Justin Spears isn't just the founder of MXI Consulting; he's a catalyst for business transformation. Leveraging a unique blend of military discipline and agile innovation, Justin has made MXI Consulting the go-to partner for businesses hungry for growth. As a U.S. Navy veteran and certified Scrum Master and Safe 5 Agilist, he knows how to navigate complex challenges with precision and agility. Before MXI, Justin honed his skills in both the government and commercial sectors. Armed with an M.A. in Intellectual Leadership and an M.B.A. in Entrepreneurship and Innovation, he's not just a strategist; he's a doer. His portfolio boasts successful change initiatives and the launch of new organizational divisions across diverse industries. Add certifications in Change Management, Design Thinking, and Lean Six Sigma, and you've got a leader who doesn't just talk the talk but walks the walk. What sets Justin apart? It's his proven track record in driving continuous improvements and his passion for applying agile and LEAN management techniques. He doesn't just offer services; he becomes a strategic partner committed to your success.   https://aurorawdc.com/  Arik JohnsonLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/arikjohnson/  Derek JohnsonLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-johnson-cfa-190893/

Cam Mackey is President and CEO of the International Safety Equipment Association. ISEA champions a strong and vibrant personal protective and safety equipment industry through product standards, advocacy, actionable market insights, and industry-leading training. Appointed by the Board in May 2022, Cam is the leading advocate for the industry that protects over 100 million workers every day in the U.S. alone. Prior to joining ISEA, Cam was Executive Director at SCIP, the non-profit advancing the practice of competitive strategy & intelligence. He also held senior positions at Manufacturers Alliance, a professional society advancing manufacturing executive leadership, and at Corporate Executive Board, a best practices advisory and consulting firm (now part of Gartner). Cam has led or collaborated on benchmark studies in areas including sustainability, product management, competitive strategy, innovation, and channel strategy. He is a member of the Live Stream Interchange Advisory Board, and the Finance Committee of the Edmund Burke School. A native of Ashtabula, OH, Cam is a graduate of Haverford College, and lives in Washington, DC with his wife, two daughters, and Labrador retriever.   https://aurorawdc.com/  Arik JohnsonLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/arikjohnson/  Derek JohnsonLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-johnson-cfa-190893/

Jake Bernstein is the Director of Business Development at SPINS, a CPG data and insights company based out of Chicago. He leads a team of 5 business development representatives at the company, helping drive lead generation and new business opportunities. He's passionate about teaching, coaching and enabling others to sharpen their craft and achieve outcomes both personally and professionally. Prior to SPINS, Jake was employee #1 at an HR Tech company called Bonfyre based out of St. Louis. Outside of work, Jake is a proud father of his son Shane who turns 1 this July, and is involved in a cause called Experience Camps, which helps grieving children have the best week ever.   https://aurorawdc.com/  Arik JohnsonLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/arikjohnson/  Derek JohnsonLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-johnson-cfa-190893/

As owner and President at AIM – Targeted Intelligence, Anne’s responsibilities include business prospecting and resource management. For over two decades, Anne has led a team of experienced intelligence analysts and librarians in delivering valuable solutions for the public and private sector. Anne seeks continuous learning opportunities to provide innovative best-in-class solutions. This is evident through educational engagements, professional certifications and awarded contracts, such as AIM’s: Professional Researcher Certification (PRC) from the Insights Association, Competitive Intelligence Professional (CIP) certification from the Academy of Competitive Intelligence and a GSA federal contract awardee. Anne also served as a past President for the Special Library Association’s (SLA) Competitive Intelligence Community, Director for SLA’s Michigan Chapter, and enjoys serving her local community and students by volunteering as a guest lecturer at Northwood University and Michigan Technological University.   https://aurorawdc.com/  Arik JohnsonLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/arikjohnson/  Derek JohnsonLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-johnson-cfa-190893/

Dragoljub Marjanovic is 23 years old and is from Belgrade, Serbia. He is a student-athlete at Gannon University currently enrolled in MBA in Business Analytics. In May 2022, he graduated from Gannon with a Bachelor's degree in Finance. For the past three years, he has been working as a research analyst for Gannon University’s Beehive. In 2017, he came to the US as a foreign exchange student to finish his senior year of high school. At age 16, he was a professional water polo player in Serbia and a member of the Youth National team.   https://aurorawdc.com/  Arik JohnsonLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/arikjohnson/  Derek JohnsonLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-johnson-cfa-190893/

Brad Gleason is the Director of Entrepreneurial Operations at Gannon University and the CEO of Domestic Monitoring Initiative (DMI). Brad has an undergraduate degree at Gannon University, and a Masters of Science at Mercyhurst University in 2013. Brad has one 24 year old daughter Alexa (her Husband Ryan Patiya), and a life partner Dr. Julie Hartmann. Brad recently moved to Louisville, KY and splits his work life between Erie, PA (Gannon University) and Kentucky. Brad's DMI journey started with what he phrases “The Aha” moment. A dying wish of his mother, combined with a gathering with a life mentor triggered an idea tied to solving a problem that has turned into a four year effort to reduce suffering, self-harm and group-harm for the betterment of society. Domestic Monitoring Initiative can revolutionize case management awareness that will reduce crisis events and add efficiencies to diversionary care in mental health and over time fields such as veterans, children & youth, pre-release programs and even employee assistance programs.   https://aurorawdc.com/  Arik JohnsonLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/arikjohnson/  Derek JohnsonLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-johnson-cfa-190893/

BEWARE THE IDES OF MARCH isn't just a prophecy for Caesar to watch his back; it's a warning to rulers everywhere their people aren't necessarily going to roll over and accept tyranny without a fight. Starting last year, we began celebrating the Ides of March (always the 15th) with a tradition we call Death-to-Tyrants Day, which just happens to be the day of our livestream this week. Join us this Wednesday at Noon Central time to discuss what's trending in our autocratically intensifying world and how to fight for freedom and liberty in spite of it all.   https://aurorawdc.com/  Arik JohnsonLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/arikjohnson/  Derek JohnsonLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-johnson-cfa-190893/

Join us for a special episode of Running Into the Fog as we celebrate Derek’s 20th anniversary in the field of competitive intelligence! As one of our talented hosts, Derek has been instrumental in bringing our viewers unique quests and insights into the world of competitive intelligence. Now, it’s time for us to turn the spotlight on him and hear about his journey into this fascinating field. During this episode, Derek will share his personal experiences and lessons learned, from his early days in the industry to his current role as a leader in the field. He’ll provide valuable insights into what it takes to succeed in competitive intelligence, including the skills, mindset, and tools needed to stay ahead of the competition. Join us as we celebrate Derek’s achievements and gain a deeper understanding of what it takes to succeed in the field.   https://aurorawdc.com/  Arik JohnsonLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/arikjohnson/  Derek JohnsonLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-johnson-cfa-190893/

Sebastian Herrera is a 4th year MIS Major at the University of Georgia. With plans to graduate in December of 2023, he is spending his undergraduate year extracting as much value as he can from the Terry College of Business, his co-curricular fellowships, and extracurricular experiences. Academically, Sebastian has decided to pursue an area of emphasis in Data Analytics as well as the Beckham Certificate of Workforce Diversity. In addition to his academic pursuits, Sebastian has spent the last 6 months working for the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) at the University of Georgia as a data entry specialist. Outside of his normal duties, he has taken it upon himself to improve the programs spreadsheets and has begun the process of introducing the EFNEP program to data querying languages that would increase reporting efficiency. When he is not in class or at work, Sebastian is very involved across campus. He is an inaugural EY Terry Diversity Fellow, a UGA Leaders Engaged in Affirming Diversity (L.E.A.D.) Fellow, a member of the inaugural Terry Student Philanthropy Council, a member of the first student integrated Movimiento Latino Steering Committee, and the Vice President of Fraternal Development for Phi Kappa Theta. In each of these positions, Sebastian tries to bring his passion of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) as well as a lead by example attitude. In the future, Sebastian hopes to use bring his hardworking attitude, technical ability, and DEIB interests to a company that will value DEIB work as much as he does.   https://aurorawdc.com/  Arik JohnsonLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/arikjohnson/  Derek JohnsonLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-johnson-cfa-190893/

Wanda Marie Thibodeaux is a freelance writer based in Eagan, MN. Since 2006, she has worked with a full range of clients (e.g., Prudential, Duda Mobile) to create website landing pages, product descriptions, articles, professional letters, and other content. She also served as a daily columnist at Inc.com for three years (250,000-300,000 monthly page views), where she specialized in content on business leadership, psychology, neuroscience, and behavior. Her work has appeared in publications such as Forbes, Entrepreneur, and Harvard Business Review. Currently, Thibodeaux is an executive ghostwriter with Massive Alliance and also accepts independent clients through her website, Takingdictation.com. She is especially interested in motivational psychology, self-development, and mental health.   https://aurorawdc.com/  Arik JohnsonLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/arikjohnson/  Derek JohnsonLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-johnson-cfa-190893/

Angie is a results-focused Human Resources Consultant with expertise covering all aspects of HR and the value solid HR practices can bring to both individuals and companies. She especially enjoys working with small to medium sized businesses in the professional services industry and has been fortunate to work in both a Human Resources and an Operations capacity enabling her to understand HR as a competitive advantage to the inner workings of every company. She uses this knowledge to partner with business leaders on how to best integrate Human Resources as a contributing function of the business. After 15+ years of serving as internal Human Resources leader for private businesses, Angie founded Milestones HR, LLC in 2014. Milestones offers Human Resources services to companies who need HR expertise but do not require a full time Human Resources department. Milestones has proudly partnered with over 100 companies; whether their need is ongoing Human Resources support or support only until they grow to a size when they’re ready to hire an internal Human Resources leader.   https://aurorawdc.com/  Arik JohnsonLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/arikjohnson/  Derek JohnsonLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-johnson-cfa-190893/

Dr. Daniel Sem has over 25 years of experience in healthcare entrepreneurship and innovation, first in the biotechnology sector, then in academia. He has over 70 published papers and book chapters, 10 issued patents, and has co-founded several companies. In 2020 he published the book Purple Solutions: A bipartisan roadmap to better healthcare in America (purplesolutions.org). Dr. Sem works extensively with Universities, Industries and Government in Southeast Wisconsin to build shared innovation and commercialization resources for the region. He received his Ph.D. in Biochemistry from UW-Madison (1990), and then worked in biotechnology in San Diego where he co-founded Triad Therapeutics, ranked one of the top 10 biotech startups in the US by Drug Discovery Today (later acquired by Novartis for $60 million). He also has Law and MBA degrees from Marquette, and has acquired a passion for healthcare policy and business – blending law, healthcare, ethics and sound economics. He is a licensed attorney. Sem joined the faculty at Marquette in 2002 and served as Assistant then Associate Professor of Organic Chemistry, before joining Concordia University’s new School of Pharmacy in 2011, transitioning to his role as Dean of Business in July of 2016 and then to Vice Provost for Research and Innovation in April of 2022. He maintains an appointment in the Dept. of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and is also CEO of Bridge to Cures, and cofounder and Director of the Remedium Exchange (Rx) Think Tank (rxthinktank.org). He currently serves a dual role at Concordia University as President of CU Ventures (Technology Transfer; Investing) and as Vice Provost for Research and Innovation. Sem is active in the business community, serving on multiple boards, including BBB and Ozaukee County Economic Development. His personal passion is helping faculty and student entrepreneurs build, fund and grow companies; and, innovating in applied business education.   https://aurorawdc.com/  Arik JohnsonLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/arikjohnson/  Derek JohnsonLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-johnson-cfa-190893/

Raleen Gagnon is the GM of Total Talent Intelligence at Magnit Global, responsible for enabling global workforce management with real-time actionable data that is delivered through cutting edge technology. Raleen has been integrating the power of competitive, market, and business intelligence to elevate corporate strategy and intelligence for the past 20 years.   https://aurorawdc.com/  Arik JohnsonLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/arikjohnson/  Derek JohnsonLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-johnson-cfa-190893/

In 2018, John Arms entered the jungle of the Fractional economy and hacked his way through it. Once through, he locked arms with Jason Voiovich and created Voyageur U as the definitive guide into the Fractional economy for professionals. Every day they reach back on the trail behind them to help others make their way and thrive as Fractional professionals. John is Co founder of the Voyageur University Fractional Talent enterprise. His special powers are in fractional talent thought leadership, advocacy and innovation. He is also a practicing Fractional Chief Marketing Officer.   https://aurorawdc.com/  Arik JohnsonLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/arikjohnson/  Derek JohnsonLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-johnson-cfa-190893/

Eric Garland is a futurist, intelligence analyst and entrepreneur, and member of the Council of Competitive Intelligence Fellows. He specializes in parsing the storytelling of the Narrative Industrial Complex and helping business and government executives see over the horizon what's coming their way while there's still time to adjust. We'll be taking a look at what's coming at us in 2023 and what's really going on in the final week before midterm elections here in the U.S.   https://aurorawdc.com/  Arik JohnsonLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/arikjohnson/  Derek JohnsonLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-johnson-cfa-190893/

With a reputation as one of the most thoughtful and diligent forecasters in the Building Products industry, Todd spearheads Zonda’s Building Products Research and Advisory practice, including investigating some of the toughest industry questions using unique housing data. Todd tackles tough research problems in Housing/Building Products that have important implications, and is the architect behind a number of publicly cited industry measures and analysis. Before joining Zonda, Todd led JBREC Building Products Repair/Remodel forecasts, and economic/industry forecasting for North America at Kohler Co. Todd is an 11-time winner of the most accurate category forecaster from the Chicago Federal Reserve. Todd’s analysis is regularly cited by various media, including the Wall Street Journal, CNBC, New York Times, and others.   https://aurorawdc.com/  Arik JohnsonLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/arikjohnson/  Derek JohnsonLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-johnson-cfa-190893/

Join us in welcoming Zach Henderson, who was fortunate to build a small but successful real estate venture while in undergrad, and that afforded him the flexibility to explore a bit following graduation. After applying his industrial engineering degree in classic manufacturing roles for a brief stint, he moved into software implementation and ultimately product management for a large private healthcare IT company, continuing to grow the real estate company on the side. After a 4-year paid degree in big tech, he went back to the entrepreneurial well and worked on various product and service startups spanning the real estate, healthcare, and cannabis industries. It was around this time in 2015 that his exploration into blockchain and cryptocurrencies would take shape. Today, he is obsessed with learning and iterating as web3 grows at breakneck speeds. Why blockchain? Identifying the correct strategies in which to deploy the fundamental value of decentralization and non-custodial ownership of data presents a fascinating challenge, especially when considering the impact to the global power systems most disrupted.   https://aurorawdc.com/  Arik JohnsonLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/arikjohnson/  Derek JohnsonLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-johnson-cfa-190893/

It’s tea time today on Running Into the Fog.  Join us in welcoming Judith Leavitt, who was a strategic intelligence/market research manager in corporate development and manager of a corporate library for 17 years, among other positions in the business sector.  But since retirement from the corporate world, Judy has gone from a casual tea drinker to what she describes as being a “tea monster”.  Her passion for loose-leaf teas has driven her to educate people on the various types, aromas, benefits, production, and history of tea. Join us today as we discuss Judy’s book ‘Talking Tea’  that she penned in 2020, and how that came about.  We’ll also hear about what skills she has taken from her corporate background into this project, see how tea can bring us together, and learn a few tea-drinking basics along the way!   Quotes - “I’ve only tasted two cups of coffee in my entire life.  That was 1976, and I don’t plan to again.” (5:14 - 5:22)  - “I’ve always been a learner, from kindergarten on.  I feel like every day I’m still learning something new about tea." (13:04 - 13:12) - “My mission is, first of all, to connect people to tea, to really good quality tea.  And then to connect people to each other over the tea table or tea talk.” (15:09 - 15:18)   https://aurorawdc.com/  Arik JohnsonLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/arikjohnson/  Derek JohnsonLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-johnson-cfa-190893/

Kicking off part one of a twofold installment, today’s show features the Jo Bros discussing all things recession-related.  Specifically, Derek and Arik walk us through five of their top ten intelligence mission priorities during the great recession of 2022 and 2023.  As the United States slowly sinks into recession territory, many business leaders who had believed this to be a transitory period are now rethinking that conclusion.  As the growth market economy evaporates, organizational strategies are now shifting to a more preservation-based approach.     Today’s five points are about playing defense in a recessionary environment.   Topics include the effects on win/loss strategy, supply chain fragility, pricing versus profitability talent priorities, and vulnerable acquisition candidates.  Make sure to tune in next week as well, where the focus is shifted to going on the offensive during an economic downturn.    Quotes - “We can be a little more intentional about how we consolidate and protect the loyals, we take a share out of the wallet of the semis, we win back the formerly loyals, and we create awareness among the naives.  So it’s four very different missions that win/loss performs based on those four different customer segments.” (9:20 to 9:43) - “Take advantage as a consumer of this disequilibria, because you’re going to see discounting and disinflation in all those areas of the supply chain that you don’t really need.” (16:25 to 16:33) - "If you’re not looking at supply chain as an intelligence professional, you’re missing a great opportunity to have impact arguably with some of the stakeholders that you might not interact with the most.” (18:09 to 18:19) - "You’re looking to get directionally accurate rather than get precise.” (21:22 to 21:27)   https://aurorawdc.com/  Arik JohnsonLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/arikjohnson/  Derek JohnsonLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-johnson-cfa-190893/  

Episode 40 welcomes Aurora’s own Emily Pillar onto the show.  As a senior intelligence analyst, she brings a resourceful and inquisitive perspective, developed at a young age.  At age 5 she was pondering the concepts of how minute actions could change reality, and by age 12 she was analyzing grocery coupons to determine an ideal shopping list. Following a tragic accident involving her father, Emily and her sister took on the role of being a caregiver and healthcare advocates.  She details what exactly that looks like and why it is so vital to be present in our loved ones' lives.  Listen in today for first-hand practical tips on how to navigate the medical system, why taking care of yourself is important, and what competitive intelligence and caregiving have in common!   Quotes - “The problem solving, the strategic thinking, it was always there.  And my passion for supporting business, moving businesses forward, and making good decisions in business has always been there as well." (21:30 - 21:45)  - “If you don’t understand something that a provider is explaining, ask a question.” (23:54 - 23:59) - “Decide what’s important, and stand up for it.” (25:06 -25:09) “Another thing I would say that's really really important is: learn how to set boundaries for yourself, for your own sanity, for your own health and wellness.” (25:13 - 25:25)   https://aurorawdc.com/  Arik JohnsonLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/arikjohnson/  Derek JohnsonLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-johnson-cfa-190893/