Podcasts about stakeholders

✨ Welcome to Squiggly Shortcuts— a series from the Squiggly Careers podcast, bringing you quick career tips in just 5 minutes, every Thursday. In this shortcut, Helen shares three practical ways to stand out with senior stakeholders — the people who can influence your impact, support your development, and open up new opportunities. Whether it's your manager or another leader in your organisation, these ideas will help you build better relationships and be remembered for the right reasons.Episode 507

In this special Halloween episode, we follow Evelyn—a weary UX researcher trapped in a testing loop that refuses to end. Each new participant looks strangely familiar. Each test begins the same way. And no matter what she changes, they all say the same thing: “I can't find the button.” The real horror? It's not the prototype that's broken… It's her process.Today, we're trading our usual interviews for a Halloween story straight out of every designer's worst nightmare: The Infinite Usability Test.Meet Evelyn—a mid-level UX researcher running a morning of user tests that won't quit. Every time she adjusts the design, another “Alex” walks in and repeats the same fateful words: “I can't find the button.”As the day unravels, Evelyn realizes she's stuck in more than a bad sprint—she's caught in a validation loop. Each fix only pulls her deeper into the same mistakes, and each round of testing brings her face-to-face with the one insight she's been avoiding all along.Because sometimes, the scariest thing in UX isn't user feedback…It's hearing something you didn't expect.Join us for a hauntingly familiar tale about deadlines, doubt, and the difference between proving you're right and learning that you're not.Will Evelyn escape the room—or will she keep testing until the end of time?Tune in to find out… if you dare.---Featuring Actress and UX Designer extraordinaire, Stephanie TerreroIf you enjoyed this spooky UX Design scary story, check out our previous episodes:• The Stakeholder from Hell• The Tale of the Cursed Prototype• A Cautionary Tale of Deceptive UX Patterns —Thanks for listening! We hope you dug today's episode. If you liked what you heard, be sure to like and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts! And if you really enjoyed today's episode, why don't you leave a five-star review? Or tell some friends! It will help us out a ton.If you haven't already, sign up for our email list. We won't spam you. Pinky swear.• ⁠Get a FREE audiobook AND support the show⁠• ⁠Support the show on Patreon⁠• ⁠Check out show transcripts⁠• ⁠Check out our website⁠• ⁠Subscribe on Apple Podcasts⁠• ⁠Subscribe on Spotify⁠• ⁠Subscribe on YouTube⁠• ⁠Subscribe on Stitcher

Understanding key stakeholders is more than strategy, it's leadership in action.This episode breaks down how to build stronger connections, improve collaboration, and lead with empathy.

In dieser Folge sprechen Oliver und Tim über eine Situation, die vielen Product Ownern vertraut sein dürfte. Eine Entscheidung wird (z.B. auf höherer Ebene) getroffen, die sie so nicht nachvollziehen können oder mit der sie schlicht nicht einverstanden sind. Und trotzdem müssen sie solche Entscheidungen vertreten, z.B. gegenüber ihrem Team. Solche Momente fordern Haltung und eine gewisse Aufmerksamkeit. Als Product Owner steht man oft zwischen verschiedenen Erwartungen von Management, Team und Stakeholdern. Wenn eine Entscheidung fällt, die man selbst nicht getroffen hat, entsteht leicht ein innerer Konflikt. Soll ich loyal sein oder kritisch bleiben? Wie kann ich nach außen geschlossen auftreten, ohne mich selbst zu verbiegen? Oliver und Tim machen im Gespräch deutlich, dass Entscheidungen vertreten nicht bedeutet, sie unreflektiert zu übernehmen. Es geht darum, Verantwortung zu tragen für den gemeinsamen Kurs, auch wenn man selbst anders entschieden hätte. Gerade das unterscheidet reife Product Owner von reaktiven. Sie wissen, dass Produktentwicklung ein Teamsport ist und dass Entscheidungen immer im Zusammenspiel vieler Perspektiven entstehen. Das bedeutet jedoch nicht, dass man alles einfach akzeptieren muss. Produktverantwortung bleibt auch in solchen Momenten bestehen. Wer Entscheidungen vertreten soll, darf sie hinterfragen, verstehen und einordnen. Erst wenn ich nachvollziehen kann, warum ein bestimmter Weg eingeschlagen wird, kann ich ihn glaubwürdig gegenüber dem Team kommunizieren. Das erfordert Gesprächsbereitschaft und Mut, besonders gegenüber Führungskräften oder Stakeholdern, die schnelle Ergebnisse erwarten. Oliver beschreibt, wie hilfreich es ist, bewusst zwischen der eigenen Meinung und der gemeinsamen Entscheidung zu unterscheiden. Ich darf anderer Meinung sein und trotzdem nach außen klar auftreten. Tim betont, dass Transparenz im Team entscheidend ist. Wenn die Product Owner selbst unsicher wirken, verlieren Teams Orientierung. Offenheit nach innen, Geschlossenheit nach außen. Diese Balance prägt professionelle Product Ownership. Entscheidungen vertreten heißt auch, sich selbst zu reflektieren. Woher kommt mein Widerstand? Geht es um Prinzipien, um persönliche Präferenzen oder um fehlende Informationen? Erst wenn ich das verstehe, kann ich konstruktiv handeln. Manchmal hilft es, die Entscheidung als Experiment zu betrachten. Nicht jede falsche Richtung ist ein Scheitern, solange ich bereit bin, daraus zu lernen. Für Product Owner ist das ein Lernfeld, das mit der Zeit leichter wird. Denn wer regelmäßig Entscheidungen vertreten muss, die er nicht mag, lernt, zwischen Zustimmung und Verantwortung zu unterscheiden. Und das schafft Vertrauen im Team, bei Stakeholdern und im gesamten Produktumfeld. Auf folgende frühere Episoden dieses Podcasts wurde im Gespräch verwiesen: - Klarheit als Superpower für Produktmenschen (Arne Kittler) - Kluge Entscheidungen treffen mit Decision Poker - Product Owner sind Pokerspieler - Ein Produkt einstellen - der Ramp Down von XING Events (Thomas Gläser) - The Decision Stack - Nein sagen als Product Owner Wenn du selbst regelmäßig Entscheidungen vertreten musst, die dir schwerfallen, bist du damit nicht allein. Lass andere teilhaben. Wir freuen uns, wenn du deine Erfahrungen aus der Praxis mit uns teilst.

Salespeople worldwide use frameworks to measure meeting success, but Japan's unique business culture challenges many Western methods. Let's explore the BANTER model—Budget, Authority, Need, Timing, Engagement, Request—and see how it fits into Japan's sales environment. 1. What is the BANTER model in sales? BANTER is a simple six-point scoring system for sales calls. Each letter stands for a key factor: Budget, Authority, Need, Timing, Engagement, and Request. A salesperson assigns one point for each element successfully confirmed. A perfect score means six out of six, showing a fully productive meeting. In Japan, however, acronyms like BANTER face cultural headwinds. Consensus decision-making, indirect communication, and reluctance to disclose financial details make scoring all six nearly impossible. Mini-summary: BANTER is a six-step framework to assess sales calls. In Japan, cultural barriers make a perfect score rare. 2. Why is budget so hard to confirm in Japan? Budget transparency is crucial in sales, yet in Japan, buyers rarely share numbers openly. Many fear that revealing too much will encourage vendors to push for higher spending. As a result, responses are often vague or evasive. This contrasts sharply with Western practices, where budget conversations are normal and allow salespeople to tailor proposals. In Japan, salespeople often end up working blind. Mini-summary: Japanese buyers protect budget details, leaving salespeople without clear financial guidance. 3. Who really has authority in Japanese companies? In many countries, the people at the table can make decisions. In Japan, it's different. Authority is diffused through ringi-seido, a process of circulating documents for approval. Stakeholders who never attend the meeting may hold veto power. This means even strong supporters in the meeting may lack final say. Authority is hidden, and salespeople must navigate carefully. Mini-summary: Decision-making in Japan is consensus-driven, so real authority is often invisible in the meeting. 4. Do Japanese buyers express their needs clearly? In consultative selling, uncovering client needs is the first priority. But in Japan, cultural norms make direct questioning difficult. Salespeople often feel compelled to begin with detailed presentations before asking what the client truly needs. This reversal wastes time and often leaves core needs unspoken. Identifying pain points is possible, but rarely straightforward. Mini-summary: Japanese sales meetings emphasise presenting solutions before probing needs, making “N” hard to score. 5. Why is timing both clear and paradoxical in Japan? Japanese buyers are usually precise about timing once a decision is made. Execution must be flawless and fast, sometimes immediate. However, decision-making can take weeks or months due to consensus processes. The result is a paradox: slow approvals but urgent delivery expectations. At least here, salespeople can usually secure clarity. Mini-summary: Timing in Japan is paradoxical—decisions are slow, but execution is expected immediately. 6. How do Japanese buyers show engagement? Engagement is often signalled through questions and objections. In fact, objections are a positive sign in Japan. Silence or polite agreement may actually indicate lack of interest. This is where salespeople can earn a point in BANTER. Detailed questions show buyers are seriously considering the solution. Mini-summary: Objections in Japan mean engagement. No objections usually mean no interest. 7. Why do Japanese meetings rarely end with clear requests? In other markets, meetings often end with a next step: proposal, trial, or follow-up meeting. In Japan, it is common to hear “we will think about it.” Far from being a brush-off, this reflects the need for internal alignment. Still, the absence of a concrete request means this element is rarely scored. Mini-summary: Meetings end vaguely in Japan, as decisions move to backroom consensus. Conclusion: What's Japan's BANTER score? Adding it all up: Budget 0, Authority 0, Need 0, Timing 1, Engagement 1, Request 0. That's two out of six. It may sound discouraging, but that's the reality of selling in Japan. If you can succeed here, you can succeed anywhere. The difficulty makes the victories even more meaningful. Mini-summary: Japan scores two out of six on BANTER, proving why sales here is among the toughest in the world. About the Author 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 also 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). In addition to his books, Greg publishes daily blogs on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter, offering practical insights on leadership, communication, and Japanese business culture. He is also the host of six weekly podcasts, including The Leadership Japan Series, The Sales Japan Series, The Presentations Japan Series, Japan Business Mastery, and Japan's Top Business Interviews. On YouTube, he produces three weekly shows — The Cutting Edge Japan Business Show, Japan Business Mastery, and Japan's Top Business Interviews — which have become leading resources for executives seeking strategies for success in Japan.

In this episode of The New CISO (Episode 136), host Steve Moore speaks with Carl Cahill, CISO, about a deliberate, methodical approach to career growth—and why every leader must “pick their pain” to progress.From combat arms in the U.S. Army to Active Directory engineering and large-enterprise incident response, Carl shares the pivotal choices that shaped his leadership. He opens up about moving from certifications to business fluency, using a personal gap analysis to chart his path to the C-suite, and how feedback like being called a “propeller head” pushed him to translate geek speak into the language of finance, law, and strategy. Carl also explains his five-phase 100-day plan, why IR readiness comes first, and how “radical collaboration” defines the modern CISO.Key Topics Covered:Early career pivots: Army leadership, perseverance, and precision → IT foundationsCertifications as a fast track (then) vs. blended learning and passion projects (now)The “pick your pain” decision: staying comfortable vs. returning to school to advanceBuilding a CISO gap analysis from job reqs and targeting stretch assignmentsUpgrading the lexicon: finance, legal, and general management (e.g., Wharton GMP)Turning tough feedback into growth: from geek speak to boardroom dialogueConsulting variety vs. ownership: when to switch for long-term impactThe 100-day plan: assess → plan → act → measure → adjust (with IR first)Stakeholder mapping, team SWOTs, and making strategy stick beyond 90 daysMetrics as a “health language” and why today's CISO must be a radical collaboratorCarl's story shows how intentional trade-offs—education, language, and leadership style—compound into career momentum. His roadmap helps CISOs and aspiring leaders navigate transitions with discipline, communicate across the business, and build resilient teams that lead with clarity.

In this episode, I cover:* My full setup process for running an unmoderated usability test in Userbrain, from goal-setting to test creation* How to write clear, action-based and opinion-based tasks that get useful behavioral data* Using AI to generate and refine test tasks, plus how to correct vague or over-open questions* Techniques for analyzing unmoderated test data using AI insights, clips, and reports* How to connect usability findings back to research and business goals to identify real impactKey Takeaways:* If your research goals aren't clear or your tasks are vague, the data you get back will be inconsistent and shallow. A well-structured setup defines what you want to learn, aligns it to business decisions, and sets measurable outcomes before the first participant even starts. Most “bad” unmoderated results trace back to poor planning, not poor participants.* Participants need to know exactly when a task begins and ends. Without defined boundaries, they may wander off-path or complete actions you can't analyze meaningfully. By giving each task a specific finish line, like “stop when you reach the flight results page,” you get consistent, comparable footage that supports clean synthesis later.* AI can be useful for avoiding blank-page paralysis, but its phrasing is often too broad or contextually off. Treat it as a brainstorming tool—generate rough drafts, then rewrite them to fit your product, audience, and goals. The value comes from editing, not accepting what it gives you.* Positive feedback feels good but doesn't move design forward. When analyzing results, zero in on moments of confusion, frustration, or unexpected behavior as those are where you find opportunities to fix or improve the experience. Stakeholders care more about barriers than affirmations.* Unmoderated tests produce endless data, but without a clear line to decisions or KPIs, they risk being shelved. Revisit your research goals during analysis, group findings under those goals, and connect each issue or success metric to its potential business impact. That's what turns usability findings into strategic recommendations.The unmoderated test guide:Grab the full unmoderated testing guide with all the steps and examples here and try it out with your next project (or with a project you recently did!).Try Userbrain:Want to try this out on Userbrain? You can grab a free trial below: Interested in sponsoring the podcast?Interested in sponsoring or advertising on this podcast? I'm always looking to partner with brands and businesses that align with my audience. Reach out to me at nikki@userresearchacademy.com to learn more about sponsorship opportunities! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.userresearchstrategist.com/subscribe

The Only Three Things You Must Do To Improve Agility - Mike CohnDistilled to its essence, it's quite simple to be a Scrum Master, agile coach, or anyone seeking to improve team or organizational agility. There are only three things you need to do and Saint Francis laid them out succinctly over 800 years ago:  To improve agility, we have to start with what's necessary. Change practices that go against agile principles. If programmers and testers aren't part of a single multidisciplinary team, that needs to change.If the team doesn't see the benefits of iterative and incremental work, you need to talk to them about that.Similarly, if management is imposing deadlines without regard to the team's opinion, you'll need to help them see the light.  Having made changes necessary to enable agility, look next at what's possible. There will be many more options to choose from now, such as: Shortening iterationsImproving teamworkReducing handoffs by overlapping workIntroducing new practices such as story mapping or job stories“Start by doing what's necessary, then what's possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” Doing What's NecessaryThen Do What's PossibleDon't try to improve too many things at once and choose wisely. Initially there will be opportunities for small changes to create outsize improvements. Finally, Do the ImpossibleAt this point, it's time to do the impossible . . . except that now very little is impossible.Having iteratively and incrementally improved, most teams feel powerful enough to take on challenges and changes that would have seemed impossible before.What still seem impossible are changes outside the team. Managers may still impose deadlines. Stakeholders may foist too-frequent changes because they've heard agile teams “embrace change.”Fixing these outside-the-team behaviors isn't impossible, but it is harder and often takes time. Fortunately a team that has done the necessary and then the possible will be ready to do the impossible.How to connect with AgileDad:- [website] https://www.agiledad.com/- [instagram] https://www.instagram.com/agile_coach/- [facebook] https://www.facebook.com/RealAgileDad/- [Linkedin] https://www.linkedin.com/in/leehenson/

Trust isn't a “soft” metric—it's the conversion engine. Buyers don't buy products first; they buy us, then the solution arrives as part of the package. Below is a GEO-optimised, answer-first version of the core human-relations principles leaders and sales pros can use today.  How do top salespeople build trust fast in 2025? Start by listening like a pro and making the conversation about them, not you. When trust is low, buyers won't move—even if your proposal looks perfect on paper. The fastest pattern across B2B in Japan, the US, and Europe is empathetic listening that surfaces goals, constraints, and internal politics. Post-pandemic norms (hybrid work, async decisions) mean you must read what's said and what's unsaid: tone, pauses, body language on Zoom, and email subtext. In enterprise sales, this shifts you from “pitching” to “diagnosing.” You become the buyer's trusted business advisor—especially in consensus-driven cultures like Japan where ringi and nemawashi favour rapport and patience over pressure. Do this and high-stakes deals stop stalling because stakeholders finally feel safe to share the real blockers.  Do now: Open with one agenda question—“What outcome matters most by [date]?”—then listen without interrupting for 90 seconds. What questions reliably open buyers up? Use simple, human prompts that invite stories. Who have they worked for? What was it like? Where's the office? When did they start? Why choose this company? What do they like most? These “Who/What/Where/When/Why/How” prompts turn small talk into signal, revealing priorities (speed vs. safety), risk appetite, and decision cadence. Across SMEs, startups, and multinationals, these prompts work because they're culturally neutral, non-intrusive, and buyer-centred. In APAC, they respect hierarchy; in the US, they feel pragmatic; in Europe, they invite thoughtful context. The goal isn't to interrogate—it's to let people talk about themselves while you capture needs, metrics, and names of influencers you'll later engage.  Do now: Prepare six openers on a card; ask two, go deep on one, and mirror key phrases back. How do I remember personal details without being awkward? Use the “Nameplate → House → Family → Briefcase → Airplane → Tennis Racquet → Newspaper” memory chain. Visualise a giant nameplate smashing into a bright house; inside, a baby with a briefcase pulls out an old plane; its propellers are tennis racquets threaded with rolled newspapers. Each hook cues a safe, human topic: name, home, family, work, travel, hobbies, and industry news. This light mnemonic keeps first meetings natural across cultures. In Japan, it supports relationship-first norms (meishi exchange, hometown ties). In the US/EU, it avoids prying while still finding common ground (sports, routes, recent sector headlines). Use tact and sequence flexibly; skip topics if they feel private. The point is to remember them so follow-ups feel personal, not transactional.  Do now: Before calls, jot the seven cues; after calls, log one fact per cue in your CRM. What if I don't know the buyer's interests yet? Keep asking—then mirror their language and frame benefits in their terms. Early on, many buyers withhold interests until they decide you're trustworthy. That's normal. Persist with respectful questions, then translate features into “so-whats” they already value: uptime for CTOs, cycle-time for COOs, compliance for CFOs, psychological safety for HR. As of 2025, complex deals involve multi-threading (RevOps, Legal, IT, Security). Tailor each touch: startup CTOs want velocity and unit economics; enterprise VPs want risk mitigation and stakeholder alignment; Japanese heads of division may prioritise harmony and precedent. The win is relevance—your proposal reads like their strategy memo, not your brochure.  Do now: After each meeting, write one line: “They care most about ___ because ___.” Lead with that next time. How do I make someone feel important—without manipulation? Spot real wins and praise them sincerely and specifically. Most professionals get little recognition. When you catch people doing something right—clear brief, crisp data, fast feedback—name it. Never over-flatter; buyers detect tactics instantly. The goal is dignity, not drama. Practical example: “Your timeline reduced rework across Legal and IT—that saved us both weeks.” In Japan, sincere appreciation that acknowledges team effort (not just the individual) lands better; in the US, direct credit energises champions. Across sectors (SaaS, manufacturing, services), this fosters reciprocity and deepens trust far faster than discounts ever can.  Do now: In your next email, add one honest, specific thank-you sentence linked to a business outcome. What should leaders systemise so this sticks? Bake these principles into playbooks, onboarding, and CRM hygiene. Codify the seven memory cues, the open-question matrix, and a “buyer interest” field in CRM. Coach for silence (count to three before replying). Review call snippets for interrupt rate and question balance. Reward teams for discovery quality, not just revenue. Executives at firms from startups to conglomerates can run fortnightly “deal trust reviews”: is the sponsor heard, interests mapped, and recognition given? In Japan, align with nemawashi—map stakeholders and pre-wire decisions. In the US/EU, pressure-test value hypotheses with RevOps and Finance. Consistency beats charisma.  Do now: Add three fields to your CRM today—Interests, Stakeholders, Recognition Given—and make them required. Conclusion When you listen deeply, speak in the buyer's interests, and recognise people sincerely, you stop selling and start being chosen. Make this your firm's operating system and watch cycle times shorten and referrals grow.  FAQs Isn't this just “be nice” advice? No—these behaviours reduce friction, surface risks early, and accelerate consensus, which shortens sales cycles.  Do these tips work in Japan? Yes—especially the memory chain and sincere group-focused recognition, which fit relationship-first norms.  How do I measure progress? Track interrupt rate, number of stakeholder interests captured, and instances of specific recognition logged in CRM. Next Steps Add the seven-cue mnemonic and open-question set to your onboarding. Require “Interests” and “Recognition Given” fields in every opportunity. Coach teams to wait three beats before replying on calls. About the Author 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. Japanese editions include ザ営業, プレゼンの達人, トレーニングでお金を無駄にするのはやめましょう, and 現代版「人を動かす」リーダー. Greg also publishes daily business insights on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter, and hosts six weekly podcasts. On YouTube, he produces The Cutting Edge Japan Business Show, Japan Business Mastery, and Japan's Top Business Interviews, followed widely by executives seeking success strategies in Japan. 

As a government contractor, you'll meet so many people.We call them stakeholders when we group them like you see below.By understanding who they are, you can create plans for meeting them.In this training, you'll learn:• About Federal Buyer Stakeholders• About Teaming Partner Stakeholders• About (free and paid) Supporting Stakeholders___________________________________

Are you interested in how to establish a new country? What do you think about using blockchain and AI technology in government? How can we reconfigure governance as a shareholder state? Trailer for episode 370 - interview with Vít Jedlička, President of Liberland. We will talk about his vision for the future of cities, direct meritocracy, good and bad governance elements, establishing a new country, and many more.Find out more in the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠episode⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Episode generated with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Descript⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ assistance (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠affiliate link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠).Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lesfm ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pixabay⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

How can B2B marketers succeed when every deal involves 11 or more stakeholders?This special Hard Corps Marketing Show takeover episode features an episode from the Connect To Market podcast, hosted by Casey Cheshire. In this conversation, Casey sits down with Adam Needles, CEO and Co-Founder of ANNUITAS, Inc., to unpack the game-changing concept of Buyer Unit Demand (BUD). Adam challenges the outdated reliance on MQLs and ABM and introduces a new framework for engaging the full buying unit, with multiple stakeholders who have diverse roles and needs throughout the journey.He shares how marketers can design conversation tracks that align with real-world buying dynamics and explains why buyer-led orchestration, not sales-led tactics, is the key to driving meaningful engagement and revenue. Adam also discusses the organizational shifts and mindset changes required to fully adopt this buyer-first approach.In this episode, we cover:Why MQLs and ABM fall short in complex B2B buying environmentsHow to map conversation tracks around stakeholder needs and behaviorThe importance of aligning marketing, sales, and automation tools to the buyer journeyWhy focus beats scale when prioritizing content and engagement strategies

Joe Shega, chief medical officer for VITAS Healthcare, supports the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' initiative to ensure that hospice beneficiaries have a smooth, uninterrupted, high-quality, highly coordinated hospice experience. Such an experience, he noted, could occur through traditional hospice or Medicare Advantage. But there are certain non-negotiables: There must be access to hospice care as well as safeguarding of the pillars of hospice, which include frequency of touches from multiple disciplines. He also talked about problems involving the now-halted Special Focus Program. One of the problems of the program was it conflated the issues of quality hospice care with fraud, waste and abuse. These are two unique and distinct issues. Other topics discussed included the new Hospice Outcomes and Patient Evaluation (HOPE) assessment tool, which was released on Oct. 1. It allows for real-time assessments at admission and then two times within the first 30 days, Shega said. He noted there have been challenges with the rollout as it coincided with the launch of the new Internet Quality Improvement and Evaluation System. To be successful, HOPE requires adjustments of workflow and scaling. To improve hospice uptake in minority communities, it's important to make sure the hospice team mirrors the community being served and ensure there are individualized care plans so patients and families feel supported on their end-of-life care journeys, he said.Follow us on social media:X: @McKHomeCareFacebook: McKnight's Home CareLinkedIn: McKnight's Home CareInstagram: mcknights_homecareFollow VITAS Healthcare on social media:Facebook: VITAS HealthcareLinkedIn: VITAS HealthcareInstagram: vitashospiceShow contributors:McKnight's Home Care Editor Liza Berger; Joe Shega, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Vitas Healthcare Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In questo episodio parlo con Flavio Vallocchia, Head of Design di Datlas Group, del ruolo del design nei settori assicurativo e bancario. Approfondiamo la CAI Digitale, l'importanza dell'accessibilità, la relazione tra UX e tecnologia, e come l'AI stia trasformando il modo di progettare prodotti complessi.

Join us on the latest episode, hosted by Jared S. Taylor!Our Guests: Adam Mariano, President and General Manager at LexisNexis Risk Solutions & Don Woodlock, Head of Global Healthcare Solutions at InterSystems.What you'll get out of this episode:Why data fragmentation persists despite a decade of digital transformation in healthcare.Stakeholder-specific challenges from payers to providers, and how fragmentation impacts each differently.The human cost of incomplete records, from patient frustration to dangerous outcomes.What an identity-first strategy looks like, and why it's crucial for resolving fragmentation.How LexisNexis and InterSystems partner to unify healthcare data with innovative identity resolution.To learn more about:LexisNexis Risk Solutions Website http://risk.lexisnexis.com LexisNexis Risk Solutions Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/company/lexisnexis-risk-solutions/InterSystems Website http://www.intersystems.com InterSystems Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/company/intersystems/Our sponsors for this episode are:Sage Growth Partners https://www.sage-growth.com/Quantum Health https://www.quantum-health.com/Show and Host's Socials:Slice of HealthcareLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sliceofhealthcare/Jared S TaylorLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaredstaylor/WHAT IS SLICE OF HEALTHCARE?The go-to site for digital health executive/provider interviews, technology updates, and industry news. Listed to in 65+ countries.

How to Engage Busy Stakeholders - Mike CohnWe often find ourselves reliant on others outside the team.For example, an agile team may get stuck waiting for feedback on the latest features or input on what to build next because a key stakeholder has never shown up for a sprint review. Without that stakeholder's feedback, the team is impeded: unable to determine if what they've created is what's needed.The team nags, pleads, and cajoles. But still they're left waiting because stakeholders are often busy, and they just can't (or won't) find the time.You've tried moving the sprint review meeting to more convenient times. You've sent agendas that make it clear the stakeholder's most desired feature is the one being discussed in the review.But time and time again, something comes up at the last minute and the stakeholder is a no show.In these instances, it's time to take the meeting to them. When a stakeholder won't (or can't) show up for the team, it's time for a different approach: Schedule time on the stakeholder's calendar for a meeting a few days before sprint planning.Use that block of time to work together on what the team needs.Schedule a Non-Meeting Meeting Tip within the Tip: Want more help with team dynamics and stakeholder management? Try my free Scrum Team Reset training. It's three videos from me that will help you find new ways to take your team from good to great. When I schedule the meeting, I'll sometimes be very clear what the meeting is about: “I want to go over such-and-such with you before the review.” Other times, I'll be more vague: “I need to chat about the project.”Use whatever language you need to secure time on the person's calendar. Why? Because we are all more willing to cancel appointments with ourselves than we are to cancel an appointment with someone else. By putting time on their calendar that they're reluctant to cancel, you've secured enough time for them to actually do the work. Get the To-Do to DoneDuring the meeting, explain to them the work you need them to do (look at the feature and give feedback or clarify how the feature should work.) Then, use the time to step through the implementation (or plan) with them.This results in two things: the team gets the information it needs. The stakeholder finds that the thing they've been putting off really wasn't so bad once they focused on getting it done. Why This WorksWhen stakeholders show an inability to get work or answers to you at appropriate times, it's time to intervene. Maybe they're worried their time will be wasted in a review where their feature is one of many being discussed.Maybe “review the xyz feature” has been on their to-do list and keeps getting bumped down. Or maybe they haven't actually scheduled a specific time to work on it.No matter the reason, the work the team needs done is not happening. And your best chance of helping the stakeholder do that work is to schedule time with the stakeholder directly. And then use that time to make it happen.Should stakeholders be able to do this on their own?Sure.But we all struggle at times. My experience is that after doing this a handful of times with a stakeholder, most stakeholders will form a new habit and be able to continue without you.In other cases, you and the stakeholder will discover it actually is more efficient when done together, and you'll keep a recurring meeting on their calendar that isn't the review. That's perfectly fine, too.Stakeholders are often busy. And that can cause them to take longer to respond than a fast-moving agile team might like. Finding creative solutions that keep the team moving (even if it's not something Scrum prescribes) is the best way to help advance a team from good to great,How to connect with AgileDad:- [website] https://www.agiledad.com/- [instagram] https://www.instagram.com/agile_coach/- [facebook] https://www.facebook.com/RealAgileDad/- [Linkedin] https://www.linkedin.com/in/leehenson/

Stakeholder requirement gathering is often one of the most dreaded parts of data science projects - dry, tedious sessions where conflicting voices talk past each other and senior executives dominate the conversation. Yet without proper requirements, data science projects are doomed to fail due to solving the wrong problems or missing critical business needs.In this Value Boost episode, David Cohen joins Dr. Genevieve Hayes to reveal how gamification can transform stakeholder meetings from painful obligation into collaborative problem-solving sessions that actually produce useful requirements.You'll learn:Why gamification works as a "Trojan horse" for productive business conversations [03:26]How to ensure every voice is heard, not just the loudest or most senior person in the room [06:34]The simple technique that prevents senior executives from dominating and skewing requirements [06:59]The easiest way to add interactive elements to your next stakeholder meeting without complex games [08:20]Guest BioDavid Cohen is a data and AI strategy consultant, with a background in supporting the F500 clients of both Big 4 and boutique consulting firms. He is the founder of Superposition, a consulting firm that builds collaborative workshops focused on data & AI-related use cases.LinksConnect with David on LinkedInSuperposition websiteSuperposition YouTube channelConnect with Genevieve on LinkedInBe among the first to hear about the release of each new podcast episode by signing up HERE

Why do so many projects spiral into stress, shifting priorities, and endless risks while others seem to flow smoothly toward success? What if the difference isn't just about tools or methods, but about how you lead?Thankfully, today's guest brings a fresh, human-centered approach to project management. James Louttit is the author of Leading Impactful Teams: Achieving Low Stress Success in Project Management, a leadership coach, and a former CIO who now trains managers and business leaders around the world. His work blends real-world experience with practical tools to help managers lead projects with clarity, sustainability, and impact.In this episode, James introduces his “eight lenses of project management” and reveals why prioritization is often the missing key to project success. He shares powerful ways to engage stakeholders, identify and manage risks, and avoid common mistakes in estimating time and effort. Along the way, James offers stories and frameworks that any manager, whether formally a project manager or not, can use to keep work on track and teams energized.In the extended members-only conversation, James explains how to properly scope your projects and define quality, two notoriously tricky areas that can make or break your results.Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week's episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email.Join the conversation now!Conversation Topics(00:00) Introduction to Project Management(01:44) The Eight Lenses of Project Management(03:13) The Importance of Prioritization(07:54) Agile vs. Waterfall Project Management Approaches(10:23) Engaging Stakeholders Effectively(17:20) Managing Risks in Projects(24:09) Time Management and Estimating Effort(30:40) Keep Up with James(31:30) [Extended Episode Only] How To Properly Scope Your Projects(33:10) [Extended Episode Only] Defining Quality In Project ManagementAdditional Resources:- Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month- Read the full transcript here- Follow me on Instagram here - Visit my website for more here- Upskill your team here- Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here Keep up with James Louttit- Follow James on LinkedIn here- Subscribe to his YouTube channel here- Join the IPM Community with a free 7-day trial hereGuest Bonus: Free Audio Book: Leading Impactful Teams and 3 FREE 1-Year Membership to IMP CommunityLeading Impactful Teams is a lively exploration of the "lenses" of project management – Scope, Prioritisation, Time, Cost, Quality, Risks, Team and Stakeholders – that will enable the reader to develop a "sixth sense" for potential issues that could derail their project. It provides a practical toolkit to help you and your team deliver great project outcomes with minimum stress and maximum fun. The IPM Community helps you deliver projects on time, on budget, and without burnout through bite-sized lessons, tactical tools and weekly peer support. Created by James Louttit, author of Leading Impactful Teams, it's a no-jargon, no-exam space where professionals learn fast, share real challenges, and lead with confidence.  To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community.---------------------The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive and great work gets done.Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won't miss an episode!#ProjectManagement #Leadership #TeamManagement #TeamSuccess #ProjectPlanning #AgileLeadership #RiskManagement #ProjectManagementTips #LeadershipSkills #TeamPerformance

Stakeholder management is as important as it is challenging: Without the support of the stakeholders, it is virtually impossible to achieve product success. Aligning them, however, can be tricky. In the worst case, you experience endless meetings, conflicting opinions, and bad compromises. But it doesn't have to be this way. In this episode, I share five practical measures to help you succeed with stakeholder management.

Stakeholders from across the healthcare industry — from manufacturers and consultants to outside counsel and government officials — recently convened in Chicago for the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program Summit 2025. In this episode of Connected With Latham, Washington, D.C. partner Chris Schott, counsel Nicole Liffrig Molife, and associate Danny Machado share impressions and key takeaways from the conference, including action items like readying litigation support to address likely future challenges. Also check out our bi-weekly Drug Pricing Digest on the website or subscribe to receive future editions in your inbox.   This podcast is provided as a service of Latham & Watkins LLP. Listening to this podcast does not create an attorney client relationship between you and Latham & Watkins LLP, and you should not send confidential information to Latham & Watkins LLP. While we make every effort to assure that the content of this podcast is accurate, comprehensive, and current, we do not warrant or guarantee any of those things and you may not rely on this podcast as a substitute for legal research and/or consulting a qualified attorney. Listening to this podcast is not a substitute for engaging a lawyer to advise on your individual needs. Should you require legal advice on the issues covered in this podcast, please consult a qualified attorney. Under New York's Code of Professional Responsibility, portions of this communication contain attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Results depend upon a variety of factors unique to each representation. Please direct all inquiries regarding the conduct of Latham and Watkins attorneys under New York's Disciplinary Rules to Latham & Watkins LLP, 1271 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020, Phone: 1.212.906.1200

“When I saw Google change the destiny of the planet, I could not imagine doing anything else but working with brilliant entrepreneurs.”-Asha Jadeja Motwani and her husband, Rajeev Motwani, the Silicon Valley legend of technical startups, are together the founding stakeholders of Google.In the late 1990s, they came to the United States as most Indians, as students. From being part of Google's early days to their journey as investors and now, extending that into an active participation in American politics. She speaks about Rajeev's pivotal role in mentoring Larry Page and Sergey Brin, co-authoring the PageRank paper, and helping shape Google's DNA. Today, through the Motwani Jadeja Foundation, Asha continues to build on that legacy; funding entrepreneurs, supporting Indian voices in global think tanks, and opening doors at Davos and Washington. Asha also reflects on how the Indian diaspora can play a far greater role in shaping the future of India-US partnership and why entrepreneurs are critical to the future of this relationship.If you're an entrepreneur building in the India–US corridor, or curious about the opportunities the two nations are creating for startups, then this episode is for you.00:00  – Trailer01:25 – How Rajeev became founding stakeholder of Google03:48 – The early days of Google: first office to first funding07:52 – Investments of Dot Edu Ventures10:03 – Asha's role in American politics10:45 – How Indians in Silicon Valley can strengthen US–India corridor12:18 – The lack of Indian scholars in think tanks13:14 – Do Indians have enough influence in American politics?13:52 – Is Silicon Valley & the Indian diaspora shifting right?15:00 – The impact of Trump on India–US relations17:36 – Asha's role in opening doors for India globally21:09 – How the Motwani Foundation selects projects and people24:08 – Entrepreneurs as a critical part of US–India value creation24:54 – What's missing in US–India value creation?26:33 – Report on “jailed for doing business” in India27:56 – The legacy of Rajeev Motwani-------------India's talent has built the world's tech—now it's time to lead it.This mission goes beyond startups. It's about shifting the center of gravity in global tech to include the brilliance rising from India.What is Neon Fund?We invest in seed and early-stage founders from India and the diaspora building world-class Enterprise AI companies. We bring capital, conviction, and a community that's done it before.Subscribe for real founder stories, investor perspectives, economist breakdowns, and a behind-the-scenes look at how we're doing it all at Neon.-------------Check us out on:Website: https://neon.fund/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theneonshoww/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/beneon/Twitter: https://x.com/TheNeonShowwConnect with Siddhartha on:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/siddharthaahluwalia/Twitter: https://x.com/siddharthaa7-------------This video is for informational purposes only. The views expressed are those of the individuals quoted and do not constitute professional advice.Send us a text

00:00 Introduction to Coffee Memo and Current Industry Landscape02:42 Understanding the Unprecedented Volatility in Coffee Prices05:16 The Importance of Engagement and Peer Support08:07 Navigating Burnout and Overwhelm in the Coffee Industry10:42 Market Dynamics: Supply, Demand, and Climate Change13:33 Decision-Making in Uncertain Times16:12 The Role of Stakeholders in Business Decisions18:48 Finding Stability Amidst Chaos21:37 Conclusion and Call to Action  Part of The Exchange Coffee Podcasting Network TAKE OUR LISTENER SURVEY Visit and Explore Covoya!

Thabo Shole-Mashao standing in for Clement Manyathela is joined by to Greg Hoffman, Marketing Manager for Birchwood Hotel they discuss the servies offered by Birchwood Hotel. Greg also touched on the Hotel’s contribution to job creating in the city of Ekurhuleni by offering learnership to young people who do not have work experience. The Clement Manyathela Show is broadcast on 702, a Johannesburg based talk radio station, weekdays from 09:00 to 12:00 (SA Time). Clement Manyathela starts his show each weekday on 702 at 9 am taking your calls and voice notes on his Open Line. In the second hour of his show, he unpacks, explains, and makes sense of the news of the day. Clement has several features in his third hour from 11 am that provide you with information to help and guide you through your daily life. As your morning friend, he tackles the serious as well as the light-hearted, on your behalf. Thank you for listening to a podcast from The Clement Manyathela Show. Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 09:00 and 12:00 (SA Time) to The Clement Manyathela Show broadcast on 702 https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/XijPLtJ or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/p0gWuPE Subscribe to the 702 Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/v5mfetc Follow us on social media: 702 on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702 702 on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702 702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/ 702 on X: https://x.com/Radio702 702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio702 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thabo Shole-Mashao standing in for Clement Manyathela speaks to Phakamile Mbengashe, Head of Department of Communications, Marketing and Tourism at the City of Ekurhuleni to get an update on the tourim stakeholder engagement session happening in Ekurhuleni this morning. The Clement Manyathela Show is broadcast on 702, a Johannesburg based talk radio station, weekdays from 09:00 to 12:00 (SA Time). Clement Manyathela starts his show each weekday on 702 at 9 am taking your calls and voice notes on his Open Line. In the second hour of his show, he unpacks, explains, and makes sense of the news of the day. Clement has several features in his third hour from 11 am that provide you with information to help and guide you through your daily life. As your morning friend, he tackles the serious as well as the light-hearted, on your behalf. Thank you for listening to a podcast from The Clement Manyathela Show. Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 09:00 and 12:00 (SA Time) to The Clement Manyathela Show broadcast on 702 https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/XijPLtJ or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/p0gWuPE Subscribe to the 702 Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/v5mfetc Follow us on social media: 702 on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702 702 on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702 702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/ 702 on X: https://x.com/Radio702 702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio702 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thabo Shole-Mashao standing in for Clement Manyathela is joined by Lebohang Skhosana from Toca Essentials, a pioneering wellness and cosmetics company that harnesses the power of African indigenous herbs in its processing and manufacturing operations. The Clement Manyathela Show is broadcast on 702, a Johannesburg based talk radio station, weekdays from 09:00 to 12:00 (SA Time). Clement Manyathela starts his show each weekday on 702 at 9 am taking your calls and voice notes on his Open Line. In the second hour of his show, he unpacks, explains, and makes sense of the news of the day. Clement has several features in his third hour from 11 am that provide you with information to help and guide you through your daily life. As your morning friend, he tackles the serious as well as the light-hearted, on your behalf. Thank you for listening to a podcast from The Clement Manyathela Show. Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 09:00 and 12:00 (SA Time) to The Clement Manyathela Show broadcast on 702 https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/XijPLtJ or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/p0gWuPE Subscribe to the 702 Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/v5mfetc Follow us on social media: 702 on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702 702 on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702 702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/ 702 on X: https://x.com/Radio702 702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio702 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thabo shole-Mashao standing in for Clement Manyathela is joined by Dineo Matsi, Portfolio Chair for Corporate and Shared Services, to discuss the strategic importance of boosting tourism in Ekurhuleni and unlocking its full potential. The Clement Manyathela Show is broadcast on 702, a Johannesburg based talk radio station, weekdays from 09:00 to 12:00 (SA Time). Clement Manyathela starts his show each weekday on 702 at 9 am taking your calls and voice notes on his Open Line. In the second hour of his show, he unpacks, explains, and makes sense of the news of the day. Clement has several features in his third hour from 11 am that provide you with information to help and guide you through your daily life. As your morning friend, he tackles the serious as well as the light-hearted, on your behalf. Thank you for listening to a podcast from The Clement Manyathela Show. Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 09:00 and 12:00 (SA Time) to The Clement Manyathela Show broadcast on 702 https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/XijPLtJ or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/p0gWuPE Subscribe to the 702 Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/v5mfetc Follow us on social media: 702 on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702 702 on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702 702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/ 702 on X: https://x.com/Radio702 702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio702 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thabo shole-Mashao standing in for Clement Manyathela is joined by Nkosindiphile Xhakaza, Executive Mayor of Ekurhuleni, to discuss the key objectives of the Tourism Stakeholder Engagement Sessions, focusing on enhancing the city's tourism capacity and fostering stronger partnerships with industry stakeholders. The Clement Manyathela Show is broadcast on 702, a Johannesburg based talk radio station, weekdays from 09:00 to 12:00 (SA Time). Clement Manyathela starts his show each weekday on 702 at 9 am taking your calls and voice notes on his Open Line. In the second hour of his show, he unpacks, explains, and makes sense of the news of the day. Clement has several features in his third hour from 11 am that provide you with information to help and guide you through your daily life. As your morning friend, he tackles the serious as well as the light-hearted, on your behalf. Thank you for listening to a podcast from The Clement Manyathela Show. Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 09:00 and 12:00 (SA Time) to The Clement Manyathela Show broadcast on 702 https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/XijPLtJ or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/p0gWuPE Subscribe to the 702 Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/v5mfetc Follow us on social media: 702 on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702 702 on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702 702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/ 702 on X: https://x.com/Radio702 702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio702 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jose Quesada on Discovery, Strategy, and the Value of Product Management Jose Quesada, VP of Product Management at American Express, joins Rina Alexin to unpack how Amex built a globally recognized mobile app by running discovery and delivery in parallel. From killing bad ideas quickly to making strategy concrete, Jose shows how product leaders can balance long-term vision with day-to-day execution... all while keeping skeptical stakeholders on board. Key Topics Discussed in This Episode Discovery ≠ delivery Why Amex runs two tracks in parallel and why “killing hypotheses” is as valuable as proving them. Stakeholder judo How to align skeptics, win champions, and use communication, relationships, and data to build trust. Strategy that sticks Building blocks of a good strategy, why context is everything, and how to link product bets to company goals. Why Listen to This Episode? In this thought-provoking episode, you'll gain: A practical model for running discovery and delivery in parallel Tactics for disproving bad ideas fast (and celebrating the red) Stakeholder management techniques that actually lower friction A blueprint for building strategies that align with business context If you're tired of being told “be more strategic” without any how-to, this conversation will give you concrete tools and mindset shifts you can use tomorrow. Related Resources Check out these additional tools and resources to add to your PM belt: Productside Resource Library More Productside Stories Podcast Episodes Explore Productside Courses 

Scrum Masters, You're Not Just the Meeting PersonYou set up the standup, run a clean retro, update the board — and yet, nothing really changes. Dependencies still hit late. Stakeholders still ask for fixed timelines. The team's doing its best, but it always feels like someone outside is pulling the rug. Sound familiar?That's because agility doesn't stop at the team boundary. And if you're only coaching inside the circle, you're missing half the job. The real magic? It happens when you start coaching around the team too.How to connect with AgileDad:- [website] https://www.agiledad.com/- [instagram] https://www.instagram.com/agile_coach/- [facebook] https://www.facebook.com/RealAgileDad/- [Linkedin] https://www.linkedin.com/in/leehenson/

Landmark Difference Makers Interview Series: Tiffany Smith – Founder of Your Future Stakeholders (YFS) and The Angel Moms CollectiveWe're honored to have Tiffany Smith, founder of the non-profit Your Future Stakeholders (YFS) and the Angel Moms Collective.​After the heartbreaking loss of her 15-year-old son to gun violence, Tiffany channeled her grief into action, creating spaces for healing, empowerment, and advocacy.Through YFS, she offers transformational programs that empower mothers and provide training and development for youth and their families. Her mission is to turn pain into purpose, fostering leadership and community healing. ​Through her podcast, The Angel Moms Collective, she shares her journey and offers support to other mothers navigating the unimaginable. Join us as we delve into Tiffany's inspiring story of resilience and her mission to ensure no grieving mother walks alone.

Summary: In this episode, John R. DiJulius III and Denise Thompson discuss the importance of taking time for personal growth through sabbaticals, the evolving job market dynamics leading to a trend of loyalty among employees, the stark contrast in compensation between CEOs and average workers, and the philosophy surrounding wealth and generosity. They explore how societal expectations and corporate practices shape our understanding of success and responsibility. Takeways: Taking a sabbatical can lead to personal and professional growth. The job market is shifting towards valuing employee loyalty over job hopping. CEO compensation has drastically outpaced worker wages, raising concerns about corporate greed. Generosity and giving back can lead to a more fulfilling life than hoarding wealth. The concept of stakeholder capitalism is gaining traction but lacks meaningful implementation. Economic trends show that staying in a job may now be more beneficial than switching for higher pay. The disparity in wealth distribution is a pressing issue that needs addressing. Corporate practices often prioritize shareholder wealth over employee welfare. Generosity should be a priority for those who have achieved financial success. The conversation around wealth and its responsibilities is evolving. Chapters: 00:00The Importance of Sabbaticals 11:52The Shift from Job Switching to Job Loyalty 20:46Corporate Greed and Stakeholder Theory 22:00The Profitability Dilemma 23:25The Billionaire Question 26:26Stakeholder Capitalism: A Shift in Focus 27:44The Reality of Corporate Promises 28:47Generosity vs. Greed 31:20The Pursuit of Happiness and Wealth 33:35The Impact of Wealth on Society   This episode is sponsored by Fin.  Learn more at Fin.ai/csrevolution Links: Fin.ai/csrevolution  Learn more about how Fin, the #1 customer service agent! Ask John!  Submit your questions for John, to be aired on future episode:  tdg.click/ask Customer Experience Executive Academy: https://thedijuliusgroup.com/project/cx-executive-academy/ Interview Questions: https://thedijuliusgroup.com/resources/ The DiJulius Group Methdology: https://thedijuliusgroup.com/x-commandment-methodology/ Experience Revolution Membership:  https://thedijuliusgroup.com/membership/ Schedule a Complimentary Call with one of our advisors:  tdg.click/claudia Books:  https://thedijuliusgroup.com/shop/ Blogs on Above and Beyond Culture: https://thedijuliusgroup.com/category/above-beyond-culture/ Contacts:  Lindsey@thedijuliusgroup.com , Claudia@thedijuliusgroup.com Subscribe We talk about topics like this each week; be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts so you don't miss an episode.

There is less water in the Colorado River and more growth in Arizona. Stakeholders will meet to discuss shares of the river with the other states. Central Arizona Project Board President, Terry Goddard, joined the show to discuss Arizona's 2026 Colorado River water plan. 

The Sprint Review shouldn't be a sleepy status update, it's a high-leverage inspection-and-adaptation event that shapes what happens next.  In this episode, we break down what a great Sprint Review looks like, why developers should demo working product (not PPT slides), and how Product Owners and Scrum Masters can co-facilitate to keep it tight, focused, and valuable.  Hear practical tips: crafting a clear agenda, inviting the right stakeholders, handling “over-talkers,” using parking lots, avoiding the dog-and-pony prep trap, and closing with decisions that feed straight into the backlog and the next Sprint Plan.

Welcome to another insightful episode of Accelerate Your Business Growth! Today, host Diane Helbig is joined by Bill Shander, a world-class listener and author of the new book, Stakeholder Whispering: Uncover What People Need Before Doing What They Ask. Bill shares his expertise on the importance of not taking tasks at face value, the art of asking the right questions, and how to truly understand what stakeholders need—even when they aren't sure themselves. In this episode, Bill details why simply following instructions isn't enough in today's fast-paced work environment. Instead, he advocates for a thoughtful approach that starts with probing questions and mindful listening. Whether you're new to the workforce or a seasoned professional, Bill's practical tips will empower you to build better relationships, earn trust, and deliver real solutions. If you are a small business owner or salesperson who struggles with getting the sales results you are looking for, get your copy of Succeed Without Selling today. Learn the importance of Always Be Curious. Accelerate Your Business Growth is proud to be included on the list of the 45 Best Business Growth Podcasts. We are also honored to be selected by FeedSpot as one of the Top 10 Growth Hacking Podcasts, Top 25 Evergreen Podcasts and Top 50 Business Growth Podcasts on the web. Each episode of this podcast provides insights and education around topics that are important to you as a business owner or leader. The content comes from people who are experts in their fields and who are interested in helping you be more successful. Whether it's sales challenges, leadership issues, hiring and talent struggles, marketing, seo, branding, time management, customer service, communication, podcasting, social media, cashflow, or publishing, the best and the brightest join the host, Diane Helbig, for a casual conversation. Discover programs, webinars, services, books, and other podcasts you can tap into for fresh ideas. Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode and visit Helbig Enterprises to explore the many ways Diane can help you improve your business outcomes and results. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a textIn this episode of Deconstructing Comp, Yvonne Guibert and Rafael Gonzalez welcome Scynthia Syfrett, Workers' Compensation Program Manager at SHARP Healthcare in San Diego. Scynthia offers her perspective on managing a large deductible program, with a $1 million per-claim deductible, and the lessons in risk that come with operating at this scale.Our conversation examines how large deductible programs shift a significant portion of the claims exposure back to the employer, presenting both opportunities and challenges. Scynthia explains why careful oversight, proactive claims management, trusted vendor partners, and tailored processes are essential to ensure every claim is handled with both financial accountability and employee care.She also highlights why healthcare systems, with thousands of employees, must maintain clear strategies for managing risk, controlling litigation, and supporting injured employees within such a high-stakes framework.You'll also learn that Scynthia is passionate about education, just like Yvonne and Rafael! Key terms and concepts mentioned in this episode to help guide your listening:Large Deductible Program – SHARP's program features a $1 million per-claim deductible, shifting a significant portion of the financial responsibility back to the employer.Risk Management – In workers' compensation, risk management means recognizing and addressing financial, legal, strategic, and safety risks that can affect both employees and the organization.Litigation Review – The process of evaluating claims before escalating to legal action; Scynthia discusses SHARP's unique approach.Return to Work (RTW) – Supporting employees in safely resuming their roles, often with modified duties.Safety – Preventive measures and tracking of safety incidents within an employer's environment.Employee Education – SHARP's investment in training employees to understand workers' compensation processes and responsibilities.Trusted Vendor Partners – External claims, legal, and medical partners who work closely with an employer to manage claims effectively.¡Muchas Gracias! Thank you for listening. We would appreciate you sharing our podcast with your friends on social media. Find Yvonne and Rafael on Linked In or follow us on Twitter @deconstructcomp

Thabo Shole-Mashao, in for Clement Manyathela speaks to David Kramer, who is a member of the governing body of the Walter Sisulu Environmental Centre and Vumile Senene, from the Clean Air Fund to better understand the work they do to teach young people about keeping the air clean. The Clement Manyathela Show is broadcast on 702, a Johannesburg based talk radio station, weekdays from 09:00 to 12:00 (SA Time). Clement Manyathela starts his show each weekday on 702 at 9 am taking your calls and voice notes on his Open Line. In the second hour of his show, he unpacks, explains, and makes sense of the news of the day. Clement has several features in his third hour from 11 am that provide you with information to help and guide you through your daily life. As your morning friend, he tackles the serious as well as the light-hearted, on your behalf. Thank you for listening to a podcast from The Clement Manyathela Show. Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 09:00 and 12:00 (SA Time) to The Clement Manyathela Show broadcast on 702 https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/XijPLtJ or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/p0gWuPE Subscribe to the 702 Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/v5mfetc Follow us on social media: 702 on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702 702 on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702 702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/ 702 on X: https://x.com/Radio702 702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio702 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can anyone predict the future? While Hollywood and media experts try to figure out what's next, media consultant Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com shares 5 essential strategies for embracing uncertainty and building resilience in today's chaotic culture.

Systems, skills and the eight levers of learning transformation. Lori Niles-Hoffman, learning strategist and data evangelist, joins John to explore how L&D can escape legacy mindsets and regain strategic impact. Drawing on her new book, Lori outlines the eight key levers for enterprise learning transformation, why ecosystems matter more than platforms, and how AI is reshaping the role of the learning professional. Timestamps 00:01:43 - Intro 00:03:46 - What brought her into the world of learning tech? 00:07:03 - What convinced her of the need for this book? 00:12:58 - What are ‘the 8 Levers'? 00:24:06 - Stakeholder management 00:26:13 - Why is knowledge management lumped together with marketing? 00:33:03 - Ecosystems thinking 00:39:34 - Strategic alignment – a no-brainer? 00:40:17 - Why hasn't L&D tackled its long-standing challenges to date? 00:48:58 - Will AI make us all systems designers? 00:57:43 - Lori's interesting take on AI ethics Follow & Contact LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/johnhelmer X: @johnhelmer Bluesky: @johnhelmer.bsky.social Website: learninghackpodcast.com

Tribes are seeking to flex whatever legal muscle they have to secure Colorado River water protections, just as forecasts show the resource to continue to disappear in the foreseeable future. The tribes are hoping to gain whatever leverage they can as policymakers negotiate new water plans. More than 30 tribes and seven states utilize water from the Colorado River, which has been experiencing record low water levels from a decades-long drought. Stakeholders are having to rethink their water use and flex their legal claims to the resource as existing water use plans are set to expire. In one case, the Colorado River Indian Tribes are pursuing their own declaration, giving the river the same rights as a person. Tribal advocates say it could better protect the important lifeline that carves through several tribal lands in the arid Southwest. GUESTS Heather Tanana (Diné), initiative lead of the Universal Access to Clean Water for Tribal Communities and a law professor at the University of Denver Daryl Vigil (Jicarilla Apache), co-director of the Water & Tribes Initiative Amelia Flores (Colorado River Indian Tribe), chairwoman of the Colorado River Indian Tribes John Bezdek, water attorney for the Colorado River Indian Tribes and a shareholder of the Water and Power Law Group

This week on the Lancaster Farming Industrial Hemp Podcast, we're chasing down the beginnings of a Pennsylvania hemp fiber supply chain. We start the day in southern Lancaster County at Steve Groff's farm, standing in the middle of what he calls his “hemp canyon,” with towering stalks over fifteen feet tall. Groff has about 60 acres of the Australian hemp variety MS-77, which seems to do well on Groff's farm. He's also working on a green decorticator. If the machine works as planned, it could change the way fiber hemp is harvested — cleaner, faster and without the need for retting. From there we cross the Susquehanna River into York County to visit Dave Cook at Tuscarora Mills in Red Lion. Dave and his partner Heidi Custer are working to turn Pennsylvania-grown hemp into yarn and fabric. Their mill is full of antique looms and their goal is simple but ambitious: To revive textile production here in the Keystone State using local hemp fiber. It's still early days for a Pennsylvania supply chain, but the work Groff and Cook are doing points toward a future where hemp textiles are grown, processed and woven right here at home. Learn More: Steve Groff: https://stevegroff.com/ Dave Cook and Tuscarora Mills: https://tuscaroramills.com/ News Nuggets, from HempToday.net Peru opens draft hemp rules for consultation as industry eyes long-awaited start https://hemptoday.net/peru-opens-draft-hemp-rules-for-consultation-as-industry-eyes-long-awaited-start/ Draft hemp bill would regulate intoxicating products instead of imposing a ban https://hemptoday.net/draft-hemp-bill-would-regulate-intoxicating-products-instead-of-imposing-a-ban/ Stakeholders fear Brazil hemp rules may be restricted as Sept. 30 deadline nears https://hemptoday.net/stakeholders-fear-brazil-hemp-rules-may-be-restricted-as-sept-30-deadline-nears/ Brazil's CBD price war, a boon for patients, signals maturing medical market https://hemptoday.net/brazils-cbd-price-war-a-boon-for-patients-signals-maturing-medical-market/ Thanks to Our Sponsors! IND HEMP https://indhemp.com/ Forever Green http://hempcutter.com/ National Hemp Association https://nationalhempassociation.org/

In this episode of Building Better Developers with AI, hosts Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche revisit a classic topic: The Power of Clickable Demos in the Software Development Lifecycle. This time, they reframe it through the lens of demo-driven development, exploring how lightweight prototypes align teams, validate ideas, and reduce costly missteps. What is Demo-Driven Development? Demo-driven development utilizes interactive prototypes early in the lifecycle to demonstrate how an application might function before coding begins. These demos link wireframes or screens together into a simple, clickable flow. Low fidelity: Basic wireframes to test flow and logic. High fidelity: Polished UI mockups that look like production. Best practice: Begin low fidelity and add detail only as needed. “Demo-driven development gives stakeholders something to touch and test—without weeks of coding.” How Interactive Demo-Driven Development Improves Alignment Instead of static diagrams, teams can walk clients through interactive experiences that make requirements tangible. This approach helps uncover gaps, clarify assumptions, and prevent misunderstandings. Even a rough demo can save hours of rework by sparking conversations that written requirements alone often miss. Benefits for Developers, Managers, and Clients Prototypes provide value across roles: Developers: Spot design flaws early and estimate with more confidence. Product managers and designers: Validate ideas quickly and secure buy-in. Clients and end users: Interact with something realistic, making feedback far easier. “Many times, a demo exposes what was never written in requirements—but was always assumed.” Common Pitfalls to Avoid As Michael points out, demos can sometimes create false direction. Stakeholders may perceive the prototype as production-ready, prompting teams to release features that are rushed or incomplete. To prevent this: Emphasize that prototypes are exploratory. Focus on solving the problem, not polish. Avoid over-engineering features that may never be built. Using Prototypes for A/B Testing One strength of this approach is the ability to test multiple designs quickly. By creating different variations of a flow, teams can gather real feedback and compare preferences. For instance, rotating two demo versions on a website gives instant insight into which design resonates most, ensuring decisions are based on evidence rather than guesswork. Tools and Workflow for Demo-Driven Development Rob and Michael highlight practical ways to make demos effective: Start with wireframes – concentrate on flow, not design. Choose the right tools – Figma, Adobe XD, Sketch, or basic HTML/CSS. Test before presenting – nothing derails a meeting faster than broken links. Guide discussions – keep clients from getting stuck on minor details, such as colors. Keep it lean – focus on essentials that prove the concept. “Solve the problem first. Make it pretty later.” Why This Approach Still Matters Today Revisiting this topic highlights the continued value of demo-driven development. It accelerates feedback, ensures alignment, and keeps projects focused on real user needs before heavy development begins. When used wisely, it reduces risk, minimizes wasted effort, and helps teams deliver software that both functions effectively and delights users. Stay Connected: Join the Developreneur Community We invite you to join our community and share your coding journey with us. Whether you're a seasoned developer or just starting, there's always room to learn and grow together. Contact us at info@develpreneur.com with your questions, feedback, or suggestions for future episodes. Together, let's continue exploring the exciting world of software development. Additional Resources Building Out Your Application From a Demo How to Create an Effective Clickable Demo Successful Presentation Tips for Developers: Effective Demo Strategies Transform Your Projects: The Ultimate Guide to Effective User Stories The Developer Journey Videos – With Bonus Content Building Better Developers With AI Podcast Videos – With Bonus Content

What does it really mean to be data-driven? Mark Gergess, VP of Data and BI at DoubleVerify, joins the show to unpack how data teams can go beyond dashboards to drive meaningful business action. From building an internal consulting lens to evaluating the latest AI tools, Mark shares how his team translates complex data flows into measurable revenue impact. If you've ever wrestled with the gap between insights and outcomes, this conversation will hit home.Key Takeaways• Being data-driven is about driving action, not just reporting numbers• Stakeholders don't care about your data problems—they care about business outcomes• The biggest challenge with AI adoption isn't the model, it's the use cases• Efficiency gains from AI should shift focus from ETL tasks to solving real business problems• Data culture health is measured by how naturally teams rely on data day-to-dayTimestamped Highlights01:17 How DoubleVerify helps advertisers build safer, more effective digital campaigns04:55 Why the definition of “data-driven” still varies and why it matters09:25 Measuring whether data efforts are moving the needle on revenue13:15 How to separate hype from value when evaluating AI and GenAI tools17:10 Lessons from the data science boom and why companies must go “all in” with AI25:31 Can AI act as your junior analyst? Where efficiency gains really show up27:01 How freeing up time changes the structure of data teams and boosts business impactA thought worth holding onto“It's not about dashboards. It's not about reporting. It's about doing something with the information.”Pro TipsMark recommends treating AI as a “junior analyst”—let it handle quick, lower-priority questions so your team can focus on bigger business challenges.Call to ActionEnjoyed the conversation? Share this episode with a colleague who talks about being “data-driven.” Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and connect with me on LinkedIn for more insights from leaders shaping the future of data and technology.

Marketing today should be a team sport. The companies that thrive are the ones who align product and brand around a shared mission. In this week's episode of Growth Talks, Pranav Piyush, CEO of Paramark, joins host Krystina Rubino to share leadership strategies for aligning product, marketing, and finance to drive business success. As a former marketing leader at companies like BILL and Adobe,  Pranav unpacks how to recognize growth plateaus, lead change with clarity, and foster high-trust relationships with finance. From refining your brand-performance connection to activating your community as a true growth engine, this episode provides sharp insights for building a company that lasts.

Most businesses don't fail from a lack of opportunity, they fail from chasing too many of the wrong ones. In this solo episode, George unpacks a powerful decision-making framework by Dr. Benjamin Hardy that will radically shift the way you say yes (and no) in business and life. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by shiny objects, spread too thin, or unsure which path to pursue, this episode is the clarity filter you've been waiting for.What You'll Learn in This EpisodeWhy saying “yes” is often the problem, not the solutionThe opportunity cost of bad decisionsHow to protect your time, energy, and mental bandwidthThe 4-question rapid decision filter you can use in under 60 secondsWhy decision fatigue kills momentum—and how to fix itHow to apply these frameworks to business, relationships, and life Key Takeaways✔️Every “yes” comes with an opportunity cost that could derail your bigger vision.✔️Use the 4-question quick filter to spot distractions in disguise:Would I say yes if this opportunity came in 3 months from now?Would I do this for free?Does this bring me closer to my “impossible goal”?If I say yes to this, what am I saying no to?✔️When in doubt, go deeper with the 4-part decision framework: Frame, Floor, Focus, Stakeholders.✔️Complexity kills clarity—simplicity scales.✔️Saying “no” is how you protect your greatness. Timestamps[00:00] – Why your results are the clearest reflection of your priorities[04:30] – How the Awareness Audit can uncover hidden time and energy leaks[08:50] – The Behavior Audit: aligning actions with your stated goals[13:15] – Belief Audit: why what you believe determines what you achieve[18:00] – Curating your Environment to reinforce your vision[24:00] – Integration: using the audits to create powerful alignment[30:15] – Final thoughts and your call to action this week Your Challenge This WeekWrite down three current opportunities you're considering.Then run each one through both:The rapid 4-question filterThe comprehensive framework (Frame, Floor, Focus, Stakeholders)Notice what becomes clearer—and more importantly, what deserves a firm “no.”Dive deeper into Dr. Benjamin Hardy's work: benjaminhardy.com Join The Alliance – Tap into The Relationship Beats Algorithms™ community for entrepreneurs who lead with trust and connection. https://mindofgeorge.com/rbaa/Apply for 1:1 Coaching – Ready to build a sustainable business with aligned impact? Apply hereExperience Live Events – Get in the room where long-term success is built.Follow George on Instagram – For more tips, wisdom, and connection: @itsgeorgebryant

“At the core of it, is the people, a lot of people want to talk about processes and tools, and that's great, but your project probably didn't fail because you used PMI version or Prince two's version, if you had weekly meetings or stand-up meetings. That's probably not why it failed. It's probably because the people were not set up for success from the beginning the whole way through to the end, and that's what my book is all about.” Dawn Mahan Top Five Tips For Successful Projects1.  Assume Nothing: Embrace Failure Stats to Challenge Your Blind Spots2. Welcome to Projectland: It's DIFFERENT Here3. Assemble the Power Players: The Leadership Roles That Make or Break your Project 4. Field your Dream Team: Recruit the Right Players in the Right Roles5. 3 Surprising Kinds of Stakeholders & How to Spot Them  TIME STAMP SUMMARY02:48  People as the core reason for project failure; importance of skill sets and clear goals.08:31  Benefits of separating project and operations teams for focus.14:28  Recruiting for skills and work styles; managing with the team you have.17:36  Managing external influences and communications. Where to find Dawn?Website                               https://www.projectguruacademy.com/  LinkedIn                              https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnmahan Dawn MahanDawn Mahan, PMP is Founder of PMOtraining.com, a C-suite advisor, award-winning consultant, international speaker, inventor of ProjectFlo®, author of the bestselling book “Meet the Players in Projectland: Decide the Right Project Roles & Get People On Board” and has trained thousands of professionals around the world.

Skip ahead ten minutes if you don't want the girly pops updates…but you can't blame us for talking about Taylor Swift engaged to THE Alpine Stakeholder, Travis Kelce!! Maybe they'll make it out to a race one day. In other news, Cadillac has finally announced their driver line up, Alex Palou will probably never move to Formula 1, Ed Carpenter Racing kinda slays right now and Hannah and Emma almost fight it out live on Track Talk….over….Max Verstappen? Weird.

US Senator Sanders favors Trump plan to take stake in Intel and other chipmakersBernie: "If microchip companies make a profit from the generous grants they receive from the federal government, the taxpayers of America have a right to a reasonable return on that investment."Mark Zuckerberg gifted noise-canceling headphones to his Palo Alto neighbors because of the non-stop construction around his 11 homesCracker Barrel, under fire from Donald Trump Jr. and Steak n' Shake, apologizes to fans but won't drop new logo“If the last few days have shown us anything, it's how deeply people care about Cracker Barrel. We're truly grateful for your heartfelt voices,” the company said Monday in a statement on its website.“You've also shown us that we could have done a better job sharing who we are and who we'll always be.”On Monday, the Lebanon, Tennessee-based company emphasized that many things about Cracker Barrel won't change, including the rocking chairs on its front porches and vintage Americana and antiques scattered throughout its restaurants.Cracker Barrel also said it will continue to honor Uncle Herschel — the older man in the former logo, who represents the uncle of Cracker Barrel's founder — on its menu and on items sold in its stores.But Cracker Barrel said it also wants to make sure that the business stays fresh and attracts a new generation of customers.Maine's Populist Senate Candidate Thinks We Are in a New Gilded AgeAccording to Graham Platner, America has entered a new gilded age and needs a politics that can meet the moment. “I think the comparisons between the late 19th century and now are apt: vast amounts of wealth and regulatory structures that in no way, shape, or form keep that wealth in check,” pointing to the power people like Elon Musk and other prominent Silicon Valley leaders have over the current administration.He pointed to his state's famed and tightly regulated lobster industry as an example.“The state of Maine has passed laws over the years that have regulated the lobster industry in a very specific way, and it means there's one boat, one captain, one license. Fishing can only be conducted while the captain is aboard. This has entirely disincentivized consolidation,” he explained.“The result is a half-a-billion-dollar-a-year industry for the state of Maine that has almost no corporate ownership.”When presented with the alternative theory—that Maine should instead allow consolidation in its prize industry and redistribute wealth back to workers and their communities through other means—he bluntly dismissed its proponents. “Those people are full of shit. The distribution of resources needs to happen at the level where things are being produced.”Lisa Cook Says She Will Not Step Down From the Fed Board“I will not resign,” she said. “I will continue to carry out my duties to help the American economy as I have been doing since 2022.”Meta Defector Issues Devastating Psychological Takedown of Tech CEOsNick Clegg, a former Meta executive who left the company at the start of this year: "If you're accustomed to privilege, equality feels like oppression.""You'd think, wouldn't you, that if you were immensely powerful and rich like Elon Musk and all these other tech bros and members of that podcast community that you'd reflect on your good fortune compared with most other people?" Instead, Clegg seethed, they cry persecution."In Silicon Valley, far from thinking they're lucky, they think they're hard done by, [that] they're victims. I couldn't, and still can't, understand this deeply unattractive combination of machismo and self-pity."Red Lobster Is Betting on Black Diners With Its Brand ComebackCEO Damola Adamolekun, who took over the job last September, a 36-year-old Nigerian American, who is also credited with rescuing P.F. Chang's.Red Lobster has been a part of America's casual-dining landscape since the first location opened in Lakeland, Fla., in 1968. Just four years after the passage of the Civil Rights Act, many restaurants in the South were still segregated de facto. Red Lobster embraced diversity, opening its doors to Black customers and hiring Black workers.The ‘woke' words Democrats should cut from their vocabularyA new memo identifies 45 words and phrases for Democrats to avoid, alleging the terms turn voters off. They span six categories: Therapy-Speak (1/11: Triggering); Seminar Room Language (0/8); Organizer Jargon (1/8: Stakeholders); Gender/Orientation Correctness (1/8: Patriarchy); The Shifting Language of Racial Constructs (0/5); Explaining Away Crime (0/4)Korea passes boardroom reform, curbing chaebol powerSouth Korea has passed a significant boardroom reform aimed at curbing the power of the country's large family-owned conglomerates, known as "chaebol."Here are some key changes:Mandatory Cumulative VotingFor large listed companies with assets exceeding 2 trillion won (about $1.44 billion), a cumulative voting system is now required. This system allows minority shareholders to pool their votes and elect a representative to the board, giving them a greater voice in corporate governance.Increased Power for Audit CommitteesThe number of audit committee members elected separately from the controlling shareholders will increase from one to at least two. This strengthens the independence of the audit committee, which is responsible for overseeing financial reporting and internal controls.Broader Application of the "3% Rule"The "3% rule," which limits the voting power of the largest shareholders to 3% when electing audit committee members, will now be extended to independent directors. Previously, this cap only applied to internal directors.Extended Fiduciary Duty of DirectorsA previous amendment in July extended the fiduciary duty of directors to all shareholders, not just the company. This change is intended to prevent controlling families from making decisions that benefit themselves at the expense of minority shareholders."Outside Directors" Renamed "Independent Directors"A symbolic but important change that emphasizes the need for directors to act independently of management and controlling shareholders.Mandatory Hybrid Shareholder MeetingsFor publicly traded firms with more than 2 trillion won in assets, hybrid shareholder meetings will be mandatory. This will allow shareholders to participate and vote online, increasing accessibility and participation.Increased Proportion of Independent DirectorsThe required proportion of independent directors on the board has been raised from one-quarter to one-third, further strengthening independent oversight of management."Yellow Envelope Bill"This measure, passed alongside the boardroom reforms, secures bargaining rights for subcontracted workers, which could have a significant impact on the labor practices of chaebol.Revamping Public Broadcaster GovernanceThe reforms also include measures to revamp the governance of public broadcasters, which could reduce the influence of chaebol on the media.UnitedHealth forms new ‘public responsibility' board committeeThe committee will oversee areas where UnitedHealth has struggled or faced public scrutiny: underwriting and forecasting, regulatory relationships, reputational matters, and M&A.Michele Hooper, who's served on UnitedHealth's board since 2007, will step down as lead independent director to chair the committee. Hooper, who will remain a director, will be replaced as lead independent director by F. William McNabb, the former CEO of investing firm the Vanguard Group who has served on UnitedHealth's board since 2018.The U.S. EV fast-charging network is seeing explosive growth—despite Trump's policiesInstallation of fast DC chargers that can get an EV to 80% charged in less than an hour are up more than 25% from 2024—despite the loss of Biden administration initiatives designed to support the growth of the network.Companies with climate targets have more than tripled since 2023The number of companies worldwide with both validated near-term and net-zero science-based climate targets has more than tripled since the end of 2023, from 583 to 1,904, according to the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi).A total of 10,949 companies worldwide now either have near-term targets or near-term and net-zero targets, or have committed to set them, according to a report by the Science-Based Targets initiative.Air Canada reaches a deal to end flight attendant strikeThe tentative deal secures Air Canada flight attendants at least 60 minutes of ground pay, for their time before each flight, at a rate of 50 per cent of a flight attendant's hourly rate, with that rate increasing five per cent each year.The airline is also proposing immediate pay increases of 12 per cent for flight attendants with five years or less of service with Air Canada, and eight per cent for those who have worked at the airline longer than that.Kimbal Musk on Elon's Tesla pay package: 'My brother deserves to be paid'

What if the secret to better leadership wasn't doing exactly what's asked—but uncovering what's really needed? In this episode of the Build a Vibrant Culture podcast, Nicole Greer welcomes Bill Shander, author of Stakeholder Whispering, educator, and data storytelling expert. Bill reveals how leaders can shift from reactive execution to strategic impact by slowing down, asking the right questions, and uncovering hidden needs. Together, Nicole and Bill dive into the power of fast vs. slow thinking, the Socratic method, and the role of empathy and curiosity in building trust. You'll learn practical tools like the Five Whys and active listening to help you transform workplace conversations into meaningful progress. If you're ready to sharpen your leadership and strengthen your culture, this conversation will show you how to whisper your way to success!Vibrant Highlights:[00:03:06] What is a stakeholder? – Bill defines the broad meaning of “stakeholder” and why the word is both problematic and essential.[00:06:12] Not fully baked ideas – Why leaders often ask for the wrong “cake” and how whispering uncovers what's really needed.[00:08:17] Fast vs. slow thinking – Drawing from Daniel Kahneman's research, Bill explains why slowing down leads to better decisions.[00:12:16] The Socratic method & puzzlement (aporia) – How asking thoughtful questions creates insight and clarity for stakeholders.[00:43:35] The Five Whys – Bill shares how this tool digs past surface requests to reveal the true root cause of the request.Bill's Book, Stakeholder Whispering: https://a.co/d/imucgamDownload a free digital preview: https://billshander.com/books/Connect with Bill:Website: https://billshander.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billshander/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BillShanderAlso mentioned in this episode:Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman: https://a.co/d/8XLimNSListen at vibrantculture.com/podcast or wherever you listen to podcasts!Learn more about Nicole Greer, The Vibrant Coach, at vibrantculture.com.

This episode of the Pipeliners Podcast features pipeline consultant and former pipeline engineer with Phillips 66, Ed Hetsko, discussing the complexities of pipeline encroachment. The conversation defines what an encroachment is and explores the challenges that arise as urban areas expand around once-rural pipelines. Hetsko also explores the various methods and technologies used to manage these issues. Visit PipelinePodcastNetwork.com for a full episode transcript, as well as detailed show notes with relevant links and insider term definitions.