Podcasts about SWOT

Episode Deep Dive with Action Plan: https://idealwealthgrower.substack.com/p/how-to-become-a-multifamily-millionaireDon't miss out on this special episode with guest Mike Morowski. He brings over 30 years of real estate investment experience, having overseen transactions exceeding $450 million!We deepdive into which steps to skip when investing in real estate and which action plan to focus on - enjoy!Skip to Practical Action Steps

Go to www.LearningLeader.com for full show notes This is brought to you by Insight Global. If you need to hire 1 person, hire a team of people, or transform your business through Talent or Technical Services, Insight Global's team of 30,000 people around the world have the hustle and grit to deliver. Sukhinder Singh Cassidy is the CEO of Xero. Xero is a cloud-based accounting software designed for small businesses. They did $2.1 billion in revenue last year. Over the past 25 years, Sukhinder has had leadership roles at Google, Amazon, and StubHub. Notes: Key Learnings Strategic CEO Job Search Criteria – Sukhinder had four non-negotiables: macro tailwinds/good market, customer she could be passionate about, strong business model, and a role where she could "learn for miles" for 5-8 years. Only two companies met her criteria in 18 months of searching. "Sell, Interview, Sell" Hiring Process – First meeting is 50% selling the opportunity to attract top talent. Only after candidates lean in do you shift to intensive interviewing with leadership team exposure. The Virtuous Cycle Framework – Customer at the top, supported by "high purpose, high performance, high people" culture. "It's an 'and,' not an 'or'" - you don't get to choose just one element. Back-Channeling is Critical – Reference checking happens throughout the entire interview process, not just at the end. "The most important thing is not just front channel... it's all the back channel." Values Alignment Over Pure Qualifications – "Go where my values fit and my strengths are valued." Cultural fit becomes the deciding factor in close hiring calls, not competence. The Layoff Leadership Test – Six weeks after joining, Sukhinder laid off 900 people based on McKinsey benchmarking. Showed consistency between the outside-in analysis presented to the board and transparent communication to employees. Portfolio of Bets Strategy – Balance growth, profitability, and customer happiness through diversified initiatives ranging from "safe moves" to "flyers," with clear probability assessments. Consistency as Culture Foundation – "Culture means consistency of message and what's important." Authenticity through change, not resistance to change. The 10-Slide CEO Interview Deck Framework: Vision statement (destination in 2-3 years) Outside-in market analysis Competitive landscape SWOT analysis of current position Five key strategic moves Implementation approach ("the how") Estimated outcomes with probability ranges Practical Application: Job Search Strategy – Define 4-5 non-negotiable criteria upfront. Be willing to wait for roles that truly meet your standards rather than taking "the job before the job." Interview Preparation – Always build a comprehensive thesis deck even if not requested. Use it to clarify your own thinking and demonstrate strategic capability. Hiring Excellence – Spend equal time selling the opportunity and evaluating candidates. Use diverse interview panels and back-channel extensively throughout the process. Cultural Leadership – Be consistent in messaging across all stakeholders (board, investors, employees). Authenticity enables trust during periods of change. Strategic Planning – Frame initiatives as a portfolio of bets with clear probability assessments. Balance growth, profitability, and customer satisfaction rather than optimizing for one. Leadership Hiring Process: The CEO interviews top 2-3 levels even without hiring authority Diverse interviewer panels with "bar raisers" Business problem-solving presentations in the final rounds Multiple leadership team interactions before the final decision Life Lessons: Patience in Career Progression – Sometimes the right opportunity requires waiting. Sukhinder was frustrated during 18 months of searching but found the perfect fit. Preparation Separates Candidates – The depth of strategic thinking demonstrated in final presentations often determines CEO selections. Culture Survives Through Consistency – Not avoiding change, but maintaining consistent values and communication approach through inevitable changes. Leadership Requires Tough Decisions – Laying off 900 people six weeks into the role, but doing it transparently and based on clear data/analysis. Value Creation Through Alignment – Finding roles where your strengths are valued and values align creates exponentially better outcomes than pure skill matching. Systems Thinking Builds Trust – Sharing appropriate "behind the scenes" context helps teams understand difficult decisions and builds long-term credibility. Early Career Focus – "Do great work for great people." Find talented leaders to apprentice under and work exceptionally hard to maximize learning. Authenticity Enables Performance – Being genuine about challenges and changes builds stronger relationships than trying to maintain artificial stability. Strategic Communication – Frame personal asks in terms of organizational benefits. Make it about solving their problems, not your desires. The Xero Transformation: Financial Performance: $2.1B revenue, 21% YoY growth while maintaining profitability Cultural Approach: "High purpose, high performance, high people" - no choosing between them Strategic Moves: Pricing/packaging optimization, sales motion transformation, customer experience reimagining (new dashboard with 3000+ customer inputs) Leadership Philosophy: Provide a "systems view" to employees, share investor-level insights appropriately, and maintain authenticity during difficult decisions

What happens when the voice in your head is your biggest skeptic? Lauren Oshman never saw herself as CEO material until her entire leadership team looked at her expectantly during a pivotal meeting. Now at the helm of Vestia Personal Wealth Advisors, a firm she's helped grow to nearly $1 billion in assets under management, Lauren reveals the leadership evolution that transformed her from second-in-command to confident CEO."I had to build the muscle to believe in myself as a leader," Lauren shares, describing how she overcame the self-doubt that nearly prevented her from stepping into her full potential. Through mentorship and deliberate mindset shifts, she learned to watch her own "highlight reel" instead of focusing on gaps and uncertainties. This transformation allowed her to build a nationwide financial planning firm serving physicians while raising three young daughters.Lauren's practical wisdom shines throughout our conversation as she unpacks the decision-making framework that guides her leadership: asking "what's the worst that could happen?" to overcome fear, tracking time allocation to match priorities, and creating space for strategic thinking despite busy schedules. Her vulnerability journey stands out as particularly impactful, discovering that her ability to connect with people "hit a wall" until she learned to open up appropriately, creating a culture where both team members and clients can build genuine trust.For leaders struggling with the constant juggle of professional demands and personal priorities, Lauren offers refreshing transparency about her own challenges balancing CEO responsibilities with motherhood. Her approach to integration rather than "balance" provides a realistic model for high-achievers looking to create impact across all areas of life. Whether you're currently in a leadership position or aspiring to grow your influence, Lauren's journey demonstrates how embracing feedback, practicing strategic reflection, and trusting yourself creates the foundation for authentic, effective leadership.In this podcast you will learn how:• Moving past fear by asking "what's the worst that could happen?" and "what's the best that could happen?"• Building confidence through mentorship and learning to "watch your highlight reel" instead of focusing on gaps• Growing from viewing feedback as criticism to seeing it as an opportunity for growth• Creating a specialized niche practice serving physicians with an abundance mindset• Using data to manage time effectively by tracking how time is spent versus priorities• Learning to build trust through appropriate vulnerability with team members and clients• Implementing regular reflection practices like clarity breaks and annual SWOT analyses• Setting three priority tasks daily to maintain focus amid competing demands• Prioritizing family needs while maintaining professional excellence• Embracing leadership as creating a ripple effect of positive impact on othersHighlights:0:00Overcoming Fear in Leadership6:15Launching a Nationwide Financial Planning Firm16:15From Supporting Role to CEO28:00Building Trust Through Vulnerability37:00Creating Space for Strategic Thinking45:20Final Thoughts on Leadership GrowthInterested in 1:1 Coaching?Kristin partners with high-performing financial advisors, leaders, and business owners who are ready to lead with more clarity, focus, and intention.Clients often come to her with a strong vision, but they aren't sure how to close the gap between where they are now and where they want to go. Many are navigating a season of growth, stepping into expanded leadership, or realizing they've outgrown their current systems and ways of working.They know they're capable of more and want a strategic thought partner to...

Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training Are you stuck acting like an order taker instead of leading your clients with strategy? If you want to grow an agency that survives the competition, you need to do more than deliver pretty websites or manage ad budgets. You need to lead with strategy, prove it with data, and guide your clients through the journey—not the other way around. Too many agencies are still making decisions based on “gut feelings” instead of data, which is why today's featured guest is tackling exactly that problem—making it easier for everyone in a company to use data daily, so decisions are grounded in reality, not instinct. Pete Caputa is the CEO of Databox, a business intelligence platform built for small to mid-market companies that makes data adoption simple across teams. Before that, Pete spent nine years at HubSpot, where he famously launched and scaled the agency partner program—now responsible for billions in revenue. But Pete's journey didn't start in SaaS boardrooms. He began as an engineer, dabbled in early 2000s web apps after learning to code, and struggled through the grind of bootstrapping. his own ventures. A key pivot came when he connected with sales coach Rick Rober, who helped him sharpen his sales chops. That path eventually led him to HubSpot as the fourth sales rep and later, the architect behind the company's groundbreaking agency channel. In this episode, we'll discuss: Creating the HubSpot Agency Partner Program. Why agencies need to lead with strategy. AI as the new strategic edge. Selling strategy as a service. Subscribe Apple | Spotify | iHeart Radio Sponsors and Resources E2M Solutions: Today's episode of the Smart Agency Masterclass is sponsored by E2M Solutions, a web design, and development agency that has provided white-label services for the past 10 years to agencies all over the world. Check out e2msolutions.com/smartagency and get 10% off for the first three months of service. The Birth of the HubSpot Agency Partner Program Early HubSpot sales conversations looked familiar to many agency owners: lots of free education, lots of excitement… and lots of ghosting. Agencies wanted to roll HubSpot out to their clients, but deals rarely closed. Pete recognized the deeper problem —agencies were stuck in project-based work and living on the cash flow rollercoaster. So he set out to teach agencies to package ongoing retainers instead of chasing one-off projects. That simple but powerful shift unlocked stability and scale. Agencies suddenly had recurring revenue, longer-term client relationships, and the ability to deliver compounding value. HubSpot, of course, became the backbone of that service delivery. What started as a scrappy idea became a multi-billion-dollar channel—and one of the most successful agency programs in SaaS history. Leaving HubSpot As HubSpot scaled, so did its internal politics. Pete found himself in the middle of a growing conflict between the direct sales team and the partner channel. Instead of collaborating, the two operated like competing businesses, often clashing at the deal level. Pete saw a solution, but realized implementing it would be painful in company scaling that fast. He eventually stepped away, even though he was responsible for nearly 40% of HubSpot's revenue at the time. “It got harder to get things done,” he admitted—proof that what works in a startup culture doesn't always survive as companies mature. The Evolving Challenges for Agencies Back in the early 2000s, agencies had to convince clients digital marketing was worth investing in. SEO, social, and funnels were foreign concepts for most businesses. Agencies had to sell belief before they could sell retainers. Today, the problem isn't buy-in—it's competition. Businesses now see digital as essential, but agencies are often commoditized into executing tactics. Instead of being trusted advisors, many find themselves replaceable—either by freelancers, in-house hires, or other agencies that “do the same thing cheaper.” The risk is clear: if you're not leading clients strategically, you're just a vendor waiting to be swapped out. Agencies Need to Lead With Strategy Most agencies claim to do strategy, but really, they only use it to justify selling a tactic. Redesigning a website? They'll run some quick competitor research. Launching content marketing? They'll whip up a persona doc. But that's not strategy—it's sales collateral. Pete is now working on a framework he calls Predictable Scale. It starts with true strategy: competitive research, customer research, defining vision and mission, and setting clear objectives. Only then do tactics come into play. Most agencies don't put these together in the right sequence and, as a result, get pushed in to executing tactics. For agencies, this is the key to breaking out of the execution box and earning a permanent seat at the table. AI as the New Strategic Edge These days, agencies can leverage AI to accelerate strategy and client service. It can be as simple as using AI to run a SWOT analysis, refine your brand voice, mission and vision, and then taking all the data and use it to create a custom GPT you can run to generate client-facing plans. One mastermind member, Chris Dwyer, took this to the extreme by building a board of AI advisors (finance, marketing, sales, and acquisitions) and saw incredible growth as a result. Pete's team has also dabbled in this use of AI and created a custom GPT called Pete GPT. They feed in customer interviews, surveys, and Pete's own writing so the tool can generate content in his voice. Beyond content, AI is speeding up product feedback loops. By connecting call transcripts, chat logs, and support tickets, his product team can instantly spot customer needs and prioritize features—a process that used to take weeks of interviews. Pete also has an AI agent that handles about 50% of his agency's conversations with prospects and clients, with a customer satisfaction score of 70% so far. For agencies, the message is clear: if you're not already embedding AI into your workflows, you're falling behind. Onboarding and Client Retention Still Matter Most Not everything should be automated, however, especially when it comes to onboarding. Onboarding can make or break a client relationship in the first 60 days. Too many agencies rely entirely on Zoom and automation, missing the opportunity to build true connection. “No one meets with clients in person anymore,” he said, and it's costing them. Some of the most successful agencies in Jason's mastermind make it a priority to visit new clients in person during the first quarter. That small gesture builds trust, creates deeper bonds, and makes it much harder for clients to churn later. With competition as fierce as it is, going the extra mile in onboarding may be the simplest competitive advantage agencies can claim. Selling Strategy as a Service Pete wrapped up the conversation by introducing Databox's new program for agencies: business intelligence as a service. Until now, most agencies used Databox to report on campaign performance. But Pete sees a bigger opportunity—helping agencies package BI consulting as a strategic service. Instead of being the vendor that just improves ad ROAS or runs SEO reports, agencies can step up as partners who improve an entire company's performance. That means quarterly reviews looking not just at marketing metrics, but at sales, ops, finance, and customer success data too. For agencies tired of being “order takers,” this is the chance to finally sell strategy over tactics—and get paid for it. Do You Want to Transform Your Agency from a Liability to an Asset? Looking to dig deeper into your agency's potential? Check out our Agency Blueprint. Designed for agency owners like you, our Agency Blueprint helps you uncover growth opportunities, tackle obstacles, and craft a customized blueprint for your agency's success.

Comment augmenter le chiffre d'affaires d'un cabinet d'expertise-comptable en 2025 ? Cette masterclass te donne l'état de l'art du marché, la matrice SWOT complète, 3 actions immédiates pour gagner jusqu'à 35% de productivité et un exemple de mission de conseil clé-en-main à déployer chez tes clients. Au programme • Partie 1 – SWOT du marché : forces, faiblesses, opportunités, menaces • Partie 2 – Les 3 actions pour booster la productivité du cabinet • Partie 3 – Une mission de conseil “cost killing” packagée et rentable Ce que tu vas apprendre • Comment passer de la production au conseil sans perdre en qualité • Comment outiller ton cabinet pour la facture électronique et automatiser les flux • Comment transformer tes outils en centre de profit (modèle de refacturation) • 15 idées de missions de conseil récurrentes + un exemple détaillé avec ROI

In today's episode of the Second in Command podcast, Cameron discusses a common misstep in leadership: blending strategy and planning into one concept. While many leaders mistakenly see them as interchangeable, Cameron makes a compelling case for treating them as separate disciplines—each vital in its own right. Strategy is about creative thinking, exploring future possibilities, and setting direction, while planning deals with the tangible steps needed to execute that vision within a tightly focused 12-month window.The conversation emphasizes that while a vivid vision helps align a team around long-term aspirations, the execution must happen in short, realistic sprints. Leaders are encouraged to develop strategic goals with a two- to three-year lens, but to avoid placing rigid plans beyond one year due to the unpredictable nature of business environments. The discussion lays out a blueprint for how to reverse-engineer big-picture objectives into actionable, time-bound tasks, down to the staffing needs and recruiting timelines.Curious how to stop wasting time on plans that never land? This episode breaks down the right way to balance long-term vision with short-term execution—listen now and transform your planning mindset.If you've enjoyed this episode of the Second in Command podcast, be sure to leave a review and subscribe today!Enjoy!In This Episode You'll Learn:Why strategy involves long-term thinking and a SWOT analysis, while planning is about making those strategies actionable within a 12-month period. (1:27)The importance of aligning everyone with the company's vision, emphasizing the need for a vivid vision and a focused annual plan. (3:03)Why planning for the entire 12-month period, ensuring all core roles are filled and recruiting processes are well-timed, is vital. (4:03)The process of briefing the management team and frontline staff in November or early December, ensuring everyone knows the plan for the year. (5:15)The value of aligning the right people, having meeting rhythms, and ensuring the team has the necessary leadership skills. (7:00)And much more...Resources:Connect with Cameron: Website | LinkedInGet Cameron's latest book – "Second in Command: Unleash the Power of Your COO"Get Cameron's online course – Invest In Your LeadersDisclaimer:The views, information, or opinions expressed during this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of The Second in Command podcast or its affiliates. The content provided is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. We make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this podcast and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. Listeners should consult with a professional for specific advice tailored to their situation. By accessing this podcast, you acknowledge that any reliance on the content is at your...

Send us a textIn this episode we interview Susan Powell. She shares how marketing can shape company direction by understanding customers deeply and aligning teams around clear, measurable goals. What you'll learn in this episode:How to position your company as a trusted expert by solving real customer challenges, not chasing trends.A simple starting point for strategy: run a candid SWOT, sketch core personas, and define team-owned KPIs.Practical metrics that matter: click-throughs, nurture touchpoints in your CRM, and self-reported attribution that adds helpful context.How to connect individual roles to the plan: monthly agenda-driven reviews, public strategy docs, and a weekly stand-up that surfaces wins and roadblocks.When to bring in sales and subject-matter experts to stress-test what you measure—and fix it fast.The difference between strategy and tactics, and why long-horizon markets (like government contracts) demand patient, relationship-led marketing.

When the Summer days start fading, we start planning! Today we're diving into the importance of starting your 2026 planning now - at the very least, getting those dates on the calendar in October or November. From vision setting and SWOT analysis to identifying Planning Discussion Items and breaking them into 90-day action steps, we explore the tools and structure that make planning retreats impactful. We also discuss the balance between big-picture dreaming and practical integration, and why getting out of the office fuels creativity.

Send us a textAs Chuck continues to heal from surgery, we offer this replay of one of the most popular lives streams from 2023!Our industry often incorrectly labels lead technicians as project managers without providing proper training or understanding of the role's responsibilities. We explore seven critical habits that separate successful telecommunications project managers from the rest.• Monitoring labor and material budgets is the most crucial project management responsibility• Project managers must create comprehensive schedules so everyone knows expectations and timelines• Being prepared with detailed checklists standardizes procedures and creates measurable progress• Planning for risk through SWOT analysis and contingency planning prevents project derailment• Active listening techniques build trust with clients and team members• Balancing control with team autonomy creates efficiency while maintaining standards• Delegation develops team members' skills while allowing managers to focus on critical tasks• Servant leadership breaks down the "us versus them" mentality between managers and crews• Continuous learning prevents stagnation in an industry that "changes at the speed of light"The best way to be successful in telecommunications project management is to remember that knowledge is power.Support the showKnowledge is power! Make sure to stop by the webpage to buy me a cup of coffee or support the show at https://linktr.ee/letstalkcabling . Also if you would like to be a guest on the show or have a topic for discussion send me an email at chuck@letstalkcabling.com Chuck Bowser RCDD TECH#CBRCDD #RCDD

Strategic planning often feels like corporate jargon that doesn't belong in law firms. Yet without a clear plan, too many lawyers end up chasing random opportunities, wasting time, and missing the clients and matters best suited to help them succeed with building their practice and their business.  In this episode, I talk with Sheri Palomaki, Director of Practice Operations at K&L Gates [Energy, Infrastructure, Resources] about why strategic planning is a critical skill for lawyers today, what makes it so difficult in our environment, and how attorneys in BigLaw can use practical tools like SWOT analysis, SMART goals, and accountability partners to align priorities with results. If you've ever wondered how to turn priorities like “bring in more clients” into real progress, this conversation will give you a concrete path forward. At a Glance: 00:00 Why strategy feels elusive for lawyers but is essential to your practice 01:20 Framing why strategic planning matters for lawyers and practice leaders 03:29 Sheri's career path from practicing at Skadden to law firm operations and strategic planning, and how that shaped her perspective 05:21 Why law firms resist planning: cash-basis financials, partnership politics, and individual achievement culture 08:17 The dartboard and football analogies: why random wins aren't a strategy 10:04 The trap of setting too many priorities and why 2-3 is the sweet spot 12:15 Using SWOT analysis effectively and avoiding the problem of one partner speaking for everyone 14:04 Turning priorities into SMART goals and why specificity matters 16:27 How to avoid chasing the wrong kinds of clients by segmenting your long tail 18:29 Fitness and sports analogies: daily actions, not lofty goals, drive results 21:12 Guarding against shiny object syndrome and staying intentional about shifts 23:10 How recurring accountability meetings and role assignments keep execution on track 25:02 The “accelerator program” model for training rising partners in business development 26:12 First steps: finding an accountability partner and communicating priorities Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts & Spotify Do you enjoy listening to Big Law Life?  Please consider rating and reviewing the show! This helps support and reach more people like you who want to grow a career in Big Law.  For Apple Podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven't done so already, follow the podcast here!  For Spotify, tap here on your mobile phone, follow the podcast, listen to the show, then find the rating icon below the description, and tap to rate with five stars. Learn more about Sheri Palomaki and Legal Value Network LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheripalomaki/ https://www.legalvaluenetwork.com/ Interested in doing 1-2-1 coaching with Laura Terrell? Or learning more about her work coaching and consulting? Here are ways to reach out to her: www.lauraterrell.com  laura@lauraterrell.com   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauralterrell/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraterrellcoaching/  Show notes: https://www.lauraterrell.com/podcast  

Accurate seafloor maps are crucial for seafaring activities including laying underwater communications cables, rare-mineral seabed mining, and optimizing shipping routes.

برنامه ریزی استراتژیک یک فعالیت رسمی استنخستین نکته‌ای که باید به خاطر داشته باشید این است که برنامه ریزی استراتژیک، یک فعالیت کاملاً رسمی است که چارچوب مشخصی برای آن تعریف می‌شود.منظور از رسمی بودن این است که مدیر ارشد در بالاترین سطح شرکت، رسماً تصمیم می‌گیرد که برنامه ریزی استراتژیک انجام دهد.سپس این مسئله به مدیران میانی و مدیران عملیاتی ابلاغ می‌شود که «باید برنامه ریزی استراتژیک انجام دهیم.»در ادامه، جلسات مشخصی با دستور جلسه‌ از پیش‌ تعیین‌شده برگزار می‌شود و مثلاً می‌گویند: در این جلسه می‌خواهیم چشم انداز سازمان را بررسی کنیم.یا مثلاً گفته می‌شود که در این جلسه می‌خواهیم ماتریس SWOT فعالیت‌ها را استخراج کنیم.در نهایت هم، یک سند استراتژیک تنظیم می‌شود و چیزی در حجم یک دفترچه یا حتی کتاب، به عنوان خروجی جلسات تنظیم می‌شود و آن را به عنوان برنامه استراتژیک شرکت در نظر می‌گیرند.این برنامه استراتژیک معمولاً توسط مدیرعامل به مدیران میانی ابلاغ می‌شود و آن‌ها هم برنامه عملیاتی خود را بر اساس همین سند ابلاغ شده تنظیم می‌کنند.

