School for Startups Radio

February 2, 2024 - From NASA Laser Scientist to Hair Restoration Expert Dr. Tamim Hamid and Alcohol-Free Revolution Dustin Dunbar

Dr. Tamim Hamid – From NASA Scientist to Hair Restoration Expert, Founder & CEO Theradome and Author of Grow It Back: How Laser Phototherapy Stops Hair Loss and Regrows Your Hair 
Light is the only thing in the world that keeps us alive. Without lightwe would not be alive. We take light energy and convert it intochemical energy every day in the form of vitamin D. We found aspecific light wavelength that stimulates the hair follicle.
Sayyid Tamim Hamid, Ph.D., received undergraduate and graduate degrees in electrical engineering, computer engineering, and biomedical engineering. Tamim designed and implemented innovative tools at NASA to improve astronaut safety and efficiency in space shuttle operations. His professional history includes growing the revenue of multimillion dollar international corporations and serving as a senior executive in companies that were sold to GE Medical and Johnson & Johnson. Tamim used his laser knowledge, fine-tuned at NASA, and combined it with his driving passion for helping others to pursue a lifelong mission in the field of hair loss and restoration. He is now one of the world’s leading experts. Tamim lives with his wife of thirty-three years outside San Francisco, CA. In his rare free time, he enjoys tending to his olive orchard and pressing artisanal dipping olive oil. Leveraging his expertise, he introduces a proprietary solution utilizing laser phototherapy. The book not only delves into the beneficial use of light for healing but also addresses various aspects of hair loss, ranging from common treatments to newer options. Hamid critically examines the safety and efficacy of specialized hair care products, debunking misconceptions about laser therapy. The depth of his work is evident in sections comparing the cost and effectiveness of different antifungals, FDA-cleared medications, and off-label treatments. In an opinionated chapter, he dissects vitamin supplements and unconventional remedies. The guide maintains a balance between conversational and scientific tones, making it a valuable resource for readers exploring hair-loss treatments. Hamid’s candid revelations about his own struggles lead to the development of the Theradome helmet, a device cleared by the FDA in 2018. The book addresses reader concerns about side effects and emphasizes the safety of laser phototherapy.Dustin Dunbar – Author of You’re Doing Great! (And Other Lies Alcohol Told Me)
You see 5 alcohol ads per day that say you candrink moderately and socially responsibly.
Dustin Dunbar grew up poor in Midwest America with an abusive, alcohol-addicted father and grandfather, and vowed to never be like them. Devouring psychology books and researching addiction in his twenties, Dunbar earned a doctorate in psychology and believed at that time that he had broken his family’s chains. In 2009, Dunbar was handpicked by Ryan Seacrest for LA Shrink and Endemol Productions’ Dallas Life Coach, where Dunbar was the “Shrink” and “Life Coach” on those pilots. After drinking moderately, responsibly, and socially for twenty years, he too became addicted to alcohol. He overcame his addiction at the age of forty-eight and has since been helping others overcome theirs. Dunbar is a coach at WeAretheAFR.org, a non-profit online community helping others with alcohol addiction and raising consciousness. Dunbar’s true passions are spending time with his two young daughters, writing, and sports. He currently lives in San Diego, California.

January 31, 2027 - Future of Work Vince Chan and Better Recruiting Second Lieutenant Matthew Weiss

