Podcasts about operators

Six leaders from across tech — from SaaS and semis to law and logistics — come together for our 250th episode milestone in this very special AI recap, where we unpack how new advances are transforming the way industries function, and how work gets done.Featuring:• Bret Taylor (Sierra Co-founder)• Winston Weinberg (Harvey Co-founder and CEO)• Matt Murphy (Marvell Technology Chairman and CEO)• Yamini Rangan (HubSpot CEO)• Chris Urmson (Aurora CEO)• Varun Mohan (Windsurf Co-founder and CEO)Connect with Joubin:- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joubin-mirzadegan-66186854/ - X:  https://x.com/Joubinmir Email: grit@kleinerperkins.comLearn more about Kleiner Perkins: https://www.kleinerperkins.com

Today, I'm thrilled to share a conversation with someone I've admired from afar for quite some time — Bashar Wali. If you've spent any time in the hospitality space, chances are you've come across Bashar's work — or at least his words. He's the former President and CEO of Provenance Hotels, and today he leads two companies he founded: Practice Hospitality, a management company focused on culturally resonant independent hotels, and This Assembly, a hospitality think tank and incubator building what's next for the industry. What I love most about Bashar is that he's refreshingly candid, wildly insightful, and deeply passionate about this space — not just because it's his career, but because it's in his DNA. In this episode, we get into: Why hospitality is not the same as service — and how even a roadside motel can deliver deeply human moments that a five-star hotel might miss. Why Bashar believes loyalty programs are really just bribery, and what real loyalty actually looks like. How he went from having visited just two countries by age 20 to now traveling like a true nomad — and how that wanderlust has shaped his worldview. Why the world's best operators are not just spreadsheet wizards, but curators of culture who know how to feel what's cool — and create spaces where others can feel it too. And why the soft brand strategy has lost its edge — not because the concept is broken, but because the execution rarely matches the promise. Bashar and I also talk about the role that AI should play in hospitality, the difference between trend-chasing and trend-observing, and what it takes for hotels to stop being sterile, beige boxes and become — in his words — merchants of cool again. This is one of those episodes that had me nodding, laughing, and taking notes at the same time. Bashar is equal parts philosopher and practitioner — and I think you're going to get a ton out of this. Let's dive in. Learn more about Bashar Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world's top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more. Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we'd love for you to apply to join our Alliance at journey.com/alliance. 

Sherri Divband is an international best-selling author, vet technicial, Reiki Master, and spiritual intuitive. She sits down again on STAR SEED CHILDREN Series with our host, fellow Reiki Master Brad Wozny, to  discuss children, animal communication, soul contracts, off world activity, reincarnation, the specific species' held sacred to our planet, what your cat and dog's behavior means, Angels & More!  ⚡️The MAHA-backed, POWERFUL X39 wellness Patch worn daily by RFK Jr, Mike Tyson, Brad Wozny, Tier 1 Operators, Warrior Grannies in 100 Countries & notorious Green Berets naturally ACTIVATES YOUR copper peptides and GOD MOLECULE! (Restoring your DNA for only the price of a cup of coffee/day...) Order X39 now from any country at

CR Stewart is an international best-selling, critically author of the world renowned Britfield Series, which is now in pre-production to become a major motion picture! He sits down with our host Brad Wozny to discuss how everyone of all ages can return to the creative brilliance we were born with, plus shocking data on the education system, and how we can best raise children to catapult our world in a powerfully positive and prosperous direction.  ⚡️The MAHA-backed, POWERFUL X39 wellness Patch worn daily by RFK Jr, Mike Tyson, Brad Wozny, Michael Jaco,, Tier 1 Operators, Warrior Grannies in 100 Countries & notorious Green Berets naturally ACTIVATES YOUR copper peptides and STEM Cells! (Restoring your DNA for only the price of a cup of coffee/day...) Order X39 now from any country at

Send us a message!In our first of the month bonus episode, we're joined by two well-known names in the vacation rental industry: Lino Maldonado and Brady Stump, co-founders of the newly launched StakeholdersVR.You've probably heard early buzz about this exciting new venture, and today, Lino and Brady are here to tell us what it's really all about. From how the idea came together to why it's gaining traction, they give us a full look behind the scenes.StakeholdersVR offers a new model that helps property managers grow their businesses while keeping their local brand, culture, and operations intact. Lino and Brady share how the idea came together, what makes this model different from traditional roll-ups or franchises, and why it's already drawing interest from top operators across the country. The conversation covers how the group plans to centralize back-office tasks like HR and finance, create cross-market collaboration, and provide a more sustainable path forward for operators who want to scale without losing control.Key Topics Discussed:1️⃣ What is StakeholdersVR?2️⃣ How this model supports operators by removing back-office burdens3️⃣ How it compares to PE roll-ups and franchise models4️⃣ How they plan to support individuality across brands5️⃣ From tech to linens, how the group plans to collaborate6️⃣ The "aha moment" that sparked StakeholdersVR7️⃣ How shared ownership helps protect operators from local risks8️⃣ What the future could look like for participating companies9️⃣ PE conversations, timelines, and what to expect by fall

Joining us this week is Erin Solis, Sr. Vice President with Square One Systems and their Coyote Vision Group, one of the most influential 20 groups in the industry. Erin works directly with some of the top-performing organizations in the business, helping drive collaboration, accountability, and operational excellence. We'll be talking about what truly separates great shops from the rest, the role peer groups can play in sharpening performance, and how any shop—regardless of size—can adopt best practices from the industry's elite. Let's get into it. This episode is brought to you by Hunter Engineering Considering getting into the ADAS calibrations business? Then consider visiting Hunter Engineering's centralized ADAS Information Hub learning resource and take advantage of a large library of easy-to-digest videos, insightful articles, interactive training modules, educational tools and much more, covering all aspects of the business of calibration. The ADAS calibrations market is large and getting larger. When you're ready to get going, your road to ADAS success begins at https://www.hunter.com/adas-equipment/adas-calibration-tools 

In ecommerce marketing today, acquisition costs are rising, tariffs are up, and growth is harder to come by, which means DTC brands are under pressure to do more with leaner teams. That got us thinking about where are marketers - and our teams - wasting time, and how can we work more efficiently without sacrificing performance?In this episode, we break down the marketing workflows, habits, and internal processes that slow teams down and drain resources, from spending too long refining content that should've shipped, to full landing page redesigns, creative testing that never scales, and attribution deep dives that don't lead to action.We also talk about how to run a lean marketing team without losing output, where DTC marketers tend to overcomplicate, and how to better prioritize what actually drives performance, and much more.If you have a question for the MOperators Hotline, click the link to be in with a chance of it being discussed on the show: https://forms.gle/1W7nKoNK5Zakm1Xv600:00 Kickoff and Prime Day Preparations02:53 Marketing Strategies for Major Sales Events05:45 Driving Traffic to Amazon: Strategies and Insights09:07 The Importance of Attribution Links11:54 Exploring Paid Traffic for Amazon14:52 Wasting Time in E-commerce: Identifying Inefficiencies17:54 The Balance of Ad Volume and Quality21:11 Learning from Product Launches: Successes and Failures23:46 The Role of Plain Text Emails in Retention27:13 Leveraging Existing Products for New Launches41:49 Wasting Time and High Leverage Attachments48:29 Customer Service Tools and Efficiency57:01 Evaluating SEO and Affiliate Marketing01:01:08 Setting Clear Goals for Marketing Functions01:04:32 Retail as a Growth Channel01:10:40 Operationalizing Marketing Insights01:18:49 The Interconnectedness of Digital and Retail RevenuePowered by:Motion.⁠⁠⁠https://motionapp.com/pricing?utm_source=marketing-operators-podcast&utm_medium=paidsponsor&utm_campaign=march-2024-ad-reads⁠⁠⁠https://motionapp.com/creative-trendsPrescient AI.⁠⁠⁠https://www.prescientai.com/operatorsRichpanel.⁠⁠⁠https://www.richpanel.com/?utm_source=MO&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ytdescAftersell.https://www.aftersell.com/operatorsRivo.https://www.rivo.io/operatorsSubscribe to the 9 Operators Podcast here:https://www.youtube.com/@Operators9Subscribe to the Finance Operators Podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/@FinanceOperatorsFOPSSign up to the 9 Operators newsletter here: https://9operators.com/

Majors Management will rebrand the 35 stores it acquired from Alimentation Couche-Tard to MAPCO. New details emerge on a cyberattack on Ahold Delhaize USA. And the National Association of Truck Stop Operators has a new CEO.

Sure this sounds like it's coming direct from scripture (it is), as these are some of the exact healing miracles Jesus himself is renowned performed.  What we can tell you is there's more...MUCH more...in this episode.  Further, there's not a single invasive technology required for these miracles you'll see and hear discussed.  In fact, this is water derived straight from the book of Genesis, here to heal God's children...already, 8 clinical studies have been completed to prove 100% of the people have astounding results.  (Even better - big Pharma can't touch it, plus it's even blessed by RFK Jr's MAHA).  This show is nothing short of spectacular. 

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Daragh Murphy is giving brands their own credit-card platform—no legacy bank required.On this week's Grit, the Imprint co-founder and CEO traces the leap from being a junior lawyer to closing nine-figure card deals.He breaks down the hidden economics of credit-card loyalty, the discipline of treating capital “like the last dollar,” and how AI will slash risk-and-support costs.Guest: Daragh Murphy, CEO & Co-Founder of ImprintChapters:00:00 Trailer00:48 Introduction01:30 Actualizing the dream08:37 Imprint11:37 Partnerships are massive16:48 Understand the market18:42 “Get more, spend more” tradeoffs23:57 Fishing in the wrong ponds31:32 Can't skip work32:43 Exciting and scary34:56 Pride and ownership46:50 The way you spend your day50:20 New technologies54:51 Who Imprint is hiring54:59 What “grit” means to Daragh55:34 OutroMentioned in this episode: Figma, Rippling, H-E-B Grocery Company, LP, Barclays US, IBM, Coinbase, Charlie Munger, Instagram, Hamptons, Google, Nick Huber, Ribbit, Ireland, WeWork, Adam Kim, Amazon, Shopify, Tobias Lütke, Duolingo, Parker ConradLinks:Connect with DaraghLinkedInConnect with JoubinXLinkedInEmail: grit@kleinerperkins.comLearn more about Kleiner Perkins

Get the Midterm Rental Insurance Blueprint: https://experimentrealestate.com/#blueprintIn this data-packed episode of In The Lab, we sit down with Jeff Hurst, CEO of Furnished Finder and former President of Vrbo, Chief Strategy Officer at HomeAway, and COO of Expedia Group. Jeff brings decades of experience in travel and hospitality tech to a fast-growing platform that has quietly become a powerhouse in the midterm rental space. Under his leadership, Furnished Finder has doubled its team, modernized its infrastructure, and doubled down on transparency—offering rare insights into tenant demand, booking trends, and platform economics.Jeff walks us through how Furnished Finder is fundamentally different from traditional OTA platforms—highlighting landlord control, flat-rate pricing, and a commitment to empowering hosts with direct lead access. He unpacks the tenant segments behind over 2 million inquiries per year, including construction crews, relocating families, digital nomads, and healthcare workers. From scalable furniture ROI to market mismatch signals, Jeff shares actionable insights that today's operators can apply immediately.If you're looking to scale with better data, more control, and deeper tenant insights, tune in now to learn how Jeff Hurst is leading a marketplace revolution—one booking request at a time.HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EPISODE:12:14 Jeff talks about pricing transparency42:58 Jefftalks about chasing shiny objectsKEEPING IT REAL:08:25 – How Furnished Finder differs from OTA platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo11:00 – Why tenant experience and pricing transparency matter14:00 – The role of data in trust-building and growth17:00 – Tenant breakdown: business travelers, relocation, and digital nomads19:45 – Rise of renovation relocation and local stay trends22:30 – Super agents and power users: Furnished Finder's enterprise use case24:30 – Jeff's product roadmap and replatforming efforts26:30 – 130% YoY growth in relocation booking requests29:30 – Room count and pricing by bedroom type explained34:00 – 10% of tenants are large families—how to meet that demand37:00 – Extended stay hotels vs. MTR: the real comparison40:00 – Life hacking with Furnished Finder and furniture savings43:00 – Product philosophy vs. chasing shiny objects47:00 – How private ownership shapes Furnished Finder's decision-making52:00 – Operators vs. entrepreneurs and solving real problems54:00 – Advice to 20-year-old Jeff and early-career insights59:00 – What's next for Furnished Finder: messaging, sort order, and toolsCONNECT WITH THE GUESTWebsite: https://www.furnishedfinder.com/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-hurst-atx/#MidtermRentals #FurnishedFinder #RealEstateInvesting #CorporateHousing #TemporaryHousing #InsuranceHousing #FurnishedRentals #MTRStrategy

We address the Bev Boys Controversy, Iran & the 12 Imam, and our plan for golfing at St. Andrews. Oh, and then I had one two Drone operators and a future husband of one of the drone assassins. They're our biggest fans and we like to give back here on the CSS. This is only part one of the drone operator episode.

In this episode, Joe McDiffitt, Managing Director of Property Management at Coastal Ridge Real Estate, joins MHN's Denile Doyle to share lessons from overseeing a diverse portfolio that includes student housing and traditional multifamily properties. Operators need to have a strong framework, understand their residents and be responsive when things change, shares McDiffitt. Managing multiple property types shouldn't be siloed. Deploying resources where needed and being attentive to the leasing cycle of each property type can prevent teams from being overwhelmed and unprepared. And despite key differences in these two markets, McDiffitt says they can still inform each other. Here are a few highlights from this episode:• Key operational differences between student housing and traditional multifamily (4:40)• How Coastal Ridge applies data from its multifamily portfolio, such as renewal conversion ratios, to improve student housing performance (8:19)• Aligning the preleasing cycle with on-site teams to ensure smooth execution during peak periods (10:05)• Where it makes sense to share resources across property types to improve efficiency (13:29)• How relationships, mentorship and discipline can help you succeed in the industry (17:54)

With proclaimed "bombshell" articles recently released by the Wall Street Journal, it came to light, through an investigation by the Department of Defense's UFO office, AARO, that the United States Air Force, had up until 2023, allegedly faked UFO programs, photos, and videos as a "hazing ritual" for military personnel and to mask top secret programs concerning highly advanced man-made weapons and technology. However, these claims by past AARO directors are nothing new. And today's guest had reported on this almost ten months ago on his podcast. But why is this information being made public now? Does it account for all UFOs or even for the claims brought forward by "UFO Whistleblowers" in recent years? We discuss all of this in-depth with the founder and editor-in-chief of the Debrief, Micah Hanks.Follow all of Micah Hanks' work at: https://www.micahhanks.com/Please take a moment to rate and review us on Spotify and Apple.Book Ryan on CAMEO at: https://bit.ly/3kwz3DOPatreon: http://www.patreon.com/somewhereskiesByMeACoffee: http://www.buymeacoffee.com/UFxzyzHOaQPayPal: Sprague51@hotmail.comDiscord: https://discord.gg/NTkmuwyB4FBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/ryansprague.bsky.socialTwitter: https://twitter.com/SomewhereSkiesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/somewhereskiespod/Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ryansprague51Order Ryan's new book: https://a.co/d/4KNQnM4Order Ryan's older book: https://amzn.to/3PmydYCStore: http://tee.pub/lic/ULZAy7IY12URead Ryan's articles at: https://medium.com/@ryan-sprague51Opening Theme Song by SeptembryoCopyright © 2025 Ryan Sprague. All rights reservedSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/somewhere-in-the-skies. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andrew Camilleri, better known as Kukks, is one of the most prolific contributors to BTCPay Server & an advocate for using bitcoin as money. Recently, he started building Bitcoin Layer 2 applications for Ark Labs & believes in conservative improvements. Time stamps: (00:00:49) Introduction & Andrew's Background (00:01:46) Getting Into Bitcoin & Altcoin Integrations (00:03:02) Focusing on Bitcoin & Monero Plugin (00:04:04) BTCPay Plugins & Community (00:04:22) Bitcoin's Imperfections & Altcoin Use Cases (00:04:55) Pessimism & Stagnation in Bitcoin Development (00:05:16) Introduction to Ark & Its Evolution (00:06:10) Ark's Technical Evolution (00:07:31) Ark's Impact on Developer Morale (00:07:36) What is Ark? (00:09:08) Ark's Virtual Ledger & Dust Problem (00:09:59) Off-Chain Payments & User Experience (00:11:07) Lightning Network vs. Ark (00:13:21) Custodial Lightning & Ark's Broader Goals (00:15:13) Escrow & Multisig Use Cases (00:16:09) Bitcoin's Usability & Fee Volatility (00:16:51) Miners & Second Layer Economics (00:19:08) Drivechains & Network Fragmentation (00:21:38) Rollups, ZK Proofs, and Simplicity (00:25:53) CTV, Musig2, and Soft Forks (00:28:12) OP_CAT, Collider Script, and Efficiency (00:32:38) Cost, Privacy, and Coinjoin (00:36:12) Stablecoins, Payments, and Swapping (00:38:14) Privacy, TumbleBit, and Ark's Superiority (00:41:03) Expiry, Operators, and User Experience (00:44:14) Becoming an Ark Operator (00:47:31) Fedimints, Liquid, and Privacy (00:49:41) Security Against Operator Theft (00:51:31) HODLing, Expiry, and Automation (00:53:37) Payment Finality & Pre-Confirmation (00:57:49) Government Attacks & Decentralization (01:02:51) Ark's User Experience & Wallet Integration (01:05:11) Lightning Interoperability & Partnerships (01:07:48) Arkade OS & Arcade Script (01:13:06) Underrated Use Cases: Escrow & Synthetic Assets (01:18:29) BTCPay Server's Impact & Bitcoin Payment Adoption (01:22:23) Speculation, Regulation, and Medium of Exchange (01:24:20) Litecoin, Extension Blocks, and Privacy (01:26:01) Coinjoin, Amounts, and Privacy Pools (01:29:09) Bitcoin Upgrades, CTV, and Developer Frustration (01:34:27) Soft Fork Politics & Overselling Upgrades (01:41:53) Payments, Credit Cards, and Onboarding (01:44:11) Stablecoins, Speculation, and Fiat Mindset (01:48:48) Taproot Assets, Altcoins, and Control Tokens (01:52:17) Early Bitcoin Days & Escrow (01:54:53) Gaming, Digital Money, and Bitcoin Adoption (01:59:15) Speculative Attack & Fiat Demand (02:00:01) Supercycle Skepticism & Price Predictions (02:02:22) Hard Forks, Big Blockers, and Research Value (02:24:40) NFTs, Ordinals, and Free Market Transactions (02:36:28) BTCPay Plugins & Comparison to LNBits (02:43:14) Zero Conf, RBF, and Payment Risks (02:47:41) Ark's Future: Liquidity & Decentralization (02:49:25) Testing Ark & Reference Wallet (02:51:00) Browser Wars & Internet Evolution (02:56:26) Scaling Bitcoin Payments & Libra Comparison (02:58:10) Tipping, Custodial Wallets, and Ark's SDK (03:02:12) HODL Culture vs. Spending (03:06:07) Optimism, Pessimism, and User Adoption (03:08:13) Lightning's Complexity & Ark's Simplicity (03:11:18) Competition Among Layer 2s (03:14:13) Ark's Launch, Operators, and Liquidity (03:16:08) Ark Operator Incentives & Fee Structure (03:17:08) Testing, Following, and Final Thoughts

All we hear about is AI this, AI that. And yet trying to keep up with all the changes can be overwhelming. Many operators are simply rejecting it outright, or knowingly keeping their heads buried in the sand.So Mitch Bach sat down with Janette Roush, the "Chief AI Officer" for Brand USA, to ask a fundamental question: what are some practical ways a tour operator can get started using AI effectively for their tour business? This isn't a technical, advanced conversation, but rather a clear-eyed overview of the benefits of just getting started and a practical approach to do just that. It's a great first step for those wondering where to begin.Janette is a master communicator on this topic, and everyone should follow her on LinkedIn!

When you see relationships and patterns, you don't just take a peek at opportunities—you get a preview of risks…and a chance to get out in front of changes that need to be made. That's the power of GIS as a tool for discovery. Why? Because looking at your reality in a spatial context opens up a new world of discoverability—and that can quite literally take utilities from “I hope so” to “now I know what to do.” Creating that tapestry of high-value information can change everything for power pros. In the second of three top-notch episodes of The GISt with our partners at Esri, we're joined again by Director of Electric Utility Solutions Bill Meehan & Director of Electric Industry Solutions Pat Hohl. And these two? They're breaking down some of the coolest ways utilities are leveraging GIS and mapping to do better business—including how one Esri client quadrupled their asset renewal program effectiveness in just one year. This episode is brought to you by Esri. Esri is the global market leader in GIS software, location intelligence, and mapping. With Esri software you can add the power of location to modernize how you work. Esri helps to digitally transform utilities by enabling users to create, discover, share, and use maps anywhere, anytime, on any device. The Esri ArcGIS system is a comprehensive GIS allowing organizations to analyze and share their data across the organization. Operators and managers access ArcGIS for improved operational awareness and decision making. Field and office staff use ArcGIS to manage, update, and analyze information about customers, network assets, and work orders. To find out how to digitally transform your utility visit [www.esri.com/electric] to learn more. Don't miss the next episode of The GISt ft. Esri—covering GIS for utility collaboration. See you next time.

The powerful, awe-inspiring story of one Canadian Trucker who said no to tyranny, then peacefully masterminded, organized and unleashied a powerful Freedom Movement of LOVE, which ignited a firestorm of Liberty in the hearts of people across our World….(yet is heavily hunted by the Canadian Nazi Regime, with his life in jeopardy)

Since the Second World War, sightings of anomalous phenomena near U.S. strategic sites have been logged, pointing to what some interpret as a serious national security for not only America, but for militaries around the world. What are these objects, and what are the intentions of their operators?  This week on The Micah Hanks Program, we are joined by researchers Ian Porritt and Larry Hancock of the Scientific Coalition for UAP Studies, who discuss their latest published report "UAP Indications Analysis 1945-1975 Military and Public Activities," which examines possible indications about the UAP presence, contact protocols, and much more.  Have you had a UFO/UAP sighting? Please consider reporting your sighting to the UAP Sightings Reporting System, a public resource for information about sightings of aerial phenomena. The story doesn't end here... become an X Subscriber and get access to even more weekly content and monthly specials. Want to advertise/sponsor The Micah Hanks Program? We have partnered with the AdvertiseCast to handle our advertising/sponsorship requests. If you would like to advertise with The Micah Hanks Program, all you have to do is click the link below to get started: AdvertiseCast: Advertise with The Micah Hanks Program Show Notes Below are links to stories and other content featured in this episode: Was It Scrap Metal or an Alien Spacecraft? The Army Asked an Elite Defense Lab to Investigate Tim Phillips - Former Deputy Director of AARO Speaks with Mick West UAP Indications Analysis 1945-1975 Military and Public Activities BECOME AN X SUBSCRIBER AND GET EVEN MORE GREAT PODCASTS AND MONTHLY SPECIALS FROM MICAH HANKS. Sign up today and get access to the entire back catalog of The Micah Hanks Program, as well as “classic” episodes, weekly “additional editions” of the subscriber-only X Podcast, the monthly Enigmas specials, and much more. Like us on Facebook Follow @MicahHanks on X. Keep up with Micah and his work at micahhanks.com.

In this episode of Transit Unplugged, Paul talks with Samuel Ribeiro, Managing Director of Tower Transit in the UK, part of global transport powerhouse Kelsian Group. With operations spanning Liverpool and the Channel Islands, Samuel shares how lessons from bus systems across four continents—from Australia to Singapore, Brazil to London—are helping Tower Transit improve public transport service in the UK.They dive into:The nuances of operating in franchised models like in the UK's London and Jersey systemsHow global innovation is shared across Kelsian's operationsSamuel's unusual path from international banking into public transportThe strategic role Tower Transit plays in regions like Liverpool, ahead of major franchising shiftsAnd yes—there's a delightful Jersey potato tangent too.Whether you're a transit operator, policy maker, or just enjoy hearing how buses are quietly running the world, this is one to tune into. Transit Unplugged is brought to you by Modaxo

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How can experimentation and relentless curiosity unlock faster growth in private-equity-backed businesses?In this episode of The Hard Corps Marketing Show, I sat down with Kit Lisle, Founder of Acclaro Growth Partners and The Operators.pe. A former military intelligence officer turned veteran strategy consultant, Kit brings a unique lens to leadership and business transformation. He now helps companies shift from founder-led decision making to value-driven, private-equity-ready growth.Kit breaks down why leaders should start with experimentation instead of narrowing their focus too soon, how honest customer conversations reveal real needs, and why continuous improvement and humble collaboration are non-negotiable for long-term success. Drawing from his military background, Kit compares the intensity of private equity to a SEAL team mission, where adaptability, rapid learning, and mission clarity are essential.In this episode, we cover:Why a period of experimentation outperforms premature focusHow to ask open-ended questions that deliver true customer insightThe cultural shift founder-led businesses must make when PE steps inLeveraging strengths and running after-action reviews for constant improvementEncouraging a culture of curiosity that sparks innovationIf you're ready to foster intellectual curiosity, unlock hidden opportunities, and drive value-first growth, this episode is full of actionable insights you won't want to miss!

This week, we're talking AI creative, product page testing, and Shopify updates - plus, we're joined by Steve Rekuc from Common Thread Collective who walks us through how he built the Spending Power metric at CTC, what it tells us about shifting consumer demand, and how brands can use it to adjust spend and planning month to month. We also dig into seasonality vs macro-driven variability, and why awareness of your environment is key to making smarter decisions.We also discuss the viral Kalshi ad and discuss how we're approaching AI tools for creative development, from visual quality to concept support. We also talk about recent PDP testing wins, what changed, and how to think about the structure of your product pages going into peak season.Want to submit your own DTC or ecommerce marketing question? ⁠Click here⁠.00:00 Introduction02:57 Analytics Reporting and Year-Over-Year Comparisons07:12 Data Warehousing and Shopify Analytics10:54 AI in Marketing and Creative Strategies16:53 Consumer Confidence and E-commerce Predictions23:00 Insights from Common Thread Collective34:20 Understanding Spending Power37:14 Incrementality Testing for Marketing Efficiency40:01 Seasonality and Brand Performance43:41 Predicting Future Spending Power46:59 Consumer Confidence and Spending Trends49:47 Insights from Data for Brand Strategy52:27 Iterating on Product Design and User ExperienceKalshi Ad: https://x.com/PJaccetturo/status/1932893260399456513Steve's X Thread: https://x.com/RSteveData/status/1931107166792159711Episode 64 with Dylan Anders:YouTube: https://youtu.be/QJvj3z68rbE Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3iwer8FNwuwzDDnAV5X7JV?si=ab23e70a86404639Powered by:Motion.⁠⁠⁠https://motionapp.com/pricing?utm_source=marketing-operators-podcast&utm_medium=paidsponsor&utm_campaign=march-2024-ad-reads⁠⁠⁠https://motionapp.com/creative-trendsPrescient AI.⁠⁠⁠https://www.prescientai.com/operatorsRichpanel.⁠⁠⁠https://www.richpanel.com/?utm_source=MO&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ytdescAftersell.https://www.aftersell.com/operatorsHaus.http://Haus.io/operatorsSubscribe to the 9 Operators Podcast here:https://www.youtube.com/@Operators9Subscribe to the Finance Operators Podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/@FinanceOperatorsFOPSSign up to the 9 Operators newsletter here: https://9operators.com/

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Bill Staples has spent 30 years redefining how the world writes, ships, and secures code.On this week's Grit, the GitLab CEO shares what it takes to lead a public, all-remote DevSecOps company trusted by more than half of the Fortune 100. He breaks down the discipline of managing energy instead of hours, why weekly operating cadences beat quarterly plans, and how AI will 10× software engineers by auto-debugging code and closing security gaps.Guest: Bill Staples, CEO of GitLabChapters:00:00 Trailer00:42 Introduction02:34 True joy in life08:16 Winning teams13:53 When the energy isn't there18:00 Super ambitious21:01 It's not just technology29:27 Elevating quality and standard41:36 Lifelong collaborator51:22 Competent intelligence54:22 Structuring goals and time1:03:59 Who GitLab is hiring1:04:17 What “grit” means to Bill1:04:54 OutroLinks:Connect with BillLinkedInConnect with JoubinXLinkedInEmail: grit@kleinerperkins.comLearn more about Kleiner Perkins

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MORE STAFFINGRecruit, onboard, and train incredible virtual professionals in the Philippines with my friends at More Staffing by visiting ⁠https://morestaffing.co/af⁠. INTELLIGEMSIntelligems brings A/B testing to business decisions beyond copy and design. Test your pricing, shipping charges, free shipping thresholds, offers, SaaS tools, and more by clicking here: https://bit.ly/42DcmFl. Get 20% off the first 3 months with code FARIS20.//In this deeply reflective episode, Andrew Faris sits down with Matt Bertulli—founder of Pela and Lomi, host of the Operators Podcast, and a seasoned eCommerce entrepreneur with a successful exit under his belt—to unpack a deceptively simple tweet:"Building a business is a spiritual process disguised as a financial one."What follows is an unfiltered, vulnerable conversation about why so many high-performing founders experience emptiness despite outward success. They explore questions that every 7–9 figure operator eventually faces:- What's the real point of building a business?- How do you stay motivated after you've “made it”?- What does meaningful success look like beyond dollars?- Why personal growth and company growth are linked—and why ignoring one undermines the other.This is not your typical episode about margin optimization or scaling tactics—though Matt and Andrew touch on those. Instead, it's about why we build in the first place. It's for the founder who's already successful, but feels stuck or unsatisfied.If you've ever stared at a dashboard full of green numbers and still asked yourself, “What now?” — this conversation is for you.Actionable insight: Align your values and motivations early. Building without intention leads to burnout, not fulfillment.//CHAPTER TITLES:00:01:26 - What Is The Point of Business?00:03:27 - Work Life Balance Explained00:09:14 - The Importance of Writing For Clarity00:19:29 - Does Money Equal Joy?00:35:17 - YPO Membership00:48:01 - Spiritual Discipline In Business//Matt Bertulli is the CEO and Co-Founder of Pela and Lomi and one of the hosts of The Operators Podcast. Listen to The Operators at https://www.9operators.com/. //SUBSCRIBE TO MY CHANNEL FOR 2X/WEEKLY UPLOADS!//ADMISSIONGet the best media buying training on the Internet + a free coaching call with Common Thread Collective's media buyers when you sign up for ADmission here: ⁠https://www.youradmission.co/andrew-faris-podcast⁠//FOLLOW UP WITH ANDREW X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/andrewjfaris ⁠Email: podcast@ajfgrowth.comWork with Andrew: ⁠https://ajfgrowth.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode, the Operators Hosts interview Pete from Origin, who shares his inspiring journey of building a manufacturing business in the USA. The conversation delves into the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship, the importance of partnerships, and the evolving landscape of American manufacturing. The episode also touches on the lessons learned from failures and the necessity of adapting to market demands.00:00 Introduction06:12 The Journey of Building a Manufacturing Business17:53 Partnerships and Influencer Marketing in Business23:50 The Importance of American Manufacturing30:01 Navigating Challenges in Demand and Capacity Management32:45 Building a Legacy Brand39:41 Data-Driven Decision Making43:31 Healthy Tension in Team Dynamics49:01 Balancing Demand and Manufacturing Capacity56:15 The Role of Emotion in Business Decisions01:05:46 Cultivating Future Leaders01:09:51 Manufacturing Challenges and Global Trade01:15:58 Balancing Manufacturing and Business Viability01:22:15 Understanding the Customer's Perspective01:24:09 Adapting Product Offerings for Market Needs01:27:25 Long-Term Thinking in Business01:36:12 Customer Value and Brand IdentityConnect with Pete:@‌pete.origin@‌originusa@‌jockofueloriginusa.comjockofuel.comPowered By:Fulfil.io.https://bit.ly/3pAp2vuThe Only Cloud ERP Designed to Efficiently Scale 8 and 9-Figure Brands. Northbeam.https://www.northbeam.io/Postscript.https://postscript.io/Richpanel.https://www.richpanel.com/?utm_source=9O&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ytdescSaras.https://saras-analytics.typeform.com/to/T8jpuAEb?utm_source=9operator_lp&utm_medium=find_out_moreSubscribe to The Marketing Operators Podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/@MarketingOperatorsSubscribe to The Finance Operators here: https://www.youtube.com/@FinanceOperatorsFOPS Sign up to the 9 Operators newsletter here: https://9operators.com/

Today we're joined by Dylan Ander, founder of heatmap.com, to talk attribution, LTV, CAC, creative testing, and what actually moves the needle in media buying performance.We unpack why conversion rate alone isn't the best indicator of success and what to look at instead, from holdout testing and CAC payback windows to 60-day LTV. Dylan shares his approach to attribution when platform data (especially from Meta) falls short, and how to build creative testing frameworks that truly help scale spend.We also dive into the nuances of media buying across channels, how to interpret noisy performance data, and the signals that actually matter. Dylan breaks down how to use on-site surveys to gather clearer attribution insights - what to ask, how to ask it, and how to use the data. Plus, we get into pricing strategy: why many brands hesitate to raise prices, and how pricing impacts both conversion and LTV.Finally, Dylan walks through an audit of Cody's website using heatmap and revenue data, offering tactical, high-leverage feedback on what's working, what's not, and what to test next.If you have a question for the MOperators Hotline, click the link to be in with a chance of it being discussed on the show: https://forms.gle/1W7nKoNK5Zakm1Xv600:00 Meta Summit Takeaways02:47 AI in Marketing Strategies06:08 Introduction to Dylan Ender09:04 Core Web Analytics Insights11:55 Customer Feedback and CRO15:13 The Importance of AOV and Conversion Rate17:58 Revenue Per Session vs. Conversion Rate20:50 Price Testing Strategies39:41 Revenue Testing and Feedback42:08 The Importance of Price Testing43:36 Challenges in SaaS Pricing44:57 Understanding Heat Maps and Analytics52:58 Live Testing vs. Split Testing56:20 The Role of Customer Feedback in Marketing01:01:12 Understanding Funnel Metrics01:08:53 Optimizing Navigation for Better User ExperienceEpisodes discussed in the show:Episode 1 - A Deep Dive into Attribution and Measurement Episode 27 - How We Set Goals, Attribution Limitations and KPIs for Growth? Powered by:Motion.⁠⁠⁠https://motionapp.com/pricing?utm_source=marketing-operators-podcast&utm_medium=paidsponsor&utm_campaign=march-2024-ad-reads⁠⁠⁠https://motionapp.com/creative-trendsPrescient AI.⁠⁠⁠https://www.prescientai.com/operatorsRichpanel.⁠⁠⁠https://www.richpanel.com/?utm_source=MO&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ytdescAftersell.https://www.aftersell.com/operatorsRivo.https://www.rivo.io/operatorsSubscribe to the 9 Operators Podcast here:https://www.youtube.com/@Operators9Subscribe to the Finance Operators Podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/@FinanceOperatorsFOPSSign up to the 9 Operators newsletter here: https://9operators.com/

Welcome to this special solo episode of Season 4 of The J Curve with me, Olga Maslikhova.Every few months, I zoom out to reflect on the lessons that stuck with me from the show. Think of this as your quarterly operator's memo—especially if you're building, raising, or investing in Latin America.Q2 was full of sharp insights and real operator depth. But in this edition of The J Curve Insider, I won't recap every episode.I'll go deep into three. João Del Valle (EBANX), Mike Packer (QED), and Gustavo Mapeli (Kanastra).We'll unpack EBANX's global growth playbook, explore how QED built conviction around LATAM as an outsider VC—and what they're betting on next—and break down how Kanastra scaled by defying startup orthodoxy.Here's what I'll get into:→ In LATAM, complexity isn't a bug—it's the moat.→ Revenue is the best anti-dilution strategy.→ In frontier markets, global expansion is a risk management.→ Outsiders win in LATAM when they think like founders: test, learn, commit.→ Multi-product vs. single-product: what founders need to ask before picking a lane.If you enjoy today's episode, please rate us on Spotify, subscribe to our newsletter at ⁠blog.thejcurve.com⁠, and follow us on YouTube (@thejcurvepodcast) and Instagram (@olgamaslikhova).Let's get into it.

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What does it take to build the logistics backbone for the next generation of commerce?Sean Henry, founder and CEO of Stord, joins Kleiner Perkins partner Ilya Fushman and Grit host Joubin Mirzadegan to talk about scaling a national fulfillment network that now moves 50 million packages a year and reaches 15% of U.S. households.They explore how Stored is using AI to connect warehouses, middle-mile routes, and delivery promises into one smart system. The goal: to give every brand an Amazon Prime-like advantage.Guest: Sean Henry, Co-Founder & CEO of StordLinks:Connect with Sean HenryXLinkedInConnect with JoubinXLinkedInEmail: grit@kleinerperkins.comLearn more about Kleiner Perkins

On today's show, our guests are Darren Lockyer and Chris Rowley. Darren is Vice President of Electronics, and Chris is Vice President of Hydraulics at Bailey International. Bailey provides complete mobile hydraulic solutions, offering both standard and highly customized components to meet the needs of OEMs across demanding industries. At iVT EXPO USA 2025, Bailey will be showcasing comprehensive solutions designed to support operators of mobile equipment. We invited Darren and Chris into our forum to learn more about the innovative technologies they'll be exhibiting, and how Bailey's overall “fingertip-to-tooltip” approach is delivering performance, comfort, and reliability in real-world applications, especially in the work truck market and beyond. Connect with the host, Eric Lanke at elanke@nfpa.com or on LinkedIn at the National Fluid Power Association. Connect with our guests Darren Lockyer (darren.lockyer@baileyintl.com) and Chris Rowley (Chris.Rowley@Baileyintl.com).

In this episode of SaaS Metric School, Ben Murray dives deep into the often-confusing world of Subscription ARR (Annual Recurring Revenue). After analyzing over 160 public tech company filings, Ben shares the three most common ways companies define and calculate ARR—and why these differences matter for SaaS operators, investors, and finance teams. If you've ever struggled with benchmarking ARR or explaining it to stakeholders, this episode will give you clarity and context. What You'll Learn The three standard definitions of Subscription ARR: Run-Rate MRR Annualized Contract Value Committed/Contracted ARR (CARR) The difference between ARR and CARR and why it matters Why even “pure subscription” businesses report ARR differently How public companies present ARR in earnings reports and filings The pitfalls of using AI tools (like ChatGPT) for ARR extraction Who This Is For This episode is a must-listen if you are: ✅ A SaaS CFO or finance leader looking to align ARR reporting with industry norms ✅ A founder or CEO trying to understand what ARR numbers mean (and don't mean) ✅ A SaaS investor or advisor comparing metrics across multiple portfolio companies ✅ Anyone responsible for forecasting, benchmarking, or reporting SaaS revenue metrics Resources

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Full show - FrYiday | Superstitions | News or Nope - Pixar bloopers, Donna Kelce, and turning into your dad | Feel Good Friday - Defibrillators, crane operators, and lost wallets | Let's learn | Now even Slacker thinks there's too much eating in the studio | T'd Off with T. Hack - Cards | Did Taylor Swift ruin another sport? | Stupid stories @theslackershow @ericasheaaa @thackiswack @radioerin

It's our weekly segment of positivity...and we almost make it through the whole thing this time!

Welcome back to our special two-part series recorded live at the VRMA Executive Summit in Miami Beach. This gathering brought together some of the sharpest minds and boldest voices in vacation rental management, and we made it our mission to capture real-time insights on what's top of mind for the leaders shaping this space. In Part 2, we continue our hot-take conversations with a new lineup of industry experts, diving into the themes of value-driven travel, AI-powered revenue strategy, and the increasing tension between quality and scale. First up, you'll hear from Peter Albert, CEO of Coastal Vacation Properties, who shares what it's been like rebuilding his business—and his entire community—post-hurricane in Fort Myers Beach. Peter opens up about the realities of traveler expectations today (spoiler: it's all about price), and why vacation planners should be treated like VIPs before they even step through the door. Next, we sit down with Richie Khandelwal, co-founder of PriceLabs, for a high-octane look into the future of dynamic pricing. Richie breaks down what AI means for rate strategy, guest personalization, and the precision of future search—and why your brand's niche might be your most powerful weapon in an AI-first world. Then we're joined by Michelle Williams, General Manager at Atlantic Vacation Homes. Michelle challenges the “growth at all costs” mindset and makes a powerful case for quality over quantity. She also offers a long-view perspective on how guest expectations evolve—and why a well-made bed might matter more than that arcade machine. Finally, Scott Leggat of Inhabit shares wisdom from decades in the field. We discuss guest loyalty, building a sense of local ownership, and why regulation—not competition—may be the industry's biggest threat. If you missed Part 1, go back and hear from Steve Trover (Better Talent), Jacob Mueller (Renjoy), and Michelle Marquis on everything from business travel to PMS data ownership and the future of standardization. Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world's top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more. Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we'd love for you to apply to join our Alliance at journey.com/alliance. 

In this episode of the Operators Podcast, the discussion revolves around the critical role of product in brand strategy and the importance of understanding consumer behavior in product development. The conversation highlights the shift from commodity to brand focus in various industries, emphasizing the need for remarkable products that stand out in a crowded market.Additionally, the use of data insights for product development and the evolving landscape of brand building in the face of AI advancements are explored.00:00 The Importance of Product in Brand Strategy09:59 Understanding Consumer Behavior and Product Development15:06 The Shift from Commodity to Brand Focus20:02 Leveraging Data for Product Insights25:12 The Role of Remarkable Products in Brand Building44:46 The Essence of Remarkable Products51:50 Brand Identity and Consumer Connection57:22 The Journey of Product Development01:01:18 Building a Company as a Product01:11:28 Navigating Market Expectations and Innovations01:20:53 The Future of Consumer Brands and InclusivityPowered By:Fulfil.io.https://bit.ly/3pAp2vuThe Only Cloud ERP Designed to Efficiently Scale 8 and 9-Figure Brands. Northbeam.https://www.northbeam.io/Postscript.https://postscript.io/Richpanel.https://www.richpanel.com/?utm_source=9O&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ytdescSaras.https://saras-analytics.typeform.com/to/T8jpuAEb?utm_source=9operator_lp&utm_medium=find_out_moreSubscribe to The Marketing Operators Podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/@MarketingOperatorsSubscribe to The Finance Operators here: https://www.youtube.com/@FinanceOperatorsFOPS Sign up to the 9 Operators newsletter here: https://9operators.com/

 Call centers are the hub of much activity these days as customers seek information or wish to buy things.  Their role has changed over the years and the sophistication of the technology they use, the demands on them to streamline and cost cut with AI, and the supervisor ‘surveillance' which measures their minute- by- minute … Read More Read More

In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper take a deep dive into the latest developments in AI, especially how the technology is transforming the business world, from tools that help with forecasting to the ongoing evolution of AI avatars and agents. They also explore the impact of multimodal models, like OpenAI's multimodal capabilities and Google's recent advancements. From AI-generated images to automated agents, the discussion reveals how AI is quickly becoming a game-changer across industries, including finance, content creation, and customer service.In this episode, you will discover:How multimodal AI models are changing content creation and business operationsThe role of AI-generated avatars in training, presentations, and content productionThe current limitations of AI agents and how businesses are adopting themGoogle's new video AI tools and their impact on content creationHow AI memory is enhancing personalized digital assistants and business processesIn this episode, Paul and Glenn explored how AI is transforming content creation, business operations, and personal assistance. While AI advancements are exciting, they also highlight the current limitations of AI agents. Stay tuned for more as they continue to dive into AI's evolving role in finance and beyond..Join hosts Glenn and Paul as they unravel the complexities of AI in finance:Follow Glenn:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiiiFollow Paul:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguyFollow QFlow.AI:Website - https://bit.ly/4i1EkjgFuture Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai, the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai. Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike.In Today's Episode:[00:41] - Welcome to The Episode[05:28] - AI-generated images[08:33] - Google's video AI[13:28] - Multi-step vs. Workflow Agents[17:53] - Persuasion Through Visuals & AI[20:32] - AI: Progress or Rebranding[26:40] - Moore's Law on Steroids[29:55] - AI Models for Clients[39:32] - Closing Thought

Welcome to a special two-part series of Behind the Stays — recorded live at the VRMA Executive Summit in Miami. I brought my mic to the halls of one of the vacation rental industry's most intimate and influential gatherings — and instead of long-form interviews, I asked a handful of sharp operators and thought leaders three punchy questions: What's a contrarian belief you have about what today's travelers actually want from a vacation rental? What's something happening in the industry that not enough people are talking about — but should be? And finally, what's one travel trend you're bullish on, and one you're a little bearish on? In Part One, you'll hear from Steve Trover — founder of Better Talent and a veteran of the industry with nearly three decades of perspective. Steve drops a spicy take on why guests don't want high-touch hospitality, makes a strong case for why more PMs should be thinking about business travel, and shares his experience with purpose-built homes long before it was cool. In Part Two, I sit down with Jacob Mueller, co-founder of Renjoy — and trust me, if you geek out on tech, systems, or data sovereignty, this one's for you. Jacob breaks down why most property managers are being held hostage by their PMS, how owning your data is the key to unlocking real AI leverage, and what it takes to build tools that actually serve both your owners and your ops teams. And finally — in Part Three — you'll hear from Michelle Marquis. Michelle's worn just about every hat in this space — from property manager to tech exec to connector-in-chief. She offers a clear-eyed take on where standardization is falling short, why guest basics still matter more than we'd like to admit, and what she's seeing when it comes to group travel, pet-friendly stays, and the growing demand for better experiences. These are fast, fun, and unfiltered convos with folks who are deep in the game — and I think you're going to walk away with a few new questions to ask yourself… and maybe even a few answers you didn't see coming. Stay tuned for Part Two of this special series — featuring even more industry voices and insights — dropping Friday, June 13th.

Eric Yuan turned a simple belief into Zoom, the platform that kept the world moving through a once-in-a-century shutdown and redefined modern work. On this episode of Grit, the Zoom CEO shares why velocity beats size, how a family-first ethos powered his leadership during COVID, and why the coming wave of AI dwarfs the original internet boom. He details how he's refreshing Zoom's culture for 7,500 people, opting for virtual deal calls over in person meetings, settling into life as an empty-nester, and keeping Zoom nimble enough to outpace Big Tech and the next wave of AI startups.Guest: Eric S. Yuan, Founder & CEO of ZoomChapters: 00:00 Trailer00:44 Introduction01:47 Walking with swagger03:48 Extremely exciting moment10:05 Classic innovators' dilemma12:59 Laser-focused bandwidth17:56 Family first: lead by example22:09 Everybody was doing their road shows25:34 The entire world was dependent28:04 Community care31:57 Valuation and a co-founder35:17 A lot of unhappy days39:25 Building Zoom for consumers46:57 Holograms?52:01 Home53:23 Huge competition, high velocity1:00:33 Where companies get wrong1:04:52 Giving back1:13:12 Who Zoom is hiring1:13:24 What “grit” means to Eric1:14:24 OutroMentioned in this episode: Webex by Cisco, Glean, Apple, HP, Netscape, Yahoo, Brian Armstrong, Emilie Choi, Coinbase, New Limit, Elon Musk, Windy Hill, Magic Leap, Rony Abovitz, Jony Ive, OpenAI ChatGPT, Bill McDermott, ServiceNow, Carl EschenbachLinks:Connect with EricXLinkedInConnect with JoubinXLinkedInEmail: grit@kleinerperkins.comLearn more about Kleiner Perkins

Keywords:  mergers, acquisitions, management consulting, technology, startups, venture capital, incubators, sports management, entrepreneurship, COVID-19, broadcast technology, mergers and acquisitions, problem solving, AI in business, scalable business models, business integration, technology adoption, small business growth, operational efficiency, entrepreneurial strategies Summary:  In this episode, Charles Sims shares his extensive experience in management consulting, technology, and venture capital, focusing on mergers and acquisitions. He discusses his journey from working with small businesses to becoming the CTO of the LA Clippers and the United Talent Agency. Charles emphasizes the importance of technology in business operations and the role of effective communication in securing investments. He also highlights common mistakes startups make and the differences between angel investors and venture capitalists, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the industry. In this conversation, Charles Sims discusses the evolution of broadcast technology, the importance of problem-solving approaches in chaotic situations, and the impact of AI on small businesses. He emphasizes the need for modular and scalable business models, the significance of navigating complexity in business systems, and the creative deal-making process in mergers and acquisitions. The discussion also highlights the advantages small businesses have in adapting quickly to changes and leveraging technology for operational efficiency. Takeaways Charles started in management consulting, focusing on operational and IT strategies. He served as CTO for the LA Clippers, revolutionizing their technology. At United Talent Agency, he developed a passion for mergers and acquisitions. Charles launched Investimate, a platform for business planning and investment analysis. He emphasizes the importance of a well-packaged narrative for startups. Startups often fail by dumping too much information into their pitches. Investors prioritize operators over ideas when making decisions. Angels have more tolerance for failure compared to VCs. COVID accelerated technological advancements in the industry. Transparency with investors can lead to valuable support and connections. Broadcast technology has evolved significantly post-COVID. The hurricane approach involves structured problem-solving in chaos. Staying agnostic and modular in technology choices is crucial. AI's growth is linked to the API ecosystem. Small businesses can move quickly to capitalize on opportunities. Creative deal-making is essential in mergers and acquisitions. Scalability in business models is key to long-term success. Avoid relying solely on people; focus on product scalability. Utilizing existing blueprints can save time and effort. Embrace technology to automate and streamline business processes. Titles Navigating Mergers and Acquisitions with Charles Sims From Consulting to CTO: Charles Sims' Journey The Intersection of Technology and Business Operations Investing in Ideas: The Role of Operators Building a Virtual Incubator for Startups Sound Bites "Every business is a software business." "We can move very quickly from idea to MVP." "Ideas are free." "Your investors are there to help you." "Don't hide, be transparent." "COVID helped us launch our music side." "We had to quickly build on top of it." "Stay as agnostic and modular as you can." "We could get you from zero to 60." "Don't reinvent the wheel." "You don't have to go to MBA school." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Charles Sims and M&A 03:03 Charles's Journey in Management Consulting 05:51 CTO Experience with LA Clippers 09:01 Transition to United Talent Agency 11:58 Launching Investimate and VC Insights 14:50 Building a Virtual Incubator 17:55 Common Mistakes of Startups 21:04 The Role of Angels vs. VCs 23:52 Impact of COVID on Business 27:08 Lessons from Acquiring the Forum 28:03 The Evolution of Broadcast Technology 34:24 The Hurricane Approach to Problem Solving 40:08 Navigating Complexity in Business Systems 46:04 The Impact of AI on Small Businesses 52:54 Creating Scalable Business Models 58:11 Engaging with Charles Sims

How to make sure a syndicator/operator cares about your money as an investor, what can you do to mitigate the risk of investing with a bad operator? Trinity (Trent) Herrera, commercial director and real estate consultant of Black Tie Real Estate, shares his knowledge.Read the entire episode here: https://tinyurl.com/mr4ces9cHow can a passive investor know that a syndicator/operator cares about their money?We've all looked at deals that, at the surface, the sponsor looked great, and everything was above board, and the yield was what we wanted, and it was our appetite. And something happens. And to some degree, I think that you can never, 100%, insulate yourself from a bad egg, but there are signs. We have this term in the industry, commission breath, that's always a number one red flag. Someone with a servant mindset is not going to have commission breath at all. There's no sizzle in that industry of building generational wealth, the sizzle is, we're going to build generational wealth using math and fundamentals. But when there's too much sizzle, that's a red flag.The biggest single indicator is the math and the story, and the history track record. When you have a target of an asset type or class that you're comfortable with, and when you have a track record, when you have some under your belt, it's easier to see when something doesn't look or feel the way it should in that industry. I guess I will answer that by saying the single biggest defense is sophistication and experience, and maybe even leveraging your friends, there have certainly been friends that have saved me from bad investments, just from a second look and talking through a deal.We're talking about the foundation of what makes a syndication or an investment successful, Underwriting is no joke; it's 75% of what makes a syndication work. My best clients, my best investors, all understand underwriting, and if they don't, they've hired me to help them understand it, and to walk them through it so that they can see what I'm seeing. There are so many ways that you can look at a property wrong. And I also believe that not one person should look at a property. There should be a multitude of people and aspects looking at a property, opining and giving valid, good criticism and feedback. My number one tip when it comes to foundations is to dive into underwriting and do your best to understand each deal; it takes years, and even then, there are still deals that you see and you struggle. The underwriting in the math is where you'll see if the deal is truly viable for you or not. And that goes along with the risk management side and accreditation.Each one of us has a very different life. We all live such different lives, and we all have different amounts of kids and cars and mortgages and investments, and so we all have these tolerances and knowing what those are for you through the eyes of someone like you or I, who's been doing this for a long time, is important, understanding the level you should be playing at. How much is too big a bite off for you? How are you accredited? What's your accreditation level? Those things are all guardrails that are in place to help each investor make good decisions. Each style of offering that is done is styled differently to either accept less of a wealthy and sophisticated base or not, through your underwriting and through your understanding of your life and your position, not biting off more than you can chew, and only investing money that you can tolerate losing.Trent Herreratrinity@blacktie-re.com Join our investor club here

Shared micromobility programs offering scooters and bikes have exploded across the US in recent years, but the benefits haven't been shared evenly. Anne Brown joins to discuss the equity goals and mandates cities are requiring of operators, and which seem to be most effective.Show Notes:Brown, A., & Howell, A. (2024). Mobility for the people: Equity requirements in US shared micromobility programs. Journal of Cycling and Micromobility Research, Volume 2, 2024, 100020,ISSN 2950-1059, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcmr.2024.100020. Brown, A., & Howell, A. (2025.) From Paper to Practice: Shared Micromobility Requirements and Outcomes (preprint; forthcoming Transportation Research Interdisplinary Perspectives).Brown, A., & Howell, A. (2024.) Small fares for small modes: Discount Ride Programs and Equity in US Shared Micromobility Programs (preprint). Operationalizing Equity: US Micromobility Equity Requirements Database.MacArthur, J., Fang, K., & Thigpen, C. (2024). Taxing Shared Micromobility: Assessing the Global Landscape of Fees and Taxes and Their Implications for Cities, Riders, and Operators. Portland State University Transportation Research and Education Center.LADOT Year 1 Snapshot: A review of the 2019-2020 dockless vehicle program.

Over the past two decades, Bret Taylor has quietly helped shape the arc of Silicon Valley.From co-creating Google Maps to steering Facebook, Salesforce, and OpenAI, he's been behind some of the most consequential products in tech. Now, with his new company Sierra, he's starting from zero—again.In this conversation, Bret opens up about how founders navigate identity, why the best ideas often come from everyday friction, and how staying relentlessly focused can unlock real momentum in AI.Guest: Bret Taylor, Co-Founder of SierraChapters:00:00 Trailer00:49 Introduction01:57 Saving OpenAI09:15 Overwhelming yet capable of a lot13:36 Father and founder16:49 History is written by the victors22:13 How you price matters35:58 Stickiest piece of software49:48 The first realtime social network55:34 Facebook CTO who rewrote Google Maps1:02:10 Least known, most impressive1:11:39 The best way to predict the future1:16:22 Most personally passionate1:21:22 Currency of reputation1:27:17 Away from work1:28:35 Who Sierra is hiring1:28:58 What “grit” means to Bret1:29:18 OutroMentioned in this episode: Google Maps, Salesforce, OpenAI ChatGPT, Meta Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Sam Altman, Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, Google, Marissa Mayer, Excite, MSN, AltaVista, Amazon, Harvey, Airbnb, Coinbase, Apple, John Doerr, Cursor, Codeium Windsurf, Perplexity, xAI, Kleenex, Amazon Web Services (AWS), FriendFeed, Tumblr, Kevin Gibbs, Google Maps, Yelp, Trulia, iOS App Store, Blackberry, Facebook Messenger, Marvel Avengers, Slack, Quip, Leonardo da Vinci, Clay Bavor, Microsoft, Eric Schmidt, Alan Kay, Brian Armstrong, Brian Chesky, Shopify, SiriusXM, Patrick CollisonLinks:Connect with Bret TaylorXLinkedInConnect with JoubinXLinkedInEmail: grit@kleinerperkins.comLearn more about Kleiner Perkins