A SEAT at THE TABLE: Helping business leaders grow their influence

There’s a lot of conversations around leadership these days.  From what generally makes someone a good leader to narrower focuses on leadership styles, decision making, conflict management and just about anything else you can think of.

There’s ongoing debate over which leadership playbook is the best way - and what skills are most important to develop in order to effectively lead an organisation - especially in what looks to be uncertain times .

But what if we didn’t need ‘new skills’.  What if the answer lay in going back to core values, character building and even old fashioned ethics?

I’m Jane Singer and thanks for joining me here and being part of our international community.  

We’ve got Maria Kelly with us today and she’ll be talking about what she sees as the simple, but not always easy-to-follow principles that define good leaders.

Maria is an executive coach, mentor and business consultant, who strengthens her client’s leadership development and ongoing professional growth. 

With over 20 years of experience, she supports emerging and C-Suite leaders, internationally renowned experts, and many others, giving them the tools to lead bravely with their head and heart. 

Maria’s mission is to empower managers and leaders who care about their people and their social impact, to become more effective, better communicators and courageous leaders.

She’ll be talking about:

• What she sees at the most important skill today’s leaders need to have.
• The critical importance of being decisive.
• Why good leadership often rests on simply being courageous.

… and a lot more.

Speaking of leadership, one of the biggest challenges companies face is trying to find top talent - particularly to fill critical leadership roles.  Nowadays, having the right people can really determine a company’s success or failure.

That’s why top corporations and even smaller enterprises rely on Asianet Consultants to help them fill key positions.  Since 1988 Asianet has been working in partnership with its global clients to help them make the right strategic hires.  They have a well-earned reputation for being able to fill even those difficult to fill positions.

So if you need to recruit new talent - or think that you might be doing that soon, head on over to their website and check them out.  That’s asiannetconsultants.com.  

Now, let’s hear what Maria has to say about what it takes to be a great leader.
 
USEFUL LINKS
Connect with Maria Kelly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/askmariakelly/

Maria Kelly’s website:   https://AskMariaKelly.com

Asianet Consultants website:   https://www.asianetconsultants.com/

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THE CONSISTENT MARKETING SYSTEM

Stop starting over again each month. We'll work together one-on-one to build a tailor-made system you can repeat each quarter.  Marketing gets done - on easy mode.  Get the details about the Consistent Marketing System.

More resources for B2B marketers at our website at seat.fm

Visit A Seat at The Table's website at https://seat.fm

One of the biggest marketing challenges that companies face is differentiating themselves from their competitors.

Unfortunately, most companies  think the best strategy is to make themselves look as much like everyone else - or as much like the market leaders - as possible.

Their website adopts a similar look.  Their logo follows the same style.  Promotional material looks like what everyone else is doing.

The thinking is that what works for one will work for all.  The reality is that customers see a group of companies that all look that same - and so you don’t stand out or catch their attention. 

It makes it very difficult for customers to see why they should take the time to see what you offer.

But can you really take a product or service that seems more like a commodity than a one-of-a-kind and make customers see it as not only different - but maybe even better?

I’m Jane Singer and thank you for joining me and being part of our international community that now spans over 100 countries.

Today I’m speaking with Matthew Stibbe, CEO at Articulate Marketing, a UK marketing agency specializing in the technology sector.  He’s created marketing strategies, content and campaigns for clients including Microsoft, Google and HP.

Before that he founded and was CEO at Intelligent Games, a 70-person computer games company where he designed games for LEGO and produced two games based on Dune.

Even if you are not a technology company, Matthew offers a lot of best practices that are applicable to any B2B company.

In this episode Matthew talks about:

1. How using an educational approach can differentiate your product in the market.

2. Turning your company website into a lead generating machine.

3. How a B2B company can stand out - even in a very crowded market.

And a lot more…

Another challenge that companies face today is finding the right talent for those difficult to fill positions.  Most companies that have tried to fill positions on their own have found that it often ends up in weeks or months of frustration. 

A lot of successful businesses have solved this problem by partnering with Asianet Consultants, which helps companies fill those often difficult-to-fill positions in Asia.

Since 1988 Asianet has been working in partnership with its global clients to help them make the right strategic hires.

Let’s find out from Matthew how we can position our products to stand out - and win customers.

Helpful Links:

Connect with Matthew Stibbe:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewstibbe/

Articulate Marketing’s website:  www.articulatemarketing.com

Matthew’s blog about modern management:  www.geekboss.com

Learn more about Asianet Consultant:  https://www.asianetconsultants.com/

SEND US A MESSAGE

THE CONSISTENT MARKETING SYSTEM

Stop starting over again each month. We'll work together one-on-one to build a tailor-made system you can repeat each quarter.  Marketing gets done - on easy mode.  Get the details about the Consistent Marketing System.

More resources for B2B marketers at our website at seat.fm

Visit A Seat at The Table's website at https://seat.fm

E-commerce offers many unique retail opportunities - not the least of which is being location independent.  You can, at least in theory, sell to customers anywhere in the world.

However as the e-commerce market becomes increasingly competitive, even power brands are having to devote more resources to drive growth.

That leaves small to medium sized brands increasingly frustrated as they struggle to increase sales - and more importantly - to make a profit.

Today Lesley Hensell, co-founder of Riverbend Consulting, a small business e-commerce consultant with over two decades helping companies solve issues in their online retail businesses,  joins us on A Seat at The Table. 

Lesley has personally helped hundreds of third-party sellers get their suspended Amazon accounts and ASINs back up and running, learn which KPI’s actually matter, and how to improve their operations and profitability.

In this episode she discusses

- Strategies small to medium sized sellers can implement to compete with even giant players.

- Key mistakes she sees companies make when they get started in e-commcerce.

- How sellers can minimise risk - while also growing their revenue.

… and a lot more.


USEFUL LINKS

Riverbend Consuting’s website:   https://riverbendconsulting.com

Connect with Lesley Hensell:   https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesleyhensell/

Learn about The Current Situation in Sourcing:  https://thecurrentsituation.net

SEND US A MESSAGE

THE CONSISTENT MARKETING SYSTEM

Stop starting over again each month. We'll work together one-on-one to build a tailor-made system you can repeat each quarter.  Marketing gets done - on easy mode.  Get the details about the Consistent Marketing System.

More resources for B2B marketers at our website at seat.fm

Visit A Seat at The Table's website at https://seat.fm

We talk a lot about leadership here on A Seat at The Table.  It’s a critical part of running any business these days - whether its a global corporation or a small local operation.

Nowadays, for many senior executives, there’s the dual challenge of keeping themselves focused in the face of an onslaught of market twists and turns, as well as supporting their teams and giving them the direction and confidence so that they can deliver their best performance.

That leaves many leaders increasingly asking: “What’s the best way to do this?” … “I wish I had a playbook for how to handle some of these unexpected challenges.”

If fact, there’s is such a playbook - and today I’m talking with the man who wrote it.

Andrew Bryant is a coach and c-suite advisor who has helped leaders at every level adapt to this new environment.

His latest book “Enter The New Leadership Playbook” is the definite guide for leaders who are looking for a practical guide to understanding people and driving accelerated results, while also being human.

In this episode of A Seat at The Table, Andrew talks about:

1. What ‘Self Leadership’ is and how does it effectively bring leaders and teams together.

2.  His 7 principles of the leadership playbook.

3.  Why job satisfaction and quality of life can be enhanced significantly by drawing talent.

4. How leaders can articulate what is required of an employee in a way that they can meet the objective.

USEFUL LINKS:

Connect with Andrew Bryant:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewbryant/

Self Leadership website: http://selfleadership.com/

Learn about The Current Situation in Sourcing:  https://thecurrentsituation.net

A Seat at The Table website:  https://seat.fm

SEND US A MESSAGE

THE CONSISTENT MARKETING SYSTEM

Stop starting over again each month. We'll work together one-on-one to build a tailor-made system you can repeat each quarter.  Marketing gets done - on easy mode.  Get the details about the Consistent Marketing System.

More resources for B2B marketers at our website at seat.fm

Visit A Seat at The Table's website at https://seat.fm

AI is one of the most talked about technologies. 

However most people increasingly see AI as either a kind of super technology that can perform a limitless range of tasks.  Or as technology gone rogue with sci-fi images of AI powered machines taking over the world.

Turns out neither really defines AI.  In fact, it could be said that AI is one of today’s most misunderstood technologies.

There’s a lot that AI can do and even more that it will be able to do … but it has its limitations too.

In today’s episode Robb Wilson,  founder, lead designer, and chief technologist behind OneReach.ai, joins us on A Seat at The Table.

Amongst its many achievements, OneReach is the highest-scoring company in Gartner’s first Critical Capabilities for Enterprise Conversational AI Platforms report. 

Robb has spent more than two decades applying his deep understanding of user-centric design to unlocking hyper
automation.

His forthcoming book, "Age of Invisible Machines: A Practical Guide to Creating a Hyperautomated Ecosystem of Intelligent Digital Workers" is a must read.  It provides an easy-to-understand look at what’s really happening with AI.

Unlike many books about technical topics, Age of Invisible Machines is - as its title implies - a practical guide to bring AI into the work place.

Am I recommending you read this book? Yes I am!  It’s a must read for anyone looking to determine how AI and specifically hyper automation, is the next big thing to stay competitive.

In this episode Robb discusses ...

5 ways that AI is programming us and how to stop it.

3 questions to ask when charting a course toward hyperautomation in your organization

Common myths about conversational AI

... and a lot more.

USERFUL LINKS:

OneReach’s website:   https:// onereach.ai

Connect with Robb Wilson:   https://www.linkedin.com/in/invisiblemachines/

Learn about The Current Situation in Sourcing:  https://thecurrentsituation.net

A Seat at The Table website:  https://seat.fm

SEND US A MESSAGE

THE CONSISTENT MARKETING SYSTEM

Stop starting over again each month. We'll work together one-on-one to build a tailor-made system you can repeat each quarter.  Marketing gets done - on easy mode.  Get the details about the Consistent Marketing System.

More resources for B2B marketers at our website at seat.fm

Visit A Seat at The Table's website at https://seat.fm

For many people who’ve turned into this podcast, you might be wondering “what is a super app?” And “if I’m not a tech developer, why is this relevant to my business?”

I was thinking the same thing.

But it turns out that the things that make these apps so attractive to so many people - and keeps them loyal - can be applied to almost any business.

In this episode I’m speaking with Kevin Shimota, a leading expert on digital technology in China, a former senior executive at WeChat and then Director of Platform Strategy for Accenture.

He’s also the author of “The First Superapp: Inside China’s WeChat and the New Digital Revolution”.

The First Superapp tells the inside story of how the phenomenon of superapps began in China's unique internet market. It explores WeChat's creation and its climb to become the first superapp, and explains the fundamentals of these new apps and how they could be reproduced beyond China.

Today Kevin will be talking about:

• What differentiates China’s super apps from anything that exists in the West.
• Why user value is the biggest moat that any brand can build around its business.
• The massive benefits of heavy investment in customer goodwill.
• Why KPIs tend to measure the wrong things - and can lead companies away from long term success.

USEFUL LINKS:

Connect with Kevin Shimota:  www.kevinshimota.com

Kevin’s podcast:   www.greatfirechat.com

“The First Superapp: Inside China’s WeChat and the New Digital Revolution” : www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2DKXW2W/

Learn about The Current Situation in Sourcing:  https://thecurrentsituation.net

A Seat at The Table website:  https://seat.fm

SEND US A MESSAGE

THE CONSISTENT MARKETING SYSTEM

Stop starting over again each month. We'll work together one-on-one to build a tailor-made system you can repeat each quarter.  Marketing gets done - on easy mode.  Get the details about the Consistent Marketing System.

More resources for B2B marketers at our website at seat.fm

Visit A Seat at The Table's website at https://seat.fm

A lot of conversations around leadership tend to focus on corporate culture.  While culture is important, it tends to be a bit ‘big picture’ and not particularly relatable to the entire hierarchy of team members.

This is where ‘purpose’ can play an important role in helping support both individual team members to find more fulfilment in their work, as well as creating a greater sense of direction for teams.

If you’re wondering how a company can inspire people to change the world, then this is the podcast for you.

In this episode I’m talking with Dr. Ahktar Badshah, creator of Purpose Mindset Workshops, and author of Purpose Mindset: How Microsoft Inspires Employees and Alumni to Change the World

Dr. Badshah is  a seasoned executive with over 30 years of experience in international development, managing a corporate philanthropic program and co-founding a global nonprofit for social enterprise. He led Microsoft’s philanthropic efforts for ten years, where he administered the company's community investment and employee contributions.


In this episode of A Seat at The Table, Dr. Badshah will be discussing:

The game changing value of focusing on who you want to serve as opposed to who you want to be.

How your values and mission combine to create your purpose.

Purpose Accountability: Why being transparent with your purpose is crucial.

Why we should prioritise being effective over being efficient.

Why doing things the right way might not be as rewarding as doing the right thing.


USEFUL LINKS

Dr. Akhtar Badshah’s websites: 
www.purpose-mindset.org
https://evans.uw.edu/ast
www.catalyticinnovatorsgroup.com 
www.restart.us

Learn more about The Current Situation in Sourcing:
https://thecurrentsituation.net

Your Seat at The Table: A road map to landing guest spots on podcasts
https://seat.fm/podcastcourse

A Seat at The Table podcast website:
https://seat.fm

SEND US A MESSAGE

THE CONSISTENT MARKETING SYSTEM

Stop starting over again each month. We'll work together one-on-one to build a tailor-made system you can repeat each quarter.  Marketing gets done - on easy mode.  Get the details about the Consistent Marketing System.

More resources for B2B marketers at our website at seat.fm

Visit A Seat at The Table's website at https://seat.fm

B2B companies keep getting told that they need to invest in marketing but most still see it more as a ‘nice to have’ not a ‘ must have’.

It has the look and feel of an expensive with an uncertain ROI attached to it.

While its true that today its difficult to move the needle on sales, let alone building brand recognition for your product or service, marketing can be effective and budget friendly - if you become more flexible about staffing. 

And it can help improve sales in a more tangible way - when you know what things to focus on.

In this episode I’m speaking with Amy Anderson, co-founder of Wild Coffee Marketing, which  focuses on transforming businesses through a diverse set of disciplines and tailor-made teams.

Amy has had more than 25 years of experience  at brands such as Calvin Klein, Seventeen, and The New York Times Digital.

We’re going to be discussing …

- How a fractional CMO and  outsourced marketing teams can bring in greater expertise while helping companies control their marketing costs.

- The key marketing KPI’s that B2B companies should focus on.

- Why marketing during an economic downturn can give companies an opportunity to pull way ahead of the market -  at a lower cost.

And a lot more …

USEFUL LINKS

Wild Coffee's website:   https://wildcoffeemarketing.com/

Connect with Amy Anderson:    https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-anderson-17abba2/

Learn about The Current Situation in Sourcing:  https://thecurrentsituation.net

A Seat at The Table website:  https://seat.fm

SEND US A MESSAGE

THE CONSISTENT MARKETING SYSTEM

Stop starting over again each month. We'll work together one-on-one to build a tailor-made system you can repeat each quarter.  Marketing gets done - on easy mode.  Get the details about the Consistent Marketing System.

More resources for B2B marketers at our website at seat.fm

Visit A Seat at The Table's website at https://seat.fm

Everyone loves to gather round the conference table and brain storm new ideas.  We all enjoy exploring the possibilities of what we could do … what it might look like … and of course the big success that we think could result from our innovative ideas.

But how often does ideating actually lead to the execution of a project? 

How many times have we seen the high energy experienced during the idea phase quickly run out of gas or get lost in the woods when it comes to taking action - or more importantly taking consistent action that will bring a concept into fruition?

In this episode of A Seat at The Table I'm speaking with Natalie Turner, Founder and CEO of The Entheo Network, which helps companies build innovation systems, culture and capabilities. She is also the inventor of The Six ‘I’s, a model that helps people measure their innovation strengths so that they can achieve greater impact from new ideas.

In this podcast Natalie talks about:

1. How to create a more innovative, results oriented culture.

2. The 6 I's of Innovation and how leaders can use them in their companies.

3. The  mindsets and skills we need to harness diversity.

4. The different dimensions of innovation, and how can leaders identify them - and then use them to build better results in their companies.

USEFUL LINKS:

Connect with Natalie Turner:   https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalieturner1/

Learn about The Current Situation in Sourcing:  https://thecurrentsituation.net

A Seat at The Table website:  https://seat.fm

SEND US A MESSAGE

THE CONSISTENT MARKETING SYSTEM

Stop starting over again each month. We'll work together one-on-one to build a tailor-made system you can repeat each quarter.  Marketing gets done - on easy mode.  Get the details about the Consistent Marketing System.

More resources for B2B marketers at our website at seat.fm

Visit A Seat at The Table's website at https://seat.fm

Most companies don’t realise how many processes are part of their day to day business. 

That is until we need to onboard a new team member or even do a task or operation that we haven’t done for awhile.

Then we face that massive speed bump in trying to figure out what needs to be done - not just generally, but the actual steps we need to take. 

 That could in completing a process or using software or hardware that we haven’t used before - or haven’t used for some time.

The solution is documenting each process. 

The challenge is actually getting team members to do this - not just once, but to continually up date the documentation so that it is current and accurate.

In this episode we’re going to hear from Owen McGab Enaohwo, CEO & Co-Founder of SweetProcess, a company that enables leadership and team members to more easily document processes so that they can scale their business.

What You'll Learn:

- How to make process documentation ongoing - without interrupting your workflow.

- Why a collaborative approach to documentation can improve both documentation and the processes themselves.

- How prioritising process documentation can help companies build much greater efficiency - without having to invest a lot of time or money.


USEFUL LINKS

Connect with Owen McGab Enaohwo:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/owenmcgabenaohwo/

Learn more about SweetProcess: https://www.SweetProcess.com

Learn more about The Current Situation in Sourcing:   https://thecurrentsituation.net

Your Seat at The Table: A road map to landing guest spots on podcasts: 
https://seat.fm/podcastcourse

A Seat at The Table podcast website:  https://seat.fm

SEND US A MESSAGE

THE CONSISTENT MARKETING SYSTEM

Stop starting over again each month. We'll work together one-on-one to build a tailor-made system you can repeat each quarter.  Marketing gets done - on easy mode.  Get the details about the Consistent Marketing System.

More resources for B2B marketers at our website at seat.fm

Visit A Seat at The Table's website at https://seat.fm