Podcasts about Strategic planning

Retailers spend fortunes perfecting the store, then hand the whole experience over to 30 seconds at the counter. In our latest episode, Senior Retail Analyst Lavina Suthenthiran sits down with Jessie Cole, Director of Strategic Planning at Effy Jewelry, and Sandra Ishak, Head of Marketing, Americas at Ingenico, to break down why the physical checkout moment carries as much weight as the first impression, and what it takes to get it right. INSIDE THE EPISODE: - Why the last touchpoint matters as much as the first, illustrated by Effy's cruise ship business, where community-driven checkout experiences bring customers back to the counter even when they're not buying. - How the "peak-end rule" explains why one frustrating moment, like a rebooting terminal or a clunky interface, can erase 45 minutes of great in-store browsing. - Why retailers are now asking Ingenico for operational simplicity and mobile flexibility over raw speed, from managing devices remotely across hundreds of stores to checking customers out anywhere with an NFC phone. - How fixing checkout takes more than new hardware, from Effy's approach of listening to sales associates to Ingenico's emphasis on testing the full workflow before rollout. Listen above to learn how to turn checkout from your store's last afterthought into its strongest loyalty driver.

What story does your calendar tell?Not the story you hope it tells.Not the story you wish it told.The story it tells today.In this episode, Dr. Stacy Heimburger explores why so many women unintentionally schedule themselves last. She explains why health often loses to urgent responsibilities, how decision fatigue makes healthy choices more difficult, and why waiting for life to slow down rarely works.Inside this episode you'll learn:Why August often feels overwhelmingWhy health doesn't feel urgent until it suddenly isHow decision fatigue affects healthy choicesThe difference between leftover space and protected spaceWhy fantasy schedules often lead to frustrationOne simple challenge to help you begin protecting your health this weekThis episode continues our August series on creating space—helping you build healthy habits that work in real life instead of waiting for the "perfect" schedule.If you're ready to go beyond the podcast, inside the SugarFreeMD Membership we're working together on building realistic calendars, protecting what matters most, and creating sustainable habits that fit real life—not fantasy life.Inside Lifestyle Support Monthly, we help women build realistic systems that make healthy decisions easier—even during busy seasons like summer. Join at: www.sugarfreemd.com/LSM.Free 2-Pound Plan Call!Want to jump start your weight loss? Schedule a free call where Dr. Stacy Heimburger will work with you to create a personalized plan to lose 2 pounds in one week, factoring in your unique circumstances, challenges, and aspirations. Schedule now! www.sugarfreemd.com/2poundThis episode was produced by The Podcast Teacher: www.ThePodcastTeacher.com.

You finally made time for the walk.But did you actually take the walk—or did you spend thirty minutes answering calls, replaying yesterday, planning tomorrow, and solving everybody else's problems?This month we've been talking about creating space for ourselves and our health. In this episode, Dr. Stacy takes that idea one step deeper: making the time is only half of it.Because you can be physically present and mentally somewhere else entirely.We're talking about the endless “browser tabs” running in our brains, decision fatigue, why healthy habits can still feel exhausting even when they're technically happening, and what changes when you allow your brain to actually be present during the time you've protected.Dr. Stacy also shares where she's working on this herself—especially her tendency to build schedules with absolutely no margin for “life to life”—and some of the simple ways she creates moments of presence through coffee outside, watering plants, walking without headphones, and putting the phone away.This isn't another thing to add to your to-do list.It's an invitation to actually experience some of the time you've worked so hard to create.And if this month's conversations about space have resonated with you, we're doing the deeper work around these ideas inside the SugarFreeMD membership. www.sugarfreemd.com/LSMFree 2-Pound Plan Call!Want to jump start your weight loss? Schedule a free call where Dr. Stacy Heimburger will work with you to create a personalized plan to lose 2 pounds in one week, factoring in your unique circumstances, challenges, and aspirations. Schedule now! www.sugarfreemd.com/2poundThis episode was produced by The Podcast Teacher: www.ThePodcastTeacher.com.

Hello, Voices of the Bench community. This is Casey Baldwin with Ivoclar. If you've been curious about fast-firing zirconia to improve efficiency but aren't convinced it can deliver predictable, high-quality results, I'd encourage you to connect with us. Our new IPS emax Zirconia, offers multiple fast-fire protocols designed to help you save valuable production time while maintaining consistent outcomes. Time is money in every lab. Don't wait. Reach out today and discover how IPS emax Zirconia can help streamline your workflow. As full-arch dentistry continues to grow, so do the demands on today's dental laboratories. That's why Knight Dental recently launched SimplyARCH Studio, a dedicated production environment built exclusively for full-arch restorations. To support this specialized workflow, Knight invested in an XTCERA milling system and carefully evaluated multiple CAM software solutions before choosing hyperDENT. The decision came down to exceptional milling quality, minimal hand finishing, and impressive production efficiency. But what truly set hyperDENT apart was the implementation process. From the very beginning, the team provided more than software training—they shared the knowledge and experience needed to build an optimized workflow for complex full-arch cases. With proven expertise in advanced milling strategies and laboratory production, hyperDENT helped ensure SimplyARCH Studio was designed for long-term success from day one. Join us at the Race For the Future 12 to raise money for the Foundation For Dental Laborary Technology. September 27th in Valley View, Texas! https://dentallabfoundation.org/news-events/race-for-the-future/ Shawn Nowak from Nowak Dental Supplies joins Elvis and Barb to talk all things NOLA LabFest October 15-17th, including the welcome addition to the speaker lineup: martial arts instructor and business coach Jude Grayson. After Jude's keynote at last year's LabFest, the response was strong enough to bring him back for another keynote and a breakout session. The conversation starts with the obvious question: what the heck does a karate instructor know about the dental laboratory industry? As Jude explains, quite a bit. Having practiced martial arts since he was five years old and built a career around teaching, competition, entrepreneurship, and business coaching, Jude draws a surprising number of parallels between martial arts and business. He talks about discipline, competition, confidence, risk, and his “five-year-old board break moment”—the idea that sometimes the ability to succeed is already inside us, and the right coach simply helps unlock it. He also explains how those lessons translate into working with business owners and helping them recognize opportunities they may not see themselves. The conversation then turns toward one of the biggest challenges facing dental laboratories today: knowing when it's time to pivot. With technology, AI, 3D printing, changing doctor workflows, and the evolving DSO landscape continuing to reshape the industry, Jude's NOLA LabFest keynote will focus on how business owners can recognize when change is necessary, decide when to act, and understand the risks that come with being an early adopter. He also shares some great perspective on failure, competition, and why making a bad business decision doesn't necessarily mean you've lost—the real loss comes when you stop competing altogether. Shawn also gives us a look at what else is happening at NOLA LabFest, including education on AI, social media marketing, employee culture, DSOs, and other topics affecting dental laboratories right now. And, of course, there's plenty of the NOLA LabFest fun mixed in, from the masquerade party and distillery tour to the return of Family Feud. It's a conversation about business, leadership, taking risks, and finding ways to keep dental laboratories moving forward—and it all starts with a karate instructor walking into a dental show.Special Guests: Jude Grayson and Shawn Nowak.

Does every August feel like a fresh start...until life gets busy again?You're not alone.Back-to-school season often brings the promise of new routines, fresh habits, and a chance to finally "get it together." But before long, practices, meetings, work, errands, and family responsibilities begin filling every available space—and your health quietly slips to the bottom of the list.In this episode, Dr. Stacy Heimburger shares why creating healthy habits isn't just about finding more time. It's about creating more space.You'll learn:Why August feels like a second New Year'sHow fantasy schedules sabotage consistencyThe hidden cost of constant multitaskingWhy your nervous system needs moments of true presenceSimple ways to protect your health before your calendar fills itselfThis episode is part of the August "Finding Space" series, where we're exploring how to create room for your health without needing a completely different life.If today's conversation resonated with you and you're ready to go deeper, we'd love to have you inside the SugarFreeMD Membership, where we're helping women build realistic routines that last long after motivation fades.Inside Lifestyle Support Monthly, we help women build realistic systems that make healthy decisions easier—even during busy seasons like summer. Join at: www.sugarfreemd.com/LSM.Free 2-Pound Plan Call!Want to jump start your weight loss? Schedule a free call where Dr. Stacy Heimburger will work with you to create a personalized plan to lose 2 pounds in one week, factoring in your unique circumstances, challenges, and aspirations. Schedule now! www.sugarfreemd.com/2poundThis episode was produced by The Podcast Teacher: www.ThePodcastTeacher.com.

Send us Fan MailA plan built by a few people at the top and handed down is just paperwork. Dr. Renee Rubin Ross argues real ownership comes from who's in the room while the goals get decided, not just who signs off on them.Dr. Ross is the founder of The Ross Collective and author of Inclusive Strategic Planning for Nonprofits. In this episode, she and Britt break down her five-step spiral planning process, including step zero: how to know your organization is actually ready to plan. They also talk about what happens when planning uncovers real dysfunction, and how to tell whether it's a planning problem or a leadership one.Grab Renee's free Strategic Planning Template, the Five-Step Spiral breakdown, and sample strategic plans in the links below.Inclusive Strategic Planning for Nonprofits (book) can be purchased here The Five-Step Spiral, explained here Get Your Free Strategic Planning Template here And, Sample nonprofit strategic plans here Chapters:00:00 - Why Traditional Strategic Planning Fails02:10 - Why Write Another Book on Strategic Planning?04:47 - The 5-Step Spiral Planning Framework07:26 - Balancing Visioning with Concrete Execution09:29 - Why 3-Year Strategic Plans Work Best10:50 - Step 0: Assessing Organizational Readiness12:51 - Navigating Internal Tension & Staff Culture15:45 - The 3 Circles of Participation (Deciders, Builders, Sharers)18:46 - Translating Your Plan into Action (Using RACI)22:13 - What You Lose by Excluding Frontline Staff23:35 - Where to Find Dr. Ross About Donorbox: Donorbox is a trusted fundraising platform used by more than 100,000 organizations to raise over $4 billion worldwide. Learn more at donorbox.org.Enjoying the show? Subscribe for more practical fundraising strategies, leadership insights, and tools to help your nonprofit grow sustainably.This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Please consult a professional advisor for guidance specific to your organization.Support the show

Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah on the one question that separates thriving dental practices from stuck ones: if your practice was as good as it could be, what would that look like? Three real coaching case studies — Invisalign starts from 3 to 29, solo to two-doctor, PPO-heavy to fully out of network by June 30th. The 68% statistic. The office manager hallway story. Why PPO plans are 30 times more expensive than SEO. Naren on turning every Google review into a multi-channel marketing asset.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:In this episode, Patrick Adams is joined by Rebecca Moyers, Director of Operational Excellence for the State of Missouri, for a preview of her session at the Lean Solutions Summit, The Feedback Advantage. Rebecca shares how the State of Missouri is using employee and customer feedback to guide process improvement, strengthen experiences, and focus limited resources on the improvements that matter most.The conversation explores how Missouri built an operational excellence community across 17 executive agencies, uses feedback to support both employee and customer experience, and applies omni-channel listening to better understand the entire customer journey. Rebecca also explains why organizations need to look beyond internal silos and consider whether every part of an experience connects seamlessly from the customer's perspective.Rebecca shares practical examples of collecting feedback through website interactions, surveys, call centers, and operational data, and emphasizes that organizations shouldn't ask for feedback unless they're prepared to act on it. Most importantly, she explains that these principles aren't limited to government or large organizations; teams in virtually any industry can use intentional feedback to improve processes, culture, and the experiences they create.Key Takeaways:Feedback helps organizations focus improvement efforts on what matters mostGreat customer experiences require looking at the entire journey—not individual silosEmployee and customer feedback become more powerful when paired with operational dataDon't ask for feedback unless you're prepared to act on itLinks:https://www.findleansolutions.com/lean-summit/https://www.findleansolutions.com/

In this episode of C.U. On The Show's AI in the Boardroom series, host Doug English speaks with Lamont Black, founder of Wide Open Ventures and an associate professor of finance at DePaul University, about how credit union boards can begin using approved AI tools for interactive board-packet review and strategic planning. Their conversation also looks ahead toAI-supported financial modeling, more accessible organizational data, and the possibility of AI agents contributing additional perspectives to board discussions.Watch the video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/BCScOYM4duIRead the episode summary here: How Credit Union Boards Can Use AI to Ask Better Questions and Strengthen Strategic Planning | ACT AdvisorsEmail doug@act-advisors.com with any inquiries.The guests on today's show are not affiliated with or endorsed by ACT Advisors, LLC and their opinions are their own. ACT Advisors did not provide cash or non-cash compensation for their participation. ACT Advisors, LLC is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. This content is provided for informational purposes only and is not investment, legal, or tax advice.

Welcome to RIMScast. Your host is Justin Smulison, Business Content Manager at RIMS, the Risk and Insurance Management Society.   In this episode, Justin interviews RIMS SERMC Member Eric Lobser about his career path at Spire Inc. They discuss his start in Budget Analysis at Laclede Gas, which eventually became Spire Inc. He moved into Operations, Treasury, and then Strategic Planning, including Acquisitions. He continued his career as VP of Enterprise Risk Management. Eric shares how he grew into that position, using knowledge he had gained from all the departments he had worked with. He tells about his early presentations to the Board. Eric explains what ERM means to him, and how ERM helps companies manage risks, including reputation, engage in opportunities, and make the resource allocation decisions that lead to success and mitigate failures.   Listen for Eric's idea to improve the ERM acronym.   Key Takeaways: [:01] About RIMS and RIMScast. [:16] About this episode of RIMScast. Our guest is Eric Lobser. He was a practitioner in the natural gas sector for 35 years. We're going to get his ERM philosophies today. But first… [:42] RIMS-CRMP Workshop. We are delighted to announce that on August 27th and 28th, RIMS President Manny Padilla will be leading the two-day in-person workshop at St. John's University at 101 Astor Place in New York City. A link to the registration is in this episode's show notes. [1:02] RIMS-CRMP Virtual Workshops. RIMS will partner with PARIMA for the RIMS-CRMP Exam Prep on September 1st and 2nd. Registration links are in this episode's show notes. [1:13] Also on the webinars page, you will see a two-part series hosted by the RIMS Membership Department. The "Classroom to Career" webinar series highlights how RIMS equips students with the knowledge, skills, and connections needed to thrive in risk management careers. [1:28] Participants will gain insights into industry trends, career pathways, and practical tools that help them confidently step into the evolving world of risk management after graduation. These sessions will be hosted on September 1st and 9th. [1:41] These sessions are member exclusives and are complimentary for RIMS members, of course. So, if you are interested in becoming a member, this would be the time. Visit RIMS.org/membership. [1:51] RIMS is back on YouTube. Our handle is @RIMSOfficialChannel. We've got plenty of videos there, including RIMScast, RIMScast Canada video podcasts, and other informative and entertaining content from RIMS. Subscribe to the channel today! [2:10] On with the Show! We will take a deep dive into Enterprise Risk Management with Eric Lobser. Eric recently retired from a 35-year career in the natural gas sector. He remained with one company that eventually became Spire Energy. [2:26] Eric is also a member of the RIMS Strategic and Enterprise Risk Management Council. [2:32] We will discuss his career journey, how one role led to the next before settling on Enterprise Risk Management, and his philosophies on what makes ERM truly valuable and why the acronym could use an upgrade. Let's get to it! [2:52] Interview! Eric Lobser, Welcome to RIMScast! [3:17] Justin and Eric met last year during a webinar. Eric has a fascinating career. His entire career was at Spire. Originally, it was Laclede Gas Company. Then it became The Laclede Group, and then Spire. Eric's career was 35 years and some months long. [3:53] Justin says that shows our audience that you can have a risk career at one company. You don't need to jump around. If you're doing well, if you're comfortable, if the company's treating you right, and you're doing a good job. [4:10] Eric says the risk career came later in his life. It was the culmination of a lot of other things he did. He had a varied set of positions at Spire. Over time, it was multiple types of companies. As you go through CEOs, things change. [4:31] Eric says he was there for about five CEOs and got to see many different sides of how business operates. [4:49] Eric says he graduated from Boston College in 1990. It was a tough job market. He wanted a job on the East Coast, but it was an expensive place not to have a job. He went back home. [5:08] His stepfather had a contact at the Laclede Gas Company. He interviewed, and they offered him a position, which he took. Within two weeks, he thought he would be crazy to stay at that company more than a couple of years. He thought it was odd they had a few computers. [5:29] Eric came from a school with a library full of computers. You had to sign up to use them. It taught him to use his mind, and it instilled patience. Those elements have been valuable to Eric's career. [6:06] Eric started as a budget analyst and did that for about a year and a half, in the corporate office in downtown St. Louis. [6:33] Then he was fortunate to move to Operations to do the same sort of work with all the department heads to help them with their budgeting, to translate things from Operations into financial terms and get better relationships with the people who ran the business. [6:53] Eric says he got to understand the business better from the view of the boots on the street. [7:04] Justin asks if risk management and ERM came onto Eric's radar in August 2001, when he became the Managing Director for Strategic Planning and Corporate Development. [7:18] Eric says that he had also worked with property insurance in Treasury. There's a big commodity risk at a natural gas company. There are also market risks and credit risks. [7:33] Eric says Strategic Planning was new to The Laclede Group, taking the budget period and extending it out three years, rolling in strategy and planning. [7:49] Eric helped them to develop software for business planning, custom-made from Access, to help support the Balance Scorecard they rolled out. It included something for Initiatives for making improvements, which were tied to Metrics.  [8:11] There were Action Items. There was a section where you laid out your different risks and what you were doing to mitigate them. The Action Items often required support from other areas. The software would put that into their business plan so they could see it and collaborate. [8:33] Eric says risk management and collaboration are hand-in-hand. [9:09] Eric speaks of a change in leadership, where they went from mostly looking at operational excellence and continual improvement to a more external look at other businesses, at ways to diversify within the gas industry: storage, pipeline, E&P, and more. [9:40] That was the beginning of the thought processes Eric would go through, looking at different businesses; what can go right with them, and what can go wrong. [9:57] Part of modeling acquisitions is taking a look at those scenarios and looking for the probability of a downside, what that downside looks like, and what will drive it. What has to go right to have the best case? What does the base case look like? What are those probabilities? [10:20] Eric says that was the beginning of understanding how risk and business go hand-in-hand. They can't have opportunity without risk. There's no reward without risk. Understanding that was an element of that job. [10:39] Eric was fortunate to have a tremendous boss during that time who helped him gain critical thinking about how things operate. [10:58] Eric says when they were looking at how other companies operate, they were companies within the gas industry, to stay within their knowledge base, and simplify their business, within the natural gas value chain, from wellhead to burner tip. [11:30] They were looking at exploration & production, gathering & processing, pipelines, underground storage, down to uses for it, including compressed natural gas for vehicles and local distribution utilities.  [11:58] Justin suggests that the 13-year period when Eric was in Strategic Planning and Corporate Development, holding several positions, was a key time in his career. Eric says yes, and it was his favorite period. He had gone to school for investment banking and acquisitions. [12:42] Eric says, at the same time, it was a tremendous amount of work. He thought maybe it wasn't the best place to spend his lifetime because of the level of work and stress involved. [13:04] Eric was married and raising a family, and that had to come into play, as well. He says while his wife was extremely patient with him during all those times, sometimes working around the clock, he felt it wasn't the right long-term opportunity for him. [13:20] Eric says one of the things he learned when he was doing acquisitions was developing models for how utilities make money. Eric worked with people who did rate cases at the company, to understand what drove cash flow. [13:47] In doing that, Eric learned how regulations work and how tariffs work. That led to asking himself, if this isn't the right career for me, taking a look at something next to it, which was regulatory and government affairs. [14:27] Eric had already started to learn about it. Once he was in charge, he based it on Missouri regulations. The first acquisition was a company in Kansas City, Missouri. [15:05] The second acquisition was Alagasco in Alabama, and that was a completely different type of ratemaking approach that was annual. They had a formal department. Eric was asked to develop something more formal for the entire company. [15:21] Eric says then they acquired Energy South, which brought them into Mobile and also Mississippi, a third rate jurisdiction. There was a mountain of information to climb. His drive and thirst for knowledge helped him up the curve pretty quickly. [15:53] Eric says relationships and the stuff between the lines are just as important as what you can read about and study. [16:12] Eric says, pulling from his enterprise risk career, one of the impacts is not just financial, but reputation. Reputation is a huge element of rate setting. Your reputation precedes you to the commission that oversees rate case litigation and the parties to the case. [16:47] The parties that are involved include industrials, AARP, low-income groups, an energy efficiency group, and other parties. [17:01] Understanding where they're coming from, and what they're trying to achieve, and working towards something that gives all parties some of what they want, is a key element. [17:18] If you were a bad operator; if you had a significant incident that showed you weren't a safe operator, or you weren't treating your customers well, then going into the rate case, people had their minds set that they wanted to give you not a rate increase but a rate reduction. [17:40] The value of the relationships and the reputation, the stuff that is gray and in between the lines, is not just about what the numbers are but who you are as a business. [17:56] A Quick Break! Many fantastic RIMS events are coming up in 2026. The 11th Annual Chicagoland Risk Forum will return to the Old Post Office on Thursday, September 24th, 2026. Visit ChicagolandRiskForum.org for more information. [18:12] The RIMS Western Regional Conference will be held from October 4th through the 7th in Seattle, Washington. The agenda is live, and registration is open. Visit RIMSWesternRegional.com and the link in this episode's show notes for more information. [18:29] Save the dates: October 18th through the 21st. We will be in Quebec City to celebrate the 50th Live RIMS Canada Conference. Booth sales are open, and sponsorship opportunities are still available. Advance registration is open now. [18:45] Visit RIMSCanadaConference.ca for more information. Also, remember to check out RIMS.org/Canada for our spinoff show, RIMScast Canada, hosted by National Conference Committee Chair, Aaron Lukoni. [19:00] The RIMS ERM Conference 2026 will be held on November 19th and 20th in Columbus, Ohio. Registration is now open. [19:10] Through August 21st, you can nominate a program for the RIMS ERM Global Award of Distinction. If you know of an ERM Program that is award-worthy, we want to hear about it. A link to the nomination form is in this episode's show notes. Visit RIMS.org/ERM2026. [19:29] We're already looking to RISKWORLD 2027, which will be held over four days in New Orleans, Louisiana, from April 18th through the 21st! The call for session proposals is now live and will stay active through August 21st. [19:44] RIMS members can exclusively register by September 4th for the best rate. And get first access to the hotel block. Hotel reservations open on October 28th, ahead of public registration. Sitting this out is the real risk! The link to registration is in this episode's show notes. [20:04] Let's Return to Our Interview with Eric Lobser! [20:31] Justin asks about compliance at a natural gas company. Eric says his career at a critical infrastructure utility delivering a relatively volatile product to people's homes was very safety-oriented with a lot of rules, regulations, and areas of compliance. [21:04] The whole industry faced a need to replace some of its aging infrastructure. That started when Eric was in Treasury and trying to think about how they would afford all the replacements they were going through. [21:22] It came again when Eric was in Regulatory, trying to understand the balance between safety and rates and what's best for the business and what's best for the customer. [21:53] Compliance is not something you can decide to do a little bit or a lot. You have to meet at least the minimum standards. Spire was always at that point but also found the benefit of going beyond that, to deal with it a little bit more strategically. [22:14] Spire was generally a group that looked at opportunities to do replacement in a way that overall was more cost-effective, exceeding requirements on their compliance. Compliance was an enterprise risk. [22:34] Eric says it was not just making sure they were in compliance, but also what the cost of compliance is and what if people change their minds and all of a sudden want us to do this or that? [22:53] Being a regulated utility, your rates are dependent on somebody deciding you deserve to have this. [23:02] Compliance was more often not physical replacement but putting in another pipe beside the old pipe and terminating the old cast iron pipe that had degraded and become a safety issue. [23:26] Spire always paid attention to where they were getting leaks or water potentially getting into the system and areas of geography that had similar types of risk. [23:39] Spire took a strategic approach to look at the information they were getting and figure out where to go and do wholesale changes rather than responding to risks as they popped up. [23:54] Eric says that was the approach where they took compliance and said if we do more, it probably can be better for us and better for the customer to take a better strategic approach. [24:19] Eric says it's inconvenient and sometimes problematic for people when there are workers in the street. Part of Eric's career was dealing with claims and issues that can happen with construction. The construction was necessary to make sure the system was safe. [24:53] Eric says the most prevalent claims were when they were doing excavation and hit something unmapped, like an underground dog fence or sprinkler system. To be cost-effective, they used reliable outside partners to replace these. [26:44] Eric says that every year, when he was in Strategic Planning, he would help put on a two-day conference for the Board to review company strategy and present new ideas. [27:01] Any time they found an acquisition opportunity that met the muster of the executives, they presented that to the Board. [27:!3] Eric says the Board is extremely interested in rate cases, which are the heart and soul of a utility's business. [27:28] Something Eric found helpful later in his career, doing regulatory work, was to pull together parties without overlapping interests, such as the Board and the Public Service Commission, to help them find agreement on why something was beneficial for the customers. [28:58] Eric says, for the first time or two, presenting to the Board was frightening. He was fortunate enough not to be leading the presentations. He reported to officers who helped develop the business planning and strategy. They helped Eric work his way into bigger roles. [29:32] Eric says when he became more involved in doing the modeling, one time he was called by the CEO to speak to the Board while he was on a family vacation. His wife reminds him of this. The Board was very interested in the upside case and downside case of a model scenario. [30:31] Eric says in that phone call he had to give the Board a rigorous view of why they should spend $1.1 billion on this acquisition. While exciting, Eric says presenting to the Board was a very stressful part of the job. They're relying on things that he's saying to them. [31:12] Eric says acquisitions have their own timeline and they develop however they want to. It's not like going to the grocery store to pick up something. When something pops, it pops, and it's all hands on deck. You don't stop until the job is done. [31:35] One more Quick Break! RIMS, The Foundation for Risk ManagementTM, is dedicated to shaping the future of the profession. By making a contribution, you are strengthening the global risk management community and investing in the future of the industry. [31:55] The Foundation also supports the Spencer Educational Foundation but has a different mission. The Foundation focuses on providing opportunities for those professionals who have already decided to enter risk management and are just getting started. [32:09] You can learn more about the Foundation by visiting www.RIMS.org/FRM.  While you're there, be sure to check out information about the Susan Meltzer Scholarship Fund, which was established to honor Ms. Meltzer, who was RIMS President in 1999 and 2000. [32:28] Susan Meltzer was a cherished RIMS President and contributed so much to RIMS and the greater risk community. Learn more at RIMS.org/FRM.  [32:36] Let's Return to Our Interview with Eric Lobser! [32:52] Eric says that it seems to him that if people viewed Enterprise Risk Management more as Enterprise Value Management, they would better understand that it's more about what you need to do to improve the value of your company. [33:19] In Eric's Strategic Planning days in Corporate Acquisitions, he learned that Expected Value is about changing probabilities, not just the impact of those probabilities. [33:32] Eric says Enterprise Risk Management does a great job of addressing both the likelihood and the impact of things going wrong and things going right. What you're building with ERM is value. You're adding to the value of the company. [33:46] Eric thinks more people would engage. It would resonate with a lot of the corporate cultures to look at ERM as a way to build value for the company. [34:08] Justin says that for almost eight years, Eric was the Spire VP of ERM. Justin asks if Eric was able to hit the ground running, going from Regulatory and Government Affairs into ERM. [34:32] Eric says the position started with Insurance, and then Commodity Risk Management, other elements of the business that helped him up the learning curve. From Acquisitions, Regulatory, Operations, and Customer Service, Eric understood a lot about the business. [34:55] Eric says having a couple of years when he was in charge of Spire's Insurance program, including Captive Management, where you retain risk instead of transferring it, was a great transition to eventually getting Enterprise Risk. [35:31] Eric says he read every book he could get his hands on in the time he had. He noticed some of the things they were doing were based on ISO 31000. Eric read through ISO and COSO. COSO felt very intricate and detailed. [36:10] Eric asked himself what the potential was that we were going to adopt something. The culture of the business manages the risk. ERM oversees how the business manages risk. Eric wanted to pick a framework that fit more with Spire's corporate culture. [36:39] Eric says ISO 31000 is adjustable. He felt like it was a good fit. It was more about strategy and enterprise than Spire's focus had been. It was not just about what could go wrong and what they should be concerned about happening, but what must go right. [37:22] Eric says that looped in what he learned in Strategy, what they have to do to be successful, and what could derail them from that. Spire transitioned a little bit less away from risks and more to strategic imperatives and what they had to do to achieve their strategic vision. [38:02] Justin asks about ERM conferences and what makes a great ERM session. Eric says it's a practitioner who has lived through it with real-world experience on what works, what doesn't work, and why it didn't work. [38:18] Eric says everything's specific to the company, so what works for one may not work for another. An experienced practitioner brings a level of credibility that is important. Eric wants a presenter who focuses on what helps a company be more successful in executing its strategy. [38:41] Eric says a lot of presentations go into risk registers and software, but in the end, risk management is change management, with very complex systems. The presenter should speak to engaging the business, getting different areas to collaborate, and making better decisions. [39:31] Eric says those decisions are about how you allocate resources. Resources are limited. You can't do everything, so you prioritize. [39:41] ERM helps you to prioritize better, using a process of identification and assessment, to help you understand how important a risk is in relation to other risks, how soon it needs to be dealt with, and what level of mitigation and controls you already have in place. [40:13] Eric says, ERM helps you determine if this risk is extremely well-managed and there are resources you can take away from it to put toward a risk that's less well-mitigated. [40:22] Eric says a good ERM session presenter talks about how ERM helps a corporation make better decisions and effectuate those resource allocations that then help that company to be more successful. That's what ERM is about, and when somebody talks about that, it resonates. [41:02] Eric says when he hears a concept that really resonates with him, he tries to pull those concepts together. He has used principles from the Enterprise Risk Oversight Committee. [41:44] Justin says the Global ERM Award of Distinction call for submissions is open. You can send in those nominations now. RIMS Global ERM Award of Distinction nominations are open through Aug. 21! [41:57] Justin asks Eric what makes an Enterprise Risk Management program award-worthy. Eric says some of it is going to be based on the eye of the beholder. Enterprise Risk should be customized to the culture. People are going to view what makes a great program differently. [42:28] Eric says that the SERMC is looking for, with the diverse perspectives of the members, a program that is well-integrated into Strategic Planning, helps the business make decisions, and most importantly, helps it be more successful, with fewer downturns, than their competitors. [43:09] Eric says the business manages risk. ERM can help oversee what they're looking at and turn its attention to important things, and help determine the best ways to mitigate or treat risk, or support what they are doing, so the strategy prevents threats from derailing the company. [43:33] Eric says, in the end, a company that is consistently successful is probably the mark of a good Enterprise Risk Management program. [43:51] Justin says, we're going to see you again on November 19th and 20th in Columbus, Ohio at the RIMS ERM Conference. You can get your nominations in now for the RIMS Global ERM Award of Distinction. We'll have a special awards ceremony, like we do every year. [44:07] Eric, it has been such a pleasure to have you on RIMScast! I look forward to seeing you in Columbus. [44:19] Special thanks again to Eric Lobser for joining us here on RIMScast. We appreciate him and all the great work he does for the RIMS SERMC. The call for nominations for the RIMS Global ERM Award of Distinction is open; a link is in this episode's show notes. [44:36] There are specific attributes that will make a nomination truly award-worthy. Submit your nominations today! [44:42] Plug Time! Become a RIMS member and get access to the tools, thought leadership, and network you need to succeed. Visit RIMS.org/membership or email membershipdept@RIMS.org for more information. [45:00] Risk Knowledge is the RIMS searchable content library that provides relevant information for today's risk professionals. Materials include RIMS executive reports, survey findings, contributed articles, industry research, benchmarking data, and more. [45:16] For the best reporting on the profession of risk management, read Risk Management Magazine at RMMagazine.com. It is written and published by the best minds in risk management. [45:29] Justin Smulison is the Business Content Manager at RIMS. Please remember to subscribe to RIMScast on your favorite podcasting app. You can email us at Content@RIMS.org. [45:41] Practice good risk management, stay safe, and thank you again for your continued support!   Links: RIMS ERM Conference 2026 | November 19‒20 in Columbus, Ohio | Registration Now Open! | www.rims.org/ERM2026 | RIMS ERM Global Award of Distinction nominations open through Aug. 21! RIMS Certification Week: Sept. 21‒24 | Complimentary For All Spencer Educational Foundation's 2026 Funding Their Future Gala | Sept. 17, 2026 RISKWORLD 2027 Registration | RIMS members can lock in 2026 rates now through Sept. 4 | Education Content Submission Through Aug. 21. ChicagoLand Risk Forum | Sept. 24, 2026 RIMS Western Regional Conference — Oct. 4‒7, 2026 | Seattle, WA | Register Today. RIMS Canada Conference — Oct. 18‒21, 2026 | Quebec City | www.rimscanadaconference.ca | Advance Registration Open | Sponsorship Opportunities Available The Strategic and Enterprise Risk Center RIMS, the Foundation for Risk Management Spencer Educational Foundation — Scholarships and Grants | Open Calls and Timelines. RIMS Now RIMS-Certified Risk Management Professional (RIMS-CRMP) | Insights Video Series Featuring Joe Milan! RIMS Diversity Equity Inclusion Council RIMS-CRMP Stories RIMScast Canada — Episodes Now Live RISK PAC | RIMS Advocacy RIMScast on YouTube! RIMS Risk Management Magazine | Contribute | Q2 2026 Issue Now Available Sponsor RIMScast — Sales@RIMS.org Upcoming RIMS-CRMP Virtual Workshops: RIMS-CRMP Exam Prep Workshop — Live In NY — Aug 27‒28! RIMS-CRMP Exam Prep with PARIMA | Sept 1‒2 Full RIMS-CRMP Prep Course Schedule See the full calendar of RIMS Virtual Workshops Upcoming RIMS Webinars: RIMS.org/Webinars "RIMS Student Series: Classroom to Career Part 1" | Sept 1 "RIMS Student Series: Classroom to Career Part 2" | Sept 9 RIMS Certification Week: Sept. 22‒24 | Complimentary For All   Related RIMScast Episodes: "Board Reporting and ERM in 2026 with Trisha Sqrow and Suzanne Christensen" "The Future of Strategic Risk Management" with John Button "Mid-Year Risk Roundup 2026 with Morgan O'Rourke and Hilary Tuttle" "Emerging Risks and AMRAE's RMIS Panorama 2026 with François Beaume" "Strategy and Change with Ward Ching and Aaron Olson"   Sponsored RIMScast Episodes: "48 Hours From a Storm: What to Do Before A Hurricane Strikes" | Sponsored by Global Risk Consultants, a TÜV SÜD Company (New!) "AI-Scale, Risk Ready: Engineering Controls for the New Data Center Boom" | Sponsored by Global Risk Consultants, a TÜV SÜD Company "Facing Into Risk: Navigating the New Risk Landscape" (New!) | Sponsored by AXA XL "Secondary Perils, Major Risks: The New Face of Weather-Related Challenges" | Sponsored by AXA XL "The ART of Risk: Rethinking Risk Through Insight, Design, and Innovation" | Sponsored by Alliant "Mastering ERM: Leveraging Internal and External Risk Factors" | Sponsored by Diligent "Cyberrisk: Preparing Beyond 2025" | Sponsored by Alliant "The New Reality of Risk Engineering: From Code Compliance to Resilience" | Sponsored by AXA XL "Change Management: AI's Role in Loss Control and Property Insurance" | Sponsored by Global Risk Consultants, a TÜV SÜD Company "Demystifying Multinational Fronting Insurance Programs" | Sponsored by Zurich "Understanding Third-Party Litigation Funding" | Sponsored by Zurich "What Risk Managers Can Learn From School Shootings" | Sponsored by Merrill Herzog "Simplifying the Challenges of OSHA Recordkeeping" | Sponsored by Medcor "How Insurance Builds Resilience Against an Active Assailant Attack" | Sponsored by Merrill Herzog "Third-Party and Cyber Risk Management Tips" | Sponsored by Alliant   RIMS Publications, Content, and Links: RIMS Membership — Whether you are a new member or need to transition, be a part of the global risk management community! RIMS Virtual Workshops On-Demand Webinars RIMS-Certified Risk Management Professional (RIMS-CRMP) RISK PAC | RIMS Advocacy RIMS Strategic & Enterprise Risk Center RIMS-CRMP Stories — Featuring RIMS President Manny Padilla!   RIMS Events, Education, and Services: RIMS Risk Maturity Model®   Sponsor RIMScast: Contact sales@rims.org or pd@rims.org for more information.   Want to Learn More? Keep up with the podcast on RIMS.org, and listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.   Have a question or suggestion? Email: Content@rims.org.   Join the Conversation! Follow @RIMSorg on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.   About our guest: Eric Lobser, SERMC Member   Production and engineering provided by Podfly.

What if the thing you love doing in your business is also the thing keeping you from building what you actually want?In this episode of The Real Women Real Business Podcast, Shauna Lynn Simon shares a behind-the-scenes look at a strategic decision she is making in real time: scaling back one-on-one coaching to create more space for the Real Women Real Business Mastery Program. While one-on-one coaching is something Shauna Lynn deeply loves and excels at, she explains why loving the work does not always mean it is the right model for the next stage of business growth.Shauna Lynn walks listeners through the patterns she has seen with “Accidental CEOs” who start with passion, take on everything, and eventually find themselves running a business that no longer reflects their goals, strengths, or values. She also revisits the Power Play Profit Filter from Episode 76 and explains why decision-making tools only work when the deeper business foundation is clear.Listeners will walk away with permission to make hard strategic decisions, even when they feel uncomfortable.Timestamps:(01:50) - (04:10) - Why Shauna Lynn is scaling back one-on-one coaching and why the decision feels hard(04:11) - (08:51) - The common pattern of “Accidental CEOs” building from passion without a clear plan(08:52) - (13:30) - The Power Play Profit Filter and how it helps prioritize the right business decisions(13:31) - (20:12) - Why the Real Women Real Business Mastery Program was built differently(20:13) - (25:01) - The discomfort of shifting business models while practicing what you preach(25:02) - (32:16) - How to make strategic changes that support your vision, values, and real life Resources:Book Your FREE Coaching Assessment Call with Shauna Lynn: https://www.aboutshaunalynn.com/coachmeLearn more about the show: AboutShaunaLynn.com/podcastLearn more about the Real Women Real Business Mastery Program: https://realwomenrealbusiness.comEp 76: The Simple Filter to Clear Your To-Do List Fast and Refocus Your Energy: https://www.aboutshaunalynn.com/rwrb-podcast-episodes/stop-busywork

What did this summer teach you?Before you jump into another routine, another goal, or another "fresh start" this fall, take a moment to pause.In this episode, Dr. Stacy reflects on the unexpected lessons from a full, busy summer of family, travel, work, and everyday life. She shares why the biggest lessons weren't about weight loss or perfect habits—they were about participation, protecting what matters, building habits that survive real life, and learning to stay present in the moments that become our memories.You'll learn why waiting for life to slow down isn't the answer, how tiny habits create lasting consistency, and why protecting your time, energy, and attention may be one of the healthiest things you can do.In this episode you'll learn:Why life doesn't really slow down—and what to do insteadHow to measure success by participation, not perfectionWhy tiny habits survive when life gets busyThe surprising difference between managing your life and truly living itReflection questions to help you move into fall with greater clarity and intentionBefore you rush into the next season, ask yourself one simple question: What did this summer teach me?Want help putting these ideas into practice?Inside Lifestyle Support Monthly, we help women build realistic systems that make healthy decisions easier—even during busy seasons like summer. Join at: www.sugarfreemd.com/LSM.Free 2-Pound Plan Call!Want to jump start your weight loss? Schedule a free call where Dr. Stacy Heimburger will work with you to create a personalized plan to lose 2 pounds in one week, factoring in your unique circumstances, challenges, and aspirations. Schedule now! www.sugarfreemd.com/2poundThis episode was produced by The Podcast Teacher: www.ThePodcastTeacher.com.

Summary:  Adam Battersby, the founder of ProBatter Sports, shares his journey of starting and growing a company in the pitching machine industry. The company invented a video pitching machine for baseball, softball, and cricket. Adam discusses the challenges they faced in developing the machine, including the high cost and the need for extensive research and development. He also talks about their sales process, targeting commercial batting cages and training centers, as well as Major League Baseball and colleges. Adam reflects on the mistakes they made and the lessons they learned along the way. Adam Battersby, co-owner of ProBatter Sports, shares his experience as a small business owner and entrepreneur. He discusses the challenges of running a business, including dealing with machine malfunctions and managing employees. Battersby emphasizes the importance of having a good staff and being a strong leader. He also talks about the strategic planning process, including improving the current product and exploring new opportunities. Battersby highlights the success of their pitching simulator and their plans to target high schools and sports facilities. He advises entrepreneurs to persevere and stay committed to their business. Keywords:  pitching machine, baseball, softball, cricket, business development, sales, challenges, research and development, commercial batting cages, Major League Baseball, colleges, small business, entrepreneur, challenges, machine malfunctions, employees, leadership, strategic planning, product development, pitching simulator, high schools, sports facilities Takeaways ProBatter Sports invented a video pitching machine for baseball, softball, and cricket. The development process involved extensive research, development, and testing, as well as hiring multiple engineers. The initial cost of the machine was high, but they were able to lower it over time through technology advancements and better manufacturing processes. Their target market includes commercial batting cages, training centers, Major League Baseball, and colleges. They faced challenges in sales and marketing, but the unique features and benefits of their machine helped generate interest and positive feedback. Adam advises that persistence and creativity are key to overcoming obstacles and growing a successful business. Running a small business comes with constant challenges, such as machine malfunctions and managing employees. Having a good staff and being a strong leader are crucial for success. Strategic planning involves improving the current product and exploring new opportunities. ProBatter Sports has developed a pitching simulator and plans to target high schools and sports facilities. Perseverance and commitment are key qualities for entrepreneurs. Titles Targeting Commercial Batting Cages, MLB, and Colleges The Importance of Persistence and Creativity in Business Expanding into High Schools and Sports Facilities The Importance of a Good Staff and Strong Leadership Sound Bites "We had to get creative in our sales pitch and how to market and get our name out." "The machine, it's an awesome machine. Everyone loved the machine." "A lot of the golf simulator companies are now getting into baseball, and they're doing ball tracking." "You're better off just partnering or something like that." "Cheap help is very expensive." "You have to be a good leader if you want a good crew." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 08:06 Developing the ProBatter Machine 12:57 Financing and Manufacturing Challenges 23:02 Lessons Learned and Future Plans 25:59 Challenges of Running a Business 28:19 Leadership and Motivation 31:20 Strategic Planning and Business Growth 32:24 Expanding into Different Markets 34:22 Modifications and Updates to the Machines 36:18 Outsourcing and Sales Representatives 37:27 In-House Engineers and Manufacturing 38:48 Quality Control and Installation 40:42 Sales Team and Internal Operations 42:04 Outsourcing and Cost Management 43:38 Sales Performance and Accountability 45:00 Factors Contributing to Longevity 48:51 Future Developments and Expansion 51:35 Pitching Simulator and Advertising Opportunities 52:17 Advice for Small Business Owners 52:52 Contact Information  

What You'll Learn in This Episode:In this episode, Patrick Adams is joined by Paul Doyle and Shawna Hondorp for a preview of their sessions at the Lean Solutions Summit. Together, they explore two critical topics shaping today's organizations: developing leaders through intentional systems and using AI to strengthen talent acquisition without losing the human connection.The conversation dives into why leadership development should be treated as a business process rather than a training program, how specific leadership behaviors can be standardized and developed across every level of an organization, and why AI works best when paired with a thoughtful strategy. Shawna also shares practical insights into using AI responsibly in recruiting, emphasizing transparency, compliance, and the importance of maintaining authentic human relationships throughout the hiring process.Whether you're leading a team, developing future leaders, building an AI strategy, or improving your hiring process, this episode provides practical insights for creating stronger leaders, smarter systems, and more intentional organizations.Key Takeaways:Leadership development is a business process—not just a training programStrong leadership is built through intentional behaviors and systemsAI should enhance human connection, not replace itA successful AI strategy requires intentionality, transparency, and trustLinks: https://www.findleansolutions.com/https://www.findleansolutions.com/lean-summit/

Have you ever looked around in the middle of summer and wondered why everything suddenly feels like so much?Between vacations, camps, family schedules, work projects, and trying to take care of yourself, summer can become overwhelming before you even realize it. Many women respond by pushing harder, getting more organized, or looking for another productivity hack.But what if the problem isn't productivity?What if it's capacity?In this episode, Dr. Stacy explores why high-achieving women often confuse being capable with being unlimited, how summer exposes overloaded systems rather than personal failure, and why asking for support is one of the strongest things you can do.You'll also learn a simple brain dump exercise to help you see what you're really carrying—and where you can create more space.In this episode, you'll learn:Why summer often feels overwhelmingThe difference between capability and capacityWhy productivity isn't always the answerHow to identify overload before burnoutA simple exercise to reduce mental clutterWhy asking for support is a sign of strength—not weaknessIf you're tired of feeling like you should be able to do it all, this episode is for you.Want help putting these ideas into practice?Inside Lifestyle Support Monthly, we help women build realistic systems that make healthy decisions easier—even during busy seasons like summer. Join at: www.sugarfreemd.com/LSM.Free 2-Pound Plan Call!Want to jump start your weight loss? Schedule a free call where Dr. Stacy Heimburger will work with you to create a personalized plan to lose 2 pounds in one week, factoring in your unique circumstances, challenges, and aspirations. Schedule now! www.sugarfreemd.com/2poundThis episode was produced by The Podcast Teacher: www.ThePodcastTeacher.com.

Virtually all banks engage in strategic planning, but how do they ensure the strategic plan actually drives performance and doesn't just get left in a binder on the shelf? On the latest episode of the ABA Banking Journal Podcast — sponsored by Q2 Software — Exchange Bank's Kevin Bender discusses tactics for making strategic planning a process that engages employees and board members in the future of the bank, drives prioritization of scarce resources and identifies each bank's biggest opportunities. Bender will join Joseph Cady to discuss six components for every bank's strategic plan at the ABA Annual Convention, Oct. 25-27 in Salt Lake City. Early-bird registration ends on July 31.

What separates property management companies that grow intentionally from those that simply react? In this episode, Marc Cunningham sits down with Andrew Smallwood, Chief Strategy Officer at Second Nature, for a deep dive into strategic thinking. Rather than discussing theory, Andrew walks Marc through a real strategic planning session, exploring how property managers can make better long-term decisions, identify the right customers, and build businesses around intentional choices instead of constant opportunities. Together, they discuss defining your ideal customer, knowing where not to compete, balancing focus with growth, avoiding common strategic planning mistakes, and creating a business that's known for something truly unique. They also explore why collaboration isn't the same as consensus and how leaders can confidently make strategic decisions while still involving their teams. Whether you're managing 30 doors or 3,000, this conversation will challenge how you think about building your business for the long term.   Connect with Andrew Smallwood:  andrew@secondnature.com https://www.secondnature.com/request-demo?utm_source=website&utm_medium=backlink&utm_campaign=pm_build   Property Manager Websites - the highest performing property management website in the industry Vendoroo- An always-on AI teammate to handle all aspects of maintenance Enterprise Bank & Trust - Property Management banking specialists   Rentvine - the property management software you can trust   Lending One - real estate loans for investors   Reconcile Daily - corporate & trust accounting experts   PMbuild - Marc's education for property managers   Denver Property Management - Grace Property Management website   This podcast is produced by Two Brothers Creative.  

NREA 2026 Annual Report — this is the main link for the episode; NREA describes it as the organization's first annual report. NREA Homepage — general organizational landing page, mission, updates, and member information. NREA Membership Information — useful since the episode discusses membership value, lifetime membership, institutional membership, and affiliate options. National Forum to Advance Rural Education / NFAIR — registration and information for the October 19–21, 2026 conference in San Antonio. Why Rural Matters 2025 — relevant because the episode discusses NREA's research and national rural education data work. The Rural Educator — NREA's peer-reviewed research journal. NREA State Affiliates — useful for listeners who want to connect at the state level. NREA Foundation — connects to the episode's discussion of awards, scholarships, and philanthropic support.  

Some retreat lessons never go out of style. In this Throwback Thursday episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast, Shannon Jamail revisits one of her favorite conversations with Chelle Swierz, founder of Topia Boutique Retreat Center in Baja California Sur, Mexico. While marketing trends, AI, and visibility strategies continue to evolve, the core principles of creating exceptional retreat experiences remain the same. In this conversation, Chelle shares the common mistakes she sees retreat leaders make—and many of them are still happening today. From poor guest preparation and choosing the wrong retreat dates to relying too heavily on social media instead of building genuine relationships, this episode is packed with timeless wisdom for retreat leaders. Shannon and Chelle also discuss: The importance of over-communicating with retreat guests Why trust is built long before a retreat begins How venue partnerships can elevate the guest experience Common planning mistakes that impact retreat success The power of personal connection over social media marketing Creating memorable and transformational retreat experiences If you're planning a retreat, struggling to fill one, or simply want to improve the experience you create for your guests, this episode is as relevant today as it was when it first aired. What You'll Learn in This Episode Common retreat hosting mistakes Why guest preparation matters How to choose better retreat dates The importance of clear communication Why relationships still outperform algorithms How retreat venues can support retreat leaders Creating an exceptional retreat guest experience Key Takeaways Retreat Success Starts Before Guests Arrive The guest experience begins long before check-in. Communication, preparation, and expectation-setting matter. Social Media Isn't Enough People may discover you online. But trust is built through relationships and conversations. Over-Communication Is a Good Thing Guests appreciate clarity. The more prepared they feel, the better their experience. Venue Partnerships Matter The right venue partner can dramatically improve the retreat experience for both leaders and guests. Authenticity Always Wins Clear, honest communication about what guests can expect leads to better experiences and stronger reviews. About Chelle Swierz Chelle Swierz is a longtime yoga instructor and founder of Topia Boutique Retreat Center in Baja California Sur, Mexico. Topia was created to support retreat leaders through every stage of the retreat process, helping them create meaningful experiences while building strong community connections. Learn more at: https://www.topiaretreat.com/   The Retreat Leaders Podcast Resources and Links: Join our Mastermind in Austin! Learn to Host Retreats Join our private Facebook Group Get your legal docs for retreats Join our LinkedIn Group Apply to be a guest on our show Grab the AI + SEO Mini Course Grab the Pitch to Profit Mini Course   Thanks for tuning into the Retreat Leaders Podcast. Remember to subscribe for more insightful episodes, and visit our website for additional resources. Let's create a vibrant retreat community together!   Subscribe:  Apple Podcast | Google Podcast | Spotify -------- TIMESTAMPS Welcome to the Retreat Leaders Podcast (00:01:25) The host, Shannon, welcomes listeners and introduces the guest, Shelly, a fellow retreat venue owner from Baja, Mexico. About Topia Boutique Retreat Center (00:02:22) Shelly describes her full-service retreat center, Topia, which she co-owns with her husband, and its mission to support leaders. Different Levels of Venue Service (00:03:19) Shannon and Shelly discuss the spectrum of venue services, from 100% self-service to fully supported, all-inclusive models like Topia. Biggest Mistake: Not Knowing Your Community (00:05:20) Shelly explains the most common mistake is not knowing if you have a community that is willing and able to travel. Social Media Following vs. Real Community (00:08:16) A large social media following doesn't guarantee retreat sign-ups; genuine, personal relationships and trust are what fill retreats. The Importance of Strategic Planning (00:12:23) Discussion on giving yourself enough time to market, building community, and the benefits of partnering with another leader. Mistake #2: Choosing Dates Unwisely (00:14:35) Shelly warns against scheduling local retreats before international ones, as it can cannibalize sign-ups for the bigger trip. Considering Demographics, Weather, and Holidays (00:17:54) The importance of considering your audience's schedule, holidays, and the location's weather when selecting retreat dates is discussed. Best Practice: Over-Communicate with Guests (00:20:50) Shelly highlights the importance of preparing guests thoroughly through emails, Zoom calls, and clear itineraries to ensure a smooth experience. The Power of One-on-One Calls (00:23:40) Shannon emphasizes having quick one-on-one calls with each guest to review details and answer personal questions before the retreat. More About Topia Retreat Center (00:26:30) Shelly describes Topia's beautiful location in Baja California Sur and its focus on caring for and supporting retreat leaders.

Summer is full of decisions.Pool parties. Vacations. Restaurants. Camp drop-offs. Road trips. Late nights.Most of us make those decisions based on how we feel in the moment—but what if there was a simpler way?In this episode, Dr. Stacy introduces the concept of Present You versus Future You and shares how one small question can completely change the way you approach food, vacations, social events, and emotional moments.You'll learn:Why summer makes decision-making feel harderThe difference between Present You and Future YouWhy Future You isn't perfect—she's simply preparedHow to stop making tomorrow harder than it needs to beOne practical question to ask before your next decisionIf you've ever finished a vacation wondering why you abandoned all your healthy habits—or found yourself saying, "I'll start again Monday," this episode is for you.Want help putting these ideas into practice?Inside Lifestyle Support Monthly, we help women build realistic systems that make healthy decisions easier—even during busy seasons like summer. Join at: www.sugarfreemd.com/LSM.Free 2-Pound Plan Call!Want to jump start your weight loss? Schedule a free call where Dr. Stacy Heimburger will work with you to create a personalized plan to lose 2 pounds in one week, factoring in your unique circumstances, challenges, and aspirations. Schedule now! www.sugarfreemd.com/2poundThis episode was produced by The Podcast Teacher: www.ThePodcastTeacher.com.

Business growth should not depend on luck, assumptions, or the latest trend. In this episode of The Beacon Way Podcast, Adrienne Wilkerson sits down with Hugo van den Biggelaar, CEO of The Bitsing Company USA, to explore a proven methodology for making clearer, more intentional growth decisions. Hugo spent more than eight years at Nike, working across finance, insights, loyalty, digital marketing, and brand strategy before moving into entrepreneurship. Today, he is helping bring the Bitsing methodology from Europe to the United States.  Bitsing is a business growth framework developed over more than 30 years and used by more than 1,000 organizations. It brings finance, strategy, positioning, marketing, and sales together in one structured plan designed to help leaders focus on the actions most likely to produce measurable growth.  In this conversation, Hugo explains why business owners should stop relying solely on gut feeling, how to identify where growth is already proven, and why the strongest brands give people an emotional reason to choose them. Adrienne and Hugo also discuss the challenges that businesses face at every size, from small entrepreneurial teams to global organizations, and how leaders can turn scattered ideas into a practical roadmap. In This Episode -Hugo's journey from Nike to entrepreneurship  -How the Bitsing methodology was developed  -Why every business needs a clear growth roadmap  -The difference between a financial goal and a strategy  -How to use revenue data to decide where to invest  -Why businesses often overlook what is already working  -How to balance current revenue with new growth opportunities  -Preparing a business to scale, sell, or exit  -Why rational selling points are easy for competitors to copy  -How emotional positioning creates brand preference  -Three practical steps toward more intentional growth  Key Takeaways -Set financial goals first. Brand awareness, website traffic, and sales conversions can support growth, but they are strategies rather than the final business goal. -Follow the evidence. Your existing revenue data can help show which services, products, audiences, and markets deserve more of your time and budget. -Create preference, not just a reason to buy. Price, speed, and features can all be copied. A strong brand gives people an emotional and distinctive reason to choose you. Chapters:00:00 Introduction 00:36 Hugo's Journey from Amsterdam to Nike and New York 02:48 Leaving Nike and Taking the Leap into Entrepreneurship 05:59 Bringing the Bitsing Methodology to the United States 06:54 How the Bitsing Growth Method Was Developed 09:34 The Seven Principles Behind the Framework 10:19 Building a Business Growth Roadmap 11:47 Why There Is No Secret Shortcut to Growth 12:36 Knowing When to Hire, Expand, or Stay Focused 15:18 Replacing Gut Feeling with Business Data 15:47 The Pencil Methodology Explained 16:46 Deciding Where to Invest Time and Marketing Budget 18:14 Growth Strategies for Scaling, Turnarounds, and Exits 19:48 Why Businesses of Every Size Face Similar Problems 22:32 Three Steps Toward Intentional Growth 23:06 Set Financial Goals Before Choosing Strategies 24:37 Let the Data Guide Your Decisions 25:03 The Three Brand Challenges Businesses Must Solve 26:24 Why Creating Preference Matters Most 26:51 Finding an Emotional Advantage Competitors Cannot Copy 28:03 Why B2B Marketing Is Still Human 28:51 How to Connect with Hugo 30:06 Closing  Connect with Hugo van den Biggelaar:Bitsing Website https://bitsing.com Email hugo@bitsing.com LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/hugovandenbiggelaar/  Learn More About Bitsing The Bitsing Company https://bitsing.com About the Bitsing method https://bitsing.com/about Books https://www.amazon.com/Seven-Laws-Guaranteed-Growth-Management/dp/906369413X  

Is your church full of attendees but short on disciples? In episode 350 of the Church Revitalization Podcast, Scott and A.J. dig into one of the most common and quietly damaging patterns in church life: the consumerism cycle. They walk through three concrete red flags that signal your congregation may be consuming church rather than contributing to it, and then offer a practical framework for shifting the culture toward ownership and discipleship. Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu are the co-hosts of the Church Revitalization Podcast, produced by the Malphurs Group, a nonprofit ministry dedicated to helping churches across North America thrive. Scott and A.J. bring a mix of pastoral insight and practical strategy to each episode, making the show a go-to resource for pastors and church leaders navigating real challenges in ministry today. [4:04] Red Flag 1: Preference-driven complaints as a sign of a consumer mindset [7:02] Red Flag 2: Low volunteerism and the gap between attendance and participation [9:36] Red Flag 3: Giving culture and what it reveals about congregational ownership [15:43] Culture shift framework: Reframing belonging, language, and what your church asks of people [19:20] Leveraging low-bar entry points to build high commitment over time Free 7-Day Trial of the Healthy Churches Toolkit: https://healthychurchestoolkit.com Episode Article (Ep. 350): https://malphursgroup.com/350 Facebook: https://facebook.com/malphursgroup Instagram: https://instagram.com/malphursgroup YouTube: https://youtube.com/themalphursgroup X: https://x.com/malphursgroup

Strategic planning can feel overwhelming when you try to do it all on your own. In this episode, Melissa explains why law firm owners often get stuck and how having the right partner or support can help you clarify priorities, make better decisions, and maintain momentum throughout the planning process.         Melissa walks through common pitfalls owners face when attempting to facilitate their own strategic plan and shows how structured support can help you stay focused, evaluate opportunities, and plan effectively without feeling overwhelmed. You'll hear practical insights on balancing ownership, leadership, and accountability while making strategic decisions that move your firm forward.      This episode will help you see why you don't have to do strategic planning alone, how to leverage support effectively, and how to approach your firm's priorities with clarity and direction. By integrating these practices, you can make intentional progress, maintain focus, and set your law firm up for sustainable growth.                            Let's talk! If you are a law firm owner looking to talk with us about partnering on your personal and professional growth, book a short, free, no-pressure call with Melissa here: https://velocitywork.com/calendar         Calculate your producer multiple with our free Producer Calculator here: https://vwrk.cc/pm          Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.velocitywork.com/371                    Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@velocitywork

Episode # 156: Most SWOT analyses fail for one simple reason: they end as a four-quadrant chart instead of becoming a set of decisions. I'm breaking down how to run a strategic SWOT assessment that actually changes what you do next so you can outperform competitors over the next three to five years, not just document what you already know.We walk through what SWOT analysis is really for in modern strategic planning: clarifying your competitive position, surfacing vulnerabilities early, spotting emerging market trends, and choosing investment priorities when capital, time, and leadership attention are limited. I also explain why SWOT can't be a solo assignment. It needs executive sponsorship and real input across the business, from sales and marketing to operations, IT, HR, legal, accounting, and finance, so you get an honest view of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.From a finance leader perspective, I share how CFOs and FP&A teams can anchor the process in data instead of opinion, using profitability analysis, cash flow trends, ROIC, retention, productivity, and operating metrics to test assumptions. We dig into scenario planning and sensitivity analysis to model uncertainty, then cover how to convert SWOT themes into a strategy plan with clear owners, resources, milestones, KPIs, and business outcomes. Finally, we talk about where AI can accelerate research, competitor benchmarking, and trend detection without replacing executive judgment.Episode outline: Why Every Organization Needs a Strategic SWOT assessment,Building the Right SWOT Analysis Team and Value-added Process,Converting your SWOT assessment Into a Strategy plan.Please connect with me on:1. Instagram: stephen.mclain2. Twitter: smclainiii3. Facebook: stephenmclainconsultant4. LinkedIn: stephenjmclainiiiFor more resources, please visit Finance Leader Academy:  financeleaderacademy.com.Send us Fan MailSupport the showStephen is an experienced Finance Professional and Leader who offers fractional CFO services and development opportunities. Please visit his LinkedIn profile or Finance Leader Academy for more information. 

What if the new work coming your way is profitable, exciting, and consistent - but you are not sure whether it is a smart pivot or a slow drift away from the business you meant to build?In this episode of The Real Women Real Business Podcast, Shauna Lynn Simon shares a powerful conversation that came out of a recent Real Women Real Business Mastery Program group coaching call. When one service-based business owner realized the work she originally built her business around had gone quiet, while a different kind of work was gaining traction, it sparked an important question: should she lean into the demand or pause first?Shauna Lynn walks listeners through a three-part gut check to help business owners decide whether a new direction is aligned, strategic, and worth building around. She explains the difference between responding to the market and being led by the market, why money cannot be the only reason to pivot, and how to update a business vision without abandoning it.Listeners will walk away with a clear decision-making filter for pivots, offers, market demand, and business growth.Timestamps:(01:50) - (04:14) - Why business owners need intentional gut checks before changing direction(04:15) - (08:57) - The difference between responding to the market and being led by it(08:58) - (13:35) - Gut check one: would you still choose this work if money did not matter?(13:36) - (18:09) - Gut check two: does this new direction align with your business vision?(18:10) - (25:15) - Gut check three: do you need to update your vision or treat this as a detour?(25:16) - (30:35) - How to follow demand with intention and stay in control of your business growthResources:Book Your FREE Coaching Assessment Call with Shauna Lynn: https://www.aboutshaunalynn.com/coachmeLearn more about the show: AboutShaunaLynn.com/podcastLearn more about the Real Women Real Business Mastery Program: https://realwomenrealbusiness.com

Do you ever tell yourself you'll wear the swimsuit, get in the family photo, or finally enjoy the beach after you lose weight?If so, you're not alone—and your body may not be the real obstacle.In this episode, Dr. Stacy explores why so many women struggle with body confidence during summer and introduces one of her favorite behavior-change tools: the thought ladder.You'll learn why trying to jump from self-criticism to self-love often doesn't work, how automatic thoughts shape emotions and behaviors, and why a simple, believable next thought can make all the difference.Most importantly, you'll discover why participation doesn't have to wait until confidence arrives.In this episode you'll learn:Why the swimsuit usually isn't the real problemHow automatic thoughts influence emotions and behaviorWhy positive affirmations often feel fakeHow to use a thought ladder to create believable changeWhy participation builds confidence—not the other way aroundOne simple exercise you can try this summerIf you'd like coaching and support as you practice these mindset shifts in real life, join us inside Lifestyle Support Monthly, where we take these concepts beyond awareness and into sustainable implementation.www.sugarfreemd.com/LSMFree 2-Pound Plan Call!Want to jump start your weight loss? Schedule a free call where Dr. Stacy Heimburger will work with you to create a personalized plan to lose 2 pounds in one week, factoring in your unique circumstances, challenges, and aspirations. Schedule now! www.sugarfreemd.com/2poundThis episode was produced by The Podcast Teacher: www.ThePodcastTeacher.com.

Questions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast! We'll answer your question on the show.In this rewind of a popular episode, Evon welcomes Dr. Chad Fleming back to The Optometry Money Podcast. Dr. Fleming shares his experiences with strategic planning and explains how setting aside time to work on the business through a strategic planning week has helped him scale his practice operations. They discuss how private practice owners can improve leadership, reduce chaos, and increase profitability through intentional planning.Evon and Dr. Fleming dive into the nuts and bolts of what a strategic planning week entails, how to execute it, and why it's essential to long-term business success.In This Episode:What's the difference between growth and scale for optometry practices?The concept of working on vs. in your business and why stepping away is crucial.What happens to a practice and the owner when there's no intentional planning time.How Dr. Fleming's annual strategic week helped him plan, lead, and reduce turnover.Practical advice on creating a productive planning getaway—from choosing a location to preparing resources.Measuring and implementing your strategic ideas when you return to the practice.Episode Highlights:[00:04:40] Scaling vs. growth: defining both for practice owners[00:06:10] Working on your business versus working in it: practical examples[00:18:22] Dr. Fleming's annual strategic planning getaway explained[00:23:05] How to prepare and gather your thoughts for a productive planning session[00:35:00] Tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure success[00:40:06] Exciting opportunities in the future of private practice optometryResources:Contact Dr. Chad Fleming: Email him at chad@pipgpo.comLinkedIn: Connect with Dr. Fleming on LinkedInPast Podcast Episodes: Check out more episodes with Dr. Fleming in our podcast archive:Ep. 118: Adding Private Label to Improve Margins Without Compromising Quality with Dr. Chad FlemingEp. 17: Assessing the Health of Your Optometry Practice with Dr. Chad FlemingEp. 6: Navigating Associate Contracts, Practice Ownership, and Partnerships with Dr. Chad FlemingConnect With Us:For more podcast episodes, blog articles, and optometry-specific financial resources, visit www.optometrywealth.com.To learn more about working with Evon and the team at Optometry Wealth Advisors, CLICK HERE to schedule a free consultation.The Optometry Money Podcast is dedicated to helping optometrists make better decisions around their money, careers, and practices. The show is hosted by Evon Mendrin, CFP®, CSLP®, owner of Optometry Wealth Advisors, a financial planning firm just for optometrists nationwide. 

In today's episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm, Roger Knecht and guest Matt Granados discuss how accounting firm owners can move beyond basic efficiency to reach true effectiveness. They explore how setting clear client expectations and implementing structured planning systems help reduce burnout and improve profitability. In This Episode: 00:00 Efficiency vs Effectiveness in Accounting 03:50 Managing Expectations and Client Satisfaction 07:13 Bridging Intention and Execution 12:24 Evolution of Leadership Styles 17:24 Creating Margin and Optimal Performance 23:29 Strategic Planning for Success 27:33 Combating Burnout Through Systems 33:49 Closing Insights and Resources Key Takeaways: Differentiate between efficiency (speed) and effectiveness (quality) to provide better client outcomes. Set clear, professional expectations with clients early in the onboarding process to manage workloads and maintain boundaries. Prioritize personal and organizational margin to ensure you are prepared for unexpected business or life challenges. Shift your leadership style from a "drill sergeant" to an "architect" to help your team perform optimally. Featured Quotes: "Efficient is based on speed. Effective is based on quality of the outcome." — Matt Granados "No one accidentally becomes fulfilled. I've seen people accidentally become rich. I've seen people accidentally become successful, but I've never seen someone be accidentally fulfilled." — Matt Granados "The most successful people I work with have a system and solution before they need it." — Matt Granados Conclusion: Thank you for joining us for another episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm with Roger Knecht. For more information on how you can establish your own accounting firm and take control of your time and income, call 435-344-2060 or schedule an appointment to connect with Roger's team here. Sponsors: Universal Accounting Center Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth.   Offers: This is a monthly group coaching call to help high performers level up to optimal performance. community.lifepulseinc.com Special Offers for our Podcast Listeners, CLICK HERE to take advantage of them today! Remember this: Accounting Success IS Universal. Be sure to listen to our next episode and subscribe.   Also, let us know what you think of the podcast and please share any suggestions you may have.  We look forward to your input: Podcast Feedback   For more information on how you can apply these principles to start and build your bookkeeping, accounting, & tax business, please visit us at www.universalaccountingschool.com or call us at 801-265-3777.  And know that if it's about accounting, it's Universal.

Send us a MessageIn this episode of Culture Change RX, Sue welcomes back Doug Morse, Principal of Strategic Planning at Capstone Leadership Solutions, for a conversation about a different approach to strategy.Rather than trying to be slightly better than the hospital down the road, Doug challenges organizations to ask a much bigger question:What unique value can only your organization provide?Together, Sue and Doug explore why differentiation isn't enough, why rural hospitals must identify their unique value, and how strategic clarity creates the focus, alignment, and momentum needed for long-term success.The conversation also introduces one of Doug's most powerful questions:"What are you willing to promise your patients?"For leaders feeling overwhelmed by competing priorities, long to-do lists, and initiative fatigue, this episode offers a refreshing perspective on strategy, execution, and the future of rural healthcare.Doug's past podcast episodes:Growth and Culture Accelerators:  Nimble Planning and Continuous LearningClarity Over Chaos: Making Strategy Work in Rural HealthcareConnect with Doug:Doug@CapstoneLeadership.netDoug's LinkedIn[FREE Webinar] A 5-Step Approach to Achieving Nursing Excellence in Rural Hospitals:  Aug 11 at Noon ETMany rural hospitals need a proven approach for creating and sustaining nursing excellence. Join Capstone for a special 1-hour webinar where we will overview our proven 5-step approach for achieving nursing care improvements that take hold and last.Register here: https://capstoneleadership-net.zoom.us/meeting/register/gCRrqIc2QeK7mj-1gzIJsgHi! I'm Sue Tetzlaff. I'm a culture and execution strategist for small and rural healthcare organizations - helping them to be the provider and employer-of-choice so they can keep care local and margins strong.For decades, I've worked with healthcare organizations to navigate the people-side of healthcare, the part that can make or break your results. What I've learned is this: culture is not a soft thing. It's the hardest thing, and it determines everything.When you're ready to take your culture to the next level, here are three ways I can help you:1. Listen to the Culture Change RX PodcastEvery week, I share conversations with leaders who are transforming healthcare workplaces and strategies for keeping teams engaged, patients loyal, and margins healthy. 2. Subscribe to our Email NewsletterGet practical tips, frameworks, and leadership tools delivered right to your inbox—plus exclusive content you won't find on the podcast.

Key  topics Impact of AI on retail strategy Evolution of retail events and networking Future trends in retail technology Leadership and organizational change in retail Real-world applications of AI in retail Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Krystina Gustafson and Retail Innovation 02:02 Krystina's Journey from Journalism to Retail 03:55 Lessons from Early Digital Transformation at Women's Wear Daily 07:00 The Role of Content and Curiosity in Retail Leadership 10:10 Transition from Journalism to Shop Talk and Retail Events 13:03 Insights on Building a Successful Retail Conference 16:01 The Rapid Evolution of AI in Retail 20:08 Strategic Planning and Long-term AI Roadmaps 24:09 Operational Applications of AI in Physical Retail Spaces 27:58 The Future of Personalization and Customer Experience 32:59 Challenges and Opportunities in AI Adoption 38:10 The Importance of Connection and Authenticity in Events 41:47 The Intersection of Physical and Digital Retail 45:06 AI's Role in Enhancing Customer Engagement 49:08 Lightning Round: Retail Predictions and Trends

Episode 376: Who Should Be Part of Your Strategic Planning Process? (Renee Rubin Ross)Episode SummaryToo many strategic plans end up gathering dust on a shelf, or worse, frustrating the very people who were left out of building them. In this episode, Renee Rubin Ross, Ph.D., Founder of The Ross Collective and author of the new book Inclusive Strategic Planning, makes the case that who you involve in planning matters just as much as the plan itself. Drawing on more than twenty planning processes, she walks through her five-step spiral, kickoff, discovery, prioritization, planning, and implementation, and introduces a simple framework for deciding who belongs in the room: deciders, builders, and sharers. Renee explains how to know whether your organization is even ready to plan, how to scale the work up or down when capacity and funding feel shaky, and how to keep a plan alive through consistent communication and disciplined implementation. Nonprofit leaders will come away with a practical, inclusive approach that turns planning into a source of energy, alignment, and focus rather than another document destined for the shelf.About ReneeDr. Renee Rubin Ross is a recognized leader in board and organizational development and strategy, and the founder of The Ross Collective, a consulting firm that designs and leads inclusive, participatory processes for social sector boards and staff. Committed to racial equity in the nonprofit sector, she guides leaders and organizations through strategic plans and governance processes that deepen social change, racial justice, engagement, and community strength. Renee is the author of Inclusive Strategic Planning: A Five-Step Process to Expand Energy, Alignment, and Opportunity. She also directs the Nonprofit Management Certificate program at Cal State University East Bay, where she teaches strategic planning and board development. A past board member of the Alliance for Nonprofit Management and a member of the Technology of Participation facilitators' network, she earned her doctorate in education and Jewish studies from New York University, where her research explored parent participation in schools. She lives in Northern California.ResourcesListen to the episode: www.armstrongmcguire.com/podcastsConnect with Renee on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/reneerubinrossThe Ross Collective: therosscollective.comInclusive Strategic Planning: A Five-Step Process to Expand Energy, Alignment, and OpportunityBook recommendation: My Grandmother's Hands by Resmaa MenakemCal State University East Bay Nonprofit Management Certificate programFollow Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, and please leave a review! Learn more about the leadership resources at ArmstrongMcGuire.com

What does strategic planning actually look like inside a growing company? Chris, Jonathan, and Sasha take you behind the scenes of Trainual's planning process, sharing how they set priorities, align teams, make tough tradeoffs, and turn big ideas into execution. From annual planning rhythms to quarterly goals, positioning discussions, and the role of "Quiet Week," this is a candid look at how growing businesses create focus instead of chaos.

Who really enjoys summer?It's probably not the woman with the perfect body, the cleanest diet, or the most organized planner.In this episode, Dr. Stacy explores a different possibility: maybe the women who enjoy summer the most are simply the ones who participate in it.If you're the family planner, vacation coordinator, camp organizer, snack manager, and logistics department all rolled into one, this episode is for you.You'll learn why capable women often slip into the role of managing everyone else's experiences—and how that can quietly keep you from experiencing your own.You'll also hear several reflective questions designed to help you create a more meaningful summer without chasing perfection.In this episode you'll learn:Why capable women often become the family "operations team"The hidden cost of always being the plannerWhy usefulness and presence are differentFour questions that can reshape the rest of your summerOne simple action to help you create memories you'll actually experienceIf you're looking for a summer that feels meaningful—not just productive—this episode is for you.Free 2-Pound Plan Call!Want to jump start your weight loss? Schedule a free call where Dr. Stacy Heimburger will work with you to create a personalized plan to lose 2 pounds in one week, factoring in your unique circumstances, challenges, and aspirations. Schedule now! www.sugarfreemd.com/2poundThis episode was produced by The Podcast Teacher: www.ThePodcastTeacher.com.

Have you ever found yourself saying:I'll go on the trip when I lose weight.I'll get in pictures when I feel better about my body.I'll wear that outfit someday.Maybe next summer.If so, this episode is for you.Many women unknowingly put their lives on hold while waiting for their bodies to change. In this episode, Dr. Stacy explores how body shame creates avoidance, why summer often magnifies these feelings, and how delaying participation can quietly steal years of experiences, memories, and connection.This is not an episode about forced body positivity.It's about recognizing that your life is happening now.You'll learn why the brain uses avoidance to reduce discomfort, how the belief that you must "earn" participation keeps you stuck, and one small way to begin showing up for your life today.In This Episode:Why summer can trigger body-image strugglesHow shame creates avoidance behaviorsThe hidden cost of waiting until you lose weightWhy participation is not something you earnOne simple exercise to help you stop postponing your lifeReady for deeper support?Inside Lifestyle Support Monthly, we help women build sustainable habits, strengthen self-trust, and learn how to keep showing up for themselves even when life gets messy.Join us here: https://sugarfreemd.com/LSMFree 2-Pound Plan Call!Want to jump start your weight loss? Schedule a free call where Dr. Stacy Heimburger will work with you to create a personalized plan to lose 2 pounds in one week, factoring in your unique circumstances, challenges, and aspirations. Schedule now! www.sugarfreemd.com/2poundThis episode was produced by The Podcast Teacher.

Show Notes/Brief Summary/Blog Post:In this insightful interview, Kim Dully discusses the importance of study skills, strategic planning, and fostering a growth mindset with Susan Ison and Bethany Wade Pinos. They explore the history of the Victus Study Skills System, the impact of technology on learning, and practical strategies for parents and educators to help students succeed in life and academics. In this inspiring conversation, experts discuss the importance of strategic planning in life, fostering independence in children, and the power of hope. They share personal stories, practical strategies, and insights on how to build confidence, develop life skills, and nurture a hopeful outlook for the future.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to the Victus Study Skills System03:13 The Evolution of Study Skills06:12 The Impact of Technology on Learning09:44 Personal Journeys and Educational Paths12:45 Strategic Planning in Education16:53 Life Skills and Future Vision19:22 Implementing Victa in Homeschooling23:49 Reinforcement and Habit Formation27:52 Overcoming Fear and Embracing Change28:57 Identifying Personal Priorities30:44 Understanding Individual Strengths and Learning Styles01:04:09 The Value of Vocational Education01:06:13 Redefining Success Beyond Traditional Education01:09:28 The Importance of Life Skills and Critical Thinking01:12:18 Empowerment Through Strategic Thinking01:14:16 The Role of Environment in Shaping Mindsets01:18:21 Encouraging Independence in Children01:22:02 Navigating Educational Resources and Support01:24:13 Success Stories and Positive Feedback01:28:32 Curriculum Structure and Age Recommendations01:31:24 Teaching Processes and Building Confidence01:37:42 The Meaning of Hope in Education01:45:10 We Have Hope Kim Outro.mp3Episode Highlights:History of the Victus Study Skills SystemImpact of AI and technology on learningTeaching life skills and strategic planningThe importance of mindset and vision for success strategic planning for personal developmentFostering independence in childrenThe importance of hope and trust in lifeRepetition as a learning toolBuilding confidence through process understandingAction Items:Reflect on your life purpose and prioritiesPractice repetition to reinforce learningEncourage children to explore their passionsUse positive feedback to build confidenceDevelop a strategic plan for personal growthMore on Victus Study Skills System:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VictusStudySkillsSystemSusan Ison LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-ison-71b01836/Bethany Wade Pinos LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethany-wade-pinos-30517b176/Victus Study Skills System - https://studyskillssystem.org/about/HOPE Scholarship Program - https://hopescholarshipwv.gov/More on Love Your School/Links Mentioned in Episode:Visit Our Show Notes Page HERE!Questions? Email Us! kim@loveyourschool.org www.loveyourschool.orgVisit our Facebook HERE!Visit our Instagram HERE!This show has been produced by Love Your School WV.

Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping how credit unions operate, communicate, and plan for the future. In this episode of C.U. On The Show, Doug English sits down with Jeremy Wood, Chief Strategy Officer at Innovations FCU, and AI strategist Kirk Drake to discuss how AI is beginning to transform board meetings, strategic planning, policy development, financial analysis, and day-to-day operations. Artificial intelligence is becoming an increasingly important topic for credit union leaders, boards, and executives. While AI continues to evolve, many organizations are already exploring ways to use it to improve efficiency, support decision-making, and enhance communication across the organization. In thisepisode of C.U. On The Show, Doug English sits down with Jeremy Wood, Chief Strategy Officer at Innovations FCU, and AI strategist Kirk Drake to discuss how their organizations are approaching AI adoption. Their conversation covers practical use cases, lessons learned, governance considerations, andstrategies for helping teams learn and adapt responsibly. Whether you're a board member, executive, or department leader, this discussion offers valuable insights into how AI can support organizational effectiveness while maintaining appropriate human oversight.Watch the video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/0c4Zsi8QjLERead the episode summary here: Email doug@act-advisors.com with any inquiries.The guests on today's show are not affiliated with or endorsed by ACT Advisors, LLC and their opinions are their own. ACT Advisors did not provide cash or non-cash compensation for their participation. ACT Advisors, LLC is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. This content is provided for informational purposes only and is not investment, legal, or tax advice.

In this episode of The Community Bank Podcast, Caleb Stevens sits down with attorney Mark Kanaly to explore the fundamentals of effective strategic planning for community banks. They discuss how strong leadership, clear alignment, and thoughtful preparation can turn strategy from a one-time exercise into a living, actionable roadmap. Mark shares practical insights on fostering collaboration, avoiding common pitfalls like over-dominating voices, and ensuring teams stay disciplined in execution.    Click Here to Book a Free Strategy Call.   The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthState Bank and its employees. SouthState Bank, N.A. - Member FDIC

Do you keep telling yourself you'll get back on track when life calms down? In this episode of Weight Loss Made Simple, Dr. Stacy explains why waiting for the perfect schedule, more motivation, or a quieter season keeps so many women stuck in start-over cycles. You'll learn why consistency feels fragile when it depends on controlled conditions—and how to begin shifting toward adaptability instead.Inside Lifestyle Support Monthly, we're building the real-life systems that help you stay connected to yourself when routines change. Join us here: https://sugarfreemd.com/LSMFree 2-Pound Plan Call!Want to jump start your weight loss? Schedule a free call where Dr. Stacy Heimburger will work with you to create a personalized plan to lose 2 pounds in one week, factoring in your unique circumstances, challenges, and aspirations. Schedule now! www.sugarfreemd.com/2poundThis episode was produced by The Podcast Teacher.

In this episode of the Sargent: On Track Podcast, President & CEO Eric Ritchie is joined by VP of Finance & CFO Tasha Gardner in the Flywheel Studio to wrap up the series, answering questions submitted by employee-owners at the all-employee meetings. In a “lightning-round” format, Eric and Tasha cover the company's strategic planning efforts, including the completion of the first phase of a five-year roadmap focused on building the bench, growing people and capabilities across both regions, and keeping safety woven into everything the company does. The two dig into how New England and the Mid-Atlantic are stronger together, with each region's diversity of skills and geography serving as one of the company's greatest assets. With special guest Board Chair Herb Sargent, the conversation also dives into employee-owner questions about business transparency and the legal reasons certain acquisition details can't be shared. Herb also weighs in on the age-old staffing challenge, shares a piece of company history, and reminds everyone that this company was never built on perfection — just doing what you can, with what you've got, every day.If you liked this week's episode and are interested in becoming an Employee-Owner at Sargent, please visit our careers page on the Sargent website.https://sargent.us/apply/If you have an episode suggestion, please send your idea to:sbennage@sargent.us

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Dive into the crucial yet often overlooked elements of weight loss: sleep and hydration. Dr. Stacy Heimburger delves into the science behind how quality sleep and proper hydration can significantly impact your weight loss journey. Learn practical tips to improve sleep quality, manage stress, and stay hydrated throughout the day. Discover the secrets to maximizing weight loss success through mindful planning and self-care. Join us on Weight Loss Made Simple to unlock the key to achieving your weight loss goals.Free 2-Pound Plan Call!Want to jump start your weight loss? Schedule a free call where Dr. Stacy Heimburger will work with you to create a personalized plan to lose 2 pounds in one week, factoring in your unique circumstances, challenges, and aspirations. Schedule now! www.sugarfreemd.com/2poundThis episode was produced by The Podcast Teacher.

What if the reason most nonprofit strategic plans fail isn't the strategy itself, but the process behind it?In this week's episode of Nonprofit Nation, Julia sits down with nonprofit consultant, educator, and author Renee Rubin Ross to explore what it truly means to create an inclusive strategic planning process. Drawing from her new book, Inclusive Strategic Planning for Nonprofits, Renee shares why traditional top-down planning often falls short and how organizations can create plans that people actually believe in, support, and implement.Together, they discuss: ✨ Why inclusive planning leads to stronger alignment and better outcomes ✨ The dangers of performative inclusion in nonprofit leadership ✨ How to authentically engage staff, boards, and stakeholders ✨ The difference between strategy that sits on a shelf vs. strategy that drives action ✨ Practical ways small nonprofits can embrace inclusive planning approachesWhether your organization is preparing for a new strategic plan or struggling to implement an existing one, this episode offers thoughtful guidance for building a process that energizes teams instead of exhausting them.

In this episode of Inner Edison Podcast, Ed Parcaut sits down with Mike Jesowshek for a practical conversation about small business taxes, proactive planning, and the financial mistakes that keep entrepreneurs stuck. Mike explains why most business owners think about taxes too late, why tax prep is not the same as tax planning, and how better bookkeeping, better structure, and better strategy can legally reduce what a business owner owes. He also shares how his own path started in online marketing and finance before evolving into bookkeeping, accounting, and ultimately a stronger focus on tax planning for entrepreneurs. The conversation covers LLCs versus S corporations, the role of bookkeepers, CPAs, and fractional CFOs, the difference between filing returns and building strategy, and why too many business owners rely on reactive advice instead of planning ahead. This is a strong episode for entrepreneurs who want more clarity, more control, and fewer tax surprises. *Contact Ed Parcaut:** -

Reflections from host Sarah Olivieri ... Strategic Planning as a Rhythm Most nonprofits I talk to are not avoiding strategic planning because they don't believe in it. They're avoiding it because the process is heavy, the resulting document is long and hard to act on, and six months later it feels out of date. So they wait. They wait until something forces the conversation. A new executive director. A board crisis. A funder asking for it. By the time planning starts, the stakes feel enormous, the calendar feels short, and the team feels exhausted before the first meeting. They waited so long, planning is an extra activity that requires planning to plan. The plan that comes out of that environment is almost always too rigid, too future-locked, and too disconnected from the work people are actually doing. This is the structural pattern. Strategic planning for nonprofits gets framed as an event. A rare event. Rare things carry pressure. Pressure makes the process worse, which confirms everyone's belief that planning is painful, which makes the next planning cycle even longer to start. The whole loop is fixable. The fix is not a better planning process but a better planning rhythm. A recent podcast interview with Sophia Shaw left me thinking not just about how to do strategic planning well, but what actually creates staying power in a strategic plan.  A Plan as a Compass, Not a Roadmap The mental model most nonprofits inherited for strategic planning is the roadmap. You start here. You end there. You draw the route. You follow it. A roadmap is built for a destination that is completely knowable and a route that is predictable. But most nonprofits are can't follow a predictable route to well known destination. Most nonprofits are pioneering, forging a path to an imagined, but not fully knowable destination.  When pioneering, a compass is much more useful. A compass is different. A compass tells you the direction. It does not tell you the exact route. When the terrain changes, you keep the direction and find or create a new path. The plan still works, because the plan was never about the path. It was about where you're trying to go. In short: A roadmap locks in the route. A compass locks in the direction. Nonprofit terrain changes constantly. Your plan has to be built for that. The work of planning is choosing the direction clearly enough that you can re-route without losing it. When the plan is a compass, leaders stop being afraid of being "wrong." They stop avoiding planning out of fear that they'll commit to something they regret. The plan becomes a tool, not a verdict. Cadence Determines Whether the Plan Is Real Here's the part most planning processes get wrong. They treat the plan as the product. The truth is, the cadence of revisiting the plan is the product. A beautiful 40-page plan that gets opened once a year does less work than a one-page plan that gets revisited every two months. In my own work with organizations, I built a system where staff lead strategic planning every two months. Once a team has done it three or four times, "planning to plan" stops being a thing. The stakes are low. The plan is alive. Course corrections happen in real time, not in a year-end crisis.   Planning becomes a rhythm of re-orienting and re-confirming or refining the path and the destination.  This is what separates a plan that aligns the organization from a plan that sits on a shelf. The plan isn't the product. The cadence is. Short, frequent planning cycles lower the stakes and raise the quality. When planning is a habit, course correction is a small move, not a crisis. The organizations that get value from strategic planning are not the ones with the best document. They're the ones with the shortest distance between "something changed" and "we updated the plan." Short-Term Plans Are Healing for Teams in Crisis There's a specific moment when a six-month or one-year plan does more work than a three-year one. That moment is when an organization is operating without sufficient resources. When people are working in an underresourced environment, asking them to make a long term plan just adds load to an already-overloaded nervous system. A short-term plan does the opposite. It says: here is what we are doing in the next six months, here is what we are not doing, here is how we'll know we did it. That clarity stabilizes the team. The longer-horizon planning can come later, after the stabilization holds. I think of it like getting off a tiki raft. If you're on a small raft in the open ocean, the first goal is not the destination. The first goal is getting on a bigger boat. Everything about reaching a destination feels different once you're on the bigger boat. A short-term plan focused on capacity building, is the plan to get on a bigger boat. This is not a compromise. It is the right tool for the moment. The Plan Is Also the Fundraising Story A lot of nonprofits separate the planning conversation from the fundraising conversation. The planning team meets. The development team meets. The two outputs get stitched together later. This is backwards. The plan is the fundraising story. Donors are not funding programs in the abstract. They're funding a direction. They're funding the answer to "where is this organization going and how will I know if you got there?" If the board chair on one end of the table and the executive director on the other end whisper different answers to that question, no amount of donor stewardship will close the gap. I have watched organizations get major unrestricted gifts almost casually, after the leader simply got clear on the direction and started saying it out loud. One conversation about the vision, one week later, a letter for $100,000 a year for three years. That was not a fundraising win. That was an alignment win, with a check attached. Donors fund direction, not activity. Misalignment between the board and the executive director is a fundraising leak. Clarity at the plan level shows up as ease at the donor level. When the plan is clear and the team is aligned, fundraising stops feeling like persuasion. It feels like an invitation. Gathering the Data Should Not Be A Part of the Planning Process One thing that makes frequent planning hard to imagine for many folks is that they have been told that in order to generate a great plan, they need to gather data from stakeholders: the community, the team, the board, etc. This makes the process of planning very laborious, but there's something even more important going on here, and this should have your alarms going off like crazy. The fact that this data collection needs to happen for strategic planning means that data collection is not happening as a regular part of identifying whether or not programs are running as well as they can. It means that conversations and other forms of data collection to understand what the community needs and what donors want to support and what makes them feel invested are not a routine part of operating. This is a problem in how many non-profits operate: collecting data about the impacts of your programs collecting data about the needs of the people you serve collecting data about how your donors are responding and how to communicate with them better These should be part of daily operations, just like bookkeeping. Yes, strategic planning is a time to review data and analyze trends to inform decision making, but if you don't already have this data being collected as a regular part of operating, then your plan should include increasing your capacity so that you begin doing that. What Shifts When You Treat Planning as a Rhythm When leaders stop seeing planning as an event and start running it as a rhythm, several things change at once. What shifts: Planning stops being scary, because no single planning session is high-stakes. The plan stops being a document and starts being a tool the team actually uses. The board moves up to governance and out of operations. Fundraising gets easier, because the story is already clear. The executive director stops being the single point of strategic memory. None of this requires a heavier process. It requires a lighter, more frequent one. About the Guest Sophia Shaw is my guest for this episode. Sophia is the co-founder of PlanPerfect, an expert-powered, AI-assisted software tool helping small- and mid-sized nonprofits create, review, implement, track, and report on strategic plans. With decades of experience as a successful nonprofit CEO, trustee, board president, donor, volunteer, consultant, and professor of social impact. Sophia has a deep understanding of how to maximize the power of a nonprofit. Connect with Sophia: Website - https://www.planperfect.co LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/planperfect/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/people/PlanPerfect/61571149295408/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/planperfect_strategy/ Be sure to subscribe to Inspired Nonprofit Leadership so that you don't miss a single episode, and while you're at it, won't you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated! Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn.

Have your routines started feeling harder lately?Maybe your workouts feel inconsistent. Maybe your eating is less structured. Maybe you're staying up later, sleeping differently, and wondering why the habits that felt automatic a few weeks ago suddenly feel so difficult.Before you assume you've lost motivation or discipline, consider this:What if the conditions changed?In this episode, Dr. Stacy Heimburger explores why summer often disrupts consistency—not because you're failing, but because schedules, cues, routines, and energy rhythms naturally shift during this season.You'll learn:Why habits depend more on environmental structure than motivationHow summer changes the cues that support consistencyThe role of sleep, hydration, stress, and overstimulationWhy flexibility is more valuable than perfectionOne simple way to identify where your system needs adjustingIf you've been feeling frustrated by your summer routine, this episode will help you replace self-criticism with curiosity and create a more realistic path forward.Ready for More Support?Inside Lifestyle Support Monthly, we're building practical summer systems that work in real life—not perfect life.Join us here:https://sugarfreemd.com/LSMFree 2-Pound Plan Call!Want to jump start your weight loss? Schedule a free call where Dr. Stacy Heimburger will work with you to create a personalized plan to lose 2 pounds in one week, factoring in your unique circumstances, challenges, and aspirations. Schedule now! www.sugarfreemd.com/2poundThis episode was produced by The Podcast Teacher: www.ThePodcastTeacher.com.

(13) Mary Kissel discusses Secretary Marco Rubio's budget focused on Iran, Ukraine, and China. Rubio emphasizes hemispheric security and the need for strategic planning to address malign influences in Cuba and Venezuela.1909

Building a full-time income on Amazon doesn't happen by accident...and it definitely doesn't happen by simply hoping your next sourcing trip or online deal search will magically change everything. In this episode of The Full-Time FBA Show, we're continuing our two-part series on building long-term success selling on Amazon. Last week, we talked about creating a system for finding a never-ending supply of inventory. This week, we're focusing on the strategic planning you need for every phase of your Amazon business, including the capital, guidance, proven plan, and accountability that can help you move toward sustainable, long-term success. Show Notes for this episode - http://www.fulltimefba.com/334 The Full-Time FBA Podcast Page - http://www.fulltimefba.com/podcast Subscribe to the Full-Time FBA Newsletter and get some helpful freebies - http://www.fulltimefba.com/    

https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/bizpod/360.110-Strategic-Planning-2.mp3 Welcome back to the Business English Skills 360 podcast as we continue our look at strategic planning. A strong strategic plan begins with a clear vision. A vision statement describes what a company wants to achieve in the future and provides inspiration and direction. It helps employees understand the company’s long-term goals and keeps everyone focused on a shared purpose. Along with a vision statement, most companies also have a mission statement. The mission explains what the company does, who it serves, and how it operates. A clear mission helps guide decision-making by showing what the company values and what is most important to its success. Once a company understands its vision and mission, it can decide how to achieve them. Strategic planning is not about creating a long list of possible actions. Instead, it requires making choices about which actions will have the greatest impact. This means setting priorities and accepting that not every opportunity can be pursued. To improve strategic focus, companies should ask important questions. For example, which investments will create new opportunities? What is the best approach to growth? What new skills or strengths are needed to stay competitive? And how can major challenges or threats be addressed? Answering these questions helps leaders choose the best strategies and set clear priorities. Strategic thinking involves learning from past experience, understanding changes in the market, and recognizing that resources are limited. A good strategic plan also includes clear and measurable goals. These goals help employees understand what success looks like and allow the company to track its progress. When goals are measured and rewarded, teams are more likely to focus their efforts on achieving them. Members: Lesson Module | Quiz & Vocab | PDF Transcript Download: Podcast MP3>>> The post Skills 360 – Strategic Planning (2) first appeared on Business English Pod :: Learn Business English Online.

Most plans don't fail from effort—they fail from what's missing. In part 2, Dave uncovers the hidden gaps that could be stalling your success—and how to turn your plan into real, consistent results.