Podcasts about operational

What if your next level of growth isn't in a new strategy, but in your existing business? In this episode, Natalie shares the exact business audit she runs every quarter to unlock more revenue, simplify operations, and scale what's already working. You'll learn how to identify what's profitable, uncover hidden bottlenecks, and make smarter, data-backed decisions that move the needle. She'll guide you through how to assess your offers, leads, sales process, operations, and leadership — so you can stop guessing, start optimizing, and finally build momentum again. If you're ready to grow without doing more — this is the audit that will show you how. It's time to pause, reflect, and lead from a new level. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - You don't need another strategy — you need a business audit 00:29 - The biggest mistake entrepreneurs make when trying to grow 00:57 - Step 1: Audit your revenue streams — what's profitable vs. just taking up space 02:19 - The magic of simplifying instead of scaling complexity 03:11 - Step 2: Audit your lead gen — where are your best leads really coming from? 04:39 - Visibility ≠ leads — how to stop wasting time on the wrong platforms 05:56 - Step 3: Audit your sales process — where are your conversions leaking? 07:54 - How to fix friction and boost conversion with simple tweaks 08:29 - Step 4: Audit your operations — what tasks are slowing you down? 09:55 - Operational bottlenecks that stall growth (and what to automate or delegate) 10:51 - Step 5: Audit your leadership — are you the bottleneck? 12:17 - Why your business will only grow to the level you're willing to lead it 13:12 - How to actually do your audit and uncover what's been keeping you stuck 14:08 - Your next level isn't “out there” — it's already inside your business 14:53 - Real results from members inside The Société who've run this audit 15:22 - Leave a review and unlock Natalie's 7-Figure CEO Operating System (for free!) RESOURCES + LINKS Join The Société: Our Exclusive Membership To Help You Build A Freedom-Based BusinessTM - start today for just $97.  Save Your Seat For Natalie's Brand New, Free Live Masterclass On April 25 + Learn How To Turn Your Expertise Into Consistent Monthly Income — Without Big Launches Or A Massive Audience.  Sign Up For Our Free Weekly Newsletter & Get Insights From Natalie Every Single Week On All Things Strategy, Motherhood, Business Growth + More.  Drop Us A Review On The Podcast + Send Us A Screenshot & We'll Send You Natalie's 7-Figure Operating System Completely FREE (value $1,997).

#180 Podcast Episode SummaryEpisode Title: Work Hard. Care Even Harder. The John Harper BlueprintGuest: John Harper, Co-Founder & President, Global Hotel AdvisorsHost: Bart Berkey, Founder of Most People Don't, LLCIn this deeply personal and inspiring episode, Bart reconnects with longtime friend and hospitality icon John Harper—a man whose leadership legacy stretches from early Hyatt days to key executive roles at The Ritz-Carlton and Marriott International, and now, as co-founder of Global Hotel Advisors.The conversation dives into the heart of what makes a leader truly respected: humility, adaptability, emotional intelligence, and a relentless drive to serve others. John shares not only leadership tactics but life lessons—from his father's immigrant story to coaching soccer, mentoring teams, and making the leap from corporate to entrepreneurship with purpose.Be the person who clears off someone else's windshield.– A snowstorm story from the early Hyatt days becomes a defining example of unprompted kindness and servant leadership.Work hard. Care harder.– John's drive came from his father's example: hustle paired with the ability to “turn it off” and be present with family. It's about intensity matched with balance.Great leaders adapt to their team—not just expect the team to adapt to them.– Success comes from meeting people where they are and building trust, not commanding compliance.Leadership is earned, not assigned.– Titles don't make people follow you. Trust, protection, and empowerment do.Operational excellence requires curiosity.– John's secret to growing was listening deeply—even in meetings where his own role wasn't central. Every detail, even chillers and boiler redundancy, became useful knowledge later.Push for the piano.– A wild idea to put a pianist at the Reagan airport gate taught John the importance of creating moments of luxury—and of not giving up too soon on big ideas.Sometimes, the boldest career move is the personal one.– Leaving Marriott wasn't driven by dissatisfaction—it was about personal alignment, balance, and doing what he always dreamed of.Service excellence starts with culture.– No matter the building, brand, or design, it's the people who make the guest write the thank-you letter. Invest in them.“Most people don't take advantage of what's happening around them. But if you stay curious, if you observe, you can grow faster than you ever imagined.”More about https://globalhoteladvisors.comConnect with John Harper here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-harper-8571804/Additional stories about PEOPLE THAT DO... https://mostpeopledont.com

In this episode, Neel Parekh interviews William Milligan, the CEO and co-founder of SwoopScoop, a successful dog poop cleanup business that has grown to over $2 million in revenue in just four years. William shares his journey from digital marketing to entrepreneurship, explaining the unique business model of subscription-based dog waste removal. He discusses operational efficiencies, marketing strategies, and the challenges of seasonality in the business. Additionally, William introduces the Poop Scoop Millionaire community, aimed at helping others start their own poop scoop businesses. The conversation provides valuable insights into entrepreneurship, marketing, and the pet service industry.takeawaysWilliam transformed a simple idea into a $2 million business.The business model is subscription-based for dog waste removal.Operational efficiency allows one person to service 30 yards a day.Marketing strategies include Facebook ads and vehicle wraps.Seasonality affects business, with summer being the slowest time.Starting a poop scoop business can be done with minimal investment.Offering free trials can help acquire initial customers.The Poop Scoop Millionaire community supports aspiring entrepreneurs.Scaling the business involves managing employees and operations.The industry is emerging with potential for solopreneurs.Thanks for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to like it, leave a comment and subscribe to our podcast for more amazing content. Want to stay connected? Follow me on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes insights:➙ Visit ⁠⁠www.maidthisfranchise.com⁠⁠➙ Instagram: ⁠⁠@neelbparekh⁠⁠➙ X (Twitter): ⁠⁠@neelbparekh➙ YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@neelbparekhFind out more about Swoop Scoop:➙ Website: https://swoopscoop.com/➙ Community: https://www.skool.com/poop-scoop-millionaire/about ➙ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Scoop-Start

In This Episode Scott Berman shares the full arc of his entrepreneurial journey—from running a struggling startup to leading one of the top home improvement companies in the U.S. In a candid discussion, Scott walks through the operational pitfalls that led to his first company's bankruptcy and the hard-earned lessons that fueled his comeback. He emphasizes the importance of systems, structure, and staying out of the way as a visionary leader. Scott explains why growth without process will only amplify a company's weaknesses, and how businesses must break and rebuild their systems regularly to keep improving. Scott also introduces HeavySet Technologies, a powerful AI-driven scheduling platform that automates lead conversion and improves marketing ROI. Throughout the conversation, he shares real-world examples, team accountability insights, and a clear process for building a profitable, scalable business.  

Mark is a member of the GenTrust investment team and is responsible for sourcing, due diligence, and selection of alternative investment strategies, including hedge funds, private equity, opportunistic, and non-traditional strategies. Mark is also part of our Client Advisory team, focusing on ultra-high-net-worth clients and families. Before joining GenTrust, Mark spent 12 years as a Partner and Senior Managing Director, Portfolio Manager, for EJF Capital LLC, an alternative asset manager in Arlington, Virginia. At EJF, Mark was responsible for a wide array of cross asset class investments, specializing in the management of EJF's high yield and event-driven fixed income investments. Mark managed investments and teams across multiple funds and strategies, including EJF's Tactical Opportunities Strategy, which focused on equities, corporates, structured products, options, and esoteric. Mark was also a founding member of the EJF Real Estate Investment Committee, where he assisted in raising and deploying equity in commercial real estate development projects. Before EJF, he worked at Fannie Mae as a mortgage-backed securities trader and financial analyst, where his role included trading mortgage-backed securities and pricing complex legacy portfolios. Mark holds a B.S. in Economics and an MBA from the Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland. Links: Mark on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-neely-6568269/ GenTrust - https://gentrustwm.com/ Brandon on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bsedloff/ Juniper Square - https://www.junipersquare.com/ Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:01:35) - Mark's background and career (00:03:52) - Alternatives and Privates at GenTrust (00:05:53) - Mark's role at GenTrust (00:09:00) - Themes and trends for Alternatives in client portfolios (00:12:30) - Defining Liquid Alts (00:17:17) - What do you look for when underwriting new managers? (00:19:09) - Track record attribution (00:22:04) - How it works to get in touch with Mark (00:25:42) - Operational due diligence processes (00:28:20) - What do you expect from managers? (00:35:19) - Navigating educational challenges for matching opportunities to client portfolios (00:37:31) - Perception vs. reality for advisors (00:39:18) - Roles of alternatives in portfolios (00:42:02) - GenTrust as an RIA vs. the competition (00:44:17) - What are you hearing from peers in the RIA space about diversification? (00:49:59) - Themes to look for over the next 18 months (00:51:24) - Resources for GenTrust

Today, Arron Price, COO at FIG, takes over as host and is joined by Jessica Schloemp, DOO at FIG. Jess is here to unpack what makes operations truly tick and how culture, collaboration, and self-awareness shape the way teams show up and succeed. Jess will share her experience building and leading a 34-person operations team, none of whom came from the insurance world, by focusing less on resumes and more on mindset, adaptability, and heart. From empowering team members to take ownership, to replacing meeting culture with real, solution-focused collaboration, this conversation is packed with insights for leaders looking to build more engaged and effective teams. We also unpack what it means to lead authentically, how to build true self-awareness, and why being unapologetically yourself is a value worth holding onto at every level of business.   Here's some of what we discuss in this episode:

In business, missing the little stuff can cost you big. This week, Mike and Blaine zoom in on why attention to detail is the unsung hero of success—whether it's catching a typo in a contract, noticing a shift in customer habits, or realizing your receipts don't match your register. They'll share real stories where overlooking the obvious turned into major headaches—and when obsessing over the small stuff paid off big time. Tune in and learn why tightening the screws might be the loosest part of your business plan.Don't miss the latest insights and entertaining discussions on entrepreneurship, small business, and random BS. Subscribe, follow, and like Mike and Blaine's "Business, Beer, and BS" and catch every episode! Featured Beer: @903Brewers @CerebralBrewingMike: 903 Brewers - Troop 903 Cream AleBlaine: Cerebral Brewing - DIPAWatch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/UuXpouhp_tcThanks to our Beer Sponsors: • Rachel Barnett from Gentle Frog: youtube.com/@GentleFrog • Karen Hairston from 3S Smart Consulting: 3ssmartconsulting.com• Neighbor Pat• DevinListen to all our episodes at mikeandblaine.comcashflowmike.comdryrun.com#mikeandblaine #smallbusines #cashflow #finance #beer #entrepreneur #craftbeerSupport the showCatch more episodes, see our sponsors and get in touch at https://mikeandblaine.com/

Generative AI is developing at an exciting pace, transforming compliance, risk management, and the customer experience. It's potential also requires financial institutions to navigate ethical dilemmas, security risks, and implementation challenges. This episode of the Forward Thinking Podcast features FCCS VP of Marketing and Communications Stephanie Barton and Kris Stewart, a certified regulatory compliance manager, product manager, attorney and business leader for Wolters Kluwer Compliance Solutions for a conversation about the power and possibilities of generative AI in financial institutions and how farm credit institutions can harness this technology while ensuring compliance and trust with their customers.    Episode Insights Include:   Generative AI in the Financial Industry  Generative AI is already a game changer and will continue to shape the future.  Real-world applications include credit risk assessments, servicing loans, and reviewing credit documents.  Compliance officers can utilize generative AI to tackle regulatory updates.  Generative AI can read data, find relationships, and report on actionable patterns.  As an assistant, generative AI filters the work and never gets tired.    Enhancing the customer experience A personalized banking experience is possible with generative AI.  Considerations for lending, fraud detection and financial planning.  A seamless process is possible with increased AI input.  AI has the ability to catch and prevent fraud faster.  24/7 availability and endless time to answer questions are perks for AI users.  AI utilities data that is already available and decreases time required for filling out forms.    Risks associated with generative AI adoption Data security and privacy are at the top of the list of potential concerns.  Loan decisioning data has the potential to have bias built into it.  Generative AI hallucinations are a result of the language predictive model.  Each of these considerations is improving, and still require human input where logical.  Guardrails will always need to be in place to monitor accuracy.    Addressing key ethical dilemmas AI needs to continually be working for customers, not against them.  Transparency is key in utilizing generative AI.  Strong governance and control framework are critical to successful AI application.  AI has the potential to enhance or destroy customer relationships.    The role of compliance officers in generative AI adaptation The standard approach to compliance governance must be employed to AI.  Fair lending issues, whether created by humans or AI, must be addressed in the same way.  AI must be considered as an additional way to deliver goods and services, and not permitted to violate laws that already exist.    Overcoming implementation roadblocks The state of your data structure is critical to effective implementation.  Inaccuracies and biases that are built into data need to be cleaned up prior to significant use within AI.  A good governance structure needs to be in place from the beginning.  Vendor solutions can help with implementing AI.  Strategically identify where specifically your company will utilize AI.  Consider use cases to maximize effort and investment.    Measuring the success of AI implementation Consider your current customer processes and satisfaction, and apply the same metrics on AI.  Operational efficiencies can be measured by key performance indicators.  Apply the measurements that are already providing useful information to AI.  Consider employee engagement – how is AI utilization affecting your team?    The future of generative AI Deep research in generative AI is leveraging reasoning to find and analyze data.  AI is coming, and we as humans need to be educated about and prepared for what it is capable of.  Consider competencies required of future generations to optimize efficiencies.    This podcast is powered by FCCS.   Resources   Connect with Kris Stewart — Kris Stewart   Get in touch   info@fccsconsulting.com   “I like to think of generative AI as the most knowledgeable, fast, compliance assistant that I could ever hope to hire.” — Kris Stewart   “Generative AI is not meant to replace the human, it's meant to help filter the work.” — Kris Stewart   “You need AI to do your work efficiently these days, but you need guardrails too.” — Kris Stewart   “Be fearless about investing and learning. The technology wave is coming whether you engage or not.” — Kris Stewart

In 2018, LineVision was a young company with revolutionary technology for electric transmission lines. Its dynamic line rating sensors and software could increase the capacity of existing power lines by up to 40% without building new infrastructure — a critical solution for integrating renewables and meeting growing electricity demand. But to prove its tech, it needed to win over notoriously cautious utilities. When a crucial project worth $750,000 went to a competitor, LineVision's leadership made a last-ditch appeal that changed the company's trajectory. In this episode, host Lara Pierpoint talks with LineVision's vice president of customer success,  Karthik Rao, about navigating utility cybersecurity requirements, escaping “pilot hell,” and how LineVision became the partner behind the world's largest DLR project. Credits: Hosted by Lara Pierpoint. Produced by Erin Hardick. Edited by Anne Bailey and Stephen Lacey. Original music and engineering by Sean Marquand. Stephen Lacey is executive editor. The Green Blueprint is a co-production of Latitude Media and Trellis Climate. Subscribe on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you get podcasts. For more reporting on the companies featured in this podcast, subscribe to Latitude Media's newsletter.

In this episode of *The Art of Making Things Happen with Steve Sims*, Steve sits down with Emma Rainville, a systems and operations expert. Emma discusses her passion for being an exceptional "number two," mastering the art of systems and processes to unleash creativity and ultimately keep more money in the business. Emma shares insights from her new book, *Scope*, which stands for Setting your vision, Creating processes, Operational excellence, People development, and Execution. Together, Steve and Emma explore the journey of how systems can transform an entrepreneur's chaotic world into streamlined success. Emma dives into the intricacies of working with visionary entrepreneurs and how systems can save both time and money, urging listeners to embrace these tools for a more impactful and efficient business operation. Tune in for a conversation that will motivate you to implement systems in your own business and gain more time to enjoy your success. If you're ready to shift from chaos to calm and make your business processes work for you, this episode is a must-listen! Don't forget to check out Emma's book, *Scope*, at readscope.co, to further explore the magic of systems in your entrepreneurial journey.

In this episode of Yet Another Value Podcast, host Andrew Walker welcomes back Marc Chalfin of Windward Capital to discuss Turtle Beach. Known for its gaming headsets and peripherals, Turtle Beach is at the center of a compelling capital allocation story. Marc outlines why the company's recent PDP acquisition, aggressive buyback strategy, and positioning ahead of the Nintendo Switch refresh and GTA VI release create a rare opportunity. He also breaks down the company's corporate turnaround, supply chain adjustments, and potential paths to a strategic or private equity exit. If you're following gaming or capital discipline stories, this one's for you.______________________________________________________________________[00:01:29] Marc Chalfin shares an update on Groupon and transitions to Turtle Beach[00:02:23] Introduction to Turtle Beach's business model and market share in gaming peripherals[00:03:58] Market size, product dominance, and recent analyst coverage[00:05:46] Chalfin discusses the history of Turtle Beach, Donerail's involvement, and management changes[00:10:01] Operational struggles from supply chain issues and lack of gaming software[00:11:30] Strategic acquisition of PDP and importance of Nintendo licensing[00:13:03] Financial upside: EBITDA expansion potential, buybacks, and capital structure[00:16:38] Addressing the commoditization concern in gaming hardware[00:18:02] Peer comparisons with Logitech and Corsair[00:20:20] Philosophy on capital allocation and shrinking the share count[00:23:09] Tariff headwinds and Turtle Beach's supply chain response[00:25:28] Catalysts: Nintendo Switch refresh and GTA VI as revenue drivers[00:27:34] Chalfin explains the buyback slowdown and loan covenants[00:29:53] Long-term guidance and thoughts on sustainable revenue growth[00:31:21] Endgame scenario: strategic sale or private equity exit[00:36:28] Risks: liquidity and execution on buybacks[00:40:11] Timing of potential buybacks and views on tender offer strategy[00:43:27] Closing thoughts on alignment with management and capital return strategyLinks:Windward Capital: https://www.windwardmg.com/See our legal disclaimer here: https://www.yetanothervalueblog.com/p/legal-and-disclaimer

In this episode of The Capital Table, Steve Brady, Market Leader of Transaction Advisory at Withum, speaks with Travis Loomis, Senior Manager and M&A Advisory Lead at Withum, as a follow-up to their recent pavilion session at DealMAX 2025. Steve and Travis discuss how operating partners go beyond the basics to unlock growth potential, such as driving revenue expansion, enhancing customer experiences, and enabling digital transformation.

Go behind the scenes at Disney with exclusive takeaways from IAAPA's North America Summit 2025 at Disneyland Resort! Philip shares first-hand insights from Disney executives on the thoughtful redesign of Toontown and how small, intentional changes create significant guest experience improvements. Discover how Disney balances operational necessities with guest comfort through innovative solutions - from stroller parking zones to decompression spaces to mixed-and-match cast costumes that enhance storytelling. We explore why seemingly simple elements like tables, chairs, and even non-flat grassy areas faced resistance yet proved crucial for guest satisfaction. Scott provides industry context to these practices, making these high-level insights applicable to attractions of all sizes. Listen to weekly BONUS episodes on our Patreon.

Judy asked, "What is the opportunity cost if women are not mobilized to use their gifts for the Gospel?" Leadership gifts? Operational gifts?Andrea Budczinski, Cru VP of Global Leadership Development, highlights three key words that describe elements of Judy Douglass and her ministry of encouragement and advocacy in more than 50 countries! Judy has been these three: Role Model. Advocate for women and men to use their ministry gifts. Ally with men in the ministry that Jesus would be famous everywhere. Encourager. She comes along and sees the beauty that God has put there in each person.Judy's acceptance speech of the Tru316 Medallion Award will be highlighted in the next episode of The Eden Podcast! The Tru316 Foundation (www.Tru316.com) is the home of The Eden Podcast with Bruce C. E. Fleming where we “true” the verse of Genesis 3:16. The Tru316 Message is that “God didn't curse Eve (or Adam) or limit woman in any way.” Once Genesis 3:16 is made clear the other passages on women and men become clear too. You are encouraged to access the episodes of Seasons 1-11 of The Eden Podcast for teaching on the seven key passages on women and men. Are you a reader? We invite you to get from Amazon the four books by Bruce C. E. Fleming in The Eden Book Series (Tru316.com/trubooks). Would you like to support the work of the Tru316 Foundation? You can become a Tru Partner here: www.Tru316.com/partner

Ben Brady is joined by real estate innovator John Wentworth, founder of Wentworth Real Estate Group. Explore John's transformative journey from a traditional big-box brokerage to establishing a leading independent real estate firm. Delve into the strategies that have propelled his business forward amidst Michigan's fluctuating market and discover how personal growth has been integral to his professional success.John shares his insights on building a robust team culture, adapting to market changes, and the pivotal moments that led him to pursue independence in the real estate industry. The discussion also covers the impact of personal challenges on his business philosophy and the importance of maintaining a human-centric approach in a competitive field.Learn from a detailed conversation that not only highlights successful business practices but also emphasizes personal resilience and leadership in real estate.Timestamps & Key Topics:[00:00:21] - John Wentworth's transition to an independent real estate firm[00:03:39] - The challenges and rewards of leaving a big-box brokerage[00:07:35] - Decision-making in becoming an independent entity[00:09:30] - Operational strategies for managing a multi-office real estate group[00:14:24] - Cultivating a team-oriented business model[00:22:46] - Focusing on listings and adapting marketing strategies[00:33:34] - John's personal journey and its influence on his business approach[00:41:17] - Closing thoughts and the future of Wentworth Real Estate Group

Still experimenting with AI?Cool. While you tinker with prompts and pilot projects, real businesses are stacking wins—and actual revenue.They're not chasing shiny tools.They're building unfair advantages.They're automating what matters and scaling faster than their competition can.And no, it's not just Big Tech.It's manufacturers. Retailers. Healthcare companies. Real people solving real problems—with AI that works today.You've got two options:

Link to book your call with Brian.In this episode of Scared Confident, Tiffany Sauder teams up again with Brian Kavicky, seasoned business advisor and sales leadership expert at Lushin, for a candid coaching session with Kenzie Kittle, founder of a boutique social media marketing agency.Kenzie openly discusses her challenges as a risk-averse entrepreneur aiming to scale her business without sacrificing quality or losing control. Juggling entrepreneurship and motherhood, she shares her fears and hesitations about growth.Brian provides direct yet supportive insights, helping Kenzie rethink her approach to risk and decision-making. Together, they explore practical ways to overcome fears, embrace niche strengths, and confidently handle growth challenges.Key Takeaways:Evaluating risk through manageable stepsOvercoming perfectionism and controlEmbracing niche markets as an advantagePrioritizing the confidence to adapt over perfectionismIf you liked this episode, check these out:Why You Keep Getting in Your Own Way with Brian Kavicky: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/why-you-keep-getting-in-your-own-way-with-brian-kavicky/id1555762235?i=1000699007463Why You Feel Alone as a Leader: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/why-you-feel-alone-as-a-leader-with-brian-kavicky/id1555762235?i=1000691798469How to Ask for the Support You Deserve (Without Feeling Guilty): https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/how-to-ask-for-the-support-you-deserve-without/id1555762235?i=1000684215858How to build confidence when cash flow is tight: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/how-to-build-confidence-when-cash-flow-is-tight-with/id1555762235?i=1000680122886Dealing with Perfectionism and Overwhelm: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/dealing-with-perfectionism-and-overwhelm/id1555762235?i=1000672484253 5 Lessons to help you win in life and business: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/5-lessons-to-help-you-win-in-life-and-business-with/id1555762235?i=1000669261940 The secret to unlocking success for women in business: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/the-secret-to-unlocking-success-for-women-in/id1555762235?i=1000676041726Timestamps:(00:00) Intro(03:02) The journey from consultancy to boutique agency(05:26) Challenges and fears of scaling a business(08:13) Operational constraints and delegation(16:42) Overcoming anxiety and taking risks(19:06) Owner's responsibility and fear of scaling(20:09) Choosing clients wisely and taking risks(22:04) Evaluating and accepting risks(27:02) The value of a niche and scaling challenges(30:29) Balancing growth and personal life

Episode 249. Innovating the Mortgage Industry with Jason Henneberry In this conversation, Jason Henneberry shares his journey through the mortgage industry, the impact of technology and AI on content creation, and the importance of effective marketing strategies. He discusses his various business ventures, including Tango Financial and Strategy Hub, and emphasizes the significance of engagement through newsletters and contests. Jason reflects on the lessons learned from the 2008 financial crisis and offers valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, highlighting the need for focus and operational efficiency. *** Join my free Newsletter

In this episode of the Commercial Property Investor podcast, we delve into the world of flexible workspace with industry veteran Spencer Tagg. Spencer shares his journey, starting from a social enterprise providing workspace and business support - to his current role, offering a unique perspective on the sector's evolution. We explore the operational intricacies of managing flexible workspace, discussing the challenges and strategies involved in running multi-site locations. Spencer provides valuable insights into maintaining service quality, navigating technological advancements, and the growing trend of management agreements within the industry. This episode offers a comprehensive look at the flexible workspace landscape, packed with practical advice for investors and anyone interested in this dynamic area of commercial property. Key Topics: Spencer Tagg's journey in flexible workspace. Operational aspects of managing multi-site locations. The role of technology in flexible workspace. Insights into management agreements. Advice for those entering or expanding in the sector. Get in Touch with Spencer - Website: https://www.airivo.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencertagg/ JOIN THE NETWORK If you want to learn more about investing in Commercial Property, why not consider joining the CPI Network? We're a community of active investors who collaborate, share experiences, and empower each other in our Commercial Property endeavours. Useful Links: CPI Website - https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/ Our Sponsors - https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/podcast-sponsors/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerryalexander/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Yet Another Value Podcast, host Andrew Walker welcomes back Mordechai, head of Focus Capital Advisers, for his third appearance. They unpack what Mordechai calls the greatest acquisition of all time—Valeura Energy's buyout of Gulf of Thailand oil assets. The two deals, acquired at rock-bottom prices, now generate more than their cost in monthly free cash flow. Mordechai explains theasset's unusual geology, the long-tail economics of its reserves, and why the market still doesn't get it. They also cover decommissioning liabilities, NAV versus market cap, and how management might pull off more high-conviction deals in the future.______________________________________________________________________[00:01:14]Introduction to Mordechai and his advisory work[00:03:18]Overview of Valeura Energy and its asset transformation[00:04:38]Initial acquisition of the Wassana oil field from bankruptcy[00:07:06]Financials and economics of the Wassana deal[00:08:37]Comparison of Thailand offshore to domestic offshore assets[00:12:15] Uniquereserve dynamics in the Gulf of Thailand[00:17:08] Secondacquisition: Mubadala's Gulf assets and deal terms[00:20:00] Whythe Mubadala acquisition defies logic[00:24:14]Background on how Valeura got such a favorable deal[00:27:02] Whydeals done during peak 2022 oil prices still look brilliant[00:30:50] Whythe market hasn't fully caught on to Valeura's upside[00:33:49]Variance between reported reserves and economic field life[00:39:13] Datashowing reserve replacement outpaces depletion[00:42:56]Concession expiration and risks around renewal[00:46:56] NAVanalysis and investor skepticism[00:50:26]Updates on decommissioning costs and projections[00:51:50]Operational improvements and field efficiencies[00:53:04]Organic growth through field development and platform expansion[00:57:32]Upcoming catalysts and appraisal-based expansion opportunities Links:Focus CapitalAdvisors: https://focuscapitaladvisers.com/homeSee our legaldisclaimer here: https://www.yetanothervalueblog.com/p/legal-and-disclaimer

In this episode of The Venue Rx podcast, host Jonathan Aymin sits down with Kyle LaBarre, a venue owner and industry coach, to explore his journey in the wedding venue business. Kyle shares his experience acquiring and transforming Black Oak, detailing the strategies he used to grow the venue, including refining sales processes and navigating challenges like liquor licensing in Texas.Kyle discusses his transition into coaching, where he now helps venue owners optimize their sales techniques and overall business operations. He emphasizes the importance of prompt communication, leveraging automation, and striking the right balance between data-driven decisions and exceptional customer service. Additionally, Kyle discusses how his marketing company, Elevate Revenue Marketing, supports venue owners in generating leads and increasing revenue through strategic digital marketing. About Our Guest: Kyle LaBarre is the founder of Elevate Revenue Marketing and the host of The Venue Coach podcast, both dedicated to helping wedding venues increase sales through expert coaching, training, and digital marketing strategies. His journey began with a mission to enhance online marketing for Black Oak Wedding Venue, where he successfully implemented strategies to attract more leads and boost revenue.Recognizing the effectiveness of his approach, Kyle expanded his services to support other wedding venues in strengthening their online presence, generating high-quality leads through SEO and ad management, and optimizing their sales processes. Today, he plays a key role in shaping the growth and direction of Elevate Revenue Marketing, equipping venue owners with the strategies and tools they need to thrive. While he wears many hats, his primary focus remains on helping venues maximize their sales opportunities and achieve long-term success in an increasingly competitive industry.Find Him Here: Website: https://www.elevaterevmarketing.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theweddingvenuecoach/Facebook: facebook.com/thevenuecoachSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6sYvJ2Nhi9xn2cwfkjvuBu?si=b04054ac580e4ae6

In this solo episode of Building Better, host Brandon Bartneck reflects on the first quarter of 2025. Drawing from recent episodes and his own evolving role leading engineering at PJ Wallbank Springs, Brandon shares the four themes that defined Q1: intentional innovation, operational leadership, learning and growth, and strategic problem-solving.This quarter marked a shift in the show's tone—toward practicality, execution, and leading where the rubber meets the road. Whether you're growing a hardware business, managing complex systems, or trying to lead more effectively, this episode offers real-world insights from the front lines.About Building Better:Building Better with Brandon Bartneck focuses on the people, products, and companies creating a better tomorrow, often in the transportation and manufacturing sectors. Previously called the Future of Mobility podcast, the show features real, human conversations exploring what leaders and innovators are doing, why and how they're doing it, and what we can learn from their experiences. Topics include manufacturing, production, assembly, autonomous driving, electric vehicles, hydrogen and fuel cells, leadership, and more.Key Themes from Q1 2025:Intentionality in Innovation – Featuring lessons from guests like Ross Blum (Skyline Robotics), Tony Kinsman (Polaris), Xiaodi Hou (Bot Auto), Casey Freeburg (Orbis), and the FlexGen teamOperational Leadership – How leaders like Trevor Blondeel, Casey Freeburg, Tony Kinsman, and Xiaodi Hou are building real impact through thoughtful executionLearning and Personal Growth – Insights from Brandon's solo episodes on self-learning and doing hard thingsStrategic Problem Solving – Highlighting Felix Leach and Nick Molden's data-driven approach to vehicle sustainability as a standout example of practical, high-leverage thinkingLinks & Resources:Show Notes: brandonbartneck.com/buildingbetter/q1reflectionConnect with Brandon on LinkedIn: Brandon BartneckConnect with Building Better:Listen on Apple PodcastsListen on Spotify

In this deep dive episode of the Growth in Dentistry podcast, hosts Steve Jensen and Adam Smith talk with Kirk Teachout and Zach Shelley about running successful dental practices. Dive into this episode to hear the two contrasting yet successful approaches to practice management.Listen in to hear about:Zach and Kirk's approaches to practice managementKey performance metric trackingPatient experience highlights…and more!Interested in connecting further with Kirk and Zach? Check out Kirk's website: https://dentalscheduletemplate.com/.Interested in joining Zach's Facebook group, you can do so here: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/15i5UvC3Cx/. See a demo of DI and get a $50 gift card: https://get.dentalintel.net/podcast.

The RBA and ASIC say they have deep concerns about the management of operational risks at the ASX following an incident relating to its CHESS settlement platform. SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with George Boubouras from K2 Asset Management for his take, plus the latest on the market woes amid growing global trade tension.

In this episode, I sit down with Andy, a gym owner who scaled from one Anytime Fitness location to over 100+ clubs across the country. We're talking real growth, real headaches, and real lessons that gym owners NEED to hear.If you've ever felt stuck at 1 or 2 locations, or you're thinking about opening another gym, this episode is going to hit hard. Andy breaks down what really changes when you scale: your systems, your mindset, and most importantly, your willingness to let go of control.⏰Timestamps:0:00:00 - Gym owners' challenges in scaling their businesses 0:05:49 - Real estate investment strategies for gym owners 0:07:35 - Andy's vision for acquiring more Anytime Fitness locations 0:09:17 - Operational structure and management of multiple gym locations 0:11:56 - Evolution of business strategy and scaling approach 0:16:50 - Reflection on growth and systems development 0:21:44 - Seeking business advice and mentorship 0:24:47 - Current trends in the fitness industry 0:27:31 - Final business advice and reflections on entrepreneurship and time valueIf you're a gym owner, this is the kind of episode you'll want to replay, take notes, and maybe even send to your business partner.

Vincent, Buffy and other family matter.Book 3 in 18 parts, By FinalStand. Listen to the ► Podcast at Explicit Novels. It is selfish to believe that your family will always love you. At some point you will be asked to earn it The main front was stabilizing. The 2nd Army was in tough shape though all three divisions were still in the fight. The 1st Army's 2nd and 9th Divisions had corked up the advances out of Cambodia. As soon as night fell, they would maneuver the majority of the 2nd Division to crush the Alliance forces north of Bangkok. The rioters would be crushed tomorrow morning. They would survive.This realization came too late to them. The rot of fear had infected the 1st Army, 1st Division and the police force commands. Of more importance, a small group of secretive individuals convinced two senior Thai officers that something had to be done before the city fell, or the Prime Minister reasserted control over the city.Those two conspirators had the same problem as the Loyalists, enemy troops and protestors in the street. Those officers had no way to contact the crucial enemy commanders, but they knew who did, the Indian Navy. Surreptitiously, they contacted the Indian Navy's Expeditionary Fleet. The fleet's Admiral quickly put them in touch with the Alliance Command Authority and within two hours, a deal was made.The Great Khan would stop the Alliance offensive if the King of Thailand made a public appeal, no strings attached. This new group of rebels and the Alliance worked out the path they needed to take to reach the King so that the Alliance forces were out of the way and no planes, or helicopter attacked their formations. They even had a TV station that would broadcast the King's speech ending the conflict. All they needed was nightfall.And that was the true story of how the counter-coup was pulled off, how the King of Thailand was able to talk to the Great Khan and how the Thai government was overthrown. In the final analysis, the Loyalist hadn't fallen before the might of the Alliance. They were done in by a tiny number of Black Lotus operative almost no one knew existed, with a small amount of assistance from JIKIT."No wonder the Seven Pillars has never been able to wipe out these guys," Addison yawned. "They are slippery as eels and thrice as lethal. I am glad they are on our side." Several sets of eyes looked at her skeptically. "I mean, I am glad we are currently working toward the same goals."Thus,"I suggest we all get some sleep," Addison declared as she stood up and stretched.Odette was comfortably asleep, so I curled her up and carried her to the elevator. I wanted to go home and forget that I had lost any semblance of a normal life. I didn't know what was worse; me doing the shit I was doing, or me understanding what I was doing. Juanita had gone down ahead of us to pull the car around to the front.Chaz, Pamela, Odette and I went down in the first wave of the exodus from the workplace. The door opened on the ground floor. I wasn't the first person to notice her. My reflexes had improved to the point I had a moment to recognize her before the people around me sprang into action.Pamela side-stepped to the right, pistol mystically appearing in her two-hand grip. Chaz, Chaz bore Odette and me to the ground. His level of dedication astonished me. He was shielding us with his body. From what, I hadn't been able to determine."Deadman switch," one of my aunts stated. "I want to talk with Cáel." The voice had a stressed tenor to it."Back outside," Pamela simmered."No.""Chaz, what is going on?" I asked him. He hadn't moved and wasn't letting me wiggle around to see."Explosive vest," he responded coolly. That's right. Chaz was shielding Odette and me with his body.That is what I found astonishing, his desire to give his life for me. His expectation that Pamela could kill the threat while he was currently occupied was understandable."We seem to be at an impasse," Pamela edged further away.She wasn't avoiding the blast radius. That was impossible in this lobby. No, if it came to firing, she was making it easier for Chaz to get a shot off since the shooter couldn't cover both angles of attack."Let me talk to him," my aunt insisted. This made no sense."Chaz, let me deal with this," I told my bodyguard."Are you sure?" he questioned."Not really. As Pamela said, she's not going to let any of us leave until she talks to me and if you kill her, she kills all of you." Chaz let me stand.Odette was just awakening to the threat. Chaz rose to stand by my side. (Sadly, Odette didn't rate him dying for her.) I prayed I didn't fuck this up."Cáel, is that really you?" the women with green eyes and red hair asked me. She sounded desperate, which would explain the suicide vest."Yeah, which one are, Mom?"{9:10 pm, Tuesday, September 2nd ~ 6 Days to go}"Yes, I'm Sibeal. Are you my son?""Do you mean   No! Grandfather Cáel hasn't supplanted my spirit with his own," I took a deep breath. "I'm not sure how I can convince you of this.""Do you miss your Father?" she queried."Yes," I murmured."Ahh Cáel, you are still my son. Thank all that is divine," she sighed."Care to deactivate the vest now?" Pamela suggested."Do you promise not to shoot me? You two, and the one sneaking up on me from behind." She meant Juanita, who had sensed the danger and exited the car."You are three kinds of crazy, so I'm not making any guarantees," Pamela answered."Pamela   Chaz, I really think she is my mother. And I assume she is here to kill Cáel O'Shea, not me," I interjected. I still wasn't leaving Chaz' side. "Please don't kill her.""No guarantees," Chaz affirmed."She's his mother," Odette chimed in. "If it was anyone else, they would be in a cloud of bodyguards, not alone.""Here is the deal, Mom. You deactivate the vest, then we will talk. Otherwise, I'm taking my security's advice and backing the fuck out of here.""Okay," she nodded. "It's a fake. I'm upset, but not enough to be suicidal. I wanted to see what you would do. Father would have sacrificed everyone else. You got tackled and you obeyed the man who was trying to save your life.""Chaz, what do you think?" Pamela asked him."We could hold her here until Virginia shows up. That would give Cáel a few minutes to reminisce before she gets dragged off to the looney bin." (That would, of course, lead to her death while in Federal custody   so that wasn't happening, period.)"I concur," Pamela agreed. She still had her gun out and aimed. She went to a one-handed grip so she could motion Juanita to come inside.I took the opportunity to walk around Chaz, though I only advanced half way."I think it is asking too much from my bodyguards to walk up to you with that vest lying at your feet," I pointed. "You know   just in case you are lying." She nodded, smiled and came forward. A hug was in the offing. I almost missed Odette coming up behind me."I'm on a timetable," Mom murmured into my shoulder. "You know why.""I am afraid I do," (my pheromones were already affecting her). "What brought this on? How long can you stay?""The kidnapping made it imperative. But this has been my first opportunity to get close enough to you to determine if my father had won, or not," she confessed."I'm not sure how long I can remain ~ maybe a day, or three. I have heard you have an upcoming ordeal you must go through for your Amazons." Odette again by way of Delilah. I decided to give Delilah the benefit of the doubt and just accept that she did what she did because she was worried about me."Oh. Mom, this is Odette Sievert, my roommate and all-around better friend than I deserve." Odette extended her hand. Mom reached past me and shook it."Nice to finally meet you in person," Mom smiled."Nice to realize you aren't as nutty as the rest of the bunch,and considering you came at Pamela and Chaz with a fake suicide vest   that is saying something," Odette grinned."My son is all I have left of Ferko (my dad)," she grew grim. "If my father stole him after killing my husband   I wouldn't know how to carry on.""Aaahh," Odette stammered through this tense family moment. "You are about to be a grandmother in a serious way," she tried to turn things around. "How does a dozen grandkids sound?"Operational security and secret information were concepts Odette was aware of. She simply refused to use either one."Really?" Mom looked from Odette to me. "How serious?""How about we get out of here before the FBI shows up," I began directing my mom out the doors."Cáel?" Chaz questioned."Hey now, I never agreed to hand my mom over to Virginia. The vest was fake. Let's not dwell on this," I urged Mom and Odette out the door."Ishara," Juanita repeatedly prayed, "why do you test me so?"Chaz and Pamela showed their faith in me and my decision-making ability by tagging along. For me, what does a son who hasn't spent any time with his mother since he was seven (because she was supposedly dead for the past fifteen years) ask first?Actually, we waited for Chaz, who had the presence of mind to ensure the vest was truly a dud and then called Virginia so she could clean up one of my messes   yet again."Thank you, Color Sergeant," Mom looked toward Chaz as the GL 550 pulled away from One Mi Ma1 Tower. Unfortunately, the look he sent her way wasn't friendly."Thanks for reminding me," I nodded to Mom. "Chaz, what in the Hell possessed you to jump on Odette and me? I appreciate it,""Me too," Odette chimed in."But please don't do that ever again. Of all the, let's just say I have too many deaths of people I like on my mind. I don't want you added to that list.""Tough.""Well, thanks for considering my request," I groaned."Chaz, three nights ago our boy learned that one of the women he knocked up is going to die and no one will intervene to save her life and they won't tell him where she is," Pamela let him know."Who do we talk to?" he asked me. By 'talk' I assumed he meant torture until they coughed up a viable location/suspect."The Goddess Ishara.""Fuck. I apologize, Cáel. That is hard news for a young man like you to take. As for my jumping on you   suck it up. It is my job to make sure you can do yours.""Juanita," Pamela called out. "Stop driving to Havenstone. Take us back to Cáel's place. He won't let the Amazons take his mother, which means I won't let them, which means Chaz won't let them. Besides, Odette could get killed in the cross-fire and too many people like her for that to be safe for any would-be assassin.""Really?" Odette perked up. Of course she wasn't worried about being killed. Odette was fascinated that people found her valuable   enough to kill anyone who killed her. She'd more fully grasp that curse later on. She was a genuinely nice person. What Pamela left unsaid was that if 'people' thought someone might kill Odette, they would 'proactively' protect her. Too many people she now hung out with were of that stripe of crazy."Pamela, would you miss me if I got killed?" Odette turned to the most dangerous person in the car. (I didn't think Mom was in her league, but then I had never seen her fight, so I was keeping an open mind.)"You bet your ass, Baby-cakes," she grinned at my super-kind sidekick."Me too," Chaz added gruffly. "Of greater importance, Addison would take umbrage. Next to Ms. Love, she's the nastiest bitch I've ever met." He meant that as a compliment."Not Lady Yum   I meant Worthington-Burke?" I inquired."She doesn't take things personally. She'd miss Odette, but not enough to move off-mission," Chaz explained."Let's not forget Buffy," Pamela snorted. "What she lacks in experience she makes up for by being totally psychotic and fanatically loyal to Wakko here. People who piss him off tend to end up as a place holder on the Obituary page.""Unless they never find the bodies," Juanita commented   from her personal experience disposing of people for me. Groan."Cáel, I am so happy I met you," Odette hugged my arm. "My life was going nowhere before you gave me your phone number. Now, I know my life is at risk and I don't care. Being with you has been more wonderful than I ever thought possible."Mom was studying me, both pleased and worried."What?" I asked."You have a lot of your grandfather in you. He did have a gift for inspiring the best out of people. You are like your father in that you care for those people   caring for both their lives and their happiness. Your father inspired that same kind of loyalty because he kept the needs of his people in the forefront of his mind.""Dad was like Grandpa?" I worried."Hell no." That was Pamela."Thank the Divine, no," Mom exhaled at the same time. "How do you know my father?""I killed him," Pamela grinned."You were the one? I'm, I don't know what to think," Mom murmured."Keep that in mind before you try to pull another stunt like you did tonight," Pamela's grin grew feral."Pamela is the best Grandmother I could ever hope for," I explained."Spiritually speaking," Odette tried to lighten the mood (she was a cracker-jack morale officer). "Otherwise it would make Cáel's having sex with her granddaughters rather, suspect.""Odette, you can say 'incestuous'," Mom gave a half-grin. "Do you know much about my family?""Your Pa created you and your sisters to be fuck-toys who also ran errands for him," Odette nodded. "They are all loonies.""Don't share that view with them," Mom cautioned. "When we last met, they had a highly under-developed sense of humor and a well-cultivated mean streak.""Gotcha," Odette giggled. "After dealing with the Slayers of Testicles numbers 1 & 2, I have learned what kind of wacky girls Cáel attracts without even trying.""I really should make sure Mr. Fiennes is okay," I reminded myself."You would do better catching up with that girl down the hall. The Korean takeout girl also asked about you", offered Odette. Yeah, the girl in 3-F baked me some cookies when Dad was murdered."How many grandchildren are we talking about?" Mom looked at me with some serious maternal affection."Who are the Slayers of Testicles?" Juanita wanted to know. My family jewels belonged to House Ishara   at least in her and her sisters' estimation."Oneida's bodyguards," Odette let slip out before she saw the warning look in my eyes."You are sleeping with the apprentice of House Arinniti?" gasped Juanita   I was hoping her questioning wasn't hurting her driving. "What about the 84 day rule?""I'd better not bring up Rhada," Odette nodded thoughtfully."I'm going to spank you," I growled at Odette."Was that aimed at me?" Juanita."Yippee, and we are going home now, too!" Odette squealed."Not you, Juanita   Odette. I want to teach her how to 'not say' whatever pops up in her head," I grumbled."You promised to punish me!" she beamed brightly. "Punish me! Punish me!""Uuuuuuu," I beat my cranium against the headrest in front of me."I thought she was the 'nice' girl," Mom chided me."She was," Pamela smirked. "Unfortunately, she's been totally corrupted by your son.""Yep," Odette agreed. "He's opened up a whole new horizon of things sexual for me.""Son, how many women are you seeing? I thought you were engaged." Mom."Uuuuuuu," I repeated."I'll take care of this," Chaz intervened calmly. "He is as loyal as he can be   within the bounds of his limited moral arsenal   to Hana Sulkanen. So he is sexually and romantically involved with Brooke Lee and Libra Chalmers, civilians he met through contacts at Havenstone. There is Anais Saint-Armour, RCMP, who departed this weekend,""She'll be back," Pamela assured Mom. "They always come back at least once.""Who has only come back just once?" Chaz laconically questioned Pamela."Good point," Pamela acceded. "They keep coming back until he changes the locks, his phone number and address." That made no sense,"I am glad you two are my friends," I groused. "I'd hate to think what you would say about me if you hated me.""You're welcome," Pamela grinned."Ms. Marla Chalmers," Chaz continued without missing a beat, "Libra's younger sibling, who your son indubitably impressed while in college; three teachers at an exclusive school, he met them while body-guarding a group of children; an assistant manager of a hotel he stayed at; six attractive, college-educated European young women,""Don't forget the Macedonian!" Pamela interjected."I have removed her from the list because she has no reliable way to hunt down our boy," he explained."Good point," Pamela nodded."They like busting your chops, don't they?" Mom smiled."As opposed to physically busting my chops   this I can live with.""You have matured nicely. Your father would be very pleased   quietly, of course.""Thank you Mom." She knew the man better than I ever would."We won't count the 189 Amazons who have staked a claim to him for the next nine days," Chaz added."What! 189? When did that happen?""The thirty huntresses and the 159 members of House Ishara," Pamela clued me in."159? When did that happen?" I gasped again. I was repeating myself   not good. I knew I had told Buffy to 'keep up the good work', but still, House Ishara wasn't even two months old yet."They are the best of the roughly 20,000 Runners in the Host and thus, all are serious bad-ass bitches," Pamela assured me. "I think Helena would like you to explore a few more heroic Runners who have since passed.""Passed?" Mom."Cáel sees dead people," Odette beamed."So does his Aunt Baibre," Mom said."Met her, came off a bit, off," I confirmed."That's Baibre. What other ones have you met, besides Deidre and Brianna?"She was asking if I had met others outside of Delilah's watchful eye."Hmm, Imogen, Kelly and Matilda.""Okay. You haven't met the bad ones yet," Mom nodded. I was stunned yet again. Not by what Mom said, but by,"The 'bad ones'?" Pamela inquired. "They come in shades worse than Kelly and Matilda?""I'm with you on that. Those two were unsettling," Chaz agreed. Holy Shit! Pamela and Chaz were agreeing that two of my aunts had them worried on a tactical level. So 'not good' for me, since I couldn't take either of my friends. Bad-bad."Fiona is the worst. She is the second youngest of my generation and by far the most lethal. She was Father's pet.""Oh joy," I sighed."Is she bulletproof?" Chaz inquired."Not quite, but she is definitely hard to kill. She has a greater share of Alal while remaining sane.""Oh, she's the sane one?" Juanita joined in."On that side of his family, sane is a relative term." Thanks, Odette."Relative to how far your cock is into them?" Pamela snorted."Hold on now," I interrupted the jocularity. "What do you mean   'your generation'   'the second youngest'   what happened to the youngest   and when you say 'worst', define 'worst'."Pamela's phone rang."Father created three generations of daughters and sons. Carrig was the 'success' on the male side of the equation."Uncle Lumpy was the 'success'? What had the other uncles been like   idiot cyclops cannibals?"He destroyed all the rest.""Please clarify," Chaz studied my mother. "Your father murdered his own children?""Yes. All but one of the 36 sons. He kept Carrig around as a reminder to not create any more sons. The first generation of daughters were all 'failures'.""You mean dead?" Odette gulped."Yes   dead now, though he viewed all of us as property, not human beings.""Consider Grandad's low opinion of humanity, that's extra tragic," I put an arm around Odette. Pamela was muffling her conversation."Of the second generation of daughters, only Aunt Faoiltiama was kept around. I always had the impression her soul wasn't entirely human. She is rather primitive and predatory. A less horrifically unbalanced Carrig   physically that is. Carrig was somewhat more erudite.""Wow, I don't know what to think of that," I mumbled."Of my generation, eleven of us were allowed to live. Kelly and Maitilda are the most physically dangerous. That was their purpose   killing things.""Trained in combat styles by Cáel's grandfather?" Chaz looked, depressed."Yes. The four of us were. Fiona was the only one I couldn't best.""I would like to spar with you when it is convenient," Chaz requested."Okay. You deserve to know how bad it can be," she nodded. "Of the rest, Una was the youngest, the most human and humane. She was Father's final failure. I was never sure why he kept her alive.""For Cáel to rescue, of course," Odette insisted. Crap. She was right. By the horrified look on my Mother's face, she knew Odette was correct as well.Alal had let Una live as a contingency card, in case I was a soft-hearted sap. In hindsight, it was obvious. The innocent damsel trapped in a madhouse, at the mercy of her fiendish kinfolk, she was a perfect weapon to make me do stupider shit than normal."Damn," Mom muttered. "Anyway, Briana is the most willful and the family's representative to the Illuminati. Deidre is the most sedate, so she handles the normal business interests that we are allowed to know about. Darcie had Alal's hunger for lost and forbidden lore. In her case, it is all-consuming. She has memorized much of Father's collection.""She is rather good at it too   or was when I last saw her. Imogen is our tactician and oversees the O'Shea's bodyguard contingent. She has Father's ability to choose the best men and women, to train them to a razor's edge and to inspire fanatic loyalty.""Sadhbba: she is Father's spy master; with the exceptionally eerie talents of subterfuge, deceit and finding the weakness in others. She and I did not get along. Fiona could do it all, except for my talent.""Which is?" Chaz took over, since Pamela was waving me over for a close, quiet chat concerning her phone call."Fiona was an updated version of me. She was slightly better at everything I could do, except for one thing. I had Father's sixth sense about things. Fiona did not, and that was the reason she hated me so much. Father stoked our internal conflicts to keep us all on edge.""Good to know," Chaz understated his concern. "Do you have any intelligence on how, when and with what your father will come after our boy?" I wasn't insulted by the 'our boy' moniker. He wasn't calling me a child. He was telling Mom that I was 'one of the boys'   on his team. I felt all warm and tingly. My dearth of long-term male friends had meant I had never really been in a fraternity   the close brotherhood of men   before."Problem for you to deal with," Pamela handed me the phone. "It is Tabitha Loire." Tabitha? Vincent's   FBI Special Agent Vincent Lorie's   drop-dead gorgeous daughter. He had taken more than one bullet in Romania. I hadn't heard from him since that morning at the hospital, before being whisked away to the US via Germany. I remained a lousy friend."Hello? Who is this?" the weary, angry voice on the other end of the connection spoke."Cáel Nyilas. Tabitha Loire, what can I do for you?""What can you tell me about my Father?""Oh God! He is not dead, is he?" I grunted. Pause."No. No, Da is okay. He was released from the hospital a week ago. I would like to talk to you about what happened to him overseas.""He won't tell you?""No. Neither will his boss, or any of his acquaintances. Mr. Nyilas, he is down in the dumps and I want to know what I can do to help out. If you are his friend, you should help."I couldn't blame her for being both bitter and exasperated. She had run full tilt into the Great Wall of National Security and been stopped cold."How about I come down and talk to you?" I offered. "What I can tell you shouldn't go out over a phone and I have been remiss in not catching up with your father sooner.""Umm, when?""I'll take the next train down tonight," I decided. "We'll arrange some vehicles at the station. What is your address?" She hesitated. After all, she had Pamela's number, not mine and I was tied into her father being shot   badly. She gave me the address, her desire to know what happened overcoming her caution when dealing with strangers. "I'll give you a call when we arrive in Alexandria.""Train?" Juanita griped. Chaz pulled out his phone and called Agent-86 for both the next train from Penn Station to Alexandria and an update to Virginia and the Homeland Security people for clearance to bring along our ironmongery. Pamela looked at me with pride. So did Mom. Whatever Juanita's opinion of me was, it was concealed by her call to someone else   probably updating Buffy on my itinerary."Vincent was the Federal Agent who was wounded at Miercurea Ciuc?" asked Mom."I need to have a talk with Delilah," Pamela glowered."I want to be in the room when you do," Chaz agreed."Juanita   Penn Station and call someone at Executive Services to pick up our car. Long term parking there is a bitch," I related.Was it? I had no idea, but Alal apparently did. I had been to Penn Station three times; and I never had a vehicle that needed a parking space. All three times, Havenstone sent a car to pick me up. That was for my preliminary and final interviews, plus handling all the paperwork after I got the job.I'd left Bolingbrook in a U-Haul truck (without much in it) a week before starting work. I had an iron-clad belief I could find a place to live within that time span. That was all the time and money I had allotted to that endeavor. My budget had been tight, or so I believed.Unlike the other four chuckleheads who joined the New Directive, I hadn't received a signing bonus. Maybe I should have asked for one. Too late for that now."You taking your mother to meet Vincent?" Odette poked me. I looked from Pamela to Odette then back again.Sneaky-ass bitches. They were introducing my widowed Mother to a really nice, mature guy who was brave, a good father, a widower and all-around stand-up guy. He had a ready-made family, an oldest daughter my age. Beyond some physical similarities, Vincent was not much like Dad. Dad was a quiet, private man.By the nature of his job as a Field Agent, Vincent had to possess superior communication skills. Physically, they were nearly the same height, but Dad was broader in the shoulders. On the other hand, Vincent had both a warrior's spirit and the skills to back it up.But why Mom? Her life was more a disaster than mine, and mine was colossally fucked up."Don't get any ideas," Pamela put out there. Was she talking to me? "Chaz and I don't like you. Your father is a rat-bastard with a mind like a snake. We have no idea if you are yet another one his plots to get at Cáel."They were still taking her with us as we went to see Vincent in Virginia. Since this was going to be a quick trip   I had to be back at Havenstone at 6 a.m.   no clothing was necessary. Chaz received a call from Agent-86 with a follow-up call as we pulled up to the station. I didn't know the nature of the second call until we went to pick up our tickets for the 10:05 Northeast Regional.Waiting there was my old buddy and now sister, Wilma Draper/Ishara. I was at a loss why. It wasn't as if I needed more firepower than Juanita, Chaz and Pamela in the confined environment of a train."Wilma?""Hello Ish   Cáel," she smiled. She was emotionally pumped."What are you doing here?""Oh... Buffy told me that I was to be here on assignment to fulfill an Isharan obligation." This would be Wilma's first mission for House Ishara, no matter how brief and danger-free it might be. She was ecstatic.Huh? I couldn't recall any obligation I owed Buffy, or Vincent. Unlike every other Amazon House, things regularly happened without the Head of House's knowledge. Face facts: I was the least prepared leader the Host had ever had. I compensated by having hyper-competent underlings   the very best of the best Runners-turned-Full-blooded Amazons."Ah," Pamela nodded, sensing my loss of understanding, "A promise to provide Vincent a bodyguard was made in your presence. Being the highest ranking member of the Host present, and failing to pass on that knowledge, it falls to your House to answer that pledge.""Wilma, you are here to be Vincent Loire's bodyguard?""Only temporarily. The current state of affairs at HQ won't allow me to take more than three days leave. Your 'First' is seeking another appropriate Isharan for the task."I had totally dropped the ball.The initiative to bring JIKIT and the Amazons together was my creation. Katrina had approved it, yet it was my status as Chief Diplomat of the Host (as I had redefined that role,) that was responsible for that group, and thus Vincent. There was also another undercurrent to providing Vincent an Amazon bodyguard. I would be sending Vincent the message that he was still a valuable member of the team. His infirmity was simply a temporary difficulty.I gave Javiera a call. I suddenly needed to know Vincent's status with the FBI. A little past Philadelphia, she called back. Vincent was on long-term leave and, barring a positive physical assessment, he would never be going back into the field. They were making him a desk jockey for the rest of his career. That would be a heavy enough blow to the man to put him in the dumps.I made my view clear. As Unpaid Honcho Assigned to Unit L &  U HAUL, I wanted Vincent on my team   JIKIT's field team. I had plenty of lethal shooters. I needed a trained investigator and a veteran lawman to keep us aware of the niceties the world's legal systems wished to live by. I finished that off with a very regal "Make it so!" Javiera, my boss, hung up on me; though I thought I caught a laugh before the connection was cut."Pamela," Chaz turned to Pamela, "I am proud to call him 'brother'.""I think he is coming along nicely, Grandson Charles," Pamela preened. Wha- huh? My family had grown yet again. Grown yet again with people who were better than me."Does that make Aya your niece?" a sleepy Odette smiled."I guess it does," he nodded."Aya will love you," Pamela smiled."I hope Caitlyn loves him too," I smirked."A man could do worse than marrying an Amazon," Chaz blithely retorted. Less I forget, the Tomorrow Clan had its own long warrior tradition."Asking it to be three thousand years long is a bit too much," Pamela agreed with what I had not spoken aloud."On the plus side," I began."He's also getting several frisky sisters-in-law," Pamela finished. Hi-Five."Super Twin Powers Activate!" we proclaimed loudly.Fuck Ishara for taking Tad fi from me. I could be just like my Father. I could bleed off my pain with humor and look at my daughter with untainted love."When I grow up, I want to be just like you," Odette yawned. Which one of us she wanted to emulate wasn't clear.{Wounded, but not forgotten}{2:00 am, Wednesday, September 3rd ~ 5 Days to go}The tickets were one-way. Katrina was having a private jet come down at 4 a.m. to fetch me. We arrived in DC at 1:30. Two bleary-eyed State Department flunkies met us with an S U V and a sedan. We took the S U V ~ we had seven people ~ while they drove the sedan back so they could try to make something of the night that duty had destroyed.They looked curious about what this was all about and were a bit disappointed that no explanation was forthcoming from our crowd. We were polite, and I thanked them for their service. Being a decent human being doesn't cost you much and can pay serious dividends.The drive to Casa de Loire took thirty minutes. Juanita informed me the small airport I would be flying out of was a twenty minute drive, so I had roughly an hour and half with Vincent and his family. When we arrived, Juanita sent Wilma to make a 'walk-around' Vincent's home so she could get the lay of the land as well as keep an eye out for voyeurs.Pamela saved another series of frowns from Juanita by being the first person to the door. Tabitha had called her after all. Tabitha, Vincent's oldest and a Georgetown University senior, clearly didn't know what to make of us, and we weren't making it any easier for her by showing up on her stoop three hours after she had called Pamela.It wasn't going to get better. For starters, Juanita (and the not visible Wilma) had a MP-7A1. Ya know  military-grade weaponry. The door opened halfway. It was Gretchen Loire, the middle daughter."Hello. May I help you?" That wasn't her being uninformed about our imminent arrival. This was the child of an FBI agent allowing a stranger at her door to identify themselves instead of giving them a name to use."I'm Pamela Pile," my mentor answered. "This is Cáel Nyilas, my grandson. The gentleman to his left is my other grandson, Color Sergeant Chaz Tomorrow of the British military. To the left is Juanita Garza, my younger grandson's bodyguard   the one without a gun in his hand. The young lady in back is Odette Sievert, another one of your father's co-workers. The woman beside her is Sibeal Nyilas, Cáel's mother. Don't trust her   long story. A seventh member of our group is checking out your backyard. Her name is Wilma Draper.""You are heavily armed. Is my Da in trouble?""I want to talk to your father, if that is okay with you. I'll let Cáel answer your questions. He's our titular boss."'Thanks Pamela', I groaned inwardly.She was cute, exhausted and emotionally-vulnerable. Eager for answers and for someone to make sense of a world where her anchor   her father   had been nearly killed (not that his wounds had really been life-threatening). I hadn't had sex in over a day and that had only been a tension-breaker quickie with Odette.As we entered, it was obvious that Gretchen and her younger sister, Mariyah, had camped out in the front living room, catching some 'z's' on a recliner and a sofa with light blankets for covers. Mariyah was on the sofa, sitting up on her elbows and struggling to wake up.As Chaz shut the front door, Tabitha came down the stairs."Mr. Nyilas," she greeted me. Well, I was an infamous celebrity. I even had two Facebook pages (Nyilas Nailed Me! and Az  j Magyarorsz g kir lya (The New King of Hungary)) as well as four Instagram accounts devoted to me."Ms. Loire," I met her halfway and shook her hand."Call me Tabitha.""Call me Cabbage-Head," I grinned. That caught her off guard."Oh, kay, not what I expected." (I get that a lot) "We need to talk," she failed to stifle a grin."If you sleep with any of these girls, I will shoot you," Pamela warned me in Hittite."Excuse me?" Tabitha looked her way."Don't worry about it, Tabitha," Pamela gave her a congenial look. "I simply warned the boy that if he acted inappropriately, I would scar him.""Aren't you engaged?" she turned on me."Yes. Yes I am. Hana is a wonderful woman; beautiful, smart, with a big heart and a serious nature. Sadly for her, I'm a lousy human being, untrustworthy cad and perpetually prone to making bad decisions where women are concerned. Very bad decisions.""Miss, since my associate appears to be eminently capable of mangling the English language, let me help you clarify the situation: Cáel can't say 'no' where a woman is concerned. He can't even say, 'no, please don't hurt me', or 'no, not now. I'm talking to my date'.""Hi. I'm Odette. There are four sane people in this room and I'm one of them.""Says the woman who snuck aboard a transatlantic fight and hid in a place in the galley which you couldn't get out of," Pamela snorted."I got to go to Europe for free," she defiantly perked up. "Oh, and ladies," to the Lorie girls, "your father is a wonderful and brave male. (OK, too much time around the Amazons for her.) "He saved my life in Budapest.""He was in Budapest?" Gretchen."When?" Tabitha."Why?" Mariyah."We need to talk to Vincent  

Roman Arutyunov is the Co-founder and SVP of Products at Xage Security, a Series B startup focused on protecting critical infrastructure—including energy systems—from cyber threats. Xage is backed by investors like Chevron Technology Ventures, Aramco, Piva Capital, Valor Equity Partners, and Overture.Cybersecurity is a growing concern as our energy systems become more distributed, electrified, and digitally connected. We spoke with Roman about the vulnerabilities in today's infrastructure, the motivations behind cyberattacks, and how the rise of AI is changing the cybersecurity landscape.In this episode, we cover: [2:11] Introduction to Xage Security[3:12] Cybersecurity 101: Ransomware, nation-state threats, and attacker motivations[7:10] Operational tech (OT) vs. information tech (IT)[13:29] Xage's Zero Trust security approach[15:45] Customer segments and differing security challenges[20:47] Navigating regulations vs. fast deployment timelines[23:40] How AI is shaping both threats and defenses[28:00] When multifactor authentication becomes a vulnerability[31:59] Real-world cyberattacks on energy systems[34:10] Xage's funding history and growth trajectoryEpisode recorded on Feb 20, 2025 (Published on Mar 26, 2025) Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review! Share feedback or suggest future topics and guests at info@mcj.vc.Connect with MCJ:Cody Simms on LinkedInVisit mcj.vcSubscribe to the MCJ Newsletter*Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant

Many companies hit a growth ceiling—not because of a lack of ideas, talent, or market opportunity, but because they lack operational rigor. In this episode, we sit down with Anna Talerico, CEO of Corporate Finance Institute (CFI), to unpack how she tackled this challenge head-on.Anna shares her journey of stepping into a successful yet “execution-challenged” organization and the hard lessons she learned in implementing structure, accountability, and speed. She reveals why traditional operating systems weren't enough, how she introduced company-wide sprints to drive alignment, and the key frameworks that finally got her team rowing in the same direction.Join Chargebee at Beelieve in San Francisco on April 8th & 9th and London on May 8th. Use the code PAVILION for a free ticket.Thanks for tuning in! Want more content from Pavilion? New episodes of Topline drop every Sunday with new Topline Spotlight mini-episodes every Thursday. Subscribe to never miss an episode.Stay ahead with the latest industry developments, emerging go-to-market trends, and valuable benchmarking data. Subscribe to Topline Newsletter for expert insights from Asad Zaman every Thursday.Tune into The Revenue Leadership Podcast with Kyle Norton every Wednesday. He dives deep into the strategies and tactics that drive success as a revenue leader, featuring real operators like Jason Lemkins of SaaStr, Stevie Case of Vanta, and Ron Gabrisko of Databricks.Your're invited! Join the free Topline Slack channel to connect with 600+ revenue leaders, share insights, and keep the conversation going beyond the podcast!Key chapters:(00:00) - Introduction to CFI and Anna Talerico(02:58) - Anna's Journey: From Bootstrapper to CEO(05:52) - Operational Rigor: The Need for Structure(09:02) - Establishing an Operating System(11:56) - The Pillars of an Effective Operating System(14:59) - Implementing Sprints for Alignment and Focus(18:05) - Maintaining Momentum and Accountability(20:53) - Final Thoughts and Recommendations

In this insightful episode of Hoots on the Ground with No Bullshido, Adam Hoots is joined by Hal Macomber, a respected leader, coach, and influential figure in the field of Lean Construction. Hal shares over 35 years of experience pioneering Lean practices, offering profound insights into continuous flow construction, human-centered leadership, and the power of engaging frontline workers. Hal reflects on the industry's progress, emphasizing that while Lean has made significant strides, substantial work remains to integrate its core principles universally. He introduces the concept of "Continuous Flow Construction," explaining the critical importance of designing projects with a clear operational rhythm or "Takt," thereby dramatically improving efficiency and reducing project duration. Key insights from this episode include: How continuous flow construction, designed around Takt time, can revolutionize project delivery by dramatically reducing cycle times, sometimes from weeks to mere hours. The essential role of operational science, including Little's Law, the Law of Bottlenecks, the Law of Variation, and Kingman's Formula, in enhancing production planning and control. The true meaning of "Kaizen," emphasizing personal and collective growth through continuous learning and improvement, extends beyond simply eliminating waste. The critical need to equip trade workers, whom Hal respectfully refers to as "performers," with the skills, mindset, and agency to execute Lean principles in the field effectively. The limitations of traditional scheduling methods (e.g., CPM) necessitate the adoption of collaborative, inclusive scheduling practices that fully integrate Lean methodologies. Hal highlights the transformational power of true worker agency and engagement, urging leaders to foster environments where frontline workers actively contribute to problem-solving and continuous improvement. He challenges conventional wisdom by asserting that push methods are never beneficial, advocating instead for a system based entirely on pull and flow. Through stories and practical advice, Hal and Adam encourage listeners to shift from rigid, hierarchical structures toward empathetic, human-centered approaches that harness the full potential of every team member. This episode is a crucial listen for construction leaders, Lean practitioners, and anyone passionate about driving deep, sustainable improvement through genuine human engagement and systemic thinking. NOTABLE EPISODE QUOTES: “Continuous flow construction isn't just about efficiency; it's about human engagement and empowerment.” – Hal Macomber “Real Kaizen is using every opportunity to grow ourselves, not just the system.” – Hal Macomber “Don't just respect people—respect human nature.” – Hal Macomber   ABOUT HOOTS ON THE GROUND PODCAST:The Lean Builder's absolutely, positively NO Bullshido podcast. Join host Adam Hoots and his guests as they dig deep into topics that matter most to those in the field. With stories from the trenches, lessons learned, and plenty of laughter, this podcast is for the men and women doing the hands-on work of construction. RESOURCE LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: ·        The Lean Builder | Blog, book, resources, news, and events. ·        Toyota Kata | Methodology for systematic continuous improvement. ·        Little's Law, Law of Variation, Law of Bottlenecks, and Kingman's Formula (overview of all laws) | Operational science fundamentals. GUESTS FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE: ·        Adam Hoots | LinkedIn  | Podcast host, Lean Construction Shepherd at ConstructionACHEsolutions. ·        Hal Macomber | LinkedIn  | Lean construction pioneer, influential Lean coach, and mentor.

I almost feel stupid talking about the idiocy of Signalgate.We are going to be discussing the US Navy Vs. the Houthis, why the US strategy won't work, and we'll start with the massive Operational Security debacle that is called Signalgate, and what we can learn from it. Yes, Pete Hegseth our stalwart secretary of defense, is a complete idiot. We're also going to be talking about how the US just deployed a wing of US stealth bombers to the Diego Garcia Airbase in the Indian Ocean - escalation or show of force?

Don't miss the debut of the TRULAND Operational Training Library! Join us as we discuss the newest TRULAND venture, our very own web video series. Content tailored to your planter and your needs in the palm of your hand...does it get better than that? Press play on the latest TRUTALK episode to learn more!

Muscles hurt first before you build em.

In this episode, Mason Jappa, CEO of Blockware Solutions, discusses the current state and future of Bitcoin mining, particularly in the U.S. He highlights recent regulatory clarity from the SEC, the evolving mining landscape, and the economic dynamics affecting miners. Mason emphasizes the importance of technology, liquidity, and strategic partnerships in successful mining operations, while also addressing the ongoing debate between mining and simply holding Bitcoin. The discussion provides insights into the challenges and opportunities within the Bitcoin mining industry as it continues to grow and adapt. Takeaways

In this Topical Tuesday episode, I spoke with Josh Satin who is the Chief Investment Officer & Managing Partner of Gelt Venture Partners where he leads the firm's multifamily investment strategy, overseeing acquisitions, asset management, and financing. Be sure to tune in if you're interested in learning about: Why raising equity is harder than ever and how top firms are adapting. Strategies for funding deals in a challenging market. Market-specific strategies for maintaining occupancy and maximizing NOI. How hiring the right team and leveraging technology drive performance. To your success, Tyler Lyons Resources mentioned in the episode: Josh Satin Website Interested in learning how to take your capital raising game to the next level? Meet us at Capital Raiser's Edge. Learn more here: https://raisingcapital.com/cre

Learn how you can protect your most valuable business assets by building magnetic systems. It's these lighthouses that all business owners can build to find the friction in their company and eliminate it so you can grow your company.

Read the blog postIn this episode, we explore how continuous improvement serves as a key pillar within a broader operational excellence strategy in healthcare. While many organizations strive to enhance quality and efficiency, real progress happens when continuous improvement is not treated as an isolated initiative but as an embedded practice within a structured system. Operational excellence provides the strategy, alignment, and leadership framework necessary to sustain and scale improvement efforts across an organization.A critical factor in achieving operational excellence is leadership commitment. Senior leaders must do more than support improvement initiatives—they must integrate them into the organization's strategic direction. This requires a shift from traditional command-and-control leadership to a coaching and mentoring approach, where leaders ask the right questions, remove obstacles, and create an environment where continuous improvement becomes a daily habit rather than a series of isolated projects.For continuous improvement efforts to be sustainable, organizations need a well-defined management system. Operational excellence replaces traditional project-based thinking with a structured approach that ensures improvement initiatives are aligned with long-term goals, also known as the organization's "True North." Without this alignment, improvement efforts risk becoming fragmented and disconnected from the larger mission of delivering safe, high-quality, and reliable care.Cultural transformation is another essential element of this journey. Operational excellence recognizes that meaningful change takes time, requiring organizations to "slow down to speed up." Rather than rushing through process changes, healthcare leaders must foster a culture where thoughtful planning and execution lead to lasting improvements. A common vocabulary around improvement efforts also helps ensure clarity, engagement, and a shared understanding among staff, reinforcing the connection between individual contributions and the organization's broader objectives.Prioritization is key to avoiding burnout and ensuring improvement efforts are impactful. Without clear priorities, organizations may scatter their resources across too many initiatives, leading to frustration and a lack of meaningful progress. Operational excellence encourages a focused approach, typically emphasizing three to four high-impact priorities that align with strategic goals and drive breakthrough improvements.Technology also plays a vital role in continuous improvement. Modern improvement platforms help teams collaborate, share data, and measure the health of their improvement culture. Real-time reporting and analytics enable organizations to identify challenges faster and address root causes more effectively, ensuring that improvement efforts lead to measurable and sustainable results.Ultimately, continuous improvement is most effective when embedded within an operational excellence framework. This integration helps healthcare organizations channel the passion of their workforce into practical, long-term solutions that enhance quality, lower costs, and improve patient outcomes. By fostering a culture where continuous progress is part of daily operations, organizations can achieve sustainable success and drive meaningful change for years to come.

Are you seeing the impact you want from your organization's efforts? Tune in now and discover strategies to enhance operational efficiency with Dr. Janet Pilcher and Dr. Pat Greco. Gain insights on improving processes, maximizing outcomes, and identifying hidden inefficiencies. If you're committed to better serving your employees, students, and families, listen now to learn how to drive peak operational efficiency.This episode addresses questions such as:How does a focus on operational excellence contribute to an organization's financial health?How does the rounding process contribute to process improvement and employee engagement?How can leaders harness the expertise of their employees to identify and eliminate process barriers?Destination High Performance K12 Leadership Conference: Go here to learn more and register.Recommended Resources: The Culture-Strategy Equation: Reflections from the AASA Conference, Lean In, Stay Curious, and Other Leadership Lessons, Grow Your PeopleRead and study: Each episode of the podcast aligns with the tactics and principles of our host's book, Hardwiring Excellence in Education: The Nine Principles Framework. In conjunction with that book, you can join the mission to create great places to work, learn, and succeed by leading a book study with your leadership team for Hardwiring Excellence in Education. Our free, on-demand book study offers additional tools and resources created by Dr. Pilcher and our Studer Education leader coaches. Each chapter in the study also features exclusive interviews with influential education leaders sharing how they're making a difference in their districts and beyond.Order book here.Sign up for book study here.

Hint....It's not just MEDPROS. Posting Tomorrow.Thank you to Delta Development Team for in part, sponsoring this podcast.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠deltadevteam.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠For more content go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.prolongedfieldcare.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Consider supporting us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/ProlongedFieldCareCollective⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.lobocoffeeco.com/product-page/prolonged-field-care⁠

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE Dive deep into the art of Operational Intelligence with Wendy Watson, a seasoned entrepreneur and spiritual therapist, as she unveils her innovative approach to holistic self-improvement. In this episode, Wendy explores how combining intellectual, emotional, physical, nutritional, and spiritual intelligence can revolutionize personal and professional growth. Drawing on her rich experience and the powerful 70/20/10 rule, she offers actionable insights for overcoming mental and emotional clutter, enhancing communication, and developing trailblazing skills. Whether you're an entrepreneur facing overwhelm or anyone seeking to elevate their life through profound self-awareness and effective communication, Wendy's guidance provides the tools to navigate life's challenges with grace and confidence. Connect with Wendy:

In this episode of Critical Thinking, Manish Solanki, Head of Mercer Sentinel Group Europe, is joined by Tony Martinez, Head of Mercer Sentinel Americas, and Ashleigh McDowell, Principal at Mercer Sentinel Group, to explore why Operational Due Diligence is becoming an essential component of investment decision-making.With increasing market volatility, regulatory pressures, and rapid technological advancements - including the rise of AI and cybersecurity threats - asset managers are facing new and complex operational risks. The conversation delves into how investors can mitigate these challenges, ensure robust governance, and protect their portfolios from operational failures.Key takeaways include:The growing impact of AI and cybersecurity on operational risk: Asset managers are increasingly relying on AI-driven tools to enhance efficiency, but this comes with significant risks, including data manipulation, AI-generated fraud, and cybersecurity threats. The rise of sophisticated phishing attacks and deepfake technology has heightened the risk of financial losses, making it critical for asset managers to implement AI risk management frameworks, conduct rigorous testing, and enhance cybersecurity protocols to protect sensitive information.Why regulatory changes are reshaping operational due diligence: The financial industry is undergoing significant regulatory shifts, with new frameworks such as the Digital Operational Resilience Act in Europe imposing stricter compliance requirements. These regulations demand greater oversight, increased reporting, and enhanced operational risk management practices. Asset managers must adapt quickly to avoid penalties, maintain investor confidence, and ensure operational resilience in an increasingly regulated landscape.How operational due diligence is evolving for private markets and emerging managers: As institutional investors allocate more capital to private markets, they face unique operational challenges, particularly with smaller, boutique asset managers. ODD plays a critical role in evaluating the governance, internal controls, and risk management processes of these firms. Investors are increasingly using ODD findings not only to vet managers but also to negotiate investment terms and ensure alignment with best practices in operational risk management.This content is for institutional investors and for information purposes only. It does not contain investment, financial, legal, tax or any other advice and should not be relied upon for this purpose. The materials are not tailored to your particular personal and/or financial situation. If you require advice based on your specific circumstances, you should contact a professional adviser. Opinions expressed are those of the speakers as of the date of the recording, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer's opinions.Read our full important notices - click here

The Future of Independent Living for Adults with Developmental Disabilities

The Value of Operational Efficiency, with Dennis Jackson, WorX Solutions (The Price and Value Journey, Episode 124) In this episode of The Price and Value Journey, host John Ray interviews Dennis Jackson, founder of WorX Solutions. Dennis shares his experience transitioning from the corporate world to starting his own business, focused on helping small and […]

Operational excellence has transformed industries like manufacturing and healthcare, but what about education? Can schools apply these same principles to streamline operations, maximize resources, and improve student outcomes?In this follow-up conversation, I reconnect with Stephen Morales, Chief Executive of the Institute of School Business Leadership (ISBL) in the UK, to revisit our discussion on Operational Excellence (OPEX) in schools and explore how the movement has evolved over the past year.We dive into the progress that's been made since our last conversation, how schools and districts are responding to OPEX, and the biggest challenges in implementing these strategies. Stephen also shares insights into how early adopters are embedding OPEX into their strategic plans, what measurable impacts are emerging, and what's next for expanding this approach internationally.If you're looking for ways to improve efficiency, eliminate wasted effort, and foster a more strategic, data-driven approach to school business operations, this episode is a must-listen.Contact School Business Insider: Check us out on social media: LinkedIn Twitter (X) Website: https://asbointl.org/SBI Email: podcast@asbointl.org Make sure to like, subscribe and share for more great insider episodes!Disclaimer:The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker's own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of the Association of School Business Officials International. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only. The "ASBO International" name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, or service. The presence of any advertising does not endorse, or imply endorsement of, any products or services by ASBO International.ASBO International is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, nonpartisan organization and does not participate or intervene in any political campaign on behalf of, or in opposition to, any candidate for elective public office. The sharing of news or information concerning public policy issues or political campaigns and candidates are not, and should not be construed as, endorsements by ASBO Internatio...

Two self-storage experts—Merit Hill Capital's Liz Schlesinger and CBRE's Nick Walker—discuss the sector's strong long-term fundamentals and near-term challenges facing this resilient asset class, including a tepid housing market.Share these insights about the self-storage industry fundamentals: Operators understand the customer: Self-storage customers prioritize proximity and convenience over amenities.Data plays a huge role: Savvy investors use data to inform site selection and identify market trends such as the increasing demand for units in urban areas.The housing market impacts demand: Investors should be aware of the potential risks and opportunities associated with housing market fluctuations.Operational expertise required: Self-storage relies heavily on operational expertise to maximize returns.

Doug Pick, Founder and CEO of DAP Ventures and former CEO of Heroes Earplugs, discussed his journey from starting a $15,000 earplug brand to selling it to a private equity group. He emphasized the importance of branding, product quality, and financial planning in retail. Doug highlighted the challenges of working with big box retailers, including setup costs, promotional expenses, and the impact of store brands. He shared insights on the financial game of retail, the significance of execution, and the concept of "charge backs." Doug also discussed the transition from retail to e-commerce and the role of branding in both channels. He covers all of these topics & more in his book, Stop or Go.Episode Timestamps: 3:11 Doug's Book "Stop or Go"Mariah Parsons mentions Doug's book, "Stop or Go," and asks him to define it.Doug explains he wrote the book for his children, Brandon and Ellie, and for himself in 1992, pre-internet, with no CPG experience.The book is a 60-minute read, designed to guide founders through the steps needed to launch a brand.Doug emphasizes the importance of doing homework and making prudent decisions to avoid financial pitfalls.8:24 The Game of RetailDoug explains the concept of "The Game of Retail," where founders need to understand the financial aspects of working with big box retailers.He shares specific examples, such as the $50,000 setup cost for Target and the $25,000 promotional event cost for Walgreens.Doug highlights the importance of having a financial plan and understanding the costs associated with retail.He discusses the need for founders to create a promotional calendar and fund promotional events themselves.17:38 Transition from Retail to E-commerceMariah Parsons asks about the pros and cons of retail versus e-commerce.Doug explains his journey from big box retail to embracing the internet and e-commerce, starting with Amazon in 2007.He discusses the impact of the 2008-2010 economic correction, where retailers shifted focus to store brands.Doug shares how his Amazon business grew significantly during this time, generating $2 million in sales and $1 million in profit.21:29 Store Brand StrategyDoug explains the rise of store brands and their impact on national brands.He shares an example of transitioning Rite Aid from a hybrid strategy to a complete store brand strategy.Doug highlights the financial advantages for retailers in maintaining store brands.He discusses the importance of understanding the retailer's strategy and being prepared for the financial implications.29:30 Challenges in Retail RelationshipsDoug shares a story about a grocery chain where he was kicked out after a shipment arrived a day late.He emphasizes the importance of execution and understanding retailer expectations.Doug discusses the concept of "charge backs," where retailers can throw financial challenges at vendors.He shares a personal experience with a retailer's accounting issue that cost his company over $100,000.38:27 Branding and Packaging for Retail and E-commerceMariah Parsons asks about the role of branding in retail versus e-commerce.Doug explains his approach to packaging and branding, inspired by studying big brands in retail stores.He emphasizes the importance of standing out on shelves and creating a compelling first impression.Doug discusses the need for thoughtful packaging and branding in both retail and e-commerce, even if packaging is less critical in e-commerce.45:05 Final Thoughts and Advice for FoundersDoug advises founders to focus on product market fit before scaling to big box retail.He emphasizes the importance of having a financial plan and understanding the costs associated with retail.Doug shares his philosophy of prudence in making business decisions.Mariah Parsons thanks Doug for sharing his insights and experiences, and they conclude the episode.

Welcome to The Profit Talk! In this show, we're going to help you explore strategies to help you maximize profits in your business while scaling and creating the lifestyle that you want as an entrepreneur. I am your host, Susanne Mariga! I'm a CPA, a Fractional CFO, and a Certified Profit First Professional Mastery Level providing tax strategies to 7 and 8-figure entrepreneurs. Let's dive into strategies to maximize profits in your business! In this solo episode of The Profit Talk Podcast, Susanne Mariga dives into a crucial topic—how to prepare your business for the worst-case scenario. While there's no need to panic, every entrepreneur should be proactive in ensuring their company can withstand economic downturns, unexpected client losses, or other financial disruptions. Susanne shares practical steps to safeguard your business, including: ✅ Building Retained Earnings – Learn how to create a financial buffer using Profit First principles. ✅ Maximizing Efficiency – Eliminate redundancies, optimize operations, and ensure every dollar spent generates ROI. ✅ Doubling Down on Sales Efforts – Stay agile, adapt to market shifts, and ensure your offers remain relevant. By implementing these strategies, you'll position your business for long-term success—no matter what challenges come your way. Key Takeaways: No business should operate paycheck to paycheck—profit allocation is key. Retained earnings act as a safety net, and setting up a Profit Vault Account is a game changer. Operational efficiency and eliminating wasteful expenses can increase profitability. Economic downturns require agility—tailor your services and messaging to meet evolving customer needs. Sales persistence is crucial in tighter markets—adapt, adjust, and keep pushing forward. Visit my FREE Facebook Group, The Profit First Masterclass, where I'll be sharing additional exclusive trainings to members of the community.  If you're excited about what's next for your business and upcoming episodes, please head to our itunes page and give us a review! Your support will help me to bring in other amazing expert interviews to share their best tips on how to powerfully grow in your business! DISCLAIMER: The information contained within these videos is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute, an accountant-client relationship. While we use reasonable efforts to furnish accurate and up-to-date information, we assume no liability or responsibility for any errors, omissions, or regulatory updates in the content of this video. Any U.S. federal tax advice contained within is not intended to be used for the purpose of avoiding penalties under U.S. federal tax law.

Keywords:Bitcoin, mining, Bidax, solo mining, CK pool, open source, mining technology, efficiency, community, cryptocurrencySummaryIn this conversation, the hosts discuss the latest updates in Bitcoin mining, focusing on Bidax's recent achievements and the operational expertise required for successful mining. They delve into the differences between solo mining and pool mining, emphasizing the importance of community contributions and open-source technology in the future of Bitcoin mining. The discussion also touches on innovations in mining technology, efficiency improvements, and the potential for new players in the market. The hosts conclude with a light-hearted bet on the future of BitAx mining and the excitement surrounding the community's growth.TakeawaysBidax has solved another block, showcasing its mining capabilities.Operational expertise is crucial for maximizing profits in Bitcoin mining.Solo mining and pool mining have distinct differences that impact decentralization.The future of Bitcoin mining is tied to community contributions and open-source technology.Innovations in mining technology are leading to increased efficiency and lower costs.The potential for new players in the mining market is growing due to open-source initiatives.The hosts emphasize the importance of understanding mining dynamics for newcomers.Betting on the future of BitAx mining reflects the community's optimism.The conversation highlights the need for collaboration in the Bitcoin mining space.Chapters00:00 Bidax and Mining Technology Updates02:43 Solo Mining vs. Pool Mining Explained05:46 Understanding Bitcoin Mining Dynamics08:51 Debate on Mining Centralization11:51 Different Approaches to Solo Mining14:52 Wrap-Up and Future Prospects16:45 Upcoming Events and Community Engagement21:11 Cuddle Puddles and Personal Anecdotes24:02 Hashing and Community Contributions30:03 Chip Donations and Development Opportunities38:20 Cost Implications of New Technology42:21 Deciding What to Keep and Change44:16 Open Source and Custom Designs46:42 Control Boards and Firmware48:44 The Future of Bitcoin Mining51:55 Efficiency Improvements in Mining Technology59:58 Upcoming Events and Community Engagement01:04:17 Betting on Bitcoin Mining Outcomes

The U.S. labor market added 151,000 jobs on a seasonally adjusted basis in February according to last week's report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). While the number was roughly 20,000 to 30,000 jobs below economists' expectations, it was stronger than the 125,000 jobs added in January.Other macro indicators, such as a tight unemployment rate of 4.1% and strong annual wage growth at 4.0%, were steady from prior reports.If the job growth, unemployment rate, and wage growth numbers hold throughout the year, they would create significant demand for housing...Explore our webpage for more insights and resources:https://bit.ly/Radix_Website

In this episode of Healthcare Upside/Down, host Molly Gamble sits down with Michael Stern, CEO of Tower Health, and Michael Biggs, Partner at ECG Management Consultants, to explore the dynamic landscape of healthcare mergers and acquisitions in 2025. They discuss strategies for maintaining financial health and operational strength while navigating industry consolidation, and they highlight innovations like AI-driven predictive analytics and strategic tech partnerships. Tune in to learn how healthcare leaders are reshaping financial sustainability and positioning their systems for future success.This episode is sponsored by ECG Management Consultants.

KeywordsBitcoin mining, publicly traded companies, ETFs, Bitcoin holdings, revenue generation, market strategies, AI, hash rate, capital management, digital infrastructureSummaryThis conversation delves into the intricacies of publicly traded Bitcoin mining companies, exploring their business models, strategies for accumulating Bitcoin, and the impact of ETFs on the market. The panelists discuss the challenges faced by miners, the importance of capital management, and the evolving landscape of Bitcoin mining in relation to AI and other technologies. They emphasize the need for transparency and operational excellence in a competitive market, while also predicting future trends in hash rates and market dynamics.TakeawaysPublicly traded Bitcoin miners face unique challenges in capital management.The introduction of ETFs has changed the competitive landscape for miners.Companies need to focus on accumulating Bitcoin per share rather than just revenue.There is a growing bifurcation in mining strategies among companies.Operational excellence and transparency are crucial for attracting investors.The market is beginning to reward companies that manage capital effectively.Miners must adapt to evolving financial products and market conditions.AI and HPC are emerging as potential revenue streams for miners.The future of Bitcoin mining is intertwined with regulatory developments.Hash rate predictions indicate significant growth in the coming years.Chapters00:00 Welcome to the Bitcoin Park Summit02:34 The Landscape of Publicly Traded Bitcoin Miners05:25 Business Models in Bitcoin Mining08:15 Capital Management and Market Dynamics11:35 The Role of ETFs and Competition14:29 Operational Excellence in Bitcoin Mining17:15 Future of Bitcoin Mining vs AI20:37 Navigating Market Challenges23:25 Final Thoughts and Predictions