Podcasts about strategic growth

Join us for a compelling conversation with Geoff Woods, the visionary founder of AI Leadership and the bestselling author of The Ai-Driven Leader, as we discuss how to unleash the power of artificial intelligence in your leadership and your life. This episode promises to transform your understanding of AI, not as a magic bullet but as a thought partner that enhances your strategic thinking and decision-making. Geoff shares invaluable insights from his tenure at Jindal Steel and Power, emphasizing the pivotal role leaders play in driving AI's potential for real enterprise value. Learn how to embrace AI strategically to develop skills and achieve long-term goals, shattering the myth that technology alone can solve your business challenges.Leaders face the dual challenge of empowering growth-oriented team members while supporting those wary of AI's impact. Throughout the episode, we delve into practical strategies for fostering a growth mindset, using AI tools to unlock potential and drive innovation. Discover the CRIT prompt framework—Context, Role, Interview, Task—as a tool to turn AI into a strategic advisor.We also explore ethical leadership in the AI era and navigate the delicate balance between technology and humanity. Geoff and I delve into the importance of empathy, self-awareness, and maintaining data privacy amidst AI advancements. This episode offers a roadmap for leaders eager to redefine their organization's success through AI while keeping humans at the forefront of technological progress.What You'll Learn- Discover innovative ways to integrate AI for enhanced decision-making.- Overcome apprehensions about AI and harness its full potential.- Champion ethical AI practices that align with human-centric values.- Transform AI into a dynamic partner for accelerating growth.- Ignite groundbreaking innovations through strategic AI collaboration.- Equip yourself with futuristic leadership skills in the age of AI.Podcast Timestamps(00:00) - The Ai-Driven Leader(09:06) - Empowering Growth and Overcoming Fear(17:30) - Strategic Planning Acceleration with AI(26:43) - Shaping the Future Workforce With AI(40:18) - Navigating Ethical Leadership in the AI Landscape(49:19) – Considerations for AI Usage, Data Privacy, etc.KEYWORDSPositive Leadership, AI, AI Leadership, Strategic Growth, Decision-making and artificial intelligence, Human-centric, Growth Mindset, Innovation, CRIT prompt, Increasing Collaboration, AI as Competitive Advantage, Virtual Personas, Adaptability, Ethical Considerations with AI, Data Privacy, ChatGPT, Resistance to AI, AI Transformation, CEO Success

What does it take to build trust in high-stakes, high-complexity sales? In this episode, Lisa Gudding, President of Strategic Growth at Ipsos, joins Harry Kendlbacher to explore what it means to sell without the hard sell — and why empathy, curiosity, and strategic insight are more important than ever. They talk about the shift from service mindset to growth mindset, how to hire for human connection, and the power of showing up as a trusted partner instead of a pitch machine. Whether you're in consulting, research, or enterprise sales, this conversation will resonate.

In this episode of Most Valuable Agent, Matt Hannaford sits down with former pro player and Excel Baseball co-founder Matthew Maniscalso to talk all things youth baseball. From how to choose a travel baseball organization to smart college recruiting tips for travel baseball families, this is the honest conversation every sports parent needs.  They go deep on how to evaluate a travel baseball coach, how to support your kid without burnout, and why balancing travel baseball and family life is more important than ever. Whether you're new to the scene or already in the grind, this episode delivers practical, real-world insights. Drop a comment with your biggest takeaway—and share with a fellow sports parent! Subscribe for more athlete-first conversations with Matt Hannaford. https://www.youtube.com/@mostvaluableagent/ ___ RESOURCES + LINKS ALIGND Sports: Elite Representation. Strategic Growth. Maximum Impact. From contract negotiations to career development, we put athletes first—helping you secure your future on and off the field. Ready to take your career to the next level? Book a 1:1 consultation with Matt HERE. FOLLOW Excel Baseball: @excelbaseball Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford

Three-time Olympic gold medalist Carrie Bates isn't just celebrating over a decade of sobriety—she's revolutionizing how workplaces approach addiction recovery. As Director of Strategic Growth and Advocacy at Caron Treatment Centers, Carrie brings a powerful dual perspective to the conversation on substance dependence in professional environments.Over 26 million Americans report struggling with addiction, with countless others suffering silently. Furthermore, 80% of people who abuse substances are employed. Yet stigma and fear of career consequences keep many from seeking help through their HR departments or employee assistance programs. This silence allows addiction to progress unchecked, affecting productivity, attendance, and overall culture.Caron Treatment Centers stands out in the recovery landscape through its focus on brain health and neuro-restorative care. Using advanced technology like PET scans, they examine blood flow and neural activity, often discovering that patients have been misdiagnosed with conditions like ADHD or bipolar disorder. This neurological approach treats addiction as a medical condition rather than a moral failing—a crucial distinction for workplace policies.In this discussion with Bill Banham, Carrie shares candidly about losing her career in sports marketing because of a lack of supportive recovery protocols. "There was no culture, no environment to which this was an acceptable conversation to have," she explains. This experience fuels her advocacy for HR policies that treat addiction with the same compassion as other medical conditions, including graduated return-to-work plans and appropriate accommodations.Corporate culture often unwittingly excludes those in recovery through alcohol-centered events like "Thirsty Thursdays" and "Wine Wednesdays." Carrie doesn't suggest eliminating these traditions but recommends including appealing non-alcoholic options so everyone feels "a part of, rather than apart from" these important social experiences. For executives and high-profile individuals, Caron's Ocean Drive program offers specialized treatment that balances recovery needs with limited work responsibilities, addressing a major barrier to seeking help.Ready to transform your workplace? Visit caron.org.com to learn more or connect with Carrie Bates on LinkedIn. Support the showFeature Your Brand on the HRchat PodcastThe HRchat show has had 100,000s of downloads and is frequently listed as one of the most popular global podcasts for HR pros, Talent execs and leaders. It is ranked in the top ten in the world based on traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness. The podcast is also ranked as the Best Canadian HR Podcast by FeedSpot and one of the top 10% most popular shows by Listen Score. Want to share the story of how your business is helping to shape the world of work? We offer sponsored episodes, audio adverts, email campaigns, and a host of other options. Check out packages here. Follow us on LinkedIn Subscribe to our newsletter Check out our in-person events

 Join UC Today's Kristian McCann as he talks with Joe Gillis, Senior Vice President of Sales and GVC & Strategic Growth about New Era Technology and their solutions and market insights.In this comprehensive interview, Gillis shares his thoughts on the power of partnerships, the evolving world of AI, and how New Era is tackling the challenges of delivering seamless service on a global scale. If you're interested in understanding how a leading systems integrator helps companies stays agile and future-ready, then tune in to hear the following:Learn how New Era grew into a 4,500-employee powerhouse spanning 180+ countries and seamlessly integrates acquisitions into its strategy.How AI is being incorporated into customer solutions, making workflows faster, more insightful, and more cost-effective.The differences in New Era's mid-market vs. enterprise offerings and the tailored support that large-scale companies demand.How the company fosters a transparent, collaborative culture that embraces feedback and continuous adaptation to stay competitive.

"We're looking for ways to make an impact for credit unions of all sizes.” - Nick BrownThank 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 Nick Brown, Senior Trainer & President/CEO at SalesCU, which has the honorable distinction of being named the Top Sales Training Company for two years in a row! Nick joins me to share his journey into the credit union industry and how he found his passion for sales and coaching, explaining how SalesCU helps credit unions move from a reactive, order-taking service approach to a proactive sales culture that adds real value for members.In our conversation, Nick covers the four essential elements SalesCU focuses on to build an effective sales culture and highlights the importance of leaders becoming effective coaches who observe, plan, develop, and hold their teams accountable in a positive way. He also shares his vision for the future, focusing on making SalesCU's programs accessible to credit unions of all sizes to help them deliver the value their members deserve.Nick reflects on his own life-saving experience at a Children's Miracle Network hospital as a child, sharing how SalesCU is donating a portion of its earnings to support Credit Unions for Kids.As we wrap up the episode, Nick reveals what about his childhood soccer coach inspired him, what cities he would most like to visit, and what book he believes everyone should read. Enjoy my conversation with Nick Brown!Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.Connect with Nick:Nick Brown, Senior Trainer & President/C.E.O. at SalesCUsalescu.com Nick: LinkedInSalesCU: LinkedInBook mentioned: The Gap and the Gain by Dan Sullivan & Dr. Benjamin Hardy

Wildlife artist James Corwin has built a thriving art business by putting his originals first—and building everything else around them. In this episode of The Art Biz, he talks with host Alyson Stanfield about how he strategically developed multiple income streams through prints, commissions, and galleries, all while prioritizing his painting time. James shares the mindset shift that helped him focus, the failures that taught him the most, and why nurturing collector relationships is a cornerstone of his success. His perspective as both an artist and gallery owner offers valuable insight for anyone seeking representation—or thinking about opening their own space. Plus, he reveals how he handles marketing, team-building, and staying connected to buyers in a way that's rare, but powerful. Highlights 02:00 – James's start and finding his niche 07:00 – Focusing the business and saying no 13:00 – Early business experience and multiple revenue streams 20:00 – Print systems, marketing, and building a team 23:00 – Strategic growth and personal planning 28:00 – How James actually plans and thinks while painting 31:00 – Major failures: financial loss and Aspen gallery stress 36:00 – Representing artists and running a gallery 39:00 – Advice on gallery representation 43:00 – Building collector relationships 48:00 – Teaching, online academy, and omnipresence 52:00 – Business books/podcasts and what's next

Ever wonder what scouts actually think during the MLB Draft Combine? Former MLB scout Trevor Haley reveals insider perspectives that could change how families, players, and advisors approach the draft. If you're navigating the world of amateur baseball, this episode is a must-listen. Subscribe now and prepare smarter! What You'll Learn: What happens behind the scenes at the MLB Combine How scouts prepare and evaluate top 350 prospects Why interviews can matter more than on-field performance How players and families should handle pre-draft phone calls The importance of showing curiosity and authenticity in team meetings In this powerhouse episode, host Matt Hannaford sits down with former MLB scout Trevor Haley to demystify the high-stakes world of the MLB Draft Combine. They break down what organizations are really looking for—and it's not just spin rate and exit velocity. Trevor explains how interviews can become game-changers, sometimes even more impactful than on-field performance. Learn how meetings are structured, who players will face, and what kind of questions to expect. You'll also hear crucial advice for families and players: how to approach decision-making, what kind of impression really counts, and why being yourself can be your strongest asset. This isn't just about getting drafted—it's about being prepared for a big-league future. The conversation also dives into post-combine preparations, draft day chaos, and how signability plays a pivotal role. Whether you're a player, parent, or advisor, this episode provides an unfiltered look at the nuances of baseball's most scrutinized stage. It's about more than tools—it's about mindset, maturity, and making the right impression when it counts most. Enjoyed the behind-the-scenes insights? Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode! Got draft questions? Drop them in the comments.

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Have you ever faced that crossroads—losing your competitive edge but gaining a higher calling in the game you love? In this episode, Jeff Petty shares how an average college player found purpose as a coach and built one of the nation's top travel baseball programs.  What You'll Learn How to shift from playing to coaching with purpose Why truth-telling in evaluations is key for athlete development How elite travel programs prepare players mentally and physically What coaches and college scouts truly look for in players Balancing roles, failure, and obsession on the path to the big leagues From the outset, Jeff unpacks his journey—from being a strong but not standout high school player to playing Division II baseball, where he realized professional play wasn't in his future. That moment became his life's pivot: “I knew there was no world where I wasn't in baseball—I loved it too much,” he explains. Early on, Jeff committed to coaching, driven by passion and the mentorship of coaches at UNC Pembroke. Fast-forward to 2005, when Jeff co-founded Cane's Baseball: a revolutionary travel program that went national in pursuit of elite prospects. By venturing beyond regional borders and partnering with brands like EvoShield, Jeff expanded his network, built credibility, and now boasts over 40 MLB draft picks and 4,000+ college scholarship athletes. One of the most compelling insights Jeff shares is Cane's truth-first evaluation process. “If you can't handle someone telling you the truth, we won't take you,” he says, highlighting that it's not about prestige, but performance and honest communication. This ethos empowers kids to understand their true ceiling and how to reach it—whether that lands them in Division I, II, or D3 programs, junior colleges, or pro leagues. Jeff and Matt dive deeper into the player-coach-parent dynamic, emphasizing role clarity and development over superficial exposure. Preparation isn't just on the field—it's mental. Elite programs treat athletes like professionals: using early scrimmages, strength coaches, iPad communication systems, and detailed preparation routines. Their goal? Make failure a safe learning environment so players are dialed in when it counts. They also address character—team-first mentality versus selfishness—as a non-negotiable trait. College coaches don't just want talent; they want humility, resilience, and accountability. Jeff's mantra for players: ask hard questions of your coaches. Know who's evaluating you. Know the commitment expectations. Own your path. This episode is a masterclass in elite youth baseball culture—combining storytelling, strategic insight, and practical advice for players, parents, and coaches alike. Loved Jeff's passion for honest player development? Be sure to subscribe, hit like, and leave a comment on what resonated most—“truth evaluation” or “performance preparation”? Share this video with a teammate or coach who could benefit! ___ Jeff Petty – CEO and Head Coach at Cane's Baseball, one of the country's leading travel organizations. With over two decades of coaching and mentorship, Jeff has guided more than 4,000 players to college baseball and helped over 40 athletes reach the MLB draft. Subscribe to Most Valuable Agent Youtube Channel for more content https://www.youtube.com/@mostvaluableagent/ ___ RESOURCES + LINKS ALIGND Sports: Elite Representation. Strategic Growth. Maximum Impact. From contract negotiations to career development, we put athletes first—helping you secure your future on and off the field. Ready to take your career to the next level? Book a 1:1 consultation with Matt HERE. FOLLOW Canes Baseball: @thecanesbb Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford

Today I go over our first Level 10 meeting and why I waited way too long to implement this game-changing system in my business. If you're a business owner struggling with direction, wanting things perfect before taking action, or questioning your leadership strength, this episode is exactly what you need to hear.I'm sharing the real story of how we hit $5 million in sales by throwing mud at the wall, then got completely stuck because nobody knew what was actually important anymore. Everyone felt like everything was a priority, and honestly, that was my fault as the owner. I was the answer person for everything, which felt good for my ego but was killing our growth.This whole Level 10 meeting concept comes from Gino Wickman's book Traction, and man, I wish I'd done this sooner. I literally dragged my feet on this for way too long. We were supposed to start this process at the beginning of 2024, I had everything set up, then I had my accident and we just never got back to it.But today we finally pulled the trigger, and I'm walking you through our entire quarterly planning session - the good, the messy, and why it gave me the biggest sigh of relief I've had in months. I break down the exact agenda we used, how we got everyone to brainstorm their own goals instead of me just spouting off ideas, and why this is the plateau breaker your business needs.Look, you can probably wing it up to a million in revenue, maybe even up to 3-5 million by throwing mud at the wall like we did. But if you want to get to 10, 20, 50 million and beyond, you need this kind of structure. You need decentralized command where your team can make decisions without running to you for every single answer.I'm keeping it real about my mistakes so you don't have to make them too. Let's grow these businesses the right way.

In Part 2 of their conversation, Seth Dallaire, Chief Growth Officer at Walmart joins Dan and reflects on his experiences in retail, technology, and leadership. He shares insights from the Consumer Electronics Show, discusses his career journey from Microsoft to Walmart, and emphasizes the importance of listening and understanding team dynamics in leadership. Seth also outlines Walmart's strategic priorities for the future, including the significance of retail media and the recent Vizio acquisition.Generative AI is transforming the advertising landscape.Effective time management is key in sales roles.Relocation can open up new career opportunities.Listening is a vital skill for effective leadership.Understanding consumer trends is essential for business growth.Investing in team training is crucial for success.Building trust through listening accelerates team performance.Retail media is a growing category in the industry.Walmart's focus on technology and data will drive future growth.00:00 Welcome Back03:03 Insights from the Consumer Electronics Show05:38 The Importance of Trends and Technology in Retail08:08 Career Journey: From Microsoft to Walmart10:38 Lessons from Microsoft: Sales and Management15:58 Navigating Career Moves and Relocation19:23 Superpowers in Leadership and Team Management25:52 The Role of Listening in Leadership30:02 Transitioning to Walmart: Experiences from Amazon and Instacart38:26 Future Priorities for Walmart and Strategic Growth

“Be nimble and fearless when it comes to failure. Do it fast and move on.” – Chris FeltonThank 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 Felton, President and CEO of Corporate Central Credit Union. Chris joins me to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the credit union industry. He reflects on his own journey into the credit union space, starting out with ambitions of a high-stakes finance career before discovering his passion for the credit union movement and its focus on serving members.In our conversation, Chris highlights how credit unions can take advantage of emerging technologies to improve member satisfaction, and he discusses Corporate Central's own technology platform, Bistro, which was built to allow for seamless integration with fintech partners. We explore the importance of credit unions embracing a "technology-first" mindset and the need for credit unions to form strategic partnerships with fintechs to deliver the frictionless experiences that members have come to expect.As we wrap up the episode, Chris talks about his love of the 1965 Ford Mustang and how he could definitely live in Colorado Springs. He also recommends the book “Kill the Company” by Lisa Bodell. Enjoy my conversation with Chris Felton!Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.Connect with Chris:Chris Felton, President and C.E.O. of Corporate Central Credit Unioncorpcu.comChris: LinkedInCorporate Central Credit Union: LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube | XBook mentioned: Kill the Company by Lisa BodellShort story mentioned: “Attitude Is Everything” by Francie Baltazar-Schwartz

In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on the mindset shifts that transformed not just how I run my business, but how I lead my life. This isn't about doing more, it's about doing it differently. From hustle to harmony, from control to trust, this conversation is an invitation to build from a deeper place of alignment and truth.If you're feeling stretched, stuck, or just ready for the next level of success without self-sacrifice, this one's for you.Key Takeaways:The season I came from: How chasing success left me depleted, and what it took to recognize I was performing instead of leading from alignment.The mindset shifts that changed everything: From proving to presence, hustle to harmony, building alone to building in community—each shift grounded me in purpose, peace, and real power.The inner work I'm committed to now: Coaching, journaling, unplugging, and being radically honest with myself so that what I build reflects who I am becoming.How I apply this across all areas of my life: Business, marriage, motherhood, and leadership all require different versions of me—and I'm choosing to lead with intention in every room I walk into.Takeaways to reflect on: What are you building from—fear or alignment? What do you need to release to step into your next level?Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple PodcastsIf you loved this episode, please consider rating and reviewing the show! Your feedback helps more women find this space and build businesses that align with their lives.

Imagine building your business around what naturally energizes you instead of constantly trying to fix your weaknesses. What if that's actually the secret to sustainable success?In this illuminating conversation with Lindsay Schmit, Gallup-certified strengths coach and founder of Right Hand Consultants, we explore how self-awareness transforms from a personal development exercise into a powerful business strategy. Lindsay shares how the CliftonStrengths framework helps high-performing leaders identify their natural talents and leverage them for greater impact.We take a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at my own strengths profile, examining how talents like Relator, Significance, Focus, Achiever, and Futuristic shape my coaching approach and business decisions. Lindsay explains why certain strengths appear prominently in entrepreneurs and leaders and how they influence everything from goal-setting to scaling strategies.The research is compelling: people who focus on developing their strengths are three times more likely to report excellent quality of life and six times more likely to be engaged at work. Yet, many ambitious professionals continue pouring energy into fixing weaknesses, missing opportunities for exponential growth in areas of natural talent.Whether you're leading a team, scaling a business, or seeking more sustainable success, this conversation offers practical wisdom for aligning your strengths with your strategy. Discover why the best leaders don't try to become well-rounded individuals—they build well-rounded teams, creating championship rosters where diverse talents complement each other perfectly.Ready to lead with greater clarity and purpose? Email me at meet@kristinburke.com to learn about my fall leadership planning days, where we'll help you and your team step out of the day-to-day and create an actionable plan aligned with your natural strengths and vision. In this episode you will learn how:Conventional development focuses on fixing weaknesses, while strengths-based development focuses on what you do bestPeople who develop their strengths are three times more likely to report excellent quality of life and six times more likely to be engaged at workThe CliftonStrengths assessment identifies 34 talent themes grouped into four leadership domains: strategic thinking, influencing, executing, and relationship buildingSuccessful people are highly aware of their weaknesses but don't try to master what doesn't come naturally to themWhen you know your strengths, goal setting becomes more strategic and aligned with your vision, based on what energizes youBusiness owners can scale more efficiently by aligning their business model with their energy and natural styleMovement, mindfulness, self-awareness, intentional reflection, surrounding yourself with complementary thinkers, and staying curious are key habits for achievementHighlights:0:00Understanding Strengths for Strategic Goal Setting5:49Self-Awareness as a Strategic Advantage9:07The CliftonStrengths Framework Explained16:09How Strengths Impact Goal Achievement21:44Kristen's Strengths Profile Revealed31:07Scaling Your Business Using Strengths34:20Key Takeaways and Moving ForwardFall Leadership Planning Day Align your team around what matters most in 2026 with the clarity, focus, and commitment needed to drive results.A Fall Leadership Planning Day is a customized strategy session designed to create the space for strategic dialogue and critical leadership discussions so your team leaves aligned, accountable, and ready to execute.Using a proven framework of visioning, reflecting, brainstorming, and planning, the day is structured to:Reconnect to your...

If nearly half of consumers spend more with brands they trust, why aren't more companies making trust a core business strategy instead of just a tagline? To help me explore this question, I'm joined by Dana Bodine, U.S. Vice President of Marketing at Trustpilot, the world's largest independent platform for customer feedback. About Dana BodineDana is an experienced marketing executive and currently serves as Vice President of Marketing for the US at Trustpilot. Prior to this role, Dana held multiple leadership positions including Vice President of Marketing and PR at Pagaya, and Vice President of Global B2B Marketing for Strategic Growth at Mastercard, where responsibilities encompassed inclusive growth initiatives and enterprise partnerships. Additional experience includes Vice President of Global Marketing at Mastercard Labs, Vice President of Corporate Marketing and Brand Development at Time Inc., and strategic marketing roles at Apple and NBCUniversal Media, LLC. Dana's early career featured positions at The New York Times and Warner Bros., focusing on advertising and digital marketing. RESOURCES TrustPilot: https://www.trustpilot.com https://www.trustpilot.com The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow Catch the future of e-commerce at eTail Boston, August 11-14, 2025. Register now: https://bit.ly/etailboston and use code PARTNER20 for 20% off for retailers and brandsDon't Miss MAICON 2025, October 14-16 in Cleveland - the event bringing together the brights minds and leading voices in AI. Use Code AGILE150 for $150 off registration. Go here to register: https://bit.ly/agile150"Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.showCheck out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company

Ever wonder how baseball players get their own trading cards? What makes a rookie card valuable—or even collectible at all? In this episode, Matt sits down with Kevin Eger, VP of Athlete Partnerships at Fanatics Collectibles (Topps), to pull back the curtain on the trading card industry. Subscribe and explore the business behind the cardboard! What You'll Learn: How athletes get selected for trading cards What makes a rookie card officially a “rookie” The behind-the-scenes timeline from draft day to card release Why autographs and “on-card” signatures matter How NIL and social media are reshaping sports collectibles Tips for players and families navigating the evolving card space Trading cards have been part of childhood for generations—but the business behind them is anything but child's play. Kevin Eger, a key player at Fanatics (Topps), gives us a rare look inside how athletes—from MLB stars to college prospects—become collectible icons. Kevin shares how he started his career as a baseball editor, choosing which players appeared on cards and what images represented them. Now, he manages partnerships with athletes and agents, coordinating deals that range from autograph signings to storytelling content and social media activations. It's about more than cardboard—it's about crafting legacy and connecting athletes with fans. Parents of rising stars will also find value here: with the rise of NIL deals and social influence, players can build personal brands earlier than ever. But for Topps, the journey usually begins with the MLB draft—then flows through the minor leagues, rookie cards, and eventually, superstar status. Enjoyed this insider peek at the trading card world? Subscribe now, leave a review, and share this episode with a baseball fan or aspiring pro in your life! Learn more: https://fanatics.com Subscribe to Most Valuable Agent Youtube Channel for more content https://www.youtube.com/@mostvaluableagent/ ___ RESOURCES + LINKS ALIGND Sports: Elite Representation. Strategic Growth. Maximum Impact. From contract negotiations to career development, we put athletes first—helping you secure your future on and off the field. Ready to take your career to the next level? Book a 1:1 consultation with Matt HERE. FOLLOW Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford

Behind every small business is a story—and Ford Plumbing and Air's is one of grit, growth, and great partnerships. In this episode, owner Patton Ford shares how a commitment to training, customer care, and team development turned his residential service business into a thriving company. Joined by Elisa Phillips of Story Financial Partners, the two reflect on the power of banking relationships, strategic financial planning, and what it means to grow together. From acquiring buildings to supporting personal milestones, this conversation reveals how First Commercial Bank supports the people behind the business.

Ready to build wealth differently? In this episode, Clark Lunt and David Shaw from Burn Your Boats Wealth Podcast interview Walker Deibel, bestselling author of 'Buy Then Build.' Discover his journey, the impact on entrepreneurs, and the key differences between buying businesses and real estate investments. Deibel reveals what makes an entrepreneur successful in business acquisition, the importance of matching your skills to opportunities, and future ownership strategies. If you're serious about active engagement and strategic wealth building, this episode is for you..Sign Up for our Investor Community: www.BurnYourBoatsWealth.comConnect with Walker Deibel:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/walkerdeibel/Website: https://buythenbuild.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BuyThenBuildTakeawaysWalker Deibel's book 'Buy Then Build' has significantly influenced entrepreneurs.The journey of writing 'Buy Then Build' took over a decade.Business acquisition is often misunderstood compared to real estate investment.Successful business owners align their skills with the opportunities presented by the business.The J-curve effect is common in business acquisitions, where initial revenue may drop after purchase.Investing in businesses requires a personal financial commitment.The importance of marketing in traditional businesses is often overlooked.Real estate investors are increasingly looking at business acquisitions for higher returns.Building a community of investors can enhance opportunities for wealth building.Walker emphasizes the need for active involvement in business ownership to succeed.Sound Bites"You make money when you sell."“Make assumptions like it has a kitchen”“You Wrote it and then Cody Sanchez and Alex Hermozi made it Sexy”"You need to put money in."Chapters00:00 Introduction to Walker Dybul and His Impact06:05 The Journey to Writing 'Buy Then Build'10:36 Understanding Acquisition Entrepreneurship15:42 The Contrarian Approach to Business Acquisition20:27 Defining Key Financial Terms in Business Acquisition22:54 Understanding Business Acquisition Financing26:01 Real Estate vs. Business Investments29:41 The Role of Acquisition Lab in Entrepreneurship33:48 Who Thrives After Buying a Business?47:46 Building Value in Boring Businesses53:00 Strategic Growth and Leadership Development55:51 The Importance of Quality in Business Acquisition01:00:55 Expanding Investment Horizons01:06:24 Building a Community of Investors01:12:36 Introduction and Call to Action01:13:14 Introduction to Burn Your Boats Wealth Podcast01:13:42 Engagement and Community Buildingkeywordsbusiness acquisition, entrepreneurship, Buy Then Build, Walker Deibel, investment strategies, wealth building, real estate, business growth, acquisition lab, financial freedom, Burn Your Boats Wealth Podcast, David Shaw, Clark Lunt, Business Ownership, Real Estate Investments, Investor Mindset, Risk Taking, Active Ownership, Leadership#BusinessAcquisition #Entrepreneurship #BuyThenBuild #WalkerDeibel #InvestmentStrategies #WealthBuilding #RealEstate #BusinessGrowth #AcquisitionLab #FinancialFreedom #BurnYourBoatsWealthPodcast #DavidShaw #ClarkLunt #BusinessOwnership #RealEstateInvestments #InvestorMindset #RiskTaking Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At Metro Connect 2025, Bryan Hasegawa, CFO & COO of LightRiver, shared insights on network innovation, emerging technologies, and strategic growth initiatives for the year ahead.In this interview, Bryan discussed:LightRiver's leadership in network innovation, recent projects, and key developments from 2024How LightRiver is adapting to the rise of 5G, AI, and IoT, including its work with hyperscalersThe role of flexOPS in proactive network management, helping customers maintain network health, reduce downtime, and optimize operationsStrategic priorities for 2025, and how LightRiver continues to deliver value in an evolving digital landscape

Mauricio Dubón's Underdog Journey to the Big Leagues They said he was too small. Too quiet. From a country that "doesn't play baseball." Mauricio Dubón was never supposed to make it. But he did — and he didn't just make it. He became a World Series champion. In this episode of Most Valuable Agent, MLB agent Matt Hannaford sits down with Houston Astros utility star Mauricio Dubón to uncover the real story behind one of the most unlikely journeys in baseball. From shagging balls in Honduras to stepping in for José Altuve and going on a 20-game hit streak, Dubón's story is about more than baseball — it's about identity, grit, adaptability, and never waiting for permission. What You'll Learn: How to flip rejection into motivation Why being a “utility guy” is a mindset — and an edge What separates players who rise from the ones who fade The mental shift that changed Dubón's entire career How to lead with hunger, not ego — and why that matters If this story hits home, subscribe and drop us a 5⭐️review on Apple or Spotify. Your support fuels conversations like this one.  Guest Bio: Mauricio Dubón is a professional MLB utility player for the Houston Astros and 2022 World Series champion. Born in Honduras, he became the first MLB player from his country and has played for the Red Sox, Brewers, Giants, and Astros.

Welcome back to another episode of I&S! Today, host Gabriel Murillo sits down with Danny Sanchez, a serial entrepreneur whose journey took him from bussing tables and managing GameStop to building one of the largest floral retail operations in South Florida—and the nation.Danny shares how he stumbled into his first business acquisition, demystifies SBA loans, and reveals what it takes to scale through buying, selling, and integrating businesses.He and Gabriel dive into creative deal structures, lessons from acquiring everything from doctor's offices to flower shops, and the mindset shifts needed to grow from small business owner to major player.Whether you're an experienced entrepreneur or just curious, you'll leave this episode with real insights on acquisitions, resilience, and planning your next big move. Let's dive in!00:00 Self-Education and Preparing for Success05:51 Leveraging SBA for Challenging Acquisitions07:45 SBA Process: Challenges & Changes13:09 Business Expansion through Acquisitions15:47 Entrepreneur's Business Acquisition Journey18:13 Doctors: Business Challenges and New Ventures20:10 Creative Deal Structures and Financing25:56 Scaling Business for Investor Trust27:43 "Pitfalls of High-Interest Asset Loans"32:05 "Bet on Yourself: Embrace Setbacks"34:24 Turning Challenges into Opportunities38:25 Grateful Success in Medellin41:11 "Navigating Business Growth Challenges"44:50 Demystifying Venture Capital Deals47:52 Strategic Growth and Financial Management49:23 Preparing Business for Sale1. Introduction and Background- Danny Sanchez's early life: Born in New York, moved to Miami at age five- Initial career path: Attempt at computer animation, realizing limitations2. Early Entrepreneurial Journey- Exploration of franchise opportunities: The story of 1-800-Flowers.com franchise- Challenges of buying the first business without capital3. Entering the Acquisition World- Introduction to SBA loans and small business acquisitions- Navigating the SBA 7(a) loan process4. Risk, Mindset, and Personal Guarantees- Balancing personal risk in acquisitions over multiple deals- The importance of discipline, vision, and ongoing evolution in business5. Criteria and Process for Acquisitions- Danny's acquisition criteria: Flexible on deal size, focuses on opportunity- Examples of recent deals (e.g., buying for $80k then merging/closing stores)6. Lessons Learned & Shifts in Acquisition Strategy- Challenges of buying businesses tied too closely to a single owner/doctor- Importance of building sellable businesses (brand structure, not personal names)- Acquisition growth: From first retail shop to over 20+ shops7. Creative Deal Structuring- SBA loan structure: Down payments, amounts seller can finance- Evaluating creative models like stock deals, roll-ups, and seller financing8. Exploring Alternative Financing & Roll-Up Models- Sale/leaseback and asset-based loans: High-interest pitfalls, relevance to business type- Experiences from business brokering: Insights from broad industry exposure9. Mindset, Scaling, and Leadership- Mindset shifts needed for scaling to $100M+- Systems building: Importance of procedures, departments, and organizational structure10. Attachment, Identity, and Business Purpose- Personal reflections on ego, accomplishment, and gratitude- Building a company with measurable accomplishments and lasting impact11. Looking Forward: Expansion and Growth Strategy-Private equity, venture capital, and family office involvement- Learning from venture-backed deals, confidence in pitching investors12. Embracing Technology and SaaS Initiatives- Development of SaaS tools for the floral industry (Shopify app)- Integration of tech and AI for operational efficiency13. Advice for First-Time Buyers and Acquirers- Trusting instincts: Walking away from deals with red flags- The value of consulting experts for financial strategy and preparing for potential exits

“Credit unions are so critical in helping their members and communities.” - Robin KolvekThank 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 Robin Kolvek, CEO of VisiFI. She joins me to share her compelling story of career pivots, personal values, and staying human in a rapidly evolving tech landscape. Robin reflects on how she went from chasing dreams of being a teacher, coach, or even a detective to leading a major fintech company focused on credit unions—and how none of it was part of the plan.In our conversation, we discuss the often overlooked but incredibly important role that credit unions play in community development and why they deserve more attention in conversations around innovation. Robin offers an insider look at how VisiFI supports small and midsize credit unions by delivering the kinds of digital tools and enhancements that help them not just keep up but also genuinely compete with bigger players. She stresses that their clients' voices aren't just “heard” but are integral.Robin opens up about what it means to be a leader in the credit union space, especially when your organization is backed by a global tech powerhouse like Italy-based Dedagroup. We explore how that relationship gives VisiFI crucial access to next-level tools such as AI, cybersecurity, and analytics—while keeping them local enough to stay responsive to credit unions' specific needs.As we wrap up the episode, Robin also reflects on the impact her mother had on her as a child, her love of travel, and how she manages to maintain a work-life balance. She also offers a couple of great book recommendations. Enjoy my conversation with Robin Kolvek!Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.Connect with Robin:Robin Kolvek, CEO of VisiFIvisifi.comRobin: LinkedInVisiFI: LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube

Tim Wilson is the Head of Solutions at facts & feelings, a consultancy focused on helping organizations put their data to productive use through clear thinking, aligned teams, and actionable insights. A seasoned analytics leader, Tim brings over two decades of experience across enterprise BI, agency strategy, and digital analytics to help brands translate complexity into clarity.Before co-founding facts & feelings, Tim led analytics practices at multiple agencies, advised Fortune 500 companies on digital data strategy, and built out BI infrastructure at a $500M B2B tech firm. He's also the co-author of Analytics the Right Way: A Business Leader's Guide to Putting Data to Productive Use and co-host of the long-running Analytics Power Hour podcast.Whether clarifying what “success” really looks like before a new feature launch or helping teams choose the right level of analytical rigor for a given decision, Tim focuses on making data work for the business, not the other way around. He offers a practical framework for leaders overwhelmed by dashboards, and a philosophy for analysts who want to be more than just report generators.In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:39] Intro[01:15] Shifting from in-house roles to agency work[02:16] Highlighting the cost of overbuilding tech stacks[04:36] Pushing back on data-only decision making[07:13] Avoiding narrow ad metrics that mislead growth[10:08] Using AI to scale low-effort interactions smartly[12:38] Translating ideas into testable hypotheses[19:02] Differentiating high-credibility opinions in UX[20:00] Using split tests to validate costly changes[21:14] Skipping tests for clear conversion blockers[23:32] Filtering user recordings for CRO opportunities[26:13] Using logic when data can't prove causality[29:39] Measuring what actually matters in performanceResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeIntelligent business consultancy obsessed with less and better factsandfeelings.io/Data and analytics podcast analyticshour.io/Follow Tim Wilson linkedin.com/in/tgwilsonIf you're enjoying the show, we'd love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

In this episode of SaaS Fuel, Jeff Mains sits down with Natalia Zacharin, founder of Zacharin & Co Consulting, to talk about financial clarity, fractional CFO strategies, and turning financial chaos into sustainable growth.They unpack why most SaaS companies operate blind when it comes to money, the dangers of growing too fast, and how founders can stop guessing and start scaling—with confidence.Natalia also shares how one founder survived a major revenue drop without debt, and the psychology behind smart financial decisions that separate profitable businesses from struggling ones.Key Takeaways00:00 – The payroll-to-revenue sweet spot for SaaS (30% rule)01:06 – Welcome to SaaS Fuel with Jeff Mains02:00 – Why financial clarity is a superpower03:48 – Meet guest: Natalia Zachary, founder of Zachary & Co05:37 – From accounting to strategic CFO: Natalia's journey06:38 – Why founders must own their numbers08:22 – What a fractional CFO actually does10:54 – Why growth can lead to running out of cash12:05 – Hiring mistakes and scaling with intention18:10 – Forecasting tips for SaaS founders21:57 – Most important SaaS metrics to watch24:45 – The difference between profit and cash in the bank27:12 – Avoiding the CAC-to-cash gap30:33 – Why profit matters again (finally)35:07 – Turning a low-margin SaaS into a sellable asset39:11 – Tools to simplify financial tracking41:23 – How masterminds improve founder financial IQ43:15 – The future of AI in finance46:42 – Mindset shift: clarity > avoidanceTweetable Quotes“Fast growth can kill your business if you don't manage cash.” — Natalia Zacharin“Financials aren't just numbers—they're the story of your business.” — Jeff Mains“You don't need a huge finance team. You need a smart one.” — Natalia Zacharin“If you don't know your runway, you're already flying blind.” — Jeff Mains“A mind once stretched by new numbers never returns to old assumptions.” — Natalia Zacharin“Revenue is vanity. Profit is sanity. Cash is reality.” — Jeff MainsSaaS Leadership LessonsKeep Payroll at 30% of Revenue – It gives breathing room for taxes, reinvestment, and founder salary.Fractional CFOs Are Game-Changers – They offer high-level insights without the full-time cost.You Can Grow Yourself to Death – Fast growth without cash control leads to disaster.Forecasting Beats Guessing – A basic forecast can prevent gut-based, costly decisions.Profit ≠ Cash – Just because you're profitable on paper doesn't mean you have money in the bank.SaaS Valuation Starts with Financial Clarity – A sellable business has healthy margins, clean books, and intentional growth.Guest ResourcesEmail - natalia@zacharinconsulting.comWebsite - http://www.zacharinconsulting.comFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/natalia.alekseyevna/Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/growyourbottomlineEpisode SponsorSmall Fish, Big Pond –

The dream isn't just to be seen—it's to be ready. In this can't-miss episode, agent Matt Hannaford sits down with Kris Gross, Scouting Director for the New York Mets, to reveal what really goes on behind the scenes of the MLB Draft. You'll get an unfiltered look at how scouts evaluate talent, why some prospects never make it, and what separates the good from the great. From coachability and curiosity to signability and character, this episode uncovers the critical traits that matter most—and why they're often overlooked. Whether you're a travel baseball parent, college athlete, or high school hopeful, this conversation will change how you think about exposure, development, and what it truly takes to make it in pro ball.

Send us your thoughtsIn this episode of CFO 4.0, host Hannah Munro chats with Karla Smith, CFO at Ogilvy UK, about her unique path to CFO and how finance operates at the heart of a creative, people-driven organisation.Key topics covered include:Karla's career journey from audit trainee to CFOHow to succeed in senior finance roles with flexible hours and build mutual trust with your organisation.The role of finance in creative industriesBuilding financial literacy across teams through internal trainingApproaching talent investment and balancing short-term results with long-term value.Tips for new CFOs on strategic planning, effective delegation, and building strong CEO partnerships.Links mentioned: Karla's LinkedinLearn more about Ogilvy Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here. Subscribe to our Podcast!

Ever wonder what it's really like inside a room full of powerhouse women running seven and eight-figure businesses? In this special episode of CEO School, host Suneera Madhani is joined by President of CEO School and MFC community leader Brielle Cotterman, fresh off of the Millionaire Founders Club Spring Retreat. They're giving you a true behind-the-scenes look at what goes down when nearly 100 seven-figure CEOs come together to share strategies, support each other, and scale with heart. From friendship and leadership to time management, team building, and new revenue plays, this conversation reveals the real, unfiltered truths of being a high-level female founder. It's a celebration of sisterhood, strategy, and the belief that when women get in the right rooms, big things happen. In this episode, you'll learn:

Join us on the latest episode, hosted by Jared S. Taylor!Our Guest: Dr. Danna Chung, Chief Medical Officer at Ezra.What you'll get out of this episode:Dr. Danna Chung's Diverse Medical Journey: From health policy and community clinics to innovative startups and AI-driven diagnostics.Personal Catalyst for Joining Ezra: A family cancer diagnosis led Dr. Chung to seek better early detection tools, ultimately connecting her to Ezra.The Power of Early Detection: Emphasizes how early cancer diagnosis, especially via total-body MRI, can dramatically improve survival rates.Ezra's Tech-Driven Approach: AI-assisted scoring, personalized follow-up, and longitudinal health tracking make their screening more effective and responsible.Strategic Growth with Function Health: Recent acquisition boosts combined offerings of lab testing and imaging, expanding access and affordability.To learn more about Ezra:Website http://ezra.com Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/company/ezrainc/Our sponsors for this episode are:Sage Growth Partners https://www.sage-growth.com/Quantum Health https://www.quantum-health.com/Show and Host's Socials:Slice of HealthcareLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sliceofhealthcare/Jared S TaylorLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaredstaylor/WHAT IS SLICE OF HEALTHCARE?The go-to site for digital health executive/provider interviews, technology updates, and industry news. Listed to in 65+ countries.

After 31 years, the AIDS LifeCycle is taking it's final ride. We hear from KALW's Director of Operations & Strategic Growth, Jon Carroll, about why he's taking part, and what the ride has meant to him. 

In this episode, Thomas Draper, Vice President of the Wellstar Center for Cardiovascular Care, joins Becker's to discuss how Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) has evolved into a cornerstone of structural heart programs. Tom shares how Wellstar built a multidisciplinary infrastructure around TAVR, leveraged data and AI to identify underserved patients, and embraced technology to maintain quality amid rapid growth. Tune in to hear how the expansion of TAVR indications, AI integration, and patient-centered strategy are shaping the future of cardiovascular care.This episode is sponsored by Edwards Lifesciences.

Jodi Berg, PhD recently retired as the fourth-generation President and CEO of Vitamix, having joined the family business in 1997 with the directive to lead the company's overseas expansion, later serving as director of international, household and commercial divisions, and then ultimately as Executive Vice President in 2007, President in 2009, and CEO in 2011.Under her leadership, Jodi built on the 100+ year history and legacy of her family's business, — founded in 1921 and headquartered in Olmsted Township in the greater Cleveland area — to grow the iconic and beloved brand to what it is today, with expanded distribution to over 130 countries and over 400% organic growth during her tenure.As many are familiar with — Vitamix manufactures high-performance blending equipment for home and commercial use, with millions of consumers around the world who use Vitamix products to help achieve their personal health and culinary goals. The company's commercial customer list reads like a “Who's Who” of major restaurant chains, and gourmet chefs regard their Vitamix machines in the same light and improtance as they regards their knives.The company has an incredible history of innovation and invention and developed the first true commercial blender in the early 1990s, which ignited the smoothie movement, and has been named the Best-in-Class Overall beverage blender for decades by readers of Foodservice Equipment & Supplies magazine.As you'll hear in our conversation, Jodi developed a highly intentional approach to leadership — centered on purpose and employee engagement — which she formalized, researched and earned a PhD in management from Case Western Reserve University's Weatherhead School of Management and ultimatley leveraged to transform the organizational structure of Vitamix and its corporate vision, mission and culture.This was such a fun and unforgettable conversation — we actually got into such depth and breadth here that I'm breaking the episode into two parts that will cover Vitamix and Leadership across growing up in the family business and the familial lessons passed on, the evolution of Vitamix over the generations and the corresponding ingredients required order to thrive for over a century, balancing family legacy with innovation, lessons learned in hospitality and working at The Ritz Carlton, many personal stories and historical anecdotes about Vitamix that shaped her understanding of purpose and how it drives engagement and fulfillment in both personal and professional contexts, synthesizing her earned leadership wisdom into her upcoming book, why Vitamix is headquartered in Cleveland, helping people find their superpowers and a whole lot more… Jodi is an incredibly thoughtful teacher and operator and this really felt like a master class in all things business, leadership, and purpose. 00:00:00 - Introduction and Background  00:04:56 - Journey to Vitamix: A Family Legacy  00:19:23 - The Ritz-Carlton Experience and Lessons Learned  00:24:57 - Returning to Vitamix: Merging Passions and Purpose  00:25:27 - Family Legacy and Personal Growth  00:30:05 - The Evolution of Vitamix  00:36:43 - Balancing Legacy with Strategic Growth  00:42:53 - Changing Perspectives on Food and Health  00:51:00 - Creating a Community Around Food  00:58:02 - The Impact of Authentic Marketing-----LINKS:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodilberg/https://www.vitamix.com/us/en_us/Original Vitamix Infomercial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rm5IzzGPzQA-----SPONSOR:Roundstone InsuranceRoundstone Insurance is proud to sponsor Lay of The Land. Founder and CEO, Michael Schroeder, has committed full-year support for the podcast, recognizing its alignment with the company's passion for entrepreneurship, innovation, and community leadership.Headquartered in Rocky River, Ohio, Roundstone was founded in 2005 with a vision to deliver better healthcare outcomes at a more affordable cost. To bring that vision to life, the company pioneered the group medical captive model — a self-funded health insurance solution that provides small and mid-sized businesses with greater control and significant savings.Over the past two decades, Roundstone has grown rapidly, creating nearly 200 jobs in Northeast Ohio. The company works closely with employers and benefits advisors to navigate the complexities of commercial health insurance and build custom plans that prioritize employee well-being over shareholder returns. By focusing on aligned incentives and better health outcomes, Roundstone is helping businesses save thousands in Per Employee Per Year healthcare costs.Roundstone Insurance — Built for entrepreneurs. Backed by innovation. Committed to Cleveland.-----Stay up to date by signing up for Lay of The Land's weekly newsletter — sign up here.Past guests include Justin Bibb (Mayor of Cleveland), Pat Conway (Great Lakes Brewing), Steve Potash (OverDrive), Umberto P. Fedeli (The Fedeli Group), Lila Mills (Signal Cleveland), Stewart Kohl (The Riverside Company), Mitch Kroll (Findaway — Acquired by Spotify), and over 200 other Cleveland Entrepreneurs.Connect with Jeffrey Stern on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffreypstern/Follow Lay of The Land on X @podlayofthelandhttps://www.jeffreys.page/

In this episode of Future Finance, host Paul Barnhurst chats with Kam Star, a strategic product and technology leader with over 25 years of experience in AI, finance, and digital innovation. Kam shares his unique perspective on the evolution of artificial intelligence from early expert systems to today's powerful neural networks and how AI is shaping decision-making in finance and private equity. The discussion discusses the prediction, gamification, motivation, and the future of AI-assisted strategic decisions in business.Kam Star is a visionary in AI and technology, with a rich background blending computer science, psychology, and architecture. He has led significant business growth initiatives, including scaling Blue Prism's product portfolio and founding ventures with revenues exceeding £100 million. Kam holds a PhD in Computer Science and Psychology, alongside advanced studies in AI from MIT, Sloan, and LSE. Passionate about emerging tech, Kam currently focuses on predictive analytics to support better decision-making in private equity-backed companies.In this episode, you will discover:The history and evolution of AI from rule-based expert systems to modern neural networks.How gamification and motivation impact team performance and customer engagement.The role of predictive analytics in supporting strategic business decisions.Challenges and opportunities in democratizing advanced AI tools for mid-market companies.Kam's vision of AI's future impact on decision-making, creativity, and personalization. Kam's expertise and thoughtful insights make this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of AI and finance. His stories about the evolution of technology, combined with practical advice on predictive analytics and gamification, offer valuable takeaways. Whether you're a finance professional or a tech enthusiast, Kam's vision will inspire you to think differently about how AI can transform decision-making. Follow Kam:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kamstar/?originalSubdomain=ukWebsite - kamstar.netJoin hosts Glenn and Paul as they unravel the complexities of AI in finance:Follow Glenn:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiiiFollow Paul:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguyFollow QFlow.AI:Website - https://bit.ly/4i1EkjgFuture Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai, the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai. Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike.In Today's Episode:[05:48] - Childhood programming story[10:16] - Evolution of AI and expert systems[13:26] - Gamification's role in engagement[19:07] - Predictive analytics focus[22:25] - Cause and effect in decision making[30:46] - Generative AI and creativity[38:22] - Fun rapid-fire: Secret...

Unlock pro-level baseball insights with Zack Scott—ex-Red Sox GM—on draft prep, development, and mastering the mental game. Subscribe now! What really goes on inside the mind of an MLB GM? Former Red Sox and Mets executive Zack Scott takes us deep into the front office to reveal how data, mindset, and real-world player development decisions shape big-league rosters. From how prospects are evaluated to what separates the guys who make it, Zack explains what most coaches, players, and parents get wrong—and what GMs are actually looking for.

Succession only looks seamless from the outside. Yakub Hazzard shares what it really took to step into the chair role at Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp LLP, and why leadership transitions require more than just good timing.   How do you plan for change without disrupting what already works? Yakub walks through the nearly two-year succession planning process that prepared him to take over as chair, from building internal alignment to choosing the right leadership partner. He shares how the firm prioritized culture over convenience, and why that made all the difference.   Yakub also reflects on his journey from paralegal to partner, with a few unexpected stops along the way. Raised in a household of professional athletes, he learned early what discipline looks like up close. Time at NBCUniversal gave him a new perspective on what clients actually need from their lawyers, something he carries into every interaction today.   The episode also covers how the firm is growing with intention, where entertainment law is headed, and how AI is already reshaping the conversation. Yakub's perspective is steady, strategic, and refreshingly grounded.   Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Yakub Hazzerd's Background  04:46 Starting in Law: From Paralegal to Partner 07:06 Going In-House at NBCUniversal 09:00 Returning to MSK and the Shift Back to Private Practice 10:05 Succession Planning and Leadership Transition 13:30 Strategic Growth and Culture-Driven Hiring 18:35 Industry Disruption: Streaming, Gaming, and AI 27:34 Building High-Performing Teams   Links Connect with Yakub Hazzard: LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yakub-hazzard-1469b113/  Firm Website Bio: https://www.msk.com/attorneys-Yakub_Hazzard Connect with Howard Rosenberg: LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hrosenberg/ Company web profile: https://www.baretzbrunelle.com/howard-rosenberg   Connect with Chris Batz: LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisbatz/  LinkedIn Company page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/columbus-street/ Columbus Street website: https://www.columbus-street.com/  Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm  

In this episode, we expand on the $5 million bottleneck and discuss how to multiply your strategic capacity as a CEO to catalyze your business growth. Tune in as I share tactical insights into delegating decision-making, auditing your calendar, and prioritizing high-impact activities. Discover how to empower your team to make strong decisions, allowing you to focus on strategic vision, relationship building, and your zone of genius. Get ready to transform your business operations and elevate your strategic thinking!   What You'll hear in this episode: [00:45] Expanding Beyond the $5 Million Bottleneck [02:50] Empowering Your Team for Strategic Growth [04:05] Delegating Decisions, Not Tasks [06:50] Prioritizing Impact Over Effort   If you like this episode, check out: What Do Fractional Officers Do? with Jill Simonds Building Value in Your Business While Growing with Jill Simonds The 5 Financial Building Blocks of a Business   Want to learn more so you can earn more?  Visit keepwhatyouearn.com to dive deeper on our episodes  Visit keepwhatyouearncfo.com to work with Shannon and her team  Watch this episode and more here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMlIuZsrllp1Uc_MlhriLvQ  Connect with Shannon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/shannonkweinstein/   The information contained in this podcast is intended for educational purposes only and is not individual tax advice. Please consult a qualified professional before implementing anything you learn.

On today's episode, we talk with Marite Matassa, a Southern California-based Realtor who has built a thriving referral-based business by focusing on genuine relationships and consistent value. Merite shares how she got her start in real estate during the short sale and foreclosure market of 2009 and how that experience shaped the way she runs her business today. We dive into her creative approach to marketing, including client events like pie pickup parties and Santa photo sessions, as well as her consistent communication strategy through newsletters, postcards, and social media. Merite also opens up about how she balances motherhood and real estate through time blocking and by building a supportive team that includes a trusted buyer's agent. This episode is packed with insights on how to grow a real estate business sustainably without sacrificing your personal life. We also talk about smart delegation, authentic branding, and how to manage client relationships with empathy. Connect with top real estate agents, gain valuable insights, and grow your business—all for free. Fill out this short application to join Chris Bowers on Tuesday for the agentXcel Weekly Zoom call: https://www.agentxcel.com/zoom  Claim your free Repeat & Referral Playbook here: https://offers.agentxcelcoaching.com/buildareferralbasedbiz.html

Send us a textIn this powerful episode, Jen Vazquez speaks with Courtney Tarrant, COO of The Ad Girls, about building a business that supports your life instead of running it. Courtney shares how she scaled to multi-7 figures while prioritizing freedom, profitability, and joy. Learn how to implement a results-only work environment, price your services for profit, and avoid burnout. Plus, grab a free calculator to map out your dream business life.Shownotes: https://jenvazquez.com/courtney-terrant/Ready to get Booked AF? This 2-day mastermind retreat in sunny Northern California is built for photographers who want a simple, strategic marketing plan — plus brand photos, video content, and a Pinterest strategy that works while you sleep. Includes 3 months of post-retreat support. Only 5 overnight spots available — join the waitlist:

“The people helping people motto should be lived inside the walls of our organizations just as much as we live it outside with our members.” - Jaime MarksThank 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 Jaime Marks, Director of Recruiting Services at Humanidei. Jamie and I dig into what actually matters when building strong leadership teams, and she shares the pivotal experiences that shaped her, from her first job at Ent Credit Union to taking on bold career shifts across states and institutions.In our conversation, we get personal about the mentors who saw Jaime's potential, the environments that helped her grow, and the toxic cultures which she learned to spot from a mile away. Her insights are grounded within years of experience and a true passion for helping organizations lead with integrity and intention. We also touch upon what “values alignment” really looks like when hiring senior leaders, with Jamie explaining that she doesn't just fill roles; she reads between the lines, listening for what a board or leadership team really needs, even if they don't say it out loud.As we wrap up the episode, Jaime talks about the mentors who have impacted her life, her love of Sur La Table and Santa Barbara, California, and has a book recommendation for everyone. Enjoy my conversation with Jaime Marks!Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.Connect with Jaime:Jaime Marks, Director of Recruiting Services at Humanideihumanidei.comHumanidei: LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | XWant to hear more from Jaime? Click here.Book mentioned: Finding Ultra: Rejecting Middle Age, Becoming One of the World's Fittest Men, and Discovering Myself by Rich Roll

Podcast Alert!

Nikki Oden, founder of Your Ideal Mom Life, host of the Love Your Mom Life podcast, and author of "But Definitely Wear Mascara," joins us today to share her invaluable expertise on battling mom burnout. Drawing from her own journey of transitioning from a demanding law career to finding balance as a mom, Nikki offers empowering strategies for high-achieving women leaders and entrepreneurs who are ready to amplify their voice and scale their impact.In this episode, we delve into:✍️ The Strategic Mental Dump: How clearing your mind of clutter is the first step to gaining laser focus and strategic clarity for your vision.✨ Prioritizing for Peak Performance: Learning to distinguish between "must-dos," "should-dos," and "would-like-to-dos" to optimize your energy for what truly moves the needle in your leadership and business.⏰ Claiming Your Morning Authority: Discovering how even a few extra minutes before the day's demands begin can set the tone for empowered action and focused goal pursuit.

Join us in celebrating our 100th episode of the Lighting Controls Podcast! In this special milestone episode, we welcome Craig DiLouie from the Lighting Controls Association and Alexa Berger from NEMA to discuss the future of lighting education, workforce development, and technological innovation in lighting controls.   We explore the transition from Education Express to the new NEMA Academy, an all-in-one platform for industry professionals to access high-quality education and training. Plus, we dive into the evolving landscape of lighting controls, from wireless systems to AI integration and the growing demand for electrical professionals in the industry.   Big thanks to our sponsor MaxLite and to the Lighting Controls Association and NAILD for making the 100th episode possible!   

Ever wondered what it really takes to catch the eye of a Major League Baseball scout? In this powerhouse episode of the Most Valuable Agent podcast, host Matt sits down with Gus Quattlebaum, VP of Scouting Development & Integration for the Boston Red Sox, and Johan Martinez-Khalilian, elite coach to athletes and artists. Together, they reveal how pro teams evaluate talent—from advanced data and video review to the critical role of mindset, failure, and intangibles that can't be measured. Whether you're a player, parent, or baseball fanatic, this episode offers an insider view into modern scouting and the path to the pros.

What does it take to go from the courtroom to the oilfield? On this episode of Oilfield 360, hosts David De Roode and James Wicklund talk with Lucas Jovi, President & CEO of Go Wireline.From his start as a lawyer in Las Vegas to leading a wireline company in North Dakota, Lucas shares key insights on technology, industry challenges, and the impact of Go Wireline's move to an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).A must-listen for anyone in the energy space!00:00 Introduction and Host Banter00:18 OTC Week in Houston01:53 Guest Introduction: Lucas Jovi02:38 Lucas Jovi's Background and Career Journey03:34 The Boom in Williston, North Dakota06:24 Starting Go Wireline15:35 Family Life and Moving to Williston18:48 Curling and Oil Field Technology26:50 Raising the Bar: Achieving NASA-Level Standards27:20 Scaling Up: From Small Business to Industry Competitor28:05 Challenges in the Wireline Sector29:10 Maintaining High Standards in a Competitive Market30:02 Expanding Operations and Infrastructure31:39 Employee Motivation and Retention34:12 The ESOP Transition: Empowering Employees40:29 Navigating Market Challenges and Opportunities44:16 The Role of Bankruptcy in the Oilfield Service Sector50:10 Strategic Growth and Equipment Management57:03 Final Thoughts and Words of Wisdom

Dive into this episode as Sam Trimble unpacks the winning combo of timeless connection and cutting-edge tools. From gratitude-driven client retention to leveraging tools, he shares practical ways title professionals can evolve without overwhelming their teams. Whether you're looking to modernize your outreach or build a sales culture that actually works, this episode is packed with fresh insights that meet you where you are and take you further.   What you'll learn from this episode What title companies can learn from $10 dog bone transactions How tools like CrystalKnows, Scribe, and Alanna can enhance authenticity, not replace it The power of teaching clients how to grow their business and how that grows yours Why video workflows are the secret to slashing repeat questions and elevating the client experience The best way to get a resistant team to embrace new tools without overwhelm   Resources mentioned in this episode  CrystalKnows Scribe Lumen5  Alanna.ai NotebookLM Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara | Paperback, Hardcover, and Kindle  Zero to One by Peter Thiel and Blake Masters | Paperback, Hardcover, and Kindle    About Sam Trimble Sam Trimble helps real estate businesses grow. As VP of Strategic Growth at Fidelity National Financial, he's worked with hundreds of title companies, law firms, lenders, and thousands of agents nationwide—simplifying sales, marketing, and tech into practical steps that drive client growth and loyalty. Before joining FNF, Sam led marketing and tech strategy at MyHome and founded STAR Creative & Consulting, a full-service agency serving clients across the U.S. He also served as VP of Business Development for a Texas title company, helping it expand market share across Texas and New Mexico. With over 15 years of experience as a licensed Realtor, Sam brings a 360° understanding of the real estate industry. A proud El Paso native and UTEP grad, Sam was named Century 21's “Rookie of the Year,” a GEPCAR “Top 4 Under 40,” and has served on the El Paso City Planning Commission and Central Appraisal District board. He's also a contributor to Inman News and a member of Rotary International.   Connect with Sam  Website: Fidelity National Financial® LinkedIn: Sam Trimble    Connect With UsLove what you're hearing? Don't miss an episode! Follow us on our social media channels and stay connected.  Explore more on our website: www.alltechnational.com/podcast Stay updated with our newsletter: www.mochoumil.com Follow Mo on LinkedIn: Mo Choumil Stop waiting on underwriter emails or callbacks—TitleGPT.ai gives you instant, reliable answers to your title questions. Whether it's underwriting, compliance, or tricky closings, the information you need is just a click away. No more delays—work smarter, close faster. Try it now at www.TitleGPT.ai. Closing more deals starts with more appointments. At Alltech National Title, our inside sales team works behind the scenes to fill your pipeline, so you can focus on building relationships and closing business. No more cold calling—just real opportunities. Get started at AlltechNationalTitle.com. Extra hands without extra overhead—that's Safi Virtual. Our trained virtual assistants specialize in the title industry, handling admin work, client communication, and data entry so you can stay focused on closing deals. Scale smarter and work faster at SafiVirtual.com.

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Laura Hickman, Co-Founder and Director of Strategic Growth at Flint Global Partners, who highlights the nonprofit organization that is based in Middle Tennessee and working locally and in different countries around the world with the mission "to see great humans break cycles of extreme poverty and dependence, creating flourishing families and communities that make the world a brighter place."During the interview, Laura shares her background, which includes seeing how her mother was able to make a strategic difference in the community through nonprofit work and and her own experiences teaching children with emotional and behavioral disorders. She emphasizes the importance of building relationships and how using specific tools to help the children believe in their future made positive changes, and how those results helped inspire her to do more. Laura also discusses her previous work with at-risk youth in other countries, helping them transition out of orphan homes and government care systems, which helped pave the way for establishing Flint Global Partners.Laura discusses the founding of Flint Global Partners, a nonprofit organization that offers training and coaching organization aimed to help people move out of poverty through entrepreneurship, education and skills development, and access to resources and opportunities. She emphasizes the importance of local leaders in problem-solving and the need for a mindset shift before implementing other tools and skills. Laura elaborates on the process and how it works, to which she explains the three main areas they address: mindset, skills, and access. Laura also mentions their work in Nashville, helping at-risk youth build life skills and connect to businesses, and their plans to expand into entrepreneurship for ground-level entrepreneurs.Laura discusses the company's global presence, with operations in 12 countries. Laura emphasizes the importance of local leadership in customizing their tools and practices to meet the specific needs of each region. She also highlights the role of team members with international experience in bridging cultural gaps.Laura discusses the partnership with Harvest Hands, a community development center, to provide employment opportunities for their students in Nashville, Tennessee. The program has been successful, with students finding jobs and gaining life skills. Laura also mentioned a new partnership with JDEC (Judge Dinkins Education Center), a program for kids involved in the justice system, which focuses on construction skills and job readiness. The program has seen positive results, with most graduates finding employment or pursuing further education.Laura discusses various ways the community can support Flint Global Partners, including donations, spreading the word, and connecting with entrepreneurs. She highlights the organization's focus on providing entrepreneurship opportunities and training to women in Kenya, and encouraged attendees to shop their jewelry and also participate in Flint Global Partners' spring and fall events. She expresses her willingness to engage with anyone interested in the organization's mission.Visit https://flintglobal.org to learn more and get involved with Flint Global Partners.

What if the most important part of the game... can't be measured? In this powerful episode of Most Valuable Agent, Matt Hannaford sits down with elite mindset coach Johan Martinez-Khalilian to explore the spiritual side of sports—the “invisible game” that every athlete must confront. From flow state and fear-based thinking to identity, surrender, and purpose, Johan reveals the deeper truths behind performance, burnout, and growth. This episode isn't about stats or medals—it's about becoming the kind of person who can thrive on and off the field.

“Every time you tell a story, someone's gonna be inspired by what you're doing, and someone's going to believe in credit unions.” - John PettitThank 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 our own John Pettit, Managing Editor at CUInsight. We talk about his journey from aspiring baseball player to storyteller in the credit union space, with his career path being anything but linear from working in a restaurant right after college to managing retail stores and even building houses. He eventually found his passion for sharing stories through CUInsight, where he's been for over twelve years.In our conversation, John opens up about what makes credit unions stand out: their genuine commitment to people over profit. He shares why he's proud to be part of an organization that highlights stories of credit unions making a real impact, and we also talk about the role of storytelling in marketing credit unions and why sharing these success stories is more important now than ever.As we wrap up the episode, John talks about his love for physical media such as vinyl records and blu-rays, how he uses automated lights to help with work-life balance, and a book you'd definitely find inspiration from. Enjoy my conversation with John Pettit!Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.Connect with John:John Pettit, Managing Editor at CUInsightcuinsight.comJohn: LinkedInCUInsight: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | XWant to hear more from John? Click here.Book mentioned: Ultramarathon Man: Confessions of an All-Night Runner by Dean Karnazes

What makes a high school baseball program truly elite? In this episode of Most Valuable Agent, we sit down with Brandon Oliver—former Yankees coach and co-founder of FUTURES—to unpack what separates good from great in today's ultra-competitive baseball world. From his experience at Corona High School to building FUTURES into a national model, Brandon reveals how data, mindset, physicality, and aligned coaching shape the modern elite player.

What does it really take to go from high school standout to pro baseball? In this episode of the Most Valuable Agent Podcast, former MLB player and Align Sports advisor Dylan Manwaring joins us to share the raw truths of navigating the path from youth baseball to the big leagues. Dylan opens up about growing up with a major leaguer father (Matt Manwaring), standing out in a small town, and how showcases like Area Code Games and East Coast Pro shaped his journey to becoming an MLB draft pick. Whether you're a parent, coach, or player trying to understand the pros and cons of going pro vs. going to college—this episode delivers rare insight and real talk from someone who's been there. What You'll Learn in This Episode: What MLB scouts actually look for at top showcases How Dylan got recruited out of a small town The role of Prospect Link and digital scouting today What families should consider when weighing college vs. draft How to parent (and coach) through pressure without control The mental grind of proving yourself in pro ball If you're a parent, player, or coach looking to better understand how to navigate the path to college or pro baseball, this is the episode for you. Subscribe to Most Valuable Agent Youtube Channel for more content https://www.youtube.com/@mostvaluableagent/ ___ RESOURCES + LINKS ALIGND Sports: Elite Representation. Strategic Growth. Maximum Impact. From contract negotiations to career development, we put athletes first—helping you secure your future on and off the field. Ready to take your career to the next level? Book a 1:1 consultation with Matt HERE. FOLLOW Dylan Manwaring: @d_manwaring  Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford