Looking Forward®: It's All About Opportunities!

How about French tacos or Brazilian pizzas? Or creative entrepreneurs who are taking old motels and turning them into boutique lodging locations with nearby "hipster" experiences?

If so, then you won't want to miss Part I of my Looking Forward podcast conversation with internationally recognized hospitality and consumer behavior expert, Stephani Robson. Stephani was a faculty member at the esteemed Cornell University School of Administration for over 25 years and travels globally to consult on restaurant and hotel design and operations projects.

In Part I (Episode #47) Dr. Robson discusses such things as changes that have occurred over the past few decades in hotels and restaurants, current TRENDS in those industries, COVID 19's impact on the hospitality industry, and who's likely to survive... or not survive there. (NOTE: Next week, in Part II, Stephani will focus on the FUTURE of restaurants and hotels, and what OPPORTUNITIES YOU might be able to capitalize on in the hospitality industry.

If you are an owner, investor, operator, or employee in the hospitality industry-- or just someone who dines out or travels-- this episode is for you! Businesses or geographic areas mentioned include the Hilton, McDonald's, Expedia Group, Jupiter Hotel, Hôtel du Louvre, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Portland, Oregon, New York City, Sarasota, the Finger Lakes, Paris, Delhi, Mexico City. Mumbai, Brazil, China, and Canada.

LOOKING FORWARD: THE Podcast About TRENDS, OPPORTUNITIES, and the FUTURE, and How YOU Might Capitalize on Those.

Our sincere thanks to TAPinto.net - Local News for establishing the "Looking Forward" column in many of its online local newspapers. TAPinto is your neighborhood news online! To find out how we can customize our content to meet your needs and those of your target audience, please contact us at www.jeff-ostroff.com

Please also keep in mind the great and INEXPENSIVE opportunity that exists for those who want to sponsor a specific Looking Forward episodes(s) that relates to what you sell, or the image you want to convey to your customers and prospects. Looking Forward is upbeat, wholesome, futuristic, and informative, and connects with listeners around the world. (20% live outside the U.S.!) Through our promos and posts to social media, on websites, podcast sites, and e-mails, Looking Forward's reach is impressive, and our episode shelf life is long. For more details, please contact us at www.jeff-ostroff.com

And if you're looking for an entertaining and informative guest to have on YOUR radio or TV show, or podcast, please think of Jeff. If you want to "hear him in action," listen to an upcoming episode of Richard Kaufman's popular, "Vertical Momentum" podcast. Please contact us at www.jeff-ostroff.com for more information.

Hi everyone! Where you can find that combination? How about in functional medicine! Functional medicine has been steadily gaining momentum over the past few decades. In fact, it's now being practiced in 36 countries around the world! Functional medicine is a different way to provide medical care that focuses on diagnosing and treating patients individually and holistically; e.g., considering not only what's bothering them now, but such things as their genetic makeup and environment, and their eating, sleeping, exercise, and stress management patterns. In other words, it's not just treating the symptoms of your condition. 

To learn much more about functional medicine trends, areas of GREAT OPPORTUNITY, and its future, please join me on Looking Forward's episode #46 as I speak with my guest expert, Dr. Patricia Boulogne. Known as "Dr. Pat," Dr. Pat also provides some fantastic tips on how to maximize your health, get the most of our your doctor's visits, and how to find a functional medicine practitioner. Hey, she should know. She's a functional medicine practitioner, coach, chiropractor, and speaker, and has helped thousands of patients over the past 35 years. She's also the author of the highly rated book: "Why... Are You Sick, Fat, and Tired?" You can learn more Dr. Pat and her upcoming "Be Stronger Than Medicine" series via her website, www.healthnetwork.com, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. Her hashtag is #DontForgetYourHEALTH 

Our sincere thanks to TAPinto.net - Local News for establishing the "Looking Forward" column in many of its online local newspapers. TAPinto is your neighborhood news online! To find out how we can customize our content to meet your needs and those of your target audience, please contact us at www.jeff-ostroff.com 

Please also keep in mind the great and INEXPENSIVE opportunity that exists for those who want to sponsor a specific Looking Forward episodes(s) that relates to what you sell, or the image you want to convey to your customers and prospects. Looking Forward is upbeat, wholesome, futuristic, and informative, and connects with listeners around the world. (20% live outside the U.S.!) Through our promos and posts to social media, on websites, podcast sites, and e-mails, Looking Forward's reach is impressive, and our episode shelf life is long. For more details, please contact us at www.jeff-ostroff.com 

And if you're looking for an entertaining and informative guest to have on YOUR radio or TV show, or podcast, please think of Jeff. If you want to "hear him in action," listen to an upcoming episode of Richard Kaufman's popular, "Vertical Momentum" podcast. Please contact us at www.jeff-ostroff.com for more information.

What am I speaking about? Well... listening to podcasts. In fact, the highest percentage of podcast listeners in their respective countries are S. Korea and Spain! Whether you listen to podcasts or plan to, are in traditional media outlets (hello, radio and newspaper industries!), are a current or potential podcaster, or are in the large and growing podcast business, you don't want to miss this episode of Looking Forward!

Listen as my guest expert, JAMES CRIDLAND, from way "down under" in Brisbane, Australia, speaks to the incredible growth in the number of podcast listeners and podcasts over the past two decades. Learn about important podcast TRENDS and OPPORTUNITIES, including advances in advertising technology, podcasting's influence on radio, what jobs the industry will have to offer, where you can find them... and much more.

James should know! He's the editor of Podnews, a daily podcast newsletter that tracks the industry like a birddog. Podnews also has a sister podcast. James has worked in radio and audio-- including with the BBC-- since 1989 as an award-winning copywriter, radio presenter, and Internet strategist. He is also a radio futurologist. (Did I say listen up radio industry yet? :)- )

Our sincere thanks to the sponsor of this week's Looking Forward episode, TAPinto.net - Local News. TAPinto is your neighborhood news online! Find out more at franchisetapinto.net

Looking Forward: THE podcast that focuses on major TRENDS, OPPORTUNITIES, and the FUTURE, and how they may affect YOU... or someone you care about. As always, please provide YOUR feedback and suggestions for topics, guest experts, and show sponsors on the "Contact Us" page at www.jeff-ostroff.com

And if you're looking for a entertaining and informative guest to have on YOUR radio or TV show, or podcast, please think of Jeff.  If you want to "hear him in action," listen to an upcoming episode of Richard Kaufman's popular, "Vertical Momentum" podcast. Please contact us at www.jeff-ostroff.com for more information.

Please keep in mind the great and INEXPENSIVE opportunity that exists for those who want to sponsor a specific Looking Forward episodes(s) that relates to what you sell, or the image you want to convey to your customers and prospects. Looking Forward is upbeat, wholesome, futuristic, and informative, and connects with listeners around the world. Through our promos and posts to social media, on websites, podcast sites, and e-mails, Looking Forward's reach is impressive, and our episode shelf life is long. For more details, please contact us at www.jeff-ostroff.com Thanks!

And that's just in the United States! 

Let's hear what our guest expert, Zeke Minaya, has to say about that. Zeke should know. He's the editor of The Philadelphia Inquirer's "Future of Work" project. What impact is the dramatic shift to remote work having on workers, our cities and their business districts, and employers? How are or will some of the biggest companies respond to this gigantic trend? What are the challenges and implications of all of this? And, maybe most importantly, where does Zeke think OPPORTUNITIES exist for workers and businesses living in this brave new world of the 2020's? To hear this and more, please tune in to this week's episode.

We thank Rich Gostkowski, financial advisor at Edward Jones, for sponsoring this important episode, which is relevant to just about anyone... whether he (she) lives in the U.S. or elsewhere around the world!! If you think your retirement needs are important, Rich and Edward Jones can help. You can reach Rich at [email protected]

Looking Forward: THE podcast that focuses on major TRENDS, OPPORTUNITIES, and the FUTURE, and how that might affect YOU... or someone you care about. As always, please provide YOUR feedback and suggestions for topics, guest experts, and show sponsors on the "Contact Us" page at www.jeff-ostroff.com

Please keep in mind the great and INEXPENSIVE opportunity that exists for those who want to sponsor a specific Looking Forward episodes(s) that relates to what you sell, or the image you want to convey to your customers and prospects. Looking Forward is upbeat, wholesome, futuristic, and informative, and connects with listeners around the world. Through our promos and posts to social media, on websites, podcast sites, and e-mails, Looking Forward's reach is impressive, and our episode shelf life is long. For more details, please contact us at www.jeff-ostroff.com Thanks!

Hey, World: Where Are Our Vehicles Taking Us Over the Next Several Years?

And what OPPORTUNITIES might that offer us as business owners, investors, employees, freelancers, entrepreneurs and consumers?

Let's face it. Most all of us use cars, trucks, and vans to get from one place to another. So it's quite important to know where the automotive manufacturing industry is going, right? That's why we've got a FANTASTIC guest expert on Looking Forward today. He's Doug Betts, president of J.D. Power's Automotive Division. Doug's experience and perspectives are GLOBAL in scope, and also take into account his former senior executive positions at Apple, Chrysler, Toyota, and Nissan.

Listen as Doug speaks about such things as (1) how the auto manufacturing industry has evolved over the past several decades, (2) the different ways in which vehicles are sold around the globe today, (3) how COVID-19 has affected the auto industry, (4) what changes we are likely to see in how vehicles are manufactured and sold, and (5) where the greatest opportunities lie, as these changes take a stronger grip on the industry.

Pay close attention, too, to what Doug and J.D. Power have learned is the BIGGEST issue consumers now have with their vehicles. Spoiler Alert: It is NOT malfunctions! J.D. Power should know. For over 50 years they've been surveying hundreds of thousands of vehicle owners about their satisfaction with the purchases they've made, and the service they've received.

A big SHOUT OUT to the sponsor of today's episode episode: EVAdoption! EVAdoption is a leading EV market analysis, data, and consulting firm that helps businesses make data-driven decisions to guide their near- and long-term electric vehicle-related business strategies. Please go to www.evadoption.com for more information.

Looking Forward: THE podcast that focuses on major TRENDS, how they may affect YOU, and what OPPORTUNITIES they might offer YOU... or someone you care about. As always, please provide YOUR feedback and suggestions for topics, guests, and show sponsors at www.jeff-ostroff.com

Please keep in mind the great and genuinely INEXPENSIVE opportunity that exists for those who want to sponsor a specific Looking Forward episodes(s) that relates to what you sell, or the image you want to convey to your customers and prospects. Looking Forward is upbeat, wholesome, futuristic, and informative, and connects with listeners around the world. Through our promos and posts to social media, on websites, podcast sites, and e-mails, Looking Forward's reach is impressive, and our episode shelf life is long. For more details, please contact us at www.jeff-ostroff.com Thanks!

What's a former Dow Jones and Wall St. Journal pro have to say about the newspaper industry, how it's evolved, where it is now, where it may be headed, and what opportunities that portends? To find out, listen to my guest expert, Ken Herts, Chief Operating Officer of the Lenfest Institute for Journalism. Ken has spent more than 30 years in the news business... so he should know about these things! Hear Ken speak about what organizations like the Lenfest Institute, Google, Newsday, the Arkansas Democrat Gazette, the Dallas Morning News, Pro Publica, the Salt Lake City Tribune, and Tiny News Collective are doing to maintain or grow newspaper readership. Learn what newspapers in other countries, such as London-based, The Financial Times and Norwegian-based, Schibsted, have done for that same purpose. Find out the keys to the U.S.-based national newspapers' success in dealing with a rapidly changing newspaper industry. And, pay close attention to where Ken says there are OPPORTUNITIES to be found for those having the right set of skills in today's marketplace. 

Looking Forward: THE podcast that focuses on major TRENDS, how they may affect YOU, and what OPPORTUNITIES they might offer YOU... or someone you care about.

As always, please provide YOUR feedback and suggestions for topics, guests, and show sponsors at www.jeff-ostroff.com

Please keep in mind the great and ridiculously INEXPENSIVE, ground-floor opportunity that exists for those who want to sponsor a specific episodes(s) that relates to what you sell or the image you want to convey to your customers and prospects. Looking Forward is upbeat, wholesome, futuristic, and informative, and connects with listeners around the world. Through our promos and posts to social media, on websites, podcast sites, and e-mails, Looking Forward's reach is impressive and our episode shelf life is long. For more details, please contact us at www.jeff-ostroff.com Thanks!

Stepping into a Market Failure: The Challenges and Opportunities of the Family Caregiving Trend

Hi everyone! Over 60 million adults in the U.S. and many millions more around the world are dealing with the challenges of caring for an older adult. Some of these people are seniors themselves, who also must care for their grandchildren! The number of caregivers is GROWING rapidly and includes both men and women and even members of the Millennial generation. Sadly, most governments and businesses, especially in the United States are not addressing this gigantic TREND. The recent U.S. Census didn't even ask a question about this.

How has COVID-19 affected the caregiving trend? What can be done by policymakers to ease the caregiver challenge? What tips can be offered to you, if you are or will become a caregiver? And, what OPPORTUNITIES might exist to assist the enormous group of caregivers for those seeking jobs, careers, business endeavors, or investments?

Listen as my guest expert, Dr. Cheryl Woodson, retired geriatrician, caregiver, and the author of two books about caregiving discusses these and related topics on this episode of Looking Forward.

Looking Forward: THE podcast that focuses on major TRENDS, how they may affect YOU, and what OPPORTUNITIES they might offer YOU... or someone you care about.

As always, please provide YOUR feedback and suggestions for topics, guests, and show sponsors at www.jeff-ostroff.com

Our thanks to the sponsor of this week's episode of Looking Forward: GetZAGE. Check them out at www.getzage.com GetZAGE offers one viable solution to assist caregivers with the challenges they face!

Please keep in mind the great and ridiculously INEXPENSIVE, ground-floor opportunity that exists for those who want to sponsor a specific episodes(s) that relates to what you sell or the image you want to convey to your customers and prospects. Looking Forward is upbeat, wholesome, futuristic, and informative, and connects with listeners around the world. Through our promos and posts to social media, on websites, podcast sites, and e-mails, Looking Forward's reach is impressive. For more details, please contact us at www.jeff-ostroff.com Thanks!

HI everyone. What's a multi-billion dollar industry that's bound to keep growing and touches almost everyone around the world-- almost every single day? It has also many applications, is multi-lingual and multi-media, and transcends all industries. I'm speaking about the voice-over industry!

Join me as I converse with my guest expert, David Ciccarelli, Founder and CEO of Voices.com, about the voice-over business: past, present, and future. Voices.com is a GIANT in the voice-over industry, and works with clients in 160 countries to find them the best voice-over talent. Listen as David discusses such things as what voice overs are, the various genres of voice overs, how the industry has evolved over the years, what impact COVID-19 has had on the business, and what TRENDS and OPPORTUNITIES he sees unfolding over the next few years in the industry.

And here's the good news: David sees plenty of opportunities and specifically identifies some of them! Whether you are an accomplished voice-over pro, a budding voice talent, or someone who's thinking about becoming one, you'll definitely want to listen to what this industry leader has to say. That's also true if you are on the client, production, and agency sides, too! 

So... listen in to David Ciccarelli!

Looking Forward: THE podcast that focuses on major TRENDS, how they may affect YOU, and what OPPORTUNITIES they might offer YOU... or someone you care about.

As always, please provide YOUR feedback and suggestions for topics, guests, and show sponsors at www.jeff-ostroff.com 

And please keep in mind the great and INEXPENSIVE opportunity that exists for those who want to sponsor a specific episodes(s) that relates to what you sell or the image you want to convey to your customers and prospects. Looking Forward is upbeat, wholesome, futuristic, and informative, and connects with listeners around the world. Through our promos and posts to social media, on websites, podcast sites, and e-mails, Looking Forward's reach is impressive. For more details, please contact us at www.jeff-ostroff.com Thanks!

Hi everyone. 

What's a Megatrend Happening Around the World that You May Not Know Much about or See? It's a trend that, according to our guest expert, is part of the "4th Industrial Revolution," and will offer as many opportunities as the Internet did back in the 1990's! 

Sounds like something you might want to hear about, right? Then join me as I speak with Edgar Fernandez, co-founder of EOS Costa Rica, and an expert on the application of BLOCKCHAIN TECHNOLOGY. That's right... blockchain technology (BT). Edgar shares with us such things as what led to the development of BT, what benefits it offers, what countries are leading the BT revolution, how BT might unfold over the next few years, and, maybe most importantly, what OPPORTUNITIES will blockchain offer lots of people around the world, be they students, job and career seekers, entrepreneurs, or investors.

If any of those situations apply to YOU or someone you care about, then you'll definitely want to listen to what Edgar has to say on this Looking Forward episode!

Looking Forward: THE podcast that focuses on major TRENDS, how they may affect YOU, and what OPPORTUNITIES they might offer YOU.

As always, please provide YOUR feedback and suggestions for topics, guests, and show sponsors at www.jeff-ostroff.com Thanks!

What Trend in Investing and Saving Could Benefit You... and Maybe Your Career, Too? Hi everyone! Find out here as I speak with my guest expert from Charles Schwab, Michael Iachini. Michael is V.P. and Head of Manager Research for Charles Schwab Investment Advisory. Listen as Michael clearly and simply discusses Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs), a booming investment product that will only continue to grow in popularity. Hear Michael explain such things as why ETFs have become so popular, the difference between ETFs and mutual funds, which countries are leading the ETF stampede (and you'll be a bit surprised by who's Number 2!), what career opportunities this may generate, and how to find the best ETFs for your savings or retirement portfolio. If saving or investing more wisely for your future is of interest to you or someone you care about, then you'll definitely want to listen to what Michael has to say on this Looking Forward episode!

Looking Forward: THE podcast that focuses on major TRENDS, how they may affect YOU, and what OPPORTUNITIES they might offer YOU.

As always, please provide YOUR feedback and suggestions for topics, guests, and show sponsors at www.jeff-ostroff.com Thanks!