Unpolished MBA

In this episode of the Unpolished MBA, we dive deep into the world of pricing strategies with John Ray, a seasoned expert in investment management, banking, and strategic advisory.

John founded Ray Business Advisors to help solopreneurs and small professional service firms navigate the complexities of value, positioning, and pricing.

He introduces us to his latest work, "The Generosity Mindset," a groundbreaking book that challenges traditional pricing norms and offers a counterintuitive approach to creating value and setting prices.

Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnray1/

Company: https://www.johnray.co/

"The Generosity Mindset" book on Amazon

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/

Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/

TPM Focus - Strategy Firm for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/

Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com

n this episode of the Unpolished MBA, we're thrilled to introduce Caitlin Ferguson, a seasoned expert in transforming ambitious visions into operational success at scale. Caitlin shares her insights on the critical role of a fractional COO and how she assists companies in navigating the complexities of growth, strategy, and operational efficiency. Whether you're a startup finding your footing or an entrepreneur navigating post-acquisition challenges, Caitlin's approach to fostering focus, evidence-based decision-making, and strategic alignment offers invaluable lessons.

Some Topics Discussed Include:

• Fractional Leadership Explained: Caitlin demystifies the concept of fractional leadership, emphasizing its role beyond consulting to include hands-on team integration and strategic execution.
• Operational Excellence Post-Acquisition: Caitlin discusses her proactive involvement in businesses, ideally starting from the search fund phase through to post-acquisition, ensuring a smooth transition and operational stability.
• Building Trust and Managing Change: Discover Caitlin's strategies for building trust within teams, managing change effectively, and ensuring communication flows throughout all levels of an organization.
• Financial Acumen: Caitlin highlights the importance of understanding the financial aspects of a business, sharing how her background in entrepreneurship as a CPA's daughter and her experience in innovation consulting have shaped her approach to driving profitability and efficiency.

Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caitlineodonnell/

Caitlyn's Fractional COO Services for ETA Entrepreneurs: https://www.ceofconsulting.com/acquired

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/

Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/

TPM Focus - Strategy Firm for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/

Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com

Entrepreneurs need more than money for growing their startup or acquired company. Unfortunately, this is oftentimes overlooked by entrepreneurs when investors want involvement in their companies.

Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/

Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/

TPM Focus - Strategy Firm for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/

Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com

In the episode we welcome Brian Lee Shields, an acquisition entrepreneur and advisor with a remarkable journey through the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. Brian shared his firsthand experiences with burnout, the pivotal moments of his career, and his dedicated efforts to help others navigate the stresses of business leadership.

Some Topics Discussed Include:

1. Brian Lee Shields' Background - How his experiences at Morehouse College and in the competitive world of investment banking shaped his approach to business and personal development.
2. The Path to Burnout - Brian discusses the signs of burnout he encountered during his entrepreneurial journey, the impact on his personal and professional life, and the crucial decision to take a sabbatical for recovery.
3. Recovery and Reflection - Insights into Brian's year-long journey of healing, including the strategies he used to rebuild his mental and physical health.
4. Supporting Others - The creation of a retreat for black men in leadership roles to address burnout before it becomes debilitating, highlighting the importance of community, vulnerability, and self-care.
5. Advice for Entrepreneurs - Brian offers practical advice for business leaders on recognizing burnout, prioritizing wellness, and implementing routines that support long-term success and well-being.

Key Moments:

• 00:02:30 - Brian's background and journey into entrepreneurship.
• 00:15:45 - The turning point: Recognizing burnout and taking action.
• 00:28:00 - Insights into the Half Time Retreat and its mission.
• 00:40:25 - Practical advice for entrepreneurs on balancing work and wellness.
• 00:55:40 - The importance of community, mentorship, and setting boundaries.

Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com

• LinkedIn: Brian Lee Shields
• Instagram: @brianleeshields
• Brian Lee Shields' Website: www.brianleeshields.com
• Half Time Retreat Information: Brian's website
• Self Made Dad Podcast: Link to Podcast

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/

Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/

TPM Focus - Strategy Firm for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/

Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com

This episode with Unpolished MBA (TM) host, Monique Mills, discusses how the gig economy is here to stay, and it's not just for low-skill jobs. For professionals, it's a golden opportunity to leverage their skills in new, flexible ways.

Some Topics Discussed Include:

• "I Have Something To Say" podcast with Sami Haimin Marrero Episode 174 w/Monique Mills (Link)
• The expansion of the gig economy into high-skill areas.
• The value of project-based work for companies and professionals.
• The need for entrepreneurial skills, project management, and sales acumen.

AND MORE!

For those interested in learning more about the white collar gig economy, check out these resources mentioned in the episode:

• Forbes: "The Rise Of The Gig Economy" [Link to Forbes article]
• McKinsey: "Independent work: Choice, necessity, and the gig economy" [Link to McKinsey report]

Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/

Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/

TPM Focus - Strategy Firm for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/

In this insightful episode, Yvette Owo--an expert in accounting, finance, and business acquisitions--shares her extensive knowledge and experience in business acquisitions, emphasizing the importance of financial due diligence, understanding working capital, and the nuances of deal structuring.

She also discusses the value of maintaining good relationships with sellers and lenders, and the critical role of a comprehensive approach to accounting and finance in successful business acquisitions.

Some Topics Discussed Include:

• The Importance of Financial Due Diligence: Yvette highlights the non-negotiable need for thorough financial due diligence in acquisitions.
• Understanding Working Capital: She explains the significance of working capital in deal structuring and how it can impact the final stages of a deal.
• Building Relationships: Yvette emphasizes the importance of building and maintaining positive relationships with bankers and sellers throughout the acquisition process.
• Comprehensive Accounting Services: The discussion includes the range of services offered by YOLO Accounting, from bookkeeping to complex financial analysis, and their impact on business success.

AND MORE!

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yvetteowo/

On Twitter: https://twitter.com/yvetteowo

Company: YOLO Accounting https://www.yoloaccounting.com/

Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/

Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/

TPM Focus - Strategy Firm for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/

The episode's central theme revolves around the concept of being "good people" in business.

Key Takeaways:

1. Emphasize ethical conduct and kindness in business interactions.
2. Recognize the subjectivity of what constitutes being "good" in business.
3. Uphold integrity by fulfilling commitments and respecting boundaries.
4. Avoid entitlement; utilize resources like AI for initial guidance.
5. Understand that rejections in business are not personal.
6. Value relationships for their intrinsic worth, not just for tangible benefits.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/

Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/

TPM Focus - Strategy Firm for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/

Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com

In this episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Jane McCracken, a serial entrepreneur and an expert in the recruitment industry. Jane brings a wealth of knowledge about the current job market, offering invaluable insights for both job seekers and employers.

Some Topics Discussed Include:

Adapting to New Communication Styles:

• Embracing open-mindedness and adapting to how different generations communicate.

Corps Team's Mission and Services:

• An overview of Corps Team's role in the staffing and recruitment industry, catering to startups and Fortune 500 companies.

The Evolution of MomCore to Corps Team:

• The company's journey and expansion from focusing on helping women re-enter the workforce to serving a broader clientele.

Current Hiring Trends and Challenges:

• Insights into the robust yet nuanced job market, companies' right-sizing strategies, and opportunities amidst layoffs.

Focus on Soft Skills and Behavioral Interviews:

• The shift towards evaluating candidates based on soft skills and behavioral aspects during the hiring process.

Utilizing AI and YouTube for Interview Preparation:

• Tips on using tools like ChatGPT and YouTube to prepare for interviews and improve responses.

Job Application Strategies:

• Advice on being patient, thorough, and leveraging networks to enhance job application success.

Engaging Corps Team for Talent Acquisition

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jane-karwoski-mccracken-821227/

Company: Corps Team https://www.corpsteam.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/

Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/

TPM Focus - Strategy Firm for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/

Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com

This episode features a conversation with Talisha Shine, a seasoned professional in health tech and blockchain technology. She shares her experiences transitioning back into the job market after a decade, her thoughts on adapting to changes in job search methods, and her passion for Web 3.0 and AI's impact on healthcare.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tshine/

Her Book Recommendation: "Never Search Alone" by Phil Terry, a valuable resource for job seekers.

Tech Tool Highlight: "Teamwork" - A project management tool that offers flexibility and automation for both internal and external team collaborations.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/

Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/

TPM Focus - Strategy Firm for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/

Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com

This episode features a conversation with Tory Kindlick, a seasoned expert in demand generation.

Some Topics Discussed Include:

Career Transitions and Recharging:

• Tory shares his experiences and insights on taking breaks between jobs, emphasizing the importance of recharging and spending time with family.

Networking and LinkedIn Engagement:

• The role of networking in career transitions and how being active on LinkedIn can open doors to new opportunities.

Demand Generation Strategies:

• Tory delves into modern demand generation strategies, focusing on education and the creation of demand rather than just capturing it.

Building Demand Gen Teams:

• Essential roles in a demand gen team and Tory's perspective as an architect within such teams.

Sales and Marketing Alignment:

• Tips for bridging the gap between sales and marketing teams to improve collaboration and overall company success.

AI's Impact on Demand Gen:

• How AI tools like ChatGPT can augment the demand generation process without fully automating it.

Advice for Career Transitioners:

• Tory's tips for professionals navigating career changes, including setting weekly goals and leveraging LinkedIn for networking.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/torykindlick/

Recommended Book: Storybrand (here it is on Amazon!)

Fav Tech Tool: Trello

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/

Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/

TPM Focus - Strategy Firm for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/

Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com