Explain Yourself

Dana Howell
Explain Yourself

Get the inside scoop on the Explain Yourself Podcast where we unveil business secrets. We chat with the top 10% of executives who spill their best-kept business secrets and strategies. We've been in the trenches ourselves, so we know what to ask to get the real stories and lessons. Whether you're just starting out or are a multimillion dollar business looking for your next growth strategy, our podcast gives you some of the best kept secrets you need to level up. Tune in to "Explain Yourself" and get the tips and tricks you won't find anywhere else.

  1. FEB 27

    Bitcoin Stockpile vs. Strategic Bitcoin Reserve With Dennis Porter

    Bitcoin Business Secrets Bitcoin mining advances clean energy – It helps monetize excess wind and solar power, reducing energy waste and increasing grid efficiency. Strategic Bitcoin reserves strengthen economies – Governments holding Bitcoin create financial stability and a hedge against fiat currency devaluation. Political engagement shapes Bitcoin’s future – Educating lawmakers on Bitcoin ensures favorable policies and legal protections for adoption and innovation. Episode Summary In this episode of Explain Yourself, Dennis Porter, CEO and Founder of Satoshi Action, shares his journey from Bitcoin skeptic to one of its leading advocates. Initially attempting to disprove Bitcoin’s anonymity, Dennis discovered its potential as the most inclusive financial system. He explains how Bitcoin is a censorship-resistant asset, allowing individuals to transact freely regardless of location, identity, or background. Dennis dives into Bitcoin’s role in energy innovation, particularly how mining operations can stabilize power grids and monetize excess renewable energy. He also discusses the push for a strategic Bitcoin reserve, where governments would hold Bitcoin as a hedge against fiat currency devaluation. Through Satoshi Action, Dennis and his team have engaged lawmakers across the U.S., advocating for policies that protect Bitcoin mining, self-custody, and decentralized transactions. The conversation also highlights the misconceptions about Bitcoin, including concerns about criminal activity and regulatory uncertainty. Dennis outlines the importance of proactive legislation, arguing that the future of Bitcoin in the U.S. depends on education, strategic policymaking, and bipartisan support.  @DennisPorter  Notable Questions We Asked Dennis Porter Q: How did your Bitcoin journey start, and what made you change your mind about it? A: I initially set out to disprove Bitcoin’s anonymity but ended up realizing its true value as an inclusive, censorship-resistant financial system. Q: How does Bitcoin mining contribute to clean energy solutions? A: Bitcoin mining absorbs excess energy from wind and solar farms, monetizing energy that would otherwise go to waste, and helping stabilize the grid. Q: Why should governments consider a strategic Bitcoin reserve? A: A Bitcoin reserve acts as a hedge against fiat currency devaluation, offering financial security and preventing government-controlled monetary debasement. Q: What are some of the biggest misconceptions lawmakers have about Bitcoin? A: Many believe it’s mainly used for crime, but Bitcoin transactions leave a forensic trail, making it one of the worst choices for illegal activity. Q: How can individuals help push for pro-Bitcoin policies? A: Contact your lawmakers, educate them on Bitcoin’s benefits, and support organizations like Satoshi Action that advocate for Bitcoin-friendly legislation. Chapters 00:00 Intro 00:19 Bitcoin's Role in Clean Energy and Government 00:48 Advocating for Bitcoin Legislation 01:25 Dennis Porter's Bitcoin Journey 02:53 The Importance of Bitcoin Mining 03:30 Political Advocacy and Satoshi Action 08:05 Challenges and Misconceptions About Bitcoin 09:01 Bitcoin as a Strategic Reserve 15:57 Educating Lawmakers on Bitcoin 21:02 Getting Involved and Future Plans Dennis Porter Can Be Found Here: Twitter: @Dennis_Porter_ Email: help@satoshiaction.io Website: https://satoshiaction.io #Bitcoin #CryptoRegulation #BitcoinMining...

    23 min
  2. FEB 19

    How to Scale a Business in Healthcare IT with Tyler Smith, CEO of Health Data Movers

    Health Data Movers Business SecretsBusiness growth depends on execution – Trust and reputation drive growth in consulting, especially in healthcare IT.Focus drives scalability – Narrowing services to core strengths improves quality, efficiency, and market positioning.Decisions fuel momentum – Acting decisively, even with incomplete information, propels companies past growth plateaus. Episode SummaryIn this episode of Explain Yourself, Tyler Smith, CEO of Health Data Movers, shares how the company grew to become a trusted name in healthcare IT. Tyler discusses the importance of relationships in securing initial clients and how delivering consistent results has kept those clients for years. He emphasizes the consulting industry's reliance on reputation and performance, particularly when dealing with sensitive healthcare data. Tyler explains Health Data Movers' evolution, from accepting any project in the early days to focusing on four core service lines: data management, integration, project management, and clinical and business applications. He describes how this strategic focus helped the company serve hospital systems, biotech firms, and digital health enterprises more effectively. The episode also delves into leadership, decision-making, and the role of technology in healthcare. Tyler discusses the industry's cautious adoption of AI and the exciting future of ambient technology, which promises to streamline provider workflows and improve patient care. Notable Questions We Asked Tyler SmithQ: How did you secure your first clients at Health Data Movers? A: Our first clients came from existing relationships with co-founders who had delivered results in the past, building on trust and reputation. Q: What does it take to scale a consulting firm in healthcare IT? A: It requires a focus on core services, hiring top-tier talent, and establishing clear processes while staying adaptable to industry changes. Q: How do you make decisions when scaling your business? A: We make decisions quickly, understanding that not deciding is also a decision. Action drives growth, even when we don’t have complete information. Q: What are the biggest challenges when dealing with sensitive healthcare data? A: Trust and security are critical. We adhere to strict regulations and prioritize reliable, secure solutions to protect patient information. Q: What healthcare technology trends do you expect in the next five years? A: We’ll see more ambient technologies improving patient interactions, AI-driven insights for preventive care, and increased integration of digital tools into clinical workflows. Chapters00:00 Intro 00:16 Meet Tyler Smith: CEO of Health Data Movers 00:36 Founding Health Data Movers 02:41 Core Services and Clientele 04:30 Stages of Growth and Scaling Challenges 14:07 Sales, Marketing, and Team Building 18:53 Future Goals and Industry Trends 25:53 Connect with Health Data Movers Listen on:OUR WEBSITESPOTIFYAPPLE PODCASTSa href="https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/2f633442-22a1-4089-b5aa-892e85de3f1f/explain-yourself" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    27 min
  3. FEB 17

    Leadership Lessons from Nike, Mars, and PepsiCo with Tracy Benson, Founder of On The Next Page

    On The Next Page Business SecretsLeaders act as walking broadcast towers – Their energy, expressions, and body language communicate messages before words are spoken.Business growth thrives on relationships – Long-term client trust, referrals, and word-of-mouth marketing drive sustainable success.Mindset shifts require unconscious work – Reprogramming deeply ingrained beliefs unlocks new behaviors and better leadership. Episode SummaryIn this episode of Explain Yourself, Tracy Benson, founder of On The Next Page, shares her journey from an unintentional entrepreneur to a top LinkedIn coach and leadership expert. Tracy describes how her initial goal of providing for her family during a difficult time turned into a 19-year business success with clients like Nike, Mars, and PepsiCo. Through her consulting firm On The Same Page, she helped companies navigate large-scale organizational changes by aligning leadership communication with clear, authentic messaging. Tracy dives into the neuroscience of perception, explaining how leaders act as “walking broadcast towers,” continuously sending messages through their energy, expressions, and actions. She introduces the concept of “perception is projection,” where our judgments about others reflect internal beliefs. Tracy also discusses her upcoming Mind Manual program, which offers practical tools to rewire the unconscious mind and unleash authentic potential. The episode provides valuable lessons for leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in personal development. From building trust with clients to understanding the brain's hidden programming, Tracy shares actionable insights to improve communication, leadership, and self-awareness. Notable Questions We Asked Tracy BensonQ: Why do you believe leaders act as walking broadcast towers? A: Leaders communicate through body language, expressions, and energy, sending messages before speaking. Others unconsciously interpret and respond to these cues. Q: What is 'perception is projection,' and how does it affect communication? A: It’s a concept where we project internal beliefs onto others, shaping our perceptions. Recognizing this can help us respond more objectively. Q: How did your business grow primarily through organic referrals? A: We focused on exceptional client relationships, delivering results that encouraged clients to bring us into new companies as they advanced. Q: What does your Mind Manual program teach participants? A: The program helps individuals understand how their minds work, rewire limiting beliefs, and apply neuroscience-backed tools for personal and professional growth. Q: What mindset shift helps people overcome intimidation when meeting influential figures? A: Realizing that perceptions of others often reflect our own internal narratives can reduce fear and build confidence when engaging with high-level professionals. Chapters00:00 Into 01:06 Tracy Benson's Entrepreneurial Journey 03:24 Building and Growing a Successful Business 14:42 Understanding and Changing Perceptions 31:21 Client Success Stories and Coaching Philosophy 33:32 Identifying and Addressing Blind Spots 35:46 Understanding Meta Programs and Personal Settings 42:57 Building Long-Term Client Relationships 01:00:09 Connect with On The Next Page Listen on:OUR WEBSITEa href="https://open.spotify.com/show/6vlPBYVrBgljAxzfx7tzfn"...

    1h 1m
  4. FEB 3

    The Spark Notes of Investing by The David Lin Report formerly of Kitco

    ✅ Investing in your own business provides the highest ROI – Focus on expanding operations and scaling before diversifying into other asset classes. ✅ Diversification is key to risk management – A balanced portfolio includes equities, crypto, gold, and cash for long-term wealth preservation. ✅ Long-term success comes from understanding economic trends – Staying informed and making data-driven decisions lead to better financial outcomes and business growth. Episode SummaryIn this episode of Explain Yourself, David Lin, host of The David Lin Report, shares his insights on investment strategies, business growth, and financial planning. With a background in macroeconomic research and financial media, David emphasizes the importance of investing in one's own business as the most reliable way to generate predictable returns. He discusses how reinvesting profits into team expansion, equipment, and marketing can yield better outcomes compared to unpredictable capital markets. David also highlights the significance of diversification, explaining how a well-balanced portfolio consisting of equities, crypto, gold, and cash can provide financial security and hedge against inflation. He dives into the principles of value investing inspired by Warren Buffett and Benjamin Graham, advocating for long-term wealth-building strategies through passive investing and risk management. Looking to the future, David envisions expanding his media business into fintech solutions, offering tools to help individuals navigate financial markets more effectively. He shares his mission to educate and inspire individuals to better understand economic trends and take control of their financial futures. Listen on:OUR WEBSITESPOTIFYAPPLE PODCASTSAMAZON Notable Questions We AskedQ: Why do you believe investing in your own business is the most secure investment? A: Investing in my business allows me to control my ROI with a higher degree of certainty compared to the unpredictable nature of the capital markets. Q: What should a diversified investment portfolio look like? A: A well-balanced portfolio should include equities, crypto, gold, and cash to manage risk and hedge against inflation. Q: What investment philosophy do you resonate with the most? A: I align with Warren Buffett’s value investing approach, focusing on buying undervalued assets with strong fundamentals and holding them long term. Q: Should people hire financial advisors or manage their own investments? A: If you don’t have the time or specialized knowledge, it's wise to hire a professional, but if you understand a particular industry well, invest in what you know. Q: What impact do you hope to have with your financial content? A: My goal is to inspire people to think critically about their finances and better understand how economic trends impact their lives. Chapters00:00 Intro 00:20 Investment Legends 01:35 David Lin's Career Journey 02:34 Investment Strategies and Risk Allocation 04:06 The Security of Running Your Own Business 11:33 Speculative Assets and Financial...

    28 min
  5. JAN 7

    Men's Fashion Curated by AI with Anya Cheng, Founder and CEO of Taelor

    ✅ Leverage AI for scalable personalization: Use AI to streamline and customize customer experiences, such as selecting clothing tailored to individual preferences and lifestyles. ✅ Partner strategically for growth: Collaborate with aligned businesses, like dating sites and gyms, to reach targeted audiences and create mutually beneficial opportunities. ✅ Turn insights into innovation: Use customer feedback to refine services, expand product offerings, and enhance market fit while fostering trust and brand loyalty. Episode SummaryIn this episode, Anya Cheng, founder and CEO of Taelor, shares her journey from a career in big tech to revolutionizing menswear with a subscription-based AI styling service. Taelor provides a sustainable and time-saving alternative to traditional shopping by delivering curated outfits to customers' doors, addressing the needs of busy professionals. Anya recounts the serendipitous story of acquiring her first customer and the steps that led her company to achieve exponential growth within two years. Anya discusses how Taelor uses partnerships with dating sites, gyms, and event organizers to expand its reach while driving sustainability by working with global brands to test collections and monetize surplus inventory. She emphasizes the importance of believing in oneself, leveraging feedback constructively, and aligning strategies with customer values to create impactful solutions. As Taelor continues to scale, the company remains focused on innovative growth strategies and expanding its network of partners and suppliers. Notable Questions We AskedQ: How does Taelor use AI to create a personalized styling experience? A: Taelor combines AI and human stylists to select clothing based on customer preferences, providing curated outfits without the hassle of shopping or laundry. Q: How did you acquire your first customer for Taelor? A: Through a waitlist page on Shopify, Taelor attracted its first customer, who persistently followed up, thinking the service was in high demand, despite having no inventory at the time. Q: What role does sustainability play in Taelor’s mission? A: Taelor promotes sustainability by partnering with global brands to test collections, rent out surplus inventory, and reduce waste, contributing to circular fashion practices. Q: What partnerships have been key to Taelor's growth? A: Collaborations with dating sites, gyms, and event organizers have helped Taelor target professionals seeking convenience, confidence, and style in their daily lives. Q: What advice do you have for entrepreneurs overcoming challenges? A: Believe in yourself and your expertise. Take feedback constructively, but trust your instincts to innovate and adapt to challenges effectively. Chapters00:00 Intro 00:21 Meet Anya Cheng: Founder and CEO of Taelor 02:04 The Birth of Taelor: Solving a Personal Problem 05:14 How Taelor Works: A Deep DiveListen on:OUR WEBSITESPOTIFYAPPLE PODCASTSAMAZON 12:37 Challenges and Insights: Building a Startup 26:21 Growth Strategies and...

    6 sec
  6. 12/30/2024

    The Mark Cuban Encounter That Changed Advertising with Robert Davidman, Cofounder of Fearless

    ✅ Augment with AI, not replace humanity: Leverage AI as a tool to amplify creativity and efficiency while maintaining a human touch to deliver meaningful customer experiences. ✅ Combine creativity with data-driven strategies: Pair innovative campaigns with actionable data insights to optimize results and maximize ROI in any industry. ✅ Be fearless in decision-making: Embrace bold, customer-focused strategies and cohesive teamwork to break through market limitations and achieve rapid growth. Episode SummaryIn this episode, Robert Davidman, co-founder of Fearless, shares his journey from working with Mark Cuban to founding a global integrated marketing agency. Robert emphasizes the importance of combining data-driven decision-making with creativity to drive transformative campaigns for businesses. He discusses how Fearless helps companies overcome digital friction, integrate AI for operational efficiency, and maintain human empathy in their messaging. Robert recounts pivotal moments, like pioneering pre-roll advertisements and transforming digital marketing approaches. He also highlights key successes, such as scaling PartyPoker to become New Jersey’s top online gaming brand. Throughout the conversation, he underscores the power of storytelling, bold decision-making, and leveraging data to optimize customer acquisition and retention strategies. Notable Questions We AskedQ: How do you balance using AI for operational efficiency while maintaining a human touch? A: AI is a phenomenal tool for scalability, but it lacks humanity. By using it to augment creative processes rather than replace human input, businesses can achieve both efficiency and empathy. Q: How did you pioneer pre-roll advertising, and why was it impactful? A: We introduced pre-roll ads by targeting specific audiences and showcasing measurable engagement, demonstrating how early adoption could maximize value in digital campaigns. Q: How does Fearless tackle digital friction for its clients? A: We analyze customer journeys, identify obstacles, and implement cohesive strategies—from optimizing UI/UX to refining messaging—that create seamless and engaging online experiences. Q: What role does data play in your decision-making process? A: Data drives everything. It tells the real story, ensuring that every campaign, no matter how creative, is evaluated and optimized based on measurable results. Q: What’s your advice for businesses looking to scale effectively? A: Pair bold strategies with actionable insights, and focus on the full customer acquisition funnel—from targeting to lifetime value—while maintaining a fearless mindset. Chapters00:00 Intro 00:23 Guest Introduction: Robert Davidman 01:11 Early Career and Entrepreneurial Journey 02:35 Navigating the COVID-19 Era 04:14 The Mark Cuban Connection 15:12 Building Fearless and Industry Insights 29:52 AI in Business and Future Outlook 38:58 Connect with Fearless Listen on:OUR WEBSITESPOTIFYAPPLE PODCASTSAMAZON #AIInMarketing...

    41 min
  7. 12/23/2024

    How to Build a Billion Dollar Brand with Evan Dash CEO of StoreBound

    ✅ Building meaningful customer relationships is more impactful than focusing on competitors, enabling businesses to anticipate and meet consumer needs effectively. ✅ Bootstrapping with a strong foundation in industry knowledge and values allows for sustainable growth while maintaining control and integrity. ✅ Hiring team members who genuinely care creates a culture of collaboration and ensures long-term business success. Episode SummaryIn this inspiring episode, Evan Dash, CEO and founder of StoreBound, shares his entrepreneurial journey, highlighting the importance of building a values-based business. StoreBound, known for its Dash appliances, began in 2010 as a bootstrap venture with Evan and his wife leveraging their decades of experience in retail. By focusing on customer relationships and bypassing the e-commerce hype, they scaled their business to generate over a billion dollars in sales. Evan discusses the challenges of rapid growth, including hiring the right team, managing operations, and staying true to their vision of enriching lives. His philosophy of creating products that bring joy and foster connections in the kitchen has been central to their success. Evan also reflects on his background as a firefighter, where he learned critical skills like teamwork, communication, and staying calm under pressure, which have influenced his business approach. With a focus on listening to customers and anticipating trends, Evan has successfully positioned StoreBound to thrive in a competitive market. His recent book, A Dash of Good: How to Build a Valuable Business Based on Your Values, delves deeper into his journey and the principles that have guided his success. Notable Questions We AskedQ: How did you identify the market opportunity for Dash appliances? A: We saw a gap in the market for younger consumers passionate about nutrition and cooking, and we leveraged our retail experience to meet that need. Q: What challenges did you face during the early stages of growth? A: Rapid scaling required us to quickly adapt operations, from securing warehouses to managing inventory, while maintaining our core values and relationships. Q: Why did you prioritize relationships over entering the e-commerce space initially? A: We stuck to what we knew—retail—and leveraged existing connections, which allowed us to scale predictably and sustainably. Q: How do you ensure you’re hiring the right team members? A: We prioritize hiring people who genuinely care, as skills can be taught, but passion and commitment cannot. Q: What’s the key to maintaining growth while staying true to your values? A: Listening to customers, anticipating their needs, and focusing on enriching lives ensures growth without compromising our core principles. Chapters00:00 Intro 00:52 Company Stats 02:38 Early Growth and Challenges 07:28 Navigating Retail and E-commerce 11:48 Values and Business Philosophy 17:32 Team Building and Hiring 22:31 Future Growth and Conclusion Listen on:OUR WEBSITESPOTIFYAPPLE PODCASTSAMAZON #EntrepreneurshipJourney...

    27 min
  8. 11/20/2024

    Why Dental Health is Important for Overall Health with Dr. Jason Portnof

    ✅ Comprehensive patient assessments set top practices apart, considering overall health before any dental procedure, ensuring safety and improved outcomes. ✅ Building strong relationships with local medical specialists enhances patient care, facilitating quick referrals and collaborative treatments. ✅ Leveraging cutting-edge technology, like cone beam CT scans, allows for more accurate diagnosis and minimizes unnecessary patient procedures and radiation exposure. Episode SummaryIn this episode, Dr. Jason Portnof, an oral maxillofacial surgeon based in Boca Raton, Florida, shares insights from his boutique practice, Surgical Arts of Boca Raton. Dr. Portnof discusses his unique approach, which emphasizes a full-service experience, combining cosmetic dentistry and oral surgery with a focus on patient comfort. He highlights the importance of comprehensive health assessments, collaboration with primary care providers, and the integration of advanced technology like cone beam CT scans for precise diagnostics. The conversation covers a range of topics, from the connection between oral health and systemic conditions to common procedures like wisdom tooth removal and dental implants. Dr. Portnof also talks about innovative treatments like All On X, which can provide patients with a full set of functional teeth in a single day, transforming smiles instantly. Notable Questions We AskedQ: What makes your practice different from others in the area? A: We focus on a full-service approach, incorporating advanced technology and collaborating closely with medical specialists to ensure comprehensive patient care. Q: How does oral health impact overall systemic health? A: Poor oral health has been linked to systemic diseases like heart disease and diabetes. We take a holistic approach, considering the patient’s entire health profile before any procedure. Q: What is a cone beam CT scan, and why do you use it? A: A cone beam CT scan provides detailed, 3D imaging of the jaw, teeth, and sinuses with lower radiation exposure, allowing us to diagnose complex conditions more accurately. Q: Why do you recommend a consultation visit before surgery? A: A consultation helps us assess the patient’s full medical history, address any underlying conditions, and build trust, reducing anxiety before the actual procedure. Q: What is the All On X procedure, and who is it for? A: All On X is for patients who need full mouth rehabilitation. We extract any failing teeth and place implants, providing a temporary prosthesis the same day for immediate results. Chapters00:00 Intro 00:18 Overview of the Practice 04:01 Patient Comfort and Anxiety Management 06:46 Complex Cases and Interdisciplinary Collaboration 13:53 Advanced Technology in Dental Procedures 16:40 Popular Procedures and Evolution of Dental Health 19:34 Connect with Surgical Arts of Boca Raton and Dental Implant Center Listen on:OUR WEBSITESPOTIFYAPPLE PODCASTSAMAZON #OralSurgery #DentalImplants #PatientCare #ConeBeamCT #OralHealth #CosmeticDentistry #WisdomTeethRemoval...

    21 min

    Ratings & Reviews

    5
    out of 5
    6 Ratings

    About

    Get the inside scoop on the Explain Yourself Podcast where we unveil business secrets. We chat with the top 10% of executives who spill their best-kept business secrets and strategies. We've been in the trenches ourselves, so we know what to ask to get the real stories and lessons. Whether you're just starting out or are a multimillion dollar business looking for your next growth strategy, our podcast gives you some of the best kept secrets you need to level up. Tune in to "Explain Yourself" and get the tips and tricks you won't find anywhere else.

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