Podcasts about B2B

A deep dive into Nepal's protest surge, where BitChat's mesh network and Discord polls helped topple a government, with Bitcoin‑adjacent tools fueling the uprising. Dive into the wild story of how Nepal's government was overthrown using Jack Dorsey's BitChat mesh network app and Discord polls. From social media bans sparking protests to Zoomers coordinating via Bluetooth networks, this episode explores the intersection of crypto technology and political revolution. Plus, Charlie Kirk's thoughts on Bitcoin strategic reserves. Subscribe to the newsletter! https://newsletter.blockspacemedia.com **Notes:** • BitChat downloads jumped from 3K to 50K in one day • 48,000 Nepal downloads = 38% of total installs • 26 social media platforms banned Sept 4th • Bluetooth mesh network max range ~30 meters • Charlie Kirk supports US Bitcoin reserve • Discord poll selected interim leadership Timestamps 00:00 Start 00:25 Citizens rebel in Nepal 03:44 BitChat 05:08 Nepal backstory 06:18 BitChat to the rescue 11:41 Discord voting 21:26 Hot topic of week -

Your Playbook for Black Friday & Cyber Monday Creative that ConvertsSign up here: https://www.tiereleven.com/BfcmGet your Beauty Brand's creative trend report from one of the most successful Creative Strategists, Lauren Schwartz. In this FREE webinar, you'll get all the Angles, Styles & Hooks That Sell (Before Your Competitors Catch On.) Black Friday and Cyber Monday are the most competitive moments of the year for beauty brands, and the right creative is how you win. In this webinar, we'll reveal the trends, hooks, and tactics driving conversions before your competitors catch on. You'll learn:Angles, Styles, and Hooks - Those that are actually selling this season, and not the trends we are going to see over-saturated.Macro Creative Trends - Learn all about the Macro creative trends that will shape your Q4 creative ads.Holiday Hooks - Holiday hooks that can be shaped to your brand to own the feed and stop the scroll.Quick Start Checklist - Get the ultimate quick start checklist so you can apply these learnings to your brand in under 7 days.Many marketers focus solely on driving traffic but overlook the critical step that follows: the landing page. In this episode, Andrew Miller, Co-Founder and VP of Client Services at Workshop Digital, shares how landing page optimization (LPO) and leveraging first-party data can drastically increase the ROI of your marketing campaigns.With over 20 years of experience, Andrew has helped countless B2B businesses maximize their conversions by optimizing their post-click experience. We explore the game-changing role of AI tools like Google's AI Max and how they're reshaping the future of online marketing.You'll also learn how to bridge the gap between AI-driven ads and optimized landing pages for different target audiences to attract better leads and achieve higher conversions.In This Episode:- SEO in the age of AI- Content quality and distribution strategies- How AI Max has impacted Google ads- The future of media buying and data flow- Optimizing landing pages and the post-click experience- Why aligning marketing and sales is critical - How to optimize data flows & micro conversions for better leads- Targeting the right customers with AI- Case study on the impact of dedicated landing pages- How to get in touch with Andrew MillerMentioned In the Episode:Google AI Max: https://blog.google/products/ads-commerce/google-ai-max-for-search-campaigns/Previous episodes on landing page optimization:https://perpetualtraffic.com/podcast/episode-711-defeat-the-new-google-ai-max-landing-page-doomsday-with-val-riley/ https://perpetualtraffic.com/podcast/episode-707-decode-googles-new-diabolical-landing-page-changes-with-tas-bober/ Listen to This Episode on Your Favorite Podcast Channel:Follow and listen on Apple:

AI can do a lot, but it's ineffective when it comes to building relationships with prospects. Even though creating connections is important, most sellers tend to struggle with this. I invited my guest, Ravi Rajani, a sales coach and author of Relationship Currency, to join me in this episode to discuss his newest book. He shares what inspired him to write this book and why sellers need to focus more on building relationships to create strong pipelines.The Origins of "Relationship Currency"· To start, Ravi discusses what inspired him to write his first book. He shares a funny story about talking to his mentor about the idea of writing a book while having a second baby on the way. · Looking back on his career and life, he noticed how much his relationships influenced his success. He learned that by building trust and communication skills, other sellers can achieve the same success.The Central Role of Trust· Would you be friends with your bestie if you didn't trust them? Your prospects feel the same way when it comes to doing business with you. · Trust is the glue that holds relationships together. In his book, Ravi talks about the "Three Cs" of trust:o Connection (the emotional bond)o Character (your invisible values)o Competence (showing expertise without being overbearing)· You need all three to establish lasting trust, whether with clients, colleagues, or partners.The Art of Listening and Empathetic Questions· Ravi explains how surface-level questions yield surface-level relationships, but conscious questions develops deep relationships. · A “conscious question” is rooted in positive intent and service. For example, instead of “How are you?” ask something you know the other person is emotionally invested in.Five Habits to Build Relationship Currency· Here are the five habits that help build the Three Cs:o Transform Your Internal Story: The relationship you have with yourself sets the tone for all others.o Ask Conscious Questions: Rooted in service and positive intent; paired with deep listening.o Unearth Your Charisma: True charisma makes others feel significant.o Tell Stories That Inspire Change: Especially social proof stories—show, don't tell.o Become the Trusted Guide: Help others achieve their goals without self-interest, bringing all habits together.Ravi's Advice for Leaders: Model the Change· If you want your team to be more passionate or authentic, you need to model that energy and intention yourself.· Reinforce these behaviors by acknowledging team members who practice them.· Genuine compliments go a long way—they activate the same brain areas as financial rewards!“I believe that the only currency that has mattered is relationships. And the only currency that will matter moving forward is relationships, especially in a world increasingly being shaped by AI.” - Ravi Rajani.ResourcesRavi RajaniBook | Speaker, Coach & Consultant | Ravi RajaniRavi Rajani's mission is to help B2B tech sales teams ditch feature dumping for storytelling so they can get their prospect's attention, become trusted advisors and win more relationships.Sponsorship Offers1. This episode is brought to you in part by Hubspot.With HubSpot sales hubs, your data tools and teams join a single platform to close deals and

SaaStr 820: The Complete Guide  to Vibe Coding  Without a Developer with SaaStr CEO and Founder Jason Lemkin Join us in this episode as we dive into the world of vibe coding with a prosumer approach. SaaStr CEO and Founder Jason Lemkin shares his extensive journey of building production-ready applications without a developer, using platforms like Replit and Lovable. From initial excitement to hard-earned lessons, learn about the strengths, challenges, and key takeaways from creating and deploying vibe-coded apps. Discover why the hype around 'building an app in 20 minutes' is often misleading, and understand the importance of thorough planning, competitive research, and mastering your platform. Whether you're a founder, aspiring app creator, or tech enthusiast, this episode will provide valuable insights into the future of no-code and low-code development.   ----------------------- This episode is sponsored by Intercom  Fin is the #1 AI Agent for resolving complex queries like refunds, transaction disputes, and technical troubleshooting—all with speed and reliability. See how Fin can deliver the highest resolution rates and highest-quality customer experience at fin.ai/saastr. --------------------- If you're serious about B2B and AI, you need to be in London this December 2nd and 3rd.   SaaStr AI London is bringing together more than 2,000 leaders and founders for two days of practical advice on scaling into the new year.    We'll have speakers flying in from OpenAI, Wiz, Clay, Intercom, and all your favorite SaaS companies, including yours truly with Harry Stebbings for a live 20VC podcast. It'll be fun, and it's all in the heart of London.    Don't miss out: get your tickets with my exclusive discount by going to podcast.saastrlondon.com   ---------------------   Hey everybody, the biggest B2B + AI event of the year will be back - SaaStr AI in the SF Bay Area, aka the SaaStr Annual, will be back in May 2026.    With 68% VP-level and above, 36% CEOs and founders and a growing 25% AI-first professional, this is the very best of the best S-tier attendees and decision makers that come to SaaStr each year.     But here's the reality, folks: the longer you wait, the higher ticket prices can get. Early bird tickets are available now, but once they're gone, you'll pay hundreds more so don't wait.    Lock in your spot today by going to podcast podcast.saastrannual.com to get my exclusive discount SaaStr AI SF 2026. We'll see you there.

If you love what we do, become a premium YouTube Subscriber or join our Patreon: • https://www.patreon.com/mapitforward• https://www.youtube.com/mapitforwardCheck out our on-demand workshops here: • https://mapitforward.coffee/workshopsConsider joining one of our Mastermind Groups here:• https://mapitforward.coffee/groupcoachingJoin our mailing list:• https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglistInterested in our business advisory services for your small, medium, or large business? Email us here: support@mapitforward.orgLooking for B2B advertising on our podcast for the coffee industry: support@mapitforward.org or DM us here https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••Welcome to the 5th episode of a five-part podcast series on The Daily Coffee Pro by Map It Forward Podcast, hosted by Map It Forward founder, Lee Safar.Returning to the podcast for the second time in 2025 are audience favourites, Felipe Croce from FAF Coffees in Brazil and Angel Barrera from Belco (in France), based in Colombia.This series is a follow-up to the last time Felipe and Angel appeared on the podcast, at the beginning of 2025. At that time, the discussion was focused on the forces driving the coffee crisis and the expectations of the year ahead in coffee.Now, as we head towards the final quarter of 2025, we revisit the topics we discussed in our last series, examining the realities of the state of the coffee supply chain and the status of the coffee crisis. The 5 episodes in this series are:1. 2025 Coffee Market So Far - https://youtu.be/9ogTc89Mw_o2. Volatility in Global Coffee 2025 - https://youtu.be/sprQmYDJLww3. Challenges at Coffee Origin in 2025 - https://youtu.be/IXzJ-Lwvhmc4. Coffee Industry Consolidation - https://youtu.be/HlNePLOInHI5. 18 Month Global Coffee Outlook - https://youtu.be/ouy150HDwGIIn this final episode of this Map It Forward podcast series, Lee, Felipe, and Angel discuss the current state and future of the global coffee industry in 2025. They delve into various issues affecting the market, from sky-high prices to supply chain complexities. The conversation highlights the need for businesses to be better informed, focus on the value proposition, and adapt in an uncertain market. They also touch upon the importance of sustainable practices and conscious consumerism. The episode offers valuable insights and practical advice for anyone involved in the coffee industry.Connect with Angel and Belco here:https://www.belco.fr/https://www.linkedin.com/in/angel-barrera-8a0b2236/https://www.instagram.com/koliafobiano/https://www.instagram.com/belco.coffee/Connect with Felipe and FAF here:https://www.instagram.com/felipecroce/https://www.instagram.com/fafcoffees/https://fafbrazil.com/••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••Connect with Map It Forward here: Website | Instagram | Mailing list

Wade Brown is the Vice President of Marketing at cbdMD, a publicly traded company known for its CBD and cannabis product lines. He is a seasoned executive with expertise across ecommerce, B2B and B2C channels, digital advertising, and strategic partnerships. Wade has led marketing for restricted product categories, including CBD, THC beverages, firearms, and tactical gear, with leadership roles at SupplyKick, Inc Authority, NatureWise, among others. At cbdMD, he drives customer acquisition and creative ad strategies, spearheading the launch of the Herbal Oasis infused beverage line and securing distribution with major retailers like Total Wine. In this episode… When the usual ad channels become crowded, expensive, or off-limits, many brands can get stuck with limited growth options. For companies in restricted categories, the challenge is even greater: How do you reach high-quality customers while staying compliant and profitable? Could a lesser-known platform like AppLovin be the untapped opportunity these brands need? According to Wade Brown, a seasoned marketing leader with deep expertise in restricted product categories, AppLovin has become one of the most reliable top-of-funnel acquisition channels. He highlights that the platform delivers trackable, high-quality traffic, often outperforming Meta and TikTok. The key, Wade explains, is repurposing proven creatives like UGC videos while also testing interactive HTML ads that offer richer engagement. By treating AppLovin as a funnel starter rather than expecting immediate conversions, brands can nurture audiences more effectively and expand reach into new markets. This strategic approach helps restricted brands capture authentic traffic and build sustainable campaigns. In this episode of the Minds of Ecommerce, Raphael Paulin-Daigle interviews Wade Brown, VP of Marketing at cbdMD, about how AppLovin helps restricted brands scale customer acquisition. Wade discusses the advantages of HTML ads, how to repurpose winning creatives, and the importance of patience in testing. He also shares insights into funnel measurement, traffic quality, and common mistakes marketers make when evaluating new platforms.

I share a crucial sales framework that can prevent you from losing deals after what seemed like successful presentation meetings. I explain the "BAMFAM" (Book a Meeting from a Meeting) strategy, which ensures you never leave a proposal meeting empty-handed without either a clear decision or a confirmed next step on the calendar. //Welcome to Repeatable Revenue, hosted by strategic growth advisor , Ray J. Green.About Ray:→ Former Managing Director of National Small & Midsize Business at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, where he doubled revenue per sale in fundraising, led the first increase in SMB membership, co-built a national Mid-Market sales channel, and more.→ Former CEO operator for several investor groups where he led turnarounds of recently acquired small businesses.→ Current founder of MSP Sales Partners, where we currently help IT companies scale sales: www.MSPSalesPartners.com→ Current Sales & Sales Management Expert in Residence at the world's largest IT business mastermind.→ Current Managing Partner of Repeatable Revenue Ventures, where we scale B2B companies we have equity in: www.RayJGreen.com//Follow Ray on:YouTube | LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Check out the TIES Sales Showdown at www.tx.ag/TIESVisit The Sales Lab at https://thesaleslab.org and check out all our guests' recommended readings at https://thesaleslab.org/reading-listTo listen to The Sales Lab Podcast on your favorite apps, visit https://thesaleslab.simplecast.com/ and select your preferred method of listening.Connect with us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/saleslabpodcastConnect with us on Linkedin at https://www.linkedin.com/company/thesaleslabSubscribe to The Sales Lab channel on YouTube at  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp703YWbD3-KO73NXUTBI-Q 

If you love what we do, become a premium YouTube Subscriber or join our Patreon: • https://www.patreon.com/mapitforward• https://www.youtube.com/mapitforwardCheck out our on-demand workshops here: • https://mapitforward.coffee/workshopsConsider joining one of our Mastermind Groups here:• https://mapitforward.coffee/groupcoachingJoin our mailing list:• https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglistInterested in our business advisory services for your small, medium, or large business? Email us here: support@mapitforward.orgLooking for B2B advertising on our podcast for the coffee industry: support@mapitforward.org or DM us here https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••Welcome to the 4th episode of a five-part podcast series on The Daily Coffee Pro by Map It Forward Podcast, hosted by Map It Forward founder, Lee Safar.Returning to the podcast for the second time in 2025 are audience favourites, Felipe Croce from FAF Coffees in Brazil and Angel Barrera from Belco (in France), based in Colombia.This series is a follow-up to the last time Felipe and Angel appeared on the podcast, at the beginning of 2025. At that time, the discussion was focused on the forces driving the coffee crisis and the expectations of the year ahead in coffee.Now, as we head towards the final quarter of 2025, we revisit the topics we discussed in our last series, examining the realities of the state of the coffee supply chain and the status of the coffee crisis. The 5 episodes in this series are:1. 2025 Coffee Market So Far - https://youtu.be/9ogTc89Mw_o2. Volatility in Global Coffee 2025 - https://youtu.be/sprQmYDJLww3. Challenges at Coffee Origin in 2025 - https://youtu.be/IXzJ-Lwvhmc4. Coffee Industry Consolidation - https://youtu.be/HlNePLOInHI5. 18 Month Global Coffee Outlook - https://youtu.be/ouy150HDwGIIn this episode of this Map It Forward podcast, Lee, Felipe, and Angel delve into the ongoing consolidation within the industry and its impact on small and medium-sized businesses.The conversation explores how market concentration affects producers, roasters, and traders, and highlights the opportunities for innovation and niche markets. They also examine the role of mega-conglomerates like Keurig, Dr. Pepper, JDE Peet's, and Nestle. The discussion emphasizes the importance of traceability, adaptability, and creative business models to compete against the giants. Join us for an insightful and balanced conversation about the future of the volatile coffee market.Connect with Angel and Belco here:https://www.belco.fr/https://www.linkedin.com/in/angel-barrera-8a0b2236/https://www.instagram.com/koliafobiano/https://www.instagram.com/belco.coffee/Connect with Felipe and FAF here:https://www.instagram.com/felipecroce/https://www.instagram.com/fafcoffees/https://fafbrazil.com/••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••Connect with Map It Forward here: Website | Instagram | Mailing list

#281 Growth | In this episode, Dave is joined by Chris Walker, CEO of Passetto, and a prominent voice on LinkedIn, where he has been pushing the boundaries of B2B marketing for years. Chris shares actionable insights and tactics on social media strategy, what has changed in marketing over the last five years, and how to build effective feedback loops and flywheels.Dave and Chris also cover:The future of GTM and the evolving role of the CMOWhy sustainable growth is the only path forwardThe transformative role AI will play in B2B marketingTimestamps(00:53) - - Intro to Chris Walker (03:49) - - Managing different perspectives on social media (08:21) - - The ROI of podcasts and social media engagement (13:44) - - Why real-time feedback loops are valuable (19:19) - - Shifting from "growth at all costs" to sustainable growth (25:09) - - Rethinking marketing measurement and ROI (33:04) - - Splitting marketing teams: strategy vs. pipeline creation (40:09) - - How AI is reshaping B2B marketing teams (48:14) - - Chris's approach to creativity and focus (52:59) - - Predictions for the future of B2B marketing (54:37) - - Outro Send guest pitches and ideas to hi@exitfive.comJoin the Exit Five Newsletter here: https://www.exitfive.com/newsletterCheck out the Exit Five job board: https://jobs.exitfive.com/Become an Exit Five member: https://community.exitfive.com/checkout/exit-five-membership***This episode of the Exit Five podcast is brought to you by Qualified.AI is the hottest topic in marketing right now. And one thing we hear a lot of you marketers talking about is how you can use AI Agents to help run your marketing machine.That's where Qualifed comes in with Piper, their AI SDR agent.Piper is the #1 AI SDR Agent on the market according to G2, and hundreds of companies like Box, Asana, and Brex, have hired Piper to autonomously grow inbound pipeline. How good does that sound?Qualified customers are seeing a massive business impact with Piper: a 3X increase in meetings booked and a 2X increase in pipeline.The Agentic Marketing era has arrived. And if you're a B2B marketing leader looking to scale pipeline generation, Piper the #1 AI SDR Agent is here to help.Hire Piper, the #1 AI SDR Agent, and grow your pipeline today.You can learn more at qualified.com/exit5

Military spouses often face challenges when seeking jobs. They raise their military families while one parent is frequently deployed for months or years at a time. Military members regularly PCS to a different duty station, making it difficult for a spouse to remain employed. Entrepreneurship is a good way for a military spouse to earn some extra money. Monica Fullerton created Spouse-ly, an online business that spotlights and supports businesses owned by military spouses, transitioning service members and veterans. Meet this successful entrepreneur and learn more about her business, path to a rewarding career and more in the fourth and final episode of Veteran Entrepreneurs, a special four-part podcast series from The American Legion Tango Alpha Lima podcast. Special Guest: Monica Bassett.

Flashnet CEO Ethan Marcus breaks down Bitcoin's on‑chain trading, fee wars, stablecoin hurdles, and why Spark aims to outpace Lightning—all in under 35 minutes. Flashnet CEO Ethan Marcus joins us to discuss Bitcoin's scaling landscape, on‑chain spot markets, the challenges of stablecoins, and how Spark's signing protocol offers a fast, cheap alternative to Lightning. He also shares candid lessons from a $300 k load test and his vision for Bitcoin‑native finance. Subscribe to the newsletter! https://newsletter.blockspacemedia.com Notes:     Coinbase charges ~70 bps per trade.     Spark handled $300 k in 9 min during beta.     Bitcoin spot volume ≈ $20‑30 trillion yr.     Lightning's fee‑free stablecoin rollout deemed “disaster”.     Spark's operator model uses threshold signatures.     Braille's USD‑BTC stablecoin launches on Spark. Timestamps: 00:00 Start 01:52 Is Flashnet crypto or fintech? 02:23 What is Spark? 03:25 Role of the Operator 05:06 Like a State Chain but different 06:50 Spark idea origins 08:54 Flashnet 11:08 Why not build on Lightning? 12:16 Hyperliquid 15:00 How does Spark fit into BTC scaling? 16:30 Why use a DEX? 18:38 Evolution of on-chain exchanges 20:35 Braille & stablecoins 21:58 RGB & other protocols 24:15 Park launch troubles 26:16 Degens lend a helping hand 28:08 Corporate chains 30:21 Single sequencer = server 32:09 Zero Day 33:08 Innovations in BTC -

Tired of sending follow-up messages into the void? Getting ghosted by prospects who seemed interested? The problem isn't your follow-up strategy—it's what happened BEFORE you needed to follow up. In this episode, you'll discover the tough-love truth about why people don't respond and the four non-negotiables that make follow-up unnecessary. Learn how to structure initial conversations so prospects can't ignore you without breaking their word. What You'll Learn: The Four Non-Negotiables for creating "response-proof" conversations Why getting ghosted is usually your own fault (and how to fix it) 6 proven recovery strategies when prevention doesn't work The psychology behind what makes people respond immediately vs. ignore completely Real-world scripts for high-status follow-ups that don't sound desperate Advanced tactics including the "Consultant Flip" and social proof pressure Perfect for: B2B sales professionals, consultants, and anyone who needs responses from busy decision-makers Stop chasing prospects and start creating conversations they can't ignore. Because the best follow-up is the one you never have to send. Resources mentioned: Smart Calling College at http://SmartCallingCollege.com

SaaStr 819: Swapping Notes on the AI Revolution in Marketing with G2's CMO Sydney Sloan Welcome to Swapping Notes, a new SaaStr podcast series where we cut through the AI hype and get real about who's doing what with AI in B2B.  Amelia LeRutte, Chief AI Officer at SaaStr, and co-host Guillaume Cabane, Co-Founder and General Partner at HyperGrowth Partners, sit down with AI leaders from the companies to share notes and stories on what's working in AI.  In this episode, we swap notes with G2's CMO, Sydney Sloan. Together, we deep dive into the evolving role of AI in marketing and buyer behavior. We explore how AI is reshaping the buying process, the significance of brand trust, and the future of web experiences. The episode also covers the importance of AI orchestration roles and practical advice for founders and CMOs to adapt to the rapid advancements in AI tools and strategies. Tune in to discover insights on how to effectively integrate AI into your marketing efforts and stay ahead in the dynamic landscape. ---------------------   Fin is the #1 AI Agent for resolving complex queries like refunds, transaction disputes, and technical troubleshooting—all with speed and reliability. See how Fin can deliver the highest resolution rates and highest-quality customer experience at fin.ai/saastr. --------------------- If you're serious about B2B and AI, you need to be in London this December 2nd and 3rd.   SaaStr AI London is bringing together more than 2,000 leaders and founders for two days of practical advice on scaling into the new year.    We'll have speakers flying in from OpenAI, Wiz, Clay, Intercom, and all your favorite SaaS companies, including yours truly with Harry Stebbings for a live 20VC podcast. It'll be fun, and it's all in the heart of London.    Don't miss out: get your tickets with my exclusive discount by going to podcast.saastrlondon.com   ---------------------   Hey everybody, the biggest B2B + AI event of the year will be back - SaaStr AI in the SF Bay Area, aka the SaaStr Annual, will be back in May 2026.    With 68% VP-level and above, 36% CEOs and founders and a growing 25% AI-first professional, this is the very best of the best S-tier attendees and decision makers that come to SaaStr each year.     But here's the reality, folks: the longer you wait, the higher ticket prices can get. Early bird tickets are available now, but once they're gone, you'll pay hundreds more so don't wait.    Lock in your spot today by going to podcast podcast.saastrannual.com to get my exclusive discount SaaStr AI SF 2026. We'll see you there.

How is the landscape of B2B commerce transforming in the digital age? Becky Simmons from CONA Services and Becky Wright from CloudGaia discuss the significant changes in B2B commerce facilitated by Salesforce's platform. They explore the implementation of a seamless self-service platform that enables nearly 300,000 end customers to manage orders and inquiries efficiently.  The conversation highlights the unique dynamics of B2B commerce, focusing on account-specific pricing and managing large order volumes while delivering a B2C-like experience. Emphasizing a collaborative 'one team' approach, the episode underscores the importance of partnerships in achieving customer-centric digital transformations and ensuring operational efficiency. Show Highlights: Creation of a seamless self-service digital account management platform for nearly 300,000 end customers Differences between B2B and B2C commerce, focusing on account-specific pricing and large order volumes Importance of a 'one team' approach in executing large-scale B2B projects successfully Role of Salesforce as a single source of truth, enhancing data security and customer satisfaction Cloud Gaia's strategic partnership with Salesforce and Kona Services to ensure project success Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast. *** Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know I sent you.

Send us a textIs cold calling dead? It's the most controversial question in sales, and this week on "The Selling Podcast," Mike and Scott tackle the debate head-on. In a classic showdown of old-school grit versus new-school tech, they lay out the powerful case for and against the cold call.On one side, they argue that cold calling is far from dead, serving as a direct, fast path to decision-makers and a powerful way to build genuine human connection in a digital world. They even explain why, in industries like medical and B2B services, the phone still reigns supreme and is an essential "boot camp" for building a new rep's pipeline and resilience.On the other side, they don't shy away from the harsh realities. They dissect the frustrations of navigating gatekeepers and voicemail graveyards, the low ROI compared to highly targeted social selling, and how the modern buyer's behavior has made cold calls feel like an interruption. They also confront the real issue of burnout and morale that constant rejection can cause.This episode is a balanced, no-BS look at both sides of the argument. Mike and Scott's signature banter will have you laughing as you re-evaluate your own prospecting strategy and decide for yourself if cold calling is a vital tool or a relic of the past.Support the showScott SchlofmanMike Williams - Cell 801-635-7773 #sales #podcast #customerfirst #relationships #success #pipeline #funnel #sales success #selling #salescoach

If you love what we do, become a premium YouTube Subscriber or join our Patreon: • https://www.patreon.com/mapitforward• https://www.youtube.com/mapitforwardCheck out our on-demand workshops here: • https://mapitforward.coffee/workshopsConsider joining one of our Mastermind Groups here:• https://mapitforward.coffee/groupcoachingJoin our mailing list:• https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglistInterested in our business advisory services for your small, medium, or large business? Email us here: support@mapitforward.orgLooking for B2B advertising on our podcast for the coffee industry: support@mapitforward.org or DM us here https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••Welcome to the 3rd episode of a five-part podcast series on The Daily Coffee Pro by Map It Forward Podcast, hosted by Map It Forward founder, Lee Safar.Returning to the podcast for the second time in 2025 are audience favourites, Felipe Croce from FAF Coffees in Brazil and Angel Barrera from Belco (in France), based in Colombia.This series is a follow-up to the last time Felipe and Angel appeared on the podcast, at the beginning of 2025. At that time, the discussion was focused on the forces driving the coffee crisis and the expectations of the year ahead in coffee.Now, as we head towards the final quarter of 2025, we revisit the topics we discussed in our last series, examining the realities of the state of the coffee supply chain and the status of the coffee crisis. The 5 episodes in this series are:1. 2025 Coffee Market So Far - https://youtu.be/9ogTc89Mw_o2. Volatility in Global Coffee 2025 - https://youtu.be/sprQmYDJLww3. Challenges at Coffee Origin in 2025 - https://youtu.be/IXzJ-Lwvhmc4. Coffee Industry Consolidation - https://youtu.be/HlNePLOInHI5. 18 Month Global Coffee Outlook - https://youtu.be/ouy150HDwGIIn this episode of this Map It Forward podcast, Lee, Felipe, and Angel discuss the challenges facing coffee production in 2025, market volatility, and the shifts in consumer expectations. Key topics include the impact of climate change on coffee farms, the shift towards Robusta production, the future of specialty coffee, and the importance of sustainable supply chains.The episode provides insights into why purely specialty coffee businesses struggle and what needs to change for them to thrive in a volatile market. Join the conversation on how the coffee industry needs to evolve to meet these new challenges and opportunities.Connect with Angel and Belco here:https://www.belco.fr/https://www.linkedin.com/in/angel-barrera-8a0b2236/https://www.instagram.com/koliafobiano/https://www.instagram.com/belco.coffee/Connect with Felipe and FAF here:https://www.instagram.com/felipecroce/https://www.instagram.com/fafcoffees/https://fafbrazil.com/••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••Connect with Map It Forward here: Website | Instagram | Mailing list

In this episode of The Product Experience, Lily Smith speaks with Sally Foote, a seasoned product leader whose journey from product roles to C-suite commercial leadership spans Carwow, Go Compare, and The Guardian. They unpack the increasingly vital intersection between product, marketing, and sales.Sally explains why growth is a shared responsibility, how product managers can become commercially fluent, and why understanding marketing economics is now critical. Expect actionable advice on working across functions, owning growth levers, and designing products that fuel acquisition and retention. Whether you're in B2B or B2C, there's something in here for every product leader looking to elevate their commercial impact.Key Takeaways:— Modern product managers must understand marketing funnels, ROI, and acquisition costs to create scalable impact.— Propositions beat PPC: In saturated digital channels, differentiation must come from product innovation.— Stop the handoffs: A strict separation between product, marketing, and sales creates missed opportunities and inefficiencies.— Product roadmaps matter to the business: While sometimes shunned by PMs, roadmaps help align and activate sales and marketing functions.— Product marketing isn't enough: What's needed is cross-functional growth thinking—not just better product copy.— B2B is a rich source of insights: Embedding PMs in sales cycles and advisory panels unlocks product innovation directly from the source.— AI is reshaping go-to-market: From focus groups to pricing strategies, machine learning is changing how teams make commercial decisions.— Your funnel is only as good as your data: PMs should design products with marketing data needs in mind to drive better acquisition performance.Featured Links: Follow Sally on LinkedIn | YourRoom AI focus group | Carwow | Watch Sally's 'Maximum Possible Products' talk at #mtpcon London 2019 | Sustainable living made easy with Bower Collective Our HostsLily Smith enjoys working as a consultant product manager with early-stage and growing startups and as a mentor to other product managers. She's currently Chief Product Officer at BBC Maestro, and has spent 13 years in the tech industry working with startups in the SaaS and mobile space. She's worked on a diverse range of products – leading the product teams through discovery, prototyping, testing and delivery. Lily also founded ProductTank Bristol and runs ProductCamp in Bristol and Bath. Randy Silver is a Leadership & Product Coach and Consultant. He gets teams unstuck, helping you to supercharge your results. Randy's held interim CPO and Leadership roles at scale-ups and SMEs, advised start-ups, and been Head of Product at HSBC and Sainsbury's. He participated in Silicon Valley Product Group's Coaching the Coaches forum, and speaks frequently at conferences and events. You can join one of communities he runs for CPOs (CPO Circles), Product Managers (Product In the {A}ether) and Product Coaches. He's the author of What Do We Do Now? A Product Manager's Guide to Strategy in the Time of COVID-19. A recovering music journalist and editor, Randy also launched Amazon's music stores in the US & UK.

Michelle Denogean has one of those careers that makes you stop and take notes. From dreaming of Super Bowl ads to running marketing at eHarmony and Edmunds, advising dozens of startups, writing a book, and now leading as CMO at Mindtrip—she's lived the full spectrum of B2B and B2C.In this conversation, we dig into what's working in B2B marketing today, how to scale reputation and relationships, and the career lessons Michelle learned the hard way (and turned into her leadership superpower).Here's what we cover:Why “reputation” resonates more than “brand” with startup foundersCustomer-as-hero marketing and the power of relationships in B2BScrappy (not crappy!) ways to build brand without big budgetsHow to “punch above your weight” as a startup and look bigger than you areThe decline of email as a pure demand channel (and what to do instead)Why culture is your frontline brand assetHow tough feedback reshaped Michelle's leadership styleBreaking out of the box: taking on projects beyond your roleNetworking early and outside your company to open career doorsThis one is packed with practical takeaways and some real talk about the realities of leading teams, advising founders, and building reputation in 2025.Key Links:Guest: Michelle Denogean: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelledenogean/Host: Jane Serra: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janeserra/––Like WIB2BM? Show us some love with a rating or review. It helps us reach more listeners.

This week, Jeff Clark, former Forrester Research Director, is back, and he and our host Ian Truscott, discuss some new research into the hidden B2B buyer from Edelman, and, adhering to the Rockstar CMO editorial policy, they share 5 f'in' things to help reach them through your thought leadership. The five f'in' things this week: The "safest choice" isn't always the winning one Develop the extended personas Define tactics that attract the hidden buyer Why thought leadership works when other tactics don't Setting up your CRM to identify hidden buyers As always, we welcome your feedback. If you have a suggestion for a topic that's hot for you that we should discuss, please get in touch using the links below. Enjoy! — The Links The people: Ian Truscott on LinkedIn Jeff Clark on LinkedIn Mentioned this week: The Rise of the Hidden Buyer: Rethinking B2B Influence Beyond the Obvious | Edelman Map your Buying Groups and Stakeholder Committees in your CRM — Squivr Velocity B Rockstar CMO: The Beat Newsletter that we send every Monday Rockstar CMO on the web, Twitter, and LinkedIn Previous episodes and all the show notes: Rockstar CMO FM. Track List: Stienski & Mass Media - We'll be right back The Rasmus - In the Shadows (Official Music Video) You can listen to this on all good podcast platforms, like Apple, Amazon, and Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Full Circle, we welcome sisters Amoura and Avery Carter, also known as AC², the dynamic duo behind AC Creative Collective. Based in Charlotte, NC, AC Creative Collective provides end-to-end project management, marketing, and design solutions for clients. They can help YOU clarify your business voice, attract high-value clients, and grow with full-service marketing systems designed for ROI.Amoura, CEO and Founder, brings over 10 years in education and 7 years in project management, while Avery, Creative Director, offers a decade of expertise in nonprofit, B2B, and corporate marketing. Together, they've built a family-owned business that's 90% women-led, rooted in collaboration, mentorship, and innovation.We explore:The journey from individual careers to launching a joint venture.What it's like to build and grow a business with family.How economic shifts shaped their pivot to entrepreneurship.Why mentorship and community are essential for women in business.Key Takeaway: You can become an entrepreneur at any age, and the challenges along the way are opportunities to pivot, grow, and thrive. AC Creative Collective is your go-to for full-service marketingCall to Action:Learn more about AC Creative Collective their services and how you can work with them. Follow them on social media @ac_creative_collective and support women-owned businesses that are transforming the entrepreneurial landscape.

In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Glenn Hopper and Paul Barnhurst are joined by Jeff Seibert, founder and CEO of Digits. Jeff shares his journey from creating his first app at the age of 13 to building Digits, a platform that's changing the way businesses approach accounting. With a background in tech and a passion for solving real-world problems, Jeff explains how his frustration with outdated financial systems led to the creation of Digits, which now provides real-time financial data to businesses.Jeff Seibert is the founder and CEO of Digits, an innovative accounting platform that helps businesses manage their finances with real-time insights. Before starting Digits, Jeff co-founded Crashlytics, a mobile performance analytics company that was acquired by Twitter in 2013. He went on to lead Twitter's consumer product team and later appeared in the Emmy Award-winning Netflix documentary The Social Dilemma. A self-taught programmer, Jeff has been a part of the startup world for years and has invested in over 100 companies, earning recognition as one of Insider's Top 100 Seed VCs.In this episode, you will discover:How Jeff's passion for coding started at age 13.The story behind founding Digits and solving slow financial systems.How Digits provides real-time financial data to businesses.Why traditional accounting systems fail and how Digits overcomes it.Jeff's vision for AI and automation in the future of accounting.Jeff shared his journey from building his first app at 13 to leading Digits, offering an insightful look at how modern accounting platforms are reshaping finance operations. His perspective on real-time financial data, overcoming the limitations of traditional systems, and the role of AI in automating workflows provides valuable guidance for finance leaders navigating the future of finance.Follow Jeff:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jseibert/Website - https://jeffseibert.com/Company - https://digits.com/Join hosts Glenn and Paul as they unravel the complexities of AI in finance:Follow Glenn:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiiiFollow Paul:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguyFollow QFlow.AI:Website - https://bit.ly/4i1EkjgFuture Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai, the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai. Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike.In Today's Episode:[02:25] - Jeff's Background[07:11] - Why Traditional Accounting Fails[10:24] - Overcoming Data Challenges[13:17] - The Long Road to Market[17:42] - AI Agents in Real-Time Accounting[21:55] - Overcoming AI Adoption Resistance[23:20] - What's Next for AI in Five Years[25:41] - The Future of...

بهالحلقة من تجارب نستضيف د. حمزة الجنابي، المؤسس والرئيس التنفيذي لشركة Connection CN للاستيراد والتجارة مع الصين، وصاحب علامة مدكس للمستلزمات الطبية. حمزة عاش بالصين ١٢ سنة وتعلّم اللغة والثقافة من الداخل، وبنى منظومة كاملة من السورسنگ والتفاوض والفحص والشحن، لحد ما وصل يوزّع B2B ويستعد يطلق مدكس بلس مباشرةً للزبون.نغوص وياه خطوة بخطوة بعملية الاستيراد الصحيحة للتجّار والشركات الناشئة:شلون تختار المنتج والمصنع والمواصفات قبل لا تسأل عن السعر.التفاوض الذكي: سعر مقابل جودة، وشنو معنى “أفضل سعر لنوعية معيّنة”.فحص الجودة، التجميع والشحن، التحويلات المالية، والتعامل ويا التعرفة والكمارك.قصة “البلاستر” من المعايشة داخل المصنع إلى براند ناجح بالسوق.ليش يتجنّب المنتجات الترندي رغم صفقة “لابوبو” اللي خلصها بساعات.ليش التصنيع المحلي صعب اليوم؟ غياب اللوائح الواضحة ومعوقات فتح معامل.متى تعتمد على شركة وسيطة ومتى تمشيها بنفسك؟ ونصيحة تعلّم الصينية للتعاملات الكبيرة.حلقة مهمة لكل صاحب مشروع، تاجر، وصانع قرار يريد يشتغل وية الصين بعقلانية وبأقل أخطاء.الفصول00:00 معايشة المصانع وقصة البلاستر/السعر مقابل الجودة01:28 تقديم الضيف وشركة Connection CN وخارطة الاستيراد خطوة بخطوة03:56 حادثة الحلقة الأولى وحريق المخزن والدروس المستفادة06:31 الغش بمعدات السلامة وليش الموضوع حياة أو موت10:16 بيئة المخازن والوقاية قبل الفاجعة11:45 سيرة حمزة: صيدلة، ماجستير، ١٢ سنة بالصين، تأسيس مدكس12:32 البدايات: أوردرات صغيرة وبناء الثقة بالكوالتي16:14 مواصفات قبل السعر وكيف تقارن عروض المصانع17:42 شلون تحدد شتريد بالضبط من المنتج18:27 التجربة والفشل كأسرع طريقة تعلّم20:50 توسيع المجالات ببحث منظّم مو ترند21:43 أهمية اللغة الصينية بالتفاوض والـCredit24:53 أمثلة عملية على بناء الثقة مع المصانع27:17 نصيحة مباشرة: تعلّم الصينية إذا ناوي تكبّر28:58 (فاصل رأي) موازين القوى عالمياً وانعكاسها على التجارة29:47 لمحة عن التعرفة الكمركية والواقع بالسوق31:16 نموذج مدكس B2B والتحوّل إلى مدكس بلس B2C32:45 فتح قنوات مع المذاخر وتحديد السلع السريعة34:19 تطوير “البلاستر”: مواد، لاصق زنك أوكسايد، تغليف36:52 تفاصيل الجودة اللي تفرق عند المستخدم38:21 منتج بطل واحد يبني سمعة البراند39:50 تطوير لا “اختراع العجلة”: White Label done right41:21 توسيع الأسكيوز على نفس معيار الجودة42:53 الشغف vs الالتزام والانضباط اليومي44:28 الفروقات بين B2B و B2C45:19 التفكير بمنظومات تمشي وحدها46:06 تجربة “لابوبو” ولماذا الابتعاد عن موجة الترند49:21 اقتصاد الترند ومخاطره على الكاش مارچن50:08 شغل Connection CN: من الفكرة للمصنع للشحن51:46 التعامل مع عملاء بمصادر خاصة وحساسة54:42 كورس الاستيراد: تبس، تريكس، وتجنّب الأخطاء الشائعة56:21 ليش وسيط محترف يوفّر عليك كلفة ووقت ومشاكل58:33 نظام المتابعة والجروبات وضبط الكواليتي59:19 الشركات المنافسة والمنصات ولماذا صعب “أتمتة الجملة”1:01:03 نموذج العمولة وكيف يحسب1:01:53 مستقبل التصنيع بالصين وآسيا والتحوّلات1:04:51 التصنيع بالعراق: وين العُقدة؟1:05:41 محاولات تصنيع فاشلة بسبب غياب اللوائح الواضحة1:07:46 اختلاف الرخص حسب القطاع (بلاستيك/مستلزمات/دواء)1:09:11 منصات وسيطة محلية: وين تنفع ووين حدودها1:09:58 صناعة المحتوى والاستمرار بدون ضغط الأرقام1:12:09 دورة فكرة المحتوى من موقف يومي إلى فيديو1:13:02 أمثلة براندات عراقية ناجحة (365)1:14:09 القادم من حمزة: مدكس بلس وبراند جديد وبراءة اختراع1:15:00 الخلاصةتكدرون تشوفون كل حلقاتنا على منصتكم المفضلة عن طريق الرابط:linktr.ee/tajaribpodcastارسلولنا اقتراحاتكم للضيوف عن طريق الايميل:hello@tajarib.showللتعاون والرعاية:sponsors@tajarib.show

Marketers are hearing a lot about AI. But what does it actually change in the way teams work, make decisions, and connect with customers?In this conversation, Archana Dhankar (AI in Marketing Leader) draws on two decades of B2B marketing experience to argue that AI isn't just another tool. It's forcing a rethink of how marketing is structured. From smarter customer research to cross-team alignment, she explains why execution and soft skills are now as important as technical knowledge.This episode is all about the practical signals that show when a team is ready for AI, and the human skills that make adoption succeed.In this episode:→ How AI is changing customer research and ICPs→ Why specialists gain more from AI than generalists→ The role of soft skills in successful adoption→ Signs your team is ready to bring AI into strategy

#33: Architects often ask the wrong question:“How do I attract clients who actually value design?”In this episode, I sit down with Evelyn Lee, Founder of Practice of Architecture, to unpack why that question is flawed and what architects should be asking instead. We dive into how clients really make decisions, why design alone isn't the deciding factor, and how to position your firm to win the work you want.Evelyn shares her unique perspective from both sides of the table: as a licensed architect and as a client at Slack and Salesforce, where she wrote RFPs and selected design teams. Together, we break down what firms get wrong in interviews, how to reframe conversations with potential clients, and why emotional connection matters just as much as design credentials.Learn more about Practice of Architecture: https://practiceofarchitecture.com/ Connect with Evelyn on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evelynlee/ Work with Tyler: Send the word “Grow” to hello@growthitect.com ⸻What You'll Learn:(01:10) Why “attracting clients who value design” is the wrong question(03:45) Evelyn's path from architect to client-side decision-maker(05:21) How clients really evaluate architects (and what they prioritize over design)(07:26) The hidden value architects deliver beyond aesthetics(09:43) Why design quality often takes a back seat to outcomes and efficiency(13:13) The common mistake architects make in interviews(15:11) How language reveals whether you're truly client-focused(18:11) The simple research step that changes everything in client meetings(20:31) Tools you can use to better understand potential clients (LinkedIn, Pinterest, social media)(24:11) Why interviews should feel like conversations—not sales pitches(26:20) How emotional connection drives B2B and residential client decisions(27:30) Why passing the “design filter” isn't enough(30:19) How to know if you're attracting the right clients(31:45) Aligning your outreach with the clients and projects you want most(34:34) Reframing the question: from “design value” to “client outcomes”(35:59) Where to learn more from Evelyn⸻AISC RESOURCES→ Learn about sustainable steel: http://aisc.org/sustainable → Get your Sustainability Toolkit: http://aisc.org/buildgreen GROWTHITECT RESOURCES→ Apply to join The Studio - https://growthitect.com/studio → Join thousands of architects on the free Growthitect newsletter - https://growthitect.com/join STAY CONNECTED→ Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylersuomala/ → Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growthitect_com → Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@growthitect 

Welcome! Before you hit play, let me ask you this: What would your business look like if LinkedIn stopped being a noisy feed and started acting like your smartest sales partner? Imagine waking up to a calendar filled with qualified calls—not because you spent hours posting and praying, but because a system quietly worked behind the scenes, turning connections into conversations. That's the world we're stepping into today—a world where strategy beats hustle, and AI becomes more than a tool; it becomes your co-pilot for growth.In this episode of The Proven Entrepreneur Show, Joe Apfelbaum, founder of evyAI, opens up about a challenge every entrepreneur knows too well: do you keep grinding endlessly, or is there a smarter way to build your pipeline? You'll hear how one simple mindset shift—seeing AI as a true business partner—can flip scattered hustle into real momentum that actually shows up on your calendar. This conversation is packed with insights you won't want to miss!Key highlights:A smarter approach to LinkedIn AI lead generation that prioritizes relationships over random reach.How an AI sales assistant for LinkedIn can handle the heavy lifting while keeping your voice authentic.Why social selling LinkedIn AI is the missing link between posting and profit.A peek into LinkedIn hacks for B2B that even LinkedIn insiders respect.And the game-changing role of AI agents for B2B prospecting in surfacing insights you didn't know you needed.If you've ever thought, “I'm posting, but where are the calls?”—this story nudges you toward the answer, then lets the full playbook unfold in your ears. Hit play and follow the breadcrumbs.

Lesley Logan sits down with Jon Ostenson, author of Non-Food Franchising and CEO of FranBridge Consulting, to explore why franchising—especially beyond the food industry—is one of the most underutilized yet powerful paths to entrepreneurship. Jon shares how franchising gives you proven systems, built-in marketing, and a peer network, while also revealing what green flags (and red flags) to look for when evaluating opportunities. You'll walk away seeing franchising in a whole new light—with clarity and confidence.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 franchising can be a faster, safer path to business ownership.The surprising industries thriving in non-food franchising.How semi-passive franchise models allow people to day jobs while building a business.The real numbers behind startup costs, royalties, and profit potential.Green flags and red flags to watch when evaluating franchise opportunities.Episode References/Links:FranBridge Consulting - https://franbridgeconsulting.com/Jon Ostenson on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonostenson/Jon Ostenson on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/JonOstenson1/Jon Ostenson on Twitter - https://twitter.com/Jon_OstensonJon Ostenson on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@JonOstensonFBCBook: Non-Food Franchising by Jon Ostenson - https://a.co/d/29XayrQGuest Bio:Jon Ostenson is the Founder and CEO of FranBridge Consulting, which ranked 584th on the Inc. 5000 list as one of the fastest-growing companies in America. A former corporate executive and past President of ShelfGenie, Jon has sat on all sides of the franchising table—as franchisor, multi-brand franchisee, and now trusted advisor. Widely recognized as a leading voice in non-food franchising, he has helped thousands of entrepreneurs and investors explore opportunities across industries such as home services, wellness, senior care, and pet care. Jon is also the bestselling author of Non-Food Franchising, a practical guide for building wealth and business ownership without starting from scratch. Through FranBridge, he connects clients with over 600 vetted franchise brands and provides strategic, hands-on support at no cost to the client—helping them step confidently into semi-passive investments or full-time business ownership. 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:Jon Ostenson 0:00  Lesley, franchising is not right for everyone. I think there's some people that, to your point, are too entrepreneurial that want to put their thumbprints all over a business. And you know, it may not be a good fit for them. However, for the vast majority, it's my humble belief that franchising represents a better path to business ownership.Lesley Logan 0:15  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 0:53  All right, Be It babe. I have a topic we have never touched. I'm so jazzed about this, I actually found it really, really fascinating. And this year is like my year of being curious and understanding more and more about businesses as our business continues to grow. And so when I met Jon Ostenson, I have so much more knowledge, so much more understanding, so much more excitement and inspiration. And I really wanted to bring this to you, because I know how many of you are like, wanting to make other income, wanting to make more income, one of the questions I get all the time is like, how do I make passive income? How do I have another income stream? I know that managing your money in stocks can be overwhelming, and so I wanted to bring a whole topic to you that I think could be really, really fascinating. So Jon Ostenson is the author of Non-Food Franchising. His company is FranBridge Consulting and so we're gonna talk about franchises. And if you're like, oh, this could be so boring, I promise you, it's anything but boring. It's quite fascinating. Even if you never go into this, you'll actually like, look at franchises and different businesses in a whole different light. And I found it to be really eye opening. And I feel like a lot of my friends should be doing this, and I don't know, maybe, maybe I'll create a portfolio and do this too, but I now have so much more understanding, and I'm really excited for you to have that, because to be it till you see it in anything, the first thing we need is have answers and understanding and also some curiosity in a topic we might not have known anything about. So if you've been wanting to start a business, maybe instead of starting something new, you actually want to franchise and so here is Jon Ostenson. Lesley Logan 0:53  All right, Be It babe, I'm really excited. I've read the book by our guest today, and this is a really interesting topic we have never talked about, and I've always been slightly interested in, and now I'm even more intrigued. So Jon Ostenson is our guest today. Can you tell everyone who you are and what you rock at that's so unique, so niche and so wonderfully that we need to talk about it? Jon Ostenson 2:40  Yeah, absolutely, no. Jon Ostenson, here in Atlanta, Georgia, I've got three young kids I chase around on a daily basis, but you know, I spend most of my time helping my clients find the right businesses for them. And so, you know, we work with over 600 different franchise brands, and what I call Non-Food Franchising. So it's all these industries outside of fast food that incorporate franchising. And yeah, it's entirely free to work with us, and I get to help our clients navigate, what are the top opportunities given their background, their interest, what they're looking to do? What are those top available opportunities in their market that can be a fit for them?Lesley Logan 3:11  I so I really, this is, like, really interesting, because first of all, of course, growing up, I only knew like, food franchisers, and I'm just not into cleaning a kitchen. So, like, that was, you know, different. And then also, like, in my industry, there are now, like, franchises in in the Pilates world, but there's always been franchises in the fitness world. And I guess, like, I guess where we could start is, like, wait, why would someone do a franchise versus, like, start their own non-food business, you know, like, what, what would be like, the things that they're thinking about? Because one of the reasons I want to have you on is, we have had a lot of coaches who are entrepreneurial. And I also think, like, not everyone is an entrepreneur, but also I don't want to, like, tell people that, like, I think they need to figure that out for themselves. So why would someone franchise versus start something themselves?Jon Ostenson 3:59  Yeah, great question. And you know, franchising is not right for everyone. I think there's some people that, to your point, are too entrepreneurial, that want to put their thumbprints all over a business, and you know, it may not be a good fit for them. However, for the vast majority, it's my humble belief that franchising represents a better path to business ownership. You know, you've got a lot of things already in place. You've got a proven business model that's been successful in other markets. You've got a coach on the sidelines in that franchisor that's supporting you and their team. You've got other franchisees that are living the same thing day in, day out, in their markets. You're constantly exchanging best practices. You're in business for yourself, but not by yourself. And, you know, being able to step into a business where on day one, the marketing is pretty close to optimized because they know how to run, you know, and the franchisor is doing a lot of that for you. You've got efficiencies and supply chain, and there's just a lot of opportunity that franchising opens up. And what I tell our clients is, hey, you may double down and triple down on franchises and build a whole empire of franchises. A lot of our clients do, or you may decide, hey, after franchising, let's go start my own business. I guarantee you that next business is going to be better for having had that franchise experience and understanding, how do you stand up a business, what are the best practices in the processes that go around it? Lesley Logan 5:09  Yeah, I mean, like, I think that's really cool, because I remember, you know, when I wanted to, first of all, when I became a Pilates instructor, I never thought I'd own a studio, because I worked at a I rented from a studio, and I saw how much stress she was under, and then I worked for a company, high end fitness business, and I got to run a studio for them. And I was like, oh, this is so nice, just to have everyone tell me the budgets, and tell me how much people are getting paid and and do all the do all the math, and then I can just do the thing that I really love. And so in a way, that's kind of like what you're saying, like a franchise is a proven like, it's a business that's already been in existence. It's proven, like, who they're for, what they do, how they market. And so you get to kind of hit the ground already running, in some ways, am I right?Jon Ostenson 5:53  Yeah, you start on third base instead of first. You're not having to test everything now, in exchange, you're paying a royalty back to the franchise or right? And franchising is just like everything. Not every company is created the same. Every industry has got good players. You've got ones that aren't as strong. That's where we come in to help our clients really identify the companies that are providing the most value, that can get them to where they want to be.Lesley Logan 6:13  Yeah. So I guess, then I guess maybe I should have started with, what is a franchise. Maybe I should have started there. And then also, if you can talk about, like, do, do companies that are franchises, they have already been in business before they're selling off businesses, or they they start out that way, like, do you get it on the ground level? Jon Ostenson 6:34  Yeah, well, hopefully they've already proven out the model, at least in one location, if not in multiple locations, you know. And they're well capitalized, they've got a team to support franchisees, but no franchising at its roots, you know, it's really three things. That's, it's a shared brand, we all know that. But then it's, you know, that there's a system, and there's guidance, and there's value being provided from a home office to that franchisee, to that location. The franchisees give me some sort of payment back in the form of a royalty, typically, to that franchisor. So it's really those three things. So there are companies out there that are probably operating as franchises that may not have franchise, but technically, that's what a franchise is. And again, when I say the F word franchise, people think fast food. I mean, that's what comes to mind. But there's so many different industries out there outside of food, and I've got nothing against the food guys. We need them. We support them. But again, there are easier ways to make money that may require less employees, less operating hours, that may carry higher margins because you don't have the food waste, they may be less susceptible to consumer whims. I always say that frozen yogurt was big until it wasn't. Most of our clients are liking opportunities that aren't trendy. They're not going out of style, and they'll always be mainstream.Lesley Logan 7:46  Yeah. Can we talk about like, what are like some of the, what are some of the non-food franchise like, either if you want to name names, or if you want to name like areas of business? Because maybe it would help people to hear like, there, there's actually franchises in an industry they already have experience in. Jon Ostenson 8:01  Yeah, you know. And I'd say 90% of our clients get into something in an industry they don't have experience in. And that's the beauty of franchising, is it allows for those pivots, but you take the transferable skill set. So yeah, examples there, we're seeing a lot of interest, I'd say in the general theme, it's businesses that will do well regardless of the economy, regardless of tariffs, regardless of, you know, other exterior factors. And so it's things that people will always spend money on. So home and property services are a huge area. Health and wellness. McKinsey just came out with a study saying it's now a $480 billion a year industry in the US, growing at 10% so health, you know, wellness, is now mainstream, which I know you would agree with it's categories like kids, pets, seniors again, things that people will always spend money on regardless. And you know, within these there's so many different niches. I mean, I can just, you know, I'm thinking of in-home senior care. We have a lot of clients doing that, but then I've had clients that have been placed there that came back said hey Jon, what's a tangential opportunity that can tag onto this, and I introduced them to one that provides wheelchair ramps and stair lifts and retrofitting within a home, allowing people to age in place. Youth soccer, I've had so many clients do well in youth soccer, tutoring, kids-related, pets, everything from pet grooming to pet boarding to dog training, you know, but. Lesley Logan 9:19  That's crazy, because I would never have thought those things. And also, like, I because we travel around the world. We were talking about that before we hit record, I find myself, like, like, in shock. Sometimes I see a business and I'm like, like, how much did they need to get started? You know? Because, like, what I love about like, like, one of the things that kept me from starting my own studio is, like, just the barrier of entry. I didn't know how to read a lease, I didn't know what kind of insurance I needed to have outside of what the insurance I had as a renter. I didn't know that. And then I had to, like, buy all the equipment, and then it's like, oh, like, literally, my clients came the first like, where's the trash can? I was like, oh, yeah, we need a trash can. Like, you know, you know, right? Like, I was like, I was like, flying by the seat of my pants. But like, what you're saying is, like, I, if I was like, I need a change in my life, or I actually just want to have something that's working alongside what I'm already doing, I can go into another industry, and then they already have the blueprint. So, like, I already know how much it's going to cost me to go all in. I know how much it's going to cost me to run it, and I also have an idea, in theory, at least as I learned this from your book of, like, what I could make off of this investment, which is a little different than stock market, like you think. I mean, we all hope it's going up right now, we're riding a different wave. But, like, but like, you know, so am I right when I say, like, there's like, a nice blueprint there that kind of allows you to know more about what you don't know? Jon Ostenson 10:43  Absolutely. No, you go in and you know, nothing's ever a sure thing, right? I never want to pretend like it is. Business ownership is hard. It takes work. If it was easy, everybody would be a business owner. But franchising does make it a lot easier and a lot more predictable, right? I mean, that's why banks love providing SBA loans to franchises over startups, right? It's just more predictable, and the success rates are obviously a lot higher all the data shows, you know, but I'd say, going in, you know, there's a whole exploration process, and that's where we take our clients through, hold their hand as they're having these conversations with their franchises. You know, learning a lot, asking good questions. They, they get a chance to talk to other franchisees in that system before they ever buy. You know, they get kind of the inside knowledge. They get a franchise disclosure document, which is the history of the franchise and all the information. And to your point, the financials on the all in investment. And you know, there's going to be some variability in there, but it outlines that, and then talks about the historical financial results, what you could expect to make if you execute according to plan. And so you know, you can make disproportionate returns on your investment. Again, because you're, you're putting effort in, right? If it was just thrown in an index fund, you know, you're not going to be able to make, you're going to be capped at what you can make. However, with this, you also get the tax benefit. So it's really a, I call it the trifecta. You're, you're building towards cash returns. You're obviously building an asset that's going to have exit value down the road, and in all likelihood, you'll sell to another franchisee in the system. That's very common. And then third, you get the tax benefits of business ownership. And if you have a W2 job or spouse with a W2 I mean, this could be a great offset. I mean, there's so many levers that the government set up the tax playbook to incentivize business ownership.Lesley Logan 12:19  Yeah, well, one of the reasons why we love being a business owner, I definitely enjoy those. I want to, like, just kind of tap into something, because you talked about, like, being a W2. So realistically, how many people do you know, like, have a job and then have a franchise that's successful? Like, are they overworking? Are they 120-hour work week kind of person? Or, like, is that a normal thing that people can do?Jon Ostenson 12:43  Roughly half of our clients start out with a manager in place. It's what franchising would call semi passive or semi absentee or executive model. I always want to say hey, stop. You know, let's not sugarcoat this. It takes work to stand up a business. You know. I don't want to ever pretend like it doesn't so, you know, it is very doable within a franchise system, because you've got a franchisor and their team supporting that manager that you put in place on a day to day basis, they can answer a lot of the questions and kind of hold their hand. So it takes some of the burden off of you. So much of it your ramp up time and success comes down to who you put in that place. You can have a great vehicle, you still have to have a great driver, so someone that has fire in the belly that you incentivize. You know that's a hard worker. They can make your life very easy, but if it's not the right person, you can find yourself with some headaches and leaning in. So I'd say that is the biggest variable that I see. But I've got so many success stories of clients that have gone that path. I should always want to make sure that they go in eyes wide open, that in the early going especially, it will take work.Lesley Logan 13:43  Yeah, yeah. I mean, like, I think that's really important. Okay, let's just take, take a step back, Jon, how did you get into doing this? Like, did you, did you always know, like, you would be in franchises? Like, did you fall into franchises? Like, tell us the journey that got you here. Jon Ostenson 13:56  Yeah. You know, like so many of your listeners, I spent many years in the corporate world, and you went to grad school and did all the things you're supposed to do as a W2 and had a great run. But, you know, had that desire, like so many, to be a business owner and to do something more entrepreneurial, and didn't know what it what it looked like. And I really fell into franchising. So about eight years ago, I left the corporate world, assumed the reins of a business called Shelf Genie, which is a large franchise system. I served as their president, supporting our home office and all of our franchisees, and I really fell in love with the franchise model through that experience. And I just saw how so many different backgrounds got involved in a shared system because of the support that we were providing. So long story short, I partnered with the founder of that company. We spun off. We've invested in franchises ourselves. I've continued to invest in franchises on my on my own outside of that, so I've been a franchisor. I am a multi brand franchisee as well, and started the consulting practice about little over six years ago, and now I give it most of my full time focus, and just love helping others connect the dots, because I just hear the same conversations every day. So many people, oftentimes midlife, they're saying gosh, you know, I've looked around. And they all know some business owners, and they see them out playing golf or, you know, going to their kids activities. And they say, there's a little bit of FOMO, right? And, but they say, I don't have that genius idea. I'm a little risk averse. I don't know where to start. That's where I come in and say hey, look at all these other people that have done done this through franchising with similar backgrounds, and here's why it worked for them. So absolutely love helping them. I personally, on the franchisee front, this just shows a little bit of the variety out there. I kind of like home and property services personally. So I've got one business that works on parking lots. It provides asphalt paving and line striping, you know, non sexy need based industry, right? I've got another one, is almost like an equipment rental business. It provides temporary walls like containment walls around renovation projects and construction sites. It's a great B2B business. I've got one that this is kind of more in the health and wellness genre. It's uses 3D printing to provide custom inserts and insoles for shoes, right? It talked about a niche, right? But we cater a little bit to the older population. So I've got it down in Delray, Florida, which is a great market. I've got another one where I'm on the franchisor side, I'm invested that provides custom pull out shelving for your kitchens and pantries and stay at home moms are great for that business. They're great designers. They can work when they want to and go in and be very conversational, and it's just cool that, you know, we're creating a lot of jobs out there and helping a lot of communities.Lesley Logan 16:28  Okay, that is so all of those things, I would not have thought that, like, those are franchises. I guess I just thought, like, some guy in Las Vegas, like, start a business, like, putting fences, you know, and then it's like, but then I do see like, oh, it's a company. And then you're like, how, like, how, who got into, like, having a business in every city that has, like, fences. But now that I'm like, you know, now that the wall been pulled over my eyes, I can under, away from my eyes, I can see like, oh, these are companies that got started, and then they had success, and then they basically created a blueprint that they could sell to other people, and then that's how they spread their wings, because they've got good systems in place. And then people like you, or people like listening are like, Oh, I could do that. I actually, like, I have the funds for that. I like that area, or, you know, I can have the time for that. I just wouldn't have thought that those are those. There's things out there. And I was reading your book, one of the things that we all have to realize is, like, there's a massive population of people who are getting older, and there is not enough like services for them, and so like to be able to get into a franchise that is like servicing those people that they for a necessity they need. It's kind of nice, I guess. I have a question, how much of what you have to do as a franchisee, as far as the marketing goes, like, are you curating the marketing? Does the franchise or that's the parent company, right, like the owner, do they come up with a marketing strategy and you just, like, put it out there. Like, I guess I'm wondering, like, how much of it do you be creative? Because I have a lot of people like, I want to do this, but I hate social media, or I hate writing a newsletter, or I hate doing the the money and the taxes, like, how much does the actual franchisor do for you? Jon Ostenson 18:06  Yeah, it certainly varies, but I'd say in most cases, the franchisor leans in pretty heavy on the marketing side, and that's one of the value adds they're bringing. So they're creating collateral and brand standards and customizing things for you for your location. But you know, typically they have an in house marketing team. They may partner with an outside digital marketing firm that's running all your Google ads and social media ads and such. Oftentimes, they encourage you to get involved on the organic side of social media. So it's, hey, I've got a home show coming up. Hey, look at this great job. We just got a five star review. But again, if you need help with that, most of them are able to lean in pretty heavy, because I do have a lot of clients like you said that they hey, I don't want anything to do with marketing or lead generation. And I, you know, in some cases you have franchises that have national accounts. I mean, that's a great lead generator. In some cases, they have an in house call center that's actually sometimes making outbound calls, or, at a minimum, taking inbound calls, setting appointments for you. So, you know, as you go through the expiration process, you want to say, what, what value is that franchisor providing for the royalty that I'm giving them? And, you know, make sure that there's tangible things that they're doing for you, oftentimes on the marketing side as an example.Lesley Logan 19:11  Yeah, okay, you talked about royalties, I guess, for the person who doesn't understand what that means. What is that? And then what are we what can someone expect on like, maybe not like the best end, but like an average, an average earnings.Jon Ostenson 19:26  Yeah, so I'd say six to 8% royalty typically is common in revenue, and when you look at financial projections of a franchise system, they're always going to net out for that royalty, right? I mean, that's part of the business model. But again, those are oftentimes expenses that you would be paying on your own elsewhere. From an earnings standpoint, well, first off, from an investment standpoint, I mean, we have some clients who are getting into big seven figure deals, but most people like when you look at service-based businesses and you're all in investment, your franchise fee, startup costs, several months of working capital, oftentimes you're in the 150,000 to 300,000 range, all in. And some of our clients are using cash, most like the idea of using an SBA loan, where maybe they put in 50,000 cash and then they use an SBA loan for the balance. Some are using an old 401-K from a previous employer, and rolling that over, which is very doable through what's called the ROBS program. So we help them with all of that. But from an earnings standpoint, it definitely varies. You always want people to take a conservative approach. There are businesses that will start cash flowing as early as three months in. Oftentimes, what you see is maybe six months, six to 12 months, somewhere in that range. Again, we always want to be conservative, but no you can make disproportionate returns. So let's say your all in investment was 200,000 from their businesses out there, where you can conceivably do a million dollars for first year. I mean, there are a good number of those. And oftentimes you're kicking off 15 to 20% to the bottom line. So call it 150 to the bottom line. And you may not get that in year one, but that may be your run rate at the end of year one. So 150 on an investment of 200,000 that's 75%, and then you're doing, you're doing that every year, and you're going to sell that business down the road. So again, but you're putting effort in, right? Lesley Logan 21:01  Right, well, well, and it's like, like, I'm just, like, just forever. I, when I opened up my studio, which was a small studio, I, no, my bank did not give me a loan. I've been in business for so many years, like, look, I make, I make over six figures, and I just want, like, a $40,000 loan. And they like, laughed in my face, so I used a credit card. But it was, the investment was like, $40,000 in equipment, all I had to do, and then obviously my rent and everything. And of course, yes, I, because it was on a credit card, I paid that shit off. But, but like you do only have to, ideally, only buy that equipment one time, right? So there's that. But to to your point, like the money that or time I had to spend on marketing my business, on coming up with the marketing, on testing it out, on doing all that stuff, on also collaborating, also doing the organic, also all that stuff, it starts to go sometimes you're like, it would be nice if someone could take this off. And even if you're like, oh, let's all just hire an agency. Y'all, I have talked to marketing agencies. They are not just 6% like some like, you know, when you think about, like, the marketing agency and the account and the organization and the hiring practices and the onboarding, all that stuff costs money, and so sometimes it's kind of like, it's almost like it's 50% it's 50 one way, 50% one way, half it does another. It's kind of like, if you really want to make your own thing and be your own thing, then go do your own thing, and you'll have all the same expenses. But I can't believe, and I don't know, I can't believe it that an SBA loan would be easier to get if you're in a franchise. But it makes sense, because there's a proven track record from all the other businesses, and the SBA is like, oh, this is like, very risk free. It took us a pandemic to get an SBA loan because they were just giving them away. And then recently, a lovely bank helped us get an SBA loan. But, like, it's not easy when you work for yourself and a non proven kind of a thing to get loans. So it sounds really cool that that would be an option for people. Jon Ostenson 22:51  Yeah, and probably two thirds of our clients use them. We really don't have issues getting them. As long as you have semi decent credit, then you know, they have that confidence in the franchise.Lesley Logan 23:00  That's so cool. That is really cool. Okay, so I guess you know there's, there's probably people going, oh my gosh. Like, I don't know. Like, I'm not confident as a business owner. Do you have to have, like, would you suggest, like, you have to have some sort of management experience, or do you have people who, like, do the franchisers like, support you in leading a team and how to lead the business that you're doing. Or, like, are you having to figure that yourself? Jon Ostenson 23:26  Yeah, there are some franchises where you really don't have to have a team. You know, you can be kind of a solopreneur in a way, or maybe have an assistant. Most of them do involve people. And people always ask me, what, what does it take to be successful in franchising? And really, it's two things. It's one, you're good with people. You don't have to be great, but you have to be someone that people want to work with, work for work. So that's just Business 101, and then secondly, your willingness to follow a system, where I see people get in trouble in franchising is that they come in and they think they're the smartest guy in the room, and they don't have the humility to actually learn from others and to follow a system, even if they have questions. When I was at Shelf Genie, our best franchisees were the ones that followed the system the closest. That sounds so cliche, but it's true. Lesley Logan 24:04  I mean, just being in business myself for 15 years, like, how, like, there are some days I'm like, I just wish there was a fucking blueprint that I could just wake up, follow, like, there's days and I'm like, so I can't imagine, like, not only take advantage of that, but I guess, like, maybe that would be the person who wouldn't be right for franchising, and maybe they shouldn't have gotten into it in the first place.Jon Ostenson 24:29  Yeah, no, I've seen clients do very well within a franchise system, and then, you know, I had a client that didn't do well in it, and the feedback from the franchisor was said, what's going on? Why is it working for them and not for them. You said, we've coached them, we've done everything we can, but they're not willing to follow the system. (inaudible) But certainly, if you have any business experience that you know, those transferable skill sets definitely help and maybe give you a leg up. But I've got plenty of clients, you know, doctors or a big client, mainly clientele of ours, most of them don't have business experience. They may be really, they're like, smart and smarter than their little niche but they don't have that business experience. They love the idea of, they know how to learn, and they're willing to learn, and they're willing to follow the playbook the textbook. Instead, they come in and they say, Hey, we want to flex that intellectual muscle. And most of them are keeping the day job. You know, they've invested too much to walk away from that. But they put a manager in place, and they go out and run a restoration business, or a mobile pet grooming business, something that allows them to flex that intellectual curiosity a little bit.Lesley Logan 25:29  That is so cool. I just think it's so cool, like I was, I never thought about, I'll be really nice, I actually never thought about owning a franchise. I have been wondering and been very curious of like, what if I wanted to open up something that I made into a franchise like that has been on my mind a lot lately, but the more I read your book, the more I'm like, what a cool investment strategy. Like, you know, just to diversify how you're investing for retirement and wealth, and, like, generational wealth. I don't have any kids, but like, it would be cool to have have have another way of having an income stream or or a way of growing wealth without having to, not that it's not work, but also just not rely solely on, like, what my wealth manager is doing with my stocks.Jon Ostenson 26:13  Oh, because so many of our clients do have kids or family members that they plan on bringing in on the business over time and kind of setting an example for them to learn from as well, and of taking a risk, if you will, a calculated risk. But now from an investment standpoint, I'm an all of the above investor. I invest in real estate and energy and the public markets and private credit. I encourage people to do all that. I just think the business ownership can have a unique place in that portfolio, and there's a whole lot of tax benefits and other synergies to come from that. So I'm not against any of those other investments. I just think it's an all of the above approach. And a lot of our clients invest in real estate too, some more actively than others, but there's a lot of synergy between those two, I think, from a mindset standpoint, from a tax advantage standpoint, and then directly from an industry standpoint, a lot of these businesses support real estate.Lesley Logan 27:00  What are some, like, green flags about a franchise, or some red flags, like, what are some things that we would like? You'd be like, oh, this looks really this looks really good. I think a client would do really well with this. And then what are some like, ooh, maybe, maybe watch this one, or don't, don't sign up for that.Jon Ostenson 27:16  You know, certain the brand is more important in certain industries. I mean, certainly, food, hotels, things like that. You know, but in a lot of industries, I think about insulation, that's a $50 billion a year industry, no one can name an installation company, right? And so that's less important. But still, some of these industries, you know, if it's a household name brand, then it's probably sold out in all the good areas of your market, right? And so oftentimes, we find ourselves working with more emerging franchises. You know, they may have five locations, 25 locations, 50 locations. Yes, they haven't been around forever, but they're growing fast. And really, the what I look for there, it's the competitive advantages, it's the financial models got to be very robust, because you have a smaller sample size to look at. You've, you know, the early franchisees have to be saying positive things about their experience. But then a lot of emphasis I put on those companies is the leadership team. I want to see a good blend of industry experience, but also franchise experience represented on that team that's essentially going to be your business partner. So I would say that the people involved on the other end, I can't underestimate that enough. That's something I emphasize with our clients. Let's vet them. Those are the ones that you want to have a good relationship with that are going to be supporting you day in, day out. You know. I would also say, you know, make sure that, if it's an early stage franchise, make sure it's well capitalized. You know, they've got plenty of assets in the bank. I have seen companies, at times, rush into franchising thinking it was their gold mine and they needed to have a pot of gold going in, because it's expensive to franchise, but no, private equity loves franchising, you know, they they invest strategically at the franchisor level very oftentimes, just they love the model and kind of these industries that they play in. There's a lot of smart money getting involved. But I always encourage people, you know, and that's why we set up our exploration process the way we did. And, you know, I'm essentially a real estate broker buffer franchises, and so I help our clients understand what's going on behind the scenes, how to think about this, the questions to ask, provide them with a lot of resources, and then we simply get a referral fee from the franchise brand on the back end when a placement happens, like a real estate model, you've got the seller, and none of that's passed on (inaudible).Lesley Logan 29:17  So that's why you're free. Because, like, I couldn't believe it. I was reading the book, and I was like, because to me, you know, one of the one of the big hurdles for a lot of people is like hiring a coach to help them make the best decisions. You have to have the money for that and hope that it works, but to work with you, you know, it's just free for for the person wanting to work with you. So like, you get paid because the franchise company pays you like a real estate so, got it. Jon Ostenson 29:40  For them, it's a sales and marketing expense. None of that's passed on to our clients at all. So you know, whether they go directly to a brand or go through us, they're paying the same franchise fee. So it's a nice, it's really a great model, and, yeah, we're able to help a lot of people through it. Lesley Logan 29:58  That is so cool. Yeah. I mean, so you did this six years ago. Okay, so you started right before everything shut down. Like, can we just go back? Was it, what was the be it till you see it, or what would, like, the things you had to do? Because, like, my goodness, during that time, a lot of franchises could be open. A lot of franchises had, like, limitations. Did you worry that, like, this was going to all, like, be affected negatively. Like, did you see the light at the end of the tunnel? Tell me about it. Jon Ostenson 30:25  Yeah, you know, just like everything, we're all questioning what's going on there for a few weeks, but then as soon as the dust settled, I mean, the franchise deals started happening again, and people started jumping back in. They said, I want something that I can be in control of, and I really don't want to go back to the office. I really, you know, a lot of people took time to think about what they wanted to be until they saw, you know, and they said, you know, that's the time a lot of introspection, which led to a lot of people saying, maybe now's the time. If I don't jump now, when am I ever going to do it? So, you know, there's a lag effect. Some of those late adopters I'm still having calls with now. They're like, I've been thinking about this for years, and most of them are realizing there's never a perfect time to jump into business ownership. But, you know, good number of them realize, hey, now's as good of a time as ever, as ever. And yeah, for me, you know, I love what I do. I've had teams in the past of, you know, 50 employees, and you know, I can do that, but that's not what I love doing. What I love doing is working with clients. I love strategy. I love seeing business models being out there at the tip of the spear, and so I've really structured my business now. I had that vision early on that, hey, I'm going to play to my strengths and how I want to spend my time, and that's what I've built. So yeah, love our model and how I get to help people and engage with clients all day.Lesley Logan 31:35  Yeah, so in that because, like, we talked to a lot of people get really passionate. And I think what, especially when I work with studio owners, like, sometimes their passion becomes like a prison because they like, stop taking care of themselves to like, do their passion like, how do you prioritize yourself so that you can have the mindset and the wherewithal to help the people that you like to help?Jon Ostenson 31:54  Yeah, I'm probably one of the more intentional people that you'll meet in that regard. You know, I think through things in the area of five domains, you know, faith, family and relationships, but then also finances, fitness and franchising. So my 5F framework, if you will, you know, but I'm constantly evaluating and balancing, you know, how my day is spent in each of those so, you know, work out on the fitness side. You know, the trainer a couple times a week, and got my infrared sauna and cold plunge and red light and all that here in the office. And, you know, coach my kids teams, you know, teach their Sunday school. You know, try to balance everything and very blessed, very thankful for what I get to do, and that allows me to do the other things I want to do. And I will say I'm the hardest boss I've ever had. You know, business ownership isn't easy. I work myself hard, but there's so much flexibility, and I'm just thankful. I pinch myself every day having had a W2 job for many years, I could, can never imagine doing that again.Lesley Logan 32:48  Yeah, I understand that. Okay, this is a really, like personal story we had. Our health insurance company is contracted with another company. Maybe it's a franchise that, like, comes to your house to, like, do, like, your physical, which is, like, just the meetup, just the heart, the lungs, just the blood pressure, and then, like, talk to you about, like, what doctors you want to see this year. And the whole time I was like, this feels like a scam. Are you casing the joint? Like, what are? What are? I'm like, I feel like this, this is too good to be true. And then they left and my husband are just like, let's just pretend it's not a scam. How lucky are we that we could set aside the time in the middle of a workday at our home to, like, take care of our health, and then, like, go back to doing the things we love everyday. Working for yourself is, like, the hardest thing, even if you work for yourself, for your own franchise, like they're running a business is, you know, there's only so many days where there's not an obstacle. You're like, what the fuck just happened there? But when you are realizing it's all part of the plan that you set out, like when you actually got what you wanted, it is worth pinching yourself. So I love that. Thank you for sharing that. And I also we second y'all red lights, cold plunges like, work out, move your body. It makes running your business, whatever that is, so much easier.Jon Ostenson 34:07  Absolutely, absolutely, no, fully agree. Lesley Logan 34:09  What are you most excited about right now? And like, it can be like in the franchise world, or it can be in like, in your business. Like, what are you most excited about right now? Jon Ostenson 34:16  Yeah, you know, I I practice what I preach, and I love just trying new things and then bringing them to my clients. So for me, I've got my consulting practice, and then I've got all these franchises and other investments in a holding company, and I'm just, this is the nerd side of me. I'm just realizing all these different tax plays and alternative investments and how they can work together, and I'm bringing in the best of the best advisors, and, you know, really trying to level up. That was my theme last year, was level up. I'm like, am I with the best bank out there? Am I with the best concierge doctor? Am I with the best financial advisor? I identified 25 different areas, and this took time by one by one, leveled up in each of those. And said, if I'm not working with best in class, why not? And so I'm just thinking through that lens, and I think it's helping our clients to just kind of say, you know, let's get off the sidelines. Let's just forget the status quo. Like, how do we level up and get better? And you know, whether it be personally or those that we work with in every area.Lesley Logan 35:11  That's so cool. Thank you for sharing that. Because I, I think it's really easy to just keep doing the same thing, and you're like, well, this works and this works. And like, going back to that the bank that gave us SBA loan, I told my husband, I was like, well, why aren't we working with that bank? Like, why is that is not our bank? Because our bank certainly didn't help us. So why are we not with that bank? And it was like, one tiny thing, and I'm like, can we figure out a way around that one time? This seems so stupid. I want to work with a bank that's going to give me money whenever I want it. That's why, why I have a bank. It's not like they're getting interest. I'm not making any money off them. So I so I find, like, it's, it's effort to go through and figure out what that is. And then there's that change, which most people don't like, but then it's like, but then you have, like, the best of the best. So, you know, I think that's really cool.Jon Ostenson 36:01  Yeah, absolutely, you know, unfortunately, I've got the best wife, so I'm not up leveling there.Lesley Logan 36:06  That's good to know. That's good to know. Shout out to her. Okay, is there anything I didn't ask you, because this is a new topic for me, so I really want to make sure that, like, we covered all the bases that you think we needed to. Is there anything to ask you about franchising and getting into it that you want to share with us today. Jon Ostenson 36:22  Yeah, you know, I think we really hit a lot of the hot topics. You know, we're seeing more interest than we've ever seen. I think, for a variety of reasons, our biggest challenge is not lead flow, it's, it's, you know, just the opportunities. They move so fast in good markets. So I would encourage people, if anyone has an interest in exploring, there's no downside, there's no cost. I just hear testimonial after testimonial of franchising wasn't on my radar. I was looking at existing businesses. And actually, that's a good topic. A lot of our clients say hey, we've been looking for an existing business. Here's what I hear. We've been looking for four years, five years, six years. We've been under LOI, letter of intent for five companies, six companies, due diligence didn't shake out someone else outbid us. We uncovered this. And due diligence over and over again, and then they come around to franchising. They say, wait a minute, I can get into franchising without having to pay the premium of an existing business, without having to have the risk of change in ownership. I mean, you're going to lose some key employees. That just happens when you have a change in ownership. And there's so many people out there looking because you have all these talking heads on social media saying, hey, buy a business and then build it. It's like, what was the franchise system? Buy a proven model, but put your thumbprints on it from day one, and build the culture the way you want it. So I'd say that was one thing I wanted to add that just came to mind.Lesley Logan 37:36  I'm glad you brought that up, because we first, like, I work with a lot of business owners who are like, I want to sell my studio. They want to sell their business. And I'm always like, okay, well, what can we sell? Because if you are the main person, not much to sell, babe. So we have to, like, do all this work to make the business sellable. And, and I was like, and I really wish that someone had told you have to think about the exit in mind. Because you have to think about the exit in mind when you start anything everyone, but I do think that there's a lot of people in, oh, I'll just buy this one because I've seen how good it is. I like going there. And so we have this, like, almost like, attachment, but it's true, like, even if people like you, they might still leave, because people don't like change.Jon Ostenson 38:17  Yeah, and you paid a premium thinking nothing was going to change, right? So, you know, that's one of the things I love about franchising, too, is that exit in mind when you start in the beginning again, most franchises, you're not going to find many good franchise resales out there on the market, because any opportunity that's worth buying is going to be bought by another franchisee in that system, that internal M and A, as I call it, mergers and acquisitions, where franchisees buy each other's businesses, which allows for exits and allows others to expand. That's so, so common. I've got so many clients have done, I've personally done it just again, when you think about the end in mind.Lesley Logan 38:52  Yeah, okay, we're gonna take a brief break, and then we're gonna find out how people can work with you, do a call with you and see if this is what's in it for them. Lesley Logan 39:02  All right, Jon, how do people like, it's free, so they could just, like, chat with you and just see if, like, this is a good idea for them, right? Like, that's how they can work with you. How do they find you?Jon Ostenson 39:10  Yeah, come out to our website, franbridgeconsulting.com F-R-A-N bridge consulting dot com you know, share your email address. I'll send you a free digital copy of our book, Non-Food Franchising, which is a great primer to kind of get the juices flowing and help you connect the dots on franchising. And yeah, more than happy to jump on a call, just to indicate that interest when we reach out to you, and we'll jump on a 20-25, minute call, and I can give you some thoughts and get to know you a little bit better, and we can go from there. So again, entirely free to work with us. Certainly if you want to follow on LinkedIn, I put out content most days on LinkedIn. So that could be another place to find me. Lesley Logan 39:42  Oh, that's cool. LinkedIn a place that I keep saying I'm going to start printing thumbprint on. And I go in there and I'm like, I don't know what I'm doing. So maybe in a maybe in a future year. You guys, I did read the book. I'm telling you, it was an it's a great read, and it really helped. It will. I think if it's for you, you'll know by reading the book, and if it's not for you, you'll know by reading the book. And I think that that's really cool. And also I just really, one of the things I'm really intentional about is like we have so many listeners, and I really want people to have I think freedom to make decisions is one of the most important ways you can be it till you see it. And having an, a way of making an income that works for you is one of the best things I could give to you guys as listeners. So thank you so much for being here. Before I let you go, Jon, you've given us so much already, but we love to give our listeners some bold, executable, intrinsic and targeted steps people can take to be it till they see it. What do you have for us? Jon Ostenson 40:35  Yeah, you know, I would say, here's a quote, activity breeds activity, and it's the idea. I've just seen this play out in my career, in my life. Whenever I get off the couch, off the sidelines, I start moving towards Option A or Option B. That's when option C comes out of left field. And so I think good things happen when you're in motion. That idea of activity breeding other activity. Oftentimes you don't know what's coming, but you stay active, it comes.Lesley Logan 40:55  So good. It's so good. It kind of like, ladies, my Pilates lovers, it's like a body in motion stays in motion, like it's like that, but also like we had someone else say, like, I'm, everything is everything. And when you never know what, going out and talking to someone could turn into, my husband talks to everyone at every party, and I I'm so thankful for him, because I can talk to like, five people at a party, and then I'm like, okay, that's good. I'm good. Like, but he and, you know what, we've needed some of those people. He's like, oh, there's this guy I talked to at this place and, like, so, and you just never know what those connections are. So that's a great Be It Action Item. Thank you so much, Jon. Jon Ostenson, everyone. You can get his book, go to franbridgeconsulting.com. Perfect. Go there. We'll have the link in the show notes. And, you know, share this with a friend who needs to hear it. If you had a friend who's like, I need something different, I need to change. I need a new job, like this might be the exact thing they need. And then you get to be part of that. How cool is that? So thank you, Jon. And until next time everyone, Be It Till You See It. Lesley Logan 41:35  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 42:39  It's written, filmed, and recorded by your host, Lesley Logan, and me, Brad Crowell.Lesley Logan 42:44  It is transcribed, produced and edited by the epic team at Disenyo.co.Brad Crowell 42:48  Our theme music is by Ali at Apex Production Music and our branding by designer and artist, Gianfranco Cioffi.Lesley Logan 42:55  Special thanks to Melissa Solomon for creating our visuals.Brad Crowell 42:58  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

In this episode of Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, host Avik Chakraborty sits down with Redha Alayesh, a data-driven marketer and entrepreneur from Saudi Arabia, to break down the essentials of building a marketing department that actually fuels business growth. From startups to established companies, too many leaders still think marketing equals ads and flashy campaigns. Redha explains why success lies in building strong foundations—understanding customers, creating measurable strategies, and avoiding wasted budgets on vanity metrics. Listeners will learn how to move from guesswork to growth, why balancing creativity with analytics matters, and how to upskill teams for long-term retention and performance. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by marketing decisions or unsure of what actually works, this episode delivers clarity, structure, and practical insights. About the Guest   Redha Alayesh is a Saudi-based entrepreneur and marketer who has built ventures and advised top brands across the Middle East. With a focus on data-driven strategies, he helps companies transform marketing from scattered tactics into structured growth engines. Key Takeaways   Marketing success starts with customer understanding and clear journeys, not just ads. B2B and B2C companies require different marketing entry points—context matters. Collecting and using customer contact data is the first step to meaningful insights. Avoid vanity metrics (followers, likes) and focus on clarity metrics (leads, revenue, lifetime value). Experiment before scaling—don't overspend on one idea without testing. Balancing creativity and analytics is crucial; neither works in isolation. Upskilling marketing teams not only drives results but also increases employee retention. Following competitors or trends blindly often leads to wasted budgets—principles and data must guide decisions.   Connect with the Guest   You can learn more about Redha's work and insights by connecting with him on LinkedIn or exploring his consulting projects in marketing and growth across the Middle East via website. Want to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life?   DM on PodMatch: Send me a message here Disclaimer   This video is for educational and informational purposes only. The views expressed are the personal opinions of the guest and do not reflect the views of the host or Healthy Mind By Avik™️. We do not intend to harm, defame, or discredit any person, organization, brand, product, country, or profession mentioned. All third-party media used remain the property of their respective owners and are used under fair use for informational purposes. By watching, you acknowledge and accept this disclaimer. Healthy Mind By Avik™️ is redefining mental health as a necessity, not a luxury. With over 4,400+ episodes and 168.4K+ global listeners, our platform shares powerful podcasts on: Mental Health & Emotional Well-being Mindfulness & Spiritual Growth Holistic Healing & Conscious Living Trauma Recovery & Self-Empowerment Subscribe now and join the journey.   Building a Healthy Mindset in Entrepreneurship with Jason VanDevere     In this episode of Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, host Sana sits down with Jason VanDevere, entrepreneur, author of Dream Driven, and founder of GoalCrazy. Jason shares his story of walking away from a multi-million dollar family business to build his own path with just a vision, a journal, and relentless persistence. From selling over 40,000 planners to creating multiple income streams and now publishing his upcoming book, Jason opens up about the mental, emotional, and practical side of entrepreneurship. This conversation goes beyond success stories—it's about protecting mental health, finding balance, setting boundaries, and fueling your business with passion and systems that work. Whether you're in your first launch or scaling your fifth year, Jason's insights will help you design a business that supports your life—not overtakes it. About the Guest   Jason VanDevere is an entrepreneur, podcast host, and creator of the GoalCrazy Planner. He has built a seven-figure business from scratch, manages a thriving real estate portfolio, and coaches others on designing a life that aligns with their deepest dreams. His new book, Dream Driven (launching September 9, 2025), guides readers through clarifying their vision and building businesses that make their dream lifestyles possible. Website: goalcrazy.comBook: Dream Driven (available September 9, 2025, on Amazon) Key Takeaways   Balance is possible in entrepreneurship if you design your business around your desired lifestyle—not the other way around. Clarity of vision helps push through fear, doubt, and financial struggles in the early years. Dreams give goals meaning; without dreams, entrepreneurs often end up in “survival mode.” Journaling can help unload fears, clarify thoughts, and keep the mind available for focused work. Taking regular “mindset days” (full days off during the week) prevents burnout and sparks creativity. Passion fuels persistence, but systems and practical strategies make long-term success possible. Boundaries—like timers and fixed work hours—protect mental health and family life. Family commitments can drive productivity by limiting wasted time and forcing focus on high-value activities. Success isn't about building the biggest business; it's about building the life your business fits into.   Connect with the Guest   Website: goalcrazy.comFree PDF: goalcrazy.com/ideaBook: Dream Driven (Amazon, September 9, 2025) Want to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life?   DM on PM – Send me a message on PodMatch DM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik CHECK PODCAST SHOWS & BE A GUEST:   Tune to all our 19 podcasts: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/healthymindbyavik Subscribe To Newsletter: https://healthymindbyavik.substack.com/ Join Community: https://nas.io/healthymind OUR SERVICES   Business Podcast Management Individual Podcast Management Share Your Story With World STAY TUNED AND FOLLOW US!   Medium - https://medium.com/@contentbyavikYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@healthymindbyavikInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/healthyminds.pod/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/podcast.healthymindLinkedIn Page - https://www.linkedin.com/company/healthymindbyavikLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/avikchakrabortypodcaster/Twitter - https://twitter.com/podhealthclubPinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/Avikpodhealth/ SHARE YOUR REVIEW   Share your Google Review Share a video Testimonial #podmatch #healthymind #healthymindbyavik #wellness #HealthyMindByAvik #MentalHealthAwareness #StorytellingAsMedicine #PodcastLife #PersonalDevelopment #ConsciousLiving #GrowthMindset #MindfulnessMatters #VoicesOfUnity #InspirationDaily #podcast #podcasting #podcaster #podcastlife #podcastlove #podcastshow #podcastcommunity #newpodcast #podcastaddict #podcasthost #pdcastepisode #podcastinglife #podrecommendation #wellnesspodcast #healthpodcast #mentalhealthpodcast #wellbeing #selfcare #mentalhealth #mindfulness #healthandwellness #wellnessjourney #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthawareness #healthandwellnesspodcast #fyp #foryou #foryoupage #viral #trending #tiktok #tiktokviral #explore #trendingvideo #youtube #motivation #inspiration #positivity #mindset #selflove #success

This episode is sponsored by Deel.Ensure fair, consistent reviews with Deel's calibration template. Deel's free Performance Calibration Template helps HR teams and managers run more equitable, structured reviews. Use it to align evaluations with business goals,reduce bias in ratings, and ensure every performance conversation is fair, consistent,and grounded in shared standards.Download now: www.deel.com/nickdayMenopause at work is not a policy box to tick. In this HR L&D episode, Nick Day sits down with Fiona McKay, founder of The Menopause Maze, to unpack how menopause affects leadership performance, talent pipelines, and boardroom readiness. You will learn why a symptom-only lens misses the real career impacts, how the “invisible filter” quietly shapes who gets promoted, and what HR and L&D can do to turn menopause into a leadership advantage. We cover data-driven diagnostics, the No Pause Scorecard, manager upskilling, and confidential coaching routes that protect privacy while improving performance and retention. Watch to move from awareness to action and build an inclusive, high-performance culture that keeps your best women.Workplace Scorecard: https://www.themenopausemaze.com/menopause-at-work-scorecard-for-workplacesNick Day's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickday/Find your ideal candidate with our job vacancy system: https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/919cf6b9eaSign up to the HR L&D Newsletter - https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/23e7b153e7(00:00) Preview and intro (02:25) Who Fiona McKay is and her mission (The Menopause Maze)(04:07) Menopause as an overlooked strategic blind spot(06:49) Why HR/L&D must lead or risk stall and attrition(11:06) Myths, symptom distribution, and the “invisible filter”(14:01) Equipping senior women for boardroom performance(16:02) Succession planning when symptoms peak(18:02) Data point: 73% would move for a menopause career coach(20:27) No Pause Scorecard and data diagnostic explained(23:07) Confidential coaching routes for leaders (B2B and direct)(26:19) Designing lifecycle-aware leadership development(28:25) Talent attraction and Gen Alpha expectations(29:42) Practical L&D actions: on-demand learning and manager support(31:50) Four immediate actions for organisations(33:46) Culture, inclusion, and the ripple effect beyond work(37:00) HR L&D Vault: resource, lesson, and future advice

Adopting AI isn't about tools. It's about trust, training, and transformation. And yes, about CMO's getting their hands on the keyboard. In this Huddles Quick Take, GenAI consultants Tahnee Perry and Liza Adams break down the most common mistakes CMOs make when rolling out GenAI—from skipping change management to misunderstanding what “hands-on” really means for leaders.   They also share practical use cases (like reducing a six-week video workflow to two) and explain why a great AI strategy is rooted in empathy, context, and curiosity—not just efficiency.  What You'll Learn:  Why productivity gains mean nothing without training and team buy-in  The difference between thought partnership and bad prompting  What to measure when making the case for GenAI investment   

How can you sell high-ticket offers without chasing—or losing control of the conversation?In this episode of the CEO Sales Strategies Podcast, host Doug C. Brown speaks with leadership coach and former tech CEO Sue Heilbronner about how to close more premium deals by letting go of the outcome.Sue introduces the concept of passionate ambivalence—the ability to care deeply about helping the buyer, while staying unattached to whether or not they say yes.If you're tired of overexplaining, defending your value, or discounting to win the deal, this conversation will help you lead sales conversations with more clarity, confidence, and trust.In this episode, you'll learn:✅ How “passionate ambivalence” builds pricing power✅ Why over-caring creates tension—and kills trust✅ How early qualification protects your time and brand✅ What it means to lead a sales conversation without attachment

It's not easy to keep pace with constant change. If you want to stand out, you need to pivot (yes, PIVOT!), adapt, and build real connection with your audience.That's the genius of Friends, a cultural phenomenon built on chemistry, community, and conversations that felt timeless. In this episode, we're decoding its lessons with the help of special guest Lisa Cole, Chief Marketing Officer at 2X.Together, we explore what B2B marketers can learn from embracing constant pivots, building your own Central Perk with your community, and why team chemistry often matters more than individual expertise.About our guest, Lisa ColeLisa Cole is currently CMO at 2X. She's a strategic marketing leader with over 24 years of experience driving transformative growth for B2B technology and professional services. As a former CMO at Huron, FARO, and Cellebrite, she has earned industry recognition for enhancing brand positioning, optimizing demand generation, and leveraging AI to accelerate go-to-market strategies. Through her earned accolades from Sirius Decisions, Forrester, and CMO Alliance and her book The Revenue RAMP, she guides B2B leaders in achieving more with less using her proven frameworks. What B2B Companies Can Learn From Friends:Pivot, pivot, pivot. In marketing, staying still isn't an option. New channels, new buyer behaviors, and now AI advancements mean marketers are in a constant state of change. Lisa explains, “Pivot is certainly one, especially now that, it seems like every week there's a new advancement… marketing as a whole is pivot. We're constantly in a period of time in between pivots is compressing.” The same way Ross couldn't move that couch without shouting “Pivot!” every marketer today needs to be ready to shift strategy, adjust direction, and keep moving forward.Create your Central Perk. Every brand needs a place where buyers feel safe, connected, and part of something bigger than a transaction. For the Friends cast, it was Central Perk, a space where they could gather, vent, and support each other without judgment. Lisa says, “You have to create a place… where your target audience, your buyers feel safe to get together and meet and engage as a community… if you care about Central Perk for your buyers, then they'll care about you too.” In B2B, that means investing in communities and experiences where customers can be candid, connect with peers, and build trust—with your brand quietly in the background.Build team chemistry. The Friends cast worked because the chemistry was real—something greater than the sum of its parts. Marketing teams are no different. Lisa says, “Sometimes it's the chemistry that matters more than the expertise. It's not necessarily that I brought together six experts.  It's the way that they work together, sometimes is the real magic.” Great marketing doesn't just come from the smartest experts; it comes from teams (in-house, partners, or both) who click, collaborate, and push each other toward a shared mission.Quote“  I'm not necessarily saying to marketers that this cast needs to be a large in-house marketing team. I'm just simply saying that the people that are in the day-to-day business of executing marketing for your organization, that there is a chemistry between them and that they are working together in a unified way.”Time Stamps[00:55] Meet Lisa Cole, CMO at 2X[01:09] Why Friends?[01:52] The Role of CMO at 2X[03:34] The Creation of Friends[07:54] The Chemistry and Dynamics of Friends[21:59] Marketing Takeaways from Friends[32:17] The Humble Leader[37:36] Introducing Brand Gravity[48:11] 2X's Content Strategy[49:46] Final Thoughts and TakeawaysLinksConnect with Lisa on LinkedInLearn more about 2XAbout Remarkable!Remarkable! is created by the team at Caspian Studios, the premier B2B Podcast-as-a-Service company. Caspian creates both nonfiction and fiction series for B2B companies. If you want a fiction series check out our new offering - The Business Thriller - Hollywood style storytelling for B2B. Learn more at CaspianStudios.com. In today's episode, you heard from Ian Faison (CEO of Caspian Studios) and Meredith Gooderham (Head of Production). Remarkable was produced this week by Jess Avellino, mixed by Scott Goodrich, and our theme song is “Solomon” by FALAK. Create something remarkable. Rise above the noise.

This episode features an interview with Jill Wiltfong, Chief Marketing Officer at global consulting firm Korn Ferry.Jill shares her unique path from TV news anchor to marketing, emphasizing the crucial skills of storytelling, communication, and adaptability. She discusses why their thought leadership team is all journalists and discusses their transformative sponsorship of the PGA Korn Ferry Tour. Key Takeaways:Empower employees to promote your brand by giving them clear guardrails instead of slowing them down with heavy approval processes.Wait for the big brand opportunities that authentically tell your company story, like Korn Ferry's PGA development tour sponsorship, rather than chasing generic opportunities.If you're not the biggest player in your market, the only way to get a seat at the table is to do something different, at scale. Quote: "The other thing that was really transformative for us was deciding we were not going to be a boring B2B company. We needed to act and think and behave like a B2C firm. So we came up with this brand mantra: Be more than. Nike had just do it. Apple had think different. We are all about Be More Than. And this is our rallying cry. It tells people exactly who we are. It tells you what we're gonna do for you, for employees. It gives you a sense that Korn Ferry is rough, man, it's pretty relentless because we are always gonna push you to be more than you were yesterday."Episode Timestamps: *(19:09) The Trust Tree: Marketing is best suited to lead and drive innovation*(22:23) The Playbook: Get the right people, the rest falls into place*(44:40) Quick Hits: Jill's quick hitsSponsor:Pipeline Visionaries is brought to you by Qualified.com. Qualified helps you turn your website into a pipeline generation machine with PipelineAI. Engage and convert your most valuable website visitors with live chat, chatbots, meeting scheduling, intent data, and Piper, your AI SDR. Visit Qualified.com to learn more.Links:Connect with Ian on LinkedInConnect with Jill on LinkedInLearn more about Korn FerryLearn more about Caspian Studios

A referral network is the lifeblood of many specialists, and LinkedIn has its place to help you build that network. LinkedIn is a rich platform with tons of features, so you better know what you're doing. My guest today specializes in helping his clients build their brand on LinkedIn, and he'll share some ideas with us.Sheikh C. Ali is a former medical student who pivoted to entrepreneurship. He is the Founder and Owner of SC Medical Media, a LinkedIn marketing company specifically for clinician and healthcare executives. For the past year, he has been solely focusing on LinkedIn because of its dominance in the social media B2B space. His goal is to help clinician and healthcare executives build their authority and personal brand on LinkedIn, and use that to attract potentially lucrative B2B opportunities. In his spare time, Sheikh is an avid cinephile (especially James Bond films) and a collector of luxury pens.In this episode Carl White and Sheikh Ali discuss:Who spends time on LinkedInWhat good goals are when spending time on LinkedInPitfalls to avoidWant to be a guest on PracticeCare®?Have an experience with a business issue you think others will benefit from? Come on PracticeCare® and tell the world! Here's the link where you can get the process started.Connect with Sheikh Alihttps://www.linkedin.com/in/sheikhali007/Connect with Carl WhiteWebsite: http://www.marketvisorygroup.comEmail:  whitec@marketvisorygroup.comFacebook:  https://www.facebook.com/marketvisorygroupYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCD9BLCu_i2ezBj1ktUHVmigLinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/healthcaremktg

Matt Sciannella hosts Dale Harrison in a three part summer event series to cover the intricacies of Brand and Performance marketing. This is the full recording, including previously unreleased Q&A from the live audience, of the final summer event. Dale presents a compelling case for revolutionizing how marketing investments are understood, measured, and communicated. This episode transforms complex financial details into digestible insights, revealing why relying solely on current period revenue versus cost fails to capture the true impact of marketing efforts.Within this conversation, critical topics emerge around the technicalities of accurately quantifying the "R" (Revenue) and "I" (Investment) in marketing ROI. Dale dissects how traditional methods often overlook time lags between marketing initiatives and realized revenue, especially in B2B environments where extended sales cycles are norm. Through detailed examples, the episode guides listeners on associating past marketing efforts with current revenue, emphasizing the significance of contribution margin and proper attribution of marketing expenses. The discourse further unveils the misconception that brand marketing takes time to produce results, illustrating its immediate and lasting impact, and how historical brand efforts inflate future ROIs.Episode topics: #marketing, #demandgeneration, #brand, #B2BSaaS, #digitalmarketing #ads #brandmarketing #performancemarketing ______Subscribe to Stacking Growth on Spotify and YouTubeLearn More About Refine LabsSign Up For Our NewsletterConnect with the hosts:Matt SciannellaDale Harrison

If you love what we do, become a premium YouTube Subscriber or join our Patreon: • https://www.patreon.com/mapitforward• https://www.youtube.com/mapitforwardCheck out our on-demand workshops here: • https://mapitforward.coffee/workshopsConsider joining one of our Mastermind Groups here:• https://mapitforward.coffee/groupcoachingJoin our mailing list:• https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglistInterested in our business advisory services for your small, medium, or large business? Email us here: support@mapitforward.orgLooking for B2B advertising on our podcast for the coffee industry: support@mapitforward.org or DM us here https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••Welcome to the 2nd episode of a five-part podcast series on The Daily Coffee Pro by Map It Forward Podcast, hosted by Map It Forward founder, Lee Safar.Returning to the podcast for the second time in 2025 are audience favourites, Felipe Croce from FAF Coffees in Brazil and Angel Barrera from Belco (in France), based in Colombia.This series is a follow-up to the last time Felipe and Angel appeared on the podcast, at the beginning of 2025. At that time, the discussion was focused on the forces driving the coffee crisis and the expectations of the year ahead in coffee.Now, as we head towards the final quarter of 2025, we revisit the topics we discussed in our last series, examining the realities of the state of the coffee supply chain and the status of the coffee crisis. The 5 episodes in this series are:1. 2025 Coffee Market So Far - https://youtu.be/9ogTc89Mw_o2. Volatility in Global Coffee 2025 - https://youtu.be/sprQmYDJLww3. Challenges at Coffee Origin in 2025 - https://youtu.be/IXzJ-Lwvhmc4. Coffee Industry Consolidation - https://youtu.be/HlNePLOInHI5. 18 Month Global Coffee Outlook - https://youtu.be/ouy150HDwGIIn this episode of this Map It Forward podcast, Lee, Felipe, and Angel focus on the incredible market volatility experienced in 2025, driven by factors such as fluctuating market prices, currency exchange rates, and geopolitical tariffs.They explore how volatility affects decision-making, client interactions, and stability within the industry. Additionally, the conversation touches upon the influence of tariffs and logistical challenges in maintaining stable coffee supplies to global markets. For more detailed insights, join us in this in-depth discussion.Connect with Angel and Belco here:https://www.belco.fr/https://www.linkedin.com/in/angel-barrera-8a0b2236/https://www.instagram.com/koliafobiano/https://www.instagram.com/belco.coffee/Connect with Felipe and FAF here:https://www.instagram.com/felipecroce/https://www.instagram.com/fafcoffees/https://fafbrazil.com/••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••Connect with Map It Forward here: Website | Instagram | Mailing list

How is AI Transforming Go To Market for B2B SaaS? Inbound go-to-market for SaaS is undergoing a major transformation. What once relied on blog posts, lead magnets, and cold outreach is now powered by artificial intelligence. AI is no longer just a content assistant. It now fuels end-to-end workflows, drives strategy, qualifies leads, and personalizes outreach at scale. SaaS teams are deploying AI agents to track LinkedIn signals, automate follow-ups, and even manage outbound efforts. This evolution is unlocking new levels of speed and scale, but it also brings real risks if automation isn't carefully managed. In this episode of the Grow Your B2B SaaS Podcast, Maja Voje breaks down how AI is reshaping inbound GTM. She shares what's working today, where teams should stay hands-on, and how to build AI-assisted systems without losing the human connection that still drives trust in B2B. If you're building or scaling a SaaS product, this is your playbook for doing it smarter with AI.Key Timecodes(0:00) - Boosting AI Content Performance & Automating Founder Workflows(0:53) - What Is AI's Role in SaaS GTM? [With Guest Maja Voje](1:48) - Is Everything Dead? Why AI Agents Are the Future of SaaS Workflows(2:55) - Multi-Agentic Workflows Explained: Tools, Agents & Human Oversight(4:28) - Why You Must Earn the Right to Automate with AI(5:27) - SaaS Automation Gone Wrong: Avoiding Enterprise Pitfalls(6:15) - AI Agents: Build or Buy? Key Considerations for GTM Leaders(6:38) - Mapping GTM Workflows: LinkedIn, DMs, Offers & Content Ops(8:00) - Real-Life AI Marketing Automations You Can Use Today(9:43) - How Many AI Agents Do You Really Need for LinkedIn & Lead Gen?(11:08) - Iterating AI Models Post-Training: Prompts, Builders & Feedback Loops(12:55) - AI Costs, Compliance & Rollouts: From POC to Scalable Deployment(15:07) - Data Security in AI: The Case for 'Least Privilege' Access(16:04) - Rule of Thumb: Don't Share Data You Wouldn't Give a Friend(16:13) - Sponsor Spotlight: SaaStock Dublin—Investor Matchmaking + Discounts(17:22) - Inbound Marketing with AI: LinkedIn Trends & Time-Wasters to Avoid(18:54) - External vs Internal Knowledge Bases: Training AI Without Garbage Input(20:31) - Why AI Design Often Fails: Creatives, Claude vs ChatGPT & Brand Gaps(21:53) - LinkedIn AI Strategy: Commenting, Publishing & Legal Risks in the EU(23:30) - AI-Powered Outbound Marketing: ICP Scoring, Lead Research & Social Selling(25:52) - Training Your Team on AI: Avoiding Content Quality Pitfalls(27:26) - Human-in-the-Loop Design: What to Automate vs Delegate(28:43) - The AI-First Founder Mindset: Culture, Talent & Psychological Safety(31:20) - AI Implementation Choices: From Prototypes to Governance Guardrails(33:29) - PR & Leadership: Why 'We Replaced 7 People with AI' Is a Bad Look(34:10) - 2-Year AI Roadmap: Think Strategically, Reflect Often, Stay Safe(36:20) - Going from 0 to 10K MRR: Learn to Sell, Test Pricing, and Stay Focused(38:53) - Bootstrapping with AI: Don't Waste Model Credits, Focus on ROI(39:32) - Scaling to $10M ARR with AI: Ecosystem Marketing & Creator-Led Trust(40:47) - Recap: AI Workflows, POCs, LinkedIn Automation & Strategic Thinking(42:35) - Connect with Guest Maja Voje on LinkedIn(42:58) - Subscribe to the GTM Strategies Newsletter on Substack(43:28) - Final CTA: Review the Show, Sponsor, Ask Questions, and Connect

Brandon and I get real about extreme ownership in leadership - not theory, but the daily behaviors that drive results. We cover how to move a struggling team member without micromanaging, why cadence beats intention, and how sales management tools like PDI and golden hours create momentum. If you lead in restoration, construction, or home services, this is your playbook for execution. WHY YOU SHOULD LISTEN: [00:01:52] Extreme ownership - own outcomes, not just standards [00:04:44] Check-ins that work - midweek nudges and fast feedback loops [00:07:15] What you walk past - quick correction prevents drift [00:10:23] Cadence - EOS rhythms plus mid-cycle verification [00:12:26] Sales example - coach golden hours and first-rep awkwardness [00:16:58] PDI - daily interaction builds momentum and confidence [00:21:09] Force multipliers - promote leaders and give bandwidth to lead hope you enjoy, Chris Did you know... Only 30% of businesses listed for sale actually find a buyer? Even more striking, just 10% of those sell for the price their owners anticipated or higher, meaning only 3% of all business owners achieve their desired sale price. By focusing on understanding and enhancing your enterprise value, you can significantly boost your chances of joining that successful 3%. Business Health & Value Assessment Start Assessment Know Your Enterprise Value. See Your Potential Gaps. Complete this assessment in less than 15 minutes and receive a free assessment for your business that includes: A Lite Valuation Of Your Business Your Value Multiplier Per Your Industry Health Assessment Per Our PYB Methodology Business Value & Growth Roadmap Tailored For You Value Acceleration Strategies Spotlight on Floodlight: Your Secret Weapon for Sales & Scaling This isn't a paid plug. It's real talk from the front lines. If you've ever thought, “How do I get a VP-level sales leader or even a sales team without hiring full-time?” Floodlight has the answer. Fractional Sales Leadership They act as your outsourced VP of Sales, taking full responsibility for training, managing, and growing your sales team. No six-figure hire needed. Clients often close 20 to 50 percent more deals within six months, thanks to data-driven coaching, CRM setup, scripts, and performance reviews.More at floodlightgrp.com/sales Commercial Sales MasterCourse A self-paced, video-driven B2B sales course designed specifically for restoration teams. Perfect for building commercial revenue and getting free from TPA handcuffs. Covers mindset, prospecting, pipeline building, LinkedIn lead generation, and includes a $250 discount with code SALESBOOST.Details at floodlightgrp.com/courses Tailored Consulting & Coaching Floodlight's Propel Your Business methodology offers a full-circle roadmap: financials, sales, marketing, leadership, recruiting, productivity. All built for contractors. These aren't “life coaches.” They're former restoration owners who've lived the chaos and know how to scale out of it.Explore more at floodlightgrp.com Live Training, Tools & Strategic Partnerships Floodlight also delivers live onsite and virtual training, keynote speaking, and leadership tracks covering operations, project management, and strategic growth. Bonus: They've vetted tools like Xcelerate, Liftify, and Sureti. Floodlight clients get access to exclusive discounts on tech that actually moves the needle.See all partnerships at floodlightgrp.com/partners Why it matters for you as a listener You don't need to figure this stuff out alone. If you're serious about sales growth, operational clarity, exit readiness, or leadership development, Floodlight is already helping folks like you scale smarter. And you get it from industry insiders. People who've sat in your chair, survived the fires, and built systems that actually work.

What happens when you give ambitious entrepreneurs around the world the financial tools previously reserved for multinational corporations? John Caplan, CEO of Payoneer, reveals the transformative impact of enabling truly global commerce for small businesses on this episode of the Leaders in Payments Podcast.Celebrating its 20th anniversary, Payoneer serves as a "foreign bank alternative" for 2 million active customers in virtually every country worldwide. With $80 billion in payment volume flowing through their platform annually and $7 billion in customer funds held in balance, Payoneer has established itself as a trusted financial partner for global entrepreneurs. Caplan explains how their multi-currency accounts and payment solutions help businesses receive international payments and manage global operations without the delays and excessive fees of traditional banking.The diversity of Payoneer's customer base highlights the universal need for better cross-border financial services. From goods exporters in China selling on Amazon to business process outsourcers in the Philippines, software developers in Argentina, and marketing firms in Dubai – Payoneer empowers businesses across sectors to participate in the global economy. Caplan's own journey to Payoneer reflects the value of fresh perspectives in payments. With an entrepreneurial background spanning Arizona Iced Tea, Starbucks, Ford Models, and transforming Alibaba.com from $800M to $3.5B in revenue, he brings cross-industry experience to financial services. He emphasizes that payments should evolve beyond mere "pipes and plumbing" to become truly value-accretive services, and encourages career-switchers to question industry conventions with persistent "why" questions that drive innovation.Looking ahead, Payoneer is expanding further into B2B payments, exploring stablecoins and blockchain for treasury operations, and developing workforce management tools – all aimed at making global business operations seamless for ambitious entrepreneurs. For listeners interested in financial innovation that empowers global commerce, this episode offers valuable insights into how technology is democratizing access to the world economy.

In this Q&A from a sales rep, I respond to a question about the fairness of the compensation plan. My response may not be what you'd expect.        Dave Kahle's goal is to provide sales leaders and small businesspeople with practical actionable ideas that can make an immediate impact on your sales performance.          Dave is a B2B sales expert, and a Christian Business thought leader.  He has authored 13 books, presented in 47 states and 11 countries and worked with over 500 sales organizations.  In these ten-minute podcasts, his unique blend of out-of-the-box thinking and practical insights will challenge and enable you to sell better, lead better and live better.        Subscribe to these ten-minute helpings of out-of-the-box inspiration, education and motivation. Dave's Substack page (PW) Subscribe to Dave's Newsletters Check out the website  

Want to lose your best sales reps fast? Screw up their comp plan. In this episode, we sit down with Antoine Fort, CEO of Qobra, to dig into the classic mistakes that drive top performers out the door. We talk about why overcomplicated plans kill motivation, how underpaying top reps quietly drains revenue, and why immediacy and trust are non-negotiable if you want comp plans to work.We also get into clawbacks, the mess of usage-based and outcome-based models, and what really happens when you ignore the value of your top reps. Antoine explains why accelerators, recognition, and clear career paths matter just as much as salary, and why forcing high performers into management usually blows up in your face.(00:00) - Introduction (00:54) - Antoine's Background and Qobra (07:01) - Challenges in Sales Compensation (10:49) - Simplicity in Compensation Plans (14:16) - Immediacy and Trust in Sales Compensation (18:57) - You're Underpaying Top Sales Reps (30:31) - How to Keep Your Best Reps Happy (39:26) - Commission on Renewing Customers (41:18) - Retention Strategies for Sales Reps (44:35) - Hiring New Reps: When and How (46:02) - AI and Usage-Based Pricing Challenges (01:00:39) - Differences in Commission Structures: US vs Europe (01:04:32) - Next Week: Health & Mental Health for Founders

Doing more with less in B2B? This episode shows you how—without burning out your team or your budget.  Tessa Burg talks with B2B leaders, Hannah Woodham and Jenelle Maddox, to map out what's actually working as teams plan for 2026. They break down the wins from 2024–2025, including first-party data, smarter AI, and high-quality content. Then, share where to invest next so you can reach complex buying networks and still prove ROI. You'll hear practical ways to streamline work, personalize at scale, and boost brand visibility in LLMs—without chasing every shiny object. If you want clear steps to align marketing with business goals, improve performance metrics, and make your budget work harder, this conversation gives you the playbook.  Leader Generation is hosted by Tessa Burg and brought to you by Mod Op.  About Hannah Woodham: With over 15 years of experience driving paid channel marketing strategy in a dynamic agency environment, Hannah focuses on leading teams that deliver performance-driven results. Throughout her career, she's helped brands across B2B industries scale their reach, optimize their media investments, and achieve measurable growth through innovative paid strategies. Hannah has a passion for combining data, creativity and emerging technologies—including AI—to build campaigns that not only perform but transform. Hannah can be reached on LinkedIn or at Hannah.Woodham@ModOp.com.  About Jenelle Maddox: Jenelle Maddox is Vice President of Client Success at Mod Op, with more than 15 years of experience leading teams and advising global enterprise clients. She brings executive leadership and marketing strategy expertise to help organizations navigate digital transformation and drive growth, leveraging data-driven marketing, customer experience strategies, and technology enablement to ensure alignment with business goals and measurable outcomes. Jenelle is recognized for developing and scaling both client and employee satisfaction by creating clarity from complexity as a servant leader and multiplier, driving cross-functional alignment to achieve collective success. Jenelle can be reached on LinkedIn or at Jenelle.Maddox@ModOp.com.  About Tessa Burg: Tessa is the Chief Technology Officer at Mod Op and Host of the Leader Generation podcast. She has led both technology and marketing teams for 15+ years. Tessa initiated and now leads Mod Op's AI/ML Pilot Team, AI Council and Innovation Pipeline. She started her career in IT and development before following her love for data and strategy into digital marketing. Tessa has held roles on both the consulting and client sides of the business for domestic and international brands, including American Greetings, Amazon, Nestlé, Anlene, Moen and many more. Tessa can be reached on LinkedIn or at Tessa.Burg@ModOp.com.

How is AI changing the game for sports betting? Marty Styles, VP of Product at Pro Football Focus (PFF), visits LaunchPod to share how his team is bringing pro-grade football analytics, trusted by every NFL team, to everyday bettors. Marty shares how his team: Built Key Insights, an AI-powered feature that simplifies 200+ data points per play into actionable betting takeaways Designed the Player Prop Tool, which combines PFF's grades with market odds to reveal hidden betting edges Used Play Finder and AI-driven film study to transform raw data into instant, searchable insights Positioned PFF as the “Bloomberg Terminal of sports betting”, giving bettors the same edge NFL teams rely on Links LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marty-styles/ PFF: https://www.pff.com/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:46 The Value of PFF's Data 02:14 Transitioning from B2B to B2C 03:17 Understanding the Sports Betting Market 04:38 The Role of AI in PFF's Products 09:00 Simplifying Complex Data for Consumers 10:32 Key Insights and AI Integration 14:20 Ensuring Accuracy and Trust in AI Outputs 17:20 Introducing the Player Prop Tool 19:36 Targeting Intermediate Bettors 22:12 Product Marketing Strategy 25:53 AI and Data Analysis in Betting 29:32 Future of AI in Sports Analytics 33:23 Conclusion Follow LaunchPod on YouTube We have a new YouTube page (https://www.youtube.com/@LaunchPodPodcast)! Watch full episodes of our interviews with PM leaders and subscribe! What does LogRocket do? LogRocket's Galileo AI watches user sessions for you and surfaces the technical and usability issues holding back your web and mobile apps. Understand where your users are struggling by trying it for free at LogRocket.com (https://logrocket.com/signup/?pdr). Special Guest: Marty Styles.

Industrial Talk is talking to Chris Luecke, Founder and Host of Manufacturing Happy Hour Podcast about "Complete focus on manufacturing success". Scott Mackenzie interviews Chris Luecke about his "Manufacturing Happy Hour" podcast. Chris, an engineer with a background in manufacturing and automation, discusses the podcast's origins, its evolution from a YouTube series to a leadership podcast, and its focus on collaboration and idea-sharing in the manufacturing industry. He emphasizes the importance of leveraging technology, such as AI and digital transformation, to enhance productivity and attract young talent. Chris also highlights the need for manufacturers to engage with the tech community and innovate to stay competitive. The conversation is punctuated by power outages but remains engaging and insightful. Action Items [ ] @Scott MacKenzie - Subscribe to the Manufacturing Happy Hour podcast. [ ] @Scott MacKenzie - Explore the concept of "exponential improvements" in manufacturing through automation and AI. [ ] @Scott MacKenzie - Consider ways for manufacturers to engage more actively with the broader tech community. [ ] Connect with Chris Luecke on LinkedIn. Outline Introduction and Technical Difficulties Scott MacKenzie introduces the Industrial Talk Podcast and highlights the importance of celebrating industry professionals. Scott mentions the technical difficulties faced during the recording due to power outages. Scott expresses gratitude to Chris Luecke for his participation and sets the stage for the conversation. Scott acknowledges the resilience of Chris and himself in continuing the conversation despite the technical issues. Chris Luecke's Background and Manufacturing Happy Hour Chris Luecke shares his background, starting as an engineer at Marquette University and working with Anheuser Busch and Rockwell Automation. Chris explains the origin of Manufacturing Happy Hour, a podcast that started as a YouTube series recorded on his iPhone. The podcast evolved into a leadership podcast, focusing on manufacturing and automation technology. Chris discusses his transition from a full-time job to a full-time content creator and community builder. The Journey to Podcasting Scott MacKenzie and Chris Luecke discuss their experiences with podcasting, including initial challenges and equipment choices. Chris shares his early podcasting journey with Pub Cast Worldwide, a podcast about drinking culture and craft beer. Chris emphasizes the importance of starting with basic equipment and gradually upgrading as the audience grows. Scott and Chris agree on the value of podcasting as a relationship-building tool in the B2B world. Impact and Purpose of Manufacturing Happy Hour Chris explains the purpose of Manufacturing Happy Hour, which is to bring people together to collaborate and share ideas over a beverage. The podcast aims to equip manufacturing leaders with tools, technologies, and insights through interviews with experts. Chris highlights the importance of the community aspect, where listeners can engage and learn from each other. Scott asks about the tangible benefits of the platform, and Chris shares examples of connections made through the podcast and events. Future of Manufacturing and Industry 4.0 Chris discusses the future of manufacturing, emphasizing the importance of automation and...

AI marketing strategies are changing the game for CMOs, agencies, and digital leaders — and in this episode, Tim Peters, CMO of Guideline AI breaks down what's working in 2025 and what's coming next.From managing advertising spend data to leveraging artificial intelligence in advertising, Tim shares decades of experience in B2B marketing, working with startups, global brands, and everything in between.If you're a CMO, founder, or agency owner searching for answers to:“Where should I spend my ad budget next year?”“How do I scale faster without hiring more?”“Which content channels are worth investing in?”“How do I use AI in my sales and marketing efforts?”…this episode delivers clear, insightful, and actionable answers.

Watch the full episode on our new YouTube channel: youtube.com/@mreapodcastDan Holt went from framing houses at 16-years-old, to carrying $6.5M in debt when the market collapsed, to creating a $100M+ real estate business by locking in on three things: leads, listings, and leverage. In this episode, he walks us through the turning points that shaped his mindset and the exact systems that keep his team running. Specifically, his five-touch, pre-listing flow converts at nearly 90 percent. If you want to sharpen your listing game and build a business that thrives in any market, this is an episode you won't want to miss.Resources:Keller Williams Mega CampWin More Clients Using Google Reviews With Nick Waldner | The MREA Podcast (EP.66)Order the Millionaire Real Estate Agent Playbook | Volume 3Become your clients' go-to Airbnb expertAirbnb has launched a Real Estate Referral Program for agents just like you. When you refer clients to list their properties on Airbnb, you not only earn a referral fee, you also gain access to localized market data that helps you stand out in your market. It's free to join, includes a quick-start webinar, and gives you real-time insights on booking trends in your area. It's a win-win-win. Sign up at mreanotes.com/airbnb and don't forget to mention you heard about it on the MREA Podcast.Connect with Jason:LinkedinProduced by NOVAThis podcast is for general informational purposes only. The views, thoughts, and opinions of the guest represent those of the guest and not  Keller Williams Realty, LLC and its affiliates, and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.WARNING! You must comply with the TCPA and any other federal, state or local laws, including for B2B calls and texts. Never call or text a number on any Do Not Call list, and do not use an autodialer or artificial voice or prerecorded messages without proper consent. Contact your attorney to ensure your compliance.

Send us a textIn this episode of Market Outsiders, Namaan and Jenny Rae unpack the booming business of sports betting. From DraftKings to FanDuel, they examine how sportsbooks use aggressive advertising to acquire customers, the economics behind their business models, and the role of state regulations. The conversation also highlights the challenges of user retention and the untapped B2B opportunities shaping the future of online gambling.Links:DraftKings quarterly resultsJoin Market Outsiders live every weekday at 9:15AM ET on LinkedIn and YouTube.Subscribe to the Market Outsiders feed for daily episodes (Apple, Spotify).Follow Management Consulted on LinkedIn and subscribe on YouTubeConnect with Namaan and Jenny Rae on LinkedInListen to the Market Outsiders podcast, the new daily show with the Management Consulted teamConnect With Management Consulted Schedule free 15min consultation with the MC Team. Watch the video version of the podcast on YouTube! Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and industry insights! Join an upcoming live event - case interviews demos, expert panels, and more. Email us (team@managementconsulted.com) with questions or feedback.

Join us for an insightful conversation with Taylor Brandt, a Partner at Headline, where we dive into the world of venture capital and B2B software. Taylor specializes in vertical SaaS, B2B marketplaces, and commerce infrastructure as a Partner in Headline's In this episode, we explore Taylor's unique perspective, shaped by her background in marketing and analytics engineering: We cover key topics for founders and aspiring VCs, including: Fundraising Misconceptions: What is a common mistake founders make when pitching to VCs, especially regarding their focus on senior partners? Founder Traits: What underrated qualities does Taylor look for in strong founders of B2B companies? Breaking into VC: Taylor shares her advice for those without a “traditional” resume and reveals her own path into the industry. Assessing Risk: How does she evaluate the adoption risk of investing in infrastructure and logistics companies? The Future of Tech: We get Taylor's take on the next big opportunities in vertical SaaS and B2B marketplaces, and what signals she's tracking. AI Adoption: A discussion on how AI is being adopted in businesses, particularly when it doesn't require a change in existing processes. Athlete & Founder Mindset: Exploring the correlation Taylor sees between being an athlete and a successful founder or VC. Disclaimer: The views expressed on this podcast are for informational purposes only and not financial or legal advice. Consult with a professional for your specific situation. The views expressed are my own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Finalis Inc. or Finalis Securities LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC. Connect with Taylor Brandt: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylor-brandt-89415250/ Headline Website: https://headline.com/ #VentureCapital #FounderAdvice #TechInvesting #SaaSTech #StartupFunding #VC

Connect with me at https://experimentrealestate.com/connectGet the FREE Mid-Term Rental Insurance Blueprint: https://experimentrealestate.com/#blueprint In this solo briefing, Ruben breaks down Airbnb's move to a single host-only fee (15.5%) for listings managed through property management software (PMS)—what's changing, when it hits, and what it means for operators. He clarifies the Aug 25 & Oct 27, 2025 timelines and why this shift underscores a hard truth: Airbnb optimizes for guests first, not hosts.Ruben shares the immediate, practical fix: adjust PMS channel markups (not your global pricing tool) so Airbnb prices reflect the new fee without mispricing you across other OTAs. Then he zooms out to strategy—leverage Airbnb's traffic, but don't depend on it. Diversify across VRBO/Expedia/Furnished Finder/Zillow, build direct-booking pathways through brand presence in-stay, and set business guardrails (no auto IB if it breaks your ops).You'll also hear how to turn Airbnb visibility into long-term relationships, protect margins with smarter pricing ops, and operate like a true B2B temp-housing brand. This isn't “Airbnb or nothing”—it's Airbnb and a resilient distribution stack.Tune in now to learn exactly how to update your pricing, protect profits, and future-proof your portfolio while still riding Airbnb's massive demand engine.Get the Midterm Rental Insurance Blueprint: https://experimentrealestate.com/#blueprint#ShortTermRentals #AirbnbHost #PMS #MidTermRentals #HospitalityOps #RevenueManagement #OTAstrategy #ExperimentNation

You're very familiar with Amazon. Have you ever thought about selling on Amazon…B2B? It's not as crazy as it sounds. In fact, Amazon can be an incredibly powerful platform for B2B sales, as well. We wanted you to hear from a pro who can help you get super tactical on Amazon, so we welcomed on Carolyn Lowe, CEO & Founder of ROI Swift. They help brands scale smarter & faster on Amazon. For more about ForthRight Business by ForthRight People or for 1:1 consultation, check us out at ForthRight-Business.com And as always, if you need Strategic Counsel, don't hesitate to reach out to us at: ForthRight-People.com FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/forthrightpeople.marketingagency INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/forthrightpeople/ LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/company/forthright-people/ RESOURCES https://www.forthright-people.com/resources VIRTUAL CONSULTANCY https://www.forthright-people.com/shop