Podcasts about Iteration

Too many podcasters rush out content without knowing if it lands with listeners. And when something flops, the damage is already done. Thankfully, there's an alternative way to test new content! In this episode, Vince Quinn shares how to test new segments, styles, and strategies using a simple four-step pilot process that helps you refine ideas before releasing them. Get ready to stop guessing, start testing, and build a show that actually gets results!MORE FROM THIS EPISODE: HTTPS://PODMATCH.COM/EP/349TakeawaysConstant content creation can lead to a feeling of disposability in podcasts.Podcasters should prioritize quality over quantity in their episodes.Using pilots can help refine ideas before presenting them to the audience.Guest screenings are an essential part of the podcasting process.Iteration and feedback are crucial for improving podcast content.Testing ideas privately can lead to better public presentations.Engaging with a premium audience for feedback can enhance content quality.Rushed content can dilute a podcast's brand and audience trust.Every aspect of a podcast can benefit from a pilot approach.It's acceptable to discard ideas that don't resonate after testing.00:00 The Pressure of Constant Content Creation03:13 The Importance of Quality Over Quantity in Podcasting06:06 Implementing Pilots for Podcast Success08:48 Guest Screening as a Pilot Process11:55 The Value of Iteration and FeedbackTakeawaysMORE FROM THIS EPISODE: HTTPS://PODMATCH.COM/EP/349

OpenAI's Codex has already shipped hundreds of thousands of pull requests in its first month. But what is it really, and how will coding agents change the future of software?In this episode, General Partner Anjney Midha goes behind the scenes with one of Codex's product leads- Alexander Embiricos - to unpack its origin story, why its PR success rate is so high, the safety challenges of autonomous agents, and what this all means for developers, students, and the future of coding. Timecodes:0:00 Intro: The Vision for AI Agents1:25 Codex's Origin and Naming3:20 Early Prototypes and Agent Form Factors6:00 Cloud Agents: Safety and Security9:40 Prompt Injection and Attack Vectors12:00 PR Merging: Metrics and Transparency17:00 The Future of Code Review and Automation20:00 User Adoption: Internal vs. External Surprises22:00 Multi-Turn Interactions and Product Learnings29:30 Best-of-N, Slot Machine Analogy, and Creativity33:00 Human Taste, Iteration, and Collaboration40:00 AI's Impact on Software Engineering Careers45:00 Education, CS Degrees, and AI Integration49:00 Prototyping, Hackathons, and Speed to Magic55:00 Legacy Code, Modernization, and Global Adoption1:00:00 Enterprise, Security, and Air-Gapped Environments1:05:00 Product Roadmap and Future of Codex1:10:00 Advice for Founders and Startups1:15:00 Education Reform and Project-Based Learning1:20:00 Hiring, Building, and New Grad Advice Resources: Find Alex on X: https://x.com/embiricoFind Anjney on X: https://twitter.com/AnjneyMidha Stay Updated: If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to like, subscribe, and share with your friends!Find a16z on X: https://x.com/a16zFind a16z on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a16zListen to the a16z Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5bC65RDvs3oxnLyqqvkUYXListen to the a16z Podcast on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a16z-podcast/id842818711Follow our host: https://x.com/eriktorenbergPlease note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures. Stay Updated:Find a16z on XFind a16z on LinkedInListen to the a16z Podcast on SpotifyListen to the a16z Podcast on Apple PodcastsFollow our host: https://twitter.com/eriktorenberg Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Summary:Design is critical to ecommerce success. However, design discussions can be fraught with emotion and subjective views. And design execution is influenced by the brand, customer demographic, product range and price point.In this podcast, James Gurd and Paul Rogers delve into the nuances of good ecommerce web design. They explore the subjective and objective elements that define effective design, emphasising the importance of aligning design with brand goals and customer needs. Good design isn't a one-size-fits-all concept but should be tailored to the specific traffic and audience of a site. The podcast highlights the need for a balance between usability and brand presentation, suggesting that design should cater to both high-intent and low-intent audiences.The discussion also touches on the role of art direction in creating a brand's identity and the importance of functional coherence in design.James & Paul reference several websites, including OKA, Sanqvist, Civilist Berlin, On Running, JW Anderson and Oh Polly, as examples of innovative design that successfully integrate creative elements with functional usability. The importance of a structured design discovery process and the need for clear design documentation to ensure consistency and adaptability is emphasised.Throughout the episode, James & Paul flag the evolving nature of ecommerce design, advocating for a strategic approach that considers both aesthetic appeal and practical functionality. Key discussion points:Good design varies by brand.Understanding user intent is critical for design success.Balancing creativity with functionality is key in ecommerce.Art direction is crucial for brand identity.The design discovery process involves managing stakeholder opinions.Functional coherence is essential for user experience.Testing design changes is vital for measuring impact.Design documentation should be fluid and accessible.Chapters:[00:30] Defining Good Web Design[06:40] The Design Discovery Process[13:30] The Role of Art Direction[20:05] Interaction Design and Functional Coherence[24:40] Measuring Investment Impact in Ecommerce[28:00] Balancing Risk and Innovation in Design[29:50] Functional Coherence in Ecommerce Design[36:25] Creating Friction: A Double-Edged Sword[37:50] The Importance of Testing and Iteration[42:50] Design Documentation for Consistency

Today we're joined by Brett Curry from OMG Commerce, and we're grilling him on all things YouTube advertising - where to start, strategy, creative, and how to drive results.We discuss where YouTube sits in the channel mix, how it compares to Meta, why it's still underused by most operators, as well as the challenges of measuring success on YouTube - from attribution challenges to incrementality and brand lift.We also get into creative: what makes a good hook, how to structure a YouTube ad, and the differences between polished content and UGC-style ads. Brett also shares his approach to testing, how many creatives you really need, and the metrics that matter most.Finally, we cover bidding, account structure, and how YouTube can unlock performance across your whole media mix when it's done right.If you have a question for the MOperators Hotline, click the link to be in with a chance of it being discussed on the show: https://forms.gle/1W7nKoNK5Zakm1Xv6Chapters:00:00 Intro11:42 Understanding YouTube: Consumption Patterns and Measurement22:36 The Lift Trifecta: Measuring Success on YouTube30:07 Navigating Attribution Challenges in YouTube Advertising37:34 Optimizing Conversion Events42:39 Account Structure and Automation45:59 Creative Strategies for YouTube Ads01:01:06 Measuring Success and Iteration in CampaignsThe Black Friday Operators Online EventSign up here: https://www.9operators.com/black-fridayPowered by:Motion.⁠⁠⁠https://motionapp.com/pricing?utm_source=marketing-operators-podcast&utm_medium=paidsponsor&utm_campaign=march-2024-ad-reads⁠⁠⁠https://motionapp.com/creative-trendsPrescient AI.⁠⁠⁠https://www.prescientai.com/operatorsRichpanel.⁠⁠⁠https://www.richpanel.com/?utm_source=MO&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ytdescAftersell.https://www.aftersell.com/operatorsRivo.https://www.rivo.io/operatorsSubscribe to the 9 Operators Podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/@Operators9Subscribe to the Finance Operators Podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/@FinanceOperatorsFOPSSign up to the 9 Operators newsletter here: https://9operators.com/

Sprintziele gehören zu den stärksten Werkzeugen im Scrum-Framework. Dominique und Oliver sprechen in dieser Folge darüber, wie es Teams gelingt, Sprintziele so zu etablieren, dass sie Orientierung geben, Wirkung entfalten und Vertrauen schaffen. Ein Sprintziel ist schließlich mehr als eine Pflichtübung im Sprint Planning. Richtig eingesetzt, schafft es Klarheit über das „Warum“ der nächsten Iteration und verbindet die tägliche Arbeit mit der Produktvision. Vielen Teams fällt die Nutzung von Sprintzielen jedoch schwer. Häufig gibt es gar kein Ziel oder es bleibt auf der Ebene von Aufgabenlisten stecken. Statt echter Wirkung wird dann nur Output gemessen. Die Folge: wenig Fokus, kaum Begeisterung bei Stakeholdern und sinkendes Vertrauen in den Wert von Sprintzielen. Doch gerade hier liegt der Hebel. Ein gut formuliertes Sprintziel richtet die Arbeit am Outcome aus. Es beantwortet die Frage, welchen Mehrwert das Team in den kommenden zwei Wochen schaffen will und gibt damit eine klare Orientierung für Entscheidungen im Sprint. Statt einer Sammlung von Backlog-Items entsteht ein gemeinsamer Fokus. Im Daily oder im Review lässt sich damit jederzeit prüfen, ob die Arbeit noch auf das eigentliche Ziel einzahlt. Dominique und Oliver machen aber auch deutlich, dass Sprintziele eben nicht im stillen Kämmerlein entstehen sollten. Entscheidend ist die gemeinsame Gestaltung mit den Developern. Wer das Ziel aktiv mitformuliert, wird es auch eher als eigenes Commitment ansehen. So entsteht nicht nur mehr Akzeptanz, sondern auch die Bereitschaft, externe Einflüsse auszuhalten und das Ziel zu verteidigen. Product Owner:innen bringen dabei den strategischen Rahmen ein – etwa Vision, Roadmap oder Product Goal – und öffnen einen Raum, in dem das Team das nächste sinnvolle Ziel bestimmen kann. Ein gutes Sprintziel ist aber auch sichtbar und sie sind im Alltag präsent: in Dailys, in Gesprächen mit Stakeholdern und sogar in der spontanen Antwort auf die Frage „Woran arbeitet ihr gerade?“. Nur so werden sie zu einem lebendigen Orientierungspunkt statt zu einem Protokolleintrag. Wenn ein Team das gemeinsam vereinbarte Sprintziel erreicht, gilt es, diesen Erfolg sichtbar zu feiern; nicht die Anzahl der erledigten Backlog-Items, sondern den erzielten Mehrwert. Gerade im Sprint Review eröffnet das die Chance, Stakeholder zu begeistern und ihnen zu zeigen, warum sich die investierte Arbeit gelohnt hat. So wird das Konzept Sprintziele gestärkt und gewinnt wieder Vertrauen. Zusammengefasst helfen Sprintziele Teams dabei, sich auf das Wesentliche zu konzentrieren, Entscheidungen leichter zu treffen und Stakeholder einzubeziehen. Wer sie konsequent auf Outcome ausrichtet, gemeinsam gestaltet und sichtbar macht, etabliert ein Instrument, das weit mehr ist als eine Formalität. Es ist ein Kompass, der Produktteams eine gemeinsame, wetvolle Richtung gibt.

Ben Arneberg began his career as a US Air Force satellite engineer and member of the Air Force Parachute Team where he learned to take calculated risks that end in success. He's a serial entrepreneur with three exits. Founder of PetHonesty, a consumer brand improving pet health. He's an investor, passionate about disruptive technologies, education, and helping others find and live out their dreams.Highlight Bullets> Here's a glimpse of what you would learn…. Transition from military service to entrepreneurship in e-commerce.Key business principles for successful brand building and exits.Growth strategies for scaling a brand, specifically Pet Honesty.Importance of cash flow management and financial strategies.Hiring top talent and the significance of a strong team.Building and leveraging an advisory board for guidance.Networking strategies to attract skilled professionals.The role of personal development in overcoming business challenges.Emphasis on having a clear vision and aligning goals with values.Iteration and continuous learning as essential components of success.In this episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast, host Josh Hadley interviews Ben Arneberg, a seasoned entrepreneur and founder of Pet Honesty. Ben shares his journey from a U.S. Air Force satellite engineer to a successful e-commerce entrepreneur with three business exits. He discusses scaling Pet Honesty from zero to $70 million in revenue in three years, emphasizing the importance of strategic hiring, cash flow management, and leveraging a strong network. Ben also highlights the value of having an advisory board and the significance of personal development and clear vision in achieving entrepreneurial success.Here are the 3 action items that Josh identified from this episode:Focus on One Venture for Scalable GrowthInstead of spreading resources across multiple ventures, commit to one business with strong market potential. Prioritize product-market fit and allocate energy toward scaling efficiently.Hire Strategically and Build a Strong NetworkInvest in top talent early to delegate operational tasks and focus on high-level strategy. Leverage industry connections and referrals to attract skilled professionals who align with the company's vision.Manage Cash Flow Proactively for Sustainable Scaling Use creative financial strategies such as leveraging credit lines and optimizing manufacturing processes to maintain liquidity. Consider local production to secure better terms and reduce working capital requirements.  Resources mentioned in this episode:Here are the mentions with timestamps arranged by topic:Ecomm BreakthroughJosh Hadley on LinkedIneComm Breakthrough YouTubeeComm Breakthrough ConsultingeComm Breakthrough PodcastEmail Josh Hadley: Josh@eCommBreakthrough.comAmazonKickstarterLinkedInEssentialism by Greg McKeown on AmazonWho Not How on AmazonHigh Growth Handbook on AmazonThe One Thing on AmazonPet Honesty on AmazonKeith CunninghamSpecial Mention(s):Adam “Heist” Runquist on LinkedInKevin King on LinkedInMichael E. Gerber on LinkedInRelated Episode(s):“Cracking the Amazon Code: Learn From Adam Heist's Brand Scaling Secrets” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast“Kevin King's Wicked-Smart Tips for Building an Audience of Raving Fans” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast“Unlocking Entrepreneurial Greatness | Insider Secrets With E-myth Author Michael Gerber” on the eComm Breakthrough PodcastEpisode SponsorSponsor for this episode...This episode is brought to you by eComm Breakthrough Consulting where I help seven-figure e-commerce owners grow to eight figures. I started Hadley Designs in 2015 and grew it to an eight-figure brand in seven years.I made mistakes along the way that made the path to eight figures longer. At times I doubted whether our business could even survive and become a real brand. I wish I would have had a guide to help me grow faster and avoid the stumbling blocks.If you've hit a plateau and want to know the next steps to take your business to the next level, then go to www.EcommBreakthrough.com (that's Ecomm with two M's) to learn more.Transcript AreaJosh 00:00:00  Welcome to the Ecomm Breakthrough podcast. I'm your host, Josh Hadley, where I interview the top business leaders in e-commerce. Past guests include Kevin King, Aaron Cordovez and Michael Gerber, author of the E-myth. Today I am speaking with Ben Arneberg, and we're going to be talking about timeless business principles that allowed him to exit three different brands, and how he's on a journey now where he doesn't even care about money because he is focused on the intrinsic value of what he's giving back to society. I think that's everything that we all want to strive to be as entrepreneurs, and he's going to show us how he's been able to achieve that in his life. This episode is brought to you by Ecomm Breakthrough, where I specialize in investing in and scaling seven figure ecommerce brands t...

This new thing enables misogyny! Step aside coffee houses, D&D and boob armor! Learn how the newest thing once again is the worst misogyny that has ever happened to women!

Was passiert, wenn zwei Agenturgründerinnen ihre Erfahrung in Branding und Digitalmarketing nehmen — und statt für Kund:innen eine eigene Marke launchen? In dieser Folge sprechen Laurence Saunier und Marlena Hien über die Gründung von Bears with Benefits, ihr schnelles Wachstum und den Exit 2022. Sie erzählen, wie ein 3.000-Stück-Test auf Amazon zur Bestseller-Kachel wurde, warum Packaging fürs Smartphone entworfen werden muss und weshalb Bootstrapping ihnen in der Krise den Hals rettete.Wir reden über:• Amazon als Launchpad — wie Traffic, Reviews und schnelle Iteration den ersten Product-Market-Fit brachten. • Retail-Hebel: Vom Amazon-Bestseller zur Listung bei Douglas, dm & Rossmann — und wie das Vertrauen in den Handel reingetragen wurde. • Packaging = Content: Design, das auf Instagram funktioniert — und warum die Dose auf Feed & Shelf zugleich performen muss. • Bootstrapped statt VC: Warum Profitabilität in einer späteren Krise zum strategischen Vorteil wurde. • Female-First Brandbuilding: Feminine Leadership, Community-Aufbau und die Rolle von Influencer-Marketing als Performance-Hebel. • Exit & Next Steps: Warum sie verkauft haben, wie sie den Übergang gestaltet haben — und wie sie jetzt als Gründerinnen, Investorinnen und Mentorinnen weitermachen.Ein inspirierendes Gespräch über Mut, Pragmatismus und das Handwerk, aus einem Produkt eine Kulturmarke zu bauen.

Click Here to Get All Podcast Show Notes!What happens behind billion-dollar boardrooms? Sharran just walked out of three, and he's sharing the seven lessons every entrepreneur needs right now. Instead of drowning in theory or corporate jargon, Sharran distills insights from billion-dollar companies, major media platforms, and investment firms into practical strategies you can implement today.From why systems matter more than superstars to the critical role of onboarding and the difference between amateurs and professionals when it comes to automation, this episode is packed with insights that challenge conventional wisdom. If you've ever wondered what the smartest operators in the world are focused on right now, this episode gives you a front-row seat. Tune in to learn how to rethink systems, plan ahead, and create breakthroughs in your business.“Amateurs automate for efficiency. Professionals automate for accuracy.”- Sharran SrivatsaaTimestamps:01:25 - Why boards are often broken and how Sharran reframed their value05:17 - Lesson 1: Systems carry the real weight, not just talent06:40 - Lesson 2: Always design with scale in mind07:57 - Lesson 3: Iteration beats waiting for perfection09:02 - Lesson 4: Use pre-mortems to plan for failure in advance10:28 - Lesson 5: Language shapes culture–ditch acronyms and clarify terms11:43 - Lesson 6: Automate for accuracy, not just for efficiency15:10 - Lesson 7: Make “Day One” better through meaningful onboardingResources:- The Next Billion by Sharran Srivatsaa - https://sharransrivatsaa.substack.com/- Acquisition.com - https://www.acquisition.com/- Join the Future Proof Community - https://futureproofsecrets.com/- The Real Brokerage - https://www.joinreal.com/- Top Agent Power Pack - https://sharran.activehosted.com/f/121- The 5am Club - https://sharran.com/5amclub/- Join the 10K Wisdom Private Partner Podcast, now available to you for free - https://www.highlandprime.com/optin-10k-wisdom- Join Sharran's VIP Community - https://sharran.com/vip/- ARC Multifamily Real Estate...

Iteration is where breakthroughs happen. Instead of expecting yourself to nail it right away, what if you gave yourself permission to test, learn, and improve along the way? In this episode, I share how iteration creates momentum, builds confidence, and ultimately leads to results that last. Want to be in the room where it's all happening? The Vortex is open—come build from clarity, not chaos. https://www.itsambersmith.com/vortex Learn more about my private coaching experience where we talk about your unique sales process, your golden offer, and your abundance mindset: https://www.itsambersmith.com/coaching If you're interested in working together, book a call HERE. Can't wait to chat! The Lightning Alignment Journal: https://a.co/d/iiBnzAJ Gain access to my new book Quiet Wealth at: https://a.co/d/aCoGl8N

The #1 Leadership Skill No One Teaches | Chris Dyer on Company Culture & Scaling Businesses Culture isn't an afterthought—it's the foundation of every successful business. In this episode of Unemployable with Jeff Dudan, I sit down with Chris Dyer, Inc. Magazine's #1 leadership speaker on company culture, elite water polo athlete, and author of The Power of Company Culture. We explore how to build scalable culture from day one, why meetings reveal the truth about leadership, and how to balance people and performance metrics in fast-growth companies. Chris shares his seven pillars of culture, insights on remote work, and why AI is reshaping how leaders think about the future of business. If you're a startup founder, entrepreneur, franchise owner, or leader looking to create a team that thrives—this conversation will change the way you think about leadership.

The #1 Leadership Skill No One Teaches | Chris Dyer on Company Culture & Scaling Businesses Culture isn't an afterthought—it's the foundation of every successful business. In this episode of Unemployable with Jeff Dudan, I sit down with Chris Dyer, Inc. Magazine's #1 leadership speaker on company culture, elite water polo athlete, and author of The Power of Company Culture. We explore how to build scalable culture from day one, why meetings reveal the truth about leadership, and how to balance people and performance metrics in fast-growth companies. Chris shares his seven pillars of culture, insights on remote work, and why AI is reshaping how leaders think about the future of business. If you're a startup founder, entrepreneur, franchise owner, or leader looking to create a team that thrives—this conversation will change the way you think about leadership.

Welcome to the 8020 Baseball Podcast, where Coach Bo shares a direct path to becoming a great youth baseball coach by combining his 20+ years of baseball coaching experience with his 20+ years of unique teaching experience, while also drawing on his experiences playing youth, HS, collegiate, and professional baseball.A deep level of baseball knowledge, combined with universal strategies such as the 80/20 Principle, gives this podcast a uniquely advanced approach to mastering all the key parts of coaching youth baseball.The podcast combines solo episodes with high-quality interviews featuring individuals who share specific, actionable strategies for youth baseball coaches. New episodes every Tuesday!Head over to ⁠8020BASEBALL.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and get the newly launched COACHING PLAN and the free 21-page Drill Design Guide PDF.The best ways to support the podcast are to share it with a friend and leave a review. Thank you.

Pritesh Patel, Director of AI at Fisher Phillips, joins The Tech Trek to unpack how AI is reshaping knowledge-based businesses and what that means for industries like law, consulting, and beyond. From shifting revenue models to practical adoption challenges, Pritesh shares how firms can embrace AI early, stay competitive, and unlock new opportunities. This episode is a roadmap for leaders who want to move from incremental efficiency to real transformation.Key Takeaways• AI is disrupting the traditional “revenue per person” model, pushing knowledge firms toward more outcome-driven approaches• Early adoption matters: experimenting now gives companies a competitive edge rather than playing catch-up later• Success in AI transformation starts with deeply understanding business outcomes, not just implementing new tools• Human expertise will remain essential, but AI will free professionals to focus on higher-level, creative problem-solving• Iteration speed is a critical advantage: nimble firms can innovate faster than larger, slower-moving competitorsTimestamped Highlights01:32 – Defining knowledge-based businesses and why AI is changing the game04:33 – How old business models are being disrupted by automation and new expectations08:55 – Translating technical expertise into outcomes that resonate with non-technical stakeholders14:23 – A framework for identifying high-impact opportunities before choosing a technology solution16:34 – Building an innovation engine through fast prototyping and iteration21:16 – The role of trust, validation, and regulation in the future of AI-powered knowledge workQuote of the Episode“You don't want to be in a situation where you're adapting late because of competition. If you start early, you can shape the future of your industry instead of reacting to it.” — Pritesh PatelPro Tips• Focus first on business outcomes, not technology. Identify the most impactful functions, then explore how AI can enhance them• Use prototyping to spark ideas and build momentum. A working demo creates buy-in faster than presentationsCall to ActionIf this conversation sparked ideas about how AI could reshape your business, share the episode with a colleague who would benefit. Subscribe to The Tech Trek for more conversations with leaders driving the future of technology, and connect with us on LinkedIn to continue the discussion.

In dieser Folge sprechen Oliver und Alois über KI im Mittelstand und die Lücke zwischen Hype und tatsächlicher Nutzung. Der Mittelstand bleibt Rückgrat der Wirtschaft, kämpft aber mit Legacy-Systemen und Generationenwechsel. Ihr Vorschlag: nicht im Kernprozess starten, sondern in begleitenden Bereichen wie Service oder Vertrieb einen klaren Schmerzpunkt wählen, diesen als 12-Wochen-Pilot mit Vorher-nachher-Messung testen und daraus lernen. Die Modelle werden iterativ reifer, kleine spezialisierte Varianten reichen oft; entscheidend sind saubere Abläufe, verlässliche Daten, klare Verantwortlichkeiten und einfache Regeln für Qualität und Sicherheit. Technisch pragmatisch bleiben: offene Modelle dort betreiben, wo es sinnvoll ist, für komplexere Fälle APIs nutzen, Kosten, Datenschutz und Lock-in im Blick. Europa bietet genügend Bausteine und Partner – Abwarten ist keine Strategie. Fazit: jetzt starten, klein und messbar vorgehen, den eigenen KI- und Datenmuskel aufbauen und Schritt für Schritt Wirkung erzielen.Wesentliche Learnings• Nicht warten, jetzt starten – klein, risikoarm, messbar• Erst außerhalb des Kernprozesses beginnen (z. B. Service, Vertrieb)• Drei KPIs definieren (Antwortzeit, Lösungsquote, Zufriedenheit) und Vorher-nachher vergleichen• 12-Wochen-Pilot: erst Mitarbeitende unterstützen, dann Routinefälle teilautomatisieren• Qualität vor Größe: kleines Senior-Kernteam, das KI-Werkzeuge souverän nutzt• Governance früh klären: Datenzugriffe, Verantwortlichkeiten, Review/Freigaben• Abhängigkeiten reduzieren: Hybrid fahren, Tokenkosten und Lock-in aktiv managen• KI- und Datenkompetenz zur Chefaufgabe machen und regelmäßig trainieren• Europäische Optionen prüfen und Partner einbinden statt auf „das eine“ Modell zu warten• Iteration akzeptieren: kein Big Bang, sondern stetige, messbare Verbesserungen

In episode 84, we talk with Chris Van Dusen, Senior Partner at Solyco Capital, about smart capital, the world of entrepreneurship, taking products to market, and the famous conference, Hampton's Tech Week. I hope you enjoy the show!0:41 Maddie & Maureen Debrief3:39 Who is Chris Van Dusen?4:23 Accessing smart capital6:51 Pre-revenue and risk-adjusted returns8:41 Finding investors – Hamptons Tech Week Conference9:47 Scaling human potential mapping & AI.IO: Athlete scouting & player development15:00 Content creation that drives business through social media distribution channels18:01 Investor, business, customer ecosystem19:25 Humanizing product/market fit20:35 Do you have grit to grow? Romanticizing entrepreneurship22:20 Westgate's Main Event27:00 Iteration as the next innovation29:47 Entrepreneurship is hard31:40 Wrap up, contact info, and favorite restaurant (Joey's in Newport Beach; Nobu restaurants worldwide)Westgate Executive BrandingOur Main Event!Listen on SpotifyListen on Apple Podcasts

When the AI wave hit, Jabeen Zaidi, founder of Spring AI, faced that exact storm. Competing against giants like Adobe and Canva, she sat down with Collin on an episode of the Predictable Revenue Podcast to discuss how Spring gained traction by starting small, earning user trust, and iterating with honest feedback instead of chasing hype. If you're building in AI, crypto, or any market where trends move faster than teams, these lessons will help you survive long enough to grow. Highlights include: The Leap into Entrepreneurship (03:19), Market Research and Validation (04:07), Feedback and Iteration (08:19), Customer Validation and Use Cases (13:09), and more... Stay updated with our podcast and the latest insights in Outbound Sales and Go-to-Market Strategies!

Today, I'm talking with Kolton Andrus, CEO and Founder of Gremlin. You may remember previously when we spoke with Matt, the prior CTO of the company. Since that time frame, a lot has changed at the company, going through several arcs and foundational changes that are leading to not only assessing weaknesses in your infrastructure, but walking you through how to fix it (and eventually, fixing it for you).Questions:Tell us a little bit of an overview about you.Your time at Amazon & Netflix were big influences on the importance of chaos engineering and reliability testing. Can you tell me what was so foundational about your time there?What is next iteration of Gremlin? What has changed in the platform primarily? Tell me about the arcs of the company here.In 2022, there was a leadership transition and you increased your focus on the product. What are some of the most exciting developments that came from these last 3 years?Where does AI fit into Chaos Engineering? And where does it not fit? Can you unpack your viewpoint here?What are you most excited about in the next chapter for Gremlin, and for the broader SRE space?What advice would you give a founder just getting started?I couldn't be more excited about the future of Gremlin. Given the arcs the company has gone through, it's evident that Kolton has built foundational layers into the platform, and is steering the ship towards responsible chaos engineering, reliability, automation and much more.Thank you for listening to today's episode. If you'd like to learn more about Gremlin, please visit gremlin.com.SponsorsPaddle.comSema SoftwarePropelAuthPostmanMeilisearchMailtrap.TECH Domains (https://get.tech/codestory)Linkshttps://www.gremlin.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/kolton-andrus-77315a2/https://codestory.co/podcast/e9-matt-fornaciari-gremlin/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/code-story/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this solo episode, Matej breaks down the new rules of user acquisition for mobile games in 2025, backed by real survey data from 20,000+ newsletter subs and hundreds of UA managers. Full report: https://lancaric.substack.com/p/q1-2025-brutally-honest-ua-reportFrom channel splits and rewarded UA to the creative volume arms race, fraud, AI hacks, and why your next UA hire needs to be a creative prompt engineer, nothing is off the table. This is the data-driven, brutally honest update the industry needs.What's inside:UA Channel Reality: Most studios still pump 80 percent of spend into Facebook and Google, even when running across nine channels and doing seven million a year. Some are forced to pause Facebook or shift heavy budgets to Applovin—yet diversification is still rare and risky.Rewarded UA Surge: Rewarded UA channels are exploding, with more vendors than ever. The scale is better, but fraud and LTV prediction remain massive headaches. Retention falls off after D7, so you need tougher targets, multi-step offers, and real post-install engagement to make the math work.Creative Arms Race: The volume of creatives needed has never been higher. The best ad-monetized games now pump out 2,000+ creatives a quarter—more shots on goal, more winners, and more chance to beat your “stuck” top creative. Iteration and refresh speed is everything.AI Eats Creative: AI-generated creatives, AI UGC, and meta-style hooks are not a trend—they're the new default. The best teams use AI to pump out, localize, and iterate hooks, voiceovers, and even UGC cameos faster than ever.Creative Testing & Skills: Most teams test new creatives by launching them straight into BAU (business as usual) campaigns, rather than in separate tests. TikTok and Apple, not just Facebook, are where new winners show up. If your UA manager can't write a killer AI prompt, you're already behind.Key Takeaway:2025 is not about more channels or smarter spend—it's about creative firepower, AI leverage, and hiring UA pros who are part prompt engineer, part analyst, part storyteller. Copy the benchmarks, scale the winners, and never stop refreshing.Get our MERCH NOW: 25gamers.com/shop---------------------------------------Vibe. Vibe is the leading Streaming TV ad platform for small and medium-sized businesses looking for actionable advertising campaign performance.https://www.vibe.co/---------------------------------------This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let's not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej Lancaric⁠Youtube: https://youtu.be/8tC8hnnDbiwJoin our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2um8eguhf-c~H9idcxM271mnPzdWbipgChapters00:00 Introduction to the State of User Acquisition04:19 Key Findings from the UA Survey07:12 Current Trends in User Acquisition Channels10:09 Challenges in Rewarded User Acquisition13:19 Creative Strategies for Effective User Acquisition16:12 The Role of AI in Creative Production19:22 Testing and Iterating Creatives22:22 Future Skills for User Acquisition Managers25:05 Conclusion and Final Thoughts---------------------------------------Matej LancaricUser Acquisition & Creatives Consultant⁠https://lancaric.meFelix BrabergAd monetization consultant⁠https://www.felixbraberg.comJakub RemiarGame design consultant⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar---------------------------------------Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!Please share feedback and comments - matej@lancaric.me

