Podcasts about top executives

Reinventing Retirement: The Future of the 401(k) w/ Ted Benna the Father of the 401k - AZ TRT S07 EP03 (285) 2-22-2026       Things We Learned This Week ·         The 401(k) Was Almost an Accident - A small 1978 tax provision turned into one of the most important financial innovations in modern history. ·         Regulation Built the Framework - The original law was only two pages. The real structure came later through Treasury rules and regulatory oversight. ·         Many Americans Still Aren't Financially Prepared - Nearly half the population lacks meaningful emergency savings — even with access to retirement plans. ·         Incentives Change Behavior - The Radish Plan ties savings to performance metrics, gamifies engagement, and may improve participation and retention. ·         Retirement Isn't Just About Growth — It's About Income - As you approach retirement, risk management and guaranteed income strategies become more important than aggressive growth.   Guests: Ted Benna, Benna 401K http://benna401k.com   Ted Benna, Father of the 401K, has worked in pension and retirement benefits industry for 60 years, and literally wrote the book on the 401K. He was a pioneer in the early 80s in designing the early 401K Plans, and then getting them approved by the IRS to be the model still used today.   Books:  401K Forty Years Later (2018) – history of the 401K 401K & IRA for Dummies Updated Version (2021)     https://radishplan.com/ An incentive-based model designed to help businesses retain top talent, increase profitability, and provide real financial security for employees.       Notes Guest: Ted Benna – Father of the 401(k) Topic: The Past, Present & Future of Retirement Savings Segment One: The Birth of the 401(k) The Accidental Revolution (1978–1980) ·         In 1978, a small two-page provision was added to the IRS tax code. ·         It allowed employees to defer compensation and receive tax advantages. ·         By 1980, Ted Benna helped launch the first 401(k) plan. ·         Designed for private companies (401k). ·         Government employees received the 457. ·         Nonprofits and schools had 403(b). ·         Individuals had IRAs. How It Changed America ·         Employees contribute directly from paychecks. ·         Employers can match contributions. ·         Pre-tax deductions reduce taxable income. ·         Created a culture of saving. ·         Today: Over $15 trillion saved in 401(k) plans. Early Challenges ·         Legal ambiguity at first. ·         Treasury had to create detailed regulations. ·         Oversight from: o    Department of Labor o    Treasury o    SEC ·         Subject to executive orders over the years. ·         New York Times coverage in early 80s accelerated adoption. ·         Ongoing class-action lawsuits and regulatory scrutiny. The Evolution Continues ·         Private equity now entering 401(k) investment menus. ·         Target-date funds continue to evolve. Segment Two: The Radish Plan – A New Model for 401(k)s The Problem Today ·         20–60% of Americans cannot access funds when needed. ·         Nearly 50% have little to no emergency savings. ·         Traditional 401(k)s are complex, costly, and burdened by red tape. ·         Many small businesses avoid offering plans. Introducing the Radish Plan ·         Employer-funded 401(k) model. ·         Incentive-based contributions tied to KPIs. ·         Similar to profit-sharing — not a flat percentage. ·         Rewards employees for hitting performance metrics. Real-World Example ·         Trucking company model: o    Custom incentives o    Performance-based rewards o    Visible progress tracked via mobile app ·         Gamified experience increases engagement. Why "Radish"? ·         The radish is one of the fastest-growing vegetables. ·         Long roots = deep savings foundation. ·         Visible incentives = motivation. Benefits to Employers ·         Helps recruit and retain employees. ·         Reduces turnover. ·         Saves on FICA taxes. ·         Tax credits available to set up plans. ·         Adoption agreement: 2½ pages (vs. traditional 20+ pages). ·         ~$1,500 setup cost. ·         SaaS platform integrates with payroll (Finch aggregation). ·         Lower software costs.

Zoro is done playing around and has one of his best battle moments to date. Luffy finally gives in and finishes Bellamy in order to finally lend Law a hand. Doffy is feeling confident, but Law is chipping away at his facade while Luffy handles the physicality. The last of the Top Executives fall. Only Doflamingo remains.Next Week: Episodes 725-730https://linktr.ee/goingmerrypodTHIS WEEK ON!!!! The Variant Vendetta Podcast...Villain Tier Listhttps://linktr.ee/VariantVendetta

AZ TRT 2.0 - Solving the Worlds Problems through Design w/ Celeste Wilson of Form180 - AZ TRT S07 EP02 (285) 2-8-2026       Things We Learned This Week ·         People Are Remodeling Instead of Moving With rising home and land prices, homeowners are choosing to invest in their current homes—upgrading, expanding, and modernizing rather than starting over somewhere new. ·         Home Offices Are Now Permanent—and Must Be Designed Intentionally The best home offices allow for mental separation from work, often through physical barriers, visual breaks, or designing the space to flex back into daily living when the workday ends. ·         Wellness Is Driving Modern Home Design From smart lighting and steam showers to home gyms and better airflow, wellness is no longer a "nice to have"—it's a core design principle. ·         Lighting Directly Affects How a Home Feels Natural light, smart lighting systems, skylights, and color temperature all impact mood, energy, and subconscious comfort. Good lighting can completely transform older homes. ·         Great Design Starts With How People Actually Live Understanding family habits, entertaining style, pets, physical needs, and daily routines allows designers to create homes that feel peaceful, functional, and truly lived-in—not just beautiful.   Guest: Celeste Wilson - Founder | Principal Designer  FORM180.com           FORM180 is a full-service boutique architectural interior design firm located in sunny Arizona. Striking the balance between meticulous detail and welcoming allure, every project is a curation of precision and unparalleled craftsmanship. From initial concept to completion, we specialize in transforming spaces into experiences. Designing interiors that tell a story, empowering the minds that reside there. Our passion lies in crafting interiors that are not only stunning but deeply reflective of our clients' unique tastes and aspirations. Every detail, every finish, every handpicked piece is chosen to elevate and inspire.       Notes: In this episode, we sit down with Celeste Wilson of Form 180 Design, a residential-focused architecture and interior design firm known for modern, desert contemporary remodels. We explore why homeowners are choosing to remodel instead of move, how wellness and technology are shaping today's homes, and how Celeste's background in commercial design informs her approach to transforming older residential spaces. Segment 1: Why Home Remodeling Is Booming Why people are staying put ·         Rising housing and land prices have slowed moving activity ·         Homeowners are choosing to invest in and enjoy their current homes and neighborhoods ·         Remodels and additions are often more cost-effective than buying new Reimagining older homes ·         Common projects include ranch-style homes being reframed from dated layouts into clean, modern designs ·         Focus on transforming older homes without losing their character Post-COVID lifestyle shifts ·         Home offices are now a permanent feature ·         Demand for flexible workspaces that can transition back into living space ·         Importance of separating work energy from home life o    Physical or visual barriers o    Thoughtful placement and flow Wellness-driven design ·         Growing interest in: o    Home gyms o    Steam showers o    Wellness-focused layouts ·         Use of smart lighting and technology to enhance mood, circadian rhythm, and comfort ADUs & additions ·         Auxiliary Dwelling Units (ADUs) as: o    Detached home offices o    Guest houses or mother-in-law suites ·         Design considerations for privacy, access, and energy separation Kitchen remodel trends ·         Creating efficient kitchen work zones ·         Dedicated baking areas and improved storage ·         Butler's pantries to keep messes hidden and entertaining seamless Form 180 Design focus ·         Residential design first ·         Spec design, architectural design, and full-service interior design ·         Integrating technology with design to support wellness and livability Segment 2: Celeste Wilson's Design Philosophy & Background Professional background ·         Architectural design blended with interior design ·         10 years in commercial design, including: o    Abercrombie & Fitch (retail store layouts) o    Restaurants such as The Melting Pot, Sushi Go, and North & Company ·         15 years focused on luxury residential design Client-first design process ·         Starts with understanding the client's: o    Family structure o    Daily habits and lifestyle o    Physical needs or limitations o    Pets (feeding stations, pet zones, practical layouts) Designing for flow and peace ·         Every item should have a place ·         Homes should allow easy movement and freedom ·         Design supports how families live, cook, entertain, and relax ·         Goal: a symbiotic relationship between people and space Lessons from commercial design ·         Experience retrofitting modern layouts into historic buildings ·         Applying those lessons to older homes: o    Working within constraints o    Preserving character while modernizing function Upgrading older homes ·         Common challenges: o    Lower ceilings o    Smaller rooms ·         Solutions include: o    Lighter paint tones o    Strategic lighting o    Monochromatic palettes o    Vaulted ceilings (when budget allows) Lighting as a design tool ·         Door systems to open walls and increase natural light ·         Smart lighting systems (e.g., Lutron) o    Match interior lighting to natural UV patterns o    Light impacts mood and subconscious behavior ·         Skylights, larger windows, and creative daylight solutions ·         Even recreating sunlight through advanced lighting systems Floor plans & privacy ·         Creating intentional separation within intimate spaces ·         Split floor plans for primary bedrooms ·         Secondary entrances for: o    Home offices o    Guest suites o    Mother-in-law units Key Takeaway Great design isn't just about aesthetics—it's about how a space supports your life. From wellness and workflow to lighting and layout, Celeste Wilson's approach blends architecture, interior design, and human behavior to create homes that feel peaceful, functional, and timeless.     'Best Of' Topic: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Best+of+BRT   Real Estate Topic: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Real+Estate-Construction-Land-Farming        Thanks for Listening. Please Subscribe to the AZ TRT Podcast.     AZ Tech Roundtable 2.0 with Matt Battaglia The show where Entrepreneurs, Top Executives, Founders, and Investors come to share insights about the future of business.  AZ TRT 2.0 looks at the new trends in business, & how classic industries are evolving.  Common Topics Discussed: Startups, Founders, Funds & Venture Capital, Business, Entrepreneurship, Biotech, Blockchain / Crypto, Executive Comp, Investing, Stocks, Real Estate + Alternative Investments, and more…    AZ TRT Podcast Home Page: http://aztrtshow.com/ 'Best Of' AZ TRT Podcast: Click Here Podcast on Google: Click Here Podcast on Spotify: Click Here                    More Info: https://www.economicknight.com/azpodcast/ KFNX Info: https://1100kfnx.com/weekend-featured-shows/     Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the Hosts, Guests and Speakers, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent (or affiliates, members, managers, employees or partners), or any Station, Podcast Platform, Website or Social Media that this show may air on. All information provided is for educational and entertainment purposes. Nothing said on this program should be considered advice or recommendations in: business, legal, real estate, crypto, tax accounting, investment, etc. Always seek the advice of a professional in all business ventures, including but not limited to: investments, tax, loans, legal, accounting, real estate, crypto, contracts, sales, marketing, other business arrangements, etc.

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  AZ TRT 2.0 - Cybersecurity, Ransomware, + AI Usage Guardrails w/ Gary Perkins of CISO Global - AZ TRT S07 EP01 (284) 1-18-2026         What We Learned This Week: ·         Most cyber attacks are preventable Basic controls, training, and awareness can stop the majority of threats. ·         Humans are both the weakest link and the strongest defense Ongoing education and awareness turn employees into an effective "human firewall." ·         AI will amplify cyber risk — for both attackers and defenders Organizations must adopt AI defensively to keep pace with bad actors. ·         Reputation damage often outweighs financial loss Brand trust is hard to rebuild after a breach, even if customers don't immediately leave. ·         Cybersecurity is no longer optional or technical-only It's a business risk, a leadership issue, and a shared responsibility across the organization.       Guest: Gary Perkins, Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) of CISO Global   https://www.linkedin.com/in/perkinsgary/   Gary Perkins is the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) for cybersecurity firm CISO Global. Prior to that he was the CISO for the Government of British Columbia in Canada for 10 years -- responsible for providing cybersecurity services in support of the province and taught undergrad and graduate students at the University of Victoria for years. He has over 25 years' experience in information technology, risk management, and cybersecurity. Prior to joining the BC Government, he worked in the private sector as chief of staff for security at TELUS and, earlier in his career, led teams responsible for incident response, operations, delivery, and architecture for both corporate and managed security services customers. A Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) since 2004, Perkins also holds an MBA from Simon Fraser University's Management of Technology program.       CISO Global Inc. (NASDAQ: CISO) operates as a cybersecurity, compliance, and software company in the United States, Chile, and internationally. The company offers security managed services, including compliance, secured managed, and cyber defense operation services; culture education and enablement; tools and technology provisioning; data, privacy, regulations, and compliance monitoring; remote infrastructure administration; and antivirus and patch management services. It also provides cybersecurity professional services, such as incident response and digital forensics; technical assessments; cybersecurity consulting; compliance auditing; vulnerability assessment and penetration testing; and disaster recovery and data backup solutions. The company was formerly known as Cerberus Cyber Sentinel Corporation and changed its name to CISO Global Inc. in May 2023. CISO Global Inc. was founded in 2015 and is headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona.   Key leadership includes:  Owner / CEO – David Jemmett  https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-jemmett/   Website: https://www.ciso.inc/     Podcast Overview Guest: Gary Perkins Title/Role: Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) Show Theme: Cybersecurity & IT Key Topics: Cyber breaches, human risk, AI, ransomware, training, OSINT (Open Source Intelligence), security planning Organized Podcast Notes Segment 1: The Reality of Cyber Threats Today ·         Over the last several years, major corporations such as Target, Home Depot, and Wells Fargo have experienced high-profile cyber breaches. ·         No company is immune — size and brand do not provide protection. ·         Organizations must "find religion on security" and treat cybersecurity as a core business function. ·         A company's brand, trust, and reputation are always on the line after a breach. ·         The average cost of a cyber breach is often cited around $4.8 million. ·         Cyber insurance is now common, but insurers require proof that companies are actively managing security risks. ·         When a breach occurs, companies must notify customers and disclose what data was compromised. ·         Consumers are becoming desensitized to breach notifications; switching providers can feel too costly or inconvenient. ·         The good news: up to 80% of cyber threats are preventable with basic controls. ·         Most attacks are not sophisticated: o    Simple phishing scams o    Credential theft o    Insider mistakes or manipulation ·         Companies need: o    Internal security controls o    Point solutions for cybersecurity o    Regular employee alerts about phishing attempts ·         The human firewall is the most critical defense ·         Best practices include: o    Multi-factor authentication (MFA) o    Disconnected/offline backups to recover from ransomware ·         Ransomware payments are common, but organizations should learn from past breaches and have a clear detection and response plan. Segment 2: Gary Perkins' Background & the Role of Training ·         Gary spent: o    9 years working for the British Columbia government o    20+ years in the telecommunications industry ·         Extensive experience in compliance, training, and risk management ·         Strong advocate for mandatory cybersecurity training: o    Minimum: once per year o    Ideal: quarterly reminders ·         Employees should receive clear manuals and guidance for: o    Email security o    Outlook usage o    Identifying suspicious links ·         Many small and mid-sized businesses (20–50 employees) lack in-house IT teams and rely on outsourced IT/security providers. ·         Cyber attacks persist because they work — attackers exploit human behavior. Segment 3: AI, Phishing, and the Future of Cyber Attacks ·         Cyber attacks will remain simple as long as simplicity continues to succeed. ·         Artificial Intelligence will increase both frequency and scale of attacks. ·         AI systems can learn from every successful breach. ·         Phishing emails are expected to: o    Become more convincing o    Eliminate spelling and grammar errors over time ·         While AI still has flaws, generative AI will improve rapidly. ·         Defensive teams must also adopt AI because bad actors already have. ·         Society has traded convenience for risk: o    Online banking o    Social media o    Credit cards o    Email and mobile devices ·         Most people underestimate how much personal data is publicly available. ·         Recommendation: o    Google yourself using quotation marks o    Understand what information is visible ·         Even more data may exist on the dark web without your knowledge. ·         Threat actors often hijack accounts and use trusted contacts to spread scams. ·         Use a secure password manager and rotate passwords regularly. Segment 4: AI Guardrails & What's Coming Next ·         AI usage must have clear guardrails: o    Approved vs. unapproved tools o    Cloud-based AI services need governance ·         AI platforms (including ChatGPT) are online and accessible, making data exposure a real concern. ·         Companies should: o    Run AI searches on themselves o    See what public information is already available ·         Technology advancement will continue at an accelerated pace: o    Artificial Intelligence o    Quantum computing o    Robotics ·         Organizations must stay proactive and continuously update their cybersecurity strategies.     Biotech Shows: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Biotech-Life+Sciences-Science   AZ Tech Council Shows:  https://brt-show.libsyn.com/size/5/?search=az+tech+council *Includes Best of AZ Tech Council show from 2/12/2023   Tech Topic: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Tech-Startup-VC-Cybersecurity-Energy-Science  Best of Tech: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/size/5/?search=best+of+tech   'Best Of' Topic: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Best+of+BRT      Thanks for Listening. Please Subscribe to the AZ TRT Podcast.     AZ Tech Roundtable 2.0 with Matt Battaglia The show where Entrepreneurs, Top Executives, Founders, and Investors come to share insights about the future of business.  AZ TRT 2.0 looks at the new trends in business, & how classic industries are evolving.  Common Topics Discussed: Startups, Founders, Funds & Venture Capital, Business, Entrepreneurship, Biotech, Blockchain / Crypto, Executive Comp, Investing, Stocks, Real Estate + Alternative Investments, and more…    AZ TRT Podcast Home Page: http://aztrtshow.com/ 'Best Of' AZ TRT Podcast: Click Here Podcast on Google: Click Here Podcast on Spotify: Click Here                    More Info: https://www.economicknight.com/azpodcast/ KFNX Info: https://1100kfnx.com/weekend-featured-shows/     Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the Hosts, Guests and Speakers, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent (or affiliates, members, managers, employees or partners), or any Station, Podcast Platform, Website or Social Media that this show may air on. All information provided is for educational and entertainment purposes. Nothing said on this program should be considered advice or recommendations in: business, legal, real estate, crypto, tax accounting, investment, etc. Always seek the advice of a professional in all business ventures, including but not limited to: investments, tax, loans, legal, accounting, real estate, crypto, contracts, sales, marketing, other business arrangements, etc.  

