In this episode of The Unfolding Thought Podcast, Eric Pratum speaks with Rory O'Neill—emergency physician, coach, and creator of the Coach Rory Soccer YouTube channel (with more than 50,000 subscribers). Rory blends the discipline of medicine with the craft of player development, offering a rare dual perspective on learning, leadership, and what's broken in U.S. youth soccer. They discuss how early habits from baseball shaped Rory's approach to medicine and coaching, why building from the back isn't just a tactic but a philosophy of learning, and how systemic incentives—money, structure, and culture—are distorting development in the U.S. game. From the economics of clubs to the myths of burnout and multi-sport participation, Rory unpacks what he calls "the matrix" of American soccer and why true progress may depend less on talent than on how—and why—we teach. Topics Explored * How baseball and discipline shaped Rory's medical and coaching philosophies * Why player development in the U.S. is structurally misaligned * The hidden incentives driving youth clubs and closed-league systems * What "promotion and relegation" actually mean for development * Objective vs. subjective measures of progress in coaching * The myth of burnout and the debate over single-sport specialization * How cultural context (Argentina, Iceland, England) changes the meaning of "fun" and "work" in youth sports * What it really means to "wake up and see the matrix" of American soccer Links * Rory O'Neill's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@CoachRorySoccer * Rory's club Keystone FC: https://www.keystonefc.com [https://www.keystonefc.com/] * Rory's corners video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1EWg8v6PUp8 * Rory's 3Four3 podcast appearances: https://343coaching.com/podcast/soccer-by-3four3/ep-344-rory-oneill-how-to-discern-well-coached-teams-from-the-rest/ & https://343coaching.com/podcast/soccer-by-3four3/ep-367-us-coaching-licenses-another-credentialism-scam-or-education/ * How UEFA is funded: https://www.uefa.com/running-competitions/financial-distribution/our-business-model/ * Rory's video "The Do's and Don'ts of Soccer Parenting": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLRkOW-v-ck For more episodes: https://unfoldingthought.com [https://unfoldingthought.com/] Questions or guest ideas: eric@inboundandagile.com

In this episode of The Unfolding Thought Podcast, Eric Pratum speaks with Jeff Meredith, Associate Creative Director at RKD Group and longtime writer for rescue missions across the U.S. Over the past two decades, Jeff has interviewed more than a thousand people who've experienced homelessness, addiction, and recovery—gaining rare insight into what drives collapse and what makes renewal possible. Jeff shares what he's learned from the front lines of homelessness: how family breakdown, trauma, and addiction often intersect; why accountability and forgiveness are essential to recovery; and what the most successful rescue missions do differently. This is a grounded, compassionate look at the human stories behind one of America's most complex social challenges. Topics Explored * The changing face of homelessness—and why women are now the fastest-growing group * What drives addiction and how recovery really works * How childhood trauma and family breakdown shape adult outcomes * The interplay of mental illness, accountability, and hope * Why recovery requires both compassion and structure * How faith-based missions rebuild lives physically, emotionally, and spiritually Links * Connect with Jeff on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-meredith-ab97b34/ * Episode with Andy Bales: https://unfoldingthought.com/20-andy-bales-from-poverty-to-purpose/ * The Biology of Desire: Why Addiction Is Not a Disease: https://amzn.to/4nl7MTa * $2.00 a Day: Living on Almost Nothing in America: https://amzn.to/46yZPEk For more episodes: https://unfoldingthought.com [https://unfoldingthought.com/] Questions or guest ideas: eric@inboundandagile.com

In this episode of The Unfolding Thought Podcast, Eric Pratum speaks with Bob Hoffman — author of Adscam and The Ad Contrarian — about the uncomfortable truths at the heart of digital advertising. Bob explains how adtech evolved into one of the largest surveillance systems ever built, why marketers mistake data quantity for quality, and how political deregulation is quietly eroding online privacy. They unpack the illusion of precision in behavioral targeting, the billions lost to fraud and waste, and why empathy and ethics—not algorithms—may be the only path to rebuilding trust between brands and the public. Topics Explored * How real-time bidding turns personal data into a global broadcast * Why the online ad economy rewards fraud more than performance * The quiet rollback of digital-privacy protections in the U.S. * How measurement and "attribution" distort both marketing and democracy * What Arielle Garcia's revelations say about Google's control of ad trade groups * Why marketers keep believing in bad numbers * What honest advertising might look like in a post-surveillance world Links * Bob's website – https://www.bobhoffmanswebsite.com [https://www.bobhoffmanswebsite.com/] * Irish Council for Civil Liberties report on real-time bidding – https://www.iccl.ie/news/iccl-report-on-the-scale-of-real-time-bidding-data-broadcasts-in-the-u-s-and-europe/ * Arielle Garcia article – https://www.mi-3.com.au/18-06-2024/ex-um-privacy-chief-lifts-lid-google-has-captured-trade-associations-and-holdcos * Pentagon Pizza Twitter story – https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/06/16/pentagon-pizza-account-israel-iran-attack/84229144007/ * Don McMillan video, How Marketers Twist Statistics – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XbOpD2b55s4 For more episodes, visit unfoldingthought.com [http://unfoldingthought.com/] Questions or guest ideas: eric@inboundandagile.com

In this episode of The Unfolding Thought Podcast, Eric Pratum speaks with Martin Bihl — writer, strategist, podcaster, and self-described "recovering ad man." Known for his sharp wit and reflective takes on marketing, media, and the human condition, Martin challenges conventional thinking about creativity, capitalism, and the culture of business. The conversation explores how advertising both reflects and shapes our shared values — from branded playgrounds to the myth of the "creative genius." Martin shares his experience navigating agency life, why he created The Agency Review to critique the industry from within, and how his contrarian curiosity fuels his writing and podcast You're On Mute. Together, they discuss the interplay between thinking and doing, why "strategy" has become theater, and what we might learn by viewing business less as a machine and more as a story — one that tells us who we are and what we believe. Topics Explored * Why marketing isn't just persuasion — it's identity construction * How capitalism commodifies attention, meaning, and play * The myth of the "creative" and the illusion of originality * Why the line between art, commerce, and morality keeps blurring * The difference between thinking strategically and theatrically * How irony and sincerity coexist in modern branding * The role of critique — and why we need more of it inside the industry Links * Connect with Martin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martinbihl/ * Visit Martin's website: https://www.martinbihl.com [https://www.martinbihl.com/] * The Agency Review: https://the-agency-review.com [https://the-agency-review.com/] * Martin's article on thinking and doing: https://www.martinbihl.com/business-thinking/i-think-i-can-alternative-business-strategy * McDonald's milkshake story by Clayton Christensen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXYm-CVzPQ0 * You're On Mute podcast: https://www.martinbihl.com/youreonmutethepodcast For More Episodes Visit: https://unfoldingthought.com [https://unfoldingthought.com/] Questions or guest ideas: eric@inboundandagile.com

In this episode of The Unfolding Thought Podcast, Eric Pratum speaks with Neen James—leadership strategist, keynote speaker, and author of Attention Pays and the soon-to-be-released Exceptional Experiences. Known for her "sassy Aussie energy" and straight-talk frameworks, Neen challenges traditional ideas of luxury, arguing that it's not about money or things but about moments of human connection. She explains the research behind the four luxury mindsets, why empathy and conscientiousness matter for leadership, and how small, repeatable acts of attention can create what she calls "champagne moments." From systemizing thoughtfulness in everyday life to thinking like a concierge instead of a bellhop, Neen reveals practical ways to elevate both client experiences and team culture. Topics Explored: * Why luxury is less about expense and more about experience * The four luxury mindsets and how they shape behavior * How empathy and attention underpin exceptional experiences * The role of conscientiousness and systemized thoughtfulness * Scaling luxury: making exceptional experiences profitable and practical * Creating "champagne moments" in daily leadership and life Links: * Pre-order Neen's book Exceptional Experiences: https://neenjames.com/books/ * Get Neen's first book Folding Time for free: https://neenjames.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Book-Folding-Time-NeenJames.pdf * Find all of Neen's research and resources about luxury mindsets: https://luxuryisamindset.com [https://luxuryisamindset.com/] * The Business Meditations Neen mentioned: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-WyDzPVJzUqWSGGIM0lSxqk4T-TBmsrQ * The discussion with Alan Fine: https://unfoldingthought.com/28-alan-fine-exploring-the-inner-game-to-grow/ For more episodes, visit: https://unfoldingthought.com [https://unfoldingthought.com/] Questions or guest ideas: eric@inboundandagile.com

In this episode of The Unfolding Thought Podcast, Eric Pratum speaks with Tara Hamberger, founder and CEO of RootedCare+, about her mission to provide 24/7, text-based support to unpaid family caregivers. Tara shares the personal caregiving experiences that led her to launch RootedCare+, why she chose SMS over apps, and how Roo, their compassionate AI assistant, delivers emotional support, resource guidance, and even microgrants. She explains the challenges of designing AI for empathy, the importance of accessibility in tech for caregivers, and how RootedCare+'s funding model directly fuels aid for those who need it most. Topics Explored: * How personal caregiving challenges shaped the creation of RootedCare+ * Designing emotionally intelligent AI that can respond in real time * Why SMS can be the most accessible tech for overstretched caregivers * The role of microgrants in preventing burnout and sustaining care * Building a social enterprise that reinvests in the community it serves Links: * Connect with Tara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taraliana/ * Learn more about RootedCare+: https://rootedcare.plus [https://rootedcare.plus/] * Study on poverty impeding cognitive function: https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.1238041 * Check out the discussion with Juli Rush about grief and the death of the future: https://unfoldingthought.com/21-juli-rush-foresight-grief-and-the-courage-to-let-futures-end/ Have a recommendation? A question? Contact Eric: eric@inboundandagile.com

In this episode of The Unfolding Thought Podcast, Eric Pratum speaks with Rob Gallaher about the profit sharing system he built after starting and scaling multiple businesses. Rob walks through his early missteps with quarterly bonuses, why behavior did not change, and the simple changes that did move the needle: monthly payouts, a meaningful minimum threshold, and consistent communication that teaches people how daily decisions affect profit. He explains how to align owners and teams, what to show the team, and how profit sharing can free an owner to step back without the business slipping. Topics Explored: * Why traditional bonuses fail to change behavior * The three pillars that make profit sharing work: a regular cadence, a real-dollar threshold, and strategic communication * Showing the team job profit percentages and using that data to learn and improve together * Turning "clock punchers" into profit-minded decision makers * Implementing in months instead of years and avoiding common mistakes * How the right system lets owners step away without chaos Links: * Rob Gallaher on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertgallaher/ * Rob Gallaher on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robertgallaher/ * Rob's website: https://profitx.co [https://profitx.co/] * Gallaher Company: http://gallaherco.com [http://gallaherco.com/] * Rob's book: Profit Sharing: The Power of Shared Success https://amzn.to/47wVbHL * Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell: https://amzn.to/3IoQlCj * Study on ready fiction influencing empathy: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3559433/ For more episodes, visit: https://unfoldingthought.com [https://unfoldingthought.com/] Questions or guest ideas: eric@inboundandagile.com

In this episode of The Unfolding Thought Podcast, Eric Pratum speaks with Colman Swisher, former CIO of an international healthcare logistics company, about his unexpected journey from being the first technology hire to leading a fight against private equity–driven decisions. Colman shares how he built critical systems from the ground up—transforming operations that once ran on little more than email into a fully integrated, data-driven logistics network. He explains what it's like to navigate the high-stakes world of medical supply chain, why private equity ownership can create systemic risk, and how values-based leadership can hold the line against purely financial motives. Topics Explored: * Building tech infrastructure in a mission-critical industry from scratch * The unique pressures of transporting life-saving medical products * How private equity can undermine operational stability * Strategies for resisting short-termism while protecting customers and teams * Lessons in leadership from scaling a high-stakes logistics business Links: * Connect with Colman on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colman-swisher/ * Check out Colman's business Boldr Futures: https://boldrfutures.com [https://boldrfutures.com/] * Listen to the conversation with Colman's business partner Jeremy Nulik: https://unfoldingthought.com/jeremy-nulik-how-vision-shapes-strategy/ * Check out Value Builder: https://valuebuilder.com [https://valuebuilder.com/] Have a recommendation? A question? Contact Eric: eric@inboundandagile.com

In this episode of The Unfolding Thought Podcast, Eric Pratum speaks with Shawn Kemp, a product leader, startup advisor, and artist whose journey spans the worlds of technology, entrepreneurship, and creative expression. From his early days at Microsoft working on Xbox and Silverlight, to co-founding mission-driven companies and engaging deeply with food systems and transparency, Shawn brings a rare blend of systems thinking and emotional insight. Shawn opens up about the impact of early trauma, the pursuit of success, and the ways he's learned to prioritize meaning and presence over prestige. He shares his current focus on creativity—not as a career pivot, but as an honest way to process and express the messiness of life. Topics Explored: * Reconciling Past and Present: How early experiences shape identity * Creativity as Meaning-Making: Art as a tool, not just an output * Food Systems and Transparency * Letting Go of Performative Success and Pursuing Fulfillment Links: * Connect with Shawn on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnkemp/ * Shawn's art: https://shawnkemp.art [https://shawnkemp.art/] * The Non-GMO Project: https://www.nongmoproject.org [https://www.nongmoproject.org/] * The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls: https://amzn.to/45XbkW8 * Educated by Tara Westover: https://amzn.to/4e9aOqj * J Allard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jallard529/ * Lakshmi Gopalkrishnan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lakshmigopalkrishnan/ * Bext360: https://www.bext360.com/ * Clarence Birdseye: https://amzn.to/3TsCg8O * No More Gold Stars: https://amzn.to/3TsNJ8k For more episodes, visit: https://unfoldingthought.com [https://unfoldingthought.com/] Join the conversation by emailing Eric at: eric@inboundandagile.com

In this episode of The Unfolding Thought Podcast, Eric Pratum speaks with Bob Knorpp, consultant, speaker, and longtime host of The Beancast, one of the earliest and longest-running marketing podcasts. Bob brings a sharp perspective on how podcasting, advertising, and marketing have evolved over the last two decades—and what hasn't changed. Bob shares his journey from agency life to running a consultancy and hosting a podcast that has endured since 2008. He explains why format and consistency matter more than chasing trends, why authenticity always beats adtech gimmicks, and why we should think differently about metrics—shifting from scale to influence, from quick wins to long-term impact. We also explore mental models behind podcasting and marketing: why executives misunderstand podcasts as a "numbers game," how creators can navigate between art and business, and what it really means to build an audience today. Topics Explored: * Bob's journey from agency CEO to podcast host and consultant * Why The Beancast has endured with minimal format changes since 2008 * The tension between scale, influence, and long-term success in podcasting * Why authentic host-read ads outperform pixel-driven dynamic ads * The trap of executives demanding short-term ROI from long-form mediums * How audience commitment differs between podcasts and social media * Mental models: how marketers and business leaders frame (and often misframe) the value of podcasts Links: * Visit Bob's website: https://www.thebeancast.com [https://www.thebeancast.com/] * Connect with Bob on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/knorpp/

In this episode of The Unfolding Thought Podcast, Eric Pratum is joined by Courtney McAra, founder of Mustang MarTech, to explore the art and science of marketing operations. Courtney shares her journey from a startup generalist to a highly specialized marketing ops consultant who's helped teams at places like SurveyMonkey and Marketo bring order to chaos. She breaks down the critical components of a functioning marketing operations infrastructure—from clean folder structures and naming conventions to lifecycle management, compliance, and campaign execution. Courtney also discusses the real-world challenges teams face when scaling their MarTech stacks and offers practical advice for avoiding common pitfalls. Whether you're deep in the weeds of a Marketo instance or trying to align marketing with sales and product, this episode is full of useful, actionable insights. Topics Explored: * Courtney's Journey: From lean startup teams to SurveyMonkey and Mustang MarTech * What Marketing Ops Really Is—and Why It Matters * Taming Wild Databases: Clean architecture, folder structure, and segmentation * Lifecycle Strategy: Lead scoring, prioritization, and CRM integration * The Mustang Methodology: Cloneable, scalable, and measurable frameworks * Why Good Ops is Invisible but Critical * The Human Side of MOps: Communication, trust, and long-term collaboration * MarTech in 2025: Trends, AI tools, and the expanding MOps ecosystem Links: * Courtney's Company – https://www.mustangmartech.com [https://www.mustangmartech.com/] * Connect with Courtney on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtneymcara/ * Scott Brinker's MarTech Landscape – https://chiefmartec.com/2025/05/2025-marketing-technology-landscape-supergraphic-100x-growth-since-2011-but-now-with-ai/ * MOps-Apalooza – https://mopsapalooza.com [https://mopsapalooza.com/] For more episodes, visit: https://unfoldingthought.com [https://unfoldingthought.com/] Join the conversation by emailing Eric at: eric@inboundandagile.com

In this episode of The Unfolding Thought Podcast, Eric Pratum speaks with Michael Whitmer, Vice President at Look East and a longtime strategist in the food and agriculture space. Michael has spent more than two decades helping food brands and commodity organizations communicate clearly, build credibility, and connect with consumers on what matters most. They discuss how food intersects with identity, why consumer trust in institutions has eroded, and how organizations can communicate values—not just facts—to earn that trust back. Michael shares lessons from his work with the Illinois Soybean Association, The Center for Food Integrity, and other organizations shaping the future of food production and sustainability. Topics Explored: * Building Consumer Trust in the Food System * Why Facts Alone Aren't Enough: The Power of Shared Values in Communication * Lessons from Agricultural Commodity Marketing and Checkoff Programs * Transparency, Traceability, and the Role of Narrative in Food Branding * How Food Connects to Identity, Emotion, and Belief * Trust, Misinformation, and the Importance of Dialogue * The Future of Food Integrity and Responsible Communication Links: * Connect with Michael on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelawhitmer/ * Michael's company Look East: https://lookeast.com [https://lookeast.com/] * The Center for Food Integrity: https://foodintegrity.org [https://foodintegrity.org/] * Related episode with lan Fine on the GROW: https://unfoldingthought.com/28-alan-fine-exploring-the-inner-game-to-grow/ For more episodes, visit: https://unfoldingthought.com [https://unfoldingthought.com/] Join the conversation by emailing Eric at: eric@inboundandagile.com

In this episode of The Unfolding Thought Podcast, Eric Pratum sits down with Gini Dietrich, founder of Spin Sucks and creator of the PESO Model©—a strategic framework for aligning paid, earned, shared, and owned media to build reputation and deliver business results. Gini shares lessons from her work advising brands, training communicators, and building a thriving media and education company. She explains how trust is built and broken in communications, what it takes to sustain content over time, and why PR needs a seat at the executive table. We also talk about the mindset behind showing up publicly and consistently, even when it's hard or slow. Gini's insights are practical and refreshingly grounded. This episode is a valuable listen for anyone responsible for messaging, marketing, or media strategy. Topics Explored: * What is the PESO Model—and how does it create business results? * Why communicators must learn to speak the language of the C-suite * The long-game of building thought leadership and trust * The Spin Sucks origin story and lessons from building community * Challenges and opportunities in earned media today * How to know what's actually working in communications * Balancing transparency, authority, and discipline in public content Links: * Gini Dietrich, Spin Sucks, and the PESO Model: https://spinsucks.com [https://spinsucks.com/] For more episodes, visit: https://unfoldingthought.com [https://unfoldingthought.com/] Join the conversation by emailing Eric at: eric@inboundandagile.com

In this episode of The Unfolding Thought Podcast, Eric Pratum speaks with Peter Kelly-Detwiler, an expert in global energy markets and sustainability. Peter discusses the dynamic interplay between technology, economics, and policy shaping the energy sector today and into the future. Peter addresses critical issues like the complexities of integrating renewable energy sources, the role of AI and advanced software in optimizing grid efficiency, and the geopolitical forces impacting energy markets. He also shares insights into cutting-edge developments such as modular nuclear power, advanced geothermal technology, and innovative storage solutions. Topics Explored: * The Evolution of Global Energy Markets * Sustainability and Energy: Defining Practical Solutions * The Role of Technological Innovation in Energy Transformation * AI and Advanced Software Applications in Energy Grid Management * Challenges and Opportunities in Renewable Energy Integration * Geopolitical Impacts on Energy Markets and Infrastructure * Emerging Technologies: Modular Nuclear, Geothermal, and Advanced Batteries * Strategies for Future Energy Resilience and Adaptability Links: * Visit Peter's website: http://peterkellydetwiler.com [http://peterkellydetwiler.com/] * Connect with Peter on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterkellydetwiler/ * Peter's talk on forecasting challenges in energy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dveBB-xXs0 * IPCC reports on climate and energy: https://www.ipcc.ch/reports/ For more episodes, visit: https://unfoldingthought.com [https://unfoldingthought.com/] Join the conversation by emailing Eric at: eric@inboundandagile.com

In this solo episode of The Unfolding Thought Podcast, Eric Pratum explores the decline of album sales in light of Rick Beato's recent video on the best-selling albums of the 21st century. Rather than attributing the change solely to streaming or market fragmentation, Eric frames the issue through the Pace Layers model—offering a more nuanced explanation for why physical albums have faded and why that doesn't mean music is in decline. He walks through the origins of the album format, how it became embedded in our culture, and why innovations like streaming reshape not just delivery methods but how we define and experience music itself. This reflection goes beyond nostalgia to reveal what truly happens when old standards fade and new systems emerge. Topics Explored: * Why we'll never again see albums sell like Adele's 25 or Linkin Park's Meteora * The problem with comparing physical album sales to digital streams * What Rick Beato gets right—and misses—about the music industry's evolution * The Pace Layers model and how it explains slow vs. fast change in culture * How streaming disrupted not just formats, but the cultural foundations of music * Why losing a familiar standard doesn't always mean losing something meaningful Links: * Rick Beato's video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lel_J1-zxmU * For more episodes, visit: https://unfoldingthought.com [https://unfoldingthought.com/] Join the conversation by emailing Eric at: eric@inboundandagile.com

In this episode of The Unfolding Thought Podcast, Eric Pratum is joined by Ian Mai, an ADHD and impulse-control coach dedicated to helping people understand and transform their impulsive behaviors into strengths. Ian shares his deeply personal journey—from confronting internet addiction and infidelity to achieving meaningful and sustainable recovery through ADHD awareness and inner strength training. Ian outlines the psychological foundations of impulsive behavior, describing how emotional disregulation, dopamine-seeking, and conditioned responses play crucial roles. He provides practical strategies for building emotional resilience and impulse control, emphasizing mindfulness, intentional discomfort, and honest self-reflection. This conversation goes beyond ADHD to explore how impulsive behaviors affect relationships, career success, and self-worth. Ian's passion and clarity around these topics offer valuable guidance for anyone facing similar challenges or looking to understand those who do. Topics Explored: * Ian's Personal Journey: From addiction and impulsivity to awareness and coaching * Understanding ADHD and Impulsive Behavior: Emotional regulation, dopamine, and conditioned responses * Practical Strategies for Managing ADHD and Impulse Control * Relationship Dynamics: How impulsivity impacts marriage and family life * Transforming Shame into Inner Strength * Cultivating Mindfulness and Intentional Discomfort to Build Resilience * The Importance of Being Comfortable with Misunderstanding and Authentic Self-Expression Links: * Ian's Company: https://www.ianmai.co [https://www.ianmai.co/] * Connect with Ian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-mai-inner-strength/ For more episodes, visit: https://unfoldingthought.com [https://unfoldingthought.com/] Join the conversation by emailing Eric at: eric@inboundandagile.com

In this episode of The Unfolding Thought Podcast, Eric Pratum talks with Ryan Scott, Head of Product at DNA Behavior, a company focused on delivering precise behavioral analytics using AI and machine learning. Ryan outlines his career growth from finance intern to AI innovator, highlighting how behavioral insights can dramatically improve business outcomes. Ryan discusses the innovative ways DNA Behavior utilizes AI—from predicting communication styles and job titles based on minimal data, to automating client interactions through advanced chatbots. We delve into practical applications of AI for businesses of all sizes, the challenges of integrating AI into existing workflows, and how AI is reshaping organizational structures and personal roles. This episode offers invaluable perspectives on the power and potential of AI-driven insights to enhance customer relations, streamline operations, and future-proof businesses. Topics Explored: * Ryan's Path: From finance student to Head of Product at DNA Behavior * AI and Behavioral Analytics: How DNA Behavior is leveraging big data * Practical AI Applications: Enhancing client relationships and communication strategies * Automation and Efficiency: Tools and tactics for integrating AI into business processes * Predictive Modeling and Machine Learning: Advanced techniques for business insights * Challenges and Best Practices in AI Integration * The Future of Work: AI's impact on organizational structures and personal roles Links: * DNA Behavior: https://dnabehavior.com/start * Connect with Ryan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanwadescott/ * Microsoft AI Training: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/training/courses/ai-900t00 * Sanebox: https://www.sanebox.com [https://www.sanebox.com/] * n8n Workflow Automation: https://n8n.io [https://n8n.io/] * Wonderchat AI Management: https://wonderchat.io [https://wonderchat.io/] * Episode 31 with Hugh Massie: https://unfoldingthought.com/31-hugh-massie-reaching-1-billion-annually-with-behavioral-insights/ For more episodes, visit: https://unfoldingthought.com [https://unfoldingthought.com/] Join the conversation by emailing Eric at: eric@inboundandagile.com

In this episode of The Unfolding Thought Podcast, Eric Pratum sits down with David Greer, entrepreneurial coach and author of "Wind In Your Sails: Vital Strategies That Accelerate Your Entrepreneurial Growth." David shares powerful lessons from his journey—from building and exiting a successful software company to confronting and overcoming alcoholism, and eventually shaping a fulfilling career coaching other entrepreneurs. David explains the importance of strategic clarity, intentional quarterly planning, and the value of aligning personal strengths with professional goals. He emphasizes the critical balance of personal resilience and high performance, offering practical advice on how entrepreneurs can better manage their businesses, their teams, and themselves. Topics Explored: * Navigating Addiction and Sobriety: David's transformative personal journey * Strategic Planning and Execution: Using clear, actionable plans to drive growth * Entrepreneurial Challenges: Transitioning from startup phase to scalable organization * The Importance of Written Goals and Accountability * Balancing Self, Family, and Business for Sustainable Success * Coaching Entrepreneurs through Organizational and Personal Obstacles * How Personal Growth Impacts Professional Performance Links: * Wind In Your Sails book by David Greer: https://www.amazon.com/Wind-Your-Sails-Strategies-Entrepreneurial-ebook/dp/B01E9NQI9Y * Connect with David on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidjgreer * David's website: https://coachdjgreer.com [https://coachdjgreer.com/] * Rockefeller Habits and Scaling Up by Verne Harnish: https://scalingup.com [https://scalingup.com/] * StrengthsFinder Assessment: https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/home.aspx For more episodes, visit: https://unfoldingthought.com [https://unfoldingthought.com/] Join the conversation by emailing Eric at: eric@inboundandagile.com

In this episode of The Unfolding Thought Podcast, Eric Pratum speaks with Shannon Watson, Executive Director of Majority in the Middle, an organization committed to fostering bipartisan collaboration and more effective governance. Shannon shares her journey and insights into why America has grown increasingly divided politically, and more importantly, what we can do about it. Shannon highlights how the erosion of trust at local and national levels affects policy effectiveness, the critical role of relationship-building across ideological lines, and why finding common ground is more crucial than ever. We explore historical insights on political cooperation, recent data on bipartisan attitudes, and practical strategies individuals and communities can adopt to reverse political polarization. Topics Explored: * Bridging the Political Divide: Shannon's work with Majority in the Middle. * The Importance of Bipartisan Cooperation and Practical Governance. * How Trust and Social Capital Influence Community Success. * The Impact of Polarization on Governance and Everyday Life. * Actionable Steps Toward Effective Political and Community Engagement. * Lessons from History and Contemporary Examples of Successful Bipartisanship. * Understanding the Evolution of Group Dynamics and Polarization. Links: * Majority in the Middle: https://majoritymiddle.org [https://majoritymiddle.org/] * Connect with Shannon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonwatson/ * The State of Bipartisanship Report (2024): https://www.majoritymiddle.org/stateofbipartisanship2024 * Robert Putnam's research on trust in diverse communities: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_D._Putnam * Robert Wright's argument on majority dynamics in "The Evolution of God": https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Evolution_of_God * Thoreau's skepticism of telegraph communication: https://www.neh.gov/humanities/2018/summer/what-would-thoreau-think-our-24-hour-news-cycle * Shannon's TEDx talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GkGtCWCADXg For more episodes, visit: https://unfoldingthought.com [https://unfoldingthought.com/] Join the conversation by emailing Eric at: eric@inboundandagile.com

Eric Pratum sits down with Ryan Hogan, founder of Talent Harbor and the creative mind behind ventures like Run For Your Lives and Hunt a Killer. Ryan shares insights from his unique journey—from entrepreneurial experiments as a child, through notable successes and tough lessons, to his current mission of reshaping the recruiting industry. Ryan discusses the flawed standard recruiting model, his innovative "Recruiting as a Service" approach, and the critical importance of hiring for cultural alignment rather than just skills. He opens up about lessons learned from his entrepreneurial and military careers, emphasizing resilience, the power of micro-actions, and the necessity of embracing failure as a learning tool. Topics Explored: 1. From Creepy Crawlers to Talent Harbor: Ryan's entrepreneurial journey 2. Disrupting Traditional Recruiting: What's broken in the standard recruiting model? 3. Recruiting as a Service: Aligning incentives, eliminating success fees, and reducing friction 4. Lessons from the Military: Discipline, structure, and why some rules exist 5. Hiring for Cultural Fit: The overlooked key to long-term organizational success 6. Failure as a Teacher: Why Ryan embraces mistakes and what they've taught him 7. Future-Proofing Careers: The role of AI, automation, and human authenticity in the workplace Links: * Talent Harbor: https://talentharbor.com [https://talentharbor.com/] * Connect with Ryan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanehogan/ * Ryan's Podcast, Confessions of an EOS Implementer: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/confessions-of-an-implementer/id1740510216 * The New Common Denominator of Success by Albert E.N. Gray: https://amzn.to/4kxhY9G * The Go-Giver: https://amzn.to/3YZeYL1 For more episodes, visit: https://unfoldingthought.com [https://unfoldingthought.com/] Join the conversation by emailing Eric at: eric@inboundandagile.com