Coffee consultant and three-time author, Scott Rao, joins us on this episode to discuss all things coffee. He starts off by defining what a great cup of coffee entails (10:29) and then dives into some of the bigger milestones he’s seen in the coffee industry over the last decade (15:55).  He takes us through the roasting process and how technology has transformed that process in recent years (19:22). He then reveals what everyone should know about grinding coffee beans, how different types of water can impact the taste of coffee (24:25) and why he prefers batch brewing over pour over coffee (27:23). Rao takes us through his own history with coffee, which started with studying late nights at a coffee shop during his college days (31:50), and how that inspired him to build one of the busiest coffee shops in the U.S. in a small college town in Massachusetts (46:24). Rao wraps up with some of the biggest trends we’re seeing in coffee technology today (57:45) and provides his biggest piece of advice on brewing coffee at home and on finding the perfect coffee shop near you (1:09: 45). Tune in for all of this and more!

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Fritz NelsonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fritznelson/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/fritznelson/) Twitter:  https://twitter.com/fnelson (https://twitter.com/fnelson)

Scott RaoWebsite: https://www.scottrao.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whereisscottrao/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-rao-235b77117/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-rao-235b77117/)

(https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-rao-235b77117/)Grow WireLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grow-wire/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/grow-wire/) Twitter: https://twitter.com/GrowWire (https://twitter.com/GrowWire) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growwire/ (https://www.instagram.com/growwire/) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GrowWire/ (https://www.facebook.com/GrowWire/)

CEO of Jellyvision, Amanda Lannert, joins this episode to discuss “Alex,” the technology changing the way we choose our benefits. Lannert dives into the genesis of Jellyvision (6:20), including its pivot from a gaming company into an HR technology services business (7:29). She also opens up about writing her own severance letter (10:30) and how the company survived after 7.5 years going sideways (14:06). Lannert then dives into the Alex technology—the idea that got Jellyvision back on upward growth—and how it works (20:28). She explains the difference between Alex and AI (29:01) as well as her thoughts on other voice assistant technologies (like Siri and Alexa) that have developed in more recent years (32:59). Finally, Lannert dives into her leadership style (39:18)—she was voted CEO of the Year at the Moxie Awards several years in a row—as well as the current state of startup culture in Chicago (40:40).

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JellyvisionWebsite: https://www.jellyvision.com/ (https://www.jellyvision.com/)

(https://www.jellyvision.com/)Amanda LannertLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandalannert/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandalannert/)

(https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandalannert/)Grow WireLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grow-wire/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/grow-wire/) Twitter: https://twitter.com/GrowWire (https://twitter.com/GrowWire) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growwire/ (https://www.instagram.com/growwire/) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GrowWire/ (https://www.facebook.com/GrowWire/)

Macro is a multiplatform company founded by Charles D. King and dedicated to celebrating the voices of people of color in film, television and digital media. On this episode, Macro’s Chief Strategy Officer and Chief Financial Officer, Eric Briggs, breaks down the company leadership, strategy, successes and challenges. He starts off diving into the history of the company, which all began with King’s vision (5:03). Briggs then breaks down the company’s three verticals and how each cater to Macro’s success (13:53), albeit through judicious deployment of capital (21:02). He recalls the company’s first foray into film with massively successful movies like “Fences” and “Mudbound” (25:12), which catapulted Macro’s success. He also explains how the company is affected by the 20+ list of distribution platforms today (34:47) and how leadership goes about choosing which platforms are better for which project (36:26). Finally, Briggs dives into the importance of providing a holistic experience (49:19) and some of the biggest obstacles Macro has faced to date (58:26). Tune in for all of this and more!

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Fritz Nelson

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fritznelson/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/fritznelson/)

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/fnelson (https://twitter.com/fnelson)

MACRO

Website: https://www.staymacro.com/ (https://www.staymacro.com/)

(https://www.staymacro.com/)LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stayMACRO (https://www.linkedin.com/company/stayMACRO)

(https://www.linkedin.com/company/stayMACRO)Twitter: https://twitter.com/staymacro (https://twitter.com/staymacro)

(https://twitter.com/staymacro)Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/staymacro/ (https://www.instagram.com/staymacro/)

(https://www.instagram.com/staymacro/)Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/staymacro/ (https://www.facebook.com/staymacro/)

(https://www.facebook.com/staymacro/)Eric Briggs

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-briggs-4474b74/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-briggs-4474b74/)

(https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-briggs-4474b74/)Grow Wire

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On this episode of the “Grow Wire Podcast,” we sat down with United States Senator and 2020 presidential candidate, Kirsten Gillibrand. She takes us back to the heavy involvement of her female mentors--like her mother and grandmother--in politics (2:05) and their influence on her desire to become a senator. She then dives into her presidential run, noting her focus on small businesses to help rebuild a healthier economy (5:45). She reveals her plan to enlist the Small Business Administration to seek more women and people of color as business owners (8:25) and explains how that would benefit the entire economy (12:30). She segues into the impact of females and people of color in the U.S. government and how they bring forward important issues her fellow white, male colleagues do not understand (21:00). Finally, she presents her plan for standing out in the 2020 race (26:30) and reveals what she believes to be the greatest threat to humanity right now (29:40). You won’t want to miss this episode!

For More, Follow Us Here:Fritz NelsonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fritznelson/Twitter:  https://twitter.com/fnelson (https://twitter.com/fnelson)

(https://twitter.com/fnelson)Kirsten GillibrandWebsite: https://kirstengillibrand.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/SenGillibrandLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirstengillibrand/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirstengillibrand/)

(https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirstengillibrand/)Grow WireLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grow-wire/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/grow-wire/) Twitter: https://twitter.com/GrowWire (https://twitter.com/GrowWire) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growwire/ (https://www.instagram.com/growwire/) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GrowWire/ (https://www.facebook.com/GrowWire/)

The Retail Doctor, Bob Phibbs, dishes the secret to success for retailers. He begins by breaking down his background as a music student at Chapman University, and how a talk by Tony Robbins prompted him to pursue his personal brand, The Retail Doctor (6:30). He then discusses why the pursuit of “the next great thing” can be detrimental to success (9:00) and explains the true value of authenticity in a world obsessed with social media (14:00). In fact, this is why Phibbs believes brick-and-mortar shops are crucial for small businesses—with the caveat that those businesses continuously provide great customer service (21:30). He then discusses his sales training tactics, which now include virtual coaching (26:10) and the dirty little secret most small business owners won’t tell you (32:00). Tune in for all this and more!

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Fritz NelsonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fritznelson/Twitter:  https://twitter.com/fnelson (https://twitter.com/fnelson)

(https://twitter.com/fnelson)Bob PhibbsTwitter: https://twitter.com/TheRetailDoctorLinkedIn or Website: https://www.retaildoc.com/ (https://www.retaildoc.com/)

(https://www.retaildoc.com/)Grow WireLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grow-wire/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/grow-wire/) Twitter: https://twitter.com/GrowWire (https://twitter.com/GrowWire) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growwire/ (https://www.instagram.com/growwire/) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GrowWire/ (https://www.facebook.com/GrowWire/)

On this episode of the “Grow Wire Podcast” we sat down with Rob King, Chief Financial Officer of the American Cancer Society, to discuss the history of the organization (4:15), the challenges it has faced since its genesis in 1913 (6:40) and how it’s developed into a leading authority on cancer (11:00). King breaks down the competitive nature of non-profit organizations (15:40) and attributes the ACS’ success to maintaining transparency (18:00). He advises business owners to utilize data in striving for innovation and insists an organization has to have the proper technology and release the fear of new ideas in order to be successful (19:10). He concludes with some of the updated guidelines on cancer screenings and up-to-date patient care programs provided by ACS (27:00). Tune in for all this and more!

For More, Follow Us Here:Fritz NelsonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fritznelson/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/fritznelson/) Twitter:  https://twitter.com/fnelson (https://twitter.com/fnelson)

American Cancer SocietyWebsite: https://www.cancer.org/Twitter: https://twitter.com/AmericanCancer (https://twitter.com/AmericanCancer)

(https://twitter.com/AmericanCancer)Rob KingLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/robmking (https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.linkedin.com_in_robmking&d=DwMGaQ&c=RoP1YumCXCgaWHvlZYR8PZh8Bv7qIrMUB65eapI_JnE&r=L2ta7h437EAFvlFxl0Z0_OYyu9UHcIG-yFglZ1qZnuo&m=X1wbBJ3TwaoaUKoGzJRf7_OnfYonWh23Gxqcaxa2Hgg&s=6h1o04FNeZvF8L3r_v7iXV-8m0TKsCAnkEeSWvqPMGk&e=)

(https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.linkedin.com_in_robmking&d=DwMGaQ&c=RoP1YumCXCgaWHvlZYR8PZh8Bv7qIrMUB65eapI_JnE&r=L2ta7h437EAFvlFxl0Z0_OYyu9UHcIG-yFglZ1qZnuo&m=X1wbBJ3TwaoaUKoGzJRf7_OnfYonWh23Gxqcaxa2Hgg&s=6h1o04FNeZvF8L3r_v7iXV-8m0TKsCAnkEeSWvqPMGk&e=)Grow Wire
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We sat down the Executive Vice President of The Second City, Kelly Leonard, to discuss the history of the famed theater (4:40), the usefulness of improvisational comedy—both on and off the stage (10:30)—and how Leonard himself went from a dishwasher to an EVP (14:50). He breaks down his mindset when dealing with obstacles (19:10), explaining that challenges often force him to solve problems through creativity. He also tells some of his favorite stories from his time with The Second City, which includes a theft by Bill Murray (31:00), and reveals the value behind using the “Yes, and…” improvisation rule in our day-to-day lives (36:20). Finally, he concludes by discussing some of The Second City’s performance-enhancing programs for people of all different backgrounds and explains his vision for the future (45:40). Tune in for all this and more!

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Fritz NelsonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fritznelson/Twitter:  https://twitter.com/fnelson (https://twitter.com/fnelson)

(https://twitter.com/fnelson)Kelly LeonardTwitter: https://twitter.com/KLsecondcityLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-leonard-b8495047/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-leonard-b8495047/)

(https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-leonard-b8495047/)Grow WireLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grow-wire/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/grow-wire/) Twitter: https://twitter.com/GrowWire (https://twitter.com/GrowWire) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growwire/ (https://www.instagram.com/growwire/) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GrowWire/ (https://www.facebook.com/GrowWire/)

On this episode of the “Grow Wire Podcast” we sat down with Mizgon Darby, Executive Director of Art in Action, a non-profit dedicated to providing arts education to K-8 students all over the United States. She breaks down the history of the organization, going back to its genesis in 1982 (0:22). She then addresses the funding issues Art in Action has faced (3:15) and how the organization has overcome the misconceptions about arts education and its value in today’s workplace (5:15). In fact, Darby says the theme of Art in Action’s current lessons focus on art in technology (11:05) and why that artistic creativity is a valuable asset in the tech industry. She then breaks down how the organization continues to succeed, despite many obstacles (15:02), noting a team full of dedicated donors, board members and volunteers are vital to all of Art in Action’s accomplishments (20:40). Finally, Darby dives into the organization’s strategy in securing funding, allowing it to remain effective despite the competitive nonprofit space (26:30). Tune in for all this and more!

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Fritz NelsonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fritznelson/Twitter:  https://twitter.com/fnelson (https://twitter.com/fnelson)

(https://twitter.com/fnelson)Art in ActionTwitter: https://twitter.com/art_in_actionWebsite: https://artinaction.org/ (https://artinaction.org/)

(https://artinaction.org/)Mizgon Darby:Twitter: https://twitter.com/MizgonZDarbyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mizgonzahirdarby/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mizgonzahirdarby/)

(https://www.linkedin.com/in/mizgonzahirdarby/)Grow WireLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grow-wire/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/grow-wire/) Twitter: https://twitter.com/GrowWire (https://twitter.com/GrowWire) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growwire/ (https://www.instagram.com/growwire/) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GrowWire/ (https://www.facebook.com/GrowWire/)

Actor and director Chad Lowe discusses his move from Dayton, Ohio, to Malibu, California (4:15), and the sense of vulnerability he gained in the process (7:13). That vulnerability, however, eventually fueled his desire to pursue acting (21:02) and later led him into directing. He also addresses the misconception about artists and creativity (25:55) and explains how they play a role in business (35:00). Lowe says, “Hollywood is no different than any other business” (47:43) and insists curating a leadership style as a director or an entrepreneur requires vulnerability and the acceptance of all types of personalities. He says his goal is to inspire those who work around him (51:05), and that he plans to do just that as he dives into his newest venture: Starting his vintage sports memorabilia company, Cobb and Lowe (57:30). Tune in for all this and more!

For More, Follow Us Here:Fritz NelsonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fritznelson/Twitter:  https://twitter.com/fnelson (https://twitter.com/fnelson)

(https://twitter.com/fnelson)Chad LoweTwitter: https://twitter.com/ichadlowe (https://twitter.com/ichadlowe)

(https://twitter.com/ichadlowe)Grow WireLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grow-wire/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/grow-wire/) Twitter: https://twitter.com/GrowWire (https://twitter.com/GrowWire) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growwire/ (https://www.instagram.com/growwire/) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GrowWire/ (https://www.facebook.com/GrowWire/)

On this episode of “The Grow Wire Podcast,” Mark Mullen takes us through a career trajectory where he was a partner at an investment bank in the cable and telecommunications industry, the Chief Operating Officer of Los Angeles County and is now a co-founder of the LA-based Bonfire Ventures. He explains how he got his start in the corporate world (7:20), and how his his global business travels prepared him for his career today (14:30). In fact, he reveals exactly how his worldly experiences eventually landed him the role as the COO of Los Angeles (22:55). Mullen explains why, historically, starting a company in L.A. has been so challenging (31:50) and how he sought to change that while working for the county (39:20). After leaving government, he continued his mission of assisting entrepreneurs in L.A., founding the SoCal-based VC firm, Bonfire. Mullen details the criteria the firm follows when investing in a company (54:50) and what he predicts for the future of funding in Los Angeles (1:06:40). Tune in for all this and more!

 

For More, Follow Us Here:Fritz NelsonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fritznelson/Twitter: https://twitter.com/fnelson

Mark MullenTwitter: https://twitter.com/doublemcapitalLinkedIn or Website: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mamullen/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mamullen/)

(https://www.linkedin.com/in/mamullen/)Grow WireLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grow-wire/Twitter: https://twitter.com/GrowWireInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/growwire/ (https://www.instagram.com/growwire/) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GrowWire/ (https://www.facebook.com/GrowWire/)