Christopher Lochhead Follow Your Different™

Monroe Jones, a Grammy-winning producer, dives deep into his eclectic journey in the music industry, from DIY studios in Alabama to working with legends like U2 and Stevie Nicks. He shares his philosophy of 'slow dopamine'—a commitment to long-term passion over quick wins. Monroe reflects on the transformative power of obsession and generosity in creativity. With practical advice for aspiring artists, he emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and cultivating one's unique voice to forge a meaningful, enduring career.

Ray Wang, Founder and Principal Analyst of Constellation Research, dives into the transformative future of AI and its revolutionary effects on the tech landscape. He discusses the rise of 'AI exponentials'—lean startups leveraging AI for unprecedented efficiency and growth. Wang highlights the competitive dynamics driven by companies like NVIDIA and examines the urgent need for revitalizing U.S. manufacturing amid global tensions. The conversation also explores the ethical implications and governance challenges within the tech industry, making it a timely and incisive dialogue.

Laura Ries, a leading marketing strategist and chairwoman of RIES, returns for a deep dive into brand positioning. She discusses her new book, 'The Strategic Enemy,' emphasizing why brands should define what they stand against. Laura reveals how the mind quickly grasps opposition over superiority, making distinctiveness crucial in a noisy market filled with AI and competition. Drawing from her father's legacy, she explores the importance of clarity in positioning, collaboration, and the impact of visual storytelling in effective marketing.

In this engaging discussion, Brad Feld, a venture capitalist and co-founder of Techstars, reveals his unique 'give first' philosophy inspired by his new book. He challenges the traditional guru-mentorship model, advocating for genuine peer relationships that foster mutual growth. Brad shares his insights on the evolving job market shaped by AI, emphasizing the need for adaptability and tech-savviness. With a mix of humor and deep reflection, he dives into the significance of mentorship, kindness, and learning from setbacks in both personal and professional realms.

In a captivating conversation, marketing strategist Laura Ries, chairwoman of RIES and daughter of Al Ries, delves into the art of brand positioning. She critiques American Eagle's celebrity-driven campaigns, highlighting the pitfalls of chasing transient attention instead of strategic positioning. Laura emphasizes the crucial difference between fleeting trends and enduring brands, advocating for authenticity and a focus on product identity. Through insightful examples, she explores how comfort and clarity can redefine marketing strategies in today's competitive landscape.

Vala Afshar, Chief Evangelist at Salesforce and an insightful author, joins a dynamic discussion on the transformative power of AI in business. They delve into the concept of the 'existing market trap' and its pitfalls, highlighting the importance of creating new categories instead of simply improving existing ones. Afshar emphasizes the role of agentic AI as a co-founder in innovation and how it can shift SaaS models, urging businesses to adapt and engage with the community to thrive in an evolving landscape.

Chris Happ, Co-founder and CEO of Virtuous AI, shares his insights on the urgent need for businesses to embrace AI to avoid extinction. He emphasizes that companies have just two years to integrate AI or risk falling behind. Chris discusses the role of AI as a co-founder in operations and the importance of curiosity in leadership. He highlights the transformative potential of AI in enhancing productivity and innovation, urging businesses to rethink their strategies and adopt new technologies to stay competitive in a rapidly changing environment.

On this episode of Follow Your Different, Christopher Lochhead welcomes “IRON” Mike Steadman, a former Marine officer, national boxing champion, and entrepreneur into another installment of Creator Capitalist Conversations. Together, they explore Mike’s inspiring journey from military service to empowering Black veteran entrepreneurs. The conversation highlights the importance of identity, resilience, and mindset in overcoming challenges and reinventing oneself. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration and actionable advice on personal growth and entrepreneurial success. You’re listening to Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different. We are the real dialogue podcast for people with a different mind. So get your mind in a different place, and hey ho, let’s go.   Embracing Identity Transformation In the world of entrepreneurship, few stories are as compelling as that of “IRON” Mike Steadman: a former Marine officer, three-time national boxing champion, and now a category designer and advocate for Black veteran entrepreneurs. Mike’s identity was deeply rooted in his military service. Transitioning to civilian life, he faced the challenge of being seen as “just a boxing coach” rather than the multifaceted leader he knew himself to be. Working with performance psychologists and entrepreneurial mental health coaches, Mike learned to step back and view himself from a broader perspective, a process he calls “psychological distancing.” By intentionally shaping his identity, Mike was able to move from being defined by his past roles to actively designing his future as an entrepreneur and advocate.   Resilience Through “Time Under Tension” Just as boxers build strength and skill through grueling training, entrepreneurs develop their instincts and capacity by enduring the pressures of business. When COVID-19 shut down Mike’s in-person boxing business, he faced a moment of defeat. Instead of giving up, he used the crisis as a catalyst to pivot—launching a podcast and building a new business model from scratch.   Motivation Beyond Money Financial goals are important, but lasting motivation comes from deeper sources—purpose, impact, and community. Mike found that helping others succeed (as a ghostwriter and editor) was more fulfilling than chasing personal accolades. Inspired by a business coach’s analogy, Mike emphasizes nurturing the “soil” of your life—health, relationships, and mentorship—so your business can thrive. Mike also noticed that as he hit financial milestones, the excitement faded. He began to set new, personal challenges—like running a marathon or reaching Everest Base Camp—to keep himself engaged and fulfilled. To hear more from “IRON” Mike Steadman and his thoughts on reinventing oneself and looking at things from different POVs, download and listen to this episode.   Bio “IRON” Mike Steadman is a Marine Corps Infantry Officer turned entrepreneur, author, and boxing coach. As the founder of IRONBOUND Boxing, he empowers youth in Newark through boxing, mentorship, and enrichment programs. Mike also leads IRONBOUND Media, helping veteran-owned businesses build impactful brands through podcasting. A U.S. Naval Academy graduate and combat veteran, his leadership philosophy integrates discipline, resilience, and service. Mike hosts the “Confessions of a Native Son” podcast, exploring race, business, and personal growth. Passionate about social impact, he continues to create opportunities for underserved communities, embodying his mission to fight for those without champions in their corner.   Links Connect with “IRON” Mike Steadman! Website: IronboundBoxing.org | IronboundMedia.com | DogWhistleBranding.com Linkedin: in/Iron-Mike-Steadman Instagram: @IronMikeSteadman   We hope you enjoyed this episode of Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different™! Christopher loves hearing from his listeners. Feel free to email him, connect on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and subscribe on Apple Podcast / Spotify!  

Anna Furmanov, host of Building with Buyers, dives into customer obsession and the crucial role of 'super consumers' in startups. She emphasizes the need for empathy and collaboration within teams to foster innovation and drive growth. The discussion highlights how businesses should create demand by deeply understanding customer needs rather than conforming to existing market trends. Insights from passionate super consumers can guide product development, and the power of gifting in consumer behavior is explored as a vital marketing tool.

Al Ramadan, co-founding partner of Play Bigger Advisors and coauthor of 'Play Bigger,' joins to discuss the 'Existing Market Trap.' He highlights the dangers of fitting new ideas into outdated categories, which stifles true innovation. Al dives into the '13 deadly sins' that entrepreneurs commit that can sabotage their visions. He argues for the necessity of category design to create new markets. The conversation also touches on the rapid evolution of AI and the importance of establishing belief in a problem before seeking solutions.