Podcasts about Vendor

The episode's central development is the ongoing dispute between the U.S. Department of Defense and Anthropic regarding Pentagon demands for unrestricted access to Claude, Anthropic's AI model. According to Dave Sobel, the Pentagon has threatened to sever ties or invoke the Defense Production Act if the company does not comply, seeking capabilities that Anthropic argues may be illegal—specifically mass surveillance without warrants and autonomous weapons systems without human control. This move exposes Managed Service Providers (MSPs) serving defense contractors to unpredictable legal, operational, and compliance risks embedded in their AI workflows. The analysis highlights that a commercial AI provider's acceptable use policy now intersects directly with national security policy, and even partial vendor compliance can trigger regulatory or legal instability for dependent organizations. For MSPs, this means that building service offerings on AI infrastructures without clear fallback strategies or documented policy change clauses can lead to unmanageable risk and liability in the event of provider or legal regime shifts. Dave Sobel stresses that failing to address policy volatility as part of a managed service amounts to underwriting geopolitical risk without compensation. Other notable developments include the passage of the Small Business Artificial Intelligence Advancement Act, federal cybersecurity resource contraction as CISA operates with 38% staffing after layoffs, and heightened uncertainty around cloud infrastructure due to Microsoft's Azure Local “air-gapped” offering not wholly mitigating U.S. CLOUD Act exposure. Vendor news covered new AI-powered compliance features from Compliance Scorecard (version 10) and Beachhead Solutions (ComplianceEZ 2.0), Apple's accelerated retirement of Rosetta 2 translation technology, a Microsoft 365 Copilot DLP change, and continued fallout from VMware's acquisition by Broadcom, which has led to ongoing cost and trust challenges for cloud and infrastructure partners. The episode's clear implications for MSPs and IT providers are operational. Service catalogs and statements of work should actively address AI provider liability, dependency exit planning, and degraded federal cybersecurity support. Without scheduled and documented compatibility and risk reviews, MSPs absorb hidden exposure into their margins. Vendor stability can no longer be assumed, and proactive policy, renewal intelligence, and transparent advisory sessions are now required to avoid unplanned liability, budget crises, and damaged client trust. Four things to know today 00:00 Pentagon Threatens Anthropic Over Claude Access, Demands Autonomous Weapons Use 04:31 CISA Cuts, Azure Sovereignty Push Signal End of Federal MSP Safety Net 06:56 AI Compliance Tools Flood Market as MSPs Face Validation Gap 09:54 86% of Firms Cutting VMware Ties as Broadcom Renewal Costs Loom   This is the Business of Tech.    Supported by: Small Biz Thoughts Community

Hey Community family! In today's episode, Kristina sits down with Rebecca Ogilvie, the incredible Founder of The Detour Co., a Canadian face care brand that's turning everyday skincare into soul-nourishing rituals.They are discussing how to show up, stand out, and get even more value than you paid for, from an event vendor or sponsor experience!Tune in to hear:Why face care became a sacred ritual for Rebecca, and how it sparked a thriving business.What to look for when choosing the right events to be vender at.How to build relationships at your booth that build brand loyalty.Why swag bags and pre-event promotion matter more than you think.The power of intentional follow-up and staying top of mind after the event.Rebecca's vendor must-dos for maximizing ROI.If you are running a small business and are interested in investing in live events, this episode gives you the mindset and the strategy to maximize your investment and get the return you want to see!Make the most out of your investment by showing up as the best version of you and  the founder and representative that your brand needs! Want to shop The Detour Co.? Enjoy free shipping on any size order within Canada using code ‘HIGHVIBE'Check out The Detour Co:WebsiteInstagramMentioned in this Episode:Find Your Next Bestseller on Faire and get 10% off with the code ‘HIGHVIBE10'Join the High Vibe Women Online CommunityDownload Our LinkedIn Starter PackWork with The Social Snippet!Send me a text!PodMatchPodMatch Automatically Matches Ideal Podcast Guests and Hosts For InterviewsSupport the showFor Your Information: • Host your podcast on Buzzsprout! •Join The High Vibe Women Online Community! • Join our favourite scheduling platform Later • FLODESK Affiliate Code | 25% off your first year! Don't forget to come say hi to us on Instagram @thesocialsnippet, join the Weekly Snippet or follow us on any social media platform! Website . Instagram . Facebook . Linkedin

In Episode 319 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy sits down with Jamie Crozier, an entrepreneur who did something most people only dream about. He bought the company he once worked for. Jamie shares his journey from stocking shelves at a dollar store to building his career in industrial sales, eventually acquiring Thunder Bay Hydraulics and expanding through the acquisition of Custom Hydraulics and the founding of Atlas Elite Lifts. His story is a powerful reminder that ownership is not about where you start, but about the moment you decide to bet on yourself and step into uncertainty. This episode dives deep into the realities of acquisition, the emotional weight of taking over a legacy business, and the resilience required to build and scale manufacturing companies in Canada during a time of tariffs, competition, and global uncertainty. Jamie also shares his innovative approach to transparency in service businesses and his vision for building premium, design-driven lift solutions across North America. This is a conversation about risk, responsibility, and the identity shift that happens when you stop working for someone else's future and start building your own.Key Takeaways: Ownership starts as an identity decision before it becomes a legal one.If you are going to be an entrepreneur, you have to get comfortable accepting risk and believing in yourself when everything depends on you.When acquiring a business, build your own relationships with your bank, accountant, and lawyer because those relationships will carry you through the process.Vendor take back financing can make acquisitions possible by aligning the seller with the future success of the business.Trust and personal relationships matter more than numbers because without trust, the deal will not happen or succeed.Buying a competitor requires patience, respect, and confidentiality because pushing too hard can destroy the opportunity.The emotional commitment to ownership begins before the deal closes, and the fear of losing the opportunity can be as powerful as the responsibility itself.Starting a company from nothing is far harder than buying one because you must build reputation, customers, and trust from zero.Transparency with customers during difficult times strengthens relationships and turns challenges into partnerships.Great companies differentiate themselves by solving real customer problems and making the experience easier, clearer, and faster.Check out Thunder Bay Hydraulics and learn more about the incredible work Jamie and his team are doing: https://thunderbayhydraulics.comLearn more about Custom Hydraulics: https://customhydraulics.comExplore Atlas Elite Lifts and their premium automotive lift solutions: https://www.atlaselitelifts.com/You can also connect with Jamie directly at...

Cybercrime's escalation has reached a projected $12.2 trillion annual impact by 2031, with a notable surge in remote monitoring and management (RMM) tool abuse—up 277% year-over-year, according to Huntress and supporting vendor reports. Attackers utilize legitimate IT tools to facilitate stealthier ransomware and phishing campaigns, amplifying structural vulnerabilities within MSP technology stacks. Key metrics from Acronis, WatchGuard, and Vectra AI indicate a shift to smaller, more evasive malware campaigns, longer times to ransomware deployment (averaging 20 hours), and widespread unaddressed security alerts, raising questions about the adequacy of current defenses and incident response practices. Vendor-supplied threat intelligence further shows that MSPs' reliance on signature-based platforms and insufficient visibility leaves them exposed to evolving attack techniques. Data reviewed suggests phishing footholds can quickly compromise cross-client environments, and legal ramifications heavily fall on the service provider when RMM or monitoring tools act as entry points. Notably, only about 58-60% of organizations report full visibility across their systems, with a majority of alerts remaining unaddressed, underscoring gaps in operational maturity and preparedness. Adjacent coverage highlighted Microsoft Copilot's repeated security control failures within regulated environments, specifically its inability to enforce sensitivity labels and boundaries across emails—most recently affecting the UK's National Health Service. The lack of vendor-announced architectural changes calls into question the viability of deploying AI tools in compliance-driven contexts. Separately, political and public backlash against surveillance technologies (such as Flock cameras) demonstrates that unchecked data collection is no longer a manageable passive risk, as data becomes increasingly actionable and retains liability beyond technical considerations. The practical takeaway for MSPs and IT leaders is a need to prioritize audit, documentation, and enforcement of controls within their technology stacks, especially where vendor tools or AI-driven automation intersect with compliance and client trust. Preserving operational optionality and scrutinizing vendor terms—particularly data sharing and architectural enforcement—are essential to reduce exposure. Waiting for vendor patches, disregarding documented control failures, or underestimating public scrutiny elevate liability across legal, reputational, and client relationship domains. Four things to know today: 00:00 Vendor Threat Reports Converge on One Risk MSPs Can't Outsource: The RMM as Breach Vector 05:11 Copilot Failed Compliance Controls Twice in Eight Months — A Patch Won't Fix That 07:03 Flock Backlash Exposes the Liability Hidden in Every Vendor Data-Sharing Contract 09:42 GTDC Summit: Distributors Pitch AI On-Ramp as Hyperscalers Compress Their Margin Sponsored by:  

Recent data highlights a growing disconnect between technology spending and measurable business outcomes, with small business optimism softening and widespread skepticism about the benefits of artificial intelligence. The transcript cites an 80% rate of firms seeing no noticeable AI-driven productivity improvements, while trust in technology companies, particularly AI vendors, has declined globally according to the Edelman report. For MSPs, this presents a risk of credibility gaps, especially for those selling AI solutions without corresponding outcome data, as client trust and spending habits grow more discerning in the face of unfulfilled promises. Further context is provided by economic indicators showing a resilient U.S. economy, yet persistent challenges for small businesses. The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index has dropped slightly to 99.3, with insurance costs and labor quality as major pain points; only 16% of business owners expect higher sales. At the same time, IT professionals face salary compression—median IT salaries fell from $145,000 in 2023 to $115,000 in 2024—despite a severe shortage of skilled cloud, AI, and infrastructure talent, as less than 10% of hiring managers are confident in filling in-demand roles. Additional market pressures include rising technology budgets—three-quarters of CFOs anticipate larger tech allocations, but headcount increases are slowing and tech spending faces a widening affordability gap due to sector-specific inflation outpacing budget growth. Vendor-specific developments, such as Western Digital exhausting hard drive capacity for 2026 and Enable reporting 12.8% revenue growth alongside ongoing losses and a 65% stock decline since 2021, illustrate structural risks. Vendor rationalization and strategic uncertainty are likely outcomes for MSPs relying heavily on underperforming partners. Key takeaways for service providers and IT leaders include the need for caution in messaging and solution positioning: outcome data and defensible value propositions are essential when advocating AI or cloud services. Salary data should be weighed against demand-side evidence to avoid retention failures. Finally, dependency on vendors with deteriorating financial outlooks heightens operational risk; providers should proactively assess alternatives and align with financially sustainable partners to reduce exposure during vendor consolidation cycles or market restructures. Four things to know today 00:00 AI Productivity Gap Widens as Trust Drops — MSPs Selling Outcomes They Can't Measure Face CFO Audits  04:51 IT Median Salary Dropped 20% in 2024, But Only 7% of Hiring Managers Can Fill AI and Cloud Roles 07:26 IT Inflation Hits 6.9% as CFOs Concentrate Spend; Western Digital Fully Booked Through 2026 10:28 N-Able Beats Revenue, Misses Earnings as 2026 Growth Guidance Drops to 8–9%   Sponsored by: CometBackup Small Biz Thoughts Community

MP3

So you sent recipient statements to your vendors for Tax Year 2025 – and some came back.  Here is how to handle them to reduce penalties from the IRS. Keep listening. Check out my website www.debrarrichardson.com if you need help implementing authentication techniques, internal controls, and best practices to reduce the potential for fraudulent payments, compliance fines or bad vendor data. Check out the Vendor Process Training Center for 173+ hours of weekly live and on-demand training for the Vendor team. Links mentioned in the podcast + other helpful resources:    Customized Vendor Validations Session: https://debrarrichardson.com/vendor-validation-sessionFree Download:  Vendor Validation Reference List with Resource Links https://debrarrichardson.com/vendor-validation-downloadVendor Process Training Center - https://training.debrarrichardson.comCustomized Fraud Training:  https://training.debrarrichardson.com/customized-fraud-training Free Live and On-Demand Webinars: https://training.debrarrichardson.com/webinarsVendor Master File Clean-Up:  https://www.debrarrichardson.com/cleanupYouTube Channel:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqeoffeQu3pSXMV8fUIGNiw More Podcasts/Blogs/Webinars www.debrarrichardson.comMore ideas?  Email me at debra@debrarrichardson.com Music Credit:  www.purple-planet.com

The Industry Relations Podcast is now available on your favorite podcast player! Overview Rob and Greg recap MLS Reset, discussing key themes that emerged from the event — including the growing urgency around AI, governance challenges within MLS organizations, and whether the industry is structurally capable of adapting to rapid technological change. The conversation explores the implications of AI on MLS staffing, vendor relationships, compliance, data control, and long-term organizational viability. They also debate whether the traditional industry model — boards, committees, slow decision-making — can keep pace with the accelerating speed of AI innovation. Key Takeaways AI is accelerating faster than the industry can process. The timeline for disruption is shrinking dramatically compared to past technology shifts. Every MLS function may be automatable. Compliance, customer service, and operational roles are increasingly viable for AI replacement. Speed is now a strategic advantage. Current governance models and decision-making structures may be too slow for what's coming. Ownership, governance, and culture are the real strategic issues. These are the only planning conversations that matter right now. Vendor dynamics may shift. AI lowers the barrier to building software, potentially reshaping the vendor landscape. Entrepreneurial opportunity is expanding. While traditional job paths may shrink, AI creates massive opportunity for independent builders. Data control debates continue. The tension between protection, access, and innovation remains unresolved. The industry must become more nimble. Adaptability — not certainty — will determine who survives the next phase. Connect with Rob and Greg Rob's Website  Greg's Website    Watch us on YouTube   Our Sponsors: Cotality  Notorious VIP The Giant Steps Job Board    Production and Editing Services by Sunbound Studios  

In this episode, Matt sits down with Greg Mehfoud, Head of Procurement at Twenty/20 Management, to unpack what really happens when you cross the line between operations and the vendor side in senior living.Greg shares what surprised him most about SaaS sales, what operators often misunderstand about vendors (and vice versa), and how procurement isn't about being sold — it's about stewardship. The conversation dives into purchasing power, relationship-driven growth, and why clarity around priorities is the missing piece in most vendor-operator conversations.If you've ever felt tension between “the dark side” and operations, this episode brings nuance, humility, and practical insight to the table.Guest Bio:Greg Mehfoud is the Head of Procurement at Twenty/20 Management, where he leads strategic purchasing and vendor partnerships across the organization's senior living communities. With experience on both the operations and SaaS vendor sides of the industry, Greg brings a rare dual perspective to procurement, sales relationships, and long-term growth strategy. He is passionate about stewardship, operational excellence, and building vendor partnerships that truly enhance resident and team member experiences.Timestamps01:35 – Pants shopping, friendship, and career pivots03:25 – Why Greg left operations for SaaS sales05:46 – The biggest surprise about being on the vendor side08:00 – Missing the impact of day-to-day operations10:41 – How vendor “wins” add up at the community level12:05 – What procurement really means (hint: it's not about being sold)14:13 – Purchasing power, stewardship, and due diligence16:00 – Calling out fluff: integrations, transparency, and hard questions18:00 – Building trust between vendors and operators20:11 – What each side misunderstands about the other23:39 – Stop stringing vendors along (and vendors, respect operator time)25:50 – Advice for anyone considering crossing sides

Send a textIn this powerful and unfiltered episode, Willie Rodriguez sits down with Paul Capote owner of PGL, better known as the "Miami Landscaper", for a real conversation about debt, discipline, faith, leadership, and the future of the green industry.Paul has been in the industry for 17 years, and he's still growing, still learning, and still refining. From surviving the COVID boom, to navigating heavy debt, vendor credit, and high-interest loans — this episode pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to build a landscaping company in today's Florida market.What We Cover:The Hard Years & The Reset 2023–2024 were tough. Cash flow pressure. Equipment debt. Vendor balances.2025 became the year of repair — clearing trucks, stepping away from vendor credit, tightening operations, and building a stronger foundation.Debt & Financial Accountability– Why high-interest loans should only be used strategically– The danger of promising too much– Why knowing your numbers protects your business– The truth about vendor debt in the industry (yes… SiteOne comes up)– Why Paul is officially “anti-check” and moving fully to ACHLocking in Product & Managing RiskWith Florida freezes, volatile pricing, and supply chain uncertainty, Paul breaks down what it actually means to guarantee pricing in today's environment.To lock in product means tying up capital, space, manpower, and deposits — sometimes increasing costs 25–40%.But for contractors who understand long-term vision?That $100K tied up today could unlock $4–6 million in opportunity tomorrow.The Silver Saw Palmetto example alone is worth the listen.Trust, Documentation & ProfessionalismHandshakes aren't enough anymore.Quotes must be documented.Verbal agreements create chaos.We talk about:– Why eye contact matters– Why documentation protects everyone– Why accountability scares people– How shadiness is hurting the industryRaising the Standard of Blue-Collar WorkPaul speaks passionately about elevating tradesmen:– Remove the word “laborer”– Use titles like Landscape Design Tech– Create pride in the craft– Implement SOPs and production bonuses– Build structure with AI systems like LanaQuality matters. Mulch glue matters. Details matter.“Put your name on it and make it perfect.”Faith, Growth & Breaking Generational CursesThis episode goes deeper than business.Paul opens up about:– Becoming a father– Bringing back his podcast “We the Tradesman”– Leading men's groups– Prioritizing faith over fear– Losing a $100K client and not being shaken– Choosing peace over money“Money is just money. Opportunity to do God's will is more powerful.”This is a conversation about becoming the kind of man — and business owner — who can handle what's coming next.

Most business owners are barely scratching the surface of AI — and it's costing them speed, clarity, and competitive advantage. If you're using AI to: "Write me an email." "Create 5 social posts." "Give me some ideas." You're driving a Ferrari at 25 mph. In this episode of SoTellUs Time, Trevor and Troy Howard break down how to stop using AI like a search engine and start using it like a strategic execution partner. This is not about better prompts. It's about Prompt Stacking — the method that turns AI into your marketing department, project manager, operations assistant, and execution engine.

Apple @ Work is exclusively brought to you by Mosyle, the only Apple Unified Platform. Mosyle is the only solution that integrates in a single professional-grade platform all the solutions necessary to seamlessly and automatically deploy, manage & protect Apple devices at work. Over 45,000 organizations trust Mosyle to make millions of Apple devices work-ready with no effort and at an affordable cost. Request your EXTENDED TRIAL today and understand why Mosyle is everything you need to work with Apple. In this episode of Apple @ Work, I am joined by Justin Etkins from Tropic to talk about SaaS sprawl and how Apple IT admins should be thinking about it in the AI era. Links Organize the Chaos in Vendor and Security Management Listen and subscribe Apple Podcasts Overcast Spotify Pocket Casts Castro RSS Listen to Past Episodes

Private Equity ist nicht gleich Private Equity. Zwischen Midcap- und Largecap-Investoren liegen oft nicht nur unterschiedliche Dealgrößen, sondern völlig unterschiedliche Denkweisen, Prozesse und Hebel zur Wertschöpfung. Mein Gast heute ist Robin Mürer, Co-Managing Partner bei FSN Capital. Mit ihm spreche ich nicht nur über seinen Weg vom Physikstudium und Unternehmertum über Largecap-PE bei Apax bis zum Midcap-Fokus bei FSN – sondern auch darüber, warum Value Creation und KI die Zukunft des Private-Equity-Geschäfts prägen werden.Wir beleuchten in dieser Episode:wie man als Physiker ins PE kommt,wie der skandinavische PE-Markt tickt,wie sich Mid- und Largecap-PE unterscheiden,wie die aktuelle Marktlage im Private Equity aussieht,was Robin für die Zukunft des Private-Equity-Markts erwartet,und vieles mehr... Viel Spaß beim Hören!***Timestamps:(00:00:00) Intro(00:02:34) Der Weg von Physik zu Private Equity(00:05:42) Erste Schritte in der Unternehmenswelt(00:09:32) Einstieg ins PE(00:11:45) Erfahrungen bei BCG und Apax(00:16:27) Zeit bei Apax und Finzanzkrise(00:20:15) Bekannte Deals bei Apax(00:23:34) Wechsel zu FSN Capital(00:27:08) Kultur und Teamaufbau bei FSN Capital(00:28:13) Fonds, Investmentstrategien und Marktanalysen(00:29:37) Private Equity in Skandinavien(00:31:50) Branchenfokus(00:33:34) Marktentwicklung und Investitionsmöglichkeiten(00:35:32) Herausforderungen im Midcap Segment(00:37:17) Targets im Largecap Segment(00:41:00) Tempo im Midcap(00:47:13) Vendor & Financial Due Diligence(00:54:09) Prozessdauer im Midcap(00:56:57) Dry Powder vs. fehlende Käufer(01:00:00) Investitionstiming(01:08:29) Hebel im Largecap***Alle Links zur Folge:Kai Hesselmann auf LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kai-hesselmann-dealcircle/CLOSE THE DEAL auf LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/closethedeal-podcastRobin Mürer auf LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robin-muerer-a15240/FSN Capital auf LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fsn-capital/Website CLOSE THE DEAL: https://dealcircle.com/ClosetheDeal/***AMBER und DUB.de sind die Plattformen für sichere Unternehmensnachfolgen. Schaut vorbei, wenn ihr euer Unternehmen schnell, sicher und kostenfrei zum Verkauf inserieren wollt oder als Käufer auf der Suche nach passenden Deals seid:www.amber.dealswww.dub.de***Du bist M&A-Berater im Small- oder Midcap-Segment und suchst einen Überblick über alle relevanten Deals? Jetzt schnell den

