


The data is in – and it's not pretty.After surveying 303 agencies and consultancies through the Business Maturity Quiz, we've launched The Maturity Gap Report, revealing just how wide the gap really is between the firms where operations is a strength and everyone else.In this episode, Harv is joined by operations consultant Manish Kapur and FinOps expert Rich Brett to walk through the headline findings – and what they actually mean for the way your business is run. Here are a few of the headlines they discuss:Role clarity is rarer than you think – only 35% of firms have clearly defined roles, and the knock-on effects reach everything from project delivery to decision-making bottlenecksMost operational knowledge lives in people's heads – just 21% of firms have documented their best practices, leaving businesses one resignation away from losing it allAutomation remains an untapped opportunity – only one in eight firms have automated any meaningful part of how they work, in 2026Time tracking data is being wasted – 41% of firms track time accurately, but only 13% are using that data to make decisions or course-correct mid-projectForecasting with confidence is the exception, not the rule – only one in four firms can forecast margins, revenue, and capacity with any real certaintyScale readiness is a widespread concern – just 13% of firms believe their operating model is ready for what's aheadIf you want to know where your business sits against the 303 firms in the report – and what separates the top performers from the rest – this is the episode to start with.This was originally recorded as a live webinar – if you'd prefer to watch with the presentation slides, head to YouTube here: https://youtu.be/GfQ-raYcGQgReady to take action to level up?1) Take the business maturity quiz – https://bit.ly/assess-business-maturity2) Read The Maturity Gap Report – https://scoro.com/blog/maturity-gap3) Subscribe to The Handbook: The Ops Podcast for the upcoming maturity series – https://linktr.ee/handbookpodcastAdditional Resources:

Texas Talks
Powering the Next Texas Economy

Texas Talks

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2026 52:18


As part of the Future of Texas series in partnership with Texas 2036, this episode explores one of the most critical challenges facing the state's future: building an electric grid that can keep up with rapid growth while remaining reliable and affordable. Through the Future of Texas podcast series, Texas 2036 brings together diverse perspectives as we explore the opportunities and challenges facing our state over the next ten years. The views expressed in this program are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of Texas 2036, its staff or its Board of Directors. Host Brad Swail is joined by Pablo Vegas, President and CEO of ERCOT, and Jeremy Mazur, Director of Infrastructure and Natural Resources Policy at Texas 2036, for a deep dive into how Texas is preparing its power grid for the next decade. The conversation examines how Texas operates one of the most unique deregulated electricity markets in the country — and why that system is being tested by population growth, extreme weather, and rising demand from data centers and new industries. Vegas explains how ERCOT manages supply and demand in real time while forecasting long-term growth, while Mazur breaks down the policy shifts that followed Winter Storm Uri and how lawmakers are approaching reliability and infrastructure. The discussion covers: • How Texas' deregulated electricity market works • Generation, transmission, and retail explained • Post-Uri reforms and reliability focus • Supply chain and permitting challenges • Growth of solar, wind, and battery storage • The need for a more balanced energy mix • Water's role in energy reliability • Data center-driven demand growth • Who pays for new infrastructure • What drives electricity prices • Limits of current market incentives • Distributed energy and future grid innovation The episode also highlights a key policy shift: large energy users like data centers may be required to reduce demand first during grid emergencies — protecting residential consumers and critical services. Looking ahead, the conversation underscores a central challenge: Texas must not only build more power, but build the right mix of power to ensure long-term reliability and affordability. 00:00 — Intro + Future of Texas series overview 00:21 — Meet Pablo Vegas (ERCOT) & Jeremy Mazur (Texas 2036) 01:21 — Why Texas' electric grid matters more than ever 02:02 — Winter Storm Uri: what changed since 2021 03:09 — How Texas' electricity market works (3-part system) 05:03 — Policy changes and focus on grid reliability 06:20 — Texas growth and rising electricity demand 07:22 — ERCOT's role: balancing supply and demand 08:09 — Forecasting future demand and infrastructure needs 08:56 — Why power plants take years to build 10:22 — Supply chain issues and energy development delays 11:18 — How incentives shaped solar, wind, and battery growth 13:10 — Water's critical role in energy reliability 14:10 — Drought risks and power generation challenges 15:31 — Are we building enough power for the future? 16:55 — The imbalance in today's energy mix 18:48 — Why Texas needs a balanced portfolio of energy sources 19:08 — Legislative efforts to expand nuclear & geothermal 20:14 — Why renewables helped during extreme heat events 21:00 — The future of nuclear, geothermal, and new tech 22:05 — Market design flaws: not all electricity is valued equally 24:02 — Why reliability isn't priced into the system 25:26 — Data centers: massive demand growth explained 29:18 — Will all proposed data centers actually get built? 31:09 — Who pays for grid expansion? 33:00 — Transmission costs and rate impacts 34:43 — Ensuring fair cost allocation for consumers 35:28 — Can Texas handle future demand growth? 36:13 — Data centers as part of the energy solution 38:23 — New rules: data centers shut off first in emergencies 40:19 — Behind-the-meter energy (self-powered facilities) 41:23 — What will happen to electricity prices? 43:50 — Why Texas still has relatively low power costs 46:05 — Post-Uri reforms and grid resilience improvements 48:20 — Preparing for extreme weather in the future 49:54 — The future: distributed energy and grid innovation 51:30 — Final thoughts + Texas 2036 outlook Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks

Product Talk
Conative AI Founder on Connecting Marketing, Inventory, and Operations with AI Forecasting

Product Talk

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2026 33:21


How can companies stop losing revenue because marketing, inventory, and operations are working from disconnected data? In this podcast hosted by EY Chief Platform Officer Justin Leibow, Conative.ai Founder Mike Le discusses how AI-driven demand forecasting helps organizations align teams, improve decision-making, and increase cash-flow efficiency. He also explores why clean, connected data matters more than models alone, and how AI agents are reshaping the way product, marketing, and inventory teams collaborate to act faster and smarter.

Russell Investments
Markets climb as risks ease and earnings deliver

Russell Investments

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2026 5:24


DisclosuresThese views are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and are current as of the date at the top of the page.Investing involves risk and principal loss is possible.Past performance does not guarantee future performance.Forecasting represents predictions of market prices and/or volume patterns utilizing varying analytical data. It is not representative of a projection of the stock market, or of any specific investment.This material is not an offer, solicitation or recommendation to purchase any security. Nothing contained in this material is intended to constitute legal, tax, securities or investment advice, nor an opinion regarding the appropriateness of any investment, nor a solicitation of any type.The general information contained in this publication should not be acted upon without obtaining specific legal, tax and investment advice from a licensed professional.  The information, analysis and opinions expressed herein are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual entity.Please remember that all investments carry some level of risk. Although steps can be taken to help reduce risk it cannot be completely removed. They do no not typically grow at an even rate of return and may experience negative growth. As with any type of portfolio structuring, attempting to reduce risk and increase return could, at certain times, unintentionally reduce returns.Investments that are allocated across multiple types of securities may be exposed to a variety of risks based on the asset classes, investment styles, market sectors, and size of companies preferred by the investment managers. Investors should consider how the combined risks impact their total investment portfolio and understand that different risks can lead to varying financial consequences, including loss of principal. Please see a prospectus for further details.Indexes are unmanaged and cannot be invested in directly.Copyright © Russell Investments Group LLC 2026. All rights reserved.This material is proprietary and may not be reproduced, transferred, or distributed in any form without prior written permission from Russell Investments. It is delivered on an “as is” basis without warranty.CORP-13022Date of first use: April, 2026

Run The Numbers
Inside Figma's Financial Playbook with CFO Praveer Melwani

Run The Numbers

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2026 46:29


In this episode of Run the Numbers, CJ sits down with Praveer Melwani, CFO of Figma, to unpack the financial model behind one of tech's most iconic product-led companies. They cover viral growth, forecasting without a traditional sales pipeline, AI credit pricing, margin tradeoffs, and the metric Praveer believes matters most in the long run: free cash flow per share.—SPONSORS:EY works with high-growth tech companies to navigate the messy realities of scaling—from regulatory requirements to IPO readiness. By helping teams get it right early and often, EY lets founders stay focused on building while reducing risk as they grow. Learn more at https://www.ey.com/techstartupsSpendHound is a SaaS spend management platform built for finance and procurement teams that want visibility and leverage in every deal. By tracking all your software, benchmarking pricing across thousands of vendors, and surfacing contracts and renewals, SpendHound helps you stop overpaying and negotiate with confidence. Trusted by teams at ZoomInfo and Hootsuite. Get started at https://www.spendhound.comBrex is an intelligent finance platform that combines corporate cards, built-in expense management, and AI agents to eliminate manual finance work. By automating expense reviews and reconciliations, Brex gives CFOs more time for the high-impact work that drives growth. Join 35,000+ companies like Anthropic, Coinbase, and DoorDash at https://www.brex.com/metricsAleph is a modern FP&A platform built for teams that want more than another planning tool. By connecting your ERP, CRM, and other systems into one trusted data layer with AI workflows, Aleph helps you move faster with real-time insights. Get a personalized demo at https://www.getaleph.com/runRightRev is an automated revenue recognition platform built for teams that have outgrown spreadsheets and billing tool workarounds. It handles high-volume subscriptions, usage-based contracts, and mid-cycle upgrades, so you can scale without scrambling at month-end. For RevRec that keeps your books clean, visit https://www.rightrev.com/CJRillet is an AI-native ERP built for modern finance teams that want to close faster without fighting legacy systems. Designed to support complex revenue recognition, multi-entity operations, and real-time reporting, Rillet helps teams achieve a true zero-day close—with some customers closing in hours, not days. If you're scaling on an ERP that wasn't built in the 90s, book a demo at https://www.rillet.com/cj—LINKS: Mostly Talent: https://mostlymetrics.typeform.com/to/cLTxtAsNGuest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/praveer-melwani/Company: https://www.figma.com/CJ: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cj-gustafson-13140948/Mostly metrics: https://www.mostlymetrics.com—TIMESTAMPS:0:00 Preview and intro1:21 Welcome and guest intro2:55 From banking to Dropbox to Figma5:04 Inflection points: building trust early8:36 TAM expansion thinking10:31 Sponsors — EY | SpendHound | Brex13:38 Two-thirds of Figma users aren't designers14:36 Forecasting product led growth16:22 Cohorts and NDR discovery17:39 LTV to CAC philosophy18:57 Product signals for account expansion20:22 How Figma achieved hypergrowth with 90%+ margins22:14 AI expands TAM: time to hit the gas23:22 AI credit pricing model24:50 Sponsors — Aleph | RightRev | Rillet28:13 Outcome based pricing consideration29:00 Where AI margins settle: gross profit dollars30:08 Free cash flow per share as north star31:04 NDR and pricing volatility32:13 Bundled vs. unbundled seats34:50 Being engaged in sales to understand admin pain35:17 IPO day experience36:27 Keeping employees focused beyond the stock price37:19 Employee stock pressure and lockup reality39:37 Kitchen cabinet of advisors41:44 How to ask better questions of advisors41:47 Lightning round41:50 Advice to younger self42:47 Finance software stack44:09 Claude WTF moment: forecasting model throughput45:13 Craziest expense story: the haircut45:59 Credits

The Digital Marketing Mentor
110: Office Hours | Paid Media Budgeting, Forecasting & Goal-Setting with the Optidge Team

The Digital Marketing Mentor

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2026 30:02 Transcription Available


When ad costs spike and attribution gets messy, even the best marketing budgets can start to feel unreliable. In this episode, Optidge's own Joe Wolf and Alejandro Torres cut through the noise on marketing budget planning and ad spend forecasting: what the models look like, where most plans fall apart, and how to build one that holds up when platforms shift, and results lag.This episode lights a fire under a candid, lively discussion of the most complex client-facing problems marketers will encounter, using our own experiences as fuel. An Optidge Office Hours EpisodeOur Office Hours episodes are your go-to for details, case studies, how-to's, and advice on specific marketing topics. Join our fellow Optidge team members, partners, and sometimes even 1:1 teachings from Danny himself, in these shorter, marketing-focused episodes. Get ready to get marketing!Episode Highlights: The Optidge team shares that most clients arrive at budget conversations with a plan already in mind, and reveal that refining it is actually harder than building from scratch.One campaign example shared that a real estate client panicked when overall performance began to drop. Joe and Alejandro affirm that the problem isn't always the channel taking the blame and requires a broader analysis.The team shares insights into Optidge's cohort-based reporting, noting the changes in how you measure paid media success and how to use it to prevent knee-jerk decisions.Both Joe and Alejandro touch on the halo effect using real examples: store visits, YouTube demand lift, and self-reported attribution from intake forms.The conversation emphasizes that assuming every lead is equal is the most expensive mistake in budget planning, and that building unified dashboards and planning for the whole year helps to keep the big picture top-of-mind.Episode Links: Digital Marketing Mentor Podcast: Optidge.com/podcastODEO Academy: odeoacademy.comOptidge Paid Media Services: Optidge.com/paid-mediaEpisode 050: Debunking, Diversifying, and Diving into the Data of Paid Social Ads with Joseph Wolf (Office Hours) Episode 067: The Superpowers of Effective PPC Budget Management and Pacing with Alejandro Torres (Office Hours) Send us Fan MailFollow The Digital Marketing Mentor:Website and Blog: thedmmentor.comInstagram: @thedmmentorLinkedin: @thedmmentorYouTube: @thedmmentorInterested in Digital Marketing Services, Careers, or Courses? Check out more from the TDMM Family:Optidge.com - Full Service Digital Marketing Agency specializing in SEO, PPC, Paid Social, and Lead Generation efforts for established B2C and B2B businesses and organizations.ODEOacademy.com - Digital Marketing online education and course platform. ODEO gives you solid digital marketing knowledge to launch/boost your career or understand your business's digital marketing strategy.

How to Run a Successful Business (and still have a life!)
S3E11: Pretty Spreadsheets & Positive Cashflow: The Budgeting Glow-Up Part 3

How to Run a Successful Business (and still have a life!)

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2026 13:16


In this highlight episode of How to Run a Successful Business and Still Have a Life, Stacey dives into part three of her cashflow series—focusing on the importance of surrounding yourself with the right financial support team. She openly shares how she once tried doing everything herself, from payroll to tax, and why bringing experts into her corner transformed her understanding, confidence, and decision-making around money.Stacey outlines who belongs on your financial “cheerleader” list—from bookkeepers and accountants to advisors who help you plan for the future—and explains how each of these professionals helps lighten the load and protect your business. She also encourages business owners to ask questions, be vulnerable, and understand that clarity comes from collaboration, not from doing it all alone.If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by numbers, unsure where to look, or worried you’re “doing it wrong,” this episode gives you permission to stop struggling in silence and start building the team you need. Plus, Stacey invites you to join her Cashflow Made Simple webinar for even more practical support on your financial journey.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Twenty Minute VC: Venture Capital | Startup Funding | The Pitch
20Sales: ElevenLabs: Why We Set a 20x Sales Quota | How to Structure Sales Compensation Plans | Customer Success: 'Total BS' or Growth Engine? | Building an AI Sales Machine: What Tools & Tactics Must CROs Adopt Today with Carles Reina

The Twenty Minute VC: Venture Capital | Startup Funding | The Pitch

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2026 84:45


Carles Reina is VP of Sales at ElevenLabs, where he was the first investor and fourth employee. Carles has scaled the revenue org from Day 1 to over $350M in just 3 years. Carles is also an active investor with investments in ElevenLabs, Revolut, Happy Robot and more.   AGENDA: 00:00 - Is the Traditional CRO Dead in the Age of AI? 01:01 - Building the AI Sales Machine: Agents that Actually Generate Revenue 08:35 - Will AI Shrink the Sales Teams of the Future? 09:51 - The ElevenLabs Masterclass: Why We Set a 20x Sales Quota 11:00 - How to Structure Explosive Sales Accelerators 12:15 - Why You Should Stop Paying Commission on Pilots 14:00 - Customer Success: Is it 'Total Bullshit' or a Growth Engine? 16:15 - The 'Global-First' Fallacy: Why You Need to Open Every Market Now 17:23 - Why Startups Are Wrong to Ignore 20-Year Sales Veterans 19:15 - The Pipeline Construction Secret: Liquidity vs. Whales 24:30 - Forecasting the Unpredictable: How to Hit a $1B Revenue Target 31:55 - The Substitution Threat: Is AI Voice Just a Commodity? 34:10 - Verticalization Mistakes: Lessons from Scaling India 38:40 - The 'IBM Effect': Does Brand Actually Shorten Sales Cycles? 40:15 - Extreme Expectations: Why ElevenLabs is a Hard Company to Work For 42:15 - Internal Leaderboards: How to Use Public Competition to Drive Results 44:20 - Hunting the Obsessed: Identifying the 'Inner Psychopath' in Hires 46:40 - The SaaS Apocalypse: Will Companies Build Their Own CRM? 48:30 - Formula 1 Branding: The Mindset Behind the Audi-Revolut Deal 50:15 - Dinner vs. Conferences: Which Marketing Channels Actually Scale? 52:45 - Designing Un-Salesy Content: How to Run a Legendary Summit 54:20 - CVC Strategy: Turning Corporate Investors into Distribution Channels 01:01:45 - The Globalization Nightmare: Why You Can't Sell in English Everywhere 01:06:45 - Operator-Investors: Can You Be a High-Performer and a VC Simultaneously? 01:11:30 - Unit Economics in AI: Why Good Early Numbers Might Mean Failure 01:18:25 - The Next Wave: Why Foundational Model Consolidation is Inevitable  

InvestTalk
What Are Treasury Bond Yields Forecasting for Investors in 2026?

InvestTalk

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2026 45:29 Transcription Available


Treasury yields are holding steady as traders assess mixed signals on Middle East de-escalation amid ongoing conflict uncertainties. The bond market is trying to balance safe-haven demand against persistent inflation concerns from energy price spikes.Today's Stocks & Topics: International Paper Company (IP), Market Wrap, Roche Holding AG (SWX:RO), Microsoft Corporation (MSFT), Altria Group, Inc. (MO), What Are Treasury Bond Yields Forecasting for Investors in 2026?, Salesforce, Inc. (CRM), The U.S.-Iran Ceasefire and the U.S. Economy, HOA Fees.Introducing our Third Annual InvestTalk Market Madness! Join the mayhem before May 18th at 11:59 pm PST for the chance to win $1,500! Fill out your bracket below: https://kppfinancial.com/investtalk-madnessOur Sponsors:* Check out Anthropic: https://claude.ai/invest* Check out Pebl: https://hipebl.ai* Check out Quince: https://quince.com/invest* Check out TruDiagnostic and use my code INVEST20 for a great deal: https://www.trudiagnostic.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Moody's Talks - Inside Economics
Oil, Cows and Taxes

Moody's Talks - Inside Economics

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2026 64:42


The Inside Economics team is joined by Matt Colyar to discuss the week's loaded economic data slate. First, Matt offers a detailed reaction to March's hot CPI report – the first inflation data capturing effects from the conflict in the Middle East. Next, the group discusses how each is thinking about their recession probabilities in light of the tenuous ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran and the latest economic data. The group closes, of course, with the numbers game where Mark reveals that he doesn't file his own taxes, and despite not eating meat, Cris provides an update on how America's steakhouses are faring amid rising beef costs. Email us at InsideEconomics@moodys.com for more info about the Moody's Summit '26 Conference in San Diego Hosts: Mark Zandi – Chief Economist, Moody's Analytics, Cris deRitis – Deputy Chief Economist, Moody's Analytics, and Marisa DiNatale – Senior Director - Head of Global Forecasting, Moody's Analytics Follow Mark Zandi on 'X' and BlueSky @MarkZandi, Cris deRitis on LinkedIn, and Marisa DiNatale on LinkedIn Questions or Comments, please email us at InsideEconomics@moodys.com. We would love to hear from you. To stay informed and follow the insights of Moody's Analytics economists, visit Economic View. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Russell Investments
Ceasefire brings relief, but outlooks remain complex

Russell Investments

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2026 5:14


DisclosuresThese views are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and are current as of the date at the top of the page.Investing involves risk and principal loss is possible.Past performance does not guarantee future performance.Forecasting represents predictions of market prices and/or volume patterns utilizing varying analytical data. It is not representative of a projection of the stock market, or of any specific investment.This material is not an offer, solicitation or recommendation to purchase any security. Nothing contained in this material is intended to constitute legal, tax, securities or investment advice, nor an opinion regarding the appropriateness of any investment, nor a solicitation of any type.The general information contained in this publication should not be acted upon without obtaining specific legal, tax and investment advice from a licensed professional.  The information, analysis and opinions expressed herein are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual entity.Please remember that all investments carry some level of risk. Although steps can be taken to help reduce risk it cannot be completely removed. They do no not typically grow at an even rate of return and may experience negative growth. As with any type of portfolio structuring, attempting to reduce risk and increase return could, at certain times, unintentionally reduce returns.Investments that are allocated across multiple types of securities may be exposed to a variety of risks based on the asset classes, investment styles, market sectors, and size of companies preferred by the investment managers. Investors should consider how the combined risks impact their total investment portfolio and understand that different risks can lead to varying financial consequences, including loss of principal. Please see a prospectus for further details.Indexes are unmanaged and cannot be invested in directly.Copyright © Russell Investments Group LLC 2026. All rights reserved.This material is proprietary and may not be reproduced, transferred, or distributed in any form without prior written permission from Russell Investments. It is delivered on an “as is” basis without warranty.CORP-13022Date of first use: April, 2026

Artificial Intelligence in Industry with Daniel Faggella
Connecting Forecasting and Warehouse Decisions at Scale - with Jerod Hamilton of Tyson Foods

Artificial Intelligence in Industry with Daniel Faggella

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2026 24:26


Operational complexity in modern distribution centers is accelerating faster than most organizations can adapt, leaving leaders with fragmented data, static facility designs, and inefficiencies that compound across planning and fulfillment. In this episode, Jerod Hamilton, Director of 3PL Warehouse Strategy at Tyson Foods, joins Emerj's Marilie Fouche to examine how disconnected forecasting and warehousing systems limit real‑time decisioning and obscure the true sources of leakage inside large‑scale operations. He highlights the need for integrated planning signals and more adaptive warehouse systems that can adjust placement and movement decisions as demand shifts, rather than weeks after inefficiencies have already taken hold. This episode is sponsored by Easy Metrics. Learn how brands work with Emerj and other Emerj Media options at go.emerj.com/partner

Outrage and Optimism
Forecasting Disaster: A ‘super' El Niño? And the case for early action

Outrage and Optimism

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 2, 2026 36:37


As headlines warn of a possible ‘super El Niño' later this year, we ask: how do we respond to a warning before it becomes a catastrophe? The last major El Niño brought record heat, crop failures, flooding and deepening food insecurity across large parts of the world. This time, the question is not only what may be coming, but whether we are any better prepared to act on the warning?Tom Rivett-Carnac and Paul Dickinson look at what the forecasts do and do not tell us about the climate ahead in 2026, and what it means to prepare for a crisis that is still uncertain, but increasingly hard to ignore. And in a world of shrinking aid budgets and rising climate risk, they're joined by Andrew Kruczkiewicz from the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre and Columbia Climate School - how do you justify spending on a crisis that hasn't happened yet? From anticipatory finance and early warning systems to the politics of aid cuts and the difficulty of communicating risk in real time, they explore what climate preparedness looks like when the stakes are already human and immediate.Learn More:

explore disasters acast bangladesh forecasting noaa world food programme enso early action global optimism tom rivett carnac columbia climate school acast creator network
The John Batchelor Show
S8 Ep673: 7. Joseph Sternberg critiques the Federal Reserve's tendency to "overtalk." He argues that excessive public forecasting and the confusing "dot plot" mislead markets and obscure the economic reality of ongoing global conflict

The John Batchelor Show

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2026 13:25


7. Joseph Sternberg critiques the Federal Reserve's tendency to "overtalk." He argues that excessive public forecasting and the confusing "dot plot" mislead markets and obscure the economic reality of ongoing global conflicts. (7)1935 ARABIA