The Thoughtful Entrepreneur
Josh Elledge of UpMyInfluence.com
Recent Episodes
In this episode of the Thoughtful Entrepreneur, your host Josh Elledge speaks to the Founder of Serene DataOps, Abdullah Ahmed.
Abdullah Ahmed discussed the pivotal role of data operations (Data Ops) in the current data-centric environment. He revealed the importance of Data Ops for businesses aiming to succeed in a data-dominated era, emphasizing that adopting Data Ops is essential, not optional.
Data Ops represents a significant shift in organizational approaches to data science and automation. Abdullah described how Serene Data Ops leads this transformation by helping companies speed up their data initiatives. The company facilitates a more efficient data lifecycle, from collection to analysis, enabling quicker and more informed business decision-making.
Abdullah also covered recent advancements in AI and analytics. He provided insights into how machine learning and predictive analytics integration are increasingly accessible, allowing even smaller companies to compete with more giant corporations. This trend is leveling the playing field across industries.
Key Points from the Episode:
- Interview with Abdullah Ahmed of Serene Data Ops
- The work of Serene Data Ops in accelerating data science and automation journey for organizations
- Importance of data ops
- Examples of client projects
- Insights on trends in AI and analytics
About Abdullah Ahmed:
Abdullah Ahmed is a prominent figure in the realm of data science and SAP leadership, and he is celebrated for driving efficiency in supply chains with his data-centric innovations. His career highlights a commitment to strategic innovation and a knack for devising solutions that yield significant cost savings, underlining his ability to tackle complex challenges with unique approaches. His efforts have consistently enhanced the value of his organizations, thanks to his visionary insights and steadfast resilience.
Educated at Texas A&M and the University of Texas, Abdullah has sharpened his analytical skills to craft transformative AI solutions, earning acclaim for the projects themselves and their impactful narratives of success. His achievements include developing a cost-saving RPA system and strategically centralizing data across numerous locations, enhancing global decision-making processes. Through his founding of Serene DataOps, Abdullah has also redefined Data and Operations consulting, blending the best practices from Data Science, Software Engineering, and Lean Process Improvement to expedite the analytics development cycle, facilitating swift value delivery to businesses.
About Serene DataOps:
Serene DataOps specializes in enhancing the capabilities of Data Science teams, enabling them to develop and implement data-driven business processes rapidly. Recognizing that the success of process savings extends beyond just creating a good model, the company tackles common challenges customers face. These challenges often include converting robust proof of concept AI models into seamless data-driven processes and overcoming deployment delays caused by cloud migrations and code optimizations for scalability, ensuring the data perfectly aligns with the intended processes.
Serene DataOps ensures production-ready code from day one by offering a suite of services to bridge the gap between Data and Operational teams. The company focuses on closing the loop of data-driven process reengineering and benchmarking existing data engineering, data science, agile, and continuous improvement practices. By establishing foundational processes for high-quality code development, managing process reengineering projects, and designing and implementing Data Lakes/Lakehouses as foundational infrastructure, Serene DataOps positions itself as a critical partner for businesses aiming to leverage data for strategic advantage.
Tweetable Moments:
07:20 - "My passion and specialty is to help those who are working hours on a process that doesn't work, whether it's through automation, analytics tools, or decision prioritization tools."
Links Mentioned in this Episode:
Want to learn more? Check out Serene DataOps’ website at
https://www.serenedataops.com/
Check out Abdullah Ahmed on LinkedIn at
https://www.linkedin.com/in/abdullahanwerahmed/
More from UpMyInfluence:
We are actively booking guests for our The Thoughtful Entrepreneur. Schedule HERE.
Are you a 6-figure consultant? I’ve got high-level intros for you. Learn more here.
What is your #1 Lead Generation BLOCKER? Take my free quiz here.
Want to learn more about all the podcasts managed by UpMyInfluence? Opt in here.
In this episode of the Thoughtful Entrepreneur, your host Josh Elledge speaks to the Founder of The Brand Sensei, G. Kofi Annan.
Kofi Annan engaged in a detailed discussion about the branding landscape of 2024, emphasizing the profound impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on marketing strategies. Kofi's deep understanding of branding dynamics, especially AI's transformative role, provided valuable insights during the conversation.
Kofi shared practical strategies for businesses to realign their branding efforts with core values and customer expectations. He emphasized the importance of revisiting the brand's mission, vision, and values to ensure all communications are rooted in these foundational elements, fostering a cohesive brand narrative.
Kofi discussed his approach to client work, including oversized, established brands and smaller, emerging entities. His customized strategies cater to each brand's specific challenges and opportunities, showcasing his adaptability and expertise across various industries.
Key Points from the Episode:
- Kofi Annan's expertise as a branding expert working with large and small brands
- Discussion on the rapidly changing landscape of branding in 2024
- Impact of AI on branding strategies
- Understanding the gap between internal brand identity and external communication with customers
- Practical exercises for leaders to improve their branding strategies
- Insights into Kofi Annan's work with clients
- Offer of a free tool on The Brand Sensei website to evaluate readiness for AI in marketing
- Valuable insights for business owners and professionals looking to enhance their branding strategies
- Practical and actionable advice for branding in the evolving market
About G. Kofi Annan:
Kofi Annan has distinguished himself in the marketing and branding industry through a career spanning two decades, during which he has consistently driven innovation and growth for both multinational corporations and startups. His leadership roles at premier advertising agencies, including Saatchi & Saatchi and Ogilvy, have allowed him to leave a significant imprint on over 200 brands worldwide. Among these, notable names like PUMA and Mercedes Benz stand out, showcasing his ability to navigate and succeed in the complex landscape of global marketing.
Beyond his professional achievements, Kofi Annan is recognized for his thought leadership and contributions to the discourse on marketing in a technological era. His insights have been sought after and featured in prestigious media outlets such as The Wall Street Journal and Entrepreneur magazine. Kofi, a sought-after keynote speaker, has shared his vision and strategies for branding success at high-profile venues like Harvard, SXSW Interactive, and the United Nations. He is also the visionary behind The Brand Sensei, an innovative AI-powered marketing firm aimed at launching and nurturing smarter, more adaptive brands in today's fast-paced market.
About The Brand Sensei:
The Brand Sensei offers innovative solutions for brands at the cusp of launching or scaling, employing an AI-powered approach to marketing that demystifies technology used for business growth. Their SMTR BRND™️ methodology empowers brands to achieve more impactful, innovative, and quicker results without compromising their unique identity or authenticity. The service is tailored to provide scalable solutions that capture but inspire and convert audiences into loyal brand advocates, effectively addressing the challenge of maintaining relevance and engagement in a rapidly evolving market landscape.
Addressing common hurdles businesses face today, such as evolving customer expectations, ineffective marketing strategies, and resource constraints, The Brand Sensei leverages AI to offer a competitive advantage. By harnessing the power of AI analytics for deeper customer insights, automating engagement, and optimizing marketing efficiency, businesses can make data-driven decisions, streamline operations, and, ultimately, enhance their market presence. This approach ensures that companies with limited resources can compete effectively, fostering a community of engaged supporters and driving sales growth.
Tweetable Moments:
04:41 - "They want to discover things that maybe somebody else in the broader market doesn't know so they could introduce that to their friends."
Links Mentioned in this Episode:
Want to learn more? Check out The Brand Sensei’s website at
Check out G. Kofi Annan on LinkedIn at
https://www.linkedin.com/in/gkofiannan/
Check out G. Kofi Annan on Instagram at
https://www.instagram.com/gkofiannan/
Check out G. Kofi Annan on Twitter at
https://twitter.com/gkofiannan
Check out The Brand Sensei's free assessment tool at
More from UpMyInfluence:
We are actively booking guests for our The Thoughtful Entrepreneur. Schedule HERE.
Are you a 6-figure consultant? I’ve got high-level intros for you. Learn more here.
What is your #1 Lead Generation BLOCKER? Take my free quiz here.
Want to learn more about all the podcasts managed by UpMyInfluence? Opt in here.
In this episode of the Thoughtful Entrepreneur, your host Josh Elledge speaks with the Founder and Lead Coach of Oak Bay Coaching and Consulting, Jennifer Wilson.
Jennifer Wilson is a leadership coach and the founder of Oak Bay Coaching and Consulting. Transitioning from a ski instructor and midwife to a family business leader and coach, Jennifer brings valuable insights to entrepreneurs and leaders. Her background in guiding skiers and assisting in childbirth has given her a deep understanding of human potential and the nuances of leading individuals through difficult transitions. This wealth of experience has propelled her into leadership coaching.
In discussions, Jennifer describes herself as a "thinking partner" to her clients. She adopts a non-directive role, encouraging clients to explore their solutions through introspective and powerful questions. This method promotes client autonomy and instill a sense of responsibility for their decisions and consequences.
A key focus of the discussion was Kolbe, a tool that Jennifer Wilson uses to assess individual strengths and problem-solving styles. She highlighted the importance of recognizing and utilizing these strengths and acknowledging the diversity within a team. This understanding is essential for entrepreneurs dealing with complex team dynamics.
Key Points from the Episode:
- Jennifer Wilson's journey and transition to becoming a leadership coach
- Her role as a thinking partner and guiding clients to solve their own problems
- Working with clients in family businesses and women in leadership
- Coaching framework as a passenger in the car while clients are in the driver's seat
- The value of Kolbe in understanding problem-solving strengths
- Challenges that entrepreneurs face, including effective delegation
- Addressing burnout and the importance of self-reflection and leveraging strengths
- Resources available on oakbaycoaching.com for new leaders and preserving organizational culture
- Encouragement to join the Thoughtful Entrepreneur community
- Promise to continue bringing positivity and inspiration to listeners' daily lives
About Jennifer Wilson:
Jennifer Wilson is a dedicated coach and mentor who fosters personal transformation and resilience in her clients. She perceives challenges as hidden opportunities and emphasizes the importance of understanding and utilizing one's innate talents. With a coaching career that began in earnest in 2022, Jennifer brings a wealth of experience from her diverse background, including significant roles in business, education, healthcare, and, notably, as a CEO in the family business specializing in Homestay placements for international students. Her approach is characterized by a blend of non-directive coaching and mentoring tailored to individual client needs, making her a compassionate and practical personal and professional development guide.
Jennifer's qualifications and experiences are extensive, covering a spectrum from a Bachelor of Science in Anatomy to an MBA in leadership, alongside certifications in coaching and the Kolbe Index, which she utilizes to enhance team productivity and stress management. Her life experiences, including overcoming burnout, career shifts, and personal trials, equip her with unique insights into life's complexities. Beyond her professional achievements, Jennifer is a dedicated mother, an avid mindfulness and yoga practitioner, and an enthusiast of Vancouver Island's outdoor adventures, embodying the balance and growth she encourages in her clients.
About Oak Bay Coaching and Consulting:
Oak Bay Coaching and Consulting is dedicated to unlocking the potential within its clients by fostering a culture of transformation, resilience, and positivity. With a foundation in the belief that challenges are merely opportunities in disguise, the firm focuses on assisting clients to recognize and harness their innate abilities for personal and professional growth. The firm leverages the extensive experience of its executive coaches, who bring over 17 years of leadership expertise, advanced business education, and certified coach training to the table, ensuring a well-rounded and impactful coaching experience.
The unique approach of Oak Bay Coaching and Consulting integrates the principles of the Kolbe System with strategies to overcome internal and external compassion fatigue. This combination is designed to support clients in enacting sustainable change, leading to lasting positive outcomes in their personal lives and professional careers. The firm's methodology emphasizes the importance of understanding and utilizing one's gifts, underpinned by the conviction that with the appropriate guidance and support, individuals can navigate their challenges and transform them into opportunities for success.
Tweetable Moments:
08:43 - "How do I preserve the culture of my organization as I grow? This is where I think a coach approach really adds value."
Links Mentioned in this Episode:
Want to learn more? Check out Oak Bay Coaching and Consulting’s website at
https://www.oakbaycoachingandconsulting.ca/
Check out Oak Bay Coaching and Consulting on LinkedIn at
https://www.linkedin.com/company/oak-bay-coaching-and-consulting/
Check out Jennifer Wilson on LinkedIn at
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferrobinwilson/
Check out Jennifer Wilson on Facebook at
https://facebook.com/JenniferRobinWilson
Check out Jennifer Wilson on Instagram at
https://instagram.com/JenniferRobinWilson
Check out Jennifer Wilson’s website at
http://www.jenniferrrobinwilson.com/
More from UpMyInfluence:
We are actively booking guests for our The Thoughtful Entrepreneur. Schedule HERE.
Are you a 6-figure consultant? I’ve got high-level intros for you. Learn more here.
What is your #1 Lead Generation BLOCKER? Take my free quiz here.
Want to learn more about all the podcasts managed by UpMyInfluence? Opt in here.
In this episode of the Thoughtful Entrepreneur, your host Josh Elledge speaks with the CEO Advisor and Founder of Quantum Evolution Corp, Mariana Lacombe.
Mariana Lacombe, founder and CEO of Evolve with Quantum, specializes in helping CEO founders enhance their profits and net worth. Her unique approach combines personal growth with business success, which she believes is essential for effective leadership. Mariana's work focuses on helping founders realize the importance of personal development in translating business success into increased personal wealth.
She has committed her career to assisting founders in translating business growth into personal net worth. She believes that while leaders frequently prioritize the needs of others, personal development is essential for serving more effectively. This principle forms the foundation of her work at Evolve with Quantum.
Mariana also introduced her "profitability multiplier method," aimed at identifying and addressing profit losses within a company. This method may involve reevaluating expenses, modifying pricing strategies, or broadening services offered to existing clients. According to her, even minor adjustments in these areas can significantly boost profitability.
Key Points from the Episode:
- Importance of balancing personal growth and wealth with business growth
- Identifying and addressing blind spots that may be sabotaging financial growth
- Free masterclass and routine checklist to help business owners streamline processes and maximize financial exit
- Helping CEO founders maximize profits and grow net worth
- Focusing on translating business growth into personal net worth
- Challenges faced by business owners in growing personal net worth while scaling their businesses
- Impact of business decisions on personal growth and wealth
- Psychological aspects of business and personal decision-making
- Action items for assessing and addressing energy drains and business growth ceilings
- Profitability multiplier method for identifying and addressing profit-draining factors in the company
About Mariana Lacombe:
Mariana Lacombe is a distinguished entrepreneur and authority in business development, with over twenty years of experience assisting a diverse range of coaching and consulting clients globally to expand their influence and profitability. Her tailored advice and coaching methods empower entrepreneurs to refine their operations, boost revenues, and establish enduring strategies for sustained achievement. Mariana's effectiveness is evidenced by her clients, who not only have seen their net worth double but also have broken free from the relentless grind by adopting her systematic approaches.
With an eclectic educational background and extensive professional experience, Mariana is uniquely equipped to guide ambitious leaders to surpass their growth plateaus. She holds degrees in Psychology, Service Management, and an Executive MBA with a concentration in International Business and Finance, alongside certifications from the Harvard Coaching Institute and as a Certified Board Member. Before establishing her consultancy, she contributed her expertise to leading coaching organizations, including those of Tony Robbins and Clients on Demand. She successfully grew her ventures, demonstrating her capacity to drive significant business success and client transformation.
About Quantum Evolution:
Quantum Evolution is a transformative force for business owners aiming to transcend conventional operational or sale objectives. Leveraging vast international expertise in corporate finance, leadership performance, and innovative funding strategies, Quantum Evolution acts as a financial architect. The firm crafts bespoke blueprints for enhancing business assets, offering a groundbreaking blend of valuation and consulting services. These services are designed to bolster marketing, investment planning, and automation strategies across all company levels, ensuring it thrives independently of its owner while maximizing its valuation for when freedom or change beckons.
Founded by Mariana Lacombe after accruing over 10,000 hours in advising, consulting, and coaching, alongside assisting more than 300 clients across six continents, Quantum Evolution Corp embodies her vision of facilitating substantial leaps in business and personal realms for entrepreneurs worldwide. Mariana's approach, dubbed 'high-performance alchemy,' keenly addresses her clients' intertwined personal and professional dimensions, particularly during pivotal moments such as launching, scaling, or selling a business. This holistic focus aims to unlock unprecedented growth, profitability, and strategic exit opportunities, granting business owners the autonomy and advancement they seek.
Tweetable Moments:
18:16 - "When now is going to be the right time for you to take action? It's always now."
Links Mentioned in this Episode:
Want to learn more? Check out Quantum Evolution’s website at
https://evolvewithquantum.com/
Check out Quantum Evolution on LinkedIn at
https://www.linkedin.com/company/quantum-evolution-corp/
Check out Mariana Lacombe on LinkedIn at
https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianalacombe/
Check out Mariana Lacombe on Facebook at
https://www.facebook.com/marianalacombe.quantum/
More from UpMyInfluence:
We are actively booking guests for our The Thoughtful Entrepreneur. Schedule HERE.
Are you a 6-figure consultant? I’ve got high-level intros for you. Learn more here.
What is your #1 Lead Generation BLOCKER? Take my free quiz here.
Want to learn more about all the podcasts managed by UpMyInfluence? Opt in here.
In this episode of the Thoughtful Entrepreneur, your host Josh Elledge speaks to the Co-Founder of The Folson Group, Tina Larsson.
Tina Larsson, co-founder of The Folson Group, explored the complexities of HOA, co-op, and condo boards. Her insights proved invaluable to those managing or residing in these communities. Tina and her team specialize in consulting for volunteer-led boards in these sectors, mainly in New York City and nationwide. Volunteers face challenges in balancing board duties with personal and professional commitments.
A significant challenge for these board members is maintaining and upgrading outdated infrastructure. Tina emphasized the importance of addressing emergency repairs and initiating major projects like facade, roof, and elevator replacements. She advocated for a proactive approach to management, which involves anticipating and resolving potential issues before they become emergencies, thus saving time and resources and reducing stress.
The Folson Group's growth has been fueled by word of mouth, networking, and the influence of Tina's book. She invites anyone facing community-related issues to seek their support, highlighting their dedication to assisting boards in overcoming unique challenges.
Key Points from the Episode:
- The Folson Group's consulting services for HOA, co-op, and condo boards
- Challenges faced by board members, such as aging infrastructure and emergency repairs
- Transitioning from a reactive to a proactive approach
- Dynamics within the boards and making tough decisions
- The role of The Folson Group as coaches and therapists for boards
- Tina Larsson's book, "Living the High Life," as a guidebook for community owners
- Positive feedback and impact of the book
- Attracting clients through word of mouth and networking
- The importance of proactive solutions for community-related challenges
- Encouragement to reach out to The Folson Group for assistance
About Tina Larsson:
Tina Larsson is a multifaceted entrepreneur known for her expertise in real estate and commitment to sustainability. Originally hailing from Sweden, Tina has significantly impacted New York City, transitioning from a successful career on Wall Street to revolutionizing the real estate industry. Her journey began with a remarkable achievement: saving her own cooperative housing (coop) $340,000, which laid the groundwork for her consultancy services. Tina's consultancy focuses on aiding cooperative and condominium boards to enhance their property values through strategic advice and innovative solutions. She holds a LEED Green Associate designation and is a recognized author and speaker, with works such as "Living the High Life" under her belt.
With her venture, The Folson Group, Tina has established herself as a key figure in encouraging sustainable and efficient management practices within the cooperative and condominium communities. By co-founding this consultancy firm, she has dedicated her expertise to guiding boards toward managing their buildings like businesses, emphasizing sustainability and affordability. The Folson Group's mission aligns with Tina's personal and professional ethos, offering tailored solutions that promote environmental responsibility while ensuring financial savings for their clients. Through her efforts, Tina has influenced the real estate sector and positioned herself as a leading "Green Queen" in the industry, advocating for a more sustainable and economically savvy approach to property management.
About The Folson Group:
The Folson Group is a pivotal ally for New York City cooperative (coop) and condominium owners aiming to maximize the potential of their properties. With a team of seasoned experts, the firm excels in meticulously analyzing a building's financial health, followed by developing a strategic plan tailored to reduce costs and augment property value. Their approach is holistic and client-centered, ensuring the creation of a customized plan and its seamless implementation. This commitment allows property owners to allocate their time to other critical areas of their lives, knowing their real estate investments are in capable hands.
Offering a suite of specialized services, The Folson Group differentiates itself by focusing on value addition beyond the scope of typical property management. These services are designed to complement the efforts of property managers and coop or condo boards, addressing a gap in the market for strategic, business-oriented management of residential buildings. Their philosophy is to treat each property as a business, aiming to enhance operational efficiency, sustainability, and profitability. Through this unique approach, The Folson Group empowers property owners to achieve more from their real estate investments, making it a distinguished partner in the competitive New York City real estate landscape.
Tweetable Moments:
06:23 - "We act as a little bit of coaches and therapists in addition to helping them make decisions that are tough. It's very often very tough decisions to make a decision to assess each owner of $40,000."
Links Mentioned in this Episode:
Want to learn more? Check out The Folson Group’s website at
https://www.thefolsongroup.com/
Check out The Folson Group on LinkedIn at
https://www.linkedin.com/company/thefolsongroup/
Check out The Folson Group on Facebook at
https://www.facebook.com/FolsonGrp
Check out The Folson Group on Twitter at
Check out The Folson Group on Instagram at
https://www.instagram.com/folsongrp/
Check out Tina Larsson on LinkedIn at
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tinalarssonli/
Check out Tina Larsson’s book “Living the High Life” at
https://www.thefolsongroup.com/book
More from UpMyInfluence:
We are actively booking guests for our The Thoughtful Entrepreneur. Schedule HERE.
Are you a 6-figure consultant? I’ve got high-level intros for you. Learn more here.
What is your #1 Lead Generation BLOCKER? Take my free quiz here.
Want to learn more about all the podcasts managed by UpMyInfluence? Opt in here.