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Is the increasing investment in marketing by SMBs a sign of growth and optimism, or is it masking a deeper struggle with confidence and effectiveness? Agility requires not only adapting to the rapid pace of technological change but also understanding the core challenges faced by your customers, like SMBs struggling to measure marketing ROI. It also demands a willingness to simplify complex tools and processes, empowering businesses to achieve more with less. Today, we're going to talk about the evolving landscape of marketing for small and medium-sized businesses, the challenges they face, and how B2B marketers can become essential partners in their success. To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome Frank Vella, CEO at Constant Contact. About Frank Vella I am the CEO of Constant Contact, a comprehensive digital and ecommerce marketing platform that makes it simple and effective for a business to market or sell their idea in today's complex online marketing world. We strive to anticipate our customers' needs and provide them with the tools and support they need to improve their businesses. Because when they succeed, we succeed.Prior to joining Constant Contact, I built best-in-class operations at various sized tech firms across the globe, including top-tier companies like Microsoft, GE Capital, HP Enterprise and Xerox. I have led companies through growth, transformation and successful exits while remaining focused on building a terrific culture and keeping a company's product and presence ahead of the crowd. I'm a proud Canadian expat now living in New York City, and in my free time I enjoy traveling with my family. Frank Vella on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frank-vella/ Resources Constant Contact: https://www.constantcontact.com The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow Catch the future of e-commerce at eTail Palm Springs, Feb 23-26 in Palm Springs, CA. Go here for more details: https://etailwest.wbresearch.com/ Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.showCheck out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company
In part two, I press into a word we throw around too loosely in college athletics: development. Rashard and I sort out the differences between strength and conditioning, scholar-athlete development across leadership, career, life skills and community, player development for team ROI, and capital or NIL fundraising. We also talk brass tacks on funding: start with your head coach and your development office, get everyone at the same table, and design experiences that help athletes grow while giving donors and corporate partners something meaningful to support. Rashard is clear that the NIL and portal era affects a small slice of athletes, while most still want to be led, challenged, and exposed to real world opportunities. That hunger shows up powerfully at D2, D3, and HBCU programs when you bring them access. Rashard walks through his book, Scholar Athlete Elite, a practical four-quarter guide from freshman to senior year that tackles NIL, academics, mental health, redshirting, and more. He explains his company like a career agency for athletes, identifying talent, developing it through micro-internships and curated trips, and placing athletes on winning teams in business, with a nonprofit arm to open doors for underserved schools. We finish on his vision for NIL ownership, giving athletes micro experiences in entrepreneurship, and a look back at how his own yes to opportunities set the foundation. If you lead athletes, this is a blueprint for building people first, then watching performance follow. Shoutout to Sorinex and EliteForm for making these episodes possible!
All content from the Sons of UCF is brought to you by the law office of Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia. With a combined 70+ years of legal experience, WHG specialize in personal injury, workers comp, veteran disability, and SSI/SSDI cases. For more information, contact them at wernerhoffman.com, or call 1-800-320-HELP Join Eric Lopez and Trace Trylko as they debate some of the current topics surrounding UCF Sports. In this episode, Scott Frost that the season all comes down to this weekend, but how did we get here? Plus: will 2025 end up being a lost year in the rebuild process? Also: hoops with a big win, Tech CFP and ROI, soccer moves on (again), and charge on, or charge off. Be sure to subscribe to our channel to watch future episodes of Around the Kingdom, with a new drop each week. #goknights #ucfknights #ucf #ucffootball #big12 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In the third episode of the CEO Diaries, Jill breaks down the numbers, psychology, and strategy behind pricing a successful membership, and shares how she's using that same knowledge in building out the Strategy Lab. She digs into the difference between acquisition and retention, why loyalty should always be rewarded, and how industry norms vary wildly between fitness and business memberships. Jill walks through smart ways to incentivize longer commitments, structure annual vs. monthly options, and use founders' pricing, evergreen funnels, and live launches to create irresistible tiers. From understanding the true ROI timeline to designing offers that are "too good to quit," you'll get a full behind-the-scenes look at building a scalable, sticky membership that people are pumped to stay in. Get on the wait list for the Strategy Lab! https://jillfitfree.com/strategy-lab-wait-list/ Jill is a fitness professional and business coach who effectively made the transition from training clients in person and having no time to build anything else to training clients online and actually being more successful. Today, Jill helps other coaches to do the same. Connect with me! Instagram: @jillfit | @fitbizu Facebook: @jillfit Website: jillfit.com membership pricing, retention strategies, founders enrollment, fitness industry, business memberships, loyalty rewards, pricing strategies, membership math, customer retention, value delivery
How do construction leaders make better decisions in a world overflowing with data? Recorded live at Autodesk University 2025, this conversation with Frank Phillips and Ashley Grassano from the University of Florida explores how curiosity, culture, and clear communication help teams turn raw information into meaningful action. Frank and Ashley share how the AEC industry can shift from reactive to proactive by embracing data literacy, asking better questions, and building trust between the field and the office. From forecasting risks to creating visibility across teams, this episode highlights how decision-making improves when people, process, and technology finally align. In this episode you'll learn: Why curiosity (not dashboards) is the real driver of innovation How data transparency builds trust across construction teams Practical steps for improving decision-making in fast-paced environments MEET OUR GUESTS Frank Phillips is Director of Business Affairs Technical Services at University of Florida, where he has over two decades of career experience. Ashely Grassano is Space & GIS Manager at the University of Florida. She manages a team of BIM Coordinators, Space Planners, and GIS Administrators. TODD TAKES Make Old Buildings Smarter, Not “Smart” A campus-wide push toward digital twins is turning legacy facilities into data-ready assets. The playbook: uplift Revit to a consistent minimum spec, link key MEP assets for location and maintenance, stream live data into Tandem, and anchor everything with GIS. It's practical, phased modernization—form meets function. Data Is an Asset—Treat It Like One Ownership and flow matter. From ACC adoption to Cost rollout, success comes from redefining processes (not lift-and-shift), onboarding project-by-project, and measuring wins by outcomes (like contractors getting paid). The ethos: the owner funds the work, the owner owns the data—and partners help operationalize it. Scan, Map, Connect—and Then Automate LiDAR for utilities and interiors, geospatially aligned campus models, ACC + Tandem integration, and emerging AI/API upgrades (including easier auth) are building a true “smart campus” foundation. Pair top-down sponsorship with bottom-up field buy-in, and you get faster finds at 2 a.m., fewer “unknowns,” and clearer ROI. MORE RESOURCES Thanks for listening! Please be sure to leave a rating and/or review and follow up our social accounts. Bridging the Gap Website Bridging the Gap LinkedIn Bridging the Gap Instagram Bridging the Gap YouTube Todd's LinkedIn Thank you to our sponsors! Graitec North America Graitec North America LinkedIn Autodesk's Website Other Relevant Links: Frank's LinkedIn Ashley's LinkedIn University of Florida
Layoffs are rising, AI is being blamed, but the data doesn't agree. Challenger reports the highest October cuts since 2003 with AI as the #2 reason, while Yale's 33-month BLS analysis finds no real disruption in high-AI-exposure jobs. We break down the confusion, the “AI layoff boomerang,” and why companies still struggle to get actual ROI from AI. Hosts: Matt Sunbulli https://www.linkedin.com/in/sunbulli/ https://www.firstdraft.vc Aaron Calafato Listen to Aaron's 7 Minute Stories Podcast Leah Ova Follow Leah on TikTok Editorial: Matt Sunbulli Brooks Borden Ken Wendt Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt Research: Matt Sunbulli Zaid Safe Aaron Calafato
For something that we do every single day, and something that has the power to change every aspect of our life, we sure don't focus on, train, or develop it. And, that thing is conversation. Nothing great ever happened in your life without, first, a conversation – no promotions, no jobs, no clients, no dates, nothing. My guest today, Payam Pakmanesh (known as "The Convo Guy") is here to explain why and, more importantly, how we can build and develop our ability to communicate more effectively. We cover the proper principles of communication, Adlerian Psychology and how it helps you focus on what you can control, the "Zoom Flow" model for deeper connection, how to make yourself more approachable, and becoming aware of how others perceive you. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Conversation as a Life-Changing Tool 01:06 - Why Men Struggle With Communication 02:33 - Nature vs. Nurture in Your Voice 03:18 - How Environment Shapes Language & Identity 04:19 - Film Yourself: The First Breakthrough Exercise 05:30 - Pausing, Filler Words & Leadership Presence 06:55 - Listening Critically to Yourself 07:48 - Buying Time vs. Fear of Silence 09:18 - Authenticity vs. Performance 11:03 - Why Humans Detect Inauthenticity 12:20 - Reading Engagement & Disengagement Cues 13:51 - The Power of Real Listening 15:10 - Faces, Interpretation & Owning Your Identity 16:28 - Getting Out of Your Own Head 17:55 - Fear of Judgement & Perfectionism 18:34 - Social Masks & Status Games 20:32 - Adlerian Psychology & Letting Go of Others' Opinions 21:43 - Book Structure & Thoughts on "Courage to Be Disliked" 22:06 - Biggest Communication Mistakes Men Make 24:25 - Auditing Your Stories & Mental Frameworks 25:19 - Choose Stories that Serve You 27:45 - Tracking Thoughts & Fact-Checking Beliefs 30:18 - Inner Peace as the ROI of Self-Development 31:22 - Misreading Signals from Others 33:44 - Why Hard Conversations Must Be Live 34:50 - Growth Through Discomfort 35:17 - Why Men Avoid Difficult Conversations 37:06 - Nice Guys, Suppressed Emotions & Blowups 38:10 - Joker Example: From Nice to Extreme 40:12 - Standards vs. Expectations 41:14 - Make the Implicit Explicit 42:26 - Experimenting Like a Scientist 43:31 - Everyone Is Human-Even High Status People 44:04 - Scripts vs. Flow in Communication 47:32 - Headphones, Avoidance & Missed Opportunities 48:27 - Disagreement Statements That Build Trust 50:37 - Context Creates Empathy 52:19 - Why Courage Earns Respect 54:01 - The Value of Small Talk 55:48 - The Elevator Test 57:06 - Why Communication Creates Opportunities 58:29 - Movie Character Communication Breakdown 59:55 - How to Work With Payam Battle Planners: Pick yours up today! Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto. For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood. Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
The Carey Nieuwhof Leadership Podcast: Lead Like Never Before
Dr. James Sells and Shaunti Feldhahn rethink mental health and loneliness. They offer practical steps on how the church can lead healing without burning out its leaders, especially pastors.
You make smart business decisions all day long. ROI calculations. Risk assessments. Strategic planning. Then five o'clock hits and you clock out. Suddenly you're just winging it with your personal life. Wild, right? I spent years consulting business owners on quarterly goals and customer journeys. One day a successful client had this lightbulb moment: "I wish my personal life was this organized." That's when it clicked for me too. The same tools that build million-dollar businesses work for building the life you actually want. No separation needed. Just one you with one life that all blends together. Featured Story I'm sitting with a client mapping quarterly revenue targets and conversion rates. He's taking notes. Nodding. Excited about the plan. Then he stops with that look. You know the one. That millisecond when something just clicks in your brain. He says, "Man, I wish my personal life was this organized. I feel like I'm just making it up as I go." I laughed and said, "Well, we all are, aren't we?" Important Points You are one person with one life, and everything blends together whether you admit it or not. Vague goals get vague results, but specific goals get specific results. "I want to be happy" means nothing. "I'm at the gym at 6 a.m. three days a week" is a system you can actually build and measure. Positive ROI or die applies to your life just like it does in business. If you're spending 60% of your time for 10% satisfaction, that's terrible ROI and you wouldn't accept it in business, so why accept it in life? Memorable Quotes "Every day you and I make smart business and job decisions. ROI calculations, risk assessments, strategic planning. And then at five o'clock we clock out and what do we do? We wing it." "You wouldn't invest in your business and continue to get negative returns, would you? But so many people do it in their life." "If you don't know who you are, you cannot build a life that fits you. Just like a business. If a business sells the wrong product to the wrong customer, they do not have a business." Scott's Three-Step Approach Define your avatar. Get specific about who you are right now, not who you were five years ago or who your parents think you should be. What lights you up? What drains you? When do you feel most like yourself? If you don't know who you are, you cannot build a life that fits you. Design your product. Decide exactly what life you want with specific details, not vague wishes. Transform "I want to work out" into "I'm at the gym at 6 a.m. three days a week for 45 minutes." The more specific your solution, the easier it is to build because everything else just falls away. Build your system. Create daily non-negotiables and predictable habits that deliver results. Your habits absolutely dictate your success and happiness in life. If you don't have a system for delivery of you as a person, you're winging it and that's negative ROI all day long. Chapter Notes 0:03 - Clocking out and winging your personal life 0:48 - Smart people plan now, take holidays later 1:27 - The client meeting that changed everything 2:47 - Money matters, but so does staying married 5:01 - What you measure matters in life and business 5:39 - Your personal avatar: who are you really? 6:54 - Getting specific about the life you want 8:24 - Systems beat winging it every single time Connect With Me Search for the Daily Boost on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify Email: support@motivationtomove.com Main Website: motivationtomove.com YouTube: youtube.com/dailyboostpodcast Instagram: @heyscottsmith Facebook Page: facebook.com/motivationtomove Facebook Group: Join the Daily Boost Community Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It's not science fiction anymore; it's Agentic AI. We're moving past the era where AI just assists us. Now, we're talking about a coworker that can run entire recruiting workflows from start to finish. Think of it like a Tesla: you set the destination, and it drives the car. But I don't want you to be left in the dust regarding what this looks like. We are talking about autonomous scoring, outreach, and screening that operates without human intervention so you can save your intervention for where it matters most. However, with great automation comes great responsibility. I know we are all feeling the pinch point of budget constraints and increased hiring needs , but you cannot build automation on top of chaos. If you don't have a strong foundation or good data, you're just going to automate chaos. We're going to discuss the critical guardrails you need - like human oversight on outreach and bias monitoring, because the human touch is going to be more valuable than it ever has been. So, where do you start? We'll look at finding your highest ROI pilots, like passive candidate sourcing or high-volume screening, and how to build a governance framework so candidates know they are interacting with AI. This isn't autopilot; it's assisted driving. Join me as we explore how to use these tools to elevate the human experience, not replace it. Stacie More episodes at StacieBaird.com. Basics on GDPR and CCPA
Thinking about hiring a marketing agency for your boutique fitness or wellness business? In this episode, Christa Gurka shares exactly what you need to know before you spend a single dollar on paid ads.Christa breaks down the essential marketing metrics and strategies every studio owner should understand — from CPC, CPA, and CAC to lifetime value (LTV) and conversion rates — so you can make informed decisions and avoid wasting money.Whether you run a Pilates studio, yoga studio, or private-pay PT clinic, this episode will help you become confident in your marketing conversations, know what red flags to watch for, and understand how to measure real results from your ad spend.
On the Schmooze Podcast: Leadership | Strategic Networking | Relationship Building
I'm pleased to interview one of our Biz Book Pub Hub Partners. Our Hub Partners are experts who support entrepreneurs along their author journey. What if you had a literary matchmaker, a creative consultant, and a publishing powerhouse all rolled into one? That's exactly what today's guest brings to the table. Known as “The Dear Abby of Publishing” and “The Literary Agent Matchmaker,” she's spent more than 20 years helping writers at every level, whether you're drafting your first chapter, prepping for a publisher pitch, or dreaming of seeing your story on the big screen. She's an award-winning author herself, but she's also the go-to expert behind the scenes, editing manuscripts for publishers, advising literary agents, and helping debut and established authors alike bring their books and platforms to life. Through her company, Your Book Is Your Hook!, she helps authors navigate every path to publishing, build marketing strategies that last beyond launch day, and even explore how to expand their story into film, TV, and theater. From nonfiction to novels, screenplays to children's books, she meets writers where they are—and helps them get where they want to go. She provides writers with the guidance, structure, and industry access to turn creative projects into real-world results. Please join me in welcoming Jennifer Wilkov. In this episode, we discuss the following:
Unicorns Unite: The Freelancer Digital Media Virtual Assistant Community
We hear the corporate escape stories all the time. What we don't hear as often is what happens after. My guest built a stronger, smarter, and more aligned freelance marketing business on the other side of it. That's why I loved this conversation with Tyneshia Dise. She walked away from a high-pressure corporate sales role after hitting burnout, went back to school for a marketing degree, and slowly built her agency through networking, internships, referrals, and showing up online long before it felt comfortable. Today, she leads a team of four and runs her business with solid onboarding, real systems, clear communication, and regular client check-ins. And inside our Workgroup, she's already booked 6 out of 10 discovery calls and landed a client that gave her a 4x ROI.Tyneshia is the founder of The Innovative Design Group and a digital marketing strategist with 20 years in sales and marketing, specializing in helping service-based business owners refine their message, build standout websites, and create campaigns that drive measurable growth.Listen to learn more about:How Tyneshia used her corporate sales background to build a thriving freelance marketing agencyWhy emotionally-driven messaging is the secret weapon behind stronger conversionsHow to improve your discovery calls using active listening & buyer insightsWhat freelancers get wrong about DIY marketing and how to fix itThe systems, onboarding, and client experience shifts that helped her scaleTyneshia's growth came from intention and experience. Tune in because her story is a powerful example of what's possible when you mix skill, strategy, and community support.Sponsored by The Digital Marketer's Workgroup Are you already doing marketing work but need more clients and a stronger referral network? Join our tight-knit community of freelancers and get access to behind-the-scenes conversations, support, and troubleshooting that every solo marketer needs. Plus, you'll benefit from advanced trainings, networking opportunities, and exclusive job leads. Apply here!Links Mentioned in the Show: Grab Tyneshia's Free Email Marketing Guide: If you want your emails to land, not just send, Tyneshia's free 67-page e-book is a must. It teaches freelancers and VAs how to clarify their message, write emails that resonate, and build automations that feel personal, not robotic. Perfect for anyone managing client newsletters, funnels, or retention campaigns.Connect with Tyneshia:Instagram: @innovativedesign_cleFacebook: The Innovative Design Group_CLEWebsite: https://theinnovativedesigngroup.com/ Connect with Emily:Facebook Community: Emily's Unicorn Digital Marketing Assistant LabInstagram:
Taylor Scott is a hospitality lifer turned leadership coach who cut his teeth at Walt Disney World, led sales at Disney Vacation Club, and earned his MBA from Cornell's Hotel School. He's the author of Lead with Hospitality and the leadership fable Give Hospitality, translating world-class service principles into practical playbooks for teams. Susan and Taylor talk about connection, culture, and coaching. What You'll Learn About: • Why "don't reply to everything" is terrible leadership advice. • How sales and leadership mirror each other: build trust fast, influence behavior faster. • The Connect–Serve–Engage–Inspire framework you can run on a busy lobby shift. • LEAD as a service checklist: Listen, Educate, Act, Deliver. • The mindset shift from SOP security blanket to entrepreneurial trial-and-error. • Grad school's real ROI: "building shelves" in your brain + a global network. • How to lead high achievers with the 3 C's: Choice, Competence, Community. • "Guest first, team always" and "Purpose over policy" as decision filters. • Turning fear-based flailing (hello, mushroom panic) into guest-centered choices. • Why the next leadership frontier is re-teaching human connection in an AI world. Our Top Three Takeaways 1. Leadership and Sales Share the Same Core: Connection and Influence Taylor makes the case that sales is leadership, and leadership is sales. In both roles, success depends on making people trust and like you quickly, then inspiring them to take action. His "Lead with Hospitality" framework — Connect, Serve, Engage, Inspire — provides a clear path for achieving this in daily operations: connect with people on a human level, serve them first, engage with generosity and purpose, and inspire them through storytelling and authenticity. 2. The Best Leaders Create Environments for Motivation Drawing from the self-determination theory, Taylor explains that people become self-motivated when they experience choice, competence, and community — his "three C's." High achievers, in particular, thrive when leaders give them autonomy, recognize their expertise, and foster a sense of belonging. Leadership isn't about control; it's about designing the conditions where people can thrive. 3. Purpose Over Policy: Leading with Humanity From his experiences at Disney and Cosmopolitan, Taylor emphasizes two enduring leadership mantras: "Guest first, team always" and "Purpose over policy." Great leaders prioritize people and purpose over rigid rules, empowering teams to make guest-centered decisions. As hospitality evolves with AI and generational change, Taylor predicts the next frontier of leadership will be relearning how to connect on a human level — teaching empathy, conversation, and connection in an increasingly digital world. Taylor Scott on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/tscott1502/ Lead with Hospitality https://leadwithhospitality.com/ Other Episodes You May Like: 179: Bridal Suite Sweethearts with James Ferguson https://www.topfloorpodcast.com/episode/179 118: Grief-Stricken Audience with Christine Trippi https://www.topfloorpodcast.com/episode/118 129: Boo-Boo Sugar with Jason Brooks https://www.topfloorpodcast.com/episode/129
In this episode, John Wilson and guest Rich Jordan dig into one of the scariest (and most valuable) moves you can make in home service: rebranding multiple companies into a single brand.Rich runs three acquired companies across New Hampshire and New Jersey…and he's in the middle of rolling them all into one new identity: High Ground Service Pros. They walk through why he's willingly tearing down a strong local brand (Sanford), what's driving the decision, and how he's trying to avoid losing customers, culture, or SEO in the process.From “house of brands” vs “branded house” to truck wraps, domains, Google Business Profiles, and core values (“seize the high ground”), this is a tactical conversation for anyone growing through acquisition or multi-market expansion.What You'll LearnWhen to keep multiple brands vs. going all-in on one — and how that choice impacts growth, culture, and marketing.How to execute a rebrand without losing customers — scripts, GBPs, websites, and call center tactics that actually work.Where the real ROI comes from — SEO, media, and operational focus once every truck and trade is under a single name.
In this episode, Lydia breaks down one of the most common questions founders ask:➡️ “What is the actual ROI of PR?”You'll learn what press really does for your brand, why consistent earned media is so powerful, and how visibility translates into credibility, trust, SEO, audience growth, and eventually—yes—sales.If you've ever wondered whether PR is “worth it,” this is your roadmap.What You'll Learn:- How PR builds credibility and trust faster than most methods you're taught- Why a strong brand narrative is the foundation of visibility- The real ROI of PR: SEO, audience growth, and sales- How press features shape how AI tools (like ChatGPT) understand your brandBacklink video here: https://youtu.be/y6MLHeVUzPsSyndication video here: https://youtu.be/yoPF2YaWkiAImpact video here: https://youtu.be/6TKksvgEuuk Support the showWant a Personalized PR Plan? (includes: a custom PR pitch, 6 part "how to research media contacts" module, curated list of 5–10 ideal media outlets, “Where to Go from Here” roadmap (pitch cadence, next steps, etc.) AND a personalized voice note. Click here: https://www.visibilityonpurpose.com/offers/prxBzYXW/checkout DIY PR COURSE!! https://www.visibilityonpurpose.com/pitchpartySIGN UP ON QWOTED for free: https://www.qwoted.com/?via=VOPWatch our FREE masterclass to start landing big press features like Forbes & interviews on top 1% podcasts: https://www.visibilityonpurpose.com/getfeatured Connect with us on and off the pod! Website: www.visibilityonpurpose.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/visibilityonpurpose/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@visibilityonpurpose
Send us a textIn this episode, Pragya Dubey, Agility PR's VP of Global Services & Analytics, joins host Jason Mudd to discuss how AI is reshaping PR, media intelligence, and measurement for smarter, data-driven strategies.Tune in to learn more!Meet Our Guest:Our episode guest is Pragya Dubey, Agility PR Solutions' VP of Global Services & Analytics. With more than 20 years of experience across three continents, she helps organizations transform media data into meaningful insights that demonstrate ROI and elevate the impact of communications.Five things you'll learn from this episode: 1. How AI is changing the media intelligence landscape and how we can measure it2. Ways PR professionals can use AI to make smarter, data-driven decisions3. What the emerging AI landscape means for PR professionals4. How to use AI to enhance productivity and creativity in PR5. How press releases are regaining power as vital tools for AI-driven search visibilityQuotables“AI is really reshaping the way we are accessing information and our need for information.” — Pragya Dubey“PR teams can be empowered with more data-driven decisions as opposed to basing their decisions on anecdotes, or an impression, or simply instincts – that's the biggest shift.” — Pragya Dubey“AI is the assistant that PR never had that can help public relations professionals work smarter.” — Pragya Dubey"The question to ask is how AI is getting its information. AI is getting that information from the web, from Google, Yahoo, all those aggregator websites and media. So if you're not putting yourself out there more and more, you're missing out on that opportunity to be read and analyzed by AI.” — Pragya Dubey“The press release that we all thought was on life support and losing credibility year after year is suddenly the new sexy PR tool that everybody's talking about again and getting excited about.” — Jason MuddIf you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to share it with a colleague or friend. You may also support us through Buy Me a Coffee or by leaving us a quick podcast review.More About Pragya DubeyPragya Dubey is Vice President of Global Services and Media Analytics at Agility PR Solutions, where she leads strategy and client success for media monitoring, measurement, and insights. With over 20 years of experience across Canada, the U.S., and India, she specializes in turning complex media data into actionable narratives that demonstrate ROI and drive smarter decision-making.Since joining Agility in 2006, she has helped clients — including Fortune 500s, governments, and nonprofits — align media analysis with strategic goals. Pragya is a passionate advocate for using meaningful metrics to elevate the role of communications.Guest's contact info and resources:Pragya Dubey on LinkedInAgility PR Solutions websiteAdditional Support the show On Top of PR is produced by Axia Public Relations, named by Forbes as one of America's Best PR Agencies. Axia is an expert PR firm for national brands. On Top of PR is sponsored by ReviewMaxer, the platform for monitoring, improving, and promoting online customer reviews.
Budget explains 89% of profit variation in award-winning campaigns. ROI? Just 11%. Yet 65% of senior marketers still believe ROI is the biggest contributor to success.This week, Elena, Angela, and Rob discuss new research from Les Binet and Will Davis that reveals a major misunderstanding at the heart of modern marketing. For years, marketers have obsessed over efficiency: optimizing clicks, proving short-term ROI, and doing more with less. The team breaks down why budget and reach matter more than most realize, how to escape the "death spiral" of shrinking investments, and what it means to go big or go home with your marketing plan.Topics covered: [01:00] Why budget is 8x more important than ROI for driving profit[03:00] Defining marketing efficiency vs marketing effectiveness[11:00] Making the case internally for bigger budgets and broader reach[13:00] How this research should change your channel planning[19:00] Balancing efficiency and effectiveness in your marketing mix[21:00] What creativity at scale really looks like To learn more, visit marketingarchitects.com/podcast or subscribe to our newsletter at marketingarchitects.com/newsletter. Resources: 2025 IPA Effectiveness Conference Article: https://ipa.co.uk/news/go-big-or-go-home/ Get more research-backed marketing strategies by subscribing to The Marketing Architects on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
I'm sharing three simple, actionable email marketing ideas you can implement right away to see a greater ROI from your email marketing. No burnout, no perfectionism, no fancy funnels required! Whether you've ghosted your list for a month or you're just tired of writing emails that get ignored, this conversation will help you build momentum without overthinking it.We talk about how to shift from email avoidance to email confidence using my 3C framework, how to write for skimmers (because most of your readers aren't sitting down at a desk to read your newsletter), and why showing up imperfectly is still the most powerful move you can make.
Wake up — it's here. Conversational AI has officially arrived in automotive, and it's transforming dealership operations faster than anyone expected. In this episode, Jen sits down with one of the true OGs of voice AI, Rich Sands, CEO of Stella Automotive AI, to unpack what's really happening behind the scenes as dealerships adopt AI in service and sales. https://stellaautomotive.com Rich shares the evolution of Stella—from early hurdles to the all-new rebuilt platform—and opens up about the human side of AI: the integration challenges, the mistakes, the breakthroughs, and the massive shift in customer adoption. You'll hear real data on engagement, booking speed, and why some callers now prefer Stella over a human. Jen and Rich break down: Why voice AI is accelerating dealership operations on both the service and sales sides How customer behavior toward AI has radically changed in just two years What "the new Stella" actually means (zero latency, deep integrations, powerful customization) The ROI dealers are seeing—and why AI is now outperforming humans in call handling and appointment booking The must-do steps for dealers deploying voice AI (yes, the greeting matters more than you think) How data, context, and personalization are creating a new wave of VIP-level customer experience If you want real talk about scaling voice AI in a dealership—without the vendor pitch—this episode is your roadmap. It's tactical. It's honest. And it'll prepare you for the next big operational shift already hitting stores nationwide. Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast |
Send us a textOn this episode of The Plant Movement Podcast, host Willie Rodriguez sits down with Bryan Lloyd and Erin Rogers, Territory Sales Managers with Greenworks Commercial, the all-electric leader transforming outdoor power equipment.Bryan, who covers Central Florida and brings over 15 years of experience in the power equipment world, and Erin, who manages South Florida after years in the battery technology space, break down how Greenworks is changing the way landscapers think about performance, efficiency, and sustainability.The conversation dives into:- The benefits of switching to electric — from massive fuel savings to noise reduction in HOA communities.- Battery innovation — including Greenworks' customizable energy systems, on-site charging caddies, and the revolutionary “Energy Cube.”- Smarter tech and safety — with motors that shut off on impact, ETO ports for charging tools on the go, and robotics that are reshaping how crews work.- The real ROI — see how contractors are saving up to 85% on fuel and paying off their electric mowers in under two years.- The future of the industry — from robotic mowing to smarter labor solutions, and how Greenworks is positioning itself for the next 20 years of innovation.From autonomous mowers to battery-powered UTVs, Greenworks isn't just making equipment — they're building a full ecosystem for the next generation of lawn and landscape professionals.Tune in to learn how you can power your business into the future with clean energy, smarter tools, and long-term savings.
On this episode of The Agronomists, host Lyndsey Smith is joined by Jonathan Zettler of Fieldwalker Agronomy and Laird Lampertz of Pitura Seeds to discuss choosing and varying seeding rates based on soil limits or possibility, ROI, yield maps and more. What can the software/equipment do? What are the limits? How do we decide how... Read More
This week, we're sharing the first part of a recast of Chris Thomson's powerful conversation on Paper Napkin Wisdom with host Govindh Jayaraman.In this second part of “Cancer Is a Journey,” Chris opens up about the next chapter of his cancer experience, from jaundice and hospitalization to finally receiving a confirmed diagnosis and beginning chemotherapy.What unfolds is a story not just of treatment, but of mindset, gratitude, and the expansion of purpose. Chris reflects on reframing chemo as healing, finding meaning in mortality, and discovering an even greater reason to live: to be present for his family, his team, and now his first grandchild.Timestamped Highlights[00:00:00] – Picking up where Part 1 left off: from feeling great to noticing symptoms[00:01:43] – Turning yellow: the first signs of jaundice and the rush to the hospital[00:03:00] – Emergency biopsy, stent surgery, and the fear of what's next[00:05:26] – Finally, a diagnosis: follicular lymphoma — and why Chris calls it “fantastic news”[00:06:40] – The entrepreneur's instinct: “Tell me what I need to do. Put me in, coach.”[00:07:32] – Overcoming fear of chemo and reframing it as a healing process[00:08:46] – “Chemo made me feel better.” How mindset and gratitude shaped recovery[00:10:42] – Seeing chemo not as poison, but as partnership with medicine[00:11:23] – Gratitude for Canada's healthcare and perspective from others' stories[00:12:30] – The day of the banquet: from biopsy to public speaking in one day[00:13:38] – What's changed: health, priorities, and becoming a grandfather[00:14:49] – “I want to have with my grandkids what I have with my kids.”[00:16:41] – Turning lemons into lemonade — how cancer expanded his mission[00:17:46] – Living beyond the physical: how loved ones continue through legacy[00:19:59] – Staying in the moment and letting go of unrealistic expectations[00:21:00] – A powerful goodbye: honoring his late friend Wendy Porter[00:23:21] – Facing death daily — a Stoic approach to living fully[00:26:29] – The ROI of a life of contribution: “Profit follows purpose.”[00:27:46] – Climbing new mountains — redefining success after survival[00:30:00] – Reaching out and finding connection: “We're better together.”[00:32:00] – Closing reflections: remembering who you are and being there for othersResources MentionedPrincess Margaret Hospital (Toronto) – oncology and liver specialistsDr. Sapisochin, liver surgeon at PMHWellspring – support network for cancer patientsImportant LinksConnect with Chris: Website | LinkedInLearn more about the Student Works Management ProgramApply to be an Owner / Operator in the Management ProgramLooking for a fun job this summer? Summer Job OpportunitiesHear more Alumni Success Stories About the ShowPaper...
One of the biggest challenges facing HR is the perennial challenge of leadership capability. Despite years of investment in programmes, frameworks, and workshops, many organisations still struggle to see real behavioural change. The world around us is moving faster, the expectations on leaders are higher, and yet our development approaches can still feel generic, theoretical, and removed from the realities of day-to-day work. But what if technology - and specifically, AI - could help us do it differently? Instead of a one-size-fits-all course, what if every manager could have a personalised coach in their pocket that gives them real-time, practical guidance in the moment they need it most? To explore the benefits and risks of AI coaching, Lucy is joined by Anand Chopra-McGowan, Managing Director, Europe at Valence. Anand explains how Nadia, Valence's AI coach, learns your context (company principles, programmes, your team) and supports both the “small moments” such as a tricky feedback chat, and the “big moments” like onboarding and performance reviews. He shares a live example of using Nadia minutes before a meeting, why perfect memory beats good intentions, and how the tool integrates where managers already are . We dig into trust and ethics, what data Nadia uses, and how clients are measuring value - from time saved on reviews to uplift in leadership effectiveness scores and store-level customer outcomes. Anand's deployment advice is refreshingly practical: point the coach at high-friction moments in your HR calendar, customise to your ways of working, and use early wins to convert sceptics. Chapters 00:29 — Why traditional leadership development stalls 10:22 — What Nadia is and how it works (with an in-the-moment example at 12:12) 14:47 — Ethics, data, and measuring impact (ROI examples from 19:23) 23:01 — How to deploy AI coaching and bring sceptical managers with you Discover more about Disruptive HR Find out more about Disruptive HR: www.disruptivehr.com Get in touch: hello@disruptivehr.com Check out The Disruptive HR Club: https://disruptivehr.com/the-club/ Contact Anand: https://www.linkedin.com/in/achopramcgowan/
In today's environment, clarity isn't a luxury—it's a multiplier that unlocks every dollar you've invested in your people. -Salima Hemani Designing Organizations That Breathe: How Structure Shapes Culture, Leadership, and Impact. With Salima Hemani Here's the truth most leaders don't realize: You're already shaping your organization's culture and performance every single day—whether you know it or not. Every leader needs some understanding of organizational design's impact. Not to become an OD expert or efficiency consultant, but because aligning structure with culture and creating environments where people do their best work is fundamentally your responsibility. When budgets tighten, teams feel stuck, and your best people start leaving despite world-class training programs, the problem often isn't your strategy or your talent—it's the invisible architecture determining how work actually gets done. In this conversation, Salima Hamani reveals why 75-80% of organizational redesigns fail (hint: it's not about the org chart), and more importantly, how leaders at every level can create the clarity that becomes their organization's greatest competitive advantage. In this episode, Salima shares: • Why great organizational design grows leaders, not just organizes them - How one company created "natural stretch zones" through project-based structure that elevated middle managers without another training program • The warning signs your structure is holding back performance - When people have the right skills, clear values, and beautiful org charts but still can't get results, decisions made, or forward momentum • Why the org chart is just 10% of organizational design - The critical elements most leaders miss: operating models, governance frameworks, decision rights, and how information actually flows • How to measure the ROI of clarity - One government agency dropped project delays by 70% simply by clarifying decision pathways and governance (not just redrawing boxes) • The questions leaders need to ask before any redesign - Why spending time on strategic clarity upfront saves months of frustrated implementation later The bottom line: You don't need to become an organizational design expert, but you do need to understand that structure either amplifies or constrains everything else you're trying to achieve. The best training programs, the most talented people, and the clearest strategy all fall flat without the structural clarity that lets people actually use them. Organizational design isn't something to delegate and forget—it's the scaffolding that determines whether your leaders can truly lead, whether your investments in people pay off, and whether your organization can breathe and grow rather than suffocate under its own weight. About Salima: Salima Hemani, MBA, PCC, SHRM-SCP, is an accomplished organizational strategist, executive coach, and human capital advisor with over 25 years of experience leading large-scale transformation, organizational design, and leadership alignment initiatives. She is the Founder and President of SZH Consulting, an organizational and leadership development firm serving Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and mission-driven organizations. Salima brings a rare blend of strategic insight and operational depth, having served as both an internal executive and external consultant guiding C-suite teams through growth, restructuring, and culture evolution. Her expertise spans strategy execution, organizational design, leadership development, and executive team coaching - anchored in systems thinking, data-driven insights, and a people-first approach. A trusted thought partner to CHROs and senior leaders, Salima is known for her ability to turn complexity into clarity and create space for bold, actionable dialogue. She frequently speaks on topics including leading through change and building organizations that thrive. Connect with Salima: https://www.linkedin.com/company/szh-consulting-llc/ A Leadership Beyond exists to support the alignment between the business strategy and people strategy - to drive results with people not at the expense of people (Talent Optimization). Subscribe to our podcast to join the Leadership Beyond Community of Conversation and hear insights from thought leaders and human development experts leading the way in the field of Talent Optimization. We are grateful to you and always eager to hear from you! To learn more visit https://aleadershipbeyond.com Tom & Adrienne
Donor love is measurable, and in this lively discussion, guest Lynne Wester, Principal and Founder of Donor Relations Group, brings the receipts. Drawing on data from her seventh global donor relations survey, conducted every two years since 2013 with more than 1,000 participants, Lynne shows us why retention, not the next big campaign, is where the real money is.Her core message is blunt and refreshing: we obsess over the ask even though it represents a tiny slice of our contact with supporters. As Lynne puts it, “Retention is the secret sauce of fundraising.” Most organizations still pour staff time and budget into events and tactics with weak ROI, while reporting that they are only able to share impact with less than 20 percent of their donors. That gap is not just operational; it is a revenue problem.The survey findings expose a pattern. Many donor relations teams sit under a mountain of tasks but lack a strategic plan, making them vulnerable to “seagulling” requests that fly in, drop work, and disappear. At the same time, donor relations professionals tend to stay in their roles four to nine years, while frontline fundraisers churn in about 16 months. The people who understand donor experience best often have the quietest internal voice, and Lynne's work is about giving them data to change that.She shares how longitudinal data helped the sector mostly abandon donor honor rolls: today, over 80 percent of nonprofits no longer produce donor lists that were costly and not meaningful. The survey is now pushing similar change around giving societies, the split between receipts and acknowledgements, and the use of AI. Lynne is candidly concerned that many organizations use AI tools without organizational policies, even as donor databases at major institutions have been compromised. For her, donor confidentiality and the Donor Bill of Rights demand guardrails before automation.Perhaps the most poignant remark is Lynne's insistence that gratitude and listening are not “extras” but performance drivers. Retaining a donor is five to seven times less expensive than acquiring a new one, and organizations that cared for donors as human beings during crises like the 2008 downturn and COVID raised twice as much as those that just kept asking. She argues that if a donor is not “worth a stamp,” the organization does not deserve the gift.Lynne leaves viewers with a challenge wrapped in encouragement: use data to question tradition, ask donors for their opinions, and treat stewardship as strategic fund management, not a courtesy. When you align technology, policies, and human connection around gratitude and impact, you are not just being nice—you are building a durable, scalable fundraising engine.#TheNonprofitShow #DonorRelations #FundraisingDataFind us Live daily on YouTube!Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits! 12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show
How do you transform thousands of frontline colleagues from overloaded and under-informed to connected, confident, and AI‑enabled, without breaking the stores?In this episode of The Retail Podcast, Alex sits down with Chris Chandler (Head of Store Support, Midcounties Co‑op) and Mark Williams (Managing Director, WorkJam EMEA) to unpack a full frontline transformation: from paper, WhatsApp groups and scattered comms… to a single digital frontline platform with 90%+ activation and the removal of many tasks removed in just 12 months.
In this episode, we tackle one of the most pressing questions organizations face today: how do you measure the ROI of physical identity and access management (PIAM)? Join host Matthew Lewis alongside experts Phil Buck and Don Campbell as they break down the tangible and intangible benefits of PIAM across industries—from healthcare to oil and gas to financial services.The conversation explores real-world scenarios where onboarding efficiency, credential reissuance, and compliance automation translate into measurable savings and risk reduction. From high-frequency challenges like hospital staffing to high-stakes events such as major capital projects and M&A integrations, our guests share practical strategies for quantifying value beyond the spreadsheet.Whether you're a security leader, operations manager, or simply curious about the business case for PIAM, this episode offers insights that will reshape how you think about identity, compliance, and the bottom line.
In this episode, we open up about the creative strategies we've discovered as female real estate investors to secure capital when traditional funding feels out of reach. We share our experiences with tapping into equity, refinancing, and leveraging our networks, along with creative financing options like seller financing and partnerships. Throughout our journey, we've learned the importance of community, due diligence, and strategic planning.We've found that accessing our own equity through refinancing or HELOCs and building strong networks has been key to uncovering creative financing options. Understanding return on equity (ROE) has helped us evaluate property performance, and partnerships have provided us with capital, though they require careful due diligence.Raising private money and exploring creative financing methods like seller financing have been game-changers for us, bridging funding gaps when needed. We've realized that community support is invaluable for sharing resources and advice, and regularly reviewing our portfolio's equity is crucial for strategic planning. These approaches have empowered us to make informed decisions and grow our investments with confidence. Resources:Grab your seat for our webinar on November 17thCheck out Episode 197Simplify how you manage your rentals with TurboTenantGet in touch with Envy Investment GroupMake sure your name is on the list to secure your spot in The WIIRE Community Leave us a review on Apple PodcastsLeave us a review on SpotifyJoin our private Facebook CommunityConnect with us on Instagram
In this episode, we sit down with Josh Studzinski, Chief Growth Officer at CarePredict, to explore how data-driven technology and AI are reshaping the senior living industry. We discuss how operators can evaluate, implement, and measure the ROI of technology solutions—and why success starts with aligning organizational goals from the top down.In this episode, we cover:Defining ROI and aligning metrics for successful tech implementationOvercoming “analysis paralysis” when evaluating new toolsUsing real-time data to enhance caregiver responsivenessHow CarePredict helps communities identify and adjust care needs earlyMeet the Hosts:Josh Crisp: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshcrispsocial/Lucas McCurdy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucasmccurdyseniorlivingfan/Connect with Our GuestJosh Studzinski (Chief Growth Officer, CarePredict): https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshstudzinski/ This episode was recorded at the 2025 LeadingAge annual meetingProduced by Solinity Marketing.Sponsored by Aline, NIC MAP, Procare HR, Sage, Hamilton CapTel, Service Master, The Bridge Group Construction and Solinity. Become a sponsor of Bridge the Gap.Connect with BTG on social media:YouTubeInstagramFacebookTwitterLinkedInTikTok
Join Elvis and Barb at all these amazing shows coming up in 2026 * Vision 21 in Las Vegas Jan 15-17 https://www.nadl.org/nadl-vision-21 * Cal-Lab Association Meeting in Chicago Feb 19-20 https://cal-lab.org/ * LMT Lab Day Chicago Feb 19-21 https://lmtmag.com/lmtlabday * Dental Lab Association of Texas Meeting in Dallas Apr 9-11 https://members.dlat.org/ * exocad Insights in Mallorca, Spain Apr 30 - May 1 https://exocad.com/insights-2026 This week, we finally bring on a guest who has been six years in the making: the one and only Jordan Greenberg, the North America Managing Director of FOLLOW-ME! Technology (https://www.follow-me-tech.com/)—better known as the HyperDent (https://www.follow-me-tech.com/hyperdent/) guy. Jordan takes us on a wild ride through the world of CAM software, milling strategies, toolpaths, and the surprisingly fascinating story of how dental CAM even became what it is today. From his early days as a third-generation “dental nepo baby” to running a zirconia milling center with his dad, all the way to helping launch titanium-bar milling on Datron (https://www.datron.com/) D5 machines, Jordan's journey hits every corner of digital dentistry's evolution. He breaks down what CAM actually does in the simplest possible terms (yes, even Elvis-level simple), explains the magic behind toolpaths, tools, post-processors, and how HyperDent “drives the car” for hundreds of different mills. You'll hear how materials get validated, why some ideas labs come up with are physically impossible, and why you should ALWAYS talk to your CAM provider before releasing new materials or components into the world. Jordan also shares a behind-the-scenes look at solving problems like angulated screw channels, milling lithium disilicate pucks, and HyperDent's upcoming work on milled dentures—including Ivoclar's Ivotion processes coming to open CAM. Whether you mill every day or still think CAM is just “putting a crown in a puck,” Jordan demystifies it all with humor, honesty, and more tech insights than we've ever had on the podcast at once. * Dental Labs—The Ivoclar (https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us) Flash Sale Is On! * From November 3rd to 14th, Ivoclar is bringing you unbeatable deals on the equipment that will set your lab up for success in 2026. * Upgrade your mill, your furnace, or expand your workflow—and save big while doing it! * Plus, when you purchase a milling machine (https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us/products/product-list?page=1&limit=12&filters=%5B%7B%22id%22%3A%22professions%22%2C%22advancedFilter%22%3Afalse%2C%22values%22%3A%5B%22Lab%22%5D%7D%2C%7B%22id%22%3A%22categories%22%2C%22advancedFilter%22%3Afalse%2C%22value%22%3A%22Digital%20Equipment%22%7D%5D), you'll get delivery, installation, and training—all included. That means your lab will be production-ready from day one. * But hurry—these savings vanish after November 14th! * Contact your Ivoclar sales rep today and power up your lab for the year ahead. Elvis and Barb are gearing up for their chat with the HyperDent Dude himself, Jordan Greenberg from FOLLOW-ME! Technology (https://www.follow-me-tech.com/). At LabFest, Elvis found out that every hyperDENT (https://www.follow-me-tech.com/hyperdent/) license comes with Template Editor Lite — a built-in feature that lets you make safe, customized tweaks to your milling strategies. Whether you want to prioritize surface quality or speed, this tool gives you the control to fine-tune your results while FOLLOW-ME! keeps everything validated and reliable. Because in the end, us lab techs love to tinker — and hyperDENT makes it easy to choose your own CAM-venture. Year-end chaos is here. Labs are slammed, deadlines are brutal, and mistakes are not an option. That's when dental technicians rely on the one thing that never quits: https://www.rolanddga.com/applications/dental-cad-cam. The DWX-53DC (https://www.rolanddga.com/products/dental/dwx-53dc-5-axis-dry-dental-milling-with-automatic-disc-changer) is a true workhorse—24-hour automated milling that keeps your lab running, your overhead down, and your ROI up. No redos. No downtime. Just consistent, precise results. Built on decades of Japanese engineering, Roland delivers the reliability that keeps labs sane, profitable, and on schedule. Finish the year strong with the mill you can trust. Choose Roland DGSHAPE. Precision. Reliability. Performance. Learn more at rolanddga.com Special Guest: Jordan Greenberg.
The retail media network platforms continue to be the most powerful, measurable source of incremental sales and households in the industry today, and our guest Mike Feldman, SVP of Commerce at Flywheel, predicts that will continue to be the case in 2026. The big question is whether brands investing in it have organized their incentive structures to make sure they will spend their next dollar in the best way possible for maximum ROI.
Today's guest is Kriti Sharma, CEO of IFS Nexus Black. Nexus Black specializes in solving complex operational challenges in asset-intensive environments by bringing AI engineers and domain experts directly to the factory floor, shop floor, and field. Kriti joins Emerj Editorial Director Matthew DeMello to explain how industrial leaders can move from AI theory to practical execution by uncovering hidden data inside aging assets, integrating multiple data modalities, and delivering measurable outcomes in weeks rather than years. Kriti also details how organizations can reduce unplanned downtime, improve maintenance planning, and scale technician expertise through targeted AI tools—demonstrating how even modest improvements in high-value workflows can drive meaningful operational ROI. Want to share your AI adoption story with executive peers? Click emerj.com/expert2 for more information and to be a potential future guest on the 'AI in Business' podcast! If you've enjoyed or benefited from some of the insights of this episode, consider leaving us a five-star review on Apple Podcasts, and let us know what you learned, found helpful, or liked most about this show!
Today's guest is Karan Gandhi, Senior Director for Verification and Fraud at Best Egg. Best Egg is a consumer lending platform focused on responsible, data-driven credit access. Karan joins Emerj Editorial Director Matthew DeMello to explore how deepfakes, synthetic identities, bot attacks, and agentic systems are reshaping the fraud landscape and what these shifts mean for data and AI strategy in financial services. Karan also breaks down the practical steps enterprises can take to strengthen verification workflows, leverage metadata and OCR analysis more effectively, and frame fraud-prevention ROI in a way that secures executive buy-in for modernizing their technology stack. Want to share your AI adoption story with executive peers? Click emerj.com/e2 for more information and to be a potential future guest on Emerj's flagship' AI in Business' podcast! If you've enjoyed or benefited from some of the insights of this episode, consider leaving us a five-star review on Apple Podcasts, and let us know what you learned, found helpful, or liked most about this show!
Send us a textMost private practices think they're doing effective marketing… but the truth? They're tracking the wrong numbers.In this episode, we break down the real secret to measuring marketing effectiveness—and why impressions, clicks, and “brand awareness” mean nothing if they don't turn into actual patients and revenue.You'll learn how to: • Track true ROI (not vanity metrics) • Identify where your patients are actually coming from • Calculate the cost to acquire a real client—not just a lead • Use attribution models to see which actions are truly moving the needle • Run campaigns that generate revenue instead of “noise” • Shift your marketing toward outcomes that support long-term growthIf you're tired of spending money on marketing that feels productive but doesn't change your bottom line, this episode will shift the way you make decisions—forever.Because marketing shouldn't make you feel “warm and cozy.” It should make you money.Welcome to Private Practice Survival Guide Podcast hosted by Brandon Seigel! Brandon Seigel, President of Wellness Works Management Partners, is an internationally known private practice consultant with over fifteen years of executive leadership experience. Seigel's book "The Private Practice Survival Guide" takes private practice entrepreneurs on a journey to unlocking key strategies for surviving―and thriving―in today's business environment. Now Brandon Seigel goes beyond the book and brings the same great tips, tricks, and anecdotes to improve your private practice in this companion podcast. Get In Touch With MePodcast Website: https://www.privatepracticesurvivalguide.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonseigel/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandonseigel/https://wellnessworksmedicalbilling.com/Private Practice Survival Guide Book
Today on Window Treatments for Profit Feeling like your profit margin doesn't match your effort? You're not alone—and you're not doing anything wrong. But you might be missing what's quietly draining your bottom line. In Part 2 of our Year-End Tune-Up series, LuAnn gets laser-focused on the real reason profitability slips away—and spoiler alert: it's not just about how much you earn, it's about how much you waste. Drawing from years of experience running Window Works and coaching top-performing business owners inside the Exciting Windows community, LuAnn lays out a clear, no-nonsense plan to close the gaps and lock in your profit strategy for 2026. You'll walk away with practical tools to audit your expenses, rethink your marketing spend, and evaluate your team and pipeline through a profitability lens. Plus, you'll hear a powerful case study from Exciting Windows member Oana Molodi on how operational overwhelm nearly capped her growth—until she made one strategic shift. In this episode, you'll learn how to: Cut hidden expenses that quietly kill your margins Reinvest your dollars into high-ROI strategies Build a marketing budget that aligns with your revenue goals Review your pipeline and team to prep for 2026 growth Take real action—not just reflection—before the year ends Listen now and build your 2026 profit plan with clarity, confidence, and intention. Haven't heard Part 1 yet? Start there, then revisit the full audit series starting with Episode #221. Our Favorite Links Windowworksnj.com Exciting Windows What's new with LuAnn Nigara The Power Talk Friday Tour 2025 Watch the Docuseries! https://www.luannnigara.com/cob Purchase LuAnn's Books Here: Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday ExpertsBook 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 Connect with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn's Website LuAnn's Blog Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast Other Shows Mentioned: Episode 340WWLD: Year End Review, Part 1, The 4 Step Profit Fix Episode 108What Would Lu Do?: Year End 2022 – Questions to Ask Episode 114What Would Lu Do?: Year End: How to Plan Your Marketing Episode 116What Would Lu Do?: Year End Review: Apps, Tech, Memberships and More
In this special episode of Cloud Wars Live, Bob Evans speaks with Chad Wahlquist, Architect at Palantir, about the company's explosive Q3 growth and the accelerating adoption of its AI Platform (AIP). They explore how AIP serves as an operating system for the enterprise, enabling customers to achieve global optimization, faster ROI, and model flexibility. Wahlquist also talks about Palantir's open, interoperable architecture and its commitment to delivering value at speed, especially for customers in high-stakes, high-pressure environments.Operate Smarter, Not SlowerThe Big Themes:Speed to Value: Many companies still operate under the assumption that meaningful transformation requires multi‑year timelines (two to three years, sometimes more). Palantir is pushing the idea that you must deliver value in months, three to six months, rather than years. This shift is critical because when business markets move fast, and when competitive advantage erodes quickly, speed becomes a differentiator. If you wait for years, you may miss the window or be out‑paced.Interoperability and Ecosystem Integration: The platform isn't trying to lock you into a “box” you must keep your data in; it instead emphasizes plug‑in interoperability with systems you already have. Wahlquist mentions connectors, SDKs, APIs, and plug‑ins to partners like Snowflake, Databricks, SAP, NVIDIA. The concept: if you already have investment in some systems, don't throw them away; just connect them. This increases the speed to value and reduces friction.Ambition, Willingness to Operate in Crisis: Wahlquist points out they often engage with customers who are under pressure. These customers need value now, not two or three years out. Situations like supply chain disruption, plant outages, labor issues, etc., are real. This situational urgency forces companies to adopt architectures and partners that can deliver now. The takeaway: It's not enough to believe you'll transform in the future; transformation architecture must be built for today's fires.The Big Quote: “Our goal is really: how do we scale our customers and the outcomes they're delivering — not just the number of customers?"More from Chad and Palantir:Follow Chad on LinkedIn or get an overview of Palantir's Q3 in its letter to shareholders. Visit Cloud Wars for more.
This episode is brought to you by Commerce.DoorDash has come a long way from delivering takeout. Today, it's a platform for everything local — powering delivery, fulfillment and retail innovation across dozens of categories.In this episode of Retail Remix, host Nicole Silberstein sits down with Fuad Hannon, DoorDash's VP of New Verticals, to unpack how the company is executing its vision to level the local commerce playing field. From the launch of DashMart Fulfillment Services to partnerships with brands like Kroger and Party City, DoorDash is helping retailers of all stripes and sizes compete on speed, convenience and customer experience.Key Takeaways:How DoorDash's mission to empower local economies has evolved beyond restaurants;How the company's investments in autonomous delivery are setting the stage for the next generation of 24/7 commerce;What the recent acquisitions of SevenRooms and Symbiosis reveal about DoorDash's growing reach in technology and services; The growth of DoorDash's $1 billion+ advertising business and how the company balances merchant ROI with consumer experience; PLUS The most unusual product Faud has seen DoorDash deliver.Related LinksExplore how DoorDash is expanding into retail, fulfillment, and autonomous deliveryRelated reading: DoorDash Launches Fulfillment Services; Party City, CVS Among First to TrialRelated reading: DoorDash Launches Driverless Delivery with Waymo in Phoenix Metro AreaGet more insights on retail innovation at Retail TouchPointsSubscribe and catch up on all episodes of Retail Remix -----How to Win Customers Across Every ChannelThis guide from BigCommerce brings you expert insights on data, branding, and marketing to help you grow sales across every major channel. Read the Guide.
Continuum is solving the multi-party return problem in B2B supply chain—a transaction involving distributors, manufacturers, and end users that previously took 30-45 days and now completes in 30-45 seconds. In this episode of Category Visionaries, we sat down with Alex Witcpalek, CEO and Founder of Continuum, to unpack how he's building what he calls "reverse EDI" in a market of 1.5 million distribution and manufacturing companies across North America. After 13 years selling technology into this space, Alex is now growing 8x year-over-year by turning customers into the primary acquisition channel through network effects. Topics Discussed: Why multi-party returns require replicating order management, warehouse management, and procurement systems simultaneously The tactical sequencing of building network businesses: solving for independent value, achieving critical mass, then activating network effects How Continuum navigates deep ERP integrations (SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, Epicor) plus bespoke business logic across multiple supply chain tiers Facebook retargeting, BDR outbound, events, and customer referrals as the four channels driving growth in a non-PLG market Why business model differentiation is the only remaining moat when technical barriers collapse Building domain expertise distribution systems using AI-powered LMS fed by sales call recordings GTM Lessons For B2B Founders: Choose problems where you can capture 100% of addressable market, not fractional share: Alex deliberately avoided competing in CRM, sales order automation, or accounts payable—categories where even dominant players cap at 25-30% market penetration. Instead, he targeted multi-party reverse logistics, a greenfield problem no one else was solving. This strategic choice eliminates competitive displacement risk and allows every prospect conversation to focus on change management rather than competitive differentiation. Founders should map their TAM against competitive saturation: markets where you can own the entire category create fundamentally different growth trajectories than fighting for fragments. Sequence network businesses: independent value → critical mass → network activation: Alex was told by investors 18 months in that network effects "weren't going to work." His insight: "When you don't have a network, you don't sell the network. It's just in your plans and how you're building." Continuum sold P&L impact, manual labor reduction, and customer experience improvements to early adopters while building network infrastructure invisibly. Only after achieving density in specific verticals (HVAC, electrical, plumbing) did they surface the network value proposition. This sequencing prevents the cold-start problem—founders building marketplace or network businesses must design standalone value that makes the first 100 customers successful independent of network density. Exploit high pain thresholds in legacy industries as competitive barriers: Supply chain companies accept 30-45 day return cycles, manual warranty claims on paper, and playing "guess who" by phone to find inventory across distributor branches. Alex notes they have "extremely high pain threshold" from living with broken systems for decades. While this creates longer education cycles, it also means competitors won't enter (too hard) and once you prove ROI, switching costs become prohibitive. Founders should reframe customer inertia: industries tolerating obvious inefficiencies offer category creation opportunities with built-in moats, not just sales friction. Business model architecture is the only defensible moat—technical differentiation is dead: Alex is building his own e-signature platform (Continue Sign) and AI LMS using vibe coding to prove technical moats no longer exist. Continuum's defensibility comes entirely from network lock-in: displacing them requires disconnecting manufacturers like Carrier, Daikin, and Bosch plus their entire distributor ecosystems simultaneously. He references EDI (1960s technology still dominant today) as proof that network effects create permanent advantages. Founders must architect switching costs, network density, or proprietary data advantages into their business model—technology alone provides zero protection in the AI era. Match channel strategy to actual ICP behavior, not SaaS conventions: Continuum's top lead source is customer-driven network growth—distributors recruiting manufacturers and vice versa. Facebook retargeting works because their 50+ year-old supply chain buyers "are trying to comment on their grandkids' pictures," not scrolling LinkedIn. BDR outbound still delivers high win rates in an industry where business happens on handshakes, making events critical. This channel mix would fail for PLG products but works perfectly for enterprise cycles with $40K ACVs and 90-day sales processes. Founders should ethnographically research where their specific buyers actually spend attention rather than defaulting to LinkedIn, content marketing, or PLG based on what works in adjacent categories. Use 90-day enterprise cycles and multi-stakeholder complexity as qualification, not friction: Continuum runs enterprise sales motions for $40K deals because multi-party returns touch 16 constituents across sales, customer service, fleet, supply chain, warehouse, purchasing, and finance. Rather than trying to simplify buying, Alex uses this complexity as a filter—companies willing to coordinate VP of Supply Chain, COO, and CFO alignment are serious buyers. He layers three value propositions (P&L impact, labor reduction, customer experience) knowing different stakeholders weight them differently. Founders selling into complex environments should embrace multi-threading as a qualification mechanism that improves win rates and reduces churn, not overhead to eliminate. // Sponsors: Front Lines — We help B2B tech companies launch, manage, and grow podcasts that drive demand, awareness, and thought leadership. www.FrontLines.io The Global Talent Co. — We help tech startups find, vet, hire, pay, and retain amazing marketing talent that costs 50-70% less than the US & Europe. www.GlobalTalent.co // Don't Miss: New Podcast Series — How I Hire Senior GTM leaders share the tactical hiring frameworks they use to build winning revenue teams. Hosted by Andy Mowat, who scaled 4 unicorns from $10M to $100M+ ARR and launched Whispered to help executives find their next role. Subscribe here: https://open.spotify.com/show/53yCHlPfLSMFimtv0riPyM
Send us a textIn this episode of Talking Success (Part 2), Darren Franks sat down with Kevin Odudoh, Ati Ngubevana and Peter Malebye from Vodacom Business. They tell us how they are approaching AI with a clear business lens, drawing on capabilities proven inside the Group and now offered to enterprise clients. The focus is practical: financial inclusion, fraud reduction, compliance and measurable ROI.AI is on every executive agenda. The tough bit is not the technology itself. It is proving that the investment will lift revenue, protect margins and strengthen trust. Below is a distillation of the first half of that conversation, shaped for founders, product leaders and risk executives across African financial services. If you want AI to do more than generate demos, this is for you.Kevin Odudoh's LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-odudoh/Ati Ngubevana's LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/atenkosi-ngubevana-mba-pgdip-bcom-b38b9615/Peter Malebye's LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-malebye-8275a610/Vodacom Business' Website https://www.vodacombusiness.co.za/Darren Franks' LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenfranks/Titc's Website https://titc.io/
My guest this week is Nicole Donnison - Social Procurement & Inclusion Manager at ICON Construction, a purpose‑led construction company building not only outstanding spaces but also stronger, more inclusive communities. Nicole is deeply committed to redefining what leadership in construction looks like - where commercial success and social value go hand in hand, and where every project becomes an opportunity to create lasting impact. In this conversation, we explore Nicole's journey as a purpose‑driven leader, how she's challenging industry norms, and the innovative ways ICON is integrating social procurement, inclusion, and sustainability into its core operations. This episode, recorded live amidst the energy of Convene 2025, Social Traders' annual conference - is part of our Short Takes on Purpose series, created in collaboration with Social Traders, where each fortnight we spotlight bold ideas and practical insights from leaders driving impact through business. Listen in to hear how ICON Construction is paving the way for a more responsible and inclusive construction industry, and Nicole's reflections on leadership, impact, and building a legacy that lasts well beyond the projects themselves.
Breweries are under pressure—tight margins, unpredictable production, and old ways of managing inventory, compliance, and procurement that just aren't cutting it anymore. In this session, we'll explore how mid-sized breweries can reclaim efficiency and stay competitive using smarter systems, without needing an enterprise IT team.You'll hear from Lawson's Finest Liquids, a regional brewery navigating this transformation firsthand, alongside their technology partners. Together, we'll break down how integrated solutions have driven automated compliance, smarter purchasing, and greater operational efficiency—while delivering measurable ROI.Through a panel discussion grounded in real brewery experiences, we will spotlight three high-impact areas where smarter tools are turning friction points into competitive advantages:Automating and backing up TTB and state excise reporting with live data Leveraging Material Requirements Planning (MRP) to improve purchasing decisions and reduce wasteBuilding a business case for moving off QuickBooks and other standalone solutions into more robust, scalable systemsWhether you're trying to reduce reporting errors, tighten up inventory, or free up your team's time, this session delivers practical strategies and actionable steps for brewing smarter without overwhelming your budget.This conversation features:Alyssa Sorrentino (Lawson's Finest Liquids)Anthony Shibata (Wipfli LLP)Dane Koepke (Wipfli LLP)Fiona Gray (Lawson's Finest Liquids)Randy Smith (Vicinity Software)Join us in person for CBP Connects New OrleansDecember 8–10, 2025It's never been more important to connect: https://cbpconnects.com/
Send us a textSeats aren't being offered? Let's build the table—and the toolkit to go with it. We sit down with consultant and AI Accelerator lead Angela Reed James to explore how Black entrepreneurs can turn AI into real capacity, sharper messaging, and faster growth without bloated budgets or big teams. From losing a corporate role to launching a mission-driven practice, Angela shares how AI became the missing staff: a strategist on demand, a project manager at midnight, and a copy chief that never gets tired.We get practical fast. Angela breaks down how to move from fear to ownership by treating AI like a brainstorming partner that organizes messy ideas into usable plans. We map the small-business workflow—from lead to fulfillment to reactivation—and highlight where automation saves hours without sacrificing the human touch. We talk brand voice, how to “train your dragon” so tools speak in your tone, and why AI should erase busywork, not your genius. Along the way we dig into bias in training data, why representation matters in prompts and datasets, and how creating culturally grounded examples improves outputs and conversions.This conversation is also a guide to buying smarter. Use AI to define scope, budget, and deliverables before you hire an expert so you don't get oversold. Translate operations into the language of finance to model ROI and cash flow with clarity. And if you've felt shut out of rooms where deals happen, consider AI your entry pass to consistent content, better proposals, and a stronger pipeline. We close with details on the ICABA AI Accelerator—live demos, community support, and actionable steps you can use the same day.Subscribe for more conversations at the edge of entrepreneurship and intelligent technology. Share this with a founder who needs capacity now, and leave a review with the first workflow you plan to automate—what's your day-one AI win?Thanks for tuning in to this episode of Follow The Brand! We hope you enjoyed learning about the latest trends and strategies in Personal Branding, Business and Career Development, Financial Empowerment, Technology Innovation, and Executive Presence. To keep up with the latest insights and updates, visit 5starbdm.com. And don't miss Grant McGaugh's new book, First Light — a powerful guide to igniting your purpose and building a BRAVE brand that stands out in a changing world. - https://5starbdm.com/brave-masterclass/ See you next time on Follow The Brand!
Ready to make more money this holiday season?In this episode of Rooted in Retail, Crystal sits down with brand strategist and copy consultant Nicole Prince to break down exactly what retailers should be emailing, posting, and saying RIGHT NOW to boost Q4 revenue — and how to keep that momentum rolling into the new year.Nicole has spent over 15 years crafting high-converting brand voice and copy for major names like Anthropologie, Ulta Beauty, Soft Surroundings, and M.Gemi. Now, she's helping independent retailers simplify their messaging, show up confidently, and turn email into their highest-ROI sales channel.This conversation is packed with strategy, templates, and last-minute Q4 moves you can implement today![0:29] - What you should actually be emailing in Q4[1:10] - About Nicole Prince[6:02] - The #1 thing retailers can do TODAY to make more money[8:03] - Why email still beats every marketing channel in Q4[9:38] - How big brands structure their messaging — and how independents can copy the playbook[10:53] – Three-email-per-week framework for holiday success[14:35] – The resend-to-non-opens strategy that boosts instant sales[19:49] – The Three Kings Day opportunity most retailers miss[20:25] – How to drive more foot traffic with simple in-store incentives[25:41] – The biggest Q4 email mistakes and how to fix themJoin the Rooted in Retail Facebook Group to continue the conversation Join our newsletter for all the latest marketing news for retailers Show off your super fandom by getting your Rooted in Retail Merch!
On episode 303 of Take Flight Weekly, I walk you through one of the most overlooked yet powerful opportunities in our relationship business—holiday gifting and handwritten notes. Every advisor knows they should send something during the holidays, but few do it strategically. The difference between an average gesture and a lasting impression comes down to timing, thoughtfulness, and execution. This isn't about spending more money; it's about being intentional. Your goal isn't to impress—it's to express. The power of a well-timed, authentic note or gift lies in its ability to make someone feel seen, appreciated, and remembered. Timing is Everything USPS 2025 Domestic Mailing Deadlines: → First-Class Mail: December 18 → Priority Mail: December 19 → Priority Mail Express: December 21 Send early to stand out. Once you cross December 15, mailboxes explode. You want your message to land before the clutter. Best Practice: → Send cards between November 29–December 8 → Ship gifts between December 10–15 → Send New Year's cards between January 2–10 Strategic Playbook for 2025: → November 15: Finalize your Top 100 list → November 22: Order cards, gifts, and packaging → December 1–10: Send handwritten notes → December 10–15: Deliver gifts → December 26–January 5: Send "New Year Gratitude" notes Handwritten Notes: The Data → Open Rate: 90–99% versus 20–30% for email → Response Rate: 10–15% engagement versus 1–3% for printed mail → ROI: Nearly double compared to printed equivalents → Retention: Clients receiving 2+ handwritten notes per year are 80% more likely to refer or transact again → Physical mail activates stronger memory and emotional response centers than digital communication → 70% of consumers say handwritten notes make professionals appear more trustworthy Real-World Results: → Local company tested printed versus handwritten: handwritten cards generated more than double the conversion rate → Luxury brands saw 16–56x ROI with handwritten direct mail → Open rates increased from 42% to 90% by switching to handwritten notes How to Write the Card 3–5 sentences is the sweet spot. Structure: → Greeting – Use their name → Personal Connection – Reference something specific → Gratitude – Acknowledge their trust → Forward Look – End with optimism → Signature – Hand-sign it. Always Time: Plan 3–4 minutes per card. 50–75 cards = 4–5 hours total. Break into two or three 90-minute sessions. A four-minute handwritten card can sit on a client's desk for four months. That's marketing you can't buy. Gifting Principles → Keep It Local and useful → Stay under $100 per client → Personalize with a handwritten note → Align with your brand Birthdays Matter If holidays are your annual gratitude statement, birthdays are your year-round connection opportunity. Clients receiving 3+ personalized touches a year are 70% more likely to reach out first when they have a need. The Close Compare the ROI: → $500 postcard campaign: 1% response rate → $5 handwritten note: 10–15% response rate and deeper loyalty That's the kind of ROI you can't buy with clicks. It's earned through authenticity. If this resonated, share it. Subscribe at @askjimmiller. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
CEO Podcasts: CEO Chat Podcast + I AM CEO Podcast Powered by Blue 16 Media & CBNation.co
In this episode, Gresh discusses the importance of execution over merely having a playbook, noting that while the franchising model supplies a detailed roadmap, success hinges on the founder's ability to actually implement it. He also mentions challenges such as client layoffs, under‑delivering strategy sessions, and weighing the ROI of a mentorship program he feels isn't paying off. Despite the hurdles, Gresh emphasizes the power of networking. He recounts gaining referrals through a BNI group, which led to a promising conversation about a potential franchisor. He acknowledges that consistent outreach—especially to people affected by layoffs—is essential, even if the volume of responses can be low. Looking ahead, he plans to focus his time on networking, continue incremental outreach. Blue Star Franchise: bluestarfranchise.com Browse the Franchise Inventory: bluestarfranchise.com/franchise Is franchising right for you? Check this out to see: bluestarfranchise.com/assessment Franchise CEO (A CBNation Site - coming soon) - franchiseceo.co Check out our CEO Hack Buzz Newsletter–our premium newsletter with hacks and nuggets to level up your organization. Sign up HERE. I AM CEO Handbook Volume 3 is HERE and it's FREE. Get your copy here: cbnation.co/iamceo3. Get the 100+ things that you can learn from 1600 business podcasts we recorded. Hear Gresh's story, learn the 16 business pillars from the podcast, find out about CBNation Architects and why you might be one and so much more. Did we mention it was FREE? Download it today!
In this special live Web Summit edition from Lisbon, I sit down with Tom Haworth, founder of D13 AI, to talk about why “good enough” AI might actually be one of the most dangerous places we can get stuck.And you'll hear Tom say it's time for the leaders of vibe coding platforms (e.g. Lovable, Replit, Cursor) to acknowledge that they're great when you need to “demo not memo”, but not great (today and maybe ever) at delivering production-grade, secure code. We also make a few detours as we detail a ridiculous week in Lisbon, including:How (shocker!) 90% of the conference was about AIWhy “good enough” AI is not a good place to beWhether we'll graduate to great AIAI's ROI now and in the futureWhy it's still iffy whether AI agents they can be trusted to accomplish complex jobsRobots wander Web Summit, do the Macarena, fall downHow tennis great Maria Sharapova uses (IBM's) AI How the presumptuous Web Summit's app prominently suggests we all message Maria… (as if!) Visa wants to help creators monetize (yay! it me!), using Web3 technologies (yes, they said “Web3”; no, I was not expecting to hear a non-ironic use of that phrase)Why self-driving cars are the best robots — and coming soon to more of EuropeHow much Web Summit pampers (and corrupts) the media: I was like a stuffed goose. Hurray for Portuguese custard and other delicacies!How even the beer at Web Summit was high tech---Featured voices:Tom Haworth: Founder of D13 AI, a UK-based consultancy that “builds intelligent tools that help businesses make sense of messy data.”Me (Dan Blumberg) — I'm the host of CRAFTED. and the founder of Modern Product Minds. HMU if you want to build something great. I love building from zero to one.---And if you please…Share with a friend! Word of mouth is by far the most powerful way for podcasts to growSubscribe to the CRAFTED. newsletter at crafted.fmShare your feedback! I'm experimenting with new episode formats and would love your honest feedback on this and other episodes. Email me: dan@modernproductminds.com or DM me on LinkedInSponsor the show? I'm actively speaking to potential sponsors for 2026 episodes. Drop me a line and let's talk.Get psyched!… There are some big updates to this show coming soon!
Message me your 'Takeaways'.We challenge hustle culture and show why business coaching without life coaching leaves men successful yet empty. We map a practical framework to measure ROI in energy, clarity, and peace so growth stops taxing your health and relationships.• key differences between business and life coaching • why hustle culture normalises dysfunction • life audit vs business audit and scorecards • measuring ROI in energy, clarity and peace • habits, identity and self-leadership as leverage • KPIs for hours, recovery, communication and focus • therapy vs coaching and when each serves you • investing in coaching and choosing the right format • the men that can method and seven life domains • playing the long game without losing yourselfTake the free self-leadership scorecard in the show notes below Book a call with me. No pressure, just an honest chat about how you want to live your life moving forward.Hit the subscribe button, drop your thoughts in the comments belowStep into 2026 with clarity, confidence, and direction. My one-on-one coaching is a high-performance transformation across health, mindset, relationships, and leadership. Only 2 spaces open at the end of this year. Apply now before they're gone:APPLY NOW Support the showTake the "Self Leadership" Scorecard: HERE Follow Lachlan:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lachlanstuart/YouTube: https://youtube.com/@lachlanstuart91Website: https://themanthatcanproject.com/Newsletter: https://lachlan-stuart-tmtcp.ck.page/profileDo Something Today To Be Better For Tomorrow
Ben Lorica and Evangelos Simoudis of Synapse Partners explore the complex reality behind AI-driven layoffs, from automation and upskilling gaps to strategic shifts in R&D. They also dive into the massive capital investments in AI, discussing the growing pressure for ROI and the emergence of LLMOps as a form of financial management.Subscribe to the Gradient Flow Newsletter
Financial Freedom for Physicians with Dr. Christopher H. Loo, MD-PhD
Disclaimer: This is a sponsored episode. Not advice. Educational purposes only. Not an endorsement for or against. Results not vetted. Views of the guests do not represent those of the host or show. ✅ Franchising is one of the most powerful paths to predictable business ownership for doctors, dentists, attorneys, and high-income professionals looking to diversify their income and reduce dependence on W-2 income streams. In this episode, franchise expert Jon Ostenson breaks down how today's market makes non-food franchising, service-based franchises, and semi-absentee franchises uniquely attractive — especially for investors seeking scalable, operator-supported businesses.If you've been searching for how to build alternative income, how franchising compares with real estate, what franchise ROI looks like, or what types of franchises fit busy professionals, this conversation answers those exact questions. Jon explains how different franchise models solve the common frustrations professionals face: lack of time, lack of proven business systems, and the desire for passive or semi-passive income. His “executive model” approach shows how a strong operator + franchisor support can help you run a franchise without replacing your full-time career.This episode gives clarity on what franchise categories are performing well, what to avoid, what makes certain brands strong investments, and how to conduct proper franchise due diligence. Jon also shares insights from helping hundreds of investors nationwide — showing you how the right franchise can deliver strong returns, tax advantages, and long-term asset value without the risks of startups or the delays of business acquisition. ⏱️ Timestamps — 15:36 Total Runtime00:00 – Welcome + Introduction00:28 – Why franchising is exploding01:45 – Why high-income professionals are entering franchising03:02 – What to look for in a franchise04:14 – Franchise ROI vs real estate06:18 – Best industries in non-food franchising07:15 – Who is buying franchises today?08:30 – Real examples of top-performing franchises10:00 – Franchising vs startups vs acquisition12:05 – Owner-operator vs semi-absentee vs passive models13:50 – Pitfalls to avoid + how Jon helps clients14:50 – How to connect with Jon OstensonTo connect with Jon, visit: https://www.franbridgeconsulting.com/