Podcasts about innovators

Two guests rejoined the podcast to discuss finance and innovation. Chris Morrill, Executive Director, and Shayne Kavanagh, Senior Manager of Research, at the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) discussed their work. They talked about GFOA's research initiatives and how they are helping organizations deal with recent changes in federal funding. They shared why GFOA is changing its membership structure. They talked about a new finance innovation lab effort and their upcoming Innovator in Residence position. They also reflected on local government trends from the last 10 years. Host: Ben Kittelson

    Episode 408: Cold Starts & Clean Hits — The Simon Golob (SLG) Approach to Pistol Mastery On today's American Warrior Show, I sit down with Simon Golob—better known as SLG— one of the most respected voices in the firearms training community. A former NYPD officer who went on to serve in federal law enforcement, Simon now carries forward the legacy of Pistol-Training.com, originally founded by the late Todd Green. We dive into his On-Demand Performance philosophy, the challenge of the FAST Coin, and what it really takes to deliver precise, cold-start performance under pressure. Whether you're a law enforcement professional, serious competitor, or dedicated armed citizen, this conversation will sharpen both your mindset and your training approach. About Simon Golob (SLG): Retired law enforcement officer (NYPD and federal service) Served as patrol cop, investigator, firearms instructor, assaulter, and sniper Multiple GWOT deployments across Africa, the Middle East, Afghanistan, and Iraq Developed firearm and CQB programs for a federal tactical team Instructor to law enforcement, military SOF, and top private schools Innovator in AIWB holster design and performance-oriented concealed carry Accomplished competition shooter — 1st place at Steel Nationals, 3rd place at Bianchi Cup (two consecutive years) In This Episode, You'll Learn: What “On-Demand Performance” really means in training and life Why the FAST Coin is one of the toughest standards in shooting Lessons Simon carried from law enforcement, federal service, and combat deployments How competitive shooting shaped his approach to concealed carry and performance     American Warrior Show: https://americanwarriorshow.com/index.html

This week on the Science for Sport Podcast, host Richard Graves sits down with former NFL star turned MMA promoter Shawne “Lights Out” Merriman, a man who's gone from sacking quarterbacks to shaking up the fight game. Known for his explosive NFL career with the San Diego Chargers and Buffalo Bills, Merriman has successfully transitioned into the world of Mixed Martial Arts with his promotion Lights Out Extreme Fighting (LXF). In this episode, he reveals how his football mindset, business vision, and passion for innovation are transforming combat sports, from cutting-edge punch-tracking tech to game-changing virtual advertising platforms. You'll discover how Merriman: * Mastered career transition – leaving the NFL on his own terms while building the Lights Out brand. * Applied sports science to the cage – from NFL hand-fighting skills to the cardio demands of MMA. * Integrated performance technology – including live punch velocity and G-force tracking for fans and coaches. * Created new revenue models – opening sponsorship opportunities for small and mid-sized businesses in combat sports. * Bridges athlete pathways – helping NFL and college football players switch to MMA. * Maintains athlete discipline year-round – the evolution of MMA training culture and its professionalisation. Whether you work in elite performance, teach sports science, or simply love hearing how science and innovation change sport, this conversation is packed with insights into performance tech, athlete development, and the business of sport. About Shawne Merriman Shawne “Lights Out” Merriman is a former NFL linebacker, three-time Pro Bowl selection, and NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. Drafted 12th overall by the San Diego Chargers in 2005, Merriman quickly became one of the league's most feared pass rushers before retiring in 2013. Off the field, he built the Lights Out brand into a multi-platform sports and entertainment company, launching Lights Out Extreme Fighting in 2019. Today, LXF is one of the most watched regional MMA promotions in the world, with Merriman leading the charge in integrating sports science and technology into combat sports. FREE 7d SCIENCE FOR SPORT ACADEMY TRIAL SIGN UP NOW: https://bit.ly/SFSepisode241 ​ Learn Quicker & More Effectively ​ Optimise Your Athletes' Recovery ​ Position Yourself As An Expert To Your Athletes And Naturally Improve Buy-In ​ Reduce Your Athletes' Injury Ratese ​ Save 100's Of Dollars A Year That Would Otherwise Be Spent On Books, Courses And More ​ Improve Your Athletes' Performance ​ Advance Forward In Your Career, Allowing You To Earn More Money And Work With Elite-Level Athletes ​ Save Yourself The Stress & Worry Of Constantly Trying To Stay Up-To-Date With Sports Science Research

How do you build customer experience (CX) that truly matters? Start by winning inside—through employee experience (EX). In this episode, Francesca Di Meglio reveals how human connections, trust, and empathy fuel transformation in both HR and CX. It's a masterclass in real leadership in the age of AI. The Top 3 Key Learnings 1. EX is the foundation of CX — Happy, trusted employees create better customer outcomes. The inside always reflects outside. 2. Trust and flexibility drive performance — Remote work isn't the enemy. When employees feel trusted and supported, they deliver more. 3. Relationships are your new currency — In a world shaped by AI, human connection is what sets you apart. About Francesca Di Meglio Francesca Di Meglio is a veteran writer, reporter and editor. Currently, she is the editor of HR Exchange Network and CX Network and a producer at PEX Network, all part of IQPC Digital. In 2024, she won the Innovator of the Year award from IQPC Digital for her work in building community roundtable and breakout sessions. Earlier in her career, for nearly a decade, she worked for the award-winning business schools rankings team at Bloomberg Businessweek. She has written the book Fun with the Family New Jersey (Globe Pequot Press, 2012). Resources CX Network : https://www.cxnetwork.com/ https://www.cxnetwork.com/ Please, hit the follow button: Apple Podcast: http://cxgoalkeeper.com/apple Spotify: http://cxgoalkeeper.com/spotify We'd love to hear your thoughts — leave a comment and share your feedback! Follow Gregorio Uglioni on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregorio-uglioni/ About Gregorio Uglioni: Transforming Business Into Value Generating Engines - Creating Long-Lasting Impact Leveraging Customer Experience - Host Of The Globally Recognized CX Goalkeeper Podcast “Customer Experience Goals” - Speaker at global events & at podcasts - Judge at International Awards - CX Lecturer for several institutions Listen to more podcasts on The Agile Brand network here: https://agilebrandguide.com/the-agile-brand-podcasts/

Send us a textVisibility equals possibility! You hear it all the time on this show, but now I'm giving you a peak behind the scenes of how that phrase operates at Dem Bois Inc. Today, on Dem Bois Podcast, I sit down with Zyon Aijon, one of our brand collaborators, and we discuss the creative process behind our “visibility equals possibility” merch. Zyon also highlights the importance of feeling safe and celebrated in his new location and his aspirations for community building and social change.We talk:03:04 - Zyon's journey and creative freedom11:46 - The meaning of visibility equals possibility15:47 - The impact and risk of visibility in the community20:12 - Future aspirations and community buildingEpisode References:Dem Bois Pod Ep 31 - Speaking Truth to Power Leading Up to Knowing Your Worth with Amari LeachDem Bois Pod Ep. 37 - Advice for Mental Health and Passion for Social Work with Emilio PerdomoDem Bois Pod Ep. 53 - Finding Spiritual Balance and Peace Amongst Obsession with Zyon AijonRead more about Zyon in his bio below:Zyon Lewis is a black trans artist born in Bridgeport, CT and raised between there and the south. He is a Vegan, Artist, Leader, activist and Innovator. He is a music artist, making music under the alias “1000 Percent”. He also produces gaming, lifestyle, creative and motivational content. He has been a digital artist/graphic designer since age 13. Zyon started his medical transition (HRT) August 19th, 2021 and he had top surgery in March of 2022. He continues to live his truth daily, by finding balance and peace in his daily experience.Connect with ZyonSpace nVADRS (eSports Team): https://nvadrs.square.site/ Giftedyoung1 - IGDonate today to support Transmasc Gender Affirming Grants and Community Wellness Packages for Trans Men of Color! The Visibility = Possibility™️ Merch is here! Introducing a groundbreaking collaboration crafted by Emilio Perdomo (featured on episode 37). This isn't just merch--it's a movement! We're empowering trans men of color with creative freedom to design their interpretation of Visibility = Possibility™. Think of it like major brands collaborating with athletes, but this time, our community takes center stage. Every purchase supports our vital programs! Craving more Connection? Dem Bois Community Voices Facebook Group is a safe, moderated sanctuary where trans men of color can connect authentically, discuss podcast episodes, share powerful experiences, and build support networks. Dem Bois YouTube Channel! - @demboisinc Exclusive content you won't find anywhere else: Behind-the-scenes magic, engaging YouTube shorts, and insider perspectives.

Every leader knows the rush of validation when someone brings you a problem and you solve it on the spot. But Gary Cohen, founder of CO2 Coaching and author of Just Ask Leadership, learned that this habit can limit your team's potential and make you the organizational bottleneck. While growing his company from a $4,000 investment to 2,200 employees, he and his business partner became overwhelmed by constant questions. The solution wasn't giving faster answers—it was becoming question-askers instead of answer-givers.In interviews with over 100 exceptional leaders – from Fortune 500 executives to four-star generals – Cohen discovered they all had a moment where they shifted from being “the answer person” to “the question person.” For General Jack Chain, a promotion made him realize his role had fundamentally changed. For ConAgra's Mike Harper, moving from engineering to R&D forced him to lead experts whose knowledge far exceeded his own. These shifts inspired frameworks like the GPS model (Goal-Position-Strategy) for focused conversations and the PEAK model, which guides leaders through four questioning styles – Professor, Innovator, Judge, and Director – to spark breakthroughs.Cohen's most powerful insight is that most team members already know the answers. They don't need you to solve their problems—they need you to help them uncover solutions themselves. When they do, ownership skyrockets, and so does performance. The path to multiplying your leadership impact starts with changing your identity from “the teller” to “the asker.” Everything else follows from that transformation.

Bianca Lê, a cell biologist and head of special projects at Mission Barns, shares the story of the groundbreaking startup's path to the creation of cell-cultivated pork fat. Martin Hahn, a regulatory attorney and partner at Hogan Lovells, and Maha Tahiri, CEO of Nutrition Sustainability Strategies, explore how the MAHA agenda could reshape formulation, labeling, … Continue reading EP 65: Talking With a Cultivated Meat Innovator, MAHA at IFT FIRST →

BONUS: Elliott Parker on Breaking The Illusion of Innovation and Why Large Organizations Struggle to Innovate In this BONUS episode, we dive deep into the paradox of modern corporate innovation with Elliott Parker, CEO of Alloy Partners. Elliott shares his insights on why well-managed organizations often struggle with innovation, the critical difference between execution and learning challenges, and how venture studios can bridge the gap between corporate resources and startup agility. In this episode, we explore Elliott's book The Illusion of Innovation.  The Golden Gate Bridge Paradox "It took 7 years to add a safety net to a bridge that took 3 years to build." Elliott opens with a striking example that illustrates the central thesis of his work. Large organizations today are paradoxically less capable of handling opportunities and challenges despite being better managed than ever before. The irony lies in their very efficiency—modern corporations have become so optimized for capital efficiency and short-term profits that they've inadvertently sacrificed their capacity for future innovation. This focus on Return on Invested Capital (ROIC) creates organizations that excel at managing existing assets but struggle with the uncertainty required for breakthrough innovation. The Corporate Innovation Anti-Pattern "The more the innovation team borrows from the business, the more the innovation team starts to look like the original organization." Elliott reflects on a belief he once held and now completely disagrees with—that corporate innovation teams could successfully drive disruptive innovation from within. Having worked in corporate innovation focused on IP licensing and later in venture capital, he discovered that these internal teams, while excellent at expanding existing business models, inevitably become constrained by the very organization they're meant to transform. The solution he advocates is funding startups outside larger organizations, where there's nothing to preserve or perpetuate, allowing for true disruptive thinking. In this segment, we talk about Clayton Christensen's Disruption Theory which he explored in the now famous book: The Innovator's Dilemma. Execution vs. Learning Challenges "Moving slow is a feature of corporations, not a bug." One of Elliott's key frameworks distinguishes between execution challenges and learning challenges. Corporations are brilliantly designed for execution—when the problem and solution are known, they excel. However, learning problems, where the problem is clear but the solution unknown, require a fundamentally different approach. Elliott suggests marrying the best of both worlds: leveraging the funding and market research capabilities of large organizations with the disruptive ideas and solution-seeking agility of startups. He provocatively suggests treating communication around innovation as something to be avoided until solutions are proven, advocating for working in silos until innovation actually works. The Controlled Burn Philosophy "The only way to get data about the future is to collect data by running experiments." Elliott introduces the concept of "controlled burn" using forest fire management as a metaphor for corporate innovation. Just as western US forests have become dangerously dense from aggressive fire suppression, corporations have become fragile by avoiding all risk and experimentation. We can't predict the future, and there's no existing data about what's coming—the only way to generate future insights is through deliberate experimentation. However, managers are typically incentivized to avoid experiments and minimize risk, creating the organizational equivalent of dense forests prone to devastating fires when disruption eventually arrives. Creating Safe-to-Fail Environments "In corporates we focus on frequency of correctness. In startups we focus on magnitude of correctness." After initially believing he could change organizations from within, Elliott learned that creating truly safe-to-fail environments within established companies is nearly impossible. This realization led him to focus on creating startups as the perfect vehicle for business model experimentation. The fundamental difference in mindset is crucial: corporations optimize for being right most of the time, while startups optimize for the size of their wins when they are right, embracing a venture capital-like approach to innovation where occasional big wins compensate for frequent small failures. Shifting from Wealth to Knowledge Generation "Civilizations fail because they don't innovate fast enough." Drawing on insights from David Deutsch's work on learning and innovation, Elliott argues that long-term resilience comes from learning, not just wealth generation. He advocates for shifting corporate conversations from immediate wealth generation to knowledge and learning, positioning companies as explorers of innovation and business models. This requires different funding mechanisms—moving away from operational budgets managed through traditional Excel-based metrics toward "patient capital" that can sustain the uncertainty inherent in true innovation. Traditional management approaches lack the passion needed for breakthrough innovation. In this segment, we refer to David Deutsch's book The Beginning of Infinity: Explanations that Transform The World. About Elliott Parker Elliott Parker is CEO of Alloy Partners, where he helps corporations and universities launch startups through a venture studio model. A former Innosight consultant and entrepreneur, he's passionate about bridging big companies with startup ecosystems to unlock real innovation and long-term growth in an increasingly distributed world. You can link with Elliott Parker on LinkedIn.

We remember Eddie Palmieri, the pianist, bandleader and composer whose contributions to Afro-Caribbean music shaped the genre for decades. He died Wednesday at the age of 88. Also, Parliament's now classic funk album Mothership Connection turned 50 this year. We listen back to Terry Gross's 1989 interview with funkmaster George Clinton. David Bianculli reviews the new season of Wednesday and film critic Justin Chang reviews two comedy remakes: The Naked Gun and Freakier Friday.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Dean's Chat hosts, Drs. Jensen and Richey, welcome Dr. William Montross to the podcast! Dr. William Montross, DPM, is an experienced podiatrist based in Colorado Springs, Colorado, with over 30 years of practice. He currently works with the University of Colorado in Colorado Springs and is highly focused on limb preservation.  Dr. Montross has been extensively involved in medical education, delivering lectures across the United States and internationally in England, Puerto Rico, France, and Spain. He has served as the primary educator for the Denver VA program in Colorado Springs and has worked with medical students from the University of Colorado and Peak Vista Osteopathic College. His lectures span regional podiatric societies, private seminar companies, and various medical device companies such as Synthes (Johnson & Johnson), Stryker, Integra, KMI, Ascension Orthopedics, and others  His medical education includes undergraduate studies at Colgate University in Hamilton, New York, followed by graduation from the Dr. William Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine in 1990. He completed his residency at Baptist Memorial Hospital in 1991 and is board-certified and fellowship-trained by the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Dr. Montross adopts a conservative approach to foot and ankle care, with a passion for surgical reconstruction and joint salvage.  Beyond clinical practice, Dr. Montross is active in research, development, and consulting for several orthopedic and foot and ankle technology companie.  Enjoy!

The Starlink satellite venture's stunning success has brightened Elon Musk's bumpy year, but has awakened China. Listen in as Aviation Week's Joe Anselmo, Garrett Reim, Irene Klotz and Matt Fulco discuss what has become SpaceX's cash cow. -- Since its inception in 1957, Aviation Week Network's Laureate Awards have honored extraordinary achievements in aerospace. Innovators that represent the values and vision of the global aerospace community have changed the way people work and move through the world. Nominations for Aviation Week Network's 2026 Laureate Awards are now open! Submit your nominations by October 16, 2025. Nominate here 

We remember Eddie Palmieri, the pianist, bandleader and composer whose contributions to Afro-Caribbean music shaped the genre for decades. He died Wednesday at the age of 88. Also, Parliament's now classic funk album Mothership Connection turned 50 this year. We listen back to Terry Gross's 1989 interview with funkmaster George Clinton. David Bianculli reviews the new season of Wednesday and film critic Justin Chang reviews two comedy remakes: The Naked Gun and Freakier Friday.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Charlie's project, Hockey Parent Connect, was an online newsletter and platform that provided valuable information to parents of youth hockey players about local programs and what they offered for the upcoming season.

Gianna Cottone '26: Gianna's project, Earth Educators, revolved around educating teenagers about the climate. Her focus was on sparking curiosity or urgency regarding climate change, with the hope of reducing daily habits that harm the environment.

Henry Gaskell '26: Henry's idea, Henry's Arm Care, was a small physical single-page guide made for baseball players who were unable to perform at peak level because of arm pain. It offered targeted exercises based on pain location to help athletes recover and maintain performance.

Justin Hutchful '27: Justin's project, Fixing Procrastination, helped students who struggled with procrastination by offering an online study group that implemented an intensive study schedule to build better academic habits.

Scarlett Murphy '27: Passionate about politics, Scarlett began her SIP project by exploring the struggles of individuals involved in the political scene. This led to thoughtful conversations about ethics and personal values. Inspired by this work, Scarlett created a project aimed at helping people find local businesses and resources that aligned with their ethical beliefs, supporting more conscious, values-based consumer choices.

Scarlett Murphy '27: Passionate about politics, Scarlett began her SIP project by exploring the struggles of individuals involved in the political scene. This led to thoughtful conversations about ethics and personal values. Inspired by this work, Scarlett created a project aimed at helping people find local businesses and resources that aligned with their ethical beliefs, supporting more conscious, values-based consumer choices.

Dami Johnson '27: Teens Supporting Teens helped high schoolers organize their time and work more effectively. Dami's project also focused on improving mental well-being and helping students address feelings of stress or disarray.

Landis Hershey '26: After observing a significant lack of transparency in scoring at mock trial competitions, Landis developed a mock trial guide booklet titled All Rise: The Art of Mock Trial. This booklet provided competitors with clear, easy-to-understand information about the scoring process, practical tips and strategies, and other essential guidance to help improve their performance at competitions.

In this episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast, host Ben Murray welcomes Jan Willem Van der Meer, co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer at Momants. Jan Willem shares his entrepreneurial journey, starting from building one of Europe's major ticketing companies to launching Momants, an AI-powered platform designed to transform the events industry. Discover how Momants is tackling the challenges of personalization and efficiency in event ticketing. Jan Willem explains how their solution integrates with existing ticketing systems to automate support, increase conversion, and create tailored marketing experiences for everything from festivals and concerts to museums and amusement parks. Jan Willem also discusses the realities of founding and funding a SaaS startup, offering valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs. If you're interested in how AI is shaping the future of events, or if you're a SaaS founder seeking inspiration and advice, this episode is filled with practical insights and forward-thinking ideas. Show Notes: 00:00 Ticketing Company Rise and Sale 03:57 Challenges in Festival Ticketing 10:00 AI Startup's Initial $1M Investment 11:54 Supportive Network for Startup Success 14:35 "Building AI Partnerships with Innovators" 20:42 Balancing Revenue and Client Experience 22:39 Message Engagement and Client Onboarding 25:38 "WWF Moments Founder Chat" Links: SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/momants-raises-1-million-in-pre-seed-funding Jan Willem Van der Meer's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janwillemvdmeer/ Momant's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/momants/ Momant's Website: https://www.momants.ai/ To learn more about Ben check out the links below: Subscribe to Ben's daily metrics newsletter: https://saasmetricsschool.beehiiv.com/subscribe Subscribe to Ben's SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page SaaS Metrics courses here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/ Join Ben's SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray

Henriette ⁠Paula Mugisa, an unconventional thinker, innovator, and ideation master shares her journey from launching her book to empowering over 70,000 entrepreneurs in Uganda with her organization, Teesa. Explore the challenges and opportunities in Uganda's startup ecosystem, the importance of education, and the role of community in fostering innovation. Paula's insights on achieving a middle-class economy in Uganda and practical advice for entrepreneurs looking to scale their businesses are a must listen.Be inspired!Timpestamps00:00 Welcome and Introduction00:49 Meet Paula 01:30 Paula's Motivation and Mission04:29 Challenges and Opportunities in Uganda's Startup Ecosystem08:46 The Unconventional Teacher and Innovator11:25 Success Stories and Impact22:14 Policy and Wishful Changes for Entrepreneurs26:05 Investment Readiness and Business Advice29:53 Final Thoughts and ConclusionFollow up with her in her names and  Teesa on LinkedIn.Share your feedback on what you think it will take for Uganda to achieve a middle class economy, and inquiries at onuganda@gmail.com or WhatsApp +25678537996. PODCAST DISCLAIMER. The views and opinions expressed in the episode are those of the individuals. They do not represent or reflect the official position of the ON Uganda Podcast, so we do not take responsibility for any ideas expressed by guests during the Podcast episode. You are smart enough to take out what works for you. As of 25.02.25

Batteries are the backbone of the energy transition. From grid-scale storage to next-gen chemistries, the world is racing to shape a trillion-dollar industry.But what are the fundamental differences between battery types? And which are actually game-changers?To explore the battery market, I'm joined by Dave Borlace, the voice behind Just Have a Think, a YouTube channel trusted by 600,000+ people for its break down of complex climate and energy topics into compelling narratives.***What we discussed:Why battery tech is essential for the future of the gridA breakdown of 6 battery types (from lithium-ion to aluminium-ion)How China took the lead in battery manufacturingWhat metrics matter: energy density, cycle life, cost, safety, and weight… and more!***Where to find Dave Borlace:YouTube: Just Have a ThinkLinkedIn: Dave Borlace***(00:00) Introduction(01:33) Batteries and the Energy Transition(10:45) Lithium-Ion Dominance(24:49) Exploring Lithium-Sulfur(31:04) Is Sodium-Ion Viable?(35:07) The Promise of Solid-State Batteries(38:53) Incumbents vs. Innovators(42:07) What's Up with Flow Batteries?(47:06) The Potential of Aluminum Batteries(49:58) Rapid Fire Questions

This episode is slightly different in that it was unscripted - because oftentimes those end up being the most real and best conversations.  It's still hosted by Shauna Griffiths, Your Coaching Teammate.  It still features conversations with impactful leaders.   It's just two friends catching up as they do monthly - supporting one another - passing dimes to the audience - discussing business and life realities such as: 1. The struggle bus of entrepreneurship  2. Finding your focus zone 3. Creativity + courage  4. Fear, strength, and limitations 5. Transferrable skills = keys to success And so much more, of course! Tune-in to listen - learn - grow - and evolve.  LEADERSHIP IS A SPORT & IT'S GAMETIME

Did you like the episode? Send me a text and let me know!! Overcoming Naysayers & Competing Against Yourself: The Adventure of Entrepreneur JohnIn episode 114 of The Undiscovered Entrepreneur, host Skoob engages in an invigorating conversation with John, a dynamic entrepreneur who transformed a $40,000 investment into a $11 million outdoor gear business in Florida. We hear about John's journey from battling naysayers to summiting 12 peaks over 20,000 feet, and how a traumatic brain injury led him to reinventing himself in the digital space. Discover important takeaways on avoiding perfectionism, confronting your own fears, and the importance of seizing opportunities. This episode is packed with motivational insights and actionable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:42 John's Entrepreneurial Journey Begins09:40 Overcoming Challenges and Naysayers19:24 Embracing Fear and Finding Success27:50 Lessons Learned and Moving Forward28:58 Learning Patience in Business29:54 Building Customer Relationships32:19 Podcasting Success34:13 Proudest Business Moments40:47 Advice for New Entrepreneurs43:20 The Perils of Perfectionism47:46 Future Goals and Aspirations53:43 Conclusion and Final Thoughts esbootcamp.wearejonesinfor.com Thank you for being a Skoobeliever!! If you have questions about the show or you want to be a guest please contact me at one of these social mediasTwitter......... ..@djskoob2021 Facebook.........Facebook.com/skoobamiInstagram..... instagram.com/uepodcast2021tiktok....... @djskoob2021Email............... Uepodcast2021@gmail.com Skoob at Gettin' Basted Facebook PageAcross The Start Line Facebook Community Find out what one of the four hurdles of stop is affecting you the most!!If you would like to be coached on your entrepreneurial adventure please email me at for a 2 hour free discovery call! This is a $700 free gift to my Skoobelievers!! Contact me Now!! On Twitter @doittodaycoachdoingittodaycoaching@gmailcom

What do an AI-powered investment engine, a grassroots organizing platform, and a nature-tech-focused VC have in common?They're all built on the conviction that technology should be in service of real-world problems – not just market efficiency or shareholder return. And increasingly, investors are stepping up not only to fund that kind of innovation, but to actively shape it.In this 3-in-1 compilation, we revisit past episodes with investors who are doing exactly that: using capital to steer technological progress toward social and environmental outcomes.Here are the featured voices:Paul Miller, Managing Partner and CEO at Bethnal Green VenturesPaul Miller launched Bethnal Green Ventures in 2012 – before “tech for good” was even a phrase most investors recognized.At the time, brilliant developers were stuck building tools for banks and ad agencies, while the problems they wanted to solve – climate, health, inequality – sat on the sidelines. Paul saw the gap and built something to fill it.Bethnal Green Ventures backs founders using technology to create measurable, intentional social and environmental impact. Everything BGV backs falls under one of three themes: building a sustainable planet, a healthy society, and better lives. That's included backing startups working on grid flexibility software for the energy transition… digital tools to streamline public healthcare… and workplace platforms helping frontline workers organize and advocate for change.Full episodeXavier Lorphelin, Managing Partner at Serena CapitalXavier Lorphelin co-founded Serena on a simple premise: entrepreneurs shouldn't work for VCs – VCs should work for entrepreneurs. From day one, the firm has been run like a startup itself, combining capital with hands-on operating support and the belief that founders deserve more than a check.That belief still holds. But in recent years, Serena's mission has sharpened. Alongside its general tech funds, the firm now manages two vehicles dedicated to sustainability: a fully SFDR Article 9 impact fund, and a new early-stage fund with a significant allocation to climate tech. Both are anchored in Serena's broader mission: to support innovative entrepreneurs in the service of a better world.For Serena, climate is only the beginning. The firm is doubling down on “Nature Tech” – tools that help companies measure and manage biodiversity, water, and soil health in real time. Their thesis is clear: digital infrastructure can enable breakthroughs in how we preserve natural systems, from AI-powered biodiversity monitoring to ground-based sensors that track ecosystem change.Full episodeDaniel Klier, former CEO of ESG BookAt the time of this interview, Daniel Klier was CEO of Arabesque S-Ray, the predecessor to ESG Book. He helped build one of the most ambitious platforms in ESG data – by combining three distinct engines: a sustainability-focused asset manager, a data provider tracking over 150 million ESG data points, and an AI system that customizes investment strategies in real time.For Daniel, tech for good means infrastructure – the kind that can shift how trillions are allocated. ESG Book's mission is to mainstream sustainable finance by making data transparent, machine-readable, and usable at scale.Full episode—Connect with SRI360°:Sign up for the free weekly email updateVisit the SRI360° PODCASTVisit the SRI360° WEBSITEFollow SRI360° on XFollow SRI360° on FACEBOOK

