Difference Talks

Send us a textChuck Surack, founder of Sweetwater, shares his journey from being a musician to building the largest music equipment retail company worldwide. He emphasizes the importance of trust and building relationships with customers, which has been a key factor in Sweetwater's success. Chuck also discusses the challenges he faced during the recession and the COVID-19 pandemic, and how he rallied his team to overcome them. He highlights the importance of always moving forward and never settling for mediocrity. Additionally, Chuck talks about his philanthropic work and his passion for music. Takeaways Building trust and strong relationships with customers is crucial for business success. During challenging times, it is important for leaders to rally their teams and focus on the basics. Never settle for mediocrity and always strive for improvement. Philanthropy and giving back to the community can be a fulfilling and impactful endeavor. Passion and a positive mindset are key drivers of success. About Chuck Surack: With a passion for providing excellent service, Chuck founded Sweetwater in 1979, which started as a mobile recording studio out of the back of a Volkswagen bus and became the nation’s largest online music instrument retailer. He and his wife, Lisa continue to give back to the Northeast Indiana community through the Sweet Family of Companies and the Surack Family Foundation. Where to Find More: https://surackenterprises.com/  Join the Conversation: We hope you enjoy this episode with Chuck Surack. Be sure to listen, subscribe, and leave a review to let us know your thoughts! 

Send us a textIn this conversation, Barry LaBov interviews Seth Godin about his new book, 'This Is Strategy.' They discuss the importance of differentiation, the role of empathy and systems in strategy, and the power of games. Seth emphasizes the need for strategy to be focused on making a difference over time and serving a specific audience. He also shares insights on his writing process and the importance of integrity. The conversation concludes with Seth's major takeaways from the book and his belief in the value of every day. Takeaways Differentiation is crucial in strategy to avoid being commoditized and to stand out from the competition. Strategy should be focused on making a difference over time and serving a specific audience. Empathy and humility are essential in understanding and connecting with others in strategy. Systems play a significant role in strategy, and understanding their dynamics can help navigate and leverage them. Saying 'no' to opportunities that don't align with your strategy is important for long-term success. The best day is the present day, and finding joy and gratitude in each day is a mindset that can lead to fulfillment. About Seth Godin: Seth Godin is an entrepreneur, best-selling author, and speaker. In addition to launching one of the most popular blogs in the world, he has written 21 best-selling books, including The Dip, Linchpin, Purple Cow, Tribes, and What To Do When It's Your Turn (And It's Always Your Turn). His book, This is Marketing, was an instant bestseller in countries around the world. Seth has been inducted into the Guerrilla Marketing Hall of Fame, Direct Marketing Hall of Fame, and Marketing Hall of Fame. Where to Find More: https://www.sethgodin.com/  Join the Conversation: We hope you enjoy this episode with Seth Godin. Be sure to listen, subscribe, and leave a review to let us know your thoughts! 

Send us a textJohan de Nysschen, an icon in the automotive industry, shares his experiences reigniting premium brands and empowering internal teams and dealer networks . He discusses his experience leading Audi and Cadillac, and the challenges he faced in rallying the brands to stand up for their uniqueness. He emphasizes the importance of brand differentiation and the value of the brand experience. Johan also reflects on his achievements, including the turnaround of Cadillac and the future of electric vehicles. 

Send us a textJacob Brown is a transformational speaker, coach, author, podcaster, and former NFL player. Emphasizing the importance of failing forward, he uses failures as a springboard for success. Jacob believes in the power of leadership and rallying people around a common goal, celebrating their achievements, and giving them a sense of meaning and significance. His message is one of hope, inspiration, and transformation. Key highlights from the conversation: Failure can be a steppingstone to success if you have a fail-forward mentality. Taking accountability for your actions and learning from failures can lead to personal growth. Vulnerability and transparency can inspire and help others who are going through similar struggles. Leaders should rally people around a common goal, celebrate their achievements, and give them a sense of meaning and significance. About Jacob Brown: Jacob Brown's journey from the tough NFL fields to speaking on international stages is nothing short of inspiring. Today, as an experienced entrepreneur, engaging speaker, and recognized writer, he shows the true power of resilience. Beyond his sports achievements, Jacob co-founded Varlo, a leading brand in cycling and triathlon apparel. Where to find more: https://failforwardbrown.com/  Links and Resources: https://www.instagram.com/officialjakebrown/?hl=en  https://www.youtube.com/@JacobBrownFailForward https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobaaronbrown/  https://www.facebook.com/FailForwardBrown/  https://failforwardbrown.com/fail-forward/  

Send us a textDon Hunter, CEO of Haig Point Club and a leader in the private golf club industry, shares his journey and experiences in excelling in a demanding industry. He discusses the importance of differentiation and the challenges he faced in turning around struggling clubs. Don highlights the importance of humanizing the customer experience and creating an emotional connection with staff. His personal differentiation as an entrepreneurial leader initiative and drives decision-making.  Key highlights from the conversation: Differentiation is crucial in the private golf club industry to stand out and attract members. Change management is necessary in struggling clubs to turn them around and achieve growth. Creating an emotional connection with staff and humanizing the customer experience is key to success. Being an entrepreneurial leader involves taking initiative and driving decision-making. About Don Hunter: Don Hunter is the CEO of Haig Point Club and has over three decades in the club management/service industry. He has realized remarkable success through change and innovation at numerous high-profile facilities. Don has hosted successful and memorable large-scale golf competitions at clubs around the country. He holds a CCM Designation from the Club Managers Association of America. Where to find more: https://haigpoint.com/ Links and Resources: https://www.linkedin.com/in/don-hunter-ccm-b2581a25/ https://haigpoint.com/ Join the Conversation: We hope you enjoy this episode with Don Hunter. Be sure to listen, subscribe, and leave a review to let us know your thoughts! 

Send us a textBob Chapman is CEO of Barry-Wehmiller and co-author of the bestselling book Everybody Matters: The Extraordinary Power of Caring for Your People Like Family. During this illuminating episode, Bob discusses the idea of Truly Human Leadership, which involves caring for employees as if they were family and involving them in finding solutions and making sacrifices together. Key highlights from the conversation: Businesses have the potential to be a powerful force for good by prioritizing the well-being and dignity of their employees. Leaders should strive to create disciples who will carry forward the vision of truly human leadership. Treating people like family and creating a culture of care and respect can lead to business success. Leaders have a responsibility to give their employees a grounded sense of hope for the future, even during times of crisis. Positive communication and effective confrontation are essential in creating a culture where people can grow and thrive. About Bob Chapman: Bob Chapman is Chairman and CEO of St. Louis, Missouri-based Barry-Wehmiller, a $3.6 billion global capital equipment and engineering solutions company. In addition to being a bestselling author, Bob was named the Tharseō CEO of the Year by the Society for Human Resource Management. He uses his platform as a business leader to build a better world. Where to find more: https://www.barrywehmiller.com/story/leader/bob-chapman  Links and Resources:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-chapman-89b936b8/ https://www.barrywehmiller.com/ https://www.barrywehmiller.com/outreach/book Join the Conversation: We hope you enjoy this episode with Bob Chapman. Be sure to listen, subscribe, and leave a review to let us know your thoughts! 

Send us a textThe LABOV Difference Talks Podcast is all about differentiation and celebrating what makes brands unique. In each episode, we meet people who’ve dared to stand up and stand out, sometimes against great odds. We share the stories of how they have differentiated themselves, their enterprises, or their brands, and given meaning to those around them. This podcast is a journey into what it takes to win hearts, minds, and market share. In a world of copies, conformity, and commodities, uniqueness speaks volumes... Difference Talks. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast and leave a review. You won’t want to miss a single episode! Where to find more: www.differencetalks.com  Links and Resources:  www.labov.com  www.barrylabov.com  Join the Conversation: We hope you enjoy this episode of the Difference Talks Podcast. Be sure to listen, subscribe, and leave a review to let us know your thoughts!