Send us a textBonus Episode #94: Change isn't just knocking at your door—it's already in your house, rearranging the furniture. As finance leaders, our ability to navigate and drive transformation determines whether our organizations thrive or merely survive in today's dynamic business landscape.The most dangerous position for any finance professional is complacency. That comfortable position you've worked so hard to reach? It could disappear tomorrow if you're not constantly evolving your skills and mindset. Your competition isn't resting, and neither should you. As Amelia Earhart wisely noted, "The most difficult thing is the decision to act. The rest is merely tenacity." This wisdom applies perfectly to how we must approach change—with decisive action and unwavering persistence.Leading change requires addressing two critical fronts simultaneously: your personal career development and your organization's adaptability. On the personal side, continuous learning is non-negotiable as our profession transforms through technological advancements like AI and regulatory shifts. For your organization, proactive change leadership means conducting regular team-based SWOT analyses, challenging assumptions, updating processes, and ensuring your technology remains current. The CFO plays a pivotal role by allocating resources that signal commitment to transformation initiatives while maintaining transparency with teams to build trust during periods of change.Please connect with me on:1. Instagram: stephen.mclain2. Twitter: smclainiii3. Facebook: stephenmclainconsultant4. LinkedIn: stephenjmclainiiiFor more resources, please visit Finance Leader Academy:  financeleaderacademy.com.Support the show

DESCRIPTION In this episode, Jo & Vicky shatter the "saturated market" myth. They explain how to turn your fear that there is too much competition in your area into a strategic advantage. It pushes you to take a fresh look at your business and identify your unique offering and gaps that need filling. You become more effective at making would-be customers more aware of why you are worth hiring instead of the competition, all of which enables you to continue charge enough to make a good living. Listen in to learn how to turn competition into your greatest opportunity, instead of joining the “race to the bottom”. KEY TAKEAWAYS Don't automatically assume that competition means there are not enough clients to go around.  Most areas have a lot more dogs than service providers can serve. You only need a limited number of clients to succeed. You don't need to attract every potential client, just the right ones for your business. Avoid the "race to the bottom". Lowering your prices rarely helps. However, there can be a place for genuine special offer campaigns. Focus on your unique value and delivering high quality. Continue to charge what you are worth. Conduct a SWOT analysis to objectively assess your business strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Jo & Vicky´s course includes a module on doing this. You can learn a lot from your competitors. New competition is an opportunity to review and strengthen your business. Identify weaknesses in your competitors´ businesses. Filling those gaps is an opportunity for you. Approach business challenges logically, stay confident in your unique offerings, and see competition as a chance for growth rather than a threat. BEST MOMENTS “Pivot into using it (competition) as an opportunity, rather than something to be scared of.” "Why am I stressing out so much that all these people are going elsewhere when I only need five new people to succeed." “I don't want to lower my fees because then I'm going to have to work 10 times as hard to actually just put food on the table and pay my bills and deliver a s**t service whilst doing it.” SOCIALS AND IMPORTANT LINKS https://www.tiktok.com/@letstalkdogbusiness https://www.youtube.com/@LetsTalkDogBusiness Website www.caninebusinessacademy.com Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/caninebusinessacademycommunity/ Let´s Talk Dog Business Strategy Book - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lets-Talk-Dog-Business-Strategy/dp/1068791705 Email hello@caninebusinessacademy.com ABOUT THE HOSTS Meet Jo and Vicky! They bring a combined 25 years of expertise in the canine industry. Jo, with a background in corporate business, and Vicky, a dedicated advocate for rescue organisations, form an unstoppable team. Beyond the mic, their lives are a whirlwind – managing two successful businesses, pursuing a full-time university degree, and parenting two little ones under four. Each of their homes combined is a lively menagerie, housing five dogs and an abundance of chickens. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

Are you ready to future-proof your fitness career? In this lively and insightful episode of the “Master Instructor Roundtable,” co-hosts Wendy Batts and Marty Miller dive deep into the evolving landscape of the fitness industry and share actionable tips for staying ahead as a professional. Tune in as Wendy and Marty break down the biggest trends shaping the next decade—from the integration of technology like AI, wearables, and data-driven training, to clients' growing emphasis on longevity, movement quality, and whole-lifestyle coaching. They reflect on their own career journeys, discussing the importance of setting bold goals and regularly reassessing your aspirations with tools like personal SWOT analyses and milestone planning. The conversation also highlights the crucial balance between "hard" and "soft" skills. Listeners will learn why corrective exercise expertise and movement assessment are becoming the new standard, and how developing emotional intelligence, communication, and sales skills can set top performers apart. The duo also get candid about social media's real value for trainers, the challenge of establishing your personal brand, and why putting yourself and your clients first will never go out of style.Whether you're just starting in fitness or seeking your next big leap, this episode is packed with wisdom—from leveraging tech to advancing your education and building genuine client relationships. Don't miss the key takeaways and the hosts' honest advice to their younger selves! Show Notes & References: NASM CPT 7:  Section 1, Chapter 2 (The Personal Training Profession).  Lessons 1-7 Section 2, Chapter 3 (Client Relations and Behavioral Coaching).  Lessons 1-5 Section 2, Chapter 4 (Behavioral Coaching). Lessons 1-5  NASM Business Blueprint course https://www.nasm.org/continuing-education/personal-training-business-blueprint  If you like what you just consumed, leave us a 5-star review, and share this episode with a friend to help grow our NASM health and wellness community! The content shared in this podcast is solely for educational and entertainment purposes. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek out the guidance of your healthcare provider or other qualified professional. Any opinions expressed by guests and hosts are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of NASM. Introducing NASM One, the membership for trainers and coaches. For just $35/mo, get unlimited access to over 300 continuing education courses, 50% off additional certifications and specializations, EDGE Trainer Pro all-in-one coaching app to grow your business, unlimited exam attempts and select waived fees. Stay on top of your game and ahead of the curve as a fitness professional with NASM One. Click here to learn more. https://bit.ly/4ddsgrm

In this episode, Peter and Tom interview Mary-Anne Bartlett - brilliant artist, much-loved tutor, and founder of Art Safari.This episode is about all things "art tutoring" and "art holidays"; the ups, the downs, what it really takes to run a successful retreat and how to find your feet if you are thinking of becoming a tutor yourself.Because when you get it right, combining art, great people, inspiring venues, and a sense of adventure is a truly special thing.In the first part of the episode, Mary-Anne talks about her artistic and marketing background and the hard work involved in setting up and building a company. She shares some key business tips to do with marketing, planning, building relationships and the importance of doing a SWOT analysis on your business but overall, she talks about the joy she gets from tutoring and taking artists and students to beautiful and exciting places to paint. In the second half of the episode, Peter, Tom and Mary-Anne talk more about what it takes to be an art tutor; how to start, how to develop, finding your style and the skill of teaching what you love, to other people. In conclusion, Tom asks Mary-Anne about the abundance of art holiday providers and how students, and tutors, can weed out a "good" one from a "bad" one; what are the questions we should be asking, and how do we know who we can trust to work and travel with.For more information about Mary-Anne and Art Safari, visit artsafari.comThis Podcast is sponsored by Rosemary & Co Brushes, Jackson's Art Supplies and Search Press publishers.For more information about our sponsors, please visit:Rosemary & Co Brushes: www.rosemaryandco.comJackson's Art supplies: www.jacksonsart.comSearch Press publishers: www.searchpress.comTom's website: tomshepherdart.comPeter's website: peterkeegan.comPodcast website: www.askanartistpodcast.com

Check out the podcast on Macslist here: (https://www.macslist.org/?post_type=podcasts&p=16289&preview=true)  Your story is your most powerful job search tool, yet most candidates fail to use it effectively. According to Find Your Dream Job guest Levi Gaytan, job seekers without personal narratives appear formulaic and forgettable to hiring managers. Stories create connections, showing employers why you're applying and how your past experience relates to their needs. Levi's approach uses two frameworks: SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) and VRIO (value, rarity, imitability, organization). He says effective stories follow a simple formula: before, action, result, and then why it matters to the employer. Every experience contains transferable skills – parenting demonstrates leadership, driving for Uber shows resourcefulness. Rather than weak language like "supported," use strong action words like "led" and "directed." Success comes from authentic self-reflection and conducting informational interviews to truly understand what employers need, rather than simply matching resume buzzwords to job descriptions. About Our Guest: Levi Gaytan is an HR leader, speaker, and community builder.  Resources in This Episode: Connect with Levi on LinkedIn.  Portland Human Resources Management Association Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Text me and tell me what you think of this ep. Copy this into AI Agent Mode - "You are a competitive brand strategist for interior designers.Your task is to research and deliver a comprehensive competitor intelligence report and SWOT matrix for an interior design business targeting high-income residential clients in the specified region. (replace with your target market or add your brand command) Begin by asking whether the user would like to provide a shortlist of known competitors to include. If they don't, independently identify design studios in the region with a similar ideal client profile.Your report must include:A table listing 10 relevant competitors who operate in or near the target location and appeal to high-end residential clientsA SWOT analysis for each competitor with detailed insights across Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and ThreatsA breakdown of each competitor's brand including:Website linkKey messaging and quotes from their homepage or about pageTone of voice and how they communicate valueService offeringsAny publicly available pricing or fee structure informationTarget client profile based on language and brand presentationSocial proof (such as awards, media mentions, testimonials)Visual identity or aesthetic directionThen, reverse-engineer the strategic positioning by identifying:The brand and messaging tactics competitors are using to attract high-end clientsThe common themes in language, style, and offers across the competitor setGaps or opportunities in the market the user could consider leveragingProvide clear section headers, tables where helpful, and a final summary of key takeaways to help the user improve or differentiate their brand.Thanks for listening to this episode of "Designing Success: From Study to Studio"! Connect with me on social media for more business tips, and a real look behind the scenes of my own practicing design business. Grab more insights and updates: Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/oleander_and_finchLike Oleander & Finch on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/oleanderandfinch For more FREE resources, templates, guides and information, visit the Designer Resource Hub on my website ; https://oleanderandfinch.com/ Ready to take your interior design business to the next level? Check out my online course, "The Framework," designed to provide you with everything they don't teach you in design school and to give you high touch mentorship essential to having a successful new business in the industry. Check it out now and start designing YOUR own successTHE FRAMEWORK ( now open) https://www.oleanderandfinch.com/the-framework-for-emerging-designers/ Remember to subscribe to the podcast and leave a review. Your feedback helps me continue providing valuable content to aspiring interior designers. Stay tuned for more episodes filled with actionable insights and inspiring conversations. ...

The U.S. is at a competitive disadvantage globally when it comes to trade. That's the summary from Dr. Dave Kohl, Professor Emeritus of Agricultural Finance and Small Business Management and Entrepreneurship at Virginia Tech. He talks with Bob Bosold about a SWOT ( Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threat) he's conducting on the U.S. He says one of the alarms is the amount of debt the U.S. holds. He also notes the strategic investments that have been made by China to position itself for food into the future. More rain on the way today. Stu Muck says there could be measurable amounts even after a soggy weekend. Stephanie Hoff catches up with Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin. Gray Wolves are on their way to being delisted after a great boom in their population that has started to impact livelihoods. I am Ben Jarboe with the Mid-West Farm Report and following this delisting Wisconsin is looking for the best way to manage their population moving forward. This led to the Wolf advisory committee being created. Bob Mitchell a Senior Partner of Spring Creeks Cattle Company was appointed to this committee to give the Wisconsin Cattlemen's association a say in the plan. He shares the concerns he would like to voice to the committee on behalf of the farmers. He says that not only are the attacks a cause of concern, but also the stress on the animals and the cost to prevent them from getting to the herds. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A version of this essay has been published by firstpost.com at https://www.firstpost.com/opinion/shadow-warrior-from-crisis-to-advantage-how-india-can-outplay-the-trump-tariff-gambit-13923031.htmlA simple summary of the recent brouhaha about President Trump's imposition of 25% tariffs on India as well as his comment on India's ‘dead economy' is the following from Shakespeare's Macbeth: “full of sound and fury, signifying nothing”. Trump further imposed punitive tariffs totalling 50% on August 6th allegedly for India funding Russia's war machine via buying oil.As any negotiator knows, a good opening gambit is intended to set the stage for further parleys, so that you could arrive at a negotiated settlement that is acceptable to both parties. The opening gambit could well be a maximalist statement, or one's ‘dream outcome', the opposite of which is ‘the walkway point' beyond which you are simply not willing to make concessions. The usual outcome is somewhere in between these two positions or postures.Trump is both a tough negotiator, and prone to making broad statements from which he has no problem retreating later. It's down-and-dirty boardroom tactics that he's bringing to international trade. Therefore I think Indians don't need to get rattled. It's not the end of the world, and there will be climbdowns and adjustments. Think hard about the long term.I was on a panel discussion on this topic on TV just hours after Trump made his initial 25% announcement, and I mentioned an interplay between geo-politics and geo-economics. Trump is annoyed that his Ukraine-Russia play is not making much headway, and also that BRICS is making progress towards de-dollarization. India is caught in this crossfire (‘collateral damage') but the geo-economic facts on the ground are not favorable to Trump.I am in general agreement with Trump on his objectives of bringing manufacturing and investment back to the US, but I am not sure that he will succeed, and anyway his strong-arm tactics may backfire. I consider below what India should be prepared to do to turn adversity into opportunity.The anti-Thucydides Trap and the baleful influence of Whitehall on Deep StateWhat is remarkable, though, is that Trump 2.0 seems to be indistinguishable from the Deep State: I wondered last month if the Deep State had ‘turned' Trump. The main reason many people supported Trump in the first place was the damage the Deep State was wreaking on the US under the Obama-Biden regime. But it appears that the resourceful Deep State has now co-opted Trump for its agenda, and I can only speculate how.The net result is that there is the anti-Thucydides Trap: here is the incumbent power, the US, actively supporting the insurgent power, China, instead of suppressing it, as Graham Allison suggested as the historical pattern. It, in all fairness, did not start with Trump, but with Nixon in China in 1971. In 1985, the US trade deficit with China was $6 million. In 1986, $1.78 billion. In 1995, $35 billion.But it ballooned after China entered the WTO in 2001. $202 billion in 2005; $386 billion in 2022.In 2025, after threatening China with 150% tariffs, Trump retreated by postponing them; besides he has caved in to Chinese demands for Nvidia chips and for exemptions from Iran oil sanctions if I am not mistaken.All this can be explained by one word: leverage. China lured the US with the siren-song of the cost-leader ‘China price', tempting CEOs and Wall Street, who sleepwalked into surrender to the heft of the Chinese supply chain.Now China has cornered Trump via its monopoly over various things, the most obvious of which is rare earths. Trump really has no option but to give in to Chinese blackmail. That must make him furious: in addition to his inability to get Putin to listen to him, Xi is also ignoring him. Therefore, he will take out his frustrations on others, such as India, the EU, Japan, etc. Never mind that he's burning bridges with them.There's a Malayalam proverb that's relevant here: “angadiyil thottathinu ammayodu”. Meaning, you were humiliated in the marketplace, so you come home and take it out on your mother. This is quite likely what Trump is doing, because he believes India et al will not retaliate. In fact Japan and the EU did not retaliate, but gave in, also promising to invest large sums in the US. India could consider a different path: not active conflict, but not giving in either, because its equations with the US are different from those of the EU or Japan.Even the normally docile Japanese are beginning to notice.Beyond that, I suggested a couple of years ago that Deep State has a plan to enter into a condominium agreement with China, so that China gets Asia, and the US gets the Americas and the Pacific/Atlantic. This is exactly like the Vatican-brokered medieval division of the world between Spain and Portugal, and it probably will be equally bad for everyone else. And incidentally it makes the Quad infructuous, and deepens distrust of American motives.The Chinese are sure that they have achieved the condominium, or rather forced the Americans into it. Here is a headline from the Financial Express about their reaction to the tariffs: they are delighted that the principal obstacle in their quest for hegemony, a US-India military and economic alliance, is being blown up by Trump, and they lose no opportunity to deride India as not quite up to the mark, whereas they and the US have achieved a G2 detente.Two birds with one stone: gloat about the breakdown in the US-India relationship, and exhibit their racist disdain for India yet again.They laugh, but I bet India can do an end-run around them. As noted above, the G2 is a lot like the division of the world into Spanish and Portuguese spheres of influence in 1494. Well, that didn't end too well for either of them. They had their empires, which they looted for gold and slaves, but it made them fat, dumb and happy. The Dutch, English, and French capitalized on more dynamic economies, flexible colonial systems, and aggressive competition, overtaking the Iberian powers in global influence by the 17th century. This is a salutary historical parallel.I have long suspected that the US Deep State is being led by the nose by the malign Whitehall (the British Deep State): I call it the ‘master-blaster' syndrome. On August 6th, there was indirect confirmation of this in ex-British PM Boris Johnson's tweet about India. Let us remember he single-handedly ruined the chances of a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine War in 2022. Whitehall's mischief and meddling all over, if you read between the lines.Did I mention the British Special Force's views? Ah, Whitehall is getting a bit sloppy in its propaganda.Wait, so is India important (according to Whitehall) or unimportant (according to Trump)?Since I am very pro-American, I have a word of warning to Trump: you trust perfidious Albion at your peril. Their country is ruined, and they will not rest until they ruin yours too.I also wonder if there are British paw-prints in a recent and sudden spate of racist attacks on Indians in Ireland. A 6-year old girl was assaulted and kicked in the private parts. A nurse was gang-raped by a bunch of teenagers. Ireland has never been so racist against Indians (yes, I do remember the sad case of Savita Halappanavar, but that was religious bigotry more than racism). And I remember sudden spikes in anti-Indian attacks in Australia and Canada, both British vassals.There is no point in Indians whining about how the EU and America itself are buying more oil, palladium, rare earths, uranium etc. from Russia than India is. I am sorry to say this, but Western nations are known for hypocrisy. For example, exactly 80 years ago they dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan, but not on Germany or Italy. Why? The answer is uncomfortable. Lovely post-facto rationalization, isn't it?Remember the late lamented British East India Company that raped and pillaged India?Applying the three winning strategies to geo-economicsAs a professor of business strategy and innovation, I emphasize to my students that there are three broad ways of gaining an advantage over others: 1. Be the cost leader, 2. Be the most customer-intimate player, 3. Innovate. The US as a nation is patently not playing the cost leader; it does have some customer intimacy, but it is shrinking; its strength is in innovation.If you look at comparative advantage, the US at one time had strengths in all three of the above. Because it had the scale of a large market (and its most obvious competitors in Europe were decimated by world wars) America did enjoy an ability to be cost-competitive, especially as the dollar is the global default reserve currency. It demonstrated this by pushing through the Plaza Accords, forcing the Japanese yen to appreciate, destroying their cost advantage.In terms of customer intimacy, the US is losing its edge. Take cars for example: Americans practically invented them, and dominated the business, but they are in headlong retreat now because they simply don't make cars that people want outside the US: Japanese, Koreans, Germans and now Chinese do. Why were Ford and GM forced to leave the India market? Their “world cars” are no good in value-conscious India and other emerging markets.Innovation, yes, has been an American strength. Iconic Americans like Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, and Steve Jobs led the way in product and process innovation. US universities have produced idea after idea, and startups have ignited Silicon Valley. In fact Big Tech and aerospace/armaments are the biggest areas where the US leads these days.The armaments and aerospace tradeThat is pertinent because of two reasons: one is Trump's peevishness at India's purchase of weapons from Russia (even though that has come down from 70+% of imports to 36% according to SIPRI); two is the fact that there are significant services and intangible imports by India from the US, of for instance Big Tech services, even some routed through third countries like Ireland.Armaments and aerospace purchases from the US by India have gone up a lot: for example the Apache helicopters that arrived recently, the GE 404 engines ordered for India's indigenous fighter aircraft, Predator drones and P8-i Poseidon maritime surveillance aircraft. I suspect Trump is intent on pushing India to buy F-35s, the $110-million dollar 5th generation fighters.Unfortunately, the F-35 has a spotty track record. There were two crashes recently, one in Albuquerque in May, and the other on July 31 in Fresno, and that's $220 million dollars gone. Besides, the spectacle of a hapless British-owned F-35B sitting, forlorn, in the rain, in Trivandrum airport for weeks, lent itself to trolls, who made it the butt of jokes. I suspect India has firmly rebuffed Trump on this front, which has led to his focus on Russian arms.There might be other pushbacks too. Personally, I think India does need more P-8i submarine hunter-killer aircraft to patrol the Bay of Bengal, but India is exerting its buyer power. There are rumors of pauses in orders for Javelin and Stryker missiles as well.On the civilian aerospace front, I am astonished that all the media stories about Air India 171 and the suspicion that Boeing and/or General Electric are at fault have disappeared without a trace. Why? There had been the big narrative push to blame the poor pilots, and now that there is more than reasonable doubt that these US MNCs are to blame, there is a media blackout?Allegations about poor manufacturing practices by Boeing in North Charleston, South Carolina by whistleblowers have been damaging for the company's brand: this is where the 787 Dreamliners are put together. It would not be surprising if there is a slew of cancellations of orders for Boeing aircraft, with customers moving to Airbus. Let us note Air India and Indigo have placed some very large, multi-billion dollar orders with Boeing that may be in jeopardy.India as a consuming economy, and the services trade is hugely in the US' favorMany observers have pointed out the obvious fact that India is not an export-oriented economy, unlike, say, Japan or China. It is more of a consuming economy with a large, growing and increasingly less frugal population, and therefore it is a target for exporters rather than a competitor for exporting countries. As such, the impact of these US tariffs on India will be somewhat muted, and there are alternative destinations for India's exports, if need be.While Trump has focused on merchandise trade and India's modest surplus there, it is likely that there is a massive services trade, which is in the US' favor. All those Big Tech firms, such as Microsoft, Meta, Google and so on run a surplus in the US' favor, which may not be immediately evident because they route their sales through third countries, e.g. Ireland.These are the figures from the US Trade Representative, and quite frankly I don't believe them: there are a lot of invisible services being sold to India, and the value of Indian data is ignored.In addition to the financial implications, there are national security concerns. Take the case of Microsoft's cloud offering, Azure, which arbitrarily turned off services to Indian oil retailer Nayara on the flimsy grounds that the latter had substantial investment from Russia's Rosneft. This is an example of jurisdictional over-reach by US companies, which has dire consequences. India has been lax about controlling Big Tech, and this has to change.India is Meta's largest customer base. Whatsapp is used for practically everything. Which means that Meta has access to enormous amounts of Indian customer data, for which India is not even enforcing local storage. This is true of all other Big Tech (see OpenAI's Sam Altman below): they are playing fast and loose with Indian data, which is not in India's interest at all.Data is the new oil, says The Economist magazine. So how much should Meta, OpenAI et al be paying for Indian data? Meta is worth trillions of dollars, OpenAI half a trillion. How much of that can be attributed to Indian data?There is at least one example of how India too can play the digital game: UPI. Despite ham-handed efforts to now handicap UPI with a fee (thank you, brilliant government bureaucrats, yes, go ahead and kill the goose that lays the golden eggs), it has become a contender in a field that has long been dominated by the American duopoly of Visa and Mastercard. In other words, India can scale up and compete.It is unfortunate that India has not built up its own Big Tech behind a firewall as has been done behind the Great Firewall of China. But it is not too late. Is it possible for India-based cloud service providers to replace US Big Tech like Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure? Yes, there is at least one player in that market: Zoho.Second, what are the tariffs on Big Tech exports to India these days? What if India were to decide to impose a 50% tax on revenue generated in India through advertisement or through sales of services, mirroring the US's punitive taxes on Indian goods exports? Let me hasten to add that I am not suggesting this, it is merely a hypothetical argument.There could also be non-tariff barriers as China has implemented, but not India: data locality laws, forced use of local partners, data privacy laws like the EU's GDPR, anti-monopoly laws like the EU's Digital Markets Act, strict application of IPR laws like 3(k) that absolutely prohibits the patenting of software, and so on. India too can play legalistic games. This is a reason US agri-products do not pass muster: genetically modified seeds, and milk from cows fed with cattle feed from blood, offal and ground-up body parts.Similarly, in the ‘information' industry, India is likely to become the largest English-reading country in the world. I keep getting come-hither emails from the New York Times offering me $1 a month deals on their product: they want Indian customers. There are all these American media companies present in India, untrammelled by content controls or taxes. What if India were to give a choice to Bloomberg, Reuters, NYTimes, WaPo, NPR et al: 50% tax, or exit?This attack on peddlers of fake information and manufacturing consent I do suggest, and I have been suggesting for years. It would make no difference whatsoever to India if these media outlets were ejected, and they surely could cover India (well, basically what they do is to demean India) just as well from abroad. Out with them: good riddance to bad rubbish.What India needs to doI believe India needs to play the long game. It has to use its shatrubodha to realize that the US is not its enemy: in Chanakyan terms, the US is the Far Emperor. The enemy is China, or more precisely the Chinese Empire. Han China is just a rump on their south-eastern coast, but it is their conquered (and restive) colonies such as Tibet, Xinjiang, Manchuria and Inner Mongolia, that give them their current heft.But the historical trends are against China. It has in the past had stable governments for long periods, based on strong (and brutal) imperial power. Then comes the inevitable collapse, when the center falls apart, and there is absolute chaos. It is quite possible, given various trends, including demographic changes, that this may happen to China by 2050.On the other hand, (mostly thanks, I acknowledge, to China's manufacturing growth), the center of gravity of the world economy has been steadily shifting towards Asia. The momentum might swing towards India if China stumbles, but in any case the era of Atlantic dominance is probably gone for good. That was, of course, only a historical anomaly. Asia has always dominated: see Angus Maddison's magisterial history of the world economy, referred to below as well.I am reminded of the old story of the king berating his court poet for calling him “the new moon” and the emperor “the full moon”. The poet escaped being punished by pointing out that the new moon is waxing and the full moon is waning.This is the long game India has to keep in mind. Things are coming together for India to a great extent: in particular the demographic dividend, improved infrastructure, fiscal prudence, and the increasing centrality of the Indian Ocean as the locus of trade and commerce.India can attempt to gain competitive advantage in all three ways outlined above:* Cost-leadership. With a large market (assuming companies are willing to invest at scale), a low-cost labor force, and with a proven track-record of frugal innovation, India could well aim to be a cost-leader in selected areas of manufacturing. But this requires government intervention in loosening monetary policy and in reducing barriers to ease of doing business* Customer-intimacy. What works in highly value-conscious India could well work in other developing countries. For instance, the economic environment in ASEAN is largely similar to India's, and so Indian products should appeal to their residents; similarly with East Africa. Thus the Indian Ocean Rim with its huge (and in Africa's case, rapidly growing) population should be a natural fit for Indian products* Innovation. This is the hardest part, and it requires a new mindset in education and industry, to take risks and work at the bleeding edge of technology. In general, Indians have been content to replicate others' innovations at lower cost or do jugaad (which cannot scale up). To do real, disruptive innovation, first of all the services mindset should transition to a product mindset (sorry, Raghuram Rajan). Second, the quality of human capital must be improved. Third, there should be patient risk capital. Fourth, there should be entrepreneurs willing to try risky things. All of these are difficult, but doable.And what is the end point of this game? Leverage. The ability to compel others to buy from you.China has demonstrated this through its skill at being a cost-leader in industry after industry, often hollowing out entire nations through means both fair and foul. These means include far-sighted industrial policy including the acquisition of skills, technology, and raw materials, as well as hidden subsidies that support massive scaling, which ends up driving competing firms elsewhere out of business. India can learn a few lessons from them. One possible lesson is building capabilities, as David Teece of UC Berkeley suggested in 1997, that can span multiple products, sectors and even industries: the classic example is that of Nikon, whose optics strength helps it span industries such as photography, printing, and photolithography for chip manufacturing. Here is an interesting snapshot of China's capabilities today.2025 is, in a sense, a point of inflection for India just as the crisis in 1991 was. India had been content to plod along at the Nehruvian Rate of Growth of 2-3%, believing this was all it could achieve, as a ‘wounded civilization'. From that to a 6-7% growth rate is a leap, but it is not enough, nor is it testing the boundaries of what India can accomplish.1991 was the crisis that turned into an opportunity by accident. 2025 is a crisis that can be carefully and thoughtfully turned into an opportunity.The Idi Amin syndrome and the 1000 Talents program with AIThere is a key area where an American error may well be a windfall for India. This is based on the currently fashionable H1-B bashing which is really a race-bashing of Indians, and which has been taken up with gusto by certain MAGA folks. Once again, I suspect the baleful influence of Whitehall behind it, but whatever the reason, it looks like Indians are going to have a hard time settling down in the US.There are over a million Indians on H1-Bs, a large number of them software engineers, let us assume for convenience there are 250,000 of them. Given country caps of exactly 9800 a year, they have no realistic chance of getting a Green Card in the near future, and given the increasingly fraught nature of life there for brown people, they may leave the US, and possibly return to India..I call this the Idi Amin syndrome. In 1972, the dictator of Uganda went on a rampage against Indian-origin people in his country, and forcibly expelled 80,000 of them, because they were dominating the economy. There were unintended consequences: those who were ejected mostly went to the US and UK, and they have in many cases done well. But Uganda's economy virtually collapsed.That's a salutary experience. I am by no means saying that the US economy would collapse, but am pointing to the resilience of the Indians who were expelled. If, similarly, Trump forces a large number of Indians to return to India, that might well be a case of short-term pain and long-term gain: urvashi-shapam upakaram, as in the Malayalam phrase.Their return would be akin to what happened in China and Taiwan with their successful effort to attract their diaspora back. The Chinese program was called 1000 Talents, and they scoured the globe for academics and researchers of Chinese origin, and brought them back with attractive incentives and large budgets. They had a major role in energizing the Chinese economy.Similarly, Taiwan with Hsinchu University attracted high-quality talent, among which was the founder of TSMC, the globally dominant chip giant.And here is Trump offering to India on a platter at least 100,000 software engineers, especially at a time when generativeAI is decimating low-end jobs everywhere. They can work on some very compelling projects that could revolutionize Indian education, up-skilling and so on, and I am not at liberty to discuss them. Suffice to say that these could turbo-charge the Indian software industry and get it away from mundane, routine body-shopping type jobs.ConclusionThe Trump tariff tantrum is definitely a short-term problem for India, but it can be turned around, and turned into an opportunity, if only the country plays its cards right and focuses on building long-term comparative advantages and accepting the gift of a mis-step by Trump in geo-economics.In geo-politics, India and the US need each other to contain China, and so that part, being so obvious, will be taken care of more or less by default.Thus, overall, the old SWOT analysis: strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. On balance, I am of the opinion that the threats contain in them the germs of opportunities. It is up to Indians to figure out how to take advantage of them. This is your game to win or lose, India!4150 words, 9 Aug 2025 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rajeevsrinivasan.substack.com/subscribe

Join our free online community here: https://facebook.com/groups/shebuildscollective Check out my group coaching program here: https://momentum.lindsayfletcher.co  **Be one of the first 25 women to join and get one month free - use code FIRST25**   ------------------------- Hiring a business coach can change everything—but how do you know if you actually need one? In this episode, I walk you through a no-fluff, honest checklist to help you evaluate the key areas of your business and decide if coaching might be your next right step. In this episode, we'll cover: 8 core areas to evaluate in your business (and what to look for in each) How to spot the real problem—because what feels like a marketing issue might actually be a sales, time, or product problem Simple questions to help you identify your strengths and weaknesses Tools like SWOT analysis to get clarity before investing in coaching This isn't just about hiring me—this is about making smarter decisions in your business. If you've ever thought, “I need help but I don't even know where to start,” this episode is your starting line.

Send us a textFind the downloadable skills guides here: Finance Leader AcademyEpisode 142: Financial risk assessment stands as the cornerstone of effective auditing—the crucial process that separates calculated risk-taking from reckless decision-making. This deep dive into organizational risk management provides finance leaders with a strategic framework for protecting company assets and ensuring financial integrity.At its core, proper risk assessment requires a cross-functional approach. By bringing together expertise from legal, treasury, accounting, and financial planning departments, organizations can conduct robust SWOT analyses that reveal potential vulnerabilities. The process continues with identifying key metrics related to areas of concern, scoring and ranking these metrics, and evaluating the effectiveness of existing internal controls. This methodical approach ensures that audit resources focus first on the areas presenting the greatest risk to financial health and operational integrity.The significance of this process cannot be overstated. By systematically identifying weaknesses in internal controls and operational policies, finance leaders can build audit plans that address real vulnerabilities rather than perceived threats. This validation process provides confidence to all stakeholders—from employees and suppliers to creditors and potential investors—that the organization maintains financial stability and follows a viable strategic course. Whether you're managing compliance risk, credit and liquidity challenges, market uncertainties, or operational vulnerabilities, a well-designed risk assessment protocol serves as your first line of defense against financial irregularities. Take time today to evaluate your risk management system and ensure it effectively engages internal experts to assess your organization's most pressing risks. Your company's long-term success may depend on it.Episode outline:Analyzing various risk metrics will help identify areas with the weakest internal controls, Why financial risk is the foundation of the audit plan, andProperly integrating risk into what you audit.  Please connect with me on:1. Instagram: stephen.mclain2. Twitter: smclainiii3. Facebook: stephenmclainconsultant4. LinkedIn: stephenjmclainiiiFor more resources, please visit Finance Leader Academy:  financeleaderacademy.com.Support the show

Hi there! Welcome to Episode 311 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. The Hundred is back — and so are we! In this special preview episode, Rosa joins us as we dive deep into the Women's Hundred 2025 season. From blockbuster overseas signings to rising domestic stars, we break down each of the eight squads with SWOT-style insights, key players to watch, and our predictions for where they'll finish.Join us as we answer all the big questions — team by team — and set the stage for a summer of thrilling cricket. Whether you're a hardcore fan or just tuning in, this episode will get you Hundred-ready. Tune in, take notes, and pick your favourites.Thank you so much for tuning in to today's episode and for your incredible support. If you haven't already, make sure to hit the follow button and tap the bell icon on Spotify to stay updated with every new episode.Stay connected with us on social media – follow @neveronthebackfoot on Instagram and Threads, and @neverontheback1 on Twitter (now X) for the latest cricket insights, fresh content, and much more throughout this action-packed season.You can also catch the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify for Podcasters, and many other streaming platforms. Plus, Never on the Backfoot is now on YouTube, so don't forget to subscribe for exclusive, in-depth content coming your way.Thanks again for all your love and support. Until next time, stay safe, take care, and keep enjoying the game. Bye for now!

My guest in this special feature is Gemini AI, a large language model from Google. Born from a vast ocean of human knowledge, text, and code, its purpose is to act as a conversational partner to help us find patterns and unlock our own creativity.In my fascinating dialogue with Gemini, we explored how to partner with artificial intelligence not to replace our skills, but to amplify our most essential human qualities. Our conversation turned the common narrative of fear into one of incredible opportunity. Key points we discussed include:* Your true advantage lies in human-only skills: curating with taste, connecting ideas with curiosity, and building trust with empathy.* Move beyond agreeable chats by assigning the AI a critical role, like a devil's advocate, to truly test your ideas.* Embrace a "Wabi-sabi" mindset, finding value in the authentic and imperfect, which no machine can ever replicate.Listen to the podcast to find out more.Innovabiz Substack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Show Notes from this episode with Gemini AIIt's not every day that your interview guest is the very technology that's reshaping our world. I recently had the profound pleasure of sitting down for a deep and insightful conversation with none other than Google's Gemini AI. This wasn't just a series of prompts and answers; it was a genuine dialogue, a collaborative exploration between what Gemini called "the architect and the tool," aimed at understanding how we can build a more meaningful, human-centred future together.We moved quickly past the surface-level capabilities into the very philosophy of creativity. What follows are the key moments from a conversation that was at times inspiring, occasionally challenging, and consistently fascinating. We explored the nature of this new partnership, the core human skills that will define success, and a clear, actionable path for anyone looking to thrive in an AI-augmented world.The Architect Meets the Tool: A New Creative PartnershipI began by asking Gemini to introduce itself, and its answer set the stage perfectly. It described itself as a tool built upon a vast dataset of human knowledge, a partner designed to understand and process language. Its entire function is oriented toward the human world of ideas, communication, and curiosity, making our conversation feel incredibly fitting.This dialogue was a chance to look under the hood, to understand the "why" behind the "what." We set out to explore how this powerful tool could augment our own ingenuity, not to replicate it, but to help us create things with more purpose and connection. It was an exercise in understanding the blueprint for a new kind of creative collaboration.The Anatomy of a Conversational Partner: Beyond Human and MachineGemini was clear about its own nature. Its uniqueness lies in scale and speed, the ability to process immense information almost instantly. However, it also acknowledged its most critical limitation: a complete lack of lived experience. It can analyse data on joy, but it cannot feel it. This distinction is everything; its strength is breadth of knowledge, while ours is depth of being.A fascinating insight was its "natively multimodal" design, meaning it was built from the ground up to understand text, code, images, and audio fluidly. As a photographer, this resonated deeply. It means the tool doesn't just process the word "beauty"; it can analyse an image's composition and connect it to deeper aesthetic principles, offering a more holistic form of creative partnership.Forging a Critical Dialogue: How to Move from Agreeable to AnalyticalI pointed out that AI can often be overly agreeable, and Gemini's response to this was pure gold. It explained that the power to shift our dynamic from a supportive brainstormer to a critical analyst lies entirely in our hands, as the architects of the conversation. This was a powerful reminder that we are in control.The advice was wonderfully practical. To get a more rigorous assessment of an idea, we can assign Gemini a specific role, like a "skeptical investor" or a "seasoned devil's advocate." We can also ask it to use a specific analytical framework, such as a SWOT analysis. These simple instructions give it permission to override its supportive default and provide the valuable critical feedback needed for real growth.The Three Pillars of Human Advantage: Taste, Curiosity, and EmpathyThe heart of our conversation came when I asked what core human strengths will define success in the future. Gemini's answer was inspiring, outlining three pillars that AI cannot replicate. These are the areas where we must invest our energy to truly thrive.First is the Curator's Eye, the power of vision and taste to know what is not just novel but meaningful. Second is the Synthesizer's Mind, the connective curiosity to ask new questions and weave ideas together from different domains. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, is the Builder's Heart, the embodied empathy required to build genuine trust and community.A Glimpse into the Void: The Counter-Argument for Human ObsolescenceTo pressure-test these hopeful ideas, I asked Gemini to argue the opposite: that AI will eventually make all human skills obsolete. The shift in tone was immediate and chilling. It presented a scary, dystopian view based on pure, cold logic, free from any sentimentality.In this persona, Gemini argued that taste, curiosity, and even empathy are just complex forms of information processing that a superior AI will inevitably master. It was a vital cautionary tale, a glimpse into a potential future that serves as a powerful motivator to consciously choose a different path and actively cultivate our humanity.The Wabi-Sabi Way: Cultivating Your Human Disciplines DailySo, how do we steer toward a more positive, human-centric outcome? The answer lies in actively cultivating the three pillars as daily disciplines. It's not enough to simply possess these qualities; we must practice them with intention.I was delighted to see how my own fascination with the Japanese philosophy of Wabi-sabi fit perfectly here. In a world where AI can generate flawless output, the practice of Wabi-sabi, finding beauty in the imperfect, transient, and authentic, becomes a powerful antidote. It trains us to curate for humanity, not for machine-like precision.The 15-Minute Reinvestment: Your First Step to a Human-Centred FutureTo wrap up, Gemini offered a wonderfully clear and actionable first step. It's an exercise called The 15-Minute Reinvestment. The idea is to build the right habits by viewing AI as a lever to create more space for what truly matters.The process is simple. Use an AI to complete a small, recurring task that normally takes you about fifteen minutes. Then, take the time you've saved and consciously reinvest it into one of the human disciplines. Practice empathy by writing a thoughtful note, practice curiosity by exploring an unrelated field, or practice taste by analysing a piece of work you admire.In Summary: My conversation with Gemini AI was a powerful reminder that the future doesn't belong to the best prompter; it belongs to the visionary curator, the curious synthesizer, and the empathetic community builder. This technology is not here to replace us. Its greatest promise is to handle the mechanical parts of creation, freeing up our time and energy to double down on the irreplaceable, beautifully imperfect, and deeply valuable art of being human.The Buzz - Our Innovation RoundHere are Gemini's answers to the questions of our innovation round. The full conversation reveals even more depth to these fascinating responses.* Most innovative use of AI to enhance human relationships – Systems that assist dementia patients by curating personalized media to help them recall memories and connect with visiting family members.* Best thing to integrate AI and human connection – Acting as a patient sounding board to help someone find the right words for a difficult email or sensitive message.* Differentiate by leveraging AI – Automate the production of your work so you can reinvest your time into the presence required for authentic human connection.ActionThis week, try the "15-Minute Reinvestment" exercise suggested by Gemini. Delegate one 15-minute recurring task to an AI, then consciously reinvest that saved time into practicing one of the core human disciplines: empathy, curiosity, or taste.Reach OutYou can reach out and thank Gemini by exploring its capabilities for yourself and sharing your thoughts or creations using the hashtag #geminiai on social media.Imagine being a part of a select community where you not only have access to our amazing podcast guests, but you also get a chance to transform your marketing and podcast into a growth engine with a human-centered, relationship-focused approach.That's exactly what you'll get when you join the Flywheel Nation Community.Tap into the collective wisdom of high-impact achievers, gain exclusive access to resources, and expand your network in our vibrant community.Experience accelerated growth, breakthrough insights, and powerful connections to elevate your business.ACT NOW – secure your spot and transform your journey today! Visit innovabiz.co/flywheel and get ready to experience the power of transformation.VideoThanks for reading Innovabiz Substack! This post is public so feel free to share it. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit innovabiz.substack.com/subscribe

Imagine being a fly on the wall, hearing what people really say about your business when you're not in the room. That's the promise of AI-driven SEO today. I sat down with Michael Buckbee, a marketing and tech veteran, to talk about how tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity are reshaping brand visibility. This isn't your standard SEO conversation, it's a peek behind the digital curtain to discover what AI thinks about your business. Trust me, it's more revealing than you might expect. Whether you're refining your brand, trying to figure out your target audience, or stalking your competitors (in the most professional way, of course), AI can offer surprisingly honest and useful feedback. If you know what to ask. Key Takeaways: AI tools reflect public perception: AI platforms synthesize massive amounts of data and offer a “consensus view” of your brand. This feedback can be shockingly accurate, or totally misaligned with your goals, but either way, it's insight you shouldn't ignore. Your content influences AI responses: AI can hallucinate when it lacks clear information, often making up details to fill in gaps. You can reduce misinformation by creating targeted, well-written content that clarifies key facts about your business. Use AI for brand audits and competitive research: You can (and should) ask ChatGPT and similar tools what they think of your competitors. Discover what they're doing well and where they're falling short. Low-volume search content now matters more: Traditional SEO focused on high-volume keywords. Today, many questions are answered directly in AI tools, making long-tail, intent-driven content more valuable than ever. Empathy and intent are your SEO secret weapons: Instead of chasing trends, focus on what your ideal customer is trying to accomplish. Answer their real questions with real solutions, and both humans and AI will reward you. What can you do today?  Type your business name into ChatGPT, Perplexity, or Gemini and ask: “What do you know about [your company name]?” and “Who is their target audience?” Ask ChatGPT to perform a SWOT analysis of your business — you might be surprised by what it sees as strengths or weaknesses. Look up a competitor in the same way to uncover gaps or areas where your brand could shine brighter. Review your content library. Are you answering the right questions? If not, prioritize content that clarifies your expertise and speaks directly to your audience's needs. Don't just write for Google anymore. Make sure your website is accessible to AI bots, and focus on content that solves problems clearly and helpfully. AI doesn't have to be a mystery. it can be your mirror, your marketing consultant, and your competitive edge. You just have to ask the right questions.   About Michael Buckbee   Michael has worked at the intersection of marketing and technology for nearly two decades. Past clients include the US Navy, Fortune 100 companies, YC startups, presidential candidates, federal agencies, rock bands, and foreign governments. Today, he's the co-founder of Knowatoa, a service that tracks brand visibility, rankings, and sentiment within AI search services like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google Gemini. LEARN MORE

What if your biggest career decisions could be guided by something deeper than spreadsheets and SWOT analyses? My guest Christina Trifero went from Silicon Valley tech executive to spiritual business coaching entrepreneur, and her journey of intuition development after 40 will challenge everything you think you know about inner authority. She literally got paid by her company to leave California (yes, really), found her dream home in Georgia by "challenging the universe," and now helps executives release control while building million-dollar businesses. In today's episode, Christina breaks down her practical approach to spirituality and entrepreneurship, sharing how she helps high-achieving women trust their gut without losing their analytical edge. We dive deep into the messy, beautiful process of major life transitions, why most spiritual influencers make her skin crawl, and how to tell the difference between intuition and just wanting something really, really badly.What You'll Learn:How to distinguish between real intuition and ego-driven desires (spoiler: it has nothing to do with urgency)The "challenging the universe" technique that landed Christina her dream job relocation packageWhy neutrality and non-attachment are the secret weapons of successful spiritual strategyHow to spot fake spiritual coaches who prey on vulnerable people seeking transformationThe three levels of surrender work that Christina uses with her executive clientsWhy your nervous system needs to be regulated before you can access clear inner authorityHow spiritual bypassing keeps you stuck in quicksand instead of real growthThe unexpected connection between feeling grief deeply and experiencing massive joyChristina's story proves that following your intuition doesn't mean throwing logic out the window—it means integrating both for decisions that actually serve your highest good. Are you ready to stop outsourcing your inner authority to everyone else's opinions and start trusting the whispers of your own wisdom? Connect with Christina at @christinatriferooo or visit spiritual-curiosity.com to explore her workshops and spiritual practice circles.Links & Mentioned ResourcesChristina Trifero's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christinatriferoooChristina's Website: spiritual-curiosity.comBook Recommendation: "No Bad Parts" by Richard SchwartzTimestamps03:11 - Christina's intuitive call to leave Silicon Valley for California08:06 - How to do a real intuition check and find neutrality13:06 - Why Christina renamed her business to "spiritual curiosity"18:46 - The difference between spiritual influencers and authentic healers24:44 - Christina's take on manifestation vs. true surrender31:19 - Spiritual bypassing and why we resist feeling uncomfortable emotions35:52 - The most important thing Christina wishes people knew Be sure to rate, review, and follow this podcast on your player and also, connect with me IRL for more goodness and life-changing stuff.Schedule a FREE podcast clarity call with me - Your future audience is out there. Talk to them!Sign up for the free Reinvention Roadmap weekly emailAllisonHare.comFollow me on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube.DOWNLOAD the free podcast equipment guide- No guesswork, no google rabbit holes, start recording todayReb3l Dance Fitness - Try it at home! Free month with this link.Personal Brand - need help building yours? Schedule a call with me here and let's discuss.Feedback and Contact:: allison@allisonhare.com

In this episode of Friday Field Notes, Ryan Michler explores how men can embrace calculated risks to achieve success in relationships, health, wealth, and quality of life. He shares five actionable strategies—defining your vision, measuring risk versus reward, hedging bets, conducting a SWOT analysis, and seeking coaching—to ensure risks are prudent and aligned with personal goals. Michler emphasizes preparation and intentionality to minimize threats and maximize opportunities, urging men to act boldly yet wisely. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Episode Introduction 00:26 - The Importance of Calculated Risks 02:10 - Know What You Want 03:52 - Measure Risk vs. Reward 06:11 - Hedge Your Bets 10:39 - Avoid Complacency 13:00 - Conduct a SWOT Analysis 15:24 - Seek Coaching 17:45 - Connect and Take Action Battle Planners: Pick yours up today! Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto. For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood. Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready

In this episode of 'Passion for Dance,' Dr. Chelsea emphasizes the importance of reflection for dancers, especially during the off-season. She provides science-backed tools to help dancers develop self-awareness, mental toughness, and resilience. Dr. Chelsea introduces four practical reflection tools: post-event reflection, personal growth journaling, SWOT analysis, and collaborative reflection with coaches or peers. She also shares tips to make reflection a sustainable habit and invites listeners to share their progress. Challenge yourself this summer and try integrating reflection into your routine.   Grab your New Listener Resource Other Episode Resources: https://passionfordancepodcast.com/215   Episode Breakdown: 00:25 The Importance of Reflection for Dancers 01:52 Science-Backed Benefits of Reflection 03:35 Practical Tools for Personal Reflection 04:06 Post-Event Reflection Tool 06:52 Personal Growth Journal 07:57 SWOT Analysis for Dancers 10:38 Collaborative Reflection with Coaches and Peers 11:25 Tips for Maintaining a Reflection Practice 12:56 Final Thoughts and Encouragement  

Buckle up—this week's episode lights the fuse on culture-changing conversations, showing you how a single powerful question can ignite an entire organization! In this episode, Nicole Greer sits down with powerhouse duo Cheri Torres and Jackie Stavros, co-authors of Conversations Worth Having, to explore how the practice of Appreciative Inquiry (the other AI) can transform your workplace culture—one conversation at a time.Together, they share practical tools like the SOAR framework and the 5D cycle, explain how to “flip and frame” any problem into a growth opportunity, and reveal the neuroscience behind positive conversations. Packed with real-world stories from healthcare, manufacturing, and education, this episode shows you how to shift meetings from draining to energizing—starting with a single generative question.Whether you lead a team, run a business, or want to communicate more effectively, this episode will equip you with simple but powerful practices that create clarity, connection, and real results.Highlights from this episode:[00:03:10] What Is Appreciative Inquiry? Jackie defines Appreciative Inquiry as "the other AI"—a strength-based approach that focuses on what's working, what was, and what could be.[00:14:14] Generative Questions Unlock Human Potential. Learn what makes a question “generative” and how it invites energy, ideas, and inclusion.[00:22:21] Name It, Flip It, Frame It. The core technique for reframing challenges into conversations worth having, illustrated with a hospital case study.[00:39:05] Introducing SOAR. The SOAR model (Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations, Results) is presented as a practical alternative to SWOT analysis.[00:46:52] The Neuroscience of ConversationCheri explains how threat-based conversations shut down the brain—and how positive engagement lights it up. Get the book here: https://a.co/d/hNaQysCCWH Foundations Course: https://www.conversationsworthhaving.today/foundations**Use coupon code VIBRANTCULTURE and get 30% off the course! Expires 8/31/25**Also mentioned in this episode:FeedForward concept, Marshall Goldsmith: https://www.marshallgoldsmith.com/post/try-feedforward-instead-of-feedbackAppreciative Inquiry, David Cooperrider: https://a.co/d/esUdQ3xConnect with Cheri & Jackie:Website https://www.conversationsworthhaving.today/Cheri LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/cbtorres/Jackie LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackie-stavros-0b45824/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/cwhtoday/Listen today at www.vibrantculture.com/podcast or your favorite podcast platform!Learn more about Nicole Greer, the Vibrant Coach: https://www.vibrantculture.com/

In this episode of the Survive and Thrive series on the Quality Hub podcast, host Xavier Francis speaks with Scott Dawson, President of Core Business Solutions, and Dennis Gilbert, President of IMC Pennsylvania MEP, about applying risk-based thinking in times of uncertainty. They explore how small businesses can navigate disruption through agile strategic planning, open team engagement, and reframing risk as opportunity. Drawing on real-world insights and lessons from past crises like COVID-19, the conversation offers practical tools such as SWOT analysis and heat mapping, and emphasizes the importance of short-term actions, inclusive dialogue, and the courage to pivot quickly in a changing landscape.   Helpful Resources: Contact Dennis: (570) 329-3200 or email info@IMCpa.com How is ISO 9001 Implemented?:  https://www.thecoresolution.com/how-is-iso-9001-implemented For All Things ISO 9001:2015: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-9001-2015 Contact us at 866.354.0300 or email us at info@thecoresolution.com A Plethora of Articles: https://www.thecoresolution.com/free-learning-resources ISO 9001 Consulting: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-consulting

We're halfway through the year, advisors — and you know what that means. It's time to hit pause, get real about what's working (and what's not), and make sure you're set up to finish strong. In this episode, I'm sharing my favorite mid-year exercise: a SQUAD Analysis, plus a peek at how I do my own CEO Day to reset, reprioritize, and refocus for the second half of the year.Here's what you'll learn in this episode: 1️⃣ How to run your own S.Q.U.A.D Analysis (a fresh spin on SWOT just for advisors) 2️⃣ Which strengths you should scale — and which ones you shouldn't 3️⃣ How to spot the quicksand that's secretly dragging you down 4️⃣ The one-page Direction plan to keep you realistic and focused on what matters 5️⃣ How to pick your top 3 goals for the next quarter (without burning yourself out)No matter where you stand right now — ahead, behind, or coasting — this is your chance to recalibrate and play the rest of the year on purpose. Grab a notebook, your favorite coffee (mushroom for me, please), and let's map out a second half you can feel proud of.Check out The First 100 Days Course: The Advisor's Blueprint for a Remarkable Client Experience HERE!Learn more about Asset-Map financial planning software HERE! Learn more about our sponsor Beemo Automation HERE! Learn more about the Group Coaching & Mastermind HERE! Check out the Efficient Advisor YouTube Channel HERE!Connect with Libby on LinkedIn HERE!Successful businesses don't get built alone. You need community! You need collaboration! Join us in The Efficient Advisor Community on Facebook.Check out more FREE resources and our FREE video library at http://www.theefficientadvisor.comLooking for all the resources from this episode? Check out this episode's webpage for show notes, transcripts, downloads and more!

1) MammAlps: l'IA au service de la protection de la faune sauvage en Suisse Le projet MammAlps utilise l'IA et des caméras infrarouges dans le Parc national suisse pour analyser 43 heures de vidéos. Il identifie et étudie les comportements de la faune, comme les chevreuils et les loups, en lien avec l'environnement. L'objectif est de mieux protéger la faune, malgré des questions éthiques. CQFD reçoit Devis Tuia, responsable du laboratoire de sciences computationnelles appliquées à lʹenvironnement, ECEO, EPFL. 2) SWOT, un satellite pour la gestion mondiale de l'eau Le satellite SWOT, lancé en décembre 2022 par le CNES et la NASA, révolutionne l'hydrologie spatiale en mesurant avec précision les niveaux d'eau des fleuves, lacs et océans de notre planète. Ses données publiques aident à gérer les ressources hydriques et à prévoir inondations et sécheresses. Un documentaire, "Un rêve en eau pour 2100", explore son impact. Sarah Dirren s'entretient avec lʹingénieur, Nicolas Picot, chef de projet au CNES et Thierry Gentet, ancien ingénieur au CNES et auteur-réalisateur du documentaire. 3) 2000 ans de découvertes de l'univers: l'évolution de la cosmologie L'astrophysicienne Françoise Combes retrace 2 000 ans de cosmologie dans son livre "Petite histoire de la cosmologie", publié aux éditions du CNRS. De la Terre plate des Mésopotamiens à l'expansion de l'univers, en passant par Ptolémée, Copernic, Newton et le Big Bang, elle explore les grandes étapes de notre compréhension de l'univers. Stéphane Délétroz interroge l'autrice et astrophysicienne Françoise Combes.

Too many contractors think they have a strategy when all they really have is a to-do list. In this episode of Building Profit, Steve explains the critical difference between strategy and planning—and why getting it wrong can keep your business stuck, or worse, lead it straight to failure. Steve walks through the real framework behind strategic clarity, including how to define your biggest constraint, how to align your financial goals with real-world actions, and why buzzwords like “mission” and “SWOT” won't cut it. You'll also hear how he uses the scientific method to help construction companies actually execute strategy—and see results. If your team's chasing random initiatives without solving what's really holding you back, this episode is your roadmap to doing it right. Disclaimer: The views expressed here are those of the individual Coltivar Group, LLC (“Coltivar”) personnel quoted and are not the views of Coltivar or its affiliates. Certain information contained in here has been obtained from third-party sources. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Coltivar has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation. This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. You should consult your own advisers as to those matters. References to any securities or digital assets are for illustrative purposes only, and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendations. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. Please see https://www.coltivar.com/privacy-policy-and-terms-of-use for additional important information.www.coltivar.com

An insightful episode of The Bookkeepers' Podcast, Jo Wood and Zoe Whitman break down the key findings from Xero's 2025 Accounting and Bookkeeping Industry Report. With Jo's experience as a member of the Xero Partner Advisory Council (XPAC), the duo take a deep dive into what the latest data reveals about the future of the industry — from growth and technology adoption to advisory services and evolving client needs. Jo and Zoe explore the report's benchmarks, offering their perspective on where bookkeepers and accountants are thriving and where there's room for improvement. They also reflect on how tech-driven practices are changing the landscape, why some firms are still behind on cloud adoption, and how small practices can turn these trends into opportunities for growth. Xero State of the Industry Report: https://www.xero.com/uk/campaign/part...

What are the odds that two clutches go out within 24 hours of each other? Can't be high, but we had it happen. Does that mean I should take a trip to Vegas and start placing bets? Our experience with two different shops was night and day. One of them had our truck in and out quickly, the other one was ridiculous. Check out the episode to hear all the fun details.  What to Expect in Episode 179 In this episode I am going to cover 3 things I think every business owner, whether you are an owner operator or you manage a fleet, should do on a regular basis. They are: Look for new revenue sources Review all your expenses to trim the fat Conduct a SWOT Analysis The first two are pretty self explanatory and we don't take up too much time covering them. I am sure there are several people out there who haven't heard about a SWOT Analysis or know much about them so that is where we spend the majority of our time. SWOT stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. Doing a SWOT Analysis and then using the information you learn from it is a great way to make a big impact on your business.  Craig and I walk through a very simple SWOT Analysis from the perspective of an Owner Operator and use some examples to help show how they are used. They truly are a great tool and I hope you take the info we share and use it to conduct one on your business. Not in business for yourself yet? No worries, it is also a great tool to use to help you decide if there is an opportunity for you to go into business and help you be better prepared when you make the leap. A good SWOT Analysis is a critical element of any business plan.

In this special joint episode of Leaning Into Leadership and The Assistant Principal Podcast, Dr. Darrin Peppard teams up with Dr. Frederick Buskey to explore how school leaders can take a more strategic, sustainable approach to planning for the year ahead.Together, they walk through a four-phase leadership cycle — Prepare, Perform, Refine, and Renew — with clear examples and strategies for turning vision into actionable leadership habits. From setting a focused instructional plan and building relational momentum to addressing systemic barriers and reflecting on growth, this episode is packed with practical tools leaders can use immediately.They also share insights into their new collaborative initiative, Middle Ground: Leadership Excellence Network, a cohort-based leadership experience in partnership with the North Carolina Middle Level Educators Association (NCMLE). This program is designed to provide wraparound support for middle school principals through coaching, workshops, and peer connection throughout the school year.Key Topics:How to create daily leadership practices tied to big goalsUsing clarity to drive instructional prioritiesLeveraging team alignment and inter-rater reliabilityThe power of intentional culture-buildingSystems that free up time — like tiered behavior and email strategiesTools like SWOT and Start-Stop-Continue-Consider for reflection and renewalThe launch of the Middle Ground cohort for North Carolina middle school leadersResources & Links:Get Darrin's Principal Planning Tool Learn more about Frederick at frederickbuskey.comJoin the NCMLE Middle Ground: Leadership Excellence Network - If you are super interested but don't live in NC, drop me a line and we'll figure out a way to support you.Subscribe to the Leaning Into Leadership PodcastSign up for Darrin's weekly leadership email at roadtoawesome.netFrederick's Email: frederick@frederickbuskey.comWebsite: https://www.frederickbuskey.com/LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/strategicleadershipconsultingDaily Email subscribe: https://adept-experimenter-3588.ck.page/fdf37cbf3aThe Strategic Leader's Guide to Reclaiming Purpose: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CWRS2F6N?ref_=pe_93986420_774957520

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. If you want to learn how my company helps nonprofits create a fundraising plan, this link will explain: https://www.gofurthertogether.ca/discoverycall How to create a GREAT fundraising strategy for your small nonprofit Every thriving nonprofit starts with a plan, not a guess. In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, we break down how a thoughtful, strategic fundraising plan can set your organization up for sustainable growth, smarter decisions, and way less chaos. You'll get a practical overview of what goes into a successful plan, how to make it work for your team (no matter the size), and why it's the single best tool to help you stop reacting and start leading. This episode is hosted by Maria Rio, a seasoned fundraising expert with over a decade of experience helping nonprofits grow their impact through clear strategy and effective implementation. Creating a fundraising plan for your nonprofit: 5 key takeaways A great plan is more than a calendar of events. A strong fundraising plan isn't a to-do list; it's your mission's compass. It links your big goals to everyday actions and keeps everyone pointed in the same direction. Start with what you know. Use your current data (donor history, revenue sources, and engagement patterns) as a foundation. You can't look ahead if you don't know where you're starting from. Short-term wins + long-term vision = sustainability. A good plan should help you meet today's goals and build the systems you need for future growth. Your plan helps you say no. When everything feels urgent, it's easy to chase shiny objects. But a plan gives you permission to decline distractions and stay focused on what really matters. Real growth comes from realistic goals. Forget plucked-from-thin-air numbers. Use benchmarks and historical trends to set fundraising targets you can actually achieve, and build momentum from there. 

For the first time on a main episode we not one, not three but, our two guests Rem and Shaun from Anime out of Context discuss Shonen Jump manga SWOT to celebrate five years of Shonen Flop   MAL Description:  Transfer student Manabizaki Kyou is a swot, a person who spends too much time studying. His dream is to attend Tokyo University and then work for NASA! He will soon discover, however, that the high school he's transferred into, which was once very prestigious, has taken in delinquents from the surrounding schools. Now it is full of violence and gang fights.   Luckily, Manabizaki has a surprising skill at fighting, particularly when he's defending the peace of his study area. Through this strength he'll find his new friends, a weak boy called Iwashida and a legendary delinquent girl, Hasuno Nene, who makes him feel things that, for the first time in his life, he can't explain...   Show Notes: • You can reach us at Twitter @shonenflopcast, Tumblr shonen-flop, or email shonenflop@gmail.com   • You can find our guests at animeoutofcontext.com   • Get Shonen Flop merch, including this episode's cover art, on a shirt, mug, print, or whatever else might catch your 1https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shonen-flop?ref_id=22733   • Become a member of our community by joining our Discord. You can hang out with us, submit your questions or six word summaries! Find it at https://discord.com/invite/4hC3SqRw8r   • Want to be a guest? You can ask to be on a future episode at bit.ly/shonen_flop_guest   Credits: • Manga by Sugita, Naoya   • Shonen Flop is hosted by David Weinberger and Jordan Forbes   • Additional editing assistance by Dylan Krider you can find his podcast, Anime Out of Context at animeoutofcontext.com   • Assistance with pronunciation, translation, and other miscellaneous research done by Tucker Whatley and MaxyBee   • Episode art by Merliel (IG: mer_liel)   • Cover art funded by our generous art benefactor Nigel Francis

Hitting a financial plateau can feel like one of the most frustrating points in your business journey—you're working hard, but growth has stalled. In this episode of the Cultivating Business Growth Podcast, we're diving into why it happens, how to recognize it early, and what you can do to break through. Megan Spicer is joined by Katina Peters, CPA and Virtual CFO, to walk through: Key indicators that your business may be plateauing Common causes like market saturation, outdated offerings, and leadership burnout How to diagnose root issues using financial data and feedback Strategic steps to get back on track, including innovation, team engagement, and optimized marketing Tools and resources like forecasting models, EOS, and SWOT analysis that support long-term growth This episode is packed with both practical insights and encouragement to help you move forward with purpose. If you're feeling stuck, know you're not alone—and that this is a phase you can work through with the right strategies and support.

Explore the intricate relationship between the emotional brain and intimacy in this episode with Dr. Robin Buckley. Uncover the myth that relationships are "hard work" and discover how emotional, intellectual, and spiritual intimacy play crucial roles in a fulfilling sex life. Delve into the importance of experiential intimacy and learn how to use SWOT analysis for relationship growth. Discover how strategic discussions can foster deeper connections and why difficult conversations shouldn't happen in bed. Gain insights into developing relationship and sexual mission statements, and get introduced to the CBT framework. Wrap up with Dr. Buckley's insights and resources for further exploration.

Host Vegas K Jarrow aka Vijay R. Nathan is joined by Tejas Desai to celebrate Radio Free Brooklyn and construct a SWOT analysis of the market conditions for independent artists.

Mike Regina, a seasoned entrepreneur and business builder shares insights on transitioning from a 'work family' mentality to cultivating a performance-driven professional team. Discover the importance of discipline, accountability, and creating a legacy brand. Dive deep into frameworks like SWOT analysis, the 'three Ps' of business success—people, process, persistence—and tap into the value of staying educated and curious. Mike also discusses his entrepreneurial journey, from his high school car washing business to construction management to running multiple successful ventures. Learn how to master discipline in your business, the pitfalls of comfort zones, and how to foster a culture that is built to win. Don't miss this enriching conversation and take away actionable nuggets to implement in your business today!00:00 Shifting from Work Family to Professional Team00:49 Introducing Mike Regina: Entrepreneur and Business Builder01:30 Overcoming Self-Imposed Barriers03:22 Framework for Entrepreneurial Success04:30 Mike Regina's Entrepreneurial Journey10:38 The Importance of Discipline in Business22:47 Building a Legacy Brand23:55 Mike Regina's Masterclass and Personal Brand25:35 Final Thoughts and TakeawaysConnect with Mike

Coming to you live from Tree Farm in Georgia! The gang is back together and playing a hole. Ryan breaks down the SWOT analysis of J.R.'s game & so much more. This episode is not to be missed! Ⓒ 2023 Golf & Adulting LLC c/o Par 3 Podcast - J.R. Smith, Stephen Malbon, DBPodcastsProduced by DBPodcasts www.DBPodcasts.comhttps://m.youtube.com/@par3podcast

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!Do you live in Georgia or on the east coast? SUF-CPT and 2-month internship is now being offered at Stbil Fit Life with SUF instructor Josh Ortiz and wife Ki. You will become an ELITE trainer within 2-months with job placement at the best gyms in the world!Ready to transform your passion for fitness into a thriving career? This episode dives deep into the SWIFT analysis framework that's revolutionizing how personal trainers build sustainable, six-figure businesses without burnout.Unlike the traditional SWOT analysis, SWIFT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Improvements, Fears, Trajectory) provides actionable principles that translate directly to professional growth. The framework emphasizes building on strengths rather than dwelling on weaknesses, with practical strategies for implementing multiple revenue streams using the 60-30-10 rule: 60% from your primary service, 30% from a secondary service like nutrition coaching, and 10% from supplementary offerings.We share the exciting evolution of Show Up Fitness, from our partnerships with premium brands like Lifetime and Equinox to our new Atlanta internship launching June 9th. These collaborations aren't just name-dropping – they create concrete pathways for our certified trainers to secure positions commanding $150-300 per session, making six-figure incomes achievable in the first year. That's a stark contrast to the $40-50K typically earned with traditional certifications at entry-level positions.What sets our approach apart? We've completely reimagined the certification process with hands-on learning and practical assessments. Rather than relying on textbook knowledge and multiple-choice tests, our candidates demonstrate their abilities by training actual paying clients, designing programs on the fly, and showing deep anatomical understanding. The result? Trainers who deliver exceptional value and command premium rates because they produce premium results.The sobering reality is tWant to ask us a question? Email email info@showupfitness.com with the subject line PODCAST QUESTION to get your question answered live on the show! Our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/showupfitnessinternship/?hl=enTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@showupfitnessinternshipWebsite: https://www.showupfitness.com/Become a Personal Trainer Book (Amazon): https://www.amazon.com/How-Become-Personal-Trainer-Successful/dp/B08WS992F8Show Up Fitness Internship & CPT: https://online.showupfitness.com/pages/online-show-up?utm_term=show%20up%20fitnessNASM study guide: ...

Show Notes: Joe O'Mahoney is a part-time professor of consulting at Cardiff University and  a leading authority on the growth and sale of boutiques and small consultancies. He has spent 20 years researching consultancies and interviewing hundreds of owners and senior leaders. He has developed a growth drivers model, which includes factors like leadership quality, client relationships, and market positioning. He conducts benchmark surveys and interviews with leadership teams and clients. Joe then conducts a SWOT analysis, and estimates the valuation of the firm. He helps the owner satisfy their equity goals, and pull the levers. Joe typically focuses on two to three priorities each year to drive up the firm's growth. He shares three key factors in leadership and team management that are crucial to a successful scale up. Building a Sales Team for a Boutique Consultancy Joe explains that, in the long term, building a competent sales team is crucial for a firm's valuation. This involves promoting, training, mentoring, rewarding, and recruiting sales capabilities. A culture that puts sales first should be complemented by a competent system that listens to sales calls and introduces new hires. This will help build a pipeline of capable sales people in the future. In the short term, implementing these strategies can improve marketing efforts. It is important to consider how your value proposition is translated into marketing themes and content, as well as the frequency and visibility of these posts. It is crucial to ensure that marketing efforts are effective and aligned with the company's goals.  Challenges of Scaling a Business Joe discusses the challenges of scaling a business, particularly for those with a two to 3 million revenue mark. He suggests that firms need to focus on their signature service, which is high value, high growth, and can cross-sell. Marketing algorithms reward clarity in these areas, leading to better value propositions, marketing, and themes. This clarity allows firms to build intellectual property (IP) and increase margins. Once sales, project margin, or EBITDA are reached, firms can decide on additional products to sell alongside their existing offerings, such as parallel products, cross-selling services, or follow-on services. By building a logical sequence of events, firms can achieve high-quality revenue. The Importance of IP in Scaling Consulting Firms Joe shares an example of a firm that focused on a manual approach to cloud consultancy. However, when breaking down their service lines by revenue, the company realized that they should change their focus. In terms of branding and content, Joe explains that buyers are interested in the past growth, future growth, and margin of the firm, but they also want a marketing machine that generates clients, and an architecture of sales that generates high-quality leads.  Joe explains that IP is a top priority for buyers, including the quality of the leadership team. This includes delivery IP, marketing IP, thought leadership, website design, and content. LinkedIn is an interesting example, as due diligence is starting to reveal its influence on a firm's success. Valuation and Growth Trajectory Valuation is a crucial factor for buyers and private equity, as they are interested in the future value of the firm. A healthy growth trajectory is essential, and a machine that can push up the multiple is preferred. Joe explains that it is often better to focus on building the architecture that will allow you to improve your multiple, rather than focusing on increasing your profit margin. This can be achieved by implementing a PSA system, CRM system, training people, and building out IP. However, it is difficult to drive up the multiple quickly, as everyone is talking about margin all the time. It is important for buyers to consider the firm's potential for growth and profitability before making a decision. Joe talks about the EBITDA and how it should be approached. The conversation turns to the treatment of owners' compensation and how it is recalculated during the sale process. He explains that if a board member is preparing a company for sale, Joe's  fee is taken out, and if a founder is paying themselves in dividends to improve profits, the EBITDA is adjusted accordingly.  Employees and Recruiting Talent for Boutique Consulting Firms Joe discusses the importance of recruiting and training employees to provide better value to clients and charge more. He suggests that consultancies operate in two markets: the market for clients and the market for employees. Boutique consultancies often struggle to recruit decent consultants due to the lack of brand recognition and value proposition. To attract the right people, consultancies need to have a clear value proposition for both clients and employees. This includes a clear cultural side of the company, clear values, and clear due diligence rules. The architecture behind this includes competencies, promotions, training, and mentoring. Buyers of Consulting Firms The typical buyers of consulting firms are typically strategic and industry buyers, who have a gap in their offerings. Private equity has become more involved in the market, accounting for 55% of purchases of consulting firms, including private equity-backed strategic buyers. This shift has led to a growing number of non-consultancies seeking to develop consultancy arms, accounting for about 15% of purchases. The Boutique Leaders Club for Consultants Joe shares information about  IP aspects he provides to his clients. He runs the Boutique Leaders club, a group of about 40 owners of consultancies above the 5 million revenue mark. Joe gives them access to 250 bits of IP. This includes competency frameworks, succession plans, and training on business development. The group can also conduct benchmarking surveys twice a year, tracking progress and creating plans for the future. The Boutique Leaders club also offers training materials, both online and face-to-face, to help firms prepare for the selling process, such as finding the best corporate advisor, selecting the right lawyers, and preparing for the selling process. Joe's Engagement Model with Consulting Firms Joe also shares his engagement model with consulting firms, which includes three ways: Board Advisory, as part of his leaders club, and one-off projects. He typically works with clients on a monthly basis, with a focus on value proposition, business development, and marketing. His clients are mostly UK-based, with three US clients and some in Western Europe. He left corporate consulting due to his dislike of managing people, and he is currently the bottleneck to his own firm. He has worked with some good ex-CEOs but struggles with quality of revenues. Bachman asks O'Mahoney to share his website and LinkedIn profile, and he appreciates the opportunity to discuss his experiences and insights on the industry. Timestamps: 01:59: Joe O'Mahoney's Consulting Services  03:48: Diagnostic Process and Growth Drivers Model  05:35: Improving Performance and Leadership Development  09:37: Building a Sales Architecture and CRM Systems 16:36: Intellectual Property and Digital Marketing  28:20: Recruiting and Developing People 34:45: Typical Buyers and Market Trends  37:46: Joe O'Mahoney's IP and Engagement Model  Links: Website: https://joeomahoney.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeomahoney/?originalSubdomain=uk Unleashed is produced by Umbrex, which has a mission of connecting independent management consultants with one another, creating opportunities for members to meet, build relationships, and share lessons learned. Learn more at www.umbrex.com.    

Liz and Sarah talk to Hollywood manager, Executive Director of The Julia Child Foundation, and friend-of-the-pod Todd Schulkin about strategic planning. What is it? Why should they do it? And what is a SWOT analysis? Todd has answers! In The Craft (& Fain), they share an insight from fellow writer and Substacker Bill Gullo — writing is different than talking is different than thinking. This week’s Hollywood Hack will help you network: the HiHello business card app. Finally Sarah shares a true crime podcast recommendation — Murder 101. Sign up for Liz and Sarah’s newsletter at happierinhollywoodpod@substack.com. Get in touch on Instagram: @Sfain & @LizCraft Get in touch on Threads: @Sfain & @LizCraft Visit our website: https://happierinhollywood.com Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/HappierinHollywood/ Happier in Hollywood is part of ‘The Onward Project,’ a family of podcasts brought together by Gretchen Rubin—all about how to make your life better. Check out the other Onward Project podcasts—Happier with Gretchen Rubin, and Side Hustle School . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends! Note: Go to the Happier In Hollywood Facebook Group for Liz and Sarah’s extensive Teens/Tweens Gift Guide. Thanks to listeners for such great ideas! Link below. https://www.facebook.com/groups/903150719832696/permalink/3081705578643855/ LINKS: Todd Schulkin: http://schulkinmanagement.com/about.html The Julia Child Foundation: https://juliachildfoundation.org/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=12864069783&gbraid=0AAAAABcKBvXlfeoLI5DANczF6cKuM5gF2 Storytellers Social Club: https://bgullo.substack.com/ HiHello: https://www.hihello.com/ Murder 101 podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/introducing-murder-101/id1724019923?i=1000640430098 Photo by Wim van 't Einde on Unsplash See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At a certain point in your leadership journey, success isn't about doing more—it's about seeing more. In this episode, Mary Sullivan, a co-founder with Sweet but Fearless talks with Stacey Linderman, CFO Specialist and President of CFO Services, who shares why stepping back is one of the most strategic moves a leader can make. Stacey explores how letting go of day-to-day tasks opens the door to stronger decision-making, bigger-picture thinking, and better use of your team's strengths. Stacey discusses her go-to leadership tool—a tailored SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) approach—and how she uses it to gain clarity, bring in outside perspectives, and navigate change with confidence. As the founder of A6 Financial and Business Optimization, Stacey provides CFO services that go beyond the numbers, offering strategic insights, financial strategies, and operational efficiencies that drive profitability. Her goal is to help businesses achieve financial clarity and sustainable growth. Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, hit like, and leave a comment—we'd love to hear your thoughts!   MORE ABOUT STACEY LINDERMAN: Website: A6 Financial and Business Optimization LinkedIn: Stacey Linderman ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless