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The Value Creators Podcast Episode #52. CFO-as-a-Service is a Window on the Future of Business Organization with Kristian Marquez

November 20, 2024 /0 Comments/in /by

In this episode of the Value Creators Podcast, host Hunter Hastings engages with Kristian Marquez, founder and CEO of FinStrat Management, to explore the multifaceted nature of entrepreneurship. Kristian shares his journey, from the founding team of a successful medical data company that went public to navigating startup challenges with a venture-funded business to pioneering the delivery of CFO-as-a-service. The episode concludes with insights on leveraging external expertise as a service and a free CFO consultation offer. 

The Value Creators Podcast Episode #51. Applying Agile Principles to Transform Management (The B2B Growth Blueprint Repost)

November 12, 2024 /0 Comments/in /by

There is a shift away from traditional management toward self-managed, digitally-enabled companies. We are entering the Post Managerial Era of Capitalism. In this new way of thinking about business and organization, top-down structures are giving way to self-management, where employees make decisions informed by real-time data and customer insights.

Mark Osborne from the B2B Growth Blueprint podcast provided a platform to discuss the implications of this shift.

Mark highlights the role of empathy, emotional engagement, and agile customer feedback in building responsive, customer-centric businesses, and emphasizes the importance of leveraging digital tools to create interactive environments where customers can actively participate and provide invaluable insights. This approach allows businesses to strengthen product development and build loyalty by making customers feel directly involved.

Mark Osborne emphasizes the relevance of these strategies for early-stage companies, emphasizing iterative design and customer engagement, even with limited resources. By integrating these principles, businesses can not only strengthen their product development but also create a loyal customer base that feels directly involved in the process.

The Value Creators Podcast Episode #50. Creating Value With AI Agents with Michael Walker

October 27, 2024 /0 Comments/in /by

We are about to enter the era of AI agents, and learning about them and deploying them is relevant to every business. What are they? How can a business develop one? How can a business successfully deploy one? How can a business develop a team of AI agents to work together to automate processes? How will these AI agents create value for customers?

In this episode of the Value Creators Podcast, Hunter Hastings gets answers to these questions from  Michael Walker of SmythOS. Michael is the right expert to learn from because he prioritizes customer-centricity in AI solutions. Michael believes that businesses should put customer needs and benefits first, before technology features. That’s the Value Creators mindset, and it helps businesses to avoid the common pitfall in tech-first startups where excessive focus on features can obscure the value for end-users. According to Michael, this focus on customer problems is foundational, and AI deployment should primarily aid in addressing customer needs rather than showcasing technological capabilities.

SmythOS advocates for a future where AI and humans work in synergy to optimize value creation effectiveness.

The Value Creators Podcast Episode #49. Erik Schön On Self Management Amidst Change

October 18, 2024 /0 Comments/in /by

Has the pace and volume of change increased in the modern age? Is dealing with change more of a problem for businesses today than in the past? What is the recommended way to manage change?

Erik Schön is a student of ancient philosophy, and he reminds us that the challenges raised by change are ancient, not modern. And the ancients had good ways to deal with them. In this episode of the Value Creators podcast, Erik Schön discusses the genesis of his book, The Art Of Change, the latest of a trilogy of works that include The Art of Strategy and The Art of Leadership. Erik distills highly relevant ancient wisdom, particularly from texts like The I Ching and Lao Tzu’s Tao Te Ching. He builds a modern business application from these classic ideas based on his extensive experience in leadership and strategy.

The Value Creators Episode #48. New Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs with Brian Hollins

October 1, 2024 /0 Comments/in /by

Brian Hollins is founder and managing partner at Collide Capital and Founder and CEO of Takeoff Institute, as well as Founding Board Member at BLCKVC. He’s devoted his career to addressing and solving the challenges entrepreneurs face in accessing capital when they’re not plugged in to elite VC networks and funding sources. Brian shares insights from his venture, Collide Capital, which provides investment, coaching, and support to entrepreneurs lacking access to traditional networks.

The conversation highlights the importance of community, mentoring and education in empowering these entrepreneurs. Brian also discusses his involvement with the Takeoff Institute, which aims to develop future leaders. The episode underscores the critical role for entrepreneurship in value creation. Entrepreneurs develop better products and services and contribute to meaningful experiences for customers. Institutional support, such as venture capital, is essential. 

Yet, only some have access to these resources, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds who may not be plugged into the institutional environment of university incubators and venture capital pools.

The Value Creators Podcast Episode #47. End-user Innovation From The Middle of The Supply Chain

September 17, 2024 /0 Comments/in /by

John Willenborg’s business, Owl Vans, specializes in adventure vans designed for outdoor enthusiasts who seek to connect with nature. These vans provide essential comforts and accessories while encouraging maximum high-value outdoor time. The market for adventure vans has expanded rapidly, with Owl Vans leading in aftermarket accessories. John highlights the importance of scalability and being a generalist to succeed in entrepreneurship.

John’s approach emphasizes the importance of strategic marketing, careful expansion, strong partner relationships, and diligent financial management in building and scaling a successful business.