PowerUp with Manal

In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, entrepreneurs and business leaders face the challenge of developing products that truly resonate with their target audience. Understanding user needs and preferences has become essential for driving success and achieving business growth. Companies that prioritize user-centric product development are more likely to experience higher customer satisfaction and increased revenue.

What does it take to create products that meet the needs of users in a rapidly changing digital world? How can entrepreneurial leaders navigate technological challenges and inspire innovation within their organizations?

In this episode of Power Up with Manal, host, Manal Keen, sits down with Drew Dillon, Principal at ProductBridge, to delve into the importance of user-centricity in product development. What does it take to create products that meet the needs of users in a rapidly changing digital world? How can entrepreneurial leaders navigate technological challenges and inspire innovation within their organizations?

Drew Dillon states that, “user-centered design is not a one-time event. It's an ongoing process that requires continuous learning and adaptation. As user needs and expectations evolve, we need to be agile and responsive in our approach”.

The challenges entrepreneurs face in the ever-changing technological landscape are expansive and there is no time like the present to explore strategies for inspiring entrepreneurial leadership within organizations. Through the conversation, the two discuss valuable insights and practical tips for driving success in the digital age.

Drew and Manal discuss…

The significance of user-centric product development and its impact on business growth.

Navigating technological challenges and embracing emerging technologies.

Cultivating entrepreneurial leadership, fostering innovation, and empowering teams.

“Understanding the needs and desires of your users is the key to building successful products. It's not enough to rely on your own assumptions or industry trends. You have to actively listen to your users, gather feedback, and iterate based on their input. That's how you create products that truly resonate and drive business growth”, says Drew.

Drew Dillon is a seasoned entrepreneur and product development expert. With over 15 years of experience in the tech industry, he has successfully led numerous product development initiatives, driving innovation and growth. Drew holds a degree in Computer Science from Virginia Tech and has been recognized for his contributions to the field, including receiving the Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2019. In 2020 he founded Burb and continues to work as principal at ProductBridge.

In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, entrepreneurs and business leaders face the challenge of developing products that truly resonate with their target audience. Understanding user needs and preferences has become essential for driving success and achieving business growth. Companies that prioritize user-centric product development are more likely to experience higher customer satisfaction and increased revenue.

What does it take to create products that meet the needs of users in a rapidly changing digital world? How can entrepreneurial leaders navigate technological challenges and inspire innovation within their organizations?

In this episode of Power Up with Manal, host, Manal Keen, sits down with Drew Dillon, Principal at ProductBridge, to delve into the importance of user-centricity in product development. What does it take to create products that meet the needs of users in a rapidly changing digital world? How can entrepreneurial leaders navigate technological challenges and inspire innovation within their organizations?

Drew Dillon states that, “user-centered design is not a one-time event. It's an ongoing process that requires continuous learning and adaptation. As user needs and expectations evolve, we need to be agile and responsive in our approach”.

The challenges entrepreneurs face in the ever-changing technological landscape are expansive and there is no time like the present to explore strategies for inspiring entrepreneurial leadership within organizations. Through the conversation, the two discuss valuable insights and practical tips for driving success in the digital age.

Drew and Manal discuss…

The significance of user-centric product development and its impact on business growth.

Navigating technological challenges and embracing emerging technologies.

Cultivating entrepreneurial leadership, fostering innovation, and empowering teams.

“Understanding the needs and desires of your users is the key to building successful products. It's not enough to rely on your own assumptions or industry trends. You have to actively listen to your users, gather feedback, and iterate based on their input. That's how you create products that truly resonate and drive business growth”, says Drew.

Drew Dillon is a seasoned entrepreneur and product development expert. With over 15 years of experience in the tech industry, he has successfully led numerous product development initiatives, driving innovation and growth. Drew holds a degree in Computer Science from Virginia Tech and has been recognized for his contributions to the field, including receiving the Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2019. In 2020 he founded Burb and continues to work as principal at ProductBridge.

On this episode of Power Up with Manal, host Manal Keen, speaks with Devin Floyd, Founder and CEO of NYOCON, as he talks about his mission to transform the way we work by developing leaders at all levels of an organization. He believes that leadership skills are not evolving in many workplaces, which leads to productivity problems. Devin's work involves providing foundational knowledge and a broader set of skills to drive educating and coaching managers be more effective at leading a group of people. He highlights that it is crucial for leaders to focus on putting their employees at the forefront to help them do their job better.

Devin also talks about how he got into entrepreneurship, which came from feeling challenged with the hierarchical structure in place where the leadership was not equipped to drive change both from a technical and human emotion perspective. Devin also shares an example of a dysfunctional environment he had to tackle and the pillar of successfully completing the project was by creating a positive work environment and improving communication with the employees while eliminating any anger or negative feelings.

As the business world evolves and transforms, effective leadership is more crucial than ever for employees to thrive. Devin Floyd recognizes this need and actively works to close the gap in leadership development within organizations. Devin understands the impact of ineffective leadership on workplace culture, employee engagement, and productivity. He emphasizes the importance of putting others before oneself, having patience, and dealing with conflict respectfully.

On this episode Manal and Devin discuss...

● Transforming the way we work and turning the business world into a place where employees not only thrive, but also enjoy their jobs.

● Taking A Step Back: Gaining Perspective And Changing Mindset

● Setting The Foundation For Effective Leadership In The Workplace to Drive Productivity

Devin's journey serves as an inspiration for those looking to take the leap into entrepreneurship, and his passion for developing leaders is an inspiration for anyone looking to transform business cultures for the better. Manal and Devin discuss the importance of transforming the way we work, developing effective leaders, and creating educational content to close the gap in leadership development. Devin’s journey serves as an inspiration for those looking to take the leap into entrepreneurship. By recognizing the gaps in leadership development within organizations and striving towards filling them, individuals like Devin can make significant contributions towards transforming business cultures for the better. Join us and learn how to be an Inspirational Leader!

On this episode of Power Up with Manal, host Manal Keen, speaks with Devin Floyd, Founder and CEO of NYOCON, as he talks about his mission to transform the way we work by developing leaders at all levels of an organization. He believes that leadership skills are not evolving in many workplaces, which leads to productivity problems. Devin's work involves providing foundational knowledge and a broader set of skills to drive educating and coaching managers be more effective at leading a group of people. He highlights that it is crucial for leaders to focus on putting their employees at the forefront to help them do their job better.

Devin also talks about how he got into entrepreneurship, which came from feeling challenged with the hierarchical structure in place where the leadership was not equipped to drive change both from a technical and human emotion perspective. Devin also shares an example of a dysfunctional environment he had to tackle and the pillar of successfully completing the project was by creating a positive work environment and improving communication with the employees while eliminating any anger or negative feelings.

As the business world evolves and transforms, effective leadership is more crucial than ever for employees to thrive. Devin Floyd recognizes this need and actively works to close the gap in leadership development within organizations. Devin understands the impact of ineffective leadership on workplace culture, employee engagement, and productivity. He emphasizes the importance of putting others before oneself, having patience, and dealing with conflict respectfully.

On this episode Manal and Devin discuss...

● Transforming the way we work and turning the business world into a place where employees not only thrive, but also enjoy their jobs.

● Taking A Step Back: Gaining Perspective And Changing Mindset

● Setting The Foundation For Effective Leadership In The Workplace to Drive Productivity

Devin's journey serves as an inspiration for those looking to take the leap into entrepreneurship, and his passion for developing leaders is an inspiration for anyone looking to transform business cultures for the better. Manal and Devin discuss the importance of transforming the way we work, developing effective leaders, and creating educational content to close the gap in leadership development. Devin’s journey serves as an inspiration for those looking to take the leap into entrepreneurship. By recognizing the gaps in leadership development within organizations and striving towards filling them, individuals like Devin can make significant contributions towards transforming business cultures for the better. Join us and learn how to be an Inspirational Leader!

Rachel shares her inspiring journey of starting a graham cracker company with a message of gratitude and persevering through challenges. She emphasizes the importance of instilling values in children, finding balance in life, and embracing authenticity in the corporate world.

Throughout the episode, Rachel's passion for spreading the message of gratitude and building community shines through. She shares her insights on practicing gratitude in daily life and the workplace and encourages corporate leaders to embrace individuality and prioritize joy in the workplace.

Rachel's entrepreneurial journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of building a supportive community. She shares her experiences of learning to do everything and understanding when to let it go as well as building a team, and highlights the Power to Pursue series for women's executive coaching and training as a way to empower women and build a national community.

Overall, the episode is a reminder to embrace the present, seize opportunities, and prioritize self-care and authenticity in all aspects of life. Rachel's story is an inspiration to anyone looking to pursue their passions and make a positive impact in the world.

Rachel shares her inspiring journey of starting a graham cracker company with a message of gratitude and persevering through challenges. She emphasizes the importance of instilling values in children, finding balance in life, and embracing authenticity in the corporate world.

Throughout the episode, Rachel's passion for spreading the message of gratitude and building community shines through. She shares her insights on practicing gratitude in daily life and the workplace and encourages corporate leaders to embrace individuality and prioritize joy in the workplace.

Rachel's entrepreneurial journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of building a supportive community. She shares her experiences of learning to do everything and understanding when to let it go as well as building a team, and highlights the Power to Pursue series for women's executive coaching and training as a way to empower women and build a national community.

Overall, the episode is a reminder to embrace the present, seize opportunities, and prioritize self-care and authenticity in all aspects of life. Rachel's story is an inspiration to anyone looking to pursue their passions and make a positive impact in the world.

Decision-making is embedded in every aspect of our lives - yet it has forever been challenging - let’s explore Dan Gilberts @Ted Talk!

Referenced Ted Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/dan_gilbert_why_we_make_bad_decisions

Manal’s Pick: We are living in a complex world that is taking a toll on our mental and physical health - sometimes that has us feeling not performing at our most optimal “peak”. If you are feeling like this - then definitely check out @Probrilliance Institute and their dynamic founder @Machen Macdonald - you can also catch Machen on my podcast :)

Leadership is a word that means different things to many people. Some see the leader as the ultimate authority in an organization, while others see leaders around the company. Often, leadership is about inspiration and influencing others as much as being in charge of something.

But for those leaders, whether natural born, leader in training, leader to be, leader by necessity, or leader adjacent, taking those skills beyond means leaving up your leadership, and doing that requires a mindset, energy, motivation, mental clarity, and heightening one’s conscious being. It also means channeling energy into different buckets to enact constructive change.

One person who focuses much of his energy on helping others level up their leadership skills is Machen MacDonald, Business Coach and Founder of the ProBrilliance Leadership Institute. He is the author of several business coaching and development books. MacDonald spoke withPower Up with Manal’sManal Keen about his journey and effective ways of leveling up your leadership no matter your position.

“I’ve had the privilege of being able to coach small business owners and people in the financial services business for over the last twenty years, and the bottom line is, I help them bring their A-game to their hero’s journey,” MacDonald said. “They’ve got a call to adventure; they’re ready to break out and take another step. They’re already successful, but maybe they’ve been camping out on the success plateau for a while, and now they’re ready for another climb. And that’s where we get to play.”

Keen and Macdonald discuss the following during their conversation:

o The world of information has changed rapidly in recent years, and leaders must adapt to navigate this new landscape

o Mental clarity is critical for success, and it's important to be selective with your attention and focus on positive events rather than negative ones

o Focus on the concept of affirmations and how they can be turned into "ask formations" to achieve goals. Asking oneself how one can achieve their desired outcome, can lead to action solutions

“There are going to be those things that are out there that, yes, on some level, we’ve projected that experience, and if we’re passionate about something, and it’s got our attention, and we’re called to it to make a difference, by all means, you’ve been tapped on the shoulder to that,” MacDonald said. “Follow that energy for sure.”

About Machen:

Machen MacDonald is the #1 best-selling author and creator of the successful Power of Coaching book series. He is a certified and award-winning business coach and life coach, a certified MindScan Consultant, and a creator of the 5X5 POD Formula for achieving and maintaining tremendous success. Macdonald founded the ProBrilliance Leadership Institute to help small business owners, sales professionals, advisers, managers, and corporate leaders solve the everyday challenges they face.

Leadership is a word that means different things to many people. Some see the leader as the ultimate authority in an organization, while others see leaders around the company. Often, leadership is about inspiration and influencing others as much as being in charge of something.

But for those leaders, whether natural born, leader in training, leader to be, leader by necessity, or leader adjacent, taking those skills beyond means leaving up your leadership, and doing that requires a mindset, energy, motivation, mental clarity, and heightening one’s conscious being. It also means channeling energy into different buckets to enact constructive change.

One person who focuses much of his energy on helping others level up their leadership skills is Machen MacDonald, Business Coach and Founder of the ProBrilliance Leadership Institute. He is the author of several business coaching and development books. MacDonald spoke withPower Up with Manal’sManal Keen about his journey and effective ways of leveling up your leadership no matter your position.

“I’ve had the privilege of being able to coach small business owners and people in the financial services business for over the last twenty years, and the bottom line is, I help them bring their A-game to their hero’s journey,” MacDonald said. “They’ve got a call to adventure; they’re ready to break out and take another step. They’re already successful, but maybe they’ve been camping out on the success plateau for a while, and now they’re ready for another climb. And that’s where we get to play.”

Keen and Macdonald discuss the following during their conversation:

o The world of information has changed rapidly in recent years, and leaders must adapt to navigate this new landscape

o Mental clarity is critical for success, and it's important to be selective with your attention and focus on positive events rather than negative ones

o Focus on the concept of affirmations and how they can be turned into "ask formations" to achieve goals. Asking oneself how one can achieve their desired outcome, can lead to action solutions

“There are going to be those things that are out there that, yes, on some level, we’ve projected that experience, and if we’re passionate about something, and it’s got our attention, and we’re called to it to make a difference, by all means, you’ve been tapped on the shoulder to that,” MacDonald said. “Follow that energy for sure.”

About Machen:

Machen MacDonald is the #1 best-selling author and creator of the successful Power of Coaching book series. He is a certified and award-winning business coach and life coach, a certified MindScan Consultant, and a creator of the 5X5 POD Formula for achieving and maintaining tremendous success. Macdonald founded the ProBrilliance Leadership Institute to help small business owners, sales professionals, advisers, managers, and corporate leaders solve the everyday challenges they face.