21st Century Entrepreneurship

Sean Campbell is a revered figure in the B2B technology landscape, embodying a rich blend of expertise, mentorship, and a clear-eyed understanding of market dynamics. As the CEO and Founder of Cascade Insights, with over 17 years under his belt, Sean has been at the forefront in delivering strategic insights and actionable intelligence to a broad spectrum of players in the tech industry, ranging from budding startups to established tech giants. Our discourse delved into his conceptual framework of the "Age of Narrow," a term he coined to advocate for transparency and explicit communication of a company’s competencies and constraints to the market, aimed at building a foundation of trust with prospective clients.A crucial part of our discussion circled around the notion of engendering trust through a candid representation of one's business capabilities. Sean eloquently stated, "I would say that what you will find if you embrace the age of Narrow... you're going to create trust. Because the one thing I believe people wonder about when they listen to or engage with any piece of content is they're wondering kind of what its limits are or what its boundaries are." His insights highlight the imperative of navigating the skepticism prevalent in today’s marketing and sales communications.Sean’s passion extends beyond the boardroom into the classroom, where he has mentored and educated business professionals. His teaching stint at Willamette University, coupled with his co-authored eBook on maximizing web resources, showcases his dedication to fostering a culture of continuous learning and actionable intelligence. He shares, "I ultimately want these people to excel in their own areas and domains, to be way better than anything I could ever hope to be." This nurturing perspective underscores his commitment to advancing a growth-oriented culture within and beyond his professional sphere.The episode is a treasure trove of Sean's accumulated wisdom on fostering a culture of transparency, the virtue of being an educator in the business realm, and strategically navigating the ever-evolving tech landscape. Sean’s narrative underscores the importance of honest communication and educational leadership in cultivating trust and propelling forward in the B2B tech domain.

Matt Seefeld, Executive Vice President at MedEvolve, Inc., and Founder of myLifeLink, exemplifies discipline, resilience, and a strong community spirit. From being an all-American athlete to a disciplined entrepreneur, Matt has transitioned his athletic discipline into entrepreneurial success in healthcare software development and a personal mission to aid those battling addiction through myLifeLink, a virtual support community.His journey highlights the importance of long-term goals over instant gratification, emphasizing the role of disciplined, relentless effort towards achieving one’s objectives, be it overcoming personal challenges like addiction or succeeding in entrepreneurial ventures.Creating myLifeLink, a free app for individuals grappling with addiction, showcases how personal experiences can evolve into initiatives addressing societal needs. Through myLifeLink, he's established a virtual support sanctuary, stressing that no one should feel isolated in their struggle against addiction. This initiative not only provides aid but also nurtures a community of 'sober warriors,' promoting a collective path towards recovery.Additionally, Matt mentors aspiring entrepreneurs on go-to-market strategies, fundraising, and team-building, exhibiting a holistic approach to making a positive impact. His belief in the interconnection between a healthy body and sound mind, paired with the emphasis on discipline as a precursor to success, offers key takeaways for listeners.To explore Matt’s insights on disciplined living or learn about his initiatives, you can connect with him on LinkedIn or discover the myLifeLink app on Apple Store or Google Play, delving into the community he’s fostering for individuals pursuing sobriety. This episode encapsulates not just an inspiring narrative but practical advice for individuals and entrepreneurs, making it a rich source of life lessons.

Tom Jackobs is a seasoned public speaker and storytelling coach with a knack for turning personal narratives into impactful sales pitches. In our engaging conversation, we spoke about Tom's unique journey from crashing and burning on stage to mastering the art of ‘selling from the stage’ through storytelling, emphasizing the transformational power of a well-constructed personal narrative.Tom reminisced about his initial struggle with stage sales, sharing a particular instance where a lack of connection and the right content led to a glaring failure in front of 60 potential clients. It was a bitter learning curve that eventually shaped his distinct approach to public speaking and sales.“I didn’t have the right content, I didn’t connect with my audience using a personal story, and I was super awkward in the pitch,” Tom reflects on his past missteps.His methodology is unlike any other. With a background in Theatre, Tom leverages his performance, scriptwriting, and production skills to assist business owners, coaches, and authors in amplifying their revenue using their personal stories. His expertise transcends traditional public speaking coaching, tapping into the essence of authentic storytelling to foster a genuine connection with the audience.Tom elaborated on the process he employs, which commences with honing an individual's Impact Story. He stressed the significance of structuring this story in a way that captivates the audience, seamlessly intertwines teaching moments, and culminates in pitches that don’t feel like pitches. The aim is to turn these narratives into a Hollywood blockbuster, a thrilling journey that holds the audience's attention while subtly leading them to a desired action.“You find a story which will have a real impact, utilize a proven method to structure it to captivate your audience, create your teaching moments, create your pitches which don’t seem like pitches, use your voice and your body to create a performance, and create your speaker kit to book more opportunities,” Tom outlines his meticulous process.What sets Tom apart is his lived experience, once being in the shoes of individuals striving to sell their products but lacking the know-how. His amalgamation of real-world sales experience, performance acumen from theatre, and a structured approach to storytelling births a unique coaching system. It’s about creating an impact, evoking emotions, and directing those emotions towards a meaningful action—making a purchase.Our discourse extended to practical examples where Tom’s storytelling framework significantly bolstered a client’s business. The case of Fatima, a fitness entrepreneur, was particularly noteworthy. Her dramatic life story, when curated and presented effectively, doubled her business within a year—a testament to the profound impact storytelling can have on sales and audience engagement.We wrapped up our conversation with an invitation for a complimentary call with Tom, offering a chance to explore a collaborative journey towards mastering the art of storytelling in sales. It's not just about selling a product; it's about selling a narrative that resonates, engages, and ultimately, convinces.

In this thought-provoking episode, we dive deep with Bill Ottman, the CEO and co-founder of Minds.com, as he articulates the evolution of modern marketing towards authenticity, and the compelling journey of Minds.com - a decentralized social network platform emphasizing freedom, transparency, and user empowerment. Bill underscores the gravity of crafting a business persona that resonates realness, and a hint of quirkiness, as it's the "authenticity" that nowadays, effortlessly gravitates the audience. “It goes viral because it’s real. It's authentic...authenticity is what people crave,” he reflects.We trail through the concept of agile business models, epitomized by Minds.com’s unique offering of personalized social networks for brands, all the while preserving an open, user-centric ecosystem. It’s an illustrative lesson on not merely reacting to market demands but evolving in a way that’s organic and resonates with your core principles. “We never set out to duplicate what someone else was doing...the whole idea is to do the opposite of what they do,” Bill remarks.The conversation steers towards the robust, remote, and decentralized work culture at Minds.com, resonating the modern-day emphasis on work-life amalgamation, as opposed to a stark separation. Bill shares his daily regimen that encapsulates this philosophy and the crucial role of physical wellness in sustaining productivity and mental clarity.The episode underscores a pivotal shift in the social media landscape, veering away from an obsession with mere growth to a more sustainable, value-driven approach. Bill elucidates, “It’s about revenue, it’s about profit, it’s about selling things that people want.”Moreover, Bill introduces us to the intriguing amplification system on Minds.com, which facilitates a genuine connection between users, a far cry from the throttled outreach on mainstream platforms. It's a refreshing narrative on how a smaller network can yield more potent engagements.The episode is laden with insightful anecdotes, clever strategies, and a refreshing perspective on the social media paradigm, which could serve as a beacon for budding entrepreneurs, marketers, or anyone intrigued by the digital realm’s endless possibilities.

In this episode, Daniel Gagnon unravels the multi-faceted challenges confronting today's leaders. Painting a vivid picture of the post-pandemic landscape, he highlights the tensions surrounding return-to-office dynamics and the pitfalls of current digital transformations. With a captivating analogy, Gagnon introduces the "Silos Steeple Chase," a metaphor for the unpredictable and shifting obstacles within organizational structures. "Unlike the Olympic sport, where there are 28 barriers the same size… the organizational steeple chase features barriers where you don’t know how many there are, you don’t know the distance between them," he observes.Gagnon's insights into the need for unity in leadership are both profound and timely, emphasizing the misalignment of short-term thinking with broader organizational visions. However, hope emerges from the challenges. Through the Agile Leader Academy, which Gagnon co-founded, he presents an approach that combines tailored education, professional coaching, and timely advising. Gagnon's conviction shines when he states, "You can still make a difference if you’re the only one."Key Takeaways:Leadership in the modern era is akin to navigating a ‘Siloed Steeple Chase’ of unforeseen challenges.Without a unified vision, digital transformations can be more disruptive than beneficial.Proper education, bolstered by professional coaching, can pave the way for decisive, informed leadership.Autonomy remains paramount: "The first thought that I have when engaging with a new client is, how fast can I stop engaging with this client?… my goal is to leave an autonomous, aware, and self-guiding individual in my wake."Feeling the pressures of modern leadership? Dive into this episode with Daniel Gagnon and discover strategies to navigate the tumultuous digital landscape. Master the maze, find your path, and shape your leadership journey. Listen now!

In The Underdog Founder. Edrizio De La Cruz shares his odyssey as a Dominican immigrant who grew up in Harlem, dropped out of college and the US Air force, to become aircraft technician and help makes ends meet. He later returned to college, worked on Wall Street, and earned his MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. In 2013, Edrizio co-founded Arcus, a fintech company that was backed by Y Combinator, Citi Ventures, SoftBank, and Ignia. In 2021, the company was ultimately sold to Mastercard.We discussed the importance of understanding what fuels one's entrepreneurial spirit. As Edrizio wisely puts it, "Ideas may change, teams may change... But what doesn't change is what drives you." Being in the company of smarter individuals, the significance of cultivating grit, and the role of sheer perseverance in the startup world are key highlights of our conversation.A captivating moment from our talk was Edrizio's recollection of rejecting a stable job at Citi for a more uncertain future. His conviction shines through when he says, "Sometimes you have to burn the bridges, and the only way to move forward is to have nothing to go back to."Listeners can expect an infusion of motivation, drawing from Edrizio's own experiences, and the assurance that every obstacle can indeed be transformed into a massive opportunity.Key Takeaways:The unparalleled power of understanding what drives you."Cultivate grit, startups become a game of stamina."Surrounding yourself with smarter people can elevate your game.The pivotal role of tenacity in startup success.

In this captivating episode, Michael Lebhar dives deep into the ever-evolving realm of e-commerce, drawing attention to the untapped potential of the Walmart marketplace. As Amazon has been the reigning champ of e-commerce, Lebhar sheds light on the myriad opportunities that Walmart presents, especially for those seasoned in the Amazon arena."Walmart was the only other channel that really gave significant results," Michael reveals, emphasizing the value of a strategic approach to stand out in the crowd.Delve into Michael's insights on:The nuances distinguishing Amazon and Walmart from an e-commerce seller's lens.The pivotal role of diversification in e-commerce platforms for sustained brand growth.Walmart's unique ecosystem advantages, from dominating Google traffic to the potential for an in-store presence.How Walmart’s omnipresent strategy is reshaping the digital retail landscape.A peek into the future of e-commerce and the ascension of the omnichannel experience.Michael’s personal journey of skyrocketing a brand to the pinnacle of Walmart's online marketplace and transitioning into their brick-and-mortar outlets.The conversation transcends typical selling strategies, highlighting the profound worth of aligning with a platform's expansion, as Michael notes, "When a retailer and a marketplace are spending so much to enhance their presence as a whole, you want to be part of that growth."For e-commerce aficionados and budding entrepreneurs, this episode offers invaluable insights that can recalibrate your perspective on online marketplaces. Grasp why diversification is paramount, the essence of a digital-first perspective, and how to ride the meteoric rise platforms like Walmart bring to the table.

In this captivating episode, Brooke Lively, the force behind Cathedral Capital, unveils the myriad challenges and solutions at the heart of entrepreneurial finance. From a daring decision of letting go of her biggest client to introducing the revolutionary "rule of thirds," Brooke underscores the pivotal role of strategic financial insights for small businesses.Brooke candidly recounts her story of facing immense financial hurdles and battling self-doubt, stating, "I was scared. I was petrified, in fact. Can my business survive? What if this doesn't work?" Such vulnerable admissions are paired with the revelation of her resilience and commitment to her vision, a journey that saw her emerging stronger and more focused than ever. As she aptly puts it, "I knew what I wanted for the company. I had a vision... I could walk through fire to get to it, and I did for 26 months straight."Listeners will find valuable insights into the importance of data-driven decision-making, with Brooke emphasizing how entrepreneurs often make decisions based on gut instinct. However, looking at the actual numbers offers clarity, confidence, and reduces decision fatigue. Another highlight of the episode is the emphasis on the significance of core values in shaping a company's culture, with Brooke remarking, "Culture is the bedrock of any company, and culture is based on your core values."Top Takeaways:Understand the difference between revenue and gross profit. Know where you're overperforming and underperforming.Core values aren't mere words; they should be action-oriented phrases that shape your company's every move.Decision-making based on data provides clarity and reduces the mental toll on entrepreneurs.The importance of aligning with clients and employees who resonate with your core values cannot be overstated.Tune into this episode to hear Brooke Lively’s riveting journey of overcoming financial challenges and learn about the tools and strategies she uses to ensure profitability. Plus, don't miss out on accessing the exclusive Profit Finder tool mentioned in the episode—check the show notes now!

Join us as we welcome Darren Gallop, the visionary behind Carbide, a trailblazing information security and data privacy company. In an era where business dynamics shift with rapid technological advancements, Darren pulls back the curtain on the vital intersections of security, culture, and global commerce.Darren candidly addresses the labyrinth of data privacy regulations, such as GDPR. As he puts it, "Navigating data privacy today is akin to deciphering a global jigsaw puzzle, where every piece represents a different jurisdiction’s expectation." But it's not just about external threats. Darren underscores the fact that "Even with all the tools at our disposal, human error remains a formidable adversary. Employee training isn't just a checkmark; it's a cornerstone."Diving deep into Carbide’s ethos, he accentuates the imperative of baking security into the very DNA of business culture. "At Carbide, our mission isn’t just to protect but to educate and integrate. Our clients don’t just get a platform; they inherit an arsenal of expertise.”Yet, what truly sets this conversation apart is Darren’s forward-looking analysis. He envisions a cybersecurity horizon on the brink of consolidation, emphasizing, "Businesses don’t want a security stack that's a tower of Babel. They want coherence, collaboration, and simplicity."This episode is more than just a conversation; it's an immersion into the future of cybersecurity for SMBs. Darren's words aren't mere statements; they're proclamations of an evolving industry. Understand why the 'one-size-fits-all' approach is an artifact of the past. Discover the revolutionary steps SMBs can take to not just survive but thrive in the digital age. From the global challenges of cybersecurity to the seamless integration of security in business culture, embark on this enlightening journey with us.

Join us for a profound conversation with Gil Allouche, the visionary CEO and founder of Metadata. As the brain behind a revolutionary Marketing OS, Metadata is setting new standards by freeing B2B marketers from the drudgery of manual tasks and letting them zero in on strategy and creativity. "B2B marketers use Metadata’s Marketing OS to drive more revenue without all the manual and repetitive work," Allouche says, emphasizing the innovative drive of his company. But beyond business mechanics, Allouche delves into the heart and soul of leadership. With candid insights, he shares, "Every problem in the company is just a reflection of a problem that you have." It's a reflection of his belief that businesses mirror the personal growth of their leaders. With Metadata's expansive charitable commitments, from painting schools to women empowerment, Allouche beautifully conveys, "empowering our people...that's the biggest one if you're building humans." Learn from his tales of holistic employee growth, the significance of self-aware decision-making frameworks, the underestimated power of a CEO support network, and the transformative impact of mentorship. Dive into a conversation that seamlessly blends the nuances of business growth with the essence of human development. A not-to-miss episode packed with profound takeaways!