10x Your Team with Cam & Otis

Jody Grunden reveals how he built the first fully distributed Virtual CFO practice in North America — and the pricing mistakes, partnership lessons, and non-financial KPIs that transformed his firm.

If you're running an agency, accounting practice, or service business and struggling with profitability, pricing, or scaling, this episode is packed with practical insights. Jody Grunden, co-founder of Summit CPA Group (now Anders Virtual CFO), shares how he pioneered the subscription-based Virtual CFO model and the lessons he learned along the way.

In this episode, you'll discover:
• Why non-financial KPIs matter more than the numbers — and how focusing only on financials can lead to the wrong behaviors (51:40)
• The biggest pricing mistake Jody made early on — undercharging and giving away free consulting that hurt profitability (12:27)
• Why cash should be viewed as a safety net, not profit
• The partnership principle — finding people who are great at what you’re not (51:18)
• How Jody built the first fully distributed Virtual CFO firm in North America (23:54)
• Why subscription-based billing transformed his accounting practice
• The profit-focused maturity model he uses to help agencies scale sustainably
• Early entrepreneurial mistakes and what actually drives business growth (01:46)

About Jody Grunden:

Jody Grunden is a pioneer in the accounting industry and co-founder of Summit CPA Group, now Anders Virtual CFO. He introduced subscription-based billing to accounting firms and built the first fully distributed Virtual CFO practice in North America. Since 2002, he has specialized in helping digital and creative agencies improve profitability and scalability through his profit-focused maturity model.

He is the author of Digital Dollars and Cents and Building the Virtual CFO Firm in the Cloud, and has been recognized by CPA.com as one of the most innovative practitioners in the country.

Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction: Hockey Talk and Business Mistakes
02:02 - From Accountant to Virtual CFO Pioneer
12:27 - Early Pricing Mistakes and the Free Consulting Trap
23:54 - Building the First Distributed Virtual CFO Firm
39:50 - The Partnership Principle
50:55 - Non-Financial KPIs and Cash as Safety
53:36 - Connecting with Jody and Closing Thoughts

Connect with Jody Grunden here:
https://anderscpa.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodygrunden/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/andersvcfo
https://www.facebook.com/vcfobyanders/
https://www.instagram.com/andersvcfo/
https://anderscpa.com/learn/podcasts/the-creative-agency-success-show/

Ari Galper reveals why traditional sales tactics are breaking trust- and how to collapse your entire sales cycle into one conversation.

If you're tired of chasing leads, doing free consulting, and hearing "let me think about it," this episode will change everything. Ari Galper, @ari_galper, founder of AriAI and the world's leading authority on trust-based selling, breaks down why follow-ups, proposals, and "Do you have any questions?" are killing your conversion rates- and what to say instead.

About Ari Galper:
Ari Galper is the founder and CEO of AriAI, the world's only trust-based proprietary AI sales growth advisor. With over two decades of experience, he's the world's leading authority on trust-based selling, helping business leaders eliminate sales pressure and collapse long sales cycles. Ari is the author of seven best-selling books, including Trust in a Split Second! and Unlock The Sales Game. His strategies have been featured in Forbes, CEO Magazine, and INC Magazine. Through his breakthrough "One Call Sale" system, Ari empowers leaders to thrive in today's "Trust Recession," making trust the cornerstone of business success.

Resources:
• Get Ari's book Trust in a Split Second for FREE (physical copy shipped to you): thetrustbook.com 
• Join the Selling with Trust community for free: arigalper.com/free
• Learn more about AriAI: arigalper.com

Ready to stop chasing and start closing? Hit play and discover how trust-based selling can transform your sales process- and your business.

Chapters with Timestamps and Descriptions

00:00 - Introduction: Meet Ari Galper
• Cam and Otis introduce Ari Galper, founder of AriAI and trust-based selling expert 
• Setting the stage: Why traditional sales tactics are failing in today's market
 • The "Trust Recession" and what it means for business owners

07:13 - AI Meets Human Connection: How to Balance Both
• Ari explains how he uses AI to scale while keeping interactions feeling personal 
• The philosophy behind cloning himself with AI without losing the human touch 
• Why every customer should feel like a real human reached out to them 
• Separating automation from authentic connection in your sales ecosystem

13:16 - The Free Consulting Trap: Stop Racing to the Bottom
• Why most businesses struggle with conversion rates and chase leads endlessly 
• The cycle of free consulting, proposals, and voicemails that break trust • How "selling behaviors" destroy trust before you even get to the close 
• What to do instead: Shifting from information-giving to trust-building

16:33 - The One Call Sale Framework: Make Them Feel Understood
• The psychology of why prospects don't care about your credentials or logos 
• How to make the emotional connection: "This guy just gets me" 
• The moment they're sold: When they feel deeply understood • Onboarding vs. selling: The rest is just logistics once trust is established

17:04 - The Human Component: It's Not About the Business
• Camden's question: Do you even need to know the business that well? 
• Why the human-to-human connection matters more than business details 
• Focusing on the person in front of you, not just the company behind them

41:40 - Stop Saying "Follow-Up"—Say This Instead
• Why "follow-up" is a sales word that signals you're chasing the sale 
• The trust-building alternative: "I'm calling to see if you have any feedback" 
• How languaging shifts change perception and increase your expert status 
• Why chasing decreases your credibility and pushes prospects away

42:09 - Never Ask "Do You Have Any Questions?" Pre-Sale
• The worst thing you can say before closing—and why it kills trust • What happens when you invite prospects to pick your brain for free 
• How this phrase positions you as a vendor, not&

How do you turn a passion for bow hunting into a business that builds community and changes lives? In this episode, Cam and Otis sit down with Sam Westfall, an Army veteran and founder of Archery in Motion, who has created a unique space where veterans and civilians alike can experience the challenge, camaraderie, and healing that comes from the discipline of the bow.

"I break every one of those rules," Sam explains about traditional archery tournaments. Instead of rigid competition formats with scorecards and egos, he's built something different—fun shoots that challenge experienced archers while welcoming complete beginners. From steel targets to moving targets to shots beyond 40 yards, Sam's approach prioritizes the experience of archery over the formality of competition.

What makes this conversation particularly valuable is Sam's honest discussion about the entrepreneurial journey. From presenting at a Bunker Labs pitch night where he met Otis, to navigating the challenge of growing both the archery market and his slice of it, Sam shares practical insights about building a business around a lifestyle. Whether discussing the importance of eye placement in archery (and life), the cost of recovering arrows from steel targets, or the philosophy of "no scorecards, no egos," this episode offers lessons for anyone trying to turn their passion into sustainable business.

Whether you're a veteran transitioning to entrepreneurship, an outdoor enthusiast interested in archery, or a business owner trying to balance growth strategies, Sam's journey from competitive archer to community builder provides a roadmap for creating something meaningful that serves others while doing what you love.

More About Sam:
Sam Westfall is an Army veteran, entrepreneur, competitive archer, and veteran community builder who believes archery can change lives. With decades of experience in hunting and shooting sports, he works to create opportunities for veterans and civilians alike to find challenge, camaraderie, and healing through the discipline of the bow.

Chapter Times and Titles:

Introduction: The Real Deal, No AI Here [00:00 - 03:04]
Welcome and meet Sam Westfall
Army veteran, entrepreneur, and competitive archer
The authenticity check: proving it's really Sam
Setting up the archery conversation

"Eye Placement Is Everything" [03:04 - 12:21]
The importance of eye placement in archery
How focus and discipline translate from bow to life
The fundamentals that matter most
Why archery requires such precision

From Lifestyle to Business: The Archery in Motion Story [12:21 - 13:04]
How Sam converted bow hunting into entrepreneurship
Meeting Otis at Bunker Labs pitch night
The veterans into business program
Presenting Archery in Motion for the first time

"I Break Every One of Those Rules" [13:04 - 32:06]
Traditional archery tournament rules and restrictions
Why Sam went his own direction
Steel targets, moving targets, and challenging shots
Creating space for both beginners and experts
The philosophy: "Let them experience what archery should be—fun"

No Scorecards, No Egos [32:06 - 30:50]
The fun shoot approach vs. traditional competition
Building community without the pressure
Planning one true competition later in the year
Why most events focus on play, not performance

Growing the Slice vs. Growing the Pie [30:50 - 32:44]
Camden's question about growth philosophy
Getting more people into archery overall
Being the best option within the archery market
The mix of both strategies in Sam's approach
Welcoming brand new archers with low barriers to entry

The Cost of Missing Steel Targets [32:44 - 32:06]
Otis's Alaska archery certification story
Shooting at steel silhouettes with vital zones
Classmates spending extra to recover arrows
The expensive lesson of accuracy
Why steel targets are

What drives someone to continue serving long after their military career ends? In this episode, Cam and Otis sit down with Scot Russell, a US Navy veteran who served as a Submarine Sonar Technician aboard the USS Norfolk (SSN-714) from 1990-1996, and who now dedicates his time to Heroes on the Water, an organization that helps veterans and first responders heal through kayak fishing.

"We weren't afraid of anything down there. We all go down, we all come back," Scot explains about submarine culture. That mindset of charging toward the fire—whether it's a literal fire on a submarine or a problem in the business world—has shaped his entire career. From his time listening for threats in the depths of the ocean to his current work in IT leadership, Scot demonstrates how the technical skills and team-focused mentality from submarine service translate directly into civilian success.

What makes this conversation particularly compelling is Scot's candid discussion about the power of listening—both literally as a sonar technician and figuratively in understanding people's needs. He shares how the detailed focus required on a submarine, where one mistake could mean disaster for everyone, taught him to connect with people where they are rather than imposing solutions. Whether discussing the unique title of "Chief of the Boat" (COB), explaining why submariners weren't afraid of death because they had each other, or describing how Heroes on the Water creates community for veterans struggling with isolation, Scot's story illustrates the importance of continuing to serve.

Whether you're a veteran transitioning to civilian work, a leader interested in building tight-knit teams, or someone looking to make a difference in the veteran community, Scot's journey from submarine service to IT leadership to veteran advocacy provides valuable lessons about translating military experience, the power of community, and finding purpose through service.

More About Scot:
Scot is a US Navy Veteran who served as a Submarine Sonar Technician from 1990 to 1996. He was attached to the USS Norfolk (SSN-714) fast attack submarine, where he earned his Submarine Warfare (SS). He served in the Gulf War and in support of NATO in other areas. He received a Meritorious Unit Commendation, Navy Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Navy Arctic Service, and NATO Medal. He comes from a long line of Veterans, his Father is a Vietnam Veteran, and his Grandfather served in the Korean War and WW2.


Chapter Times and Titles:

Introduction: The Submariner and Veteran Advocate [00:00 - 05:00]

Welcome and meet Scot Russell
US Navy Submarine Sonar Technician, USS Norfolk (SSN-714)
Setting up the conversation about submarine service and Heroes on the Water
The family legacy of military service

"We All Go Down, We All Come Back" [05:00 - 10:30]
Submarine culture and the fearlessness it creates
Charging toward the fire: solving problems, not documenting them
Why submariners do it for each other, not fear of death
The confidence that comes from being shoulder to shoulder

Life as a Sonar Technician [10:30 - 18:00]
What a Submarine Sonar Technician actually does
Listening for what's around you in the depths
The technical skills and detailed focus required
Gulf War service and NATO operations
Earning the Submarine Warfare (SS) qualification

"Chief of the Boat": The Ultimate Leadership Role [18:00 - 24:00]
Understanding submarine hierarchy and titles
COB: Chief of the Boat—the head enlisted leader
"If the COB's looking for you, that ain't a good thing."
Why detailed focus matters when mistakes can be fatal
The importance of every person doing their job right

Translating Submarine Skills to the IT World [24:00 - 32:00]
How listening skills transfer from sonar to business
Understanding what's around you by payin

What happens when your company grows faster than your ability to lead it? In this episode, Cam and Otis sit down with Rajesh Nagjee, a CEO mentor and self-described "business physicist" who helps scale-stage founders solve what he calls the Velocity Crisis—the widening gap between sophisticated business systems and a CEO's capacity to run them effectively.

You built a Ferrari: sophisticated systems, frameworks, and infrastructure. But no one upgraded your inner operating system," Rajesh explains. Drawing on 30 years of experience across 15 countries and inspired by Tim Gallwey's Inner Game principles, he reframes leadership through a powerful equation: Scaling = Systems (Outer Game) minus Interference (Inner Game).

What makes this conversation particularly compelling is Rajesh's unflinching approach to CEO development. From telling fear-based founders "there's no future for you” to advocating for "fixed outcome, variable process" frameworks, he challenges conventional wisdom about control, values, and leadership. His signature CEO Freedom OS framework, including Command Center OS, Delegation OS, Client Magnet OS, and Personal Brand OS, has helped clients like Amex KSA and Nielsen MEA achieve returns exceeding 500%.

Whether you're a founder feeling overwhelmed by growth, a CEO struggling to delegate effectively, or a leader interested in building decision maturity within your team, Rajesh's systems-based approach offers a roadmap for scaling sustainably without becoming the bottleneck.

More About Rajesh:
Rajesh Nagjee is a CEO mentor and business physicist who helps scale-stage founders solve what he calls the Velocity Crisis, the widening gap between a company’s systems and a CEO’s capacity to run them at scale. You built a Ferrari: sophisticated systems, frameworks, and infrastructure. But no one upgraded your inner operating system. As growth accelerates, you become the bottleneck, driving a supercar with sedan instincts. Drawing on 30 years of experience across 15 countries, Rajesh reframes leadership through a systems lens inspired by Tim Gallwey’s Inner Game: Scaling = Systems (Outer Game) minus Interference (Inner Game). His signature framework, CEO Freedom OS, includes four interlocking components: Command Center OS, Delegation OS, Client Magnet OS, and Personal Brand OS. Clients such as Amex KSA, Nielsen MEA, and BNI Middle East have used it to reduce overwhelm, build decision maturity, and scale sustainably with returns exceeding 500%.

Chapter Times and Titles:
Introduction: The Business Physicist [00:00 - 05:30]
Welcome and meet Rajesh Nagjee
What is a "business physicist"?
The Velocity Crisis: when systems outpace leadership capacity
Setting up the Ferrari metaphor

"You Built a Ferrari, But Nobody Upgraded Your OS" [05:30 - 12:44]
The gap between sophisticated systems and the CEO's capacity
Why founders become bottlenecks at scale
The Inner Game vs. Outer Game framework
Scaling = Systems minus Interference

Fixed Outcome, Variable Process [12:44 - 18:40]
The choice: fixed process/variable outcome vs. fixed outcome/variable process. 
Guardrails and swim lanes instead of rigid processes
Why business school frameworks often fail in practice
Creating freedom within structure
The beautiful father-son relationship example

If You Think You Can Control Anybody, Try Controlling Yourself [18:40 - 24:16]
The illusion of control in leadership
Why consistency is harder than we think
Showing up in your individuality
Aligning on outcomes, not micromanaging the process
The coffee-making consistency example

Confronting the Fear-Based CEO [24:16 - 32:00]
How Rajesh helps CEOs overcome the fear of delegation
"You're never going to come out of that fear psychosis."
The provocative approach: telling them there's no future
Building decision maturity in leadership teams
Why enabling the team requ

What happens when someone gets fired from both L'Oréal and Ernst & Young, then goes on to advise billion-dollar brands like Porsche? In this episode, Cam and Otis sit down with Alex M H Smith, strategy consultant and author of the bestselling "No Bullsh*t Strategy," who's made a career out of cutting through corporate fluff to help businesses find the clear, simple moves that actually work.

"Nobody knew what the hell I was doing because nobody understood strategy," Alex jokes about his time as a Chief Strategy Officer. But that lack of understanding is exactly the problem he's spent his career solving. From discussing why most businesses confuse strategy with "what are we going to do next" to revealing the difference between Blue Ocean Strategy and traditional strategic planning, this conversation explores what it really means to find your unique competitive advantage.

What makes this episode particularly valuable is Alex's candid discussion about the education gap in strategic thinking. He explains why there was no competitive pitch situation in his entire consulting career—because almost nobody else was doing real strategy work at the small business level. Whether you're a founder trying to escape me-too competition, a leader struggling to articulate your strategic direction, or simply someone who's read all the buzzwords but wants to understand what strategy actually means, Alex's plain-spoken approach provides a roadmap for replacing timid, complicated plans with bold, energizing directions.

More About Alex:
Alex M H Smith is a strategy consultant and author of the bestselling No Bullsh*t Strategy, known for cutting through the corporate fluff and helping businesses find the clear, simple moves that actually work. As founder of Basic Arts, Alex works with founders and CEOs to identify the unique value only their business can deliver—and turn it into a competitive advantage that customers can’t ignore.

His plain-spoken approach has attracted a global audience on LinkedIn and YouTube, where he shares practical, often provocative perspectives on escaping the noise of me-too competition. Whether advising billion-dollar brands like Porsche or fast-moving startups, Alex focuses on replacing timid, complicated strategic plans with bold, energizing directions that make sense from the boardroom to the front line.

Chapter Times and Titles:

Introduction: The Disastrous Start to a Strategy Career [00:00 - 04:28]
Welcome and meet Alex M H Smith
Fired from L'Oréal and Ernst & Young
The non-deliberate path to strategy consulting
Following (and failing at) corporate footsteps

From Advertising to Strategy Consulting [04:28 - 13:51]
Account planning and the strategic side of advertising
Starting a consultancy in 2006
The education gap: why nobody was looking for strategy help
"Nobody knew what the hell I was doing"

The Strategy Knowledge Problem [13:51 - 22:30]
Camden's question: buzzwords vs. real understanding
Blue Ocean Strategy vs. traditional strategic planning
Why most people think strategy is "what are we going to do next"
The flabby definitions that miss the point

No Competitive Pitches: Being the Only One [22:30 - 32:15]
Why Alex never had a competitive pitch situation
The plus side: blowing people's minds with real strategy
The challenge: a massive education job required
Pure play strategy consultants vs. small business reality

Finding Your Unique Value [32:15 - 40:12]
What only your business can deliver
Turning unique value into competitive advantage
Why customers can't ignore clear differentiation
The beauty of being Chief Strategy Officer: doing whatever you want

From Basic Arts to Global Audience [40:12 - 48:00]
Building a following on LinkedIn and YouTube
Practical, provocative perspectives on competition
Working with billion-dollar brands and fast-moving startups

How does someone juggle running a business, teaching at two universities, and working full-time as a Director of Enterprise Applications? In this episode, Cam and Otis sit down with Dr. Tresia Eaves—Air Force veteran, author, adjunct professor, and founder of Variant Enterprises—to explore her remarkable journey from military service to becoming a recognized leader in technology consulting and project management.

"You are only limited by yourself and the limitations you put on yourself," Dr. Eaves explains, sharing how she's managed to build a successful consulting business while teaching the next generation of business leaders and leading IT initiatives at Texas A&M University, Kingsville. From discussing her transition from military software development to civilian project management, to revealing her upcoming work on "The Platinum Rule" (treating others as THEY want to be treated, not as you want to be treated), this conversation offers valuable insights for anyone navigating multiple professional roles.

What makes this episode particularly valuable is Dr. Eaves' practical approach to time management, her emphasis on building supportive teams, and her commitment to giving back through education. Whether you're a veteran transitioning to civilian work, an entrepreneur balancing multiple ventures, or a leader interested in project management excellence, Dr. Eaves' story provides a roadmap for achieving success without putting limitations on yourself.

More About Tresia:
Dr. Tresia Eaves has over 30 years of technology consulting and information technology leadership experience. She is also an author, instructor, public speaker, adjunct professor, and proud veteran of the US Air Force. She established her company, Variant Enterprises, LLC, in 2011 and has her Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned and HUBZone Small Business certifications through SBA.gov. She also has her Texas VetHUB certification. She currently serves as the Director of Enterprise Applications for Texas A&M University, Kingsville. She recently worked as a subcontractor for the US Forest Service as a Senior Program Manager in the Office of the Chief Technology Officer (2023- 2025). She earned her doctorate in Information Science from the University of North Texas. She also has a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Baylor University and a master’s in organizational Behavior from the University of Oklahoma. Dr. Eaves is a published author with her book, “Above and Beyond: The Secrets of Outstanding Project Leadership,” published in 2014 by IIL, and has published multiple other articles in professional and academic journals. Her latest effort is focused on educating professionals on “The Platinum Rule,” and a book is planned for 2027. She resides in Rockport, Texas, with her family.

Chapter Times and Titles:

Introduction: The Multi-Hyphenate Leader [00:00 - 05:00]
Welcome and meet Dr. Tresia Eaves
Air Force veteran, author, professor, and business owner
Setting the stage: How does she do it all?

"I'm a Project Manager at Heart" [05:00 - 13:30]
Managing schedule, family, and multiple professional roles
Teaching classes since 2021
The advantage of experience and preparation
Founding Variant Enterprises in 2011

From Air Force to Civilian Project Management [13:30 - 22:45]
Military background in software development and testing
The transition challenge: translating military experience
Learning that "all this software development stuff is called project management."
Getting certified and launching a consulting career

"You Are Only Limited by Yourself" [22:45 - 32:00]
Breaking through self-imposed limitations
The importance of supportive teams
Working with Texas A&M University, Kingsville
The EBV (Entrepreneurial Bootcamp for Veterans) program at Texas A&M College Station

The Platinum Rule: A New Approach to Leadership [32:00 - 42:15]
Movi

What drives someone to leave a successful 15-year law enforcement career to tackle one of the most challenging problems facing first responders? In this episode, Cam and Otis sit down with Joe Smarro, a decorated Marine Corps combat veteran, former San Antonio Police officer, and founder of SolutionPoint+, who's on a mission to eradicate suicide among first responders.

"Misery was the catalyst," Joe explains candidly about his transition from police work to entrepreneurship. As one of the original members of the SAPD Mental Health Unit—featured in the Emmy award-winning documentary "Ernie & Joe: Crisis Cops"—Joe shares powerful insights about trauma, PTSD, and the surprising overlap between the symptoms of post-traumatic stress and entrepreneurship.

From discussing how "all behavior is communication" to revealing why he turned to business the way others turn to alcohol, this conversation explores the intersection of mental health, leadership, and purpose-driven work. Joe's approach to de-escalating mental health crises and his framework for understanding human behavior offer valuable lessons for anyone leading teams or navigating their own challenges.

Whether you're a first responder, an entrepreneur dealing with the obsessive nature of building a business, or a leader seeking to better understand the people you serve, Joe's journey from battlefield to advocate provides a roadmap for turning trauma into meaningful impact.

More About Joe:
Joe is a decorated combat veteran from the United States Marine Corps. He honorably served in both Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. After completing his enlistment, he moved to South Texas, where he joined the San Antonio Police Department (2005). Joe was one of the original members of the SAPD Mental Health Unit and helped grow that unit into a nationally recognized best-practices policing program. Joe served on the SAPD MHU for 11 years.

In 2018, he gave a TEDx San Antonio talk titled: I See You. He has been highlighted in numerous media outlets and documentaries. Most notably, he is one of the main subjects in the Emmy award-winning documentary: Ernie & Joe: Crisis Cops. Joe is an alum of the Entrepreneurial Bootcamp for Veterans (EBV) at Texas A&M (2016). Once he completed his certification, he founded SolutionPoint+ in 2017 & is the current CEO.

Joe voluntarily left the San Antonio Police Department in 2020 to focus on making changes within the behavioral health and criminal justice systems around the country. His big, hairy, audacious goal is to eradicate suicide among all first responders, starting in law enforcement. When Joe is not speaking, training, consulting, or working on his next book, he will most likely be found on a golf course.


Chapter Times and Titles:

Introduction: The Hard Ground and Harder Problems [00:00 - 04:19]
Welcome and the ranch soil saga
Meet Joe Smarro: Marine, cop, entrepreneur
Setting the stage for a conversation about trauma and purpose

"Misery Was the Catalyst" [04:19 - 12:30]
Why Joe left law enforcement after 15 years
The transition from being part of a team to going solo
Finding purpose beyond the uniform

All Behavior Is Communication [12:30 - 24:45]
The foundational principle of Joe's work
Understanding what people are really saying through their actions
De-escalating mental health crises with empathy

The SAPD Mental Health Unit Story [24:45 - 32:17]
Building a nationally recognized best-practices program
Lessons from "Ernie & Joe: Crisis Cops"
The TEDx talk: "I See You."

PTSD and Entrepreneurship: The Unexpected Overlap [32:17 - 43:05]
Symptoms of PTSD vs. symptoms of entrepreneurship
Bob Parsons' story: turning to business instead of alcohol
The obsessive nature of building something meaningful
Why avoidance and thrill-seeking show up in both

Building SolutionPoin

What happens when a personal tragedy becomes the catalyst for helping thousands of families preserve their stories? In this episode, Cam and Otis sit down with Charlie Greene, CEO and Co-Founder of Remento, who turned his experience recording his mom's stories during her cancer diagnosis into a Shark Tank-approved business that's helped over 30,000 families create memory books.

"Writing feels like homework," Charlie's mom told him when he gave her a write-your-own-memoir book. So he tried something different—he just hit record and started asking questions. That simple pivot became the foundation for Remento, a product that creates keepsake memory books that completely write themselves, no writing required.

From discussing the difference between "family history" and "selling a story" to sharing insights about resilience research in children, this conversation explores the art and science of storytelling. Charlie reveals what he learned about helping people who think "I don't know why my story matters" discover that their experiences are worth preserving—and how reframing it as a gift for your kids rather than your own legacy changes everything.

Whether you're an entrepreneur building something deeply personal, a leader interested in the power of storytelling, or someone who wants to preserve family memories before it's too late, Charlie's journey from that first recording with his mom to appearing on Shark Tank offers valuable lessons about building businesses that truly matter.


Chapter Times and Titles:

Introduction: The Story Behind the Story [00:00 - 06:16]
Welcome, and the abstract conversation tease
What is Remento? Memory books that write themselves
Charlie's background and the origin story

"Writing Feels Like Homework" [06:16 - 15:30]
Mom's cancer diagnosis and the urgency to preserve her voice
The failed write-your-own-memoir book
Discovering the power of just hitting record

Building a Better Way to Preserve Memories [15:30 - 28:45]
The tedious process that inspired Remento
How the product works: weekly prompts and voice recordings
Creating keepsake books with both stories and voices

The Art and Science of Storytelling [28:45 - 42:47]
Learning from millions of stories in the data
Coaching people through their stories vs. interrogating them
Privacy-first approach while learning what stories matter most

Family History vs. Personal Legacy [42:47 - 46:36]
The story arc and helping people tell meaningful stories
Resilience research: why family stories matter for kids
Reframing it as a gift for your children, not self-promotion

Two Types of Storytellers [46:36 - 53:14]
The talkers vs. the reluctant storytellers
Why both groups end up sharing equally once they start
The importance of the first question and building momentum

"Pause is Powerful" [53:14 - 54:03]
Charlie's consistent message about taking time to reflect
The power of pausing in both storytelling and life

The Shark Tank Journey and What's Next [54:03 - End]
Making three Sharks cry and landing Mark Cuban as an investor
30,000+ storytellers and counting
Product of the Day on Product Hunt and Top 10 Products of 2024

Connect with Charlie and Remento [End]
LinkedIn: Charlie Greene
Website: remento.co (R-E-M-E-N-T-O)
Instagram, Facebook, TikTok: @remento
Perfect gift for parents, grandparents, or your kids' future
Final thoughts on preserving the stories that matter most

Connect with Charlie Greene here:
https://www.facebook.com/getremento/
https://www.instagram.com/getremento/
https://www.tiktok.com/@getremento
https://vimeo.com/getremento
https://www.pinterest.com/GetRemento/
https://www.remento.co/

What if the key to building a high-performing team isn't fixing weaknesses, but maximizing strengths? In this episode, Cam and Otis sit down with Kathy Kersten, a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach who has spent over 15 years helping leaders at Meta, Google, and AWS unlock their teams' potential through the CliftonStrengths framework.

"I always joke that my Maximizer talent is a warning label, not just a t-shirt," Kathy explains, diving into the power of self-awareness and how understanding your natural talent patterns can transform both individual performance and team dynamics. From discussing the difference between specialty players and utility players to sharing practical strategies for hiring based on strengths rather than just skills, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on leadership.

Whether you're an entrepreneur building your first team, a leader looking to optimize performance, or simply curious about how to leverage your own talents more effectively, Kathy's insights provide a roadmap for creating trust-based environments where everyone's unique abilities can flourish.

More About Kathy:
I’m Kathy Kersten, a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach and a dedicated team maximizer with more than 15 years of experience unlocking the potential of individuals and teams. My journey in the world of strengths began with a focus on employee engagement at Rackspace, leading me to specialize in enhancing the dynamics within tech teams and organizations. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of collaborating with tech leaders from esteemed companies such as Meta, Google, and Amazon Web Services.

My approach is rooted in creating trust-based environments where everyone’s unique talents can flourish. I’ve facilitated strategic retreats, coached cross-functional teams, and partnered with top educational institutions like Texas A&M University and the University of Texas San Antonio on impactful projects. I also have a strong passion for supporting women’s professional development, having served as a coach, facilitator, and keynote speaker for various organizations and events.


Chapter Times and Titles:

Introduction: Meet Kathy Kersten, the Team Maximizer [00:00 - 03:59]
Welcome and the brain metaphor for strengths
Kathy's background as a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach
What is CliftonStrengths (StrengthsFinder)?

Understanding Strengths: More Than Just Being Good at Something [03:59 - 08:30]
Defining strength: talent + investment = strength
The difference between natural patterns and developed skills
Why is self-awareness the foundation

The Specialty Player vs. Utility Player Debate [08:30 - 19:00]
Should you be known for one thing or many?
The sports analogy: All-American specialists vs. versatile athletes
Balancing specialization with organizational needs

Zooming In and Out: The Full Strengths Picture [19:00 - 28:45]
Beyond the top 5: understanding your complete talent profile
How context determines which strengths to deploy
The importance of knowing your bottom strengths, too

Building Teams Around Strengths, Not Just Skills [28:45 - 38:30]
Hiring for energy and natural talent
The accountant's story: when skills drain your energy
Identifying what gives you zero energy boost vs. what energizes you

Practical Application: Strengths in Action [38:30 - 48:00]
How entrepreneurs can build their first team using strengths
The finite nature of time and energy
Matching people to roles that energize them

The Maximizer's Perspective on Optimization [48:00 - 56:00]
Why does Kathy focus on optimization over fixing
Creating trust-based environments for talents to flourish
The power of knowing your team's strengths

Lessons Learned and Final Thoughts [56:00 - 59:47]
Camden's takeaway on specialty vs. utility value
Otis's reflection on team building
Kathy's energy from