Problem Solvers

Annie Duke, a former professional poker player and author of "Quit: The Power of Knowing When to Walk Away," shares her insights on the often-overlooked virtue of quitting. She argues that letting go of unproductive pursuits can lead to greater success. The discussion highlights psychological factors at play, such as cognitive biases that make quitting feel premature. Duke emphasizes the importance of understanding when to step back, presenting strategic frameworks to aid decision-making in entrepreneurship. It's a refreshing take on success that redefines perseverance.

Holden Forrest, the innovative Founder and CEO of HiberTec Homes, shares the incredible story behind his groundbreaking idea to lower houses underground for wildfire protection. He discusses the journey from sketching his vision on his daughter's math homework to launching a tech company with multiple patents. Holden dives into the importance of resilience in overcoming challenges, securing funding, and the vital role of networking. His passion for creating sustainable housing solutions highlights the intersection of ambition and personal well-being in entrepreneurship.

Jen Kem, author of "Unicorn Team" and founder of Master Brand Institute, specializes in team building and leadership. In this discussion, she reveals the three essential skills—visualization, strategizing, and mobilization—and how to combine them effectively for a powerful team. Kem emphasizes the importance of identifying your own skill type and hiring accordingly. She also introduces nine key roles needed for success, providing practical insights on balancing these roles to enhance productivity and drive innovation.

Sahil Bloom, author of "The 5 Types of Wealth," inspires listeners to redefine their understanding of wealth beyond just money. He emphasizes the significance of time as a vital resource, sharing strategies for effective time allocation and prioritizing what truly matters. Bloom discusses the personal transformations necessary to embrace meaningful success and the importance of self-awareness in achieving it. He also highlights the value of gratitude and the need for setting healthy boundaries, encouraging a more fulfilling life.

This episode features Steve Sims, a renowned business coach celebrated for turning ambitious ideas into reality. He emphasizes the importance of brevity in communication, revealing how founders often complicate messages. Sims discusses his journey from East London to creating extraordinary experiences for elite clients, underscoring the value of directness in building relationships. He also shares tips on crafting compelling bios and pitches, and highlights how impactful questions can forge connections with influential figures.

Sean Tresvant, the innovative CEO of Taco Bell, shares insights from his transformative first year at the helm. He discusses his unique formula for building an incredible brand: math + magic. The conversation dives into maintaining Taco Bell's relevance and strong consumer relationships, leveraging nostalgia for enhanced brand loyalty. Tresvant emphasizes the importance of company culture, collaboration, and the role of authenticity in operations, showcasing how these elements drive Taco Bell's continued success in a competitive market.

This will sound crazy: When you only focus on your core skillset, your growth slows. Instead, you need to add what Jonathan Goodman calls "leapfrog skills" — a list of five other skills (including writing and human psychology) that will accelerate your growth. Goodman is a hugely successful serial entrepreneur and author of the new book The Obvious Choice. In this episode, he explains how to find and learn your leapfrog skills. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why do great companies make bad products? The answer is confirmation bias, and a lack of true connection with your customer. Phyl Terry is a pioneer in the field of consumer experience, and shares an important methodology — which helped Facebook in its earliest days! Today, Phyl also helps people who are searching for jobs through the program Never Search Alone. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Should you curse at work? There isn't much cursing on Problem Solvers, but over on Jason's other podcast Help Wanted, it happens a little more often... and a listener complained! Today, Jason and his Help Wanted cohost discuss when it's appropriate for professionals to curse — and how how to calibrate the trade-off between raw personality and professionalism. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Morgan is engaged to Jack. Jack didn't include Morgan in a business deal, but she feels *strongly* that he should have. Now she's mad. What should they do? In this episode from Jason's other podcast, called Help Wanted, Jason and his cohost Nicole Lapin help this couple through a rocky moment — and talk about what happens when finances get personal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices