Podcasts about leveraging

In this episode of The Distribution, Brandon Sedloff sits down with Michael Sidgmore to unpack the accelerating convergence between private markets and private wealth. Drawing on Michael's experience across investing, advisory, and media, the conversation explores how shifting market structure, technology, and education are reshaping distribution strategies. They examine why the wealth channel is still early in its adoption of alternatives and what that means for GPs thinking about growth beyond institutions. The discussion also highlights how evolving business models on both the asset management and wealth management sides are beginning to collide. They discuss: Why education is the primary driver of private market adoption in the wealth channel How different GP profiles should think about whether and how to pursue private wealth distribution The rise of evergreen structures and the operational and cultural demands they place on managers How consolidation in wealth management is changing allocator behavior and GP relationships Why brand, identity, and authenticity matter more than ever for alternative managers Links: Broadhaven Ventures - https://www.broadhaven.vc/ Michael On LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelsidgmore/ Alt Goes Mainstream Podcast - https://altgoesmainstream.substack.com/podcast Brandon on LinkedIn - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/bsedloff/⁠ Juniper Square - ⁠https://www.junipersquare.com/⁠ Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:03:05) - Michael's career journey and insights (00:09:13) - Market structure and evolution (00:20:13) - GP profiles and wealth channel strategies (00:26:22) - Education and allocation in private markets (00:29:43) - Navigating the wealth channel (00:30:04) - Leveraging industry-wide education initiatives (00:33:52) - Building a personal brand in finance (00:41:57) - Shifting business models in wealth and asset management (00:48:30) - Exciting prospects for the future (00:53:01) - Conclusion and final thoughts

Click HERE to learn how to earn $10K/month in rental income & access 50% discount on RTR Academyhttps://landing.renttoretirement.com/evg-masterclass-replayBAM Capital:Get access to premium real estate assets with BAM Capital. Rent to Retirement's preferred multifamily partner. https://bamcapital.com/rtr/Real estate investing doesn't have to mean flipping houses, endless rehabs, or managing tenants yourself.In this episode of the Rent To Retirement Podcast, host Matthew Seyoum sits down with investor Jack, a structural engineer from California, to break down how he went from maxing out his 401(k) to building a cash-flowing, out-of-state rental portfolio—without sacrificing his career or family time.Jack shares why California real estate didn't pencil out, how he overcame the fear of investing out of state, and why new-construction turnkey rentals in Alabama aligned perfectly with his long-term retirement goals.Whether you're a busy professional, high-income earner, or someone tired of waiting on the sidelines for interest rates to drop, this episode walks through a real investor's decision-making process, mistakes avoided, and lessons learned.⏱️ Episode Timestamps00:00 – Intro & Jack's background01:00 – Why 401(k)s alone weren't enough02:45 – Why California real estate didn't work04:00 – Discovering turnkey investing through BiggerPockets05:00 – Choosing Alabama as a target market06:20 – Why out-of-state investing felt scary (at first)08:00 – The power of education & the RTR Academy10:00 – Cash flow vs appreciation vs depreciation12:00 – Leveraging real estate for long-term wealth14:30 – Tax benefits & future short-term rental plans17:00 – Interest rates, timing the market & opportunity cost19:30 – Trusting property management from afar21:30 – Final advice for new investors

In this episode of Masters of Moments, Jake Wurzak sits down with Kurt Alexander to unpack how Omni Hotels has built a differentiated hospitality platform by staying deeply rooted in ownership, operations, and long-term thinking. Kurt shares his unconventional path from accounting and investment banking into hotel operations, including the formative experience of working every frontline role at Omni early in his career. The conversation explores why hospitality is fundamentally about people, how ownership mindset shapes better decision making, and what it takes to build hotels that feel both authentic to their destination and durable over decades. They discuss: Kurt's transition from finance into hospitality and the lessons learned from working in frontline hotel roles Why Omni's owner-operator model drives better operational, design, and capital allocation decisions How in-house design, construction, and food and beverage teams create differentiated guest experiences The role of programming, amenities, and experiences in winning group, leisure, and business travel What Omni has learned from joint venture partnerships, challenging deals, and long-term capital stewardship Links: Kurt on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wkurtalexander/ Omni Hotels & Resorts - https://www.omnihotels.com/ Connect & Invest with Jake: Follow Jake on X: ⁠https://x.com/JWurzak⁠ 1 on 1 coaching with Jake: ⁠https://www.jakewurzak.com/coaching⁠ Learn How to Invest with DoveHill: ⁠https://bit.ly/3yg8Pwo⁠ Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:02:48) - From finance to frontline (00:05:37) - The calling of hospitality (00:09:49) - Omni's unique ownership model (00:17:07) - Design and construction innovations (00:27:18) - Programming for group and leisure travelers (00:34:08) - Competing in the hospitality industry (00:37:25) - Omni's brand identity and signature experiences (00:39:12) - Independent positioning of Omni Hotels (00:39:48) - Leveraging loyalty and unique experiences (00:41:04) - In-house culinary expertise and challenges (00:43:45) - Balancing culinary innovation and simplicity (00:45:46) - Adapting to market demands in f&b (00:52:06) - Creating a culture of ownership and excellence (00:55:52) - Incentivizing leadership and sales teams (00:58:33) - Omni's business model and financial strategy (01:02:15) - Lessons from jv partnerships (01:05:01) - Navigating challenges and learning from mistakes (01:07:31) - The importance of long-term thinking in hotel investments (01:09:37) - Favorite hotels and closing remarks

Discipline gets a bad reputation… especially among high-performing women who've experienced it as rigid, punishing, or all-or-nothing. In this episode, I break down why that definition is outdated and why true discipline is actually one of the most supportive, freedom-creating tools we can build in our lives. I share why relying on motivation and willpower keeps us stuck in cycles of pushing and burnout, and how discipline is not a personality trait you either have or don't have, it's a set of systems that can be designed, refined, and strengthened over time. We talk about: Why motivation and willpower are unreliable fuel sources How discipline functions like the "skeleton" of your life The link between discipline, self-trust, and identity How to design systems that make the right choices easier Using constraints and friction to support your goals instead of fighting them Why structure actually creates more freedom, not less How to audit your systems so they support your energy, creativity, and performance Whether you're working toward fitness goals, business growth, or simply a more grounded and intentional life, this episode will help you rethink discipline as something nurturing, sustainable, and deeply empowering. For the high-achieving hot girls that want to recover better, support glowier skin, and promote longevity through better cellular health, get 20% off your first order of Mitopure and make wellness easier than ever. Fitness, health, and holistic wellness for $22/month Interested in a luxury 1:1 online health coaching experience? Look no further than FENIX ATHLETICA, where we fuse science and soul for life-long transformation (inside AND out). For the high-achieving hot girls that want to recover better, support glowier skin, and promote longevity through better cellular health, get 20% off your first order of Mitopure and make wellness easier than ever. Follow me on Instagram Follow EMBody Radio on Instagram

A Note from Michael: The Thriving Farmer Podcast is currently on pause as we navigate a busy season on the farm. While we're taking this break, we're excited to share Farm in Focus, a special series of short, focused conversations recorded earlier this year. These bite-sized episodes highlight practical insights from farmers and experts across the industry. We hope they're helpful and encouraging as you continue your farming journey. What does it really take to run a small, year-round local market? In this Farm in Focus episode, Michael sits down with Emma de Long of Kneehigh Farm to talk about the creation and day-to-day operation of Red Dog Market, a year-round local food market in Pennsylvania. Emma shares how Red Dog Market grew out of increased demand during the COVID-19 pandemic and how it has evolved into a community-centered outlet for her farm and other local producers. From staffing and sourcing to signage, POS systems, and regulatory considerations, Emma offers a candid look at the realities behind keeping fresh food accessible all year long. Whether you're considering opening a farm store, expanding into retail, or simply curious about the behind-the-scenes work of local food markets, this episode offers practical, grounded insights from someone doing it every day.   In this episode, you'll hear about: The Origin of Red Dog Market • How COVID-19 accelerated demand for local food access [02:42] • Why Kneehigh Farm serves as the market's anchor vendor [02:42] Market Operations & Staffing • Running a year-round market with a small, focused team [08:32] • The role of a dedicated market manager and daily task division [08:32] • Why maintaining fresh produce is "a puzzle every day" [14:39] Sourcing & Vendor Relationships • How Emma vets vendors—especially for meat and dairy products [12:25] • The importance of building strong relationships with local producers [05:34] • Balancing product variety with quality and consistency [12:25] Systems, Marketing & Logistics • The complexities of using POS systems for a small, hybrid market model [14:39] • Effective signage and in-person marketing strategies [16:51] • Leveraging existing farm share and CSA memberships to build traffic [16:51] Advice for Aspiring Market Owners • Why starting slow and understanding your costs is critical [16:51] • Regulatory considerations every market owner should be aware of • How community engagement shapes long-term success [20:40] Bio: Emma de Long is a farmer, educator, and fiber advocate based in Chester County, Pennsylvania. She founded Kneehigh Farm in 2013 and has since grown a diverse mix of vegetables, dye plants, and fiber crops. Since 2019, Emma has cultivated indigo for natural pigment extraction, and in 2020 she co-founded the Pennsylvania Flax Project, an initiative dedicated to rebuilding regional flax processing infrastructure. Kneehigh Farm operates as a 100% women-run operation, and in 2021 Emma opened Red Dog Market, a year-round outlet for farm goods and local products. Links:

**Title:** Untapped B2B Connection Strategy to Get Referrals **Host:** Michael J. Maher **Guest:** Thommy Sandvick **Description:** This episode of the *Referrals Podcast* is a re-release of a powerful conversation between Michael J. Maher and Certified Referral Trainer Thommy Sandvick—brought back because the lessons are as relevant today as ever. Together, they unpack what actually works when it comes to networking, why so many people struggle with it, and how authentic relationships naturally lead to referrals. If networking has ever felt awkward, forced, or ineffective, this episode will help you approach it with confidence, clarity, and purpose. **(7L) Referral Strategies:** * Building authentic relationships through intentional, relationship-first networking * Creating flow in conversations to deepen connection and trust * Avoiding common networking mistakes that block referrals * Leveraging mindset to show up confidently and consistently * Turning everyday interactions into meaningful long-term relationships **Special Offer:** Ready to take your networking skills to the next level? Join the Networking Mastery Class and learn how to build authentic relationships, save time, and generate consistent referrals—without feeling salesy or forced. Learn more and reserve your spot at: www.NetworkingMasteryClass.com

Ciprian Stan, M&A Integration Manager at SALESIANER Gruppe Most M&A deals fail because integration was "something to figure out later". By the time execution realities, cultural risks, and people impacts surface, the deal is locked, and teams must work around untested assumptions. In this episode of the M&A Science podcast, Ciprian Stan, M&A Integration Manager at SALESIANER Gruppe, explains that integration must be a strategic input to increase chances of success.  Things You'll Learn The importance of involving Integration early in the process Pre LOI preparations and expectations Cultural Diligence and what to look for How to communicate the deal the right way _____________________ Buyer-Led M&A™: The Framework is Now Available Traditional M&A is broken. Buyers chase auctions. Sellers control the process. It's reactive, inefficient, and exhausting. After 300+ episodes of M&A Science, I've taken insights from the world's top corp dev leaders and distilled them into a practical framework for taking control of your M&A pipeline—how to source deals directly, build relationships earlier, and stop being auction-chasers. If you'd like to build a proactive M&A program that founders actually want to engage with, you can grab your copy. https://dealroom.net/resources/ebooks/buyer-led-m-a-tm-the-framework ____________________ Episode Chapters  [00:08:00] – Processes vs. Technology: Discussion on managing the computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) and standardized processes during early deals. [00:10:00] – Leveraging an Engineering Background: How a computer science background helps M&A leaders speak the language of IT teams while avoiding micromanagement. [00:13:00] – Proactive vs. Reactive Buying: Defining proactive buying as understanding the "why" and identifying specific gaps (geography, technology, etc.) before acquiring. [00:15:00] – Growth Strategies: Practical examples of buying for revenue growth versus strategic, deliberate footprint expansion. [00:20:25] Integration Should Shape the Deal Early – Integration leaders surface execution risks that strategy teams often overlook. [00:29:00] – Pre-LOI Must-Haves: Essential considerations including an integration thesis, timeline estimates, and financial constructs like earnouts. [00:35:00] – Identifying "Secret Sauce": The necessity of protecting what makes a target company successful during and after the transaction. [00:36:00] – Founder Dynamics: The pros and cons of keeping a founder on after the sale and how their intentions impact the company culture. [00:38:00] – Red Flags and Honest Negotiations: Warning against "pink glasses" during deals and the high cost of lying or tricking a seller during negotiations. [00:48:00] – Dealing with Write-Offs: A cautionary tale of a full investment write-off caused by ignored red flags and excluding integration experts from the deal table. [00:52:00] – Client and Supplier Risks: Why buyers must speak to a target's major clients to ensure the acquisition doesn't create a "single point of failure" risk. ____________________ Questions, comments, concerns? Follow Kison Patel for behind-the-scenes insights on modern M&A.

Lauren Cobello is the CEO and founder of Leverage with Media PR, a boutique public relations agency that helps authors, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders use media strategically to build authority, credibility, and growth. Before launching her agency, she spent nearly two decades building her own personal brand as a personal finance expert, becoming a three-time author and regular national TV personality on shows like The Today Show, Good Morning America, Dr. Oz, and Rachael Ray. After scaling her personal brand to seven figures, she sold that company and bootstrapped Leverage with Media PR from zero to a million-dollar agency in just 10 months.​ On this episode we talk about: How Lauren paid off 40,000 dollars in debt and built a personal finance brand from a couponing blog.​ How national TV appearances became top-of-funnel “ads” that fueled her seven-figure business.​ Why she sold her first company, downsized her lifestyle, and went all-in on starting a PR agency debt free.​ The truth about the PR industry, including low-quality agencies, profit-first models, and why so many founders feel burned.​ How traditional media, podcasts, and social platforms now work together to build authority in 2026.​ Why relationships and senior-level publicists are the real differentiators for landing meaningful TV and podcast placements.​ The realities of getting on top podcasts like Joe Rogan and why most entrepreneurs need a more strategic, ego-free media plan.​ Top 3 Takeaways Media is a multiplier: When used strategically, every TV appearance, podcast, or feature should act as top of funnel that drives people into a sales ecosystem and builds trust before you ever enter the room.​ Not all PR is created equal: Most agencies optimize for profit, staffing junior or outsourced teams, while the firms that actually move the needle rely on senior publicists with deep relationships and clear KPIs.​ Traditional media isn't dead—it's leveraged: In 2026, the strongest brands blend traditional TV, podcasts, social, and newsletters, using prestigious earned media (like major TV shows) for credibility and association that makes everything else easier.​ Notable Quotes "Every single TV appearance that I did became top of funnel—an ad that went into my sales funnel and got people to trust me before I even walked in the room."​ "PR is not marketing, and most PR agencies are full of it because they sell promises junior teams can't fulfill."​ "You probably aren't going on the top five podcasts you're dreaming about, but the right ‘smaller' shows can move the needle more than the ones with fake followers and vanity metrics."​ Connect with Lauren Cobello: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/leveragewithmediapr Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leveragewithmedia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauren_cobello Other: Leverage with Media PR  Travis Makes Money is made possible by High Level – the All-In-One Sales & Marketing Platform built for agencies, by an agency. Capture leads, nurture them, and close more deals—all from one powerful platform. Get an extended free trial at gohighlevel.com/travis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Awkward moments are often treated as something to avoid. But what if they are actually a doorway to growth, connection, and influence? In Episode 251 of The Mindset Game podcast, Vered Kogan sits down with Henna Pryor, workplace performance expert, keynote speaker, and author of Good Awkward, to explore why awkwardness is not a weakness to eliminate, but a skill leaders can develop. Drawing on her research and real-world experience, Henna shares practical insights including: Why awkward moments are often signals of growth rather than failure How the stories we tell ourselves after awkward interactions shape future behavior How to improve your "comeback rate" and recover more quickly from social discomfort To connect with Henna or learn more about her work, visit hennapryor.com or find her on LinkedIn. To subscribe to The Mindset Game podcast or leave a review, visit TheMindsetGame.com or click HERE.

Episode Overview In this episode, John Kitchens sits down with Richelle Davis, founder of Davis Real Estate Group, for a powerful conversation on building a referral-based real estate business rooted in trust, systems, and intentional leadership. Richelle shares her journey from serial entrepreneur to real estate CEO—and how she's built a highly profitable business without paid leads, without burnout, and without sacrificing her family, values, or quality of life. From creating systems that protect the client experience to leveraging community relationships as a growth engine, this episode is a masterclass in sustainable, long-term success. If you're tired of chasing leads, feeling trapped in production, or building a business that owns you instead of the other way around, this conversation will challenge how you think about leadership, leverage, and scale. What You'll Learn in This Episode From Entrepreneur to Real Estate CEO Richelle's path from entrepreneurship into real estate leadership Why business fundamentals matter more than real estate tactics How CEO thinking creates clarity, confidence, and consistency Building a 100% Referral-Based Business Why trust and reputation outperform paid lead sources How to become a real estate advisor for life—not a transaction chaser The standards required to earn consistent referrals at scale Systems That Create Freedom Why checklists and repeatable processes are non-negotiable How systems protect the client experience as you grow The difference between being busy and being effective Leadership, Team, and Culture Hiring for values, integrity, and long-term alignment Why Richelle intentionally limits team size How internal trust creates external credibility Community as a Growth Engine Why local involvement builds long-term brand authority Leveraging community relationships to fuel organic referrals Turning service, gratitude, and reciprocity into scalable growth Escaping Burnout and Reclaiming Time How Richelle stepped back to a 2.5-day workweek without losing momentum Why leverage starts with clarity—not delegation Designing a business that supports life instead of consuming it Resources & Mentions Agent to CEO Framework John Kitchens Executive Coaching → JohnKitchens.coach Working Genius by Patrick Lencioni Davis Real Estate Group Community-based referral and relationship strategies Final Takeaway You don't need more leads—you need more clarity. Richelle Davis proves that when you lead with trust, build real systems, and serve your community with intention, you can scale a real estate business without chaos, burnout, or compromise. Freedom isn't built by doing more. It's built by leading better. "We don't see ourselves as transactional agents—we're advisors for life." – Richelle Davis Connect with Us: Instagram: @johnkitchenscoach LinkedIn: @johnkitchenscoach Facebook: @johnkitchenscoach If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Stay tuned for more insights and strategies from the top minds. See you next time!

In this episode of Energy Medicine, Dr. Mary sits down with Cynthia James, international coach, speaker, and expert in Emotional Integration Counseling, for a powerful conversation about healing that goes beyond insight and into the body.If you've ever felt like you understand your emotional patterns but still feel stuck, overwhelmed, or dysregulated, this episode is for you. Together, we explore how emotions live in the nervous system, why talk therapy alone often falls short, and how integrating the mind and body creates lasting emotional resilience.This conversation is grounded, practical, and deeply empowering—offering tools you can begin using right away to reduce stress, restore balance, and reconnect with yourself. In This Episode, We Discuss:-What Emotional Integration Counseling is and how it differs from traditional therapy-How unprocessed emotions are stored in the body and nervous system-Why safety and regulation are essential for emotional healing-The role of the mind-body connection in resolving stress and trauma-How emotional integration supports clarity, resilience, and inner wholeness-Practical ways to begin integrating emotions in daily life-Healing without re-traumatization or endlessly retelling old storiesConnect with Cynthia:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cynthiajames777/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cynthiajamestransformsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthia-james-~-international-coach-and-tedx-speaker-6105605/

This week on The Audit Podcast, our guest is David Bowman, Senior Vice President and Global Chief Auditor at Unum Group.   David shares his innovative approach to using data analytics across his audit team. He talks through how his team—roughly 60 auditors across three countries and five audit groups—implements analytics in a way that delivers measurable results to stakeholders, even for smaller teams with limited resources.   We also dive into David's role in supporting these initiatives, the importance of audit culture, and his key lessons from 30 years of audit and audit leadership.   Be sure to connect with David on LinkedIn.   Also, be sure to follow us on our social media accounts on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok.   Also be sure to sign up for The Audit Podcast newsletter and to check the full video interview on The Audit Podcast YouTube channel.   Timecodes:   4:28 – Sourcing and building analytics capabilities 11:45 – When and how to engage a data analytics specialist 20:27 – Collaboration between the data analytics team and the Audit team 22:26 – Stakeholder feedback and insights 25:30 – Developing the next generation of leaders 33:18 – What it means to lead on a global scale 41:02 – The dos and don'ts of shaping company culture 46:29 - Final Thoughts   *   This podcast is brought to you by Greenskies Analytics, the services firm that helps auditors leap-frog up the analytics maturity model. Their approach for launching audit analytics programs with a series of proven quick-win analytics will guarantee the results worthy of the analytics hype.  Whether your audit team needs a data strategy, methodology, governance, literacy, or anything else related to audit and analytics, schedule time with Greenskies Analytics.

Ever wondered what makes a short-term rental truly unforgettable?Some hosts swear by bold color schemes, while others lean into quirky themes, but what really drives bookings and keeps guests coming back?Today, we sit down with renowned designers Bri West and Jordan McDonough here on SmartStay Show to explore the art and strategy of standout short-term rental design. Discover how bold color, imaginative themes, and strategic branding can transform any property into not just a beautiful space, but an unforgettable guest experience, and a profitable investment.From emerging market trends to must-have amenities, this episode is packed with actionable insights for both new and seasoned hosts. Whether you're ready to go all-in on a themed rental or simply considering a design refresh, learn how thoughtful choices can elevate your bookings, enhance guest satisfaction, and maximize ROI.Things we discussed in this episode:The importance of bold color patterns and themes for short-term rental success.Defining and researching the target audience before designing.Branding properties to create memorable, differentiated guest experiences.Strategic, ROI-driven design based on market research and data.Using different design strategies for various markets (urban vs. cabin, vibrant vs. cozy).Incorporating themes—even bold or unique ones—to boost appeal and bookings.Leveraging branding (signs, doormats, Wi-Fi) for guest recall and repeat business.Treating design as an investment to drive revenue, not just an expense.The growing importance of amenities and functional design in guest experience.Trends in the short-term rental industry and future growth plans for Summer Led Designs.Get in touch with BRI & JORDAN:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/somerled.designs/?hl=enWebsite - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.somerleddesigns.com/Linkedin Bri- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/bri-west-2a7a93288/Linkedin Jordan- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-patchell-mcdonough-758a9ba4/?trk=people-guest_people_search-card#SmartStayShow #realestate #realestateinvestor #realestateagent #RealEstateInvesting #ShortTermRentals #AirbnbDesign #RentalROI #InteriorDesign #PropertyBranding #VacationRental #GuestExperience #HospitalityTrendsFollow Us!Join Jason Muth of Prideaway Stays and Straightforward Short-Term Rentals and Real Estate Attorney / Broker Rory Gill for the first episode of SmartStay Show!Following and subscribing to SmartStay Show not only ensures that you'll get instant updates whenever we release a new episode, but it also helps us reach more people who could benefit from the valuable content that we provide.SmartStay Show ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Prideaway Stays ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Straightforward Short-Term Rentals ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Attorney Rory Gill ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jason Muth on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Clarence "CJ" Carter's BIO:  Clarence "CJ" Carter is a Marine Corps veteran turned business strategist who helps entrepreneurs transform their expertise into scalable income. As the creator of Digital Marketing to Millions, CJ specializes in building automated business systems that save time, reduce overwhelm, and multiply revenue. Drawing from his experience leading business intelligence for major organizations and coaching entrepreneurs across industries, CJ brings a unique blend of discipline, humor, and strategy to every stage he steps on. His mission is simple: help business owners work less, earn more, and build businesses that fuel both profit and freedom.   In this episode, Virginia and Clarence talked about: CJ's entrepreneurial journey The power of travel to influence mindset The power of language Why we need mission clarity How to handle when people fail to follow up Takeaways: Maybe the traditional path isn't for you Your words create (or deflate) your influence Remain on mission even when things go off the rails Leveraging technology will set you apart   Connect with Clarence on his LinkedIn account to learn more about his work and insights into networking effectively: LinkedIn URL: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clarence-carter/   Connect with Virginia: https://www.bbrpodcast.com/

The financials of your practice are kind of like a patient's labs – they tell you a lot about that practice's health. Knowing your practice's financials as well as a patient's labs makes a lot of sense. My guest today is an owner in a private practice and knows their financials that well. Additionally, she consults with practice owners to help them do the same. She'll help us get started on how you can, too.Katie Nunn, MBA, CMPE, provides training and coaching for healthcare leaders and their organizations on process improvement, financial optimization, and cultural transformation. Leveraging extensive experience with financial and operational turnarounds, she is a valuable advisor for an organization experiencing rapid expansion or change. With over 20 years' experience in healthcare leadership, her broad areas of expertise include practice assessments, process improvement, financial management, IT implementations, telemedicine, strategic planning, providers on-boarding, and cultural transformation.In this episode Carl White and Katie Nunn discuss:Why you don't need an MBA or an accounting degree to know your financials wellThe handful of key financials to know about your practice and what to know about themHow to set up financial reporting to make them as easy to read as lab resultsWant to be a guest on PracticeCare®?Have an experience with a business issue you think others will benefit from? Come on PracticeCare® and tell the world! Here's the link where you can get the process started.Connect with Katie Nunnhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/bright-ideas-medical-consulting/Connect with Carl WhiteWebsite: http://www.marketvisorygroup.comEmail:  whitec@marketvisorygroup.comFacebook:  https://www.facebook.com/marketvisorygroupYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCD9BLCu_i2ezBj1ktUHVmigLinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/healthcaremktg

On this episode of HALO Talks, host Pete Moore sits down with Hunter Ziesing, founder of Longevity Health, to dive into the rapidly chaing volving world of preventive health and personal wellness data. Bringing decades of experience from Wall Street, athletic pursuits, and nonprofit work, Hunter shares his inspiration for moving into longevity and healthspan solutions after seeing friends and family struggle with preventable health issues. He discusses Longevity Health's mission: Democratizing access to clinical-grade health data and AI-driven recommendations. . . basically what elite practitioners charge six figures for, made accessible to the masses. Learn about how he aims to empower individuals to truly own their health data, integrate information from wearables and medical tests, and leverage AI for personalized action. This episode also explores the business of building scalable solutions, collaborating with fitness chains, and balancing the desire to revolutionize public health with mindful entrepreneurship.  On affordable (preventative!) health care for all, Zasing states, " My mission is to really give people the Peter Attia. You know. . .what he charges $150,000 for, for as little as 30 cents a day." Key themes discussed Leveraging personal health data for prevention and longevity AI integration in health management and recommendations Consumer ownership and use of health data Partnerships with fitness clubs and labs for testing Transition from nonprofit to for-profit health ventures Scaling health platforms through technology and collaborations Challenges and vision for democratizing preventive healthcare A Few Key Takeaways:  1.Data-Driven Personalized Health is the Future: Hunter is building a platform (Longevity Health) that brings together personal health data—from wearables, medical records, blood tests, and more—to help guide individuals in preventative health and wellness. His mission is to democratize access, offering "Peter Attia-level" insights at an affordable price. 2. Behavior Change is Achievable and Measurable: Through previous ventures like the national cycling series supporting Livestrong, and his work at Paceline, Hunter  demonstrated that motivating people with goals, teams, and rewards (even as simple as a dollar for hitting your heart rate target) can create real, lasting behavior change. 3. AI-Powered Recommendations Enhance Preventive Care: The company is beta testing an AI engine that analyzes your consolidated health data, gives personalized recommendations, and will eventually act almost like a virtual doctor. For now, a human clinician still reviews and oversees the AI's conclusions, ensuring safety and accuracy. 4. Consumer Ownership Over Health Data is Key: Both Ziesing and Pete discuss the importance of individuals owning their own health data. Regulatory shifts (even tech giants like Apple and Google are getting behind this) are beginning to empower consumers, rather than siloing data within companies. 5. Partnerships and Integrations Will Drive Scale: Rather than trying to own every piece of the ecosystem, Hunter emphasizes the strategy of partnering with gyms, health clubs, and existing testing providers. The vision is to make Longevity Health the connective "last mile" that ties together disparate data to deliver actionable insight—potentially white-labeling the tech or integrating with large fitness chains for scale. Resources:  Hunter Ziesing: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hunterziesing/ Longevity Health: https://www.longevityhealth.me/  Integrity Square: https://www.integritysq.com Prospect Wizard: https://www.theprospectwizard.com Promotion Vault: https://www.promotionvault.com HigherDose: https://www.higherdose.com

Today, a guest is returning who's been so popular on this show. Jennifer Allwood is talking about women getting stuck in their business, feeling like they can't gain traction, and how to break through this tricky spot. You don't want to miss this conversation. Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe Connect with Jennifer: Website: https://jenniferallwood.com/ She's Equipt Offer: $100 off first month any tier with code Ciara100 at shesequipt.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenniferallwood Jennifer Allwood is an inspiring entrepreneur and business coach who has built a thriving multi-7-figure a year business in the online space. Leveraging her faithful social media following of over 650K followers, “She's Equipt with Jennifer Allwood” podcast with nearly 7 million downloads, and her #1 best-selling book “Fear Is Not the Boss of You,” Jennifer empowers women to create financial freedom online while using their God-given gifts.In the last decade, Jennifer has taught over 20,000 women how to grow and sell on social media, diversify revenue streams, and transform their financial situations through online business.As the founder of She's Equipt, an all-in-one marketing platform designed to equip entrepreneurs with all the online tools to build sustainable businesses, Jennifer continues to provide high-value training, mentorship, and resources that help women grow their brands and thrive in an ever-changing online world. More About the Episode Sponsor:Finding Freedom Financial Services (https://www.findingfreedomfinancial.com/) - Get help managing your business finances!

