Mastering Modern Growth: Leveraging AI, Data-Driven Strategies, And Talent Optimization With Akash Scaling With People podcast

24:50

Send us a text What makes your company truly different from every competitor in your market? Not just surface-level distinctions, but the fundamental DNA that shapes how you operate, what you value, and why customers are magnetically drawn to your brand. Melissa Richards-Person, founder of Third Arm Consulting and former marketing executive for Starbucks, KFC, and Papa John's, reveals the transformative power of uncovering and activating your brand's unique DNA. After decades helping major brands and startups achieve exponential growth, Melissa shares her proven methodology for mining the authentic characteristics that can fuel your company's expansion while maintaining its soul. This conversation takes us beyond tired corporate buzzwords and generic attributes. Melissa demonstrates how techniques like "forced association" and bringing together "outsider insiders" can reveal profound insights about what truly makes a company special. She challenges leaders to dig deeper than descriptors like "friendly" or "innovative" to discover the genuine emotional connections that drive customer loyalty and team alignment. The discussion explores practical applications of brand DNA through the five Ps of marketing—product, place, price, promotion, and people—showing how companies can leverage their unique attributes to respond authentically to market challenges. Particularly fascinating is Melissa's perspective on "employer branding" as a misnomer, arguing that your brand is simply expressed to and through your employees rather than being a separate entity. Whether you're a founder struggling to articulate what makes your company special, a marketer seeking authentic differentiation, or a people operations leader trying to attract aligned talent, this episode provides a roadmap for turning your distinctive identity into measurable action and sustainable growth. By the end, you'll understand why beginning with your DNA is the surest path to scaling without losing what makes you special in the first place.…

Scaling With People

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The Dance of Growth and Scalability: Building a Business You Love 27:41

23 days ago27:41

27:41

Send us a text Have you ever felt like your business has become a prison of your own making? You're not alone. In this eye-opening conversation with Leslie Hassler, founder of Your Biz Rules, we dive deep into the stark difference between building a business that drains your soul versus one that fills it with purpose and joy. Leslie shares her journey as an "accidental entrepreneur" who transformed from dreading Monday mornings to being energized by them. Her powerful insight that "there's no profit fairy" challenges the common misconception that profits magically appear once you've worked hard enough or grown big enough. Instead, she reveals the critical dance between growth and scalability that most business owners misunderstand. The most enlightening part of our discussion explores how growth actually devours cash while making essential foundational investments that don't immediately show returns. Like renovating an older home, you're putting money into improvements behind the walls that pay dividends over time. Meanwhile, scalability is where you truly "rake it in" – giving one and getting ten back. Understanding this partnership completely transforms how you approach building your business. We also tackle the identity crisis that comes with evolving as a business owner. The transition from doing the work yourself to leading others through it challenges your self-worth and requires letting go of the adrenaline rush that comes from checking items off your list. As Leslie notes, this transformation happens repeatedly throughout your entrepreneurial journey – with your first employee, when you're no longer servicing clients directly, and eventually if you sell or transition your business. Whether you're just starting your entrepreneurial journey or looking to escape the prison of a business that's consuming rather than serving you, this conversation provides the perspective shift you need to build a business aligned with your vision and values. Take that first baby step today, and you'll be amazed at what you can accomplish over time.…

Scaling With People

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The Relationship Master Key: Building Spheres of Influence 22:32

5 weeks ago22:32

22:32

Send us a text Click the customized link to get a free sample of Brad's book, purchase options, and schedule time on his calendar: https://bradenglert.com/scalingpeople/ Ever wondered why some professionals seem to effortlessly build powerful networks while others struggle to make meaningful connections? In this thought-provoking conversation, Brad Englert, former Accenture partner and CIO at the University of Texas at Austin, reveals his three-principle framework for expanding your sphere of influence. Drawing from over three decades of leadership experience, Brad explains why understanding goals and aspirations forms the foundation of meaningful professional relationships. He shares candid stories about sitting down with direct reports to map their five-year career trajectories and how this seemingly simple conversation transformed his ability to develop talent. The discussion extends beyond theory as Brad reveals how this principle helped him identify potential CIOs within his own team and prepare them for future leadership roles. The conversation takes a fascinating turn when Brad dives into his second principle - setting and managing expectations. Through vivid anecdotes about navigating demanding bosses and protecting personal boundaries (including an illuminating story about protecting a family vacation to Australia despite project pressures), listeners gain practical tools for maintaining healthy professional relationships without sacrificing personal wellbeing. Brad's third principle - genuinely caring about others' success - might sound obvious, but his implementation strategies, including building a network of 90 relationships across the university, demonstrate how systematic relationship cultivation transforms organizational outcomes. Whether you're building a brand, leading a team, or expanding your professional reach, this episode offers concrete strategies for creating lasting influence. As Brad memorably puts it, "the people you're working with today might be your customer 25 years from now" - a powerful reminder that intentional relationship building isn't just good manners; it's career-defining strategy. Listen now to discover how these principles can transform your approach to professional connections and unlock new possibilities for collaboration and growth.…

Scaling With People

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The Unsexy Side of Success: Corporate Governance Simplified 22:54

7 weeks ago22:54

22:54

Send us a text Corporate governance. Those two words alone can make even the most confident entrepreneur break out in a cold sweat. But what if I told you it doesn't have to be complicated, boring, or something only Fortune 500 companies need to worry about? My conversation with corporate governance consultant Anoushka from Marcelino Marie Solutions completely transformed my understanding of this critical business function. Far from being a bureaucratic burden, governance is simply about having documented systems for decision-making. "Think about corporate governance. Just reduce it down to what is the system that you have in place to make decisions," Anoushka explains, cutting through the intimidation factor immediately. The reality is that every business faces risks - whether it's half your team getting sick (hello, pandemic lessons), your payroll manager suddenly quitting, or having too many key employees traveling on the same plane. Having simple, clear processes documented before emergencies strike can mean the difference between a minor hiccup and a business-ending catastrophe. And the documentation doesn't need to be complex - in fact, simpler is better when it comes to creating systems people will actually use. Anoushka recommends starting with whatever keeps you up at night. Is it financial reporting? Employee turnover? Safety concerns? Begin there, document your process clearly, and build from there. The key is taking baby steps rather than trying to create comprehensive governance structures overnight. Even better, leverage your team's expertise and use tools like AI to help maintain and retrieve your documentation when needed. Whether you're a solo entrepreneur or leading a growing team, this episode offers practical guidance for creating the governance foundation your business needs to weather unexpected challenges and scale successfully. Listen now, and turn what seems intimidating into your competitive advantage.…

Scaling With People

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Navigating the Founder's Journey with Hans Kullberg 30:25

9 weeks ago30:25

30:25

Send us a text Entrepreneur Hans Kullberg takes us on a deeply personal journey that intertwines professional pivots with profound personal tragedy. As a father of five and serial entrepreneur, Hans reveals how his path through finance, FinTech, and education ultimately led him to tackle critical gaps in pediatric healthcare. The conversation explores Hans' experience developing products for developmental pediatrics, where he discovered a troubling statistic: while 20% of children have developmental delays, only 3% receive diagnoses before age three. This three-year gap represents not just $1.5 million in additional lifetime care costs, but dramatically different outcomes for the children themselves. Hans shares the valuable lessons learned through multiple product pivots - from targeting pediatricians to recognizing employers as the true stakeholders bearing both healthcare costs and workplace productivity impacts. His insights on identifying your true "ideal customer profile" offer practical wisdom for any entrepreneur navigating market fit challenges. The most powerful segment comes when Hans reveals how personal tragedy shaped his current mission. After losing his daughter Aviva to unexplained medical complications despite consulting numerous specialists, Hans made a heartbreaking promise: "Daddy doesn't know what happened, but I'm going to do everything I can to make sure no other parent has to feel this way." This promise became Avocado Health - a platform delivering trusted, evidence-based parenting information via text message when parents need it most, rather than leaving them to rely on "Dr. Google" at 2 AM. Hans articulates his vision to become "the most trusted parenting platform on the planet" by bridging the gap between accessible but unreliable information and trustworthy but inaccessible medical expertise. For entrepreneurs facing setbacks or searching for their purpose, Hans offers this powerful reminder: "One characteristic for a very successful founder is being relentlessly resilient... getting back up, but doing it in a much smarter way, making sure you're learning from every single past failure."…

Scaling With People

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Find Your Voice, Build Your Brand: Leveraging Speaking for Growth 21:41

11 weeks ago21:41

21:41

Send us a text Tired of pouring money into digital ads with questionable returns? Imagine commanding a room of your ideal clients for 30-45 minutes, positioning yourself as the trusted expert they need. That's the power of strategic speaking for brand building, and it's a game-changer for founders and business leaders. In this illuminating conversation with Blair Bryant Nichols, owner of BBN Creative Management, we unlock the secrets to leveraging speaking opportunities as your most potent marketing tool. Blair reveals why the traditional conference booth approach pales in comparison to securing a speaking slot, where you gain undivided audience attention and accelerate the know-like-trust curve that converts prospects into clients. One of the most surprising insights? Stop speaking at industry events dominated by your peers and competitors. Instead, identify where your ideal clients gather and position yourself as the singular expert voice in that room. "If you're in HR tech, don't just go to HR tech conferences—go to finance events and be the one HR tech speaker," Blair advises, sharing how this strategic positioning dramatically increases your stand-out factor and conversion potential. For those hesitant to step onto stage, Blair offers practical wisdom for overcoming stage fright and building your speaking platform, even without prior experience. Learn how authentic storytelling creates emotional connections that drive business relationships, and discover specific techniques to make your message memorable long after your presentation ends. From crafting compelling narratives to understanding audience psychology, this episode provides a roadmap for transforming speaking engagements into a powerful brand-building engine. Ready to amplify your voice and authority? Connect with Blair on Instagram or LinkedIn at Blair Bryant Nichols for a free 30-minute strategy call about your speaking journey. Speaking begets more speaking—start your journey now and watch your brand and business grow.…

Scaling With People

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Marketing Doesn't Happen Overnight: Cultivating Growth Over Time 26:26

13 weeks ago26:26

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Send us a text Dive into an insightful discussion on how to navigate the complexities of marketing from the perspective of Katie Smith of Wild Path Consulting. In this episode, we unpack the essential elements of building a long-term marketing strategy that emphasizes relationship-building over quick sales. Discover the importance of setting clear business goals, understanding customer needs, and transitioning through the various phases of customer engagement to build lasting trust. Katie draws on her extensive experience as a fractional chief marketing officer to share actionable insights that every founder and CEO can implement. We explore the significance of authenticity in brand identity and how understanding your customer journey is crucial for effective marketing. Are you tired of the pressure to be everywhere at once? Join us as we emphasize the importance of staying focused on one marketing strategy at a time for sustainable growth. Tune in for practical advice, thought-provoking discussions, and a new perspective on what it takes to succeed in today’s ever-evolving market. Don't forget to subscribe, share your thoughts, and leave a review to help us improve!…

Scaling With People

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Unlocking AI Potential: Vanessa Sierra on Strategic Marketing Integration, Leadership Balance, and Business Growth Strategies 25:49

15 weeks ago25:49

25:49

Send us a text Unlock the secrets to scaling your business with an insightful conversation featuring B2B SaaS expert Vanessa Sierra. Vanessa guides us through the complexities of integrating AI into marketing strategies, underscoring both its challenges and unparalleled opportunities. Learn how the concept of "going slow to go fast" can transform your approach, allowing you to refine your messaging and strategy with precision. Vanessa's expert insights reveal how AI can be a powerful ally in amplifying your strategic vision without diminishing the irreplaceable value of human insight. Explore the fine art of leadership balance, where empowering your team with creative freedom can lead to remarkable business success. Vanessa and I discuss the necessity of fostering an environment that encourages continuous learning and upskilling, particularly with AI tools, to enhance both individual and company growth. As we navigate the evolving business landscape, the episode emphasizes the importance of seasoned leadership and strategic cohesion. By understanding the potential pitfalls of over-relying on AI, we highlight the need for a robust strategic framework to maintain brand cohesion and alignment with company goals. Don’t miss out on this engaging episode packed with actionable insights to propel your business forward.…

Scaling With People

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Unlocking Podcasting Potential: Liz Brooks on Brand Growth, Audience Engagement, and PR Strategies in a Post-COVID Era 23:13

17 weeks ago23:13

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Send us a text Unlock the secret to brand growth through podcasting as we welcome Liz Brooks, an insightful PR specialist from Interview Valet. Discover how podcasting can revolutionize your public relations strategy by providing an accessible, informal platform that builds genuine connections with audiences. Liz and I explore the power of storytelling and the necessity of clear goals when appearing as a podcast guest, making it possible to reach new and diverse audiences in a meaningful way. We dive into the benefits of targeting smaller, more engaged audiences over large, indifferent ones, using a fascinating analogy from the music industry to illustrate this point. As we navigate the evolving landscape of podcasting, we discuss the innovative blend of human research and data analysis to select the ideal podcasts for clients and the exciting initiatives to develop a comprehensive impact score for shows. Liz shares her expert insights on maintaining personal relationships with podcast hosts and the creative strategies required to tackle niche topics. We emphasize the importance of adaptability in campaigns, especially in today's post-COVID world, underscoring how podcasting can be a valuable asset for business growth. Join us for this engaging conversation that promises to enrich your understanding of leveraging podcasting in the dynamic realm of brand development.…

Scaling With People

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Unlocking Customer Experience Excellence: Blake Grewal on Data-Driven Growth, AI Integration, and Simplifying Tech for Small Businesses 26:11

19 weeks ago26:11

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Send us a text Unlock the secrets to extraordinary customer experiences with our special guest, Blake Grewal, founder of Bold Growth. We explore the often-overlooked potential of data and technology in transforming how businesses interact with their clients. Through the lens of scorecards and critical metrics like net promoter scores, Blake shares how businesses can streamline their focus and unearth opportunities for growth. Discover how mapping every interaction across the customer journey not only identifies areas for improvement but also integrates technology seamlessly to enhance services, whether you’re in the service or product sector. In a world increasingly dominated by technology, prioritizing customer experience is a game-changer for startups and small businesses alike. With Blake's insights, we navigate the delicate balance between leveraging AI for productivity and maintaining the human touch that's so vital to customer satisfaction. Avoid the chaos of tech bloat by fully utilizing existing tools before jumping onto the next shiny new thing. By automating low-priority tasks, your business can transition from a reactive to a proactive stance, leading to happier employees and more satisfied customers. We'll also dive into the common pitfalls small businesses face with technology adoption and how simplicity can lead to success. Blake shares his entrepreneurial journey and the significance of staying grounded in tangible goals while being agile in response to customer feedback. Experience firsthand the power of innovative tools like Typeform and Unsurvey in making feedback collection more interactive and insightful. This episode is packed with practical advice and strategies designed to elevate your business's customer experience through the effective use of data and technology. Join us for an engaging conversation that promises to redefine how you view customer interactions.…

Scaling With People

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Unlocking Storytelling Power: Jason Anthoine on Transformative Communication, Authentic Leadership, and Inspiring Employee Engagement 18:56

21 weeks ago18:56

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Send us a text Discover the transformative power of storytelling with communication expert Jason Anthoine in our latest episode of Scaling with People. With over 35 years of experience, Jason joins me, Gwyneth McCreary, to uncover strategies that bring founders and leaders closer to their teams. Ever wondered why storytelling is pivotal in aligning your employees with the company's mission and vision? Dive into the world of organizational storytelling and learn why even repetitive stories can be fresh and inspiring for new hires. Gain insights into the art of communicating across diverse backgrounds and experience levels, ensuring your message resonates effectively. We also unravel the intricacies of authenticity in leadership communication, highlighting the importance of genuine interaction over polished perfection. Jason and I tackle common challenges, such as misinterpretations and unexpected reactions, and share tips on leveraging key influencers within your organization to enhance message clarity. Whether you're visiting different locations or addressing sensitive topics, understanding local concerns is crucial. Finally, explore a framework focused on informing, involving, and inspiring, designed to elevate employee experience and culture. Join us for a treasure trove of actionable insights that promise to enhance your communication strategy and foster meaningful connections with your team.…

Scaling With People

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Unlocking Leadership Potential: Carla Fowler on Transformative Performance Reviews, Personalized Learning Strategies, and Achieving High Performance 23:51

24 weeks ago23:51

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Send us a text Unlock the secrets of transforming dreaded performance reviews into powerful motivators with our special guest, Carla Fowler. Explore how leaders can set crystal-clear objectives and embrace the concept of "brutal focus" to prevent burnout and enhance impact. By clearly defining priorities and translating visions into actionable language, leaders not only steer their teams more effectively but also show employees how their efforts are vital to the organization's success. We delve into the strategies for preparing performance evaluations in advance, ensuring that reflection and thoughtful planning drive the process, turning this routine task into an opportunity for growth and motivation. Ever wondered how to thrive in the unstructured learning environment of a startup? We tackle this challenge by exploring the importance of a personal learning process, contrasting it with traditional learning methods. Learn from Carla as she shares key strategies for identifying valuable resources and setting structured learning goals, all while maintaining a "feed forward" approach to management, fostering a growth-oriented dialogue. Discover how consistent action and flexible strategy adjustments can lead to high performance, allowing you to reach both personal and professional goals. Whether you’re looking to enhance productivity or redefine your approach to learning, this episode is packed with actionable insights to guide your journey.…

Scaling With People

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Unlocking Financial Strategy: Kevin Appleby on Startup Growth, Fundraising Expertise, and Future CFO Development 24:15

25 weeks ago24:15

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Send us a text Unlock the keys to propelling your business forward with strategic financial insight in our latest episode of Scaling with People. Featuring Kevin Appleby, a visionary in finance team development, we explore the critical juncture when founders should bring finance experts on board. Discover why delegating transactional finance tasks early can free you to concentrate on transformative activities like investor relations and product innovation. Kevin sheds light on the indispensable role of strategic finance expertise during pivotal fundraising phases, from crafting dependable financial forecasts to leveraging industry contacts for securing funding. This episode is your guide to understanding how integrating finance professionals into your startup can provide a compelling strategic edge. In our deep dive into professional growth, we spotlight Grow CFO’s Future CFO program, a unique 12-month experience designed to catapult finance professionals into top-tier leadership roles. Through practical, interactive workshops held over Zoom, this program equips aspiring CFOs with crucial skills, while we stress the importance of nurturing existing talent alongside new hires in rapidly scaling companies. From our conversation, learn how hands-on experiential courses can transform finance roles at every level, from controllers to seasoned CFOs. As a founder, I share a crucial lesson on embracing flexibility and strategy pivots to drive business success. Tune in to tap into insights that could redefine your approach to financial management and career advancement.…

Scaling With People

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Unlocking Emotional Intelligence: Jennifer Gardner on Leadership Influence, Storytelling Strategies, and Overcoming Public Speaking Fears 24:20

26 weeks ago24:20

24:20

Send us a text Unlock the power of emotional intelligence in business success with insights from our special guest, Jennifer Gardner, an esteemed attorney and influence expert. Ever wondered how understanding emotional dynamics can transform your leadership skills and decision-making? Jennifer shares her journey and expertise, highlighting the pivotal role of storytelling and emotional intelligence in effectively leading and influencing others. Discover how empathy and self-awareness can help craft messages that resonate with people's fears and aspirations, and hear about a groundbreaking legal case where these skills made all the difference in advocating for a client. Conquer your fear of public speaking and the anxiety of being judged by embracing and understanding these challenges. We explore practical techniques like grounding, breathing, and the strategic use of pauses to enhance communication clarity and presence. Jennifer provides invaluable advice on engaging your audience and avoiding jargon to ensure your message is not only heard but felt. By finding and focusing on your purpose, you'll learn how to connect more deeply with any audience, becoming a relatable and effective communicator. These insights promise to transform the way you approach speaking and influence others, leaving a lasting impact on your personal and professional life.…

Scaling With People

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Empowering Business Growth: Chris Seifert on Decision-Making Mastery, Overcoming Micromanagement, and Team Empowerment Strategies 24:08

27 weeks ago24:08