Systems for Sanity

How can a small business use AI and automation to cut repetitive work and find money it is leaving on the table? Wes Ulmer talks with Zach Norris of Lamb Telecom about building a technology advisory business, running it remotely from South Korea and putting AI to work on the tasks that eat up a week. They share practical examples, from checking activity on 100 phone numbers in 15 minutes and automating follow-ups to auditing invoices and reconciling commissions, while stressing human oversight, strong client relationships and careful AI adoption.

Connect With Us On LinkedIn
Wes Ulmer - https://www.linkedin.com/in/we...
Zach Norris - https://www.linkedin.com/in/za...

Key Topics
- Zach explains Lamb Telecom's advisory model, which helps clients shop a portfolio of 1,013 technology providers and solutions, often without charging the client directly.
- The flexibility and trade-offs of running a business from South Korea: early mornings, Saturday work and vacations that are never fully off.
- How Claude, Make and the Bandwidth API checked activity across 100 phone numbers in about 15 minutes, replacing hours of manual digging.
- Automations for nonprofit communications and social media that prepare posts for review and handle contact lists and text blasts.
- Automating carrier and client follow-ups and using Salesforce to track client history, contracts and communication preferences.
- An AI receptionist that creates support tickets.
- An invoice audit that found about $22,000 a year in Microsoft license underbilling and commission reconciliation that turned up several thousand dollars in missing payments.
- Use AI to draft and organize work, check its math and be careful about giving it access to financial systems.
- How an advisor found a 1 gig internet circuit for less than half of a client's $1,200 monthly bill.
- AI's efficiency upside next to its security and trust risks and how APIs connect systems that were never built to work together.

Chapters
00:00 Meet Zach Norris and Lamb Telecom
03:08 A 1,013-solution portfolio built around solving problems
05:15 The flexibility and demands of running a business remotely
08:13 Using AI to check 100 phone numbers in 15 minutes
10:18 Automating nonprofit communications and social posts
13:11 AI-assisted follow-up and Salesforce workflows
19:32 Turning expertise into reusable AI skills and automations
25:27 An AI receptionist that creates support tickets
27:10 Finding missing commissions and routing bills for quotes
29:11 An invoice audit uncovers $22,000 in annual underbilling
31:15 Automating deal updates to protect time for client work
34:20 AI-assisted quoting and why humans still check the math
37:08 AI's efficiency promise and its security risks
40:04 Building a phone-system provisioning wizard with APIs
43:40 Lamb Telecom's advisory role and finding better pricing
45:34 Zach's path from finance studies to telecom entrepreneurship

In this episode, Wes Ulmer interviews Andy Runyan from Ukon to explore the critical role of cybersecurity insurance, risk assessment and best practices for MSPs and small businesses. They discuss how to evaluate insurance policies, the importance of accurate attestation and strategies to enhance cybersecurity posture.

Connect With Us On LinkedIn
Wes Ulmer - https://www.linkedin.com/in/we...
Andy Runyan - https://www.linkedin.com/in/an...

Key Topics
- Cyber insurance importance and evaluation
- Attestation accuracy and claim success
- Impact of cybersecurity posture on insurance rates
- Role of MFA and cybersecurity best practices
- Case studies of cyber incidents and insurance payouts

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Cyber Insurance and Risk Assessment
03:40 Andy Runyan's Role and Expertise in Cyber Risk Services
05:21 The Evolution of Cyber Insurance Post-Pandemic
07:08 Matching Insurance Policies to Business Risk
08:32 The Impact of Attestation on Insurance Claims
10:02 Claim Denials and the Importance of Accurate Responses
12:07 Partnering with PAX8 and Cybersecurity Tools
13:38 The Rise of Social Engineering and AI-Driven Attacks
16:20 Reviewing and Updating Cyber Insurance Policies
18:42 Case Study: Cyber Incident and Insurance Payout
21:12 Dependent Business Coverage and Industry Impact
23:42 The Growing Threat of Social Engineering and Phishing
26:23 Rapid Response: Reporting and Managing Cyber Incidents
29:22 Microsoft 365 Security and Best Practices
30:40 Assessing Cybersecurity Maturity and Roadmap
33:55 Final Advice for MSPs and Small Businesses

How can small businesses use AI and automation to cut costs and work smarter? Michael Garcia, founder of Unbound IT, shares his path from a history degree through Rackspace and Oracle to running his own firm, and how technology, AI and entrepreneurship intertwine. Discover insights on cybersecurity, automation and the future of AI in business.

Connect With Us On LinkedIn
Wes Ulmer - https://www.linkedin.com/in/we...
Michael Garcia - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mi...

Key Topics
- Michael Garcia's background and transition into tech
- Unbound IT's full digital turnkey solutions
- The impact of AI and automation on business efficiency
- Cybersecurity best practices and human element risks
- The evolution and future of AI in the workplace

In this conversation, Dr. Omotola Ajibade discusses his journey into forensic psychiatry, the importance of mental health and the challenges faced in the mental health care system. He emphasizes the need for proactive systems and the role of technology, particularly AI, in augmenting mental health care. The discussion also touches on the loneliness of entrepreneurship and the lessons learned from personal experiences and failures. Dr. Ajibade shares insights on how AI can help streamline processes in mental health care while also addressing the ethical considerations involved.

Connect With Us On LinkedIn
Wes Ulmer - https://www.linkedin.com/in/we...
Dr. Omotola Ajibade - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ok...

Takeaways
- Mental health is often overlooked until crises occur.
- Proactive systems in mental health can prevent crises.
- The intersection of mental health and law is complex.
- AI can assist in administrative tasks but has limitations.
- Entrepreneurship can be a lonely journey filled with challenges.
- Personal experiences shape professional insights in psychiatry.
- The stigma around mental illness leads to misconceptions.
- Building a supportive work environment is crucial for retention.
- Data privacy is a significant concern with AI in healthcare.
- Systemic policy changes are necessary for improving mental health outcomes.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
04:50 Journey into Psychiatry and Forensics
09:57 The Importance of Mental Health Awareness
15:23 Case Studies and Patient Advocacy
23:49 Challenges in Mental Health Treatment
28:38 Policy Implications and Societal Impact
35:01 The Split Between Forensic Work and Consulting
35:16 The Journey of Entrepreneurship
37:11 Lessons from Past Ventures
39:24 The Importance of Mentorship
43:00 Building a Consulting Firm
46:11 The Loneliness of Entrepreneurship
49:48 The Road Less Traveled
55:59 Technology and AI in Practice
01:00:35 Data Privacy and AI Challenges
01:09:18 Closing Thoughts on AI and Entrepreneurship

How can art and music help people recover from addiction? Wes Ulmer sits down with Woody Giessmann, drummer for the Del Fuegos, painter, author and founder of Right Turn, to explore the connection between art, music and addiction recovery. Woody shares his journey from touring with acts like Tom Petty, ZZ Top and INXS to 35 years in recovery and three decades helping others as a licensed addiction specialist and board-certified interventionist. He explains the self-medication roots of addiction, why language and kindness matter in his invitational model of intervention and how his clinic pioneered music and art as experiential therapy. Woody also opens up about losing his brother to untreated mental illness, the story behind his book A Life of Recovery and Rock Bottom, a recovery music project he is producing with artists including Tom Hamilton of Aerosmith, Joe Perry, Darryl McDaniels of Run-DMC and Sheryl Crow. They close on technology's role in care: AI, its limits and the human empathy no machine can replace.

Connect With Us On LinkedIn
Wes Ulmer - https://www.linkedin.com/in/we...
Woody Giessmann - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wo...

Takeaways
- Woody Giessmann drummed for the Del Fuegos, touring with Tom Petty, ZZ Top and INXS before dedicating his life to recovery.
- With 35 years in recovery and 30 in the field, he brings both lived experience and clinical expertise as a licensed specialist and interventionist.
- Addiction is often self-medication for underlying trauma, depression or anxiety, not simply a genetic destiny.
- A Harvard study he cites suggests addiction is more learned behavior than inherited predisposition.
- Language and kindness matter: Woody uses an invitational, non-punitive model of intervention.
- Music and art therapy, which his clinic Right Turn pioneered, can powerfully complement traditional treatment.
- His book A Life of Recovery and his Rock Bottom music project channel creativity into helping others heal.
- AI and automation can support care and creative work, but can't replicate human empathy or an artist's authentic voice.

Chapters
0:00 Welcome and Guest Introduction
0:28 Woody's Music Career: The Del Fuegos and Touring
1:41 From LA to Boston: Becoming an Addiction Specialist
3:20 The Book: A Life of Recovery
4:00 Founding Right Turn: Music and Art as Therapy
4:56 Self-Medication and the Roots of Addiction
6:16 Language, Kindness and the Invitational Model
8:13 Managing Use vs. Dependency
9:30 Genetics vs. Learned Behavior
10:39 A Personal Loss and Why He Wrote the Book
13:27 The Rock Bottom Music Project
15:45 Technology, AI and the Human Touch
18:39 AI, Music and the Ownership Debate
20:38 How to Reach Woody and Get the Book
22:34 Closing Thoughts

What does it take to grow a men's grooming franchise? Wes Ulmer interviews Chad Reid about his career journey, the growth of Hammer & Nails Texas and what drives operational excellence in franchising.

Connect With Us On LinkedIn
Wes Ulmer - https://www.linkedin.com/in/we...
Chad Reid - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ch...

Takeaways
- Chad Reid's career journey from COO to franchise developer
- Growth plans for Hammer and Nails in Texas
- Operational strategies for franchise success
- Importance of location and design in franchise shops
- Franchise investment opportunities and process
- Building relationships and customer experience in men's grooming

Chapters
00:00 The Evolution of Technology in Communication
02:09 Chad Reid's Career Journey
04:38 Growth and Expansion Plans for Hammer and Nails
07:39 Building Relationships and Trust in Business
10:29 Differentiating Hammer and Nails in the Grooming Industry
13:12 Design and Ambiance of Hammer and Nails Locations
16:04 The Unique Experience of Hand and Foot Services
18:27 Innovative Pedicure Experience
20:02 Expansion Plans in Texas
21:21 Finding the Right Grooming Experience
27:05 Franchise Opportunities and Processes
31:09 Unique Investment Opportunities

In this engaging conversation, Bailey Killian shares insights on entrepreneurship, technology, AI and system design, highlighting how small businesses can leverage modern tools for growth and efficiency.

Connect With Us On LinkedIn
Wes Ulmer - https://www.linkedin.com/in/we...
Bailey Killian - https://www.linkedin.com/in/be...

Takeaways
- Entrepreneurial journey and owning a consulting business
- The role of systems and processes in business growth
- Impact of AI and automation on small businesses
- Choosing the right project management tools
- Future trends in technology and AI

Chapters
00:00 Navigating Work and Relationships
02:35 Entrepreneurial Journey and Business Systems
05:06 The Role of Technology in Business
08:07 AI's Impact on Business Operations
10:33 Project Management Tools and Their Evolution
13:24 Integrating AI into Business Processes
16:11 Exploring New Technologies and Innovations
18:57 Future of Business and Technology
29:56 Navigating Client Expectations in Web Development
31:22 The Role of Project Management in Agency Success
33:30 Integrating Technology and Operations
37:10 Generational Shifts in Communication Preferences
40:12 The Future of Technology: Hardware vs. Software
43:38 The Evolution of SaaS and Internal Development
47:41 Real Estate's Struggle with Technology Adoption
48:18 AI's Impact on Business and Society

Can light reset your circadian rhythm and fix your energy? Gary Miller discusses his entrepreneurial journey and the Human Charger, a bright-light device designed to manage energy and shift circadian rhythms. He explains the science behind the product, its applications in various industries and the challenges of marketing it in the U.S. The discussion also touches on the importance of natural solutions for health issues and the potential for the Human Charger to help individuals struggling with energy management and sleep disorders.

Connect With Us On LinkedIn
Wes Ulmer - https://www.linkedin.com/in/we...
Gary Miller - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ga...

Key Topics
- How the Human Charger works and the science behind it
- Circadian rhythms and energy management
- Using light to shift your body clock and ease jet lag
- Applications of the Human Charger across industries
- The challenges of marketing a health device in the U.S.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene
04:59 The Birth of Human Charger
10:11 Understanding Circadian Rhythms
17:37 The Science Behind Human Charger
26:28 Applications in Various Industries
34:19 Marketing Strategies and Future Plans
43:47 Closing Thoughts and Contact Information

How do you grow an addiction treatment center without losing human connection? Wes Ulmer interviews Nick Howell, CEO of Northern Illinois Recovery Center, about the organization's growth, mission-driven leadership and community engagement in addiction treatment. Howell shares insights on the challenges faced in the behavioral health sector, the role of technology in enhancing treatment and the significance of building a strong organizational culture. The discussion also touches on future growth strategies, cybersecurity measures and the importance of restoring human connection in recovery.

Connect With Us On LinkedIn
Wes Ulmer - https://www.linkedin.com/in/we...
Nick Howell - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ni...

Takeaways
- Nick Howell emphasizes the importance of growing where there is a community need.
- The organization has expanded its services to meet the rising demand for addiction treatment.
- Mission-driven leadership is crucial for aligning the organization's goals with its values.
- Community engagement is a key factor in the success of addiction treatment programs.
- Technology plays a significant role in improving patient outcomes and operational efficiency.
- Cybersecurity is a growing concern in the healthcare sector, requiring constant vigilance.
- Building a strong organizational culture fosters trust and collaboration among team members.
- The average length of stay for clients is critical for their recovery success.
- Nick Howell advocates for a servant leadership approach to empower team members.
- The organization aims to restore human connection as a fundamental part of recovery.

Chapters
00:00 Nick Howell's Journey into Addiction Treatment
12:08 Growth and Expansion of Northern Illinois Recovery
17:10 Mission, Vision and Values Alignment
26:25 The Importance of Mental Health and Stigma
30:36 Future Growth and Facility Expansion Plans
31:20 Navigating Facility Challenges
32:32 Building Consistency in Leadership
35:05 Embracing Technology for Growth
38:09 Enhancing Client Engagement through Automation
42:31 Cybersecurity in Healthcare
45:03 The Future of IT Support
49:23 Consulting and Collaboration Opportunities

In this conversation, Heidi Venture discusses her journey as the founder of a licensed psilocybin service center in Oregon, exploring the applications of psilocybin for mental health, the challenges of starting a business in a regulated industry and the innovative marketing strategies employed to reach clients. She emphasizes the importance of technology in their operations and the potential for psilocybin to transform lives, particularly for veterans and those struggling with depression.

Connect With Us On LinkedIn
Wes Ulmer - https://www.linkedin.com/in/we...
Heidi Venture - https://www.linkedin.com/in/he...

Takeaways
- Psilocybin is used for mental health issues and problem-solving.
- Heidi cites an 80% rate of remission from depression after treatment.
- Starting a psilocybin business involves navigating complex regulations.
- Marketing for psilocybin services is challenging due to restrictions on ads.
- Building relationships with clients is crucial for success.
- Veterans often struggle with PTSD and can benefit from psilocybin treatment.
- The importance of trained facilitators in psilocybin journeys.
- Technology plays a significant role in client management and marketing.
- Community awareness is essential for attracting clients to psilocybin services.
- Heidi's personal journey with psilocybin inspired her to help others.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
07:13 Understanding Psilocybin and Its Applications
14:46 Starting the Business: Challenges and Triumphs
26:32 Marketing Strategies and Client Acquisition
42:45 Technology in the Business and Future Prospects