Podcasts about Toms Shoes

What happens when you quit your bartending job, book the largest event space in Las Vegas, and only sell two tickets? For most, that would signal the end of an entrepreneurial journey—but for Steve Werner, it was just the beginning of a remarkable transformation from failure to seven-figure success.Steve pulls back the curtain on his journey from working seven days a week in a Vail ski town to building a thriving business helping entrepreneurs craft signature talks, high-converting offers, and emotionally resonant content. The turning point? A Tony Robbins event that forced him to confront the uncomfortable truth about where his life was heading if he continued on the same path.What sets Steve's story apart is his refreshing approach to failure. Rather than retreating after his disastrous first event, he developed a powerful methodology: "Take action, learn without emotion. Did this work? Did this not work? What can I learn from it?" By removing emotional attachment from his analysis, he could iterate rapidly, holding progressively more successful events and crossing the million-dollar mark within just three years.For e-commerce entrepreneurs struggling to create emotional connections with "ordinary" products, Steve offers two practical pathways: either align your brand with a meaningful cause (like TOMS Shoes) or incorporate authentic personal storytelling into your marketing. He emphasizes that everyone has a story worth telling—it's about finding the right angle that resonates with your audience.The conversation takes a fascinating turn when Steve reveals the dramatic shifts in the post-COVID event landscape. Virtual events have surged in popularity but suffer from abysmal attendance rates, while traditional conferences are struggling as consumers increasingly demand solutions to specific pain points rather than generalized content. This explains why even established events like Traffic and Conversion Summit are canceling shows that would have been considered successful by previous standards.Ready to transform your message into a movement? Steve's insights will help you build deeper connections with your audience while avoiding the pitfalls that derail most entrepreneurs. The question isn't whether you'll face obstacles—it's whether you'll have the mindset to turn those obstacles into opportunities.How to connect with Steve: Website: https://stevenphillipwerner.com/Steve.coffee.com Book a call with Steve: https://bookacall.reachingmillions.co/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-phillip-werner/Podcast: Grow Your Impact, Income & Influence Podcast - [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grow-your-impact-income-influence/id1532299107]Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevenphillipwerner/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/SteveWernerStoriesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/StevenPhillipWerner Support the show

In this latest episode, Geoff Scott, of ASUG, rejoins Mustansir Saifuddin to discuss the rapidly evolving landscape of AI within the SAP ecosystem, specifically focusing on the impact of partnerships like SAP and Microsoft's collaboration on Copilot and Joule. Listen in as we explore how these advancements will shape enterprise operations in 2025 and beyond, and why you can't afford to ignore this technological shift.to discuss what is required for businesses to be successful with Gen AI as they prepare for the future.  Geoff Scott, is CEO and Chief Community Officer of ASUG, believes that the connections ASUG makes for our members have the potential to become career-defining relationships that inspire innovation and success for their organizations. His forward-thinking leadership prioritizes helping our members make the most of their investment in SAP technologies. To that end, Geoff works closely with customers, members, the SAP Executive Board, and the extensive partner ecosystem to amplify the voice of the SAP customer.   Past positions include CIO for TOMS Shoes, where he led the implementation of SAP: CIO at JBS; and senior leadership positions at Ford Motor Company. Before becoming CEO, Geoff was an ASUG member and served on the board. Geoff has served on several philanthropic boards and is the founding member of the Denver CIO Executive Council.  Connect with Us: LinkedIn Mustansir Saifuddin Innovative Solution Partners  X:  @gscott16 @MmsaifuddinYouTube or learn more about our sponsor Innovative Solution Partners to schedule a free consultation.    Episode Transcript: [00:00:00] Mustansir Saifuddin: Welcome to Tech Driven Business, brought to you by Innovative Solution Partners. I'm honored to have Jeff Scott, CEO of as a, rejoin me to discuss the rapidly evolving landscape of AI within the SAP ecosystem, specifically focusing on the impact of partnerships like SAP and Microsoft's collaboration on copilot and Joule. [00:00:26] Mustansir Saifuddin: Listen in as we explore how these advancements will shape enterprise operations in 2025 and beyond, and why you can't afford to ignore this technological shift. [00:00:39] Mustansir Saifuddin: Thanks for coming back on our podcast. Geoff, it was really nice to have you back. You remember, you know you came on last year and we dove into this whole [00:00:48] Geoff Scott: Oh. [00:00:49] Mustansir Saifuddin: gen AI topic. Everybody remembers that, you know, it was a very hot topic last year and, you know, everybody was going in that direction. Now, fast forwarding everything to this year and say, Hey, what is going on? And this year, SAP has had some major announcements, as we all know about the partnerships that we leverage the power of AI within the SAP ecosystem. And what I see with the majority of SAP clients using Microsoft in the enterprises. There is a lot of opportunity in SAP and Microsoft , you know, the whole partnership, especially around copilot and SAP Joule. I believe it'll make a big impact. [00:01:30] Geoff Scott: I'm surprised you have me back. I was very nervous. It's a year later. I was like, okay, this is never gonna happen again. I, I disinvited myself from future podcasts. [00:01:39] Mustansir Saifuddin: Well, I have you back [00:01:42] Mustansir Saifuddin: on. [00:01:43] Mustansir Saifuddin: and I am telling you that it is more exciting than what we were talking about last year, and I think this is what I want to get some thoughts on, Hey, what's going on? What's your take on how these partnerships are coming together and what are we going to see in 2025? [00:02:01] Geoff Scott: Well, the good news is that what we see in 2025 is no apparent slowdown in any of this technology. You know, but what's interesting is we, in the SAP space, [00:02:13] Geoff Scott: are not necessarily meeting that challenge head on, and we probably are not moving as quickly as we should to capture the amount of opportunity that's out there. I, I think AI is real. It's gonna continue to evolve at a furious pace, and that necessitates that we as technology practitioners determine how we best leverage that technology. [00:02:36] Geoff Scott: You, you talked about Microsoft Copilot, Joule, right? I mean AWS. Bedrock , Google Gemini, you know, now we've got, other LLMs popping out all over the place. Right. , deep seek . Which just popped up very quickly. So there's just, a tremendous amount of movement here and it's really hard [00:02:57] Geoff Scott: to stay abreast of it. And I think the opportunity to jump in and start leveraging this is mission critical and what I think it really necessitates, and you talked about some announcements from SAP that I think double or triple down on this notion that AI is here, so if you really want to take your SAP data and make it AI enabled using Joule or using any other series of tools, [00:03:24] Geoff Scott: it's gonna necessitate that we as technology practitioners start to do some fairly radical things with our data. Number one is we start to de-customize everywhere we can and move the responsibility for code back to SAP so that they are responsible for figuring out how to make the AI work, not us. [00:03:42] Geoff Scott: So [00:03:42] Geoff Scott: , [00:03:42] Geoff Scott: how [00:03:42] Geoff Scott: do we over time de-customize and how do we over time think about the necessity of adopting SaaS based solutions such as SAP's Public Cloud? Many of our of our community members are implementing private cloud right [00:04:00] now through Rise which is great, but ultimately if we recreate all those customizations downstream, then we have to figure out how to make them AI enabled, and I think that's where we're gonna find ourselves under continuing amounts of stress as the business innovates faster and faster. [00:04:17] Geoff Scott: We typically in the SAP ecosystem, think about our innovations on a stair step model. And what I mean by that is we do an upgrade, we sit on that upgrade for a couple of years, as long as we possibly can. You know, and then we do an upgrade again. And the challenge I think that's gonna present is that there's so much innovation happening and, all these things are moving at such a speed that if we're not continuously innovating, [00:04:39] Geoff Scott: we are gonna find ourselves further and further behind. I, I'd like to see our SAP data be the sole source of truth inside our enterprises and an innovation gold mine. [00:04:49] Geoff Scott: And to do that, I think we have to de-customize. I think we have to be able to, innovate faster. I think we have to be able to look at this data, do a lot more work around archiving and getting the old stuff, swept up and moved out. Master data is gonna become a major, major opportunity for all of us. [00:05:05] Geoff Scott: And if we do all those things really, really well. We will have a fighting chance at making our enterprises very savvy. And on top of the latest trends versus trying to perpetually catch up. [00:05:16] Mustansir Saifuddin: It's a race, the way I look at it, and I think , you summed it up very well, and I think that leads me to my question into this whole topic of collaboration. Let's take that right now. What would you tell your SAP users about the power of Microsoft and SAP's collaboration? [00:05:33] Mustansir Saifuddin: How will it positively impact their day-to-day operations? Let's start with that. [00:05:38] Geoff Scott: Well, I, I think you set this up really well. We, we know from an ASUG research perspective that most SAP customers are also Microsoft customers. And that partnership has gone back almost as long as SAP and Microsoft have been in business. You know, there's some pictures I've seen of Bill Gates and Hasso Plattner, the two founders of both organizations working together early on. [00:06:04] Geoff Scott: So this is a partnership that goes back a long, long time and it's a tremendously powerful partnership. And it indicates to me that these are organizations that work very well together, very closely together and collaborate. I mean, almost everyone I know who works in SAP also uses Excel spreadsheets, also uses PowerPoint slides, [00:06:23] Geoff Scott: also creates Word documents. I do these almost every single day. It makes perfect sense to me that a tool such as Microsoft Copilot and SAP's Joule would be working in harmony together. And I think we're seeing some interesting innovation from both organizations where they're able to demonstrate that. [00:06:39] Geoff Scott: I saw some really cool, rag based technologies, a few weeks ago where a copilot can reach out and grab some data from SAP and bring it back. Likewise Joule is being able to show some similar capabilities. For most customers, as much as we'd like to have one AI tool, I just don't think that that's going to be the way this works. [00:06:58] Geoff Scott: I think we're gonna have multiple, which, which makes the enterprise architect's role that much more challenging because they're gonna have to figure out how to integrate these tools, when these tools are best used, how they're used, and how do we as as organizations, get value from them. [00:07:15] Mustansir Saifuddin: Absolutely. And if you take this a step further, right? The hype around Agentic AI, everybody's talking about agents. What are you seeing in the marketplace? What, what is your take? [00:07:25] Mustansir Saifuddin: How are SAP users benefitting from Agentic AI within their organizations? [00:07:31] Geoff Scott: As it relates specifically to the SAP ecosystem, my. My perception, maybe right or wrong, probably more wrong than right, is that many of them are investigating and researching. I haven't necessarily seen any specific in production, customer running, agentic AI using SAP dot dot yet. Is it coming? [00:08:00] I think it's coming. [00:08:01] Geoff Scott: Has everyone figured this out yet? No certainly SAP's talking about it. I saw some presentations from the AI team at SAP led by Philip Herzig where they're demonstrating a lot of this. And I think it's gonna be very interesting to watch how agentic, you know, agent-based AI starts to manage tasks. [00:08:19] Geoff Scott: And I'm very keen to see how this works. [00:08:24] Mustansir Saifuddin: It's still very early on in, in this space where a lot of SAP customers are thinking about using it. But [00:08:32] Mustansir Saifuddin: how [00:08:32] Mustansir Saifuddin: do we really find a use case that is really beneficial to the organization at least from a investment standpoint, the time standpoint , and the value add you get as a, as a result of this application basically. [00:08:47] Geoff Scott: And I think the, the potential challenge with agentic AI is it also has to be reasonable from a, you know, a what is this agent, what is this agent's tasks? One of the things that we all know about the SAP ecosystem is we exist here because our businesses are complicated. Someone used to say to me, if, if you didn't need to run SAP, you wouldn't. [00:09:11] Geoff Scott: Right. So you know, most of the organizations that run SAP are of a, a sufficient size and scale and complexity, whether that be that they're multiple businesses running, they have international components, the business makes a complicated product that has a lot of configuration to it, right? There's reasons why these organizations are running SAP. [00:09:32] Geoff Scott: So that kind of then begets the next point, which is, an agent based AI. It's going to have to be fairly complicated in order to handle all of those different, particulars of a business. So I, I think it's gonna be interesting to watch how organizations slice that down to make it so that they can demonstrate some success early days without making the agents so complicated that they basically can't function. [00:09:58] Geoff Scott: You know, even some of this agent AI we talk about that seems like really simple. Like, Hey, I want to go out to eat at a restaurant tonight. Have agentic AI make a reservation. When you break that down. How does it do that? what type of food do you want? [00:10:13] Geoff Scott: I don't know. Maybe Italian, maybe French, maybe American. What about what time do you want to eat? How far away do you want to go? And so much of that is, is left to our brains to just on a whim, we make these decisions. How do you have that conversation with AG Agentic AI, right? Where it says, Hey, you know, here's a reservation at Italian restaurant at six 30. [00:10:32] Geoff Scott: Nah, well, 6 45, nah. Well, what do you want? Not Italian. Well, what do you want instead? I don't know French. No. You want a burger? Nah, I don't feel like a burger tonight. I mean, oh my God. I mean, it's exhausting. [00:10:47] Mustansir Saifuddin: Let's take a step up, right? Let's, let's talk about from SAP customers, you know. Everybody's getting on this [00:10:55] Mustansir Saifuddin: What word of advice would you have for SAP customers when they get further into the journey with AI? Like, what are the things that they should be looking at? [00:11:03] Geoff Scott: First and foremost, take the time to experiment, right? I mean, if you're not using these AI tools every day start. And this has taken me a little bit of time to warm up to, I'm finding now that, I have enough, road underneath my tires that it's hard for me to do new things, [00:11:22] Geoff Scott: 'cause I'm fairly, you know, set in my ways. But if I don't, use these tools to do things, I'm just not, I'm not learning. And so I. As an example, I'm recording a podcast tomorrow with a couple of fellow ASUG board members, and last night I needed to get them some prep materials. [00:11:40] Geoff Scott: I uploaded three or four documents into Claude and I said, please look at these three documents and I need to brief the podcast participants on what they say. And it looked at all three documents and it coughed up a pretty darn good summary. [00:11:55] Geoff Scott: Perfect? No. Pretty good. Yes. Was it [00:12:00] easier that I didn't, I didn't have to go and look at each document and figure out what to say. I could take a look at its summarization and determine if that was something that I wanted, that I thought was accurate and something that I thought we could share. And the answer was it was pretty good. [00:12:15] Geoff Scott: That was a great experiment. And then I said, okay, now create the podcast questions. And it did it. Now, are we using all of them? No. Did it give me at least a starting point? A hundred percent. And by the way, for the people out there was like, oh my God. He put that into, he put that into Claude. Oh my God. What about the security things? We own a subscription to Claude. So it was in a subscription. It was, it was in our protected space. It was public information. So, you know, but you gotta think about those things, right? [00:12:42] Mustansir Saifuddin: . [00:12:42] Mustansir Saifuddin: Absolutely. And I think the one thing that you hit upon is time to value, right? When you look at these tools, these technology aspects of how it can make things faster, better . But it brings up another point, like when, when you look at these, these use cases, everything is about data. What you feeding into the model. [00:13:07] Mustansir Saifuddin: So, you know, from a data perspective, I know a lot of customers doesn't matter, SAP or other technologies, and especially in SAP you know, either struggle with clean governed data and kind of makes it very difficult. So what, what's your take on that in that space? You know, especially when they are ready to go to the AI [00:13:32] Mustansir Saifuddin: journey, but they have some work to do. [00:13:34] Geoff Scott: I think there's a tremendous amount of work to do on this, and this kind of comes back to a part of our earlier dialogue that I think that data has to be right. Right. If, if we're gonna succeed in this future AI enabled world, the data that is being accessed, from your SAP systems, whether through some sort of rag or wherever you're doing, it has to be accurate. [00:13:57] Geoff Scott: So the archiving perspective of this has to be right. And you know also what has to be right is your ability to get master data correct. So if you have the same customer in your SAP system, this is an easy example, five times. Well, you now have increased by factors, the likelihood that the answer that pops back is wrong. [00:14:18] Geoff Scott: So, you know, we've been talking about this for a long time, that your SAP data has to be accurate, has to be right, and SAP data is very accurate at the time that it was entered. I think this is one of the brilliant things about SAP. And where we as SAP, you know, professionals spend so much time is getting the data into the system correctly from the get go. [00:14:41] Geoff Scott: The problem is it doesn't age so well, right? It's not like a fine wine. It can sometimes get a little stale and old and if we're not also getting it broomed out. The challenge we run into is it could be part of a , hallucination that we're not aware of. And if all of a sudden people are looking at this data and making broader based decisions on it, and the decision processes was flawed and the data's flawed, we could be making a lot of really bad decisions. [00:15:12] Mustansir Saifuddin: Yeah, absolutely. Data and analytics is very near and dear to me. So I, I know that whole conversation about getting The data clean, having that value around data, right. Which drives a lot of those those results out of the tools that we [00:15:28] Mustansir Saifuddin: want to apply. Especially. [00:15:30] Geoff Scott: It's all gonna come down to data at the end of the day, right? The data wins and the accuracy of the data wins. And the more that we're gonna use these tools to summarize and roll up, the higher the risk that that summary is inaccurate because the data underneath it isn't right. [00:15:49] Geoff Scott: We had this conversation in an ASUG executive exchange forum last week. And I think most people are starting to recognize that , if you have been [00:16:00] deferring your archiving routines, now might be a good time to get some of that back under control. [00:16:07] Mustansir Saifuddin: Yeah, [00:16:08] Geoff Scott: Most of the models right now, the L lms right, are based on data that doesn't, that the, you know books, fueling [00:16:15] Geoff Scott: research reports, fueling these LLMs that that data has been around for a long time and is, and has stood the test of time. Most of our SAP data, you know, has to be thought of through a very specific lens. But I, I think it's critical, a hundred percent critical. [00:16:33] Mustansir Saifuddin: Yeah. So let, so let's take it down a, a notch, right? From an ASUG perspective, how have you seen ASUG members approaching realtime data analytics moving to the cloud? I know ASUG does a lot of research on this. What have you seen? What, what do you see in this year? [00:16:49] Geoff Scott: So I think, you know, almost everyone is having cloud conversations, which is the beginning of this, because I don't think you can innovate at scale if you're not thinking about moving into the cloud. You know, the other thing is, is that most of these solutions, if you think about the innovation curve, mostly solutions are gonna appear first in the latest additions of your software. [00:17:08] Geoff Scott: So if you can't start innovating at a faster and faster cycle, move out of the stair step you and I discussed earlier, moving to a constant innovation framework, you're gonna find yourself further and further behind because if you want to take advantage of innovation at scale at the time it's released or near to the time it's released you need to be on the latest versions of software. [00:17:27] Geoff Scott: The hard reality of most of our ecosystem is we are not. And if we are not, that's where this stuff is gonna appear first. Will it make it down to other versions of the software? Yes. Is it gonna be on SAP's first order priority to do that? No. They're gonna want to make sure where they get it out [00:17:44] Geoff Scott: to market fast and they're gonna look at their latest versions of the software to do that, where they're the most comfortable. You know, there's this question, why can't I run AI in my on-prem data center? Well, you could, but you're gonna have to do all of that lift by yourself. And that becomes a very costly exercise that unless you're the bigs of the bigs, is probably outside of your budget to do that. [00:18:08] Geoff Scott: So if you want to do this with some degree of economy, you have to be in the cloud, you have to de-customize. You have to think about your SAP implementation as a SaaS service, push accountability and responsibility for code and business process back to SAP, right? I mean, I, I think that, you know, what has AI told me, loud and clear at a volume level of 11? [00:18:30] Geoff Scott: We as SAP customers now more than ever, need to stop customizing and moving responsibility for code back to SAP, 'cause if we don't, we are never gonna be able to keep up. .In, in addition to that, that many of us over these years have outsourced our application maintenance services. We rely on consultants to do most of the work we need done, right, so we're not even in control of the productive resources necessary to make this stuff a reality. [00:19:05] Geoff Scott: We are project managers. We are business analysts, right? We don't necessarily know how to write code to do this, and if we're gonna have to rely on outside resources every time we make one of these moves, that's gonna be super costly and super slow. [00:19:22] Mustansir Saifuddin: Yeah. I hear you. [00:19:23] Mustansir Saifuddin: and I know the ASUG community hears that [00:19:26] Geoff Scott: But we have a lot in our ASUG community, right, who have been around for a long time that says, well, you know, my job is an ABAP programmer. What do you want me to do next? Or I'm a basis person and I don't like this. And I'm like, you are some of the people that are in , the best position to retool and relearn. [00:19:42] Geoff Scott: We're all gonna have to relearn. And, you know, is your business's, joy in life to have you produce more ABAP code or figure out how to get that ABAP code out, move it to SAP and say, congratulations, SAP, you're now responsible for this. Here's what I need this business process to do. Right. [00:20:00] And using your, using ASUG to help you influence that business process, instead of you saying, well, I'm gonna just take it and twist it to my own needs. [00:20:08] Geoff Scott: Even with me saying that, I still think that there's a lot of distance that SAP has to travel, by the way, I don't think they have this figured out. I don't think that they'll look at this and they go, yep, we got this. You just, you know, trust us. No, I think in certain areas they have this well done. [00:20:23] Geoff Scott: In other areas they do not. So what's the best thing we can do? Help them get there faster, influence them, participate in your ASUG chapter meetings, have a voice, talk about where you're hitting challenges. How do we need SAP to make better business processes? How are we gonna use the, you know, the tools that they have, like Lean IX and Signavio to help drive some of this? [00:20:48] Geoff Scott: That's to me where this is gonna need to happen. I would much prefer to have SAP struggle to keep up with business process than have. 10,000, 15,000, 20,000 customers do it on their own. It doesn't scale. [00:21:03] Mustansir Saifuddin: No, it doesn't. And I think, and that's a fair point, right? And this is where the value of ASUG comes in. And, and I mean the journey is long, but the, the path is there for us to follow. [00:21:14] Geoff Scott: I, I, yeah. [00:21:14] Mustansir Saifuddin: Right. And that's the, [00:21:15] Geoff Scott: I think the journey is long and the journey is more important than ever. It's time to get off the couch and go out and start walking, and then when you can walk, you can run, then, you know, then you can sprint. And I think , that's kind of the, the message that we're giving as ASUG is this isn't gonna slow down for you, you're gonna have to catch up to it. [00:21:32] Mustansir Saifuddin: No, I think, and that's the message. A lot of people are hearing loud and clear now, especially 2025 has brought in that that whole concept of either you go along with it or you're gonna be left behind. [00:21:44] Geoff Scott: Or, or, or at some point you're going to have to catch up, and the question is, is how much lifting are you gonna have to do to get there? I, again, I don't think this is easy. I, I don't think that there's , a magic pill we can swallow, you know, that that cleans us all up and we're all perfect. [00:22:01] Mustansir Saifuddin: No. No, for sure. And I think I, I know we talked about a lot of things today and we can keep on talking and the journey keeps on you know, is it's a [00:22:11] Geoff Scott: It's journey. [00:22:11] Mustansir Saifuddin: it's, [00:22:12] Geoff Scott: Yeah. [00:22:12] Mustansir Saifuddin: ending, but what, what is the one key takeaway that you want to leave with the listeners [00:22:18] Geoff Scott: One key takeaway [00:22:18] Mustansir Saifuddin: as we wrap up? [00:22:19] Geoff Scott: it. [00:22:20] Mustansir Saifuddin: Yep. [00:22:21] Geoff Scott: Spend time experimenting and learning this stuff. Get comfortable being uncomfortable with these tools. Use them. Think about how your business can benefit from them. Spend some time, you know, in BTP learning how to access these LLMs through your BTP interface. If you're having a challenge getting a business case written to move from your ECC environment to S 4. [00:22:46] Geoff Scott: Talk to us at ASUG, we will help you with that. Go to a chapter meeting and ask others how they made that investment work. Spend some time, you know, if you don't have a, a license for copilot where you and I started this afternoon, ask your IT counterparts to have access to copilot, use it. [00:23:04] Ask it questions, engage in iterative rep iterative prompts. These are things I think the, the faster we get comfortable with these technologies, the better off we as technologists will have light bulbs go off and say, oh, I, now I get how I can really put agent AI to work. Right. And I'm not gonna listen to just, you know, Microsoft, you know, talk about it or SAP talk about it. [00:23:24] Geoff Scott: I actually have some ideas. And these are good ideas and I'm excited, I'm excited to share 'em. Get out of the stands and on the field. [00:23:32] Mustansir Saifuddin: And who better do it? I mean, I think I, I love , your closing, right? Especially when you are looking at your own business, your own technology, and your way of doing things. Who better can come up with , a solution , or see the applications of these co-pilot Gemini, no matter what I mean, type of tools you can use. [00:23:51] Mustansir Saifuddin: But these are , the ways you can innovate, right by looking at the processes. [00:23:56] Geoff Scott: Yes. Someone told me that they set up two agentic AI bots [00:24:00] and the two of them constructed a podcast and it was pretty good. So withstand zero. I'm worried that next time you and I meet, it's not gonna be you or I, it's gonna be our agentic AI counterparts, some version of us. [00:24:14] Mustansir Saifuddin: and yeah, I'm looking forward to it. I think it is here. It's going to be here at some point, so might as well embrace it. [00:24:22] Geoff Scott: Yeah. Absolutely. [00:24:23] Mustansir Saifuddin: Thanks for listening to Tech-Driven Business brought to you by Innovative Solution Partners. Embracing innovation is no longer an option, but really a necessity for enterprise success. Geoff's key takeaway? Proactive experimentation with AI is crucial for SAP users to discover its business benefits. Engage with tools like copilot and Joule, participate in ASUG, and push for cloud migration to stay ahead of the rapid technological changes. We would love to hear from you. Continue the conversation by connecting with me on LinkedIn or x. Learn more about Innovative Solution Partners and schedule a free consultation by visiting isolutionpartners.com. Never miss a podcast by subscribing to our YouTube channel. Information is in the show notes. I.

Capitalism gets a bad rap as a ruthless, dog-eat-dog system, but in reality, it's the most effective way to create shared prosperity. Unlike socialism, which focuses on redistributing wealth, capitalism multiplies it. Take Peter Thiel's $500,000 investment in Mark Zuckerberg in 2004. At the time, Thiel was the wealthier of the two. But as Facebook scaled, Zuckerberg became exponentially richer than Thiel—while Thiel still walked away vastly wealthier than before. That's the power of investment: it creates more wealth for everyone involved, rather than just shifting it around.Year Of The Opposite - Travis Stoliker's Substack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.The Difference Between Helping and HurtingThe problem with socialism—and even well-intentioned charity—is that it often weakens the very people it's trying to help. Giving someone a fish feeds them for a day, but teaching them to fish feeds them for a lifetime. Yet capitalism takes it further—it builds the fishing industry, funding boats, bait companies, and supply chains that allow entire communities to sustain themselves indefinitely.On the other hand, if we contrast that with TOMS Shoes' “Buy One, Give One” model. The idea was simple: for every pair of shoes sold, they donated a pair to someone in need. It sounded great—but in practice, it wiped out local shoemakers in many African and Latin American countries. By flooding the market with free shoes, TOMS put local businesses out of work, leaving communities more dependent rather than self-sufficient. What seemed like generosity actually eroded economic independence—because giving isn't always helping.Charity Without Investment Creates DependenceThis doesn't just happen on a macro level; it happens in personal relationships too. Think about a family member who struggles with addiction or gambling. Giving them money doesn't fix their problem—it fuels it. Paying off their debts or covering their rent doesn't make them more responsible—it teaches them that someone else will always bail them out.Real help isn't a handout; it's an investment in transformation. Just like an entrepreneur needs mentorship, capital, and a path to self-sufficiency, struggling individuals need accountability, discipline, and real stakes in their own success. Without personal responsibility, no amount of outside aid will create lasting change.The True Social Good of CapitalismThis is why capitalism isn't just about making money—it's about creating opportunity. When you invest in a person, a business, or a system, you're not just providing resources—you're building capacity. You're giving people the ability to create, grow, and become self-sufficient rather than remain dependent.The beauty of capitalism is that it aligns incentives and scales effort. It doesn't just redistribute fish—it builds a fishing economy. It's socialism reimagined—not as a static transfer of wealth, but as a system where success fuels more success.The more we understand this, the more we can use capitalism to empower rather than enable—to build instead of just give. And that's what makes it the only system of shared wealth that truly works. Get full access to Year Of The Opposite - Travis Stoliker's Substack at www.yearoftheopposite.com/subscribe

Source: Excerpts from "Business Engineering - The Foundational Discipline For The Modern Business Person" by FourWeekMBALink: https://businessengineer.ai/p/business-engineering-book-workshopI. Foundational Business ConceptsPorter's Diamond Model: This section introduces Porter's Diamond Model, a framework for analyzing why certain industries in specific nations achieve international competitiveness. It explains that factors beyond traditional economic theory, such as firm strategy and supporting industries, contribute to a nation's competitive advantage.Minimum Viable Product (MVP): This section explores the concept of the Minimum Viable Product (MVP), emphasizing the importance of quickly testing and iterating on a product to determine its viability in the market. It also cautions against oversimplifying the MVP definition and provides examples of successful MVP implementation.Investor Relations in Blockchain: This section highlights the significance of economic incentives in blockchain protocols and the role of investor sentiment in the success of blockchain projects. It stresses the importance of monitoring investor response to the evolving blockchain ecosystem.Business Acumen & First-Principles Thinking: This section defines business acumen as the ability to comprehend and navigate business opportunities and risks effectively. It emphasizes the importance of developing this skill and introduces first-principles thinking as a method for breaking down complex problems into fundamental elements.Bounded Rationality: This section delves into the concept of bounded rationality, which posits that human decision-making is limited by cognitive capabilities and environmental factors. It explores the ecological and cognitive aspects of bounded rationality and how it challenges traditional economic models of rational decision-making.The 10X Attitude: This section advocates for adopting a "10X attitude," which involves striving for tenfold improvement rather than incremental gains. It emphasizes the importance of an audacious vision, creative problem-solving, and a first-principles approach to achieve significant success.X-Shaped People: This section argues that the traditional "T-shaped" skillset, while valuable, is insufficient for achieving ambitious goals. It proposes the concept of "X-shaped" individuals, who possess deep expertise in multiple areas combined with strong leadership and authoritative skills.II. Business Strategy & GrowthMapping the Context with Psychosizing: This section introduces psychosizing market analysis, a method for estimating market size based on the psychographics of the target audience. It explains different market types (microniche, niche, market, vertical, and horizontal) and their characteristics based on consumer readiness and product complexity.Tesla Case Study: Vision & Market Entry: This section uses Tesla as a case study to illustrate the importance of a strong vision and effective market entry strategy. It analyzes Tesla's approach to market validation, highlighting the concept of a "transitional business model" used during the initial stages of growth.Reverse Engineering & Identifying the Moat: This section emphasizes the importance of identifying a company's core asset or "moat" - its sustainable competitive advantage. It provides a framework for analyzing a company's financial model, technology development, and competitive landscape to uncover its sources of strength.Business Scaling & Growth Profiles: This section defines business scaling as the process of expanding a business model as the product gains traction in wider market segments. It outlines different growth profiles: gain, expand, extend, and reinvent, each with its own strategic considerations and risks.Organizational Structures: U-Form vs. M-Form: This section contrasts two primary organizational structures: U-form (unitary) and M-form (multidivisional). It explains the advantages and disadvantages of each structure, providing examples of companies that effectively utilize each model.Strategy Lever Framework & the Blue Sea Strategy: This section introduces the Strategy Lever Framework, which focuses on identifying a profitable niche to launch a product and create a feedback loop for rapid improvement. It also introduces the "Blue Sea Strategy," which emphasizes finding a minimum viable audience within an existing market rather than seeking to create an entirely new market.The Importance of Niche and Minimum Viable Audience (MVA): This section stresses the significance of starting with a niche market to validate a product and establish a feedback loop for rapid iteration. It defines the minimum viable audience (MVA) as the smallest customer segment that can sustain a business during its initial growth phase.III. Business Model AnalysisSpotify Case Study: Ad-Supported & Premium Models: This section analyzes the Spotify business model, highlighting its two-sided marketplace approach and the interplay between its ad-supported and premium subscription services. It discusses the challenges and opportunities of maintaining a free product offering while ensuring the sustainability and scalability of the overall business model.Grubhub Case Study: Valuation & Market Dominance: This section examines the Grubhub business model, focusing on its key value drivers: restaurant relationships, diner acquisition, technology, and trademark. It analyzes Grubhub's valuation, its growth strategy through mergers and acquisitions, and its position as a leading player in the food delivery market.Blockchain-Based Business Models & Steemit Case Study: This section explores the emergence of blockchain-based business models, using Steemit as a case study. It explains the Steemit platform's use of cryptocurrency (Steem, Steem Power, and Steem Dollars), its reward system for content creators and curators, and its potential to disrupt traditional social media and content monetization models.Bundler Model & Microsoft Case Study: This section introduces the bundler business model, where companies leverage their distribution networks to group multiple products or services into a single offering. It uses Microsoft as a case study, analyzing how the company has bundled products like Windows and Office to dominate the PC software market and extract maximum value from its customer base.Distribution-Based Models & Aldi Case Study: This section discusses distribution-based business models, where a company's success hinges on its ability to establish and control key distribution channels. It uses Aldi as a case study, examining the company's vertically integrated supply chain, its cost-cutting strategies, and its focus on private label brands to offer low prices and maintain high quality.Multi-Brand Model & LVMH Case Study: This section explores the multi-brand business model, where companies manage a portfolio of distinct brands, often targeting different market segments. It uses LVMH as a case study, analyzing its strategy of acquiring and managing a diverse collection of luxury brands while granting them autonomy to maintain their unique identities and customer relationships.Netflix Case Study: Evolution of a Business Model: This section analyzes the evolution of the Netflix business model, from its origins as a DVD rental service to its current status as a global streaming giant. It emphasizes that a business model encompasses more than just monetization; it's about value creation for multiple stakeholders and the ability to adapt and innovate over time.One-For-One Model & TOMS Shoes Case Study: This section examines the one-for-one business model, where companies donate a product or service for each sale made. It uses TOMS Shoes as a case study, analyzing how the company has successfully integrated social impact into its business model, using it as a key driver of marketing, sales, and brand loyalty.IV. Building and Scaling BusinessesGitLab Case Study: DevOps Platform & Open Core Model: This section analyzes the GitLab business model, focusing on its open-core approach to providing a comprehensive DevOps platform. It highlights the company's mission, vision, and core values, emphasizing its commitment to empowering developers and organizations to build better software.Grammarly Case Study: Freemium Model & Value Differentiation: This section examines the Grammarly business model, highlighting its freemium approach to offering grammar and writing assistance. It analyzes the company's core values, its focus on user experience, and its strategy of providing a valuable free service while incentivizing users to upgrade to premium features.DuckDuckGo Case Study: Privacy-Focused Search & Value Proposition: This section analyzes the DuckDuckGo business model, emphasizing its differentiation from Google through a privacy-focused approach to search. It discusses the company's monetization strategy through untracked advertising and affiliate marketing, highlighting the growing importance of user privacy as a key value proposition.Razor & Blade Model & Dollar Shave Club Case Study: This section explores the razor and blade revenue model, where companies sell a base product at a low margin to drive demand for high-margin consumables. It uses Dollar Shave Club as a case study, analyzing how the company disrupted the traditional razor market by flipping the model and offering a subscription service for affordable blades.Retail Business Model: Dynamics & Considerations: This section provides an overview of the retail business model, highlighting its direct-to-consumer approach, higher margins, and associated risks. It discusses factors such as local competition, wholesale price fluctuations, and the importance of building customer relationships for long-term success.WeWork Case Study: Shared Workspace & Market Opportunity: This section examines the WeWork business model, analyzing its approach to providing flexible, shared workspaces and its target market of entrepreneurs and businesses. It discusses the company's value proposition of cost savings, community building, and its ambitious growth strategy.Franchising Models: Types & Strategies: This section explores different types of franchising models, including business-format franchising, traditional franchising, and social franchising. It examines the advantages and disadvantages of each model, providing examples of companies that have successfully implemented each approach.McDonald's Case Study: Heavy-Franchise Model & Real Estate Strategy: This section analyzes the McDonald's business model, highlighting its heavy reliance on franchising and its unique approach to real estate ownership. It discusses how McDonald's maintains control over its brand and product quality while leveraging the entrepreneurial spirit of its franchisees.Brunello Cucinelli Case Study: Luxury Brand & Ethical Capitalism: This section examines the Brunello Cucinelli business model, focusing on its positioning as a luxury brand that emphasizes craftsmanship, creativity, and ethical values. It analyzes the company's unique approach to "humanist capitalism" and its commitment to social responsibility.Business Incubators: Types & Roles in Supporting Startups: This section provides an overview of business incubators and their role in supporting the growth of startups. It differentiates between various types of incubators, including non-profit, corporate, private investor, and academic incubators, highlighting their specific goals and methods.Apple Case Study: Innovation, Ecosystem, and Market Disruption: This section analyzes the Apple business model, emphasizing its focus on product innovation, ecosystem creation, and market disruption. It discusses how Apple has consistently challenged industry norms, creating new product categories and transforming the way consumers interact with technology.Marketplace Business Models: Types & Dynamics: This section introduces the concept of marketplace business models, where platforms connect buyers and sellers to facilitate transactions. It differentiates between two-sided, three-sided, and multi-sided marketplaces, providing examples of each type and highlighting the importance of network effects in their success.Luxottica Case Study: Vertical Integration & Brand Portfolio: This section examines the Luxottica business model, highlighting its vertical integration strategy, its acquisition of prominent eyewear brands, and its control over the entire value chain, from design and manufacturing to retail distribution.Bootstrapping vs. External Funding: Factors to Consider: This section discusses the key considerations when deciding between bootstrapping and seeking external funding for a business. It explores factors such as market size, growth potential, control over the company, and the founder's risk tolerance in making this crucial decision.Market Sizing Techniques: TAM, SAM, SOM, and Bottom-Up Analysis: This section introduces various techniques for estimating market size, including the TAM-SAM-SOM framework and the bottom-up approach. It explains the importance of market sizing for both businesses and investors in evaluating opportunities and making informed decisions.Source: The Business Engineer Almanack by FourWeekMBAThe Business Engineer Almanack acts as a compilation of business principles, fallacies to avoid, and thinking frameworks. It challenges conventional business wisdom and encourages readers to adopt a more nuanced and critical approach to decision-making and problem-solving. The Almanack emphasizes the importance of:Challenging Assumptions & Embracing Uncertainty: The Almanack encourages readers to question common business assumptions, recognize the limitations of traditional models, and develop strategies for navigating uncertainty and complexity.Experimentation & Iteration: The Almanack emphasizes the importance of rapid experimentation, data-driven decision-making, and continuous iteration in developing successful business models and strategies.Human-Centered Approach: The Almanack stresses the significance of understanding human behavior, motivations, and cognitive biases in designing effective business models and creating value for customers.Long-Term Thinking & Sustainability: The Almanack advocates for balancing short-term gains with long-term sustainability, considering the ethical implications of business decisions, and building organizations that create value for all stakeholders.The Almanack serves as a practical guide for aspiring and experienced business professionals, providing a framework for critical thinking, problem-solving, and navigating the complexities of the modern business world.

Alex Schulze grew up on a small island on the west coast of Florida, where he developed a passion for the ocean through activities like surfing, diving, and fishing. He initially pursued a degree in ocean engineering but later switched to business management and entrepreneurship after realizing he preferred hands-on work over desk jobs. Inspiration: The idea for 4ocean emerged during a surf trip to Bali, where Alex and his friends were confronted with the stark reality of plastic pollution on the beaches. This experience motivated them to find a way to fund ocean cleanup efforts. Initial Concept: They created the 4ocean bracelet, made from recycled materials, with the promise that each bracelet sold would fund the removal of one pound of trash from the ocean. This model was inspired by TOMS Shoes, aiming to connect consumers with a cause. Challenges: In the early days, Alex faced skepticism from potential employees who found the idea of being paid to collect trash unusual. The initial struggle to hire local crews was compounded by limited resources and the need to learn various skills, from product sourcing to marketing. Growth and Viral Success: The business gained traction through viral videos on social media, which showcased its cleanup efforts and resonated with a broader audience. This visibility led to rapid growth, allowing them to hire more staff and expand their operations internationally. Community Focus: 4ocean emphasizes hiring local fishermen and providing them with fair wages and benefits, creating a sustainable model that supports both environmental cleanup and local economies. Alex is proud of the high retention rate among their cleanup crews. Impact: Over the years, 4ocean has successfully removed over 40 million pounds of plastic from the ocean. Alex views the organization as a legacy brand that not only addresses plastic pollution but also raises awareness and encourages community involvement. Optimism and Future Vision: Despite the overwhelming scale of the plastic crisis, Alex remains optimistic and driven. He believes in the power of action and the importance of creating a positive impact on both the environment and the communities they serve. Website: https://www.4ocean.com/ Follow a career in conservation: https://www.conservation-careers.com/online-training/ Use the code SUFB to get 33% off courses and the careers program.   Do you want to join my Ocean Community? Sign Up for Updates on the process: www.speakupforblue.com/oceanapp   Sign up for our Newsletter: http://www.speakupforblue.com/newsletter   Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3NmYvsI Connect with Speak Up For Blue: Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@speakupforblue Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc YouTube: www.speakupforblue.com/youtube  

Are you ready to ditch the marketing overwhelm, attract your dream clients, and join a supportive community of female entrepreneurs? The EmpowerHer Business Accelerator Podcast is your guide to building a thriving business with confidence! Each week, you'll get actionable strategies, mindset shifts, and the inspiration you need to step into your power as a CEO.   In this episode of the Empower Business Accelerator podcast, Philippa Channer underscores the pivotal role of mission and vision statements in business operations. She explains how these foundational elements should guide decision-making, hiring, partnerships, and product development. Philippa offers practical advice on breaking down vision statements into achievable goals and creating actionable plans. She shares examples of businesses like TOMS Shoes and Warby Parker that effectively align their actions with their core values. The episode concludes with an invitation for listeners to join a Q&A session and book a free discovery call for further support in aligning their business with their purpose.   Whenever you are ready, here are some ways that we can help you:   Free 30-Hour EmpowerHer Discovery Session: https://channerconsultingllc.hbportal.co/schedule/660da85649ef86002d1790d3 Subscribe for regular content on developing a solid marketing plan, marketing strategy, and marketing tips.   Connect with us: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/channer-consulting-llc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/channerconsulting/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/channerconsulting/ Get in touch: info@channer-consulting.com

Today we're exploring some profound and controversial topics: Should psychedelics be legalized? Can psychedelics bring you closer to God? Could they help with PTSD? We'll also delve into the journey of Blake Mycoskie, the founder of TOMS Shoes, who has dedicated his life to giving back but still struggles with finding a deeper connection with God despite his successes and good deeds. In addition to this main discussion, we'll be answering your questions and offering advice on various subjects. Topics include reasons you might reconsider officiating your friend's wedding, tips for hosting a successful Bible study, how to prepare for marriage, and more. Join us for an insightful and engaging conversation that spans faith, mental health, and personal growth.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we're exploring some profound and controversial topics: Should psychedelics be legalized? Can psychedelics bring you closer to God? Could they help with PTSD? We'll also delve into the journey of Blake Mycoskie, the founder of TOMS Shoes, who has dedicated his life to giving back but still struggles with finding a deeper connection with God despite his successes and good deeds. In addition to this main discussion, we'll be answering your questions and offering advice on various subjects. Topics include reasons you might reconsider officiating your friend's wedding, tips for hosting a successful Bible study, how to prepare for marriage, and more. Join us for an insightful and engaging conversation that spans faith, mental health, and personal growth.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join us for an enlightening episode of the Painful Lessons Podcast as we sit down with Blake Mycoskie, founder of Toms Shoes. Blake shares his personal journey with mental health and the transformative power of plant medicines like Ayahuasca. Discover the profound lessons he has learned and how they have shaped his life and mission. Don't miss this deep dive into mental wellness and spiritual healing.

In this latest episode, Geoff Scott, of ASUG, joins Mustansir Saifuddin to discuss what is required for businesses to be successful with Gen AI as they prepare for the future. With more than 20 years of leadership and technology experience, including seven years of extensive SAP implementation and operations experience, Geoff understands the impact of Gen AI in digital transformation. Listen in as he also highlights how ASUG is supporting the SAP ecosystem on the Gen AI journey. Geoff Scott, is CEO and Chief Community Officer of ASUG, believes that the connections ASUG makes for our members have the potential to become career-defining relationships that inspire innovation and success for their organizations. His forward-thinking leadership prioritizes helping our members make the most of their investment in SAP technologies. To that end, Geoff works closely with customers, members, the SAP Executive Board, and the extensive partner ecosystem to amplify the voice of the SAP customer.   Past positions include CIO for TOMS Shoes, where he led the implementation of SAP: CIO at JBS; and senior leadership positions at Ford Motor Company. Before becoming CEO, Geoff was an ASUG member and served on the board. Geoff has served on several philanthropic boards and is the founding member of the Denver CIO Executive Council.  Connect with Us: LinkedIn Mustansir Saifuddin Innovative Solution Partners  Twitter:  @gscott16 @Mmsaifuddin YouTube or learn more about our sponsor Innovative Solution Partners to schedule a free consultation.    Episode Transcript   Welcome to Tech-Driven Business brought to you by Innovative Solution Partners. I'm honored to have Geoff Scott, CEO of ASUG, joins me to discuss what is required for businesses to be successful with Gen AI as they prepare for the future. He'll also share valuable insights on how ASUG is supporting the SAP ecosystem on the GEN AI journey. [00:00:02.560] - Mustansir Welcome to TechDriven business, Geoff. How are you?   [00:00:11.190] - Geoff I'm wonderful. How are you today?   [00:00:13.480] - Mustansir I'm doing great. Thank you. Thank you for joining our show.   [00:00:17.570] - Geoff Pleasure to be here. Thank you for having me. Or I should say, you can make that decision after we're done today.   [00:00:23.130] - Mustansir All right. Sounds like a plan. Hey, it's always good to have you, Jeff, especially meeting in person every year, either in the volunteer meeting or at Sapphire or other events. It's always fun to have that conversation with you. Glad to have you on our show.   [00:00:38.390] - Geoff What a pleasure to be here. I want to thank you for your connection and commitment to ASUG, your commitment to the Michigan chapter, one of our most wonderful places to be in all of the United States. I have close ties to Michigan, so it's always wonderful to hear Go Green, for those who are Michiganders, my alma mater. I think that being part of ASUG and being part of this The SAP community is really a tremendous thing. I've been doing the CEO job at ASUG for 10 years. Every year, as you mentioned, we get all 300 volunteers together to plan the year and celebrate our successes and talk about our challenges. It's a tremendous things. So I encourage everyone to be part of ASUG. If you are an SAP professional and you want to be at the top of your game of SAP, there's no better place to be than being an active part of ASUG, which you are. I want to thank you for that.   [00:01:28.530] - Mustansir I second that. Thank you. Thank you. So today, we will be talking about how digital transformation in AI is changing the business landscape. How does that sound to you?   [00:01:39.350] - Geoff I think that sounds like a tremendous conversation.   [00:01:42.040] - Mustansir It absolutely is, and it's going to be fun. So let's start with the basics. Jeff, you have been around for a long time, not counting your-Original dinosaur. Hey, it's all good. But your extensive background with SAP. Can you share with our listeners a brief overview of your career journey?   [00:02:03.150] - Geoff Well, I would love to. As we just spoke about, 10 years as the CEO of Asug, and I don't love the CEO title. I like to think of myself as the Chief Community Champion. My job is to rally us as a community around this SAP software and make sure all of us are getting the most value from it. The organizations that are purchasing the software, we as all professionals in investing our careers into this amazing ecosystem, it's very important that we feel like we make forward progress. We feel that this is a place where we can learn, connect, and grow, which are three of our very important ASUG pillars. That's been a tremendous journey for me for the last 10 years. I didn't come into this intentionally. Prior to that, I was a CIO. I was at Tom's Shoes in Los Angeles. Prior to that, at a beef company, small beef company, only the third largest in the world, in Greenley, Colorado, where we were also an SAP shop. That was where I cut my teeth on being a full-time SAP advocate. Then prior to that, in your neck of the woods, in your backyard, in Deerborn, Michigan, doesn't take a lot to figure out what's in Deerborn these days.   [00:03:08.510] - Geoff So I was there for almost 10 years doing lots of different IT work. And then obviously prior to that, consulting in college and being a teenager and things like that.   [00:03:20.120] - Mustansir That's a wonderful background, Jeff. It's okay. I think the best part about this is being in your role, the role that you're playing at ASOG, your background or your history really brings that tremendous amount of knowledge and technology know-how, which really is what a lot of ASA customers or in general, SAP folks who are dealing with technology on a daily basis can utilize your know-how and your in-depth knowledge of what's going on in the industry versus someone with a background in business. You don't really have that depth in terms of what you bring to the table.   [00:04:00.920] - Geoff You're very kind. You're very kind. In my career, I started off when I was going to college, just a little bit west from where you are. Again, go green. Then that's the last I'm going to say that today, maybe. My degree's in accounting, and I chose that field because I really wanted to understand how business worked. I figured the best way to figure out how business would work is to understand how the money moves around. Accounting was actually a fallback for me. I started I started off in finance, and then this will date me tremendously. Then the stock market collapsed back in the late '80s, and I went, Oh, wait a minute. I don't know I want to be on Wall Street anymore. I grew up in the suburbs of New York City, so I had this delusion I would go back into New York and be on Wall Street. I said, I don't think that's going to work so well. I went to accounting, and I found I liked it better. A little bit more pragmatic. Finance can be fairly esoteric. I came into consulting in IT because I always thought about IT as a way in which businesses can be more efficient.   [00:05:01.780] - Geoff I was always intrigued by how we could use technology to drive business outcomes. That has served me throughout my career. I really think about business outcomes first and technology second.   [00:05:13.390] - Mustansir Absolutely. I think that's what really counts, how business drives technology. That takes me to my next discussion point. Ai. Ai took the business world by storm last year. We all know that. How are ASOG and ASAP supporting their clients with navigating AI and Gen AI in particular. Everybody is about Gen AI, so I'd like to hear your thoughts on that.   [00:05:38.820] - Geoff Yeah, I think that generative AI and all the things related to AI, nothing new to that, Mustache. We've been around in the SAP ecosystem. Ai has been around for a long time. What was new in November of 2022 when ChatGPT first came onto the market was this thing of generative AI. Well, that was different. But most SAP practitioners, the people you and I are talking to today, would say, Hey, we've been filling around AI for a long time. Understanding PDF documents, understanding pictures, converting pictures to text, scanning documents, scanning invoices, making sure we can convert all that. None of that is terribly new. I think generative AI made it mainstream. What was back office technology that was used to achieve business the outcomes all of a sudden became available to the masses. And it became available to the masses in a very simple way. I can sit down, I can write a sentence into a computer, and it will produce paragraphs of very eloquent text. We can have a whole conversation about how accurate it is, but I could finally get this star tracky type of thing, or I could type a sentence in and I would get this back.   [00:06:55.320] - Geoff And I could do cute things. Tell me how to bake a cake in Shakespeare in English, and it would do it. I think it became a piece of technology that everybody could connect to, and that everybody includes the board of directors, the CEO, the rest of your business peers who can now say, I get it. I understand how this works, and I want that for my business. We can make this work for all of us.   [00:07:25.460] - Mustansir I think it's a very interesting point you mentioned, Jeff. We always talk about C-suite, right? And you know that in this-I'm one of them. Yeah, exactly, right? So we talk about, I still get involved with a lot of implementations and boots on ground. And I know that a lot of these technology implementations, you have this gap between the C-suite and folks who are actually involved in the technology day to day, right? Do you think Gen AI is going to close that gap? What is your take on that perspective? Bringing these two worlds together.   [00:08:03.730] - Geoff I think generative AI is going to be an incredibly interesting diversion or departure for all of us in the sense that we've talked about for a long for a long time, the importance of some things in the SAP ecosystem that are near and dear to our heart. Master data, accuracy of data, archiving, things that warm our hearts that make the business run for cover. You want to watch paint dry? Have a conversation about archiving. The challenge with all of that is if we really want to get the most value from a generative AI solution, whether it be SAP's Joule or ChatGuard, GPT or everything in between, our enterprise data has to be lined up correctly. I think this is where we're going to see a tremendous amount of energy and effort to understand how this enterprise data will form these models and make them work. There was an article in the New York Times, I think two weeks ago, and this is topical because last week I was in Las Vegas for a few days at Google Next. And I always go to Google Next, and I also like to try to make it to AWS and Microsoft's events as well, because it refreshes me and it makes me think about how to tackle these problems from different perspectives.   [00:09:29.500] - Geoff And that, coupled with the New York Times article was very interesting to me in that it appears we're running out of trainable data for these models, that our models now are demanding so much data that we can't fill them. And And so there was an interesting topic in Las Vegas about synthetic data, which I'm still wrapping my head around and what that means. I'm trying to understand how we get to the levels of data. We do know one thing that these generative AI models require a lot of data in order to give very effective answers. And even when they have a lot of data, they can still hallucinate. I mean, there's no greater data source than the English language over the last 300 years. And the cool thinking about it is it hasn't really changed all that much. I can take all that stuff and I can pour it in. And yeah, there's different dialects, but the English language or pick a language, French, whatever, it hasn't moved all that much. So the data is fairly stable. Sure. Is that true when we think about our enterprise data? And the problem that I see coming is if we have lots of historical data, what does it really mean?   [00:10:37.900] - Geoff How accurate is it? And then the second big question is, how relevant is it? And if both of those are not at the top of their game, you run a huge risk that your model is being trained on data that isn't accurate, isn't relevant, and then you expect it to give you amazing results. The thing that makes me chuckle is the notion of saying to a model running on top of your SAP data, Hey, what's the best product I should sell? And it spits back a product that you made 15 years ago because it might have been at the time the most profitable based in parts that you don't even have access to anymore. And the model doesn't know that. I think there's another really important part of this whole equation, and that is something that I call gray data. And gray data is the data that's in our heads, in our minds, which is what we use to make decisions that the AI models have zero knowledge of. And the only way long term an AI model will be able to replicate what you do, what I do, what anyone listening today does, is it has exactly what's up in your head.   [00:11:42.850] - Geoff And it's not going to. We still know today in you're involved in SAP implementations all the time, that it takes someone interpreting that data, oftentimes, to understand what it's saying and what cues it's giving. Ai doesn't understand that because it's missing all the stuff that's in your gray space. And if that's the case, and how much of the data that you use to run your enterprise is gray data versus bits and bytes. If the answer is greater than 50 %, 60 %, 70 %, wow, we got a lot of missing data, and the model is not going to be that effective.   [00:12:17.980] - Mustansir For sure. I think it's an interesting point you mentioned about historical data and the quality of data. And that leads me into this next conversation about, I'm an analytics person in data focus. And it's all about good information will produce good results, right? So from that perspective, I'm curious, what are you seeing with ASUG members as it applies to their approach, especially to real-time data and analytics, and also the move to the cloud? Because a lot of things are happening in the cloud. So what is your take in this whole space?   [00:12:53.370] - Geoff Well, certainly, I believe that if you are going to want to participate, play in in a generative AI, AI space, and you say, and probably before you make that conclusion, you have to ask a question, which is, where do you and your organization want to be on the innovation curve? Do you want to be on the very front of it? Do you want to be in the middle of it? Where do you want to be? Now, if you want to be on the very, very back end of the innovation curve, continue doing what you're doing today. If you want to be to the middle of the innovation curve or the front end, and I think about it as a bell curve. If you want to be to the middle to the front end of that curve, and most people don't want to be at the front, you need a lot of courage and a lot of strength to be. That's the scary place. But there are organizations that are there. Let's say you want to be safely in the middle. I don't want to lead the pack. I don't want to trail the pack. I want to be right in the middle.   [00:13:47.870] - Geoff It necessitates three things, I firmly believe. Number one, you have to be in the cloud. Number two, you have to really think about your software investments as software as a service. You're moving the requirement for changes and updates to the software vendor in this world SAP. Number three, as little customization as possible. If you can If you can do those three things and you can do them well, you have the greatest likelihood that you will be able to take all this innovation, absorb it and go. Which to your question is, when you talk about analytics, when you talk about predictive analytics, that's what you're going to For many, many SAP customers, that is a tectonic shift in perspective. And certainly, the longer you have been an SAP customer, and the more customizations you have made for whatever reason. Your business process doesn't line up with SAP's. Sap didn't have a solution for you at the time. We talk about this thing of technical debt, and where I quibble with some of the leading thought people is We tend to say and infer the technical debt is bad. Well, I don't think any of us as SAP practitioners wake up in the morning and say, Today is the day I'm going to build a lot of technical debt.   [00:15:11.820] - Geoff There are some good reasons for it. There might be some bad reasons for it, too. I don't know how to do something, so I'm just going to code it. I get it, but I don't necessarily believe that the technical debt is something that we all strive for. Motherhood and apple pie, as few customizations as possible. The problem now is the stakes are way up because we've learned that you have to be in cloud, you have to be in SaaS, and you have to be almost no customization in order to adopt fast. And that means that we have to be super careful about customization. That creates another problem inside most organizations, and that is how do you handle change control and how do you handle organizational change management? So the IT folks say, Hey, this is good for me. No customization. I'm good to go. And the business says, Well, wait a minute here. I have to retrain thousands of people across 16 time zones in 32 different geographies, and that's hard. And it is. And it is. So how do we find that necessary balance? And I think if you've been on SAP a long time, that transition is not going to happen overnight.   [00:16:14.000] - Geoff It's going to be multiple years, maybe even a decade, dare I say. And if you haven't started your S/4 migration yet, you are fastly running out of time. And so there's no time like the present to start working on that, because absent that, you are going to be perpetually behind. And I don't want to be Cavalier here, Mustanzer, because what I just described is an epic undertaking. But if you get there, predictive analytics is super interesting, right? We have got to figure out a way to take our technology professionals and find ways for them to have more time. Because if we really want to do predictive analytics, it requires us to jump into data sets. It requires us to look at data, plant floor data, log data, all these other things where we haven't traditionally looked for things. In order to find those patterns and those indications and those clues that help us sell more, get more efficient, do other things. And that requires time. And in order to get that time, we have to be more efficient. So if we're going to spend all of our time working on customizations of SAP, we are not going to be doing predictive analytics.   [00:17:18.870] - Mustansir For sure. And I think that's one of the key points you mentioned about that, right? Stop spending time on doing things that are not adding any value, especially in this fast pace, changing constantly on a daily basis. And you put AI in the middle of all this, all of a sudden, your stakes are different, your challenges are different. And at the same time, the time to make those decisions is shrinking for you. So for organizations to be nimble and be able to act quickly, I mean, all the things you just mentioned, I think they go hand in hand, especially a lot of times folks think about analytics as a byproduct, right? It's after the fact. And then What we're thinking or what are you talking here at this point is put analytics in front because that will drive that whole behavior of change of exactly what is important to me. Predictive is one part of it. There's so many different aspects of information which you can put your right brains and your geeks. I mean, everyone has got geeks in the organization. I mean, you want to put those folks to good use. And the best way you can do it is having that Get ahead of the curve, right?   [00:18:31.520] - Mustansir Don't wait, basically.   [00:18:32.910] - Geoff That's what I'm hearing. A hundred %. And I'm excited about the potential of AI to help us migrate systems faster. I'd like to see us use AI to help understand quality in data, to help us understand how we lift and shift business processes out of legacy systems into new systems. I'd like to understand how we use AI to drive business test cases, quality assurance. I believe that we are at a massive inflection point where the upgrading of these systems, you asked a question earlier about digital transformation. We have to move to the next generation of SAP software. I believe that unlocks the gateway to everything we're talking about today. That cannot be a five-year project. We have got to figure out as technology professionals how to automate it, how to make it faster, how to do it and how to make sure we can get an unlock value faster. It's my biggest ask of SAP, and in conversations that I have with their CEO and their leadership team, please stop making new SKUs for new software licenses. I implore you to make your software easier to migrate and uplift and move to the next generation.   [00:19:53.220] - Geoff And can we use some of these AI ML tools to achieve that? It's essential.   [00:19:58.860] - Mustansir For sure. No, for sure. And I think talking about all this technology and SAP, let's come back to our conversation ASAG. Asag is a great start in 2024, right? I mean, personally, I know we had over 150 people at our Michigan Chapter meeting back in February. That is absolutely amazing. So what can ASEC members expect this year from their membership? Can you delve into that?   [00:20:26.820] - Geoff 100 %. First and foremost, I think you said the most important thing where we're seeing the most interest, the most excitement is in our 39 chapters. So if you are an SAP professional and you want to be at the top of your game and you want to learn, connect, and grow, you don't have to jump on an airplane. And of course, we're welcoming you to do that. You don't have to spend hotel room nights. Go to your local ASUG chapter and become involved. You will meet people like you who want to get ahead and understand how to solve problems using SAP. And you're You're in the middle of the Michigan SAP scene. It's amazing. So go spend time there, which is a huge pitch for what you do and why you volunteer is because you want to be part of what's happening on the ground, real-time in geography. And that is what the chapter organization is here to do. And I would really like to see that over the next three to five years grow to epic proportions. I have a challenge. I want to see your Michigan meeting not be just 150 people. I want it to be 350 people.   [00:21:33.460] - Geoff That, to me, is exciting, which is a very different change of perspective from us. But I think in a post-pandemic world, what a great opportunity to get out from behind your laptop. And whether you're back in the office or still working remotely, go spend time with your friends in an ASUG chapter event in Michigan or in California or in Florida. Pick a place and just go and have fun and meet your peers. It'll be so wonderful for you. If that's not good enough, then And enjoy some of the other events that we do. Get online and do some research and education there. We have ASUG annual conference and SAP Sapphire coming up in June. In the fall, we have SAP for utilities. We have ASUG best practices, which is a whole source of industry-based events. And then we cap off the year. This is my most exciting event. We cap off the year in West Palm Beach, Florida, November 12th through 14th with ASUG Tech Connect. It used to be called TechEd, but we've reconfigured TechEd with SAP. So TechEd is a virtual program. But in North America, it's ASUG Tech Connect. So if you want to wrap up 2023, sorry, 2024, getting my years all confused, and get ready for an amazing 2025, ASUG Tech Connect is the place to be.   [00:22:46.120] - Geoff And I think those are fine. What else can you do? First Five newsletter comes out every Monday morning. It's an amazing place to just get a recap of the top five articles that happened in the SAP ecosystem over the last week. Podcast, you and I are in a podcast Today. Everyone's doing podcast. Aseg does podcast. Be there. Let's get together at Campus Connect. Citadel University, University of Texas at Dallas, Fayetteville State University, and then my favorite at Michigan State University. There's my last plug for Go Green, are all very much in the Campus Connect program. What a great way to have this next generation of talent, get excited about the careers that we've been so fortunate to have in the SAP ecosystem.   [00:23:29.360] - Mustansir For I think there is a lot to learn. And the best thing about it, like you said, there's so many mediums. You pick what makes sense to you, what really florts your boat, especially after the pandemic. A lot of folks are open to coming out and meeting others and getting to know what's coming exciting. No, put it this way. Excitement is one thing. You get to meet people and either it's online, either it's in person or you're traveling somewhere else. Or like you mentioned, June. June, big event. A lot of new things are being shared and you understand and know exactly where SAP is going, where ASAG wants to take you in your journey. And as an organization, you want to learn from your peers, right? And That's the best opportunity. And one thing I like about your plug for the November event, you cannot go wrong with it. Exactly. You end your year on something that you really want to take into next year, and that and search your basis for exactly what you want to do. A lot of opportunities. I really love the whole platform that you explained so well.   [00:24:37.180] - Geoff Thank you. There is a lot going on inside the SAP ecosystem. It is a wonderful place for professionals like you, me, and everyone else, 130,000 of us in North America, to make our home, to learn, connect, grow, to thrive. And all you got to do is just raise your hand and go to a chapter meeting, meet with people outside of your your standard core team that you might be working on SAP for, and the whole world will be unlocked for you. And it'll make you feel like what you're doing has value, that the things you're learning can have a place in this broader ecosystem. We are going to need a lot more talent who stands there in the next 10 years than we have today. It frightens me about how much change is happening, and I believe we all find very rewarding careers inside of SAP.   [00:25:27.700] - Mustansir Now, I think the future is really bright And I know we can talk for hours, Jeff. I mean, your knowledge, your passion for technology and SAP. But I do have to finish our session, our talk for today. I'd like to leave with this one question for you. As far as topics and discussions you covered, what is the one key takeaway that you want our listeners to leave with?   [00:25:55.440] - Geoff I believe the key takeaway today is generative AI is real. The faster you get in and start contemplating what it can and can't do. We are trying inside of Asug lots of different technologies, and we're fiddling, and we have this experimental culture. Let's go try some stuff. It's good. And I think we We're doing a lot with video to text, recaps, things like that. I think there's a ton of upside to all of this. Go get yourself immense in AI.   [00:26:25.780] - Mustansir Yeah, for sure. I think that's a great advice. And It seems like a lot of folks who are still on the edges, it's time for them to move on and get on this bandwagon because this train has started rolling and there's no stopping. At least I don't see it in the near future.   [00:26:43.870] - Geoff Today is the worst day AI ever will be. It will get better from here, and it's going to be on an exponential scale. So don't wait another three, four weeks or months or years. Get in now.   [00:26:54.490] - Mustansir Great advice. Thank you. Now, this is an awesome conversation. Really enjoyed the talk, and I would love to get you back in the future. Whenever you need. Feedback on how things have settled down once we traverse through the 2024.   [00:27:10.980] - Geoff We are here for you, and I appreciate greatly everything you do for the community, for the SAP community, for ASUG, and everything you do in Michigan. Thank you.   Thanks for listening to Tech-Driven Business brought to you by Innovative Solution Partners. Geoff delved deep into the transformative power of Gen AI shared valuable insights on how organizations can transform business with Generative AI. His main takeaway? Generative AI is real. Go get yourself immersed in AI as today is the worst day AI will ever be. We'd love to hear from you. Continue the conversation by connecting with me on LinkedIn or Twitter. Learn more about Innovative Solution Partners and schedule a free consultation by visiting isolutionpartners.com. Never miss a podcast by subscribing to our You Tube channel. Information is in the Show Notes

Join us on this insightful episode of the Painful Lessons Podcast as we sit down with Blake Mycoskie, the visionary founder of TOMS Shoes and an advocate for social change through business. Blake shares his transformative journey from starting a unique model of 'one for one' charity through business to facing the immense challenges that came with scaling a social enterprise. Learn how Blake navigated personal and professional obstacles, the lessons he learned about sustainability and impact, and his advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. This episode is a deep dive into the realities of social entrepreneurship and the resilience required to drive change. Tune in to gain valuable insights from one of the pioneers in the field.

Here's proof that just getting started can be the catalyst for amazing business growth. In this episode of the show, my guest speaker, workshop host, and brand consultant, Monique Bryan, shares her inspiring journey from breast cancer survivor to becoming a successful businesswoman and rockin' it on Instagram.  She shares her juicy secrets for powerful personal branding, the evolution of Instagram, and the importance of authenticity and relatability in social media marketing while still keeping your life separate.  Monique also discusses her strategies for content creation, live streaming, and building a business with lasting impact.  Listen in to this insightful and empowering conversation.   In this episode of the podcast, we talk about:  Launching a business while on your sick bed Forced vulnerability  The "dirty thirty live" approach to building a brand Being bingeable instead of viral Being personable on social while protecting your privacy Monique's juicy and delicious barometer …And More!   This Episode Was Made Possible By: Riverside All-in-One Podcast & Video Platform Visit Riverside and use the code DREA to get 15% off any Riverside individual plan. We use it to record all our podcast interviews: https://onlinedrea.com/riverside  Digital Brain PowerPack Your past content has stories, insights, and value that deserves another day in the spotlight. The Digital Brain PowerPack guides you in the tools and methods I use for my done-for-you clients to resurface your content treasures, allowing you to tell richer, deeper stories without the constant pressure of starting from scratch: https://onlinedrea.com/digital-brain/    About the Guest: Monique has a BA in fashion design, three startups under her belt (so she knows a bit about entrepreneur life) and has developed programming in partnership with companies throughout Asia and exciting global brands like PayPal, Burberry, Toms Shoes and Shopify. Bringing over 15 years of top-level industry experience in the areas of product development, entrepreneurship, branding, business development, and personal styling today, Monique runs a successful personal brand consultancy while being a brand herself. When you work with her, you're getting a creative director for your brand. She will show you how to clarify your communication, build your unique brand personality and up-level your style profile so you can amplify your credibility in your industry. Monique is a breast cancer survivor and has grown an engaged community of over 17,000+ people on social media, while in remission. She is a wife, a new mom, and the host of a 5 Star rated Podcast, The Juicy CEO. She speaks on international stages and has been featured on Global Television, in Entrepreneur magazine, Elle, Bustle, and countless podcasts.   Her motto is, “Our personal brand is all we have, so it is your job to control the message going out about you. Follow Monique on Instagram @moniquebryan_co  or visit her website www.moniquebryan.com Website: https://www.moniquebryan.com   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moniquebryan_co/   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquebryan    Go to the show notes for all the resources mentioned in this episode: https://onlinedrea.com/292 

In this episode, our phenomenal guest Ashley gives her opinions as somebody who has never seen The Amazing Race. We discuss the messiest episode of the season thus far with drama between a few teams, a well-designed leg, Toms Shoes, queen Fern, and much more!

Our guest today is Jasmine Crowe-Houston, social entrepreneur, and founder of Goodr.co. Jasmine started her journey cooking soul food for hungry unhoused people in her kitchen in her one-bedroom apartment in Atlanta. She fed upwards of 500 people a week for years with pop-up kitchens and parks and parking lots. Then in 2017, she founded Goodr, a technology-based food waste management company that connects firms with food surpluses to nonprofit organizations that can use the food. She has worked with organizations that have food waste issues, such as the Atlanta International Airport, Hormel Foods, and Turner Broadcasting. Today, Goodr has expanded nationwide and sponsors free grocery stores and schools. She has combined charity, innovation, and market-based solutions into a for-profit waste management company that Inc. Magazine called a rare triple win.  This episode is in collaboration with Policy360, a podcast of the Sanford School of Public Policy at Duke University. Interview Summary   Would you describe what Goodr is today?   Goodr is a blessing. We are a sustainable food waste management company that leverages technology to connect businesses that have excess food to non-profit organizations that can use that food. And at the same time, we have a line of business, which is Hunger Solutions, and we're helping brands and government and other municipalities rethink how hunger is solved in their communities. We believe that hunger is not an issue of scarcity. It's really a matter of logistics. And so, we are using technology and logistics to drive out hunger and food waste. We've built technology that includes our mobile app and portal. Imagine you are using an Uber Eats or DoorDash app. You go onto your favorite restaurant; you click the item that you want. Similar experience for our users. So, for example, a restaurant in the airport. Their menu is in our system. They click chicken sandwich; they tell us 50. Our platform is going to calculate the tax value of those sandwiches, the approximate weight of those sandwiches, and our algorithm is automatically matching those sandwiches with the non-profit that is serving 50 or more people that can take those items and then get it distributed to people in need. Another big thing that our technology is capturing is the poundage that we're keeping out a landfill. So, it's really important because we're able to tell our clients we have kept 2 million pounds of food from landfills. This is equal to this much CO2 emissions that you've helped to prevent. We do a lot of fun gamifications as well, but we're data-driven and we believe that you can't manage what you don't measure. And for too long, people have thrown everything away. They've never measured it. And now we're giving them real insights and they're seeing things like, wow, my number one wasted thing is pork. Why am I making pork so much? Maybe people here at our offices don't eat pork. Start to make changes. So, we really work on the source reduction, but the number two on the EPA is the food hierarchy chart is feeding hungry people. And so that's really where we are.   Wow, that's amazing. I want to ask because I've seen this in the food waste and food donation world, that sometimes food that's donated isn't appropriate or fit for human consumption. What happens to those food products?   Traditionally, they end up in landfills. One of the big things that we have to do at Goodr, and I'll tell you too, that change is by county. So, think of not by city, not by state. Wake County and Durham County probably have different rules because it's based off the health department in each city. So, a good example is when we were working in Florida, what we do in Miami is absolutely illegal in Fort Lauderdale. They're 10 minutes away from each other. Broward County and Dade County have different rules. So, we spend a lot of time, our R&D team, creating quality assurance checklists. And we know this food is going to live for three hours. So, you've got to get this either cooled, frozen, or donated within three hours. So, we tell our businesses that. We are moving food in an average of about 30 minutes from the time it gets picked up. Some of our customers will put in their pickup requests and ask that it's picked up the next morning. So, they're going to automatically put it in their refrigerator. That's their comfort level. They feel a lot better. It makes the food last longer and they don't always have to worry about it being fresh. A lot of the time when we're dealing with weddings, really big events, that's when we have to move right away because maybe that business doesn't have access to the kitchen the next day. And so, we need to move a little bit differently. Most of the time when a business has food that's passed that timeframe, they typically do throw it away. But what we've done is we've introduced organics recycling into our fold. So, our customers now have the ability to send that to an animal farm. We can also send it to an anaerobic digester and turn it into an organic product, or we can compost it. We're still keeping it out of landfill. It doesn't have to end up in landfill ever. That's the positive.   Yeah, that's amazing. I saw your 2019 Ted women talk entitled "What We're Getting Wrong in The Fight to End Hunger". And it has been viewed by more than 2.2 million times.   Wow. Yeah, it's so good. I didn't know if you gave me those last million, but that's good to know.   Good job! No, it was over that by the time I got to it, but it's really amazing and I'm just intrigued to get your opinion about why do you think people are interested in solving hunger and food waste?   I think people are questioning why it hasn't been solved yet. It's almost like it's not as big as cancer, right? But it's as big as cancer. Cancer's big, it kills people, right? But we spend a lot of money and there's a lot of research and we feel like we're getting closer to the fight. I don't know if people feel that we're getting closer to the fight as it relates to hunger. And if you think about it, Norbert, when me and you were kids, we probably did a canned food drive. Anybody that's listening right now is probably thinking, "I did some kind of a food drive when I was in elementary school to solve hunger in our communities." Why are we still doing that? Why are we still doing the same things? I always look at it as being the definition of insanity, right? Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result. I think that's what people are interested in. What are we getting wrong? Why is my kid, 35 years later, why am I still doing canned food drives for my kindergarten kid and this is something that I did in kindergarten? And is this moving the needle? Is this really working? People want to know that. People want to know are we pacifying problems or is the money that we're putting behind these actually driving solutions and should we look at something else that's different? Even with my TED Talk, I remember the first week it came out, we got a lot of, "Oh, you're talking negatively about food banks, and they do great work and I volunteer at the food bank every weekend." There's a whole section in my TED Talk where I say food banks and food pantries are vital. They play a pivotal role, but they don't solve hunger alone, and we need to be open to doing new things. We're using technology in every other area of our lives. I mean, we're getting our groceries delivered, we're meeting our spouses, we're going to college. Why are we not using technology to try and solve a big problem like hunger and food waste? And so, it's just getting people open. I think that's what people are interested in finding a solution.   I'm really intrigued by the model of Goodr, the fact that it is a for-profit company. What's also interesting is given all the success that you've had up to this point, it's hard to believe now that investors hesitated to support you.   Yeah, shame on those investors, I would say. I'll tell you, Norbert, the sad thing is, right, any woman listening should know this. Women as a whole get 2% of all venture capital funding from investors as a whole. So, you take a pie and then you take 2%, and now of that 2%, you have women that are Asian, women that are Black, women that are Hispanic, women that are White. We're all taking a piece of that small 2%. So, there's part of that. I think another thing is it's hard to sometimes get conviction around that, which you don't understand. And a lot of investors, quite frankly, have never been hungry, you know? They don't really understand food waste. It's probably not... It's not AI, it's not blockchain, it's not crypto. It's not always in the headlines. It's not the cool thing. So, I think those all played a factor in it. I think that's just the reality. Investors like to invest in things that they can get excited about, and sometimes hunger and food waste just are not exciting. I also think a lot of people felt like this is so good, they should be a nonprofit. And for me, I saw the business case in what we were building right away because businesses were already paying to throw food away. That's the simple thing about it. So why would I create a nonprofit and must ask everyday people to donate so that we can get this food picked up, have to rely on volunteers that may or may not come, which possibly would cause more food to go to waste. Because if you're being paid to pick something up, you're being paid to do something, you're 99% more likely to go, right? If you're volunteering and it's raining, you may not go that day. It doesn't matter how much you care about the cause. You may not want to get in your car, you may not like to drive in the rain. Those are the things that happen. And so I also believe that businesses would value what they pay for. So, if you're investing and you're paying in a service to divert your food waste from landfill, you're more likely to make sure that your employees are actually packaging that food, recording it for donations, scheduling pickups, than you would be if it was just a free thing, and it was a nice to do. I think that was kind of like we needed to prove that, and now we've proven. We have world-class customers. We work with... You name some of them. And I mean, we've worked with everybody from the NBA to Google to Oracle, Nike World Headquarters. These are our customers, you know? People have now seen that this works. One of our biggest customers, they sent over a testimonial the other day and it says, "All the other locations are banging down my door to try and get Goodr." People just needed to give it a try. And so now hopefully when we have those investor conversations the next go around, this market's a little crazy, but hopefully we'll have a bit more willingness to give our solution a try. And there have been great investors who have made an investment in what we're doing.   Right. Thank you for sharing that. And we're at a university and we have a lot of young people who are excited about social entrepreneurship. What can you say to them to encourage them along this path?   I could say to them that they are needed. We were talking about my goal of wanting to be a professor one day, and what I want to talk about is social entrepreneurship and this model of being able to do well by doing good. That there is a way to do that in business and that it ultimately works. And we've seen the big companies that I think are pretty keen and they've seen success for are your Warby Parkers, your Patagonias. These are other B Corps, Goodr is a B Corp as well, who are kind of existing. The first model I ever saw of social entrepreneurship was Toms Shoes. They were really popular maybe 15 years ago, maybe not as much now, but there was a point when it was like, I'm going to buy a shoe and give a shoe. Bombas, the sock and undergarment company, the same thing. They're supporting homelessness. You buy a sock, you're giving a sock, you buy a T-shirt, you're giving a T-shirt. People love to do good. And so, these students that are interested in creating ways and solutions to solve some of our biggest problems, are needed now more than ever. I mean, this world is... I read an article the other day talking about all that millennials have lived through. And I was thinking to myself, goodness gracious, I've lived through a lot, two recessions, a couple of wars, a pandemic, just like everything, technology. I mean, that's the reality of it. I don't recall a smart cell phone when I was in high school and college. That was... I think the iPhone came out maybe in 2008, 2009. I graduated college by then. I didn't have that. Facebook wasn't around until 2008. You start to see what's happening to young people now because of social media, their self-esteem, the anxiety. There are so many things that we need people to be addressing because we're creating a lot more technology, but we're also creating a lot more problems, and they need to be solved.   They do. And it is interesting to think about the anxiety that's associated with some of these issues.   Oh yes.   And the fact that Goodr is trying to address food waste, which is a contributor climate change, I mean, you're providing a solution. And this is great and it helps me think that our students can start to think differently about what they can do to help address these issues.   The Project Drawdown, which is pretty much a leading climate solutions organization, they named, in 2022, food waste. Reducing our food waste is number two after fixing our energy grid. Number two thing that we could do to combat climate change is to reduce our food waste. In America, nearly 2% of GDP has been on food we never eat, which is just insane to think about. 2% of everything that we spend is on food we never eat, from production to transportation to the disposal. And so even around the food waste chain, there's still a lot more solutions that are needed. So even if that's going to be what we're producing at the farm level, what's going to waste? What can we do with it? Can we reuse it? Can we turn things into other products? I was reading an article recently about there's a new kind of leather that's going to be... It's already kind of on some runways, but it's made out of banana peels. That's a social entrepreneur that thought of that.   I love the fact that you're so welcoming and you're trying to bring people in. And that brings up the book that you've published recently, "Everybody Eats," and it's there to inspire young people in the fight against hunger. It is beautiful. And I see my daughter in this text and so I'm really appreciative of it. And it was illustrated by Nadia Fisher. And there is also a website with resources for parents and kids and teachers. What do you want to accomplish with this outreach effort?   I am often asked, will I solve hunger in my lifetime? I want to say yes, but I have to think possibly not. Hunger grows every single year. I mean, there's a new study I just was reading that it was in the Washington Post two days ago. It's increased 12%. Childhood poverty is up 20%. So sometimes I'm going, or you make the shot, we're at Duke, right? This is a basketball place. So, you make this shot and you can't keep your hand there because the team is already down, the other team's already on the other side of the court. That's often how I feel about hunger. It's like I do something that's really good. It's monumental. We've got grocery stores in schools, we're feeding students, and then I read that childhood poverty is up 20%. How do I leave a legacy that really focuses on solving hunger? I need to inform the next generation and I need to do it in a way, and how I wrote that book is really my story in the eyes of a kid. Me learning that one of my friends, my college roommate did not have food in her household, and that shaping my whole life. And now thinking like your daughter, what would she come back and tell you if she learned that a friend of hers at school doesn't have food in her kitchen like you have food in your kitchen? And they ask questions, and they want to understand that. She goes on this journey asking grocery stores and her school like, "Hey, what's going on with this food? People are going hungry. My friend at school doesn't have access to food," and she's trying to help her friend. And the reality is just like with my friend and the young protagonist in the book, her father just lost the job. I mean, so many people read these stories. I think the most recent article I saw said something like 75% of Americans are living... Are one paycheck away, just one paycheck away. And to see that, that happened to my friend, and it's the most jarring thing that has ever happened to me, probably in life. Because I had a completely different picture in my mind of what hunger looked like until that happened to me. And this happened to me probably three years into feeding people that were experiencing homelessness on the street. I've been feeding people for over a decade of my life. To learn that someone who had volunteered with me, someone who had been out feeding people with me, that they too wouldn't have food in their home, it changed my whole life and my life story. I use all the proceeds from the book to fund a Neighborhood Eats program where I feed kids on the weekends, and I know that I'm making an impact in the lives of children. And they will. My hope is in 15, 20 years, you'll be sitting here talking to someone else who's doing something around this. That's the goal.   You've touched on this, but I just want to push it a little bit further. Food waste and hunger are longstanding challenges and they touch people all along the supply chain. How do you manage the complexity of this problem?   Yeah, I think we have to continue to focus on the verticals that we're really good at because it is big. You'll probably think I'm lying to you, Norbert. I may get a hundred phone calls and emails a week. "Hey, we need Goodr here. We want it... How can I bring this here? Can I bring this to my community? I need food. My senior home needs food. The trailer park that we live in, a lot of us are... It's rural. We're not near a grocery store." I look at myself as trying... I think it's like hero overload. I'm trying to solve all this. How do I get to Canada? Oh, someone just called me from Denmark. How do we go to Denmark? How do we get here? I think what I have to really focus on is US first. I do really well with large scale venues, colleges and universities, enterprise corporate cafeterias, stadiums and arenas, airports, convention centers, places where there's a lot of food in one location. A lot of people wonder, why don't you go to small restaurants? We get calls from, "Hey, we have a deli in Long Island, New York," And we're like, "Hey, we're not there yet, but here's our resource guide for how you can donate food. Here's organizations that you can look for in your community. Here are ways you can create your own food donation programs." We try and give them resources to still solve the problem while realizing that we can't do it all ourselves. And I could tell you as an entrepreneur and as a social entrepreneur, that's the hardest thing ever. Because at first, when I first started Goodr, I'm very happy people in Canada didn't call me then because I probably would've been from Atlanta to Vancouver, and just missing a whole other part of the process. But you've got to follow the process and you've got to get really good at something and then drill in and just become the best at it. The best in class. And that's what we... When we have our all-hands meetings and our team retreats, we talk about what are we the best at? And we also say are there things that we're doing that we're not good at? And to your point, that's why I said I'm inviting other people in, right? Because I know that there's other use cases. We don't work with grocery stores. That's something that's really fascinating to a lot of people. I spent probably the first six months of customer discovery, when I was really trying to figure out who are going to be the Goodr customers that we're going to pitch to of working with trying to work with grocery stores. And what I learned is the two largest grocers in the country created and kind of funded Feeding America. There's a strong system there. I was like, okay, they've got that. Now I'm still trying to work with them on prepared foods. That's my hope with the grocery stores now is those rotisserie chickens, those are the things that don't get donated and so that's what we're really trying to focus on. But the shelf stable things, the produce items, they have a strong solution for that. And it took me six months of trying and hitting roadblocks to see that sometimes people don't want to change what they feel like they've focused on. I had to go and say, okay, well where's the food not going? Where's it missing? And I realized it was prepared foods. And that's why I'm really trying to stay on those rotisserie chickens at these grocery stores, because I think if a parent can get a rotisserie chicken, you could pull some other things together. The meat is kind of what you really need.   So how do you stay inspired?   I try and keep my eye on the prize. I got an email from a lady and her name was Bertha, so I've assumed that she was a senior. Her email said to me, Norman, "I just want to thank you guys for your food today. When I got home, my meat wasn't brown. It was fresh and everything was good. And it came from good stores, I could tell it was quality." And I'll never forget that because I thought just imagine, she's saying I got meat that's fresh. That's her thing. I'm hungry. I'm getting food from your organization and it's good, and I'm shocked by that. So shocked that I needed to send an email to say, "Hey, when I got home today, you gave me something that was good." So that's the stuff that I think keeps me going. I got another email from a lady; this is when we were doing a lot of work. We did a ton of work around hunger during the pandemic if you can imagine. And her email was just like, "I was sitting on my porch, my kids were sleeping, they were napping. And my only thought was what am I going to feed these kids when they wake up? because they're going to wake up hungry. Kids ask me for snacks. We're running low, we don't have anything. And I get a call from a driver named Jarvis who says, 'I'm around the corner. This is Goodr. I've got this food delivery.' And not only did he bring a box of food for my family, but he also brought me a pizza that was warm." because we had... I think Papa John's at the time was giving us pizzas, this is heavy in the heat of the pandemic, to deliver boxes of food that we were bringing to families. And she was just like, "This was a godsend." And she said that we gave her hope in her darkest hour, and I'll never forget that. Those are two emails, and I think both of those emails are from 2020, 2021, that still are in my head today. I think about that as a guiding light to continue to keep going and just knowing that we are really making change.   Bio   Jasmine Crowe-Houston is the creator of Goodr, a tech-enabled sustainable food waste management company that strives to eliminate hunger and save food from landfills. Through her years of work feeding vulnerable populations, Jasmine saw a great opportunity for technology to solve a real problem: hunger. In January 2017, Jasmine founded Goodr, a food management platform that allows users in the food industry to track and redirect surplus food. She's a proud alumna of North Carolina Central University. A resident of Atlanta, Georgia, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends and being a new mom to her daughter Journey. She is an avid traveler who has visited more than 30 countries. Jasmine sits on several nonprofit boards and continues to use her time for good. She was named by Entrepreneur Magazine as one of the top 100 influential female founders and recognized on the Black Enterprise 40 Under 40 List.  

Stay in touch and sign up for Paco's weekly email newsletter, The Nerdletter.  In this episode of Weird Finance, we dive deep into the intertwined realms of financial health and personal growth with our esteemed guest, Kristan Sargeant. Kristan shares the transformative power of accessing the unconscious to unlock healing and potential. Touching on the entanglement of money, guilt, and shame, Kristan unveils how these emotions often dwell in our shadow selves. Our host Paco reveals her personal shadow exploration journey, with Kristan advising the embrace of one's ambitions without guilt. The conversation further delves into overcoming fears tied to career prospects, the merits of seeking coaching over traditional psychotherapy, and introspective anecdotes about the power of the subconscious. Kristan (@kristansargeant) is a coach and therapist with a passion for helping people identify and transmute the blocks to their potential and full self-expression. She works in the tradition of her mentors and collaborators, Phil Stutz and Barry Michels, co-authors of the New York Times bestsellers The Tools and Coming Alive. She brings an action-oriented, tools-based approach to her work with individuals and groups globally, with an emphasis on and deep love for Shadow work. She leads webinars and workshops internationally and has collaborated with Goop, The Annenberg Foundation, The Omega Institute, Toms Shoes, AIM Youth Mental Health, The Awakened Man, 74Podcast, Clever Creative, Heroic, and more. In a former life, she was an entrepreneur, three-time TEDxWomen producer, and co-founder of The Guild, a women's leadership collective. She received her BA from Columbia University and holds a master's in psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute. Upcoming Retreats: Omega Retreat Jul 14, 2024 Ojai Retreat Feb 28, 2024 - Mar 3, 2024 A special thanks to the talented and generous Ramsey Yount for producing, editing, and sound designing this episode.  Thank you to Jenn Pablo for lending your voice for our special PSA.  The theme music was written and performed by Andrew Parker, Jenna Parker, and Paco de Leon. If you'd like to contact us about the show or ask Paco a question about finances, call our hotline at 1-833-ASK-PACO, email us at weirdfinancepod (at) gmail.com or submit your questions here. We'd also love your listener feedback about the show; here's a short survey.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dave Heath is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Bombas. Prior to the launch in 2013, Dave dedicated two years to rigorous product testing and refinement to create the best performing and most comfortable sock available, while staying true to their mission of helping those in need. Dave holds a BA from Babson College with majors in Marketing, Management, and Entrepreneurship. Previously, he led business development as one of the founding employees at UrbanDaddy followed by joining the new media acquisitions and strategy team at Yucaipa Companies. As a true serial entrepreneur, Dave has founded three companies, with one successful exit, and has invested and consulted on a range of start-up businesses from concept, through launch and continued growth. Dave has been featured on ABC's Shark Tank, NBC TODAY Show, CBS This Morning, ABC Good Morning America, Bloomberg TV and in The New York Times, and was named EY Entrepreneur of the Year in 2017.In this episode of The Retail Pilot, Dave Heath joins Ken Pilot and discusses the journey of starting a mission-based sock company and the challenges and successes along the way. He shares insights on the importance of focus, sustainable growth, and using time to your advantage. Dave also talks about the power of partnerships and collaborations that align with Bombas' mission. He emphasizes the need for authenticity and staying true to the brand's values. Additionally, he discusses the role of technology in marketing and the future of the company. In this conversation, Dave Heath discusses the potential of AI in e-commerce and its application in various areas such as asset creation, site updates, and site merchandising. He also introduces Constructor, an AI-powered site merchandising tool. The conversation touches on the use of AI in customer service and the importance of understanding the customer experience. Additionally, Dave shares his favorite streamed shows and provides a promo code for Bombus products.Key Takeaways from this episode of The Retail Pilot with Dave Heath, CEO of Bombas:1.    Entrepreneurial Journey and Problem-Solving Approach: Dave Heath's journey began with a desire to work for himself, learning various skills and exploring different industries, always with the intent of eventually starting his own business. His approach was less about the industry and more about identifying and solving problems. He noticed the lack of socks in homeless shelters, leading him to start Bombas with a mission to donate a pair of socks for every pair sold.2.    Socially Conscious Business Model: Bombas was established with a buy-one-give-one model, similar to TOMS Shoes, to address the significant need for socks in homeless communities. Over time, this model evolved to include not just socks but also underwear and t-shirts, the top three most requested clothing items at homeless shelters.3.    Founding Team Dynamics: Dave Heath, along with co-founder Randy Goldberg and two others, formed a cohesive team where each member possessed specific skills that complemented one another. Their self-awareness of strengths and weaknesses helped them work effectively together, aligning their shared values and visions for the company's ethical growth.4.    Sustainable Growth Strategy: Bombas adopted a deliberate, focused growth strategy rather than chasing rapid expansion. They avoided excessive fundraising and maintained profitability from the outset. They prioritized methodical growth, aiming for sustainability and quality over immediate scale. This approach allowed them to retain control and avoid unnecessary stress associated with continuously raising capital.5.    Multi-Channel Distribution Strategy: Despite primarily being a direct-to-consumer (D2C) brand, Bombas strategically entered the wholesale market after reaching a certain revenue milestone. They carefully selected appropriate retail partners, ensuring the brand fit and maintaining their status as the top-selling sock brand in every store they entered. While primarily D2C-focused, they've recognized the value of being present where customers shop, gradually expanding into various channels without diverting too many resources from their core business.6.    Product Distribution Strategy: Dave Heath emphasizes a focus on strategic distribution channels like Nordstrom rather than vending machines, as the latter may not significantly impact Bombas' growth due to low sales volume.7.    Brand Strategy & Collaborations: Bombas values collaborations that align with their mission. Dave highlights partnerships with Sesame Street, Disney princesses, and LGBTQ+ initiatives, showcasing the brand's commitment to giving back and staying mission-driven.8.    Marketing Approach: Bombas employs a multi-channel marketing strategy, using various platforms like TV (including connected TV), Facebook, Google, and more. They leverage different channels to reach diverse audiences, considering each channel's effectiveness for specific demographics.9.    Competition Perspective: Bombas sees larger commodity incumbents like Hanes, Fruit of the Loom, and Gildan as primary competitors. They aim to capture market share from these established brands by positioning Bombas as a premium mass-market brand known for comfort and quality.10. Tech Integration: While Bombas utilizes technology, such as AI tools for customer service and site merchandising, they prioritize being an apparel company that uses technology, not a technology-driven company. They cautiously approach integrating tech, focusing on customer experience and efficiency without compromising their core values. 

LaSean Smith is a business creator and software developer. He helps people predictably navigate their entrepreneurial journey. After spending over a decade as a software executive at Amazon and Microsoft, he uncovered patterns to use process as a tool to win in business more often. He's applied his toolkit to start new businesses, produce feature films, and turn around struggling businesses. He's consulted a wide range of clients, including Electronic Arts, Sony, T-Mobile, Target, TOMS Shoes, and Warner Brothers Studios. His expertise in artificial intelligence, behavioral economics, and systems engineering creates a unique talent stack for solving many of today's most challenging business problems. He's been fortunate to help launch products that have found their way into the hands of millions of people. LaSean is also the author of Value-Based Business Design. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is a remarkable conversation with Blake Mycoskie, serial entrepreneur, philanthropist, and best-selling author. Blake graduated from the Hoffman Process in 2017. Before his Process, Blake had been a hard-driving athlete and a highly successful entrepreneur. He came to the Process because life had suddenly become more complex for him. He felt 'untethered' on the heels of a lot of recent life changes. Often old patterns make it hard to move with the change that comes, even when we've chosen those changes. Blake felt a lot of resistance at the beginning of his Process. He knew that he had achieved great success in the world and believed that his patterns had helped him get there. However, through the Process, with the guidance of his teacher, Blake eventually came to see that his patterns were keeping him from living a truly authentic life guided by his Spiritual Self. Since graduating, Blake has sent many friends to the Process, as well as hundreds of people he didn't know personally but supported financially to attend. As you'll discover, Blake vulnerably shares the truth of what he is experiencing in his life right now. He tells us that the Process was his jumping off place into spiritual work. After he graduated, he began to do many retreats and became active in the world of plant medicine. As you'll hear, Blake is in the immediate experience of a deeper call to go within. He refers to this moment in his life as a dark night of the soul. Blake knows something is here for him and he's determined to live following his Spiritual Self no matter where it takes him, despite how uncomfortable this is. We hope you enjoy this profound conversation with Blake and Sharon. Discover more about Blake Mycoskie: Blake Mycoskie is a serial entrepreneur, philanthropist, and best-selling author most known for founding TOMS Shoes and is the person behind the idea of One for One®, a business model that helps a person in need with every product purchased. A simple idea grew into a global movement:  While traveling in Argentina in 2006, Blake witnessed the hardships faced by children growing up without shoes. His solution to the problem was simple, yet revolutionary: to create a for-profit business that was sustainable and not reliant on donations. Blake's vision soon turned into the simple business idea that provided the powerful foundation for TOMS. Since its inception, TOMS Shoes has provided almost 96 million pairs of shoes to children around the globe. Blake's latest philanthropy passion has taken him into the world of psychedelics.   He's giving about 25% of his net worth to support research into the medical and mental health potential of psychedelic drugs. Born and raised in Texas, Blake currently resides in Marin County with his wife, kids, dog, and cat.  In his free time, you can find him outside enjoying nature. Discover more about Blake here. https://media.blubrry.com/the_hoffman_podcast/content.blubrry.com/the_hoffman_podcast/Sharon_and_Blake_Mycoskie_Podcast.mp3 As mentioned in this episode: Blake's adopted son, Wubetu Blake mentions his adopted son Wubetu and an article. Read the story of how Blake and Wubetu met and the amazing journey Wubetu took to reconnect with Blake and open his life to something new. Venture Capital Psychedelic medicine •  Psychedelic vs. Plant medicine Dark night of the soul Hoffman terminology mentioned in this episode: The Negative Love Syndrome:  •  To find out more about the Negative Love Syndrome, download A Path to Personal Freedom and Love. Hoffman Tools: •  Vicious Cycle •  Right Road Self-compassion: Based on work from Dr. Kristin Neff and Chris Germer, PhD, there are two types of self-compassion. Listen to Kristin Neff on the Hoffman Podcast. Listen to Chris Germer on the Hoffman Podcast.

New free masterclass: Three Secrets from an Energy Worker to Create a Home and Life You Love - https://www.brendawinkle.com/3secrets In this episode of "Your Yes Filled Life", host Brenda Winkle discusses the concept of a soul's mission and its importance in guiding decision-making and actions. She shares her personal journey of rediscovering her soul's mission and the impact it had on her life. Brenda also introduces her new masterclass series "Three Secrets from an Energy Worker to Create a Life and Home You Love", aimed at helping listeners align their energy with their soul's mission. Here are the takeaways... A mission statement guides your actions, how you spend money or time Your soul's mission is your purpose, the thing that really lights you up. Signs of living congruent to one's soul's mission are ease and abundance, time disappearing, the work doesn't feel like work and you'd do it for free, and it feels so fun to think about the mission of your soul. Signs you might be out of alignment include worrying, feeling stuck, experiencing decision fatigue or seeking comfort. You might have the sensation you know there is something more for you. You might be questioning things and have an exhaustion sleep can't help. The number one way to make sure you are aligned with your soul's mission is to shift the energy. Time Stamps Finding Bentley's Approval (00:01:13)Brenda talks about her puppy Bentley and how he has grown, creating new challenges and opportunities for her. Understanding Mission Statements (00:02:29)Brenda explains what a mission statement is and how it guides decision making and actions in various aspects of life. Living Congruent to Your Soul's Mission (00:08:15)Brenda discusses the importance of living in alignment with one's soul's mission, how it brings ease and abundance, and shares her own mission statement. Finding Your Soul's Mission (00:12:03)Exploring the frustration, questioning, and exhaustion that can arise when you lose sight of your soul's mission and the importance of reconnecting with it. Losing Sight of Your Soul's Mission (00:13:13)Discussing the discomfort and unease that can arise when you move away from your soul's mission due to external influences and the impact it can have on your alignment and success. The Power of Energy and Alignment (00:15:58)Highlighting the consequences of trying to change your soul's mission language to fit in and be more appealing, and the importance of staying true to your own alignment and energy to achieve success. The clutter and its impact (00:24:30)Explanation of how physical clutter affects mental and emotional clutter, and its impact on living into one's soul's mission. Shifting energy to align with soul's purpose (00:25:45)The importance of shifting energy to align with one's soul's purpose and how it can change one's life. Masterclass series announcement (00:27:01)Announcement of a new masterclass series called "Three Secrets from an Energy Worker to Create a Life and Home You Love" with three different time options for registration. Keywords: podcast, Your Yes Field Life, Bentley, Brenda's puppy, Jane, Brenda's daughter's dog, fall season, recording, excitement, challenges, new addition, family, mission statement, decision-making, actions, world, examples, well-known companies, Coca-Cola, TOMS Shoes, brand, values, soul's mission, listeners, articulate, sentence, help others, find, reconnect, live, signs, congruent, ease, abundance, losing track of time, importance, staying true, consequences, straying, discomfort, lack of alignment, sales, revenue, energy, authentic, journey, rediscovering, Life Mastermind community, breathwork session, clarity, passion, ignite others, discoveries, support, reflection, energy, creations, protecting, tending, everyday tasks, decluttering, shifting energy, physical clutter, mental clutter, emotional clutter, hindering, clarity, purpose, letting go, space, new energy, yes-filled life, masterclass series, Three Secrets from an Energy Worker to Create a Life and Home You Love, audience, join, taught, schedules, time zones, content, teaching experiences, live, Zoom, interact, ask questions, learn, reconnect, soul's purpose.

In this episode of the Business Owner Breakthrough Podcast, hosted by Pete Mohr, we kick off a 10-part series called the "10 Pillars of Purposeful Leadership." Today, we delve into the first pillar: "Purpose and Passion."Here are a few things Pete covers:Purpose, often referred to as your "why," is the driving force behind your business. It's more than just making money; it's about the impact and transformation you aim to achieve.Passion, the emotional drive that gets you out of bed, fuels your excitement for your projects, and keeps you going. It's essential to keep it aligned with your purpose.Purpose and passion are like a compass and speed, working together to lead you where you want to go. Losing sight of one can lead to burnout and setbacks.Successful businesses, like Tesla and TOMS Shoes, are built on a strong foundation of purpose and passion, making a meaningful impact.To find your "why," ask simple questions: Why did you start your business? What impact do you want to make? Who do you want to serve? Keep your purpose aligned with your evolving business.It's time to take action: After listening to this episode, take a moment to reflect on your business's purpose. Ask yourself these questions and refine your purpose if needed. Create a visual representation, such as a vision board or three-word description, to keep your purpose clear and aligned with your passion. Share it with your team, suppliers, and clients to ensure everyone understands your vision.Remember, clarity of purpose and passion can be the catalyst for your business's success and fulfillment. Keep aligning them, and watch your business thrive.Support the showTo Book a no charge Freedom Call with Pete, to see if you're a good fit for his business coaching head over to http://speaktopete.com to find a time that works for you! To connect with Pete: Website: https://simplifyingentrepreneurship.com/Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/petemohr_coach/LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/petermohr/Email: pete@simplifingentrepreneurship.com

Tim Schurrer was the right hand to Donald Miller for almost a decade as COO of StoryBrand. During his time working at StoryBrand, as well as at TOMS Shoes and at Apple under Steve Jobs, he discovered a secret society of people who taught him a new way to define success that's counter to what culture is selling. For most people, success is within their grasp-they've just been looking for it in all the wrong places. Tim is on a mission to give them the map because everyone deserves a life and career they love. Tim lives in Nashville, Tennessee, with his wife, Katie, and their two kids. In this episode, Tim shares some gold about how to embody this mindset. The earlier we can learn how to think like this, the better off we will be! Buy his book here: https://www.amazon.com/Secret-Society-Success-Chasing-Spotlight/dp/B0985JXBNY/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=C3p9U&content-id=amzn1.sym.579192ca-1482-4409-abe7-9e14f17ac827&pf_rd_p=579192ca-1482-4409-abe7-9e14f17ac827&pf_rd_r=133-3258414-1905025&pd_rd_wg=9wHqK&pd_rd_r=6e3105f1-9f8c-484d-9df7-2416a2a96f3b&ref_=aufs_ap_sc_dsk Follow him on LinkedIn Here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timschurrer/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/hampton-dortch/message

About the guestFounder Jen DiSisto is a Manhattan native who brings with her over fifteen years of experience within the Music and Art landscape. This includes: celebrity assisting, radio promotions, public relations, book publishing and talent management. Two defining moments directed her career path: her job as the Art Department Coordinator at Warner Brothers Records & befriending iconic illustrator Alan Aldridge. Jen has collaborated with Art of Elysium, Bookmarc Marc Jacobs, Chronicle Books, Design Within Reach, Hennessey & Ingalls, Hard Rock Hotel, Hurley, Incase, Lipps LA, Legions of Bloom, LACMA, Taschen, Thompson Hotel Group, TOMS Shoes, The Marley Foundation, The Sundance Film Festival,  The Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center and The Museum of Monterey.Art DuetInstagram Must Have Tools For Visual Artists Resource link  Subscribe to the Art Biz Talk NewsletterApply to be a guest Ask a question for the show Become part of the community for professional visual artistsIf you're a late emerging or mid-career visual artist earning $5K or more a month and are ready to scale your studio practice, Art Biz Pro is the place for you. (Re) Emerging ArtistsStarting to build your full time studio practice and need a DIY guide with templates for your artist statement, Press Kit and pricing your art? Sounds like you need our Artist Starter Kit. CREDITSOriginal Music composed by Hillary Albrecht at Rhapsody on MarsArt Biz Talk is hosted by Andrea La Valleur-Purvis, Artist and Art Business Coach at Vivid Creative

Blake Mycoskie is a serial entrepreneur, philanthropist, and best-selling author most known for founding TOMS Shoes and is the person behind the idea of One for One®, a business model that helps a person in need with every product purchased.Born and raised in Texas, Blake now resides in Jackson, Wyoming with his family, dogs, and horses. In his free time, you can find him outside enjoying nature whether it is rock climbing, surfing, or snowboarding. Most recently, he's started a new company called Madefor to help you find specific things you could learn that would transform your daily life!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

LaSean Smith is a former executive at Amazon + Microsoft who is currently making his mark as a full-time investor and founder of Private Equity firm, CAGR Investments. He's on a mission to take what he's learned as an active solopreneur, big company executive, feature film producer, private equity investor, and software developer to help others win without permission.   00:36: About LaSean Smith and his journey.  LaSean is a seasoned technology executive who has worked on some of the largest consumer technology products in the world. He began his career in the US Navy, built his software engineering and user experience skills at early-stage startups, and helped pioneer entertainment services on mobile phones. He's also founded multiple companies and worked as a consultant for clients that include Cablevision, Electronic Arts, Sony, T-Mobile, Target, TOMS Shoes and Warner Brothers Studios. He managed the Windows Experiences business design team at Microsoft and helped build products across factors that include AR/VR, game consoles, mobile and PC. He's been fortunate to help launch products that have found their way into the hands of millions of people. His quest continues to fill the world with fresh ideas, new sounds, bold images, and captivating experiences. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tbcy/support

Today's unfiltered truth comes from my guest, Ian Stewart, the CMO of Wedge Brands. Wedge Brands is a Private Equity firm run by surfers, who manages a portfolio of outdoor brands that includes Xcel Wetsuits. Wedge Brands has a unique model, focusing on providing back-office support to share across the brand portfolio, so owners can focus on growth, not logistics. This episode is a masterclass in brand building through e-commerce, from Ian who has done it his entire career. He's stood behind the most iconic brands of our culture such as Nike, Coca-Cola, Converse, TOMS Shoes and MTV. Don't miss this conversation where we discuss how to fix your abandon cart rates and convert more customers in the sales funnel. We also digress and touch upon what makes surfing a “Zen” activity. Some highlights of what we cover: How Wedge Brands helps build businesses for the long-term How Ian applies his iconic expertise to the brand portfolio The importance of being a patient and consistent marketer Successful blocking and tackling tactics of an e-commerce business   About Ian Stewart: Ian Stewart is the CMO of Wedge Brands, a private equity firm managing a portfolio of surf and snow brands that includes Xcel Wetsuits. Prior to Wedge, Ian was the CMO of TOMS Shoes, VP Marketing UGG, and VP Marketing Converse. Ian has also worked in marketing roles at MTV and Coca-Cola.   Connect with Ian on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iansb77/ Check out Xcel Wetsuits here: https://xcelwetsuits.com/  Check out here: https://wedgebrands.com/   If you're a brand looking for market differentiation but don't know where to begin, this is what the host specializes in. Contact Jacqueline Lieberman at her marketing consultancy www.brandcrudo.com or jacqueline@brandcrudo.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chief Brand Officer Amy Smith talks about Toms' mental health awareness campaign and its Pride Month collection

Joining us on the Hardwick Life Podcast today is Pat Dossett. Our guest today spent 9 years serving as a Navy SEAL, before earning an MBA from the Wharton School of Business. Pat Dossett is the President and CEO of a really cool new company called Madefor that he founded with Blake Mycoskie, who is also the founder of the pioneering buy-one-give-one brand TOMS Shoes. Over the course of two years, Pat and Blake met with neuroscientists, psychiatrists, physical therapists, life coaches, and wellness experts to create a ten-month that uses neuroscience to help people transform themselves. Madefor's mission is “to elevate your mental and physical baselines while cultivating a mindset that allows you to achieve everything you are truly made for.” In this podcast episode we discuss: The Madefor Method: https://www.amazon.com/Madefor-Method-step-step-world-renowned-ebook/dp/B0BW52YWX9/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1FOLAZ9ZDPIFT&keywords=the+made+for+method&qid=1676862602&sprefix=%2Caps%2C131&sr=8-1 What is your why and your identity? Fixating less on the negative habit and focus on the positive things

Are you looking to boost creativity and get inspired? In this Live Greatly Podcast episode Kristel Bauer sat down with Paige Mycoskie, Founder and President of the 1970's inspired California lifestyle brand, Aviator Nation, for a behind the scenes look into how Aviator Nation got started, how Paige boosts creativity, her unique take on company culture as well as how she manages stress and finds inner balance. Tune in now! Key Takeaways from This Episode: A look into how Aviator Nation got started How Paige went from working at a surf shop to being the founder of Aviator Nation What Paige does do to boost creativity A look into Paige's leadership style How Paige finds inner balance and manages stress Why Aviator Nation's clothes are made in America Fun things in the works for Aviator Nation About Paige Mycoskie: FOUNDER & PRESIDENT OF AVIATOR NATION Paige Mycoskie is an American artist, fashion designer, and businesswoman, best known as the founder and owner of the 70's-inspired California lifestyle brand, Aviator Nation.  Paige was named GQ Magazines Designer of the Year, one of LA Business Journals Top Bosses Under 30 and was featured in Forbes Magazine as one of the United State's most successful female founders. Born in Texas, and an avid athlete, she was a state Volleyball champion, and on the Arizona State University Water Ski Team all while attending the Walter Cronkite School for Journalism.  Paige began her career at Shape Magazine and shifted focus to freelance photography, video, graphic design, and branding. She developed successful campaigns in branding and commercials, including TOMS Shoes.  Paige then decided to create her own clothing line - sewing, dying, and designing each piece herself.   Her beloved brand, Aviator Nation, was established in 2006 with the focus to create quality Made in America clothing.  Another goal for Paige was to connect fashion with music while raising funds for charities and generating an awareness of our collective consciousness.  Today Aviator Nation is a multi-million dollar business with 16 store locations across the US – including event space Dreamland in Malibu and wellness studio, RIDE, in Santa Monica - and a factory in downtown Los Angeles that employs over 300 people.  The garments are still Made in America after 15 years and Paige continues to inspire other companies to push the limits on manufacturing local.  With a passion for philanthropy, she has worked with a variety of nonprofits including Charity Water; Surf Aid; Heal the Bay; The Flatwater Foundation; and Global Citizen with proceeds aiding in their ongoing campaign to end poverty. The brand also has partnerships with SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival; Lollapalooza Music Festival; and with John Mayer's previous concert tours. Website: https://www.aviatornation.com/  Instagram: @aviatornation @paigemycoskie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paige-mycoskie-17a9b56/  https://www.linkedin.com/company/aviator-nation/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AviatorNation/  About the Host of the Live Greatly podcast, Kristel Bauer: Kristel, the Founder of Live Greatly, is on a mission to help people thrive personally and professionally. Kristel is a corporate wellness expert, Integrative Medicine Fellow, Top Keynote Speaker, TEDx speaker & contributing writer for Entrepreneur.  Kristel brings her expertise & extensive experience in Corporate Wellness, Emotional Intelligence, Leadership, Mindset, Resilience, Self-Care, and Stress Management to in-person and virtual events as Professional Keynote Speaker.  If you are looking for a female motivational speaker to inspire and empower your audience to reclaim their well-being, inner motivation and happiness, Kristel's message will leave a lasting impression. Kristel would be happy to discuss partnering with you to make your next event one to remember! Speaking Topics can be tailored to fit the needs of your group. To Book Kristel as a speaker for your next event, click here. Website: www.livegreatly.co  Follow Kristel Bauer on: Instagram: @livegreatly_co  LinkedIn: Kristel Bauer Twitter: @livegreatly_co Facebook: @livegreatly.co Youtube: Live Greatly, Kristel Bauer To Watch Kristel Bauer's TEDx talk of Redefining Work/Life Balance in a COVID-19 World click here. Disclaimer: The contents of this podcast are intended for informational and educational purposes only. Always seek the guidance of your physician for any recommendations specific to you or for any questions regarding your specific health, your sleep patterns changes to diet and exercise, or any medical conditions.  Always consult your physician before starting any supplements or new lifestyle programs. All information, views and statements shared on the Live Greatly podcast are purely the opinions of the authors, and are not medical advice or treatment recommendations.  They have not been evaluated by the food and drug administration.  Opinions of guests are their own and Kristel Bauer & this podcast does not endorse or accept responsibility for statements made by guests.  Neither Kristel Bauer nor this podcast takes responsibility for possible health consequences of a person or persons following the information in this educational content.  Always consult your physician for recommendations specific to you.

Monique has a BA in fashion design, three startups under her belt (so she knows a bit about entrepreneur life) and has developed programming in partnership with companies throughout Asia and exciting global brands like PayPal, Burberry, Toms Shoes and Shopify. Bringing over 15 years of top-level industry experience in the areas of product development, entrepreneurship, branding, business development, and personal styling today, today Monique runs a successful personal brand consultancy while being a brand herself. When you work with her, you're getting a creative director for your brand. She will train you on how to clarify your messaging, build your unique brand personality and up-level your style profile so you can amplify your credibility in your industry and use your personal brand as a visual communication power tool. Monique is a breast cancer survivor and has grown an engaged community of over 15,700+ people on social media, while in remission. She is also the host of a 5 Star rated Podcast, The Juicy CEO, speaks on international stages and has been featured on Global television, in Entrepreneur and Elle Magazine, Bustle, and countless podcasts. In this interview Monique and I discuss the power of branding and how she defines it.  We talk about branding being what people say about us when we are not in the room and how this can lead to more visibility, trust and more income for entrepreneurs.In this episode we talk about:Monique's unique story and how her experience with breast cancer.How to get clear on your unique brand DNA and how this can help you stay top of mind with your audience.How to define your secret sauce and how this is the thing that will make you stand out in a crowded market.How your story is important to a memorable brand and how to know what story to tell.How to keep the end in mind when deciding what to do and say in your business.Steps to follow in building a impactful brand especially on social media.Connect with Monique:Mo'Mentum Retreat - https://www.juicybrandondemand.com/momentumInstagram: @moniquebryan_coThe Juicy CEO PODCAST Get her freebie!  5 PERSONAL BRANDING SECRETS EVERY BUSINESS LEADER SHOULD KNOW Connect with Jennifer to get more Clarity & Confidence in your Biz!Website: www.jenniferjakobsenlifecoaching.comInstagram: @jjakobsenlifecoachJoin my free Facebook group: Clarity to Cash for Female Coaches and Entrepreneurs10 Journal prompts to more clarity and more cashJoin my weekly Coffee Chat every Thursday at 12pm PST by signing up for free HERE.

Monique Bryan has a BA in fashion design, three startups under her belt (so she knows a bit about entrepreneur life), and has developed programming in partnership with companies throughout Asia and exciting global brands like PayPal, Burberry, Toms Shoes, and Shopify.  Today Monique runs a branding consultancy under www.moniquebryan.com and is the creator of Juicy Brand On-Demand Accelerator program helping entrepreneurs craft their story and visual identity to stand out from their competition. Monique shows womxn how to clarify their messaging, build their unique brand personality, and up-level their style profile so they can amplify their credibility in their industry. Monique is also a breast cancer survivor and has grown an engaged community of over 15,400+ people on social media, while in remission. She is also the host of a 5 Star rated Podcast, The Juicy CEO, speaks on international stages, and has been featured on Global television, in Entrepreneur and Elle Magazine, Bustle, and countless podcasts.  Her motto is, “Our personal brand is all we have, so it is your job to control the message going out about you. Follow Monique on Instagram @moniquebryan_co and Twitter @MoniquebryanTO or visit her website www.moniquebryan.com Retreat in Miami: https://www.juicybrandondemand.com/momentum Podcast: https://the-juicy-ceo-with-monique-bryan.simplecast.com  5 PERSONAL BRANDING SECRETS EVERY BUSINESS LEADER SHOULD KNOW (Includes FREE Workbook) https://www.moniquebryan.com/blog/branding-yourself-is-good-for-business

We've all daydreamed about quitting our 9-5 to pursue our dream job - opening a beachside bookstore, launching a clothing line, buying a bed and breakfast in New England - but what does it actually take to leave your job and make a plan to move forward? Tim Schurrer knows because he did it not that long ago. Tim was the right hand to Donald Miller for almost a decade as COO of StoryBrand and previously worked at TOMS Shoes and at Apple. When he realized he had dreams to become an author, he eventually quit the job he loved so that he could go all in. He joins me for a conversation about making the map from your day job to your dream job, creating a runway for your transition, and the brass tacks of what chasing your dream really entails. For more from Tim, check out his book that started it all, The Secret Society of Success: Stop Chasing the Spotlight and Learn to Enjoy Your Work (and Life) Again.In This Episode:Visit Tim Schurrer's website Discover how to enjoy your work (and life) again when you order Tim's new book, The Secret Society of SuccessTim Schurrer Book List:A Million Miles in a Thousand Years by Donald MillerTaking People with You by David NovakSoundtracks by Jon AcuffThe Alchemist by Paul CoelhoBook me to speak at your event or to your team!Check out the Finish CourseYou can get more info on the Soundtracks Video Course.Follow Jon on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and Facebook.Order Soundtracks, Jon's newest book available wherever you find quality books!

On this episode, we have on special guest Monique Bryan! Monique has a BA in fashion design, three startups under her belt (so she knows a bit about entrepreneur life) and has developed programming in partnership with companies throughout Asia and exciting global brands like PayPal, Burberry, Toms Shoes and Shopify. Bringing over 15 years of top-level industry experience in the areas of product development, entrepreneurship, branding, business development, and personal styling today, today Monique runs a successful personal brand consultancy while being a brand herself. When you work with her, you're getting a creative director for your brand. She will train you on how to clarify your messaging, build your unique brand personality and up-level your style profile so you can amplify your credibility in your industry and use your personal brand as a visual communication power tool.  Monique is a breast cancer survivor and has grown an engaged community of over 15,700+ people on social media, while in remission. She is also the host of a 5 Star rated Podcast, The Juicy CEO, speaks on international stages and has been featured on Global television, in Entrepreneur and Elle Magazine, Bustle, and countless podcasts.  Her motto is, “Our personal brand is all we have, so it is your job to control the message going out about you

Fedia Kourbatov is 23 years old and the founder of Baba Bags, a reusable bag social enterprise. Fedia founded Baba Bags in his college dorm room 2 years ago at the University of Oklahoma. Baba Bags' mission is to eliminate single-use plastic bag usage and give back to impactful nonprofits. In 2 years they have saved an estimated 50,000 single-use plastic bags from being used! Baba Bags currently are handmade, come with a lifetime warranty and come in 2 colors. Their green & white bag is partnered with Action Against Hunger and their orange & white bag is partnered with the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation. Each time the respective color is purchased Baba Bags donates to the partnered charity!   Today's Sponsor: Wondrium offers documentaries, series, lessons, how-to's, and more, on any topic you can imagine. Watch on any device and on the go! To get your free trial go to Wondrium.com/ASM   In this episode Marjorie and Fedi discuss: Starting a business with a social goal as part of its primary mission. The personal history behind the design of the Baba Bag and the people behind the handmade bags. The future of gamification as an earth-friendly habit-building tool. Valuable advice for any entrepreneur. Resources mentioned in today's episode: How I Built This Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-built-this-with-guy-raz/id1150510297 Sooner Innovation Fund - ********https://www.ou.edu/entrepreneurship/sooner-innovation-fund National Pediatric Cancer Foundation - ****https://nationalpcf.org/ Action Against Hunger - ****https://www.actionagainsthunger.org/ SCORE Mentorship program - https://www.score.org/find-mentor Evernote - https://evernote.com/ OpenIDEO - https://www.openideo.com/ Start Something That Matters by the founder of TOMS Shoes, Blake Mycoskie - https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/201230/start-something-that-matters-by-blake-mycoskie/ Connect with Fedi and the Baba Bag Team: Website: https://www.baba-bags.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsbababags/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itsbababags/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/itsbababags Connect with Marjorie Alexander: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asustainablemind/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SustainableMind Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asustainablemind/ Website: http://www.asustainablemind.com   Interested in sponsoring or supporting A Sustainable Mind? Visit our sponsorship page at ASustainableMind.com/sponsor!

Sophie and Jenna chitchat about Jenna's Jury Duty experience. Jenna then tells the story of the terrible and tragic murder of Mollie Tibbetts. Sophie explains the company TOMS shoes and their philanthropic efforts throughout the years. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/horriblyhappy/support

Tim Schurrer knows what it takes to build a winning team. He was the right hand to New York Times bestselling author, Donald Miller, for almost a decade as COO of StoryBrand. While there, he grew the business from $250k to $16.5mm in annual revenue and generated more than 20 million podcast downloads. Tim is also the host of Build a Winning Team podcast, where he offers listeners actionable advice from the top leaders in business. During his time working at StoryBrand, as well as at TOMS Shoes, and at Apple under Steve Jobs, he discovered a secret society of people who taught him a new way to define success that's counter to what culture is selling. For most people, success is within their grasp—they've just been looking for it in all the wrong places. Tim is on a mission to give them the map because everyone deserves a life and career they love. Tim lives in Nashville, Tennessee, with his wife, Katie, and their two kids. Website - http://SecretSocietyBook.com Instagram - https://instagram.com/timschurrer/ LinkedIn - http://linkedin.com/in/timschurrer/

Tim was the right hand to Donald Miller for almost a decade as COO of StoryBrand. During his time working at StoryBrand, as well as at TOMS Shoes and at Apple under Steve Jobs, he discovered a secret society of people who taught him a new way to define success that's counter to what culture is selling. For most people, success is within their grasp—they've just been looking for it in all the wrong places. Tim is on a mission to give them the map because everyone deserves a life and career they love. And he does so in his new book: The Secret Society of Success: https://amzn.to/3O8fWgO  You can even get the first two chapters for free at:  www.SecretSocietyFree.com Tim lives in Nashville, Tennessee, with his wife, Katie, and their two kids.   FREE "7.5 Steps to Achieving Extraordinary Goals" eBook: http://michaelaltshuler.com/download-e-book/ Facebook: http://facebook.com/MichaelAltshulerBiz Twitter: http://twitter.com/maltshulerbiz Please SUBSCRIBE and leave a review!

Spike Lee's "Do the Right Thing" was the spark that ignited the career of film/TV writer-director Amitabh Klemm, instructor at Script Anatomy. An award-winning, biracial filmmaker born amongst the cornfields of Iowa; Amitabh Klemm made his way to Los Angles by way of USC where he completed an MFA in directing. Most recently, he staffed in the writer's room for “#FBF,” a screen-reality feature film starring Ashley Judd, produced by Timur Bekmambetov. Prior to the pandemic, he broke into TV directing with an episode of the half-hour comedy “All the Way Black,” for BET. After film school, Amitabh directed and produced branded marketing content for clients like the Obama Administration, Sperry Apparel, TOMs Shoes, Focus Features, Complex Magazine, and Leonardo DiCaprio. He is a recipient of the Panavision New Filmmaker Grant and resides in Pasadena, CA with his wife and rescue dog, Skylar. Follow Amitabh on Twitter: @AmitabhKlemm Please Note: Interview recorded on December 2, 2021. Visit primary sponsor Script Anatomy on the web: scriptanatomy.com Buying Final Draft screenwriting software? Use this link to support the podcast: tinyurl.com/BuyFinalDraft. You can help with the ongoing costs of bringing these weekly podcasts to you by becoming a patron of the podcast – for as little as 25¢ per episode! There are many reward levels. CLICK HERE to find out more. Buy Gray's book for only $4.99! Look for it on Amazon – How To Break In To TV Writing: Insider Interviews. Didn't get your questions asked? Make sure you follow Gray on Twitter (@GrayJones) so you can get the scoop on who is being interviewed and how to get your questions in. Also check out our TV Writer Twitter Database to find Twitter addresses for over 1,200 TV writers. Find previous episodes and other resources at www.tvwriterpodcast.com.

Experimental research has been a perennial practice in the natural sciences, but social scientists have taken it up in recent decades as well. Randomized trials have been used to design policies aimed at increasing educational attainment, lowering crime rates, enhancing employment rates, and improving living standards among the poor. In his book, Randomistas, Andrew Leigh, an economist turned politician, tells the stories of radical researchers who uncovered what works and what doesn't using experiments. From finding a cure for scurvy to improving social policies, Andrew talks about how randomistas are changing the world. In this episode, he shares fascinating accounts of randomized trials and studies from across the globe, and the challenges of gaining acceptance for their findings. Learn from Andrew and Greg as they draw out key lessons from the book and their thoughts on applying these principles to real-life trials.Episode Quotes:Why does measuring the effects of social programs help address our society's problems?I don't take any sense of pessimism about our ability to change the world. Well, I think we ought to regard tackling problems such as long-term joblessness. As being as difficult as tackling health challenges like cancer, HIV. And we need to approach them not with blind ideology, but with scientific rigor. Discarding theories but not losing any of our passion for solving these big social problems.How do randomistas use data from randomized trials?So, I think the best randomistas are now moving away from whether a particular tweak works or not, to how do we understand the world? And the great thing about randomized trials, unlike natural experiments, is that you can design the experiment very precisely to test the theory.What can companies and organizations learn from Toms Shoes in terms of having a scientific method for its CSR programs, and do people support causes that take this approach?One of the firms that's most impressive in that space is Toms Shoes. Toms was founded with the notion that if you bought a pair of shoes in an advanced country, somebody in a poor country would get a pair of shoes as well. So, this wasn't corporate philanthropy bolted on, it was part of the model. And then, after that had been going for about a decade, they asked a team of researchers led by Bruce Wydick to evaluate using a randomized trial. What happened when a community received Toms shoes? And they found that, in general, those getting the shoes had other shoes beforehand. So, they were upgrading the shoes rather than getting their first pair of shoes. It didn't improve school attendance, and that it did increase the sense of dependency on outsiders. And Bruce has a lovely response to it where he says, “Many companies would have looked to bury that result, but Toms didn't.” They saw the result; they adapted, they moved from loafers to sneakers. They looked at ways of giving the shoes through the parents and the community and as incentives for school attendance, looking to improve their program rather than attack the researchers. If Tom's can do that for an evaluation which really struck hard at the very heart of their model, then I think anybody else should be able to do the same with the result that makes them uncomfortable.What have you learned from Obama's campaign in terms of connecting better with your constituents?There are all kinds of little ways in which you can just tweak what you're doing. And for me, that's a part of staying fresh. We should always be looking to learn. I'm always asking colleagues about their ideas on better connecting with constituents because we're in this world, Greg, of declining trust in politicians. And so, it's incumbent on all of us in elected office to be thinking about, how do we do better at connecting with the people who we represent? What are the platforms we can reach out through? What are the ways in which we can connect with people?Thoughts on experimentation, conversations, and reducing political conflictsThere are good amounts of evidence that encouraging people to have those cross-party conversations can make a difference. I'm surprised as to how many people think they're engaging in politics when they're speaking only to people who voted the same way as they did in the last election. If you want to change the next election result, you've got to find someone who voted one way from the last election and persuade them to do something different. That involves having a conversation with someone who might have different views than you. And guess what? That's the best way in which we've always done politics.Time Code Guide:00:01:19 How did he become interested in field experiments00:02:30 Thoughts on progress, discrediting bad policies and ideas, and discovery of new impactful policies00:04:40 Resistance to the use of experimentation in policies00:08:26 Why narrowly focusing on what works and what doesn't means missing opportunities to discover underlying mechanisms00:09:45 The Highest Paid Person's Opinion (H.I.P.P.O. Effect)00:10:33 Why testing something obvious is still important00:12:31 In randomized trials, where have we seen the biggest improvements in scenario policy?00:14:37 How do you respond to people who are not comfortable becoming experimental subjects?00:16:53 The cost of randomizing and not randomizing studies00:19:49 Thoughts on governments and universities having a centralized or explicit approach to experimentation00:21:39 When trying something new, should our existing practices and protocols be forced to go through a test as well?00:24:05 What have you learned in the areas of education and crime prevention that helped form your approach to making policies?00:26:13 Philosophical approach as one of the most effective approaches to policymaking00:27:11 Passion-driven in comparison to data, and result-driven policies00:28:50 Development as an area where a lot of this experimentation is happening00:35:03 High standards in politics and resistance to greater use of experimentation in the world of policymakingShow Links:Guest ProfileAndrew Leigh's Official WebsiteProfile on Australian ParliamentAndrew Leigh on TwitterHis WorkReconnected: A Community Builder's HandbookInnovation + Equality: How to Create a Future That Is More Star Trek Than TerminatorRandomistas: How Radical Researchers Are Changing Our WorldChoosing Openness: A Lowy Institute Paper: Penguin Special: Why global engagement is best for AustraliaThe Luck of Politics: True Tales of Disaster and Outrageous FortuneEconomics of Just About Everything: The Hidden Reasons for Our Curious Choices and Surprising Successes in LifeBattlers and Billionaires: The Story of Inequality in AustraliaDisconnected

Learn about TOMS' authentic approaches to corporate and social responsibility

Learn how you can stand out using authentic imagery for your business. In this episode you will learn:1-  Why are visuals more important than ever?2-  Why is the quality so important (stock is bad etc...)3- Why is authenticity key for good images?4-  Why do clients react positively to good visuals?5-  What are some bonuses if I have better imagery?GUEST INFO:Sam has photographed for some of the largest fortune 500 companies and household names in the world including, Chase Bank, Disney, GM Motors, Marriott, Children's Hospital of Orange County Honda, Moet-Hennessy,  Mazda,  TOMs Shoes, Habitat for Humanity, Capitol Records, Dentsu America, Bentley Motors, Wallpaper Magazine, The Broad Foundation,  Fast Company Magazine, Volvo, PG and E, Huffington Post,  America's Funniest Home Videos, Canon Cameras, Harper Collins and Time Magazine. Contact for Sam Diephuis 

On this episode:Atari. Sega. Nintendo. PlayStation. As video game systems have evolved, the way (some) of us play them has, too. A whole community of gamers now plays with one goal in mind - to beat the game as fast as possible. Ever wanted to be someone else? Or better yet, ever wished someone more attractive could live your life for you? You're in luck - there's an app for that! (Spoiler - it doesn't always turn out like you think it will.)Do you own a pair of TOMS shoes? The brand popularized the “one for one” charity giving model, but why did people stop buying them?Follow Commute:Instagram - instagram.com/commutethepodcast/Twitter - @PodcastCommuteFacebook - facebook.com/commutethepodcast***Episode Sources/Go Deeper:https://www.npr.org/2020/09/24/916167970/you-think-your-favorite-video-game-is-hard-try-speedrunning-ithttps://news.avclub.com/man-hires-hotter-more-successful-body-double-to-attend-1845632663https://www.businessinsider.com/rise-and-fall-of-toms-shoes-blake-mycoskie-bain-capital-2020-3

In this episode of The Yacht Stew Podcast, I speak with Lauren Wardley, founder of Ethical Yacht Wear. Driven by a desire to make a significant impact on the world, Lauren was inspired by the international success of Toms Shoes' One for One business model and 4ocean's mission to stop the ocean plastic crisis. She […] The post Managing TWO full time jobs, while changing the world appeared first on The Yacht Stew.

Our guest today spent 9 years serving as a Navy SEAL, before earning an MBA from the Wharton School of Business. Pat Dossett is the President and CEO of a really cool new company called Madefor that he founded with Blake Mycoskie, who is also the founder of the pioneering buy-one-give-one brand TOMS Shoes. Over the course of two years, Pat and Blake met with neuroscientists, psychiatrists, physical therapists, life coaches, and wellness experts to create a ten-month that uses neuroscience to help people transform themselves. Madefor's mission is “to elevate your mental and physical baselines while cultivating a mindset that allows you to achieve everything you are truly made for.” It's a really fascinating interview with a fascinating entrepreneur, disruptor and elite performer.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alistair Wickens is the CEO of Goscombe Group Limited. He is the founder behind one of the UK's most innovative housing companies, pioneering ways to leverage home-building as a vehicle to deliver powerful social impact, whilst addressing housing inequality using an innovative funding model originally deployed by TOMS® Shoes.

Blake Mycoskie (@blakemycoskie) joins us on this episode.Blake is the Founder of TOMS Shoes, Co-Founder of Madefor, and UGP Investor. He has been a significant part of UGP's growth and development, and in many ways guided us to where we are now. His passion to making a positive impact in the world and tackling today's mental health issues led to the creation of Madefor, a simple program that elevates mental and physical baselines to cultivate a mindset that brings an individual's best self to the world. In this episode, we dig deeper into the process behind his investment in UGP, his journey as an impactful entrepreneur, his thoughts on mental health and goal with Madefor, and adversity that helped turn an often negative experience to something positive.Enter Discount Code: MadeforUGP20 at getmadefor.comFollow us on Instagram: @urbangolfperformanceFollow Mac: @mactoddlifeFollow Leo: @leo_ugpWebsite: urbangolfperformance.com

In this episode, Jayme will continue his conversation with Stephen Trutter, the President of Ideal Practices and an experienced startup dentistry expert who has been a part of 650+ startups. Stephen has been instrumental in the acquisition of half a billion dollars in dental financing for dental startups all over America. They will dive into the R in the KRG framework which represents what a practice is Known for, Remembered by, and what they Give. Figuring out the KRG is the single most important thing an associate dentist can do when they're trying to set up a dental startup because it helps in shaping their entire private practice ownership career. The R is crucial in determining how a dental startup owner will be remembered even after they're no longer in the industry. It's about focusing less on equipment, flooring, and operation size, and more on the impact a dental practice can make on a community, because people don't remember equipment and flooring, they remember community  leaders who better the lives of others. In terms of the G in the KRG, an aspiring dental practice owner should ask themselves what they want to give their community. This is something that goes beyond the walls of a practice and a dentist's clinical skills, because it's about what a practice owner supports in their community. A great example of that is TOM Shoes and how their business supports people in need by giving away a pair of shoes for every pair of shoes that is bought. It's going to be another resourceful episode as Jayme and Stephen cover everything about the R and G of the KRG framework that will help any aspiring dental practice owner become a success in the industry.Key Points Discussed:Establishing balance for startup practices (01:02)The things that make practice owners happy in their ownership (03:00)What are you going to be remembered by within the community? (08:40)All the decisions you make for the rest of your career should be aligned with something (15:10)The value of being known more for your values than your products (20:35)How Nike loses when consumers understand the values of TOMS Shoes (23:00)Aiming for a cause that matters to you on a personal level to promote your practice (28:48)If it's not authentic, it will crash and burn (31:04)Aligning your gifts with something that doesn't look good to others when they visualize you, but what makes you feel good and authentic in your community (36:22)Demographics, proper funding, and real estate 101 (43:09)Additional Resources:The StartUp Crew Facebook Group For Associate DentistsIdeal Practices Websitewww.IdealPractices.com/13www.StartupDentistPodcast.com

With so many business models, which one should you choose for yours? In this special episode, we interviewed Murshidah Said from M&Z Empowerment, a social enterprise with offices in Singapore and Malaysia. She shared her journey as a fempreneur and her major shift that resulted in greater clarity for her business. You'll definitely enjoy this episode, so let's tune in! In this episode, you'll hear about: Murshidah's RM2 story Her Journey into Social Enterprise How She Chose this as a Thriving Business Model Key Takeaways 01:44 — How Murshidah Jumped from $0.20 to $5000 In 2-Weeks Murshidah had only RM2 (USD0.25) left in her wallet and nothing else. Her husband lost his job and they didn't have a place to stay. They needed money for their schooling daughter and have to find a way to get safe housing for her. She overcame the odds and stayed focus to meet as many people as possible for their business. 03:32 — How this Shift Lead to More Profitable Business Murshidah had a mindset shift away from profitability and more focused on creating an impact. That helped her see exponential growth in her business. 04:40 — Stereotypes Starts From Your Mind About YOU Murshidah taught herself to change mindsets, starting with breaking stereotypes from her own mind. That has helped her worked with prison inmates to male CEOs have a great mindset shift within themselves and their organisation. 06:20 — Social Entrepreneurship Will Experience a Boom If large companies like TOMS Shoes are exploring social entrepreneurship, so will startups and smaller businesses. If you are not adding a social impact element in your business, you will likely lose out. But above all, do it because of the impact it gives and not because of it's potential publicity. FULL TRANSCRIPT My name is Huda and I'm the founder of Fempreneur Secrets, an online community for women to start and grow their business. I created this podcast to inspire women from all walks of life to get started in business. They're all meant to be step-by-step so you can take quick action into your life and business today. Let's get started with today's episode. Today I have Murshidah from Love & Respect Transformation Centre. Murshidah a social entrepreneur and a corporate trainer. Hi, Murshidah. Thank you so much for being here. Murshidah: It's my pleasure. Thank you for having me. Huda: Maybe you can share a little bit about yourself and what you do. Tell us a little bit about your business? Murshidah: Sure. My name is Murshidah. I am the co-founder of Love and Respect Transformation Centre. I'm also a certified NLP practitioner, a certified law of attraction trainer, as well as a certified life coach. Everything has to be certified these days. Yeah. And I also run a company, a corporate training company called M&Z, it's an empowerment institute in Singapore and it's called M&Z, apartment centre in Malaysia. Huda: Who are your current clients and maybe you can share a little bit about where they come from? Murshidah: My clients are mainly from the government bodies in both Singapore, Malaysia, and also in Brunei. I also do have some clients from Indonesia, but they normally come to either Singapore, Malaysia to attend my training programmes. My clients also include a government linked corporations, as well as private companies, multinationals, Fortune 500 companies, SMEs, as well as manufacturing companies, yeah. Huda: For yourself, when you were starting out, was there any specific moments that made you realise that this is what you want to do? Murshidah: In 2001, my first business actually failed. And having paid all my debts in Singapore, I settled a lot of bills and all that, I had only two ringgit in my wallet and then nothing else. At that time, my husband lost his job. We didn't have a place to stay. We had a temporary place that we had only for two weeks and we had no money. So at that time, when I started to find strength, where can I get the money? I need to have a good school for my daughter. I need to get a safe housing for the family and I need to be able to generate some income in the shortest period of time. I started to meet as many people as possible. And the question I asked when I meet people, the contacts that I had at that time was not, can you help me? I have no money. The question I asked them was, how can I help you in your business?. And I asked a lot of people that question and all of them giving me ideas of how I can help them. And that was how I started being giving. I was like, okay, let's hook you up with this one. And then they made a sale and I got a commission. Whoa, and that was the first commission I got was 1000 ringgit and I say okay, from two ringgit to 1000 in a few days, within a week I got it. I was like, well, very grateful, but that was not enough for me to move out and find a nice place to stay. So I said I got to ask more people and within two weeks I got 20,000 ringgit and that's how M&Z started. Huda: What is the one thing that actually influenced you to be a fempreneur? Murshidah: I'm not a new entrepreneur. I've been running my business for 20 years already and I consider myself, yeah, a Fempreneur before. But that purpose was not clear. I was only focused on making money. Profitability. I didn't care about the business, I didn't care about knowledge or anything that I imparted or the impact that I left behind through my business. I was just concerned about money and when that business failed or I failed as an entrepreneur at that point in time, then I started to rework my whole mindset, my belief system, my intentions, and when I started focus on purpose, on giving, on adding value, my legacy, my impact, my social impact, that I considered I am a fempreneur. Huda: For yourself. Do you have any unique encounters when it comes to being a woman entrepreneur? Murshidah: Yeah, what I realise being a woman entrepreneur is sometimes we women, we tend to look at ourselves and we are very judgmental of ourselves. What if they cannot accept me? What if I'm a woman? What if I'm this and that? When I started to change my own mindset and I said, let's break stereotypes. First of all, stereotypes within my own head about myself. So that was when I started to look, I'm not just going to focus on women or participants. I'm not just going to do workshops for women empowerment. I was going to do workshops for everyone and that brought me to the Singapore prison, where I spent about six months there helping mindset change with the prison inmates, the male prison inmates. And I worked with COs who are male, all of them. It was a male dominant industry and that took me out of my comfort zone. Yeah. So I was first breaking my own stereotype about myself and from there I said, look, a woman can be training a group of men, a very senior men of all races, of all religions and we can empower them, we can lead, and that to me was so empowering. Huda: Are there any pillars of support that you have for your business or for yourself that you hold onto to be where you are today? Murshidah: For me, it's my faith, my family, my husband, my daughter. They push me to excel and I have good friends and I've got good business mentors who just pushed me at all the wrong places that I get to a higher level of awareness. Huda: How do you foresee the future of social entrepreneurship, say, in five years on the road?Murshidah: Social entrepreneurship is going to boom. Right now we have big names, entrepreneurs like even Richard Branson running social enterprise at the level of million dollars. Companies like TOMS shoes, has a one for one model. Every shoes bought will be actually giving shoes to a child from a developing country with no shoes. All these companies, multimillion dollar companies, it's already there and I foresee there's going to be more. Huda: How about M&Z Empowerment? Where do you see M&Z Empowerment in five years time? Murshidah: Doing more corporate training and also training more trainers to carry out our message because that would be our legacy. The message of love and respect is our legacy. Keep in touch with us. Follow me on Facebook, www.murshidahsaid.com. We also have other programmes listed on our Love & Respect Transformation Centre Facebook, Instagram. Any upcoming announcements. Keep in touch with us because we have programmes for people who are looking out for programmes that you can participate in. Huda: Is there any words of advice that you would like to give to our Fempreneur TV viewers, especially when it comes to the social enterprise industry itself? Murshidah: Focus on your intention. What is your intention and be very clear of your intention. Is it really for self or is it really to help people? So think beyond yourself when you are creating a social enterprise. Some people create social enterprise with their self in mind only to make themselves look good or to improve their brand. So all those things come with it. But when you have the right intention, your brand improves, your image improves, the profitability comes in, everything else will fall into place. Huda: Thank you so much Murshidah for your time. HOLD ON! Before you go, if you enjoyed this episode, I'd love for you to take a minute to leave a review on Apple Podcast. It will help me reach more people, and help me know exactly what type of episodes to produce for you. And when you've completed that, I want you to send a screenshot over to reviews@fempreneursecrets.com to receive a free gift from us! If you haven't already, follow us on Instagram @FempreneurSecrets or connect with us on our website www.fempreneursecrets.com. Keep learning and keep believing in yourself because the world needs an inspiration just like you. Till the next episode of Fempreneur Secrets Podcast. What do you think? I'd love to know what you think of this episode. Do you plan on leaving your full-time job soon to start your business? If so, where are you now in that plan? Share with me in the comments below! Here's How to Subscribe & Review Want to be the first to know when new Fempreneur Secrets episodes are released? Click here to subscribe in iTunes! If you've enjoyed this episode be sure to leave a five star review on Apple Podcasts. That will really help us so much to know what type of content to produce for you. #FempreneurSecrets Loving our podcast? I encourage you to use the hashtag #FEMPRENEURSECRETS to share with our community of Fempreneurs what you're inspired by. As a bonus, you'll get to go through all the posts to find women entrepreneurs who are in your similar industry — get inspired to collabore and go beyond competition. I'll be reposting some of my favourite posts too! Keep learning and keep believing in yourself, because the world needs an inspiration just like you. I'll see you in the next episode of Fempreneur Secrets — Empowering Women Through Business.

Have you ever wondered if Toms Shoes, child sponsorship, or de-worming interventions are really making a difference? Dr. Bruce Wydick,a professor of development economics at the University of San Francisco, shares from a researcher perspective about what kinds interventions are truly effective for holistic human flourishing. Dr. Wydick has a new book being released by Harper Collins in 2019 - The Shrewd Samaritan. His blog is http://www.acrosstwoworlds.net and he regularly writes for the World Bank blog, Christianity Today, and other publications. Dr. Wydick is interviewed by Rodney Green (World Relief). Show notes and links here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1q8fXJy3_chVHpFTzhq7xatf_GIZBGmlo/view?usp=sharing

College? 9-5 job? In today’s internet-driven world it’s perhaps more possible than ever to skip these and become an entrepreneur. I interview many of them and as an accidental entrepreneur myself, it’s a topic that’s extremely personal to me. It can’t be denied that the rules for success have changed since our parents’ generation. So how do we know how to guide our kids in a changing world? Enter Margot Bisnow, Entrepreneur and Mom Margot Machol Bisnow raised two sons who both grew up to be successful entrepreneurs (just one of her claims to fame!). Her son Elliot Bisnow founded Summit, an influential conference series promoting entrepreneurship, and her son Austin started the Indie band Magic Giant. The entrepreneurial bug bit Margot’s husband Mark too, but later in life, when he started his national newsletter company Bisnow Media at the age of 50. Margot herself, after 20 years in government and serving on the President’s Council of Economic Advisers, decided to capture her ideas about entrepreneurship and parenthood in her 2016 book Raising an Entrepreneur: 10 Rules for Nurturing Risk Takers, Problem Solvers, and Change Makers. Something’s up with this family! What did they do differently? Is there a “secret” to unlocking this kind of change-making potential? Parenting an Entrepreneur 101 The entrepreneurs Margot interviewed did in fact have something important in common: a parent (usually a mom!) who believed in them. For her book Margot took on the monumental task of interviewing over 70 mothers and their wildly successful offspring—entrepreneurs, activists, and artists like Eric Ryan of Method products, Robert Stephens of Geek Squad, Adam Braun of Pencils of Promise, Blake Mycoskie of TOMS Shoes, and Tom Scott of Nantucket Nectars. The result is a fascinating collection of stories from families (with a huge variety of backgrounds, social status, and means) who somehow ended up with kids who thought out of the box, weren’t afraid to fail, and went about success in a different way. So what’s the common factor among these families? Can parents do anything to create creative kids? As the mom of 6 kids, I’m hanging on Margot’s every word! In This Episode You’ll Learn: What an entrepreneur really is (and why we’d want our kids to be one … it’s not only about money either!) The lessons learned from interviewing over 70 entrepreneurs and their moms One trait all successful entrepreneurs had in common (hint: it has to do with moms!) Why you may not want your kids to follow your path in life … especially in today's world Reasons why helping your kids may hurt them in the long run What you should never praise (success) and the thing you should (hard work) The influence of birth order on future success as an entrepreneur Higher education: is it really the best path for today’s kids? How to get comfortable with risk-taking and change as a parent And, is it even legal to raise an entrepreneur today? (you’ll see what I mean!) Resources We Mention Book: Margot Bisnow,