Agentic AI is being deployed as production infrastructure in enterprise settings, but prevailing frameworks remain unreliable for mission-critical operations. Dave Sobel and Ron Aroussi from Muxie underscored that while AI agents are functional—especially in non-deterministic contexts like customer support—expectations of deterministic, workflow-based reliability are not met. The move from demonstration agents to production-scale tools brings heightened attention to issues of reliability, observability, and especially risk of vendor lock-in for Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and their clients.Operational deployment of AI agents currently gravitates toward roles with minimal operational risk, such as customer-facing chatbots or internal chief-of-staff assistants. Aroussi explained that while such agents can automate initial support tiers and internal daily briefings, their unpredictability and potential for error limit their use in processes demanding strict oversight and accountability. He identified two core use cases—external (customer support) and internal (personalized information management)—explicitly noting that agents are best positioned to augment rather than fully automate complex workflows at this stage.A critical risk for MSPs lies in attempting to retrofit existing software frameworks to support agents, which introduces integration complexity and increases the likelihood of operational failures. Purpose-built infrastructure for agentic AI offers better alignment between AI capabilities and production requirements, with Aroussi citing drastically reduced hallucination rates and improved oversight when using native tools. Open source is identified as a foundational element for AI development, but it incurs its own risks, particularly around third-party code quality and the long-term sustainability of community-driven projects.The practical implication for MSPs and IT service providers is clear: a cautious, incremental adoption approach focused on low-risk use cases, coupled with rigorous controls on agent permissions and robust audit trails, is essential. Decision-makers should avoid assuming agents operate with the reliability or accountability of traditional software, prioritize operational transparency, and ensure that responsibilities for agent actions are clearly defined and enforced at the implementation level. Vendor lock-in and software provenance remain significant governance concerns as agentic AI moves from experiment to infrastructure.

"Where are your trays?" Few phrases spike stress levels faster, and often, all eyes turn to the person in the red hat. But what really happens behind the scenes before those trays ever reach your back table? In this powerful Operation: Collaboration episode, we pull back the curtain with medical device regional sales manager Bruce Finney to reveal the real world of vendor reps: high-pressure preparation, complex logistics, split-second problem solving, and the constant balance of being both essential to the team and still a guest in the room. From implants and instrumentation to communication breakdowns and OR realities, this conversation will change how you see the role of the rep and why true surgical success depends on collaboration from everyone involved.  Listen now and step into the OR from the other side of the red hat. #operatingroom #ornurse #vendor #scrubtech #surgery #collaboration

If you had to lose the paperwork and keep only one habit to grow your business this year would it be answering the phone or following up? In this episode of the Real Estate Excellence Podcast, Tracy Hayes sits down with Tina Priest. Tina shares how her service first mindset shaped her path into real estate through military life social work and operational leadership. She explains why Hover Girl Properties focuses on boundaries transparency and real relationships so clients feel seen not processed, especially when timelines are tight and emotions are high. You will hear practical habits that helped Tina exceed her goal in 2025 including answering unknown calls working weekends when it matters and using Zoom consults to build trust fast with out of town buyers. She also breaks down why follow up creates raving fans, why a transaction coordinator protects your energy, and why the job often continues after closing for military clients who have not even arrived yet. Subscribe to the Real Estate Excellence Podcast and share this episode with one agent who needs a simple playbook for relationships follow up and serving military clients well!   Highlights 00:00 - 04:03 Big goals without losing the relationship •        2025 results and 2026 pressure •        Next person up mindset •        Quality over quantity •        Boundaries and team support •        Staying present with each client 04:03 - 09:50 From service work to real estate calling •        Why operations management mattered •        Case work lessons and emotional weight •        Military life and moving often •        First connection to Hover Girls •        Choosing the right season to start 09:50 - 23:58 Property management training ground •        What property management taught fast •        Setting expectations with owners and tenants •        Vendor relationships and real costs •        Culture of care and fixing mistakes •        Getting licensed and launching with support 23:58 - 35:13 Trust building on Zoom and in person •        Ride along learning with Joy and Laura •        Staying organized through the process •        Zoom consults as relationship accelerators •        Military clients and straight talk communication •        Listening for details that drive loyalty 35:13 - 01:00:02 Habits that keep the pipeline moving •        Put the sign out and answer the phone •        Show up weekends when needed •        Follow up systems and simple touches •        Serving military clients with extra care •        Video walkthrough tips and VA realities 01:00:02 - 01:20:00 Stories, curveballs, and wow moments •        Creepy showing and keeping a straight face •        When there is no training and you pivot •        HOA chaos and closing anyway •        Doing the unglamorous work to wow clients •        Negotiation mindset and closing thoughts   Quotes: "People dont care how much you know until they know how much you care."  – Tina Priest "I try not to get too focused on like the big numbers but just the person thats coming next."  – Tina Priest "I think its being transparent out of the gate."  – Tina Priest "Were not done yet."  – Tina Priest   To contact Tina Priest, learn more about her business, and make her a part of your network, make sure to follow her Website, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.   Connect with Tina Priest! Website: https://hovergirlproperties.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hovergirltina/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TinaPriest01/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-priest-55430b44/   Connect with me! Website: toprealtorjacksonville.com   Website: toprealtorstaugustine.com    SUBSCRIBE & LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW as we discuss real estate excellence with the best of the best.   #RealEstateExcellence #RealEstate #RealEstateAgent #MilitaryMoves #MilitaryRelocation #NavyLife #JacksonvilleRealEstate #Mayport #VAHomeLoan #PropertyManagement #ClientExperience #CustomerCare #RelationshipMarketing #FollowUp #RavingFans #TransactionCoordinator #ZoomConsultation #NewConstruction #HomeBuying #HomeSelling #RealEstateExcellence

The central development addressed is the disconnect between rising overall IT spending and the declining channel share for MSPs and IT partners. Dave Sobel, in discussion with an industry analyst, highlights a reduction in indirect channel participation—from over 75% to a projected 66.7% in 2026—primarily due to the concentration of AI infrastructure investment among the largest technology firms. These hyperscalers and their associated CapEx do not translate into traditional channel opportunities, restricting partner involvement to areas outside large-scale AI data center buildouts.Supporting data point to a technological industry projected to reach $6.07 trillion in customer spend, growing at 10.2%, compared to significantly lower world GDP growth. However, almost none of the rapid AI-related CapEx from companies like Nvidia and Google flows down to channel partners, who instead rely on client-facing managed services, advisory, and security service work. The increasing complexity of customer demand—such as the shift toward managed security (15% growth) and AI services (35.3% compounded growth)—further pushes MSPs to focus on services surrounding the core product, rather than on direct product resale or thin margin opportunities.A significant operational shift within the channel also emerges: the distinction between “influence” and “execution” partners. Vendor programs increasingly recognize partner contributions outside of transactional resale, such as co-selling, advisory contributions, and services attached before or after the point of sale. This trend is reinforced as platforms move toward “point systems” and indirect revenue attribution, redefining how MSPs measure channel health and partner value in a more complex, multi-partner environment.For MSPs, IT providers, and decision-makers, the key operational implications are clear. Traditional growth through seat expansion is less reliable as hiring softens, and managed services must focus on multiplier opportunities—profitable service revenue attached to each dollar of product sold. Capturing value requires adapting to changing program structures, emphasizing trusted advisor roles, and collaborating effectively with adjacent partners. Near-term investment in understanding and building pre-sales AI and security services, and tracking evolving vendor economics, is essential for navigating the new realities of partner participation, risk allocation, and long-term business health.

Every enterprise is building an AI stack, but most are doing it wrong. In this episode, Ross breaks down a tactical, use-case-driven framework for building an AI stack that actually works. If you're a marketer, operator, or executive looking to leverage AI strategically (without blowing your budget or ignoring compliance), this episode gives you the structure you need to win. Key Takeaways and Insights: 1. The Hard Truth About Enterprise AI - Most companies choose AI tools based on hype, not strategy. - Vendor pitches and social buzz are driving long-term contracts. - Locking into the wrong platform can create scaling and security nightmares. - The AI landscape changes weekly, three-year commitments require serious thought. 2. There Is No “Best” AI Tool - The right question isn't “What's best?” but “What's best for this use case?” - Different teams (marketing, engineering, finance) need different tools. - Constraints, industry, and goals should guide tool selection. - Build a stack…Don't look for a silver bullet. 3.  The 5-Layer AI Stack Framework - Layer 1: Writing & Communication Tools - Layer 2: Research & Analysis - Layer 3: Code & Technical Execution - Layer 4: Automations & Workflow Integration - Layer 5: Security & Compliance 4. Training, Ownership & Continuous Improvement - AI adoption fails without real, ongoing training. - Appoint an AI stack owner responsible for optimization and updates. - Create internal systems (e.g., Slack channels) to share prompts and workflows. - Capture institutional knowledge so it doesn't leave with one employee. 5. Start Small, But Start Strategic - Don't wait for “the perfect moment.” AI is already reshaping competition. - Experiment but build security and compliance from day one. - Budget realistically for training, tools, and maintenance. - Strategic AI adoption is a long-term competitive advantage. Resources & Tools:

What does it take to become an Icon in finance? In this compelling episode, Heather Cole, Executive Coach and Business Analytics Advisor at Lodestar Solutions, interviews Judy Wright, CFO of BTM Global Consulting, LLC, FEI Board Member, and incoming 2026 President of FEI Twin Cities. Judy's journey is anything but conventional. Early in her career, she quit her job to test her resilience—borrowing inventory from her father and becoming a street vendor in China. Carrying merchandise by bus, negotiating for market space, and building a wholesale network from scratch, she proved to herself that she could survive—and thrive—under pressure. Today, she brings that same entrepreneurial instinct and composure to the CFO role at a global IT consulting firm. In this episode, Judy shares: Why being an “Icon” means paying it forward and mentoring the next generation of financial leaders The real ROI of networking—and why waiting until you need a job is too late Why finance professionals must develop emotional intelligence to lead effectively How to stay calm when everyone else is panicking (“If finance loses its cool, everyone does.”) The foundational skills future finance professionals must build in an AI-driven world The power of slowing down, finding purpose, and leading with intention Judy speaks openly about mentorship, faith, service, and the importance of personal development beyond the day job. Her message is clear: careers are built not just on technical skill, but on resilience, relationships, and the courage to lead with heart. This conversation is a must-listen for financial leaders who want to elevate their impact—professionally and personally.Special Guest: Judy Wright.

If you paid foreign vendors reportable income in TY 2025 and want to file the 1042-S forms using one of the two IRS free e-Filing tools – this episode will break down three differences between the FIRE and IRIS that might make your decision easier. Keep listening. Check out my website www.debrarrichardson.com if you need help implementing authentication techniques, internal controls, and best practices to reduce the potential for fraudulent payments, compliance fines or bad vendor data. Check out the Vendor Process Training Center for 173+ hours of weekly live and on-demand training for the Vendor team. Links mentioned in the podcast + other helpful resources:    IRS IRIS Page: https://www.irs.gov/filing/e-file-information-returns-with-iris IRS FIRE Page:  https://www.irs.gov/e-file-providers/filing-information-returns-electronically-fire IRS Modernized eFile: https://www.irs.gov/e-file-providers/modernized-e-file-program-information Customized Vendor Validations Session: https://debrarrichardson.com/vendor-validation-sessionFree Download:  Vendor Validation Reference List with Resource Links https://debrarrichardson.com/vendor-validation-downloadVendor Process Training Center - https://training.debrarrichardson.comCustomized Fraud Training:  https://training.debrarrichardson.com/customized-fraud-training Free Live and On-Demand Webinars: https://training.debrarrichardson.com/webinarsVendor Master File Clean-Up:  https://www.debrarrichardson.com/cleanupYouTube Channel:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqeoffeQu3pSXMV8fUIGNiw More Podcasts/Blogs/Webinars www.debrarrichardson.comMore ideas?  Email me at debra@debrarrichardson.com Music Credit:  www.purple-planet.com

Artificial intelligence (AI) is intensifying workloads rather than alleviating them, leading to increased burnout and declining decision quality, according to findings published in the Harvard Business Review and cited by Dave Sobel. The episode underscores that AI lowers the cost of producing outputs such as drafts and summaries but raises throughput targets and introduces new verification burdens. Economic gains from AI remain concentrated where capital and skilled labor already exist, while negative impacts—like displacement and wage pressure—are felt locally. These dynamics highlight the need for robust governance, particularly for managed service providers (MSPs) who deploy AI solutions.Supporting studies referenced include the International AI Safety Report, which details heightened uncertainty around AI development and its risks, as well as research from Oxford documenting the unreliability of AI chatbots in real-world medical decision-making. Experts warn that rapid automation without corresponding improvements in control systems creates structural constraints, making traditional software governance frameworks inadequate for unpredictable AI behaviors. Without proactive measures, these gaps risk exacerbating economic inequality and liability in regulated environments.Additional developments include OpenAI's release of upgraded agent features—such as GPT-5.2, improved context retention, managed shell containers, and a new skills standard—presented as operational enhancements but raising concerns about black-box context handling, auditability, and dependency risk. T-Mobile's AI-powered live translation service offers greater convenience but eliminates audit trails, shifting compliance risk to customers and prohibiting independent verification. Quark Cyber's launch of an internal cyber risk score introduces further complexity, as the scoring methodology is embedded within a financial product structure and lacks transparent validation.For MSPs and IT service leaders, the key takeaway is to treat new AI features and risk metrics as tools with significant tradeoffs. AI deployments should focus on governance layers that include workload caps, quality gates, and measurable outcomes rather than simply accelerating productivity. New features should be used for low-stakes workflows and carefully avoided in high-risk or regulated contexts unless auditable controls and deterministic checkpoints are established. Vendor-managed risk scores and warranties require independent validation before being positioned as client-facing truth standards.Four things to know today00:00 Harvard, Oxford Studies Find AI Raises Workload, Delivers Inadequate Medical Advice05:01 OpenAI Updates Deep Research and Adds New Agent Runtime Capabilities07:33 T-Mobile Tests Real-Time Call Translation Built Into Its Network09:17 Cork Cyber Rolls Out New Risk Score for Managed Service ProvidersThis is the Business of Tech.   Supported by:  ScalePad Small Biz Thoughts Community

Identity fraud spiked 148% in 2025 as AI democratized identity fabrication. Financial institutions now face a fundamental question: Are you dealing with a real human? Heka Global is addressing this with web intelligence—analyzing digital footprints like connected applications rather than traditional signals. In this episode of BUILDERS, I sat down with Idan Bar Dov, Co-Founder & CEO of Heka Global, to explore how his company created a fourth layer in the anti-fraud stack and why legacy identity verification systems are becoming liabilities rather than assets. Topics Discussed:  The emergence of "fraud as a service" and why consumer-facing attacks replaced traditional enterprise breaches  How web intelligence works: validating identity through connected applications and digital footprints  The anti-fraud tech stack: credit bureaus, biometrics, transaction analytics, and web intelligence as distinct layers  Why heads of fraud expand budgets rather than replace vendors, and what causes solutions to get kicked out  The partnership sales model: navigating vendor management complexity and red tape in financial institutions  Why 10-person dinners and fraud simulations outperform traditional enterprise marketing  How Barclays and Cornerback backing solved the chicken-and-egg problem for a data product  Why specific fraud prevention messaging (account takeover, synthetic identities) beat investor credibility GTM Lessons For B2B Founders: Target ICP based on liability exposure, not just industry fit: Heka narrowed beyond "financial institutions" to lenders who bear immediate losses from fraud—companies like LendingPoint, Avant, and Upstart. These buyers feel the pain acutely versus institutions with reimbursement terms who can deflect liability. Idan's insight: "We need the client to feel the pain just as much as we see it. That means we want them to see the liability." Map your ICP not just by vertical or size, but by who internalizes the economic impact of the problem you solve. Frame your product as a new stack layer, not a competitive replacement: Heka positioned web intelligence as the fourth distinct layer after credit bureaus, biometrics, and transaction analytics. This became their second pitch deck slide, showing logos of each category. The result: buyers stopped comparing Heka to existing vendors and started evaluating complementary value. When entering mature markets, resist the urge to claim you're "better than X"—instead, define where you fit in the existing architecture and why that layer didn't exist before. Abandon spray-and-pray for sub-1,000 TAM markets: Heka tested Lemlist flows with targeted LLM personalization and saw zero pipeline from it. Idan's take: "When you're selling to maybe a thousand financial institutions, that's it. You can be super specific when you target them." For enterprise plays with small addressable markets, allocate zero budget to automated outbound. Focus entirely on warm introductions, relationship nurturing, and becoming known to every relevant buyer through content and community. Leverage investor networks to break data product cold-starts: Data products face a critical barrier—you need customer data to prove value, but need proven value to get customers. Heka solved this by bringing on Barclays and Cornerback as investors who vouched for the team's capability to "do magic and create a new layer." Their backing convinced risk-averse financial institutions to pilot. If building a product requiring customer data for training or validation, prioritize strategic investors who can credibly de-risk early adoption for target buyers. Build trust through teaching, not pitching: Heka hosts dinners and fraud incident simulations with ~10 heads of fraud per session. Critical detail: they never pitch Heka in these forums. Idan explained the approach focuses on "building a community around Heka and how people engage with your product and you being a thought leader while listening." In high-trust categories, educational forums where you facilitate peer learning without selling create stronger pipeline than direct pitching. Structure partnerships with active enablement and incentive alignment: Idan's key lesson: "Partnerships are not synonymous to distribution channels." Heka requires partner sales teams to join early customer conversations to learn the pitch, provides detailed API and output training, and ensures partners get extra compensation for selling non-core products. Without this, partners lack motivation to prioritize your solution. Structure partnerships as true collaborations requiring ongoing enablement investment, not passive referral channels. A/B test credibility signals versus technical specificity: Idan assumed messaging around Barclays backing would crush, while specific fraud prevention content (account takeover, synthetic identity detection) was an afterthought. The data showed 10x better response to technical specificity. The lesson: sophisticated buyers in technical categories respond to precise problem-solving over brand credibility. Test whether your audience values "who backs us" or "exactly what we do" before defaulting to investor logos and validation. //  Sponsors: Front Lines — We help B2B tech companies launch, manage, and grow podcasts that drive demand, awareness, and thought leadership. www.FrontLines.io The Global Talent Co. — We help tech startups find, vet, hire, pay, and retain amazing marketing talent that costs 50-70% less than the US & Europe. www.GlobalTalent.co // Don't Miss: New Podcast Series — How I Hire Senior GTM leaders share the tactical hiring frameworks they use to build winning revenue teams. Hosted by Andy Mowat, who scaled 4 unicorns from $10M to $100M+ ARR and launched Whispered to help executives find their next role. Subscribe here: https://open.spotify.com/show/53yCHlPfLSMFimtv0riPyM

In this episode, we explore the qualities to look for when selecting a primary guide or partner in your journey. While being responsive and handling immediate issues like a firefighter are valuable traits, it is essential to have someone who can effectively navigate and guide you through your long-term goals and challenges. This episode emphasizes the importance of finding a partner who will be reliable and supportive when you need them most, particularly in your absence.

Episode SummaryWhat happens when a systems girl has a heart and actually cares about people. This one starts with negative twenty one degrees and ends with an absolute mic drop on service, strategy, and building a business that does not eat your identity alive. Rachel Traxler brings the rare combo of warmth and tactical clarity, and Miles and Jared go right where photographers actually live: the tension between art, family, ambition, burnout, and the pressure to do it all.If you have ever thought “I just need more inquiries,” Rachel lovingly corrects you. If you have ever felt the hat switching guilt spiral, she names it. If you have ever wanted a simpler way to set goals that actually get finished, she lays out the framework.Why toxic positivity is a turnoff and how Rachel stays upbeat without becoming fluffThe real issue most photographers have is not visibility, it is conversionHow to use your conversion rate to set realistic inquiry goalsWhy creatives avoid goals and how vague goals secretly protect our excusesThe quarterly sprint method: treat Q1 like the whole year and build momentum fastCapacity, prioritizing, and the uncomfortable truth that you cannot crush every hat at the same timeStreamlining life outside of business to protect your bandwidth (yes, even grocery delivery)Vendor referrals versus social inquiries and why quality leads matter more than quantityLeaving a stable job to chase photography and why “plan B” is not always requiredIdentity and work: when your job becomes who you are, the roller coaster gets brutalThe gratitude reset and why your best life metrics are rarely gear or numbersRachel's background at Mayo Clinic working with women facing ovarian cancer and how it shaped her perspectiveThe mic drop moment: service as the foundation that makes systems actually meaningfulMore inquiries is not always the answer. Sometimes you have enough leads and your conversion is the leakIf your goal is one wedding a month and your conversion is 25 percent, you only need four solid inquiriesDo not build marketing systems until you know your numbers and your actual goalsQuarterly goals beat vague yearly dreams. Short sprints create real tractionYour business should serve your life, not replace your identityJoin PHOTOCO Membership (monthly trainings, exclusive guest experts, community): https://thephotographiccollective.comPHOTOCO Podcast: https://thephotographiccollective.com/podcastPHOTOCO AfterCast and member exclusives: https://thephotographiccollective.comMiles Witt Boyer on Instagram: https://instagram.com/mileswittboyerRachel Traxler on Instagram: https://instagram.com/racheltraxlerStrategy is serving. Systems are not cold. They are how you love people better.If you loved this episode, send it to a photographer friend who keeps saying “I just need more inquiries.” Then go look at your conversion rate like an adult.If you thought this episode was good, the AfterCast is where it gets dangerous.In the public episode we talk big ideas: goals, capacity, conversion, and building a business that does not eat your life.In the AfterCast we get specific.We pull the curtain back on what to actually do next, how to think about your numbers, and how to build systems that do not feel robotic or fake.If you are tired of listening to inspiration and still not knowing what to change on Monday morning, you want the AfterCast.Join PHOTOCO for less than $50 a month and get access to the AfterCast, member only trainings, guest experts, and a community of photographers who are building the same thing right alongside you.Come for the episode.Stay for the blueprint.

In this episode of Gov Tech Today, hosts Russell Lowery and Jennifer Saha dive into a new trend in government contracting: transforming maintenance and operations (M&O) into modernization opportunities. They examine how traditional M&O contracts are increasingly including system improvement requirements, effectively shifting from simple maintenance to significant technological upgrades. This approach allows government agencies to modernize within existing budgets, avoiding the complexities and scrutiny of new IT projects. The discussion also explores the balance between maintaining existing systems and leveraging M&O contracts for continuous modernization. 00:00 Introduction to Gov Tech Today00:24 Exploring Maintenance and Operations (M&O) Opportunities01:06 Shifting from Maintenance to Modernization01:50 Evaluating Contracting Processes and Budget Impacts04:41 Maximizing Value from M&O Contracts07:42 Vendor and Government Collaboration12:57 Final Thoughts and Future Directions

In this episode of Torsion Talk, Ryan Lucia breaks down a timely article by Joseph Roberts (AQUED) titled “At a Crossroad Again: Navigating the Transitions Shaping the Garage Door Industry.” Ryan walks through the three core pillars of the article and adds his own real-world perspective from the dealer side, including what he agrees with, what he challenges, and what he believes is coming next for the garage door business.Ryan opens with quick industry updates, including a behind-the-scenes look at his new studio build, early signals that steel pricing may rise due to supply and demand pressures, and what he's seeing in marketing performance as clicks continue to shift in an AI-driven search landscape. He also shares plans for Markinuity and GDU at the IDA Expo, including a booth presence, potential live podcast recording, giveaways, and a private event.From there, Ryan dives into the first pillar: market segmentation and specialization. He discusses the push toward residential-only or commercial-only strategies, why he doesn't fully agree that doing both automatically makes you a generalist, and how seasonality and revenue stability can make multi-segment operations smarter when structured correctly. He also explains why he split his commercial and residential websites, how Google rewards specialization, and what it takes to market effectively to B2C homeowners versus B2B commercial buyers.The second pillar is where Ryan goes deepest: the growing tension in dealer and vendor relationships. He addresses consolidation at the manufacturer level, the shifting OEM-dealer dynamic, and why dealers must stop accepting one-sided arrangements. Ryan talks candidly about sales rep performance in the industry, the real costs dealers absorb when manufacturers miss on quality control, shipping, or accuracy, and why multi-manufacturer sourcing can protect a business. He gives credit where it's due by highlighting manufacturers he believes are doing things well, while also calling out common operational breakdowns that create expensive dealer-side problems.Finally, Ryan ties in the third pillar: ownership changes and exit strategy. He explains why succession, private equity, and acquisition timelines should influence marketing decisions, budgets, and business strategy. Ryan closes with a blunt but optimistic view of where the industry is headed, why the “purge” and consolidation are real, and what focused dealers must do now to compete, execute, and win in the next 5–10 years.Find Ryan at:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://garagedooru.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aaronoverheaddoors.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://markinuity.com/⁠Check out our sponsors!Sommer USA - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://sommer-usa.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Surewinder - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://surewinder.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Stealth Hardware - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://quietmydoor.com/⁠

This week, I detail the numbers you should know from Q4 2025 earnings results from Netflix, Amazon, Fubo, FOX, YouTube, Comcast, and Disney. I cover subscriber additions, profit and loss, Fubo's plans for a reverse stock split, the latest on its carriage dispute with NBCUniversal, and the latest cord-cutting numbers. With the NFL and ESPN deal now closed, giving Disney control of the NFL Network and other NFL Media assets, I break down the terms, the additional content Disney gets, what the deal is worth, and how it is structured. I also cover viewership numbers from Paramount's first UFC stream, with 7 million households in the U.S. and Latin America having tuned in, and Crunchyroll raising prices across some of its tiers in the U.S. Finally, I give the latest news on the Netflix and WBD deal, with Netflix's co-CEO, Ted Sarandos, testifying before the US Senate's antitrust subcommittee.On the vendor side, I detail the exact extent of Vimeo's layoffs, share my thoughts on Brightcove's 2026 product roadmap, and provide financial figures for CDN and infrastructure provider Gcore, which showed significant revenue growth over the past two years.Podcast produced by Security Halt Media

Food halls are no longer just a trend—they are a high-impact amenity for improving a property's dwell time, leasing velocity and NOI. Recorded at Central Perk in Times Square, a quartet of experts from Colicchio Consulting and CBRE explain how the best food halls prioritize operations and programming, new beverage and evening strategies, the lowdown on operator selection and deal structures that offer better risk-sharing and returns.- Food halls aren't food courts: Independent concepts + community + beverage drive performance.- Hybrid work has changed the operating model: Fewer office days demand longer-hour, programming-led models.- Conversions can happen everywhere: Converting buildings to their highest and best use can work for both offices and food halls, especially in suburban markets.- Alignment between operators and landlords: Vendor stall flexibility and percentage-rent leases can benefit operators and investors.- Market snapshot: Colicchio Consulting believes the sweet spot of sizing is around 10,000–15,000 sq. ft. with average buildout costs around $400/sq. ft., depending on the market.

CISO Jadee Hanson shares how Vanta "drinks its own champagne," running on NIST CSF with quarterly baseline reviews and using Vanta's GRC platform to turn every release into live UAT for privacy, governance, and compliance. We rethink third-party management—why point-in-time risk scores are fading and how AI drives continuous monitoring and outcome-based assurance. Bottom line: don't just audit—instrument your controls and prove trust in real time. Visit https://cisostoriespodcast.com for all the latest episodes! Show Notes: https://cisostoriespodcast.com/csp-221

A PwC survey of over 4,400 CEOs across 105 countries found that 56% report artificial intelligence has not delivered meaningful revenue growth or cost savings in the past year. Only one in eight organizations saw both benefits. The core issue, as highlighted by Dave Sobel, lies in poor integration—largely due to data quality challenges and legacy systems—leaving many businesses stuck in what PwC terms “experimentation purgatory.” Despite significant investment, AI infrastructure is often failing to produce measurable returns.This lack of operational discipline is mirrored by the rising incident of AI bots, which now account for 1 out of every 50 website visits, a sixfold increase from earlier reports. AI is successfully extracting value from enterprise infrastructure through sophisticated scraping, as companies pay for tools that return little and simultaneously fund infrastructure serving AI bots. The operational cost and exposure from bot traffic and ineffective AI tool adoption highlight the disconnect between hype and practical benefit.Adjacent stories expand on the governance gap and evolving expectations around risk. The U.S. and China declined to sign a non-binding declaration on military AI, underlining global regulatory fragmentation. In contrast, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) issued a binding directive for federal civilian agencies to remove unsupported devices within a year, signaling substantial operational risk from end-of-life technology. These regulatory movements are expected to drive similar risk accountability into the private sector, primarily through insurance requirements.For MSPs and IT service providers, the takeaway is not to chase AI-powered offerings but to prioritize readiness, control, and cost accountability. Vendor partner programs (Cisco and 1Password) reward lifecycle management and customer retention, not AI sales. The practical competitive advantage is operational honesty—delivering realistic assessments, proactive client interactions, and transparent guidance. Automation should fund genuine client relationship activities, not replace them. The focus should remain on safeguarding operational integrity, controlling technology risk, and building customer success capability.Four things to know today:00:00 PwC Survey Finds Most Business Leaders Still Waiting for AI Payoff05:00 Federal Agencies Ordered to Eliminate End-of-Life Devices Over Cyber Threats08:06 Cisco and 1Password Launch Partner Programs Focused on Customer Success10:52 Harvard Business Review Says Human Touch Remains Critical Advantage Over AIThis is the Business of Tech.   Supported by:  Small Biz Thought Community 

Congrats!  You made the deadline for sending 1099-NEC and 1099-MISC recipient statements to your vendors and the related IRS tax filing deadline for the 1099-NEC.  Then your phone starts ringing with vendors, and now you have corrections to what you reported.  Or your organization has multiple entities and you realized income was reported for vendors using the wrong organization.  Or that file in IRIS or FIRE has an error status…. Now what? Keep listening. Check out my website www.debrarrichardson.com if you need help implementing authentication techniques, internal controls, and best practices to reduce the potential for fraudulent payments, compliance fines or bad vendor data. Check out the Vendor Process Training Center for 173+ hours of weekly live and on-demand training for the Vendor team. Links mentioned in the podcast + other helpful resources:    IRS Publications: IRIS:  Publication 5717 (Rev. 1-2026) https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p5717.pdfFIRE: Publication 1220 (Rev. 9-2025) https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p1220.pdfFIRE (1042-S):  Publication 1187 (Rev. 9-2025) https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p1187.pdfIRS Page:  Information Return Penalty Chart https://www.irs.gov/payments/information-return-penalties Customized Vendor Validations Session: https://debrarrichardson.com/vendor-validation-sessionFree Download:  Vendor Validation Reference List with Resource Links https://debrarrichardson.com/vendor-validation-downloadVendor Process Training Center - https://training.debrarrichardson.comCustomized Fraud Training:  https://training.debrarrichardson.com/customized-fraud-training Free Live and On-Demand Webinars: https://training.debrarrichardson.com/webinarsVendor Master File Clean-Up:  https://www.debrarrichardson.com/cleanupYouTube Channel:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqeoffeQu3pSXMV8fUIGNiw More Podcasts/Blogs/Webinars www.debrarrichardson.comMore ideas?  Email me at debra@debrarrichardson.com Music Credit:  www.purple-planet.com

In this episode, Luke discusses all things "vendor stack". Why you need one, how to build one, and how to deploy without overwhelming clients. Luke also touches on recent regulatory changes affecting pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and the implications for your clients....

Brock sits down with local wedding planner Patty Bogar (Bogar Wedding Co.) to talk what planners really do, why hiring one is a necessity (not a luxury), and how she stays calm in the chaos. They dive into NWA wedding trends (hello fruit décor… goodbye disco balls), real “save the day” moments (missing bouquet + a cake disaster), and rapid-fire hot takes on wedding traditions—first looks, garter tosses, buffet vs plated, donut walls, photo booths, and more. Plus: Patty teases a rebrand and her goal to plan destination weddings. 

Building a business is an incredible feat, but successfully exiting that business and turning it into a true family legacy is a completely different challenge. Many entrepreneurs find themselves "self-employed" rather than owning a sellable asset—if you can't take a three-week vacation without the wheels falling off, do you really own a business, or does the business own you?In this episode, Corwyn J. Melette sits down with Cameron Bishop, Managing Director and Partner at Rain Catcher, to discuss how to navigate the technical and emotional rollercoaster of selling a business. With over 35 years of experience and a half-billion dollars in transactions, Cameron reveals the common pitfalls that make companies unsellable and how you can start strategizing for your "personal promised land" today.Key Takeaways:7:56 -   The Lifestyle Business Trap: Understanding the difference between a "lifestyle business" (where you are the business) and a sellable asset.10:12-  The "Bus Test": A simple diagnostic to see if your business is ready for exit: If you were hit by a bus tomorrow, would the business survive?12:08-  The Silver Tsunami: Why the baby boomer generation is facing a unique challenge with succession planning as fewer children choose to take over family firms.14:13-  The "Dr. Phil" Side of M&A: Why selling a business takes 9–10 months and involves as much emotional navigation as it does financial negotiation.15:54-  The 5 Critical Deal Killers:Poor accounting (Cash vs. Accrual/GAP).Owner dependency.Customer concentration (The 20% rule).Vendor dependency.Below-average gross profit margins.24:00-  Creative Exit Structures: Why a "full cash payout" is rare and how seller notes, SBA loans, and earn-outs work.Legacy Moment Takeaway:“A well-planned exit isn't just a transaction—it's your opportunity to turn years of hard work into a lasting legacy for your family and future generations.”- Cameron BishopConnect with Cameron:Email: Cameron.Bishop@raincatcher.comWebsite: www.raincatcher.comLinkedIn: Cameron BishopConnect with Corwyn:Contact Number: 843-619-3005Instagram:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/exitstrategiesradioshow/⁠FB Page:⁠ https://www.facebook.com/exitstrategiessc/⁠Youtube:⁠ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxoSuynJd5c4qQ_eDXLJaZA⁠Website:⁠ https://www.exitstrategiesradioshow.com⁠Linkedin:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/cmelette/⁠Shoutout to our Sponsor: Country Boy HomesYou served your country with pride. Now it's time someone serves you. At Country Boy Homes, we believe every veteran deserves a safe, beautiful and affordable place to call home.We proudly offer VA loan friendly, manufactured and modular homes built with integrity, quality and your family and mine. Whether you're retiring to the peaceful low country or starting fresh with your family, we're here to build the future you've earned. Give us a call today, 843-574-8979.Country Boy Homes, Built to Honor, Built to Last.

In this episode, Jim McDonald welcomes back Martin Kuppinger, Principal Analyst at KuppingerCole, to discuss the rapidly evolving landscape of identity in 2026. With Jeff Steadman away, Jim and Martin dive deep into the intellectual challenges posed by AI agents and the limitations of traditional non-human identity frameworks. Martin explains why organizations are feeling a sense of disillusionment with AI and how a capability-based identity fabric approach can help manage the complexity. They also explore the balance between security and business enablement, the rise of workload identities, and what to expect at the upcoming European Identity and Cloud Conference (EIC) in Berlin.Connect with Martin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martinkuppinger/KuppingerCole: https://www.kuppingercole.comEuropean Identity and Cloud Conference (EIC) (don't forget to use our discount code idac25mko): https://www.kuppingercole.com/events/eic2026Connect with us on LinkedIn:Jim McDonald: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmcdonaldpmp/Jeff Steadman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffsteadman/Visit the show on the web at http://idacpodcast.comTimestamps00:00 - Welcome back to 2026 and EIC preparations02:48 - The shift from future potential to current AI agent challenges03:12 - Understanding AI disillusionment and the lack of control in regulated industries05:19 - Security as a business enabler vs progress prevention09:55 - Why AI agents should not be classified simply as non-human identities11:43 - Complex relationships between humans, agents, and delegated tasks15:17 - Self-service identity for knowledge workers and AI productivity18:40 - The risks of decentralized agent creation and "shadow" AI21:58 - How AI is being baked into identity products beyond role mining26:55 - Using usage data to reduce over-entitlements34:10 - The Identity Fabric: A capability-based approach to IAM40:33 - Vendor rationalization and the flexibility of the fabric47:19 - Previewing EIC 2026 topics: Wallet initiatives and consent52:44 - Final advice: Curing symptoms vs addressing causesKeywords:IDAC, Identity at the Center, Jeff Steadman, Jim McDonald, Martin Kuppinger, KuppingerCole, IAM, AI Agents, Identity Fabric, EIC 2026, Non-Human Identity, Workload Identity, ITDR, IGA, Cybersecurity

Hi there boys and girls! Welcome back to another Jeep Talk Show interview episode!

What do you do if it's getting down to the wire to be in compliance with the IRS deadlines for sending vendors their 1099-NEC or 1099-MISC or filing both with the IRS, and you know you are going to be late.Keep listening. Check out my website www.debrarrichardson.com if you need help implementing authentication techniques, internal controls, and best practices to reduce the potential for fraudulent payments, compliance fines or bad vendor data. Check out the Vendor Process Training Center for 173+ hours of weekly live and on-demand training for the Vendor team. Links mentioned in the podcast + other helpful resources:    IRS Extension Form:  Form 8809, Application for Extension of Time to File Information Returns  https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-8809IRS Extension Form:  Form 15397 Application For Extension of Time to Furnish Recipient Statements  https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/extension-of-time-to-furnish-statements-to-recipientsIRS Page:  Information Return Penalty Charthttps://www.irs.gov/payments/information-return-penalties Customized Vendor Validations Session: https://debrarrichardson.com/vendor-validation-sessionFree Download:  Vendor Validation Reference List with Resource Links https://debrarrichardson.com/vendor-validation-downloadVendor Process Training Center - https://training.debrarrichardson.comCustomized Fraud Training:  https://training.debrarrichardson.com/customized-fraud-training Free Live and On-Demand Webinars: https://training.debrarrichardson.com/webinarsVendor Master File Clean-Up:  https://www.debrarrichardson.com/cleanupYouTube Channel:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqeoffeQu3pSXMV8fUIGNiw More Podcasts/Blogs/Webinars www.debrarrichardson.comMore ideas?  Email me at debra@debrarrichardson.com Music Credit:  www.purple-planet.com

Global channel sales in IT are projected to exceed $4 trillion this year, with two-thirds of total spending driven by partner-led deals, according to Omdia research. However, managed service providers (MSPs) continue to encounter significant integration failures following mergers and acquisitions, leading to operational inefficiencies and diminished client trust. The Business of Tech analysis highlights that stacking acquisitions without comprehensive integration amplifies risks, particularly affecting margins, service consistency, and accountability.Supporting survey data from POPX indicates that 60% of UK MSPs report platform and data integration as critical hurdles post-acquisition, while 44% identify poor morale and lack of team alignment as sources of inefficiency. Notably, 38% experienced client disruption during transitional periods, signaling that rapid growth without sufficient operational coherence creates drag rather than leverage. These issues are compounded by rising technology budgets—nearly 75% of organizations expect increased IT spending—and intensifying reliance on AI and cloud services in MSP environments.Additional stories addressed include the widespread adoption of unsanctioned "Shadow AI" tools in healthcare settings, with over 40% of workers aware of unapproved usage, and the increasing tendency for AI platforms to reference general sources like YouTube over traditional medical authorities. The episode further examines new AI-driven arbitration tools, platform consolidations within managed security, and the centralization of authority across purchasing and service delivery ecosystems. Vendor integrations, such as Synchro's marketplace partnership with Ironscales and LevelBlue's acquisition of AlertLogic's unit, illustrate a shift away from component choices towards streamlined, but potentially opaque, accountability structures.For MSPs and IT service leaders, the central takeaway is not the urgency to adopt new tools, but the necessity to clarify ownership, governance, and liability as technology platforms accelerate efficiency and centralize control. Failure to address integration fundamentals, define formal oversight for AI-driven decisions, and maintain transparency amid automation will expose service providers to unpriced risks and erode client trust. Sustained growth is contingent upon operational discipline, not just expanding portfolios. Four things to know today 00:00 Channel Growth Accelerates While MSP Integration Failures Threaten Margins and Trust03:58 New Research Shows Agentic AI Adoption Outpacing Governance and Workforce Readiness07:25 AI Interfaces, Security Consolidation, and MSP Marketplaces Point to a Shift in Where Authority Lives10:27 AAA's AI Arbitrator Shows How Automation Changes Who Owns Decisions, Not Just How Fast They're Made This is the Business of Tech.    Supported by: 

Kevin Szczepanski is back with the debut of Season 5, just in time for international Data Privacy Day and Data Privacy Week. In this first episode of the season, Kevin discusses critical aspects of data privacy and vendor agreements. He outlines five key negotiating points that organizations should consider when entering into vendor agreements, including data-use terms, data-security requirements, auto renewals and termination, indemnification, and insurance. This solo episode emphasizes the importance of clear agreements to mitigate risks associated with vendor relationships.

A CMO Confidential Interview with Rob Ward, co-founder and General Partner of Meritech Capital, a top Silicon Valley venture firm. Rob shares his take on what he calls a "super terrifying and exciting time" and provides perspective on AI receiving the most capital of any technology in history, the "durability of revenue" and how quickly start-ups are now reaching $100 million in revenue. Key topics include: why VC's focus on growth vs. profitability; the risks associated with massive long-term capital investment; why marketers should pick a "trusted advisor" as their AI partner; and why your data strategy needs "context. Tune in to hear how Astronomer handled the "Coldplay Concert Incident" which immediately became a PR classic and the "VC Foie Gras Effect."What happens when a top venture capitalist pulls back the curtain on AI, valuations, hype cycles, and what's actually working?In this episode of CMO Confidential, host Mike Linton sits down with Rob Ward, Co-Founder and General Partner at Metech Capital, to unpack the realities behind the AI boom. Rob has spent more than 26 years investing in category-defining companies like Facebook (Meta), Snowflake, NetSuite, Zipcar, and Cloudera — and he brings a rare, grounded perspective to today's AI frenzy.Together, they explore: • Why AI adoption is still early — despite explosive growth • The real risks behind inflated valuations and “AI-washing” • How VC decision-making changes during platform shifts • What marketers and executives should actually look for when choosing AI partners • Why data strategy, change management, and trust matter more than tools • What layoffs, productivity, and the future of work really look like beneath the headlines • A masterclass in crisis communications, featuring Ryan Reynolds, Gwyneth Paltrow, and ColdplayIf you're a CMO, CEO, board member, founder, or agency leader trying to make sense of AI without getting swept up in the hype — this is a must-listen conversation.New episodes of CMO Confidential drop every Tuesday.Subscribe for insider perspectives on the most misunderstood role in the C-suite.⸻Chapter Markers00:00 – Welcome to CMO Confidential00:19 – Introducing Rob Ward and today's AI conversation01:13 – Where we really are in AI adoption02:26 – Explosive AI growth: what's real vs hype03:35 – Why enterprise AI adoption is still a slog04:37 – Vendor spend, hyperscalers, and the trillion-dollar buildout06:12 – Is this an AI bubble? Public vs private market realities07:20 – Accelerating investment rounds and lack of diligence08:12 – AI-washing and durability of AI businesses09:46 – Proof-of-concepts, switching costs, and fragile loyalty10:55 – Big Tech vs startups: why this cycle is different11:40 – Why VCs chase platform shifts despite the risks13:05 – How AI is changing profitability and headcount math16:11 – “FOGRA” investing and capital distortion17:00 – Circular investing and data-center risk18:23 – Data centers, GPUs, and betting on the wrong future19:38 – Credit default swaps and financial warning signs21:45 – How executives should choose AI vendors22:58 – Change management and why culture matters most24:09 – Why data strategy is the real AI strategy26:36 – “Frequently wrong, never in doubt” and AI hallucinations27:01 – Practical AI use cases for marketers30:00 – Layoffs, productivity, and what's really happening to jobs33:05 – The best questions to spot real AI fluency35:00 – AI safety, geopolitics, and long-term risks36:38 – Crisis management masterclass: Astronomer, Coldplay & Ryan Reynolds39:58 – Final advice and closing thoughts⸻Comma-Separated TagsCMO Confidential, AI strategy, artificial intelligence, venture capital, Rob Ward, Metech Capital, AI adoption, AI hype, AI bubble, enterprise AI, generative AI, AI in marketing, CMO leadership, marketing leadership, venture investing, AI vendors, data strategy, change management, AI readiness, tech valuations, AI infrastructure, data centers, future of work, AI layoffs, crisis communications, brand crisis management, Ryan Reynolds marketing, Gwyneth Paltrow Astronomer, Coldplay controversy, Silicon Valley, marketing podcast, C-suite leadershipSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

En este episodio del Serious Sellers Podcast en Español, Adriana Rangel conversa con Jordi Ordóñez sobre los cambios más recientes en el programa Amazon Vendor, incluyendo cierres de cuentas por rentabilidad y la creciente necesidad de migrar a modelos híbridos Seller + Vendor. Jordi explica los riesgos actuales del modelo Vendor y qué deben hacer las marcas para prepararse operativamente ante una posible migración forzada a Marketplace. Además, profundizan en el rol cada vez más dominante de Rufus, la IA de Amazon, y cómo está redefiniendo el posicionamiento de productos. Se habla de semántica, reputación de marca dentro y fuera de Amazon, tráfico externo, autoridad, y por qué el branding y la publicidad (pagada y orgánica) serán claves para seguir siendo visibles en Amazon y en el ecosistema de IA. En el episodio #192 de Serious Sellers Podcast en Español, platicamos de: 00:00 - Introducción y bienvenida 01:20 - Qué es Amazon Vendor y su situación actual 03:20 - Cierres de cuentas Vendor y nuevas exigencias 4:30 - Migrar de Vendor a Seller: retos reales 6:40 - Modelos híbridos y agencias como solución 9:25 - Rufus: la nueva IA de Amazon 10:30 - Cómo Rufus decide qué productos mostrar 14:20 - Semántica y prompts para rankear mejor 16:20 - Usos del producto y keywords semánticas 19:20 - Branding externo y autoridad de marca 22:00 - Social commerce y tráfico hacia Amazon 23:50 - Estrategia multicanal: branding vs performance 25:35 - Dónde encontrar a Jordi y cierre

Apple @ Work is exclusively brought to you by Mosyle, the only Apple Unified Platform. Mosyle is the only solution that integrates in a single professional-grade platform all the solutions necessary to seamlessly and automatically deploy, manage & protect Apple devices at work. Over 45,000 organizations trust Mosyle to make millions of Apple devices work-ready with no effort and at an affordable cost. Request your EXTENDED TRIAL today and understand why Mosyle is everything you need to work with Apple. In this episode of Apple @ Work, we finish up our 2-part series about AI and networking with Aruna Ravichandran, SVP & CMO - Collaboration, Enterprise Networking, at Cisco Links What is agentic operations (AgenticOps)? Listen and subscribe Apple Podcasts Overcast Spotify Pocket Casts Castro RSS Listen to Past Episodes

We're diving into the latest in the auto world, bringing you essential car news and practical car tips. Whether you're navigating car sales or seeking car advice, our experts answer your car questions answered. Tune in to learn how to buy a car smart! Join us on the Jeep Talk Show for an epic conversation with Derek "Diesel" Meyer – lifelong Jeep fanatic, co-founder of the legendary Silver Lake Sand Dunes Jeep Invasion, and General Manager at Graff Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Rockford, Michigan! In this fun, no-holds-barred interview, Diesel dives deep into: - The Jeep wave debate: Do you wave at Gladiators, XJs, or even 392s with those gold tow hooks?

Escalating distrust in identity systems and misuse of AI are forcing a shift in security accountability for small and midsize businesses. Recent analysis highlights that the prevalence of deepfake-driven business email compromise and non-human digital identities is eroding confidence in traditional protective solutions. According to Techyle and supporting reports referenced by Dave Sobel, the ratio of non-human to human identities in organizations is now 144:1, further complicating authority and responsibility for managed service providers (MSPs). As trust in exclusive third-party control disintegrates, co-managed security models are becoming standard, repositioning decision-making and liability.The rise of AI-generated data—described as “AI slop”—has prompted increased adoption of zero trust models, with 84% of CIOs reportedly increasing funding for generative AI initiatives. However, as rogue AI agents are recognized as a significant insider threat, current security services are often ill-equipped to manage these new vulnerabilities. Regulatory bodies, including CISA, have issued guidance noting that the integration of AI into critical infrastructure introduces greater risk of outages and security breaches, particularly when governance remains ambiguous. High-profile vulnerabilities in open-source AI platforms used within cloud environments further highlight the persistence of operational risks.Adjacent technology updates include new releases from vendors such as 1Password, WatchGuard, JumpCloud, and ControlUp. These offerings focus on enhancing phishing prevention, expanding managed detection and response, and automating endpoint management for MSPs. However, Dave Sobel emphasizes that these tools introduce additional layers of automation and integration without adequately clarifying who ultimately holds authority and accountability when failures or breaches occur. There is a consistent warning that stacking solutions or outsourcing core functions without redefining operational control creates gaps between action and oversight.For MSPs and IT leaders, the key takeaway is that security risk is no longer defined by missing technology but by unclear governance, undefined authority, and misaligned incentives. Without explicit contractual and operational delineation of responsibility when deploying AI and automation, service providers are increasingly exposed to liability by default. The advice is to move beyond tool-centric strategies and focus on process clarity: define who authorizes, audits, and terminates non-human identities; establish which parties approve automation actions; and ensure clients understand shared responsibilities to mitigate silent risk accumulation. Four things to know today00:00 TechAisle Warns SMB Security Will Shift in 2026 as Identity Attacks and AI Agents Redefine Risk05:44 AI Moves Deeper Into Critical Infrastructure as Open-Source and Human Weaknesses Expand the Attack Surface09:35 MSP Security Platforms Automate Phishing Prevention and MDR—Outpacing Governance and Control Models12:12 AI-Powered MSP Tools Promise Control and Efficiency, But Shift Responsibility by Default This is the Business of Tech.    Supported by:  https://scalepad.com/dave/

