Podcasts about standardize

Chris Boyer and Reed Smith bring in two people who worked the problem from the inside. Chris Hemphill of Modular Feedback, who builds AI for a living, and Heather Nairn, a healthcare economist who reads this as an access problem first. The reflex across the industry is to point AI at the mess. Standardize the data, set some agents loose, let the model sort it out. Hemphill and Nairn tested that reflex against a plain deterministic workflow on exactly this job. The workflow won on accuracy, on speed and on cost. Their point is not that AI is useless here. It is that the most useful skill in this work is knowing when not to reach for it. The deeper problem is structural. Provider data is a commodity. Every payer and every health system chases the same handful of fields, guards its copy as proprietary, and rebuilds the same record in parallel. Every cycle spent on that is a cycle not spent on the access work that moves outcomes. Transportation, care coordination, the patient in crisis who just needs a number that connects. Mentions from the Show: U.S. Senate Finance Committee, Ghost Network Secret Shopper Study, May 2023: https://www.finance.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/050323%20Ghost%20Network%20Hearing%20-%20Secret%20Shopper%20Study%20Report.pdf HHS Office of Inspector General, behavioral health network issue brief, October 2025 (72% of listed clinicians non-participating) New York Attorney General, "Inaccurate and Inadequate: Health Plans' Mental Health Provider Directories" (EmblemHealth investigation) American Psychiatric Association class-action complaint against EmblemHealth, January 2026: https://psychiatryonline.org/doi/full/10.1176/appi.pn.2026.03.3.15 CMS Final Rule CMS-4208-F2, finalized September 2025 (MA directory data to Medicare Plan Finder by plan year 2027; 85% accuracy threshold) Ideon, CMS Provider Directory Requirements compliance guide, March 2026 (48.74% of MA provider locations carry at least one inaccuracy): https://ideonapi.com/resources/blog/cms-provider-directory-requirements-a-complete-compliance-guide-for-2026-2027/ JAMA, AI-assisted directory inconsistency study, University of Colorado researchers (81% of physicians show inconsistencies), via Healthcare Dive: https://www.healthcaredive.com/news/inconsistent-physician-directories-no-surprises-act/645307/ Modular Feedback (Chris Hemphill), deployment write-up: https://modularfeedback.com/blog Chris Hemphill on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrishemphill/ CONFIRM handle Heather Nairn on LinkedIn: CONFIRM URL Reed Smith on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reedtsmith/ Chris Boyer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisboyer/ Chris Boyer website: http://www.christopherboyer.com/ Chris Boyer on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/chrisboyer.bsky.social Reed Smith on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/reedsmith.bsky.social Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many med spas spend heavily on attracting new patients while overlooking one of the biggest growth opportunities already inside the practice: the existing patient base. Sustainable esthetic practice growth doesn't come from acquiring more patients alone—it comes from creating an experience that keeps them coming back.  In this episode, I sit down with Abby Honaker, President of Partner Success at Pink Sky, to discuss how practice owners can improve patient retention, strengthen provider accountability, and create systems that support long-term growth. We talk about everything from provider utilization and compensation structure to treatment plans, patient outreach, and building a service experience that drives loyalty.  Every Patient Interaction Should Move the Journey Forward  One thing I constantly see is that medical aesthetics is failing to maximize each patient interaction. Whether it's recommending skincare, discussing future treatments, or helping a patient understand their long-term goals, every touchpoint is an opportunity for education and deeper engagement.   The strongest practices don't treat visits as one-time transactions. They create intentional patient journeys with clear next steps, personalized care plans, and a consistent service experience that encourages rebooking and patient loyalty.  When patients understand where they're going next, retention and revenue improve.   Retention Is Built Through Systems, Not Hope  Patient retention isn't accidental. It comes from clear processes, team training, and data-driven decisions.  • Train providers and front desk teams on every service offered • Use targeted marketing and patient outreach to reactivate inactive patients • Build treatment plans that extend three, six, or nine months into the future  • Track rebooking rates and provider utilization regularly • Create membership programs that support long-term engagement • Standardize scripts to improve consistency across the patient journey  The practices that maximize revenue are often the ones that create predictable systems around the client experience.  Providers Should Be Advisors, Not Order Takers  Patients don't come to your practice because they're experts in treatment planning. They come because you are. That means providers should confidently recommend the care they believe will produce the best outcome rather than allowing patients to "order off the menu." Whether it's upselling skincare, integrating wellness services, or recommending additional treatments, education is part of delivering high-quality care.  Avoid making assumptions about what patients can or cannot afford. Present the best recommendation, explain the value, and allow the patient to decide what works for them. Data Creates Better Decisions—and Better Outcomes  Successful med spa practices combine exceptional care with strong operational discipline.    As your med spa scales, creating a profitable exit—or simply building a more sustainable business—depends on having systems that support both the patient experience and financial performance. The goal isn't simply to add more services. It's to build a practice where every touchpoint strengthens loyalty, improves outcomes, and supports long-term profitability.  Follow Shannon & Keep What You Earn:   Shannon Weinstein is the founder of a fractional CFO firm specializing in helping 7-figure aesthetics and wellness practices scale with clarity, cash flow, and confidence.  Shannon is committed to helping med spa owners understand, fix, and maximize their business's enterprise value, offering actionable advice and resources, including a popular free video series specifically for aesthetics practice owners.  Connect with Shannon: Fractional CFO Services and Executive Financial Review: https://www.keepwhatyouearn.com/  Connect with Shannon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonweinstein  Watch full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@KeepWhatYouEarn  Listen on your favorite podcast app: https://pod.link/1580071347  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shannonkweinstein/  The information shared is for educational purposes only and is not individualized financial advice. Aesthetics practice owners should consult a qualified professional before implementing financial strategies discussed here.  About Abby Honaker:  Abby Honaker is an aesthetics, wellness, and longevity strategist with more than 25 years of experience building and scaling healthcare businesses. Since 1998, she has worked across multiple sectors—including plastic surgery, dermatology, chiropractic, dental, aesthetics, wellness, and fitness—bringing a unique blend of clinical expertise and operational leadership to every stage of growth.  A business graduate with more than 40 certifications spanning nutrition, health coaching, personal training, and athletic performance, Abby Honaker has launched multiple wellness clinics, helped lead her family's dental practices, and opened her own med spa after becoming a Master Aesthetician and Laser Technician.  Having served in nearly every role within a practice—from provider and patient coordinator to brand manager, owner, consultant, and marketing lead—Abby Honaker specializes in helping clinics optimize operations, improve profitability, and scale sustainably. She is known for implementing modern growth systems, including AI-enabled operations, technology integrations, SOP development, and revenue strategies that support both expansion and successful exits. Connect with Abby:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abby_honaker/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abby-honaker-38bb1775/  Website: https://pinksky.life/ 

Most companies treat labor as a cost to be minimized. Zeynep Ton has spent two decades proving that's the most expensive mistake a business can make.Zeynep is a professor at MIT Sloan, founder of the Good Jobs Institute, and author of The Case for Good Jobs. Her research across retail, hospitality, and service industries has documented what companies like Costco, Trader Joe's, QuickTrip, and Mercadona figured out long before the rest — that investing in frontline workers is not a trade-off against profitability. It is the engine of it.In this conversation, Zeynep and I break down the Good Jobs System in full — the four operational levers that create highly productive, motivating work, and the investment in people that makes it all sustainable. We talk about why the Toyota Production System fails when leaders skip its human foundation, why "lean and mean" isn't actually efficient, and what AI-driven companies are getting catastrophically wrong when they treat automation as a headcount reduction tool rather than a way to unlock human potential.This is not a conversation about being nice to employees. It is a conversation about building a system so competitive that others can't touch you.What You Will Learn:The real cost of high employee turnover on operational executionThe four elements of the Good Jobs System - and why you can't cherry-pickWhy operating with slack is the most counterintuitive and powerful operational choiceHow Costco's frontline workers outperform without performance-based bonusesWhy AI is either your greatest lever for human flourishing - or your fastest path to destroying trust.Episode Chapters:07:00 The vicious cycle: how "labor as cost" mindset creates operational collapse12:42 Improving customer value is the best way to grow profits15:03 The Good Jobs System explained: two pillars, four operational levers22:00 Focus and simplify: why fewer choices drive better frontline performance27:00 Standardize and empower: how clear standards create ownership, not compliance34:00 Cross-train: flexibility, motivation, and promoting from within43:00 Why operating with slack is strategic.49:33 How AI can either replace people or amplify human contributionResources:Connect with the GuestLinkedIn: Professor Zeynep TonRecommended Reading: The Good Jobs Strategy: How the Smartest Companies Invest in Employees to Lower Costs and Boost ProfitsConnect with the HostLinkedIn: Ashish KothariWebsite: Happiness SquadBook: Hardwired For HappinessYouTube: Happiness Squad ChannelIf this conversation sparked something for you, please subscribe and leave a review, it takes 30 seconds and helps more people discover the show.

In this episode of The Global Marketing Show, international project leader Franziska Höhne shares a practical, real-world framework for managing global teams where precision, compliance, and cross-border alignment are non-negotiable. Drawing from nearly 20 years of experience leading complex international projects, Höhne makes one thing clear: you're not managing functions, you're aligning humans across cultures. In regulated environments, the ability to build trust across geographies becomes a core operational capability. She emphasizes the importance of humanizing virtual teams, ensuring that colleagues don't just interact as roles on a screen, but as real people with context, constraints, and different ways of working. A major theme in the conversation is how language creates hidden risk, even when everyone speaks English. Subtle phrases like “let's revisit the timeline” can signal urgency in one culture and optional follow-up in another. In high-stakes environments like clinical development, regulatory submissions, or global product rollouts, these small misunderstandings can have outsized consequences.  To navigate this complexity, she introduces a simple but powerful framework built on three pillars: Human connection: Build trust by seeing people, not just roles Language precision: Be intentional with wording, tone, and expectations Operational structure: Standardize how teams communicate, document, and respond across regions This framework becomes especially critical when managing teams across multiple time zones. Höhne shares a practical solution: rotate meeting times so no single region consistently absorbs the burden of off-hours collaboration. Combined with clearly defined communication protocols and documentation standards, this creates a more equitable and effective global operating model. The episode also reinforces a key insight for regulated industries: while English may be the working language internally, translation and localization remain essential for external-facing materials. Precision isn't optional when compliance and clarity are on the line. For leaders in Life Sciences, medical devices, manufacturing, CPG brands, and other regulated sectors, the takeaway is direct: global success depends on how well your teams communicate across borders, not just what they build.  Check out The Global Marketing Show Blog.

Most firms still try to grow by adding staff, spend, or complexity. The firms pulling ahead do the opposite: They remove friction, tighten systems, and use AI to increase output without increasing workload. In this webinar replay, in partnership with EvenUp, Dwuan Hammond, the Principal Owner/CEO of Global Impact Financial Solutions, shares how firms accelerate case timelines, improve demand quality, and force faster resolutions, while Chris Dreyer breaks down what's changing on the marketing and intake side. The throughline: Efficiency is no longer optional. At Rankings.io, we help elite PI firms sign more cases and take over their markets. Head over to Rankings.io today to learn how we can help you dominate your market. Learn how to: Eliminate intake gaps by capturing and responding to every opportunity in real time. Standardize demand quality to increase consistency and improve outcomes. Reduce administrative drag so attorneys spend more time on high-value work. Increase case capacity without adding headcount or overhead. If you like what you hear, hit Subscribe. We do this every week. Schedule a demo with EvenUp Buy tickets for PIMCON 2026: https://hubs.li/Q04bf9vT0 Subscribe to our newsletter:  https://newsletter.rankings.io Get Social! Personal Injury Mastermind (PIM) powered by Rankings.io is on Instagram | YouTube | TikTok

Ask any coffee aficionado, and they'll tell you: A good cup is about more than the beans. The flavor is affected by lots of things – the roast and fermentation of the beans, the coarseness of the grind, the brewing temperature and even the chemicals in the water used to brew it. But there are very few quantitative ways to assess all the flavor variations. Current industry standards measure the concentration of coffee, but they often miss qualities like the acidity, brightness and fruitness. Scientists at the University of Oregon are trying to change that using a tool called a potentiostat that's often used to measure the charge in batteries.Interested in more food and beverage science? Email us your question at shortwave@npr.org and we may turn it into an episode!Listen to every episode of Short Wave sponsor-free and support our work at NPR by signing up for Short Wave+ at plus.npr.org/shortwave.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Peter Greenberg — owner of City Tire Co., a business operating since 1927 with a long-standing presence in retail, commercial, and retread segments. With decades of industry experience, he brings a strong perspective on vendor relationships, buying group strategy, and the operational decisions shaping how independent tire dealers compete today.David Zeller — owner of Zeller Tire & Auto Center, a multi-location operation established in 1952. His experience centers on integrating tire sales with automotive service, refining internal systems, and driving profitability for independent tire dealers in an increasingly competitive market.Bob Amenta — President of Modern Tire, where he oversees a service-focused operation that complements tire sales with long-term maintenance and repair. His approach emphasizes operational structure, customer retention, and sustainable growth within the independent tire dealers segment.EPISODE SPONSORThis episode of the Gain Traction Podcast is sponsored by Cosmo Tires. Cosmo Tires offers a wide range of tire solutions designed for durability, reliability, and performance across multiple vehicle segments. Learn more at https://www.cosmotires.comIn this episode…Independent tire dealers are losing margin in plain sight, and the root cause sits inside their own operations. Pricing no longer defines competitiveness. Buying power, service integration, and internal alignment now determine who grows and who gets left behind.Peter Greenberg, David Zeller, and Bob Amenta expose a shift that many operators still overlook. Running a shop in isolation limits leverage with vendors, restricts access to best practices, and slows down operational evolution. Their collaboration through Tire Team Partners reveals a model where shared intelligence and complementary strengths unlock both cost advantages and revenue growth.The pressure from consolidation and rising customer expectations continues to intensify. Shops that fail to modernize purchasing strategies and service mix face shrinking margins and weaker retention. Growth now depends on executing both sides of the business; tires and service, with precision, while building systems that scale beyond a single location mindset.Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn: [01:10] Overview of panel guests and their operations[01:54] Formation of Tire Team Partners and collaboration model[05:39] Strategic importance of balancing tire sales and service revenue[07:23] Role of advisor recommendations in tire purchasing decisions[08:08] Impact of internet-informed customers on the sales process[10:13] Guest backgrounds and industry experience[11:01] Leadership perspectives and operational philosophies[15:09] Business outlook and collaboration strategy for 2026[17:16] Leveraging buying power to improve pricing and margins[19:44] Future direction and potential expansion of Tire Team PartnersResources mentioned in this episode:Peter Greenberg on LinkedInCity Tire Co. WebsiteDavid Zeller on LinkedInZeller Tire & Auto CenterModern TireTread PartnersGain Traction Podcast on YouTubeGain Traction Podcast WebsiteMike Edge on LinkedInQuotable Moments:“70% are going on the recommendation of the advisor.”“The real diamond in the rough is doing both—tires and service—and doing both well.”“The price largely is determined by the market, not by my cost.”“We have to control our own destiny.”“Small tweaks can turn out to be incredibly profitable over the course of 12 or 24 months.”Action Steps:Audit purchasing strategy and consolidate vendor relationships to increase leverage and reduce cost per unit.Rebalance operations to ensure tire sales consistently drive service opportunities and long-term customer retention.Build peer-level partnerships or join collaborative groups to access shared best practices and scale advantages.Standardize internal processes across locations to eliminate inefficiencies and improve profitability at scale.Implement a dual-focus growth plan that strengthens both service operations and tire volume to position independent tire dealers for sustained expansion.

If you're saying yes to every patient request, you're not delivering better service—you're creating inconsistency in your results, your operations, and your revenue. That "do whatever the patient asks" mindset might feel like good customer service, but it actually limits your ability to grow a profitable, scalable aesthetics practice.  Today, I break down the shift from transactional, a la carte services to structured, outcome-driven treatment plans—and why that change is what separates busy med spas from valuable businesses.  Where "Yes to Everything" Starts to Break Your Aesthetics Practice  The bottleneck I see most often is an order-taking approach that fragments your service delivery and weakens patient outcomes. When you allow patients to pick treatments piece by piece, you lose control of the client journey. That leads to inconsistent results, lower patient trust, and missed opportunities to build long-term retention and repeat business. This isn't just a clinical issue—it directly impacts your medspa revenue, your operational efficiency, and ultimately your enterprise value.  What Happens When You Design for Outcomes Instead of Transactions  If you want stronger results and more predictable growth, your model has to shift.  • Why comprehensive treatment plans increase client retention and lifetime value • How patient education reduces pricing sensitivity and builds trust • The role of holistic, multimodality plans in improving patient outcomes  • Why structured offers simplify operations, hiring, and provider accountability • How clear client journeys drive referrals and more consistent revenue  How to Move From A La Carte Med Spa Services to Patient Plans  If you want to operate at a higher level, you need to take control of the solution—not just the service.   Start by anchoring every consultation in the patient's long-term aesthetic goals, not the single treatment they asked for. Build a complete plan that includes the necessary services, cadence, and product recommendations required to achieve that outcome.   Standardize how those plans are delivered so every provider follows the same framework. This creates consistency in both patient experience and results, while making your practice easier to scale.  Most importantly, stop compromising the plan. When you allow patients to strip down what's required, you weaken the outcome—and that affects both satisfaction and retention.  The Role You Need to Step Into as You Grow  If you're scaling your med spa or thinking about expansion, your role has to evolve from provider to advisor. Stop and ask yourself:  • Am I guiding the patient journey, or reacting to requests? • Are my treatment plans consistent across providers? • Can my team confidently recommend full solutions without me? • Do my results reflect a system—or individual decisions?  Without a defined, repeatable structure, growth creates more complexity instead of more profitability.  Preparing Your Med Spa for Future Enterprise Value  If you want to understand how your med spa's financial structure impacts scalability, start with the Financial Scaling Playbook for Aesthetics. Get it today: www.keepwhatyouearn/playbook   Inside the free series, I walk through:  • Offer profit analysis • Operating margin benchmarks for med spas • Cash flow management for growing practices • Customer lifetime value and retention strategy • Enterprise value readiness for aesthetic clinics  Follow Shannon & Keep What You Earn:   Shannon Weinstein is the founder of a fractional CFO firm specializing in helping 7-figure aesthetics and wellness practices scale with clarity, cash flow, and confidence.  Shannon is committed to helping med spa owners understand, fix, and maximize their business's enterprise value, offering actionable advice and resources, including a popular free video series specifically for aesthetics practice owners. Fractional CFO Services and Executive Financial Review: https://www.keepwhatyouearn.com/  Connect with Shannon:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonweinstein  Watch full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@KeepWhatYouEarn  Listen on your favorite podcast app: https://pod.link/1580071347  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shannonkweinstein/  The information shared is for educational purposes only and is not individualized financial advice. Aesthetics practice owners should consult a qualified professional before implementing financial strategies discussed here. 

If your med spa is still operating transaction by transaction, you're capping your revenue, your retention, and your enterprise value. Selling individual services might generate short-term cash—but it doesn't create predictable growth or strong patient relationships. In this episode, I break down how shifting to comprehensive treatment plans transforms your med spa revenue, increases patient lifetime value, and creates the kind of structure you need for real business scalability.  Why One-Off Services Limit Patient Value and Predictability  Where this shows up financially is customer value, how a lack of structured treatment plans limits patient retention, repeat business, and predictable cash flow.  When you operate without a defined client journey, you rely on patients to decide what comes next. That leads to inconsistent scheduling, lower trust, and missed opportunities to guide outcomes. Without a plan, you're not maximizing results—and you're not maximizing revenue per patient.  The Role of Treatment Plans in Driving Retention, Referrals, and Revenue  If you want to increase med spa revenue and build stronger patient relationships, treatment plans are the foundation.  • Why patient education and comprehensive consultations increase trust and reduce pricing sensitivity • How multimodality plans (injectables, skincare routines, energy-based treatments) improve patient outcomes • Why predictable scheduling drives retention, repeat business, and stronger cash flow • How clear treatment progression increases patient referrals and lifetime value • Why provider accountability improves when outcomes—not transactions—are the focus  Shifting From Service-Based Selling to Outcome-Based Planning  If you want to improve profitability, you need to move from selling individual services to leading the full treatment plan.   Own the recommendation. Build and present a complete plan tied to the patient's aesthetic goals—not just a single service. Define cadence, duration, and expected outcomes so the process is clear from day one.  Standardize your consultation so every provider delivers a consistent, comprehensive plan, and schedule the next phase before the patient leaves to create predictable retention.  This isn't about upselling—it's about ensuring patients achieve the results they came in for.  What Treatment Planning Reveals About Your Ability to Scale or Sell  If you're thinking about opening a second med spa, your treatment planning process needs to be repeatable and measurable. Ask yourself:  • Is the patient journey clearly defined across providers and locations? • Can new providers consistently deliver the same treatment plan structure? • Are my financial reports showing predictable revenue tied to treatment plans? • Does my model rely on individual providers, or a standardized system?  Scaling without this structure leads to inconsistent outcomes and limits enterprise value. When your treatment plans are clear and repeatable, growth becomes predictable—and much easier to defend to buyers or investors.  Preparing Your Med Spa for Future Enterprise Value  If you want to understand how your med spa's financial structure impacts scalability, start with the Financial Scaling Playbook for Aesthetics. Get it today: www.keepwhatyouearn/playbook   Inside the free series, I walk through:  • Offer profit analysis • Operating margin benchmarks for med spas • Cash flow management for growing practices • Customer lifetime value and retention strategy • Enterprise value readiness for aesthetic clinics  Follow Shannon & Keep What You Earn:   Shannon Weinstein is the founder of a fractional CFO firm specializing in helping 7-figure aesthetics and wellness practices scale with clarity, cash flow, and confidence.  Shannon is committed to helping med spa owners understand, fix, and maximize their business's enterprise value, offering actionable advice and resources, including a popular free video series specifically for aesthetics practice owners. Fractional CFO Services and Executive Financial Review: https://www.keepwhatyouearn.com/  Connect with Shannon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonweinstein  Watch full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@KeepWhatYouEarn  Listen on your favorite podcast app: https://pod.link/1580071347  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shannonkweinstein/  The information shared is for educational purposes only and is not individualized financial advice. Aesthetics practice owners should consult a qualified professional before implementing financial strategies discussed here. 

If your med spa is growing but you feel buried in dashboards, reports, and disconnected data, you don't have a data problem—you have a focus problem. Growth without clarity leads to slower decisions, missed opportunities, and lower profitability.  In this episode, Illume Founder & CEO Ben Wolber and I dig into how to move from tracking everything to tracking what actually drives med spa profit margins, provider productivity, and enterprise value so you can scale with decision, not guesswork.  The Operations Bottleneck Behind Data Overload in Aesthetics Businesses  The financial constraint here is operations efficiency—specifically, the inability to translate data into action. Many med spa owners track dozens of key performance indicators but still lack visibility into what's driving revenue per hour, patient retention, or marketing ROI.  This creates "accidental growth," where your practice expands without a clear understanding of what's working. Without connected data across your EMR, accounting, and marketing systems, you're making decisions based on fragments instead of a complete financial picture.  The Metrics That Actually Drive Med Spa Growth  If you want to scale your aesthetics practice, you don't need more data—you need better data. In this episode, Ben and I break down:  • Why tracking fewer, high-impact KPIs leads to faster, more accurate decision-making • How revenue per provider, cancellation rate, and service mix reveal your true profit drivers • Why fragmented systems block visibility—and how EMR integration and data normalization change that • How provider performance tracking and injector scorecards improve accountability and output • Why retention metrics (rebooking rate, time between visits) matter more than new patient volume • How AI-powered analytics like Illume can surface hidden revenue opportunities without increasing marketing spend  The Systems That Turn Data into Profit for Med Spas  If you want to improve profitability and prepare for scaling or acquisition readiness, this is where I'd focus:  Start with one constraint. Identify the biggest bottleneck in your business—whether it's provider productivity, cancellation rate, or marketing ROI—and track that consistently for 90 days.  Shift to weekly decision cycles. Waiting for month-end reports slows your ability to respond. Real-time reporting allows you to act quickly and separate anomalies from real trends.  Standardize your data inputs. Clean EMR and financial data is non-negotiable—because every insight you generate depends on it.  Build role-based visibility. Give providers access to simple, relevant metrics like product revenue, upselling performance, and retention so they can take ownership of results.  Use data for coaching, not just correction. Metrics should drive ongoing coaching conversations, not just highlight problems after the fact.  If You're Scaling to Location #2 or Preparing for Exit  If you're planning a second med spa location or thinking about an exit strategy, your data needs to tell a clear, repeatable story.  Ask yourself:  • Can I clearly explain what drives profitability across providers, services, and locations? • Are my financial metrics consistent enough to replicate in a second location? • Do my systems support decision-making without relying on my intuition?  Buyers and investors don't just look at growth—they look at predictability, transparency, and how quickly your team can act on data-driven decisions. If your reporting isn't clear, your valuation won't be either.  Preparing Your Med Spa for Future Enterprise Value  If you want to understand how your med spa's financial structure impacts scalability, start with the Financial Scaling Playbook for Aesthetics. Get it today: www.keepwhatyouearn/playbook   Inside the free series, I walk through:  • Offer profit analysis • Operating margin benchmarks for med spas • Cash flow management for growing practices • Customer lifetime value and retention strategy • Enterprise value readiness for aesthetic clinics  Follow Shannon & Keep What You Earn:   Shannon Weinstein is the founder of a fractional CFO firm specializing in helping 7-figure aesthetics and wellness practices scale with clarity, cash flow, and confidence.  Shannon is committed to helping med spa owners understand, fix, and maximize their business's enterprise value, offering actionable advice and resources, including a popular free video series specifically for aesthetics practice owners. Fractional CFO Services and Executive Financial Review: https://www.keepwhatyouearn.com/  Connect with Shannon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonweinstein  Watch full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@KeepWhatYouEarn  Listen on your favorite podcast app: https://pod.link/1580071347  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shannonkweinstein/  The information shared is for educational purposes only and is not individualized financial advice. Aesthetics practice owners should consult a qualified professional before implementing financial strategies discussed here.  About Ben Wolber:   Ben Wolber is the founder and CEO of Illume, an AI-powered analytics platform built for medical spas and wellness brands. With a background in healthcare, finance, and performance improvement, he spent several years helping hospitals optimize operations through data-driven insights. After seeing firsthand how quickly med spas were scaling—often without clear visibility into what was driving results—Ben created Illum to connect EMR, marketing, and financial data into one actionable system. His work focuses on helping operators move from reactive reporting to real-time, informed decision-making that supports growth and profitability.  Connect with Ben and Illume Analytics:  Website: https://www.joinillume.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-wolber-6a5312138/   

Adam Dixon is the Director of Operations at Urbs Garage, a multi-location auto repair business serving the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky markets. He built his career from the ground up as a technician before moving into leadership, where he developed and implemented scalable systems that drive consistent performance across locations. His hands-on experience across dealerships, independent shops, and multi-store operations gives him a practical, execution-first perspective on what actually works in the bay.Today, Adam is known for turning underperforming locations into high-revenue operations by focusing on process, speed, and accountability. His approach to strategies to grow an auto repair shop centers on operational discipline rather than marketing spend, proving that growth is built through execution, not theory.EPISODE SPONSORThis episode of the Gain Traction Podcast is sponsored by Cosmo Tires. Cosmo Tires offers a wide range of tire solutions designed for durability, reliability, and performance across multiple vehicle segments. Learn more at https://www.cosmotires.comIn this episode…Most shops don't stall because they lack ideas. They stall because execution breaks under pressure.Revenue leaks out in the space between inspection, communication, and approval. Cars sit too long before being checked. Customers wait too long to hear back. Decisions get pushed later into the day, and with that delay comes hesitation, lost trust, and missed sales. The industry continues to push marketing and expansion as the solution, yet the real constraint lives inside the shop's daily workflow.This episode shifts the focus back to what actually drives growth; speed creates confidence, clarity increases approvals, and consistency compounds results. The operators who scale are not chasing tactics, they are controlling the flow of work, removing friction, and building systems that perform every single day.Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn: [01:15 ] Introduction of Adam Dixon and Urbs Garage[01:31] Early interest in fixing things and technical curiosity[07:15] Transition from dealership environment to independent shop[09:52] Learning operational processes and identifying inefficiencies[13:05] Attempted business acquisition and corporate transition[14:28] Joining Urbs Garage and stepping into leadership[17:54] Importance of mindset and saying yes to customers[19:08] Marketing strategy differences across locations[20:17] Rebuilding trust in underperforming shop locations[21:27] Managing and optimizing digital marketing spend[24:09] Customer attrition and need for consistent acquisition[25:12] Speed to sale and importance of fast vehicle inspection[27:15] Personal philosophy on accountability and follow-through[28:37] Personal interests and hobbies outside the businessResources mentioned in this episode:Urbs Garage & Tire LinkedInUrbs Garage WebsiteTread PartnersGain Traction Podcast on YouTubeGain Traction Podcast WebsiteMike Edge on LinkedInQuotable Moments:“Just changing processes, just how they did things.”“You have to say yes.”“Plant the seed of confidence in the customer that they're always going to call Urbs Garage when they have a problem.” “You've got to get the car checked out really fast.”“You don't want to have the customer have the doubt that they're going to get the car back today."Action Steps:Audit your check-in-to-diagnosis time. Set a standard that every vehicle gets inspected within the first hour to eliminate hesitation and increase approval rates.Train your team to present findings early in the day. Speed to communication directly impacts close rate and customer confidence.Standardize your workflow across all locations. Consistent processes create predictable outcomes and are foundational to effective strategies to grow an auto repair shop.Shift your focus from lead generation to conversion efficiency. Increasing approval rates on existing car count drives faster revenue growth than adding new traffic.Build a “say yes” culture at the front counter. Confidence at first contact sets the tone for the entire customer experience and drives repeat business.

Welcome to The Turf Zone Podcast. This episode features the article “Spring Startup Without the Scramble: A Simple Operating Plan for Your Busiest Season” Spring can feel like a wild sprint in the turfgrass industry. Demand rises fast, the weather shifts by region, and crews are expected to move from preparation to production with little margin for error. Whether you own a large landscape company, supervise grounds, or work independently, the same business question pops up this time of year: how do you stay organized when everything speeds up at once? North Carolina makes this even more important because spring does not look the same across the state. Both cool-season and warm-season grasses are grown in North Carolina, with cool-season grasses performing best in spring and fall, while warm-season grasses are slower to green up in spring and grow best in summer. That means your startup plan needs to align with your region, turf type, and service mix, rather than relying on a single statewide timeline. Here is a framework for all types of turfgrass managers: 1. Set your spring capacity before you fill the calendar. A full schedule doesn't always mean a profitable schedule. Start by estimating what your team can realistically handle each week based on labor hours, travel time, equipment availability, and the complexity of your work. For a sports turf manager, this may mean planning field preparation windows around game schedules and weather. For a landscape business owner, it may mean separating recurring maintenance from installation work so one category does not disrupt the other. For an independent operator, it may mean limiting new clients until recurring customer routes stabilize. This step helps you avoid the spring trap of saying yes too quickly and spending the next six weeks fixing preventable delays. It also gives you a better basis for quoting timelines, setting expectations, and deciding whether to outsource any work. 2. Build a startup checklist for equipment and supplies. Spring problems often look like labor problems when they are really equipment and supply problems. A mower down for two days can throw off an entire route. A missing part can delay an athletic field prep. A late material delivery can create a client communication issue that your team then has to manage. Create one checklist for startup readiness and assign dates to each item. Include inspections, maintenance, blade sharpening, tire checks, calibration, backup equipment options, and commonly used supplies. If you manage a crew, assign ownership to specific people and confirm completion in writing. If you work alone, schedule this work like billable time because it protects billable time later. The goal is not perfection. The goal is fewer surprises when everyone needs service at once. 3. Standardize your onboarding before hiring pressure hits. Many businesses wait until they are short-staffed before considering training. Spring is the worst time to build onboarding from scratch. A simple onboarding process can help new hires become productive more quickly and reduce the burden on your strongest crew members. Keep it practical. Focus on safety, equipment basics, site expectations, communication standards, and what good work looks like in your operation. For sports turf settings, include event-day expectations and the chain of communication. For landscape crews, include job-site photos and quality examples. For independent operators who occasionally bring in help, use a one-page field guide that outlines your process and customer standards. Education is one of the strongest retention tools available because it helps people build confidence and feel invested in their work. It also protects quality when the pace increases. 4. Protect your schedule with proactive client and stakeholder communication. Spring startup gets harder when communication becomes reactive. A short round of outreach before your busiest stretch can prevent many avoidable issues. Confirm service windows, clarify what is included, and explain what may shift due to weather or field use. For sports turf professionals, this can mean a quick pre-season update to athletic directors, coaches, or facility contacts about timelines, field conditions, and scheduling limits. For contractors, it can mean a reminder about spring demand, response times, and approval timelines for add-on work. For independent operators, it can mean confirming your route days and the best way to reach you for non-urgent requests. Clear communication reduces interruptions and helps people understand that good turf outcomes require planning, timing, and patience. 5. Track a small set of weekly numbers. You do not need a complex dashboard to run your Spring startup well. You need a short list of numbers that tells you whether your plan is holding up. Pick metrics that align with your role and review them weekly. Examples include: • labor hours scheduled versus labor hours worked • completed jobs or field tasks versus planned • equipment downtime • callbacks or rework • weather delays • material usage on high-volume items • outstanding approvals or invoices These numbers help you spot problems early. If labor hours are running high every week, your route density or staffing plan may need adjustment. If callbacks spike, training or quality checks may need attention. If equipment downtime keeps increasing, preventive maintenance may be slipping. 6. Build your plan around your market, not a generic template. The turf and landscape industry is broad, and that matters for business planning. NALP (National Association of Landscape Professionals) reports that the landscape services industry reached a market size of $188.8 billion in 2025 and includes more than 692,000 landscaping service businesses. That scale reflects a wide range of business models, from solo operators to larger firms, along with very different customer expectations across markets. A startup plan that works for a municipal sports complex may not fit a residential landscape route. A plan that works in one region of North Carolina may need adjustment in another. The NC State Extension puts it plainly: “No one type of grass is best suited to all situations.” The same principle applies to operations. Build your plan around your turf, clients, team, and region. A practical spring takeaway… Spring will always be busy. While we can't remove the pressure, we can reduce preventable chaos. A simple operating plan can do that. Set your capacity, prep equipment early, standardize onboarding, communicate before problems start, and track a few meaningful numbers. These steps require intention, and they pay off when the season starts moving faster than expected. In a profession built on timing, spring success often starts before the first rush arrives. You have been listening to The Turf Zone Podcast. Follow The Turf Zone on X, Facebook and LinkedIn for all things turfgrass, featuring podcasts, magazines, events and more. Visit www.theturfzone.com for more. The post Spring Startup Without the Scramble: A Simple Operating Plan for Your Busiest Season appeared first on The Turf Zone.

Episode Summary: If you've ever said “no one wants to work anymore,” this episode is your wake-up call. The truth? Great employees are out there—you just don't have the systems, leadership, or hiring process to attract and retain them. The Restauranttopia crew breaks down the biggest hiring myths, why your process is failing you, and how to build a culture that actually keeps great people. This is a no-excuses, mirror-check episode for restaurant owners and operators who want to level up. “No one wants to work” is a myth Good employees exist—you're just not finding or keeping them The real issue is your system, not the labor pool Most operators are chasing a fantasy employee: Immediate productivity No training required Full availability Zero pushback Instant loyalty That person doesn't exist. Hiring out of desperation Only recruiting when short-staffed Rushing interviews Overselling the job Overpaying inconsistently Fix: Hiring should be continuous, not reactive Inconsistent training Unclear expectations Chaotic schedules Lack of feedback (only hearing when they're wrong) Poor leadership “If you only tell them when they got it wrong… you got it wrong.” If it's not documented and repeatable, it's not training. Standardize everything Use visual guides (checklists, photos, systems) Remove guesswork Stop blaming: The generation The market “Work ethic” Start fixing: Your leadership Your culture Your systems Predictable schedules Clear expectations Fair pay Consistent training Strong leadership A positive team environment Not perfection—just professionalism. Slow down hiring Speed up retention Speed up firing (when necessary) If you have: A few long-term employees High turnover around them Those “lifers” might be part of the problem. Good help isn't hard to find. Great leadership is hard to execute. Start interviewing consistently—even when fully staffed Audit your training process (is it documented?) Define clear expectations for every role Give positive feedback regularly Evaluate your leadership style honestly Build systems that allow employees to succeed Key Takeaways 1. The Brutal Truth About Hiring 2. What Owners Think They Want (But Won't Admit) 3. The Biggest Hiring Mistakes 4. Why Good Employees Don't Stay 5. Training Rule That Changes Everything 6. Leadership Is the Real Problem 7. What Good Employees Actually Want 8. Hiring Strategy Shift 9. Culture Red Flag to Watch Action Steps for Operators: Start interviewing consistently—even when fully staffed Audit your training process (is it documented?) Define clear expectations for every role Give positive feedback regularly Evaluate your leadership style honestly Build systems that allow employees to succeed Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does global compliance look like when your business spans multiple licenses, jurisdictions, products, and platforms?In the latest episode of Compliance Champions, Delphine Forma sits down with Joanna Frendo, Chief Risk Compliance Officer and Head of Compliance at Deriv, for a conversation packed with practical insight from more than 20 years in the field.They cover:• how to build a global compliance framework that actually works in practice• how to balance consistency across the group with local regulatory nuance• why onboarding and suitability must be continuously monitored, not treated as one-off exercises• how AI is changing the way compliance teams stay current and operate at scale• why market abuse surveillance in a multi-asset derivatives business is especially complexA strong episode for anyone working in compliance, risk, regulation, or fintech operations.

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A rental portfolio doesn't scale on grit alone. Matt Cox joins us to map the leap from single family BRRRRs to 10–40 unit apartments—all while living in Manhattan and buying in Oregon. We dive deep into the small-multifamily sweet spot where mom-and-pop owners leave money on the table. Think stale insurance, unchecked utilities, no RUBS, and rent rolls with big gaps across identical units. Standardize operations, right-size expenses, and even a $100 rent delta at a six cap becomes meaningful value.On the build side, feeding AI your cost library turns blueprints into accurate material and labor takeoffs in minutes. We close on policy and affordability: tenant-friendly markets can be hard to operate in, yet scarcity often props returns—if you respect the rules, the risks, and the people whose money you steward.

Our thesis is that AI is still just engineering… those people who tell us for fun and profit, that somehow AI is so, so profound, so new, so different from anything that's gone before that it somehow eclipses the need for good engineering practice are wrong. We need that good engineering practice still, and for the most part, most things are not new. But there are some things that have become more important with AI. One of those is durability.Samuel Colvin, Creator of Pydantic AI, joins Hugo to talk about applying battle-tested software engineering principles to build durable and reliable AI agents.They Discuss:* Production agents require engineering-grade reliability: Unlike messy coding agents, production agents need high constraint, reliability, and the ability to perform hundreds of tasks without drifting into unusual behavior;* Agents are the new “quantum” of AI software: Modern architecture uses discrete “agentlets”: small, specialized building blocks stitched together for sub-tasks within larger, durable systems;* Stop building “chocolate teapot” execution frameworks: Ditch rudimentary snapshotting; use battle-tested durable execution engines like Temporal for robust retry logic and state management;* AI observability will be a native feature: In five years, AI observability will be integrated, with token counts and prompt traces becoming standard features of all observability platforms;* Split agents into deterministic workflows and stochastic activities: Ensure true durability by isolating deterministic workflow logic from stochastic activities (IO, LLM calls) to cache results and prevent redundant model calls;* Type safety is essential for enterprise agents: Sacrificing type safety for flexible graphs leads to unmaintainable software; professional AI engineering demands strict type definitions for parallel node execution and state recovery;* Standardize on OpenTelemetry for portability: Use OpenTelemetry (OTel) to ensure agent traces and logs are portable, preventing vendor lock-in and integrating seamlessly into existing enterprise monitoring.You can also find the full episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.You can also interact directly with the transcript here in NotebookLM: If you do so, let us know anything you find in the comments!

Mitch Bruneel serves as President of Retail Operations at Gill's Point S Tire, where he focuses on employee development, customer experience, and operational growth within a family business rooted in the tire industry for generations. His leadership reflects a commitment to collaborative learning and the shared culture that defines the Point S dealer community.Walter Lybeck is CEO of Point S Tire USA, helping lead the cooperative's national growth strategy, dealer branding initiatives, and member support programs. His leadership emphasizes collaboration, family-driven culture, and leveraging collective scale to strengthen independent tire dealers across the U.S.Patrick Lavoie oversees the retail network for Point S Tire Canada, supporting more than a thousand stores through operational programs, performance initiatives, and cross-market collaboration. Known for his competitive drive and focus on sales performance, he helps shape retail standards and growth strategies across the Canadian network.David Priddy owns David's Discount Tire in Oklahoma and has been an active Point S member for nearly a decade. With deep roots in the tire business, he emphasizes buying power, industry collaboration, and customer trust as key drivers behind sustained business growth and community reputation.Mickie Hall owns Point S American Tire in Gallup, New Mexico, stepping into leadership after inheriting the business unexpectedly. Through operational guidance, coaching programs, and strong team culture, she successfully expanded performance and profitability while honoring her family's legacy in the tire industry.Polo Rodriguez Jr. co-owns Rodriguez Point S Tire & Service in Texas and serves as Vice Chair of Point S Tire USA. He focuses on growth strategy, operational excellence, and industry leadership while advocating for customer-first values and collaborative dealer success across the network.Ron Preston owns Tredz Central Point S in Nebraska and brings decades of tire industry experience, including leadership in cooperative business models. His operations have seen consistent annual growth, supported by strong dealer relationships, shared best practices, and cooperative buying advantages.Nico De Rouwe is Managing Director of Point S South Africa, overseeing a large network of locations and championing collaborative business models that help independent dealers compete with major corporate chains. His leadership stresses international cooperation, long-term stability, and family-oriented business continuity.In this episode…Independent tire dealers face rising consolidation, aggressive national branding, and shifting customer expectations that demand consistency across locations. Standing alone limits leverage in purchasing, marketing, and operational benchmarking. Cooperative alignment continues reshaping how multi-location operators scale without sacrificing local identity.Recognition from Consumer Reports placing the network among the top tire retail experiences in the United States reinforces the impact of collaboration, operational standards, and shared brand equity. The Point S tire dealer network illustrates how collective strategy strengthens profitability, credibility, and long-term sustainability in a rapidly evolving automotive aftermarket.Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn: [01:27] Mitch Bruneel on operations, culture, and dealer collaboration[05:50] Walter Lybeck on cooperative growth and brand credibility[10:50] Patrick Lavoie on network scale and performance alignment[14:49] David Priddy on buying power and independent competitiveness[19:08] Mickie Hall on leadership transition and profitability growth[25:02] Polo Rodriguez Jr. on expansion goals and organizational direction[29:33] Ron Preston on annual business growth through cooperation[33:22] Nico De Rouwe on international dealer collaborationResources mentioned in this episode:Mitch Bruneel LinkedInWalter Lybeck LinkedInPatrick Lavoie LinkedInDavid's Discount Tires WebsitePoint S American Tire Gallup WebsiteRodriguez Point S Tire & Service WebsiteTredz Central Point S WebsiteNico De Rouwe LinkedInPoint S Tires WebsiteTread PartnersGain Traction Podcast on YouTubeGain Traction Podcast WebsiteMike Edge on LinkedInQuotable Moments:“Even though we're, you know, hundreds of miles apart, we all have the, you know, same goals, the same ideas.“My goal is to finish one, number one, for sure. So I will do anything to accomplish that goal.”“So to me, joining a company like Point S gave me the assurance that my sons will be all right, even if something happens to me.”“Buying power is probably the best part of being cooperative.”“Our business has grown about 30% a year.”Action Steps:Assess cooperative affiliations such as the Point S tire dealer network to increase buying leverage, operational support, and national brand credibility.Standardize customer experience processes across all locations to strengthen trust, improve retention, and elevate brand perception.Leverage peer networks for benchmarking, shared insights, and leadership development to accelerate performance improvements.Invest in operational coaching and financial performance reviews to identify profit leakage and drive measurable growth.

In this episode of Better Edge, Akhil Narang, MD, associate professor of Cardiology at Northwestern Medicine, examines the phase 3 ENHANCE trial, which evaluates a novel syringe-mounted surfactant device designed to generate uniform microbubbles and reduce variability in saline contrast echocardiography. By improving right-heart opacification and the fidelity of right-to-left shunt detection, the device aims to improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce rates of non-diagnostic and repeat studies. Rooted in Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute's commitment to advancing translational imaging, this trial may improve both workflow efficiency and patient care.

Cloud bills are climbing, AI pipelines are exploding, and storage is quietly becoming the bottleneck nobody wants to own. Ugur Tigli, CTO at MinIO, breaks down what actually changes when AI workloads hit your infrastructure, and how teams can keep performance high without letting costs spiral. In this conversation, we get practical about object storage, S3 as the modern standard, what open source really means for security and speed, and why “cloud” is more of an operating model than a place. Key takeaways• AI multiplies data, not just compute, training and inference create more checkpoints, more versions, more storage pressure • Object storage and S3 are simplifying the persistence layer, even as the layers above it get more complex • Open source can improve security feedback loops because the community surfaces regressions fast, the real risk is running unsupported, outdated versions • Public cloud costs are often less about storage and more about variable charges like egress, many teams move data on prem to regain predictability • The bar for infrastructure teams is rising, Kubernetes, modern storage, and AI workflow literacy are becoming table stakes Timestamped highlights00:00 Why cloud and AI workloads force a fresh look at storage, operating models, and cost control 00:00 What MinIO is, and why high performance object storage sits at the center of modern data platforms 01:23 Why MinIO chose open source, and how they balance freedom with commercial reality 04:08 Open source and security, why faster feedback beats the closed source perception, plus the real risk factor 09:44 Cloud cost realities, egress, replication, and why “fixed costs” drive many teams back inside their own walls 15:04 The persistence layer is getting simpler, S3 becomes the standard, while the upper stack gets messier 18:00 Skills gap, why teams need DevOps plus AIOps thinking to run modern storage at scale 20:22 What happens to AI costs next, competition, software ecosystem maturity, and why data growth still wins A line worth keeping“Cloud is not a destination for us, it's more of an operating model.” Pro tips for builders and tech leaders• If your AI initiative is still a pilot, track egress and data movement early, that is where “surprise” costs tend to show up • Standardize around containerized deployment where possible, it reduces the gap between public and private environments, but plan for integration friction like identity and key management • Treat storage as a performance system, not a procurement line item, the right persistence layer can unblock training, inference, and downstream pipelines What's next:If you're building with AI, running data platforms, or trying to get your cloud costs under control, follow the show and subscribe so you do not miss upcoming episodes. Share this one with a teammate who owns infrastructure, data, or platform engineering.

Send us a textA slow Sunday of grills and games takes a sharp turn into one of our most honest conversations about Security Forces: what the job really is, how the culture drifted, and what it will take to get the edge back. We unpack the full spectrum—nukes and PRAP, flight line defense, law enforcement, Ravens and K-9, and the back office programs that keep a unit audit-ready—then press on the hard parts: shift fatigue, sleeping on post, and why “automatic Article 15” thinking often misses the mission.We dig into the promotion reality most of us feel but rarely say out loud. Back office roles get the spotlight, awards, and strats; flight chiefs shoulder the heat and go home late. That imbalance bleeds mentorship from the line. We offer practical fixes: transparent selection into NCOIC roles, deliberate rotations, and evaluating people by outcomes that matter to commanders—base security and response—rather than proximity to staff. Along the way, we talk pride and the beret, and why uniforms in garrison still matter: not for vanity, but for discipline you can see.Then we get tactical. Why are stateside lines still carrying legacy weapons and two-man patrols meant to keep each other awake? Where's the facial recognition and automated gate tech that frees patrols to deter and respond? If force protection is everyone's job, train it like it is: make every airman a defender to a reliable baseline instead of scrambling augments when the threat pops. Standardize core procedures across bases, allow smart local tweaks, cut low-yield training, and invest in the tech that multiplies your force.If you've ever worked a 12, fought for leave, or tried to mentor from the driver's seat, this one's for you. Hit play for blunt stories, real fixes, and a challenge to lead from the post, not the slide deck. If it resonates, subscribe, share with a teammate, and drop the one change you'd make first in your unit.

In this episode, Jason Schroeder breaks down 3S and 5S. Sort, Set in Order, Sweep/Shine, Standardize, and Sustain and explains why cleanliness is the foundation of safety, quality, and flow. He shares why many teams fail by treating 5S as cosmetic instead of cultural, and how stability and standardization make problems visible so they can actually be solved. Jason also explains why some teams start with 3S first, and how daily cleanliness habits unlock continuous improvement and respect for people. What you'll learn in this episode: The difference between 3S and 5S and when each should be used. Why cleanliness is a prerequisite for safety and quality not an afterthought. How standardization makes problems visible instead of hiding them. Why clean environments change human behavior and enable total participation. How daily 3S/5S habits lead directly to Kaizen and continuous improvement. If cleanliness reveals the truth about your system, what is your current environment telling you right now? If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you'll never miss an episode.  And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I'd appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two

Send us a textThe driveway is a sheet of ice, the hill is unforgiving, and somehow that's the perfect backdrop for a sharper marketing plan. While we're snowed in, we map out practical, low-friction ways service businesses stay top of mind when no one wants to leave the house. From photo contests that spark community to text messages that offer real help, you'll get a clear playbook for turning a slow season into steady momentum.We start with engagement you can launch today: run a simple snow-themed contest, share user photos, and anchor your brand with memorable visuals. Then we shift to respectful outreach. If you serve homeowners or tenants, a short text that acknowledges the storm and offers contractor referrals or a winter checklist builds trust fast. We dig into seasonal education that actually matters—preventing frozen pipes, choosing pet-safe ice melt, spotting roof leaks during the thaw—and explain how short articles, Facebook notes, and quick videos all count as modern blogging that wins attention.Next, we open the door to events and partnerships. Host a 30-minute webinar on prepping a house to sell by April, or record a video on pipe relining versus dig-and-replace. Add early booking incentives like complimentary valuation visits or discounted maintenance inspections to turn interest into action. Then map your partner network: real estate agents, property managers, insurance brokers, roofers, and plumbers. Co-create checklists, share referrals, and co-host sessions so your expertise multiplies across audiences.We close by tightening the engine: sharpen guarantees, clarify offers, and upgrade speed. Refresh your website with clear service pages, strong photos, and fast lead forms. Standardize follow-ups and text templates so every inquiry gets a quick, human reply. The snow will melt, demand will rise, and the groundwork you lay now will pay off when phones start ringing. If this sparked ideas, tap follow, share it with a colleague who's bracing for winter slowdowns, and leave a quick review so more service pros can find it.Support the showTo learn more about Habitation Investigation, the Three-time Winner of the Best Home Inspection Company in the Midwest Plus the Winner of Consumer Choice Award for Columbus Ohio visit Home Inspection Columbus Ohio - Habitation Investigation (homeinspectionsinohio.com) NBC4 news segments: The importance of home inspections, and what to look for | NBC4 WCMH-TV Advice from experts: Don't skip the home inspection | NBC4 WCMH-TV OSU student's mysterious symptoms end up tied to apartment's air quality | NBC4 WCMH-TV How to save money by winterizing your home | NBC4 WCMH-TV Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Scheduled classes Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Course lis...

Episode OverviewIn this episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times, Chris Schembra sits down with Brent Kenneway, National Group VP of Sales at UKG, for a conversation about the kind of relationships that aren't transactional, the kind that actually nourish the soul. Brent opens with the gratitude question and doesn't hesitate: he gives credit to his wife, Jenny, the person he says made his life and career possible by “holding down the fort” while he built his leadership path. From there, the conversation expands into parenting, identity, and leadership, especially Brent's lived experience of managing “multiple personalities” at home with four kids and at work with diverse teams. The thread that ties it together is intentionality: Brent wants to be more present when he comes home, more human at work, and more consistent about building culture one interaction at a time.Chris and Brent then go deep on a core leadership shift: moving from blame to radical accountability, and from problem-obsession to solution-finding. They talk about debriefing as a life skill (“What went well? What could have gone better? What will we do differently next time?”), and they challenge the cultural reflex to fix what's wrong without first helping what's already right go more right. Brent adds a key leadership balance: culture without systems breaks, and systems without culture underperform, you need both.Finally, they tackle the future: AI, change, and uncertainty. Brent argues for People-First AI—AI as augmentation, not replacement, using the story of the handheld calculator as a reminder that tools can free humans to do more meaningful work. The takeaway is clear: the companies (and families) that win won't be the ones that move fastest alone; they'll be the ones who pair speed with depth—building trust, presence, and gratitude at scale.10 key takeawaysGratitude isn't a “soft” thing—it's a performance tool for leadership, retention, and resilience in hard moments. Give credit to the people behind your success—Brent names Jenny as the foundation of his career and family stability. Parenting and leadership are the same craft: multiple personalities, different motivations, one mission—learn what makes each person tick. Presence is a transition skill: coming home from “business mode” requires intentional switching into family mode. Radical accountability beats blame: the real shift isn't “what did I do wrong?” but “how can I be better next time?” Debriefs create growth without shame: “What went well / better / differently” builds learning loops that scale. Culture + systems = results: positivity without structure fails; structure without humanity underperforms. Leaders don't hand answers—they develop thinkers: Brent mentors by asking, “What do you think we should do?” Standardize first, operationalize second: clarity reduces confusion; consistent process multiplies performance. People-First AI is the way forward: AI should remove the mundane and return time to relationships, creativity, and real human connection.10 Quotes“We're here to talk about relationships and gratitude—but not the transactional type. The soul needs nourished.” “I'm not at the position I am in my life without [Jenny's] backing, her support, her guidance.” “All four kids—completely different personalities. That's the joy of parenting… and leadership.” “If you're present and recognizing the situation, it's a lot easier to have that inward focus.” “People are distracted… and that makes it harder to stay solution-oriented.” “Culture without systems breaks—and systems without culture underperform.” “I never give the answers. I ask: ‘What do you think you should do?'” “We're spending more time at work than we are with our families—so you might as well make it fun and human.” “People-first AI… it's augmentation. It speeds up the mundane so you can spend more time with people.” “You can never connect the dots forward—only backwards.”

Take the next step in your veterinary dentistry journey — discover how you can join Dr. Beckman's elite training community! https://ivdi.org/inv ------------------------------------------ Host: Dr. Brett Beckman, DVM, FAVD, DAVDC, DAAPM In this episode of The Vet Dental Show, Dr. Brett Beckman shares actionable strategies to elevate your veterinary dentistry service. He emphasizes the financial benefits of investing in dental equipment, training, and team development, highlighting a study where practices doubled their revenue within a year. Dr. Beckman also outlines the essential components of a top-notch dental service—team, operatory, and a standardized plan. What You'll Learn:  ✅ Discover the key strategies for building a cohesive and passionate veterinary dental team.  ✅ Understand how investing in dental equipment and training can significantly boost practice revenue.  ✅ Master the three main components of a top-notch dental service: team, operatory, and step-by-step plan.  ✅ Simplify the process of standardizing a dental game plan to increase speed and confidence.  ✅ Apply proven techniques to identify and cultivate a passion for dentistry within your staff.  ✅ Recognize the impressive return on investment (ROI) that dentistry can provide compared to other veterinary services. Key Takeaways:  ✅ Focus on keeping the dental team small and specialized to foster expertise.  ✅ Identify staff members with a genuine passion for dentistry to build a motivated team.  ✅ Standardize the dental game plan with step-by-step procedures for consistency and efficiency.  ✅ Highlight the financial benefits of dentistry to persuade decision-makers to invest in the service.  ✅ Cross-training the entire staff is not the best approach for dentistry. Questions This Episode Answers: ❓ Why is veterinary dentistry often underprioritized despite being one of the most profitable services in a practice? ❓ How can investing in dental equipment, training, and education dramatically increase practice revenue? ❓ What real-world evidence shows that dentistry can deliver a strong return on investment in a short timeframe? ❓ How can veterinary teams use ROI data to persuade practice owners or decision-makers to invest in dentistry? ❓ What are the three essential components of a top-notch veterinary dental service? ❓ Why is keeping the dental team small and specialized more effective than cross-training the entire staff? ❓ How does standardizing dental workflows improve efficiency, speed, and team confidence? ❓ What role does passion and motivation play in building a successful dental team? ❓ How can consistent repetition and mastery elevate the quality of dental care delivered in practice? ❓ What mindset shifts are necessary to successfully grow and sustain a profitable dental service? ------------------------------------------ Transform your dental practice today — request your invite to the Veterinary Dental Practitioner Program: https://ivdi.org/inv Explore Dr. Beckman's complete library of veterinary dentistry courses and CE resources! https://veterinarydentistry.net/ ------------------------------------------ Questions? Leave a comment below with your thoughts, experiences, or cases related to veterinary dentistry! ------------------------------------------ KEYWORDS: Veterinary Dentistry, IVDI, Brett Beckman, Dog Dental Care, Cat Dental Care, VetTech Tips, Animal Health, Veterinary Education, Veterinary Dental Practitioner Program, Vet Dental Show, Dental Revenue, Veterinary Team Training, Dental Equipment ROI, Standardized Dental Plan, Veterinary Practice Profitability

Your team thinks they’re selling braces. They’re wrong. What patients actually buy is certainty. Certainty about cost, timing, next steps, and whether they’re making the right call for their kid or themselves. When you don’t create that certainty fast, you get the same complaints every practice has: they ghosted us, bad lead, they said they needed to think about it, they price-shopped, they no-showed. Here’s what hurts: your leads aren’t bad. Your process leaks certainty. Fix that, and your team won’t need to push harder. They’ll just need to get clear, confident, and better at leading conversations. The kind of leadership that feels like service instead of sales. Get your copy of the Practice Paradox and the Personality Assessment: https://ion.agency/practice-paradox-book The Core Truth — People Don’t Buy Orthodontics. They Buy Certainty. Whether someone is choosing braces, clear aligners, or even deodorant, the psychology stays the same: people move when they feel safe taking the next step. That’s why calls fall apart even when your team says all the right things. If the prospect feels confused, guarded, uneasy, or overwhelmed, you can keep talking. You’ve already lost. Not because they hate you. Because their brain is protecting them from a decision that feels risky. So the question becomes: How do you manufacture certainty, fast, without sounding salesy? Let’s break it into five levers: mindset, voice, speed, follow-up, and simplification. Redefine “Sales” So Your Team Stops Sabotaging It A lot of practices hate the word “sales.” They picture a used-car lot: fake smile, pressure, manipulation, take the money and run. That’s exactly why they struggle. Here’s the reframe: sales isn’t taking. Sales is giving. If your team believes sales is something you do to people, they’ll avoid it, rush it, or apologize for it. If they believe sales is something you do for people (clarifying, guiding, simplifying), they show up differently. Two guardrails matter: integrity and a true desire to help paired with belief that the service will positively impact the patient’s life. Violate those, and you’re back in the version of sales everyone hates. Hold those two guardrails, and closing isn’t predatory. It’s service. Why this matters to certainty: Certainty doesn’t come from convincing. It comes from leadership. People relax when they feel guided by someone who knows what they’re doing and genuinely has their interests in mind. If your team doesn’t buy that idea, every tactic in this article turns into a script. Scripts don’t create certainty. Free Growth Session Certainty Starts With How You Sound — Tone and Tempo Beat Perfect Wording The fastest way to kill a call isn’t the wrong sentence. It’s the wrong cadence. Two things matter most: tonality and tempo. Tone and tempo communicate what words can’t: calm confidence, leadership, empathy, impatience, uncertainty, awkwardness. The Real Phone Skill Is Emotional Control When your scheduler or treatment coordinator sounds rushed, unsure, or overly chirpy, the prospect doesn’t feel guided. They feel processed. And if the prospect doesn’t feel guided, they don’t feel safe. Use Anchoring Questions to Uncover What Creates Certainty for This Person Three questions shift the call from “schedule this” to “understand why this matters.” “How long have you been thinking about straightening your teeth or bringing Johnny in?” This tells you whether they’re a “yesterday” person or a “two years” person. Very different energy, very different barriers. “Why did you feel like now was a good time to address this?” This reveals the trigger: pain, bullying, a dentist referral, a life event, a deadline, a job, a wedding. The trigger is often where certainty lives. “Why did you decide to come see us?” This exposes perceived differentiation or lack of it. It also surfaces competitive context without you sounding defensive. These questions aren’t cute. They build certainty because they make the prospect feel understood. And they give your team leverage to connect the consult to what the person actually cares about. If You Sense Uncertainty, Address It Immediately If someone sounds uneasy, uncertain, confused, or guarded, you can’t just continue your flow and hope it resolves itself. You need to pivot and handle that emotion right now. Or you won’t have their attention for the rest of the call, and you’ll often earn a no-show. Use something playful as a pattern interrupt (something they don’t expect) to regain attention. The point isn’t the exact line. The point is: certainty requires attention, and attention disappears when emotion turns skeptical. The Underrated Skill — Being Comfortable With Silence Most teams panic during silence and start filling space with nervous checking: “Hello?” “Did you get that?” “Can you hear me?” Don’t do that. Embrace the silence. The person just answered an unexpected call. You don’t know what they’re doing. If you can sit through a few seconds, you keep authority and flow. Why this matters to certainty: When you talk like a leader (steady, calm, unhurried), you lend your certainty to the other person. When you sound nervous, you amplify theirs. Speed Is Strategy: Desire Decays Faster Than You Think If you’re treating online leads like they’re 2012 leads, you’re getting cooked. Amazon has trained consumers. If something doesn’t have the two-day delivery vibe, what do people start thinking? “Do I really need this?” “Maybe I’ll find something similar I can get tomorrow.” That same consumer expectation bleeds into choosing an orthodontist. If you don’t respond fast, if it’s hard to schedule, if it takes forever to get clarity, people don’t wait patiently. They move on or talk themselves out of it. The Five-Minute Rule Isn’t Aggressive. It’s Reality. Studies show that if you don’t follow up within five minutes, there’s a 400 percent decrease in ever getting in touch. Calling back within 60 seconds can boost conversions by 391 percent. Whether you obsess over exact numbers or not, the operational takeaway is undeniable: your speed determines whether you’re still top of mind. Here’s what should sting a little: five minutes should be your worst day. Because in a digital world, five minutes can feel like an hour. Nobody submits a form and then sits there doing nothing, waiting for your office to call. They go right back to scrolling, eating dinner, getting pulled into life. And when you finally call, you’re no longer “the answer.” You’re “some unknown number.” Certainty Collapses When You’re Not Top of Mind When your callback is slow, you trigger confusion: “Who is this?” “Where are you calling from?” “Why are you calling me?” That confusion isn’t neutral. Confusion is uncertainty. Uncertainty is delay. Delay becomes ghosting. If you want more conversions, stop treating speed like an operational detail. Speed is part of your sales system. “Bad Leads” Are Often Just Cold Opportunities, and Your Follow-Up Must Match Human Behavior Most practices overuse the term “bad lead” as emotional protection. It feels better to say “they were a bad lead” than “we didn’t create enough certainty fast enough.” Here’s the reframe: a bad lead is someone you truly can’t serve. Someone without teeth, no pulse, extreme mismatch. Everything else? That’s not a bad lead. That’s an opportunity that either isn’t ready yet, lost excitement, didn’t feel safe, or didn’t get enough follow-up to stay warm. It’s not always that the leads are bad. It’s that the opportunities have gone cold. The Simplest Reason Follow-Up Fails — Nobody Answers Unknown Numbers (Including You) Most of us do not pick up calls from numbers we don’t know. So why is your team shocked when prospects don’t answer? This is why you need a specific cadence: call, voicemail, text, email, repeat. That multi-touch pattern creates recognition: “Oh right, I did request that.” It builds association. And it reduces the emotional friction of picking up. Micro-Impressions Before the Consult Decide Whether They Show Up This might be the most overlooked certainty killer in orthodontics: the little irritations that happen before the patient ever meets the doctor. Being put on hold for minutes (feels like forever). The office not answering. Getting disconnected and not being asked for a callback number. Having to call back and re-enter the queue. These micro-impressions create a subtle story in the patient’s mind: “This is going to be a pain.” That story produces uncertainty. Bottom line: If your front-end experience feels clunky, you can’t treatment-coordinate your way out of it in the consult. Free Growth Session Create Certainty in the Consult by Simplifying the Process and the Money Conversation If you want more same-day starts, stop turning the consult into a college lecture. Here’s a real-world example of a practice that aggressively simplified the consult process: 30 minutes total per new patient exam, records done fast (an eight-minute window), doctor in the room for one to two minutes, treatment coordinator does most of the explanation and fee conversation, they deliberately trained and timed the team to move faster, and fee presentation is simple and consistent. The insight isn’t “everyone must do 30-minute exams.” The insight is: complexity creates hesitation. When the doctor spends 20 minutes explaining the science of orthodontics, the patient walks out thinking, “Wow, this is a big deal. I need to go home and digest this.” In other words: you made it feel heavy, risky, and uncertain. Simplification doesn’t mean low quality. It means low friction. Fees — Answer the Real Question Without Overwhelming Them The patient’s number one question at the consult is: “How much is it?” When offices avoid this, they don’t create certainty. They create suspense. And suspense is not your friend in a high-consideration purchase. One practice’s approach: Lead with one simple plan ($300 down and a monthly that stays under $200). Don’t lead with four options. Options create overwhelm. If they ask about pay-in-full, then you introduce that. If $300 today is a barrier, step it down: $150 today and draft the other $150 in one to two weeks. This strategy isn’t about discounting. It’s about making the decision feel manageable. On the Phone — If You Won’t Quote Fees, You Still Must Remove Financing Fear When people hear “payment plans” and “financing,” they often assume interest, credit checks, banks, and paying more over time. So if your team says, “We have great payment plans,” that’s not certainty. That’s vague reassurance. And vague reassurance reads like sales fluff. Instead, proactively clarify: zero percent interest, no credit checks, in-house financing, no banks involved. That removes uncertainty. And when uncertainty drops, people move forward. Stop Trying to Differentiate With Tech Patients Don’t Understand Some practices try to win by talking about technology (CBCT, bonding techniques, fancy bracket systems) as the primary differentiator. The general public has low dental IQ. Most people don’t know what those things are, and they aren’t buying them up front. What are disruptors winning on? Speed, convenience, little resistance, affordability, and a cool brand. You can wow them clinically once they’re in and committed. But at the decision point, patients buy what reduces friction and uncertainty. Practical Takeaways — A Certainty-First Playbook You Can Implement Now You don’t need a new script. You need a new operating system. Here’s a practical checklist, organized by where certainty is won or lost. Phone: Create Certainty in the First 60 Seconds Train the two T’s: tonality and tempo. Start coaching cadence, not just words. Add the three anchoring questions: How long have you been thinking about it? Why now? Why us? The moment you hear uncertainty, pivot and address it. Don’t keep going like nothing happened. Get comfortable with silence. Nervous filler kills authority. Scheduling —Stop the Endless Loop With Wide Net Statements Replace open-ended scheduling chaos with two-option narrowing. “Specific date or day or first available?” “Morning or afternoon?” “1 p.m. or 3 p.m.?” This approach prevents the call from dragging and keeps you leading. Speed — Protect Momentum Like It’s Revenue (Because It Is) Treat five minutes as unacceptable in normal conditions. Aim to call back before they exit the browser whenever possible. Build operational systems that make fast response normal, not heroic. Follow-Up — Assume They Won’t Answer and Build Recognition Anyway Use the cadence: call, voicemail, text, email, repeat. Stop labeling unresponsive people as “bad.” Most are just cold. Clean up micro-impressions: reduce holds, avoid disconnects without callback capture, and tighten the front desk experience. Consult — Simplify Until Decisions Feel Easy Reduce information overload. Don’t make treatment feel like a complicated life event. Standardize a simple fee presentation. Lead with one clear path. Introduce alternatives only if asked. Remove financing uncertainty with clear language (zero percent interest, in-house, no banks, no credit checks). If You Fix Certainty, You Fix Conversion Your practice isn’t competing only on clinical outcomes anymore. You’re competing on how fast you respond, how easy it is to schedule, how confident your team sounds, how predictable your process feels, and whether the patient understands the money without anxiety. People don’t buy braces. They buy certainty. If you want more starts without feeling salesy, stop trying to close harder. Start building a system that makes the next step feel obvious, safe, and simple. That’s what your market is actually demanding now. Free Growth Session The post Patients Keep Saying No? Here’s What You’re Missing appeared first on HIP Creative.

In today's episode, Neil delves into the Japanese 5S system, a methodology for organizing workspaces to enhance efficiency, safety, and productivity. Drawing from his 26 years of experience in tutoring, teaching, and coaching, Neil explains the five key components of the 5S system: Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, and Sustain. Neil illustrates how these principles can be applied not only in professional settings but also in personal life, encouraging listeners to declutter, organize, and maintain their environments for improved performance and well-being. KEY TAKEAWAYS Understanding the 5S System: The 5S system is a methodology for organizing a workspace to enhance efficiency, safety, and productivity. It consists of five steps: Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, and Sustain, which aim to reduce waste and improve quality. Application of 5S in Personal and Professional Life: The principles of the 5S system can be applied not only in workspaces but also in personal life. By decluttering, organizing, and maintaining cleanliness. Importance of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): Establishing clear procedures and standards is crucial for maintaining organization and cleanliness. Continuous Improvement (Kaizen): The concept of Kaizen, or continuous improvement, is integral to the 5S philosophy. By making small, incremental changes over time. Personal Reflection and Adaptation: The speaker encourages listeners to reflect on their own practices and consider how implementing the 5S system could lead to improvements in their lives.  BEST MOMENTS "The 5S system is a methodology, a systematic approach to organizing a workspace for efficiency, safety, and productivity." "The goal behind this one is to declutter and eliminate waste by keeping just the essential tools and materials." "If you do the same thing the same way every single time, making it streamlined and efficient, then the chance of things going wrong is massively reduced." "Just imagine the 5S system to your life, not just your workspace. What would that do for you?" "Maybe this is it for you. What would applying 5S do for your messy life?" VALUABLE RESOURCES www.Neilcowmeadow.com info@neilcowmeadow.com HOST BIO Neil Cowmeadow is a maverick peripatetic guitar teacher from Telford with over 19 years' experience in the business of helping people. Learn how to start, grow and love your business with Neil's invaluable advice and tips without the buzzwords and BS! This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

At KubeCon 2025, the CNCF launched the Certified Kubernetes AI Conformance Program to standardize AI and ML workloads on Kubernetes, ensuring portability across hybrid and sovereign clouds and preventing platform lock-in. Supported by companies like Google, Microsoft, Oracle, Broadcom, and Red Hat, the initiative promotes interoperability, scalability, and efficient production deployment. Arm showcased its Neoverse platform alongside Google Cloud's Axion N4A VMs, enabling energy-efficient, scalable AI workloads, while partnerships with CNCF projects like Harbor, OPA, Kedify, and AuthZed help developers build secure, portable, and cost-effective cloud-native systems from edge to cloud. This and more on the Tech Field Day News Rundown recorded live at Commvault Shift with Tom Hollingsworth and Stephen Foskett. Time Stamps:0:00 - Welcome to the Tech Field Day News Rundown1:17 - VAST Data makes $1.17B Deal with CoreWeave4:42 - Spektrum Labs Uses Cryptography to Prove Cyber Resilience7:37 - HPE Drops Qumulo, Scality, and WEKA to Focus on Its Own Storage10:56 - Red Hat Unveils Major OpenShift 4.20 Updates for AI, Security, and Edge13:57 - AWS Builds Transatlantic Fastnet Cable to Boost Cloud and AI17:31 - Pentagon Expects Industry to Train AI, Not Pay for It20:34 - CNCF Standardizes AI Workloads on Kubernetes25:17 - Arm and CNCF Showcase Efficient Cloud-Native Systems at KubeCon 202529:26 - Thank You Commvault for Hosting Tech Field Day31:01 - The Weeks Ahead32:55 - Thanks for Watching the Tech Field Day News RundownFollow our hosts ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tom Hollingsworth⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Alastair Cooke⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Stephen Foskett⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Follow Tech Field Day ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X/Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bluesky⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mastodon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this deep-dive, Mankanwal Sachdev explores how cholangioscopy moves us from fluoroscopic silhouettes to direct mucosal visualization—and why that changes diagnosis and therapy across indeterminate strictures, PSC dominant lesions, and difficult stones. We walk through the current platform landscape (SpyGlass™ DS2, eyeMAX™, and Dragonfly™), practical biopsy technique to improve yield, and real-world lithotripsy choices (EHL vs Holmium laser) with a focus on workflow, cost, and verification of clearance. We also look ahead to AI-assisted interpretation, robotic/telerobotic control, and how training is evolving with ESGE 2025 standards and ASGE/ACG guidance. If you're building or refining a pancreatobiliary program, this episode offers an evidence-based framework you can put to work tomorrow.   Key takeaways: Use cholangioscopy when results will change management; pair with EUS for maximal diagnostic yield. Standardize biopsy protocols and specimen handling with pathology. Choose energy based on stone density, access, and resources; confirm clearance by direct inspection. Build a training pathway (simulation + supervised volume) and consider tiered credentialing. Selected references: ESGE 2025 (PMID: 40588224); ACG 2023 biliary strictures; ASGE 2023 malignancy in biliary strictures; Amaral 2023 laser vs EHL (PMID: 37203215); Mauro 2023 review (PMID: 37761300).

In this episode, Laura Johns sits down with father and son team Sam and Mikey Levine from National Communications Group (NCG) to unpack how they've built one of the most trusted telecom solutions practices by staying ahead of technology shifts and forging strong partnerships, especially with AT&T.   From the early days of frame relay to today's SD-WAN, cloud voice, and 5G evolution, NCG's story shows what it really takes to scale faster and smarter in telecom and IT. Sam and Mikey talk about vendor consolidation, master agreements, and vertical specialization (in industries like finance and banking) can simplify operations and cut downtime across multi-site clients.   For MSP owners and IT leaders, this conversation is a great listen if you want to learn how to turn carrier relationships into a growth engine, leveraging modernization, AI, and IoT for the next phase of operational efficiency.   Key Takeaways: Evolve with technology to stay competitive and win accounts. Use MSP partnerships as a scalable sales channel. Standardize vendor relationships to cut downtime and improve margins. Build trust through transparency and follow-through. Prioritize operational systems to handle revenue growth without chaos. Stay ready for what's next: SD-WAN maturity, 5G expansion, AI insights, and IoT optimization.

Think Lean is just for big factories? Think again. In this episode, Dominic Rubino sits down with Lukas Holland from FastCap — the shop built on culture, systems, and fun. You'll learn how FastCap built a team where everyone takes ownership — and how that same approach can turn your cabinet or millwork shop into a smooth, calm, profitable operation. What you'll learn in this episode: How to build a Lean culture (not just Lean tools) Why even cleaning the bathroom is a leadership lesson The real goal of Lean: make work easier, not harder How small changes lead to big efficiency wins Why "Fix what bugs you" is the best motto for your shop

John and Luke unpack the decisions that delivered Shaun Clarida's best look yet — and the repeatable principles behind it. You'll learn how to:

Does everyone you interview look like you, sound like you, and maybe even want to be you? If so, it's time to rethink your hiring approach.In this episode of the Opt-In Podcast, Melissa Franks takes a candid look at why diversity matters in small business hiring, and what can happen when diversity of thought, background, and experience disappears from an organization. Using both real-world headlines and her corporate COO background, Melissa explains why innovation, creativity, and growth depend on having a diverse team.You'll learn:Why diversity isn't just about what you can see, it includes socioeconomic background, education, life experiences, and more.How a lack of diverse perspectives can limit creativity, create blind spots, and weaken company culture.5 practical steps to improve diversity in your hiring:Write inclusive job descriptions.Broaden where you post and source candidates.Standardize your interview process with structured questions and scorecards.Include a diverse panel in interviews.Track applicant and hiring data to uncover unconscious bias.Melissa also connects today's hiring challenges to what's happening in government, showing why protecting diversity of thought is vital—not just for society, but for the long-term survival of your business. 

In this episode Tara sits down with Sweetgreen co-founder Nicolas Jammet to talk about the process of transitioning from the creative, idea-generating early founder role, to becoming the leader of a larger, publicly traded company.  00:00 Intro 01:04 What innovations at Sweetgreen Nic is most proud of 06:18 Where Nic looks to find inspiration for innovating his business 10:44 How innovation happens at Sweetgreen now that they're a billion-dollar business 13:09 Office Hours segment 16:30 The entrepreneurs that Nic looks up to 17:48 How Nic thinks about copycat businesses  21:46 Advice for people worried about their business ideas being stolen This episode is presented by Amazon Ads: Amazon Ads help you show up for customers—right when they're looking for you.

“Voice is back—and with AI, network APIs, and VCons, we're moving from channels to intelligent engagement.” — Kevin Nethercott & Rob Kurver, CPaaS Acceleration Alliance Kevin Nethercott and Rob Kurver of the CPaaS Acceleration Alliance (CPaaSAA) joined Doug Green, Publisher of Technology Reseller News, to preview their Member Summit in Amsterdam, September 22–24 and to chart where programmable communications is headed next. Born from messaging (SMS/A2P), CPaaS now spans voice, video, UCaaS/CCaaS integrations, and carrier network APIs. With AI and the emerging VCon standard (an IETF effort to containerize conversational data across voice, chat, email, and web), CPaaSAA frames the industry's North Star as “intelligent engagement”—outcomes-focused solutions that unify channels, data, and automation. Alliance momentum & event focus 120+ member companies across platforms and operators; ~50 speakers from 20+ countries; curated, senior-level audience. Launch of a Case Directory (120+ commercially available use cases) organized by vertical and region, reflecting where buyers are actually seeing ROI. Publication of the State of CPaaS insights and formation of a VCon working group to accelerate standards adoption and go-to-market patterns. Partnerships highlighted with GSMA and the VCon Foundation. Why this matters now With pandemic-era “Zoom times” behind us, the market is prioritizing profitability and stickiness. CPaaS winners are moving beyond horizontal APIs to verticalized, regulated, and region-specific applications. Example: a Redisys operator solution that uses AI in the core network to improve call intelligibility for people who are hard of hearing—a high-value, retention-friendly use case affecting ~15–18% of users. Takeaways for enterprises and partners Monetize voice again: AI + VCons make conversations machine-usable, improving CX and analytics. Differentiate with network APIs: Security, identity, and authentication services move CPaaS beyond messaging. Build for outcomes: Package solutions by industry and locality; not everything works everywhere the same way. Standardize the data layer: VCons are poised to do for conversations what SIP did for signaling. For membership and summit details, visit cpaasaa.com

Welcome to the NeurologyLive® Mind Moments® podcast. Tune in to hear leaders in neurology sound off on topics that impact your clinical practice. In this episode, "Overviewing Consensus Guidelines to Standardize Gene Therapy Care in Duchenne," Barry Byrne, MD, chief medical advisor at the Muscular Dystrophy Association and director of the Powell Gene Therapy Center at the University of Florida, discusses newly published consensus guidelines from the MDA and Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy on the safe delivery and monitoring of gene therapy in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Byrne explains the rationale behind convening a global panel of experts, emphasizing the need for standardized practices in patient selection, administration, and follow-up care as gene therapy becomes more widely available. He highlights the importance of expanded multidisciplinary teams—including hematology, cardiology, nephrology, and immunology—in managing immune-related safety concerns, with particular attention to monitoring liver inflammation and emerging strategies such as rapamycin use. In addition, Byrne outlines how these guidelines address real-world challenges around access, including geographic barriers, language considerations, and financial constraints, while underscoring their role in shaping future gene therapy approaches as additional therapies move through development. Looking for more Neuromuscular discussion? Check out the NeurologyLive® Neuromuscular clinical focus page. Episode Breakdown: 1:00 – Why consensus guidelines were needed for gene therapy in DMD 2:10 – Top-line clinical considerations from the published recommendations 4:30 – Protocols for monitoring and managing adverse events, especially liver toxicity 6:30 – Neurology News Network 8:30 – Addressing health equity, language access, and financial barriers in gene therapy care 12:00 – How these recommendations may shape the future of DMD treatment The stories featured in this week's Neurology News Minute, which will give you quick updates on the following developments in neurology, are further detailed here: Efgartigimod Aims to Become First Therapy for Seronegative Generalized Myasthenia Gravis Following Positive Phase 3 Data FDA Approves Lecanemab Autoinjector, Marking First At-Home Treatment for Alzheimer Disease Eisai Submits sBLA for Weekly Subcutaneous Lecanemab as Starting Dose Thanks for listening to the NeurologyLive® Mind Moments® podcast. To support the show, be sure to rate, review, and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts. For more neurology news and expert-driven content, visit neurologylive.com.

In this episode we dive into construction schedule progressingThe ChallengeA midsize general contractor asks, “Can you build a rock-solid, repeatable schedule-progressing program across every one of our projects?” They juggle different superintendents, uneven data, and scattered PDFs. They want one standard and a clear path to improve it. On the hot seat: Miles Haynes , Senior Scheduler at Oakland Construction and creator of Stride Schedule .Stride replaces those smudged PDFs with a browser-based interface that mirrors the familiar P6 layout, lets supers tap actual dates on the fly, and feeds a clean XML back to the master schedule, no late-night data entry, no guesswork.Click here to update you construction schedule in minutes with Stride.Continue LearningCheck out our new book The Critical Path Career: How to Advance in Construction Planning and SchedulingSubscribe to the Beyond Deadlines Email NewsletterSubscribe to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠Beyond Deadlines⁠⁠⁠⁠ Linkedin Newsletter⁠⁠Check Out Our YouTube Channel⁠⁠.ConnectFollow ⁠⁠⁠Micah⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Greg⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠Beyond Deadlines⁠⁠ on LinkedIn.Beyond DeadlineIt's time to raise your career to new heights with Beyond Deadlines, the ultimate destination for construction planners and schedulers. Our podcast is designed to be your go-to guide whether you're starting out in this dynamic field, transitioning from another sector, or you're a seasoned professional. Through our cutting-edge content, practical advice, and innovative tools, we help you succeed in today's fast-evolving construction planning and scheduling landscape without relying on expensive certifications and traditional educational paths. Join us on Beyond Deadlines, where we empower you to shape the future of construction planning and scheduling, making it more efficient, effective, and accessible than ever before.About MicahMicah, the CEO of Movar US is an Intel and Google alumnus, champions next-gen planning and scheduling at both tech giants. Co-founder of Google's Computer Vision in Construction Team, he's saved projects millions via tech advancements. He writes two construction planning and scheduling newsletters and mentors the next generation of construction planners. He holds a Master of Science in Project Management, Saint Mary's University of Minnesota.About GregGreg, an Astrophysicist turned project guru, managed £100M+ defense programs at BAE Systems (UK) and advised on international strategy. Now CEO at ⁠⁠Nodes and Links⁠⁠, he's revolutionizing projects with pioneering AI Project Controls in Construction. Experience groundbreaking strategies with Greg's expertise.Topics We Coverchange management, communication, construction planning, construction, construction scheduling, creating teams, critical path method, cpm, culture, KPI, microsoft project, milestone tracking, oracle, p6, project planning, planning, planning engineer, pmp, portfolio management, predictability, presenting, primavera p6, project acceleration, project budgeting, project controls, project management, project planning, program management, resource allocation, risk management, schedule acceleration, scheduling, scope management, task sequencing, construction, construction reporting, prefabrication, preconstruction, modular construction, modularization, automation, Power BI, dashboard, metrics, process improvement, reporting, schedule consultancy, planning consultancy, material management

Listen now: Spotify, Apple and YouTubeWhat if the key to showing up as a great leader had nothing to do with your title, metrics, or credentials—and everything to do with knowing who you are outside of work?In this episode of Supra Insider, Marc and Ben sit down with executive coach Charles Ruiz to explore how leaders can shift from external validation to authentic presence. Charles shares the origins of his mantra “Presence over Preference,” his Four Cs framework (Core, Craft, Community, Creativity) and the transformative practice of running an “identity marathon” through meaningful places from his past.You'll hear benefits of executives ditching scripted presentations for personal anecdotes (including burrito orders), reframing failure as fuel, and designing your own “games” and “seasons” of life instead of playing someone else's. Whether you're climbing the corporate ladder, pivoting careers or just questioning who you are beyond your job, this conversation will help you reconnect with your story—and turn it into your superpower.All episodes of the podcast are also available on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.New to the pod? Subscribe below to get the next episode in your inbox

Too many missed putts… or just too many basket types? We break down the debate on whether the PDGA should mandate one basket for the pros.

Too many missed putts… or just too many basket types? We break down the debate on whether the PDGA should mandate one basket for the pros.

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Imagine a business that doesn't depend on you—one that scales, thrives, and grows without your constant involvement. That's exactly what Alex Judd reveals in this episode.Alex spent years at the Dave Ramsey organization as the former host of the EntreLeadership Podcast, giving him the opportunity to learn from one of the most influential names in personal finance. He saw firsthand how Dave empowered his team, fostered a culture of accountability, and scaled a personal brand into a massive organization—all without losing control.Eventually, Alex launched his own venture, carrying those lessons with him. As the Founder & CEO of Path for Growth, he now offers community, coaching, and experiences for impact-driven leaders.In this episode, you'll learn how to go from being an advisor working in your business to becoming the CEO who actually leads it—mastering delegation, building systems that run smoothly, and creating a business that thrives without your constant oversight.4 of the biggest insights from Alex…1.) The Artist's Trap: Why Your Personality Isn't a Business Model Most entrepreneurs start as the “artist” in their business—personally handling everything because they're great at what they do. But Alex reveals why this approach is a trap. If your business depends entirely on your talent, energy, and personality, it's not scalable. Alex shares how to escape the artist's trap and become a true leader—one who builds a business that runs smoothly, even when you're not in the room.2.) Healthy Accountability Drives GrowthAlex explains how to create a culture of feedback where team members feel empowered rather than criticized. Discover the system he uses to give feedback and measure team performance without hurting morale.3.) The 4-Steps to Operationalizing Your Business Alex walks through his 4-step process to make excellence predictable and repeatable: Standardize, Document, Evaluate, and Improve. Whether you're running a team of 5 or 50, this framework will help you scale without chaos.4.) How Founders Can Delegate Their Unique Skills and TalentsMany founders struggle to delegate their strongest skills because those talents come naturally to them. But Alex shares how to break this barrier by identifying your core strengths, distilling them into clear, teachable processes, and empowering your team to replicate them. He reveals why your greatest strengths can become your greatest bottleneck if not properly transferred.SHOW NOTEShttps://bradleyjohnson.com/117FOLLOW BRAD JOHNSON ON SOCIALTwitterInstagramLinkedInFOLLOW DBDL ON SOCIAL:YouTubeTwitterInstagramLinkedInFacebookDISCLOSURE DBDL podcast episode conversations are intended to provide financial advisors with ideas, strategies, concepts and tools that could be incorporated into their business and their life. Financial professionals are responsible for ensuring implementation of anything discussed related to business is done so in accordance with any and all regulatory, compliance responsibilities and obligations.The Triad member statements reflect their own experience which may not be representative of all Triad Member experiences, and their appearances were not paid for.Triad Wealth Partners, LLC is an SEC Registered Investment Adviser. Please visit Triadwealthpartners.com for more information. Triad Wealth Partners, LLC and Triad Partners, LLC are affiliated companies. TP05254485404See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Join this insightful conversation with Eric and Larry as they discuss how home service businesses can maximize each service call's effectiveness by prioritizing technician training and soft skills, especially during a tightening economy.Key Takeaways:Every Call Counts: Each service call is your opportunity to secure a lifetime client, not just a one-time job.Soft Skills are Critical: Connection, clarity, and confidence determine the outcome of your service calls.Consistent Training Pays Off: Ongoing practice of soft skills directly improves technician performance, client satisfaction, and business profitability.True Cost of a Lost Call: Missing a call impacts more than just immediate revenue—it affects future business, referrals, and reviews.Episode Highlights:Economic Context and Its Impact:How the slowing economy mirrors the 2008-2009 recession.Why maintaining value and pricing integrity outweighs the short-term gain from discounting.The Three C's of a Profitable Call:Connection: Establishing immediate trust and rapport.Clarity: Clear communication about the issue and solution.Confidence: Technicians must confidently project competence to secure client trust.Anatomy of a Winning Call:Pre-arrival tips: Call ahead, offer small courtesies.Arrival etiquette: Professional presentation and respect for client property.On-site best practices: Active listening, clear explanations, and cleanliness.Post-service follow-through: Thorough walkthroughs, gratitude expressions, and proactive review encouragement.Technician Training & Investment:Importance of structured and consistent soft skills training.Using role-playing and regular practice scenarios.Celebrating and incentivizing wins related to soft skills and client satisfaction.Real Cost of Lost Calls:Understanding that lost opportunities extend beyond immediate revenue.How losing a call affects long-term client relationships, referrals, reviews, and overall market reputation.Action Steps to Implement Immediately:Schedule regular soft skills training sessions.Standardize client interaction protocols.Regularly review customer feedback for continuous improvement.Evaluate external structured training options like SuperTech University if internal resources are limited.Shift your mindset from running calls to winning calls to enhance profitability and client experience.TITLE SPONSOR:Super Tech UniversityDramatically improve your team's performance with a system of short daily video lessons training your team in soft skills. When you invest in your team and teach them soft skills, your team can make you more profit. Go to https://supertechu.com/ for more info.Click here for a discount: https://supertechu.com/register/podcastoffer/.Here is an entrepreneur's story you will relate to.SPONSOR: C&R MagazineC&R magazine is the leading periodical in the Cleaning and Restoration industry. Owner and editor Michelle Blevins has brought printed copies back from the dead to increase reader experience. Go to www.candrmagazine.com to get your free copy sent directly to your home or business.

This Weeks Callers Caller 1: Richard from Atlanta called in to ask Zac a Question Caller 3: Tom from clinkenbeard_strong tells us about the history of Rovers Rovers After Dark: Instagram Caller 4: Clint talks about Trail Ratings and Walt Disney Caller 5: Chris Rae Ultra4escort tells Jimmy to add a 50 gal tank in Clifford Caller 6: Zac from OKC talks about mistletoe. CALL US AND LEAVE US A VOICEMAIL!!!! We want to hear from you even more!!! You can call and say whatever you like! Ask a question, leave feedback, correct some information about welding, say how much you hate your Jeep, and wish you had a Toyota! We will air them all, live, on the podcast! +01-916-345-4744. An alternative method would be sending us an email, at Jimmy@snailtrail4x4.com or at Tyler@snailtrail4x4.com you can also find us on Instagram at SnailTrail4x4 or 4x4ToyotaTyler Listener Discount Codes: SnailTrail4x4 -SnailTrail15 for 15% off SnailTrail4x4 MerchMORRFlate - snailtraill4x4 to get 10% off MORRFlate Multi Tire Inflation Deflation™ KitsIronman 4x4 - snailtrail20 to get 20% off all Ironman 4x4 branded equipment!Sidetracked Offroad - snailtrail4x4 (lowercase) to get 15% off lights and recovery gearSpartan Rope - snailtrail4x4 to get 10% off sitewideShock Surplus - SNAILTRAIL4x4 to get $25 off any order!Mob Armor - SNAILTRAIL4X4 for 15% offSummerShine Supply - ST4x4 for 10% off4WheelUnderground - snailtrail

Through the process of writing his latest book, Blair's thinking has evolved on whether or not firms should resist the urge to productize their services as they work to creatively meet the unique needs of each client.