Podcasts about Iteration

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

Schnelle Software ist nicht nur ein nice-to-have – sie ist essenziell für gutes UX-Design.Warum digitale Produkte sich nur dann natürlich anfühlen, wenn sie so reagieren wie unsere echte Welt: sofort. Denn jeder Moment der Verzögerung erzeugt kognitive Kosten, reißt uns aus dem Gedankenfluss – und macht Software anstrengend.Was bedeutet das für die Gestaltung? Wir zeigen konkrete Reaktionszeiten, sinnvolle Ladeindikatoren und typische Designfehler – etwa künstlich verlängerte Ladeanimationen. Wer Performance ernst nimmt, plant sie von Anfang an mit. Denn gute Software fühlt sich nicht wie Software an – sondern wie ein nahtloser Teil unserer Realität.Mehr Flow, weniger Frust und echte Geschwindigkeit wünschen …Chris & Alexvon https://wahnsinn.design Das ist Besser mit Design, ein Wahnsinn Design PodcastVielen Dank fürs Zuhören

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.

In this episode, Joshua Wöhle, co-founder and CEO of Mindstone, joins us to explore how organizations—and individuals—can move beyond basic AI automation to truly augment their thinking and workflows. Joshua shares his personal systems for spotting high-leverage automation opportunities, including his weekly rituals that keep him ahead in the fast-evolving AI landscape.We dive into how Joshua uses AI as a thinking partner, from critiquing sales emails to shaping company strategy—illustrating that AI isn't just about doing things faster, but about doing them better. He breaks down the concept of the utility threshold, explains why iteration is key to unlocking AI's value, and reveals how non-technical teams can build bespoke internal tools without writing a single line of code.The conversation also highlights why HR—not IT—is the real power player in driving AI adoption, and how the shift from traditional SaaS to custom-built solutions is reshaping the future of work. Plus, Joshua reflects on his entrepreneurial journey—from scaling a 200-person company to running a lean, AI-augmented team at Mindstone.Whether you're curious about turning AI into your strategic ally, or wondering how to help your organization embrace AI beyond the buzzwords, this episode is packed with practical insights, mindset shifts, and a glimpse into what's next in AI-powered productivity.Key Takeaways:AI's Real Value: Augmentation Over Automation — Joshua explains why the biggest win with AI isn't cutting tasks—it's using AI to amplify your thinking. If you're only automating, you're missing out on AI as a creative and strategic partner.Crack the Code on the "Utility Threshold" — AI should save you time or improve outcomes. If it doesn't, you haven't hit the utility threshold yet. Joshua shares how to spot when AI becomes truly useful—and how small tweaks can unlock massive gains.Why You Should Build, Not Buy (No Coding Needed) — Forget pricey SaaS tools. Joshua reveals how anyone—yes, even non-tech teams—can quickly build custom AI solutions that fit their workflow, saving time, money, and boosting flexibility.HR: The Unexpected Hero of AI Adoption — It's not your CTO driving AI success—it's HR. Joshua makes the case for why empowering people, not just deploying tech, is key to creating AI-augmented teams that thrive in the future of work.LinkedIn: Joshua Wöhle | LinkedInMindstone: Mindstone - Empower Your Team with Practical AI Skills00:00 Introduction to Joshua Wöhle and Mindstone01:10 Personal Practices for Automation02:35 Early Wins in AI Automation11:23 Levels of AI Proficiency14:59 Utility Threshold in AI24:51 AI in Organizational Structures33:21 Introduction to the Early Space and AI Integration33:45 Joshua's Entrepreneurial Journey and AI Augmentation34:37 Challenges and Breakthroughs with AI35:32 The Evolution of Building with Generative AI37:56 The Future of SaaS and Internal Development40:34 Practical Examples of AI Implementation50:14 The Importance of Iteration and High-Value Tasks54:56 Concluding Thoughts and Reflections

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.

Mark and marketing expert Justin Tucker discuss the evolution of personalization in marketing, particularly in the context of AI's role in enhancing productivity and human connection within the real estate industry. They emphasize the importance of using AI to empower employees rather than replace them, and the potential for personal branding to intersect with AI to create meaningful interactions. The discussion also covers various tools that can enhance communication and sales, the necessity of continuous learning in the age of AI, and innovations in consumer collaboration that leverage technology to improve user experience. In this conversation, the speakers explore the importance of continuous learning, taking action, and iterating in the face of challenges, particularly in the context of AI and personal branding. They discuss the significance of authenticity and originality, the necessity of embracing failure, and the value of self-discovery. The conversation also touches on the role of passion projects, like the Pizza Illuminati, in fostering creativity and relevance in a fast-paced world. Finally, they emphasize the importance of consuming knowledge and connecting with others to enhance personal and professional growth. Connect with Justin on Facebook! Takeaways AI is not a replacement for humans but a tool to enhance productivity. The future of marketing lies in personal brands and AI. Automation allows employees to focus on human connections. Curiosity and continuous learning are essential in adapting to AI. Scaling personalization is now possible with AI technology. Companies should empower employees to create memorable experiences. AI can analyze large data sets for actionable insights. Personalization can be achieved at scale through AI. Tools like Crystal Knows and Fathom enhance communication. The intersection of human intelligence and AI is the future of business. The learn-do-iterate model emphasizes the importance of action. Authenticity in creativity is crucial, especially in AI. Iteration is key to overcoming challenges and improving skills. Self-discovery is essential for effective personal branding. Passion projects can enhance creativity and learning. Chapters 00:00 The Evolution of Personalization in Marketing 02:52 AI's Role in Real Estate and Productivity 05:48 Human Connection in an AI-Driven World 08:50 Empowering Employees Through Automation 12:05 The Future of Personal Branding and AI 14:46 Scaling Personalization with AI 17:51 Tools for Enhancing Communication and Sales 20:58 The Importance of Continuous Learning in AI 24:01 Innovations in Consumer Collaboration 27:03 The Intersection of Human and Artificial Intelligence 30:46 The Learn-Do-Iterate Model 32:41 The Authenticity of Originality in AI 33:49 The Importance of Iteration and Taking Action 36:53 Navigating Failure and Embracing Growth 39:24 Self-Discovery and Personal Branding 41:02 Pizza Illuminati: A Passion Project 43:31 Staying Relevant in a Fast-Paced World 44:18 Consumption of Knowledge and Continuous Learning 48:39 The Role of Music in Creativity 51:22 Connecting and Collaborating with Others Affiliate Links: Unleashing the Power of Respect: The I-M Approach by Joseph Shrand, MD This episode is brought to you in part by SecuriTitle, a fractional paralegal service assisting with all things real estate in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Learn more about how Core7 can generate referrals, add value to your partners, and make a difference in the lives of your clients at mycore7.com

