The Soul of Enterprise: Business in the Transformation Economy by THRESHOLD

In this episode of “The Soul of Enterprise,” hosts Ron Baker and Ed Kless engage with Jordan Birnbaum, CEO of Glinda Group, to explore the intersection of behavioral science and business strategy. They discuss how applied social science can drive measurable improvements in employee engagement, leadership development, and organizational culture. Jordan shares insights from his extensive experience, including his tenure as Chief Behavioral Economist at ADP and his entrepreneurial ventures in the entertainment industry. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how behavioral principles can be harnessed to enhance business outcomes and foster a more engaged workforce. About Jordan Jordan Birnbaum is an industrial/organizational psychologist, applied behavioral scientist, and serial entrepreneur specializing in leadership, motivation, organizational design, product design, sales, marketing, UX, and HR technology. He is the CEO of Glinda Group, a firm dedicated to enhancing employee, customer, and prospect engagement through applied social science.  Previously, Jordan served as Vice President and Chief Behavioral Economist at ADP, where he directed the applral economics principles into new product development in the human capital management market. He also owned and operated The Vanguard in Los Angeles, a renowned music and entertainment venue. 

In this insightful episode of The Soul of Enterprise, Ed and Ron are joined by Ethan M. Williams, the founder of Fractional Pricing Advisors and a recognized expert in value-based pricing strategies. With over two decades of experience in corporate strategy and a Certified Pricing Professional designation, Ethan shares his journey through roles at PwC, GE Digital, and beyond. Together, they delve into how businesses can unlock profitability by moving away from cost-plus models and embracing customer-centric pricing. Tune in to explore actionable strategies for transforming your pricing approach and driving value in today’s competitive market. About Ethan Ethan M. Williams is a Certified Pricing Professional and founder of Fractional Pricing Advisors. With 20+ years in corporate strategy and pricing, Ethan has led transformations at PwC and GE Digital. He holds an MBA from the University of Rochester and is a thought leader in value-based pricing strategies.

In this episode of “The Soul of Enterprise,” hosts Ron Baker and Ed Kless engage with Lonis Hamaili, Vice President of Growth at Próspera, to explore the innovative concept of startup cities and their potential to revolutionize business environments. Próspera, located on Roatán Island, Honduras, offers a unique platform for entrepreneurs, featuring efficient business setup processes, favorable tax regimes, and a flexible regulatory system designed to foster rapid growth and innovation. The discussion delves into how Próspera’s e-Governance platform enables seamless business management, allowing entrepreneurs to focus on building their ventures. Loni shares insights into the community’s development, the opportunities it presents for startups, and the vision behind creating a dynamic, forward-thinking environment that supports both business and lifestyle aspirations. About Lonis Lonis Hamaili serves as the Vice President of Growth at Próspera, a pioneering startup city on Roatán Island, Honduras. With a background in business development and a passion for innovative economic models, Loni leads initiatives to attract and support entrepreneurs and businesses within Próspera’s unique regulatory framework. His work focuses on creating an environment where businesses can thrive through streamlined processes and supportive community infrastructure.

In this enlightening episode, Ron and Ed sit down with Tim Smith, a leading pricing expert and author from Wiglaf Pricing. Together, they dive into the impact of philosopher John Rawls’ Theory of Justice on economic decisions and pricing strategies. Tim shares insights into how Rawls’ principles, like fairness and the “veil of ignorance,” can shape corporate pricing decisions, from the boardroom to the balance sheet. Join us as we explore pricing Spineometers, CEO decision-making, and the ethical considerations behind profitable pricing in today’s market. More about Tim Tim J. Smith, PhD, is the founder and CEO of Wiglaf Pricing, an Adjunct Professor of Marketing and Economics at DePaul University, and the author of Pricing Done Right (Wiley 2016) and Pricing Strategy(Cengage 2012). At Wiglaf Pricing, Smith is helping executives manage price better through consulting, workshops, books, and other media. He provides productized and actionable consulting services for firms of many sizes and across many industries.  He has been a keynote speaker and workshop leader on a variety of pricing topics to professional audiences across the globe. Smith’s popular business book, Pricing Done Right: The Pricing Framework Proven Successful by the World’s Most Profitable Companies, was identified by chief executives as “Essential reading… While many books cover the concepts of pricing, Pricing Done Right goes the additional step of applying the concepts in the real world.”

It's that time of year again! Join Ron and Ed as they dive into the standout books of 2024, sharing personal favorites, groundbreaking reads, and thought-provoking titles that shaped our year. From business insights and innovative thinking to inspiring narratives, we'll highlight books that captivated our curiosity and expanded our perspectives. Whether you're looking for your next read or just enjoy book talk, this episode will give you a curated list of must-reads to wrap up the year in style.

In this annual tradition, Ed and Ron look back on 2024, unpacking the year's most impactful trends, business transformations, and economic shifts. From breakthroughs in AI to evolving tax regulations and the latest developments in technology, they reflect on the standout themes that defined this year. Tune in as they explore what these changes mean for the future, the insights gained along the way, and the lessons learned. Perfect for listeners who want to capture the essence of 2024's business landscape in one insightful episode.

In this episode of The Soul of Enterprise, hosts Ron and Ed welcome back Greg Kyte, a CPA, MBA, and stand-up comedian renowned for his unique blend of accounting expertise and humor. As the G. Robert Newhart Non-value-added Fellow at the VeraSage Institute, Greg has been performing stand-up comedy since 2002 and is the creator of Exposure Drafts, a cartoon series for the accounting profession. He also co-hosts the podcast Oh My Fraud with Caleb Newquist, where they explore financial fraud cases with an irreverent twist. In this lively discussion, they delve into the art of humor in business, the intersection of comedy and accounting, and the importance of engaging content in professional education. Greg shares insights from his experiences as a comedian and educator, offering valuable perspectives on making complex subjects accessible and entertaining.

In his third appearance on The Soul of Enterprise, pricing expert Mark Stiving, Ph.D., returns to share new insights on maximizing profitability through value-based pricing strategies. As the founder and CEO of Impact Pricing, Mark guides businesses toward understanding and articulating their value, so they can stop leaving money on the table. Join Ron and Ed as they dive deep into Mark’s expertise on aligning organizations around value creation, optimizing pricing structures, and tackling the nuances of customer willingness to pay.

Ron and Ed welcome Christophe Jauquet, an expert in health and well-being innovation, to discuss his latest book, The Transformation Economy. Christophe delves into how businesses are evolving to focus on experiences that meaningfully impact people’s lives. From redefining customer engagement to fostering personal growth, Christophe shares insights on the “transformation economy” concept and its implications across industries. Join us for a fascinating conversation on creating value beyond products and services in today’s market.

In this episode, Ron and Ed welcome back Joe Woodard, now a TSOE Sponsor, and Perry Woodin, a leading expert in cryptocurrency compliance and reporting. They will dive into the critical challenges professionals face in navigating the evolving regulatory landscape of digital assets. The discussion will focus on actionable insights for accountants, lawyers, and other service providers on staying compliant with cryptocurrency regulations, best practices for accurate reporting, and the key trends shaping the future of digital asset compliance. Perry will also showcase how NODE40's innovative technology is empowering professionals to simplify the complexities of crypto transactions, ensuring audit readiness and regulatory adherence. This timely conversation provides essential guidance for those looking to stay ahead in the rapidly changing world of cryptocurrency.