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What happens when decades of clinical research experience collide with a regulatory environment that is changing faster than ever? In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I sat down with Dr Werner Engelbrecht, Senior Director of Strategy at Veeva Systems, for a wide-ranging conversation that explores how life sciences organizations across Europe are responding to mounting regulatory pressure, rapid advances in AI, and growing expectations around transparency and patient trust. Werner brings a rare perspective to this discussion. His career spans clinical research, pharmaceutical development, health authorities, and technology strategy, shaped by firsthand experience as an investigator and later as a senior industry leader. That background gives him a grounded, practical view of what is actually changing inside pharma and biotech organizations, beyond the headlines around AI Acts, data rules, and compliance frameworks. We talk openly about why regulations such as GDPR, the EU AI Act, and ACT-EU are creating real pressure for organizations that are already operating in highly controlled environments. But rather than framing compliance as a blocker, Werner explains why this moment presents an opening for better collaboration, stronger data foundations, and more consistent ways of working across internal teams. According to him, the real challenge is less about technology and more about how companies manage data quality, align processes, and break down silos that slow everything from trial setup to regulatory response times. Our conversation also digs into where AI is genuinely making progress today in life sciences and where caution still matters. Werner shares why drug discovery and non-patient-facing use cases are moving faster, while areas like trial execution and real-world patient data still demand stronger evidence, cleaner datasets, and clearer governance. His perspective cuts through hype and focuses on what is realistic in an industry where patient safety remains the defining responsibility. We also explore patient recruitment, decentralized trials, and the growing complexity of diseases themselves. Advances in genomics and diagnostics are reshaping how trials are designed, which in turn raises questions about access to electronic health records, data harmonization across Europe, and the safeguards regulators care about most. Werner connects these dots in a way that highlights both the operational strain and the long-term upside. Toward the end, we look ahead at emerging technologies such as blockchain and connected devices, and how they could strengthen data integrity, monitoring, and regulatory confidence over time. It is a thoughtful discussion that reflects both optimism and realism, rooted in lived experience rather than theory. If you are working anywhere near clinical research, regulatory affairs, or digital transformation in life sciences, this episode offers a clear-eyed view of where the industry stands today and where it may be heading next. How should organizations turn regulation into momentum instead of resistance, and what will it take to earn lasting trust from patients, partners, and regulators alike? Useful Links Connect with Dr Werner Engelbrecht Learn more about Veeva Systems Viva Summit Europe and Viva Summit USA Follow on LinkedIn Thanks to our sponsors, Alcor, for supporting the show.
What if one of the best-performing investments over the last few decades wasn't stocks, real estate, or gold — but LEGO? It sounds absurd, yet when researchers tracked the resale value of LEGO sets, they found returns that beat many traditional investments. We begin by looking at which sets gain value, why they do, and what makes some toys unexpectedly valuable. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0275531921001604 Life rarely goes according to plan. Careers shift, relationships change, health issues arise, and unexpected events force us to adapt — often before we feel ready. Since change is unavoidable, the real question becomes: how do you respond when life throws you off course? Maya Shankar joins me with powerful insights on navigating uncertainty and finding meaning when plans fall apart. Maya is a cognitive scientist, former senior advisor in the Obama White House, Senior Director of Behavioral Economics at Google, host of A Slight Change of Plans, and author of The Other Side of Change: Who We Become When Life Makes Other Plans (https://amzn.to/4qAad5U) Time is one of the few constants in life — yet our experience of it is anything but constant. Why does time seem to fly on vacation but crawl in traffic? Why do many people feel that time speeds up as they get older? And what is time, really? Sten Odenwald helps untangle these questions. He's a longtime astronomer, Director of NASA's STEM Resource Development Project, and author of The Essential Book of Time (https://amzn.to/3N6qNfm). And finally, legendary relationship researcher John Gottman says long-term relationships don't succeed because of romance, passion, or even communication skills alone. Instead, they hinge on just two essential qualities — and without them, relationships are likely doomed. Listen to find out what they are. https://www.businessinsider.com/lasting-relationships-rely-on-2-traits-2014-11 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Most operators think better tech will fix their problems. It won't.In this episode, Frank Bosi (Hostfully) joins the show to unpack the real challenges STR leaders face as they scale—pressure, decision fatigue, emotional weight, and the constant tension between automation and hospitality.Drawing from years inside luxury hotels like Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons, Frank breaks down what most operators get wrong about tech stacks, leadership, hiring, and guest experience—and how to build systems that create confidence instead of doubt.Inside this episode:Why tech stack decisions are emotional, not logicalHow disconnected tools quietly create leadership stressThe difference between automating tasks vs removing hospitalityWhat luxury hotels get right about training and consistencyWhy leaders must absorb pressure instead of passing it downHow to hire people who protect your brand when you're not watchingThis is a must-listen for any STR operator building a team, scaling systems, or feeling the weight of leadership.00:01 – Why Tech Stack Decisions Are Emotional, Not Logical03:45 – Automation vs Hospitality: Where Operators Go Too Far07:10 – The Weight of Leadership Most People Aren't Ready For11:00 – Why Disconnected Tools Create Doubt and Stress15:20 – Lessons STR Operators Can Steal From Luxury Hotels19:10 – Why Leaders Can't Have “Bad Days” Publicly23:30 – Hiring People Who Protect Your Brand When You're Not There27:40 – Training, Standards, and Why Consistency Beats Luxury31:50 – Using Tech to Create Confidence, Not Complexity36:40 – The Real Role of a Leader in Scaling STR OperationsGuest Bio:Frank Bosi is the Senior Director of Partnerships at Hostfully, a leading platform supporting short-term rental operators around the world. He drives strategic relationships across the STR ecosystem; working with technology partners, influencers, coaches & thought leaders to help property managers scale and deliver great guest experiences.Frank also actively contributes to industry conversations through webinars, events and podcasts (such as this) designed to help operators grow smarter, faster, and more profitably.Outside of work, Frank prioritizes faith, fitness, and family; spending his free time with his wife and kids, training CrossFit, and staying focused on overall wellbeing.Guest Link:https://www.instagram.com/frank_bosi/Get FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:https://group.strsecrets.com/
Matt Ezyk has decades of experience building, scaling and leading digital commerce technology and strategy at some of the most innovative companies in the world. Matt serves as Senior Director of Engineering, Ecommerce at Hanna Andersson which is a leading direct-to-consumer premium children's apparel and lifestyle brand. Prior to joining Hanna Andersson, he led digital at Pet Supermarket with oversight of product and engineering. Additionally he served as Director of Functional Architecture and Director of PMO at RafterOne (f/k/a PixelMedia) with operational oversight of teams working with iconic brands like Skechers and LL Bean. Matt also served in progressive leadership roles at Accenture, Merkle (f/k/a LiveArea) and several startups working with hundreds of global brands like Uniqlo, Disney, Revlon, Tapestry and many more. Matt brings to retailers and DTC brands a deep expertise in developing and implementing diverse end-to-end commerce strategies. In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:00] Intro[00:24] Sponsor: Taboola[01:41] Connecting tech decisions to business growth[04:36] Comparing agency and brand-side perspectives[07:24] Sponsor: Next Insurance[08:37] Delivering progress customers can feel[09:58] Choosing platforms based on business maturity[13:03] Callouts[13:13] Auditing tech to recover lost conversions[15:31] Reducing redundancy to improve performance[17:47] Evaluating third-party tools for value[19:36] Sponsor: Electric Eye[20:44] Improving conversion with UX and engineering[22:25] Augmenting team expertise with AI tools[27:46] Balancing speed with long-term scalabilityResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeKids clothes from playtime to bedtime hannaandersson.com/Follow Matt Ezyk linkedin.com/in/mezykReach your best audience at the lowest cost! discover.taboola.com/honest/Easy, affordable coverage that grows with your business nextinsurance.com/honest/Schedule an intro call with one of our experts electriceye.io/connectIf you're enjoying the show, we'd love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!
In this episode of Aerospace Unplugged, our host Adam Kress is joined by special guest, Ben Hutchins, Senior Director of Government Relations for Defense & Space at Honeywell Aerospace.They discuss the journey involved when transitioning from military service to civilian life and into a successful career in the aerospace industry.Episode Highlights:Pilot's Experience in the Military: Learn about our guest's journey during his service, including what it was like flying an F-35 fighter jet, what prompted his new step in career, and more. The Transition into Civilian Life: Explore the lessons and challenges learned moving from military service to the private sector, and how his expertise continues to be leveraged to support Honeywell's defense programs, inclduing the F-35 PTMS. Reflection on Career Journey & Outlook for the Future: Dive into advice our guest has for veterans considering a similar military transition journey to civilian life, and what he looks forward to for the future of defense and space.Explore more about our Honeywell Defense & Space solutions.
CES 2026 Just Showed Us the Future. It's More Practical Than You Think.CES has always been part crystal ball, part carnival. But something shifted this year.I caught up with Brian Comiskey—Senior Director of Innovation and Trends at CTA and a futurist by trade—days after 148,000 people walked the Las Vegas floor. What he described wasn't the usual parade of flashy prototypes destined for tech graveyards. This was different. This was technology getting serious about actually being useful.Three mega trends defined the show: intelligent transformation, longevity, and engineering tomorrow. Fancy terms, but they translate to something concrete: AI that works, health tech that extends lives, and innovations that move us, power us, and feed us. Not technology for its own sake. Technology with a job to do.The AI conversation has matured. A year ago, generative AI was the headline—impressive demos, uncertain applications. Now the use cases are landing. Industrial AI is optimizing factory operations through digital twins. Agentic AI is handling enterprise workflows autonomously. And physical AI—robotics—is getting genuinely capable. Brian pointed to robotic vacuums that now have arms, wash floors, and mop. Not revolutionary in isolation, but symbolic of something larger: AI escaping the screen and entering the physical world.Humanoid robots took a visible leap. Companies like Sharpa and Real Hand showcased machines folding laundry, picking up papers, playing ping pong. The movement is becoming fluid, dexterous, human-like. LG even introduced a consumer-facing humanoid. We're past the novelty phase. The question now is integration—how these machines will collaborate, cowork, and coexist with humans.Then there's energy—the quiet enabler hiding behind the AI headlines.Korea Hydro Nuclear Power demonstrated small modular reactors. Next-generation nuclear that could cleanly power cities with minimal waste. A company called Flint Paper Battery showcased recyclable batteries using zinc instead of lithium and cobalt. These aren't sexy announcements. They're foundational.Brian framed it well: AI demands energy. Quantum computing demands energy. The future demands energy. Without solving that equation, everything else stalls. The good news? AI itself is being deployed for grid modernization, load balancing, and optimizing renewable cycles. The technologies aren't competing—they're converging.Quantum made the leap from theory to presence. CES launched a new area called Foundry this year, featuring innovations from D-Wave and Quantum Computing Inc. Brian still sees quantum as a 2030s defining technology, but we're in the back half of the 2020s now. The runway is shorter than we thought.His predictions for 2026: quantum goes more mainstream, humanoid robotics moves beyond enterprise into consumer markets, and space technologies start playing a bigger role in connectivity and research. The threads are weaving together.Technology conversations often drift toward dystopia—job displacement, surveillance, environmental cost. Brian sees it differently. The convergence of AI, quantum, and clean energy could push things toward something better. The pieces exist. The question is whether we assemble them wisely.CES is a snapshot. One moment in the relentless march. But this year's snapshot suggests technology is entering a phase where substance wins over spectacle.That's a future worth watching.This episode is part of the Redefining Society and Technology podcast's CES 2026 coverage. Subscribe to stay informed as technology and humanity continue to intersect.Subscribe to the Redefining Society and Technology podcast. Stay curious. Stay human.> https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7079849705156870144/Marco Ciappelli: https://www.marcociappelli.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
This episode is sponsored by Your360 AI. Get 10% off through January 2026 at Your360.ai with code: INSIDE. Tulsee Doshi is Senior Director and Head of Product for Gemini Models at Google DeepMind. She joins us to reveal how real-world usage is reshaping Google's AI roadmap in unexpected ways. We explore the surprising discovery that Deep Think excels at creative writing rather than just academic research, why the team is now pursuing layer-based editing capabilities for Nano Banana Pro based on user demand, and how internal adoption patterns exceeded expectations. We also cover Gemini 3's reasoning breakthroughs, the path from research to production, and what Google learned from achieving gold medal performance at the International Mathematical Olympiad. Hit play for a candid discussion about AI development. Note: Time codes subject to change depending on dynamic ad insertion by the distributor. CHAPTERS: 00:00:00 - Podcast begins 00:01:32 - Introducing Tulsee Doshi, Head of Product for Gemini Models 00:03:20 - Nano Banana Pro Launch: Surprises and User Adoption Two Months Later 00:04:17 - What Users Are Asking For: Future Directions for Nano Banana Pro 00:05:21 - User Demand for Photoshop-Style Editing and Layered Image Control 00:06:04 - Gemini 3 Integration Across Google Products and Beyond 00:08:23 - Will AI Change How We Interact With Google Products? 00:12:20 - The Future of Real World Models and 3D Spatial Understanding 00:27:36 - Deep Think Explained: When to Use Different Gemini Modes 00:28:41 - Deep Think Use Cases: Academic Research, Enterprise, and Consumer Applications 00:30:51 - Surprising Deep Think Application: Creative Writing Beyond Academic Research 00:31:45 - The Future of AI-Generated Movies and Long-Form Content 00:32:00 - Thank you to Tulsee Doshi for joining the AI Inside podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
At age 15, Dr. Maya Shankar suffered a devastating hand injury that abruptly ended her promising violin career and shattered her sense of identity. Forced to reimagine a future beyond music, she turned to cognitive and behavioral science to understand how humans navigate unexpected change. That path led her to President Obama's White House, where she applied human behavior insights to influence policy and improve decision-making at scale. In this episode, Dr. Maya reveals the power of human psychology and how small mindset shifts can help us make better decisions when life doesn't go as planned. In this episode, Hala and Dr. Maya will discuss: (00:00) Introduction (02:13) Dr. Maya's Early Life and Violin Journey (11:04) What Is Behavioral and Cognitive Science? (21:23) The Sunk Cost Fallacy Explained (26:55) Her Impact at the White House (37:24) Understanding the Power of Nudging (43:43) Why Changing Minds Is So Difficult (46:24) Practical Nudging Tactics for Everyday Decisions (50:12) Decision-Making Biases You Need to Know (54:32) A Slight Change of Plans Podcast Mission Dr. Maya Shankar is a cognitive scientist and the creator, executive producer, and host of the podcast A Slight Change of Plans. She currently serves as Senior Director of Behavioral Economics at Google and previously founded the White House Behavioral Science Team under President Obama, where she served as a Senior Advisor. Dr. Maya completed a postdoctoral fellowship in cognitive neuroscience at Stanford, earned a Ph.D. in cognitive psychology from Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar, and holds a B.A. from Yale. Sponsored By: Indeed - Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at Indeed.com/profiting Shopify - Start your $1/month trial at Shopify.com/profiting. Spectrum Business - Visit Spectrum.com/FreeForLife to learn how you can get Business Internet Free Forever. Northwest Registered Agent - Build your brand and get your complete business identity in just 10 clicks and 10 minutes at northwestregisteredagent.com/paidyap Framer - Publish beautiful and production-ready websites. Go to Framer.com/profiting and get 30% off their Framer Pro annual plan. Intuit QuickBooks - Start the new year strong and take control of your cash flow at QuickBooks.com/money Quo - Run your business communications the smart way. Try Quo for free, plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to quo.com/profiting Working Genius - Take the Working Genius assessment and discover your natural gifts and thrive at work. Go to workinggenius.com and get 20% off with code PROFITING Resources Mentioned: Dr. Maya's Podcast, A Slight Change of Plans: bit.ly/ASCOP-apple Dr. Maya's Website: mayashankar.com Nudge by Cass Sunstein: bit.ly/-Nudge Active Deals - youngandprofiting.com/deals Key YAP Links Reviews - ratethispodcast.com/yap YouTube - youtube.com/c/YoungandProfiting Newsletter - youngandprofiting.co/newsletter LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/htaha/ Instagram - instagram.com/yapwithhala/ Social + Podcast Services: yapmedia.com Transcripts - youngandprofiting.com/episodes-new Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurship Podcast, Business, Business Podcast, Self Improvement, Self-Improvement, Personal Development, Starting a Business, Strategy, Investing, Sales, Selling, Psychology, Productivity, Entrepreneurs, AI, Artificial Intelligence, Technology, Marketing, Negotiation, Money, Finance, Side Hustle, Startup, Mental Health, Career, Leadership, Mindset, Health, Growth Mindset, Positivity, Human Nature, Critical Thinking, Robert Greene, Chris Voss, Robert Cialdini
Are you an AI skeptic or an enthusiast? Ethan and Drew sit down with Igor Tarasenko, Senior Director of Product Software Architecture and Engineering at Equinix, to break down the reality of AI in the network. In this sponsored episode, Tarasenko discusses why APIs are the new CLI, the critical need for observability in AI,... Read more »
Are you an AI skeptic or an enthusiast? Ethan and Drew sit down with Igor Tarasenko, Senior Director of Product Software Architecture and Engineering at Equinix, to break down the reality of AI in the network. In this sponsored episode, Tarasenko discusses why APIs are the new CLI, the critical need for observability in AI,... Read more »
Our analysts (or “bakers”) compete in a Great British Bake Off–style episode, discussing why podcasts will be more important to digital audio marketers than music and how FAST services will help push AVOD viewership across the 200 million milestone. Join Senior Director of Podcasts and host Marcus Johnson, along with Principal Forecasting Writer Ethan Cramer-Flood and Senior Director of Forecasting Oscar Orozco. Listen everywhere, and watch on YouTube and Spotify. Subscribe to EMARKETER's newsletters. Go to https://www.emarketer.com/newsletters Follow us on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/emarketer/ For sponsorship opportunities, contact us: advertising@emarketer.com For more information, visit: https://www.emarketer.com/advertise/ Have questions or just want to say hi? Drop us a line at podcast@emarketer.com For a transcript of this episode, click here: https://www.emarketer.com/content/podcast-great-btn-bake-take-off-forecast-trends-2026-podcasts-beat-music-marketers-fast-fuels-avod © 2026 EMARKETER
Are you an AI skeptic or an enthusiast? Ethan and Drew sit down with Igor Tarasenko, Senior Director of Product Software Architecture and Engineering at Equinix, to break down the reality of AI in the network. In this sponsored episode, Tarasenko discusses why APIs are the new CLI, the critical need for observability in AI,... Read more »
Government critics and pro-democracy campaigners used to be relatively safe when they fled into exile. Now transnational repression means that corrupt and abusive regimes can target them through a wide range of strategies ranging from online intimidation through to physical violence and assassination, no matter where they are in the world. So are we now living in the golden age of transnational repression – and if so, what does that mean for the future of civil liberties and political rights? Join the People, Power, Politics podcast as we talk to Nate Schenkkan, former Senior Director of Research at Freedom House, to discuss these issues and so much more! Transcript of the episode here Guest: Nate Schenkkan is a researcher and policy analyst specializing in authoritarianism, transnational repression, and democratic resilience. He previously served as Senior Director of Research at Freedom House. His previous work has examined authoritarian influence networks, repression of exiles and diasporas, and the erosion of democratic institutions across Eurasia and beyond. A frequent commentator and author, Schenkkan's research has been featured in major international outlets and policy forums, contributing to our understanding of how autocrats extend coercion across borders and how democracies can respond. Presenter: Dr Nic Cheeseman is the Professor of Democracy and International Development at the University of Birmingham and Founding Director of CEDAR. The People, Power, Politics podcast brings you the latest insights into the factors that are shaping and re-shaping our political world. It is brought to you by the Centre for Elections, Democracy, Accountability and Representation (CEDAR) based at the University of Birmingham, United Kingdom. Join us to better understand the factors that promote and undermine democratic government around the world and follow us on Twitter at @CEDAR_Bham! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network
We kick off our CPG series with Dr. Erin Marasco, Senior Director of Global Biology at Cargill, who leads innovation in ingredient discovery, strain development, and biotech applications. Erin takes us on a fascinating journey from the fundamentals of fermentation to the complexities of scaling biotech products from lab bench to global supply chains. We explore Cargill's 30-year history in biomanufacturing, discuss why terms like "precision fermentation" might be doing more harm than good, and learn what it really takes for startups to partner with multinational companies. Erin shares insights on feedstock diversity across continents, the future of nutritional bioactives in everyday foods, and why success in biotech means moving from "novel" to "preferred." This conversation is essential listening for anyone interested in how biology is quietly transforming every aisle of the grocery store.Grow Everything brings the bioeconomy to life. Hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan share stories and interview the leaders and influencers changing the world by growing everything. Biology is the oldest technology. And it can be engineered. What are we growing?Learn more at www.messaginglab.com/groweverything Chapters:(00:00:00) - Introduction & New Year Kickoff — Welcome to 2026 and the start of our CPG series!(00:01:00) - JP Morgan Conference & South Africa Travel(00:05:00) - New Food Pyramid Controversy(00:10:00) - Introducing Erin Marasco & Cargill's Role in Biotech(00:17:00) - Where Biotech Creates Real Leverage at Cargill(00:21:00) - Demystifying Fermentation: Why Now?(00:26:00) - How Cargill Partners with Startups(00:30:00) - Biggest Misconceptions About Working with Big Companies(00:33:00) - What Product Readiness Means to Cargill(00:38:00) - Plasmids to Pallets: Successful Partnership Examples(00:47:00) - Feedstock Diversity Across Continents(00:53:00) - The Future: Nutrition as Everyday Food(00:58:00) - Quick Fire Questions & Retiring "Precision Fermentation"(01:03:00) - Wrap-Up & What's Next in the CPG SeriesLinks and Resources:CargillCargill Fermentation BlogFermentation: nature's original biotech by CargillCantabria Labs (sunscreen from plant extracts)Viro - Sugarcane StrawsSawubona Mycelium Heliocare Cantabria Labs Andreesen Horowitz, VC fund, raised a $15 billion Topics Covered: biotech, industry, biomanufacturing, bioprocessing, agriculture, agritech, strain engineering, biotech R&D, feedstocks, chemical engineering, bioengineeringHave a question or comment? Message us here:Text or Call (804) 505-5553 Music by: Nihilore Production by: Amplafy Media
Have you ever felt terrified of change… not just because life is shifting, but because you feel like you're shifting with it? I know that feeling well — and this week's conversation opened my heart and mind in such a profound way. In this week's episode of HEAL with Kelly, I sit down with Dr. Maya Shankar, a renowned cognitive scientist whose work sits at the intersection of identity, behavior, and human transformation. Maya is the Senior Director of Behavioral Economics at Google, the creator and host of the award-winning podcast A Slight Change of Plans, and the former Senior Policy Advisor in the Obama White House. She founded and chaired the White House Social and Behavioral Sciences Team and later became the first Behavioral Science Advisor to the United Nations. Maya's new book, The Other Side of Change, is a stunning blend of research and storytelling. In our conversation, we explore why change can feel so destabilizing, how our brains are wired to resist uncertainty, and what happens when the identities we've clung to suddenly fall away. Maya shares vulnerably about losing the violin career she spent her childhood building, and later, facing the grief and identity questions that came with unexpected challenges around motherhood. We also dive into some of the most fascinating ideas from her work — like why we mistakenly believe we're “done changing,” how awe and moral beauty can completely redirect our lives, and a simple 5-minute practice that can ground us when we feel unmoored. We talk about the stories we inherit, the ones we outgrow, and the courage it takes to imagine ourselves beyond old definitions. In a world where CHANGE is the only constant, Maya's work is a lighthouse. This conversation is honest, expansive, and full of insight. If you're navigating transition, grieving a path that didn't unfold, questioning your identity, or simply curious about who you're becoming… this episode is for you. Key Moments You'll Love ✨:
The Twenty Minute VC: Venture Capital | Startup Funding | The Pitch
Noam Lovinsky is the CPO @ Superhuman (formerly Grammerly). Prior to Superhuman he was a Senior Director of Product Management at Facebook. In his earlier years he was CPO @ Thumbtack and spent 5 years as a Director of Product Management at Google where he was responsible for all of Youtube's applications. AGENDA: 03:43 What is Great Product Leadership in a World of AI 07:45 Does the Design Phase Die in a World of Vibe Coding 12:21 How AI Changes Product Development Most 22:23 Accelerating Product Development 29:32 AI's Impact on Product Building 34:19 Predictions for 2026 34:45 Quick Fire Round 38:41 Reflections and Future Plans
Is it possible for IT professionals to remain technical when moving into roles that expand influence, scale, and reach? Matt Starling, Senior Director of Product Marketing at Ekahau and co-founder of the WiFi Ninjas podcast, joins Alexis and Kevin to share how your career can evolve beyond on-call operations without losing the technical core. His... Read more »
Braves Fest is coming this January 31st and Geoffrey Schmidt, Senior Director of Entertainment and Events, joined The Locker Room with all the details for what fans should expect with the returning event. Click here for more details Braves FestSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week, Ben and Dave discuss the ongoing controversy surrounding Grok and its ability to generate nonconsensual nude images, raising fresh concerns about AI safeguards, consent, and accountability, before turning to a conversation with Caitlin Clarke, Senior Director for Cybersecurity Services at Venable, who breaks down the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015 (CISA). While this show covers legal topics, and Ben is a lawyer, the views expressed do not constitute legal advice. For official legal advice on any of the topics we cover, please contact your attorney. Links to today's stories: There's One Easy Solution to the A.I. Porn Problem UK probes X over Grok CSAM scandal; Elon Musk cries censorship Get the weekly Caveat Briefing delivered to your inbox. Like what you heard? Be sure to check out and subscribe to our Caveat Briefing, a weekly newsletter available exclusively to N2K Pro members on N2K CyberWire's website. N2K Pro members receive our Thursday wrap-up covering the latest in privacy, policy, and research news, including incidents, techniques, compliance, trends, and more. This week's Caveat Briefing covers India's proposed smartphone security rules that would require manufacturers like Apple and Samsung to share source code for government review, impose strict permission controls, mandate malware scanning and long-term log retention, and limit how devices can be updated or downgraded. Tech companies and industry groups are pushing back, warning the measures are impractical, lack global precedent, could harm performance and battery life, and may delay critical security updates that protect users. Curious about the details? Head over to the Caveat Briefing for the full scoop and additional compelling stories. Got a question you'd like us to answer on our show? You can send your audio file to caveat@thecyberwire.com. Hope to hear from you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Is it possible for IT professionals to remain technical when moving into roles that expand influence, scale, and reach? Matt Starling, Senior Director of Product Marketing at Ekahau and co-founder of the WiFi Ninjas podcast, joins Alexis and Kevin to share how your career can evolve beyond on-call operations without losing the technical core. His... Read more »
Welcome to Episode 419 of the Microsoft Cloud IT Pro Podcast. In this episode, Ben is once again live from Workplace Ninjas and is joined by John Joyner, an 18-year Microsoft MVP in Cloud Security and Azure Management. They discuss some of the announcements from Microsoft Ignite focused around Microsoft Security as well as diving deep into the new Security Store, AI agents, Security Compute Units (SCUs), and how Microsoft is making enterprise AI security more accessible and affordable than ever. Key topics include the phishing triage agent, conditional access optimization, E5 integration with included SCUs, and the strategic consolidation of security services into the Defender XDR portal. Whether you’re a security professional or IT administrator, this conversation provides valuable insights into Microsoft’s AI-driven security roadmap and how to stay ahead of AI-powered threats. Your support makes this show possible! Please consider becoming a premium member for access to live shows and more. Check out our membership options. Show Notes John Joyner on LinkedIn John Joyner’s Blog John Joyner’s Books Corica Technologies What is Microsoft Security Copilot? Security Store Microsoft Security Copilot agents overview Learn about Security Copilot inclusion in Microsoft 365 E5 subscription Microsoft Security Copilot Phishing Triage Agent in Microsoft Defender John Joyner John Joyner is an inventor, author, speaker, and professor specializing in datacenter and enterprise cloud computing. He serves as Senior Director of Technology at Corsica Technologies (formerly AccountabilIT), where he delivers next-generation technology management services to customers worldwide as a cloud architect helping businesses stay competitive. John is a Microsoft Azure MVP and Security MVP, having been recognized eighteen times (2007-2026) as a Microsoft Most Valuable Professional for his exceptional technical expertise, leadership, speaking experience, online influence, and commitment to solving real-world problems. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an Emphasis in Human Resources Management from the University of Colorado at Boulder. From 2007 to 2024, John served as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Arkansas Little Rock, teaching a pro-bono cloud computing management course open to all Arkansas residents. As an author, John co-wrote the 2021 book “Azure Arc-Enabled Kubernetes and Server” from Apress and contributed to four editions of the industry-standard “System Center Operations Manager: Unleashed” from SAMS Publishing (2005-2013). Between 2012 and 2015, he authored weekly cloud and datacenter columns for CBS Technology publications including TechRepublic and ZDNet. A retired U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander and computer scientist, John worked for NATO in Europe and aboard an aircraft carrier in the Pacific. He earned the Computer Scientist sub-specialty and served as chief of network operations for NATO during the former Yugoslavia conflict. He is also a veteran of the Persian Gulf War. Outside of technology, John’s personal passions include 4-wheeling in his ‘Black Ops’ Jeep Wrangler and running a visionary art clothing company called Lit Like Luma. About the sponsors Would you like to become the irreplaceable Microsoft 365 resource for your organization? Let us know!
On this episode of Asia Inside Out, Rorry Daniels, Managing Director, sits down with Dr. Leslie Teo, Senior Director of AI Products at AI Singapore, to explore how Singapore is shaping AI adoption and setting governance norms across Southeast Asia. Ahead of the upcoming AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, they cover the importance of localized large language models and open-source data to equitable AI adoption. Asia Inside Out brings together our team and special guests to take you beyond the latest policy headlines and provide an insider's view on regional and global affairs. Each month we'll deliver an interview with informed experts, analysts, and decision-makers from across the Asia-Pacific region. If you want to dig into the details of how policy works, this is the podcast for you. This podcast is produced by the Asia Society Policy Institute, a “think-and-do tank” working on the cutting edge of current policy trends by incorporating the best ideas from our experts and contributors into recommendations for policy makers to put these plans into practice.
Matthew Kroenig, Vice President and Senior Director of the Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security at the Atlantic Council, sits down with James M. Lindsay to discuss how President Trump has approached foreign policy since returning to the Oval Office last January. Mentioned on the Episode: Matthew Kroenig, “To Get to Peace in Ukraine, Trump Should Play the Nuclear Card,” Foreign Policy Matthew Kroenig, “Trump Has a Strategy for Venezuela,” Foreign Policy Matthew Kroenig, “Trump Should Oust Maduro,” Foreign Policy Matthew Kroenig, “Trump Was Right to Oust Maduro,” New York Times Matthew Kroenig, “Two Cheers for the National Security Strategy,” Foreign Policy For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The President's Inbox at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/presidents-inbox/trump-foreign-policy-at-one-year-with-matthew-kroenig Opinions expressed on The President's Inbox are solely those of the host or our guests, not of CFR, which takes no institutional positions on matters of policy.
On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes welcomes Dan Van Eps, Senior Director at Henry Schein Dental Practice Transitions, for an in-depth look at the world of dental practice sales, valuations, and the often misunderstood role of brokers. With nearly three decades of experience in the dental space—including founding a dental IT company and helping scale Carr Healthcare Realty—Dan brings a rare, well-rounded perspective to what makes practices valuable and how dentists can successfully navigate a sale. From breaking down DSO vs. doctor-to-doctor transactions, to why a $2 million practice isn't always worth what you think, this conversation covers everything from valuation strategy, broker fees, and the critical mistakes sellers make by going it alone. Mark and Dan also discuss trends in consolidation, why the startup market is heating up again, and the real meaning behind that elusive 1% dental loan default rate. This episode is packed with practical advice and insider insights for both buyers and sellers alike. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://dentalpracticetransitions.henryschein.com https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast
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Lisa Inks, Senior Director of Urban Rural Action, joins Shellie and Matt to talk about their work of healing polarization and divided culture. Lisa shares the origins of the organization, tools for conversation and the importance of this work in our current cultural climate. Resources Urban Rural Action (organization) The Colossian Forum (organization) Lombard Mennonite Peace Center (organization) The Socials Urban Rural Action on Facebook Urban Rural Action on Instagram Urban Rural Action on LinkedIn
In this insightful and thought-provoking episode of the FinTech Hunting Podcast, host Michael Hammond sits down with Trina, Senior Director of Servicing Product Strategy at ICE Mortgage Technology, to explore how AI is transforming mortgage servicing and borrower experience.Learn how AI tools like call prediction, note summarization, chatbots, and intelligent virtual agents (IVAs) are driving:Reduced call handling timesImproved borrower empathy and personalizationSelf-service capabilities that match borrower preferencesIncreased retention and repeat businessDiscover how lenders can meet borrowers where they are, increase satisfaction without sacrificing efficiency, and support them during difficult financial moments—without judgment.Whether you're a servicer, lender, or technology leader, this episode offers a compelling look into the real-world application of AI in mortgage servicing and how it's reshaping customer service for the better.
In this episode of AML Conversations, Elliot Berman is joined by Christopher Sindik, Senior Director of Third‑Party Risk and Due Diligence at Blue Umbrella, for a deep dive into the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and the recent deferred prosecution agreement involving Tigo Guatemala, Millicom, and the U.S. Department of Justice. Elliot and Christopher break down how the misconduct unfolded, why the joint‑venture structure created an environment ripe for corruption, and what lessons compliance professionals can draw from the case. The conversation explores practical strategies for strengthening third-party risk management, including intrinsic and acquired risk factors, enhanced controls for high‑corruption jurisdictions, and the critical role of data analytics and AI in detecting anomalies. They also discuss the importance of tone from the top, resource allocation for compliance programs, whistleblower protection, and how companies can ensure that legitimate services are properly documented and auditable. The episode highlights how proactive self-disclosure and robust compliance frameworks can significantly impact outcomes in enforcement actions.
Mike Grzyb, Senior Director of Field Support for ZOLL's EMS business unit joins EMS World Managing Editor Kristin Carroll live at EMS World Expo 2025 in Indianapolis to discuss the new Zenix monitor defibrillator. The device has premarket approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This episode goes into how customer feedback on previous ZOLL devices shaped the Zenix's unique, user friendly design.
Mike Grzyb, Senior Director of Field Support for ZOLL's EMS business unit joins EMS World Managing Editor Kristin Carroll live at EMS World Expo 2025 in Indianapolis to discuss the new Zenix monitor defibrillator. The device has premarket approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. In this second part, Grzyb shares how the Zenix is uniquely suited for the EMS ambulance environment.
Dave's guest this week is Niccolò Gloazzo, Senior Director of Media & Omnichannel at Kettle & Fire, the brand that helped pioneer shelf-stable bone broth and functional soups.Niccolò shares how Kettle & Fire grew from a digitally native brand into a national retail presence, and what it takes to manage DTC, Amazon, retail media, and in-store growth as a single, connected system.The conversation covers why starting in DTC can create leverage across other channels, how reviews and content portability drive performance, and how retail media has evolved into a full-funnel growth engine. Niccolò also shares how seasonal moments, creative testing, and AI-driven planning are shaping the brand's approach to modern commerce.Connect with Niccolò 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
Adam Keown is the CISO at Eastman. In this episode, he joins host Scott Schober and Kendra Cooley, Senior Director of Information Security and IT at Doppel, to discuss humans and the evolving cyber threat landscape, including what tailored, environment-specific training looks like, ideal resilience programs, and more. This episode of CISO Confidential is brought to you by Doppel. Learn more about our sponsor at https://doppel.com.
What does it take to redesign a partner incentive program after more than 20 years—without losing trust, predictability, or momentum? In this episode of Shift Happens, host Jeff Edwards sits down with Fred Farges, Senior Director of Cisco's Global Partner Incentive Program and a key architect of the Cisco 360 Partner Program, to unpack one of the most significant transformations in Cisco's partner ecosystem. They explore how market forces like AI, subscription-based revenue, and customer adoption are reshaping partner profitability—and why Cisco made the decision to co-design its future partner model with partners at global scale. This conversation covers: ● Why legacy partner incentives had to evolve ● How Cisco 360 balances innovation with predictability ● What partners can expect at launch and beyond ● The role of growth, adoption, and lifecycle in long-term success Whether you're inside Cisco, part of the partner ecosystem, or leading change in enterprise technology, this episode offers a clear, candid look at how transformation happens.
In this episode of Wharton Tech Toks, host Debbie Cheng (WG'26) sits down with Carly Price (WEMBA ‘23), Senior Director of Customer & Partner Experience Design at ServiceNow and founder of Liv Labs, a women's health startup.Carly shares what it takes to lead design at scale across industries from retail and finance to automotive and enterprise SaaS. She opens up about launching Liv Labs and balancing startup life with the Wharton WEMBA program, all while working full-time and raising a family.From building beta branches at JPMorgan Chase to integrating AI into UX at ServiceNow, Carly's career is a masterclass in creative leadership, strategic thinking, and staying curious.Whether you're a designer, founder, or MBA navigating your next move, this episode is full of real talk, tactical insights, and inspiration.
Dr. Maya Shankar experienced devastating identity loss twice. First, a sudden injury ended her dreams of becoming a professional violinist; later, repeated miscarriages shattered her vision of motherhood. These losses forced her to confront how deeply she had tied her self-worth to specific roles and imagined futures. Drawing from cognitive science and human psychology, she learned to redefine her identity beyond self-imposed labels. In this episode, Maya explores the psychology of change, revealing why we experience “identity paralysis” when unexpected changes occur, and how we can use that to our advantage. In this episode, Hala and Dr. Maya will discuss: (00:00) Introduction (02:59) Understanding Identity Paralysis (07:21) The Science Behind Change (17:00) Unlocking Potential Future Selves (24:09) The Difference Between Resilience and Reinvention (33:14) How Change Reshapes Values and Beliefs (36:56) Self-Affirmation Exercises That Boost Positivity (40:40) The Change Toolkit: Navigating Life Transitions (57:16) Navigating the Messy Middle of Change (01:00:34) Mastering Career Pivots and Starting Fresh Dr. Maya Shankar is a cognitive scientist and host of the podcast A Slight Change of Plans. She serves as Senior Director of Behavioral Economics at Google and previously founded the White House Behavioral Science Team under President Obama as a Senior Advisor. A Rhodes Scholar with a Ph.D. from Oxford and a B.A. from Yale, Dr. Maya completed her postdoctoral fellowship at Stanford. Her new book, The Other Side of Change, explores the psychology and stories behind life's most disruptive transitions. Sponsored By: Indeed - Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at Indeed.com/PROFITING Shopify - Start your $1/month trial at Shopify.com/profiting. Spectrum Business - Visit Spectrum.com/FreeForLife to learn how you can get Business Internet Free Forever. Northwest Registered Agent - Build your brand and get your complete business identity in just 10 clicks and 10 minutes at northwestregisteredagent.com/paidyap Framer - Publish beautiful and production-ready websites. Go to Framer.com/profiting and get 30% off their Framer Pro annual plan. Intuit QuickBooks - Start the new year strong and take control of your cash flow at QuickBooks.com/money Quo - Run your business communications the smart way. Try Quo for free, plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to quo.com/profiting Working Genius - Take the Working Genius assessment and discover your natural gifts and thrive at work. Go to workinggenius.com and get 20% off with code PROFITING Resources Mentioned: Dr. Maya's Book, The Other Side of Change: bit.ly/TOSOC Dr. Maya's Podcast, A Slight Change of Plans: bit.ly/ASCOP-apple Dr. Maya's Instagram: instagram.com/drmayashankar Dr. Maya's Website: mayashankar.com Active Deals - youngandprofiting.com/deals Key YAP Links Reviews - ratethispodcast.com/yap YouTube - youtube.com/c/YoungandProfiting Newsletter - youngandprofiting.co/newsletter LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/htaha/ Instagram - instagram.com/yapwithhala/ Social + Podcast Services: yapmedia.com Transcripts - youngandprofiting.com/episodes-new Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurship Podcast, Business, Business Podcast, Self Improvement, Self-Improvement, Personal Development, Starting a Business, Strategy, Investing, Sales, Selling, Psychology, Productivity, Entrepreneurs, AI, Artificial Intelligence, Technology, Marketing, Negotiation, Money, Finance, Side Hustle, Startup, Mental Health, Career, Leadership, Mindset, Health, Growth Mindset, Habits, Human Nature, Critical Thinking, Robert Greene, Chris Voss, Robert Cialdini
The RV world always has back-channel stories and simmering controversies, and in this News Edition of the RV Podcast, we break down a couple of those stories and why they matter to RVers.In Episode 582, we dig into the growing backlash over the Harvest Hosts takeover of Escapees RV Club, where longtime members say a once-beloved community is being hollowed out in the name of profit. We examine what private equity ownership really means for RV clubs and why this story has struck such a nerve across the RV community.We also take a close look at major shake-ups in RV technician training. The sudden and unexplained departure of the president of the RV Technical Institute has raised serious questions at a time when the industry desperately needs qualified RV service techs. On top of that, we report on the reported sale of the National RV Training Academy in Texas and what it could mean for future RV tech education.There is more confusion at America's national parks as new entrance fees for international visitors are causing delays and long lines at park gates. With staffing shortages already stretching the National Park Service thin, we explain what RV travelers should expect and how to plan ahead.And finally, Marcus Lemonis may be gone from Camping World, but he is still very much in the headlines. An arbitrator has ordered Lemonis to pay more than $14 million in damages tied to his role on the TV show The Profit. We look at what this ruling means and how Camping World may navigate an increasingly competitive RV dealership landscape without him at the helm.This is the RV Podcast News Edition, released every Monday morning with insider news, industry developments, and issues that directly impact RV owners and travelers. Our main podcast, Stories from the Road, drops every Wednesday with interviews, destinations, and listener questions.Now let's dive into this week's news.Harvest Hosts vs. Escapees: A Membership Meltdown StoryIf you want to see what happens when private equity gets its hands on a beloved RV community, look no further than the Harvest Hosts takeover of Escapees RV Club. The internet is on fire with member complaints, and the details are jaw-dropping.Here's what's got everyone fired up: In July 2024, Harvest Hosts acquired the management and operations of Escapees RV Club, including the popular Xscapers subgroup for working-age RVers. What happened next has become a textbook case of how private equity-backed companies can effect beloved community organizations.Full disclosure: we've been an affiliate of Harvest Hosts for many years, and the company used to be, but no longer is, an advertiser on this podcast. We're also an affiliate of RV Overnights, a Harvest Hosts competitor that sponsors our Wednesday podcast.Jen and I really like Harvest Hosts and have used it many times. But this story still needs reporting. Because it illustrates what happens when big money gets involved in startups and independent businesses.First, you need to understand that Harvest Hosts is no longer a small, founder-funded RV startup. It is a private equity-backed platform designed to grow, consolidate, and eventually deliver a strong return to investors. In 2021, it reportedly received about $37 million in growth capital and it has been growing and expanding ever since.One of the most biggest acquisitions wasin 2024, when it bought the Escapees Club, which was a family run club started in 1978 by Joe and Kay Peterson, two full-time RVers who were traveling with their family and wanted a way to stay connected with others living the nomadic lifestyle. It grew and grew, was later turned over to Peterson family relatives who eventually sold Harvest Hosts. There was worry and grumbling from members simmering for a long time but most recently, just before Thanksgiving, it turned in to a dumpster fire. According to reports from members and a detailed timeline compiled by concerned community members, Harvest Hosts terminated the Xscapers convergence director and other Escapees staff just two days before the scheduled Thanksgiving convergence. That's what they called their gatherings - convergences. They told attendees they'd still have a place to park but the event would no longer have a host or the Xscapers brand attached to it. Imagine planning your entire holiday around an event, traveling to the location, and then being told the people running it were just fired.But it gets worse. Harvest Hosts then cancelled several future Xscapers convergences and meetups, seemingly everything except the one annual Bash event, often with little or no notice, according to Facebook group posts. For context, these convergences and gatherings were the main draw to the club for many members. The community-focused events, where working-age RVers could connect with others living the nomadic lifestyle, were what made Xscapers special. Members had planned their entire travel schedules around these gatherings.The pricing controversy adds insult to injury. An email from Harvest Hosts CEO Joel Holland promised "we're not changing the price of an Escapees membership, it's still just $49.95" while simultaneously announcing that Escapees would be folded into a $179 All Access membership bundle. Angry members called this classic bait-and-switch language designed to confuse them about what they're actually getting.When members started speaking out about what was happening, things took an even darker turn. Members report that Harvest Hosts began actively censoring and deleting complaints in the online groups they now control. Long-time community members said they were being banned. According to member accounts, they're even banned members from the public Facebook page simply for voicing their concerns about how the company is handling criticism.The complaints on Trustpilot paint an even darker picture. One review states that Harvest Hosts has "decimated" the community and fired loyal Escapees employees, calling it a "classic Manhattan Private Equity gut job" backed by Stripes, LLC. The review notes that "the only thing harvested here was the goodwill of a 40-year-old club." Stripes was the equity group that handled that private equity investment into Harvest Hosts.Adding fuel to the fire, Harvest Hosts hired Chris Smith as Senior Director of Community & Events, someone who members point out oversaw the worst membership decline in FMCA history during his eight years as Executive Director & CEO there. Members are questioning why leadership with that track record is now running their organization, especially given the mass cancellations and firings that followed his arrival.Long-time Escapees members feel completely betrayed. This wasn't just any RV club. Escapees was founded in 1978 by the Petersons and for over 40 years, it built a reputation as a member-first club where volunteers ran regional chapters and gatherings felt like family reunions. In their acquisition announcement, Harvest Hosts explicitly promised to retain Escapees employees, continue community events including "Xscapers Convergences," support Facebook groups, and be "good and earnest stewards of the Escapees and Xscapers brand." The controversy highlights a growing and troubling trend in the RV industry: venture-capital-backed companies buying beloved community organizations and strip-mining them for profit. Members on online forums say Harvest Hosts has essentially gutted Xscapers and taken away the big thing that made it worth joining. The pattern is clear: cancel the expensive community events that members loved, fire the staff who built relationships with those members, silence anyone who complains about it, and then act surprised when the core community revolts. As members point out, the people Harvest Hosts has made the angriest are precisely the community leaders and engaged members who made Xscapers worth joining in the first place.As one community member put it: "What kind of company cancels a paid Thanksgiving event that has been planned for months, that many people built their holiday plans around and traveled to, with just days' notice? A company that is making poor business decisions for profit and doesn't realize they are destroying the asset they've purchased with their own hands."The situation is being discussed across Reddit, RV forums, and has even found its way into Google's AI overviews. Despite Harvest Hosts' apparent attempts to censor and ban critics, other members are making it clear: they will not be silenced or ignored. The controversy highlights a growing and troubling trend in the RV industry: venture-capital-backed companies buying up everything in sight. Over the past 20 years, private equity firms like Bain Capital, Alliance Holdings, American Industrial Partners, and others have acquired some of the biggest names in RV manufacturing, dealerships, and services - including Heartland, REV Group, Fleetwood, Monaco, Roadtrek, Grand Design, Lazydays RV Center, and yes, Camping World. Investment banking firm Jackim Woods & Co. has tracked more than 65 private equity transactions in the RV sector over the last two decades. The goal is always the same: buy a mid-size company as a "platform investment," then triple or quadruple its size over 5-6 years through acquisitions and cost-cutting. While some of these deals have created jobs and improved operations, the Harvest Hosts takeover of Escapees shows the bumpy road this consolidation wave can create- when community and culture become subservient to profit margins and "operational efficiency."Sources:Community member timeline and documentation: Facebook groups and posts tracking the controversy - https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=excapers%20escapees Member reports of event cancellations and censorship: Facebook group discussions - https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=excapers%20escapeesRVForums.com discussion: https://rvforums.com/threads/harvest-hosts-buys-escapees-rv-club.18663/Trustpilot reviews: https://www.trustpilot.com/review/harvesthosts.comReddit complaints https://www.reddit.com/r/FullTiming/comments/1pnhrr3/escapees_dying_after_harvest_host_purchase/RVBusiness coverage: https://rvbusiness.com/harvest-hosts-takes-lead-mgt-role-in-escapees-rv-club/Harvest Hosts acquisition announcement (July 2024): https://www.harvesthosts.com/blog/harvest-hosts-acquires-escapees-rv-clubHarvest Hosts 2025 changes announcement: https://www.harvesthosts.com/blog/harvest-hosts-unveils-exciting-enhancements-for-2025-expanded-membership-options-and-seamless-access-to-rv-travel-benefitsMystery Surrounds Sudden Exit of RV Training Institute President Curt HemmelerMeanwhile, In Elkhart Indiana, there is a lot of insider talk wondering what happened at the RV Training Institute, a trade group aimed at providing training to RV technicians. After the unexpected and sudden departure of its President, Curt Hemmeler, late last month.In mid-October 2025, RVTA issued a brief statement confirming that Curt Hemmeler was no longer with RVTI, thanking him for his contributions and announcing that Sharonne Lee and Bryan Ritchie would provide interim oversight during the transition. RVB The announcement was characterized as an "unexpected leadership transition."Hemmeler had been with RVTI since December 2018, nearly seven years. He is the first and only president the group has ever had and was very well liked. Under his leadership, RVTI had grown significantly, with more than 23,000 individuals accessing the RVTI Learning Management System and over 7,000 newly certified RV technicians, with annual growth rates of 20-26%No reasons were given for the departure, but it's pretty clear this was NOT voluntary on Hemmeler's behalf. What stands out in this story is the complete lack of explanation. In an industry where Hemmeler had been so visible and clearly successful is unusual and raises questions. One report on RV News said Hemmeler declined to say he resigned and would not comment further, citing advice from his legal counsel. The industry desperately needs more RV techs. Just before the departure announcement, Hemmeler had been actively expanding Spanish-language certification options and developing partnerships with campground associations and colleges.The lack of an explanation on why such a high profile leader was removed and why a shroud of secrecy has enveloped this has spurned all sorts of rumors. And rumors are not good. The RVTA is too important to the industry to handle something like this so bush league.Source:RV News: https://www.rvnews.com/rv-technical-institute-director-leaves/?utm_source=chatgpt.comHas the National RV Traning Academy Texas been sold?On a related matter regarding another place where RV Techs are trained, I'm told by reliable industry sources that The National RV Training Academy Texas has been sold. The school trains RV service technicians and RV Inspectors, as well as RV owners interested in learning how to maintain the various systems of their recreational vehicles.The official announcement has not yet been made but the new owner is said to be Heavy Equipment Colleges, of Las Vegas, which is a similar training facility that concentrates on the construction industry and teaches students how to maintain machinery like bulldozers, cranes, and excavators. It has training across the country in several locations.We've reached out to get official confirmation and details on what all this means to the NRVTA students but have not heard back yet. Our sources say an announcement is expected soon.Sources:https://heavyequipmentcollege.edu/https://nrvta.com/National Park Entrance Delays We're getting reports now about the effect the stiff new entrance fees for non-U.S. residents are having on our national parks. According to the Washington Post, that question is causing longer wait times to enter parks and is leading some foreign tourists to turn away at the gates.Here's what's happening. As of January 1st, international visitors aged 16 and older now pay an extra $100 per person on top of regular entrance fees at 11 of America's most visited parks, including Yellowstone, Yosemite, Grand Canyon, and Zion. The nonresident annual pass also jumped from $80 to $250.To enforce this two-tiered pricing, park rangers must verify residency status and check IDs for every visitor 16 and older. That means asking about citizenship, reviewing documents like passports or driver's licenses, and sometimes dealing with language barriers.The problem? This is happening during a severe staffing crisis. The National Park Service has lost 24 percent of its permanent workforce since January 2025, nearly 4,000 people. With fewer rangers on duty and thousands more visitors needing ID verification, entrance lines are backing up significantly.Tour operators near parks like Yosemite report that many international visitors arrive unaware of the changes, leading to delays and confusion at entrance stations. Some are turning around rather than paying the unexpected surcharges.For RV travelers planning park visits: buy passes online in advance at Recreation.gov, have your government-issued photo ID ready, arrive early, and expect longer wait times at popular parks.Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2026/01/09/national-parks-immigration-checks/Marcus Lemonis ordered to pay $14 million for damaging business people he supposedly was helpingMarcus Lemonis may no longer be running Camping World - He quit as CEO Jan 1 to become the new CEO if the revitalized Bed, Bath and Beyond, which is trying to rebound from bankruptcy - but his personal style of running things as a celebrity CEO has landed him in some hot water.He was just ordered by an arbitrator to pay more than $14 million to a group of business owners whose companies appeared on the CNBC TV show he hosted called"The Profit,"In fact, of the roughly 100 businesses featured on "The Profit," more than 50 filed lawsuits, engaged in mediation talks, or settled with Lemonis and NBCUniversal over the harm they say they endured.Last week, an arbitrator found that Lemonis violated the terms of a 2021 settlement barring him from making statements that could harm their reputations, according to documents filed in New York state court. The documents were filed as part of a petition to confirm the arbitration award after a 30-day payment deadline lapsed.The business owners said Lemonis ran afoul of the settlement terms when he spoke about them negatively over the span of roughly a year, starting in November 2021.The arbitrator, retired judge Ariel Belen, concluded in a 98 page ruling that Lemonis' "disdain for the respondents, complete disregard to his obligations in the settlement agreement, and apparent lack of concern for the harm suffered by respondents were all put on full display during the arbitration hearing."While he was CEO of Camping World, Camping World significantly expanded its RV dealership footprint to over 200, but the company faced a lot of accusations of aggressive sales tactics, undisclosed fees (like "dealer prep"), high-pressure selling, misleading warranty/service contracts, and issues with quality/repairs, leading to numerous consumer complaints and lawsuits. It will be interesting to see how Camping World, without Lemonis at the helm handles a wave of new competitive pressure these days from a bunch of other aggressive and acquisition-minded RV dealership chains like Blue Compass, General RV and Campers Inn, to name a few.Source: https://www.inc.com/ava-levinson/bed-bath-beyond-ceos-trash-talk-could-cost-him-millions/91285388And that's it for this week's RV Podcast News Edition. Before we go, let me ask you whether you are planning your 2026 RV adventures? If so, I want to invite you to join me for my comprehensive RV Trip Planning Workshop, where in a live, one-hour interactive presentation, I'll walk you through the exact system Jen and I use to create unforgettable travel experiences. It will be livestreamed Feb 5, 2026 at 7 PM Eastern Time.If you are a member of our RVCommunity.com, it's free. The cost for non members is $10. You can RSVP at RVPodcast.com/workshopThis isn't about following influencer hotspots or checking boxes at overcrowded destinations. Instead, you'll learn how to design trips that match your interests, your budget, and your pace. We'll cover everything from route planning and campground selection to budgeting strategies and timing your travels to avoid crowds. Again, to register, go to RVPodcast.com/workshop
Don't get to the end of this year wishing you had taken action to change your business and your life.Click here to schedule a free discovery call for your business: https://geni.us/IFORABEDon't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2026Shop-Ware gives you the tools to provide your shop with everything needed to become optimally profitable.Click here to schedule a free demo: https://info.shop-ware.com/profitabilityTransform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros!Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingProsShop owners, are you ready to simplify your business operations? Meet 360 Payments, your one-stop solution for effortless payment processing.Imagine this—no more juggling receipts, staplers, or endless paperwork. With 360 Payments, you get everything integrated into a single, sleek digital platform.Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today!In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Ruth Wisniewski, Senior Director of Customer Success at Vehlo. Ruth shares how her team at Vehlo elevates client experience by helping shops leverage software to meet their goals, from boosting efficiency to increasing car count. The discussion explores the importance of building a favorite brand through “moments of truth” in the customer journey, and the role company culture plays in delivering exceptional service.00:00 "Vehlo Customer Success Leadership"03:48 "Streamlining Your Shop's Experience"07:40 "Building Culture Around Experience"10:46 "DIY Car Fixer Fails"15:14 "Creative Problem-Solving Improves Outcomes"18:13 "Sales vs. Customer-Centric Approach"20:30 Shady Shopware Setup Concerns25:25 "Customizable Customer Experience at Vehlo"26:56 "Empowerment Through Vehlo's Support"31:08 "Customer Experience: A Guided Reflection"35:50 "Cost of Goods Discrepancy"36:44 "Reading Release Notes Religiously"42:16 "Lion's Mane and Nerve Healing"45:49 "Recovering Without Surgery"47:06 Lion's Mane for Focus?52:14 "Best Banana Pudding Ever"53:18 Raleigh's Amazing Food Scene
Modern leadership isn't failing because people don't care. It's failing because leaders are distracted.In this episode of The Few Leader's podcast, host Boo sits down with Rob Carman, Senior Director of Learning & Development at NASCAR, for a straight-talking conversation about what it really takes to grow people and yourself inside high-pressure organisations.Together they unpack why leaders are becoming less available, how “I don't know” can build trust faster than confidence, and why learning only sticks when it actually helps you win at work. Rob also shares practical leadership habits you can use immediately, from quick “spot checks” with your team, to making sure no one is ever blindsided in a tough conversation, and the mindset shift that separates people who avoid pressure from leaders who run straight through it.If you're leading people right now and you've felt the pull of busyness, tech, and constant noise, this episode will give you a sharper, more human way to show up.Actionable TakeawayCheck your screen time before you say you “don't have time”.Send one quick check-in message to someone on your team today.Practise saying “I don't know—let's figure it out together” this week.Give feedback early so no one is ever surprised in a big conversation.Block 15 minutes weekly to practise one leadership skill on purpose.Stop avoiding the hard thing and have the tough chat you've been delaying.Start every 1:1 by asking “How are you—really?” and actually listen.Write down one recent mistake and what you'll do differently next time.Connect with Rob Carman:Book a call with Rob CarmanRob on LinkedInConnect with Christian "Boo" Boucousis:Learn more about Christian BoucousisBoo on LinkedInBoo on InstagramBoo on YouTube
Is It Time To Hit Refresh On Your Dating Life? If you've ever wondered how to bounce back after a dating break without losing your spark, this episode of The Love Machine has the answers. Join host James Preece as he welcomes certified clarity and communications coach Jarryd Boyd - a senior director at a major dating app - for a lively and candid conversation packed with fresh insights. You'll hear practical advice on the art of clear communication in early dating, ways to avoid burnout, and clever tips for making dating a genuine priority. For anyone feeling nervous or stuck, this chat is loaded with real stories, laughter, and empowering perspectives designed to make you excited to get back out there. Whether you're dipping your toe into the dating apps for the first time or rebooting after a long break, there's inspiration in every minute. Tune in for brilliant strategies on dating apps, managing expectations, and revitalising your mindset for what could be your best date ever. ABOUT JARRYD Jarryd Boyd is a Certified Clarity & Communications Coach and the Senior Director of Global Communications at a leading dating app. With a degree in Communications and more than years of experience, he helps people communicate and connect with themselves and others more effectively. You can learn more about him at ATouchofBold.com ********************************************* About James James Preece is the UK's top Dating Coach with over 20 years experience helping singles all over the world. He is the host of the Love Machine Podcast. Get his free book when you join his newsletter : https://www.jamespreece.com/dating-newsletter/ Website: https://www.jamespreece.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamespreececoaching/
Eliza Jacobs, Senior Director of Product Policy at Roblox, joins Megan Lynch. The platform is using facial age checks for users who want to chat. 'We never had a way to know how old kids were,' she says of the past. (Photo by George Chan/Getty Images)
Tristan talks with Lauren Anderson, Senior Director for Okta's Enterprise Data Platform. Lauren shares how identity sits at the center of two seismic shifts in data—AI agents and the open data lake—and why central governance and a shared semantic layer are critical. Lauren lays out how analytics engineers and data engineers should divide responsibilities as agents begin to write a growing share of analytical queries. For full show notes and to read 6+ years of back issues of the podcast's companion newsletter, head to https://roundup.getdbt.com. The Analytics Engineering Podcast is sponsored by dbt Labs.
In this episode, Joshua Weber, PharmD, MBA-HCM, CSP, BCMTMS, 340B ACE, Senior Director, St. Luke's Health System, highlights the organization's future-ready pharmacy transformation, including paperless workflows, AI-enabled prior authorizations, EHR-integrated benefits investigations, and expanded specialty drug access for 5,000 more patients.
Jon Hilsenrath, former journalist at the Wall Street Journal, joins the Inside Economics crew to discuss the December jobs report and the Fed. The team breaks down the latest employment data and debates whether the report is “fine” or “anemic”. The focus then shifts to the Fed for a wide-ranging conversation about where interest rates are headed and whether Fed independence is in doubt. Jon argues that independence is already compromised and likely to get worse. Guests: John Hilsenrath and Dante DeAntonio, Senior Director of Economic Research, Moody's AnalyticsHosts: Mark Zandi – Chief Economist, Moody's Analytics, Cris deRitis – Deputy Chief Economist, Moody's Analytics, and Marisa DiNatale – Senior Director - Head of Global Forecasting, Moody's AnalyticsFollow Mark Zandi on 'X' and BlueSky @MarkZandi, Cris deRitis on LinkedIn, and Marisa DiNatale on LinkedIn Questions or Comments, please email us at helpeconomy@moodys.com. We would love to hear from you. To stay informed and follow the insights of Moody's Analytics economists, visit Economic View. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
In this episode, Thomas Carey, PharmD, Senior Director, Pharmacy Services, UW Northern Illinois, shares how the organization elevated its Med to Bed discharge program using multidisciplinary coordination, driving a nearly 30% reduction in 30-day readmissions. He also discusses agility in 340B compliance, leveraging learners, and the future of pharmacy growth through technology, automation, and workforce investment.
In our 2025 year-in-review episode, On Rare reflects on a year filled with meaningful conversations and powerful storytelling. Joined by David Rintell, Head of Patient Advocacy at BridgeBio, and Mandy Rohrig, Senior Director of Patient Advocacy at BridgeBio, we revisit moments that moved us, challenged us, and reaffirmed the importance of listening to the voices of rare disease communities. This year also marked an exciting milestone with the launch of On Rare: Innovators, a new series spotlighting leaders, including patients, caregivers, scientists, and advocates, who are taking action to transform the lives of those impacted by rare disease. We are deeply grateful to all of our guests and listeners for being part of the 2025 journey. Subscribe to continue learning with us in 2026.
The US withdraws from global cybersecurity institutions. A maximum-severity vulnerability called Ni8mare allows full compromise of a workflow automation platform. Cisco patches ISE. Researchers uncover a sophisticated multi-stage malware campaign targeting manufacturing and government organizations in Italy, Finland, and Saudi Arabia. The growing rift of defining AI risk. Microsoft gives 365 admins a one-month deadline to enable MFA. The Illinois Department of Human Services inadvertently exposed personal and protected health information of more than 700,000 residents. An Illinois man is charged with hacking Snapchat accounts to steal nudes. Our guest is Caitlin Clarke, Senior Director for Cybersecurity Services at Venable, with insights on CISA 2015. Facial recognition that's bear-ly controversial. Remember to leave us a 5-star rating and review in your favorite podcast app. Miss an episode? Sign-up for our daily intelligence roundup, Daily Briefing, and you'll never miss a beat. And be sure to follow CyberWire Daily on LinkedIn. CyberWire Guest Today we are joined by Caitlin Clarke, Senior Director for Cybersecurity Services at Venable, for a conversation on CISA 2015 and its role in today's cybersecurity and policy landscape. If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to tune into the full interview on the next Caveat. Selected Reading US announces withdrawal from dozens of international treaties (The Record) US To Leave Global Forum on Cyber Expertise (Infosecurity Magazine) Max severity Ni8mare flaw lets hackers hijack n8n servers (Bleeping Computer) Cisco warns of Identity Service Engine flaw with exploit code (Bleeping Computer) CISA tags max severity HPE OneView flaw as actively exploited (Bleeping Computer) Threat Actors Exploit Commodity Loader in Targeted Email Campaigns Against Organizations (GB Hackers) Are Copilot prompt injection flaws vulnerabilities or AI limits? (Bleeping Computer) Microsoft to enforce MFA for Microsoft 365 admin center sign-ins (Bleeping Computer) Illinois state agency exposed personal data of 700,000 people (The Record) Oswego man Kyle Svara, 26, allegedly hired by college coach Steve Waithe to get Snapchat access codes from nearly 600 women: FBI (ABC7 Chicago) How facial recognition for bears can help ecologists manage wildlife (The Conversation) Share your feedback. What do you think about CyberWire Daily? Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts with us by completing our brief listener survey. Thank you for helping us continue to improve our show. Want to hear your company in the show? N2K CyberWire helps you reach the industry's most influential leaders and operators, while building visibility, authority, and connectivity across the cybersecurity community. Learn more at sponsor.thecyberwire.com. The CyberWire is a production of N2K Networks, your source for strategic workforce intelligence. © N2K Networks, Inc. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Freddy Gray is joined by Joshua Trevino, Chief Transformation Officer at the Texas Public Policy Foundation and Senior Director of the Western Hemisphere Initiative at the America First Policy Institute. They discuss the complex history of so-called 'narco-states' and how they came to dominate vast parts of Latin America. Trump's assault on Venezuela may prove to be the first of several military operations – which states could come next? And how significant has Marco Rubio been in shaping this policy priority? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Why EHR Optimization Is Worth The Effort And Budget Host: Phil Sobol, Chief Commercial Officer at CereCore Guests: Bob Gronberg, Assistant Vice President of MEDITECH Professional Services; John Walsh, Director of MEDITECH Professional Services; and Stephanie Murray, Senior Director of Epic Services Find all of our network podcasts on your favorite podcast platforms and be sure to subscribe and like us. Learn more at www.healthcarenowradio.com/listen
How do you scale generative AI in healthcare without sacrificing trust, transparency, or governance? In this podcast hosted by Mphasis Vice President of Products Chenny Solaiyappan, Cognizant Senior Director Elliot Papadakis shares how Cognizant is building and operationalizing an AI gateway that sits at the center of its responsible AI strategy. Elliot discusses embedding generative AI into payer workflows, designing human-in-the-loop guardrails, and using AI orchestration to unlock productivity gains across complex healthcare systems while keeping accountability and patient impact front and center.
Skip the Resolutions—Do What Works: Sabrena Jo on Wellness After 55 Live Long Better: The Not Old Better Show & the American Council on Exercise Happy New Year and welcome to 2026, everyone! I'm so glad you're here with us on Live Long Better, part of The Not Old Better Show. I'm your host, Paul Vogelzang. Today's episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth, COMFORT THAT ELEVATES EVERY DAY UNWRAP UNMATCHED SOFTNESS THIS SEASON! As we step into a brand-new year, it's tempting to make grand plans, big promises, and bold resolutions. But today, we're doing things differently. No pressure, no reinvention — just thoughtful reflection, meaningful movement, and a focus on what's already working. Joining us is our returning friend and trusted expert, Dr. Sabrena Jo, Senior Director of Science and Education at the American Council on Exercise. Sabrena has a gift for cutting through the fads and fluff, and today she's helping us shift away from the typical "New Year, New You" mindset and toward something far more powerful — continuity, confidence, and connection. In this episode, Sabrena shares how adults over 55 can use movement, social connection, and real-life motivation to support better health without the burnout. She'll bust a few fitness myths, offer science-backed strategies you can actually stick with, and remind us all that aging well isn't about starting over — it's about moving forward with purpose. So whether you're walking with a friend, stretching in your living room, or simply taking stock of the year ahead, this one's for you. Let's get started—with Dr. Sabrena Jo. I'm Paul Vogelzang, and this is Live Long Better, part of the award-winning Not Old Better Show. That's it for today's episode — and what a way to kick off 2026. Remember, today's episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth, COMFORT THAT ELEVATES EVERY DAY UNWRAP UNMATCHED SOFTNESS THIS SEASON A huge thank you to Dr. Sabrena Jo for reminding us that healthy aging isn't about chasing trends or starting over — it's about building on the strength, wisdom, and movement we've already earned. So whether it's a morning stretch, a walk with a neighbor, or simply giving yourself credit for what you are doing — keep moving, and keep meaning it. To hear more episodes like this one, including our full archive of inspiring conversations, head over to notold-better.com. You can also follow us on social media — we're on Twitter @notoldbetter and Instagram at notoldbetter — for more insights, encouragement, and community. This episode is a production of N.O.B.S. Studios. From all of us here, I'm Paul Vogelzang — thank you for spending time with us today. Have a healthy, meaningful, and joyful start to your 2026, and I hope you'll join me again next time. Live Long Better: Move smarter. Stay stronger. Find meaning in motion.