Strategy + Action

B2B branding isn't boring - it's a goldmine waiting to be tapped.

In this episode of Strategy + Action, host Jason Croft sits down with Bill Kenney, CEO of Focus Lab and Odi, to explore the often misunderstood world of B2B branding.

Bill shares his journey from small-town art kid to brand agency founder, working with tech companies from seed stage to IPO. He breaks down why branding matters, especially in the B2B space where many companies are afraid to stand out.

Jason and Bill dive into:

• Why brand is more than just a logo - it's the North Star of your organization

• The hidden value of branding that can't be measured in short-term ROI

• How MailChimp's quirky brand led to a $12 billion acquisition by Intuit

• Why even "boring" B2B companies need to inject personality into their brand

• The long-term compounding effects of investing in your brand

Through real-world examples and personal anecdotes, Bill makes a compelling case for why B2B companies can't afford to ignore branding. He explains how a strong brand aligns your team, attracts talent, and helps you connect with customers on a human level.

Jason pushes the conversation further, exploring the challenges of measuring brand impact and why many companies struggle to justify the investment. Together, they break down complex branding concepts into actionable insights for businesses of all sizes.

Whether you're a tech startup founder or a seasoned B2B marketer, this episode will change how you think about your company's brand. Don't miss out on this deep dive into the power of B2B branding.

Find all the show notes and links here: https://www.strategyactionshow.com/97

In this eye-opening episode of Strategy + Action, host Jason Croft sits down with Fred Barber, author of the groundbreaking book "Lifescapes," to discuss how the suburban lifestyle is slowly killing Americans – and what you can do about it.

Fred reveals shocking statistics, like how sitting for long hours can lead to dementia, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. He explains how the sedentary suburban lifestyle, where you have to drive everywhere, is worse for your health than smoking.

But it's not just physical health at risk. Fred shares how social isolation in the suburbs is fueling an epidemic of loneliness in America. 22% of adults feel socially isolated, and the number with 5 or more close friends keeps dropping.

The solution? Fred lays out a step-by-step plan for empty nesters and pre-retirees to escape the deadly suburbs. By downsizing to a smaller, cheaper home in a walkable urban area, you can:

- Cut your housing costs by over 50%

- Slash property taxes by 60%

- Eliminate lawn care and maintenance costs

- Build a vibrant social life in "third places" like coffee shops and dog parks

- Rack up 10,000 steps a day just living your normal life

Fred and Jason dive deep into the financial benefits of this "semi-nomadic lifestyle." Fred shares how he freed up thousands of dollars per month by moving. He explains how to calculate the true cost of living in different areas, factoring in state income and property taxes.

But this episode is about way more than just numbers. Fred and Jason explore how relationships, physical health, and even political engagement can flourish in walkable communities.

Whether you're an empty nester, young couple, or solo adventurer, this episode will inspire you to totally rethink your lifestyle and living situation. Fred shares tons of free and low-cost resources, including:

- A database of 700 walkable neighborhoods at lifescapes.info

- A system to rank neighborhoods based on your unique priorities

- A model to estimate your tax savings in different states

- Tips for "trying out" a new neighborhood before moving

If you're fed up with the lonely, sedentary suburban lifestyle, this is a must-listen. Fred Barber will open your eyes to a totally new way of living - one that's healthier, happier, and much better for your bank account.

If you're a woman feeling stuck in your corporate career, this episode is a must-listen.

Reagan Cannon, former Amazon and AT&T executive turned entrepreneur, gets brutally honest about why so many talented women get left behind on the climb to the C-suite.

The reason?

A lack of what Reagan calls "relational courage."

After leading a nationwide research study on the barriers holding women back from executive roles, Reagan discovered that women often wait for confidence before taking action. But true courage is about "taking action in the face of your fears."

In a conversation packed with insights from her 20-year corporate career, Reagan shares the crucial mindset shifts and practical strategies that help women break through to senior leadership:

- How to get recognized for your results (hint: it's not just about doing great work)

- Why building your reputation and relationships is just as important as your skill set

- The underrated power of lifting others up as you climb

- How to get clear on your "why" and redefine your identity as a leader

Considering making the leap from corporate to entrepreneurship? Reagan's been there and has some advice:

There's no "elegant off-ramp." At some point, you have to muster the courage to "cut across traffic and leave."

But here's the good news:

Many of the skills you honed in the corporate world - leadership, communication, and managing at scale - are actually your secret weapons as an entrepreneur.

The key is transferring those skills to your new context with an experimental mindset. Knowing that "what you think will work, won't - and what you think won't work, will."

Host Jason Croft drives the conversation forward with insightful questions that dig beneath the surface, while also sharing his own hard-won wisdom on the parallels between rising in the corporate ranks and succeeding as an entrepreneur.

This episode will light a motivating fire under any woman who's ready to take her career to the next level - whether that's a coveted executive role or an entrepreneurial venture.

Tune in now and let Reagan show you how to cultivate your relational courage and unleash your true leadership potential.

What if we told you the key to scaling your business is not complicated marketing tactics or big budgets, but simple human connection?

In this captivating episode, Jason Croft sits down with Clay Hicks, the founder of H7 - a rapidly expanding B2B networking platform with members in 45 states, as well as Canada, Australia, England, Croatia, El Salvador, Columbia, Philippines, Italy, and India.

Clay shares the powerful mindset shift that allowed him to grow from a single location in Cincinnati to a nationwide phenomenon, all through intentional networking and word-of-mouth.

You'll discover his deceptively simple "Connect, Serve, and Ask" philosophy that has members lining up to be a part of the H7 movement.

Learn how asking thoughtful questions, serving others first, and having the humility to ask for help created a community of champions who propelled Clay's vision forward.

Forget the outdated "follow the rules" networking approach - this fresh perspective will make you rethink everything you thought you knew about building relationships that fuel real business growth.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, consultant, or simply looking to level up your networking game, you'll love this conversation with Clay.

Grab a pen and get ready to be inspired by Clay's infectious enthusiasm and the remarkable results of living out timeless principles with unwavering commitment.

What if your biggest setback was actually your biggest advantage?

In this episode of Strategy + Action, host Jason Croft sits down with Chad E. Foster, a man who refused to be defined by his circumstances. Diagnosed with a condition that left him blind by the age of 21, Chad's story could have been one of despair. Instead, it's a narrative of triumph, a journey from victim to visionary. Chad doesn't just share his story; he dissects the very fabric of resilience, offering listeners a blueprint to forge their own path through adversity.

Jason Croft draws out the essence of Chad's message, making it accessible and actionable for everyone. Whether you're a leader looking to inspire your team, an individual facing your own set of challenges, or simply someone who loves a story of triumph against the odds, this episode is for you.

Chad's insights are not just theoretical; they are forged in the crucible of real-life challenges. From his decision to attend Harvard Business School to his success in the corporate world and his impactful work as a speaker and author, Chad embodies the message he shares. His book, "Blind Ambition," is not just a memoir; it's a manual for anyone looking to build resilience in their own lives.

This episode of Strategy + Action is an invitation to challenge your limits, step out of your comfort zone, and transform your life's toughest moments into your greatest victories. Join Jason and Chad as they explore what it means to truly live a resilient life.

Dive into this episode for a journey that promises not just to inspire but to equip you with the tools to navigate your own challenges with grace, strength, and unwavering determination.