Podcasts about top executives

Flat-Fee Legal Services & the Rise of Fractional General Counsel w/ Ryan Hurley of Litix Legal - AZ TRT S07 EP08 (290) 5-28-2026       Things We Learned This Week Small businesses still need sophisticated legal strategy Even companies with only 5–10 employees need governance, operating agreements, cap tables, and employment structures built correctly from day one. The traditional legal billing model is under pressure Hourly billing and massive retainers are frustrating both client & attorneys. Flat-fee legal services are emerging as a more predictable alternative. Arizona is becoming a legal innovation hub Arizona's ABS laws now allow non-attorney ownership & outside investment. This could fundamentally reshape how legal services operate. AI will likely compress legal fees across the industry AI is helping firms automate admin, documents and research. That efficiency may lower costs for clients and increase competitive pressure on traditional firms. AI legal tools still need human oversight Platforms like Legalzoom can help with basic setup work, but founders still need experienced legal counsel for fundraising, equity structure, governance, and long-term growth decisions.   Guest: Ryan Hurley, CEO - Principal Attorney & Co-Founder, Litix Legal Website: https://www.litixlegal.com/ Certified Attorney | Strategic Business Guidance | Startup Representation | Compliance & Risk Mitigation | HR Oversight | Contract Negotiation | Equity & Debt Raises | Joint Ventures | Mergers & Acquisitions | Board Governance | Investor Relations | Government & Media relations   An experienced attorney with 20 years, Ryan Hurley is CEO and co-founder of Litix Legal, a new kind of law firm on a mission to make clients love their lawyers and lawyers love their law firm by replacing the outdated hourly billing model with flat fees whenever possible. Hurley previously served as general counsel for Copperstate Farms, a vertically integrated cannabis company with 9 dispensaries under the Sol Flower brand name and one of the largest greenhouse cannabis production facilities in North America. Hurley was an instrumental player in Copperstate Farms' birth, growth, and development, positioning the company as a market leader through his strategic business advice, careful compliance and risk mitigation. Referred to as Arizona's "Father of Cannabis Law," Hurley has been recognized as one of the Top 100 Lawyers in Arizona and as one of the 20 Names to Know by Phoenix Business Journal. He has been a part of the Arizona cannabis industry from its inception and played a pivotal role in the initiatives to legalize medical and adult-use cannabis in Arizona. A founding member and former board member of the National Cannabis Industry Association, Hurley is deeply entrenched in all aspects of the cannabis industry and a sought-after expert on cannabis policy. Ryan Hurley was also a founding member of the Arizona Dispensaries Association and the organization's former vice president. Hurley was also a pioneer in the AZ solar energy and cryptocurrency/blockchain industries. A dedicated, passionate, and knowledgeable attorney, innovator, and entrepreneur, Hurley has presented at several conferences and seminars throughout the country and has been featured in many interviews in television, print, and radio. His expansive background in policy has cemented his reputation as a reliable thought leader. Hurley holds a B.S. in environmental science from the University of Arizona and a J.D. from the University of Arizona's James E. Rogers College of Law. Before emerging as a leader in the cannabis industry and co-founding Litix, Hurley was an associate attorney at Lewis and Roca LLP focusing on land use, zoning, water, and environmental issues and a named partner at Rose Law Group.   Podcast Notes Guest: Ryan Hurley Company: Litix Legal Episode Theme: How Arizona's new legal business model, flat-fee legal services, and AI are reshaping legal support for startups and small businesses.     Episode Notes Episode Overview Litix Legal was formed in 2025 using Arizona's new "alternative business structure" (ABS) law, which allows non-attorneys to own equity in law firms. The firm is focused on: Startups Small businesses Growth-stage companies Fractional / outsourced general counsel services Their mission is to modernize legal services through: Flat-fee pricing Technology and AI workflows More accessible legal support Strategic partnership models for founders The firm does not handle: Litigation Criminal law Segment 1 — The Legal Gap for Small Businesses Key Discussion Points Small businesses still need real legal infrastructure Many startups and smaller businesses are: Too small for a full-time in-house attorney Too large or complex for DIY legal templates Most companies still need: Corporate structure setup Governance Employment agreements Operating agreements Cap table strategy Investor preparation Equity and profit-sharing guidance Startups need strategic legal guidance early Ryan discussed how founders preparing for: fundraising, seed rounds, or Series A growth need legal partners who understand: ownership structure, equity distribution, governance, and investor expectations. Important startup legal topics include: Number of company units/shares Ownership percentages Cap table organization Equity incentives Employment contracts A poorly structured company early on can create major issues later. "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of pain later." Traditional legal billing frustrates startups Traditional law firms often: Charge large retainers ($10,000+) Bill hourly ($650/hour+) Create unpredictable costs Litix Legal is attempting to solve this with: predictable flat-fee pricing, monthly packages, and faster attorney access. Example package: Around $2,000/month Includes meetings, calls, emails, and ongoing support The model functions similarly to: outsourced general counsel, or a fractional legal department. Segment 2 — Reinventing the Law Firm Business Model Ryan Hurley's Background Ryan has: practiced law for 20 years, worked at large corporate firms, worked in zoning and politics, advised cannabis and solar companies, and served as in-house counsel for a fast-growing cannabis company. That cannabis company reportedly grew to: 650 employees $100M in revenue Problems with the traditional legal industry Ryan explained how many attorneys dislike the traditional billable-hour system. Large firms often require: 2,000+ billable hours annually intense time tracking constant pressure to maximize billing According to Ryan: clients dislike the unpredictability, attorneys dislike the structure, and the industry has resisted modernization for decades. Arizona's Alternative Business Structure (ABS) Arizona changed legal industry rules through ABS reform. Historically: Only attorneys could own law firms Non-lawyers could not receive equity or profit-sharing The new Arizona model allows: non-attorney ownership, outside investment, operational partners, and more scalable business structures. Example: Ryan's COO/cofounder has a technology background and is not an attorney. Other regions experimenting with similar models: Utah Washington DC Internationally: UK and Australia already use versions of this structure Industry resistance Ryan noted that some traditional firms oppose these changes because: legal firms have operated similarly for 100+ years, entrenched firms fear competition, and fee compression threatens legacy models. States like: California Illinois have reportedly pushed back on similar reforms. Segment 3 — AI and the Future of Legal Services AI is changing law firm economics AI and automation tools are helping firms: reduce administrative work, improve workflow efficiency, lower operating costs, and potentially reduce client fees. Ryan believes AI will contribute to: industry-wide fee compression, more efficient legal delivery, and increased competition. LegalZoom and AI still have limits Ryan noted that: DIY legal platforms, template systems, and AI tools like Claude can help with: boilerplate documents, simple entity setup, and basic workflows. However: businesses should still seek professional legal review, especially for growth-stage decisions or investor preparation. The concern is: founders may over-rely on generic AI outputs without understanding legal risks. Fractional legal services are growing Litix Legal positions itself as: an outsourced general counsel solution, or a fractional legal department. Monthly plans reportedly range from: $1,000 to $4,500+ depending on complexity and communication needs. The firm says early client feedback has been strong.         Legal Shows: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Legal-Asset+Protection-Estate+Planning       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.  

