Podcasts about stay ahead

At just ten years old, Kim Storin was writing letters to CEOs, asking for donations and clearly outlining why her cause mattered. That instinct to connect people, solve problems, and step forward without permission never left her. Years later, as Chief Marketing Officer at Zoom, that same mindset shapes how she leads one of the most trusted brands in modern work. In this episode, Kim joins Ilana to share Zoom's evolution from a single, iconic product into a broad portfolio of solutions, and what it takes to reinvent a brand the world already relies on without losing trust. Kim Storin is the Chief Marketing Officer at Zoom and a seasoned marketing leader with experience spanning consulting, enterprise transformation, and global brand leadership. She has held senior leadership roles at companies including Dell, IBM, and Deloitte. In this episode, Ilana and Kim will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (03:44) Making Bold Requests at Age Ten (06:28) Problem Solving as Her Career Compass (14:53) Receiving the Hardest Feedback of Her Career (17:40) Athletic Pursuits and Influence on Leadership (20:50) Joining Zoom and Leading Its Transformation (23:38) How Zoom Reinvented and Repositioned Itself (27:12) The New Era of Marketing and How to Stay Ahead (30:33) AI as a Teammate, Not a Threat (35:08) Redefining Success Beyond Metrics and Titles (38:30) The Right Way to Build a Portfolio Career Kim Storin is the Chief Marketing Officer at Zoom, where she leads global marketing strategy, brand, and growth as the company evolves into a broader communications platform. Prior to Zoom, Kim held senior leadership roles at companies including Dell, IBM, Deloitte, and multiple high-growth organizations. She is also a lifelong athlete, marathon runner, and is passionate about building the next generation of market leaders. Connect with Kim: Kim's LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kimberlystorin  Resources Mentioned: Zoom: https://www.zoom.com  Leap Academy: LeapCon is the #1 Conference for Reinvention, Leadership & Career — a powerful 3‑day experience designed to help you unlock what's next in your career and life.

In this episode of The Green Industry Podcast, host Paul Jamison reveals the top 5 high-impact offseason strategies every lawn care business owner should tackle right now to maximize equipment reliability, team performance, client loyalty, revenue diversification, and next-season profitability.

No matter what you do for a living, you've got to stay ahead of the game.    If you've been comfy and stagnant, listen closely.............   The way you've been working, making money and living your life is about to change drastically.    While you know A.I. is here, you also know when the market gets flooded with tech, it's tech they've been testing, refining, and working on for 20 plus years.    Look at trends.    Attend all the industry masterminds and meetings you can.    Do your research.    And then, get to work to stay ahead.    The curve don't wait for no one.    About the ReWire Podcast   The ReWire Podcast with Ryan Stewman – Dive into powerful insights as Ryan Stewman, the HardCore Closer, breaks down mental barriers and shares actionable steps to rewire your thoughts. Each episode is a fast-paced journey designed to reshape your mindset, align your actions, and guide you toward becoming the best version of yourself. Join in for a daily dose of real talk that empowers you to embrace change and unlock your full potential.    Learn how you can become a member of a powerful community consistently rewiring itself for success at ⁠⁠https://www.jointheapex.com/⁠⁠   Rise Above

In this episode of The Fractional CMO Show, Casey talks directly to the underdog - the marketer who's never held the CMO title. Maybe you got passed over. Maybe you've been grinding in agencies where the title was never in the cards. You're sitting there thinking: how can I be a fractional CMO without the credential?    Casey breaks down why your lack of a fancy title doesn't matter. You understand how marketing fundamentally works - persuasion, pain, desire. You can deploy entire campaigns in your sleep. The gap between where you are and fractional CMO isn't as wide as you think.    Get your confidence from your intention, not your experience. Your first client might not be $15K monthly but you're proving yourself and closing the gap. Win that client. Hire one person on their dime. Now you've managed people. Do it with a second client. Now you've managed teams.    You're not starting from impossibility. You're starting from fundamentals. And that's enough to get moving. Key Topics Covered: -You can become a fractional CMO without ever holding the title  -Understanding marketing fundamentals beats having the credential  -Start with a lower-priced client ($3K) and work more hours to prove yourself  -Get your confidence from intention to serve, not from past experience  -Build management experience by hiring one person per client  -The experience gap closes by doing the work, not thinking about it  -You're not precluded from success just because you're not "the best"  -Position yourself now - fractional C-suite roles are exploding by 2030

The year 2026 is off to a volatile start, and this week on the Transfix Take podcast, we're breaking down the perfect storm of record-breaking weather, shifting rate cycles, and a major regulatory crackdown in California. If you're a freight broker or transportation professional trying to navigate the "capacity red zone," this episode is your essential guide to staying ahead of the game. Inside This Episode: Winter Storm Fern & The Capacity Red Zone: A massive "Arctic blast" has blanketed the Northeast and Southern Plains, with Yonkers, NY seeing up to 15 inches of snow and Texas grappling with black ice and freezing rain. We break down the regional road closures (I-95, I-40, I-81) and explain why a massive backlog of freight is building in the South. The California CDL Crackdown: Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has announced a "national emergency," withholding $160 million in highway funding from California after the state failed to revoke roughly 17,000 "illegally issued" non-domiciled CDLs. Could this lead to a significant capacity shift in early 2026? Market Trends & Rate Forecasts: National average line haul rates saw a staggering 25% increase from December through mid-January. While rates traditionally decline through April, the persistent winter weather has halted that downward trend. Justin Maze shares his outlook on where contract rates will land and why the market might be in for a "fun ride" through Q1. Macroeconomic Signals: With the Federal Reserve meeting this week, all eyes are on a potential interest rate cut. We discuss how housing starts and manufacturing demand remain the real drivers for a market turnaround. Regional Market Snapshots: Southeast: Slim uptick expected as carriers battle facility closures and backlogs. Northeast & Midwest: Heavy snow in PA and Wisconsin is tightening capacity and driving spot rates upward. West Coast: The "lucky" region with 70-degree weather, but keep an eye on how California's regulatory issues impact the broader driver pool. Don't miss our special announcement! Heading to Manifest (Feb 9–12)? Stop by Booth 1682 to meet the Transfix team and hear about our latest TMS and cost solutions. Stay Safe. Stay Informed. Stay Ahead. -- Disclaimer: All views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Transfix, Inc. or any parent companies or affiliates or the companies with which the participants are affiliated, and may have been previously disseminated by them. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are based upon information considered reliable, but neither Transfix, Inc. nor its affiliates, nor the companies with which such participants are affiliated, warrant its completeness or accuracy, and it should not be relied upon as such. All such views and opinions are subject to change.

Wait.... AI can do THAT now?

In this episode of The Fractional CMO Show, Casey shares a line from a boardroom member that stopped him cold: "I'm never going back." This member joined the accelerator in 2025, won their first two clients, and declared they're done with W2 work forever. Casey breaks down why this declaration changes everything.   Casey shares the moment he left his agency thinking they'd miss him - they didn't skip a beat. The agency owner tried scaring him about insurance and taxes. Turns out that "security" was bullshit. Companies fire 15-year employees in five-minute Friday meetings without emotion.    You see how the world actually works when you win that first fractional client. Your value isn't being likeable or having insights - it's identifying and solving big problems. You write your own rules. You're at every appointment that matters. You're not too old, too young, or missing the MBA - those are excuses.    Get that first client paying $3-15K monthly for strategy, not implementation. You'll taste the freedom and say it yourself: I'm never going back.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ Key Topics Covered: -"I'm never going back": A boardroom member's declaration after winning their first two fractional clients - and why it hit Casey so hard -You see how the world actually works: Not the fake security of W2 work where companies fire people in five-minute meetings - the real meritocracy where big problems get big rewards -You understand your actual value: Identifying and solving big problems. Nothing else matters - not being likeable, not tenure, not showing up -You control your own time: At every appointment that matters, every family moment - no asking permission or burning vacation days to be present -You write the rules: Too old, too young, no MBA, wrong industry - all bullshit excuses keeping you from the game you actually want to play -Freedom tastes different: 3-4 clients at $3-15K monthly for strategy work, not implementation - then you get it and never want to go back​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

In this episode of The Fractional CMO Show, Casey tackles the brutal reality every fractional CMO faces: prospects just don't care about what you're offering.    Casey shares a war story about losing a private jet deal the moment he confused "FOB" with "FBO" - instantly revealing himself as an outsider faking expertise. The prospect literally laughed in his face. Most fractional CMOs show up talking about "marketing that isn't working" instead of understanding the CEO whose marriage is crumbling from late nights, or the franchisor terrified about what their FDD will reveal.    The truth? You don't know your audience well enough. Experienced executives don't hire generalists claiming to help "B2B SaaS" or "healthcare." Learn the pains. Speak the language. Become a student of one specific industry instead of pretending you can help everyone. Key Topics Covered: -Know your audience deeply: Become fluent in their language and visceral pains, not surface-level problems  -The FOB vs FBO lesson: One wrong acronym cost Casey a private jet client - proving he was an outsider faking expertise  -Real pains business owners face: Crumbling marriages from late nights, embarrassing FDD reports, losing first-to-market position, burnt out from bad consulting advice  -"B2B SaaS" isn't a niche: Go specific enough that you know when companies get funding, what software they use, and speak the insider language  -Nobody knows who you are: Stop waiting for inbound - go talk to strangers, build real relationships, announce yourself as the specialist  -Business owners spend aggressively: They don't want to save money, they want speed - and they'll pay for the right person  -Bridge the awareness gap: Prospects know something's broken but don't know a fractional CMO exists as the solution

In this episode of The Fractional CMO Show, Casey tackles the question every fractional CMO is asking: Which AI tools should I be using? But his answer isn't what you'd expect.    Casey admits he spent 14 months considering ditching fractional work entirely to chase the AI gold rush. Instead, he doubled down on something old-fashioned: actually knowing how to do the work. He shares war stories of letting Claude write a client report that turned out mediocre, and the AI-generated voiceover that everyone hated - until his experience proved it doubled results.    The truth? AI won't fix bad fundamentals. If you can't write persuasive copy yourself or don't understand how ads actually work, ChatGPT will just help you produce garbage faster. Learn the craft first, then use AI to speed up what you already know how to do right. Key Topics Covered: -Be a Renaissance man/woman first: Understand copywriting, design fundamentals, how ads actually work before touching AI  -Study the masters: Gary Halbert, John Carlton, Paris Lampropoulos, David Deutsch - learn persuasive copy from the greats  -AI can't replace taste, discernment, and experience: These three things are what clients actually pay you for  -Do it manually first, then use AI to scale: Write the ad yourself, make it work, then prompt AI for 50 variations  -His actual AI stack: ChatGPT and Claude for writing, Eleven Labs for voiceovers, Lovable/Bolt for quick web mockups  -Don't outsource critical thinking: AI note-takers and automation rob you of the skills that make you valuable

In this bonus episode of The Fractional CMO Show, Casey opens up a raw coaching call with people who aren't fractional CMOs yet—but want to be. These are agency owners tired of the hamster wheel, strategists stuck doing execution, and full-time employees wondering if this fractional thing is actually real.   John is worried about getting pulled into grunt work. Laura thinks she needs a bigger title before she's "qualified enough." Beth is stuck in small-town Iowa wondering how to build a sales funnel. Angela keeps getting asked for small projects when she wants to sell the big vision. Casey coaches through each scenario in real-time, cutting through the mental blocks that keep people from winning their first client.   The truth? You're already qualified. Geography doesn't matter. One client at $5K/month will completely shift how you see what's possible. Key Topics Covered: -First month delivers strategy ($10K-$12K), then transition to $10K/month engaged or $4K/month advisor ongoing -Tell clients immediately you work with marketing talent (20-40 hrs/week), not as the talent -Stop waiting for permission, another title, or more experience—you have enough today -Geography is irrelevant: Cold email, LinkedIn content, becoming the online expert—that's how you win -Ask curious questions, don't pitch: "Where are you? Where do you want to be? What's working?" Let them chase you -Fixed pricing only: Monthly retainer, no projects. When they ask for project pricing: "That's not for me. I do fixed fees." -Own the 2-year vision: Zoom out from small projects to the destination, then chunk it into campaigns they can't execute without you​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

In this episode of The Fractional CMO Show, Casey opens up a raw coaching call with people who aren't fractional CMOs yet—but want to be. These are agency owners tired of the hamster wheel, strategists stuck doing execution, and full-time employees wondering if this fractional thing is actually real.    Casey coaches through real deals happening this week: Eric transitioning from agency to targeting private equity exits, Roxy discovering clients keep telling her she's a "really strong strategist" but she's drowning in execution, Paul pitching a $30M company, and Ernesto trying to find IVF clinic owners who want marketing leadership instead of just need it. The conversation cuts through the noise—stop pitching, stop discounting, start having curious conversations that make fractional CMO services the obvious solution. Key Topics Covered: -The 3-5 client rule: Three is ideal—more clients means mixing up names like dating multiple people at once  -Financial structure: Client pays your fee directly (~$9,700 of $10K), then separately pays for the team you build  -Luxury pricing: They should say "that makes sense" not "can you discount?"  -Warm outreach: Share your shift, ask "who should I meet?" not "will you hire me?"  -The exit conversation: Surface if they're selling in 2 years—they won't tell their team but they'll tell you  -Never pitch, discover: Ask questions until fractional CMO is obvious, then "what questions do you have?"  -Agency owners can transition without shutting down—fractional work is separate  -Discounting kills relationships: Clients who negotiate once nickel-and-dime forever  -Find people who want to grow: Show them you're the bridge—they don't need to know fractional CMO exists yet

In this episode, Doug and Jess break down the 2025 State of Sales report, exploring how AI, informed buyers, and content trends are reshaping the sales process. They discuss what works, what doesn't, and why human insight is more critical than ever.For updates on new episodes, follow us on:LinkedIn: Lift Enablement, Doug Davidoff, Jess CardenasSubscribe to our YouTube channel!You can access the show notes and watch the video version of the show on our page. Thanks for listening and remember to just say no to shitty RevOps! 

In this episode of The Fractional CMO Show, Casey continues the conversation with a dozen successful women from the CMOx accelerator boardroom. This is part two of a webinar series where these fractional CMOs get real about building six-figure practices on their own terms.   These aren't beginners. These are women commanding $10K+ monthly retainers, managing teams of 30+ people across multiple clients, and turning down full-time job offers even when they didn't have paying clients yet. They come from automotive, financial services, SaaS, climate tech, life sciences, and consumer brands.   The conversation digs into pricing psychology, imposter syndrome, getting ghosted by prospects, why portfolio obsession is a waste of time, and the counterintuitive truth that higher-paying clients are actually less demanding. Casey laser coaches through some tough questions about what's really holding people back from charging what they're worth and claiming the expert position they've already earned. Key Topics Covered: -Why higher-paying clients are less demanding and require less "keyboard time" while creating bigger impact -Stop competing on price—establish your rate and find clients who pay it, not clients you have to convince -Corporate conditioning taught you the finish line always moves—fractional work means you set the standards -You're not competing with other fractionals—your success lives in relationships with 20-50 people over your lifetime -Getting ghosted isn't personal until they explicitly say no—keep following up with creative persistence -Pitch decks are overrated—sell the bespoke solution, not a menu of services -Some deals close in a day, others take a year of showing up consistently in someone's world -Who's a good fit: committed, coachable, vulnerable people willing to do the work and hear no​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

On Aon — Episode 98How Leaders Stay Ahead: Balancing Risk and Strategic ChoicesIn this episode of On Aon, Aaron Olson, executive vice president for  Aon's Enterprise Client Group and co-author of the book Strategy and Change: Finding Opportunity in Disruption Through Insight, Choice and Risk, is joined by co-authors Richard Waterer, Aon's global risk consulting leader, and Ward Ching, Aon's managing director of global risk finance. Together, they explore what it takes for leaders to stay ahead in a world of volatility — sharing approaches to balance risk, embrace change and uncover new paths for growth and innovation.Key takeaways: Aaron, Richard and Ward explore three key themes:Insight – To succeed, organizations must strengthen pattern recognition and systems thinking to surface blind spots and assumptions before they turn into costly errors.Choice – Business leaders need to focus on improving strategic choices and understand the impact of each decision to ensure every choice supports their goals.Risk – Rather than avoiding risk, organizations can harness it as a catalyst for growth — aligning risk appetite, feedback from incidents and execution so organizations can move boldly and adapt quickly.Experts in this episode:Aaron Olson —  Executive Vice President, Enterprise Client Group, AonRichard Waterer — Global Risk Consulting Leader, Commercial Risk, AonWard Ching — Managing Director, Global Risk Finance, AonKey moments:(3:34) Aaron explains the concepts of insight, choice and risk — critical capabilities for navigating disruptive change that leaders and organizations will need to build.(5:53) Ward highlights how we have moved from the information age to the digital age, where information is being curated in fundamentally new ways, which reshapes the way leaders need to think about strategic choice and disruption.   (10:20) Richard explains how risk has often been misunderstood as something to avoid when it can be seen as a driver of insight and opportunity.Additional Resources:Strategy and Change: Finding Opportunity in Disruption Through Insight, Choice and RiskFindings from Aon's Global Risk Management Survey SoundbitesRichard Waterer:“So the idea is simple by clearly defining how much risk an organization is willing to take. You don't just draw a line between danger and safety, you actually create a runway for innovation and growth.”Aaron Olson:“We have found...during times of disruptive change, insight becomes particularly important, both the use of analytics to understand and evaluate situations and the importance of addressing and considering blind spots.”

People aren't leaving for culture only— they're leaving for better pay. What if compensation data could predict hiring problems before they happen?In this episode of The Business Ownership Podcast, I interviewed Cary Sparrow. Founder, CEO at WageScape - A former US Navy officer who served on several nuclear submarines, turned Entrepreneur. With 35+ years (combined) of engineering, military, consulting, technology, and operations leadership in achieving organizational growth makes him a guest of value to HR leaders and other decision-makers wanting to navigate the labor market, Cary is paving the way for HR professionals and consulting firms to predict the future of wage-pay.If you hire, manage, or retain people — this episode is for you. Before you lose another great employee, check this out!Show Links:Cary Sparrow LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carysparrow/WageScape Website: https://wagescape.com/Book a call with Michelle: https://go.appointmentcore.com/book/IcFD4cGJoin our Facebook group for business owners to get help or help other business owners!The Business Ownership Group - Secrets to Scaling: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessownershipsecretstoscalingLooking to scale your business? Get free gifts here to help you on your way: https://www.awarenessstrategies.com/

Pete Gosling is a creative agency founder, AI strategist, and author helping businesses adapt and thrive in the fast-changing landscape of design, technology, and marketing. As the leader of GDS Pro and Design Tech AI, Pete applies 20+ years of creative and business experience—from animation and digital advertising to AI-powered solutions—to empower marketers and creatives to embrace change with resilience, curiosity, and actionable frameworks. His new book, "Relentless Impact," equips professionals with the mindset and practical tools to turn disruption into opportunity and continuous growth. In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Pete Gosling joins Robert Plank to explore how agencies, marketers, and creatives can stay ahead of the curve by developing an AI-first mindset. Pete shares practical lessons from his journey through multiple technology disruptions, discusses why adaptability is more important than rigid long-term plans, and introduces the "momentum loop" framework for continuous improvement. Listeners will hear how skills evolve, why leadership is now essential at every level, and how to channel setbacks into fuel for innovation and business growth. Quotes: “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face.”“The harder I work, the luckier I get.”“Don't try to avoid mistakes or hide from potential issues. Real strength is being able to take a punch and keep going.” Resources: Visit Pete Gosling's Website Connect with Pete Gosling on LinkedIn

In this episode of The Fractional CMO Show, a dozen women from the CMOx accelerator boardroom come together to share their real experiences building successful fractional CMO practices. This is part one of a two-part series that started when member Courtney challenged Casey's solo episode—pointing out there was a whole perspective he couldn't see. These aren't theoretical success stories. These are women pulling in $10K+ per month in recurring revenue, with at least two hitting $50,000 months in November. They come from wildly different backgrounds: automotive, financial services, SaaS, climate tech, life sciences, and consumer brands.    The group dig into what it's actually like—the double standards, the over-apologizing, the tendency to work above contract and undercharge, the corporate conditioning that taught them to fight for a seat at the table and then second-guess everything once they got there. But this isn't a grievance session. It's about what's possible on the other side: no politics, choosing your clients, charging what you're worth, and showing up as the expert you always were without making yourself smaller. Key Topics Covered: Why women undercharge and go "far above and beyond" contracts—and the conditioning behind it -The "too direct" double bind: male colleagues say it, they're leaders—you say it, you're a bitch  -Your ideas get ignored until a guy repeats them five minutes later -Why clients let fractionals challenge them but shut down internal employees saying the exact same thing -The confidence gap: men apply at 30%, women wait for 90%—time to close it -Stop apologizing for things that aren't yours -As a fractional, you get to fire bad clients and set real boundaries—something full-time never allowed

Think aging is a slow, steady process? Science says your body actually faces two “agingbursts”—one at 44, another at 60—where joints, skin, and energy can change almost overnight. Butthere's good news: Small, daily choices can dodge that “aging avalanche.” Find out how to spot thesigns and take control!Health Alternative of the WeekHealth Outrage of the WeekProduct Recall of the WeekHealthy Mystery of the WeekDr. Adam Brockman answers caller questions

“Instead of asking yourself, 'How will this replace me,' ask yourself, 'How can this help me?”Willem Gous Top Five Tips To Stay Ahead In The Age of AI Disruption 1. Shift from Fear to Curiosity2. Act Small, Act Fast3. Focus on Adaptability, Not Certainty4. Think Like an Entrepreneur5. Take the Next Small, Doable Step TIME STAMP SUMMARY01:50 Using AI as a thinking partner to enhance one's own capabilities.07:20 Taking small, fast actions with AI and automation to see how they can help achieve goals.11:40 Adopting an entrepreneurial mindset17:00 Becoming a chameleon and adapting to new situations  Where to find WillemWebsite                              https://willem-gous.com  LinkedIn                             http://za.linkedin.com/in/willemgous    Willem Gous Bio Willem Gous is a global expert in entrepreneurial thinking and human adaptability, the skills that keep people and organisations ahead when the world changes fast. He works with companies to build teams that stay calm in disruption, think clearly under pressure, and take confident action to create innovative solutions. His practical approach makes adaptability and innovation part of everyday work, not just a one-off event.With over 25 years of experience in business and entrepreneurship, Willem delivers practical frameworks that shift how people think and work. His signature model, the Indivineur Thinking Compass, activates five core principles that unlock adaptability, resourcefulness and internal locus of control in organisations. Willem holds a Master's degree from the University of Liverpool, U.K.,was named Startup Mentor of the Year 2023, and ranks as a Top 50 Global Thought Leader with Thinkers360 in Lean Startup and Careers. Offstage, he is a single father and certified firewalking instructor, proving that the right mindset and preparation make anything possible.

Now on Spotify Video! Most people have been using AI for decades, but only a few understand how to leverage it. After more than 40 years in the field, Stephen Wolfram has seen how breakthroughs like ChatGPT seem to emerge out of nowhere, and he believes the real power isn't the technology itself, but learning how to think in a way machines can work with. In this episode of the AI Vault series, Stephen breaks down how artificial intelligence truly works, what the future of automation will look like,  and why mastering computational thinking is the next critical skill for entrepreneurs and innovators. In this episode, Hala and Stephen will discuss: (00:00) Introduction (02:31) His Early Fascination With Science and AI (05:52) How Artificial Intelligence Began (14:18) The Foundations of Computational Thinking (21:31) The Role of Computational Thinking in AI (25:52) How ChatGPT and Neural Networks Work (33:45) Can AI Develop Real Consciousness? (39:23) How AI Will Transform the Future of Work (45:27) Will AI in Action Surpass Human Intelligence? Stephen Wolfram is a computer scientist, mathematician, theoretical physicist, and the founder and CEO of Wolfram Research. He created Mathematica, Wolfram Alpha, and the Wolfram Language, and is widely recognized for his pioneering work in computation and complex systems. A MacArthur “Genius” Grant recipient, Stephen has authored several influential books, including What Is ChatGPT Doing? Today, he stands as one of the leading voices shaping global understanding of AI and computational thinking. Sponsored By: Indeed - Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at Indeed.com/PROFITING  Shopify - Start your $1/month trial at Shopify.com/profiting.  Revolve - Head to REVOLVE.com/PROFITING and take 15% off your first order with code PROFITING  DeleteMe - Remove your personal data online. Get 20% off DeleteMe consumer plans at to joindeleteme.com/profiting  Spectrum Business - Visit Spectrum.com/FreeForLife to learn how you can get Business Internet Free Forever. Airbnb - Find yourself a cohost at airbnb.com/host  Northwest Registered Agent - Build your brand and get your complete business identity in just 10 clicks and 10 minutes at northwestregisteredagent.com/paidyap Framer - Publish beautiful and production-ready websites. Go to Framer.com/design and use code PROFITING Intuit QuickBooks - Bring your money and your books together in one platform at QuickBooks.com/money  Resources Mentioned: Stephen's Book, What Is ChatGPT Doing?: bit.ly/-ChatGPT  Stephen's Website: stephenwolfram.com  Stephen's Book, A New Kind of Science: bit.ly/NKScience  Stephen's Book, An Elementary Introduction to the Wolfram Language: bit.ly/WolframL  Active Deals - youngandprofiting.com/deals  Key YAP Links Reviews - ratethispodcast.com/yap YouTube - youtube.com/c/YoungandProfiting Newsletter - youngandprofiting.co/newsletter  LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/htaha/ Instagram - instagram.com/yapwithhala/ Social + Podcast Services: yapmedia.com Transcripts - youngandprofiting.com/episodes-new  Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurship Podcast, Business, Business Podcast, Self Improvement, Self-Improvement, Personal Development, Starting a Business, Strategy, Investing, Sales, Selling, Psychology, Productivity, Entrepreneurs, AI, Artificial Intelligence, Technology, Marketing, Negotiation, Money, Finance, Side Hustle, Startup, Mental Health, Career, Leadership, Mindset, Health, Growth Mindset, AI Marketing, Prompt, AI in Business, Generative AI, AI for Entrepreneurs, AI Podcast 

In this week's episode, James Shepherd sits down with Allen Kopelman, CEO of Nationwide Payment Systems and host of the B2B Vault podcast, for a wide-ranging discussion on the biggest shifts reshaping merchant services today. From the Visa/Mastercard settlement and VAMP chargeback rules to the growing pressure on ISOs to own their tech stack, Allen shares what he's seeing firsthand — and why agents must rethink how they sell, support, and position technology to compete in 2026 and beyond. They break down the rise of processor-agnostic software, the future of hardware, the growing push for ISOs to streamline onboarding with automated funnels, and how agents can stay relevant by focusing on the right verticals, the right partners, and the right products. After the interview, James and Patti Murphy dive into a new Today in Payments, breaking down fresh data on holiday spending, the continued rise of Buy Now, Pay Later, and the growing momentum behind real-time payments like RTP and FedNow—and how they compare to legacy ACH rails.

In this episode of The Fractional CMO Show, Casey Stanton breaks down exactly why deals fall apart—and why most of the time, it's not about you. Drawing from Eugene Schwartz's Breakthrough Advertising, Casey walks through the stages of prospect awareness and reveals the harsh truth: 20% of deals will never close, 20% are laydowns, and 60% require serious follow-up. He shares real stories from the field—prospects who ghosted after great calls, a doctor who chose a $500 AI tool over a fractional CMO, and deals that stalled despite perfect chemistry.   Casey gets into the psychology of the sale: problem awareness, motivation, timing, and budget—and how to know when a "no" has nothing to do with your skills. He shares his own low points, like selling his car the day before a payment was due while rebuilding his business, and explains how staying steady and relentless—even when desperate—is what separates fractional CMOs who thrive from those who struggle. Key Topics Covered: -The stages of prospect awareness and why deals die before you pitch -Problem-aware but unmotivated prospects—and when to let them go -Why your pricing conversation should end with "that makes sense" -Getting to yes or no: why "maybe" and ghosting kill your pipeline -Staying steady and relentless even when you need the sale​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Craig Jeffery talks with Paul McMeekin of Bottomline about the latest Treasury Fraud & Controls Survey findings and what they reveal about today's threat landscape. From AI-generated fraud and deepfakes to payment rail changes and rising losses among small businesses, this episode covers practical defenses for a fast-evolving fraud environment. Access the 2025 Treasury Fraud & Controls Survey and learn more at bottomline.com.

John Corcoran is a recovering attorney, an author, and a former White House writer and speechwriter to the Governor of California. Throughout his career, John has worked in Hollywood, the heart of Silicon Valley, and run his boutique law firm in the San Francisco Bay Area, catering to small business owners and entrepreneurs. Since 2012, John has been the host of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast, where he has interviewed hundreds of CEOs, founders, authors, and entrepreneurs, including Peter Diamandis, Adam Grant, Gary Vaynerchuk, and Marie Forleo. John is also the Co-founder of Rise25, a company that connects B2B businesses with their ideal clients, referral partners, and strategic partners. They help their clients generate ROI through their done-for-you podcast service. In this episode… Podcasting continues to evolve, and not always in ways creators expect. One minute, the industry is celebrating growth, and the next, it is wrestling with algorithms, labeling rules, and shifting listener habits. With so many moving parts, how do hosts stay ahead without overthinking every episode? According to John Corcoran, a longtime leader in the podcasting space, the answer starts with understanding how small details can shape the listener experience. When asked about the issues podcasters should pay attention to, he points to something as simple as explicit-language labeling and how easily it can trip up creators. John explains that platforms often flag episodes automatically, sometimes even when no one has actually used a swear word, which means podcasters spend more time worrying about symbols than strategy. He also highlights how tools like accurate speech-to-text technology can transform productivity and consistency, especially when injury or busy seasons complicate content creation. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as Chad Franzen of Rise25 interviews John Corcoran to discuss the biggest issues impacting podcasts today. You will hear why explicit ratings matter more than most hosts realize, how speech-to-text tools can double your productivity, and what separates authentic B2B podcasts from forgettable ones. John also provides insights on using podcasting as a strategic tool to build relationships and grow your business.

This episode is the replay of my biggest talk to 10,000+ AI founders and engineers at /function1 Dubai.I spoke about Emotional Intelligence (EI) at an AI conference, and they listened.I broke EI down in a way technical audiences understand:patterns → systems → data → small improvements.Because no matter how advanced AI becomes, the most complex system I'll ever work with is a human.In this conversation, I share how EI shapes leadership, communication, and opportunities — and I also learned so much from my fellow panelists.Mohammed Benzakour of LinkedIn: 70% of our job skills will change by 2030.AI replaces tasks. Humans win through adaptability + communication.Prof. Abhilasha Singh Dean of American University in the Emirates: “The illiterate of the 21st century are those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.”Hemant Pandey CEO of Hustling Engineer and ex-Meta/Tesla/Salesforce): Your real edge? Skill Velocity: how fast you can learn the next thing.Ahmed Metwoali (Sphinque): Engineering is a team sport. Communicate → ship fast → become your team's AI go-to.Adil-Ul Islam of Microsoft reminded us AI should augment, but not replace human judgment.Me (EI): If you want funding, collaboration, or opportunity, learn to read people as well as you read data.In a world moving at the speed of algorithms, staying human is your unfair advantage.Resources/Function1Connect with the panelists on LinkedIn:Mohammed Benzakour of LinkedInProf. Abhilasha Singh Dean of American University in the EmiratesHemant Pandey CEO of Hustling Engineer and ex-Meta/Tesla/Salesforce)Ahmed Metwoali (Sphinque)Adil-Ul Islam of Microsoft My LinkedIn Learning AI Courses:The AI Edge for EntrepreneursUsing AI to Make a Career SwitchWhere We Can Connect:Schedule a Business & Career Review call with me to see if it's a good fit to work together: elainelou.com/call

In this episode of The Fractional CMO Show, Casey Stanton dives into what it really means to work as a fractional CMO—and why sometimes that means rolling up your sleeves and doing the work yourself. He's pulling from years of real client experience, from managing multi-million-dollar launches to helping clients navigate gaps in their teams, and he's calling out the patterns he sees: overextending yourself, letting scope creep happen, and trying to do everything instead of delegating strategically.   Casey shares straight-up stories from his work—like stepping in when a key team member's paternity leave threatened a project, or designing a custom data workflow to connect a client's CRM systems. These examples show the fine line between having fun, experimenting, and solving problems that only you can solve as a CMO. Key Topics Covered: -How to handle scope creep without burning out -When it makes sense to roll up your sleeves—and when to delegate -Building systems and teams to work smarter, not harder -Using curiosity and play to maintain an edge and stay sharp -Leading through hard times, not just easy wins -Structuring fractional CMO engagements for maximum impact -Why fewer clients and bigger problems equal better outcomes and higher fees

In today's solo episode, I break down the five key shifts we all need to make to successfully market and sell our online businesses in 2026. The online space has changed dramatically, and what worked a few years ago simply isn't enough anymore. I share what I'm doing in my own business, what I'm seeing across the industry, and the practical steps you can start implementing right away. KEY TAKEAWAYS COVERED IN THE PODCAST Relationships Over Broadcasting I explain why connection now outperforms content volume — and how focusing on real conversations builds trust and momentum. Community Over Courses People want belonging, not just information. I share how I'm reshaping my offers to create deeper community experiences. Adapting to How People Find You Search and discovery are shifting thanks to AI. I talk about the small tweaks I'm making to show up where my audience is actually looking. A Better Launch Experience Launches need to feel more personal and supportive. I cover simple ways to elevate your launch without overwhelming yourself. Showing Up as a Real Human Authenticity matters more than ever. I share how being more open and human has transformed the way my audience connects with me. LINKS TO RESOURCES MENTIONED IN TODAY'S EPISODE Connect with Teresa on Website, (Grow, Launch, Sell), Sign up to Teresa's email list,  Instagram, LinkedIn, or Facebook, Subscribe to my Youtube, Ep 427 Transcript The online space is changing, and the way we used to launch back in 2020 and 2021 has shifted massively, and some of those things are not working anymore. So if you are trying to sell a course, a membership, or a group coaching program in 2026, then you are going to want to know these five shifts that you can make in your business and your marketing, and how you show up in order to help sell your online offers. My name's Teresa Heath Wareing and I have worked with hundreds and hundreds of online business owners, helping them grow their online business with confidence and without burning out. The online world has changed back in 2020, back in 2021. The online world went through a real boom, and it was honestly as easy as being able to put something out there and people would buy it, and you could do a webinar or a quick challenge and you would have hundreds and hundreds of people come through your launch...

Saalex started as a small business with big ambitions. Today, it's a mid-market federal contractor betting on innovation, agility, and shared ownership to thrive in a fast-changing government landscape. Chairman and CEO Travis Mack shares how the company scaled up and why an AI-first culture is central to its future in this episode of "Government Contractors to Watch" sponsored by JP Morgan Chase. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of The Fractional CMO Show, Casey Stanton speaks directly to women in the marketing world who want to step into the fractional CMO role but often hold themselves back. Drawing from coaching over 200 women inside the Accelerator, Casey highlights the recurring patterns he sees — undercharging, over-justifying, second-guessing their expertise, and hesitating to bring in outside specialists. He walks through the dangers of discounting, the importance of choosing clients who can afford real marketing investment, and how to step into a CEO-level mindset where you orchestrate talent rather than trying to do everything yourself. From understanding EBITDA constraints to leveraging micro-experts on Upwork, Casey gives women a roadmap for charging premium rates and positioning themselves as strategic leaders. Whether you're a marketer trying to break out of "doer" mode or a fractional CMO struggling to own your value, this episode offers the mindset, frameworks, and permission you need to finally step into the role with confidence. Key Topics Covered: - Why Casey recorded this message specifically for women fractional CMOs - The pricing gap: why women tend to undercharge and overexplain - How to set rates based on the life you want, not what clients expect - The difference between declaring your price vs. justifying your price - How money stories and morality distort pricing decisions - Why you should only work with clients who can afford both you and a real marketing budget - The dangers of taking on low-EBITDA or discount clients - Leadership vs. strategy vs. implementation — and why implementation traps women - Why hiring experts is not a threat, but a superpower - How confidence is created through intention, not credentials - Using Upwork and micro-experts to multiply your effectiveness - Selling future outcomes instead of tactical deliverables - When to walk away from clients who cannot support growth

Send us a textIf you've been worried about AI replacing your job, overwhelming your business, or making you feel obsolete—this episode will give you a fresh, empowering perspective.In this episode of The Good Enough Mompreneur Podcast, Angela sits down with Dr. Joan Palmiter Bajorek—AI expert, entrepreneur, and bestselling author of Your AI Roadmap: Expand Your Career, Money, and Joy. Joan shares how she turned two layoffs into opportunity, what women are getting wrong about AI, and how to take your career and income into your own hands in this fast-changing world.Whether you're building a business or raising the next generation, this episode will help you navigate change with clarity and confidence.

In this episode of The Fractional CMO Show, Casey dives into the secret to thriving long-term as a fractional CMO: having fun. He shares why commitment and consistency matter, but also why enjoying the work you do is what fuels creativity, engagement, and lasting success. Drawing on his own experiences — from conversations with Jeff Walker, the enduring "Launch Guy," to experimenting with vibe coding, AI, and creative marketing projects — Casey shows how curiosity and play can lead to innovation and new opportunities. He explains why marketers who constantly reinvent themselves often burn out, and why committing to your craft while keeping it playful can help you solve bigger problems, create higher-value client relationships, and enjoy the journey along the way. Throughout the episode, Casey offers practical ways to bring fun into your work, whether that's experimenting with marketing strategies, pricing creatively, or just nerding out on the aspects of marketing that excite you most. This episode is a reminder that the most successful fractional CMOs are those who treat their career like a game — where engagement, joy, and curiosity drive both impact and income. Whether you're a seasoned fractional CMO or just starting out, this episode will help you rediscover the joy in your work, innovate without pressure, and create a career that's both high-performing and enjoyable. Key Topics Covered: - Why commitment and consistency are essential for long-term success - Lessons from Jeff Walker on staying focused and building enduring expertise - The danger of constant reinvention and chasing short-term wins - How "play" and curiosity fuel innovation and learning - Turning your marketing interests into fun experiments that enhance skills - Bringing joy and energy into client work, pricing, and problem-solving - Why being playful attracts clients, collaborators, and opportunities - How fun amplifies engagement, mastery, and long-term success  

TikTok, Shopify, and Amazon are shifting fast. These updates will shape how you sell in 2026.In this week's Friday “Week in Review,” Neil breaks down the latest data, platform changes, and pricing strategies helping sellers stay profitable as ad costs rise. You'll learn how a small pricing shift turned into a major profit win, what TikTok's new tools mean for real sales, and how AI-driven updates from Shopify and Meta are changing how brands grow online. 

What separates businesses that thrive from those that merely survive? One word: trends. More specifically? The ability to spot, interpret, and apply them before everyone else does.In this episode of Divas, Diamonds & Dollars Podcast, we're kicking off a fresh month with a powerful theme — Leveraging trends to accelerate your business and career success.Whether you're a business owner, creativepreneur, or powerhouse career woman, understanding trends isn't just smart, it's essential.We'll explore:Why passion isn't enough to sustain long-term success- How staying “in the know” can help you future-proof your business;- Three practical strategies for finding and applying trend insights before the competition- What tools you can use today — from keyword research to RSS feeds — to curate actionable intel- How to use trends to transform your strategy, strengthen your brand voice, and uplevel your operationsWhether you want to sharpen your instinct for innovation, get ahead of what's coming, or turn market shifts into business momentum, this episode gives you the framework you need to make smarter, faster decisions in a world that's changing every day.Divalicious Pro-Tip: Trendspotting is a habit, not a one-time act. Add it to your business toolbox like a boss.

Budgets are shrinking, patience is thinner and the CMO seat is a revolving door. Keep playing the old playbook and you're next.What if the path forward isn't “more content, faster”, but a hard reset on power, process and what we even call “brand”?In this episode, Drew Neisser, Founder of CMO Huddles, drops a reality check on B2B: CMOs are operating in Antarctica—hostile, short-term, and PE-pressured and it's still the most exciting moment in marketing. We get blunt about the “do more with less” lie, why “brand” is a budget-killing word (start saying “reputation”), and how AI should first nuke your workflows and org chart before you let it ghostwrite your strategy.). This is the insider's guide to surviving the freeze and shipping work that closes.We also cover:CMO power plays: why owning Partnerships/Rev levers earns a real seat at the table.Short-termism judo: aligning with CFOs on “metrics that matter” and fixing attribution theater.What actually converts now: late-stage, face-to-face moments (small dinners > giant trade shows).Direct mail's comeback: high-impact, targeted sends that unblock stalled deals.

In this festive episode of Paper Talk, Quynh Nguyen, Sara Kim, and Jessie Chui share their best tips for preparing your creative business for the busiest time of the year. From managing orders and planning downtime to hosting workshops, packaging ideas, and navigating Black Friday sales, this episode is packed with holiday wisdom. We discuss how far in advance to plan seasonal events, the importance of scheduling rest, and creative ways to offer gift cards, ornaments, and small-batch paper flower gifts. We also reflect on the power of presentation, and how thoughtful packaging, gift wrapping, and collaborations can elevate your brand. “Plan your holiday launches six months in advance. Start marketing early and work backward from shipping deadlines.” - Jessie Whether you're decorating your tree with handmade blooms or preparing your online shop for holiday traffic, this episode will help you head into the season feeling ready, inspired, and balanced. Here's What You'll Hear in this Episode: When and how to plan your holiday workshops and pop-ups Ideas for packaging and giftable presentation Offering gift cards, digital products, and special holiday sales Social media strategies for festive content How to balance business and personal time during the holidays Tune in and start your holiday prep early—your future self will thank you. ------ Join the Conversation! We'd love to hear from you! Share your insights with us on Instagram @papertalkpodcast or join our Facebook community discussions. Your experiences inspire us just as much as we hope to inspire you. Stay tuned for more inspiring episodes, and don't forget to subscribe to Paper Talk wherever you listen to podcasts. If you've been craving a creative community or wondering how to take your next step, let this episode remind you that you are not alone. You can start small. You can begin today.

In this episode of The Fractional CMO Show, Casey Stanton breaks down what it really looks like to "get rich slowly" as a fractional CMO—and why that's a far better goal than chasing quick wins or sprinting toward burnout.    Drawing from real stories inside the Accelerator, Casey shares how members like Lisa, Ben, Sean, and Jennifer are building long-term, stable income by focusing on the fundamentals: selling high-value strategy (not cheap implementation), staying committed to a niche, and showing up with consistency and leadership—especially on their worst days.    You'll hear how to move from overworked agency life to a calm, predictable business where one or two great clients can replace an entire salary. Casey unpacks what makes a "morally neutral or positive" business, how to price your work confidently, and why the right long-term contracts can eliminate money stress altogether.    Along the way, he reminds us that freedom doesn't come from adrenaline or chasing every shiny offer—it comes from depth, focus, and relationships that compound over time.    Whether you're just starting your fractional journey or ready to slow down and scale up, this episode is your roadmap to building wealth the sustainable way—one good client, one good contract, and one good year at a time. Key Topics Covered: -Why "getting rich slowly" is the real path to lasting success  -The danger of chasing quick wins and constant reinvention  -How long-term contracts create calm, predictable income  -The shift from implementer to true marketing leader  -Building a business that works even on your worst days  -Why simplicity and focus outperform endless hustle  -The power of working with "morally positive" clients  -How real freedom comes from discipline and depth  -What it means to grow steadily instead of sprinting to burnout  -The mindset that turns short-term chaos into long-term wealth  

Ready to grow your clientele & revenue? Download "The 20 Client Generators" PDF now and get instant access to strategies that will fill your calendar with potential clients. No complicated tech, no lengthy processes—just real strategies that work. https://info.patrigsby.com/20-client-generators Do you want to stop chasing leads and start attracting them instead? Get Instant Access To The Weekly Client Machine For Just $5.00! https://patrigsby.com/weeklyclientmachine Get Your FREE Copy of Pat's Fitness Entrepreneur Handbook! https://patrigsby.com/feh  --- Stay Ahead of the Market: How to Evolve Your Business In this episode, Pat explores the importance of evolving to stay ahead in today's ever-changing market. Using examples from theme parks like Universal and Disney, as well as the restaurant industry, he illustrates how immersion, innovation, and customer-centric evolution have transformed these businesses. The discussion then shifts to the fitness industry, highlighting the challenges and missteps in current evolutionary trends. Emphasizing the importance of understanding and serving client needs, Pat provides valuable insights on successful long-term business evolution. Tune in to learn how you can adapt and thrive by making meaningful, client-focused changes. 00:00 Introduction: Staying Ahead of the Market 00:11 Theme Park Evolution: Immersive Experiences 02:23 Restaurant Industry: Fast Casual Revolution 03:56 Fitness Industry: Specialized Training Challenges 06:25 Key Elements of Successful Evolution 07:35 Conclusion: Adapting for Long-Term Success 

Welcome back to the Epic Success Podcast with Dr. Shannon Irvine! In today's episode, Dr. Shannon sits down with Rick Mulready, a seasoned online business strategist and fellow San Diego native, to dive into the ever-evolving world of AI in business. Together, they explore the current state of artificial intelligence, calling out the hype versus reality behind recent model updates like GPT-5, and discuss why many entrepreneurs feel like they're falling behind in AI adoption. Rick shares practical insights about how AI is transforming the landscape for business owners making it possible to build apps, streamline workflows, and increase efficiency with little to no experience. They unpack strategies for leveraging AI to future-proof your business, optimize your team's performance, and get faster results for your clients. Plus, Dr. Shannon and Rick tackle the hot topic of privacy, guiding listeners through the do's and don'ts of sharing information with AI models. Whether you're a business owner just dipping your toes into AI or a seasoned entrepreneur looking to scale, this episode is packed with actionable advice, tool recommendations, and honest dialogue about what's coming next in the world of AI and how you can harness its power to drive your business forward. Tune in and get ready to transform curiosity into clarity and opportunity! Key Takeaways: The hype cycle in AI models (GPT-6 anticipation) The evolving nature of online courses using AI Importance of centralizing business knowledge and data for AI context Key Timestamps [5:55] – AI:Business Owners Falling Behind [10:21] – Leveraging AI for Faster Results [22:31] – Training AI to Match Your Voice [32:50] – Centralize Context for Effective AI [40:42] – AI Avatars Improving, Still Detectable [44:46] - "Leveraging AI for Business Tasks" Episode Quote "If you don't have much time, spend 15 minutes a day chatting with AI. So you can get more comfortable with it and you can start leveling up. Because, I will guarantee that once you start seeing some success and the things that it can do, you'll be hooked." - Rick Mulready

In this episode of The Fractional CMO Show, Casey Stanton tackles a question many marketers quietly ask: Is being a fractional CMO even a real job? Through sharp insights and personal reflection, Casey makes the case that the corporate "safety net" is long gone—and that the real opportunity lies in betting on yourself. He explores why today's market pressures—from AI disruption to global competition—are pushing corporate marketers to rethink their path, and how the fractional CMO model offers freedom, financial stability, and long-term upside. Casey shares the story of his father's career at IBM, lessons on mediating structures, and the mindset shift required to build your own future instead of relying on outdated systems. Whether you're in a corporate seat wondering if you're next on the layoff list or ready to lead multiple clients with confidence, this episode gives you a roadmap to independence, relevance, and sustainable growth. Key Topics Covered: -Why the corporate "safety net" is an illusion in 2025 -The hidden dangers of staying too long in a corporate role -How AI and global labor shifts are transforming the marketing landscape -What it really means to be a fractional CMO (and why it's safer than a 9–5) -Why commitment and community matter more than credentials -The future of fractional leadership—and why 2026 will be a breakout year -How to build long-term wealth and low-anxiety success as a CMO  

In this episode of The Fractional CMO Show, Casey Stanton unpacks what it really means to build long-term commitments—in business, in life, and with your clients. He draws parallels between parenting, marriage, and marketing to show why real success as a fractional CMO doesn't come from chasing quick wins or stacking short-term contracts—but from committing deeply to the right people and problems over time.    Casey shares how marketers can shift from being short-term “consultants” to long-term “farmers”—building stable, profitable relationships with just a few high-value clients. He explains why focus and consistency outperform luck and adrenaline, how “time under load” creates mastery, and why a calm, predictable business beats boom-and-bust revenue cycles every time.    Along the way, Casey offers a reality check on the myth of easy money, guidance on setting and holding big goals, and a reminder that true freedom comes from discipline and depth—not distraction.    Whether you're just starting your fractional journey or ready to stop reinventing yourself every 90 days, this episode is a must-listen roadmap to building a stable, fulfilling, and high-income practice for the long haul. Key Topics Covered: -Why short-term thinking keeps fractional CMOs stuck in reinvention -The shift from “consultant” to “farmer” and why long-term wins -How to build stable, multi-year client relationships -The power of “time under load” and deep mastery -Why three great clients beat 15 short-term ones -How focus and consistency outperform luck and hustle -The freedom that comes from calm, predictable revenue -Why discipline and commitment drive lasting success  

In this episode of the Chase MedSearch Podcast, Jordan Chase talks with RJ Kedziora, AI and healthcare tech expert, about how medical sales reps can leverage AI to work smarter, close more deals, and gain a competitive edge. From summarizing complex clinical studies to coaching reps on territory strategy, AI is already transforming the way reps operate — and those who adopt it early will stay ahead of the competition.RESOURCES

The market has changed. But the good news? People are still buying. They're just being more intentional. In this episode of the Business with Impact podcast, Rachel reveals the mindset shift and key to consistent sales in today's market. If your launches have felt flat or you've wondered whether your offer is the problem, this episode will help you reframe, refocus, and rebuild with confidence.What to Listen For:Why launches that used to sell out might be stalling nowThe surprising grocery store analogy that explains buyer behavior shiftsHow to create “magnetic yes” messaging that speaks to today's buyerWhy your problem likely isn't your offer, it's your systemsThe #1 mindset trap entrepreneurs fall into when sales slow downWhy tweaking your messaging can revive the same offer you were ready to ditchWhat timeless systems you need to survive (and thrive) in any economyThe market may be shifting, but that doesn't mean your sales have to suffer. When your systems and messaging are clear, confident, and client-focused, your offer becomes a no-brainer. Want to make sure your message is saying what your audience needs to hear? Join us inside the Magnetic Yes Messaging Workshop and let's fix it together.

#614 What does the future of business look like in 2025 and beyond? As AI continues to reshape industries, how can entrepreneurs stay ahead of the curve and leverage new opportunities? In this insightful episode hosted by Kirsten Tyrrel, we sit down with Kasim Aslam — entrepreneur, business strategist, and marketing expert — to explore the evolving landscape of entrepreneurship. From AI-driven changes to the rise of local services and manufacturing, we discuss practical strategies to navigate the shifting economy, avoid common pitfalls, and build businesses that thrive in this new era. If you're ready to embrace the future, take notes — this is an episode you won't want to miss! (Original Air Date - 3/9/25) What we discuss with Kasim: + Fear as a tool – Use fear to drive action, not paralysis + AI-driven economy – How AI is reshaping industries + Top business opportunities – Tech enablement, local services, manufacturing + Take action now – Success comes from doing, not waiting + Financial stability matters – Reduce stress by securing provision + Scaling isn't everything – Small, high-margin businesses thrive + Career paths are changing – Adaptability over degrees + Community over commodity – Build relationships, not just services + AI vs. human value – Where humans still outperform AI + Stay ahead – Embrace uncertainty and keep learning Thank you, Kasim! Check out Kasim Aslam at ⁠Kasim.me⁠. Watch the ⁠video podcast⁠ of this episode! To get access to our FREE Business Training course go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MillionaireUniversity.com/training⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. And follow us on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tik Tok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ To get exclusive offers mentioned in this episode and to support the show, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠millionaireuniversity.com/sponsors⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Want to hear from more incredible entrepreneurs? Check out all of our interviews ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the secret to never running out of content, leading an AI-enabled firm, and creating unforgettable client experiences was simpler than you think? In this episode of The Game Changing Attorney Podcast, Michael and Jessica Mogill tackle three questions every law firm owner should be asking right now. From staying fresh after 400 podcast episodes to making AI work for your team, and even raising the bar for client experience, this conversation is packed with insights you can apply immediately.  Here's what you'll learn: How to stay relevant without reinventing the wheel and why repetition is often your most powerful tool The right way to leverage AI in your firm so it empowers your team instead of replacing them Why client experience is the real growth driver and how to audit every touchpoint to make it exceptional Your content, your systems, and your client experience do not need to be complicated, but they do need to be intentional. ---- 01:52 – Back from New York: Broadway shows, Bluey's house, and family adventures 05:26 – How to keep creating fresh content after 400+ episodes 07:51 – Why repetition beats constant reinvention in business and leadership 10:46 – The power of message timing, brand affinity, and consistent communication 13:55 – How to bring AI into your firm and use it to empower your team 18:02 – Auditing workflows to find the best use cases for AI 19:22 – Why client experience is the true growth driver for law firms 21:03 – Lessons from world-class restaurants on service, feedback, and continuous improvement ---- Links & Resources: Crisp Social Stack Net promoter score (NPS) David Guetta 11 Madison Park Atlas Restaurant Atlanta ---- Do you love this podcast and want to see more game changing content? Subscribe to our YouTube channel. ---- Past guests on The Game Changing Attorney Podcast include David Goggins, John Morgan, Alex Hormozi, Randi McGinn, Kim Scott, Chris Voss, Kevin O'Leary, Laura Wasser, John Maxwell, Mark Lanier, Robert Greene, and many more. ---- If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like: 345. AMMA. The AI Advantage: What to Automate, What to Keep Human, and How to Stay Ahead 398. Why Generosity is the Most Underrated Growth Strategy in Law with Randy Kessler 391. AMMA — The $100K Marketing Question Law Firms Keep Getting Wrong

Blake and David examine the growing threat of AI-generated fake receipts, with 32% of accountants unable to recognize fraudulent documents and 30% reporting an increase in fraud since last year. They also discuss the concerning decline in entry-level auditor positions (down 43% since January) as firms adopt AI automation, while nearly half of accounts payable professionals now fear layoffs and also explore the concept of "work slop"—low-quality AI-generated work costing businesses nearly $200 per employee monthly—and debate whether firms should require clients to use standardized technology stacks, with only 37% currently doing so. SponsorsCloud Accountant Staffing - http://accountingpodcast.promo/cas Rippling - http://accountingpodcast.promo/ripplingBill.com - http://accountingpodcast.promo/bill.comBluebook - http://accountingpodcast.promo/bluebookChapters(01:43) - Headline Story: Tech Stack Adoption in Accounting Firms (03:05) - Survey Insights: Tech Stack Usage in Firms (07:15) - AI's Impact on Entry-Level Jobs (13:55) - The Rise of 'Work Slop' and Its Costs (20:44) - AI and Automation in Accounting (25:08) - Human-in-the-Loop Automation with Zapier (28:22) - AI in Tax Research and IT Blockers (30:51) - Competitive Moats and Custom Bots (32:26) - Exciting Changes in CPE Standards (34:59) - Drake Software's Cloud-Based Tax Solution (43:06) - State Department Embezzlement Scandal (44:59) - Trump's Tariff Announcements (50:28) - H-1B Visa Fee Increase (56:20) - Conclusion and CPE Information  Show Notes32% of accountants can't recognize AI-generated fake receipts https://www.accountingtoday.com/news/32-admit-they-cannot-recognize-ai-generated-fake-receiptsEntry-level auditor job postings fell 43%, per Randstad https://www.accountingtoday.com/news/entry-level-auditor-job-postings-fell-43-per-randstadAI-Generated "Workslop" Is Destroying Productivity https://hbr.org/2025/09/ai-generated-workslop-is-destroying-productivity97% say CPA firms not using tech efficiently says survey https://www.accountingtoday.com/news/97-say-cpa-firms-not-using-tech-efficiently-says-surveyCPA.com & BILL Growth Survey: How Firms Plan to Stay Ahead https://www.bill.com/blog/cpa-and-bill-growth-technology-surveyAP Pros Face Growing Layoff Concerns and See Automation as a Career Lifeline https://www.cpapracticeadvisor.com/2025/09/11/ap-pros-face-growing-layoff-concerns-and-see-automation-as-a-career-lifeline-2/168818/Get more control over your workflows with Human in the Loop! https://help.zapier.com/hc/en-us/articles/38838619533069-Get-more-control-over-your-workflows-with-Human-in-the-Loop54% use AI in tax research, but search engines remain prominent https://www.accountingtoday.com/news/54-use-ai-in-tax-research-but-search-engines-remain-prominentDrake Software Introduces Drake Tax Online https://www.cpapracticeadvisor.com/2025/09/24/drake-software-introduces-drake-tax-online/169572/Drake Software Launches Drake Tax Online: Powerful, Flexible Tax Software in the Cloud https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/drake-software-launches-drake-tax-online-powerful-flexible-tax-software-in-the-cloud-302566087.htmlNASBA, AICPA release proposed revisions to CPE standards https://www.journalofaccountancy.com/news/2025/sep/nasba-aicpa-release-proposed-revisions-to-cpe-standardsNASBA, AICPA Release Exposure Draft of Proposed Revisions to CPE Standardshttps://nasba.org/blog/2025/09/15/revisions-to-cpe-standards-2025/ H-1B FAQhttps://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/h-1b-faq Need CPE?Get CPE for listening to podcasts with Earmark: https://earmarkcpe.comSubscribe to the Earmark Podcast: https://podcast.earmarkcpe.comGet in TouchThanks for listening and the great reviews! We appreciate you! Follow and tweet @BlakeTOliver and @DavidLeary. Find us on Facebook and Instagram. If you like what you hear, please do us a favor and write a review on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser. Call us and leave a voicemail; maybe we'll play it on the show. DIAL (202) 695-1040.SponsorshipsAre you interested in sponsoring The Accounting Podcast? For details, read the prospectus.Need Accounting Conference Info? Check out our new website - accountingconferences.comLimited edition shirts, stickers, and other necessitiesTeePublic Store: http://cloudacctpod.link/merchSubscribeApple Podcasts: http://cloudacctpod.link/ApplePodcastsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAccountingPodcastSpotify: http://cloudacctpod.link/SpotifyPodchaser:

In episode 580 of the Lawyerist Podcast, Zack sits down with Jake Soffer, CEO and founder of FirmPilot, to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping law firm marketing. Forget generic blog posts and robotic content, Jake shares how FirmPilot uses AI and data science to build smarter, measurable strategies that actually attract clients.  You'll hear how law firms can leverage AI beyond parlor tricks, why “moonshine marketing” doesn't cut it anymore, and what lawyers need to know about AEO (AI Engine Optimization) versus traditional SEO. Zack and Jake also discuss the future of client search behavior, how to avoid overhyping trends, and why sticking to fundamentals will always matter.  If you're curious about using AI in your practice, but don't want to waste time on gimmicks, this episode will give you a roadmap to experiment wisely, protect your marketing investment, and grow sustainably.  Listen to our other episodes on Law Firm Marketing, Growth and AI:  #577: Rethinking Law Firm Growth in the Age of AI, with Sam Harden Apple | Spotify | LTN #550: Beyond Content: How AI is Changing Law Firm Marketing, with Gyi Tsakalakis & Conrad Saam Apple | Spotify | LTN #434: Leverage AI to Stay Ahead, with Greg Siskind Apple | Spotify | LTN   If today's podcast resonates with you and you haven't read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free! Looking for help beyond the book? See if our coaching community is right for you.    Access more resources from Lawyerist at lawyerist.com.  Chapters:  0:00 – Introduction with Zack Glaser 1:27 – Meet Jake Soffer of FirmPilot 2:17 – How AI Is Changing Legal Marketing 3:12 – Data-Driven Law Firm Growth 4:46 – The Limits of ChatGPT Content 7:12 – Building Smarter AI Workflows 9:23 – AEO, GEO, and the Future of Search 11:59 – Why Fundamentals Still Matter 14:45 – Writing for AI vs. Writing for Clients 17:05 – First Steps for Lawyers Using AI 18:33 – Do Your Research Before Choosing Tools 19:10 – Where to Find FirmPilot 

Learn how to prepare for a government shutdown and where to put $600 a month after building your emergency fund. What happens in a federal government shutdown? Where should you put $600/month after funding an emergency cushion? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss the looming shutdown before answering a listener's question about where to allocate their extra income. They begin with senior news writer Anna Helhoski, breaking down how a lapse in government funding could affect benefits, travel, parks, mail, and taxes, and how to keep your own plan steady. Then, Elizabeth and Sean answer a listener's question about how to think about allocating $600/month. They discuss automating IRA/solo 401(k)/SEP IRA contributions, using diversified index or mutual funds and a taxable brokerage, balancing a home down payment with retirement via time horizons and DTI/credit score, and what to look for in funds. They also explore how habit-building and automation can help you grow retirement savings while still working toward a down payment. Get matched with a financial advisor for free: https://www.nerdwallet.com/l/advisor-match-financial  Are you on track to save enough for retirement? Use NerdWallet's free calculator to check your progress, see how much retirement income you'll have and estimate how much more you should save: https://www.nerdwallet.com/calculator/retirement-calculator  Want us to review your budget? Fill out this form — completely anonymously if you want — and we might feature your budget in a future segment! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScK53yAufsc4v5UpghhVfxtk2MoyooHzlSIRBnRxUPl3hKBig/viewform?usp=header In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: Social Security during shutdown, TSA delays shutdown, Medicare during shutdown, Medicaid during shutdown, WIC benefits shutdown, IRS refund delays, FAFSA processing delay, federal employees furlough, furloughed vs essential workers, continuing resolution, national park closures shutdown, food safety inspections shutdown, EPA inspections shutdown, FDA inspections shutdown, NIH grants shutdown, unemployment benefits shutdown, debt-to-income ratio mortgage, mortgage approval process, credit score mortgage requirement, down payment savings strategy, closing costs when buying a home, emergency savings for home repairs, retirement calculator, 15 percent retirement savings rule, ETF vs mutual fund, S&P 500 index fund, expense ratio explained, index fund performance history, index fund tracking error, taxable brokerage account basics, diversification in investing, automate retirement contributions, solo 401k contribution limit, and SEP IRA contribution limit. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, OpenAI released its much-anticipated flagship model, GPT-5. We break down what we know about the upgrade, drawing from our initial testing and a special news briefing with Sam Altman. Then, we explain why we were underwhelmed by Amazon's new Alexa+, which is powered by generative A.I., and take our feedback to Daniel Rausch, vice president of Alexa and Echo, who helps us understand why powering Alexa with L.L.M. capabilities is a major computer science challenge.Guests:Daniel Rausch, Amazon vice president of Echo and AlexaAdditional reading:OpenAI Aims to Stay Ahead of Rivals With New GPT-5 TechnologyAmazon Unveils Alexa+, Powered by Generative A.I.We want to hear from you. Email us at hardfork@nytimes.com. Find “Hard Fork” on YouTube and TikTok.Also, you can still get a special-edition “Hard Fork” hat! For a limited time, you'll receive one when you purchase an annual New York Times Audio subscription for the first time (U.S. only). Go to nytimes.com/hardforkhat. Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.