If there is one word in dentistry that gets people sweating, it's the word ‘sales'.Sometimes the term ‘sales' can have a negative connotation. Sales is helping people achieve better outcomes, whether it's in healthcare or otherwise, it's about understanding your patient or your customer and helping them with a solution. In dentistry, we use other words like ‘case acceptance' or ‘case presentation' in an effort to not use the word ‘sales'.In today's episode, Jesse is joined by Abbie White who specialises in high performance sales and charting the future of sales and AI in the dental industry. Most people agree that Abbie White is a mover and shaker and one of Australia's most dynamic sales experts.Abbie's superpower is being the marriage counsellor for sales AND marketing, in order to deliver an astronomical ROI. Leveraging this superpower, she brings together revenue generating teams to achieve in excess of 2000% + ROI on lead generation campaigns for leading Tier 1 global corporations.In this episode:[3:30] - Let's redefine the word and meaning of ‘Sales'.[6:22] - Giving your patient ‘options' for treatment, and not giving your professional opinion can be costing you sales.[8:38] - How to build your confidence to ensure you utilise your authentic sales skills.[9:54] - Is your Marketing helping your Sales? SMARKETING is the new dental business term. Statistically only 8% of businesses have a strong alignment between their sales and marketing and those that do generate 209% more revenue![14:36] - The $money$ is in the follow up![17:29] - The value of your relationship with your patient and the direct correlation to your ability to sell to them authentically.[20:44] - Is there anything else I can do for you? I've got time! Why these could be the most profitable set of words you hear this century.[27:18] - How we can use A.I in our businesses immediately. (and why if you do not embrace A.I, you might be missing out on revenue)Resources & Links:Join the free Savvy Dentist Facebook GroupFollow Dr Jesse Green on LinkedInVisit Savvy Dentist websiteMentioned in this episode:Savvy Dentist Team Training BundleIf your practice can't run without you, it's time for systems - not more theory. That's why we created the Savvy Dentist Team Training Bundle - five powerful, system-driven programs including Front Desk All Stars, the Million Dollar Dentist, Practice Manager Masterclass, Advanced Treatment Coordinator Training, and High-Performance Hygiene. Each course delivers practical, step-by-step systems your team can use every day to build accountability and create a self-managing practice. Save $2,000 for a limited time — visit savvydentist.com/team-training.Team Training Bundle...

Episode InfoJeff Radke is CEO and Co-Founder of Accelerant, a technology-fueled insurance platform that empowers MGUs to more effectively and confidently serve small and medium enterprises. He has spent his career working across all areas of the insurance value chain, from underwriting to reinsurance in global markets. Prior to Accelerant, Jeff spent a decade at Argo Group International Holdings, but he became frustrated with thelegacy system's antiquated technology and emphasis on maintaining their position in the value chain over doing right by the customer. This inspired him to co-found Accelerant to enable data-driven innovation and collaboration that puts customers first. Accelerant rebuilds the way that underwriters share and exchange risk to improve outcomes for everyone, with a focus on the SMBs that power our global economy and their niche insurance needs. Jeff was previously a guest on the show, and you can catch that episode here. Episode Overview: Accelerant's IPO Journey: Successful Public Offering: Accelerant completed its Initial Public Offering (IPO) in July 2025. Timing Was Right: Radke believes the IPO occurred at the opportune moment, as the business model had become clearly defined and demonstrable to investors. He suggests it couldn't have happened much sooner. Market Conditions: The market timing for the IPO was favorable. Long-Term Vision: The IPO supports a long-term strategy, with the company prioritizing a 5-10-15 year horizon rather than short-term quarterly results. This contrasts with some other tech IPOs that focus on immediate performance. Investor Communication: Transparency with investors about expectations is crucial, and the company runs the business for the benefit of its customers and platform participants. Learning Experience: The post-IPO period, including initial market reactions and earnings announcements, served as a valuable, albeit challenging, reminder to focus on running the business exceptionally well and managing investor expectations. Accelerant's Mission & Problem Solved: Addresses a gap in the market for specialized underwriting talent moving to MGAs without adequate support. Recognizes the shift of risk retention to larger insurance companies, leaving a need for capacity. The Accelerant Platform: Aims to be the "rails" for specialty insurance. Focuses on: Smooth, transparent data flow. Efficiently connecting MGAs to risk capital. Leveraging technology and AI for data analytics and portfolio management. Growth & Key Initiatives: Serves 265 MGA members and partners with 17 insurance companies and 90+ capital providers. Mission: An Accelerant-owned entity providing a safety net and support for underwriters transitioning to MGAs. Risk Exchange: Facilitates capital matching for underwriters, with a focus on long-term network effects and data growth. The Evolving MGA Landscape: MGAs are growing significantly faster than the broader industry. Technology is enabling specialization and a "handoff" model across the value chain. This disaggregation is a natural progression, mirroring trends in other industries. Specialized coverage is increasingly in demand due to the complexity of modern businesses. Addressing Industry Inefficiencies: Identifies high expenses in areas like claims, underwriting, and actuarial functions as a key challenge. Advocates for mutualizing these expenses through centralized, technology-driven platforms like the Risk Exchange. Contrasts this with the traditional model where many companies perform the same functions sub-optimally. Differentiating Accelerant: Focuses on long-term viability and underwriting expertise, not just hype. Prioritizes serving members and capital partners with a service-minded approach. Offers a more efficient and effective alternative to traditional and some other insurtech models. This episode is brought to you by The Future of Insurance book series (future-of-insurance.com) from Bryan Falchuk. Follow the podcast at future-of-insurance.com/podcast for more details and other episodes. Music courtesy of Hyperbeat Music, available to stream or download on Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music and more.

For years, we've heard about AI transforming software development. But what if that same level of agentic, AI-driven collaboration could be applied not just to writing code, but to writing your entire go-to-market playbook? Agility requires that your go-to-market teams operate at the speed of insight, not at the speed of manual data entry and fragmented workflows. This means empowering them with tools that don't just provide data, but automate action based on strategic intent. Today, we're going to talk about the concept of an 'agentic' go-to-market platform, where AI doesn't just assist, but actively collaborates with sales and marketing teams to automate entire workflows, from strategy to execution. To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Marcio Arnecke, Chief Marketing Officer at Apollo.io. About Marcio Arnecke As Apollo.io's Chief Marketing Officer, Marcio Arnecke brings a visionary approach to scaling high-growth B2B SaaS marketing in the AI-driven sales landscape. With over two decades of experience driving revenue acceleration across global markets, he has consistently transformed early-stage technology companies into market-defining brands. Hisexpertise in AI-powered go-to-market strategies uniquely positions him to accelerate Apollo's mission of empowering sales teams through intelligent data and automation. Previously, he played a pivotal role in scaling marketing functions at SaaS giants like Intercom and Zendesk, where he drove remarkable growth from $40M to $1.7B, culminating in a successful IPO that raised $100 million in 2014. Leveraging his comprehensive background in demand generation, product marketing, and strategic storytelling, Marcio is focused on positioning Apollo as the go-to AI sales platform for SMB and mid-market teams. His approach combines data-driven insights with targeted narrative strategies, translating Apollo's technological capabilities into practical business value. Drawing from his global experience across Silicon Valley and international markets, Marcio aims to expand Apollo's brand and demonstrate how AI can meaningfully improve sales engagement for growing businesses. Marcio holds advanced degrees from Stanford University's Graduate School of Business and Golden Gate University, complemented by a BS in Business Administration from Universidade Feevale in Brazil. Marcio Arnecke on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcioarnecke/ Resources Apollo.io: https://www.apollo.io Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code AGILE at the link below and get 60% off an annual plan: https://incogni.com/agile  The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow Catch the future of e-commerce at eTail Palm Springs, Feb 23-26 in Palm Springs, CA. Go here for more details: https://etailwest.wbresearch.com/ Drive your customers to new horizons at the premier retail event of the year for Retail and Brand marketers. Learn more at CRMC 2026, June 1-3. https://www.thecrmc.com/ Enjoyed the show? Tell us more at and give us a rating so others can find the show at: https://ratethispodcast.com/agile Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstrom Don't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.show Check out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company

What if one focused hour a day could dramatically shorten your sales cycle, increase top-of-mind awareness, and help your entire team generate revenue without burning you out? In this episode, Kelly breaks down the Miracle Hour, a timeless daily sales system she designed to help entrepreneurs acquire customers faster, create consistency, and monetize their teams more effectively. Whether you sell high-ticket offers, run a local business, or lead a multi-department organization, the Miracle Hour can be adapted to fit your goals, your industry, and your growth stage. Kelly walks through real world applications of the Miracle Hour across industries: from car dealerships and dental offices to corporate sales training companies and authors preparing for a book launch, showing why this system works in any economy and on any platform. You'll learn how consistent daily inputs can compress what used to be year-long sales cycles into days, how to organize your Dream 1000 for maximum efficiency, and how to plug your team into a revenue-generating system that gives you back time, freedom, and focus. Plus, Kelly shares an exciting announcement about the upcoming Miracle Hour audiobook, book, and docuseries, and how you can get early access for free.  Timestamps:  0:00 – 0:46 Why the Miracle Hour compresses long sales cycles into days 0:46 – 1:28 What the Miracle Hour really is (and why it creates efficiency and freedom) 1:28 – 2:04 Why the Miracle Hour works in any economy, industry, or offer type 2:04 – 4:30 Real-world example: How a car dealership can use the Miracle Hour to drive repeat and referral sales 4:30 – 5:57 Applying the Miracle Hour in corporate and B2B sales environments 5:57 – 7:22 Why the Miracle Hour is platform-agnostic (and how it worked before social media) 7:22 – 8:13 Using the Miracle Hour to land a book deal, PR, and promotional partnerships 8:13 – 9:09 Local business example: Leveraging the Miracle Hour for reviews and referrals 9:09 – 10:18 How frequency and consistency collapse your sales timeline 10:18 – 11:24 Using the Miracle Hour to sell high-ticket offers directly to market 11:24 – 12:29 Announcement: Early access to the Miracle Hour audiobook 12:29 – 13:31 Why the Miracle Hour is the key to monetizing your team 13:31 – 14:29 How CEOs use the Miracle Hour to reclaim time and step into their zone of genius    Resources Learn the complete Miracle Hour system For FREE: https://accelerator.virtualbusinessschool.com/mhsocial  Get access to our complete daily sales system for generating predictable revenue online inside the Virtual Business School: https://www.virtualbusinessschool.com/  Follow Kelly on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellyroachofficial/  Follow Kelly on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kelly.roach.520/  Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellyroachint/ 

Mike Nemer and Fridrik Larsen Founder of Charge Powering Energy Brands Conference discussed the upcoming charge conference in San Antonio, which has been rescheduled from April/May to February 26-27. Fridrik explained that CHARGE, which focuses on energy brands and their importance in the boardroom, is moving from Houston to San Antonio to create a more energetic atmosphere like their European events. Today on episode 314 of The Green Insider Podcast, we will cover how the conference will explore how energy companies can better understand and leverage their brands across the value chain, including internal and external stakeholders. The conversation includes: Branding Strategies and Value The conference uniquely focuses on utilities, with a branding strategy aimed at attracting top talent and improving client relationships. Fridrik Larsen highlighted that strong brand value acts as a multiplier for enterprise value, especially during acquisitions or sales, and helps companies differentiate beyond price competition. Understanding target market segments is crucial for effective customer communication. The conference uniquely focuses on utilities, with a branding strategy aimed at attracting top talent and improving client relationships. Brand Measurement Tools Fridrik Larsen introduced the brandr indexing tool for measuring and improving brand strength. The brandr index measures brand strength by assessing internal and external brand ambassadors, providing actionable insights for improving brand culture. The index has been successfully used by European companies such as EKR and Lufthansa for seven years. Business Impact and Marketing Decisions Quantifying and benchmarking brand strength helps companies make informed marketing decisions, allocate budgets effectively, and gain respect from executives. Running brand indexes can identify problems, improve marketing strategies, and potentially save significant marketing dollars. Conference Participation Attendees are encouraged to learn more at the upcoming CHARGE Conference in San Antonio. A registration discount is available for podcast listeners using the code: thegreeninsider15. For a discount use code thegreeninsider15 – to register go to Register Now. To be an Insider Please subscribe to The Green Insider powered by ERENEWABLE wherever you get your podcast from and remember to leave us a five-star rating. This podcast is sponsored by UTSI International. To learn more about our sponsor or ask about being a sponsor, contact ERENEWABLE and the Green Insider Podcast. The post Key Insights on the Upcoming CHARGE Conference: Leveraging Brand Strength in the Energy Sector appeared first on eRENEWABLE.

Last time we spoke about the Japanese invasion of Hainan. In early 1939, the Sino-Japanese War shifted from pitched battles to a grueling struggle over lifelines and logistics. Japan pursued a southward strategy (Nanshin-ron), aiming to choke Chinese resistance by isolating key railways and airbases. It seized Hainan in February to secure southern airfields and threaten Indochina routes, then targeted Nanchang to cut the vital Zhejiang–Jiangxi Railway, crippling Free China's eastern supply lines. The Japanese used a blended-arms approach: concentrated armor, air support, and amphibious and river operations, focusing on rapid, strategic breakthroughs rather than large-scale frontal assaults. China, though battered, relied on a reconstituted defense around Wuhan and Nanchang, with the Ninth War Zone under Xue Yue delaying Japanese advances and preserving critical corridors south of the Yangtze. The campaign highlighted the war's broader human and political dimensions: massive casualties, forced labor, and internal political fragility within the Kuomintang, even as both sides sought to outlast the other.   #186 The Battle of Nanchang Welcome to the Fall and Rise of China Podcast, I am your dutiful host Craig Watson. But, before we start I want to also remind you this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Perhaps you want to learn more about the history of Asia? Kings and Generals have an assortment of episodes on history of asia and much more  so go give them a look over on Youtube. So please subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry for some more history related content, over on my channel, the Pacific War Channel where I cover the history of China and Japan from the 19th century until the end of the Pacific War. For the Second Sino-Japanese War, 1939 marked a transition from broad occupation tactics to a focused, politically driven military strategy aimed at breaking Nationalist cohesion and isolating key nodes. After the January 11, 1938 Imperial Conference, Tokyo framed the China Conflict as a contest of endurance and political attrition: hold occupied territories as strategic assets, push a narrow operational corridor between Anqing, Xinyang, Yuezhou, and Nanchang, and treat the broader east-of-line spaces as pacified. The aim was to deny resources to Chiang Kai-shek's regime while awaiting a more opportune political rupture, instead of pursuing indiscriminate conquest. By October 1938, the tactical center of gravity shifted toward Wuhan and the Yangtze corridor. General Headquarters acknowledged the need to adapt to a protracted war: emphasize political strategy alongside combat operations, bolster a new regime in areas under pressure, and gradually erode Chongqing's moral and material resolve. This shift produced a dual track: reinforce a centralized, secure core while permitting peripheral fronts to be leveraged against Chongqing.   In early 1939, Japan sought to consolidate gains through layered defenses and strategic war zones, aiming to blunt Chinese mobilization and disrupt critical logistics. The Ninth War Zone, commanded by Xue Yue, formed a defensive umbrella over Nanchang's northern approaches and the surrounding rail-and-river arteries. China's leadership, notably Chiang Kai-shek, pressed for preemption to seize the initiative: an ambitious plan from Xue Yue to strike by March 24, 1939, to prevent a river-crossing Japanese advance and to pin forces before they could entrench. Japan responded with Operation Ren, targeting the Zhejiang–Jiangxi Railway to sever lines of communication and isolate Nanchang. Okamura Yasuji reorganized heavy weapons into concentrated tank groups, supported by air power, while late-February 1939 movements staged feints and riverine maneuvers to complicate Chinese concentration around Nanchang. The objective was a rapid, surgical seizure of Nanchang to blind the southern airbase network, disrupt the critical rail spine, and push Chinese forces deeper inland, thereby tightening a blockade around southern China. Together, these shifts framed Nanchang not as an isolated objective but as the climactic hinge in a broader strategy of coercive pressure, air-ground mobility, and rail control. The city's fall would represent the culmination of a protracted contest to deny the Nationalist regime its logistical arteries and air superiority, paving the way for further Japanese consolidation and pressure along the Yangtze corridor. In the wake of the Japanese capture of Wuhan in late 1938, the city swiftly transformed into a pivotal stronghold for the Imperial Japanese Army. It became the new base for the 11th Army, occupying the former territories of the National Revolutionary Army's 5th and 9th War Zones. This shift not only consolidated Japanese control over central China but also positioned their forces to launch further offensives, exploiting the region's logistical and geographical advantages. As a key railway hub and the western terminus of the Zhejiang-Hunan Railway, Nanchang served as a vital supply artery connecting the Third and Ninth War Zones of the Nationalist forces. Its airfields further amplified its importance, posing a direct threat to Japanese shipping routes along the Yangtze River. Capturing Nanchang would sever Chinese supply lines, isolate key military districts, and pave the way for deeper incursions into southern China. Faced with this looming threat, the Nationalist government under Chiang Kai-shek moved quickly to reorganize its defenses in the 9th War Zone. General Chen Cheng retained his nominal position as commander in chief, but the actual operational reins were handed to General Xue Yue, a seasoned tactician known for his defensive prowess. This restructuring aimed to streamline command and bolster resistance, yet it was hampered by persistent logistical challenges that rendered many changes ineffective on the ground. As tensions escalated in early 1939, Chinese forces began amassing near Nanchang in preparation for the inevitable clash. Over 200,000 troops from 52 divisions were mobilized, drawing from units across the Hunan-Hubei-Jiangxi Border Area. This region alone housed more than 29 divisions organized into four army groups: the 1st, 19th, 30th, and 32nd. On paper, this formidable assembly included over 16,000 officers and 240,000 enlisted men, representing a significant concentration of Nationalist power.   Leading this defensive effort was General Chen Cheng as the overarching commander in chief, with General Xue Yue stepping in as the acting commander to oversee day-to-day operations. Within this structure, the 19th Army Group stood out under the command of General Luo Zhuoying, supported by Lieutenant General Luo Weixong as his chief of staff. Luo Zhuoying, in particular, emerged as a central figure, assuming overall command for much of the ensuing Battle of Nanchang. His leadership would be tested against the relentless advance of the Japanese Eleventh Army, setting the stage for one of the bloodiest engagements of the war. In July 1938, during their offensive against Wuhan, Japanese forces attempted to advance toward Nanchang but were halted by Chinese defenders along the Xiushui River. The Chinese had established strong, fortified positions that effectively barred the Japanese path. The impasse endured for the rest of the year, with both armies locked in a standoff on opposite sides of the river. By March of 1939, the 11th Army led by General Okamura Yasuji, part of the Central China Expeditionary Army of General Hata Shunroku comprised 3 divisions, the 6th, 101st and 106th, roughly 120,000 men supported by 130 tanks and tankettes, 200 pieces of artillery, 30 warships with 50 motor boats, a battalion of SNLF and several air squadrons.  On March 12,  the Japanese Central China Expeditionary Army issued orders to its directly subordinate 116th Division. This division was commanded to dispatch two key detachments: the Ishihara Detachment and the Murai Detachment, the latter composed meticulously of five battalions drawn from the 119th Brigade. Their mission was to conduct a thorough search along the eastern shore of Poyang Lake, supported by naval vessels that patrolled the waters with menacing precision. The purpose was multifaceted: to safeguard the integrity of land and water transportation routes and to protect the left flank of the main Japanese force as it prepared for larger operations. By March 15, these detachments had advanced without encountering any resistance from the Chinese army, allowing them to conclude their search operation successfully. Following this, they deployed the necessary troops at key points along the route, establishing garrisons that would serve as footholds for future advances. This reconnaissance was no mere stroll; it was a calculated probe into enemy territory, drawing lessons from prior engagements like the grueling Battle of Xuzhou in 1938, where intelligence gathering had proven crucial to Japanese successes. The Japanese soldiers boots sank into the marshy banks of Poyang Lake, China's largest freshwater body, covering over 3,500 square kilometers and teeming with reeds that could hide ambushes. The lack of opposition allowed the Japanese to fortify their positions, setting the stage for the preemptive strikes that would follow. The tempo of battle quickened on March 17, 1939, as the Japanese army launched its preemptive attack, a move designed to seize the initiative and disrupt Chinese preparations. The very next day, on March 18, the Murai Detachment departed from Xingzi aboard warships, navigating the treacherous waters to land near Wucheng, approximately 30 kilometers northeast of Yongxiu. Their objective was to assault the Chinese defenders in this area, but they encountered fierce resistance from the Chinese 32nd Army and other supporting units, turning the landing into a brutal contest of wills. Concurrently, the main forces of the Japanese 101st and 106th Divisions, bolstered by their artillery and tank units, advanced methodically toward the north bank of the Xiushui River. They occupied their respective attack starting points with precision, after which the artillery units began conducting test firings and further reconnaissance to gauge the strength of Chinese defenses. This phase echoed the Japanese tactics employed in the Battle of Shanghai in 1937, where combined arms operations had overwhelmed urban defenses. A Chinese defender's recollection "We watched the enemy approach like a dark cloud, our rifles ready, knowing that the river would soon run red with the blood of brothers." The climax of preparation erupted at exactly 16:30 on March 20, when the Japanese 11th Army issued orders to the commander of the 6th Artillery Brigade. This commander was directed to orchestrate all available artillery to bombard the positions held by the Chinese 49th and 79th Armies on the south bank of the Xiushui River. What ensued was a pre-general offensive artillery barrage that endured for more than three grueling hours, incorporating a large number of poison gas shells, a heinous weapon that flouted international conventions like the Geneva Protocol of 1925. Many defenders' positions were utterly destroyed in this onslaught, and several officers and soldiers, including the valiant Wang Lingyun, commander of the 76th Division, were poisoned by the toxic fumes, suffering agonizing effects that highlighted the barbarity of chemical warfare. At precisely 19:30 that evening, the 106th Division commenced its forced crossing of the Xiushui River at Qiujin. Later, on the night of the 20th, the 101st Division also initiated its crossing north of Tujiabu. The Xiushui River, measuring about 30 meters in width, had swollen by approximately 3 meters due to continual heavy rains, rendering the crossing exceedingly difficult for the Japanese troops who battled against the raging currents. Nevertheless, the flooding had an unintended benefit for the invaders: many defender positions were inundated, and most water obstacles were washed away by the deluge. Leveraging this, the two Japanese divisions broke through the defenders' front lines and executed continuous night attacks, establishing a beachhead that extended 2 kilometers deep by dawn on the 21st. This foothold provided essential cover for Japanese engineers to construct pontoon bridges amid the chaos. At around 8 a.m., the Japanese tank group crossed these pontoon bridges and launched an attack on the Dongshan garrison from the front of the 106th Division, then proceeded to circle around toward Nanchang along the west side of Nanxun Road. Historian Rana Mitter aptly describes such river crossings as "desperate gambles where nature itself became a combatant," underscoring how environmental factors often tipped the scales in Sino-Japanese confrontations.Chiang Kai-shek, monitoring these developments from his command center, would have felt the weight of impending crisis.   By 21:30 on March 22, the Japanese vanguard tank group had advanced to Fengxin and successfully occupied the Liaohe Bridge outside the South Gate. The sudden and ferocious tank attack caught the defending troops off guard, preventing them from withdrawing the 38 artillery pieces that had been deployed on the city's outskirts before they were forced into a hasty retreat. On March 23, the Japanese army fully occupied Fengxin. Simultaneously, a portion of the 101st Division launched a frontal assault along Nanxun Road. Under the protective cover of artillery, they crossed the Xiushui River and encountered fierce resistance from the Chinese 32nd Army at Tujiabu, resulting in a prolonged stalemate where neither side could gain a decisive advantage. Following the Japanese launch of their general offensive, the Guilin Headquarters of the National Government Military Commission, under Director Bai Chongxi, urgently ordered all units of the Ninth War Zone to hold their positions firmly on March 21. On the same day, Chiang Kai-shek telegraphed Gu Zhutong, commander-in-chief of the Third War Zone, with specific instructions to immediately transfer the 102nd Division to Nanchang to reinforce the city's defenses, placing it under the command of Luo Zhuoying, commander-in-chief of the 19th Army Group. He also ordered the 16th and 79th Divisions to proceed to Dongxiang and Jinxian, southeast of Nanchang, to guard the southern bank of Poyang Lake and provide support for operations in Nanchang. Simultaneously, he commanded the 19th Army Group to deploy approximately two divisions of its strongest forces to strike key enemy points in the rear, including Mahuiling, Ruichang, Jiujiang, and De'an, with the aim of sabotaging railways and highways, cutting off enemy rear-area transportation, and preventing reinforcements from reaching the front. However, due to poor communication, slow troop movements, and inadequate coordination among units, these ambitious plans were not implemented, and the battlefield situation had already undergone significant changes by the time adjustments could be made. On the 23rd, Chiang Kai-shek came to realize that the Japanese army was resolutely determined to capture Nanchang, and thus he conceived the strategic idea of inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy before potentially abandoning the city. He specifically telegraphed Xue Yue, commander-in-chief of the Ninth War Zone; Luo Zhuoying, commander-in-chief of the 19th Army Group; and Xiong Shihui, chairman of Jiangxi Province, with the following directive: "The key to this battle is not the gain or loss of Nanchang, but inflicting the greatest blow on the enemy. Even if Nanchang falls, all our armies should disregard everything and advance toward the designated targets, and decide on future operational plans in accordance with this policy." This telegram, preserved in wartime archives, exemplifies Chiang's shift toward a war of attrition, a tactic that would define much of China's resistance. On March 25, Chiang Kai-shek again telegraphed Bai Chongxi, Xue Yue, Luo Zhuoying, and Gu Zhutong, providing detailed instructions: "1. The main force of Luo's group should maintain focus on the Hunan-Jiangxi Highway, attack the enemy's right flank, and press them toward the Gan River. It is crucial to avoid having the main force operate with its back to the Gan River. (That is, the main force of the 19th Army Group should be moved to a mobile position west of the Gan River to avoid being forced to the Gan River and facing a decisive battle in an unfavorable situation.) 2. A necessary portion should be used to defend the Nanchang front. If necessary, resistance can be carried out gradually between the Fu and Gan Rivers to cover southern Jiangxi." On the very same day, the Japanese army defeated the 102nd Division, which had been reinforced from the Third War Zone, in engagements west of Nanchang. By March 26, the Japanese army had advanced to the vicinity of Shengmi Street on the left bank of the Gan River. They crossed the river that day, executing a maneuver to outflank Nanchang from the south and simultaneously cut off the Zhejiang-Jiangxi Railway, a critical supply line. The main force of the 101st Division also advanced to Shengmi Street via Wanbu and Huangxi on March 26, crossed the Gan River that evening, and launched a direct attack on Nanchang. Its 101st Brigade, moving along the Nanchang-Xuncheng Railway via Lehua and Jiaoqiao, reached the north bank of the Gan River northwest of Nanchang on the 26th. Upon discovering these Japanese advances, the 19th Army urgently ordered the 32nd Army to withdraw from Tujiabu on the Nanchang-Xuncheng Railway back to Nanchang to join the 102nd Division in defending the city. However, before the 32nd Army had fully withdrawn, the Japanese tank group and the 101st Brigade had already advanced to the Gan River bridges to the west and north of Nanchang, respectively. Although the defending forces managed to destroy the bridges to halt their progress west and north of the Gan River, the Japanese 101st Division had already penetrated into Nanchang from the south. The defenders found themselves outnumbered and with weak firepower compared to the invaders. After engaging in intense street fighting, they suffered heavy casualties and were ultimately ordered to retreat to Jinxian. On March 27, the Japanese 101st Division occupied Nanchang, marking a significant, albeit temporary, victory in their campaign. Eyewitness account "The city fell amid the thunder of guns and the wails of the wounded, a testament to the fragility of urban defenses against mechanized onslaught." Following the capture, on March 28, the Japanese 11th Army was ordered to ensure that the main force of the 101st Division would return to Nanchang and that the 106th Division would retake Fengxin, all in preparation for subsequent operations in Gao'an or areas west of Fengxin. By April 2, the Japanese army had occupied Gao'an City, further consolidating their hold on the region. Meanwhile the fighting extended to Wuning. Wuning is located on the north bank of the Xiushui River, approximately 80 kilometers west of the Nanchang-Jiujiang Railway. This position holds immense strategic importance, backed by the formidable Mufu Mountains, and serves as a key point on the left flank of the Ninth War Zone's defense line in northern Jiangxi. The forces deployed here included the 72nd and 78th Armies of the 30th Army Group, along with the 8th and 73rd Armies of the Hunan-Hubei-Jiangxi Border Advance Army, all positioned along both banks of the Xiushui River under the unified command of Wang Lingji, commander-in-chief of the 30th Army Group. To bolster the defense of Nanchang, the Nationalist Government's Military Commission devised a plan to send a powerful force eastward from Wuning toward Qiujin and De'an, with the intent of harassing the rear and flanks of the enemy advancing south along the Nanchang-Jiujiang Railway and disrupting their transportation networks. After carefully assessing the Chinese deployments and strategic intentions, the Japanese 11th Army also regarded Wuning as a crucial flank in its overall Nanchang campaign. Consequently, they dispatched their 6th Division to Wuning to contain and block the Chinese army, thereby ensuring the safety of its main force's right flank and facilitating the capture of Nanchang. On March 20, while the Japanese army was heavily engaged on the Nanxun Railway front, its 6th Division launched an attack westward along the north bank of the Xiushui River from Ruoxi (situated between Qiujin and Wuning). However, they encountered fierce resistance from the Chinese 73rd and 8th Armies, which resulted in slow and painstaking progress for the attackers. On the afternoon of the 21st, a portion of the 6th Division, under the protective cover of aircraft and artillery, crossed the Xiushui River east of Ruoxi, and the main force directed its assault toward Wuning, while its 36th Brigade targeted Yangzhou Street. The 30th Army Group, tasked with defending Wuning, mounted a tenacious resistance by leveraging the advantageous mountainous terrain, making the Japanese advance extremely difficult. After four days of fierce and unrelenting fighting, the Japanese were still unable to break through the defenders' positions. On the morning of March 23, under continued air and artillery cover, the Japanese army persisted in its fierce attack, repeatedly dropping incendiary and chemical bombs on Chinese positions. The defending forces suffered heavy losses as a result and were compelled to withdraw from Wucheng Town on the 24th, moving farther back to regroup. After occupying Wucheng, the Murai Detachment continued its operations to clear the Gan River and Xiushui River of obstacles and to remove mines that had been laid by the Chinese forces. By the 28th, they had advanced to the vicinity of Xinning Town, which is about 4 kilometers east of Wuning. Its 36th Brigade engaged in fierce fighting with the defending 19th Division at Yangzhou Street on the 24th and successfully captured Jing'an on the 27th; however, due to the conclusion of the Nanchang battle and the fact that its main force was blocked east of Wuning, it quickly returned and redirected its attack toward Wuning. Because the 73rd and 8th Armies had suffered heavy casualties from days of intense fighting, the 30th Army Group ordered the 72nd Army to assume the defense of northeast Wuning. The Japanese 6th Division concentrated its forces for a fierce and coordinated assault, and by the 29th, the defending forces had retreated to the south bank of the Xiushui River, allowing the Japanese army to occupy Wuning. After further intense fighting, by April 5, the Japanese 36th Brigade had advanced to the south bank of the Xiushui River.During this entire period, Chiang Kai-shek repeatedly telegraphed Bai Chongxi and Xue Yue, issuing orders for the 30th Army Group in Wuning and the 31st Army Group in Chongyang and Tongshan (commanded by Tang Enbo) to launch a counteroffensive regardless of the evolving situation in Nanchang. The objective was to flank and attack the enemy's rear, advancing toward Mahuiling, De'an, Yongxiu, and Ruichang on the Nanchang-Xunyi road, to cut off enemy transportation lines and block reinforcements. However, this plan was not implemented due to various logistical and coordination challenges.   After the Japanese army captured Nanchang, it maintained a tense standoff with the Third and Ninth War Zones of China along the southeast bank of Poyang Lake to the east, Xiangtang to the south, and Gao'an, Fengxin, and Wuning to the west. The Military Commission of the National Government made a calculated judgment that although the Japanese had occupied Nanchang, they had suffered heavy losses and had not yet had the opportunity to replenish their forces. The defending forces within the city were deemed insufficient, prompting the Commission to decide on launching a counteroffensive while the Japanese army was still in the process of consolidating its position. At the same time, it ordered each war zone to initiate the "April Offensive" (also known as the "Spring Offensive") with the goals of harassing and containing the Japanese army and preventing it from continuing to advance westward toward Changsha. The Military Commission specifically ordered the Ninth War Zone and the Third War Zone to plan and execute a counteroffensive against Nanchang. The forces designated for this operation were planned to include the 1st, 19th, and 30th Army Groups of the Ninth War Zone and the 32nd Army Group of the Third War Zone, totaling about 10 divisions, all under the unified command of Luo Zhuoying, commander-in-chief of the 19th Army Group. On April 17, Chiang Kai-shek telegraphed his detailed "Plan to Conquer Nanchang" to Bai Chongxi, the director of the Guilin Headquarters, and sought his opinion on the matter. The operational strategy outlined was: "First, use the main force to attack the enemy along the Nanchang-Xunyi Railway, effectively cutting off enemy communications, and then use a portion of the force to directly capture Nanchang. The attack is scheduled to begin on April 24th." The main content of its troop deployment was as follows: The 1st Army Group (Commander-in-Chief Gao Yin-huai), the 19th Army Group, and the 74th Army (Commander Yu Ji-shi) were ordered to advance through Fengxin and Dacheng toward the Nanchang-Xunyi Railway between Xiushui and Nanchang, thoroughly disrupting transportation, cutting off enemy reinforcements, and cooperating in the capture of Nanchang; the 49th Army of the 19th Army Group (Commander Liu Duo-quan) was ordered to advance gradually as the general reserve; the 32nd Army Group (Commander-in-Chief Shangguan Yun-xiang) was ordered to attack Nanchang from the east of the Gan River with three divisions, and to organize a regiment to seize Nanchang by surprise; the 30th Army Group (Commander-in-Chief Wang Ling-ji) was ordered to attack Wuning. On April 18, Bai Chongxi replied to Chiang Kai-shek, offering his own suggestions on troop deployment with slight modifications. He emphasized the critical need for a surprise attack and for disrupting and harassing the enemy's transportation and rear areas, as well as cutting off the enemy's communication lines. He also believed that the attack should be brought forward and carried out as soon as possible, at the latest around the 22nd. On April 21, the forces of the Ninth War Zone began their operations in earnest. The 1st Army Group, comprising the 184th Division of the 60th Army and the New 10th Division of the 58th Army, attacked Fengxin, while the New 11th Division of the 58th Army monitored the Japanese forces in Jing'an; the main force of the 74th Army attacked Gao'an, and parts of the 74th Army and the 49th Army crossed the Jinjiang River to the north, attacking Dacheng and Shengmijie. Fierce fighting continued until the 26th, when the Japanese retreated to the areas of Fengxin, Qiuling, and Wanshougong. The 19th Army Group captured strongholds such as Dacheng, Gao'an, and Shengmijie. However, progress thereafter became difficult, and the offensive stalled. Neither army group was able to advance to the Nanchang-Xunyi Railway as originally planned. On April 23, the 32nd Army Group of the Third War Zone, consisting of the 16th and 79th Divisions of the 29th Army, the 5th Reserve Division, and part of the 10th Reserve Division, crossed the Fu River and launched an attack on Nanchang. Fierce fighting persisted until the 26th, when they captured Shichajie (south of Nanchang) and advanced toward the city. On the 27th, the Japanese concentrated the main force of the 101st Division to launch a counterattack. Supported by heavy artillery and air power, they engaged in fierce fighting with the Chinese army in the southeastern and southern areas, repeatedly contesting villages and strongholds. Due to the heavy casualties sustained, Duan Langru, commander of the 79th Division, changed the offensive deployment on the night of April 28 and reported this alteration to the army and army group commanders. The commander-in-chief of the 32nd Army Group, citing unauthorized changes to the plan, reported to the Third War Zone for approval and requested the dismissal of Duan Langru. Eager to capture Nanchang and driven by strategic impatience, Chiang Kai-shek, upon hearing the report, issued a stern order on May 1: Duan Langru was to be executed in front of the army for delaying military operations, He Ping, commander of the 16th Division, was ordered to atone for his crimes by achieving success in battle, and Shangguan Yunxiang was sent to the front to supervise the battle personally, with a strict deadline of May 5 for capturing Nanchang. On May 2, the 102nd Division recaptured Xiangtang and then Shichajie. The 16th Division once captured Shatanbu, but it was subsequently taken back by Japanese reinforcements. Shangguan Yunxiang then committed the 26th Division into the battle. On May 4, they launched another concerted attack. By dusk on the 5th, the 5th Reserve Division had reached the outer perimeter of the city and destroyed the barbed wire defenses, but Japanese firepower was intensely concentrated, causing the division to suffer heavy casualties and rendering it unable to continue the assault. The 152nd Regiment of the 26th Division broke into Xinlong Airport at dawn on the 5th and destroyed three Japanese aircraft. The 155th Regiment broke into the railway station at 9:00 a.m. on the 5th, but was blocked by fierce Japanese firepower and a determined counterattack. On May 5, after Chiang Kai-shek had issued the order to capture Nanchang by May 5, Xue Yue, acting commander of the Ninth War Zone, held the belief that with troops not having been replenished after the defense of Nanchang and with weaponry far inferior to that of the enemy, it was impossible to capture Nanchang within the subjective timeframe set. However, he did not directly dissent to Chiang Kai-shek, and on May 3, he telegraphed Chen Cheng to express his views in detail. He wrote: "Attacks on Nanchang and Fengxin have continued for 11 days since April 23. Because our army's equipment cannot keep pace with the enemy's, and the enemy's heavy weapons, mechanized units, and aircraft can support their ground forces everywhere, it is quite difficult to destroy the enemy's strong positions. Now I have received the Chairman's telegram: our army's operational strategy is to wear down the enemy without being worn down by the enemy, to avoid the enemy's strength and attack their weaknesses, and to achieve a protracted war of resistance. Therefore, this attack on Nanchang is aimed at wearing down the enemy. Under the principle of avoiding the enemy's strength and attacking their weakness, we should lie in ambush in advance and launch a surprise attack from all sides, hoping to recapture Nanchang with the fastest and most agile means. However, the battle has already dragged on; a direct assault is impossible, and striking their weakness is also unattainable. Although the enemy's strength is waning, it is practically impossible to capture Nanchang before May 5. Besides strictly ordering all units to overcome all difficulties and continue the fierce attack at all costs, I intend to politely explain the above situation to Chiang Kai-shek during a telephone conversation." Chen Cheng forwarded Xue Yue's telegram in full to Chiang Kai-shek on May 5. At the time, Bai Chongxi, director of the Guilin Headquarters, also considered the order to capture Nanchang within a limited time to be unrealistic, and on May 5 he telegraphed Chiang Kai-shek and He Yingqin, subtly offering a different suggestion. He stated, "Our army's attack on the enemy must be unexpected to be effective. Now, the enemy in Nanchang is prepared, and our army has launched a ten-day attack and has exerted all its efforts. To consider morale and our highest strategic principles, it is proposed that one-third of our forces continue the siege of Nanchang, while the other two-thirds are reorganized. Outside, we should continue to publicize our aggressive strategy…" The aim of both telegrams was to "turn the enemy's own spear against his shield," hoping Chiang Kai-shek would alter his order to capture Nanchang within a specified time, citing the operational guidance as inconsistent with the broader strategic policy. Upon receiving the telegrams, Chiang Kai-shek also learned of the sacrifice of Commander Chen Anbao and the heavy casualties among the attacking troops. On May 6, the main force of the Japanese 106th Division, supported by aircraft and tanks, launched a pincer attack on the 29th Army in the suburbs of Nanchang and Liantang. By 5 PM, the 29th Army was encircled. Liu Yuqing, commander of the 26th Division, was wounded in the fighting, and army commander Chen Anbao and Xie Beiting, commander of the 156th Regiment, were killed in action. Based on the actual battlefield situation, Xu Zhixun, chief of staff of the 29th Army, and Liu Yuqing, realizing that capturing Nanchang was impossible, decided to break out toward Zhongzhouwei and Shichajie to avoid total annihilation and potential execution by Chiang Kai-shek for failure. A regiment of the 5th Reserve Division, disguised as civilians, had infiltrated the city but was forced to withdraw due to the lack of follow-up support. Finally, on May 9, Chiang Kai-shek issued an order to halt the attack on Nanchang. The Japanese army, having suffered heavy losses themselves, was also unable to mount an effective counterattack, and thus the Battle of Nanchang came to an end, leaving behind a legacy of valor and tragedy. In the Battle of Nanchang, China suffered more than 52,000 casualties, including over 43,000 deaths, while Japan sustained more than 24,000 casualties and over 2,200 deaths. Although the National Army eventually lost Nanchang, the engagement thwarted Japan's plan to crush the main Chinese force. I would like to take this time to remind you all that this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Please go subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry after that, give my personal channel a look over at The Pacific War Channel at Youtube, it would mean a lot to me.   The Nanchang battle was a decisive Japanese victory, yet the Chinese did manage to halt the Japanese western advance and showcased their perseverance amid a growing strategic stalemate. Supplies were still leaking into Nationalist China, the Japanese would have to continuously find and plug them. The war for China was nowhere near over.

Join me for a conversation with Kevin Zerber, co-founder of TreeRing Inc. 5000 company ranked No. 3200 in 2025 that is redefining the yearbook experience through technology and innovation. Kevin shares how adaptive leadership has guided TreeRing from its earliest days, with an emphasis on continuous improvement, curiosity, and customer-driven personalization. We discuss how the company successfully pivoted during the COVID-19 pandemic to maintain service continuity, as well as how fostering mentorship and an adaptive culture fuels both innovation and employee growth. Kevin also explains how integrating technology and data enhances efficiency and the customer experience while staying true to TreeRing's core values, offering practical insights for leaders looking to modernize traditional industries and build resilient organizations. Episode Highlights & Time Stamps 0:58 The Importance of Adaptive Leadership 2:29 Understanding TreeRing's Journey 8:50 Exploring Adaptive Leadership Principles 14:51 Mentoring for Employee Growth 18:08 Technology and Cultural Alignment 23:30 Adapting Through Challenges 23:52 Closing Insights on Adaptive Leadership Adaptive Leadership and Continuous Improvement In this episode, I speak with Kevin Zerber, co-founder of TreeRing, about how adaptive leadership has shaped the company's evolution over nearly 17 years. Kevin explains how a commitment to continuous improvement has been foundational to TreeRing's success, emphasizing that excellence is never a fixed destination. By embracing adaptability and ongoing innovation, TreeRing has built a resilient organization capable of learning, evolving, and thriving in a changing market. Disrupting the Traditional Yearbook Industry Kevin shares how TreeRing entered the yearbook market as a disruptor, challenging the one-size-fits-all model with a technology-driven, personalized approach. TreeRing's platform empowers families to customize yearbooks, enabling individual storytelling and deeper engagement. We explore how innovation and thoughtful design have allowed TreeRing to deliver high-quality yearbooks that better reflect today's students and communities. Building an Adaptive Culture with Technology and Mentorship We conclude by discussing the importance of curiosity, mentorship, and continuous learning within teams. Kevin explains how fostering an adaptive culture encourages creative problem-solving and supports employee growth. He also shares how TreeRing leverages technology, data, and AI to scale efficiently while staying true to its core values, sustainability commitments, and customer experience. Leading by Example, Trust, and Letting Go of the Outcome True leadership is built on trust, and trust is earned by doing what you say you will do. Austin shares how leading by example shapes culture, influences behavior, and reinforces standards throughout the organization. As leaders mature, they must also learn to let go of micromanagement and release attachment to perfect outcomes. There is no flawless business—only leaders who care deeply, persist through challenges, and remain committed to developing themselves and their teams. Key Takeaways Adaptive leadership enables organizations to respond effectively to disruption while maintaining long-term vision. Continuous improvement is an ongoing journey, not a one-time initiative. Personalization and technology can successfully modernize even the most traditional industries. Rapid pivots during crises can create new growth opportunities when guided by strong leadership principles. Cultivating curiosity, mentorship, and learning drives both innovation and employee development. Leveraging data and AI can improve efficiency and customer experience without compromising core values. About Kevin Zerber: Kevin Zerber is the co-founder and CEO of TreeRing, a technology company transforming the traditional yearbook industry through personalization, sustainability, and innovation. With decades of experience in software engineering and technology leadership, Kevin has guided TreeRing's growth by applying adaptive leadership principles, continuous improvement, and a strong focus on customer experience. How to Connect with Kevin Zerber: LinkedIn: Search for Kevin Zerber on LinkedIn for professional updates and leadership insights Company Website: Visit TreeRing.com to learn more about the company, its mission, and leadership team TreeRing Blog & Media: Kevin's perspectives are often featured through TreeRing's content and interviews Resources & Next Steps Ready to take your leadership energy to the next level? Explore free training and resources at training.coreelevation.com to help you identify energy leaks, strengthen your leadership presence, and elevate your team's performance.

Are you growing your business—but leaving your wealth exposed? What legal protections should be in place before a lawsuit hits?In this episode of The Business Ownership Podcast I interviewed Brian Bradley. Brian, a distinguished Asset Protection Attorney, Financial Planner, #1 Best Selling Author, and renowned educator in the legal and financial spheres.With a national client base, Brian and his team have successfully safeguarded assets exceeding $5 billion. In today's litigious environment, where civil litigation tops $400 billion annually, the preservation of wealth from predatory lawsuits is paramount.Passionately dedicated to fortifying clients against legal risks and empowering them to take charge of their financial well-being, Brian expertly deploys cutting-edge asset protection and financial planning strategies. Leveraging tools like The Bridge Trust® for asset security and financial instruments such as Life Insurance and IUL's for long-term wealth preservation, Brian helps clients secure their income, eliminate debt, and create a lasting financial legacy.Recognized by leading industry platforms like BiggerPockets, The Money Show Expo, Entrepreneur Network, and Forbes Council, Brian's influence resonates throughout the legal and financial realms.Brian's exceptional contributions have earned him esteemed accolades, including listings on the Best Attorneys of America's List, recognition as an Oregon Super Lawyer Rising Star, multiple mentions on the Lawyers of Distinction List, a Super Lawyers Rising Star award, a place on America's Top 100 High Stakes Litigators List, and a 2017 Law Firm 500 Award nomination.In essence, Brian's unmatched expertise, revolutionary strategies, and illustrious accolades establish him as a preeminent figure in asset protection and financial planning. Through his personalized approach and steadfast dedication, Brian continues to empower clients in securing their financial futures with confidence and resilience. Learn how to protect your assets. Check this out!Show Links:Bradley Legal Corp Website: https://btblegal.com/Brian Bradley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-t-bradley-esq-a47a7b12/Book a call with Michelle: https://go.appointmentcore.com/book/IcFD4cGJoin our Facebook group for business owners to get help or help other business owners!The Business Ownership Group - Secrets to Scaling: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessownershipsecretstoscalingLooking to scale your business? Get free gifts here to help you on your way: https://www.awarenessstrategies.com/

Time to Stop Doing and Start Leveraging Agile Let’s get real about the current state of Agile in our industry and what it means for your career. I get the fear and uncertainty many of us are feeling. We’re seeing pay cuts, shrinking opportunities, and the sense that the “glory days” of Agile might be over. But it’s not the end. Agile as a mindset and practice isn’t going away anytime soon. Companies still value Agile, even if it’s not feeding hype and dollars into it the way they once were. We’re now at the mature end of adoption curve. Like any other tech trend, the “new frontier” phase might be over, but there is lasting value in your Agile skills. As long as you’re leveraging Agile for the benefit of customers and shareholders, rather than policing framework rules. There are two main paths forward: you can leverage your Agile experience entrepreneurially by bringing it to new business areas, or you can help organizations connect Agile to real business outcomes, especially as companies struggle to harness technologies like AI. The future is about leveraging Agile and integrating it into business operations for tangible results, not following the mechanics. Waiting for the perfect new role isn’t a strategy. It’s time to get creative, gritty, and proactive. There are no well-worn paths here. You’ll have to use your skills of experimentation and continuous learning to restore momentum in your career. If you’ve been feeling stuck or like it’s time to give up on Agile, it’s time to think differently and seize new opportunities. Time to shift to Leveraging Agile. **GET THE BUSINESS OUTCOMES PARTNER PLAYBOOK** Learn how to deliver undeniable ROI that saves your job and accelerates your future https://learning.fusechamber.com/outcomes-partner-playbook **FORGE GENESIS IS HERE** All the skills you need to stop relying on job postings and start enjoying the freedom of an Agile career on YOUR terms. First cohort starts in Jan 2026 https://learning.fusechamber.com/forge-genesis **THE ALL NEW FORGE LIGHTNING** 12 Weeks to elite leadership! https://learning.fusechamber.com/forge-lightning **JOIN MY BETA COMMUNITY FOR AGILE ENTREPRENEURS AND INTRAPRENEURS** The latest wave in professional Agile careers. Get the support you need to Forge Your Freedom! Join for FREE here: https://learning.fusechamber.com/offers/Sa3udEgz **CHECK OUT ALL MY PRODUCTS AND SERVICES HERE:** https://learning.fusechamber.com **ELEVATE YOUR PROFESSIONAL STORYTELLING – Now Live!** The most coveted communications skill – now at your fingertips! https://learning.fusechamber.com/storytelling **JOIN THE FORGE*** New cohorts for Fall 2025!  Email for more information: contact@badassagile.com **BREAK FREE OF CORPORATE AGILE!!*** Download my FREE Guide and learn how to shift from roles and process and use your agile skills in new and exciting ways! https://learning.fusechamber.com/future-of-agile-signup We’re also on YouTube! Follow the podcast, enjoy some panel/guest commentary, and get some quick tips and guidance from me: https://www.youtube.com/c/BadassAgile ****** Follow The LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/badass-agile ****** Our mission is to create an elite tribe of leaders who focus on who they need to become in order to lead and inspire, and to be the best agile podcast and resource for effective mindset and leadership game. Contact us (contact@badassagile.com) for elite-level performance and agile coaching, speaking engagements, team-level and executive mindset/agile training, and licensing options for modern, high-impact, bite-sized learning and educational content.

Jason Cohen is a four-time founder (including two unicorns, one being WP Engine) and an investor in over 60 startups, and has been sharing his lessons on company building at A Smart Bear for nearly 20 years. In this episode, Jason shares his methodical five-step framework for diagnosing stalled growth—a problem that faces almost every team.We discuss:1. Jason's five-step framework: logo retention, pricing, NRR, marketing channels, target market2. A small tweak that'll double response rates on your cancellation surveys3. Why “it's too expensive” is almost never the real reason customers cancel4. The “elephant curve” of growth5. How repositioning the same product can increase revenue 8x6. When to reconsider if growth is even the right goal for your business—Brought to you by:10Web—Vibe coding platform as an APIStrella—The AI-powered customer research platformBrex—The banking solution for startups—Episode transcript: https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/p/why-your-product-stopped-growing—Archive of all Lenny's Podcast transcripts: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/yxi4s2w998p1gvtpu4193/AMdNPR8AOw0lMklwtnC0TrQ?rlkey=j06x0nipoti519e0xgm23zsn9&st=ahz0fj11&dl=0—Where to find Jason Cohen:• Preorder Jason's book: https://preorder.hiddenmultipliers.com/• X: https://x.com/asmartbear• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncohen• Blog: https://longform.asmartbear.com• Website: https://wpengine.com—Where to find Lenny:• Newsletter: https://www.lennysnewsletter.com• X: https://twitter.com/lennysan• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lennyrachitsky/—In this episode, we cover:(00:00) Introduction to Jason Cohen(05:19) Jason's writing journey(08:25) Questions to ask when your product stops growing(18:17) Getting real customer feedback(20:27) Analyzing cancellation reasons(26:54) Onboarding and activation(29:35) Quick summary(35:46) Revisiting pricing strategies(41:46) Positioning strategies(47:52) Why pricing is inseparable from your strategy(52:06) The importance of net revenue retention (NRR)(01:00:25) Asking whether or not this is good for the customer(01:04:34) Leveraging existing customers(01:06:42) Are your acquisition channels saturated? The “elephant curve”(1:09:41) Why all marketing channels eventually decline(01:12:04) Direct vs. indirect marketing channels(1:13:36) Getting creative with new channels(01:19:04) Do you actually need to grow?(01:25:57) Deciding when to quit(01:29:27) Book announcement(01:33:21) AI corner(01:34:35) Contrarian corner(01:37:43) Lightning round and final thoughts—Referenced:• Tyler Cowen's website: https://tylercowen.com• How to Perform a Customer Churn Analysis (and Why You Should): https://www.groovehq.com/blog/learn-from-customer-churn• Linear: https://linear.app• Jira: https://www.atlassian.com/software/jira• Patrick Campbell's post on X about pricing: https://x.com/Patticus/status/1702313260547006942• The art and science of pricing | Madhavan Ramanujam (Monetizing Innovation, Simon-Kucher): https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/p/the-art-and-science-of-pricing-madhavan• Pricing your AI product: Lessons from 400+ companies and 50 unicorns | Madhavan Ramanujam: https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/p/pricing-and-scaling-your-ai-product-madhavan-ramanujam• Pricing your SaaS product: https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/p/saas-pricing-strategy• M&A, competition, pricing, and investing | Julia Schottenstein (dbt Labs): https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/p/m-and-a-competition-pricing-and-investing• “Sell the alpha, not the feature”: The enterprise sales playbook for $1M to $10M ARR | Jen Abel: https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/p/the-enterprise-sales-playbook-1m-to-10m-arr• Buffer: https://buffer.com• AG1: https://drinkag1.com• How to find hidden growth opportunities in your product | Albert Cheng (Duolingo, Grammarly, Chess.com): https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/p/how-to-find-hidden-growth-opportunities-albert-cheng• How Duolingo reignited user growth: https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/p/how-duolingo-reignited-user-growth• The Elephant in the room: The myth of exponential hypergrowth: https://longform.asmartbear.com/exponential-growth• HubSpot: https://www.hubspot.com• Zigging vs. zagging: How HubSpot built a $30B company | Dharmesh Shah (co-founder/CTO): https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/p/lessons-from-30-years-of-building• Adjacency Matrix: How to expand after PMF: https://longform.asmartbear.com/adjacency/• Ecosystem is the next big growth channel: https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/p/ecosystem-is-the-next-big-growth• ChatGPT apps are about to be the next big distribution channel: Here's how to build one: https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/p/chatgpt-apps-are-about-to-be-the• 10 contrarian leadership truths every leader needs to hear | Matt MacInnis (Rippling): https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/p/10-contrarian-leadership-truths• Breaking the rules of growth: Why Shopify bans KPIs, optimizes for churn, prioritizes intuition, and builds toward a 100-year vision | Archie Abrams (VP Product, Head of Growth at Shopify): https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/p/shopifys-growth-archie-abrams• Geoffrey Moore on finding your beachhead, crossing the chasm, and dominating a market: https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/p/geoffrey-moore-on-finding-your-beachhead• ER on Prime Video: https://www.amazon.com/ER-Season-1/dp/B0FWK5WJQ4• The Pitt on Prime Video: https://www.amazon.com/The-Pitt-Season-1/dp/B0DNRR8QWD• Wispr Flow: https://wisprflow.ai• Anker: https://www.anker.com—Recommended books:• Will: https://www.amazon.com/Will-Smith/dp/1984877925• Monetizing Innovation: How Smart Companies Design the Product Around the Price: https://www.amazon.com/Monetizing-Innovation-Companies-Design-Product/dp/1119240867• Hidden Multipliers: Small Things That Accelerate Growth: https://preorder.hiddenmultipliers.com• On Writing Well: The Essential Guide to Mastering Nonfiction Writing and Effective Communication: https://www.amazon.com/Writing-Well-Classic-Guide-Nonfiction/dp/0060891548• Crossing the Chasm, 3rd Edition: The Updated Version of the Insightful Guide on Bringing Cutting-Edge Products to the Mainstream: https://www.amazon.com/Crossing-Chasm-3rd-Disruptive-Mainstream/dp/0062292986—Production and marketing by https://penname.co/. For inquiries about sponsoring the podcast, email podcast@lennyrachitsky.com.—Lenny may be an investor in the companies discussed. To hear more, visit www.lennysnewsletter.com

In this episode of The Ross Simmonds Show, Ross sits down with long-time friend Clinton Senkow, a leading expert in partnership marketing. They explore the core principles of building successful partnerships, why most companies underutilize this growth tactic, and how AI is transforming the partnership landscape. Clinton shares actionable advice for startups and established companies looking to harness partnerships to accelerate growth. Clinton also introduces us to his new AI-powered platform, Partnerss.co, designed to help businesses find ideal partners in minutes, not months. Key Takeaways and Insights: 1. What is Partnership Marketing? - Leveraging another company's audience, platform, or user base to promote your product or service - Forms of partnerships include co-marketing, co-selling, affiliate programs, and tech integrations - True partnership success comes from win-win collaborations 2. The Growth Opportunity - Partnerships can provide exponential growth versus single-channel approaches like sales or ads - Ideal for companies with product-market fit looking to scale efficiently - Helps unlock brand trust fast through warm introductions. 3. Tech Meets Strategy: AI + Partnerships - Clinton introduces Partnerss.co, his AI-powered discovery platform - Uses synergy scores and business intelligence to match companies with ideal partners - Built for speed, identifies & evaluates high-fit partner opportunities in minutes 4. When Should You Start Thinking About Partnerships? - When your company has product-market fit and understands its ideal customer - Partnerships are effective post-traction not necessarily dependent on team size 5. Realistic Partnership KPIs - Focus on conversations and strategic alignment—not just volume - Metrics include # of active partnerships, partner-influenced revenue, retention, and co-marketing reach 6. Framework to Identify Ideal Partners - Ask: “What is my customer doing before and after they use my product?” - Explore complements (not competitors) servicing the same ICP - Analyze potential for mutual value creation & platform integrations 7. Roles & Responsibilities in Partnerships - Affiliate, integration, co-sell, and co-marketing roles often require specialized skill sets - In earlier-stage companies, one partnerships lead may wear multiple hats - Successful partnerships professionals are strong networkers, communicators, and relationship builders Resources & Tools:

Carel van Wyk is the founder and CEO of MoneyBadger. MoneyBadger enables easy bitcoin payments at 650 thousand stores in South Africa. MoneyBadger on Nostr: https://primal.net/p/nprofile1qqsz85k206vm3vqdmlvcy9l4kyfqchlnf4hnctasxufa3ph0ck9decgpk49rf MoneyBadger on X: https://x.com/MoneyBadgerPayWesbite: https://www.moneybadger.co.za/EPISODE: 189BLOCK: 933542PRICE: 1112 sats per dollar(00:03:26) What is Money Badger? Mission and merchant focus(00:05:13) Paying anywhere in South Africa(00:05:27) 650,000 locations(00:07:04) Leveraging existing QR payment rails and the Pick n Pay breakthrough(00:10:01) How the flow works: bridging proprietary QR to Lightning(00:11:18) MoneyBadger app as translator vs. using any Lightning wallet(00:13:04) Fiat settlement, volatility handling, and business model(00:17:07) Why no Money Badger wallet? Integrations with Blink, Zeus, Aqua(00:20:20) A clever LNURL/Lightning Address pattern to decode merchant QRs(00:23:39) Pragmatic, a bit hacky, and works across wallets(00:28:04) Replicability beyond SA: Kenya's M‑Pesa, Ghana, Latin America(00:32:10) Creating demand: Bitcoin Ekasi as proof-of-use for Pick n Pay(00:35:15) Real usage: growth to ~5k tx/month and $200k volume(00:39:40) Who spends Bitcoin? From cash users to OGs and ideologues(00:42:34) Incentives and the challenge of moving the middle(00:43:42) Tax context in South Africa: capital gains thresholds(00:46:59) UX talk: tap-to-pay vs. QR, hardware realities and patience(00:49:12) Beyond POS: treasury, suppliers, and stablecoin pull(00:51:03) Bitcoin vs. stablecoins in SA usage; Luno/Binance integrations(00:55:07) Wild flexibility: paying with almost any token via partners(00:57:46) Urgency to prove Bitcoin as money before it's siloed(00:58:00) Hypothetical: Square/Cash App design vs. bridge approach(01:03:41) Consumer friction at checkout and signaling acceptance(01:07:38) Tipping, bridges to Venmo/Cash App, and cash realities(01:09:19) Call to action: spend Bitcoin to create demand(01:11:08) Wrap-up: plans to visit SA, links, and farewellmore info on the show: https://citadeldispatch.comlearn more about me: https://odell.xyz

It's an annual tradition, the AVNation "Best of" Awards, and Chi Hang Lo is up for AV Professional of the Year, along with UCLA's Classroom Modernization Pilot, and HETMA for Best Technical Support! Take a listen as Joe Way sits down with Chi to discuss this honor and why you should #VoteForChi.Joe Way drops a special Friday episode to spotlight the AV Nation Awards (Readers' Choice “Best of 2025”) and rally the higher ed community around three finalists: Chi Hang Lo for AV Professional of the Year, UCLA's Classroom Modernization Pilot for Project of the Year, and HETMA for Best Technical Support. Chi joins to share what the nomination represents, why the UCLA pilot is different, and how the higher ed community lifts each other up through collaboration, shared evaluation, and real-world support. The episode closes with a clear call: go vote, support the people and projects pushing the industry forward, and keep building a better future together.Vote now: https://www.avnation.tv/avnation-best-of-2025-awards/Featured GuestChi Hang Lo — Manager, AV/IT Solutions (UCLA)Leads a team designing and delivering scalable AV + IT solutions that support UCLA's learning environments and broader smart campus vision.What You'll Hear in This Episode1) Why this episode, and why nowA bonus Friday release to interrupt the usual schedule and highlight the AV Nation Awards as a uniquely people-driven recognition.Joe frames Readers' Choice as a rare moment for the industry to advocate for the people, projects, and platforms that matter most to the community.2) The three higher ed finalistsChi Hang Lo — AV Professional of the Year finalistUCLA — Project of the Year finalist for the Classroom Modernization PilotHETMA — Technical Support finalistJoe emphasizes how significant it is to see higher ed represented across multiple major categories in the finals.3) The UCLA Classroom Modernization Pilot: what makes it specialChi explains why the pilot stands out as more than a refresh—it's a different way of thinking:Moving from traditional room-by-room AV to a cloud-first, scalable control approach designed for enterprise scale (think: up to 1,000 spaces).Leveraging web technologies, REST APIs, and integrations to enable flexibility, interoperability, and future growth.Building for adaptability so the system isn't locked to one manufacturer ecosystem—prioritizing integration-first design and long-term scalability.Aiming toward a platform approach: “AV as a platform” that can support more than AV control.4) The “why” behind going cloud-firstJoe asks the question everyone asks: why not just keep doing “simple” AV? Chi's answer points to:Preparing the team—and the campus—for the future skill sets needed in modern learning environments.Meeting expanding demands: conferencing, capture, collaboration, active learning, and rapid shifts in pedagogy.Treating AV as part of a broader AV/IT solutions ecosystem, not a standalone technical island.5) Smart campus, not just AVThe conversation expands into the broader vision:AV systems already contain meaningful data (occupancy, environmental signals, usage patterns)—the opportunity is connecting it to the rest of campus.Collaboration across departments (facilities, security, events, transportation, IT, and more) becomes possible when you build a platform that can integrate.Chi shares work toward data aggregation and dashboards, including collaboration with a Data Lake approach to create better operational insight and decision-making.6) The team behind the pilotChi introduces the core members of his team and their contributions:Project coordination and process leadership (including agile/scrum-style development support)Technical design and 2D/3D modeling workflows, standards-based design language for facilities alignmentSoftware/automation engineering, signal distribution/recording, and architecture to connect devices to the cloudPartnerships with manufacturers to improve firmware/APIs and enable deeper integration at scaleJoe underscores how innovation required close collaboration between UCLA, solution providers, and manufacturers—engineering alongside engineering.7) Career growth: from technical expert to leaderJoe shifts the conversation to professional development: what changes when you move from “doing” to “leading.”Chi shares leadership themes that have guided him:Staying humble, collaborative, and relationship-drivenBalancing strong technical conviction with empathy and communicationCreating opportunities for the next generation by helping people navigate common roadblocks (communication, attitude, relationship dynamics)Treating the industry like a community—because you'll keep working with the same people for years8) The HETMA community impactChi shares how community support—especially collaborative technology evaluation and shared learning—helps smaller institutions gain access, influence, and manufacturer attention they might not get alone. Joe reinforces the higher ed ethos: we're collaborators, not competitors.Memorable Moments / Quotes (paraphrased)The awards matter because the people choose—it's advocacy, not just adjudication.The pilot isn't just “AV”—it's building infrastructure for a smart campus platform.The real work is turning AV data into insight and integration that improves the campus experience.Calls to ActionVote for Chi Hang Lo — AV Professional of the YearVote for UCLA's Classroom Modernization Pilot — Project of the YearVote for HETMA — Technical SupportAnd vote for the products, people, and projects you believe represent the best of 2025.Vote now: https://www.avnation.tv/avnation-best-of-2025-awards/Connect with Chi Hang Lo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chihanglo/

Discover how childhood magic shows and a gas station job laid the foundation for a legendary career in customer service and experience. This episode features Shep Hyken, the Chief Amazement Officer at Shepard Presentations, as he breaks down the "I'll Be Back" philosophy and the distinction between repeat business and true brand loyalty. Gain actionable insights on operationalizing feedback, leading through a crisis, and why the most successful organizations prioritize a "hospitality mentality" to outshine their competition.Guest Links:Shep's LinkedInShepard Presentations, LLCCredits: Host: Lisa Nichols, Executive Producer: Jenny Heal, Marketing Support: Landon Burke and Joe Szynkowski, Podcast Engineer: Portside Media

Are you using AI to its full potential to meet your marketing, small business, and branding needs? Today's guest, Alan Stern, is a dynamic speaker, DJ, and marketing expert with nearly twenty years of sales and marketing experience in retail and service industries. His passion for helping small businesses thrive translates into practical guidance on how to leverage AI and freemium apps to create a big impact with your marketing on a small budget. Driven by the belief that people buy from a person before they buy from a brand, his unique approach at Persona Marketing helps his clients leverage humor and education to create marketing that builds trust and truly connects. He also unpacks this in his book, How to Dominate The Newsfeed Without Spending A Dime, which teaches audiences how to attract business through social media. Join us as we unpack the power of integrating simple tech tools into your day-to-day work to improve your reach, help you find your niche, and develop your voice. This is a conversation about how to use AI to make your hard-earned expertise, lived experience and mentorship more valuable than ever, rather than allowing AI to replace your genius or your special lens, We talk about not only about the power of AI, but the power of you! Don't miss out on key insights to help you leverage AI with confidence and get real results you're desiring.   Key Highlights From This Episode: Alan's journey to making a big impact on a small budget. [03:46] How to stay top of mind without spending any money using the H.E.A.T. Method. [06:57] Why "aspirational" marketing is ultimately a turn-off and what is actually working online. [11:38] How AI can support you in marketing to solve a problem versus address a situation. [16:43] Leveraging technology for market research to better understand your audience. [21:24] An easy win to reach your exact target market using AI tools. [28:46] What it looks like to use AI to make your lived expertise and mentorship more valuable. [34:35] How ChatGPT can help you understand your niche in the market. [42:13] For More Information: Alan Stern Alan Stern Email Alan Stern on LinkedIn Alan Stern on Facebook Alan Stern on Instagram Persona Marketing Microsites   Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:  Alan's book, How to Dominate The Newsfeed Without Spending A Dime Kathy's Career and Leadership Growth Digital Tool ——————— READY FOR A HUGE SHIFT TO ACHIEVE A RAPID BREAKTHROUGH TO GREATER SUCCESS, IMPACT AND REWARD IN YOUR CAREER? Work with Kathy and get hands-on, transformative CAREER & LEADERSHIP GROWTH COACHING SUPPORT today! Join me today in one of my top-requested career and leadership growth 1:1 coaching programs and take 20% off the price this week with coupon code 'FBRAVE20' as my thank-you for tuning in! Visit my Career Help page, or click the links below for more information and to register today and save 20%:   – Jumpstart Your Career Success (3 sessions) – Career & Leadership Breakthrough program (6 sessions) – Build Your Confidence, Success and Impact (10 sessions)   And visit Kathy's FREE digital career and leadership coaching tool for on-the-spot guidance and answers 24/7 to your pressing questions >> Kathy Caprino AI   ——————— GOT A BURNING CAREER OR PROFESSIONAL GROWTH QUESTION? Ask me on Hubble I'm thrilled to join the Hubble Expert Advisory group, a space for thoughtful conversations and honest advice on life, work, business and career challenges. I often hear from people worldwide seeking guidance on careers, leadership, personal growth, and making a bigger impact. Now, connecting and answering your questions is easier than ever—Hubble lets you book a one-off call or recurring sessions with me.   Book some time with me here on Hubble - I'd love to support your top goals: https://app.hubble.social/kathycaprino    ——————— Order Kathy's book The Most Powerful You today! In Australia and New Zealand, click here to order, elsewhere outside North America, click here, and in the UK, click here. If you enjoy the book, we'd so appreciate your giving the book a positive rating and review on Amazon! And check out Kathy's digital companion course The Most Powerful You, to help you close the 7 most damaging power gaps in the most effective way possible.   Kathy's Power Gaps Survey, Support To Build Your LinkedIn Profile To Great Success & Other Free Resources Kathy's TEDx Talk, Time To Brave Up & Free Career Path Self-Assessment Kathy's Amazing Career Project video training course & 6 Dominant Action Styles Quiz   ——————— Sponsor Highlight I'm thrilled that both Audible.com and Amazon Music are sponsors of Finding Brave! Take advantage of their great special offers and free trials today!   Audible Offer Amazon Music Offer   Quotes:  "At the end of the day, it doesn't matter what business you're in, we're all kind of selling the same thing — trust, expertise and an end result." — Alan Stern [0:05:06] "When you sell, you break rapport, but when you educate, you build it." — Alan Stern [0:08:28] "Problems cause situations and the situations are what actually create opportunities for us to sell." — Alan Stern [0:17:00] "[AI] gives us a great opportunity as business owners to stop manually executing everything and leverage technology to do it." Alan Stern [0:26:40] "Now, you can overlap the sales department, the marketing department, and the graphic design department, all by leveraging a little bit of tech." — Alan Stern [0:30:13] "I'm not saying use Chat for everything and copy and paste. What I'm saying is, use it for the framework. Use that H.E.A.T. format and then put your spin on it."— Alan Stern [0:35:44]   Watch our Finding Brave episodes on YouTube! Don't forget – you can experience each Finding Brave episode in both audio and video formats! Check out new and recent episodes on my YouTube channel at YouTube.com/kathycaprino. And please leave us a comment and a thumbs up if you like the show!

In this episode, Jeanine reveals how she built her first million in 12 months with $42K in student loan debt and only $300 in her bank account.She breaks down the mindset shift that transforms personal debt from a source of shame into a powerful leverage tool—the same way wealthy people and major corporations use it to multiply their wealth.Ready to go deeper?1. Build your First Million by identify your Big Money Gifts 2. Private podcast: Make More Money Offline Than You Make Online 3. Let's connect on Instagram @_richandhappy4. The Rich+Happy Website

In this episode, I'm joined by Brad Johnson, CEO of ProfitCoach and former GM of Sweyer Property Management.We discuss:(00:00:00) - Intro(00:01:52) - Bradley's journey in property management(00:05:04) - Lessons in leadership and personal growth(00:09:54) - The sale to Roam(00:19:54) - Sponsor - Rentvine(00:20:51) - Life post-sale(00:22:41) - Transition to profit coach(00:35:09) - Sponsor - Crane(00:39:42) - Identifying the right candidate for property management(00:42:24) - The importance of character and integrity(00:44:25) - Creating a sense of ownership in employees(00:46:20) - Innovative compensation strategies(00:50:24) - The value of hands-off leadership(01:00:59) - Profit coach services and future plans(01:04:38) - Live industry benchmarks and financial clarity(01:15:16) - Leveraging data and AI(01:17:29) - Conclusion and contact informationBrad shares how he took a 1,300-door PM company from 20% to 37% margins - all without equity, and without a background in single-family PM.We dig into what it really takes to find (or be) a #2 who operates like an owner, why Dave Sweyer hired Brad with no direct experience, and how a comp structure based entirely on profit margin changed everything.Learn more & connect with me here:⁠Crane⁠, the private community for property management business owners.⁠My Free PM Newsletter⁠⁠RL Property Management⁠ Learn more and connect with Brad here: ProfitCoachBrad on LinkedIn

In episode 103 of Venture Everywhere, Jenny Fielding, co-founder and managing partner at Everywhere Ventures, talks with Ethan Schwarzbach, co-founder of Flychain, a startup building the financial operating system for small to medium-sized healthcare providers. Ethan shares his journey from investment banking to fintech at Orchard, where insights from Square's merchant processing data inspired Flychain's initial product. He discusses how underwriting healthcare businesses revealed a critical gap in financial infrastructure, leading Flychain to build a specialized platform that replaces QuickBooks and delivers AI-powered financial insights for practices.In this episode, you will hear:Bridging cashflow gaps of healthcare providers.Addressing financial infrastructure crisis in healthcare practices.Leveraging accurate EMR data for AI-driven decision-making.Partnering with healthcare networks to reach underserved practices.Positioning for value-based care and consolidation landscape shifts.Learn more about Ethan Schwarzbach | FlychainLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ethan-schwarzbach-baa09571/Website: https://www.flychain.us/Learn more about Jenny Fielding | Everywhere VenturesLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennyfielding/Website: https://everywhere.vc

Episode Overview In this episode, John Kitchens sat down with Jeff Thibodeau, a real estate veteran with nearly two decades of experience who has seen the industry from every seat—agent, team leader, brokerage owner, investor, and mentor. Jeff shares his full-circle journey through real estate: from entering the business during the financial crash, to building high-performing teams and a brokerage, to stepping away—and ultimately returning with a renewed focus on simplicity, freedom, and intentional design. Together, John and Jeff unpack what it really takes to thrive in uncertain markets, why top producers continue to gain market share, and how agents must evolve from being information gatekeepers to trusted advisors who sell certainty in an increasingly complex world. This conversation is a masterclass in mindset, leadership, client communication, and designing a real estate business that supports your life—not consumes it. Key Topics Covered Jeff's Full-Circle Real Estate Journey Entering real estate during the financial crash and surviving early uncertainty Leveraging online marketing and lead generation before it was mainstream Building teams, operational systems, and eventually a brokerage Selling the brokerage and rediscovering a simpler, more intentional business model Growth vs. Fulfillment The pressure of "always scaling" and chasing the next level How growth environments can both accelerate success and lead to burnout Recognizing when a season of life calls for simplicity instead of expansion Why production isn't a "low-level task" if it aligns with your strengths Market Cycles & Mindset Why your brain goes to "zero" in challenging markets—and how to fight that instinct Understanding that markets never stop producing opportunities Why top agents gain market share when others retreat The reality that today's market requires more effort, not less Lead Generation & Client Qualification Why everything starts at the front of the funnel Generating more conversations to avoid desperation decisions The danger of taking B, C, and D clients in a tough market How scarcity thinking destroys profitability The Skill That Matters Most Right Now Why having uncomfortable conversations is the #1 skill in today's market Disagreeing with clients without losing trust—or the relationship Leading clients through reality instead of avoiding conflict Framing conversations to maintain authority and professionalism Leadership & Certainty as the New Value Proposition Why consumers feel more informed than ever Moving from a knowledge-based role to a wisdom-based role Selling certainty in a market filled with fear and complexity Why clients pay for confidence, clarity, and leadership—not access to data AI, Smarter Consumers & the Future of Agent Value Why information is no longer the differentiator How AI empowers consumers—and agents who adapt Reframing your value as guidance, judgment, and execution Becoming the calm, trusted professional clients rely on Resources & Mentions Jeff Thibodeau YouTube Channel – Real-world strategies and market insights John Kitchens Executive Coaching → JohnKitchens.coach The 8 Stages of the Real Estate Business → The8Stages.com Crucial Conversations – Recommended for improving difficult client conversations Final Takeaway The agents who win in today's market aren't louder, cheaper, or flashier—they're calmer, clearer, and more decisive. As Jeff explains, real estate professionals no longer win by controlling information. They win by delivering certainty, leading difficult conversations, and guiding clients through complexity with confidence. When uncertainty rises, leadership becomes the product. "People don't hire agents for information anymore. They hire them to feel certain they'll reach the finish line." – Jeff Thibodeau Connect with Us: Instagram: @johnkitchenscoach LinkedIn: @johnkitchenscoach Facebook: @johnkitchenscoach If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Stay tuned for more insights and strategies from the top minds. See you next time!

In this episode of The Better Leadership Team Show, I'm joined by Chris Happ, Founder of Virtuous AI, to unpack how business leaders can use AI to close execution gaps, move faster, and compete more effectively—without massive budgets or technical teams. We explore why AI must be CEO-led, how business AI differs from consumer tools, and how mid-market organizations can turn speed into a competitive advantage. If you're trying to move beyond AI experimentation and toward real outcomes, this conversation will change how you think about leadership in the AI era.https://www.virtuousai.com/  Thanks for listening! Connect with us at mike-goldman.com/blog and on Instagram@mikegoldmancoach and on YouTube @Mikegoldmancoach

Today, I'm joined by Carter Barnhart, CEO and co-founder of Charlie Health.   Charlie Health provides virtual intensive outpatient treatment for serious mental health and substance use disorders — serving children, teens, and adults across 40 states.   In this episode, we discuss making life-saving behavioral healthcare accessible at scale.   We also cover:   Securing over 850 insurance contracts Proving the ROI of virtual intensive treatment Leveraging group-based connection for healing Subscribe to the podcast → insider.fitt.co/podcast  Subscribe to our newsletter → insider.fitt.co/subscribe  Follow us on LinkedIn → linkedin.com/company/fittinsider    Charlie Health Website: www.charliehealth.com  Charlie Health is Hiring across all roles - reach out to join the team   -   The Fitt Insider Podcast is brought to you by EGYM. Visit EGYM.com to learn more about its smart fitness ecosystem for fitness and health facilities.   Fitt Talent: https://talent.fitt.co/  Consulting: https://consulting.fitt.co/  Investments: https://capital.fitt.co/    Chapters: (00:00) Introduction (01:15) Charlie Health's mission (03:10) Proving virtual intensive treatment works (05:06) COVID as the catalyst (06:33) Building a world without suicide (07:10) The care model (08:25) Community-based referral network (09:00) Personalized matching and group-based treatment (10:15) Connection as the foundation (11:15) Long-term outcomes tracking (12:26) Insurance accessibility (13:20) Quality care at scale (14:32) Transparency (16:00) Building trust with clinicians (17:05) Core values (19:00) Bridging the gap in behavioral healthcare (20:30) Trust as the foundation of data collection (21:20) Success stories to combat stigma (22:35) Destigmatizing high-acuity mental health (24:15) Moving the needle through shared stories (26:00) AI augmenting clinician work (27:50) Charles the AI scribe (29:00) AI vs. human connection (30:15) Expansion (31:30) KPIs (32:27) Profitability and scholarships (33:10) Learn more and join the team (33:40) Conclusion  

Send us a textSome businesses thrive no matter the market — Ksenia Votinova-Arnaud knows why. As a global tech entrepreneur, co-founder of a SaaS company, and creator of the Weatherproof Business Formula, she has built companies that grow, adapt, and scale.In this episode of Starter Girlz, Jennifer Loehding sits down with Ksenia to hear about her journey from growing up in the Soviet Union to coaching over a thousand executives and creating resilient business strategies that help entrepreneurs succeed.This conversation explores the realities of entrepreneurship, the evolving definition of success, and the lessons Ksenia has learned about resilience, adaptability, and building systems that enable businesses to thrive. You'll hear discussion-based insights on vision, strategy, leveraging technology and AI, starting lean, niching effectively, and maintaining balance as you build a thriving business.⭐ What You'll Learn in This Episode✅ How resilience and vision shape business success✅ Lessons from scaling a global SaaS company✅ Patterns in business that can form repeatable systems✅ Insights gained from mentoring  on strategy, mindset, and frameworks✅ Leveraging technology, AI, and no-code tools to support growth✅ Starting lean and validating ideas before scaling✅ Niching down to focus on the right customer segment✅ Balancing work and life to prevent burnout✅ Using systems and technology to work smarter, not harder

Do you feel like pain is just part of getting older? Maybe your back aches after a long day, your knees crack when you squat, or you've been told to "just stretch more", but it doesn't help. Then this episode is for you. Today's guest is a Strength and Conditioning Specialist - Megan Dahlman, and she is here to flip that script.  We Cover: The real reasons so many women experience pain in midlife (hint: not just aging) Why women often push through pain and how that backfires How declining estrogen affects joint health and inflammation Mechanical vs. chemical causes of pain, and how to tell the difference The "Big 3" behind alleviating back pain A rapid fire on popular pain management tools Simple movements that create long-term relief   In her 17 years of professional training, Megan Dahlman has become the sought-after trainer for women over 40 who want to be strong and live a long, energetic life. Leveraging a degree in Exercise Science and certification as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), she has an uncanny ability to make fitness and nutrition simple, doable, and most importantly, sustainable. Through her top ranked podcast, Self Care Simplified, and online training programs and courses, it's her mission to help women in midlife and beyond feel strong, pain-free, and confident in all aspects of their body.   Weekly Jumpstart email newsletter - https://www.weeklyjumpstart.com/   5 Day Core Tune Up - https://5daycore.com  Contact Megan Dahlman Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megandahlman Weekly Jumpstart: www.weeklyjumpstart.com Give thanks to our sponsors: Try Vitali skincare. 20% off with code ZORA here - https://vitaliskincare.com Get Primeadine spermidine by Oxford Healthspan. 15% discount with code ZORA ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - http://oxfordhealthspan.com/discount/ZORA Get Mitopure Urolithin A by Timeline. 20% discount with code ZORA at https://timeline.com/zora Try Suji to improve muscle 10% off with code ZORA at TrySuji.com - https://trysuji.com Try OneSkin skincare with code ZORA for 15% off https://oneskin.pxf.io/c/3974954/2885171/31050   Join the Hack My Age community on: YouTube: https://youtube.com/@hackmyage Facebook Page: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@⁠Hack My Age⁠     Facebook Group: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@⁠Biohacking Menopause⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠   Biohacking Menopause Private Women's Only Support Group: https://hackmyage.com/biohacking-menopause-membership/ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@⁠HackMyAge⁠    Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HackMyAge.com⁠    For partnership inquiries: https://www.category3.ca/  For transparency: Some episodes of Hack My Age are supported by partners whose products or services may be discussed during the show. The host may receive compensation or earn a minor commission if you purchase through affiliate links at no extra cost to you. All opinions shared are those of the host and guests, based on personal experience and research, and do not necessarily represent the views of any sponsor. Sponsorships do not imply medical endorsement or approval by any healthcare provider featured on this podcast.  

Watch the full interview on YouTube be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode. In this episode of the She Leads Series, we delve into the world of public relations with Sandra Tricoli, founder of Savvy Creations PR. Sandra shares her journey from studying journalism and public relations at Murdoch University to establishing her leading PR agency in Perth in 2016. We cover topics such as the evolution of PR from traditional media to digital platforms, the importance of brand perception, and how businesses can leverage PR for growth. Sandra provides insights into proactive vs. reactive media, the differences between earned and paid media, and the crucial steps for businesses looking to manage their own PR. Additionally, she shares practical advice on maintaining consistency in brand messaging and navigating crisis situations with emotional resilience. This episode is a treasure trove of information for anyone interested in understanding and utilising PR effectively. 00:00 Introduction to Sandra Tricoli and Savvy Creations PR 01:05 Casual Conversation and Mutual Connections 02:15 Understanding Public Relations 02:40 The Evolution of PR in the Digital Age 04:33 The Role of Media in PR 09:32 Paid vs. Earned Media 14:07 Personal Branding and Storytelling 18:38 PR Strategies and Workshops 25:46 Crisis Management in PR Connect with Sandra on Instagram and LinkedIn or visit her website to learn more IG: @marciacolosi | TikTok: @marciacolosi LI: @marciacolosi | FB: @marciamiatke  Ready to take your life and relationships to the next level? Follow The EQ Academy Official where you'll learn to optimise your emotions, leverage your feminine and masculine energies and show up your most confident and radiant self!  

Do you ever wonder if the quietest voice in the room can truly lead—and win—in a world built for extroverts? This episode of Do Good to Lead Well is a refreshing, insightful journey into that very question, as I sit down with Benjamin Friedman, author of “Silent Strength: The Introvert's Guide to Building Successful Startups.”The conversation opens with Benjamin's “me-search;” his personal and professional quest to understand how introverts can succeed when the business world often favors extroverted traits. Can an introvert be authentic and ambitious, all while driving top-tier results? Absolutely, says Benjamin, but it's all about leveraging your way of being, rather than trying to fit someone else's mold.Listeners will come away with practical advice for managing meetings, leveraging networks, and navigating self-doubt. He also shares tools for raising our self-awareness, the power of a “challenge network,” and the importance of aligning values with the people you build alongside. When fear or imposter syndrome strikes, Friedman reframes those moments as evidence you care and offers ways to harness uncertainty as fuel for growth.The common thread throughout this episode is one of curiosity and vulnerability. It is about questioning our assumptions and beliefs while building a roadmap to authentic success. What You'll Learn- The power of the quiet leader.- Self-awareness as a foundation.- Leveraging a Challenge Network.- How to harness fear and navigate uncertainty.- Reframing networking.- The secret sauce of vulnerability.Podcast Timestamps(00:00) – Silent Strength: The Origin Story (06:01) - The Universal Value of Introvert Insights (11:42) - Self-Awareness as a Foundation for Success (18:44) - Reframing Imposter Syndrome & Building Presence (22:29) - Empowering Introverted Voices in Meetings (28:56) - The Power of a Challenge Network (36:15) - Getting Useful Feedback (40:29) - Navigating Fear, Uncertainty & Opportunity (45:32) - Thriving as an Introvert in Sales & Networking (50:25) - Co-Founders, Relationships & Final InsightsKEYWORDSPositive Leadership, Self-Awareness, Feedback, Personal Growth, Vulnerability, Leading with Intention, Curiosity, Startup Founders, Introverts in Leadership, Challenge Network, Networking Strategies, Sales (for Introverts), Eustress vs Distress, Leveraging Strengths, Authenticity, Managing Meetings, Inclusive Environments, Managing Fear, CEO Success

If you've ever felt like you're being told to “do more writing” without anyone actually showing you where it fits, this episode is for you. Today, Caitlin is joined by a familiar voice—our membership manager, Genevieve and a real classroom teacher using a district-mandated curriculum and EB Academics side by side. We share a simple, three-layer framework for using EB resources with district-mandated ELA curricula without losing alignment, pacing, or sanity. • Keeping district texts while upgrading activities• Replacing weak writing lessons with the EB writing approach• Using writing as a thinking framework for discussion• Adding grammar games, vocabulary, and quick routines• Mapping the year around assessments and standards• Leveraging graphic organizers, sentence stems, and checks• Aligning with admin priorities and showing results• Low-risk pilot option for campus or team trialsGet all the details on our pilot program:  https://www.ebteacher.com/pilot-program  Join us now! 

There is a primal drive that in our species alone has been transformed into one of our most persistent and universal motivations: The longing to matter.In her revelatory new book: The Mattering Instinct: How Our Deepest Longing Drives Us and Divides Us, MacArthur Fellow, National Humanities Medalist, and bestselling author, Rebecca Newberger Goldstein, Weaves powerful insights from biology, psychology, and philosophy,To persuasively argue that our need to matter―and the various “mattering projects” it inspires,from parenting, to scientific discovery, to transcendence, art, creative work, or the pursuit of mastery―is simultaneously the source of our greatest progress and our deepest conflicts: the very crux of the human experience.Leveraging her gifts as a storyteller,Rebecca elevates the stories of people pursuing their unique mattering projects: From the pioneering psychologist William James, who rose above the depression of his young adulthood to become perhaps the first great theorist of mattering; To an impoverished Chinese woman who rescued abandoned newborns from the trash; To a neo-Nazi skinhead who as a young man dealt racial violence to feel he mattered but ultimately renounced that hateful past after realizing that mattering isn't a zero-sum game.In offering these portraits Rebecca illuminates how our shared instinct for significance shapes identity, relationships, culture, and conflict - But, perhaps most importantly, They point the way to a future where we all might see that there is, fundamentally, enough mattering to go around.Through her work, and today's conversation, Rebecca invites us to considerhow our universal longing to matter - The primal instinct that so often drives us apart -may actually be the key to finally understanding each other. For more on Rebecca, the Mattering Instinct, her other books and writing, please visit rebeccagoldstein.comEnjoying the show? Please rate it wherever you listen to your podcasts!Did you find this episode inspiring? Here are other conversations we think you'll love:On the Healing Power of Love | Stephen G. PostOn How the Arts Transform Us | Susan Magsamen & Ivy RossOn Wisdom and Love in Troubling Times | Mark Nepo & Elizabeth LesserThanks for listening!Support the show

Banking is no longer competing with the branch down the street. It is competing with every digital experience your customers have before they ever open your app. Expectations around speed, simplicity, and trust are being set by big tech, fintechs, and embedded finance, not by traditional financial institutions. And for many banks, that gap is growing. That is why today's conversation matters. I am joined by Phil Tomlinson, Senior Vice President of Global Offerings at TaskUs, and Pragya Agarwal, Vice President of Financial Crimes and Risk Operations. They sit at the intersection of customer experience, advanced technology, and financial crime prevention, where speed and trust have to coexist every day. In this episode of Banking Transformed, we unpack what next-generation banking really looks like, where AI is delivering real value right now, and how banks can move faster, innovate responsibly, and still protect customers in an always-on, app-driven world. This episode of Banking Transformed is sponsored by TaskUs TaskUs is a leading provider of outsourced digital services and next-generation customer experience to the world's most innovative companies, helping its clients represent, protect and grow their brands. Leveraging a cloud-based infrastructure, TaskUs serves clients in the fast-growing sectors, including social media, e-commerce, gaming, streaming media, food delivery and ride-sharing, technology, financial services and healthcare. https://www.taskus.com/services/financial-crime-compliance/

Daniel has worked in the insurance and financial services business since 1995. He is the founder of Perpetual Wealth Management, LLC, and the Perpetual Wealth System for Premium financing transactions. Daniel's business has been focused on Premium Financing for the last 15 years. Daniel is a National Vendor for Premium Finance Strategies, representing multiple life insurance carriers and finance lenders. Perpetual Wealth Management has funded over $2 Billion of Death Benefit and has over $750 million of funded and/or committed capital loans outstanding, with multiple finance lenders. Daniel works around the country with IMO's, agents, and HNW clients to implement these concepts. His main focuses entail Estate & Charitable Planning, Business Planning, and Supplemental Income Planning. He has spoken at many industry events on the topic of Premium Financing. Daniel works and lives in Chicago with his wife, Anna Marie, and has three children, Isabelle, Alexandra, and Andrew.If you are interested in learning more about Premium Financing and how these concepts can be implemented in your practice or financial plan, please book a no-obligation 30-minute conversation with me.Learn more: http://www.perpetualwm.com/Influential Entrepreneurs with Mike Saundershttps://businessinnovatorsradio.com/influential-entrepreneurs-with-mike-saunders/Source: https://businessinnovatorsradio.com/interview-with-daniel-wachs-with-perpetual-wealth-management-leveraging-premium-finance

In this episode of Grow Think Tank, Gene Hammett sits down with Austin Yarborough, founder of Central Coast Moving, ranked No. 2,278 on the Inc. 5000 list, to explore the power of leadership and continuous improvement. Austin shares how high standards, self-awareness, and leading by example have been essential in scaling his business, attracting A players, and building a strong organizational culture. Discover Austin's practical strategies for: Embracing Kaizen principles: getting 1% better every day Leveraging social media to build trust, not just chase clients Tracking progress for personal and professional growth Leading by example to influence culture and team performance Letting go of micromanagement while maintaining high standards If you're a CEO, entrepreneur, or leader looking to grow your business and become a better leader, this episode is packed with actionable insights. Connect with Austin Yarborough: Central Coast Moving: https://centralcoastmoving.com Instagram: @centralcoastmoving | @officialaustinarybrough The Moving Army: https://www.themovingarmy.com Subscribe for more leadership insights, growth strategies, and interviews with founders of the fastest-growing companies: [Subscribe Link] Timestamps: 0:00 – Introduction: Why continuous improvement matters 3:11 – Building trust through social media 5:50 – Core principles of leadership 7:52 – The journey of continuous improvement 12:20 – Transforming leadership skills 14:06 – Leading by example 18:47 – Letting go of the outcome 20:21 – Closing thoughts Keywords / Tags: Leadership, Continuous Improvement, CEO Growth, Kaizen, Central Coast Moving, Inc 5000, Attracting A Players, Leadership Development, Business Scaling, Executive Coaching