Host: Greg Ballard, Founder, 5C Consulting

Guest: Loreta Tarozaite, Strategic Communications Consultant and Founder of Loretta Today

Description: In this episode of "The Adaptive Executive Podcast," Greg Ballard sits down with Loreta Tarozaite to delve into the world of marketing communications, specifically tailored for growth-stage technology companies. They discuss the importance of storytelling in engineering, the transition from outsourcing to in-house marketing, and the evolving landscape with AI integration.

• Marketing in Technology Companies: Loretta explains the unique challenges and strategies for marketing in tech, particularly in B2B contexts with a focus on engineering companies.
• The Role of Marketing Communications: Insights into the functions of marketing communications and how they differ from general marketing.
• Building an Internal Marketing Team: When and how to consider bringing marketing communications in-house.
• AI and Marketing: The impact of AI on marketing strategies, the need for humanization, and maintaining authenticity in digital content.
• Future Skills in Marketing: Discussion on the skills marketers will need to develop to stay relevant with the advent of AI.

Contact Loreta

• LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/loretatarozaite
• Website - www.loreta.today

Guest: Todd Wilkins, a seasoned executive with extensive experience leading product teams in startups

Discussion Points:

• Background and Career Journey: Todd shares his transition from computer science to leadership roles, emphasizing his interest in user experience, sociology, and supporting small to medium businesses.
• Working with Founders:
• Adaptability and Growth: Founders often face new challenges, requiring them to adapt and grow. They need support in areas they're not fully prepared for, combining a need for learning with their inherent conviction.
• Conviction vs. Stubbornness: Founders are described as having a strong conviction, which can sometimes appear as stubbornness but is crucial for overcoming entrepreneurial hurdles.
• Trust and Understanding: Building trust with founders involves deeply understanding their motivations and the journey they've taken, akin to hostage negotiators understanding their subjects.
• Challenges in Founder-Led Companies:
• Delegation: Founders often struggle with giving direction and power effectively, which are essential for proper delegation.
• Communication: Founders might communicate their vision or mission inconsistently, leading to misinterpretation among team members.
• Strategies for Effective Leadership:
• First Principles Approach: Todd uses a simple framework to break down business operations into core components (revenue, costs, customer acquisition, retention, expansion) to align teams and clarify strategic actions.
• Personal Reflection: Importance of self-awareness and personal growth to be an adaptive leader, which also aids in understanding others.

Contact Information

website - ToddWilkins.com

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/toddwilkens

PODCAST INFO

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Your host, Greg Ballard, talks with the Former Director of Colorado's Transit and Rail, Amber Blake.

🎙️ Episode 35: "Building Trust and Inspiring Teams: Unveiling the Secrets of Effective Leadership"🚀

In this episode of "The Adaptive Executive," our host, Greg Ballard, sits down with Amber Blake, the founder of Amber Blake Consulting, to delve into the world of leadership in the transportation industry. With her 20 years of experience in leadership and public sector transportation, Amber shares her journey from working in metropolitan planning organizations to directing transit and rail for the state of Colorado.

🔍 Key Insights:

- Learn about the shifting landscape of the transit industry and the growing importance of transit as a mode of transportation.

- Discover the critical role of effective leadership in shaping a thriving organizational culture within the transportation sector.

- Gain valuable insights into building trust, creating a shared vision, and fostering curiosity within your teams.

🌟 Personal Skills for Success:

Amber emphasizes the significance of emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and conscious showing up as crucial personal skills for effective leadership. She encourages individuals to manage their energy rather than time and to discover their unique time management systems.

📚 Recommended Leadership Book:

"The Speed of Trust" by Stephen Covey is a book that Amber highly recommends. It explores the importance of trust in leadership and offers practical insights on building trust within teams and organizations.

Stay connected with Amber Blake on LinkedIn to access more leadership insights and engage with her thought-provoking content!

PODCAST INFO

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Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Want to learn more about Greg's work in FiveC Consulting? Check out his website at fivec.consulting

Greg Ballard interviews Deborah Fell, Managing Partner at Chief Outsiders, about leading fractional executives. Deborah shares how Chief Outsiders provides growth consulting by deploying part-time CMOs and CSOs into client companies. She discusses the high bar for talent and the experience required to be adaptable across companies and industries. Key insights include aligning with the client's mission, embracing the culture, and leading with inspiration. Deborah also talks about making the transition from CMO to leading a team of all-star marketing leaders.

Key Moments

0:00 - Introduction to Deborah Fell and Chief Outsiders

2:30 - Overview of how Chief Outsiders provides fractional CMOs and CSOs to drive growth for clients

5:00 - The high bar for talent and experience required to be adaptable across companies

7:30 - Aligning with the client's mission and vision as a key success factor

10:00 - Embracing the client's culture and integrating into the company

12:00 - Leading with inspiration rather than just management

15:00 - Deborah's transition from CMO to leading a team of CMOs

18:00 - Staying adaptive through surrounding yourself with smart people

20:00 - Making leadership and self-development lifelong pursuits

To learn more about Deborah and her work, click HERE.

PODCAST INFO

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Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Want to learn more about Greg's work in FiveC Consulting? Check out his website at fivec.consulting

Your host, Greg Ballard, talks with the General Manager of Gap Wireless, Glenn Poulos. Glenn Poulos is the co-founder, Vice President, and General Manager of Gap Wireless Inc., a leading product and service distributor for the mobile broadband and wireless markets. With over three decades of experience in sales, he has spent thousands of hours in the field or on the phone with customers and working with salespeople to help create several successful companies. Glen's book, Never Sit in a Lobby, is inspired by real-life lessons that shaped Glenn’s career. This guide provides 57 factors for navigating the interpersonal dynamics of selling and the art of negotiation to help you sidestep costly mistakes—before you lose the sale.

To learn more about Glen's work, click HERE and HERE.

PODCAST INFO

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Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Want to learn more about Greg's work in FiveC Consulting? Check out his website at fivec.consulting

Your host, Greg Ballard, talks with the CRO of Tegrita, Rolly Keenan. Tegrita is a marketing automation and strategy consultancy that focuses on providing scalable, flexible, and manageable marketing. They work with your team to increase your success with fewer resources. Their team of consultants stays on top of pivotal changes in the martech landscape.

To learn more about Rolly's work, click HERE.

PODCAST INFO

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Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Want to learn more about Greg's work in FiveC Consulting? Check out his website at fivec.consulting

Your host, Greg Ballard, talks with the CEO of Emerge, Jonathon Hensley. Emerge works with clients to transform business strategies, user needs, and new technologies into valuable products and experiences. Jonathon Hensley is also the author of "Alignment", a book teaching business owners how to create a successful alignment with their team and organization.

To learn more about Johnathon's work at Emerge, click here.

To order Alignment, click here.

PODCAST INFO

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Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Want to learn more about Greg's work in FiveC Consulting? Check out his website at fivec.consulting

Your host, Greg Ballard, talks with the CEO and Managing Partner of Nature's Warehouse, Daniel Laudon. Nature's Warehouse is dedicated to promoting natural, home-grown health. They specialize in providing resources for anyone who may want to make their own informed decisions about their health and the health of their families. Nature’s Warehouse is defined by in-home local deliveries of healthy foods and supplements and national online and catalog order fulfillment.

To learn more about Daniel's work, click here.

PODCAST INFO

Leave us a 5-Star Review on Podchaser (If we are not 5 stars yet, email us and let us know where we need to improve.)

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Want to learn more about Greg's work in FiveC Consulting? Check out his website at fivec.consulting

Your host, Greg Ballard, talks with Craig Group Partner, Libby Covington. Craig Group is a number focused marketing firm specializing in marketing strategy and media execution. They combine a digital-first approach with real-world expertise, flexing to fit your unique needs and help you achieve your goals.

To learn more about the Craig Group's work click, here.

If you'd like to be a guest on The Adaptive Executive, click HERE.

Your host, Greg Ballard, talks with Founder, President, and CEO of YKMD, Yanique DaCosta. YKMD sources graphic designers from around the world to create dynamic graphics that stand out in the most crowded marketplaces. The attention that these designs gain generates a client base that aligns with your ideals and trust in your designs.

To learn more about Yanique's work, click here.

If you'd like to be a guest on The Adaptive Executive, click HERE.

Your host, Greg Ballard, talks with the founder in residence of Pilot, Gillian O'brien. Pilot offers the best bookkeeping, tax, and CFO services for growing businesses. As founder in residence, Gillian works with founders and accelerators to scale up startup programs among other initiatives.

To learn more about Gillian's work click here.

To get 20% off of Pilot click here.

If you'd like to be a guest on The Adaptive Executive, click HERE.

Your host, Greg Ballard, talks with co-founder and CEO of OP2 Labs, Alexander Kunz. OP2 Labs is an innovative protein brand that has worked with some of the top scientists, researchers, and medical professionals to develop the most powerful formulations in the world. They have two brands, ProT Gold Liquid Protein, which is used in multiple medical facilities internationally for the treatment of wounds, and Frog Fuel, which was developed by two former navy SEALS and a Stanford chemist and is trusted by thousands of athletes.

To learn more about Alexander's work click here.

If you'd like to be a guest on The Adaptive Executive, click HERE.

Podcast Summary:

• Topic: The podcast discusses behavioral neuroscience, focusing on implicit biases and their influence on consumer and political decision-making. Key areas include how these biases affect voting behavior, market research, and ethical considerations in using neuroscience in marketing and political campaigns.
• Guests: - Michelle Nigella, PhD in Behavioral Neuroscience: Specializes in consumer research with insights into political behavior through neuroscience methods like implicit association testing.

Discussion Points:

• Implicit Biases: Michelle explains how implicit association tests reveal unconscious biases, affecting perceptions in both consumer choices and political preferences.
• 2016 Election Analysis: They reference data from the 2016 election where implicit biases against women in leadership were noted, particularly among Republican women, influencing voting behavior.
• Application in Campaigns: Discussion on how campaigns might use such data for targeting voters or shaping campaign messages.
• Neuroscience in Market Research: Exploration of how tools like eye tracking and biometric responses are used to predict consumer behavior, though not as a definitive predictor of market success.
• Ethical Considerations: Privacy, consent, and the influence of research on decision-making are discussed, highlighting the ethical boundaries and public concerns about manipulation.

PODCAST INFO

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Your host, Greg Ballard talks with the COO of QualSights, Courtney Williams. QualSights is an insights technology platform that provides brands, agencies and consulting firms the ability to generate deeper and more authentic insights from consumers anywhere in the world, in a dramatically faster and cost-effective way.

To learn more about Courtney's work click here.

If you'd like to be a guest on The Adaptive Executive, click HERE.

Your host, Greg Ballard, talks with Tel Ganesan, Managing Director of Kyyba. Kyyba hires talented employees to work in specialized industries. Kyyba also delivers high quality resources and real world concepts enabling clients to respond to organizational and technological changes.

To learn more about Tel's work, visit https://kyyba.com/industries/

If you'd like to be a guest on The Adaptive Executive, click HERE

Your host, Greg Ballard, talks with Sri Chellappa, President and Co-Founder of Engagedly. Engagedly is about people and strategy, performance management and employee engagement for a high performing workplace.

To learn more about Sri's work, visit https://www.engagedly.com

If you'd like to be a guest on The Adaptive Executive, click HERE

Your host, Greg Ballard, talks with Jenny Derfler CEO and Founder of Air Doctor. Air Doctor connect travelers worldwide to private doctors anywhere on the globe.

To learn more about Jenny's work, visit https://www.air-dr.com

If you'd like to be a guest on The Adaptive Executive, click HERE

Your host, Greg Ballard, talks with Brian Weaver of Torch.AI

torch.ai is an AI platform that unlocks human potential. They build AI that makes data easier to use with their specialized software to make humans and machines more productive.

To learn more about Brian Weaver and his team at Torch AI work, visit https://torch.ai/

If you'd like to be a guest on The Adaptive Executive, click HERE

Summary:

In this episode of The Adaptive Executive, host Greg Ballard interviews Dr. Michelle Niedziela, a behavioral neuroscientist and consumer research expert. They discuss how companies can stay adaptive by conducting effective research studies and using data to understand consumer perceptions and behavior. Dr. Niedziela shares insights on the challenges of measuring human perception, the importance of multi-sensory product experiences, and how AI is impacting neuroscience research. She also offers advice on staying current in a rapidly changing field.

Chapter Timestamps:

13:25:22 - Introduction and Dr. Niedziela's background

13:28:34 - Shifts in consumer research focus over time

13:32:17 - Challenges of measuring human perception 

13:39:07 - Approaches to understanding market perceptions

13:46:45 - Impact of AI on neuroscience research

13:52:36 - Example of product innovation: Raisin Bran Crunch

13:59:40 - Ethical considerations in consumer research

14:11:33 - Tips for staying up-to-date in a rapidly changing field

14:14:08 - Book recommendations

Contact Details:

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-niedziela-phd-b581a712/

- Website: nerdoscientist.com 

PODCAST INFO

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Summary:

In this episode of The Adaptive Executive, host Greg Ballard interviews Candice Denise Owens, a mindfulness and self-care expert. Candice shares her journey from event planning to helping people manage stress and avoid burnout. She discusses the importance of work-life harmony, morning and evening routines, and practical strategies for incorporating self-care into daily life.

Chapter Timestamps:

[00:00] - Introduction and guest welcome

[01:42] - Candice's journey into self-care work

[03:33] - Types of clients and common issues

[04:55] - Power up and power down routines

[08:49] - Consequences of neglecting self-care

[13:23] - Client success story

[19:00] - Current projects and inspirations

[21:13] - Closing remarks and contact information

Key Takeaways:

1. Work-life harmony is more achievable than perfect balance.

2. Implement "power up" (morning) and "power down" (evening) routines.

3. Schedule pauses throughout the day to recharge.

4. Small, consistent self-care actions can lead to significant improvements.

5. Advocating for oneself at work is crucial for preventing burnout.

Guest Contact Details:

  - Website: stayneat.store/candice-denise

  - Instagram: @candicedenise

  - LinkedIn: Candice Denise Owens

  - TikTok: @candicedenise

PODCAST INFO

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Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Disaster management expert Patrick Hardy shares insights on creating a culture of preparedness in small businesses. Learn how empowering employees at all levels can lead to more effective disaster response and adaptability in everyday operations.

Key Topics:

- Patrick's journey into disaster management

- The importance of empowerment in disaster preparedness 

- Creating adaptive teams for emergency response

- Applying disaster management principles to everyday business operations

- Building a successful disaster management company

Guest: Patrick Hardy, CEO of Hytropy Disaster Management and author of "Design Any Disaster"

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction and Patrick's background

05:30 - Defining disaster management 

10:15 - Types of disasters and examples

15:45 - The empowerment approach to disaster planning

22:30 - Building adaptive teams and cultures

28:00 - Patrick's entrepreneurial journey 

35:15 - Lightning round questions on adaptiveness

38:30 - Book recommendations

41:00 - Information on Patrick's book and how to connect

Key Quotes:

"If you don't empower people to do those kinds of things...everybody turns into a bystander."

"You never have to experience a disaster anytime ever in your life if you prepare for disaster."

"Disasters are not about...the severity. It's your dependencies - how much have you left yourself dependent on someone else."

Resources Mentioned:

- Book: "Guns, Germs and Steel" by Jared Diamond

- Book: "The Tao of Jeet Kune Do" by Bruce Lee

- Patrick's book: "Design Any Disaster"

Website: disasterpatrick.com

Facebook: facebook.com/DisasterPatrick

Instagram: instagram.com/disasterpatrick

X: x.com/DisasterPatrick

Pinterest: pinterest.com/DisasterPatrick

Tik Tok:

Episode Summary:

Sharon is an experienced M&A advisor who founded her firm sbLiftoff to serve small and medium sized businesses, an underserved sector critical to the economy. She recently published the book "LIFT OFF: 12 Things to Know Before Selling Your Business" to educate business owners on the M&A process. It aims to take some fear out of the process so owners can approach it more calmly.

Contact/Resources:

- Book: "Lift Off: 12 Things to Know Before Selling Your Business" by Sharon Heaton

- LinkedIn: Sharon Heaton and sbLiftoff

- Website: www.sbliftoff.com

0:05 - Introduction to Sharon's background

3:30 - Transition from law into advising small businesses 

5:30 - Motivation for writing the book "SB Lift Off"

7:30 - Goal to educate business owners on the M&A process 

9:00 - Importance of bringing on experienced M&A advisors

11:30 - The role of empathy and honesty in deals

13:00 - Balancing company strengths and weaknesses

15:30 - Unique dynamics in government contracting deals

18:30 - Preparing the business for future sale  

21:00 - The role of adaptability in Sharon's work

23:30 - Empathy examples from both buyer and seller perspectives

26:00 - Non-financial factors in negotiations 

28:00 - Considerations for owners in involving employees

31:00 - Structuring retention rewards for employees 

33:30 - Advice for employees deeply involved in transactions

36:30 - Where to find Sharon's book and connect with her

Podcast Info

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Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

In this extended episode, I spoke with Shawna Pelton, a transformational leadership expert, about navigating change and bringing out the best in people. We discussed the obstacles that hold back individuals and organizations from reaching their full potential and how to create psychologically safe environments. Shawna shared insights on embodying values, leading with inspiration, and the importance of self-mastery for adaptability.

Key Topics Covered:

- Why mindsets and inner beliefs create the biggest obstacles to change

- Identifying signs of unhealthy stress and conflict in organizations

- Fostering trust and respect to enable open communication

- Aligning with a higher purpose beyond profits to serve society

- Making values actionable through acknowledgment and rewards

- Leading change through inspiration rather than control

- Developing personal mastery to know your strengths and sense pivots

Timestamps:

0:00 - Meet Shawna Pelton

5:00 - Beliefs and mindsets as barriers to change

10:00 - Recognizing unhealthy stress signals in organizations

15:00 - Creating psychological safety for team cohesion

20:00 - Businesses balancing profits with social responsibility

25:00 - Turning values from words into actions

30:00 - Importance of inspiration and motivation for leaders

35:00 - Knowing yourself for greater adaptability

Guest Info:

Shawna Pelton is a transformational leadership expert who helps executives and organizations unlock their full potential.

Her website: http://www.shawnpelton.com

Free Gift - Goal Activator - An Easy Step-By-Step System for Purpose Driven Professionals to Master the Art and Science of REACHING GOALS through the Power of Neuroplasticity and Visualization

In this episode, Greg speaks with Gordon Graham, author of "The Intrepid Brotherhood: Public Power, Corruption, and Whistleblowing." Gordon shares his experience as an IT professional at a public utility who witnessed unethical and toxic leadership practices. When he tried to speak up, he faced retaliation and was forced to become a whistleblower.

Key Topics Covered:

• Gordon's career background in IT and experience in the public utility industry
• The story of how a new executive joined the company with ambitions to become CEO and the chaos he created
• Examples of unethical decisions made by this leader, including pushing out other executives and mishandling a major ERP implementation
• Gordon's attempts to raise concerns and the retaliation he faced
• His journey to becoming a whistleblower and fighting his wrongful termination
• Characteristics of toxic leadership based on Gordon's experience and research
• The importance of screening for dark triad traits in leaders and preventing toxic leadership

Timestamps:

0:00 - Introduction to Gordon Graham and his background

5:30 - The new executive joins with ambitions to become CEO

10:00 - Unethical decisions made by the new leader

15:00 - Gordon tries to raise concerns and faces retaliation

20:00 - Becoming a whistleblower and fighting wrongful termination

25:00 - Toxic leadership traits - the dark triad

30:00 - How to prevent toxic leadership

Guest Info:

Gordon Graham is the author of "The Intrepid Brotherhood: Public Power, Corruption, and Whistleblowing." He has decades of experience in IT and as a whistleblower exposing unethical practices. His website: www.intrepidbrotherhood.com

PODCAST INFO

Leave us a 5-Star Review on Podchaser (If we are not 5 stars yet, email us and let us know where we need to improve.)

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Want to learn more about Greg's work in FiveC Consulting? Check out his website at fivec.consulting

In this episode of "The Adaptive Executive," host Greg Ballard interviews Danielle Hughes, the Chief Personality Officer of More Than Words Marketing. Danielle shares her background and journey into marketing and copywriting. She emphasizes the importance of incorporating one's personality into their brand messaging and copywriting. By doing so, individuals can create deeper connections with their audience, attract the right clients, and stand out in the crowded market.

Greg and Danielle discuss the significance of words and narratives in communication and personal branding. They explore how understanding and expressing one's personality can lead to stronger connections within the workplace and improve interactions with clients. Danielle provides valuable advice on using the "About Me Mad Libs" approach to crafting a bio that represents your true self. The episode concludes with the realization that embracing one's personality can lead to increased trust, emotional connections, and better business outcomes. To learn more about this topic, connect with Danielle on LinkedIn or visit her website at More Than Words Copy.

PODCAST INFO

Leave us a 5-Star Review on Podchaser (If we are not 5 stars yet, email us and let us know where we need to improve.)

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Want to learn more about Greg's work in FiveC Consulting? Check out his website at fivec.consulting