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The barbarian has seen some things, and has had to digest a lot in a short amount of time. But her resolve is strong, and it's seen her through some incredibly trying times--all the way to level 18! Tune in now to find out what Tira picks up at this new level. ----- Our spot for Battlebards uses music from Battlebards! We hope you like our use of: Capital City - Middlegate - Score Music by Shams Ahsan We're glad you're sharing our story; we really appreciate your support and hope you enjoy what we've created together. We're having fun sharing our adventure with you each week, and we'll only get better with time! If you like what you hear, please take the time to leave us a review on iTunes, since that bumps us up in the ratings and lets others join in the fun. For quick updates on a more real-time basis, follow us on Twitter (@stackodice) and on Instagram (@stackodice), where we'd love to hear from you. Or if you want to share a question or idea with us, drop us a line at stack.o.dice@gmail.com. Also, if you aren't on our Discord server yet, you should be! Check it out here: https://discord.com/invite/sUUJp78r3E Finally, visit our Ko-fi page to support our show monetarily. Please know that we'll use anything you contribute to improve the show. ----- We often use Creative Commons sound effects and music in this show, although not in this episode. Be sure to check out freesound.org, a fantastic resource for completely free sound effects. We also used some excellent Battlebards sound effects. If you like what you hear, check them out at battlebards.com. If you sign up for a Prime account, be sure to use our special code, stack, and you'll get a 20% discount on your subscription. Here are the sound effects we used in this episode: Vestige of Eons - Castlechip - Score Music, by Victor Carracedo And now, on with the show-- we're excited to tell a story with you.
Join us for this two-episode mini-series featuring lead study authors, Mario Castro and Njira Lugogo, as they discuss key findings from the VESTIGE trial and their implications on asthma care. Uncover: · The importance of patient phenotyping: How can biomarkers and imaging improve asthma management? · Mucus plugging and airflow obstruction: What does the latest research reveal? · Biologics and airway remodeling: What did the VESTIGE trial reveal about biologics and airway remodeling? · The role of imaging in clinical practice: How can CT scans provide new insights into asthma care? Speakers Mario Castro, University of Kansas School of Medicine, United States Njira Lugogo, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States Disclaimers: · This program is non-promotional and is sponsored by Sanofi and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. · The speakers are being compensated and/or receiving an honorarium from Sanofi and Regeneron in connection with this program · The content contained in this program was jointly developed by AMJ, the speakers, and Sanofi and Regeneron, and is not eligible for continuing medical education (CME) credits · See full US Prescribing Information for dupilumab · MAT-US-2412937 v2.0 - Pro1 Expiration Date: 04/21/2026 Speaker disclosures: · MC reports research support from the American Lung Association, AstraZeneca, Gala Therapeutics, Genentech, GSK, NIH, Novartis, PCORI, Pulmatrix, sanofi-aventis, Shionogi, and Theravance Biopharma, consultancy fees from Allakos, Amgen, Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals, Blueprint Medicines, Connect BioPharma, Genentech, GSK, Merck, Novartis, OM Pharma, Pfizer, Pioneering Medicines, sanofi-aventis, Teva, Third Rock Ventures, and Verona Pharmaceuticals, speaker fees from Amgen, AstraZeneca, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc., and Sanofi, and royalties from Aer Therapeutics. · NLL reports research support paid to institution from Amgen, AstraZeneca, Avillion, Genentech, Gossamer Bio, GSK, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc., Sanofi, and Teva, consultancy fees from and participation on advisory boards with Amgen, AstraZeneca, Genentech, GSK, Novartis, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc., Sanofi, and Teva, travel support from AstraZeneca, and honoraria for non-speaker bureau presentations from AstraZeneca and GSK. References: 1. Castro M et al. Effect of dupilumab on exhaled nitric oxide, mucus plugs, and functional respiratory imaging in patients with type 2 asthma (VESTIGE): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 4 trial. Lancet Respir Med. 2025;13:208-20. doi: 10.1016/S2213-2600(24)00362-X.
Join us for this two-episode mini-series featuring lead study authors, Mario Castro and Njira Lugogo, as they discuss key findings from the VESTIGE trial and their implications on asthma care. Uncover: · The importance of patient phenotyping: How can biomarkers and imaging improve asthma management? · Mucus plugging and airflow obstruction: What does the latest research reveal? · Biologics and airway remodeling: What did the VESTIGE trial reveal about biologics and airway remodeling? · The role of imaging in clinical practice: How can CT scans provide new insights into asthma care? Speakers Mario Castro, University of Kansas School of Medicine, United States Njira Lugogo, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States Disclaimers: · This program is non-promotional and is sponsored by Sanofi and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. · The speakers are being compensated and/or receiving an honorarium from Sanofi and Regeneron in connection with this program · The content contained in this program was jointly developed by AMJ, the speakers, and Sanofi and Regeneron, and is not eligible for continuing medical education (CME) credits · See full US Prescribing Information for dupilumab · MAT-US-2412937 v2.0 - Pro1 Expiration Date: 04/21/2026 Speaker disclosures: · MC reports research support from the American Lung Association, AstraZeneca, Gala Therapeutics, Genentech, GSK, NIH, Novartis, PCORI, Pulmatrix, sanofi-aventis, Shionogi, and Theravance Biopharma, consultancy fees from Allakos, Amgen, Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals, Blueprint Medicines, Connect BioPharma, Genentech, GSK, Merck, Novartis, OM Pharma, Pfizer, Pioneering Medicines, sanofi-aventis, Teva, Third Rock Ventures, and Verona Pharmaceuticals, speaker fees from Amgen, AstraZeneca, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc., and Sanofi, and royalties from Aer Therapeutics. · NLL reports research support paid to institution from Amgen, AstraZeneca, Avillion, Genentech, Gossamer Bio, GSK, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc., Sanofi, and Teva, consultancy fees from and participation on advisory boards with Amgen, AstraZeneca, Genentech, GSK, Novartis, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc., Sanofi, and Teva, travel support from AstraZeneca, and honoraria for non-speaker bureau presentations from AstraZeneca and GSK. References: 1. Castro M et al. Effect of dupilumab on exhaled nitric oxide, mucus plugs, and functional respiratory imaging in patients with type 2 asthma (VESTIGE): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 4 trial. Lancet Respir Med. 2025;13:208-20. doi: 10.1016/S2213-2600(24)00362-X.
Onzième épisode de la saison huit de ce sublime podcast, avec au programme : Les dernières news du Hellfest : Savage Lands la sortie de l'album. La nouvelle collaboration avec Elder Craft et France Inter qui se demande qui se demande si le Heavy Metal est devient fréquentable. Et bien sûr les premières chroniques de cette saison avec : Spectral Wounds, Ashen, Grima, Poppy, Vestige, Savatage, Amira Elfeky, Persefone, Seven Hours After Violet Toujours présenté par Jack, Parcimonie… Et Bob. En Joie
Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for February 10, 2025 is: vestige VESS-tij noun A vestige is a trace, mark, or visible sign left by something lost or vanished. // The ruins here are the last vestiges of the Roman occupation in this part of Britain. See the entry > Examples: "Filled with vestiges of yesteryear, the Butte [Montana] historic district is one of the largest in the country." — Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs and Janie Osborne, The New York Times, 29 Dec. 2024 Did you know? Though English is categorized as a Germanic language, there's no denying the enormousness of Latin's footprint on its lexicon. Among English's plethora of Latin derivatives is vestige, a word that traces back to the Latin noun vestigium, meaning "footstep, footprint, or track." Like its forebear, vestige refers to a perceptible sign made by something that has passed, or to a tangible reminder, such as a fragment or remnant, of what is past and gone. Vestige also happens to be one of only a few vestiges of vestigium itself, along with the adjective vestigial ("remaining as the last part of something that existed before") and the familiar verb investigate.
Low Fiction brings sonic fury from pits of hell Taking the stage at The Yard in Beacon in October, the metal band Low Fiction flipped the switch from a dirge-like breakdown to a deafening rumble that unleashed a sonic fury conjured from the pits of hell. The spectators, 60 strong, bobbed heads, convulsed bodies and roared their approval during the quartet's 10-song set. They demanded and received an encore. Despite declarations about its alleged death, guitar-driven rock 'n' roll remains a conduit for rebellious youth and older folks who cling to the music of their teen years. "Metal mixes well with other edgy styles," says lyricist, guitarist and lead vocalist Jack Kolodziejski, who lives in Newburgh but retains close ties to Beacon, where his 30-something bandmates are residents. "We take all our influences - punk, hardcore, metal, alt-rock, stoner rock, shoegaze - throw it into a blender and see what comes up." Low Fiction will perform on Friday (Jan. 17) at Denning's Point Distillery in Beacon with King in Yellow. The group, whose name is intended to be a lowbrow antithesis to the term high art, shares a rehearsal space with several other plugged-in hard rockers at the KuBe Art Center. On Bandcamp, they identify as "heavy metal," by now a generic term with a massive tent, although the genre's more commercial acts are often associated with some melody, fast guitar solos, flowing locks of hair and at least semifrequent chord changes in a quasi-pop song format. By contrast, Low Fiction's tunes flow like the lazy Hudson in a hypnotic, rhythmically repetitive but deliberate manner. The songs create an ambient ensemble sound before subtly shifting in mood and intensity. "We're like the Grateful Dead of metal," says Kolodziejski. "We prefer to keep it pretty laid back." Neither he nor Beacon-born guitarist Noah Mandia "shred," slang for running up and down the neck playing lightning-quick licks. At The Yard, they played maybe three subdued solos in their set. The collaborative, riff-based compositions drench the guitar sounds with feedback, overdrive and distortion. Even Brian Caprari's bass blasts with an effects-pedal-driven sonic boom. The lulls provide space for drummer to pummel the skins and cymbals with menace, especially during the song "Dark Ride." "At first, I learned to play the right way, with reading and finesse, but I use none of that technique here," says Scelzo. "The goal is maximum volume and effect." The most toe-tapping song, "Break Your Brain," ended with a breakdown, where bands slow the song's dynamics, then ratchet the tempo and intensity back up or shift into a fast-chord sequence. In this case, the band's sludgy pulse faded to near stasis. Band members jammed around town with other musicians until the quartet congealed in 2022. They released their first albums, Dungeon Demo and Midnight Demon in 2023, and an EP, Vestige, last year. Despite working white-collar day jobs, they celebrate the dark side. Songs unfold like horror flicks, and their artwork features eerie imagery. "That's the stuff we often talk about, slasher movies and other gory things," says Scelzo. "Murder and deceit are primal, and it all goes back thousands of years, but we channel it with loud, pounding rock 'n' roll." Denning's Point Distillery is located at 10 N. Chestnut St. in Beacon. The show begins at 7 p.m. and a $10 donation is suggested. Follow the band at instagram.com/lowfictionhv and download music at lowfictionhv.bandcamp.com.
Pour cette 3e émission de cette 12e saison, on va s'écouter du screamo, du death metal, du black, du sludge, et autres joyeusetés ; et gros bonus de l'émission, vous allez pouvoir entendre une interview du groupe VESTIGE, qui a été notre groupe du mois de septembre 2024 sur COREandCO, et que j'ai pu interviewer […]
Avec l'avènement des smartphones, les cabines téléphoniques semblent appartenir à un passé révolu, reléguées à des souvenirs nostalgiques ou à des symboles urbains d'une époque. Autrefois omniprésentes dans nos villes, elles ont progressivement disparu, considérées comme obsolètes face à l'ère numérique. Les cabines téléphoniques peuvent-elles retrouver une place dans notre quotidien ? Avec : - Marion Graeffly, directrice générale de TeleCoop - Claude Perardel, président fondateur de la FNARH - Fédération Nationale des Associations de personnel de La Poste et d'Orange pour la Recherche Historique, auteur du livre Le réseau français de cabines téléphoniques
On parle des costumes simples pour l'Halloween, des souvenirs qu'on a ramené des shows qu'on a vus, on s'amuse avec le Danaquiz et le Cowboys du country vient chanter sur la route 132. Au culturel, le nouvel album de Coldplay, un nouveau film québécois charmant, la saga P. diddy et Bobby Bazini en spectacle.
Line Street isn't the most glamorous thoroughfare in the City of Charleston, but it recalls a significant episode in the community's history. During the darkest days of the War of 1812 with Britain, thousands of men and women—both enslaved and free—rushed to construct a zigzag line of fortifications across the peninsula between the rivers Ashley and Cooper to protect the city against the threat of hostile invasion. The peace of 1815 rendered their work superfluous, but the erasure of the “lines” after the Demark Vesey Affair of 1822 left a permanent record of the war on the urban landscape.
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.richardhanania.comSome months ago, I had a tweet that went viral on what it means for a woman to say “I'm not going to sleep with you.” I followed this up with an article about the video, and Rob later responded to both.Rob and I decided we needed to talk about this. It turned out to be a fascinating discussion, and one that provides a great deal of useful advice to young men. Perhaps the most interesting part of the conversation is when we get into how the sexual marketplace is in a way the last vestige of our prehistoric world of scarcity. As an individual living in a first world country, you can usually work and acquire food, clothing, shelter, sanitation, and healthcare in straightforward ways. The one need you can't fill just by paying for it, at least not easily and without legal risk, is sex. And, as I tell Rob, I think most frustration that we think of as sexual is actually a deeper frustration towards the feeling of being unwanted and rejected. This is why even the best sexbots are not going to make incels happy. Whether women will sleep with a man is the most honest form of feedback he's going to get in life on his overall worth, and this is something we are deeply uncomfortable with. That is not to say that the sexual marketplace is in overall less brutal towards women. In many ways, they have it much worse, in part due to the always lurking threat of violence. It's interesting that as soft as society has become and despite the degree to which things like paternalistic regulations and the welfare state try to smooth out the rough edges of life, the sexual marketplace remains the one important area where a kind of red in tooth and claw approach dominates. I also enjoyed talking to Rob about the ways in which society does not give people a script anymore regarding how to form relationships, and why this makes doing so difficult. This can be seen in a recent video of a young woman talking about how she has achieved career success and health but has no one to spend her life with. Not only are young people not instructed on how to form relationships, but even the idea of bettering yourself socially is seen as sort of weird. On many topics society tries to tell you how to think or behave, and people can either reject that advice or seek out other forms of information. When it comes to dating, there's not even an “establishment” perspective on how men should meet women to rebel against. Other topics covered include:* Whether men are afraid to aggressively pursue women these days, and whether they should be* The generation gap in how people responded to the original video* How the online right exhibits resentment and bitterness towards women, and the way that they mirror many feminist critiques of men* Dating apps, and whether you can still approach women publicly* Why developing social skills and being comfortable in social situations is crucial for success* The importance of college and living in an urban environment to facilitate social interactions* What we think about the idea that men should focus on making money in their 20s and wait for their “sexual peak” that supposedly comes later.* How taking care of one's appearance, grooming, and hygiene can make oneself more attractive.* The importance of having a positive attitude and the need to avoid toxic people and communities.See also my article “Black Guy Hitting on Girls,” my interview with Jazmen Jafar and Farha Khalidi, and Rob on making conversation. I believe that there is a dearth of good information out there for men these days on how to attract women, and that this is probably the most important part of your life to get right. I highly recommend everyone listen to this podcast, but especially young men who would like to do better with the opposite sex.
Send us a Text Message.Imagine having the latest breakthroughs in oncology from the ASCO 2024 conference delivered with humour, expert insight and personal stories. That's exactly what you'll get in this special episode of the Oncology Journal Club, where Professor Craig Underhill, Dr. Kate Clark, and Professor Christopher Jackson dissect the most impactful research in a uniquely engaging way. Going beyond the usual presentations, with analysis of practice changing presentations aka 'The Bangers!'From Professor Jackson's cultural adventures in Invercargill to Dr. Clark's firsthand experiences on the bustling floors of Chicago's conference halls, we bring you an unforgettable review of the key highlights, including the Destiny Breast 06 abstract.No other ASCO Commentary is going to combine Spotify playlists and visions of senior oncologists in mankinis with high-level expert analysis. The OJC team are famous for reviewing oncology research with unique humour and entertaining insights. So join us for Part 1 of the ASCO Special from The Oncology Journal Club Podcast! For papers, bios and other links visit the Show Notes on our website.For the latest oncology news visit www.oncologynews.com.au.We invite healthcare professionals to join The Oncology Network for free - you'll also receive our free weekly publication The Oncology Newsletter.The Oncology Podcast - An Australian Oncology Perspective
AP Washington correspondent Sagar Meghani reports the vast vestige of the White House's coronavirus prevention protocols has ended.
The Highest Standard's first string of adventures comes to an end - with only more waiting ahead!
The Highest Standard reconnects in Summergrass.
Join Daniel Toma, Dan and Catherine to discuss nature's intrinsic purpose and the liturgical structure of the universe. Through the lenses of ecology, theology, and philosophy, they examine humanity's role in the grand cosmic hierarchy. Daniel Toma is a Professor of Biological Sciences at Minnesota State University Mankato. He is the author of Vestige of Eden, Image of Eternity: Common Experience, the Hierarchy of Being, and Modern Science Have your call in questions be featured on the podcast: Leave a voicemail at 949-257-2436 Learn more and read articles: https://www.magiscenter.com/purposeful-lab
The Sword of Damocles takes action, departing for the depths of space - its target: Lycrothemia.
The plight of the nephilim & framebilt comes to a climax.
The Highest Standard is split between the Sword of Damocles and the snowy fields of Her Frostroads.
The battle with Dianne comes to a dynamic conclusion, but the story is far from over.
The party descends into the White Steel Grave, discussing what should become of Dianne if they find her.
Nhemrek invites the group to their manor to deliver some news... but everything goes wildly off the rails.
AP correspondent Donna Warder reports on the end of a floating jail.
The battle against DGR-001 EXCALIBUR continues.
The highest Standard attempts to reach the White Steel Grave within the time remaining.
Kalhattes remains integral to the Highest Standard's objectives - the group rests and discusses how to get his help.
Word Test for the following Episodes and Words. 91: Convoluted, Opprobrium, Incarnadine, Impious 92: Secrete, Plucky, Autonomous, Sanction 93: Credulous, Condone, Accretion, Hapless 94: Apocryphal, Oblique, Contention, Disparate 95: Wanton, Dichotomy, Aberrant, Blight 96: Inexorable, Seraphic, Dissemble, Vestige 97: Distend, Buttress, Repudiate,Waver 98: Profligate, Keen, Nettle, Soporific 99: Querulous, Zealot, Mendicant, Cosset 100: Exculpate, Homogeneous, Engender, Dither VictorPrep's vocab podcast is for improving for English vocabulary skills while helping you prepare for your standardized tests! This podcast isn't only intended for those studying for the GRE or SAT, but also for people who enjoy learning, and especially those who want to improve their English skills. I run the podcast for fun and because I want to help people out there studying for tests or simply learning English. The podcast covers a variety of words and sometimes additionally covers word roots. Using a podcast to prep for the verbal test lets you study while on the go, or even while working out! If you have comments or questions and suggestions, please send me an email at sam.fold@gmail.com
The separated sides of the Highest Standard reunite after gaining invaluable information.
What if I told you your life's purpose doesn't have to be the "be all and end all" of your life? What if your life's purpose was as simple as being You? That making cupcakes because you felt like it was your purpose? That loving and caring for your dog was your purpose? Western culture has emphasized individuality and pushes us to pursue our life's purpose in the name of that individuality, which is seen as separate from the community, from the collective. But it doesn't stop there. It tells you that you need to "go big or go home". That, once you find your life's purpose, you need to make a huge impact and change the world all by yourself. No wonder people are burned out. "It takes a village" isn't a phrase for nothing. Listen in on this episode where I challenge the idea of making your life's purpose your career and how that's putting way too much pressure on your nervous system. Can we have a "regular" job AND live our life's purpose? I think we can! Tarot card: Six of Cups (reversed) Poem: "Vestige" by Michelle Penaloza
Entering the central chamber where the ProtoDGR is being repaired, the Highest Standard confronts the Family Dead Eye agent.
The Highest Standard and Clover search for Balkin', Clover's father, in the DGR repair facility.
Vous êtes tiraillé entre votre envie de ne pas cuisiner quelque chose de compliqué mais de quand même manger un repas chaud ? Le croque monsieur. Une tranche de jambon et de fromage grillé entre deux tranche de pain toasté. Saviez vous que le croque, monsieur, est loin d'avoir le monopole des sandwich cuisinés. Je vais vous en présenter quelques uns par ordre de difficulté. Enfin, difficulté, c'est relatif, hein. Le monte cristo est un sandwich composé de jambon et fromage emprisonné dans deux tranches de pain, elles-mêmes trempées dans des œufs battus ou de la pâte à frire. C'est finalement un croque monsieur perdu sans sucre, enfin pas toujours sans sucre, certains le mangent avec du sirop d'érable ou de la mélasse. Aucune idée de l'origine du nom Monte Cristo, mais c'est sans doute une référence au croque monsieur qu'on nomme french toast en anglais. French, Dumas, Monte Cristo, pourquoi pas. Le panini est bien trop connu pour que j'en dise une seul phrase de plus. Non, n'insistez pas. Notion honorable au welsh rabbit qui est une spécialité de la côte d'opale. Tartine jambon fromage moutardée, toastée noyée dans une sauce fromagère au cheddar et à la bière. Surmonté d'un œuf et accompagnée de frites. Très roboratif après une journée passée en mer. Le Bánh mì est un sandwich vietnamien. Baguette garnie de viande et de légumes genre carottes, radis blanc en pickles, concombre, coriandre... Alors, il peut être froid mais la viande qu'il contient est parfois chaude ce qui légitimise ce sandwich dans cette liste. Vestige de la présence coloniale française, le banh mi est une belle alternative au sandwich pour les amateurs de gluten en manque de nouveautés. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Get ready for an episode full of all things wibbly wobbly and timey wimey. Well, maybe not exactly, but we do read a time travel book and talk with author Sara Blackard all about her inspiration for the story. Buckle up and Tune in!
After a healthy rest, the group heads for the DGR Repair facility.
The split Highest Standard party investigates the facility they've found themselves in and locates one of their targets.
Team Vogun, several days earlier, meets up with the help assigned to go with them and heads for the Guardian Peaks.
The group deals with the missing DGR-003 unit.
Macro and Service discuss their responsibilities and the goals of the framebilt, then the group seeks to infiltrate DGR-003's repair facility.
On today's episode of All in the Industry®, Shari Bayer has a special “On the Road” show from the 2023 James Beard Awards in Chicago, which took place June 3-5 in Chicago, IL. Shari's coverage includes exclusive red carpet and media lounge interviews with nominees, winners, and presenters at the Chef and Restaurant Awards at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. It was an amazing awards weekend celebration. Congratulations to all! Today's show also features Shari's PR tip to know it's never too late to go after your dreams; and Solo Dining experience at Chutatip “Nok” Suntaranan's Kalaya in Philadelphia, PA, who was this year's JBFA winner for Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic. Listen at Heritage Radio Network, and check out Shari's YouTube Channel (youtube.com/@sharibayer) to view our video coverage from #JBFA, including our long format and highlight reels. ** Check out Shari's new book, CHEFWISE – Life Lessons from Leading Chefs Around the World (Phaidon, Spring 2023), now available at Phaidon.com, Amazon.com and wherever books are sold! #chefwisebook ** 2023 James Beard Awards -- Shari's red carpet and awards ceremony interviews in chronological order:Kris MoonPresident and COO, James Beard FoundationSalvador Alamilla, Amano, Caldwell, IDNominee: Best Chef: MountainOlivia Watkins and Karen Washington, Black Farmer Fund2023 Humanitarian of the Year Award HonoreesDavid and Jennifer Uyger, Lucia, Dallas, TXNominee: Outstanding RestaurantAaron Verzosa, Archipelago, Seattle, WANominee: Best Chef: Northwest and PacificAna Castro, Lengua Madre, New Orleans, LANominee: Best Chef: SouthPaul Smith, 1010 Bridge, Charleston, WVNominee: Best Chef: SoutheastGloria Varney, Nezinscot Farm, Turner, MaineWinner: Restaurant and Chef America's Classics AwardJunghyun Park and Ellia Park, Atomix, New York, NYWinner: Best Chef: New York StateGail SimmonsCo-Host; Judge, Top Chef; Author, TV PersonalityAndrew ZimmernCo-Host; James Beard Award-winning TV personality, chef, writerAlex Perry and Kumi Omori, Vestige, Ocean Springs, MSNominee: Best Chef: SouthMacarena and Grecia Ludena, Coracora, West Hartford, CTNominee: Outstanding RestaurantEric AdjepongCo-Host; Chef and TV PersonalityCarla HallPresenter; Author, Chef and TV PersonalityMary Attea, The Musket Room, New York, NYNominee: Best Chef: New York StateEllen Yin, High Street Hospitality GroupWinner: Outstanding RestaurateurGregory Gourdet, Kann, Portland, ORWinner: Best New Restaurant Justin Pichetrungsi, Anajak Thai, Sherman Oaks, CAWinner: Best Chef: CaliforniaAaron Hoskins and Sarah Simmons, CITY GRIT Hospitality GroupNominee: Outstanding RestaurateurStephanie Leichtle-Chalklen, Kuluntu Bakery, Dallas, TXNominee: Outstanding BakerySimon Kim, Victoria James, and Mia Van De Water, COTE, New York, NYNominee: Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages ProgramValentine Howell, Krasi, Boston, MA Nominee: Best Chef: NortheastDamarr Brown, Virtue, Chicago, IL Winner: Emerging ChefRob Rubba, Oyster, Oyster, Washington, DCWinner: Outstanding ChefJonathan Sawyer, Kindling, Chicago, ILFormer Winner: Best Chef: Great Lakes 2015Kaley Shannon, on behalf of Margarita Manzke, Republique, Los Angeles, CAWinner: Outstanding Pastry Chef or BakerMarissa Gencarelli, Yoli Tortilleria, Kansas City, MOWinner: Outstanding BakeryJustin Park and Tom Park, Bar Leather Apron, Honolulu, HI Winner: Outstanding BarChutatip “Nok” Suntaranan, Kalaya, Philadelphia, PAWinner: Best Chef: Mid-AtlanticJunghyun “JP” Park, Atomix, New York, NY Winner: Best Chef: New York StateJustin Pichetrungsi, Anajak Thai, Sherman Oaks, CAWinner: Best Chef: CaliforniaEllen Yin, High Street Hospitality GroupWinner: Outstanding RestaurateurFull List of 2023 JBFA Winners: https://www.jamesbeard.org/blog/the-2023-james-beard-award-winners•• Photo Courtesy of Shari Bayer.Listen at Heritage Radio Network; subscribe/rate/review our show at iTunes, Stitcher or Spotify. Follow us @allindustry. Thanks for being a part of All in the Industry®. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support All in the Industry by becoming a member!All in the Industry is Powered by Simplecast.
The Highest Standard splits up, with Lexie, Avianna, Quintus and Fenris heading toward Vathys' Bay.
The Highest Standard prepares to leave and reclaim the remaining ProtoDGR units.
Now in control of the junctioned SAGITTA unit, Vogun fights DGR 001 - EXCALIBUR while the Highest Standard moves out to protect the remaining Old World Markers in the city.
20 Years before the Fall of the Cartel, a crew is assembled by research and development company AstroTechnica. They are sent beyond the Veil to investigate a derelict station that is believed to have once been home to ancient species known as The Cartographers. Main Cast Cap - Krissi Williams Gunslinger - James Hart Corpo - Maddie Girouard FlyBoy - Gabriel B. DOC - Chris Bauso Bolts - Kat Bock Dexter - Jordan W.B. Anderson Graves - Chris Bauso Four Eyes - Sophie Remram Barret - DT Carrel Zander - Kier Zhou Keyne - Skyler Giordano Production Notes Directed by : Skyler Giordano Written by : Skyler Giordano, James Hart, and Krissi Williams Editing and Assembly : Krissi Williams Editing, Sound Design, and Music : Skyler Giordano Music, SFX, and Ambience was written and created by Skyler Giordano Additional Ambience, and SFX were sourced from Epidemic Sound under the use of Proper Licensing Special Thanks - Everyone who made this show something special. This production did not come from a single mind. Many hands came together to create this show, and we owe each one our thanks. Join the Conversation! Find us on Discord Want to help Omega Star 7 Stay Alive? Consider becoming a Patron If you have any questions, Suggestions or Business Inquiries feel free to email us at OmegaStar7podcast@gmail.com Follow us on Social Media! - http://linktr.ee/OmegaStar7
Tu veux que je te raconte l'histoire des archéologues d'Internet ? Ok mais par contre moi, je ne raconte mes histoires qu'aux enfants qui se lavent les dents. Donc attrape ta brosse à dents, ton dentifrice, et tu frottes, jusqu'à ce que l'histoire soit terminée !
20 Years before the Fall of the Cartel, a crew is assembled by research and development company AstroTechnica. They are sent beyond the Veil to investigate a derelict station that is believed to have once been home to ancient species known as The Cartographers. Main Cast Cap - Krissi Williams Gunslinger - James Hart Corpo - Maddie Girouard FlyBoy - Gabriel B. DOC - Chris Bauso Bolts - Kat Bock Dexter - Jordan W.B. Anderson Graves - Chris Bauso Four Eyes - Sophie Remram Barret - DT Carrel Zander - Kier Zhou Keyne - Skyler Giordano Production Notes Directed by : Skyler Giordano Written by : Skyler Giordano, James Hart, and Krissi Williams Editing and Assembly : Krissi Williams Editing, Sound Design, and Music : Skyler Giordano Music, SFX, and Ambience was written and created by Skyler Giordano Additional Ambience, and SFX were sourced from Epidemic Sound under the use of Proper Licensing Special Thanks - Everyone who made this show something special. This production did not come from a single mind. Many hands came together to create this show, and we owe each one our thanks. Join the Conversation! Find us on Discord Want to help Omega Star 7 Stay Alive? Consider becoming a Patron If you have any questions, Suggestions or Business Inquiries feel free to email us at OmegaStar7podcast@gmail.com Follow us on Social Media! - http://linktr.ee/OmegaStar7
20 Years before the Fall of the Cartel, a crew is assembled by research and development company AstroTechnica. They are sent beyond the Veil to investigate a derelict station that is believed to have once been home to ancient species known as The Cartographers. Main Cast Cap - Krissi Williams Gunslinger - James Hart Corpo - Maddie Girouard FlyBoy - Gabriel B. DOC - Chris Bauso Bolts - Kat Bock Dexter - Jordan W.B. Anderson Graves - Chris Bauso Four Eyes - Sophie Remram Barret - DT Carrel Zander - Kier Zhou Keyne - Skyler Giordano Production Notes Directed by : Skyler Giordano Written by : Skyler Giordano, James Hart, and Krissi Williams Editing and Assembly : Krissi Williams Editing, Sound Design, and Music : Skyler Giordano Music, SFX, and Ambience was written and created by Skyler Giordano Additional Ambience, and SFX were sourced from Epidemic Sound under the use of Proper Licensing Special Thanks - Everyone who made this show something special. This production did not come from a single mind. Many hands came together to create this show, and we owe each one our thanks. Join the Conversation! Find us on Discord Want to help Omega Star 7 Stay Alive? Consider becoming a Patron If you have any questions, Suggestions or Business Inquiries feel free to email us at OmegaStar7podcast@gmail.com Follow us on Social Media! - http://linktr.ee/OmegaStar7
20 Years before the Fall of the Cartel, a crew is assembled by research and development company AstroTechnica. They are sent beyond the Veil to investigate a derelict station that is believed to have once been home to ancient species known as The Cartographers. Main Cast Cap - Krissi Williams Gunslinger - James Hart Corpo - Maddie Girouard FlyBoy - Gabriel B. DOC - Chris Bauso Bolts - Kat Bock Dexter - Jordan W.B. Anderson Graves - Chris Bauso Four Eyes - Sophie Remram Barret - DT Carrel Zander - Kier Zhou Keyne - Skyler Giordano Production Notes Directed by : Skyler Giordano Written by : Skyler Giordano, James Hart, and Krissi Williams Editing and Assembly : Krissi Williams Editing, Sound Design, and Music : Skyler Giordano Music, SFX, and Ambience was written and created by Skyler Giordano Additional Ambience, and SFX were sourced from Epidemic Sound under the use of Proper Licensing Special Thanks - Everyone who made this show something special. This production did not come from a single mind. Many hands came together to create this show, and we owe each one our thanks. Join the Conversation! Find us on Discord Want to help Omega Star 7 Stay Alive? Consider becoming a Patron If you have any questions, Suggestions or Business Inquiries feel free to email us at OmegaStar7podcast@gmail.com Follow us on Social Media! - http://linktr.ee/OmegaStar7
Kristyn DeBord Durbin paved her way in the family business as a sales representative and designer for Double J Saddlery — a collection of tack, saddles, bags and other leathergoods handmade in Texas. Now as a new mom of two young girls, Kristyn has gone from wholesale to retail, stepping back from the saddlery company to found June's Pearls, an online boutique of children's clothing, toys, and gifts. She joins the show today to share her story, her history, and the lessons she has learned along the way. Listen in as Kristyn shares how Double J Saddlery has evolved since it was founded in 1991 and how she has played a pivotal role in driving the fashion side of the business with the curation of the Vestige by Double J jewelry line. We also discuss how Double J has built a brand that has stood the test of time and become a staple in the Western industry, and what non-Western brands can learn from their Western counterparts. We get into so much in this episode, so get comfortable and get ready to be inspired! Learn More About the Boutique Hub Here: https://theboutiquehub.com/join/boutique/ Resources: Double J Saddlery June's Pearls Boutique Boss Store
Etienne de Bruin is Founder of 7CTOs and Author of CTO Excellence in 100 Days. Victoria talks to Etienne about his book, founding 7CTOs, and keeping your technology sustainable by inspiring and motivating technology teams and people to work together and build complex systems. CTO Excellence in 100 Days (https://www.amazon.com/CTO-Excellence-100-Days-Becoming-ebook/dp/B0BV8P7K3S/ref=sr_1_1?crid=14TM3PTHA16UA&keywords=cto+excellence+in+100+days&qid=1680643461&sprefix=CTO+Excellence+in+100+Days%2Caps%2C110&sr=8-1) 7CTOs (https://7ctos.com/) Follow 7CTOs on Twitter (https://twitter.com/7ctos), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/7ctos/), Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/7CTOs) or YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/c/7ctos). Follow Etienne de Bruin on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/etdebruin/) or Twitter (https://twitter.com/etdebruin). Follow thoughtbot on Twitter (https://twitter.com/thoughtbot) or LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/150727/). Become a Sponsor (https://thoughtbot.com/sponsorship) of Giant Robots! Transcript: VICTORIA: This is the Giant Robots Smashing Into Other Giant Robots Podcast, where we explore the design, development, and business of great products. I'm your host, Victoria Guido. And with me today is Etienne de Bruin, Founder of 7CTOs and Author of CTO Excellence in 100 Days. Etienne, thank you for joining me. ETIENNE: My pleasure, Victoria. Thanks for having me. VICTORIA: You're welcome. I'm excited to talk with you today. I hear that you recently published your book. Is it today actually the day it came out? ETIENNE: Today is the day. The book was finished about; I would say, three months ago. So I have had great anticipation now for many, many months. And you caught me on the day, so I feel like today is my birthday. VICTORIA: [laughs] Well, I feel honored that you chose us as your first stop [laughs] in your marketing push for your book. So tell me, what in your experience led you to begin writing this? ETIENNE: Well, as you mentioned, I founded 7CTOs. I think it's about ten years ago now. I myself am a CTO type. I've had a career of basically being born to code in South Africa, which took me to Stellenbosch University in South Africa. I then joined a startup that took me to Germany and then landed in the U.S. in San Diego. And my whole journey has been a progression from individual contributor and really having great coding skills through the messiness and the intricacies of building startups, contributing to startups, and ultimately being in the role of CTO in startups. And what led me to founding 7CTOs was just a realization that I didn't have the support I needed. I felt like I was going to many meetups, which was mostly oriented towards coding and sort of different new technology stacks and frameworks, or I was going to cocktail hours with vendors who were trying to sell you something. And I really felt the need to just be with my people so that I could, in a safe, and consistent, and accountable way, share the challenges that I was experiencing. It was really from this place of founding 7CTOs, talking to hundreds of...I've probably spoken to thousands of CTOs by now. I've also placed people. I've connected people. I've seen people join companies because of connections I've made. And one of the things I saw that really bothered me was finding a great company in search of a CTO reaching out to me, talking to me about the role, me finding or through my network connecting them with a great CTO, only to find that a few months later either the relationship fizzles or even worse, the person did not succeed at the new company. And I just felt like you can have two people, a great founder, and great CTO, individually wonderful people, ostensibly well-suited to work with each other, but then make some basic mistakes that then lead towards not the desired outcome. And so I was really torn whether I should put some thoughts into a book or into some blog posts about what I think the first 100 days should look like in a fledgling relationship. And that's ultimately how the book was born. So long, long, long, long answer, Victoria. But that's where it all started. VICTORIA: No, that's great. I try to ask deep questions that get full answers back. [laughs] ETIENNE: You nailed it. VICTORIA: So I appreciate that context, yeah. So you talk about how to be successful in those first 100 days, which is critical to joining a new leadership team. What are some common mistakes that you mention that a CTO might make? And on the reverse side, what are some wins you could do early on to build trust? ETIENNE: I think a common mistake that I see is a bit of an identity issue. The CTO joins an organization and is eager to deliver value, and I think that that value is oftentimes misplaced. And what I mean by that is you hit the ground running thinking that there's all this stuff that you have to deliver in order to prove that you can make an impact, to prove that you were the right choice. And I think there's an innate desire to impress your new employer, which I don't think is limited to the role of CTO. But I think for the CTO, this looks like some technical achievements and impact, problem-solving. And I think what I like to see is the first 100 days being used to slow down a little bit, to listen, to be curious, to be open to building relationships, to have a longer view on what exactly is the system that you're joining. And I think to a fault; sometimes people will ignore the system they're joining and just start delivering value. And I think that that can often be misinterpreted or misunderstood. And then, if that is misunderstood in the first few months, then that really sets a tone for the rest of the tenure that I think puts the CTO on the back foot to deliver at a pace that maybe is unsustainable, so... VICTORIA: I love that you said staying curious because I think what you can see is a tendency for, I don't know, what I've seen; maybe you've seen this too. [chuckle] But some people have a problem that they solved in a past situation, and they think that that is now the solution to every problem that they come into in a new organization, and maybe it is. But I think dealing in complex systems, having curiosity as to why decisions were made in a certain way can lead you to a better understanding of the business if that resonates with you at all. ETIENNE: Yeah, I love that you said that. I'm a huge fan and student of complex systems. And so you just spoke my love language. VICTORIA: [laughs] ETIENNE: But that's exactly what happens. And I think that sometimes the debilitater of powerful and impactful people is the problem that you observe is maybe tainted by what you saw in the past. It might be a similar challenge, a similar problem. But what you solved in the past was part of a completely different system, different entities, different relationships. And I think that by nature because the CTO is used to solving thousands and thousands of problems, there may be a bit of complacency around what is it exactly that I'm observing is the challenge here? Why exactly was I hired? What exactly does success look like for them, for the people that hired me, for the system that I've come into? And I think the tendency is to ignore all of those questions and focus on how do I feed my own need to feel valued and start solving problems in sort of a whack-a-mole style? And I have found, even in my own experience, that there are some seriously unintended consequences that can arise from solving people's problems for them in ways that they are not used to, or they don't understand, or in some places just fully disagree with. And I think if you are not patient and take sort of 100 full days to just chill out and really enjoy learning about the system that you're joining, I think you're setting yourself up to fail or to at least be very unhappy. VICTORIA: Right, setting yourself up for some fun conflicts [laughs] to solve if you come out right out the gate. And I think maybe, too, the first 100 days the chilling out and learning, you also have time to build empathy and build trust with people so that when you do bring up suggestions, they're maybe a little more willing to listen, right? ETIENNE: Yes. And I think it's not uncommon to say, "Oh, well, I'm going to onboard myself. It's going to take some time before I show value." And I think there is a general sense that when the executive joins a company that, it's going to take some time. But I think that the temptation to jump into fiery situations is great, great in a bad way. It's a great temptation. And my book and my approach suggests that you take a step back and focus on a completely different area of the company, which is its people and its systems, and what success looks like for those people before you start jumping in and asserting your way of doing things. VICTORIA: And you mentioned a question that I was going to ask, like, what does success look like? Or say you're a CEO, and you're trying to hire a CTO; what does success look like? What kind of value do you think people should expect from someone in a CTO role? ETIENNE: Fundamentally, I think I might not be swimming in the mainstream on this topic. I don't believe that the CTO is a technical role first. I believe that the CTO is the Chief Technology Officer but is primarily a business role. And by that, I mean being a member of the C-suite, you are tasked, just like all the other members of the C-suite, to grow a company in a sustainable way. And whatever that middle letter is, is your domain and your expertise, and that's cool. But that T is surrounded by a C and an O, which in most cases has a fiduciary responsibility to the organization. But also, first and foremost, you are a first-class member of the C-suite. And so my book talks about this, but you are there to join in with the executive leadership team and to help that team towards success. And so what that looks like for me is you are wrestling on what the targets are for the company. You participate fully in that. You then allocate a budget. In other words, you allocate cost towards how you can achieve those revenue goals. And then, with that budget as CTO, you then are budgeting towards a team that you believe can get the technology implemented that will ultimately produce the revenue. So think about revenue target, technology budget, technology people. Now, these are all in the C-suite. These are just entries on a P&L. These are entries on the balance sheet. These are things that ultimately are abstracted towards company growth and company success. So with that, the CTO then turns into someone who wrestles with the tech teams, like, what are we going to implement? What ideas are consistent with our company principles and our vision? What does innovation look like? How do we inspire people to join our organization to do so? That, to me, is a fundamental role for the CTO, to inspire people to join the organization but also to be someone who implements and ideates on that journey. So I think a CTO succeeds when there is revenue growth, and that is due to budget being spent in an effective way to attract amazing people to ultimately build technology that is sustainable that then feeds into tech revenue that ultimately helps the company achieve its goals. VICTORIA: That's great. Yeah, I like that you said sustainable and the importance of people and how that relates to keeping your technology sustainable. And I'm curious if you could share more about what practices a CTO could bring to a new organization to facilitate that inspiration and to really motivate technology teams and people to work together and build these systems. ETIENNE: I think that speaks to my earlier answer, which is the investment in people and investment in understanding the systems that exist. So whether you are a CTO, that is the first time a company ever scales and grows into having that role being created, which, you know, most tech startups these days will have the role of CTO allocated and available. The important thing to understand for you as someone stepping into that role is that your teams have a construct. They have an impression. They have an image, either of your predecessor at that company or their experiences with leadership and technology at their previous companies. And I think it's extremely important to understand how you're being seen as a leader in the company and as CTO and that that vision of what people have of you is not necessarily based on your actions, your reputation, your good mornings in the mornings and your good evenings in the evenings. It really is based on people's constructs about what their experience has been of a CTO in their career, or like I said, the previous CTO, your predecessor. And so I think that it's critical as you step into this role that you take the time to bring that change to show people your ways, to show people what is important to you in a way that's not a bull in a china shop. But when you break stuff, and you come in, and you announce your presence, and you assert the new way of doing things, I think that that is met with suspicion and concern most of the time. And so I think if you can show people in the little things that you care about them, you're listening to them, you're curious about the system they're operating inside of, I think that that sets you up to then come in with the big ideas later on. But again, the emphasis being later on, past the 100 days. I talk about this in the book where introducing your tech strategy, introducing your way of doing things really comes a lot later in the 100 days than is maybe the preconceived notion. VICTORIA: And you also mentioned a few times what the CTO should be doing and a lot of great questions that you ask, like, what does success look like? How do we build this together? And finding ways to maybe generate more ideas than just what you would come up with with your team, you're more powerful. ETIENNE: Yes. And I think tag teaming on to that is a lot of times...and this is actually really a confounding thing that I've come across, which is the C-suite won't always understand what the role of CTO actually is. And teams won't always fully understand what the role of CTO is. When you talk about a CMO, or a CRO, or a CFO, I think you can generally understand what they're supposed to be doing. That isn't always clear for the CTO. And it's amazing how many times I have gotten the question, well, we knew we needed someone to help us with the tech, but we don't really know what it is that you do, or what you should be doing, or what success looks like. I think not making the assumption that people know what you're there to do is a form of showing some respect and humility. And this is why always when I'm in executive meetings, when I'm in stand-ups, or I'm in some sort of an architecture meeting, I will almost without fail I will say, "As the role of CTO, this is what I bring to the meeting," or "This is what the role of CTO would be looking for as an outcome of this conversation." Or "As the role of CTO, it is my job to ensure that our development capacity increases," to just never assume that people know what it is that you're there to do but to show them, I think, the respect and the courtesy that the role of CTO has a certain place in whatever meeting or brainstorm session is going on. VICTORIA: I think that makes sense, too, because I could see, you know, especially you mentioned with people who maybe have had past experiences with CTOs that are not the most positive. If you bring up an idea in a meeting, everyone thinks, well, that's the solution. That's what the CTO wants. And it might not. Everyone might not feel comfortable, like, without you caveating; this is why I'm bringing this up. You know, we're here to brainstorm and not for me to just tell you what to do. [laughs] ETIENNE: Yes, yes. And that's why I will often...honestly, this might be a real tip for people listening. But I will actively divorce who I am from the role that I'm in. And it enables me to have difficult conversations. It enables me to assert leadership without dominance. And that is to just say, "Hey, Sandra, in my role as CTO, this is what I am looking for in your growth or in your career path." Versus, "Hey, Sandra, I want you to..." or "I need you to..." And I think the subtle difference there is to just assure someone that you're operating in a capacity that the company expects from you versus somehow having your identity wrapped in the outcome of a conversation. And that really has been a very powerful tool for me as I integrate into new companies or as I need to navigate tricky conversations. VICTORIA: I appreciate you sharing that. I think hopefully that will be a great point for someone who's maybe struggling with something similar at this time. And maybe there are other common questions or themes that come up when you're talking to all these CTOs in organizations that you can share. ETIENNE: By the way, if your name is Sandra and you're listening to this conversation, I totally made up the name Sandra, so I'm not referring to you, Sandra. VICTORIA: [laughs] ETIENNE: Okay. I think an interesting thing that I've noticed is given the stage of my company, have I addressed all the things that I need to by now? And I think that is such an indication of the times that we live in. Technology is always changing. Expectations are always changing. Clearly, if you're in a technology innovation company, things are rapidly changing. It's funny because some things just stay the same, i.e., people problems and all that. But as far as technology landscape goes, I think that there is a little bit of a daunting feeling that, hey, I'm CTO in this company, but I don't know if I am where I need to be at compared to what other successful companies let's say, for instance, a series A company is doing. And as CTO, am I applying, am I showing up in the way that great CTOs of other series A companies are showing up? And so I would say that's problem number one is, am I operating at the level that I should be that my company is expecting of me? That's a real challenge that CTOs have. And I think level-setting expectations communicating where we should be at is a skill that I think is missing from a lot of people who are in that role. And I think it's because we get to the roles of CTO by being people who rapidly solve problems or speedily deliver on technology. And we start associating speed with being good at our jobs, and I really think that that is wrong; that is just wrong. When you're in an executive role, patience and spending the extra day or the extra week fighting for the extra month, I think, is actually a very important role that the CTO plays in the C-suite. And so if you have an underdeveloped sense of your own leadership style, an underdeveloped sense of your being and your essence and what it is you actually bring to the table, I think you end up just being sort of a knee-jerk tech person that just implements what other people want you to so that you could be valued for what it is that you do. Versus having that solid executive presence inside of a company that really influences and can shape the vision of the organization. VICTORIA: Yeah, I think that's super interesting how common that question is. And I wonder if it gets to sometimes creating a shared understanding between the executive team about the technology and why certain things are important or not important. I wonder if you could talk about any maybe major trends that you see executive teams trying to take advantage of that are either positive or negative. ETIENNE: The thing I've seen the most, which has had the greatest impact on, I think, executive teams, at least from my vantage point, is the desire to adopt some sort of business playbook or a business operating system. I think one of the most popular ones is the EOS model, Entrepreneurs Operating System. Gino Wickman, I think, wrote the book "Traction." And so it's caused a big trend with companies to try and streamline their operations by following the EOS model. And I do think that that might be the wrong solution to the right problem for many companies. What I mean by that is, again, we're talking about blueprints. What works for one company isn't necessarily going to work for the next company. The way you set goals, the way you set your so-called rocks, or the way you set your quarterly goals, or even working by quarter if you think about a quarter, it's such an interesting...it's really a Wall Street concept. It's three months. It's really so arbitrary. And I think that I see C-suites trying to adopt a business operating system that other companies are doing without really the necessary work being done as to, hey, what compels us through our culture, who we are, how we like to do things, what it is that works for us? And I will see some C-suites sort of spin their wheels a little bit on trying to adopt other systems when really all it takes is for them to do their own work to see what is the value stream? What does it look like inside of their company? I actually encourage, and I think I talk about this in this book; in days 60 to 70, I talk about learning to improvise. And I think this is where I look to the CTO to use their spidey senses and their logical deduction skills, their deconstruction skills to observe what is actually happening inside of the C-suite and to facilitate conversations around what is it that people need? How do we improvise on systems that we already have? Or how do we deal with missed expectations? And I do think that the CTO can play a wonderful role inside of the C-suite to facilitate those conversations. But I see inside of C-suites, the role of CTO being relegated to the IT person or just the tech person. And I think that victimization goes both ways. But the C-suite, where the CTO is actually facilitating hard conversations and able to do the decomposition of a complex system or the deconstruction of an often repeated problem or challenge that the company is experiencing, could really push the C-suite into a different track of thinking that could be super beneficial to unblocking some stodgy issues they've been facing. VICTORIA: That makes sense. And it reminds me of trying to adopt agile right when it was first becoming popular and committing so hard to a framework that you don't look at what works for your team [laughs] and works for the specific technology and tools that you have. So it makes sense to me that the CTO could bring an experience like that into applying frameworks to how the business operates. ETIENNE: Absolutely. And I think that's really when dogmatism could be your enemy. And, again, CTO joins a company, knows a certain set of skills in order to accomplish things, dogmatically tries to apply that because they are the so-called expert. And then they fail, or they're unhappy, or there's misunderstanding because we had these high expectations for you. Your interviewing was brilliant, and you said all the right things. But then, when you walked into the organization, your desire for acceptance and delivering value trumps your opportunity to be the new person and be curious about what is actually happening and what is actually going on. This should be so obvious, but when you walk into a C-suite, there are obviously existing relationships between all the different members of the C-suite. And I advocate for being a student of those relationships. Understand the history that exists between the CEO and the CFO. And these could be very great newbie conversations to have with these various members of the C-suite. "Hey, so when did you join the company? Hey, why did you join the company? Hey, wait, which company did you come from? What drew you to this company? Where did you used to live? Why did you move?" I think these are such incredible nodes in a complex relational hierarchy that can give you some very sound ideas as to, oh, well, why does the CEO constantly challenge what the COO is saying? Or why does the COO seem surpassed all the time? You, as CTO you, would do very well. I mean, as any C-suite member, any leader would do well to seek some insight and perception into what is going on for people. VICTORIA: That makes sense, right? If you're going to have influence, you have to kind of understand what are all the connections and energy that's going around in the team? ETIENNE: Absolutely. Mid-Roll Ad: As life moves online, bricks-and-mortar businesses are having to adapt to survive. With over 18 years of experience building reliable web products and services, thoughtbot is the technology partner you can trust. We provide the technical expertise to enable your business to adapt and thrive in a changing environment. We start by understanding what's important to your customers to help you transition to intuitive digital services your customers will trust. We take the time to understand what makes your business great and work fast yet thoroughly to build, test, and validate ideas, helping you discover new customers. Take your business online with design‑driven digital acceleration. Find out more at tbot.io/acceleration or click the link in the show notes for this episode. VICTORIA: And maybe you can tell me more about 7CTOs and what that community can mean for someone who's growing in this role. ETIENNE: 7CTOs, like I said earlier, I founded it...I almost said 100 days ago. I founded it ten years ago. And it was as I mentioned, the genesis of the story, which is important, is I co-founded a company with two people. I wrote the first lines of code for our product. In fact, I wrote the whole version 1 myself. And as the company grew and as the company grew beyond what it was that the three of us were comfortable with, I noticed that my CEO joined an organization a peer group organization. My COO joined a peer group organization. And I just saw this transformation in them that I really admired. I was actually really envious when they were able to start taking what they've learned from their peer groups and bring them into our company to start operating more efficiently. And so, it was just natural that I would look for something for CTOs, and I couldn't find anything. I actually tried to join sort of more generic business leadership groups like Vestige or EO even. And I found that I wasn't really with my people. I wanted to feel like I was with the geeks who could talk all day about tech and development and probably watch the same movies and read the same books or inspired or laugh at the same jokes. I wanted to find my people who were facing the same problems and challenges that I was, i.e., scaling companies beyond the things that we knew, beyond the things that we were comfortable with. And I wanted to have deep conversations with those people. So I wanted to be able to share my insecurities or the politics that I was facing, or the anger that I was feeling, or not feeling seen or heard. I wanted to have deep, meaningful conversations with my true peers in a regular meeting setup that was confidential and fun. And I couldn't find that. So I decided to host a few meetups. My first meetup was actually in Old Town, San Diego, at my buddy's restaurant. And I hosted the first 10 or 12 CTOs and realized that people had a real need for that kind of interaction. And I then ended up hosting 30 different meetings in three different cities. And everywhere I went, there was the same expression that people wanted what I wanted. And then I tried to host a few more meaningful, smaller conversations and people...quite frankly, it was a disaster. I don't think it was the right container for people to respect each other and have empathy for each other's decisions. And instead, it just became a pissing contest for who made the right decision about what situation. And that's when I realized I'm not going to be able to create a meaningful, open the kimono style conversation without some rules. And those rules I put in place, i.e., you must attend the meetings. You need to have some skin in the game. And that's how 7CTOs was born. And to this day, it is a vetted peer group organization. We know we have some skin in the game. There's a membership fee. There's a time commitment. And there is a commitment to yourself to grow, to have empathy, to show up for your people, to be accountable to your people, to learn the stuff that you like to learn about and to learn the stuff that you don't want to learn about. And that is where we are today. So anybody who's listening to this who has a CTO who feels cold and lonely, come join us. VICTORIA: I appreciate the hustle, that many meetups in that many cities. I would have gotten tired. [laughs] Like, that's too much. But it seems like there was a demand, and it created something that's really meaningful for people. ETIENNE: Yes. And I was surprised. So from San Diego, I went to Austin. And then, I also started investing in Portland. And I was really amazed how we were in different cities, but each tech scene had this group of people called CTOs who they knew how to talk about technology, and they knew how to geek out of trends and all that. But they were lacking solely in team composition, budget management, C-suite executive presence, handling disagreements with the CEO, maybe knowing when to leave, how to find new positions, to carefully consider the arc of their own careers, to just manage your LinkedIn page. I mean, it was really shocking in the early 2010s how much of that was going on. I will say I was reluctant to actually start something. You know, 7CTOs is very much a membership organization filled with people. Not the most intuitive move for me. I thought I would be building more and more and more tech companies, SaaS products. I do that as an interim or a fractional CTO now, but I don't have my own startup right now in the tech space. But I love 7CTOs. We have a new CEO. Her name is Beth Rehberg. We have our head of coaching. Her name is Brittany Cotton. And we have about 200-plus companies that have enrolled their CTOs in our organization. And the journey is remarkable, truly a remarkable journey to see how people are just blossoming into the full essence and the full impact that they can have in other companies. VICTORIA: That's wonderful. And I wonder, if you could go back in time and give yourself some advice back when you started it knowing what you know now, what advice would you tell yourself? ETIENNE: I grossly underestimated how many White guys I would be attracting. I think about three or four years into the organization; it took someone else to bring it to my attention that there were no women. There were no underrepresented minorities in this group. And so I think from day one, I would have made that a key focal point for myself to really invest in the diversity of the group. We've come a very long way. Our numbers are growing pretty quickly in terms of women joining us and people from various communities joining us. I think that's actually becoming a hallmark of 7CTOs. And I'm very proud of it today. But, boy, back in the day, I would have made that a key prime directive. VICTORIA: Well, that's a really honest take, and I appreciate you offering that to us. And I think that's an important thing to focus on always going forward. [laughs] But I like that, and now it's become a focus for you and creating that space that, you know, hindsight is 2020. [laughs] Well, great. Is there anything else that you'd like to leave as a takeaway for our listeners? ETIENNE: No. I think, of course, I would love some book purchases. Apparently, the first couple of weeks are vital for any new book. So please go over to Amazon and get "CTO Excellence." I also have a website: ctoexcellence.com. So really, anybody who has an inclination towards leadership in the tech space, I'm super passionate about those people. The opportunity to influence in a creative and confident way is just limitless. And I want to help unearth that for fledgling leaders, existing leaders, some leaders who might feel stuck. Please reach out to me. I'd love to get you connected, either through 7CTOs or even I do some coaching as well. So I consider it my life's mission to expand this ecosystem because so many people are impacted by the way we show up. And there's a great opportunity as CTOs to be transformational in our organizations. And this is what I exist to do. VICTORIA: Well, thank you so much for joining us today. And I really appreciate you sharing what you did, and I enjoyed our conversation. You can subscribe to the show and find notes along with a complete transcript for this episode at giantrobots.fm. If you have questions or comments, email us at hosts@giantrobots.fm. And you can find me on Twitter @victori_ousg. This podcast is brought to you by thoughtbot and produced and edited by Mandy Moore. Thank you for listening. See you next time. ANNOUNCER: This podcast is brought to you by thoughtbot, your expert strategy, design, development, and product management partner. We bring digital products from idea to success and teach you how because we care. Learn more at thoughtbot.com. Special Guest: Etienne de Bruin.
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