Empathize IT! Empathy and Entreprenuers

Imagine that you're working for Nintendo developing games and then the Iphone4 comes out to crush your company. Well, that's what happened to Martijn Boomsma. The Apple App store came and, essentially, killed his business.

In this episode, I interview Martijn Boomsma, CEO and Co-Founder of Lab Rooms.

After years of being an entrepreneur and creating games from the heart, Martijn noticed that as soon as a product team comes into the mix, the creative process somehow leaves. In fact, Martijn noticed that in big corporate settings, the satisfaction level was plummetting. In many ways, Martijn noticed that everyone is playing a role but no one knows who actually wrote the script.

So he created Lab Roms, where innovation comes from within. Martijn's theory is that when people are motivated they will produce great things. Lab Rooms allows companies, brands and teams to rethink the entire process. It empowers the people by restoring their ability to make great decisions.

Ever meet someone in real life, after months of online conversations? What does it take to take your story to the next level?

This week, after months of conversations on Linkedin, I finally met Reena Friedman Watts in Jerusalem. I've been watching Reena's videos. I've listened as she interviews amazing people, she's all passion all the time.   

Today, many people want to grow their own business. They want to drive their personal brand to new levels. The question is how? How does someone enhance their digital presence?

After speaking to Warren Carlye about a building a thriving community, my conversation with Reena is all about personal branding.  

A Bit About the Guest

Reena has been everything from NPR news anchor to producer for Jerry Springer to Executive Assistant at the Chiodo Bros. Productions. She's a hustler in all senses of the word and has always been willing to get in the dirt and grind! She was a Post-production Supervisor at Nanny 911, moved on to Program Manager at a VoIP company then to Marketing Manger at a Financial Firm. She's even sung in CarnegieHalll a couple times...

Reena has always wanted to be on the radio. Now, she's not only reaching amazing heights with her own Next Level podcast, she's helping her network secure great guest opportunities. As Reena likes to say, 'you have to be open minded to reinvent yourself depending on which opportunities arrise!'

 

GREAT QUOTES FROM THE SHOW

What is the purpose and opportunities that come from engaging with your network?

Cultivate relationships over time, the opportunities will arise. 

 How to screen potential podcast guests for bigger opportunities

 

MORE ABOUT THIS SHOW

On the episode, Reena and I cover:

The key to great guests is...passion

Knowing when to keep quiet and when to raise your voice. 

 

Listen closely because there's a lot of great insights and ideas.

Do you enjoy this podcast? If so, could you please leave a review. I read them, sometimes on the show, and will reach out if you leave your Twitter handle!

What does it take to build an engaged digital community? And what do octopuses have to do with it?

A few months ago, I was introduced to Warren Carlyle via Facebook. His vision on digital community building is so on par with how I approach every client, every project, and every piece of content. 

It's clear that today, there's a strong call for not only building a strong digital community but actually engaging with the people within the community. In fact, Facebook themselves stated that they'll be "focusing on helping you find relevant content to helping you have more meaningful social interactions. What is a meaningful interaction? Warren and I discuss this and highlight the importance of communities to benefit from the changes to the Facebook algorithm. 

What's the difference between a community with a soul and one that is without? 

After hearing from Ben Roberts in episode 12, who spoke all about reverse engineering the consumer acquisition process, I think Warren is a great follow up gues. He took a space, the underwater world, and made it human. He created a super fan community. Who better to teach everyone about the model for building a strong digital community than Warren. 

A Bit About the Guest

Warren Carlyle is a Community Building Strategist helping businesses build highly engaged communities online. He is founder/CEO of OctoNation®- The Largest Octopus Fan Club 501(c)3 with over 350k members. He's collaborated and gotten the attention of Celebrities & Influencers such as Michael B Jordan, Erika Jayne, Ellen Degeneres, Grant Cardone, and more. Warren believes vanity metrics are a thing of the past and that businesses and brands need to rethink their strategies to build deeper connections with their audience if they're looking to stay relevant and have engaged followers in this busy marketplace.

Having worked closely with celebrity artists, thought leaders, bloggers, fitness personalities, and  brands such as Sony Pictures, Mont Blanc and GQ, Warren understands and advocates the building of an engaged community online as the lifeblood of a business' relevancy in the marketplace

Since 2012, Warren has helped brands increase their sales, productivity and the overall success of their social media campaign through custom training sessions that teach step-by-step how to grow an active community.

The landscape of social media changes on a daily basis, Warren teaches what's working now while testing and developing the latest strategies of community building on a daily basis.

Warren’s programs are designed for individuals, companies, and organizations that are interested in strengthening relationships with their customers through community building on social media.

 

 

GREAT QUOTES FROM THE SHOW

The 7 C's of Community Building

Brands that are fostering the community are standing out and become more relevant and playing algorithm

Where are Instagram and FB putting their money? Putting their money into the community.

The difference between communities with a Soul and soul-less Communities

 

MORE ABOUT THIS SHOW

On the episode, Warren and I cover:

What do octopuses have to do with digital communities

What can brands learn from Octonation

Communities are the key to hacking the Facebook algorithim

 

Listen closely because there's a lot of great insights and ideas.

 

SELECTED LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE

Octonation

 

Do you enjoy this podcast? If so, could you please leave a review here. I read them, sometimes on the show, and will reach out if you leave your Twitter handle!

Ever wonder how to reverse engineer the customer acquisition process to drive real value?

After meeting Ben Roberts at Engage Prague, we connected immediately. Ben is just on a social media roll and I'm honored to be part of his growth trajectory. 

It's clear that today, there's a strong call for transparency and reinventing the process of bringing new business. People have been buying from people for years.  Today's audiences expect more from a brand, from a service provider, from a company. Ben is fortunate to lead marketing for a company that 'gets it.' They've reverse engineered the entire process of consumer acquisition and it's inspiring.

What's it like to work with a business that has lost only one customer in 2.5 years? 

After hearing from Lucy live from WebSummit about the transformation of tech leaders in their approach to brand transparency, this podcast with Ben Roberts couldn't be more logical.  

A Bit About the Guest

Ben M Roberts is the founder and host of ‘The Marketing Buzzword Podcast’, Head of Marketing at Talkative, a SaaS Technology Start-Up and an international conference speaker.

 

In 2018, he was named WalesOnline’s no.1 business professional male under 35. He also writes for notable online business and marketing publications such as business.com, allbusiness.com, and socialmediatoday.com.

 

Ben is a huge believer in your destiny being in your own hands, and that you reap what you sow. He has worked (and continues) to build a consistent personal brand, which has helped open doors, that previously seemed closed to him. You are your greatest asset, and Ben wants to help people take control of their personal brands.

Ben is just a true entrepreneur. He's been growing, hustling, and it's inspiring to watch his success. 

GREAT QUOTES FROM THE SHOW

Build the relationship online first, then in person, then develop it and cultivate back online

Using social selling approach in the real world. Bring value first and sell second

Businesses should gain an in-depth understanding, attends events not for prospects necessarily but to gaining a real finger on the pulse of the trends

 

MORE ABOUT THIS SHOW

On the episode, Ben and I cover:

Social Selling in the Real World

What are the biggest challenges with working clients that are a bit hesitant to this approach?

Efficient use of resources with earlier research

 

Listen closely because there's a lot of great insights and ideas.

 

SELECTED LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE

Marketing Buzzword   

 

Do you enjoy this podcast? If so, could you please leave a review here. I read them, sometimes on the show, and will reach out if you leave your Twitter handle!

What are the trends in today's digital space? What are the big brands, companies, and enterprises thinking about?

It's clear that today, there's a strong call for transparency and true leadership. Today’s audiences expect more. We expect more from brands, governments, organizations, and leaders. In today's digital landscape, brands need to be deliberate in their communications and open to making changes that may challenge existing norms. Today's audiences are active participants and are seeking to promote, share, and be included.  

Where better to take the pulse of the tech leaders than Web Summit?  According to Forbes Web Summit is “the best technology conference on the planet”;  The New York Times says that Web Summit assembles “a grand conclave of the tech industry’s high priests.”

The fact that the tech industry is discussing this topic inspired me. So, I quickly reached out to my colleague Lucy von Sturmer who is at Web Summit.

At the Summit, Gail Heimann, President at Weber Shandwick stated "there's not a single conversation we have with a company today that isn't about purpose. Brands are being asked to define and defend their values like never before."

 

 

Lucy's passion and 'high' from the Summit is very clear in our conversation.  

After discussing Google's approach to empathy and mindfulness in episode 10, my conversation with Lucy is logical.

A Bit About the Guest

Lucy started her career in the world of journalism, television, and PR in New Zealand. Then, seven years ago, moved to The Netherlands, joined global initiative Making All Voices Count where she worked for Dutch NGO Hivos as their global communications manager. After that, Lucy served as the Global PR Manager for MediaMonks, where she was brought on to create a global thought leadership strategy for the company to take forward. Over the years, she found her voice writing for publications such as The Huffington Post, Sustainable Brands, and Mumbrella on topics such as sustainable fashion, blockchain and the power of thought leadership. As her career developed, Lucy became increasingly convinced of the power of PR to drive social, cultural and environmental change.

So in 2017, Lucy founded The Humblebrag, a strategic communications consultancy, to share this “superpower” with others (note: coolest name for a brand, ever?). The boutique consultancy champions change-makers and creative innovators, whose clients span creative agencies, innovative marketing companies, NGOs and multi-stakeholder initiatives.

Today, Lucy works with an amazing team of purpose-drive individuals and together they design and execute PR campaigns, write compelling thought-leadership content, and secure effective media coverage across sectors.

One of the many reasons I like Lucy is her passion. Her drive to make a difference is addictive. Like me, she comes from the NGO world and has channeled it towards changing the business industry. 

GREAT QUOTES FROM THE SHOW

HR and marketing is the new synergy of companies. Arianna Huffington

50% of company reputation is decided by CEO

You are the brand and people are thirsty for human interaction. Today, consumers and people are seeking to read quality thought leadership pieces. 

We’ve been criticized about women and the conference. Imagine if someone looks at your website in 5 years from now they will critique the makeup of the team. Why not have the conversation earlier? Based on a conversation Lucy conduction with Boris Veldhuijzen van Zanten, CEO and co-founder of The Next Web. 

 

MORE ABOUT THIS SHOW

On the episode, Lucy and I cover:

The vibe at Web Summit 2018

After attending Web Summit, Lucy, what kind of change would you want to see companies implement?

How are companies backing up their mission statements?

The importance of digital transparency, especially at the CEO level. 

 

Listen closely because there's a lot of great insights and ideas.

 

SELECTED LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE

The Humblebrag |  Breakfast with The Next Web

 

Do you e

Ever wonder what it's like to integrate empathy into a business? Why would a company want to bring this 'soft skill' in the workplace? Hear from Carey Fried all about the experience.

Carey Fried is the perfect follow up to Ed Andrew, in episode 9.  Ed spoke about self awareness and responsibility. Now it's time to learn all about flexing the empathy muscle. Carey Fried, a colleague is an ideal guest to speak about a company integrating a framework of empathy.

A Bit About the Guest

Carey Fried is the former head of Marketing at CallSource, a company she founded with her father over 20 years ago. As a Mindfulness trainer and practitioner, she has spent years studying the impact of Mindfulness and Emotional Intelligence on people at work.

Carey completed Google’s “Search Inside Yourself” training and frequently presents Google’s leading-edge Mindfulness curriculum to corporate and non-profit organizations.

MORE ABOUT THIS SHOW

On the episode, Carey and I cover:

Google's Search Inside Yourself

Stephen Covey's Brand Trust

The New Currency in Corporate Culture

Trust Taxes and Trust Dividends

After speaking to Jenn Herman, in episode 8 Instagram and being human on social media, I decided to take a step back. It was time to reflect on the human aspects that drive business today.

When considering my network,  I thought Ed Andrew would be an ideal guest.

Ed's brand The Human Consultancy focuses on the human side and one which inspires great people to thrive and to achieve great things. By combining Ed's business knowledge and personal experience, his brand is able to help people balance their career and shape their future.  A business which has at its heart compassion, gratitude, integrity and most importantly giving back.

My interview with Ed was recorded quite a while back around episode 2, when he reached out to me via Linkedin.

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A Bit About the Guest

Ed Andrew is the founder of the Human Consultancy, set up to bring humanity back to work and life by delivering world-class e-learning programs, private coaching, and international retreats.  He is a former lawyer and life long entrepreneur building and operating business in Sydney, London, Delhi and Bali across industries in technology, manufacturing & e-commerce, recruitment and consulting.

 

As a business consultant, Ed has advised tech and non-tech leaders, boards and next-gen leaders in Europe, North America and Asia in areas such as sustainability, sales & marketing, talent acquisition & retention, ethical leadership, innovation, strategic, operational and financial management, and business metrics.

 

He sold his first business in 2010 and is a founding investor in one of Sydney’s leading start up builders (VC funds) 25fifteen.

 

As the host of the Ed Andrew podcast, he enjoys interviewing changemakers from around the world, including entrepreneurs, technologists, neuroscientists, world-leading environmentalists, psychologists, authors, elite athletes, Nobel nominees, and bestselling authors.

MORE ABOUT THIS SHOW

On the episode, Ed and I cover:

Expectations vs Perceptions

The 'Whole Package' Necessary for a Business to Succeed

Self Awareness

4 triggers/ catalysts that control a probable outcome

Listen closely because there's a lot of great insights and ideas.

Emotional marketing is hard to get right, especially on Instagram. 

When I think about Instagram marketing and getting it right, who else could I ask but the famous Jenn Herman?!

After speaking to Katie Clift, in episode 7, about PR and Marketing in a digital world, I thought Jenn would be a perfect guest to drill down into the topic of emotional marketing, specifically Instagram. In this episode, Jenn and I cover a ton of topics and get a bit sidetracked when we learn about the official 'death' of Google Plus. 

Honestly, the entire episode I was a bit 'star struck' since Jenn has been one of my go-to gals for everything Instagram. Her live content and extremely engaging posts really show her true value. 

A Bit About the Guest

Jenn Herman is one of the best Instagram and overall social media strategists I know. Her content is on point and always relevant. Since starting Jenn’s Trends in 2013, she's become a globally recognized expert in Instagram marketing and the forefront blogger on Instagram marketing. Her blog has won the prestigious award of being a Top 10 Social Media Blog three years in a row: 2014, 2015, and 2016. Jenn is also the author of The Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Instagram.

 

Besides being an amazing blogger, Jenn is a top tiered speaker at multiple social media conferences and also teaches business owners the value of Instagram and social media to grow their business. Her content has been featured in various media and publications including major media articles, radio interviews, podcasts, magazines, and guest blogs. I

One of the many reasons I follow Jenn is because her blog posts focus on bringing relevant social media and business trends and discuss their applications, implications, and benefits. She writes from her unique perspective about the things she enjoys and uses regularly. Her writing style is casual and detailed. 

MORE ABOUT THIS SHOW

On the episode, Jenn and I cover:

Building Relationships on Social Media

Instagram Forces Brands to Be Creative

Going Live without Faking It

Why the CEO's of Instagram Left

Listen closely because there's a lot of great insights and ideas.

 

SELECTED LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE

Jenn Herman's Website  | Jenn on Instagram

Questions for Jenn Herman:

 What are some of the hardest things for businesses to train themselves to do when considering social media?

 

Why do you love Instagram so much? What are some of the unique aspects of the platform that you enjoy?

 

What's your opinion on Instagram going 'long'? 

 

The founders of Instagram recently stepped down, what's your opinion on this and the implications for the platform?

Jenn Herman's Upcoming Projects

1. Launching a Facebook Group "Marketing 360 Squad" with Stephanie Liu, Mike Alton and Amanda Robinson.

2. Expanding her speaking opportunities.

 

Do you enjoy this podcast? If so, could you please leave a review here. I read them, sometimes on the show, and will reach out if you leave your Twitter handle!

Is there room for PR in a digital world? Can PR still find a position for brands and entrepreneurs?

After speaking to Samuel Pavin about the other side of the hustle in episode 6, I thought it would be a great opportunity to learn about raising awareness. When I think about international brand positioning and PR, who better to speak to than my colleague Katie Clift. 

I met Katie Clift at Engage Prague in 2018. At the time, I was impressed with her knowledge and understanding of so many issues that relate to PR even in today's digital-first era. 

A Bit About the Guest

With more than a decade of experience in local and international PR, Katie moved from Australia to Athens in 2017. She works with clients around the world covering all industries (from start-ups and entrepreneurs to global construction and manufacturing, health, lifestyle, medical, travel, tourism, agencies, NGO's) specializing in consultancy for international public relations campaigns.

For just one organization alone, Katie led a media and public relations team to achieve more than 8000 feature stories a year in print, broadcast, and online media, including 120 front-page newspaper stories - worth millions of dollars annually.

 Katie is a leading media and public relations commentator throughout Europe and Australia - her editorials are regularly featured in Mumbrella (Australia), PR Week (UK) and Greek Reporter (Greece & Global). 

Katie's ability to execute for so many international brands is only surpassed by her keen knowledge and passion to share it on so many channels to educate the world about PR in a digital sphere. 

MORE ABOUT THIS SHOW

On the episode, Katie and I cover:

The 3 Types of Media Working for a Brand (earned, owned, paid)

Data and Experience- Work Together to Generate a Powerful Story

Being Real in Media, PR Needs a Personality  

Art of a Good Media Pitch

Listen closely because there's a lot of great insights and ideas.

[podbean resource="episode=e78j9-9be8d0" type="audio-square" height="400" skin="1" auto="0" share="1" fonts="Helvetica" download="0" rtl="0"]

SELECTED LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE

Katie Clift | PR Weekly

Questions for Katie Clift:

In a digital world, is there room for PR? Can a brand position itself from a media perspective with traditional means?

 

How does data in the digital landscape impact the story or messaging for a brand? Where does data play a role in providing brand experiences?

 

How can a brand measure the ROI of PR efforts?

 

Katie Clift's Upcoming Projects

1. Working on speaking engagements

2. Leveraging her international experience to expand the business.

 

Do you enjoy this podcast? If so, could you please leave a review here. I read them, sometimes on the show, and will reach out if you leave your Twitter handle!

I've known Samuel Pavin for several years now, although we only met at Huawei Connect 2017, in Shanghai. 

After speaking to Walter Jennings in episode 5, I'm excited to speak with Sam about the 'other side' of entrepreneurship, including some of the unstated or taboo topics of entrepreneurship. 

After reading an article in Techcrunch about the emotional struggle of founders, Sam and I use this as a springboard for an exhilarating conversation. 

Today, I'm honored to host Sam, Senior Marketing & Entrepreneurship Advisor - Marketing Lead at ilab UQ (Startup Space and Accelerator) in Australia. 

A Bit About the Guest

Samuel Pavin is Senior Marketing & Entrepreneurship Advisor - Marketing Lead at ilab UQ (Startup Space and Accelerator) - Key Opinion Leader. Formerly Founding Member and Country Manager IBM Global Entrepreneur France. Sam is a seasoned professional that brings an international vision and strategy to national and international businesses, entrepreneurial ecosystems and country growth programs. As a former employee, gone intrapreneur, gone entrepreneur and a constant learner, Sam has been involved in the startup world for 10+ years, building IBM Global Entrepreneur France from scratch, growing and leading it for 5 years to an established and recognized initiative, a revenue-generating venture and, more importantly, positioning IBM France as a key player in the ecosystem. He's been running his own business for about 10 years, been an advisor to startups over 4 continents and the CMO and early employee with two startups - one failing, the other thriving.

Beyond this breadth of experience in the startup world, what I enjoy about Sam is his keen eye on technology and its impact on the world. Sam truly believes in people and purpose first and the use of technology - as a tool/means - to meet the purpose and improve life and processes.

MORE ABOUT THIS SHOW

On the episode, Sam and I cover:

The Unstated Taboos of Entrepreneurship

Reaching the Pique of the Hustle

Stress in Today's Hustle Mentality

Face to Face Meetings are Changing the Rules of the Digital Economy

Listen closely because there's a lot of great insights and ideas.