In this inspiring episode, Vinney Chopra sits down with Badri Hebsur, a UK-based entrepreneur and real estate investor who built a multimillion-dollar property portfolio from scratch. Starting with rundown flats while working a full-time job, Badri steadily scaled his wealth through value-add real estate strategies. Today, he manages over £7 million in assets and has successfully expanded into the senior living sector, transforming a 33-bed nursing home into a thriving business.   Listeners will discover:

Too often, educational change is approached with a top-down, impersonal strategy—especially in virtual settings. Leaders are handed new tools, frameworks, and mandates but given little space for reflection, values alignment, or the flexibility needed to make change stick. The result? Burnout, survival mode, and disjointed systems that don't serve students or educators.In this episode, Dr. Tovah Sheldon—school design strategist at Michigan Virtual and leader of the Leadership Coaching for Innovation initiative—unpacks how true transformation begins with the adults in the system. With warmth, insight, and a deep coaching mindset, she guides us through what it really means to center leadership development around the human experience. From redefining change through “rugged flexibility” and allostasis, to bridging the gap between personal and organizational values, Dr. Sheldon makes the case for slower, deeper, more reflective innovation. She shares stories of golden moments, challenges us to pluralize transformation, and gives us a clear pathway toward leading with clarity, purpose, and empathy.If you're leading innovation—especially in virtual or hybrid environments—listen in for insight on:Why “rigid” systems fail in dynamic environments, and how to lead with adaptive stability.How to help leaders and teams surface their core values and use them to drive sustainable change.The habits and actions that define innovators—and how they play out differently in virtual spaces.Why going deep before wide is essential for lasting, scalable impact.How “small-i” innovations build momentum toward big transformation.Episode Links:Leadership Coaching for Innovation at Michigan VirtualBrad Stulberg on Rugged Flexibility and AllostasisHenry Ford Innovation Hub – Phil Grumm's WorkAdditional People and Concepts to Link:Brad Stulberg Referenced for the concepts of allostasis and rugged flexibility.

John Collins examines the growing challenges facing U.S. forensic science laboratories as federal funding programs come under political pressure in Washington. Drawing on decades of experience as a former laboratory administrator and current leadership coach, Collins explores how dependence on federal grants has affected laboratory budgets, priorities, and culture—particularly in agencies where labs are managed by police commanders. He outlines the risks of “supplanting,” the importance of independent budget planning, and offers five practical recommendations for law enforcement leaders to better support their forensic operations. This candid discussion provides valuable insight for scientists, administrators, policymakers, and anyone interested in the health and integrity of forensic science in America. Issues on Trial - Tell us what you think about this issue Season:  5 Episode:  97 Duration:  41:28 YOUTUBE CHANNELS Main Podcast Channel Highlights Channel FROM OUR SPONSOR Learn About the Innovators at Promega International Symposium on Human Identification REFERENCED RESOURCES Consortium of Forensic Science Organizations   ABOUT YOUR HOST John Morrey Collins is a leadership and expertise coach specializing in working with clients in authoritative, high-stakes occupations, but with a primary emphasis on serving leaders, professionals, and organizations that support our complicated systems of criminal and civil justice. John started his private practice, Critical Victories, in 2013 after retiring his award-winning, 20-year career as a forensic laboratory scientist and executive administrator, having served as the Director of Forensic Science for the State of Michigan. His forensic technical expertise was in the examination and testing of firearms and firearm-related evidence, having provided expert courtroom testimony in approximately 130 criminal trials, including death penalty cases and Daubert hearings. John is also the author of three books on forensic science and criminal justice reform. In 2022, he released his fourth book, “The New Superior – A Better Way to Be the One in Charge,” which is available in print and audio. John's many career highlights include his part in the forensic investigation of the Atlanta serial bombings, which included the bombing of the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, as well as his 2013 participation in a historic meeting with the US Attorney General and other firearm experts to discuss the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. John has a master's degree in organizational management and is formally certified as a Senior HR Professional by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). In 2012, John was trained as a professional coach by the College of Executive Coaching, and he became certified as a Gallup Strengths Coach in 2022. He lives and works near Detroit, Michigan. For more books and other information, please visit www.criticalvictories.com.

Kenny and Chizuko Endo met in 1975 when he was first embarking on what would become his lifelong passion for Japanese taiko drumming, ultimately using it to honor its role in the past, but also using it as a springboard to innovate compositions and collaborations that have established these ancient Japanese drums as clearly belonging to the future of music as well.  Now celebrating his 50th year with taiko, Kenny and wife Chizuko reflect on how their personal and professional lives have been shaped and sharpened by their mutual love of taiko drumming.  To find out more about the 50th anniversary shows, go to www.kennyendo50.com. You'll also find dates and locations for the subsequent shows on the Mainland. And to find out more about their Taiko Center of the Pacific, go to www.taikoarts.com.  

Welcome back to Snafu w/ Robin Zander.  In this episode, I'm joined by Brian Elliott, former Slack executive and co-founder of Future Forum. We discuss the common mistakes leaders make about AI and why trust and transparency are more crucial than ever. Brian shares lessons from building high-performing teams, what makes good leadership, and how to foster real collaboration. He also reflects on raising values-driven kids, the breakdown of institutional trust, and why purpose matters. We touch on the early research behind Future Forum and what he'd do differently today. Brian will also be joining us live at Responsive Conference 2025, and I'm excited to continue the conversation there. If you haven't gotten your tickets yet, get them here. What Do Most People Get Wrong About AI? (1:53) “Senior leaders sit on polar ends of the spectrum on this stuff. Very, very infrequently, sit in the middle, which is kind of where I find myself too often.”  Robin notes Brian will be co-leading an active session on AI at Responsive Conference with longtime collaborator Helen Kupp. He tees up the conversation by saying Brian holds “a lot of controversial opinions” on AI, not that it's insignificant, but that there's a lot of “idealization.” Brian says most senior leaders fall into one of two camps: Camp A: “Oh my God, this changes everything.” These are the fear-mongers shouting: “If you don't adopt now, your career is over.” Camp B: “This will blow over.” They treat AI as just another productivity fad, like others before it. Brian positions himself somewhere in the middle but is frustrated by both ends of the spectrum. He points out that the loudest voices (Mark Benioff, Andy Jassy, Zuckerberg, Sam Altman) are “arms merchants” – they're pushing AI tools because they've invested billions. These tools are massively expensive to build and run, and unless they displace labor, it's unclear how they generate ROI. believe in AI's potential and  aggressively push adoption inside their companies. So, naturally, these execs have to: But “nothing ever changes that fast,” and both the hype and the dismissal are off-base. Why Playing with AI Matters More Than Training (3:29) AI is materially different from past tech, but what's missing is attention to how adoption happens. “The organizational craft of driving adoption is not about handing out tools. It's all emotional.” Adoption depends on whether people respond with fear or aspiration, not whether they have the software. Frontline managers are key: it's their job to create the time and space for teams to experiment with AI. Brian credits Helen Kupp for being great at facilitating this kind of low-stakes experimentation. Suggests teams should “play with AI tools” in a way totally unrelated to their actual job. Example: take a look at your fridge, list the ingredients you have, and have AI suggest a recipe. “Well, that's a sucky recipe, but it could do that, right?” The point isn't utility,  it's comfort and conversation: What's OK to use AI for? Is it acceptable to draft your self-assessment for performance reviews with AI? Should you tell your boss or hide it? The Purpose of Doing the Thing (5:30) Robin brings up Ezra Klein's podcast in The New York Times, where Ezra asks: “What's the purpose of writing an essay in college?” AI can now do better research than a student, faster and maybe more accurately. But Robin argues that the act of writing is what matters, not just the output. Says: “I'm much better at writing that letter than ChatGPT can ever be, because only Robin Zander can write that letter.” Example: Robin and his partner are in contract on a house and wrote a letter to the seller – the usual “sob story” to win favor. All the writing he's done over the past two years prepared him to write that one letter better. “The utility of doing the thing is not the thing itself – it's what it trains.” Learning How to Learn (6:35) Robin's fascinated by “skills that train skills” – a lifelong theme in both work and athletics. He brings up Josh Waitzkin (from Searching for Bobby Fischer), who went from chess prodigy to big wave surfer to foil board rider. Josh trained his surfing skills by riding a OneWheel through NYC, practicing balance in a different context. Robin is drawn to that kind of transfer learning and “meta-learning” – especially since it's so hard to measure or study. He asks: What might AI be training in us that isn't the thing itself? We don't yet know the cognitive effects of using generative AI daily, but we should be asking. Cognitive Risk vs. Capability Boost (8:00) Brian brings up early research suggesting AI could make us “dumber.” Outsourcing thinking to AI reduces sharpness over time. But also: the “10,000 repetitions” idea still holds weight – doing the thing builds skill. There's a tension between “performance mode” (getting the thing done) and “growth mode” (learning). He relates it to writing: Says he's a decent writer, not a great one, but wants to keep getting better. Has a “quad project” with an editor who helps refine tone and clarity but doesn't do the writing. The setup: he provides 80% drafts, guidelines, tone notes, and past writing samples. The AI/editor cleans things up, but Brian still reviews: “I want that colloquialism back in.” “I want that specific example back in.” “That's clunky, I don't want to keep it.” Writing is iterative, and tools can help, but shouldn't replace his voice. On Em Dashes & Detecting Human Writing (9:30) Robin shares a trick: he used em dashes long before ChatGPT and does them with a space on either side. He says that ChatGPT's em dashes are double-length and don't have spaces. If you want to prove ChatGPT didn't write something, “just add the space.” Brian agrees and jokes that his editors often remove the spaces, but he puts them back in. Reiterates that professional human editors like the ones he works with at Charter and Sloan are still better than AI. Closing the Gap Takes More Than Practice (10:31) Robin references The Gap by Ira Glass, a 2014 video that explores the disconnect between a creator's vision and their current ability to execute on that vision. He highlights Glass's core advice: the only way to close that gap is through consistent repetition – what Glass calls “the reps.” Brian agrees, noting that putting in the reps is exactly what creators must do, even when their output doesn't yet meet their standards. Brian also brings up his recent conversation with Nick Petrie, whose work focuses not only on what causes burnout but also on what actually resolves it. He notes research showing that people stuck in repetitive performance mode – like doctors doing the same task for decades – eventually see a decline in performance. Brian recommends mixing in growth opportunities alongside mastery work. “exploit” mode (doing what you're already good at) and  “explore” mode (trying something new that pushes you) He says doing things that stretch your boundaries builds muscle that strengthens your core skills and breaks stagnation. He emphasizes the value of alternating between  He adds that this applies just as much to personal growth, especially when people begin to question their deeper purpose and ask hard questions like, “Is this all there is to my life or career? Brian observes that stepping back for self-reflection is often necessary, either by choice or because burnout forces a hard stop. He suggests that sustainable performance requires not just consistency but also intentional space for growth, purpose, and honest self-evaluation. Why Taste And Soft Skills Now Matter More Than Ever (12:30) On AI, Brian argues that most people get it wrong. “I do think it's augmentation.” The tools are evolving rapidly, and so are the ways we use them. They view it as a way to speed up work, especially for engineers, but that's missing the bigger picture. Brian stresses that EQ is becoming more important than IQ. Companies still need people with developer mindsets – hypothesis-driven, structured thinkers. But now, communication, empathy, and adaptability are no longer optional; they are critical. “Human communication skills just went from ‘they kind of suck at it but it's okay' to ‘that's not acceptable.'” As AI takes over more specialist tasks, the value of generalists is rising. People who can generate ideas, anticipate consequences, and rally others around a vision will be most valuable. “Tools can handle the specialized knowledge – but only humans can connect it to purpose.” Brian warns that traditional job descriptions and org charts are becoming obsolete. Instead of looking for ways to rush employees into doing more work, “rethink the roles. What can a small group do when aligned around a common purpose?” The future lies in small, aligned teams with shared goals. Vision Is Not a Strategy (15:56) Robin reflects on durable human traits through Steve Jobs' bio by Isaac Walterson. Jobs succeeded not just with tech, but with taste, persuasion, charisma, and vision. “He was less technologist, more storyteller.” They discuss Sam Altman, the subject of Empire of AI. Whether or not the book is fully accurate, Robin argues that Altman's defining trait is deal-making. Robin shares his experience using ChatGPT in real estate. It changed how he researched topics like redwood root systems on foundational structure and mosquito mitigation. Despite the tech, both agree that human connection is more important than ever. “We need humans now more than ever.” Brian references data from Kelly Monahan showing AI power users are highly productive but deeply burned out. 40% more productive than their peers. 88% are completely burnt out. Many don't believe their company's AI strategy, even while using the tools daily. There's a growing disconnect between executive AI hype and on-the-ground experience. But internal tests by top engineers showed only 10% improvement, mostly in simple tasks. “You've got to get into the tools yourself to be fluent on this.” One CTO believed AI would produce 30% efficiency gains. Brian urges leaders to personally engage with the tools before making sweeping decisions. He warns against blindly accepting optimistic vendor promises or trends. Leaders pushing AI without firsthand experience risk overburdening their teams. “You're bringing the Kool-Aid and then you're shoving it down your team's throat.” This results in burnout, not productivity. “You're cranking up the demands. You're cranking up the burnout, too.” “That's not going to lead to what you want either.” If You Want Control, Just Say That (20:47) Robin raises the topic of returning to the office, which has been a long-standing area of interest for him. “I interviewed Joel Gascoyne on stage in 2016… the largest fully distributed company in the world at the time.” He's tracked distributed work since Responsive 2016. Also mentions Shelby Wolpa (ex-Envision), who scaled thousands remotely. Robin notes the shift post-COVID: companies are mandating returns without adjusting for today's realities.” Example: “Intel just did a mandatory 4 days a week return to office… and now people live hours away.” He acknowledges the benefits of in-person collaboration, especially in creative or physical industries. “There is an undeniable utility.”, especially as they met in Robin's Cafe to talk about Responsive, despite a commute, because it was worth it. But he challenges blanket return-to-office mandates, especially when the rationale is unclear. According to Brian, any company uses RTO as a veiled soft layoff tactic. Cites Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy openly stating RTO is meant to encourage attrition. He says policies without clarity are ineffective. “If you quit, I don't have to pay you severance.” Robin notes that the Responsive Manifesto isn't about providing answers but outlining tensions to balance. Before enforcing an RTO policy, leaders should ask: “What problem are we trying to solve – and do we have evidence of it?” Before You Mandate, Check the Data (24:50) Performance data should guide decisions, not executive assumptions. For instance, junior salespeople may benefit from in-person mentorship, but… That may only apply to certain teams, and doesn't justify full mandates. “I've seen situations where productivity has fallen – well-defined productivity.” The decision-making process should be decentralized and nuanced. Different teams have different needs — orgs must avoid one-size-fits-all policies, especially in large, distributed orgs. “Should your CEO be making that decision? Or should your head of sales?” Brian offers a two-part test for leaders to assess their RTO logic: Are you trying to attract and retain the best talent? Are your teams co-located or distributed? If the answer to #1 is yes: People will be less engaged, not more. High performers will quietly leave or disengage while staying. Forcing long commutes will hurt retention and morale. If the answer to #2 is “distributed”: Brian then tells a story about a JPMorgan IT manager who asks Jamie Dimon for flexibility. “It's freaking stupid… it actually made it harder to do their core work.” Instead, teams need to define shared norms and operating agreements. “Teams have to have norms to be effective.” RTO makes even less sense. His team spanned time zones and offices, forcing them into daily hurt collaboration. He argues most RTO mandates are driven by fear and a desire for control. More important than office days are questions like: What hours are we available for meetings? What tools do we use and why? How do we make decisions? Who owns which roles and responsibilities? The Bottom Line: The policy must match the structure. If teams are remote by design, dragging them into an office is counterproductive. How to Be a Leader in Chaotic Times (28:34) “We're living in a more chaotic time than any in my lifetime.” Robin asks how leaders should guide their organizations through uncertainty. He reflects on his early work years during the 2008 crash and the unpredictability he's seen since. Observes current instability like the UCSF and NIH funding and hiring freezes disrupting universities, rising political violence, and murders of public officials from the McKnight Foundation, and more may persist for years without relief. “I was bussing tables for two weeks, quit, became a personal trainer… my old client jumped out a window because he lost his fortune as a banker.” Brian says what's needed now is: Resilience – a mindset of positive realism: acknowledging the issues, while focusing on agency and possibility, and supporting one another. Trust – not just psychological safety, but deep belief in leadership clarity and honesty. His definition of resilience includes: “What options do we have?” “What can we do as a team?” “What's the opportunity in this?” What Builds Trust (and What Breaks It) (31:00) Brian recalls laying off more people than he hired during the dot-com bust – and what helped his team endure: “Here's what we need to do. If you're all in, we'll get through this together.” He believes trust is built when: Leaders communicate clearly and early. They acknowledge difficulty, without sugarcoating. They create clarity about what matters most right now. They involve their team in solutions. He critiques companies that delay communication until they're in PR cleanup mode: Like Target's CEO, who responded to backlash months too late – and with vague platitudes. “Of course, he got backlash,” Brian says. “He wasn't present.” According to him, “Trust isn't just psychological safety. It's also honesty.” Trust Makes Work Faster, Better, and More Fun (34:10) “When trust is there, the work is more fun, and the results are better.” Robin offers a Zander Media story: Longtime collaborator Jonathan Kofahl lives in Austin. Despite being remote, they prep for shoots with 3-minute calls instead of hour-long meetings. The relationship is fast, fluid, and joyful, and the end product reflects that. He explains the ripple effects of trust: Faster workflows Higher-quality output More fun and less burnout Better client experience Fewer miscommunications or dropped balls He also likens it to acrobatics: “If trust isn't there, you land on your head.” Seldom Wrong, Never in Doubt (35:45) “Seldom wrong, never in doubt – that bit me in the butt.” Brian reflects on a toxic early-career mantra: As a young consultant, he was taught to project confidence at all times. It was said that “if you show doubt, you lose credibility,” especially with older clients. Why that backfired: It made him arrogant. It discouraged honest questions or collaborative problem-solving. It modeled bad leadership for others. Brian critiques the startup world's hero culture: Tech glorifies mavericks and contrarians, people who bet against the grain and win. But we rarely see the 95% who bet big and failed, and the survivors become models, often with toxic effects. The real danger: Leaders try to imitate success without understanding the context. Contrarianism becomes a virtue in itself – even when it's wrong. Now, he models something else: “I can point to the mountain, but I don't know the exact path.” Leaders should admit they don't have all the answers. Inviting the team to figure it out together builds alignment and ownership. That's how you lead through uncertainty, by trusting your team to co-create. Slack, Remote Work, and the Birth of Future Forum (37:40) Brian recalls the early days of Future Forum: Slack was deeply office-centric pre-pandemic. He worked 5 days a week in SF, and even interns were expected to show up regularly. Slack's leadership, especially CTO Cal Henderson, was hesitant to go remote, not because they were anti-remote, but because they didn't know how. But when COVID hit, Slack, like everyone else, had to figure out remote work in real time. Brian had long-standing relationships with Slack's internal research team: He pitched Stewart Butterfield (Slack's CEO) on the idea of a think tank, where he was then joined by Helen Kupp and Sheela Subramanian, who became his co-founders in the venture. Thus, Future Forum was born. Christina Janzer, Lucas Puente, and others. Their research was excellent, but mostly internal-facing, used for product and marketing. Brian, self-described as a “data geek,” saw an opportunity: Remote Work Increased Belonging, But Not for Everyone (40:56) In mid-2020, Future Forum launched its first major study. Expected finding: employee belonging would drop due to isolation. Reality: it did, but not equally across all demographics. For Black office workers, a sense of belonging actually increased. Future Forum brought in Dr. Brian Lowery, a Black professor at Stanford, to help interpret the results. Lowery explained: “I'm a Black professor at Stanford. Whatever you think of it as a liberal school, if I have to walk on that campus five days a week and be on and not be Black five days a week, 9 to 5 – it's taxing. It's exhausting. If I can dial in and out of that situation, it's a release.” A Philosophy Disguised as a Playbook (42:00) Brian, Helen, and Sheela co-authored a book that distilled lessons from: Slack's research Hundreds of executive conversations Real-world trials during the remote work shift One editor even commented on how the book is “more like a philosophy book disguised as a playbook.” The key principles are: “Start with what matters to us as an organization. Then ask: What's safe to try?” Policies don't work. Principles do. Norms > mandates. Team-level agreements matter more than companywide rules. Focus on outcomes, not activity.  Train your managers. Clarity, trust, and support start there. Safe-to-try experiments. Iterate fast and test what works for your team. Co-create team norms. Define how decisions get made, what tools get used, and when people are available. What's great with the book is that no matter where you are, this same set of rules still applies.  When Leadership Means Letting Go (43:54) “My job was to model the kind of presence I wanted my team to show.” Robin recalls a defining moment at Robin's Café: Employees were chatting behind the counter while a banana peel sat on the floor, surrounded by dirty dishes. It was a lawsuit waiting to happen. His first impulse was to berate them, a habit from his small business upbringing. But in that moment, he reframed his role. “I'm here to inspire, model, and demonstrate the behavior I want to see.” He realized: Hovering behind the counter = surveillance, not leadership. True leadership = empowering your team to care, even when you're not around. You train your manager to create a culture, not compliance. Brian and Robin agree: Rules only go so far. Teams thrive when they believe in the ‘why' behind the work. Robin draws a link between strong workplace culture and… The global rise of authoritarianism The erosion of trust in institutions If trust makes Zander Media better, and helps VC-backed companies scale — “Why do our political systems seem to be rewarding the exact opposite?” Populism, Charisma & Bullshit (45:20) According to Robin, “We're in a world where trust is in very short supply.” Brian reflects on why authoritarianism is thriving globally: The media is fragmented. Everyone's in different pocket universes. People now get news from YouTube or TikTok, not trusted institutions. Truth is no longer shared, and without shared truth, trust collapses. “Walter Cronkite doesn't exist anymore.” He references Andor, where the character, Mon Mothma, says: People no longer trust journalism, government, universities, science, or even business. Edelman's Trust Barometer dipped for business leaders for the first time in 25 years. CEOs who once declared strong values are now going silent, which damages trust even more. “The death of truth is really the problem that's at work here.” Robin points out: Trump and Elon, both charismatic, populist figures, continue to gain power despite low trust. Why? Because their clarity and simplicity still outperform thoughtful leadership. He also calls Trump a “marketing genius.” Brian's frustration: Case in point: Trump-era officials who spread conspiracy theories now can't walk them back. Populists manufacture distrust, then struggle to govern once in power. He shares a recent example: Result: Their base turned on them. Right-wing pundits (Pam Bondi, Dan Bongino) fanned Jeffrey Epstein conspiracies. But in power, they had to admit: “There's no client list publicly.” Brian then suggests that trust should be rebuilt locally. He points to leaders like Zohran Mamdani (NY): “I may not agree with all his positions, but he can articulate a populist vision that isn't exploitative.” Where Are the Leaders? (51:19) Brian expresses frustration at the silence from people in power: “I'm disappointed, highly disappointed, in the number of leaders in positions of power and authority who could lend their voice to something as basic as: science is real.” He calls for a return to shared facts: “Let's just start with: vaccines do not cause autism. Let's start there.” He draws a line between public health and trust: We've had over a century of scientific evidence backing vaccines But misinformation is eroding communal health Brian clarifies: this isn't about wedge issues like guns or Roe v. Wade The problem is that scientists lack public authority, but CEOs don't CEOs of major institutions could shift the narrative, especially those with massive employee bases. And yet, most say nothing: “They know it's going to bite them… and still, no one's saying it.” He warns: ignoring this will hurt businesses, frontline workers, and society at large. 89 Seconds from Midnight (52:45) Robin brings up the Doomsday Clock: Historically, it was 2–4 minutes to midnight “We are 89 seconds to midnight.” (as of January 2025) This was issued by the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists, a symbol of how close humanity is to destroying itself. Despite that, he remains hopeful: “I might be the most energetic person in any room – and yet, I'm a prepper.” Robin shared that: And in a real emergency? You might not make it. He grew up in the wilderness, where ambulances don't arrive, and CPR is a ritual of death. He frequently visits Vieques, an island off Puerto Rico with no hospital, where a car crash likely means you won't survive. As there is a saying there that goes, ‘No Hay Hospital', meaning ‘there is no hospital'. If something serious happens, you're likely a few hours' drive or even a flight away from medical care. That shapes his worldview: “We've forgotten how precious life is in privileged countries.” Despite his joy and optimism, Robin is also: Deeply aware of fragility – of systems, bodies, institutions. Committed to preparation, not paranoia. Focused on teaching resilience, care, and responsibility. How to Raise Men with Heart and Backbone (55:00) Robin asks: “How do you counsel your boys to show up as protectors and earners, especially in a capitalist world, while also taking care of people, especially when we're facing the potential end of humanity in our lifetimes?” Brian responds: His sons are now 25 and 23, and he's incredibly proud of who they're becoming. Credits both parenting and luck but he also acknowledges many friends who've had harder parenting experiences. His sons are: Sharp and thoughtful In healthy relationships Focused on values over achievements Educational path: “They think deeply about what are now called ‘social justice' issues in a very real way.” Example: In 4th grade, their class did a homelessness simulation – replicating the fragmented, frustrating process of accessing services. Preschool at the Jewish Community Center Elementary at a Quaker school in San Francisco He jokes that they needed a Buddhist high school to complete the loop Not religious, but values-based, non-dogmatic education had a real impact That hands-on empathy helped them see systemic problems early on, especially in San Francisco, where it's worse. What Is Actually Enough? (56:54) “We were terrified our kids would take their comfort for granted.” Brian's kids: Lived modestly, but comfortably in San Francisco. Took vacations, had more than he and his wife did growing up. Worried their sons would chase status over substance. But what he taught them instead: Family matters. Friendships matter. Being dependable matters. Not just being good, but being someone others can count on. He also cautioned against: “We too often push kids toward something unattainable, and we act surprised when they burn out in the pursuit of that.” The “gold ring” mentality is like chasing elite schools, careers, and accolades. In sports and academics, he and his wife aimed for balance, not obsession. Brian on Parenting, Purpose, and Perspective (59:15) Brian sees promise in his kids' generation: But also more: Purpose-driven Skeptical of false promises Less obsessed with traditional success markers Yes, they're more stressed and overamped on social media. Gen Z has been labeled just like every generation before: “I'm Gen X. They literally made a movie about us called Slackers.” He believes the best thing we can do is: Model what matters Spend time reflecting: What really does matter? Help the next generation define enough for themselves, earlier than we did. The Real Measure of Success (1:00:07) Brian references Clay Christensen, famed author of The Innovator's Dilemma and How Will You Measure Your Life? Clay's insight: “Success isn't what you thought it was.” Early reunions are full of bravado – titles, accomplishments, money. Later reunions reveal divorce, estrangement, and regret. The longer you go, the more you see: Brian's takeaway: Even for Elon, it might be about Mars. But for most of us, it's not about how many projects we shipped. It's about: Family Friends Presence Meaning “If you can realize that earlier, you give yourself the chance to adjust – and find your way back.” Where to Find Brian (01:02:05) LinkedIn WorkForward.com Newsletter: The Work Forward on Substack “Some weeks it's lame, some weeks it's great. But there's a lot of community and feedback.” And of course, join us at Responsive Conference this September 17-18, 2025. Books Mentioned How Will You Measure Your Life? by Clayton Christensen The Innovator's Dilemma by Clayton Christensen Responsive Manifesto Empire of AI by Karen Hao Podcasts Mentioned The Gap by Ira Glass The Ezra Klein Show Movies Mentioned Andor Slackers Organizations Mentioned: Bulletin of Atomic Scientists McKnight Foundation National Institutes of Health (NIH) Responsive.org University of California, San Francisco

Alesha Dunlap is the Founder of FINISHED Sports Academy in Florida along with being a successful teacher, College and HS Strength Coach, and more! Today she shares her journey and some Best Practices on The Educational AD Podcast!

NASA's latest open Software Catalog is available now.

When a simple stock management system and a tangle of spreadsheets no longer supported his growing operations, Pennsylvania-based entrepreneur Robert Ogden knew it was time for a change. What followed was a double-implementation of MRP software that unlocked a new level of accuracy and collaboration. You can learn more in this episode or read about it on our blog For more information about MRPeasy software, visit our website: mrpeasy.com

You know that moment when you walk into a meeting and immediately sense the mood in the room? Or when a proposal looks perfect on paper, but something feels off? That's your intuition working—and it's more sophisticated than most people realize. Every leader has experienced this: sensing which team member to approach with a sensitive […]

In this Mission Matters episode, Adam Torres interviews Muna Yassin, winner of the pitch competition hosted at Grant Cardone's headquarters. Muna shares the origin of her invention Pill Pal, a device inspired by her grandmother's struggle with taking pills. From 3D-printing her prototype to winning $6,000 in funding, Muna is on a mission to improve lives and bring her product to pharmacies and nursing homes. Follow Adam on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/askadamtorres/ for up to date information on book releases and tour schedule. Apply to be a guest on our podcast: https://missionmatters.lpages.co/podcastguest/ Visit our website: https://missionmatters.com/ More FREE content from Mission Matters here: https://linktr.ee/missionmattersmedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The future of healthcare will be shaped not just by technology, but by the courage to lead through uncertainty, reimagine outdated systems, and humanize innovation from the inside out.In this special episode from the Texas HIMSS Regional Conference, host Christopher Kunney is joined by three dynamic guests. Marcos Bosche shares how scaling healthcare companies can break free from fragmented systems with customized AI architecture. Dr. Justin Collier reflects on his personal journey from clinical medicine to tech leadership, offering lessons on workflow transformation, cybersecurity, and the promise and risks of AI. Therese Gopaul-Robinson closes with an emotional, insightful look at the leadership crisis in healthcare, explaining why transformation fails without intentional development, inclusion, and confidence-building.Tune in and learn how custom technology, human-centered leadership, and thoughtful AI implementation are not just ideas; they're the building blocks of healthcare's next chapter!

In this Mission Matters episode, Adam Torres interviews student entrepreneur Zoe Inocencio, fresh off her 2nd place win at the Grant Cardone Foundation pitch competition. Zoe shares how she developed Scoura, an AI-powered platform designed to detect financial aid fraud before it happens. Her mission is to ensure that resources reach the students who need them most—starting with her own peers. Follow Adam on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/askadamtorres/ for up to date information on book releases and tour schedule. Apply to be a guest on our podcast: https://missionmatters.lpages.co/podcastguest/ Visit our website: https://missionmatters.com/ More FREE content from Mission Matters here: https://linktr.ee/missionmattersmedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A preview of the podcast just posted on Substack at DAILYSTOCKPICK.SUBSTACK.COM 24 stocks that I have on my personal watch list, what the charts are saying and what price I'm looking at buying some of them. What's my top pick? What's yours? Here are the links to all the sales: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SAVE ON TRENDSPIDER - GET THE ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION TO GET MY 4 HOUR ALGORITHM ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

This podcast episode features a compelling dialogue that underscores the significance of innovation and partnership within the culinary industry, particularly through the insights of Ryan Giffin, a prominent figure in Florida's commercial kitchen sector. Fresh from a notable acquisition, Giffin is dedicated to facilitating access to high-quality equipment for food service operators, thereby enhancing operational efficiency in their establishments. Additionally, we are privileged to engage with Chef Thomas Mandzik, whose extensive culinary expertise enriches the conversation as he prepares two exquisite dishes, all while sharing his insights on leadership and the delicate balance between artistry and accountability in the kitchen. This episode serves not only as a celebration of culinary excellence but also as a testament to the collaborative spirit that drives the food industry forward. Join us as we delve into the intersection of culinary artistry, business acumen, and community support, reflecting on the essence of service in the hospitality sphere. Plus Operation BBQ Relief co-founder, Stan Hays.Takeaways: This episode highlights the significance of serving those who serve others in the culinary industry. Ryan Giffin discusses the importance of partnerships in providing essential resources to operators. Chef Thomas Mandzik shares his creative process in balancing artistry and accountability in the kitchen. The podcast emphasizes the role of storytelling in connecting with customers and enhancing the dining experience. Listeners learn about the challenges and opportunities in the commercial kitchen equipment market. The discussion includes innovative approaches to service and technician training in the food industry. Why we need non-profits with Stan Hays

⸻ Podcast: Redefining Society and Technologyhttps://redefiningsocietyandtechnologypodcast.com Title: How to hack Global Activism with Tech, Music, and Purpose: A Conversation with Michael Sheldrick, Co-Founder of Global Citizen and Author of “From Ideas to Impact”Guest: Michael SheldrickCo-Founder, Global Citizen | Author of “From Ideas to Impact” (Wiley 2024) | Professor, Columbia University | Speaker, Board Member and Forbes.com ContributorWebSite: https://michaelsheldrick.comOn LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-sheldrick-30364051/Global Citizen: https://www.globalcitizen.org/Host: Marco CiappelliCo-Founder & CMO @ITSPmagazine | Master Degree in Political Science - Sociology of Communication l Branding & Marketing Consultant | Journalist | Writer | Podcasts: Technology, Cybersecurity, Society, and Storytelling.WebSite: https://marcociappelli.comOn LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marco-ciappelli/_____________________________This Episode's SponsorsBlackCloak provides concierge cybersecurity protection to corporate executives and high-net-worth individuals to protect against hacking, reputational loss, financial loss, and the impacts of a corporate data breach.BlackCloak:  https://itspm.ag/itspbcweb_____________________________⸻ Podcast Summary ⸻ Michael Sheldrick returns to Redefining Society and Technology to share how Global Citizen has mobilized billions in aid and inspired millions through music, tech, and collective action. From social media activism to systemic change, this conversation explores how creativity and innovation can fuel a global movement for good.⸻ Article ⸻ Sometimes, the best stories are the ones that keep unfolding — and Michael Sheldrick's journey is exactly that. When we first spoke, Global Citizen had just (almost) released their book From Ideas to Impact. This time, I invited Michael back on Redefining Society and Technology because his story didn't stop at the last chapter.From a high school student in Western Australia who doubted his own potential, to co-founding one of the most influential global advocacy movements — Michael's path is a testament to what belief and purpose can spark. And when purpose is paired with music, technology, and strategic activism? That's where the real magic happens.In this episode, we dig into how Global Citizen took the power of pop culture and built a model for global change. Picture this: a concert ticket you don't buy, but earn by taking action. Signing petitions, tweeting for change, amplifying causes — that's the currency. It's simple, smart, and deeply human.Michael shared how artists like John Legend and Coldplay joined their mission not just to play music, but to move policy. And they did — unlocking over $40 billion in commitments, impacting a billion lives. That's not just influence. That's impact.We also talked about the role of technology. AI, translation tools, Salesforce dashboards, even Substack — they're not just part of the story, they're the infrastructure. From grant-writing to movement-building, Global Citizen's success is proof that the right tools in the right hands can scale change fast.Most of all, I loved hearing how digital actions — even small ones — ripple out globally. A girl in Shanghai watching a livestream. A father in Utah supporting his daughters' activism. The digital isn't just real — it's redefining what real means.As we wrapped, Michael teased a new bonus chapter he's releasing, The Innovator. Naturally, I asked him back when it drops. Because this conversation isn't just about what's been done — it's about what comes next.So if you're wondering where to start, just remember Eleanor Roosevelt's quote Michael brought back:“The way to begin is to begin.”Download the app. Take one action. The world is listening.Cheers,Marco⸻ Keywords ⸻ Society and Technology, AI ethics, generative AI, tech innovation, digital transformation, tech, technology, Global Citizen, Michael Sheldrick, ending poverty, pop culture activism, technology for good, social impact, digital advocacy, Redefining Society, AI in nonprofits, youth engagement, music and change, activism app, social movements, John Legend, sustainable development, global action, climate change, eradicating polio, tech for humanity, podcast on technology__________________ Enjoy. Reflect. Share with your fellow humans.And if you haven't already, subscribe to Musing On Society & Technology on LinkedIn — new transmissions are always incoming.https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/musing-on-society-technology-7079849705156870144You're listening to this through the Redefining Society & Technology podcast, so while you're here, make sure to follow the show — and join me as I continue exploring life in this Hybrid Analog Digital Society.End of transmission.____________________________Listen to more Redefining Society & Technology stories and subscribe to the podcast:

In the second part of our focus on Latin America, equity investment analyst Ana Reynal turns her focus to Brazil. She outlines how the market is less tied to US trade than others in the region and how she identifies the country's disruptive innovators. #CapGroupGlobal For our latest insights, practice management ideas and more, subscribe to Capital Ideas at getcapitalideas.com. If you're based outside of the U.S., visit capitalgroup.com for Capital Group insights.  Watch our latest podcast, Conversations with Mike Gitlin, on YouTube: https://bit.ly/CG-Gitlin-playlist  This content is published by Capital Client Group, Inc.   U.K. investors can view a glossary of technical terms here: https://bit.ly/49rdcFq  To stay informed, follow us  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/capital-group/posts/?feedView=all YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapitalGroup/videos Follow Mike Gitlin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikegitlin/  About Capital Group  Capital Group was established in 1931 in Los Angeles, California, with the mission to improve people's lives through successful investing. With our clients at the core of everything we do, we offer carefully researched products and services to help them achieve their financial goals.  Learn more: capitalgroup.com  Join us: capitalgroup.com/about-us/careers.html  Copyright ©2025 Capital Group 

On this week's episode of I AM HOME, hosts Tyler, Becca, and Hilary explore the latest dorm and apartment décor trends for the upcoming school year. From LED retro dreamscapes to nature-inspired cozy corners, this episode is a vibrant guide for students (and their parents) seeking to turn living spaces into personal sanctuaries. With styles like the rustic "Trailblazer," countryside-chic "Cultivator," tech-meets-retro "Innovator," and whimsical "Dreamer," the hosts highlight how Gen Z is blending personality, sustainability, and self-care into every design choice. Tune in for fun tips, DIY ideas, and trend insights that will make any dorm feel like home. Resources: Dorm Room Inspo You Need in Your Life | Dorm Therapy  nfm.com/podcast

As Black Hat USA 2025 approaches, General Manager Steve Wylie joins Sean Martin and Marco Ciappelli for the annual pre-conference conversation to highlight what's new—and what's next—for one of cybersecurity's most iconic events. This year's themes and expansions signal a strong return to growth, technical depth, and strategic investment.AI Everywhere—from Training to the Show FloorArtificial intelligence emerges as the dominant force across the agenda. From the main stage to the training rooms, Black Hat is packed with AI-related content designed to meet the rising demand for education and clarity. New this year is a comprehensive lineup of instructor-led AI courses and expanded AI tool showcases in the Arsenal and Arsenal Labs programs. As Wylie notes, three of the four Spotlight competition finalists—FireTail, Keep Aware, and Twine Security—are AI-driven solutions, underscoring the technology's influence on innovation.Investor Energy and Startup MomentumCybersecurity investment is back. That momentum is reflected in the expanded Innovators and Investors Summit and the largest-ever Startup Zone on the show floor, now hosting more than 80 companies. This year's program builds on last year's debut and aims to connect entrepreneurs, investors, and CISOs in a more targeted and collaborative setting.Expanding the Audience: New Summits and KeynotesTo better serve cybersecurity leaders across sectors, Black Hat has introduced new summits tailored to financial services and supply chain security. These gatherings offer strategic-level insights for professionals who don't typically engage in technical briefings. Meanwhile, the keynote lineup includes prominent voices from both public and private sectors—such as Miko Hyppönen, Nicole Perlroth, and Chris Inglis—offering grounded perspectives in a time of uncertainty.Interactive Additions and Community GrowthAttendees can expect hands-on experiences like a new drone hacking zone and an expanded hardware lab area. A Career Development Zone also debuts this year, offering sessions designed to help attendees build or pivot their cybersecurity careers.___________Guest: Steve Wylie, Vice President, Cybersecurity Market at Informa Tech and General Manager at Black Hat | On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/swylie650/Hosts:Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine | Website: https://www.seanmartin.comMarco Ciappelli, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine | Website: https://www.marcociappelli.com___________Episode SponsorsThreatLocker: https://itspm.ag/threatlocker-r974BlackCloak: https://itspm.ag/itspbcwebAkamai: https://itspm.ag/akamailbwcDropzoneAI: https://itspm.ag/dropzoneai-641Stellar Cyber: https://itspm.ag/stellar-9dj3___________ResourcesLearn more and catch more stories from our Black Hat USA 2025 coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/bhusa25ITSPmagazine Webinar: What's Heating Up Before Black Hat 2025: Place Your Bet on the Top Trends Set to Shake Up this Year's Hacker Conference — An ITSPmagazine Thought Leadership Webinar | https://www.crowdcast.io/c/whats-heating-up-before-black-hat-2025-place-your-bet-on-the-top-trends-set-to-shake-up-this-years-hacker-conferenceCatch all of our event coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/technology-and-cybersecurity-conference-coverageWant to tell your Brand Story Briefing as part of our event coverage? Learn More

In this episode Michael Greeley, Co‑Founder and General Partner at Flare Capital, shares how his firm partners with entrepreneurs to reinvent healthcare technology, the rise and fall of digital health and AI waves, and what it takes to build, finance and exit enduring health tech ventures.

In this episode Michael Greeley, Co‑Founder and General Partner at Flare Capital, shares how his firm partners with entrepreneurs to reinvent healthcare technology, the rise and fall of digital health and AI waves, and what it takes to build, finance and exit enduring health tech ventures.

The Tommy Dreamer is back! This time - why he left WWE, how he became "The Innovator of Violence," tag teaming with Terry Funk, drinking human blood, his feud with Dixie Carter, Sandman's OD, the House of Hardcore, and his one big regret.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest: Farwa Husain, MS CCC-SLPEarn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/glp-for-the-pediatric-slpOriginally Aired: March 2024In this episode, Michelle is joined by Farwa Husain, MS CCC-SLP, bilingual speech-language pathologist and private practice owner of One-on-One Speech Therapy in New Jersey. Farwa, recognized as an ASHA Innovator in 2023, spends this hour sharing her passion for growing culturally and linguistically appropriate therapy for gestalt language processors (GLP) and their caregivers! So, if you want to learn more about GLP, how it compares to analytic language processors (ALP), and how to support GLP in their natural environments, then tune in and let Farwa share her brilliance and compassion!About the guest: Farwa Husain is an experienced bilingual speech-language pathologist and private practice owner of One-on-One Speech Therapy in New Jersey. Farwa has presented at ASHA, New Jersey Speech and Hearing Association, and Morris County Speech and Hearing Association on gestalt language processing. Farwa was recognized at the 2023 ASHA convention as an “Innovator” in speech-language pathology. She is nominated for the Clinician of the Year-SLP award at the upcoming National Black Association for Speech-Language and Hearing 2024 National Convention. Families have also recognized her in the NJ Family magazine “Top Docs” edition. Farwa is currently serving as President of Morris County Speech and Hearing Association, a non-profit organization that provides exceptional continuing education to SLPs and audiologists in New Jersey. She is devoted to culturally and linguistically appropriate therapy that celebrates a family's unique lifestyle and mentors SLPs in supporting gestalt language processors around the world.Mentioned in this episode:July 21 Course - Echolalia Explained: Practical Tools for Meaningful Language GrowthPresented by: Farwa Husain MS, CCC-SLP Enroll Here: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/echolalia-explained

Tommy Dreamer, the Innovator of Violence, talks about his favorite wrestler, Dusty Rhodes; his original name idea "Tommy Acid"; building his wrestling promotion House of Hardcore; his snoring buddy Bubba Ray Dudley of the Dudley Boyz; his original childhood dream; the tag team he turned down; and ECW & Violence!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.