Make Yourself Heard

From Pastor to AI Ethicist

Don't miss this thought-provoking conversation as Rebecca Reeder navigates the intersections of faith, technology, and ethics, offering a glimpse into the evolving landscape of AI and its profound impact on our society. And hear about ‘What’s Next Now’ for Rebecca as she reflects on authenticity, alignment, and the pursuit of a fulfilling career.

Links & Resources:

• Schedule Listening Time with https://www.garydanoff.com/contact

• Gary Danoff LinkedIn

• Rebecca Reeder LinkedIn

• Thomas Merton Author Page

• Adam Grant’s Hidden Potential Book

Episode Highlights: [0:59] - My guest in this episode is Rebecca Reeder.[1:19] - Rebecca transitioned from religious ministry to AI analytics with Alvarez and Marsal in 2023.[3:00] - Rebecca shares how her college internships led her from diverse experiences to a career in vocational ministry.[5:24] - Hear how Rebecca realized as a pastor that genuine connections dwindled, prompting her shift towards alignment and integrity.[7:39] - Thomas Merton's teachings helped Rebecca realize that she lived by external expectations, prompting a quest for genuine connections and impact.[9:54] - Rebecca's pivot to analytics stemmed from strategic thinking, network connections, and natural affinity for data.[12:08] - I praise Rebecca's authenticity, connecting it to her technical background and AI's potential.[15:37] - Rebecca values Amplify's focus on enhancing customer experience through AI-driven efficiency.[17:22] - I simplify AI as computers processing 0s and 1s to provide useful human insights.[21:35] - Rebecca highlights Adam Grant's two-part brainstorming process for optimal teamwork and idea generation.[24:03] - Hear how Rebecca tends to use polite prompts, preferring phrases like "can you" and "will you please."[27:27] - Rebecca believes that her communication skills have improved through specificity and clarity in interactions.[30:36] - Rebecca learned from an Adam Grant podcast about AI guardrails, citing Khan Academy's Conmigo project.[32:00] - Rebecca notes ChatGPT's role in her Python learning, emphasizing AI's guidance over mere solutions.[34:24] - I discuss refining prompts for AI, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking alongside AI integration.[37:01] - Learn how Rebecca optimized productivity by using ChatGPT to personalize evaluation methods.[40:02] - Rebecca embraces Sal Khan's vision for Khan Academy: personalized teaching assistants for all, promoting individualized learning.[42:02] - What's next now for Rebecca?

From Funders to Founders - Both Perspectives

What is it like to fund a startup as a private investor or as part of a private equity firm?

What is it like to be a founder–the roller coaster journey from idea conception to gaining customers and making it to minimal viable product (MVP) and beyond?

Sophie Wang, an experienced professional with a rich background in finance, private equity, and venture capital is a person who can answer these questions because she has been on both sides of the equation!

One of the fascinating topics that we explore is the paradigm shift in AI, with Sophie delving into a comparison between 2023 and 1993. Just as the internet was developed far before web browsers popularized it in the early 90s; AI has been around a long time and has become popularized since the introduction of ChatGPT in late 2022.

Drawing parallels between generative AI and the internet revolution, she emphasizes the need for realistic expectations and patience as we navigate the early stages of this transformative technology.

Sophie and I also touch on the critical lessons for founders, such as the importance of asking "Why me?" and "Why now?" These questions serve as a framework for evaluating the uniqueness of a founder's skill set and understanding the timeliness of their venture.

Her dedication to showcasing the experiences and perspectives of immigrant technologists is not only inspiring but also enriching for anyone aspiring to create meaningful impact.

As we close, Sophie hints at what's next now for her, including potential collaborations and a new podcast. You won't want to miss what's next for Sophie Wang.

Links & Resources:

• Schedule Listening Time with ⁠https://www.garydanoff.com/contact⁠

• ⁠Gary Danoff LinkedIn⁠

• ⁠Sophie Wang LinkedIn⁠

• ⁠Sophie Wang Substack Newsletter⁠

Episode Highlights: [1:17] - My guest in this episode is Sophie Wang.

[1:46] - Sophie gives us some background information about herself.

[3:17] - Always tending to your contact garden is crucial for success.[5:59] - I point out how delightful it is when connections happen.[7:16] - Sophie appreciates the parallel between 2023's generative AI revolution and 1993's internet revolution.[10:40] - I highlight the decade-long period between internet milestones.[13:08] - Sophie advises founders to focus on personal passion and deep understanding when choosing startup domains.[15:14] - I appreciate Sophie's insightful three-point answer and share a Shark Tank example, emphasizing passion and learning.[17:56] - Sophie highlights the acceleration of global tech collaboration through open source communities, citing examples such as Hugging Face.[19:43] - I discuss the challenging funding landscape in 2023, emphasizing the need for pragmatic valuation.[21:53] - Hear Sophie address the challenging funding period, emphasizing the importance of considering valuation benchmarks.[23:21] - Sophie discusses macro management, pointing out how Macro shifts normalize down rounds.[26:26] - Efficient markets prompt early-stage founders to ask "Why me?" and "Why now?" for idea validation.[31:04] - Immigrant experience, personal connection, and a desire to contribute all drove Sophie to start her blog.[33:17] - Contemplating immigrant entrepreneurship led Sophie to explore motivations and share inspiring narratives for broader impact.[35:19] - Connecting deeply with Sophie's motivation, I appreciate her focus on immigrant attributes in entrepreneurship.[37:40] - Sophie expresses appreciation for her personal coach for helping her bring objectivity and support in navigating challenges.[40:09] - What's next now for Sophie?[41:29] - Sophie reveals where she can be located online.

Empower Your Body

Join me this week as I sit down with Dr. Ayhan Cetiner, the owner of Elite Orthopedic and Sports Therapy. Ayhan’s core beliefs: you’ve only got one body, so empower it to last you a long time; you have to put in the reps and work so make time for it; it isn’t all about how much weight you lift or how many marathons you conquer.

Before diving into our personal journey, Ayhan provides insights into his background as a physical therapist, including the role that chance encounters can play in what you end up doing, over and over again. Spoiler alert: he never intended on becoming a physical therapist.

We explore the crucial element of genuine care in Ayhan's approach to his clients, discussing the challenges faced in the corporate world, where numbers often take precedence over individualized care. And how as a founder you reach many crossroads to decide ‘if’ and ‘how’ you want to scale the business you birthed. None of it is automatic or always clear.

Ayhan sheds light on the importance of building relationships and the impact of reducing pain on the dynamics of that relationship.

And if you take that in a different direction, it is about solving problems and (reducing pain) and lessening friction in any relationship we are in. Maybe feeling better in our own body can help with that?

The episode wraps up with Ayhan reflecting on the future of his practice and What's Next Now for him. Very cool what Ayhan has decided: despite external pressures to expand, he remains committed to the personalized approach that defines his current success.

Ayhan's dedication to his clients, coupled with his reluctance to compromise one-on-one relationships, sets the tone for a thought-provoking exploration of the soul of his business. Join us in this episode as we challenge preconceptions about physical therapy and highlight the transformative power of personalized, caring healthcare.

Episode Highlights: [0:57] - My guest today is Ayhan Cetiner, owner of Elite orthopedic and Sports Therapy.

[1:25] - Ayhan fills us in on some background information about himself.[3:04] - After reflecting on his post-school journey, Ayhan started as a tech and discovered physical therapy.[6:00] - Ayhan explains that after returning to his previous job, now under a larger company, he prioritized quality patient care.[7:59] - Hear why Ayhan values one-on-one care.[9:37] - Building unique, impactful relationships in one-on-one healthcare, Ayhan focuses on reducing pain and empowering individuals.[11:50] - I commend Ayhan's approach to personalized pain resolution and feel that he would bring the same caring approach to a different profession as well.[13:08] - Ayhan shares a funny story involving a client's back pain from a thick wallet.[16:55] - I express how Ayhan's dedication to educating clients sets him apart, as teaching about muscles and promoting mobility is crucial.[17:53] - People who sit often develop muscle tightness; even regular exercisers tend to neglect crucial stretching.[19:47] - Ayhan touches upon how a 70-year-old, reflecting with a college athlete, would likely emphasize body maintenance, mobility, and endurance.[21:53] - The remarkable resilience of a 70-year-old body, exemplified in a client's progress, highlights underestimated capabilities.[24:49] - Focusing on physical concerns, Ayhan provides extensive education and personalize well-being to individual goals.[27:10] - Ayhan prioritizes making therapy relevant, addressing mobility, flexibility, and strength, and focusing on positive possibilities.[29:19] - What's next now for Ayhan?[32:41] - Ayhan reveals how listeners can get in touch with him.[33:49] - Changing how therapy is perceived, Ayhan aims to make it accessible, educational, and empowering.

Links & Resources:

• Schedule Listening Time with https://www.garydanoff.com/contact

• Gary Danoff LinkedIn

• Email Ayhan: [email protected]

Make Yourself Heard

My conversation today is with the incredible Tracey Madigan, media training expert and director of the 15 Minutes Group in Washington, D.C.

Our connection was instant, that rare feeling when you know you've found someone whose energy and approach are similar to your own and their story resonates deeply.

Listen as Tracey shares her remarkable journey, from a career in Canadian journalism to navigating the dynamic landscape of Washington, D.C. as her husband became a White House correspondent.

We explore the unexpected turns that led her from a pivotal role as an executive producer for a business show in D.C to her current role as Senior Partner with the 15 Minutes Group.

What especially stands out about Tracey is her passion for helping brilliant minds communicate effectively. She shares invaluable insights based on media training, emphasizing the art of concise, impactful communication.

The anecdotes she provides-like helping a caterer deliver a compelling talk on food waste when the caterer had hoped to know more about the topic before presenting-showcase her unique approach in helping clients eliminate self-doubt and foster authentic connections.

Tracey and I also delve into the broader impact of media training beyond interviews, discussing how these skills resonate in negotiations, interpersonal relationships, and everyday professional communication.

Tracey's ability to uncover patterns and provide small, impactful tools for improvement is truly transformative, and we also explore the challenges of returning to in-person communication post-pandemic. Tracey's expertise proves invaluable as we discuss the universal benefits of effective communication honed through media training, and the impact this training can have in both business and our personal lives.

Tune in to this enlightening conversation with someone whose passion simply glows. Whether you're an entrepreneur, communicator, or simply someone looking for inspiration, you're in for a treat as Tracey and I uncover what's next now!

Episode Highlights: [1:30] - Tracey shares having embarked from Canadian journalism to CBC and how she navigated unexpected shifts in Washington, D.C.[4:24] - After CBC Montreal, Tracey produced a business show in D.C., leading to media passion pursuits.[7:01] - Meeting brilliant individuals, including researchers and authors, Tracey assists in packaging their content for effective communication.[8:44] - Emphasizing clarity as kindness, Tracey helps individuals express themselves while maintaining authenticity.

[10:12] - When speaking to students, teachers focus on what's received, ensuring clarity, and similarly, presenters should prioritize audience understanding to reduce nerves.

[12:03] - Tracey argues that emotionally mapping your talk engages the audience, allowing authentic expression and enhancing connection.

[14:24] - Tracey shares a story of someone acknowledging her audience's expertise, overcoming speaking nerves.

[16:41] - Tracey shares how years as a TV and radio journalist taught her how to guide interviews.

[19:39] - People often share communication hurdles, stemming from past experiences or fear of judgment, but coaching can address these barriers.

[21:37] - Media training's skills extend beyond journalism, benefiting negotiations, relationships, and professional communication.

[22:58] - What’s next now for Tracey?

Links & Resources:

• Schedule Listening Time with https://www.garydanoff.com/contact

• Gary Danoff LinkedIn

Managing Your Uncertainty

Today’s conversation is with Carlos Santana, a remarkable individual. I've had the privilege of knowing Carlos for a couple of years through our involvement in Google VetNet panels during Veteran's Day week, and every time we talk, I'm inspired by his story.

Carlos’ career is nothing short of extraordinary. Starting as a captain in the Army after graduating from West Point, his path took unexpected turns, leading him to diverse assignments, including counter-narcotics operations and managing satellites in Germany. Today, he holds a pivotal role as the Director of Business Analytics at the Disney Company in New York City.

Throughout our conversation, Carlos shares the twists and turns that guided his career choices, emphasizing how he has had to manage uncertainty. He highlights the blend of volunteering, luck, and determination that brought him to where he is today, and we dive deep into the challenges faced by veterans transitioning into civilian life, especially in the technology and entertainment sectors.

Carlos sheds light on the progress made in fostering diversity and inclusion, emphasizing the pivotal role of aligning personal interests with organizational culture. His insights on continuous learning, particularly in artificial intelligence and machine learning, are invaluable for anyone navigating the evolving landscape of technology.

Join me as we explore Carlos Santana's remarkable journey, filled with strategic choices, personal growth, and the unwavering commitment to delivering value. This episode is a testament to the power of seizing opportunities, continuous education, and finding the right team that invests in your growth. Carlos's story is a masterclass in carving out your path in the corporate world so you can manage your uncertainty and thrive!

Episode Highlights:

[01:38] - Carlos shares how he navigated military assignments, luck, and networking to transition into federal consulting.

[3:01] - Carlos honed interview skills, adapting military experience to civilian job market demands.

[4:26] - During uncertainty, Carlos seized opportunities, landed an embassy project, pursued the MBA, and pivoted to the commercial sector.

[6:01] - Carlos argues that any degree opens doors, facilitating opportunities and networking for career growth.

[7:26] - Identify gaps, address challenges, leverage education, and seize opportunities for strategic career growth.

[10:38] - Carlos emphasizes addressing diversity gaps, leveraging military networks, and offering coaching support for professional growth.

[13:22] - Carlos values ongoing training, certification, and practical experience for career advancement and resume building.

[15:03] - Carlos feels that understanding business context is key; focus on role, manager, and personal growth.

[16:56] - Carlos encourages us to evaluate company culture, team support, and growth plans.

[19:06] - What’s next now for Carlos?

Links & Resources:

• Schedule Listening Time with https://www.garydanoff.com/contact

• Gary Danoff LinkedIn