In the lead up to the launch of Season 5, we at The HPS Podcast are re-releasing some favourite episodes from our collection.In this episode, Professor Hasok Chang talks with Samara Greenwood about his concept of 'Epistemic Iteration', the idea that scientific inquiries do not start from a solid foundation, but rather begin from an imperfect position, using the outcomes of our further inquiry to refine and correct the original starting point.This episode was originally released on December 4, 2023.The transcript can be found at - Hasok Chang Transcript - S2 Ep 11___Thanks for listening to The HPS Podcast. You can find more about us on our website, bluesky, instagram and facebook feeds. This podcast would not be possible without the support of School of Historical and Philosophical Studies at the University of Melbourne and the Hansen Little Public Humanities Grant scheme. Music by ComaStudio. Website HPS Podcast | hpsunimelb.org

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

How good is UGC in AI-generated videos? We're seeing a lot more of it in ads, but does user-generated content work for video? Does it look super-fake? Most importantly, does AI-generated UGC work: generate clicks & conversions?Join John Koetsier on this episode of Growth Masterminds as he discusses the effectiveness of AI-generated user-generated content (UGC) with Alexei Chemenda, CEO of Poolday AI. They explore the evolution and current state of AI UGC, its performance, common pitfalls, and the importance of testing different creative elements. Hear insights on how variations in the hook, actor, gameplay, editing style, and music can significantly impact ad performance. Alexei shares real-world examples and emphasizes that, while UGC is a powerful tool, achieving high-performance results requires diligent effort and strategic testing. This episode is a must-listen for growth marketers looking to leverage AI in their marketing mix.00:00 Introduction and Background00:42 Meet Alexei Chemenda: CEO of Poolday02:28 The Power of Curiosity in Marketing03:00 Generative AI for UGC: An Overview05:29 Testing and Iteration in AI UGC07:23 Success Stories and Best Practices11:46 Who Benefits Most from AI UGC?13:54 Creating Effective AI UGC Ads21:58 The Future of Personalized Advertising24:32 Ethics and Tagging in AI UGC27:14 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways

Evan Conrad, co-founder of SF Compute, joined us to talk about how they started as an AI lab that avoided bankruptcy by selling GPU clusters, why CoreWeave financials look like a real estate business, and how GPUs are turning into a commodities market. Chapters: 00:00:05 - Introductions 00:00:12 - Introduction of guest Evan Conrad from SF Compute 00:00:12 - CoreWeave Business Model Discussion 00:05:37 - CoreWeave as a Real Estate Business 00:08:59 - Interest Rate Risk and GPU Market Strategy Framework 00:16:33 - Why Together and DigitalOcean will lose money on their clusters 00:20:37 - SF Compute's AI Lab Origins 00:25:49 - Utilization Rates and Benefits of SF Compute Market Model 00:30:00 - H100 GPU Glut, Supply Chain Issues, and Future Demand Forecast 00:34:00 - P2P GPU networks 00:36:50 - Customer stories 00:38:23 - VC-Provided GPU Clusters and Credit Risk Arbitrage 00:41:58 - Market Pricing Dynamics and Preemptible GPU Pricing Model 00:48:00 - Future Plans for Financialization? 00:52:59 - Cluster auditing and quality control 00:58:00 - Futures Contracts for GPUs 01:01:20 - Branding and Aesthetic Choices Behind SF Compute 01:06:30 - Lessons from Previous Startups 01:09:07 - Hiring at SF Compute Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction and Background 00:00:58 Analysis of GPU Business Models 00:01:53 Challenges with GPU Pricing 00:02:48 Revenue and Scaling with GPUs 00:03:46 Customer Sensitivity to GPU Pricing 00:04:44 Core Weave's Business Strategy 00:05:41 Core Weave's Market Perception 00:06:40 Hyperscalers and GPU Market Dynamics 00:07:37 Financial Strategies for GPU Sales 00:08:35 Interest Rates and GPU Market Risks 00:09:30 Optimal GPU Contract Strategies 00:10:27 Risks in GPU Market Contracts 00:11:25 Price Sensitivity and Market Competition 00:12:21 Market Dynamics and GPU Contracts 00:13:18 Hyperscalers and GPU Market Strategies 00:14:15 Nvidia and Market Competition 00:15:12 Microsoft's Role in GPU Market 00:16:10 Challenges in GPU Market Dynamics 00:17:07 Economic Realities of the GPU Market 00:18:03 Real Estate Model for GPU Clouds 00:18:59 Price Sensitivity and Chip Design 00:19:55 SF Compute's Beginnings and Challenges 00:20:54 Navigating the GPU Market 00:21:54 Pivoting to a GPU Cloud Provider 00:22:53 Building a GPU Market 00:23:52 SF Compute as a GPU Marketplace 00:24:49 Market Liquidity and GPU Pricing 00:25:47 Utilization Rates in GPU Markets 00:26:44 Brokerage and Market Flexibility 00:27:42 H100 Glut and Market Cycles 00:28:40 Supply Chain Challenges and GPU Glut 00:29:35 Future Predictions for the GPU Market 00:30:33 Speculations on Test Time Inference 00:31:29 Market Demand and Test Time Inference 00:32:26 Open Source vs. Closed AI Demand 00:33:24 Future of Inference Demand 00:34:24 Peer-to-Peer GPU Markets 00:35:17 Decentralized GPU Market Skepticism 00:36:15 Redesigning Architectures for New Markets 00:37:14 Supporting Grad Students and Startups 00:38:11 Successful Startups Using SF Compute 00:39:11 VCs and GPU Infrastructure 00:40:09 VCs as GPU Credit Transformators 00:41:06 Market Timing and GPU Infrastructure 00:42:02 Understanding GPU Pricing Dynamics 00:43:01 Market Pricing and Preemptible Compute 00:43:55 Price Volatility and Market Optimization 00:44:52 Customizing Compute Contracts 00:45:50 Creating Flexible Compute Guarantees 00:46:45 Financialization of GPU Markets 00:47:44 Building a Spot Market for GPUs 00:48:40 Auditing and Standardizing Clusters 00:49:40 Ensuring Cluster Reliability 00:50:36 Active Monitoring and Refunds 00:51:33 Automating Customer Refunds 00:52:33 Challenges in Cluster Maintenance 00:53:29 Remote Cluster Management 00:54:29 Standardizing Compute Contracts 00:55:28 Unified Infrastructure for Clusters 00:56:24 Creating a Commodity Market for GPUs 00:57:22 Futures Market and Risk Management 00:58:18 Reducing Risk with GPU Futures 00:59:14 Stabilizing the GPU Market 01:00:10 SF Compute's Anti-Hype Approach 01:01:07 Calm Branding and Expectations 01:02:07 Promoting San Francisco's Beauty 01:03:03 Design Philosophy at SF Compute 01:04:02 Artistic Influence on Branding 01:05:00 Past Projects and Burnout 01:05:59 Challenges in Building an Email Client 01:06:57 Persistence and Iteration in Startups 01:07:57 Email Market Challenges 01:08:53 SF Compute Job Opportunities 01:09:53 Hiring for Systems Engineering 01:10:50 Financial Systems Engineering Role 01:11:50 Conclusion and Farewell

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

What if the key to innovation lies in embracing the absurd? In this episode, we sit down with David Carson, creator of Dumbify, to explore how “thinking dumber” can unlock powerful creative breakthroughs. Challenging conventional notions of identity and intelligence, we examine how embracing the fear of looking foolish fosters curiosity, adaptability, and deeper problem-solving skills.Together, we navigate the societal constraints that suppress unconventional thinking, uncovering how a beginner's mind and unresolved psychological patterns influence creativity. From Montessori classrooms to cutting-edge tech spaces, we discuss the environments that nurture curiosity, allowing us to accept uncertainty and reframe “I don't know” as a launchpad for discovery.Expanding beyond creativity, we explore the role of identity, vulnerability, and discomfort in reshaping how we approach challenges. Like an athlete refining their craft, we discover how stepping into the discomfort of new ideas can transform not just our metacognitive processes, but our sense of self. We also examine the balance between humor and harsh judgment, cooperation and competition—revealing how innovation thrives in the middle ground.Through David's insights, we uncover a metacognitive approach to creativity—one that celebrates inquiry, welcomes the unexpected, and redefines intelligence as the courage to process differently.Tune in and discover how exploring “dumb” ideas might just be the smartest move you can make.Highlights(04:03) Embracing Dumb Thinking for Success (114 Seconds)(07:52) Embracing Dumb Ideas for Mindfulness (123 Seconds)(12:06) Overcoming Fear of Looking Stupid (96 Seconds)(21:18) Montessori Education Impact on Learning (71 Seconds)(27:56) Fostering Creativity and Trust in Workplace (100 Seconds)(35:05) The Essence of Mediocrity (49 Seconds)(39:08) Creative Collaborations in Fashion Industry (56 Seconds)(53:25) Innovating Through Frustration and Context (75 Seconds)(57:36) Originality Through Diverse Perspectives (75 Seconds)(01:07:35) Approaching Problems With Fresh Eyes (55 Seconds)Chapters(00:00) - Thinking Dumber(07:29) - Embracing Mindfulness for Creative Thinking(13:19) - Reimagining Identity and Productive Thinking(17:37) - Fostering a Curious Mind(21:18) - Creating a Curious and Collaborative Environment(27:22) - Navigating Judgment for Creative Innovation(35:55) - Exploring Middle Ground and Creativity(46:11) - Navigating Self-Identity in Problem Solving(01:00:16) - Embracing Dumb Ideas for InnovationKeywordsDumbify, Thinking Dumber, Innovation, Creativity, Mindfulness, Beginner's Mind, Curiosity, Identity, Self-Improvement, Judgment, Middle Ground, Humor, Collaboration, Improv, Coopetition, Internal Family Systems, Decision-Making, Iteration, Mistakes, Business CultureJOIN US ON INSTAGRAM: @thelightinsidepodcastSUBSCRIBE: pod.link/thelightinsideCredits:Featured Guest: David CarsonExecutive Producer: Jeffrey BeseckerExecutive Program Director: Anna GetzMixing, Engineering, Production and Mastering: Aloft Media Studio

In today's episode, Andreas Munk Holm talks with Enis Hulli, General Partner at e2vc, and Akin Babayigit, Co-founder of Tripledot Studios. Akin brings a wealth of experience from his journey across Turkey, the U.S., and the U.K., while Enis provides insights into the evolving ecosystems of Turkey and Eastern Europe. Together, they discuss how mobile gaming has emerged as a massive industry driven by a unique blend of creativity and data analytics and how the sector's scale and business models differ significantly from traditional console and PC gaming.In this conversation, Akin and Enis delve into the latest trends reshaping mobile gaming, including the rapid adoption of AI to enhance gameplay and optimize monetization strategies. They also discuss the launch of Arcadia Gaming Advisors, a new $100 million fund designed to drive the next wave of innovation in gaming. Chapters: 02:58 How We Met: A Humorous Backstory04:56 Akin's Life Story: From Turkey to the UK06:01 Career Path: From Engineering to Gaming07:46 Tripledot and Gaming Success09:10 Investing in Gaming: Challenges and Opportunities12:08 The Misunderstood World of Gaming17:08 Mobile Gaming: A Unique Business Model23:08 Gaming Talent in Turkey and Eastern Europe25:11 Turkey's Unique Conditions for Success26:11 Gaming vs. E-commerce in Turkey27:03 Rise of Successful Turkish Gaming Companies27:35 Shifting Career Aspirations in Turkey28:18 The Importance of Iteration in Gaming28:47 Investment Strategies in Gaming30:50 Europe vs. US: A Venture Capital Perspective32:16 The Talent and Diversity in Europe40:14 The Future of Gaming with AI43:51 Launching a Mobile Gaming Fund

"McElroy & Cubelic In The Morning" airs 7am-10am weekdays on WJOX-94.5!!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Meg Rentschler, a psychotherapist turned executive coach, discusses her journey with Megan, emphasizing the importance of mastering coaching skills over sales tactics.She highlights the challenges new coaches face in defining their identities and the pressures of group coaching.The conversation addresses the need for realistic client expectations, the adverse effects of a scarcity mindset, and the significance of self-care. Meg and Megan focus on fostering relational connections over transactional interactions, particularly within business settings. They discuss the significance of active listening and curious questioning as pivotal relational skills that enhance the client-coach dynamic, echoing the need for leaders to cultivate these traits within their teams for a healthier and more productive environment.HIGHLIGHTS:3:30 Meg's Journey from Psychotherapy to Coaching7:54 The Shift to Executive Coaching8:22 The Importance of Mastery in Coaching13:01 Navigating Group vs. Private Coaching16:15 Fear and Success in Coaching20:38 Client Success and Retention in Coaching28:17 Addressing Burnout in the Coaching Industry32:25 Creating Flow in Business37:05 The Importance of Iteration in Learning40:24 Building Relational Connections in CoachingCONNECT WITH MEG:WebsiteStar Coach PodcastYouTubeLinkedInFacebookMegan Huber's Socials & Resources:LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Book a Call | ConsultingStructured Freedom Inc | Client Acquisition For High Ticket CoachesThe Coaches Pathway to $500K | Guide and 10-part video mini-course

Life's toughest moments often push us toward our greatest transformations. In this episode, Lesley and Brad dive into Lesley's insightful conversation with Stephan Neff, a doctor, author, and podcast host who shares his personal journey through trauma, addiction, and self-discovery. Learn how challenges can reveal your purpose, why taking messy action is key to growth, and how a simple self-hug can shift your mindset.If you have any questions about this episode or want to get some of the resources we mentioned, head over to LesleyLogan.co/podcast. If you have any comments or questions about the Be It pod shoot us a message at beit@lesleylogan.co. And as always, if you're enjoying the show please share it with someone who you think would enjoy it as well. It is your continued support that will help us continue to help others. Thank you so much! Never miss another show by subscribing at LesleyLogan.co/subscribe.In this episode you will learn about:How trauma and adversity can push you toward personal transformationThe importance of taking action even when it feels hardStephan's journey of loss, grief, and self-discoveryThe power of daily practices like journaling and gratitudeHow a simple self-hug can create a sense of self-acceptance and healingEpisode References/Links:Cambodia October 2025 Waitlist - https://crowsnestretreats.com Spring Pilates Training - https://opc.me/eventsPilates Studio Growth Accelerator - https://prfit.biz/acceleratorAccessories Flashcards Waitlist - https://opc.me/flashcardwaitlistStephan Neff Website - https://www.neffinspiration.comSteps to Sobriety by Stephan Neff - https://a.co/d/hHY4w9PDepression Lied To Me by Stephan Neff - https://a.co/d/7s6Ddg0Neff Inspiration Podcast - https://stephanneff.podbean.comStephan Neff YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@neffinspirationStephan Neff Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/neffinspirationStephan Neff Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/neffinspirationStephan Neff LinkedIn - https://beitpod.com/neffonlinkedinEpisode 167: Alan Stein Jr. - https://beitpod.com/ep167 If you enjoyed this episode, make sure and give us a five star rating and leave us a review on iTunes, Podcast Addict, Podchaser or Castbox.DEALS! DEALS! DEALS! DEALS!Check out all our Preferred Vendors & Special Deals from Clair Sparrow, Sensate, Lyfefuel BeeKeeper's Naturals, Sauna Space, HigherDose, AG1 and ToeSoxBe in the know with all the workshops at OPCBe It Till You See It Podcast SurveyBe a part of Lesley's Pilates MentorshipFREE Ditching Busy Webinar Resources:Watch the Be It Till You See It podcast on YouTube!Lesley Logan websiteBe It Till You See It PodcastOnline Pilates Classes by Lesley LoganOnline Pilates Classes by Lesley Logan on YouTubeProfitable Pilates Follow Us on Social Media:InstagramThe Be It Till You See It Podcast YouTube channelFacebookLinkedInThe OPC YouTube Channel Episode Transcript:Lesley Logan 0:00  By going through trauma and being forced to change, you get outside of your comfort zone. You get to experience fear. And he was sharing that he had a successful life at the Big House, the wife and kids, and on the inside, he was just not a happy person. Welcome to the Be It Till You See It podcast where we talk about taking messy action, knowing that perfect is boring. I'm Lesley Logan, Pilates instructor and fitness business coach. I've trained thousands of people around the world and the number one thing I see stopping people from achieving anything is self-doubt. My friends, action brings clarity and it's the antidote to fear. Each week, my guest will bring bold, executable, intrinsic and targeted steps that you can use to put yourself first and Be It Till You See It. It's a practice, not a perfect. Let's get started.Welcome back to the Be It Till You See It interview recap where my co-host in life, Brad, and I are going to dig into the evolving convo I have with Stephan Neff in our last episode. If you haven't yet listened to that interview, make sure you do after you listen to this one, because it's great. Stephan is really cool, and he's got that New Zealand accent, which is, you know, if you're in the Western world, it's kind of nice. I guess that's the Western world as well. If you're in the United States, an accent is nice. It's, you know, it's different than mine. So anyways, today is March 6th 2025 and it's the Day of the Dude. Brad Crowell 1:26  The Day of the Dude. Lesley Logan 1:27  The Day of the Dude is celebrated on March 6th every year to commemorate the North American release of the movie The Big Lebowski in 1998. The movie portrays a protagonist with a laid back attitude to life, who chooses simplicity, peace and happiness. The idea is to enjoy life's little moments, such as bowling or drinking with some friends. The holiday looks to promote ease and simplicity in society. Being able to easily let things go and go with the flow is big part of the lifestyle. The lifestyle portrayed in the movie inspired the birth of the religion philosophy, known as “Dudeism.” Brad Crowell 2:03  Dudeism.Lesley Logan 2:04  And so you know what, guys, I think we all need to just sit back, go bowl, drink with some friends, and just have a day where you just relax a little bit. I didn't really get the movie. I think that's because I can't relax very well. So I think maybe this is my Day of the Dude. It's Jeff Bridges. And who doesn't love John Goodman?Brad Crowell 2:22  And Steve Buscemi. I mean, it's amazing. Lesley Logan 2:24  Julianne Moore, Sam Elliott, John Turturro. Huge cast, amazing cast. Brad Crowell 2:30  Pretty fantastic. Lesley Logan 2:31  You know. So I think we saw this at the cemetery. We saw The Big Lebowski at the cemetery. Brad Crowell 2:35  Yeah, I'm pretty sure it's the cemetery.Lesley Logan 2:36  The one and only time I've ever seen The Big Lebowski. But anyways, my loves part of being it until you see it is resting and relaxing. If you cannot, just have some moments where you go with the flow. Take the Day of the Dude as a reminder to, you know, find some simple ways to enjoy life. Brad Crowell 2:52  So hey, we just got back from Cambodia. Lesley Logan 2:54  We did. A couple days ago. Brad Crowell 2:56  It was an amazing trip. We got a chance to hang with some friends who we basically consider family at this point. Take a bunch of people around to see some of our favorite spots, literally in the world, and we want you to join us on our next trip. Come this October 2025 to see our house and see the life that we've built over there, that we welcome you to stay at our place and tour the temples, do some Pilates, meet some elephants. All the things. Go to crowsnestretreats.com crowsnestretreats.com and in a couple ofweeks.Lesley Logan 3:28  Not even a couple of weeks, I think we're, like, about a week-ish, oh, from this coming out, we're on the, we're probably in Denver at this point. Brad Crowell 3:36  Actually, we may be at P.O.T. Lesley Logan 3:38  We're definitely supposed to be rolling in tonight. Brad Crowell 3:41  Yeah. We're driving.Lesley Logan 3:41  So we're in the Aurora area with the van to see our Balanced Body peeps and our P.O.T. attendee people are here to have some fun. Brad Crowell 3:48  No dogs in this trip. Lesley Logan 3:49  No dogs. We're leaving them at home, mostly because.Brad Crowell 3:52  We're gonna be gone for like eight hours, 10 hours a day. It's tough.Lesley Logan 3:54  Yeah, also, easy, if we took one, not so easy if we take two. So no dogs, but we'll be there. Come say hi to us. March 18th to the 24th, the Accessories Flash Card Deck, the final deck, this is it, guys. It's the last one. It's being presaled. I guess that's now a burp on March 18th to the 24th it's going on presale, which means it'll be 30% off its original price. Doesn't mean it will ship to you the next day. It means you get to wait until it ships, but you get to get the best price. It, we do not do this discount again, and so we really, truly hope that you take advantage of it. So go to opc.me/flashcardwaitlist because only those on the waitlist will get the invite to get the discount. You will not see this on Instagram. You will not hear about here again. This is it. Then in April 27th through May 3rd, we have a week long spring training. Yes, our own version of a baseball event, but it's with Pilates, and it's with all the OPC teachers and myself. We've got 10 classes planned over seven days, all different time zone. Yes, there's a limited replay. Yes, it's going to be super affordable. And if you go to opc.me/events and get on the waitlist, you will get invited to the early bird price, which is basically stealing this, this amazing event. And if you're OPC member, it's free, but opc.me/events is the wait list for the early bird price. Brad Crowell 5:11  Yeah. And if you are taking money from a client at all in any way, shape or form, that makes you a business owner, congratulations. Even if you don't see yourself as that, you know, even if it's like a side hobby kind of a thing. Technically, you still are a business owner, and I have a free webinar for you that's called the Accelerator webinar. Come join me at prfit.biz/accelerator, where I'm going to be revealing the three biggest secrets that Lesley and I've learned from coaching more than 2500 businesses just like yours over the past seven years through Agency, our coaching program. So join me at prfit.biz/accelerator. That's profit without the O dot biz slash accelerator. Lesley Logan 5:49  Doesn't that word just make you want to go because it's accelerator. Before we get into Stephan Neff's interview, we have an audience question. Brad Crowell 5:58  Yes, we do. Kara Dowd says, hey, I listened to the podcast. I'm hoping for nuggets of wisdom here, as I am an instructor, wondering the big question of whether I should make the transition to a studio owner. Either way, it's a great podcast. Well, I hope so. What if we told you no, okay, I would still be a good podcast. I'm teasing. Well, thank you for saying that. It's very kind, and we are really glad that you listen. And this is a great question that is really tough for us to answer, because there's a lot of factors involved. That's actually, literally why I host this webinar that we were just talking about. So if you haven't done it yet, Kara, you totally should join me on the Accelerator, where we're talking about, how do we create the right plan for you with your business, because Kara, you have your own goals and your own dreams, and you, choosing to open a studio, it's not like there is one path that you have to take in this career. Every single business owner that we work with has their own desires, their own vision for their business, and we help you sculpt and create that path that allows you to enjoy your business. Because what if you didn't want to open a studio and have the stress of paying rent, and maybe you even have a team and all that's like, what if you're like, why am I doing this? I just want to teach out of my house. You don't need to go open a studio, but you also could, if that was what you wanted to do. Lesley Logan 7:18  But also you could have a studio in an office building, like where the rent is something you could pay in a week of teaching, and so you have the other three weeks for profit and taxes. And because it's in an office building, it's really safe. You don't need anyone else. If you can get the systems in place, you can run it by yourself, like I had a studio by myself. And then our goals changed, and so that studio had to change. My teacher, who I take from, he is solo. So he went from being a renter to actually just open up his own space and doing it himself. So the big transition is, how big is it? It depends. We already have all this equipment. So if we were to transition to a brick and mortar, the big expense is really going to be the building. What do we have to do there? Are we going to buy it? Are we going to just curate it? Are we just going to paint the wall? What are we going to do? So what I would say is actually ask yourself, okay, I have a studio. What does it look like? And make sure you're not picturing someone else's studio. What does your studio look like right now? Like, if I'm picturing, like, what's in our future studio? Like I told Brad, if we're gonna do this again, I really want to have those garage door window doors, for whatever reason I like the idea of an old mechanic shop or some sort of, like old building that looks like it was something else, but now it's this, and I want the higher ceilings. I didn't have high ceilings before. So picture that, and then ask yourself, Is this a studio you are doing by yourself? By the way, you guys, we help people all the time, work by themselves with their own studio, making the money they want to make, and having no extra teacher help. Or do you want to have a big class? Do you like leading people? Do you like managing people? So we can't answer this question on here because we don't know enough about you and what your goals are. And as coaches, one of the things that we're so proud of at Agency is that we actually coach you based on your goals. So we've coached thousands of studios and teachers around the world. And yes, some of the studios have a similar business model, but they all have different goals, and so how they approach what they're doing next depends on that. And so we can't give you a specific answer to your question, but I hope that helps you manifest what you got and then come to the Accelerator event so you can get to know us more and see if we can support you.Brad Crowell 9:19  Yeah, absolutely. Well, stick around. We'll be right back, because we're going to dig in some amazing action items from Stephan Neff. We'll be right back. All right. Now, let's talk about Stephan Neff. He actually says his name, Stefan with the S-C-H-T. Stephan, and I was like, that's really cool. So Stephan Neff is an anesthetist. He's the author of My Steps to Sobriety. He's a speaker, and he's the host of the Neff Inspiration podcast and YouTube channel. With expertise as a functional medicine specialist, a life coach and yoga instructor, Stephan combines his personal journey with professional insights to help others heal from trauma and addiction. Through radical compassion, mindfulness and proven clinical strategies, he empowers people to build emotional resilience and embrace lifelong wellbeing. Lesley Logan 10:10  But he's just so vulnerable. Brad Crowell 10:12  Yes, he really was. Lesley Logan 10:13  And not in like a vulnerable trauma dumping way, like a vulnerable here's what I did, here's how I fucked up, and here's what I learned from it, and here's how I'm changing my life, and here's how you can.Brad Crowell 10:23  Don't be a trauma dumper. Lesley Logan 10:24  People. Well, you know what? Brene Brown in her book talked about vulnerability and shame, right? And she said vulnerability is not like telling everyone, like, all this stuff until they run away from you. So some people. Brad Crowell 10:34  Yeah, then it becomes like a defense mechanism. Lesley Logan 10:37  Lay their stuff on you and see if you run away. His was like, I found myself going, oh my God. How did you get out of that? Oh my God.Brad Crowell 10:43  Yeah, because I think it was within the last three years that. Lesley Logan 10:46  His whole life changed. Brad Crowell 10:47  Yeah, he crashed. Lesley Logan 10:48  I think it's been longer than that, but he's had more changes since then. And so anyways, he said by going through trauma and being forced to change, you get outside of your comfort zone. You get to experience fear. And he was sharing that he had a successful life with a big house, a wife and kids, and on the inside, he was just not a happy person, and he had these unresolved needs, especially in relationships, and he had unhappiness. And then he said, because you are searching for this purpose in your life, you have not yet found and so he basically talked about, when you have these things happen to you, it forces you to actually go figure out your purpose, because you haven't found it yet, until you're kind of in the wrong place. And you know, we've talked about this before on the podcast, taking away someone else's rock bottom is like a terrible thing to do, because they often need it, you know, they need a lesson, or they need the thing so that they can step into the next iteration of themselves. Brad Crowell 11:38  You know, a reflection point. Lesley Logan 11:39  Not that I'm saying that every bad thing that happens to you just go with it, because it's going to be not like the dude, it sucks when these things happen, but also that hardship and pain you go through, you can learn from it. You can discover what you're here to do on this planet from that information and take it on. And it doesn't have to become your story. It becomes part of the story that you're leading.Brad Crowell 11:59  Yeah, it was an intriguing conversation, because definitely, he's very willing to share the experience that he's gone through. He also has written a whole bunch of books, which is pretty cool too. I mean, the dude's a doctor, right? So he likes to write, apparently. The Day of the Dude. We're just gonna see how (inaudible)The Dude is the doctor.Lesley Logan 12:15  The Dude and everything is The Dude. Brad Crowell 12:18  Well, look, this dude really loved what Stephan said. He said, you have to take action in order to live your life, and the harder it gets, the more action you have to take, which we could not agree with more. When you take messy action, it gives you clarity. It helps create that path that we were talking about. He shared when he lost his wife of 27 years, he never allowed himself to feel loss and grief. He didn't allow himself to feel it. And that was not a win. That was like, he was like, oh, wow, okay. And he just kind of bottled it up. And then he said, actually, the thing that triggered it, that tripped it for him, was a song. And he said, suddenly he was like overwhelmed and overcome by the loss and grief that he experienced, and it really was powerful. He said, despite taking many of the right actions, he had neglected to address those deep emotions. And then with that song, he said it was so beautiful to cry, it was so beautiful to feel whole again because, yes, I can feel whole again even after that loss. I can definitely understand that. Thinking back through my divorce, I remember doubting myself thinking, oh, well, I had my shot. I fucked it up. I guess that was it. He's arguing. No, I can feel whole again. Despite this, he also shared many daily practices of journaling. He said those things that I took for granted, you know, they become my wins. They become my wins list. And this is something we've talked about in the past all the way back at the very beginning of this podcast, where we think it is so important to keep a log of the things that are a win in your life, because it's so easy for us to just focus on beating ourselves up and holding these things. I did this. I did that. I hate myself for this and all this stuff, but we never pull out that card and go but despite all these negative emotions that I have that I'm telling myself, all of these other positive things have happened in my life, so it's so helpful to have a journal of those wins. Lesley Logan 14:16  Yeah, I hope people do it. I just want, we want to. I just want wins to happen all the time. Brad Crowell 14:21  You never know when you're gonna need to read that. Lesley and I, we have been encouraging our clients to post their wins. People feel when they first come into our coaching group, they always feel awkward about it, because it feels like you're bragging, right, and you're sharing it to a bunch of people who you don't know. So are you bragging? Right? But the reality is, it has become the most popular channel in our entire group, because you go there and you just feel that things are possible when you read about this amazing things that have happened for other people in other people's life, because they're taking messy action, because they're trying to figure their way through and then amazing things are happening. It's just so inspiring. So you can even inspire yourself. Lesley Logan 15:05  All the way back to Episode Five. We had someone who was talking about how she, like, kept track at the end of her day about her wins. And then we had Alan Stein Jr. somewhere around episode 100-something, and he talked about how at the end of every day he asked himself, what were his wins for the day, and so this podcast celebrates him on Friday. But, my goodness, can you figure out a way to celebrate every day? What did you do? Like, I washed my hair today. Brad Crowell 15:29  That's a win. Lesley Logan 15:29  That's a win. I'm telling you. I have been putting it off for three days. Brad Crowell 15:33  I did mine last night. Lesley Logan 15:34  Yeah, you look so good. You know what? Stop making it difficult to achieve a win in your life, because otherwise, life is already just hard.Brad Crowell 15:42  Yeah, graduating from college, that's definitely a win, no question about it. But it takes years to get to that point when you can finally say, I graduated, right? There are smaller wins along the way that you can definitely take note of.Lesley Logan 15:53  My senior year, one of the counselors used to have a dry erase board that they showed out their window and how I had to walk to class I don't pass this thing. Brad Crowell 16:00  They put a message on it? Lesley Logan 16:01  They put a message on it, and one day it said, every class, every day. And that was like our mantra, to show up to every class every day. We're like, we can do it. Every class, every day. And every day that we went to every class, we're like, oh, let's go get a latte we did it. So Brad, did you know I cut class? I knew exactly how many classes I could miss in a school year to still graduate with my honor. So I was like, I can miss this third period because I haven't missed it in a while, and I can. So anyways, figure out what the wins can be and make them small and achievable so that you actually start to give yourself the confidence. And I love that Stephan shared that with us, because I think we need that reminder. Brad Crowell 16:38  Yeah, all right, so finally, let's talk about those, Be It Action Items. What bold, executable, intrinsic or targeted action items can we take away from your conversation with Stephan Neff? He explained, for many, gratitude does not come naturally. He said it's a practice, so it's a privilege to be here, be grateful, and practice that. It's a privilege. Then he said the most important bit is to finally stop for a moment and actually try to figure out who you want to be when you grow up. Lesley Logan 17:06  I know, and we're all still growing up, but we're 42 I know someone who's 62 and I was like, oh, that's I have so much time between now and then. Who do I want to be by then? I think it's cool. Brad Crowell 17:15  He said, create that dream in your mind who you actually want to be when you grow up. Change your dream to a vision by becoming very, very, very, very clear. Once you've nailed it down, go to that next feature until your dream has become a very clear vision. Lesley Logan 17:28  I can still hear his lovely accent saying, he's saying that he's so passionate about each of these Be It Action Items. He was so like into this whole section. Brad Crowell 17:35  I know you said New Zealand. I swear I thought he was from Germany. Lesley Logan 17:38  No, he's New Zealand. Brad Crowell 17:39  He's in New Zealand. He mentioned Germany. Lesley Logan 17:42  I know. I'm quite positive because of the time difference. It was like a whole different day. Brad Crowell 17:48  Okay, well, oh yeah, you know what, you mentioned, I think he was traveling to Gisborne. You did mention Gisborne. Lesley Logan 17:57  Gisborne. Brad Crowell 17:58  Gisborne, I don't know how to say it. Lesley Logan 18:00  Gisborne. I don't think the R is as emphasized as we do it. Brad Crowell 18:06  Emphasized.Lesley Logan 18:06  So anyways, emphasized. Brad Crowell 18:07  Yes, it's the place that they have the first light of the day every day. What about you? Let's get back to our Be It Action Items here. Lesley Logan 18:15  My biggest takeaway was give yourself a hug and spend 15 seconds with yourself after. So, let's do that.Brad Crowell 18:23  Yeah, let's do it right now. Lesley Logan 18:24  Close your eyes.Brad Crowell 18:25  So his hug was like, pretend you can bear hug yourself. So the biggest wrap around your shoulders that you could possibly do, and we're closing our eyes and we're going to do 15 seconds here. Lesley Logan 18:35  Squeeze hard as you can and tell yourself I love you. So, ready? Squeeze. I love you. I love you. 1001, 1002, 1003, do we hug? Do we stop hugging after 15 seconds? Or do we hug and then we spend 15 seconds?Brad Crowell 18:49  Just hug yourself. Lesley Logan 18:50  Okay, well, I'm trying to. Brad Crowell 18:51  Just hug. Just hug. Two, one, awesome. He said he's super good. He's known for giving bear hugs to his friends, but he realized he never gives a bear hug to himself, and I just got chills. I literally just got chills right now. Lesley Logan 19:08  I feel so good. I feel like I could end the day. It feels amazing. So. Brad Crowell 19:12  He said accept who you are, squeeze as hard as you can and tell yourself I love you.Lesley Logan 19:16  Okay, everyone, let us know if you gave yourself a hug. Make sure to tag Stephan. Tag the Be It Pod. I'm Lesley Logan. Brad Crowell 19:22  And I'm Brad Crowell. Lesley Logan 19:23  Thank you so much for listening to us today. Thank you so much for sharing our podcast with your friends. Thank you for your reviews. They really mean the world to us. And make sure that you share your wins with us. You can start celebrating your wins by sending it to us. Brad Crowell 19:36  Yeah, text us. Lesley Logan 19:37  Yeah, that's exactly, or DM us or whatever, you know how to do it. We'll figure it out. And until next time, Be It Till You See It. Brad Crowell 19:43  Bye for now. Lesley Logan 19:45  That's all I got for this episode of the Be It Till You See It Podcast. One thing that would help both myself and future listeners is for you to rate the show and leave a review and follow or subscribe for free wherever you listen to your podcast. Also, make sure to introduce yourself over at the Be It Pod on Instagram. I would love to know more about you. Share this episode with whoever you think needs to hear it. Help us and others Be It Till You See It. Have an awesome day. Be It Till You See It is a production of The Bloom Podcast Network. If you want to leave us a message or a question that we might read on another episode, you can text us at +1-310-905-5534 or send a DM on Instagram @BeItPod.Brad Crowell 20:28  It's written, filmed, and recorded by your host, Lesley Logan, and me, Brad Crowell.Lesley Logan 20:33  It is transcribed, produced and edited by the epic team at Disenyo.co.Brad Crowell 20:37  Our theme music is by Ali at Apex Production Music and our branding by designer and artist, Gianfranco Cioffi.Lesley Logan 20:44  Special thanks to Melissa Solomon for creating our visuals.Brad Crowell 20:47  Also to Angelina Herico for adding all of our content to our website. And finally to Meridith Root for keeping us all on point and on time. Transcribed by https://otter.aiSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/be-it-till-you-see-it/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today I'm joined by Laura Sprinkle for a live coaching session on scaling her new affiliate-tracking SaaS, Rootabl, from $5,000 MRR to $25,000 MRR while maintaining the flexibility and freedom she values. Laura has deep expertise in affiliate launches and is now shifting into the software world - facing new challenges like churn, onboarding friction, and deciding which features to build first.We map out her next steps - from clarifying her ideal target customer and harnessing personal branding for trust, to using direct outreach as a repeatable engine for sustainable growth. You'll learn why concierge migrations can be a secret weapon, how to choose the right community integrations, and why narrowing your audience often leads to better results.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction01:14 Why Creator-Led SaaS Is Harder (Yet More Rewarding)02:39 How Laura Reached $5K MRR07:36 Tackling Churn and Onboarding Friction11:29 Using Personal Branding to Increase Conversions14:55 The Direct Sales Flywheel Explained19:48 Turning “Concierge Migrations” into a Competitive Advantage30:57 Choosing Your Integrations Wisely31:24 New Features vs. Doubling Down on Existing Ones37:17 Reducing Churn40:16 Narrowing Your Customer Profile for Faster Growth45:45 Using Outreach to Drive Predictable Revenue47:11 Introducing Tiered Pricing for Expansion50:26 Tracking Progress & Staying Focused51:52 The Power of Iteration in SaaS Growth01:02:54 Closing ThoughtsIf you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with your friends, and leave us a review. We read every single one.Learn more about The Nathan Barry Show: https://nathanbarry.com/show Follow Nathan:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathanbarry/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanbarry/ X: https://x.com/nathanbarry YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenathanbarryshow Website: https://nathanbarry.com Follow Laura:Website - https://laurasprinkle.com/ Rootabl (10% discount) - https://rootabl.com/special-offer/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/imlaurasprinkle/ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/imlaurasprinkle/ Featured in this episode:- Rootabl: https://rootabl.com - Kit: https://kit.com - Mighty Networks: https://www.mightynetworks.com

