In this episode of the Schmidt List, host Kurt Schmidt sits down with David Ratner, a veteran in the book PR industry with over 30 years of experience. David delves into his extensive background, having run one of the largest book publicity agencies in the country and now focusing on helping nonfiction authors, especially in the business space, leverage their books as powerful tools for brand equity and thought leadership.

Kurt and David discuss invaluable advice for first-time authors, emphasizing that despite the crowded book market, there's still room for unique voices. They explore the various publishing options available today and stress the importance of utilizing a book as a new-age business card to build credibility and open doors.

David shares insights on the PR landscape, offering a glimpse into his customized approach based on clients' goals, needs, and budgets. From creating digestible content to leveraging network connections, David uncovers strategies authors can use to maximize the impact of their books, even after the initial launch.

Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the nuanced world of book promotion, the importance of engaging content, and how to set realistic expectations for ROI from PR efforts. Whether you're a seasoned author or just thinking about writing your first book, this episode is packed with expert advice to help you navigate the journey from writing to successfully promoting your book.

Tune in to learn the secrets of turning your book into a powerful marketing tool and how to make it work for your long-term business success. Don’t miss this engaging conversation with David Ratner on the Schmidt List!

Visit" https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-ratner-81b9367/

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In this insightful episode of Schmidt List, host Kurt Schmidt engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Brad Farris, a seasoned leadership and business growth coach, to explore transitioning from craftsperson to leader. Brad provides invaluable strategies and deep insights for agency founders navigating the challenges of scaling their businesses while stepping into effective leadership roles. Brad discusses the profound identity shift required as leaders move away from hands-on tasks and embrace the responsibilities of guiding a team. He sheds light on managing team dynamics, including bridging generational gaps between "old school" and "new class" employees, while emphasizing the importance of accountability and well-defined roles within an organization. The conversation also delves into the complexities of business partnerships, the importance of intentional leadership, and the lasting impact one's leadership style can have on their legacy and reputation. Brad introduces practical tools and resources, including a growth-phase assessment available on his website, designed to help agency founders identify their current stage and focus on the priorities critical for their continued growth. Whether you're an agency founder facing leadership hurdles, a partner navigating the dynamics of collaboration, or someone passionate about personal and professional development, this episode is packed with actionable advice and meaningful insights to help you elevate your leadership abilities. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from Brad's expertise and improve your leadership journey.

Key Takeaways:

• Navigating the shift from being a craftsperson to a leader.
• The role of identity and accountability in business growth.
• Understanding and managing team dynamics and cultural clashes.
• The importance of clear roles in partnerships and leadership.
• Practical tools and assessments for agency growth.

Tune in to gain insights that could transform your leadership approach and set your agency on the path to sustained success.

Guest Links:

• Website :Anchor Advisors
• Growth Phase Assessment t:Anchor Advisors Growth Phase
• LinkedIn: Brad Farris

There is too much Schmidt to List!

Check out https://www.kurtschmidt.me for more show info. 
 
Visit Kurt’s coaching site at https://schmidtconsulting.group
 
Subscribe to The Road Map Newsletter and unlock the secrets to achieving a harmonious work-life balance as a leader. https://bit.ly/RoadMapNewsletter

New Book! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D2C61THR  

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In this insightful episode of the Schmidt List, host Kurt Schmidt sits down with Joe Schmit, the renowned sports director from Channel 5 and an accomplished keynote speaker. With over three decades of experience in sports journalism and a thriving career in motivational speaking,

Joe brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. Joe delves into his "culture first mindset," a philosophy emphasizing prioritizing organizational culture over strategy, especially crucial in the post-pandemic world. He discusses the significant challenges companies face today, from recruiting and retention to maintaining meaningful connections in a remote work environment.

Together, Kurt and Joe explore the importance of employee engagement, the pitfalls of superficial cultural efforts, and the critical role of leadership in nurturing a positive work environment. Joe shares practical tactics and strategies, including involving employees in defining core values, fostering a sense of belonging, and encouraging professional development.

The episode also addresses the cost of employee turnover, the toxic influence of disengaged workers, and the benefits of storytelling as a leadership tool. Listeners will gain valuable insights into building trust, fostering compassion, and creating clarity within their teams. Tune in to hear how Joe Schmit's approach to leadership and culture can transform your organization, making it a thriving, happy, and productive workplace.

Don't miss this engaging conversation filled with actionable advice and personal anecdotes from two experts passionate about people and culture.

Visit Joe:
www.joeschmit.com

[email protected]

LinkedIn:  linkedin.com/joe-schmit-speaker

There is too much Schmidt to List!

Check out https://www.kurtschmidt.me for more show info. 
 
Visit Kurt’s coaching site at https://schmidtconsulting.group

Subscribe to The Road Map Newsletter and unlock the secrets to achieving a harmonious work-life balance as a leader. https://bit.ly/RoadMapNewsletter




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In this engaging episode of Schmidt List, host Kurt Schmidt sits down with leadership expert and author Bill Mills to unpack the intricacies of effective leadership. Drawing from his vast experience with business owners, CEOs, and presidents through masterminds and consulting, Bill reveals why traditional leadership development often falls short and introduces the powerful idea of conscious conversations.

Throughout their discussion, Bill and Kurt tackle some of the most urgent challenges in leadership today, such as the dangers of promoting high-performing individuals to managerial roles without adequate training and support. They highlight the crucial role of self-awareness, the development of coping skills, and the cultivation of a unified team culture.

Bill offers insights from his book, Breakthrough, emphasizing the importance of crafting a healthy, collaborative work environment where leaders are committed to building a better future. Understanding organizational design and workflow can dramatically enhance leadership effectiveness and team performance.

Whether you're an experienced leader or embarking on your leadership journey, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical advice to help you grow and empower your team. Listen in and transform your approach to leadership!

Visit Bill at:
www.mnexecutivegroup.com and www.theleadershipprocess.com

Check out https://www.kurtschmidt.me for more show info.

Visit Kurt’s coaching site at https://schmidtconsulting.group

Subscribe to The Road Map Newsletter and unlock the secrets to achieving a harmonious work-life balance as a leader. https://bit.ly/RoadMapNewsletter

New Book! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D2C61THR  

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In this episode of *Schmidt List*, host Kurt Schmidt has a conversation with Craig Pladson from BraveCo to explore the intricacies of modern marketing. They discuss the challenges businesses face when choosing between marketing agencies that focus solely on implementation and those that provide strategic impact and measurable results. Kurt struggles to find agencies capable of developing comprehensive go-to-market strategies, instead of just executing specific tasks like SEO.

Craig emphasizes the importance of identifying target audiences and understanding various growth factors before making promises about return on investment (ROI). Listeners gain valuable insights as Craig explains that small businesses often outsource marketing due to a lack of in-house expertise. He also highlights the necessity of having a dedicated point person to ensure campaign success.

The discussion delves into cross-industry learnings, the shift toward flexible marketing models, and the evolution from traditional agencies of record to monthly retainer models. BraveCo, Craig's consultancy, crafts tailored marketing solutions by leveraging a network of independent professionals, focusing on client-specific outcomes such as leads and sales.

Craig further explains the significance of understanding audience insights and the customer journey, overcoming "shiny object syndrome," and incorporating empathy into consumer engagement for effective strategies. He offers a refreshing perspective on marketing priorities, setting realistic expectations, and implementing efficient strategies to support small businesses through gradual, project-based engagements.

For more information about BraveCo, Craig encourages listeners to visit "Go Brave Co." The conversation concludes with Kurt thanking Craig and expressing anticipation for future discussions. Tune in for an enlightening conversation about aligning marketing strategies with business goals for long-term success.

https://gobrave.co/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/gobraveco/

https://www.instagram.com/gobraveco

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In this captivating episode of Schmidt List, host Kurt Schmidt engages with BJ, a distinguished expert in battery manufacturing and AI at Technicity. Together, they explore varying technological perspectives across generations and stress the importance of developing comfort with emerging tools. BJ highlights AI's potential to enhance productivity, encouraging executives to view it as a tool for improvement rather than a panacea for all business challenges.Tune in to discover how BJ has been pivotal in shaping AI strategies for industry leaders like Amazon and Google, focusing on practical implementations such as enterprise chatbots and consultancy. Gain insights into BJ’s understanding of AI’s crucial role in human resources, security, and data management. Kurt shares his practical experiences with tools like ChatGPT, showcasing their impact on streamlining content creation.Delve into nuanced discussions about AI's influence on the job market, the risks of over-relying on generative models, and the significant societal changes we may witness. BJ offers actionable tips for effective AI adoption and addresses controversial themes like "convergence" and maintaining creativity and diversity in AI.This episode is not just for tech enthusiasts—it's for anyone eager to comprehend the practical, ethical, and strategic aspects of integrating AI into their lives and work. Join Kurt and BJ for a thought-provoking discourse on AI's real-world applications and transformative potential. Listen now for an in-depth exploration of the ever-evolving world of technology and AI! Guest Bio:BJ is an expert in battery manufacturing and AI at Technicity, assisting Fortune 1000 companies such as Amazon and Google in leveraging AI for cost efficiency and innovation. With experience in commercial, industrial, and military applications, BJ brings knowledge to discussions on emerging technologies and their strategic implementation. Connect with BJ via LinkedIn for more insights, though messages are preferred over connection requests.Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/bjyurkovich/
https://technicity.io

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In this compelling episode of Schmidt List, host Kurt Schmidt interviews Todd Fonseca, who shares his journey from corporate life to becoming an entrepreneur and leadership coach. Fonseca discusses his career transition and the importance of leadership and personal development.

He recalls a pivotal moment during a corporate talent review that led him to explore nonverbal communication and body language. This insight turned him into a certified body language trainer and hypnotist, enhancing his coaching skills.

Fonseca outlines his approach to managing organizational change, focusing on psychological safety, capability, and accountability. He addresses fears around change, particularly during layoffs and the rise of AI, and offers advice on building a resilient workforce. With Kurt Schmidt, they explore leadership challenges, like balancing authority with approachability and the importance of transparent communication. They introduce frameworks like the SCARF and TAPS models to help leaders in complex situations.

From stories of compassionate management to strategies for maintaining processes during upheavals, Fonseca and Schmidt provide valuable insights for leaders. Tune in to learn how to lead authentically and effectively in uncertain times. Don’t miss Todd Fonseca’s advice on sustaining morale and productivity and Kurt Schmidt’s reflections on leadership. Whether facing structural changes or looking to improve your leadership, this episode offers actionable insights to help your team thrive.

LInkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddafonseca/
Website: https://www.thriving9to5.com/

Visit Kurt’s coaching site at https://schmidtconsulting.group


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Join host Kurt Schmidt in this engaging episode of Schmidt List as he chats with marketing expert Danielle Fauteaux. Danielle, known for her work in building revenue generation systems and refining business development pipelines, shares valuable insights into the current challenges facing marketing agencies and service providers.

Key topics covered include the shift from hustle culture to strategic, relationship-focused marketing, the critical need for resilience in business, and how to enhance emotional intelligence and soft skills within teams.

Danielle emphasizes the importance of viewing lead generation as a team effort and discusses practical strategies for achieving long-term client retention and sustainable growth. This episode is packed with actionable advice for agency owners, marketing strategists, and anyone keen on confidently navigating the evolving market landscape.

Key Highlights:

• Lead generation as a team sport.
• Post-pandemic market challenges.
• Building resilient marketing agencies.
• The importance of relationship-focused marketing.
• Enhancing team emotional intelligence and soft skills.
• Strategic advice for impactful approaches heading into 2025.

Connect with Danielle Fauteaux:

• LinkedIn:Danielle Fauteaux
• https://gettingmomentum.com/

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In this episode of Schmidt List, host Kurt Schmidt talks with Lauren Buckley, co-founder of the Hush Collaborative, about actionable messaging, strategic initiatives, and barriers to effective collaboration and employee engagement. 

Lauren highlights the importance of organizational audits focusing on strategy, systems, and human factors to reduce the high failure rates of strategic (90%) and change initiatives (70%). They emphasize engaging employees and leadership across all levels to drive successful change. They discuss leadership's short-term focus and the tendency to overlook the human aspect of change management, leading to employee dissatisfaction.

Lauren shares her approach to creating actionable plans, engaging leaders, and fostering a culture where employees feel safe declining non-productive tasks, with examples of reducing workload and transitioning to revenue-generating models. They address challenges from legacy leadership's focus on quantitative measures and the importance of operational efficiency.

Key themes include structured meetings, clear decision-making, and developing professional skills like communication. Lauren also stresses how minor organizational changes can lead to major improvements, valuing internal networks over formal processes. 

Join us as Lauren Buckley discusses breaking down silos, building community, and fostering engagement through transparency. Discover how her team provides solutions that enhance work processes and reduce waste, helping clients achieve revenue improvements and create fulfilling work environments.

Don’t miss her insights on successful organizational change, the difference between culture and community, and the unique approach of Hush Collaborative. For more insights, follow Hush Collaborative:
https://www.hushcollaborative.com/
https://isbu.substack.com/
@honestforgood
@isaidbuckleup

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In this enlightening episode of the Schmidt List, host Kurt Schmidt is joined by Anne Steiner, a strategic advisor at NerdNoir, to delve into the evolving landscape of product development and innovation in the post-pandemic world.

As a master networker, Kurt opens up about the dynamic energy he derives from community interactions, setting the stage for a rich conversation on the importance of in-person engagements, even as remote work becomes the norm. 

Anne Steiner emphasizes the timeless value of learning from others' mistakes, enriched by her industry experiences. Kurt and Anne advocate for a culture where mistakes are celebrated as essential steps toward innovation. The discussion transitions into the current state of agile methodologies, noting their decreased prominence and the maturation of processes in industries like finance and pharma.

They explore the critical role of technology and the evolution of product management as a competitive edge, highlighting the lack of standardization and the broad scope of responsibilities faced by product managers today. Steiner and Schmidt stress the need for team-based goals to ensure alignment across various organizational roles and discuss the complexities of maintaining efficient operations in high-level organizational structures.
Anne shares insights on the pandemic's impacts on product development workflows, from increased reliance on AI and no-code solutions to the shift toward virtual meeting cultures. She critiques the overreliance on processes and tools at the expense of delivering true market value. 

The episode also touches on the stress of asynchronous communication and the necessity of intuitive leadership in remote settings. Personal anecdotes and practical advice underscore the importance of in-person connections, customer engagement, and diverse perspectives in driving innovation and success.

Kurt and Anne conclude by offering valuable resources for founders and product managers. They discuss the benefits of networking, startup incubators, and continuous learning through experiential methods over traditional media. Whether you are a seasoned product manager or an aspiring entrepreneur, this episode provides knowledge and inspiration to enhance your product development journey.

For more information on Anne Steiner and NerdNoir, visit nerdnoir.com or connect with Anne via LinkedIn. Tune in for an episode packed with insights that will help you navigate and excel in the complex world of product development.

www.nerdnoir.com
[email protected]
https://www.linkedin.com/in/annesteiner/


Check Out The SOLO CLUB! https://schmidtconsulting.group/soloclub/

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