In this episode of The New Rules with Alan Pentz, host Alan welcomes Tonya Berenson, as they dive into the intriguing world of tech influencers and their impact on politics.
Together, they:

• Delve into the rise of the "tech bros" and how figures like Elon Musk and Donald Trump are reshaping political discourse through social media.
• Explain why the media landscape has evolved, with politicians now needing to adapt to the platforms that resonate with younger audiences, such as podcasts and social media.
• Discuss the implications of the recent political maneuvers surrounding the continuing resolution and how tech influencers played a pivotal role in shaping public opinion.
• Examine the historical context of media influence in politics, from newspapers to television, and now to social media, highlighting how this shift affects governance.
• Highlight the necessity for both political parties to embrace tech leaders to remain relevant and effective in modern governance.
• Consider the potential for a new breed of candidates who can bridge the gap between traditional politics and the tech-savvy electorate.
• Explore how the current political climate is less polarized than before, with opportunities for coalition-building across party lines, especially among younger voters.

Alan and Tonya's conversation is both insightful and thought-provoking, offering a fresh perspective on the intersection of technology and politics. Tune in to discover how the dynamics of influence are changing and what it means for the future of governance.
Episode Highlights:
[00:02:14] The Evolution of Media in Politics[00:06:55] The Tech Bros' Influence on Governance[00:12:29] Politics by Influencer: A New Coalition-Building Strategy[00:21:54] The Importance of Flexibility in Political Strategy[00:39:36] A Less Polarized Political Landscape[00:46:06] The Need for a New Economic and Security System
Episode Resources:
Alan Pentz on LinkedIn
Tonya Berenson on LinkedIn
The New Rules with Alan Pentz on LinkedInThe New Rules Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.so 

Check out our three most downloaded episodes:

• Defining and Tracking Outputs: The Key to Employee Performance with John Seiffer
• Small Business Strategies and Market Dynamics with Jon Matzner, President at Lazy Leverage
• Franchising: The Best Business Model with Brian Beers

In this episode of the Small Business Mentor podcast, Alan Pentz is joined by John Matzner, President at Lazy Leverage. They delve into using global resources efficiently, cautioning against over-leveraging with debt, the importance of humility and adaptability in business, and the power of output thinking. They explore the challenges of entering different industries and highlight the value of building solid systems, particularly in using offshore talent effectively. Additionally, they discuss the importance of maintaining authenticity and integrity in business dealings.

Jon is a seasoned national security expert and accomplished business leader who divides his time between Dubai, UAE, and San Diego, California. With a robust background in government service, Jon was recently stationed in the Middle East, traversing the globe on behalf of the US Government. His tenure involved collaborating extensively with local and regional allies, focusing on non-proliferation and counterterrorism strategies. Transitioning from public service, Jon ventured into entrepreneurship, founding multiple businesses, selling three, and acquiring numerous others. He's deeply passionate about "Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition," employing systematic approaches and tapping into top-tier global talent to revitalize traditional businesses. Jon also shares insights through his free newsletter, Lazy Leverage, offering valuable entrepreneurial perspectives. If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts, instructions on how to do this are here.
Episode Highlights:

• [00:00] - Global Perspective in Business Operations
• [03:25] - Debt as an Accelerant, Not an Ante 
• [05:39] - Wedding DJs vs. Happily Married Operators
• [22:55] Output-Based Business Thinking
• [28:00] - Redefining Workforce Structures and Global Outsourcing Strategies
  
  

Episode Resources:

• Jon Matzner on LinkedIn
• Jon Matzner on Twitter
• Lazy Leverage Website
• Alan Pentz on LinkedIn
• Corner Alliance Website

The New Rules Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.so 

Check out our three most downloaded episodes:

• Defining and Tracking Outputs: The Key to Employee Performance with John Seiffer
• Small Business Strategies and Market Dynamics with Jon Matzner, President at Lazy Leverage
• Franchising: The Best Business Model with Brian Beers

A comprehensive analysis of the transition to national capitalism, focusing on how countries will manage high debt levels through financial repression, the need for domestic industrial policy, and the limits of "America First." The discussion explores China's unsustainable export model, the importance of international cooperation, and the long-term challenges of US fiscal policy regarding entitlements and taxes.
Episode Highlights:

• [00:02:00] Introduction to national capitalism and the "nonsystem"
• [00:06:20] Analysis of global debt situations
• [00:19:15] China's manufacturing dominance
• [00:32:49] Future of US industrial policy
• [00:40:47] Limits of national capitalism
• [00:51:57] Final thoughts on global economic future

Episode Resources:

• Alan Pentz on LinkedIn
• Tonya Berenson on LinkedIn
• The New Rules with Alan Pentz on LinkedIn

The New Rules Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.so 

Check out our three most downloaded episodes:

• Defining and Tracking Outputs: The Key to Employee Performance with John Seiffer
• Small Business Strategies and Market Dynamics with Jon Matzner, President at Lazy Leverage
• Franchising: The Best Business Model with Brian Beers

A comprehensive analysis of global power shifts, focusing on China's race between technological supremacy and demographic decline, America's strategic advantages, and India's unique position to leverage both powers. The discussion explores EU's structural weaknesses, Russia's diminishing relevance, and the strategic positioning of Asian nations in the emerging world order.

Episode Highlights:

• [00:14:07] America's reserve currency dominance
• [00:18:10] China's predatory economic strategy
• [00:26:31] China's demographic challenges
• [00:33:14] India's strategic positioning
• [00:37:39] Asian Tigers' economic strategy
• [00:41:20] Russia's declining relevance

Episode Resources:

• Alan Pentz on LinkedIn
• Tonya Berenson on LinkedIn
• The New Rules with Alan Pentz on LinkedIn

The New Rules Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.so 

Check out our three most downloaded episodes:

• Defining and Tracking Outputs: The Key to Employee Performance with John Seiffer
• Small Business Strategies and Market Dynamics with Jon Matzner, President at Lazy Leverage
• Franchising: The Best Business Model with Brian Beers

The conversation dives deep into the growing energy demands of AI and data centers, with EPRI International President Tom Terbush providing expert insights on the infrastructure challenges ahead. From the rapid expansion of data centers to the potential of various energy sources, the discussion covers how different regions are adapting to these demands while balancing environmental commitments. Key focus areas include the role of nuclear, renewable energy, and the future of power grid management.

Episode Highlights:

• [00:02:36] Overview of AI's energy consumption impact
• [00:15:35] Scale of data center expansion and investment
• [00:28:20] Nuclear power challenges and opportunities
• [00:44:26] Global perspective on data center growth
• [00:47:37] Future of AI integration in business
• [00:50:10] Solutions for flexible energy management
  
  

Episode Resources:

• Alan Pentz LinkedIn
• Tom Terbush LinkedIn
• Epri’s website

The New Rules Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.so 

Check out our three most downloaded episodes:

• Defining and Tracking Outputs: The Key to Employee Performance with John Seiffer
• Small Business Strategies and Market Dynamics with Jon Matzner, President at Lazy Leverage
• Franchising: The Best Business Model with Brian Beers

The conversation examines the disconnect between tech industry proposals for government reform and political reality. Pentz breaks down the federal budget to demonstrate why dramatic cuts are unrealistic, while offering insights into how meaningful reform could be achieved through sustained, knowledgeable engagement. The discussion explores the limitations of "government by meme," the importance of expertise in reform efforts, and how the tech industry could contribute more effectively to government transformation.


Episode Highlights:

• [00:01:11] Setting context for tech industry's current reform proposals
• [00:14:14] Detailed analysis of Department of Education budget realities
• [00:27:51] Examination of Project 2025 timeline and feasibility
• [00:37:52] Discussion of effective reform strategies
• [00:46:47] Analysis of government's fundamental role
• [00:50:50] Proposal for tech industry engagement
  
  

The New Rules Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.so 

Check out our three most downloaded episodes:

• Defining and Tracking Outputs: The Key to Employee Performance with John Seiffer
• Small Business Strategies and Market Dynamics with Jon Matzner, President at Lazy Leverage
• Franchising: The Best Business Model with Brian Beers

The conversation examines why incumbents lost elections globally in 2024, linking these outcomes to universal economic pressures rather than local political factors. Pentz argues against the notion of political realignment, instead pointing to structural economic issues affecting the middle class, including inflation in essential services. The discussion extends to foreign policy, particularly regarding Ukraine and China, with insights into how economic realities should reshape American strategic thinking.

Episode Highlights:

• [00:02:02] Discussion of post-election analysis and Spain's economic growth
• [00:15:18] Global pattern of incumbent losses across democracies
• [00:34:37] Analysis of political back-and-forth without real change
• [00:41:17] Ukraine conflict analysis and strategic implications
• [00:47:27] Discussion of China's economic and technological advancement
• [00:51:53] Concluding thoughts on political complexity

Episode Resources:

• Alan Pentz on LinkedIn
• Tonya Berenson on LinkedIn
• The New Rules with Alan Pentz on LinkedIn

The New Rules Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.so 

Check out our three most downloaded episodes:

• Defining and Tracking Outputs: The Key to Employee Performance with John Seiffer
• Small Business Strategies and Market Dynamics with Jon Matzner, President at Lazy Leverage
• Franchising: The Best Business Model with Brian Beers

The conversation explores Wilkinson's journey from studying medieval German poetry to investment banking, and eventually running his own investment company. They discuss his philosophy of maintaining a lean business structure while maximizing efficiency, the influence of Warren Buffett on his investment approach, and his views on current global economic challenges. The discussion moves through personal business practices to broader economic issues, including the future of US-China relations and potential economic transformations ahead.

Episode Highlights:

• [01:40] Introduction and background in Germany
• [06:59] Discussion of Buffett's influence
• [12:18] Philosophy on smart work and family balance
• [38:46] Analysis of current economic system
• [50:27] Predictions for future economic challenges
• [57:44] Closing thoughts on small business opportunities

Episode Resources:

• Alan Pentz on LinkedIn
• Steven Wilkinson on LinkedIn
• Pitchfork Papers by Steven Wilkinson on Substack
• The Grant Williams Podcast
• Book Reference: The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham

The New Rules Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.so 

Check out our three most downloaded episodes:

• Defining and Tracking Outputs: The Key to Employee Performance with John Seiffer
• Small Business Strategies and Market Dynamics with Jon Matzner, President at Lazy Leverage
• Franchising: The Best Business Model with Brian Beers

The conversation examines how America's obsession with safety has contributed to technological and economic stagnation. They discuss how major catalysts like the pandemic and competition with China are pushing innovation forward, particularly in areas like mRNA technology and AI development. The discussion delves into the massive energy requirements for AI development, the limitations of current renewable technologies, and the likely need for natural gas as a bridge solution. They also explore Europe's economic challenges, particularly Germany's situation, and conclude with an analysis of investment strategies using an extended metaphor from the TV show Succession.

Episode Highlights:

• [00:00:10] Introduction and casual conversation about travel
• [00:03:27] Discussion of safety culture differences between US and Europe
• [00:07:47] Analysis of technological stagnation and recent breakthroughs
• [00:29:55] Examination of energy requirements for AI development
• [00:38:19] Investment strategy discussion using Succession analogy
• [00:48:25] Analysis of diversification and investment advice

Episode Resources:

• Alan Pentz on LinkedIn
• The New Rules with Alan Pentz on LinkedIn
• Corner Alliance on LinkedIn
• Corner Alliance website

The New Rules Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.so 

Check out our three most downloaded episodes:

• Defining and Tracking Outputs: The Key to Employee Performance with John Seiffer
• Small Business Strategies and Market Dynamics with Jon Matzner, President at Lazy Leverage
• Franchising: The Best Business Model with Brian Beers

Alan Pentz and Moses Sternstein dive deep into the changing landscape of capital markets and investment strategies. They examine the shift from a low-interest rate environment that favored private equity and venture capital to a new era of higher rates and increasing healthcare spending. Moses explains how mandatory government spending, particularly on healthcare, has grown from 30% to nearly 70% of the federal budget, fundamentally altering the economic landscape.

The conversation explores Apollo's strategic pivot towards private credit, the evolution of capital markets, and the growing intersection between government policy and private capital allocation. They discuss how asset-heavy investments in AI, clean energy, and infrastructure are changing traditional investment models, and debate the implications of China's industrial policy on global markets.

Episode Highlights:

• [00:01:29] Introduction to the "finance bro" vs "national nursing home" concept
• [00:39:43] Discussion of shifting investment returns from equity to lending
• [00:34:41] Analysis of Apollo's strategy and private credit's rise
• [00:41:16] Exploration of government's role in capital allocation
• [00:47:48] Discussion of asset-heavy investments in modern technology
• [00:49:37] Analysis of market visibility and economic indicators

Episode Resources:

• Random Walk Newsletter - https://therandomwalk.co
• Moses Sternstein on Twitter - @Bozasturtstein
• Alan Pentz on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanpentz
• Corner Alliance website - https://www.corneralliance.com

The New Rules Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.so 

Check out our three most downloaded episodes:

• Defining and Tracking Outputs: The Key to Employee Performance with John Seiffer
• Small Business Strategies and Market Dynamics with Jon Matzner, President at Lazy Leverage
• Franchising: The Best Business Model with Brian Beers