The Rundown with Ramon - Ramon Ray - small business podcast for entrepreneurs

In this episode of The Rundown with Ramon Ray, Ramon breaks down what’s really happening in the job market, why AI-powered roles are exploding, and what entrepreneurs should learn from OpenAI, Alphabet, and Apple. He then dives deep into practical LinkedIn marketing strategies—DMs, newsletters, patience, and pitching with integrity—plus a powerful reflection on authenticity, leadership, and building trust over time.

In this episode of The Rundown with Ramon, Ramon Ray blends timely business headlines with a powerful personal message: you don’t need massive resources or fame to make a meaningful impact. From minimum wage increases and AI-driven robotaxis to brand nostalgia and everyday kindness, Ramon challenges entrepreneurs to think bigger by acting smaller—one intentional choice at a time.This episode is both practical and personal, reminding business owners and leaders that impact is created daily through how we treat people, how we build companies, and how we show up in the world.

In this episode of The Rundown with Ramon, Ramon Ray shares real-world lessons from a website crash, billion-dollar movie franchises, and emerging AI trends to challenge entrepreneurs with one powerful question: Are you doing the same things while expecting different results? From the power of simplicity to risk, metrics, and intentional change, this episode is a mindset and strategy reset for business owners heading into 2026.00:50 The power of simplicity and reducing decision fatigue01:45 Why leaders like Steve Jobs simplified everything02:10 ZoneofGenius.com crashed – what really happened05:25 Why you don’t need a billion-dollar business to win07:42 AI predictions for 2026 explained simply09:43 Main question: Same actions, different results?10:22 The role of risk in business growth11:27 Measuring what actually matters in your business12:14 Adjusting the right levers to improve results12:44 Why you really want to change your business13:21 Do you actually need to change?13:52 Protect your business

In this episode of The Rundown with Ramon, Ramon Ray sits down with Adobe Principal Product Marketing Manager Tulika Gupta to break down how Adobe is rethinking creativity, documents, and AI for modern business users.The conversation goes beyond design. It focuses on how entrepreneurs, teams, and knowledge workers can move faster without sacrificing brand consistency, legal safety, or workflow clarity. Tulika walks through Adobe Firefly, Adobe Express, and Acrobat Studio, explaining how these tools are designed to fit real business needs, not just creative professionals.If you create content, manage documents, run campaigns, or collaborate with clients and partners, this episode offers a practical look at where AI-powered productivity is actually headed.Key takeaways from this episodeWhy “commercially safe” AI matters when you’re using visuals for marketing and paid campaignsHow Adobe Express helps non-designers stay on brand without slowing downThe hidden productivity cost of disorganized documents—and how PDF Spaces changes thatHow to turn research, proposals, and notes into reusable business assetsWhy workflows matter more than individual AI toolsRamon and Tulika also discuss a bigger shift happening across business software: AI isn’t just about creating faster. It’s about reducing friction, protecting your brand, and helping teams work with more confidence.This episode is especially relevant for founders, consultants, marketers, and business leaders who want to use AI responsibly while still moving quickly in a competitive market.

In this episode of The Rundown with Ramon, Ramon Ray breaks down major business headlines—from Tesla vs. Waymo robotaxis to NVIDIA’s $20B acquisition—while grounding them in a powerful personal message: progress happens when you compete with yourself, not everyone else. Blending real-world business news with mindset, discipline, and leadership lessons, Ramon challenges entrepreneurs to show up daily, do the hard things, and build impact that goes far beyond revenue.Listeners will walk away inspired to rethink competition, embrace growth-minded partnerships, and recognize that even small businesses can create outsized impact when they operate with excellence and intention.

In this episode of The Rundown with Ramon, small business expert Ramon Ray breaks down powerful lessons entrepreneurs can learn from big brands like Lululemon and Instacart, while asking a deeper, more personal question: Are you actually prepared for entrepreneurship? Ramon explores why innovation requires timing, why not every business idea should be forced to work, and how clarity, measurement, and self-awareness matter more than hype.

In this episode of The Rundown with Ramon, Ramon Ray delivers a powerful reminder for entrepreneurs: no one controls your success but you. Ramon breaks down why personal branding is more important than ever in a distracted, AI-driven economy, how AI is reshaping search and visibility, and what small businesses can learn from unexpected places—from Wall Street Journal insights to small-town museums going viral. The episode blends motivation, strategy, and practical guidance for entrepreneurs who want to own their platform, build trust, and grow with intention.

In this episode of The Rundown with Ramon, I sat down with James Orsini—President of Startup Operations at VaynerX and a longtime leader across finance, operations, and marketing—to talk about what it really takes to scale a business, build a strong culture, and lead teams without panic.We cover the difference between “growing” and “swelling,” why founders must learn to release work to scale, and how James uses practical frameworks like a one-page plan and the Eisenhower Matrix to keep teams focused. We also dig into why culture can make or break acquisitions, what makes creative agencies different from other businesses, and James’ grounded take on AI: powerful output, but the brief (and the business model) still matters.If you’re an entrepreneur feeling overwhelmed, this conversation will help you simplify priorities, lead with clarity, and build a healthier path to growth.

In this episode of The Rundown with Ramon, Ramon Ray unpacks three words every entrepreneur needs to think about right now: seasons, runway, and learning. Drawing from a real moment doing community outreach with his church, Ramon explains why obsessing over immediate sales can blind you to what really drives growth—awareness, trust, and momentum.He also reacts to news about American Airlines investing in premium upgrades and challenges business owners to ask: Are you segmenting customers and offering premium options that increase profitability? The episode closes with practical encouragement about building a business that can last—one that serves customers, supports your family, and gives you the capacity to keep learning while you grow.

In this episode of The Rundown with Ramon, Ramon Ray breaks down business lessons hiding inside today’s headlines—starting with the big takeaway from Ben & Jerry’s: when you sell your company, you may be selling your ability to protect the mission, the message, and the decisions that made the brand special. Ramon then connects that to a wider reality entrepreneurs face today: platforms, AI tools, and brand names are all shifting fast—so small business owners must stay alert, stay flexible, and stay in control of what matters most.Along the way, Ramon reacts to Meta encouraging employees to use outside AI tools, unpacks the confusion and legal fights around X/Twitter branding, and talks about Instagram Reels coming to TV screens through Amazon Fire TV—another reminder that the “attention economy” is expanding into every screen we own.