Ever wonder what happens when two small-town dreamers return home with fresh eyes and big ideas? Ryan and Chad Whaley's journey from PR professionals to the owners of the vibrant Paddle Bar in Sandusky, Ohio reveals exactly what's possible when vision meets opportunity.The Whaleys saw potential where others saw decay. After careers that took them to Colorado's ski resorts, they returned to their hometown with entrepreneurial fire and immediately recognized what many locals had overlooked – Sandusky's waterfront was a blank canvas full of possibility. "It took traveling and living elsewhere to see it," Ryan explains, describing the moment they stood on the shore looking at empty buildings and wondering why nobody was capitalizing on this stunning location.Their entrepreneurial path wasn't straight – starting with a PR firm, then opening the Volstead Bar (a speakeasy with mysterious green lights indicating available seating), and finally creating the Paddle Bar, which itself morphed from an outdoor equipment store with a 32-foot climbing wall into a thriving waterfront establishment with Key West vibes. What makes their story particularly compelling is their willingness to pivot when opportunities presented themselves. As Chad puts it, "The bar kind of swallowed the rest of the shop," and they were smart enough to let it happen.Behind their success lies intentional hospitality culture. From carrying specific beers that trigger vacation memories to ensuring that every customer receives immediate acknowledgment upon entering, they've created what sociologists call a "third place" where locals and tourists blend seamlessly. But don't let their casual vibe fool you – they've learned to become plumbers, electricians, and problem-solvers who'll show up at 3 AM to fix a sensor because "you can't run the next day if it's not fixed."The brothers' approach to securing investment offers valuable lessons too. Rather than rigid business plans, they presented flexible options while demonstrating their adaptability. "Be yourself," Ryan advises potential entrepreneurs. "An investor is going to want to bet on you."Check out the Paddle Bar next time you're in Sandusky – with its fresh-squeezed juice cocktails, relaxed atmosphere, and brothers who transformed not just a building but helped spark their hometown's renaissance. As Ryan says about Sandusky's revitalization, "We're only halfway up the hill, we're not even at the top yet" – and that's exactly what makes this journey worth following.Guest Links: https://www.facebook.com/PaddleBarSanduskyMain Street Reimagined:Facebook: facebook.com/MainStreetReimaginedThe Main Street Reimagined Podcast, Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqfkmF5bRH0od1d3iiYKs3oEn_gvMYk7NHenry Development Group:Facebook: facebook.com/henrydevelopmentgroupWebsite: www.henrydevelopmentgroup.comDeveloping News Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/33110524eb5c/developing-newsLuke Henry:LinkedIn: linkedin.com/luhenryFacebook: facebook.com/luke.henry.148#DowntownRevitalization #LocalBusiness #Entrepreneurship #GreenDoorMedia #VolsteadBar #PaddleBar #SnapshotsOfSuccess #SmallTownBigVision #RustBeltRising

Zwei Pauls, eine Mission: KI neu denken. In dieser Episode spricht Benjamin von Paul's Job mit Paul Wagner von Teamwork über den echten Einsatz von agentischer KI in Unternehmen. Was kann ein KI-Agent wie „Paul“ wirklich? Welche Prozesse lassen sich automatisieren – und was bleibt (vorerst) menschlich? Die beiden teilen ihre Erfahrungen aus der Praxis, sprechen über Fehlerkultur, Systemgrenzen und warum echtes KI-Produktdesign viel mehr mit Neugier und Iteration zu tun hat als mit bloßer Technik. Eine ehrliche, tiefgründige Folge für alle, die Agenten nicht nur als Buzzword sehen.Mehr zu Paul und Teamwork:https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-wagner-457341280/https://www.linkedin.com/company/teamwork-instore-services-gmbh/https://www.teamwork-germany.com/unsere-leistungen/Paul's Job:⁠https://paulsjob.ai/⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/paulsjob/⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/paulsjob/⁠https://www.youtube.com/@paulsjob/featuredHR Visionaries International:https://open.spotify.com/show/2uwo54DBhRdeVdmqKocnXT?si=54383b1a24af4ac2https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/hr-visionaries-international/id1711042208https://www.youtube.com/@paulsjob/featured

Episode Title: From Burnout to Breakthrough: Building Better Engineering Teams with Thanos DiacakisGuest: Thanos DiacakisHost: Virginia PurnellPodcast: Entrepreneur ConundrumLinks & Resources:Website: https://www.cosmicteacups.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thanosd/Download: 7 Mental Models for Software DevelopmentWhat You'll Hear in This Episode:How Thanos turned early startup experience into a career of helping software teams scaleCommon misconceptions about engineering productivityThe four types of work all software teams should balanceWhy going “faster” often starts with doing lessThanos' ABCD framework: Iteration, Quality, Complexity, PlanningThe truth about burnout, identity, and finding joy in software againBest advice Thanos has ever received—and givenHis favorite book (Changing on the Job) and favorite movie (A Few Good Men)Ideal For:Startup founders with growing engineering teamsCTOs and engineering managers facing team burnout or delivery delaysAnyone curious about the intersection of software development and team healthSubscribe & Review:Love what you hear? Subscribe to Entrepreneur Conundrum and leave a review to help more founders find their flow.Key Questions(01:12) How did you end up on this journey and where you are today?(02:32) Who's your ideal client today?(04:00) How do you get in front of these people?(08:12) What are a couple of big goals that you're looking to achieve in the next year or two?(09:00) How would that affect your business?(09:41) So I think you've already touched on all of the questions about how to deliver software faster by doing less. I think we talked about that with time allocation, right? Is there anything else that you wanted to touch on?(15:36) Is working with you an ongoing long term aspect, or is it for a certain time It will usually start with some engagement to the tune of six months.(17:52) Is it hard to find where the bottleneck is in the software?(20:16) What is the best advice that you have ever received?(21:30) What's the best advice you've ever given?(23:35) I have that question, too, because you've done quite a few startups, and you have a family and stuff like So do you have any tips on how you were able to try to have that balance?(25:57) Is there anything else that you would like to talk about that we haven't yet?(26:10) What is your favorite book and movie?(29:21) Where can we go to learn more about you and what you do?Thanos Diacakishttps://www.cosmicteacups.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/thanosd/Virginia PurnellFunnel & Visibility SpecialistDistinct Digital Marketing(833) 762-5336virginia@distinctdigitalmarketing.comwww.distinctdigitalmarketing.comwww.distinctdigitalmarketing.co

In this new episode of The Truth In This Art, Henry Hyde—artisan and owner of Hyde Handmade Knives—returns to talk craft, community, and creating work that resonates.Known for his kitchen knives and meticulous approach to materials, Henry reflects on the evolution of his process, from isolating early days in a factory during the pandemic to searching for real connection at local craft shows. We discuss the emotional realities of working alone, the value of hands-on feedback over fleeting online attention, and why practical iteration beats perfectionism.Navigating solitude and the creative processChoosing craftsmanship over mass attentionEmbracing feedback at markets and in personLetting go of perfectionism and releasing finished workThe balance between woodworking, tinkering, and knife making

Paul Becker, Gründer von LIQID und re:cap, spricht mit Chris Püllen über die Unterschiede in der Produktfindung zwischen B2C- und B2B-Fintech. Mit einer frischen Series A Finanzierung teilt Paul, wie man trotz Balance-Sheet-Komponente erfolgreich Investoren überzeugt und warum qualitatives Feedback wichtiger ist als schnelle Iteration. Was du lernst: Wie re:cap durch Bestandsinvestoren die Series A in schwierigem Marktumfeld sicherte Warum Fintech-Fundraising anders ist als klassisches B2B-SaaS Die Bedeutung von qualitativer Produktvalidierung vs. schneller Iteration Wie man vom ersten Konzept zur Marktreife kommt ALLES ZU UNICORN BAKERY: https://zez.am/unicornbakery  Paul Becker & Chris Püllen findest du hier: re:cap: https://www.re-cap.com/de Paul: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulbckr/Chris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisnaro/ naro: https://www.naroiq.com/  Join our Founder Tactics Newsletter: 2x die Woche bekommst du die Taktiken der besten Gründer der Welt direkt ins Postfach: https://www.tactics.unicornbakery.de/ 

In this candid episode, Kelly shares a behind-the-scenes story about how a string of mismanaged logistics, broken agreements, and skyrocketing costs at a luxury hotel led to a major shift in her business model - and a powerful lesson about burnout, boundaries, and making executive decisions to prevent burnout.  What began as a stressful event planning experience turned into a breakthrough moment that resulted in a full overhaul of Kelly's live event strategy. Now, she's running more impactful, accessible, and profitable events - all without sacrificing joy, client experience, or her mental well-being. If you feel like you've been forcing a part of your business to work (even when it's clearly broken), this episode will give you permission to stop spinning your wheels, and start reinventing. TIMESTAMPS: 01:20 – Why burnout is the most dangerous threat to your business 04:00 – Learning to prevent burnout, not just respond to it 06:40 – The hotel event disaster: broken promises, rising costs, and poor service 17:45 – The radical pivot: shifting to alternative venues and brand sponsorships for lower overhead costs, more flexibility and control 24:30 – Making high-level retreats more accessible and affordable for clients 27:05 – The deeper lesson: when iteration isn't enough, it's time for reinvention 29:00 – Why joy should never be the cost of your next growth phase KEY TAKEAWAYS: Burnout doesn't just happen from overwork. It happens when misaligned systems wear you down Iteration isn't always the answer; sometimes you need a total reinvention Being decisive in making executive decisions protect your energy and your impact Creating accessible, profitable events can be done without selling from stage When your business model starts to feel heavy, it's time to question the structure - not your mission RESOURCES: Grab your ticket to CALLED TO LEAD, hosted by Kelly Roach and Sandi Glandt, on September 25th in South Florida: https://www.sandiglandt.com/called-to-lead  Download Kelly's FREE Reinvention Playbook: https://thekellyroach.com/reinvention  Follow Kelly on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellyroachofficial/  Follow Kelly on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kelly.roach.520/ 

Ollie Connolly, who writes the Read Optional newsletter and for The Guardian, joins The Alec Lewis Show to talk about the 2025 Vikings. They discuss his evaluation for J.J. McCarthy coming out of Michigan, McCarthy's fit with Kevin O'Connell, Brian Flores's new-look defense and more. This show is presented by First Resource Bank, which serves the needs of small businesses, entrepreneurs, and individuals in the Twin Cities and surrounding areas. For more information, here is their website: https://myfrbank.com/ And here is a link to all of their locations! https://myfrbank.com/locations-hours/ Also, GIVEAWAY details: — Follow @AlecLewisShow on Instagram & X: https://www.instagram.com/aleclewisshow/ — Subscribe to YouTube channel — Like this post: https://x.com/alec_lewis/status/1937192647149383771 On Ep. 95 of @AlecLewisShow, @alec_lewis talks to @OllieConnolly about J.J. McCarthy's arm, Brian Flores's defense and more:

This week's podcast is about how Alibaba's Amap quickly dethroned market leader Baidu Maps.You can listen to this podcast here, which has the slides and graphics mentioned. Also available at iTunes and Google Podcasts.Here is the link to the TechMoat Consulting.Here is the link to our Tech Tours.Here is the Amap case study.My summary of the Alibaba Management Playbook:Diagnose the problem: Stagnant growth? Negative NPS? Low engagement?1-Unwavering focus on customer value. Re-clarify customer value. This includes:Customer segmentation. Who are you targeting? What are you after (revenue)? Traffic? Data (Amap)?What do they most care about? Map out the process.Is what customers want changing? Tech change? PC to mobile changed what maps could do.What is the competitor offering and how you are going to take their customers?2-Fix the Big Pain Points. Requires Data-Driven Decision Making and Iteration.3-Do cultural change and increased communication and coordination.4-Agile teams and tactics are key. Tactical brilliance and guerrilla execution.5-Have early wins.6-Build a powerful biz model or operating flywheel.--------- I write, speak and consult about how to win (and not lose) in digital strategy and transformation.I am the founder of TechMoat Consulting, a boutique consulting firm that helps retailers, brands, and technology companies exploit digital change to grow faster, innovate better and build digital moats. Get in touch here.My book series Moats and Marathons is one-of-a-kind framework for building and measuring competitive advantages in digital businesses.This content (articles, podcasts, website info) is not investment, legal or tax advice. The information and opinions from me and any guests may be incorrect. The numbers and information may be wrong. The views expressed may no longer be relevant or accurate. This is not investment advice. Investing is risky. Do your own research.Support the show

Patrick Haede, Gründer von Superscale, spricht über den Weg von seinem erfolgreichen Agenturgeschäft Sonic zu einem KI-getriebenen Marketing-Tool. Patrick teilt, wie sein Team in nur vier Monaten eine 5-Millionen-Euro-Finanzierung sicherte und ein Produkt entwickelte, das Marketing-Prozesse revolutioniert. Er gibt tiefe Einblicke in die Herausforderungen der AI-Transformation, Produktentwicklung in der KI-Ära und die Balance zwischen Startup und Familie. Was du lernst: Von der Agentur zum AI-Startup: Wie Sonic mit 2 Millionen Euro Jahresumsatz zu Superscale wurde Warum die AI-Revolution traditionelle Agenturmodelle disruptet Produktentwicklung in der KI-Ära: Wie sich Entwicklungszyklen und User-Interfaces durch AI fundamental ändern Warum wöchentliche Releases und schnelle Iteration entscheidend sind Fundraising und Team: Wie Superscale in nur 6 Tagen eine Pre-Seed-Runde abschloss Die Bedeutung von Produktdemos statt klassischer Pitch Decks Work-Life-Balance als Gründer: Wie Patrick Familie und Startup unter einen Hut bringt Praktische Tipps für effizientes Zeitmanagement und Fitness Technische Skalierung: Learnings aus dem Produktlaunch und API-Limits Wie man eine technische Infrastruktur für schnelles Wachstum aufbaut ALLES ZU UNICORN BAKERY: https://zez.am/unicornbakery  Mehr zu Patrick: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrickhaede/  Website: https://www.superscale.ai/  Join our Founder Tactics Newsletter: 2x die Woche bekommst du die Taktiken der besten Gründer der Welt direkt ins Postfach: https://www.tactics.unicornbakery.de/  Kapitel: (00:00:00) Was hat sich bei Patrick getan, seit Sonic umgestellt wurde? (00:02:54) Von Sonic zu Superscale (00:06:54) Die Art, Produkte zu nutzen: Veränderungen und Learnings (00:14:56) Voraussetzungen für den Produktlaunch (00:21:35) Veränderungen im Tech-Stack (00:34:40) Optimale Kanäle für den Launch (00:37:45) Datenaufbereitung für Learnings und Feedback (00:43:32) Kundenavatare und ihre Relevanz fürs Produkt (00:52:51) Wie läuft Fundraising als Serial Founder? (01:07:34) Arbeitszeit vs. Familienzeit (01:13:56) Kernworkout als Gründer (01:20:15) Wie sichert Superscale Progress?

In this episode of Brands On Brands, personal branding coach Brandon Birkmeyer shares his experience preparing a prerecorded virtual keynote speech for a large international conference.   He discusses the challenges and lessons learned from experimenting with different presentation setups and overcoming obstacles in recording and editing. Brandon emphasizes the importance of experimenting with various formats, the role of continuous iteration in refining ideas, and how these practices contribute to better communication and creativity.   Looking for help on clarifying your message and creating more content? Set up a free 15-minute chat with Brandon and get your questions answered! www.brandsonbrands.com/chat   00:00 Introduction and Keynote Experience 01:30 Setting Up for Success: Experimenting with Recording 03:28 Overcoming Technical Challenges 05:18 Editing and Enhancing the Presentation 07:10 Lessons Learned and Future Applications 08:12 The Power of Iteration 09:56 Conclusion and Final Thoughts   This is the Brands On Brands Podcast with Brandon Birkmeyer Don't forget to get your own personal branding scorecard at: https://www.brandsonbrands.com/scorecard CONNECT WITH ME Connect with me on social media: https://www.brandsonbrands.com/mylinks READ MY BOOK - FRONT & CENTER LEADERSHIP I launched a new book and author website. Check it out here. https://www.brandonbirkmeyer.com/fcl CHECK OUT MY COURSES Get tactical trainings and access to one-on-one coaching! https://www.brandsonbrands.com/courses SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSLETTER Get the latest news and trends on all things personal branding and the creator economy. https://www.brandsonbrands.com/newsletter

What's the point of innovation?In this solo episode, Brandon Bartneck reflects on what innovation actually means—and why the version we celebrate most (flashy tech, hype cycles, moonshots) often misses the point. Drawing from personal experience at Boeing, Bose, and multiple advanced tech sectors, Brandon shares why he's now more energized leading engineering at a spring company than he's ever been before.This isn't innovation theater. It's real work, with real people, solving hard problems that actually matter.Brandon breaks down his first-principles approach to innovation:• Make things better for people, especially operators• Advance the manufacturing ecosystem, particularly in overlooked small/mid-sized companies• Contribute to long-term economic value through a sustainable moatAlong the way, he explores the difference between adding technology vs. creating value, why simple gravity-fed solutions might beat flashy automation, and what real engineering fulfillment looks like in practice.This is a grounded, honest take on innovation from someone who's lived both ends of the spectrum—and now knows exactly where the magic really is.Key Takeaways:Innovation isn't about headlines or hype. It's about solving meaningful problems.True innovation starts with knowing what you're optimizing for.Real-world engineering constraints sharpen creativity and impact.Flashy tech can be a distraction. Simpler, thoughtful solutions often win.Innovation should create value for people, companies, and communities—not just press releases.There's deep fulfillment in solving problems others overlook.Links & Resources:More episodesConnect with BrandonListen on Apple PodcastsListen on Spotify

This week on the No Film School Podcast, GG Hawkins sits down with Pete Docter, Chief Creative Officer at Pixar Animation Studios and the visionary behind films like Monsters, Inc., Up, Inside Out, and Soul. The conversation dives deep into the creative process behind Pixar's latest original feature Elio, and how Pixar's iterative storytelling model has evolved over the years. Pete shares actionable insights on how filmmakers—whether working at a major studio or independently—can embrace change, vulnerability, and creative discovery to build resonant stories. In this episode, No Film School's GG Hawkins and guest Pete Docter discuss... How Pete Docter chose Pixar over Disney and The Simpsons early in his career The iterative story process at Pixar and how it has shaped Elio The importance of balancing imaginative worlds with relatable emotional storytelling How Pixar greenlights projects by betting on people rather than ideas The evolving leadership strategies that support creativity and collaboration Why vulnerability is key to character empathy and story resonance How emerging filmmakers can use these Pixar principles in their own work Memorable Quotes: "Go to a small place where one person has a huge effect." "Every idea is good until you have to tell it to somebody else." "At some point, it is more about tenacity than talent." "Don't try to make and analyze at the same time." Guests: Pete Docter Resources: Pixar's Elio Find No Film School everywhere: On the Web: No Film School Facebook: No Film School on Facebook Twitter: No Film School on Twitter YouTube: No Film School on YouTube Instagram: No Film School on Instagram

On the podcast we talk with Charlie about why React Native has become the default for VC-funded apps, how AI is accelerating development cycles, and why speed of iteration matters more than programming language.Top Takeaways:⚡ Instant iteration cycles unlock agility React Native and Expo supercharge development by collapsing long build times into mere seconds. With tools like Expo Go enabling live updates, teams can experiment, test, and improve their apps in real time. This instant feedback loop fuels innovation, cuts dev time, and helps startups move faster than ever.

Fundraising in 2025 isn't business as usual. James Varela, Partner at Rede Partners and Head of MENA, joins us to break down what it really takes to raise capital from LPs—especially in the Middle East. We talk DPI pressure, LP targeting, co-investments, how to build credibility in emerging markets, and the biggest mistake GPs still make when pitching. Whether you're struggling or oversubscribed, this one's for you.[00:00] Intro to James Varela and focus on capital raising in the Middle East.[00:30] James' 15+ years in capital raising across PE, infra, credit, and real estate.[01:26] Fundraising remains tough—macroeconomics and low DPI are key issues.[02:21] LPs cautious; focus shifting to GP quality and DPI visibility.[03:13] GPs turning to NAV lending and creative liquidity tools.[04:05] 66% of LPs now cite DPI as their top investment metric.[04:31] Strong fundraises begin 12 months out—prep is everything.[05:00] Nail your equity story—what sets you apart?[05:26] Focus on LPs where your strategy fits—don't spray and pray.[05:55] Transparency and respect matter more than past returns.[06:26] GPs often fail to systematize and name their edge.[07:25] LPs want proof—not theory—of execution and outcomes.[08:24] Plan 2–3 years out for Middle East fundraising; co-invests are key.[08:55] Content > presence—show up with something to say.[09:52] LPs want honest differentiation, not polished fluff.[10:51] Share what went wrong and what changed—credibility counts.[11:44] Most firms struggle from poor positioning, not poor product.[12:14] Systems reduce risk, especially for global firms.[13:37] Frameworks matter—manage what's out of your control.[14:07] Even top performers can fail at storytelling.[15:02] Reframing the narrative can unlock overlooked value.[16:26] Fundraising is marketing—Rory Sutherland's Alchemy cited.[17:22] Iteration is painful but critical—change takes work.[18:20] LPs care about the future, not just past returns.[19:09] Big firms re-entering mid and small-cap to chase alpha.[19:37] Middle East mistakes: wrong timing, same pitch, poor targeting.[20:34] Use portfolio milestones as conversation openers.[21:04] GCC LPs want both long-term trust and large co-invests.[21:59] Vision and culture alignment matter just as much.[22:29] Targeting is everything—don't chase irrelevant LPs.[22:59] LPs prefer North America, large GPs, proven track records.[23:57] Specialization and sector depth are rising priorities.[24:55] AI and tech are hot in the UAE—substance still matters.[25:54] Growing appetite for GP stakes from Middle East LPs.[26:21] Europe gaining ground as LPs move down-market.[27:14] Top reads: Alchemy, Acquired, Diary of a CEO, Tools of Titans, Atomic Habits.[29:05] Final thoughts: fundraising is either brutal—or it's fine. Nothing in between.Connect with James Varela on LinkedIn. Thanks for tuning in.Subscribe for more episodes on  iTunes & SpotifyGot feedback or questions? Email Alex at alex.rawlings@raw-selection.com. Until next time—keep smashing it!Raw Selection partners with Private Equity firms and their portfolio com

#446 Dive deep with Adam, founder of EOCworks, on the intricacies of cold outreach and email marketing. Adam, who has never worked a true corporate job and successfully sold his first startup through cold email outreach, shares his journey and the critical role cold email played in landing major clients like Bank of America and Amazon. They discuss the importance of setting up dedicated domains for email outreach, the evolution and optimization of cold email strategies, including the use of tools like Instantly.ai and Clay.ai for advanced personalization. Adam provides a step-by-step guide on structuring effective cold emails, the significance of timely follow-ups, and ensuring successful meeting bookings. He also reveals unique hacks like incorporating a charity PS to improve response rates. Ideal for entrepreneurs eager to proactively scale their outreach efforts. (Original Air Date - 7/24/24) What we discuss with Adam: + The Power of Cold Email + Overcoming the Stigma of Cold Outreach + Early Experiences with Cold Email + Scaling Cold Email Efforts + Setting Up for Cold Email Success + Legalities and Automation in Cold Outreach + Proactive vs. Reactive Marketing + Personalized vs. Automated Emails + The Importance of Iteration and Testing + Managing Large Lead Lists + Crafting Effective Outreach Emails + Advanced Email Personalization Techniques + Booking Meetings Efficiently Links and resources from this episode: ⁠Instantly.ai⁠ for sending cold email and buying cold outreach lists. Learn more about the ⁠Can-Spam Act⁠. Thank you, Adam! Check out Adam's business, EOCWorks, ⁠HERE! ⁠ For more information go to⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ MillionaireUniversity.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ To get access to our FREE Business Training course go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MillionaireUniversity.com/training.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ And follow us on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tik Tok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ To get exclusive offers mentioned in this episode and to support the show, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠millionaireuniversity.com/sponsors⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://nordvpn.com/millionaire⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! Want to hear from more incredible entrepreneurs? Check out all of our interviews ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Andrew is joined by Sean Henry, CEO and founder of Stord, a major player in omnichannel fulfillment and supply chain technology. In this episode, Sean shares his incredible entrepreneurial journey, which started by selling Christmas presents on eBay at age seven to launching Stord in 2015 as a student at Georgia Tech. In this episode, he reflects on the company's early days, turning points, and what's next following Stord's recent $200 million fundraise and major acquisition of Ware2Go from UPS.In this episode, you'll hear from Sean on:How a few Christmas sales on eBay, plus a few other ventures, sparked his entrepreneurial drive and how mentors like Ted Alling shaped his approach to leadership.The founding premise of Stord: helping brands compete with Amazon-level logistics by offering flexible, tech-powered fulfillment solutions.How Stord evolved from an asset-light model to owning facilities and building a robust software platform to deliver a Prime-like experience to companies of all sizes.What it takes to make big business decisions, including how he thinks through market shifts, customer obsession, and staying committed to a long-term vision.His advice for entrepreneurs: don't be afraid to ask, learn from people one step ahead, and “just start.” Iteration and momentum are everything.Follow The Freight Pod and host Andrew Silver on LinkedIn.*** This episode is brought to you by Rapido Solutions Group. I had the pleasure of working with Danny Frisco and Roberto Icaza at Coyote, as well as being a client of theirs more recently at MoLo. Their team does a great job supplying nearshore talent to brokers, carriers, and technology providers to handle any role necessary, be it customer or carrier support, back office, or tech services. Visit gorapido.com to learn more. A special thanks to our additional sponsors: Cargado – Cargado is the first platform that connects logistics companies and trucking companies that move freight into and out of Mexico. Visit cargado.com to learn more. Greenscreens.ai – Greenscreens.ai is the AI-powered pricing and market intelligence tool transforming how freight brokers price freight. Visit greenscreens.ai/freightpod today! Metafora – Metafora is a technology consulting firm that has delivered value for over a decade to brokers, shippers, carriers, private equity firms, and freight tech companies. Check them out at metafora.net. ***

Imagine this: you've finally finished building your product after countless late nights. The code works, the demo is ready, and your first prospect is waiting. Your heart races because you know one thing for sure: if this person says no, nothing else matters. On this episode of the Grow Your B2B SaaS Podcast, host Joran Hofman chats with Zoltan Vardy, founder of The Launch Code, about why this exact moment is so important. As a founder, you're not just pitching a product—you are the product's voice, its story, and its proof. Customers don't care about fancy features or your funding round. They care about solving their pain. And when that pain is real, they need someone who truly understands it—you. Founder-led sales give you the chance to connect directly with buyers, test your messaging, and build trust in ways no marketing tool can. According to Zoltan, it's not just about selling. It's about leading with purpose, listening deeply, and learning fast. If you're not leading the charge, you're missing the biggest growth opportunity your startup has.Key Timecodes(0:00)- Importance of Solving a Problem in Sales  (0:38)- Introduction to Founder-Led Sales and Guest Introduction  (1:23)- Misconceptions About Sales for Tech Founders  (2:40)- Case Study: Banners and the Importance of Problem-Solution Connection  (3:27)- Why Founder-Led Sales is Crucial  (4:40)- Example: Camp Map and Founder-Led Sales Turnaround  (6:00)- Common Mistakes in SaaS Sales  (7:20)- Zoltan's Blueprint for Successful Founder-Led Sales  (9:44)- Starting Sales: Value Proposition and Customer Targeting  (11:43)- Overcoming Fear and Pain of Selling  (13:13)- Transformation Example: Action Audit  (14:53)- Sales as a Transformation Process  (16:07)- Challenges in Implementing the Blueprint  (18:32)- Steps to Get Started with Sales Today  (20:00)- The Myth of Hustle Culture and Real Sales Work  (21:16)- AI in Sales: Enhancements, Not Replacements  (23:30)- Preparing for Objections in Sales  (24:16)- The Future of Sales with AI Integration  (26:05)- Sales in Enterprise: Importance of Personal Touch  (28:00)- Case Study: Dextery's Clear Problem-Solution Connection  (30:01)- Iteration in Value Proposition and Market Fit  (32:29)- Persistence in Entrepreneurship  (32:39)- Summary of Key Advice on Founder-Led Sales  (33:09)- Advice for Growing SaaS Companies: Zero to 10K MRR  (33:55)- Advice for Scaling to 10 Million ARR  (35:05)- Final Summary and Key Takeaways  (37:21)- Zoltan's Offer: Free Chapter of The Launch Code Book  (37:45)- Encouragement for Founders to Embrace Selling  

Have you ever found yourself endlessly planning but never actually launching? This episode explores the common trap of over-planning and perfectionism that keeps business owners stuck. Drawing lessons from Thomas Edison's relentless experimentation, it contrasts “dwelling” with “doing” and emphasizes the power of messy, iterative action. It unpacks how fear of failure and the sunk cost fallacy often prevent entrepreneurs from testing ideas, and why feedback—not perfection—should guide the next move. With practical tools and real-world examples, the episode encourages you to take action and grow through experience.  Main Topics Planning vs. taking action Fear of failure and judgment Iteration and experimentation Marketing and project feedback loops Setting deadlines and accountability Main takeaway: “Dwelling doesn't grow your business—doing does.” We've all been there: rewriting flyers, tweaking a logo, or perfecting an email campaign for weeks. But at some point, planning becomes a comfort zone—and it stops you from growing. This week on Pet Sitter Confessional, we're reminding ourselves (and you!) that progress requires putting things out into the world, messy or not. Done is better than perfect. Take that step—you can always revise it later. Links: Check out our Starter Packs See all of our discounts! Check out ProTrainings Code: CPR-petsitterconfessional for 10% off

Before Hot Drop Sauce landed on Gordon Ramsay's Food Stars, founder Andrew Whiting was working full-time, hand-bottling sauce at night, and getting creative about getting it into people's hands—literally. We're talking trunk-of-the-car sales, expensing his own product to pitch clients, and turning every casual interaction into a chance to get feedback (and spark demand). In this episode of Chef x Founder, host Tony Piombo sits down with Andrew to talk about the real behind-the-scenes journey—from sauce experiments during the pandemic to walking onto a national TV set and a three-minute pitch for Gordon himself. This one's packed with lessons for any entrepreneur, including: The unexpected start of Hot Drop Sauce during the pandemic  How to grow a brand without quitting your day job (at first)  How to get creative with product distribution (even while working 9-5)  The psychology of packaging and selling—and how to make people grab your product  What it really took to land on Food Stars and pitch to Gordon Ramsay  How a gift-turned-side-hustle became a brand Why Hot Drop is designed for flavor, not pain—and how that changed everything  Whether you're building a food brand or still dreaming one up, this convo is loaded with insights you'll want to replay. CONNECT WIH ANDREW WHITING: Website: https://www.hotdropsauce.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hotdropsauce/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hotdropsauces/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hotdropsauce FOLLOW US BEHIND THE SCENES: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chef.x.founder Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chefxfounder Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chef.x.founder Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChefxFounder CHECK OUT TONY'S WOOD-FIRED OVEN BUSINESS: https://fornopiombo.com/ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction to the Chef Founder Podcast 00:02 Meet Andrew Whiting: Founder of Hot Drop Sauce 00:53 The Hot Drop Community and Fanbase 01:35 The Art and Business of Hot Sauce 08:46 Andrew's Journey into the Culinary World 13:11 From Holiday Gifts to a Hot Sauce Brand 19:56 Andrew's Background in Sales and Entrepreneurship 23:12 Working for a Distributor 23:52 Sales Strategies and Challenges 25:47 Creating and Branding Hot Sauce 26:25 Feedback and Iteration 27:23 First Sales and Realizations 28:37 Scaling Production 31:18 Balancing Full-Time Work and Entrepreneurship 36:39 Collaborations and Marketing 45:15 Corporate Gifting and Wholesale 49:43 Gordon Ramsey's Food Stars 52:00 The Lengthy Application Process 52:34 The Vetting and Interview Phases 54:25 The Big Reveal: Gordon Ramsay's Food Stars 55:01 Preparing for the Audition in London 56:21 The Audition and Selection Process 1:02 Life on the Show and Meeting Fellow Contestants 1:03 Reflecting on the Reality TV Experience 1:04 The Competition and Elimination 1:06 Impact on Business and Sales 1:07 Pitching and Entrepreneurial Insights 1:10 Networking and Collaborations 1:12 Future Plans and Final Thoughts

Send us a textJerry Colonna is an executive coach, author, and co-founder of Reboot, a coaching and leadership development firm focused on helping entrepreneurs and executives grow through radical self-inquiry. Formerly a venture capitalist with Flatiron Partners, Jerry transitioned into coaching to support leaders in navigating the emotional complexities of leadership. He is the author of the acclaimed book Reboot: Leadership and the Art of Growing Up, which blends personal reflection with professional development. Known for his compassionate yet unflinching coaching style, Jerry continues to influence a new generation of founders and CEOs who believe in leading with authenticity, courage, and heart.Connect with Jerry! https://www.instagram.com/jerry.colonna/?hl=en Connect with Ryan! https://twitter.com/RyanJAyalaConnect with Us! https://www.instagram.com/alchemists.library/Chapters:00:00 Introduction & Jerry's Journey to Coaching  01:00 Radical Self-Inquiry & Moral Courage  05:04 Iteration, Growth & Identity  10:17 Depression, Doubt & The Lying Mind  16:12 The Danger of Grandiosity vs. True Confidence  22:06 Masculinity, Role Models & Responsibility  30:02 Redefining Success & Being a Good Man  37:12 Empathy, Mentorship & Leaving a Legacy  43:36 Clean Your Room: Self-Discipline as Leadership  46:05 Redefining Leadership & Followership  50:05 Balancing Compassion & High Standards  56:04 The Buddha of Baseball & Building Extraordinary TeamsConnect with Us!https://www.instagram.com/alchemists.library/https://twitter.com/RyanJAyala

On the latest episode of the CavsCorner Podcast, we talk first about conflicting reports about a potential hoops recruiting addition that could mean a great deal to UVa's season and then dive into some fun “favorite/least favorite” questions to usher in the summer content bonanza.    Credits: Brad Franklin (@Cavs_Corner) David Spence (@HooDaves) Justin Ferber (@Justin_Ferber)   Visit CavsCorner now!   SIGN UP TODAY and check out our message board to talk with hundreds of fellow Wahoo fans about all things UVa sports!

Ever feel like your brain just gives up on you halfway through the day? You're doing all the right things—grinding, pushing, sipping your fourth cup of coffee—and still, your focus slips and your energy crashes. It's not because you're lazy or lacking discipline. It's because your brain is burnt out. And guess what? There's science to back that up—and a solution that's way cooler than you'd think.In this episode of The Happy Hustle Podcast, I got to sit down with Dr. Ramses Alcaide, a neuroscientist and the CEO of Neurable. Now, if you haven't heard of Neurable yet, you're about to have your mind blown—because they're not just making headphones, they're creating the future of brain optimization. We're talking real-time brainwave tracking, AI-powered productivity support, and tech that literally helps you prevent burnout before it even begins.Dr. Ramses shared some gold nuggets in our convo. One of the biggest takeaways? Breaks aren't just something nice to take—they're absolutely essential. But here's the kicker: not all breaks are created equal. Most of us think taking a break means scrolling through our phones or watching a random YouTube video. But according to neuroscience, those kinds of breaks don't help your brain recover. What you need are effective breaks—strategic rest that restores focus and reboots your mind for high performance.That's where Neurable comes in. These aren't just headphones—they're like a personal coach for your brain. They monitor your neural signals and tell you when you're locked in and when your focus is slipping. When it's time to take a break, you'll know. When it's time to power through, you'll be in flow. It's like turning your brain into your biggest productivity ally. For an entrepreneur trying to juggle it all, that's a massive win.We also dive into the power of experimentation. Dr. Ramses emphasized how no two brains are the same. What works for your buddy might not work for you. Some people recharge by moving their body, some through meditation, and others through quick mental resets. Neurable gives you insights to figure out what your brain needs, not just what productivity books tell you.Then we got into some seriously next-level stuff—like how this kind of brain-tech isn't just about optimizing your daily hustle. It's also paving the way for early detection and prevention of neurodegenerative diseases. Imagine having the ability to identify brain health issues years before symptoms show up. That's the kind of proactive health support that could change lives.And if you're thinking this tech is just for hardcore biohackers or neuroscientists, think again. Even if all you do is take calls and listen to music, these headphones are still worth it. The bonus is that you're supporting your brain while you're at it. I've been using them myself, and I gotta say—they're a game-changer.So whether you're running a startup or building your empire, this episode is a must-listen. Dr. Ramses breaks down the science in a way that's extremely accessible, and the conversation is filled with real, actionable advice you can start using today.Want to hear how to stop burning out, start optimizing, and think your way to better performance? If you're ready to give your brain a boost, check out Neurable.com and use code HAPPY to save over a hundred bucks on a pair of headphones. Trust me—your brain will thank you.In this episode, we cover:Introduction to NeuroscienceThe Journey of NURBL: From Concept to RealityThe Technology Behind NURBL: Brain Health TrackingOptimizing Performance: The Role of Breaks and FocusPersonal Experiences with Brain OptimizationExperimentation and Finding What Works for YouData Analysis and Iteration for ImprovementUnderstanding Focus and BurnoutGamification and ProductivityThe Future of NeurotechnologyReal-Time Brain Health MonitoringRapid Fire Questions What does happy Hustlin mean to you? Dr. Ramses says it's understanding that recovery is a part of performance and you should take that just as seriously. Your rest days are just as serious as your work days.Connect with Dr. Ramseshttps://www.instagram.com/neurable_https://tps://www.linkedin.com/company/neurable/https://x.com/neurablehttps://www.facebook.com/neurableFind Dr. Ramses on this website: Neurable.com Connect with Cary!https://www.instagram.com/caryjack/https://www.facebook.com/SirCaryJackhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/cary-jack-kendzior/https://twitter.com/thehappyhustlehttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFDNsD59tLxv2JfEuSsNMOQ/featuredGet a free copy of his new book, The Happy Hustle, 10 Alignments to Avoid Burnout & Achieve Blissful Balance https://www.thehappyhustle.com/bookSign up for The Journey: 10 Days To Become a Happy Hustler Online Course https://thehappyhustle.com/thejourney/Apply to the Montana Mastermind Epic Camping Adventure https://thehappyhustle.com/mastermind/“It's time to Happy Hustle, a blissfully balanced life you love, full of passion, purpose, and positive impact!”Episode Sponsors:If you're feeling stressed, not sleeping great, or your energy's been kinda meh lately—let me put you on to something that's been a total game-changer for me: Magnesium Breakthrough by BiOptimizers. This ain't your average magnesium—it's got all 7 essential forms that your body actually needs to chill out, sleep deeper, and feel more balanced. I take it every night and legit notice the difference the next day. No more waking up groggy or tossing and turning all nightIf you're ready to sleep like a baby, calm your nervous system, and optimize your recovery, go grab yours now at bioptimizers.com/happy and use code HAPPY10 for 10% OFF.99 Designs- Need a killer logo, stunning website, or next-level brand design?Stop DIY-ing and start delegating like a boss with 99designs by Vista! Neurable- If you're looking to level up your focus, productivity, and mental wellbeing all at once, do yourself a favor and check out Neurable. You get a special hookup—just use the code HAPPY at checkout and get $100 off.

