What if the key to revolutionizing education lies in interdisciplinary learning and real-world problem-solving?

In this episode, host Natalie Born is joined by Ed Fidoe, the founder and CEO of the London Interdisciplinary School (LIS), an innovative institution tackling global issues like inequality, sustainability, ethics, and AI through an interdisciplinary curriculum. Ed shares his journey from co-founding a K-12 school focused on project-based learning to creating LIS, the first UK institution in decades with degree-awarding powers from inception. Together, they explore the changing landscape of education, the role of AI in academia, and the importance of developing communication skills. The conversation touches on Ed’s belief in solving real-world problems through education and the impact of interdisciplinary expertise on modern challenges.

[00:01 - 05:14] From TV Shows to Education: Ed’s Journey

• Belief in possibilities began with acting

• Launched School 21 to focus on project-based learning

• Emphasized oracy to improve speaking skills

[05:15 - 10:00] Project-Based Learning & Oracy

• Project-based learning can be powerful when done well

• Speaking skills are critical but often neglected

• Over 1,000 UK schools now focus on oracy

[10:01 - 16:34] AI in Education at LIS

• Students must use and explain AI tools like ChatGPT

• AI improves student creativity and critical thinking

• Higher expectations for academic work with AI

[16:35 - 22:44] Tackling Real-World Problems

• LIS organizes learning around real-world issues

• Students work with companies to solve global problems

• Prepares students for messy, real-life challenges

[22:45 - 27:22] The Role of Interactional Expertise

• Interactional expertise bridges knowledge gaps

• Middle leaders benefit from understanding multiple fields

• Developing this expertise is essential for complex problem-solving

Quotes:

“If we’re preparing students for the world of work, we must have them using the AI tools of the day. Otherwise, we’re setting them up to fail.” - Ed Fidoe

"You need to show what you value if you want people to actually kind of work on it and commit time to it." - Ed Fidoe

Connect with Ed:

Website: https://www.lis.ac.uk/team/ed-fidoe

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-fidoe?originalSubdomain=uk

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How can shifting your mindset about pricing transform your business and unlock greater value for your clients?

In this episode, John Ray dives into the challenges service providers face when it comes to pricing and value creation. They explore how a mindset shift can help professionals, from consultants to attorneys, understand and communicate their value better, avoid common pricing pitfalls, and confidently present their services. John shares insights from his book, The Generosity Mindset, explaining how generosity and value-based pricing can empower businesses to succeed. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your pricing strategies, this episode is full of actionable advice.

[00:01 - 05:29] Welcome and Introduction

• Introduction to John Ray and his work with service professionals
• John's expertise in pricing and business development
• Highlighting his national bestseller, The Generosity Mindset

[05:30 - 10:15] Why Pricing is Often Misunderstood

• The scarcity of pricing education in business schools
• The common mindset issues around pricing for service providers
• The emotional barriers that prevent correct pricing decisions

[10:16 - 15:48] The Generosity Mindset and Its Impact on Pricing

• The "Mother Teresa syndrome" and its negative impact on business
• The importance of focusing on the value to clients
• Understanding and aligning client perceptions of value

[15:49 - 20:33] Redefining Value Beyond Tangible Deliverables

• Differentiating between tangible and intangible value
• The ripple effect of the value created for clients
• Encouraging clients to dream bigger with their savings and profits

[20:34 - 26:57] Self-Confidence as a Key to Business Success

• The connection between self-confidence and successful business negotiations
• How to bring clients along in the pricing journey
• Understanding that pricing is a marketing signal for value

Quotes:

"You create more value than you believe yourself." - John Ray

"If you price too low, you’re signaling inferiority, even if the quality of your work says otherwise." - John Ray

Connect with John:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnray1

Book: https://www.amazon.com/Generosity-Mindset-Journey-Business-Confidence-ebook/dp/B0CPJZBHC2

LEAVE A REVIEW + help someone empower their businesses through collaboration, innovation, and transformation by sharing this episode or clicking here to listen to our previous episodes.

Check Natalie's new book, SET IT ON FIRE: The Art of Innovation, available now at setitonfire.co

These are proven solutions to advance your leadership and innovation process. Check out our website innovationmeetsleadership.com, or connect with me on Linkedin, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Youtube.

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a 5-star review. Let's go transform something!

How can organizations create a security-minded culture where every employee feels responsible for protecting against cyber threats?

In this episode of the Innovation Meets Leadership podcast, host Natalie Born sits down with cybersecurity expert Yosef Beck to explore the ever-evolving landscape of digital security. With over a decade of experience consulting for more than 70 clients and a background in hospitality cybersecurity, Beck shares valuable insights on protecting individuals and organizations from cyber threats. The conversation delves into recent headlines, practical tips for safeguarding against attacks, and the anatomy of a hack. Beck also discusses emerging innovations in cybersecurity and the challenges posed by new technologies like quantum computing and AI.

Yosef brings a balanced and informed perspective to managing risk, considering both global and local operations and compliance requirements. He enjoys explaining complex technical concepts in simple language to help companies understand and prepare for responding to cybersecurity events.

[00:00:00 - 00:07:00] From Tech to Security: Yosef Beck's Cybersecurity Journey

1. Beck's career path included internships with a three-letter agency and various security-related roles in consulting.

2. He transitioned from business management consulting to specialized cybersecurity roles at IHG.

3. Recent headlines include the development of a national data privacy law in the U.S. and a class action against Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.

[00:07:00 - 00:13:00] Cybersecurity 101: Protecting Yourself and Your Organization

1. Stay on top of patching for all devices, including IoT devices at home.

2. Only connect devices to the internet when necessary to reduce vulnerabilities.

3. Use ad blockers to minimize exposure to potential threats through malicious ads.

[00:13:00 - 00:18:00] Anatomy of a Hack: Understanding the Attacker's Playbook

1. The process typically involves seven steps: reconnaissance, weaponization, delivery, exploitation, installation, command and control, and actions on objectives.

2. Security teams aim to make each step as difficult as possible for attackers.

3. The time to identify and contain breaches has decreased over the years, but attackers have adapted their strategies accordingly.

[00:18:00 - 00:21:00] The Dark Web Menu: Putting a Price on Personal Data

1. Personal information is being sold on the dark web, with prices varying for different types of data.

2. The need for stronger data privacy controls is emphasized to protect personal information.

3. Companies collecting data should prioritize protecting it, not just using it for profit.

[00:21:00 - 00:23:00] The Future of Cybersecurity: Innovations and Challenges

1. Post-quantum cryptography is becoming crucial to ensure long-term data protection.

2. Public cloud and SaaS security are evolving, with a shift in responsibility between providers and users.

3. Generative AI presents both opportunities and challenges for cybersecurity professionals.

Quotes:

"Security is not security's job. Security is the company, the organization's job. You need to have everybody bought into a security mindset." - Yosef Beck

Connect With Yosef:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yosefbeck/

LEAVE A REVIEW + help someone empower their businesses through collaboration, innovation, and transformation by sharing this episode or clicking here to listen to our previous episodes.

Check Natalie's new book, SET IT ON FIRE: The Art of Innovation, available now at setitonfire.co

These are proven solutions to advance your leadership and innovation process. Check out our website innovationmeetsleadership.com, or connect with me on Linkedin, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Youtube.

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a 5-star review. Let's go transform something!

How can mastering banking fundamentals transform the trajectory of your small to mid-sized business?

In this enlightening episode of the Innovation Meets Leadership podcast, host Natalie Born is joined by Mary Beth Coke, District Director for Regions Bank, covering Georgia and the Carolinas. Mary Beth shares her extensive background in banking and discusses the critical role that financial strategies play in supporting entrepreneurs and business owners. From starting out to planning for future growth or an exit strategy, Mary Beth provides a masterclass in leveraging banking resources to propel business success. Her insights offer a roadmap for navigating the complex financial landscape that every business owner faces, emphasizing the importance of choosing the right banking partner.

Mary Beth Coke, District Director for Regions Bank in GA/Carolinas since 2023, previously led Middle Market Banking at Truist. Her extensive experience spans various industries and leveraged finance. A Georgia Tech alum, she chairs the Georgia Council on Economic Education, enhancing financial literacy across the state.

[00:00:00-00:02:00] Introduction to Financial Mastery:

- The importance of understanding banking as a business tool.

- How Regions Bank supports businesses across multiple states.

- Mary Beth's unique approach to banking and customer relationship.

[00:02:00-00:07:00] Banking Foundations for Entrepreneurs:

- Mary Beth's journey from corporate to commercial banking.

- The significance of training programs in banking careers.

- How foundational skills in banking support business decision-making.

[00:07:00-00:12:00] Strategic Banking for Business Growth:

- Identifying and overcoming common business challenges through banking.

- The role of a bank in strategic planning and financial management.

- How to use banking products to facilitate business operations and growth.

[00:12:00-00:17:00] Enhancing Business Operations Through Banking:

- Practical advice for choosing the right banking services and products.

- The impact of a good banking relationship on business stability.

- Examples of how banks can provide comprehensive support beyond financing.

[00:17:00-00:24:00] Preparing for Future Business Transitions:

- Strategies for preparing a business for future growth or sale.

- The importance of integrating strategic financial advice early on.

- How to leverage banking relationships to maximize business potential.

Quotes:

- "You never know when you're going to need to rely on those deal specific skills or transaction awareness." - Mary Beth Coke

- "It costs nothing to have a conversation, and it can open so many doors." - Mary Beth Coke

Connect with Mary Beth:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-beth-coke-811710b/

LEAVE A REVIEW + help someone empower their businesses through collaboration, innovation, and transformation by sharing this episode or clicking here to listen to our previous episodes.

Check Natalie's new book, SET IT ON FIRE: The Art of Innovation, available now at setitonfire.co

These are proven solutions to advance your leadership and innovation process. Check out our website innovationmeetsleadership.com, or connect with me on Linkedin, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Youtube.

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a 5-star review. Let's go transform something!

How can businesses reclaim the customer-centric approach that defined early corporate success and adapt it for the 21st century?

In this enlightening episode of Innovation Meets Leadership, host Natalie Born engages with Hunter Hastings, an economist and former corporate executive turned advisor and author. Hastings shares his rich experience spanning various roles, including CMO and CEO positions, and discusses the evolution of customer-centric business practices. He emphasizes the importance of putting the customer at the center of all business operations and innovations, drawing parallels between 19th-century entrepreneurial approaches and modern customer capitalism. Hastings provides valuable insights on removing organizational barriers, embracing self-management, and the power of empathy in understanding customer needs. This episode offers a compelling perspective on the future of management and the revival of customer-focused business strategies.

Hunter Hastings is an economist who took up a career in corporate marketing and occupied the posts of Chief Marketing Officer in a global consumer products business, Chief Executive Officer in a Silicon Valley start-up enterprise, and Senior Partner in a global consulting company. He’s been an advisor to several Fortune 500 clients in the area of customer motivation and service strategy.

[00:00:00 - 00:07:00] The Customer-Centric Journey: From P&G to Silicon Valley

• Procter & Gamble's focus on understanding and serving the customer's needs

• The importance of maintaining customer focus in technology companies

• The shift from entrepreneurial to managerial approaches in the 20th century

[00:07:00 - 00:14:00] Breaking Down Barriers: The Path to Organizational Innovation

• Identifying and removing barriers to customer information flow

• The emergence of cross-functional and dynamic teams

• The potential future of self-management in organizations

[00:14:00 - 00:19:00] Reimagining Implementation: Working Backwards from the Future

• The importance of visualizing the end result in great detail

• Working backwards to identify necessary components and steps

• Balancing technology with customer needs and feelings

[00:19:00 - 00:26:00] Empathy in Engineering: Understanding the Customer's Unspoken Desires

• The importance of understanding customer feelings, not just functional needs

• Recognizing customer dissatisfaction as an opportunity for innovation

• Balancing customer input with entrepreneurial vision

[00:26:00 - 00:30:00] The Revival of Customer Capitalism: Embracing the Future

• The return of customer-centric approaches in 21st-century businesses

• The power of imagination in entrepreneurship

• Resources for further learning about customer-focused business strategies

Quotes:

"The future of management then is no management. It's self-management." - Hunter Hastings

"The customer does know what they want, or at least they know what they want to be better. They don't know what they can want." - Hunter Hastings

Connect with Hunter:

Website: https://hunterhastings.com/

LEAVE A REVIEW + help someone empower their businesses through collaboration, innovation, and transformation by sharing this episode or clicking here to listen to our previous episodes.

Check Natalie's new book, SET IT ON FIRE: The Art of Innovation, available now at setitonfire.co

These are proven solutions to advance your leadership and innovation process. Check out our website innovationmeetsleadership.com, or connect with me on Linkedin, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Youtube.

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a 5-star review. Let's go transform something!