Vince Chan – Founder and Chief Change Officer at The Vince Chan Company | Executive Producer and Host@Chief Change Officer | Behavioural and Financial Economist | Amazon Best-Selling Author | Global Speaker on the Future of Work
In a world of AI, one of the skills to thrive is to be more human inwriting, analyzing, speaking and listening, all of the social skillsthat are supposed to be part of humanity. This is what we needto embrace and practice. This is how we can stay ahead of thegame and be an active worker the AI world.
Raised in Hong Kong and Canada, Vince pursued economics, followed by MBA degrees from Yale University and Chicago Booth School of Business. Her professional acumen is further solidified by U.S. CPA and CFA® credentials. Vince’s vibrant 15-plus-year corporate career has spanned global financial markets, with significant roles at S&P Global Ratings, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, Deloitte, PricewaterhouseCoopers, and TCW Asset Management. Among her standout achievements are raising $1 billion in collaboration with ‘King of Bonds’ Jeffrey Gundlach and Goldman Sachs, and facilitating over 100 multi-million-dollar funding transactions for Top 50 global banks. Separately, her contributions have been recognized with accolades such as Forbes China’s Outstanding Overseas Returnee in 2015 and Yale School of Management’s Outstanding Volunteer Leadership award in 2018. A decade ago, Vince boldly transitioned from finance to the ‘future of work’ sector. Since then, she has actively modernized the workforce, working in both traditional and digital education spheres. In Beijing, her collaboration with Renmin University of China (China’s Top 10) yielded a popular career guide. She further supported career advancement for the Schwarzman Scholars. In Shanghai with New Oriental (NYSE: EDU), she designed and taught business school preparatory programs to thousands of students. In Hong Kong, she co-developed an entrepreneurship program inspired by Chicago Booth’s Polsky Center.Second Lieutenant Matthew Weiss – Author of We Don’t Want YOU, Uncle Sam: Examining the Military Recruiting Crisis with Generation Z
I believe Generation Z is a very competitive generation. When youpost on social media, you instantly get feedback, likes or dislikes.Everyone associates the millennials with everyone gets a trophy,but that is the opposite of Gen Z.
Second Lt. Matthew Weiss is a 25-year-old Marine Corps intelligence officer whose new book, “‘We Don’t Want You, Uncle Sam: Examining the Military Recruiting Crisis with Generation Z” lays out what he believes are some of the major problems his generation has with military service — and what the military can do about it. Before joining the Marine Corps, Weiss worked for Anduril Industries, now a defense contractor specializing in artificial intelligence and autonomous weapons systems. During Weiss’ time there, it was a tech startup, and he observed how the company attracted new talent as they graduated from college, even in a highly competitive sector. Weiss went on to study business at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, earning a bachelor’s degree and an MBA there. Though young, a newly minted Marine Corps officer with his background might have some of the answers the Department of Defense has spent years and billions searching for. Weiss breaks down the book into four parts, analyzing Gen Z recruitment, bringing military working conditions and generation expectations into alignment, an analysis of sociocultural influences and “Scope of Service,” how the military can give back to society. Some of Weiss’ proposed issues are ones the military might expect from Zoomers. based on what it thinks it knows about the youth of America. Others might be wholly unexpected. But there are places where the values of military services and the values of Gen Z align. For starters, the book says Gen Z needs an impact they can strive toward; a unique calling, bigger than the individual. Weiss suggests determined mentorship, where Gen Z service members would provide a certain number of hours per year talking to potential recruits, a “Z-Z, heart-heart meaning discussion.” Weiss also believes the current military pay structure is “incongruous” for a generation that watches their peers gain followers on social media. In their mind, better performance should mean more money. To that end, he suggests performance bonuses be added to military pay for those who succeed. A somewhat counterintuitive suggestion Weiss offers is rooted in Gen Z’s connection to devices. Some, Weiss believes, are being “crushed” by the “constant pinging,” causing them to crave time to be unplugged from the rest of the world. The military can offer this like no other institution, he says, with real-world responsibilities and experiences away from their devices. Those are just a few interesting examples. In all, Weiss offers 21 chapters of fact-based problems and solutions written with “the intention of diagnosing and solving a real and serious issue facing our nation,” coming from the personal experiences of a Gen Z military officer who did a lot of research to help solve it.

January 30, 2024 - Home Watch Academy Diane Pisani and Sound Therapy Healing Henry Penix

Diane Pisani – Founder of Home Watch Academy
For folks considering starting a business, Home Watch is really something toconsider, because it is not only an excellent business opportunity, but it is foranyone with great customer service skill and a servant’s heart.
Diane Pisani runs Home Watch Academy, a business that helps people start “home watch” businesses. What is that? I didn’t know what it was either, but it’s a fast-growing service-based business model that oversees the second homes of people. There are nearly 10 million second homes in the U.S. and many of those homes sit unoccupied for months on end. Home watch concierge services provide support to oversee the property so homeowners know it is protected. Diane has a great personality. She has self-deprecating humor (I love that because I do too) but she seriously has some entrepreneurial chops. Before being a homewatching business pioneer, she was a travel agency business owner specializing in cruises. Let me know and I can get something on the calendar. In 1986 Diane opened one of the nation’s first cruise-only travel agencies. Her company, Cruises and More, proudly served thousands of happy passengers in its seventeen-year span.  After selling the business, she moved to Florida. Diane accepted a position at the Ritz-Carlton Beach Resort in Naples and was later encouraged to get into the business of Home Watch and Concierge Services.  She worked for a Home Watch company and later launched the Property Services, Home Watch, and Concierge Division of a local real estate office.  In 2006 with a business partner, she started Second To None Services Home Watch. After just a couple of years, Second To None Services was near full client capacity, and growth decisions had to be made.  Diane felt strongly about the personal service that was offered and decided not to hire a large staff to perform property visits and other tasks.  Instead, she chose to train professionals and help them start their own Home Watch business.  The very first workshop was in the spring of 2008 and it focused on the “nuts and bolts” of Home Watch. There was a lot of demand for training, so Your Home Watch Professionals®, was launched in 2009. It is fully dedicated to training dynamic individuals and helping them launch and grow exceptional Home Watch businesses.  The Home Watch Training Program offered at the Naples, Florida Training Center proudly has graduates throughout Florida as well as many other states that have cities with a seasonal population. In 2020, The Home Watch Academy® debuted as the first eLearning and resource program developed exclusively for the profession of Home Watch.  Students can learn on their own time and at their own pace.  In addition to the foundation courses, there is access to a growing array of continuing education modules and a variety of resources. Educating seasonal homeowners and the trades who serve them is a top priority.  At this time, there is no official licensing for Home Watch.  There is also confusion about the differences between Home Watch, House Sitting, Property Management, and Home Inspection. Diane manages the Home Watch Network™, the professional association that offers a true certification backed by a commitment to ongoing education.  She is dedicated to creating awareness of the importance of hiring a Certified Home Watch Reporter™.  The Ultimate Home Watch Interview Guide helps homeowners make informed decisions before handing over their keys.Henry Penix – Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of Soaak Technologies  
Sound frequency therapy is our biggest breakthrough. We went through eightyears in clinic testing out different modalities for depression, anxiety, low libido,insomnia and came up with sound frequencies compositions. 97% of all ofour customers are reporting, in at least one area of their life, an improvement.
With over 35 years of experience in various fields, including service, technology, and real estate, Mr. Penix is a visionary leader and a passionate entrepreneur who strives to make a positive difference in people’s lives. He is the co-founder and Executive Chairman of Soaak Technologies, a digital health company that offers a clinically proven protocol to address anxiety, depression, and sleeplessness, while improving energy, productivity, and focus. Henry’s journey with Soaak Technologies commenced with the co-founding of a private health clinic, which catalyzed the company’s evolution. His deep-rooted understanding of the transformative capacity of digital health solutions led to the realization that holistic wellness needed to be accessible to a broader audience. This insight catalyzed the development of Soaak’s groundbreaking mobile platform, fundamentally revolutionizing how individuals engage with their well-being. In addition to his leadership at Soaak, Henry is a seasoned entrepreneur who has made significant appearances on platforms like Shark Tank and QVC, showcasing his prowess in the global tech arena. His extensive experience also includes leading another global tech company, where he further demonstrated his ability to drive innovation and success in the industry. In his role as Executive Chairman, Henry brings a wealth of leadership, mentorship, and industry expertise to the fore. His strategic mindset, coupled with an unwavering commitment to enhancing people’s lives, continues to propel Soaak’s mission to empower individuals to attain optimal health and wellness. Under his steadfast guidance, Soaak Technologies remains at the forefront of the health tech industry, consistently delivering innovative solutions that positively transform the lives of individuals worldwide.

January 29, 2024 - Open Culture Drew Jones and DiverseCity Think Tank Buki Mosaku