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signupIn this episode, IQBAR founder Will Nitze shares his journey from burnout in the corporate world to launching a bar brand rooted in cognitive nutrition. He walks through the steps that took IQBAR from kitchen counter tests to Amazon bestseller and retail mainstay.What you'll hear is less about hacks and more about the fundamentals: why starting online mattered, how feedback drove product-market fit, and what it really takes to scale profitably in CPG today.Key topics include:Launching DTC to validate demand and iterate fastWhy clean label and plant protein were non-negotiablesPackaging shifts driven by real-world feedbackScaling into retail once logistics and cost structures were optimizedViewing DTC as one piece of an omnichannel puzzleIt's a grounded roadmap from someone who's done the work—no shortcuts, just thoughtful strategy.Did you know that 98% of your website visitors are anonymous? Instant powers next-level retention by identifying who they are and converting them into loyal shoppers. Sign up for a quick demo today to get 50% off and unlock a guaranteed 4x+ ROI: instant.one/dtcTimestamps:00:00 – How IQBAR started from a personal health journey02:55 – From kitchen experiments to product-market fit07:10 – Why the brain-focused bar category was a white space12:10 – DTC vs Amazon vs retail: channel strategy evolution17:45 – Profitability, scaling, and efficient COGS in CPG22:50 – Brand evolution: packaging, messaging, and keto pivot27:10 – Retail shelf strategy and planogram insight31:25 – Podcast and display ads as top-of-funnel growth levers34:45 – DTC Twitter, omnichannel mindset, and business realism37:55 – Exit strategy, Mars dreams, and post-exit vision41:00 – Tariffs, supply chain chaos, and CPG realitiesHashtags:#IQBAR#dtcpodcast#consumerpackagedgoods#ecommercegrowth#omnichannelstrategy#dtcbrand#scalingcpg#founderjourney#brandbuilding#podcastmarketing#supplychainchallenges#cleanlabelproducts#retailstrategy#amazonads#shopifysuccess Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signupAdvertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertiseWork with Pilothouse - https://dtcnews.link/pilothouseFollow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletterWatch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video

In this episode of Confessions of a B2B Entrepreneur, host Tom Hunt chats with the legendary Rob Walling. A true veteran of the SaaS bootstrapping world, Rob shares insights from his two decades in the game, from building and selling Drip, starting the influential MicroConf community and the TinySeed accelerator, to hosting the 'Startup for the Rest of Us' podcast. They discuss the power of compounding effort, the crucial lesson of following market feedback, iterating your approach based on what the market wants, and the journey of building multiple successful ventures without relying on traditional VC. Rob reflects on the lessons learned over twenty years, offering invaluable perspective for any entrepreneur looking to build sustainable, long-term growth.

Jessica Zwaan, COO at Talentful and author of Built for People,  joined us on The Modern People Leader.We talked about “human ops” versus “people ops”, the sprint planning process for her people team, and how nobody gets people ops as a product 100% right (and that's ok).---- Sponsor Links:

QFF: Quick Fire Friday – Your 20-Minute Growth Powerhouse! Welcome to Quick Fire Friday, the Grow A Small Business podcast series that is designed to deliver simple, focused and actionable insights and key takeaways in less than 20 minutes a week. Every Friday, we bring you business owners and experts who share their top strategies for growing yourself, your team and your small business. Get ready for a dose of inspiration, one action you can implement and quotable quotes that will stick with you long after the episode ends! In this episode of Quick Fire Friday, host Amanda Jones interviews Dr. Linda Sands, innovation coach and founder of Adaptology. Linda shares how small business owners can harness the power of curiosity, experimentation, and structured thinking to stay agile and customer-focused. She busts common innovation myths and explains why small businesses are better positioned than large corporates to test, adapt, and create value. She also recommends “The Little Black Book of Innovation by Scott D. Anthony” as a must-read for anyone looking to better understand and apply innovation.

In Episode 233 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy takes us on a powerful behind-the-scenes journey through the evolution of Capital Business Development. What began as a fractional business development service has, through years of iteration, transformed into a purpose-driven coaching and advisory firm. Kelly shares the honest highs and lows of entrepreneurship—burnout, reinvention, and the struggle for scalability—revealing how each iteration pulled him closer to his true calling: empowering others to build sustainable growth engines through teaching, coaching, and podcasting.This episode is a masterclass in alignment, reminding listeners that clarity rarely comes from planning—it comes from doing. With real talk about the costs of podcasting, the importance of sponsors, and the courage to pivot when things no longer serve you, Kelly offers not just a business story, but a deeply human one. Whether you're launching something new or stuck in a stale cycle, this is the episode to remind you that reinvention is not failure—it's the path to purpose.Key Takeaways: 1. Clarity doesn't come from planning, it comes from action—doing reveals the path. 2. You won't get it right the first time, and that's exactly how it's supposed to work. 3. The best business models serve both you and your clients equally. 4. Letting go of what no longer fits is necessary to grow into what does. 5. Your customers will show you the way forward—if you're willing to listen. 6. Reinvention is the cost of staying aligned with your evolving purpose. 7. Every pivot should move you closer to your vision, not away from it. 8. Podcasting success is fueled by community, consistency, and meaningful partnerships. 9. Direct service can limit impact—scalable coaching creates lasting change. 10. The journey from burnout to alignment is paved by iteration, not perfection. Business Development isn't luck. It's a skill.Master it with me.⚡ Real strategy ⚡ Real results ⚡ Free discovery callBook Now

This episode explores the dichotomy between iterative planning and target state planning in software development, discussing the benefits and drawbacks of each approach and providing decision factors to help you choose the most appropriate method for your situation.Understand the core difference between iterative planning, which emphasises agility and responding to change with short planning horizons, and target state planning, which involves laying out a more defined long-term direction.Discover that while iterative planning is often considered the "right way" for software development, target state planning can be valuable for setting a general direction, which can be updated as you learn.Learn why addressing problems atomically in an iterative fashion can be valid, but that evaluating multiple potential improvements together with a target state in mind can lead to better coordination, efficiency, and consistency.Explore the decision factors that might lead you to favour iterative planning, such as high uncertainty, learning-focused work (discovery, prototypes), and fast feedback loops.Understand the decision factors that might lead you to favour target state planning, such as clarity on the problem, working in production with high coupling, regulatory/safety risks, slow feedback loops, high cost of mistakes, broad scope of impact, and high coordination costs.Learn why choosing a planning method by default is a warning sign, and that considering the usefulness of upfront planning without being limited by dogma is important.Understand that upfront planning (target state) can enable adaptation as you learn, and that negative perceptions of it often stem from costly, incorrect plans that were difficult to change.Discover that the choice between iterative and target state planning is a spectrum rather than a pure dichotomy, and that a target state doesn't necessarily need to be a long-term plan.

Luke is Chief Product Officer and co-founder at Semgrep. Semgrep performs static application security testing, a form of code analysis, and has grown to become one of the mainstay application security tools on the market over the last eight years. Luke started Semgrep after three years at Palantir as a software engineer and product manager, and this episode really helped drive home the supportive community amongst former Palantir employees. In the discussion we cover his early entrepreneurial efforts such as modifying Xboxes, the 17 different product variations they tried before the current form of Semgrep, and how he thinks about the innovator's dilemma as a growth-stage company in a vertical being disrupted by AI.Website

Managing money shouldn't be complicated—but for many high earners, the traditional wealth management system feels more like a maze than a roadmap to success. In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius sits down with Adam Dell, founder of Domain Money, to explore how financial planning can be simplified for high-earning professionals. Adam shares insights on why traditional wealth management often falls short, the importance of a clear financial roadmap, and how Domain Money is transforming the industry with a transparent, flat-fee approach. In this episode, Darius and Adam will discuss: (00:00 Introduction to Adam Dell and His Journey (04:45) The Evolution of Entrepreneurship (10:12) Navigating Exits and Corporate Transitions (14:58) The Importance of Feedback and Iteration (19:55) Diverse Ventures and Problem Solving (24:50) Wealth Management and Domain Money's Mission (27:20) The Evolution of Wealth Management (30:06) Understanding Domain Money's Target Audience (33:47) Differentiating Domain Money from Traditional Advisors (40:11) The A La Carte Approach to Financial Planning (44:55) Navigating Investment Decisions and Market Trends (49:12) Future Aspirations for Domain Money Adam Dell is the Founder and CEO of Domain Money and a serial entrepreneur with four successful exits, including Clarity Money (Goldman Sachs), MessageOne (Dell), Buzzsaw (Autodesk), and Civitas Learning (Francisco Partners). Previously a partner at Goldman Sachs, he led product development for Marcus by Goldman Sachs, launching Marcus Invest, Marcus Checking, and Marcus Insights. Adam has also served as an adjunct professor at Columbia Business School and the University of Texas School of Law. He holds a B.A. from Tulane University and a law degree from the University of Texas. Sponsored by: Huel: Try Huel with 15% OFF + Free Gift for New Customers today using my code greatness at https://huel.com/greatness. Fuel your best performance with Huel today! Indeed: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at Indeed.com/DARIUS. Shipstation: Go to shipstation.com and use code GREATNESS to sign up for your FREE trial. Shopify: Sign up for a $1/month trial period at shopify.com/darius.  Connect with Adam: Website: https://www.domainmoney.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamdell/  Twitter: https://x.com/adamdell  Connect with Darius: Website: https://therealdarius.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/ YouTube: https://therealdarius.com/youtube Book: The Core Value Equation https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708 Write a review for The Greatness Machine using this link: https://ratethispodcast.com/spreadinggreatness.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices