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What does it take to build a culture so strong that it powers 68 ships, 100,000 employees, and 12 million ecstatic guests each year? In this episode, Richard Fain, former CEO and current Chairman of Royal Caribbean Group, shares how he led the company's evolution from a small cruise line into a $16 billion global powerhouse by anchoring performance in purpose and people. Drawing from his new book, Delivering the WoW: Culture as a Catalyst for Lasting Success, Richard unpacks the mindset behind Royal Caribbean's growth—from defining culture as a shared North Star to prioritizing fit over fitness in hiring and leadership. He explains how the company grew leaders through cross-functional rotations, built transparency through metrics like guest satisfaction and employee Net Promoter Scores, and created alignment through a shared “culture dashboard.” Along the way, he highlights lessons from bold innovations like the VR Innovation Lab—and even a runaway blimp experiment—that shaped a culture of continuous improvement and accountability. Every CHRO who believes culture is the new competitive advantage will find in this episode the proof and the playbook for making it real. ________________ Start your day with the world's top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: https://greatleadership.substack.com/
What if the real game-changer in travel baseball isn't your player's swing-but your decisions as a parent? In this solo episode, Matt breaks down what he refers to as The Precision Process, a behavioral-psychology-based framework designed to help travel baseball families make better, calmer, and more confident choices in a chaotic environment. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the nonstop pressure of tournaments, recruiting, and exposure events, this episode will show you how to filter the noise, think clearly, and align every decision with your family's long-term goals. You'll learn how to stop reacting emotionally to “urgent” choices and instead make strategic, values-driven the same kind elite CEOs and investors use, but adapted for the world of youth sports. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: The Precision Process: a 6-step system to make high-quality decisions under pressure How to identify if you're in a stable, complicated, or chaotic environment—and why that matters The truth about emotional vs. logical decision-making in travel baseball How to create your family's North Star statement to filter opportunities The 3 biggest cognitive biases that sabotage baseball parents—and how to overcome them Why clarity, not control, is the key to thriving in travel baseball How to build a decision database that helps you avoid repeating costly mistakes Matt breaks down real-world examples from families navigating tournaments, showcases, and college recruiting. You'll discover how to use tools like the 3x3 Clarity Grid to bring calm, structure, and precision to every choice-and how to measure progress through regular debrief loops that keep your family aligned and less stressed. If you've ever caught yourself making reactive, fear-based decisions (FOMO, comparison, sunk cost), this episode will hit home. By the end, you'll walk away with a repeatable decision-making framework to replace chaos with confidence. CALL TO ACTION: If this episode brought you clarity, share it with another baseball parent feeling overwhelmed by the chaos. Subscribe for weekly episodes on mindset, leadership, and decision-making in travel baseball. Comment your biggest decision-making challenge below. LINKS & RESOURCES: https://www.youtube.com/@mostvaluableagent — Follow the MVA Podcast #TravelBaseball #BaseballParents #YouthSportsMindset #DecisionMaking #BaseballDevelopment #ParentLeadership #BaseballPodcast #MVA
Send us a textWhat if your money felt calm, clear, and connected to a future you actually want? Grant sits down with Earl Johnson of Lexis Wealth Management to unpack the mindset, systems, and coaching that turn financial stress into durable wealth—and transform inheritance into a springboard, not a stumble.We start with the human side: the quiet shame many people carry about past choices and the simple shift that changes everything—separating lifestyle money from future money. Earl explains how trust and confidentiality built his brand in a competitive industry, why he rejects commission incentives, and how he guides clients with straight talk and empathy. From there, we zoom out to the “great wealth transfer,” an estimated $80 trillion moving from Boomers to the next generation, and why estate planning, trusts, and true succession are now non-negotiable for families and businesses that refuse to start over.You'll hear practical frameworks that stick: treat money like a game you plan to win, where passing GO isn't the goal—owning assets is. Earl connects long-term investing to everyday life by owning pieces of companies you already support, keeping emotions steady when markets swing, and using a coach to translate noise into action. We dig into budgeting without deprivation, the discipline behind the “millionaire next door,” and how a clear North Star turns habits into progress. We also explore the changing fintech landscape, the danger of tool-first thinking, and why applied knowledge beats hype every time.If you're a professional, student, entrepreneur, or parent who wants to protect what you've built and pass a heavy baton to the next runner, this conversation is your playbook. Subscribe, share this with someone building their plan, and leave a review with the one goal driving your money this year—what's your North Star?Thanks for tuning in to this episode of Follow The Brand! We hope you enjoyed learning about the latest trends and strategies in Personal Branding, Business and Career Development, Financial Empowerment, Technology Innovation, and Executive Presence. To keep up with the latest insights and updates, visit 5starbdm.com. And don't miss Grant McGaugh's new book, First Light — a powerful guide to igniting your purpose and building a BRAVE brand that stands out in a changing world. - https://5starbdm.com/brave-masterclass/ See you next time on Follow The Brand!
Drop your North Star in one sentence below. If you can't say it in a line, you can't live it in a year! Are you doing everything and going nowhere? This episode is your wake-up call. We break down why scattered hustle kills credibility, how a single North Star changed our entire operation, and the exact mindset shift to align actions with the goals you keep talking about. The guys get surgical: give up the stage for the mission, put businesses on autopilot (one at a time), value mastery over opinions, and stop letting anxiety grow in the gap between your words and your work. If you want receipts, we've got them—KPIs, standards, and the uncomfortable conversations required to level up.
What if the biggest barrier between you and your dreams isn't talent, connections, or luck— but simply the belief that you need permission to act? Jay Yang joins Infinite Loops to challenge one of the most limiting assumptions of our time: that opportunities must be handed to us rather than created by us. At just 16, Jay cold-emailed the CEO of Beehiiv with a concrete plan that led to an internship. At 17, he sent Noah Kagan a 19-page audit of his email funnel with ready-to-ship assets, ultimately becoming head of content and helping put "Million Dollar Weekend" on the New York Times bestseller list. His secret? Understanding that preparation beats bravado, that most doors don't even have locks, and that the fastest way to get what you want is to do the work upfront and make saying "yes" a no-brainer for others. This conversation dives deep into Jay's philosophy of permissionless action, exploring why most people accept the "standard pace" when there's actually no speed limit, how to reprogram limiting beliefs through small wins, and why high agency people focus on outputs while low agency people get trapped tracking inputs. I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as I did. For the full transcript, episode takeaways, and bucketloads of other goodies designed to make you go, “Hmm, that's interesting!”, check out our Substack. Important Links: Jay Yang's website Jay Yang's X Jay Yang's Instagram Jay Yang's Book, You Can Just Do Things Jay Yang's LinkedIn Show Notes: The Philosophy of Permissionless Action Breaking Free from Era-Defining Ideas Overcoming Limiting Beliefs Starting Small: Building Confidence Through Micro-Actions Inner vs. Outer Orientation Inputs vs. Outputs: The Agency Divide Failure as Feedback The Power of Persistence Curiosity and Cognitive Diversity AI and the Future of Work The Busy-ness Trap Signal vs. Noise in the AI Era People You Learn From Don't Have Huge Following The TAG Method Explained The New Way of Hiring Learning from the Greats Motivation vs. Clarity Jay's North Star and Anti-Goals Viktor Frankl and Finding Your Why Working in Public The Second Book Preview The Emperor Question Closing & Contact Information Books Mentioned: You Can Just Do Things: The Power of Permissionless Actions (Jay Yang) Million Dollar Weekend by Noah Kagan The Tao of Kobe (forthcoming 2026, Jimmy Soni) Greatness Cannot Be Planned (Ken Stanley) Man's Search for Meaning (Viktor Frankl)
What would your day, your week, your next year, or even your life look like if you spent it following your joy? What if joy became your North Star? Your guiding light? Your compass? What is in the way of you experiencing more joy in your life? What if you could find joy in how you dress, what you eat, how you exercise, where you live, what you do for work, who you spend time with, and how you navigate your day to day life? These, and more, are the questions we'll cover in this intuitive and inspired conversation around following your joy. True to form, you will be joining Reno on location at Sunset Beach, in beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia, where he followed his joy down to the beach where he fell in love with Vancouver, so that he could not just talk about following your joy, but embody it. Note: You may occasionally hear some fun background noise, which actually becomes part of the conversation, so you'll want to keep listening. Today's Host: Reno Johnston Instagram Facebook Schedule a Zoom Call Support the Show - viewer and listener support helps us to continue making episodes - CONNECT WITH US - Watch podcast episodes on YouTube Join the Gay Men's Brotherhood Facebook community Get on our email list to get access to our monthly Zoom calls Follow us on Instagram | TikTok Learn more about our community at GayMenGoingDeeper.com - LEARN WITH US - Building Better Relationships online course: Learn how to nurture more meaningful and authentic connections with yourself and others. Healing Your Shame online course: Begin the journey toward greater confidence and self-worth by learning how to recognize and deal with toxic shame. Gay Men Going Deeper Coaching Collection: Lifetime access to BOTH courses + 45 coaching videos and 2 workshop series. Take the Attachment Style Quiz to determine your attachment style and get a free report.
HEADLINES:♦ I2025 Expand North Star Concludes and GITEX Global Continues Strong in Dubai♦ MGX and BlackRock Strike Record $40 Billion Texas Data Center Deal♦ ALEC Holdings Makes Historic Debut on DFM with UAE's Largest Construction IPO Newsletter: https://aug.us/4jqModrWhatsApp: https://aug.us/40FdYLUInstagram: https://aug.us/4ihltzQTiktok: https://aug.us/4lnV0D8Smashi Business Show (Mon-Friday): https://aug.us/3BTU2MY
Michael Ventura is an entrepreneur, author of “Applied Empathy: The New Language of Leadership”, and advisor to leaders at organizations including the ACLU, Google, Nike, and the UN. He has taught emotionally intelligent leadership at Princeton, West Point, and Esalen. In this episode, Michael explores why our natural childhood empathy fades as adults due to life complexity, cultural conditioning, and survival mechanisms that suppress this innate behavior. He explains how organizational design can create systems where empathy thrives through measurement, rewards, and leadership modeling rather than trying to change people individually. Michael outlines seven empathetic archetypes that leaders can shift between like gears: the Sage (practices presence), Inquirer (asks great questions), Convener (creates connection environments), Confidant (builds trust), Cultivator (provides vision), Seeker (values self-work), and Alchemist (experiments and learns). He emphasizes knowing when to shift archetypes based on circumstances and people. He addresses why leaders struggle to guide rather than control, explaining how successful leaders must transition from having answers to asking questions and empowering others. Michael explains empathy's benefits through a GE medical imaging case study where understanding patient experience led to environmental changes that cut pain complaints in half and increased cancer detection by over 10%. Listen to this episode to discover how empathy drives retention, innovation, and competitive advantage while serving as both leadership skill and business strategy. You can find episode 481 on YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts! Watch this Episode on YouTube | Key Takeaways [02:19] Michael explains that empathy fades as we age because life beats it out of us in some ways. [05:10] Michael outlines three types of empathy: affective (golden rule), somatic (physical experience), and cognitive (platinum rule). [07:27] Michael emphasizes that empathy must be embraced and modeled as a behavior from the top all the way down. Michael warns that empathy requires a code of ethics because "sociopaths are good cognitive empaths." [10:11] Michael clarifies that his keynote's first slide always says empathy is not about being nice. [13:06] Michael describes seven empathic archetypes as "gears in a manual transmission" that leaders should shift between. [19:05] Michael advises leaders to ask "How do you learn? How are you motivated?" to diagnose which archetype to use. [22:18] Michael states "Leaders should only do what an individual or team cannot do for itself" because leaders must transition from having all the answers to asking the right questions. [23:47] Michael shares that West Point teaches empathy because officers must lead people from "every socioeconomic stripe imaginable." [29:07] Michael cites retention as a hard benefit, noting it costs "1 1/2 times the salary" to replace someone. [35:54] Michael shares what he wandered; he's writing a book about moving from "North Star thinking to constellation thinking" for purpose. [38:33] Michael observes society lost its "emotional commons" where everyone shared the same cultural experiences. [42:17] Michael advises leaders to start empathy work "where the need is the greatest" rather than organization-wide. [43:42] And remember...“I think we all have empathy. We may not have enough courage to display it.” - Maya Angelou Quotable Quotes "Life beats it out of us in some ways." "We start to see ourselves as the main character a little too much sometimes and forget that there are other characters in the play all around us." "Do unto others as they would have you do unto them. And the only way you're going to know that answer is if you do two things that most humans don't want to do. Admit they don't have an answer and then go ask the uncomfortable question." "Sometimes the most empathic thing that you do is say the hard thing or do the hard thing for someone else." "Stop trying to be the most interesting person in the room and start trying to be the most interested person in the room." "Leaders should only do what an individual or team cannot do for itself." "Don't tell people what to do. Tell them what outcome you want and let them surprise you with how they get it done." "When something is powerful and something is effective, just recognize it can be used for bad as well." These are the books mentioned in this episode Resources Mentioned The Leadership Podcast | Sponsored by | Rafti Advisors. LLC | Self-Reliant Leadership. LLC | Michael Ventura Website | Michael Ventura X | Michael Ventura Facebook | Michael Ventura LinkedIn | Michael Ventura Instagram |
You can navigate storms in your parenting, if your eye is on the North Star. For Christians, the Great Commission is the North Star of our parenting.To read the original blog post, visit https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/parents-follow-this-north-star/
In this episode of the Matters.com podcast, Olivia interviews Melissa Fors Shackleford — a healthcare marketing strategist, author of Harnessing Purpose, and advisor helping leaders align their mission with their message.Melissa shares her perspective on finding personal fulfillment in marketing, emphasizing that authentic connection — not manipulation — is what drives meaningful brand relationships. She discusses why purpose-driven brands outperform their competitors, the importance of authentic leadership, and how values-based communication shapes trust in today's transparent, social-first world.The conversation dives into the challenges and opportunities in healthcare marketing, the transformative potential of AI, and how leaders can model purpose through action. The Matters or Not Matters speed round covers topics from branding and vacations to reality TV, cryptocurrency, and more.Whether you're a marketer, leader, or simply someone seeking deeper alignment between your work and your values, this episode will inspire you to find your North Star — and help others find theirs too.
In this episode of the Believe in Banking podcast, Gina Bleedorn and Juliet D'Ambrosio explore how customer experience in branch banking continues to drive trust and loyalty. Drawing from Adrenaline's latest report – Closing Customer Experience Gaps in Branch Banking – they reveal what's working, what's missing, and how human connection remains essential in financial services, especially in an era when so many of people's other everyday interactions are digital. Armed with new research and insights from 50 real-world mystery shops at banks and credit unions of all sizes and geographies, they discuss strategic yet practical ways that financial institutions can leverage intentional design and a clear North Star vision to transform experiences for the future of branch banking. From trust and retention to design and digital integration, Gina and Juliet show how human connection fuels profitability, and what banks and credit unions can do now to turn experience gaps into growth opportunities. This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm
Live from Day 4 of Expand North Star 2025 in DubaiNewsletter: https://aug.us/4jqModrWhatsApp: https://aug.us/40FdYLUInstagram: https://aug.us/4ihltzQTiktok: https://aug.us/4lnV0D8Smashi Business Show (Mon-Friday): https://aug.us/3BTU2MY
Joining me this week is Kate Rope. We're talking about how parents can raise daughters who feel strong, capable, and deeply connected to themselves, while also supporting our own mental health as parents. Together we explore: - How to parent from hope (rather than fears) and why this can help your child feel safer, more capable, and resilient. - How identifying your family's "North Star values" can guide you through tough parenting decisions. - The deceptively simple, yet powerful shift of pausing and listening before reacting. - Practical ways to nurture assertiveness, support healthy friendships, and help girls trust their inner voice. - Why our own self-care and modeling are essential to raising strong, emotionally secure kids. - How to create everyday opportunities for girls to practice autonomy, confidence, and consent. Whether you're raising a daughter or simply want to strengthen the emotional wellbeing of the kids in your care, this conversation is filled with insight, validation, and real-life strategies you can start using right away. LEARN MORE ABOUT MY GUEST:
Guest Lyle Kirtman has been a leadership development consultant for more than 30 years. As CEO, of Future Management Systems Inc., he has worked on developing leaders to increase results for students in 500 school districts in 15 states. Kirtman's focus on innovation in education is a key element of his presentations, keynotes, and publications. His field-based research has already made major contributions to the educational leadership arena through his “7 Competencies for High Performing Leaders,” the use of leadership assessments for self-reflection and hiring, and the importance of getting a “C” in compliance to increase focus on results for student achievement. He is the author and co-author of numerous books, including Leadership and Teams: The Missing Piece of the Educational Reform Puzzle and Shaping the Future: Four Leadership Pivots for Lasting Educational Impact, which we discuss in this episode. Lyle earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from the State University of New York (SUNY) and a master's degree in counseling with a concentration in career development from SUNY and Fairfield University, Connecticut. Why This Episode Matters Lyle Kirtman's new book, Shaping the Future for Leadership Pivots for Lasting Educational Impact, aims to help educational leaders cultivate a positive results culture through four essential pivots. Identify a clear North Star that defines student success. Develop a new approach for hiring, developing, and retaining all staff (shifting from instructional leader to talent leader). Implement a system where employees self-assess their progress toward enabling student success. Establish and commit to high expectations for all students and staff. Kirtman argues that educational leaders lack a 21st-century "North Star" for student success, which is often narrowly defined by high-stakes test scores. He redefines "results" as the essential skills and competencies students need to be successful in life, beyond just academics. These include skills like critical thinking, resilience, and adaptability. Social Media www.futuremsi.com Twitter (X): @FutureManageme3
If your North Star is your own happiness, you'll most likely be very unhappy! If we point ourselves in the direction of God's approval, we'll get blessing and contentment and reward. (Earthly happiness not guaranteed!) Over the last half-century we've seen what the philosophy of "My Happiness Above All" has wrought: Destruction. And there's no need to tell you that this applies most acutely to our sexual lives. Here's Jim with Part 2 of, Sacred Sex. Listen to Right Start Radio every Monday through Friday on WCVX 1160AM (Cincinnati, OH) at 9:30am, WHKC 91.5FM (Columbus, OH) at 5:00pm, WRFD 880AM (Columbus, OH) at 9:00am. Right Start can also be heard on One Christian Radio 107.7FM & 87.6FM in New Plymouth, New Zealand. You can purchase a copy of this message, unsegmented for broadcasting and in its entirety, for $7 on a single CD by calling +1 (800) 984-2313, and of course you can always listen online or download the message for free. RS10142025_0.mp3Scripture References: 1 Corinthians 7
Are you facing a wave of decisions after a breast cancer diagnosis? In this heartfelt episode of The Grit Show, host Shawna Rodrigues peels back the layers of what really matters when breast cancer turns life upside down. Shawna shares her personal journey through a double mastectomy, tips for navigating overwhelming choices, and why knowing your “North Star” is more vital than any research or treatment plan. Listeners will catch insights on single vs. double mastectomy, Oregon's groundbreaking out-of-state reconstruction access, insurance curveballs, and the real questions every patient should ask before surgery. Packed with candid storytelling and practical frameworks, this episode offers hope, clarity, and confidence to anyone touched by breast cancer. If you're looking for support through Breast Cancer Awareness Month, decision-making tools, or just crave real talk about cancer, quality of life, and self-advocacy, you'll find inspiration here!As mentioned in this episode, continue the conversation and find more inspiration by listening to:
Are you a SaaS founder wondering How to Build a Growth Operating System That Helps Teams Deliver Real Value? Growing a B2B SaaS company can often feel messy. Teams try lots of different tactics, hoping that something will finally work. But this kind of scattered approach rarely leads to long-term, repeatable success. In this episode of the Grow Your B2B SaaS Podcast Joran Hofman sits down with growth expert and coach Andrew Capland. Andrew explains how to move beyond one-off growth hacks and start building what he calls a Growth Operating System. This system helps teams focus on delivering real value, work together more effectively, and create results that can scale over time.Key Timecodes(00:00) - Cold Open: North Star Metric, Activation vs Retention, and Copying Playbooks Pitfalls(01:02) - Host Introduction: B2B SaaS Growth Operating System with Andrew Capland(01:46) - Why Tactics Alone Fail: The Case for a Growth Operating System in B2B SaaS(02:01) - Andrew's Journey: From Growth Content to Executing a Growth Operating System(03:40) - When to Implement a Growth OS: From Random Acts of Growth to Repeatable Systems(04:20) - Growth OS Building Blocks: Strategy, KPIs, Rituals, Templates, Frameworks(05:37) - Plug-and-Play Templates: Customizing the Growth Operating System for Your Stage(06:25) - Growth Strategy 101: North Star, Vision, Levers, Bets, and Milestones(07:25) - Choosing a North Star Metric: Activation and Retention as Leading Indicators(08:31) - Activation Example: The Facebook “7 Friends in 5 Days” North Star Metric(09:43) - Defining Activation: Customer Interviews, Milestones, and Value Realization(10:47) - Cross-Functional Growth: Sales, Product, CS Inputs and Growth Leadership(12:26) - Earning Ownership: Become the Expert on the Problem (Activation/Retention)(15:14) - Sponsor Break: SaaStock Dublin – B2B SaaS Founder Networking and Investors(16:45) - Founder vs Growth Leader: Ownership Shifts from Early Stage to Scale(17:35) - Common Growth Mistakes: Copy-Pasting Big Tech Playbooks vs ICP Fit(19:06) - Case Study: Airbnb Referral Program Copycat That Flopped (and Why)(20:13) - Managing Growth Setbacks: Trophy File Mindset and Learning-First Experiments(23:08) - Using AI in Growth: Train on Your A/B Tests, Learnings, and Audience Data(25:16) - Documentation is a Growth Lever: Standardize Learnings and Onboarding(26:20) - Hiring Your First Head of Growth: Skill-Problem Fit and Translating Jargon(28:40) - Alignment First: What Growth Owns, Accountability, and Collaboration Rules(29:20) - Problem Selection: Scoping High-Leverage Bets and Measuring Outcomes(30:34) - Low-Volume SaaS: Qualitative Research, Session Recordings, and User Testing(32:12) - Essential Tool Stack: CRM/Marketing Automation, Product Analytics, In-App Messaging(33:45) - The Next 2–3 Years: Train AI on Proprietary Growth Data to Predict Outcomes(35:23) - Stage Advice: From 0–10K MRR—Find One Acquisition Channel and One Retention Channel
Send us a textMiguel Armaza sits down with Santiago Suárez, Co-Founder & CEO of Addi, one of Colombia's fastest-growing fintech and commerce platforms. With a background that spans global finance and a track record of driving innovation in Latin America, Santiago shares a candid, in-depth look at lessons from scaling Addi to over $1.3 billion in annualized GMV, serving 2.5 million customers, and achieving industry-leading gross margins above 55%.In this episode, Santiago and Miguel dive deep into Addi's unique approach to board management—treating every board meeting as a “dirty laundry” session to maximize transparency, trust, and tangible input from world-class investors like Andreessen Horowitz, GIC, and Union Square Ventures. Santiago also unpacks the company's relentless focus on operational excellence, from shifting to a North Star-driven management style to building a contentious yet high-performing executive team with global talent from Amazon, Capital One, and PayTM.Timestamped Overview00:00 Intro03:57 Monthly updates streamline meetings09:00 Building Success Amid Challenges13:02 Seamless commerce and finance ecosystem14:20 Persistent Networking Pays Off18:49 Marketplace built on consumer demand21:43 Scaling globally through self-funding24:00 Show Your Work The Why27:30 Empowered Customer Service Equity31:30 AI Agents Powering Transactions34:10 AI Data and Deployment Nuances38:30 Building success through early funding41:30 CEO weekly field day
If you've ever wondered why some dental practices thrive while others tread water, this episode is for you. Jesse shares the three critical gaps that often prevent practice owners from growing and scaling effectively - and how to close them. These aren't just theoretical ideas - they're practical, real-world insights drawn from years of working with high-performing practices.Whether you're looking to free up time, increase revenue, or gain momentum in your business, understanding and closing these gaps can be the turning point. Jesse shares personal stories, proven frameworks, and a powerful reminder that consistent action beats wishful thinking every time.In this episode:[00:58] Introduction to the 3 performance gaps that separate successful practice owners from those who stall[01:17] Why identifying and closing the knowledge gap is the first step to real growth[04:30] The skills gap - why knowing isn't enough without execution and repetition[05:49] How to acquire business skills just like you did in dental school[06:30] The third and most decisive gap: implementation - and why most fall short[10:54] Finding your North Star: aligning resources and priorities to your personal goals[11:27] Using the “impact-ease matrix” to focus on high-impact, easy-to-complete actions[12:24] The habit of finishing.Resources and Links:Join the free Savvy Dentist Facebook GroupFollow Dr Jesse Green on LinkedInVisit Savvy Dentist websiteMentioned in this episode:Transformational Training for Dental Practice TeamsIf you want to grow your practice, you need a high-performing team - but training takes time, effort, and resources you often don't have. That's why we created the Savvy Dentist Team Training Bundle - a 12-month program packed with five powerful courses, including our Practice Manager Masterclass, Front Desk All Stars, Hygiene & Therapy Heroes, Treatment Coordinator Training, and the Million Dollar Dentist course. Each course is delivered live via Zoom, and you'll also get access to past recordings, so you can onboard new team members anytime without starting from scratch. Want to scale your practice and build a winning team? Click on the link and join the waitlist. Team Training Bundle Sept 25
Live from Day 3 of Expand North Star in Dubai
In a category flooded with fast-followers and flashy branding, Straightaway Cocktails is taking a radically different path: embracing the hard way. In this episode, founder and CEO Cy Cain reveals how the Portland-based brand is carving out a distinct space in the booming ready-to-drink category by prioritizing bar-quality cocktails crafted from in-house ingredients and held to uncompromising standards. Cy outlines a strategy rooted in deliberate, thoughtful growth rather than chasing viral trends. He dives into the brand's innovative approach to creative R&D, leveraging limited releases and direct-to-consumer exclusives to experiment boldly and gather insights that shape future core offerings. He also highlights how investments in in-house production, B Corp certification and sustainability efforts, alongside strategic partnerships with Costco, Alaska Airlines and Shake Shack, demonstrate that a patient, craft-centric mindset and a strong brand identity can make a powerful impact in even the most crowded markets. Show notes: 0:25: Interview: Cy Cain, Founder & CEO, Straightaway Cocktails – Just hours before Taste Radio's San Francisco meetup, Cy joins Ray Latif to share highlights from Straightaway's latest cocktail lineup, including the French 77, Pickle Tini, and Golden Negroni. He underscores the brand's North Star: unwavering product quality, rooted in a deep love of cocktail culture. Cy reflects on the evolution of the RTD category and credits Straightaway's success to its focus on excellence and deliberate, sustainable growth. Strategic partnerships with Alaska Airlines and Breeze Airways have boosted exposure, while support from regional retailers and Costco has added traction and credibility. Comparing innovation to Formula 1, Cy describes it as a proving ground for bold ideas. Straightaway's mission, he says, isn't shaped by exits or investors, but by craft, storytelling, and elevating cocktail experiences. From farm-to-glass sourcing to using local ingredients – like fir needles from near Cy's childhood home – the brand stays true to its values of authenticity, sustainability, and craftsmanship. Inspired by lifestyle brands like Patagonia and Shinola, Cy emphasizes values-driven partnerships, such as a test collaboration with Shake Shack. He also shares excitement over the brand's growing recognition in top spirits competitions, including a potential Triple Crown win. Brands in this episode: Straightaway Cocktails, Stumptown Coffee, Smith Tea, Jacobsen Salt Co.
“Your values and philosophy about why you do things are your North Star; without them your decisions will be wishy-washy.” This is a special episode only available to our podcast subscribers, which we call The Mini Chief. These are short, sharp highlights from our fabulous CEO guests, where you get a 5 to 10 minute snapshot from their full episode. This Mini Chief episode features Neil Craig, Former AFL Coach and England Rugby High Performance Manager. His full episode is titled High performance environments, your North Star and decision-making under pressure. You can find the full audio and show notes here:
In today's episode, leading experts across oncology specialties previewed the key studies and data they are most anticipating ahead of the 2025 ESMO Congress. Dana M. Chase, MD, a professor of Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology at UCLA, discussed her excitement to see findings from a phase 1 trial (NCT05403554) investigating NI-1801 in patients with heavily pretreated, mesothelin-expressing platinum-resistant epithelial ovarian cancer. Premal H. Thaker, MD, MS, the David G. and Lynn Mutch Distinguished Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology and director of Gynecologic Oncology Clinical Research at Siteman Cancer Center in Saint Louis, Missouri, discussed the anticipation for findings from a multi-omic analysis of the phase 3 AtTEnd/ENGOT-EN7 trial (NCT03603184) of atezolizumab in patients with endometrial cancer and data demonstrating that the WES-derived Aneuploidy Score may identify patients with mismatch repair–deficient endometrial cancer who derive reduced benefit from immunotherapy. Zev Wainberg, MD, the Estelle, Abe, and Marjorie Sanders Chair in Cancer Research at UCLA, shared his anticipation for new data in gastrointestinal oncology, particularly the overall survival results from the phase 3 MATTERHORN trial (NCT04592913) of durvalumab plus fluorouracil, leucovorin, oxaliplatin, and docetaxel in patients with resectable gastric and gastroesophageal cancer, which are expected to provide pivotal updates following previously reported event-free survival outcomes. Sagus Sampath, MD, an associate clinical professor and medical director of the Department of Radiation Oncology at City of Hope in Duarte, California, highlighted the phase 2 NorthStar trial (NCT03410043) evaluating osimertinib (Tagrisso) with or without local consolidative therapy in patients with metastatic EGFR-mutated non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
In this episode, Mark sits down with Corey Scott, CEO of Midwest Dairy, for an insightful look at what it means to lead intentionally in one of agriculture's most people-focused industries. Corey shares what it takes to manage a team spread across 10 states, steward millions in checkoff dollars, and stay grounded in purpose while navigating the complexities of consumer trends, farmer expectations, and the future of dairy.They dive deep into leadership, stewardship, and the power of clarity—plus a few laughs about protein, heavy cream, and “fancy cheese.”Key TakeawaysIntentional Leadership Starts with Showing UpCorey defines being intentional as showing up every day, even when it's not easy or convenient. How you show up impacts the people watching you—whether family, employees, or your broader community.Purpose is the North StarIn a complex industry like dairy, where every producer has unique values and opinions, Corey keeps her team focused on one question: Are we reaching the consumer effectively? That clarity cuts through the noise and keeps her organization aligned.Stewardship Over SalesUnlike private business models, checkoff organizations are funded through automatic assessments. Corey's focus isn't profit—it's impact: being a wise steward of every dollar to build trust, grow demand, and elevate the farmer's voice.Building Culture in a Virtual WorldWith two-thirds of Midwest Dairy's 55-person team working remotely, Corey emphasizes the importance of connection and common language. Through CliftonStrengths, her team speaks a shared language that helps them align around their unique gifts.Empowering Potential—Even When It's HardOne of Corey's biggest challenges? Seeing untapped potential in people who don't see it in themselves. But the greatest joy comes when she helps someone discover that potential and grow beyond what they thought possible—even beyond her organization.Modern Consumers Still Love Dairy—Just DifferentlyFrom high-protein cereals to heavy-cream coffee, dairy is thriving in new forms. The “Got Milk?” era has evolved into a demand for health, wellness, and clean protein—something Corey sees as a major opportunity for the industry.Notable Quotes“How you show up matters. People are always watching—so make a choice in how you show up every day.” – Corey R. Scott“Our purpose is clear: to reach the consumer effectively and move more product for our farmers.” – Corey R. Scott“It's not about cost of goods sold—it's about stewardship. How can we be the best steward of every dollar we're entrusted with?” – Corey R. Scott“When you have a clear North Star, you know what you're about—and maybe more importantly, what you're not.” – Mark Jewell“More is caught than taught. Culture spreads through example, not policy.” – Mark JewellAction StepsReflect on your own North Star—what guides your leadership decisions when values or opinions conflict?Ask your team: “How can we set you up to be your best self?” Then actually do it.Revisit your internal language and frameworks—do your people share a common language around strengths, growth, and purpose?Explore Survival of the Savvy (Corey's top leadership book recommendation) and consider adding it to your leadership reading list.Listen If You Are:A leader managing teams across distance and...
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WhoAlan Henceroth, President and Chief Operating Officer of Arapahoe Basin, Colorado – Al runs the best ski area-specific executive blog in America – check it out:Recorded onMay 19, 2025About Arapahoe BasinClick here for a mountain stats overviewOwned by: Alterra Mountain Company, which also owns:Pass access* Ikon Pass: unlimited* Ikon Base Pass: unlimited access from opening day to Friday, Dec. 19, then five total days with no blackouts from Dec. 20 until closing day 2026Base elevation* 10,520 feet at bottom of Steep Gullies* 10,780 feet at main baseSummit elevation* 13,204 feet at top of Lenawee Mountain on East Wall* 12,478 feet at top of Lazy J Tow (connector between Lenawee Express six-pack and Zuma quad)Vertical drop* 1,695 feet lift-served – top of Lazy J Tow to main base* 1,955 feet lift-served, with hike back up to lifts – top of Lazy J Tow to bottom of Steep Gullies* 2,424 feet hike-to – top of Lenawee Mountain to Main BaseSkiable Acres: 1,428Average annual snowfall:* Claimed: 350 inches* Bestsnow.net: 308 inchesTrail count: 147 – approximate terrain breakdown: 24% double-black, 49% black, 20% intermediate, 7% beginnerLift count: 9 (1 six-pack, 1 high-speed quad, 3 fixed-grip quads, 1 double, 2 carpets, 1 ropetow)Why I interviewed himWe can generally splice U.S. ski centers into two categories: ski resort and ski area. I'll often use these terms interchangeably to avoid repetition, but they describe two very different things. The main distinction: ski areas rise directly from parking lots edged by a handful of bunched utilitarian structures, while ski resorts push parking lots into the next zipcode to accommodate slopeside lodging and commerce.There are a lot more ski areas than ski resorts, and a handful of the latter present like the former, with accommodations slightly off-hill (Sun Valley) or anchored in a near-enough town (Bachelor). But mostly the distinction is clear, with the defining question being this: is this a mountain that people will travel around the world to ski, or one they won't travel more than an hour to ski?Arapahoe Basin occupies a strange middle. Nothing in the mountain's statistical profile suggests that it should be anything other than a Summit County locals hang. It is the 16th-largest ski area in Colorado by skiable acres, the 18th-tallest by lift-served vertical drop, and the eighth-snowiest by average annual snowfall. The mountain runs just six chairlifts and only two detachables. Beginner terrain is limited. A-Basin has no base area lodging, and in fact not much of a base area at all. Altitude, already an issue for the Colorado ski tourist, is amplified here, where the lifts spin from nearly 11,000 feet. A-Basin should, like Bridger Bowl in Montana (upstream from Big Sky) or Red River in New Mexico (across the mountain from Taos) or Sunlight in Colorado (parked between Aspen and I-70), be mostly unknown beside its heralded big-name neighbors (Keystone, Breck, Copper).And it sort of is, but also sort of isn't. Like tiny (826-acre) Aspen Mountain, A-Basin transcends its statistical profile. Skiers know it, seek it, travel for it, cross it off their lists like a snowy Eiffel Tower. Unlike Aspen, A-Basin has no posse of support mountains, no grided downtown spilling off the lifts, no Kleenex-level brand that stands in for skiing among non-skiers. And yet Vail tried buying the bump in 1997, and Alterra finally did in 2024. Meanwhile, nearby Loveland, bigger, taller, snowier, higher, easier to access with its trip-off-the-interstate parking lots, is still ignored by tourists and conglomerates alike.Weird. What explains A-Basin's pull? Onetime and future Storm guest Jackson Hogen offers, in his Snowbird Secrets book, an anthropomorphic explanation for that Utah powder dump's aura: As it turns out, everyone has a story for how they came to discover Snowbird, but no one knows the reason. Some have the vanity to think they picked the place, but the wisest know the place picked them.That is the secret that Snowbird has slipped into our subconscious; deep down, we know we were summoned here. We just have to be reminded of it to remember, an echo of the Platonic notion that all knowledge is remembrance. In the modern world we are so divorced from our natural selves that you would think we'd have lost the power to hear a mountain call us. And indeed we have, but such is the enormous reach of this place that it can still stir the last seed within us that connects us to the energy that surrounds us every day yet we do not see. The resonance of that tiny, vibrating seed is what brings us here, to this extraordinary place, to stand in the heart of the energy flow.Yeah I don't know, Man. We're drifting into horoscope territory here. But I also can't explain why we all like to do This Dumb Thing so much that we'll wrap our whole lives around it. So if there is some universe force, what Hogen calls “vibrations” from Hidden Peak's quartz, drawing skiers to Snowbird, could there also be some proton-kryptonite-laserbeam s**t sucking us all toward A-Basin? If there's a better explanation, I haven't found it.What we talked aboutThe Beach; keeping A-Basin's whole ski footprint open into May; Alterra buys the bump – “we really liked the way Alterra was doing things… and letting the resorts retain their identity”; the legacy of former owner Dream; how hardcore, no-frills ski area A-Basin fits into an Alterra portfolio that includes high-end resorts such as Deer Valley and Steamboat; “you'd be surprised how many people from out of state ski here too”; Ikon as Colorado sampler pack (or not); local reaction to Alterra's purchase – “I think it's fair that there was anxiety”; balancing the wild ski cycle of over-the-top peak days and soft periods; parking reservations; going unlimited on the full Ikon Pass and how parking reservations play in – “we spent a ridiculous amount of time talking about it”; the huge price difference between Epic and Ikon and how that factors into the access calculus; why A-Basin still sells a single-mountain season pass; whether reciprocal partnerships with Monarch and Silverton will remain in place; “I've been amazed at how few things I've been told to do” by Alterra; A-Basin's dirt-cheap early-season pass; why early season is “a more competitive time” than it used to be; why A-Basin left Mountain Collective; Justice Department anti-trust concerns around Alterra's A-Basin purchase – “it never was clear to me what the concerns were”; breaking down A-Basin's latest U.S. Forest Service masterplan – “everything in there, we hope to do”; a parking lot pulse gondola and why that makes sense over shuttles; why A-Basin plans a two-lift system of beginner machines; why should A-Basin care about beginner terrain?; is beginner development is related to Ikon Pass membership?; what it means that the MDP designs for 700 more skiers per day; assessing the Lenawee Express sixer three seasons in; why A-Basin sold the old Lenawee lift to independent Sunlight, Colorado; A-Basin's patrol unionizing; and 100 percent renewable energy.What I got wrong* I said that A-Basin was the only mountain that had been caught up in antitrust issues, but that's inaccurate: when S-K-I and LBO Enterprises merged into American Skiing Company in 1996, the U.S. Justice Department compelled the combined company to sell Cranmore and Waterville Valley, both in New Hampshire. Waterville Valley remains independent. Cranmore stayed independent for a while, and has since 2010 been owned by Fairbank Group, which also owns Jiminy Peak in Massachusetts and operates Bromley, Vermont.* I said that A-Basin's $259 early-season pass, good for unlimited access from opening day through Dec. 25, “was like one day at Vail,” which is sort of true and sort of not. Vail Mountain's day-of lift ticket will hit $230 from Nov. 14 to Dec. 11, then increase to $307 or $335 every day through Christmas. All Resorts Epic Day passes, which would get skiers on the hill for any of those dates, currently sell for between $106 and $128 per day. Unlimited access to Vail Mountain for that full early-season period would require a full Epic Pass, currently priced at $1,121.* This doesn't contradict anything we discussed, but it's worth noting some parking reservations changes that A-Basin implemented following our conversation. Reservations will now be required on weekends only, and from Jan. 3 to May 3, a reduction from 48 dates last winter to 36 for this season. The mountain will also allow skiers to hold four reservations at once, doubling last year's limit of two.Why now was a good time for this interviewOne of the most striking attributes of modern lift-served skiing is how radically different each ski area is. Panic over corporate hegemony power-stamping each child mountain into snowy McDonald's clones rarely survives past the parking lot. Underscoring the point is neighboring ski areas, all over America, that despite the mutually intelligible languages of trail ratings and patrol uniforms and lift and snowgun furniture, and despite sharing weather patterns and geologic origins and local skier pools, feel whole-cut from different eras, cultures, and imaginations. The gates between Alta and Snowbird present like connector doors between adjoining hotel rooms but actualize as cross-dimensional Mario warpzones. The 2.4-mile gondola strung between the Alpine Meadows and Olympic sides of Palisades Tahoe may as well connect a baseball stadium with an opera house. Crossing the half mile or so between the summits of Sterling at Smugglers' Notch and Spruce Peak at Stowe is a journey of 15 minutes and five decades. And Arapahoe Basin, elder brother of next-door Keystone, resembles its larger neighbor like a bat resembles a giraffe: both mammals, but of entirely different sorts. Same with Sugarbush and Mad River Glen, Vermont; Sugar Bowl, Donner Ski Ranch, and Boreal, California; Park City and Deer Valley, Utah; Killington and Pico, Vermont; Highlands and Nub's Nob, Michigan; Canaan Valley and Timberline and Nordic-hybrid White Grass, West Virginia; Aspen's four Colorado ski areas; the three ski areas sprawling across Mt. Hood's south flank; and Alpental and its clump of Snoqualmie sisters across the Washington interstate. Proximity does not equal sameness.One of The Storm's preoccupations is with why this is so. For all their call-to-nature appeal, ski areas are profoundly human creations, more city park than wildlife preserve. They are sculpted, managed, manicured. Even the wildest-feeling among them – Mount Bohemia, Silverton, Mad River Glen – are obsessively tended to, ragged by design.A-Basin pulls an even neater trick: a brand curated for rugged appeal, scaffolded by brand-new high-speed lifts and a self-described “luxurious European-style bistro.” That the Alterra Mountain Company-owned, megapass pioneer floating in the busiest ski county in the busiest ski state in America managed to retain its rowdy rap even as the onetime fleet of bar-free double chairs toppled into the recycling bin is a triumph of branding.But also a triumph of heart. A-Basin as Colorado's Alta or Taos or Palisades is a title easily ceded to Telluride or Aspen Highlands, similarly tilted high-alpiners. But here it is, right beside buffed-out Keystone, a misunderstood mountain with its own wild side but a fair-enough rap as an approachable landing zone for first-time Rocky Mountain explorers westbound out of New York or Ohio. Why are A-Basin and Keystone so different? The blunt drama of A-Basin's hike-in terrain helps, but it's more enforcer than explainer. The real difference, I believe, is grounded in the conductor orchestrating this mad dance.Since Henceroth sat down in the COO chair 20 years ago, Keystone has had nine president-general manager equivalents. A-Basin was already 61 years old in 2005, giving it a nice branding headstart on younger Keystone, born in 1970. But both had spent nearly two decades, from 1978 to 1997, co-owned by a dogfood conglomerate that often marketed them as one resort, and the pair stayed glued together on a multimountain pass for a couple of decades afterward.Henceroth, with support and guidance from the real-estate giant that owned A-Basin in the Ralston-Purina-to-Alterra interim, had a series of choices to make. A-Basin had only recently installed snowmaking. There was no lift access to Zuma Bowl, no Beavers. The lift system consisted of three double chairs and two triples. Did this aesthetic minimalism and pseudo-independence define A-Basin? Or did the mountain, shaped by the generations of leaders before Henceroth, hold some intangible energy and pull, that thing we recognize as atmosphere, culture, vibe? Would The Legend lose its duct-taped edge if it:* Expanded 400 mostly low-angle acres into Zuma Bowl (2007)* Joined Vail Resorts' Epic Pass (2009)* Installed the mountain's first high-speed lift (Black Mountain Express in 2010)* Expand 339 additional acres into the Beavers (2018), and service that terrain with an atypical-for-Colorado 1,501-vertical-foot fixed-grip lift* Exit the Epic Pass following the 2018-19 ski season* Immediately join Mountain Collective and Ikon as a multimountain replacement (2019)* Ditch a 21-year-old triple chair for the mountain's first high-speed six-pack (2022)* Sell to Alterra Mountain Company (2024)* Require paid parking reservations on high-volume days (2024)* Go unlimited on the Ikon Pass and exit Mountain Collective (2025)* Release an updated USFS masterplan that focuses largely on the novice ski experience (2025)That's a lot of change. A skier booted through time from Y2K to October 2025 would examine that list and conclude that Rad Basin had been tamed. But ski a dozen laps and they'd say well not really. Those multimillion upgrades were leashed by something priceless, something human, something that kept them from defining what the mountain is. There's some indecipherable alchemy here, a thing maybe not quite as durable as the mountain itself, but rooted deeper than the lift towers strung along it. It takes a skilled chemist to cook this recipe, and while they'll never reveal every secret, you can visit the restaurant as many times as you'd like.Why you should ski Arapahoe BasinWe could do a million but here are nine:1) $: Two months of early-season skiing costs roughly the same as A-Basin's neighbors charge for a single day. A-Basin's $259 fall pass is unlimited from opening day through Dec. 25, cheaper than a Dec. 20 day-of lift ticket at Breck ($281), Vail ($335), Beaver Creek ($335), or Copper ($274), and not much more than Keystone ($243). 2) Pali: When A-Basin tore down the 1,329-vertical-foot, 3,520-foot-long Pallavicini double chair, a 1978 Yan, in 2020, they replaced it with a 1,325-vertical-foot, 3,512-foot-long Leitner-Poma double chair. It's one of just a handful of new doubles installed in America over the past decade, underscoring a rare-in-modern-skiing commitment to atmosphere, experience, and snow preservation over uphill capacity. 3) The newest lift fleet in the West: The oldest of A-Basin's six chairlifts, Zuma, arrived brand-new in 2007.4) Wall-to-wall: when I flew into Colorado for a May 2025 wind-down, five ski areas remained open. Despite solid snowpack, Copper, Breck, and Winter Park all spun a handful of lifts on a constrained footprint. But A-Basin and Loveland still ran every lift, even over the Monday-to-Thursday timeframe of my visit.5) The East Wall: It's like this whole extra ski area. Not my deal as even skiing downhill at 12,500 feet hurts, but some of you like this s**t:6) May pow: I mean yeah I did kinda just get lucky but damn these were some of the best turns I found all year (skiing with A-Basin Communications Manager Shayna Silverman):7) The Beach: the best ski area tailgate in North America (sorry, no pet dragons allowed - don't shoot the messenger):8) The Beavers: Just glades and glades and glades (a little crunchy on this run, but better higher up and the following day):9) It's a ski area first: In a county of ski resorts, A-Basin is a parking-lots-at-the-bottom-and-not-much-else ski area. It's spare, sparse, high, steep, and largely exposed. Skiers are better at self-selecting than we suppose, meaning the ability level of the average A-Basin skier is more Cottonwoods than Connecticut. That impacts your day in everything from how the liftlines flow to how the bumps form to how many zigzaggers you have to dodge on the down.Podcast NotesOn the dates of my visit We reference my last A-Basin visit quite a bit – for context, I skied there May 6 and 7, 2025. Both nice late-season pow days.On A-Basin's long seasonsIt's surprisingly difficult to find accurate open and close date information for most ski areas, especially before 2010 or so, but here's what I could cobble together for A-Basin - please let me know if you have a more extensive list, or if any of this is wrong:On A-Basin's ownership timelineArapahoe Basin probably gets too much credit for being some rugged indie. Ralston-Purina, then-owners of Keystone, purchased A-Basin in 1978, then added Breckenridge to the group in 1993 before selling the whole picnic basket to Vail in 1997. The U.S. Justice Department wouldn't let the Eagle County operator have all three, so Vail flipped Arapahoe to a Canadian real estate empire, then called Dundee, some months later. That company, which at some point re-named itself Dream, pumped a zillion dollars into the mountain before handing it off to Alterra last year.On A-Basin leaving Epic PassA-Basin self-ejected from Epic Pass in 2019, just after Vail maxed out Colorado by purchasing Crested Butte and before they fully invaded the East with the Peak Resorts purchase. Arapahoe Basin promptly joined Mountain Collective and Ikon, swapping unlimited-access on four varieties of Epic Pass for limited-days products. Henceroth and I talked this one out during our 2022 pod, and it's a fascinating case study in building a better business by decreasing volume.On the price difference between Ikon and Epic with A-Basin accessConcerns about A-Basin hurdling back toward the overcrowded Epic days by switching to Ikon's unlimited tier tend to overlook this crucial distinction: Vail sold a 2018-19 version of the Epic Pass that included unlimited access to Keystone and A-Basin for an early-bird rate of $349. The full 2025-26 Ikon Pass debuted at nearly four times that, retailing for $1,329, and just ramped up to $1,519.On Alterra mountains with their own season passesWhile all Alterra-owned ski areas (with the exception of Deer Valley), are unlimited on the full Ikon Pass and nine are unlimited with no blackouts on Ikon Base, seven of those sell their own unlimited season pass that costs less than Base. The sole unlimited season pass for Crystal, Mammoth, Palisades Tahoe, Steamboat, Stratton, and Sugarbush is a full Ikon Pass, and the least-expensive unlimited season pass for Solitude is the Ikon Base. Deer Valley leads the nation with its $4,100 unlimited season pass. See the Alterra chart at the top of this article for current season pass prices to all of the company's mountains.On A-Basin and Schweitzer pass partnershipsAlterra has been pretty good about permitting its owned ski areas to retain historic reciprocal partners on their single-mountain season passes. For A-Basin, this means three no-blackout days at Monarch and two unguided days at Silverton. Up at Schweitzer, passholders get three midweek days each at Whitewater, Mt. Hood Meadows, Castle Mountain, Loveland, and Whitefish. None of these ski areas are on Ikon Pass, and the benefit is only stapled to A-Basin- or Schweitzer-specific season passes.On the Mountain Collective eventI talk about Mountain Collective as skiing's most exclusive country club. Nothing better demonstrates that characterization than this podcast I recorded at the event last fall, when in around 90 minutes I had conversations with the top leaders of Boyne Resorts, Snowbird, Aspen, Jackson Hole, Sun Valley, Snowbasin, Grand Targhee, and many more.On Mountain Collective and Ikon overlapThe Mountain Collective-Ikon overlap is kinda nutso:On Pennsylvania skiingIn regards to the U.S. Justice Department grilling Alterra on its A-Basin acquisition, it's still pretty stupid that the agency allowed Vail Resorts to purchase eight of the 19 public chairlift-served ski areas in Pennsylvania without a whisper of protest. These eight ski areas almost certainly account for more than half of all skier visits in a state that typically ranks sixth nationally for attendance. Last winter, the state's 2.6 million skier visits accounted for more days than vaunted ski states New Hampshire (2.4 million), Washington (2.3), Montana (2.2), Idaho (2.1). or Oregon (2.0). Only New York (3.4), Vermont (4.2), Utah (6.5), California (6.6), and Colorado (13.9) racked up more.On A-Basin's USFS masterplanNothing on the scale of Zuma or Beavers inbound, but the proposed changes would tap novice terrain that has always existed but never offered a good access point for beginners:On pulse gondolasA-Basin's proposed pulse gondola, should it be built, would be just the sixth such lift in America, joining machines at Taos, Northstar, Steamboat, Park City, and Snowmass. Loon plans to build a pulse gondola in 2026.On mid-mountain beginner centersBig bad ski resorts have attempted to amp up family appeal in recent years with gondola-serviced mid-mountain beginner centers, which open gentle, previously hard-to-access terrain to beginners. This was the purpose of mid-stations off Jackson Hole's Sweetwater Gondola and Big Sky's new-for-this-year Explorer Gondola. A-Basin's gondy (not the parking lot pulse gondola, but the one terminating at Sawmill Flats in the masterplan image above), would provide up and down lift access allowing greenies to lap the new detach quad above it.The Storm explores the world of lift-served skiing year-round. Join us. Get full access to The Storm Skiing Journal and Podcast at www.stormskiing.com/subscribe
Send us a textThe Four Tendencies in Birth: How Knowing Yourself Shapes Your ExperienceIn this episode of The Ultimate Birth Partner Podcast, I explore how Gretchen Rubin's Four Tendencies framework can help women, partners, and birth professionals better understand how we respond to expectations — and why that matters so much in pregnancy and birth.I share real-life examples of how each Tendency (Upholder, Questioner, Obliger, Rebel) might prepare for birth, how they may respond in the moment, and the unique challenges or strengths they bring into the birth room.You'll hear:✨ Why self-awareness is one of the most powerful tools you can take into labour✨ How partners can better support by recognising their own style and their loved one's needs✨ Why birth professionals and doulas benefit from tailoring their approach depending on the woman or family they're working with✨ What to do if you don't know your care provider's Tendency — and how to get your point across clearly in the moment✨ How to express your own Tendency in your Birth Manifesto® so your values, priorities, and boundaries are unmistakably clearThis episode is full of stories, practical strategies, and even scripts you can use to explain yourself to others, helping you strengthen your inner compass and stay aligned with what matters most.Resources & Links:Learn more about creating your Birth Manifesto® in my Discover Your North Star course - https://payhip.com/b/8PSYiGretchen Rubins The Four Tendencies Quiz - https://gretchenrubin.com/quiz/the-four-tendencies-quiz/If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend or leave a review — it makes such a differenceIf you love the podcast and would like to support it, then please use the link to 'buy me a coffee' - https://bmc.link/sallyannberesfordIf you would like to buy a copy of either of the books that accompany this podcast please go to your online bookseller or visit Amazon:-Labour of Love - The Ultimate Guide to Being a Birth Partner - click here:-https://bit.ly/LabourofloveThe Art of Giving Birth - Five Key Physiological Principles - https://amzn.to/3EGh9dfPregnancy Journal for 'The Art of Giving Birth' - Black and White version https://amzn.to/3CvJXmOPregnancy Journal for 'The Art of Giving Birth'- Colour version https://amzn.to/3GknbPFYou can find all my classes and courses on my website - www.sallyannberesford.co.uk Follow me on Instagram @theultimatebirthpartner Book a 1-2-1 session with Sallyann - https://linktr.ee/SallyannBeresford Please remember that the information shared with you in this episode is solely based on my own personal experiences as a doula and the private opinions of my guests, based on their own experiences. Any recommendations made may not be suitable for ...
Ever feel like you're doing all the things, hustling hard, juggling responsibilities, trying to “make it,” but something inside still feels off? Like you're climbing the ladder of success, only to realize it might be leaning on the wrong wall? In this episode of The Happy Hustle Podcast, I'm flipping the mic and sharing my guest appearance on The Win the Day Podcast with my brotha James Whittaker, author, speaker, and creator of the Win the Day movement. James is a powerhouse when it comes to helping people achieve peak performance through mindset mastery, intentional living, and taking consistent action. And in this episode, we dive deep into what it really takes to build a life that feels as good as it looks.We talk about everything from defining what success actually means to you, to breaking free from burnout, to creating harmony between ambition and well-being. I even share the origins of The Happy Hustle, the story behind the “3 freedoms” (financial, creative, and time), and how the S.O.U.L.M.A.P.P.I.N. framework became my North Star for balance and fulfillment.Here are a few takeaways you'll get from the episode:Focus on one thing at a time. Multitasking is the enemy of mastery. Presence equals performance.Redefine balance. True happiness comes when you harmonize ambition with well-being — not sacrifice one for the other.Know your MVTs. Identify your Most Valuable Tasks each day so you can work smarter, not harder.Get outdoors. Nature resets your nervous system and reignites your creativity — I swear by this one.Define success for YOU. Don't chase someone else's version of “making it.” The goal is fulfillment, not just achievement.We also talked about on the importance of mindful leadership, unplugging digitally, and how becoming a parent shifted my perspective on priorities and purpose. This conversation was real, raw, and packed with wisdom for anyone who wants to win — not just in business, but in life.If you're ready to design your dream reality, ditch the burnout, and start Happy Hustlin' your way to more purpose and peace, tune in now. Because remember — it's not just about working harder.It's about winning the day... the Happy Hustler way. Connect with Cary!https://www.instagram.com/caryjack/https://www.facebook.com/SirCaryJackhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/cary-jack-kendzior/https://twitter.com/thehappyhustlehttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFDNsD59tLxv2JfEuSsNMOQ/featured Get a free copy of his new book, The Happy Hustle, 10 Alignments to Avoid Burnout & Achieve Blissful Balance https://www.thehappyhustle.com/bookSign up for The Journey: 10 Days To Become a Happy Hustler Online Coursehttps://thehappyhustle.com/thejourney/Apply to the Montana Mastermind Epic Camping Adventurehttps://thehappyhustle.com/mastermind/“It's time to Happy Hustle, a blissfully balanced life you love, full of passion, purpose, and positive impact!”Episode Sponsors:If you're feeling stressed, not sleeping great, or your energy's been kinda meh lately—let me put you on to something that's been a total game-changer for me: Magnesium Breakthrough by BiOptimizers. This ain't your average magnesium—it's got all 7 essential forms that your body actually needs to chill out, sleep deeper, and feel more balanced. I take it every night and legit notice the difference the next day. No more waking up groggy or tossing and turning all nightIf you're ready to sleep like a baby, calm your nervous system, and optimize your recovery, go grab yours now at bioptimizers.com/happy and use code HAPPY10 for 10% OFF.99 Designs- Need a killer logo, stunning website, or next-level brand design?Stop DIY-ing and start delegating like a boss with 99designs by Vista! Neurable- If you're looking to level up your focus, productivity, and mental well-being all at once, do yourself a favor and check out Neurable. You get a special hookup—just use the code HAPPY at checkout and get $100 off.
Most people don't lose because they're not talented—they lose because they're scattered. In this episode, the guys break down why doing nine things halfway will never beat doing one thing with ruthless focus. ET unpacks how people-pleasing drains your energy, CJ shows how a single North Star changed their whole brand, and Maul & Karl dive into legacy, parenting, and building skills that outlive you. You'll learn: Why your focus decides your future How “too many options” quietly kills results The cure for people-pleasing and scattered energy Generational strategy: turning gifts into a family enterprise How to choose one priority and actually finish
Quake discusses Pooh Shiesty getting released from prison, Diddy getting hit with 2 new sexual assault lawsuits, Lil Durk accused of ordering hits on O'Block allies, Nas responding to winning New York's casino war against Jay-Z, also says Kendrick Lamar is the “North Star” of Hip-Hop, VERZUZ returning with Cash Money going against No Limit Records, Benny The Butcher arguing that Twitter nerds control the culture, Kendrick Lamar songs leaking, fake Eminem quote going viral addressing Cardi vs Nicki beef and much more.(00:00) - Intro(08:58) - Pooh Shiesty Is Released From Prison(11:43) - Diddy Gets Hit With 2 New Sexual Assault Lawsuits Making A Total Of 70 Lawsuits(26:15) - Lil Durk Accused Of Ordering Hits On O'Block Allies For Not Avenging King Von(39:09) - Nas Responds To Winning New York's Casino War Against Jay-Z(40:24) - Nas Says Kendrick Lamar Is The “North Star” Of Hip-Hop(42:23) - VERZUZ Will Return With Cash Money Going Against No Limit Records(43:21) - Benny The Butcher Argues That Twitter Nerds Control The Culture(50:59) - Kendrick Lamar Songs Leak With Reference Tracks For Baby Keem(54:29) - Fake Eminem Quote Goes Viral Addressing Cardi vs Nicki Beef, A.I. Is Getting Out Of Control(01:13:56) - Billboard Hot 100
During Hour 2 Jon talks about some of the comments made at the North Star Summit by Tim Walz and J.B. Pritzker. Then Jon discusses the possibility of Trump sending the National Guard to Minneapolis.
In this week's show Lian is joined once again by Mike Bais. Mike is Lian's own Kabbalah teacher, a physiotherapist, counsellor, university lecturer and author, also having had his own practice for many years. He is a trained priest in the esoteric christian tradition, which lead him to follow the mystical side of this lineage called the A.S.A. (Apostolic Succession of Arimathea). He believes that the Teachings of Christ are universal and should not be limited to a religious structure. His esoteric training comes from the western mystery tradition and the Toledano Kabbalah. Living in the Netherlands (Utrecht) he extensively worked with teachers and groups in the UK. After some decades of study and practice in the western esoteric tradition, the inner work came together in these three streams or disciplines that make up the Circle of Avalon. Mike sees it as his life's work to teach these traditions to whomever wishes to receive them. He is a mystic and teacher by nature and through his groups, individual sessions, workshops and writing, transmits them in the most pure and true way he knows. Mike is the author of 3 books: Paths on the Tree of Wisdom – A course in 21st Century Kabbalah, A Kabbalistic view on science: Book 1 and A Kabbalistic view on science: Book 2. In this episode, Lian and Mike look at manifestation through its deeper metaphysical roots. They touch on how morality shapes what we bring into being, the psyche as the passage between the unseen and the physical, and the limits of trying to manifest from the surface of the mind alone. Together they reflect on how unconscious manifestation plays out all the time and why consciousness changes everything. They look at what actually helps: focus that holds steady in a distracted world, alignment across mind, body, and soul, and devotion to a principle that keeps us centred when life pulls us apart. Listen if you've ever questioned why vision boards only go so far, wondered what really makes manifestation work, or felt the tension between your desires and what serves something greater. We'd love to know what YOU think about this week's show. Let's carry on the conversation… please leave a comment wherever you are listening or in any of our other spaces to engage. What you'll learn from this episode: How the psyche acts as a filter for manifestation, shaping not just what we want but why we want it Why alignment across body, psyche, and soul is the difference between scattered wishing and true creation What happens when focus and devotion become your North Star in a culture set up to scatter attention Resources and stuff spoken about: Mike's websites: http://www.circleofavalon.nl http://www.kabbalahmysticalschool.com Join UNIO, the Academy of the Soul: This is for the old souls in this new world… Discover your kin & unite with your soul's calling to truly live your myth. Be Mythical Join our mailing list for soul stirring goodness: https://www.bemythical.com/moonly Discover your kin & unite with your soul's calling to truly live your myth: https://www.bemythical.com/unio Go Deeper: https://www.bemythical.com/godeeper Follow us: Facebook Instagram TikTok YouTube Thank you for listening! There's a fresh episode released each week here and on most podcast platforms - and video too on YouTube. If you subscribe then you'll get each new episode delivered to your device every week automagically. (that way you'll never miss a show).
Defining Your North Star: Understanding Core Values in Relationships (Episode 87) Summary In Episode 87 of the Human Intimacy Podcast, Dr. Kevin Skinner and MaryAnn Michaelis explore the foundational role of core values in shaping identity, intimacy, and relational harmony. The conversation begins with reflection on gratitude and personal grounding, then transitions into how understanding one's guiding principles—or “North Star”—influences emotional awareness, sexual decision-making, and conflict resolution. They discuss how early family, cultural, and religious influences shape our beliefs about what's “good” or “bad,” often leaving individuals unaware of their authentic values. MaryAnn introduces examining our internalized “shoulds” to uncover inherited rules that may no longer serve us. Dr. Skinner emphasizes that defining values is a process of personal ownership, not external expectation, and that clarity enables healthy boundaries and more honest relating. The episode also covers what happens when partners' values diverge—inviting curiosity, vulnerability, and respectrather than control or shutdown. Through clinical examples (anger, sexuality, secrecy), they show how self-awareness and emotional safety foster compassionate dialogue, and when persistent value gaps may signal deeper incompatibility. Takeaway: intimacy thrives when both partners pursue honest dialogue, self-reflection, and compassion, recognizing that values can evolve with growth and healing. Resources Show Notes & Assignments: HumanIntimacy.com/Podcast (values discovery prompts) Books & Frameworks: The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work — John Gottman Hold Me Tight — Sue Johnson The Gifts of Imperfection — Brené Brown Atlas of the Heart — Brené Brown The Body Keeps the Score — Bessel van der Kolk Quick Reflection Exercise List three “should” statements guiding your choices. Ask: Where did this belief come from? Does it fit who I want to be now? Note how keeping vs. releasing it would affect your relationship.
In this episode of the Coffey and Code podcast, host Ashley Coffey sits down with Joseph Kirk, a seasoned real estate agent and strategist from Lake Sotheby's International Realty. Joseph shares his insights on the importance of aligning technology with business vision, the role of process in achieving efficiency, and how client experience serves as his North Star. Tune in to discover how Joseph leverages technology to enhance client relationships and streamline operations, and learn why he believes in the power of a strong network and the simplicity of going from zero to one. Whether you're in real estate or any other industry, Joseph's approach to innovation and client service offers valuable lessons for all.Connect with Joseph Kirk on Linkedin EPISODE CREDITS:Produced and edited by Ashley Coffey. Cover art designed by Ashley Coffey.Headshot by Brandlink MediaIntroduction music composed and produced by Ashley Coffey LINKSFollow Coffey & Code on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin, and YouTube for the latest emerging tech updates! Subscribe to the Coffey & Code Podcast wherever you get your podcasts to be notified when new episodes go live. © 2025 Coffey & Code Podcast. All rights reserved. The content of this podcast, including but not limited to text, graphics, audio, and images, is the property of Ashley Coffey and may not be reproduced, redistributed, or used in any manner without the express written consent of the owner. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
This episode's Community Champion Sponsor is Ossur. To learn more about their ‘Responsible for Tomorrow' Sustainability Campaign, and how you can get involved: CLICK HEREEpisode Overview: Addiction doesn't announce itself- it emerges silently, often after a routine medical procedure. Our next guest, James Piacentino, is changing this reality as CEO and Co-Founder of Thrive Genetics. With over 20 years in healthcare technology and two successful startup exits under his belt, James brings both personal experience and professional expertise to this mission. After losing his father to opioid addiction following a routine surgery, James dedicated his career to ensuring others wouldn't face the same tragedy. By combining cutting-edge genomics with behavioral psychology, Thrive Genetics helps physicians understand a patient's addiction risk before prescribing pain medication. Join us to discover how James and his team are pioneering personalized addiction risk management, transforming how healthcare systems approach prevention, and working to spare millions of families from generational trauma. Let's go!Episode Highlights:Curiosity as the foundation for innovation: James emphasizes that deep curiosity about solving meaningful problems is the key driver that gets him out of bed every morning and the most important quality he looks for in team members.Personal tragedy sparking a mission: After losing his father to opioid addiction following a 1982 car accident and back surgery, James dedicated his career to preventing others from experiencing the same generational trauma.Staggering gap in care: Up to 25% of patients undergoing high-pain procedures become addicted to prescribed opioids, yet no proactive addiction risk assessment exists before prescribing pain medication.Science-backed solution: Thrive Genetics combines 10 years of research and over $50M in NIH grants to create addiction risk scores based on both genetic predisposition (50%) and behavioral factors (50%).Thinking beyond the individual: James' North Star is reaching billions of people by preventing not just individual addiction cases, but stopping generational family trauma before it starts.About our Guest: Thrive Genetics is led by Co-Founder and CEO, James J. Piacentino, MBA, a healthcare technology entrepreneur with over 20 years in tech and life sciences. A graduate of Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management, James has built and sold two prior startups, published in the Harvard Business Review, and held senior leadership roles at SAP. He is mentored by Harry Kraemer, former CEO of Baxter International and Kellogg Professor of Management.Links Supporting This Episode: Thrive Genetics Website: CLICK HEREJame Piacentino LinkedIn page: CLICK HEREThrive Genetics LinkedIn: CLICK HEREMike Biselli LinkedIn page: CLICK HEREMike Biselli Twitter page: CLICK HEREVisit our website: CLICK HERESubscribe to newsletter:
Can you really delegate out when you are your business? Don't people hire you to work with…well, you? That's the question Justin Moore and I wrestle with. We talk about the challenge of running personality-driven businesses, why it's so hard to step away, and how to build a company that serves your life instead of consuming it.Justin shares how he's built a coaching business with a team he trusts, why impact is his North Star, and the mindset shift that helped him let go of control. We also get real about balancing work with family time, the guilt that comes with stepping away, and why building a lifestyle business is just as valid as chasing a big exit.Things get real – it's something all business owners need to think about. Wondering how you can step away from your business? Take the Business Overwhelm Diagnostic.Top TakeawaysUse a North Star mission (like impact) to guide decisions about hiring, delegating, and growth.Letting go of control is a mindset shift—delegating doesn't dilute your business, it expands your reach.A lifestyle business is not a failure; you don't have to build for an exit if you love the work.Balancing work and family isn't about hacks—it's about daily choices to be present in the moment.Show NotesSponsor Magnet Podcast (hosted by Justin and me)Sponsor Magnet (Book)Creator WizardKey Person of Influence (Book by Daniel Priestley)Write Useful Books (by Rob Fitzpatrick)One to Many: The Secret to Webinar Success (by Jason Fladlien)CEX (Creator Economy Expo)Lulu (Publishing)What do you think? Send your feedback to streamlinedfeedback.com ★ Support this podcast ★
In this episode of the CPQ Podcast, Frank Sohn welcomes Adam Wainright, a veteran with 15+ years in the Configure, Price, Quote (CPQ) space, now helping lead HubSpot's CPQ and revenue strategy. Adam shares his career journey across Selectica/Determine, CallidusCloud, Clari, Cacheflow (acquired by HubSpot), and beyond. Adam discusses: HubSpot's CPQ launch at INBOUND and how it delivers speed, visibility, and control to sellers and revenue operations teams. Why their North Star is Revenue Operations—and how HubSpot is building a complete Revenue Lifecycle Management solution. Lessons learned from scaling companies from $7M to $200M in revenue, navigating multiple M&As, and leading global sales teams. His “Supersonic Sales Process” philosophy, with the mantra: Don't pitch product—pitch process. The role of AI in CPQ, from conversational quote builders to revenue governance. Personal insights on leadership, active listening, and balancing life in Marina, CA with family, running, and hiking Big Sur. If you're interested in HubSpot CPQ, Revenue Operations, or the future of Revenue Lifecycle Management, this episode offers valuable insights into strategy, technology, and customer success.
Ever feel like you're chasing success so hard that you forget why you even started in the first place? Or maybe you're hustling day in and day out but still hitting walls of burnout, doubt, or just plain overwhelm? I've been podcasting for six years now—600 episodes, countless conversations with world-class entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and just all-around inspiring humans. And throughout this journey, I've picked up some powerful truths that have not only changed my life but can change yours too. In this special milestone episode, I share six life-changing lessons that will help you put the Happy in your Hustle and create a legacy that matters.Here's a taste of the wisdom packed inside:-Balance beats burnout. The grind without harmony isn't sustainable. That's why I created the S.O.U.L.M.A.P.P.I.N system, 10 alignments that help you crush it both personally and professionally without losing yourself.-Relationships are the real ROI. Success isn't a solo sport. The right people in your corner accelerate growth, joy, and opportunity more than any single strategy ever could.-Clarity creates confidence. Without a clear target, you'll miss every time. Knowing your North Star for the next 90 days and aligning it with your long-term vision will give you the confidence to say yes or no with certainty.-Presence is the power move. Whether it's in nature, with your family, or during a podcast interview, being fully present is where true power lies. Presence first, performance second.-Purpose fuels profits. When your mission is bigger than money, the money comes anyway. Aligning impact with income is how you truly thrive.-Consistency compounds into legacy. Six years and 600 episodes prove this: showing up again and again builds not just results, but a lasting impact for generations to come.These aren't just theories; they're truths I've lived, lessons I've witnessed from epic guests, and practices I use every day to stay aligned while chasing big dreams.So, if you're ready to avoid burnout, deepen your relationships, get crystal clear on your vision, live more present, connect purpose to profit, and build something that lasts… tune in to the full episode now.Connect with Cary!https://www.instagram.com/caryjack/https://www.facebook.com/SirCaryJackhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/cary-jack-kendzior/https://twitter.com/thehappyhustlehttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFDNsD59tLxv2JfEuSsNMOQ/featured Get a free copy of his new book, The Happy Hustle, 10 Alignments to Avoid Burnout & Achieve Blissful Balance https://www.thehappyhustle.com/bookSign up for The Journey: 10 Days To Become a Happy Hustler Online Coursehttps://thehappyhustle.com/thejourney/Apply to the Montana Mastermind Epic Camping Adventurehttps://thehappyhustle.com/mastermind/“It's time to Happy Hustle, a blissfully balanced life you love, full of passion, purpose, and positive impact!”Episode Sponsors:If you're feeling stressed, not sleeping great, or your energy's been kinda meh lately—let me put you on to something that's been a total game-changer for me: Magnesium Breakthrough by BiOptimizers. This ain't your average magnesium—it's got all 7 essential forms that your body actually needs to chill out, sleep deeper, and feel more balanced. I take it every night and legit notice the difference the next day. No more waking up groggy or tossing and turning all nightIf you're ready to sleep like a baby, calm your nervous system, and optimize your recovery, go grab yours now at bioptimizers.com/happy and use code HAPPY10 for 10% OFF.99 Designs- Need a killer logo, stunning website, or next-level brand design?Stop DIY-ing and start delegating like a boss with 99designs by Vista! Neurable- If you're looking to level up your focus, productivity, and mental well-being all at once, do yourself a favor and check out Neurable. You get a special hookup—just use the code HAPPY at checkout and get $100 off.
ABOUT APRIL RINNE:BIO: My North Star: Helping people and organizations understand what's on the horizon – and how they fit into it. I decipher signals of change, help leaders and teams improve their tolerance for uncertainty, and scout new insights and opportunities in a world in flux. Over 25+ years and 100+ countries, I've been exposed to a wide range of companies, cultures, business models, leadership styles, and norms. And I've seen time and time again: Every organization, every team, and every individual struggles with change and uncertainty in some way. Even before the pandemic, and especially today. We've all had different experiences of change, and we could all use some help with the unknown. Leveling up our relationships to change and uncertainty is the opportunity of our lifetimes.My career portfolio includes futurist, speaker, author, advisor, global development executive, microfinance lawyer, investor, mental health advocate, certified yoga teacher, globetrotter, insatiable handstander, and ambassador of joy. Along the way I've been named one of the 50 Leading Female Futurists in the world, a World Economic Forum Young Global Leader, a member of Thinkers50 Radar and the Silicon Guild, and one of the earliest Estonian e-Residents. I'm also the author of the international bestseller Flux: 8 Superpowers for Thriving in Constant Change.My journey to Flux has been deeply personal. It began with the death of both of my parents in a car crash when I was 20. My entire life flipped upside-down. And today, there is nothing I enjoy more than sharing with others how I learned to see differently, find meaning, and strengthen my Flux Superpowers -- and how you can do so, too.April's LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aprilrinne/Websites: https://aprilrinne.comBUY THE BOOK: https://www.amazon.com/Flux-Superpowers-Thriving-Constant-Change/dp/1523093595email: april@aprilrinne.comSHOW INTRO:Welcome to Season 7 of the NXTLVL Experience Design podcast – Episode 80!What started at a pivotal moment during the COVID pandemic in early 2020 has continued for seven seasons and now 80 episodes. This season we continue to follow our catch phrase of having “Dynamic Dialogues About DATA: Design, Architecture, Technology and the Arts. In the coming weeks we have some terrific conversations that are both fun and inspiring. They are going to include thought provoking futurists, AI technology mavens, retailers, international hotel design executives as well as designers and architects of brand experience places.We'll talk with authors and people focused on wellness and sustainable design practices as well as neuroscientists who will continue to help us look at the built environment and the connections between our mind-body and the built world around us.We'll also have guests who are creative marketing masters from international brands and people who have started and grown some of the companies that are striking a new path for us follow.And I don't know, maybe there will be a couple of mystery guests that will just shake things up and give us a perspective on things that we've never thought about before.As in the past couple of seasons, we are grateful for the support of VMSD magazine.VMSD brings us, in the brand experience world, the International Retail Design Conference. The IRDC is one of the best retail design conferences that there is bringing together the world of retailers, brands and experience place makers every year for two days of engaging conversations and pushing us to keep on talking about what makes retailing relevant. You will find the archive of the NXTLVL Experience Design podcast on VMSD.com.Thanks also goes to Shop Association the only global retail trade association dedicated to elevating the in-store experience. SHOP Association represents companies and affiliates from 25 countries and brings value to their members through research, networking, education, events and awards. Check then out on SHOPAssociation.org So, fasten your seat belt we're in for some good times…Today, EPISODE 80… I talk with April Rinne whose North Star is helping people and organizations understand what's on the horizon – and how they fit into it. April deciphers signals of change, helps leaders and teams improve their tolerance for uncertainty, and scouts new insights and opportunities in a world in flux. As well as being an excellent hand stander, (check out pics of her doing handstands in places all over the world on her website), she is also the author of the international bestseller “Flux: 8 Superpowers for Thriving in Constant Change.”We will get to her book, some of the key ideas and so much more in a minute but first a few thoughts…It seems to me that over the past few seasons I've tended to talk about the idea of ‘the pace of change' a lot.I'm beginning to think it's a little like my unnatural fear of sharks (thank you Steven Spielberg) and that I keep on talking about them and seeking out images of them on Instagram as some sort of cognitive behavioral therapy to get me better with the idea that I can actually go swimming in the ocean and not feel afraid of Spielberg's Bruce sneaking up on me. I seem to talk about change a lot for a few reasons…maybe because, I will confess, that I don't think that I was actually good with change for years. I was pretty set in my ways about having a plan and making sure the plan was followed. I got significantly bent out of shape if the plan didn't go as, well… planned.If we were off on our timing, if something was late or if some spontaneous moment interrupted the calendar and I was going to have to re-adjust, it took me sometimes quite a while to recalibrate and get with the ‘new' program.And then there was the spring of 2020 where, well…everything changed. No doubt for someone who wasn't so good with the idea that things could change on a dime and a path you had so expertly crafted into the near future would just disappear in front of you,I came to understand that there were three types of change:the change that's innate - you know built into the system of everything the seasons the sun rising in the east and setting in the West and that kind of change that if it didn't happen you would think something was significantly wrong with the universethere was the change that we choose that gives us a sense of agency the kind of change we actually like more than others because we get to determine where it's going and what it actually means for usand then there's a kind of change like the COVID pandemic that is thrust upon you and in those moments shifting circumstances open a door to uncertainty that sense of clarity and purpose dissipates into a swell of unknowns and deep discomfort settles in making everything seem tenuous.That kind of change, I would hazard a guess, not many of us are fond of.That sort of change demands an openness to confront the necessity of things we have often held so dear or the veracity of things we've believed in about ourselves and others.This type of change asks us to embrace the unknown and find an opportunity for transformation in the ambiguity.This kind of change is the kind of change that requires you to stare long into the face of hard questions, discover inconvenient answers and make challenging decisions.That kind of change, turns out, is where all the growth is.That kind of change is embracing the Robert frost poem of the ‘path not travelled…'The thing is… as I think I've said before… it's easy for us to fall for nostalgia.It's cozy. It's welcoming and reassuring because it's familiar and it's easy to continue to keep doing the same thing that we have always done because, for some, there's security in choosing the familiar in preference for going on an adventure.I love that one scene from The Hobbit where Bilbo Baggins, after refusing to go on the trip with the dwarves, finally gets it that maybe there's something in it for him, a growth opportunity, and he runs after the company exclaiming to neighbors, when asked where he was going, that he was ‘going on an adventure.'But there's a strange paradox in all of this and that is; we both avoid the perceived danger of the unknown because the unfamiliar signals potential dangers and our neurobiology is geared to sounding the alarms when the unfamiliar lurks near…while at the same time being driven towards novel and the unexpected because that's where our brain ultimately finds learning opportunities (should we care to pay attention).There's no point in continuing to pull a covers over your head and hope that the uncertainty will pass because it's quite likely that when you reemerge whatever the challenge was it will still be thereand you'll open up your eyes and feel a like Dorothy and you not being in Kansas anymore,because while you were conveniently not paying attention, the world was swept up tossed upside down and blown into a new reality in the context of the ever-increasing pace of change that we are all now exposed to.Of course, all of the speed that we're exposed to these days is forcing cultural shifts to happen, some of which we are not neurobiologically or evolutionarily adequately adapted to. Remember, it's taken a few billion years to get where we are. We can't expect that we'll be able to keep up with the mental machinery we now have. (Another challenge to talk about another time.)As we move into a new experience paradigm of continual change, failing fast and continual iteration may become ‘de rigeur' because constant change will demand it and make it mainstream. In order to remain in sync with change, we will have to find a way to get right with the idea of change.This presents a particular problem for leaders of all sorts who have been traditionally looked upon to be able to divine the future and help lead their teams with certainty into a near ordistant future state. How do leaders maintain a sense of trust and engender followership from their teams when they may legitimately be unsure of where their businesses might need to go as the ground shifts beneath their feet?All of this suggests a need for extraordinary flexibility when trying to plan a pathway through a period of unprecedented change. That flexibility in large part comes not from our ability to develop some sort of control over the pace of change in the outer world - those things that are happening around us - but trying to find a sense of calm and flexibility within our inner world - to adjust and find a way to be in relationship with change rather than imposing our will on and resisting change as it comes to us.This is where I get to introduce April Rennie, author of the book “Flux: 8 Superpowers For Thriving In Constant Change.”April's highly readable book landed on my desk during the COVID pandemic when I was struggling with trying to adapt to the unknown. Her idea of flux is looked at as a noun and a verb;in the case of a noun, FLUX could be considered as “constant change”as a verb FLUX can mean “to learn to become fluid”What April really focuses on however is 8 Superpowers that help you to develop what she calls the “FLUX Mindset”- ‘the state of mind that allows you to see all change whatever it is, the good the bad, the things that you have control over and the things you can't control, the expected and the unexpected, and see all of it as an opportunity to learn to grow and improve.'For April Rinne, the idea of change and living within a world in flux, as about seeing it as a space of emergent possibility.That has a lot to do with feeling OK with being lost, being comfortable with not knowing.This may mean letting go of old scripts, narratives that just don't fit anymore but that you've come to rely on as a way of explaining, or explaining away, circumstances of your life.Perhaps we need to embrace a mindset of change that is closer to indigenous wisdom than perhaps other more wired cultures on our planet.It's not that we control nothing, but that we shift our view to be in relationship with change.April suggests that when we can be in relationship with uncertainty there's a kind of a dance, a push and pull, and that indigenous cultures seemed to have a keener sense of relationship - a relationship with themselves, with one another and with Mother Nature.Our conversation leads to the invitation to see the value in our interdependence to each other and the world around us ( even if the world is in a state of FLUX ) and that we work on growing our appreciation for and prioritization of fostering a positive relationship with change.If we can, the healthier we will be, both individually and collectively…. The next level experience design podcast is presented by VMSD magazine and Smartwork Media. It is hosted and executive produced by David Kepron. Our original music and audio production by Kano Sound. The content of this podcast is copywrite to David Kepron and NXTLVL Experience Design. Any publication or rebroadcast of the content is prohibited without the expressed written consent of David Kepron and NXTLVL Experience Design.Make sure to tune in for more NXTLVL “Dialogues on DATA: Design Architecture Technology and the Arts” wherever you find your favorite podcasts and make sure to visit vmsd.com and look for the tab for the NXTLVL Experience Design podcast there too.
Welcome to another episode of Abundance Mindset Podcast, where Vinney Chopra and Gualter Amarelo dive into the principle of Hyperfocus—and why every investor needs a clear North Star. Vinney shares how his guiding compass has always been family, faith, and abundance, while Gualter brings strategies for turning vision into action in real estate and beyond. Together, they talked about:
QFF: Quick Fire Friday – Your 20-Minute Growth Powerhouse! Welcome to Quick Fire Friday, the Grow A Small Business podcast series that is designed to deliver simple, focused and actionable insights and key takeaways in less than 20 minutes a week. Every Friday, we bring you business owners and experts who share their top strategies for growing yourself, your team and your small business. Get ready for a dose of inspiration, one action you can implement and quotable quotes that will stick with you long after the episode ends! In this episode of Quick Fire Friday, host Michael Denehey interviews Kathryn McCann, General Manager of Marketing, Public Affairs & Social Impact at the Tasmania Football Club, shares the inspiring journey of building the club from her dining table into a thriving startup with 30+ staff and 215,000 founding members. She reveals how balancing speed with structure, creating a clear plan, and engaging deeply with the community played a vital role in their rapid growth. Kath also highlights the importance of storytelling, building trust, and staying focused on purpose. Her experiences offer powerful lessons in leadership, planning, and customer engagement that every small business owner can apply to succeed. Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners: Start with Purpose & Principles – Define a clear purpose, simple goals, and operating principles early to guide growth and avoid overwhelm. Build the Right Team – Surround yourself with skilled, high-quality people who can deliver and represent your business well. Engage & Listen to Customers – Actively connect with your community, listen to feedback, and implement it to build trust and loyalty. Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for? Balance Speed & Structure – Move fast enough to grow but create governance and systems that keep the business sustainable. Control the Controllables – Focus on what you can manage, execute with purpose, and let go of factors outside your control. Leverage Storytelling – Share authentic stories about your vision and decisions to connect with people and inspire buy-in. One action small business owners can take: According to Kath McCann, one action small business owners can take is to actively engage with their customers – listen to their feedback, build trust through genuine conversations, and use those insights to guide business decisions. Do you have 2 minutes every Friday? Sign up to the Weekly Leadership Email. It's free and we can help you to maximize your time. Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey.
Discover how to build an “aligned empire,” a business and life that work together instead of against each other. Today's guest has mastered the art of balance—not just work-life balance, but proper alignment between career ambitions, family priorities, energy management, and personal fulfillment. Whether you are just starting or feeling overwhelmed by trying to do everything yourself, this conversation will provide a reliable roadmap for building something sustainable that honors your values and ambitions. Join us to learn more!Kasey D'Amato is a keynote speaker, executive coach, and strategic business advisor who helps business founders and corporate leaders navigate high-stakes decisions and transitions with clarity, confidence, and resilience, without burning out in the process. With over 20 years of experience across healthcare, entrepreneurship, and business consulting, Kasey brings a unique blend of business acumen, human behavior expertise, and emotional intelligence to her work. She has walked multiple career paths, including pharmaceutical sales, founding a global skincare brand, healthcare consulting, and executive leadership advisory. Kasey's mission is to impact one million entrepreneurs and high achievers, and her core message will challenge how you think about success. She believes a dream life is within reach for those who are willing to lead with intention. You'll discover Kasey's “3 Whos” framework that ensures you will never have to navigate your journey alone, and why she swears by 90-day experiments instead of massive overhauls. Kasey is known for her dynamic, actionable, and emotionally intelligent approach to leadership as she guides ambitious entrepreneurs and executives to think bigger, lead better, and align their next move with both performance and personal fulfillment. Show Highlights:Components of an aligned empireFind your Polaris Point™: This is your clear “North Star” that aligns business ventures with personal life goals. Every 90 days, take a step back, assess, and recalibrate your approach. 3 areas of alignment beyond the tactical tools of your industry:Self-leadership: mindset, resilience, clarity of purpose/mission, confronting limiting beliefs, and understanding that failure is part of the process (This is 80% of your success!)Team leadership: communication, expectations, measures of success, setting examples, and celebrating winsIndustry leadership: visibility, accountability, a focus on your superpower, and consistency in how you want to be knownDream BIG! “Dreams are free in the land of imagination!”Implementing 90-day experiments to make progress in specific areasCommon objections to having alignment partners:“I can do it all myself.”“I don't have enough time.”I don't have the money.”Hiring with specific growth goals in mindKasey's framework, your “3 Whos”:Who are your mentors and coaches?Who are your peers?Who are the members of your team?Kasey's biggest takeaways about your journey, guidance, and leaning on your 3 WhosResources:Connect with Kasey D'Amato: Website, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Kasey's Decision Threshold™ Checklist.Connect with MegGet Meg's FREE download, Finding Your Perfect Match:
Episode #225 In this powerful Member Transformation episode, Coach Terri sits down with Kirsten Hopkinson to explore how fasting has become more than just a weight-loss tool—it's reshaped her identity, health, and outlook on life. Kirsten shares how she's lost 50 pounds since joining The Fasting Method, lowered her A1C from pre-diabetic to healthy range, and discovered the deeper “why” driving her journey. From morning walks and mindset shifts to overcoming old habits and finding strength in community support, Kirsten's story is about creating sustainable change and living with purpose. If you're ready to move beyond diets and into a lifestyle of self-care, resilience, and transformation, this conversation will inspire you to take the next step. ✨ Ready to start your own transformation? Join The Fasting Method Community today and get the tools, coaching, and support you need to create lasting change. https://www.thefastingmethod.com/community/ Transcripts of all episodes are available on the Podcast page at www.thefastingmethod.com Book a complimentary 15-minute coaching intake assessment with one of the TFM coaches https://www.thefastingmethod.com/coaching/ Connect With Us Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fastingmethod/ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TheFastingMethod Join our FREE Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/TFMNetwork Summary Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 01:22 Starting the Journey 02:45 What's Different This Time 04:25 Finding a North Star 07:11 Power of Community 11:09 Struggles & Support 15:47 Beyond Fasting 17:35 Letting Go of Numbing Tools 19:13 Feeling Big Emotions 21:46 Transformation Beyond the Scale 23:19 Advice for Beginners 27:31 Picturing the Future 28:34 Redefining Self-Care 29:16 Closing Thoughts Disclaimer This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional care by a doctor or other qualified medical professional. You should always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before doing any fasting, changing your diet, taking or adjusting any medication or supplements, or adopting any treatment for a health problem. The use of any other products or services purchased by you as a result of this podcast does not create a healthcare provider-patient relationship between you and any of the experts affiliated with this podcast. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Today's guest is the one and only Bobbi Brown—the legendary makeup artist, entrepreneur, and author. Bobbi just released her very first memoir, “Still Bobbi: A Master Class in Leading an Authentic Life,” and it's a revealing look at her triumphs, challenges, family, and the values that drive her. Bobbi joins host Kerry Diamond to reflect on building brands, the lessons she's learned from both success and failure, and why her family has always remained her North Star. They also talk about Jones Road Beauty, her latest business venture that's changing the clean beauty conversation, and her passion for health and food. (She's a certified health coach!) Thank you to Square and Ketel One for their support. Learn more at square.com/bigSubscribe to our SubstackCheck out Cherry Bombe on ShopMyMore on Bobbi: Instagram, Jones Road Beauty, “Still Bobbi” memoirMore on Kerry: InstagramShop Kerry's favorite Jones Road products: MascaraLip & Cheek stickMiracle Balm
In this episode of 'Linch with a Leader', Mike Linch interviews Jay Brown, CEO of David Weekley Homes, exploring his personal journey, the impact of family and faith on leadership, and the importance of people in business. Jay shares insights on overcoming challenges, the significance of continuous learning, and the balance between work and family life. He emphasizes the need for leaders to love, learn, and lead well, and reflects on the legacy he hopes to leave for his children.Mike's Leadership Lessons from Jay:- Great businesses are great because of their people.- The journey to leadership often starts with overcoming personal fears.- Family plays a crucial role in shaping one's character and values.- Empowering employees leads to better business outcomes.- Time management is essential for effective leadership.- Continuous learning is vital for personal and professional growth.- Balancing work and family is a key aspect of leadership.- Legacy is about the impact you leave on others.Welcome to the Linch with a Leader Podcast, where you're invited to join the spiritual principles behind big success, with host Mike Linch.Subscribe to the channel so you never miss an episode: Watch: @linchwithaleader Prefer just listening? SUBSCRIBE to the podcast here:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0dJfeLbikJlKlBqAx6mDYW?si=6ffed84956cb4848Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/linch-with-a-leader/id1279929826Find show notes and more information at: www.mikelinch.comFollow for EVERYDAY leadership content and interaction:Follow on X: https://x.com/mikelinch?s=20Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikelinch?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==https://www.instagram.com/mikelinch/?...JOIN Mike for a Sunday at NorthStar Church:www.northstarchurch.org Watch: @nsckennesawTIMESTAMPS:00:00 Introduction and Background06:49 Lessons from Parenting09:24 Faith and Personal Growth12:07 Overcoming Public Speaking Fear14:43 The Importance of People in Business17:09 Leadership and Empowerment19:51 Maintaining Connection as a CEO22:46 The Three L's of Leadership28:05 The Importance of Time Management32:18 Balancing Work and Family Life39:15 Legacy and Impact on Family
Meta's CMO tackles balancing creativity with AI automation. Alex Schultz, CMO and VP of Analytics at Meta, shares his framework for marketing in an AI-first world where nearly 2 million advertisers now use Meta's generative AI ad creation tools. He discusses the "North Star goal" methodology for aligning marketing strategy, explains how to break out of automated campaign optimization traps through active testing and account resets, and outlines why human creativity remains essential even as AI handles more execution tasks.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
What if the version of success you've been chasing... isn't actually what you want?In this episode, Allison sits down with Ash McDonald, a former therapist turned soulful business coach and worldschooling mama, to talk about redefining success on your own terms.From building a half-million dollar business while traveling full-time to shutting it all down for five months to come back to herself, Ash shares the unfiltered truth behind her burnout breakthrough—and why peace, not profit, is her new North Star.TAKEAWAYS:Success isn't static. Ash shares how her definition evolved from chasing financial milestones to pursuing deep peace and alignment.You don't need a big team or massive hours to run a highly profitable business. Ash breaks down how she thrives in just 3 hours a day.“More” isn't always better. Ash explains how letting go of a $1M revenue goal led to more joy, more presence, and more actual take-home pay.Burnout isn't just about doing too much. Ash reveals how subconscious patterning and nervous system work can shift everything.Your business gets to fit your life, not the other way around. Ash's journey shows what it really looks like to build from radical self-trust and clarity.RESOURCES:Check out the blog post that accompanies this episode for additional resourcesSnag Ash's Burnout Breakthrough for 50% when you use code 6FIG at checkoutFollow Ash on InstagramVisit Ash on her on her websiteTurn months of overwhelm into one day of DONE. I've got 3 spots left for my Beta Email Funnel VIP Day — you'll get a full nurture + pitch sequence done in one day. Grab your spot here.Take the Annual Audience Survey! For every survey completed, Allison will be donating $5 to Eveytown for Gun Safety.CONNECT WITH ALLISON: Follow Allison on Instagram DID YOU HAVE AN 'AH-HA MOMENT' WHILE LISTENING TO THIS EPISODE?If you found value and are ready to take action from listening to this episode, head to Apple Podcasts and help us reach new audiences by giving the podcast a rating and a review. This helps us to reach more online coaches who are creating a thriving 6-figure business. Music courtesy of www.bensound.com
Send us a textWhat's the secret to achieving your biggest entrepreneurial dreams? It all starts with creating a crystal clear vision.Successful entrepreneurs know that without a compelling direction, you're just wandering. That's why establishing your North Star is crucial—it's that big, exciting vision that naturally pulls you forward. Close your eyes and visualize where you want to be in five years. What does your ideal business and life look like? The more captivating this vision, the more motivated you'll stay when challenges arise.But vision alone isn't enough. Like training for a marathon, you need digestible action steps that move you consistently toward your goal. You wouldn't start by running 26.2 miles; you'd begin with three miles and build from there. The same principle applies to your business goals. Break down your North Star into small, manageable tasks that compound over time.The final piece—and often the most overlooked—is accountability. Checking in with yourself regularly ensures you're making progress, but partnering with someone else dramatically increases your chances of success. When someone else knows your goals and expects updates, you're far more likely to follow through. This accountability system creates a rhythm of compounding wins that gradually transform your vision into reality. Ready to create the life of your dreams? Start with these three components today, and watch how quickly your crystal clear vision begins materializing before your eyes. To Reach Jordan:Email: Jordan@Edwards.Consulting Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9ejFXH1_BjdnxG4J8u93Zw Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jordan.edwards.7503 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jordanfedwards/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordanedwards5/ Hope you find value in this. If so please provide a 5-star and drop a review.Complimentary Edwards Consulting Session: https://calendly.com/jordan-edwardsconsulting/30min
The stars appear to rotate in the sky, raising the question of how birds can use stars to navigate during migration. Ornithologist Stephen Emlen brought Indigo Buntings to a planetarium, tracking their movements as the simulated night sky changed above them. The buntings oriented themselves using star patterns that appear to rotate the least — especially the North Star, Ursa Major and Cassiopeia.More info and transcript at BirdNote.org.Want more BirdNote? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Sign up for BirdNote+ to get ad-free listening and other perks. BirdNote is a nonprofit. Your tax-deductible gift makes these shows possible. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.