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In this episode of The Women On Top, Valerie Lynn sits down with Dylan Jahraus, powerhouse Etsy seller, coach, and former corporate leader, for a deeply honest conversation about ambition, resilience, and building a life on your own terms.Dylan opens up about what pushed her to walk away from the corporate path and how she turned a simple Etsy shop into a multi-seven-figure business. She shares the real challenges behind the highlight reel, the role community played in her growth, and the mindset shifts that helped her navigate doubt, burnout, and big leaps.Together, Valerie and Dylan dig into the strategies that actually move the needle in e-commerce, from understanding customer behavior to staying ahead of trends, and why consistency still outperforms perfection. Dylan also talks about the personal “why” that fuels her, the legacy she hopes to leave for her daughters, and the quiet power of choosing flexibility, freedom, and self-trust.This episode is equal parts tactical and deeply human, offering practical steps for aspiring entrepreneurs and heartfelt encouragement for anyone ready to chase a bigger vision.Chapters00:00 – The Journey Begins: From Corporate to Etsy Success 02:53 – Building an Empire: Overcoming Challenges & Customer Relations 05:58 – E-Commerce Explained: Strategies That Actually Work 09:13 – Understanding Customer Needs: The Key to Longevity 12:09 – Trends & Market Research: Staying Ahead 14:50 – Facing Doubts: The Importance of a Strong “Why” 18:03 – Creating a Legacy: Personal Stories & Motivations 20:52 – The Power of Flexibility: Owning Your Time 23:58 – Saturation & Strategy: Standing Out in a Crowded Market 26:04 – The Power of Consistency 27:40 – Practical Strategies for Sustainable Growth 30:16 – Understanding Digital Products 31:22 – Aligning Skills With Your Business Ideas 33:17 – Finding Fulfillment in Entrepreneurship 36:11 – Building Confidence Through Action 37:38 – How Long It Really Takes to See Success on Etsy 39:13 – Learning From Mentors 40:43 – Balancing Business & Family 43:04 – Dreaming Bigger: Future Aspirations & GrowthConnect with Dylan: The Ultimate Etsy Course: https://dylanjahraus.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dylanjahraus/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeO8Gmc2B-3G2fgcFnRR4Xw Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/etsy-seller-success-tips-for-starting-growing-and/id1647518076Connect with The Women On Top: Follow The Women On Top Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you get your podcasts. Subscribe for more empowering conversations and stories! Website: https://thewomenontop.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/ @thewomenontop Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewomenontoppodcast/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-lynn/
In this episode of the Look Forward Podcast, our new rotating host Molly Mintz makes her debut to explore the dynamic landscape of Africa's economy with authors from out latest Look Forward Journal "Look Forward: Unlocking Africa" and S&P Global Rating's experts Roberto Sifron-Arevalo, Samira Mensah, and Elijah Oliveros Rosen. Discover how Africa's abundant natural resources and youthful demographics present unprecedented investment opportunities, while also facing challenges in infrastructure, debt sustainability, and climate change. Join us as we delve into the crucial role of credit ratings in enhancing financing strategies for sustainable development, and learn how domestic capital markets can drive economic growth. We also discuss the upcoming S&P Global Africa Summit, aimed at fostering dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders to address the continent's financial hurdles. Tune in for insights that will equip you to navigate the complexities of Africa's evolving markets and seize future opportunities!
Welcome to the Plant-Based Canada Podcast! In today's episode, we're joined by Leslie Ewing to discuss Driving Change in Canada's Plant-Based Industry: Insights from Plant Based Foods of Canada.With over twenty-five years of experience in the consumer-packaged goods sector, Leslie Ewing has been instrumental in shaping Canada's plant-based foods industry. As Executive Director of Plant-Based Foods of Canada (PBFC), she has built one of the first globally recognized plant-based organizations, creating a farm-to-fork membership that fosters collaboration, research, and industry growth. Under her leadership, PBFC has become a unified voice for manufacturers, ingredient companies, VCs, brokers, distributors, and retailers, driving market expansion and consumer adoption. Leslie was key in establishing the Plant-Based Foods Global Alliance, working alongside international partners to align efforts and support the plant-based sector worldwide. She also led the launch of Canada's first National Plant-Based Food Week, creating a platform to showcase the industry's innovation and potential. A firm believer in data-driven decision-making, she champions the use of market insights and consumer research to inform industry strategies and strengthen advocacy efforts. In addition to her leadership in the plant-based sector, Leslie has extensive experience advising and driving strategic growth for small to mid-sized companies through her own consulting company. She has worked as both an outside expert and an executive for hire, helping businesses refine their strategic direction, navigate market challenges, and accelerate growth. Her past leadership roles include Program Director for the Nutrition Facts Education Campaign, a pioneering public-private partnership with Health Canada, and Executive Director of the Confectionery Manufacturers Association of Canada. She is passionate about driving innovation, collaboration, and sustainable growth in the plant-based sector.Plant Based Foods of Canada's Socials:Website: www.plantbasedfoodscanada.caLinkedin: Plant Based Foods of CanadaInstagram & Facebook: plantbasedcanLeslie Ewing's Socials:LinkedIn: leslieeewingPlant-Based Canada's Socials:Instagram (@plantbasedcanadaorg)Facebook (Plant-Based Canada, https://m.facebook.com/plantbasedcanadaorg/)Website (https://www.plantbasedcanada.org/)X / Twitter @PBC_orgBonus PromotionCheck out University of Guelph's online Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate. Each 4-week course will guide you through essential plant-based topics including nutritional benefits, disease prevention, and environmental impacts. You can also customize your learning with unique courses such as Plant-Based Diets for Athletes and Implementing a Plant-Based Diet at Home. As the first university-level plant-based certificate in Canada, you'll explore current research, learn from leading industry experts, and join a community of like-minded people. Use our exclusive discount code PBC2025 to save 10% on all Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate courses. uoguel.ph/pbn.Thank you for tuning in! Make sure to subscribe to the Plant-Based Canada Podcast so you get notified when new episodes are published. This episode was hosted by Stephanie Nishi RD, PhD.Support the show
Feeling like your business runs you instead of the other way around? In this episode, we share the four workflow systems that separate thriving service businesses from those stuck in reactive mode.We break down the exact framework our clients use to reclaim hours every week, eliminate the constant "what did I forget?" anxiety, and finally build a business that doesn't require them to be on call 24/7. No fancy tools or huge team needed, just smart structure that actually sticks.Key takeaways:The four workflow types every growing business needs (and which one to start with)How recurring workflows eliminate the "Did I do that?" mental drainWhy your projects keep ending in chaos (and the phase-by-phase structure that fixes it)The event workflow that makes you look professional while staying focused on connectionHow to create a content rhythm that builds trust without last-minute stressSimple steps to document, automate, and delegate your workflows effectivelyReal transformation stories from coaches who implemented these systemsWith your workflows running smoothly, the next step is filling your pipeline consistently. Join our free two-day workshop, The Expert's Edge: LinkedIn Content That Closes Deals (Nov 24–25, 12–1 PM EST) and master the content approach that keeps your calendar booked with ideal clients.Reserve your spot now: The Expert's Edge Workshop: LinkedIn Content That Closes Deals
Ever lie awake at 11 PM wondering if you should just shut your business down? You're making money, clients seem happy, but internally you feel exhausted and disconnected from work that used to light you up.If that sounds familiar, this episode is for you.In this solo episode, I'm breaking down the difference between business failure and business evolution - and why confusing the two can lead you to walk away from something that just needs to shift.Sometimes what feels like failure is actually your business nudging you toward growth. The trick is learning how to tell the difference.Key Points Covered:✨ Why exhaustion makes you confuse temporary discomfort with permanent failure✨ The three reflection questions that reveal whether you need to quit or evolve✨ How to identify if your problem is emotional (burnout) or structural (offer misalignment)✨ The difference between craving rest versus needing reinvention✨ A real client story: from "I want to burn it down" to clarity and confidence✨ How evolution shows up as discomfort, disinterest, and sometimes irritation with work you used to loveThe Three Questions to Guide You:Do I still care about the impact of my work?Am I craving rest or reinvention?Is the problem emotional or structural?If you're sitting here unsure about whether to walk away or evolve what you're doing, that's exactly what I work through with my 1:1 clients inside of Expansion. The very first phase, Illuminate, is all about getting crystal clear on what you actually want - because you cannot make good decisions about your business when you don't know what you're building toward.Most of my clients come in thinking they need to completely start over. But after Illuminate, they realize they just need clarity on where they're going and permission to evolve.Send us a textThank you for being a part of the Soulpreneur Scaling Stories community!
In this episode, recorded at the 26th UN Tourism General Assembly in Riyadh, I chat with Amanda Bernstein, Seychelles' new Minister for Tourism and Culture—who stepped onto the global stage barely a week after taking office. She talks about her excitement, her vision for Seychelles' tourism, and the key role culture and sustainability will play in her plans. In this dialogue, Minister Bernstein discusses the government's renewed focus on cultural authenticity, women's leadership, and youth empowerment within the sector, while outlining her commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and long-term resilience.
In this episode of the Second in Command Podcast, guest host Sivana Brewer sits down with Matthew Rathje, Chief Operating Officer of TrueNorth Companies and long-time member of the COO Alliance.From starting in payroll and claims management to leading operations for a $165M insurance and professional services firm, Matt shares his journey of scaling from the ground up, balancing structure, culture, and human leadership. He offers practical insights on bringing clarity and accountability to fast-growing organizations, structuring meetings that actually move the needle, and building trust without falling into “artificial harmony.”Matt also opens up about navigating personal and professional adversity, from weathering the 2020 derecho storm that destroyed his family's home, to leading through COVID-19, and how those experiences shaped his leadership philosophy rooted in humility, collaboration, and optimism.Timestamped Highlights[00:01:20] – Matt's journey at TrueNorth and how he helped the company grow from a local firm to a $165M organization.[00:05:16] – Lessons from moving between individual contributor and leadership roles.[00:07:00] – How TrueNorth's leadership transition inspired a more unified executive vision.[00:09:20] – Preparing to step into the COO role and finding mentors in the process.[00:10:44] – Why Matt joined the COO Alliance and what he learned from peers in other industries.[00:13:00] – Building clarity and accountability through RIMs and RIOs (Relatable Impact Metrics & Objectives).[00:15:00] – Starting TrueNorth's organizational health journey with Patrick Lencioni's Table Group.[00:17:34] – How Lencioni's framework helped the team prioritize what's most important right now.[00:18:46] – Team effectiveness workshops and how vulnerability-based trust builds healthy organizations.[00:20:35] – How to identify “artificial harmony” and address it before it erodes team commitment.[00:24:32] – Balancing collaboration with decisive leadership.[00:26:03] – Structuring meetings for clarity, speed, and results.[00:29:40] – How personal adversity (a devastating storm) strengthened Matt's leadership perspective.[00:33:54] – Leading with empathy, gratitude, and perspective through crisis.[00:38:52] – Building trust and vulnerability across teams.[00:40:31] – Strengthening the CEO-COO relationship and defining complementary strengths.[00:42:42] – Using Vivid Vision to align the entire company around purpose and feeling.[00:46:14] – Launching The TrueNorth Way: the company's roadmap for a world-class client experience.Resources & MentionsThe Apple Experience by Carmine GalloUnreasonable Hospitality by Will GuidaraMeetings Suck by Cameron HeroldThe Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni (and the related Five Behaviors of a Cohesive Team framework)About the GuestMatthew Rathje is the Chief Operating Officer of TrueNorth Companies, a Midwest-based insurance and professional services firm dedicated to protecting and maximizing its clients' assets, resources, and opportunities.Since joining TrueNorth over a decade ago,...
In uncertain times, leaders at all levels can learn from what the world's leading CEOs are doing to protect their companies from risk and forge a path forward. In this Future of Business series, IdeaCast hosts Alison Beard and Adi Ignatius interview four chief executives from different industries and geographies to better understand where global business is going. In this episode, Alison speaks with Sim Tshabalala, the CEO of Standard Bank. He explains how his childhood in apartheid South Africa informed his decision to go into finance, why purpose drives the company's approach to everything from strategy to customer service, and the role he believes businesses like his must play in promoting sustainable growth.
This episode is sponsored by AlixPartners The Disruption Matters special podcast miniseries is back for its fourth season, and this year, leading industry experts will discuss how private markets can still deliver growth, despite the headwinds of a revolution in tech, geopolitics and global markets. All season long, we've argued that PE firms need to pursue growth even in times of uncertainty and volatility. But in our final episode of the year, we're clarifying that not all growth is created equal. The right kind of growth is cost-effective and sustainable. We explore the threats to sustainable growth, the need to shape growth strategies around exit routes, how buy-and-build strategies can go awry, and how to pause a growth strategy without stalling the company's progress. Guests include Jason McDannold, co-lead of the PE practice at AlixPartners; Halvor Horten, partner at Bain Capital; Jennifer Fox Bensimon, a managing director on the co-investment team of Partners Capital Investment Group; Emanuela Cisini, a partner, co-head of operational improvement and head of Mideast and Asia at Investindustrial; and Burak Kiral, a partner and managing director with AlixPartners.
In this episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler sits down with Josh Notes, serial entrepreneur, CFO, and dealmaker, to unpack how financial storytelling connects the dots between operations, cash flow, and sustainable growth. Together, they explore how leaders can use numbers to forecast what comes next, make smarter decisions, and unlock opportunities hiding in plain sight. What You'll Discover: What financial storytelling really means and how it ties operations to financial health. Why so many growing businesses struggle with cash flow visibility, and how to fix it. The difference between a bookkeeper, controller, and CFO, and when you need each one. Why neglecting finance limits your creativity and flexibility as an entrepreneur. How forecasting tools and rolling projections help you make confident, informed decisions. Why collaboration between operations, finance, and sales creates real momentum. The truth about scaling, leveraging debt, and knowing when it's time to bring in help.
This week, Mike sits down with Jay Sapovits, the founder and President of Ink'd Stores, a thriving $5 million e-commerce company that powers over 1,000 online swag stores for brands like DoorDash, Crocs, and Penn Entertainment. Jay opens up about his turbulent journey—from explosive early success and devastating loss to rebuilding his life and business from the ground up. The conversation explores Jay's struggle with gambling addiction, the painful collapse of his first ventures, and how entering recovery became the foundation for lasting personal and professional transformation. He shares how humility, perseverance, and a focus on "winning the moment" helped him turn setbacks into stepping stones toward success. Jay also dives into the evolution of his swag business, emphasizing the importance of ownership, customer service, and speed in e-commerce. His story is a testament to the power of resilience, self-awareness, and small, consistent wins. The episode closes with advice for aspiring entrepreneurs: leverage your network, take small steps, and never lose sight of the sacrifices required to achieve your dreams. IN THIS EPISODE:
Ideas don't turn into impact on excitement alone. They need structure, ownership, and trust. We sit down with Mark, an IP advisor and blockchain compliance expert, to unpack how intangible assets—patents, trademarks, copyrights, code, data, and even carbon credits—quietly drive growth while shaping risk across industries.We dig into the hidden engine of value that most founders overlook: dormant IP. Mark walks us through practical IP audits that surface what you already own, from unique processes and datasets to brand equity you can license or franchise. He explains why mindset comes first, then market size and timing, and how that sequence determines whether you defend aggressively, collaborate through licensing, or wait for the right moment. On the Web3 front, we challenge the myth that crypto is lawless. Clear names, protected code, and compliant launches build the trust that filters copycats, supports valuation, and attracts serious capital.Sustainability threads through the conversation as we explore carbon markets and climate finance. Carbon may be intangible, but the credits and systems around it require rigorous legal frameworks. Mark shares how IP strategy supports climate tech adoption —from discovery to cross-border licensing—scaling faster than opening new offices. We also dive into brand stewardship beyond the certificate: monitoring registries, enforcing quickly, and using licensing to expand with lower risk. Along the way, we look ahead to more innovative tools—AI assessing brand strength, interoperable IP revenue tracking, and policy incentives for climate-aligned inventions.If you're building at the edge of tech or climate, this is your playbook for turning the invisible into compounding advantage. Hear how to protect before you launch, design risk into your roadmap, and monetize the assets you already have. Subscribe, share with a founder who needs this, and leave a review with the one IP question you want answered next.Send us a textSupport the showCheck out "Protection for the Inventive Mind" – available now on Amazon in print and Kindle formats.
In this inspiring episode of The Entrepreneurial You Podcast, host Heneka Watkis-Porter engages in a powerful conversation with Ife Badejo, the dynamic founder and CEO of Islandpreneur International, a movement dedicated to empowering Caribbean entrepreneurs to build sustainable, innovation-driven businesses. What You'll Learn in This Episode How to transform challenges into entrepreneurial opportunities The story behind Islandpreneur and its mission to empower Caribbean entrepreneurs The importance of collaboration and community in business growth How creativity and digital tools can drive innovation and empowerment Practical ways to lead with purpose and resilience in uncertain times Why mindset and adaptability are key to global success COMMUNITY CONNECTION: Now it's time for one of my favourite parts of the show — Community Connection! This is where I get to hear directly from you — our incredible listeners and members of the Grace to Grow Mentorship and Training community. I absolutely love these moments because they remind me that what we're building together goes far beyond the conversations here — it's about growth, faith, and shared purpose. We recently wrapped up the graduation of Cohorts 5 and 6 of the Grace to Grow Mentorship Programme during our LeadercastKingston event, and I continue to be so moved by the reflections shared from our community. Today's message comes from Tioney Walters, who said: “This program is such a gem and is truly what God wants you to be doing, Miss Heneka. I was literally in the audience, and tears came to my eyes. I love everyone in this program so much, even the ones I haven't met yet. I am so happy to be a part of such a movement and sisterhood. Just continue to shine, Mrs. Porter, and lead with grace.” Thank you so much, Tioney. Your words truly touched my heart. This right here is what community is all about — faith, connection, and sisterhood rooted in purpose. I'm deeply grateful for you and all the phenomenal women continuing to grow together in grace and leadership.
A warmer world is here. Now what? Listen to Shocked, from the University of Chicago's Institute for Climate and Sustainable Growth, and hear journalist Amy Harder and economist Michael Greenstone share new ways of thinking about climate change and cutting-edge solutions: https://lnk.to/shockedpodcastFD!thepie
Heidi Sturrock is a Search Marketing Advisor and Funnel Fixer with 24 years of experience in paid search, working independently with brands and agencies to optimize ad performance on Google, YouTube, and Microsoft. She is recognized for her proven track record of building high-performing campaigns and her expertise in leveraging automation, AI-driven strategies, and holistic, multichannel marketing to drive business growth even in challenging markets.In this episode…In a landscape where ad budgets are tighter and performance metrics are under the microscope, brands are under pressure to prove what's really driving growth. With platforms like Facebook and Google often competing for credit, how can marketers ensure they're not cutting off the very traffic that fuels their conversions?According to Heidi Sturrock, a veteran Search Marketing Advisor and Funnel Fixer, true sustainable growth happens when Facebook and Google ads work together, not in isolation. She highlights that Facebook's top-of-funnel awareness campaigns directly influence Google's bottom-of-funnel conversions, creating an ecosystem that drives long-term performance. Heidi emphasizes the importance of incrementality testing, modern campaign structures, and understanding automation's role in scaling efficiently. By aligning paid search and social strategies, brands can maintain momentum even when the market shifts and avoid the costly mistake of cutting off key demand channels.In this episode of Truth About Social Ads, host Jason Smith sits down with Heidi Sturrock to discuss how integrated Facebook and Google ad strategies unlock sustainable growth. They explore the importance of multi-touch attribution, why automation should be approached with caution, and how brands can test incrementality before slashing budgets. Heidi also shares insights on adapting to AI-driven ad changes while staying true to brand integrity.
In this episode of Soulpreneur Scaling Stories, I sit down with Matt Quinones, a Virtual Assistant specializing in travel coordination and event management. Matt shares his journey from working at the Walt Disney Company on Broadway events to building his own retreat coordination business—and how creating a core offer in his first year transformed his confidence and clarity.Matt openly discusses the corporate-to-entrepreneur transition, the pandemic's role in his reflection on who he was serving, and why he decided to apply his event planning expertise to help small business owners and retreat leaders. We dive deep into his experience in my Foundations to Flow program, where he initially worried he was "too early" to focus on a core offer, but discovered that the structure and intentionality actually accelerated his growth.If you're a service provider wondering whether you need a signature offer, struggling with imposter syndrome, or trying to figure out how to talk about what you do without being all over the place, this conversation offers actionable insights and inspiring perspective.Key Points Covered:✨ Transitioning from corporate (Disney) to entrepreneurship✨ Why pouring yourself into corporate won't pour back into you the same way✨ How the pandemic created space for reflection and business pivoting✨ The importance of serving people who pour back into you (vs. serving a board of directors)✨ Creating a core offer even when you think you're "too early"✨ How structure and intentionality accelerate business growth✨ Claiming your expertise instead of downplaying your skills✨ Why slowing down to work ON your business speeds everything up✨ The power of networking and relationship-building in service-based businessesConnect with Matt:WebsiteInstagramPersonal InstagramSpecial Offer: Sign up for Matt's mailing list and be entered to win a free 24-hour ad in Times Square!Send us a textThank you for being a part of the Soulpreneur Scaling Stories community!
Geoengineering and Sustainable Growth: Technological Pathways to Climate Restoration. Gaia Vince discusses technological methods for restoring the planet, including ocean fertilization, which involves artificially adding iron to boost algae growth that would suck out carbon dioxide. Another technique is enhanced weathering, sprinkling rocks like olivines onto agricultural fields or beaches; these rocks naturally bind with atmospheric carbon dioxide, locking the carbon away. Further options include exciting geoengineering ideas like placing reflective bubbles on the ocean surface to increase the planet's albedo. Regarding economic strategy, Vince argues against "negative growth" and instead emphasizes the need to decouple economic growth from environmental destruction, noting that some economies are already beginning to successfully disassociate growth from environmental pollution and carbon emissions.
Electricity prices are the biggest economic issue in the New Jersey governor's race, which is perhaps next month's most closely watched election. Mikie Sherrill, the Democratic candidate and frontrunner, has pledged to freeze power prices for state residents after getting elected. Can she do that? On this week's episode of Shift Key, Rob talks to Skanda Amarnath, the executive director of Employ America, a center-left think tank that aims to encourage a “full-employment, robust-growth economy.” He's also a nearly lifelong NJ resident. They chat about how New Jersey got such expensive electricity, whether the nuclear construction boom is real, and what lessons nuclear companies should take from economic history.Shift Key is hosted by Robinson Meyer, the founding executive editor of Heatmap, and Jesse Jenkins, a professor of energy systems engineering at Princeton University. Jesse is off this week.Mentioned: How Electricity Got So ExpensiveNew Jersey's Next Governor Probably Can't Do Much About Electricity Prices, by Matt Zeitlin for HeatmapPreviously on Shift Key: The Last Computing-Driven Electricity Demand Boom That Wasn'tMeta lays off 600 workersAmazon lays off 14,000 workers--This episode of Shift Key is sponsored by …Hydrostor is building the future of energy with Advanced Compressed Air Energy Storage. Delivering clean, reliable power with 500-megawatt facilities sited on 100 acres, Hydrostor's energy storage projects are transforming the grid and creating thousands of American jobs. Learn more at hydrostor.ca.A warmer world is here. Now what? Listen to Shocked, from the University of Chicago's Institute for Climate and Sustainable Growth, and hear journalist Amy Harder and economist Michael Greenstone share new ways of thinking about climate change and cutting-edge solutions. Find it here.Music for Shift Key is by Adam Kromelow. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Creating an Actionable Customer-Centric Company Culture Shep interviews Sean Crichton-Browne, co-founder of Market Culture and co-author of The Human Culture Imperative. He talks about how organizations can drive business success by focusing on building a customer-centric culture of empowered employees. This episode of Amazing Business Radio with Shep Hyken answers the following questions and more: What's more important, happy customers or happy employees? How does starting with the end goal of happy customers encourage better customer service? What role does leadership play in creating a strong culture of customer-centricity? How can a company's internal culture directly impact the quality of the customer experience? How does employee engagement influence customer loyalty and retention? Top Takeaways: Whenever you're working to improve customer experience, it helps to begin by picturing how you want your customers to feel at the end. Imagine what you want the customer's experience to be. Work backward from your goal, which is happy and loyal customers, and figure out what is needed at every level of the organization to achieve it. Happy employees create happy customers, but flipping this idea on its head can create great results for your organization as well. Making customers happy can actually make employees feel better about where they work. It leads to a better work environment that motivates and engages employees. When customers are satisfied with the product or service, employees don't have to respond to as many complaints or stressful situations, which makes their jobs more enjoyable and fulfilling. Happy customers often give positive feedback, creating a sense of pride for everyone on the team and encouraging even better service. Listen to your customers. Ask them what they want and what's important to them. When you focus on understanding and meeting those needs, you create a connection between leadership, employees, and customers. Empowering employees, especially those who deal directly with customers, improves the customer experience. When staff can act quickly to solve issues or offer solutions, without always needing a manager's okay, problems get fixed faster, and customers feel seen, heard, and valued. The stories told inside a company, whether big or small, have a lasting impact on culture. When employees hear about coworkers going the extra mile for customers or leaders making decisions that put customers first, they inspire similar behavior that can be operationalized for consistency. Plus, Sean shares more "golden nuggets" from his latest book, The Human Culture Imperative. Tune in! Quote: "Put the customer at the center of the business and focus on their satisfaction. Because if we don't have a customer, we don't actually have a business." About: Sean Crichton-Browne is the co-founder of Market Culture, a company dedicated to helping organizations understand and implement customer-centric cultures. He is the co-author of The Human Culture Imperative: The Leader's Playbook for Innovation and Sustainable Growth. Shep Hyken is a customer service and experience expert, New York Times bestselling author, award-winning keynote speaker, and host of Amazing Business Radio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Show notes coming soon.Connect with Kathryn on Instagram or visit her website.Stay connected with Frame of Life where you can catch all of our latest episode show notes and more!
Is getting bigger always better for startups? This episode dives into the hidden costs of scaling up and how growth can sometimes make a company worse, not better. Ryan and Will discuss the trade-offs between size and quality, using examples like Google and PayPal. They explore how rapid growth can diminish company culture, slow down decision-making, and introduce inefficiencies. The conversation also covers personal experiences in startup growth, emphasizing the importance of optimizing for better rather than just bigger. Whether it's adding more staff or raising capital, they advocate for making decisions that enhance company quality and founder life satisfaction.Resources:Startup Therapy Podcasthttps://www.startups.com/community/startup-therapyWebsitehttps://www.startups.com/beginLinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/startups-co/Join our Network of Top FoundersWil Schroterhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/wilschroter/Ryan Rutanhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-rutan/What to listen for:00:14 The Myth of Bigger is Better00:43 Examples of Companies That Grew and Suffered02:00 The Hidden Costs of Scaling05:08 Personal Experiences with Growth Challenges13:01 The Importance of Freedom and Quality17:18 The Hidden Costs of Growth17:58 Balancing Growth and Quality of Life20:39 Defining Non-Negotiables for Better Business22:33 Scaling with Soul: Maintaining Company Culture24:41 Quality Over Quantity: Making Strategic Decisions28:07 The Power of Saying No31:15 Sticking to Your Values for Sustainable Growth
Biodegradable water-soluble films. Recycling that reuses molecules over and over. AI that can develop more sustainable polymers. In this conversation, Sustainably Speaking host Mia Quinn sits down with Anne Kolton, Chief Sustainability Officer at SK Capital Partners, to explore the next wave of innovation in manufacturing and materials. Anne shares how her team invests in companies developing breakthrough products, how U.S. manufacturing can launch smarter, more efficient processes, and why engineering and AI will transform the materials we all use every day.
In this episode of the Revenue Builders Podcast, our hosts John Kaplan and John McMahon are joined by Susan Lucia Annunzio, the “CEO Whisperer” and President of the Center for High Performance. With over 25 years of expertise in leadership and organizational culture, Lucia shares her insights on fostering sustainable growth by treating people well, the importance of leveraging brain power, and the generational dynamics impacting today's workforce. They delve into strategies for leaders to harness the unique strengths of Gen Z, overcome organizational toxicity, and create environments where innovation and accountability thrive. Tune in to explore how to unlock potential within your teams and drive profitable growth.ADDITIONAL RESOURCESConnect with Susan Lucia Annunzio.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanannunzio/Learn more about the Center for High Performance: https://centerforhighperformance.com/ Get Lucia's books: https://centerforhighperformance.com/category/books/Read the Guide on Six Critical Priorities for Revenue Leadership in 2026: https://hubs.li/Q03JN74V0Enjoying the podcast? Sign up to receive new episodes straight to your inbox: https://hubs.li/Q02R10xN0HERE ARE SOME KEY SECTIONS TO CHECK OUT[00:03:08] Lucia's Journey and Mission[00:06:18] The Importance of Treating People Well[00:08:22] Return on Brain Power[00:10:17] Challenges in Leadership and Management[00:30:25] Generational Differences and Gen Z[00:33:39] The Most Rejected Generation[00:34:23] Technological Savvy and Social Media Influence[00:36:03] Gen Z's Desire for Purpose and Socialization[00:37:53] The Impact of Overprotection and Fear[00:40:21] Work Environment and Remote Work Preferences[00:43:37] The Future of Work and Leadership[00:53:30] Empowering Gen Z in the WorkplaceHIGHLIGHT QUOTES[00:06:56] “A great strategy without allowing people to use their brains will never maximize its potential.”[00:08:41] “Companies leave money on the table because they don't allow people to challenge assumptions.”[00:10:57] “The number one differentiator of sustainable growth... was the people in the group felt valued.”[00:13:41] “People work for people. When you look authentic, people begin to trust you.”[00:21:55] “Most Gen Zs prefer to work in person, learn socialization skills, and make friends.”[00:28:35] “Resilience comes from making mistakes, learning from them, and getting back up again. But when you make a mistake and people keep you down, you become a victim.”[00:32:32] “Ask for help. Tell your boss you want to be a star player and want to know what good looks like.”[00:38:13] “Anybody can be good. But how do you become great? That's what's going to give you satisfaction.” Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Simply operating America's buildings uses more than a third of the country's energy. A major chunk of that is temperature control — keeping the indoors cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Heating eats into families' budgets and burns a tremendous amount of fuel oil and natural gas. But what if we could heat and cool buildings more efficiently, cleanly, and cheaply? On this week's episode of Shift Key, Rob and Jesse talk to Dulcie Madden, the founder and CEO of Dig Energy, a New Hampshire-based startup that is trying to lower the cost of digging geothermal wells scaled to serve a single structure. Dig makes small rigs that can drill boreholes for ground source heat pumps — a technology that uses the bedrock's ambient temperature to heat and cool homes and businesses while requiring unbelievably low amounts of energy. Once groundsource wells get built, they consume far less energy than gas furnaces, air conditioners, or even air-dependent heat pumps. Shift Key is hosted by Robinson Meyer, the founding executive editor of Heatmap, and Jesse Jenkins, a professor of energy systems engineering at Princeton University. Jesse is an adviser to Dig Energy.Mentioned:Dig EnergyTechCrunch: “Geothermal is too expensive, but Dig Energy's impossibly small drill rig might fix that”Princeton University's Geo-Exchange SystemJesse's downshift; Rob's downshift. --This episode of Shift Key is sponsored by …Hydrostor is building the future of energy with Advanced Compressed Air Energy Storage. Delivering clean, reliable power with 500-megawatt facilities sited on 100 acres, Hydrostor's energy storage projects are transforming the grid and creating thousands of American jobs. Learn more at hydrostor.ca.A warmer world is here. Now what? Listen to Shocked, from the University of Chicago's Institute for Climate and Sustainable Growth, and hear journalist Amy Harder and economist Michael Greenstone share new ways of thinking about climate change and cutting-edge solutions. Find it here.Music for Shift Key is by Adam Kromelow. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Kate Assaraf is a serial entrepreneur and the founder and CEO of Dip Sustainable Hair Care, building a 7-figure beauty brand without Amazon, big-box retailers, or influencer gimmicks. Kate is also a Forbes columnist, and a mom of two who proves that entrepreneurship and motherhood can coexist without burnout—by prioritizing presence, purpose, and smart business choices. Kate has been featured in Allure, Cosmopolitan, Modern Salon, and The Unwash, was named NJ's Mompreneur of the Year (2024), and was honored as a “Woman of Courage” by Insigniam Quarterly. She's passionate about helping other moms in business build profitable brands without sacrificing their families, values, or sanity.
Leaders Of Transformation | Leadership Development | Conscious Business | Global Transformation
How do you turn a personal frustration into a $75 million brand—with no experience in the industry? In this episode of Leaders of Transformation, host Nicole Jansen interviews Justin Baer, founder of Collars & Co., who transformed a simple idea—a dress-collar polo shirt—into one of the fastest-growing luxury menswear brands in America. With no background in fashion and a long history of entrepreneurial experiments (and failures), Justin shares how he built a multimillion-dollar brand through relentless action, rapid testing, and the courage to launch imperfect ideas. His story of Shark Tank success and partnership with Mark Cuban reveals how persistence, timing, and customer feedback can turn a simple product into a household name. You'll learn: How to identify business opportunities from everyday frustrations Why “done” is better than “perfect” when launching a new product The power of storytelling and viral marketing (including the TikTok video made by his daughter) How to scale fast while staying true to your brand vision What it takes to go from side hustle to a $75 million business in just three years If you're an entrepreneur, innovator, or aspiring business leader, this conversation will inspire you to take action—before you feel ready—and trust the process of learning, testing, and growing along the way.
Have you been pushing through life, from one milestone to the next, with little rest in between?If so, you're not alone. In the early years of establishing a private practice, ambition often outweighs quality of life and self-care, but it doesn't have to be that way, and it definitely doesn't have to stay that way...During this coaching episode, I help Kellie explore what life can look like now that she has moved out of survival mode, built stability in her private practice, and shifted into a space where she's actually living and beginning to thrive.Kellie reflects on her upbringing, which focused on doing the right thing and being perfect rather than exploring what truly brought her happiness, and recognizes she's now at a place where she's giving herself space to explore and discover what it is she loves and actually wants to do.If you've spent your life trying to get through one thing just to make it to the next thing, constantly hustling, unable to slow down, yet always just scraping by, but you see yourself working towards being in a different place -- one where you're living and thriving -- this conversation is for you. Together, Kellie and I discuss creating opportunities for curiosity, taking personal time to explore what Kellie's interests might be, and setting boundaries within her client schedule to facilitate the freedom she desires. Tune in for more ideas on how to start to enjoy the stability that you've built in your business and shift into the next phase of life. Shifting Mindsets: Survive To Thrive with Curiosity (00:08:34) Thriving Through Mentorship and Giving Back (00:11:56) Exploring Personal Passions for Fulfillment and Joy (00:14:42) Curiosity and Present Mindset for Fulfillment (00:25:32) Rooted Foundation for Sustainable Growth (00:27:37) Embracing Mindful Curiosity for Self-Discovery Prioritizing Self-Care Through Setting Work-Life Boundaries (00:14:32) "What do I love? What brings me life? What is not about other people's opinions or judgments? It's just like, well, what do I want to do?" - Kellie Murry Kellie reflects on how the anxious part of her occasionally overbooks her day, leaving her without a break and feeling exhausted. Linzy uses the metaphor of a tree to illustrate the importance of having firm roots for growth and expansion, suggesting that stability is key to thriving. Ultimately, slowing down and embracing self-compassion helps improve your quality of life and discover your values and passions in this new phase of success. Action Steps to Help You Shift from Surviving to Thriving: Reflect on your current practice. Are you still in survival mode with anxiety and fears running your daily schedule? Or have you begun to shift toward boundaries and more personal time? Start daydreaming about what the next five years COULD look like. Begin to envision and write down your desires and some actions that can help get you there. Set boundaries to protect your time, energy, and well-being. Determine the number of clients per day that you can see without compromising your needs. Make self-care a priority in your daily routine. Ensure you have time for curiosity, self-exploration, and personal growth alongside your professional responsibilities. Take time to get to know yourself and what truly lights you up. Allow yourself to explore your passions and interests outside of work to enhance your quality of life. While it's important to have ambitious goals for your practice, remember to enjoy the present moment and make life rich and meaningful now. Find a balance between...
What really makes a strategy work—and why do so many professional services firms get it wrong? In this conversation with Alastair Beddow of Meridian West, we dig deep into how service-based companies can craft and implement strategies that actually stick. We explore what strategy is (and isn't), the role of evidence and data in decision-making, and why buy-in across the firm is non-negotiable if you want to move from vision to execution. I share stories and insights from my own experience alongside Alastair's expertise, and together we unpack the pitfalls of treating strategy as a static PowerPoint document rather than a living, breathing process. If you've ever wondered how to align your people, your clients, and your resources in a way that fuels sustainable growth, this episode is for you. Topics We Cover in This Episode: Why most strategies fail before they even begin The surprising role of “saying no” in fueling growth How the “triangle” of firm, clients, and people drives every strategic choice What professional services can learn from private equity's approach to growth How to navigate the emotional challenge of pulling back from long-time clients Why short-term wins matter for long-term strategy execution A framework to ensure your strategy doesn't just sit in a drawer If you're ready to think differently about how strategy is created, communicated, and lived out inside your firm, this episode will give you practical tools and a fresh perspective. Tune in, take notes, and start putting these ideas into practice today—because the best strategy isn't just written, it's implemented. Resources Mentioned: Sign up for Bunnell Idea Group's free AI Business Development tool, GrowBIG AI: growbig.ai Order your copy of Give to Grow Get the Supplemental materials for Give to Grow Get a copy of your GrowBIG Playbook today! Connect with Alastair: abeddow@meridianwest.co.uk Alastair's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alastair-beddow-43a20724/ Meridian West's website: https://meridianwest.co.uk/
What really makes a strategy work—and why do so many professional services firms get it wrong? In this conversation with Alastair Beddow of Meridian West, we dig deep into how service-based companies can craft and implement strategies that actually stick. We explore what strategy is (and isn't), the role of evidence and data in decision-making, and why buy-in across the firm is non-negotiable if you want to move from vision to execution. I share stories and insights from my own experience alongside Alastair's expertise, and together we unpack the pitfalls of treating strategy as a static PowerPoint document rather than a living, breathing process. If you've ever wondered how to align your people, your clients, and your resources in a way that fuels sustainable growth, this episode is for you. Topics We Cover in This Episode: Why most strategies fail before they even begin The surprising role of “saying no” in fueling growth How the “triangle” of firm, clients, and people drives every strategic choice What professional services can learn from private equity's approach to growth How to navigate the emotional challenge of pulling back from long-time clients Why short-term wins matter for long-term strategy execution A framework to ensure your strategy doesn't just sit in a drawer If you're ready to think differently about how strategy is created, communicated, and lived out inside your firm, this episode will give you practical tools and a fresh perspective. Tune in, take notes, and start putting these ideas into practice today—because the best strategy isn't just written, it's implemented. Resources Mentioned: Sign up for Bunnell Idea Group's free AI Business Development tool, GrowBIG AI: growbig.ai Order your copy of Give to Grow Get the Supplemental materials for Give to Grow Get a copy of your GrowBIG Playbook today! Connect with Alastair's: abeddow@meridianwest.co.uk Alastair's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alastair-beddow-43a20724/ Meridian West's website: https://meridianwest.co.uk/
What really makes a strategy work—and why do so many professional services firms get it wrong? In this conversation with Alastair Beddow of Meridian West, we dig deep into how service-based companies can craft and implement strategies that actually stick. We explore what strategy is (and isn't), the role of evidence and data in decision-making, and why buy-in across the firm is non-negotiable if you want to move from vision to execution. I share stories and insights from my own experience alongside Alastair's expertise, and together we unpack the pitfalls of treating strategy as a static PowerPoint document rather than a living, breathing process. If you've ever wondered how to align your people, your clients, and your resources in a way that fuels sustainable growth, this episode is for you. Topics We Cover in This Episode: Why most strategies fail before they even begin The surprising role of “saying no” in fueling growth How the “triangle” of firm, clients, and people drives every strategic choice What professional services can learn from private equity's approach to growth How to navigate the emotional challenge of pulling back from long-time clients Why short-term wins matter for long-term strategy execution A framework to ensure your strategy doesn't just sit in a drawer If you're ready to think differently about how strategy is created, communicated, and lived out inside your firm, this episode will give you practical tools and a fresh perspective. Tune in, take notes, and start putting these ideas into practice today—because the best strategy isn't just written, it's implemented. Resources Mentioned: Sign up for Bunnell Idea Group's free AI Business Development tool, GrowBIG AI: growbig.ai Order your copy of Give to Grow Get the Supplemental materials for Give to Grow Get a copy of your GrowBIG Playbook today! Connect with Alastair: abeddow@meridianwest.co.uk Alastair's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alastair-beddow-43a20724/ Meridian West's website: https://meridianwest.co.uk/
Send us a textIn this episode of WTR Small-Cap Spotlight, Tony Scott, Chief Executive Officer, and Kimberly Pinson, Chief Financial Officer, of Intrusion Inc. (NASDAQ: INTZ) join co-hosts James Kisner, Managing Director of Technology Research at Water Tower Research, and Tim Gerdeman, Vice Chair, Co-Founder, and Chief Marketing Officer of Water Tower Research.The conversation dives into how Intrusion's Shield platform uses reputation-based threat intelligence and artificial intelligence to detect and block high-risk communications in real time. Scott and Pinson discuss the company's five consecutive quarters of sequential growth, the expansion of Shield Cloud into the AWS Marketplace (with Microsoft Azure coming later in 2025), and emerging opportunities in school safety, utilities, and critical infrastructure.They also touch on Intrusion's disciplined financial strategy, strong gross margins, and growing managed-service-provider channel—all of which position the company for sustained success in both government and commercial cybersecurity markets.
The Hidden Key to Sustainable Growth High achievers are taught to "raise the bar" — to outdo their best performance and push harder for the next goal. But what if that approach is actually what's keeping you stuck in cycles of leadership burnout, frustration, and exhaustion? The problem is that the "raise the bar" model only focuses on your ceiling — your best. It completely ignores your floor. It puts all the focus on having to overachieve what you've already done without recognizing the biggest opportunity in front of you. But what happens after years of operating that way? At some point, the effort it takes to beat your best starts to outweigh the return. You're putting in more hours, more thought, more energy, but the results start to flatten out. You might hit the goal, but it costs you peace of mind, presence, or health to maintain it. In this episode, Blake shares a concept that will completely shift how you approach growth – something that has helped create sustainable success and inspire personal growth for executives. She explains why the more you can shorten the depth & duration of your most challenging moments, the higher everything else rises. And it rises with far less effort. You'll learn how to identify & remove the hidden misalignments that drain your energy and slow your growth and discover how to create more momentum, impact & peace without pushing harder or "doing more." Because when you raise your floor, you're not just increasing your capacity. You're reclaiming your energy, your clarity & your peace of mind. Episode Highlights The Problem with "Raising the Bar" [01:15] - Why the traditional achievement model leads to burnout [02:00] - What happens after years of pushing harder [02:45] - The hidden cost of always beating your best The Power of Raising Your Floor [03:30] - Why your lowest lows determine your long-term success [04:15] - How sustainable success comes from minimizing friction [05:00] - Research on burnout & productivity loss in the workplace What Stops Us from Raising the Floor [06:30] - The wrong questions we ask when we feel stuck [07:15] - Shifting from "what's in my way" to "what do I need to operate at my best" [08:00] - Real coaching example: identifying energy drains in 10 minutes A Real-Time Coaching Story [08:45] - How one leader transformed her relationship with her boss [09:30] - Using your body & emotions as data, not judgment [11:00] - The pattern of misalignment & how it shows up everywhere How to Start Raising Your Floor Today [12:30] - A simple exercise to identify your top 2-3 energy drains [13:30] - Recognizing the difference between flow & friction [14:15] - How small shifts create powerful change Powerful Quotes "Your long-term success, growth, and well-being are not determined by your highest highs. They're actually determined by your lowest lows." —Blake Schofield "Our emotions and what's happening in our energy, they're just data. They're not showing you a weakness in who you are or a judgment of who you are. They're just information your body is sending you." —Blake Schofield "Most people spend their lives trying to beat their best. But leaders who truly thrive learn to minimize their worst and optimize based on how they're naturally wired to thrive." —Blake Schofield Resources Mentioned Drained at the end of the day & want more presence in your life? In just 5 minutes, learn your unique burnout type™ & how to restore your energy, fulfillment & peace at www.impactwithease.com/burnout-type/ The Fastest Path to Clarity, Confidence & Your Next Level of Success: executive coaching for leaders navigating layered challenges. Whether you're burned out, standing at a crossroads, or simply know you're meant for more—you don't have to figure it out alone. Go to impactwithease.com/coaching to apply! Ready to Future-Proof Your Leadership? Let's explore what's possible for your team. Whether you're navigating rapid growth, culture change, or quiet disengagement…we can help with our high-touch, root-cause focused solutions that are designed to help grow resilient, aligned & empowered leaders who navigate uncertainty with confidence and create impact without burning out, go to https://impactwithease.com/corporate-training-consulting/
On this episode Shiv Narayanan interviews Ed Byrne, co-founder of Scaleworks, a venture equity firm based in San Antonio. Ed shares his background as a software entrepreneur and the lessons learned from his experiences that led to founding Scaleworks ten years ago with partner Lou Moorman. The discussion explores the concept of "venture equity" as a hybrid model between traditional VC and private equity, emphasizing sustainable growth over high-risk VC funding. Key topics include the downsides of VC (such as portfolio theory encouraging all-or-nothing scaling), the benefits of bootstrapping or using debt for most software businesses, avoiding premature scaling, prioritizing customer-funded growth, and Scaleworks' approach to acquiring and accelerating 5-10M revenue SaaS companies by building go-to-market teams in-house, bringing in new CEOs, and focusing on levers like pricing, category specialization, and dispassionate product decisions. Ed also covers deal structures, value creation through centralization in San Antonio, resistance to playbooks, and aiming for acquisitions driven by inbound interest rather than fixed timelines.
Clarity gets you noticed. Consistency keeps you remembered. In this episode, John Pajak breaks down how consistent habits in marketing, communication, and service delivery lead to trust, referrals, and predictable profits. Discover why steady beats sporadic, and how repetition compounds results in every part of your green industry business. Comments and Questions are welcome. Send to ProfitswithPajak@gmail.com Episode Links: Apple Podcast Listeners- Copy and paste the links below into your browser. Upcoming Events: Get 50% OFF Equip Expo 2025 tickets NOW with promo code PAJAK https://plus.mcievents.com/equipexpo2025?RefId=PAJAK LCR Summit: October 20th and 21st in Louisville, Kentucky The Playbook for Success in Your Business and Life! https://www.lcrmedianetwork.com/ Show Partners: Yardbook Simplify your business and be more profitable. Please visit www.Yardbook.com Get 30 days of Premium Business level of Yardbook for FREE with promo code PAJAK Relay Relay is small business banking that puts you in complete control of what you are earning, spending, and saving. Click here to sign up for Relay and get $50.00 cash bonus!http://join.relayfi.com/promo/get-50-ulumkswykjzwi4dqsm?referralcode=profitswithpajak&utm_source=influencer&utm_medium=podcast Mr. Producer Click the link to connect with Thee Best Podcast Producer in the biz! https://www.instagram.com/mrproducerusa/ Green Frog Web Design Get your first month for only $1 when you use code, PAJAK, and have your website LIVE in 3 weeks from projected start date or it is FREE for a year. https://www.greenfrogwebdesign.com/johnpajak My Service Area “Qualify Leads Based on Your Profitable Service Area.” Click on this link for an exclusive offer for being a “Profits with Pajak” listener. https://myservicearea.com/pajak Training and Courses Budgets, Breakevens, and Bottom Lines™ Workshop John Pajak's exclusive system is designed to help you avoid common failures and achieve your business' financial goals to be profitable and scale your business. https://www.johnpajak.com/offers/qvgvV8m3/checkout Yardbook Training Workshops Learn one-on-one with John Pajak to use Yardbook like a pro to streamline your business and make more money! https://www.johnpajak.com/offers/aJ9YX7aB/checkout
Julian Brave NoiseCat is a writer, Oscar-nominated filmmaker, champion powwow dancer, and student of Salish art and history. His first book, We Survived the Night, was released this week — it uses memoir, reporting, and literary anthology to tell the story of Native families across North America, including his own. NoiseCat was previously an environmental and climate activist at groups including 350.org and Data for Progress. On this week's episode of Shift Key, Rob talks with Julian about Native American nations and politics, the complexity and reality of Native life in 2025, and the “trickster” as a recurring political archetype.Shift Key is hosted by Robinson Meyer, the founding executive editor of Heatmap, and Jesse Jenkins, a professor of energy systems engineering at Princeton University. Jesse is off this week.Mentioned:We Survived the Night, by Julian Brave NoiseCatHow Deb Haaland Became the First Native American Cabinet Secretary--This episode of Shift Key is sponsored by …Hydrostor is building the future of energy with Advanced Compressed Air Energy Storage. Delivering clean, reliable power with 500-megawatt facilities sited on 100 acres, Hydrostor's energy storage projects are transforming the grid and creating thousands of American jobs. Learn more at hydrostor.ca.A warmer world is here. Now what? Listen to Shocked, from the University of Chicago's Institute for Climate and Sustainable Growth, and hear journalist Amy Harder and economist Michael Greenstone share new ways of thinking about climate change and cutting-edge solutions. Find it here.Music for Shift Key is by Adam Kromelow. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
A candid, behind-the-scenes chat about building a business that actually fits your life. We dig into what's really changed in the market (especially in the last 6 to12 months), and Jess's Ordinary Business movement, a refreshing change to the sensational online “seven-figure in seven minutes” online business model. What You'll Learn The Case for the “Ordinary” Business Why sustainable, profitable, low-overhead businesses deserve more spotlight than vanity metrics. The hidden math behind big revenue screenshots (and how ad & team spend change the story). Market Shifts You Should Actually Act On How buyers' trust and attention have changed since 2020 and what that means for your funnel. Why specific > generic: niche offers that solve one clear problem are outperforming broad “everything” courses. Designing for Your Life, Not the Algorithm Building to your energy and capacity (e.g., solo by choice, tiny teams, or seasonal support). Different ways to win: more profit with fewer people, same income with fewer hours, or thoughtful growth that doesn't torch your calendar. Learn More The Ordinary Business (virtual summit & community) at theordinarybusiness.com Jess on Instagram: @jesscreatives OR @theordinarybusiness About Jess Jess Freeman is a web & SEO pro serving health and fitness entrepreneurs. She's proudly remained a solo operator (with light support), prioritizing profit, margin, and a business that fits real life, which inspired her to launch The Ordinary Business.
In this episode of the Let's Talk Agriculture Podcast, host Sharon Nkwah sits down with Vandana Thottoli, a seasoned executive and thought leader in Africa's business and investment space. Together, they explore what it really takes to scale a business across the continent — from building strong systems and teams, to securing finance, strengthening operations, and navigating the realities of growth. It's a practical, experience-driven conversation that unpacks the mindset, structure, and strategy behind scaling African enterprises sustainably. Join Our Private Community: I'd love for you to continue this conversation with us inside the Let's Talk Agriculture Podcast Network — it's our private space where we connect beyond the mic, share opportunities, and build collaborations in real time. If you've ever wanted to be part of Africa's growing agribusiness ecosystem, this is where it's happening.
China announced a new climate commitment under the Paris Agreement at last month's United Nations General Assembly meeting, pledging to cut its emissions by 7% to 10% by 2035. Many observers were disappointed by the promise, which may not go far enough to forestall 2 degrees Celsius of warming. But the pledge's conservatism reveals the delicate and shifting politics of China's grid — and how the country's central government and its provinces fight over keeping the lights on. On this week's episode of Shift Key, Rob and Jesse talk to Michael Davidson, an expert on Chinese electricity and climate policy. He is a professor at the University of California, San Diego, where he holds a joint faculty appointment at the School of Global Policy and Strategy and the Jacobs School of Engineering. He is also a senior associate at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, and he was previously the U.S.-China policy coordinator for the Natural Resources Defense Council.Shift Key is hosted by Robinson Meyer, the founding executive editor of Heatmap, and Jesse Jenkins, a professor of energy systems engineering at Princeton University. Mentioned:China's new pledge to cut its emissions by 2035What an ‘ambitious' 2035 electricity target looks like for ChinaChina's Clean Energy Pledge is Clouded by Coal, The Wire ChinaJesse's upshift; Rob's upshift.--This episode of Shift Key is sponsored by …Hydrostor is building the future of energy with Advanced Compressed Air Energy Storage. Delivering clean, reliable power with 500-megawatt facilities sited on 100 acres, Hydrostor's energy storage projects are transforming the grid and creating thousands of American jobs. Learn more at hydrostor.ca.A warmer world is here. Now what? Listen to Shocked, from the University of Chicago's Institute for Climate and Sustainable Growth, and hear journalist Amy Harder and economist Michael Greenstone share new ways of thinking about climate change and cutting-edge solutions. Find it here.Music for Shift Key is by Adam Kromelow. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Can you really grow your business when you're living with chronic illness, burnout, or limited capacity? Absolutely, if your content helps people make informed decisions, you don't have to focus on or obsess about downloads.In this episode of Business with Chronic Illness, with host Nikita Williams. I'm sharing how I signed clients from my podcast while I was healing from endometriosis and recovering from surgery, and how I turned a small but mighty audience into consistent revenue using sustainable business strategies that honor my health first and prevent burnout.This is part of The Business Safety Net with a Podcast Series, where we explore how long-form content can create sustainable growth, marketing, and sales systems for women entrepreneurs and CEOs managing chronic illness or looking for burnout support.You'll hear how I use my CGS Framework: Connect, Give, Serve — to create content that converts, even when I can't be “on.” Because your business should support your wellness, not sacrifice it.What You'll Learn:Why downloads and likes don't pay your bills... decisions doHow my podcast brought in four clients in the first 10 episodes without a huge audienceWhat it means to create decision-driven content instead of algorithm-driven contentHow the CGS Framework (Connect → Give → Serve) helps you turn listeners into clientsWhy podcasting is a business safety net for burnout support and chronic illness entrepreneurshipInside The Business Safety Net Series:This episode is part of The Business Safety Net with a Podcast Series on the Business with Chronic Illness podcast, created for women entrepreneurs with chronic illness, creatives, and CEOs who crave sustainable business strategies, burnout recovery, and health-conscious growth that works even in low-capacity seasons.Catch up on the series:1️⃣ Ep 1: The 30-Minute Connection Strategy That Built My Business With Chronic Illness2️⃣ Ep 2: How My Podcast Signed Clients While I Was Healing (this episode)3️⃣ Next: How to Take a Break Without Losing Clients or Momentum as a CEO With Chronic Illness✨ Thank you for listening. Your Next Step:→ Grab the Podcast Planner + App (coming soon) to start and grow your podcast with ease.→ Or, learn my Voice-First System — Chronically You & Profitable (CYAP): the signature method featured and practiced on Business With Chronic Illness Podcast: CEO Women for Sustainable Growth and Burnout Support.This system is designed for a woman entrepreneur, creative, a chronic boss, or a woman with an autoimmune illness who wants simple business growth, sustainable sales, and burnout support, without sacrificing their health, energy, or self-care priorities.
I talk a lot about profitability on these episodes because, of course, we do this for a living. But today, I invited someone to talk with more authority about our finances in general. And I understand it is not always easy to look at our finances, especially if they aren't where we want them to be. But Carla Titus has over 17 years of combined corporate financial planning, analysis strategy, and online businesses experience. She works with interior designers and she understands and provides fractional CFO services and consulting to business owners like us who are looking to grow their business profitability, which is what we all want. Her mission with Wealth and Worth Within is to empower business owners like you to achieve financial clarity and peace of mind so that they can get back to what they enjoy. In today's episode, you'll learn how designers can master their money mindset, set profitable margins, and think like a CEO—so your business grows with confidence and sustainability. Find out more about Carla here: Website: www.wealthworthwithin.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/wealthworthwithin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wealthworthwithin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wealthworthwithin/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wealthworthwithin YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wealthandworthwithin Mentioned in this episode: Join the wait list for my revamped course, The Designers Edge: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/construction-management-interior-designers Access the full video interview with Elana Steele of Steele Appliance here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/appliance Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/interior-designers-guide-to-growth
Investor Fuel Real Estate Investing Mastermind - Audio Version
In this episode of the Real Estate Pros podcast, host Erika speaks with Guerrio Anilus, founder of Get Covered, about innovative solutions in property management, particularly focusing on rent guarantees. Guerrio shares insights on how his company aims to alleviate stress for landlords and tenants alike by ensuring timely rent payments and providing coverage during eviction processes. The conversation also delves into sustainable growth strategies, risk management in tenant screening, and proactive measures landlords can take to avoid vacancies. Professional Real Estate Investors - How we can help you: Investor Fuel Mastermind: Learn more about the Investor Fuel Mastermind, including 100% deal financing, massive discounts from vendors and sponsors you're already using, our world class community of over 150 members, and SO much more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/apply Investor Machine Marketing Partnership: Are you looking for consistent, high quality lead generation? Investor Machine is America's #1 lead generation service professional investors. Investor Machine provides true ‘white glove' support to help you build the perfect marketing plan, then we'll execute it for you…talking and working together on an ongoing basis to help you hit YOUR goals! Learn more here: http://www.investormachine.com Coaching with Mike Hambright: Interested in 1 on 1 coaching with Mike Hambright? Mike coaches entrepreneurs looking to level up, build coaching or service based businesses (Mike runs multiple 7 and 8 figure a year businesses), building a coaching program and more. Learn more here: https://investorfuel.com/coachingwithmike Attend a Vacation/Mastermind Retreat with Mike Hambright: Interested in joining a “mini-mastermind” with Mike and his private clients on an upcoming “Retreat”, either at locations like Cabo San Lucas, Napa, Park City ski trip, Yellowstone, or even at Mike's East Texas “Big H Ranch”? Learn more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/retreat Property Insurance: Join the largest and most investor friendly property insurance provider in 2 minutes. Free to join, and insure all your flips and rentals within minutes! There is NO easier insurance provider on the planet (turn insurance on or off in 1 minute without talking to anyone!), and there's no 15-30% agent mark up through this platform! Register here: https://myinvestorinsurance.com/ New Real Estate Investors - How we can work together: Investor Fuel Club (Coaching and Deal Partner Community): Looking to kickstart your real estate investing career? Join our one of a kind Coaching Community, Investor Fuel Club, where you'll get trained by some of the best real estate investors in America, and partner with them on deals! You don't need $ for deals…we'll partner with you and hold your hand along the way! Learn More here: http://www.investorfuel.com/club —--------------------
What if your business didn't feel like a never-ending list of “shoulds”? In this inspiring Dream Biz® Journeys episode, I sit down with Praise Santos McKenna of Come Plum—brand studio leader, podcast host, and coach for women entrepreneurs—to talk about building a business with slow abundance.Praise shares her mission to inspire and resource 10,000 women, the ripple effects of confidence, and how she's redefining success in her new season of life and motherhood. We dig into money mindset, seasons of inspiration, and what it means to get “paid to exist.”If you've ever wrestled with hustle culture, burnout, or the fear that slowing down will set you back, this conversation will give you permission to breathe, realign, and trust that slow abundance in business can actually take you further.✨ Listen in for a refreshing take on business growth that feels good, sustainable, and deeply human.Get to Know Praise: ComePlum's Website and InstagramGet to Know Christi: Website and InstagramJoin The Dream Biz Lab
Live from the 2025 Small Business Success Summit in Tampa, this episode of Small Biz Florida features a powerful conversation with Dr. Wendy Norfleet, founder of Norfleet Integrated Solutions. Drawing from her experience managing multi-billion-dollar departments and her passion for empowering small businesses, Dr. Norfleet shares critical insights on what it truly takes to grow a business successfully. She breaks down the importance of strategic readiness assessments, understanding your financials, and knowing when and how-to scale. The discussion also highlights cash flow challenges, how to access capital for large contracts, and why business owners must shift from working in their business to working on their business. Whether you're thinking about expansion or already facing growing pains, this episode delivers clear, actionable strategies for sustainable success. This podcast episode was recorded live at the 2025 Small Business Success Summit hosted at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital. Connect with Our Guest: norfleetsolutions.com
Is Physical AI the Next Industrial Revolution? From warehouses to highways, robotics and autonomous systems are moving from hype to real-world adoption. In this episode of Let's Talk Future, Jane Ross sits down with Colin Rusch, Managing Director and Head of Oppenheimer's Sustainable Growth & Resource Optimization franchise, to explore how physical AI is transforming industries, reshaping labor markets, and creating new investment opportunities. From perception technologies to endurance innovations, Colin explains why investors are paying close attention—and where the next wave of disruption may emerge. Episode Disclosures: This podcast is the property of Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. and should not be copied, distributed, published or reproduced, in whole or in part. The information/commentary contained in this recording was obtained from market conditions and professional sources, and is educational in nature. The information presented has been derived from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed as to accuracy and does not purport to be a complete analysis of any strategy, plan, security, company, or industry involved. Opinions expressed herein are subject to change without notice. Oppenheimer has no obligation to provide any updates or changes. Any examples used in this material are generic, hypothetical and for illustration purposes only. All price references and market forecasts are as of the date of recording. This podcast is not a product of Oppenheimer Research, nor does it provide any financial, economic, legal, accounting, or tax advice or recommendations. Any liability therefore (including in respect of direct, indirect or consequential loss or damage) is expressly disclaimed. Securities and other financial instruments that may be discussed in this report or recommended or sold are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and are not deposits or obligations of any insured depository institution. Investments involve numerous risks including market risk, counterparty default risk and liquidity risk. Securities and other financial investments at times maybe difficult to value or sell. The value of financial instruments may fluctuate, and investors may lose their entire principal investment. Prior to making any investment or financial decisions, an investor should seek advice from their personal financial, legal, tax and other professional advisors that take into account all of the particular facts and circumstances of an investor's own situation. The views and strategies described may not be suitable for all investors. This report does not take into account the investment objectives, financial situation or specific needs of any particular client of Oppenheimer or its affiliates. This podcast may contain forward looking statements or projections regarding future events. Forward-looking statements and projections are based on the opinions and estimates of Oppenheimer as of the date of this podcast, and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties as well as other factors, including economic, political, and public health factors, that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements and projections. The performance of a benchmark index is not indicative of the performance of any particular investment; however, they are considered representative of their respective market segments. Please note that indexes are unmanaged and their returns do not take into account any of the costs associated with buying and selling individual securities. Individuals cannot invest directly in an index. This content is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice or a recommendation to buy or sell any security. No part of this podcast should be interpreted as a testimonial regarding the advisory services of Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. Any references to performance, investment opportunities, or market outlooks are based on current opinions, which are subject to change without notice. Past performance is not indicative of future results. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. Transacts Business on all Principal US Exchanges and is a Member of SIPC. 8422834.1
Send us a textWhat separates those who achieve lasting success from those who constantly chase quick fixes? The answer lies in understanding two fundamentally different approaches to goal achievement: the lottery ticket mindset versus the blueprint mindset.Most of us have fallen prey to the allure of overnight success—wishing to drop 20 pounds instantly, hoping a single social media post will make our business explode, or wanting financial security without the discipline of consistent planning. This lottery ticket thinking feels good momentarily, delivering dopamine hits similar to gambling wins, but ultimately leaves us stuck in cycles of temporary progress followed by regression.The blueprint mindset, by contrast, embraces the unsexy reality of sustainable achievement. It's about strategizing your controllable inputs, establishing meaningful checkpoints, and committing to consistent action regardless of how you feel on any given day. The horizon you choose fundamentally filters your behavior—when you adopt a long-term perspective, you naturally prioritize durability and commitment over quick fixes. As the saying goes, "Rome wasn't built in a day. Neither are you." Your results won't materialize overnight, but through the compounding effect of small, deliberate actions taken consistently over time. The blueprint approach may not always be exciting or fun, but as you strengthen your ability to follow through on commitments to yourself, you build an unshakable foundation for lasting transformation in any area of your life.Ready to shift from wishing for lottery-ticket outcomes to creating your success blueprint? Start by identifying one small, repeatable habit you can commit to for the next 30 days that aligns with your larger goals. Share this episode with a friend who might benefit from this mindset shift—after all, we all level up faster when surrounded by others committed to sustainable growth.Support the showThanks for listening & being part of the Mindset Cafe Community.----------------------------------------------Connect With Devan:https://www.devangonzalez.com/connect----------------------------------------------Follow On Instagram https://www.instagram.com/devan.gonzalez/https://www.instagram.com/mindsetcafepodcastLet me know what topics or questions you want covered so we can help you achieve your goals faster.----------------------------------------------P.S. If you're not already a part of the The Mindset Cafe Community Page I would love to have you be a part of the community, and spread your amazing knowledge. The page is to connect and network with other like minded people networking and furthering each other on our journeys!https://www.facebook.com/groups/themindsetcafe/
SUMMARY: In this episode, Aaron and Terryn explore how entrepreneurs can break free from being the central “kingpin” of their businesses. Drawing on insights from Dr. Jim Bob Haggerston's entrepreneurial journey, they discuss the dangers of burnout, the importance of hiring and developing strong number twos, and the balance between skill and desire when building a team. The conversation also covers when to grow leaders versus when to hire them, why belief in the mission matters, and how to find easy on-ramps into adjacent businesses. For founders and operators alike, this episode offers practical advice on creating systems, building margin, and scaling sustainably. Minute by Minute: 00:00 Introduction 02:00 Multiplying Resources Without Being the Kingpin 03:20 Finding the Frustration: What's Pissing You Off? 04:10 Dr. Jim Bob's Story: From Burnout to Systems 06:00 The Solopreneur Journey and Hiring the First Team 07:30 Growing Leaders vs. Hiring Leaders 08:50 The Power of a Strong Number Two and EAs 10:00 Building Systems for Scale and Communication 11:30 Skills vs. Desire in Next-Gen Leaders 14:00 Growing Culture From Within vs. Hiring Talent In 15:25 Belief in the Mission Over Just a Paycheck 18:00 Business Adjacency: Starting New Ventures the Smart Way 21:00 Final Takeaways: Systems, Margin, and Sustainable Growth
Because Your Growth Isn't a Luxury, it is a Line Item, it is ESSENTIAL!We budget for our home, for food, for holidays, the kitchen renovation... but when was the last time you actually budgeted for your expansion, your becoming?In this short, no-fluff power episode, I break down the energetic leaks hiding in plain sight, the mindset shifts that will change how you invest in yourself forever, and the difference between living in lack and ONE DAY… and leading in overflow and personal power.Whether you're stuck in procrastination, dripping energy on the wrong things, or swirling in avoidance after doing "the work", this is your reminder to reallocate your resources, your attention, and your power.Let's look at real numbers, real resistance and real magic and how to make transformation your new baseline. We are in the biggest period of human evolution, prioritise yours!Listen now and upgrade your frequency to match your future.Connect with ElaineCheck out my offerings here Key TakeawaysGrowth is a fundamental aspect of personal and business evolution.Budgeting should include personal growth and evolution.Investing in oneself yields the highest returns.Time is a crucial factor in personal growth.Emotional bandwidth is necessary for supporting growth phases.Conscious spending can prevent stagnationAssessing spending habits reveals deeper insights about oneself.Creating space for growth involves evaluating time and energy.Invest in areas that align with your true desires.Regularly evaluate your growth goals and progress.Chapters00:00 The Essence of Growth 02:41 Budgeting for Personal Growth05:48 Investing in Yourself 08:30 Time, Money, and Capacity for Growth11:11 Emotional and Energetic Bandwidth 14:21 Practical Steps for Sustainable Growth
Is artificial intelligence just another shiny toy for marketers, or is it the key to unlocking true agility and sustainable growth in today's turbulent landscape? Agility requires not only rapid adaptation to change, but also the ability to anticipate future trends and proactively adjust strategies. This means leveraging data and technology, like AI, in ways that empower marketers to make smarter decisions, faster. Today, we're going to talk about how AI-driven consumer intelligence can help marketers navigate the current era of socioeconomic uncertainty and drive meaningful ROI. Many are looking for solutions to evolving challenges, from inflation's impact on consumer behavior and evolving data privacy laws to demonstrating actual ROI and connecting with target audiences. AI presents a powerful opportunity to meet these needs head-on. To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome Bryan Gernert, CEO at Resonate. About Bryan Gernert Bryan Gernert is CEO at Resonate. A proven business leader, Bryan Gernert has led businesses through periods of significant transformation and growth. He has applied his management expertise to businesses in several industries, with emphasis on information technology and services.Before joining Resonate, Bryan served as Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Americas for Cybertrust. In the five-year period leading up to the sale of Cybertrust to Verizon for approximately $500 million, Bryan's region more than doubled its annual revenues from $36 million to $80 million. He was an instrumental player on the executive team that orchestrated, negotiated and completed the transaction with Verizon.Previously, at Digex, Incorporated, a global web hosting and managed services provider, Bryan grew a start-up company into a business with an annual revenue run rate of $240 million. During his tenure, he helped Digex raise over $1.3 billion through an IPO and secondary offering and was part of the team that sold Digex to WorldCom in a $5.7 billion transaction. Bryan Gernert on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-gernert-28824b/ Resources Resonate: https://www.resonate.com The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow Don't Miss MAICON 2025, October 14-16 in Cleveland - the event bringing together the brights minds and leading voices in AI. Use Code AGILE150 for $150 off registration. Go here to register: https://bit.ly/agile150 Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.showCheck out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company
Are you posting on LinkedIn but struggling to see meaningful engagement or growth? Do you feel like your content gets lost in the feed, even though you know your audience is there? To learn a structured yet creative approach to LinkedIn content strategy that makes growth more sustainable., I interview Gus Bhandal.Guest: Gus Bhandal | Show Notes: socialmediaexaminer.com/683Review our show on Apple Podcasts.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.