In this compelling episode of EO Voices, host Brent Peterson sits down with Nate Amidon, CEO of Form 100 Consulting, to explore the fascinating intersection of military aviation and modern software development. Nate's unique journey from flying C-17 cargo planes in the Air Force to leading an agile consulting firm reveals powerful insights about leadership, communication, and executing under pressure.
Discover how military principles translate seamlessly into software development success. Nate breaks down why plans never survive "first contact with the enemy" and how agile methodologies mirror combat aviation strategies. He shares battle-tested frameworks for alignment, communication, and implementing what he calls the "MVP" – Minimum Viable Process – that prevents both organizational chaos and process paralysis.
This conversation goes deep into the critical importance of documentation, two-way communication, and why your software team needs to answer one fundamental question: "Why do we exist?" Nate reveals how hiring former military officers brings exceptional leadership to enterprise software organizations and shares insights on helping veterans transition successfully into the private sector.
We explore the Entrepreneur Operating System (EOS), Nate's experience in the Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO), and how structured frameworks create business success. The discussion tackles AI's role in software development, distinguishing hype from reality, and how these tools serve as "nail guns versus hammers" – still requiring expertise to build the house.
Whether you're leading a software team, transitioning from military service, or seeking better project management strategies, this episode delivers actionable insights from someone who's navigated both high-stakes aviation and enterprise software development.
Chapters:
0:00 - Introduction & Opening Joke
1:20 - Nate's Background: From Air Force Pilot to Agile Coach
4:28 - Agile vs Waterfall: Why Plans Don't Survive First Contact
7:04 - The Minimum Viable Process Framework
8:16 - Documentation & Communication: Learning from Military Bureaucracy
10:11 - EOS and Entrepreneur Operating System Principles
12:00 - The Value of EO (Entrepreneurs' Organization)
13:28 - How Aviation Checklists Improve Software Development
15:23 - Balancing Coaching with Advice-Giving
17:47 - AI's Role in Software Development: Separating Hype from Reality
21:08 - Shameless Plug & How to Connect with Nate
Connect with Nate Amidon:
Website: https://form100consulting.com
Email: nate.amidon@form100consulting.com
LinkedIn: Nate Amidon
In this conversation, James Schutrop from Scribe discusses the innovative approach of using robots to create handwritten letters, emphasizing the importance of personal touch in a world overwhelmed by digital communication. He explains how Scribe's technology integrates with CRM systems to automate the process of sending personalized thank-you letters, enhancing customer engagement. The discussion also covers the significance of authenticity in marketing, particularly through the removal of postmarks to maintain the illusion of a personal touch.
Takeaways
Scribe automates handwritten letters to enhance customer appreciation.
People are overwhelmed by digital communication and crave personal interaction.
Handwritten letters can significantly improve customer engagement.
The technology uses real pens to create authentic-looking letters.
Postmark removal is crucial for maintaining authenticity in marketing.
Automation allows businesses to send personalized letters without manual effort.
The handwritten letters are designed to look like they come from a friend or family member.
Scribe's system integrates seamlessly with existing CRM platforms.
The event highlights practical strategies for e-commerce businesses.
Authenticity in marketing is essential to avoid customer skepticism.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Scribe and Handwritten Automation
02:57 The Importance of Personal Touch in Marketing
05:42 Postmark Removal and Authenticity in Handwritten Letters
In this episode of EO Visions, Saahil Mehta shares his journey as an entrepreneur and coach, discussing the importance of peer learning within the Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO). He reflects on his personal definition of success, which led him to create a framework based on the 'seven summits' of life. Saahil emphasizes the need for balance between personal and professional life, sharing insights on how to avoid burnout and empower others in business. He also discusses his coaching philosophy, focusing on asking the right questions to help clients find their own answers. The conversation concludes with practical advice for leaders on seeking feedback and fostering personal growth.
Takeaways
Saahil runs four businesses and enjoys skiing and mountaineering.
Peer-to-peer learning in EO was a key motivator for Saahil.
Success is a personal definition, not a societal standard.
The 'seven summits' framework helps define success in life.
Balancing business responsibilities with personal life is crucial.
Empowering others in business leads to better outcomes.
Coaching should focus on asking questions, not giving advice.
Small steps lead to significant changes over time.
Feedback should focus on future improvements, not past mistakes.
Personal development is essential for long-term success.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Saahil Mehta
02:07 Saahil's EO Journey and Peer Learning
05:05 Redefining Success: The Seven Summits
10:02 The Seven Areas of Happiness and Success
12:54 Navigating Business Challenges and Delegation
16:03 Coaching Philosophy: Empowering Through Questions
19:55 Closing Thoughts and Feed Forward Concept
In this episode of EO Visionary Voices , Dr. Randy Pierce, president and CEO of Future Insight, shares his journey of overcoming challenges as a visually impaired runner and how it parallels with business success. He emphasizes the importance of goal setting, teamwork, and accountability in both running and entrepreneurship. Dr. Pierce also discusses the impact of AI on business dynamics and the necessity of maintaining human connections in the workplace. The conversation concludes with insights into the mission of Future Insight and the importance of community in supporting those with vision loss.
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00
Introduction to Dr. Randy Pierce and His Role
02:09
The Journey of Running and Overcoming Challenges
04:03
The Importance of Goal Setting and Action
06:07
Connecting Running with Business Goals
08:48
The Role of Teamwork in Achieving Success
11:48
Navigating Accountability in Business
13:54
Comparing Running and Mountain Climbing
16:11
The Impact of AI on Business and Team Dynamics
19:01
Closing Thoughts and Future Insight
19:45
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In this powerful episode of EO Visionary Voices, host Brent Peterson sits down with Dr. Jen Fry, CEO of Coordle and author of "I Said No: How to Have a Backbone and Boundaries Without Being a Jerk." As a professional speaker specializing in conflict resolution and culture, and founder of a tech company revolutionizing group travel and sports tourism, Jen brings invaluable insights on leadership, entrepreneurship, and the art of saying no.
Jen shares her journey from being a "kind asshole" (her words!) to becoming a successful entrepreneur who helps others build essential boundary-setting skills. She reveals why conflict is actually a mental health issue and how leaders can create cultures where failure becomes a learning opportunity rather than a career-ending event.
Throughout this engaging conversation, you'll discover practical strategies for setting boundaries without being a jerk, how to handle rejection in business, and why your best entrepreneurial lessons come from your worst failures. Jen also breaks down the critical difference between being nice versus being kind, and shares her unique approach to leadership that encourages innovation while maintaining accountability.
Whether you're struggling with people-pleasing tendencies, looking to improve your leadership skills, or building your own business, this episode provides actionable insights that will transform how you approach difficult conversations and decision-making in professional settings.
Chapters:
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In this powerful episode of EO Visionary Voices, we dive deep into the world of authentic leadership with Jennifer Jensen, founder of Authentic Leader. Discover why traditional leadership approaches are failing in today's multigenerational workplace and learn the revolutionary strategies that are transforming how successful entrepreneurs lead their teams.
Jennifer shares her unique perspective on the critical difference between performance leadership and authentic leadership, revealing why vulnerability isn't weakness—it's your competitive advantage. From navigating generational differences to implementing reverse mentorship programs, this conversation is packed with actionable insights that will transform your leadership approach.
You'll learn why investing in your people delivers the highest ROI of any business strategy, how transparency builds trust that drives innovation, and the surprising truth about what today's workforce really wants from their leaders. Jennifer's approach to unlearning outdated leadership myths while embracing adaptive leadership principles offers a roadmap for entrepreneurs ready to elevate their organizational culture.
Whether you're leading a startup, scaling a business, or managing diverse teams across generations, this episode provides the tools and mindset shifts needed to become the authentic leader your organization needs. Don't miss Jennifer's insights on coaching, advisory services, and the power of developing leaders at every level of your organization.
Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction to Authentic Leadership with Jennifer Jensen
03:23 - The Journey of Leadership Development and Entrepreneurial Growth
06:07 - Performance vs. Authentic Leadership: Understanding the Difference
09:10 - Generational Differences in Leadership and Workplace Dynamics
12:23 - The Importance of Vulnerability in Leadership Success
15:25 - Closing Thoughts and Leadership Resources
This episode is essential viewing for entrepreneurs, business leaders, and anyone committed to building high-performing teams through authentic leadership principles.
This has been produced in cooperation with Talk Commerce
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In this compelling episode, we explore the remarkable 29-year journey of Michael Shapiro, who founded Ketubah.com in 1996 and has successfully navigated the ever-changing landscape of e-commerce. From his early career setbacks to building a thriving business around the ancient Jewish tradition of the Ketubah (marriage contract), Michael shares invaluable insights about resilience, innovation, and the art of adapting traditional businesses for the digital age.
Guest Bio
Michael Shapiro is the founder and visionary behind Ketubah.com, one of the oldest continuously operating e-commerce sites, launched in 1996. With a background in history, political science, and brand management at Procter & Gamble, Michael left the corporate world to build a business that bridges ancient Jewish traditions with modern technology. He leads a team of nine and has recently authored "Ketubah Renaissance," a coffee table book chronicling the modern revival of Jewish marriage contracts.
Business Evolution & Technology
Leadership & Team Building
Creative Projects
Notable Quotes
"It's not just they're implementing my ideas, they're bringing their ideas. And that's something that has been a long-term goal for me."
"I have a very well-developed creative side... connecting the dots in ways that perhaps other people haven't."
"Writing the book was a labor of love and sometimes a labor of hate."
Connect with Michael Shapiro
Chapters
00:00
Introduction to Michael Shapiro and Ketubah
02:24
Michael's Journey to Entrepreneurship
07:43
Understanding Ketubah: The Jewish Marriage Contract
09:33
The Creative Vision Behind Ketubah
13:15
Leveraging AI in Ketubah and Hebrew Namer
14:39
Seasonality and Trends in the Ketubah Business
15:42
Exploring EOS and Business Strategies
16:44
The Ketubah Renaissance Book Project
19:06
E-commerce Evolution and Platform Migration
21:53
Closing Thoughts and Shameless Plug
This has been produced in cooperation with Talk Commerce
Follow Talk Commerce on your favorite platform:
In this episode of Uncharted Entrepreneurship, Alfredo Mathew III shares his journey from educator to entrepreneur, emphasizing the importance of community, teamwork, and shared prosperity in business. He discusses the role of AI as a tool rather than a replacement for human collaboration and highlights the need for diverse teams to foster innovation. Alfredo also explores the concept of shared prosperity, advocating for economic structures that allow small businesses to thrive alongside larger enterprises.
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00
From Educator to Entrepreneur: Alfredo's Journey
05:10
The Role of Community in Business
10:14
Team Dynamics and the Importance of Diversity
15:02
Shared Prosperity: Building a Better Economic Future
18:56
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In this episode of Uncharted Entrepreneurship, Brent Peterson interviews Ravi Iyer, a physician and TEDx speaker, who shares his journey from practicing medicine to exploring cognitive alignment. Ravi discusses the importance of understanding individual narratives and experiences in achieving team alignment and high performance. He provides practical steps for individuals and teams to develop cognitive alignment and emphasizes the role of coaching in this process.
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00
Introduction to Ravi Iyer and His Journey
06:04
Cognitive Alignment: Understanding the Concept
15:09
Practical Steps to Achieve Cognitive Alignment
21:03
The Role of Coaching in Cognitive Alignment
24:49
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In this episode of Uncharted Entrepreneurship, Kevin McCarthy shares his journey as an entrepreneur, discussing his early ventures, the importance of leadership, and the concept of blind spots in decision-making. He emphasizes the need for connection in leadership and offers insights into how to better engage with teams. Kevin also introduces the Blind Spot Assessment, a tool designed to help individuals and organizations identify and address their blind spots for improved decision-making and relationships.
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00
Introduction to Kevin McCarthy and His Passion
02:45
Kevin's Early Entrepreneurial Journey
08:51
Identifying Blind Spots in Business
14:01
The Importance of Leadership and Connection
17:36
Advice for New Leaders and Understanding Generational Differences
22:50
The Blind Spot Assessment and Its Impact
26:01
EOMinnesota-10sec-intro.mp4
In this episode of Uncharted Entrepreneurship, Marsha Marseille, co-founder of Cross Care Transport, shares her journey into the medical transportation industry. She discusses her day-to-day operations, the importance of defining roles within her business partnership, and the unique marketing strategies that set her company apart. Marsha reflects on her previous entrepreneurial experiences and the lessons learned, as well as her outlook on navigating economic challenges in the future.
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00
Introduction to Marcia Marseille and Cross Care Transport
05:55
Navigating Business Partnerships
12:02
Lessons from Previous Ventures
16:54
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In this episode of Uncharted Entrepreneurship, Joe Kingland shares his journey from being a submariner in the Navy to becoming a successful entrepreneur and CEO of Manage Infinity. He discusses his passion for helping veterans, the challenges of building businesses, and the importance of networking and finding the right advisors. Joe also shares insights on the current economic outlook and introduces his latest venture, Clock Labs, a digital marketing agency focused on lead generation.
takeaways
Chapters
00:00
Introduction to Joe Kingland and His Journey
02:56
Transitioning from Military to Entrepreneurship
06:02
Building Businesses: The Shared Services Model
08:47
The Importance of Networking and Advisors
11:42
Joining the Entrepreneurs' Organization
14:52
Economic Outlook and Business Challenges
17:49
Shameless Plug: Clock Labs and Lead Generation
Summary
In this episode of Uncharted Entrepreneurship, Brent Peterson interviews Marina Byezhanova, CEO of Brand of a Leader. Marina shares her journey from being an immigrant in Canada to establishing a successful personal branding agency for Gen X CEOs. The conversation delves into the importance of personal branding, thought leadership, and the unique challenges faced by different generations in the business landscape. Marina emphasizes the need for authenticity in branding and the value of vulnerability in leadership. The episode concludes with insights on how to effectively promote oneself while remaining true to one's values.
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00
Introduction to Marina Bejanova
03:20
The Founding Story of Brand of a Leader
06:05
The Importance of Thought Leadership
09:31
Discovering Personal Branding
11:27
The Role of Failure in Personal Branding
14:15
Engaging with EO Members
16:30
Vulnerability in Leadership
18:09
Generational Differences in Sharing
20:38
Coaching Gen X on Self-Promotion
22:47
Closing Thoughts and Shameless Plug
In this conversation, Dominique Waples discusses the importance of reflection and time management in personal growth. She emphasizes the need to allocate time for self-reflection and how it can lead to better productivity and self-awareness.
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00
Introduction to Restore Medical Spa and Exciting Developments
23:10
Dominique's Journey from Law to Medical Aesthetics
25:59
The Importance of Community in Entrepreneurship
29:09
Personal Growth Through EO Membership
31:56
Transformational Experiences in EO Forums
35:14
The Evolution of Restore Medical Spa
37:59
Final Thoughts and Encouragement for Entrepreneurs
In this episode of Uncharted Entrepreneurship, Mark Worster shares his transformative journey from running an IT company to exploring the realms of healthcare, cannabis, and psychedelic medicine. He discusses the importance of finding joy and happiness beyond material success and how to break free from inherited stories that limit personal growth. Mark emphasizes the significance of curiosity and self-discovery in creating a fulfilling life, and introduces his organization, The New Mysteries, which aims to help individuals expand their consciousness and embrace a life of joy.
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00
Introduction to Mark Wurster and His Journey
06:41
Transitioning from IT to Healthcare and Cannabis
12:57
Exploring the Psychedelic Medicine Space
18:49
The New Mysteries: Helping Others Find Their Path
21:48
Living a Life of Joy and Happiness
In this episode of Uncharted Entrepreneurship, Brent Peterson interviews Natalia Zacharin, the owner of Zacharin Consulting, who specializes in accounting and financial management for entrepreneurs. Natalia shares her journey from the corporate world to entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of financial awareness and management in business success. She discusses the challenges of cash flow, budgeting, and the significance of asking the right questions to drive growth. Natalia also provides insights into marketing budgets and the metrics that matter for measuring success. The conversation concludes with resources for entrepreneurs looking to improve their financial strategies.
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00
Introduction to Natalia Zacharin and Her Journey
05:08
Transitioning from Corporate to Entrepreneurship
09:03
The Importance of Financial Understanding for Entrepreneurs
12:09
Navigating Cash Flow and Budgeting Challenges
14:38
Marketing Budgets and Measuring Success
16:22
Encouraging Questions and Accountability in Business
18:39
Shameless Plug and Resources for Entrepreneurs
In this episode of Uncharted Entrepreneurship, Gary Cohen, a seasoned entrepreneur and coach, shares insights on the importance of asking questions in leadership, fostering accountability within teams, and the challenges of scaling a business. He emphasizes the need for leaders to shift from being the sole source of knowledge to empowering their teams through inquiry and active listening. The conversation also touches on the emotional aspects of leadership, including empathy and the handling of mistakes, as well as the value of coaching in personal and professional growth.
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00
Introduction to Entrepreneurship and Coaching
01:30
The Journey from Entrepreneur to Coach
02:50
The Power of Questions in Leadership
08:03
Accountability and Leadership Dynamics
11:56
Empathy in Leadership and Decision Making
14:56
Encouraging Questions and Active Listening
19:07
The Importance of Reflection and Focus
21:00
Closing Thoughts and Coaching Opportunities
In this episode of Uncharted Entrepreneurship, Brent Peterson interviews Anthony Ramirez, founder and CEO of Lincoln Security Services, about the value of community in entrepreneurship, particularly through the Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO). Anthony shares his experiences with EO, emphasizing the importance of networking, mentorship, and learning from shared experiences. He highlights the upcoming EO Rally in Minneapolis, discussing its benefits, including access to influential speakers and the opportunity to connect with like-minded entrepreneurs.
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00
Introduction to Anthony Ramirez and EO Rally
03:04
The Value of Community in Entrepreneurship
06:16
Networking and Learning at EO Events
09:23
Mentorship and Shared Experiences
12:20
Keynote Speakers and Event Highlights
In this episode of Uncharted Entrepreneurship, Joe Zentmyer shares his journey as a serial entrepreneur, discussing his latest venture in the aquarium business and the strategies he employs for growth. He emphasizes the importance of systems, recurring revenue, and hiring passionate employees while balancing the risks associated with business expansion. Joe also provides insights into motivating staff and the significance of having a strong online presence in today's retail environment.
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00
Introduction to Joe Zentmyer and His Ventures
03:43
The Importance of Systems in Business
07:46
Recurring Revenue and Online Activation
11:30
Scaling and Team Dynamics
15:30
Final Thoughts and Resources
In this episode of Uncharted Entrepreneurship, Brent Peterson interviews Michael Grand, a seasoned EOS implementer, who shares insights into the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS). They discuss the importance of having an EOS implementer, the structure and benefits of Level 10 meetings, and the significance of accountability within teams. Michael emphasizes the value of quarterly and annual meetings, the role of EOS One software, and his upcoming project aimed at enhancing employee resilience and team health.
takeaways
Sound Bites
Chapters
00:00
Introduction to EOS and Michael Grand
01:42
Understanding the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS)
02:29
The Role of an EOS Implementer
04:59
The Importance of Accountability in EOS
08:03
The Level 10 Meeting: A Cornerstone of EOS
13:12
Leading, Managing, and Holding People Accountable (LMA)
15:13
The Power of Quarterly and Annual Meetings
18:54
Identifying, Discussing, and Solving Issues (IDS)
24:12
Introduction to EOS One Software
25:31
Closing Thoughts and Future Endeavors