How can we move from fearing equity to championing it?    In this episode of Women of Color Rise, I speak with Celeste Warren, former Vice President and Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer at Merck and author of The Truth About Equity. With nearly three decades of experience, Celeste has been recognized by Black Enterprise's "Top Executives in Global Diversity and Inclusion."   Celeste's father was the first black teacher and principal in western Pennsylvania. She shares how her "dinner table lessons" taught her that while obstacles are real, they are never an excuse to stop succeeding. She opens up about the internal struggle of stepping into a DEI role as a woman of color and how she learned to stop "putting her blackness to the back." She shares powerful lessons for rising leaders: The Rocks and the Fence. Equity isn't about taking things away; it's about providing the "rocks" needed to see over systemic fences while we work to tear those fences down. Boil Your Own Pot. You don't have to save the world alone. Impact starts by influencing the two or three people immediately around you. Growth vs. Fixed Mindset. View opportunity as a bar graph that can rise infinitely, rather than a finite pie where one person's gain is another's loss. Embrace Your "Lock and Load" Energy. Learn to balance your drive with a "servant leadership" heart that nurtures and protects your team.   Celeste's journey to global DEI leader is a wonderful model of authenticity and intentionality.   Get full show notes and more information here:  

There's a version of leadership that looks good from the outside and feels like chaos on the inside. Corinne, founder of The Gav Group, has built her entire practice around helping C-Suite leaders close that gap. In this conversation, she and Bryce dig into what it actually means to perform at the executive level — not just deliver results, but lead in a way that builds something lasting. Corinne's XTR framework — the Executive Table Read — is unlike anything in the traditional executive coaching world. It's a thought-partnership model designed for leaders who are already successful and ready to go further. This episode gets specific: how leaders lose time without realizing it, what it looks like to operate with certainty in a landscape that gives you none, and the moment most executives realize something has to change. This one is for leaders at any level who feel like they're working harder than they should have to — and suspect the answer isn't more hours. About Corinne: Corinne is the founder and CEO of The Gav Group and creator of the XTR (Executive Table Read), a thought-partnership model for C-Suite leaders. She works with executives to help them reclaim their time, gain a performance edge, and lead with more certainty in an uncertain corporate world. Her clients include leaders who are high performing by every external measure and ready to go deeper. What We Cover: Introduction and Corinne's background What The Gav Group is and who it's for The XTR — what the Executive Table Read is and why she created it What it means to truly reclaim your time as a senior leader The difference between being busy and being effective at the C-Suite level How leaders build certainty when everything around them is uncertain What legacy actually means and why most leaders don't think about it early enough Where to find Corinne and what working with her looks like Key Takeaways: Busy and effective are not the same thing — most high performers confuse the two for years Certainty at the executive level isn't a feeling you wait for; it's a practice you build Legacy isn't what you leave behind — it's what you're building right now in how you lead your team Time reclamation starts with knowing which decisions only you can make and which ones you're holding onto for the wrong reasons The leaders who grow fastest are the ones willing to be honest about where they're stuck Resources + Links: The Gav Group: https://www.thegavgroup.com/ Corinne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/corinnegavlinski/ Career Collective: https://www.mycareercollective.com Bryce Batts Consulting: https://brycebatts.co  

CapeTalk’s Sara-Jayne Makwala King is joined on Weekend Breakfast by Zohakiy Mbi-njifor, CEO of EndlessLife Group. Weekend Breakfast with Sara-Jayne Makwala King is the weekend breakfast show on CapeTalk. This 3-hour morning programme is the perfect (and perky!) way to kickstart your weekend. Author and journalist Sara-Jayne Makwala-King spends 3 hours interviewing a variety of guests about all things cultural and entertaining. The team keeps an eye on weekend news stories, but the focus remains on relaxation and restoration. Favourites include the weekly wellness check-in on Saturdays at 7:35am and heartfelt chats during the Sunday 9am profile interview. Listen live on Primedia+ Saturdays and Sundays between 07:00 and 10:00am (SA Time) to Weekend Breakfast with Sara-Jayne Makwala-King broadcast on CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/AgPbZi9 or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/j1EhEkZ Subscribe to the CapeTalk Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/sbvVZD5 Follow us on social media: CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How can we move from fearing equity to championing it?    In this episode of Women of Color Rise, I speak with Celeste Warren, former Vice President and Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer at Merck and author of The Truth About Equity. With nearly three decades of experience, Celeste has been recognized by Black Enterprise's "Top Executives in Global Diversity and Inclusion."   Celeste's father was the first black teacher and principal in western Pennsylvania. She shares how her "dinner table lessons" taught her that while obstacles are real, they are never an excuse to stop succeeding. She opens up about the internal struggle of stepping into a DEI role as a woman of color and how she learned to stop "putting her blackness to the back." She shares powerful lessons for rising leaders: •The Rocks and the Fence. Equity isn't about taking things away; it's about providing the "rocks" needed to see over systemic fences while we work to tear those fences down. •Boil Your Own Pot. You don't have to save the world alone. Impact starts by influencing the two or three people immediately around you. •Growth vs. Fixed Mindset. View opportunity as a bar graph that can rise infinitely, rather than a finite pie where one person's gain is another's loss. •Embrace Your "Lock and Load" Energy. Learn to balance your drive with a "servant leadership" heart that nurtures and protects your team.   Celeste's journey to global DEI leader is a wonderful model of authenticity and intentionality.   Get full show notes and more information here:https://analizawolf.com/episode-122-build-a-tribe-culture-with-celeste-thompson-founder-of-tribe-consulting

She was called polarizing. She cried in meetings. She was written off as "the rookie." Then she spent 30 years rising through Oracle and Microsoft to become a Global Customer Success Leader for the Americas. Wendy Delmolino didn't wait to feel confident. She built the skills to project authority even when she didn't. In this episode, Wendy breaks down exactly how she did it, including the practical strategies she used to manage emotional responses at work, shake off damaging labels, and position herself for opportunities most people never even get invited to. You'll learn: A concrete technique to stop tears in the moment and stay composed under pressure How to identify the labels that cap your career, and what to actually do about them Why being heard at work isn't about speaking louder, it's about being in the right rooms When to be the one speaking up, and when letting someone else take the lead is the smarter power move How casual networking leads to the sponsors and mentors that actually accelerate careers If you've ever been dismissed, mislabeled, or felt like your emotions were working against you at work, this episode is your playbook. About Wendy Delmolino: Retired after a 30-year career in Washington-area tech, Wendy served as Microsoft's Global Customer Success Leader for the Americas and VP of Customer Success at Oracle, where she led teams responsible for half of Oracle's North American Cloud Technology customers. She's a longtime advocate for diversity in tech and an active mentor through Girls in Technology (GIT). Connect with Wendy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendydelmolino/

High Growth, Higher Risk: The Business of Cannabis w/ Melissa Diaz of Highrock Accounting - AZ TRT S07 EP07 (289) 4-12-2026       What We Learned This Week Cannabis Companies Are Taxed on Gross Margin Because of 280E, they can't deduct ordinary business expenses — creating massive tax burdens. Federal Classification Drives Everything Schedule I status impacts taxation, banking, regulation, and investor appetite. Many Companies Are Playing Legal Offense Some are challenging 280E aggressively, treating unpaid taxes as a strategic risk. Licensing Structure Determines Success Limited-license states create stronger economics. Unlimited states create margin compression. Consolidation Is Coming Stronger, vertically integrated, mid-sized operators are likely to dominate by 2026. Guest: Melissa Diaz https://www.highrock.co/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-k-diaz-cpa-10215623/ Melissa Diaz is a powerhouse at the intersection of accounting, strategy, and tech. As Co-Owner and CRO of High Rock Accounting (and co-founder of Rebel Rock PC, now High Rock), she leads with precision on everything from cash flow and budgeting to due diligence and audit readiness. At High Rock she helps businesses harness cutting-edge technology to make smarter, faster, fully compliant financial decisions both day-to-day and long-term. With an expertise in Cannabis and the Technology industry, Melissa's mission is clear: empower businesses to stay competitive, compliant, and efficient in high-pressure, high-growth environments. Whether she's solving complex reporting challenges or decoding 280E, Melissa brings charisma, clarity, and confidence to the table every time.      

This episode explores how law firm owners can use financial data to make strategic decisions and fuel growth. Kevin Daisy welcomes John Scott, a financial expert who emphasizes the importance of clear financials and KPIs for scaling a firm. They discuss practical tools like forecasting, KPIs, and automation that help firms become more efficient and profitable.John shares insights on managing cash flow, the significance of data in decision-making, and how automation frees up time for high-impact work.They also delve into the role of AI in improving productivity without replacing valuable human talent. For law firm owners, this episode offers actionable advice on strengthening operations and aligning financial insights with business goals.Whether you're scaling or just getting started, understanding these principles can help you build a more sustainable and growth-oriented practice.In this episode you'll learn: The importance of financial clarity and key KPIs for growth How to use data and forecasting to make smarter decisions The role of automation and AI in law firm operations Strategies for managing cash flow and profitability Building company culture that supports growth and innovationThis episode underscores that good financial data and operational discipline are essential for law firm growth. Implementing these insights enables leaders to make informed decisions, scale confidently, and foster a resilient business.Today's episode is sponsored by The Managing Partners Mastermind. Click here to schedule an interview to see if we're a fit. Chapters (00:00:00) - Law Firm Leadership: How to Grow and Scale(00:00:49) - A Minute With Managing Partners(00:01:17) - John Scott on Why He Retires(00:01:54) - How To Run a Law Firm With a CFO?(00:07:08) - Law Firm's Financial Performance Assessment(00:14:11) - Will Morgan Survive the AI Revolution?(00:15:18) - CPA: The Role of a CFO(00:21:41) - Focus on Your Business(00:26:33) - Prepayment of case costs and fees(00:28:17) - How to Manage Your Finances(00:30:31) - Top Executives

From Clinical Need to Market: How Medical Devices Are Built w/ Stuart Broyles of MDM2 - AZ TRT S07 EP06 (288) 3-29-2026       What We Learned This Week:  Medical devices can take a decade to reach patients Bringing a medical device to market isn't quick. Phoenix is quietly becoming a major MedTech hub The Valley has a growing cluster of medical technology companies including: The biggest risk in medical innovation is building something doctors don't need One of the most common failures in MedTech is creating technology without validating the clinical problem first. Universities often invent the technology—but companies bring it to life Many medical device ideas originate in research labs. The future of healthcare innovation depends on collaboration Successful medical device innovation requires an ecosystem     Guest: Stuart Broyles, PhD LKIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stuart-broyles-phd/   Stuart builds connections that move ideas forward—from university research to real-world MedTech solutions. He was at WL Gore & Assoc. for nearly 3 decades working in MedTech at various levels and helped bring 13 devices to market. Also includes, university advisory roles, early-stage venture coaching, and innovation ecosystem development. Organization: MDM2 (Medical Device Manufacturing Multiplier)   Summary:  Medical devices can take a decade to reach patients Bringing a medical device to market isn't quick. While some devices can launch in six months to a year, many take five to ten years once clinical trials and regulatory approvals are involved. That's why early testing and feedback are critical. Phoenix is quietly becoming a major MedTech hub The Valley has a growing cluster of medical technology companies including: ·         Medtronic ·         Abbott Laboratories ·         Dexcom ·         West Pharmaceutical Services Add in research from Arizona State University and University of Arizona and the region is building a strong bioscience ecosystem. The biggest risk in medical innovation is building something doctors don't need One of the most common failures in MedTech is creating technology without validating the clinical problem first. Organizations like MDM2 (Medical Device Manufacturing Multiplier) are working to connect startups directly with clinicians early in the process so companies can refine their products before investing millions. Universities often invent the technology—but companies bring it to life Many medical device ideas originate in research labs. Universities typically own the patents and license the technology to startups or companies that can develop and commercialize the product. Programs like the ASU Skysong Innovation Center and Tech Launch Arizona help bridge the gap between research and business. The future of healthcare innovation depends on collaboration Successful medical device innovation requires an ecosystem: • clinicians who identify real problems • engineers who build solutions • investors who fund development • manufacturers who scale production Arizona is building that ecosystem through groups like MDM2 (Medical Device Manufacturing Multiplier) and the Phoenix Bioscience Core.       Podcast Show Notes Guest: Stuart Broyles, PhD LKIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stuart-broyles-phd/   Stuart builds connections that move ideas forward—from university research to real-world MedTech solutions. He was at WL Gore & Assoc. for nearly 3 decades working in MedTech at various levels and helped bring 13 devices to market. Also includes, university advisory roles, early-stage venture coaching, and innovation ecosystem development. Organization: MDM2 (Medical Device Manufacturing Multiplier) Episode Topic: How Medical Devices Move from Clinical Need to Market   Interview recorded: March 2026 Segment 1 – The Medical Device Industry What Are Medical Devices? Medical devices include a wide range of technologies used to diagnose, monitor, or treat patients. Common examples include: ·         Coronary stents used to treat blocked arteries in the heart ·         Artificial limbs and prosthetics ·         Implantable devices used in cardiology ·         Monitoring technologies such as glucose sensors A well-known example is the glucose monitoring technology produced by Dexcom, which operates in the Mesa, Arizona area. Medical devices also include technologies used to treat circulation issues in arms and legs, along with remote monitoring tools used in modern healthcare. History of the Industry Medical devices began emerging in the 1950s, but the real acceleration occurred between the late 1970s and the 1980s. This era introduced breakthroughs such as: ·         Coronary stents ·         Artificial hearts ·         Prosthetic limbs Over time, the technologies have become: ·         safer ·         more durable ·         more precise Phoenix as a MedTech Hub The Phoenix metro area has developed into a significant medical device and bioscience ecosystem. Major companies with a presence in the region include: ·         Medtronic ·         Abbott Laboratories ·         Dexcom ·         West Pharmaceutical Services This sector is particularly important in the Phoenix Valley, which has a rapidly aging population, increasing demand for medical technology and healthcare innovation. Importance of Clinical Partnerships Successful medical device development requires close collaboration with clinicians and hospitals. In the Phoenix ecosystem, companies often partner with: ·         HonorHealth ·         Mayo Clinic Universities also play a major role in research and collaboration, including: ·         Arizona State University ·         University of Arizona Clinicians provide feedback during development, helping companies ensure devices actually solve real-world clinical problems. How Long It Takes to Bring a Device to Market Development timelines vary widely: Typical timelines: ·         6 months – fastest case observed ·         1 year – simple device pathways ·         Up to 10 years – complex devices requiring clinical trials Segment 2 – Stuart Broyles' Career Stuart Broyles spent nearly 30 years at W. L. Gore & Associates (1995–2024). During that time he worked on multiple divisions developing cardiovascular and medical technologies. Key accomplishments include: ·         Participating in the commercialization of 13 medical devices ·         Working at the team member and leadership levels ·         Bringing complex devices through development and into the market Transition to Mentoring and Innovation After retiring in 2024, Broyles: ·         Did consulting and investing ·         Returned to the startup ecosystem ·         Became an Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Arizona State University He now works with startups through MDM2 (Medical Device Manufacturing Multiplier) helping early-stage companies navigate the development and commercialization process. Many of the companies he works with range from: ·         very early-stage startups ·         teams of just two or three founders ·         companies developing new medical manufacturing technologies MDM2 also partners with HonorHealth to help startups engage with clinical partners. Phoenix Innovation Infrastructure Several organizations contribute to the Valley's health technology ecosystem: Research and innovation hubs ·         Phoenix Bioscience Core ·         Flinn Foundation Startup programs ·         WearTech Center ·         ASU Skysong Innovation Center Medical device and engineering companies ·         PADT (3D printing and product development) ·         BD (Becton Dickinson) Wearable Technology Innovation The WearTech Center in central Phoenix supports startups building wearable medical technologies. Examples include companies such as: ·         Gravitrex ·         Hemasense One demonstration project includes a mock apartment designed to test monitoring systems for independent living seniors, helping companies validate technology in real-world environments. WearTech also hosts quarterly demo days where startups present their technologies to investors and industry partners. Segment 3 – Clinical Trials and Product Development The Need for a "Clinical Innovation Sandbox" A major challenge for startups is access to clinicians who can provide meaningful feedback during early development. MDM2 is working to create a system where: ·         startups can regularly meet clinicians ·         products can be demonstrated in person ·         real clinical feedback is gathered early This helps companies determine whether a product actually solves a meaningful healthcare problem. Continuing Medical Education (CME) Forums MDM2 is developing CME forums that allow clinicians to: ·         learn about emerging medical technologies ·         discuss product concepts ·         provide guidance during early development These sessions also create opportunities for honest feedback before expensive trials begin. One of the first sessions included collaboration with: ·         HonorHealth ·         Hemasense Clinical Trials Outside the United States Clinical trials in the U.S. can be complex and slow due to regulatory requirements. As a result: ·         many companies run trials in Europe or Asia ·         approval processes may be faster ·         testing costs may be lower Improving regulatory efficiency in the U.S. remains a challenge for medical device innovators. Intellectual Property and Universities Many medical technologies originate in universities. In these cases: ·         the university typically owns the intellectual property ·         companies license the technology to commercialize it Technology transfer organizations help bridge the gap between research and commercialization. Programs supporting this in Arizona include: ·         ASU Skysong Innovation Center ·         Tech Launch Arizona These programs help connect professors with entrepreneurs who have experience bringing products to market. Segment 4 – The Future of Medical Device Innovation in Phoenix Phoenix and Arizona are increasingly positioned as a national hub for bioscience and medical device innovation. Key advantages include: ·         strong manufacturing capabilities across the state ·         major university research centers ·         growing healthcare systems ·         startup accelerators and incubators New startups frequently spin out of larger companies like: ·         W. L. Gore & Associates ·         Medtronic These larger companies sometimes help fund and mentor new ventures. Building a Strong Innovation Ecosystem A successful innovation ecosystem requires collaboration among: ·         universities ·         hospitals ·         manufacturers ·         investors ·         startups Arizona is actively building this network to support long-term growth in the medical technology sector. Advice for Entrepreneurs For founders looking to build a medical device startup: 1.    Work with clinicians early in development 2.    Validate the problem you are solving 3.    Understand the regulatory pathway 4.    Build partnerships with universities and hospitals 5.    De-risk the concept before large investments Ultimately, success depends on proving value to three key stakeholders: ·         clinicians ·         investors ·         patients Organizations Mentioned Medical Device Manufacturing Multiplier MDM2 (Medical Device Manufacturing Multiplier)https://www.mdm2.org/ MDM2 works to strengthen Arizona's medical device manufacturing ecosystem through partnerships with universities, hospitals, and startups. WearTech Center WearTech Centerhttps://www.azweartech.org/projects Focus areas include: ·         wearable health technologies ·         remote monitoring systems ·         aging-in-place innovations   If you want to learn more about the growing medical device ecosystem in Arizona, visit the website for the MDM2 (Medical Device Manufacturing Multiplier) and explore how they're helping startups move innovations from the lab to the patient.     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/  

Send us Fan MailIn capital-intensive, brand-driven organisations, strategic ambition must be matched by disciplined governance. Effective governance links capital allocation to technology strategy, culture development, and measurable KPIs, so that speed and ambition balance with long-term enterprise value creation.In this podcast, Dr. Sabine Dembkowski, Founder and Managing Partner of better Boards, is joined once again by Marco Mattiacci, a global executive with 25+ years of leadership across the luxury, automotive sector - Aston Martin Lagonda and Ferrari, Formula 1, and media. He has operated at the CEO and Board–Executive levels in capital-intensive, high-visibility environments, partnering directly with shareholders, sovereign investors, and rights-holders across the USA, Europe, China, and Japan.“It is important that you don't have very general or first-level KPIs. You need to go into the details“The most meaningful KPIs for Boards to monitor, in Marco's opinion, are very richly detailed KPIs that directly tie to the progress and success of the CapEx project. It does require extra work from the Board to delve deeply into the details and have a strong grasp of the data. However, it also helps with every Board meeting and progress check, enabling the Board to understand what's behind each KPI and what the changes mean in terms of progress against the roadmap. “At the same time, you need to make sure you deliver clarity and simplicity, not tsunami the Board with a massive amount of data“To Marco, ambiguity is the worst enemy in business. Massive amounts of data create ambiguity and overwhelm. Setting up KPIs aligned with your roadmaps in each area – talent, culture, and technology – and doing the early work to ensure alignment before launching the project pays off for Boards down the line. Incoming data can be filtered for key facts and used to create meaningful yet simple dashboards. Marco recommends that the Executive Committee provide perhaps five pages to support the discussion of the dashboard and KPIs. No Board packs with 1000s of pages or mountains of unfiltered data. Summarising key qualitative and quantitative elements into shorter documents builds on the early work of aligning stakeholders and setting clear gates, while allowing time for meaningful discussions in meetings on project health, needed changes, and risk monitoring.  “The key element is to be competent“Large capital projects attract scrutiny, and there can be tension in providing constructive challenge while preserving momentum. Yet, for Marco, anger is always outside the scope of work. Ego, anger, and frustration add nothing, and for the three to four hours of a meeting, operating as a team with an eye on results leads to the best outcomes.The three top takeaways from our conversation for effective boards are: 1.     Understand the KPIs and definition of success. Use simple, intuitive dashboards and scorecards to monitor progress against your KPIs and goals.2.    Keep ego out of the Boardroom and Executive Committee.3.    The first enemy to fight is ambiguity. Come Join The Better Boards Community We'd love to get to know you! If you'd like to become part of the Better Boards community, discover our unique approach, and explore ways to work with us or share your ideas on The Better Boards Podcast series, drop us a line at info@better-boards.com.

Designing Disruption: Electric Motor Bikes for Your Lifestyle w/ Tim Seward of Onyx Motors - AZ TRT S07 EP05 (287) 3-15-2026       Things We Learned This Week Friction Creates Opportunity - Tim's parking problem in San Francisco sparked the entire company. Build the Prototype First - Instead of over-pitching, he built it, rode it, and let the market validate it. Disruption Requires Bold Engineering - If you want to be different, you must push boundaries — not make marginal upgrades. DIY Communities Are Innovation Labs - Study enthusiasts for insight — but build for the everyday consumer. Lifestyle Brands Sell Identity, Not Function - You don't market the commute. You market the freedom.       Timothy Seward https://timothykevinseward.com/   Tim Seward is dynamic design visionary. A lifelong tinkerer and moped enthusiast, he began experimenting with electric conversions in 2012, transforming gas mopeds into sleek, powerful prototypes. With a background in industrial design, his portfolio includes work for mobility innovators Bird, Scoot, UBCO and FREEBORD and consumer lifestyle brands with Sonos, Google, Nike, Samsung, LG, HP and Intel viewable at timothykevinseward.com and his current roles as the founder and chief design officer of ONYX Motors.   In 2017, Tim launched ONYX through a breakout Indiegogo campaign, introducing the RCR—bike that redefined the category with their raw performance and timeless design. He's redefining what electric mobility feels like through design, nostalgia, and emotion. Today, he leads the design of every ONYX bike, blending cyberpunk grit with California swagger. His vision is clear: create machines that are not just modes of transport, but vehicles of self-expression and rebellion. Under his guidance, ONYX continues to push the boundaries of electric two-wheeled design, giving riders around the world the freedom to unleash their restless alter ego. He is a frequent speaker and podcast guest on design and transformation.      

Send us Fan MailIn capital-intensive, brand-driven organisations, strategic ambition must be matched by disciplined governance. Effective governance links capital allocation to technology strategy, culture development, and measurable KPIs, so that speed and ambition balance with long-term enterprise value creation.In this podcast, Dr Sabine Dembkowski, Founder and Managing Partner, is joined by Marco Mattiacci. Marco is a global executive with 25+ years of leadership across luxury, automotive, motorsport, and media. Marco served as an Executive Committee member and Global Chief Brand and Commercial Officer at Aston Martin Lagonda, and was the Team Principal of Scuderia Ferrari Formula One, and President & CEO of Ferrari North America and Asia Pacific. “Don't approve a budget. Approve a sequence of proofs.”For Marco, large investments are not budgetary line items. They are roadmaps and processes. Succeeding with a CapEx project requires careful assessments of the technology, the talent, and the company culture — what he calls the Three Interlocking Roadmaps. Stage-gating funding against predefined KPIs preserves governance leverage and keeps investment disciplined as conditions change.“AI that outpaces your ecosystem doesn't create advantage. It creates fragility. And fragility at speed is the most dangerous condition a board can be blind to.”In addition to internal assessments, Marco recommends evaluating the company's full ecosystem, including suppliers, stakeholders, and clients. Will they be able to interface appropriately with your company during and after the CapEx investment? What limits or risks do you need to account for as a part of the process?“Ambiguity is the worst enemy of business.”Marco notes that preparation is key to removing ambiguity. This may require significant effort at the beginning to ensure that technology and talent/culture roadmaps are fully intertwined and aligned, both overall and for short- and medium-term gates. Overlaying roadmaps and grid scorecards based on hard data ensures ongoing alignment and progress.“You need to establish a very good dialogue.”Marco is familiar with the tension between Boards and Executive Committees during intensive CapEx projects. Boards worry they step on toes, and managers want to protect their turf. In a managerial role, he gets the best outcomes by trusting the Board's wisdom and helicopter view rather than an operational viewpoint. Boards, in turn, can provide support and a longer-term perspective.Marco notes that technology can provide real-time information about culture, talent, governance, and organisational dynamics. Firms can continually survey and monitor, which is important in high-pressure, high-profile situations.  This tangible data, blended with qualitative data from strategic conversations and informal sentiment gathering, closely monitors culture and talent dynamics within the company and across the full ecosystem. The three top takeaways from our conversation are:•        A CapEx investment is not a budget line item. It is a sequence of proofs and gates that guide disciplined spending.•        Consider the impact on the full ecosystem, which includes suppliers, stakeholders, and clients.•        Once you have your vision, assess the culture and talent to bring the right elements forward to meet your goals.Come Join The Better Boards Community We'd love to get to know you! If you'd like to become part of the Better Boards community, discover our unique approach, and explore ways to work with us or share your ideas on The Better Boards Podcast series, drop us a line at info@better-boards.com.

  Aging in Place: Safety, Technology, & Dignity w/ Drew Siefried of TruBlue Ally - AZ TRT S07 EP04 (286) 3-1-2026       Things We Learned This Week ·         America is aging rapidly - By 2030, 1 in 5 Americans will be over 65. ·         Most seniors want to stay in their homes - More than 80% of older adults prefer aging in place rather than moving to assisted living. ·         Technology is transforming senior safety - Non-intrusive monitoring systems can detect falls and alert families without cameras or wearables. ·         One fall can change everything - Falls are one of the leading causes of injury and loss of independence among seniors. ·         Prevention is far cheaper than crisis care - Simple home safety upgrades can prevent accidents and help seniors maintain independence longer.     Guest: Drew Seifried LKIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drewseifried/ Company: TruBlue Home Service Ally Website: https://www.trublueally.com/east-phoenix-north-scottsdale   With over 25 years of combined corporate and entrepreneurial experience, I currently own and operate TruBlue Home Service Ally, where we support seniors and busy families with home modifications and handyman services. In this role, we prioritize safety, reliability, and exceptional service, ensuring all personnel meet high professional standards. As a Certified Franchise Executive, I also guide aspiring entrepreneurs, including corporate professionals, first responders, and military veterans, toward business ownership through franchising. Leveraging expertise in franchise agreements and processes, I simplify the path to ownership, aligning opportunities with individual goals. My mission is to empower others to achieve their aspirations through purpose-driven ventures.   TruBlue Home Service Ally® provides a unique and affordable approach to helping busy adults and seniors live a worry-free life by offering trustworthy handyman, home maintenance and senior modification services. Helping you maintain your home both inside and out, TruBlue's services include: handyman projects and to-do list chores, preventative home maintenance programs, seasonal work, and senior modification services, all handled by a professional, bonded and insured Tru-Pro® Technician. Episode Overview America is entering a major demographic shift. By 2030, 1 in 5 Americans will be over the age of 65, creating what many experts call the "Silver Tsunami." Families across the country will face new challenges as aging parents want to maintain independence while staying safe at home. But aging at home safely requires planning. In this episode, we sit down with Drew Seifried of TruBlue Home Service Ally to discuss how home safety modifications, emerging Age Tech, and non-intrusive monitoring technologies are helping seniors stay independent longer — while providing peace of mind for their families. We also explore the unique needs of veterans and individuals with disabilities, and how communities and organizations can better support them.   Segment 1: Aging in Place & The Silver Tsunami Drew Seifried owns three territories with TruBlue, a national franchise focused on helping people safely remain in their homes. The company works primarily with: ·         Seniors and aging adults ·         People with disabilities ·         Veterans ·         Adult children caring for aging parents Their mission is simple: help people live independently and safely at home. The Growing Senior Population America is rapidly aging. Key statistics: ·         61 million Americans are age 65+ ·         By 2030, about 20% of the population will be seniors ·         Phoenix and other Sun Belt cities are seeing rapid senior population growth as retirees relocate This demographic shift will place new pressure on: ·         Healthcare systems ·         Caregiver workforce ·         Family members caring for aging parents The Hidden Risk: Falls in the Home One of the biggest threats to senior independence is falling. Key statistics: ·         1 in 4 adults age 65+ falls each year ·         Falls cause over 3 million emergency room visits annually ·         More than 300,000 seniors are hospitalized each year for hip fractures ·         Over 50% of falls occur inside the home In many cases, one fall can change everything. A serious fall can lead to: ·         Hospitalization ·         Loss of mobility ·         Long-term disability ·         Moving into assisted living The Most Dangerous Areas in a Home According to home safety experts, the highest risk areas include: ·         Bathrooms (tubs and showers) ·         Entryways and stairs ·         Poor lighting ·         Cluttered hallways or walkways Even small modifications can dramatically reduce fall risk. Preventing Falls Before They Happen TruBlue helps families install preventative safety upgrades such as: ·         Bathroom grab bars ·         Non-slip shower treatments ·         Improved lighting ·         Handrails and stair supports ·         Walkway hazard removal The company also performs full home safety assessments to identify hidden risks. As Drew explains, the goal is prevention — because once a fall happens, recovery can be much more difficult. Aging at Home vs Assisted Living Another major challenge families face is cost. Average assisted living costs in the U.S.: ·         $5,000–$6,000 per month ·         Often $60,000–$70,000 per year By comparison, many safety upgrades or in-home services cost a fraction of that. And most seniors prefer to stay home. Surveys show: ·         84% of seniors want to age in place ·         Independence and familiarity with their home environment matter deeply Segment 2: Age Tech & Smart Monitoring One challenge facing families is the shrinking caregiver workforce. With fewer caregivers available, technology is stepping in to help monitor safety. Adult children want peace of mind that their parents are safe — especially when they live in another city. But many seniors dislike traditional monitoring systems. Common concerns include: ·         Cameras in the home ·         Wearable emergency devices ·         Privacy issues ·         Technology complexity A New Approach: Radar-Based Monitoring A newer technology solution is radar-based monitoring systems like those from Pontosense. These systems use small radar sensors placed throughout the home. They can detect: ·         Falls ·         Movement patterns ·         Breathing and vital signals Unlike cameras, they are completely non-intrusive. Features include: ·         No cameras ·         No wearable devices ·         No audio recording ·         No stored video data The system can detect unusual events and send alerts. Smart Alerts for Families If a fall occurs, the system can: ·         Wait about 90 seconds to see if someone gets up (reducing false alerts) ·         Send notifications to family members ·         Contact caregivers ·         Alert emergency services if necessary Family members can also monitor activity patterns through a mobile app. For adult children balancing careers, families, and aging parents, this technology provides peace of mind without invading privacy. Segment 3: Disability Services & Veteran Support TruBlue also works with individuals living with disabilities and veterans who require specialized home modifications. Organizations supporting the disability community include: ·         Ability360 ·         Benevilla These groups offer programs ranging from adaptive sports to community support services. Health Challenges as We Age Many older adults face conditions that impact mobility or independence. These can include: ·         Arthritis ·         Balance issues ·         Progressive neurological diseases like ALS or MS ·         Reduced strength and coordination Simple tasks — getting into a bathtub, climbing stairs, or reaching shelves — can become difficult. Home modifications can restore independence. Importantly, these upgrades can be designed to blend into the home aesthetically, preserving both function and dignity. Supporting Veterans Veterans represent another group that often needs home safety support. Key statistics: ·         Approximately 17 million veterans live in the United States ·         Nearly 8 million veterans are age 65 or older Despite available programs, many veterans do not utilize assistance. Organizations working to support veterans include: ·         Paralyzed Veterans of America ·         Veterans of Foreign Wars ·         Elks Lodge Drew himself served in the military and is passionate about helping veterans access services and resources. Additional Home Safety Monitoring Beyond fall prevention, modern smart homes can also monitor: ·         Smoke and fire detection ·         Water leaks and flooding ·         Utility failures ·         Entry and exit activity These systems help families create a safer living environment for aging loved ones.   Final Takeaway Aging doesn't have to mean losing independence. With the right combination of: ·         Home safety modifications ·         Smart technology ·         Community resources ·         Family planning Millions of seniors can live longer, safer, and more confidently in their own homes.       '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.    

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.

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.  

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

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

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

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.

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 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%

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.

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