The Everlasting Business Podcast with Ari Meisel and Gregg Schoenberg

Ari Meisel and Gregg Schoenberg invite you to take a nostalgic trip back in time to explore the rise and fall of the buggy whip industry. Our hosts use this industry as a metaphor for industries and companies that fail to evolve with changing times and technologies. Drawing parallels with the whale blubber industry, they discuss how accessory manufacturers, like those producing buggy whips, can be blindsided by industry shifts. Reflecting on the tale of Westfield, Massachusetts, a town that once thrived on whip production, they unpack the factors that led to its downfall, pointing to complacency and the lack of adaptability. Switching gears, Ari and Gregg examine the story of Nokia, a Finnish pulp mill company that transformed into a global leader in cell phone technology. Alongside, they explore how brands like Patagonia and Trader Joe's have built robust customer loyalty, emphasizing the significance of adaptability in maintaining brand relevance. Finally, they highlight examples of successful transitions between industries and the importance of strategic planning in facilitating such pivots. You can expect all this and more as Ari and Gregg conclude their first season by nodding towards an antiquated industry and a famous song by the American rock band, Devo. Listen, learn, and get a fresh perspective on the dynamics of industry evolution.

What is it about Japanese culture that promotes business longevity? Is it possible for a company to thrive for well over 1,000 years? What does it feel like to take the reins over a company that has spanned 40 generations? Join us on a captivating journey through the history of Kongo Gumi, a company that stood the test of time until its liquidation in 2006. From its inception in 578 AD, Kongo Gumi started with temple constructions and gradually branched out into various forms of construction. We'll take you through the intriguing Japanese woodworking techniques that Kongo Gumi may have influenced and the cultural nuances that contributed to the company's longevity. We also delve into the unique practice of adopting a male son to continue the family line in the absence of a male heir. The downfall of Kongo Gumi, once regarded as the world's oldest company, emphasizes the imperative of maintaining distinct values within a company. We'll discuss the weighty decisions that faced the 40th-generation CEO during the company's liquidation and explore the challenge that finally ended the company’s incredible journey. Please tune in to our enlightening conversation, as Ari Meisel and Gregg Schoenberg will provide you with newfound perspectives on the world of enduring companies.

Imagine a 700 year-old family-owned company still thriving in today's dynamic business environment. Now put that company in a highly contested region of the world where emotions run sky high. Welcome to our conversation on Razook Tattooing, a Jerusalem-based company that has been a mainstay for Coptic Christians and others coming to the Holy Land. As we unravel the enthralling history of their one-of-a-kind tattoos, we analyze what it means to carry a piece of culture and history on one's skin. We dive into the captivating stories associated with each tattoo, comparing them to owning a timeless piece of art. In our candid discussion, we explore the paradox of Razook Tattooing: a rebellious business that has managed to keep its customers present in all social circles, even politics. We discuss how they have brilliantly scaled their operations, through strategies such as waiting lists and global ambassadors. Lastly, we dive into how Razook has capitalized on its status as a pilgrimage destination, transforming it into a profitable venture.  Prepare to be intrigued as we delve into the rich history and innovative business model of this ancient tattooing powerhouse.

Ever pondered the connection between artificial intelligence and empathy? Today, we're dissecting the surprising results of a recent experiment where a ChatGPT-powered chatbot outperformed real doctors in providing empathy to patients. In fact, the chatbot produced answers that were rated three to four times more trustworthy. As we dive deeper, we explore the potential of AI tools within the medical system, its potential to improve health outcomes, and the pressing need for a culture of preventative care. There's no denying the fact that access to proper healthcare is a privilege many can't afford. Is it possible that technology can bridge this gap? We also explore how healthcare technology can benefit medical professionals by enabling them to devote more time to caring for patients and less time to busy work. Finally, we delve into the ever-changing landscape of healthcare, as influenced by various economic forces. Drawing inspiration from David Goldhill's "Catastrophic Care", we will scrutinize the unconventional rules and regulations of the healthcare system. Please join us on this thought-provoking journey as we reimagine healthcare thanks to AI and the powerful forces shaping modern-day healthcare.

In this riveting episode of the Everlasting Business Podcast, hosts Ari Meisel and Gregg Schoenberg dive into the systemic inefficiencies plaguing corporate workspaces, focusing on the ubiquitous yet often counterproductive elements of emails and meetings. They base their discussion on insights from this insightful Wall Street Journal article (https://www.wsj.com/articles/workers-say-its-harder-to-get-things-done-now-heres-why-2a5f1389). Ari and Gregg scrutinize the increasing sense of difficulty in getting work done in modern corporate life, largely attributed to the inundation of emails and constant scheduling of meetings. They describe these phenomena as "inhumane" and discuss the necessity for a more efficient and empathetic approach to handling work-related communication and collaboration. The episode serves as a wake-up call for businesses to reassess their work culture, shining a spotlight on the urgency to rectify these systemic issues and foster a healthier, more productive work environment. Key discussion points include: The pervasive issue of excessive emails in corporate workspaces. The frequent scheduling of meetings that often obstructs the productivity of employees. The counterproductive impact of these issues on employee morale, efficiency, and work-life balance. The urgent need for innovative solutions and better work practices to mitigate these productivity pitfalls. The role of leaders and managers in facilitating a shift towards more efficient and humane work practices. Join Ari and Gregg for a compelling discussion that challenges conventional corporate norms and advocates for a more productive and balanced work culture. Keywords: Everlasting Business Podcast, emails, meetings, corporate life, inefficiencies, work culture, productivity, employee morale, work-life balance, management practices, Wall Street Journal.

In this enlightening episode of the Everlasting Business Podcast, hosts Ari Meisel and Gregg Schoenberg take a deep dive into the future of work and urban landscapes. They discuss the potential transformation of vacant office spaces into affordable housing, drawing upon an article from AP News as their reference point (Cities reviving downtowns by converting offices to housing⁠) The hosts also explore the historical 'Great Horse Manure Crisis' of New York City in 1894, comparing the current situation with the past to drive home the necessity for innovative solutions and fresh perspectives. The crisis, which was resolved not through top-down measures but via a technological revolution - the advent of the internal combustion engine - serves as an important reminder of how creative solutions often arise from unexpected quarters. Ari and Gregg further discuss the imperative of accepting and adapting to new ways of conducting business instead of trying to revert to pre-pandemic norms. They caution against 'dangerous thinking' that could hinder progress and emphasize the need to pivot towards the future. Key discussion points include: The potential for vacant office spaces to be repurposed into affordable housing units. The Great Horse Manure Crisis of NYC in 1894 as a historical precedent for innovative problem-solving. The shift in perception required to adapt to a new normal in business, particularly in the post-pandemic world. Innovative trends in living spaces, such as van life and converted cargo hotels. Recognizing and utilizing human capital more effectively in the modern, largely service-based economy. Tune in to this engaging episode for an insightful analysis of current business landscapes, historical lessons, and the promising opportunities that lie ahead. Keywords: Everlasting Business Podcast, vacant offices, affordable housing, horse manure crisis, New York City, 1894, innovation, new normal, business landscape, human capital, van life, cargo hotels, post-pandemic world.

Are you ready to revolutionize your mindset and make your professional trajectory soar? Our insightful discussion on the replaceable founder system delves into the critical differences between thinking and acting like an employee versus an owner, and how this can impact your climb up the corporate ladder. Discover the four mindsets - cog, engine, engineer, and inventor - and how they can lead to different outcomes of focus, flexibility, and freedom. But that's not all! We also explore the importance of distinguishing between investing in luxuries and investing in business needs, such as the convenience of TSA Pre-Check and flying business class for work trips. Plus, we dive into the impact of tipping on customer service, employee motivation, and the relationship between employees and ownership. Don't miss this thought-provoking and potentially game-changing episode that will challenge your mindset and help you cultivate an ownership mentality in your professional life.

Can empathy and rapport-building truly change lives and transform customer service experiences? In this engaging episode, Ari shares his personal journey as an EMT and how my experiences with bedside manner have shaped his understanding of exceptional customer care. He also recounts a story involving an elderly woman who needed help but initially resisted, and how through understanding, empathy, and even a little German, he was able to build rapport with her and provide the care she required. Gregg proceeds to connect Ari's story to the extraordinary journey of Daryl Davis, a black man who forged an unlikely friendship with a Ku Klux Klan leader through empathy and understanding. This inspiring example of rapport-building paves the way for our exploration of how businesses can elevate their customer service processes, create solutions-focused experiences, and prepare for diverse customer needs. Join us as we uncover the powerful impact of empathy and rapport-building in delivering exceptional customer care.

What if the secret to unlocking your full potential in coaching and marketing lies in the power of prompting? Join us as we explore this transformative concept and share our experiences with prompting, including an exercise that helped a client identify their perceived weaknesses and vulnerabilities. In this engaging episode, we discuss the importance of optimizing ChatGPT and treating it like a partner in your journey for better results. Discover the concept of skeuomorphism and its application to ChatGPT, as well as how ChapGPT can save time and streamline processes. We emphasize the value of practicing the art of prompting and creating a process that works on a tertiary level. Don't miss this thought-provoking conversation that could change the way you approach coaching and marketing!

Imagine a world where robotic dogs roam the streets, powered by artificial intelligence – is this the future or an eerie dystopia? Join us as we tackle this fascinating topic sparked by Mayor Adams' DigiDogs program in New York City. We discuss the potential benefits and dangers of AI-driven robots in critical situations and the possibility of malicious actors reprogramming these machines. But that's not all; we delve into the limitations of robotics in comparison to coding and ponder the challenges that arise when AI enters the physical realm. As we continue our AI exploration, we discuss how this technology has the potential to revolutionize the business world and even the playing field. Discover how AI can create unique, personalized content that resonates with audiences, and how automating certain tasks can help us reach that elusive 1% of true uniqueness. We also examine the value of handcrafted, small-batch products and the role of routines in enhancing our experiences. Don't miss this compelling conversation on the ethics, possibilities, and implications of artificial intelligence in our rapidly evolving world.

Join us as we explore the fascinating history of monastic beer brewing and the business lessons we can learn from it. We discuss the Weltenburg Abbey brewery, one of the oldest breweries in the world, founded in 1050 and located in a Benedictine monastery. Listen in as we uncover the idea that many of the world's oldest companies sell vices and necessities, and how many of these breweries are connected to religious institutions. We also touch on the rise of non-alcoholic beer and the opportunities it presents for companies in today's market. In this episode, we also examine the success of celebrity liquor launches. We discuss the importance of the experience and stories behind products in boosting marketing, branding, and customer engagement. Discover how entrepreneurs often view their missions and companies in a semi-religious sense, and how beer has played a role in fostering a sense of community over time. We also consider the ways entrepreneurs can use new methods to foster community in a post-COVID environment. Don't miss out on these valuable insights into the world of beer, community, and entrepreneurship.

In today's episode, we tackle the often-glamorized concept of Blitzscaling and discuss why it might not be the best approach for every entrepreneur. We share our thoughts on how many successful businesses have thrived for centuries without resorting to hyper-growth, and explore Kaizen, the Japanese philosophy of continuous improvement, as a more sustainable alternative to scaling. Listen in as we also discuss the potential erosion of company values and leadership culture when growing too quickly. We then explore the idea that scaling a business is not always the right approach to success, and consider the importance of self-sufficiency in long-term business stability. We discuss examples of successful one-person operations and emphasize the need to evaluate the goals of a business before deciding to scale. Join us as we examine the unique challenges certain industries face, such as airlines, where scaling might be a necessary component of success. Finally, we discuss the challenges and implications of scaling with AI, touching on how rapid technological advancements can make it difficult for businesses to keep up and make quick decisions. We highlight the potential pitfalls of having too many rules, and how this can lead to a lack of control and imbalance within a company. As we wrap up, we encourage you to consider alternative pathways to success and the potential of leveraging technology to build a thriving business without the need for hyper-scaling.

What can 19th century EMTs and the thriving success of Lloyd's of London teach us about the power of incentives? In this intriguing exploration, we uncover how understanding incentives can impact outcomes and the importance of properly incentivizing employees, using historical examples that demonstrate their significance. We also discuss the importance of networks in insurance, drawing parallels to modern companies like Airbnb and Uber, as well as historical examples like the Tontine coffee house in New York. Tune in for an enlightening and thought-provoking episode about the role of incentives in business success.

Stress inoculation: a crucial tool for emergency responders like EMTs in active shooter scenarios. But did you know that it's about more than just exposure to stress? It involves changing the set point at which the body's stress systems activate, and can even help individuals become world-class performers. In this episode of Everlasting Business, we explore stress inoculation training and its applications, such as Tactical Emergency Casualty Care (TECC) training. Learn about the importance of preventing the fight or flight response from taking over higher-level thinking and the power of premeditating bad scenarios to improve your reactions. We also touch on effective decision-making, planning for different scenarios, and the impact of training on how we respond to stressful situations. Listen in as we share valuable insights about allocating energy wisely and controlling where it is focused.

Discover the fascinating history of Cire Trudon, the world's oldest luxury candle maker, and uncover the secrets behind their centuries-long success. Our exploration takes us from the Royal Court and the popularity of white beeswax, to the incredible staying power of this storied company. With lessons modern businesses can apply today, you won't want to miss this captivating discussion on the importance of craftsmanship, narrative, and pricing in creating unforgettable experiences for customers. We also dive into the world of scent and environmental triggers, examining how Cire Trudon's Ernesto candle is crafted to evoke specific memories and emotions. Delve into the power of scent, the longest-lasting memory of all our senses, and learn how environmental triggers can help us get into work mode or even explain why the sound of running water makes people feel like they have to go to the bathroom. Finally, we take an in-depth look at the value creation chain and how your business can learn from Cire Trudon's legendary success. Embrace the importance of attention to detail, commitment to quality, and the art of selecting the right goods to convey a sense of importance and create a loyal customer base.

Welcome to the Everlasting Business podcast with your hosts, Ari Meisel and Gregg Schoenberg. Ari, the renowned productivity expert and business coach, and Gregg, an experienced financial executive and CEO whisperer, join forces to help leaders transcend the ordinary and build lasting legacies. With their combined expertise, they explore the timeless principles that empower businesses to stand the test of time. Delve into thought-provoking conversations as Ari and Gregg uncover the secrets of longevity, resilience, and adaptability. Learn from their unique perspectives on navigating the challenges of today while laying the foundations for a prosperous and enduring future. Now, let's embark on this journey of discovery with Ari and Gregg in another insightful episode of Everlasting Business.