Podcasts about Operations management

Salt Lake City shouldn't be home to one of America's best cocktail bars. And yet, despite Utah's strange liquor laws and its distance from traditional cocktail meccas, that's exactly what makes Water Witch so interesting. After the Blister team stumbled across Water Witch on a recent trip, Eli wanted to find out how owner / operator Scott Gardner built something so special in such an unlikely environment. We Want to Hear from You!Have a topic, craft category, or craft company you'd like to see us cover? Email us at: info@blisterreview.com to share those or any other thoughts you have about CRAFTED.TOPICS & TIMES:About Scott (2:54)Alcohol Laws & Culinary Deserts (7:18)James Beard Award (13:16)Changes in Cocktail Competitions (17:51)Finding Mentors (21:12)Building Water Witch (24:11)Defining the Concept (31:06)Operations Management (39:14)Control State Woes (47:04)The Future of Utah's Bars (53:14)Why Stay In Salt Lake? (57:10)RELATED LINKS:Water WitchBar NohmBlister Craft CollectiveBecome a BLISTER+ MemberSEE OUR OTHER PODCASTS:Blister CinematicBikes & Big IdeasGEAR:30Blister PodcastENTER OUR WEEKLY GIVEAWAYS:Enter Our Free Weekly Giveaways Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Most fleets already have telematics installed. The problem is, most of the data is wrong, incomplete, or being used the wrong way. In this episode of the Fleet Success Show, Fleet Hall of Famer Steve Saltzgiver sits down with Lucas Schorer, Founder & CEO of Kestrel Insights, to expose the hidden operational blind spots quietly costing fleets productivity, efficiency, and millions in preventable mistakes. They break down: why most geofencing setups fail how inaccurate fleet data creates false decisions the real ROI behind telematics why “Big Brother” fears are disappearing how AI is changing fleet operations the $250,000 cargo theft caused by ONE tiny geofence mistake why most fleets only use 10% of their technology stack If you manage fleet operations, logistics, transportation, field services, or telematics systems, this episode will completely change how you think about operational visibility. Subscribe for more fleet leadership, operations, and transportation insights from the Fleet Success Show. #FleetManagement #Telematics #Logistics #Transportation #FleetTechnology #SupplyChain #FleetSuccess #AI #OperationsManagement Looking to take the next step to fleet success? Start by requesting your free copy of The Fleet Success Playbook. Written by fleet professionals for fleet professionals, the Playbook breaks down the four key pillars of fleet success, and gives you the tools you need to build a truly great fleet. Request your free (yes, really, free!) copy here: https://rtafleet.com/resources/fleet-success-playbook?utm_source=simplecast&utm_medium=footer_notes&utm_campaign=episode_213 Control fleet chaos with RTA Fleet360, proven software designed by fleet managers for fleet managers: https://rtafleet.com/book-a-demo?utm_source=simplecast&utm_medium=footer_notes&utm_campaign=episode_213

Welcome to RIMScast. Your host is Justin Smulison, Business Content Manager at RIMS, the Risk and Insurance Management Society.   In this episode, Justin takes the opportunity of RISKWORLD 2026 to interview on-site two session co-presenters, Sandy Avina and Angel Guerra, and a fellow podcast host, Joel Appelbaum. Sandy and Angel co-wrote a book, Riskfetti: Risk Management for the Rest of Us, which comes out on May 18th. They discuss their careers, how they came to team up to write, and why this book, now. Justin and Joel discuss Joel's career in risk, from underwriter to Chief Content Officer at the International Risk Management Institute (IRMI) and podcast host of The Edge of Risk. Listen for thought leadership on communicating risk to business professionals and translating complex risk research into media content.   Key Takeaways: [:01] About RIMS and RIMScast. [:14] About this episode of RIMScast. It was recorded live, on-site at RISKWORLD 2026, in Philadelphia. It's one of my favorite episodes of the year. We will be joined by a range of guests. But first… [:43] RIMS Virtual Workshops. The next RIMS-CRMP-FED Exam Prep Course will be on May 13th and 14th. The popular CBCP and RIMS-CRMP Exam Prep Bootcamp will be held from May 18th through the 21st. The next RIMS-CRMP Exam Prep Course will be held on June 9th and 10th. [1:02] Links to registration are in this episode's notes. [1:05] Webinars. On May 14th, Origami Risk will return with a new session, "Future-Proofing Your Risk Program: Keeping Pace with Scale, Complexity, and Visibility." [1:17] On May 21st, GRC returns to present "Is Your Fire Protection Strategy Outdated? Emerging Risks Are Changing the Rules." [1:27] On May 28th, Zurich returns with "From Underwriting To Risk Management: What To Expect From The Growing Demand For Data Center Construction." Register for webinars at RIMS.org/Webinars or through the links in this episode's show notes. [1:41] Folks, RIMS is back on YouTube. Our handle is @RIMSOfficialChannel. We've got plenty of videos there, including RIMScast, RIMScast Canada video podcasts, and other informative and entertaining content from RIMS. Subscribe to the channel today! [2:00] On with the Show! We are live on the exhibit floor at RISKWORLD 2026 at the Philadelphia Convention Center. There's a lot of great energy. That energy transferred from the stage to our booth! My first guests are from our LA RIMS Chapter, Sandy Avina and Angel Guerra. [2:23] Sandy and Angel co-presented the session on Tuesday, May 5th, "Between Truth and Trauma: Investigating the Invisible." RIMScast caught up with them right after they came off the stage to discuss the state of mental health claims and get a preview of their new book. [2:37] Sandy and Angel co-authored the book coming out on May 18th. It's called Riskfetti: Risk Management for the Rest of Us. We're going to have a lot of fun! Let's get to it! [2:44] Interview! Sandy Avina and Angel Guerra, Welcome to RIMScast! [2:58] Angel says this is her third RISKWORLD and she loves it! She last attended two years ago in San Diego. Sandy says this is her first time at RISKWORLD. She's trying to experience everything, and it's like trying to put ten pounds of sugar in a five-pound bag. She's getting there. [3:17] Sandy is The Riskfluencer on TikTok. [3:25] Angel has a business, Beauty and Beast in Business. [3:28] Together, Sandy and Angel make Riskfetti. [3:41] Angel started in the mailroom of SRS 20 years ago, moved through Claims, Operations Management, and Global Risk Management, and is now a VP at Arrowhead Evaluation, which does independent medical and risk consulting. [4:11] Angel's variety of experiences lets her see everything and gives her knowledge of risk management and the ability to manage a program well. [4:31] Right out of college, Sandy joined California's workers' compensation state fund as an adjuster. She loved it and started to learn other lines. She now works for California Schools JPA, a public risk pool supporting K-12 and community colleges. [4:54] Sandy leads the California Schools JPA claims program for property liability and workers' compensation. She loves it. [5:03] Sandy and Angel connected through LinkedIn. [5:25] Sandy and Angel presented a RISKWORLD session on developing the defense for psychological claims. Sandy says we're seeing the change in legislation for allowing mental-mental claims and not just physical-mental claims. [5:35] Dr. Ron Heredia was also on the panel. He spoke on how to crack defenses and properly investigate. There are red flags and also very truthful claims. As professionals, check your unconscious bias. Think about fact-finding without a specific agenda. [6:12] Justin points out that May is Mental Health Awareness Month in the U.S. Sandy partners wth Kind Souls Foundation, a non-profit that provides a warm, emotional support line for anybody with a work-displacing event. Sandy notes the struggles of the Sandwich Generation. [6:56] Angel says we see people are being a lot more open about mental health and self-care, but there's still a stigma to it. It's important to recognize that, not just in May, but throughout the year. [7:15] Justin mentions a guest from a couple of weeks ago who served in the Canadian military. He was very open about his Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. They had a wonderful conversation about it. Justin doesn't want to bring it up if somebody doesn't want to talk about it. [7:40] Sandy says, when you have the conversations more often, and they're more open, people feel more comfortable bringing it up. [7:50] Sandy and Angel's session was "Between Truth and Trauma: Investigating the Invisible." Angel says a lot of people told them they were very happy with the session. They see increases in legislation that allow for more mental-mental claims, and it's a challenge to keep up. [8:11] Angel says having Dr. Ron Heredia with them gave a view of what it looks like from the employer's side. Are you investigating those claims, recognizing the importance of very clear documentation? If it's not in writing, it didn't happen. Have a doctor help with questions to ask. [8:43] Riskfetti: Risk Management for the Rest of Us is coming out on May 18th. Sandy says she and Angel both started in claims, and they found that a lot of employers they spoke to didn't know risk management. They didn't understand their coverage or insurance, or how it works. [9:12] Sandy says a lot of the education in the industry today is very academic and is meant for the risk managers. Employers are not going to go get their CPCU or take webinars on coverage or understanding endorsements. They assign someone else to do it. It's split in the organization. [9:35] Sandy says nobody is speaking to that audience from a layperson's perspective in a way they'll be receptive to. Sandy said we wanted to make that information accessible, so we created a book that is fun, engaging, and more accessible for business owners. [9:49] Angel says they used case studies, fun stories of claims they had managed or others had managed. It's very engaging. People say they've read the book and laughed. It's for HR Managers, Safety Managers, and CFOs, who don't understand insurance but have responsibility. [10:41] Angel's advice for beginning risk professionals: Find a community of individuals who are willing to support you and talk about the hard things and cheer you on when you're not sure if insurance or claims is where you want to be. It's not an easy industry, but a wonderful industry. [11:00] Sandy's advice for the young generation is to make content about this industry. If you are working in this industry, make your TikToks and post on socials. We need to hear from that generation. It democratizes the flow of information. They already do it for their personal life. [11:18] Sandy says, talk about your experience. I want to know what it's like for somebody coming into the industry right now. I know what it was like 23 years ago; I want to know what it's like now. That's the best way to get that information out there. We want to know those opinions. [11:40] Justin says, I love what you're doing. You've got a lot of great energy! Angel, Sandy, thank you so much for joining me on RIMScast. You were wonderful guests! I hope to see you again next year. [12:04] A Quick Break! There are so many other wonderful RIMS events coming up in 2026. The 2026 Florida RIMS Educational Conference will be held from July 28th through August 1st at the lovely Ritz-Carlton in Naples, Florida. A link to the event is in this episode's show notes. [12:25] Register now for the Second Annual RIMS Texas Regional Conference, to be held from August 10th through 12th at the Grand Hyatt on the San Antonio River Walk. Advance rates are available through June 5th. [12:39] The 11th Annual Chicagoland Risk Forum will return to the Old Post Office on Thursday, September 24th, 2026, in Chicago. Visit ChicagolandRiskForum.org for more information. [12:53] The RIMS Western Regional Conference will be held from October 4th through the 7th in Seattle, Washington. Registration is open, and you can also submit a session. Visit RIMSWesternRegional.com and the link in this episode's show notes for more information. [13:10] Save the dates October 18th through the 21st. We will be in Quebec City to celebrate the 50th Live RIMS Canada Conference. Booth sales are already open. The call for educational sessions has been extended to May 18th. Early-bird registration will open in June. [13:29] Visit RIMSCanadaConference.ca for more information. Also, remember to check out RIMS.org/Canada for our spinoff show, RIMScast Canada, hosted by National Conference Committee Chair, Aaron Lukoni. [13:44] The RIMS ERM Conference 2026 will be held on November 18th and 19th in Columbus, Ohio. Details will follow. [13:52] Our final guest is Joel Appelbaum, Executive Vice President and Chief Content Officer at IRMI, the International Risk Management Institute! Joel is the host of IRMI's podcast, The Edge of Risk. He was formerly a Chief Risk Officer. [14:10] We are going to talk all about our shared interests and the importance of risk management education, and some of the trends that are emerging, some that are overhyped, and what he's seeing on the risk landscape. Let's get to it! [14:23] Interview! Joel Appelbaum, Welcome to RIMScast! [14:28] Joel Appelbaum is the Executive Vice President and Chief Content Officer for IRMI. Joel says he is used to asking the questions; he says it will be really cool to be asked the questions. [14:47] Joel is the host of The Edge of Risk. When they launched, six years ago, the idea was to come up with more relevant content, quickly, by talking to leaders. In the last year, it has grown by 60%. There's a need for insurance podcasts. It's still growing. [15:24] Justin notes that Elise Farnham was a recent guest. Elise teaches for RIMS. Justin says insurance podcasts share the same space, and there's some natural crossover. Justin and Joel sat together the day before at the main stage keynote. [15:53] Justin asks Joel about his having been an Enterprise Chief Risk Officer, when Enterprise Chief Risk Officers first came into vogue. He felt there were not a lot of resources for being a good ECRM, after coming from an underwriting background with CPCU and IRMI. [16:22] It was a challenging time. Joel cites Adam Grant's theme of low ego but honestly trying to help. Joel remembers bringing up to his boss that IT could be a risk, and being yelled at by his boss for about an hour for yellow-flagging IT. [16:53] Joel loves where Enterprise Risk Management has gone. It's necessary to identify risks in a positive way and deal with them proactively. [17:06] Joel says when it started, it was a rough job. Asking people what keeps them up at night, and sharing that with the board regularly, people weren't ready for it. It's a necessary and important job, but Joel found it to be one of the most challenging, alone on an island. [17:30] Joel thinks everyone who's been an Enterprise Chief Risk Officer or Risk Officer will tell you they do it with very few resources. Joel is glad to have an organization like RIMS to help. [17:50] Joel says he was in a lot of positions that IRMI serves. He was a Product Officer, an Enterprise Chief Risk Officer, a Chief Underwriting Officer, and a Chief Actuary. He did a lot of great things with a lot of great people. None of that prepared him to be a Chief Content Officer. [18:17] Being a Chief Content Officer is about writing and deep research. Joel works with people who research all day. [18:29] Joel learned that there's a disconnect between deep research and understanding coverage and analysis well, and practical insights and thought leadership for how it works in the real world. Parsing it and putting it together, and communicating it is the challenge. [18:53] Joel says it was a bit bumpy coming in and changing the way that IRMI approached things. Joel speaks of his joy of working for Jack Gibson at IRMI. [19:15] Joel says trying to put all the research into writing, keeping it up to date, making it useful, and changing it from just research to practical insights was challenging. It's been a great challenge, and he loves it. [19:29] Joel says he loves being at IRMI and working with people in the industry every day, trying to understand what they need. [20:16] Joel says he struggled with translating research into print, CE courses, and conferences. That takes time, and they need to be updated with the times, as well. A podcast can be simple. Yesterday, Justin and Joel came up with six or seven relevant questions and were ready to go. [20:48] Joel says podcasts fill the gap for the on-demand, necessary knowledge somebody might be seeking on the go. Joel's 30-something children listen to podcasts in the car or while they're exercising. You don't have to sit. Joel likes to do 20- or 30-minute Edge of Risk podcasts. [21:35] Joel says you can cover a very specific, timely topic. It doesn't take the effort of doing a research project or writing a book. Getting it to print takes time. If something changes in war, terrorism, or cyber, you can have a new podcast out in a day. [21:54] Justin says he finds it very gratifying when a guest's words on RIMScast are cited in a white paper. Seeing a reference to something he has done is very gratifying. Joel agrees. [22:10] Joel feels like it's such an honor to meet with thought leaders in the industry, sit down with them, and ask them questions. Joel says he gets great knowledge, meeting them, and learning a little bit about them personally. [22:43] Joel says it's gratifying when young professionals come up to him saying they know him from the podcast. Justin mentions people hearing him talking in the halls at RISKWORLD or RIMS events and recognizing him as the RIMScast guy or the webinar host guy. [23:26] Joel says AI has been a little overhyped. We all need to understand how to use it, but it isn't going to provide all the answers. A guest on his podcast told him at RISKWORLD they're going all in on AI for learning. [23:55] Joel says he gets that AI can be a quick fit for the answer you need. It's the right tool for the right time, but all risk managers know you have to have a lot of tools in your tool kit. AI doesn't replace foundational knowledge. [24:16] Joel's MBA helped him understand the other disciplines in the organization, to know when he was getting good information or bad information, and how to talk the language. [24:35] Joel believes that RIMS certifications and IRMI certifications help risk managers and insurance professionals understand the foundational knowledge. Then they know if they're getting a good answer from the AI. [24:50] Joel says that AI is trained on the internet. The internet has some flaws. Joel predicts AI will hit a learning curve. You're not getting the latest and greatest insights from RIMS or IRMI just writing a white paper on a new topic. Are you getting your AI from a reliable data source? [25:25] Joel advocates for using AI on IRMI material. They have an AI agent in beta now. IRMI has ReferenceConnect for its customers. AI is a good tool, but it's overhyped as a solution for everything. It's not going to solve all the problems. [26:00] It's a great tool if you're using it to gather data. Joel went to a great session at RISKWORLD with LineSlip about bringing all your different brokers' information together so you can get real insights. AI is a great tool to be used at the right place, at the right time. [26:23] You can't have it write all your letters because it doesn't sound like you. [26:37] Justin says an issue that's top of mind for him is PFAS, forever chemicals, because we need water to live. The second our water supply is bad, we've got much bigger problems. [26:52] Joel says Marsh did a presentation at an IRMI conference talking about how widespread the PFAS problem is. It should be on everybody's risk radar. Joel has put more filters in all of his houses. [27:21] Justin says Third-Party Litigation Funding is an emerging risk for RIMS. Joel has also done several podcasts on that. Liberty Mutual likes to call it Legal System Abuse. They had a great podcast on it with The Edge of Risk. [28:04] Joel says the concerning aspects are inflated awards and nuclear verdicts. ISO has introduced a new endorsement on disclosing third-party litigation funding. We've always needed tort reform. Joel thought that as an Enterprise Risk Manager, 20 years ago. [28:39] Joel says if you look at how all the other countries do it, the United States has a problem. It's really important to solve it. Insurance is a fundamental backstop and assistance to business. If the problem continues, insurers may start declining. How do you find solutions? [29:10] Joel thinks one of the solutions is to determine the appropriate amount of an award. Does $200 million make up for something where $2 million would suffice? [29:33] Justin says that he and Joel met up at the keynote with Adam Grant. They both enjoyed the keynote. Adam Grant spoke of unpleasant truths we may not want to hear. There's a difference between being loyal and being honest. [30:26] Joel doesn't have a problem delivering the unpleasant truths, but it has not always been great for his career. Joel says that in a lot of big corporate organizations, people want their allies with them. A new Chief Officer comes in and brings loyal friends with him. [30:54] Four or five years of being coddled later, the officer is gone. Joel worked for CNA for four different CEOs. Joel learned that integrity matters. He says if you communicate out of frustration or anger, it comes across wrong. [31:35] Joel says what he loved about Adam Grant's message is that people need to deliver the truth in a way that is kind and fair, and not fake. The people who tell you what you want to hear and that you're the greatest ever are the people you need to "get rid of." [32:08] Joel tells people that the knife gets sharper against the steel. Joel wants somebody who's sharpening the skill. He has to work harder for it. That's who he likes to surround himself with. Joel has his "board of governors" he goes to for help as a sounding board. [32:58] Leaders who surround themselves with yes-people are not going to last long. Justin asks about the compliment sandwich. Joel likes it if it doesn't come off as fake. Ask AI what's a fair way to deliver this, a compassionate way to give feedback. AI can give unbiased feedback. [33:45] Justin shares an experience where he successfully used AI to shorten and change the tone of an angry email message before he sent it. He was very pleased with the result, and the response was "OK." Joel admits he has delivered a lot of career-shortening emails. [34:44] AI should be thought of as a sounding board. Justin thinks the students coming into the profession probably already do so. Joel says certain types he has worked with don't handle negative feedback well from their peers. AI might be the best way for them to respond. [35:25] Joel has been to about 10 RISKWORLDs. He says the vibe this year is awesome. He feels there's a lot more opportunity for small connections. He loves the smaller talks. The conversation pods are great. There's always lots to learn, interesting people, and friends. [36:07] I love what you do at IRMI. Thank you for joining our show, RIMScast! I think very highly of your show. We've had a lot of the same guests. You're wonderful, and I appreciate all of your support! [36:35] Thanks again to all of our guests here on this special episode of RIMScast, produced live on-site at RISKWORLD 2026. We look forward to seeing you all in New Orleans next year for RISKWORLD 2027! [36:47] Be sure to check out last week's episode of RIMScast, featuring Risk Manager of the Year, Jeff Bray of Prologis. [36:53] Plug Time! You can sponsor a RIMScast episode for this, our weekly show, or a dedicated episode. Links to sponsored episodes are in the show notes. [37:22] RIMScast has a global audience of risk and insurance professionals, legal professionals, students, business leaders, C-Suite executives, and more. Let's collaborate and help you reach them! Contact pd@rims.org for more information. [37:40] Become a RIMS member and get access to the tools, thought leadership, and network you need to succeed. Visit RIMS.org/membership or email membershipdept@RIMS.org for more information. [37:58] Risk Knowledge is the RIMS searchable content library that provides relevant information for today's risk professionals. Materials include RIMS executive reports, survey findings, contributed articles, industry research, benchmarking data, and more. [38:14] For the best reporting on the profession of risk management, read Risk Management Magazine at RMMagazine.com. It is written and published by the best minds in risk management. [38:28] Justin Smulison is the Business Content Manager at RIMS. Please remember to subscribe to RIMScast on your favorite podcasting app. You can email us at Content@RIMS.org. [38:40] Practice good risk management, stay safe, and thank you again for your continued support!   Links: RISKWORLD Playlists:

In the rush to implement AI across the customer experience, are we at risk of creating more digital barriers than we're breaking down?Agility requires a holistic view of the entire digital experience. It's the ability to see not just how individual channels are performing, but how they work together to serve every potential customer, inclusively and intelligently.Today, we're going to talk about what it takes to build that holistic view. We'll explore how brands can unify their performance analytics to move beyond traditional SEO, the dual role of AI in both creating personalized content and ensuring it's accessible, and why inclusivity is becoming one of the most powerful levers for brand growth.To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome Nayaki Nayyar, CEO at Siteimprove. About Nayaki Nayyar Nayaki Nayyar is an accomplished technology executive with a proven track record of driving growth, innovation, and market leadership in enterprise SaaS for over 25 years. As the CEO of Siteimprove, she spearheads the company's vision and strategy, accelerating its market leadership in Agentic Content Intelligence powered by Siteimprove.ai platform. In her prior role as the CEO of Securonix, she guided the company's strategic shift into AI with the launch of Securonix EON, an AI-powered cyber-security platform. Under her leadership, Securonix secured its position in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for SIEM for five consecutive years, driving significant growth and product innovation to address evolving global cybersecurity threats.Nayaki brings deep expertise in scaling businesses organically and through strategic acquisitions. As President and Chief Product Officer at Ivanti, she established the company's cybersecurity and endpoint management strategy, growing revenue from $500M to $1.2B and doubling the total addressable market from $30B to $60B in just two years. She also played a pivotal role in launching the Ivanti Neurons Platform and driving expansion through acquisitions. As BMC Software's President of Digital Service and Operations Management, Nayaki led its transformation into AI-driven enterprise solutions with the BMC Helix suite, a strategic evolution that contributed to BMC's $8.2B exit in 2018.Nayaki serves on the boards of TD Synnex and Corteva Agriscience and is a graduate of the Stanford Executive Program. She holds a B.E. in Mechanical Engineering from Osmania University and an M.S. in Computer Science from the University of Houston. Recognized among the "Top Women in Technology in the U.S." by Technology Magazine in 2022, she is a respected leader shaping the future of enterprise technology in the AI era. Nayaki Nayyar on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nayakinayyar/ Resources Siteimprove: https://www.siteimprove.com/ The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://aglbrnd.co/r/2868abd8085a9703 Drive your customers to new horizons at the premier retail event of the year for Retail and Brand marketers. Learn more at CRMC 2026, June 1-3. https://aglbrnd.co/r/d15ec37a537c0d74 We're proud to be a media partner for #MAICON26 - Oct. 13-15! Learn how AI can power your marketing and business and help you grow smarter. Use code AGILE150 to save! https://aglbrnd.co/r/7fe458ced0f04658 Enjoyed the show? Tell us more at and give us a rating so others can find the show at: https://aglbrnd.co/r/faaed112fc9887f3 Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/35ded3ccfb6716ba Check out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the rush to implement AI across the customer experience, are we at risk of creating more digital barriers than we're breaking down? Agility requires a holistic view of the entire digital experience. It's the ability to see not just how individual channels are performing, but how they work together to serve every potential customer, inclusively and intelligently. Today, we're going to talk about what it takes to build that holistic view. We'll explore how brands can unify their performance analytics to move beyond traditional SEO, the dual role of AI in both creating personalized content and ensuring it's accessible, and why inclusivity is becoming one of the most powerful levers for brand growth. To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome Nayaki Nayyar, CEO at Siteimprove. About Nayaki Nayyar Nayaki Nayyar is an accomplished technology executive with a proven track record of driving growth, innovation, and market leadership in enterprise SaaS for over 25 years. As the CEO of Siteimprove, she spearheads the company's vision and strategy, accelerating its market leadership in Agentic Content Intelligence powered by Siteimprove.ai platform. In her prior role as the CEO of Securonix, she guided the company's strategic shift into AI with the launch of Securonix EON, an AI-powered cyber-security platform. Under her leadership, Securonix secured its position in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for SIEM for five consecutive years, driving significant growth and product innovation to address evolving global cybersecurity threats.Nayaki brings deep expertise in scaling businesses organically and through strategic acquisitions. As President and Chief Product Officer at Ivanti, she established the company's cybersecurity and endpoint management strategy, growing revenue from $500M to $1.2B and doubling the total addressable market from $30B to $60B in just two years. She also played a pivotal role in launching the Ivanti Neurons Platform and driving expansion through acquisitions. As BMC Software's President of Digital Service and Operations Management, Nayaki led its transformation into AI-driven enterprise solutions with the BMC Helix suite, a strategic evolution that contributed to BMC's $8.2B exit in 2018.Nayaki serves on the boards of TD Synnex and Corteva Agriscience and is a graduate of the Stanford Executive Program. She holds a B.E. in Mechanical Engineering from Osmania University and an M.S. in Computer Science from the University of Houston. Recognized among the "Top Women in Technology in the U.S." by Technology Magazine in 2022, she is a respected leader shaping the future of enterprise technology in the AI era. Nayaki Nayyar on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nayakinayyar/ Resources Siteimprove: https://www.siteimprove.com/ The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://aglbrnd.co/r/2868abd8085a9703 Drive your customers to new horizons at the premier retail event of the year for Retail and Brand marketers. Learn more at CRMC 2026, June 1-3. https://aglbrnd.co/r/d15ec37a537c0d74 We're proud to be a media partner for #MAICON26 - Oct. 13-15! Learn how AI can power your marketing and business and help you grow smarter. Use code AGILE150 to save! https://aglbrnd.co/r/7fe458ced0f04658 Enjoyed the show? Tell us more at and give us a rating so others can find the show at: https://aglbrnd.co/r/faaed112fc9887f3 Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/35ded3ccfb6716ba Check out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company

In the rush to implement AI across the customer experience, are we at risk of creating more digital barriers than we're breaking down?Agility requires a holistic view of the entire digital experience. It's the ability to see not just how individual channels are performing, but how they work together to serve every potential customer, inclusively and intelligently.Today, we're going to talk about what it takes to build that holistic view. We'll explore how brands can unify their performance analytics to move beyond traditional SEO, the dual role of AI in both creating personalized content and ensuring it's accessible, and why inclusivity is becoming one of the most powerful levers for brand growth.To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome Nayaki Nayyar, CEO at Siteimprove. About Nayaki Nayyar Nayaki Nayyar is an accomplished technology executive with a proven track record of driving growth, innovation, and market leadership in enterprise SaaS for over 25 years. As the CEO of Siteimprove, she spearheads the company's vision and strategy, accelerating its market leadership in Agentic Content Intelligence powered by Siteimprove.ai platform. In her prior role as the CEO of Securonix, she guided the company's strategic shift into AI with the launch of Securonix EON, an AI-powered cyber-security platform. Under her leadership, Securonix secured its position in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for SIEM for five consecutive years, driving significant growth and product innovation to address evolving global cybersecurity threats.Nayaki brings deep expertise in scaling businesses organically and through strategic acquisitions. As President and Chief Product Officer at Ivanti, she established the company's cybersecurity and endpoint management strategy, growing revenue from $500M to $1.2B and doubling the total addressable market from $30B to $60B in just two years. She also played a pivotal role in launching the Ivanti Neurons Platform and driving expansion through acquisitions. As BMC Software's President of Digital Service and Operations Management, Nayaki led its transformation into AI-driven enterprise solutions with the BMC Helix suite, a strategic evolution that contributed to BMC's $8.2B exit in 2018.Nayaki serves on the boards of TD Synnex and Corteva Agriscience and is a graduate of the Stanford Executive Program. She holds a B.E. in Mechanical Engineering from Osmania University and an M.S. in Computer Science from the University of Houston. Recognized among the "Top Women in Technology in the U.S." by Technology Magazine in 2022, she is a respected leader shaping the future of enterprise technology in the AI era. Nayaki Nayyar on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nayakinayyar/ Resources Siteimprove: https://www.siteimprove.com/ The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://aglbrnd.co/r/2868abd8085a9703 Drive your customers to new horizons at the premier retail event of the year for Retail and Brand marketers. Learn more at CRMC 2026, June 1-3. https://aglbrnd.co/r/d15ec37a537c0d74 We're proud to be a media partner for #MAICON26 - Oct. 13-15! Learn how AI can power your marketing and business and help you grow smarter. Use code AGILE150 to save! https://aglbrnd.co/r/7fe458ced0f04658 Enjoyed the show? Tell us more at and give us a rating so others can find the show at: https://aglbrnd.co/r/faaed112fc9887f3 Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/35ded3ccfb6716ba Check out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the rush to implement AI across the customer experience, are we at risk of creating more digital barriers than we're breaking down? Agility requires a holistic view of the entire digital experience. It's the ability to see not just how individual channels are performing, but how they work together to serve every potential customer, inclusively and intelligently. Today, we're going to talk about what it takes to build that holistic view. We'll explore how brands can unify their performance analytics to move beyond traditional SEO, the dual role of AI in both creating personalized content and ensuring it's accessible, and why inclusivity is becoming one of the most powerful levers for brand growth. To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome Nayaki Nayyar, CEO at Siteimprove. About Nayaki Nayyar Nayaki Nayyar is an accomplished technology executive with a proven track record of driving growth, innovation, and market leadership in enterprise SaaS for over 25 years. As the CEO of Siteimprove, she spearheads the company's vision and strategy, accelerating its market leadership in Agentic Content Intelligence powered by Siteimprove.ai platform. In her prior role as the CEO of Securonix, she guided the company's strategic shift into AI with the launch of Securonix EON, an AI-powered cyber-security platform. Under her leadership, Securonix secured its position in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for SIEM for five consecutive years, driving significant growth and product innovation to address evolving global cybersecurity threats.Nayaki brings deep expertise in scaling businesses organically and through strategic acquisitions. As President and Chief Product Officer at Ivanti, she established the company's cybersecurity and endpoint management strategy, growing revenue from $500M to $1.2B and doubling the total addressable market from $30B to $60B in just two years. She also played a pivotal role in launching the Ivanti Neurons Platform and driving expansion through acquisitions. As BMC Software's President of Digital Service and Operations Management, Nayaki led its transformation into AI-driven enterprise solutions with the BMC Helix suite, a strategic evolution that contributed to BMC's $8.2B exit in 2018.Nayaki serves on the boards of TD Synnex and Corteva Agriscience and is a graduate of the Stanford Executive Program. She holds a B.E. in Mechanical Engineering from Osmania University and an M.S. in Computer Science from the University of Houston. Recognized among the "Top Women in Technology in the U.S." by Technology Magazine in 2022, she is a respected leader shaping the future of enterprise technology in the AI era. Nayaki Nayyar on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nayakinayyar/ Resources Siteimprove: https://www.siteimprove.com/ The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://aglbrnd.co/r/2868abd8085a9703 Drive your customers to new horizons at the premier retail event of the year for Retail and Brand marketers. Learn more at CRMC 2026, June 1-3. https://aglbrnd.co/r/d15ec37a537c0d74 We're proud to be a media partner for #MAICON26 - Oct. 13-15! Learn how AI can power your marketing and business and help you grow smarter. Use code AGILE150 to save! https://aglbrnd.co/r/7fe458ced0f04658 Enjoyed the show? Tell us more at and give us a rating so others can find the show at: https://aglbrnd.co/r/faaed112fc9887f3 Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/35ded3ccfb6716ba Check out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company

The LSE Middle East Centre hosted a Kuwait Programme workshop, presenting research on the influence of social media on food-consumption behaviours in Kuwait. Kuwait is experiencing public health challenges driven by rising rates of non-communicable nutrition-related diseases such as diabetes and obesity. According to the World Bank, the prevalence of diabetes in Kuwait increased tenfold between 2000 and 2021, with approximately 25% of Kuwaiti adults now affected. Adding to this issue is the widespread social media culture in Kuwait surrounding food photography. There is a significant trend among individuals, as well as social media influencers, to share food-related content on platforms. The extensive use of digital platforms, combined with Kuwait's unique social media culture, offer new and unique avenues for studying how online content and interactions might shape food-consumption behaviours. This research addresses the influence of social media on food-consumption behaviours in Kuwait. Meet our speakers Fabrício M. Fialho is Assistant Professor of Sociology at HSE University and Research Fellow at the LSE International Inequalities Institute. His current work has focused on public opinion research and quantitative research methods. Abrar Al Hasan is an Associate Professor of Information Systems and Operations Management at the College of Business Administration, Kuwait University. Her research interests include Social Media and Social Networks, Health IT, Online Markets, Digital Innovations, Crowdsourcing, and the Economics of Information Systems. Meet our chair Dr Aygen Kurt-Dickson is Senior Innovation Development Manager in the LSE Innovation & Impact team focuses on enhancing LSE's I&I ecosystem through improved connections between LSE research and innovation and by building internal and external relationships to facilitate innovation.

In dieser spannenden Podcast-Episode spreche ich mit Andreas Decker, CPO der Solvd Group und Managing Director bei ControlExpert, über die Herausforderungen und Chancen der KI in der Kfz-Schadenbearbeitung. Andreas gibt uns tiefe Einblicke, warum viele interne KI-Projekte scheitern und wie radikale Spezialisierung der Schlüssel zum Erfolg ist. Hier sind die Highlights, die ich für dich zusammengefasst habe: Das Dilemma der Inhouse-KI: Wir sprechen darüber, warum viele Versicherer glauben, die komplette KI-Automatisierung im Schadenbereich selbst stemmen zu können, obwohl sie oft mit einem "digitalen Flickenteppich" aus Legacy-Systemen und zugekauften SaaS-Lösungen kämpfen. Andreas betont, dass ein echtes KI-Team weit über ein paar Data Scientists hinausgeht und eine komplette Organisation benötigt. Beschwerde-Explosion und fehlende Antworten: Ich frage Andreas, ob der Anstieg der Beschwerdezahlen beim Versicherungsombudsmann ein Indikator für die mangelnde Umsetzung von Technologie ist. Es zeigt sich, dass der häufigste Beschwerdegrund nicht etwa falsche Entscheidungen, sondern schlicht die fehlende oder verzögerte Kommunikation ist – ein Paradox in Zeiten, in denen jeder über KI und Kundenzentrierung spricht. Warum LLMs allein nicht reichen: Andreas erklärt eindrücklich, dass große Sprachmodelle wie "sehr gute Uni-Absolventen" sind – mit viel Wissen, aber ohne spezifische Praxiserfahrung und Kontext. Mit einer Genauigkeit von nur 54% bei versicherungsspezifischen Aufgaben sind sie unzureichend. Er beleuchtet die Notwendigkeit von spezialisierten Modellen, Data Factories und professionellem Operations-Management. Das "Schadendreieck knacken": ControlExpert hat sich zum Ziel gesetzt, das klassische Schadendreieck aus Kosten, Aufwand und Kundenzufriedenheit zu durchbrechen. Der Ansatz basiert auf drei Säulen: fundierte Fachkenntnis in der Kfz-Reparatur, exzellenter Kundenservice (24/7, multikanal, multilinguale, sofortige Status-Updates) und nahtlose Automatisierung durch neueste Technologie – alles orchestriert durch Agents. Ein spannendes Beispiel ist die User Experience, bei der eine künstliche Wartezeit die Akzeptanz erhöht hat! "Own the Brain, Rent the Body": Andreas plädiert für einen strategischen Ansatz: Kernelemente, die einen echten Wettbewerbsvorteil bringen (wie Vertrieb oder Risikomodelle), sollten intern entwickelt werden. Bereiche, wo Spezialisierung und Skalierung entscheidend sind (wie die Kfz-Schadenbearbeitung), sollten über externe Partner bezogen werden. Er betont zudem, dass jede Transformation zu 50% aus Technologie und zu 50% aus Change Management besteht. Dieses Gespräch hat mir wirklich die Augen geöffnet, wie komplex und gleichzeitig vielversprechend die Zukunft der Schadenbearbeitung ist. Hör dir die ganze Episode an, um Andreas' faszinierende Prognosen für die nächsten Jahre zu erfahren und zu verstehen, wie wir uns von repetitiven Aufgaben verabschieden und eine neue Ära der Effizienz und Kundenzufriedenheit einläuten können! Links in dieser Ausgabe Zur Homepage von Jonas Piela Zum LinkedIn-Profil von Jonas Piela Zum LinkedIn-Profil von Andreas Decker Stich aus der Masse hervor. Werde die Marke, die jeder Entscheider kennt. Echte Relevanz entsteht nicht durch Reichweite, sondern durch Vertrauen. Wir bringen deine Botschaft dorthin, wo die Zukunft gebaut wird. Vom Sponsored Podcast für maximale Awarenes über das Fachmagazin für echtes Print-Prestige bis hin zum direkten Lead bei unseren Boutique-Events. Klick jetzt direkt auf diesen Link oder geh auf insurancemedia.de/werbung.

You'll learn why fleet leadership is evolving, how to translate technical KPIs into meaningful business impact, and why telling your fleet story is one of the most important skills you can develop. The conversation also explores how modern fleet managers can eliminate blind spots, improve asset availability, and build trust with leadership using clear, defensible data. They also preview NAFA sessions designed to help new and emerging leaders build confidence through hands-on learning, including an interactive “fleet escape room” experience. If you're struggling to explain your value, improve fleet performance, or move from reactive to proactive operations, this episode gives you the roadmap. Key Takeaways: Fleet Success Starts with Eliminating Blind Spots You can't improve what you can't see. Metrics like availability, PM compliance, and downtime trends are critical, but only if you understand and contextualize them. Visibility → Confidence → Better Decisions. 2. KPIs Don't Matter Without Context Leadership doesn't care about “98% availability,” they care about: Your job is to translate data into meaningful outcomes. 3. Fleet Managers Must Become Storytellers The most impactful skill: explaining the “why” behind fleet decisions Tailor messaging based on audience: 4. Fleet Leadership Paths Are Changing There are now 3 primary paths into fleet leadership: Technician → Supervisor → Manager (traditional) Industry + education hybrid (operations + admin) Non-technical leaders (finance, analysts, engineers) 5. Purpose Drives Culture and Performance Technicians aren't just fixing vehicles, they're enabling: Repeating this purpose builds engagement and retention. 6. Think Small to Drive Big Change Large initiatives fail without incremental execution Focus on: 7. Continuous Learning Is Non-Negotiable Fleet managers must actively seek knowledge: The biggest risk:  not knowing what you don't know Speaker Bios Facundo Tassara Fleet Success Ambassador, RTA Facundo Tassara brings over 26 years of experience across public and private fleet operations. As Fleet Success Ambassador at RTA, he helps fleet leaders eliminate blind spots, improve performance, and confidently communicate their value to leadership. With a background spanning shop operations, government fleet, and technology, Facundo is passionate about helping fleets transition from reactive chaos to structured, data-driven success.Bradley Northrup Public Works Fleet Superintendent, City of Carlsbad Bradley Northrup leads fleet operations for the City of Carlsbad, where he has driven significant performance improvements and helped the organization earn recognition as the #1 small fleet in the nation. Starting his career as a technician, Bradley advanced through leadership roles in San Diego County, specializing in acquisitions, policy, and electrification initiatives. He is an active NAFA contributor and advocate for fleet education, leadership development, and industry collaboration. Looking to take the next step to fleet success? Start by requesting your free copy of The Fleet Success Playbook. Written by fleet professionals for fleet professionals, the Playbook breaks down the four key pillars of fleet success, and gives you the tools you need to build a truly great fleet. Request your free (yes, really, free!) copy here: https://rtafleet.com/resources/fleet-success-playbook?utm_source=simplecast&utm_medium=footer_notes&utm_campaign=episode_213 Control fleet chaos with RTA Fleet360, proven software designed by fleet managers for fleet managers: https://rtafleet.com/book-a-demo?utm_source=simplecast&utm_medium=footer_notes&utm_campaign=episode_213

Growing a professional services business often starts the same way: scrappy teams, generalists wearing multiple hats, and a lot of momentum driven by energy rather than structure.In this episode of The Handbook, Harv sits down with Alex Bodini, CEO of Spin Brands, to unpack how Spin evolved from a grassroots social media shop into a multi-entity group of 100+ people. Rather than waiting for a crisis to force change, Alex and his co-founder made a conscious decision to professionalize the business so they could attract bigger clients, better talent, and more ambitious opportunities. They walk through the operational shifts that helped Spin move from “proper scrappy” to a more mature organization – and the cultural tensions that inevitably come with that transition.Here's what we dive into:Why bringing in a proper finance director changed far more than reporting – from pricing and scoping to forecasting and recoveryThe role HR played in moving from informal “touchy-feely” people management to structured career paths, policies, and developmentHow hiring experienced specialists elevated the quality of work – even if not every senior hire worked outWhy investing in senior-level marketing helped Spin build credibility and compete for bigger clientsWhat a chairman can bring to a founder-led business – accountability, perspective, and bigger strategic thinkingThe trade-offs between the fun, chaotic “old Spin” culture and the more structured, scalable “new Spin”Alex is refreshingly honest about the reality of transformation. Some hires didn't work out. Cultural change created tension. And the journey took far longer than expected.But the result is a business with stronger foundations – one that's now scaling through acquisitions and positioning itself for the next stage of growth.If you're navigating that transition from scrappy startup to grown-up, mature organization, there's a lot in Alex's story that will feel very familiar.Additional Resources:

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN Why balancing cost, speed, and quality is now table stakes in logistics strategy How to design a flexible 3PL platform without hardcoding yourself into rigidity The operational difference between supporting enterprise brands vs. high-growth brands Why scenario planning still matters in an era of tariffs, snowstorms, and volatility How to avoid over-engineering automation that limits long-term flexibility What defines a true strategic partnership beyond SLAs and QBRs Why solving problems together—not alone—is the real measure of partnership maturity TIMESTAMPED SEGMENTS 00:00 – 01:00 | Balancing Cost, Speed & Quality Post-Pandemic 01:00 – 02:30 | Becoming the Customer: Operational Audits & CX Insight 02:30 – 04:00 | Agility, Uncertainty & Platform-First Thinking 04:00 – 05:30 | Defining High-Growth vs. Enterprise Brands 05:30 – 07:00 | Capability-Based Support Models vs. Split Teams 07:00 – 09:00 | What Real Strategic Partnerships Actually Look Like TOP QUOTES  [00:01:00] “We know the cost of customer acquisition has increased exponentially. So the customer you have is the customer that you wanna keep.” - Laura Ritchey [00:03:00] “I think obviously the overused word of agility these days… how quickly can you divert to warehouses that aren't closed or to transportation options that are still running?” - Laura Ritchey [00:05:00] “We were doing 10,000 orders a day. All of a sudden we have to do 100,000, and that's really different.” - Laura Ritchey [00:08:15] “Are we solving them together, or are we solving them alone?” - Laura Ritchey [00:18:00] “The team is looking to us to be the calm in the storm.” - Laura Ritchey ABOUT THE GUEST Laura Ritchey is President & CEO of the Americas region at GEODIS and a member of the Group's Executive Board. She leads nearly 20,000 teammates across eight countries, overseeing contract logistics, freight forwarding, and transportation operations throughout North and South America. With more than 30 years of experience—including 15 years in supply chain leadership across retail and third-party logistics—Laura previously served as CEO of Radial, Inc., driving growth through operational excellence. Her background spans finance, sourcing, distribution, and strategic transformation. She holds a J.D., MBA, and bachelor's degree from The Ohio State University. LINKS MENTIONED Laura's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-ritchey-55836a8/ GEODIS website: https://geodis.com/   Subscribe and Keep Learning!If you're a logistics leader looking to scale sustainably, don't miss out! Subscribe for more expert strategies on tackling modern supply chain challenges.Be sure to follow and tag the eCom Logistics Podcast on LinkedIn and YouTube

In "Home Delivery World: The Future of Fulfillment", Joe Lynch and John Beasley, General Manager of Home Delivery World, discuss he critical strategies and emerging technologies redefining the high-stakes journey from the warehouse to the consumer's front door. About John Beasley John Beasley, General Manager of Home Delivery World, has been part of the HDW team since 2021. With over 8 years in the events world, his goal is to bring innovation to the event and foster a community where attendees can make meaningful connections and drive their businesses forward. His background in sales, business development, partnerships combined with a degree in Operations Management with a specialization in Supply Chain Management has come full circle and has been instrumental in building Home Delivery World into the most important last-mile event in North America. About Terrapinn Terrapinn events have been sparking ideas, innovations and relationships that transform business for over 30 years. Using our global footprint, we bring innovators, disrupters and change agents together, discussing and demonstrating the technology, strategies and personalities that are changing the way the world does business. Home Delivery World is Terrapinn's premiere event in America and HDW is the leading event redefining the future of ecommerce logistics and supply chain strategy across North America. The event continues to be the go-to platform for big-box retailers, DTC shippers, grocers, manufacturers, and ecommerce brands seeking innovation and transformation in the last-mile. Key Takeaways: Home Delivery World: The Future of Fulfillment In "Home Delivery World: The Future of Fulfillment", Joe Lynch and John Beasley, General Manager of Home Delivery World, discuss he critical strategies and emerging technologies redefining the high-stakes journey from the warehouse to the consumer's front door. Laser Focus on the "Final Mile": Unlike general supply chain events like Manifest (which Joe calls the "Super Bowl of logistics"), HDW is a niche, specialized event. It focuses specifically on the journey from the warehouse to the consumer. If your business revolves around B2C delivery, middle-mile logistics, or white-glove service, this is the dedicated "world" for those specific challenges. The Delivery Team as a Brand Extension: A critical takeaway from the interview is that the delivery person is often the only physical point of contact a customer has with a brand. Whether they are a third-party contractor or a direct employee, their behavior—from wearing shoe covers to their attitude at the doorstep—can either solidify customer loyalty or ruin a multi-thousand dollar purchase in the "last 50 feet." Rapid Evolution of Delivery Technology: The "Future of Fulfillment" isn't just a buzzword; it's actively being deployed. The podcast highlights the shift from experimental to practical use of: Drones: Solving issues like "porch pirates" by delivering to backyards. Robotics & Autonomous Vans: Navigating the transition from diesel to electric and automated fleets. Inventory AI: Managing complex stock levels across multiple social commerce channels like TikTok and Instagram. Logistics as a Competitive Business Strategy: Logistics is no longer just a back-office cost; for ecommerce companies, it can represent up to 20% of revenue. The interview emphasizes that "free shipping" is a strategic business choice, not a logistical reality. Companies must attend these events to find regional carriers that offer better rates or services than national giants like UPS or FedEx. Managing Consumer Expectations: Unlike B2B deliveries, home consumers are not industry pros; they have extreme expectations and often want products almost the moment they hit "order." This necessitates a shift from traditional bulk shipping toward highly strategic inventory placement to ensure seamless same-day or next-day delivery. The Rise of Big & Bulky White-Glove Service: Fulfillment is moving beyond small parcels. A significant portion of HDW is dedicated to "Big and Bulky" items (like Pelotons, sofas, or outdoor fireplaces). These require specialized equipment—such as pallets with handheld brakes for steep driveways—and specialized services like in-home assembly, which are becoming major revenue drivers for retailers like Wayfair. Education Through a Diverse Ecosystem: The event serves as a massive "live classroom" where 200+ industry leaders from brands like Wayfair, Ulta Beauty, and Albertsons share what worked and what failed. It bridges the gap between massive "big dogs" (JB Hunt, Maersk, Amazon) and three-year-old startups, fostering a community where the most important connections happen between the shippers and the solution providers. Learn More About Home Delivery World: The Future of Fulfillment John Beasley | Linkedin HDW | Linkedin HDW HDW: Register Here HDW Agenda OneRail's Winning Strategy for Final Mile with Bill Catania Drone Delivery is Here with Tom Walker The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube  

In this special edition of the Darden Admissions podcast, we share a recent installment in our ongoing ‘Office Hours' faculty spotlight series, a conversation with Doug Thomas. Thomas is the Academic Director of the Sands Institute for Lifelong Learning, and a member of the Technology and Operations Management faculty at the Darden School of Business. We talk with Thomas about his background, what led him to Darden, AI in the classroom, current disruptions affecting global operations, the resiliency of the global supply chain and more. For more insights, tips, and stories about the Darden experience, be sure to check out the Discover Darden Admissions blog and follow us on Instagram @dardenmba.

In this special edition of the Darden Admissions podcast, we share a recent installment in our ongoing ‘Office Hours' faculty spotlight series, a conversation with Doug Thomas. Thomas is the Academic Director of the Sands Institute for Lifelong Learning, and a member of the Technology and Operations Management faculty at the Darden School of Business. We talk with Thomas about his background, what led him to Darden, AI in the classroom, current disruptions affecting global operations, the resiliency of the global supply chain and more. For more insights, tips, and stories about the Darden experience, be sure to check out the Discover Darden Admissions blog and follow us on Instagram @dardenmba.

In this episode of Inside The Wolf's Den, hosts Shawn and Joni Wolfswinkel sit down with Valerie Almanzar, a native New Mexican who has become one of Albuquerque's most respected and successful real estate professionals. Valerie shares the journey that propelled her from a budding agent in 2006 to a top performer at RE/MAX, thriving even through market downturns. Her story is one of resilience, vision, and an unwavering commitment to her clients. Valerie's impressive credentials speak to her relentless drive. With a dual MBA in Marketing and Operations Management from the University of New Mexico, she blends business acumen with a sharp market instinct. She's been recognized by New Mexico Business First as one of the 40 Under 40 and by REALTOR Magazine as one of the 30 Under 30, milestones that highlight her impact early in her career. Alongside this recognition, she has earned numerous certifications, including luxury real estate, underscoring her versatility across the market spectrum.
 As a partner with the Ben Kinney Companies and a founding operator of PLACE, Valerie embraces cutting-edge technology to elevate client experiences. She leverages innovative tools to streamline processes, empower decision-making, and unlock wealth-building opportunities through real estate across New Mexico—from Santa Fe to Albuquerque and beyond. Her expertise spans both residential and commercial development, reflecting a deep understanding of the broader economic and architectural landscape of the region. During the conversation, Valerie offers practical insights into market timing, investment strategies, and how to make real estate work for your financial goals. Shawn and Joni explore her approach to client education, accessibility, and making real estate success achievable for a wide range of people. Whether you're a first-time buyer, an ambitious investor, or a seasoned developer, this episode delivers a wealth of knowledge, inspiration, and real-world guidance from one of New Mexico's premier real estate leaders. Tune in for an engaging, insightful, and dreams-wide-open conversation. Valerie Almanzar Albuquerque Real estae link: https://www.bktalbuquerque.com/agent-profile/valerie-almanzar-10290361 YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/Cj-Jwo9FkoM

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN Why decision quality matters more than perfect systems in today's supply chainsHow leaders are shifting from growth-at-all-costs to margin-first thinkingWhat's actually breaking inside warehouses amid labor churn and volatilityWhere AI is helping operators—and where hype still outpaces realityWhy explainability, KPIs, and guardrails matter for AI adoption in operationsHow leadership expectations are changing across supply chain organizationsWhat conversations operators are prioritizing heading into Manifest 2026HIGHLIGHTS00:00–02:35 | Why 2025 forced hard reflection across supply chain03:17–04:30 | Decisions feel heavier, mistakes cost more05:23–06:49 | The shift from growth to margin as a first principle07:05–07:43 | Why warehouse systems lag brand expectations08:08–08:58 | Recalibration after stacked volatility09:48–11:20 | Why peak season planning never really ends12:32–13:45 | Labor, churn, and execution pressure inside warehouses14:35–16:51 | AI as decision enablement—not the strategy itself18:14–21:43 | From AI fear to outcome-driven adoption22:23–25:44 | What leadership looks like in volatile environments26:47–28:16 | What leaders are watching heading into Manifest 2026QUOTES[00:03:17] “Decisions feel heavier. Mistakes are more expensive.” – Tanzil Uddin[00:05:45] “There's a shift away from growth at all costs, really a repositioning of margin as a first principle.” – Kinta Gates[00:12:32] “The complexity with labor, training of the labor, churn of the labor, weather events, and the geopolitical state really impacts warehouse services.” – Linda Ewing[00:22:23] “Leadership looks like getting in the weeds. We don't have the luxury of just delegating.” – Kinta GatesABOUT THE GUESTSTanzil UddinSVP of Content & Partnerships at Manifest, where he works closely with supply chain leaders to shape programming around real operator priorities, partnerships, and emerging challenges across logistics and technology.Kinta GatesVP of Supply Chain & Operations at Glossier, overseeing end-to-end product operations. Kinta brings a people-first, margin-aware approach to scaling fulfillment, manufacturing, and supply chain execution.Linda EwingSVP Strategy & Operations at ID Logistics with deep experience across manufacturing, supply chain, and warehouse services. Linda focuses on execution reality inside 3PL environments, labor challenges, and responsible technology adoption.LINKS MENTIONEDManifest 2026 Agenda: https://manife.st/agenda/

In this special edition of the Darden Admissions podcast, we share a recent installment in our ongoing ‘Office Hours' faculty spotlight series, a conversation with Pnina Feldman. Feldman is a member of the Technology and Operations Management faculty at Darden, and her research focuses on how digital technologies affects operations strategy with emphasis on services, platforms, pricing, and consumer engagement. We talk with Feldman about her background, her research, her Managing Service Operations elective, her recent paper on ticket reselling, her thoughts on AI and more. For more insights, tips, and stories about the Darden experience, be sure to check out the Discover Darden Admissions blog and follow us on Instagram @dardenmba.

In this special edition of the Darden Admissions podcast, we share a recent installment in our ongoing ‘Office Hours' faculty spotlight series, a conversation with Pnina Feldman. Feldman is a member of the Technology and Operations Management faculty at Darden, and her research focuses on how digital technologies affects operations strategy with emphasis on services, platforms, pricing, and consumer engagement. We talk with Feldman about her background, her research, her Managing Service Operations elective, her recent paper on ticket reselling, her thoughts on AI and more. For more insights, tips, and stories about the Darden experience, be sure to check out the Discover Darden Admissions blog and follow us on Instagram @dardenmba.

Learn how one of the world's biggest restaurant companies is turning data and AI into a recipe for global innovation. Cameron Davies, Chief Data Officer at Yum! Brands, shares how he's combining strategy, technology, and change management to drive gobal growth. He explains how Yum! is building AI literacy from the top down, reimagining operations with generative AI, and partnering with NVIDIA to scale innovation. Cameron reveals what true data leadership looks like, balancing bold ideas with business impact, and proving transformation starts with people, not technology.Key Moments:Start with the Business Problem, Not the Tech (04:27): Cameron recalls advice from a mentor, “start with the business problem down, not the technology up.” He emphasizes that innovation only matters when it solves real business challenges, reminding data leaders not to get enamored with the “cool” factor of technology at the expense of impact.Balancing Global Scale with Local Agility (07:45): Cameron unpacks the challenge of scaling analytics across 160 countries and four major brands, 98% of which are franchise-owned. He explains how Yum! balances centralization and autonomy, ensuring smaller markets have a voice while global teams leverage shared technology and insights.Building AI Literacy from the Top Down (13:44): Cameron describes Yum!'s investment in digital upskilling, from Harvard-led training for executives to hands-on AI workshops for employees. He outlines how the company is embedding AI tools, like Microsoft Copilot and ChatGPT, into daily workflows to build confidence and accelerate adoption.Digitizing the Restaurant: Byte By Yum! (17:18): Cameron introduces Byte By Yum!, a suite of proprietary software that simplifies restaurant operations. He explains how it unifies e-commerce, point-of-sale, voice AI, and kitchen systems to make running a restaurant easier and more efficient in an increasingly complex digital environment.Partnering with NVIDIA to Power the Future (25:12): Cameron shares how Yum!'s strategic partnership with NVIDIA is fueling next-generation restaurant innovation. He reveals how the collaboration gives Yum! early access to cutting-edge AI engineering and product strategy, extending his team's capabilities with some of the best minds in the field.Key Quotes:“Technology's actually a whole lot easier than people, and the more successful the people are, the harder it is to get them to change.” - Cameron DaviesThe business problem is the business problem. You never have as much data as you want, as fast as you want, as cleanly as you want. People are always people, but the opportunities are always the opportunities.” - Cameron Davies“I think sometimes we get so enamored with the technology… We forget it's all in the service of a business problem.” - Cameron DaviesMentionsByte By Yum!Yum! Brands to accelerate AI innovation in an industry-first collaboration with NVIDIA2025 AI & Data Leadership Executive Benchmark SurveyGuest Bio Cameron Davies currently serves as the Chief Data Officer at Yum! Brands since July 2020. Prior to this role, Cameron held the position of Senior Vice President of Corporate Decision Sciences at NBCUniversal, Inc. from September 2013 to July 2020, overseeing the Corporate Management Sciences and NBCU News Group Insights teams, focusing on advanced analytics and data strategies. Cameron's career at Walt Disney Co. spanned from October 1996 to September 2013, where responsibilities included leading the Walt Disney World Resort Forecast and Planning teams and managing global Yield Management. Cameron established and led the Corporate Center of Excellence in Management Science and Integration, collaborating with Disney executives on analytics initiatives. Earlier in the career, from May 1989 to June 1996, Cameron served as a Professor of Finance and Accounting at Pensacola Christian College, teaching various business courses. Cameron holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Marketing Research and Operations Management from the UWF Lewis Bear Jr. College of Business and a Bachelor of Science in Business/Accounting from Pensacola Christian College. Hear more from Cindi Howson here. Sponsored by ThoughtSpot.

Dr. Mira Thoumy is an Associate Professor of Management at the Lebanese American University. She earned a Ph.D. in Operations Management from HEC Montreal, a M.Eng in Project Management and B.Eng in Industrial Engineering from Ecole Polytechnique of Montreal.She has more than 10 years of academic experience where she taught courses in strategy, operations, and project management in top local and international universities. She has also more than 15 years of consulting experience in various sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, public administration and NGOs. Mira volunteers as VP-Governance at the PMI Lebanon Chapter. She is a certified PMP (Project Management Professional), PMI-PMOCP (Project Management Office Certified Professional) and CSSMBB (Certified Six Sigma Master Black Belt).

MiJa Books grew from a side project to a nearly $1M business by turning customer feedback into smart pivots, book fairs, and scalable systems.For more on MiJa Books and show notes click here Subscribe and watch Shopify Masters on YouTube!Sign up for your FREE Shopify Trial here.

BSN SPORTS commissioned The Club Sports Index, a first-of-kind national study in October 2025 to get a snapshot of the current club sports landscape in the United States. The Club Sports Index surveyed 2,000 athletes, 2,000 parents and 150 club owners across a spectrum of topics, including:Motivations for participating in club sportsTime commitment involved for both athletes and parentsCost associated with participationLong term goals for club athletesPopularity of specific sports by regionBrian Fleming is the Senior Vice President and General Manager of Club Direct for BSN SPORTS, a division of Varsity Brands, where he leads commercial strategy and overall execution to grow and service the market segment. He joined BSN SPORTS in 2022 following a successful tenure as General Manager of the Collegiate & Commercial divisions at Herff Jones, where he oversaw a $100+ million business and drove revenue growth across multiple verticals. Prior to that, he held global finance leadership roles at Firestone Industrial Products and Envigo, as well as an early career in Public Accounting, Business Valuation and Management Consulting. A Certified Public Accountant, Brian earned his MBA in Finance and Operations Management from Valparaiso University. 

Have you ever felt like you're constantly putting out fires at work instead of making progress? Kevin welcomes Don Kieffer and Nelson Repenning to discuss why so many workplace processes feel frustrating and ineffective, and what leaders can do about it. Drawing on decades of experience in operations and organizational design, Don and Nelson reveal why quick-fix workarounds backfire, how firefighting becomes the default mode of operation, and the hidden costs of constantly reacting instead of leading. They introduce the concept of dynamic work design and explain why breaking down silos isn't just nice to have, it's essential. Along the way, they share practical tools leaders can use to move from chaos to sustainable success. Listen For 00:00 Introduction and the problem with roadblocks at work 03:33 How they met and started collaborating 06:07 The Harley-Davidson connection 08:32 The big idea behind the book 09:41 Why organizations assume the world is predictable 11:03 What dynamic work design means 12:21 The hidden cost of firefighting and workarounds 13:01 The firefighting trap explained 15:33 How firefighting becomes self-reinforcing 17:36 Why the dynamic appears in every organization 19:12 Leadership behaviors that unintentionally worsen it 21:12 Moving beyond blame to system thinking 21:56 The problem with silos in organizations 23:43 How work actually flows across silos 25:12 Visualizing knowledge work to expose inefficiency 26:04 Silos and identity in organizations 27:22 Why we must focus on system productivity 28:36 The matrix problem in modern organizations 29:12 Five elements of dynamic work design 29:48 Problem formation as an underrated leadership skill 30:24 Why framing the problem matters 31:23 Using conscious thinking to solve the right problems 32:36 Asking "what problem are we trying to solve" 33:20 What leaders can learn from this habit 33:48 Don and Nelson's hobbies outside of work 34:38 What they are reading now 35:35 Where to find their book and connect 37:19 Wrap up and invitation to subscribe Their Story: Nelson P. Repenning and Donald C. Kieffer are the authors of There's Got to Be a Better Way: How to Deliver Results and Get Rid of the Stuff That Gets in the Way of Real Work. Nelson is the School of Management Distinguished Professor at the MIT Sloan School of Management. He is currently the director of MIT's Leadership Center and was recently recognized by Poets & Quants as one of the world's top executive MBA instructors. His scholarly work has appeared in Management Science, Organization Science, Administrative Science Quarterly, the Academy of Management Review, Strategic Management Journal, and Research in Organizational Behavior. Donald C. Kieffer is a Senior Lecturer in Operations Management at MIT Sloan. He is a career operations executive and co-creator of Dynamic Work Design. Kieffer started running equipment in factories at age 17. He was VP of operational excellence at Harley-Davidson, where he worked for 15 years. Since 2007, he has been advising leaders in a variety of industries around the globe. His guidance was instrumental in transforming both the production and technical development areas of the Broad Institute, a Cambridge-based genomic sequencing organization, now an industry leader. He is the founder of ShiftGear Work Design, LLC, and teaches Operations Management at AVT in Copenhagen. This Episode is brought to you by... Flexible Leadership is every leader's guide to greater success in a world of increasing complexity and chaos.  Book Recommendations There's Got to Be a Better Way: How to Deliver Results and Get Rid of the Stuff That Gets in the Way of Real Work by Nelson P. Repenning and Donald C. Kieffer  The Mindful Body: Thinking Our Way to Chronic Health by Ellen J. Langer  Murder Mysteries by Lousie Penny Like this? Competing in the New World of Work with Keith Ferrazzi How to Achieve Breakthrough Execution and Accelerate Growth with Patrick Thean Leave a Review If you liked this conversation, we'd be thrilled if you'd let others know by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. Here's a quick guide for posting a review. Review on Apple: https://remarkablepodcast.com/itunes    Join Our Community If you want to view our live podcast episodes, hear about new releases, or chat with others who enjoy this podcast join one of our communities below. Join the Facebook Group Join the LinkedIn Group   Podcast Better! Sign up with Libsyn and get up to 2 months free! Use promo code: RLP  

More on Funding cuts to long term care homes in BC Guest: Mary Polak, Former minister of Health for BC, CEO of BC Care providers Association Federal Budget to help crack down on trucking industry Guest:  Mike Millians, President of the Private Motor Truck Council of Canada Where are all the ghosts at? Guest: Kelly Claire Berge, President, Vancouver Paranormal Society Does tipping actually get you better service Guest: Laurens Debo, Professor of Operations Management at Tuck School of Business, Dartmouth College Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tamuna TabidzeDirectorMagic Roads Georgiahttps://adventuretravelmarketing.com/guest/tamuna-tabidzeDirector of the local branch of International tourism holding Magic Travels, previously Sales Manager with extensive experience of Business to Business Sales, working as Head of South Europe and Latin America Markets, later on North and Eastern Europe, MICE Department and as Chief Executive of Luxury department. With comprehensive knowledge of Georgian hospitality industry. Working experience at one of the leading Georgian hotel of International chain and local brands. Skilled at Sales, Branding, Operations Management, Event Management, International Relations and Marketing field with advanced knowledge of English, Italian, Russian and Spanish, Portuguese languages, expert of Intercultural communications.summaryIn this episode of the Big World Made Small podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Tamuna Tabidze, the director of Magic Roads Georgia, about the unique tourism opportunities in Georgia. They discuss the country's rich history, culture, and hospitality, as well as the role of destination management companies (DMCs) in creating memorable travel experiences. Tamuna shares her personal journey into the tourism industry, the safety and security of traveling in Georgia, and the ease of entry for international visitors. The conversation also touches on the cultural differences in hospitality and the dedicated team behind Magic Roads Georgia, highlighting the importance of creativity and client satisfaction in the tourism sector.takeawaysMagic Roads Georgia focuses on creating memorable travel experiences.Georgia is a small country with a rich history and culture.The country is located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia.Georgia is known for its hospitality and welcoming nature.Visa requirements for Georgia are minimal for many countries.Traveling between Georgia and its neighbors can be complex but is manageable.Tamuna's passion for tourism stems from her childhood experiences.Post-Soviet Georgia has shaped the current tourism landscape.Cultural differences affect how hospitality is expressed in Georgia.Magic Roads Georgia has a dedicated team that values creativity and client satisfaction. Learn more about Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Marketing and join our private community to get episode updates, special access to our guests, and exclusive adventure travel offers on our website.

The 21st century is well underway. So, why are distributors and manufacturers still using 20th-century warehouse management systems? Steve Shebuski, managing director of MCA Connect, says that an outdated WMS costs companies more than they realize.  Jason caught up with Steve to discuss insights gained from his long career in Microsoft-based warehouse solutions, as well as the benefits of a modern WMS on order management, supply sourcing, and business strategy. CONNECT WITH JASON LinkedIn CONNECT WITH STEVE MCA Connect LinkedIn *** For full show notes and services visit: https://www.distributionteam.com Distribution Talk is produced by The Distribution Team, a consulting services firm dedicated to helping wholesale distribution clients remove barriers to profitability, generate wealth, and achieve personal goals.    This episode was edited by The Creative Impostor Studios  Special thanks to our sponsors for this episode: Moblico, helping businesses do more business on mobile devices; and INxSQL Distribution Software, an integrated distribution ERP software designed for the wholesale and distribution industry.

On this episode of Deans Counsel, hosts Ken Kring and Jim Ellis speak with Oliver Yao, Dean of the University of Delaware's Lerner College of Business and Economics, a role he took on in August 2023.Oliver Yao's research interests are in the inter-disciplinary fields of information systems and supply chain management, including business value of IT-enabled supply chains, economics of electronic and mobile commerce, bullwhip effect and VMI, CPFR and CRM. His publications have appeared in Management Science, Information Systems Research, MIS Quarterly, Marketing Science, Operations Research, Journal of Operations Management, Production and Operations Management, among others.In an interview that moves almost as quickly as Oliver does, he shares with our hosts his thoughts and experiences regarding:- the overwhelm and challenges he faced early on in his role at Lerner- his approach to setting priorities - especially in the face of financial constraints- how Oliver's background in information systems influences his strategic planning- philanthropy and how he learned to embrace it - quicklyLearn more about Oliver YaoComments/criticism/suggestions/feedback? We'd love to hear it. Drop us a note!Thanks for listening.-Produced by Joel Davis at Analog Digital Arts--DEANS COUNSEL: A podcast for deans and academic leadership.James Ellis | Moderator | Dean of the Marshall School of Business at the University of Southern California (2007-2019)David Ikenberry | Moderator | Dean of the Leeds School of Business at the University of Colorado-Boulder (2011-2016)Ken Kring | Moderator | Co-Managing Director, Global Education Practice and Senior Client Partner at Korn FerryDeansCounsel.com

In this episode, Ed Parcaut sits down with Aram Street, a former household manager turned successful entrepreneur. Aram shares his candid story about being let go from a unique career and how that unexpected push led him and his wife to start a cleaning business in Lexington, Kentucky. He dives into the valuable skills he learned while managing luxury estates, his specialized training as a butler, and how those experiences set his company apart in the cleaning industry. Listen as Aram discusses the challenges of transitioning from residential to commercial cleaning, the importance of understanding cash flow, and his approach to building a business with high standards. He also offers insights on defining your ideal client, setting yourself apart from the competition, and what it's really like to scale and manage a growing company. If you're interested in entrepreneurship, learning from setbacks, and building something unique out of unexpected circumstances, you won't want to miss this insightful conversation. Key Topics Covered: Aram's path from butler to business owner How to leverage unique experience for business branding Setting standards and differentiating your service company Cash flow challenges moving from residential to commercial contracts The value of mentorship, networking, and targeted marketing Building systems to scale and preparing for eventual exit New episodes every week. Subscribe for more stories of innovation, resilience, and entrepreneurial growth! **Contact Ed Parcaut:** -

“Distribution has a PR problem.” Fans of Distribution Talk will recognize that quote as one of Jason Bader's favorite industry laments. It's more than a pithy soundbite, however. The phrase is shorthand for the talent acquisition and development issues facing most small-to-mid-sized wholesale distributors.  One answer? A tiered progression plan.  We're revisiting this rare and insightful solo episode with Jason, where he lays out winning strategies for attracting next-generation new hires. This includes advice on creating a tiered progression plan that will energize your entire staff for decades to come. CONNECT WITH JASON LinkedIn *** For full show notes and services visit: https://www.distributionteam.com Distribution Talk is produced by The Distribution Team, a consulting services firm dedicated to helping wholesale distribution clients remove barriers to profitability, generate wealth, and achieve personal goals.    This episode was edited by The Creative Impostor Studios.  Special thanks to our sponsors for this episode: Connected Peers, providing virtual communities for wholesale distributors; and INxSQL Distribution Software, an integrated distribution ERP software designed for the wholesale and distribution industry.

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software companies sell a simple premise: if you can manage customer data, you can grow your business. But capitalizing on that promise is complicated, as any company struggling with CRM implementation knows.  Kristen Thom, senior vice president of customer experience for White Cup, has an easy fix for this persistent CRM pain point. She helps distributors reframe their focus, emphasizing actionable information over team micromanagement. Jason caught up with her to discuss White Cup's powerful CRM+BI solution and the revolutionary ways that the company incorporates AI to capture hidden market share while improving long-term customer relationships. CONNECT WITH JASON LinkedIn CONNECT WITH KRISTEN  LinkedIn White Cup *** *** For full show notes and services visit: https://www.distributionteam.com  Distribution Talk is produced by The Distribution Team, a consulting services firm dedicated to helping wholesale distribution clients remove barriers to profitability, generate wealth, and achieve personal goals.    This episode was edited by The Creative Impostor Studios  Special thanks to our sponsors for this episode: Profit2, helping distributors charge the right price; and INxSQL Distribution Software, an integrated distribution ERP software designed for the wholesale and distribution industry.  

As we prepare for a brand new season of Eccles Business Buzz launching this fall, we're bringing back some of your favorite episodes from our archive. In this series of conversations from Season 7 about Artificial Intelligence and how it's changing the world around us, Frances talks to an AI engineer at Google about the ins and outs of the newest crop of AI models and agents.Joining the show to give an insider's perspective is Derek Egan. Derek is on the Vertex AI team at Google Cloud where he works on helping developers build generative AI-powered agents for their own applications. Derek is also a graduate of the David Eccles School of Business with a degree in Operations Management. David and Frances discuss the difference between models and agents, and why humans are still very much integral to the process. They address the strengths and weaknesses of these types of systems and the ways in which they might be used by organizations most effectively to help them work more efficiently. Derek speaks to the realistic worries of some AI critics and gives some of his own real-life examples of how AI agents help streamline his work life and personal life. Eccles Business Buzz is a production of the David Eccles School of Business and is produced by University fm.Show Links:Derek Egan | LinkedInVertex AI | Google CloudMaster of Science in Business Analytics - The David Eccles School of BusinessDavid Eccles School of Business (@ubusiness) • InstagramEccles Alumni Network (@ecclesalumni) • Instagram Eccles Experience Magazine

The past is always present at Industrial Supply Company, thanks to a treasure trove of historical documents dating back to 1915. While the Utah-based company's century+ heritage is impressive, Jessica Yurgaitis has no intention of dwelling in the dust of the organization's bygone era, even if the history major in her loves posting those old handwritten letters and sales slips.  We're revisiting Jason's conversation with this fourth-generation president about balancing respect for family legacy with a desire to launch the company into a thoroughly modern future. *** CONNECT WITH JASON LinkedIn CONNECT WITH JESSICA LinkedIn *** Distribution Talk is produced by The Distribution Team, a consulting services firm dedicated to helping wholesale distribution clients remove barriers to profitability, generate wealth, and achieve personal goals.    This episode was edited by The Creative Impostor Studios  Special thanks to our sponsors for this episode: Moblico, helping businesses do more business on mobile devices; and INxSQL Distribution Software, an integrated distribution ERP software designed for the wholesale and distribution industry.  

TakeawaysErik's role involves extensive use of Excel and Power BI.He acts as a connector between different departments at Covoya.Learning about the coffee industry is a fulfilling part of his job.Erik has a background in food service and competitive intelligence analysis.Data quality is crucial in coffee operations.The democratization of data is essential for effective decision-making.Building relationships within the team enhances collaboration.Erik likes helping others access and understand data.The coffee industry is still adapting to modern data practices.Erik aspires to further integrate data analysis into the coffee industry.   Part of The Exchange Coffee Podcasting Network TAKE OUR LISTENER SURVEY Visit and Explore Covoya!

AI isn't coming; it's here, optimizing behind-the-scenes tasks like forecasting, inventory management, and CRM oversight. John Long, CEO of THYNK AI, says artificial intelligence is ready to take on client-facing interactions. His company has the ultimate tool for the job: Eric, an AI-powered agent.  Jason caught up with John to discuss the evolution of the company's Thynk Agent and the cost-effective advantages it offers distributors in an increasingly competitive environment. CONNECT WITH JASON LinkedIn CONNECT WITH JOHN  LinkedIn THYNK AI *** For full show notes and services visit: https://www.distributionteam.com Distribution Talk is produced by The Distribution Team, a consulting services firm dedicated to helping wholesale distribution clients remove barriers to profitability, generate wealth, and achieve personal goals.    This episode was edited by The Creative Impostor Studios  Special thanks to our sponsors for this episode: Connected Peers, providing virtual communities for wholesale distributors; and INxSQL Distribution Software, an integrated distribution ERP software designed for the wholesale and distribution industry.   

Welcome to TheMountain Bears Podcast, where we serve up lively discussions, hot takes, and awhole lot of personality from a gay-ish, techy-ish, bearish perspective! Hostedby Aeson Knight and Techy Joe, this show dives into everything from tech andmetaphysics to LGBTQ+ life, current events, and the weird and wonderful worldwe live in. 

It's rare to come across a company that has evolved as profitably or organically as Threaded Fasteners, Inc. While it's tempting to award all the credit to Billy Duren, president and CEO of the Alabama-based manufacturer and distributor, he'd be the first to tell you that the company's success is wholly due to the creativity of its employee-owners.  Jason caught up with Billy to learn more about the organization's dynamic growth and its legacy of innovation, both of which were made possible by a succession plan that centered around an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). CONNECT WITH JASON LinkedIn CONNECT WITH BILLY  LinkedIn Threaded Fasteners, Inc. Nuts & Bolts Of Leadership *** For full show notes and services visit: https://www.distributionteam.com Distribution Talk is produced by The Distribution Team, a consulting services firm dedicated to helping wholesale distribution clients remove barriers to profitability, generate wealth, and achieve personal goals.    This episode was edited by The Creative Impostor Studios  Special thanks to our sponsors for this episode: Profit2, helping distributors charge the right price; and INxSQL Distribution Software, an integrated distribution ERP software designed for the wholesale and distribution industry.  

In this episode, we are pleased to present a special recording from a plenary session held during the 35th annual POMS conference at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia. This session was dedicated to commemorating a visionary in the field of production and operations management: Professor Martin K. Starr. Professor Starr, who served as president of POMS in 1995, was celebrated not only for his pioneering contributions to the discipline but also for the profound impact he had on generations of scholars and practitioners. Joining us as special guests were Gail and Loren Starr—Dr. Starr's daughter-in-law and son—who shared touching reflections on his legacy. The session took place on Friday, May 9, 2025, in the Regency Ballroom at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta. We hope you enjoy this memorable tribute. The session was coordinated by Dr. Kalyan Singhal, Doris E. and Robert V. McCurdy Chair in Business, Distinguished University Professor, University of Baltimore, Editor in Chief, Production and Operations Management Journal, along with Professor Nitin Joglekar, The John F. Connelly Endowed Chair in Management, Villanova University. The speakers in the session were: Professor Kalyan Singhal, Doris E. and Robert V. McCurdy Chair in Business, Distinguished University Professor, University of Baltimore, Editor in Chief, Production and Operations Management Journal. Professor Sushil Gupta, Distinguished University Professor, Department of Information Systems and Business Analytics. Florida International University, Executive Director, Production and Operations Management Society Professor Cheryl Gaimon, Esther and Edward J. Brown Jr. Chair, Regents' Professor; Georgia Institute of Technology. Professor Nitin Joglekar, The John F. Connelly Endowed Chair in Management, Villanova University Professor Subodha Kumar, Paul R. Anderson Professor, Temple University Professor Don Morrison, Professor Emeritus, University of California at Los Angeles - Comments read by Professor Sriram Narayanan, Michigan State University Professor Robert Hayes, Philip Caldwell Professor of Business Administration, Emeritus, Harvard University – Comments Read by Professor Cheryl Gaimon, Esther and Edward J. Brown Jr. Chair, Regents' Professor; Georgia Institute of Technology. Professor Christoph Loch, Professor of Operations, Information and Technology, IESE Business School, Spain. Editor-in-chief, Management Science. Professor Nada Sanders, Distinguished Professor, Supply Chain Management, Northeastern University. Professor Roger Schroeder, Professor Emeritus, Supply Chain and Operations, University of Minnesota. Professor Christopher Tang, UCLA Distinguished Professor; Edward W. Carter Chair in Business Administration, University of California at Los Angeles Professor Luk Van Wassenhove, Emeritus Professor of Technology and Operations Management, The Henry Ford Chaired Professor of Manufacturing, Emeritus, INSEAD, Paris.

Stand Up is a daily podcast. I book,host,edit, post and promote new episodes with brilliant guests every day. Please subscribe now for as little as 5$ and gain access to a community of over 750 awesome, curious, kind, funny, brilliant, generous souls Check out StandUpwithPete.com to learn more Outclassed: How the Left Lost the Working Class and How to Win Them Back Described as having “something approaching rock star status” in her field by The New York Times Magazine, Joan C. Williams is a scholar of social inequality and a prominent public intellectual. Williams is the author of 12 books and 116 academic articles in law, sociology, psychology, medical and management journals. She is the 11th most cited legal scholar both in critical theory and employment law. She is a Sullivan Professor and the Founding Director of the Equality Action Center at UC Law San Francisco, former Founding Director of the Center for WorkLife Law. She has three TED/TEDx talks, including one with over 1.3 million views. Her 2016 essay on why Trump attracted so many non-college voters went viral, with over 3.7 million reads, becoming the most-read article in the 90-year history of Harvard Business Review. She is widely known for “bias interrupters,”—an evidence-based metrics-driven approach to eradicating implicit bias introduced in the Harvard Business Review in 2014. The website  biasinterrupters.org with open-sourced toolkits for individuals and organizations has been accessed over 500,000 times. She was profiled in Financial Times and has published on class dynamics in American politics in The New York Times, Washington Post, The Atlantic, The New Republic, Politico, The Hill, the Wall Street Journal and elsewhere. Her work on class includes her upcoming book Outclassed: How the Left Lost the Working Class – And How to Win Them Back (forthcoming St. Martin's, May 2025) and her critically acclaimed 2017 book White Working Class – one of three books President Biden carried, dog-eared and annotated, during his 2020 presidential campaign, according to the Washington Post. Her work on gender includes What Works for Women at Work: Four Patterns Working Women Need to Know (NYU Press, 2014) and her prize-winning Unbending Gender: Why Family and Work Conflict and What To Do About It (Oxford, 1999). Williams' work helped create the field of work-family studies, modern workplace flexibility policies, and the study of maternal wall bias in sociology. Her work on race includes eight studies documenting how racial and gender bias play out in today's workplaces, including two focused specifically on women of color: Pinning down the Jellyfish: Racial and Gender Bias against Women in Tech (2022) and Double Jeopardy? Gender Bias against Women of Color in STEM (2014). She is a leading voice on diversity, equity, and inclusion; with her team, she has published 39 articles published in Harvard Business Review. In 2014, she launched Bias Interrupters, a data-driven approach to interrupting bias in organizations whose website has been downloaded over half a million times. Williams has received awards in several different fields. For her contributions to the legal profession, she is one of the few people to receive both the American Bar Foundation's Outstanding Scholar Award (2012) and the ABA's Margaret Brent Women Award for Lawyers of Achievement (2006).  For her contributions to the work-family field, she received the Work Life Legacy Award from the Families and Work Institute (2014) and MSOM Responsible Research Award in Operations Management (2022). For her contributions to women's advancement in engineering, she received the President's Award from the Society of Women Engineers (2019). For contributions to psychology, she received the Distinguished Publication Award from the Association for Women in Psychology (2005). Her work has been funded by three National Science Foundation grants, as well as grants from Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the W. W. Kellogg Foundation, the Ford Foundation, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. She holds degrees from Yale, Harvard, and MIT as well as an honorary PhD from Utrecht University in the Netherlands. Join us Monday's and Thursday's at 8EST for our Twice Weekly Happy Hour Hangout's !  Pete on Blue Sky Pete on Threads Pete on Tik Tok Pete on YouTube  Pete on Twitter Pete On Instagram Pete Personal FB page Stand Up with Pete FB page All things Jon Carroll  Follow and Support Pete Coe Buy Ava's Art  Hire DJ Monzyk to build your website or help you with Marketing Gift a Subscription https://www.patreon.com/PeteDominick/gift

Ever heard the phrase "chain of pain?" If you're a wholesale distributor, chances are you've experienced it via the cascading agony of outdated workflows or missed sales opportunities. Pierre Barbeau, co-founder and CEO of Moblico, returns to chat with Jason about his company's supercharged mobile technology solution to common pain points, including proprietary innovations such as unified business messaging automation, broadcast engagement strategies, and OrderAssist AI™, Moblico's advanced tool for converting unstructured orders into fast, accurate sales.  CONNECT WITH JASON LinkedIn CONNECT WITH PIERRE LinkedIn Moblico *** For full show notes and services visit: https://www.distributionteam.com Distribution Talk is produced by The Distribution Team, a consulting services firm dedicated to helping wholesale distribution clients remove barriers to profitability, generate wealth, and achieve personal goals.    This episode was edited by The Creative Impostor Studios Special thanks to our sponsors for this episode: Moblico, helping businesses do more business on mobile devices; and INxSQL Distribution Software, an integrated distribution ERP software designed for the wholesale and distribution industry.

Remember when eCommerce was going to revolutionize B2B sales? Twenty years in, only a handful of channels have capitalized on the initial promise. But distributors aren't to blame for the operational failure, says Justin Johnson, Founder of Motivate. He maintains that the major e-commerce platforms should bear the blame. They failed to grasp that most orders are placed from the job site via mobile, a recurring purchase order, or a list scribbled on a piece of drywall.  Jason spoke with Justin about his company's innovative plug-and-play order processing solution, a PO-to-cart widget that works with the software distributors already own. It can even convert images into orders with incredible accuracy. CONNECT WITH JASON LinkedIn CONNECT WITH JUSTIN LinkedIn Motivate *** For full show notes and services visit: https://www.distributionteam.com Distribution Talk is produced by The Distribution Team, a consulting services firm dedicated to helping wholesale distribution clients remove barriers to profitability, generate wealth, and achieve personal goals.    This episode was edited by The Creative Impostor Studios  Special thanks to our sponsors for this episode: Connected Peers, providing virtual communities for wholesale distributors; and INxSQL Distribution Software, an integrated distribution ERP software designed for the wholesale and distribution industry.

Hot on the heels of a real life internal fraud disaster for one of his clients, this episode is top of mind for Jason. Listen for actions you can take right now to protect your business. Movies portray embezzlement as a big-money, high-flying romp. Fact is decidedly different than fiction—and surprisingly common!  Jason dives into the realities of pink-collar crime with Kelly Paxton, a workplace dishonesty expert, fraud educator, and host of the Fraudish podcast. The pair offer case studies that expose the motives behind the misconduct, company culture's role in fostering opportunities for theft, and how small withdrawals add up to big financial headaches.  CONNECT WITH JASON LinkedIn CONNECT WITH KELLY LinkedIn GET THE BOOK Embezzlement: How To Detect And Investigate Pink Collar Crime *** For full show notes and services visit: https://www.distributionteam.com Distribution Talk is produced by The Distribution Team, a consulting services firm dedicated to helping wholesale distribution clients remove barriers to profitability, generate wealth, and achieve personal goals.    This episode was edited & mixed by The Creative Impostor Studios.  Special thanks to our sponsors for this episode: Connected Peers, providing virtual communities for wholesale distributors; and INxSQL Distribution Software, an integrated distribution ERP software designed for the wholesale and distribution industry.

Want to know a time-tested business secret? Commitment to the long game always pays off. Vic Wilson is a virtuoso practitioner of that adage. Decades before immigrating to the US and taking over as head of sales at voestalpine Böhler Welding, the Canadian-born Wilson was busy forging relationships across the country.  Jason caught up with Vic to discuss what it means to build a successful 35-year career one connection at a time. The pair also explore the welding industry's challenges due to new US tariffs, the benefits of co-op membership, and the satisfaction of giving back. CONNECT WITH JASON LinkedIn CONNECT WITH VIC LinkedIn voestalpine Böhler Welding *** For full show notes and services visit: https://www.distributionteam.com Distribution Talk is produced by The Distribution Team, a consulting services firm dedicated to helping wholesale distribution clients remove barriers to profitability, generate wealth, and achieve personal goals.    This episode was edited by The Creative Impostor Studios  Special thanks to our sponsors for this episode: Profit2, helping distributors charge the right price; and INxSQL Distribution Software, an integrated distribution ERP software designed for the wholesale and distribution industry.

In 2010, the Association for Information Systems formed a special interest group () to nurture an international community of academics that study the role of digital technologies in fostering environmentally, economically and socially sustainable development. Fifteen years later, we sit down with , the current SIGGreen president, to reflect on the progress we have made. What do we know about how digital technologies help greening our planet? What efforts in empirical, theoretical, and design work is still needed? Is our role to understand the role of digital technologies or do we need to push and enact change ourselves? We conclude that environmental questions and problems are now firmly on the radar screen of our discipline but more work needs to be done for information systems academics to transform the way we think about and use digital technologies.  Episode reading list Corbett, J., & Mellouli, S. (2017). Winning the SDG Battle in Cities: How an Integrated Information Ecosystem can Contribute to the Achievement of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Information Systems Journal, 27(4), 427-461. Seidel, S., Recker, J., & vom Brocke, J. (2013). Sensemaking and Sustainable Practicing: Functional Affordances of Information Systems in Green Transformations. MIS Quarterly, 37(4), 1275-1299. Hasan, H., Ghose, A., & Spedding, T. (2009). Editorial for the Special Issue on IT and Climate Change. Australasian Journal of Information Systems, 16(2), 19-21. Watson, R. T., Corbett, J., Boudreau, M.-C., & Webster, J. (2011). An Information Strategy for Environmental Sustainability. Communications of the ACM, 55(7), 28-30. Jenkin, T. A., Webster, J., & McShane, L. (2011). An Agenda for 'Green' Information Technology and Systems Research. Information and Organization, 21(1), 17-40. Watson, R. T., Boudreau, M.-C., & Chen, A. J. (2010). Information Systems and Environmentally Sustainable Development:  Energy Informatics and New Directions for the IS Community. MIS Quarterly, 34(1), 23-38. Elliot, S. (2011). Transdisciplinary Perspectives on Environmental Sustainability: A Resource Base and Framework for IT-Enabled Business Transformation. MIS Quarterly, 35(1), 197-236. Kahlen, M., Ketter, W., & van Dalen, J. (2018). Electric Vehicle Virtual Power Plant Dilemma: Grid Balancing Versus Customer Mobility. Production and Operations Management, 27(11), 2054-2070. Gholami, R., Watson, R. T., Hasan, H., Molla, A., & Bjørn-Andersen, N. (2016). Information Systems Solutions for Environmental Sustainability: How Can We Do More? Journal of the Association for Information Systems, 17(8), 521-536. Corbett, J., & El Idrissi, S. C. (2022). Persuasion, Information Technology, and the Environmental Citizen: An Empirical Study of the Persuasion Effectiveness of City Applications. Government Information Quarterly, 39(4), 101757. Degirmenci, K., & Recker, J. (2023). Breaking Bad Habits: A Field Experiment About How Routinized Work Practices Can Be Made More Eco-efficient Through IS for Sensemaking. Information & Management, 60(4), 103778. Zeiss, R., Ixmeier, A., Recker, J., & Kranz, J. (2021). Mobilising Information Systems Scholarship For a Circular Economy: Review, Synthesis, and Directions For Future Research. Information Systems Journal, 31(1), 148-183. Haudenosaunee Confederacy. (2025). Values. . The Stakeholder Alignment Collaborative. (2025). The Consortia Century: Aligning for Impact. Oxford University Press. Hovorka, D. and Corbett, J. (2012) IS Sustainability Research: A trans-disciplinary framework for a ‘grand challenge”. 33rd International Conference on Information Systems, Orlando, Florida. Hovorka, D. S., & Peter, S. (2021). Speculatively Engaging Future(s): Four Theses. MIS Quarterly, 45(1), 461-466. Gümüsay, A. A., & Reinecke, J. (2024). Imagining Desirable Futures: A Call for Prospective Theorizing with Speculative Rigour. Organization Theory, 5(1), . Kotlarsky, J., Oshri, I., & Sekulic, N. (2023). Digital Sustainability in Information Systems Research: Conceptual Foundations and Future Directions. Journal of the Association for Information Systems, 24(4), 936-952. Gray, P., Lyytinen, K., Saunders, C., Willcocks, L. P., Watson, R. T., & Zwass, V. (2006). How Shall We Manage Our Journals in the Future?  A Discussion of Richard T. Watson's Proposals at ICIS 2004. Communications of the Association for Information Systems, 18(14), 2-41. Saldanha, T. J. V., Mithas, S., Khuntia, J., Whitaker, J., & Melville, N. P. (2022). How Green Information Technology Standards and Strategies Influence Performance: Role of Environment, Cost, and Dual Focus. MIS Quarterly, 46(4), 2367-2386. Leidner, D. E., Sutanto, J., & Goutas, L. (2022). Multifarious Roles and Conflicts on an Inter-Organizational Green IS. MIS Quarterly, 46(1), 591-608. Wunderlich, P., Veit, D. J., & Sarker, S. (2019). Adoption of Sustainable Technologies: A Mixed-Methods Study of German Households. MIS Quarterly, 43(2), 673-691. Melville, N. P. (2010). Information Systems Innovation for Environmental Sustainability. MIS Quarterly, 34(1), 1-21. Edwards, P. N. (2013). A Vast Machine. MIT Press. Meadows, D. H., Meadows, D. L., Randers, J., & Behrens, W. W. (1972). The Limits to Growth: A Report for the Club of Rome's Project on the Predicament of Mankind. Universe Books. Over the Hedge. (2006). . McPhearson, T., Raymond, C. M., Gulsrud, N., Albert, C., Coles, N., Fagerholm, N., Nagatsu, M., Olafsson, A. S., Niko, S., & Vierikko, K. (2021). Radical Changes are Needed for Transformations to a Good Anthropocene. npj Urban Sustainability, 1(5), .   

Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions. When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work.Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.Has your business been impacted by the recent fires? Apply now for a chance to receive one of 10 free tickets to SuperCrowdLA on May 2nd and 3rd and gain the tools to rebuild and grow!Devin: What is your superpower?John: I'm a playing field leveler.Veteran entrepreneurs face unique challenges when raising capital for their businesses. John Panaccione, CEO and Co-Founder of Folla Capital, is on a mission to change that. In today's episode, John explained how his experience as a veteran has shaped his passion for helping others in the veteran and minority business communities succeed.“I've had to live through running a business, owning a business, and raising capital,” John said. “I felt firsthand some of the challenges that we have there, but now, doing what I do, I just love helping fellow veterans and women- or minority-owned businesses deal with some of the unique challenges that we need to face.”Folla Capital, where John serves as CEO, is a registered broker-dealer that supports clients in conducting regulation crowdfunding offerings. Their goal is to make financing more accessible for underserved communities. By leveraging tools like Reg CF and Reg D exemptions, John and his team help entrepreneurs overcome the systemic barriers that have historically excluded them from funding opportunities.John shared several success stories from his work, including one about helping a veteran-owned software company called Oplign. The business, which helps veterans translate their military experience into civilian qualifications, raised nearly $700,000 through a Reg CF campaign. John reflected on the pride he feels when clients succeed. “There's nothing better than when somebody calls me and says, ‘Hey, two years ago you helped me, and now we're killing it.' That's the biggest reward I experience.”John's work is more than just helping companies raise money—it's about building communities. Highlighting the importance of both geographic and demographic connections, he explained how Folla Capital fosters networks that empower entrepreneurs. “Crowdfunding is wonderful,” he said, “but at the end of the day, a lot of the money ends up coming from people that have some connection with the management team.”Through Folla Capital, John is leveling the playing field for veterans and other underrepresented entrepreneurs. His work proves that with the right tools and support, these communities can thrive, creating not just businesses but stronger, more inclusive communities.If you're inspired by John's mission, stay tuned for more insights later in the episode about his superpower and how he uses it to empower others.tl;dr:John Panaccione discussed the challenges veterans and minority entrepreneurs face when raising capital.Folla Capital helps entrepreneurs succeed using tools like Reg CF and Reg D exemptions.Success stories highlight the importance of building both geographic and demographic communities.John's superpower is leveling the playing field by teaching the rules entrepreneurs need to know.Entrepreneurs can achieve success by exceeding standards, building networks, and fostering resilience.How to Develop Leveling the Playing Field As a SuperpowerJohn's superpower is “leveling the playing field.” He explained, “I've learned that most people that have goals are leaders. If they know the rules, they can compete.” John prides himself on being a teacher who ensures that entrepreneurs understand the standards and rules of raising capital, empowering them to create their own success. He emphasized, “We don't want to be the smart people with all the answers. We like to pride ourselves on being teachers.”Illustrative Story:One of John's proudest success stories involves helping a group of veterans open an indoor skydiving iFly facility in Wilmington, North Carolina. Despite skepticism and challenges, the team raised $1 million via a Reg CF campaign to unlock a $12 million financing package. This funding transformed an empty lot into a thriving business, showcasing how understanding the rules and applying them effectively can bring ambitious projects to life.Tips for Developing This Superpower:Learn the Rules: Familiarize yourself with the standards and regulations in your field.Aim Higher Than the Standard: Strive to exceed the minimum requirements for quality and preparation.Teach Others: Share your knowledge to empower others, rather than positioning yourself as the “expert.”Build Community: Leverage both geographic and demographic networks to support your goals.Practice Resilience: Don't be discouraged by skepticism—focus on proving doubters wrong through action.By following John's example and advice, you can make leveling the playing field a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!Guest ProfileJohn Panaccione ("Pana-chone" (he/him):CEO & Co-Founder, Folla CapitalAbout Folla Capital: Folla Capital is an SEC-registered broker-dealer. Folla Capital helps small businesses raise capital and provides general investment banking advisory services for startups, active businesses, and those involved in mergers and acquisitions. Our founders are entrepreneurs ourselves.  We've gone down the path of having to raise money the traditional way. We know what it's like to have to make weekly payroll and the rent and constantly deal with the challenge of managing cash flow. Our core team started in North Carolina in 2018, facilitating the State's Intrastate investment crowdfunding program called the NC PACES Act. Based on this experience, we began the process of expanding nationally to help any company, in any state, raise capital using any of the SEC exemptions including Reg D, Reg CF, and Reg A.Website: follacapital.comBiographical Information: John Panaccione, co-founder of Folla Capital, holds an array of SEC licenses, including Series 7, 24, 79, and 63. Folla Capital is an SEC-registered broker-dealer and helps entrepreneurs and small business owners raise capital. Prior to his Folla Capital venture in 2020, he co-founded and led the LogicBay Corporation, a software company, from 2003 to its 2020 acquisition by Pluribus Technologies, gaining extensive experience in small business finance and mergers and acquisitions.In 2013, he co-founded VETtoCEO, a non-profit aiding transitioning military personnel in considering entrepreneurship. Before his entrepreneurial career, John held leadership roles in operations and sales across various corporate sizes. He served six years as a U.S. Army officer, primarily in the 82nd Airborne Division paratrooper units.John holds a B.S. in Criminal Justice and an M.B.A. from Bryant University, focusing on Technology and Operations Management.Personal Facebook Profile: facebook.com/FollaCapitalLinkedin: linkedin.com/company/69705255Guest ProfileJohn Panaccione ("Pana-chone" (he/him):CEO & Co-Founder, Folla CapitalAbout Folla Capital: Folla Capital is an SEC-registered broker-dealer. Folla Capital helps small businesses raise capital and provides general investment banking advisory services for startups, active businesses, and those involved in mergers and acquisitions. Our founders are entrepreneurs ourselves.  We've gone down the path of having to raise money the traditional way. We know what it's like to have to make weekly payroll and the rent and constantly deal with the challenge of managing cash flow. Our core team started in North Carolina in 2018, facilitating the State's Intrastate investment crowdfunding program called the NC PACES Act. Based on this experience, we began the process of expanding nationally to help any company, in any state, raise capital using any of the SEC exemptions including Reg D, Reg CF, and Reg A.Website: follacapital.comBiographical Information: John Panaccione, co-founder of Folla Capital, holds an array of SEC licenses, including Series 7, 24, 79, and 63. Folla Capital is an SEC-registered broker-dealer and helps entrepreneurs and small business owners raise capital. Prior to his Folla Capital venture in 2020, he co-founded and led the LogicBay Corporation, a software company, from 2003 to its 2020 acquisition by Pluribus Technologies, gaining extensive experience in small business finance and mergers and acquisitions.In 2013, he co-founded VETtoCEO, a non-profit aiding transitioning military personnel in considering entrepreneurship. Before his entrepreneurial career, John held leadership roles in operations and sales across various corporate sizes. He served six years as a U.S. Army officer, primarily in the 82nd Airborne Division paratrooper units.John holds a B.S. in Criminal Justice and an M.B.A. from Bryant University, focusing on Technology and Operations Management.Personal Facebook Profile: facebook.com/FollaCapitalLinkedin: linkedin.com/company/69705255Support Our SponsorsOur generous sponsors make our work possible, serving impact investors, social entrepreneurs, community builders and diverse founders. Today's advertisers include FundingHope, AMIBA, SuperCrowdLA and Crowdfunding Made Simple. Learn more about advertising with us here.Max-Impact MembersThe following Max-Impact Members provide valuable financial support:Carol Fineagan, Independent Consultant | Lory Moore, Lory Moore Law | Marcia Brinton, High Desert Gear | Paul Lovejoy, Stakeholder Enterprise | Pearl Wright, Global Changemaker | Ralf Mandt, Next Pitch | Scott Thorpe, Philanthropist | Matthew Mead, Hempitecture | Michael Pratt, Qnetic | Add Your Name HereUpcoming SuperCrowd Event CalendarIf a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.SuperCrowdLA: we're going to be live in Santa Monica, California, May 1-3. Plan to join us for a major, in-person event focused on scaling impact. Sponsored by Digital Niche Agency, ProActive Real Estate and others. This will be a can't-miss event. Has your business been impacted by the recent fires? Apply now for a chance to receive one of 10 free tickets to SuperCrowdLA on May 2nd and 3rd and gain the tools to rebuild and grow!  Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, on May 20, 2025, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, the Club meets to review new offerings for investment consideration and to conduct due diligence on previously screened deals. To join the Impact Cherub Club, become an Impact Member of the SuperCrowd.SuperCrowdHour, May 21, 2025, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Devin Thorpe, Champion of Social Good and CEO of The Super Crowd, Inc., will lead a session on "The Secret to Higher Investment Returns via Impact Crowdfunding." He'll share powerful strategies and real-world examples that show how aligning your investments with your values can lead to strong financial and social returns. If you're an investor looking to maximize impact or curious about the growing world of impact crowdfunding, this is a session you won't want to miss! Don't miss it!SuperCrowd25, August 21st and 22nd: This two-day virtual event is an annual tradition but with big upgrades for 2025! We'll be streaming live across the web and on TV via e360tv. Soon, we'll open a process for nominating speakers. Check back!Community Event CalendarSuccessful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events.Crowdfunding Addict: Lessons Learned from a Year of Daily Investments, Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at 2:00 PM ET.Regulated Investment Crowdfunding Summit 2025, Crowdfunding Professional Association, Washington DC, October 21-22, 2025.Call for community action:Please show your support for a tax credit for investments made via Regulation Crowdfunding, benefiting both the investors and the small businesses that receive the investments. Learn more here.Guest ProfileJohn Panaccione ("Pana-chone" (he/him):CEO & Co-Founder, Folla CapitalAbout Folla Capital: Folla Capital is an SEC-registered broker-dealer. Folla Capital helps small businesses raise capital and provides general investment banking advisory services for startups, active businesses, and those involved in mergers and acquisitions. Our founders are entrepreneurs ourselves.  We've gone down the path of having to raise money the traditional way. We know what it's like to have to make weekly payroll and the rent and constantly deal with the challenge of managing cash flow. Our core team started in North Carolina in 2018, facilitating the State's Intrastate investment crowdfunding program called the NC PACES Act. Based on this experience, we began the process of expanding nationally to help any company, in any state, raise capital using any of the SEC exemptions including Reg D, Reg CF, and Reg A.Website: follacapital.comBiographical Information: John Panaccione, co-founder of Folla Capital, holds an array of SEC licenses, including Series 7, 24, 79, and 63. Folla Capital is an SEC-registered broker-dealer and helps entrepreneurs and small business owners raise capital. Prior to his Folla Capital venture in 2020, he co-founded and led the LogicBay Corporation, a software company, from 2003 to its 2020 acquisition by Pluribus Technologies, gaining extensive experience in small business finance and mergers and acquisitions.In 2013, he co-founded VETtoCEO, a non-profit aiding transitioning military personnel in considering entrepreneurship. Before his entrepreneurial career, John held leadership roles in operations and sales across various corporate sizes. He served six years as a U.S. Army officer, primarily in the 82nd Airborne Division paratrooper units.John holds a B.S. in Criminal Justice and an M.B.A. from Bryant University, focusing on Technology and Operations Management.Personal Facebook Profile: facebook.com/FollaCapitalLinkedin: linkedin.com/company/69705255Support Our SponsorsOur generous sponsors make our work possible, serving impact investors, social entrepreneurs, community builders and diverse founders. Today's advertisers include FundingHope, AMIBA, SuperCrowdLA and Crowdfunding Made Simple. Learn more about advertising with us here.Max-Impact MembersThe following Max-Impact Members provide valuable financial support:Carol Fineagan, Independent Consultant | Lory Moore, Lory Moore Law | Marcia Brinton, High Desert Gear | Paul Lovejoy, Stakeholder Enterprise | Pearl Wright, Global Changemaker | Ralf Mandt, Next Pitch | Scott Thorpe, Philanthropist | Matthew Mead, Hempitecture | Michael Pratt, Qnetic | Add Your Name HereUpcoming SuperCrowd Event CalendarIf a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.SuperCrowdLA: we're going to be live in Santa Monica, California, May 1-3. Plan to join us for a major, in-person event focused on scaling impact. Sponsored by Digital Niche Agency, ProActive Real Estate and others. This will be a can't-miss event. Has your business been impacted by the recent fires? Apply now for a chance to receive one of 10 free tickets to SuperCrowdLA on May 2nd and 3rd and gain the tools to rebuild and grow!  Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, on May 20, 2025, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, the Club meets to review new offerings for investment consideration and to conduct due diligence on previously screened deals. To join the Impact Cherub Club, become an Impact Member of the SuperCrowd.SuperCrowdHour, May 21, 2025, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Devin Thorpe, Champion of Social Good and CEO of The Super Crowd, Inc., will lead a session on "The Secret to Higher Investment Returns via Impact Crowdfunding." He'll share powerful strategies and real-world examples that show how aligning your investments with your values can lead to strong financial and social returns. If you're an investor looking to maximize impact or curious about the growing world of impact crowdfunding, this is a session you won't want to miss! Don't miss it!SuperCrowd25, August 21st and 22nd: This two-day virtual event is an annual tradition but with big upgrades for 2025! We'll be streaming live across the web and on TV via e360tv. Soon, we'll open a process for nominating speakers. Check back!Community Event CalendarSuccessful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events.Crowdfunding Addict: Lessons Learned from a Year of Daily Investments, Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at 2:00 PM ET.Regulated Investment Crowdfunding Summit 2025, Crowdfunding Professional Association, Washington DC, October 21-22, 2025.Call for community action:Please show your support for a tax credit for investments made via Regulation Crowdfunding, benefiting both the investors and the small businesses that receive the investments. Learn more here.We use AI to help us write compelling recaps of each episode. Get full access to Superpowers for Good at www.superpowers4good.com/subscribe

Most AI conversations revolve around the tech. That's understandable, given its computational superiority and unlimited potential, especially when applied to distribution. Nick Pericle, Vice President of ProfitOptics, engages in more expansive discussions, complete with sessions of task-oriented, experiential learning. Jason caught up with Nick to learn about ProfitOptics' experiential approach to creating scalable solutions and securing employee buy-in. And, yes, the pair also discuss the amazing, adaptable AI tech driving the distribution industry's evolution. CONNECT WITH JASON LinkedIn CONNECT WITH NICK LinkedIn ProfitOptics *** For full show notes and services visit: https://www.distributionteam.com Distribution Talk is produced by The Distribution Team, a consulting services firm dedicated to helping wholesale distribution clients remove barriers to profitability, generate wealth, and achieve personal goals.    This episode was edited by The Creative Impostor Studios. Special thanks to our sponsors for this episode: Moblico, helping businesses do more business on mobile devices; and INxSQL Distribution Software, an integrated distribution ERP software designed for the wholesale and distribution industry. 

From Investment Banking to HVAC Ownership: Will's First 90 Days Scaling a Service Business Looking to scale your HVAC or home service business effectively? In this episode of Owned and Operated, we sit down with Will, a former investment banker who's now leading an HVAC company, to unpack real strategies for rapid, sustainable growth in the trades. Whether you're acquiring your first business or streamlining operations post-acquisition, this episode is packed with actionable advice.

When was the last time curiosity got the better of you on a business trip? In this rare solo episode, Jason explores roads less traveled. Literally. Calling on clients is what business travel is all about, but is there room in your schedule for unexpected experiences?  Are you open to making mundane travel more magical this time around? CONNECT WITH JASON LinkedIn *** For full show notes and services visit: https://www.distributionteam.com Distribution Talk is produced by The Distribution Team, a consulting services firm dedicated to helping wholesale distribution clients remove barriers to profitability, generate wealth, and achieve personal goals.    This episode was edited & mixed by The Creative Impostor Studios.  Special thanks to our sponsors for this episode: Connected Peers, connecting key employees in distribution's leading organizations; and INxSQL Distribution Software, an integrated distribution ERP software designed for the wholesale and distribution industry.  

Welcome to the What's Next! Podcast with Tiffani Bova.     This week I'm giving another listen to a conversation I shared with Professor Christian Terwiesch and I'm eager to share it with you! Christian is a Professor in Wharton's Operations and Information Management department, co-director of Penn's Mack Institute for Innovation Management, and also holds a faculty appointment at Penn's Perelman School of Medicine. He is the co-author of Matching Supply with Demand, a widely used textbook in Operations Management. He launched the first Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) in business on Coursera based on the book and since its inception, more than half a million students have enrolled. His first management book, Innovation Tournaments, details a new process-based approach to innovation and has inspired innovation tournaments around the world. His latest book, Connected Strategies, combines his expertise in the fields of operations, innovation, and strategy to help companies take advantage of digital technology leading to new business models. In addition to his teaching and his research, Professor Terwiesch is the host of “Work of Tomorrow,” a national radio show on Sirius XM 132.     THIS EPISODE IS PERFECT FOR… anyone wanting to become more innovative or bring a culture of innovation to their organization, as well as those wanting to get a pulse on new business models shaping how organizations interact with customers today.    TODAY'S MAIN MESSAGE… we have to find different ways of delighting our customers. How do we do that? Through innovation and continuous connection. Professor Terwiesch maintains that innovation is a cultural process that can be managed. That is the power of the Innovation Tournament, it leaves room for that magic spark to fly while giving it direction and structure. Beyond Innovation Tournaments, it's about becoming continuously connected. This connection enables new ways of delighting the customer and also allows organizations to provide more value to the customer, potentially at a lower cost. The purpose of a connected strategy and a continuous relationship is not only to get data but also to do a better job for the customer.    WHAT  I  LOVE  MOST… I love that Christian has identified these new business models that are fundamentally changing the way organizations interact with their customers.     Running Time: 30:47    Subscribe on iTunes     Find Tiffani Online: LinkedIn Facebook X    Find Christian Online: LinkedIn  Connected-Strategy Website Work of Tomorrow Podcast    Christian's Book:  Connected Strategy Book