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Good news! You don't have to wait for a "lucky break" or a better economy to find financial security. There is one specific skill that, once mastered, ensures you will never be broke a day in your life. In this episode, I'm joined by Shelby Sapp, sales expert and founder of She Sells Academy, to break down the mindset, language, and energy shifts that make the most powerful skill a woman can learn. We talk about the "Organized Psychopath" framework for handling rejection, the psychological shift required to move from being a victim of your environment to the driver of it, how learning to sell gives you control over your income, opportunities, and MORE. Get ready to rethink everything you thought you knew about sales! Check out our Sponsors: Northwest Registered Agent - Don't wait, protect your privacy, build your brand and get your complete business identity in just 10 clicks and 10 minutes! Visit https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/EarnFree Shopify - Try the ecommerce platform I trust for Glōci, Sign up for your $1/month trial period at http://Shopify.com/happy Brevo - the all-in-one marketing and CRM platform built to help you connect with customers, boost engagement, and grow your business smarter. Get started for free today, or use code HAPPY50 to save 50% on Starter and Standard Plans for the first three months of an annual subscription. Just head to http://www.brevo.com/happy Working Genius - If you're a CEO, an entrepreneur, or anyone who wants to level up, Working Genius helps you drop the shame around your weaknesses and focus on what you naturally do best. Take the Working Genius assessment and get 20% off with code EARN at http://workinggenius.com Indeed - Spend less time searching, and more time actually interviewing candidates who check all your boxes. Indeed is giving Earn Your Happy listeners a $75 SPONSORED JOB CREDIT to help get your job the premium status it deserves. Just go to http://Indeed.com/podcast right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on Earn Your Happy. HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 Why learning sales gives you lifelong financial security. 06:45 How do you create content consistently? 10:00 The data behind why women naturally outperform men in high-ticket environments. 13:15 Why traditional rapport building is actually wasting your time. 16:30 What are the ways to establish rapport? 19:30 What makes a good salesperson? 26:00 How to create a character that protects you from rejection. 33:15 Shelby's story of choosing "the hard way" against family advice. 38:30 The ROI of getting into sales. 41:00 How to win an investor's heart by selling the experience, not the AI. 46:45 Are you a victim of your environment or the driver of it? 49:30 The mathematical formula to create urgency without being "sleazy." 56:00 How to find the one thing your client is willing to pay for. 01:03:45 How to overcome the 6 most common sales objections. 01:07:00 The A-A-A-R Framework to neutralize tension and close the deal. 01:14:30 The #1 way to kill your cash collection. 01:18:45 How to increase your worth based on your overhead and impact. 01:21:00 The only skill that guarantees you will never be broke again. 01:23:30 How to use your 5-to-9 to replace your 9-to-5. 01:28:45 The story of a single mom who went from $0 to buying investment properties in 30 days. 01:32:15 Why never addressing drama is the only way to win against the "haters." RESOURCES Join the She Sells Academy HERE! Apply for the Elite Entrepreneur Mastermind HERE! Get on the waitlist for Mentor Collective Mastermind HERE! Try glōci for 40% off your first order with code HAPPY at checkout - head to getgloci.com FOLLOW Follow me: @loriharder Follow glōci: @getgloci Follow Shelby: @shelby.sapp
Ashley Grace is the Founding CMO of Igniton, a groundbreaking quantum wellness company merging subatomic particle science with integrative health. With a background spanning finance, marketing ROI modeling, ad tech, and big pharma—and as the former founding CMO of Charlotte's Web—Ashley brings decades of experience at the intersection of innovation and persuasion. On this episode, he breaks down how to market complex, cutting-edge products, why message beats media every time, and what skills will actually make you money in the future of advertising. On this episode we talk about: How Igniton is pioneering “quantum supplementation” and validating it through university studies The challenge of marketing complex or unfamiliar innovations Why your message is 4x more important than your media buying strategy Emotional differentiation vs. feature-based marketing The future of AI in ad creative and what skills marketers should focus on now Top 3 Takeaways What you say matters more than how you say it. The creative message is significantly more impactful than targeting, delivery, or frequency. Emotional resonance wins. Emotional differentiation beats feature differentiation. Customers buy based on emotional outcomes first—then justify with logic. Creative skills will outlast media buying. As AI automates targeting and ad delivery, persuasive messaging and human psychology will become even more valuable. Notable Quotes "What you say is four times more important than how you say it or how often you say it." "Persuasion is real—and there are tools and techniques to use language and visuals to make it more powerful." "Focus on the emotional benefit. The feature just explains why you can deliver it." Connect with Ashley Grace: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleygrace Website: https://igniton.com Podcast: https://ashleyon.com Discount Code: Use code ASHLEY for 15% off your first order Travis Makes Money is made possible by High Level – the All-In-One Sales & Marketing Platform built for agencies, by an agency. Capture leads, nurture them, and close more deals—all from one powerful platform. Get an extended free trial at gohighlevel.com/travis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
For years, MBA applicants have asked some version of the same question: "What job will I get after graduation?" It's understandable. Recruiting is a visible and important part of the MBA experience. But after decades working with business school graduates, Stacy Blackman has noticed something more interesting: the most meaningful MBA outcomes rarely follow a straight line. That's the premise behind Paths Less Traveled, a new B-Schooled podcast series launching this week. Each episode features conversations with MBA alumni whose careers evolved in unexpected directions over time. These aren't "first job after school" stories. They're about optionality, reinvention, and what happens when you treat the MBA as a long-term foundation rather than a short-term placement service. The series kicks off with Paul Earle, a Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management alum and Stacy's former classmate, who went on to found one of the fastest-growing emerging consumer brands in the U.S. His company, GOODLES, reimagines mac and cheese as a better-for-you product, and his current obsession is the Thrilled Cheese variety. But the conversation goes deeper than product launches. Paul reflects on what business school actually gave him: "I barely remember the technical classroom frameworks and methods and models. I vividly remember the friends I made and perspectives I gained and world I discovered. One of the best things I have ever done." It's a perspective that reframes what ROI on an MBA can actually look like, and one that applicants don't always encounter early in the process. If you've been thinking about the MBA primarily in terms of your first post-graduation role, this series is worth your time.
What's worse than overspending on things that don't deliver ROI? Underinvesting in the areas that actually make or break your business. This week, Jamie flips last week's episode on its head and tackles the critical areas where coworking operators consistently underspend—and pay the price in lost revenue, lower margins, and frustrated members. From soundproofing decisions during construction to the size of your private offices, Jamie breaks down the build-out choices that seem expensive upfront but deliver massive ROI over time. She explains why an 80-square-foot office will always outperform a 120-square-foot one when you're trying to hit $70 per square foot in revenue, and why phone booths aren't optional—they're essential to selling flex memberships. This episode is packed with specific, actionable advice on where to invest, how to evaluate ROI, and what trade-offs to consider based on your market, lease term, and access to capital. We talk about: Why soundproofing should be built into construction from day one (and what to do if you're already open) How small private offices (80 sq ft vs 120 sq ft) dramatically impact your revenue per square foot Why phone booths are essential for selling flex memberships—and how to finance them if budget is tight The critical importance of professional photography for meeting rooms and day offices (users buy visually online) Why SEO is a must-have investment alongside paid ads—and how AI search is changing the game How to use a CRM to track every lead and achieve "radical responsiveness" in 2026 The three audits every operator should run quarterly: customer journey, sales funnel, and competitive market Why investing in your team's training and your own professional development always delivers ROI If you're trying to figure out where to allocate budget, what's worth the investment, and how to avoid the costly mistake of underspending in critical areas—this episode is essential listening. Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: CoLevel (CRM platform) Everything Coworking Featured Resources: Masterclass: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space Coworking Startup School Community Manager University Follow Us on YouTube
Service Business Mastery - Business Tips and Strategies for the Service Industry
Most HVAC contractors focus on equipment upgrades, but one of the biggest opportunities for better installs and higher profit is hiding in the ductwork. In this episode of Service Business Mastery, recorded live at AHR 2026 in Las Vegas, Tersh Blissett sits down with Jarrod Scott from Aeroseal to explain how duct sealing from the inside works, why it is different from traditional mastic and tape, and how contractors can use it to improve comfort, increase system efficiency, reduce callbacks, and create a real competitive advantage. They also discuss commercial and multifamily applications, how to think about static pressure, and why tighter buildings must still breathe through controlled mechanical ventilation. What You Will Learn in This Episode • How internal duct sealing works using physics and pressure • The difference between duct sealing and duct encapsulation • How precise sealing improves airflow and energy efficiency • How much leakage the system can realistically seal • Whether sealing ducts raises static pressure • Why responsible contractors think holistically before sealing • How tight buildings must be paired with mechanical ventilation • The ROI case for apartment complexes and commercial buildings • How duct sealing reduces callbacks and boosts customer satisfaction • How to turn efficiency upgrades into a competitive advantage Timestamps 00:00 How sealing ducts from the inside works 01:14 The physics behind internal duct sealing 04:22 How large of a leak can be sealed 06:08 Static pressure concerns and responsible installation 08:47 Why buildings must breathe mechanically 10:05 ROI for sealing apartment and commercial HVAC 12:28 Cure time and odor concerns 13:58 Water-based sealant and fire safety 16:03 Reducing callbacks and increasing customer satisfaction 17:29 Turning duct sealing into a competitive advantage Follow the Host and Guest Tersh Blissett: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tershblissett/ Josh Crouch: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-crouch/ Jarrod Scott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jarrod-scott-06573835/ Aeroseal: https://www.aeroseal.com Connect with Us • LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/service-business-mastery • TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@servicebusinessmastery • Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/servicebusinessmasterypodcast • Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/servicebusinessmasterypodcast
Today's guest is Hemant Banavar, Chief Product Officer at Motive. Hemant leads product strategy for AI-driven systems that bring real-time visibility and decision support to safety-critical physical operations. Hemant joins Emerj Editorial Director Matthew DeMello to unpack what changes when AI moves from after-the-fact reporting to edge-based, real-time detection and feedback — where accuracy and low latency determine whether insights actually prevent incidents. Hemant also shares practical takeaways on replacing lagging indicators with frontline feedback loops, combining video and operational telemetry to surface actionable risk signals, and building an ROI case through fewer incidents, lower insurance and fuel costs, and more consistent operational performance. This episode is sponsored by Motive. 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. Episode Notes: 12:33 - 12:50: Since January 1, 2023, Motive estimate that the Motive AI Dashcam is estimated to have helped prevent over 170,000 accidents and saved 1,500 lives 12:46: Based on an internal study of customers with 150 or more active monthly vehicles and at least 90% AI Dashcam adoption for at least 12 months. Some of the AI Dashcam Plus features like hands-free communication aren't available until later in 2026. For more, visit: https://gomotive.com/blog/introducing-ai-dashcam-plus-uk/
