Shows
Tales From The Sky Lounge-A Business PodcastEp30 Bob Brogan — Road Warrior to Business Architect: 40 Years of Transforming Companies"Bob Brogan joins us in the Sky Lounge to share his journey as Managing Partner at TechCXO for the Great Lakes Region. He pulls back the curtain on four decades in operations, IT, consulting, and strategy—including the story behind an incredible $100 million exit. From his family's surprising connection to the Chicago Bears to what really makes a business investable, this conversation delivers wisdom that's been battle-tested through multiple economic cycles.ABOUT OUR GUEST: Value Creation Expert-My outcomes and deliverables-Led numerous Buy/Sell-side Transactions totaling > $250M-Enabled Re...2025-06-041h 09
Baseball HQ RadioBaseballHQ Radio 2025-May-16: Friday Full Edition w Todd ZolaShow No. 17 is a Friday Full Edition featuring a guest expert interview, our weekly player news update, and HQ commentary...First, PD talks with Todd Zola, of Mastersball, ESPN, Rotowire and SiriusXM (2:55), discussing his process for creating RoS projections and weekly top-player lists... Then, Ray Murphy has our player news review... In the AL News (58:30), Ray looks at hitters including BAL 3B Ramon Urias and TEX RHSP Tyler Mahle... And in NL News (1:16:38), Ray looks at ATL OF Ronald Acuna Jr. and ARI RHSP Merrill Kelly... In Part 2 of our expert interview (1:30:50), PD and Todd Zola discuss the level of...2025-05-162h 15
At the Table with Tony BrownInclusive Leadership with Todd Sears Todd Sears took Tony Brown’s class at Duke in 1998. After graduation, Todd turned his attention to building community and belonging wherever he was. At Merrill Lynch he was the first openly gay financial advisor, and he created a team focused on serving the LGBTQ+ community – a first in the nation. Today, Todd is the founder and CEO of Out Leadership. Todd has found success helping companies see the importance of fostering connections among employees. “It’s about getting the right people, the right mix, and making them feel like they’re part of a community,” he says, that’s how you get t...2025-05-1630 min
Tales From The Sky Lounge-A Business PodcastEp29 Teja Yenamandra—Beyond Resumes- The Case for Talent-First, Human-Centered Hiring"Joining us today in the Sky Lounge is Teja Yenamandra, founder of Gun.io — the dev marketplace built for engineers who don’t belong on job boards. From martial arts to macro trends, Teja breaks down why great hiring is about rhythm, not resumes; how AI is reshaping the shape of work itself; and what most startups forget after the match is made. This is a founder story built on cold calls, precision matching, and scaling trust — not headcount.What is THE SKY LOUNGE?Tales from the Sky Lounge takes you on a journey through busine...2025-05-1453 min
Tales From The Sky Lounge-A Business PodcastEp 28 Michael Weinstein—Tariffs and Economic Uncertainty - How We Got Here & What's Next"Joining us today in the Sky Lounge is Michael Weinstein — fractional CFO, economic strategist, and finance veteran — who brings his hard-won insights and wit to an time of financial uncertainty in the current economic climate. From early days at Anheuser-Busch (yes, there was free beer) to senior roles in asset management, Michael has seen more business cycles than most of us have had iPhones.We dig into the structural fractures in today’s economy, why uncertainty is stalling investment, and how tariffs are creating ripple effects across industries. Michael breaks down why venture capital exits are clogged, the “o...2025-04-301h 08
Tales From The Sky Lounge-A Business PodcastEp 27 Jeff Haynie—The Rise of Agentic Systems and AI-Driven DevJeff Haynie joins us in the Sky Lounge to talk scaling Appcelerator, why JavaScript won, the soul of Silicon Valley, and how AI agents are reshaping everything. From early days coding for iPhones to launching Agentuity—his latest startup focused on cloud-native agentic systems—Jeff shares a founder’s-eye view of what’s next for AI, startups, and software infrastructure.ABOUT OUR GUESTJeff Haynie is a seasoned entrepreneur and technical founder with a track record of launching and scaling five venture-backed companies, collectively raising over $175M in funding. With a deep passion for building tools an...2025-04-091h 02
Tales From The Sky Lounge-A Business PodcastEp 26 - Matt Oess -Coaching Elite Leaders, AI Productivity & The Need for Tech DiplomacyJoining us today in the Sky Lounge is Matt Oess, a seasoned leader in sales, marketing, and executive coaching at TechCXO. With over a decade of experience guiding C-suite executives, Matt shares invaluable insights on leadership coaching, AI-driven business transformation, and navigating the complexities of high-stakes decision-making.We dive deep into AI’s game-changing potential, the evolving role of coaching in leadership, and how businesses can leverage AI for productivity, sales, and innovation. Matt also takes us behind the scenes of his work with the Krach Institute for Tech Diplomacy, where he’s helping shape glob...2025-03-191h 00
Tales From The Sky Lounge-A Business PodcastEp 25 Lisa Calhoun—Earning Every Win: Grit, Innovation, and Knowing When to Venture!Joining us in the Sky Lounge today is Lisa Calhoun, founding managing partner of Valor Ventures! Lisa shares her journey as a fourth-generation entrepreneur, the importance of relationships in venture capital, and her investment philosophy. She and Todd discuss the current state of the venture landscape, the impact of AI on startups, and advice for young entrepreneurs. Lisa shares her insights on navigating challenges in the industry and the transformative power of travel and personal growth.
Growing up, working for her family's commercial print shop, cold-calling clients as a teenager, and witnessing the rise of the microcomputer...2025-03-0538 min
BeliefcastCassidy Merrill💥 Meet Cassidy Merrill – The Force Behind Train Insane! 💥
Cassidy Merrill is a powerhouse of energy and light, igniting every room she walks into! As the founder of Train Insane, she’s on a mission to help others push their limits—physically, mentally, and emotionally.
With a BA in Community Health from Utah Valley University, Cassidy’s passion for fitness led her to group training, where she thrives in an environment of hard work, strength, and determination. She believes intense training isn’t just for the body—it’s fuel for the soul.
2025-02-1750 min
Tales From The Sky Lounge-A Business PodcastEp24 Alan Gold—Sales, Marketing, and AI: How to Survive, Scale, and Avoid StagnationJoining us today in the Sky Lounge is Alan Gold, a marketing and sales strategist with decades of experience in M&A, startups, and growth strategy. Alan has been on both sides of the table—helping companies scale, navigating acquisitions, and leading turnarounds. From being part of the launch team for Wi-Fi technology to working on speech recognition and AI-powered business tools, he’s seen how markets evolve and what it really takes to stay ahead.
We dive into:
M&A trends—why some companies are stuck while others are thriving
The hard truth about growth and wh...2025-02-121h 14BeliefcastCHRISTOPH merrillLife is chaotic, but your habits don’t have to be.
CHRISTOPH Merrill knows firsthand how tough it is to stay consistent—juggling high-pressure responsibilities, personal challenges, and mental health struggles. Despite living with Bipolar Type 1, he built a $50M company in under three years and has trained 100,000+ leaders worldwide.
Now, through his HabitFreak method, he helps overwhelmed professionals break free from quick-fix solutions and build unshakable, identity-level habits that thrive in any storm.
🔥 Stop relying on willpower. Start becoming the person who naturally succeeds.
You...2025-02-101h 02
Tales From The Sky Lounge-A Business PodcastEp22 Antonio Pagano—Phishing, AI Scams, and the Ever-Intensifying Cybersecurity WarJoining us today in the Sky Lounge is Antonio Pagano, founder of Wawandco and co-founder of Symbol Security. Todd and Antonio discuss cybersecurity’s human element, compliance, evolving phishing attacks, and AI’s role in scams. Antonio shares insights on real-world incidents, cyber insurance trends, and the dynamics of running a business with a remote co-founder. He also delves into the challenges and successes of entrepreneurship, emphasizing the balance between ambition and well-being, and how staying grounded fuels creativity and success.
ABOUT OUR GUEST
Antonio Pagano is a visionary entrepreneur from Barranquilla, Colombia, dedicated to making technology acce...2025-01-2953 min
Breakthrough InnovationFrom Scrappy Startups to Scalable SaaS: Todd Merrill’s Leadership EvolutionIn this episode of Breakthrough Innovation, we sit down with Todd Merrill, a seasoned software executive and fractional CTO/CISO with extensive experience leading SaaS companies through growth cycles. From pioneering technology initiatives with NASA to guiding international teams of engineers, Todd’s career journey is a testament to the art of navigating the complexities of innovation, leadership, and scaling.Todd’s story spans decades of driving transformation, from early-stage startups to leading enterprise-scale SaaS operations. He shares invaluable insights on how leadership evolves as companies mature, emphasizing the critical shift from fast-moving, scrappy startups to more stru...2025-01-1617 min
Tales From The Sky Lounge-A Business PodcastEp22 Bryan Dennstedt—2025 Trends: AI, Venture Capital, and the Future of Work!Today in the Sky Lounge, Bryan Dennstedt joins Todd Merrill as they bring their unique perspectives from years in business, technology, and investing for a deep dive into the trends that will shape 2025. From venture capital’s cautious return to the AI-driven reshaping of industries, this episode is a candid discussion about what’s next for tech, work, and investing. Everything from whether AI is going to hit speed bumps or keep climbing, blockchain’s role in authenticity in AI and the future of collaboration tools is on the table!
ABOUT OUR GUEST
Bryan Dennstedt is an...2025-01-081h 08
Tales From The Sky Lounge-A Business PodcastTravel: Perspectives, Peeves, Perks, Problematic Airports, Pro Tips, Profound Lessons and Priceless StoriesThis year has been a whirlwind of adventure, and as we gear up for an incredible 2025, we’re hitting pause to share something special—our favorite travel stories! From mind-boggling mishaps to inspiring lessons learned on the road, these tales are all about the joy, challenges, and magic of exploring the world while living in the world of business.
We’re so grateful to our amazing guests and YOU, our listeners, for making this journey unforgettable. Sit back, relax, and let these stories take you places. Here’s to another year of growth, adventure, and connection. See you in 2...2024-12-3059 min
Tales From The Sky Lounge-A Business PodcastEp21 James Rozich— Sales, Marketing, Sumerians and Avoiding Founder's Disease!Joining us today in the Sky Lounge is Jim Rozich, founder of Wheels Up Sales and Marketing. Jim specializes in helping early-stage startups overcome the unglamorous yet essential challenges of building solid sales and marketing processes. From CRM implementation to crafting value-driven email campaigns, Jim shares practical insights that founders need to create traction and scale effectively.
In this episode, we explore the realities of early-stage startup sales, common pitfalls, and the art of developing scalable processes that work. Jim also shares his thoughts on the evolving venture investing landscape and why startups are becoming the “new br...2024-12-181h 03
Money Life with Chuck JaffeBank of America Merrill's Sanfilippo says a market rotation underwayLauren Sanfilippo, senior investment strategist for Bank of America Merrill and Private Bank, says that the market has reached highs on the backs of a few stocks, but that it is now rotating away from those popular trades. That will reward investors who stay balanced and diversified as the market broadens out next year, moving away from the Magnificent Seven stocks and a few names driving results to rewarding more companies with solid balance sheets in sectors from defense to technology, industrials and more. Todd Rosenbluth, head of research at VettaFi, makes a short-duration, actively managed fixed-income fund his...2024-12-051h 00
Tales From The Sky Lounge-A Business PodcastEp20 Adam Lehde — Family Values, Ukrainian Excellence: Creating the Ideal WorkplaceToday in the Sky Lounge, we’re joined by Adam Lehde, co-founder of Happen Technologies, to explore the art of building businesses across borders. Adam shares how he turned his initial doubts about outsourcing into a thriving hybrid business model that bridges Midwest strategy with Ukrainian tech talent.
We dive into Adam’s journey from a rocky internship to mastering mobile development, the resilience of Ukrainian developers amidst wartime, and why culture always matters in tech. Adam also reveals how personal priorities and work-life balance shaped his company’s values and offers insights into the ever-evolving remote work l...2024-11-2757 min
Tales From The Sky Lounge-A Business PodcastEp 19 Kathryn O'Day —Triathlons, Startups, and Success: A Playbook for EntrepreneursJoining us today in the Sky Lounge is Kathryn O'Day, entrepreneur and partner at Atlanta Ventures. Kathryn shares her journey of building multiple successful startups and being a major part of massive acquisitions. We dive deep into the parallels between endurance sports and entrepreneurship, uncovering how triathlon training taught her key lessons in consistency, grit, and pushing through difficult times.
Kathryn also reveals key insights into startup culture, highlights how Atlanta Ventures finds and molds startups to be their best selves and shares the value of being “positive, supportive, and self-starting”—qualities that shaped her experience at Pardot...2024-10-3047 min
Tales From The Sky Lounge-A Business PodcastEp18 Ghazenfer Mansoor — A Born Entrepreneur Talks Startups, Product Blueprints, and Global ScalingIn this episode, Ghazenfer Mansoor shares his journey from engineer to global entrepreneur. He dives into the entrepreneurial mindset needed to grow startups, develop smart products, and manage teams across multiple countries. Ghazenfer explains the challenges of building a multi-continent business and offers insights on product development blueprints, adapting post-COVID, and the importance of flexibility in business operations.
ABOUT OUR GUEST
Ghazenfer Mansoor, originally from Pakistan, relocated to the United States in 1999 and has since made his home in Virginia, near the Washington DC area. He lives there with his wife and three children.
2024-10-1650 min
Tales From The Sky Lounge-A Business PodcastEp17 - Kirby Winters — Scout Skills, Leadership Hacks, and Smart Security in the Age of AIJoining us in the Sky Lounge today is Kirby Winters—tech entrepreneur, cybersecurity expert, and partner at TechCXO. Kirby takes us through his journey from telecom to launching (and selling) his own business before diving back into consulting. He also shares some serious Eagle Scout leadership insights, breaks down the world of cybersecurity, and how AI is changing the game.
Chapters
[00:00] Introduction to Kirby Winters and His Journey
[03:04] Leadership Lessons from Scouting and Mentorship
[06:10] Navigating Career Paths: Technical vs. Management Roles
[09:03] The Entrepreneurial Leap: Starting a Business
[11:56] The Exit Strategy: Selling a Business
[14:59] The Importance of Cybersecurity in Bu...2024-10-0358 min
Tales From The Sky Lounge-A Business PodcastEp16 - Rich Makover—Leadership, Resilience, and Sales MasteryIn this episode, we sit with Rich Makover, a seasoned CRO and executive coach, to discuss how athletics prepared him for a career in sales leadership, his journey from CPA to sales, insights on resilience, mentorship, and the evolving sales landscape. Learn how strategic thinking, coaching, and leadership have shaped Rich's path to success at TechCXO.
Chapters
[00:00] Introduction and Background
[03:00] Resilience and Rejection in Sales
[08:03] Transitioning from Salesperson to Sales Leader
[11:28] Lead Generation Strategies and Channels
[14:29] The Changing Landscape of Sales
[18:31] Hiring and Developing Young Sales Talent
[20:23] Coaching and Supporting Sales Team Members
[26:56] The Importance of...2024-09-1858 min
Tales From The Sky Lounge-A Business PodcastEp15 - IT Roundtable: Leadership and Cost Optimization in Challenging TimesToday, we are joined in the Sky Lounge by IT experts Ian Findlay, David Johnston, and Paul King from TechCXO to explore the crucial role of IT leadership in today’s economic climate. They delve into technology health assessments, uncovering cost inefficiencies, and optimizing IT spend. From alternatives to VMware to cutting cloud costs, the panel offers actionable insights for businesses navigating economic downturns.
Key Topics:
The role of fractional CIOs and technology health assessments.
IT cost inefficiencies and optimization strategies.
VMware alternatives and cloud cost management.
Downsizing IT staff: risks and best practices.
Show No...2024-09-041h 05
The Rockies Insider with Patrick LyonsRockies-Padres series preview on Todd Helton Weekend; can San Diego and Jackson Merrill stay red-hot?Jackson Merrill has injected himself into the NL Rookie of the Year conversation as a leader for the San Diego Padres on their impressive run to the postseason. Can they stay hot against the Colorado Rockies, who have handled them well historically?Javier Reyes of Just Baseball and Locked on Rockies joins to discuss whether or not GM A.J. Preller is on his way out, whether the Juan Soto trade has been a blessing and which Friars’ prospect may be even more exciting than teenager Ethan Salas.Plus, a series preview of Pads-Rox and de...2024-08-1648 min
On Friar, An NBC 7 Padres PodcastPadres Hotter Than Ever, Is Jackson Merrill Rookie of the Year?The Padres have never been on a hot streak like this - 19 wins in 22 games?! The guys discuss how they've caught fire. Is Jackson Merrill the NL Rookie of the Year? The hype train has left the station. Can he rip the award from Paul Skenes? David Peralta is mashing. Martin Perez is shoving. Joe Musgrove is back. The bullpen finally got a breather. And the DBacks are keeping pace atop the Wild Card race.On Friar is available on YouTube! Watch new episodes here.To join the conversation, tweet your Padres or San Diego...2024-08-1657 min
Tales From The Sky Lounge-A Business PodcastEp 14 - AI Roundtable— Where Do We Stand and What’s Next?The Sky Lounge is packed today with our first Roundtable! Joining us are AI experts Nikolaos Vasiloglou, Joel Forman, and Kevin Carlson to dissect the latest in machine learning, generative AI, and the future of tech.
When is AI, AI?! When is it just a parrot? From practical applications to ethical quandaries, this is a deep dive into artificial intelligence past, present, and future!
ABOUT OUR GUESTS:
Nikolaos Vasiloglou is the VP of Research-ML at RelationalAI. He has spent his career on building ML software and leading data science projects in Retail, Online...2024-08-1455 min
All Things FundraisingFormula to Success: Innovation and Client Focus with Todd MyersIn the latest Rainmaker Podcast episode, host Gui Costin interviews Todd Myers, the Chief Operating Officer of Private Wealth Solutions at Blackstone. The discussion covers Todd’s impressive career, which spans from his beginnings in investment banking to strategic roles at Merrill Lynch, and ultimately to his position at Blackstone. Todd highlights the importance of discipline, analytical thinking, and client engagement, which have been pivotal throughout his career.Todd provides insights into Blackstone's success, attributing it to a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation instilled by founders Steve Schwarzman and Pete Peterson. Blackstone’s consistent investment process and team...2024-07-3038 min
Dakota Rainmaker PodcastFormula to Success: Innovation and Client Focus with Todd MyersIn the latest Rainmaker Podcast episode, host Gui Costin interviews Todd Myers, the Chief Operating Officer of Private Wealth Solutions at Blackstone. The discussion covers Todd’s impressive career, which spans from his beginnings in investment banking to strategic roles at Merrill Lynch, and ultimately to his position at Blackstone. Todd highlights the importance of discipline, analytical thinking, and client engagement, which have been pivotal throughout his career.Todd provides insights into Blackstone's success, attributing it to a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation instilled by founders Steve Schwarzman and Pete Peterson. Blackstone’s consistent investment process and team...2024-07-3038 min
Business of Boating w/ Merrill CharetteInside the World of Inflatable Yacht Tenders with Todd L'ItalienIn this episode of the Business of Boating podcast, we dive into the world of inflatable yacht tenders with Todd L'Italien, the owner of Tender Care Boats. Todd shares his journey from a Navy Lieutenant to a successful business owner, detailing how his maritime background has influenced his approach to running one of America's leading inflatable tender dealerships. We explore the unique offerings of Tender Care Boats, discuss industry trends, and uncover practical advice for both aspiring marine professionals and seasoned experts. Join us for an insightful conversation filled with expert knowledge, personal stories, and a deep dive into...2024-07-2944 min
Commodity WeekJul 25 | Commodity WeekPanelists - Matt Bennett, AgMarket.net - Merrill Crowley, AgTraderTalk.com - Curt Kimmel, AgMarket.net
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2024-07-2624 min
Tales From The Sky Lounge-A Business PodcastEp 13 - Marc McCarthy— Mastering Market Entry from Either Side of the PondJoining us in the Sky Lounge is Marc McCarthy, a seasoned business consultant helping UK companies expand into the US market.
Marc spills the beans (and tea) on the quirks of taking your business transatlantic—from cultural idiosyncrasies to navigating legal language mazes.
Discover why you need to get off Zoom and into the room where it happens! Marc offers practical advice for businesses looking to make their mark across the Atlantic.
ABOUT OUR GUEST:
Marc is a Fintech commercial executive who has helped SaaS companies with complex solutions overcome the challenges of expanding their gl...2024-07-2452 min
Tales From The Sky Lounge-A Business PodcastEp12 - Katherine Hunter-Blyden: Tips on the Modern Marketing Landscape from a Seasoned ExpertJoining us in the Sky Lounge is Katherine Hunter-Blyden, a seasoned marketing expert who has journeyed from insurance pricing to global marketing roles at Ford, and now serves as a fractional CMO.
Katherine shares her experiences, from the impact of mentorship and learning to take calculated risks, to the essentials of modern marketing in both large corporations and smaller startups.
Discover her strategies for branding, direct response marketing, and leveraging AI tools, while still finding time to travel around the globe just to volunteer at the Olympics!!
ABOUT OUR GUEST:
Katherine Hunter-Blyden is a marketing...2024-07-1054 min
On Friar, An NBC 7 Padres PodcastMerrill's the Man, All-Star Profar, Farm Update with MadFriarsThe Padres might be separating themselves in the NL Wild Card race. That should impact their plans for the upcoming Trade Deadline. Will there be prospect huggin' or prospect dealin'? Seems like a good time to catch up with our good friend John Conniff from MadFriars. He discusses the familiar deadline dilemma - who could be part of a deal, and who should be off limits? Salas, Snelling and Lesko are having down seasons - what's the story there, and who has stood out? Plus, John had a debt to pay thanks to Jackson Merrill. Jurickson Profar is an...2024-07-0554 min
Tales From The Sky Lounge-A Business PodcastEp 11 - Rob Reesor: Insights, Tips, Tricks and Wisdom from a Tech VeteranEPISODE DESCRIPTION:
It all started with stumbling into a computer science course at the University of Oregon and culminated in a decades-long tech career filled with success.
Rob Reesor reflects on his journey from pioneering early e-commerce to advancing AI, shares a ton of wisdom on how to lead a team and deliver promise to customers, and looks forward to sharing his expertise in new and exciting ways.
ABOUT OUR GUEST:
Rob Reesor is a newly semi-retired CTO and VPE with nearly four decades of startup and PE-backed software development and...2024-06-1447 min
On Friar, An NBC 7 Padres PodcastMerrill Delivers Padres' First Sweep, Is This a Turning Point?The Padres finally swept a series, and took care of a bad baseball team the way they should. Jackson Merrill walked it off, Donovan Solano had a massive swing, and Michael King shoved. Fernando Tatis Jr.'s hitting streak ended, but for a good cause. Two straight walk off wins! Could this be a turning point?On Friar is available on YouTube! Watch new episodes here.To join the conversation, tweet your Padres or San Diego sports thoughts and questions to Darnay (@DarnayTripp), Derek (@DerekNBCSD) and Todd (@TODDSTRAINNBCSD).Catch NBC 7's Padres analysis...2024-06-1351 min
The Daily Drive2. Just StartSend us a text we share the remarkable story of Hugh Howey, a bestselling author whose journey to writing success was anything but straightforward. Despite being a lifelong reader, Hugh spent 20 years in the "boiler room," overwhelmed by the gap between his writing and the works of his favorite authors. Frustrated, he stopped writing and spent two decades studying the craft, analyzing books, and attending literary events.Everything changed at the 2009 Virginia Festival of the Book when mystery novelist Caroline Todd delivered a powerful piece of advice: "You just write." Inspired by these words, Hugh r...2024-06-0402 min
Meikles & Dimes142: White Shoe Firm Corporate Attorney Todd Mortensen | Advising CEOs and Boards of DirectorsTodd Mortensen is a corporate attorney in New York City who advises boards of directors, investment banks, and special committees on sell-side, buy-side, public, and private transactions in a wide range of industries. Todd has represented Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, JPMorgan Chase, Barclays Capital, Wells Fargo Securities, UBS, and Rothschild & Co. among others.
Todd has also worked in a number of investment management roles at Blackstone, Morgan Stanley, Merrill Lynch, and Wells Fargo. He’s a former professional athlete and speaks fluent Spanish and earned a JD/MBA from Penn Law School and Wharton.
In thi...2024-06-0324 minCommodity WeekMay 31 | Commodity WeekPanelists - Merrill Crowley, AgTraderTalk.com - Logan Kimmel, RoachAgMarketing.com - Mike Zuzolo, GlobalCommResearch.com
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2024-05-3130 min
Tales From The Sky Lounge-A Business PodcastEp 10 - Chris Caparon: Hard-Won Lessons from a Long and Successful Tech JourneyToday we’re joined by Chris Caparon, a seasoned entrepreneur and tech veteran.
Chris shares his journey from Michigan to sunny California, where he co-founded CForia Software and navigated the turbulent waters of tech business, venture capital and 20 years of highs and lows through every kind of crisis (un)imaginable.
Now that he’s exited out the other side, he shares some perspective and excellent lessons learned.
#EntrepreneurJourney #TechStartups #VentureCapital #BusinessConsulting #SuccessStories
ABOUT OUR GUEST:
Chris founded Cforia Software with his partner Dave McIntyre to build a software company that...2024-05-311h 04
Closing Market ReportMay 10 | Closing Market Report- Merrill Crowley, AgTraderTalk.com- It May Not Matter that Farmers are Old- Eric Snodgrass, NutrienAgSolutions.com
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2024-05-1023 min
Tales From The Sky Lounge-A Business PodcastEp 09 - Bart Foster: Grit Becomes Growth, the Path from Pain to TransformationBart Foster visits the Sky Lounge to talk about how an unceremonious ouster from the thriving startup he founded led him on a transformative journey to living a life of intention and purpose.
He discusses founding BusinessOutside as a result, a venture that leverages nature to cultivate deeper connections and personal growth among leaders and teams, and the techniques he uses to get out of the mundane and into the “real” talk that makes real connections.
#nature #intentionalliving #businessculture #businessoutside #techcxo #futureofwork
ABOUT OUR GUEST:
Bart Foster is the founder and CEO of BusinessOutside®, a facil...2024-05-1056 min
Tales From The Sky Lounge-A Business PodcastEp 08 - David Morczinek: Machine Learning at MIT to Entrepreneurial Growth and Fundraising Success.Joining us in the Sky Lounge today is David Morczinek, the innovative CEO of Airworks, a geospatial AI company. David shares his fascinating journey from aerospace engineer to leading a cutting-edge company. He delves into his academic and professional experiences, including his time at Airbus and his transformative years at MIT where he pursued an MBA. With Airworks, David is at the forefront of utilizing drone technology to transform aerial data into actionable business intelligence, offering compelling insights into how aerial data is shaping the future of business decisions.
#technology #ai #artificialintelligence #dronetechnology #aerospace #businessculture #mit #techcxo
2024-04-2648 minCommodity WeekApr 18 | Commodity WeekPanelists - Merrill Crowley, AgTraderTalk.com - Curt Kimmel, AgMarket.net - Wayne Nelson, L&M Commodities
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2024-04-2230 min
Tales From The Sky Lounge-A Business PodcastEp 07 - Christy Johnson - Cultivating Resilience Through Adaptation, Partnership and GrowthTodd chats with a true traveler, Christy Johnson from BIP Ventures. Her story is a testament to the idea that there's no one-size-fits-all path in entrepreneurship and venture capital as she shares her unconventional path from getting an IMBA (International MBA) in school to microloans in Costa Rica, steel manufacturing in Florida and eventually venture capital. She discusses the importance of culture, the challenges of remote work, and the power of being intentional in business practices and some holiday celebrations that are…NOT mandatory (hint: they are).
ABOUT OUR GUEST:
Christy Johnson has been a pivotal member of the BI...2024-04-1244 min
Tales From The Sky Lounge-A Business PodcastEp 06 - Mike Blake: A Journey Through Valuations, Ventures, Visions and VodkaJoining us in the Sky Lounge this week is the fascinating Mike Blake, founder of High Score Strategies. Dive into the world of business valuation and strategy consulting, and learn how Mike navigates multimillion-dollar valuation opportunities with the finesse of a recovering venture capitalist. Get a little bit nerdy as these two tech aficionados explore what it takes to make it big in the business world, how you can use gift cards to pay employees (note: you can’t!) and why the Russian mafia played a big part in Mike’s career trajectory. Don't miss this high-flying and globe-spanning epis...2024-03-2854 minCommodity WeekMar 22 | Commodity WeekPanelists- Matt Bennett, AgMarket.net- Merrill Crowley, AgTraderTalk.com- Jim McCormick, AgTraderTalk.com- Susan Stroud, NoBullAg.com
★ Support this podcast ★
2024-03-2231 min
Tales From The Sky Lounge-A Business PodcastEp 05 - Jay Kleinman: Winning Strategies From Gridiron Grit to Healthcare InnovationJoining us in the Sky Lounge today is Jay Kleinman, a seasoned healthcare business development and sales strategy expert with over 30 years of experience. Jay dives into his journey from playing football at Auburn University to launching and scaling ventures in the healthcare space.
Discover the power of teamwork, the art of sales, and the impact of digital health on elder care. Learn why you should think twice before sending that cold email and how chicken and broccoli can bring a team together.
ABOUT OUR GUEST:
Jay Kleinman is a Texas-based Partner in TechCXO’s Revenue Growth practice. He su...2024-03-1537 min
Tales From The Sky Lounge-A Business PodcastEp 04 - Mark Flickinger: From Rowing to Venture Capital - Lessons in Teamwork and GrowthMark Flickinger, COO and GP of BIP Ventures shares insights into competitive drive in founders, The State of Startups in the Southeast, how #VentureCapital Funds operate and what it means to have a great team. We talk about “The SVB Hangover”, dry powder (not for napkins) and when to go slow.
ABOUT OUR GUEST:
Mark Flickinger -General Partner & COO / BIP Ventures
Mark Flickinger joined BIP Ventures in 2015. In his role as General Partner and Chief Operating Officer, Mark oversees fundraising, investor relations, marketing/branding, talent acquisition, and acceleration.
Before joining the firm, Mark held leadership roles for 4th Strand, a pr...2024-03-0148 min
Pickle Planet PodcastS6E20: Animal shelter's PAW-sitive impact felt throughout Greater MonctonYou might know that the former Greater Moncton SPCA rebranded as People for Animal Wellbeing (PAW) - but do you really know what they do at the shelter? We invited three PAW staff - Executive Director Heather Smith, Development Director Todd Merrill, and Operations Manager Amanda MacNeil - to talk about their work. We learned about food support for pets in need, approaching animal surrendering with empathy, programming to assist with unexpected litters, and of course about fundraising, adoption, and volunteer options! Did you know: PAW is one of the largest non-profit animal rescue shelters on the East Coast...2024-02-2623 min
Tales From The Sky Lounge-A Business PodcastEp 03 - Jan Heybroek - From Startup to Successful Exit - Lessons from a Healthcare EntrepreneurWe all hear about the legendary founders who grow their business, become an overnight success over a few decades and sell out to Private Equity. Jan shares insights about that journey that made him an ‘Exited Entrepreneur’.
Watch as Jan takes us through how to close an M&A deal including some powerful Dutch negotiating techniques.
Stay with us to see why getting to First Base is fun and where the next Dr. House is going to come from.
ABOUT OUR GUEST:
Jan Heybroek -PARTNER - EXECUTIVE OPERATIONS; FRACTIONAL EXECUTIVE
Jan Heybroek is a Partner in TechCXO’s Executive Operat...2024-02-1641 min
Tales From The Sky Lounge-A Business PodcastEp 01 - Maria Goldsholl: Building Authentic Leadership and Culture in StartupsTodd starts off the series with a bang as he talks with his first guest, Maria Goldsholl, Managing Partner-Human Capital, about the mindset required to grow and learn from the tough times at any level, and what particular traits she looks for when evaluating a team or a leader.
Watch till the end to learn what startup coffee and stinky fish have in common.
ABOUT OUR GUEST:
Maria Goldsholl, Managing Partner Human Capital
Maria Goldsholl is a seasoned, energetic executive leader with an extensive background in organizational and talent development, culture management, developing HR infrastructure and building teams and...2024-02-1630 min
Tales From The Sky Lounge-A Business PodcastEp 02 - Lewis Goldman: Mastering Marketing Evolution in the Digital AgeWe speak to a legendary NYC Marketer, Lewis Goldman who talks about being a pioneer in digital marketing. Lewis shares stories about recent trends in digital marketing and where we are going in the new AI/LLM era.
Hear about what role social influencers play, what the future of influence marketing is and also When is it appropriate to knock over a convenience store.
ABOUT OUR GUEST:
Lewis Goldman - PARTNER – CHIEF GROWTH OFFICER, FRACTIONAL CMO, CRO
The Consultant Who Scales Businesses
Lewis Goldman is a TechCXO Partner in its New York office, and a marketing consultant specializing in sc...2024-02-1644 min
Tales From The Sky Lounge-A Business PodcastTales from the SkyLounge - Welcome to Tales from the SkyLounge!What is THE SKYLOUNGE?
Tales from the SkyLounge is a podcast where we take you on a journey through the world of business, consulting, and venture investing. In each episode, we gather in our virtual sky lounge, high above the hustle and bustle of the everyday world, to hear stories from the people who are shaping the future of these industries. From entrepreneurs who are disrupting the status quo, consultants who are helping companies solve their biggest challenges, and investors who are making bets on the next big thing.
ABOUT OUR HOST:
Todd Merrill is an experienced software executive...2024-02-0902 min
Crossroads with Jenny BushkellThe Power of Hope and Faith in Overcoming Adversity: Todd Kelly, Jr.We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure… Hebrews 6:19. Some of us have had struggles where we wonder if there is anything ahead for us. Former University of Tennessee football defensive back Todd Kelly, Jr returns to share what happened when his life met a challenging crossroad. Hear where God has been leading him since the heartache and anguish of his career-ending knee injury. He recently was honored as a “Legend of the Game” by the University of Tennessee. “TK” is a financial advisor with Merrill Lynch, founder and CEO of TKJ Foundation, and is sharing...2024-02-0943 min
Crossroads with Jenny BushkellThe Power of Hope and Faith in Overcoming Adversity: Todd Kelly, Jr.We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure… Hebrews 6:19. Some of us have had struggles where we wonder if there is anything ahead for us. Former University of Tennessee football defensive back Todd Kelly, Jr returns to share what happened when his life met a challenging crossroad. Hear where God has been leading him since the heartache and anguish of his career-ending knee injury. He recently was honored as a “Legend of the Game” by the University of Tennessee. “TK” is a financial advisor with Merrill Lynch, founder and CEO of TKJ Foundation, and is sharing his...2024-02-0943 minCommodity WeekJan 26 | Commodity WeekPanelists- Naomi Blohm, Total Farm Marketing - West Bend, Wisconsin- Alan Brugler, Brugler Marketing and Management - Omaha, Nebraska- Merrill Crowley, AgTraderTalk.com - Watseka, Illinois- Ellen Dearden, AgReview - Morton, Illinois
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2024-01-2636 minCommodity WeekNov 24 | Commodity WeekPanelists - Ben Brown, University of Missouri - Merrill Crowley, AgTraderTalk.com - Scott Irwin, University of Illinois
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2023-11-2434 min
The Lean to the Left PodcastTodd Sears-Dangers of Speaker JohnsonThe election of Rep. Mike Johnson of Louisiana to be the new speaker of the House places him in an enormously influential position in Congress and second in line for the Presidency. How will he affect social policy in the U.S.? As the architect of last year’s national “Don’t Say Gay” bill, leaders in the LGBTQ+ community are concerned about what could lie ahead. Todd Sears, the CEO and Founder of Out Leadership, an organization that advocates for the LGBTQ+ community in business at all levels, says the policies espoused by Speaker Johnson would wr...2023-11-0133 minCommodity WeekOct 26 | Commodity WeekPanelists- Merrill Crowley, AgTraderTalk.com- Aaron Curtis, MIDCO- Greg Johnson, TGM- Jim McCormick, AgMarket.net
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2023-10-2632 minCommodity WeekSep 14 | Commodity WeekPanelists - Merrill Crowley, AgTraderTalk.com - Curt Kimmel, AgMarket.net - Dave Chatterton, SFarmMarketing.com
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2023-09-1431 min
ELEVATE YOUR GAMEElevate Your Game with Josh Merrill (Pastor at Shepherd Church and Former overseas pro)Our guest today Josh Merrill, husband, father, Pastor, and Former overseas pro. Tune in as we discuss playing overseas, building a Sports Ministry and much more!2023-08-2952 minCommodity WeekJul 27 | Commodity WeekPanelists- Merrill Crowley, AgTraderTalk.com- Chip Nellinger, BlueReefInc.com- Sherman Newlin, RMCommodities.com
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2023-07-2735 minCommodity WeekJun 30 | Commodity WeekPanelists - Merrill Crowley, AgTraderTalk.com - Joe Janzen, University of Illinois - Chuck Shelby, RMCommodities.com
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2023-06-3029 minCommodity WeekMay 12 | Commodity WeekPanelists - Merrill Crowley, AgTraderTalk.com - Dale Durchholz, Grain Cycles - John Zanker, Risk Management Commodities
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2023-05-1229 minCrossroads with Jenny BushkellTodd Kelly, Jr. "TK" - Shattered Dreams, Finding HopeSometimes our best plans and hopes for the future can take a turn. It's a crossroad in life when everything changes. Our outlook on those unwanted circumstances can stop us short or motivate us to do more. Jenny's guest is Todd Kelly Jr., “TK” a financial advisor with Merrill Lynch, founder and CEO of TKJ Foundation, and former outstanding Tennessee Football player. TK played defensive back for the TN Vols, but due to a knee injury was forced to retire from the game. His hope was to play in the NFL, like his dad. After years of working towards his dream...2023-04-2541 minCrossroads with Jenny BushkellTodd Kelly, Jr. "TK" - Shattered Dreams, Finding HopeSometimes our best plans and hopes for the future can take a turn. It's a crossroad in life when everything changes. Our outlook on those unwanted circumstances can stop us short or motivate us to do more. Jenny's guest is Todd Kelly Jr., “TK” a financial advisor with Merrill Lynch, founder and CEO of TKJ Foundation, and former outstanding Tennessee Football player. TK played defensive back for the TN Vols, but due to a knee injury was forced to retire from the game. His hope was to play in the NFL, like his dad. After years of working towards his dre...2023-04-2541 minCommodity WeekMar 23 | Commodity WeekPanelists - Curt Kimmel, AgMarket.net - Merrill Crowley, AgTraderTalk.com - Wayne Nelson, AgMarket.net
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2023-03-2428 minCommodity WeekMar 07 | All Day Ag Outlook Soybean PanelPanelists - Dave Chatterton, SFarmMarketing.com - Merrill Crowley, AgTraderTalk.com - Ellen Dearden, AgReview - Chip Nellinger, BlueReefInc.com - Chuck Shelby, RMCommodities.com
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2023-03-0925 minCommodity WeekFeb 02 | Commodity WeekPanelists
- Matt Bennett, AgMarket.net
- Merrill Crowley, AgTraderTalk.com
- Chip Nellinger, BlueReefInc.com2023-02-0337 min
The Bomb HoleAll Banged Up | Episode 8 | Todd Richards, Bode Merrill & Nils MindnichAll Banged Up Episode 8 "Bomb Hole Live"We got a great show for you! Trick Police with Todd Richards, Check in with Big Mountain Jeremy Jones on his new book Shralpanism, BNN with Stonie Budz, Space Cadet movie talk with Bode Merrill & Nils Mindnich, Heater Clips, Tech Talk, Goggle Sag Hall Of Fame, Dog Fight Contest, Calls From Listeners and so much more! This is our chance to really be idiots and talk about Snowboarding controversial topics and make fun of each other and our guest's. Join Budiesel on The Bomb Hole's monthly talk show. If you...2022-11-081h 51Commodity WeekSep 22 | Commodity WeekPanelists
- Merrill Crowley, AgTraderTalk.com
- Curt Kimmel, AgMarket.net
- Wayne Nelson, L&M Commodities2022-09-2333 min
Cycling in Alignment with Colby PearceTodd Plymale-Mallory: Mind Body Soul Mechanic - Ep88Todd Plymale-Mallory: Mind Body Soul Mechanic - Ep88
Today’s conversation is with acupuncturist and Chinese herbalist Todd Plymale-Mallory. Todd has been in the cycling and sports world as a practitioner and participant for many years. Today we discuss some of our philosophies on the relationship of athletics to life and how Chinese medicine relates to this topic. It’s a conversation that wanders into the weeds at times, and these are good weeds to wander into.
Links:
Todd's Website: https://www.toddplymalemallory.com/about
Todd's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tplym...2022-09-031h 47Commodity WeekMay 19 | Commodity WeekPanelists
- Naomi Blohm, TotalFarmMarketing.com
- Merrill Crowley, AgTraderTalk.com
- John Zanker, RMCommodities.com2022-05-1937 minCommodity WeekApr 14 | Commodity WeekPanelists
- Merrill Crowley, AgTraderTalk.com
- Chip Nellinger, BlueReefInc.com
- Chuck Shelby, RMCommodities.com2022-04-1429 min
On Boards PodcastTodd Sears on Out Leadership and its Impact on LGBTQ+ EqualityTodd Sears is the founder and CEO of Out Leadership, the first company in history whose sole product is LGBTQ+ equality. Todd has spent over 20 years working at the intersection of finance and equality. He began his career as an investment banker before joining Merrill Lynch as a financial advisor. There, he brought almost $2 billion of new assets to the firm from LGBTQ+ couples and nonprofit organizations. In this episode we talk about Out Leadership, its role as a B Corp, merging business opportunity with diversity and the impact of Out Leadership on LGBTQ+ Equality. Thanks for listening! We love ou...2022-03-1633 minClosing Market ReportFeb 17 | Commodity WeekPanelists
- Merrill Crowley, AgTraderTalk.com
- Curt Kimmel, BatesCom.net
- Wayne Nelson, L&M Commodities2022-02-1729 minCommodity WeekJan 27 | Commodity WeekPanelists
- Merrill Crowley, AgTraderTalk.com
- Chip Nellinger, BlueReefInc.com
- Sherman Newlin, RMCommodities.com2022-01-2729 min
Over It And On With ItCC: Get Your Mind and Body Right with Todd McCulloughA friend and former yoga buddy of mine, Todd McCullough, joins me to dispel some myths about what it takes to transform your body and live healthy! He's a fitness and mindset expert and takes us through a wonderful meditation at the end of the interview. Todd attended University of Florida, where he was a starting football player. Like many athletes, he suffered numerous injuries. He had a career in finance at Merrill Lynch, and was laid off during the financial crisis of 2008. Todd knew it was time for a new direction. His football injuries led him to a2021-11-1344 min
Mequell Buck: Thriving with Mental IllnessEp. 53: Losing someone to Suicide - Amanda MerrillMequell and Adam are joined by Amanda Merrill who lost her AMAZING brother Todd to suicide. She dispels some misconceptions people may have about those who lose their life this way and also generously provides insights, feelings she dealt with and suggestions for those wanting to help.2021-09-191h 06
The Mobile Workforce Podcast39. How Technology Is Helping Construction Firms Manage Hybrid Teams with Todd WeyandtThe adoption of construction technology gained momentum over the last year as companies grappled with the pandemic and how to keep their businesses on track. Today, with hybrid teams as “the new normal,” construction leaders face another challenge: how to make the most of their newfound technologies while getting the most from their teams, whether in person or remote. Host Mike Merrill welcomes Todd Weyandt, the host of the Bridging the Gap Podcast, to break down post-pandemic trends in construction technology. They discuss new technologies that are being adopted as well as which are falling by th...2021-08-0631 minThe Mobile Workforce Podcast39. How Technology Is Helping Construction Firms Manage Hybrid Teams with Todd WeyandtThe adoption of construction technology gained momentum over the last year as companies grappled with the pandemic and how to keep their businesses on track. Today, with hybrid teams as “the new normal,” construction leaders face another challenge: how to make the most of their newfound technologies while getting the most from their teams, whether in person or remote. Host Mike Merrill welcomes Todd Weyandt, the host of the Bridging the Gap Podcast, to break down post-pandemic trends in construction technology. They discuss new technologies that are being adopted as well as which are falling by th...2021-08-0631 minBeliefcastJustin OsmondJustin Osmond can do hard things! Justin, the 2nd son of Merrill & Mary Osmond was born with a severe/profound sensorial- neural hearing loss. Justin has shown through intense dedication, mental and physical exertion, that nothing can stop him from going after his dreams. There were many obstacles and challenges that represented stumbling blocks, despair, and lack of hope. But his will-power, determination, desire, and hope surpassed all hurdles that stood in his way.
In his recently published book “Hearing with my Heart,” he shares his story with the world in order to help everyone understa...2021-04-0541 min
Optimal Health UncoveredE16: How Pilates can benefit you with Christina MerrillIn this episode, Mike and Todd are joined by Pilates instructor and dancer Christina Merrill. Christina is a certified Pilates instructor and teaches weekly at Performance. Christina is an expert in the field of Pilates and discusses the history of Pilates, differences between Yoga and Pilates, and who should incorporate Pilates into their fitness and health routine. To reach out to Christina about Pilates or send a comment, send an email to podcast@performance-pt.com.2020-09-0831 min