What separates the rich from the really rich? In this episode of The Journey, Morgan DeBaun sits down with entrepreneur, creator, and financial strategist Nicholas Crown to break down the key mindset shifts and financial strategies that set successful entrepreneurs and really rich individuals apart.   In this episode: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:27 Nicholas Crown's Entrepreneurial Journey 03:23 The Reality of Entrepreneurship 04:54 Geographical Arbitrage and Cost Management 08:00 The Birth of Rich vs. Really Rich Series 16:39 Navigating Market Response and Iteration 21:59 The Dilemma of Social Media Authenticity 22:43 The Power of Visual Cues in Marketing 23:22 The Struggle with Social Media Validation 24:33 The Journey of Entrepreneurship 25:24 Challenges of Running an Agency 26:39 Introducing Revise: A Retirement Planning Firm 29:13 Understanding Annuities and Their Benefits 38:18 The Importance of Consolidating 401ks 39:35 Final Thoughts on Financial Management 44:29 Connecting with Nicholas Crown   In the episode, Nicholas Crown, who is known for his viral Rich vs. Really Rich series, shares his path from Wall Street trader to digital entrepreneur, and the lessons learned along the way to financial independence. From scaling startups to exiting companies, he reflects on his journey of iteration, failure, and learning to define success beyond just making money.   Throughout the conversation, Morgan and Nicholas discuss the realities of entrepreneurship, including why business success often takes longer than expected, how to recognize when it's time to pivot, and the common mistake of staying in a failing venture for too long. They also touch on the power of social media in business, with Nicholas revealing how he unintentionally built a massive audience through content experimentation.   Nicholas also shares his insights on personal finance, explaining the mistakes many people make, especially when it comes to 401(k)s. He breaks down the steps individuals can take to regain control of their financial investments to prepare for retirement, and explains how his company, Revise, helps people grow their wealth safely through annuities and pension-like investment strategies.   If you've ever wondered how to break free from the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle, scale a business successfully, or invest smarter for the long run, this is a must-listen! So grab your headphones and get ready to take notes! Like what you hear? Don't forget to leave a rating and review!   Pre-order Rewrite Your Rules: https://worksmartprogram.com/book/   More from Nicholas: https://www.nicholascrown.com/ https://www.tiktok.com/@nicholas_crown https://www.instagram.com/nicholascrown/ https://www.youtube.com/@NicholasCrownYouTube https://getrevise.com/   Join the Newsletter for More Exclusive Content: https://worksmartprogram.ac-page.com/thejourneypodcast Make sure you are following Morgan's journey on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morgandebaun?_ Visit Mormatcha.com to make a purchase. Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thejourneybymdb Produced by MicMoguls.

Austin shares how you can land more jobs by using his “Rule of 5”!Time Stamped Show Notes:[0:30] - “Rule of 5”? - What's that?[1:20] - Experimentation & Iteration[2:25] - Different avenues to your dream job[5:40] - Share your valueWant To Level Up Your Job Search?Click here to learn more about 1:1 career coaching to help you land your dream job without applying online.Check out Austin's courses and, as a thank you for listening to the show, use the code PODCAST to get 5% off any digital course:The Interview Preparation System - Austin's proven, all-in-one process for turning your next job interview into a job offer.Value Validation Project Starter Kit - Everything you need to create a job-winning VVP that will blow hiring managers away and set you apart from the competition.No Experience, No Problem - Austin's proven framework for building the skills and experience you need to break into a new industry (even if you have *zero* experience right now).Try Austin's Job Search ToolsResyBuild.io - Build a beautiful, job-winning resume in minutes.ResyMatch.io - Score your resume vs. your target job description and get feedback.ResyBullet.io - Learn how to write attention grabbing resume bullets.Mailscoop.io - Find anyone's professional email in seconds.Connect with Austin for daily job search content:Cultivated CultureLinkedInTwitterThanks for listening!

This convo is going to REALLY resonate with you— in so many ways I can't even WAIT to hear your feedback. Today we have another “mom chat” episode where my friend Amber Lilyestrom and I dive into the complexities of motherhood, personal identity, and the pursuit of dreams through seasons but also how REGARDLESS of season of life, creative expression is CRUCIAL for fulfillment but also for the example we're setting for the next generation. The other topic we're exploring that I think you're REALLY going to vibe with is taping into your OWN Intuition and inner knowing to really drown out perspective advice out there. When we get into the topic of iteration— I think you will particularly connect with Amber's perspective on the significance of creating a business that aligns with your UNIQUE values and needs, and the journey of self-discovery that comes with it. This is SUCH a juicyyyyy one! So excited for you to listen in! As mentioned in today's episode: If you're looking to work with me 1 on 1 — I'm going to do some IN PERSON VIP Days the first few months of 202, so  if you're interested in chatting more on if this could be a good fit DM me the word “VIP” on Instagram or text me at (512) 548-2728 & to be the FIRST to know about the incredible event I'm hosting for moms that are also entrepreneurs…  text “MOM2025” to  512-548-2728 to be in the loop of all the deets + when dates are released! Ways to connect outside of the podcast: Join our empowerHER text community! Text “START” to 512-548-2728 for FREE daily inspo, juicy news, and fun perks sent straight to your phone!Connect with me on Instagram: @kacia.ghetmiri | @empowerher.podcast& come check out our new YouTube channel: EmpowerHER Podcast

In Part 1 of this two-part episode, Alex Hormozi dives deep into the mindset and strategies that separate the successful from the struggling. He breaks down why smart people stay poor, the fundamentals of wealth creation, and the key to scaling any business. Hormozi shares the actionable insights that have helped him build and grow multiple multimillion-dollar companies while staying laser-focused on the principles of progress and iteration. SHOWNOTES: [00:00:00] – Tom and Alex discuss their biggest fears and resilience in the face of adversity. [00:03:46] – Why smart people stay poor: Understanding declarative vs. procedural knowledge. [00:06:04] – The core of wealth creation: Promoting your product and making sales. [00:09:04] – The common mistakes people make when trying to generate revenue. [00:13:15] – Iteration as the key to success: Failing fast and learning faster. [00:16:11] – Volatility vs. volume: Why most people fail to scale their efforts. [00:17:30] – What successful businesses have in common: A consistent customer acquisition process. [00:22:10] – The five-step scaling framework: Start, compound, augment, leverage, expand. [00:24:41] – Understanding constraints: Solving bottlenecks in your business. [00:30:13] – The power of asking, “What would it take?” to achieve 10x results. [00:35:12] – Building resilience and enduring the “mundane middle” of progress. [00:42:43] – Lessons from Elon Musk: Concentrated bets and first-principles thinking. CHECK OUT OUR SPONSORS Range Rover: Range Rover: Explore the Range Rover Sport at  https://landroverUSA.com Audible: Sign up for a free 30 day trial at https://audible.com/IMPACTTHEORY  Vital Proteins: Get 20% off by going to https://www.vitalproteins.com and entering promo code IMPACT at check out. iTrust Capital: Use code IMPACT when you sign up and fund your account to get a $100 bonus at https://www.itrustcapital.com/impact Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at https://shopify.com/impact  Butcher Box: Choose either 2 pounds of wild-caught salmon, 2 pounds of grass-fed ground beef, or 3 pounds of organic chicken breast to get free in every box for an entire year. Plus, get an extra $20 off your first box when you use code IMPACT at  https://butcherbox.com/impact What's up, everybody? It's Tom Bilyeu here: If you want my help... STARTING a business: join me here at ZERO TO FOUNDER SCALING a business: see if you qualify here. Get my battle-tested strategies and insights delivered weekly to your inbox: sign up here. If you're serious about leveling up your life, I urge you to check out my new podcast, Tom Bilyeu's Mindset Playbook —a goldmine of my most impactful episodes on mindset, business, and health. Trust me, your future self will thank you. Join me live on my Twitch stream. I'm live daily from 6:30 to 8:30 am PT at www.twitch.tv/tombilyeu LISTEN TO IMPACT THEORY AD FREE + BONUS EPISODES on APPLE PODCASTS: apple.co/impacttheory FOLLOW TOM: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tombilyeu/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tombilyeu?lang=en Twitter: https://twitter.com/tombilyeu YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TomBilyeu Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices