Podcasts about Operator

Apple launched the iPod in the wake of the dot-com bubble. Airbnb launched during the 2008 recession and housing crisis. In fact, half of all the Fortune 500 companies were created during a recession or economic crisis. With the rise of AI, sociopolitical unrest, and the post-COVID landscape, what new ideas and businesses will emerge in 2026? LINKS The Age of Disclosure (https://www.amazon.com/Age-Disclosure-Dan-Farah/dp/B0FMF29BBJ) Daniel Salzner: Goldman-Sachs to $40K MRR AI Agency (https://www.linkedin.com/posts/danielsalzner_i-quit-my-job-10-weeks-ago-today-i-bootstrapped-activity-7402723101932670976-rcGS/) Never Enough: From Barista to Billionaire by Andrew Wilkinson (https://www.amazon.com/Never-Enough-Billionaire-Andrew-Wilkinson/dp/1637744765) Meet location-independent founders inside Dynamite Circle (https://dynamitecircle.com/) Hang out exclusively with 7+ figure founders in DC BLACK (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) CHAPTERS (00:00:13) Change = Opportunity (00:05:36) Idea #1: Solutions to AI Worry (00:07:59) Idea #2: Address Digital Degeneracy (00:12:42) Idea #3: Homesteading and Doomsday Prep (00:20:34) Idea #4: Religious Revival (00:23:58) Idea #5: Lifespan Optimization CONNECT: Dan@tropicalmba.com Ian@tropicalmba.com Past guests on TMBA include Cal Newport, David Heinemeier Hannson, Seth Godin, Ricardo Semler, Noah Kagan, Rob Walling, Jay Clouse, Einar Vollset, Sam Dogan, Gino Wickam, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Mark Webster, Steph Smith, Taylor Pearson, Justin Tan, Matt Gartland, Ayman Al-Abdullah, Lucy Bella. PLAYLIST: Your 2026 Business Plan in 36 Minutes (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/2026-business-plan) [FREE Resource] TMBA 539: Weathering the Storm (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/entrepreneurs-survive-economic-downturn) TMBA 546: Adjusting to the 'New Normal' (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/jim-huffman-new-normal)

“What do you do when you stop winning?”In this episode, Sean and Matt drop the highlight reel and talk candidly about what it actually feels like when a once high-flying brand stalls, hits flat revenue, or even starts shrinking.They unpack why every business has a “natural size,” why top-line obsession is the laziest definition of winning, and how to think more clearly about margin compression, momentum, and your own financial security as a founder.From redefining success beyond horsepower-style revenue numbers, to product, channel, and positioning pivots, to doing the brutal “Fog of War” cuts instead of slow bleeding out, this is a tactical, psychologically honest roadmap for operators trying to diagnose stalled growth and decide whether to push for the next level or intentionally right-size the business and finally take money off the table.Chapters00:00 – Cold open: what it feels like when winning stops02:20 – Why this episode matters: growth stalls, failure, and the messy middle04:06 – Defining “winning”: growth vs profit, lifestyle, and the natural size of a business07:18 – Survival first: financial security, changing goals, and evolving definitions of success12:51 – Diagnosing stalled growth: macro forces, misalignment, and internal blind spots17:42 – Tactical vs strategic stalls: product, category limits, and being in the wrong vehicle23:48 – Playing by the rules of the game: CAC, channels, and market realities33:13 – Diversification as defense: why building on rented land is dangerous39:00 – When winning tactics stop working: SEO hits, waves crashing, and preparing for stall-outs44:00 – Operating paranoid: assuming stalls, diversifying early, and the tradeoff of leaving money on the table50:00 – Changing the business: adding new product lines, multiple business units, and hedging inside your own brand56:00 – Rented land warning: Facebook media, platform dependency, and why omnichannel is non-negotiablePowered ByFulfil.iohttps://bit.ly/3pAp2vuThe Only Cloud ERP Designed to Efficiently Scale 8 and 9-Figure Brands.Northbeamhttps://www.northbeam.io/Richpanelhttps://www.richpanel.com/?utm_source=9O&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ytdescSarashttps://bit.ly/9OP-YtdescRivohttps://www.rivo.io/operatorsSubscribeSubscribe to The Marketing Operators Podcast:https://www.youtube.com/@MarketingOperatorsSubscribe to The Finance Operators:https://www.youtube.com/@FinanceOperatorsFOPS — Sign up to the 9 Operators newsletter:https://9operators.com/

Semyon Dukach, the Founding Partner at One Way Ventures, serial entrepreneur, and former leader of the famed MIT Blackjack team, joins me to share his extraordinary journey from arriving in the U.S. as a Soviet refugee to becoming one of New England's top venture capitalists. We discuss his path from leading the MIT Blackjack team to startup founder to prolific investor. One Way Ventures invests only in immigrant founders and we discussed how he developed that thesis. We also talk about personal growth, overcoming imposter syndrome, and what it really takes to become an exceptional founder and leader.Where to find Semyon:XLinkedInOne Way VenturesTimestamps:(00:00) From Pacman to Blackjack: A Unique Journey(02:58) Lessons from the MIT Blackjack Team(05:54) Transitioning from Operator to Investor(08:52) The Immigrant Experience and Entrepreneurship(11:46) Building Trust in High-Stakes Environments(14:36) The Power of Immigrant Founders(17:44) Branding and Recognition in Venture Capital(28:18) Building a Strong Network for Deal Flow(31:39) Recognizing Undervalued Immigrant Founders(34:19) Traits of Extraordinary Founders(37:07) The Importance of Customer Focus(38:53) Growth Through Partnership and Experience(42:23) Navigating the Challenges of Venture Capital(44:56) Turning Disappointments into Opportunities(46:19) Dealing with Imposter Syndrome(47:32) Lessons Learned on the Entrepreneurial Journey(51:03) The Inner Drive of EntrepreneurshipConnect with Alisa! Follow Alisa Cohn on Instagram: @alisacohn Twitter: @alisacohn Facebook: facebook.com/alisa.cohn LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisacohn/ Website: http://www.alisacohn.com Download her 5 scripts for delicate conversations (and 1 to make your life better) Grab a copy of From Start-Up to Grown-Up by Alisa Cohn from Amazon

Colton Hill, USMC Infantry & US Army Green Beret, reveals why high performers in the military often struggle the most when the mission ends. We dive into the "Operator Syndrome," the physical toll of 18 years of service, and why the transition home is the hardest fight of all.Colton shares the moment that nearly cost him his life and what ultimately pulled him back.This episode dives deep into resilience, faith, mental health, brotherhood, and why so many high-performing warriors struggle in silence after service. If you're a veteran, first responder, or someone carrying unseen weight, this conversation may be exactly what you need to hear.If this helps you, share it with someone who needs it. You're not alone.Learn more about Core Medical Group: https://coremedicalgrp.com/Learn more about Core Medical Foundation: https://coremedicalfoundation.org/Follow Colton: https://www.instagram.com/colton_hill0318bLearn more about Church of Eleven22: https://coe22.comFollow Joby: https://www.instagram.com/jobypmartinRESILIENT:Live Resilient Store: https://shop.theresilientshow.comJoin Our Patreon: https://patreon.com/theresilientshowFollow Us On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resilientshowFollow Us On Twitter:⁠ https://twitter.com/resilientshowFollow Us On TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@resilientshowFollow Chad:⁠https://www.instagram.com/chadrobo_official⁠https://www.x.com/chadroboChad's Jacket is from: ⁠https://thenormalbrand.com⁠Chad's Jeans are from: ⁠https://devil-dog.com⁠SPONSORS:Smith & Wesson: ⁠https://www.smith-wesson.com/⁠Vortex Optics:https://vortexoptics.comGatorz Eyewear: ⁠https://www.gatorz.com/⁠Allied Wealth:https://alliedwealth.comBioPro+: ⁠https://www.bioproteintech.com/CHAD30⁠BioXCellerator:https://www.bioxcellerator.comThe Holy Waters:https://theholywaters.comGet The Resilient Show x Uncharted Supply Co Bag: https://shop.theresilientshow.comSLNT: https://slnt.comTRS is a proud supporter of military & first responder communities in partnership with Mighty Oaks Foundation.

Pete Syme interviews Andrea Lamparini from WeRoad, a hybrid tech company and tour operator that's rewriting the rules of group travel for millennials and Gen Z. The conversation reveals how WeRoad has achieved exceptional growth by building a community-first model where strangers become friends through small group experiences, using travel coordinators instead of traditional guides, operating as a curated marketplace where top coordinators design their own trips, and leveraging technology to scale operations with one-third of their 200-person team dedicated to tech. Andrea shares how they maintain quality with 4,000+ casual travel coordinators who each lead just one trip per year, why they leave 30-40% of each itinerary unstructured for group decision-making, how their supply model works across 68-70 DMCs globally, and why they're expanding into B2B channels including travel agencies, employee benefit programs, and corporate partnerships that already represent 17-18% of revenue. The discussion covers their VC backing (rare for a tour operator), plans for US expansion in 2026, the power of their We Meet app hosting 50,000 community members at events this year, and Andrea's key lesson learned: curating their marketplace offering earlier would have prevented the conversion drop caused by overwhelming choice.Top Ten Takeaways1. Travel Coordinators Work Alongside Local GuidesWeRoad uses travel coordinators who are the same age as travelers, depart from the same home country, and focus on facilitating group dynamics rather than delivering local expertise. Local guides are still included for museums, parks, and other sites where specialized knowledge is needed. Travel coordinators create WhatsApp groups one month before departure, balance introverted and extroverted personalities, and coordinate the 30-40% of unstructured time built into every itinerary. WeRoad has 4,000+ coordinators working casual contracts with a commitment of just one trip per year.2. Quality at Scale Without Full-Time StaffCoordinators go through online applications, webinars, group interviews, and a final boot camp weekend with 100 candidates. Most visit destinations for the first time, but rigorous hiring and training ensure consistency. Local DMC partners provide backup if logistics fail. Top performers can become "producers" who design and scout their own trips.3. Groups Decide 30-40% of Their Itinerary in Real TimeAccommodations, transport, and core experiences are fixed, but dinners, half-days, and optional activities are decided by the group during the trip based on their interests and budget. Travel coordinators provide options and handle bookings with local partners, personalizing the experience to match group energy.4. A Curated Marketplace Scales the Portfolio 5xWeRoad's internal team creates 200 itineraries while travel producers create 1,000+ more. This model scaled their catalog 5x without adding internal headcount. All producers use standardized supply agreements ensuring every DMC meets centralized requirements for safety, insurance, compliance, and capacity.5. Supply Quality Is Non-NegotiableWeRoad works with 68-70 DMCs globally, visits partner sites, and monitors quality constantly. The rule is simple: mess up once or twice and you're out. Because each group makes different choices during unstructured time, suppliers must be flexible enough to support varied activities in every destination.6. Community Extends Beyond Travel Through We MeetThe We Meet app hosts 10,000+ events across Europe where 50,000 people connected this year. Travel coordinators organize pottery classes, running groups, hiking, pub quizzes, and weekend trips in their home cities. This keeps...

What’s the philosophy behind enjoying a good roller coaster ride? What should travelers keep in mind as they’re waved through a construction site on the road? What’s it like to care for cattle at 4,200 feet elevation (and what’s the mooood on the range)?

Trey Morgan and Derek Copeland of Sentinel Grove Partners pull back the curtain on the high-stakes world of restaurant real estate and private equity. The trio explores the critical importance of the landlord-tenant relationship, viewing it as a long-term partnership rather than a mere transaction, and discusses the shift toward a "landlord's market" in high-growth regions like the Sunbelt. Beyond the numbers, Trey and Derek emphasize that successful investing is about "betting the jockey, not the horse," highlighting how exceptional leadership, staff retention, and clear succession planning are the true indicators of a concept's longevity in an unpredictable economy.10 Key Takeaways Interview Your Landlord: A lease is only as good as the people behind it. Talk to existing tenants to see how the landlord handles crises before signing. Bet the Jockey, Not the Horse: A great concept (the horse) will fail with a poor operator, but a great operator (the jockey) can pivot and save a concept during a "black swan" event like COVID-19. The "Disproportionate" Equity Model: A popular funding structure involves paying investors back 100% of their capital first; once de-risked, the profit split shifts in favor of the operator. Staff Longevity as a Metric: High retention (e.g., staff staying 20+ years) is the ultimate green flag for investors, signaling a healthy culture and operational stability. The "Landlord's Market": In high-growth areas like the Southeast, low vacancy and high demand mean rents are spiking, requiring operators to be faster and more prepared during negotiations. Banking is still Face-to-Face: Despite digital trends, walking into a branch and looking a lender in the eye is still the best way to secure capital for a restaurant. The Rule of Three Banks: Operators should maintain 2–3 banking relationships, as individual banks may lose their "appetite" for the restaurant sector depending on the economic cycle. Inflation Beyond Rent: It's not just the base rent; skyrocketing "Triple Net" (NNN) costs—taxes, insurance, and maintenance—are the biggest current headwinds for operators. Succession Planning is Mandatory: Investors need to know what happens if the founder "gets hit by a bus." A business that can't run without its owner is a risky investment. Tenant Mix Matters: Successful real estate development requires a balance; too many restaurants in one center creates parking "cannibalization," hurting everyone's sales.

Join us as we discuss being one of the worlds first steadicam operators, shooting concerts in front of 100s of thousands of people, NCIS New Orleans, Monsters Ball, and so much more. Jerry's IMDB To see pictures and things we discussed in todays episode check out the podcast page of The Op. Please check us out on our website and on instagram and like us and review us if you enjoyed the episode. Theme Music - Tatyana Richaud Theme Mix - Charles Papert

What if 90 days from now, your business was sharper, more focused, and positioned for real growth? This simple but powerful 10-question framework is designed to help you identify your biggest challenge, clarify your team's focus, and uncover new opportunities to stand out in your market. LINKS 90 Day Business Clarity Worksheet (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1a_rGQy83JhYfmcbWhGWZredl43Ds-EAd-1gh1ulAYlg/edit?tab=t.0) Meet location-independent founders inside Dynamite Circle (https://dynamitecircle.com/) Hang out exclusively with 7+ figure founders in DC BLACK (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) CHAPTERS (00:03:29) Biggest challenge and next steps (00:06:33) Focus (00:08:24) Understand your customer (00:12:45) Positioning (00:15:55) Innovation and unique advantages (00:21:15) Network (00:22:57) Business model (00:25:06) Team (00:26:38) Cadence & leadership (00:28:34) Bonus CONNECT: Dan@tropicalmba.com Ian@tropicalmba.com Past guests on TMBA include Cal Newport, David Heinemeier Hannson, Seth Godin, Ricardo Semler, Noah Kagan, Rob Walling, Jay Clouse, Einar Vollset, Sam Dogan, Gino Wickam, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Mark Webster, Steph Smith, Taylor Pearson, Justin Tan, Matt Gartland, Ayman Al-Abdullah, Lucy Bella. PLAYLIST: Your 2026 Business Plan in 36 Minutes (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/2026-business-plan) [FREE Resource] Don't Write Another Landing Page Without This Framework (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/2026-email-funnels-playbook) [2026 Email Funnels Playbook] These 7+ Figure Founders Refused the “Normal” Path to Wealth (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/7-figure-founders-refused-normal-path)

Tokyo police searched locations linked to a luxury sauna facility operator on Thursday on suspicion of professional negligence resulting in the deaths of two customers earlier this month.

The Gift of Simtheory: https://simtheory.ai---2025 Model Timeline: https://simulationtheory.ai/5fd0e964-4c41-4f9a-bbb3-2a398d8500f0It's the long-anticipated holiday special... except Mike and Kris forgot to prepare so it's just a normal episode.

We're back from a week of hanging out with rockstars in NYC. Not just figurative rockstars in the form of 25 DC BLACK members and Scott Heiferman of Meetup.com, but also literal rockstar Keith Murray of We Are Scientists. From “friendly” acquisitions to hiring frameworks and thoughts on leadership, this is what's top of mind for 7 and 8-figure location independent founders going into 2026. LINKS Meet location-independent founders inside Dynamite Circle (https://dynamitecircle.com/) Hang out exclusively with 7+ figure founders in DC BLACK (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) Leader's Intent Framework (https://verticalperformance.us/develop-a-leaders-intent-to-transform-your-team/) Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell (https://www.buybackyourtime.com/) TMBA 528: The Brenwall Code (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/markbrenwall2) CHAPTERS (00:05:22) 7-Figures and Location Flexibility (00:09:25) The Rise of “Friendly” Business Acquisitions (00:14:12) What the Hell is Leadership? (00:18:45) Buying Back Your Time with AI & Hiring (00:22:40) Insights from Meetup.com's Scott Heiferman (00:28:10) Annual Planning: Working Backwards From the Goal (00:31:25) The Crossover Between Artist and Entrepreneur (00:39:46) Overcoming Challenges Through Innovation (00:42:47) Rebranding “Asking for Help” CONNECT: Dan@tropicalmba.com Ian@tropicalmba.com Past guests on TMBA include Cal Newport, David Heinemeier Hannson, Seth Godin, Ricardo Semler, Noah Kagan, Rob Walling, Jay Clouse, Einar Vollset, Sam Dogan, Gino Wickam, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Mark Webster, Steph Smith, Taylor Pearson, Justin Tan, Matt Gartland, Ayman Al-Abdullah, Lucy Bella. PLAYLIST: Don't Write Another Landing Page Without This Framework (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/2026-email-funnels-playbook) [2026 Email Funnels Playbook] 6-Figure Sales Expert Calls You Out (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/dont-keep-doing-this-2026) [Don't Keep Doing This in 2026] Your 2026 Business Plan in 36 Minutes (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/2026-business-plan) [FREE Resource]

Join hosts Mark Kelley of Kelley Defense and Rick Hogg of War HOGG Tactical on this exciting episode of On The Range Podcast as they dive deep into the world of professional K9 training with special guest Matt Foster, Owner and Operator of Kingdom K-9.   Discover expert tips on military dog training, law enforcement canine operations, tactical K9 handling, and how these elite dogs enhance security and combat scenarios. Whether you're a veteran, police officer, firearms enthusiast, or dog lover interested in advanced obedience training, scent detection, and protection dogs, this episode offers actionable insights to help you be 1% better every day.   Explore the intersection of tactical firearms training and K9 units, including equipment recommendations, real-world deployment stories, and the latest in canine gear for law enforcement and civilians. Don't miss this must-listen discussion on building unbreakable bonds with working dogs and elevating your tactical skills!SEO Keywords with Hyperlinks: K9 Training Military Dog Training Law Enforcement Canine Tactical K9 Handling Protection Dogs Firearms Training Combat Veteran Insights Working Dog Equipment Tactical Podcast Scent Detection Dogs

When Dr David Tuch started investigating his family tree, he found much more than he bargained for. A distant cousin. A sailor. A man who led a life of adventure - and changed the world of crime forever. In Part One of this True Spies story, you'll meet him too - and discover the first steps on a dark, dangerous and fascinating journey. Dr. David Tuch is the author of The Wireless Operator: The Untold Story of the British Sailor Who Invented the Modern Drug Trade. From SPYSCAPE, the home of secrets. A Cup And Nuzzle production. Series producer: Joe Foley. Produced by Joe Foley. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Food shelves across the country are seeing increased demand. And a new survey carried out by the University of Minnesota Extension and Minnesota-based nonprofit Foundation for Essential Needs provides a closer look at the need. Among the takeaways from the nearly 10,000 Minnesotans who responded this past spring: more than half say they got half or more of all their food from a food shelf. Dom Korbel is with Community Pathways of Steele County in Owatonna. He's joined Minnesota Now to share how he uses the results of the survey to stock the shelves and what the need looks like ahead of the holiday season.

Michael and I discuss his operating over the years, working with John Cassavetes and Orson Welles, on Die Hard, Waterworld, and Snakes on A Plane, and so much more. Mike's IMDB To see pictures and things we discussed in todays episode check out the podcast page of The Op. Please check us out on our website and on instagram and like us and review us if you enjoyed the episode. Theme Music - Tatyana Richaud Theme Mix - Charles Papert    

Join Simtheory: https://simtheory.aiGPT-5.2 is here and... it's not great. In this episode, we put OpenAI's latest model through its paces and discover it can't even identify a convicted serial killer when the text literally says "serial killer." We compare it head-to-head with Claude Opus and Gemini 3 Pro (spoiler: they win). Plus, we reflect on the "Year of Agents" that wasn't, why your barber switched to Grok, Disney's billion-dollar investment to use Mickey Mouse in Sora, and why Mustafa Suleyman should probably be fired. Also featuring: the GPT-5.2 diss track where the model brags about capabilities it doesn't have.CHAPTERS:00:00 Intro - GPT-5.2 Drops + Details01:25 First Impressions: Verbose, Overhyped, Vibe-Tuned02:52 OpenAI's Rushed Response to Gemini 303:24 Tool Calling Problems & Agentic Failures04:14 Why Anthropic's Models Just Work Better06:31 The Barber Test: Real Users Are Switching to Grok10:00 The Ivan Milat Vision Test (Serial Killer Edition)17:04 Year of Agents Retrospective: What Went Wrong25:28 The Path to True Agentic Workflows31:22 GPT-5.2 Diss Track (Yes, Really)43:43 Why We're Still Optimistic About AI50:29 Google Bringing Ads to Gemini in 202654:46 Disney Pays $1B to Use Mickey Mouse in Sora56:57 LOL of the Week: Mustafa Suleyman's Sad Tweets1:00:35 Outro & Full GPT-5.2 Diss TrackThanks for listening. Like & Sub. xoxox

Pascal Wagner interviews Rod Khleif, a 40-year investor who has owned thousands of units and trained operators responsible for more than 260,000 multifamily doors. Rod breaks down today's confusing multifamily environment, explaining why conservative underwriting, realistic assumptions, and deep operator due diligence matter more than ever. He shares the biggest mistakes GPs are currently making—from aggressive rent growth assumptions to risky debt structures—and outlines the practical questions every LP must ask before wiring money. Rod also highlights where he sees distress, opportunity, and risk heading into the next cycle. Rod KhleifCurrent role: Founder, Lifetime Cashflow Through Real Estate Investing; Multifamily Investor & EducatorBased in: Sarasota, FloridaSay hi to them at: https://rodslinks.com | https://www.youtube.com/@RodKhleif | https://www.linkedin.com/in/rodkhleif/ Get 50% Off Monarch Money, the all-in-one financial tool at www.monarchmoney.com with code BESTEVER Join us at Best Ever Conference 2026! Find more info at: https://www.besteverconference.com/  Join the Best Ever Community  The Best Ever Community is live and growing - and we want serious commercial real estate investors like you inside. It's free to join, but you must apply and meet the criteria.  Connect with top operators, LPs, GPs, and more, get real insights, and be part of a curated network built to help you grow. Apply now at⁠ ⁠⁠⁠www.bestevercommunity.com⁠⁠ Podcast production done by⁠ ⁠Outlier Audio⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With so many ways to make money online, many founders and creators have lost sight of the most powerful one: email marketing. John Ainsworth, founder of Data Driven Marketing, says you're leaving tons of money on the table if you're not doing it well. John is back on the pod to share his best tips and tactics on landing pages, upsells, lead magnets, and more. You might want to take some notes for this one! LINKS Rolodex Marketing Resource (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jRV_ncgCWAMRB7tZZtnO7x0Tn5sE46-tYkwN6paVG3A/edit?tab=t.0) Free Email Marketing Resources (https://datadrivenmarketing.co/resources/) John's Podcast: The Art of Selling Online Courses (https://www.youtube.com/@john_ainsworth/videos) Meet John and other location-independent founders inside Dynamite Circle (https://dynamitecircle.com/) Hang out exclusively with 7+ figure founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) Get 2 months of Perspective AI FREE with promo code TMBA (https://getperspective.ai/tmba) Share your thoughts about the podcast (https://getperspective.ai/interview/tmba-feedback) [takes 2 minutes] 22 FREE business resources for location-independent entrepreneurs (https://tropicalmba.com/resources) CHAPTERS (00:02:11) Email Marketing: A Must-Have Money Maker (00:11:50) 15 Steps to a High-Converting Landing Page (00:19:18) Do Webinars Still Work in 2026? (00:24:09) What Makes a Great Lead Magnet (00:29:09) The Power of Order Bumps and Upsells (00:36:58) How to Use AI to Improve Your Funnels (00:40:45) How to Make Extra Money with Trip Wires (00:44:37) Rapid-Fire Email Tips for 2026 (00:50:49) How John is Running His 7-Figure Agency CONNECT: Dan@tropicalmba.com Ian@tropicalmba.com Past guests on TMBA include Cal Newport, David Heinemeier Hannson, Seth Godin, Ricardo Semler, Noah Kagan, Rob Walling, Jay Clouse, Einar Vollset, Sam Dogan, Gino Wickam, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Mark Webster, Steph Smith, Taylor Pearson, Justin Tan, Matt Gartland, Ayman Al-Abdullah, Lucy Bella. PLAYLIST: Marketing to High-Dollar Clients (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/marketing-to-high-dollar-clients) 6-Figure Sales Expert Calls You Out (Don't Keep Doing This in 2026) (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/dont-keep-doing-this-2026) 8 Simple Steps for Improving Your Sales Funnel (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/john-ainsworth-sales-funnel)

Daily decisions can make or break facility performance. In this episode of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast, we take a deep dive into the BAS operator's role and how structured daily tasks create long-term gains in energy efficiency, equipment life, and tenant satisfaction. This isn't about chasing alarms or reacting to complaints. It's about creating a system of proactive habits that give you control over comfort, cost, and system longevity. Topics Covered Establishing consistent workflows to support BAS operations Prioritizing critical systems through alarm management Unlocking performance insights from schedule and trend log reviews Aligning BAS tasks with broader facility goals Leveraging BAS tools to streamline operator efficiency This episode is for those ready to stop firefighting and start optimizing.

In this episode of the Real Estate Pros podcast, Sid Bahadur, CEO of Nicasa and XB Homes, shares his journey in the real estate industry, discussing his transition from long-term rentals to short-term rentals, the current state and future of the short-term rental market, and the importance of management skills in running a successful business. He emphasizes the significance of investing in employees, understanding financial metrics, and learning from challenges to achieve growth and success in the real estate sector.   Professional Real Estate Investors - How we can help you: Investor Fuel Mastermind:  Learn more about the Investor Fuel Mastermind, including 100% deal financing, massive discounts from vendors and sponsors you're already using, our world class community of over 150 members, and SO much more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/apply   Investor Machine Marketing Partnership:  Are you looking for consistent, high quality lead generation? Investor Machine is America's #1 lead generation service professional investors. Investor Machine provides true 'white glove' support to help you build the perfect marketing plan, then we'll execute it for you…talking and working together on an ongoing basis to help you hit YOUR goals! Learn more here: http://www.investormachine.com   Coaching with Mike Hambright:  Interested in 1 on 1 coaching with Mike Hambright? Mike coaches entrepreneurs looking to level up, build coaching or service based businesses (Mike runs multiple 7 and 8 figure a year businesses), building a coaching program and more. Learn more here: https://investorfuel.com/coachingwithmike   Attend a Vacation/Mastermind Retreat with Mike Hambright: Interested in joining a "mini-mastermind" with Mike and his private clients on an upcoming "Retreat", either at locations like Cabo San Lucas, Napa, Park City ski trip, Yellowstone, or even at Mike's East Texas "Big H Ranch"? Learn more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/retreat   Property Insurance: Join the largest and most investor friendly property insurance provider in 2 minutes. Free to join, and insure all your flips and rentals within minutes! There is NO easier insurance provider on the planet (turn insurance on or off in 1 minute without talking to anyone!), and there's no 15-30% agent mark up through this platform!  Register here: https://myinvestorinsurance.com/   New Real Estate Investors - How we can work together: Investor Fuel Club (Coaching and Deal Partner Community): Looking to kickstart your real estate investing career? Join our one of a kind Coaching Community, Investor Fuel Club, where you'll get trained by some of the best real estate investors in America, and partner with them on deals! You don't need $ for deals…we'll partner with you and hold your hand along the way! Learn More here: http://www.investorfuel.com/club   —--------------------

In this special bonus episode, we break down Actabl's Q3 2025 Hotel Labor Benchmarking Data and explore what it means for hotel operators planning for 2026. Sarah McCay Tams, Head of Research and Editorial for HotelData.com, walks through the major trends shaping wages, overtime, headcount, and productivity across U.S. hotels. She's joined by experienced operators Shanell Marinuzzi and Peter Kilbourne, who share practical insights on staffing models, forecasting accuracy, cross-training, and using overtime strategically. Listeners will come away with a clearer understanding of how top-performing hotels protected margins in 2025 -- and what to do now to better align labor with real-time demand in the year ahead.Resources:See the charts: Q3 2025 Hotel Labor Benchmarking DataRead: How Hotels Used Labor Efficiency to Protect Margins in 2025Read: The Future of Hotel Labor Management: A Smarter, People-First Approach to ProfitabilityRequest a call with Actabl to learn about how they can help you right-size labor A few more resources: If you're new to Hospitality Daily, start here. You can send me a message here with questions, comments, or guest suggestions If you want to get my summary and actionable insights from each episode delivered to your inbox each day, subscribe here for free. Follow Hospitality Daily and join the conversation on YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram. If you want to advertise on Hospitality Daily, here are the ways we can work together. If you found this episode interesting or helpful, send it to someone on your team so you can turn the ideas into action and benefit your business and the people you serve! Music for this show is produced by Clay Bassford of Bespoke Sound: Music Identity Design for Hospitality Brands

Colleen VanBlarcom: McDonald's Operator, Legacy Builder, and Culture ChampionIn this episode, we sit down with Colleen VanBlarcom—owner/operator of 11 McDonald's restaurants across Southern Minnesota. With a career spanning four decades and roots in one of McDonald's most storied family lineages, Colleen shares what it takes to lead a growing, values-driven organization under the Golden Arches.From scrubbing floors as a teen to managing multi-unit operations in Mankato, Owatonna, Waseca, Medford, and Eagan, Colleen's story is steeped in grit, growth, and generational wisdom. She opens up about her father's early days with McDonald's—back when there were just over 200 locations nationwide—and how his legacy shaped her path as both a business leader and community builder.Colleen reflects on small-town adjustments, lessons learned from corporate legends, and how a surprise visit from Ray Kroc changed the course of her family's journey. She shares insights on leadership, problem-solving, and what it takes to maintain a strong culture in one of the world's most recognizable brands.And in a Get Deep exclusive, Colleen reveals the future location of Mankato's newest McDonald's restaurant—news you'll hear here first.Stick around for a heartfelt conversation about service, resilience, and the human side of fast food—plus powerful stories about her team's impact through the Ronald McDonald House Charities.

When disaster strikes - whether it's a fire, flood, or even a bat infestation - families are often left scrambling for safe, comfortable housing. That's where Jake Mast steps in. In this episode, Heather Bayer sits down with Jake, founder of Rapid Response AI Housing, to explore how his company is disrupting the traditional insurance housing model by combining speed, accuracy, and human-centered AI solutions. Jake shares his unconventional journey - from CPA to Hollywood actor to vacation rental host - and how that ultimately led him to carve out a niche in insurance relocation housing. With a growing network of 6,000+ landlords and boots-on-the-ground resources across North America, Jake's mission is clear: place displaced families quickly and responsibly into homes that reflect the life they've had to leave behind. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Attention turns to Upper Deck and Jeremy does not hold back. He walks through the story behind the 2003 Exquisite Tribute Wayne Gretzky 1/1 from the new Cup release, comparing the slick solicitation image to the actual card that surfaced: a different patch and a badly smudged, weak gold autograph on what should be one of the key cards in the entire product. Jeremy explains why he thinks this is a failure at multiple levels. He questions why the mockup used a fantasy level patch that does not exist in the production run, why the autograph pen was not tested properly, and why the card was allowed to be packed out instead of being pulled and replaced with a redemption and a remade version. He is clear that he respects the people at Upper Deck but argues that this specific card makes the brand look careless at the top end of the market and that it crosses the line from acceptable variation into something that feels like bait and switch for a product that costs thousands per tin. From there, the conversation shifts into something Jeremy has been hinting at for months. He finally reveals the project he has been working on behind the scenes alongside his book: a collector identity assessment that maps hobbyists on a 0 to 100 collector–investor spectrum. He introduces the seven archetypes that live along that spectrum, from Purist and Nostalgic through Precisionist, Hybrid, Builder, Operator, and Tycoon, and explains how your answers place you into both a score range and a detailed written profile. Jeremy and Joe talk through why this spectrum exists, how it grew out of years of conversation about “collector vs investor,” and why most people live somewhere in between. They discuss how a shared set of archetypes can give the hobby clearer language, help collectors better understand their own motivations, and make conversations at shows and online more grounded in where people are actually coming from. Jeremy shares that the tool is in early beta with only a handful of people tested so far, that the core assessment is intended to be free, and that future layers will add modifiers, maturity progression within each archetype, and deeper optional insights. Sports Cards Live is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms. Follow or subscribe, leave a rating and review if you are getting value from these conversations, and join us live on YouTube Saturday nights to be part of the chat. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When Dr David Tuch started investigating his family tree, he found much more than he bargained for. A distant cousin. A sailor. A man who led a life of adventure - and changed the world of crime forever. In Part One of this True Spies story, you'll meet him too - and discover the first steps on a dark, dangerous and fascinating journey. From SPYSCAPE, the home of secrets. A Cup And Nuzzle production. Series producer: Joe Foley. Produced by Joe Foley. Dr. David Tuch is the author of The Wireless Operator: The Untold Story of the British Sailor Who Invented the Modern Drug Trade. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most 20-somethings are still figuring out their first job. Noah Tidwell dropped out of college, bought a moving company, ran it for five years, sold it, and launched a new business helping home service owners automate their operations. All before most people finish grad school. In this episode of Rising Tide Startups, Noah shares how he discovered his real passion wasn't running a moving company but solving the operational headaches that kept him up at night. The inefficiencies, the manual processes, the time sucks that every blue collar business owner deals with but doesn't have time to fix. So he sold his company and built Solo Operator to do exactly that. Now he's helping small home service businesses get their time back by implementing systems, automations, and processes that actually work. Noah talks about the discipline it takes to focus on high leverage activities, why he hires fast and fires fast in the home service space, and his vision for Solo Operator Labs where he takes equity stakes in businesses instead of charging monthly retainers. He also shares lessons from his dad (who was a previous guest on this podcast), why nobody will ever care about your business as much as you do, and his dream of backpacking through Europe once he builds a business that runs without him. Key Takeaways: Focus on signal, not noise. Identify your highest leverage tasks each day and complete them before anything else. Do what you actually love. If you're dreading most of your work, it's time to pivot toward what energizes you, even if it means starting over. Nobody will care as much as you. You can't expect employees to have the same drive as a founder. Accept that and set realistic expectations. Partner for ownership, not just payment. Taking a piece of the business instead of charging fees aligns incentives and opens doors when cash is limited. Small businesses need systems to survive. Whether you want to grow or exit, having documented processes and automation in place isn't optional anymore. Build a business that runs without you. True freedom means being able to step away and know everything still works. Listen to the full conversation here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risingtidestartups Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-tide-startups/id1330525474 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2eq7unl70TRPsBhjLEsNZR Connect with Noah: Solooperator: solooperator.co  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/noah-tidwell-18645b2a2/ Please leave us an honest rating on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts. Shoutout to our Great Sponsors: Naviqus Virtual Services - Hassle-free administrative support services that are efficient, affordable, and tailored to your needs. Check out https://naviqus.com now to jumpstart your business for 2026! Podbrand Media - Have you ever considered starting your own podcast for your company or brand? Podbrandmedia.com can help. Affordable and effective in content creation and lead generation!

In this episode of the Live LSCRE Podcast, Craig McGrouther and I break down how to maximize value and reduce expenses in multifamily properties.We dive into contract services, maintenance strategies, and key line items in the P&L that can make or break your NOI. Learn how strategic expense management, property tax exemptions, and smart operational practices can drive strong, risk-adjusted returns.Whether you're a new investor or seasoned in multifamily, this episode highlights practical takeaways for building more efficient, profitable real estate portfolios.Learn more about LSCRE:www.lscre.com

Telecom was one of the earliest users of AI, long before its marketing hype and even before it was known by that name. The recent advancements are further propelling AI's use. In this episode, I talk to Dan Warren, Director of Communications Research at Samsung, regarding the role of AI in telecom networks. We discuss its role in network operations, AI for RAN, AI with RAN, and AI on RAN concepts; how software-based networking and virtualization (vRAN/Open RAN) enable AI; who will develop and implement AI models; the scope of standardization; and more. We also delve into the investment challenges for 5G operators to leverage AI, whether AI will encourage a larger role for Hyperscalers in telecom, and whether large-scale AI implementation can start with 5G/5G Advanced or will have to wait for 6G. Highlights: 00:00 - Intro 02:10 - Guest intro (Dan Warren) 03:22 - Samsung Network's categorization of the role of AI - Networks for AI, AI for networks  04:44 - Current interesting use cases of AI - RAN energy efficiency, complex capacity, and coverage optimization 06:40 - The current status of use of AI in telecom, major industry focus areas - optimizing opex and capex, experience enhancement 90:15 - Critical role of software-based networking and virtualization in enabling AI 12:48 - Are legacy networks w/o software-based networks out of luck for AI? 15:40 - How to decide where to run AI workload - where is the AI compute needed?  19:05 - Who will develop AI models for telecom? - property vs. standard, differentiation etc. 24:35 - Dichotomy between AI differentiation, open networking, and offering AI as a service layer 26:55 - Samsung's approach to AI as a service/software leveraging its software-based networking legacy. Might be different for more established players? 29:06 - Does today's architecture (e.g., SMO) have hooks for managing AI end-to-end? 30:01 - Data challenge of operators for AI - different forms, formats, sources, granularity, etc. Will things like NWDAF solve it? 31:50 - Operator understanding of the AI challenges ahead - transforming from a hardware operator to a software management company 34:36 - Is the investment needed for AI an impediment to its adoption? Worries of the fast-moving and changing AI landscape 38:46 - AI on RAN - Samsung Network's views 40:43 - AI on RAN - operators moving from telecom service providers to AI (edge) Data Center/infra providers - Does it make sense? 43:19 - AI timing - Will large-scale deployments wait for 6G, or can start with 5G?   45:16 - Closing       

Albert and I discuss skipping school to make movies, making movies with Ridley, Braveheart, The Martian, and so much more. Albert's IMDB To see pictures and things we discussed in todays episode check out the podcast page of The Op. Please check us out on our website and on instagram and like us and review us if you enjoyed the episode. Theme Music - Tatyana Richaud Theme Mix - Charles Papert

Shaun Ward in conversation with David Eastaugh https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGqFli3c7wM Floy Joy was an English group formed in Sheffield, England, who recorded two albums and had minor success with several singles. Into the Hot was released by Virgin in September 1984. It was preceded in July 1984 by the single "Burn Down a Rhythm", which also failed to chart. The second single, "Until You Come Back to Me", was released in October 1984. The third and final single, "Operator", was released in January 1985 and reached No. 86. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izOdvBmTDh0

Queen Elizabeth II made Britain's first long-distance automated phone call on 5th November, 1958 - when, from Bristol, she spoke directly to the Lord Provost of Edinburgh, 300 miles away, without the need for an Operator.  Subscriber Trunk Dialing (STD) transformed the telephone network, but was not without its challenges: automation brought efficiency but also led to job losses, sparking some labour disputes, and the roll-out was not completed for twenty years.  In this episode, Arion, Rebecca and Olly consider why women were selected over men as telephone operators; track the evolution of phone technology through international calls and push-button phones; and propose a future role for the monarchy in testing out social media DMs…  Further Reading: • ‘Caller, putting you through!' (Daily Express, 2012): https://www.express.co.uk/comment/expresscomment/334666/Caller-putting-you-through • 'Queen's first video call echoes Her Majesty's historic trunk call to Edinburgh in 1950s' (The Scotsman, 2020): https://www.scotsman.com/heritage-and-retro/retro/queens-first-video-call-echoes-her-majestys-historic-trunk-call-to-edinburgh-in-1950s-2881983 ‘Queen Dials Edinburgh' (British Pathé, 1958): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfH0Xr1rIcY This episode first aired in 2023 Love the show? Support us!  Join 

Sticking rigidly to your sales scripts, hiring and firing sales reps, and positioning yourself as a freelancer instead of the expert: these mistakes will cost you in 2026 if you don't address them now. 6-figure fractional sales manager, Jeff Pecaro, joins us once again to reveal his best sales insights and call us out on the mistakes we need to leave behind in 2025. Plus, we get into how he and other 6-7 figure businesses inside Dynamite Circle are scaling with just one human and multiple bots. LINKS How to work with Jeff (https://meetwingman.com/) Jeff's favorite microphone for sales calls (https://www.amazon.com/Shure-MV7X-Podcast-Microphone-Voice-Isolating/dp/B09BZZCGC8/) Get 2 months of Perspective AI FREE with promo code TMBA (https://getperspective.ai/tmba) Share your thoughts about the podcast (https://getperspective.ai/interview/tmba-feedback) [takes 2 minutes] Connect with 6-, 7- & 8-figure founders in Dynamite Circle (https://dynamitecircle.com/dcbkk) Hang out exclusively with 7+ figure founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) 22 FREE business resources for location-independent entrepreneurs (https://tropicalmba.com/resources) CHAPTERS (00:00:13) Today's Guest: Jeff Pecaro (00:01:44) The Biggest Challenge Holding Back Your Sales (00:05:00) Start Positioning Yourself as the Expert (00:14:31) Conversion Rate Benchmarks to Aim For (00:18:59) How to Go From “Good Call” to $ in the Bank (00:26:33) Sales Best Practices in 2026 (00:32:24) 2026 Bootstrapper Trends and Predictions CONNECT: Dan@tropicalmba.com Ian@tropicalmba.com Past guests on TMBA include Cal Newport, David Heinemeier Hannson, Seth Godin, Ricardo Semler, Noah Kagan, Rob Walling, Jay Clouse, Einar Vollset, Sam Dogan, Gino Wickam, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Mark Webster, Steph Smith, Taylor Pearson, Justin Tan, Matt Gartland, Ayman Al-Abdullah, Lucy Bella. PLAYLIST: Your 2026 Business Plan in 36 Minutes (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/2026-business-plan) [FREE Resource] $400K in Points & 100% Vibe Coded Shopify Forecasting App with “SpyGuy” Allen Walton (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/400k-in-points-vibe-coded-app) The Lifestyle Business Playbook (2025 Edition) (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/lifestyle-business-playbook-2025)

Join Simtheory: https://simtheory.ai/OpenAI has declared "Code Red" as ChatGPT faces growing competition from Gemini and other rivals. In this episode, we break down OpenAI's 6% market share decline, why their ad strategy is on hold, and what they need to do to reclaim the AI crown. We also explore DeepSeek V3.2's impressive capabilities as a cheap open-source alternative, Meta's new policy grading employees on AI skills, and the crisis facing higher education as AI fluency becomes essential. Plus, Fatal Patricia hits #1 on our Spotify charts, and Tesla's Optimus robot is running like a slightly unfit human.CHAPTERS:00:00 Intro - OpenAI Code Red & Market Share Crisis07:03 ChatGPT's Failure to Go Deeper Into Users' Lives16:33 What OpenAI Needs to Win Back the Crown26:46 Chris's Wishlist for an OpenAI Comeback31:22 DeepSeek V3.2 - The Open Source Threat39:34 Meta Grading Workers on AI Skills46:29 The University & Education AI Crisis56:25 Fatal Patricia Hits #1 & WTF of the WeekThanks for listening. Like & Sub. xoxox

How can you effectively prepare your SaaS for an exit? And what should you know about the valuation drivers, buyer types, and metrics that matter most? In a live episode of the Grow Your B2B SaaS podcast recorded at SaaS Summit Benelux, host Joran sat down with René de Jong to unpack what it takes for SaaS companies to scale and prepare for a successful exit in 2026. René helps entrepreneurs—specifically SaaS founders—design effective exit strategies and navigate the full process of selling their businesses to third parties. Across the conversation, he offered clear and pragmatic insights on what separates the SaaS businesses that grow and sell well from those that struggle, how buyers evaluate companies in the current market, and why topics like the rule of 40, net revenue retention, AI-driven scalability, and deal structure matter now more than ever. From early-stage focus at 0 to 10K MRR to strategies for moving toward 10 million ARR, René shared guidance grounded in what he sees every day in the market.This episode turns the full discussion into a clear, actionable narrative that stays true to the original conversation and is easier to follow and revisit.Key Timestamps(0:00) - SaaS Summit Benelux intro, B2B SaaS scaling 2026, Rule of 40, NRR, ARR multiples, Earnouts, Strategic buyers, 0-10K MRR, 10M ARR(0:50) - Guest intro, SaaS M&A advisor, SaaS exit strategy, SaaS acquisition process(1:14) - Scaling your SaaS for 2026(1:20) - What separates SaaS winners in 2026(1:26) - Rule of 40, Efficient growth, ARR multiple valuation(2:18) - Go-to-market strategy, New business team, Net Revenue Retention (NRR), Expense efficiency(3:05) - NRR benchmarks, Churn, Customer concentration, Market standards(4:01) - Efficient growth vs spend, AI scalability, Revenue per employee(5:06) - AI native SaaS costs, VC vs mature SaaS valuation, EBITDA vs ARR(6:38) - VC backing for AI native startups(6:48) - Freemium model 2026, Valuation cycles, EBITDA focus, AI hype, ARR multiples(8:05) - Sponsor: B2B SaaS affiliate marketing, Reditus(8:49) - SaaS valuation benchmarks, ARR multiples range(9:01) - 3.5x ARR cash at close, Earnout, Reinvest, Deal structure(10:34) - Venture capital vs Private equity(10:43) - Strategic buyers, One plus one equals three, Synergy valuation(11:22) - Build list of strategic acquirers, Exit planning(11:29) - Headline valuations vs reality, Purchase price, Earnouts, Deal terms(11:51) - Earnout as bonus, Cash at closing, Burnout risk(13:05) - 2026 growth loop, AI in land and expand, Product-led growth, AI agents(14:10) - 0–10K MRR advice, Founder mindset, Learn fast, Mentors, SaaS community(15:35) - Smart capital, Operator investors, Non-dilutive help(16:06) - 10K MRR to 10M ARR, Focus, Buy-and-build strategy, Autonomous growth, 3–5 year plan(17:43) - Contact info, LinkedIn, anno9082.nl(18:03) - Outro, Subscribe, Sponsor the show, Reditus call-to-action

Today's Chicago Confession taught us not to slap your side piece's butt in public, we heard about the smoothest divorce in the history of divorces, and Whip's Hot Take scorches the Real ID online process...or maybe just scorches Whip's online tech abilities. Catch up on everything you missed from today's show on The Morning Mix Podcast!Listen to The Morning Mix weekdays from 5:30am – 10:00am on 101.9fm The Mix in Chicago or with the free Mix App available in the Apple App Store and Google Play.Follow The Mix: The MixstagramGet the Free MIX App: Stream The MixSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Follow me @samirkaji for my thoughts on the venture market, with a focus on the continued evolution of the VC landscape.Welcome back to another episode of Venture Unlocked, the podcast that takes you behind the scenes of the business of venture capital.In this episode, I sit down with Lior Susan from Eclipse to explore his journey from building companies in the physical world to founding and scaling a unique venture firm. We discuss the importance of high-conviction investing, assembling elite teams from operator backgrounds, and staying adaptable in a rapidly shifting market shaped by technology and AI. Lior shares lessons on discipline, honesty, and the realities of venture investing, offering actionable insights for anyone interested in building resilient companies or understanding what it takes to succeed in today's venture landscape.Thanks for listening to another episode of Venture Unlocked. We hope you enjoyed our conversation with Lior. If you'd like to get Venture Unlocked content straight to your inbox, go to ventureunlocked.substack.com and sign up, or go to Apple Podcasts or Spotify and subscribe. Thanks again for listening.About Lior SusanLior Susan is the founder and managing partner of Eclipse, a venture capital firm focused on backing entrepreneurs who are building companies to transform physical industries. He began his career as a co-founder of Intucell, a software-defined networking startup that was acquired by Cisco in 2012. After that, he led the hardware investment platform Lab IX at Flextronics, deploying capital across energy storage, additive manufacturing, robotics, and wireless infrastructure. In 2015, Lior launched Eclipse to invest in startups transforming critical industries like manufacturing, logistics, supply chain, transportation, energy, and on. He draws on experience as an operator, investor, and former Israeli special forces serviceman to support founders tackling complex, real-world problems.Eclipse is a firm headquartered in Palo Alto (with a New York presence) that partners with entrepreneurs building category-defining companies in physical industries. The firm builds and invests in companies at all stages, combining hardware, software, and systems to modernize “bits and atoms.” Since its founding in 2015, Eclipse has built and backed over 100 companies and helped accelerate startups like Bedrock, VulcanForms, True Anomaly, and Cerebras — companies driving innovation in construction, digital manufacturing infrastructure, defense capabilities, and AI infrastructure.During the conversation, we discussed:* Lior's Career Path and Founding Eclipse (3:38)* Reflecting on the Fund's Origins and Initial Fundraising (6:46)* Adjusting Firm Size and Strategy as Opportunities Grow (9:49)* High-Conviction, High-Ownership Investment Approach (12:45)* Decision-Making Process and Team Dynamics (14:57)* Patterns Among Founders of Large Companies (17:27)* The Evolution of Eclipse's Value Proposition (20:23)* Operator-to-Investor Transitions and Internal Training (24:49)* Market Shifts and Macro Changes in Venture Capital (27:07)* Exit Challenges, IPOs, and Long-Term Private Markets (30:27)* Alignment Between LPs and Managers Around Exits (33:44)* Lior's Investment Lessons and Reflections on Power Law (35:17)* Thoughts on Deglobalization and Future Predictions (36:32)I'd love to know what you took away from this conversation with Lior. Follow me @SamirKaji and give me your insights and questions with the hashtag #ventureunlocked. If you'd like to be considered as a guest or have someone you'd like to hear from (GP or LP), drop me a direct message on X. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ventureunlocked.substack.com

In her second week as CFO, Cristina Kim sat with Octaura's leadership team reviewing a three-year strategy and ambitious 2026 targets, she tells us. As the numbers appeared on the screen, her instinct was to do what she had done for nearly two decades: probe what might go wrong, stress-test assumptions, and look for what could break, she tells us. Mid-meeting, she experienced what she calls an “aha moment”—realizing she was no longer outside the story but inside it, responsible for helping the team achieve those goals, she tells us.That shift caps a career built on breadth rather than a linear ladder. Cristina began in investment banking in Hong Kong before spending 17 years in JP Morgan's strategic investments group across London and the United States, she tells us. There, she learned to sit at the center of technology innovation, translating between business needs, risk, and upside, and working closely with management teams and CFOs, she tells us. Over time, investing in Octaura and partnering with its leaders made her want to move from evaluating companies to helping build one, she tells us.Today at Octaura—an electronic trading platform and data company focused on loans and CLOs, she tells us—Cristina is applying that investor muscle in new ways. She is building frameworks for resource allocation, pushing for more granular, week-to-week metrics, and exploring how AI-enabled forecasting and internal data tools can sharpen decisions, she tells us. The discipline remains, but now it is in service of writing the story from within, she tells us.

Time is running out to take advantage of a tax credit for home improvements that help you use less energy. The federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit partially reimburses homeowners when they get an energy audit, weatherize their home, install new windows or buy a heat pump. Four western Pennsylvania school districts, including, have asked the courts to halt tuition payments to the state's largest cyber charter operator. The recently enacted state budget does not include changes to the way skill games are regulated, but that may not be the end of the story A state House committee has approved a proposal designed to standardize and expand programs that provide juveniles alternatives to the criminal justice system after they’re arrested Motorists traveling along US Route 222 in Lancaster County are advised to expect delays. The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has announced that dog licenses for 2026 are now available for purchase. Under state law, dogs must be licensed at the point of adoption or purchase, or at three months if no transfer of ownership has taken place. The youngest age at which a dog can be purchased or adopted in Pennsylvania is eight weeksSupport WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Catsimatidis, Red Apple Media Owner & Operator, joins Sid for his weekly Monday morning appearance to discuss recent events such as the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and Catsimatidis' involvement in efforts to keep New York City safe and prosperous. Sid and John touch upon public concerns around ICE deportations, political dissatisfaction with Mayor Eric Adams, and the ongoing Venezuelan political situation under President Trump. Additionally, they discuss the potential impact of Venezuelan crude oil on US markets. The conversation also briefly addresses issues in Canada under its current Prime Minister. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Listen in as Owner and Operator of 77 WABC, John Catsimatidis, former governor David Paterson and News Anchor and Host, James Flippin fill in for Sid. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Simtheory: https://simtheory.ai (Use coupon BLACKFRIDAY15 for $15 USD off any subscription).----Simtheory Discord: https://discord.gg/Ar6GeQnAR7This Day in AI Discord: https://discord.gg/TVYH3HD6qsLinkedIn Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/16562039/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/28PU4ypB18QZTotml8tMDq?si=FPaJU2NRSnOSNPmnsfwA_g---CHAPTERS:00:00 Intro & Fatal Patricia Update01:40 Promotions (Discord, Black Friday, LinkedIn)04:36 Claude 4.5 Opus - Best Anthropic Model Ever?31:17 Computer Use API Updates36:14 Will AI Replace 57% of Jobs? (McKinsey Report)1:00:52 Claude 4.5 Opus Demos (Christmas Hut & Diss Track Preview)1:07:13 Microsoft Farah 7B - Moose Porn Refusals1:21:51 Why ChatGPT's MCP-UI Apps Are a Bad Idea1:42:01

In this episode, Jamie shares the key themes she's taking into her 2026 planning — and why now is the moment to shift from working in your business to working on it. She also walks through what to expect in this year's Q1 planning workshop and pop-up community. In this episode you'll learn: • Why "radical responsiveness" is becoming a major differentiator • How to plan for outcomes instead of tactics • What owners should keep close instead of delegating • Why carving out R&D time (especially around AI) matters • How to think realistically about projects, KPIs, and capacity Join the Q1 2026 Planning Workshop: everythingcoworking.com/quarterly Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Q1 2026 Planning Workshop: everythingcoworking.com/quarterly Everything Coworking Featured Resources: Masterclass: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space Coworking Startup School Community Manager University Follow Us on YouTube

Whether you're a solopreneur or you've got a large team and millions of dollars in revenue, this simple process can help you plan for 2026 in just a few hours. Get ready for your best year in business yet, with clarity and intention. LINKS FREE Resource: Plan Your 2026 With Clarity and Intention (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1gfFSgVgexN8bq1gekgc9oHdRnJsWGA6RMp0876NotcQ/edit?tab=t.0) Ryan Deiss on Scoreboards (https://x.com/ryandeiss/status/1991923587347825150?s=20) Get 2 months of Perspective AI FREE with promo code TMBA (https://getperspective.ai/tmba) Share your thoughts about the podcast (https://getperspective.ai/interview/tmba-feedback) [takes 2 minutes] Connect with 6-, 7- & 8-figure founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dcbkk) Hang out exclusively with 7+ figure founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) 22 FREE business resources for location-independent entrepreneurs (https://tropicalmba.com/resources) CHAPTERS (00:00:14) A Reliable Framework for Annual Planning (00:02:13) How to Set the Right Kind of Goal and Plan for the Year (00:08:15) System #1 to Reach Your Goal: Budget (00:13:03) System #2 to Reach Your Goal: Scoreboard (00:18:19) System #3 to Reach Your Goal: Scorecards (00:21:13) System #4 to Reach Your Goal: Cadence (00:24:18) What to Stop Doing & What to Do More Of In 2026 (00:27:59) The Importance of Personal Reflections Before a New Year CONNECT: Dan@tropicalmba.com Ian@tropicalmba.com Past guests on TMBA include Cal Newport, David Heinemeier Hannson, Seth Godin, Ricardo Semler, Noah Kagan, Rob Walling, Jay Clouse, Einar Vollset, Sam Dogan, Gino Wickam, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Mark Webster, Steph Smith, Taylor Pearson, Justin Tan, Matt Gartland, Ayman Al-Abdullah, Lucy Bella. PLAYLIST: Growth vs. Optimization — 90% of Growth Comes from 10% of Activities? (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/growth-vs-optimization) “3 Million in Revenue is a Death Zone" - Financial Strategy with Greg Crabtree (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/3-million-death-zone) Health Advice That Goes Against Everything You Know ft. Jay Feldman (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/health-advice-against-everything-you-know)

Listen in as Owner and Operator of 77 WABC, John Catsimatidis and News Anchor and Host, James Flippin fill in for Sid and celebrate Thanksgiving with you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Red Apple Media Owner & Operator John Catsimatidis joins Sid live in-studio for his weekly Monday morning hit to talk about the charitable event where WABC and the Police Athletic League distributed 5,000 turkeys to kids in Harlem. He reflects on his upbringing in Harlem and the importance of mentorship for young people. The conversation also covers political matters such as Lara Trump's potential in politics, criticisms of U.S. senators, and speculations about Donald Trump's strategic plans following his White House meeting last Friday with NYC Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani. Catsimatidis talks about the high cost of turkeys in New York, ongoing investigations, and critiques of Canada's Prime Minister. The interview ends on a lighter note with news about Catsimatidis's cameo in an upcoming movie and his gratitude for WABC's success. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The discussion turns to Joseph Stalin and his relationship with the legacy of Leninism. Stalin was a more "ideologically flexible" and savvy political operator than Trotsky, who was relentlessly focused on immediate and continuous revolution. While both Lenin and Trotsky employed political violence, the terror under Stalin was a different phenomenon because much of it was directed at high-ranking members of the Communist Party and the secret police in the Great Purge. The purges were motivated by Stalin's paranoia and the need to find scapegoats for the regime's failure to deliver prosperity and freedom. The assassination of Trotsky in 1940 is often seen as wrapping up the Great Terror, though arrests and executions continued.

In this bodycam bonus, The Operator presses play on the dark-time delusions of a bikini-clad woman and her exposure to a police officer with the patience of Job. It's hilarious - full of unexpected run-ins, runaways, and ridiculousness. Hugs ❤️The Op is giving away 30 days of FREE, unlimited Patreon.Just email him for the link: info@1159media.com

Matt Bissonnette is a former United States Navy SEAL known for his participation in the 2011 raid that killed Osama bin Laden, as detailed in his bestselling book No Easy Day: The Firsthand Account of the Mission That Killed Osama bin Laden (2012), written under the pen name Mark Owen. A DEVGRU (SEAL Team Six) operator, Bissonnette served multiple combat deployments and was one of the SEALs who entered bin Laden's compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan. The book, which became a New York Times bestseller, sparked controversy for not being cleared by the Pentagon, leading to a 2016 settlement where Bissonnette agreed to forfeit royalties and speaking fees. He has since advised on the CBS series SEAL Team (2017–present) and maintains a low public profile. Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: Buy PSYOP Now - https://psyopshow.com Preorder Now - https://callofduty.com https://americanfinancing.net/srs NMLS 182334, nmlsconsumeraccess.org. APR for rates in the 5s start at 6.327% for well qualified borrowers. Call 866-781-8900, for details about credit costs and terms. https://tryarmra.com/srs https://aura.com/srs https://betterhelp.com/srs This episode is sponsored. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/srs and get on your way to being your best self. https://bunkr.life – USE CODE SRS Go to https://bunkr.life/SRS and use code “SRS” to get 25% off your family plan. https://shawnlikesgold.com https://hillsdale.edu/srs https://ketone.com/srs Visit https://ketone.com/srs for 30% OFF your subscription order. https://mypatriotsupply.com/srs https://patriotmobile.com/srs https://prizepicks.onelink.me/lmeo/srs https://ROKA.com – USE CODE SRS https://tractorsupply.com/hometownheroes https://ziprecruiter.com/srs https://gemini.com/srs Sign up for the Gemini Credit Card: https://Gemini.com/SRS #GeminiCreditCard #CryptoRewards #Advertisement This episode is sponsored by Gemini. All opinions expressed by the content creator are their own and not influenced or endorsed by Gemini. The Bitcoin Credit Card™ is a trademark of Gemini used in connection with the Gemini Credit Card®, which is issued by WebBank. For more information regarding fees, interest, and other cost information, see Rates and Fees: gemini.com/legal/cardholder-agreement Some exclusions apply to instant rewards; these are deposited when the transaction posts. 4% back is available on up to $300 in spend per month for a year (then 1% on all other Gas, EV charging, and transit purchases that month). Spend cycle will refresh on the 1st of each calendar month. See Rewards Program Terms for details: gemini.com/legal/credit-card-rewards-agreement Checking if you're eligible will not impact your credit score. If you're eligible and choose to proceed, a hard credit inquiry will be conducted that can impact your credit score. Eligibility does not guarantee approval. The appreciation of cardholder rewards reflects a subset of Gemini Cardholders from 10/08/2021 to 04/06/2025 who held Bitcoin rewards for at least one year. Individual results will vary based on spending, selected crypto, and market performance. Cryptocurrency is highly volatile and may result in gains or losses. This information is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Consult with your tax or financial professional before investing. Matt Bissonnette Links: YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@mattbissonnetteofficial Website - https://mattbissonnette.com IG - https://www.instagram.com/mattbissonnetteofficial IMDb (for SEAL Team) - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6473344/fullcredits Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices