In this episode of EO Visionary Voices , Dr. Randy Pierce, president and CEO of Future Insight, shares his journey of overcoming challenges as a visually impaired runner and how it parallels with business success. He emphasizes the importance of goal setting, teamwork, and accountability in both running and entrepreneurship. Dr. Pierce also discusses the impact of AI on business dynamics and the necessity of maintaining human connections in the workplace. The conversation concludes with insights into the mission of Future Insight and the importance of community in supporting those with vision loss.

Takeaways

• Dr. Randy Pierce is the CEO of Future Insight, focusing on vision rehabilitation.
• Running has become a team sport for Dr. Pierce due to his visual impairment.
• Setting goals is crucial for personal and professional growth.
• The journey of training for a marathon mirrors the process of achieving business goals.
• Teamwork is essential; together everyone achieves more.
• Accountability should be viewed as a positive reward, not a punitive measure.
• AI is transforming business landscapes, but human connections remain vital.
• The process of achieving goals should be enjoyable, not just focused on the end result.
• Listening to negative thoughts is passive; one should actively change the narrative in their head.
• Building community is key to supporting individuals with vision loss.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Dr. Randy Pierce and His Role

02:09
The Journey of Running and Overcoming Challenges

04:03
The Importance of Goal Setting and Action

06:07
Connecting Running with Business Goals

08:48
The Role of Teamwork in Achieving Success

11:48
Navigating Accountability in Business

13:54
Comparing Running and Mountain Climbing

16:11
The Impact of AI on Business and Team Dynamics

19:01
Closing Thoughts and Future Insight

19:45
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In this powerful episode of EO Visionary Voices, host Brent Peterson sits down with Dr. Jen Fry, CEO of Coordle and author of "I Said No: How to Have a Backbone and Boundaries Without Being a Jerk." As a professional speaker specializing in conflict resolution and culture, and founder of a tech company revolutionizing group travel and sports tourism, Jen brings invaluable insights on leadership, entrepreneurship, and the art of saying no.

Jen shares her journey from being a "kind asshole" (her words!) to becoming a successful entrepreneur who helps others build essential boundary-setting skills. She reveals why conflict is actually a mental health issue and how leaders can create cultures where failure becomes a learning opportunity rather than a career-ending event.

Throughout this engaging conversation, you'll discover practical strategies for setting boundaries without being a jerk, how to handle rejection in business, and why your best entrepreneurial lessons come from your worst failures. Jen also breaks down the critical difference between being nice versus being kind, and shares her unique approach to leadership that encourages innovation while maintaining accountability.

Whether you're struggling with people-pleasing tendencies, looking to improve your leadership skills, or building your own business, this episode provides actionable insights that will transform how you approach difficult conversations and decision-making in professional settings.

Chapters:

• 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Jen Fry and Coordle
• 01:30 The Free Joke Project
• 02:49 The Origin of "I Said No"
• 05:29 Applying Boundaries to Business Leadership
• 07:13 Setting Feelings Aside in Business Decisions
• 10:02 When Leaders Should Listen vs. Say No
• 13:59 Learning Entrepreneurship Through Failure
• 15:37 Teaching Teams to Learn from Failure
• 19:59 Shameless Plug: "I Said No" Book

Follow Talk Commerce on your favorite platform:

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@talkcommerce
• Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/talkcommerce.bsky.social
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talk-commerce/id1561204656
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7Alx6N7ERrPEXIBb41FZ1n
• Twitter: @talkingcommerce
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/talk-commerce
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/talkingcommerce
• Website: https://talk-commerce.com/

In this powerful episode of EO Visionary Voices, we dive deep into the world of authentic leadership with Jennifer Jensen, founder of Authentic Leader. Discover why traditional leadership approaches are failing in today's multigenerational workplace and learn the revolutionary strategies that are transforming how successful entrepreneurs lead their teams.

Jennifer shares her unique perspective on the critical difference between performance leadership and authentic leadership, revealing why vulnerability isn't weakness—it's your competitive advantage. From navigating generational differences to implementing reverse mentorship programs, this conversation is packed with actionable insights that will transform your leadership approach.

You'll learn why investing in your people delivers the highest ROI of any business strategy, how transparency builds trust that drives innovation, and the surprising truth about what today's workforce really wants from their leaders. Jennifer's approach to unlearning outdated leadership myths while embracing adaptive leadership principles offers a roadmap for entrepreneurs ready to elevate their organizational culture.

Whether you're leading a startup, scaling a business, or managing diverse teams across generations, this episode provides the tools and mindset shifts needed to become the authentic leader your organization needs. Don't miss Jennifer's insights on coaching, advisory services, and the power of developing leaders at every level of your organization.

Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction to Authentic Leadership with Jennifer Jensen
03:23 - The Journey of Leadership Development and Entrepreneurial Growth
06:07 - Performance vs. Authentic Leadership: Understanding the Difference
09:10 - Generational Differences in Leadership and Workplace Dynamics
12:23 - The Importance of Vulnerability in Leadership Success
15:25 - Closing Thoughts and Leadership Resources

This episode is essential viewing for entrepreneurs, business leaders, and anyone committed to building high-performing teams through authentic leadership principles.

This has been produced in cooperation with Talk Commerce

Follow Talk Commerce on your favorite platform:

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@talkcommerce
• Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/talkcommerce.bsky.social
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talk-commerce/id1561204656
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7Alx6N7ERrPEXIBb41FZ1n
• Twitter: @talkingcommerce
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/talk-commerce
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/talkingcommerce
• Website: https://talk-commerce.com/

In this compelling episode, we explore the remarkable 29-year journey of Michael Shapiro, who founded Ketubah.com in 1996 and has successfully navigated the ever-changing landscape of e-commerce. From his early career setbacks to building a thriving business around the ancient Jewish tradition of the Ketubah (marriage contract), Michael shares invaluable insights about resilience, innovation, and the art of adapting traditional businesses for the digital age.

Guest Bio

Michael Shapiro is the founder and visionary behind Ketubah.com, one of the oldest continuously operating e-commerce sites, launched in 1996. With a background in history, political science, and brand management at Procter & Gamble, Michael left the corporate world to build a business that bridges ancient Jewish traditions with modern technology. He leads a team of nine and has recently authored "Ketubah Renaissance," a coffee table book chronicling the modern revival of Jewish marriage contracts.

Business Evolution & Technology

• Platform Journey: HTML → ColdFusion → WordPress/WooCommerce
• AI Integration:
  • HebrewNamer.com: AI-powered Hebrew name suggestion tool
  • AI Ketubah text writing assistant with multiple styles (traditional to Shakespearean)
  • Behind-the-scenes order processing automation
• Building custom functionality on standardized platforms

Leadership & Team Building

• Transitioning from hands-on founder to visionary leader
• Building a team of 9 that brings their own innovative ideas
• Working with a Director of Operations (EOS-style integrator role)
• The joy of having team members contribute creative solutions

Creative Projects

• "Ketubah Renaissance" Book: Coffee table book documenting 60+ years of modern Ketubah artistry
• 12-year journey from initial idea to publication
• Working with demanding editors and the growth process
• Publishing with Jewish Publication Society, releasing August 1st

Notable Quotes

"It's not just they're implementing my ideas, they're bringing their ideas. And that's something that has been a long-term goal for me."

"I have a very well-developed creative side... connecting the dots in ways that perhaps other people haven't."

"Writing the book was a labor of love and sometimes a labor of hate."

Connect with Michael Shapiro

• Website: Ketubah.com
• Email: info@ketubah.com
• Instagram: @Ketubah.com
• LinkedIn: Michael Shapiro
• Book Pre-order: "Ketubah Renaissance" on Amazon

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Michael Shapiro and Ketubah

02:24
Michael's Journey to Entrepreneurship

07:43
Understanding Ketubah: The Jewish Marriage Contract

09:33
The Creative Vision Behind Ketubah

13:15
Leveraging AI in Ketubah and Hebrew Namer

14:39
Seasonality and Trends in the Ketubah Business

15:42
Exploring EOS and Business Strategies

16:44
The Ketubah Renaissance Book Project

19:06
E-commerce Evolution and Platform Migration

21:53
Closing Thoughts and Shameless Plug

This has been produced in cooperation with Talk Commerce

Follow Talk Commerce on your favorite platform:

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@talkcommerce
• Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/talkcommerce.bsky.social
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talk-commerce/id1561204656
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7Alx6N7ERrPEXIBb41FZ1n
• Twitter: @talkingcommerce
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/talk-commerce
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/talkingcommerce
• Website: https://talk-commerce.com/

In this episode of Uncharted Entrepreneurship, Alfredo Mathew III shares his journey from educator to entrepreneur, emphasizing the importance of community, teamwork, and shared prosperity in business. He discusses the role of AI as a tool rather than a replacement for human collaboration and highlights the need for diverse teams to foster innovation. Alfredo also explores the concept of shared prosperity, advocating for economic structures that allow small businesses to thrive alongside larger enterprises.

Takeaways

• Alfredo Mathew III is a co-founder of ESO Ventures and SPCC One.
• He transitioned from education to entrepreneurship seeking new challenges.
• Alfredo emphasizes the importance of community in creating value.
• AI is a tool, not a replacement for human interaction.
• Building effective teams requires diverse skill sets and perspectives.
• Feedback from a team is crucial for refining ideas.
• Shared prosperity is essential for economic growth.
• Small businesses need access to capital and contracts to compete.
• Alfredo is focused on creating ecosystems for local businesses.
• He encourages collaboration among entrepreneurs for mutual success.

Chapters

00:00
From Educator to Entrepreneur: Alfredo's Journey

05:10
The Role of Community in Business

10:14
Team Dynamics and the Importance of Diversity

15:02
Shared Prosperity: Building a Better Economic Future

18:56
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In this episode of Uncharted Entrepreneurship, Brent Peterson interviews Ravi Iyer, a physician and TEDx speaker, who shares his journey from practicing medicine to exploring cognitive alignment. Ravi discusses the importance of understanding individual narratives and experiences in achieving team alignment and high performance. He provides practical steps for individuals and teams to develop cognitive alignment and emphasizes the role of coaching in this process.

Takeaways

• Ravi Iyer is a physician with a passion for understanding life.
• Cognitive alignment is crucial for personal and team success.
• Individual narratives shape our experiences and perceptions.
• High performance requires spontaneous alignment within teams.
• Practicing mindfulness can enhance cognitive alignment.
• Building cognitive skills requires commitment and practice.
• Coaching can significantly aid in achieving cognitive alignment.
• The lived experience of individuals varies greatly.
• Distraction-free environments are essential for focus.
• Cognitive alignment can lead to improved team dynamics.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Ravi Iyer and His Journey

06:04
Cognitive Alignment: Understanding the Concept

15:09
Practical Steps to Achieve Cognitive Alignment

21:03
The Role of Coaching in Cognitive Alignment

24:49
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In this episode of Uncharted Entrepreneurship, Kevin McCarthy shares his journey as an entrepreneur, discussing his early ventures, the importance of leadership, and the concept of blind spots in decision-making. He emphasizes the need for connection in leadership and offers insights into how to better engage with teams. Kevin also introduces the Blind Spot Assessment, a tool designed to help individuals and organizations identify and address their blind spots for improved decision-making and relationships.

Takeaways

• Kevin's passion lies in helping people make better decisions.
• He started his entrepreneurial journey with a lemonade stand.
• Blind spots can significantly impact decision-making in business.
• Leadership requires connection and understanding of team dynamics.
• The younger generation values purpose over money in their careers.
• Organizations often fail by promoting technical experts to leadership roles.
• Effective leadership is crucial for employee engagement and retention.
• The Blind Spot Assessment is a quick tool for identifying personal blind spots.
• Humility and vulnerability are essential traits for modern leaders.
• People want to feel valued and heard in their workplace.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Kevin McCarthy and His Passion

02:45
Kevin's Early Entrepreneurial Journey

08:51
Identifying Blind Spots in Business

14:01
The Importance of Leadership and Connection

17:36
Advice for New Leaders and Understanding Generational Differences

22:50
The Blind Spot Assessment and Its Impact

26:01
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In this episode of Uncharted Entrepreneurship, Marsha Marseille, co-founder of Cross Care Transport, shares her journey into the medical transportation industry. She discusses her day-to-day operations, the importance of defining roles within her business partnership, and the unique marketing strategies that set her company apart. Marsha reflects on her previous entrepreneurial experiences and the lessons learned, as well as her outlook on navigating economic challenges in the future.

Takeaways

• Marsha Marseille is the co-founder of Cross Care Transport, focusing on non-emergency medical transportation.
• Her passion for self-care influences her approach to business and life.
• The idea for Cross Care Transport stemmed from her experiences in project management with seniors.
• Having a business partner allows for defined roles and effective teamwork.
• Marketing strategies include unique branding, such as their distinctive pink vans.
• Understanding the local market is crucial for a startup's success.
• Previous entrepreneurial experiences have equipped Marsha with valuable lessons.
• Navigating economic challenges requires adaptability and a positive outlook.
• Team dynamics and clear communication are essential for operational success.
• Marsha emphasizes the importance of customer service and responsiveness in her industry.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Marcia Marseille and Cross Care Transport

05:55
Navigating Business Partnerships

12:02
Lessons from Previous Ventures

16:54
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