Recent Updates
1076: G2A Gaming E-Commerce Platform: Marketing Strategies for Digital Marketplaces with CMO Mona Kinal
An expert in brand strategy, brand management and 360 degree marketing communication, Mona Kinal has over 20 years of experience working for international and local companies in Poland and abroad, including as Head of Communications Emerging Markets at Viacom across over 110 markets in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, India and Russia, and as Head of Communications Central Europe at Discovery Networks Europe and Head of Consumer Communications Central and Eastern Europe at the international agency MMD Public Relations.
Before G2A, Mona has been associated with the retail industry and leaders of omnichannel sales globally – first as CMO of 4F, 4F Junior and 4Faces in OTCF SA sports company, then as CMO in the Polish Kazar Group as well as CMO and Executive Team Member at the Empik Group. Currently CMO at G2A.COM - the world's largest global marketplace for digital entertainment in the form of games, gift cards and software.
Quotes
“We act as both the explorer and the caregiver simultaneously, which makes us a very secure and credible presence.” – Mona Kinal
“Content is king. We want to engage, build a community, listen to people, and basically give them what they need.” – Mona Kinal
“Our mission is to make our customers happy, and they can only be happy through experience. So, come to our platform, try our application, and see for yourself.”– Mona Kinal
Takeaways
02:38 Developing a well-defined brand strategy and positioning is crucial for standing out in a competitive market.
03:17 Fostering a customer-centric mindset and making it easy for users to experience the platform should be a fundamental aspect of any company’s approach.
05:36 Utilizing a diverse range of communication channels, both traditional and non-standard, is essential for reaching and engaging with a variety of target audiences.
10:50 Addressing security and fraud prevention is a top priority for digital businesses.
12:17 Continuously investing in both short-term and long-term marketing initiatives is necessary to drive immediate sales and build lasting brand awareness.
Resources
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 23:13 — 32.1MB) | Embed
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | iHeartRadio | Podchaser | RSS
1075: Mastering Emotional Intelligence with President and CEO of Indispensable Leadership Group Darby Vannier
You know how some people just have a knack for understanding others? That’s emotional intelligence in action! It’s like a secret sauce for leaders, helping them really get their team. When leaders are in tune with their own feelings, they can build trust, resilience, and motivation in their team. It’s all about creating a positive vibe at work and leading with empathy and clear-headedness when things get tough.
Darby Vannier, President and CEO of Indispensable Leadership Group, is a seasoned leader with over two decades of expertise in organizational growth. With a focus on blending managerial efficiency with visionary inspiration, he offers invaluable insights into effective leadership and the indispensable role of emotional intelligence. Today, Darby discusses the importance of effective leadership, emphasizing the role of emotional intelligence, the distinction between managers and visionary leaders, and much more.
Quotes
“If I can build a great team, everything else kind of takes care of itself.” – Darby Vannier
“You can't always teach cultural fit, and inevitably that's where the problems come in.” – Darby Vannier
“The most successful companies are those who are getting people who are willing to think for themselves and engage.”– Darby Vannier
Takeaways
02:53 Hiring the right people with the proper cultural fit is crucial for building a successful team, as skills can be taught but cultural alignment is more difficult to develop.
05:24 Effective leadership requires finding the right balance between managerial and visionary traits, avoiding being too focused on checking boxes or generating ideas without a clear purpose.
17:34 Small moments of leadership can have a lasting impact on individuals, and leaders should be mindful of the emotional consequences of their actions.
19:21 When mistakes happen, the priority should be on finding a solution to prevent the same issue from recurring, rather than solely focusing on who made the error.
28:01 Making the right decision, even if it's the harder choice, is more important than taking the easy path that may only provide short-term benefits.
Resources
- Indispensable Leadership Group: Helping leaders scale companies by making the right decisions, not just the easy decisions.
- Indispensable Leadership Group on Facebook
- Darby Vannier on LinkedIn
- The Indispensable Leader: How to Use Your Inner Manager and Visionary to Achieve Leadership Success by Darby Vannier on Amazon
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 29:26 — 40.6MB) | Embed
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | iHeartRadio | Podchaser | RSS
1074: Marketing Mastery for Authors with President & CEO of Elite Online Publishing Jenn Foster
Understanding the world of publishing is vital for authors and industry professionals alike. With the rise of digital platforms and self-publishing options, traditional publishing models are evolving rapidly. Navigating these shifts requires adaptability, innovation, and a keen awareness of emerging trends in the publishing industry.
Jenn Foster is a 16-time bestselling author and marketing expert who co-founded Elite Online Publishing. She understands the changing world of publishing and helps authors avoid mistakes. Jenn focuses on clear goals and effective marketing, especially using digital tools. With her help, authors can navigate the competitive world of publishing and achieve their goals. Today, Jenn shares her insights on the common pitfalls authors face when self-publishing and the steps they can take to ensure their book's success, including building a launch team, leveraging social media, and utilizing a proven system for book promotion.
Resources
- Elite Online Publishing: Authority in Every Word
- Jenn Foster: 16-Time Bestselling Author, Marketing and Publishing Expert
- Jenn Foster on Facebook
- Jenn Foster on LinkedIn
- Elite Online Publishing Strategic Writing System by Jenn Foster on Amazon
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 32:02 — 44.2MB) | Embed
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | iHeartRadio | Podchaser | RSS
1073: Intentionally Inconvenient: Protect Your Digital Security & Cyber Safety with Privacy Expert Tim Jensen
Are you tired of feeling vulnerable to online threats? Do you ever wonder who might lurk in your digital life's shadows, waiting to steal your personal information? With how the world is going full in the online world, numerous opportunities arise. But at the same time, the risks and dangers of your information online become more vulnerable to cyber-attacks or being hacked. As such, safeguarding your accounts is a must. Changing your passwords and username to be unique and strong for each account is the start. Make it inconvenient for you and for others, reclaim your digital safety, and protect what matters most—your privacy.
Tim Jensen is the host of the "Intentionally Inconvenient" podcast, where he shares his personal experiences with identity theft, hacked websites, and stolen social media accounts. Through his podcast, Tim aims to educate listeners on practical ways to improve their privacy and cybersecurity, emphasizing the importance of controlling access to one's personal information, intellectual property, and physical space. Today, Tim discusses his journey into the world of privacy and cybersecurity, highlighting the need for individuals to take proactive steps to protect themselves from the growing threats of data breaches and social engineering attacks.
Quotes
“Privacy begins with you, and nobody is more interested in your privacy than you are.” – Tim Jensen
“Free is what got us into this mess. We have free email, free calendars, free GPS—free got us into this situation.” – Tim Jensen
“If you don't work on your privacy, don't expect anybody else to do it.”– Tim Jensen
Takeaways
07:39 Convenience often comes at the expense of privacy, and being "intentionally inconvenient" can make it more difficult for hackers to access your personal information.
10:27 Changing your email password and using a password manager with unique, strong passwords for each account are crucial first steps in improving personal privacy and security.
18:04 Decentralizing and compartmentalizing your online services and accounts can help reduce the risk of data breaches and limit the amount of personal information any one company or entity has access to.
27:00 Awareness of social engineering and phishing tactics, as well as developing a "BS detector," is essential in protecting against cybersecurity threats that rely on human behavior rather than just technology.
33:03 Privacy is an ongoing journey, not a final destination, and taking small, incremental steps to improve it daily can make a significant difference in the long run.
Resources
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 36:00 — 49.6MB) | Embed
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | iHeartRadio | Podchaser | RSS
1072: Boost Team Efficiency: Clear Communication Secrets with Communication Expert Chris Fenning
Are you tired of messages getting lost at work? Ever struggled to explain things clearly to your team? Or did you feel stuck getting your point across to higher-ups? Clear communication is critical in a successful business. Having a team that clearly conveys their ideas can make the work more accurate and faster. Using the right strategy and utilizing the power of effective communication will indeed transform your business!
Chris Fenning is a communication expert who helps experts communicate with non-experts, teams talk to executives, and organizations like Google and NATO improve their communication. He is the author of multiple award-winning books on communication and training. Today, Chris discusses his strategies for becoming a successful podcast guest, including how it helps him reach new audiences, overcome imposter syndrome, and find the right shows to pitch. He also shares his experiences with both positive and challenging podcast interviews and provides advice for podcast hosts to better support their guests.
Quotes
“We are generally the worst judge of what our audience is going to find valuable.” – Chris Fenning
“If you want to do something, don't just talk about it. Get out and actually do it.” – Chris Fenning
“Starting a podcast is a great way to become known, but it can also be a slow way to build an audience.”– Chris Fenning
Takeaways
01:47 Becoming a recurring podcast guest is an effective way to reach new audiences and grow your reputation as an expert, rather than solely focusing on building your own content platform.
03:36 Overcoming imposter syndrome and starting small with lesser-known shows can help build the confidence and experience needed to pitch to larger podcasts over time.
04:04 Providing podcast hosts with personalized video introductions, pre-prepared materials, and being a responsive, prepared guest can help build valuable relationships.
18:51 Podcast hosts should consider providing guests with advance notice of interview questions to allow for more thoughtful, valuable responses, rather than relying on spontaneous reactions.
21:36 Recording and narrating your own audiobook can be a low-cost, rewarding way to connect with your audience, as long as you account for potential audio quality and environmental challenges.
Resources
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 29:31 — 40.7MB) | Embed
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | iHeartRadio | Podchaser | RSS
1071: Senior Living Solutions: Planning for Comfortable Aging in Place with President of Care Right Inc. Annalee Kruger
What do you think your golden years will look like, or how will you manage if your loved ones need more care than you can provide? It's a reality we all face but often push to the back of our minds, preferring to deal with it "someday." Yet, the truth is that aging and caregiving are parts of life that deserve our attention now, not when we're overwhelmed by the demands they bring.
Annalee Kruger is an Elder Planning Specialist and the author of "The Invisible Patient." She has over 35 years of experience working in the senior living industry, including as a social worker and executive director in Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs). Annalee is the founder of Care Right Inc., a company that helps families navigate the complex world of senior care and caregiving through facilitated family meetings, aging planning, and education. Today, Annalee discusses the challenges of caregiver burnout and the importance of creating an aging plan to ensure the best possible outcomes for families and their elderly loved ones. She shares her personal experiences and the importance of having essential documents like a living will and power of attorney readily available in case of emergencies.
Quotes
“If you want to have a say in your care and what happens to you, you need to think about it and get clarity on what quality of life means to you. It's ideal to document it and have an attorney write up these documents.” – Annalee Kruger
“Aging doesn't make us younger; we need to stay ahead by keeping our documents in order and having family meetings. Understand what care options are available, how to pay for care, and the cost of care, so you can make informed decisions now instead of during a crisis. This helps prevent feeling overwhelmed when the time comes.” – Annalee Kruger
“Caregiving, aging, and dementia progression can be more positive with an aging plan. It helps when you work together as a family, understand the disease process your loved one has, and recognize that everyone is doing their best.”– Annalee Kruger
Takeaways
09:08 Dealing with a crisis situation is much more overwhelming when you don't have a plan in place. Planning ahead and getting your affairs in order can help ensure the best possible outcomes for you and your family.
13:44 Having a comprehensive "Grab and Go" binder with important documents and information can be a lifesaver in an emergency situation.
20:26 Seeking expert guidance and support is crucial when navigating complex issues like elder care and estate planning. Relying solely on online resources may not be enough to make informed decisions.
31:18 Having an aging plan in place can turn the caregiving experience into a more positive one, as it allows families to work together, understand the disease process, and make informed decisions about care options and finances.
Resources
- Care Right Inc.: Your Concierge of Senior Care Planning
- Annalee Kruger on LinkedIn
- The Invisible Patient by Annalee Kruger on Amazon
- Care Right Podcast by Annalee Kruger
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 33:16 — 45.9MB) | Embed
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | iHeartRadio | Podchaser | RSS
1070: Your Startup’s Future: Building and Scaling High-Impact Businesses with Feras Alhlou
Have you ever been unsure about your career, thinking about starting your own business? It's a tough path, full of unknowns and difficulties that many avoid. But it's the struggles that shape you, the failures that fortify you, and ultimately, it's your vision and perseverance that will carve out your success.
Feras Alhlou is an entrepreneur who has founded, grown, and sold multiple businesses in Silicon Valley and abroad, scaling them from zero revenue to seven and eight figures. In this episode, Feras discusses his entrepreneurial journey, including the challenges he faced when starting his first business after being laid off, the importance of planning and preparation before taking the entrepreneurial leap, and the keys to building a successful and sellable business. He also shares insights on the mindset and skills required for entrepreneurship, as well as the rewards and difficulties of the entrepreneurial path.
Quotes
“One mistake I see almost all business owners make, and in a way they're proud of it, is that they don't learn from others. They think they can do it all on their own.” – Feras Alhlou
“Life is not just about being happy. It's about being honorable, useful, and compassionate.” – Feras Alhlou
“Share your wealth and knowledge. Be there for others. We need it in our families, society, and country. Living with purpose and a life of service can benefit everyone.”– Feras Alhlou
Takeaways
03:01 Plan ahead and do thorough research before starting a new business. The best time to launch a business is when you have the stability of an existing job, not when you're forced to due to a layoff or major life event.
11:18 Entrepreneurship requires resilience, hard work, and a willingness to learn new skills beyond your technical expertise, such as sales, marketing, and communication.
12:42 Pivoting and learning from mistakes are crucial to the entrepreneurial journey. Successful entrepreneurs are often those who are willing to adapt and try new approaches.
15:12 Building a solid business with consistent year-over-year growth in revenue and profits is key to maximizing the value when selling a company.
21:42 Entrepreneurship is not for everyone, but for those willing to put in the effort, it can be a highly rewarding path, both financially and personally.
Resources
- Startup with Feras: Expert Resources and Advice for Success in Consulting and Services
- Feras Alhlou on Facebook
- Feras Alhlou on LinkedIn
- Google Analytics Breakthrough: From Zero to Business Impact by Feras Alhlou et. al, on Amazon
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 27:25 — 37.8MB) | Embed
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | iHeartRadio | Podchaser | RSS
1069: Thrive as a Dental Entrepreneur through Teamwork and Faith with Bestselling Author Tim McNeely
Having a clear vision for your life goals is essential for navigating the journey toward fulfillment. It provides direction, motivation, and a sense of purpose in daily actions and decisions. With a defined vision, anyone can pursue their aspirations with confidence and resilience, paving the way for meaningful achievements.
Tim McNeely is a dental marketing expert and personal CFO to dental entrepreneurs who want to maximize their net worth. As someone who is married to a dentist, McNeely has a unique understanding of the challenges dentists face in building and exiting their practices. Today, McNeely discusses his passion for helping seven and eight-figure dental entrepreneurs build lives of significance by focusing on smart money choices, tax mitigation, asset transfer, protection, and supporting the causes they care about.
Quotes
“Dentistry as a whole has grown and matured into a great industry.” – Tim McNeely
“A very small percentage of people have taken the time to craft a vivid vision. The beauty is that it's a living document—you can adjust and work on it. You need something guiding you to where you want to go.” – Tim McNeely
“One of the phrases that has become powerful in my prayers is, ‘Lord, I give everyone and everything to you.’ At the end of the day, I work as hard as I can, but I must leave the results up to God.”– Tim McNeely
Takeaways
00:51 Effective financial planning for dental practices requires a holistic, stress-testing approach that addresses key concerns around taxes, asset protection, and wealth transfer to the next generation.
02:45 Clarity and vision are essential for dental entrepreneurs to achieve their goals and build a thriving legacy.
06:00 Navigating personal and professional challenges, such as a career-threatening disability, can be overcome through strategic planning and a strong support system.
11:02 Dentists looking to exit their practices within 10 years can benefit from working with an expert who provides advanced planning strategies to minimize taxes and maximize the value of the business.
25:39 Faith and a willingness to surrender control can be powerful guiding principles for dental entrepreneurs as they navigate the complexities of running a successful practice.
Resources
- Dental Wealth Nation: Say Goodbye to Financial Confusion & Thrive
- Tim McNeely on Facebook
- Tim McNeely on LinkedIn
- Dental Wealth Nation: 7 Steps to Decrease Taxes, Increase Impact, and Leave Your Thriving Legacy by Tim McNeely on Amazon
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 26:54 — 37.1MB) | Embed
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | iHeartRadio | Podchaser | RSS
1068: Embrace Ordinary People through Extraordinary Experiences with Podcast Host Brian McCoach
Valuing ordinary people with extraordinary experiences broadens our perspectives and reminds us of the remarkable resilience within everyone. Their narratives offer insights into empathy, perseverance, and the impact of human connections. Recognizing and honoring these individuals nurtures a culture of inclusivity, where every story is acknowledged and cherished for its unique contribution to our collective journey.
Brian McCoach is the host of the weekly podcast "Wild, Weird, and Sometimes Normal," where he shares the unique experiences and perspectives of a diverse array of guests. As a family man and self-published author, Brian has a passion for creativity, exploring the extraordinary in the ordinary, and giving a voice to those with captivating personal stories. Today, Brian discusses his journey into podcasting, sharing how the pandemic provided an opportunity for him to start sharing the stories of people with firsthand experiences in areas like the paranormal, UFOs, and overcoming health challenges.
Quotes
“The pandemic provided a great opportunity for me to stop making excuses and to not let technology seem so intimidating.” – Brian McCoach
“I don't want to be in an echo chamber of everybody just thinking like I do. I want to hear the nonsense of ‘Why does Bigfoot exist?’” – Brian McCoach
“I found myself self-censoring more if I'm not sure about the crowd I'm around. It's nice to eavesdrop and hear differing opinions that you might not hear on the news.”– Brian McCoach
Takeaways
12:17 Blending fact and fiction, or drawing inspiration from real-world events and technologies, can lead to engaging and thought-provoking creative works, whether in writing, podcasting, or other mediums.
14:20 Embracing the nostalgia and camaraderie of casual conversations, like those had during high school lunch periods, can provide a sense of connection and community that may be lacking in adulthood.
21:55 Balancing structure and rules with a sense of fun and randomness can make creative pursuits more rewarding, as it allows for both the satisfaction of accomplishing goals and the excitement of unexpected outcomes.
Resources
- Wild, Weird & Sometimes Normal Podcast by Brian McCoach
- Brian McCoach on Facebook
- Brian McCoach on LinkedIn
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 25:31 — 35.2MB) | Embed
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | iHeartRadio | Podchaser | RSS
1067: Declutter Your Way to Happiness with Organizing and Efficiency Expert Kristin MacRae
Getting organized is key to reducing stress and improving productivity. Decluttering spaces and prioritizing tasks can help anyone create a sense of order and control in their lives. This allows for better focus, efficiency, and ultimately, a more balanced lifestyle.
Kristin MacRae is an award-winning organizing and efficiency expert who has been helping people declutter their homes and businesses for over 12 years. As the founder of kristinmacrae.com, she specializes in guiding clients through customized organizing systems that not only transform physical spaces, but also streamline routines and boost productivity. Today, Kristin discusses her unique approach to tackling disorganization, from emptying out entire rooms to testing new storage solutions, all with the goal of helping her clients save time, money, and reduce stress.
Quotes
“I want to discuss how you want to function going forward. It's much easier to do that once we declutter and look at your empty space. Then, you can have a very clear picture of how you want to function in that space.” – Kristin MacRae
“I like my clients to work with the systems we create for three months and tweak them to work better for you. If they're not working, let's switch it up. Maybe that wasn't the right spot for it.” – Kristin MacRae
“I help people get organized in their homes and businesses, save time and money, decrease stress levels, and become more efficient and productive.”– Kristin MacRae
Takeaways
03:28 Understanding the client's current pain points and how they want to function in their space is crucial for an effective organizing solution.
06:46 Maintaining organization requires ongoing adjustment and revisiting systems, not just a one-time fix.
13:35 Overcoming mental blocks and self-sabotaging behaviors is as important as the physical organizing process.
19:20 Successful organizing can have unexpected benefits, like improved mood and overall wellbeing.
24:06 Decluttering and organizing can lead to significant time and cost savings for the client.
Resources
- Kristin MacRae: Serenity. Sanity. Finally.
- Kristin MacRae on LinkedIn
- Living an Organized, Energized Life by Kristin MacRae on Amazon
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 25:45 — 35.6MB) | Embed
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | iHeartRadio | Podchaser | RSS