The Soul of Enterprise: Business in the Transformation Economy

Productivity Is For Robots is a book that’s a perfect fit for The Soul of Enterprise. It’s the E’ffing Debate on steroids (efficiency vs. effectiveness). Corey McComb writes in the Epilogue: “My hope for this book is that it is used as a shield against the robotic calls of cold-hearted efficiency and conformity. That it serves as a reminder to prioritize people, deep thinking, laughter, and leisure.” Join Ed and Ron for what is sure to be a fantastic conversation with a dynamic thinker.

Ed and Ron are honored to have Tony Dolan on the show, former President Ronald Reagan’s Special Assistant and Chief Speechwriter. He graduated from Yale University in 1970. He wrote two of the more famous Reagan speeches, “The Evil Empire,” and the British House of Commons speech where he used the line “Ash Heap of History” to define the Soviet Union. Like our conversations with Peter Robinson and Joshua Gilder, two other Reagan speechwriters, being able to interview Tony is living history.

Ron and Ed are joined by Patrick Reasonover to discuss his new film, They Say It Can't Be Done, a documentary that explores how innovation can solve some of the world's largest problems. It tracks four companies on the cutting edge of technological solutions that could heal the seas, solve hunger, eliminate organ waitlists, and reduce atmospheric carbon. Innovation never comes without risk and often brings consequences that can impact our health, safety, and environment. That is why the regulatory system is designed to protect and serve the public interest. In the fast-paced world of technological development, however, even well-intentioned regulations can inadvertently hamper beneficial progress. Each company in the film has the potential to solve some of our greatest challenges, but all face a common roadblock: a regulatory system that could impede their pathways to success. Is it time for us to imagine a new regulatory approach?

Ron and Ed will be joined by author and speaker John Tamny to talk about his new book When Politicians Panicked. In the boo, Tamny makes a relentless case that free people don’t just produce the wealth that renders today’s killers yesterday’s news. They also produce crucial information about health threats that shine a light on that which threatens us. This is not about COVID-19, it is about the political response to it. Be ready for an incredibly nuanced dialogue.

Ron and Ed welcome professional business consultant and author of The Billable Hour Is Nuts, Jonathan Stark. He is the host of Ditching Hourly podcast, and writes a daily newsletter on pricing for independent professionals. Join us for what will surely be a screed against the billable and some interesting takes on subscription-based pricing.

Ed and Ron are honored to welcome Leah Power, Executive Vice President, Strategic Operations Consultant, of the Institute of Communication Agencies, in Canada. Leah recently co-authored a study on the broken RFP process. As they write: “The RFP selection process, for all types of clients, brands and agencies, is flawed. That’s why we’re pushing ‘to retire the RFP’ from global business practice. And we’ve got a firm plan for what should replace it. Our QBS Agency Search Guide focuses on QBS (Qualification-Based Selection), a process that will ultimately help client organizations to buy creative services that are critical, complex, and customized.” You can access this report at www.theica.ca/qbs. Join us as discuss better ways to communicate your value than the traditional price-based RFP process.

Ron and Ed are both strong advocates of immigration although they do differ on some policy details. On this episode, we welcome Alex Nowrasteh, the director of immigration and trade at the Cato Institute’s Herbert A. Stiefel Center for Trade Policy Studies. Alex understands not only the subtlety of immigration policy but can cite chapter and verse the latest data on immigration.

Back in December Ron and Ed received an email with a link to a custom video from Dre Baldwin in which he pitched us on why he should be a Guest on The Soul of Enterprise. We get dozens of requests via email and Dre's was NOT the first to have a video, but it was so authentic, we knew we had to have him on. His story of perseverance will knock you out.

Cited in Episode #1 of The Soul of Enterprise, Declaring Independence from the Tyranny of Taylorism, Matthew Stewart has influenced Ron and Ed's thinking for over a decade. His seminal book, The Management Myth, eviscerates any notion that business is a science. It is art, full stop. During this episode, we will dig deep into Matthew's thinking and what he suggests as alternatives.

Join Ed and Ron for another angle on the Subscription Business Model. We’ll dive into the 2020 Subscribed Institute and The Harris Poll international survey on what consumers most value about subscriptions. And some fascinating findings from the latest Subscription Economy Index™. We’ll also answer a listener’s question on pricing and offering options, and how they are different under Value Pricing 1.0 and 2.0.