Build Stuff. Be Kind.

Jason Allen, co-founder of Offseason, shares his journey of starting his own business and the motivations behind it. He discusses the importance of being true to oneself and following the entrepreneurial path. Jason emphasizes the value of consistency and dedication in building a successful business. He also highlights the significance of working with good people and prioritizing kindness in all aspects of business. Jason and his partner are focused on acquiring positive cash-flowing service-based businesses and building a portfolio of profitable businesses run by good people. takeaways Follow your passion and be true to yourself when starting your own business. Consistency and dedication are key to building a successful business. Working with good people and prioritizing kindness can lead to long-term success. Acquiring positive cash-flowing service-based businesses can be a successful strategy. Building a portfolio of profitable businesses run by good people is a goal worth pursuing. Sound Bites "Am I still enjoying this? At the highest level, am I still enjoying it?" "Consistent beats lucky" "I was nurtured, I was raised by kindness." Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Background 03:49 - Finding Motivation and Following the Entrepreneurial Path 12:41 - The Importance of Consistency and Dedication in Business 14:04 - Working with Good People and Prioritizing Kindness 19:22 - Acquiring Positive Cash-Flowing Service-Based Businesses 27:27 - Building a Portfolio of Profitable Businesses Run by Good People keywords entrepreneurship, starting a business, motivation, consistency, dedication, good people, kindness, service-based businesses, portfolio

In this episode, Matt Grebosky, head of operations at Nose to Tail, discusses his work and passion for building community. He shares his involvement in Nose to Tail, a direct-to-consumer online business that partners with regenerative ranchers to provide high-quality animal products. Matt also talks about his side project, Base Brands, which aims to connect people with authentic, honest brands. He emphasizes the importance of shared values and intentionality in building a good community. Matt also discusses the Lindy Effect and how it influences his selection of brands and products. The conversation explores the concept of choosing products and ideas that stand the test of time, rather than following trends. The Lindy Effect is discussed as a way to evaluate the potential longevity of products. The importance of providing meaningful value and impact is emphasized. The conversation also touches on the diverse range of products offered by Base Brands. The influences and mentalities of successful people in business are explored, including the traits of authenticity and admitting mistakes. The importance of radical self-responsibility and an outward focus is highlighted. The potential for change in personality is discussed, as well as the importance of playing to one's strengths. Takeaways Building a community requires shared values and intentionality. Authenticity is a key value in community building. The Lindy Effect suggests that the longer something has been used, the more likely it will continue to be used in the future. When selecting brands and products, consider their history and longevity. Choose products and ideas that stand the test of time, rather than following trends. Provide meaningful value and impact in your products and business. Adopt traits such as authenticity, admitting mistakes, and radical self-responsibility. Play to your strengths and use personality tests as tools for self-discovery and growth. Clarify your purpose and drive in life through self-reflection and tools like Jordan Peterson's self-authoring program. Be a resource for others to discover their own truth by engaging in difficult conversations and discussing controversial topics. Podcasting is a powerful medium for building relationships, connecting with others, and sharing valuable insights. Kindness plays a crucial role in building a network, volunteering, and being compassionate towards oneself. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Background 01:23 - Matt's Work at Nose to Tail 03:19 - Finding Joy in Community 05:02 - What Makes a Good Community 06:06 - Intentionality in Community 08:10 - Intentionality in Work and Projects 10:01 - Base Brands and Core Values 11:28 - Building a Community of Quality Brands 12:09 - Authenticity and Shared Values 13:10 - The Lindy Effect and Product Selection 22:23 - The Lindy Effect and Trendy Products 23:22 - The Importance of Meaningful Value 24:38 - The Dangers of Trendy Products 25:24 - The Diverse Range of Bayes Brand 25:53 - Influences and Mentality in Business 26:44 - Authenticity and Admitting Mistakes 27:45 - Radical Self-Responsibility and Outward Focus 29:11 - The Potential for Change in Personality 30:16 - Playing to Your Strengths 32:18 - Using Personality Tests as Tools 36:30 - The Importance of Growth and Overcoming Obstacles 41:38 - Purpose and Drive 42:42 - Jordan Peterson's Self-Authoring Program 43:12 - Being a Resource for Difficult Conversations 44:21 - Getting Back into Podcasting 45:16 - The Power of Building Relationships through Podcasting 46:29 - Creating a Personal Brand and Leading Nose to Tail 49:15 - Kindness in Building a Network and Volunteering 54:21 - The Role of Kindness in Building Success

Sean Flanagan, a commercial real estate developer turned author, shares his journey of writing a children's book titled 'Dad Goes on a Work Trip.' The book was inspired by his need to communicate with his daughters while he was frequently traveling for work. Sean emphasizes the importance of commitment and optimism in the creative process, as well as the role of family and community support. He hopes that the book will resonate with other dads who face similar challenges and provide a tool for communication with their children. Kindness has played a significant role in Sean's success, both in building his community and in his personal growth. Takeaways Commitment and optimism are essential in the creative process. Family and community support are crucial in overcoming challenges. Creating opportunities and personal growth require taking risks and being open to new experiences. Kindness plays a significant role in building success and meaningful connections. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Background 05:09 - The Genesis of the Book 08:43 - The Response from the Daughters 10:29 - The Biggest Takeaway: Commitment and Optimism 20:00 - Creating Opportunities and Personal Growth 25:02 - The Impact on Dads and Communication 32:26 - The Role of Kindness in Success 35:11 - Conclusion and Call to Action

In this episode, Waleed Bekheet, the Founder and CEO of Protagona. Waleed shares his background in engineering and consulting, and how he transitioned into building his own company. He discusses the importance of building a team with complementary skills and creating an environment that allows individuals to stretch and grow. Waleed also emphasizes the significance of understanding individual motivations and utilizing core values to enhance employee engagement and fulfillment. In this conversation, Waleed and Sean discuss the importance of intent and intention in leadership, the different perspectives on winning, and how to motivate different teams. They also explore the idea of building a community rather than just a company, the importance of leaving a legacy, and the role of kindness in success. Takeaways Building a successful team requires hiring individuals who are motivated to grow and learn, even if they are not fully experienced in their next role. Creating an environment that allows individuals to stretch and grow is essential for personal and professional development. Core values should be individualized and owned by each team member, allowing them to define what the values mean to them. Building a team with complementary skills and personalities is crucial for success, as it allows for a balance between innovation and execution. Set clear intentions and commit to them in order to achieve success. Different individuals and teams have different perspectives on winning, so it's important to understand and align with their motivations. Motivate different teams in different ways based on their unique goals and values. Building a community and leaving a legacy are more fulfilling and impactful than just building a company. Kindness plays a role in success by creating a positive and empowering environment.

In this conversation, Shane, the co-founder and CEO of Boostly, shares his journey of building the company and the evolution it has undergone over the past six and a half years. He emphasizes the importance of personal growth, grit, and a hunger for success as driving forces in his entrepreneurial journey. Shane also discusses the process of defining and codifying Boostly's core values, which include cooking, winning, and growing. These values shape the company's culture and guide their hiring process to align with individuals who share the same growth mentality. Shane discusses the importance of learning and growth, value alignment in hiring, the vision behind Boostly, unlocking the potential of restaurants, challenges faced by restaurant owners, the passion and work ethic in the restaurant industry, traits of successful restaurateurs, the impact and growth of Boostly, and the role of kindness in success. Takeaways Building a company is an evolving journey that requires personal growth and development. Defining and codifying core values is essential for shaping company culture. Boostly's core values include cooking, winning, and growing. Aligning talent with core values is crucial for building a strong team. Continuous learning and growth are essential for personal and professional development. Value alignment is crucial in the hiring process to ensure a good fit within the company culture. Boostly aims to unlock the potential of restaurants by providing software that acts as rocket fuel for their revenue. Restaurant owners face unique challenges and often need support in marketing and operations. Passion and work ethic are key traits of successful restaurateurs. Boostly's goal is to create a life-changing experience for everyone who interacts with the company. Kindness plays a vital role in building success, as it fosters empathy, compassion, and effective leadership. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Background 01:05 - The Journey of Building Boostly 06:13 - Personal Core Values 08:56 - Boostly's Core Values 13:09 - Aligning Talent with Core Values 20:48 - Value Alignment in Hiring 22:00 - Building Boostly's Vision 23:03 - Unlocking the Potential of Restaurants 24:19 - Challenges Faced by Restaurant Owners 27:23 - Passion and Work Ethic in the Restaurant Industry 29:04 - Traits of Successful Restaurateurs 32:13 - The Impact and Growth of Boostly 36:23 - The Motivation Behind Boostly 38:09 - The Role of Kindness in Success

Devyn Gillespie, founder of Main Street Growth Partners, shares his journey from corporate job market to starting his own venture. He emphasizes the importance of being intentional with ROI and valuing every lead that comes in. Devyn believes in the power of partnerships and an abundance mindset, always looking for ways to help others without expecting anything in return. Kindness plays a crucial role in building success, as it fosters positive relationships and creates a desire for collaboration. Devyn shares his transformative journey from the corporate world back to entrepreneurship, detailing the lessons and strategies that have shaped his approach to business and personal growth. Dive into discussions on the importance of authenticity, strategic thinking, and community in building a successful enterprise. Devyn's insights into sales, leadership, and making impactful connections offer invaluable advice for anyone looking to advance their career or business. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or an established business leader, this episode is packed with actionable tips and inspiring stories to help you thrive. Takeaways Be intentional with your ROI and ensure that every dollar spent generates a return. Value every lead that comes in and be diligent in following up and working them. Embrace an abundance mindset and focus on helping others without expecting anything in return. Kindness is essential in building success, as it fosters positive relationships and collaboration. Sound Bites "In my experience, one day, euphoria, the next day, absolute. What the hell am I doing?" "The best way to love sales is to find a way to make sure that you're always talking to people that you want to be talking to." "They value information. They value education. They value openness. They value learning." Chapters 00:00 - Devin Gillespie's Journey: From Corporate Job Market to Starting a Venture 05:36 - The Rollercoaster of Entrepreneurship: Ups and Downs 13:47 - The Power of Talking to the Right People in Sales 20:19 - Core Values of Main Street Growth Partners: Information, Education, Openness, Learning 28:45 - Being Intentional with ROI and Valuing Every Lead 35:32 - The Role of Kindness in Building Success keywords Devin Gillespie, Main Street Growth Partners, corporate job market, starting a venture, ROI, valuing leads, partnerships, abundance mindset, kindness, success

In this conversation, William Welser, co-founder and CEO of Lotic, discusses the mission of his company and the importance of understanding one's own story and context. He shares his motivation to help humans gain better insights about themselves through data and how his upbringing in a military family influenced his values. William also talks about the diverse team he has built and the core values they embody. In this conversation, William discusses the importance of water as a symbol of navigating change and the significance of the challenge coin in capturing company values. He highlights the values of curiosity, inclusivity, expertise, purposeful action, dynamism, deliberation, and authenticity. William emphasizes the role of soft skills in recruiting and building a mission-driven company. He also explores the impact of technology on interpersonal connections and the need for kindness in leadership and success. Takeaways Lotic is an insights company that uses behavioral science and AI to help individuals understand their own stories and make better decisions. The mission of Lodic is to empower individuals by giving them agency over their own data and using technology to close gaps in society. Building a diverse team with different backgrounds and perspectives is crucial for tackling complex problems and fostering innovation. Core values such as humility, curiosity, and creating a safe space for collaboration are key to building a successful team. Water serves as a powerful symbol for navigating change and adapting to the fast-moving river of technology and societal change. The challenge coin captures company values and serves as a reminder of the importance of curiosity, inclusivity, expertise, purposeful action, dynamism, deliberation, and authenticity. Soft skills, such as active listening, are crucial in recruiting and building a team that aligns with company values. Kindness plays a vital role in leadership and success, allowing for effective communication, feedback, and the creation of an inclusive and authentic environment. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and South By Southwest Experience 03:00 - The Mission of Lodic 11:14 - Motivation to Help Humans Understand Themselves 25:57 - Building a Quality Team 31:56 - Core Values Embodied by the Team 33:07 - The Importance of Water and Navigating Change 34:01 - The Symbolism of the Challenge Coin 34:32 - Values: Curiosity, Inclusivity, Expertise, Purposeful, Dynamic, Deliberate, Authentic 35:39 - Soft Skills and Recruiting 36:09 - Building a Mission-Driven Company 37:21 - Creating an Inclusive and Authentic Environment 37:40 - The Role of Kindness in Success 47:56 - The Impact of Technology on Interpersonal Connections 56:31 - The Power of Kindness

Ezgi Arslantay, founder of Fucimo, discusses her journey as an entrepreneur and the motivations that led her to start her advertising platform. She emphasizes the importance of authenticity and accessibility in her work and how these values shape her company. Ezgi also shares her insights on team building and the qualities she looks for in potential team members. She explains the mission of Fusimo to level the playing field in the advertising space and provide accessibility to advertising knowledge and opportunities. The platform uses AI to create smart media plans for businesses of all sizes. The conversation revolves around the themes of authenticity, accessibility, and the power of networking. Ezgi emphasizes the importance of being authentic and accessible in building a platform that resonates with small businesses and local communities. She discusses the challenges faced by mom and pop shops in advertising and the need for targeted and meaningful marketing. Sean highlights the shift in advertising towards organic content and the value of speaking directly to customers. They also discuss the role of kindness in building success and the power of networking in forming meaningful relationships. takeaways Authenticity and accessibility are core values that drive Ezgi Arslanthi in her entrepreneurial journey. When building a team, Ezgi looks for self-starters who are willing to question things and wear different hats. Fusimo aims to level the playing field in the advertising space and provide accessibility to advertising knowledge and opportunities. The platform uses AI to create smart media plans for businesses of all sizes. Being authentic and true to oneself is crucial in building meaningful relationships and attracting the right partners and customers. Authenticity and accessibility are key in building a platform that resonates with small businesses and local communities. Targeted and meaningful marketing is more effective than large-scale advertising campaigns. The shift in advertising towards organic content highlights the importance of speaking directly to customers. Kindness plays a crucial role in building success and forming meaningful relationships. Networking is essential for founders and involves giving back and asking how you can help others. titles Building a Team of Self-Starters Leveling the Playing Field in Advertising The Role of Kindness in Building Success The Importance of Networking for Founders Sound Bites "Just be yourself." "Accessibility is at the core of what we do." "Being authentic and accessible in everything you do." "Authenticity and accessibility" "Targeted and meaningful marketing" "Affordable advertising for local businesses" Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Background 10:43 - Building a Team of Self-Starters 25:48 - Fucimo: An Advertising Marketplace 32:12 - Affordable Advertising for Local Businesses 46:43 - The Role of Kindness in Building Success 53:50 - The Importance of Networking for Founders keywords entrepreneurship, authenticity, accessibility, team building, advertising, advertising platform, AI, smart media plans, authenticity, accessibility, advertising, marketing, small businesses, local communities, organic content, kindness, networking

Sean Holladay, co-founder at The Spacestation, shares his entrepreneurial journey and the growth of the Spacestation brand. From starting as a tech startup called Crowd Mics to expanding into influencer marketing, gaming, animation, and investments, Sean and his team have built a diverse portfolio of companies. The partnership between Sean and his co-founder, Shonduras, has been driven by a shared vision and a natural connection. Their focus on building community and providing value has been key to their success. Holladay shares insights on building a team aligned with values, deliberate hiring for culture fit, nurturing relationships and connections, opportunistic expansion and growth, adapting to changing markets and directions, finding gaps and opportunities in the market, creating value and connection in a community, and the long-term impact of kindness. Takeaways Building a team that is aligned with your values is crucial for success. Deliberately hiring for culture fit can help create a team that embodies the values of the organization. Nurturing relationships and connections is key to building a strong team and community. Opportunistic expansion and growth can lead to new value-add opportunities. Adapting to changing markets and directions is essential for long-term success. Finding gaps and opportunities in the market can lead to new ventures and growth. Creating value and connection in a community is the foundation of a successful brand. Information precedes intuition, and gathering enough information is crucial for making informed decisions. Building a community with shared beliefs can create a strong and engaged audience. The value pyramid, with the core value being the product or service, education and experience as the second tier, and shared belief as the third tier, is a framework for building a community. Kindness plays a crucial role in building success and maintaining meaningful relationships. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Background 05:02 - Connecting and Building the Space Station 09:06 - Favorite Memories and Early Entrepreneurial Experiences 15:27 - Moving to Utah and Starting Space Station 23:06 - Diversifying and Growing the Space Station Portfolio 26:21 - Partnership and Connection with Sean 28:41 - Building a Team Aligned with Values 29:24 - Deliberate Hiring for Culture Fit 30:05 - Nurturing Relationships and Connections 31:33 - Opportunistic Expansion and Growth 32:18 - Driving Expansion through Value-Add Opportunities 32:55 - Adapting to Changing Markets and Directions 34:23 - Overlapping Verticals and Market Demand 35:20 - Finding Gaps and Opportunities in the Market 36:18 - Information Precedes Intuition 37:15 - Building a Community-Driven Brand 38:41 - Creating Value and Connection in a Community 41:17 - The Power of Relationships and Connections 43:23 - The Role of Intuition and Filling Market Gaps 45:20 - Building Community with Shared Beliefs 49:57 - The Value Pyramid and Community Building 53:46 - The Long-Term Impact of Kindness

Carey Conley shares her journey of discovering the power of vision and how it has guided her through challenges and helped her create a successful life. She emphasizes the importance of writing out a clear vision for your life and taking small steps towards it. Carey also discusses the misconceptions about creating a vision and the fear of failure that holds people back. She highlights the need for connection, communication, and setting boundaries as important soft skills for success. Kindness plays a crucial role in building success, as it involves showing compassion and support to others. Takeaways Writing out a clear vision for your life can help you overcome obstacles and stay focused on your goals. Don't be afraid to take small steps towards your vision, even if you don't know the exact path. Connection, communication, and setting boundaries are important soft skills for success. Kindness involves showing compassion and support to others, which can have a significant impact on building success. Sound Bites "I feel like God and I were collaborating that day." "We all want to know that we're making a difference while we're here." "I feel like I'm starting my adult life in a hostile environment." Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and the Driving Force of Vision 08:01 - The Importance of Connection and Vision 13:21 - Challenges and Pressures Faced by Young Adults 17:07 - Taking Small Steps Towards Your Vision 21:53 - The Role of Soft Skills in Success 29:00 - The Power of Kindness in Building Success 34:21 - Conclusion and Call to Action keywords vision, challenges, success, misconceptions, connection, communication, boundaries, soft skills, kindness

Summary In this conversation, Kevin Beauregard, the founder and CEO of Planet Atmos, a Web3 gaming studio, discusses the challenges and opportunities of building a gaming studio in the Web3 space. He shares insights into the assumptions he had going into the venture and how they have evolved over time. Kevin also highlights the importance of community in Web3 gaming and the role of NFTs in creating digital ownership. He emphasizes the need to balance the ethos of the space with the goal of mass adoption and shares his core values as a leader in the industry. In this conversation, Kevin Beauregard discusses various aspects of building a startup and the importance of teamwork and leadership. He emphasizes the need for a default aggressive mindset and the ability to get things done efficiently. Kevin also explores the challenges of decentralization and the importance of community alignment. He highlights the constant battle in startups and the need to wear many hats. Additionally, he discusses the significance of building and evolving company culture, as well as the role of kindness in achieving success. Takeaways Building a gaming studio in the Web3 space comes with unique challenges and opportunities. Community is a crucial aspect of Web3 gaming, and building a strong community is essential for success. NFTs play a significant role in creating digital ownership and empowering players in the gaming space. Balancing the ethos of the Web3 space with the goal of mass adoption is a key challenge for Web3 gaming studios. Adopt a default aggressive mindset and focus on getting things done efficiently. Decentralization is a complex process that requires community engagement and education. In startups, it is important to constantly battle and prioritize tasks to achieve goals. Finding the right people who can wear many hats is crucial for startup success. Building and evolving company culture is essential for growth and maintaining alignment. Develop systems and processes that empower the team and enable efficient operations. Replace yourself as the company grows and focus on solving bigger problems. Problem-solving skills and leadership traits, such as extreme ownership, are valuable in building successful organizations. Kindness and support from others play a significant role in personal and professional success. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Overview 04:12 - Building Planet Atmos and the Game XOGP 07:23 - Assumptions and Challenges of Starting a Gaming Studio 10:26 - Web3 Gaming and NFTs 13:17 - The Importance of Community in Web3 Gaming 21:17 - Balancing Ethos and Mass Adoption in Web3 Gaming 24:55 - Aligning with the Core Values of the Team 31:16 - Default Aggressive and Getting Things Done 33:08 - The Struggle of Decentralization 34:31 - The Constant Battle in Startups 37:04 - Finding the Right People and Balancing Expertise 39:11 - Wearing Many Hats in Startups 40:21 - Maintaining and Evolving Company Culture 42:38 - Building Systems and Processes 44:25 - Replacing Yourself and Solving Bigger Problems 46:48 - Problem Solving and Leadership Traits 49:56 - The Role of Kindness in Success

Zach Collins, a real estate developer and investor, shares his journey of investing in Roatan, an island in Honduras. He was introduced to Roatan by a contractor friend and was immediately drawn to its potential for development. Zach has since built houses, developed residential properties, and is currently working on a small hotel and a fitness retreat on the island. He emphasizes the importance of trusting his gut and taking risks, as well as partnering with experts to fill gaps in his own knowledge and skills. Zach also discusses the need to prioritize and stay organized and having great partners when managing multiple projects. He shares his approach of dedicating focused time to different projects and relying on partners to handle certain aspects. Collins emphasizes the need for patience when creating the life you dream of and advises taking small steps to build momentum. He also highlights the role of risk-taking and trusting your gut in pursuing opportunities. Collins believes that kindness and being a good person have been instrumental in his success, as he strives to bring people into ventures that he believes in. Takeaways Investing in Roatan, Honduras offers great potential for development and real estate opportunities. Trusting your gut and taking calculated risks can lead to success in business. Partnering with experts in specific areas can help fill gaps in knowledge and skills. Prioritization and organization are key when managing multiple projects and businesses. Focus on a few important tasks at a time and delegate other responsibilities to partners. Be patient and take small steps to build momentum towards creating the life you dream of. Take calculated risks and trust your gut when pursuing opportunities. Kindness and being a good person can drive success and build trust with others. Sound Bites "When people lose an hour of sleep, the next day, heart attacks go up by 22%. Heart crashes go up by 20 something percent." "Roatan how this came about what even where even is Roatan what you know for people who may not know like what is it about this place that's that's taken From from what I can see a big chunk of your time and energy In building out these houses and these properties down in Roatan." "He fell in love with Roatan and it started to grow and it started to develop and like he loved the island, loved the people, loved everything, loved how safe it was." "I'm going to focus on these three things and then I'm going to move on to these three things." "Be patient. It's going to take time. But also, I've never veered from the path." "There's never a better time to start than now." Chapters 00:00 - Exploring Real Estate Opportunities in Roatan 06:43 - Creating a Fitness Retreat in Roatan 09:38 - The Importance of Sleep and Wellness 12:52 - Trusting Your Gut and Taking Calculated Risks 18:52 - Partnering with Experts to Fill Knowledge Gaps 25:41 - Prioritization and Organization in Managing Multiple Projects 26:36 - The Importance of Focus and Partnerships 29:49 - Patience and Small Steps 33:11 - Taking Risks and Trusting Your Gut 45:24 - Kindness and Being a Good Person keywords real estate, investing, development, Roatan, risk-taking, partnerships, prioritization, focus, partnerships, multiple projects, patience, risk-taking, trust your gut, kindness, success

In this conversation, Brett Dashevsky, Head of Content Creators at Kickstarter & Founder of Creator Economy NYC, discusses the rise of the creator economy and the importance of connecting with people behind brands. He shares his personal journey in the creator economy and highlights the value of providing meaningful content and building a strong community. Brett emphasizes the shift from following institutions to following individuals and the need for brands to humanize their marketing efforts. He also discusses the importance of shared beliefs and values in building true community. Brett discusses the importance of building a community and creating value in the creator economy. He shares his motivation to be part of something bigger than himself and the satisfaction he finds in impacting multiple people through his community-building efforts. Brett emphasizes the significance of soft skills in the creator economy, such as connecting with people, negotiating, and pitching oneself effectively. He also highlights the role of consistency and momentum in achieving success and the value of kindness in building relationships and networks. Lastly, Brett discusses Kickstarter's focus on helping content creators bring their ideas to life and the potential for creators to diversify their revenue streams. Takeaways The creator economy has experienced significant growth, with more individuals embracing content creation and monetization opportunities. People are increasingly connecting with individuals behind brands, seeking authenticity and personal connections. Providing value and building a strong community are essential in the creator economy. Humanizing brands and showcasing shared beliefs and values can foster stronger connections with audiences. Building a community and creating value are essential in the creator economy. Striving to be part of something bigger than oneself can be a powerful motivator. Soft skills, such as connecting with people and negotiating, are crucial for success in the creator economy. Consistency and momentum are key to achieving success in the long term. Kindness plays a significant role in building relationships and networks. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Background 02:09 - The Rise of the Creator Economy 04:16 - Personal Journey in the Creator Economy 09:05 - The Shift to Following People, Not Just Brands 10:21 - Motivation for Connecting with People Behind Brands 13:18 - The Importance of Humanizing Brands 20:18 - Building True Community 23:03 - Facilitating Many-to-Many Connections 25:53 - Shared Beliefs and Values in Community Building 30:43 - Building a Community and Creating Value 31:49 - Striving to Be Part of Something Bigger 36:23 - The Importance of Soft Skills in the Creator Economy 40:05 - Overcoming Challenges and Staying Motivated 45:38 - Consistency and Momentum in Success 52:37 - Kickstarter's Role in Supporting Content Creators 58:23 - The Role of Kindness in Building Success

AJ Eckstein, founder of Creator Match, discusses his journey as a creator on LinkedIn and the opportunities for creators on the platform. He emphasizes the importance of consistency and prioritizing content creation, treating it like a priority and building systems to support it. AJ also highlights the value of providing value to the audience and how even if one person benefits from a post, it is worth sharing. He shares his experience of being known as the 'LinkedIn guy' and leveraging his personal brand to build trust and connections. AJ shares insights on content creation, success, and the importance of kindness in building a business. He emphasizes the value of creating content with a one-to-one mentality and building a community of true fans. AJ also discusses his definition of success and the importance of doing what you love on a daily basis. He highlights the role of values such as competitiveness, self-starting, and ethical business practices in building a successful team. AJ emphasizes the significance of leading with kindness and the impact it can have on relationships and business success. Takeaways: Consistency is key in content creation. Treat it like a priority and build systems to support it. Providing value to the audience is crucial. Even if one person benefits from a post, it is worth sharing. Founder market fit is important. Solve your own pain points and understand the platform you're working with. Building trust and connections through personal branding can lead to opportunities and growth. Recognize the long-term rewards of the journey and embrace the challenges that come with it. Create content with a one-to-one mentality and focus on building a community of true fans. Success is defined differently by everyone, and it's important to do what you love on a daily basis. Competitiveness, self-starting, and ethical business practices are important values in building a successful team. Leading with kindness can have a significant impact on relationships and business success. Competition is healthy and pushes you to be the best in your industry. Sound Bites: "My kind of criteria is can one person get value from this?" "If it helps one person, it doesn't matter how many people see it." "You can be the Mr. Beast of the world or you can just have a thousand true fans who love what you're doing and you can still monetize that because it's probably super niche." "Success is really funny because I think when you're growing, you think success basically is a synonym to money, right? Like you're so successful, that means you are a millionaire, a billionaire. I think everybody actually has a different definition of success." "You have to have the tenacity and the hunger to win. You have to be a self-starter. I can't be there holding your hand and I want you being there holding my hand. We can help each other grow and I think how you get to victory needs to be in an ethical business way." Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction and Background 03:20 - Transitioning from Consulting to Startup World 04:37 - The Pain Points of LinkedIn Creators 07:21 - The Rise of B2B Influencers on LinkedIn 10:17 - LinkedIn's Unique Advertising Opportunities 14:28 - Identifying the Gap in the Market 16:52 - Founder Market Fit and Solving Pain Points 19:17 - Building Trust and Connections Through Personal Branding 24:24 - The Importance of Consistency in Content Creation 29:19 - Providing Value to the Audience 31:14 - Embracing Challenges and Recognizing Long-Term Rewards 32:07 - Building a Community of True Fans 33:06 - Redefining Success 37:37 - The Importance of Values in Building a Team 52:25 - Leading with Kindness 58:47 - The Power of Competition Keywords: creator landscape, LinkedIn, content creation, influencer marketing, founder market fit, value to audience, consistency, content creation, success, true fans, values, competitiveness, self-starting, ethical business practices, leadership, kindness

Jeremiah Smith, founder of BLKHRZN, shares his journey in the gaming and esports industry and his mission to support and uplift black people in these industries. He discusses the lack of representation and the need for more diversity in the gaming industry. Jeremiah emphasizes the importance of authenticity and building a community that provides access and opportunities for underrepresented individuals. He also highlights the value he aims to impart through BLKHRZN and his long-term perspective on creating lasting impact. In this conversation, Jeremiah Smith discusses the value of investment and reparations, highlighting the historical disparities in education funding. He also shares his personal experiences as a neurodivergent individual and emphasizes the importance of building community and making an impact. Smith discusses the significance of strategic partnerships and collaboration, particularly with black-focused organizations in the gaming industry. He addresses the burden of representation and the need for focus, as well as the value of the Black Lives Matter movement. Smith explores the NBA's role in gaming and the potential for working with pro athletes and celebrities. He concludes by emphasizing the importance of cultivating relationships and doing good for the benefit of all. Takeaways The gaming industry lacks diversity and representation, with only 3% of professionals being black, despite black people making up 10% of the US gaming market. Authenticity is key in building a community and connecting with people. Showing up as your true self and creating a space where people can be comfortable and accepted is crucial. Black Horizon aims to provide not only opportunities but also the tools and resources for success in the gaming and esports industry. The organization focuses on developing black talent and closing the gap in representation. Jeremiah believes in the long-term impact of his work and wants to see individuals outgrow Black Horizon and succeed in other organizations, creating a network of successful black professionals in the industry. Investment and reparations are necessary to address historical disparities and create a more equitable society. Education funding has historically been unequal, with black-focused institutions receiving less support. Neurodivergent individuals can overcome challenges and achieve their goals with determination and support. Building community and making an impact are essential in creating positive change. Strategic partnerships and collaboration with black-focused organizations can help advance diversity and inclusion in the gaming industry. Representation and recognition of the value of black lives are crucial in combating systemic racism. The NBA has a significant role in the gaming industry, and collaboration with pro athletes and celebrities can amplify social impact. Cultivating relationships and doing good for the benefit of all is essential in creating a more inclusive and equitable society. Aligning with organizations that share your vision and mission can help champion your efforts. Building up the black gaming community can contribute to the growth of eSports and gaming. There are limitations to professional gaming, but opportunities exist for gamers to become coaches. Kindness and compassion are essential in building success and creating a supportive gaming community.

In this episode of Build Stuff. Be Kind. Sean has a conversation, Alex Mic-Podar, CEO of Backyard Bookkeeper, where she shares her journey of building a successful bookkeeping business. She discusses the challenges of hiring and developing processes, as well as the importance of core values in decision-making. Alex also opens up about her personal journey, coming from Eastern Europe to the United States, and the motivation that drives her to succeed. In this conversation, Alex Mic-Podar, CEO of Backyard Bookkeeper, shares her journey of overcoming challenges and creating success. She emphasizes the power of taking action and not allowing circumstances to define one's path. Alex believes in creating options and choosing growth, rather than being limited by external factors. She highlights the importance of the freedom of choice and how it shapes our lives. Alex also discusses the role of creating meaningful connections and serving others in building success. She emphasizes the value of commitment and kindness in achieving goals. Takeaways Building a successful business requires developing processes and hiring the right employees. Core values play a crucial role in decision-making and creating a positive work environment. Personal experiences and challenges can be powerful motivators for success. Perseverance and a strong work ethic are key to overcoming obstacles and achieving goals. Take action and don't let circumstances define your path. Create options and choose growth. Exercise the freedom of choice to shape your life. Build success through meaningful connections and serving others. Commitment and kindness are key to achieving goals.

Sean and Cortland dive in on what it means to be an entrepreneur and learn from our past mistakes to boldly push forward.

Ariel Joins us to talk all things brand, design, and kindness to self.

On this episode of Build Stuff. Be Kind. We chat with Veronique James CEO of the James Agency about everything from building a great team, to working with clients and doing it all from a place of principles and value. Its a good one so buckle up and dive in!