Drew Jones – Culture & Workplace Consultant and Author of The Open Culture Handbook: Five questions to drive engagement and innovation
Companies often get culture right in the early days, when it isinformal, with a clear goal, people sharing information and movingin the same direction. As companies grow, they follow a trajectorytoward formalization and control that shuts down innovation.
Drew Jones, PhD, is an anthropologist, former business school professor, and practicing management consultant. He is a founding partner of Experient, a workplace culture and strategy consultancy. Over the past 20 years, he has worked on culture, leadership, and workplace design projects with clients throughout the US, Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America. He is published widely in academic management journals and magazines and has published three previous books on design thinking and innovation, coworking, and activity-based working (ABW). His new book is Open Culture Handbook: Five Questions to Drive Engagement and Innovation (Amplify Publishing, Oct. 3, 2023).Buki Mosaku – Founder and CEO of London-based DiverseCity Think Tank and Author of I Don’t Understand: Navigating Unconscious Bias in the Workplace
The way to deal with microaggressions is to give the other personthe benefit of the doubt, give light reconditioning which allows forpossible misinterpretation and then move on and enjoy your lunch!
Buki Mosaku is the Founder and CEO of London-based DiverseCity Think Tank, a workplace-bias and diversity-and-inclusion consultancy. He is one of the world’s foremost bias-navigation experts. Mosaku has cracked the code for calling out unconscious workplace bias and stopping it in its tracks, which he details in his new book, I Don’t Understand: Navigating Unconscious Bias in the Workplace. As the creator of the IDU Methodology, Buki Mosaku has worked with thousands of companies over two decades as a communications and workplace bias expert. In the process, Buki has cracked the code for calling out unconscious workplace bias to stop it in its tracks through a fair, measurable, and equitable solution called the IDU Methodology. With disarming honesty, enthusiasm, and a rare breed of clarity that is void of guilt, Buki empowers and equips leaders and staff alike to effortlessly navigate inevitable workplace bias. Born in West London to Nigerian parents, Buki started his corporate career in media and advertising before moving into consultancy in the City of London. He founded RosAcad, an international business and sales training consultancy, and DiverseCity Think Tank, a consultancy of workplace bias navigation and diversity and inclusion experts. In his work as a communications expert, consultant, and coach to tens of thousands of global clients’ staff over more than two decades, he became acutely aware of the impact of the multidirectional role of workplace bias in stifling otherwise prosperous careers, including his own at times. Buki also became aware of popular, well-meaning yet unworkable so-called expert and academic theories to combat racial, disability, gender, sexual orientation bias, etc. such as IAT- Implicit Association Tests, traditional microaggression training, “White Fragility,” “Anti-racist Consulting” and so on, which actually hinder the people they purport to help as well as reducing group productivity.  Buki himself has grappled with unconscious (and indeed conscious) bias with varying degrees of success in his employed career and as a consultant in the City. Frustrated with his own challenges and the inadequacy of behavioral experts, authors, and consultants’ attempts to address workplace bias, he set out to develop a fair, equitable results-oriented methodology to tackle person-to-person bias effectively in the workplace. His forthcoming book “I Don’t Understand” –Navigating Unconscious Bias in the Workplace is the culmination of more than two decades of working with, observing, and interacting with over 50,000 individuals throughout the world as a consultant, communications expert, trainer, and coach.

January 26, 2024 - Ubiquitous Smart Board CEO Nicholas Svensson and Ho'oponopono Expert Mabel Katz

Nicholas Svensson – CEO of SMART Technologies
Smart Technologies has been around since 1987 and we are the inventorsof the interactive white board category. We are in the majority of classroomsaround the world. We are the inventors of the category  and are theKleenex of our category.
Nicholas’ vision has been indispensable in SMART’s growth and innovation as a brand. He deftly navigated the COVID-19 pandemic and the supply chain crisis that resulted, positioning SMART as a much-needed solution for educators and businesses everywhere. He has overseen SMART’s re-entry into the business sector with cutting-edge collaborative technology, all while maintaining an unwavering commitment to SMART’s priorities in the world of education. Nicholas keeps the SMART brand focused on the things that really matter, like prioritizing student wellness, remaining easy to use for teachers, and best-in-class privacy and security for all customers. As a workplace leader, Nicholas places a high emphasis on authenticity and removing barriers for all his employees across the globe. SMART Technologies is a leading company working to create and advance technologies that help teachers and students make meaningful connections every day. With a full range of products such as Lumio, a digital learning tool transforming lessons into active, collaborative learning experiences as well as an impressive selection of easy-to-use interactive displays used by millions of educators and students around the world, SMART creates connections that matter.Mabel Katz – Author of 100 Questions about Ho’oponopono
Problems are not the problem. Our reaction to the problem is the problem!
Mabel Katz is an author, public speaker, and internationally acclaimed world peace ambassador. She is recognized as a leading authority on Ho’oponopono, the ancient Hawaiian art, and practice of problem-solving for achieving happiness and peace. She is also the creator of Zero Frequency®, a way of life that teaches 100% responsibility, forgiveness, and gratitude as a pathway to Zero—the state in which we free ourselves from restrictive memories and limiting beliefs so that we may discover our inner talents in pursuit of more abundant life. Honored with the prestigious 2012 Mil Milenious de Paz Peace Flag, acknowledging her global peace initiative, Peace Within Is World Peace, Mabel was officially recognized as one of the world’s pre-eminent peace ambassadors, and on January 1, 2015, was awarded the prestigious Public Peace Prize. She has spoken in front of national senates and other influential government bodies, including the United Nations in Vienna, where she launched her internationally acclaimed Peace Begins with Me campaign. In 2013, she was recognized for her humanitarian works by being knighted in the venerable Order of the Orthodox Knights Hospitaller of St. John—Russian Grand Priory, bestowing upon her the title of Dame Mabel Katz. Mabel continues to travel extensively throughout the world, helping countless people find inner peace and greater fulfillment in their lives. Mabel has also authored several books, which have been translated into more than 20 languages. When she is not conducting workshops around the world, Mabel brings her unique brand of awareness to prison inmates, special needs children, and dozens of corporations seeking to achieve peak performance through deeper self-awareness.

January 24, 2024 - Alta Consulting Andrew Hayes and Post Vision Products Amanda Glover

Andrew Hayes – Founder and Head of Lifestyle at Alta Coaching
If you never feel like you have time to exercise and eat healthy, how areyou also going to have time for a coach on top of it? We take care of thatfor you with our process. You do your exercise on your own time, you logthe data on your own time and then we look at it and provide feedback every day.
Andrew Hayes is the Founder and Head of Lifestyle at Alta Coaching, a distinguished authority in holistic habit coaching. With a certified background in personal training, Andrew’s journey into the realm of fitness was a transformative experience that reshaped his approach to health and well-being. Over the course of his 15-year career, Andrew has worked with industry giants such as Apple, Peloton, and Headspace. His journey has led him to establish Alta Coaching, a lifestyle and nutrition program that reflects his dedication to personal growth and well-being. Since its launch earlier this year, Alta Coaching has experienced remarkable success, with a 217% surge in quarterly revenue from Q1 to Q3 and a staggering 918% increase in monthly revenue from January to September 2023. Setting Alta apart in the competitive landscape of health and nutrition programs is its innovative approach to holistic well-being. Offering users unlimited access to personalized REAL LIFE coaching and support, Alta tailors workout and nutrition plans based on individual body types, dietary preferences, and lifestyles. This unique approach has resulted in a remarkable 1,333% increase in clients from January to October 2023, with 57% of clients coming through referrals from other satisfied members. Andrew’s extensive experience in the technology sector, coupled with his deep understanding of the evolving needs of health-conscious consumers, enabled him to develop Alta’s personalized health and fitness solutions, addressing a gap he identified in the crowded market. Would you be interested in engaging in a conversation with Andrew about the disruptive innovations behind Alta and the future of individualized well-being? Additionally, I can arrange a complimentary membership to Alta Coaching for you to experience the program firsthand, guided by their certified nutritionists and trainers. Andrew’s personal journey into fitness began later in life, eschewing traditional athletic pursuits for a desk job in New York City post-college. Recognizing the detrimental impact of a sedentary lifestyle, he committed three hours a week to exercise, sparking a profound transformation in every aspect of his life. Now a devoted husband and father, Andrew believes that self-care is synonymous with family care. Having navigated the challenges of balancing health, career, and family responsibilities, he is determined to empower others to prioritize their well-being, demonstrating that with the right guidance, achieving balance is not only possible but transformative. Andrew is available to speak on a range of topics, including personal training, corrective exercise/injury prevention, exercise for adults 50+, resistance training/strength training, group fitness/HIIT/boutique fitness classes, fitness for new parents, parenting/fatherhood, finding balance, and productivity in the workplace. His profound conviction in the transformative impact of coaching reflects his mission to inspire others to lead fulfilling lives through prioritizing their health and well-being.Amanda Jane (Glover) Daley – Founder of Startup Success Blueprint
Data becomes the support to find answers to questions like what are thedifferent markets? Who are the people that could buy this product? Howdo you know the size of the markets? I focus on helping startups find thedata to prioritize decisions that will help them grow more quickly.
Amanda’s approach to business coaching is all about helping CEOs and their teams succeed. Her coaching process is tailored to each client’s unique needs and challenges, resulting in measurable growth and positive outcomes. She is passionate about the idea “Beyond the Product: The Power of Vision in Business.” With 20 years of experience in marketing and product management, Amanda has worked in both B2B and B2C businesses across a wide variety of industries, including consumer electronics, appliances, furniture, and service-based organizations. As part of her career in product management, Amanda has scaled twelve businesses for mid-sized organizations, increasing sales by more than 30% through strategic market expansion and new product development. With strong successes in corporate vision and strategy, and product positioning, Amanda has a unique understanding of how to create simple, actionable plans to scale businesses, along with vision and strategy development that sets companies apart from key competitors. She has also had success in launching several “blue ocean” products, with first-to-market introductions earning over $10M in sales, and has worked with growing companies to establish new departments. Amanda is passionate about working with companies ready to scale by establishing proven practices for efficient and sustainable growth. She also coaches the next wave of companies that look to change the face of leadership in corporate environments, by helping organizations define the type of talent they really need to attract and retain top-quality leadership. As a business coach, Amanda believes in the power of clarity and simplicity. Her coaching style emphasizes creating actionable plans that drive growth while maintaining balance and avoiding burnout.

January 22, 2024 - Paying Gamers to Play Daniel Todd and MindStudio AI Builder Dmitry Shapiro

Daniel Todd – CEO and Founder of Influence Mobile – Paying Gamers to Play
There is an incredible amount of money spent in games. More moneyis spent in mobile games than in all movies, all concerts and all live sportscombined. It’s about $100 billion a year.
Daniel Todd is the CEO and Founder of Influence Mobile. He is a highly accomplished entrepreneur with a wealth of experience in mobile advertising, digital marketing, and business strategy. As the CEO of Influence Mobile, Daniel has a track record of creating positive work environments that have earned his company numerous “Best Places to Work” awards. Influence Mobile, is a company that builds products that reward people for everyday activities, so everyone can live a Rewarded Life™. With two companies that have been placed on the Inc. 5000 list and recognition from publications such as Puget Sound Business Journal, Daniel has proven his ability to lead companies to success. As a monthly contributor to Inc.com and Entrepreneur.com, Daniel is a recognized thought leader in the fields of entrepreneurship, marketing, and business growth. With his expertise in culture, leadership, team building, entrepreneurship, and remote work, Daniel would be an excellent fit as a guest on podcasts with an audience of CEOs and founders. Furthermore, his experience as a mentor and adviser to dozens of startups through the Disney Accelerator and TechStars programs, along with his previous role as co-founder of online media company Zango, has equipped him with a unique perspective and set of skills that would make him an invaluable guest on any podcast.Dmitry Shapiro – Founder of YouAi and MindStudio – AI Marketplace for Business and Life – Former Group Product Manager at Google and Former CTO at MySpace
We build AI apps or AI powered apps or we call them AIs.
Dmitry Shapiro is a serial entrepreneur who has raised $140M+ for three companies, including creator economy powerhouse Koji and Metaverse Studio, used by tens of thousands of educators to create augmented reality experiences for their students. His latest company is YouAi, which is considered one of the top emerging AI marketplaces, with 1000+ AI apps and 10K+ users. They have AIs for EVERYTHING, including building and running a business, content creation, marketing, project planning and SEO, allowing you to make any aspect of your life easier. YouAi is also behind MindStudio, a revolutionary no-code tool that enables anyone to quickly build and launch AI apps. Many entrepreneurs are using the tool to create powerful AIs, which they can sell on YouAi or embed into current business applications. Dmitry has 20+ years of experience in the tech industry and previously served as Group Product Manager at Google and CTO at MySpace.

January 19, 2024 - Thrift Books Ken Goldstein and Team Building Justin Follin

Ken Goldstein – CEO of Thrift Books – Largest Used Book Store Online and Author of Endless Encores: Repeating Success through People, Products, and Profits
What bothers me are unfinished products. I don’t like the idea of a minimumviable product that you’re going to just dump on your customers and let themsuffer with. I know that it has worked for an awful lot of entrepreneurs, I knowthat it is a buzzword that people care about, but going back to my Disneyexperience and Broderbund games when we were building Carmen San Diegoand Mist, it’s all about the details. It’s about getting it right. Not being at 90%or 95% but being at 100%.
Ken Goldstein has enjoyed an extensive career in senior management roles driving innovation in technology, media, entertainment, and e-commerce. He is currently chairman and chief executive officer of ThriftBooks Global, the largest online seller of used books in the world. He is also board chair of The Good Men Project, an expansive content site offering perspectives on social issues in the 21st century. Ken writes the popular business blog CorporateIntel.us and is the author of three novels set in the business world, all published by The Story Plant: This Is Rage (2013); Endless Encores (2015); and From Nothing (2018). Ken served as chairman and CEO of SHOP.COM, a pioneering e-commerce marketplace that created the patented OneCart platform, later acquired by Market America. Previously he was executive VP and managing director of Disney Online, the business unit of the Walt Disney Internet Group that produced the leading entertainment web destination for kids and families. Key achievements developed by his teams at Disney included the first massively multiplayer online game for kids, Toontown, as well as Movies.com, Family.com, and the syndicated broadband service Disney Connection. Prior to Disney, Ken was VP of entertainment at Broderbund Software and founding general manager of the company’s Red Orb Entertainment division. Before the formation of Red Orb, he was responsible for all aspects of development on Broderbund’s acclaimed Carmen Sandiego series. He also worked as a designer/producer at Philips Interactive Media and Cinemaware Corporation, and for several years as a screenwriter and television executive. Ken is active in children’s welfare issues and has served on the boards of Hathaway-Sycamores Child and Family Services, the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Greater Los Angeles, and Full Circle Programs. He and his wife Shelley, who teaches English as a Second Language, live in Southern California. He received his BA from Yale University.Justin Follin – Co-Founder and Managing Partner of BLUECASE and Author of Be a Better Team by Friday: A Playbook for High-Performance Business Leaders 
Many meetings are not doing what they are intended to do. Whether you’rehaving one meeting a quarter or one meeting a week, have the basic buildingblocks for what makes a great meeting. Do you have an agenda for themeeting? Is there a clear stated purpose for the meeting? Are the peoplein the meeting clear why they are there?
Justin Follin is a lifelong student and teacher of what brings out the best in people, and a trusted advisor to CEOs and leaders in fast growth business sectors. As the co-founder and managing partner of BLUECASE Strategic Partners, Justin has successfully coached top leaders in fast-growing companies ranging from $50 Million and $2 Billion in annual revenue, and led hundreds of Executives, Directors, and Managers through cross-functional leadership development. Throughout his career, he’s coached public and private CEO’s, business leaders, TEDx presenters, poker players, musicians, academic professors and athletes to perform at optimal levels. Justin graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill with a degree in Philosophy focusing on business and morality. He currently resides in Austin, Texas, where he plays music in his free time, does yoga, and beats the heat as often as he can at Barton Springs pool.

January 17, 2024 - Leadership Conversation Rose Fass and Battle Buddies Shannon Walker

Rose Fass – Founder and Chairwoman of fassforward and Author of THE LEADERSHIP CONVERSATION – Make bold change, one conversation at a time 
Our job today is to consider the conversations we are having. With ourselvesand with others. Leadership happens in the conversation. It doesn’t happenin spreadsheets or over a PowerPoint review. It happens in the conversationaround that review.
Rose Fass, the former Chief Transformation Officer of Xerox, is a trailblazer who reshaped the leadership landscape. She masterminded a groundbreaking shift at Xerox, steering it from merely a “Copier Company” to an innovative “Document Solutions Company.” Her transformative leadership not only revolutionized Xerox but also set new standards for global business management. Today, as the founder and CEO of fassforward Consulting Group, an esteemed Inc. 500/5000 awardee, Fass channels her expertise to mentor leaders in Fortune 500 companies. Her unique approach redefines leadership, inspiring leaders to adapt, connect, and thrive in our ever-changing world. Fass also makes aware of impactful “leadership conversations” designed to instill urgency and clarity within their workforce. “Despite technological advancements, AI, and remote work opportunities, a leadership gap persists. To bridge it, inspiration must drive action, culture defines the approach, strategy charts the course, and execution validates efforts. Achieving alignment among these elements is pivotal.”  You and your listeners would find her to be a rich resource. She’s incredibly engaging to converse with. Based on a recent session I had with Rose, here is a quick idea of some of the topics you could discuss with her. I do not doubt that she’d be able to pivot to any other leadership-related topic as well; The Secrets to Timeless Leadership    Unravel the mysteries of enduring leadership. Gain insights from decades of experience, understanding how leadership transcends age and technological advancements like AI and evolves with time. How and Why Accountability Bridges Today’s Leadership Gap    Dive into the often-neglected aspects of leadership. Explore the pivotal role of accountability in uniting organizational facets, ensuring a harmonious and effective trajectory. Genuine Connections Essential for Team Dynamics   Explore the core of authentic relationships within teams. Understand the profound impact of genuine connections on performance, backed by real-world examples. The Kinds of Direct Communications Transform Underperforming Teams   Investigate strategies for team transformation. Learn about the power of direct communication and clear expectations in revitalizing underperforming teams effectively. How Leadership Conversations Shape Futures   Explore the art of influential leadership dialogues. Understand how these conversations reshape perspectives, ignite action, and engage clients in transformative processes.Shannon Walker – CEO & Founder of Northwest Battle Buddies     
Our service dogs are there for our veteransin the midnight hour when no one else is.
Shannon Walker is CEO & Founder of Northwest Battle Buddies, a nonprofit providing service dogs to combat veterans with PTSD. Inspired by her father, a veteran, Shannon’s passion for supporting veterans runs deep. In 1997, Shannon established Mans Best Friend – Dog Training, impacting both dogs and owners positively. Recognizing the importance of service dogs, she trained Police K9 units for seven local departments starting in 2002. As an expert, Shannon delivers TEDx talks like “PTSD and Service Dogs: Beneath The Surface,” shedding light on their profound impact. She’s a sought-after speaker on nationally-syndicated News Radio Stations. Shannon has been the Executive Director of ASDPMV since 2023, serving since 2017. She has contributed through the Standards Committee and Members Committee since 2019. She’s also an active member of the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP).

January 15, 2024 - America's Most Impactful Co. Dante White and Internet Con Cory Doctorow

Dante White – Founder of Oppuous
Manifestation without perspiration stays in your imagination. You can’tjust think it, you have to get out there and do it. Hard work is part of thegame, don’t believe the BS of the four-hour work week!
Dante White has been making waves in the tech industry, gaining recognition as one of the 30 Best Leaders to Watch by “The Silicon Review.” His company, Oppuous, has been named one of “America’s Most Impactful Privately Held Companies for 2023” by DotCom Magazine, securing the prestigious title of “2023 Impact Company of the Year.” Also, this late summer he beat out 50,000 businesses nationwide to join the world's largest reality show on entrepreneurship, The Blox. Oppuous was born out of Dante’s vision to revolutionize the way business owners, both small and large, access and manage their technology solutions. With a deep understanding of the challenges faced by entrepreneurs, Dante recognized the frustrations of purchasing software, hardware, and tech support services from multiple providers, juggling numerous contracts, and even ending up with the wrong solutions. That’s where Oppuous comes in. Think of it as a one-stop marketplace, similar to Amazon, but exclusively tailored for business tech solutions. From software to hardware and everything in between, Oppuous brings it all together, simplifying the complex process of acquiring and managing technology. But Oppuous offers more than just convenience. With a team of nationwide engineering and cloud specialists, they provide invaluable advice and guidance along the way. Their expertise ensures that business owners make informed decisions that align with their unique needs, saving them on average 15% on solutions and hundreds of hours every year. What sets Oppuous apart is their unwavering commitment to giving back to the community. For Dante and his team, it’s about creating opportunities for others. Every project undertaken by Oppuous contributes to supporting veteran, women, and minority businesses, as well as accelerator programs aimed at fostering generational wealth and growth within our communities. Because at Oppuous, they believe that an opportunity for you is an opportunity for us.Cory Doctorow – NYT Best Selling Author of The Bezzle: A Martin Hench Novel (The Martin Hench Novels) and The Internet Con: How to Seize the Means of Computation
If you take the top result on Amazon search, you will on averagepay 30% more than you would for the best result.
Cory Doctorow is a regular contributor to the Guardian, Locus, and many other publications. He is a special consultant to the Electronic Frontier Foundation, an MIT Media Lab Research Associate, and a visiting professor of Computer Science at the Open University. His award-winning novel Little Brother and its sequel Homeland were New York Times bestsellers. His novella collection Radicalized was a CBC Best Fiction of 2019 selection. In his book, “The Lost Cause,” Tor Books (November 14, 2023) Doctorow takes us thirty years into the future, where we witness the progress made in mitigating climate change. However, he also delves into the challenges faced by those who are resistant to change and explores the generational gap in understanding the urgency of this issue. The book addresses the concerns of the older generation who may struggle to let go of outdated beliefs about climate change. His insights can shed light on how young Americans, a generation from now, view climate change as an overwhelming fact of life and boldly tackle it head-on–he talks about cities being relocated due to rising sea levels and the massive clean-energy projects that have become the norm. With his vivid descriptions of the future, Doctorow paints a picture of a world where disaster relief and flood mitigation are crucial skills taught to millions each year.