Premise In this podcast episode, we host India's biggest and best Executive Coach Shital Kakkar Mehra. She has trained more than 1000 CxO's and more than 40000 leaders about how to develop their executive presence. We talk about how the we lead and what is expected from us shifts as we continue to grow in our careers and what makes us successful early in our career is no longer enough when we become managers (managing people) and it changes again, when we start leading managers and agains shifts when we start leading functions and organisations. Apart from all the technical skills and the ability to make decisions and lead their team, we all also need what is called "Executive Presence". Let's figure out what it is and how can one go about developing it within ourselves. Lessons from the Conversation 1. The Invisible Ceiling In the high-stakes world of executive leadership, the ascent to the top is frequently compared to climbing Mount Everest. Reaching the "Base Camp" of your career requires physical stamina, technical aptitude, and raw motivation. However, as any seasoned strategist will tell you, the skills required to reach Base Camp are fundamentally insufficient for the final push to the Summit. To reach the peak—the C-suite—leaders must pivot from reliance on technical expertise to the mastery of "Executive Presence." This is the intangible "X-Factor" that distinguishes a high-performing manager from a true leader. Without it, even the most brilliant minds hit an invisible ceiling, possessing the data but lacking the gravitas to influence the board. 2. The "Hygiene Factor" Fallacy At senior levels, technical brilliance and intellectual capability are no longer competitive advantages; they are "hygiene factors." Much like basic cleanliness in a hospital, these traits are expected baseline requirements. They provide the foundation, but "presence" provides the leverage. To diagnose where a leader's impact is stalling, we utilize the POISE formula. This framework treats leadership as an iceberg: while 90% of your value (technicality) lies beneath the surface, the 10% that is visible (physicality) is what dictates whether others are willing to dive deeper. P – Physical Presence: The visual semiotics of leadership. Packaging and body language serve as the primary point of visibility, signaling readiness and authority. O – Online Presence: Your digital equity. This encompasses how you project authority on screen, in digital communications, and across professional social networks. I – Influencer Skills: The bedrock of executive maturity. This involves the strategic ability to say "no," the discernment to listen, and the emotional intelligence to navigate complex stakeholder landscapes. S – Stage Presence: The "General's Skill." Historically, battles were won not just by army size, but by a leader's ability to communicate a vision that galvanized the ranks. E – Engagement Presence: Relationship capital. The intentional building of networks within and outside the organization to ensure visibility, which remains the primary driver of opportunity. 3. The 33% Impact Tax: Why Your "Camera Off" Policy is Killing Your Career In the post-pandemic landscape, leadership impact is governed by the Triple V Formula: Visual: How you look and the environment you project. Verbal: The specific vocabulary and syntax you employ. Vocal: The modulation and delivery of your voice. If you choose to keep your camera off during virtual engagements, you are effectively paying a 33% tax on your potential impact. In a remote environment, your face is your most mobile and expressive tool for building trust. Showing up "camera ready" is a signal of professional respect and interpersonal equity. "I'm not Fox Studios. I'm not calling you to launch your Hollywood career… just switch on the camera so that we can build a good working relationship... when you look like you're ready for business, it says, 'Of course, I respect you and I'm serious about my work.'" Shital Kakkar Mehra 4. The 30-Second Rule: Why Preparation Trumps "Winging It" There is a persistent myth in corporate circles that executive presence is impromptu and that either you have it or you dont. In reality, the most seamless presence is the result of rigorous preparation - Pre-meeting Research. A leader's success in a high-stakes meeting is determined in the first 30 seconds. If you establish context and confidence immediately, the remaining 29 minutes and 30 seconds flow with ease. To achieve this, adopt the "Newspaper Headline" approach: speak in punchy, high-impact bullet points first, then deep-dive into the details only when you have secured the audience's interest. True "impromptu" excellence is a performance. Much like professional comedy, which relies on hours of perfecting timing and scripts, executive presence is the result of anticipating tangents and preparing intelligent questions before the first word is spoken. 5. Death by PPT vs. The Performance of Leadership Traditional "Death by PPT" is a symptom of a leader who has failed to transition from a Subject Matter Expert to a Performer. Slides should be reserved for visual evidence—graphs, photos, or videos—never as a teleprompter. Once you take the stage, you are a performer charged with managing the energy of the room. The most critical, yet often neglected, tool in this performance is voice modulation: Volume: Use loudness for emphasis, but remember that a whisper can often draw an audience in more effectively. Pitch: Varying your high and low notes prevents the "monotone fatigue" that causes audiences to disengage. Tone: In both professional and personal spheres, tone is the primary driver of conflict. Just as a large percentage of marital disputes are caused by how something was said rather than what was said, a leader's tone can either build a bridge or incite a defensive response. 6. The Evolution of the Alpha: From Autocrat to Cultural Steward The "Alpha" leader of the early 2000s—the autocratic command-and-control figure—is obsolete. Modern leadership requires a significant mindset shift, particularly for leaders in their 40s and 50s who were trained in a different era. Today's workplace often spans five distinct generations, each with varying expectations regarding mental health, empathy, and mutual respect. The role of the leader has evolved from being the primary source of value to being the "Guard" or Cultural Steward or a Facilitator for the flow of information and decision making. Your job is to ensure the team is cared for and the environment is psychologically safe so that they can deliver the value. Empathy is no longer a "soft skill"; it is a core requirement for retention and performance in a multi-generational landscape. 7. The "Silent" Skill: Mastering the Power of the Pause The ultimate hallmark of executive maturity is the ability to stop talking. It is a profound linguistic coincidence that the words "Listen" and "Silent" are composed of the exact same letters. The "Power of the Pause" allows for perspective. It gives your audience time to process your "newspaper headlines" and gives you the space to buy time and breathe. This intentionality is what transforms a person into a brand. Every leader must recognize that they are the CEO of their own personal brand, and every brand requires strategic investment, promotion, and consistent visibility to remain relevant. Reflection and the pause lead to intentionality. Are you currently content remaining at the Base Camp, or are you ready to begin the specialized training required for the Summit? In Conclusion In conclusion, I would say that every stage of the leadership ladder (individual contributor, managing people, managing managers, managing functions and managing organisations) each require new skills to be learnt, in addition to what we have already mastered at the existing level. One that that becomes even more critical is our ability to show up and be seen, heard and trusted by the teams that we lead. Building a strong executive presence goes a long way in achieving this. You can watch the entire conversation on YouTube here. https://youtu.be/-rW0SgP9LxU

  Pickelball & the Growth of Sports Enterprises & Investment w/ Evan Floersch of the Texas Ranchers Pickleball Team - AZ TRT S06 EP21 (283) 11-23-2025           What We Learned This Week: 1. Pickleball is now fully professionalized with a unified league structure. The merger of PPA + MLP created a stable, closed league system with real team economics, structured seasons, and national distribution. 2. Media partnerships are accelerating the sport's visibility. Pickleball now has a dedicated channel, plus national TV exposure on CBS and Fox—putting it in the same conversation as traditional sports. 3. Austin is becoming a major sports & tech hub fueling this growth. With Meta, Apple, Oracle, UT Austin, F1, MLS, and huge tourism, Austin is the perfect environment for emerging sports franchises. 4. Sports franchises are now a serious investment class—not a vanity asset. Private equity has poured $30B into sports recently. Firms like Permian aim to operate teams professionally, build value, and own multiple franchises across leagues. 5. The big opportunity is not just the sport—it's the stadium & real estate ecosystem. Sports districts (like The Battery or Wrigleyville) generate tens of millions by combining sports, entertainment, dining, hotels, concerts, and tourism. Pickleball could follow this playbook.         Guest: Evan Floersch– co owner Texas Ranchers   Evan Floersch is on a mission to redefine sports, starting with the 2 billion dollar professional pickleball industry as an entrepreneur, investor, and champion of change leading with a dynamic and forward-thinking passion. As the founder and CEO of the premier Texas Ranchers Major League Pickleball Team, he is transforming the industry while positioning Austin as a major sports hub integrating his passion for the city's thriving cultural arts and future tech scene.  In 2022, at just 26 years old, he made history as the youngest principal owner in sports by acquiring a controlling interest in the Texas Ranchers Major League Pickleball Team. Partnering with high-profile investors such as Lil Wayne, Scottie Scheffler, Kendra Scott, and NBA owner Dennis Wong, Evan is on a mission to turn the Ranchers into a global sports powerhouse. His long-term vision extends beyond pickleball—he has publicly committed the next phase of his career to elevating Austin, Texas, into one of the world's premier sports and entertainment markets. With its booming population, tech-driven economy, and untapped potential for championship-winning franchises, Evan sees Austin as the perfect city to build a lasting sports legacy.  A former All-American soccer player at Emory University, Evan's passion for competition and strategy extends to the pickleball court, where he plays regularly to better understand the game's evolution. While he grew up surrounded by Chicago sports, his true inspiration comes from those who have built or guided industry-defining companies, with books like Shoe Dog, The Innovator's Dilemma, The War of Art, and Relentless shaping his perspective on leadership, risk-taking, and disruption. Evan is an avid pickleball player and enjoys the fun and competitive aspect of America's fastest growing sport.  "Like great companies, a great sports organization isn't built by following the rules. It's built by questioning them, pushing past them, and creating something entirely new. The Texas Ranchers, and future sports franchises we helm in Texas, will win because we see beyond what sports are on the court or field."  - Evan Floersch, Founder and CEO         Texas Ranchers | Official Home of the Major League Pickleball Team  Texas Ranchers: A New Era of Sports Ownership & Global Fan Engagement   Who is the most valued high grossing sports franchise?  I bet you didn't guess professional pickleball did you? With pickleball exploding into a $2 billion industry and viewership surpassing major professional leagues, the Texas Ranchers are at the forefront of this revolution. By leveraging their brand authority and expansive network, they are attracting exceptional opportunities, captivating fans worldwide, and redefining what it means to be part of a professional sports franchise.   The Texas Ranchers Major League Pickleball Team is proving that ownership isn't just for high wealth individual ownership—it's a collective force driven by business leaders, entertainment icons, and sports enthusiasts. By bringing together a powerhouse network of investors—including Lil Wayne, Scottie Scheffler, Kendra Scott, and NBA owner Dennis Wong—the Ranchers are revolutionizing franchise ownership, making it more dynamic, engaging, and accessible.   The Texas Ranchers aren't just the most followed franchise in Major League Pickleball—they're the highest-grossing and one of the most marketable brands in the sport. With top-tier talent, including men's and women's pro players like Christian Alshon and Tina Pisnik, the team is fueling a movement that extends far beyond the court.   "We are creating something bigger than a sports team. The Texas Ranchers represent a global brand, powered by diverse leaders in sports, business, and entertainment. Our goal is to redefine sports ownership and elevate pickleball as a premier professional sport." – Evan Floersch, Co-Founder & CEO   The Texas Ranchers' Pillars for Success  The Texas Ranchers are built on a foundation of excellence, innovation, and inclusivity—three pillars that drive the team's success both on and off the court:   Democratizing Ownership – Unlike traditional sports teams, the Ranchers have created a model where ownership is a shared vision, uniting top minds from sports, business, and entertainment to amplify reach and influence.   Elevating the Sport – The Ranchers are committed to advancing pickleball into a premier professional sport, with top-tier athletes, world-class coaching, and high-performance training.   Building a Fan-First Experience – Through innovative media partnerships, interactive events, and digital engagement, the Ranchers are revolutionizing how fans experience pickleball. This includes using the latest in online social and AI community building tools and brand curation.   Investing in Players and Women's Sports – With top shot male players Christian Alshon and Michael Lloyd and women pros Etta Wright and Tina Pisnik–the team is leading the charge in offering diversity and equity in the team. The Ranchers are ensuring that female athletes have the same spotlight as the male counterparts.   Expanding Global Reach – With a focus on international expansion, the Ranchers are growing pickleball's footprint worldwide, attracting new fans, players, and markets.    Lil Wayne — co-owner of the Texas Ranchers MLP pickleball team drops his first official fan-gear collection. From $14 to $85, the line delivers bold, game-day style for any pickleball lover. Great stocking-stuffers, everyday wear, and court-ready accessories.   "I've always believed creativity doesn't belong to one lane. I love the opportunity to express what I can create beyond music. I hope everyone sees the Wayne in this collection. And, I hope people in the pickleball community see the Ranchers in it, too. Together, we're evolving the game and working to bring new audiences into it.  This collection represents that mindset." Lil Wayne    Shop the full collection at Lil Wayne Collection   Photos of Texas Ranchers MLPs and Texas Ranchers Juniors wearing collection         Show Notes:   SEGMENT 1 — Pickleball & League Structure History & Origins Pickleball began in 1965. Modern league landscape: Connor launched the PPA (Professional Pickleball Association) Steve Kuhn launched MLP (Major League Pickleball) PPA & MLP have since merged. League Format Team-based structure 23 teams total Roster: 2 men, 2 women, plus 2 reserves Premier level: 1 male + 1 female draft slot 7 teams in Challenger league Closed league → No relegation or promotion like European soccer. Season & Competition HQ in Austin 2025 season: May → September 25 matches, 3 points per win Playoffs: quarterfinals → semifinals → finals Teams spread across U.S.: Dallas, NY, Brooklyn, NJ, Chicago, 2 in CA, 2 in FL Operations Hybrid expense structure Auction-style draft Teams bid on players Player drops, trades 3-year rights retention Allowed to drop one player per year SEGMENT 2 — Media, Background, & Market Context Media Distribution Pickleball TV on Amazon Prime + YouTube Matches also aired on CBS and Fox Sports Guest Background Former athlete (soccer player), originally from Chicago Tech & e-commerce startup out of college → exited Worked in men's health publishing Later shifted to sports; settled in Austin, TX Austin Market Advantages Tech hub: Apple, Meta, Oracle HQ move UT Austin, Austin FC MLS team Strong tourism + events: F1, ACL, SXSW Pickleball court basics: smaller than tennis, includes the Kitchen Broader Vision Cultural momentum for pickleball Potential global expansion and Olympic inclusion someday SEGMENT 3 — Sports as an Asset Class & Permian Sports Investments Sports Ownership Trends Private equity now active in major leagues including the NFL $30 billion invested in pro sports in recent years Sports teams seen as assets—not just trophies—now more professionalized Permian Sports Investments Focused in Texas Operates as a holding company with investors (GP/LP structure) Vision: own & operate teams; expand into: NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL MLS and Formula One Goal: deliver equity appreciation + revitalize stale franchises Early-stage, but attracting celebrity & athlete investors Team facility: Austin Pickleball Ranch (2,000 seats) SEGMENT 4 — Sports, Real Estate & Stadium Economics Sports as an Economic Engine Stadiums attract traffic, dining, entertainment, tourism Sports = "event economy" → People come early, stay late (5–6 hours total) Stadium & District Development Vision to build 8–12k seat stadium Sponsorships Multi-purpose events to reduce costs Real estate opportunity similar to: Wrigleyville (Chicago) The Battery (Atlanta) → $65M/year revenue Sports Digital & Physical Ecosystem Districts support: Restaurants, hotels, rideshare Entertainment venues (TopGolf, theaters, event spaces) MLP Tour comes to Austin once per year 6 teams compete over a weekend Draws meaningful tourism traffic         If you enjoyed this show, you may like:   BRT Sports:  HERE   BRT Marketing: HERE   BRT Business: HERE   More - BRT Best of: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Best+Of     Thanks for Listening. Please Subscribe to the BRT Podcast.     AZ Tech Roundtable 2.0 with Matt Battaglia The show where Entrepreneurs, Top Executives, Founders, and Investors come to share insights about the future of business.  AZ TRT 2.0 looks at the new trends in business, & how classic industries are evolving.  Common Topics Discussed: Startups, Founders, Funds & Venture Capital, Business, Entrepreneurship, Biotech, Blockchain / Crypto, Executive Comp, Investing, Stocks, Real Estate + Alternative Investments, and more…    AZ TRT Podcast Home Page: http://aztrtshow.com/ 'Best Of' AZ TRT Podcast: Click Here Podcast on Google: Click Here Podcast on Spotify: Click Here                    More Info: https://www.economicknight.com/azpodcast/ KFNX Info: https://1100kfnx.com/weekend-featured-shows/     Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the Hosts, Guests and Speakers, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent (or affiliates, members, managers, employees or partners), or any Station, Podcast Platform, Website or Social Media that this show may air on. All information provided is for educational and entertainment purposes. Nothing said on this program should be considered advice or recommendations in: business, legal, real estate, crypto, tax accounting, investment, etc. Always seek the advice of a professional in all business ventures, including but not limited to: investments, tax, loans, legal, accounting, real estate, crypto, contracts, sales, marketing, other business arrangements, etc.    

What do leaders do differently to create participation, ownership, and trust?In this episode of Women Leaders on the Move, Selena Rezvani, President, NextGenWomen LLC sits down with host Natalie Benamou to talk about how leaders shape their teams through everyday actions. This conversation focuses on what leaders say, how they listen, and what they do to involve others in the work.Selena shares examples from her bestselling book, ‘Quick Leadership: Build Trust, Navigate Change, and Cultivate Unstoppable Teams' and from her work inside organizations. Together, Natalie and Selena discuss how meetings are run, how responsibility is shared, and how leaders influence engagement by inviting people into the process.This episode is for leaders who want their teams to participate, contribute, and lead as equals3 Takeaways from ‘Quick Leadership':Leaders invite participation early. When people are included from the start, they stay engaged and contribute more consistently.Leaders ask before they answer. Pausing to hear others builds ownership and strengthens accountability.Leaders share responsibility. Giving others a role in leading meetings and decisions creates confidence and momentum.Memorable quotes from Selena Rezvani“If your meetings are silent, your people are managing you.”“It's not your job to have all the answers.”“Leadership shows up in small, everyday moments.”Try This One Thing: The "First 5 Minutes" RuleThe Insight: If people are silent at the start of a meeting, they often stay silent until the end. Selena shares that research shows if someone speaks in the first 5 minutes, they are significantly more likely to contribute later.The Action: Open your next meeting by asking everyone to answer a simple, low-stakes prompt before you dive into the agenda.What to Say: "Everyone, we're here to talk about [Topic] today. Before we start, I want to hear from each of you: What is one word that comes to mind when you think of [Topic]?"Why It Works: It breaks the "lecture" dynamic immediately and signals that this is a space for participation, not just listening.Keep shining your light bright. The world needs you.About the GuestSelena Rezvani helps people show up, speak up, and shake up the way work gets done. A Wall Street Journal bestselling author and LinkedIn Learning instructor, Forbes named her "the premier expert on standing up for yourself at work."She equips leaders to build confidence and cultures that lift everyone's voice. Today we're discussing her new book, Quick Leadership: Build Trust, Navigate Change, and Cultivate Unstoppable TeamsConnect with Selena:Website: selenarezvani.comBook: Quick Leadership: Build Trust, Navigate Change, and Cultivate Unstoppable TeamsLinkedIn: Selena RezvaniInstagram: @selenarezvaniTikTok: @selenarezvaniYouTube: Selena Rezvani OfficialAbout the HostNatalie Benamou is Founder of HerCsuite®, women's leadership network and portfolio career company. She also serves as President and CEO of HER HEALTHX, a nonprofit bridging the care communication gap and improving health outcomes for women.

«Es geht nicht darum, dass die Menschen mich sehen. Es geht darum, dass die Menschen sich selbst besser sehen», sagt Cristián Gálvez. Persönlichkeit, Rhetorik, Wirkung sind seine Themen. Mit Vorträgen, Moderationen, Bücher, Trainings, Coachings und Beratung schafft er wie kaum ein zweiter Wirkung - für andere! Von A, wie Audi, über B wie Barack Obama bis Z wie ZURICH-Versicherung. Als Redner widmet er sich den Themen Persönlichkeit, Motivation und Überzeugungskraft. Als Trainer und Coach verhilft er Top-Executives zu mehr Wirkung und Überzeugungskraft.

Retail crime seems to be at an all-time high in Victoria. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  Startups from Funding to Community w/ Daniela Santagelo of Freeway - AZ TRT S06 EP15 (277) 8-17-2025       What We Learned This Week: Freeway - Helping Startups - Talent • Capital • Community Talent Retention & Reinvestment are key to building a Flywheel Phoenix Tech Ecosystem is growing, but not yet mature Always need more VC Funding + Deal Flow Government Partnership as enabler for Tech     Guest: Daniela Santagelo https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielaalpert/ I'm a founder, startup ecosystem builder, and civic innovation partner working at the intersection of tech, talent, and community. Through my work with Freeway Phx, I help cities, startups, and global partners co-create thriving innovation ecosystems, starting in Arizona and building bridges worldwide. I believe that opportunity doesn't just happen. It's designed. That's why I focus on activating communities, cultivating tech talent, and building connective infrastructure that turns vision into velocity. My journey spans founding multiple companies including scaling a venture-backed startup to $33M in funding and helping grow it to a $100M business. I've also spent 15 years in the Moving & Relocation industry, which gave me a unique lens on talent migration patterns and the infrastructure needed to build resilient, people-first startup communities. Like many founders, I've experienced both the highs of scaling and the lows of setback. That reinvention shaped my sharper mission: helping founders grow and give back. ⚡️ I lead Tech Talent Summits that connect employers, educators, and jobseekers

  AZ Bio Week & Life Sciences Innovation w/ Joan Koerber-Walker - AZ TRT S06 EP19 (281) 10-12-2025   Things We Learned This Week AZ Bio mission to improve life and bioscience, & make AZ a Top Ten Bioscience state AZ Bio Week 2025 - Oct. - 5 Days Talks, Events & Awards AZ Advances - nonprofit donation to biotech startups Aqualung Therapeutics is treating inflammation in the lungs, get people off ventilators & save lives Calviri is working on a Vaccine to PREVENT Cancer, currently largest animal clinical trial Anuncia Medical has a Re-Flow product to help drain fluid from the brain, treats Hydrocephalus     Guest: Joan Koerber-Walker President and CEO, AZBio - Arizona Bioindustry Association, Inc. Chairman, Opportunity Through Entrepreneurship Foundation   LKIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joankoerberwalker  www.azbio.org Bio: As President and CEO of AZBio, Joan Koerber-Walker works on behalf of the Arizona Bioscience and Medical Technology Industry to support the growth of the industry, its members and our community on the local and national level. Ms. Koerber-Walker is also a life science investor and has served on the boards of numerous for-profit and non-profit organizations. In the life science industry, Ms. Koerber-Walker serves as as Arizona's representative to the State Medical Technology Alliance (SMTA), a consortium of state and regional trade associations representing their local medical technology companies which she chaired in 2015 and  represents Arizona as a member of the Council of State Bioscience Associations (CSBA) and the Coalition of State Bioscience Institutes (CSBI). Active in the entrepreneurial and investment communities, she also serves as Chairman of the Board of the Opportunity Through Entrepreneurship Foundation which provides entrepreneurial education, mentoring and support to at-risk members of the community, on the Board of Advisors to CellTrust, Inc. which provides secure communication technology to the healthcare industry, and as Chairman of CorePurpose, Inc. which she founded in 2002. Ms. Koerber-Walker has been recognized as Executive of the Year by the Arizona Society of Association Executives, as a “Most Admired Leader” by the Phoenix Business Journal (2015),  in the pages of AZ Business Leaders (2013 thru 2020), Most Influential Women in Arizona Business (2014) and is a 2 time National Finalist for the Stevie Award which recognizes the work of women in business. Her past experience includes two years as the CEO of ASBA (the Arizona Small Business Association), service as a member of the Board of Trustees of the National Small Business Association in Washington D.C., President of the National Speakers Association/Arizona, Chair of the Board of Advisors to Parenting Arizona, the state's largest child abuse prevention organization, & much more.         AZBio:  Supporting Arizona's Life Science Industry for 19 Years (2003 – 2022) Learn more about Arizona's bioindustry: www.azbio.org | Facebook: AZBIO |Twitter: @AZBio @AZBioCEO We're part of a movement to create sustainable funding for life science innovation in Arizona. Learn more at www.AZAdvances.org  MOVING LIFE SCIENCE INNOVATIONS ALONG THE PATH FROM DISCOVERY TO DEVELOPMENT TO DELIVERY OUR VISION OF THE FUTURE: Arizona is a top-ten life science state. OUR MISSION: AZBio supports the needs of Arizona's growing life science ecosystem. The Arizona Bioindustry Association (AZBio) is a not-for-profit, 501(c)6 trade association supporting the growth of Arizona's life science sector. AZBio  Member Organizations in the fields of business, research and education, health care delivery, economic development, government, and other professions involved in the biosciences are the key drivers of the growth of Arizona's life science sector.  As the unified voice of our industry in Arizona, AZBio strives to make Arizona a place where bioscience organizations can grow and succeed.   AZBio works nationally and globally with the Advanced Medical Technology Association (AdvaMed), the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO), the Medical Device Manufacturers Association (MDMA), the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), and leading patient advocacy organizations. Through these relationships, AZBio has access to information, contacts, resources, cost saving programs, and the global bioscience and medtech community.   Arizona's bioscience industry is growing rapidly and reached nearly 30,000 jobs spanning 2,160 business establishments in 2018. Industry employment has grown by 15 percent since 2016—twice the growth rate of the nation—with each of the five major subsectors adding jobs during the period. Arizona's universities conducted nearly $580 million in R&D activities in bioscience-related fields in 2018, fueled in part by steadily increasing NIH awards to Arizona institutions since 2016. Venture capital investments in Arizona bioscience companies increased in 2019, and during the 2016-19 period totaled $349 million. Arizona inventors have been awarded 2,178 bioscience-related patents since 2016, among the second quintile of states in patent activity.   Notes:   Seg 1   Biotech and life sciences industry in Arizona, has 3000 businesses and 36,000 employees. The economic impact in 2021 was $38.5 billion. AZ Bio would like to double, so by 2033, the impact would be $78 billion.   Examples of biotech companies in Arizona are Medtronic that makes medical devices, WL Gore, material sciences. Other companies in diagnostics, there are Sonoran Quest which does testing. This also Castle Bio Sciences, deals in cancer treatment. Some medicine companies are Bristol, Myers, and Calvari who deals in cancer drugs. Calvari is the bio science company of the year in 2024.   AZ Bio Science Week started in 2017. AZ Bio week starts Oct. 13 (2025) and has events daily from Monday to Friday.     Example of one of the many companies involved with AZ Bio week:   CND Life Sciences - CND's Syn-One Test® offers physicians and patients an accurate, convenient, evidence-based tool to help diagnose a synucleinopathy. And our mission has just begun.   NIH - National Institute of Health gives grants or funding to universities, hospitals and even companies for medical research.   Takes time to build a medical device type product, a few years to decades.   Government is an important partner, that provides financial support. Examples are Medicare research, workforce help, and tax breaks. Many organizations like this are publicly funded with government and university help.  $25 billion in funding over the last 20 years in Arizona in bio investment. Government funded $5 billion, that's from state and federal sales tax at a penny per. $112 million funding to universities in 2022. Combination of industry, government and philanthropy. Discovery phase - university helps develop the IP and research. Technology is spun out of the university to corporate development by companies. The AZ Board of Regents owns the patents. They license the patents to companies. Then you have regulatory.  Distribution of a product. Successful products are profitable. They have a royalty that pays to the company, the university and the government. Example of this was the University of Florida created Gatorade in the 1970s and still gets royalties today. Process takes 10 to 15 years, with hundreds of people involved. Clinical trials of any type of drug takes years.   Creation of the Covid vaccine was an outlier, as many people had Covid at the time so it was very easy to put together big study groups       Seg 2   Examples of newer companies in biotech field –   Neo clinical stage company dealing in heart health with aortic artery for the abdomen.   Another new company is prim dealing in MCT deficiency, compound growth and they are in clinical and testing stages.   Drugs get tested through computer models, and then on animals. Always have to worry about safety and ethics. FDA has very strict rules. You do not put people at risk, after monitor, during test and post monitoring. There's high-level quality control.       AZ Bio has members that are in the bioscience industry with current companies   AZ Advances is about bio startups in early stage companies It's a 501 C nonprofit charity that is funding, internships, and education   Patient is not only the client, but the purpose for why biotech companies exist     Neuralink Corp. is an American neurotechnology company that has developed as of 2024 implantable brain–computer interfaces. It was founded by Elon Musk and a team of eight scientists and engineers. Neuralink was launched in 2016 and first publicly reported in March 2017.   Neuralink's first human patient, Noland Arbaugh, is an Arizona native who received his implant in January 2024 at the Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix. He will appear at Arizona Bioscience Week 2025     https://www.azbio.org/azbw2025     Events Summary:   Monday - Women in Biotech Leading Women: Biotech & Beyond Join us for an evening of conversation and connections with our community's leading women as we kick off Arizona Bioscience Week in style!   Tuesday - Fundraising Fundraising Strategies for Life Science Startups  A compelling narrative is crucial when you are fundraising and communicating with life science investors.  This Life Science Nation (LSN) Global Fundraising Bootcamp covers topics related to executing a successful fundraise for your startup.      Wednesday – AZ Bio awards, philanthropy, entertainment, and AZ Advances The 21st Annual AZBio Awards & AZAdvances After Party Celebrate with the Educators, Researchers, and Organizations that are making life better for people in Arizona and around the world.  Join us at the Phoenix Convention Center as we honor the 2024 AZBio Award Winners. Hundreds of health innovators and business leaders will be celebrating at the 20th Annual AZBio Awards.   Thursday -  AZAdvances   AZ Advances Health Innovation Summit This exclusive event will bring together health innovation leaders to share how are moving Arizona forward as we make life better for the people we serve.   AZ Advances: Arizonans are advancing life changing and life saving innovations along the path from discovery to development to delivery. AZAdvances is developing the funding that will help advance health innovations in Arizona today and for generations to come.  Charitable donations to the AZAdvances fund at the Opportunity Through Entrepreneurship Foundation, an Arizona based 501c3 public charity, are a way to support the creation of tomorrow's medical innovations.    Friday - Voice of the Patient Patients are the reason we do what we do.  Join the conversation on life science innovation from the patient perspective.        Seg. 3 Best of AZ Bio clips:   AZ Bio & Life Sciences Innovation w/ Joan Koerber-Walker - BRT S04 EP10 (172) 3-5-2023   Guest: Joan Koerber-Walker President and CEO, AZBio - Arizona Bioindustry Association, Inc. Chairman, Opportunity Through Entrepreneurship Foundation   Full Show: HERE     Guest: Stan Miele President & CBO Aqualung Therapeutics Corp LKIN: HERE www.aqualungtherapeutics.com   Stan Miele Bio: A recognized global executive with success in sales, marketing and P&L leadership in the pharmaceutical/medical device and biotech industries. Mr. Miele was formally the Chief Commercial Officer at bioLytical Laboratories and Sucampo Pharmaceuticals Inc.  He was also President of Sucampo Pharma Americas for 6 years.   He was instrumental on some key licensing agreements for Sucampo, inclusive of the agreement with Abbott Japan, and also Takeda Pharmaceuticals (now Shire).  He is actively part of the team ensuring proper execution of clinical development, manufacturing, licensing, capital funding, alliances, and ensuring Aqualung meets all critical milestones.  He will be helping the company move toward accelerating the pipeline/platform technology and moving eNamptor™ toward commercialization.   Aqualung Therapeutics  Aqualung Therapeutics (ALT) is developing multi-pronged strategies to address the development of severe lung inflammation which is essential to the severity and outcomes of acute and chronic lung disorders such as acute lung injury, ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI), idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and pulmonary hypertension. Effective FDA-approved drugs are either currently unavailable or extraordinarily modest in their ability to modify disease progression. No drug is currently available that is preventive or curative. Aqualung's strategies, which include deployment of a human monoclonal antibody which targets a novel inflammatory mediator (nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase or NAMPT) will address the unmet need for novel, effective therapies for VILI, IPF, and pulmonary hypertension.   Full Show: HERE       Seg. 4 – Clips from:  Preventing Cancer with a Vaccine w/ Stephen Johnston of Calviri  - BRT S04 EP17 (179) 4-23-2023   Guest: Stephen Johnston Founding CEO, Calviri Inc.  LKIN: HERE https://calviri.com/   Bio: Chief Executive Officer & Chairman of the Board Stephen Albert Johnston is the inventor of the Calviri's central technologies. In addition to Calviri, he has been a founder of Eliance, Inc. (Macrogenics), Synbody Biotechnology and HealthTell, Inc. He is Director of the Arizona State University Biodesign Institute's Center for Innovations in Medicine and Professor in the School of Life Sciences. He has published almost 200 peer-reviewed papers and holds 45 patents. Prior to his appointment at ASU he was Professor and Director of the Center for Biomedical Inventions at UT-Southwestern Medical Center and Professor of Biology and Biomedical Engineering at Duke University. He is a member of the National Academy of Inventors. Dr. Johnston received his B.S. and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Wisconsin.     Calviri Inc.  We are determined to offer humanity a better life, free from cancer. While our goal is hugely ambitious, we are intensely driven to rid the planet of worry from cancer. Calviri's mission is to provide affordable products worldwide that will end deaths from cancer. We are a fully integrated healthcare company developing a broad spectrum of vaccines and companion diagnostics that prevent and treat cancer for those either at risk or diagnosed. We focus on using frameshift neoantigens derived from errors in RNA processing to provide pioneering products against cancer. The company is a spin out of the Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, located in Phoenix, AZ. We have the largest dog vaccine trial in the world underway at three premier veterinary universities. The five-year trial will assess the performance of a preventative cancer vaccine.   Full Show: HERE       ReFlow to Help Treat Hydrocephalus w/ Elsa Abruzzo & Mark Geiger of Anuncia Medical - BRT S04 EP23 (186) 6-11-2023     Guest: Elsa Chi Abruzzo RAC, FRAPS – President Elsa Chi Abruzzo is a medical device executive, entrepreneur, and a founding member of Anuncia, Inc., Alcyone Therapeutics, Arthromeda, Inc. and Cygnus Regulatory. Elsa has a 30+ year successful product development, operations, regulatory, quality, and clinical track record in med tech Industries. Her experience includes leadership positions at Baxter, Cordis JNJ, CryoLife, Percutaneous Valve Technologies, AtriCure, InnerPulse, Merlin MD, Sapheon, and PTS Diagnostics. Elsa earned a BS in engineering from the University of Miami in Coral Gables, FL and is regulatory affairs certified and a Regulatory Affairs Professional Society Fellow, recognized for her leadership in Regulatory and Quality by MDDI.   https://anunciamedical.com/the-anuncia-story/#team https://www.linkedin.com/in/elsachiabruzzo/   https://anunciamedical.com/ About Anuncia Conceptualized in 2014 in collaboration with Boston Children's Hospital and spun out of Alcyone Therapeutics in 2018, Anuncia's patented portfolio of technologies are intended to provide peace-of-mind through innovation. Our core ReFlow™ technology uses a simple finger depression of a soft silicone dome located under the patient's scalp to produce a noninvasive, one-way flush of the patient's own CSF directed toward the ReFlow™ catheter to restore or increase CSF flow through a non-flowing shunt and potentially avoid emergency surgery.  Learn More     The name Anuncia comes from Panthera Uncia, the species name of the snow leopard. These animals live in mountainous regions of Asia and have been called by the World Wildlife Foundation “Guardians of the Headwaters” as they roam the headwater areas of the western basins. The origin of the word hydrocephalus comes from the Greek hudrokephalon, from hudro ‘water'+ kephalē ‘head'. The snow leopard, or Guardian of the Headwaters, is a symbol of Anuncia's dedication to improve daily quality of life for the millions of underserved patients with hydrocephalus and other CSF disorders, as well as their families, who suffer from the clinical, economic, and emotional burden of repeat revision brain surgery due to VP shunt occlusions.      Full Show: HERE           Best of Biotech from AZ Bio & Life Sciences to Jellatech: HERE   Biotech Shows: HERE   AZ Tech Council Shows:  https://brt-show.libsyn.com/size/5/?search=az+tech+council *Includes Best of AZ Tech Council show from 2/12/2023      ‘Best Of' Topic: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Best+of+BRT      Thanks for Listening. Please Subscribe to the BRT Podcast.     AZ Tech Roundtable 2.0 with Matt Battaglia The show where Entrepreneurs, Top Executives, Founders, and Investors come to share insights about the future of business.  AZ TRT 2.0 looks at the new trends in business, & how classic industries are evolving.  Common Topics Discussed: Startups, Founders, Funds & Venture Capital, Business, Entrepreneurship, Biotech, Blockchain / Crypto, Executive Comp, Investing, Stocks, Real Estate + Alternative Investments, and more…    AZ TRT Podcast Home Page: http://aztrtshow.com/ ‘Best Of' AZ TRT Podcast: Click Here Podcast on Google: Click Here Podcast on Spotify: Click Here                    More Info: https://www.economicknight.com/azpodcast/ KFNX Info: https://1100kfnx.com/weekend-featured-shows/     Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the Hosts, Guests and Speakers, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent (or affiliates, members, managers, employees or partners), or any Station, Podcast Platform, Website or Social Media that this show may air on. All information provided is for educational and entertainment purposes. Nothing said on this program should be considered advice or recommendations in: business, legal, real estate, crypto, tax accounting, investment, etc. Always seek the advice of a professional in all business ventures, including but not limited to: investments, tax, loans, legal, accounting, real estate, crypto, contracts, sales, marketing, other business arrangements, etc.

Offense + Defense: The 90-Second Plan to Retire Without Fear - Balance growth and guaranteed income to protect your lifestyle — and never worry about running out of money.   - AZ TRT S06 EP18 (280) 9-21-2025              What We Learned This Week ·         Offense + Defense is the Key to Wealth Financial freedom isn't just about hustling harder or chasing returns — it's about balancing offense (growth, risk-taking) with defense (guaranteed cash flow, risk management). ·         Appreciating Assets vs. Harvesting Assets Appreciating assets grow in value but only pay off when you sell. Harvesting assets pay you while you hold them (rent, dividends, interest). The wealthy own both — using harvesting assets to cover expenses and appreciating assets to build long-term wealth. ·         Income is More Reliable Than Growth Steven Bavaria's “Income Factory” mindset reminds us that income is fact, growth is hope. A steady stream of cash flow lets you survive downturns without selling assets and builds confidence in your plan. ·         The 90-Second Retirement Plan Works Cover 80% of retirement expenses with guaranteed sources (Social Security + annuities). Use the remaining 20% of your portfolio for growth, fun, and legacy-building — no more withdrawal stress. ·         The Goal is Infinite Income The ultimate destination is creating income streams that never run out — from real estate, businesses, life insurance, or even intellectual property. When income covers expenses for life, you gain true financial freedom.     Notes: Segment 1: Offense & Defense – The Key to Becoming Financially Unbreakable   ·         Quote: "In today's uncertain economy, the safest solution to be wealthy, be in total control and enjoy freedom for you and your family is to have multiple streams of income." – Robert Allen (2001) ·         Tie to today: 20+ years later, most people still rely on one paycheck or one retirement plan. Part 1: The Problem – The "One Thing" Retirement Plan ·         Traditional advice: just max your 401(k) and hope for the best. ·         The flaw: market volatility, layoffs, health events → can wreck your plan. ·         Analogy: one oxygen mask — if it fails, you're out of air. Part 2: Offense + Defense = True Financial Freedom ·         Offense: o    Growing income, scaling business, chasing higher returns. ·         Defense: o    Creating steady cash flow, reducing risk, having a safety net. ·         Too much offense = risk of wipeout. ·         Too much defense = stagnation. ·         The key: Balance both to become “financially unbreakable.”       Part 3: Appreciating vs. Harvesting Assets Introduce the concept that not all assets are created equal — some you wait to pay you, others pay you while you wait. ·         Appreciating Assets: o    Goal: Buy low, sell high. o    Examples: stocks, gold, art, land, most crypto. o    Risk: You only “win” if you sell at the right time. Gains (or losses) are just on paper until then. ·         Harvesting Assets: o    Produce income while you hold them. o    Examples: §  Rental real estate → rent + depreciation + tax benefits §  Bonds → interest §  Dividend stocks / REITs → quarterly payouts §  Staked crypto → interest §  Covered call writing → option premiums §  Cash-flowing businesses §  Indexed life insurance → credited interest + loan access o    Best assets do both: appreciate and produce cash flow (rental real estate, dividend stocks, etc.). Tie back to Offense-Defense: ·         Defense loves harvesting assets (cash flow covers bills). ·         Offense loves appreciating assets (bigger upside for growth). ·         Most wealthy individuals own both and balance them strategically. Part 4: Mental & Emotional Benefits of Defense ·         Cover 80%+ of expenses with steady income = less stress. ·         Frees mental bandwidth for creativity and risk-taking. ·         Allows you to play offense without fear. Part 5: The 3-Step Offense-Defense Plan 1.    Build the Defensive Base ("Sleep-at-Night Money") o    Rental properties, pensions, annuities, passive businesses, tax-free income plans. 2.    Grow with Offensive Moves o    Invest in higher-growth assets after defense is solid. o    Use tax strategies and leverage wisely. 3.    Think Like the Wealthy o    Control assets, income, and taxes. o    Hold appreciating and harvesting assets. o    Focus on cash flow first, price growth second. Segment 1 Takeaway: ·         Secure your financial oxygen mask first. ·         Diversify with appreciating and harvesting assets. ·         Build a system that covers your expenses so you can confidently grow your wealth. Segment 2: The Five Types of Income to the 90 Second Retirement Plan   ·         "Now that we've built your financial defense, let's talk about stacking multiple income streams so you never run out of money." Part 1: The 90-Second Retirement Plan ·         Reality Check: Markets, COVID, crypto crashes, trade wars → volatility isn't going away. ·         Biggest risk = relying only on investments for income. ·         Old school solution: Social Security + pension = guaranteed monthly paycheck. ·         Modern version: 1.    Social Security (≈40% of expenses) 2.    Guaranteed Income via annuities (≈40% of expenses) 3.    Remaining portfolio → growth, fun, and legacy. ·         Rule of Thumb: Allocate 15–20% of portfolio to lock in guaranteed lifetime income → cover 80% of your expenses. Part 2: The 5 Types of Income 1.    Business / Career Income – your day-to-day paycheck. 2.    Investment Income – dividends, rent, crypto interest. 3.    Retirement Income – 401(k), IRA distributions. 4.    Guaranteed Income – pensions, annuities, Social Security. 5.    Tax-Free Income – Roth IRA, life insurance cash value. Call to action: ·         List which ones you have today. ·         Create a strategy to build all five over time. Part 3: The Income Factory Mindset ·         Steven Bavaria's mantra: "Income is fact, growth is hope." ·         Focus on cash flow first — market value second. ·         A portfolio producing 10% yield with no price growth = same total return as 0% yield + 10% growth. ·         Income stream lets you survive downturns without selling assets. Part 4: Infinite Income – Scaling Your Streams ·         Real Estate: Buy, rent, refinance, repeat. Use leverage + 1031 exchanges. ·         Business: Build → pay off loans → profits keep coming. Use as collateral to expand. ·         Life Insurance: Tax-free policy loans → fund retirement and leave a legacy. ·         IP & Assets: Build once, get paid forever (Lucas/Star Wars, Bezos/Amazon, Microsoft/Windows, McDonald's system). Segment 2 Takeaway: ·         The goal isn't just retirement — it's infinite income. ·         Build multiple income streams that never run out. ·         Focus on income-producing assets first → appreciation becomes a bonus. ·         When your base income is covered, every market dip becomes an opportunity instead of a threat.     Investing Shows: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Investing-Stocks-Bonds-Retirement       ‘Best Of' Topic: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Best+of+BRT      Thanks for Listening. Please Subscribe to the AZ TRT Podcast.     AZ Tech Roundtable 2.0 with Matt Battaglia The show where Entrepreneurs, Top Executives, Founders, and Investors come to share insights about the future of business.  AZ TRT 2.0 looks at the new trends in business, & how classic industries are evolving.  Common Topics Discussed: Startups, Founders, Funds & Venture Capital, Business, Entrepreneurship, Biotech, Blockchain / Crypto, Executive Comp, Investing, Stocks, Real Estate + Alternative Investments, and more…    AZ TRT Podcast Home Page: http://aztrtshow.com/ ‘Best Of' AZ TRT Podcast: Click Here Podcast on Google: Click Here Podcast on Spotify: Click Here                    More Info: https://www.economicknight.com/azpodcast/ KFNX Info: https://1100kfnx.com/weekend-featured-shows/     Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the Hosts, Guests and Speakers, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent (or affiliates, members, managers, employees or partners), or any Station, Podcast Platform, Website or Social Media that this show may air on. All information provided is for educational and entertainment purposes. Nothing said on this program should be considered advice or recommendations in: business, legal, real estate, crypto, tax accounting, investment, etc. Always seek the advice of a professional in all business ventures, including but not limited to: investments, tax, loans, legal, accounting, real estate, crypto, contracts, sales, marketing, other business arrangements, etc.    

Inside Real Estate Syndication Investing: Returns, Risks, & Opportunity Zones w/ Adam Gower of GowerCrowd   - AZ TRT S06 EP17 (279) 9-7-2025      What We Learned This Week: Real estate syndications let accredited investors pool money with a sponsor to buy large properties. Investors earn preferred returns, dividends, and tax perks like depreciation and 1031 exchanges. These deals are illiquid, locking up money for years in exchange for long-term gains. Adam Gower showed how trust and consistent marketing are key to raising capital. High interest rates are squeezing deals, creating both challenges and distressed opportunities.     Guest: Adam Gower of GowerCrowd https://www.linkedin.com/in/gowercrowd/   Per Adam: I help real estate syndicators raise equity capital online. We integrate AI into everything we do so you have a competitive advantage. Our clients have raised $100's of millions using our proprietary Investor Acquisition System. I share all our secrets in my free newsletter. Bio: Adam Gower is a bilingual, 30-year veteran in real estate, banking, and finance who earned his Ph.D. in banking history at the University College London. He has held senior management positions at some of the largest companies and institutions in the world and is recognized as an industry thought leader on the impact of crowdfunding on real estate. During the 1990's he lived in Japan, working as the President and CEO of a major Hollywood studio developing their real estate portfolio throughout the Asia Pacific Region. After the financial crisis of 2008 had taken hold, Dr. Gower was recruited to advise the largest regional bank in California on their asset disposition strategy, assisting them to divest of a large portfolio of real estate collateralized loans, and subsequently in doubling the institution's size. He subsequently went on to work at Colony Capital, one of the world's largest private equity real estate firms, where he worked on assets acquired with the FDIC as a result of the global financial crisis. When the JOBS Act of 2012 was passed, Dr. Gower had been actively engaged in tech startup angel investing. He quickly realized that commercial real estate finance would be transformed by the new regulations by permitting equity to be raised online. Seeing that this would bring about a revolution in the industry he formed GowerCrowd, an agency geared to assisting real estate developers raise money for their projects, and to educating investors how to invest online.       Dr. Gower lives and works in California and has taught the only fully accredited university course in the country that focuses on how to raise money by and invest in crowdfunded real estate syndications. The course was a ‘flipped course' allowing students to study the primary curriculum online, while engaging in practical learn-by-doing exercises in class. He is host of an internationally syndicated podcast focused exclusively on real estate crowdfunding, The Real Estate Crowdfunding Show, Syndication in the Digital Age, and publishes one of the most popular real estate investing blogs on the web. Dr. Gower is author of several books focused on the history of real estate crowdfunding, real estate investing, and risk mitigation, and his educational courses have been sold worldwide.   Books Link – HERE   https://gowercrowd.com/about   We help you find more high-net-worth investors so you can raise more equity, faster.   GowerCrowd is a team of digital marketing professionals with deep, multi-cycle real estate syndication experience. We build digital marketing systems (aka 'crowdfunding' platforms) for seasoned real estate sponsors so they can find more investors, raise more capital, and scale faster.  Our clients handle in excess of $35bn in AUM and have raised upwards of $1bn using our systems with minimum investments as low as $25,000.   Reference Info: https://gowercrowd.com/real-estate-investing/guides   Segment 1: Real Estate Syndication Basics Definition & Structure Syndication: a real estate professional pools investor money to purchase assets (apartments, offices, car washes, medical buildings, etc.). Typical structure: 70% financed with a bank loan, 30% down from investors. Investors: Accredited investors (SEC-defined high-net-worth individuals). Deals: Can involve dozens or even hundreds of private investors. Returns & Profit Sources Investors may receive: Preferred return (commonly around 8% ROI). Dividends from rental income (net operating profit). Profit share from property appreciation and sale. Liquidity: Funds are locked in for years—these are illiquid investments. Tax Treatment Investors receive a K-1 for pass-through tax benefits like depreciation. Depreciation is recaptured upon sale. Unearned income is taxed as normal income. 1031 Exchange: Allows deferral of capital gains taxes by rolling profits into another property (45-day identification rule, 180-day purchase rule). Step-Up in Basis: Heirs inherit property at its appreciated value, avoiding taxes. Opportunity Zones: Investments in designated areas can defer or eliminate capital gains taxes (deferred for 5 years, no tax after 10 years). Segment 2: Guest – Adam Gower & GowerCrowd Background Started as an electrician in the 1980s. Raised capital in California; lost money in the late-1980s Savings & Loan crisis. Worked in Japan running a film division. Later handled real estate deals and worked at a bank during the 2008 financial crisis, cleaning up distressed portfolios. In 2012, launched GowerCrowd, a consulting and marketing platform for real estate syndicators. GowerCrowd Approach Helps sponsors raise capital by building marketing and investor trust. Develops content-driven marketing strategies over ~6 months. Leverages a network of real estate investors. Breaks down industry silos—shares best practices across deals and sponsors who would normally compete. Belief: Test strategies first, then scale proven best practices across clients. Opportunity Zones Defined on city or state real estate maps. Require minimum investments (often starting at $25,000). Provide tax incentives for investors. Segment 3: Interest Rates & Real Estate Market Impact Current Market Conditions Interest rates in 2023–2024 remain higher than recent years. Higher rates = higher debt service costs on properties. Many past deals were underwritten with variable-rate loans, which have now reset higher. Long-term fixed-rate investors are in stronger positions. Consequences of High Rates Refinancing challenges: Many deals no longer work financially at today's higher rates. Distressed deals: Properties may be foreclosed or sold at discounts (sometimes 30% lower). Some properties, especially office buildings, are hardest hit. Example: A deal structured with 85% debt at 3% interest doesn't work if rates jump to 7%. Market Outlook Bond rates and interest rates remain uncertain. Debt continues to be the central driver of real estate. Investors with cash could benefit from discounted opportunities. For deals to work, proper structure and capital stack are critical.           Real Estate Shows:  https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Real+Estate-Construction-Land-Farming   Investing Shows:  https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Investing-Stocks-Bonds-Retirement    ‘Best Of' Topic: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Best+of+BRT      Thanks for Listening. Please Subscribe to the AZ TRT Podcast.     AZ Tech Roundtable 2.0 with Matt Battaglia The show where Entrepreneurs, Top Executives, Founders, and Investors come to share insights about the future of business.  AZ TRT 2.0 looks at the new trends in business, & how classic industries are evolving.  Common Topics Discussed: Startups, Founders, Funds & Venture Capital, Business, Entrepreneurship, Biotech, Blockchain / Crypto, Executive Comp, Investing, Stocks, Real Estate + Alternative Investments, and more…    AZ TRT Podcast Home Page: http://aztrtshow.com/ ‘Best Of' AZ TRT Podcast: Click Here Podcast on Google: Click Here Podcast on Spotify: Click Here                    More Info: https://www.economicknight.com/azpodcast/ KFNX Info: https://1100kfnx.com/weekend-featured-shows/     Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the Hosts, Guests and Speakers, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent (or affiliates, members, managers, employees or partners), or any Station, Podcast Platform, Website or Social Media that this show may air on. All information provided is for educational and entertainment purposes. Nothing said on this program should be considered advice or recommendations in: business, legal, real estate, crypto, tax accounting, investment, etc. Always seek the advice of a professional in all business ventures, including but not limited to: investments, tax, loans, legal, accounting, real estate, crypto, contracts, sales, marketing, other business arrangements, etc.  

The New Wave of AI-First SaaS Companies Serving SMBs w/ Cooper Simson of Martell Ventures - AZ TRT S06 EP16 (278) 8-24-2025       What We Learned This Week: ·         Political & product risk can kill a business overnight. ·         AI is lowering barriers to software creation while eliminating low-value roles. ·         SMBs are ripe for AI adoption, especially in workflow automation & marketing. ·         The best AI businesses solve real problems — not just add shiny features. ·         Future-proofing means building where the “puck” is going, not where it's been.     Guest: Cooper Simson https://www.linkedin.com/in/cooper-simson-896957b1/ Website: https://martellventures.com Contact Cooper -  Instagram: @Coop_Doggy_Dog  Dan Martell's portfolio manager and business partner at Martell Ventures. Cooper talks about what they're building around AI and SaaS software, companies they work with, and the products for SMBs.   Show Notes Guest: Cooper – Entrepreneur & AI Venture Builder Bio ·         Started with a finance degree but never pursued traditional finance. ·         First venture: lead-gen & marketing agency (failed when partner left). ·         Pivoted through freelance work → launched a business helping people apply for government grants using AI. ·         Business collapsed overnight due to political risk when U.S. policy changed. ·         Backed by Dan Martel, who later brought Cooper into Martel Venture Studio AI. ·         Lessons learned: Always maintain control of the product and build businesses that can withstand outside risks.     Segment 1: AI + SMB Software Companies ·         Martel Ventures works with AI-first SaaS companies solving real business problems for SMBs (0–100 employees, $1M–$50M+ in revenue). ·         Examples of portfolio companies: o    Precision Connect – cleans and organizes business data dashboards. o    Atlas AI – AI voice agent that can call leads, nearly indistinguishable from a human caller. o    Hero – recruitment tool powered by AI. ·         AI is the middleman killer → entry-level tech jobs (SDRs, data analysts) most at risk. ·         Core question for any AI product: Does it solve a real problem, or is it just an AI feature? Segment 2: Dan Martel & Martel Ventures ·         Dan Martel: 27+ years in tech, 3 major software exits, 5M+ followers. ·         Founder of SaaS Academy (coached 6,000+ students). ·         Author of Buy Back Your Time. ·         Martel Ventures (founded 2024): o    Invests in and advises AI SaaS startups. o    Target: 10–12 portfolio companies per year. o    Provides equity, funding, and advisory services to accelerate growth & marketing. ·         Martel Ventures' niche: AI + SaaS companies with clear use cases and revenue potential. ·         Cooper's biggest takeaway: “Skate to where the puck is going” — build for future AI demand, not yesterday's. Segment 3: The AI Shift in Business ·         Cost transformation: AI drastically reduces software development and coding costs. ·         AI enables SMBs to: o    Automate workflows & reduce repetitive tasks. o    Boost employee efficiency → turns “C players” into “B+ players.” o    Increase ROI per employee by shifting them to higher-value work. ·         SMB Examples: Local service providers, agencies, or firms generating $1M–$50M annually with 5–200 employees. ·         Key insight: If you can't identify the customer and the problem solved in 5 seconds, the product likely won't succeed. AI Use Cases in Marketing & Ops ·         Lead research automation. ·         Retargeting: AI can read your website, identify IPs, and find who visited. ·         Ad research: analyze competitor ads with AI agents. ·         Campaign automation: compresses timelines from weeks to days. ·         Contact management: AI can segment and organize lists for sharper targeting. Cooper Philosophy: Frameworks & Systems ·  The "Founding 50" framework walkthrough ·  How to diagnose bottlenecks and build fast paths to MRR ·  Distribution engine strategies that accelerate growth Contrarian Takes ·  "Distribution beats capital — especially when your offer hits" ·  Why founders waste time perfecting products instead of selling ·  Red flags he spots instantly in founders AI Market Insights ·  What makes AI-first companies different from traditional SaaS ·  Why SMBs are the sweet spot for AI products right now ·  How venture landscape is changing for AI companies Leadership & Scaling ·  "Lighthouse, not tugboat" guidance approach ·  Speed over perfection in execution ·  People-first, action-oriented leadership style     Dan Martell – Bio info https://www.danmartell.com/ventures/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/dmartell/?originalSubdomain=ca https://www.saasacademy.com/author-dan-martell Dan Martell is a renowned coach and founder of SaaS Academy, celebrated for his expertise in scaling B2B SaaS businesses and significant contributions as an angel investor. Dan Martell is a Canadian entrepreneur, angel investor, and coach known for his expertise in the SaaS (Software as a Service) industry. He's founded, scaled, and successfully exited three technology companies. He's also a prominent figure in the SaaS coaching space, having founded SaaS Academy. Additionally, Martell is an Ironman athlete, philanthropist, and author.  Book – Buy Back Your Time     Biotech Shows: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Biotech-Life+Sciences-Science   AZ Tech Council Shows:  https://brt-show.libsyn.com/size/5/?search=az+tech+council *Includes Best of AZ Tech Council show from 2/12/2023   Tech Topic: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Tech-Startup-VC-Cybersecurity-Energy-Science  Best of Tech: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/size/5/?search=best+of+tech   ‘Best Of' Topic: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Best+of+BRT      Thanks for Listening. Please Subscribe to the AZ TRT Podcast.     AZ Tech Roundtable 2.0 with Matt Battaglia The show where Entrepreneurs, Top Executives, Founders, and Investors come to share insights about the future of business.  AZ TRT 2.0 looks at the new trends in business, & how classic industries are evolving.  Common Topics Discussed: Startups, Founders, Funds & Venture Capital, Business, Entrepreneurship, Biotech, Blockchain / Crypto, Executive Comp, Investing, Stocks, Real Estate + Alternative Investments, and more…    AZ TRT Podcast Home Page: http://aztrtshow.com/ ‘Best Of' AZ TRT Podcast: Click Here Podcast on Google: Click Here Podcast on Spotify: Click Here                    More Info: https://www.economicknight.com/azpodcast/ KFNX Info: https://1100kfnx.com/weekend-featured-shows/     Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the Hosts, Guests and Speakers, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent (or affiliates, members, managers, employees or partners), or any Station, Podcast Platform, Website or Social Media that this show may air on. All information provided is for educational and entertainment purposes. Nothing said on this program should be considered advice or recommendations in: business, legal, real estate, crypto, tax accounting, investment, etc. Always seek the advice of a professional in all business ventures, including but not limited to: investments, tax, loans, legal, accounting, real estate, crypto, contracts, sales, marketing, other business arrangements, etc.  

Cybersecurity & Compliance w/ Paige Hanson of Secure Labs - AZ TRT S06 EP15 (277) 8-17-2025       What We Learned This Week: A cybersecurity breach can cost more than just data—it can damage infrastructure and destroy client confidence. Even smaller companies (50–100 employees) need structured safeguards, compliance, and often outside MSSPs to stay secure. Secure Labs provides a roadmap for companies to meet regulatory standards like HIPAA, ISO 27001, and SOC 2, helping them win bigger clients. AI-driven threats like voice cloning and deepfakes make personal and business digital security more important than ever. Compliance isn't cheap—outside audits can run $5,000–$50,000 annually, while Big Four audits may exceed $100,000.       Guest: Paige Hanson, Co-Founder of Secure Labs   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hello-paige-hanson Founder of SecureLabs | Helping businesses meet their security compliance standards | Fractional GRC |

Voxify: AI Voice Assistant for Small Business w/ David Duguan   - AZ TRT S06 EP14 (276) 8-3-2025       What We Learned This Week AI Assistant software Aurora for phones Small Business are overwhelmed with many aspects of business from sales to customer service Bad Customer Service costs $ in lost revenue AI Adoption by business is growing as they go from not knowing, to known David is from Ghana in Africa, & tried Soccer, then a DR, to finally land a Tech career       Guest: David Duguan, CEO of  Voxify, https://hellovoxify.com/   About David Duguan David Duguan is a Ghanaian born and raised entrepreneur, founder and CEO of Voxify.  A human innovation company focused on automating and increasing business performance serving the 16 trillion dollar small to medium business market.  He was formerly the CTO of a seven-figure tech startup, Visual Solution Nexus. With experience spanning technical leadership, product management, and team-building, he balances big-picture strategy with focused execution.    He attended Ball State University and Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis and studied science.  He is also highly skilled in building scalable and efficient technology infrastructure and is a Certified AWS Cloud Architect.  He is multilingual with fluency in English, Twi, Fanti and conversational in French, and has a passion for music, good African food, cars, golf, design, art, and cigars.         Voxify focused on empowering small business to accelerate growth with an AI Powered phone assistant, Aurora. The platform has proven to fuel new revenue streams for business. In fact, one of Voxify's customers, a small window cleaning company recovered $90,000 in previously lost revenue within a few months.   The AI-powered voice automation company transforms how small and mid-sized businesses stay competitive in a fast-moving world. Ultimately the company is redefining business communications for small to medium business which is an addressable US$130billion dollar market opportunity.   Aurora Hub ensures businesses never miss a call, automatically handles customer inquiries, and helps owners focus on what matters most—growing their business. Whether it's capturing leads after hours, streamlining   Respond to Customer Instantly: Keeps businesses connected 24/7 so every call, lead, or inquiry is captured—no more lost business. Boosts Revenue and ROI: Converts missed calls into booked jobs, helping businesses grow without increasing overhead.  Personalized and Customizable AI: Aurora adapts to each business, acting as a seamless extension of staff—not just a tool, but a trusted liaison with real sentiment supporting 29 languages. Delivers Confidence and Control: Owners gain peace of mind knowing communications are handled professionally, even outside of business hours with phone, SMS, web and email. Data at your fingertips: Aurora real-time actionable insights to better understand your business opportunities. Save Time and Money: By handling routine tasks and follow-ups automatically, Aurora reduces the need for extra staff, minimizes scheduling mistakes, and frees up owners to focus on what matters most Keep your customers happy: Aurora ensures prompt, friendly, and accurate responses every time—no hold music, no missed calls. With human-like sentiment and multilingual support, customers feel heard and valued, increasing satisfaction and loyalty across every channel   Aurora AI Assistant - has proven to fuel new revenue streams for business and for one small window cleaning company         Notes:     Voxify       Segment 1   Sam Walton, who started Walmart, said the business has only one boss, the customer.   Every business needs good customer support, but it rarely gets the attention it needs. Many small businesses are overwhelmed, and allways need to make more revenue.   Solution to this problem, introduce Voxify, the AI assistant, that can also help with your internal data. In 2025, data is crucial to a business and helps keep you organized.   There is an adoption level in AI that Voxify needs to get their clients to. Part of the problem is just education and awareness. It's not the fault of the business market. They're overwhelmed and unaware of what solutions are out there.   Voxify product Aurora is easy to use, and gets over the gap of education.   Average business with a solo operator loses calls. They also do not have enough customer insight which creates gaps in their business. Voxify tool solves this. You get the best customer support and you eliminate things customers hate like back-and-forth or voicemail tag.   Clients see the outcome fast, and so to their customers. Voxify's real customers, are actually the customers of their customers.   Company size of a typical client could be an HVAC, home, plumbing or some type of consultant company.   Outcome from their service is an average ROI of 430%, you make more money and stem lost revenue.   Services is like a virtual employee that answers the phones and can book a meeting.   Educate businesses on the use of AI, need for better customer support and how not having this technology means lost revenue.         Segment 2   How Voxify got started: David was working in an architecture startup firm on visuals. The firm had bad customer support. The way their projects worked for payment is half upfront and half at the end. Many payments were late and it was causing internal issues.   They had an assistant and a VA answering the phones. This particular architecture firm was a niche market, hard to train on the phones.   David had a thesis you could use AI and ChatGPT to build the technology for what they needed.   He did this and then validated it with a 200 customers pre-launch. They did lots of research to improve the product.   Voxify is a three-year-old company, and they created their main software Aurora in the spring of 2024.   David is an immigrant, originally from Ghana, West Africa. Had no formal training in technology or business and had to learn of money as he went. Originally thought about playing soccer, then started to train to be a heart surgeon. Neither of these happened so he went into business.     Segment 3   David joked that to succeed in life he was taught you had to be one of three careers, engineer, doctor, or attorney.   He spent time working in biotech, and there learned his love to work on things and do research.   Then he got the job as the CTO at the architecture visual startup, as a cloud architect.   Cloud Architects design technology architecture for virtual machines or databases or software.   “Invent our way out of the box, outside the box, outside the status quo.'   Ask questions based on intention.   Testing Software - Check the text spelling vs the Voice or phonetics.   Had to handle customer complaints, check in 24 hours, and provide good customer service. The data portion is very important.   Example: window cleaning company. AI assistant has to collect info and see what the customer wants. It's hard for these companies to do a customer baseline price. But customers want an estimated service price, and also what expedient fees would cost to do it fast faster. AI service can help with all of this.   Voxify is chasing impact and change to bring down tech barriers. Solve problems with small to medium business and service based companies. Small business is 50% of the GDP in the US.   Bring education on AI to the business community.   Adoption needs two things: Going from you don't know, to you know. Once they know, and have been educated, easier to adopt the technology.   Voxify AI software is $99 a month to start.   Software can be trained very fast within a few minutes, just by scraping a client's website and learning the business. Then over time you talk to the AI and you make changes to the info and answers said on the phone.   Create an SOP doc / standard operating procedure, outline the process of how the assistant needs to talk to your customers         Biotech Shows: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Biotech-Life+Sciences-Science   AZ Tech Council Shows:  https://brt-show.libsyn.com/size/5/?search=az+tech+council *Includes Best of AZ Tech Council show from 2/12/2023   Tech Topic: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Tech-Startup-VC-Cybersecurity-Energy-Science  Best of Tech: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/size/5/?search=best+of+tech   ‘Best Of' Topic: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Best+of+BRT      Thanks for Listening. Please Subscribe to the AZ TRT Podcast.     AZ Tech Roundtable 2.0 with Matt Battaglia The show where Entrepreneurs, Top Executives, Founders, and Investors come to share insights about the future of business.  AZ TRT 2.0 looks at the new trends in business, & how classic industries are evolving.  Common Topics Discussed: Startups, Founders, Funds & Venture Capital, Business, Entrepreneurship, Biotech, Blockchain / Crypto, Executive Comp, Investing, Stocks, Real Estate + Alternative Investments, and more…    AZ TRT Podcast Home Page: http://aztrtshow.com/ ‘Best Of' AZ TRT Podcast: Click Here Podcast on Google: Click Here Podcast on Spotify: Click Here                    More Info: https://www.economicknight.com/azpodcast/ KFNX Info: https://1100kfnx.com/weekend-featured-shows/     Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the Hosts, Guests and Speakers, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent (or affiliates, members, managers, employees or partners), or any Station, Podcast Platform, Website or Social Media that this show may air on. All information provided is for educational and entertainment purposes. Nothing said on this program should be considered advice or recommendations in: business, legal, real estate, crypto, tax accounting, investment, etc. Always seek the advice of a professional in all business ventures, including but not limited to: investments, tax, loans, legal, accounting, real estate, crypto, contracts, sales, marketing, other business arrangements, etc.  

Business Lessons from the Movies - The Founder & the Start of McDonalds   - AZ TRT S06 EP13 (275) 7-27-2025              What We Learned This Week: Speedee Service System - assembly line approach invents the fast-food industry, replicated to this day What Business Are You In? - McDonald's is a Real Estate Company w/ an estimated $42B in Real Estate Holdings It's the Name, McDonald's - Branding - from The Founder McDonald's is the New American Church - Positioning     Notes: Seg. 1 The Founder What Business are you in? – McD in real estate biz, largest in US Power of the Name – branding, McDonalds is New American Church Systems – Speedee System, speed and lean, like a factory in the kitchen Bonus * - Perseverance – Kroc was 52 when he met McDonalds brothers, selling milk shake machines         You're not in the burger business you're in the real estate business. You don't build an empire selling $.15 hamburgers. You build an empire on the land that those hamburgers are made of. Power of the name, branding, McDonald's is the new American church on main street. A vision of a wholesome America, families go to eat share values. Branding see that name lit up on the sign. McDonald's sounds like America. Would you eat at a place named Crocs? Guy eats at McDonald's he's never going to get pushed around. Great book on McDonald's, and the industry called Fast Food Nation by Eric S   Speedee system, bring factory component to a kitchen. Redesign a kitchen for speed and efficiency, orders in 30 seconds like a conveyor belt. No plates all paper throw it away when done. You have a service window people walk up and get their food immediately. The idea of being is to go lean. Initially there was a learning curve with customers but soon it caught on and it was the model for all fast food restaurants. They did practice runs to test their system with no customers see it in action and let the data dictate how the plan should be.   https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=the+founder+movie+clips   ** Clips from past show: Moneyball, Boiler Room, Glengarry Glen Ross, The Founder - Business Lessons from the Movies - BRT S03 EP42 (141) 8-28-2022   Full Show: HERE       Seg. 2 The Founder, the story of Ray Kroc and McDonald's.   What Business Are You In? - McDonalds is a Real Estate Company   Replay Clip from 2/9/20, where Matt talks about the biggest franchise of all, and what their real business model is. McDonalds has built a business empire thru Real Estate, not burgers.  The Dollar Menu is designed to get customers in the door. McDonalds loses $ when people purchase from the dollar menu, it is a Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC). This is also called a ‘Loss Leader', selling a product at a low cost to get customers. McDonalds then makes money when people buy more, and off return business. McDonalds is one of the biggest Real Estate companies in the world. The stock is valued on the $37 Billion in Real Estate they own. They make money as a landlord, because the franchisee is their tenant. The Founder – business movie biography of Ray Kroc. Kroc started as a milk shake salesmen to the McDonalds brothers in California, then went on to create the franchise system we know today. The first President of McDonalds Franchise (Harry Sonneborn) helped Kroc create the real estate model that the franchise was base on, and used to scale to a billion $ company. Internally McDonalds used the Brother's Speedee Service System created pre-Kroc. The Question ‘What Business Are You In?' comes from business consultant Peter Drucker. Business owners need to understand what problem or service they really offer their customers. Ie – Starbucks is in the Customer Experience business, not coffee, but the atmosphere of drinking the coffee     ** Clips from past show: McDonalds, Apple, Disruption, 80/20 - Best of Host Matt on Business Topics - BRT S03 EP10 (109) 3-6-2022   Full Show: HERE         Investing Shows: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Investing-Stocks-Bonds-Retirement    ‘Best Of' Topic: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Best+of+BRT      Thanks for Listening. Please Subscribe to the AZ TRT Podcast.     AZ Tech Roundtable 2.0 with Matt Battaglia The show where Entrepreneurs, Top Executives, Founders, and Investors come to share insights about the future of business.  AZ TRT 2.0 looks at the new trends in business, & how classic industries are evolving.  Common Topics Discussed: Startups, Founders, Funds & Venture Capital, Business, Entrepreneurship, Biotech, Blockchain / Crypto, Executive Comp, Investing, Stocks, Real Estate + Alternative Investments, and more…    AZ TRT Podcast Home Page: http://aztrtshow.com/ ‘Best Of' AZ TRT Podcast: Click Here Podcast on Google: Click Here Podcast on Spotify: Click Here                    More Info: https://www.economicknight.com/azpodcast/ KFNX Info: https://1100kfnx.com/weekend-featured-shows/     Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the Hosts, Guests and Speakers, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent (or affiliates, members, managers, employees or partners), or any Station, Podcast Platform, Website or Social Media that this show may air on. All information provided is for educational and entertainment purposes. Nothing said on this program should be considered advice or recommendations in: business, legal, real estate, crypto, tax accounting, investment, etc. Always seek the advice of a professional in all business ventures, including but not limited to: investments, tax, loans, legal, accounting, real estate, crypto, contracts, sales, marketing, other business arrangements, etc.  

Tech Productivity to AI to Cybersecurity to Sports Cars - Best of Tech 1st half 2025   - AZ TRT S06 EP12 (274) 7-6-2025       What We Learned This Week ChatGPT is an AI chatbot, developed by OpenAI, that can engage in human-like conversations Obvious Future is building Machine Learning (AI) programs to be used onsite for a business Oilstain Lab creates high end retro futuristic designer sports car - in EV models ACTRA - Cyber threats affect everyone from Gov't to business to private and growing Clips form podcasts focused on tech in the 1st Half of 2025 Notes:  Segment 1: Tech Productivity - AZ TRT S06 EP06 (267) 3-23-2025             What We Learned This Week ChatGPT is an AI chatbot, developed by OpenAI, that can engage in human-like conversations ChatGPT can read docs, edit docs, answer Qs, and transcribe Elevenreader – app that turns any document into audio Google Drive – office suite of tools for spreadsheets, docs, powerpoints, & more Todoist – task management program Pocket – web research tool that saves & organizes links     Guest: Denver Nowicz, President - Wealth For Lifehttp://wealthforlife.net/ Denver is an advisor with nearly 20 years experience working with clients in investments and insurance, designing retirement plans with a combo of both. He takes us through different strategies for clients to get the best allocations for their money over the long term. It is the Combo Strategy of both Offense and Defense, the synergy of the mix, not ‘All or Nothing'.   Full Show: HERE     Segment 2: Cybersecurity Response Plan w/ Frank Grimmelmann of ACTRA - AZ TRT S06 EP03 (264) 2-9-2025                 What We Learned This Week ACTRA Arizona Cyber Threat Response Alliance Cyber threats affect everyone from Gov't to business to private and growing Companies need to be responsive with speed to be effective + share information of attacks ACTRA has members from both government and private sector ACTRA helped create a state cybersecurity response model that other states can use     Guest: Frank Grimmelmann https://www.actraaz.org/actra/leadership President & CEO/Intelligence Liaison Officer   Mr. Grimmelmann also serves as Co-Chair (together with Arizona's Chief Information Security Officer) for the Arizona Cybersecurity Team (‘ACT'), created through the Governor's Executive Order signed in March 2018. He also serves as a Founding Member of the National Leadership Group for the Information Sharing & Analysis Organization Standards Organization (‘ISAO SO') at the University of Texas San Antonio (UTSA), created under the President's Executive Order 13691 in February 2015. As ACTRA's leader, Mr. Grimmelmann was invited as the first private sector representative in the Arizona Counter Terrorism Information Center (ACTIC) and served as its first private sector Executive Board representative from 2014-2019. He presently acts as ACTRA's designated private sector liaison to ACTRA's Key Agency and other non-Member Stakeholders.     Full Show: HERE   Segment 3: Futuristic EV Designer Sports Car w/ Nikita Bridan of Oilstainlab - AZ TRT S06 EP02 (263) 1-26-2025              What We Learned This Week Oilstain Lab creates high end retro futuristic designer sports car - in EV models EV Car Designers for Gearheads who hate EVs All the capabilities of a sports car, on a liteweight carbon fiber frame, + sound & an electric motor Inspired by the race cars of Italy & classic 1960s sports cars     Guest: Nikita Bridan, Co-Founder, CEO Nikita Bridan is co-founder & chief executive officer of Oilstainlab. A car design strategist with 15 years of OEM and startup experience, Nikita has worked with world-renowned brands including Lyft, Cruise, GM, Toyota, Genesis, ONE, and more on electrification, platforms, and strategy. In 2019, Nikita co-founded Oilstainlab with his twin brother, Iliya, as an automotive design consultancy service and playground, and developed it into a boundary-pushing, custom vehicle manufacturer. Nikita lives his life as fast as the cars he builds, once being pulled over at 140mph in Arizona and getting off with a warning. Nikita earned bachelor's degrees in Transportation Design from the Istitudo Europeo di Design in Italy and the ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena, California, where he now serves as an instructor to the next generation of designers.   Leading a New Generation of Automotive with Oilstainlab Co-Founder Nikita Bridan The future of automotive design is in the hands of twin brothers, Nikita and Iliya Bridan.  The founders of Oilstainlab have turned heads worldwide with their automotive creations, most notably the Half-11, its half Porsche-half Formula 1 race car that pays homage to the golden age of motor racing.  Full Show: HERE     Segment 4   Machine Learning (AI) Onsite w/ Eddi Weinwurm of Obvious Future - AZ TRT S06 EP01 (262) 1-5-2025                 What We Learned This Week Obvious Future is building Machine Learning (AI) programs to be used onsite for a business Corporate Data is too sensitive to be in the cloud / internet Business cannot use cloud AI programs like ChatGPT, Google Cloud, etc because of IP and privacy concerns Large Language Models are not necessary, have more data than needed, can have smaller AI programs tailored for business   Guest:  Eddi Weinwurm AI is top of mind for most enterprises…but most don't know the risks especially in the cloud.   https://obviousfuture.com/#    Eddi Weinwurm is a co-founder and CEO of Obvious Future an AI company with a new approach to keeping AI local and secure.   Eddi Weinwurm has many years of experience in both the development of media management software and AI.  As a visionary he formed the company to address critical enterprises in the growing AI market.     ObviousFuture Resident AI: Faster, Safer, and Transforming Enterprise AI   Eddi Weinwurm co-founder and CEO of ObviousFuture is on a mission to make AI safer and faster for enterprises.   ObviousFuture, a trailblazer in secure and private AI solutions, will be unveiling a disruptive AI solution for the enterprise on December 18—Resident AI.    This solution empowers enterprises to harness the full potential of AI while safeguarding their data locally, marking a critical evolution in the AI landscape.   ObviousFuture's Resident AI operates entirely on-premise, solving a $500 billion market problem by addressing vulnerabilities like data privacy risks, compliance challenges, and vendor lock-ins. The company is focused on key sectors such as government, defense, surveillance, medical, and media.   Early adopters, have achieved ROI within just two months of deployment of the Resident AI platform.   Full Show: HERE     Biotech Shows: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Biotech-Life+Sciences-Science   AZ Tech Council Shows:  https://brt-show.libsyn.com/size/5/?search=az+tech+council *Includes Best of AZ Tech Council show from 2/12/2023   Tech Topic: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Tech-Startup-VC-Cybersecurity-Energy-Science  Best of Tech: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/size/5/?search=best+of+tech   ‘Best Of' Topic: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Best+of+BRT      Thanks for Listening. Please Subscribe to the AZ TRT Podcast.     AZ Tech Roundtable 2.0 with Matt Battaglia The show where Entrepreneurs, Top Executives, Founders, and Investors come to share insights about the future of business.  AZ TRT 2.0 looks at the new trends in business, & how classic industries are evolving.  Common Topics Discussed: Startups, Founders, Funds & Venture Capital, Business, Entrepreneurship, Biotech, Blockchain / Crypto, Executive Comp, Investing, Stocks, Real Estate + Alternative Investments, and more…    AZ TRT Podcast Home Page: http://aztrtshow.com/ ‘Best Of' AZ TRT Podcast: Click Here Podcast on Google: Click Here Podcast on Spotify: Click Here                    More Info: https://www.economicknight.com/azpodcast/ KFNX Info: https://1100kfnx.com/weekend-featured-shows/     Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the Hosts, Guests and Speakers, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent (or affiliates, members, managers, employees or partners), or any Station, Podcast Platform, Website or Social Media that this show may air on. All information provided is for educational and entertainment purposes. Nothing said on this program should be considered advice or recommendations in: business, legal, real estate, crypto, tax accounting, investment, etc. Always seek the advice of a professional in all business ventures, including but not limited to: investments, tax, loans, legal, accounting, real estate, crypto, contracts, sales, marketing, other business arrangements, etc.  

One of the highlights of Canada's Used Car Week was a stage full of top executives from the wholesale market. Cherokee Media Group's Joe Overby led a conversation with these executives, who discussed macroeconomic, technological and market factors impacting their operations, along with the success strategies they've adopted to thrive in this changing landscape.

This week on the Primo episode: Part 2 of our series on VR wunderkind Palmer Luckey—his fall from grace, his rebirth as a defense contractor, and his years-long feud with angel investor and podcast bro Jason Calacanis.The History of the Future - Blake J. HarrisWhy Did Facebook Fire a Top Executive? Hint: It Ha… To hear more, visit www.blockedandreported.org

  LiquidTrust: A New Era of Cross-Border Payment Protection for Small Business w/ Saujin Yi - AZ TRT S06 EP11 (273) 6-29-2025       What We Learned This Week ·         SMBs Face Major Risk in Cross-Border Payments Small businesses are exposed to significant risk when dealing with international suppliers, lacking the same protections that consumers receive. ·         Traditional Bank Wires Are Outdated for Global SMB Transactions Bank wires, SWIFT networks, and intermediary banks remain the default but are slow, costly, and offer limited recourse if something goes wrong. ·         Digitized Escrow Can Level the Playing Field A modernized escrow system, like Liquid Trust, can serve as a trusted middle layer in transactions, enabling secure, conditional fund releases. ·         Banks Are Adopting Fintech Tools for SMB Clients Liquid Trust is expanding by partnering with banks, offering them technology to better serve small businesses with secure payment processing. ·         A Major Gap Exists for SMB Payment Protections There's a growing opportunity to provide insurance-style protections, dispute resolution, and cash flow tools for smaller, international transactions.   Guest: Saujin Yi, Founder - LiquidTrust LKIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saujin/ Tech entrepreneur, investor, and advisor focused on fintech, future of work, and backing women/minorities. Personal mission is to create a #newplayingfield. Saujin Yi has been talking to founders and bankers who are watching a payment crisis unfold in real time— small business owners wiring full payments to overseas suppliers, only to have their goods withheld or renegotiated because tariffs shifted mid-transaction. These aren't hypothetical's. Inventory is being held hostage, and most of these businesses have no recourse. Saujin is the founder of LiquidTrust, a fintech platform helping SMBs protect themselves. She talks about: ·  The tariff whiplash hitting cross-border supply chains ·  Why small businesses are exposed to all the payment risk ·  How new tools like LiquidTrust's Micro Escrow Pay are helping level the playing field With LiquidTrust, small businesses can wire to 175 countries with built-in counterparty verification, or opt for a holding account that only releases funds when terms are met. It's a timely conversation and offering that I think SMBs would benefit from learning about.   https://www.linkedin.com/company/liquidtrust/ https://www.liquidtrust.io/ 43% of US SMBs make global payments but 75% are unsatisfied with their current options. LiquidTrust is an innovative global pay solution tailored for the needs of small- and medium-sized businesses that also safeguards their transactions from fraud and loss. We offer 2 global payment methods: 1) Direct Pay - Fast global payments to 175 countries within 1-2 days. Safer than traditional wires, with counterparty verification for enhanced security. 2) Pay by Trust ("micro-escrows") - Escrow-like protection against fraud and loss. Offers peace of mind without complexity and high costs of traditional escrows.  Of the $6.9T US import/export payment volume, 2/3 goes unprotected because current payment protection products like letters of credit are too complex and expensive. 9 out of 10 SMB owners constantly worry about fraud and loss because non-payment or non-delivery would be devastating to business survival. We partner with banks to make our self-serve, white-label solution available to their current and potential customers and capture the $9B+ revenue opportunity and related deposits. LiquidTrust builds on the foundation established by Liquid (est. 2019), evolving to meet new opportunities.     Notes: Segment 1: Solving Cross-Border Payment Risk for SMBs In early 2025, small businesses began feeling the pressure of rising tariffs and payment complications with overseas vendors. For many SMBs, cross-border transactions are a daily reality—but the tools available to them haven't kept pace with the global nature of modern commerce. The Traditional Payment Model Historically, payments to overseas partners have relied on the banking system as the intermediary. This means: ·         Transactions typically occur via international wire transfers. ·         These wires use the SWIFT network, involving multiple intermediate banks. ·         Funds are converted between currencies, often with unpredictable fees or delays. While this may work for large enterprises, small businesses often bear more risk in these transactions, lacking sufficient tools for protection or recourse. Many SMBs today operate a “borderless” business model—based in the U.S. but with 50% or more of their partnerships overseas. The Need for Simplicity and Trust Small businesses need a solution that is: ·         Reliable for both sides of the transaction ·         Simple to use without requiring financial expertise ·         Built on trust, with built-in mechanisms to reduce risk Liquid Trust introduces a new payment model for SMBs—simplifying cross-border payments through a system built around "micro escrow."   Segment 2: Micro Escrow: Modern Protection for Small Deals Much like real estate uses escrow accounts to protect both buyers and sellers, Liquid Trust applies the same principle to small business payments. Traditionally, escrow has only been available for large deals. Liquid Trust brings this to small transactions by digitizing the process. Here's how it works: ·         A buyer can invite and verify a vendor into the platform. ·         Funds are held in escrow, not released until pre-set conditions are met. ·         A built-in dispute resolution and arbitration system ensures fairness. ·         The process is as simple as a "Buy Now, Pay Later" model. This transforms the transaction dynamics. Instead of the buyer taking on 100% of the risk with a wire or upfront deposit, both parties share risk more equitably—improving trust, satisfaction, and cash flow for SMBs. The Bigger Problem: Why Change the System? In the traditional system, there are “winners” and “losers”: ·         Winners: Vendors who receive payment up front with little risk. ·         Losers: Buyers who send money and hope everything works out. But smart SMBs realize that keeping vendors happy is also good business. Building long-term trust and smoother cash flow on both sides of a deal can elevate all partners. There's a clear gap in the market: SMBs have no access to tools like consumer credit protections, and banks often don't want to get involved in smaller payments like a $20,000 invoice. It's not profitable for them. Liquid Trust fills this gap.   Segment 3: Bank Partnerships: Scaling Trust and Access Initially, Liquid Trust served SMBs directly. But a strategic pivot is now enabling banks, attorneys, and accountants to offer Liquid Trust's technology to their small business clients. Why banks? ·         They are already trusted advisors for SMBs. ·         They need better digital tools to serve modern business clients. ·         They lack solutions for smaller, international transactions. With this new model, banks integrate Liquid Trust into their ecosystem, giving small businesses access to tools they never had before: protections, conditional payments, and streamlined digital processing. The Vision Behind Liquid Trust Liquid Trust was founded by an engineer with a background in finance and technology startups. Originally designed as an accounts payable solution, the platform pivoted after identifying massive friction and risk in global SMB payments. Key insights: ·         SMBs struggle with payment protections across borders. ·         Legal recourse is impractical—lawsuits are expensive and hard to enforce internationally. ·         Many vendors are in regions where you simply can't “go knock on the door.” Liquid Trust, now evolving under the name Escrow Pay, has raised a seed round and is expanding into: ·         Financial institutions and banks ·         Online marketplaces ·         Business-to-business platforms The future of SMB payments lies in trust, transparency, and built-in protections—all delivered through easy-to-use financial technology.     Biotech Shows: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Biotech-Life+Sciences-Science   AZ Tech Council Shows:  https://brt-show.libsyn.com/size/5/?search=az+tech+council *Includes Best of AZ Tech Council show from 2/12/2023   Tech Topic: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Tech-Startup-VC-Cybersecurity-Energy-Science  Best of Tech: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/size/5/?search=best+of+tech   ‘Best Of' Topic: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Best+of+BRT      Thanks for Listening. Please Subscribe to the AZ TRT Podcast.     AZ Tech Roundtable 2.0 with Matt Battaglia The show where Entrepreneurs, Top Executives, Founders, and Investors come to share insights about the future of business.  AZ TRT 2.0 looks at the new trends in business, & how classic industries are evolving.  Common Topics Discussed: Startups, Founders, Funds & Venture Capital, Business, Entrepreneurship, Biotech, Blockchain / Crypto, Executive Comp, Investing, Stocks, Real Estate + Alternative Investments, and more…    AZ TRT Podcast Home Page: http://aztrtshow.com/ ‘Best Of' AZ TRT Podcast: Click Here Podcast on Google: Click Here Podcast on Spotify: Click Here                    More Info: https://www.economicknight.com/azpodcast/ KFNX Info: https://1100kfnx.com/weekend-featured-shows/     Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the Hosts, Guests and Speakers, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent (or affiliates, members, managers, employees or partners), or any Station, Podcast Platform, Website or Social Media that this show may air on. All information provided is for educational and entertainment purposes. Nothing said on this program should be considered advice or recommendations in: business, legal, real estate, crypto, tax accounting, investment, etc. Always seek the advice of a professional in all business ventures, including but not limited to: investments, tax, loans, legal, accounting, real estate, crypto, contracts, sales, marketing, other business arrangements, etc.  

With SHRM research revealing leadership development as a top priority for HR leaders in 2025, this episode dives into strategies for sourcing and nurturing executive talent. Host Nicole Belyna is joined by Jeremy Eskenazi, managing principal of HR consulting firm Riviera Advisors, to share actionable insights on aligning executive roles with business goals, attracting quality candidates, and fostering leadership growth. This podcast is approved for .5 PDCs toward SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP recertification. Listen to the complete episode to get your activity ID at the end. ID expires July 1, 2026. Subscribe to Honest HR to get the latest episodes, expert insights, and additional resources delivered straight to your inbox: https://shrm.co/voegyz---Explore SHRM's all-new flagships. Content curated by experts. Created for you weekly. Each content journey features engaging podcasts, video, articles, and groundbreaking newsletters tailored to meet your unique needs in your organization and career. Learn More: https://shrm.co/coy63r

Let me know what you thought of the episode!On this episode I talk about anime episodes 671-673 Dressrosa Operation SOP has had several setbacks as Doflamingo's Top Executives start to fight back with the operation in a dire situation only the Hero Usoland is left! Hope you enjoy!Support the show

Send us a textUnlock Proven Strategies for a Lucrative Business Exit—Subscribe to The Deep Wealth Podcast TodayHave Questions About Growing Profits And Maximizing Your Business Exit? Submit Them Here, and We'll Answer Them on the Podcast!“Love every moment.” - Dr. Dolores FazzinoExclusive Insights from This Week's EpisodesIn this raw and powerful episode, Marcy reveals the real reason even top performers plateau—and how to unlock a life of meaning, momentum, and fulfillment.Through her proven Show Up System, Marcy shares how to transition from “just showing up” to “truly showing up”—and why that single shift will transform your business, your relationships, and your purpose. 00:01:00 Marcy's personal story of losing her voice—and what it taught her about presence00:08:00 The three levels of “showing up” and why most people are stuck in level two00:13:00 Deathbed regrets and the one truth most successful people miss00:19:00 Why hustle culture is hurting your business and your health00:25:00 How Marcy helped a founder unlock a 9-figure deal by changing one habit00:30:00 The neuroscience of showing up and how it impacts decision-making00:36:00 How to create a company culture that fosters true presence and trust00:47:00 Why level three leaders outperform—and how to get thereClick here for full show notes, transcript, and resources:https://podcast.deepwealth.com/450Essential Resources to Maximize Your Business ExitLearn More About Deep Wealth MasteryFREE Deep Wealth eBook on Why You Suck At Selling Your Business And What You Can Do Unlock Your Lucrative Exit and Secure Your Legacy

Health Insurance is Rigged & Controlled by the Big Companies w/ Donvan Ryckis of Ethos Benefits   - AZ TRT S06 EP10 (272) 6-15-2025              What We Learned This Week Health Insurance is primarily run by the Big 4 - BUCA: Blue Cross United Healthcare, CIGNA, Aetna To Insurance Co's – Premium = Revenue, and they are not going lower profits, so no incentive to lower costs Health insurance employer group plans can be broken down into 4 Parts Network PPO is what people typically think of when they think of health insurance There have been revisions to the Healthcare Act passed in 2021   Guest: Donovan Ryckis, Ethos Benefits https://ethosbenefits.com/   https://ethosbenefits.com/documentary/ https://businessofbenefitspodcast.com/   Our Ethos is Simple: Fiduciary First. Act in the best interest of those we serve—no matter the cost. ‘Ethos' represents the guiding principle, character, or spirit of a person or organization. It's the ‘why' that drives decision-making and fuel's purpose. Our Ethos is deeply rooted in the story of our Founder, Donovan Ryckis. Over a decade ago, Donovan, a fiduciary Series 65 securities advisor specializing in retirement and pension planning, was approached by a client facing a dire situation. The client's publicly traded broker claimed there was no solution for a staggering 37.5% health insurance renewal increase—a cost that threatened the business and its employees. With no prior experience in health insurance markets but guided by his unwavering fiduciary principles, Donovan took on the challenge. The result? He mitigated the risk entirely, delivering a solution 12% below the current rate. This allowed the business to thrive and ensured hundreds of employees wouldn't have to choose between basic necessities and skyrocketing health premiums. That moment sparked a revelation. The fraud, waste, and abuse Donovan had fought in retirement planning paled in comparison to the challenges in healthcare. He saw an opportunity to bring transparency and fiduciary principles to an industry in desperate need of change. Donovan pivoted his career, becoming one of the first fee-based health insurance advisors in the nation. By removing all conflicts of interest in broker compensation, he laid the foundation for what is now the leading innovative employee benefits agency in the country, delivering higher quality care at a significantly lower cost to employers nationwide.       Notes:   Ethos Benefits deals with employee benefits, with a primary focus on group health insurance   Per Donovan ‘Employee benefits are rigged'   Insurance company premium equals revenue. There is no incentive to lower cost, as it would lower profits.   ACA Obamacare passed in 2010, and it capped profits for insurance companies at 20%   Insurance Co's are working to expand their pool to make more profit   Health Insurance guarantees inflation keeps going up, so family of 4 could spend 35K a year   For a business, healthcare cost and employee benefits are a top 3 P&L expense   Ethos strategies can create a 30 to 40% reduction on premium impact to lower costs for a business   The HQ is in Florida, but they are a virtual office with agents and clients nationwide   Healthcare finance and delivery + Improving employee benefits     Seg 1   Donovan's bio, he was a financial advisor with a Series 65 license before he got into health insurance. Around 2014 he moved into health insurance seeing an opportunity for better service.   Typically you see agents who are working for the health insurance company and not really working for the employer companies they are selling to.   Health insurance is primarily run by the Big 4 – BUCA: Blue Cross United Healthcare, CIGNA, Aetna.   Health insurance employer group plans can be broken down into 4 Parts:   1.    TPA or third-party administrator 2.    Network PPO or HMO 3.    Pharmacy benefit RX 4.    Insurance that covers the caps the limits on the stop loss   PPO is your primary network and open on using referrals HMO is a non-preferred network typically has less offerings and tight on referrals   Ethos Benefits helps employers to break up the four parts of a group plan and customize   Network PPO is what people typically think of when they think of health insurance.   Network and the Big 4 health companies have a tighter deal with doctors and contract prices. A lot is pre-negotiated with a set of rates, which is the point of a PPO. This is where you get larger claims and they run in the system of healthcare.     Seg 2   Pay more for healthcare in the U.S. than the rest of the world   The biggest pharmaceutical companies are in the US Pharmaceutical companies in flight prices, and also set the prices They make money through spread pricing   Employers can actually pick up their own Pharma benefit and get the rebates that the big health insurance companies are not giving them   Healthcare system is a rigged game The fraud waste and abuse extremely high in health   401(k) and retirement benefit industry is actually tighter with more disclosure than the healthcare industry   Regulated better since the creation of the Securities Act in the 1930s and updates that ran through the 1970s and beyond with things like ERISA   There have been revisions to the healthcare act passed in 2021 - started in Jan.2022   Actions had 3 disclosures: ·         Brokers comp and bonus ·         Data with gag, clauses, and full access to data upon request ·         Benchmarking for drug cost     Further Notes via Google:   The revisions you are likely referring to are part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 (CAA). While the CAA was passed in late 2020, many of its provisions, including those related to transparency in healthcare, became effective on January 1, 2022.  The three key areas of disclosure you mentioned are directly addressed within these regulations: 1.            Broker's Compensation and Bonuses: The CAA amends ERISA Section 408(b)(2) and requires service providers, including brokers, to disclose specific information to group health plan fiduciaries. 2.            Data Transparency (Gag Clauses and Full Access to Data): The CAA prohibits gag clauses, which prevent plans from providing access to their data. It also requires health insurance carriers to attest annually to their compliance with this prohibition. Moreover, the Health DATA Act, a proposed bill, would further reinforce the right of employers to access their data and hold service providers accountable for non-compliance. 3.            Benchmarking for Drug Costs: The CAA includes provisions regarding pharmacy benefit and drug cost reporting, which aims to provide greater transparency and potentially lead to better benchmarking of drug costs. The Build Back Better Act, a separate piece of legislation, also included provisions for Medicare to negotiate drug prices, further impacting drug costs and potential benchmarking.  These revisions aim to increase transparency in healthcare pricing and empower consumers and employers to make more informed decisions about their healthcare coverage.    Seg 3   Ethos works with Employers to create business plans usually with a 3 to 5 year time horizon. The goal is long-term to lower healthcare cost.   Example would be a company with 100 employees with 50 to 80% of them on the health plan (does not include dependents).   Ethos wants to keep the demands of a company low, easy transition.   Ethos handles employee Qs and healthcare navigation. Ethos is full service.   Risk handled 1 of 4 ways - Reduce, avoid, retain, transfer - Transfer to insurance   Broker wants to transfer risk Company can control costs Careful not to have too much disruption with a switch to a new company   Ex - start with pharmacy part NDC National Drug Code Run report vs costs   Pharmacy benefit mgr   Pre packaged health plan Gets co approved pharmacy benefit Save 5 - 15% on costs (30%)   Separate - parts of group plan     Seg 4   Brokers comp - incentives from big insurance companies   Opening move - edit pharmacy benefit piece   State by state - regulators and rules   Employers / employees Know the network and PPO   Nationwide covers insurance part – Stop-loss Insurance   30-40 major stop loss companies Ex: Allstate Met Life Sun Life   Stop-loss insurance for group health plans acts as a financial safety net for self-funded employers, protecting them from large, unpredictable medical claims. It is a form of additional insurance.   Healthcare risk is incredibly predictable on group basis   Overall predictable w stats, actuarial analysis   Gag clauses look at dataset from current carrier   Prescription database sets   3rd party admin are less of a concern, lots of claims   Average of 18 claims per employee per year, includes dependents   Data - review AI Claims analytics software   AI claims analytics software is transforming how insurance companies handle claims by leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning to analyze data, automate tasks, and improve decision-making.    30 - 40% reduction in premium w Ethos     Further Notes via Google: Group Medical Plans Breakdown of the common components of a comprehensive employer group health plan, particularly within the context of a self-funded model.  Here's a more detailed explanation of each part: 1.            TPA (Third-Party Administrator): A TPA is a company that provides administrative services for self-funded health plans. This includes processing claims, handling enrollment, and managing other administrative tasks that would typically be done by an insurance company. 2.            Network (PPO or HMO): This refers to the group of doctors, hospitals, and other healthcare providers that the health plan contracts with to provide services to its members. The network defines where employees can go to receive care and often dictates the level of coverage they will receive (e.g., in-network vs. out-of-network benefits). ·                                             PPO (Preferred Provider Organization): Offers more flexibility, allowing members to see out-of-network providers, though with higher out-of-pocket costs. ·                                             HMO (Health Maintenance Organization): Typically requires members to stay within the network for covered services, except in emergencies.                 Pharmacy Benefit (RX): This component manages the prescription drug coverage for the plan. It includes negotiating drug prices, processing claims for prescriptions, and managing the plan's formulary (list of covered drugs).                 Stop-Loss Insurance: This is a crucial element for self-funded employers. It protects the employer from catastrophic claim costs. If an individual employee or the entire group's claims exceed a certain threshold (the "attachment point"), the stop-loss insurance kicks in to cover the excess costs, limiting the employer's financial liability.  Additional Considerations: ·                     Data Access: Self-funded plans often provide employers with greater access to claims data, which can be used to analyze healthcare costs, identify trends, and implement strategies to improve employee health and manage costs. ·                     Benchmarking: Employers can use claims data and industry benchmarks to compare their plan's performance to similar organizations and negotiate better rates with providers and other vendors. ·                     Wellness Programs: Some employers offer wellness programs to encourage employees to adopt healthy behaviors and potentially reduce healthcare costs. ·                     Essential Health Benefits (ACA Compliance): Group health plans must comply with the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which requires them to cover a list of essential health benefits, such as outpatient care, emergency services, hospitalization, and prescription drugs. ·                     Other Benefits: Group plans can also include other benefits, such as dental, vision, life insurance, and long- and short-term disability insurance.  Understanding these different parts is essential for employers to effectively manage their group health plan, control costs, and provide valuable benefits to their employees.      Investing Shows: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Investing-Stocks-Bonds-Retirement       ‘Best Of' Topic: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Best+of+BRT      Thanks for Listening. Please Subscribe to the AZ TRT Podcast.     AZ Tech Roundtable 2.0 with Matt Battaglia The show where Entrepreneurs, Top Executives, Founders, and Investors come to share insights about the future of business.  AZ TRT 2.0 looks at the new trends in business, & how classic industries are evolving.  Common Topics Discussed: Startups, Founders, Funds & Venture Capital, Business, Entrepreneurship, Biotech, Blockchain / Crypto, Executive Comp, Investing, Stocks, Real Estate + Alternative Investments, and more…    AZ TRT Podcast Home Page: http://aztrtshow.com/ ‘Best Of' AZ TRT Podcast: Click Here Podcast on Google: Click Here Podcast on Spotify: Click Here                    More Info: https://www.economicknight.com/azpodcast/ KFNX Info: https://1100kfnx.com/weekend-featured-shows/     Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the Hosts, Guests and Speakers, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent (or affiliates, members, managers, employees or partners), or any Station, Podcast Platform, Website or Social Media that this show may air on. All information provided is for educational and entertainment purposes. Nothing said on this program should be considered advice or recommendations in: business, legal, real estate, crypto, tax accounting, investment, etc. Always seek the advice of a professional in all business ventures, including but not limited to: investments, tax, loans, legal, accounting, real estate, crypto, contracts, sales, marketing, other business arrangements, etc.  

  5 Types of Income to Create Infinite Income   - AZ TRT S06 EP09 (271) 5-25-2025              What We Learned This Week Multiple Streams of Income strategy 5 Types of Income – Career, Investment, Retirement Account, Pension, Tax Free Diversification of income provides you security and freedom Build Infinite Income thru initial investment, and profits pay off loans, then go on forever George Lucas created the Star Wars IP one time, and gets infinite returns from the movies & merchandise Real Estate, Business, and Insurance products are good assets for infinite income     Notes:   Segment 1: The 5 Types of Income – Why One Stream Isn't Enough Opening: The Economic Shift ·         The economic landscape has changed dramatically over the last 50 years. ·         While business and technology have advanced, personal finance education and systems haven't kept pace. ·         Inflation has significantly eroded purchasing power. ·         It's no longer the 1950s where one income could support a family of four. Now, two incomes are often required—and even then, many people have a third gig. The New Normal: Side Hustles & Financial Reality ·         According to recent stats, 70% of people need an additional income stream, often from a side business or freelance work. ·         30% of Americans hold a second job. ·         Among millennials, that number rises to 50%.     The Lesson from Robert Allen & Rich Dad, Poor Dad ·         Robert Allen's Multiple Streams of Income advocated for income diversification to gain safety and freedom. ·         Robert Kiyosaki's Rich Dad, Poor Dad emphasized acquiring income-producing assets—his favorite being real estate. The 5 Types of Income 1.    Career or Business Income Your primary, day-to-day W-2 income—pays the bills and covers monthly expenses. 2.    Investment Income Comes from appreciating or income-producing assets like real estate, stocks, or Bitcoin. 3.    Retirement Accounts Tax-deferred income sources like IRAs or 401(k)s—subject to rules and penalties but critical for long-term planning. 4.    Guaranteed Income Comes from pensions, annuities, or Social Security. Designed for lifetime income and stability. 5.    Tax-Free Income Generated through Roth IRAs or cash value from life insurance. You pay tax on the seed, not the harvest. Call to Action: ·         Make a list of which of the five types of income you currently have. ·         Strategize how to build the remaining ones for a balanced, resilient financial future. Analogy: Just like a business has multiple products or a sports team has multiple ways to score, individuals should have diverse income sources to win financially. Segment 2: Infinite Income – Building Streams That Never Run Dry What Is Infinite Income? ·         Infinite income is ongoing, residual income that continues long after the original work or investment. ·         It's the financial holy grail: put in work or money once, get paid over and over. Key Assets That Can Generate Infinite Income: ·         Tangible Assets: Real estate, businesses, stocks ·         Intangible Assets: Skills, knowledge, intellectual property (IP), network Examples of Infinite Income in Action 1. Real Estate ·         Buy a $250K property with 10% down ($25K). ·         Renters pay the mortgage; property appreciates. ·         Refinance later, pull out your original investment tax-free. ·         Continue collecting rental income even after loan is paid off. ·         Use refinance funds to buy more properties → Repeat → Scale. 2. Business Ownership ·         Start or buy a business using a loan. ·         Profits pay off the loan, then continue to generate revenue. ·         Later, use the business as collateral to expand or acquire another. 3. Life Insurance (IUL Strategy) ·         Fund a policy over time; cash value grows tax-deferred. ·         Take loans against the policy tax-free—used as supplemental retirement income. ·         Policy can also be a legacy tool, passing on wealth tax-free. 4. Intellectual Property (IP) ·         George Lucas with Star Wars—created once, profits for decades from merchandise and licensing. ·         Jeff Bezos still profits from Amazon stock, 30 years later. ·         Microsoft, McDonald's, Coca-Cola—IP and systems built once, revenue continues for decades. ·         DC Comics still profiting off Superman IP created in the 1930s. Key Principles for Building Infinite Income ·         Choose the Right Assets: Real estate, businesses, IULs—not just assets that appreciate, but ones that cash flow. ·         Leverage and Scale: Use debt wisely to scale income-producing assets. Wealthy individuals and private equity firms use this strategy constantly. o    Example: PE firms acquire HVAC companies, funeral homes, rental properties—assets that provide consistent 10%+ returns. ·         Use Tax Strategy to Your Advantage: o    Tax-free income is more efficient. o    Lowering your tax burden increases your net income immediately. o    Wealthy individuals use loans, Roths, and life insurance to optimize tax efficiency. Mindset Shift: ·         Don't chase just “buy low/sell high” assets. Instead, acquire harvestable assets—ones that generate regular income and can appreciate. ·         Build cash flow now, use it to reinvest in more assets—repeat the cycle. Closing Thought: ·         Control three things: Assets, Income, Taxes. ·         Master those, and you create not just wealth—but infinite income.     Investing Shows: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Investing-Stocks-Bonds-Retirement       ‘Best Of' Topic: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Best+of+BRT      Thanks for Listening. Please Subscribe to the AZ TRT Podcast.     AZ Tech Roundtable 2.0 with Matt Battaglia The show where Entrepreneurs, Top Executives, Founders, and Investors come to share insights about the future of business.  AZ TRT 2.0 looks at the new trends in business, & how classic industries are evolving.  Common Topics Discussed: Startups, Founders, Funds & Venture Capital, Business, Entrepreneurship, Biotech, Blockchain / Crypto, Executive Comp, Investing, Stocks, Real Estate + Alternative Investments, and more…    AZ TRT Podcast Home Page: http://aztrtshow.com/ ‘Best Of' AZ TRT Podcast: Click Here Podcast on Google: Click Here Podcast on Spotify: Click Here                    More Info: https://www.economicknight.com/azpodcast/ KFNX Info: https://1100kfnx.com/weekend-featured-shows/     Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the Hosts, Guests and Speakers, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent (or affiliates, members, managers, employees or partners), or any Station, Podcast Platform, Website or Social Media that this show may air on. All information provided is for educational and entertainment purposes. Nothing said on this program should be considered advice or recommendations in: business, legal, real estate, crypto, tax accounting, investment, etc. Always seek the advice of a professional in all business ventures, including but not limited to: investments, tax, loans, legal, accounting, real estate, crypto, contracts, sales, marketing, other business arrangements, etc.

In this powerful episode of The Mystic Millionaire Podcast, I sit down with the brilliant and bold Coach Keren Eldad—renowned executive coach, bestselling author of GILDED, and founder of THE CLUB—to talk about what it truly means to break free from the cycle of overachievement and reclaim your authentic self. Keren shares her journey of releasing perfectionism, healing from burnout, and redefining success from the inside out. Together, we explore the transformational shift from striving to surrendering, from doing to being. We also discuss her 12-step path for workaholics, the awakening that changed everything, and how peace became the new power. If you're the woman who's ready to stop proving and start living, this episode is for you! Follow Keren Eldad here:Website: https://kereneldad.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachkeren/Ready to Break the Cycle of Empty Ambition and Step into Your Extraordinary Self? Check Coach Keren's book, "GILDED: Breaking Free from the Cage of Ambition, Perfectionism and the Relentless Pursuit of More" here: https://breakfreewithgilded.com/Get exclusive access to powerful behind-the-scenes riffs I only share with my inner circle. SUBSCRIBE to unlock it now and go deeper with me here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/818893/subscribeJoin the Mastering Your Mindset Facebook Group, and surround yourself with individuals who are on their journey to success. https://www.facebook.com/groups/MasteringYourMindsetwithDanielleWant to start working with me? Book a complimentary strategy call with The Success Society Team. We're here to support you. https://danielleamos.as.me/strategycallYou can catch the video version of this episode on my YouTube channel. Subscribe here: https://www.youtube.com/@thedanielleamosOne conversation with me can change your life. Access my free gift, Success Mindset Workshop, here: https://successmindsetworkshop.danielleamos.co/If you love this episode, please share it on Instagram, tag me, and send me a DM @TheDanielleAmos; I'd be so grateful if you could leave me a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Support the show

Artificial Intelligence (AI) – how the Algorithm Connects Us All Revisited AZ TRT 2.0 – S06 EP08 (270) 5-11-2025   What We Learned This Week: AI is inter-connected with so many technologies & you use AI often on a daily basis AI is a part of almost all industries from Healthcare, Finance to Defense Human in the Loop - humans will always be needed to Interpret the Data, but AI will assist Software Teams must be managed so the product is integrated properly in the bigger picture   Moore's Law – Each year computing power grows 2x as fast, but cuts the cost in half   Guests: Naru (Narendran Muraleedharan), CEO / Founder of StaxAI – formerly Inventives & Aptus AI https://stax.ai/   linkedin.com/in/naru95       Bio: At Stax.ai, we empower retirement plan TPAs to streamline operations, enhance productivity, and deliver exceptional client experiences. Our innovative platform automates census data collection, payroll integrations, trust accounting, and client communication, all while providing actionable insights through AI-driven tools. Trusted by TPAs managing thousands of plans, Stax.ai transforms administrative burdens into seamless workflows, enabling you to focus on what matters most—growing your business and strengthening client relationships.   Past Bio: Inventives / Aptus AI is a software solutions and artificial intelligence development and consulting firm. They provide aerospace, mechanical, and software engineering services to companies around the world. The Team is strong, and well-rounded consisting of engineers, developers, and physicists that focus on solving problems at the root. They help take ideas or concepts and build prototypes and deployments in very short periods of time with tight budgets while maintaining the best quality and client satisfaction. The main fields of expertise are RPA, Web App Development, Solutions Architecture, Artificial Intelligence, Computer Vision, and Simulation Systems.   Note**: This interview was recorded in Oct. 2021 (S02 EP 43 (90) 10-24-21), since then Naru has changed the company name. Also, the BRT podcast has changed to AZ Tech Roundtable.   Notes: Seg. 2 - 4 Naru returns to the show talking tech, software, and AI. His team is always developing new applications with AI in healthcare, finance, biotech, & aerospace. Naru shows how so many technologies are connected and what the future of business looks like. Inventives is the new company, with the same core technology team, but focusing the business into a venture studio by creating new AI projects for companies not yet using AI. Inventives new projects can become spinoff companies with this new technology.  They work with B2B clients and also Investors for these types of companies.   Radiology is a current project to enhance the patient experience using AI – called SKIP. This project is on the Operations side to make the patient process of paperwork, payments, etc. to be automated (& efficient) with AI working with the patient. This will be stand alone, but if adopted by other medical offices over the long term can streamline the healthcare industry. Naru and his team are working on document management, where their AI program will be able to read documents and determine what the info is. Rising Cloud is another project they are building that manages a company cloud usage to improve costs.   Moore's Law – Each year computing power grows 2x as fast, but cuts the cost in half Cloud Computing happens in the cloud and internet for your programming vs Edge Computing that happens right on your phone and does not need to go out to the cloud. Bigger the data request or process determines if Cloud or Edge is the best choice. People interact with AI (Artificial Intelligence) daily on their phone, email, internet search and beyond. User Agreements in your phone or websites you use say they can take your search data and use it to enhance your experience.   AI Search uses past searches by you, vs what are the popular other searches by other people on the internet. It happens so fast and has the best / popular search options loading before you are even done typing. This is called a Recommendation Engine, just like Netflix or Amazon find shows or products you may like. These recs are similar to what you have watched or bought previously, or in similar genres. The downside is you may not see different options, just more of the same. AI determines what you see daily on the internet, and can create a silo effect. Inventives uses a common solution, called Human in the Loop to review what the AI is doing. Then the searches or recommendations are reviewed to see how accurate they are.  Healthcare AI is assisting doctors, and even finding issues that humans have missed in a radiology study. AI has no bias, and does not get tired. The computer can repeat processes and be consistent.   Key technologies of the day are constantly overlapping – AI, Big Data, Cloud, SaaS Software, etc. This tech can work with each other, and new software can build on top of these applications. Open AI created a product with AI that builds AI software. Naru's Software Teams have different backgrounds of math, engineering or physics who are self taught on software and think more about the solution vs thinking in terms of coding. There are small groups of 2 to 4 people in a team with a Solutions Architect running the small team and determining how the software interacts in the bigger picture. Often some of the best software involved very small teams. Lot of testing and compliance control goes into to creating big software projects that can involve multiple teams. Same issue if building an upgrade to a software that merges with the previous version.   Rewind Clip (Seg. 1) – Replay of a segment from Naru's last appearance on BRT in 11/2020 He talks AI and the morality of the technology. How can a programmer control their product, and what it will be used for in the real world. Naru chose the name Aptus because it is Latin for Apt or Appropriate – design products that works for the clients Chaos Theory / Jurassic Park – Just because you can do it, doesn't mean you should Aptus gets defense contracts as sub-contractor of companies partnered with military. Aptus studies the end applications for what they are requested to build, to determine if they will take the project. Morality is considered, but not always applicable to see where a product may go until it is built. AI software is programmed to build more software, AI building more AI. Per Naru there are companies trying to develop AI weapons that can kill on their own, and robots being controlled by AI already. Aptus has Liability Insurance to protect their projects.       ‘Best Of' Topic: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Best+of+BRT    Thanks for Listening. Please Subscribe to the AZ TRT Podcast.     AZ Tech Roundtable 2.0 with Matt Battaglia The show where Entrepreneurs, Top Executives, Founders, and Investors come to share insights about the future of business.  AZ TRT 2.0 looks at the new trends in business, & how classic industries are evolving.  Common Topics Discussed: Startups, Founders, Funds & Venture Capital, Business, Entrepreneurship, Biotech, Blockchain / Crypto, Executive Comp, Investing, Stocks, Real Estate + Alternative Investments, and more…    AZ TRT Podcast Home Page: http://aztrtshow.com/ ‘Best Of' AZ TRT Podcast: Click Here Podcast on Google: Click Here Podcast on Spotify: Click Here                    More Info: https://www.economicknight.com/azpodcast/ KFNX Info: https://1100kfnx.com/weekend-featured-shows/   Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the Hosts, Guests and Speakers, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent (or affiliates, members, managers, employees or partners), or any Station, Podcast Platform, Website or Social Media that this show may air on. All information provided is for educational and entertainment purposes. Nothing said on this program should be considered advice or recommendations in: business, legal, real estate, crypto, tax accounting, investment, etc. Always seek the advice of a professional in all business ventures, including but not limited to: investments, tax, loans, legal, accounting, real estate, crypto, contracts, sales, marketing, other business arrangements, etc.  

Are You Ignoring the Leadership Advantage Hiding in Plain Sight?Most leaders don't fail because they lack ambition—they fail because they resist the very thing that could take them to the next level: feedback.On today's episode of The Executive Appeal Podcast, join Alex D. Tremble (CEO of GPS Leadership Solutions & #KeynoteSpeaker) as we explore how high-performing executives use feedback as a competitive advantage—and how you can too.Why You Need to Listen:Feedback isn't just about performance reviews—it's your most direct path to growth, credibility, and long-term influence. But only if you know how to receive it, apply it, and ask for it strategically.What You'll Learn:✅ Why most leaders get feedback wrong—and how to shift your mindset✅ The power of “feedforward” and why it's a game changer✅ How to give and receive feedback without damaging trust or confidence✅ The simple feedback habits that separate stagnant leaders from those who grow fastReal Talk, Real GrowthYour Next Move:

Speaker, author, former NFL linebacker, and CEO of Matt Mayberry Enterprises, Matt Mayberry, shares the similarities between success on the field and success in the boardroom.Hear Matt's full interview in Episode 56 of The Action Catalyst.

After nearly 23 years at Unite Students, the United Kingdom's largest student accommodation provider, Joe Lister moved from the role of CFO to CEO in January 2024. In this interview, he discusses how his mindset and perspectives regarding leadership have shifted, how he deals with mental health and wellness, and what it's like managing a wide range of stakeholders. He also shares how he built out his executive team, what he looks for in future-ready leaders, and his advice to someone stepping into the CEO role for the first time: get match fit. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

AP's Lisa Dwyer reports on the resignation of a high-ranking Texas Lottery official after growing scrutiny of Texas' lottery program.

Mike and Charlie discussed the Pelicans' decision to fire David Griffin, the team's executive vice president of basketball operations. The guys interviewed Chris Dodson, an NBA reporter for ClutchPoints, and Zack Nagy, an LSU reporter for Sports Illustrated.

In this episode of The Brand Called You, top executive coach and author, Stephen Bruyant tells how he transformed his career from global marketing to coaching elite leaders. Stephen shares insights on leadership challenges, personal transformation, and his structured system—The Personal Business Plan. He also reveals key takeaways from his latest book, The Existential Playbook, blending philosophy, psychology, and strategy for success.00:35- About Stephen Bruyant-LangerStephen is a top executive coach. He's the author of three books. The latest one is The Existential Playbook: How to Survive, Live and Thrive.He's the founder of the Personal Business Plan.

In this special Women's Month edition of the I Am Home podcast, Amy Myers, NFM's Chief Marketing Officer, sits down with a powerhouse panel of executives for an inspiring conversation. She's joined by Robyn Messerly (Chief Information Officer), Megan Berry Barlow (Chief Human Resources Officer) and Nora Gomez (Chief Merchandising Officer) to talk about leadership, workplace culture and the power of connection in today's business world. Get ready for an engaging discussion filled with personal stories, leadership insights and strategies for collaboration and success. Plus, hear their thoughts on resilience, navigating challenges and what it truly takes to thrive in executive roles. You won't want to miss this one!

Are your team meetings draining energy rather than fueling success? What if there was a way to make every meeting engaging, productive, and even enjoyable? In this episode, I sit down with executive coach Joe Hudson, whose unique approach to leadership and team dynamics has transformed countless organizations. Joe shares powerful insights on how to build an aligned, high-performing team culture, structure decision-making for maximum impact, and redefine what it means to run an effective meeting. We dive into the core principles that make teams thrive, from fostering authentic relationships to challenging the status quo. Joe unpacks why most meetings fail, how leaders unknowingly sabotage efficiency, and the secret to making meetings a powerful driver of business growth. Whether you're leading a team internally or managing client relationships, this episode will leave you rethinking how you structure conversations, make decisions, and cultivate a winning culture. Topics We Cover in This Episode:  The surprising metric that determines whether a meeting is truly effective Why most companies are unknowingly wasting massive amounts of time—and how to fix it The counterintuitive leadership habit that builds deeper trust and stronger teams How to instantly improve team cohesion using a simple but overlooked principle The secret behind “five-star meetings” and why they drastically improve company performance A powerful (but easy-to-implement) strategy to ensure your meetings drive real results The #1 mistake leaders make when trying to foster alignment—and what to do instead How to use strategic tension to supercharge both internal teams and client relationships Ready to transform the way you lead and make every meeting count? Don't let another unproductive conversation drain your team's potential. Tune in now to learn Joe's game-changing strategies and start implementing them today. If you found this episode valuable, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your team. For more insights and resources, check out Joe's work at The Art of Accomplishment—because leadership should be both effective and fulfilling.   Resources Mentioned: Joe's website: https://www.artofaccomplishment.com Joe's podcast: https://www.artofaccomplishment.com/podcast Order your copy of Give to Grow Get the Supplemental materials for Give to Grow Get a copy of your GrowBIG Playbook today!  

Are your team meetings draining energy rather than fueling success? What if there was a way to make every meeting engaging, productive, and even enjoyable? In this episode, I sit down with executive coach Joe Hudson, whose unique approach to leadership and team dynamics has transformed countless organizations. Joe shares powerful insights on how to build an aligned, high-performing team culture, structure decision-making for maximum impact, and redefine what it means to run an effective meeting. We dive into the core principles that make teams thrive, from fostering authentic relationships to challenging the status quo. Joe unpacks why most meetings fail, how leaders unknowingly sabotage efficiency, and the secret to making meetings a powerful driver of business growth. Whether you're leading a team internally or managing client relationships, this episode will leave you rethinking how you structure conversations, make decisions, and cultivate a winning culture. Topics We Cover in This Episode:  The surprising metric that determines whether a meeting is truly effective Why most companies are unknowingly wasting massive amounts of time—and how to fix it The counterintuitive leadership habit that builds deeper trust and stronger teams How to instantly improve team cohesion using a simple but overlooked principle The secret behind “five-star meetings” and why they drastically improve company performance A powerful (but easy-to-implement) strategy to ensure your meetings drive real results The #1 mistake leaders make when trying to foster alignment—and what to do instead How to use strategic tension to supercharge both internal teams and client relationships Ready to transform the way you lead and make every meeting count? Don't let another unproductive conversation drain your team's potential. Tune in now to learn Joe's game-changing strategies and start implementing them today. If you found this episode valuable, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your team. For more insights and resources, check out Joe's work at The Art of Accomplishment—because leadership should be both effective and fulfilling.   Resources Mentioned: Joe's website: https://www.artofaccomplishment.com Joe's podcast: https://www.artofaccomplishment.com/podcast Order your copy of Give to Grow Get the Supplemental materials for Give to Grow Get a copy of your GrowBIG Playbook today!  

As the President/CEO of Roux Advertising, Eric Morgan takes a strategy first approach to building marketing campaigns that grow call and case volume for his law firm clients around the U.S. In this method, his 29 years of strategy mapping, account management, media buying and creative production, across legal marketing and other categories, brings clarity, accountability, and a healthy return to marketing campaigns. He applies his award-winning data-driven campaign building to client initiatives across offline, online, non-traditional, and community outreach advertising efforts. His insights and approach have helped deliver successful marketing strategies and media campaigns for brands across the U.S., including Morris Bart, LLC, Frank D. Azar & Associates, The Law Office of Craig Goldenfarb, Wayne Wright Injury Lawyers, Shelly Leeke, Harrah's Casino, Louisiana Office of Tourism, Hotel Monteleone, and Visit Baton Rouge. Eric earned an M.B.A. at Tulane University and a B.A. from Loyola University in Advertising Communications with a minor in Marketing. With over 28 years of strategy, advertising and media buying experience, Eric regularly speaks on the topics at conferences. In 2009, he was named Top Executive of the Year by the Advertising Club of New Orleans. He has taught Advertising Media Planning in Loyola University's Communications Department and is a fellow of Loyola's Institute for Environmental Communications and the Institute of Politics. Eric sits on the Board of Directors of the Go.Be., supporting entrepreneurial minority small business owners, and is a past board member of Louisiana Chapter of the Entrepreneurs' Organization and the Tulane Association of Business Alumni.  Connect with Jon Dwoskin: Twitter: @jdwoskin Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.dwoskin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejondwoskinexperience/ Website: https://jondwoskin.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jondwoskin/ Email: jon@jondwoskin.com Get Jon's Book: The Think Big Movement: Grow your business big. Very Big!   Connect with Eric Morgan: Website: www.rouxadvertising.com X: https://twitter.com/RouxAdvertising LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/roux-advertising/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RouxAdvertising/

The Hidden Truth: Why 80% of Executive Jobs Never Hit the Job BoardsIn this power-packed episode, Mike O'Neill sits down with Gina Riley, a distinguished executive career strategist whose expertise spans corporate HR at Intel and executive search at Talents Group. With over two decades of placing C-suite leaders, Gina shares game-changing insights from her upcoming book "Qualified Isn't Enough" that will transform how senior leaders approach their career advancement.Drawing from her extensive experience placing top executives in CEO, COO, and CFO roles, Gina reveals why traditional job hunting methods fail today's leaders. She shares a remarkable case study of how one VP turned his 25-year career into a 25% salary increase by mastering what she calls "the percolating job market" - where eight out of 10 executive positions are filled before they're ever advertised.Key Insights to Look Out For:• The strategic shift in executive hiring: Why having 800+ applicants for one role has changed how companies select top talent• The three-column framework that helps leaders identify and leverage their unique value proposition• How one executive's 80 strategic social posts in six months led to instant credibility in a new organizationMike O'Neill's expert facilitation draws out practical wisdom about building genuine professional relationships and establishing thought leadership that opens doors to opportunities. This conversation goes beyond standard networking advice to reveal how today's executives can position themselves as the go-to choice when leadership roles become available.Ready to transform your executive presence and access opportunities others miss? Listen now and implement these proven strategies from two veterans in leadership development. Subscribe to get more insights on building your career with intention and impact.Find all the show notes and links here: https://www.unstuck.show/209

- Nissan to Shake Out Executive Suite - UK Auto Production Goes Down - Mercedes Cutting Back in China - VW Slashes Price of ID.4 in China - Chinese Auto Market is Not Growing - Tariffs Upset Kia's U.S. EV Plans - Kia's EV2 Concept for Affordable Small CUV - VW ID.4 Sales Skyrocket in the U.S. - GM Boosts Dividend 25%

- Nissan to Shake Out Executive Suite - UK Auto Production Goes Down - Mercedes Cutting Back in China - VW Slashes Price of ID.4 in China - Chinese Auto Market is Not Growing - Tariffs Upset Kia's U.S. EV Plans - Kia's EV2 Concept for Affordable Small CUV - VW ID.4 Sales Skyrocket in the U.S. - GM Boosts Dividend 25%

Episode 166 dives into “The CEO Mindset: Thinking and Acting Like a Top Executive.” In this solo episode, we break down the key habits, decision-making strategies, and leadership qualities that set top executives apart. Learn how to shift your mindset, take ownership, and operate at a higher level—whether you're leading a team or preparing for your next career move. Tune in to discover what it takes to think and act like a CEO!Subscribe to @TimMaddenExecUpgrades on YouTube for all things career!

David Ignatius speaks with Ingka Group CEO Jesper Brodin about Ikea's investments in sustainability, the digital revolution in retail and why U.S. tariffs are not “on the top ten list” of his worries right now. Conversation recorded in Davos, Switzerland on January 23, 2025.

In this episode of Success by Design, we bring you the top lessons from leading executives in 2024. From navigating evolving industries to mastering leadership in challenging times, this episode is packed with insights and strategies you can apply to your own career. Discover how top leaders are driving innovation, building resilience, and staying ahead in a fast-changing world. Whether you're an aspiring executive or a seasoned professional, these lessons will inspire and empower you to elevate your game. Tune in to learn from the best and shape your path to success in 2024!

Prepare to thrive in the 2025 housing market with expert insights from HomeSmart's Todd Sumney and Rich La Rue. This week, we dive into managing your client relationships in ways PROVEN to build your business. Plus, you'll discover the two critical elements to success that many agents are overlooking, contributing to the industry's high failure rate. Connect | Resources ·      Podcast: HomeSmart's The Real State podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify ·      Website: homesmart.com ·      FREE e-book: Getting Started with Relationship Marketing ·      FREE webinar: How I Got a 9,000% ROI & How You Can Too with Garrett Maroon Visit our Resource Library for more free resources, including additional e-books, printables, and lead magnets to attract new leads. Have a question you'd like us to answer? Send us an email at podcast@remindermedia, or shoot us a DM on Instagram @staypaidpodcast.

If there's such a thing as a secret to success, Marshall Goldsmith knows it. Known as the world's top executive leadership coach, he's worked with many CEOs, founders and billionaires and has a deep understanding of how to change behaviors, how to lead, and ultimately, how to succeed in both your career and life. Listen and benefit from what he knows. 

Ready to transform your life in 30 days? Join the Unbeatable Challenge now at unbeatablemind.com/30 and unlock your peak performance with Navy SEAL-proven techniques. Limited-time discount available – don't miss out!   What if the world's top executive coach could fit in your pocket? With over 40 books authored and countless C-suite transformations under his belt, Marshall Goldsmith is now taking on his biggest challenge yet: an AI-powered platform that's democratizing access to his decades of wisdom. In a world obsessed with achievement, Goldsmith's most radical idea might just be that success won't make you happy. Marshall Goldsmith, a man who's coached the coaches, now wants to coach an entire generation through the power of artificial intelligence.     Dr. Marshall Goldsmith has been recognized as one of the Top Ten Business Thinkers in the World and the top-rated executive coach at the Thinkers50 ceremony in London since 2011. Published in 2015, his book Triggers is a Wall Street Journal and New York Times #1 Bestseller! He's also the author of the New York Times bestseller and #1 Wall Street Journal Business Book What Got You Here Won't Get You There, winner of the Harold Longman Award as Best Business Book of the Year.   Achievement Doesn't Guarantee Happiness: Happiness and achievement are independent variables. Marshall states, "Achieve to achieve. But don't ever think achievement is going to make you happy." Michael Phelps and Albert Barlow (CEO of Pfizer) illustrate that even extraordinary achievements don't necessarily lead to lasting happiness or satisfaction. Avoiding self-stereotyping: Many of our perceived limitations are self-imposed and can be overcome. Leaders should be cautious about how they stereotype themselves, it can significantly limit their potential. Leadership is always changing: Modern leadership is evolving from a top-down approach to a more facilitative role. Peter Drucker states that, "The leader of the past knew how to tell, the leader of future knows how to ask." Today leaders need to be more collaborative, ask questions, and involve team members in decision-making. Stakeholder-centered coaching: Marshall's coaching methodology, which he calls "stakeholder-centered coaching," focuses on helping leaders learn from everyone around them. He emphasizes the importance of getting feedback from stakeholders, listening to it, and making measurable changes based on that input. This differs from more introspective coaching methods and focuses on practical, observable behavioral changes.   Zbiotics: Go to zbiotics.com/DIVINE to get 15% off your first order when you use DIVINE at checkout. ZBiotics is backed with 100% money-back guarantee so if you're unsatisfied for any reason, they'll refund your money, no questions asked.   NeuroHacker: To feel in your prime WAY longer than you ever thought possible, try Qualia Senolytic up to 50% off right now at neurohacker.com/DIVINE15, and code DIVINE15 at checkout will score you an additional 15% off.    Momentous: Designed by the world's best experts, used by the world's best teams and athletes, and made for all of us.   https://www.livemomentous.com, and use code DIVINE for 20% off your first order.   Life360 Keep your family safe with Life360. Download the app today and use the code DIVINE to get one month of the Gold package for free. Greenlight Empower your kids with financial wisdom and security. Sign up for Greenlight today and get your first month free! Visit greenlight.com/DIVINE to start your family's financial journey.   SealFit ElectroGreens Fuel your body and conquer your limits with SealFit ElectroGreens - a USDA organic superfood packed with over 25 organic fruits, vegetables, and electrolytes. Head to Amazon, search for "SealFit ElectroGreens," and use code SEALGREENS25 at checkout for 25% off your order.   Unbeatable Mind  Get my book Unbeatable Mind and start forging the mental toughness and clarity you need to crush your goals. Whether you're aiming to lead, perform under pressure, or deepen your warrior spirit, this is the guide to get you there.    Order here: https://www.amazon.com/Unbeatable-Mind-Resiliency-Toughness-Succeed/dp/1495393437   Marshall Goldsmith LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Twitter/X  

In today's episode, we dive deep into the essence of leadership and personal transformation with a stellar lineup of guests. Brad Lomenick brings his expertise on impactful leadership and personal growth, drawing from his experience as a consultant and author of influential books including H3 Leadership: Be Humble. Stay Hungry. Always Hustle. We hear from Brett Crozier, whose distinguished career in the US Navy offers invaluable lessons on resilience and integrity. Dan Luna, with his rich background as a Navy SEAL and leadership coach, shares insights on developing leadership skills under pressure. John Mackey, the visionary behind Whole Foods Market, discusses the principles of conscious capitalism and leadership that have guided his successful career. Leadership expert Patrick Lencioni provides practical advice on building effective teams and organizations, while Jake Wood, co-founder of Team Rubicon, talks about the power of vulnerability and integrity in leadership.  How can you bust leadership myths and embrace humility, hunger, and hustle to drive success? What are the key traits all leaders need, and how can embracing vulnerability and integrity transform your leadership style? This episode of The Art of Charm answers these questions and more, providing you with the tools and insights needed to become a stronger, more conscious leader. What to Listen For Introduction – 0:00 What are common misconceptions about leadership roles and titles? Why is self-leadership crucial in today's career landscape? Most people don't understand this about group dynamics and leadership frames – 10:10 How does the concept of "herd mentality" apply to leadership and fitting into social environments? Why is focusing on your team or people fundamental to leadership success? How do you master leadership skills in your everyday life? – 19:00 Why is practice crucial in developing leadership skills? What makes conscious leadership different from conventional leadership? How effective leaders deal with criticism and their inner critic – 29:44 What can you do to not feel anonymous in your organization and not be that cog? How can leaders effectively show vulnerability to their team? What are the three things employees need to avoid feeling miserable at work? Leading with integrity and handling no's – 39:05 What is the importance of facing rejection and criticism for a leader? How can leaders remain steadfast and true to their values in the face of adversity? Traits that make leaders effective – 47:48 How do humility and vulnerability contribute to leadership effectiveness? How should leaders approach crisis situations to maintain team confidence and trust? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices