Schmidt List - Entrepreneurial Insights

Jim Cuene, a digital marketing and emerging technologies expert, joins Kurt Schmidt on the Schmidt List podcast to discuss career transitions, entrepreneurship, winding down a business, and finding focus. Cuene shares his professional journey working at agencies and corporations like Cicerone, Go Kart Labs, General Mills, American Express, and Ameriprise Financial before starting his firm, Fahren.Cuene and Schmidt discuss the challenges of closing a business, handling employee well-being during transitions, outstanding client payments, and lease negotiations. They emphasize the importance of being intentional, kind, and in the right headspace when making significant career changes or winding down a company.Schmidt talks about his approach to gaining market feedback, building a community, and providing value through webinars, ebooks, and agency scorecards. He highlights the mindset of abundance and the value of a trusted network when starting a new venture. The conversation also touches on the uncertainty of career trajectories, the need for personal ownership and accountability, and the mix of excitement and pressure when launching a new business. Cuene shares the difficulty of being honest about needs and wants and creating opportunities, while Schmidt outlines his coaching system, focusing on leadership's impact on service quality and client relationships.Connect with Jim! https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimcuene/There is too much Schmidt to List! Check out https://www.kurtschmidt.me for more show info.   Visit Kurt’s coaching site at https://schmidtconsulting.group  Subscribe to The Road Map Newsletter and unlock the secrets to achieving a harmonious work-life balance as a leader. https://bit.ly/RoadMapNewsletter New Book! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D2C61THR   Follow us on all the things!https://twitter.com/Schmidt_Listhttps://www.instagram.com/schmidtlistpodcast/  https://www.facebook.com/schmidtlist/ https://www.youtube.com/c/SchmidtListBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/schmidt-list-entrepreneurial-insights--2664825/support.

In the "Schmidt List" podcast, hosts Kurt Schmidt and Lucy Hinton explore the essential role of user experience (UX) and user research in creating successful digital products. Lucy Hinton, a UX consultant at Fathom Consulting, shares her deep experience designing digital and physical products. She highlights the importance of understanding user needs to align product functionalities with user expectations.The conversation shifts to how organizations move from top-down design to customer-driven methods. Kurt uses the famous, though misattributed, Henry Ford's "faster horses" quote to underscore the importance of grasping user needs for true innovation. Lucy offers practical advice for those new to user research, emphasizing the need to learn users' broader contexts and environments through prototypes and usability tests.They discuss the framework for the jobs, focusing on users' tasks rather than just their interactions with products. Lucy underlines the need to account for varied user environments and tailor designs accordingly. The discussion also covers the importance of competitor analysis without merely copying trends that may not suit the business.Lucy discusses the significance of presenting research findings objectively, urging the removal of personal bias and the inclusion of diverse viewpoints. She differentiates general user feedback from usability testing, endorsing the latter to validate hypotheses through real interactions. They also discuss the importance of building rapport with users for genuine feedback and the risks of biased questioning.Visit Lucy!lucillehinton.comlinkedin.com/in/lucillehintonconsultfathom.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/schmidt-list-entrepreneurial-insights--2664825/support.

Sarah Panus, a content marketing expert specializing in social media and customer engagement, shares her insights on modern marketing strategies. She emphasizes the importance of focusing on impactful social media platforms rather than spreading too thin. Sarah advocates for content patience, suggesting it takes time to see results. She also introduces the StoryBrand framework to better connect with target audiences and encourages establishing key storytelling pillars for effective narrative. Tune in for actionable tips to refine your content strategy!

Join us on the Schmidt List Podcast as host Kurt Schmidt sits down with Beth Elliott, the owner of Elberry Transformation Consultants, to dive deep into the world of AI in change management and its impact on organizations. 🎙️🤖In this insightful episode, Kurt and Beth explore the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning in the business landscape. They discuss how AI is being leveraged as a solution in change management, the importance of human-centered design in AI implementation, and the pivotal role of team collaboration and customer feedback.🌟 **Key Topics Covered in This Episode:** -The role of AI and machine learning in change management discussions - The need to consider the impact of AI on people and processes - The challenges of aligning perceptions and values surrounding AI - Using analog methods like online whiteboards for collaboration - The importance of front-end strategy and alignment among leaders - Steps to avoid a decision by committee approach - High-level strategy and iterative concept co-creation in highly regulated environments - The significance of cross-functional collaboration and breaking down silos - The benefits of getting direct customer feedback - Addressing broken systems and processes in digital transformation - The impact of social media on organizational processes and customer experience - The limitations of digital transformation and software adoption challenges - Best practices for effective communication and change management Beth shares her experiences of working with large organizations to foster cross-functional collaboration and identify complex business problems. From improving call times in a health insurance call center to cultivating storytellers within organizations, this episode is packed with practical insights and real-world examples.💼 **About Our Guest:** Beth Elliott, owner of Elberry Transformation Consultants, specializes in innovation and transformation consulting. Her expertise lies in human-centered design, enterprise transformation strategy, and breaking down organizational silos to facilitate collaboration.🔗 **Connect with Beth Elliott:****Website:** www.ellberry.com  **LinkedIn:** https://www.linkedin.com/in/belliott17/ 👂 **Don't Miss Out:**If you’re interested in AI, change management, innovation, and transformation within organizations, this episode is a must-listen! Be sure to subscribe to the Schmidt List Podcast for more engaging discussions with industry experts.There is too much Schmidt to List! Check out https://www.kurtschmidt.me for more show info.   Visit Kurt’s coaching site at https://schmidtconsulting.group  Subscribe to The Road Map Newsletter and unlock the secrets to achieving a harmonious work-life balance as a leader. https://bit.ly/RoadMapNewsletter New Book! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D2C61THR  Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/schmidt-list-entrepreneurial-insights--2664825/support.

We're excited to present the latest episode of Schmidt List featuring the insightful Creg Schumann! This episode is packed with transformative ideas on embracing failure and the power of storytelling, which is crucial for any innovator.Key Highlights:- Learning from Failure: Creg discusses how accepting failure can drive success and innovation.- Effective Storytelling: Discover the impact of making your customers the heroes of your business stories.- Strategic Alignment: Learn how to align your strategy with your organization’s identity through empathy.- Collaborative Innovation: Explore the benefits of multidisciplinary teams and pilot programs.- Analog Approaches: Using simple tools like pen, paper, and whiteboards for effective communication.Kurt Schmidt hints at a future book from Creg Schumann and recommends the white paper linked in the episode notes. Be sure to check it out! Connect with Creg on LinkedIn and join him at various meetups. Stay tuned for more thought-provoking episodes!There is too much Schmidt to List! Check out https://www.kurtschmidt.me for more show info.   Visit Kurt’s coaching site at https://schmidtconsulting.group  Subscribe to The Road Map Newsletter and unlock the secrets to achieving a harmonious work-life balance as a leader. https://bit.ly/RoadMapNewsletter New Book! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D2C61THR   Follow us on all the things!https://twitter.com/Schmidt_Listhttps://www.instagram.com/schmidtlistpodcast/  https://www.facebook.com/schmidtlist/ https://www.youtube.com/c/SchmidtListBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/schmidt-list-entrepreneurial-insights--2664825/support.

We're back with another exciting episode of the Schmidt List! This week, we had the pleasure of hosting Benji Borner, a dynamic leader in technology and networking. If you're curious about how to build and leverage your network authentically, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.Episode Highlights:🔹 Innovative Practice Development:Benji shares his journey of building a new practice that takes a fresh approach to technology leadership, emphasizing interim fractional advisory and solving business problems.🔹 Networking Insights:Learn about Benji’s transition from an introverted tech leader to a networking maven. He delves into the importance of having a mentor, being curious, and showing up authentically in every conversation.🔹 Overcoming Challenges:Benji opens up about the hurdles he faced when he transitioned from a CIO role and how he utilized his network to navigate his career path effectively.🔹 Practical Tips:Discover actionable advice on how to initiate meaningful conversations, the value of curiosity, and even some creative ways Benji prepared for networking meetings (hint: it involves his kids!).Memorable Quote:“People want to help. They've accepted the meeting. Getting over that mental hurdle is crucial. Show up authentically and stay curious.”LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benji-borner/Follow Ascendex Consulting on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ascendexconsulting/Ascendex Consulting: https://ascendexconsulting.comThere is too much Schmidt to List! Check out https://www.kurtschmidt.me for more show info.   Visit Kurt’s coaching site at https://schmidtconsulting.group  Subscribe to The Road Map Newsletter and unlock the secrets to achieving a harmonious work-life balance as a leader. https://bit.ly/RoadMapNewsletter New Book! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D2C61THR  Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/schmidt-list-entrepreneurial-insights--2664825/support.

In our latest Schmidt List episode, we chatted with Gray MacKenzie, co-founder of Zen Pilot. If you’re aiming to elevate your agency’s operations, this is an episode you don’t want to miss! Here are some highlights:Top Insights from Gray MacKenzie:1. Essential Resources:- 🌐 [ZenPilot.com](https://zenpilot.com) for services and consultations.- 🔗 [Gray’s LinkedIn](https://linkedin.com/in/graymackenzie) for updates.- 📺 [YouTube Channel](https://youtube.com/zenpilot) with 100+ tutorial videos.2. Proven Engagement Process:Zen Pilot starts with a two-week blueprint process, including a team benchmark survey and a thorough assessment of your project management infrastructure.3. Scalable Packages:Post-blueprint, they offer scalable engagement packages starting at $4K per month, tailored to maximize your ROI.4. Achieving ROI:Agencies can see potential profitability improvements of up to half a million dollars in the first year, with 30-40% of this realized within the same period.5. Emphasis on Cultural Change:Gray underscores the importance of team buy-in and cultural alignment to make new processes stick.6. Addressing Operational Challenges:From capacity management to forecasting, Zen Pilot provides strategic solutions to common agency hurdles.7. Confidence in Pricing:Gray offers practical advice on positioning and confidently raising your rates to reflect your expertise.🔗 Quick Links:There is too much Schmidt to List! Check out https://www.kurtschmidt.me for more show info.   Visit Kurt’s coaching site at https://schmidtconsulting.group  Subscribe to The Road Map Newsletter and unlock the secrets to achieving a harmonious work-life balance as a leader. https://bit.ly/RoadMapNewsletter New Book! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D2C61THR   Follow us on all the things!https://twitter.com/Schmidt_Listhttps://www.instagram.com/schmidtlistpodcast/  https://www.facebook.com/schmidtlist/ https://www.youtube.com/c/SchmidtListBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/schmidt-list-entrepreneurial-insights--2664825/support.

I'm thrilled to share our latest Schmidt List episode with the incredible Matt DeWolf from MK Quinn Media! 🎤 We delve into the world of podcasting and its immense value for businesses in content creation and strategy.In this episode, we explore:-Integrating podcasting into a comprehensive content strategy.-The need for consistency and a personal touch in your content.-The numerous benefits of podcasting, from community building to revenue generation.💡 3 Key Takeaways*:- Consistency Matters: Use an editorial calendar to maintain regular and reliable content.- Be Human: Relax and connect genuinely with your audience.- Start Small: Don’t overcomplicate the technical side; begin with the basics and grow from there.Discover how Matt has shifted from video to podcasting, boosting engagement and creating new opportunities, especially within the B2B space.Visit Matt:https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattsdewolf/https://www.mkquinnmedia.com/There is too much Schmidt to List! Check out https://www.kurtschmidt.me for more show info.   Visit Kurt’s coaching site at https://schmidtconsulting.group  Subscribe to The Road Map Newsletter and unlock the secrets to achieving a harmonious work-life balance as a leader. https://bit.ly/RoadMapNewsletter New Book! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D2C61THR   Follow us on all the things!https://twitter.com/Schmidt_Listhttps://www.instagram.com/schmidtlistpodcast/  https://www.facebook.com/schmidtlist/ https://www.youtube.com/c/SchmidtListBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/schmidt-list-entrepreneurial-insights--2664825/support.

🔒 Welcome to another insightful episode of the Schmidt List Podcast! In this episode, host Kurt Schmidt sits down with Chris Cathers, co-founder of Octelient, a Twin Cities-based cybersecurity firm. They dive deep into the intricacies of balancing security and productivity in business environments. If you are a business owner, entrepreneur, or someone interested in information security, this podcast episode is packed with valuable insights and practical advice. 💼Key Takeaways:1. Security in Business: Chris Cathers discusses the importance of having a robust security strategy for businesses of all sizes. Learn how to manage cyber risks effectively.2. Balancing Productivity and Security: Gain insights on how to strike the right balance between keeping your business secure and maintaining high productivity levels.3. Incident Response: Understand the importance of having a well-thought-out incident response plan and clear communication strategies within your organization.4. Common Security Mistakes: Identify and rectify common security mistakes that could put your business at risk.5. Role of AI in Security: Explore the growing role of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in cybersecurity.6. Virtual CISO and Security Advisors: Discover how hiring a Virtual Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) or a cybersecurity advisor can help small and medium-sized businesses.Topics Covered:- Fundamentals of information security- Security for manufacturing, SaaS organizations, and law firms- Why communication is crucial in security strategies- Prevention vs. Detection in cybersecurity - Managed detection and response (MDR)- Common misconfigurations and how to avoid them- Importance of data backups and recovery plans- Effective internal communication strategies during a security breach- How to get started with security auditing- Impact of AI on cybersecurity- Proactive vs. Reactive security measures- Importance of multifactor authentication (MFA)Chris Cathers is the co-founder of Octelient, a cybersecurity firm dedicated to helping organizations that are often underserved in the market when it comes to security. With his extensive experience in the field, Chris provides valuable insights into how businesses can protect themselves from cyber threats while maintaining productivity.Follow Chris Cathers and Octelient:- LinkedIn: [LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/chriscathers/)- Octelient Website: [Octelient.com](https://www.octelient.com)There is too much Schmidt to List! Check out https://www.kurtschmidt.me for more show info.   Visit Kurt’s coaching site at https://schmidtconsulting.group  Subscribe to The Road Map Newsletter and unlock the secrets to achieving a harmonious work-life balance as a leader. https://bit.ly/RoadMapNewsletter New Book! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D2C61THR   Follow us on all the things! https://twitter.com/Schmidt_List https://www.instagram.com/schmidtlistpodcast/  https://www.facebook.com/schmidtlist/  https://www.youtube.com/c/SchmidtListBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/schmidt-list-entrepreneurial-insights--2664825/support.

Anais Wittrock-Roske shares her journey from nursing to UX design, discussing the importance of embracing career shifts with courage, storytelling in design, balancing fundamentals and innovation, and the valuable resources provided by UXP Minnesota for UX professionals.