Episodes

  • Marketing Strategies in Regulated Industries

    Marketing Strategies in Regulated Industries
    Oct 1 2024
    In this insightful episode of Schmidt List, host Kurt Schmidt sits down with Bob Freytag, a seasoned marketing expert and partner at Introworks, a specialized marketing agency with over three decades of experience.

    Bob delves into the meticulous research methodologies used at Introworks, highlighting the importance of deep individual interviews in understanding a company's ecosystem—from products and competitors to customer mindsets. He shares their structured approach, from exploration meetings to crafting strategic narratives and narrowing down messaging into clear, market-tested ideas that resonate with the target audience.

    The discussion emphasizes the critical role of market feedback in shaping brand messaging, the necessity of preparing sales teams with practical tools, and the challenges of maintaining regulatory compliance in highly regulated industries like medical technology and fintech. Bob also introduces their proprietary tool, Trueview, which aids in aligning market perceptions with the company’s messaging.

    Listeners will gain valuable insights into the importance of branding, authenticity, and client education. Bob and Kurt explore how understanding and connecting with clients can lead to market success, illustrated by real-world examples of successful marketing repositioning and product launches.

    Tune in to discover the nuances of working within regulatory constraints while maintaining creativity, the significance of continuous learning in marketing, and the power of listening to and collaborating with your audience.

    For more information and to connect with Bob Freytag and Introworks, visit their website at intro.works, subscribe to their quarterly newsletter, "The Catalyst," or reach out directly via email or LinkedIn.

    Join us for a deep dive into the art and science of effective marketing in complex industries!

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    44 mins
  • From Novice to Superconnector

    From Novice to Superconnector
    Sep 17 2024
    In this enlightening episode of Schmidt List, host Kurt Schmidt discusses networking with esteemed guest Mike Adams.

    Mike, an experienced sales and marketing professional, shares his insights and expertise on becoming a "super-connector"—a career path dedicated to facilitating valuable introductions.
    We explore the principles of intentional networking and the tools that make it effective, such as the IntroStars platform, which Mike is developing to help people monetize their networking skills. Mike outlines how being a superconnector can create more opportunities and provide substantial financial benefits.

    Listeners will gain practical tips on navigating networking events, framing oneself as a helper rather than a seller, and effective icebreakers to kickstart meaningful conversations. Mike also shares advice for introverts on making the most out of networking without feeling pressured.

    Kurt and Mike discuss the ethical dilemmas of spam and cold outreach, emphasizing the value of trusted relationships and manual efforts in lead generation. Mike’s perspective on using LinkedIn as a powerful tool for maintaining and managing professional relationships offers fresh, actionable insights.

    With stories from Mike’s 28-year career in major tech companies and his transformative journey from an introvert to a "Networking King" in London, this episode is packed with valuable lessons for anyone looking to enhance their networking strategy. Tune in to discover how networking can be a joyous and serendipitous journey contributing to personal and professional growth.

    https://introstars.com
    https://linkedin.com/in/supermike

    There is too much Schmidt to List!

    Check out https://www.kurtschmidt.me for more show info.

    Visit Kurt’s coaching site at https://schmidtconsulting.group

    Subscribe to The Road Map Newsletter and unlock the secrets to achieving a harmonious work-life balance as a leader. https://bit.ly/RoadMapNewsletter

    New Book! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D2C61THR

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    43 mins
  • Supporting Roles in Leadership

    Supporting Roles in Leadership
    Sep 10 2024
    In this riveting episode of "Schmidt List," host Kurt Schmidt sits down with Nathan Young, fractional COO, founder, and author of "How to Be Second." Together, they delve deep into the concept of personal and professional growth, emphasizing the value of the support role in leadership. Nathan shares his unique journey and the realizations that led him to embrace his role as an integrator, rather than a traditional entrepreneur.

    Key topics include:
    • Main Character Concept: Exploring how seeing oneself as the main character can foster a victim mentality.
    • Personal Growth: The importance of exposing oneself to diverse perspectives and situations for genuine growth.
    • Facing Fears: Kurt shares a personal anecdote about overcoming his fear of guns through education and practice.
    • Work-Life Balance: Discussing the different attitudes towards work and the impact on personal identity.
    • Guest Spotlight: Nathan introduces his book, "How to Be Second," and a new matchmaking service for leaders and supporters.
    • Networking and Mentorship: The necessity of building a sustainable network and the transformative power of mentorship.
    • Productivity Techniques: Insights into time blocking, changing work environments, and maintaining focus.
    • Role Specialization: The importance of clear role definitions and the emotional journey of embracing the "second" role.

    Listen in as Kurt and Nathan offer valuable advice on intentional networking, professional accountability, and the multifaceted nature of leadership roles. Whether you're a solo entrepreneur or a seasoned leader, this episode is packed with insights to help you navigate your professional journey with clarity and confidence.

    Resources and Links:

    - Nathan Young’s book, "How to Be Second," is available now from major publishers, including an audiobook version.

    - Visit http://howtobesecond.com for more information on Nathan’s work and to join his community. https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-s-young
    - Subscribe to Nathan's newsletter for updates and more leadership insights.
    - Check out Kurt’s "The Little Book of Networking" for a solid framework on intentional networking.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/schmidt-list-inspiring-leaders--2664825/support.
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    53 mins
  • Launch Your Own Agency

    Launch Your Own Agency
    Sep 3 2024
    In this insightful episode of Schmidt List, host Kurt Schmidt interviews John Hoeft, the president of Interactive Circle and founder of The Agency Builder.

    After almost 30 years of experience in launching digital marketing services, John is sharing his expertise in helping solopreneurs and business owners to successfully launch their agencies. Learn about the innovative agency operating system that Interactive Circle uses to help new agencies build their tech stack, generate new business, and more. John delves into the details of marketing and sales, discussing the common challenges new agencies face and the importance of having a strong marketing strategy.

    Discover how their approach, which emphasizes strong leadership, effective project management, and a broad network of service providers, sets agencies up for success without the need for constant hiring and firing. Kurt and John also discuss the crucial role of content marketing and how it continues to evolve in the digital age. They cover the tools and strategies essential for modern marketing success, from web development to paid search, social media, and storytelling. Whether you're a seasoned marketer or a business owner looking to expand into the marketing world, this episode is full of valuable insights and advice.

    Key takeaways:
    • The inner workings of Interactive CirCircle'sency operating system
    • The critical mistakes new agencies make and how to avoid them
    • Tips on building robust marketing strategies that stand the test of time
    • The evolving landscape of content marketing and its importance
    • How to utilize platforms like LinkedIn for B2B marketing
    For more information, connect with John!

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnhoeft/
    www.theagencybuilder.com
    www.iacircle.com


    Tune in to Schmidt List and get the expert guidance you need to build a thriving agency!

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    23 mins
  • Coaching vs. Commanding in Leadership

    Coaching vs. Commanding in Leadership
    Aug 28 2024
    Welcome to the Schmidt List Podcast!

    In this episode, Host Kurt Schmidt interviews Ben Dueck, a leadership development consultant who shares insights on generational differences in leadership and workplace challenges.

    Key Topics:
    - Generational Differences in Leadership
    - Workplace Loyalty, Work-Life Balance, Work Ethic
    - Technology and Social Media Impact on Brain Chemistry
    - Balancing Flexibility and Authority in Management
    - Transitioning from Individual Contributor to Leader
    - The Need for Structured Leadership Training
    - Intentional Strategies to Empower Leaders and Managers
    - Importance of Development Opportunities in Organizations
    - Learning from Others and Coaching Methods
    - Self-Care: Nutrition, Exercise, and Sleep for Leaders
    - Hope-Filled Leadership: Inspiring Teams
    - Coaching vs. Commanding in Leadership
    - Feedback and Advice in the Workplace
    - Addressing Divisiveness, Mental Health, and Technological Challenges
    - Gallup Studies on Successful Management Characteristics

    Connect:
    - Follow Kurt Schmidt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/-kurtschmidt/
    - Connect with Ben Dueck on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-dueck/
    - Explore Cantera Leadership:www.canteraleadership.com
    - Follow Cantera on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cantera.leadership/

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    35 mins
  • Transforming Healthcare with Simulation and Leadership

    Transforming Healthcare with Simulation and Leadership
    Aug 20 2024
    In this episode, host Kurt Schmidt interviews Douglas Slakey, a transplant surgeon and chair of health system science at Belmont University Frist College of Medicine. Slakey discusses the importance of simulation training in healthcare, which prepares professionals for unexpected situations and improves patient outcomes. He shares an example where simulation led to the use of ultrasound for kidney dialysis with better results.

    The conversation highlights the value of leadership participation in simulations to boost communication and empathy. Slakey underscores the need for clear vision and outcome articulation to drive change. At Belmont University, he is building a center for health system science to innovate and transform healthcare sustainably.

    Key discussion points include aligning education with patient needs, translating data into action, and managing healthcare complexities with empathy and compassion. Leadership qualities emphasized are focusing on broader goals, welcoming diverse opinions, and considering the interconnected roles in patient care.

    Slakey introduces his book, "The Process Manifesto: Improving Healthcare in a Complex World," which explores these themes and is available on Amazon. He advocates for an "adhocracy" approach, empowering frontline workers akin to NASA's strategy, and treating employees as valuable assets.

    Listeners can learn more about Slakey's work at processhealthconsulting.com.

    There is too much Schmidt to List!

    Check out https://www.kurtschmidt.me for more show info.

    Visit Kurt’s coaching site at https://schmidtconsulting.group

    Subscribe to The Road Map Newsletter and unlock the secrets to achieving a harmonious work-life balance as a leader. https://bit.ly/RoadMapNewsletter

    New Book! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D2C61THR

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    36 mins
  • AI and Agile: The New Era of Project Management

    AI and Agile: The New Era of Project Management
    Aug 13 2024
    Welcome back to Schmidt List! In this compelling episode, host Kurt Schmidt sits down with Phillip Brown, an expert in automating project management and selecting the right project management software for today’s businesses. This episode is a must-watch if you're interested in AI integration, project automation, cloud-based project management tools, or agile methodologies.Phillip Brown delves deep into how AI revolutionizes project management roles, turning them from hands-on operations to advisory positions. He emphasizes that project leaders must now equip themselves with management and humanity skills to effectively collaborate with AI. This episode also covers the transition from antiquated Excel spreadsheets to dynamic, cloud-based, or accessible project management software, highlighting the importance of refining existing processes for better transparency and alignment.Key Topics Covered:- Automating project management- Choosing the right project management software- Impact of AI on project management jobs- AI and machine learning in project management- Cloud-based project management tools- Agile project management methodologies- AI security concerns and legal issues- Industry-specific AI adoption (finance, pharma, healthcare)- Custom tool sets for project management- Importance of data and reporting in project managementPhillip Brown shares insights on how companies are moving towards agile approaches, working in two-week increments and continuously reviewing progress. He also discusses how highly regulated industries are cautious about AI, leading many companies to develop large language models trained on internal data.This episode addresses the merger of project management and product management roles. It underscores an organization's need to adopt an agile methodology, warning that large companies risk falling behind more agile competitors. We also explore Apple's innovative approach of creating small internal startups to foster agile experimentation.Phillip offers invaluable advice on staying informed about the latest advancements in AI and project management. From YouTube influencers reviewing AI tools to newsletters in AI, he believes in learning from the programmers who create this tech, not just those who comment on it.Key Quotes:- "AI won't remove project management jobs, but it will change their role."- "Transparency and alignment are crucial in preventing budget and project mishaps."- "Automation and machine learning can help identify and mitigate potential issues in projects."Learn more about Phillip Brown and connect with him on LinkedIn. pbrown@blupitt.comThere is too much Schmidt to List! Check out https://www.kurtschmidt.me for more show info. Visit Kurt’s coaching site at https://schmidtconsulting.group Subscribe to The Road Map Newsletter and unlock the secrets to achieving a harmonious work-life balance as a leader. https://bit.ly/RoadMapNewsletter New Book! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D2C61THR Follow us on all the things! https://twitter.com/Schmidt_List https://www.instagram.com/schmidtlistpodcast/ https://www.facebook.com/schmidtlist/ https://www.youtube.com/c/SchmidtListBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/schmidt-list-inspiring-leaders--2664825/support.
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    31 mins
  • From Agency to Startup

    From Agency to Startup
    Aug 6 2024
    Jim Cuene, a digital marketing and emerging technologies expert, joins Kurt Schmidt on the Schmidt List podcast to discuss career transitions, entrepreneurship, winding down a business, and finding focus. Cuene shares his professional journey working at agencies and corporations like Cicerone, Go Kart Labs, General Mills, American Express, and Ameriprise Financial before starting his firm, Fahren.

    Cuene and Schmidt discuss the challenges of closing a business, handling employee well-being during transitions, outstanding client payments, and lease negotiations. They emphasize the importance of being intentional, kind, and in the right headspace when making significant career changes or winding down a company.

    Schmidt talks about his approach to gaining market feedback, building a community, and providing value through webinars, ebooks, and agency scorecards. He highlights the mindset of abundance and the value of a trusted network when starting a new venture. The conversation also touches on the uncertainty of career trajectories, the need for personal ownership and accountability, and the mix of excitement and pressure when launching a new business. Cuene shares the difficulty of being honest about needs and wants and creating opportunities, while Schmidt outlines his coaching system, focusing on leadership's impact on service quality and client relationships.


    Connect with Jim! https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimcuene/

    There is too much Schmidt to List!
    Check out https://www.kurtschmidt.me for more show info.

    Visit Kurt’s coaching site at https://schmidtconsulting.group

    Subscribe to The Road Map Newsletter and unlock the secrets to achieving a harmonious work-life balance as a leader. https://bit.ly/RoadMapNewsletter

    New Book! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D2C61THR


    Follow us on all the things!
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    https://www.instagram.com/schmidtlistpodcast/
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    43 mins