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In this episode, we're sitting down with internationally recognized wedding photographer Samm Blake to talk about what it really takes to build a long-term, creatively fulfilling career in the luxury wedding industry. From shooting her first wedding for $500 and losing money on the job to now starting at $40,000 per wedding, Sam shares the mindset shifts, creative risks, and intentional decisions that shaped her journey over the last 20+ years.We dive into the evolution of the wedding industry, building a recognizable artistic voice, and why standing out matters so much more than blending in. Sam shares her perspective on portfolio curation, attracting luxury clients without sacrificing your style, and how photographers can stop chasing trends and start building work that actually feels true to them.We also talk about photographing high-profile celebrity weddings, navigating pressure at the highest level, and the confidence that comes from finally realizing you do not have to conform to succeed in the luxury market.If you're a wedding photographer or filmmaker wanting to raise your prices, book more intentional weddings, refine your portfolio, and create work that feels both profitable and artistically fulfilling, this conversation is packed with perspective shifts and tactical takeaways you won't want to miss.In this episode, we cover:• Building a luxury wedding photography brand• How to stand out in a saturated wedding market• Portfolio curation tips for photographers• Creative risk-taking at weddings• Luxury wedding client experience• Breaking into the high-end wedding industry• Finding your unique artistic voice• Growing a profitable photography business without copying trendsThis episode was sponsored by Wanderlust Videos, use LEVELUP100 for $100 off your first edit at https://www.wanderlust-videos.com/And thank you to VidFlow for sponsoring today's episode. Level up your delivery experience at https://vidflow.co/thelevelupcoTimestamps:00:00 - 02:19 | Podcast Introduction & Elevating the Client Delivery Experience02:20 - 06:10 | Sam Blake's Photography Journey & Adapting Through Industry Changes06:11 - 09:25 | Moving to New York, Building an International Brand & Luxury Pricing09:26 - 12:14 | Career-Defining Weddings & Photographing High-Profile Clients12:15 - 18:25 | Finding Confidence in Your Artistic Voice Within the Luxury Market18:26 - 20:14 | Outsourcing, Business Growth & Creating Space to Scale20:15 - 23:34 | Standing Out in the Luxury Market Through Authenticity & Curation23:35 - 28:37 | Portfolio Curation, Identifying Weaknesses & Improving Your Craft28:38 - 33:17 | Taking Creative Risks, Experimentation & Artistic Growth at Weddings33:18 - 36:27 | The Value of Representation, Support Systems & Creative Freedom36:28 - 37:14 | Final Thoughts & Where to Connect with Sam BlakeThe next round of The Luxury Mastermind will start in Spring 2026! We are thrilled to welcome you inside our signature 8 week program. Learn more + save your seat here >> https://thelevelupco.com/mastermind
Most insurance producers spend their entire careers trying to fit in. They use the same scripts, wear the same suits, and pitch the same spreadsheets. But here is the hard truth: if you look like everybody else, you will be overlooked. In a crowded market, people pay a premium for scarcity.In this solo episode, I share my personal journey from being a "fat kid" in Size Husky jeans to a pro baseball player and, ultimately, a founder. I break down the mental trap of how the fear of judgment, comparison, and failure kills more insurance books than the competition ever could. We discuss the 20-60-20 Rule of prospect psychology, the four pillars of the Brand Authority Blueprint, and why elite producers measure themselves against the best version of themselves rather than their peers. If you're ready to leave the masses behind and recreate the future of your career, this episode is your wake-up call.▶▶ Sign Up For Your Free Discovery Callcompletegameu.com/agaKEY MOMENTS(00:00) Growing Up as the "Chunky Kid" in the 80s(01:14) The Enemy: The Annual Presidential Fitness Test and the Fear of Judgment(02:20) Standing Out: How Baseball Turned Me into a One-of-One Athlete(03:08) The Mental Trap: How the "Fat Kid" Came Back During Pro Ball(03:47) The Clear Message: If You Look Like Everyone Else, You Will Be Overlooked(04:22) Scarcity Wins: Why People Pay a Premium for the Unique Advisor(05:49) Why We Are Afraid: Overcoming the Fear of Standing Out(06:16) The 20-60-20 Rule: Winning the Undecided 60% of Your Market(08:01) Stop People-Pleasing the 20%: Why You Shouldn't Fear Sharing Your "Good Stuff"(09:34) The Brand Authority Blueprint: Four Pillars to Becoming a One-of-One(11:09) Traits of the Elite: Why One-of-Ones Invest in Themselves and Crave Feedback(12:34) Lions Don't Compare Themselves To Donkeys(13:27) The Usain Bolt Standard: Chasing Personal Records, Not World Records(14:35) Recreating the Future: Following the Footsteps of Gates, Jobs, and Huang(15:50) The Challenge: Four Questions to Rewrite Your Professional FutureCONNECT WITH ANDY NEARY
Matt Paige and Thomas Schlossmacher discuss a shift from typing to talking as AI makes voice dictation accurate enough to use without constant corrections, arguing speech is faster and more natural and helps maintain thought flow when interacting with AI tools.Schlossmacher is building Resonant, a Mac voice dictation tool designed to run on-device so nothing goes to the cloud, motivated by privacy concerns and data retention/training practices of cloud-based alternatives like Whisper Flow.They explore the tradeoffs of local vs server inference, noting current consumer hardware can struggle to run full speech-to-text plus LLM post-processing fast enough, but expects improvement in 1–2 years.Schlossmacher explains differentiators like taste/brand, his design workflow using inspiration sources and ShadCN, his path into AI-assisted building, his stack (Claude Code, Next.js, Convex, Vercel), and a vision for proactive, context-aware agent features and potential open-sourcing and enterprise/self-hosted options, with beta/free access at https://www.onresonant.com/.--Key Moments:01:47 Making the Switch05:00 Why Build Resonant08:25 Local LLM Reality Check11:23 Standing Out in AI14:52 Designing Resonant Brand19:16 Building Taste Systems22:25 Learning to Build Apps23:43 Early Computer Curiosity25:41 Entrepreneur First and AI Shift27:49 Teaching Yourself with Agents29:05 Tooling and Tech Stack31:05 Resonant Product Vision35:14 Proactive Voice Workflows36:42 Beta Launch and Monetization41:15 Where to Try Resonant--Key Links:ResonantConnect with Thomas on LinkedInMentioned in this episode:Free report from HatchWorks AI — State of AI 2026What's real in AI this year, what's hype, and what leaders should prioritize — including production lessons, designing for agents, and governance. https://hatchworks.com/state-of-ai-2026/AI Opportunity FinderFeeling overwhelmed by all the AI noise out there? The AI Opportunity Finder from HatchWorks cuts through the hype and gives you a clear starting point. In less than 5 minutes, you'll get tailored, high-impact AI use cases specific to your business—scored by ROI so you know exactly where to start. Whether you're looking to cut costs, automate tasks, or grow faster, this free tool gives you a personalized roadmap built for action.
AWS Hero Stephen Sennett joins the vBrownBag crew to argue that foundational knowledge matters more now, not less.
On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Kathleen Hall and Melanie Marsell, founders of Dive the Americas and Explore the Americas. Kathleen, who has called Costa Rica home for over a decade, and Melanie, who has roots in both the US and Central America, share the journeys of creating two innovative travel brands: Dive the Americas and Explore the Americas. We discuss how they're reshaping tourism by supporting local communities, collaborating with other travel professionals, and providing personalized guidance that helps travelers feel confident venturing into unfamiliar destinations. What You Will Learn in This Episode: Why Kathleen and Melanie chose scuba diving as a specialty, and how their personal experiences inspired Dive the Americas What sets their travel businesses apart in a crowded market, and how their deep regional expertise shapes their approach How living in the region and understanding both U.S. and local cultures helps Kathleen and Melanie create authentic, meaningful travel experiences Why saying no to misaligned business opportunities has been crucial in building companies that reflect their values How collaboration with other travel professionals and agents has fueled their growth and led to innovative new programs Steps Kathleen and Melanie are taking to promote responsible tourism and sustainability The Birth of Dive the Americas and Explore the Americas As novice divers, Kathleen and Melanie were struck by the lack of resources for beginner divers looking for immersive travel experiences in Latin America. The gaps they encountered while planning their own trips, from unreliable pickups to scarce destination information for divers, sparked the creation of Dive the Americas. They want to curate seamless, welcoming dive experiences and bridge the divide between underwater adventure and cultural travel. Standing Out by Putting People and Place First The competitive travel landscape makes standing out difficult, but Kathleen and Melanie credit their deep, lived local knowledge and passion for responsible tourism as their particular advantage. Their insider perspective lets them put together what both travelers and local communities need, ensuring sustainable, enriching exchanges for everyone. They stress the importance of supporting the economic well-being of local people, highlighting Costa Rica's leading role in renewable energy and commitment to responsible tourism as integral to every trip they design. This boots-on-the-ground dedication fuels deeply authentic, feel-good experiences for their guests, moving beyond just ticking off top attractions. Education, Sustainability, and Expanding Horizons Their latest projects tackle overtourism and champion authentic, less-trafficked experiences. Through a curated collection of restaurants, local businesses, and guides, the new initiative aims to provide both travelers and agents with up-to-date resources that keep the essence of places like Costa Rica intact, while distributing tourism benefits more equitably. Melanie and Kathleen believe education is key for travelers, agents, and partners so that everyone can make better, more aware choices. Resources: Website: www.exploretheamericastravel.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exploretheamericastravel/ We value your thoughts and feedback and would love to hear from you. Leave us a review on your favorite streaming platform to let us know what you want to hear more of. Here is a quick tutorial on how to leave us a rating and review on iTunes!
In this talk, Tatiana, Staff Software Engineer at LinkedIn, shares her journey from academic physics to becoming a Kaggle Master and winning the Sound Demixing Challenge. We explore how to use machine learning competitions as a strategic tool to build a high-impact career and bridge the gap between theory and production.You'll learn about:Turning competition code into professional GitHub repos.Converting results into papers for NIPS and CVPR.How LLMs are changing the benchmark for AI competitions.Why hands-on implementation beats passive learning.Using Topcoder and AI Crowd for research-driven goals.Practical steps for your very first model submission.Links:Rise: 3 Practical Steps for Advancing Your Career, Standing Out as a Leader, and Liking Your Life. By Patty Azzarello https://www.porchlightbooks.com/pages/author/Patty_Azzarello-16156396 - awesome book about why doing good is not enough, and what else you need to do to promote your career (same applies to competitions)AICrowd - https://www.aicrowd.com/challenges Grand challenges - https://grand-challenge.org/challenges/Kaggle competitions - https://www.kaggle.com/competitionsTopCoder challenge SpaceNet 9 - https://www.topcoder.com/challenges/9620f66a-767e-40ac-81d5-5cc61274b186(no current active competitions, but they appear)Medium blog post with instruction - https://medium.com/data-science/writing-papers-tech-reports-after-kaggle-competitions-ee504fc0c4c1Kaggle Solution Write-Up Documentation - https://www.kaggle.com/solution-write-up-documentationEvaluating Machine Learning Agents on Machine Learning Engineering - https://arxiv.org/abs/2410.07095Machine Learning Engineering Agent via Search and Targeted Refinement - https://arxiv.org/html/2506.15692v2AI Research Agents for Machine Learning: Search, Exploration, and Generalization in MLE-bench - chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://arxiv.org/pdf/2507.02554TIMECODES:00:00 Tatiana's journey from academia to staff software engineer06:01 Machine learning applications in physics and signal processing09:13 Skill development and domain diversification on Kaggle13:35 Agentic AI benchmarks and automated competition entries17:43 Deep technical mastery versus leaderboard gamification23:04 Hands-on implementation and the illusion of learning26:01 Specialized platforms and fair competition environments31:35 Academic publications and research from silver medals35:24 GitHub repositories and engineering portfolio building39:02 Technical marketing via blog posts and LinkedIn43:25 Innovative approaches for academic conference submissions47:21 Research challenges at NIPS and CVPR workshops52:51 Medical imaging platforms and specialized recommendations57:46 First submission strategies for beginners01:00:56 Asynchronous collaboration and competition team dynamicsPerfect for data scientists and engineers looking to transition from academia or build a formal portfolio using Kaggle as a career-advancement tool.Connect with Tatiana:Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tatigabru/
WEBINAR LINK:https://shawnmoore.clickfunnels.com/optiniyvvg89sWant to learn more about Vodyssey or start your STR journey. Book a call here:https://meetings.hubspot.com/vodysseystrategysession/booknow?utm_source=vodysseycom&uuid=80fb7859-b8f4-40d1-a31d-15a5caa687b7FOLLOW US:https://www.instagram.com/vodysseyshawnmoorehttps://www.facebook.com/vodysseyshawnmoore/https://www.linkedin.com/company/str-financial-freedomhttps://www.tiktok.com/@vodysseyshawnmooreCONTACT US:support@vodyssey.comChapters00:00:00 Intro00:03:13 Geopolitical Impact on Travel Trends00:06:00 Designing for Equitable Guest Experiences00:09:08 Metrics That Matter in Short-Term Rentals00:11:57 Creating Unique and Emotional Connections00:15:12 The Importance of Scarcity and Exclusivity00:17:56 Analyzing Properties for Competitive Advantage00:28:07 The Importance of Standing Out in Short-Term Rentals00:31:26 The Hard Work Behind Success00:35:54 Creating Unique Experiences for Guests00:39:13 Mindset Shift: From Home to Experience00:43:05 Utilizing New Tools for Pricing and Management00:49:19 The Consequences of Interchangeability in Listings00:55:03 Understanding Your Target Audience
Thirty years ago, in a room full of blue suits with padded shoulders, pearls, and red ties — all competing for one of the most prestigious academic scholarships in the world — Michael Bungay Stanier walked in with long blonde hair, earrings, and a pink tie-dye tie.He was in his mid-twenties, in Australia, competing against people he knew might be sharper than him. His logic was simple: if I try to beat them on their terms, I lose. So he placed a different bet. One where he'd either come last by a long way, or come first.He came first. It wouldn't be the last time betting on himself paid off. You might be familiar with The Coaching Habit, a best-seller book he self-published a decade ago and has over a million copies sold around the globe.Sometimes knowing who you are comes with a price-tag. Michael lost a $300.000-a-year contract because a CEO hated the name of his company ‘Box of Crayons'. Instead of changing, he went looking for clients who loved it instead. We talked about what it costs to hold that line, and what happens when you stop making decisions to preserve a reputation almost nobody was tracking in the first place.Links to learn more about Michael Bungay Stanier:The Coaching Habit 10th AnniversaryLinkedInNewsletterPodcastYouTubeWebsiteAny thoughts? Share them with us!Support the show✨✨✨If you miss the "workshops work" podcast, join us on Substack, where Myriam builds a Podcast Club with monthly gatherings around old episodes: https://myriamhadnes.substack.com/
Fan Mail: Tell Wendy how you're saying yes to yourself!Get all the details here for the Paris Christmas Market: marche-de-noel-paris-notre-dame.frTreat yourself to gorgeous peonies from the Phineas Wright House! Enroll in the 3 week peony subscription and you'll receive 2 dozen gorgeous peony stems each week, harvested at the perfect stage for a long vase life. Pick up in Bolton, MA.Get all the details here: https://www.phineaswrighthouse.com/the-shop/p/peony-subscription-2026In this episode, Wendy sits down with Sophie Lechner, marketing strategist and author who helps entrepreneurs use AI to create deeper connection (not just faster content). Sophie is a connector and idea factory who believes AI is making marketing harder, not easier, because everyone sounds the same now, and people are more skeptical than ever.They explore:Why AI is making it harder to stand out How to use prompts that take you through your entire life story to pull out what makes you uniquely youWhy marketing stops feeling like marketing when you approach it with the same love and generosity you bring to client workThis is a conversation about human-to-human connection in the age of AI. Sophie shares how she uses AI as a thinking partner (not just a shortcut) and helps entrepreneurs dig into their clients' deeper beliefs that keep them from saying yes. When your marketing connects your humanity to your client's humanity, it stops being marketing. It becomes client work.Connect with Sophie:LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sophielechner/Website: TheMagnetModel.comGet her book: Unlock Your Impact: The Roadmap to Magnetic Client Attraction for Entrepreneurs Who Hate Marketing: https://www.themagnetmodel.com/book________________________________________________________________________________________Connect with Wendy:LinkedinInstagram: @wendy.harropFacebook: Phineas Wright HouseWebsite: Phineas Wright House PWH Farm StaysPWH Curated Experience and TravelInterested in being a guest on the show? Send your pitch to podcast@phineaswrighthouse.comPodcast Production By Shannon Warner of Resonant Collective Want to start your own podcast? Let's chat!If this episode resonated, follow Say YES to Yourself! and leave a 5-star review. It helps more women in midlife discover the tools, stories, and community that make saying YES not only possible, but powerful.
The coaching industry is evolving—and “good enough” results are no longer enough.In this episode of Soul Alive Radio, I pull back the curtain on what actually separates coaches and healers who struggle to grow… from those whose work creates undeniable transformation and momentum.It's not more certifications. It's not better frameworks. And it's not working harder.It's your ability to perceive what's truly happening for your client—and guide them to the shift that changes everything.This is the power of your spiritual gifts.When activated, they unlock what I call spiritual intelligence—your ability to access real-time, soul-level insight while you're serving. And that's what creates the kind of breakthroughs clients talk about, return for, and refer others into.You'll discover: • Why extraordinary client results—not strategy—are the foundation of a thriving, sustainable business • The five spiritual gifts and how they deepen the impact of your client work • How to access spiritual intelligence so you can guide more powerful, aligned transformationsTimestamps00:00 Soul Alive Intro00:28 Why Results Matter01:59 Lightworker Gifts Explained04:41 Maps and Self Knowledge07:53 Phase Two Embodiment08:49 Five Spiritual Gifts11:15 Spiritual Intelligence in Practice13:42 Standing Out in Saturation17:35 Weekly Reflection Prompt18:31 InvitationIf you're enjoying Soul Alive Radio, I want to invite you into something new.I'm hosting a private podcast series and live masterclass on what it means to become a sovereign coach in the age of AI and the next era of the Sleeping Phoenix.Learn how to lead from your Higher Self, strengthen your discernment, and build a business AI can't replace.Join here: https://allysonscammell.com/next/STAY CONNECTED:Soul Guide Circle: JOIN the Soul Guide Circle closed Facebook GroupFacebook: FOLLOW on FacebookInstagram: FOLLOW on InstagramYouTube: Follow in YouTubeReady to grow a prosperous soul-guided business? BOOK a free Intuitive ConsultLeave a review for Soul Guide Radio (and we'll read it on the air!)
Listen on your podcast app: Resources Of This Episode: Interested in working with me? Schedule a free consultation call here. Not sure where you stand in your business?Take “The Time Is Now” quiz here.Still refining your niche?Listen to this episode on how to choose the right niche and attract clients here.Want to see how positioning works in real life?Listen to Katie's story and how she turned clarity into clients here.Ready to strengthen your market research? Start with these resources:Learn what questions to ask in a client survey here.Explore 7 practical research tips to find your ideal clients here. Summary Of This Episode: Click here to find the blog article Click here to read the episode transcript Chapters: [00:00] The Challenge of Standing Out in a Noisy World [01:17] Why Positioning Matters More Than Ever [02:09] The Hidden Cost of Weak Positioning [04:41] The Positioning & Messaging Test [05:23] What Positioning Really Means [07:19] Pillar 1: The Transformation You Need to Define [10:57] Pillar 2: The Language Your Clients Actually Use [13:10] Pillar 3: The Power of Your Big Why [16:30] Pillar 4: Why Consistency Changes Everything [18:16] Pillar 5: What Makes You Truly Stand Out [21:55] The Positioning Formula: Craft Your Statement Getting noticed today is harder than ever… even if you're great at what you do. Because it's not about visibility anymore. It's about clarity. If people don't immediately understand why you are the right person for them, they move on. And that's where most solopreneurs get stuck—not because they lack expertise, but because their positioning isn't clear enough to cut through the noise. So you keep showing up. Posting more. Trying different strategies… But nothing really clicks. In this episode, I break down why your positioning might be holding you back—and what needs to shift for your message to finally land. Because you don't need to do more. You need to be clearer. If you're ready to stand out, attract the right clients, and become the go-to expert in your field… this is the episode for you! What you will learn: Why positioning matters and what it truly meansThe 5 essential pillars of strong positioning that attract your ideal clientsA practical exercise to clarify your positioning and craft a clear, compelling statement Find this episode on YouTube: [embed]https://youtu.be/2vm5smYQCdQ?si=YVpyqGlO1xwEo4sE[/embed] Enjoyed this episode? Please leave a review Please leave a review or a comment to help me reach more people who need to hear this. Choose your favorite podcast app:
This week's show is entitled, "Standing Out in a Commoditized Market" and my guest is Steve Gielda, Managing Partner at Ignite Selling. Tune in as we discuss... Buyers buy outcomes, not products. Know what the customer is trying to achieve before you start selling. Features and demos can wait. Price is rarely the real reason you lose a deal. When reps say they lost on price, customers usually tell a different story. Dig deeper. Reframe the decision criteria before your competitor does. If you let the buyer define the evaluation on their own, a competitor likely already shaped that list. Get there first. Listen Now | Watch the video HERE Matt interviews the best and brightest minds in sales and Marketing. If you would like to be a guest on Sales Pipeline Radio send an email to acceleration@heinzmarketing.com. Sales Pipeline Radio was recently listed as one of 30 Best Sales Management Podcasts and Top 60 Sales Podcasts You can subscribe right at Sales Pipeline Radio and/or listen to full recordings of past shows everywhere you listen to podcasts! You can even ask Siri, Alexa and Google or search on Audible!
Our teacher today is Brent Beshore, founder and CEO of Permanent Equity, a firm that backs family-owned businesses across North America with no intention of ever selling. As we explore what it means to build enduring companies and live a meaningful life, we turn to Brent's unconventional path – one that challenges the core assumptions of modern private equity and the incentives that shape it. Brent shares how his background in liberal arts and early experiences with success led him to question the traditional models of achievement, wealth, and performance. He describes why he rejected the “buy, lever, and flip” playbook in favor of permanent ownership, and how designing the right incentives can protect against short-term thinking and misaligned behavior. This special session explores Brent's journey from studying poverty and politics to building a different kind of investment firm, alongside deeper reflections on faith, introspection, relationships, and the pursuit of the good life. Please enjoy class with Brent Beshore. For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page here. ----- Become a Colossus member to get our quarterly print magazine and private audio experience, including exclusive profiles and early access to select episodes. Subscribe at colossus.com/subscribe. ----- This episode is brought to you by Portrait Analytics - your centralized resource for AI-powered idea generation, thesis monitoring, and personalized report building. Built by buy-side investors, for investment professionals. We work in the background, helping surface stock ideas and thesis signposts to help you monetize every insight. In short, we help you understand the story behind the stock chart, and get to "go, or no-go" 10x faster than before. Sign-up for a free trial today at portraitresearch.com ----- This episode is brought to you by Eight Sleep — the Pod is a smart mattress cover designed to improve sleep by automatically cooling or heating your bed throughout the night. Built on the science that your body needs to cool down to reach deep sleep, it tracks your sleep and adjusts in real time to help you get better rest, recovery, and overall sleep quality. No wearables required. Use the code JOYS at eightsleep.com/joys for up to $350 off the Pod 5. ----- Joys of Compounding is a property of Pine Grove Studios in collaboration with Colossus, LLC. For more episodes of Joys of Compounding, visit colossus.com/episodes. Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com). Follow us on Twitter: @Buhrman_Rick | @PaulBuser | @colossusmag Timestamps (00:00:00) Welcome to Joys of Compounding (00:04:22) Washington & Lee and Finding Mentor Harlan Beckley (00:07:27) Liberal Arts Education in the AI Era (00:09:23) Why Brent Writes and Communicates Online (00:11:40) Being the Same Person Everywhere (00:15:29) Starting the 2025 Letter (00:16:46) Performance Culture and Almost Losing It All (00:18:23) God's Love vs. Performing for Approval (00:21:25) Building Permanent Equity (00:24:54) What is the Good Life? (00:26:56) Joy in Relationships Over Circumstances (00:29:43) Peace, Wholeness, and Lou Holtz on Happiness (00:32:28) Vacation Misery and the Performance Trap (00:34:58) Introspection vs. Rumination (00:37:51) Peter Kaufman's Influence and Compounding Ideas (00:42:31) Studying the Investment Greats (00:55:49) The Notre Dame Meeting That Changed Everything (00:59:36) Self-Education Through Reading and Study (01:09:39) Fee Structure: 2% vs. Performance-Based Incentives (01:13:16) Never Be a Forced Buyer or Seller (01:16:01) Building Your Own Investment Mosaic (01:19:15) Standing Out vs. Becoming a Commodity (01:21:09) AI Transformation in the Last 18 Months (01:24:14) Technology, Inequality, and Human Flourishing (01:28:26) Change Management and Upskilling Teams (01:31:34) Building Community at Main Street Summit (01:37:08) Tennis: From Childhood to Identity Transformation (01:42:40) Closing Reflections on Friendship
"We know who we are. We know who we're not. Rather than focusing on the athlete, as a sports apparel brand, we chose to celebrate all the people around them. It takes a village for anyone to succeed, whether you're a business, whether you're an athlete, whether you're a team. It takes everyone around you—the coaches, the parents, the trainers, the caddies. We need to credit all of those people. And that's the people we want to celebrate."... Hyman Ngo, Levelwear Co-Founder and SVP of Product/Marketing Welcome to Season 19 of The ModGolf Podcast! We are thrilled to kick off the new season with Hyman Ngo, Co-Founder and SVP of Product and Marketing at the premium athletic wear brand, Levelwear. In this episode, Hyman takes us on a fascinating journey that began not as a startup, but as an acquisition. He shares the story of how his family transitioned from being a contract manufacturer to building the branded powerhouse that now outfits 85 of the top 100 golf clubs in the U.S and Canada. We dive deep into Levelwear's unique brand ethos, exploring their powerful "Who's With You" manifesto and how it manifests in the real world through their innovative "Caddy Lounge" activation at PGA and LPGA events. Hyman also discusses the delicate balance of sustainability, the art of staying fresh in a crowded market, and how licensing deals with major leagues like the NHL and MLB help build brand legitimacy. Whether you're a golfer, an entrepreneur, or a fan of smart business strategy, this conversation is packed with insights on building a brand that lasts. Key Takeaways You Will Discover: The Power of Authentic Brand Building: Learn how Levelwear transitioned from a behind-the-scenes manufacturer to a coveted brand by focusing on relationships and leveraging early success in top-tier U.S. clubs (like Pebble Beach) to build credibility back home and beyond. Celebrating the "Who's With You": Discover the philosophy behind Levelwear's manifesto and how it led to the creation of the "Caddy Lounge." This marketing activation focuses on serving the unsung heroes of the game, proving that authentic engagement with a community can be more powerful than traditional consumer-facing advertising. Balancing Sustainability with Performance: Hyman shares the brand's commitment to "buy less, but buy better," discussing the challenges of creating durable, high-performance apparel using sustainable materials while navigating the inherent contradiction of a consumption-based business model. Three Quotable Moments from Hyman: On the mentality of golf: "It's one of those sports where it's not about how much you want it. The more you want it, the harder you try, the worse you seem to do. It's such a good metaphor in life." On the Levelwear brand ethos: "We're choosing to celebrate all the people around the athlete as it takes a village for anyone to succeed. And that's the people we want to celebrate." On their design philosophy: "The one thing about brands is you don't want to get stale. We let the designers have a bit of fun. We'll let them do some things that maybe you would never see a golf brand do. And that's part of our appeal." Are you more of a watcher than a listener? Then check out our extended bonus segment with Hyman on The ModGolf YouTube channel. Click on this link or the image below to watch. Hyman Ngo's bio page >> https://modgolf.fireside.fm/guests/hyman-ngo Links & Resources Mentioned: Levelwear Instagram: @levelwear LinkedIn: Hyman Ngo Levelwear: www.levelwear.com The ModGolf Podcast: www.modgolf.com Episode Chapters: 00:00: Welcome to Season 19 and Introducing Hyman Ngo 01:09: The Icebreaker: Hyman's first golf experience and the "metaphor of life." 04:09: Colin's personal review of wearing Levelwear on the course. 05:29: From Manufacturer to Brand: The 2004 acquisition of Levelwear. 09:00: The Early Days: What the product line looked like 20 years ago and the initial struggle to grow. 12:58: Breaking into the U.S. Market: How Pebble Beach validated the brand for Canadian customers. 14:55: Standing Out in a Crowd: Levelwear's differentiators in a market with 400+ soft goods exhibitors. 22:31: The "Who's With You" Manifesto: The "why" behind the brand. 24:41: The Caddy Lounge: Honoring the unsung heroes of golf and building credibility from the ground up. 26:02: Sustainability Initiatives: Seaweed materials, durability, and the "buy less, buy better" philosophy. 35:04: The Power of Partnerships: How licensing with MLB, NHL, NBA, and the PGA Tour builds legitimacy. 36:05: Peeking Behind the Design Curtain: How the team finds inspiration in streetwear and action sports to stay fresh. 40:13: Where to find Levelwear & Final Thoughts. Join our mission to make golf more innovative, inclusive and fun... and WIN some awesome golf gear! As the creator and host of The ModGolf Podcast and YouTube channel I've been telling golf entrepreneurship and innovation stories since May 2017 and I love the community of ModGolfers that we are building. I'm excited to announce that I just launched our ModGolf Patreon page to bring together our close-knit community of golf-loving people! As my Patron you will get access to exclusive live monthly interactive shows where you can participate, ask-me-anything video events, bonus content, golf product discounts and entry in members-only ModGolf Giveaway contests. I'm offering two monthly membership tiers at $5 and $15 USD, but you can also join for free. Your subscription will ensure that The ModGolf Podcast continues to grow so that I can focus on creating unique and impactful stories that support and celebrate the future of golf. Click to join >> https://patreon.com/Modgolf I look forward to seeing you during an upcoming live show!... Colin We want to thank our partner British Columbia Golf for presenting this episode of The ModGolf Podcast! British Columbia Golf strives to create a golf environment that is respectful of participant's personal goals and is free from all forms of maltreatment. British Columbia Golf supports women golfers and players of all ages and abilities, while continually working to increase participation in the sport with programs such as the Cloud Series. British Columbia Golf is the Provincial Sport Organization for golf as recognized by the Government of British Columbia and ViaSport. Golf Canada recognizes the association as the governing body within the province. British Columbia Golf provides programs benefitting golfers and the golf industry in the province. Check out their website https://britishcolumbiagolf.org/Special Guest: Hyman Ngo, Levelwear Co-Founder and SVP of Product/Marketing.
Too many leaders are still trying to succeed by becoming someone they think they're supposed to be—quieter, tougher, more polished, less human. And in the process, they're leaving their greatest strengths at the door.My guest believes that's exactly backward. Today, we welcome back Claude Silver to discuss her latest book, Be Yourself at Work: The Groundbreaking Power of Showing Up, Standing Out, and Leading from the Heart. We explore what authentic presence really looks like at work, and why pretending to be a different kind of leader rarely gets better results. Claude and I unpack why many leaders have accountability backwards, why the more power you gain, the less truth you often hear, and how being open and emotionally present doesn't weaken communication but rather prevents under-communicating with your team. Finally, Claude offers us a simple, actionable practice you can use right away to take a small step and rebuild trust and connection where it matters most.This is a conversation with one of my favorite humans on the planet about stopping the performance of leadership—and starting to lead from the strengths that made you worth hiring in the first place.To access the episode transcript, go to www.TheEmpathyEdge.com, search by episode title.Listen in for…The importance of bringing your unique perspective, talents, and humanity to your team.What authentic presence looks like at work.Protecting healthy boundaries with courage and kindness while still connecting with others.Signs your culture is thriving and how to get there. Why is the room with everyone in it smarter than any one person in that room?The reason actions say more than words ever will.The dangerous byproduct of silence."When a person is real, they are not carrying the burden or the weight of any other facade." — Claude SilverAbout Claude Silver, Chief Heart Officer, VaynerX, and Author of Be Yourself at Work:Claude Silver is on a mission to revolutionize leadership, talent, and workplace culture. She is the world's first Chief Heart Officer at VaynerX, partnering with CEO Gary Vaynerchuk to drive their success. Silver has earned Campaign US's Female Frontier Award and AdWeek's Changing the Game Award, and she electrifies audiences at national and international conferences, as well as at organizations including Meta, Google, US Government agencies, and the US Armed Forces. She has been interviewed on dozens of podcasts and featured in The New York Times, Forbes, and The Wall Street Journal. Silver lives in New Jersey with her wife and two young children. She is the author of Be Yourself at Work: The Groundbreaking Power of Showing Up, Standing Out, and Leading from the Heart.Connect with Claude: Website: claudesilver.com VaynerX: beyourselfbook.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/casilver Instagram: instagram.com/claudesilver Book: Be Yourself at Work: The Groundbreaking Power of Showing Up, Standing Out, and Leading from the Heart Connect with Maria:Get Maria's books: Red-Slice.com/booksHire Maria to speak: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-RossTake the LinkedIn Learning Courses! Leading with Empathy and Balancing Empathy, Accountability, and Results as a Leader LinkedIn: Maria RossInstagram: @redslicemariaFacebook: Red SliceGet your copy of The Empathy Dilemma here- www.theempathydilemma.com
Richie Contartesi interviews Coach CJ Scarpa, who explains how college coaches evaluate recruits by prioritizing “violence” and effort on film, proactive communication with coaches, and strong academics to navigate the college football recruiting process.Want Some 1:1 Help With Getting Your Son a College Football Scholarship? Click Here To Learn More & Schedule Your 15 Minute Scholarship Evaluation:https://gonextplay.com/book-evaluation-call?el=youtube-orgClick Here to Register for My Free Live Training:https://gonextplay.com/free-training?el=richie-yt-bio
If you're not getting bigger, something is wrong. 3 experienced bodybuilding coaches break down the biggest reasons lifters stop making progress. Find your mistake in the chapters below. 00:00 Why Bodybuilders Stop Growing 01:15 Diminishing Returns in Bodybuilding 03:00 You Think Your Diet and Training Are Dialed In 06:00 Everyone Thinks Their Training Is Optimal 09:30 Recovery Is the Missing Piece for Muscle Growth 16:45 Should You Raise Testosterone on Vacation? 19:00 Doing Great on TRT — Should You Go Higher? 22:10 Traveling Internationally With Testosterone 28:00 Standing Out as a Bodybuilder in Public 29:00 Skip Hill Gets Called Out for Steroid Use 35:45 Is More Than 8 IU of GH Worth It? 37:15 Great Natural Genetics vs Using Gear 40:15 Struggling to Eat More After Being Fat 42:45 Alcohol and Bodybuilding Don't Mix 49:15 Skip Hill and Scott McNally: 10 Years of Podcasting
Welcome to the What's Next! Podcast with Tiffani Bova. This week, I have the pleasure of welcoming Claude Silver to the show. She is on a mission to revolutionize leadership talent and workplace culture. She is the world's first Chief Heart Officer at VaynerX and partners with CEO Gary Vaynerchuk to drive their success. Claude has earned Campaign's U.S. Female Frontier Award and Adweek's Changing the Game Award. She is also the author of the new book, Be Yourself at Work. THIS EPISODE IS PERFECT FOR…leaders who want to build high-performing teams without sacrificing humanity. TODAY'S MAIN MESSAGE…in this conversation, Claude shares why she believes AI should enhance human potential and not replace it. She explains why burnout is often a leadership system's problem rather than a personal failure. And she challenges managers to create cultures where people feel safe enough to speak up, honest enough to name their imposters, and supported enough to grow. KEY TAKEAWAYS: AI should enhance human capability while preserving meaningful human connection. Emotional fluency allows leaders to choose their response instead of reacting impulsively. Energy management matters more than time management in preventing burnout. Psychological safety creates the conditions for belonging and high performance. Leaders scale culture by modeling self-awareness and vulnerability first. WHAT I LOVE MOST…Claude reframes leadership as something deeply personal before it's organizational. You can't build belonging for others if you haven't built awareness in yourself. Her reminder that "you are the CEO of you" feels especially powerful in a world that's moving faster than ever. Running Time: 26:15 Subscribe on iTunes Find Tiffani Online: LinkedIn Facebook X Find Claude Online: Website LinkedIn Claude's Book: Be Yourself at Work: The Groundbreaking Power of Showing Up, Standing Out, and Leading from the Heart
What if being yourself at work wasn't a risk—but your greatest strength? In this deeply moving conversation, you'll meet Claude Silver, Chief Heart Officer at VaynerX and author of Be Yourself at Work. Her presence alone reminds you what leadership can feel like when it's rooted in humanity, courage, and care. As you listen, you're invited to slow down and reflect on who you are beneath the roles you play, especially in moments when pressure makes it tempting to hide behind them. Claude shares how self-awareness, calmness, and intentional kindness help leaders stay grounded when challenges arise, creating workplaces where people don't have to contort themselves to belong. You'll hear why leading from the heart isn't soft—it's steady—and how the leaders who bring calm, authenticity, and empathy into difficult moments are the ones who build the strongest cultures. You'll discover: How self-awareness becomes the gateway to authentic leadershipWhy belonging matters more than “culture fit”The difference between being nice and practicing real kindnessHow calm leadership steadies teams in uncertain momentsWhat it means to lead with heart—without losing strengthConnect with Claude SilverLinkedIn Instagram Website Claude Silver BookBe Yourself at Work: The Groundbreaking Power of Showing Up, Standing Out, and Leading from the HeartCheck out all the episodesLeave a review on Apple PodcastsConnect with Meredith on LinkedIn
Welcome to another episode of the Superstar Communicator Podcast, hosted by Susan Heaton-Wright. In this episode, Susan Heaton-Wright sits down with Richard Liverman, the founder of Richer Solutions, a brand consultant and coach who specializes in helping professionals and small businesses articulate their unique value and stand out in competitive markets. Drawing on his wealth of experience with some of the world's biggest brands, Richard Liverman shares practical insights about building personal and business branding, overcoming "British modesty," and strategies to confidently communicate your worth. Key Points from the Interview: Introduction & Background Susan Heaton-Wright introduces Richard Liverman and highlights his mission to help talented professionals and small businesses effectively articulate their value (00:00:02 - 00:01:02). The Challenge of Standing Out Richard Liverman discusses how many businesses have substance but lack the style to communicate it well, likening it to great products with lackluster marketing and the British tendency to be modest about achievements (00:02:10 - 00:04:42). Communication and Visibility in Business The conversation turns to similarities between small businesses and individuals in corporate roles who don't "grandstand," and how that can lead to them getting lost in the crowd (00:03:39 - 00:04:42). Helping People Buy from You Richard Liverman reframes sales as helping people to buy, encouraging a mindset shift especially for British businesses, instead of shying away from selling (00:07:35 - 00:07:54). Business Scaffolding & Personal Frameworks Richard Liverman explains the concept of "scaffolding"—the supportive frameworks (like reviews, routines, strategies) that enable people or businesses to perform at their best. Susan Heaton-Wright shares her "diva contract" story, drawing parallels to the scaffolding idea (00:08:17 - 00:12:04). Rest and Preparation The importance of rest and preparation as part of the scaffolding needed to maintain top performance is highlighted with examples from sport and personal routines (00:12:05 - 00:13:51). Brand DNA: Authentic Foundations Richard Liverman introduces the concept of "brand DNA"—understanding and communicating the authentic core of a business or person, including values, "why," and unique strengths. He outlines exercises like the Johari Window to uncover blind spots and enhance self-awareness around brand strengths (00:15:15 - 00:18:23). Feedback and Small Data The value of both structured and informal feedback (small data) in understanding how others perceive you/your business, helping refine both self-perception and outward communication (00:18:23 - 00:20:07). The Benefits of Clarity Richard Liverman explains how uncovering your brand DNA and scaffolding not only boosts confidence and communication, but also helps your audience more easily understand and form a connection with you (00:20:37 - 00:22:13). Standing Out in a Crowd The need to be strategic about networking and to resist comparison or being unsettled by others in your space—a reminder to focus on your unique value (00:24:20 - 00:25:11). Don't Be Boring! Richard Liverman shares his mantra "Don't be boring!"—encouraging innovation and challenging the "we've always done it this way" mindset (00:25:17 - 00:27:44). Building Presence and Getting Clients The importance of putting yourself out there, building credibility, and not relying solely on people "just finding you" (00:28:00 - 00:29:51). Top Three Tips from Richard Don't be boring—challenge yourself to engage others. Put yourself out there—no one else will tell your story for you. Get curious—new opportunities and insights come from curiosity ( 00:30:16 - 00:32:13 ). How to Connect Richard Liverman wraps up by inviting listeners to connect on LinkedIn, Instagram (@RicherSolutionsGlobal), or through his website (00:32:28 - 00:32:57). This episode is packed with actionable insights for professionals, business owners, and anyone looking to build a personal brand that stands out with confidence and authenticity. Download the transcript of the interview Meet Richard Liverman—a dynamic brand consultant and coach, founder of Richer Solutions, and champion for small businesses. With a wealth of experience working alongside some of the world's biggest brands, Richard specializes in helping talented professionals and businesses articulate their unique value and stand out in today's crowded marketplace. Combining substance with style, he empowers clients to become more visible, confident, and successful through strategic coaching and brand consultancy. Whether mentoring with Small Business Britain or guiding private clients, Richard's signature approach is all about building authentic personal brands, crafting effective business scaffolding, and inspiring others to "don't be boring—be amazing." We create this podcast to empower others to speak and communicate with impact. Weselffund. If you value our content, we would be so grateful if you could'buy us a coffee' https://www.buymeacoffee.com/superstarcomms Why not grab our Ten Top Tips to Being a SuperStar Communicator here Buy the SuperStar Communicator 30 Day Plan here Find out more about Susan Heaton-Wright–our host:https://offers.superstarcommunicator.com/susan-heaton-wright Check out our SuperStar Communicator Store:https://offers.superstarcommunicator.com/superstar-communicator-store SuperStar Communicator deliver a range of speeches, masterclasses, facilitated workshops and coaching for emerging leaders. We focus on empowering emerging talent to speak and communicate with clarity,confidence and credibility. If you would like more details please email us at hello@superstarcommunicator.com or why not book a call. You can listen to all episodes of the SuperStar Communicator podcast and subscribe here.
From Dream to Reality Winchester's dining scene welcomes a fresh voice as Bistro Sojo opens its doors, bringing Mediterranean and tropical flavors to downtown Winchester. Host of The Valley Today, Janet Michael and cohost Justin Kerns from VisitWinchesterVA.com sit down with owners Felix and Martha Addison to uncover the story behind Winchester's most talked-about new restaurant. The Addisons didn't rush into this venture. After moving to the area from Reston, Virginia in 2006, they harbored dreams of opening a restaurant but recognized the timing wasn't right. Instead, they built their reputation gradually, launching their first food truck, Roaming Bistro, in 2016. Two years later, they added Three Fires Pizza, a mobile wood-fired operation serving Neapolitan-style pizza. For years, loyal customers asked the inevitable question: "When are you getting a storefront?" "You don't get a storefront because people want to see a storefront," Felix explains. "You get a storefront when everything is sustainable." That moment finally arrived in late 2024. The Space That Feels Like Home Walking into Bistro Sojo reveals an immediate transformation from its previous incarnation as La Nicoise. Martha knew exactly what she wanted the moment she saw the space, though Felix admits he had no vision at first. Working with architect Kyle Hopkins of Four Square Architects, they turned Martha's dream into reality. The building's age dictated the design approach. "I couldn't make the ceilings higher," Martha notes. "So I couldn't do the modern stuff. But I could do the cozy." The result feels welcoming rather than imposing, with artwork playing a central role in the atmosphere. Local nonprofit Arte Libre created stunning murals throughout the space, while Zach Anderson painted the striking Royal Birds mural at the reception area and bar. The artwork serves a deeply personal purpose—the little girl in one mural reminds Martha of her daughter, while ocean scenes transport diners to distant shores. Meanwhile, vibrant orange flowers beneath the bar captivate visitors, with Janet confessing she's been contemplating recreating the design on a wall at home. Despite the spacious feel, the restaurant actually seats fewer guests than the previous establishment. The building's occupancy limit, which had been grandfathered in for years, came under scrutiny when the Addisons applied for permits. What was once zoned for 65 now accommodates about 50, including staff. Yet clever design makes the space feel larger and more open than before. A Name Rooted in Family The restaurant's name carries profound meaning. Sojo combines the first syllables of Sophia (Felix's mother) and Jonathan (his father), while also honoring the couple's two children, who bear those same names. "It's a hard J," Felix emphasizes. "It's not Soho. It's Sojo." This family connection extends beyond the name into every aspect of the operation, from the recipes tested at home on dinner guests to the warm hospitality that greets every visitor. The Menu: A Culinary Passport Bistro Sojo takes diners on what Felix calls "a culinary journey from the Mediterranean to the tropics." The menu draws inspiration from Southern Mediterranean and North African cuisines, incorporating warm spices that create depth without heat. Cardamom, nutmeg, star anise, and cloves meld together in unexpected combinations, each dish featuring three or four carefully selected spices that complement the main ingredients. The philosophy borrows from Blue Zone regions, areas where populations reportedly live the longest based on their diets. "We try to make sure we are cognizant of the food that we serve," Felix explains. The kitchen doesn't even have a microwave—everything arrives freshly cooked and freshly sauced. Seasonal ingredients drive the menu, with the Addisons partnering with Chilly Hollow Farm in Berryville for produce. "Whatever they have is what I would make sure I have in here," Martha says. This commitment to seasonality means the menu evolves, with hearty oxtail dishes giving way to spring peas and fresh greens as the weather warms. Current standouts include the surprisingly popular chicken and couscous, the beloved squash and burrata salad, and an unexpected hit—grilled romaine with house-made blue cheese dressing. Meanwhile, Martha's personal favorites lean toward the vegetable-forward dishes, particularly the fried plantains with beans. Remarkably, 98-99% of everything comes from scratch, made in-house. The commitment to quality and transparency stems from knowing exactly what goes into every dish. The Drink That Won Hearts Before even discussing the food, Justin finds himself captivated by a house specialty drink. What he initially assumes came from a container in the back turns out to be Sobolo, a popular West African beverage made from fresh ingredients. The recipe calls for dried hibiscus leaves, freshly grated ginger, freshly squeezed lemons, handfuls of cloves, and star anise. After steeping and straining, the mixture chills before being poured over ice. The result serves as both a palate cleanser and thirst quencher, while also forming the base for all house cocktails. One particular cocktail, the Muddy Waters, earned recognition at Winchester on the Rocks. Initially, the drink's sandy, grainy appearance seemed problematic, but attempts to refine it diminished the flavor Felix loved. The solution? Own it. The name became a tribute to blues icon Muddy Waters, who happened to be a bourbon drinker himself—the cocktail's key spirit. Welcoming Everyone to the Table Personal experience shapes the restaurant's inclusive approach to dining. When Martha's son was young, he had borderline celiac disease. Twenty years ago, finding restaurants that understood gluten-free needs proved nearly impossible. "Most people didn't even know they had allergies," Martha recalls. "They just lived sick." The family started cooking at home, making meals special despite the restrictions. That experience now informs every menu decision at Bistro Sojo. Guests can find gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan options throughout the menu. "You can come with any of your sensitivities and intolerances and know that there's an option for you," Martha promises. Justin emphasizes the tourism significance of this commitment. Travelers with allergies often feel anxious about dining away from their safe home restaurants. When Winchester's tourism office works with travel writers and groups, dietary accommodations consistently rank as a top concern. Having restaurants that take sensitivities seriously makes Winchester a safer, more welcoming destination. Standing Out in Winchester's Dining Scene The Addisons deliberately chose a menu unlike anything else in Winchester. "We would not want to do what most of the restaurants were doing because they were doing it so well," Felix explains. "We weren't gonna compete with them doing what they do so well." Instead, they turned to what they naturally cooked at home—Mediterranean and tropical cuisines that reflected their heritage and passion. Most dishes on the menu underwent testing with dinner guests at home before ever reaching the restaurant, ensuring each one met their exacting standards. This uniqueness serves Winchester's tourism mission perfectly. Visitors seek locally owned establishments offering flavors they can't find at home. They want stories to share when they return—tales of discovering a restaurant named after the owner's parents, sipping an award-winning hibiscus cocktail, or experiencing cuisine inspired by the world's healthiest populations. "That's what people are looking for," Justin notes. "Unique stories. So they can go home and say, 'I went to this restaurant that was named after his mom and his dad, they have the best drink, this is a unique thing.'" Bistro Sojo delivers exactly that experience. The Brunch Experience Beyond dinner service Wednesday through Saturday (4:00 PM to 9:00 PM, last reservation at 8:30), Bistro Sojo offers Sunday brunch from 10:30 AM to 3:00 PM. While brunch is still building momentum since launching in late November, the Addisons welcome walk-ins during this time. Janet, admittedly not a morning person, celebrates the timing. "I don't believe that eight, nine o'clock should exist ever, especially not on a weekend," she jokes. "A brunch at 10 or 10:30, particularly on a Sunday, is right up my alley." Planning Your Visit The intimate 40-seat space means reservations become essential on busy nights. While two-person walk-ins usually find accommodation, larger parties should book ahead, especially on Fridays and Saturdays. Wednesday and Thursday evenings offer the best chance for spontaneous visits. When First Fridays returns to downtown Winchester's pedestrian mall, the restaurant expects even higher demand. Guests can make reservations online through bistrosojo.com or via Google, embracing the convenience modern diners appreciate. As for whether the restaurant welcomes families with children, Martha offers an honest assessment. While they've accommodated kids, the adventurous menu might challenge picky eaters. However, the kitchen keeps some "American-friendly" emergency backup options for children who won't eat anything on the regular menu. Janet appreciates this candor, noting she's reached the stage of life where dining without children appeals to her. The intimate setting naturally encourages conversation between neighboring tables, with guests sometimes exchanging phone numbers after bonding over the food and experience. A Labor of Love From food trucks to fine dining, the Addisons' journey spans nearly two decades of preparation. Their brick-and-mortar dream required patience, planning, and the help of skilled local partners—from architect Kyle Hopkins to the artists who brought the space to life, to the farmers who supply fresh ingredients. "We asked for this, we wanted this, and we've been waiting for this," Felix reflects. The result transforms a meal into an experience, offering Winchester and its visitors something genuinely new: warm flavors, inclusive hospitality, and a story worth sharing. As Winchester continues growing as a destination, Bistro Sojo adds an essential ingredient to the mix—a restaurant that welcomes everyone to the table while serving cuisine that can't be found anywhere else in the region. Whether you're a local looking for your new favorite spot or a visitor seeking that unique dining experience to tell friends about back home, Sojo delivers a journey worth taking. For more information, visit bistrosojo.com or follow them on Facebook and Instagram @BistroSojo.
In this episode of Referrals Done Right, Scott sits down with Andrew Cambria, agency owner, father of three and deeply rooted community leader serving Cicero and Camillus. Andrew shares the unlikely path that led him into insurance, including a failed deli venture on Long Island and how that early failure shaped his approach to planning, leadership and long-term thinking. What emerges is a powerful conversation about integrity, culture and why trust is the real product in a commoditized industry Andrew's role as a father and his support of local autism causes deeply shape the integrity and empathy behind his agency. He talks about bringing fun and authenticity into uncomfortable conversations, educating families before claims ever happen and the importance of telling the truth, even when it's not what clients want to hear. This is an episode about legacy, service and building a referral-based business rooted in real relationships.We Cover:• How early business failure shaped Andrew's disciplined, goal-driven approach• Why storytelling builds more trust than “selling” ever will• How to balance serious financial conversations with a human, approachable culture• The role community involvement plays in long-term referral growth• Why honesty and ownership are non-negotiables in a trust-based businessIf referrals are built on reputation, Andrew Cambria is a reminder that the best marketing strategy is simple: be real, serve well, and leave people better than you found them.---Episode Markers:(0:00) - Show Start & Introduction(1:00) - What Inspired Andrew?(2:00) - Surprises & Learning From Failure(4:00) - Standing Out in the Industry(5:15) - Educating & Building Trust(7:30) - Uncomfortable Conversations(9:00) - Family & Business(11:15) - Problem with 15 Minutes or Less(13:00) - Accountability & Community(14:30) - Early Supporters(16:45) - Welcoming New Businesses(20:30) - Charitable Work & Local Autism Organizations(25:00) - Legacy(26:55) - Insurance Misconceptions---Andrew Cambria's Links:Website - https://andrewcambria.comFB - https://www.facebook.com/TheCambriaAgencyInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/andrewcambria
In this conversation, Sabine Kvenberg and Sheila Slick explore the journey of becoming an author without traditional writing, the importance of visibility in business, and how technology, particularly AI, can assist in transforming spoken content into published works. Sheila shares her experiences as a serial entrepreneur and software developer, emphasizing the value of gamifying education and the unique propositions that entrepreneurs can offer. The discussion also highlights the role of podcasts in amplifying messages and the significance of networking through speaking engagements. I am Interest in speaking or attending event: https://forms.gle/gj3oV1KgG1G5Qn9h9 Chapters 00:00Becoming an Author Without Writing 08:58The Journey of Software Development and Education 18:03Visibility and Standing Out in Business 27:39Transforming Spoken Words into Published Works Get in touch with Sheila: https://fivemilestones.com/ Connect with Sabine: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/SabineKvenberg IG: https://www.instagram.com/sabinekvenberg/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sabine-kvenberg/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sabine.kvenberg.2025/
In this episode of the Market Maker Podcast, Shah Malik shares a masterclass in how to stand out and succeed in finance, regardless of your starting point.Currently finishing his degree at King's College London and set to join Deutsche Bank full-time, Shah walks through how he broke into investment banking by focusing on execution, networking, and a relentless mindset.From turning retail jobs into winning talking points, to mastering online tests, to building meaningful relationships with senior bankers, this conversation is packed with tactical insights that go way beyond the typical “just network more” advice.Whether you're targeting spring weeks, summer internships, or full-time roles, Shah's framework for preparation, performance, and progression is one you'll want to take notes on.(00:00) Intro – Who is Shah Malik?(01:13) Growing Up Far from Finance(03:30) Discovering Finance Early(06:32) Exploring Banking, FinTech & Consulting(08:09) Mastering the Application Process(10:05) Cracking Online Tests(11:47) How to Convert Internships(14:41) Standing Out in Spring & Summer(16:11) Smart Networking (Without Overstepping)(21:36) Turning Retail Jobs Into Resume Assets(22:54) Linking Customer Service to IB Skills(25:17) Staying Ahead: Habits & Learning(27:02) Dealing with Imposter Syndrome(29:52) Building the Wize Foundation(32:51) Focus on What You Can ControlFind out more about the Wize Foundation
Host Steve Turk welcomes Sean McCarron, General Manager of Conrad Orlando at Evermore, to discuss Sean's path through luxury hospitality and what it takes to lead and open award-winning resorts. Sean shares how he entered hospitality through a Ritz-Carlton management trainee program at Pentagon City (placed as a bartender), discovered hotel school in Switzerland after soul-searching in college, and committed his career to luxury service. He explains his passion for food and beverage, his moves across cities and cultures, and his transition from Ritz-Carlton to Four Seasons via a recruited lateral move that led to 16 years with Four Seasons, multiple hotel openings, and progression into hotel management. Sean describes opening Four Seasons Baltimore as his first hotel manager role and later moving to Las Vegas, then leaving Four Seasons to become GM of Waldorf Astoria Orlando with Hilton, where he focused on training teams in luxury, building a people culture, improving service and guest loyalty, and achieving Forbes Four Star for the resort. He details joining Conrad Orlando nearly 19 months pre-opening as the first employee, leading the opening within the broader Evermore Orlando Resort featuring a 17-million-gallon, eight-acre freshwater lagoon, beach areas, vacation rentals, golf courses, and a spa, and emphasizes leadership through daily walkthroughs, balanced meetings, guest and team engagement, and the principle of “inspect what you expect.” Sean discusses Hilton's focus on technology and AI to make team members' jobs easier and free up time for guest relationships, how the resort differentiates itself as a destination beyond theme parks, and recent recognitions including AAA Five Diamond (2025), Forbes Four Star for the hotel and resort, Forbes Four Star for the spa, and a Top 20 ranking in Spas of America's Top 100 for the second year in a row. He closes with career advice: excel in your current role while acting for the job you want, continually ask what could be done differently or better, and never forget to give back through mentoring and development.00:00 Welcome to The Hospitality Mentor Podcast00:33 Sponsor Break: Lodgify All-in-One for Hospitality01:38 Meet Sean McCarran, GM of Conrad Orlando01:56 First Hospitality Job: Ritz-Carlton Trainee to Bartender02:27 Finding Hospitality: Hotel School in Switzerland & Love for Luxury04:16 Why Food & Beverage: A Lifelong Passion for Cuisine05:07 Moving Cities & Building a Luxury Career (Ritz-Carlton Years)06:15 Switching Brands: Recruited to Four Seasons + 16-Year Run07:55 From F&B to Hotel Leadership: Mentors, Openings & Becoming a GM12:21 Vegas Chapter: Hospitality Epicenter & Celebrity Chef Scene14:40 Leaving Four Seasons: Waldorf Astoria Orlando GM & Hilton Luxury18:45 Waldorf Highlights: Culture, Team Growth & Forbes 4-Star Win20:28 Building Conrad Orlando: Pre-Opening, Evermore Lagoon & Mega-Resort Vision24:55 Leadership Playbook: ‘Inspect What You Expect' + Daily Walks & Meetings27:56 Tech, AI & the Future of Hospitality Teams30:17 Standing Out in Orlando: Owning the ‘Off Day' as a Destination Resort32:41 Big Accolades: AAA Five Diamond + Forbes Four Star (Hotel & Spa)35:21 What's Next: Maturing the Resort & Raising the Bar37:04 Advice to Young Sean: Act for the Job You Want & Keep Giving Back39:34 Wrap-Up, Share the Episode + Sponsor: Biscayne Coffee
Today is a major milestone—Episode 600. My journey behind the mic began in 2012, and since then, this conversation has evolved from simple marketing tactics into the deeper pillars of leadership, communication, and storytelling. To celebrate, I'm flipping the script. I've invited my longtime friend and fellow 2012 podcasting pioneer, Mike Gerholdt, to take over the host's chair. We're going behind the scenes on everything I've learned over 600 episodes—from the origin story and terrestrial radio to the move to full video—to talk about what it really takes to build a podcast brand that lasts. What You'll Learn in This Episode - Why curiosity is the most important trait for a long-running podcast host - How to pivot your content from marketing tactics to leadership and storytelling - The evolution of media from terrestrial radio to short-form and full-length video - Why every modern brand needs an evangelist to foster two-way conversations - Strategic lessons learned from 13 years and 600 episodes in the podcasting trenches Episode Chapters (00:00) Flipping the Script for Episode 600 (01:29) Introducing Guest Host Mike Gerholdt (02:54) Why Every Brand Needs an Evangelist (05:55) The 2013 Podcasting Pioneers (08:27) The Evolution from The Work Talk Show to On Brand (09:38) Pioneering the Remote Work Conversation (12:45) Standing Out in a Saturated Market (15:33) From Radio Production to Personal Voice (17:21) Why Audio Conveys More Than Text (20:15) Curiosity: The Trait That Drives 600 Episodes (23:46) The Reality of Guest Pitches and PR Intermediaries (27:10) Avoiding the "Game of Dodgeball" with Multiple Guests (30:22) Why Real Conversations Don't Need Prep Calls (33:40) The Leap to Full Video and Short-Form Content (38:15) The "Human Element" in Modern Communication (42:30) Closing Thoughts on the Future of On Brand About Mike Gerholdt Mike Gerholt is the Senior Director of Salesforce Admin Evangelism at Salesforce. He leads a group of world-class Admin Evangelists who are helping Salesforce Admins realize their dreams by being technology leaders and advancing their careers. He's also the host of the Salesforce Admins podcast and someone I've been in the podcasting trenches with since day one. What Brand Has Made Mike Smile Recently? Mike highlighted HelloFresh as the brand that made him smile recently. He noted that the meal delivery service stood out during the pandemic and continues to impress him with small touches of appreciation, clear care in delivery, and a non-intrusive approach that never feels like a "used car salesman" pitch. He described the experience as receiving a "little smile in every box." Resources & Links Check out the Salesforce Admins Podcast. Connect with Mike Gerholdt on LinkedIn and (for fun) Instagram Listen & Support the Show Watch or listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon/Audible, TuneIn, and iHeart. Rate and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to help others find the show. Share this episode — email a friend or colleague this episode. Sign up for my free Story Strategies newsletter for branding and storytelling tips. On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I'll see you on the Internet! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Today is a major milestone—Episode 600. My journey behind the mic began in 2012, and since then, this conversation has evolved from simple marketing tactics into the deeper pillars of leadership, communication, and storytelling. To celebrate, I'm flipping the script. I've invited my longtime friend and fellow 2012 podcasting pioneer, Mike Gerholdt, to take over the host's chair. We're going behind the scenes on everything I've learned over 600 episodes—from the origin story and terrestrial radio to the move to full video—to talk about what it really takes to build a podcast brand that lasts. What You'll Learn in This Episode - Why curiosity is the most important trait for a long-running podcast host - How to pivot your content from marketing tactics to leadership and storytelling - The evolution of media from terrestrial radio to short-form and full-length video - Why every modern brand needs an evangelist to foster two-way conversations - Strategic lessons learned from 13 years and 600 episodes in the podcasting trenches Episode Chapters (00:00) Flipping the Script for Episode 600 (01:29) Introducing Guest Host Mike Gerholdt (02:54) Why Every Brand Needs an Evangelist (05:55) The 2013 Podcasting Pioneers (08:27) The Evolution from The Work Talk Show to On Brand (09:38) Pioneering the Remote Work Conversation (12:45) Standing Out in a Saturated Market (15:33) From Radio Production to Personal Voice (17:21) Why Audio Conveys More Than Text (20:15) Curiosity: The Trait That Drives 600 Episodes (23:46) The Reality of Guest Pitches and PR Intermediaries (27:10) Avoiding the "Game of Dodgeball" with Multiple Guests (30:22) Why Real Conversations Don't Need Prep Calls (33:40) The Leap to Full Video and Short-Form Content (38:15) The "Human Element" in Modern Communication (42:30) Closing Thoughts on the Future of On Brand About Mike Gerholdt Mike Gerholt is the Senior Director of Salesforce Admin Evangelism at Salesforce. He leads a group of world-class Admin Evangelists who are helping Salesforce Admins realize their dreams by being technology leaders and advancing their careers. He's also the host of the Salesforce Admins podcast and someone I've been in the podcasting trenches with since day one. What Brand Has Made Mike Smile Recently? Mike highlighted HelloFresh as the brand that made him smile recently. He noted that the meal delivery service stood out during the pandemic and continues to impress him with small touches of appreciation, clear care in delivery, and a non-intrusive approach that never feels like a "used car salesman" pitch. He described the experience as receiving a "little smile in every box." Resources & Links Check out the Salesforce Admins Podcast. Connect with Mike Gerholdt on LinkedIn and (for fun) Instagram Listen & Support the Show Watch or listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon/Audible, TuneIn, and iHeart. Rate and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to help others find the show. Share this episode — email a friend or colleague this episode. Sign up for my free Story Strategies newsletter for branding and storytelling tips. On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I'll see you on the Internet! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Welcome to episode 497 of the Recruitment Marketing and Sales podcast, and I am your host, Denise Oyston. Today, we are wrapping up our kick-off series for 2026 about the what and how of Standing Out this year. Over the past few weeks, we have covered mindset, visibility, and re-engaging your database. If you missed any of those episodes, go back and listen; they build on one another. This week, we are discussing something that can completely change how you approach your marketing: creating longer-form content that works harder for you. Now, before you switch off because you think this is going to be about writing 5,000-word essays, hear us out. This is actually about working smarter, not harder. It is about creating a single, substantial piece of content and getting maximum value from it. Whether that is a podcast, a report, a webinar, or a detailed blog post, the principle is the same. Create once, repurpose many times. So let’s get into it. The Pillar Content Approach Let us start by explaining what we mean by pillar content. A pillar piece is a substantial, detailed piece of content that demonstrates your expertise in your niche. It could be a comprehensive blog post or series. A thorough market report. A webinar where you go deep on a specific topic. Or a podcast episode where you really explore something properly. The keyword here is substantial. This is not a quick LinkedIn post or a two-paragraph update. This is something meaty that shows you really know your stuff. Why does this matter? Short-form content is brilliant at getting attention, but it is your longer-form content that builds trust. When someone engages with your quick posts and wants to know whether you actually understand what you are talking about, they will look for something more substantial. They want to confirm that you understand their sector and its challenges. Think about it from your own experience. When considering working with someone, do you look at their social media posts? Or do you dig a bit deeper? Do you read their blog? Listen to their podcast? Download their report? Of course you do. We all do. The research backs this up. 71 per cent of B2B buyers consume blog content before making a purchase decision. They want depth. They want evidence. They want to feel confident that you know what you are talking about. The Repurposing Model Here is where it gets exciting, especially if you are running a small team and do not have endless hours for content creation. The smartest recruitment companies we work with follow a simple principle: create one substantial piece of content, then repurpose it into multiple shorter pieces. Let us give you a concrete example. Say you record a 45-minute podcast episode about hiring trends in your sector. From that single recording, you could create six LinkedIn posts pulling out key insights. Two blog articles going deeper on specific points. A dozen short videos or audio clips for social media. An email to your database summarising the main takeaways. Content for your newsletter. And quotes and statistics you can use in proposals and pitches. That one piece of content has now given you weeks’ worth of material. And the beautiful thing is, it all came from the same source, so your messaging stays consistent. This approach ensures quality and depth before brevity. You are not scrambling to come up with something to post every day. You have already thought. Now you are just packaging it in different ways for different platforms. Why Podcasts Work So Well We would like to discuss podcasts, as they are particularly effective for recruitment businesses. Podcasts continue to grow in popularity, particularly with executives and founders, which is exactly the audience most of you are trying to reach. Decision-makers listen to podcasts during their commute, at the gym, or while walking the dog. It is a way to reach them when they are not at their desks, ignoring emails. But here is the bit that makes podcasts especially clever for recruitment businesses: they serve a dual purpose. First, they are relationship-building and positioning tools. When you invite someone onto your podcast as a guest, you are building a relationship with them while positioning yourself as the go-to person in your niche. And who might make a good guest? Often, your potential clients. Think about it. You reach out to a hiring manager or business owner in your niche and invite them to share their expertise on your show. That is a much warmer conversation than a cold sales call. You are offering them something valuable: a platform to share their knowledge and raise their profile. Second, podcasts are content engines. As we just discussed, one episode gives you material for weeks. The conversation generates ideas, insights, and quotes that you can use across all your other channels. And niche podcasts can reach very specific audiences. A show about scaling health tech companies. A podcast for legal practice managers. A series on finance recruitment trends. When you narrow your focus, you become the go-to voice for that specific audience. Other Forms of Pillar Content Podcasts are not the only option, of course. Let’s discuss other formats that work well. Market reports and salary guides are brilliant for recruitment businesses. You have access to data and insights that your clients and candidates find genuinely valuable. A well-researched report on salary trends or hiring challenges in your sector positions you as the expert. It also makes a great lead magnet: people will happily give you their email address in exchange for useful data. Webinars let you go deep on a topic while building your email list. You can invite guests, share screens, and answer questions live. The recording becomes an asset you can use long after the live event ends. A detailed blog series lets you explore a topic in depth across multiple posts. Titles such as “The complete guide to hiring fintech sales leaders” or “Everything you need to know about legal recruitment in 2026” demonstrate genuine expertise and attract readers seeking that specific information. The format matters less than the substance. What matters is that you create something substantial enough to demonstrate your expertise and generate enough material for repurposing. Quality Beats Perfection Now, we know what some of you are thinking. “This sounds great, but I do not have the time or resources to create professional-quality content.” Here is the truth: you do not need professional production values. What you need is valuable, consistent content. A podcast recorded on a decent microphone in your office is absolutely fine. A report created in Word or Canva will suffice. A webinar run through Zoom works perfectly well. The key is consistency and specificity, not production value. Your audience cares far more about whether your content is useful and relevant than whether it looks like a big agency made it. In fact, overly polished content can feel less authentic. People want to hear from real experts sharing real insights, not a slick marketing production. So do not let perfectionism stop you from starting. Good enough, published consistently, beats perfect, but never finished. Using AI Smartly We cannot talk about content creation in 2026 without mentioning AI. Yes, AI can help you create more content more efficiently. But here is the important bit: AI works best when you give it good raw material to work with. The companies that get AI right use it to increase output without sacrificing quality. They do not publish AI-generated content as-is. They use AI as a starting point, then make the content specific, opinionated, and genuinely useful. This is where your pillar content becomes so valuable. Record a podcast where you share your genuine expertise and opinions. Now you have rich source material that AI can help you repurpose into other formats. The insights are yours. The expertise is yours. AI helps you package it more efficiently. The human element, your knowledge, your opinions, your specific experience in your niche, that is what makes your content valuable. AI cannot replicate that. But it can help you get more value from it. Getting Started Without Overwhelm If you are new to creating longer-form content, the prospect can feel daunting. So let us make it simple. Start with what you know deeply. What questions do clients ask you all the time? What mistakes do you see companies making when they hire? What do candidates always want to know about your sector? You already have expertise. You need to capture it. Choose one format to start with. Do not try to launch a podcast, write a report, and run webinars all at once. Pick one. Get good at it. Build the habit. Then expand. If you want to start a podcast, the minimum setup is simpler than you think. A decent USB microphone, free recording software, and a hosting platform. You could be publishing your first episode within a week. If a podcast feels like too much, start with a detailed blog post. Write the definitive guide to something in your niche. Make it thorough. Make it useful. Then break it down into shorter pieces for your social channels. The most important thing is to start. Your first piece of content will not be your best. That is fine. You will get better with practice. But you cannot improve on something you have not created. Closing Let us conclude this series with a final thought. Over these four episodes, we have talked about mindset, visibility, re-engaging your database, and creating content that works harder for you. And if there is one thread that runs through all of it, it is this: the recruitment businesses that will stand out in 2026 are the ones that commit to consistently delivering valuable content. Not perfect content. Not content with massive production budgets. Just useful, relevant, consistent content that demonstrates your expertise and keeps you front of mind. Creating pillar content and repurposing it is one of the smartest ways to do this without burning out. One substantial piece becomes the engine that powers your marketing for weeks. So here is our challenge for you. Choose one pillar content format that appeals to you. Maybe it is a podcast. Perhaps it is a quarterly market report. Maybe it is a detailed blog series. Whatever it is, commit to creating your first piece in the next month. Then repurpose it. Get maximum value from the work you have done. And watch how much easier your content marketing becomes when you have a solid foundation to build on. That is, it’s for today’s episode, and that wraps up our Standing Out in 2026 series. Thank you so much for listening. If you have found this series useful, we would love it if you could share it with another recruitment business owner who might benefit. If you haven’t already, please subscribe to avoid missing future episodes. Until next time, keep creating, keep showing up, and keep recruiting brilliantly. See you next time. Thanks, Denise and Sharon How We Can Help If you want help building a content strategy that actually works for a small recruitment business, that is exactly what we do inside Superfast Circle. Our members receive done-for-you content they can use and adapt, frameworks for creating their own pillar content, and support from a community that understands the specific challenges of marketing a recruitment business. If you would like to learn more about how we can help you stand out in your market, book a call at superfastrecruitment.co.uk/call. We would love to chat about where you are right now and where you want to be. The post Standing Out in 2026: Creating Content That Works Harder appeared first on Superfast Recruitment.
He Made $41,000 in 90 Days with The Amazon Influencer Program .. How He Did itIn episode 143 of The Side Hustle Experiment Podcast John (https://www.instagram.com/sidehustleexperiment/ ) and Drew (https://www.instagram.com/realdrewd/) sit down with Ben (https://www.instagram.com/ben.phair/) Ben, a successful Amazon Influencer who made an impressive $41,000 in Q4 alone with only 1,800 videos. Ben shares his unique approach to product research, emphasizing the importance of finding products with high sales numbers and lower competition. He discusses strategies such as reviewing items from his home, identifying profitable variations of products, and creating engaging video content that stands out from the competition.Don't forget to Like, Subscribe, and hit the bell so you don't miss future episodes with top entrepreneurs and creators.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Ben and His Success01:09 The Importance of Product Research03:20 Finding Profitable Product Variations04:44 Strategies for Standing Out in Video Content09:46 Leveraging Comparison Videos for Sales12:33 Understanding Creator Connections and Earnings Potential17:32 Tracking Best-Selling Products for Continued Success20:24 Final Thoughts on Product Investment Strategies24:24 The Journey of a Successful Product25:50 Adapting Strategies for 202627:57 The Power of YouTube in Revenue Generation30:25 Building a Community for Creators43:38 Advice for Growing Your Influence#AmazonInfluencer #MakeMoneyOnline #sidehustleexperimentpodcast Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sidehustleexperimentpodcast/ Listen on your favorite podcast platformYoutube: https://bit.ly/3HHklFOSpotify: https://spoti.fi/48RRKcPApple: https://apple.co/4bmaFOk Check out Drew's StuffInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/realdrewdTwitter: https://twitter.com/DrewFBACheck out John's StuffInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sidehustleexperiment/Twitter: https://twitter.com/SideHustleExp FREE ResourcesFREE Guide: How to Make Money Reviewing Products https://bit.ly/3HIGFSP
How do you create true brand authenticity in wealth management? Matt Ackermann of Integrated Partners sits down with Liz Frtiz, the co-founder of F2 Strategy, at the Future Proof Conference to discuss the critical intersection of technology, marketing, and branding. Liz shares her experience co-founding F2 Strategy nearly a decade ago, noting that the firm is the largest pure-play wealth management tech consultancy, focused on helping firms build and execute their technology roadmaps. Key Insights: The Tech-Marketing Connection: Liz highlights that F2’s approach to technology strategy mirrors good marketing: both require firms to define their vision, target market, differentiators, and values. This process helps clients build a digital experience that stands out. The Marketer as Translator: Liz sees her role as a “translator,” taking the complex technical language of wealth firms and vendors and translating it into messaging that resonates with the end-client user, focusing on how the tech solves problems and improves their lives. The Power of an Authentic Brand: Building a strong brand requires authenticity. While channels like video and podcasts are popular, Liz advises advisors to identify their authentic self and be confident in the communication medium that feels most natural. Culture as Authenticity: She emphasizes that a true unique culture is built on authenticity, which leaders must encourage and model internally. Starting with small, honest admissions makes it a safe space for others to be their true self, which is less exhausting than “playing a character.” AI and Human Connection: Liz believes technology and marketing are now inseparable. She sees AI not as a replacement, but as a tool to deepen human connection. By handling operational tasks, AI creates the most valuable resource—time—allowing advisors to engage in “more humanness,” such as proactive client conversations and personal outreach. Standing Out in the AI Era: As AI-generated content becomes “table stakes” and generic, the authentic, “in-color” outliers, specifically the people who dare to be themselves and offer unique perspectives, will be easier to spot and will naturally attract attention and trust. Content in this material is for general information only and not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through Integrated Partners, a registered investment advisor and separate entity from LPL Financial. Liz Fritz is the Co-Founder of F2 Strategy and is a separate entity and not affiliated with Integrated Partners and LPL Financial.
Stand Out on LinkedIn: Strategies for Speakers and CoachesSUMMARYIn this episode of the Professional Speaking Show, host John Ball engages with LinkedIn expert Michelle J Raymond to discuss the evolving landscape of LinkedIn and how speakers and coaches can navigate its complexities. They explore the challenges posed by AI-generated content, engagement pods, and the pressure to conform to viral trends, emphasising the importance of authenticity and genuine engagement. Michelle shares her insights on how to stand out in a crowded space by building real relationships and creating meaningful content that resonates with audiences. The conversation also touches on the necessity of maintaining an updated LinkedIn profile and the strategic use of various content formats to enhance visibility and engagement.Connect with Michelle and sign up for her LinkedIn Newsletter here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellejraymond/ and check out Michelle's podcast here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/social-media-for-b2b-growth-linkedin-strategy-for-b2b/id1603908569TAKEAWAYSLinkedIn is becoming noisier and harder to trust, but authenticity can help you stand out.Building real relationships is more valuable than chasing viral trends.Your LinkedIn profile should be treated like your homepage; keep it updated and engaging.Engagement pods may provide short-term visibility but can undermine long-term credibility.Consistency in posting and genuine interaction are key to leveraging LinkedIn effectively.CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction to LinkedIn Expertise02:16 Current State of LinkedIn05:29 Authenticity vs. Automation09:40 The Impact of AI on Content11:40 Standing Out in a Homogenised Space15:37 The Importance of Building Relationships19:04 The Temptation of Quick Fixes24:25 Integrity in Online Presence26:24 Building a Community on LinkedIn27:29 The Challenge of Engagement Pods29:39 Navigating LinkedIn's Algorithm Changes31:12 The Importance of Reciprocity on LinkedIn34:31 Strategic Commenting for Engagement36:54 Creating Effective Content on LinkedIn44:46 Maximising Your LinkedIn Profile52:30 Final thoughtsVisit presentinfluence.com/quiz to take the Speaker Radiance Quiz and discover your Charisma Quotient.For speaking enquiries or to connect with me, you can email john@presentinfluence.com or find me on LinkedInYou can find all our clips, episodes and more on the Present Influence YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PresentInfluenceThanks for listening, and please give the show a 5* review if you enjoyed it.
How do you turn a beat-up cargo van and a funny name into a $300 million empire? Nick Friedman, co-founder of College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving, joins UpFlip to reveal the blueprint behind one of America's most iconic service brands.From a summer side hustle to over 200 locations, Nick breaks down the exact systems used to survive the 2008 housing crash, COVID, and volatile markets.In this episode, you'll learn:The "Purple Cow" Strategy: Why a funny name and bright orange trucks were the ultimate "pattern interrupt" to dominate a crowded market.Guerilla Marketing: How to use your vehicle as a rolling billboard and secure high-visibility parking spots for free.The E-Myth Shift: The specific moment Nick realized he had to stop driving the truck to start building the business.The H.U.N.K.S. Acronym: How to build a world-class company culture using values (Honest, Uniformed, Nice, Knowledgeable, Service).Systems Before Scale: Why documenting simple tasks (like safety checklists) allowed them to franchise successfully."Who Not How": The mindset shift required to go from incremental growth to 10x expansion.The "Why, Where, Who" Framework: Why you must define your destination before worrying about the tactical "how."Loyalty Loops: How to turn a one-time moving customer into a lifetime referral source.Surviving Adversity: Lessons learned from launching a franchise model during the peak of the 2008 financial crisis.10x vs. 2x Planning: How to set audacious 10-year goals and reverse engineer them into quarterly "rocks."Timestamps:(00:00) Intro: From Cargo Van to $300M(02:15) The Origin Story: Winning a Business Plan Competition(05:40) Naming the Business & Standing Out(08:30) Guerrilla Marketing Tactics (The Rolling Billboard)(11:50) When to Transition to Paid Ads(15:30) Building a World-Class Customer Experience(18:45) The "E-Myth" Moment: Working ON the Business(22:10) The "Why, Where, Who" Framework(26:00) Overcoming the 2008 Crash & Adversity(31:15) The Fan Blitz: Best Books & Early MistakesTags: Business scaling, Entrepreneurship, Home Services, College Hunks, Business growth, Business leadership, Customer retention, Junk HaulingResources:Grow your junk removal business today: https://www.upflip.com/course/moving-and-junk-removal-blueprintConnect with Nick: https://www.instagram.com/nickfriedman1/?hl=en
In this episode, Scott sits down with Bob Bartlett—insurance agency owner, community leader, and part-time rock band drummer—to talk about leadership, culture, service, and the art of being different in a crowded, commoditized industry. Bob shares how getting laid off pushed him into entrepreneurship, how he grew a thriving agency in Barre, Vermont during COVID, and why real conversations will always beat 1-800 numbers.The episode dives into what it means to build trust in a small town, how to recruit with purpose, and why values like honesty, balance, and community aren't just buzzwords—they're a business model. From hosting pumpkin giveaways to playing drums at weddings, Bob shows up fully as himself and inspires his team to do the same.
What if the customer experience principles behind Disney-level service and NASA-grade operational excellence could be applied to your business, without increasing your costs? In this episode of the Grownlearn Podcast, host Zorina Dimitrova, Investment Matchmaker & Strategic Growth Advisor, sits down with Vance Morris, a customer experience expert who has worked with Disney, NASA, and the Kennedy Center.
Art Marketing Podcast: How to Sell Art Online and Generate Consistent Monthly Sales
In 2026, everything is fake — fake content, fake influencers, fake engagement. But here's what's always been true: story is what takes "not selling" to "selling." Van Gogh died unknown with 900 paintings worth nothing. Frida Kahlo was overshadowed by Diego Rivera for decades. The Impressionists were literally mocked. Same artwork. Different story. In this episode, we look at what changed — and how you can apply the same framework to your art in the age of AI. Links Mentioned: Lulu Meservey's "Standing Out in 2026" The woman who turned Van Gogh from worthless to $10 billion
SummaryIn this conversation, Jonathan Rosenfeld, an attorney and entrepreneur, discusses the evolving landscape of law and marketing, particularly the impact of AI on the legal profession. He emphasizes the importance of standing out in a competitive market, leveraging niche marketing strategies, and utilizing platforms like YouTube for growth. Rosenfeld shares insights on the significance of personal relationships in business, the need for responsiveness, and the necessity of adapting to changing marketing techniques. He concludes with advice for young entrepreneurs on networking and building a brand.TakeawaysAI can generate vast amounts of content, but verification is crucial.Building personal relationships is key in the legal field.Responsiveness to client needs differentiates successful firms.Marketing strategies must evolve with technology and consumer behavior.Niche marketing can enhance SEO and client engagement.YouTube is a powerful tool for establishing expertise and trust.Tracking lead generation is essential for business growth.Networking remains a vital component of business success.Adapting to market changes is necessary for survival.Building a brand should be a daily focus for entrepreneurs.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Jonathan Rosenfeld and His Journey04:43 The Role of AI in Law and Marketing07:36 Standing Out in a Competitive Legal Market10:38 Building Relationships in Legal Practice13:23 Adapting Marketing Strategies for the Future16:37 Niche Marketing in Personal Injury Law19:37 The Importance of Expertise and Client Trust27:53 Strategic Marketing Adjustments30:42 Exploring Offline Marketing Tactics34:05 Tracking Lead Generation Effectively34:42 Diversifying Income Streams for Growth37:59 Embracing New Technologies and Platforms45:58 Networking and Building Relationships49:39 Final Thoughts and Contact InformationCredits:Hosted by Ryan Roghaar and Michael SmithProduced by Ryan RoghaarTheme music: "Perfect Day" by OPM The Eggs Podcast Spotify playlist:bit.ly/eggstunesThe Plugs:The Show: eggscast.com@eggshow on X and InstagramOn iTunes: itun.es/i6dX3pCOnStitcher: bit.ly/eggs_on_stitcherAlso available on Google Play Music!Mike "DJ Ontic": Shows and info: djontic.com@djontic on twitterRyan Roghaar:rogha.ar
In this episode, Gene Hammett interviews AJ Cassata, founder of Revenue Boost, about AI-driven lead generation in B2B marketing. AJ emphasizes the collaborative use of AI in sales, warns against full outsourcing, and explains his "10-80-10 rule." He discusses the effectiveness of outbound strategies like cold emailing and LinkedIn messaging, stressing the importance of personalization and audience segmentation. AJ recommends tools like Clay.com for automating outreach and concludes with key factors for successful campaigns, urging listeners to embrace AI while maintaining human oversight and persistence. Episode Highlights & Time Stamps 1:15 The Power of AI in Sales 2:57 Challenges in B2B Sales 5:10 Email vs. LinkedIn Effectiveness 8:35 Standing Out on LinkedIn 11:24 Leveraging AI for Personalization 14:18 Common Mistakes in AI Outbound 17:13 The Future of AI in Outbound 20:33 Enhancing Sales with AI 21:57 Key Takeaways for CEOs AI in Modern Sales — Collaboration Over Automation Gene speaks with AJ Cassata, founder of Revenue Boost, about using AI in B2B outbound sales. AJ explains that AI should be treated as a collaborative partner rather than a replacement for human judgment. He cautions against fully outsourcing sales and marketing to AI due to its tendency to "hallucinate" or generate inaccuracies. AJ introduces his "10-80-10 rule," where humans control strategy and final review while AI handles execution at scale. Why Outbound Sales Still Works AJ breaks down why outbound sales, cold email, cold calling, and LinkedIn outreach remain a highly effective and cost-efficient lead generation channel. He emphasizes the importance of testing different approaches and targeting specific industries or companies to generate high-quality leads. The conversation compares email and LinkedIn outreach, noting LinkedIn's higher response rates but lower scalability versus email's broader reach and lower engagement. Personalization, Empathy, and Common Mistakes The discussion turns to practical outreach tactics, with AJ stressing the importance of deep personalization through prospect research and industry understanding. He advises focusing messaging on the prospect's needs rather than promoting services. AJ outlines common AI-powered outbound mistakes, including low outreach volume, generic messaging, and poor audience segmentation, reinforcing that tailored messaging is critical for resonance. Tools, Strategy, and Keys to Success AJ highlights tools like Clay.com that support AI-driven lead research and personalized outreach. He discusses AI's evolving role in sales, particularly for tasks like scheduling and qualification, while underscoring the continued need for human oversight. As the episode concludes, AJ shares five key drivers of outbound success: list quality, messaging, offer strength, outreach volume, and email deliverability. He encourages leaders to experiment, iterate, and remain patient when leveraging AI-powered outbound strategies to grow their sales pipeline. Key Takeaways AI is a force multiplier, not a replacement. AI delivers the best results when paired with human strategy, oversight, and decision-making rather than fully automating sales and marketing functions. Outbound sales remains a high-ROI growth channel. Cold email, cold calling, and LinkedIn outreach continue to produce quality leads at a lower cost compared to many inbound or paid marketing channels. Strategy should follow the 10-80-10 rule. CEOs should stay involved in setting direction and reviewing outcomes while leveraging AI for scalable execution in the middle. Personalization drives performance. Outreach that demonstrates understanding of a prospect's business and challenges consistently outperforms generic, AI-generated messaging. Volume and focus both matter. Effective outbound requires sufficient outreach volume paired with clear segmentation and targeted messaging to avoid diminishing returns. Technology enables scale, not shortcuts. Tools like AI-powered research and personalization platforms can accelerate outbound efforts, but poor inputs still lead to poor results. Human oversight reduces AI risk. AI can hallucinate or make incorrect assumptions, making review and refinement essential before deployment. Five factors determine outbound success. List quality, messaging clarity, offer strength, outreach volume, and email deliverability must all work together for consistent results. Iteration beats perfection. Sustainable outbound success comes from continuous testing, learning, and refinement rather than one-time campaign execution. Leadership mindset matters. CEOs who embrace AI experimentation while maintaining accountability and patience are better positioned to build predictable, scalable pipelines. Resources & Next Steps Ready to take your leadership energy to the next level? Explore free training and resources at training.coreelevation.com to help you identify energy leaks, strengthen your leadership presence, and elevate your team's performance. Explore More: training.coreelevation.com Listen to the Full Episode: Growth Think Tank Podcast
In this expert interview, Sarah Doody is joined by Patrick Neeman, Director of UX & AI Experiences at Workday, to pull back the curtain on how UX hiring actually works today—and where candidates are getting tripped up.Patrick brings a rare perspective: he's led UX teams, taught UX at General Assembly, worked inside applicant tracking systems, and now hires designers in an AI-driven product environment. Together, Sarah and Patrick unpack the biggest misconceptions about ATS systems, why portfolios often fail the six-second test, how soft skills influence hiring decisions, and what senior designers really need to focus on to stand out in today's market.This episode is especially valuable if you're making it to interviews but not offers, feeling unsure how AI fits into your skillset, or questioning whether your resume and portfolio are helping—or hurting—you.What You'll Learn in This Episode:✔️ Why companies are often bad at hiring—and how that impacts candidates✔️ The truth about ATS filters, knockout questions, and resume formatting✔️ Why two-column resumes fail ATS systems (and what to do instead)✔️ What hiring managers notice in the first 6 seconds of reviewing a resume✔️ How soft skills like alignment, collaboration, and communication influence hiring✔️ Why decks often outperform portfolio websites in UX interviews✔️ How AI tools like Lovable are changing expectations for prototyping✔️ The role of “weak ties” in landing jobs—and why relationships matter more than applications✔️ Red flags candidates should avoid during interviews and outreach✔️ Why being “nice to work with” is a real career advantageLinks From This Episode:Patrick's Book: uxGPT: Mastering AI Assistants for User Experience Designers and Product Management ProfessionalsPatrick's Article: What's makes an effective UX professionalPatrick's Article: What's your Ideal Designer Profile?The Strength of Weak Ties: A Network Theory RevisitedThe ADP Checklist: Resources about Resumes, Portfolios and Interviews for UX ProfessionalsTimestamps:00:00 Introduction to Sarah Doody and Career Strategy Lab00:38 Welcoming Patrick Neiman: Insights into UX Hiring01:19 Patrick's Background and Experience04:19 The State of the UX Job Market07:21 The Importance of Writing Skills in UX08:49 Applicant Tracking Systems and AI in Hiring13:28 Contract Roles in UX: Myths and Realities14:42 Standing Out as a UX Candidate17:48 Soft Skills: The Superpower of UX Professionals22:05 Tips for Early Career UX Designers24:15 Prototyping vs. Figma: The Future of Design24:28 The Value of Personal Projects in Portfolios24:57 Challenges in Redesigning Complex Systems26:10 Misconceptions About Hiring Software27:23 The Six-Second Resume Test29:16 Networking and the Power of Weak Ties33:10 Tips for Advancing in Your UX Career41:46 Balancing Figma and AI-Assisted Design Tools43:21 Final Thoughts and Advice for Job Seekers
In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Business Edition Podcast, co-hosts Gary McCreadie and Furman Haynes of WorkHero discuss with guests Kimberly Sevilla, Founder of Shelter Air and Peter Troast, Founder & CEO of Energy Circle LLC, how to craft a compelling brand identity, build a high-impact website, and leverage AI for content creation. Whether you're launching a new HVAC business or revamping your marketing strategy, this episode provides critical insights on standing out in a saturated market. Kimberly shares her expertise in targeting the right customer through a tailored visual identity. Peter brings years of experience in website development, SEO, and digital branding strategies for service businesses. Expect to Learn - How to create a strong visual identity that reflects your HVAC business values. - Tips on using AI and freelance platforms for affordable branding and logo creation. - Best practices for building a functional, story-driven HVAC website. - The value of storytelling and blogging for local SEO and customer engagement. - Balancing authenticity with automation in customer communication. Episode Breakdown with Timestamps [00:00:00] – Introduction to the Episode [00:01:27] – Welcome to HVAC Know It All [00:01:52] – Visual Branding Fundamentals [00:04:23] – Standing Out in a Sea of Sameness [00:07:32] – DIY Branding Tools & Advice [00:10:29] – AI vs Human Touch in Branding [00:11:44] – Storytelling as a Marketing Tool [00:15:30] – Making Contact Easy for Emergencies Follow Kimberly Sevilla on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberlysevilla Company's Website: https://shelter-air.com/ Company's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shelterair Company's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShelterAir/ Company's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shelter.air/?hl=en Follow Peter Troast on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petertroast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/petertroast/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peter.troast/ Company's Website: https://www.energycircle.com/home-page Company's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/energy-circle-llc Follow Furman Haynes on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/furmanhaynes/ WorkHero: https://www.linkedin.com/company/workherohvac/ Follow Gary McCreadie: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-mccreadie-38217a77/ Website: https://www.hvacknowitall.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/HVAC-Know-It-All-2/61569643061429/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hvacknowitall1/
What does it really mean to be yourself at work without hiding, performing, or shrinking to fit expectations? In this Finding Brave conversation, we explore why authentic presence is not a soft skill or a personal indulgence, but a powerful leadership practice that builds trust, connection, and impact in today's fast-moving, emotionally complex workplaces. Today's inspiring guest is Claude Silver, the world's first Chief Heart Officer at VaynerX, where she partners with CEO Gary Vaynerchuk to shape culture and leadership at scale. A sought-after speaker and the author of Be Yourself at Work: The Groundbreaking Power of Showing Up, Standing Out, and Leading from the Heart, Claude brings a deeply human lens to leadership that is grounded in emotional intelligence, courage, and self-awareness. Her work challenges the outdated belief that professionalism requires emotional distance or self-erasure. In this wide-ranging and deeply personal discussion, Claude shares formative stories from her own life that shaped her understanding of authentic presence. Together, Kathy and Claude unpack what authenticity looks like in real moments at work, from navigating difficult conversations to noticing the inner "song" that shapes how we show up. Claude breaks down her three emotional pillars, namely, emotional optimism, emotional bravery, and emotional efficiency, and explains how emotions can guide more grounded and courageous leadership. The episode also explores why leading with heart matters more than ever in an AI-driven, always-on world, and how taking up space, asking for what you need, and speaking honestly can transform both individual careers and workplace cultures. Listen in and consider what might shift if you gave yourself permission today to be fully seen and fully heard at work! Key Highlights From This Episode: Introducing Claude Silver and what's missing from how we talk about authenticity. [00:59] Why being authentic is a privilege and the power of knowing yourself. [06:40] How early experiences with dyslexia shaped Claude's self-image and personal growth. [10:18] A pivotal Outward Bound moment that revealed the power of changing the "song" in your head. [13:56] [18:05] What authentic presence really looks like beyond theory and performative professionalism. [23:27] Claude's three pillars: emotional optimism, emotional bravery, and emotional efficiency. [30:47] Leading with heart in an AI-driven world that often feels rushed, disconnected, or dehumanizing. Why taking up space, speaking honestly, and being fully human changes work and culture. [33:35] For More Information: Claude Silver Claude Silver on LinkedIn Claude Silver on Instagram Links/Resources Mentioned in Today's Episode: Claude Silver's book, Be Yourself at Work: The Groundbreaking Power of Showing Up, Standing Out, and Leading from the Heart What it means to be a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) Kathy's Finding Brave interview with Andre Solo on "Being Highly Sensitive is a Super Power: Embrace and Leverage It" and Kathy's article "How I Found Out I'm a Highly Sensitive Person and Used It To Change My Life" ——————— READY FOR A HUGE SHIFT TO ACHIEVE MORE SUCCESS, IMPACT AND FULFILLMENT IN YOUR CAREER? Work with Kathy and get hands-on, transformative CAREER & LEADERSHIP GROWTH COACHING SUPPORT today! Join me today in one of my top-requested career and leadership growth 1:1 coaching programs and take 20% off the price this week with coupon code 'FBRAVE20' as my thank-you for tuning in! Visit my Career Help page, or click the links below for more information and to register today and save 20%: – Jumpstart Your Career Success (3 sessions) – Career & Leadership Breakthrough program (6 sessions) – Build Your Confidence, Success and Impact (10 sessions) ——————— GOT A BURNING CAREER OR PROFESSIONAL GROWTH QUESTION? Ask me on Hubble I'm thrilled to join the Hubble Expert Advisory group, a space for thoughtful conversations and honest advice on life, work, business and career challenges. I often hear from people worldwide seeking guidance on careers, leadership, personal growth, and making a bigger impact. Now, connecting and answering your questions is easier than ever—Hubble lets you book a one-off call or recurring sessions with me. Book some time with me here on Hubble - I'd love to support your top goals: https://app.hubble.social/kathycaprino ——————— Order Kathy's book The Most Powerful You today! In Australia and New Zealand, click here to order, elsewhere outside North America, click here, and in the UK, click here. If you enjoy the book, we'd so appreciate your giving the book a positive rating and review on Amazon! And check out Kathy's digital companion course The Most Powerful You, to help you close the 7 most damaging power gaps in the most effective way possible. Kathy's Power Gaps Survey, Support To Build Your LinkedIn Profile To Great Success & Other Free Resources Kathy's TEDx Talk, Time To Brave Up & Free Career Path Self-Assessment Kathy's Amazing Career Project video training course & 6 Dominant Action Styles Quiz ——————— Sponsor Highlight I'm thrilled that both Audible.com and Amazon Music are sponsors of Finding Brave! Take advantage of their great special offers and free trials today! Audible Offer Amazon Music Offer Quotes: "Who are you when you're brushing your teeth in the morning? There are no kids around, maybe no dog around, it's just you spacing out brushing your teeth. To me, that is very indicative of who we are, when we are our real selves." — Claude Silver [0:04:22] "We are human, and this is the experience we're having. So why not be open about that?" — Claude Silver [0:05:20] "I think that it is an enormous privilege to get to know yourself. [And it] is something that is our birthright." — Claude Silver [0:08:48] "I don't need to see you as anything other than you are, because who you are is who I want to get to know. Who you are is who I'm going to hold space for. I don't want you to act like a PhD or pretend that you have a following of a million people on social media." — Claude Silver [0:18:37] "Emotions are guides. Emotions are data. It is not who we are." — Claude Silver [0:23:53] "Ask questions. Add your two cents. If you're in the room, be big in the room. Share something. You have an idea that no one else has mentioned. I'm sure of it." — Claude Silver [0:34:03] Watch our Finding Brave episodes on YouTube! Don't forget – you can experience each Finding Brave episode in both audio and video formats! Check out new and recent episodes on my YouTube channel at YouTube.com/kathycaprino. And please leave us a comment and a thumbs up if you like the show!
Claude Silver: Be Yourself at Work Claude Silver is on a mission to revolutionize leadership, talent, and workplace culture. She is Chief Heart Officer at VaynerX and partners with CEO Gary Vaynerchuk to drive their success. Claude has earned Campaign US’s Female Frontier Award, and AdWeek’s Changing the Game Award and she's the author of Be Yourself at Work: The Groundbreaking Power of Showing Up, Standing Out, and Leading from the Heart (Amazon, Bookshop)*. We've all heard the advice to be ourselves at work. It's easier said than done. In this conversation, Claude and I explore how we can actually move past some of the unhelpful self-talk so that we can show up better, faster. Key Points We all have songs that play in our heads. When the song isn't working, it's time to change it. Labels are for soup cans, not people. Stop treating negative self-talk as gospel. Begin by identifying the label you've put on yourself that's harming you. When it's hard to see a harmful label, use times of either reflection or agitation to help surface it. Find the internal evidence for this label and record what confirms this belief and also what challenges it. If that's hard, invite someone else (a partner, friend, or therapist) to help you see it more objectively. Evolve by creating a new mantra for who you are becoming. If it doesn't seem doable today, ask yourself if you can envision it being true in the future. Resources Mentioned Be Yourself at Work: The Groundbreaking Power of Showing Up, Standing Out, and Leading from the Heart by Claude Silver (Amazon, Bookshop)*. Interview Notes Download my interview notes in PDF format (free membership required). Related Episodes How to Tame Your Inner Critic, with Tara Mohr (episode 232) How to Stand Up for Yourself, with Sunita Sah (episode 715) When It Feels Like You Don't Belong, with Muriel Wilkins (episode 756) Discover More Activate your free membership for full access to the entire library of interviews since 2011, searchable by topic. To accelerate your learning, uncover more inside Coaching for Leaders Plus.
We love to talk about authenticity at work… right up until someone actually shows up as their full, messy, human self and makes everyone clutch their pearls. In this episode, we unpack what it really means to be yourself at work with Claude Silver — the world's first Chief Heart Officer at VaynerX and author of Be Yourself at Work: The Groundbreaking Power of Showing Up, Standing Out, and Leading from the Heart. We get into the difference between authentic presence vs. executive presence, why “that's just who I am” is usually “fear” in a cute outfit, and how to stop armoring up at work without turning every meeting into group therapy. We talk about perfectionism, people-pleasing, power dynamics, calling people in (instead of just calling them out), and what it actually costs you and your company when you leave the real you at home. If you've ever wondered how to bring your heart into a workplace that's still obsessed with your hustle, or how to belong without shrinking or pretending, this conversation is your permission slip to stop faking it and start leading from the heart. We Explore: What authenticity at work really means (and why it's not “I say whatever I want, whenever I want”) The difference between confidence and authenticity – and why you need both How Claude defines authentic presence and why “executive presence” is starting to feel outdated Perfectionism as a confidence derailer and how it quietly kills trust, connection, and creativity How to share your real life (kids, chaos, hard mornings) at work without oversharing or dumping Navigating power dynamics when a client, boss, or leader says something that goes against your values How to find “your people” at work Gen Z and Gen Alpha aren't being “difficult” — they're just done with workplaces that value performance over personhood. They expect companies to evolve, not the other way around. If leaders want to keep and motivate this generation, they need to ditch command-and-control and lead with humanity. Authenticity isn't a bonus anymore — it's the baseline. Thank you to our sponsors! Get 20% off your first order at curehydration.com/WOMANSWORK with code WOMANSWORK — and if you get a post-purchase survey, mention you heard about Cure here to help support the show! Sex is a skill. Beducated is where you learn it. Visit https://beducate.me/pd2550-womanswork and use code womanswork for 50% off the annual pass. Connect with Claude: Book Website: https://www.beyourselfbook.com/ LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/casilver/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/claudesilver/?hl=en Related Podcast Episodes Work Shouldn't Suck: How to Make It Good with Moe Carrick | 356 15 Lies Women Are Told At Work with Bonnie Hammer | 330 The Hard Truths Of Entrepreneurship with Dr. Darnyelle Jervey Harmon | 313 Share the Love: If you found this episode insightful, please share it with a friend, tag us on social media, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform!
Are you trying to set teen boundaries without your child calling you “controlling” or “the worst parent ever”?If you want your teen to live by high standards—around tech, food, friends, habits, and lifestyle—you can't just make it your standard and enforce it. It has to become their standard. In this episode of the Extraordinary Family Life Podcast, Greg and Rachel break down exactly how they helped their own teens buy in so deeply that they now say things like, “I'm not putting that garbage in my body,” or “I don't waste my life on that.”Instead of rules and power struggles, they show you how to prioritize relationship over rules, lean on unconditional love, and teach the laws that govern health, happiness, success, and addiction—so your kids see for themselves where certain choices lead. When teens understand the why behind your standards, they stop feeling controlled and start choosing those standards for themselves.You'll also hear how the Dennings have intentionally made real life more compelling than video games or junk food—often inviting friends along for the ride—so the “different” lifestyle isn't a punishment, it's an upgrade.If you've ever wondered, “How do I hold the line without wrecking the relationship?” this conversation will give you a new framework: less control, more conviction—and a family standard that everyone owns.
Learn how today's guest went from eBay to AI-driven marketing. Discover his secrets to LinkedIn growth, UGC blitz campaigns, trade show ROI, and mastering AEO optimization. Rob Stanley, a trailblazer in the e-commerce realm since the late '90s, shares his unique journey from selling parts for Palm Pilots on eBay to pioneering iPhone repair sales via YouTube. With nearly three decades of experience, Rob uncovers the secrets behind maximizing LinkedIn presence and the power of user-generated content strategies. He also recounts his remarkable transformation from being the "money man" to collaborating with companies challenging giants like Shopify. His stories are not just about past achievements but offer a roadmap for today's e-commerce professionals looking to make a mark in a dynamic industry. Our conversation takes an exciting turn as we explore the captivating world of trade shows and the art of standing out. Rob shares vivid anecdotes on how to create unforgettable trade show experiences, emphasizing the need for creative hooks and interactive booth presentations to capture attendees' attention. Further, we dive into the art of crafting compelling LinkedIn posts that spur engagement, complete with insights on using varied content types and scheduling tools to maintain a vibrant online presence. With Rob's clever strategies, listeners will find themselves equipped with the tools to transform their LinkedIn and trade show tactics into genuine business growth. In the final segment, Rob and Kevin explore the future of e-commerce, with a spotlight on AI optimization tools and emerging trends. We discuss the innovative potential of Super User-Generated Content and the evolution of e-commerce platforms, such as Miva. Rob offers compelling insights into how AI tools are reshaping search engine strategies, ensuring that brands stay visible in an increasingly digital world. From driverless technology to the evolution of sales dynamics, Rob's expert perspective provides a glimpse into the future, urging listeners to stay ahead of the curve in this ever-evolving landscape. In episode 471 of the AM/PM Podcast, Kevin and Rob discuss: 00:00 - E-Commerce Journey With The "Money Man" Rob Stanley 07:51 - Discussion on Trade Shows and Feedback 08:46 - Maximizing Trade Show ROI 14:00 - Standing Out at Trade Shows 18:23 - Maximizing LinkedIn for E-Commerce Success 20:01 - Maximizing LinkedIn Engagement Strategies 24:41 - Promoting Brands and Products on LinkedIn 31:06 - Strategic Super UGC Marketing Blitz 38:11 - E-Commerce Industry Trends and Insights 44:33 - AI Optimization Tools for E-Commerce 48:47 - Chat GPT and AEO Rise 53:40 - Evolution of E-Commerce and AI 55:10 - Social Media Reach Out Tips
On this Live Greatly podcast episode, Kristel Bauer sits down with Claude Silver, Chief Heart Officer at VaynerX and the author of Be Yourself at Work: The Groundbreaking Power of Showing Up, Standing Out, and Leading from the Heart. Tune in now! Key Takeaways From This Episode: The importance of self-awareness Being able to be authentic at work The importance of knowing what is not work appropriate A look into Claude's book, Be Yourself at Work: The Groundbreaking Power of Showing Up, Standing Out, and Leading from the Heart Leadership tips ABOUT CLAUDE SILVER: Claude Silver is on a mission to revolutionize leadership, talent, and workplace culture. She is the world's first Chief Heart Officer at VaynerX and partners with CEO Gary Vaynerchuk to drive their success. She is the author of Be Yourself at Work: The Groundbreaking Power of Showing Up, Standing Out, and Leading from the Heart (Harper Business; October 28, 2025). Silver has earned Campaign US's Female Frontier Award and AdWeek's Changing the Game Award and she electrifies audiences at national and international conferences and at organizations, including Meta, Google, US Government agencies, and the US Armed Forces. She has been interviewed on dozens of podcasts and featured in The New York Times, Forbes, and The Wall Street Journal. Silver lives in New Jersey with her wife and two young children. Connect with Claude Order Claude's book: https://www.amazon.com/Be-Yourself-Work-Groundbreaking-Standing/dp/0063392437 Website: https://www.claudesilver.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/casilver/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/claudesilver/?hl=en About the Host of the Live Greatly podcast, Kristel Bauer: Kristel Bauer is a corporate wellness and performance expert, keynote speaker and TEDx speaker supporting organizations and individuals on their journeys for more happiness and success. She is the author of Work-Life Tango: Finding Happiness, Harmony, and Peak Performance Wherever You Work (John Murray Business November 19, 2024). With Kristel's healthcare background, she provides data driven actionable strategies to leverage happiness and high-power habits to drive growth mindsets, peak performance, profitability, well-being and a culture of excellence. Kristel's keynotes provide insights to "Live Greatly" while promoting leadership development and team building. Kristel is the creator and host of her global top self-improvement podcast, Live Greatly. She is a contributing writer for Entrepreneur, and she is an influencer in the business and wellness space having been recognized as a Top 10 Social Media Influencer of 2021 in Forbes. As an Integrative Medicine Fellow & Physician Assistant having practiced clinically in Integrative Psychiatry, Kristel has a unique perspective into attaining a mindset for more happiness and success. Kristel has presented to groups from the American Gas Association, Bank of America, bp, Commercial Metals Company, General Mills, Northwestern University, Santander Bank and many more. Kristel has been featured in Forbes, Forest & Bluff Magazine, Authority Magazine & Podcast Magazine and she has appeared on ABC 7 Chicago, WGN Daytime Chicago, Fox 4's WDAF-TV's Great Day KC, and Ticker News. Kristel lives in the Fort Lauderdale, Florida area and she can be booked for speaking engagements worldwide. To Book Kristel as a speaker for your next event, click here. Website: www.livegreatly.co Follow Kristel Bauer on: Instagram: @livegreatly_co LinkedIn: Kristel Bauer Twitter: @livegreatly_co Facebook: @livegreatly.co Youtube: Live Greatly, Kristel Bauer To Watch Kristel Bauer's TEDx talk of Redefining Work/Life Balance in a COVID-19 World click here. Click HERE to check out Kristel's corporate wellness and leadership blog Click HERE to check out Kristel's Travel and Wellness Blog Disclaimer: The contents of this podcast are intended for informational and educational purposes only. Always seek the guidance of your physician for any recommendations specific to you or for any questions regarding your specific health, your sleep patterns changes to diet and exercise, or any medical conditions. Always consult your physician before starting any supplements or new lifestyle programs. All information, views and statements shared on the Live Greatly podcast are purely the opinions of the authors, and are not medical advice or treatment recommendations. They have not been evaluated by the food and drug administration. Opinions of guests are their own and Kristel Bauer & this podcast does not endorse or accept responsibility for statements made by guests. Neither Kristel Bauer nor this podcast takes responsibility for possible health consequences of a person or persons following the information in this educational content. Always consult your physician for recommendations specific to you.
In this episode of Transform Your Workplace, host Brandon Laws sits down with Claude Silver, Chief Heart Officer at VaynerX and author of Be Yourself at Work: The Groundbreaking Power of Showing Up, Standing Out, and Leading from the Heart. Together, they unpack what it really means to lead with humanity in today's workplace. Claude shares stories from her own journey—from leaving a two-decade advertising career to building one of the most human-centered cultures in business—and offers practical wisdom for leaders who want to foster authenticity, connection, and belonging on their teams. Listeners will come away inspired to lead with heart, embrace imperfection, and create workplaces where people can show up as their true selves. Key Timestamps [00:02:00] Claude's bold career pivot and how she discovered her calling as Chief Heart Officer [00:04:30] The truth about workplace conformity and why authentic leadership is a competitive advantage [00:06:00] A pivotal moment at VaynerX that showed the power of inclusion and belonging [00:08:00] How leaders can help their people see their potential by moving ego to the back seat [00:11:00] The link between authenticity, trust, and happiness at work [00:13:00] The hidden cost when employees feel the need to "shrink" instead of being themselves [00:15:00] Claude's concept of emotional optimism and how optimism, bravery, and efficiency fuel resilient teams [00:19:00] Practical tools to stop workplace anxiety and get grounded in the moment [00:24:00] The difference between fitting in and belonging—and how leaders can help people claim their space [00:27:00] Why humility is the foundation of effective leadership [00:30:00] How imperfection and vulnerability build real trust [00:33:00] Collective vulnerability as a cultural agreement for authenticity [00:36:00] The hardest part of heart-centered leadership and how Claude continues to grow in clarity [00:38:00] The biggest mindset shift in leadership—seeing through the lies we tell ourselves [00:40:00] Rediscovering emotional intelligence as a leadership superpower [00:41:00] The real ROI of bringing humanity into the workplace A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST Podcast: Transform Your Workplace, sponsored by Xenium HR Host: Brandon Laws In Brandon's own words: "The Transform Your Workplace podcast is your go-to source for the latest workplace trends, big ideas, and time-tested methods straight from the mouths of industry experts and respected thought-leaders." About Xenium HR Xenium HR is on a mission to transform workplaces by providing expert outsourced HR and payroll services for small and medium-sized businesses. With a people-first approach, Xenium helps organizations create thriving work environments where employees feel valued and supported. From navigating compliance to enhancing workplace culture, Xenium offers tailored solutions that empower growth and simplify HR. Whether managing employee relations, payroll processing, or implementing impactful training programs, Xenium is the trusted partner businesses rely on to elevate their workplace experience. Discover how Xenium can transform your workplace: Learn more Connect with Brandon Laws: LinkedIn Instagram About Connect with Xenium HR: Website LinkedIn Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube
AI has flooded the world of podcasting, making it more competitive and crowded than ever before. Thankfully, there's a way that podcasters can stand out by simply being themselves. In this episode, Alex Sanfilippo shares that the best way to stand out in the world of AI is by embracing your humanity and doubling down on your own unique creativity. Get ready to stand out more than you ever have as a podcast host or guest without having to sell your soul!MORE FROM THIS EPISODE: HTTPS://PODMATCH.COM/EP/354Chapters00:00 The Inbox Dilemma: AI's Impact on Communication07:29 Standing Out in the Age of AI: Key StrategiesTakeawaysAI is increasingly influencing communication, leading to frustration in personal interactions.Human-created content resonates better with audiences than AI-generated content.Direct communication should always be human to human to foster genuine connections.AI should be used to save time, allowing creators to focus on their creative efforts.Creativity is a muscle that needs to be exercised to avoid losing it.Podcasters should prioritize their unique voice in their content.AI can assist with administrative tasks but should not replace human creativity.Engagement and connection are key to standing out in a crowded space.The human element is irreplaceable in content creation and communication.Using AI effectively means leveraging it without losing one's personal touch.MORE FROM THIS EPISODE: HTTPS://PODMATCH.COM/EP/354
Building relationships with your audience, thriving as a content creator in a crowded market, and adapting to AI with Stephanie Woodin from Raptive. Welcome to episode 540 of The Food Blogger Pro Podcast! This is the first episode of Can't Be Automated: A Raptive Series on Scaling, Standing Out, and Staying Human. To kick-off the series, Bjork interviews Stephanie Woodin from Raptive. Authenticity, AI, and Audience Connection This week, we're joined by Stephanie Woodin to pull back the curtain on her brand-new podcast with Raptive, Ctrl+Alt+Ask, and dive into the fast-changing world of the creator economy. Stephanie has spent years working with top creators at Raptive, and now, as the host of Ctrl+Alt+Ask, she's taking calls from creators to talk about everything from burnout and branding to revenue strategies, AI, SEO, and more. She's the perfect person to chat with Bjork about the unique challenges creators face today. In this episode, Bjork and Stephanie unpack what it takes to thrive as a content creator in a crowded space, how AI is reshaping the industry, and practical ways to grow and connect with your audience. Three episode takeaways: Authenticity is key to standing out —Stephanie shares how standing out today means showing up as your real, relatable self. Authenticity is key to building trust, positioning yourself as an expert, and staying ahead of AI-generated content. Building relationships with your audience is crucial — Success isn't just about great content, it's about connection. Stephanie explains how treating your audience like real people (because they are!) can transform your brand and build long-term loyalty. How AI is transforming content creation and brand deals — Stephanie breaks down how AI is shifting the way brands work with creators — and why being the “face” behind your blog or business matters more than ever. Resources: Raptive Ctrl+Alt+Ask Search Quality Rater Guidelines: An Overview 424: The Future of Content Creation (and Protection) in a World of AI with Paul Bannister from Raptive 410: AI, Third-Party Cookies, and Changes in Video Advertising Standards with Paul Bannister from Raptive 352: How to Optimize Your Ad Revenue with Paul Bannister and Courtney Kahn from AdThrive Inspired Taste Email Stephanie at Ctrl+Alt+Ask Join the Food Blogger Pro Podcast Facebook Group Thank you to our sponsors! This episode is sponsored by Raptive. Interested in working with us too? Learn more about our sponsorship opportunities and how to get started here. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions for interviews, be sure to email them to podcast@foodbloggerpro.com. Learn more about joining the Food Blogger Pro community at foodbloggerpro.com/membership.
Welcome back to Your World of Creativity, the show where we dive into the minds of creative leaders around the globe. I'm your host, Mark Stinson. Today, we're exploring the intersection of creativity, branding, and personal growth with someone who's built unforgettable brands from the ground up.Our guest today is Judy Winslow, known as The Brandologist. With more than three decades of experience in marketing and branding, Judy's helped Fortune 100 companies and visionary entrepreneurs build powerful brands that leave lasting impressions. She's the author of Ignite Your Faith and Third Act Encore, and she brings a unique blend of marketing strategy, personal development, and innovation to her work.Judy's Website @jWINSceoPRO on Instagram Judy's Facebook page 1. The DNA of a Memorable Brand“Judy, your clients often come to you seeking that ‘it factor'—something to make their brand unforgettable. In your experience, what are the key ingredients that turn a brand into an emotional, authentic, and lasting connection with its audience?”2. Aligning Purpose with Profit“You often say that it's a disservice not to share your unique gifts with the world. How do you help clients align their purpose and passion with a profitable brand strategy, especially in industries like health, wellness, and personal development?”3. Standing Out in a Crowded Market“In a world of endless noise and digital clutter, what's your advice to someone trying to get their voice heard and their brand noticed—without falling into gimmicks or losing authenticity?”4. Building the Brand from Within“You've said that confidence and clarity are crucial in brand-building. How do you guide individuals—especially solopreneurs or creatives—through the inner work of discovering their true gifts and strengths?”5. The Brandologist's Legacy: What Lasts?“You've worked with icons from Cover Girl to Yves Saint Laurent and now with inspired entrepreneurs. What have you learned about the evolution of branding—and what do you think it takes to really leave a legacy?”This episode was brought to you by White Cloud Coffee Roasters—because bold ideas deserve bold coffee. Get 10% off your first order at WhiteCloudCoffee.com with the code CREATIVITY at checkout.Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review Your World of Creativity on your favorite podcast platform. And join us again next time as we continue unlocking your world of creativity.J. Winslow is “The Brandologist”, developing strategies to build your business & life. With 3+ decades of experience and a 93% success rate, she's won numerous awards, co-founded a marketing firm in NYC working with Fortune 100s to start-ups, founded TEDxSarasota and is an International Best Selling author and speaker. Her global roster of CEOs and Founders focuses on impactful innovation, leadership and brand expansion. She's appeared on ABC TV, SmileJamaicaTV and is a frequent podcast guest.
Today's episode is for the scrappy, heart-on-fire entrepreneur who knows there's treasure hidden in places no one else dares to look. You see, I grew up learning to spot potential where most saw "junk." From yard sales with my dad to watching my mom transform discarded plants into a blooming garden, I learned that value isn't about what something looks like—it's what you make of it.And guess what? That's the SAME mindset I use to build my business.In this solo episode, I take you on a trip down memory lane—back to Kmart garden centers, tiny motorhomes, and our thousand-square-foot family home—to share the unexpected ways my childhood shaped how I show up as a CEO. I talk about what it means to “sift through the dirt” and why being willing to do what others won't is the ultimate business edge.We cover:The unexpected connection between thrifting and scalingWhy you need to embrace imperfect, slow growthMy 3-part content plan that gets me results (and it's NOT glamorous!)How to treat your “weeds” like potential bloomsThis episode isn't just about nostalgia—it's about real business strategy rooted in grit, consistency, and seeing what others overlook. So whether you're bootstrapping or bossing up, know this: the gold is in the dirt... you just have to be willing to dig.Click play to hear all of this and:[00:00] Why You Must See Opportunity Where Others Don't [02:52] The Dirt Kmart Tried to Throw Away [05:39] The Business Lesson in Cultivating What Others Discard [08:12] Why Posting Daily is ‘Digging in the Dirt' [10:47] The Secret to Standing Out? Doing What Others Won't
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