Podcasts about Fortune

This episode was sponsored by Cardiff   LightSpeed VT: https://www.lightspeedvt.com/ Dropping Bombs Podcast: https://www.droppingbombs.com/ Today's Dropping Bombs episode delivers a raw comeback story with David Saylor — an eighth-grade dropout who went from drug addiction and a first-degree murder charge to building an eight-figure bootstrapped empire completely from scratch.   David breaks down the moment everything changed, what he promised God in a jail cell, and how a $700 bet turned into 40 retail locations, a private jet, and two pouch brands he believes will hit a billion dollars.   He also gets into his nicotine pouch brand ALTRD, why it hits differently than anything else on the market, and Motion Pouches — the nootropic pouch built for entrepreneurs who can't afford to be unfocused.   This conversation will change the way you see what's possible. Your comeback starts here.  

If you've ever felt like you need more confidence before you start selling, this episode will completely shift your perspective. In this powerful training, Ray Higdon breaks down why waiting to feel confident is actually the very thing holding you back in sales. Instead of chasing confidence, he reveals the truth that confidence is built through action, repetition, and real-world experience, not overthinking or perfectionism.   Ray dives into one of the biggest mistakes sales professionals and entrepreneurs make, spending too much time trying to "get it right" before ever having enough conversations. He emphasizes that success in sales is not about talent, but about repetitions. Through compelling examples and real stories, including someone who faced hundreds of rejections before succeeding, he shows how consistent outreach, prospecting, and conversations are the real drivers of confidence and results. If you want to improve your sales skills, close more deals, and build unshakable confidence in your sales conversations, this episode gives you a simple but powerful strategy. Stop waiting, start doing. The more people you talk to, the more confident and successful you'll become. ⸻ —

Mea Culpa welcomes back, Reed Galen, co-founder of The Lincoln Project and an independent political strategist. A veteran public affairs and political commentator with more than 20 years of experience. Reed has been involved in politics, government, and business at the highest levels. Galen has spent more than a decade advising Fortune 50, 100 and 1000 companies in need of high-level counsel in the fields of strategic communications, procurement, and legislation. In addition to his private sector work, Reed has managed several high-profile ballot measure campaigns in California, Texas, and Colorado – Before moving to the private sector, Reed served as Deputy Campaign Manager for John McCain's presidential campaign and Deputy Campaign Manager for Arnold Schwarzenegger's successful 2006 re-election campaign. Galen also worked on both of President George W. Bush campaigns and served the Bush Administration at both the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Department of Homeland Security. Michael and Reed dig into Kevin McCarthy, the documents, George Santos, and immigration.

Laura Kavanagh knew she would encounter challenges as the first female fire commissioner of the FDNY. But she didn't anticipate the false rumors that she slept her way to the top — or the nastier rumors about her supposed pregnancy. Now, for the first time, she shares what was actually going on in her reproductive life when she ran the fire department. … Recommendations from the archive • Listen to Eggs Over Freezy for more about the process of freezing your eggs. • Curious about IVF? Check out One Woman, 3 Kids, 15 Rounds of IVF. … Episode resources • Laura Kavanagh wrote an op-ed for Fortune about her time as FDNY commissioner, and how to change the workplace for the better. … Sponsors (using our links supports the show!) … • Join LST+ for community and access to You Know What, another show in the Longest Shortest universe! • Follow us on Instagram • Sign up for our newsletter, where we recommend other parenting + reproductive health media • Buy books by LST guests (your purchase supports the show!) • Website: longestshortesttime.com ... Cover photo credit: Guerin Blask for City and State Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode was sponsored by Cardiff & whooptriggerz.com   LightSpeed VT: https://www.lightspeedvt.com/ Dropping Bombs Podcast: https://www.droppingbombs.com/   Today's Dropping Bombs episode features Carlton "C-Dub" Whitfield, who went from playing piano in his dad's church to building a multi-app ecosystem used by musicians and churches worldwide — no funding, no label, no gatekeepers.   In this episode, Carlton breaks down how he made the leap, what almost stopped him, and what it actually takes to build recurring revenue as a creator.   Creators, musicians, and faith-based entrepreneurs — this one was made for you.   __

Having a family is such a blessing. Having a family that stays in contact is even more of a blessing.  Today, I sit down with Lance Welch, and we talk about how intentional he and his wife were on setting relationships with his boys.    In this episode, you'll discover…  "I hope my wealth doesn't screw up my kids." (3:35) Family Vision. (8:20)  What would Lance do differently in parenting? (15:30)     Lance's Bio:  Lance is a Certified Business Development Coach with the John Maxwell organization as well as a Certified Behavioral Consultant for DISC Personality Profiles.  Lance was a Sales and Leadership Director and oversaw over 3,000 reps in 14 states for a Fortune 100 company prior to stepping out on his own in late 2018.   His book, The Legacy Navigator - creating intentional multi-generational impact will be released in early Q1 of 2024.  Lance has been described as "The words guy"; a Thought Leader; a Legacy Coach.   Lance and his wife Allison have been married for over 37 years.  They raised three strong-willed sons to be successful adults and have two grandchildren, a 6-year old granddaughter and a 2-year old grandson. Find Resources Here   What's Next?  NEW!! Join the new RISE community. Check out my newest book, 'Rise and Go', HERE!

This episode was sponsored by Cardiff & glownaturalwellness.com LightSpeed VT: https://www.lightspeedvt.com/ Dropping Bombs Podcast: https://www.droppingbombs.com/ Today's Dropping Bombs episode features Dr. Michelle Sands, a naturopathic physician who cuts straight through the noise on peptides, hormones, and everything wellness culture gets wrong. Dr. Michelle breaks down the direct link between hormone health, sexual vitality, and business performance — and what your sex drive is actually telling you about your health and your success. She also covers what peptides actually do, why GLP-1s are being recklessly prescribed, why testosterone levels in young men are tanking, and the parasite conversation nobody wants to have. Raw, specific, and worth every minute. This one covers everything your doctor probably never will.

Want to retire early and live off passive income? Isabelle Guarino is here to share to us how to turn assisted living into a goldmine.Discover how to snatch up cash-flowing properties, spot opportunities faster than a hawk, and dominate the wholesale game in this niche! Dominate the assisted living market and watch your wealth soar (listen now!). For more cash building tips visit the TTP training program. ---------Show notes:(1:07) Beginning of today's episode(1:48) Buying cash flowing assets(4:31) How do you know when you find an opportunity that could be good for assisted living? (6:05) How can wholesalers find these types of properties?(16:07) How to run these types of businesses? (22:29) Being the “bank” ----------Resources:RAL 101Follow RAL 101 on InstagramTo speak with Brent or one of our other expert coaches call (281) 835-4201 or schedule your free discovery call here to learn about our mentorship programs and become part of the TribeGo to Wholesalingincgroup.com to become part of one of the fastest growing Facebook communities in the Wholesaling space. Get all of your burning Wholesaling questions answered, gain access to JV partnerships, and connect with other "success minded" Rhinos in the community.It's 100% free to join. The opportunities in this community  are endless, what are you waiting for?

What should you say after a prospect has already seen your presentation? In this episode,   reveals the single most powerful question elite closers use to dramatically increase their closing rates. Instead of overwhelming prospects with multiple questions or jumping straight into pitching, Ray breaks down why asking "What did you like best?" is the key to uncovering real buying intent and guiding the conversation toward a sale. You'll discover why prospects who watch your presentation are already signaling interest, and how to leverage that position without becoming pushy, desperate, or salesy. Ray also explains how to handle both positive and negative responses, showing you how to stay in control of the conversation, build posture, and uncover the real problems your prospect is trying to solve. If you want to improve your sales conversations, handle objections more effectively, and close more deals with confidence, this episode gives you a practical, step-by-step sales script you can apply immediately. Learn how to expand your prospect's problem, connect it to your solution, and confidently move them toward a decision without chasing or convincing. —

The OECD's January 2026 Administrative Guidance on Pillar Two introduces new safe harbor provisions that could significantly affect how US multinationals are taxed globally. This episode breaks down the key provisions and their accounting and financial reporting implications.In this episode, we discuss:1:13 – Background on Pillar Two and core concepts 6:57 – Overview of the OECD Administrative Guidance 17:10 – Criteria for the Side-by-Side Safe Harbor 21:46 – Ultimate Parent Entity Safe Harbor overview 25:25 – Key accounting and financial reporting considerations33:21 – Extension of the Country-by-Country Safe Harbor35:15 – Final reminders and key takeaways For more information on accounting for Pillar Two, read our In depths, OECD Pillar Two: Time to act on the global minimum tax and Accounting for Pillar Two: Frequently asked questions. Also, check out our Income taxes guide for additional background on existing guidance.Be sure to follow this podcast on your favorite podcast app and subscribe to our weekly newsletter to stay in the loop.About our guestsPat Brown is PwC's National Tax Office Co-Leader. Prior to joining PwC, he spent 16 years in the private sector, including as the director of tax policy for a Fortune 50 company. Pat has also served in the US Treasury's Office of Tax Policy as an attorney-advisor and as Associate International Tax Counsel.Jennifer Spang is PwC's National Office income tax accounting leader, specializing in tax accounting under US GAAP and IFRS. She has over 30 years of experience helping companies in a variety of industries navigate complex tax accounting matters.About our guest hostKyle Moffatt is PwC's Professional Practice leader, leading a team responsible for working with standard setters and regulators as well as delivering brand-defining thought leadership and educational materials. He also consults with engagement teams and audit clients on SEC reporting matters. Before PwC, Kyle spent almost 20 years with the SEC, most recently as Chief Accountant and Disclosure Program Director in the Division of Corporation Finance.Transcripts available upon request for individuals who may need a disability-related accommodation. Please send requests to us_podcast@pwc.com Did you enjoy this episode? Text us your thoughts and be sure to include the episode name.

Last time we spoke about the beginning of the first battle of Changsha. From Chongqing, Chiang debated defensive strategies for Hunan, ultimately adopting Plan B after Xue Yue's pleas, focusing on successive resistance north of Changsha to thwart Japanese advances. Japanese forces, under Okamura Yasuji, launched assaults in Jiangxi and Hunan. In Jiangxi, the 106th and 101st Divisions attacked Huibu and Gao'an, where Chinese troops under Luo Zhuoying and Song Kentang fiercely resisted. Gao'an fell briefly but was recaptured by the 32nd Army and the elite 74th Army, with heavy casualties on both sides, as recounted by soldier Liu Qihuai. In Hunan, Japanese units crossed the Xin Qiang River and landed at Yingtian, facing brutal opposition. At Bijia Mountain, Qin Yizhi's 195th Division held for four days; Battalion Commander Shi Enhua's reinforced unit perished entirely, their fragmented remains mourned by locals. Along the Miluo River, Chen Pei's 37th Army fortified positions, repelling waves of Japanese attacks, including suicide squads disguised as civilians. Recruit Yang Peyao's unit endured bombardments, inflicting significant enemy losses before withdrawing at dusk.   #197 The First Battle of Changsha Welcome to the Fall and Rise of China Podcast, I am your dutiful host Craig Watson. But, before we start I want to also remind you this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Perhaps you want to learn more about the history of Asia? Kings and Generals have an assortment of episodes on history of asia and much more  so go give them a look over on Youtube. So please subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry for some more history related content, over on my channel, the Pacific War Channel where I cover the history of China and Japan from the 19th century until the end of the Pacific War. Major Luo Wenlang, battalion commander of the 3rd Battalion, 55th Regiment, 19th Division of the 28th Army, harbored a peculiar quirk: he couldn't sleep soundly without unwrapping his leg bindings, a small ritual that anchored him in the chaos of war. Since the war's eruption, such luxuries were rare, and unwrapping his bindings every night became an impossibility, leaving him to endure restless slumbers. Tonight, however, sleep eluded him entirely; he tossed and turned on his makeshift bed, his mind a whirlwind of unrest. Two days after the northern Hunan battle ignited like a powder keg, the 55th Regiment received urgent orders from Division Commander Tang Boyin to race to Wukou in Pingjiang County. Their path wound through Luo Wenlang's hometown of Fulinpu, a twist of fate that stirred conflicting emotions. Entering the village under the cover of night, the entire battalion encamped in the commander's modest family village, with battalion headquarters naturally established in his ancestral home.   Luo yearned to step across that familiar threshold but dreaded it, for his parents remained oblivious to a devastating truth. They slaughtered chickens and prepared meat, hosting the battalion staff with drinks and hospitality, after all, this was their son's unit gracing their home. Luo orchestrated door planks and straw for bedding, posted sentries, and deftly evaded his parents until they retired. Before dawn broke, he mustered the troops, ensured they were fed, and led them onward, slipping away like a shadow. By noon on the 22nd, they reached Wukou, only to receive fresh directives: rush to Yingtian to bolster the 95th Division against the enemy's audacious landings. The 3rd Battalion spearheaded the division's reinforcements, marching relentlessly through day and night, arriving at Dongtang, over 30 kilometers southeast of Yingtian—on the 23rd, hearts sinking upon learning Yingtian had already fallen into enemy clutches.   Luo Wenlang sought out the retreating 95th Division Commander Luo Qi to beg for a mission, his resolve unyielding. Luo Qi, anticipating his arrival, relayed Commander Guan Linzheng's ironclad instructions: The 19th Division's reinforcements would assume Dongtang's defenses. With the main force still en route, Luo Qi tasked Luo's battalion with relieving a segment held by a replacement regiment. He handed over a map, sketching a line with a pencil, a simple stroke that thrust Luo Wenlang and his men onto the front lines of fate. An operations staff was dispatched to guide them to the position and oversee the handover.   As the troops advanced, they encountered scattered soldiers fleeing like startled rabbits; seizing a platoon leader revealed they were indeed from the replacement regiment. Mere minutes from division HQ, the enemy was already closing in, a predator's breath hot on their necks. Luo Wenlang and Deputy Battalion Commander Wu Yacui split the battalion, launching a counterattack on Dongtang from dual routes. Fortune favored them; the Japanese held only an exhausted company, crumbling under a single, ferocious charge. They swiftly deployed two companies to the positions, reserving one as a bulwark. By dusk, the full 55th Regiment arrived, accompanied by the rest of the 19th Division's reinforcements, allowing the battered 95th Division, ravaged at Yingtian, to withdraw for desperate reorganization. The regimental commander positioned Luo's 3rd Battalion on the regiment's vulnerable left wing. In the blink of an eye, it was the 27th, aligning with the 15th of the eighth lunar month. Amid the relentless great battle, few noted the calendar, and the skies hung heavy with clouds. Luo Wenlang twisted on his straw bed, his thoughts a snarled knot of anxiety and memory.   At 11 p.m., gunfire shattered the night; a barrage of machine gun bullets riddled the battalion HQ house, raining thatch and dust upon Luo like fallout from a storm. Catastrophe had struck! Luo surged toward the positions with the bugler—his battalion signal chief—and the reserve force, ascending the hilltop in a frenzy. Halfway up, he spotted 8th Company's Lieutenant Platoon Leader Rong Fayu leading over 20 soldiers in retreat. Bellowing "Why unauthorized retreat?" while brandishing his pistol, he compelled Rong to rally and turn back. The Japanese had launched a nocturnal assault; 8th Company Commander Yi Zuitao lay slain by a fatal shot, over a dozen comrades felled in brutal close combat, the survivors scattered like leaves in the wind; the high ground now belonged to the enemy.   Upon learning of Dongtang's loss, the regimental commander personally led the regimental reserve, his face etched with urgency. Under flickering lantern light, poring over the map with Luo, Division Commander Tang Boyin telephoned, his voice a whipcrack of command: Recapture it before dawn, or both would face the merciless hand of military justice. After seizing the high ground, the enemy hesitated to press further; Luo surmised the darkness concealed paths, and their numbers were not overwhelming. Forgoing the regimental reserve, he led 7th Company's 4 squads and remnants of the routed 8th Company in a stealthy ascent. Near the position, a ravine concealed over 20 8th Company soldiers, rallied by Sergeant Squad Leader Tan Tianrong, who had lurked in wait for reinforcements, dreading exposure at dawn under the enemy's gaze.   Spotting the battalion commander personally spearheading the counterattack, Tan Tianrong's face lit with fierce joy; his men, armed with grenades, surged as the vanguard. Intimate with the terrain even in blindness, they hurled explosives into bunkers, trenches, and works. The commander orchestrated the charge; the Japanese force of 40-50 men crumbled, over half slain or maimed, the remnants fleeing northward to their village stronghold. It was past 4 a.m.; the moon pierced the clouds, bathing the earth in a silvery glow. With positions reclaimed, the night revealed its secret: tonight was Mid-Autumn. Moonlight unraveled the tangled threads of his past; Luo draped his clothes over his shoulders, sat beneath the luminous orb, and wept in solitary anguish.   Before the war, devastating news had arrived: his brother Luo Yinong had been killed in Jiangxi. Luo had three brothers; the eldest shouldered half the family's burdens, their bond unbreakable. The brother had enlisted first in the 50th Army, climbing to battalion commander through sheer valor. He and his younger brother had followed suit, inspired by that call to arms.   Wartime conscription demanded only one per family, but battling the devils was a duty for the nation and its people. His brother had risen to deputy regimental commander before his end. The 50th Army notified him first. Engulfed in battle, there had been no time to console his grieving parents or tend to the funeral; it weighed on his heart like an unyielding stone. His sister-in-law, diligent and unassuming, cared for a young boy and carried another child; the long, arduous days ahead loomed like an endless shadow. The night dew brought a biting chill, the moon an icy sentinel; Luo shivered uncontrollably, his tears mingling with the frost.   The sky hung heavy with overcast gloom, yet the moon lurked beyond the clouds, casting a faint, ethereal light that warded off utter darkness. Along the road, a unit's elongated black shadow snaked southward in hurried silence, a serpent of weary resolve pressing through the night. Qin Yizhi reined in his horse, pausing to gaze back: the queue stretched onward, silent and impeccably orderly, belying the exhaustion of a force scarred by days of ferocious combat, their spirits unbroken amid the shadows. After the Japanese seized the 195th Division's defiant outpost at Bijia Mountain, they surged across the Xin Qiang River in a merciless onslaught. The river, shallow enough to wade knee-deep, offered no true impediment; the real barrier was forged from the defenders' scorching blood, a crimson testament to their unyielding stand. The 195th Division clashed in a maelstrom of cruelty; positions were heaped with corpses time and again, the Xin Qiang's waters churning blood-red in relentless cycles of carnage. From the night of the 23rd to the dawn of the 25th, respite was a forgotten dream; Okamura Yasuji, in a gesture of grim respect, inscribed Qin's name in elegant calligraphy and hung it within his command tent, a haunting trophy of the foe's tenacity.   Following their triumphant landing at Yingtian, the Japanese entangled the Ninth War Zone's left-wing defenders in a protracted snare, their advances grinding slowly like a predator toying with prey, menacing the flanks of the frontal troops with insidious intent. On the evening of the 27th, Xue Yue issued the fateful order for the 15th Army Group to withdraw to the precarious ground between the Miluo River and Shangshan City, ushering this blood-soaked force into an all-night march toward the next defensive crucible. Late into the night, a brief halt was called. Soldiers slumped to the ground, adjusting leg wraps and gear with mechanical precision; logistics teams darted through the ranks, distributing rations like lifelines; cooks, having forged ahead, arrived with steaming pots of rice soup, infusing the air with a rare warmth. Though no clamor broke the hush, a quiet camaraderie enveloped the queue, a fleeting balm against the war's chill.   The division staff claimed a flat expanse beside a farmhouse yard for their respite. Qin settled onto a stone roller used for grinding grain, nibbling at his meager ration and sipping the hot soup that steamed in the cool air. Suddenly, moonlight pierced the clouds, cascading down in silvery streams; the familiar contours of the farmhouse stirred a flood of warmth in his heart, evoking memories of home.   Chongqing, Huangshan Villa. Every window was shrouded in double layers of thick curtains, sealing out any sliver of betraying light, as if the very walls conspired to guard secrets from the encroaching night. Tonight's ethereal protagonist rose languidly from the eastern valley, its orange-red moonlight casting an aura of drowsy reluctance, as though it had not fully shaken off the slumber of the day. The feeble glow dappled the building's roof, balcony, and the surrounding hillsides, intersections, and thickets, where armed shadows lurked, capturing every rustle in the oppressive silence. Only upon close inspection could one discern the faint specks of moonlight glinting off steel helmets. Yet, beyond those fortified walls, another realm pulsed with life, a vibrant contrast to the shadowed vigilance outside. The front hall, living room, and dining room blazed with brilliant light. Vibrant flowers, dominated by chrysanthemums in full, defiant bloom, infused the air with color and fragrance; a phonograph murmured a cheerful Guangdong melody, weaving an atmosphere thick with festive joy, a deliberate illusion amid the storm of war.   Chiang Kai-shek, clad in a flowing black silk gown, strode ahead with poised grace, escorting his guests into the dining room alongside the elegantly attired Soong May-ling, their conversation laced with laughter and warmth. At the table, Soong May-ling's smile was a beacon of diplomacy, as she artfully arranged the seating to suit hierarchies and alliances, while servers in crisp white uniforms moved with nimble precision. This was Chiang Kai-shek's intimate Mid-Autumn family banquet; beyond a handful of pivotal military and political figures, the gathering brimmed with relatives. Guests and kin alike noted Chiang's buoyant spirits tonight; his smiles were wide and genuine, his discourse light and expansive, delving into casual topics with uncharacteristic ease.   In September 1939, China's War of Resistance Against Japan had entered its grueling third year. After the initial cataclysm of turmoil and disarray, the government and military had clawed their way to stability, adapting to this unprecedented historical crucible, with operations finally aligning into a semblance of order. According to figures proclaimed by Minister of Military Affairs He Yingqin to Chinese and foreign reporters on the 13th of this month, Japanese invaders had seized 521 counties across 12 provinces, a vast swath of conquest. Yet, the Japanese imperialists had exacted this toll at a staggering cost. Just prior, on August 30, the Hirannuma Cabinet, installed a mere eight months earlier, had collapsed in mass resignation. Hirannuma Kiichiro's predecessor, Konoe Fumimaro, had similarly bowed out amid governmental failures, chiefly the unmet ambitions in the Sino-Japanese War that he had boldly promised to parliament, exacerbating domestic political and economic woes. Days ago, when Wang Pengsheng briefed Chiang on Japan's turbulent politics, he quipped: "Konoe said three months to destroy China; three months didn't work, nor three years, who knows about 30 or 300. Hirannuma had no solutions, down in eight months. Does Abe have good ideas? How long can he be prime minister?" Indeed, Abe Nobuyuki, Hirannuma's successor, would endure a mere four and a half months before resigning in ignominy. Tonight's feast showcased Chiang's favored cuisines: delicate Jiangsu-Zhejiang dishes mingled with robust Sichuan flavors. Chiang abstained from alcohol, raising his cup in mere symbolic toasts to his guests. During the meal, as if by unspoken accord, no one broached the raging domestic battles or the volatile international landscape; conversations meandered through trivialities, skirting anything heavy or discordant, a fragile bubble of normalcy.   On September 3, Britain and France had declared war on Germany, shattering the global order in a seismic shift. Foreign newspapers already bandied the term "Second World War," a phrase that evoked freshness, exhilaration, and sheer terror in equal measure. China's diplomacy surged with newfound vigor. In April, Ambassador to the US Wang Zhengting had negotiated a $20 million loan with American banks on China's behalf. In May, Stalin responded to Chiang's overtures, agreeing to exchange arms for Chinese tea, wool, raw hides, and more. A month later, the first consignment of light and heavy weapons—including artillery and heavy machine guns—arrived via clandestine routes through Xinjiang and Mongolia, bolstering the central army's frontlines. In August, Hu Shih, Wellington Koo, and Chien Tai represented the Nationalist Government at the 19th League of Nations Assembly, laying bare the Japanese imperialists' atrocities in China before the world and rallying global forces for peace to support China's defiant stand. Soon after, British and American civic groups ignited "China Week" campaigns, pressing their governments to aid the beleaguered nation. Waves of foreign volunteers streamed in from distant shores: doctors, journalists, ordnance engineers, even retired soldiers clamoring to join the fray on the frontlines.   "If we could pull America into this war..." Through Soong May-ling's subtle, persuasive influence, Chiang allowed himself to daydream of that prosperous, dynamic young powerhouse across the vast ocean. Thus, on this Mid-Autumn night, his talk turned to America, to his correspondence with President Roosevelt regarding the "tung oil loan." That saga had unfolded the previous October; T.V. Soong had jetted to America, securing a loan with China's tung oil, a commodity scarce in the US, as collateral. China had boldly requested $400 million; America countered with $25 million, a classic tale of "ask high, settle low." Yet, the funds were secured. One success paved the way for many. Soong May-ling had once confided to Chiang: "In mobilizing US aid for China's resistance, I'll make a difference." When Chiang responded with a smile, "Thank you, Madam," he could scarcely foresee how his beautiful wife's extraordinary prowess in fulfilling this solemn vow would astonish him, etching eternal glory for Chinese women worldwide and elevating Soong May-ling to the zenith of her life's achievements.   The most direct echo of the First Battle of Changsha's thunderous saga resides in the Ninth War Zone's meticulous report on the northern Hunan and southern Hubei operations, submitted to the Chongqing Military Committee and Chiang Kai-shek himself, a faded relic now entombed amid the vast ocean of Nationalist Government military and political archives in Nanjing's Second Historical Archives of China. This document, a painstaking compilation of combat dispatches from divisions, armies, and army groups, stands as a testament to valor and sacrifice. Tragically, time's relentless march and human folly have ravaged this priceless artifact, leaving only shards and whispers to conjure the heart-wrenching inferno of that bloody clash.   "October 24, Year 28. Urgent. To Chongqing. Chairman Chiang. Secret. Submitted by Commander Xue on orders." The rice paper has yellowed to a deep, somber hue, brittle and parched; a careless touch could reduce it to dust. Some pages lie fractured, their remnants affixed to white paper, forever unable to reclaim their original wholeness. Leafing through page by page unleashes a pungent miasma, a scorched, acrid, decayed blend that assaults the senses. Traces of fire and water mar the original rice paper sheets, with countless fragments glued haphazardly to white backings, their sequences lost to eternity.   "...The Xin Qiang River spanning from Lujiao to Leishi Mountain, defending a front of over 110 li..." "Enemy 13th and 33rd Divisions, parts of the Hata Detachment, naval units, and artillery, cavalry, engineers totaling..." "...Began attacking us first with artillery... fortifications completely destroyed, then infantry charged; relying on our officers and men all resolved to coexist with the homeland..." "...And launched balloons to direct artillery... our army braved the cannons... repelled them, corpses filling the river, turning the water red..." "Division casualties also reached over a thousand... failed to inflict greater strikes and annihilate... deep inner guilt, besides vigorously training troops awaiting orders to kill the enemy..." "...Attack casualties heavy, then concentrated large forces... artillery fire so dense like continuous firecrackers for hours... released poison gas, Wang Street garrison all heroically sacrificed, then breached... Zhao Gongwu kowtows, October 15"   Zhao Gongwu commanded the 2nd Division under Zhang Yaoming's 52nd Army. This unit first held the line along the Xin Qiang River, then fell back to northeast of Fengjiang Bridge to staunch the enemy tide once more; after October 6, it hammered southward-marching Japanese from the west in the Yanglin Street and Dajing Street regions. Through these crucibles, the division bled over half its strength. A fragment of an envelope clings to a sheet of white paper, its words faintly visible: "Changsha 126-3 Zhang Yaoming," "Hunan Jinjing Air Mail," "Combat Process by..." and the like. The stamp remains remarkably intact—a philatelic gem now. Measuring 1.5 cm square, it features Sun Yat-sen's portrait at its center, inscribed "Republic of China Post" below, with "5" in the upper right, "fen" to the left, and "5" in each lower corner. I sat at the long table in the spacious, brightly lit reading room, staring vacantly, my thoughts grinding to a halt. These remnants are all that endure for posterity, of that monumental battle, of the scorching blood and vanished lives of countless unnamed Chinese soldiers. With hands that once gripped a rifle, I gently caressed those pages from a bygone era; they were cold, devoid of any lingering breath.   As the full moon of the 15th of the eighth month dissolved into the golden-red blaze of sunrise, Qin Yizhi's 195th Division had already plunged into the rugged mountains and dense forests encircling Fulinpu. Per directives from 15th Army Group Commander Guan Linzheng, the 195th was to forge a new defensive bastion centered on Fulinpu, 40 to 70 kilometers from Changsha. Their mandate: stall the Japanese southward juggernaut, granting precious time for allied forces to muster and fortify around the city. Despite the grueling all-night march, morale soared undimmed. The advance chief of staff doled out positions to each regiment, and the troops dove into fortification labors with fervent zeal. The 195th Division's unyielding stand along the Xin Qiang River had already etched preliminary glory upon this unit in its baptism of fire. "Fame in one battle" echoed as a battle cry throughout the division, where collective honor intertwined with personal valor. Honor and triumph formed the bedrock for soldiers and armies alike. Yet, another fire fueled their resolve.   On September 23, amid the Japanese forcing the Xin Qiang River, Guan Linzheng's voice crackled over the phone to Qin Yizhi: "Facing you is the 6th Division." The 6th Division, a name that ignited fury in Chinese troops and civilians, forever linked to the demonic specter of Tani Hisao. Moments later, the whisper spread like wildfire through every trench: "The Japanese army that perpetrated the Nanjing Massacre is right in front." Agitation rippled through the ranks; some donned fresh uniforms and shoes from their packs, casting aside the worn; others flouted discipline to bid farewells to hometown comrades: "Today we fight to the death here; see you in the next life." "Tell my mother I died fighting the Nanjing Massacre enemies."   Some company commanders commanded their mess sergeants to expend all funds on hearty feasts. All Japanese were foes, but the 6th Division embodied a blood debt, an unforgivable vendetta; the Chinese nation does not lightly forget its tormentors. In the Xin Qiang River maelstrom, the 195th Division battled with heroic ferocity. Some soldiers, in their final breaths, murmured: "Die then; it's worth it." Others lamented slaying too few devils, gritting teeth, eyes refusing to close in eternal regret. Now under Inaba Shiro's command, the 6th Division splintered southward after breaching the Xin Qiang; roughly a thousand hounded the 195th to Fulinpu. On the morning of September 29, the Japanese blundered into the 195th's meticulously laid ambush. Qin Yizhi, pulse racing with excitement and tension, fumbled the binoculars from his guard's hand. His command sliced the air: "Begin." War history chronicles: "The 6th Division advanced south from the Miluo River along the Xinshi-Liqiao road and Xinshi-Fulinpu routes. The over a thousand reaching Fulinpu were ambushed by the Nationalist 195th Division, suffering heavy losses." As Japanese artillery and aircraft unleashed hell upon the 195th's positions, Qin orchestrated a swift southward withdrawal to the environs of Shangshan City. Again, without pause, they erected fortifications and set deadly traps.   On the morning of September 30, the pursuers from Fulinpu closed in on Shangshan, their numbers swollen to over 1,500. Qin Yizhi clenched his jaw, his demeanor icy calm, allowing the Japanese to creep into the kill zone before barking: "Hit them hard!" Combat raged from dawn to dusk, obliterating over 700 foes. Qin ascended a hill, surveying through binoculars, then erupted: "Bad! The enemy is retreating." Upon receiving Qin's telegram, Guan Linzheng scrutinized the map, momentarily stunned, then replied: "Enemy shows no retreat signs yet; proceed per original plan. Your unit to block at Shangshan City line until October 2." Xianning, Okamura Yasuji's 11th Army HQ.   Combat maps bristled with markings, staff officers darting amid ringing phones and clattering telegrams. The colossal red arrow in northern Hunan had fractured into tributaries, surging over 100 km southward from the outset; one tendril pierced to Yong'an City, a mere 30 km from Changsha. Vast swaths of northern Hunan lay conquered, yet Okamura sensed the tide turning, it was time to retreat. The Chinese employed their time-honored gradual resistance, battling while retreating with cunning grace. Some units fell back directly, others amassed on flanks—what portent did that hold? In Okamura's shrewd mind loomed an equally shrewd Xue Yue; he envisioned his adversary methodically weaving a snare.   Post-Yingtian landing, the 15th Army Group's timely evasion had unraveled his "Xiang-Gan Operation Plan" like fragile thread. If encircling and annihilating the Chinese main force proved unattainable, what purpose in pressing onward? Telegrams from 3rd Division's Fujita Susumu, 6th's Inaba Shiro, and 13th's Tanaka Seiichi piled on his desk, pleading to assault Changsha—for headlines and Imperial accolades, perhaps, but blind to their exposed supply lines vulnerable to enemy thrusts? Ground logistics teetered on collapse; the air force resorted to airdrops for isolated regiments. Venturing further south would stretch lines to breaking; a severed artery spelled doom for the vanguard. When would these commanders mature into true stewards of the Imperial Army? Okamura fretted and pitied them in equal measure.   At 4 p.m. on September 30, Okamura decreed a halt to advances at Shangshan and Yong'an. He commenced orchestrating the retreat. Changsha, Yuelu Mountain, Ninth War Zone Command Forward HQ. October 1. Xue Yue stood before the map, Guan's latest telegram clutched in hand. Qin's second missive insisted on Japanese withdrawal, corroborated by 15th Army Group scouts from Yingtian: This morning (October 1), Japanese transports unloaded artillery stowed the previous night, hauling it back to Yueyang; intercepted wires revealed a regiment aborting its southward push, standing idle. Guan assessed the mosaic and commanded counteroffensives: intercept if feasible, pursue relentlessly, deny the Japanese escape; he relayed retreat indicators to Xue. Xue paced the chamber, head bowed in contemplation. Chief of Staff Wu Yizhi, Staff Director Zhao Zili, and their cadre tracked his every step with expectant eyes, awaiting the verdict. Xue's thoughts whirled through military stratagems and beyond.   Pre-war, Xue had segmented the war zone's forces into tripartite blocs: Northern Hunan under Guan Linzheng's 15th, Yang Sen's 27th, and Shang Zhen's 20th Army Groups as "A Cluster"; Northern Jiangxi Nanchang with Yunnan Army Lu Han's 1st Army Group and the 74th Army as "B Cluster"; the Wuning, Xiushui, Hunan-Hubei-Jiangxi border guarded by Sichuan Army Wang Lingji's 30th Army Corps, Fan Songpu's Border Advance Army, and 8th Army; augmented by 3 armies' 7 divisions in general reserve. Before the storm broke, Xue pored over maps, tracing every mountain, river, road, and bridge, envisioning burial grounds for the invaders.   Now, beneath Changsha, 200,000 troops formed a tightening net. The "decisive battle in Changsha suburbs" blueprint had been wired to Chongqing. Chiang and the nation yearned for a resounding triumph as the resistance pivoted into a new epoch?! A masterful drama, honed over half a month's toil, neared its crescendo; yet that cunning fox appeared to sniff the trap's metallic tang, freezing in place. "Commander, phone from Minister Chen." "Brother Boling, good news." Chen Cheng's voice brimmed with levity, "Your formal appointment published. What? Ninth War Zone Commander! First to congratulate; document tomorrow." Shedding the "acting" prefix was inevitable; Chiang had intimated as much long ago. But for a man and general, true worth lay not in titles, but in forging indelible feats. Splendor was judged not by underlings, colleagues, or superiors, but by peers in the craft of war.   Unmoved by the promotion, Xue exhaled a profound sigh. Though the 15th's intelligence couldn't confirm a wholesale retreat, preparations for dual contingencies were imperative. Victories came hard; a splendid battle, harder still. He summoned Wu Yizhi and Zhao Zili to devise countermeasures for the enemy's potential flight. October 2, Sichuan Army Yang Sen's 27th Army Group, Yang Gancai's 134th Division special service company, under Company Commander Wan Mingyu, slogged through the profound mountains and forests on the northern Mufu Mountains' flanks. The 134th's covert mandate: infiltrate enemy rear via treacherous terrain, sabotage supply arteries in the Chongyang-Xianning sector, and deliver a dagger to the Japanese spine when opportunity struck, bolstering frontal defenses.   Past 3 p.m., a crystalline mountain stream materialized. Wan decreed a respite. Over 100 soldiers, drained from a half-day's ascent, collapsed like puppets with severed strings. Most propped their torsos with rifles in one hand, fanning hats to ward off the relentless forest mosquitoes with the other. Regaining breath, they devoured rations washed down with stream water. Some unfurled towels and ventured downstream, letting the cool flow rinse away layers of sweat. Then, a muted engine drone encroached from the heavens. Wan peered through the foliage: a low-flying plane vectored southward, its wings emblazoned with the Rising Sun.   A transport; Wan recognized the temporary Japanese airfield near Xianning. With lines overextended, airdrops sustained isolated units. Wan was prying open a can with his bayonet, the tip etching a cross on the lid before levering along the edge; paired with a rice ball, it promised a savory repast. His orderly proffered a cup of fresh stream water; 2nd Platoon Leader Hu Yaozong perched nearby on a rock, smirking, poised to pilfer from the opened tin. Wan warded off this Sichuan Pixian compatriot. The plane droned overhead then.   Both glanced skyward; the platoon quipped: "Open quick, damn, I'll repay two cans later." Commander: "Want cans? Sky has; shoot plane down, enough for two lifetimes, bloat your mother-in-law first." The can hailed from a prior supply raid. Platoon: "You want me to shoot the plane?" Commander: "Bastard! You shooting or not?" The platoon snatched the light machine gun from a tree fork, jamming the butt against his belly, one hand on the grip, aiming crudely: "Come down, you turtle son!" The other hand squeezed the trigger. Wan assumed jest, resuming his task. "Da-da-da..." Wan jolted; the half-opened can tumbled to his feet, spilling Japanese fish onto Chinese soil. Recoil floored the platoon; he hurled the gun like a branding iron, face ashen. Inspecting the trigger, he snarled: "Whose damn fault, why no safety?!" The gunner dashed over; tall and even-tempered: "Safety was on; how'd it fire without pulling?" Wan's initial panic: "Damn! Position exposed."   The company spearheaded the division's reinforced regiment to raze a recent Japanese depot, guarded by a mere company—but exposure doomed the regiment deep in hostile territory. The assault had been plotted for days; pre-departure, Yang Gancai had toasted them. Wan had sworn a blood oath: No return to Sichuan without success. Hu had jested then: "No Sichuan return means wanting Hunan girl as concubine." Banter was fine in peace, but in war's grip, this was no trifling errand. Wan unleashed a torrent of curses, rising to survey the environs. The main force lagged 15 km behind; advance or abort post-blunder? Enemy rear was a labyrinth; this isolated band teetered on a razor's edge. As if to compel a choice, the radio operator approached; Wan itched to lash out. In his fury and indecision, a miracle unfolded.   The transport's engines hacked like a consumptive invalid, then a witness spied the plane banking left, plummeting, its nose inexorably toward a colossal rock 3-4 km distant. It rebounded twice on the stone, nose and left wing crumpling; the fuselage, fragile as parchment, tumbled gently, skewing onto the slope amid splintered trees. Wan gaped, then bellowed: "Assemble!" The men snapped from reverie, charging downhill in a frenzied cascade. One hour later, 134th Deputy Commander and Reinforced Regiment Commander Liu decoded Wan's vanguard transmission via radio. Another hour passed before Liu received Yang Gancai's directive: Abort Mountain Leopard operation; return with documents expeditiously. One day hence, October 3, Okamura Yasuji's original retreat order from October 2 dawn, addressed to northern Hunan's 6th, 33rd Divisions, Nara and Uemura Detachments, plus its Chinese translation, landed on Xue Yue's desk.   Fifteen days later, at the Changsha Victory Celebration, unit accolades were proclaimed; for "shooting down enemy plane, obtaining vital enemy documents," meritorious honors went to 134th Commander Yang Gancai and Deputy Liu. Each received 1000 yuan and one 3rd Class Baoding Medal. Okamura's October 2 order original: Chinese forces retreated to Miluo and Xiushui Rivers banks assembling; to avoid disadvantage, this army should quickly withdraw to original positions, restore combat strength.   Withdrawal plan as follows: … Xue's October 3 order original:   "Northern Hunan frontal units with current posture immediately pursue facing enemy fiercely, must capture in Chongyang-Yueyang south area. ... Pursuit units may detach part to monitor and sweep enemy collection troops; main force execute overtaking pursuit... Already deep behind enemy advance units vigorously destroy enemy transport lines, cut escape routes."   From October 3, Chinese forces unleashed ferocious counteroffensives against the Japanese on three fronts: northern Hunan, southern Hubei, and the Hunan-Hubei-Jiangxi border; the invaders receded like a vanishing tide, never to reclaim their ground. The 25th and 195th Divisions hounded the 6th Division and Nara Detachment from Fulinpu back to the Miluo River, then to the Xin Qiang River. On October 8, the Japanese fled across the Xin Qiang; the 195th's 566th Brigade surged in pursuit, launching a nocturnal raid on Xitang-Jianshan. Gains were modest, but the enemy, entrenched in their den, resisted with feral tenacity. Qin commanded the brigade's withdrawal southward; northern Hunan operations concluded.   In southern Hubei, the 79th Army chased remnants of the 33rd Division from Sanyan Bridge to Pingjiang, across Nanjiang Bridge, hounding them back to their Tongcheng lair. On the Hunan-Hubei-Jiangxi border, 30th Army Group Commander Wang Lingji orchestrated a pincer against Japanese at Xiushui. The foes retreated to Sandu, mounting a stubborn defense. Chinese assaults faltered for three days; on the fourth night's blitz, victory crowned their efforts, expelling the invaders to their original Wuning stronghold. With both armies reclaiming pre-war lines, the First Battle of Changsha drew to its resounding close.   Over days, Xue Yue received a deluge of congratulatory telegrams and letters from the Nationalist Government, Military Committee, National Assembly, myriad civic groups, party officials, and social luminaries. As hoped, among them was Chiang Kai-shek's effusive missive, brimming with joy. For Xue Yue, this one sufficed. Chiang Kai-shek's telegram to Xue Yue:   "In this northern Hunan campaign, over half the enemy was annihilated. The triumphant news has invigorated the nation, all due to effective command and soldiers' valor; I commend without reservation. Thoroughly investigate and report meritorious personnel from this battle; also report the dead and wounded for awards and relief. With this initial victory foundation laid, our officers and men's responsibilities grow heavier; urge your subordinates to extra vigilance, redoubled effort, avoiding arrogance or complacency, to amass great achievements, my deepest hopes."   As if countering Chongqing's high-powered broadcasts, Japanese radios in Wuhan, Nanjing, Beiping, and Manchukuo blared at full volume: "In this Xiang-Gan operation, valiant Imperial forces penetrated over 100 km into northern Hunan, sweeping anti-peace elements, routing Chinese central main forces, inflicting over 40,000 enemy casualties, a pivotal triumph advancing the holy war. Having achieved objectives, Imperial troops have victoriously withdrawn..."   In the aftermath of the First Battle of Changsha, the Japanese high command spun a tale of calculated restraint, insisting their assault was merely a spoiling raid, a calculated jab never intended to seize and hold the city indefinitely. With brazen confidence, they downplayed their toll, claiming a mere 850 souls lost to death and 2,700 wounded in the fray, while boastfully asserting they had slain 44,000 Chinese defenders and taken 4,000 captive, painting a picture of overwhelming triumph amid the smoke and ruin. Yet, foreign military observers, peering through the fog of propaganda with detached scrutiny, painted a starkly different canvas. They gauged Chinese losses at a far more tempered 20,000 killed and wounded, a heavy but bearable scar on the nation's resolve, while estimating Japanese casualties soared to around 30,000, a grievous hemorrhage that belied the invaders' claims of minimal sacrifice. Military historian Michael Clodfelter, sifting through the annals of conflict, ventured an even grimmer tally: a staggering 50,000 Japanese casualties endured in the relentless clash, a testament to the ferocity of Chinese resistance and the high price of imperial ambition. In the battle's locale, neither side claimed clear victory, but globally for the resistance, it favored China. I would like to take this time to remind you all that this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Please go subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry after that, give my personal channel a look over at The Pacific War Channel at Youtube, it would mean a lot to me. The First Battle of Changsha unfolded in September 1939 during China's War of Resistance Against Japan. Japanese forces under Okamura Yasuji advanced into Hunan and Jiangxi, crossing rivers and capturing key positions like Yingtian amid fierce Chinese defenses led by Xue Yue. 

Today, I'm excited to welcome Michael Long to the podcast. Michael is a physicist-turned-writer and the co-author of the international bestseller The Molecule of More. His work explores one of the most powerful forces shaping our lives: the brain chemical dopamine — and how it influences motivation, ambition, and our constant drive for "more." Michael is also the author of Taming the Molecule of More: A Step-by-Step Guide to Making Dopamine Work for You. Over the course of his career, he has written speeches for members of Congress, presidential candidates, Fortune 10 CEOs, while also teaching at Georgetown University and producing award-winning screenplays. In our conversation, Michael explains why dopamine isn't actually the chemical that makes us happy, it's the chemical that makes us want more. More trips, more gadgets, more fun stuff on our phones. We discuss how this pursuit of "more" drives innovation and progress, but can also leave retirees feeling restless or unfulfilled if they're not careful. Michael also shares practical ways to recognize when dopamine is driving your decisions, how to create healthier habits that restore balance, and why learning to live more fully in the present moment can transform your experience of retirement. GET A FREE COPY OF MICHAEL'S BOOK, TAMING THE MOLECULE OF MORE Here's how: Step 1: Subscribe to the podcast and leave an honest rating & review on iTunes. Step 2: Text the word BOOK to 888-599-4491, and we'll send you a link to claim your free copy! In this podcast interview, you'll learn: Why dopamine isn't the "happiness chemical" — it's the chemical that drives our desire for more. How dopamine helped humans survive in a world of scarcity and danger. Why modern technology and social media can hijack your dopamine system. How retirees can redirect dopamine toward curiosity, purpose, and meaningful goals. The difference between dopamine (future-focused) and "here-and-now" brain chemicals. Simple habits that help reduce impulsive dopamine-driven decisions. Why learning to pause and appreciate the present moment can dramatically improve life satisfaction in retirement. Show Notes: HowardBailey.com/559

If you've ever tried to land work with organizations and felt like you're blending in with everyone else, you're not alone. There's a common assumption that if you explain your process well enough or prove the value of coaching, it will be enough to get chosen. But that's rarely what organizations are actually deciding on. In Episode 486 of Amplify Your Success Podcast, I chat with Ann Farrell to talk about the real factor that determines whether you get the opportunity or get passed over. And it's not your methodology. It's your ability to clearly answer one question: why you? Ann brings decades of experience working inside organizations and hiring executive coaches. In this conversation, she shares what decision-makers are actually listening for and why leading with your services positions you as a vendor instead of a trusted partner. We also talk about the shift from identifying as a coach to stepping into the role of CEO, and how that changes everything about how you show up, position your work, and create opportunities. If you've been trying to break into organizational work or deepen your presence there, this conversation will help you see what really moves the needle and how to position yourself in a way that builds trust from the very first interaction.   Key Takeaways: [00:00] The reality many coaches face and why so few sustain a long-term business. [06:06] Why organizations are not looking for coaching and what they are actually evaluating instead. [06:48] The origin of the "why you" question and how it influences hiring decisions. [10:15] The critical shift from coach to CEO and how it changes your perspective and positioning. [13:22] Why your business may be new, but your experience is not and how to leverage that. [19:35] How most organizational opportunities are sourced and why relationships matter more than visibility. [20:06] Why positioning yourself as a partner instead of a vendor changes how organizations engage with you. [22:37] How smaller coaching businesses can compete with larger firms through value and customization. [24:34] The advantage of a one-size-fits-one approach and how it creates stronger outcomes. [25:21] The 101 organizational needs resource and how it helps connect your authority to real demand.   About The Guest:  With almost 50 years of experience on all sides of the Corporate Coaching table, Ann now leverages it all to LIFT other Coaches and Consultants to make a difference and a living directly with organizations! Prior to launching her own executive and leadership development firm almost 20 years ago, Ann's 30-year career in her Fortune 200 Company included rising from entry-level to the top of the house. Her experience includes leading groups as big as 5,000, and budgets as big as $8 billion as an industry leader in procurement in the automotive industry. This is where she first honed her "Partner versus Vendor" and "Relationships as the real work of work" models that have served her and her organizations so very well. This approach in her own business has resulted in the success of her multiple 8-figure business - all directly with organizations. For the past 17 years, she has also licensed others to use her processes and certifies them in her ICF Approved Executive Coach Certification program for Credentialed Coaches.    Connect With The Guest: Connect with Ann on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/annfarrellpcc/ Connect with Ann on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ann.farrell/ Check out Ann's Website For Some Great Resources - www.inpoweredcoachinginstitute.com/home    Resources Mentioned in This Episode:   Grab Ann's FREE Guide, The Depth Advantage: www.tinyurl.com/101needs FREE GUIDE & SCORECARD: Feel like the best-kept secret? My proven Un-Ignorable Expert Framework is your step-by-step guide to turning your expertise into consistent, high-value client attraction by borrowing authority-rich visibility streams.

In this episode of the Breakfast Leadership Show, Michael sits down with Vlad to unpack a long, disciplined path to financial freedom built on consistency, risk management, and mindset rather than hype or shortcuts. Vlad shares his journey from immigrating to the United States from Ukraine in 1989 to rising into a senior role at a Fortune 500 company. While professionally successful, the cost was significant stress and declining health. Over the years, Vlad explored multiple entrepreneurial paths including trading systems, bots, real estate, and even operating a sandwich shop. None delivered sustainable freedom on their own. What ultimately worked was a 15-year process of building a repeatable income system alongside his full-time job. Vlad explains how this approach created optionality rather than pressure, allowing him to achieve financial independence without needing to immediately exit corporate life. Michael highlights the leadership discipline required to play a long game rather than chase fast wins. The conversation dives into Vlad's low-risk trading philosophy, centered on selling strategies designed for predictability rather than market timing. With clearly defined downside protection and a focus on compounding, Vlad explains why consistency matters more than aggressive returns. Michael reinforces this perspective by referencing long-term investing principles often associated with Warren Buffett, emphasizing patience, clarity, and emotional control. They also explore the psychology of trading and leadership, including the dangers of impulsive decisions, the importance of due diligence, and why any income strategy must align with an individual's work ethic and lifestyle. As AI-driven disruption increases job insecurity, Michael frames alternative income streams as a leadership responsibility rather than a side hustle. The episode closes with a discussion on economic diversification and personal resilience. Vlad extends a special offer to Breakfast Leadership Network listeners, providing free access to his community and strategy program, along with mentorship support to help professionals build sustainable income systems without excessive risk. https://www.instagram.com/vladswingtrader https://www.youtube.com/@vladswingtrader%E2%81%A9  

This episode was sponsored by Cardiff LightSpeed VT: https://www.lightspeedvt.com/ Dropping Bombs Podcast: https://www.droppingbombs.com/ Today's Dropping Bombs episode is a return visit from Mike Kortas, the man who went from homeless at 18 to building the #1 mortgage brokerage in the country. Mike breaks down how NEXA Lending dominates the mortgage industry, why the broker model is crushing the big banks, and the bold moves he's making right now while everyone else plays it safe — including an industry-first move that will pay loan officers residual income on their own loans, something that's never been done before.  If you've got a mortgage or real estate license and you're not making the money you should be, this episode is for you. And if you don't have one yet, you'll want one by the time this is over.

Tig and Fortune muse about a modern-day Lilith Fair music festival and catch up on each other's spring plans on a Pretty Little Episode that will make you feel renewed! Don't forget to get tickets to our May 4 Live Show in LA!Handsome is hosted by Tig Notaro, Mae Martin, and Fortune FeimsterSubmit your questions to speakpipe.com/handsomepodFollow us on social media @handsomepodMerch at handsomepod.comWatch Handsome on YouTubeThis is a Headgum podcast. Follow Headgum on Twitter, Instagram, and Tiktok. Advertise on Handsome via Gumball.fm.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This episode was sponsored by Cardiff & onlyatgrandslam.com   LightSpeed VT: https://www.lightspeedvt.com/ Dropping Bombs Podcast: https://www.droppingbombs.com/ Today's Dropping Bombs episode features Nathan Burns, the guy who turned a childhood dream into a $60 million American dream sports card empire using nothing but an iPhone and Facebook Live.   Nathan breaks down how he clawed his way up from rock bottom, why failure is just tuition, and the simple mindset shift that changed everything.   This isn't just a business story — it's a blueprint for anyone who feels like they're drowning and wonders if one more shot is even worth it. Spoiler: it is.   Whether you collect cards or have never touched one in your life, this episode will change how you think about passion, persistence, and building something from nothing.  

David Royce is the founder and chairman of Aptive Environmental, one of the fastest-growing residential pest control companies in North America. Under his leadership, the company scaled to a $500M+ business operating across 30+ states and thousands of cities, with a team of over 6,000 employees. Recognized by Forbes, Fortune, Inc., Entrepreneur, and The Wall Street Journal, David is a recipient of the Ernst & Young National Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Beyond business, he brings a unique perspective by combining operational excellence with psychology, leadership development, and human behavior, helping founders scale not just their companies—but their lives with intention. FOR MORE GREAT EPISODES: The Mello Millionaire - https://open.spotify.com/show/1jsZaiMgWe0EGaPfLtelDW?si=3de6091af58d41b4 Check Out My Social Media: TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@officialtommymello Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/officialtommymello/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/thomasmello/

April 10, 2026: Andreessen Horowitz just released hard data showing nearly a third of the Fortune 500 has live AI deployments — and the pattern underneath reveals exactly which jobs and functions are next in line. Then: Gallup says global employee engagement just hit a five-year low, and I'm going to argue that metric is fundamentally broken and why your board should stop asking for it. Plus, Microsoft Research coins a term you'll be using by tomorrow — "workslop" — and reveals the hidden social penalty employees face for using AI openly. McKinsey adds a critical wrinkle: your most AI-fluent employees are your biggest flight risk. And a new Wharton study finds that 80% of people follow wrong AI answers with complete confidence — and feel better about themselves while doing it. 

Deepali Vyas, veteran Fortune 500 exec.-whisperer, has hit it big on social media as "The Elite Recruiter" -- so much so that she kind of maxed out her welcome on LinkedIn. We discussed how to break through in this most frustrating job market. Plus, she put me in play to somehow get poached by Silicon Valley.

How Great Leaders Stay Human - Brainz Podcast with Maysoun RamadanIn this episode of the Brainz Magazine podcast, Maysoun Ramadan, Founder of Hedgehog in Dubai and a global voice with 20 years of Fortune 500 experience, joins us for a thoughtful conversation on leadership, grief, authenticity, and meaningful impact. With a background spanning healthcare, communications, public affairs, and diversity, equity, and inclusion, Maysoun shares the personal experiences that shaped her leadership journey, from navigating profound loss while stepping into senior roles to redefining success on her own terms while building a global career from Dubai. The conversation explores vulnerability, authentic leadership, and why inclusion must move beyond language to become something genuinely lived, measured, and felt. This is a powerful and deeply human episode for leaders, founders, and professionals who want to create impact with more awareness, courage, and connection.With podcast host Miceal O´KaneHope you'll enjoy the episode! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Marc Milstein is the author of the international best-selling book The Age-Proof Brain, nominated for the Next Big Idea Book Award and translated into seven languages worldwide. A leading brain health researcher and international keynote speaker, Dr. Milstein specializes in translating cutting-edge neuroscience into clear, actionable strategies to optimize brain health, lower the risk of dementia, and boost happiness and productivity. His insights have been featured by media outlets including CNBC, Oprah Daily, The New York Post, and Forbes. He has spoken for Fortune 500 companies and top associations worldwide, delivering dynamic, evidence-based keynotes that educate, entertain, and empower audiences.Dr. Milstein earned his Ph.D. in Biological Chemistry and a Bachelor of Science in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology from UCLA, where he conducted research in genetics, cancer biology, and neuroscience. His work has been published in multiple scientific journals.https://www.seniorcareauthority.com/resources/boomers-today/

This episode was sponsored by Cardiff & omahaproteinpopcorn.com   LightSpeed VT: https://www.lightspeedvt.com/ Dropping Bombs Podcast: https://www.droppingbombs.com/ Today's Dropping Bombs episode features Tim Rexius, a self-made entrepreneur who went from sleeping in his car at 19 to building companies that operate across the globe.   Tim breaks down how he created a protein popcorn that doesn't taste healthy, why it failed for years before one single word change made it explode, and what it really takes to build something from nothing.   This is part business masterclass, part origin story, and it's the kind of episode that makes you rethink what's actually possible when you refuse to quit.  

Trust Is the Operating System of the Agentic Enterprise   In this episode, Sabine VanderLinden is joined by Franklin Manchester, Global Insurance Strategic Advisor at SAS, and Steven Abel, Global Technology Partner and Deputy Global Head of AI & Transformation at Oliver Wyman. Together, they unpack the concept of "trust by design" in the context of agentic enterprises and AI adoption.    The conversation pivots from traditional risk frameworks and compliance-based approaches to trust, to the urgent need for architectural and cultural transformations in which trust is embedded in every system and decision. They explore why organisations often confuse expanding AI tools with genuine readiness for autonomy, discuss why "human in the loop" is no longer sufficient, and offer perspectives on scaling trust, managing risk, and redefining organisational roles.    The trio debates actionable leadership moves for CEOs and boards, the evolving skills for insurance professionals, and how the frontier firm of the future will distinguish itself through intentional trust-building—not just AI deployment.   KEY TAKEAWAYS   Many organisations treat AI trust as a compliance issue, which hinders safe scaling. The fundamental shift involves deploying autonomous decision-makers, making trust by design an architectural and leadership mandate.   We, as an industry, over-invest in AI models and technology while under-investing in people and trust. Simply using more models or data doesn't guarantee higher trust, especially without architectures built for transparency and governance. Franklin noted a disconnect where insurers use AI but lack trustworthy systems, surprisingly favouring newer generative AI over established machine learning.   I question the efficacy of "human in the loop" controls in high-stakes industries, while Steven advocates embedded, infrastructure-level trust solutions. Franklin identified processes as primary failure points, particularly when tacit knowledge is overlooked (citing Cigna's mass claim denials).   The discussion explores the need for new AI risk and governance roles, akin to past actuarial practices. While human-centricity should drive design, scalability is challenging as organisations move toward agentic systems in which humans supervise, rather than directly control, risking brand integrity if governance fails.   For leaders, I urge you to shift focus from technology hype to foundational trust. Steven prioritises "under the water" capabilities, such as risk and regulatory expertise. Franklin recommends three people-centric actions: embracing new skills, breaking data silos, and protecting the brand.   The truly future-ready firm embeds trust into every decision system—a practice rooted in culture, governance, and leadership, not just technology. Scaling AI without trust is merely scaling risk; organisations must engineer trust as a core operating principle.   BEST MOMENTS   "Trust isn't what you say, it is what your system does." — Sabine VanderLinden   "The architecture of these models themselves don't lend themselves to a high trust environment." — Steven Abel   "We trust generative AI 200% more than machine learning. Which is bonkers to me because machine learning has been around for like 30 years." — Franklin Manchester   “There's still no more sophisticated sensor than a human being and a more powerful computer than the human brain.” — Franklin Manchester   “Auditability, transparency, and a connection with the human ecosystem and judgment—these things are non-negotiable.” — Steven Abel   "It is clear that the adoption is moving fast, and we need to make sure within regulated industry that we apply trust in everything we do. Otherwise, we are going to shun both customers." — Sabine VanderLinden   ABOUT THE GUEST   Franklin Manchester Prior to joining SAS, Franklin served as a Global Insurance Strategic Advisor at SAS Institute, bringing over 20 years of experience in insurance underwriting and analytics. Known for his deep industry insight and passionate advocacy for trustworthy AI, Franklin is currently focused on linking insurance expertise with AI-driven transformation, highlighting the importance of governance, ethical frameworks, and human-centricity in future-ready companies.   Steven Abel Global Technology Partner at Oliver Wyman and Deputy Global Head of AI and Transformation, Steven leverages his extensive background in tech innovation and large-scale enterprise change. As a self-proclaimed technology enthusiast, he offers critical perspectives on the infrastructural and professional challenges organisations face in scaling agentic AI responsibly and with embedded trust, urging leaders to rethink assumptions and prioritise under-the-surface architectural investments.   ABOUT THE HOST   Sabine VanderLinden is a corporate strategist turned entrepreneur and the CEO of Alchemy Crew Ventures. She leads venture-client labs that help Fortune 500 companies adopt and scale cutting-edge technologies from global tech ventures. A builder of accelerators, investor, and co-editor of the bestseller The INSURTECH Book, Sabine is known for asking the uncomfortable questions—about AI governance, risk, and trust. On Scouting for Growth, she decodes how real growth happens—where capital, collaboration, and courage meet.   If this episode sparked your thinking, follow Sabine VanderLinden on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram for more insights.   And if you're interested in sponsoring the podcast, reach out to the team at hello@alchemycrew.ventures

⭐ INTERESTED IN FRANCHISE OWNERSHIP? Schedule a call with one of our coaches today!  https://www.francoach.net/ 

In this episode,  Ray Higdon breaks down one of the biggest challenges in sales: handling money objections. Instead of defending your price or feeling pressured to justify your offer, Ray teaches a powerful mindset shift that top closers use. They don't argue about cost, they anchor value. When you deeply understand your prospect's pain and clearly connect your solution to that problem, price becomes far less of an issue and closing becomes far more natural.   Ray dives into practical sales strategies to overcome common objections like "it's too expensive," "I can get it cheaper," and "I don't have the money." He reveals how to pre-frame conversations by shaping your prospect's identity, how to confidently respond when objections arise, and why belief in your product is non-negotiable for success. He also shares a step-by-step approach to uncover whether "no money" is a real objection or just a smokescreen, helping you recover sales that most people lose.   If you're in network marketing, sales, or entrepreneurship and want to increase your close rate without sounding pushy or desperate, this episode gives you real scripts and practical techniques you can apply immediately. Learn how to guide prospects to see the true value of your offer, handle objections with confidence, and ultimately help more people say yes.   —  

From the high-pressure courts of the US Open to the boardrooms of the Fortune 500, Larry Bonfante, Founder and CEO of CIO Bench Coach, has mastered the art of leading through the "messiness" of human nature. He reveals why technical acumen is never enough to reach the C-suite and how shifting your focus from the "how" to the "why" can secure multi-million dollar investments and deep-rooted team loyalty. Discover how to build a leadership brand that commands respect without self-promotion and why the most impactful leaders are those who prioritize the success of others over their own next promotion.Guest Links:Larry's LinkedInCIO Bench CoachBook: Lessons in IT Transformation: Technology Expert to Business LeaderBook: Reflections of an Executive CoachCredits: Host: Lisa Nichols, Executive Producer: Jenny Heal, Marketing Support: Landon Burke and Joe Szynkowski, Podcast Engineer: Portside Media

I thought that Imposter Syndrome was something to be managed. Not eradicated, but managed. Jen has an entirely different view on Imposter Syndrome. She thinks we can make it our superpower. I was curious and completely open-minded to Jen's perspective because there's always more to learn.During our discussion, Jen and I chatted about:How she got into the STEM sector and continues to work with people in STEM and other industries today.Why she believes Imposter Syndrome is our superpower and not something to get rid of.How Imposter Syndrome shows up for Jen and other leadersWhat is Jen's Leadership DecoderWhy people call Jen the velvet sledgehammerHere is more about Jen:Featured on ABC, MSNBC, and TEDx, Jen Coken is an internationallyrecognized executive leadership coach, speaker, and best-sellingauthor with more than twenty-five years of experience helping leadersbreak barriers and lead with authority. She's guided nearly 10,000leaders worldwide—from Fortune 1000 executives to emerging women inSTEM—to transform self-doubt into confidence, and confusion intoclarity.Jen's trademark blend of neuroscience, soul, and stand-up makes herunlike any other coach in the leadership space. She uses humor toreach people where logic can't—because when there's laughter, there'slistening, and when there's listening, there's learning.Her book, Make Imposter Syndrome Your Superpower, offers a practicalroadmap for leaders to own their brilliance and lead with influence,impact, and unapologetic authenticity. Whether she's on a stage, inthe trenches with your team, or coaching one-on-one, Jen's mission isconstant: to help brilliant minds show up as their boldest, mostpowerful selves—without compromise.If the Brave Women at Work Podcast has helped you personally or professionally, please share it with a friend, colleague, or family member. And your ratings and reviews help the show continue to gain traction and grow. Thank you again!I'm excited to share that Brave Women at Work: Lessons in Authenticity is coming out soon in E-Book! Be on the lookout for a purchase link for the $0.99 E-Book in April 2026!And, finally, I am already receiving interest in Brave Women at Work: Lessons in Abundance! This will be the sixth book in the women's anthology series! This project will begin later this year in August 2026! If you have a story to share and a deep desire to become an author, please contact me at hello@bravewomenatwork.com. I am happy to share the details on the project. Alright, let's welcome Jen to the show!

Jack Peregrim is the founder and President of Fourth Quarter Advisors and he has a long career in business and strategy including his 30 years as the founder and owner of PARAGON Development which focused on providing strategic management services to many Fortune 50 global corporations.On his ‘retirement' he personally recognized the complexity in Social Security options as well as Medicare. And, there is very little support and education available other than that offered by individuals and organization driven by revenue received for selling products and services.Jack and others are trained and committed with Certified Financial Fiduciary® designations. And, we are volunteer presenters for workshops sponsored by a number of non-profits which are non-profit 501(C)3 organizations and support programs in a wide range of retirement issues.Jack is a Certified Financial Fiduciary ™ in addition to his involvement in numerous professional and personal organizations.Learn More: https://www.fourthquarteradvisors.com/Influential Entrepreneurs with Mike Saundershttps://businessinnovatorsradio.com/influential-entrepreneurs-with-mike-saunders/Source: https://businessinnovatorsradio.com/interview-with-jack-peregrim-founder-of-fourth-quarter-advisors-discussing-3-retirement-strategies-nobody-talks-about

Jack Peregrim is the founder and President of Fourth Quarter Advisors and he has a long career in business and strategy including his 30 years as the founder and owner of PARAGON Development which focused on providing strategic management services to many Fortune 50 global corporations.On his ‘retirement' he personally recognized the complexity in Social Security options as well as Medicare. And, there is very little support and education available other than that offered by individuals and organization driven by revenue received for selling products and services.Jack and others are trained and committed with Certified Financial Fiduciary® designations. And, we are volunteer presenters for workshops sponsored by a number of non-profits which are non-profit 501(C)3 organizations and support programs in a wide range of retirement issues.Jack is a Certified Financial Fiduciary ™ in addition to his involvement in numerous professional and personal organizations.Learn More: https://www.fourthquarteradvisors.com/Influential Entrepreneurs with Mike Saundershttps://businessinnovatorsradio.com/influential-entrepreneurs-with-mike-saunders/Source: https://businessinnovatorsradio.com/interview-with-jack-peregrim-founder-of-fourth-quarter-advisors-discussing-3-retirement-strategies-nobody-talks-about

SummaryWhat if the leadership model that built civilization is the same one that is threatening it? In this episode, Donald Thompson sits down with Maria Brinck, a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach and founder of Zynergy International, to discuss her book, The Leadership We Need. Drawing on decades of experience in corporate America, a transformative season living in the Congo Basin Rainforest, and hard data on global disengagement, Maria makes the case that balancing masculine and feminine leadership traits is not just a cultural conversation. It is an economic and existential imperative.Episode Long DescriptionWhat does living in the Congo Basin Rainforest have to do with fixing Fortune 500 leadership? For Maria Brinck, everything.In this episode of High Octane Leadership, Donald and Maria unpack why years of command-and-control leadership is producing lackluster returns, at a cost of $8.8 trillion in annual lost productivity worldwide. Maria's argument is not about replacing one style with another. It is about building a balanced, full-spectrum leadership toolkit that delivers peak performance for individuals, organizations, and societies.They also dig into the "poly-crisis," the simultaneous collision of climate change, unregulated AI, escalating geopolitical tensions, and organizational disengagement, and why the same dominant leadership models that created these challenges can't solve them.Key Talking Points:The Congo Classroom: Leadership lessons from indigenous communities that no MBA covers.The Masculine Monopoly: Why 93% male leadership in corporations, nations, and religions is a business liability.The $8.8 Trillion Wake-Up Call: The real cost of command-and-control culture on global productivity.The Three-Domain Framework: Maria's blueprint for full representation, expanded thinking, and balanced leadership energy.About the GuestMaria Brinck is the founder and president of Zynergy International and a Gallup-Certified strengths coach with a career spanning corporate America, global organizational consulting, and immersive time living with indigenous communities in the Congo Basin Rainforest. A contributor to Forbes and Fast Company, Maria brings a rare blend of data-driven business acumen and big-picture human systems thinking to the leadership conversation. Her book, The Leadership We Need: A New Mindset for a Brighter Future, offers a practical roadmap for evolving leadership culture before the cost of staying the same becomes too great to ignore.Resources:Donald Thompson LinkedInDonald's Books: https://donaldthompson.com/books-resources/Maria Brinck LinkedInMaria's Book: The Leadership We Need: A New Mindset for a Brighter FutureStay connected with Donald: Get Donald's newsletter that is packed with actionable insights, and the kind of straight-talk leadership intelligence that helps build authority, drive performance, and stay ahead of what is coming next, visit donaldthompson.com.Subscribe on SubStack: https://substack.com/@donaldthompsonjr High Octane Leadership is hosted by The Diversity Movement CEO and executive coach Donald Thompson and is a production of Earfluence.Order UNDERESTIMATED: A CEO'S UNLIKELY PATH TO SUCCESS, by Donald Thompson.

This episode was sponsored by Cardiff & MJN Insurance Services, Inc.   LightSpeed VT: https://www.lightspeedvt.com/ Dropping Bombs Podcast: https://www.droppingbombs.com/ Today's Dropping Bombs episode features Michael Notte, the insurance adviser helping small business owners save serious money through a little-known tax program buried inside the Affordable Care Act.   Michael breaks down how employers can quietly pocket thousands, sometimes tens of thousands of dollars a year in tax savings, while actually putting more money in their employees' pockets at the same time. That's real money, and it's recurring, and it costs nothing.   From broke college grad chasing a music career to building a thriving insurance practice and qualifying for New York Life's Chairman's Council, Michael's story is proof that the backup plan sometimes becomes the main event.   If you own a business or you're hungry for a real commission-based opportunity with recurring income, this one's for you. The money is already there — Michael just shows you where to find it.  

The deals didn't fail because of the market—they failed because of decisions most investors thought were safe.Most investors focus on finding deals and raising capital, but overlook the one variable that can quietly take everything down. When conditions change, the assumptions behind those decisions get exposed—and the consequences show up fast.If you're serious about building a multifamily business that actually holds up under pressure, join the Tribe of Titans: www.thetribeoftitans.comThis conversation goes beyond surface-level strategy and into what actually happens when deals start slipping. From loan structures to lender behavior to decision-making under pressure, this is a look at what experienced operators learned the hard way—and what newer investors need to understand before they're in the same position.What You'll Learn• Why “non-recourse” doesn't mean what most investors think • The hidden risk in doing more deals too quickly • What really happens when lenders stop cooperating • Why putting more money into a deal can backfire • The decision point every operator eventually facesAbout the GuestMark is a seasoned real estate investor, coach, two-time best-selling author, and co-founder of Think Multifamily. He began his apartment investing journey over 25 years ago as a side hustle while working 80+ hours per week in the corporate world.Since then, Mark has acquired over 18,000 units totaling more than $1.5 billion in assets across 15 states. Today, he is passionate about helping others get started and scale their apartment investing businesses.A graduate of Michigan State University with a degree in Accounting, Mark is also a CPA. He spent 20 years in IT consulting, working with firms such as KPMG Consulting, EDS, SAP, and HP, and founded Simplifying-IT, a company providing services to Fortune 500 organizations. He now leverages his extensive IT background to bring innovative technology solutions to the multifamily investing space.Learn more about him at: https://thinkmultifamily.com/, or email Info@thinkmultifamily.comAbout the Host:Brian Briscoe is an apartment operator and founder of Streamline Capital, focused on acquiring and operating multifamily properties in the greater Salt Lake City metro. He hosts the Diary of an Apartment Investor podcast, where he shares real-world operator insights and decision frameworks for aspiring multifamily investors.If this conversation resonated, there's more happening inside the Tribe of Titans. It's where serious investors move beyond surface-level content and into real discussions that drive action. Visit https://www.thetribeoftitans.com/ to learn more.

I sit down with Ras Mic to break down how AI agents actually work and why most people are using them wrong. Ras Mic explains the mechanics of context windows, makes the case that agent md files are largely unnecessary, and shares his step-by-step methodology for building custom skills that make agents dramatically more productive. Whether you're coding with Claude Code or automating workflows with OpenClaw, this episode gives you the foundational knowledge to stop wasting tokens and start getting real results from your AI tools. Timestamps 00:00 – Intro 00:42 – The Models Are Good Now 01:20 – How Context Windows Actually Work 04:55 – The Power of Skills 09:17 – How to create Skills 16:35 – Skill Maxxing 19:05 – What you need too build a project 20:40 – Recursively Building and Improving Skills 29:23 – Context Window Management and Token Efficiency 33:02 – Closing Thoughts Key Points The models (Opus 4.6, GPT 5.4) are exceptionally good now — the differentiator is the context and harness you build around them. Agent md and claude md files get loaded into context on every single turn, burning tokens and degrading performance as the context window fills up. 95% of users can skip them entirely. Skills use progressive disclosure: only the name and description sit in context until the agent determines it needs the full file, saving thousands of tokens per conversation. The best way to create a skill is to walk through the workflow with the agent step by step, achieve a successful run, and then have the agent write the skill based on that real context. Recursively refine skills by feeding failures back into the agent and having it update the skill file so the same mistake is avoided going forward. Scale for productivity by starting with one agent and building up workflows before adding sub-agents — start simple, then expand. The #1 tool to find startup ideas/trends - https://www.ideabrowser.com LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/ The Vibe Marketer - Resources for people into vibe marketing/marketing with AI: https://www.thevibemarketer.com/ FIND ME ON SOCIAL X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/ FIND MIC ON SOCIAL X/Twitter: https://x.com/rasmickyy Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@rasmic

Most companies say the customer comes first. But in meeting rooms across every industry, business decisions get made every day without a single thought about how they will land on the people paying the bills. Dan Gingiss has spent his career asking one question: what would happen if leaders simply kept the customer in the room? In this episode of Boss Better Now, Joe Mull sits down with Dan Gingiss, a customer experience keynote speaker and author who led digital CX teams at Discover, Humana, and McDonald's. Dan traces his path from Domino's delivery driver to Fortune 500 executive and shares what each step taught him about the irreversible link between how leaders treat their people and how those people treat customers. Dan unpacks why customer experience is not a department but a company-wide discipline, how a manager can build trust with a new team before anyone has earned it, and what he calls "collective lift," the undervalued skill of raising the performance of everyone around you. He also challenges one of the most reflexive assumptions in leadership: that your best individual performer is your best candidate for management. In this episode, you'll learn:

The Toll Brothers Design Studio is transforming the homebuying journey with a personalized, guided approach to home design. Through curated selections, expert insight and innovative technology, clients can move through the process with clarity and confidence. In this episode of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio, Design Studio Manager Angelique Foster joins Host Carol Morgan to discuss how Toll Brothers simplifies the design studio experience while helping buyers create timeless, high-quality homes. What Happens in a Home Design Studio After You Sign a Contract After signing a contract, homeowners enter a carefully structured, multi-step journey guided by experienced design professionals. Early in the process, designers reach out to learn each client's preferences, lifestyle needs and wish lists, setting the stage for personalized in-person appointments. Selections are made in thoughtful phases, rather than all at once, making the experience both manageable and enjoyable for homebuyers. Foster emphasizes that true luxury in home design is defined not by excess, but by quality, thoughtful curation and a seamless, engaging experience. Foster said, “We have a lot of options, but they are curated to make sure it doesn’t feel overwhelming.” How Design Technology Helps Homebuyers Visualize Their Selections Technology plays an increasingly important role in the home design process. Toll Brothers offers a visualizer tool that allows buyers to explore design combinations before visiting the studio. From cabinets and countertops to flooring and plumbing fixtures, buyers can select what they like and apply those items to a home scene. This tool helps narrow choices, reduce design fatigue and give buyers confidence before finalizing selections in person with physical samples. How to Design a Home for Long-Term Value & Resale A well-designed home is not only beautiful—it also holds its value over time. By guiding buyers toward enduring styles rather than short-lived trends, the Toll Brothers Design Studio helps homeowners avoid choices that may quickly feel dated. Foster said, “When you design a good home and the foundation is classic and timeless, that translates into long-term value.” Top Luxury Home Design Trends for 2026 Today's home design trends reflect a shift toward warmth and comfort. Natural wood finishes, balanced midtone hardwood flooring and integrated smart home technology are gaining traction, creating spaces that feel modern yet timeless. Foster said, “We're getting more of that warm tone instead of the cools.” Why the Design Studio Experience Matters in Atlanta's Housing Market In a competitive market like Atlanta, the design studio experience is a major differentiator for builders. Toll Brothers stands out for its structured process, expert team and personalized approach. For homebuyers and the agents guiding them, this level of support adds confidence and value throughout the building journey. The Future of Luxury Home Design: Personalization & Smart Technology Looking ahead, Foster anticipates that luxury home design will continue to center on personalization, with technology playing an even larger role. As innovation advances, tools like design visualizers and home automation will further enhance the ability to create highly customized, future-ready homes. To learn more about the Toll Brothers Design Studio process and explore available communities, visit TollBrothers.com or connect with a local sales team. About Toll Brothers Toll Brothers, Inc., a Fortune 500 company, is a leading builder of luxury homes. Founded in 1967 and publicly traded since 1986 on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “TOL,” the company serves first-time, move-up, empty-nester, active-adult, second-home buyers and urban and suburban renters in over 60 markets across 24 states. Podcast Thanks Thank you to Denim Marketing for sponsoring Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio. Known as a trendsetter, Denim Marketing has been blogging since 2006 and podcasting since 2011. Contact them when you need quality, original content for social media, public relations, blogging, email marketing and promotions. A comfortable fit for companies of all shapes and sizes, Denim Marketing understands marketing strategies are not one-size-fits-all. The agency works with your company to create a perfectly tailored marketing strategy that will suit your needs and niche. Try Denim Marketing on for size by calling 770-383-3360 or by visiting www.DenimMarketing.com. About Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio, presented by Denim Marketing, highlights the movers and shakers in the Atlanta real estate industry – the home builders, developers, Realtors and suppliers working to provide the American dream for Atlantans. For more information on how you can be featured as a guest, contact Denim Marketing at 770-383-3360 or fill out the Atlanta Real Estate Forum contact form. Subscribe to the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast on iTunes, and if you like this week's show, be sure to rate it. Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio was recently honored on FeedSpot's Top 100 Atlanta Podcasts, ranking 16th overall and number one out of all ranked real estate podcasts. The post Inside Toll Brothers' Personalized Design Studio Experience appeared first on Atlanta Real Estate Forum.

Jack Peregrim is the founder and President of Fourth Quarter Advisors and he has a long career in business and strategy including his 30 years as the founder and owner of PARAGON Development which focused on providing strategic management services to many Fortune 50 global corporations.On his ‘retirement' he personally recognized the complexity in Social Security options as well as Medicare. And, there is very little support and education available other than that offered by individuals and organization driven by revenue received for selling products and services.Jack and others are trained and committed with Certified Financial Fiduciary® designations. And, we are volunteer presenters for workshops sponsored by a number of non-profits which are non-profit 501(C)3 organizations and support programs in a wide range of retirement issues.Jack is a Certified Financial Fiduciary ™ in addition to his involvement in numerous professional and personal organizations.Learn More: https://www.fourthquarteradvisors.com/Influential Entrepreneurs with Mike Saundershttps://businessinnovatorsradio.com/influential-entrepreneurs-with-mike-saunders/Source: https://businessinnovatorsradio.com/interview-with-jack-peregrim-founder-of-fourth-quarter-advisors-discussing-annuities-reimagined

What if your best chapter isn't behind you — it's the one you finally have time to write?   Michael Fors spent decades in sales, knocked on thousands of doors, and heard more nos than most people ever will. Then he retired. And instead of slowing down, he did what most people only talk about — he acted on an idea he'd been sitting on for years, got a patent, and built something entirely new.   In this episode of The BrainVault Podcast, Michael and Larry explore what it actually takes to move from idea to action, why a lifetime of hearing "no" is the best preparation for building something that works, and how the people who create the richest experiences — at the table and in the boardroom — are the ones who know when to slow the pace down.   Visit liquidjazzexperience.com to learn more about Michael's work.  

Nancy Cartwright is the voice of Bart Simpson... and now she's lending her voice to ask Handsome a HUMONGOUS question! Plus Tig re-enters the real world post-Oscars, Tig can't get Creed out of her head, and Fortune hits the gym! Don't forget to get tickets to our May 4 Live Show in LA!Handsome is hosted by Tig Notaro, Mae Martin, and Fortune FeimsterFollow us on social media @handsomepodMerch at handsomepod.comWatch Handsome on YouTubeThis is a Headgum podcast. Follow Headgum on Twitter, Instagram, and Tiktok. Advertise on Handsome via Gumball.fm.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How to Lead Under Pressure Without Losing Yourself in the Process There's a version of you that is not built to lead. And every time you drag her into a high-stakes meeting, a hard decision, or a moment where your team needs you to be their leader, you pay for it. Your team pays for it. Your business pays for it. You walk away exhausted and wonder why running a company you built feels so relentlessly heavy. That weight has a name, and this episode is where you finally figure out what to do about it. Dr. NaTasha Jordan has worked with Fortune 500 executives and seven and eight-figure entrepreneurs, and she's watched the same pattern play out at every level: the more you've built, the more you're leading from a version of yourself that was never meant to carry it. I'll tell you something I don't love admitting. When Dr. NaTasha spoke at my Made to Scale Mastermind and asked the room "do you know who you are?", I raised my hand during Q&A, which I almost never do with my own guests, because I genuinely didn't have the answer. What came out of that conversation changed something specific for me, and I share exactly what that was in this episode. You'll walk away understanding exactly why you're exhausted, who you actually need to be in your business, and what to do about the one fire that's been quietly burning everything else down. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: You've built something real. A business making $150K to $500k annually, an audience, and offers that work. But revenue still feels harder to predict than it should. The Revenue Consistency Formula is a free live training for established female founders who have built momentum but are tired of inconsistent results. In this training, I'll teach you how to turn scattered marketing effort into predictable revenue. Ready to build that system? Save your seat here. Follow Dr. NaTasha Jordan on Instagram Free Lifeline Audit HERE ARE THE 3 KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODE: 1️⃣ The "Just Be Yourself" Advice Is Costing You More Than You Know — Your real self needs rest and protection. She's not built for high-stakes leadership moments. When you bring her into them anyway, your team shifts into caretaker mode and manages you instead of the work. Your performer self is the one who walks in with clarity, holds the standard, and gives your team something steady to follow. Kobe had Black Mamba. Beyoncé has Sasha Fierce. You need yours too. 2️⃣ Under Pressure, You Don't Rise to the Occasion. You Fall to What You've Trained — Knowledge alone doesn't change behavior under pressure. You can read every leadership book ever written and still find yourself reactive and deciding from fear the moment something goes sideways. The leaders who stay steady have done the internal work of understanding their triggers before those triggers run the show. That's what Dr. NaTasha walks you through here. 3️⃣ You Already Know Which Fire Is Burning Your Business Down — You don't have ten problems. You have one. One decision you've been avoiding, one fire generating all the smoke you keep putting out everywhere else. Name it, give it 30 days, then spend the next 30 building a different pattern. It takes 66 days to rewire a behavior. It starts the moment you get honest about which fire you've been walking past. MORE FROM ME Follow me on Instagram @amyporterfield SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more entrepreneurs who need these insights.

This episode was sponsored by Cardiff    LightSpeed VT: https://www.lightspeedvt.com/ Dropping Bombs Podcast: https://www.droppingbombs.com/ Today's Dropping Bombs episode features Philippe Ziade — the Lebanese immigrant who arrived in America with nothing and built one of the most ambitious business empires in Las Vegas.   From scraping his way through real estate to now building the world's first AI-powered hotel, Philippe's story is proof that hunger beats advantage every time.   He breaks down how the hotel adapts to every guest before they even arrive, why most people born with opportunity waste it, and the mindset that took him from zero to a conglomerate spanning three continents. And running the lobby? A humanoid robot named Otto who's already become a Vegas attraction in his own right.   If you've ever needed a reminder of what's actually possible, this is it.

Want to Start or Grow a Successful Business? Schedule a FREE 13-Point Assessment with Clay Clark Today At: www.ThrivetimeShow.com   Join Clay Clark's Thrivetime Show Business Workshop!!! Learn Branding, Marketing, SEO, Sales, Workflow Design, Accounting & More. **Request Tickets & See Testimonials At: www.ThrivetimeShow.com  **Request Tickets Via Text At (918) 851-0102   See the Thousands of Success Stories and Millionaires That Clay Clark Has Helped to Produce HERE: https://www.thrivetimeshow.com/testimonials/ Download A Millionaire's Guide to Become Sustainably Rich: A Step-by-Step Guide to Become a Successful Money-Generating and Time-Freedom Creating Business HERE: www.ThrivetimeShow.com/Millionaire   See Thousands of Case Studies Today HERE: www.thrivetimeshow.com/does-it-work/  

In this powerful episode, Ray Higdon breaks down one of the biggest missed opportunities in sales: getting prospects on the phone. If you've ever felt like people are avoiding your calls or not responding to your messages, this episode reveals the real reason why. The truth is, prospects are not avoiding calls, they are avoiding pressure. When your messaging feels pushy or uncomfortable, prospects naturally pull away. But when you remove that pressure, you dramatically increase your chances of meaningful conversations and ultimately, more sales.   Ray walks you through practical sales strategies to help you confidently move prospects from conversation to call without resistance. You will learn when to invite someone to a call, how to position it naturally, and why timing matters, especially after they've been exposed to a presentation. He also explains the difference between reaching out to prospects versus responding to inbound leads, and how your approach should shift depending on the situation.   Most importantly, this episode gives you exact language and scripts you can use to create urgency, reduce friction, and increase your close rate. From simple phrases like "hop on a quick call" to more advanced positioning that creates scarcity and fear of missing out, Ray shows you how to guide prospects toward a decision without being pushy. If you want to close more sales, build stronger connections, and stop losing opportunities, this episode gives you the practical tools to make it happen.   —

Todd Speciale was this week's guest on Success Profiles Radio. He is the CEO and Founder of Make Sales Great Again, which teaches business, sales, and leadership to the masses including CEO's of major Fortune 500 companies. He has personally trained over 5000 sales professionals and has sold over $1 billion in sales, and has led teams that have generated several billions of dollars across multiple industries. We discussed his book, The Ultimate Sales Bible, as well as why selling is the ultimate profession, why people are afraid to discover their true worth to the marketplace, and the role of ego in sales. In addition, we talked about how to build mental toughness, why we should embrace hearing NO, setting up your morning routine to succeed, and the importance of your vision statement. Finally, we discussed why salespeople don't reach their goals, how to dominate in sales, how to skillfully call out someone who isn't telling you the truth in a sales conversation, and the skills and systems that allow you to scale to nine figures. You can follow and listen to Success Profiles Radio on Apple Podcasts/iTunes, Spotify, Amazon, Audible, iHeart Radio and at Success Profiles Radio | Live Internet Talk Radio | Best Shows Podcasts Learn more about Todd Speciale at https://toddspeciale.com and at https://makesalesgreatagain.com

This episode was sponsored by Cardiff & comechangeyourlife.com   LightSpeed VT: https://www.lightspeedvt.com/ Dropping Bombs Podcast: https://www.droppingbombs.com/ Today's Dropping Bombs episode features three powerhouses: Brenda Wood, Dr. Ruben West, and Dr. Toby Potter, and the conversation hits different right from the start.   Brenda built multiple successful companies, hundreds of employees, real estate, the whole thing, then spent years in federal prison for a deal gone wrong with the wrong people. She got out, rebuilt from nothing, and now runs a movement helping others do the same.   Dr. Ruben West saw something in Brenda nobody else did and gave her a shot on stage before she even had her footing back. Dr. Toby Potter lost everything in 2008, rebuilt bigger, and now helps others break the chains their past put on them.   Together they break down why most people stay stuck, why behavior never changes without belief, and why the prison most people live in has nothing to do with bars and everything to do with their own mind.    Whether you're stuck, starting over, or just tired of playing small, this one's for you. The journey to becoming the better version of yourself starts here.