In this masterclass episode of the We Don't PLAY!™️ Podcast, host Favour Obasi-ike, MBA, MS tackles a critical question for 2026: Is blogging still a cornerstone of a successful social business? The answer is a resounding YES. Favour Obasi-ike reveals that businesses with active blogs generate a staggering 67% more leads.This episode is a deep dive into the art and science of using blogs to drive social business revenue and achieve sustainable startup growth secrets. Favour breaks down the technical SEO behind a powerful blog, from understanding sitemaps as the "brain" of your website to structuring your content with a masterclass on headings (H1, H2, H3) and ideal word count (600-2,500 words).Learn actionable SEO tactics and content marketing strategies, including how to leverage Pinterest SEO and its 96% non-branded search traffic, the power of repurposing content, and why your business should aim for at least one blog post per week. Favour also touches on the future, discussing AI marketing, prompt gaps vs. keyword gaps, and how blogging principles apply to App Store Optimization (ASO). This is a must-listen for anyone looking to master digital marketing, boost organic traffic, and understand the long-term ROI of a robust blogging strategy.Episode Timestamps / Timeline[00:13] The Core Stat: Why blogs generate 67% more leads.[01:08] Technical SEO 101: Understanding sitemaps and search engine indexing.[04:02] Content Strategy: Supporting products with listicles, FAQs, and rich media.[05:18] Local SEO: How blogging gives you a local-based advantage.[09:02] Blogging Masterclass: The perfect structure for a high-ranking blog post.[25:00] Off-Page SEO: The power of backlinks and being featured.[28:49] Advanced SEO: Using Wikipedia and Reddit for credibility and traffic.[33:46] Case Study: How Canva used blogging to dominate the market.[35:01] Pinterest SEO Deep Dive: Tapping into non-branded search.[37:52] The ROI of Blogging: Low effort, high impact for long-term growth.[38:46] Beyond Websites: Applying blogging concepts to App Store Optimization.[41:04] The 520-Blog Rule: A benchmark for established businesses.Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)Is blogging still valuable in 2026?Absolutely. According to the episode, businesses with active blogs generate 67% more leads and establish crucial brand visibility and authority.How does blogging improve SEO?Blogging expands your website's sitemap, creating more opportunities for indexing. It allows for strategic keyword research implementation, internal/external linking, and building off-page SEO through backlinks.What is the ideal length and structure for a blog post?Aim for a 5-minute read, which is about 600-2,500 words. Structure it with a clear hierarchy of H1, H2, and H3 tags, and keep paragraphs concise (1-3 sentences).How can I use blogging for my social business?Use your blog as a central hub for your content marketing. Repurpose social media posts into detailed articles, embed videos and social feeds, and use your blog content to fuel your email marketing and ad campaigns.Book SEO Services | Quick Links for Social Business>> Book SEO Services with Favour Obasi-ike>> Visit Work and PLAY Entertainment website to learn about our digital marketing services>> Join our exclusive SEO Marketing community>> Read SEO Articles>> Subscribe to the We Don't PLAY Podcast>> Purchase Flaev Beatz Beats Online>> Favour Obasi-ike Quick LinksSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
What if the real reason you haven't scaled your practice isn't strategy… but capacity? In this episode, I'm covering the piece no one talks about in the seven-figure conversation: your energy. We can learn marketing. We can master systems. We can hire and scale. But if you don't have the time, space, and nervous system regulation to implement what you already know, you will stay stuck. I share the hard statistics around female entrepreneurs and therapists hitting major revenue milestones, and why doing what "everyone else" is doing simply won't get you there. I also walk you through the mindset shift that changed everything for me after a season of grief, burnout, and realizing I was living in the wrong story. I break down the practical and personal shifts that helped me expand my capacity. I'll challenge you to look at what you're holding outside of work, what you're doing out of obligation instead of alignment, and why managing your life like a seven-figure therapist has to happen before you become one. If you want to scale without sacrificing your health, relationships, or sanity, this is the episode that will change how you think about growth. Topics Covered in This Episode: 3:42 - The uncomfortable statistics that might just fuel your next level 7:15 - Why knowing "how" isn't your real problem 10:28 - The 48-hour exercise that exposes what's actually draining you 14:03 - The delegation shifts that buy back more time than you think 16:47 - What high-level female founders are doing behind closed doors 19:12 - The hidden ROI of protecting your health If this episode stirred something in you, I urge you to take action. Start the audit. Have the hard conversation. Trial the support. Decide you're no longer available for the version of success that costs you your well-being. And if this resonated, DM me and let me know what hit home - I'd love to hear what you're shifting as you step into your next level. Resources Mentioned: Find out more about Alma here: helloalma.com/danielle Take 50% off your first 3 months of Simple Practice + a 7 day free trial using the link: simplepractice.com/danielle Fill Up Therapists: $0-$60k If you are needing more private pay clients in your practice in 2026, the Practice Accelerator is the perfect fit for you. Use the code ALLIN as a podcast listener to get $100 off at checkout. Scale Up Therapists: $60-$200k+ Group practice owners, content creators and therapists scaling beyond 1-1. Apply here for the next round of Scale Up Mastermind where I help therapists create additional revenue streams and scale to multi six and seven figures.
What if the difference between good and great in your organization came down to one overlooked factor?In this episode of UNSCRIPTED, host Sarah Nicastro sits down with Josh Zolin, CEO of Windy City Equipment and author of Blue is the New White, to unpack why soft skills drive hard results and how failing to invest in them could be costing you far more than you realize.From a 250% ROI on soft skills training (backed by research from Harvard, Boston University, and the University of Michigan) to the real reason your best technician might fail as a leader, this conversation dives deep into the hidden financial and cultural impact of communication, empathy, accountability, and leadership development.If you lead in field service, skilled trades, manufacturing, or frontline operations, this episode is packed with practical, implementable insights.
Think your IQ is what limits your influence? The real bottleneck might be your reactions. We pull back the curtain on emotional intelligence and show how it quietly governs decision quality, trust, performance, and the culture your team lives in every day. Instead of treating EQ as a soft add-on, we frame it as the leadership multiplier that turns strategy into steady execution.We break down the four core domains—self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management—and connect them to moments you face at work: the meeting where tension spikes, the email that triggers you, the one-on-ones where people read your mood more than your words. You'll hear candid reflections on blind spots, how values drive triggers, and why stress widens the gap between who we think we are and how others experience us. We explore the hard ROI: regulated leaders access clearer judgment, build predictable trust, reduce drama, and unlock smarter problem solving across the team.Along the way, we share practical moves you can use right away. Map your top triggers to the values beneath them. Pause before key decisions to name what you feel and choose instead of react. De-escalate heat with simple scripts that separate facts from stories. Treat culture as a daily product of repeated reactions—because mindset drives behavior, behavior shapes culture, and culture becomes legacy. If you want your team to think better and move faster, start by leading your inner world on purpose.Listen now, then tell us: what emotion is steering your leadership today? If you found value here, subscribe, share with a colleague, and leave a quick review to help more leaders lead on purpose.Questions? Episode Requests? Send us a message!Ambitious leaders know that real leadership goes far beyond titles—it's about developing the clarity and mindset to guide others with confidence. In this podcast, you'll explore what today's leaders truly need, from navigating everyday problem solving to handling tough moments of workplace conflict with steadiness and respect. Episodes dive into setting healthy workplace boundaries, strengthening workplace collaboration, and building the emotional intelligence and emotional agility that make leadership sustainable. Whether you're managing a growing team or refining your voice as a decision-maker, you'll find insights that help you cultivate a resilient growth mindset and elevate your impact.
Key Topics Covered: 1. Design as Custodianship, Not Decoration Julian explains that design is about how a property works, not just how it looks in photos. He links design to long term wealth planning: like pensions, it's too important to leave entirely in someone else's hands. The goal is performance over years: easy lettings, happy tenants, fewer repairs, and a product that holds value. 2. The Big Mindset Shift: Property Is a Business and a Product Julian challenges the word “investment” and suggests landlords are really buying a business. Each property is a living, breathing product that gets used, abused, and needs managing. If you don't treat it like a business, it can quietly become a liability over five to ten years. 3. How Properties Become Liabilities Over Time Poor design and poor maintenance create a snowball effect: worse condition attracts worse tenants, which accelerates deterioration. Julian shares examples of developments becoming hard to sell or even “unmortgageable” due to maintenance and management issues. Legacy matters: many children don't want property, so dumping a problematic asset onto them creates stress, not wealth. 4. Why You Can't Abdicate Design to Architects and Builders Plans can pass planning and building regs but still be awful to live in. Common issues include impractical layouts, no storage, poor kitchen design, and bathrooms that don't function properly. Julian introduces the “good, fast, cheap” triangle: you can pick two, but not all three, and landlords pay the price later if they chase cheap and fast. 5. Practical Design Thinking for HMOs and High Use Properties In HMOs, the room is the tenant's home, so it must support multiple functions, not just sleep. Flow matters: kitchens, waste, smells, and shared spaces can make or break tenant experience and long term value. Lighting and electrics are often done to a builder's default spec, but that can create uncomfortable living and higher churn. 6. Serviced Accommodation Is an Experience Business Short stay guests want something boutique and memorable, not copy and paste. Julian recommends living in your serviced accommodation for a week to spot friction points: heating controls, WiFi, TV, keys, lighting, and usability. Service quality affects reviews, and reviews affect profitability. He references research suggesting superhost status can significantly lift margins. 7. The Commercial Upside: Small Design Changes, Big Profit and Value Gains Julian shares an example where improving presentation helped increase rent by £150 per month, which translated into a major profit uplift. He highlights how many landlords don't know their true profit margin, and confuse turnover with profit. Improving existing assets often delivers faster ROI than buying new ones, especially if older stock is dragging performance down. 8. How Julian Helps Investors: Training and Hands On Support Julian trains investors to become “design aware” and “design led” without needing to be designers. He offers remote consults (including Zoom based reviews), layout planning, electrical plans, materials specs, and project support via WhatsApp. His core message: be involved, be informed, and take control of the decisions that shape income and maintenance. Actionable Takeaways Treat each property like a business product, not a passive investment. Design for performance: durability, usability, flow, and maintenance, not just photos. Don't assume architects and builders will design a home that works, review layouts with real living in mind. Audit your existing portfolio before buying more, older assets may be dragging your returns down. Know your numbers: profit margin, not just rent, and understand how small rent uplifts can multiply profit. For serviced accommodation, test the experience yourself and tighten service, reviews drive revenue. Adopt the custodian mindset: build assets your children would actually want to inherit. Resources & Next Steps Icon Living UK: The creation of living spaces that people love and enjoy Julian Maurice: julian@iconliving.co.uk Download our FREE Pensions and Inheritance Tax Guide WealthBuilders Membership: Free access to guides, webinars, and community Connect with Us: Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major platforms. Next Steps On Your WealthBuilding Journey: Join the WealthBuilders Facebook Community Schedule a 1:1 call with one of our team Become a member of WealthBuilders If you have been enjoying listening to WealthTalk - Please Leave Us A Review!
Modernizing your payment system definitely improves customer experience, but could it also be improving your bottom line?? Steve Marcionetti, President and Founder of CCI (Card Concepts Inc), shares insights on payment system options, the strategies behind implementation, and the ROI you can expect. Referenced Links: Our Sponsors: H-M Company Drain Troughs: https://www.draintroughs.com , Alliance Laundry Systems: https://go.speedqueencommercial.com/LM-SQ-Podcast113-February26 & LaundroBoost: https://laundroboostmarketing.comOur Guest: Steve Marcionetti's socials: http://www.linkedin.com/in/stevemarcionetti , https://www.facebook.com/marcionetti , https://www.instagram.com/ccisteve/ , https://www.tiktok.com/@ccisteve , https://www.youtube.com/@cardconceptsinc8471Card Concepts Inc: https://www.laundrycard.com/Laundry Concepts Distribution: https://www.laundryconcepts.com/Our Website: https://www.laundromatmillionaire.comOur Online Course: https://dave-menz.mykajabi.com/sales-pageOur Youtube channel: https://youtube.com/c/LaundromatMillionaireOur Podcast: https://laundromatmillionaire.com/podcast/Our Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laundromatmillionaire/Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/laundromatmillionaireOur LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-laundromat-millionaire-menz/Our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laundromatmillionaire/Our laundromats: https://www.queencitylaundry.comOur pick-up and delivery laundry services: https://www.queencitylaundry.com/deliveryOur WDF & Delivery Workshop: https://laundromatmillionaire.com/pick-up-delivery-workshop/Suggested Services Page: https://www.laundromatmillionaire.com/servicesWDF & Delivery Dynamics: A Complete Business Blueprint: https://laundromatmillionaire.com/wdf-delivery-dynamics-a-business-blueprint/The Laundromat Millionaire Insurance Program: https://laundromatmillionaire.com/insurance/Timestamps 00:00 Episode 115 Intro – Steve Marcionetti01:24 Spotlight: Next Laundromat Millionaire Workshop02:45 Introduction to Steve Marcionetti and His Background07:07 Early Laundromat Card Systems08:42 The Launch of CCI and Its Impact on the Industry11:50 “Card Systems” – Loyalty vs Credit/Debit14:13 The Laundry Card System – Loyalty Cards16:05 The Financial Benefits of Loyalty Cards – The Float21:59 Innovative Marketing Strategies with Loyalty Cards29:37 CCI's Other Options: Laundry Card vs FASCard vs Flex RF35:53 Payment though Mobile App38:10 Ongoing Fees39:00 Laundry Card for Multi-Store Owners40:07 Data Ownership and On-Premise Solutions42:52 Industry Shift Back to Loyalty Cards44:58 Ownership of the Float and the Loyalty46:16 Product Lifespan and Updates53:04 Transitioning to Cashless: Strategies for Success58:15 Family Dynamics in Business1:02:09 Future of the Laundry Industry – Acquisitions & Consolidations?01:06:18 Innovations Coming in CCI's Payment Systems01:07:56 Compatibility & Integrations with Other Software01:11:24 Contact Info & Final Thoughts
Empathy is pioneering bereavement care as an enterprise benefit, transforming how employers and financial institutions support employees during life's most challenging transitions. Working with 9 of the top 10 life insurance carriers in the US and Canada—covering over 40 million people—Empathy created a new category by combining grief support with practical logistics like probate navigation, account deactivation, and estate settlement. In a recent episode of BUILDERS, we sat down with Ron Gura, Co-Founder & CEO of Empathy, to learn how the company went from testing five verticals simultaneously to dominating life insurance, then leveraged the group life/employer overlap to expand into employee benefits. Topics Discussed: Testing five enterprise verticals simultaneously to find product-market fit Landing New York Life through their venture arm and innovation team Why life insurance carriers need to be risk-averse (and how to work with that reality) The strategic overlap between group life insurance and employee benefits Investing in brand at seed stage when your barrier to entry is psychological aversion Navigating dual audiences: decision-makers in their workday versus end users in crisis Expanding from loss to adjacent life transitions like disability leave and estate planning GTM Lessons For B2B Founders: Run parallel vertical tests with focus constraints, not sequential exploration: Ron identified 10+ potential verticals but intentionally tested exactly five simultaneously—hospices, funeral homes, employers, and two others before life insurance emerged as the winner at position five. This parallel testing with artificial constraints forces prioritization while dramatically compressing time-to-insight. Sequential testing would have meant potentially cycling through five failed pilots before discovering their strongest market. B2B founders with horizontal platforms should pick their top 3-5 verticals and run focused pilots in parallel, accepting that this burns more resources upfront but eliminates the risk of quitting before finding your wedge. Map the ecosystem overlap between buyer personas before choosing your wedge: Empathy's expansion from life insurance to employers wasn't growth strategy—it was recognizing an architectural reality. Half their carriers sell group life, meaning MetLife doesn't sell to consumers at metlife.com but exclusively to employer groups. When Amanda at Paramount loses her sister (not covered by insurance), she calls Paramount HR. When her husband dies (covered by MetLife group policy), the beneficiary calls MetLife. Same end user, two different enterprise entry points into the same moment. B2B founders should map these triangular relationships before choosing their wedge vertical. The question isn't just "who has budget?" but "who else touches this user in adjacent contexts?" Brand investment at seed stage is product strategy when fighting cognitive aversion: Ron's insight: "The barrier to entry isn't regulatory and isn't technology. It's us humans trying really hard not to think about our own mortality." This isn't a marketing problem—it's a fundamental go-to-market blocker. The company made what most would consider Series A investments (premium domain, design system, tone/voice framework) at seed stage specifically because brand reduces psychological friction to adoption. Contrast this with Monday.com starting as "daPulse" and rebranding years into success. B2B founders addressing taboo topics (death, mental health, financial distress, relationship issues) should model brand as a core distribution lever, not post-PMF polish. In deeply human categories, buyer's lived experience is your demo: Enterprise buyers at Citibank, MetLife, or Google aren't experiencing crisis during the sales cycle—they're evaluating ROI in their normal workday. But as Ron noted, "Everyone we're talking to...they're humans. They have parents, they had loss, they went through probate." The most common response after seeing the product: "Damn, I wish you called me a few months ago. I needed this a year ago with my mom." This turns product demo into personal recognition. B2B founders in universal human experience categories (caregiving, bereavement, parental leave, financial stress) should structure discovery and demo to activate buyer's memory of their own experience, not just their budget authority. Category creation is a resource-attraction strategy that trades speed for competitive exposure: Ron explicitly acknowledged: "There's pros and cons to defining a category. It's helpful when you attract resources, talent, capital. It also creates very fertile ground for a number two sympathy.com to come along and learn from this podcast...what to go after." Category leadership accelerates recruiting and fundraising by providing narrative clarity, but it simultaneously publishes your playbook. Every hiring blog post, podcast appearance, and positioning document teaches future competitors which verticals to target and which to avoid. B2B founders should treat category creation as a conscious bet: trade competitive opacity for talent/capital velocity. If you're not ready to defend your position, stay in stealth longer. Bridge new categories to existing budget lines through analogous benefits: When entering new verticals beyond life insurance, Ron doesn't educate from zero. With employers, he positions bereavement care alongside caregiving solutions, fertility programs, and parental leave: "This is a life transition happening in my own intimate house. Just like a new baby. I have new duties now." This isn't metaphor—it's budget mapping. Bereavement care gets evaluated against existing family benefits spending, not created from scratch. B2B founders in new categories should identify which existing line item their solution logically extends, then structure ROI narratives around reallocation, not net-new budget creation. // 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
In 2022, Avetis Antaplyan was absolutely flying...HIRECLOUT, his global recruiting firm with 30 employees across the US, Colombia, Armenia, and India was breaking record after record.Two-time Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Company, his best year ever and he felt everything was working.Then when the market hit hard in 2023-2024 and every other founder was doing layoffs, Avetis refused to cut people.Instead, he took most of his profits out of the business to keep his team employed through the downturn.He genuinely believed loyalty would be returned. That when things turned around, they'd kill it together.It didn't work that way."Those were the first people who resigned when we put some pressure on," he admits. "All it did was burn my profit."For two and a half years, he broke even. The money was gone. The people left anyway. But that failure taught him something most founders never learn: protecting average people doesn't build loyalty. It destroys capital.Now he's building the opposite.His new obsession: take exceptional people (circa $500-600k billers) and use AI, systems, and tools to turn them into $1m producers.He's recently hired a principal on executive search, a director of business development, and is planning a head of consulting…. Serious hires for a new phase of growth.In this episode, we cover:- Why he chose loyalty over layoffs (and what it cost)- Two and a half years of breaking even- The moment he realised protecting people was destroying capital - How he rebuilt with "bar raisers or nothing"- Building AI to turn $600k billers into million-dollar producers- Why he's never burnt out (and why most founders do)This story highlights a founder who made a decision based on loyalty, watched it blow up in his face, and chose to learn instead of blame the market.If you've ever wondered what happens when you prioritise people over profit, this episode may change how you think about loyalty. __________________________________________Episode Sponsor: Remote RecruitmentHiring shouldn't be slow, stressful, or expensive. That's why there's Remote Recruitment — the smart hiring partner for modern businesses.They don't just help you find great people. They help you access elite South African talent that's ready to deliver. No PAYE. No NI. No bloated overheads. Just trained, remote professionals who integrate seamlessly into your team.Their process handles everything: sourcing, shortlisting, onboarding, and retention. Fully managed. Fully supported. Fully remote.And now, Remote Recruitments has entered a new chapter. From ops to admin, sales to strategy, we're helping businesses scale smarter with people they trust, at a cost they can afford.Clients have seen:* Up to **60% productivity boosts*** **300% ROI** on BD roles* **30% faster completion** of operational tasksNo overhead burden. No talent shortage panic. Just growth-focused hiring that makes business sense.Remote Recruitment is your flexible hiring solution for the modern era.**RAG Listeners:** Get 5% off your first hire + a free strategy session at www.remoterecruitment.co.uk/rag__________________________________________Episode Sponsor: HoxoEvery recruitment founder is investing in LinkedIn.Spending thousands on Recruiter licences.Building connections. Posting content. Growing networks.But here's the question almost no one can answer:How much revenue is LinkedIn actually bringing into your business?Most founders have thousands of connections but no clear process to turn that attention into cash.That's the problem we solve.At Hoxo, we help recruitment...
Check out our team workshops: https://www.thecustomersuccesspro.com/team-eventIn this episode of the Customer Success Pro Podcast, host Anika Zubair speaks with Natasha Evans, VP of Customer Growth at Hook, about the challenges of proving ROI in customer success when product metrics are lacking. They discuss the importance of value articulation, the role of marketing in customer success, and strategies for enabling customer success teams to effectively measure and communicate value. Natasha shares her insights from her career journey and emphasizes the need for customer success professionals to craft their own narratives and build strong partnerships with customers to drive success.Chapters00:00 Introduction 02:48 Proving ROI in Customer Success04:15 Natasha Evans: Career Journey and Insights15:43 The Role of Marketing in Customer Success22:13 Value Articulation and ROI Measurement31:27 Creating ROI Metrics When They Don't Exist41:32 Enabling Customer Success Teams47:10 Future of Customer SuccessConnect with Anika Zubair:Website: https://thecustomersuccesspro.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anikazubair/RevUP Academy: https://thecustomersuccesspro.com/revupConnect with Natasha Evans: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natashaevans1/Grab our FREE resources here: https://thecustomersuccesspro.com/resourcesWant to be our next podcast guest? Apply here: https://www.thecustomersuccesspro.com/podcast-guestBook Anika as a speaker at your next team event: https://www.thecustomersuccesspro.com/team-event
Leadership transitions don't have to be terrifying revenue cliffs. In this conversation, Travis Craddock, CFRE and Founder of Craddock Strategies, reframes interim development leadership as a powerful strategic advantage—not a temporary patch.Too often, organizations view interim fundraising support as “a warm body in an empty seat.” Travis challenges that mindset directly. “It prevents rushed or misaligned hires that can be expensive,” he explains, positioning interim leadership as a disciplined pause that protects both donor relationships and long-term revenue health.Fundraising is built on trust. When leadership shifts, donors notice. Travis prioritizes immediate communication, transparency, and clarity so nothing falls through the cracks. Renewals are tracked. Grants are monitored. Donors are reassured. Strategy stays in motion.But here's where the real opportunity emerges.An interim professional arrives without emotional baggage. That means clearer data analysis, honest conversations about ROI, and strategic evaluation of legacy traditions. Should the gala continue? Is it delivering meaningful return? Are event attendees being cultivated into major donors? These are business questions—asked gracefully, but directly.Travis describes himself as “gracefully honest,” and that honesty becomes catalytic. Interim work isn't simply maintenance. It's an opportunity to elevate roles, revise job descriptions, shift from event-driven tactics to relationship-based fundraising, and align hiring with long-term strategic direction.He emphasizes data-driven decisions, CRM fluency, relationship-centered fundraising, and partnership with CEOs and boards. In many cases, he becomes the strategic driver—project-managing fundraising momentum while executives focus on mission execution.Three months may be the minimum engagement window. Six months may be ideal. But within that time, organizations can stabilize revenue, recalibrate strategy, build infrastructure, and hire with intention.Anything is possible when nonprofits embrace transition as transformation! 00:00:00 Welcome and Introduction to Interim Fundraising 00:02:30 What Craddock Strategies Provides Nonprofits 00:04:03 Interim Leadership Beyond a Temporary Fix 00:06:48 Expanding the Definition of the Fundraising Team 00:09:21 Strategy Versus Firefighting in Development 00:11:09 Evaluating Events and Return on Investment 00:14:18 Communicating with Donors During Transition 00:17:18 Hiring Timelines and Interim Engagement Length 00:18:32 Revising Job Descriptions to Match Strategy 00:23:01 Technology Investment and Infrastructure Mindset Find 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
Fennig Equipment L.L.C. 841 OH-29 Celina, OH 45822 (419) 953-8500 Spring is creeping closer and planter season is right around the corner. In this episode of the Talking Shed Podcast, we break down why planter fertilizer is absolutely booming right now and what growers are really asking for heading into March. Is it back studies? Biologicals? Neighbor influence? Or just proven ROI? We talk through: • Why simple electric pump systems are winning • Risk versus reward when adding technology to your planter • Stainless tubes versus conceal systems • How to build bulletproof fertilizer setups • Shop updates and current planter installs • The cultivator deal recap • Commodity Classic travel plans Planting season is already complex. The last thing you need is a fertilizer system that costs you acres. Our focus is simple: build systems that work, eliminate unnecessary headaches, and keep farmers running. At the end of the day, we do not just sell equipment. We serve customers. Thanks for tuning in to another episode of the Talking Shed Podcast.
Radical respect is the prequel to radical candor. Without it, you won't bother challenging anyone. In this encore episode of The Game Changing Attorney Podcast, Michael Mogill sits down with Kim Scott, author of Radical Candor and Radical Respect, to tackle the workplace dynamics that quietly destroy firm culture. Kim shares how a colleague's feedback on her own book exposed the blind spots she had around bias, prejudice, and bullying in the workplace, ultimately leading her to write Radical Respect. This conversation reveals how leaders accidentally exclude top talent through "oblivious" promotion processes, and why the brilliant jerk who delivers results will ultimately cost you more than they're worth. Kim gives you the exact language to use when things get uncomfortable, so you stop defaulting to silence. Here's what you'll learn: The difference between bias, prejudice, and bullying, and how to respond to each The “I/It/You” framework for course-correcting conversations that lack respect How to create a shared vocabulary for disrupting bias on your team It's better to have a hole in your team than an asshole on your team. ---- Show Notes: 03:09 – The feedback from a black woman CEO that made Kim realize what she'd missed. 09:15 – How to know if you're dealing with bias, prejudice, or bullying in the moment. 09:15 – The I, It, You framework for responding to each type of disrespect. 16:14 – Why leaders need to create three types of consequences for bullying behavior. 19:38 – The difference between healthy conflict and repeated bullying that ignores feedback. 20:55 – What it means to be an upstander versus a bystander when you witness bias. 23:46 – Why silence is the default and how to calculate the ROI of speaking up. 26:40 – How to create a shared vocabulary so your team knows what to say when bias happens. 36:06 – How oblivious exclusion shows up in promotion meetings and how to catch it. ---- Links & Resources: Radical Respect by Kim Scott Radical Candor by Kim Scott Thinking Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman Radical Candor Podcast Bob Sutton Episode 25. Kim Scott — Radical Candor: How to be a Kickass Boss ---- Do you love this podcast and want to see more game changing content? Subscribe to our YouTube channel. ---- Past guests on The Game Changing Attorney Podcast include David Goggins, John Morgan, Alex Hormozi, Randi McGinn, Kim Scott, Chris Voss, Kevin O'Leary, Laura Wasser, John Maxwell, Mark Lanier, Robert Greene, and many more. ---- If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like: 369. Your Ego Is Making You Miserable with Cy Wakeman 352. Susan Fowler — Why Everything You Know About Motivating Your Team Might Be Completely Wrong 25. Kim Scott — Radical Candor: How to be a Kickass Boss
Target Market Insights: Multifamily Real Estate Marketing Tips
Dominic Forth is the CEO of Thought Leaders America, where he helps founders, operators, and investors earn trust and raise capital through credible media visibility. With a background training at the BBC and working across major U.S. TV markets including Kansas City, Tampa, San Francisco, Tulsa, and Denver, Dominic brings more than two decades of media and research experience to the entrepreneurs he serves. Make sure to download our free guide, 7 Questions Every Passive Investor Should Ask, here. Key Takeaways Leverage credible media placements to build trust that compounds across AI search, Google, and investor due diligence Clarify your narrative by defining who you are, what you do, and how you relate to your target audience Lead with authenticity. Audiences quickly disconnect when messaging feels forced or over-rehearsed Recognize that people just one or two steps ahead can offer more relatable value than distant "experts" Focus on ROI-driven visibility, not vanity PR. Media should support capital raising, credibility, and measurable business growth Topics Why Credible Media Matters More in the AI Era How AI increasingly pulls from trusted media sources instead of traditional search rankings Why appearing on outlets like ABC, CBS, or Fox strengthens long-term digital authority The Three Pillars of a Powerful Personal Brand Who you are (your authentic personal story) What you do (your expertise and value proposition) How you understand your audience's journey (investors, clients, stakeholders) Why You Don't Need a Dramatic Backstory Shifting from "near-death experience" narratives to audience-centric storytelling Emotional engagement through authenticity, preparation, and relatability Overcoming Imposter Syndrome in Thought Leadership Why those one or two steps ahead often deliver the most actionable insight How smaller media reps build confidence before major national appearances Turning PR Into Measurable ROI Commissioning research to create newsworthy stories Using media placements as credibility assets for investor conversations Structuring PR efforts around business outcomes, not just visibility
The Secret Weapon for Scaling Your Real Estate BusinessAre you a "solopreneur" working a demanding nine-to-five while trying to build a real estate empire in the margins of your day? Most part-time investors find that marketing and due diligence are the first things to fall off the plate when they get home exhausted at 6:00 PM. But if you want to reach six figures in your first year, you cannot keep doing $15-an-hour tasks and expect a high-level bank account. In this episode, we're diving deep into the tactical side of leveraging virtual assistants (VAs) to clone your efforts, automate your systems, and ensure your business is working—even while you're asleep. Key Strategies for Leveraging a Virtual AssistantAutomated Due Diligence & Spreadsheet Scrubbing: Instead of manually checking every asset on a tape, a trained VA can "scrub" your spreadsheets to pull Zillow values, rental rates, and back taxes. They can even save property photos into a Dropbox and run preliminary calculations based on your specific formulas, delivering a narrowed-down list for your final review. Dominating Local Markets via Direct Marketing: A VA can act as your "social sleuth," performing skip tracing to find borrower phone numbers and emails or pulling IRA investor contacts directly from county records. They can manage your entire marketing funnel—from designing postcards in Canva to executing mail merges and scheduling email blasts in your CRM—so your outreach stays consistent without you lifting a finger. Social Media & Content Management: Don't let your social profiles become a "ghost town." VAs can take your recorded podcast audio or video and transform it into YouTube descriptions, blog posts, and LinkedIn newsletters. They can also manage your Facebook groups, design daily marketing graphics, and ensure your "30 by 30" marketing matrix is executed every single day. High-Level Asset Management & Outreach: Beyond simple admin tasks, VAs can handle the heavy lifting of calling bank asset managers or research probate leads in specific counties. They can also serve as a "contract-to-close" manager, coordinating between attorneys, loan processors, and service providers to ensure your deals move from a signed contract to a funded asset smoothly. The ROI of Delegation: While a quality real estate VA typically costs between $10 and $12 an hour, the return on investment is massive. For roughly $850 a month, you gain 20 hours of weekly productivity that allows you to focus on the "big rocks"—finding deals and raising capital. This system replaces the need for expensive local office space and full-time staff while providing a 24/7 engine for your business growth. Success in real estate investing isn't about working harder; it's about working smarter by delegating the tasks that are below your pay grade. As we move through 2026, the gap between the "hobbyists" and the "heavy hitters" will be defined by who uses the tools of automation and delegation most effectively. Don't wait for "perfection" to start marketing—perfection is the enemy of results. Take action today, find a partner like Riva Global to help you staff up, and start focusing on the big-money moves that will actually change your life. Ready to stop doing it all yourself? Book a call at talkwithscottcarson.com to discuss how we can help you systematize your note business for the new year!Watch the Original VIDEO HERE!Book a Call With Scott HERE!Sign up for the next FREE One-Day Note Class HERE!Sign up for the WCN Membership HERE!Sign up for the next Note Buying For Dummies Workshop HERE!Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!Here's How »Join the Note Closers Show community today:WeCloseNotes.comThe Note Closers Show FacebookThe Note Closers Show TwitterScott Carson LinkedInThe Note Closers Show YouTubeThe Note Closers Show VimeoThe Note Closers Show InstagramWe Close Notes Pinterest
In this episode Andy Storch explores the rapidly changing world of HR technology with guest Phil Strazzulla, founder of Select Software Reviews. Phil shares his journey from venture capital to HR tech, the story behind SSR, and how the platform helps HR teams confidently choose the right software at no cost. Together, they discuss key trends like platform consolidation, AI's growing role, and adaptive learning in L&D, along with practical advice on evaluating tools, building a business case, and ensuring successful implementation—plus live insights from Christopher McCormick.So if you're wrestling with vendor choices, striving for better ROI from your HR platforms, or curious about where HR tech is headed, you won't want to miss this episode!I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon.Connect with Phil Strazzulla: LinkedInConnect with Christopher McCormick: LinkedInConnect with Emma Strong: LinkedIn
Emeric is the co-founder and CEO of Agorapulse, a leading social media management platform he grew to $20 million in revenue without external funding. Under his leadership, Agorapulse has distinguished itself in the competitive landscape by ranking #1 across top software review sites like G2, GetApp, Capterra, Appvizer (France), and OMR (Germany). Emeric's strategic vision and commitment to innovation have set industry benchmarks, including the first-ever social media inbox in 2014 and pioneering ROI tracking and analytics features for social media—patented innovations that help marketers prove the value of their investments.
TestTalks | Automation Awesomeness | Helping YOU Succeed with Test Automation
AI test automation is evolving fast — but most tools still generate brittle code that breaks with every UI change. See it for yourself now: https://links.testguild.com/Thunders In this episode of the TestGuild Podcast, Joe Colantonio sits down with Karim Jouini, founder of Thunders, to explore a radically different approach to AI testing: executing test automation in plain English without generating Selenium or Playwright code. Instead of "auto-healing selectors," Thunders interprets natural language directly — allowing teams to: Ship twice as fast Achieve 10x test coverage with the same resources Reduce regression cycles from weeks to days Eliminate massive automation maintenance overhead Karim shares real-world case studies, including: A European bank that reduced a 3-year core banking upgrade testing effort to 4 months A SaaS company that transitioned from a traditional QA team to AI-assisted product-led testing We also discuss: Whether AI test agents replace QA roles How QA managers must shift from individual contributors to AI managers The risks of adopting AI without a defined success metric The future of shift-left testing in the AI era If you're a software tester, automation engineer, QA lead, or DevOps leader trying to understand what's hype versus real ROI in AI testing — this episode breaks it down. Try it for yourself and see how AI testing fits into your pipeline. Get personal demo: https://links.testguild.com/Thunders
BOSSes, Anne Ganguzza and Tom Dheere (The VO Strategist) ring in the new year with a reality check on modern voiceover career strategy. In an industry increasingly influenced by AI and market saturation, the "throw everything at the wall and see what sticks" approach is no longer viable. This episode is a deep dive into the power of focus—mastering one genre at a time, picking the right marketing portals, and closing the "relevance gap" by becoming a high-level human storyteller. Chapter Summaries: The Relevance Gap and AI (10:45) Tom introduces the "relevance gap"—the widening space between aspiring talent and working professionals. He argues that AI is rapidly consuming low-budget, entry-level work. To remain relevant, talent must move beyond simply "reading well" and invest in high-level storytelling skills (acting, improv, etc.) that AI cannot yet replicate. The Danger of the Multi-Demo Rush (03:55) The hosts notice a troubling trend: new talent getting five demos produced before they've mastered a single genre. This lack of focus leads to "sucking at everything." Anne emphasizes that even 20 coaching sessions might not be enough to reach the competitive level required for a professional demo in today's saturated market. Passion vs. Pragmatism: Reconciling Your Goals (15:19) While many enter VO wanting to do anime or video games, the market for corporate, e-learning, and medical narration is significantly larger. Tom suggests a pragmatic voiceover career strategy: use "bread and butter" genres like corporate work (where there are over 33 million potential clients) to fund your passion projects in character and animation work. The Myth of Social Media ROI (24:34) Tom reveals startling statistics on social media ROI for voice actors: Facebook (0.77%) and Twitter (0.69%) pale in comparison to LinkedIn (2.74%). While still low, LinkedIn represents a business-minded audience. The hosts warn that "enpoopification"—the decline of social media quality due to algorithms and AI—makes it harder than ever to find work through standard posting. The "New SEO": Getting Found by Chatbots (27:39) Anne shifts the focus to a forward-thinking strategy: SEO for AI. Companies are increasingly asking chatbots like ChatGPT or Claude for voice actor recommendations. To stay competitive, talent must populate their websites and blogs with high-quality, human-written content that these bots can index and recommend. The 2026 Focus Challenge (30:21) Tom issues a challenge to all VO Bosses: Pick one genre, one casting site, and one social media platform to focus on this year. By concentrating energy rather than scattering it, talent can build true momentum and authority in a specific corner of the market. Top 10 Takeaways for Voice Actors: Close the Relevance Gap: Invest in professional acting and storytelling training to stay ahead of AI-generated voices. Focus on One Genre First: Master the nuances and audience of one genre before producing a demo or marketing yourself in another. Market Pragmatism: Target the corporate and e-learning markets for consistent cash flow while you build your "passion" skills in animation. Avoid "Demo Bundle" Traps: Be wary of packages offering multiple demos for a deal; quality training takes time and individual focus for each genre. Audit Your Marketing Portals: Don't join every pay-to-play site at once. Pick one that aligns with your primary genre and master its algorithm. Prioritize LinkedIn: For B2B genres like corporate narration, LinkedIn offers a significantly higher ROI than other social platforms. Optimize for AI Search: Ensure your website's FAQ and Home pages are rich with pertinent information so chatbots can find and recommend you. Use Low-Budget Sites as Proving Grounds: Use sites like Fiverr or Casting Call Club for practice and project management experience, not as a final career destination. Human Content Wins: Write blogs and website copy with a "human-first" approach to reclaim search authority from AI-generated spam. The Foundation is Acting: Foundational acting skills are transferable across all genres. Master the craft first, and the genre proficiency will follow.
In this episode of Making Risk Flow, host Juan de Castro speaks with David McMillan, former CEO of esureGroup, to unpack how a mid-sized insurer reinvented itself under private equity ownership. Facing COVID-19, reserve pressures, a soft market, and geopolitical disruption, the company leaned into culture, clarity, and modern technology to outpace larger rivals. David shares why building a high-performing team starts with shared values, how blending insurance expertise with external digital talent accelerates innovation, and why cloud-native, API-driven architecture is essential for real-time decision-making. He also explains how to shift boards from traditional ROI forecasts to agile, outcome-based governance. It's a candid conversation about resilience, leadership under pressure, and why staying smaller, more agile, and hence, faster can be a lasting competitive advantage.Fan Mail: Got a challenge digitizing your intake? Share it with us, and we'll unpack solutions from our experience at Cytora.To receive a custom demo from Cytora, click here and use the code 'Making Risk Flow'.Our previous guests include: Bronek Masojada of PPL, Craig Knightly of Inigo, Andrew Horton of QBE Insurance, Simon McGinn of Allianz, Stephane Flaquet of Hiscox, Matthew Grant of InsTech, Paul Brand of Convex, Paolo Cuomo of Gallagher Re, and Thierry Daucourt of AXA.Check out the three most downloaded episodes: The Five Pillars of Data Analytics Strategy in Insurance | Craig Knightly, Inigo 20 Years as CEO of Hiscox: Personal Reflections and the Evolution of PPL | Bronek Masojada Implementing ESG in the Insurance and Underwriting Space | Simon Tighe, Chaucer, and Paul McCarney, Moody's
Jim Oliver sits down with Dr. Tracy Gapin, a former urologist who walked away from traditional medicine after nearly three decades inside a system built to manage disease, not build performance. Most high earners obsess over ROI in their portfolio while ignoring the assets that produce the return in the first place: Energy, focus, libido, sleep. Dr. Gapin explains why modern healthcare is reactive by design. You get a diagnosis, a prescription, and you move on. That model works well in a crisis but it doesn't work if your goal is to perform at a high level into your 80s and beyond. Jim brings it back to something simple: once you realize you're unlikely to run out of money, the real risk becomes running out of health. In This Conversation Why "I'm fine" is often the most dangerous phrase What's going on with your 2–3 a.m. wake-ups Why sleep is the multiplier for muscle, hormones, and recovery Why sexual performance is often a cardiovascular signal Why most online "research" compounds are a gamble The problem with chasing peptides Dr. Gapin's perspective on testosterone The Bigger Idea: If you see yourself as someone who is aging and declining, your behaviors follow. If you see yourself as someone building strength and capability for the next 30 years, your decisions shift. Health is not a side project - it's built on intentionally constructed infrastructure that determines how long you can stay in the game.
Episode Summary In this episode of Prosperity Thinkers, Spencer Shaw and Kim Butler explore the true return on investment of education and life experiences. While financial ROI is often easy to calculate, the value of learning, proximity, and personal growth is far less measurable—and potentially unlimited. Kim shares personal stories, practical frameworks, and mindset shifts that reveal why investing in yourself pays dividends for a lifetime, especially when approached with intention, generosity, and calendar control. Links & Resources For resources and additional information of this episode go to https://prosperitythinkers.com/podcasts/ http://prosperityparents.com/ https://storage.googleapis.com/msgsndr/yBEuMuj6fSwGh7YB8K87/media/68e557c906b06d836d9effad.pdf https://www.youtube.com/@KimDHButler Keywords ROI of education Investing in yourself Unlimited ROI Experiences vs assets Strategic Coach Dan Sullivan Calendar control Personal growth Professional development Give first mindset Proximity advantage Imposter syndrome Learning through experiences Episode Highlights (with Timestamps) 00:00–01:22 - Education and experiences as long-term self-investments 01:22–02:43 - Why cost is easy to measure but value is not 02:43–03:42 - The power of proximity and lifelong ripple effects 03:42–04:04 - Why "give first" creates unlimited ROI 04:30–05:16 - Hierarchy of education: books vs proximity and human connection 05:16–06:17 - Overcoming imposter syndrome through contribution 06:17–07:38 - The value of perspective at every career stage 07:38–08:14 - Managing physical state to shift mindset 09:14–12:13 - Calendar control as a framework for education ROI 12:50–13:20 - Turning knowledge into clarity, habits, and momentum
Leora Lanz is an associate professor at Boston University's School of Hospitality Administration and a former global marketing leader who helped grow HVS from seven offices to forty worldwide. After decades in destination marketing, hotel operations, and consultancy, she turned her classroom casework into two books on developing a marketing mindset. Susan and Leora talk about critical thinking, conscious marketing, and career courage. What You'll Learn: • Why you need to "know enough to be dangerous" in digital marketing • What crisis communication in hotels teaches about compassion • Why today's marketing funnel feels more like a pinball machine • Why hospitality and marketing are fundamentally the same • How to shift from "you should" to "we will" with owners • When the ROI of a hospitality degree really kicks in • How set-jetting and streaming shows shape travel trends • Why wellness, sustainability, and community are marketing power plays • Why career reinvention requires courage and community *** Our Top Three Takeaways Marketing Is a Mindset, Not a Tactic Marketing isn't about flashy campaigns or one-hit wonders. It's about critical thinking, strategic planning, and starting with clear goals and KPIs. Everyone in hospitality (not just the marketing team) needs to think this way to build real, lasting impact. Shift from "You" to "We" Great marketing happens when teams act as true partners, not outside advisors. Saying "we" instead of "you" creates a sense of shared ownership and stronger alignment with stakeholders. That mindset builds trust, buy-in, and better results. Hospitality Is a Competitive Advantage Hospitality is more than an industry; it's a philosophy that can differentiate any business. Purpose-driven marketing rooted in wellness, sustainability, and community creates deeper, more meaningful connections. The future depends on honoring both emerging talent and seasoned voices while keeping that purpose front and center. Leora Lanz on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/leorahalpernlanz/ Buy the Books http://www.tinyurl.com/MarketingMindsetseries Cayuga Hospitality Consultants https://cayugahospitality.com/ Hive Marketing https://www.hive-marketing.com/ ***Ad Giveaway*** Enter here! https://www.topfloorpodcast.com/win
Looking for daily inspiration? Get a quote from the top leaders in the industry in your inbox every morning. Leading a team can feel like a roller coaster. From big climbs and sudden drops, there are moments where you wonder why you got on the ride in the first place. Matt Heller, Founder of Performance Optimist Consulting helps leaders and teams stay focused and performing at their best. Through engaging keynotes, hands-on workshops, and practical coaching, we turn fear into confidence and discomfort into momentum. This means fewer breakdowns and more breakthroughs. If your organization is ready to start building real forward motion, it's time to take action and make better performance and growth your main attraction. Visit performanceoptimist.com/attractionpros for an exclusive offer! Mark Rosenzweig is the Principal and Chief Business Officer of 3dxScenic. After getting his start in park operations and park services at Michigan's Adventure, Mark moved into sales and marketing roles at Zamperla and Ride Entertainment, including leading the SkyCoaster division. In 2020, he joined 3dxScenic in the Cincinnati area, and in December 2023 he became co-owner alongside longtime team member Matt Waldenmeyer. Today, 3dxScenic designs and fabricates themed environments, signage, facades, parade floats, and iconic photo-op pieces for parks and attractions. In this interview, Mark talks about integrity, transparency, and collaboration, stirring imagination, and being an operations nerd. Integrity, transparency, and collaboration “We have three pillars that we believe 150% in. Those are collaboration, integrity, and transparency.” Mark frames these as more than values on a wall. They shape how 3dxScenic sells, scopes, schedules, and delivers work. He explains that integrity and transparency mean being upfront about what's possible, what will be subcontracted, and what the realistic timeline and bandwidth look like, with a focus on avoiding surprises. Collaboration is the lever that makes the work better, whether it's aligning early on how a piece will live in the environment, or leaning on operators and mid-level leaders who will ultimately execute the day-to-day. He also emphasizes these pillars internally. From how ownership communicates with team members to how departments coordinate workflow, he sees consistency between culture and output as a requirement for sustainable growth and repeat partnerships. Stirring imagination “It's not always easy to sell abstract decor to someone that, say, is in finance.” Mark describes scenic work as an abstract product that often requires helping clients visualize ROI differently. A sculpture may not directly sell tickets, but it can become an iconic, repeatable photo moment that drives sharing, tradition, and brand memory. He points to examples like oversized entry pieces and themed elements that communicate what a park experience feels like before a guest ever rides anything. He also walks through how ideas become reality, using projects like Holiday World's Good Gravy as a case study in creative back-and-forth, story building, and delivering pieces that can even turn into merchandise. For Mark, the win is when theming supports the story, creates emotional connection, and provides both guest delight and practical marketing value. Being an operations nerd “I'm an operations nerd at heart.” Mark's early-career curiosity shows up in how he talks about labor, workflow, and execution. He credits his time in park services, ride ops, and other frontline roles with giving him empathy for how systems actually run, and why it matters to learn by doing. That mindset carries into fabrication, where one late step can cascade into multiple downstream delays. The “ops nerd” lens also shows up in the company's recent move into a new 30,000 square foot facility. Mark shares how they let departments help dictate the shop layout, aiming for smoother phase-to-phase movement, fewer bottlenecks, and better long-term scalability as they take on larger and more complex projects. To learn more about 3dxScenic, visit 3dxscenic.com and find them on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. You can reach Mark directly at markr@3dxscenic.com. This podcast wouldn't be possible without the incredible work of our faaaaaantastic team: Scheduling and correspondence by Kristen Karaliunas To connect with AttractionPros: AttractionPros.com AttractionPros@gmail.com AttractionPros on Facebook AttractionPros on LinkedIn AttractionPros on Instagram AttractionPros on Twitter (X)
Frequent listeners know we're always eager to learn about how climate investing needs to change to be more effective. With the attacks on ESG and a new political era, we're clearly in a new chapter for climate investing and being intentional about the ingredients, language and goals of this new chapter is critical for delivering both solid returns and real impact.Rob Brown argues that its time to step back from overreach and inauthentic impact goals, and fuel this new chapter with rigor. Rob wears a couple of hats as Director of Climate Research at Resolution Investors and Chief Research Officer at Impact Evaluation Lab. In these roles, Rob bring his decades of investment experience using research and analysis to improve long term thinking, risk management and what he calls mission authenticity, or the ability to really deliver on the kind of impact one promises. Tune in for a deeply fascinating conversation about how climate investing is maturing and the work that still needs to be done for this new chapter. Enjoy.On today's episode, we cover:02:41 – Rob's career journey & love of solving problems05:17 – From Just Capital to Impact Evaluation Lab & Resolution Investors09:52 – How to tell serious impact investors from pretenders14:34 – Is rigor a cost center? Making the ROI case19:29 – A lightning history of sustainable investing23:14 – Why sustainable finance is “deeply stressed”27:08 – Climate investing as long‑term risk‑adjusted returns29:27 – Two key shifts: longer horizons & real tech expertise33:02 – Rigor, incentives, and how the field grows up36:45 – Why sustainable investing is the future of capital markets39:11 – Closing remarksResources MentionedResolution InvestorsImpact Evaluation Lab.Just CapitalAtlas Impact PartnersGeneration Investment ManagementConnect with us
Are paid ads a "button" you can press to get new patients, or a black hole where your marketing budget goes to die?In this episode, Will Humphreys sits down with Arman Ananian, founder of the performance marketing agency Doing Something Rare. Arman pulls back the curtain on why most outpatient private practices fail at digital marketing, and it's rarely because of the ads themselves.From the tragic inspiration behind his mission to hire Armenian talent to the "secret" accountability systems that transform leads into lifelong patients, Arman shares a masterclass in scaling with intention. You'll learn how to identify "garbage" leads, why your front desk might be accidentally killing your ROI, and how the future of patient acquisition lies in the marriage of AI and human touch.Key TakeawaysThe Follow-Up Gap: Why a "good" cost-per-lead means nothing if your team isn't calling them within minutes.The AI Revolution: How Arman uses AI to handle after-hours inquiries and qualify leads 24/7 without losing the human connection.Qualifying for Quality: Why you should stop chasing $1 leads and start asking the hard questions that filter for high-LTV (Life Time Value) patients.The "Six-Month Lie": How to tell if your agency is actually optimizing your campaigns or just collecting a retainer.Purpose-Driven Scaling: Arman's unique approach to building a global team that provides generational wealth for Armenian families while dominating the US market.We're on a mission to bring you the builders, the disruptors, and the legends who are changing the game in private practice and beyond.Is there a specific guest you want to see on the show? Whether it's someone you admire or a topic you're dying for us to dive into, we want to hear from you. Comment on this episode if you have any suggestions for our future session!Send a textVirtual Rockstars specialize in helping support or replace all non-clinical roles.Learn how a Virtual Rockstar can help scale your physical therapy practice.Subscribe here to our completely free Stress-Free PT Newsletter for your weekly dose of joy.
Dave's guest this week is Ben Narasin, Founder and General Partner of Tenacity Venture Capital. Ben is a venture capitalist and longtime entrepreneur who invests at the intersection of technology, commerce, and consumer behavior — with a career spent backing (and building) companies that shape how brands sell and operate in a digital-first world.In this episode, Dave and Ben talk about how the VC lens on commerce has evolved, why “AI strategy” is quickly moving from curiosity to ROI scrutiny, and what founders and operators should do as the pace of change accelerates. Ben shares a pragmatic framework: empower teams to test, pilot, and measure quickly — because you can't research your way into winning with emerging technology.Connect with Ben on LinkedInFollow Beyond the Shelf on LinkedInLearn More about It'sRapidGet the It'sRapid Creative Automation PlaybookTake It'sRapid's Creative Workflow Automation with AI surveyEmail us at sales@itsrapid.io to find out how to get your free AI Image AuditTheme music: "Happy" by Mixaud - https://mixaund.bandcamp.comProducer: Jake Musiker
In this episode of Lead-Lag Live, I sit down with Kai Wu, Founder and CIO of Sparkline Capital, to break down why the AI boom may be entering a new phase and why investors concentrated in infrastructure stocks could be taking more risk than they realize.With nearly half of the S&P 500 tied directly or indirectly to AI infrastructure buildout, Kai explains the dangers of crowded positioning, excessive capital spending, and valuation expansion. Drawing on historical technology cycles from railroads to the internet, he outlines why the biggest long-term winners often aren't the builders, but the early adopters who use new technology to gain efficiency and market share.We also dive into enterprise adoption rates, proof-of-ROI versus hype-driven AI mentions on earnings calls, and how to distinguish companies generating measurable productivity gains from those simply telling the story.In this episode:– Why the AI cycle may be shifting from buildout to adoption– How only about 10 percent of firms are currently using AI in production– The valuation risk embedded in infrastructure-heavy portfolios– Why early adopters may outperform the AI builders– How advisors can rethink AI exposure without abandoning the themeLead-Lag Live brings you inside conversations with the financial thinkers who shape markets. Subscribe for interviews that go deeper than the noise.#AI #StockMarket #SP500 #NVDA #TechStocks #TeslaSupport the show
The Secret Weapon for Scaling Your Real Estate BusinessAre you a "solopreneur" working a demanding nine-to-five while trying to build a real estate empire in the margins of your day? Most part-time investors find that marketing and due diligence are the first things to fall off the plate when they get home exhausted at 6:00 PM. But if you want to reach six figures in your first year, you cannot keep doing $15-an-hour tasks and expect a high-level bank account. In this episode, we're diving deep into the tactical side of leveraging virtual assistants (VAs) to clone your efforts, automate your systems, and ensure your business is working—even while you're asleep. Key Strategies for Leveraging a Virtual AssistantAutomated Due Diligence & Spreadsheet Scrubbing: Instead of manually checking every asset on a tape, a trained VA can "scrub" your spreadsheets to pull Zillow values, rental rates, and back taxes. They can even save property photos into a Dropbox and run preliminary calculations based on your specific formulas, delivering a narrowed-down list for your final review. Dominating Local Markets via Direct Marketing: A VA can act as your "social sleuth," performing skip tracing to find borrower phone numbers and emails or pulling IRA investor contacts directly from county records. They can manage your entire marketing funnel—from designing postcards in Canva to executing mail merges and scheduling email blasts in your CRM—so your outreach stays consistent without you lifting a finger. Social Media & Content Management: Don't let your social profiles become a "ghost town." VAs can take your recorded podcast audio or video and transform it into YouTube descriptions, blog posts, and LinkedIn newsletters. They can also manage your Facebook groups, design daily marketing graphics, and ensure your "30 by 30" marketing matrix is executed every single day. High-Level Asset Management & Outreach: Beyond simple admin tasks, VAs can handle the heavy lifting of calling bank asset managers or research probate leads in specific counties. They can also serve as a "contract-to-close" manager, coordinating between attorneys, loan processors, and service providers to ensure your deals move from a signed contract to a funded asset smoothly. The ROI of Delegation: While a quality real estate VA typically costs between $10 and $12 an hour, the return on investment is massive. For roughly $850 a month, you gain 20 hours of weekly productivity that allows you to focus on the "big rocks"—finding deals and raising capital. This system replaces the need for expensive local office space and full-time staff while providing a 24/7 engine for your business growth. Success in real estate investing isn't about working harder; it's about working smarter by delegating the tasks that are below your pay grade. As we move through 2026, the gap between the "hobbyists" and the "heavy hitters" will be defined by who uses the tools of automation and delegation most effectively. Don't wait for "perfection" to start marketing—perfection is the enemy of results. Take action today, find a partner like Riva Global to help you staff up, and start focusing on the big-money moves that will actually change your life. Ready to stop doing it all yourself? Book a call at talkwithscottcarson.com to discuss how we can help you systematize your note business for the new year!Watch the original Video HERE!Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!Here's How »Join Note Night in America community today:WeCloseNotes.comScott Carson FacebookScott Carson TwitterScott Carson LinkedInNote Night in America YouTubeNote Night in America VimeoScott Carson InstagramWe Close Notes Pinterest
In this episode of the Targeted Lead Generation Podcast, Coach Manny Nowak discussed the principles of servant leadership and its importance in creating a positive workplace environment. Manny outlined seven key steps to implement servant leadership, including assessing current leadership practices, providing training, encouraging open dialogue, celebrating achievements, establishing mentorship programs, promoting well-being initiatives, and leading by example. He emphasized the ROI of servant leadership, highlighting how it fosters trust, engagement, and retention within an organization. Coach Manny Email: Manny@MannyNowak.com Website: http://coachmanny.com/ Phone: 856 364 5867 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mannynowak/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/manny.nowak/ Sponsor: Covert Leadership Training - The best in Servant Leadership Training https://covertleadershiptraining.com/ Looking to discuss servant leadership in more detail? Schedule a 30 minute zoom call with our team: https://calendly.com/mannynowakcalendar/30min
If You Won't Guarantee It, Why Should They Buy? Hi everyone, Carl Gould here with your #70secondCEO. Just a little over a one minute investment every day for a lifetime of results. The issue is who has the guts to take the mark? Because you all know the answers to, right. So I trade now. So I use this in all of our businesses, and I use this with all of our clients. So I've trained over 7000 business coaches, right, to that long and a have a business coaching and consulting business. And so one of the things that I teach is for them to give you. So think about this next time you hire consultants of five to one guarantee, which means if they are not making your saving five times the amount of the fee, their fee, then the whole thing is free. How much advice do you have currently that offers a five to one ROI guarantee? Now, how many of you do you think could offer you that? How many could offer? All of them. They all could. They don't do their job, they can't give you your money back? They can all do it. How many of them do? None. I offer a five-to-one guarantee, so who am I competing with? Nobody. We'll know what the problems are,right? Who has the guts to just say, I'll stand up, and I'll deliver your money back. Oh, I don't know, what if they don't take the action? And what if they don't follow through and I can't hold them accountable and I'm short that meetings. That's a problem with you--then your programs not compelling enough that they want to show up on a phone call, that's not their problem. That's your problem, right? Well, how am I going to control my supply chain? Right, I have yet to meet now by coach a lot of you types already. You will fall in love with your supply chain and very efficiently at the best price and you stick with it. I've yet to find a company where the diversity of their supply chain is their problem, if you know what I mean. Like and follow this podcast so you can learn more. My name is Carl Gould and this has been your #70secondCEO.
The Strategic Divide That Will Define the AI Native Age To watch it as a 3-min video To read it as a 1-min blog (coming soon) Have you ever felt that an AI-powered product was treating you as a data source rather than a human being worth serving? I recently walked away from an app I had relied on for years. It refused to let me access my own account unless I consented to handing over my personal data — no alternative, no negotiation. I deleted it without hesitation. This is not an isolated incident. It is a pattern. In the race to capitalize on AI, too many organizations have reduced customer experience to a data extraction opportunity. User satisfaction has become secondary — or abandoned entirely. The consequences will be severe. No amount of data harvested from a churned customer generates growth. Treating users as raw material is not just an ethical failure. It is a strategic one. What Separates Proactive AI Native Leaders From Reactive Ones Proactive AI Native Leadership Proactive leaders are architecting intelligent business models and AI ecosystems around a single defining question: What is the intended user journey, and does AI meaningfully elevate it? They invest in designing smarter, more human experiences — enabled by AI, not imposed by it. The result is stronger customer loyalty, greater brand equity, and sustainable ROI. Reactive AI Deployment Reactive organizations deploy AI tools in pursuit of speed, efficiency, or competitive pressure — without ever asking what experience they are actually creating for the human on the other side of the system. They optimize for capability. They neglect experience. And they will pay for it very dearly. AI Native Leadership is not about having the most advanced tools. It is about having the wisdom to design those tools around human dignity, trust, and purpose. Introducing AIXD — AI Experience Design Today, I am launching AIXD.world. AIXD stands for AI Experience Design. It is pro-human, not anti-AI. Before models are trained, before systems are deployed, before automation scales — AIXD asks the questions that determine whether AI serves your customers or simply extracts from them. The AI Native Brand Architecture™ is AIXD's proprietary framework for helping founders, CEOs, and boards make the shift from AI adoption to AI architecture — intelligent business model design centered on user experience, customer journey, and long-term brand value. User experience is brand experience. Brand experience determines enterprise destiny. If you are building in the AI Native Age and want your technology to elevate your customers rather than exploit them, visit AIXD.world. #AIExperienceDesign #AINativeLeadership #AINativeAge About AIXD.World and 10PlusBrand.com With 16 years of brand experience design rooted in brand DNA decoding and business model analysis, 10 Plus Brand, Inc. is a recognized leader globally in brand building and brand marketing. Human end-user experience design, AIXD, brand experience, brand loyalty, and brand journey are part of the comprehensive offerings of 10 Plus Brand, Inc. Founder and CEO Joanne Z. Tan has mentored Silicon Valley startups, founders and CEOs, board members, and organizations as their thought leadership coach in the AI age. We at 10 Plus Brand are proud to be on the cutting edge of creating an end-user journey with AI Experience Design for both B2B and B2C companies.
Jim Love hosts Hashtag Trending, and highlights updates to TechNewsDay.ca/.com including a new "Best of YouTube" section for curated tech channels. Anthropic alleges three Chinese AI labs—DeepSeek, Moonshot, and MiniMax—ran industrial-scale distillation campaigns to extract capabilities from Claude models using proxy services and "Hydra cluster" networks with tens of thousands of fraudulent accounts, prompting Anthropic to strengthen identity controls and detection with cloud partners. Amazon shares fall for nine straight sessions after investors react to plans for roughly $200B in 2026 capex largely for AI infrastructure, raising questions about ROI and future free cash flow. A cited analysis by YouTuber Nate B Jones argues Google's Gemini 3.1 Pro signals a strategy shift toward deeper reasoning (not just coding/agentic tools), noting a 77.1% ARC-AGI-2 score and DeepMind's scientific problem focus, contrasting OpenAI's product/distribution, Anthropic's agentic coordination, and Google's "pure intelligence" approach. The episode also references Citri Research's 2028 scenario planning report outlining a plausible fast-arriving AGI chain reaction—falling inference costs, rapid adoption, labor displacement pressure, and geopolitical competition for compute and talent—and promotes the Saturday show Project Synapse on long-term AI trajectories. Finally, Love discusses Sam Altman's comments at the India AI Impact Summit dismissing viral claims about ChatGPT water and energy use without providing specific counter-numbers, noting growing public backlash as data center water and electricity demands rise; the full interview is linked in show notes. Hashtag Trending would like to thank Meter for their support in bringing you this podcast. Meter delivers a complete networking stack, wired, wireless and cellular in one integrated solution that's built for performance and scale. You can find them at Meter.com/htt LINKS Nate B Jones on Google Gemimi 3.1 https://youtu.be/8jKAT8GNDE0?si=Rz5k1gP0sS9H7XAp Sam Altman's speach https://www.youtube.com/live/qH7thwrCluM?si=IO_76NsGJ1zgt8J7 AI Scenario https://www.citriniresearch.com/p/2028gic 00:00 Headlines and intro 00:54 Site updates and YouTube picks 01:57 Anthropic warns of distillation 04:58 Amazon AI spending jitters 06:13 Google bets on reasoning 10:31 2028 AGI crisis scenario 11:55 Altman backlash and resources 14:17 Wrap up and sponsor thanks
Digital transformation in procurement has been "imminent" for over a decade, however, Legacy Thinking Is the Real Bottleneck! Boards talk about automation. CFOs talk about control. Procurement leaders talk about value creation. And yet, across industries, source-to-pay (S2P) remains one of the most stubbornly legacy bound functions in the enterprise. The irony? Procurement should be one of the easiest functions to modernize. It is structured, process driven, data rich, and measurable. But in practice, S2P transformation efforts stall, underdeliver, or quietly die after expensive, lengthy and limited implementation cycles. Why? The bottleneck isn't technology. It's legacy gravity. The Hidden Cost of "Good Enough" Procurement Many organizations still operate on a patchwork of: ERP systems and bolt-ons built for another era Email based approvals Manual vendor onboarding Disconnected sourcing tools Excel driven reporting and even pen and paper These systems "work"… in the same way that a fax machine technically still works. The problem is that legacy procurement systems were designed for control and record keeping, not agility, collaboration, or strategic insight. They reflect a time when procurement was administrative. Today, it's expected to be strategic. That shift breaks the old model. Where Source-to-Pay Innovation Gets Stuck 1. ERP-Centric Thinking For years, procurement innovation meant adding modules to an ERP. But ERPs are transactional systems of record, not innovation platforms. They are excellent at posting journal entries. They are poor at enabling dynamic sourcing, supplier collaboration, or real time spend intelligence. Trying to build modern procurement on top of ERP architecture is like building a streaming service on top of a DVD player. 1. Change Fatigue and Organisational Inertia Procurement teams are often overworked and understaffed. Digital transformation becomes "another project" layered on top of operational pressure. Without clear ROI and intuitive user experience, adoption fails. Stakeholders revert to email. Maverick spend returns. The transformation narrative and urgency fades. 1. Fragmented Tool Stacks Organisations frequently assemble S2P capabilities from multiple vendors: One for sourcing One for contract management One for P2P Another for analytics Integration becomes the project. Data reconciliation becomes a full-time job. Innovation slows under its own complexity. 1. Supplier Experience Is an Afterthought Most legacy procurement systems optimize for internal compliance, not supplier usability. Clunky onboarding. Repetitive data entry. Limited transparency. In an era where supplier relationships are strategic assets, this friction is more than inconvenient — it's counterproductive. 1. Procurement Still Seen as Cost Control Perhaps the deepest legacy issue is philosophical. Many executive teams still view procurement primarily as a cost-cutting function. But modern S2P innovation unlocks: Risk visibility ESG traceability Working capital optimization Data driven negotiation leverage Cross functional alignment Actionable game changing business intelligence insights When procurement is framed as a back-office function, investment remains incremental. When it's framed as a strategic value driver, transformation becomes inevitable. What Modern Source-to-Pay Should Actually Look Like True S2P innovation isn't about digitising paperwork. It's about re-architecting the procurement experience. That includes: Consumer grade UX that drives adoption Unified workflows from sourcing through payment Real-time spend visibility Embedded analytics Supplier-first design Automation of approvals and compliance Configurability without heavy IT dependency In short, S2P should feel like modern SaaS, not a compliance portal from 2009, with the UX of teletext from the 1990's. The New Model: Agile, Unified, Intuitive Forward-thinking organizations are abandoning monolithic, ERP bound procurement stacks in favor of flexi...
THE Sales Japan Series by Dale Carnegie Training Tokyo, Japan
Objections are not the enemy — they're signals. In complex B2B and high-ticket selling, an objection often means the buyer is still engaged, still evaluating, and still leaving the door open. The difference between "this is going nowhere" and "we can win this" is whether you follow a disciplined process instead of reacting emotionally. Below is a practical, repeatable objection-handling framework you can run in real time — in Australia, Japan, the US, Europe, in-person or on Zoom — without sounding scripted. Why are objections actually a good sign in sales conversations? Objections usually mean the buyer is still considering you — they're testing risk, fit, and trust rather than silently rejecting you. In most markets post-pandemic (2020–2025), buyers have tightened procurement, involved more stakeholders, and demanded clearer ROI, which means more questions and more pushback — even when they like you. In Japan, where consensus building and risk avoidance are culturally strong, objections often appear as "we need to think" or "it might be difficult." In the US and Australia, you might hear direct resistance like "too expensive" or "we're happy with our current vendor." In all cases, the presence of friction can be healthier than polite indifference. Do now (answer card): Treat objections as engagement. Your job isn't to "win" — it's to discover what's underneath and solve the real concern What's the biggest mistake salespeople make when they hear an objection? The fastest way to lose a deal is to argue with the buyer — even if you're technically correct. The human brain hears pushback and wants to defend: you jump in, correct them, prove them wrong, and accidentally trigger buyer resistance. You might "win the debate" and still lose the decision. This shows up everywhere: startups pitching to procurement, consultants selling transformation programs, and enterprise SaaS teams facing security and legal. In Australia and the US, that argument can feel like a pressure tactic; in Japan, it can feel like you've disrupted harmony and made it harder for the buyer to save face. Instead of debating the headline ("too expensive"), you need the story behind it (budget cycle, internal politics, competing priorities, risk fears). Do now (answer card): Stop defending. Assume the objection is a headline and your job is to uncover the full article. What is a "cushion" and why does it work for handling objections? A cushion is a neutral circuit-breaker sentence that stops you from reacting and buys you thinking time. It's not agreement and it's not disagreement — it's a calm buffer between what they said and what you say next. Examples in plain English: "I hear you." "That's a fair point." "Thanks for raising that." "I can see why you'd ask that." This works because it lowers emotional temperature, keeps the buyer talking, and prevents the "fight or flight" response that turns into arguing. Whether you're selling to a Japanese conglomerate, a US mid-market firm, or an Australian SME, that pause helps you shift from defence mode into discovery mode. Pro tip: keep the cushion short. The cushion isn't the solution — it's the doorway to the right question. Do now (answer card): Build 3–5 cushion phrases you can say naturally, then use one every single time before you respond. What question should you ask first after any objection? Ask: "May I ask you why you say that?" — because the only useful response to an objection is more information.Objections are like a newspaper headline: short, dramatic, and missing context. "Too expensive" could mean cashflow, competitor pricing, CFO scrutiny, or fear of implementation risk. When you ask "why," you throw the "porcupine" back to the buyer — gently — so they explain the real story. This is effective in high-context cultures like Japan because it invites explanation without confrontation. It also works in direct markets like the US and Australia because it signals professionalism: you're diagnosing, not pushing. Watch-out: don't ask "why" with a sharp tone. Make it soft, curious, and slow. The tone is the difference between coaching and challenging. Do now (answer card): Make "why" your reflex. Cushion → "May I ask why?" → listen longer than feels comfortable. How do you clarify and cross-check to find the real objection? Clarify by restating the concern, then cross-check for hidden issues until they run out of objections. Buyers often lead with a minor issue to end the conversation quickly, especially when they don't want a long discussion. Think iceberg: the visible tip is what they say; the big block below the waterline is what they mean. Use two moves: Clarify: "Thank you. So, as I understand it, your chief concern is ___ — is that right?" Cross-check: "In addition to ___, are there any other concerns on your side?" Repeat the cross-check 3–4 times if needed. Then prioritise: "You've mentioned X, Y, and Z. Which one is the highest priority for you?" This is how enterprise sales teams reduce "surprise" objections late in the cycle, and how consultants avoid being derailed by a small complaint masking a major deal-breaker. Do now (answer card): Clarify the core issue, then ask for additional concerns, then rank them. Don't respond until you know the deal-breaker. How do you reply: deny, agree, reverse — and then trial close? Reply to the true main objection with one of three paths — deny, agree, or reverse — then use a trial commitment to confirm it's resolved. Once you've identified the highest-priority concern, you respond in a way that protects trust. Deny (with proof): If it's incorrect ("I heard you're going bankrupt"), deny calmly and offer evidence (financial stability, customer references, audited statements where appropriate). Agree (own reality): If it's true (quality issues, missed deadlines), acknowledge it. Explain what changed: process fixes, governance, QA, leadership actions. Credibility beats spin. Reverse (reframe): If the concern can become a benefit ("you take longer to deliver"), reframe it as risk reduction and quality control — less rework, fewer outages, smoother adoption. Then trial close: "How does that sound so far?" If more objections appear, run the process again. Do now (answer card): Pick the right response type (deny/agree/reverse), then trial close immediately to confirm the objection is gone. Conclusion: the repeatable objection-handling rhythm Objections don't block deals — unmanaged emotions do. When you treat objections as engagement, cushion your response, ask "why," clarify the real issue, cross-check for hidden concerns, and reply with credibility, you stop wrestling the buyer and start guiding the decision. If there are no questions, no objections, no hesitation, it may mean the buyer has already eliminated you and is just waiting for the meeting to end. Better to find out early — and move on to a real opportunity. Author credentials Dr. Greg Story, Ph.D. in Japanese Decision-Making, is President of Dale Carnegie Tokyo Training and Adjunct Professor at Griffith University. He is a two-time winner of the Dale Carnegie "One Carnegie Award" (2018, 2021) and recipient of the Griffith University Business School Outstanding Alumnus Award (2012). As a Dale Carnegie Master Trainer, Greg is certified to deliver globally across all leadership, communication, sales, and presentation programs, including Leadership Training for Results. He has written several books, including three best-sellers — Japan Business Mastery, Japan Sales Mastery, and Japan Presentations Mastery — along with Japan Leadership Mastery and How to Stop Wasting Money on Training. His works have been translated into Japanese, including Za Eigyō (ザ営業), Purezen no Tatsujin (プレゼンの達人), Torēningu de Okane o Muda ni Suru no wa Yamemashō (トレーニングでお金を無駄にするのはやめましょう), and Gendaiban "Hito o Ugokasu" Rīdā (現代版「人を動かす」リーダー).
I just discovered how to make $100K+ per year in Ghana without even living there—and you can start with as little as $40K for 3-10X returns. This conversation with Ben changed everything I thought I knew about building wealth in Africa.Beachfront property for $40K that costs $500K in America? Business opportunities with minimal effort? This is the wealth-building strategy nobody's talking about. Watch until the end—this could change your financial future.
Mike Gioseffi breaks down his most successful card show weekend to date at the Nashville Card Show, explaining the "move everything" mindset that allowed him to quickly turn a $15,000 investment into $35,000 in sales , proving that liquidity and volume often beat holding out for top dollar. We also dive into the mindset of dealers who refuse to sell at market comps and why that approach hurts the hobby's ecosystem. The conversation shifts to the business side of the hobby as Mike welcomes Chris Thomas of Ataboy Cards to discuss the difference between treating the hobby as a hobby, and becoming a full-time card entrepreneur. Chris reveals his "5-lane" strategy for maximizing ROI, covering everything from PSA grading and ComC to high-end eBay Live auctions. Plus, Jesse checks in from Europe with an update on the London Card Show , and we analyze the massive market explosion of Upper Deck Young Guns hockey cards following the Olympic gold medal game and Team USA winning gold on a Jack Hughes overtime goal. We wrap things up with a St. Louis Cardinals edition of "Keep or Cut" and discuss the latest product releases, including why Mike gives Tops Pristine an A- but hands Tops Gilded a D-. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This is an Audio Edition episode—originally published on YouTube and optimized for audio listening.Feeling completely stuck in your career and unsure what path to take next? You're not alone — most professionals waste weeks overthinking, taking quizzes, and researching job titles, only to end up more confused. In this video, I'll show you a ChatGPT career clarity prompt that helps you find the right career path, job titles, and action plan in under 10 minutes. You'll learn how to use AI tools like ChatGPT Dictation Mode to build your own career clarity assessment, uncover personalized roles that fit your skills, and generate a step-by-step plan for breaking through career confusion.Whether you're exploring a career change, debating between multiple job options, or just trying to figure out what's next, this AI-powered career clarity framework will help you get unstuck fast and move forward with confidence.
Most org design conversations get forced through a narrow funnel: prove the ROI, justify the spend, make the numbers work. But if work is something most people can't opt out of—and where we spend a huge chunk of our attention and waking lives—then “it pays off” feels like a painfully small standard. This week, Rodney and Sam explore the ethical case for organizational design. They move beyond spreadsheets and profit metrics to ask bigger questions about leadership, power, transparency, compensation, and the human impact of broken systems. What do organizations owe the people who work inside them? Is better workplace design a moral responsibility — not just a financial strategy? -------------------------------- Ready to change your organization? Let's talk. Get our newsletter: Sign up here. Follow us: LinkedIn Instagram -------------------------------- Mentioned references: r/antiwork Mihaly Csikzentmihalyi and Flow Target CEO comp package (note: New CEO's comp package is roughly $16m, vs over $70m for the prior CEO in 2020) triple bottom line John Rawls and A Theory of Justice 00:00 Check-In: What's your energy like right now? 04:04 Divorcing doing what's “good work” from ROI 08:16 A “good” experience is the exception rather than the rule 10:06 Protecting yourself isn't “selling out” 15:41 Spending our attention on worthy things 21:35 Leadership vs. worker power disparity is broken 27:31 Ethically designed companies never are publicly traded 31:07 Principles and values of ethical orgs 40:35 Joy at work shouldn't be nickled and dimed 44:35 Idea 1: Don't accept performative change initiatives 47:17 Idea 2: Audit your existing principles and values 48:35 Idea 3: Don't let leadership gaslight you into conforming 50:33 Wrap up: Leave us a review and share the show with a friend Sound engineering and design by Taylor Marvin of Coupe Studios.
In this episode of Growth Think Tank, I chat with Peter, the CEO of Your Your Money Line, about People First Leadership and its role in enhancing organizational success. We discuss the vital link between employee well-being and performance, highlighting financial health as a key stress reducer. Peter emphasizes the importance of empathy, accountability, and open communication in fostering a supportive team culture, leading to improved collaboration and reduced turnover. Our conversation reveals that prioritizing people is both a moral and strategic necessity for sustainable growth in businesses. Episode Highlights & Time Stamps 4:08 The Importance of Financial Well-being 6:25 Defining People First Leadership 7:47 Building a People First Culture 12:10 Values That Shape Leadership 16:02 Challenges in Implementing Leadership Values 22:22 The Impact on Bottom Line Key Takeaways ➤
In this episode of the podcast, we interview investor and nurse Miranda Widmeyer about her first ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) project in California—turning a used tiny home on wheels into a fully permitted, high-cash-flow rental. Miranda shares how she intentionally bought a property with space for an ADU, used a rent-by-the-room strategy in the main house to cover her mortgage, and then found a $40,000 tiny home on Facebook Marketplace, negotiating creative seller financing to avoid overleveraging.She walks through the realities of being the first person in her city to convert a tiny home into an ADU, including months of back-and-forth with the city, the manufacturer, and engineers to satisfy code, secure plans, and work through Insignia and permitting challenges.Miranda breaks down her actual numbers—including utilities and concrete —and her target rental income, which comes in under budget and beats the 2% rule. She also discusses funding the project with a HELOC and extra hospital shifts, the power of problem-solving and not taking “no” for an answer, and how the WIIRE Community helped her lead her team and push the project across the finish line. Resources:Get in touch with Miranda WidmeyerGet all the deets on Miranda's Scrubs2Success Community Simplify 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
On the Schmooze Podcast: Leadership | Strategic Networking | Relationship Building
Today's guest has spent over four decades mastering the art and science of differentiation. As the founder and CEO of LABOV Marketing Communications and Training, he's developed a proprietary Brand Re-Engineering process that helps leaders discover and maximize what makes their brands truly special. His approach is simple yet powerful: Win hearts, minds, and market share. His clients range from Harley-Davidson and Audi of America to The Macallan Scotch Whisky, Can-Am, and some of the most respected manufacturing companies in the world. His track record speaks volumes. A two-time Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year recipient and Hall of Fame inductee. He is the host of the Difference Talks podcast and has written or co-authored over a dozen business books, including "The Power of Differentiation." He's also penned over 100 business articles on brand re-engineering, customer loyalty, employee engagement, and more. His expertise has been featured on CNBC, Fox Business, and numerous podcasts. Please join me in welcoming Barry LaBov. In this episode, we discuss the following:
Transform My Dance Studio – The Podcast For Dance Studio Owners
You're working harder than ever… so why doesn't your studio feel more profitable? If you've ever looked at your numbers and thought, "Where is the money?" this episode will shift the way you think about profit forever. In this powerful solo conversation, Olivia Mode-Cater challenges one of the most uncomfortable truths in entrepreneurship: profit is not natural. Your business will always find ways to spend money, especially in the name of care, growth, new ideas, team, and upgrades. That doesn't make you bad at business. It makes you human. But if you want long-term sustainability, profit must be protected on purpose. Olivia introduces her "Three Climbs" framework: viability, stability, and profitability. She explains why most dance studio owners get stuck in survival or systemization without ever fully stepping into true margin-building leadership. With summer approaching, she also breaks down why summer camps are one of the easiest places for profit to quietly disappear and how to build profitability into your planning before registration even opens. This is about more than spreadsheets. It's about stepping fully into your CEO role. Because you are not a teacher who happens to own a business. You are an entrepreneur. You Will Learn: Why "profit is unnatural" — and why that's empowering The 3 Climbs of entrepreneurship: viability, stability, and profitability How survival mode keeps profit off your radar What "systems bloat," "tech bloat," and "team bloat" are really costing you The different types of ROI every studio owner should evaluate Why summer planning must start with expenses and profit margin The industry's average profit margin — and why 15% should be your minimum goal How to forecast summer camps with clarity and intention The mindset shift from "teacher who owns a studio" to "entrepreneur" Why progress over perfection is critical for financial growth If you're ready to stop hoping for profit and start protecting it, this episode is your next climb. Join our growing community of people just like you inside our free Facebook group. Click here to join! Register for Stop The Scroll on Wednesday, July 29 in Washington, D.C: https://www.dsoa.com/sts Watch our video episodes and subscribe on YouTube here. Follow The Dance Studio Owners Association: Instagram: @dancestudioownersassociation | TikTok: @dsoaofficial | Facebook: @dancestudioownersassociation Follow Olivia Mode-Cater: Instagram: @olivia.modecater | TikTok: @olivia.modecater
Today, Jennifer Karpus-Romain from the Transportation Marketing & Sales Association (TMSA) joins the show for an inside look at how the TMSA ELEVATE Conference is reshaping transportation sales and marketing through five role-specific learning tracks focused on real-world case studies, measurable ROI, and practical networking that actually moves businesses forward! Jennifer and I also talk about why successful freight sales strategies now require a true multi-channel approach, combining cold outreach, digital content, AI-enabled efficiency, and strong human connection skills, to win in today's tech-driven logistics landscape, along with how ongoing post-conference content delivery and continuous professional development are becoming essential for long-term growth in freight brokerage, supply chain management, and transportation marketing. Register for the TMSA ELEVATE Conference: https://www.tmsatoday.org/elevate-global-marketing-summit-and-sales-summit About Jennifer Karpus-Romain Jennifer is the Executive Director of the Transportation Marketing & Sales Association (TMSA), where she leads strategy, programming, and community for sales and marketing professionals across the logistics industry. Known for connecting people and ideas that actually move the industry forward, Jen focuses on the intersection of revenue growth, brand, and leadership inside transportation and supply chain organizations. Jen works closely with logistics companies to align sales and marketing, strengthen messaging, and build communities that convert into real business relationships. She's also the host of TMSA's On the Move podcast and a frequent industry speaker on leadership, storytelling, and the future of go-to-market in freight. At her core, Jen believes this industry runs on relationships, and she's made a career out of building rooms where the right people find each other. Connect with Jennifer Website: https://www.tmsatoday.org/ Email: jennifer@tmsatoday.org LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenkarpusromain/