Podcasts about processes

In this episode, I address key person risk for founders and CEOs, highlighting the importance of not having the business hinge on a single leader. I discuss strategies for creating robust systems and empowering teams to reduce vulnerabilities and enhance business value for investors. As a CEO coach, I emphasize transitioning to a team-driven culture that fosters stability and effective communication. I provide actionable insights to help leaders build sustainable growth that persists beyond their involvement. Episode Highlights & Time Stamps 0:09 Introduction to Key Person Risk 1:38 Understanding Your Value in Business 4:06 Transitioning from Work to People Focus 4:55 The Importance of Team-Driven Leadership 5:59 Exploring Solutions to Key Person Risk 6:40 Conclusion and Next Steps The Hidden Threat to Business Value: Key Person Risk If the success of a company depends heavily on one individual — often the founder or CEO — the business becomes less valuable to investors or buyers. A company that cannot operate smoothly without its leader signals higher risk, which typically leads to lower valuation multiples. Gene challenges leaders to ask themselves a tough question: If you're the most valuable person in your company, how valuable is the company itself? Moving from Doer to Leader Reducing key person risk requires a shift in leadership identity. Instead of being the primary driver of sales, marketing, or operations, CEOs must transition from task-focused work to people-focused leadership. This shift can be uncomfortable. Founders often feel they can do things faster or better themselves, which keeps them stuck in daily execution. But long-term growth depends on developing decision-makers across the organization. Gene describes this transition as crossing a "leadership ravine" — moving from hands-on contributor to strategic leader who builds systems, confidence, and problem-solving capacity in others. Building a Company That Runs Without You A business becomes more valuable when it is team-driven rather than founder-dependent. Investors and buyers look for: Strong leadership at multiple levels Clear communication and alignment systems Accountability structures Empowered employees who make decisions Processes that continue generating customers and results without the CEO's involvement When these elements are in place, the company can operate smoothly even if the founder steps away — dramatically increasing scalability and valuation potential.

Great ideas don't fail in dealerships because they're bad. They fail because no one installs the behavior fast enough. In this episode of Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki, Jen breaks down a simple, high-energy methodology to help leaders stop "motivating" and start installing execution inside their stores. Most dealerships don't have a training problem — they have an execution problem. Processes get rolled out. Energy fades. Thirty days later, nothing sticks. Jen shares her proven meeting framework — used at NADA Academy and in high-performing stores — to compress action, build accountability, and make learning fun and sustainable. You'll learn how to: • Pick one behavior and install it fast • Teach a technique in under 20 seconds • Use real examples to drive discussion • Create immediate execution through activity • Run contests that build visibility and accountability • Shortlist, vote, and let the team own the win This is about turning meetings into movement. Not speeches. Not theater. Behavior change. If you're a GM, GSM, Fixed Ops Director, Sales Manager, or Service Manager who's tired of initiatives fading out — this episode gives you a repeatable structure to make things stick. Momentum doesn't come from motivation. It comes from movement. Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast |

Want to Start or Grow a Successful Business? Schedule a FREE 13-Point Assessment with Clay Clark Today At: www.ThrivetimeShow.com   Join Clay Clark's Thrivetime Show Business Workshop!!! Learn Branding, Marketing, SEO, Sales, Workflow Design, Accounting & More. **Request Tickets & See Testimonials At: www.ThrivetimeShow.com  **Request Tickets Via Text At (918) 851-0102   See the Thousands of Success Stories and Millionaires That Clay Clark Has Helped to Produce HERE: https://www.thrivetimeshow.com/testimonials/ Download A Millionaire's Guide to Become Sustainably Rich: A Step-by-Step Guide to Become a Successful Money-Generating and Time-Freedom Creating Business HERE: www.ThrivetimeShow.com/Millionaire   See Thousands of Case Studies Today HERE: www.thrivetimeshow.com/does-it-work/  

Want to Start or Grow a Successful Business? Schedule a FREE 13-Point Assessment with Clay Clark Today At: www.ThrivetimeShow.com   Join Clay Clark's Thrivetime Show Business Workshop!!! Learn Branding, Marketing, SEO, Sales, Workflow Design, Accounting & More. **Request Tickets & See Testimonials At: www.ThrivetimeShow.com  **Request Tickets Via Text At (918) 851-0102   See the Thousands of Success Stories and Millionaires That Clay Clark Has Helped to Produce HERE: https://www.thrivetimeshow.com/testimonials/ Download A Millionaire's Guide to Become Sustainably Rich: A Step-by-Step Guide to Become a Successful Money-Generating and Time-Freedom Creating Business HERE: www.ThrivetimeShow.com/Millionaire   See Thousands of Case Studies Today HERE: www.thrivetimeshow.com/does-it-work/  

Eric sits down with David Henderson, Principal Architect for NetDevOps at Presidio, to discuss the practical journey for network engineers transitioning from manual CLI operations to scalable NetDevOps and automation. They discuss how traditional networking knowledge and certifications are foundational, and suggest essential tools and habits for beginning your automation journey. David also shares a... Read more »

Eric sits down with David Henderson, Principal Architect for NetDevOps at Presidio, to discuss the practical journey for network engineers transitioning from manual CLI operations to scalable NetDevOps and automation. They discuss how traditional networking knowledge and certifications are foundational, and suggest essential tools and habits for beginning your automation journey. David also shares a... Read more »

In this episode, we have the pleasure of exploring the disciplined art of leadership communication with expert guest Chris Hallberg. We dive deep into the power of systems thinking, the real risks of avoiding hard conversations, and how clear agreements—not blind expectations—drive accountability and success. From practical hiring strategies to lessons learned from military leadership, we uncover valuable methods for inspiring commitment and elevating performance within any team. Join us as we discover actionable insights that empower us to build stronger, more impactful organizations and relationships.Timestamps: (00:00) - Introducing Chris Hallberg and episode topics.(02:26) - The risks of avoiding hard conversations.(03:27) - How unresolved issues escalate in organizations.(06:06) - Operating systems and clear agreements for leaders.(11:56) - Transforming expectations into agreements to prevent workplace tension.(13:11) - Utilizing Lencioni's five dysfunctions to build trust and accountability.(20:45) - Rule of seven for direct reports and effective leadership.(24:06) - Hiring based on systems and assessing candidates beyond interview skills.(33:12) - Applying systems thinking to communication challenges and performance reviews.(55:13) - Chris Hallberg's contact information and resources for veterans.Links and Resources:Chris Hallberg | LinkedInChris Hallberg | EOS Implementer | EOS Worldwidebizsgt.comSponsor Links:InQuasive: http://www.inquasive.com/Humintell: Body Language - Reading People - HumintellEnter Code INQUASIVE25 for 25% discount on your online training purchase.International Association of Interviewers: Home (certifiedinterviewer.com)Podcast Production Services by EveryWord Media

Outline and Show NotesGuest:Links and promo stuff?Preferred name/title?Relax and laughWill be video recording and may use small or big piecesSmall things won't be editedIf there is a gaff – long pauseIntro-interview-outroQuestions for me?FB hit recordShow Title: When there are “I's” in TEAM with Dr. Chad DumasPower Quote:Teaser:I'm really excited about today's episode. I had so much fun recording it and I think that lightness and positivity come out in the interview. It's a great combination of high-level stuff and some really fundamental truths about teams and leaderships. This might be one of those episodes that you want to listen to twice and take notes. I hope you enjoy listening as much as I did recording it.Sponsor Spot 1:Friends/School leaders, When students practice math over the summer, math scores go up. So, what's your summer math plan this year? Whether you have no summer math program, or are curious about what a research-based program looks like. Check out Summer Pops for free. Get your FREE workbook samples today at Summer Pops Workbooks.com. The link is in the show notes.Show IntroGuest Bio:Dr. Chad Dumas is a Solution Tree PLC at Work, Assessment, and Priority Schools associate and international consultant, presenter, and award-winning researcher. His primary focus is collaborating to develop capacity for continuous improvement. With a quarter century of successful leadership experience, Chad has led significant improvements for both students and staff. He shares his research and knowledge in his three books on PLCs, and his most recent book, the Teacher Team Leader Handbook. Chad's consulting and training includes research, stories, hands-on tools, useful knowledge, and practical skills. He most recently was the executive director of elementary education in the Ames Community School District, a preschool thru grade 12 district of 5,000 students in central Iowa. Before this he was the director of learning for Hastings Public Schools in south-central Nebraska for nine years. Chad is one of the few three-time guests as he appeared back in episodes 202 and 246.Warmup questions:We always like to start with a celebration. What are you celebrating today?Is there a story that will help listeners understand why you are doing what you do?Questions/Topics/PromptsThe driving question will be: I have a 7th grade team who doesn't get along. Each wants to do their own thing. Our 6th grade team collaborates and integrates ELA into multiple subjects and student achievement data is much higher there. Our 7th grade has a daily PLC time, but they do not use it well. Help!Let's begin with common teams dysfunctions:People?Processes?Purpose?Sponsor Spot 2:I want to thank IXL for sponsoring this podcast…Everyone talks about the power of data-driven instruction. But what does that actually look like? Look no further than IXL, the ultimate online learning and teaching platform for K to 12. IXL gives you meaningful insights that drive real progress, and research can prove it. Studies across 45 states show that schools who use IXL outperform other schools on state tests. Educators who use IXL love that they can easily see how their school is performing in real-time to make better instructional decisions. And IXL doesn't stop at just data. IXL also brings an entire ecosystem of resources for your teachers, with a complete curriculum, personalized learning plans, and so much more. It's no wonder that IXL is used in 95 of the top 100 school districts. Ready to join them? Visit ixl.com/assistant to get started.Closing questions:What part of your own leadership are you still trying to get better at?If listeners could take just one thing away from today's podcast, what would it be?Before we go, is there anything else that you'd like to share with our listeners?Where can people learn more about you and your work…- If you love travel, but your student trips are starting to feel a little… copy-and-paste, it might be time to level up.That's why I recommend Kaleidoscope Adventures.They've been planning educational travel for more than 30 years. And the best part? No cookie-cutter itineraries. Every trip is built around your program, your budget, and your goals.Whether you're dreaming of a trip to Universal's EPIC Universe, a history-filled journey to Washington, D.C., or even an international adventure, Kaleidoscope Adventures can help you plan a trip your students will never forget.Get inspired today at mykatrip.com. Kaleidoscope Adventures - Travel Beyond ExpectationsSummary/wrap up“Regard man as a mine rich in gems of inestimable value. Education can, alone, cause it to reveal its treasures, and enable mankind to benefit therefrom.”Four root problems: Why? (purpose)What and how (processes)Lack of trustIllogical resistorsAll => M=v/eCleaning snow off the wrong car - Collaboration has to be meaningfulStep 1: learn;  Step 2: create more alignmentSpecial thanks to the amazing Ranford Almond for the great music on the show. Please support Ranford and the show by checking out his music!Ranford's homepage: https://ranfordalmond.comRanford's music on streaming services: https://streamlink.to/ranfordalmond-oldsoulInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ranfordalmond/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ranfordalmond/Sponsor Links:IXL: http://ixl.com/assistant Kaleidoscope Adventures: https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/the-assistant-principal-podcast-kaleidoscope-adventures/Summer Pops: Summer Pops Workbooks.com CloseLeadership is a journey and thank you for choosing to walk some of this magical path with me.You can find links to all sorts of stuff in the show notes, including my website https://www.frederickbuskey.com/I love hearing from you. If you have comments or questions, or are interested in having me speak at your school or conference, email me at frederick@frederickbuskey.com or connect with me on LinkedIn.If yo...

Revolutionizing Compliance: Modernizing Inspection Workflows with Tim HarrisIn a recent episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur Podcast, host Josh Elledge sat down with Tim Harris, the Chief Executive Officer of VirtuSpect, to explore how digital transformation is finally reaching the heavily regulated world of physical inspections. Tim shared how VirtuSpect is dismantling the traditional, slow-moving inspection model—particularly in the banking sector—by replacing manual third-party visits with a secure, automated SaaS platform. Their conversation dives into the critical intersection of speed and compliance, revealing how financial institutions and regulated enterprises can close loans faster and reduce operational overhead without compromising on security or regulatory rigor.Accelerating Efficiency: The Shift to Automated, Self-Guided InspectionsThe primary bottleneck in regulated industries has long been the reliance on manual, third-party inspections that can delay business cycles by several days or even weeks. Tim explains that the traditional "wait-and-see" approach, where an external inspector must be scheduled and dispatched, is being replaced by a guided, mobile-first experience that empowers internal staff or even business owners to complete the task themselves. By utilizing a secure mobile app that walks a non-expert through every required photo, video, and data point, VirtuSpect has seen turnaround times plummet from an average of five days to as little as 28 minutes. This radical shift in efficiency allows banks to move from inspection to loan closing in record time, significantly increasing interest income and enhancing the overall customer experience.Cost savings and scalability go hand-in-hand when an organization moves away from per-inspection travel fees and administrative bloat. Because the platform is built to handle thousands of requests per day, it allows enterprises to scale their operations without a linear increase in headcount or external vendor costs. Automated notifications and escalation triggers ensure that remediation steps are handled instantly, preventing human error from stalling a high-stakes audit or loan approval. For organizations conducting hundreds or thousands of inspections annually, this move toward productized, scalable workflows transforms a necessary administrative burden into a streamlined competitive advantage that can be deployed across various verticals.Beyond the immediate gains in speed, the platform is engineered to meet the stringent security and privacy demands of the financial and securities sectors. Every inspection performed through the system creates a comprehensive, encrypted audit trail that is far more robust than the fragmented email chains and physical files of the past. By collaborating with compliance experts to ensure that inspection criteria align with current regulations, VirtuSpect provides an enterprise-grade foundation that protects sensitive data both in transit and at rest. As the platform expands into branch audits, home office inspections, and asset management, it provides a unified source of truth that satisfies regulators while giving leadership real-time visibility into the health of their distributed assets.About Tim HarrisTim Harris is the Chief Executive Officer of VirtuSpect and a veteran leader in the technology space. A disciplined entrepreneur known for his rigorous personal routines—including a decade-long commitment to early-morning swimming—Tim applies a focus on technique and efficiency to help regulated industries modernize their most entrenched manual processes.About VirtuSpectVirtuSpect is a SaaS platform that provides automated inspection and remediation workflows for regulated industries, including banking, securities, and asset management. The company empowers...

About the Guest: Ivan Tornos grew up in Madrid, Spain, facing profound loss—his father, uncle, and brother all passed at 45 from cancer—which fueled his mission to "alleviate pain and extend life" in healthcare. Now CEO of Zimmer Biomet, a century-old medtech giant, he's expanding from orthopedics into robotics, AI, and infection prevention, aiming to become "the boldest medtech company on Earth." Early in his career, Ivan struggled with leadership until embracing purpose alongside execution. "Once you get the purpose right and you're authentic about it, that's not enough—you gotta inspire performance and manage performance," he explains, outlining his 4P algorithm honed over 31 years at companies like J&J and Baxter. Listen to hear how he "fired himself from email," blocks personal KPIs in his calendar (like gym time and calling his 90-year-old mom), and prioritizes patients over short-term shareholders—creating low turnover and high engagement at a $20B+ market cap firm. What You Will Learn: The 4P leadership model (Purpose, Plan, People, Processes) for turning vision into results How to define winning holistically across spiritual, personal, physical, mental, and professional dimensions with personal KPIs Why saying no and ruthless calendar audits (every Sunday) beat busyness every time Balancing hugs and "kicks" as a leader, plus allowing failure for bold innovation Ivan delivers transformative advice for leaders at any level, rooted in Dale Carnegie authenticity. "Purpose equals a sense of urgency when you're dealing with other people's lives," he says. Discover how to lead with intention, build unbreakable teams, and live carpe diem when you listen to this inspiring episode of the Take Command Podcast. Join Joe and Ivan for stories, frameworks, and the discipline to win big. Please rate and review this Episode!We'd love to hear from you! Leaving a review helps us ensure we deliver content that resonates with you. Your feedback can inspire others to join our Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast community & benefit from the leadership insights we share.

In this final episode of the attachment series, Christa sits down with another Enneagram expert, Jeff Cook, Enneagram Type 1, philosopher, former pastor, and co-host of the popular Around the Circle Enneagram podcast, as we talk about attachment and how couples can process conflict. We also talk about his new book Around the Circle: An Enneagram Book (June 2025). Unlike most Enneagram books that profile types individually, Jeff's book explores nine essential questions everyone faces (like "How do I solve my problems?") and answers them for all nine types, creating a richer, more nuanced understanding. Jeff brings a Christian philosophical lens to the Enneagram, reminding us of the fact that relationships are all we bring with us into eternity, so it's important to grow here as an individual, and we try to answer what it means to be our healthiest selves. They discuss the power of naming our motives, why the Enneagram isn't about "putting people in boxes," the Harmonic groups (Positive Outlook: 2, 7, 9 who reframe; Competency: 1, 3, 5 who problem-solve; Reactive: 4, 6, 8 who intensify emotions). Whether you're new to the Enneagram or a seasoned student, this conversation will deepen your understanding and help you see yourself and your spouse more clearly. Watch on YouTube! Important Show Notes from the Allender Center's Marriage Class Marriage class coming up! Get live teaching from The Allender Center 's prolific teachers Dan and Becky Allender across three dates, starting tomorrow (or watch over Zoom) and use the code enneagram30 to get $30 off the course here! Growing in Marriage: A Guided Journey with Dan & Becky Allender. Jeff's Exciting Around the Circle Materials! Get Jeff's book here! https://www.amazon.com/Around-Circle-Enneagram-Jeff-Cook/dp/B0FD46YT16 Listen to the Around the Circle pod here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/around-the-circle-an-enneagram-channel/id1466446583 Visit the entire Around the Circle crew on their website as well! www.AroundtheCircle.org Find more about your type, the pod, freebies, and SO much more at our website right here! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.EnneagramandMarriage.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Love what you're learning on E + M? Make sure you leave us a podcast review so others can find us, too⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ here!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get Christa's Best-Selling Book, The Enneagram in Marriage, here! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://a.co/d/df8SxVx Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This Week:  Systems & Processes So Your People Thrive Dylan Bassett helps you create your invisible infrastructure, so you can quietly reduce burnout, increase efficiency and make it easier for your nonprofit to grow. He shares the signs that your … Continue reading →

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Krista Stepney shares powerful tactics for moving forward when fear has you feeling stuck.— YOU'LL LEARN — 1) How to identify and address the root causes of inaction2) How to take your power back from comparisons and self-doubt3) Two powerful scripts for when you're stuckSubscribe or visit AwesomeAtYourJob.com/ep1130 for clickable versions of the links below. — ABOUT KRISTA — Krista D. Stepney is a leadership and business strategist, keynote speaker, and transformation advisor who helps leaders and everyday changemakers turn hesitation into momentum. With over 15 years of experience in operations, organizational leadership, and culture transformation, Krista blends research, faith, and lived experience to help others build a purposeful life and legacy.As the creator of The BOLDprint Method and the W.A.N.D. Methodology, she has coached executives, entrepreneurs, and everyday dreamers on overcoming fear, resisting comparison, and designing a personalized roadmap forward, even when the next step feels unclear.Her mission is simple: to help people get unstuck and move anyway, especially when it feels like the hardest thing to do.• Book: Move Anyway: A Guide for Overthinkers, Perfectionists, and Almost-Starters• Website: KristaStepney.com— RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE SHOW — • Study: Perfectionism Research by Vitale & Co.• Study: “Healthy Reflections: The Influence of Mirror Induced Self-Awareness on Taste Perceptions” by Ata Jami• Study: “Implementation Intentions and Goal Achievement: A Meta‐analysis of Effects and Processes” by Peter M. Gollwitzer and Paschal Sheeran• Book: Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity by David Allen• Book: Professional Troublemaker: The Fear-Fighter Manual by Luvvie Ajayi Jones• Past episode: 015: David Allen, The World's Leading Authority on Productivity• Past episode: 798: How to Have Difficult Conversations about Race with Kwame Christian• Past episode: 1078: How to Stop Playing Small and Achieve Your Greatest Goals with Richard Medcalf— THANK YOU SPONSORS! — • Monarch.com. Get 50% off your first year on with the code AWESOME.• Shopify. Sign up for your $1/month trial at Shopify.com/better• Factor. Head to factormeals.com/beawesome50off and use the code beawesome50off to get 50% off and free breakfast for a year. (New Factor subscribers only)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In today's legal landscape, operating a brick-and-mortar office might not be the best choice for your business, especially as you scale it.  In this episode, Holly Draper and Carrie Tapia will discuss the advantages and challenges of operating a thriving virtual law practice.  They will offer advice on how to start and grow your virtual firm and share their insights gained over years operating in this format.In this episode you will discover:-The advantages and challenges that operating a virtual firm presents-How to maintain office culture when there is no office-The necessity of process development and training to ensure efficient and effective representation.-Practical advice for starting and growing your practice

In this episode of Pulse of the Practice, Mo Arbas and Paul Miller dive deep into what truly keeps an accounting firm running smoothly during tax season—clear processes, intentional workflows, and the right questions asked at the right time. From the realities of client data chaos to the importance of firm-wide standards, Paul breaks down how his multi-team firm handles data intake, “tax-ready” checklists, questionnaires, and internal workflow guardrails.Mo compares this to the challenges solo practitioners face, sparking a conversation about scaling, staff development, knowledge transfer, and why younger team members learn differently today. The duo also discuss evolving technology, AI-powered knowledge bases, and the importance of documenting firm methodologies—one decision tree at a time.Whether you're a firm leader, a growing practitioner, or someone looking to streamline your processes, this episode offers a practical, behind-the-scenes look at building a more efficient, consistent, and scalable practice.

Aging has long been explained in different ways. One traditional view is that it results from the gradual accumulation of molecular damage over time. Another perspective, based on evolutionary theory, suggests that natural selection strongly protects health during youth and reproductive years but becomes less effective later in life. As a result, biological effects that appear in older age may persist because they have little impact on reproduction. Over the past two decades, researchers have also explored the idea that biological programs beneficial early in life may continue operating later in ways that become harmful. Processes that once supported growth, repair, and reproduction may, with time, contribute to chronic disease. A recent review article, titled “Aging as a multifactorial disorder with two stages,” published in Aging-US by researchers at University College London and Queen Mary University of London, brings these different perspectives together into a unified model, to propose a broader explanation of how aging-related diseases develop. The review appears in a special issue honoring the late scientist Misha Blagosklonny, whose theoretical work on programmatic aging significantly influenced the field. Full blog - https://aging-us.org/2026/02/how-aging-leads-to-chronic-disease-a-two-stage-model/ Paper DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.206339 Corresponding author - David Gems - david.gems@ucl.ac.uk Abstract video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4TSI4Ot3yM Sign up for free Altmetric alerts about this article - https://aging.altmetric.com/details/email_updates?id=10.18632%2Faging.206339 Subscribe for free publication alerts from Aging - https://www.aging-us.com/subscribe-to-toc-alerts Keywords - aging, C. elegans, disease, hyperfunction, multifactorial model To learn more about the journal, please visit https://www.Aging-US.com​​ and connect with us on social media at: Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/aging-us.bsky.social ResearchGate - https://www.researchgate.net/journal/Aging-1945-4589 X - https://twitter.com/AgingJrnl Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AgingUS/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/agingjrnl/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/aging/ Reddit - https://www.reddit.com/user/AgingUS/ Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/AgingUS/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Aging-US Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1X4HQQgegjReaf6Mozn6Mc MEDIA@IMPACTJOURNALS.COM

In this week's episode, hosts Kelly Wang and Scott Walters interview Sorcha Rountree, a PhD student in Earth Science, about their journey from archaeology to geology and what studying ancient skull shapes can tell us about identity in the past. Sharing insights from their MA research on cranial modification in Prehispanic Peru, Sorcha explains how geometric morphometric methods help researchers study shape and cultural practices, what their results revealed about identity and social status, and how their interdisciplinary background opened the door to a new path in Earth Science.   Recorded on Tuesday, February 10th, 2026 Produced by Milan Mammen Theme tune "Feelin Good" provided by FreeBeats.io (Produced by WhiteHot)

Guest: Daniel Lyman, VP of Threat Detection and Response, Fiserv Topics: What is the right way for people to bridge the gap and translate executive dreams and board goals into the reality of life on the ground? How do we talk to people who think they have "transformed" their SOC simply by buying a better, shinier product (like a modern SIEM) while leaving their old processes intact? What are the specific challenges and advantages you've seen with a federated SOC versus a centralized one? What does a "federated" or "sub-SOC" model actually mean in practice? Why is the message that "EDR doesn't cover everything" so hard for some people to hear? Is this obsession with EDR a business decision or technology debt? How do you expect AI to change the calculus around data centralization versus data federation? What is your favorite example of telemetry that is useful, but usually excluded from a SIEM? What are the Detection and Response organizational metrics that you think are most valuable? Is the continued use of Excel an issue of tooling, laziness, or just because it is a fundamentally good way to interact with a small database? Resources: Video version "In My Time of Dying" book EP258 Why Your Security Strategy Needs an Immune System, Not a Fortress with Royal Hansen EP197 SIEM (Decoupled or Not), and Security Data Lakes: A Google SecOps Perspective The Gravity of Process: Why New Tech Never Fixes Broken Process and Can AI Change It? blog

Episode Summary In a world increasingly driven by data, frameworks, and efficiency, are we losing the human element in public relations? This week, hosts Karen Swim and Michelle Kane tackle the critical need for brands to prioritize people over processes. They explore how the over-reliance on analytics, scripts, and rigid systems can lead to poor customer experiences and stifle professional growth. From the frustrations of automated service lines to the undervaluing of professional instinct and critical thinking, this episode is a passionate call for PR and communications pros to champion a more people-first approach in their strategies. Episode Highlights [01:39] The "Read the Room" Imperative: Why it's essential for PR professionals to craft messaging that respects the audience and current circumstances, ensuring we don't lose sight of the people we serve. [02:24] People as an Afterthought: A discussion on the troubling trend where frameworks, efficiency, and bottom lines overshadow the human connections that public relations is built on. [05:03] The Limits of Data: While data is important, it isn't everything. The hosts use a baseball analogy to illustrate the importance of gut instinct and human experience in decision-making. [07:01] The Decline of Critical Thinking: How rigid frameworks and an obsession with efficiency are hindering the development of critical thinking skills for both seasoned and emerging professionals. [08:49] The Practitioner's Dilemma: Navigating the conflict between people-led PR training and being measured by numbers, quotas, and processes that often ignore the human impact. [10:07] Lived Experience is Valuable: The importance of on-the-ground knowledge and why ignoring local insights in favor of broad data can lead to misguided strategies. [12:16] Critical Thinking Isn't Dead, It's Devalued: A powerful argument that smart people with innovative ideas are often unheard because organizations fail to make room for human intellect and nuance. Related Episodes & Additional Information For more resources and discussions tailored to independent PR professionals, explore the community and articles available at SoloPRPro.com. Host & Show Info That Solo Life is a podcast created for public relations, communication, and marketing professionals who work as independent and small practitioners. Hosted by Karen Swim, APR, founder of Words For Hire and President of Solo PR, and Michelle Kane, Principal of Voice Matters, the show delivers expert insights, encouragement, and advice for solo PR pros navigating today's dynamic professional landscape.   Did this conversation resonate with you? Share this episode with a fellow PR pro who champions a people-first approach. Subscribe to "That Solo Life" on your favorite podcast platform and leave us a review to help others find the show.

Here's a quick recap of what happened in property management last week. Links and resources to each story are included below…00:00:20 — Housing for the 21st Century Act Passes (No Investor Ban Included) - House Republicans and Democrats just passed the Housing for the 21st Century Act. It's largely a “build more housing, faster” package — clearing federal review delays, reducing regulatory bottlenecks, and making it easier to develop missing middle and small multifamily housing. It also includes faster voucher lease-ups and some manufactured housing provisions. https://nypost.com/2026/02/11/real-estate/congress-advances-housing-bill-without-trumps-proposal-to-ban-investors/(One important note: the proposed ban on institutional investors buying single-family homes did not make it into the final bill. That piece was left out. So for now, there's no federal restriction coming on large-scale homebuyers. The supply-side reforms advanced. The investor restrictions didn't. Worth watching how that evolves.) 00:01:20 — HOA Manager Accused of Stealing $1M+An HOA manager has been accused of stealing more than $1 million in 2025, including at least $600,000 from one condo association. Allegations include forged checks and misdirected settlement funds. Wild story. But zoom out for a second — this is almost always a controls issue. One person had too much access and not enough oversight. Basic financial guardrails likely would have prevented this. Dual approval on disbursements, separation of reserve and operating accounts, bank statements going directly to board members. Processes are like plumbing — invisible when they work, a disaster when they don't. https://www.realtor.com/news/trends/hoa-manager-allegedly-scammed-people-out-of-1-million-over-4-years/00:02:08 — AppFolio Releases 2026 Property Management Benchmark Report! AppFolio just released its 2026 Property Management Benchmark Report, and a few things jumped out. https://www.appfolio.com/resources/library/benchmark-reportThe top two challenges operators reported were higher vacancy and rising operating costs. That's not surprising, but it's validating to see it confirmed at scale. In response, 86% of property managers say they're prioritizing resident experience — especially communication and reducing friction around move-ins.Fraud continues to go mainstream. More than half of respondents reported an increase in application fraud last year. That's huge. Screening and verification are becoming table stakes.And then there's AI. Forty-four percent of respondents say they're already using AI tools, and those users expect faster portfolio growth than non-users. Interesting correlation. If you're not experimenting yet, this might be your sign to start small and see what actually moves the needle.That's all the news I have for you this week. Have a good one.

Bridging the Gap: Integrating Marketing and Operations for Scalable Growth with Kasandra MurrayIn this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur Podcast, host Josh Elledge sits down with Kasandra Murray, the Founder and Owner of Unlucky Umbrella Studio, to discuss the critical intersection of lead generation and operational fulfillment. Kasandra shares her expertise on why even the most aggressive marketing campaigns are doomed to fail if a business lacks the back-end systems to support an influx of new interest. This conversation provides a strategic roadmap for entrepreneurs who are tired of "leaky buckets" in their sales funnels and are looking for actionable ways to align their teams, document their brilliance, and leverage technology without losing the human touch.Harmonizing Systems and Processes for Sustainable SuccessThe most common mistake high-growth businesses make is treating marketing and operations as separate silos, where one team focuses on "the hunt" while the other is left to deal with "the catch." Kasandra explains that when these two departments aren't in sync, the result is often a series of missed opportunities—calls go unanswered, follow-ups are delayed, and the customer experience becomes inconsistent. To solve this, leadership must view the customer journey as a single, continuous thread. By mapping every touchpoint from the first ad click to the final delivery, businesses can identify operational friction points and ensure that every dollar spent on marketing actually has a clear path to conversion and long-term retention.Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) serve as the backbone of this alignment, yet they are frequently neglected because they feel unglamorous or time-consuming to create. Kasandra advocates for a "progress over perfection" mindset, encouraging business owners to document their workflows in real-time rather than waiting for a quiet moment that never comes. Effective SOPs do more than just reduce errors; they empower the team to perform consistently and allow for rapid scaling when the marketing engine begins to hum. When knowledge is captured and processes are systematized, the business becomes less dependent on any single individual, creating a more resilient and valuable asset.As businesses look to automate these processes, the role of Artificial Intelligence has become increasingly prominent, though it requires careful management to avoid costly errors. Kasandra points out that while AI can handle repetitive tasks like initial sorting or data entry, it is not a total replacement for human empathy and problem-solving. A successful integration strategy uses AI to augment the team's capabilities, freeing up human staff for high-value, high-touch interactions. By piloting automated solutions internally before deploying them to customers, leaders can ensure that their technology enhances the brand experience rather than creating new barriers to connection.About Kasandra Murray: Kasandra Murray is the Founder and Owner of Unlucky Umbrella Studio, where she specializes in helping businesses optimize their operations and marketing alignment. With a background in streamlining complex workflows, Kasandra is known for her ability to spot operational bottlenecks that prevent companies from reaching their full revenue potential.About Unlucky Umbrella Studio: Unlucky Umbrella Studio is a boutique consultancy that focuses on business optimization through the integration of marketing strategy and operational efficiency. The firm helps clients build robust SOPs, manage lead-flow systems, and implement technology solutions that drive sustainable, scalable growth.Links Mentioned in This Episode:

Follow optYOUmize Podcast with Brett Ingram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Summary Brett Ingram speaks with Rebecca Vickers, VP of Operations at FMO Media, about her journey from theater to digital marketing, the importance of building strong relationships and high-performance teams, navigating multicultural communication challenges, and the critical role of systems and processes in business. They emphasize the need for continuous learning and adaptability in today's fast-paced environment. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the optYOUmize Podcast 01:01 Rebecca's Journey: From Theater to Digital Marketing 07:31 Building Strong Relationships and High-Performance Teams 18:24 Navigating Multicultural Teams and Communication Challenges 29:35 The Importance of Systems and Processes in Business 43:06 Continuous Learning and Growth as a Business Owner #digitalmarketing #personalgrowth #personaldevelopment #entrepreneurship #optyoumize #brettingram #entrepreneurpodcast #podmatch Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Truth Be Told with Booker Scott – Trust in institutions erodes when lived reality clashes with official claims. Elections, hospitals, and courts demand transparency, not excuses. Missing records, unaccountable officials, and broken safeguards fuel public distrust. Accountability restores confidence. Citizens must demand audits, preserved records, and equal justice, because truth and governance begin at home, with active civic responsibility...

As a violinist, Darian Donovan Thomas has played with alternative soul singer Moses Sumney, the chamber ensemble Mediaqueer, and the Pakistani-American singer Arooj Aftab, among many others. But Thomas is also a singer, songwriter and producer whose own music reflects his omnivorous musical experience. Hyper-pop, ambient electronica and contemporary classical music are all fair game in his latest record, which is called A Room With Many Doors – Day. Darian Donovan Thomas and Phong Tran play some of these songs, live in-studio. Set list: 1. Mr & Mr Married/Safe Space 2. Snow Storm 3. Purple Flower

Recorded February 11th, 2026. Continuing our Bridging the Gap series, this seminar explores how researchers, policy-makers and members of the public can work together to translate scientific knowledge into practical, lasting action. Drawing on her experience chairing Ireland's Citizens' Assembly on Biodiversity Loss, and more recently her work as Chair of the Independent Advisory Committee on Nature Restoration, Dr Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin will discuss what insights we can take from examples of deliberative democracy and public engagement. Named a European Young Leader for her work to promote equality, innovation and inclusion in mathematics education, and in light of Ireland preparing to take over the Presidency of the Council of the EU in July, Dr Ní Shúilleabháin will also explore how academia can best contribute to the development of public policy. The seminar will be of interest to researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and anyone interested in connecting research and public participation. Dr Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin is an award-winning science communicator and educator and is Associate Professor in the School of STEM Education, Innovation and Global Studies at DCU.   She was appointed by the Taoiseach in 2022 to chair the Citizens' Assembly on Biodiversity Loss, and in her role as chair of the Independent Advisory Committee on Nature Restoration is contributing to the development of Ireland's Nature Restoration Plan.   Learn more at www.tcd.ie/trinitylongroomhub

Send a textMost organizations have documented processes. SOPs exist, ownership is defined, and work keeps moving. Yet ask different teams how work actually flows — and you'll hear very different answers.In this episode of Lean by Design, Oscar Gonzalez and Lawrence Wong explore why operational friction persists even in organizations with mature processes. They examine how workarounds become normalized, why improvements often fail to stick, and how effort can mask deeper workflow misalignment.The conversation reframes a common misdiagnosis: the issue isn't that people don't follow the process — it's that the process doesn't reflect how work actually happens. As organizations grow, this gap creates variability, hidden risk, and confusion around ownership, even while productivity appears high.Rather than offering best practices or quick fixes, the episode focuses on recognizing where workflows lose shared understanding and why diagnosing that gap requires more than documentation. It's a debrief-style discussion for leaders and operators who sense that work gets done — but doesn't truly flow. Order Predictably Broken Now! https://books2read.com/predictablybroken Learn more about us by visiting: https://sigmalabconsulting.com/ Check out video episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@LeanByDesignPodcastWant our thoughts on a specific topic? Looking to sponsor this podcast to continue to generate content? Or maybe you have an idea and want to be on our show. Fill out our Interest Form and share your thoughts.

*Content Warning: institutional betrayal, sexual violence, stalking, on-campus violence, intimate partner violence, gender-based violence, stalking, rape, and sexual assault.Free + Confidential Resources + Safety Tips: somethingwaswrong.com/resources   Follow Dr. Kathryn Holland: Website: https://psychology.unl.edu/person/kathryn-holland/ Dr. Kathryn Holland on Google Scholars: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=OgJhWwoAAAAJ&hl=en SWW Sticker Shop!: https://brokencyclemedia.com/sticker-shop SWW S25 Theme Song & Artwork: The S25 cover art is by the Amazing Sara Stewart instagram.com/okaynotgreat/ The S25 theme song is a cover of Glad Rag's U Think U from their album Wonder Under, performed by the incredible Abayomi instagram.com/Abayomithesinger. The S25 theme song cover was produced by Janice “JP” Pacheco instagram.com/jtooswavy/ at The Grill Studios in Emeryville, CA instagram.com/thegrillstudios/ Follow Something Was Wrong: Website: somethingwaswrong.com  IG: instagram.com/somethingwaswrongpodcast TikTok: tiktok.com/@somethingwaswrongpodcast  Follow Tiffany Reese: Website: tiffanyreese.me  IG: instagram.com/lookieboo Resources: End Rape on Campus: https://endrapeoncampus.org/ It's On Us: https://itsonus.org/ Know Your IX: https://www.advocatesforyouth.org/campaigns/know-your-ix/ Sources: Dear Colleague Letter, May 26, 2011 (PDF), www.ed.gov/sites/ed/files/about/offices/list/ocr/letters/colleague-201105-ese.pdf “Welcome.” Sexual Assault and Sexual Health Lab | Nebraska, sashlab.unl.edu/ Holland, K. J., & Cortina, L. M. (2017). The evolving landscape of sexual harassment: Research, policy, and practice. American Psychologist, 72(7), 612–625. https://doi.org/10.1037/amp0000103 Holland, K. J., & Cortina, L. M. (2013). When sex-based harassment becomes sexual harassment: College students' experiences. Journal of Applied Psychology, 98(2), 313–328. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0032040 Holland, K. J., & Cortina, L. M. (2016). Sexual harassment: Undermining the well-being of working women. Journal of Social Issues, 72(4), 825–842. https://doi.org/10.1111/josi.12190 Holland, K. J., Rabelo, V. C., & Cortina, L. M. (2014). Sex-based harassment and discrimination: Evidence of psychological harm. Psychology of Women Quarterly, 38(3), 368–382. https://doi.org/10.1177/0361684314521575 Holland, K. J. (2019). Culture, power, and gender-based violence in institutions. In C. B. Travis & J. W. White (Eds.), APA Handbook of the Psychology of Women (Vol. 2, pp. 253–271). American Psychological Association. https://doi.org/10.1037/0000059-014

New podcast series within Tacos and Tech: AI Builders Roundtable!Neal sits down with Craig Lauer and Ross Young on a day both Anthropic and OpenAI dropped major releases to talk about what it actually looks like to build with AI right now. Ross walks through how his team at Clinically AI built an internal AI operating system using Claude Co-work - from voice-interviewing department heads to capture tribal knowledge, to running full pipeline reviews from HubSpot in natural language. Craig shares how LaunchMate, the AI co-pilot he's building for student founders at SDSU's Zip Launchpad, uses persistent memory and multi-agent communication to keep founders moving. The conversation moves from tools to workflows to a surprisingly honest riff on identity - and what it means when intelligence is no longer your competitive advantage.Key Topics Covered:* The Anthropic 4-6 / OpenAI Codex same-day release and what it signals* LaunchMate: AI agents with persistent memory for founders, mentors, and cohort management at SDSU Zip Launchpad* “Tidbits” — auto-generated founder progress updates (”share without sharing”)* Ross's AI operating system at Clinically AI: markdown knowledge bases, Claude Co-work projects, HubSpot integration, voice-mode interviews for tribal knowledge capture* The AI capability spectrum: chatbots → cloud agents with tool access → local agents with full computer access* OpenClaw vs. Co-work: excitement vs. enterprise readiness and security* Craig's LettaBot/WhatsApp cautionary tale* Natural language as the new programming language - and why social workers may outperform engineers at agent programming* Processes they'll never go back to: manual contract redlines, email triage* Identity in the age of AI - detaching professional worth from intelligenceLinks & Resources:* Clinically AI* SDSU Zip Launchpad* Claude Co-work by Anthropic* LaunchMate (in development)Connect on LinkedIn:* Craig Lauer* Ross Young* Neal Bloom This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit risingtidepartners.substack.com/subscribe

Your process for goal achievement is key. Because you’re doing a lot behind the scenes before anyone even knows that you’re alive. So we’re essentially moving from being invisible and working hard behind the scenes — to ideally, at some point, bursting on the scene and being recognized as a force in your marketplace. But none of that happens by accident and it doesn’t just come from setting goals. It requires having those processes in place. David: Hi, and welcome to the podcast. In today’s episode, co host Jay McFarland and I will be discussing your process for goal achievement. Welcome back, Jay. Jay: Hey, David. Thank you. It’s always a pleasure to be with you. I’m going to be brutally honest here. I’m really good at setting goals. But I’m not very good at mapping out how I’m going to accomplish those goals. I think it’s good that I’ve taken that first step. And I kind of have a mental idea, but I never really go back and say, “yeah, I accomplished that thing.” So I think I’m missing some of the motivation to set more goals. That’s one of the key things about goals. Once you’ve checked ’em off, you should feel good about yourself and then do more goals. And I don’t know if I ever reached that point. David: Interesting. And I think a lot of people feel the same way. I know I’ve certainly had that situation over the years and still do to some extent. We talked about goals several weeks ago. I really wanted to get to the idea that it’s great to have the goal. But it’s like looking at the top of a ladder and saying, okay, that’s where I want to go. Or it’s like looking at the sky, that’s where I want to go. But ultimately, the goal isn’t what’s going to get you there. The goal may motivate you, but the goal is not going to get you there. Ultimately, it’s the process that’s going to get you there. Assuming you have a process. So if the goal is to generate a certain amount of revenue in your business, or have a certain amount of money in your personal bank account, or start a business, whatever your goal is, the next step is to say, okay, what are the specific steps? What are the combinations of tasks and projects that are going to be necessary to help me achieve that goal? Because the tasks, the individual things I have to do, and the projects, essentially the things that are composed of a bunch of tasks, are what’s going to get us there. And the combination of these things is essentially the process. If my goal is to generate a certain amount of sales revenue, and I’m not there yet. I generally want to start with a process that says, Okay, let’s take a look at exactly how much your existing clients are worth to you. What did they spend with you last year? And then, do I think they’ll spend more, less, or about the same this year? And generally, you’ll have a reasonable idea of that. Whether it’s going to be about the same, maybe a little more, maybe a little less. You won’t know for sure, but it’s a great place to start. Then you say, “Okay, if I can count on my existing customers for this level of revenue, and I want to get to that level, how do I fill that gap? Because if this is the goal and this is where I am now, then we have to look at the process that will get us there. What’s the combination of tasks and projects that will allow us to reach that revenue goal? When we focus on that, everything we do during any given day now leads toward the goal. As opposed to just having scattered focus, just doing a bunch of different things. Just thinking about our goal, but not exactly sure how we’ll get there. But when you start to think of it in terms of tasks, projects, and ultimately your process, that’s what’s really going to make the biggest difference. Jay: Yeah, I think if you don’t do that, it can be really demotivating, right? I think I’ve told you in the past, when I was in the restaurant business just starting out, I would have an area manager come into the store and we would set goals, and the first one is always what you’re talking about. How are you going to increase sales? And he would just increase our sales on the goal by ten percent, right from the previous year and never tell me what I can do to, you know, I’m new, “okay, how am I going to do that? What are the steps?” And it was just this arbitrary number that he came up with and never trained me or told me how I could accomplish those things. So then the follow up is like, “oh, you didn’t achieve your goal.” And I’m like, “well, you never told me how to achieve my goal,” right? David: Yeah, the what is very often easy, it’s in the how that we get into all the details. And that’s what’s missing with a lot of people .And that’s why when we work with our clients in our Total Market Domination course, majority of it is the how, the specific steps that need to be taken in order to get to the desired goal. And when I say how, it doesn’t mean that you have to do it, either. It means somebody has to do it, right? So you can get into this idea of who versus how, which is a great book, by the way. Dan Sullivan and Dr. Ben Hardy wrote a book called Who Not How. Excellent book. But that concept still requires somebody to know how to do the things. So either you’re going to find somebody who has that skill and you’re going to get them to take those actions, or you’re going to have to know what to do, either do it yourself or train someone else to do it so that those things can be done. And then when you start focusing on that sort of approach, that becomes your process. You say, “okay, when I take this action, then I am likely to get this result.” And then you look at those results and you gauge it based on what you’re expecting. And then you tweak and adapt it as you go. But ultimately it’s all about the process and whether the process is figuring out what to do or knowing what to do and then taking the action to do it, or whether the process is identifying the right people that you need to bring into your organization to help you with it, it ultimately all boils right back down to the process. Jay: Yeah, I think it’s so important to say it’s not all on you, right? Identify those things that you need to do and put the other things on other people’s shoulders so that you can focus. I also love how you pointed out that as you’re assessing your goals, if you’re not getting there, you need to tweak and change. I think sometimes we just say, Oh, that was it. Didn’t work. So I guess that that goal wasn’t right and so again, you’ve demotivated yourself instead of kind of reworking that goal. David: Yeah, and so often we don’t even realize how close we are to something until it actually happens. And it reminds me of that analogy about how an airplane is off course for 90 percent of the flight. And so the pilot’s job is to make constant little tweaks to get you back on track toward wherever it is that you’re going. So you take off, you’re headed in a direction, and then there’s a little bit of wind and it sends you one way and then they have to compensate for it. So most of the little steering we do, even when we’re driving a car, your hands are moving slightly back and forth. And the reason it’s doing that is because you’re slightly off course most of the time. When you use an analogy like that, and when you recognize that it’s exactly the same in life, it’s exactly the same in business, you’re going to be off course, most of the time. And so you have to just keep adapting and keep making these tweaks to make sure that you’re back on track and following the path that you’ve set, which, of course, in what we’re talking about today is your process, the tasks, the specific things that have to be done, the projects, the longer term things that require multiple actions and the ultimate process that you’re using to get there. Jay: Yeah, absolutely. And I also think when you talk about, you know, find the who, I think that one of the biggest mistakes that I see people make is they don’t, and I really struggle with this, they don’t share their process with other people. They don’t seek mentorship. And so they’re reinventing the wheel. You know, a lot of these things have been tried and tested and you can skip a lot of pain and a lot of hassle if your who includes somebody else, just another ear call you, right? You know, bend people’s ear and see what they think. And like I said, I really struggle with this. I do everything quietly. And if it doesn’t work, then I’ll go, okay, I should do something else. Cause I don’t want somebody else to know that I failed. David: And of course you haven’t failed until you’ve decided that you failed until you give up on it, right? Because a lot of times we can be trying the same thing and it’s not working. It’s not working. It’s not working. And you keep doing it. And then eventually it works. So it’s like, okay, but if you quit before then, you may consider it a failure, but it might not have failed as long as you keep going. It’s also interesting when you talk about the idea that people tend to keep to themselves and they don’t share stuff. That’s really where we came up with our brand, TopSecrets.com, is the idea that not so much that these things are impossible to find out. It’s just that they’re not often shared. A lot of sales and marketing training boils down to essentially fortune cookie kind of stuff. Be good to your clients and they’ll be good to you. People do business with those they know, like, and trust. And these platitudes are maybe a little helpful, but until you know how to put them into action, until you know the specifics of, “okay, what do I do with that information? How do I get people to know, like, and trust me” if that’s the goal? And they’re three different things, right? First of all, do they know that I’m alive? You know, creating that initial awareness. And so in our program, we refer to it as First Contact. What is your First Contact with a new prospect or client going to be? Because that’s going to determine whether or not they even know you’re taking in air on the planet, which is a prerequisite to them either being able to like you or being able to trust you. It all starts with that. And so when you have specific processes in place for here’s what we do to get ideal prospects, not just anybody who can fog a mirror, but here’s what we do to get ideal prospects to know who we are. And then here’s what we do to get them to like us and trust us better. We don’t really use those terms specifically in our program, but what we do focus on is how do we create that level of awareness in the mind of the ideal client, so that they think of you as the obvious go to choice for them? Because if they don’t think of you that way, and they think of someone else that way, then it’s very likely that someone else is going to get the business. Jay: Yeah. , those are all really, really good points. And like you said it’s a process. You have to be meticulous about it. I think one of the things that is hard is that, you know, we compare ourselves to successful people in business and we know them as already successful. And so we don’t really understand that they went through these processes, right? They suffered. They struggled. And so the fact that you’re going through that, the fact that it’s hard and it doesn’t look hard to other people, it’s deceptive, right? We don’t see what they’ve had to go through. We don’t see that they took these steps. David: Right. And neither does the market. If the people that could buy from us don’t know we’re alive, they have no idea what we’re going through. They have no idea that we’re struggling because we haven’t figured out a way to introduce ourselves to them that is in any way compelling, right? It’s just like “overnight success” in any capacity usually doesn’t happen that way. There’s usually a lot of behind the scenes. One of the things that we also focus on in our training is the idea, since that theme is so common, we focus on the idea that a lot of what you do in the early stages is going to be invisible. And so, you’re doing a lot behind the scenes before anyone even knows that you’re alive. And so we’re essentially moving from that, being invisible and working hard behind the scenes, to ideally at some point bursting on the scene and being recognized as a force in your marketplace. But none of that happens by accident and it doesn’t just come from setting goals. It requires Having those processes in place. Jay: Yeah, I think that’s so important. Every once in a while, you see somebody who had an idea and it just explodes, right? And they fall into a pot of gold. But, you know, we tend to think that that’s how it’s going to happen for us. You know, I see these people who are like influencers on YouTube or whatever, and they have millions of views. I’ve looked at some of their stories. What you don’t see is that they publish videos without any success or following for an entire year before their channel blew up. They just kept pounding their head against a wall, but they had goals and they had plans and they worked towards it. And that’s the work sometimes that we’re just not seeing. David: Right, and clearly they resonated with other people because back to what we were talking about earlier You’re not going to generate that level of revenue unless you’re impacting enough people. So if your story is just that compelling and other people say “wow, this is really impressive,” then yeah, then you can really sort of attract that thing without a whole lot of effort. But for most people particularly if you’re going to do something as a business, it’s going to require a little more thought. Jay: Yeah, it’s going to be hard, right? But that effort is going to change you. It’s going to change your views. And I think you find out after the journey and after the pain that you’ve learned so much and now you’re better prepared to, you know, set your new goals and to work towards them. You build a strength, like you build muscle mass, right? So how can people find out more? David: You can go to TopSecrets.com, schedule a call with myself or my team. We’d love to have a conversation with you. If you know where you want to be in terms of your goals, and you’re not quite sure about the processes for getting you there, this is a great way to have a conversation. We can see if we think the same way, if our approach makes sense for you. If it does, great. Even if it doesn’t, we’ll have a great conversation. You’ll probably get a lot of good ideas from it. Jay: Yeah. And sometimes that conversation is enough to get you kind of moving in the right direction. David, as always, it’s great pleasure to talk to you. David: Thanks Jay. Are You Ready for the Processes that Will Get You To Your Goals? If so, check out the five primary ways we help promotional product distributors grow: Just Getting Started? If you (or someone on your team) is just getting started in promotional products sales, learn how we can help. Need Clients Now? If you're already grounded in the essentials of promotional product sales and just need to get clients now, click here. Want EQP/Preferential Pricing? Are you an established industry veteran doing a significant volume of sales? If so, click here to get End Quantity Pricing from many of the top supplier lines in the promo industry. Time to Hire Salespeople? If you want to hire others to grow your promo sales, click here. Ready to Dominate Your Market? If you're serious about creating top-of-mind-awareness with the very best prospects in your market, schedule a one-on-one Strategy Session here.

Sometimes, a pause is all that is needed to get an organization moving faster. This may sound counterintuitive, but, as Dr. Casey Blochowiak explains, pausing to reflect on what may be bogging down systems and processes allows organizations to refine their work, improve processes, and operate more efficiently.Listen as Dr. Janet Pilcher talks with Dr. Blochowiak, Vice President of Coaching at Studer Education, about how improving processes can save resources that can then be invested in students and their learning. The partner stories Dr. Blochowiak shares demonstrate how organizations are effectively using the power of the pause to strengthen processes and reinvest in student success.Recommended Resource:  Go Slow to Go FastFollow Host Dr. Janet Pilcher on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janetpilcher/

592,356 views Streamed live on Feb 2, 2026 #Arestovich #Shelest #war

Matt MacInnis spent 6 years as COO at Rippling and now leads as CPO. He joined Rippling in 2019, when there were only 70 people, and has led the company across multiple stages.Before that, Matt was a founder for 9 years, building Inkling after 7 years at Apple. These three chapters of his career shape this conversation. We focus on how to build and operate teams as a company scales. Matt explains how he thinks about speed versus real progress, and which parts of building a company should move fast and which should move slowly. He shares how he decided when to introduce processes at Rippling, when to keep things informal, and how to recognize when a process that once helped the company had started to slow it down.We discuss how his role changed as Rippling grew from around 70 people to 100, then to 500, and now to thousands. He explains what he paid attention to at each stage and which metrics he deliberately did not obsess over.These are practical lessons for founders, from the earliest days of a startup to the challenges of scaling a large organization.0:00 - Trailer01:11 – One thing people get wrong about building a business?04:01 – Great founders find markets that already exist06:36 – What does a “death march” mean at Apple?10:11 – How to build a good team in early-stage startup?12:33 – Learnings from Apple to Inkling18:11 – Processes to set up in startups25:20 – Humans always optimize for comfort (and why that's bad instinct)33:09 – Why success teaches you more than failure36:01 – How should processes change as company scales?42:11 – How is AI changing the software industry?54:03 – If Matt were starting up today, how would he do it?57:07 – How would Next-gen PM roles look like?01:01:51 – Matt shares about Rippling CEO Parker01:04:32 – Founder instinct vs Data01:06:06 – Over-optimizing for employee comfort01:07:27 – If building a startup feels comfortable, it's probably dead01:08:36 – One thing only CEO's should do forever01:11:15 – One piece of startup advice Matt doesn't trust-------------India's talent has built the world's tech—now it's time to lead it.This mission goes beyond startups. It's about shifting the center of gravity in global tech to include the brilliance rising from India.What is Neon Fund?We invest in seed and early-stage founders from India and the diaspora building world-class Enterprise AI companies. We bring capital, conviction, and a community that's done it before.Subscribe for real founder stories, investor perspectives, economist breakdowns, and a behind-the-scenes look at how we're doing it all at Neon.-------------Check us out on:Website: https://neon.fund/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theneonshoww/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/beneon/Twitter: https://x.com/TheNeonShowwConnect with Siddhartha on:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/siddharthaahluwalia/Twitter: https://x.com/siddharthaa7-------------This video is for informational purposes only. The views expressed are those of the individuals quoted and do not constitute professional advice.Send us a text

Ciprian Stan, M&A Integration Manager at SALESIANER Gruppe Most M&A deals fail because integration was "something to figure out later". By the time execution realities, cultural risks, and people impacts surface, the deal is locked, and teams must work around untested assumptions. In this episode of the M&A Science podcast, Ciprian Stan, M&A Integration Manager at SALESIANER Gruppe, explains that integration must be a strategic input to increase chances of success.  Things You'll Learn The importance of involving Integration early in the process Pre LOI preparations and expectations Cultural Diligence and what to look for How to communicate the deal the right way _____________________ Buyer-Led M&A™: The Framework is Now Available Traditional M&A is broken. Buyers chase auctions. Sellers control the process. It's reactive, inefficient, and exhausting. After 300+ episodes of M&A Science, I've taken insights from the world's top corp dev leaders and distilled them into a practical framework for taking control of your M&A pipeline—how to source deals directly, build relationships earlier, and stop being auction-chasers. If you'd like to build a proactive M&A program that founders actually want to engage with, you can grab your copy. https://dealroom.net/resources/ebooks/buyer-led-m-a-tm-the-framework ____________________ Episode Chapters  [00:08:00] – Processes vs. Technology: Discussion on managing the computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) and standardized processes during early deals. [00:10:00] – Leveraging an Engineering Background: How a computer science background helps M&A leaders speak the language of IT teams while avoiding micromanagement. [00:13:00] – Proactive vs. Reactive Buying: Defining proactive buying as understanding the "why" and identifying specific gaps (geography, technology, etc.) before acquiring. [00:15:00] – Growth Strategies: Practical examples of buying for revenue growth versus strategic, deliberate footprint expansion. [00:20:25] Integration Should Shape the Deal Early – Integration leaders surface execution risks that strategy teams often overlook. [00:29:00] – Pre-LOI Must-Haves: Essential considerations including an integration thesis, timeline estimates, and financial constructs like earnouts. [00:35:00] – Identifying "Secret Sauce": The necessity of protecting what makes a target company successful during and after the transaction. [00:36:00] – Founder Dynamics: The pros and cons of keeping a founder on after the sale and how their intentions impact the company culture. [00:38:00] – Red Flags and Honest Negotiations: Warning against "pink glasses" during deals and the high cost of lying or tricking a seller during negotiations. [00:48:00] – Dealing with Write-Offs: A cautionary tale of a full investment write-off caused by ignored red flags and excluding integration experts from the deal table. [00:52:00] – Client and Supplier Risks: Why buyers must speak to a target's major clients to ensure the acquisition doesn't create a "single point of failure" risk. ____________________ Questions, comments, concerns? Follow Kison Patel for behind-the-scenes insights on modern M&A.

In this episode of Better Business, Better Life, Debra Chantry-Taylor is joined by David Hori, a business acquisition specialist who has led and supported multiple successful exits, including a sale to Toyota.David unpacks why exit planning is not a future event but a leadership discipline that needs to start early. He explains how strong teams, clear processes, and transparency create real business value and allow a business to operate without its founder at the centre. Drawing on his experience across VC-funded startups, acquisitions, and exits, David shares practical insights into building businesses that are genuinely exit-ready.The conversation explores the role of EOS in reducing owner dependency, the importance of involving the leadership team in exit conversations, and why understanding valuation drivers early gives owners more choice and control. David also shares details of his upcoming webinar series designed to help business owners navigate exit planning with clarity and confidence.This episode is essential listening for founders who want optionality, continuity, and a business that can thrive beyond them.CONNECT WITH DEBRA:         ___________________________________________         ►Debra Chantry-Taylor is a Certified EOS Implementer | Entrepreneurial Leadership & Business Coach | Business Owner►Connect with Debra: debra@businessaction.com.au►See how she can help you: https://businessaction.co.nz/ ►Claim Your Free E-Book: https://www.businessaction.co.nz/free-e-book/ ___________________________________________  GUEST'S DETAILS:  ► David Hori – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamdavidhori/►Topline Operators – Website: https://www.toplineops.com/Episode 257 Chapters:  00:00 – Introduction 00:47 – Introduction and Overview of Business Outcomes   01:23 – David Hori's Background and Expertise   02:39 – David's Journey from Law Firm to VC-Funded Startups   05:28 – The Importance of Processes and Systems in Scaling  07:15 – Scaling and the Theory of Constraints   08:09 – Factors Influencing VC-Funded Business Success   10:16 – The Role of Transparency and Team in Exit Planning   14:11 – David's Experience with the Toyota Exit   16:21 – Key Considerations for Business Owners Planning an Exit   26:16 – David's Tips for Business Owners Considering an Exit   33:54 – David's Upcoming Webinar on Exit Planning  

!! SPOILERS !!I hope it's not a conflict of interest or crossing the streams or snuffing the puppy or whatever to do an episode on a movie made by a Youtuber

Astronomer Paul Kalas explains planetary formation in the Fomalhaut system twenty-five light years distant, revealing how observations of this nearby star illuminate the processes that create worlds around young suns.SATURN AND SYSTEM

"I'll just do it myself" sounds responsible — until it becomes the habit that traps you. Every time you step in, you trade time for control, energy for certainty, and short-term relief for long-term pressure. Doing everything yourself doesn't just slow growth — it builds a business that can't move without you. Knowledge stays in your head, systems never get documented, and your availability becomes the bottleneck. Over time, that creates exhaustion, resentment, and the feeling that your business is heavier than it should be. The shift doesn't start with hiring. It starts with a better question. Instead of "Who can I give this to?" ask: "What would need to exist for this not to need me?" Processes, standards, and simple systems make delegation safer — not riskier. Bottom line: You're not failing at leadership. You've just been paying a price no one warned you about — and now you get to choose differently. ✨   Stay Connected & Get Exclusive Access: Join the Private OmniSAM Community: omnisam.com.au/gsdgroup Facebook Group: gsdfb.omnisam.com.au Follow on Facebook: facebook.com/sallysparkscousins Watch the Live Stream & Subscribe for More Updates: OmniSAM YouTube: youtube.com/@omnisamsoftware Sally Sparks-Cousins YouTube: youtube.com/@sallysparkscousins

In this episode, Julia speaks with Geetanjali Sampemane about trust — and what it really takes to build systems that people are willing to rely on, even when they do not fully understand how those systems work. Geeta reflects on her early work helping connect institutions in India to the internet, and how mistrust of new technology gradually shifted through familiarity, experience, and positive outcomes. She shares how trust is rarely based on complete knowledge — it is a judgement call, shaped by risk, context, and past experience. The conversation explores why trust is fragile and difficult to rebuild once broken, and how negative experiences undermine not only our trust in systems, but also our confidence in our own judgement. Geeta also speaks about the role of those designing systems — the importance of clarity, reliability, predictability, and security — and why trust is strengthened when expectations are shared, behaviour is consistent, and mistakes are acknowledged rather than hidden. This episode is a reminder that trust is not blind belief. It is built through constant attention, thoughtful design, and the quiet work of making systems worthy of the people who depend on them. About the Guest: Geetanjali Sampemane is a software engineer at Google London, where she focuses on designing systems for security, privacy and transparency. She started her career helping countries get connected to the Internet, first in India with the ERNet project, and then with the UNDP's Sustainable Development Networking Programme. She got to see first-hand how people and organisations learn to trust new technology.

Phil Coles '11G discusses his research on redesigning harvesting processes and his study on demands for locally grown produce. Stay tuned at the end of the podcast for a bonus segment on east coast broccoli.Paper: Produce Buyer Quality Perception, Preference, and Local Foods: The Case of East Coast Broccoli in the NortheastHow to Cook with Popinki MushroomsGuide to Quality CirclesKaizen InstitutePaper: Redesigning Harvesting Processes and Improving Working Conditions in AgribusinessMore on Phil Coles

  DK joins Adrian for the first Techcast of 2026, diving deep into printing, from screens to sublimation. It's all there.   Support the show:   http://portraitkite.com   https://www.fantasykite.com   Contact me:   adrian@portraitkite.com   Follow me:   http://www.kitesurf365.com   https://www.instagram.com/kitesurf365/

Most agency owners don't struggle because they lack effort. They struggle because they lack a system that scales with them. Hosted by Daniel Metcalf with Mike Stromsoe, this episode breaks down the UPP Onyx Agency Operating System and explains why growth stalls when operations, accountability, and leadership aren't aligned. Together, they unpack the real structure behind consistent production, team ownership, and predictable profitability inside modern insurance agencies. You'll learn how to move from reactive management to operational control, why clarity beats hustle at every stage of growth, and how a defined operating system creates freedom without sacrificing performance. This conversation gives you a practical framework to simplify decisions, strengthen leadership, and build an agency that runs without constant firefighting. Highlights: Why most agencies plateau when growth outpaces structure, and how an operating system restores control. How clarity in roles and expectations eliminates friction and raises team accountability. Why leadership breakdowns usually show up as operational problems first. How to stop managing personalities and start managing processes. What it takes to build consistency without becoming the bottleneck. How systems create freedom instead of bureaucracy when built correctly. About the Host – Daniel Metcalf: Daniel Metcalf is a serial entrepreneur, AI strategist, and cybersecurity authority who operates at the intersection of technology, automation, and real-world business execution. For more than 15 years, Daniel has helped small and mid-sized businesses protect what they've built while scaling with confidence in an increasingly complex digital world. His expertise isn't academic—it's operational. Before co-founding CyberFin.ai, Daniel spent eight years applying AI and machine learning inside insurance distribution, driving performance and efficiency for dental and vision insurance programs at the MGA/VGA level. He understands insurance workflows, compliance pressures, and the operational friction that quietly limits growth. Co-Founder and leader of CyberFin.ai, Daniel delivers Fortune-100-level AI adoption, automation, and cybersecurity solutions specifically engineered for independent insurance agencies. His work focuses on eliminating wasted time, reducing human error, strengthening security, and turning technology into a competitive advantage—not an expense. Daniel is known for his high-energy, no-nonsense communication style. He has a rare ability to take complex topics like AI, automation, and cybersecurity—and make them practical, clear, and immediately actionable for agency owners and leadership teams. He doesn't sell tools. He builds systems that execute. When Daniel isn't helping agencies outpace cyber threats or reclaim hours through automation, you'll likely find him on the curling rink—where strategy, precision, and execution matter just as much as they do in business.   About Mike Stromsoe: Mike Stromsoe is one of the most respected and trusted voices in the independent insurance industry—and a relentless advocate for agency owners who want more than just incremental growth. With nearly four decades in the business, Mike began his career in 1986, learning the agency business from the ground up inside his family's firm. He didn't just inherit perspective—he earned it. Mike went on to build, scale, and operate his own multi-million-dollar independent agency for more than 35 years, alongside his wife, while simultaneously running additional successful businesses. What separates Mike is not theory—it's battle-tested execution. He is the creator of the Proven 3-Step Blueprint built on the legendary Three P's: People, Processes, and Promotion—a framework refined over decades of real-world agency ownership and leadership. Thousands of independent insurance agents across North America have implemented Mike's systems to grow profitably, strengthen culture, and reclaim their time. Mike is widely recognized as America's leading authority on independent agency business success, leadership development, and owner mindset transformation. His work focuses on the critical identity shift from operator to owner, helping agency principals build businesses that scale without burning them out. As a dynamic speaker, author, mentor, and executive coach, Mike has been featured at major industry conferences and publications, delivering direct, practical guidance that produces results—not hype. At his core, Mike's purpose is simple and unwavering: To impact people's lives personally and professionally—and to help agency owners build wealth, freedom, and legacy on their own terms. Until next time, get out there and make a difference, be unstoppable, and leave no regrets! Mike Stromsoe The Unstoppable Profit Producer Call 800-770-9984 Email: vip@upplife.com Website: http://unstoppableprofitproducer.com/ Live Events: http://uppmastermind.com/ Podcast: http://unstoppableprofitpodcast.com If you want to learn more about our Coaching & Mastermind Programs and how they can help you grow your agency business, schedule your private Agency Growth Session with Mike Stromsoe Now (click here)!

Learn how to use the AI Accelerator effect to scale smarter not faster into failure. In this episode, I break down the AI Accelerator principle and why it's the most misunderstood concept in business right now. While everyone rushes to automate everything, I reveal the dangerous trap most entrepreneurs fall into: accelerating broken processes, bad habits, and unmanaged systems. 2026 presents the biggest opportunity I've seen in my entire career, but only for those who understand that AI is an employee not a magic solution. I share a real conversation I had with a board member who wanted to use AI to fix his team's inability to follow processes, and why I told him that's exactly the wrong approach. Joining me is my COO and good friend, Joe Beecroft. Joe specializes in helping ambitious CEOs and founders overcome their biggest scaling challenges. As part of our team at Predictable Profits, he's helped us become the secret weapon behind some of the nation's fastest-growing 7- and 8-figure companies, with 15 making the Inc. 5000 list. A former All-American soccer player and Arsenal supporter, Joe brings both competitive drive and strategic precision to everything he does. KEY TAKEAWAYS: AI is an accelerator it makes whatever you're already doing faster, whether that's good habits or bad ones. You don't accelerate problems; if you can't do it right manually, you have no business automating it with AI. AI is not a technology, it's an employee that requires management and KPIs just like your team. The companies struggling right now are the ones who built their business on a single spoke that AI has disrupted. There's no such thing as a good or bad economy only a different economy with different opportunities. Putting your head in the sand and cutting costs is the opposite of what you should be doing in 2026. AI can actually pull you deeper into the founder's trap if you use it without strategic systems in place. This is the biggest window of opportunity since the birth of the internet and those who lean in now will gain an outsized competitive advantage. Growing your business is hard, but it doesn't have to be. In this podcast, we will be discussing top level strategies for both growing and expanding your business beyond seven figures. The show will feature a mix of pure content and expert interviews to present key concepts and fundamental topics in a variety of different formats. We believe that this format will enable our listeners to learn the most from the show, implement more in their businesses, and get real value out of the podcast. Enjoy the show. Please remember to rate, review and subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss any future episodes. Your support and reviews are important and help us to grow and improve the show. Follow Charles Gaudet and Predictable Profits on Social Media: Facebook: facebook.com/PredictableProfits Instagram: instagram.com/predictableprofits Twitter: twitter.com/charlesgaudet LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/charlesgaudet Visit Charles Gaudet's Wesbites:  www.PredictableProfits.com www.predictableprofits.com/community https://start.predictableprofits.com/community  

Episode Overview In the second part of this Power Hour series, John Kitchens together with operations expert Joel Perso to tackle one of the biggest bottlenecks holding agents and team leaders back: operational chaos. This session is a practical, back-to-basics masterclass on how to actually build business processes that scale, not just talk about systems. John and Joel break down the difference between systems, processes, SOPs, and checklists—and explain why most agents stay trapped in production because their business only exists in their head. If you've ever said "I need better systems" but felt overwhelmed on where to start, this episode gives you a clear, executable framework to begin documenting, delegating, and scaling—without overcomplicating it. Key Topics Covered Why Processes Are the Foundation of Freedom The difference between being self-employed and owning a real business Why you can't escape a business that only lives in your head How documented processes create leverage, consistency, and delegation Systems vs. Processes (And Why Most People Confuse Them) What a "system" actually is versus a "process" How multiple processes work together to support one system Real-world examples using marketing, listings, and lead conversion Where to Start Building Processes (Without Overwhelm) Identifying your core business processes by function Why lead generation and marketing should come first How to prioritize processes that create the biggest ROI The Power of Simplicity Why Google Docs and checklists beat complex flowcharts How checklists outperform experience alone The 80/20 rule of process design (and why perfection kills momentum) Making Processes Actually Get Used Why SOPs die on the shelf Connecting processes to daily, weekly, and monthly execution How activity checklists turn documentation into action Using AI to Accelerate Documentation Recording what you already do instead of starting from scratch How tools like Loom, Scribe, and AI can create SOPs faster Turning videos into checklists, SOPs, and training assets Leadership, Accountability, and Ownership Why processes should be owned by roles, not people How process ownership improves accountability and scalability Creating a culture of problem-solving instead of rigidity Resources & Mentions The Checklist Manifesto – Atul Gawande Traction / Rocket Fuel (EOS Framework) – Gino Wickman The Goal – Eliyahu Goldratt Trainual – Process documentation & training platform Scribe – AI-powered SOP creation Honey Badger Nation John Kitchens Executive Coaching → JohnKitchens.coach Final Takeaway You don't scale by working harder—you scale by removing guesswork. Processes aren't about control or bureaucracy. They're about clarity, consistency, and creating freedom for you and your team. Start simple. Document what already works. Build checklists before complexity. And remember: a good process that handles 80% of situations beats a perfect one that never gets used. "You can never escape a business that only lives in your head." – Joel Perso Connect with Us: Instagram: @johnkitchenscoach LinkedIn: @johnkitchenscoach Facebook: @johnkitchenscoach If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Stay tuned for more insights and strategies from the top minds. See you next time!

This week on Catalyst, Tammy chats with Jimit Arora, the CEO of Everest Group. Jimit is a leader who deeply understands the challenges that organizations face and how they can move forward with confidence. Jimit and Tammy discuss the importance of a growth mindset and how companies can meaningfully adopt AI. According to Jimit the key to meaningful adoption is for companies to be aware of PTSD - process debt, tech debt, skills debt and data debt. Jimit also shares what he thinks will be the biggest trends to affect global services in the next year. Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATALinks: Jimit Arora LinkedInEverest Group Learn more about Launch by NTT DATASee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When I don't follow the rules, it's a problem but when the government doesn't follow the rules, it's still my problem. Listen for more on Two Minutes in Trade. 

Keywords scalability, entrepreneurship, affiliate marketing, business growth, overcoming adversity, financial management, legal challenges, personal development, delegation, coaching, entrepreneurship, tax strategies, hiring, delegation, business systems, validation, learning from mistakes, visionary leadership Takeaways Justin overcame addiction and built a successful business. He learned the importance of delegation for growth. Affiliate marketing can lead to significant revenue. Economic downturns can impact business operations. Mismanagement can lead to business failure. Legal battles can be costly and time-consuming. Understanding financials is crucial for entrepreneurs. Regular meetings with accountants can prevent issues. Forgiveness is important for personal peace. Coaching others helps reinforce personal lessons. The mailbox incident led to significant tax savings. Understanding tax strategies can save entrepreneurs money. Successful entrepreneurs build a support structure early on. Hiring should follow a strategic process. Delegation is key to freeing up time for visionaries. Sales should not be the first thing delegated. Building systems is essential for business success. Validating business ideas is crucial before investment. Learning from others' mistakes can prevent costly errors. Creating processes can lead to better outcomes in business. Summary In this episode, Justin Lund shares his incredible journey from overcoming addiction to building a successful affiliate marketing business that reached nearly nine figures in revenue. He discusses the challenges he faced, including economic downturns, mismanagement, and legal battles, and emphasizes the importance of delegation, financial literacy, and personal growth. Justin's story serves as a cautionary tale for entrepreneurs, highlighting the need for vigilance in business and the power of resilience. In this conversation, Justin Lund shares his experiences and insights on entrepreneurship, focusing on the importance of tax strategies, hiring, delegation, and building effective systems. He emphasizes the need for entrepreneurs to validate their business ideas and learn from the mistakes of others to avoid costly pitfalls. The discussion also highlights the significance of being a visionary leader and the necessity of having a structured approach to hiring and delegation to ensure business success. Titles From Rehab to Revenue: Justin's Journey Scaling Success: Lessons from Justin Lund Sound bites "I began to learn systems." "You need a process for hiring." "Start with back office tasks." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 01:33 Overcoming Adversity and Building a Business 05:12 The Power of Delegation and Growth 10:01 Innovative Solutions in Affiliate Marketing 12:56 Navigating Economic Challenges 14:02 The Importance of Financial Oversight 19:03 Legal Battles and Lessons Learned 21:02 Navigating Legal Turmoil 25:21 The Importance of Meditation and Forgiveness 28:58 Lessons from Entrepreneurship and Financial Literacy 36:22 The Founder Freedom Process 44:48 Effective Delegation and Hiring Strategies 47:52 Building a Sales System and Delegation Strategies 51:49 Understanding Market Viability Before Development 53:50 The Role of Processes in Hiring and Business Success 59:49 Learning from Experience: The Value of Systems and Processes

Send us a textDr. David V. Day holds appointments as Professor of Psychological Science and Leadership and serves as the Academic Director of the Kravis Leadership Institute at Claremont McKenna College in California (USA). He has published more than 100 peer-reviewed journal articles, books, and book chapters, many pertaining to the core topics of leadership and leadership development and is the author of the recent book titled “Developing Leaders and Leadership: Principles, Practices, and Processes.” David received the 2024 Eminent Scholar Award from the Network of Leadership Scholars at the Academy of Management and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Leadership Association.Quotes From Developing Leaders and Leadership“AI can absolutely substitute for management. Leadership is a different question.”“The future is not whether AI can lead. It's when.”“Expert power increasingly favors AI. That changes everything.”Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeDavid Day on Google ScholarArticle: Fired by Bot at Amazon: ‘It's You Against the Machine'Book: Everyone Culture by Kegan and AssociatesFilm: HerTED Talk: Ray Dalio Personality Assessment: PrinciplesYou Blog Post: Nick Cave's response on AI generated songwritingWebsite: LovoitcsAbout The International Leadership Association (ILA)The ILA was created in 1999 to bring together professionals interested in studying, practicing, and teaching leadership. About  Scott J. AllenWebsiteWeekly Newsletter: Practical Wisdom for LeadersMy Approach to HostingThe views of my guests do not constitute "truth." Nor do they reflect my personal views in some instances. However, they are views to consider, and I hope they help you clarify your perspective. ♻️ Please share with others and follow/subscribe to the podcast!⭐️ Please leave a review on Apple, Spotify, or your platform of choice.➡️ Follow me on LinkedIn for more on leadership, communication, and tech.

Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training How big do you actually want your agency to become? Does the idea of running a massive team sound exciting or completely exhausting? For many agency owners, scaling feels less like growth and more like trading freedom for complexity. Scaling an agency isn't about hustle. It's about surviving the moments that almost break you, building systems that actually work, and accepting that what got you here won't get you there. Today's featured guest understands that running a big agency is about structure and leadership. He's grown a global agency to 700 people without losing profitability, sanity, or culture and now he'll unpack the hard-earned lessons that most agency owners don't think about until it's too late. Nital Shah is the co-founder of Mavlers, a full-service, lifecycle digital agency headquartered in India, with operations supporting global brands and agencies across multiple geographies. Today, Nital leads a 700-person organization focused on marketing operations, delivery excellence, and scalable systems for agencies around the world. Having experienced both sides of the agency equation, client-side pressure and operational scale, Nital brings a grounded, operator-first perspective to growth, profitability, and leadership. In this episode, we'll discuss: An early principle: Profit should be intentional. Achieving operational excellence at scale. Structuring scale to make it manageable. Why alignment beats micromanagement. Subscribe Apple | Spotify | iHeart Radio Sponsors and Resources This episode is brought to you by Wix Studio: If you're leveling up your team and your client experience, your site builder should keep up too. That's why successful agencies use Wix Studio — built to adapt the way your agency does: AI-powered site mapping, responsive design, flexible workflows, and scalable CMS tools so you spend less on plugins and more on growth. Ready to design faster and smarter? Go to wix.com/studio to get started. The Wake-Up Call: COVID, Cash Flow, and Retainers Like many agencies, Nital's biggest inflection point came during COVID. Before the disruption, the agency was focused heavily on top-line revenue rather than predictable recurring income. When 40 percent of revenue disappeared almost overnight, the weakness in that model became painfully obvious. Luckily, the agency's consistent focus on profit from day one helped them overcome this ordeal. However, it changed Nital's perspective on retainers and helped him understand that, without retainers, any similar unexpected bump in the road could destroy the agency. The agency had enough cash flow to survive the shock and rebuild and the lesson was clear: at scale, a large team without consistent recurring revenue is fragile. Retainers aren't just about stability; they are about survival. The other advantage that helped soften the blow was diversification. By spreading clients across industries and geographies, the agency avoided being wiped out by a single market downturn. When one region slowed, others carried the load. That balance didn't eliminate pain, but it reduced risk in a way most agencies underestimate until they feel it firsthand. Profit Is Not an Afterthought One of the most important principles Nital and his co-founder agreed on early was: profit must be intentional. It's not something you hope shows up at the end of the year. It's something you design into the business. That mindset shapes everything from service selection to client qualification. The agency actively avoids hyper-competitive, race-to-the-bottom services and continually evolves its offerings as markets become saturated. When a service becomes unprofitable, they pivot. When a client isn't aligned or drains margin, they say no. Profit isn't just about owner income. It funds experimentation, innovation, and future growth. Without margin, you can't test new services, pivot when the market shifts, or invest in better systems. You just stay busy. And busy is often the enemy of profitable. Operational Excellence at Scale Running a 700-person agency isn't about heroics but about process. Nital is clear that consistent, documented, and enforced workflows are what reduce mistakes, rework, and delivery friction. The agency is structured into service-based business units, each with its own leadership and accountability. On top of that sits a customer success layer that ensures delivery stays aligned with expectations. Everyone is trained on defined protocols, and those protocols exist to protect quality, not bureaucracy. When processes are clear and followed, the probability of hitting client outcomes increases. That reduces rework, lowers internal stress, and improves margins. In a people-driven business, operational discipline is what turns chaos into leverage. Alignment Beats Micromanagement One of the hardest challenges for Nital's agency came after rapid post-COVID growth, when the team doubled in size and remote work became the norm. Processes broke, alignment slipped, and as a result, communication suffered. The turning point came with adopting the Scaling Up framework by Vern Harnish. This framework, aimed at businesses ready to scale in a more structured manner, forced clarity across four areas: people, strategy, execution, and cash. More importantly, it created alignment from leadership all the way down to individual contributors. Every team member understands how their work connects to departmental goals, quarterly priorities, and long-term vision. When people understand the why behind the process, ownership replaces micromanagement. Accountability becomes cultural, not enforced. Leadership, Tough Calls, and A-Players When it comes to mistakes in team alignment, Nital openly acknowledges that the team that gets you to one stage may not be the team that gets you to the next. That realization isn't easy, especially when loyalty and shared history are involved. But over the last two years Nital has embraced the fact that growth demands adaptability. The agency now prioritizes agility, learning speed, and ownership. When someone can't evolve with the business, they are given time, feedback, and support, but the standard doesn't change. You don't win championships by protecting weak links. You win by putting the best players on the field while still treating people with respect and empathy. It's not cold. It's responsible leadership. Structuring Scale So It's Manageable When Nital decided to go back to India and start an agency, his mentor back in Australia offered him the chance to run their offshore center. From there, he started supporting other agencies in several countries and expanded his team to where they are now. Seven hundred people sounds overwhelming until you understand the structure. Instead of one massive organization, the agency operates as multiple business units, each capped around 100 to 150 people and run as its own P&L. This turns an impossible leadership problem into a manageable one. Leaders focus on coaching their direct reports, not managing hundreds of individuals. Each layer carries responsibility downward, creating clarity instead of bottlenecks. As Nital points out, no founder manages 700 people directly. You manage your leadership team. And if that team is strong, aligned, and accountable, scale becomes less scary and far more sustainable. The Future: AI, Change, and Opportunity Despite the uncertainty surrounding AI and marketing technology, Nital is optimistic. The pace of change has leveled the playing field. Years of experience no longer guarantee an advantage. Everyone is adapting at the same time. For smaller agencies, this creates opportunity. They can adopt tools and workflows faster than large organizations. For larger agencies, the challenge is moving faster without breaking structure. Either way, the shift toward complex marketing technology orchestration opens doors for agencies willing to master it. For him, the future belongs to agencies that can adapt, systemize, and evolve without clinging to what used to work. Do You Want to Transform Your Agency from a Liability to an Asset? Looking to dig deeper into your agency's potential? Check out our Agency Blueprint. Designed for agency owners like you, our Agency Blueprint helps you uncover growth opportunities, tackle obstacles, and craft a customized blueprint for your agency's success.