Podcasts about strategic growth

In this episode of the RIA Edge Podcast, host David Armstrong speaks with Jason Ozur, co-CEO of Lido Advisors, about the firm’s growth from a six-person team managing roughly $400 million to one of the largest RIAs in the country with nearly $50 billion in assets under management. Jason discusses how a strong focus on organic growth, standardized investment processes and client service helped lay the foundation for expansion before the firm accelerated its growth through acquisitions and strategic capital partnerships. He also shares how employee ownership, cultural integration, technology investments and artificial intelligence initiatives are shaping Lido’s future as it continues to expand its capabilities and geographic reach. Jason shares: Growing Lido from a small advisory firm into a national RIA through organic growth and acquisitions How the firm has built wide-spread employee ownership—including million-dollar-plus equity stakes for over 70 Lido partners.  The importance of investment management, including alternatives, and how unique diversification strategies can enhance a firm's value to clients.  How Lido's executives think about handling data to remain as flexible as possible for future tech enhancements.  How he has organized the executive leadership team's roles and responsibilities—including a second chief executive officer in Ken Stern. Resources: Listen to the RIA Edge Podcast on Wealth Management Listen and Subscribe to the RIA Edge Podcast on Apple Podcasts Listen and Subscribe to the RIA Edge Podcast on Spotify Connect With David Armstrong: Wealth Management LinkedIn: Wealth Management LinkedIn: David Armstrong Twitter: David Armstrong LinkedIn: Informa Connect With Jason Ozur: LinkedIn: Jason Ozur LinkedIn: Lido Advisors Website: Lido Advisors About Our Guest: Jason Ozur is Co-Chair of Lido's investment committee. He is responsible for the management of Lido's alternative investments and is an integral part of the firm's due diligence on real estate-oriented strategies.  Education: B.S., California State University at Northridge Previous Work Highlights: Jason started his career as a CPA performing audits, preparing tax returns, and providing back-office services for numerous hedge funds. In 1999, he joined a large family investment office, where he was on the investment team that managed the family's substantial investments and served as CFO of its worldwide water conservation company that did business in over 22 countries. He also provided financial oversight as controller of a multi-billion-dollar Los Angeles-based hedge fund. Personal Facts: Jason takes on a mentorship role to help facilitate a company culture of progression, excellence, and integrity.

"Direct issuance offers credit unions the ability to have more touch points and connect with their members to help solve business challenges.” - Geoff DeanThank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Robbie Young, Vice President of Strategic Growth at CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.My guests on today's show are Dan Hanks, SVP of Global Product Management, and Geoff Dean, Director of Commercial Product Management - both of i2c Inc. They come on board for this episode to talk about how card programs can play a much bigger role in a credit union's long-term success than many people may realize, which is why more credit unions are taking a fresh look at self-issuance and how today's technology is making that option more accessible to institutions that may have ruled it out in the past.Throughout our conversation, we compare the traditional agent banking model with self-issuance, explaining some of the differences when it comes to control, profitability, and the overall member experience. Dan and Geoff discuss why owning more of the card program can help credit unions strengthen member relationships, respond more effectively to member needs, and protect the trust that sets them apart from larger financial institutions. They also explain why self-issuance isn't simply about issuing cards but is also about creating better products, offering more flexibility, and positioning credit unions to serve members in more meaningful ways.As we wrap up the episode, we explore how modern processing platforms support the ability to self-issue while also reducing many of the barriers that once made self-issuance difficult for smaller organizations. They offer some memorable closing remarks, persuading credit unions to leverage modern technology to incorporate self-issuance, stressing the importance of strengthening member relationships. Enjoy my conversation with Dan and Geoff! Connect with Dan & Geoff:Dan Hanks, SVP of Global Product Management at i2cGeoff Dean, Director of Commercial Product Management at i2ci2cinc.com Dan: LinkedInGeoff: LinkedIni2c: LinkedIn | InstagramShow notes from this episode:Place mentioned: Silicon Valley, CAShout-out: Wells FargoShout-out: AppleShout-out: GoogleIn this episode:[1:03] - Hear how self-issuance gives credit unions more control and revenue opportunities as well as stronger products.[3:20] - Geoff adds that self-issuance strengthens member relationships while enabling customization and program control. [6:10] - Direct issuance helps credit unions resolve member needs faster via stronger relationships and better visibility.[8:18] - Dan argues that competitive self-issued cards help credit unions strengthen loyalty and protect valuable member relationships.[10:30] - Hear why it's so crucial to find the right partner.[12:33] - In closing, credit unions should reconsider self-issuance, as modern solutions have made it viable for more institutions.

Children's Nebraska transformed fragmented data into a strategic asset by creating a centralized data warehouse and executive-facing Power BI dashboards. In this episode, learn how the organization unified claims, financial, scheduling, and demographic data to deliver real-time insights, strengthen decision-making, and fuel growth across the enterprise.

““A true strategic partner understands what your goals and challenges are and brings solutions and ideas on how to solve those problems.” – Rex RichardsonThank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Robbie Young, Vice President of Strategic Growth at CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.My guest on today's show is Rex Richardson, Director of Client Processing at Quavo Fraud & Disputes. He unpacks how his unexpected path into financial services led him through more than 17 years of direct experience in fraud, claims, and back-office operations before ultimately landing his current role. Listen in as Rex shares how early influences set the stage for a career built around understanding complex systems and the people they impact.Throughout our conversation, we dig into what the fraud and disputes space looks like behind the scenes, with Rex breaking down how Quavo approaches it from initiation through investigation, recovery, and resolution, while also leveraging automation, compliance, and emerging AI tools. The result is not just operational efficiency, but also a faster and more transparent experience for members who are often dealing with urgent financial concerns.Our conversation also turns to one of the biggest pressures that credit unions are facing today: rising amounts of disputes paired with staffing and budget constraints, and Rex walks us through why simply adding more people isn't always sustainable, instead making the case for strategic partnerships that bring forth expertise, automation, and compliance support. We also explore the hidden costs that creep into inefficient systems such as longer resolution times, increased member contact, and growing operational strain that can quietly increase expenses.As we wrap up the episode, Rex reflects on what separates a true strategic partner from a traditional staffing solution, highlighting the importance of collaboration, problem-solving, and long-term alignment over short-term labor support. We close with a discussion on the integration of AI in fraud investigations, with Rex sharing how human-in-the-loop decision-making could help speed up resolutions while still maintaining oversight and accuracy. Enjoy this insightful conversation with Rex Richardson!Connect with Rex:Rex Richardson, Director of Client Processing at Quavo Fraud & Disputesquavo.com Rex: LinkedInQuavo: LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube | XShow notes from this episode:Shout-out: Rex's uncleShout-out: Rex's grandfatherPlace mentioned: ItalyPlace mentioned: Mexico City, MexicoShout-out: Rex's wifePlace mentioned: Chicago, ILBook mentioned: The Lord of the Rings Trilogy by J.R.R. TolkienShout-out: AppleShout-out: Rex's kidsIn this episode:[0:54] - We learn that Rex once considered becoming a high school teacher.[1:57] - Rex entered banking via his uncle, later advancing into leadership roles across claims and operations before joining Quavo.[4:09] - Hear how Quavo helps simplify a complex, regulated claims industry.[7:03] - Strategic partners help credit unions manage fraud complexity, compliance, and scaling while improving efficiency and member experience.[10:59] - Rex explains how rising operational costs and delayed resolutions create hidden inefficiencies.[14:21] - True strategic partners provide strategy and solutions, unlike staffing firms that only supply workforce support.[17:10] - Rex discusses AI being developed to assist human decision-making in fraud investigations.[20:55] - Rex's grandfather's leadership and customer engagement continue to affect how he interacts with others.[22:04] - Travel remains Rex's favorite way to splurge, especially immersive cultural experiences in cities like Mexico City and Chicago.[25:42] - Rex argues that turning off work notifications helps create real separation and restores life outside constant digital urgency.[28:35] - Credit unions should identify inefficiencies and consider strategic partners to help improve operations and member experience.

Jo Pocklington, Director of Strategic Growth at Alexander Hall, talks to Wayne and Clodagh about the importance helping advisers embed protection into their mortgage conversations.After transforming the front-end customer journey for mortgages protection at Alexander Hall, Jo shares how building a compelling process can help get the protection conversation started early and help convince customers of its value.This episode also covers:Showcasing adviser belief and the power of ‘why' through real-life case studies.How active listening and customer journey analysis can reveal why customers object and ensure advisers continuously improve.The need for better customer education on protection as early as the school years.This episode will underscore the crucial role advisers have in replaying the value and need of protection to customers, and the most effective ways to do it.Listen now!L&G Apply - Adviser Registration Ignite - Ignite | Mortgage Technology | Legal & General

Canadians are reading again, with young people leading a surprising rebound in books as a screen-time antidote and helping drive growth in print sales, indie bookstores, and audiobook demand. Plus, new spending data suggests Toronto and Vancouver's World Cup hosting duties may not have delivered the economic boost boosters promised, raising fresh questions about the real cost of mega-events.And in The Big Picture: The Gordie Howe bridge opening remains caught in political drama, Canadian ETFs are nearing $1 trillion in assets, and Air Canada is cutting back U.S. routes as cross-border travel keeps falling.Plus, an exclusive interview with Rizwan Khalfan, EVP and Vice Chair, Strategic Growth, Innovation and Partnerships at TD about TD's Canadian mobile app winning #1 for Mobile App Experience for Banking Customer Satisfaction in Canada by JD PowerThe Peak Daily is produced in partnership with reframevid.com

Welcome to another episode of "The Unconventional Path: Entrepreneurship and Innovation Stories and Ideas." In this episode, hosts Bela Musits and Mike Wasserman sit down with Michael Barbarita, the founder of a specialized fractional CFO firm dedicated to helping small and medium-sized companies achieve rapid growth.Michael Barbarita is not your typical CFO. While many fractional CFOs focus primarily on historical numbers and compliance, Michael's approach combines forward-looking financial expertise with strategic implementation. He shares how business owners hire him to double or even triple their profits by employing business and financial strategies that their competitors simply aren't using.The Fractional CFO Advantage: Michael explains why small to medium-sized businesses, which often cannot afford a full-time high-quality CFO, benefit from fractional services that provide a broad spectrum of scalable strategies.Beyond the Numbers: A core theme of this conversation is the necessity for CFOs to understand business strategy. Michael argues that while traditional CPAs look backward at historical data, a true CFO must be forward-looking to provide real value to a CEO.Pressure Testing Ideas: One of Michael's signature methods is "pressure testing" a CEO's ideas. Whether it's a new marketing campaign or a pricing change, he discusses the importance of expanding upon these ideas to ensure they are financially viable and strategically sound.The Conversion Formula: Michael introduces the concept of a conversion formula used to create successful messaging for things like drip campaigns, ensuring that a business stands out rather than just repeating what everyone else in the market is doing.Strategic Growth for Cash-Limited Companies: Most small companies face limited cash flow. Michael shares insights on how to improve financial foundations and implement growth strategies even when resources are tight.This interview serves as a master class for any entrepreneur looking to improve their financial footing and understand the financial ramifications of their business strategies. Michael's unique blend of strategic knowledge and financial expertise offers a roadmap for turning high costs and uncertain footing into favorable growth opportunities.Connect with The Unconventional Path:Our podcast is now available on YouTube. Simply search for "The Unconventional Path" to subscribe and never miss an episode.We're always on the lookout for interesting guests to feature on our show. If you know someone who has an inspiring story, unique perspective, or valuable expertise to share, please let us know. We're eager to connect with potential guests who can bring fresh insights and engaging conversations to our audience.We also love hearing from our listeners! Your questions, comments, and suggestions are incredibly valuable to us. Send us an email at bela.and.mike@gmail.com with your thoughts, and we'll do our best to address them in a future episode. Whether you have a question about a specific topic, feedback on a recent episode, or ideas for future content, we want to hear from you. Your engagement helps us shape the show and deliver content that resonates with our listeners.Thanks for listening,Bela and MikeFractional CFO, Entrepreneurial Finance, Business Strategy, Small Business Growth, Profit Strategy, Cash Flow Management, Strategic Implementation, Michael Barbarita, Bela Musits, Mike Wasserman, The Unconventional Path Podcast, Business Advising, Financial Forecasting, Startup Accounting, Growth Mindset.

In this episode, Michelle Ottey, President of CIC Campuses and Labs, unpacks what it really takes to build thriving innovation ecosystems and why flexible lab space is only the beginning. Michelle shares her personal journey from genetics and cell biology research into enabling entrepreneurship, and explains how CIC's “invisible infrastructure” helps life science and medtech founders move faster by reducing operational, regulatory, and capital burdens through plug-and-play wet labs, shared equipment, safety and compliance support, and a deeply staffed community model. The conversation highlights how CIC strategically launches campuses through years of local ecosystem buy-in, why programming and connection points matter as much as square footage, and how CIC's global footprint helps companies navigate international expansion and business culture.Michelle Ottey LinkedInCIC Philadelphia WebsiteDuane Mancini LinkedInProject Medtech WebsiteProject Medtech LinkedInThank you to our sponsors: Ward Law and JumpStart Inc.

“Growth will not come from doing more of the same, but from deeply understanding and connecting with younger consumers.” - Opal TomashevskaThank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Robbie Young, Vice President of Strategic Growth at CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.My guest on today's show is Opal Tomashevska, Director of Multicultural Business Strategy at TruStage. She joins me for this episode to discuss TruStage's 2026 “What Matters Now” study and its interesting findings, highlighting that sustainable growth in 2026 begins with recognizing that today's consumers cannot be treated with a one-size-fits-all approach.Throughout our conversation, we talk about how younger consumers are reshaping expectations, why financial stability has become a bigger priority than traditional milestones for many Americans, and what credit unions could be missing when it comes to building meaningful relationships with diverse communities. Opal also shares some fascinating insights around neurodivergent consumers, including why they report higher levels of financial worry despite strong employment rates, as well as the continued rise of the “hustle economy” and what that means for financial institutions.As we wrap up the episode, we explore how consumers are researching financial products today, the growing influence of social media and AI, and why convenience alone isn't enough to earn long-term loyalty, with Opal's focusing on turning research into action. Rather than stopping at data and trends, she explains how credit unions can use these insights to better serve members, strengthen trust, and stand out in an increasingly crowded marketplace. I hope that you enjoy my conversation with Opal Tomashevska! Connect with Opal:Opal Tomashevska, Director of Multicultural Business Strategy at TruStagetrustage.comOpal: LinkedInTruStage: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | YouTubeShow notes from this episode:TruStage study mentioned: “What Matters Now”Shout-out: TikTokShout-out: Apple PayShout-out: Google PayIn this episode:[0:55] - Opal argues that growth comes from understanding diverse younger consumers and meeting their evolving needs.[2:33] - Learn how research reveals shifting dreams, heightened neurodivergent worries, and a growing hustle economy.[5:39] - How can credit unions turn consumer insights into measurable growth?[6:25] - Every research finding is paired with practical actions which credit unions can put into place.[8:59] - Hear how consumers increasingly expect inclusivity and representation.[10:31] - Opal believes that sharing the credit union story can strengthen connections and drive membership.

“If we don't forget where we've come from, we're well positioned to continue to win share and growth in the future.” - Bill GouldThank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Robbie Young, Vice President of Strategic Growth at CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.My guest on today's show is Bill Gould, president of Allied Solutions. Our conversation today couldn't be timelier, because since his last appearance on the podcast, Bill has stepped into the role of president at Allied Solutions, giving him an even broader view of the challenges and opportunities that credit unions face today. We kick off by talking about his journey, the remarkable story behind Allied Solutions, and how the company continues to help credit unions grow, protect what they've built, recover when challenges come up, and stay prepared for what comes next.Throughout our conversation, one theme that keeps coming up is the idea of “build, buy, or partner,” and Bill shares why there's no one-size-fits-all formula for making those decisions. He explains how credit unions can determine which capabilities should remain core to their organization and which are better supported via outside expertise. In addition, Bill and I talk about one of the biggest realities facing the industry right now: growth through mergers, and Bill offers some practical insights into how credit unions can bring organizations together, thoughtfully integrate technology, and create member experiences that are consistent without losing sight of what makes each institution unique.As we wrap up the episode, we look ahead at the trends shaping the future, including AI, compliance, regulation, automation, and the increasing pace of change across financial services, and, of course, we, as always, get to know our guest a little more personally with a series of rapid-fire questions. Bill shares the leaders who have influenced him most, the books that have shaped his perspective, why family experiences are always worth the investment, and how he stays connected with loved ones despite a demanding travel schedule. Enjoy my conversation with Bill Gould!Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.Connect with Bill:Bill Gould, President of Allied Solutionsalliedsolutions.net Bill: LinkedInAllied Solutions: LinkedIn | FacebookShow notes from this episode:Shout-out: Securian FinancialShout-out: Missy EldridgePlace mentioned: Saint Paul, MinnesotaPlace mentioned: Carmel, IndianaPlace mentioned: Sarasota, FloridaShout-out: PortXPlace mentioned: Denver, ColoradoPlace mentioned: TexasShout-out: John WoodenShout-out: Minnesota TimberwolvesPlace mentioned: IndianaShout-out: WNBAShout-out: Caitlin ClarkShout-out: Bill's familyShout-out: Robbie's kidsPlace mentioned: Québec City, Québec; CanadaPlace mentioned: EuropePlace mentioned: Atlantic OceanBook mentioned: Execution: The Discipline of Getting Things Done by Larry Bossidy & Ram CharanBook mentioned: Good to Great by Jim CollinsBook mentioned: Rewired: The McKinsey Guide to Outcompeting in the Age of Digital and AI by Eric Lamarre, Kate Smaje, & Rodney ZemmelPlace mentioned: WashingtonPrevious guest mentioned in this episode: Bill Gould (episodes 1 & 42)In this episode:[0:55] - Bill reflects on how transitioning to Allied expanded his ability to serve credit unions.[2:00] - Founded by Missy Eldridge, Allied helps credit unions grow, protect, recover, and evolve.[5:22] - Bill argues that credit unions should strategically balance building, buying, and partnering based on unique strengths.[7:44] - Partnerships such as PortX help speed up integration and lend innovation and operational flexibility.[10:36] - Hear how Allied helps merging credit unions align systems and programs while also preserving member value.[11:44] - Bill reveals that, for the future, Allied is focused on mergers, AI, regulations, and evolving member expectations.[13:39] - For Bill, leaders such as Missy Eldridge and John Wooden exemplify tenacity and excellence![14:48] - Family travel remains Bill's favorite investment, while work trips offer opportunities for exploration![16:16] - Listen as Bill recommends several different books.[17:09] - Bill believes that balancing a personal life with a professional one requires efficiency, intentionality, and maximizing work-travel opportunities.[18:22] - Future success depends on balancing growth, risk, transformation, and member-focused values!

What if the thing wrecking your relationship isn't a bad quarter or a failed deal, but the fact that you've gotten so good at building your empire you accidentally turned the people you love into roommates? In this episode of The Happy Hustle Podcast, I sit down with Cody Jefferson, a man who is genuinely hard to put in a box. He's a husband, a father, a serial entrepreneur, a CMO, an advisor to some of the biggest names in entertainment and business, and the founder of 126 Brotherhood. But what you might not expect is that Cody was also a pastor for 13 years, a licensed mechanic, a licensed barber, and a touring musician for close to a decade. He grew up in rural Oklahoma in a little trailer with his grandparents, wrestled his way through school, found faith again in the most unexpected way, and has since built a life and a mission around one simple but deeply powerful idea: this is who I am, so this is what I do. This episode matters because Cody isn't just another guy talking about mindset and morning routines. He's someone who has buried 148 people, navigated divorce and co-parenting with grace, rebuilt his identity from the ground up, and figured out how to be a present father, a devoted husband, and a thriving entrepreneur all at once. This is one of those conversations that quietly rearranges something inside you. One of the biggest things I took from this episode is Cody's framework for identity formation. He talks about looking at the fruit of your life honestly, seeing where the dead branches are, and asking yourself if what you're doing every day is actually confirming who you say you are. It's not motivational fluff. It's a real gut check. If you say you're a devoted father but you keep saying no to your kid's football games and yes to every speaking gig, the fruit doesn't lie. We also got into something most men avoid talking about, which is what happens when a man loses his sense of purpose. Cody described it simply and clearly. A man without purpose becomes a ship without a rudder. He either absorbs everything or deflects everything and then disappears into isolation, devices, or the business because the business doesn't talk back. It doesn't have emotions. It doesn't need him to show up fully. And before he knows it, he's dug himself into a hole with his family that feels too deep to climb out of. Cody's take? You either dig down or dig out. That's the choice. What I loved most was how Cody talks about success on his own terms. He told me about a conversation he had with his son Stetson while they were out driving one of his old trucks. His son asked why they didn't have a Ferrari. By the end of that conversation, the boy said he liked the old trucks better anyway and started dreaming about one day having a barn full of them where his own kids could come work on them together. Cody looked at me and said, "Son, that's success to me." That hit home. Big houses, fast cars, empty dinner tables. Cody has seen it up close. He's not against the money, he just knows it won't give you what you think it will. We talked about faith and entrepreneurship, about how the same grace that carried him through a pastor scandal that shook his world is the same grace that carries him through the uncertainty of building companies. He said something I keep coming back to: in business, every day starts at zero. You're going to take loss as much as you take a win. His faith hasn't weakened through that. It's deepened, because it has to. We also talked about AI, about 126 Brotherhood, about Flower Friday, about keeping fishing poles in the truck so any time you pass a pond you stop and fish with your boys. About how his eleven year old still holds his hand and how he never plans to be the one to let go first. Cody defines Happy Hustlin' as being in purpose and on purpose. He said it beautifully: the stress of his life isn't distress, it's use stress. Everything is something he said yes to. And as long as he knows God called him to it and his boundaries are in place, he's a happy camper. That's it. That's the whole thing. We're all desperate to be known, but we settle for being seen. Cody Jefferson is calling us higher than that. Your story is worth knowing. And if this episode doesn't remind you of that, listen to it again. Listen to the full episode here: https://caryjack.com/podcastin/ What does Happy Hustlin' mean to you? Recognizing that I am in purpose and on purpose. And so that the stress of my life is not distress, it is use stress. Everything is working for me, that everything in my life is an opportunity that I've said yes to. So if I find myself super stressed about something, it's probably my own fault and my own ego trying to get in the way. Connect with Codyhttps://www.facebook.com/codyjeffersonpersonalhttps://www.instagram.com/codyjefferson/https://www.youtube.com/@codyjeffersonofficial/videoshttps://x.com/codyjefferson?s=21https://www.linkedin.com/in/codyjeffersonofficial/https://www.tiktok.com/@codyjeffersonofficial?_r=1&_t=ZS-97LAxaMjGZM Find Cody on this website: https://126brotherhood.com/ Connect with Cary!https://www.instagram.com/caryjack/https://www.facebook.com/SirCaryJackhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/cary-jack-kendzior/https://twitter.com/thehappyhustlehttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFDNsD59tLxv2JfEuSsNMOQ/featured Get a copy of his new book, https://www.thehappyhustle.com/book Sign up for The Journey: 10 Days To Become a Happy Hustler Online Course @ https://thehappyhustle.com/thejourney/ Apply to the Montana Mastermind Epic Camping Adventure @ https://thehappyhustle.com/mastermind/ “It's time to Happy Hustle, a blissfully balanced life you love, full of passion, purpose, and positive impact!” Episode Sponsors: If you're feeling stressed, not sleeping great, or your energy's been kinda meh lately—let me put you on to something that's been a total game-changer for me: Magnesium Breakthrough by BiOptimizers. This ain't your average magnesium—it's got all 7 essential forms that your body needs to chill out, sleep deeper, and feel more balanced. I take it every night and legit notice the difference the next day. No more waking up groggy or tossing and turning all night If you're ready to sleep like a baby, calm your nervous system, and optimize your recovery, go grab yours now at https://www.bioptimizers.com/happy and use code HAPPY10 for 10% OFF. =================================================================== My Green Mattress If you've been waking up with back pain, feeling stiff, or just not getting that deep, quality sleep. This might be what you're missing: My Green Mattress. It's made with clean, non-toxic, and eco-friendly materials, so you're not just sleeping better, you're sleeping healthier too. The comfort and support are on another level, and you can really feel the difference night after night. If you're ready to invest in better sleep and better recovery, check it out at https://thehappyhustle.com/mygreenmattress Ozlo Sleep If you've been struggling to fall asleep, stay asleep, or just wake up feeling actually rested, let me put you on to something that's been a total game-changer: Ozlo Sleep. These aren't your typical sleep buds. They're designed to block out noise and help your brain fully relax, so you can drift off faster and stay in deep, uninterrupted sleep. Perfect if you're a light sleeper or just want that next-level rest. If you're ready to upgrade your sleep and wake up feeling recharged, check out https://ozlosleep.com and save $80 OFF using code HAPPY.

What if the patient never noticed the merger at all? For Matt Staub, that's not a failure — it's the goal. In this episode, Your Health CEO Matt Staub sits down with Jamie to talk through the company's merger with TCPA and Providence Care — a move that brings together similar footprints in primary care, palliative, hospice, skilled nursing, and assisted living across South Carolina and Georgia. As a 23-year healthcare veteran going through his first merger, Matt is candid about the tedious due-diligence "earnest money" phase, the EMR transitions ahead, and why he refuses to let "what could go wrong" crowd out "what could go right." You'll hear: Why "mass moves mass" — and what scale actually buys patients in care management and data analytics How Your Health breaks 50,000 patients into groups, teams, and "hubs" so no one falls through the cracks The "change is hard" philosophy and the discipline of productive (not just effective) communication How the spirit of agape — godly love — still threads through a company that's evolved far past its original name What success looks like in six months: patient retention, mission and margin If you lead through change — or live through it — this one will reframe how you think about getting bigger without losing what made you matter.

Priyanki Amroliwala, Senior Manager of Talent Acquisition & Greg Wappett, Chief Development Officer of 42 North Dental share their thoughts and strategies on: Doctor recruitment in 2026 Acquisition realities & strategies  Strategic growth initiatives Learn how the recruitment & acquisition teams work together at 42 North Dental.  You can learn more about 42 North Dental: https://www.42northdental.com/ If you are a dental student or dentist looking for a change, contact Priyanki: https://www.linkedin.com/in/priyanki/ Selling your practice or small group? Contact Greg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-wappett/

“I'm so passionate about creating a world where fraud is rare and trust between a member and their credit union is a given.” - Shanthi ShanmugamThank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Robbie Young, Vice President of Strategic Growth at CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.My guest on today's show is Shanthi Shanmugam, CEO of Casap. She joins me for this episode to discuss the winding path that took her from studying computer science at UC Berkeley to helping credit unions rethink one of the most stressful moments in the member experience: disputes.Throughout our conversation, Shanthi makes it evident that she is passionate about building technology that feels human. She shares stories from her time at Facebook and Robinhood, including the moment when she realized that she wanted to spend her career solving problems that genuinely matter to people. Hear how that mindset eventually led to the formation of Casap, an AI-powered platform helping credit unions reduce fraud losses, improve dispute resolution, and strengthen member trust without losing the human judgment these situations often require. We also dig into why disputes are far more than just operational headaches, with Shanthi explaining why they're “trust moments” that can determine whether a member stays loyal to their financial institution or walks away entirely.As we wrap up the episode, Shanthi talks about her love for custom suits, Bollywood dancing, Colorado Springs, and why Stephen Covey's The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People still resonates with her years after first reading it. Enjoy my conversation with Shanthi Shanmugam!Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.Connect with Shanthi:Shanthi Shanmugam, CEO of Casapshanthi@casaphq.com casaphq.com Shanthi: LinkedIn Casap: LinkedInShow notes from this episode:Film mentioned: RatatouilleCharacter mentioned: RemyBook mentioned: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen CoveyIn this episode:[1:00] - When she was young, Shanthi dreamed of traveling worldwide through dance and teaching others to love it.[2:27] - After Berkeley and Facebook, Shanthi pursued product work that was focused on meaningful human impact.[5:01] - Learn how ChatGPT inspired Shanthi to launch Casap and reimagine trust-centered fraud prevention.[8:16] - Hear how Casap helps credit unions improve member experiences and reduce fraud via AI-powered dispute management.[11:13] - Shanthi identifies three major gaps in the dispute process - starting with credit unions needing more transparent support.[12:36] - The second gap is fragmented systems which weaken fraud decision-making.[13:57] - Thirdly, better dispute insights are needed to differentiate between legitimate cases and attempted fraud.[15:09] - Shanthi points out that disputes become defining moments that shape long-term member loyalty and retention.[17:49] - Shanthi illustrates the difference between agentic AI and other AI tools.[20:28] - I praise Casap for balancing fast automation with compassionate human support.[21:08] - Casap aims to become credit unions' broader AI operating system beyond just dispute management.[23:24] - Hear why Shanthi credits her mother with being a good leader.[25:36] - Shanthi reflects on a trip to Colorado Springs which offered her a refreshing conference experience outside the usual Vegas routine.[26:39] - Shanthi empathically believes that everyone should read The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey.[27:14] - Shanthi reveals that monthly check-ins help her balance rapid company growth with family and personal priorities.[29:49] - Shanthi expresses gratitude for credit unions.

This episode recorded live at the Becker's 16th Annual Meeting features Heather Resseger, Senior Vice President, Chief Hospital Operations Officer and Chief Nursing Officer, NorthBay Health. She discusses driving strategic growth while maintaining independence, reimagining care delivery and workforce models, and fostering a culture of continuous learning to improve patient outcomes and strengthen healthcare teams.In collaboration with Insight Global.

In this episode of The Executive Dose Podcast, host Stephen Beckman leads a timely discussion on how pharmaceutical manufacturers approach portfolio ideation, portfolio development, and strategic growth in today's increasingly complex healthcare environment.   Stephen is joined by Joe Hendrickson, Head of Strategy and Corporate Development for Serovia, for a conversation focused on how manufacturers identify unmet market needs, evaluate product opportunities, prioritize development pathways, and make strategic decisions amid growing industry pressure.   The discussion explores how pharmaceutical companies move from early-stage ideation to portfolio evaluation, development, commercialization, and lifecycle planning. As manufacturers face rising pricing pressure, market access barriers, regulatory expectations, competitive intensity, supply chain constraints, and evolving stakeholder demands, disciplined portfolio strategy has become more important than ever.   Listeners will gain perspective on how manufacturers are navigating uncertainty, adapting their growth strategies, and building more resilient portfolio models designed to bring meaningful therapies and solutions to market. Special Guest Joe Hendrickson Head of Strategy and Corporate Development Serovia

“Start simple and stay curious.” - Larry MeadorThank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Robbie Young, Vice President of Strategic Growth at CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.My guest on today's show is Larry Meador, CEO of evok credit union marketing. Our conversation goes far beyond marketing buzzwords and demographic charts, with Larry sharing how a kid obsessed with commercials and creativity eventually found his way into advertising and the credit union world. Along the way, hear the wildly scrappy origin story behind evok!Throughout our conversation, Larry explains why demographics alone don't tell the full story and why understanding motivations, anxieties, habits, and emotional triggers matters so much more than simply targeting “women 35 to 54.” We talk about the difference between target audiences and personas, how digital personalization has completely changed member expectations, and why credit unions can't afford to sound generic anymore. Larry also breaks down how his team helps credit unions identify who they're already connecting with, where future opportunities exist, and how behavior-driven marketing can help strengthen loyalty in an era when consumers can move money with simply a few taps on their phones.As we wrap up the episode, Larry talks about why travel makes him a better marketer, the lessons that he has learned from coaches and family members, and why communication sits at the center of great leadership. Enjoy my conversation with Larry Meador!Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.Connect with Larry:Larry Meador, CEO of evok credit union marketingevokad.comLarry: LinkedInevok: LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | XFilm mentioned: Jerry MaguireFilm mentioned: Other People's MoneyBook mentioned: The Art of Client Service by Robert SolomonBook mentioned: What Drives Winning: Building Character Gets Results. Here's How. by Brett LedbetterBook mentioned: Meditations by Marcus AureliusIn this episode:[0:58] - Hear how childhood creativity and fascination with commercials eventually led Larry into marketing and storytelling.[2:38] - Larry reflects on how a nontraditional career path and guerrilla marketing tactics helped launch evok.[4:33] - evok blends creativity and analytics to uncover members' emotional financial decision-making drivers.[6:47] - Larry argues that personas reveal behavioral motivations, enabling more personalized member communication.[8:31] - Larry believes that personalized, relevant messaging helps credit unions compete through stronger member connection and loyalty.[10:37] - Effective persona development starts by understanding your existing members and opportunities for growth.[12:56] - Larry argues that persona-driven messaging strengthens relationships by anticipating members' needs and life stages.[15:48] - What is evok's focus for the future?[17:42] - Hear how travel broadens Larry's cultural understanding, creativity, and perspective as a marketer![19:42] - Larry mentions several books that he thinks everyone should read.[20:24] - Larry asserts that entrepreneurial “balance” comes via integrating family, fitness, reading, and creative recovery time.[21:21] - In closing, authenticity and human connection give credit unions opportunities to compete beyond size and technology.

Most marketers talk about growth through media, performance, and digital channels.But what happens when growth comes from stores, people, and product instead?In this PostPod discussion, Marc and Vassilis reflect on their conversation with David, exploring the resurgence of iconic Canadian brand Kit and Ace and what modern marketers can learn from retail done properly.The conversation moves beyond dashboards and attribution models into something much more foundational:Product qualityCustomer promisePhysical availabilityBrand consistencyRetail experienceAnd the overlooked role of people in building a brandMarc and Vassilis unpack:Why physical retail still matters in a digital-first worldHow stores can function as media channelsThe relationship between product, place, and brand growthWhy scaling too aggressively can destroy a brandThe forgotten importance of the “place” P in marketingHow employee belief can become a marketing engineWhy some brands quietly disappear — and how they come back strongerThis episode is ultimately about something simple: Great brands are not built by advertising alone.They're built through consistency across product, people, place, and promise.Chapters00:00 - Introduction03:00 - The Importance of Brand Promise05:55 - Strategic Growth and Market Positioning08:54 - Cultural Insights and Market Adaptation11:55 - The Role of People in Brand Success

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we talked with Jordan Cordero from Live Oak Bank about the massive wave of mergers and acquisitions transforming the home services industry. Jordan is one of the key players on these deals, and he shares exactly how independent trade companies are scaling from local operations into seven- and eight-figure regional powerhouses. If you are running an HVAC, plumbing, or electrical business, this episode provides all the necessary nuggets when it comes to financial strategies.If you are looking for an inside look at where interest rates are heading for the rest of 2026, this episode shows you how to structure a win-win deal that protects your retirement or your investment.Time Stamps: 01:05 - Introduction: Funding the Home Services Acquisition Wave02:23 - The Mom and Pop Boom: How 2M Companies Are Buying Competitors03:30 - Adding Service Lines To the Deals: Merging HVAC, Plumbing, and Electrical04:55 - How to Source Hidden Business Deals in Your Area07:45 - Why Right Now is the Perfect Time to Buy a Trade Business09:29 - Interest Rate Trends and the Reality of Capital Costs10:30 - SBA 7a Loans vs Seller Financing: Shifting the Risk to the Bank13:10 - The Hidden Trap of Seller Notes: Post-Sale Disagreements15:15 - Creative Financing Structures and Tax Planning Options16:40 - Acquisition Horror Stories: When the Seller Badmouths the Buyer19:30 - Sponsor: Free Agency 21:18 - Why You Need a Lender Who Specializes in the Home Services Vertical23:46 - The MCA Warning: How Predatory Working Capital Loans Ruin Cash Flow26:12 - Can You Refuse or Refinance a Merchant Cash Advance?27:10 - Market Forecast, Where Interest Rates Are Heading Next28:02 - Impact of Interest Rates on Acquisitions.29:02 - Loan Structure and its effects.30:01 - Fixed vs. Variable Rates in SBA Loans.31:00 - Revenue Projections in Acquisitions.34:52 - The Importance of Strategic Growth.36:18 - Are You a Fit for SBA programs?37:17 - Closing Remarks and Appreciation.Sponsor: Free Agency - https://freeagency.ai/

BioRick Meekins is a battle-tested strategic growth leader and business operations architect with over 30 years of entrepreneurial experience. Known for his direct, resilient leadership style, Rick works alongside founders to inspire relentless pursuit, drive strategic execution, and build companies that create lasting impact within the communities they serve.Through decades in the trenches of entrepreneurship—leading teams, scaling businesses, navigating crises, and forging resilient operations—Rick understands the real challenges entrepreneurs face. His mission is clear: to equip builders with the insights, frameworks, and discipline needed to pursue excellence without compromise, endure hard seasons, and build companies that outlast them.

What happens when an Air Force engineer with experience in intelligence, venture capital, and deep tech startups starts applying quantum-inspired computing to some of the hardest problems in aerospace and defense? In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I sat down with Nathan Mason, VP of Strategic Growth at BQP, to unpack how quantum-inspired software is already helping organizations solve massive computational challenges without waiting years for fully mature quantum hardware. Nathan shared his fascinating career journey from military service after 9/11 through the intelligence community, business school, venture investing, and ultimately into the world of advanced simulation and optimization. He emphasized how data-driven thinking shaped his approach to high-stakes decision making and why gut instinct alone no longer suffices in an era driven by AI, complex systems, and operational risk. His insights provide valuable guidance for those interested in careers at the intersection of tech and aerospace. We also explored a question many business leaders are asking right now: what does "quantum in practice" actually look like today? Nathan explained how BQP is applying quantum-inspired approaches on existing CPUs and GPUs to improve simulation accuracy, accelerate modeling workloads, and help aerospace organizations make faster, smarter engineering decisions without simply throwing more hardware at the problem. This shows the tangible progress already happening, inspiring the audience with real-world impact. The discussion also tackled the commercial realities behind deep tech innovation. Nathan spoke candidly about the funding challenges facing startups working in quantum and defense technologies, emphasizing that moving beyond theory into operational deployment is difficult but achievable. This perspective encourages the audience to see obstacles as opportunities for innovation and persistence. Toward the end of the episode, Nathan shared thoughtful advice for students, engineers, and professionals looking to build careers in AI, aerospace, quantum, and defense. His message was simple but powerful: stay curious, keep learning, and never underestimate how a single conversation can completely change your career trajectory. If you've ever wondered how quantum computing moves from science fiction headlines into real-world business value, this episode offers a practical and honest perspective on how quantum-inspired software is already making a difference in aerospace and defense industries today. Useful Links Connect with Nathan Mason on LinkedIn Learn More about BQP Please check the partners of the Tech Tech Talks Network Learn more about the NordLayer Browser Visit Denodo.com

Digital ad fraud is one of the biggest hidden costs in modern marketing — and many companies do not realize how much of their advertising budget is being wasted on fake clicks, bot traffic, fraudulent accounts, and misleading campaign data. In this episode of Grownlearn, host Zorina Dimitrova speaks with Rich Kahn, CEO of Anura, a digital ad fraud prevention platform protecting more than 2 million websites. Rich has over 31 years of experience in digital marketing and has built five self-funded multimillion-dollar internet companies. Rich explains how digital advertising fraud works across platforms such as Facebook, Google, partner networks, affiliate traffic, and programmatic advertising. He also shares why certain channels carry higher fraud risk, how AI-driven bots are changing the fraud landscape, and why clean traffic matters for marketing ROI, ROAS, and long-term business growth. We discuss how Anura detects fraudulent traffic in real time by collecting more than 800 data points, why companies often discover fraud only after performance starts to break down, and what founders, marketers, agencies, SaaS companies, eCommerce brands, and investors should understand before scaling paid advertising. Beyond ad fraud prevention, Rich also shares his entrepreneurial journey: building multiple companies without outside funding, scaling through product-driven growth, developing enterprise relationships, and why face-to-face business development through trade shows still works. This episode is especially relevant for founders, marketers, agencies, eCommerce businesses, SaaS companies, investors, and anyone spending money on digital advertising. Guest: Rich Kahn, CEO of Anura Host: Zorina Dimitrova, Strategic Growth & Capital Advisor and host of Grownlearn Listen to more episodes: Grownlearn Podcast: https://grownlearn.onpodium.com/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1bUIDGbSQl4BlHeNeeJfva Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/at/podcast/grownlearn/id1515759956 SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/grownlearn Learn more about Grownlearn: https://grownlearn.org/ Episode Chapters 00:00 – Podcast Intro & Why Digital Ad Fraud Matters 01:15 – Rich Kahn's Entrepreneurial Journey 03:50 – How Digital Ad Fraud Works Across Facebook, Google & Partner Networks 08:17 – What Advertisers Should Ask Agencies About Fraud Detection 10:39 – Inside Anura's Fraud Detection Platform 16:10 – AI Bots, Fake Traffic & the New Era of Ad Fraud 19:49 – Product-Driven Growth & Building Through Relationships 22:49 – Scaling a Self-Funded Company 25:21 – Trade Shows vs Digital Marketing 27:00 – The $160B Fraud Problem & the Future of Clean Traffic

“Strive to delight … it's a great ethos to live by.” - John FindlayThank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Robbie Young, Vice President of Strategic Growth at CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.My guest on today's show is John Findlay, CEO of LemonadeLXP. He sits down with me to talk about learning, curiosity, and why most workplace training completely misses the mark. He shares his path to CEO, opens up about being labeled a “terrible student”, and how he knew early on that he was meant to build something of his own. From launching businesses right out of high school to using gamification before it even had a name, his story is a reminder that unconventional paths can lead to meaningful innovation.Throughout our conversation, we spend a lot of time discussing a problem that feels almost universal: when learning feels like a chore, people check out, but when it's designed to be interactive and even enjoyable, that becomes a different story. We also get into how AI is changing the equation—not in a vague, buzzwordy way but in practical terms such as how it can reduce onboarding time, offer answers in real moments of need, and help organizations retain knowledge.As we wrap up the episode, John goes through our usual round of rapid-fire questions, revealing that he is a self-proclaimed “geopolitics nerd”, and why he recommends an especially “epic” book. Enjoy my conversation with John Findlay!Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.Connect with John:John Findlay, CEO of LemonadeLXPlemonadelxp.com John: LinkedInLemonadeLXP: LinkedIn | Instagram | Threads | YouTube | TikTok | X

Off-price and value retail is often misunderstood. A lot of founders think of it as a last resort for excess inventory, but it can actually be a strategic channel for discovery, customer acquisition, and incremental revenue.In this episode, I talk with Matt Goldbloom, Founder and CEO of Common Shelf, about how brands can approach retailers like TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Ross, Burlington, and HomeGoods with the right strategy. We break down what buyers are looking for, how the treasure hunt model works, and how founders can think about pricing, packaging, and protecting brand equity.We also get into how Matt is building a lean team using global talent and AI-supported workflows to move faster and reduce founder bottlenecks.This episode is sponsored by Plus Forty, which helps CPG brands and service providers build lean, reliable teams with vetted global talent.Exclusive Foodbevy Offer: Plus Forty is giving 2 brands 5 free VA hours with no upfront costs. Their CPG- and AI-capable VAs can help with retail research, content repurposing, admin cleanup, inbox support, data entry, SOPs, and reporting.Apply for 5 free VA hours to see what a Plus Forty VA can do for your business. APPLY HEREStartup to Scale is a podcast by Foodbevy, an online community to connect emerging food, beverage, and CPG founders to great resources and partners to grow their business. Visit us at Foodbevy.com to learn about becoming a member or an industry partner today.

As of May 2026, Julie Levin has just stepped into a major leadership role at Stagwell (the global "challenger" network known for its focus on AI and digital transformation).In late April 2026, Stagwell revamped its growth strategy, and Julie was named SVP, Strategic Growth for Marketing Services.Julie is described as a "dual-perspective" leader who understands both the agency hustle and the client's internal pressures.The "Both Sides of the Table" Expert: Her bio highlights a rare career mix. She has led agency growth at heavyweights like Publicis NA, The Martin Agency, and Horizon Media, but she also spent significant time on the brand side at Verizon.Sector Specialty: In her new role at Stagwell, she is the lead for five key industries:Financial ServicesAutomotiveTelecom (drawing on her Verizon roots)EntertainmentSportsGrowth Philosophy: She is known for moving away from the "traditional agency structure" and instead building solutions based on how modern clients actually buy and operate. At Stagwell, her mission is to connect their "culture-moving creativity" with their high-end technology (like the Stagwell Marketing Cloud).

On this episode of skucast, commonsku's Outside Sales Director Maria Acquarola talks strategic growth for promo distributors, the seven-touch cadence that cuts through email fatigue, and the partnership reframe for solving order problems in the promotional products industry

Michael Wright, Vice President of Strategic Growth at JANUS Research Group, has spent 25+ years helping organizations evolve from activity-driven execution to outcome-based performance in high-stakes environments.In this episode, he and Alex D. Tremble break down a challenge most leaders of a multi-location, operations-heavy business doing roughly eight figures in revenue face: your team is busy—but you're still the one driving results.They explore how leaders get stuck in constant firefighting, why ownership breaks down, and how emerging tools like AI are forcing leaders to rethink how work—and leadership—actually happens.You'll learn:How to shift your team from activity to outcome-driven executionWhat it really takes to build ownership across your leadership benchWhy leaders struggle to “let go” and how to fix it without losing controlHow to balance daily operations with long-term strategic thinkingWhere AI helps—and where it quietly increases leadership riskThis is for you if:You're still the default problem-solver for your teamYour leaders stay busy, but progress feels slowYou struggle to step out of the day-to-day without things slippingListen now and start building a team that owns results—not just tasks.If this hits home, share it with another operator who's feeling the same pressure.

“If you understand your members, you'll know what products and services to offer.” - Rob NewberryThank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Robbie Young, Vice President of Strategic Growth at CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.My guest on today's show is Rob Newberry, Senior Consultant at Abrigo. Rob's story begins about as far from finance as you can get—on a dairy farm in rural Iowa. His perspective was shaped not by what he wanted to become, but by what he knew he didn't, and that path eventually led him from an entry-level role in the mortgage industry, to a VP position at Wells Fargo, and later to building a company of his own focused on supporting credit unions and community banks!In our conversation, Rob calls attention to something that feels increasingly rare in financial services: genuine human connection. He deconstructs why relationship lending still matters and why the best lenders aren't the ones chasing the lowest rate but rather the ones who truly understand their members. His “Know Your Members” mindset is a practical way to think about risk, retention, and long-term value. We also get into the conflict that can come up between efficiency and authenticity. With AI reshaping workflows on the daily—from loan write-ups to risk analysis—Rob offers a fresh but grounded take on what technology can and can't do.As we wrap up the episode, Rob shares his thoughts on effective leadership, where in the world he would like to travel, and his love for live music. Enjoy my conversation with Rob Newberry!Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.Connect with Rob:Rob Newberry, Senior Consultant at Abrigoabrigo.com Rob: LinkedInAbrigo: LinkedInBook mentioned: StrengthsFinder 2.0 by GallupFilm mentioned: The Terminator

Since the Israel-Hamas war began in October 2023, there have been many debates over the use of the term genocide in describing Israeli military actions in Gaza.Tuesday on Midday Edition, we weigh that question with historian and genocide scholar Omer Bartov, who is in San Diego to discuss his latest book, "Israel: What Went Wrong."Then, it's been over six months since a ceasefire went into effect between Israel and Hamas. But the need for aid in Gaza and in the Israeli-occupied West Bank remains urgent.We hear from a local nonprofit coordinating humanitarian efforts in the region about what conditions are like on the ground.Guests:Omer Bartov, professor of Holocaust and genocide studies, Brown University; author, "Israel: What Went Wrong"George Kapataies, Assistant Country Director for Programs and Strategic Growth, Global Communities

Healthcare systems are facing a workforce crisis that's no longer temporary—it's structural. Even before COVID-19, staffing shortages across nursing, technical, and administrative roles were already straining capacity; today, those gaps are wider, costlier, and directly impacting patient access. With labor shortages persisting and burnout rising, health systems are being forced to rethink not just hiring—but the very composition of their workforce.So here's the question: What if the solution to healthcare's staffing crisis isn't just hiring more experienced workers—but strategically building a pipeline from those who haven't entered the field yet?On this episode of I Don't Care, host Dr. Kevin Stevenson sits down with Brock Hughes of Propel Clinical to explore how pre-clinical students—pre-med, pre-PA, pre-nursing—can be deployed to fill critical, hard-to-staff roles across healthcare systems. The conversation dives into workforce innovation, the economics of staffing, and how early-career exposure could reshape both patient care and clinician pipelines.This episode breaks down how…Healthcare systems are shifting toward workforce development strategies that prioritize pipeline-building over short-term staffing fixes.Pre-clinical students can fill entry-level and support roles effectively, often improving efficiency and reducing costs while gaining critical experience.“Planned turnover” among these students isn't a liability—it's a feature that enables continuous talent flow and long-term workforce sustainability.Brock Hughes, MBA, is a healthcare entrepreneur with over a decade of experience building and scaling solutions across clinical and operational domains. At Propel Clinical, he focuses on addressing workforce shortages by integrating pre-clinical talent into healthcare systems through structured, managed programs. Hughes has co-founded multiple ventures—including Chartpro, Chartjoy, and Zup—and previously led strategic expansion as SVP of Strategic Growth at CareATC and as a growth and strategy leader at CareTeam (acquired). His expertise spans business development, healthcare innovation, and building scalable models that improve access, reduce costs, and enhance operational efficiency.

In this episode of the Loan Officer Team Training Podcast, I sit down with someone who is challenging the way our industry thinks about growth, connection, and opportunity. Mosi Gatling, Senior Vice President of Strategic Growth and Expansion at New American Funding, brings a bold and necessary perspective on how loan officers can expand their reach by truly understanding the communities they serve. This episode is for loan officers, team leaders, and real estate professionals who are ready to evolve their approach, stand out in competitive markets, and build a business that reflects the world we actually live in today. Expect strategic perspective shifts, practical marketing adjustments, and a clear challenge to rethink how you attract and serve your clients.First Home IQ: https://firsthomeiq.com/ Words Matter-Inclusive Language and marketing for diverse borrowers https://heyzine.com/flip-book/wordsmatter2025Follow Mosi on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/mosigatling_/Connect with me: My Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/itsireneduford/My LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ireneduford/My Email: irene@loanteamtraining.comGet Loan Team Training for YOUR team: https://go.loanteamtraining.com/

“I can have significance in my life and my career in terms of helping credit unions and in some small way leave the world in a better place.” - Chris TissueThank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Robbie Young, Vice President of Strategic Growth at CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.My guest on today's show is Chris Tissue, Chief Operating Officer at CUCollaborate, and he joins me for this episode to discuss something that can really spark some strong opinions across the industry—mergers. Listen in as he shares how his career path (from growing up in Pittsburgh in a family of entrepreneurs to working at Callahan & Associates, Deloitte, and Grant Thornton) eventually led him back to the credit union movement and into a role where he helps institutions think strategically about growth.In our conversation, we start with Chris's early career journey and how a liberal arts graduate who once dreamed of entrepreneurship found himself immersed in the credit union world. That experience ended up coming full circle when he joined a former colleague to build out the consulting practice at CUCollaborate.Along the way, he and I discuss what the organization does day-to-day, and we also, of course, spend a good portion of the conversation discussing mergers, with Chris explaining how the industry historically viewed mergers as emergency solutions for struggling institutions. Nowadays, however, more financially healthy credit unions are considering mergers as a strategy to compete effectively and invest in the future, and Chris shares how his team approaches this work with a clear principle in mind: if a merger doesn't meaningfully benefit members, it just should not happen.As we wrap up the episode, we touch upon Chris's craft beer passion, the leadership influence of his grandfather, why Chicago in the summer tops his travel list, and more! Enjoy my conversation with Chris Tissue!Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.Connect with Chris:Chris Tissue, Chief Operating Officer at CUCollaborativecucollaborate.com Chris: LinkedInCUCollaborate: LinkedInBook mentioned: Radical Candor: Be a Kick-Ass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity by Kim ScottBook series mentioned: The Witcher

Quantum Open Source with Will Zeng and Ziyaad BhoratIn this special live-streamed discussion, Will Zeng, co-founder of the Unitary Foundation, and Ziyaad Bhorat, VP at the Mozilla Foundation, join host Sebastian Hassinger to unpack their co-authored white paper, The Open Foundation Quantum Technology Needs. The paper argues that open source quantum software is structurally underfunded — too applied for academic grants, too public-good for venture capital — and that philanthropic organizations need to step in before the window closes.This conversation arrives at a pivotal moment. Google recently published a paper showing Shor's algorithm could break ECDLP-256 with roughly 500,000 physical qubits — a 20x improvement over prior estimates — while Oratomic launched claiming 10,000 reconfigurable atomic qubits may be sufficient for cryptographically relevant computation. The timelines are compressing. The question is whether the software ecosystem can keep pace with the hardware.The video of our conversation can be viewed on YouTube.What you'll learnWhy open source quantum software falls into a structural funding gap between academic grants and venture capital — and what that means for the field's trajectoryHow Mozilla Foundation evaluates emerging technology fields for philanthropic intervention, and what specifically convinced them quantum was ripe for engagementWhat Google's 20x efficiency gain for Shor's algorithm and the Oratomic launch mean for Q-Day timelines and post-quantum migration urgencyWhy the "quantum Linux" analogy is useful but incomplete — and what the real risk is (fragmentation, not monopoly)How Unitary Foundation's microgrant program ($4,000, six months) has become a faster on-ramp to quantum careers than traditional academic pathwaysWhat PyMatching, PyZX, and other microgrant-funded projects reveal about the scalability of small open source investmentsWhy open source benchmarking through Metriq Gym matters — and why vendor-driven benchmarks can't fill this roleHow the Qiskit team reductions at IBM illustrate the fragility of corporate-backed open source in quantumWhat specific policy asks the quantum open source community has for the NQI reauthorizationThe von Neumann vs. ENIAC lesson: why openness wins over secrecy in building transformative computing platformsResources & linksThe Open Foundation Quantum Technology Needs — The white paper by Zeng, Castanon, and Bhorat (March 2026) that anchors this conversationUnitary Foundation — 501(c)(3) non-profit building, governing, and sustaining open source quantum software since 2018 Mozilla Foundation — Non-profit championing open source and internet health, supporting Unitary Foundation's quantum workMitiq — Open source toolkit for quantum error mitigationMetriq — Community-driven quantum benchmarking platform Metriq Gym — Open source benchmarking suite for quantum computers Unitary Compiler Collection (UCC) — Quantum circuit compilation toolsQuTiP — Quantum Toolbox in Python, stewarded by Unitary FoundationPyMatching — Open source decoder for quantum error correction, originally funded by a UF microgrant PyZX — ZX-calculus library for quantum circuit optimization, also originating from UF support Unitary Hack — Annual bug bounty hackathon connecting open source quantum projects with global contributors CSIS Commission on U.S. Quantum Leadership — Warning on quantum decryption surprise referenced in the white paperWill Zeng — President and co-founder of Unitary Foundation; Partner at Quantonation; DPhil in Quantum Information, University of OxfordZiyaad Bhorat — VP of Imagination and Strategic Growth, Mozilla Foundation; PhD in Political Science, UCLAKey quotes"Do we want a future where quantum computers are developed by secret government contractors with specialized PhDs who have top secret security clearances? Or do we want a future where quantum computers are built in the private sector, competing to provide economic value to everyone around the world?" — Will Zeng"Do not be afraid to experiment. We're doing ourselves a disservice to be slow, especially in a space that really warrants experimentation." — Ziyaad Bhorat, on his message to philanthropic colleagues"There's billions of people on the planet who want to do exciting and interesting things. Building quantum technology is one of those. If you have enough motivation, you just need to provide some on-ramps." — Will Zeng"We should put forward an affirmative vision of what that future should look like and drive towards it — because otherwise it will be built in secret." — Ziyaad Bhorat"The US spends 30, 35 billion on potato chips every year. There's a lot of room to grow." — Will Zeng, on the scale of quantum investment relative to what's neededRelated episodesEp 19: Quantum Error Mitigation using Mitiq with Misty Wahl — Deep dive into Mitiq, one of Unitary Foundation's flagship open source projects discussed in this episode.Ep 35: Quantum Benchmarking with Jens Eisert — Explores the challenges of quantum benchmarking that Will Zeng addresses with the Metriq platform.Ep 29: Quantum Education and Community Building with Olivia Lanes — Parallels to the community-first approach to workforce development that both guests advocate.Ep 53: Fostering Quantum Education with Emily Edwards — The Q12 initiative's approach to quantum education, complementing UF's open source on-ramps.Ep 79: Building a Quantum Ecosystem from Scratch with Martin Laforest — How Quebec built a quantum ecosystem — relevant context for the white paper's argument about building open infrastructure early.Subscribe & connectListen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify |

The parents discuss their continuing role in the recovery journey of their children. Moms and dads of children coping with substance use disorder or other mental health conditions explore how their parenting has evolved.  Three-time Olympic gold medalist Carrie Bates, now Caron Treatment Centers' National Resource Director and Director of Strategic Growth, joins the conversation.   Podcast Disclaimer The Parent-to-Parent Podcasts are provided as a service to you from other parents and do not represent professional clinical advice. The views and opinions expressed in the Parent-to-Parent Podcasts are not necessarily those of Caron or its affiliates. Nothing contained in the Parent-to-Parent Podcasts is intended to be instructional for clinical diagnosis or treatment. The information should not be considered complete, nor should it be relied on to suggest a course of treatment for a particular individual. It should not be used in place of a visit, call, consultation or the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider. You should never disregard clinical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard or read in the Parent-to-Parent Podcasts. Caron and its affiliates are neither responsible nor liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, special, exemplary, punitive, or other damages arising out of or relating in any way to the Parent-to-Parent Podcasts, content or information contained therein or any hyperlinked website. Your sole remedy for dissatisfaction with the Parent-to-Parent Podcasts, content or information contained therein, and/or hyperlinked websites is to stop using the Parent-to-Parent Podcasts or hyperlinked websites. Please be advised that the Parent-to-Parent Podcasts may be protected by federal and international copyright or other laws, and your right to reprint, republish, modify, reproduce, or distribute the Parent-to-Parent Podcasts may be limited accordingly.

Join host Sam Davidson on Circle Back as he welcomes Nashville Entrepreneur Center Hall of Famer, Ron Samuels. Discover Ron's extraordinary entrepreneurial journey, from his early encounters with industry giants Kimmons Wilson (Holiday Inns) and Fred Smith (FedEx) to founding an antique store, co-founding the Mid-South School of Banking, and an innovative marketing campaign that famously mailed bricks to double market share in the building materials industry. Ron shares insights from his decades-long career in banking, navigating a landscape of constant mergers and acquisitions, and his audacious decision to start Avenue Bank at the age of 60, just before the 2008 financial crisis. Learn how Avenue Bank cultivated a unique, people-first culture, leading to rapid growth and a successful acquisition by Pinnacle. This episode also delves into Nashville's remarkable transformation, its strategic growth initiatives from Partnership 2000 to bringing professional sports, and Ron's foundational advice for entrepreneurs on character, authenticity, and empowering leadership. Episode Highlights: 0:01:03 - Meeting Kimmons Wilson (Holiday Inns) & Fred Smith (FedEx) 0:03:03 - Ron's First Entrepreneurial Endeavors: Paper Route & Mid-South School of Banking 0:05:25 - The Story Behind Starting an Antique Business ("Secondhand Rows") 0:08:30 - Early Life, Family Background, and the Path to Banking 0:17:30 - Recognizing His Entrepreneurial Spirit & Early Banking Culture 0:19:08 - Moving to Nashville in 1975 & the City's Banking Landscape 0:27:59 - Doubling Market Share in the Brick Business by Mailing Bricks 0:31:57 - Returning to Banking & Pursuing an MBA at Vanderbilt (Owen School) 0:35:21 - Navigating Decades of Banking Mergers & Acquisitions 0:40:04 - The Bold Decision to Start Avenue Bank at 60 0:43:08 - The Avenue Bank Success Story: Community, Growth, and Unique Culture 0:48:59 - Why Avenue Bank Decided to Exit and Merge with Pinnacle 0:55:20 - Reflecting on Nashville's Strategic Growth and Transformation 1:00:25 - Essential Advice for Aspiring and Seasoned Entrepreneurs Listen now to uncover the wisdom from one of Nashville's most influential business leaders! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend and leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Connect with Circle Back: Circle Back Podcast Follow Sam Davidson's LinkedIn Learn more about the Nashville Entrepreneur Center In partnership with Nashville Post #RonSamuels #AvenueBank #NashvilleEntrepreneur #Podcast #Entrepreneurship #Banking #NashvilleHistory #FedEx #HolidayInn #StartupLife #BusinessGrowth #Leadership #CommunityBuilding #CircleBackPodcast #SamDavidson #NashvillePost #BusinessAdvice #EntrepreneurJourney #NashvilleBusiness #MergersAndAcquisitions #BankFounder

“The exciting part of life is innovating—creating, filling the gap where previously there was a void.” - Har Rai KhalsaThank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Robbie Young, Vice President of Strategic Growth at CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.My guest on today's show is Har Rai Khalsa, Co-Founder and CEO of Swaystack. He joins me for a conversation about a challenge which many credit unions quietly wrestle with: turning new accounts into real, active relationships. Har Rai's path into fintech wasn't exactly the one he imagined as a kid. Like a lot of young athletes, he once pictured himself going pro, inspired by legends such as Derek Jeter. Instead, his career began in lending, where he spent years learning the mechanics of onboarding, underwriting, and the systems which power financial institutions. He also explains how that experience eventually led him to build technology solutions for financial institutions and ultimately launching Swaystack.In our conversation, Har Rai shares how his team approached building their company and how—rather than assuming that they knew what credit unions needed—they began by asking a lot of questions. In their early conversations with credit unions, a surprising theme revealed itself: growth wasn't actually the real problem. Many institutions were opening plenty of accounts, but far too many of those accounts were going inactive within months. We discuss why those first 90 days after opening an account are so incredibly important. Hear how onboarding responsibilities are scattered across departments such as marketing, retail, lending, and digital—yet no one actually owns the outcomes that matter most: balances, transactions, and direct deposit adoption.As we wrap up the episode, Har Rai talks about how he appreciates a nice car, the cities he loves to visit, a book recommendation, and more! I hope that you enjoy my conversation with Har Rai Khalsa!Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.Connect with Har Rai:Har Rai Khalsa, Co-Founder and C.E.O. of Swaystackswaystack.com Har Rai: LinkedInSwaystack: LinkedIn

In this episode, Quentin interviews real estate investor Nathan Shelby, exploring his journey from military service to building a diverse property portfolio in North Mississippi. They discuss the importance of relationships, discipline, confidence, and strategic growth in real estate success.   Professional Real Estate Investors - How we can help you: Investor Fuel Mastermind:  Learn more about the Investor Fuel Mastermind, including 100% deal financing, massive discounts from vendors and sponsors you're already using, our world class community of over 150 members, and SO much more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/apply   Investor Machine Marketing Partnership:  Are you looking for consistent, high quality lead generation? Investor Machine is America's #1 lead generation service professional investors. Investor Machine provides true 'white glove' support to help you build the perfect marketing plan, then we'll execute it for you…talking and working together on an ongoing basis to help you hit YOUR goals! Learn more here: http://www.investormachine.com   Coaching with Mike Hambright:  Interested in 1 on 1 coaching with Mike Hambright? Mike coaches entrepreneurs looking to level up, build coaching or service based businesses (Mike runs multiple 7 and 8 figure a year businesses), building a coaching program and more. Learn more here: https://investorfuel.com/coachingwithmike   Attend a Vacation/Mastermind Retreat with Mike Hambright: Interested in joining a "mini-mastermind" with Mike and his private clients on an upcoming "Retreat", either at locations like Cabo San Lucas, Napa, Park City ski trip, Yellowstone, or even at Mike's East Texas "Big H Ranch"? Learn more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/retreat   Property Insurance: Join the largest and most investor friendly property insurance provider in 2 minutes. Free to join, and insure all your flips and rentals within minutes! There is NO easier insurance provider on the planet (turn insurance on or off in 1 minute without talking to anyone!), and there's no 15-30% agent mark up through this platform!  Register here: https://myinvestorinsurance.com/   New Real Estate Investors - How we can work together: Investor Fuel Club (Coaching and Deal Partner Community): Looking to kickstart your real estate investing career? Join our one of a kind Coaching Community, Investor Fuel Club, where you'll get trained by some of the best real estate investors in America, and partner with them on deals! You don't need $ for deals…we'll partner with you and hold your hand along the way! Learn More here: http://www.investorfuel.com/club   —--------------------

What actually drives sustainable business growth: strategy, capital… or culture? In this episode of the Grownlearn Podcast, Zorina Dimitrova sits down with Chris Hallberg, also known as The Business Sergeant, to break down what truly makes companies scale, and why most founders underestimate the role of systems, accountability, and team alignment. Chris shares how the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) helps businesses create clarity, structure, and execution discipline across six core components: vision, people, data, issues, process, and traction. Beyond frameworks, this conversation goes deeper into what separates average companies from high-performing organizations, from building A-player teams to navigating AI disruption and long-term business transformation. If you are scaling a company, preparing for investment, or optimizing for long-term value creation, this episode offers a practical lens on what actually works.

“You make the best of what you've got, and you document it and you protect people. It can make a humongous difference in families that might be struggling right now.” - James BishopThank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Robbie Young, Vice President of Strategic Growth at CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.My guest on today's show is James Bishop, founder of ClaimStinger. ​​His story doesn't start out in a boardroom but rather in Southern Colorado playing cowboy on a dude ranch, then repairing hail-damaged cars, then running a shop, and finally asking a critical question: Why is the insurance process so confusing, so slow, and so stacked against everyday people? From that question, ClaimStinger was born, and what James is building now has serious implications for credit unions, their members, and the way vehicle assets are protected.In our conversation, James and I discuss the quiet documentation gaps that cost members thousands of dollars. James explains why insurance companies are increasingly denying claims due to missing photo evidence, how that drains equity from vehicles, and why credit unions feel the ripple effects in their loan portfolios.James walks us through the concept of “the birthdate of a loan,” and we also dig into what happens when members are left alone to deal with adjusters, estimates, and confusing checks that never quite cover the damage. James shares some actual stories from his repair shop—people driving devalued cars for over a year because they're scared, stuck, or unsure what to do next. His proposed solution to this problem is to pair simple, plug-and-play technology with education that empowers credit union teams and members alike!As we wrap up the episode, James talks about the grandmother who mentored him, the grandsons he's investing his time in, his love of museums and sci-fi, and why “playing in the dirt” is his version of balance. This conversation is about a lot more than just software; it's about protecting what people work hard for and making sure that no one feels stranded when life throws a curveball. Enjoy my conversation with James Bishop!Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.Connect with James:James Bishop, founder of ClaimStingerclaimstinger.comJames: LinkedInClaimStinger: LinkedIn | YouTubeWant to hear more from James? Click here.

“I love what credit unions stand for. I think we continue to provide relevancy and value to communities and our members.” - Cisco Malpartida SmithThank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Robbie Young, Vice President of Strategic Growth at CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.My guest on today's show is Cisco Malpartida Smith, Managing Director of Strategic Advisory at SRM. We discuss the future of credit unions and the strategic thinking that is needed to keep the movement strong, and Cisco shares the story of how his career began in a remarkable way, starting a student-run credit union while serving as student body president in college. He touches upon how that experience set him on a path that would eventually lead to CEO roles, strategic leadership positions, and advising institutions across the country!In our conversation, Cisco walks us through the work that he does today helping credit unions solve complex strategic problems, especially when it comes to growth. One of the biggest challenges that he covers is the rising average age of credit union members. Cisco explains why this causes financial pressure, with older members typically saving more and borrowing less. He also explains a strategy that he has spent decades refining—connecting credit unions with colleges and universities to reach the next generation of members.As we wrap up the episode, Cisco reveals a huge leadership influence on him, what he thinks about maintaining balance between career, family, and community service, and so much more! Perhaps most importantly, he shares an incredibly powerful strategy that has shaped his thinking: the idea of creating meaningful differentiation so that credit unions aren't simply competing in the same crowded marketplace as everyone else. I hope that you enjoy my conversation with Cisco Malpartida Smith!Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.Connect with Cisco:Cisco Malpartida Smith, Managing Director of Strategic Advisory at SRMsrmcorp.com Cisco: LinkedInSRM: LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube | XBook mentioned: Blue Ocean Strategy by W. Chan Kim & Renée Mauborgne

In this episode, I sit down with Allison Wolf, a leadership coach and strategic advisor working with lawyers and law firms across Canada and the United States, with a particular focus on small and mid-sized firms. We talk about the realities of growth for small firm and solo founders, and what can happen when more clients, more files, and more opportunity begin to stretch the systems, people, and leadership capacity of a firm.   This conversation is full of practical insight for founders who want to build intentionally rather than simply react to what growth brings. Listen in this week to hear why hiring support can become essential, how to think about culture in a more concrete way, and what it takes to create a strategic plan that actually guides decisions and gets implemented. Allison also explains the relationship between strategy and culture, and why both matter if you want your firm to grow in a way that is sustainable.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://thejoyfulpractice.com/252        Click here to grab my procrastination protocol checklist: https://mailchi.mp/0c249b28750c/procrastination_protocol         Click here to grab my time management podcast roadmap: https://mailchi.mp/d267dabde299/time-management-lawyers-podcast-roadmap

We talk with a Council member who pushed for the new Office of Strategic Growth, a developer and community leaders.

In this episode, Katrina Anderson, Senior Vice President of Strategic Growth at Clinician Nexus, and Jessica Wells, Principal at ECG Management Consultants, discuss how health systems can better align clinical education, technology, and workforce strategy to build a sustainable clinician pipeline. The conversation explores student placement, preceptor support, and how intentional, data driven approaches strengthen workforce planning and employer brand.

Chiacgo-based designer Alex Kaehler joins the show to answer a question from a designer who has stayed busy as a team of one, but wonders what growth might look like for her small firm. Kaehler offers advice on how to grow your firm without increasing your workload, using social media as a lower-lift lead generator and why size doesn't always equate to success. LINKSAlex Kaehler Kaitlin PetersenBusiness of HomeThis episode was sponsored by Four Hands and Crypton.

Send a textIn this insightful episode of Living the Dream with Curveball, we welcome Saul Cohen, a seasoned accounting and acquisitions advisor dedicated to empowering business owners to transition from operators to investors. Saul shares his passion for entrepreneurship and the pivotal role it plays in fostering community and societal change. He elaborates on his journey from working at PwC to specializing in acquisitions advising, highlighting the importance of understanding business valuations and tax strategies for successful exits. Listeners will gain valuable insights into the mindset shift required for effective leadership, the common mistakes entrepreneurs make when planning their exit, and the significance of early tax planning. Join us as Saul offers practical advice on identifying growth opportunities and achieving true financial freedom, along with a success story that underscores the transformative power of strategic acquisitions. This episode is a must-listen for any entrepreneur looking to enhance their business acumen and navigate the complexities of growth and exit strategies.Want to be a guest on Living the Dream with Curveball? Send Curtis Jackson a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1628631536976x919760049303001600Support the showmosaic: Exploring Jewish Issuesmosaic is Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County's news magazine show, exploring Jewish...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the show

In this episode of The Maria Fontana Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Jackie Noelke, MA, EdD —Leadership doctor, business coach, and We explore how to create marketing that honors both your message and your mission, the importance of strategy over noise, and how a purpose‑driven approach can unlock real long‑term growth. Dr. Jackie also shares insights behind her trademarked Juicy Marketing concept — a way of telling brand stories that resonate and drive meaningful engagement. With years of experience helping heart‑centered entrepreneurs build, grow, and scale online businesses, Jackie brings powerful insight into smart marketing, strategic planning, and creating systems that allow you to step into confident leadership.We dive into real‑world strategies for entrepreneurs who want to expand their reach without sacrificing their spirit, discover how to harness the power of purpose‑driven marketing, and explore the mindset shifts that fuel sustainable success.Whether you're a small business owner ready to scale or simply want to refine your brand strategy, this conversation is packed with actionable wisdom and heartfelt encouragement.Connect with Jackie at:  www.juicymarketingco.com

In this episode, James Mladucky, Vice President of Design and Construction at Indiana University Health, shares how the system is building adaptable facilities to support care, research, and education. He discusses leveraging technology, planning large-scale projects, and designing spaces that attract top talent and improve health outcomes across Indiana.

Michael Ball was raised in northern Virginia — a three-sport athlete and economics graduate from Radford University, where he also played varsity tennis. He began in banking, became a financial advisor in 1983, opened the Manassas office for Scott & Stringfellow, and advanced into senior leadership roles through its evolution into BB&T and Truist Wealth. His proudest leadership work? Building elite advisors through the “Topgun” development program — treating his team like clients. He now leads Ball Consulting, helping advisors and firms grow with clarity and discipline.  3:15  Injury, Adversity & Comeback Mindset 5:38 Mentorship & Career Breakthrough 7:00 Culture, Leadership & Client-First Success 11:18 Black Swan Events & Market Resilience 13:50 Elite Advisors & Process-Driven Performance 15:25 Reading Habits of High Performers 19:38 Reflection of Your Mental State 23:54 Strategic Growth & Long-Term Success 29:42 Saving, Investing & Wealth Discipline 34:23 “Eating The Seed Corn” & Short-Term Thinking 38:00 What Should I Not Be Doing? Don't forget you can also follow Dr. Rob Bell on Twitter or Instagram! Follow At: X @drrobbell Instagram @drrobbell Download Your Daily Focus Map! https://drrobbell.com/ If you enjoyed this episode on Mental Toughness, please subscribe and leave a review! Dr. Rob Bell

In this episode, Imran Qadeer, MD, President and CEO of Allegheny General Hospital, discusses scaling AI driven virtual nursing and ambient listening, advancing population health and specialty service lines, and navigating workforce shortages and financial pressures as part of Allegheny Health Network and Highmark Health.

What happens when activist investors call your multi-billion dollar acquisition the "single worst deal of the decade"? Most leadership teams would panic, but NRG Energy did the opposite: they doubled down on their people. While most large-scale acquisitions look great on a spreadsheet, they often fail because leadership loses sight of the human energy behind the numbers. In this episode, Peter Johnson, SVP and Head of Talent and Culture at NRG, reveals how his team navigated the acquisition of Vivint—a deal that tripled their workforce to 16,000 employees and was publicly condemned by activist investors as the "single worst deal" in the sector. While the announcement triggered a 25% stock crash, their leadership's commitment to a strategic "North Star" and a "don't crush the butterfly" cultural philosophy eventually drove a staggering 420% stock recovery. Peter explores the raw challenges of an 18-month integration, from the technical hurdles of migrating 16,000 employees between competing HR systems to the deeply emotional task of harmonizing job titles across disparate industries. By prioritizing the "why" behind the change and fostering a unified "One NRG" identity, the company successfully blended traditional corporate discipline with tech-forward innovation, nearly doubling employee engagement and proving that human-centric leadership is a massive financial win. If you're a CHRO, this episode shows what real value creation looks like when people come first.   ---------- Start your day with the world's top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠https://greatleadership.substack.com/ Quick heads-up: my new book, The 8 Laws of Employee Experience, is a practical playbook for building an environment where people do their best work—preorder a copy here: 8EXlaws.com