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Most people think AI is about algorithms and tech jargon, but Rajeev Kapur reveals the simple, game-changing approach that turns AI into your personal mentor and productivity partner. In this episode, discover how treating AI like a person, not just a tool, can unlock extraordinary results in your business, health, and life. Rajeev, named Forbes’ #1 AI influencer bringing AI to the masses, shares concrete strategies from his journey, including selling an AI company, authoring bestsellers, and speaking worldwide. Learn how to craft prompts that foster genuine conversations, give AI clear roles and context, and turn it into a dedicated mentor. His storytelling approach—channeling your inner child—will transform your interactions with AI from transactional to collaborative, boosting retention and creativity.

Key Takeways:

· The key to effective AI interaction is treating it like a conversation with a person, not a search engine.

· Framing prompts as storytelling or role-play taps into AI’s strengths, making interactions more dynamic and impactful.

· To harness AI effectively, leaders must own and champion its strategy at the executive level.

· Embracing AI as an augmentative and anticipatory tool can dramatically buy back time and increase productivity.

About Rajeev Kapur: Rajeev Kapur is a global thought leader in AI and author of AI Made Simple. As the CEO of 1105 Media, Inc., he brings decades of business, strategy, and leadership experience, and understands how to disrupt spaces, innovate, and grow organizations.

Join the Conversation: We hope you enjoy this episode with Rajeev Kapur. Be sure to listen, subscribe, and leave a review to let us know your thoughts!

Where to find more: https://rajeev.ai/ 

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In this engaging conversation, Dr. Rod Berger shares his journey as a storyteller and interviewer, emphasizing the importance of human connection, vulnerability, and the power of saying yes to opportunities. He discusses his experiences interviewing notable figures, including Magic Johnson, and how storytelling can serve as a competitive advantage in business. The conversation also explores the role of AI in storytelling and common mistakes leaders make in communicating their narratives. Ultimately, Dr. Berger reflects on the humanity behind stories and the impact they can have on individuals and communities. 

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This inspiring episode features Chris Garrett, Director of Consumer Marketing at FootJoy, sharing his personal journey with a rare brain tumor, revealing insights about resilience, the importance of seeking expert care, and the profound impact of small gestures and honest communication during life's toughest challenges. He wrote a book about his experience titled 10 Things My Tumor Taught Me. Learn how to turn adversity into growth and strengthen your relationships along the way.

Key Takeways:

· Small gestures reinforce support, reduce feelings of isolation, and sustain resilience better than large, infrequent actions. (15:10)

· Embracing vulnerability and asking for help strengthens resilience and deepens relationships. (19:59)

· Reflecting on adversity reveals hidden growth and life lessons that may not be apparent in the moment (31:25)

About Chris Garrett: Chris Garrett is an author and Director, Consumer Marketing at FootJoy. He authored the book 10 Things My Tumor Taught Me based on his experience learning he had a rare brain tumor and his journey back to health.

Join the Conversation: We hope you enjoy this episode with Chris Garrett. Be sure to listen, subscribe, and leave a review to let us know your thoughts!

Where to find more: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-garrett-1837328/ 

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Join us on this episode of Difference Talks as we dive into the transformative power of improvisation in the workplace with Andrew Davies, co-founder of Artly Working. Discover how Andrew uses his background in theater and improv to help organizations like Meta and Google enhance team culture and improve meetings. Learn practical tools and techniques to make your meetings more engaging, interactive, and productive. Whether you're looking to boost creativity or foster collaboration, this episode offers valuable insights for leaders and teams alike.

Key Takeways:

· Improv can transform meetings by making them more engaging and interactive.

· Reframing meetings as "working sessions" can enhance productivity and focus.

· Changing the physical space of a meeting can influence its effectiveness.

· Improv teaches us to embrace mistakes and see them as opportunities for growth.

· Encouraging movement and play builds trust and strengthens team dynamics.

About Andrew Davies: Andrew Davies is the Co-Founder and Better Meetings Director at Artly Working, a company that aims to build stronger, happier, and higher-performing teams by applying improv principles. Andrew is a highly experienced improviser and facilitator

Join the Conversation: We hope you enjoy this episode with Andrew Davies. Be sure to listen, subscribe, and leave a review to let us know your thoughts!

Where to find more: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-davies-1103b618/ 

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Most organizations underestimate the power of genuine fandom—and risk missing out on a loyal, passionate tribe that drives exponential success. In this episode, David Meerman Scott uncovers the counterintuitive lessons from the worlds of the Grateful Dead and NASA to show how authenticity, transparency, and passion turn customers into lifelong fans.

Key Takeways:

· The most effective way to build a loyal tribe is to prioritize creating meaningful experiences and fostering direct human connections over traditional marketing tactics.

 · Allowing user-generated content and authenticity, even if imperfect, fundamentally enhances fandom by humanizing your brand and empowering your community.

 · Authentic transparency about both successes and failures builds credibility and deepens fans' emotional investment.

 · Passion, even for obscure or niche interests, acts as a contagious force.

About David Meerman Scott: David Meerman Scott is a business growth strategist, advisor to emerging companies, bestselling author, and screenwriter. He’s authored and co-authored over a dozen books, including Marketing Lessons From the Grateful Dead, Fanocracy, and Marketing the Moon, which inspired the film Fly Me to the Moon, starring Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum. 

Join the Conversation: We hope you enjoy this episode with David Meerman Scott. Be sure to listen, subscribe, and leave a review to let us know your thoughts!

Where to find more: https://www.davidmeermanscott.com/ 

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Unlock the future of marketing with Benny Johnson, CEO of the American Marketing Association, as he reveals why innovation and renovation are the true differentiators in the rapidly evolving marketplace. Discover how legacy brands can stay relevant, the ethical challenges posed by AI, and why human creativity remains the ultimate game-changer in a tech-driven world. Benny explores how brands can build trust, engage audiences, and stand out in a noisy digital landscape by harnessing creativity, strategy, and resilience.

Key Takeways:

· The future of marketing is an ongoing craft of human-AI collaboration

· Continuous curiosity and future focus drive sustainable growth

· Authentic human connection is the ultimate differentiator in a technology-driven world

· Mastery of impact-driven storytelling becomes a competitive advantage

About Bennie Johnson: Bennie Johnson is the Chief Executive Officer of the American Marketing Association (AMA). He thrives on the connections between marketing, technology, education, and innovation. Bennie also serves on the Board of Overseers for Columbia University’s School of Professional Studies.

Join the Conversation: We hope you enjoy this episode with Bennie Johnson. Be sure to listen, subscribe, and leave a review to let us know your thoughts!

Where to find more: https://www.ama.org/ama-leadership/ 

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In this episode, hosts Marcus McMillan and Barry LaBov sit down with Barry Schneider, President and COO of Steel Dynamics (SDI). Discover how creativity plays a pivotal role in the steel industry, transforming it from a traditional commodity to a dynamic and innovative field. Barry shares his journey from a cornfield in Indiana to leading one of the top steel producers in the United States, emphasizing the importance of culture, teamwork, and embracing new technologies. Tune in to explore the intersection of engineering, artistry, and leadership.

Key Takeways:

· Creativity is essential in the steel industry, transforming it from a traditional commodity to an innovative field.

·  Growth is driven by a commitment to innovation, with new technologies and platforms continually being developed.

·  Maintaining a strong culture that emphasizes teamwork and empowerment is critical.

·  SDI's success is attributed to its ability to adapt and embrace change, setting it apart in the industry.

About Barry Schneider: Barry Schneider is the President and Chief Operating Officer of Steel Dynamics, one of the largest domestic steel producers and metals recyclers in North America. Leading the company’s steel, fabrication and metals recycling platforms, Barry has been part of the company since the construction of its first steel mill in Butler, Indiana.  

Join the Conversation: We hope you enjoy this episode with Barry Schneider. Be sure to listen, subscribe, and leave a review to let us know your thoughts!

Where to find more: https://www.steeldynamics.com/barry-t-schneider/ 

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In this episode, Barry LaBov and Terry Whalin dive into the world of book writing and promotion. They discuss the challenges and strategies involved in writing and successfully launching a book. They share personal experiences, insights on the importance of consistent promotion, and practical tips for aspiring authors. From the discipline of writing to the art of marketing, this episode is packed with valuable advice for anyone looking to make their mark in the literary world.

Key Takeways:

· Writing a book is just the beginning; promoting it is crucial for success.

 · The discipline of writing regularly, whether it's five pages a day or a set number of words, is essential for completing a book.

 · Rejection is part of the process, but publishers are always looking for the next bestseller, so persistence is key.

 · Authors should build their presence on platforms they control, like personal websites and newsletters, rather than relying solely on social media.

About Terry Whalin: Terry is an acquisitions editor at Morgan James Publishing and author of more than 60 books, including Billy Graham: A biography of America’s Greatest Evangelist. Several of Terry’s books have sold over 100,000 copies. He is an active member of the American Society of Journalists and Authors.

Join the Conversation: We hope you enjoy this episode with Terry Whalin. Be sure to listen, subscribe, and leave a review to let us know your thoughts!

Where to find more: https://terrywhalin.com/ 

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In this engaging episode of Difference Talks, we sit down with Jeff Matlow, a seasoned entrepreneur and leadership coach. Jeff shares his journey from founding multiple companies to coaching leaders at Fortune 500s and founder-led businesses. The conversation dives into the nuances of leadership, the transition from doer to leader, and the unique challenges faced by female leaders in male-centric environments. Jeff emphasizes the power of asking questions over providing answers and highlights the importance of self-awareness and empowerment in effective leadership. Tune in to discover insights that can transform your approach to leadership and inspire your team to achieve greatness.

Key Takeways:

· Leaders should focus on asking questions rather than providing answers.

· Empowerment is crucial for effective leadership and team motivation.

· Self-awareness is key to personal and professional growth.

· The “Ikea effect” shows the value of involving team members in decision-making.

About Jeff Matlow: Jeff Matlow is a highly sought-after executive coach for leaders at Fortune 500 companies and a business transformation consultant. He has worked with leaders at Gannett Media/USA Today, L’Oreal, Nestle, Citi and Sony. Jeff is also a successful entrepreneur and author.

Join the Conversation: We hope you enjoy this episode with Jeff Matlow. Be sure to listen, subscribe, and leave a review to let us know your thoughts!

Where to find more: https://interim-exec.org/members/jeff-matlow/

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In this enlightening conversation, Sister Mary Doolittle, Sister Mary Karen, and Sister Bethany Madonna of the Sisters of Life share their profound journey of faith, service, and the mission to uphold the sanctity of human life. They discuss their unique approach to crisis pregnancy, the importance of language in advocacy, and the challenges they face in a changing cultural landscape. Through personal stories and insights, they highlight the transformative power of love, hope, and community in their work.

Key Takeways:

·       The Sisters of Life focus on protecting and enhancing human life.

·       Language is crucial in advocating for life and dignity.

·       Hope is found in the stories of transformation and healing.

·       Personal connections and moments of joy are vital in their work.

·       God's presence is felt in the small consolations of daily life.

About the Sisters of Life: The Sisters of Life is a Roman Catholic religious community of women founded in 1991 by John Cardinal O’Connor. Their members take religious vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, as well as a vow to protect and enhance the sacredness of every human life.

Join the Conversation: We hope you enjoy this episode with the Sisters of Life. Be sure to listen, subscribe, and leave a review to let us know your thoughts!

Where to find more: https://sistersoflife.org/