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In this episode of Molecule to Market, you'll go inside the outsourcing space of the global drug development sector with 20+ CEO/c-suite leaders from the CDMO space, who discuss the big headwinds for the pharmaceutical and biotechnology space for 2026. Show features: Christiane Bardroff, Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Rentschler Biopharma SE Philip Macnabb, Chief Executive Officer at Curia Kaan-Fabian Kekec, Partner at Simon-Kucher‘s Healthcare & Life Sciences division Dirk T. Lange , Chief Executive Officer at Pyramid Pharma Services Bruce Thompson, CTO at Kincell Bio Bill Vincent, Biotech Entrepreneur, CEO, Board Member Derek Hennecke - founder, investor, board member Matthew Bio, CSO at Cambrex & President, Snapdragon Chemistry Stephen Dilly, CEO at Sonoma Biotherapeutics, Stephen Dilly, CEO at Sonoma Biotherapeutics, Bill Humphries, Chief Executive Officer at Medpharm Elisabeth Stampa, CEO at Medichem SL Kerstin Dolph, SVP of Manufacturing at Charles River Labs Eric Edwards, Chief Executive Officer at Phlow-USA Peter DeYoung, CEO at Piramal Pharma Ian Tzeng, Managing Director at L.E.K. Consulting Adam Siebert, Managing Director at L.E.K. Consulting J.D. Mowery, President CDMO Division Bora Pharmaceuticals Peter Belden President, US, Tjoapack Nick Fortin, CEO CODIS Molecule to Market is also sponsored by Bora Pharmaceuticals and supported by Lead Candidate. Please subscribe, tell your industry colleagues and join us in celebrating and promoting the value and importance of the global life science outsourcing space. We'd also appreciate a positive rating!
In this episode, I'm joined by Sophie Bell, Managing Director at Toast, to talk about what authentic brand storytelling really looks like in practice. We explore why keeping your message simple matters, how to connect with your audience in a genuine way, and why trying to say too much often dilutes your impact.Sophie shares her experience of working with brands across documentaries, advertising, and branded content, and explains the idea of story finding, identifying real voices and real stories that naturally align with your brand. We discuss how to avoid overwhelming your audience, the role of honesty and transparency in building trust, and why letting go of control can actually strengthen your message.We also talk about the pressure to create constant content, particularly video, how to focus on quality without burning out, and how AI can support creativity for small businesses, not replace it.If you want to strengthen your content, clarify your message, and approach authentic brand storytelling with more confidence, this episode will give you practical insight and reassurance.Chapters00:00 Introduction and meet Sophie Bell01:00 What story telling means for brands02:20 How successful brands tell simple, effective stories04:30 Choosing one clear message for your content07:10 What authenticity really looks like in brand storytelling09:20 Polished versus informal content and what works best11:40 Creating quality content without burnout14:40 Quality versus quantity in brand content18:45 Why AI is not just for big companies22:05 How AI can elevate creativity and storytelling27:05 First steps for experimenting with AIFind Sophie here:Website Instagram LinkedInLET'S CONNECTFollow me on YouTubeFind me on InstagramWork with me Buy My Book: Bring Your Product Idea To LifeIf you enjoy this podcast, and you'd like to leave a tip, you can do so here: https://bring-your-product-idea.captivate.fm/supportMentioned in this episode:Support this podcast for the price of a coffeeif you loved this episode please consider sending me a one-off tip. It helps me to keep bringing this podcast to you, for free. If you'd like to support this podcast, you can do so here: https://bring-your-product-idea.captivate.fm/supportGetting Started on Amazon ChecklistIf you're planning to start selling on Amazon, this free checklist covers the key things you need in place before you list your products. It's a simple way to make sure you haven't missed anything important. Download it here: https://mailchi.mp/72c24952cf50/amazon_checklist
In This Episode Could up to 80% of existing credit cards be canceled or see credit reductions under the proposed 10% interest rate cap? That's the stark prediction from industry research and leading credit providers like JPMorgan's Jamie Dimon. Instead of helping consumers, the policy could trigger an evaporation of available credit, shrink access, and push borrowers toward less regulated alternatives. In this episode of Breaking Banks, Jason Henrichs connects with leading industry voices Ron Shevlin, Managing Director & Chief Research Officer of Cornerstone Advisors and author of Forbes‘ Fintech Snark Tank, and Rhett Roberts, Co-Founder and CEO of LoanPro. As the trio discuss benefits, tradeoffs, and risks, they recognize that one size doesn’t always fit all, and explore where innovation might fill the gap: buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) models, bespoke lending products, and how stablecoins could be a market-based alternative to blunt the access problem, a way to lower costs without breaking the system. Could “loan-on-card” structures or embedded finance preserve convenience while reshaping risk? If credit migrates outside traditional card networks, are we undermining decades of consumer protection? For anyone shaping the future of banking, fintech, consumer lending and credit, or just trying to better understand the benefits, potential tradeoffs, and risks of interest rate caps and stablecoins as a market-based alternative, this episode is essential listening. Credit has a very long history of teaching us that quick fixes often create new problems.
Supply-demand imbalance drives value in Real Estate. In this country, we have a severe shortage of affordable housing in many markets and therefore high occupancy levels. In the case of Mobile Home Parks, supply is not only not growing, it is actually shrinking because municipalities are repurposing the land Mobile Home Parks occupy for better perceived uses. This is what's creating an undersupply. Nathan Jameson, Founder and Managing Director of ARX Capital, has an incredible track record of buying, improving, and operating Mobile Home Parks in Pennsylvania and surrounding states. He's now raising his third fund and taking his successful formula to markets in the Midwest.
In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Snyder sit down with Jeffrey Bernstein to explore how finance leaders can better communicate financial insights and influence decision-making across an organization. The conversation focuses on the gap between technical financial knowledge and the ability to clearly explain what the numbers actually mean to non-finance stakeholders.Jeffrey is a Senior Managing Director and Head of Capital Markets Advisory at Riveron, a leading advisor to the Office of the CFO and Private Equity. Early in his career, Jeff was a Managing Director at Goldman Sachs, where he helped execute IPOs in the technology sector for over a decade. Afterward, he spent more than 15 years as a portfolio manager investing in disruptive public and private companies. For the last eight years, Jeff has served as a trusted strategic advisor to pre-IPO companies, guiding them toward successful public exits.Expect to Learn:Why finance professionals play a crucial role in the IPO processHow to prepare a company financially for a successful public listingThe importance of building financial trust with public investorsHow to evaluate the readiness of your financial systems and team for the IPO processHere are a few relevant quotes from the episode:“The biggest change from private to public is transitioning from over-promising to under-promising and over-delivering.”- Jeff Bernstein“Financial integrity isn't just about the numbers; it's about being transparent, avoiding gimmicks, and sticking to metrics that have real meaning.”- Jeff BernsteinJeff shares valuable insights on the complexities of going public, managing quarterly earnings, and maintaining investor trust. He also discusses how FP&A teams can help steer the company through financial reporting, forecasting, and strategic decision-making post-IPO.Follow Jeffrey:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-bernstein-498a23158/Company - https://www.linkedin.com/company/riveron/Website - https://riveron.com/Follow Glenn:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/glenntsnyder/Earn Your CPE Credit For CPE credit please go to earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, and answer a few questions and earn your CPE certification. To earn education credits for FPAC Certificate, take the quiz on earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.In Today's Episode[01:42] – Meet Jeff Bernstein[04:58] – Transitioning to Public Company[08:36] – The Role of FP&A in IPO[12:44] – Investor Trust and Forecasting[17:10] – Financial Integrity[21:58] – Preparing for the IPO Process[26:35] – Stress-Testing Forecasts[30:42] – Earning Investor Trust[34:18] – Organizational...
Native Roots Radio Presents: I'm Awake - AM950 The Progressive Voice of Minnesota
Joining Robert Pilot: William “Nąąwącekǧize” Quackenbush, Kaesha Baloch, Managing Director of Great Lakes Lifeways Institute, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit rooted in land-based education, cultural practice, and community care across Minneapolis and the Great Lakes region.
In this episode of Private Markets 360°, we welcome David Fann, Partner, Senior Managing Director and Head of Investor Relations at VSS Capital Partners, to explore the evolution of structured capital, the unique needs of lower middle market businesses, and how VSS is helping entrepreneurs unlock value and scale through flexible creative capital solutions. Drawing on 30 years of experience across private equity, credit, real assets and real estate, David shares his perspective on building resilient companies, adapting to economic and geopolitical challenges, and the future of investor relations. Credits: Host/Author: Chris Sparenberg and Jocelyn Lewis Guests: David Fann, VSS Capital Partners Producer: Georgina Lee Published With Assistance From: Feranmi Adeoshun, Kimberly Olvany www.spglobal.com www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence
At the beginning of December 2026: ICE announced an enforcement surge in the Twin Cities.January 6, 2026: DHS announced what it called the largest immigration enforcement operation ever carried out, sending 2,000 agents to the Minneapolis–Saint Paul metropolitan area. January 7, 2026: ICE agent Jonathan Ross fatally shoots Renée Nicole GoodJanuary 8–14, 2026: Protests, vigils, and marches continue in Minneapolis against ICE and Operation Metro SurgeJanuary 13, 2026: ‘Madness': two US citizens violently detained by ICE in Minnesota, officials say. Two Target employees forced to the ground, then into SUV, then dumped in different parking lotJanuary 14, 2026: A different ICE agent shoots and injures a man in north Minneapolis; the man survives after being shot in the leg. This second shooting further intensifies public anger and calls for an end to the federal surgeJanuary 17, 2026: National Anger Spills Into Target Stores, AgainJanuary 22, 2026: Target Store Staff Are Skipping Work Over ICE's Crackdown in MinnesotaJanuary 23, 2026: A statewide Day of Truth & Freedom / Minnesota general strike is held, described as the first U.S. general strike in about 80 years, explicitly targeting ICE operations and Operation Metro Surge. On that day, many workers, businesses, schools, and institutions in Minneapolis and across Minnesota participate in work stoppages, marches, and large rallies against federal immigration enforcement.January 24, 2026: Federal Border Patrol agents assigned to the metro surge shoot and kill Alex Jeffrey PrettiJanuary 25, 2026: The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce released this letter on behalf of more than 60 CEOs of Minnesota-based companies today.Eight people have died in dealings with ICE so far in 2026. Keith Porter, Parady La, Heber Sanchaz Domínguez, Victor Manuel Diaz, Luis Beltran Yanez-Cruz, Luis Gustavo Nunez Caceres, and Geraldo Lunas Campos. The high-profile fatal shootings follow the deaths of at least 32 people in ICE custody in 2025 – the highest number since 2004.Minnesota CEOs Seek De-Escalation After Border Police Shooting“The business community in Minnesota prides itself in providing leadership and solving problems to ensure a strong and vibrant state. The recent challenges facing our state have created widespread disruption and tragic loss of life. For the past several weeks, representatives of Minnesota's business community have been working every day behind the scenes with federal, state and local officials to advance real solutions. These efforts have included close communication with the Governor, the White House, the Vice President and local mayors. There are ways for us to come together to foster progress. With yesterday's tragic news, we are calling for an immediate deescalation of tensions and for state, local and federal officials to work together to find real solutions. We have been working for generations to build a strong and vibrant state here in Minnesota and will do so in the months and years ahead with equal and even greater commitment. In this difficult moment for our community, we call for peace and focused cooperation among local, state and federal leaders to achieve a swift and durable solution that enables families, businesses, our employees, and communities across Minnesota to resume our work to build a bright and prosperous future. “3M – William Brown, Chairman and CEOAmeriprise Financial – James Cracchiolo, Chairman and CEOAPi Group – Russell Becker, CEOBest Buy – Corie Barry, CEO C.H. Robinson – Dave Bozeman, President and CEODeluxe Corporation – Barry McCarthy, President and CEODonaldson Company, Inc. – Tod Carpenter, Chairman and CEOEcolab – Christophe Beck, Chairman and CEOGeneral Mills – Jeff Harmening, Chairman and CEOH.B. Fuller – On behalf of our entire organization [CEO Celeste Mastin]Hormel – Jeff Ettinger, Interim CEOMedtronic – Geoff Martha, CEO and ChairmannVent – Beth Wozniak, Chair and CEO Patterson Companies – Robert Rajalingam, CEOPentair – John L. Stauch, President and CEOPiper Sandler – Chad Abraham, Chairman and CEOSleep Number – Linda Findley, CEO (4/2025)Solventum – Bryan Hanson, CEOSPS Commerce – Chad Collins, CEO SunOpta – Brian Kocher, CEOTarget – Michael Fiddelke, Incoming CEO Tennant Company – Dave Huml, CEOThe Toro Company – Rick Olson, Chairman and CEOU.S. Bancorp – Gunjan Kedia, CEOWinnebago Industries – Michael Happe, CEOXcel Energy – Bob Frenzel, Chairman and CEO Keith Rabois, Managing director of Khosla Ventures: “no law enforcement has shot an innocent person. illegals are committing violent crimes everyday.”Khosla Ventures: “We prefer brutal honesty to hypocritical politeness.”“Technology and innovation have reshaped our world and disrupted the way we all live and work. The future may not be knowable, but it is inventable—and it belongs to those who dare to imagine what's possible.”Managing Directors: 5 dudes (3 stanford; 3 harvard)Founder Vinod Khosla: “I agree with @EthanChoi7. Macho ICE vigilantes running amuck empowered by a conscious-less administration. The video was sickening to watch and the storytelling without facts or with invented fictitious facts by authorities almost unimaginable in a civilized society. ICE personnel must have ice water running thru their veins to treat other human beings this way. There is politics but humanity should transcend that”Target's incoming CEO Michael Fiddelke in a video message sent to employees (January 26, 2026): “Right now, as someone who is raising a family here in the Twin Cities and as a leader of this hometown company I want to acknowledge where we are. The violence and loss of life in our community is incredibly painful. I know it's weighing heavily on many of you across the country, as it is with me. What's happening affects us not just as a company but as people, as neighbors, friends and family members.”A company spokesman declined to comment. Still nothing official on website.Lloyd Vogel, CEO Garage Grown Gear: said he felt compelled to condemn the shootings in a LinkedIn post because he lives and works in the Twin Cities. "My primary rationale was to show solidarity with my community," he told Business Insider. "It's also just bad for business when people are afraid to leave their homes.""There's so much fear in Minnesota right now," he said. "It would just be cowardice to not have a perspective on this."JPMorgan Chase CEO and Chair Jamie Dimon 1/22/26 Davos): ″I don't like what I'm seeing, five grown men beating up a little old lady. So I think we should calm down a little bit on the internal anger about immigration… We need these people. They work in our hospitals and hotels and restaurants and agriculture, and they're good people.… They should be treated that way.”On Saturday evening (1/24/2026), top technology executives gathered in Washington to attend a screening of “Melania,” a documentary produced by Amazon about the first lady, Melania Trump. Black-tie event: guests were handed monogrammed buckets of popcorn, framed screening tickets for their trophy shelves, and a limited-edition copy of Trump's 2024 book of the same title as her documentary, “Melania.“Among them was Andy Jassy, the chief executive of Amazon; Tim Cook, the chief executive of Apple; and Lisa Su, the chief executive of chip maker AMD.Also: Eric Yuan – CEO, Zoom; Lynn Martin – President, New York Stock Exchange; General Electric CEO Larry CulpApple CEO Tim Cook says it's 'time for de-escalation' in MinneapolisCook came under fire for appearing at The White House just hours after federal immigration authorities killed Alex Pretti, a veterans' nurse, in Minnesota“This is a time for de-escalation,” Cook wrote to Apple staff. “I believe America is strongest when we live up to our highest ideals, when we treat everyone with dignity and respect no matter who they are or where they're from, and when we embrace our shared humanity.”Cook said he “had a good conversation with the president this week where I shared my views, and I appreciate his openness to engaging on issues that matter to us all." Apple's Cook says he's ‘heartbroken' by Minneapolis events and has spoken with TrumpOpen AI CEO Sam Altman (1/27/26): I love the US and its values of democracy and freedom and will be supportive of the country however I can; OpenAI will too. But part of loving the country is the American duty to push back against overreach. What's happening with ICE is going too far. There is a big difference between deporting violent criminals and what's happening now, and we need to get the distinction right. President Trump is a very strong leader, and I hope he will rise to this moment and unite the country. I am encouraged by the last few hours of response and hope to see trust rebuilt with transparent investigations. As a company, we aim to stick to our convictions and not get blown around by changing fashions too much. We didn't become super woke when that was popular, we didn't start talking about masculine corporate energy when that was popular, and we are not going to make a lot of performative statements now about safety or politics or anything else. But we are going to continue to try to figure out how to actually do the right thing as best as we can, engage with leaders and push for our values, and speak up clearly about it as needed.James Dyett, Global Business at OpenAI: “There is far more outrage from tech leaders over a wealth tax than masked ICE agents terrorizing communities and executing civilians in the streets. Tells you what you need to know about the values of our industry.”Angel Investor Jason Calacanis: Once again, I will remind everyone that our leaders are failing us. True leadership would be to calm this situation down by telling these non-peaceful protestors to stay home while recalling these inadequately-trained agents.”Jeff Dean, Chief Scientist, Google DeepMind & Google Research. Gemini Lead: “This is absolutely shameful. Agents of a federal agency unnecessarily escalating, and then executing a defenseless citizen whose offense appears to be using his cell phone camera. Every person regardless of political affiliation should be denouncing this.”Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, senior associate dean for leadership studies at the Yale School of Management: "CEOs are feeling the community pressure." He said that reactions that convey sorrow and don't mention Trump or ICE are likely to be perceived as an unwelcome challenge to the White House's immigration agenda. "That is not what the Trump administration wanted," he said.Business Roundtable CEO Joshua Bolten asked to comment on the chaos in Minneapolis: replied with a statement endorsing the Minnesota Chamber's call for "cooperation between state, local, and federal authorities to immediately de-escalate the situation in Minneapolis."Robert Pasin, CEO of toy company Radio Flyer: recently shared an email on LinkedIn that he sent to his employees that was critical of the shootings in Minneapolis: "I am deeply concerned about the current state of our democracy, and the continued actions we are seeing from President Trump and his administration that are intended to undermine democratic institutions, the rule of law, and the norms that hold our country together."Dario Amodei, CEO Anthropic: called the events in Minnesota a “horror” on Monday. An Anthropic spokeswoman said the company did not have contracts with ICE.ICEout.tech statement from January 24, 2026: "We condemn the Border Patrol's killing of Alex Pretti and the violent surge of federal agents across our cities. The wanton brutality we've seen from ICE and CBP has removed any credibility that these actions are about immigration enforcement. Their goal is terror, cruelty, and suppression of dissent. This must end. Tech professionals are speaking up against this brutality, and we call on all our colleagues who share our values to use their voice. We know our industry leaders have leverage: in October, they persuaded Trump to call off a planned ICE surge in San Francisco, and big tech CEOs are in the White House tonight. Now they need to go further, and join us in demanding ICE out of all of our cities." 811: 508 names; 19 one name with title, 284 role onlyReid Hoffman says business leaders are wrong to stay silent about the Trump administrationThe LinkedIn cofounder and tech investor said in an episode of the "Rapid Response" podcast published Tuesday that he rejects the idea that executives can simply wait out political turbulence: "The theory that if you just keep your mouth shut, the storm will blow over and it won't be a problem — you should be disabused of that theory now," Hoffman said.Palantir Defends Work With ICE to Staff Following Killing of Alex Pretti: Leadership defended its work as in part improving “ICE's operational effectiveness.”
SDH AM visits Huntsville to get a preview of the 2026 MLS MEXT PRO season with Managing Director Chad Emerson for Huntsville City FCWe look at the lessons from last year, the market Huntsville is, the growth over time, and gameday lessons as well...
In this episode, former Managing Director of global macro trading at JPMorgan and bestselling author Alex Gurevich joins the show to discuss his updated book The Next Perfect Trade, unpacking what actually makes a good trade across regimes. We also cover how to express trades, precious metals, carry trades, options simplicity, rates going to zero, and how AI may reshape discretionary macro trading. Enjoy! __ Follow Alex: https://x.com/agurevich23 Follow Felix: https://x.com/fejau_inc Follow Forward Guidance: https://twitter.com/ForwardGuidance Follow Blockworks: https://twitter.com/Blockworks_ Forward Guidance Telegram: https://t.me/+CAoZQpC-i6BjYTEx The Next Perfect Trade: https://a.co/d/4vRsqQj __ Grayscale offers more than 30 different crypto investment products. Explore the full suite at grayscale.com. Invest in your share of the future. Investing involves risk and possible loss of principal. https://www.grayscale.com/?utm_source=blockworks&utm_medium=paid-other&utm_campaign=brand&utm_id=&utm_term=&utm_content=audio-forwardguidance Coinbase crypto-backed loans, powered by Morpho, enable you to take out loans at competitive rates using crypto as collateral. Rates are typically 4% to 8%. Borrow up to $5M using BTC as collateral and up to $1M using ETH as collateral. Manage crypto-backed loans directly in the Coinbase app with ease. Learn more here: https://www.coinbase.com/onchain/borrow/get-started?utm_campaign=0126_defi-borrow_blockworks_FG&marketId=0x9103c3b4e834476c9a62ea009ba2c884ee42e94e6e314a26f04d312434191836&utm_source=FG — Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 03:36 The Perfect Trade Framework 11:42 Ads (Grayscale) 12:12 Expressing Trades, Precious Metals 21:12 Options, Risk & Portfolio Construction 27:33 Ads (Grayscale, Coinbase) 28:56 Derivatives, Carry Trades & Market Structure 32:39 AI, Macro & Global Regimes 47:23 Japan, Macro Convictions & Rates Outlook 52:21 Final Thoughts __ Disclaimer: Nothing said on Forward Guidance is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are opinions, not financial advice. Hosts and guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed. #Macro #Investing #Markets #ForwardGuidance
In this episode of Chaos to Clarity, Eric Weiss sits down with Misti Cain, the Managing Director of Techstars San Diego powered by SDSU, to unpack what makes this accelerator one of the most selective and impactful pre-seed programs in the world. With more than 1,300 applicants and only six companies selected, Techstars San Diego represents the highest caliber of early-stage founders building across industries, technologies, and geographies. Misti shares why this year's cohort is different. These founders aren't just experimenting. They're arriving with deep domain expertise, early traction, paying customers, and bold visions that span everything from biotech document automation to haptic wearables for the blind to AI compliance for regulated industries. The diversity of ideas is matched only by the diversity of founders — spanning San Diego, Mexico, Canada, Paris, New York, Florida, and more. A major advantage of the program comes from the partnership between Techstars and San Diego State University. Startups gain access to engineering support, prototyping labs, specialized testing, interns, and warm introductions to key university resources. Misti explains why this ecosystem collaboration creates an environment where founders can achieve more in 90 days than most can do in a year. The conversation also explores Misti's personal journey: from digital marketing strategist, to startup consultant, to award-winning Techstars mentor, to investor, and now Managing Director. Her story highlights the importance of curiosity, lifelong learning, and the power of giving first — a philosophy that sits at the heart of the Techstars culture. Eric and Misti close by zooming out to discuss the San Diego startup ecosystem, why it offers a uniquely collaborative environment, and why founders from all over the world are beginning to choose San Diego as their home base. This episode is a deep dive into community, innovation, leadership, and what it truly takes to build a successful company. Don't forget to subscribe to the Chaos to Clarity Podcast for more invaluable episodes to help you grow your business and stay ahead of the curve!To reach out to Eric, visit https://chaostoclarity.io/
Artemis Live - Insurance-linked securities (ILS), catastrophe bonds (cat bonds), reinsurance
Our sister publication Reinsurance News spoke with David Flandro, Managing Director, Head of Industry Analysis and Strategic Advisory at Howden Re, just weeks after the reinsurance broker released its comprehensive January 1st, 2026, renewal report. During the interview, Flandro discussed the opportunities and risks that could emerge from what Howden Re describes as a period of re-balancing, highlighting the important focus on geopolitics and macroeconomics as these trends are a big part of what's happening in the commercial insurance and reinsurance market. As geopolitical and macroeconomic trends reshape an increasingly risky world, and reinsurance pricing comes off of its peak in numerous lines of business, there's a clear need for rationality, with plenty of opportunity for underwriters to continue to achieve profitable growth, according to Flandro. Listen to this full interview with Flandro of Howden Re, as he discusses reinsurance market conditions in 2026 and how use of capital within reinsurance has changed.
George Mekhail, Managing Director of Bitcoin for Corporations at BTC Inc, explains why Bitcoin is no longer being ignored by institutions — it's being actively challenged.In this interview from the Bitcoin MENA Conference, George breaks down why corporate Bitcoin treasury companies are being targeted, how global corporate adoption is accelerating, the role of advocacy in protecting Bitcoin companies, and whether the traditional four-year Bitcoin cycle still applies.Topics covered include: • Why institutions are pushing back against Bitcoin • Corporate Bitcoin adoption around the world • Regulatory friction in Europe vs the United States • The MSCI proposal targeting Bitcoin-heavy balance sheets • Whether Bitcoin's four-year cycle is changing
In this episode of Skip the Queue, Andy Povey explores how visitor attractions can improve website performance in 2026 using insight from the 4th Visitor Attractions Website Survey.Andy is joined by two contributors to the report:Simon Jones, Managing Director at NavigateSteve Mills, Director at Decision HouseThey break down what visitors expect from attraction websites, how digital behaviour is changing, and where operators should focus to improve conversion, visibility and trust.Key Topics Discussed:AI search and how visitors are using it without realisingMobile-first design and poor mobile performanceWebsite speed and its impact on conversionVisitor confidence, risk and late booking behaviourPricing transparency and hidden feesFlexible ticketing and weather-driven decisionsReviews, social proof and AI-driven discoveryUsing first-party data more effectivelyThe rise of repeat visitors over first-time visits Show References: Download The Visitor Attractions Website Survey Report - https://www.merac.co.uk/download-the-visitor-attractions-survey Simon Jones - Managing Director of Navigatehttps://navigate.agency/https://www.linkedin.com/in/simontjones/ Steve Mills, Director at Decision Househttps://decisionhouse.co.uk/https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-mills-0528661b/ Mentioned:Olly Reed of Navigate Agency: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olly-reed/ Skip the Queue is brought to you by Merac. We provide attractions with the tools and expertise to create world-class digital interactions. Very simply, we're here to rehumanise commerce. Your host is Andy Povey.If you like what you hear, you can subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, and all the usual channels by searching Skip the Queue or visit our website SkiptheQueue.fm. We have launched our brand-new playbook: ‘The Retail Ready Guide to Going Beyond the Gift Shop' — your go-to resource for building a successful e-commerce strategy that connects with your audience and drives sustainable growth. Download your FREE copy here
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Brett Chestnut. Summary of the Interview On Money Making Conversations Masterclass, host Rushion McDonald interviews Brett Chestnut, Managing Director of Northwestern Mutual Goodwin, Wright Gwinnett. The conversation centers on Brett’s mission as a financial leader, his journey from engineering to financial planning, his commitment to mentoring, and his focus on expanding diversity in the financial services industry. Brett describes how he transitioned from engineering in 2015 to financial planning because he wanted to help people regain the ability to dream—not just survive. He discusses his work in recruiting diverse advisors, supporting career‑shifting professionals, mentoring, and educating people on foundational financial decision‑making. The interview also explores money mindsets, budgeting, the challenges of building wealth in communities of color, and the often‑overlooked emotional side of money. Brett emphasizes starting with the basics, not skipping steps (e.g., jumping straight to cryptocurrency), and building strong financial foundations. Rushion repeatedly highlights Brett as a powerful brand and role model, underscoring the importance of Black leadership in financial fields and the role of representation in increasing trust and access. Purpose of the Interview The interview’s purpose is to: 1. Introduce Brett Chestnut as a trusted financial leader Rushion aims to elevate Brett’s visibility as a Black managing director in financial services—an industry where representation has traditionally been limited. 2. Educate listeners on financial empowerment Brett provides practical, relatable guidance on budgeting, investing, career transitions, and developing financial discipline. 3. Highlight Northwestern Mutual’s diversity initiatives Brett explains how the company is intentionally investing in diverse advisors and underserved markets. 4. Inspire career‑based and financial self‑reflection He encourages people to examine their spending habits, consider new career paths, and align decisions with long-term goals. 5. Promote mentorship and community uplift Both Brett and Rushion stress the transformative power of mentorship and generational investment. Key Takeaways 1. Financial empowerment starts with awareness Brett urges everyone to analyze their last 2–3 months of spending to understand what their habits really prioritize. 2. You must “choose your hard” Saving and planning may be difficult now, but the alternative is harder later. Financial success requires discipline, not magic formulas. 3. Wealth building is emotional as much as logical Money connects to family, relationships, self‑worth, stress, and confidence. Advisors must understand clients emotionally, not just mathematically—especially women and diverse communities. 4. Don’t skip steps (especially with investing and crypto) Many want to “get rich fast,” but Brett warns that skipping foundational steps (budgeting, savings, retirement planning) leads to confusion and poor decisions. 5. Mentorship works only with real relationship True mentorship requires understanding someone’s full life story, not just giving advice. 6. Representation matters in financial services Northwestern Mutual is investing heavily in diverse advisors not just for optics, but because entire markets have been historically underserved. 7. Closing the wealth gap requires generational strategy One generation must be willing to be selfless, disciplined, and intentional with assets to move future generations forward. 8. Brett sees his work as multiplying impact By developing new advisors and helping create “15 millionaires,” he hopes to create compounding community uplift. Notable Quotes (from the transcript) On financial empowerment “I want people to dream again. We’re not dreaming no more—we’re living because of obligation.” “When we’re born we look like our parents, but when we die, we look like our decisions.” On career purpose “I help people who are successful but career‑disturbed. They want more.” On money habits “Look at your last three months of spending. Your money tells you what your real priorities are.” On investing and crypto “People want to skip steps… going from no savings straight to crypto.” “If you don’t understand it, maybe it’s not time for you to invest in it.” On mentorship “To give someone feedback without relationship is harassment.” “Let me hear your story… mentorship starts with knowing the inner person.” On diversity and empowerment “Their growth strategy is diversity… whole markets haven’t even been called on yet.” On community and identity “We’re special… if we regain that confidence and approach the marketplace with courage, everything changes.” On wealth-building reality “You have to choose your hard. Hard now or hard later.” #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Brett Chestnut. Summary of the Interview On Money Making Conversations Masterclass, host Rushion McDonald interviews Brett Chestnut, Managing Director of Northwestern Mutual Goodwin, Wright Gwinnett. The conversation centers on Brett’s mission as a financial leader, his journey from engineering to financial planning, his commitment to mentoring, and his focus on expanding diversity in the financial services industry. Brett describes how he transitioned from engineering in 2015 to financial planning because he wanted to help people regain the ability to dream—not just survive. He discusses his work in recruiting diverse advisors, supporting career‑shifting professionals, mentoring, and educating people on foundational financial decision‑making. The interview also explores money mindsets, budgeting, the challenges of building wealth in communities of color, and the often‑overlooked emotional side of money. Brett emphasizes starting with the basics, not skipping steps (e.g., jumping straight to cryptocurrency), and building strong financial foundations. Rushion repeatedly highlights Brett as a powerful brand and role model, underscoring the importance of Black leadership in financial fields and the role of representation in increasing trust and access. Purpose of the Interview The interview’s purpose is to: 1. Introduce Brett Chestnut as a trusted financial leader Rushion aims to elevate Brett’s visibility as a Black managing director in financial services—an industry where representation has traditionally been limited. 2. Educate listeners on financial empowerment Brett provides practical, relatable guidance on budgeting, investing, career transitions, and developing financial discipline. 3. Highlight Northwestern Mutual’s diversity initiatives Brett explains how the company is intentionally investing in diverse advisors and underserved markets. 4. Inspire career‑based and financial self‑reflection He encourages people to examine their spending habits, consider new career paths, and align decisions with long-term goals. 5. Promote mentorship and community uplift Both Brett and Rushion stress the transformative power of mentorship and generational investment. Key Takeaways 1. Financial empowerment starts with awareness Brett urges everyone to analyze their last 2–3 months of spending to understand what their habits really prioritize. 2. You must “choose your hard” Saving and planning may be difficult now, but the alternative is harder later. Financial success requires discipline, not magic formulas. 3. Wealth building is emotional as much as logical Money connects to family, relationships, self‑worth, stress, and confidence. Advisors must understand clients emotionally, not just mathematically—especially women and diverse communities. 4. Don’t skip steps (especially with investing and crypto) Many want to “get rich fast,” but Brett warns that skipping foundational steps (budgeting, savings, retirement planning) leads to confusion and poor decisions. 5. Mentorship works only with real relationship True mentorship requires understanding someone’s full life story, not just giving advice. 6. Representation matters in financial services Northwestern Mutual is investing heavily in diverse advisors not just for optics, but because entire markets have been historically underserved. 7. Closing the wealth gap requires generational strategy One generation must be willing to be selfless, disciplined, and intentional with assets to move future generations forward. 8. Brett sees his work as multiplying impact By developing new advisors and helping create “15 millionaires,” he hopes to create compounding community uplift. Notable Quotes (from the transcript) On financial empowerment “I want people to dream again. We’re not dreaming no more—we’re living because of obligation.” “When we’re born we look like our parents, but when we die, we look like our decisions.” On career purpose “I help people who are successful but career‑disturbed. They want more.” On money habits “Look at your last three months of spending. Your money tells you what your real priorities are.” On investing and crypto “People want to skip steps… going from no savings straight to crypto.” “If you don’t understand it, maybe it’s not time for you to invest in it.” On mentorship “To give someone feedback without relationship is harassment.” “Let me hear your story… mentorship starts with knowing the inner person.” On diversity and empowerment “Their growth strategy is diversity… whole markets haven’t even been called on yet.” On community and identity “We’re special… if we regain that confidence and approach the marketplace with courage, everything changes.” On wealth-building reality “You have to choose your hard. Hard now or hard later.” #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dr Drew Miller, Col USAF (Ret) holds a masters degree and a PhD in Public Policy from Harvard. He had a distinguished career as an intelligence officer serving overseas in Iraq and as a senior executive in the Department of Defense (Now Dept, of War). Today he is CEO of Fortitude Ranch the nation's largest catastrophe survival community and he is also Managing Director of the consulting firm Fortitude Collapse Preparedness. His new book is Preparing to Survive in the Age of Collapse, from Skyhorse Publishing. The KunstlerCast theme music is the beautiful Two Rivers Waltz written and performed by Larry Unger
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Brett Chestnut. Summary of the Interview On Money Making Conversations Masterclass, host Rushion McDonald interviews Brett Chestnut, Managing Director of Northwestern Mutual Goodwin, Wright Gwinnett. The conversation centers on Brett’s mission as a financial leader, his journey from engineering to financial planning, his commitment to mentoring, and his focus on expanding diversity in the financial services industry. Brett describes how he transitioned from engineering in 2015 to financial planning because he wanted to help people regain the ability to dream—not just survive. He discusses his work in recruiting diverse advisors, supporting career‑shifting professionals, mentoring, and educating people on foundational financial decision‑making. The interview also explores money mindsets, budgeting, the challenges of building wealth in communities of color, and the often‑overlooked emotional side of money. Brett emphasizes starting with the basics, not skipping steps (e.g., jumping straight to cryptocurrency), and building strong financial foundations. Rushion repeatedly highlights Brett as a powerful brand and role model, underscoring the importance of Black leadership in financial fields and the role of representation in increasing trust and access. Purpose of the Interview The interview’s purpose is to: 1. Introduce Brett Chestnut as a trusted financial leader Rushion aims to elevate Brett’s visibility as a Black managing director in financial services—an industry where representation has traditionally been limited. 2. Educate listeners on financial empowerment Brett provides practical, relatable guidance on budgeting, investing, career transitions, and developing financial discipline. 3. Highlight Northwestern Mutual’s diversity initiatives Brett explains how the company is intentionally investing in diverse advisors and underserved markets. 4. Inspire career‑based and financial self‑reflection He encourages people to examine their spending habits, consider new career paths, and align decisions with long-term goals. 5. Promote mentorship and community uplift Both Brett and Rushion stress the transformative power of mentorship and generational investment. Key Takeaways 1. Financial empowerment starts with awareness Brett urges everyone to analyze their last 2–3 months of spending to understand what their habits really prioritize. 2. You must “choose your hard” Saving and planning may be difficult now, but the alternative is harder later. Financial success requires discipline, not magic formulas. 3. Wealth building is emotional as much as logical Money connects to family, relationships, self‑worth, stress, and confidence. Advisors must understand clients emotionally, not just mathematically—especially women and diverse communities. 4. Don’t skip steps (especially with investing and crypto) Many want to “get rich fast,” but Brett warns that skipping foundational steps (budgeting, savings, retirement planning) leads to confusion and poor decisions. 5. Mentorship works only with real relationship True mentorship requires understanding someone’s full life story, not just giving advice. 6. Representation matters in financial services Northwestern Mutual is investing heavily in diverse advisors not just for optics, but because entire markets have been historically underserved. 7. Closing the wealth gap requires generational strategy One generation must be willing to be selfless, disciplined, and intentional with assets to move future generations forward. 8. Brett sees his work as multiplying impact By developing new advisors and helping create “15 millionaires,” he hopes to create compounding community uplift. Notable Quotes (from the transcript) On financial empowerment “I want people to dream again. We’re not dreaming no more—we’re living because of obligation.” “When we’re born we look like our parents, but when we die, we look like our decisions.” On career purpose “I help people who are successful but career‑disturbed. They want more.” On money habits “Look at your last three months of spending. Your money tells you what your real priorities are.” On investing and crypto “People want to skip steps… going from no savings straight to crypto.” “If you don’t understand it, maybe it’s not time for you to invest in it.” On mentorship “To give someone feedback without relationship is harassment.” “Let me hear your story… mentorship starts with knowing the inner person.” On diversity and empowerment “Their growth strategy is diversity… whole markets haven’t even been called on yet.” On community and identity “We’re special… if we regain that confidence and approach the marketplace with courage, everything changes.” On wealth-building reality “You have to choose your hard. Hard now or hard later.” #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSteve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Gregg Lunceford, Managing Director at Mesirow Wealth Management and a retirement transition researcher, joins Lesley Logan to explore why retirement is about more than financial planning. He introduces the concept of the “third age”—a longer, undefined stage of life where identity, purpose, and structure matter just as much as money. Together, they discuss why work identity is so hard to release and how shaping your retirement identity early can make your next chapter feel intentional instead of uncertain. If you have any questions about this episode or want to get some of the resources we mentioned, head over to LesleyLogan.co/podcast https://lesleylogan.co/podcast/. If you have any comments or questions about the Be It pod shoot us a message at beit@lesleylogan.co mailto:beit@lesleylogan.co. And as always, if you're enjoying the show please share it with someone who you think would enjoy it as well. It is your continued support that will help us continue to help others. Thank you so much! Never miss another show by subscribing at LesleyLogan.co/subscribe https://lesleylogan.co/podcast/#follow-subscribe-free.In this episode you will learn about:Why modern retirees now face a long “third age” requiring purpose beyond leisure.How work identity provides recognition, social connection, and daily structure.The difference between living as your “ought self” versus your “ideal self.”Why failing to plan identity often leads retirees to burn through money.Why creating a shared retirement vision helps guide future decisions together.Episode References/Links:Mesirow Wealth Management - https://www.mesirow.comGregg Lunceford on LinkedIn - https://beitpod.com/greggluncefordExit From Work by Gregg Lunceford - https://a.co/d/c84euxXThe Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel - https://a.co/d/feJq9lhGuest Bio:Gregg Lunceford has 32 years of experience in financial services. He is a Managing Director, Wealth Advisor in Mesirow Wealth Management and Vice Chair of the Mesirow DEI Council. He creates comprehensive financial planning strategies for individuals, families, organizations, athletes and business owners. He is the Investment Committee Chair for the American Heart Association, on the Board of Directors for the Juvenile Protective Association, an Advisory Board Member for the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park at Governors State University and is an Advisory Board Member for the Quinlan School of Business at Loyola University. Gregg is also a frequent speaker on WGN radio's “Your Money Matters.” Gregg earned a B.A. from Loyola University, an MBA from Washington University, and a PhD from Case Western Reserve University where he conducted research on retirement. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional and holds a Certificate in Financial Planning Studies from Northwestern University. If you enjoyed this episode, make sure and give us a five star rating and leave us a review on iTunes, Podcast Addict, Podchaser or Castbox. https://lovethepodcast.com/BITYSIDEALS! DEALS! DEALS! DEALS! https://onlinepilatesclasses.com/memberships/perks/#equipmentCheck out all our Preferred Vendors & Special Deals from Clair Sparrow, Sensate, Lyfefuel BeeKeeper's Naturals, Sauna Space, HigherDose, AG1 and ToeSox https://onlinepilatesclasses.com/memberships/perks/#equipmentBe in the know with all the workshops at OPC https://workshops.onlinepilatesclasses.com/lp-workshop-waitlistBe It Till You See It Podcast Survey https://pod.lesleylogan.co/be-it-podcasts-surveyBe a part of Lesley's Pilates Mentorship https://lesleylogan.co/elevate/FREE Ditching Busy Webinar https://ditchingbusy.com/Resources:Watch the Be It Till You See It podcast on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq08HES7xLMvVa3Fy5DR8-gLesley Logan website https://lesleylogan.co/Be It Till You See It Podcast https://lesleylogan.co/podcast/Online Pilates Classes by Lesley Logan https://onlinepilatesclasses.com/Online Pilates Classes by Lesley Logan on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjogqXLnfyhS5VlU4rdzlnQProfitable Pilates https://profitablepilates.com/about/Follow Us on Social Media:Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lesley.logan/The Be It Till You See It Podcast YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq08HES7xLMvVa3Fy5DR8-gFacebook https://www.facebook.com/llogan.pilatesLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesley-logan/The OPC YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@OnlinePilatesClasses Episode Transcript:Gregg Lunceford 0:00 What we all need to start to focus on right now is just like we had that career guidance counselor helping us and coaching us and to that next thing, we need to start taking time to figure out that action plan for that next thing. And once you start to figure out, I need to form a retirement identity and understand my ideal self. You start to self motivate and become excited about it.Lesley Logan 0:27 Welcome to the Be It Till You See It podcast where we talk about taking messy action, knowing that perfect is boring. I'm Lesley Logan, Pilates instructor and fitness business coach. I've trained thousands of people around the world and the number one thing I see stopping people from achieving anything is self-doubt. My friends, action brings clarity and it's the antidote to fear. Each week, my guest will bring bold, executable, intrinsic and targeted steps that you can use to put yourself first and Be It Till You See It. It's a practice, not a perfect. Let's get started. Lesley Logan 1:10 Okay, Be It babe. This conversation is really cool. It's really, really cool. It might you I'm going to introduce it in just a second, I'm going to introduce the guest, and it might be somebody like when you think about this, you yes, you do. Yes, you do. And I actually am really excited once I hit in on this, because Brad and I have already talked about this topic with each other, but I we've actually not dove into what retirement looks like, right? Like? What does it look like? Who are we, you know. And I think especially if you're an elder like me, you're like, I'm still trying to figure that out for my work stuff, but, but there's, there's an even bigger reason for us to think about it now, and Gregg Lunceford is going to explain that to us, and it's going to give you so much inspiration and a joy and excitement and possibility. And I can't think of a better be it till you see it, thing that be working on than what Greg is going to offer us up today. So here he is. Lesley Logan 2:04 All right, Be It babe, I'm really excited, because when I met this guest, I was like, hold on, this is very different. This is a whole different attitude to have about. Fine, we're going to talk money. And I know some of you want to, like, put your head in the sand and ostrich out, but we're gonna talk retirement. We're gonna talk about some really cool things, also just thought processes to have. We have an amazing guest, the first person ever make me think of this in a different way. Gregg Lunceford from Mesirow, is here to rock our world today. So Greg, tell everyone who you are and what you do.Gregg Lunceford 2:34 Hello, Lesley, thank you so much for the opportunity to be on your show. My name is Gregg Lunceford. I am a career professional in financial services. I work for a firm called Mesirow Financial in Chicago. We have locations across the country and some overseas. I am a wealth advisor. In addition to that, I am also an academic researcher, and my field of study is retirement transition. And so what I work with clients on is getting them, not only do you understand the financial part of retirement, but also the social, emotional components of making the transition and how it is unique to them, because the 21st Century retiree retirement transition is much different and way more dynamic than most people think, having watched others do it in the 20th century.Lesley Logan 3:21 This is so cool, because you're not, like, our, you know, our grandfather or father is like, like, financial planner, you are actually thinking, like, deep about the person. And that I find, I don't think I've known anyone who does that. Like, usually it's like, here are the numbers, here's your sheet. Let's put this in. How much money do you want to have and like, that's it, but you you've brought more personality to it and also more emotions to it. How did you get started in that? Gregg Lunceford 3:47 So I'll give you a little bit of a backstory. So as I mentioned, I've been in financial services for 33 years, and when the real estate bust occurred in 2008 I was working for another organization, and we were having people come in and very successful people, and they were set for life. They were being offered an exit package from their from their employer. They were leaving a lot of C suite roles, or maybe a little role below the C suite. And we were having meetings with them to prepare for retirement, and we would go through all the financial numbers and something still wasn't right. And what I was noticing was they were hesitant to make the retirement decision, even though the company was saying, look, we, giving you this excellent opportunity to exit early create cost savings for us. It'll create great financial opportunity for you, especially because we were in this period of time like unemployment was going above 11%, and so here's the opportunity to take this nest egg and be good, which was counter to what we were taught in our industry when I came in the industry that, you know exiting out was an economic choice, that once you hit a certain number, then you would go look for activit ies of leisure, because work can be depressing and daunting and stressful and all those kinds of things. And even when I was watching, you know, commercial ads from people in the industry and competitors, you know, you'll see something that goes, and I won't call the company, but they had a very successful campaign that said what's your retirement number? Yes. And this number will follow you down the street. Is this? You know, you walk from the door, do you remember that? And you look at your balance, it's like, if today's the day you just tell your boss, I can't stand you, and it's over with, right? And so this was very counter to what I was experiencing. And so I started to talk to some of the senior level people in my organization. I said, there's something going on here and and they said, well, it's probably because they're talking to us, and they're also shopping with other people to see who they which which company they want to work with. So go offer them a great discount, because it's probably all things equal, and it's just they're being sensitive about numbers, once again, making this an economic choice, so we would do that. And what I recognize is the sales cycle got even longer. And so I would go back to them. But I said, have you been looking at the trends for our sales cycle? And you would think that these would be quick, easy, easy sales, you know, because people supposed to be running out of the door, and they took longer. And so I said, there's something we don't understand about someone who is at this stage, and the feedback I got was, if it's something social emotional, there's nothing we can do about it. You know, if someone's afraid about running out of money, you can create an annuity product to take care of them for life. Somebody's worried about interest rates going up, you can create a product that deals with interest rate sensitivity, but nothing can deal with how a person feels. And I didn't accept that as an answer. I thought that was wrong, because the way I view it is, clients hire us, and they trust us, and we can do a better job the more we understand the client beyond just their finances, right? And I felt like there was a big problem here. So I basically said, you know, I want to go back to school and study this. And I negotiated for time to be in class, and I got it. And so I went to Case Western Reserve University. I got into a PhD program there, and I did four years of PhD study and lots of studies trying to figure out what are the social, emotional factors, as well as the financial factors that a person considers when making the retirement decision. And there were just tons of things that I learned in that process that I used to help my clients. Were happy to talk to you about that journey.Lesley Logan 7:37 Yeah, I'm excited to get in with that, because it's really funny as you talk about this, I like, my my family, right? My mom is two years from retirement, and she's got two homes, you know, in California that it, honestly, I was trying to get her to sell few years back because it would have been a great idea. And like, get a condo, be set for life. And we're like, showing her the numbers. We're like, look at this. This is a you, you can set yourself up to just be chill, and she is like, not listening, and I think it's because of the emotional attachment to these properties versus, like, the numbers. And so I can I get that right? Like, I get my my in laws could have retired years ago. I don't think that they know what to do if they don't have work things. And I don't even know that they love their work. I think they like what the what the work represents that they do during their day. So I do want to dive into this, because in being it till you see it like I'm hoping that every listener here gets to live to the age that they desire, like and we all are, as you mentioned, like that, the time that we're in people are living a much longer time, like retired at 65 and dying at 90. It's a long time to not have a J-O-B, right? So it would be really cool to chat with you, because like being it till we see it means including what we want to be. How do we want to be when we're older and not doing the thing we're doing? How do we want to be in retirement? So let's dive into that a little bit.Gregg Lunceford 9:06 Sure, so a couple things I want to cover off on. It was like one, how did we get here? And I think you've already touched on that. The fact is, we're living longer. And so if you are looking at a retirement maybe 50 years ago, when people really started to expire in their late 60s and their 70s. What occurred was you got to 65 and the system told you 65 is the number. Why does this arbitrary number was picked one day when they were trying to figure out Social Security, they said it was 65 is the number, right? And so you come out at that period of time, and you only have just a few healthy years in front of you, or at least you anticipate you only have a few healthy years. So what came out was this concept of a bucket list. So I am going to use these healthy years to travel, play all the golf I can, and have all this leisure that I can before I am too physically unable to do this or mentally unable to do this. And so couple things were wrong there, as it relates to our retirement 21st century. One, we're living longer, so you're going to be physically and mentally able to do something for a long period of time. So if you don't sort of set goals for yourself and see what you can be in the futurem you're going to get bored really, really quickly, and you're going to start to decline very quickly, simply because you're absent of certain things, purpose and drive and and goals and accomplishment. You know, it's more than just a couple rounds of golf that are going to make you happy. And so what I think people don't understand is we are now living in a period of time where it used to be you went from your youth to middle age and to old age. And so this transition from middle age to old age was about that 60 mark, right? And so people just basically said, I have no more control. The system is going to do what it does to me. I'm going to be booted out of my job. I'm going to be sent off to do leisure. I guess that means I play with my grandchildren or volunteer, and I'll just follow suit. And what happened is a lot of people found themselves doing things that weren't rewarding to them. Now we're in a new era, because we live longer. And what is present now is what is called, in academic terms, the Third Age. So you now go from early age to middle age to this Third Age, which is this undefined period, and today's retirees are the first people to go on this, and then you go on the old age, and the Third Age is this 20 year life bonus, where you get to define who and what you want to be. And think about it, you're wiser than you ever been. For most people, you have more financial resources than you ever had. You don't have a commitment to other people, meaning you've raised your children so you don't have to worry about them. Hopefully you're in a position where you don't have to care for aging loved ones, right? So this is a period of time where you can do anything and everything you always wanted to do. And people go, well, what didn't I have the opportunity to do whatever I wanted to do? Not quite, because remember when we were growing up, and those before us were growing up, we were kind of encouraged to do things that were socially acceptable. Rght? Lesley Logan 11:02 I agree. Gregg Lunceford 9:07 It wasn't until recent decades where someone says, I'm going to start a computer company out of my garage. I'm going to drop out of college and do something that's undefined and pioneer so the current generations, entering into into retirement, have never developed this proactive protein behavior the way maybe millennials and Generation Z has.Lesley Logan 12:54 I completely agree. Because, like, I, I mean, I feel very lucky that even though I was raised very much by, like, almost a Boomer and and a hippie like, I do have a career where I am doing whatever I want. I'm an elder millennial, so I have that, but I have friends who are just a few years older than me, and I don't think that they have a they don't have hobbies. If they have a hobby, it's going to the gym. You know what I mean? Like, it's like they don't really have things so outside of their work, it's like, what do you do for fun? Are you kidding? Like there's no and so I feel like what you're getting at is, like, no one has actually spent time thinking like, but what do I actually want? How can I dream about that, right? How can I make that so exciting that that I want to take a retirement package or that I'm excited to I have this I'm not just like, oh, let me go play golf three times a week. Like, what else? I have no purpose. I think it's really fascinating that that there is a good chunk of, like, I would say, probably over 45 who don't really, they're exploring it, but don't know. And how do you figure that out?Gregg Lunceford 13:59 So let me ask you a question. Lesley, what is your earliest memory? Or how about how old do you think you were when someone first asked you what you wanted to be when you grow up?Lesley Logan 14:09 I remember being in elementary school, and I'm sure it was asked of me earlier, because people have told me that I said something different earlier. But I remember in fourth grade, I had to, like, write a poem about who I was and what like, what did it feel like, and what did it sound like, and what did it look like. And I said, a judge, you guys, that should shock everyone.Gregg Lunceford 14:36 My point is so since age 10, someone has been helping you develop your work identity. So people were asking you at home or in your neighborhood or a church or wherever you socialize, what you're going to be then you're going to go to a middle school and you're at the high school and they're going to assign a counselor, going to start telling you to think about college or trade school or whatever it is. Is then you got to get into career. And then whatever career you get in, maybe you're assigned a mentor that's helping you understand or think about how to advance in that career. And then you get to this point where maybe you're like late 40s or 50s. And does anybody help you figure out what your identity will be after work. Lesley Logan 15:22 No, as you're saying this. Gregg Lunceford 15:24 You're on your own. You're on your own. And the only thing that was different here is when they put you into that position where you were felt forced into retirement, right? And then there was also a safety net there in the form of a pension that doesn't exist the way it once did, and there were other government safety nets that may not exist the way they once did before, when they put you there, you just said, okay, I'll accept it, because I'm only going to be around five years anyway. So let me work on this bucket list, but you never really thought about and I think people don't really dig into thinking about what the value of work is, beyond the financial resources it provides. So they get to the tail end of their career, and some people may not even think about it anyway, either. So career, because you've spent all this time having these conversations, you start developing this identity because your work, you become what your work is, right? And so, so a lot of people look at the economic resources it provides, but work also provides for us ways to get psychological success. Who doesn't like completing a task and getting recognition, and if you're in a good working environment, right? Everyone says, Let's applaud Lesley because she did this for the team which created this opportunity for the company, which created this value that she should be recognized for, right? So that that's very important, that gives you a reason to get out of bed, that gives you a reason to thrive, and that has some value when you walk out of the work environment. How do you replace that when you go into this third age? The second thing is, work provides socialization. No matter what you think about your work colleagues, if you like them, that's great. They give you somebody that you want to see every day, that you become personal friends with, that you grow with, that you learn to care about. If you hate them, they give you something to laugh about at the end of the day. You know what that idiot Bob did today again, right? That gives that gives you more than you think, right? And so work provides socialization. And then the third thing that work provides that we often overlook is structure in your day. What to do with your time, right? And so for a lot of people, when they don't have somewhere to go, something to do that makes them feel accomplished, and people to be around that they enjoy or either get some form of comical satisfaction from, they're lost when you put them out there on their own. And so what I learned and through my research is this transition for a lot of people, is the first career transition that they've made independently, and it is scary. Lesley Logan 18:08 Yeah. I mean, when you put all that together and I'm just like, going, wow, you know, people aren't it, one of the questions we've got on the pod is like, how do you make friends as a note when you move to a new place? It's like, I mean, for us, we work for ourselves. So, like, we didn't have a place to go to make, you know, so I, my husband and I have a different experience in, like, how to find socialization and structure to our day. And, you know, like we've had to make it happen. But for so many you know, my dad, he quit his he quit his security job. Yes, guys, my 72 year old father was a security guard, but he quit it because he got frustrated. Anyways, he is back working as a crosswalk guard because he's like, I'm bored. I have nothing to do, and I'm like, but dad, we could get a hobby. We could play these game like, all this stuff. And it's because he never, ever, ever in his whole life, did anyone ever encourage developing the skills outside of work.Gregg Lunceford 19:06 Developing a retirement identity, right, developing a retirement identity. And what also makes it hard is, you know, when you are developing a retirement identity, like I said, this is your first shot at personal freedom in life. Okay, when you're growing up, you had to do what your parents told you to do. Then you became an adult, and then you had all these set of responsibilities. And so you were doing what people told you you ought to do. You were really working on your art self. So if you're going to have a family, you ought to find a job that produces enough income, you know. So you didn't really think about ideally what you wanted to do. And what is really amazing to me is I've interviewed some highly successful people that do amazing things, and when I start talking to them about forming their ideal self, the stuff they come up with is so counter to what what and who they are. It is. Is amazing to me. So I get cancer surgery or successful attorneys or engineers to say I want to learn how to write mystery novels, or I want to start a rock band. And so what it points to me, and what it what comes out to me is these are probably things that they wanted to do in the 10, in their teens, in their early 20s, all along, but they couldn't do that because society told them these are not the things a person ought to do. You know, if they want stability in terms of income, if they want respect in their community, if they want you know, the structure that around it allows them to have a family and not have to worry about things. And so now you get to this third age, and I saw all off the table. You're wiser than you've ever been. You have more financial resources than you've ever had. You know, you have more personal freedom. Now you get to, really, for the first time, work on who your ideal self, not your ought self, who you want to be. And if you get it right, you're the only person you have to hold accountable. If you get it wrong, you're the only person you have to hold accountable. And so some people go, well, Greg, what does it have to do with money? I think people who don't take time to find this identity burn through a lot of money trying to find themselves. Right? And so, when I first started this journey, I was trying to find a cohort of individuals that had finished their career, achieved financial success and had 30 years ahead of them. And what were their behaviors, and where you consistently see this is with professional athletes, right? You're out of the game early. Right? You're in your 30s, and you're Tom Brady, you're 40, but that's the long game. But you're really out in your late 20s, your early 30s, you don't have financial concerns, right? And what is the behavior? And sometimes we demonize athletes for dysfunctional behavior after Hey, but all they're showing us is who we are going to be if we don't develop a retirement identity.Lesley Logan 22:09 Yes, Greg, you are 100% correct there. I think most people, think most people will say they don't know how to manage their money and and to your research and what we've been talking about here, it's not about managing money it's about they don't know who they are without their sport because they spent, for those people, they spent, literally, since they were a child in that sport and getting so many accolades, and then all of a sudden, no one cares. No one pays attention to them. For the most part, they're not going to be on TV like, that's it. And so I think it, I think you're spot on. It's not about the money responsibility, although they might need to learn some. It's about who, who are they now that they're not playing.Gregg Lunceford 22:50 Right and so then you go, well, this athlete just went broke because they put all this money in his business. Well, they're trying to get the same accolades in business they got in sports, right? They're trying to replace that identity that made them feel good, made them feel accomplished and some people are very successful at it. Those aren't. But my point is, there has to be a road map to get that yes, and it doesn't always have to be in business. It could be in your civic activities. It could be you learning to act, or you become in sport, but you have to first of all imagine who your ideal self is. And just like you were coached and you read and you trained to build that ought self, hopefully, for some people, a lot of people, the ought self is their ideal self, and they're usually entrepreneurs like you, where you that you know what, I'm not going to go to normal path. I'm going to carve a path for myself, and entrepreneurship gives me that freedom. But for a lot of people, they have to figure out now that I've satisfied all these obligations to other people and other things, who do I ideally want to be and then work at how do I get there? Because if you go in there blindly, you're just the same as that person out of that was in sports or any other industry, you're just trying to find this quick hit to replace all of these accolades or psychological successes you got. And you can blow up a lot of money doing that. So the well being comes from getting all of these components right, not just as we were taught in the 20th century, just making sure you don't run out of money. Lesley Logan 24:26 Gregg, this is insane. So okay, so I love all of this. And it's, it's, it's like, so aligned, because I'm always like, can't be you're not gonna get right the first time. Like, we have to ditch perfection, which, of course, in workplace, it's very honed. Like, check the box. Do it right. Do it right. So you have to talk to the boss about how you did it wrong. Like, get it right. Like, so of course, when you, when you retire, if you haven't been working on these things, you're you're going to be hard on you're going to take your ought self into your retirement. So I guess, like, first of all, I don't think that most financial retirement planners do any of these questions. So when, if, when people come to you talk retirement, are you like pulling are you like asking them what their ideal, what they want their ideal self to be? Do they even know how to find it? What questions do they have to ask themselves? Gregg Lunceford 25:13 Well, we do have. We have. We have a lot of conversation about, you know, not only can you financially afford it, we can put some numbers of software and come up with that answer pretty quickly, right? But we also have a conversation about, what do you think your lifestyle will be, and why do you think this is right for you? And what do you want to accomplish? And you know, some folks will come in and say, hey, I think I want to start a small business, right? And so we might talk about them, and they don't want they don't want work again in the way they want it, but they want something to do that is work on their own terms. So a lot of this is you changing the terms of what you're doing and because when we go, especially if we go to work for a corporation or some that's usually a unilateral contract, right? The person the institution is telling you, I'll give you X amount of dollars if you do this. And you say, but what if I did a little different? No, you don't get a choice in that. This is what you got to do, right? And what we're recognizing is we do have some power in that. We do have some power. I've seen a lot of people be successful in going back to their places of work and negotiating consulting contracts. And they basically said, you know, I don't want to do nine to five, but if you have a special project that you bring on, let's say you bring you on new software, whatever, and this is going to be a nine-month project, or it's going to be something you need few hours, you know, out of the week and but I get the summers off. I'm your person for doing that. And that's how they're able to get from their ought self into their ideal self, because the time that they're not there, they now start to figure out what their personal freedom, what they really like to do. So I think of one person now, he was very successful at this, but he also was confident enough talking to his employer, because he was the head of HR, so he knew he was a little bit more comfortable. But basically what he did was he got to this point, and he was ready to make this transition now, but he didn't know what he wanted to do. So he went to and he said, look, I'm the head of HR, I got 70 people reporting to me. I'm willing to give all of my direct reports to my successor. If you help me, let me help you identify my successor, and help me groom your successor. So his role became more of coach, manager, mentor, in this last couple of years, and that was three days a week. He said the other day a week. These are institutions, nonprofit institutions, that we, as an organization, support. I want one day to volunteer with one of them, and so now they get a free executive for one day a week. That was great for the company. Worked out well. He said, then the fifth day of the week, I just want a day off. I want to see if I really enjoy leisure. Everyone tells me I'm supposed to play all these rounds of golf and lay back and relax. Let me make sure that that's the right thing for me. So he has three days a week that he is engaging in what he traditionally knows in terms of what his identity is. He has one day a week to see if he wants to change his identity in his community through his volunteerism, and he has one day a week to figure out if I just want to exit all together. And the answer is, you can do one of the three of those. You can continue doing all of the three of those. What we have now is, if you shape them correctly, is we have what are called boundary-less careers. And so this is where I think, you know, we give Millennials a bad rap. We give millennials a bad rap because we always say, well, they like to do a gig economy. They don't stay anywhere 30 years. But what they're really engaging in is today's boundary-less career, where they define success for themselves, versus going down the traditional path, which says you can only be successful by going up the pyramid. For them is, you know what? I can be equally financially successful. I can gig here, gig there, and add it all together, or I can and get this personal freedom and know how to negotiate so that I'm spending more time, just as much time developing my ideal self as I'm developing my ought self.Lesley Logan 29:21 Oh my gosh, Gregg, you just like, I think you're the first person to ever give the millennials a compliment. But thank you. Constantly find myself defending, like, I'm like, what are we talking about? Like, we're not bad, we're we're a group that's how to really fight, like, figure things out. Because when we came into the world where we got a job, like, everything was so uncertain. You know, between 911 and between, that's when I went to college, and then I got out of college, and it was like the recession, like, there's not, there's not been an opportunity to have a certainty of a 30-year career. But I think what you're, what I'm, what I love about what your saying is, like, we've actually been spending our careers figuring out who we are, and like, spending time doing that. And I am obsessed with what the example of the guy you gave, because I think so many people can start playing with that right now. So many companies are looking to go to a four day work week, you know, like, so many places are looking to have like, Okay, you're in office for some days and you're at home for other days. Like, we can look at those opportunities as ways to figure out our retirement identity. Gregg Lunceford 30:22 Right. And a lot of us get stuck in this, oh, well, I work for this large corporation. They aren't flexible. There are a lot of small, medium sized companies that are in growth mode that that model works very well. That's what they can afford. And they need the institutional knowledge and the wisdom you got to be able to and this is where we go back to talking about boundary list careers. You got to think about all of the universe and parts of it you don't even know exist. This is where your personal curiosity has to kick in to get what you want. Lesley Logan 30:53 Yeah. Yeah. Okay, Gregg, so I feel like you are a unicorn though. Like, I really do feel like, because, I mean, obviously, what a cool company, that they're like, yeah, go, take four years to figure out this idea you have, and then, like.Gregg Lunceford 31:09 Well no, they weren't that cool. That's why I'm here. Lesley Logan 31:14 Okay, that's cool. Gregg Lunceford 31:15 I kind of, I took a lot of flack as I was doing this, and because people were going, we don't understand why you're doing thi, right, and you know, we don't really understand your need to do it. And there were a few key executives that said, you know, they were really supportive of me, but overall, it was, you know, I was sort of like I was trailblazing, and people were going, you you have a very good set of responsibilities here, that you could be highly successful. Why do you want to tinker with the mouse trap? And I said, I think this would make me a better advisor to my clients, if I, if I came to understand this now, back then, and, you know, there was no one talking about psychology. I'm a certified financial planner now, the CFP exam as of I think, like two, three years ago, 11% of the exam is psychology now. But I was, I was in a very uncomfortable space, but I believed I was right. So when you start talking about, you know, be it till you see it, right, I'd be, I was in a very uncomfortable space. And this is my book, Exit From Work, I write about it in my book, but I am glad I had the journey, because I feel as though I'm a better professional, and my clients appreciate it.Lesley Logan 32:21 Yeah. I mean, like, you know, years ago, I read the book Psychology of Money, right? I think that's what it's called, or maybe it's called profit, but I think that's money. And, like, I said, like, the type of person you have to be to get money is very different than the type of person you'd be to keep the money. And I was like, like, that's, by the way, that's, like, the thing I remember from the whole book, it's, but at any rate, I remember that sticking going, hold on a second. Like, we as people have to evolve, like, one on the getting, two on the keeping, and that goes kind of along with what you're saying. Like, you know, you have to understand the emotion psychology behind all of this. Because, yes, spreadsheets are great, but with AI, like, we don't need a bunch of people do a spreadsheet anymore. So there's that we need someone to help guide us to like, well, who is it like, where is this money going? What do you want to do with it? What like was also, what if, instead of like, okay, here comes our retirement age, what if it's like, oh my gosh, like, I can't even wait, or, actually, I'm going part time now, and my retirement is part time, and I'm doing all these other things. Like, that's so cool that you, I mean, you do that, it's not easy to be a trailblazer. It's not easy to be the only person talking about it, though. Gregg Lunceford 33:27 Right. It's rewarding in the end, and so, and I think a lot of people find it liberating, because if you got 20 years, you just really want to do what people tell you you ought to do. I mean, especially when you spent the first 60 doing that. And so really, what this third age is supposed to be. It's supposed to be the most dynamic part of your life, right? It is a way to course correct or either enhance something that's already gone well for you, versus a lot of people going to retirement, because that's what retirement was when it first started off, it was really this negotiation between management and labor, where, especially, we were in an industrial society. So labor was more physical, right now we're in a service economy, so it was really more cerebral. But back then, you know, they wanted a management wanted employees who could swing a hammer so many times a minute, and that was usually somebody under age 40, and this is where we start getting age protection laws, right. And anyone over 40 they wanted out of the workforce. So, you know, retirement didn't start off as this, oh, this is this great thing, and they're going to write me checks for the rest of my life. It didn't start off as that. It really started off as you were really making someone feel devalued because you you didn't have any and so we've gone along with this model. It wasn't until maybe, like the 19 late 70s or 1980s when we went into this global recession where people started getting offered these early retirement packages to come out of companies because globally, a lot of people, a lot of companies, had financial issues to deal with. And what they weren't expecting when they let this 55 year old go is that life expectancy was starting to go up, and so now this 55 year old is now living to 80, and they got the best end of the deal. And what is happening financially right now is people are looking at their parents and grandparents who got that deal, and they're going, I can never afford to do what they did, and not realizing that that was an anomaly. And so a lot of people, socially, emotionally, feel like they're failing, and they don't want to talk about retirement because they feel as though I'll never be able to do what the person did before me and therefore there must be something wrong with what I'm doing or what me and the reality is the game is changing, and so you actually have more personal freedom than they have. And just like they walked into a unique situation, you have to craft a unique situation for you that works.Lesley Logan 36:04 Yes, that, Gregg, this is, you're a historian. You're like a life coach and like the person we all need to be thinking about when it comes to like, because it doesn't matter how I mean, obviously we're told, like, the earlier you can start thinking about retirement, the better. But people don't want to do that, like I said the beginning of this. They want to put their head in the sand, like, I can't be my grandparents, so I'm just going to keep doing what I ought to do, and just and like, we'll deal with that later. We'll figure out the number later. But I think if we can, like, start thinking about it now, it really does allow us to curate the experience we have with work, but then also set ourselves up for that third age where we can have a really good time getting to know ourselves even deeper, and not not losing money along the way.Gregg Lunceford 36:51 That's correct, because in that third age, you may convert a hobby. So I have a friend who was in banking with me. He would always go take a week or two off every year and just go to Europe and backpack. He would stay at, you know, two three star hotels. He was like, I'm not there every day. And he would just go take the most amazing pictures he bring them back to the office. And we would go, Jim, you know, you should have an art show. And he was like, Nah, they're just hobbies or whatever. And he had a hard shell, and people started buying his art. And so, you know, now in retirement, you know his joy also produces income. And so he has defined work on his own terms. It doesn't even feel like work to him. And so what a lot of people who are looking at their parents and grandparents and then going, you know, they got this pension for life, and they don't offer pensions anymore, and they didn't get sandwiched. So they didn't have the burden, financial burden of raising kids and having to take care of parents. I'm stuck. I'll never be able to do that. There's something wrong you don't understand. You now have this 20 year life bonus, where you can learn to gig, you can learn to I often point to the show The Golden Girls. I don't know if the creators of the show knew what they were doing or they intentionally did this, but look at that model. I think that's the model a lot of people are going to have to go to. And I think you touched on this a little bit earlier. You start talking about your father and your in laws. And you know, we don't have kinship the way we once did, once small, we have smaller families, right? Two, geographically we disperse, right? And so what in this planning process of your ideal self, what you also have to learn how to do is to replace kinships with friendships. So that's what was going on in that in that Golden Girls house, you had Dorothy and her mother, Sophia, that had a kinship, but where they didn't have kinship, they replaced it with their roommates with Blanche and Betty (inaudible). And so now that you have this replacement of family that you trust and you get along with, now you got four people to split your rent with, so that makes the money go longer, right? Yeah, then you start talking about what went on every day. Well, sometimes they were doing volunteer work, and then they had to spin off where they bought a hotel. So they basically were doing their own version of a gig economy, right? They were engaging as much as they wanted to or not. Then they had socialization from each other. There was always something going on in that house, right? Yes. And so, right? And then they had things to create psychological success. So I don't know if the creators of the show recognized at the time, but to me, I looked at it as sort of foreshadowing what people have to create for themselves on their own with this life bonus, and it will help them both financially, as well as their mental and their mental well being. Lesley Logan 40:00 Gregg, yes. I mean, I joke with my friends who have kids. I'm like, I just want you to know that your kid is gonna have to take care of me because I don't have kids. But really, actually, I just need to find my Golden Girls, my husband. I just need to find a co op, a little commune of all of our friend all of our friends who don't have kids, we actually like what we're being with. And we could have a great little retirement home, maybe make it a BnB. This what I what I just I'm obsessed with, and why I got excited to have you on is, you know, oftentimes the Be It Till You See It podcast really talks about, like, what we can do right now, like, for right now, what we can do to be it till we see it tomorrow, or for the thing we want next year. Or there might be some stuff I have never thought of it as like, what can we be doing right now to be it till we see it for retirement in a way that we can choose, like we get the life is literally what we want, and the research you've done, the education you've had, and how you've literally seen it implemented in unique ways, because of all this work, is so cool. It makes me excited to actually, like, look into that future. Because, like, I'm like, I'm like, I'm not gonna look past 50, because I got things to do with my job, with the job that I created for myself. It's like, oh, hold on a second. What, like, what can I be playing with right now so that I know what I'm gonna do past 50, so that I have something to look forward to. So I'm excited about it. So, Gregg, what are you most excited about right now?Gregg Lunceford 41:20 I'm excited about I'm writing and researching and learning about the person I'm becoming. So and so I often joke with my clients, but I'm really not joking. They'll come back and they'll tell me some amazing experience they had, and I always tell them, leave me a list of notes so I know where to start when it comes to my time, and I say that jokingly, but it's something it is serious. What we all need to start to focus on right now is just like we had that career guidance counselor helping us and coaching us. And to that next thing, we need to start taking time to figure out that action plan for that next thing. And once you start to figure out I need to form a retirement identity and understand my ideal self, you start to self motivate and become excited about it. So what I really enjoy about what I've done through my work, whether it be here as an advisor or through my research, is that I'm helping people understand that they have a lot to be encouraged by, right? You're going to get 20 years to do whatever it is you want to do. And what I also want people to be understanding of. You don't have to leave the workforce if you're doing something awesome already. Just keep doing it. And if you want to modify that in some kind of way, figure out a plan, or figure out your terms and how to negotiate those terms. Say you can do that. Lesley Logan 42:51 Oh, I just like each answer. I just get more excited for people. I'm excited for myself. Like, I'm like, wow, this is so fun. We're gonna take a brief break and then find out where people can find you, follow you, work with you and your Be It Action Items. Lesley Logan 43:00 Okay, Gregg, where can they connect with you? You have a book, Exit From Work, but where, where can they go to chat with you, work with you like, get more ideas about their retirement identity?Gregg Lunceford 43:14 Sure, so I can be reached at mesirow.com so our website, M-E-S-I-R-O-W dot com, on that, if you put in my name in our search engine, Gregg Lunceford, you'll come up with my team web page. We'll have my bio, my contact information, also a list of all my publications. Also, if you're interested in my book, Exit From Work. This can be found on amazon.com, and I'm always encouraged by people who take time to drop me a note, or we didn't even go into I talked about the Golden Girls situation. We didn't even go into their academically based retirement communities. Now, basically, instead of dormitory you lived in when you were in your late teens and 20s, now people are going back to retire near where they went to school. So they now have, because we don't have these kinships, they're now bracing building friendships based on the fact that they're alumni, or they love the school and and so it's sort of like this, you were living in the Golden Girls subdivision, maybe. Lesley Logan 44:15 Oh, my God. Gregg Lunceford 44:15 So there are all kinds of things that are going on right now, and I just, I write about it in my book too. I just want people to learn about that so they don't feel as though they're confined to what they saw their parents do. Lesley Logan 44:27 Yeah, yeah. Oh my gosh, Brad, when you listen to this, we'll choose your school, because he went to music school, so we'll choose that one.Gregg Lunceford 44:37 He could, he could probably teach all the people I know they want to start a rock band. Lesley Logan 44:41 Yeah, yeah, yeah, him and his buddies. That could be their whole little they would love it. Okay, you've given us a lot, but I do want to dive into the bold, executable, intrinsic or targeted steps people can take to be it till they see it. What do you have for us?Gregg Lunceford 44:56 Okay, so what you first have to do is you have to create a vision. And if you have a partner, it is very important that that be a shared vision. The last thing we want to do is get to the end of our career and then have conflict with our partner. And a lot of that happens because most couples do not talk about retirement. They don't even know if the other partners is saving for retirement. Like 40% couples don't even talk about this. Don't even do the calculation to get past them. So so if you haven't even done the basics on that end, talking about this thing you aspire to be is very difficult because And so last thing you want to do is you both jump in it, and then you you're stuck and you're unhappy. So create a vision. If you have a partner, make sure that's a shared vision. And then start talking about goals. Engage someone like myself, who's a financial planning professional, to help you see how you can align your financial wherewithal with those goals. And then think differently. Think about being your best self at this stage, not being someone who society just said it's time for you to leave, because that's not the case. You have more value to offer a lot of people than you think.Lesley Logan 46:07 I do, I love that. This is an episode I really hope my in-laws actually listen to. I really am. I'm actually just really excited for even our our listeners who who are like, you know, they might be in there. They might be, like, 15, 20 years away from retirement, but, or even 10, but, like, we have a bunch of them, and I hope this helps them rethink that, because I think sometimes there's a fear to, oh, my God, you know. And you just said it like being the system has told them that they're done, but you're not done. And so I just you've given, like, so much excitement around this topic, and joy and possibility. So Gregg, thank you for being you. You all, how are you going to use these tips in your life? We want to know. Make sure you tell Gregg Lunceford your takeaways. I'm sure it will make his day. Share this with friend who needs to hear it, that friend who's like, so worried all the time, like, absolutely needs this. And you know what to do until next time, Be It Till You See It. Lesley Logan 47:01 That's all I got for this episode of the Be It Till You See It Podcast. One thing that would help both myself and future listeners is for you to rate the show and leave a review and follow or subscribe for free wherever you listen to your podcast. Also, make sure to introduce yourself over at the Be It Pod on Instagram. I would love to know more about you. Share this episode with whoever you think needs to hear it. Help us and others Be It Till You See It. Have an awesome day. Be It Till You See It is a production of The Bloom Podcast Network. If you want to leave us a message or a question that we might read on another episode, you can text us at +1-310-905-5534 or send a DM on Instagram @BeItPod.Brad Crowell 47:44 It's written, filmed, and recorded by your host, Lesley Logan, and me, Brad Crowell.Lesley Logan 47:49 It is transcribed, produced and edited by the epic team at Disenyo.co.Brad Crowell 47:54 Our theme music is by Ali at Apex Production Music and our branding by designer and artist, Gianfranco Cioffi.Lesley Logan 48:01 Special thanks to Melissa Solomon for creating our visuals.Brad Crowell 48:04 Also to Angelina Herico for adding all of our content to our website. And finally to Meridith Root for keeping us all on point and on time.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/be-it-till-you-see-it/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Higher Ed AV PodcastEpisode 343Joe Way caps off his ISE preview series with one of his annual favorite conversations, welcoming back Mike Blackman, Managing Director of Integrated Systems Events, the organizers of Integrated Systems Europe. Mike shares why ISE 2026 is on track to be the biggest edition yet, how the team plans the show as a year round reinvention cycle, and what “Push Beyond” really means in practice, not just as a theme, but as a commitment to raising the bar for the industry and the attendee experience.A big focus of the episode is how ISE has become more than a trade show inside a convention center. Mike explains the deliberate shift to making ISE a city wide experience that gives something back to Barcelona while also showcasing the best of AV to the public. Joe and Mike unpack how those external activations connect back to the show floor, the conference program, and the broader mission of ISE as a marketplace plus an editorial engine for learning.The conversation also goes deep on vertical strategy and why education continues to grow at ISE. Mike talks about partnering with subject matter experts and communities to curate programming that motivates end users to attend, and Joe shares how HETMA is helping first timers navigate the show and find their people. They close with practical pro tips for surviving the scale of ISE, plus Mike's latest attendance signals and a few Barcelona favorites.Key topics and highlightsMike's role and the show's foundation: Integrated Systems Events as a joint venture between AVIXA and CEDIA, with more than two decades of ISE history and continued growthISE 2026 theme: Push BeyondInternal: the ISE team challenges itself every year to avoid getting “comfortable” and to reinvent the experienceExternal: challenging the AV and systems integration industry to push boundaries and raise expectationsWhy ISE feels different: ISE as both marketplace and “publisher”Exhibitors are the marketplace and the advertisingISE's job is the editorial: conferences, summits, thought leadership, and curated experiences that make the trip worth itBarcelona as part of the showThe origin story: learning from city gridlock in Amsterdam and deciding to create value for locals, not just visitorsProjection mapping at Casa Batlló and connecting it back to the show through artist involvement and learning momentsCollaboration with the Llum lighting festival, moving it to dovetail with ISE and supporting it without consuming its identityA major new “Push Beyond” moment for 2026: drones go outsideNightly outdoor drone shows near the venue starting around 6:30 pmIntegrated with a large transparent LED element and immersive programmingSpecial Tuesday evening performance with a live orchestra and opera singer, then repeated with recorded performance on Wednesday and ThursdayEducation growth and the EdTech Congress partnershipWhy the education technology cluster matters and how it grew from small beginnings into a serious conveningWhy partnering makes sense: thousands of education specialists, many not previously attending ISEHow it's structured: Montjuïc venue, shuttle connections, two day format that complements ISE and encourages cross attendanceMike's broader point: ISE succeeds by working with partners who know each subject area better than the show organizers doShow navigation and scaleWhy you cannot “do it all” in four daysHow ISE divided halls by sector so attendees can start in the right place for their vertical and then branch outProduction and live events growth: that “haze, lights, buzz” energy expanding into larger hallsWhat attendees should do differently this yearTreat ISE like a curated mission, not a wandering marathonPick your primary vertical starting hallBlock time for discovery outside your lane (the surprise vendors are part of the magic)Use communities and meet points (like HETMA) as a reset point to plan the next movePlan for the city experiencesAdd at least one evening for the public activations (projection mapping, Llum, and the new drone spectacular)Pro tips mentioned in the episodeDownload and use the official ISE app for wayfinding and planningUse the ISE tools, including the chatbot Dave, to quickly find vendors, locations, and show informationTake the metro to skip the post show taxi crushFree metro tickets are providedMetro access is available directly at the venue entrances called out by MikeLeave time for the “first ISE moment”Joe's reminder: the walk in experience hits before you even enter a hall, and first timers never forget itHETMA and higher ed calloutsHETMA is increasing its presence and community support at ISE, including being a visible flag for education attendees who want help navigating the show and connecting with the right peopleJoe encourages education attendees to use the HETMA meet point approach as a way to make a massive show feel manageableAttendance check and what Mike can shareMike shares last year's verified attendance number and notes current registration tracking is trending ahead year over yearJoe makes his annual guess and pushes for a new milestone, while Mike hints at internal competition and waits for final numbers post showHow to connect with Mike Blackman and ISE to learn moreISE Website: https://www.iseurope.orgEmail: mblackman@iseurope.orgLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaellblackman/Connect with Joe Way:Web: https://www.josiahway.comLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/josiahwayX (Formerly Twitter): https://www.x.com/josiahwayInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/josiahway
"I stopped doing what I didn't want to do anymore. It's not hard to stop doing something you don't want to do... I didn't want to drink anymore." - Chris LeverettIn this incredibly vulnerable and powerful episode, we step away from the usual technical discussions of self-funding and insurance captives to tackle a pervasive, often silent issue in our industry: addiction and sobriety.My guest is Chris Leverett, Executive Vice President and Managing Director of Employee Benefits at TexCap Insurance. While Chris is a veteran in the benefits space, today he shares his personal testimony of battling high-functioning alcoholism while trying to maintain a career, a marriage, and a family.Chris opens up about the "boiling frog" effect of social drinking in the business world, the crushing weight of keeping up appearances, and the terrifying rock-bottom moments, including a lapse in insurance coverage during his daughter's premature birth, that finally led him to seek help.We discuss the freedom found in admitting powerlessness, how he replaced the "monster" of addiction with the discipline of Ironman triathlons, and how to navigate the alcohol-heavy social scene of insurance events without losing your edge.If you or someone you know is struggling in silence, this episode provides a blueprint for finding hope, help, and a better life on the other side.Thank you to our 2026 sponsors!ParetoHealth: ParetoHealth empowers midsize employers with a long-term solution to reduce volatility and lower overall health benefits costs. Visit ParetoHealth.com to learn more.Samaritan Fund: A program that connects those who need help to the support they need. We are proud to offer the Samaritan Fund Program. Visit SamaritanFundProgram.com to learn more.Vālenz Health: We're Vālenz Health, your partner in improving health literacy, reducing plan spend, and delivering high-value healthcare. Visit ValenzHealth.com to learn more.Imagine360: Imagine360 helps self-funded employers save on healthcare with smarter health plans. Cut expenses by 20-30% with custom solutions. Contact us today at Imagine360.com.Chapters:(00:00:00) Intro: TexCap Insurance & Going Up-Market (00:04:48) Sobriety: It Doesn't Have to Be a "Life Sentence" (00:09:26) The High-Functioning Trap & Social Lubricant (00:13:24) Rock Bottom #1: No Insurance During a Crisis (00:17:27) The Final Wake-Up Call & A Wife's Dream (00:19:21) The Power of Admitting "I Am an Alcoholic" (00:28:25) Trading Addiction for Ironman Triathlons (00:38:30) How to Navigate Happy Hours Sober (00:45:13) The Blueprint: Steps to Finding HelpKey Links for Social:@SelfFunded on YouTube for video versions of the podcast and much more - https://www.youtube.com/@SelfFundedListen/watch on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1TjmrMrkIj0qSmlwAIevKA?si=068a389925474f02Listen on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-funded-with-spencer/id1566182286Follow Spencer on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-smith-self-funded/Follow Spencer on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/selffundedwithspencer/
When I got this episode on the calendar a month ago, my vision was, “Let's get three of the smartest, most thoughtful liberals I can find on the topic of economic statecraft, and we'll do a full assessment of the first year of Trump's second term.” The idea was to take each of the domains — tariffs and the trade war, export controls, industrial policy — and do two things: get an accurate picture of what's actually happened, and hear how Biden admin insiders and Democratic thinkers see them. Where are there continuities between administrations? Where have their expectations been overturned? And what lessons are they incorporating into their own worldviews?Then, in a totally novel example of economic statecraft, we grabbed Maduro and seized Venezuelan oil; we had to discuss that too.As a result, we're doing a lot in this episode, and we leave some important questions out: the legal challenges to the current tariff regime, for example. But I think readers will come away from this episode with a clear view of the old and new tools of US policy in the realm of economic statecraft.Our guestsDaleep Singh is an economist who served in two separate periods in the Biden Administration as Deputy National Security Advisor for International Economics.Peter Harrell served as Senior Director for International Economics at the White House, jointly appointed to the National Security Council and the National Economic Council.My colleague, Arnab Datta is Director of Policy Implementation at IFP. He's also the Managing Director of Policy Implementation at Employ America.We cover a lot of ground in this episode. Here's our table of contents:We discuss* What is economic statecraft?* Venezuela* China and tariffs* Trade deals* Industrial policy* Lessons learnedThe full transcript for this conversation is at www.statecraft.pub This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.statecraft.pub
“For us, innovation is the practical application of creative ideas that solve real world problems.”Michael McLin, Managing Director of Maxim Consulting Group, breaks down why organizations often struggle to convert ideas into action and how leaders can jumpstart progress by communicating better, executing more consistently, and nurturing a culture of continuous improvement. Hear how practical application, not just ideas, fuels real problem-solving and lasting change across the industry.
The global energy transition isn't stalled because of lack of ambition, it's often slowed by bottlenecks that block progress. We brought together some of our experts to be able to unpack what's really blocking progress, what tactics are working, and how we can move energy transition projects forward. Host Angie Dickson, President of Inogen Alliance, is joined by Emmanuel De Nanteuil, Managing Director of HPC France, Sasikumar, Chief Marketing Officer with Chola Risk Services in India and Scott Thomas, Sector Lead for Solar with Tonkin + Taylor out of New Zealand.Guest Quotes“Everyone wants the energy transition, but transition has a cost.” - Emmanuel“Finance is not at all a problem in India…Land issues are major in India. Transmission and evacuation is another problem.” - Sasikumar“ Our base load [in New Zealand] is around 80 to 90 percent renewables. It is making sure that the mix that comes on board is still green.” - ScottTime Stamps00:00 Introduction to Energy Transition00:53 Expert Insights: Bottlenecks in Europe04:39 Challenges and Progress in India15:21 Financing and Investment Issues24:30 Energy Transition in New Zealand Sponsor CopyRethinking EHS is brought to you by the Inogen Alliance. Inogen Alliance is a global network of 70+ companies providing environment, health, safety, and sustainability services, working together to provide one point of contact to guide multinational organizations to meet their global commitments locally. Visit inogenalliance.com to learn more.LinksInogenalliance.com/resourcesInogenalliance.com/podcast] Angie on LinkedInEmmanuel on LinkedInScott on LinkedIn Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
The asset management industry is knocking on the door of the 401(k) system in the U.S.. While it has been the driving argument for inclusion, access alone doesn't answer the harder questions. We step back from product hype to examine whether defined contribution plans are structurally equipped to handle illiquidity, complexity, and risk at scale. Joined by Dan Cahill of Partners Group and Drew Carrington of iCapital, we explore how global pension models, governance trade-offs, and participant behavior complicate the debate. Guests:Drew Carrington, CFA, CAIA, Managing Director, Alternatives in Retirement Portfolios, iCapital Dan Cahill, Head of US Defined Contribution, Partners GroupEpisode Sources
January 22, 2026 — In this episode of Asia Inside Out, Rorry Daniels, Managing Director of the Asia Society Policy Institute (ASPI), speaks with Jeffrey Feltman, Non-Resident Distinguished Fellow at ASPI, about the 2025-2026 protests in Iran and what they mean for the future of Ayatollah Khamenei's regime. Daniels and Feltman unpack the range of international responses and examine how Iran fits into U.S. President Donald Trump's evolving foreign policy calculus. Asia Inside Out brings together our team and special guests to take you beyond the latest policy headlines and provide an insider's view on regional and global affairs. Each month we'll deliver an interview with informed experts, analysts, and decision-makers from across the Asia-Pacific region. If you want to dig into the details of how policy works, this is the podcast for you. This podcast is produced by the Asia Society Policy Institute, a “think-and-do tank” working on the cutting edge of current policy trends by incorporating the best ideas from our experts and contributors into recommendations for policy makers to put these plans into practice.
Most small business owners have no idea their website can trigger a lawsuit.In this episode of the Diversified Game Podcast, Kellen Coleman sits down with Matthew Elefant, Managing Director of Inclusive Web, to break down the growing risk of ADA accessibility lawsuits and why small businesses are increasingly being targeted.Nearly 1 in 5 Americans lives with a disability, yet over 90 percent of websites remain inaccessible. That gap is creating legal exposure, lost customers, and unnecessary financial risk for business owners who think this issue only applies to big corporations.This conversation covers what the Americans with Disabilities Act actually requires online, how lawsuits are initiated, why Florida is a hotspot, and how businesses can fix accessibility issues before they become expensive legal problems.If you own a website, manage clients, or advise small businesses, this episode is not optional.Guest:Matthew ElefantManaging Director, Inclusive WebWebsite: https://www.inclusiveweb.coHost:Kellen ColemanDiversified Game Podcasthttps://diversifiedgame.comYouTube Chapter Summary (Optional but Strong for Retention)00:00 Why websites are getting sued05:30 What ADA accessibility really means online10:45 Who is at risk and why Florida is a hotspot st of lawsuits vs cost of compliance26:00 Small business solutions and affordable fixes35:00 Accessibility as a growth opportunity44:00 Final warning for business ownersYouTube Tags (High-Intent SEO)ADA accessibilitywebsite law suitsmall business warningADA compliance website website accessibility lawsuitsmall business legal risk Florida business lawsuitsDiversified Game PodcastKellen ColemanMatthew ElefantInclusive WebADA website requirementssmall business compliancedigital accessibilitybusiness law for entrepreneursDGP&x%
On this episode of Palestine Post, we speak with Aseel Abdurass, the Managing Director of the Occupied Palestinian Territory Department at Physicians for Human Rights Israel, where she leads legal and humanitarian interventions, documents violations, and advocates for systemic change and accountability. PHRI recently released a new report highlighting harms on Palestinian pregnant and post-partum women. — Subscribe to this podcast: https://plinkhq.com/i/1637968343?to=page Get in touch: lawanddisorder@kpfa.org Follow us on socials @LawAndDis: https://twitter.com/LawAndDis; https://www.instagram.com/lawanddis/ The post Palestine Post w/ Physicians for Human Rights Israel appeared first on KPFA.
From December 6, 2024: For today's podcast, Lawfare General Counsel and Senior Editor Scott R. Anderson sat down with Joel Braunold, Managing Director of the S. Daniel Abraham Center for Middle East Peace, for the latest in their series of podcast conversations on aspects of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This time, they focused on what might be one of the most consequential developments in recent memory: Donald Trump's return to the White House.They discussed who seems likely to steer policy toward the conflict in the incoming Trump administration, how the approach may differ from Trump's last stint in the White House, and what it all may mean for Gaza, the West Bank, and the broader region.To receive ad-free podcasts, become a Lawfare Material Supporter at www.patreon.com/lawfare. You can also support Lawfare by making a one-time donation at https://givebutter.com/lawfare-institute.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/lawfare. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The GZERO World Podcast heads to Davos, Switzerland for the World Economic Forum this week for a look at transatlantic relations and how President Trump's second term is reshaping the global order. Uncertainty and tensions were high this week as Trump doubled down on his desire to control Greenland—before announcing a deal with NATO over the Danish territory's future and walking back tariff threats. Ian Bremmer spoke with Finnish President Alexander Stubb on the sidelines of Davos to discuss the future of the transatlantic relationship, Arctic security, the war in Ukraine and why, despite so many geopolitical challenges, Europe is more united than ever.Then, Bremmer sits down with Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, for a look at the surprising resilience of the world economy. Georgieva says there are four key reasons why the IMF upgraded its global growth forecast for 2026. They also discuss the importance of independent central banks and Trump's push for more control over Fed policy.Host: Ian BremmerGuests: Alexander Stubb, Kristalina Georgieva Subscribe to the GZERO World with Ian Bremmer Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform, to receive new episodes as soon as they're published. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
In this episode, Adam Torres and Jeff Panik, Managing Director at Balance Wealth Partners, about building a Financial Life Inventory Plan (FLIP), avoiding one-size-fits-all retirement advice, and preparing for risks like debt, healthcare costs, and sequence of returns risk before retiring. About Jeff Panik After 25 years of experience as a financial advising professional, Jeff knows his job is to help clients strike a balance between living well today and planning for the future. In fact, Jeff founded Balance Wealth Partners with a simple goal in mind: to create tailored plans for intentional living. During his career, Jeff has worked with hundreds of families, individuals and small businesses to help them set goals, strategically manage their assets and work towards achieving their dreams. About Balance Wealth Partners Balance Wealth Partners offers wealth management designed to make life easier and more rewarding. The firm breaks retirement down step-by-step and helps clients take the uncertainty out of planning for the future. Now more than ever, Balance Wealth Partners believes individuals need experienced professionals who act in their best interest and help plan for both short-term and long-term goals. While many practices focus primarily on investments, insurance, and banking requirements, Balance Wealth Partners takes a broader, more comprehensive view of finances. The process begins with a personalized conversation covering retirement needs, essential expenses, lifestyle considerations, preparation for the unexpected, and legacy planning. Founded by Jeff Panik, CFP®, MSFS, CLTC, Balance Wealth Partners strives to empower successful people to envision their dreams, define their goals, and live intentionally toward their financial future. Follow Adam on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/askadamtorres/ for up to date information on book releases and tour schedule. Apply to be a guest on our podcast: https://missionmatters.lpages.co/podcastguest/ Visit our website: https://missionmatters.com/ More FREE content from Mission Matters here: https://linktr.ee/missionmattersmedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this episode, Adam Torres and Jeff Panik, Managing Director at Balance Wealth Partners, about building a Financial Life Inventory Plan (FLIP), avoiding one-size-fits-all retirement advice, and preparing for risks like debt, healthcare costs, and sequence of returns risk before retiring. About Jeff Panik After 25 years of experience as a financial advising professional, Jeff knows his job is to help clients strike a balance between living well today and planning for the future. In fact, Jeff founded Balance Wealth Partners with a simple goal in mind: to create tailored plans for intentional living. During his career, Jeff has worked with hundreds of families, individuals and small businesses to help them set goals, strategically manage their assets and work towards achieving their dreams. About Balance Wealth Partners Balance Wealth Partners offers wealth management designed to make life easier and more rewarding. The firm breaks retirement down step-by-step and helps clients take the uncertainty out of planning for the future. Now more than ever, Balance Wealth Partners believes individuals need experienced professionals who act in their best interest and help plan for both short-term and long-term goals. While many practices focus primarily on investments, insurance, and banking requirements, Balance Wealth Partners takes a broader, more comprehensive view of finances. The process begins with a personalized conversation covering retirement needs, essential expenses, lifestyle considerations, preparation for the unexpected, and legacy planning. Founded by Jeff Panik, CFP®, MSFS, CLTC, Balance Wealth Partners strives to empower successful people to envision their dreams, define their goals, and live intentionally toward their financial future. Follow Adam on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/askadamtorres/ for up to date information on book releases and tour schedule. Apply to be a guest on our podcast: https://missionmatters.lpages.co/podcastguest/ Visit our website: https://missionmatters.com/ More FREE content from Mission Matters here: https://linktr.ee/missionmattersmedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The GZERO World Podcast heads to Davos, Switzerland for the World Economic Forum this week for a look at transatlantic relations and how President Trump's second term is reshaping the global order. Uncertainty and tensions were high this week as Trump doubled down on his desire to control Greenland—before announcing a deal with NATO over the Danish territory's future and walking back tariff threats. Ian Bremmer spoke with Finnish President Alexander Stubb on the sidelines of Davos to discuss the future of the transatlantic relationship, Arctic security, the war in Ukraine and why, despite so many geopolitical challenges, Europe is more united than ever.Then, Bremmer sits down with Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, for a look at the surprising resilience of the world economy. Georgieva says there are four key reasons why the IMF upgraded its global growth forecast for 2026. They also discuss the importance of independent central banks and Trump's push for more control over Fed policy.Host: Ian BremmerGuests: Alexander Stubb, Kristalina Georgieva Subscribe to the GZERO World with Ian Bremmer Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform, to receive new episodes as soon as they're published. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
In this Omni Talk Retail interview, recorded live from FMI 2026 at the Simbe booth, Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga speak with Karen Fang Grant, Managing Director and Global Research Lead at Accenture, about how technology, health trends, and AI are reshaping the future of grocery retail. Karen shares how forces like GLP 1 adoption, evolving definitions of health and wellness, and changing consumer expectations are influencing assortment, operations, and enterprise decision making across grocery. The conversation explores why AI is moving from experimentation to execution, how agentic AI and automation are beginning to drive real operational impact, and what retailers must do to scale these technologies responsibly. Karen also discusses why organizational readiness, strong data foundations, and cross functional collaboration matter more than any single technology investment, and what separates retailers successfully deploying AI from those still stuck in pilot mode. Key Topics Covered - How GLP 1 and health trends are reshaping grocery retail strategy - The evolving role of AI and automation in retail operations - Why agentic AI represents the next phase of enterprise transformation - Moving from AI pilots to scalable, real world impact - The importance of data readiness and organizational alignment - How retailers can responsibly adopt AI while maintaining trust - What grocery leaders should prioritize heading into 2026 Stay tuned to Omni Talk Retail for continued coverage from FMI 2026, recorded live from the Simbe booth in the FMI Tech section. #FMI2026 #Accenture #GroceryRetail #RetailTechnology #ArtificialIntelligence #HealthAndWellness #RetailLeadership #DigitalTransformation #OmniTalk
In this episode of The Distribution, Brandon Sedloff sits down with Phil Huber to unpack the evolution of private markets and their growing role in private wealth portfolios. Phil shares his path from a family RIA to leading portfolio solutions at Cliffwater, and explains why alternatives are shifting from a niche allocation to a core portfolio decision. The conversation explores how interval funds, multi-manager strategies, and improved liquidity frameworks are reshaping access to private equity and private credit for advisors. Along the way, Phil offers a clear, practical lens on education, structure, and risk management in an increasingly complex alternatives landscape. They discuss: Phil's career journey from wealth management to asset management and his focus on alternatives Why private markets are becoming an active allocation decision rather than an institutional afterthought How interval funds work, including liquidity mechanics, eligibility, and portfolio fit The role of multi manager and co investment strategies in diversification and fee efficiency What advisors and CIOs look for when evaluating private market products for client portfolios Links: Phil on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-huber/ Cliffwater - https://cliffwater.com/ Brandon on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bsedloff/ Juniper Square - https://www.junipersquare.com/ Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:04:32) - Phil Huber's early career and family influence (00:10:52) - Transition to Cliffwater and focus on alternatives (00:12:06) - Understanding private markets and co-investments (00:25:57) - Cliffwater's funds and direct lending strategy (00:28:01) - Cliffwater's view on direct lending (00:30:28) - Challenges of traditional private market investments (00:33:14) - Advantages of interval funds (00:34:32) - Liquidity management in interval funds (00:41:39) - Multi-manager vs. single manager strategies (00:45:09) - Real assets and interval funds (00:48:18) - Daily beta adjustments for private assets (00:50:01) - Educating advisors and clients (00:53:56) - Future trends in private markets (00:56:07) - Conclusion and final thoughts
This episode of First Draft Live is presented by Agora.Venezuela, Greenland, Canada's prime minister calling the death of America as global leader. Interest rate watching, Fed independence under question, tariffs.There's a lot of noise out there in the macroeconomy that can make it hard for CRE to tune into a good deal.And yet Abbe Franchot Borok, BGO managing director and head of U.S. debt, said she is optimistic the year ahead will be a good one for property investment.Sure, it has gotten more complicated and the industry has had to turn to new inputs and data sources. The normal supply vs. demand dynamic is changing as consumer use of commercial real estate has shifted.And yes, she said, Canadian and European investors are not liking what they are seeing out of the U.S. government.But the U.S. continues to be the most liquid and active market in the world, and she doesn't see a sustained lack of investment in the cards. Good deals are out there for those willing to double down on income generation and executing the business plan on the ground.
On January 27, 2026, India and the European Union are expected to announce “the mother of all trade deals” - a historic Free Trade Agreement covering 25% of the world's GDP. After decades of protectionism, India is pivoting fast, racing to sign deals with developed economies like the EU, UAE, and Australia while diversifying away from China. But why now? And where does this leave the US under Trump 2.0?In this episode, Anuj Gupta, Managing Director of BowerGroupAsia (India) and former Chief of Staff to India's Commerce Minister, takes us inside the room where these deals happen. We discuss:• The Big Shift: Why 2014 was the turning point for India's trade strategy and why they walked away from the RCEP trading bloc.• The Pivot: Why India is suddenly rushing to sign FTAs with the West after years of hesitation.• Geopolitics: How India balances Russian oil imports with EU trade ambitions and US strategic ties.• The Future: Is India trying to be a bridge between blocs, or becoming a “third pole” in the global economy?Whether you're a business leader, policy watcher, or just curious about where the world economy is heading, this episode breaks down why India's new playbook matters to you.Anuj Gupta leads the India practice at BowerGroupAsia. A seasoned policy strategist, he previously served as Chief of Staff to India's Minister for Commerce & Industry, where he helped shape key initiatives like the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes and India's recent wave of FTAs. He has also led public policy for the Tata Group. Follow Anuj on LinkedIn or on X, @anujg • Follow the podcast on X, @IndoPacPodcast, LinkedIn, or Facebook• Follow Ray Powell on X, @GordianKnotRay, or LinkedIn, or check out his maritime transparency work at SeaLight• Follow Jim Carouso on LinkedIn• Sponsored by BowerGroupAsia, a strategic advisory firm that specializes in the Indo-Pacific
i6 Group is connecting the fragmented aviation fuel ecosystem-airlines, fuel suppliers, and service providers-through a real-time digital platform that eliminates paper-based processes at over 260 airports worldwide. After launching with British Airways at Heathrow in 2015 and recently closing their Series B with German PE firm Itrium, i6 is proving that even heavily regulated, risk-averse industries can achieve step-function operational improvements through software. In this episode of BUILDERS, Alex Mattos, CEO and Managing Director of i6 Group, breaks down how they navigated decade-long enterprise sales cycles, leveraged strategic customers as Series A investors, and are now building toward profitability to maximize exit optionality. Topics Discussed: The surprising analog nature of aviation fuel operations despite advanced aircraft technology i6's pivot from defense fuel system testing to commercial aviation digitization The multi-party fuel ecosystem: airlines, suppliers, service providers, and logistics chains Strategic approach to landing British Airways and Virgin Atlantic as launch customers Fundamental differences between European fuel optimization vs. US supply chain management models Multi-stakeholder enterprise sales involving fuel teams, flight ops, pilot unions, and CFOs Strategic Series A with customer-investors: British Airways, JetBlue, Shell, and World Fuel Services Series B transition from strategic to PE backing focused on scaling operations and go-to-market Network effects driving compounding value as airport coverage expands Path to self-sustainability and exit strategy considerations GTM Lessons For B2B Founders: Target brand DNA, not just budget, for early enterprise customers: i6 deliberately approached Virgin Atlantic because of Richard Branson's reputation for "being entrepreneurial, taking a risk, doing something different." This wasn't naive brand worship—it was strategic targeting based on organizational risk tolerance. When selling complex infrastructure to enterprises pre-product-market fit, a prospect's innovation track record matters more than their budget size. Map your early pipeline based on cultural willingness to partner with startups, not just technical fit. Invest in non-paying reference customers as currency for tier-one deals: Virgin Atlantic became i6's first operational deployment without payment. This wasn't charity—it was strategic capital allocation. The working reference at Virgin directly unlocked British Airways: "we turned up, demonstrated what we were doing...we've done this trial with Virgin and here's the results, and it went really well." For founders selling to conservative enterprises, one live deployment at a credible brand is worth more than a dozen pitch decks. Budget 6-12 months of runway for strategic pilots that generate proof points, not revenue. Create forcing functions with specific follow-up commitments: When British Airways said "if you're still here in six months, come back," most founders would hear soft rejection. Alex heard a calendar commitment and returned "to the day" with results. This precision signaling—we take your requirements seriously enough to track them to the day—separates serious vendors from tire-kickers. When enterprises set conditional bars, treat them as binding contracts and demonstrate execution discipline through exact follow-through. Position for market disruption by maintaining warm enterprise relationships: i6 benefited when an incumbent competitor liquidated, creating urgent procurement needs at British Airways. But luck favors the prepared—they had already established credibility through their Virgin deployment. Maintain enterprise relationships even when deals seem stalled. In concentrated B2B markets, competitive exits, budget releases, and trigger events happen regularly. Your position in the consideration set when disruption hits determines whether you capture the opportunity. Engineer word-of-mouth in concentrated industries through excellence, not marketing: Four months after Heathrow deployment, Dubai airport approached i6 unsolicited: "we've heard great things." In the aviation fuel community—which Alex describes as "surprisingly small"—exceptional execution travels faster than any outbound motion. This changes GTM strategy: in concentrated industries, over-invest in customer success and operational excellence at early deployments rather than spreading thin across many accounts. Your first customers are your sales team. Segment GTM by operational model, not just geography or company size: i6 discovered European airlines optimize for fuel efficiency and real-time decisions, while US airlines (controlling their own supply networks since the late 1980s) prioritize supply chain visibility: "how much fuel did we put in the plane, how much have we had delivered, how much have we got left." These aren't feature preferences—they're fundamentally different jobs-to-be-done driven by market structure. Don't assume global enterprises have unified needs. Segment by operational model and regulatory environment, then customize messaging and roadmap accordingly. Stage investor expertise to match company evolution, not just valuation milestones: Series A brought strategic investors who were actual users (British Airways, JetBlue, Shell, World Fuel Services) for product validation and network access. Series B brought PE firm Itrium for "scaling the business...building and growing our sales and revenue teams." This wasn't opportunistic—it was deliberate staging of capital sources to match capability gaps. Don't optimize fundraising purely on valuation or dilution. Map your next 18-month bottleneck (product validation vs. operational scaling vs. market expansion) and raise from investors who've solved that specific problem. Build for profitability to control your exit timing and terms: Alex's goal is avoiding Series C entirely: "we build and establish a fully self-sustaining business...the business becomes fully sustainable in the next couple of years." This isn't conservatism—it's strategic optionality. Reaching profitability eliminates the forced march toward subsequent rounds, letting you choose between IPO or M&A based on market conditions rather than cash position. For infrastructure plays with long implementation cycles, factor sustainability into your growth model early, even if it moderates topline growth rates. // Sponsors: Front Lines — We help B2B tech companies launch, manage, and grow podcasts that drive demand, awareness, and thought leadership. www.FrontLines.io The Global Talent Co. — We help tech startups find, vet, hire, pay, and retain amazing marketing talent that costs 50-70% less than the US & Europe. www.GlobalTalent.co // Don't Miss: New Podcast Series — How I Hire Senior GTM leaders share the tactical hiring frameworks they use to build winning revenue teams. Hosted by Andy Mowat, who scaled 4 unicorns from $10M to $100M+ ARR and launched Whispered to help executives find their next role. Subscribe here: https://open.spotify.com/show/53yCHlPfLSMFimtv0riPyM
This episode of Astonishing Healthcare features three members of The Judi Group's leadership team: Jeff Hogan (Co-Founder & Managing Director), Chris Deacon (Director, Growth & Strategy), and Julie Selesnick (Director, Legal & Compliance). The Judi Group is a new venture - a premier advisory firm in healthcare on a mission to help companies evaluate the totality of their health vendors and contracts, deliver insights that lead to more responsible action, and ultimately improve the overall cost picture and health outcomes for their health plans and plan members, respectively. But why now? What steps can employer plan sponsors take to improve their contracting and access data? How do you set up a sustainable fiduciary process? For the answers to these and many more questions, like our guests' personal reasons for embarking on this journey, you'll have to listen in!HighlightsWe've reached a boiling point - everyone is tired of how the US healthcare system operates,, the misaligned incentives throughout the supply chain, and the unnecessary complexity of it all.There's a growing willingness among employers to challenge the status quo, embrace transparency, and create customized benefit plans that better serve their unique populations.Jeff is driven - in part - by his experience as a public servant, Julie tends to fight for the underdog, and Chris is inspired by the opportunity to make a tangible difference in healthcare.The RFP process must be redesigned for each employer, with their unique needs in mind.Access to claim-level data is critical if employers are to fulfill their fiduciary duties, make informed decisions, and ensure prudent use of employees' healthcare dollars.Related Content AH041 - ERISA Litigation Outlook and Meeting CAA Requirements: What Can Plan Fiduciaries Do?Health Benefits 101: The Importance of a Transparent PBM ModelReplay - Unifying Medical and Pharmacy Benefits: The Blueprint for Better Employee Health and WellnessJudi Health Policy Pulse: 2025 Regulatory Roundup, the Push for PBM ReformTo learn more about the Judi Group, the team, and its mission and services, please visit www.judi.group.For more information about Judi Health and this episode, please visit Judi Health - Insights.
In the aftermath of President Trump's Davos speech, we discuss his aims, the response from others and potential constraints. We also welcome guest speaker, Samira Fazili, Managing Director, US Public Policy and Government Affairs, to share her views on the latest geopolitical developments. In addition, we preview the FOMC decision where we see rates remaining unchanged albeit with some voting dissents. In Australia, we look to crucial CPI data ahead of the RBA decision in February.
Sam Gaynor is a Managing Director at Altamont Capital Partners where he oversees their Financial Services practice. Sam evaluates and underwrites deals in the insurance, asset / wealth management, and specialty finance sectors, working closely with management teams to help maximize the value of their businesses. In particular, Sam has overseen Altamont's efforts to incubate new Financial Services businesses, having launched eight new companies over the last decade.
Interview with Scott Caithness, Managing Director of Hawk Resources Ltd.Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/hawk-resources-asxhwk-december-drilling-targets-five-prospects-in-historic-copper-district-8487Recording date: 20th January 2026Hawk Resources has successfully raised A$5 million to fund an aggressive exploration campaign across two high-potential critical minerals projects, with the capital raise closing within an hour of opening due to strong investor demand. The oversubscribed raise demonstrates market confidence in the company's dual-pronged strategy targeting near-term copper-gold catalysts in Utah alongside a potentially transformational scandium opportunity in Western Australia.Managing Director Scott Caithness confirmed drilling has commenced at the company's flagship Cactus copper-gold project in Utah, with a 4,000-meter program testing six previously undrilled targets. The project carries significant historical pedigree, having been mined between 1905 and 1920 at grades of 2% copper with meaningful gold credits. Recent verification drilling by Hawk intersected 30 meters at 1.8% copper from surface, confirming the presence of high-grade mineralisation that remains accessible for modern exploration techniques.The company has allocated approximately A$3 million toward the Cactus drilling campaign, with results expected to flow from March 2026 onwards. Hawk's systematic approach integrates geophysical data, historical drilling records, and the first-ever project-wide soil sampling program to identify high-priority targets. The Copperopolis target exemplifies this methodology—a large chargeability anomaly with encouraging surface geochemistry that has never been drill-tested, despite a 1974 hole nearby intersecting 30 meters at 2% copper.Complementing the Utah copper focus, Hawk has reserved A$1-1.5 million to advance its recently acquired scandium project in Western Australia. The asset features a 4 kilometer by 7 kilometer soil anomaly with scandium grades exceeding 500 parts per million, reaching peaks of 1,200 ppm in a commodity currently worth $3,400 per kilogram. Historical shallow drilling intersected significant scandium mineralisation, though verification through laboratory assays remains the immediate priority.Caithness positions Hawk as a critical metals company with copper focus, offering investors exposure to supply-constrained commodities essential for electrification and advanced manufacturing while maintaining strategic optionality through its diversified project portfolio.View Hawk Resources' company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/alderan-resourcesSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com
In this inspiring episode, host Dr. Charlotte Huntley welcomes Jennifer McKeever, Founder and Managing Director of We Public Health (W.E. – Women Entrepreneurs in Public Health). Jennifer shares her remarkable journey from a long-term public health career to building a collaborative network that empowers women consultants and entrepreneurs. They discuss how We Public Health supports women in shaping equitable public health solutions, building sustainable consulting practices, and finding belonging in a community that values authenticity and shared leadership. Jennifer also opens up about entrepreneurship during challenging times, redefining success, and encouraging women to fully own their expertise and talents. This conversation is a must-listen for public health entrepreneurs who believe in collaboration, equity, and purpose-driven business growth. Resources ▶️ Website https://PublicHealthEntrepreneurs.com ▶️ Stay connected. Subscribe to our email list
The Americas Aviation Lead for PA Consulting discusses key priorities for the U.S. aviation industry, including investing in airport infrastructure and addressing the industry’s labor shortage. In the news, a bill to pay controllers during a shutdown, why ATC modernization has failed, the FAA’s unleaded avgas transition plan, similarities between the UPS crash and a previous problem with bearings, and the FAA’s decision to deregister hundreds of aircraft. Also, a new studio album from an airline pilot, visiting the USS Midway Museum in Southern California, and listener feedback on attractive airplanes. Guest Carlos Ozores is the Americas Aviation Lead for PA Consulting, a global firm that focuses on technology and innovation. Carlos addresses the key priorities for the U.S. aviation industry in 2026, including investing in airport infrastructure and addressing the industry labor shortage. He explains that U.S. airports have an estimated $170B capital requirement over the next five years to address airport infrastructure needs. Carlos tells us about the traditional sources to fund such projects, and what other sources could make up the shortfall. We look at public-private partnerships, the Passenger Facility Charge, and monetization of airport assets such as terminal concessions, car parking, and real estate development. Also, utilizing data collected about passengers and the importance of airport stakeholder engagement. Carlos tells us how the aging workforce is contributing to an industry labor shortage and leading to the loss of institutional knowledge. We talk about promoting the industry to the young generations, and issues such as pay, training, documented and repeatable work, quality of life, and labor relations. Before joining PA Consulting, Carlos served as Vice President and Managing Director, Head of Aviation, Americas, for ICF, a global solutions and technology provider. Before that, he spent time at American Airlines and Air France. He just returned from the American Association of Airport Executives Aviation Issues Conference in Hawaii, and we hear his observations from that event. PA aviation clients include SkyTeam and its member airlines on sustainability issues, Heathrow Airport on on-time performance and passenger experience projects, Etihad Airways on decision-support for engine fleet management, and DFW on airport operations. Other clients have included Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, Aer Lingus, and multiple SkyTeam member airlines through SkyTeam's sustainability program. See: Airport Improvement Program Passenger Facility Charge (PFC) program Airports Council International American Association of Airport Executives Jacobs to Acquire Remaining Stake in PA Consulting Aviation News Update: Air Traffic Controller Pay During Shutdowns Meets Resistance The House Transportation Committee advanced a bipartisan bill (H.R.6086 – Aviation Funding Solvency Act) which “provides continuing appropriations to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) if (1) an appropriations bill for the FAA has not been enacted before a fiscal year begins, or (2) a law making continuing appropriations for the FAA is not in effect.” The “bill provides appropriations from the Aviation Insurance Revolving Fund at the rate of operations that was provided for the prior fiscal year to continue programs, projects, and activities that were funded in the preceding fiscal year. The FAA may use the balance of the fund, minus $1 billion. If the FAA determines that the amounts from the fund are insufficient to continue all programs, projects, or activities, then the FAA must prioritize compensation payments for employees of the Air Traffic Organization (e.g., air traffic controllers).” However, Steve Womack (R-Ark.), chair of the House Appropriations Committee's transportation panel, is critical of the legislation. The Aviation Insurance Revolving Fund exists to cover war‑risk insurance claims for airlines participating in government programs such as the Civil Reserve Air Fleet (CRAF), when commercial insurance is unavailable or withdrawn. The balance was originally built up from premiums paid by airlines, but that premium program authority expired in 2014. Because the fund has been largely unused for claims, investment earnings have grown it to roughly more than 2.6 billion dollars, significantly above what has historically been needed for CRAF-related claims. The Abundance Problem: Why the FAA Has Spent 40 Years Modernizing Air Traffic Control—and Still Isn't Done Vincent E. Bianco III, an FAA Veteran and Senior Aviation Safety Consultant, describes why presidential administrations and Congresses have failed to adequately fund the FAA and modernize the ATC system. He draws on a concept from the March 2025 book Abundance: What America Gets Wrong About Capitalism and What We Can Do to Fix It, by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson. Those authors describe how an institution, like the FAA, can become paralyzed by process, where well-intentioned rules accumulate. Each rule is logical by itself, but taken together, they end up stifling progress. FAA Publishes Unleaded Avgas Transition Plan Daft Section 827 of the 2024 FAA Reauthorization Act directs the FAA to facilitate a safe, timely, and orderly transition to unleaded alternatives while maintaining operational efficiency. The FAA released a Draft Transition Plan to Unleaded Aviation Gasoline – For Public Comment (January 2026, Version 1.0, 77 pages), which phases out 100LL fuel by 2030 in the contiguous United States, and by 2032 in Alaska. The FAA is seeking feedback from aviation professionals, specifically aircraft owners, pilots, and aviation stakeholders. Boeing warned 15 years ago about a part problem at the center of UPS crash The Air Current reports that in an investigation update, the NTSB noted “that cracking discovered in a spherical bearing assembly from the accident aircraft ‘appears consistent' with an issue identified by Boeing almost 15 years ago.” The bearing assembly is part of the pylon aft mount bulkhead. That mount, and the forward mount bulkhead and thrust link assembly, attach the engine pylon to the wing. “The NTSB's preliminary report on the accident, released Nov. 20, revealed that on the left pylon aft mount bulkhead, the forward and aft lugs that house the spherical bearing assembly had fractured and separated. The spherical bearing's outer race, which contains the ball bearing and allows it to move independently of the surrounding parts, had also fractured around its circumference.” The 2011 Boeing service letter informed operators of bearing race failures on three different airplanes. A visual inspection of the part was added to the regular 60-month maintenance cycle. Also, Boeing recommended (but did not require) installing a new part design. Boeing determined that failure of the bearing race would “not result in a safety of flight condition.” The NTSB is not saying this is the conclusive cause of the accident. Hundreds of Aircraft Deregistered in FAA Move Against Trust Company About 800 aircraft registered through U.K.-based Southern Aircraft Consultancy have been grounded after the FAA informed the company it did not meet U.S. citizenship requirements. Those requirements allow a trustee firm to register aircraft in the US. Southern Aircraft Consultancy's registration service allows non-American owners to maintain N-registrations on their planes. Southern Aircraft Consultancy says it intends to transfer its business to a U.S.-based company. See: Aircraft Trusts/Voting Trusts NBAA: FAA Aircraft Groundings Over Trustee Violations Show Need for Operator Diligence 737 Diversion Music artist, airline pilot, author, and piano technician Peter Buffington has released his second new studio album, 737 – Diversion by Speed Brake Armed. “Recorded between late-night flights, hotel rooms, and restless studio time, 737 – Diversion captures the raw energy of sleepless nights, long-haul journeys, and the electric haze of life lived at 37,000 feet experienced by pilots. The 15-track project blends classic pop, worldly electronic, country, classic rock, and piano solo with introspective lyricism that pushes aviation-themed music into new territory. The music is family-friendly, yet captures the intensity of airline flying.” 737 Diversion on Apple Music Mentioned California dreamin’! New nonstop service coming to Maine airport Photographs by Listener Steve: Pratt & Whitney 747SP test aircraft at EAA Airventure Oshkosh. A340 on takeoff. A340 in flight. Hosts this Episode Max Flight, our Main(e) Man Micah, and Rob Mark.
Send me a messageEurope doesn't have a clean energy problem. It has a grid problem.Solar is cheap. Batteries are scaling. Demand is exploding. The system in the middle is cracking.In this episode, I'm joined by Rob Stait, Managing Director of Alight's behind-the-meter business, to unpack why the energy transition is now being held back less by technology and more by infrastructure, regulation, and outdated thinking. Alight develops and owns onsite solar and battery systems for large energy users across Europe, using long-term PPAs to lock in savings, cut emissions, and build resilience.We dig into why waiting for cheaper solar or batteries is often the wrong call, and why businesses that move early gain a structural advantage. You'll hear how behind-the-meter solar and battery storage bypass grid bottlenecks entirely, why blaming renewables for blackouts misses the real issue, and how decentralised generation is reshaping energy security, affordability, and decarbonisation all at once.We also explore the uncomfortable reality facing Europe's grids, the growing role of data centres and electrification, and why microgrids are starting to look less like an edge case and more like the logical endgame of the energy transition. This is a grounded conversation about climate tech that works, emissions reduction that scales, and why net zero will be built through economics as much as policy.
Send us a textEpisode Summary: In this episode of the PIO Podcast, Robert interviews Gaurav Gupta, head of R&D at Kotter, discussing the transformative role of AI in public information and communication. Gaurav shares insights on generative AI's impact on content creation, the importance of effective communication strategies, and the need for transparency in AI usage. They explore the challenges posed by misinformation, the need to reskill the workforce, and the importance of aligning AI tools with agency strategies. The conversation emphasizes that AI should be viewed as an enabler of change rather than a replacement for human roles, underscoring the importance of leadership and adaptability in navigating the evolving AI landscape.Gaurav's BIO: GAURAV GUPTA has been helping organizations and individuals unleash potential and maximize business outcomes for over 20 years. His expertise is in change leadership and strategy execution. By combining thinking from behavioral science, leadership development, and strategy implementation, he has advised leaders on their most important business initiatives across industries as diverse as finance, healthcare, extraction, oil and gas, and chemicals. Having worked in over 10 countries, Gaur3av draws on extensive global experience in collaborating with leaders to develop and implement new ways of working in their organizations. Gaurav is the head of R+D at Kotter and collaborates with Dr. John Kotter, the world-renowned expert on change and leadership, to develop the most successful approaches to create large-scale change and greater adaptability. Gaurav is the co-author of the book Change: How Organizations Achieve Hard-to-Imagine Results in Uncertain and Volatile Times. Gaurav represents Kotter through speaking engagements, consulting, and facilitated learning events. Gaurav also co-founded Ka Partners, a firm established to help growing startups perform better through greater employee engagement, more efficient resource utilization, and better decision-making. Gaurav has delivered keynote addresses for corporate clients and at various conferences. He has published numerous articles, including in HBR, MIT Sloan Review, and Forbes, and has been quoted in publications like The Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, and USA Today. He holds a Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering from Cornell University and a Bachelor's degree in Physics from Middlebury College, where he graduated summa cum laude. Support the showOur premiere sponsor, Social News Desk, has an exclusive offer for PIO Podcast listeners. Head over to socialnewsdesk.com/pio to get three months free when a qualifying agency signs up.
In this episode of Research Insights, we revisit a conversation originally featured in the Young Professional Advisory Council (YPAC) Podcast Series. Host Tasso Buntivas, Vice Chair of YPAC, speaks with Dale Hall, Managing Director of Research at the Society of Actuaries Research Institute. Dale provides an in-depth look into the SOA's research initiatives—from experience studies and practice research to emerging topics such as artificial intelligence, climate risk, and longevity modeling. He also explains how the SOA's research informs public policy, shapes industry practices, and delivers societal value. This engaging discussion offers valuable insight for both early-career and experienced actuaries interested in contributing to or better understanding the impact of actuarial research. Dale shares the many ways actuaries can get involved, regardless of background or experience level. Whether you're curious about how research priorities are set or seeking ways to contribute, this episode offers a compelling look at the people, process, and purpose behind SOA research.
In this episode, Danny Resnick, Managing Director and Wealth Partner at J.P. Morgan Wealth Management, and Abe Puerto, Executive Director and head of J.P. Morgan Defined Contribution Consulting, discuss key trends shaping employer-sponsored retirement plans. They cover market timing versus rebalancing, the evolving role of target date funds, the potential inclusion of alternative assets, and […]
It's YOUR time to #EdUp with Dr. David Hatami, Managing Director & Chief Policy Officer, EduPolicy.aiIn this episode, sponsored by the ELIVE 2026 Conference in Denver, Colorado, April 19-22, & the 2026 InsightsEDU Conference in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, February 17-19,YOUR cohost is Dr. Michael Horowitz, Chancellor & Founder, The Community Solution Education SystemYOUR host is Elvin FreytesHow does EduPolicy.ai translate complex AI regulations into actionable guidance for higher education & why must AI policy leadership come from the top to create institution wide buy in?How should institutions implement umbrella AI policies with department specific sub policies since admissions, financial aid, academics & registrar all use technology differently with unique data needs?How does AI policy become a living document that stays active in institutional ecosystems rather than collecting dust & what happens when only half of users enforce policy like a city where only half the police enforce laws?Listen in to #EdUpThank YOU so much for tuning in. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to EdUp!Connect with YOUR EdUp Team - Elvin Freytes & Dr. Joe Sallustio● Join YOUR EdUp community at The EdUp ExperienceWe make education YOUR business!P.S. Want to get early, ad-free access & exclusive leadership content to help support the show? Then subscribe today to lock in YOUR $5.99/m lifetime supporters rate! This offer ends December 31, 2025!
What if the leadership practices that once kept schools running are now holding them back? In this episode of Change Starts Here, host Dustin Odham sits down with David Kasperson, co-author of the Wall Street Journal bestseller Trust & Inspire and Director of Speaking & Business Development at FranklinCovey, to challenge the deeply rooted belief that control drives results.Together, they explore why traditional, compliance-driven leadership is reaching its breaking point in today's schools—and how shifting to a Trust & Inspire model can unlock the latent potential of educators and students alike. Kasperson reframes trust not as a “soft” idea, but as rocket fuel for innovation, engagement, and performance.Listeners will gain practical insights into the three stewardships of leadership—modeling, trusting, and inspiring—and learn how to rebuild trust, even after it's been damaged. This conversation is a call to action for K–12 leaders ready to move beyond managing tasks and start leading people with belief, purpose, and stewardship.Get Your Copy of Trust & Inspire:https://store.leaderinme.com/products/trust-and-inspire-book-hardcover Host:Dustin Odham, Managing Director with FranklinCovey EducationGuest:David Kasperson, Co-author of Trust & Inspire and Director of Speaking & Business Development at FranklinCoveyTimestamps: (00:00 - 01:18) Episode introduction (01:18 - 03:04) David's leadership journey (03:04 - 04:47) Why trust matters now (04:47 - 07:19) Measuring trust vs. engagement (07:19 - 09:11) Speed as a differentiator (09:11 - 11:07) Management vs. leadership paradigms (11:07 - 14:13) Moving beyond compliance (14:13 - 17:09) Barriers to trust (17:09 - 19:56) Tapping into inspiration (19:56 - 24:11) High expectations, not micromanagement (24:11 - 30:37) Steps to rebuild trust (30:37 - 36:23) Stewardship for the person (36:23 - 42:38) Love in the classroom (42:38 - 44:13) Leading through potential (44:13 - 46:05) Overcoming leadership frustration (46:05 - 50:00) Outro and resources