In the world of modern leadership, influence is an essential skill—often making the difference between teams that thrive and those that merely survive. Yet, many leaders misunderstand what it truly means to influence others. Rather than relying on authority or formal power, effective influence is grounded in building meaningful relationships, understanding others' goals, and fostering an environment of collaboration and trust. This episode explores how intentional relationship-building can create lasting value and resilience within organizations. Listeners will discover the missteps leaders often make, strategies to build credibility before a crisis arises, and how core values such as empathy, transparency, and accountability can transform a team's culture and performance. Whether facing disengaged teams, skeptical stakeholders, or the need for strategic change, mastering authentic influence is a leadership necessity for sustained success. Timestamped Overview [00:04:51] The True Nature of Influence: Why leaders often get it wrong out of the gate and the importance of building relationships proactively. [00:06:15] Building Emotional Bank Accounts: Why it's crucial to establish genuine connections before problems emerge. [00:07:55] Facing Fear and Setting Expectations: The psychological barriers that keep leaders behind their desks and how to encourage team outreach. [00:09:51] Shifting Culture: Moving from a reactive, “fire drill” mentality to a customer-oriented, proactive organization. [00:10:52] Family-First Culture and Retention: How focusing on values like work-life balance can outperform higher salaries in employee retention. [00:12:50] Modeling Healthy Work Habits: Practices like delayed email responses and empowering team members during leadership absences. [00:14:58] The Power of Trust: How trust frees teams to innovate, take accountability, and focus on organizational priorities. [00:16:52] Vendor and Partner Relationships: Turning unhappy users into advocates and transforming vendor partnerships for campus-wide success. [00:19:20] Strategic Vendor Management: Proactive, ongoing communication and how relationships drive better deals and outcomes. [00:21:28] The Three Principles of Influence: Understanding goals, managing expectations, and genuinely caring about others' success. [00:24:08] The Courage to Say “Whoa!”: How to slow down, clarify expectations, and ensure quality under pressure. [00:28:09] Influencing Teams: Aligning strategy, setting clear goals, and sharing accountability. [00:31:15] Transparent Communication: Weekly blogs, consistent messaging, and the role of humility in admitting mistakes. [00:33:25] Crisis Preparedness: Tabletop exercises, emergency planning, and learning from military-inspired response strategies. [00:35:41] Relationship Mapping: Strategically identifying who to build relationships with and making it a regular practice. For the complete show notes be sure to check out our website: https://leaddontboss.com/360

Don't forget to still do your tax reporting research at the State level, even if that State participates in the Combined Federal/State Filing (CF/SF) Program.  For two reasons you still need to check and a process to do it….Keep listening.Check out my website www.debrarrichardson.com if you need help implementing authentication techniques, internal controls, and best practices to reduce the potential for fraudulent payments, compliance fines or bad vendor data. Check out the Vendor Process Training Center for 173+ hours of weekly live and on-demand training for the Vendor team. Links mentioned in the podcast + other helpful resources:    IRS Publication 1220: Specifications for Electronic Filing of Forms 1097, 1098, 1099, 3921, 3922, 5498,IRS Publication 5717: Information Returns Intake System (IRIS) Taxpayer Portal User Guide Vendor Process Training Center > Resource Library: State Sites for Business/Tax ResearchCustomized Vendor Validations Session: https://debrarrichardson.com/vendor-validation-sessionFree Download:  Vendor Validation Reference List with Resource Links https://debrarrichardson.com/vendor-validation-downloadVendor Process Training Center - https://training.debrarrichardson.comCustomized Fraud Training:  https://training.debrarrichardson.com/customized-fraud-training Free Live and On-Demand Webinars: https://training.debrarrichardson.com/webinarsVendor Master File Clean-Up:  https://www.debrarrichardson.com/cleanupYouTube Channel:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqeoffeQu3pSXMV8fUIGNiw More Podcasts/Blogs/Webinars www.debrarrichardson.comMore ideas?  Email me at debra@debrarrichardson.com Music Credit:  www.purple-planet.com

Brianne Mees, CEO of Tender Loving Empire, shares how a people-first background in psychology and social work shaped the culture of a retail brand built to champion artists, makers, and small businesses. Brianne walks through the company's growth from a scrappy early storefront to seven locations (including airport stores), the toughest leadership decisions during the pandemic, and why mission alignment is the anchor for hiring and culture. Brandon and Brianne also explore "regenerative retail," community investing through Wefunder, and how leaders can build a business that supports local economies without losing sight of sustainability and scale. Key Timestamps 00:00 What the show is about + sponsor message from Xenium HR 01:00 Introducing Brianne Mees and the Tender Loving Empire mission 03:00 Brianne's unconventional path: psychology, social work, and a people-first approach 04:40 Why Tender Loving Empire started as a "helping profession" for artists and makers 05:00 The business today: seven retail locations, hundreds of makers, and a record label 06:00 The early days: starting before major online platforms existed for creators 07:00 The turning point: moving locations, hiring the first employee, and shifting from hobby to sustainable business 08:40 How Brianne's psychology background supported hiring and leadership 09:20 Scaling a creative retail brand into airports without losing the "feel" 10:00 Becoming "Portland tour guides" and translating local culture for travelers 12:00 Leading through the pandemic: scrappiness, resilience, and hard choices 13:00 The toughest day: furloughing the team while keeping leadership in place 13:50 Post-pandemic momentum: new airport locations and +$3M in annual revenue 14:10 How they keep 65 employees aligned: mission fit and kindness 15:20 The "Empire" name origin and the heart of the brand 15:40 The impact: celebrating $20M returned to artists and makers 16:00 Vendor selection today: buying team, data-driven decisions, and mission alignment 17:00 The ripple effect: vendors who reinvest through sustainability and social impact 18:00 Geographic focus: Portland and the broader Pacific Northwest 19:00 Why music remains the heart and soul of the brand 19:10 Why Tender Loving Empire chose Wefunder and community investing 20:40 Why VC is not the right fit for a values-based retail brand 21:20 How their Wefunder raise works: $1.2M goal and a convertible note approach 23:00 Advice to her 2007 self: confidence, trusting instincts, and staying close to the core 25:00 Preparing leaders for the next growth phase: transparency and sharing the full vision 27:20 What keeps Brianne going on tough days: impact, community, and walking into the stores 28:50 "Regenerative retail" explained: supporting communities vs. extracting from them 29:50 A first step for leaders: rethink suppliers and where resources flow 30:30 AI and the creator economy: efficiency benefits vs. IP and compensation concerns 33:00 Founder advice: grit, tenacity, support systems, and learning along the way 33:40 Closing: how listeners can support Tender Loving Empire and invest (starting at $100) 34:00 Podcast disclaimer and wrap-up A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST Podcast: Transform Your Workplace, sponsored by Xenium HR Host: Brandon Laws In Brandon's own words: "The Transform Your Workplace podcast is your go-to source for the latest workplace trends, big ideas, and time-tested methods straight from the mouths of industry experts and respected thought-leaders." About Xenium HR Xenium HR is on a mission to transform workplaces by providing expert outsourced HR and payroll services for small and medium-sized businesses. With a people-first approach, Xenium helps organizations create thriving work environments where employees feel valued and supported. From navigating compliance to enhancing workplace culture, Xenium offers tailored solutions that empower growth and simplify HR. Whether managing employee relations, payroll processing, or implementing impactful training programs, Xenium is the trusted partner businesses rely on to elevate their workplace experience. Discover how Xenium can transform your workplace: Learn more [https://www.xeniumhr.com/] Connect with Brandon Laws: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawsbrandon] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/lawsbrandon] About [https://xeniumhr.com/about-xenium/meet-the-team/brandon-laws] Connect with Xenium HR: Website [https://xeniumhr.com/] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/xenium-hr] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/XeniumHR] Twitter [https://twitter.com/XeniumHR] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/xeniumhr] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/user/XeniumHR

Send us a textIn this episode of The Riley Black Project, John and Crystal sit down for a raw, unscripted conversation about real life, business pressure, community, grief, and navigating uncertainty when things don't go according to plan.What starts as a casual catch-up quickly turns into a deep reflection on survival vs thriving, the emotional weight of January, and the reminder that nothing is guaranteed. From losing someone whose message still echoes loud, to questioning every next move, this episode captures what it feels like to keep showing up when the path forward isn't clear yet.We talk about:Why last year felt like survival mode — and the desire for less panic, less stress, more abundanceLosing someone important and carrying their message forwardThe danger of “I'll live later” thinkingVendor shows: what worked, what didn't, and what we learnedUsing what you already have instead of over-spendingBooth setup mistakes, display clarity, and engagement tipsPricing, pivoting, and adapting in real timeThis episode is honest, reflective, and deeply relatable for creators, makers, and small business owners who feel like they're constantly adjusting while trying to stay hopeful.If you've ever questioned your direction, felt stuck in a pivot, or wondered if you're being pushed toward something bigger—you're not alone.Support the showIf you enjoy our content, consider supporting us on Patreon!! You can check out the tier options and perks here: https://www.patreon.com/TheRileyBlackProjectCheck out my Linktree for my social media links & all the different things I have to offer! https://linktr.ee/RileyBlackWant more info on Aeon Lasers?? If so, show me some love by clicking on my partner link below and then hit the "Get Started" button! If you found my content helpful,and decided to call or DM instead, make sure to mention "Crystal Aguila" as the referral.