Equipped Podcast

The freelance market experienced significant growth in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as many people transitioned to remote work.

In this episode of the Equipped Podcast, host Lane Taylor sits down with Brittany Brewer, Senior Account Executive at FreeUp, to explore the burgeoning world of freelancing. 

Brittany reveals how the COVID-19 pandemic has catapulted the freelance market into significant growth, as more individuals embrace remote work. 

With an insightful look into FreeUp’s unique approach to prioritizing quality over quantity, Brittany explains how their platform offers a personalized and supportive experience that sets them apart. 

You’ll learn about real-life success stories from clients who have leveraged freelancers to streamline business processes and scale their operations. 

Moreover, Brittany discusses the integration of AI in freelancing while emphasizing the indispensable human touch in ensuring high-quality content creation and marketing strategies. 

Tune in to learn how you can harness the power of freelancers to propel your business forward.

Connect with Brittany Brewer:

-Website: https://freeup.net/ 

Connect with Prospex: 

-Website: https://goprospex.com/  

Connect with Lane Taylor:

-LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lane-taylor-31b7824b

Work-life balance is essential for enjoying success and finding fulfillment in personal life.

Join host Lane Taylor on the Equipped Podcast as we dive into an enlightening conversation with Eli Rubel, CEO of No Boring Designs and MatterMade. 

In this episode, Eli shares his intriguing journey from the art world to the tech industry, revealing the pivotal moments that shaped his approach to business and personal life. 

Discover how Eli's focus on work-life balance, understanding of the ideal customer profile, and dedication to strong company culture drives success in his ventures. 

You’ll learn why marketing isn’t just about growth but aligning perfectly with product quality and market demands. 

Eli’s insights on hiring practices and team empowerment are invaluable for anyone looking to elevate their business while achieving personal fulfillment. 

Don’t miss this blend of practical advice and inspiring stories tailored for entrepreneurs and professionals striving for excellence in all aspects of life.

Connect with Eli Rubel:

-Website: https://www.noboringdesign.com/ 

Connect with Prospex: 

-Website: https://goprospex.com/  

Connect with Lane Taylor:

-LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lane-taylor-31b7824b

Self-discovery and personal growth are essential for finding one's true purpose in life.

Join host Lane Taylor on this transformative episode of the Equipped Podcast, featuring Michael Smith, the Chief Marketing Officer at UseVerb. 

Michael delves into his personal journey of self-discovery and the pivotal shift from seeking external validation to embracing a life of purpose and meaning. 

He highlights the power of vertical validation and the critical role of building and nurturing strong relationships in both personal and professional realms.

This episode also explores how UseVerb is revolutionizing the recruitment process by integrating video applications, which allows employers to gauge the personality and potential fit of candidates before meeting them. 

Michael discusses the platform’s unique approach to bringing a human touch back to hiring, with special benefits for high-turnover industries. 

Additionally, you’ll gain insights into effective time management, the importance of family, and the value of accountability among men. 

Connect with Michael Smith:

-Website: https://useverb.com/ 

Connect with Prospex: 

-Website: https://goprospex.com/  

Connect with Lane Taylor:

-LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lane-taylor-31b7824b

Developing the right skills and traits is crucial for sales leaders to be successful.

Join host Lane Taylor on this episode of the Equipped Podcast, featuring Gary Braun, co-founder of Pivotal Advisors LLC. 

Dive into Gary’s transformational journey from a salesperson to a revered sales leader and uncover the pivotal lessons he’s learned along the way. 

This conversation will teach you the essential skills and traits that every sales leader needs to cultivate for success. 

You will also learn how to communicate expectations clearly without micromanagement, the importance of empathy and curiosity in sales, and the critical components for scaling a business successfully. 

This episode offers valuable insights into building a robust sales infrastructure and leading with confidence and care. 

Tune in to equip yourself with the tools you need for excellence in sales leadership and business growth.

Connect with Gary Braun:

-Website: https://pivotaladvisors.com/ 

Connect with Prospex: 

-Website: https://goprospex.com/  

Connect with Lane Taylor:

-LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lane-taylor-31b7824b

Outsourcing talent from the global pool can be a valuable strategy for small and medium-sized businesses to scale their operations.

In this episode of the Equipped Podcast, host Lane Taylor sits down with Mike O'Connor, the visionary founder of Nexus Point. 

Mike delves into his transition from corporate consulting to the world of real estate and ultimately to establishing Nexus Point, a company that bridges small and medium-sized businesses with exceptional outsourced talent from the Philippines. 

With a focus on the nuances of managing remote teams, Mike discusses the critical roles of cultural alignment and robust communication. 

He shares how the recent shift towards remote work has broadened the talent pool globally, making international labor a strategic asset. 

Throughout the conversation, Mike emphasizes the importance of aligning new hires with company values, setting clear expectations, and the strategic use of tools like Loom and AI to boost productivity. 

Mike's candid advice on problem-solving and his passion for creating impactful job opportunities is paired with rapid-fire questions that reveal deeper layers of his business savviness.

Connect with Mike O’Connor:

-Website: https://nexuspt.io/ 

Connect with Prospex: 

-Website: https://goprospex.com/  

Connect with Lane Taylor:

-LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lane-taylor-31b7824b

The reputation of car dealerships has improved, but there is still a need for sales automation and technology to deliver a great customer experience.

Join Lane Taylor on this episode of the Equipped Podcast as we delve into the future of car buying with Alan Krutsch, Director of Marketing and Industry Relations at Fuse Auto Tech. 

Discover how Fuse Auto Tech is driving innovation in the automotive industry with their pioneering point-of-sale system that simplifies the car buying process into a single screen operation. 

Alan shares insights on enhancing customer experience through transparency in pricing, efficient payment options, and the convenience of remote paperwork completion. 

Learn about the evolving landscape of car sales influenced by digital powerhouses like Carvana and find out why a customer-centric approach might be the key to revolutionizing how we buy cars. 

Whether you're in sales, marketing, or lead generation, this episode is packed with strategies to equip you for success in the increasingly digital marketplace.

Connect with Alan Krutsch:

-LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alankrutsch/ 

Connect with Prospex: 

-Website: https://goprospex.com/  

Connect with Lane Taylor:

-LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lane-taylor-31b7824b

Public relations is a component of marketing and focuses on presenting a positive image to the audience.

Join host Lane Taylor on the Equipped Podcast as we dive into the dynamic world of public relations with Peter Woolfolk, a seasoned PR expert with over 25 years of experience. 

In this episode, Peter shares his unique insights into the evolution of the PR landscape and the crucial role of crisis communications. 

You’ll discover how understanding your audience, managing budgets, and selecting effective communication mediums are essential for successful public relations. 

Peter also discusses the inception and goals of his own Public Relations Review Podcast, highlighting its dedication to providing top-notch content for PR professionals. 

Tune in to gain valuable knowledge on leveraging quality content and innovative tools like AI and avatars to enhance your PR strategies and audience engagement.

Connect with Peter Woolfolk:

-LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-woolfolk-83a00b193/ 

Connect with Prospex: 

-Website: https://goprospex.com/  

Connect with Lane Taylor:

-LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lane-taylor-31b7824b

Xapa is a platform that helps individuals become the best version of themselves through quests and coaching in various areas of life.

Join Lane Taylor on The Equipped Podcast as we explore the innovative world of Xapa with CEO and founder Christine Heckart. 

In this conversation, Christine shares her journey through the tech industry and unveils the motivation behind Xapa—a groundbreaking 3D mobile platform designed to elevate personal and professional development. 

Through quests and coaching, Xapa empowers users to excel in areas such as relationships, leadership, and personal growth. 

Christine delves into the crucial aspects of entrepreneurship, like identifying unmet needs and creating solutions that truly make a difference. 

Additionally, she discusses the evolving expectations of today's workforce, emphasizing the importance of companies investing in their employees to foster a culture of engagement and fulfillment. 

Tune in to discover how embracing innovative platforms like Xapa can transform individuals and reshape corporate landscapes.

Connect with Christine Heckart:

-Website: https://xapa.com/ 

Connect with Prospex: 

-Website: https://goprospex.com/  

Connect with Lane Taylor:

-LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lane-taylor-31b7824b

Open-source projects bring wide adoption, involvement, and motivation to developers. 

In this episode of the Equipped Podcast, host Lane Taylor sits down with Alexander Belokrylov, the visionary CEO and co-founder of BellSoft, to explore his remarkable journey within the Java landscape and the groundbreaking success of BellSoft as a leading open-source Java company. 

You’ll learn about the world of open-source projects and discover how they fuel innovation, foster widespread adoption, and motivate developers to push the boundaries of technology. 

Alex shares the unique approach of BellSoft in providing a comprehensive Java experience tailored for enterprises, highlighting their unparalleled support for both legacy and modern Java applications in the cloud. 

With insights into Bellsoft's esteemed clientele, including major enterprises, financial institutions, and more, this episode offers wisdom for anyone passionate about technology, entrepreneurship, and the transformative power of following one's passion. 

Connect with Alexander Belokrylov:

-Website: https://bell-sw.com/ 

Connect with Prospex: 

-Website: https://goprospex.com/  

Connect with Lane Taylor:

-LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lane-taylor-31b7824b

Medicare insurance is complex, with numerous options and plans available, making it challenging for individuals to make the right decision. Companies like Nuvo Health and the Medicare Store help people navigate the complexities and find the best Medicare plan for their needs.

In this episode of the Equipped Podcast, host Lane Taylor sits down with the visionary Calvin Bagley, the driving force behind Nuvo Health and the Medicare Store. 

Diving into Calvin's remarkable transition from banking to healthcare entrepreneurship, we explore the intricate world of Medicare insurance and how Calvin's ventures are demystifying the process for individuals nationwide. 

With a keen eye on the future, Calvin unveils the promising role of AI in transforming Medicare and healthcare at large, while emphasizing the irreplaceable value of human insight and empathy in this evolution. 

Beyond the technological advancements, Calvin delves into the entrepreneurial mindset—conquering imposter syndrome, the art of staying present, and the blueprint for cultivating a vibrant company culture that thrives on trust, learning, and shared values. 

From practical advice to philosophical insights, Calvin's journey offers a roadmap for aspiring entrepreneurs and healthcare innovators alike. 

Tune in to discover how embracing change, leveraging AI, and fostering a supportive culture can not only drive business success but also significantly improve healthcare outcomes for all.

Connect with Calvin Bagley:

-Website: https://myplanfit.com/

Connect with Prospex: 

-Website: https://goprospex.com/  

Connect with Lane Taylor:

-LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lane-taylor-31b7824b