A show where we get real about leaders and the brand they've built around themselves. Dive into the stories of successful figures, from business to creativity, and uncover the strategies, challenges, and key moments that shaped them. No fluff, just insights into how they built their impact. https://app.zync.ai/QfjP3sgg/show en Arjun Sundararajan arjun@zync.ai Arjun Sundararajan 7c2e03d8-98d7-43f6-b8fb-83e0c7f6161e Catalyst Behind The Choices You Make The creator of the 'Choices You Make' podcast, Anand Sundaram, shares his inspiration behind the inception of his show. Having experienced a path much traversed among Indians, of becoming an engineer and moving to the US for further studies, he reflects on the lack of mentorship he had in pivotal moments of career decision-making. Today, with more than two decades of life lessons under his belt, Anand finds himself in a comfortable position, eager to channel his experiences and acquired wisdom into educating others, particularly his son. His observation of the dearth of relatable stories from average people led him to create his podcast. In his show, Anand steps away from the dazzling stories of the ultra-successful tiny fraction of people like Steve Jobs and Elon Musk and brings forth experiences of everyday people like himself. 'The Choices You Make' podcast thus serves as a mentorship platform to its listeners, capturing diverse stories from everyday people and their journey of decision-making. Applying Podcasting Lessons in Real-world Decision-making Anand Sundaram discusses the lessons he has garnered in the podcasting world and the application of those in real-life decision making. The initial goal was to provide value to listeners by presenting a diverse set of stories. However, as he progressed, Anand learned the importance of active listening. Podcasting made him realise the imperative of being engaged in conversation, understanding where it's going and deriving insights to add value. It broadened his perspectives, and he became not just a podcast host, but also a listener. Having conversations with people from different walks of life, he discovered the numerous similarities humans share, despite their contrasting paths. The practice of active listening that his podcasting journey taught him and the openness to learn from everyone remains an influential lesson for Anand. He stresses that understanding another person's brand or features doesn't merely come from looking at a resume or a LinkedIn profile; it comes from active engagement in conversation. Anand Sundaram : Impression & Perceptions This section entails Anand Sundaram elucidating on the impressions and perceptions others form about him. Arjun Sundararajan, conversing with Anand, emphasizes how he formed an impression from Anand's LinkedIn profile, considering him an educated engineer, leader, and vice-president of a big company. Anand then shares the perception he hopes people form of him- as a talkative, approachable person, open to discussing a wide range of topics. Anand also mentions that he's perceptive and able to carry on a conversation for an extended period of time. He aims to be the person people approach when they want to discuss or brainstorm something, and many of his friends do just that. Shaping Identity Through Personal and Professional Experiences This section focuses on how Anand shapes his identity through his personal and professional experiences. Anand believes that although there may be a professional and personal side to everyone, there must be significant overlap between the two to maintain authenticity and naturalness. Achieving this balance involves portraying both the multifaceted personal attributes and professional competencies on platforms like LinkedIn. The tactical use of his LinkedIn profile enhances the initial interactions he has with partners, customers, and vice versa. The example he provides of a discussion he had with another VP clarified how non-work related elements like his podcast can aid business relationships, transforming them from purely professional to informal, yet still professional. Anand thus views the fusion of personal and professional experiences as an effective way of shaping identity and establishing successful relationships. Impact of Executive Brands on Customer Perceptions Arjun Sundararajan believes in the critical importance of maintaining a good balance and advocates for understanding and growing one's brand, particularly for individuals dealing with customer perceptions. He emphasized the value of doing research on unknown people or companies before meetings and highlighted how your brand plays into this. Linked in a world of content creation, which included online profiles and shows like their podcast were noted as substantial elements in the creation of a brand. Sundararajan poses the question of whether other executives should consciously work to create a brand for themselves, that comes into play in customer conversations, He feels strongly that they should. Anand Sundaram agrees with Sundararajan, holding the opinion that everyone is essentially a salesperson, in every field. He elaborates on the perspective that we are all selling ourselves daily, and this becomes more significant for executives as they are representing their organization. Sundaram highlights the authenticity of a brand as crucial and gives an example of an executive who lacked social skills, which negatively impacts his brand. Sundram asserts that executives and indeed everyone should be aware of the image they're projecting, ensuring that it is positive. Both agree that having an executive understanding of a brand is very important in show hosting and the broader content creation field. Suggestions on Building Brand Early in Career In the discussion around building a brand early in the career, the main focus is on authenticity and substance, with a mix of curiosity. Arjun Sundararajan introduces the subject by exploring the idea that younger individuals can feel overwhelmed about the idea of building their 'brand'. Anand Sundaram, however, presents a refreshing perspective in that he insists on the importance of authenticity irrespective of where you are in your career, aligning with the idea of content creation for show hosts. The most notable point made during their conversation stresses on being 'willing to learn' at every stage of your career, something every creator in a talkshow must aspire for. Among the strategies recommended, making use of professional social media platforms like LinkedIn, raising your hand to take on new opportunities, and asking questions to gain clarity and provide solutions were paramount. These strategies point towards significant visibility, credibility, and reliability - all essential aspects of brand building. Sundaram underlines that one's brand is constantly evolving and improving – a constant journey of learning, growing and improvement. Sundaram also emphasised that being active in areas you're passionate about on social media platforms is one of the most effective ways of brand building. This form of brand building, aligned closely to content creation, allows associated audience and colleagues to recognise one's commitment to the area of interest. In sum, authenticity, a continuous learning journey, and engagement in a community related to one's field is key for early career individuals looking to build their brand. Thu, 01 Feb 2024 22:00:00 GMT Arjun Sundararajan 77bbe411-38d4-43b1-91db-34255b9d9e0a Sales RX Podcast. Who should tune in and why? In the Sales RX Podcast, host Chet Lovegren shares his insights on a range of topics related to sales. The show aims to contribute in a variety of ways for sellers, especially individual contributors looking to deliver better performances. The scope of the podcast has widened over the years to tackle a more prescriptive approach against challenges in sales. Topics such as cold calling, writing effective emails, target account marketing, team selling, and relationship building are discussed. The podcast hopes to offer valuable insights to not just managers, but directors and VPs who wish to lead their teams with innovative strategies in today's sales environment. The Sales RX podcast has in fact expanded its audience to include marketing, customer success, and account management professionals in recent months. This podcast is definitely relevant for anyone who wants to keep themselves updated with evolving sales landscape. Motivation for starting Sales RX Podcast Chet Lovegren was inspired to start the Sales RX Podcast due to a perceived market opportunity back in late 2019. He observed there weren't many sales podcasts around at the time and thought of creating a platform to help those struggling in sales, drawing from his own experiences. Chet believes that while certain qualities make a natural seller, a lot can be taught about sales, and the podcast provides a variety of ways to improve one's sales game. However, his motivations weren't purely altruistic - he wanted to establish a brand and a platform that could potentially generate demand and attract clients. The podcast has since gone through several iterations and styles, indicating a scalability and adaptability to the changing times and their requirements. Speaker Intro: Chet Lovegren Introduced as Chet Lovegren, a host who is currently hosting the third iteration of his popular Sales RX Podcast. His adaptation and change are evident as he has tried different styles, formats, and timings for the podcast in his quest to find the best fit. His drive to keep the podcast engaging extends to constantly modifying it based upon trending algorithms and the shifts in people's attention. Show Format - Evolution over time The Sales RX Podcast has experienced a varied evolution over the years. It has fluctuated from being a platform where Chet ranted about issues in sales to a more structured, scripted podcast and then to a platform for topical discussions with guest speakers. He has wisely manipulated show lengths and frequency based on observed listener behavior and trends, even trying out daily 'micro-learning' episodes. Now, after all these iterative changes, the podcast boasts professional quality, in-person recording with designated segments for content review and expert insights, tipped off with a final section called 'Doctor's Orders', where Chet dispenses some tactical advice. It's evident that Chet's dedication to continual analysis, refreshment, and innovation is the key for the podcast's success. Goals & Metrics for your show During a lively exchange between Arjun Sundararajan and Chet Lovegren, they discuss different aspects of running a talkshow. Chet reveals that for him, success isn't just about the performance of the show, but more about his passion and interest- his vision of the talkshow being rooted in the aspiration to learn. He shares his views on content creation, believing in the power of genuine engagement over just hitting goals and metrics. Chet admits to his initial struggles in different roles such as sales, management, directorship, and a VP which shaped his outlook towards his show. Lessons learned from these experiences led to a desire to provide insights and value to fellow content creators and show hosts. Chet emphasizes the importance of focusing on metrics such as downloads, average watch time, demographics, and listener's country, which serve as strategic tools for content customization and improvement. From this engaging conversation, it can be gleaned that a holistic approach to one's goals and a keen intent to learn greatly enhances the quality of content creation and the overall performance of a show. Intriguingly, Chet observes that his talkshow is popular among listeners in Australia, indicating the broad, global reach achieved by these platforms. Distribution of content: Choosing the right channels In Arjun Sundararajan and Chet Lovegren's discussion on the distribution of content, they highlighted the importance of choosing the right channels for content creation. They emphasized that creators and show hosts must pick channels that align with their content and audience. They discussed differing platforms, which include a podcast, social media, TikTok, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Facebook. Chet mentioned a specific process he uses, starting with recording a 30-minute podcast. He explained how he extracts and transcribes key parts from it to create short form videos, blog posts, newsletters, and LinkedIn carousel posts. Then, these pieces are further broken down into tweets, quote cards, and more. He stressed the importance of continually demonstrating your presence across multiple platforms. Additionally, they touched on how SEO enhanced blogs work to drive traffic rather than serve as a reading material, hence interconnectedness of multimedia content. They reiterated that engaging the appropriate channels depends on what's most efficient and most appropriate for an individual's specific situation. Conclusively, understanding this process of content repurposing is vital for content creators, show hosts, especially those targeting several platforms. Repurposing Content for different formats. Challenges & Mistakes. Arjun Sundararajan and Chet Lovegren negotiate the land of talkshow content creation in a candid discussion about the challenges, mistakes and learning experiences that arise when repurposing content for differing show formats. They bring to light a prevalent argument in the content space regarding the value of professional content creators. Both Arjun and Chet express the importance of learning to create content at a novice level before moving towards more expensive professional options. Chet shares his experiences and struggles in creating his own podcast and provides valuable tips on navigating the content-creation journey. He emphasizes the importance of a test-run before diving in headfirst with professional editors and the value of spotting shortcomings when managing relationships in the creative process. Arjun also stresses the importance of spending time building content as an investment. This discussion not only provides crucial advice for show hosts and other creators but also illuminates the long-term commitment needed in content creation. Wed, 10 Jan 2024 22:00:00 GMT Arjun Sundararajan 8306afaa-44f9-4741-be92-aed7da63d33a Sales Biz Podcast: Who should tune in and why? Arjun Sundararajan hosts a show, uncovering the story behind Mike Petrosyan's motivation to start the Sales Biz Podcast. The discussion begins with a question all potential listeners might have- 'Who should tune in and why?' Mike, having started his journey in Salesbiz during COVID period of 2020, saw an opportunity to give back to the podcasting community. He aimed to discuss the journey, methodologies, and dreams of various entrepreneurs and sales leaders. His audience mainly comprises sales professionals and aspirant entrepreneurs seeking fresh, modern sales strategies. The narrative then dives into Mike Petrosyan's initial motivation to launch the podcast, and his personal drive to reciprocate the knowledge he gained from experts to a wider audience. Motivation for starting Sales Biz Podcast. Mike's compelling reason to start Sales Biz was oddly straightforward. He identified himself as an auditory and visual learner, consuming bite-sized information through audible accounts, apps, and videos. His drive to start a podcast stemmed from the same desire for enlightenment but also serving as a healthy platform for fostering his sales skills. He viewed the launch as a three-step approach: Networking, Reciprocating knowledge, and honing his skills. His goals remained concise - produce a podcast per week, examine viewer engagement across platforms, and evaluate progress through strategic pursuits. Goals: What were your primary goals for the show and how do you measure them? On asked if he ever benchmarked this venture against any specific metrics, Mike revealed he simply dove into it. Drawing inspiration from Reid Hoffman's philosophy, he believed in setting the wheels in motion without much delay. A palpable example lies in his initial audiovisual setup for the podcast. Mike had an open mindset – the podcast could either see him winning or learning. His initial goals were not factual but were molded by networking and learning. More deliberate planning only came up when he started posting more episodes. Coaching: Organic Outcome vs Intentional Experiment The discussion takes an unexpected turn towards coaching, which Mike Petrosyan initially had no plans for. He narrates how one of his guests desired to learn more from him, following their invigorating discussion. After a few fruitful conversations, the guest directly suggested compensating Mike for his valuable insight, which sparked the coaching aspect of his profession. Although he was initially only interested in potential partnerships to garner more leads, he now had clients willing to pay for business advice. Speaker Intro: Mike Petrosyan Mike Petrosyan, now an accredited professional in the sales and podcasting community, caught direction midway. Displaying genuine enthusiasm in discussing his business strategy and methodologies, he did not immediately realize the monetary potential behind his feedback system. However, upon thorough speculation, he was genuinely thankful for the opened doors and brewing opportunities. Passion Project vs Marketing Tool As the trajectory of the conversation evolves, Mike gradually sees traction in his side project. Upon understanding the monetary value from one of his coaching conversations, he began recommending his services to others. Soon, he had five clients within 20 episodes. As the coaching aspect grew, he found less time for podcasting, although the financial and learning incentives pushed him to continue. Balancing a full-time sales executive role, he cherishes the extra side income and nurturing his network. Lastly, Arjun Sundararajan seeks advice for other coaches on building authority and credibility just as organically and effectively as Mike Petrosyan did. Building Authority and Credibility In the section on building authority and credibility, Arjun Sundararajan discusses the importance of authenticity for individuals and businesses in developing their reputations. Veteran show host Mike Petrosyan expresses his belief that this authenticity can't be forced or manufactured; it must be a natural manifestation of one's character and convictions. They discuss the idea of personal branding, with Mike emphasizing the need to express and maintain one's unique identity instead of conforming to external expectations or archetypes. Mike also shares his own journey, recounting how he found his authentic voice and built a successful brand around it. The discussion eventually moves to the foundational role of subject matter expertise, and the importance of choosing a niche where your passion and knowledge can shine through. In all these revelations, the underlying lesson is clear: in business and content creation, authenticity and authority walk hand in hand. Time Commitment: Staying up to date and relevant. The conversation next delves into the daunting challenge of staying relevant and informed amidst the constant flux of today's dynamic business landscape. In this scenario, Arjun Sudararajan and Mike Petrosyan, show hosts, share their strategies for keeping pace with an ever-changing industry. Emphasizing the value of allocating one's time effectively, Mike vividly depicts the reality of maintaining a podcast, balancing it with a sales job, and still staying up to date in the industry. He underlines the importance of planning and to not underestimate the commitment podcasting requires. They also delve into the aspect of developing content around current trends, effectively utilizing them to stay relevant and engaged with their audience. This strategy, coupled with their passion and dedication, keeps them afloat in a sea of information and trends. Content Strategy and Distribution In the final section, Arjun and Mike discuss content strategy and distribution. They explore the numerous ways to repurpose and distribute content from just one conversation. Mike admits that their strategy is the result of trial and error and emphasizes the need to focus on topics of genuine interest. He contends that passion cannot be faked and that audiences can discern authenticity. The authenticity and passion reflected in their content, he believes, drives audiences to the podcast. The discussion progresses to distribution, for which Mike recommends a decentralized approach leveraging technology. Mike uses platforms like Bussprout to automating distribution, effectively broadening their audience reach. He also cautions against outsourcing distribution and emphasizes the value of authenticity in audience building and engagement. The sentiment resonating through the discussion reiterates the importance of authenticity and passion in content creation and distribution strategies for show hosts. Audience Engagement Key aspects of successful audience engagement for both podcasts and personal coaching include tracking resonance, determining preferences, and fostering proactivity. Show hosts like Arjun Sundararajan employ a range of methods to gauge audience preferences, from direct outreach methods like YouTube comments and Instagram posts, to indirect methods like keen observation and analysis. Mike Petrosyan emphasizes the importance of being authentic in audience engagement, mentioning the danger of seeming desperate. He has experimented with a wide range of guests, from SAS founders to security guards. Petrosyan maintains that the authenticity of content matters above all, and this approach can lead to opportunities for audience expansion and engagement. Tip for someone starting their own show Arjun Sundararajan asked Mike Petrosyan for a tip for aspiring talkshow creators, ending on the note of authenticity. Mike stated that technology and social media platforms have made it easier than ever to communicate and create content, eliminating the need to rely on older methods like letters and emails. His paramount advice for future show hosts is to always be authentic. He warns against pretense, as it can lead to audience ridicule and the consequent downfall of the content creation project. Staying true to oneself and following passions can lead to a naturally successful show. Wed, 10 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT Arjun Sundararajan 6d5cbbe4-d5b9-40ca-9ff1-bffa6ae143be Journey into Podcasting In Arjun Sundararajan's talk show, he initiated discussion with Kira Dorrian about her journey into podcasting. Kira, a voice actor by profession journeyed into the podcasting world because she was unsure about the longevity of her voice-acting career and wanted to prepare for an alternate career in mental health. This led to her first podcast show, 'Raising Adults', she created with her doula friend focusing on the aspect of positive parenting and emotional intelligence for kids. However, this novices' journey was not a typical one, yet it was centered on themes significant for creators in the field of content creation, especially for show hosts. This story of an artist's transition to a new medium holds a pivotal place in ‘Journey into Podcasting’. Key Skills to Adapt to Different Topics Adapting to different topics became a crucial skill for Kira in her journey as a podcast host. Arjun and Kira highlighted how 'not knowing it all' can sometimes be an asset, as it allows room for curiosity and learning. Kira indicated that one of the keys to being a good host was her innate curiosity and the joy of not knowing. She also learned that it's okay for the host and their audience to learn together. Throughout her journey, Kira hosted shows on varied topics like animal conservation and personality tests which helped her satisfy her curiosity and unravel many fascinating aspects. Though, they acknowledged the need for utmost preparation and research before stepping in to host a show single-handedly. Basically, the hosts need to adapt to different topics depending upon the genre and format of the show. Speaker Intro: Kira Dorrian Kira Dorrian, an acting professional and a mental health enthusiast, later also became a podcast host. She has been associated with various shows that deal with diverse topics. Her inherent curiosity and her knack for learning new things have made her very adaptable, making her journey not just intriguing but also inspirational for aspiring podcast hosts. Her voice acting skills and experience in the mental health field surfaced as dominant factors that helped her jumpstart her podcast journey. Clearly, Kira Dorrian's story is the amalgamation of multiple professions that have collectively paved the way for her successful career in podcasting. Arjun Sundararajan's conversation with Kira embodies the essence of evolving artists in the world of podcasting. Building Trust and Connection with Guest Speakers In this section, the dialogue involved how to build trust and connection with guest speakers, it started off by addressing the challenge of creating a bond and trust between hosts and guest speakers. Kira Dorrian provided valuable insights suggesting a twofold approach to meet this challenge. She stressed the importance of self-awareness and recommended knowing when to step away and let a professional navigate the complex world of talk shows. Kira also highlighted the relevance of conversation, curiosity, and listening. She emphasized that creating a relaxed environment, akin to a coffee conversation, significantly aids the podcast's success. Additionally, she touched upon the impact of emotions as they can be picked up by the microphone; hence maintaining a positive demeanor is quintessential. Kira also advised avoiding excessive preparation which might lead the show to become strictly monotonous and lose its spontaneous appeal. The dialogue ended with an insightful discussion on the importance of listening and adapting according to the guest's narrative. Power of Authenticity when Hosting Shifting to the importance of authenticity when hosting a show, the conversation started with the acknowledgement of the power of authenticity and how it greatly benefits a podcast host. Kira Dorrian elaborated her thoughts and experience in holding authenticity during her shows. She advised maintaining an open mind and being true to oneself during the podcast, even when it's hard to accomplish overnight. She emphasized the significance of opening up to vulnerable spaces, a step that ensures that guests feel more comfortable. She stressed the power of curiosity and the authenticity that comes with expressing lack of knowledge on a subject. This approach opens up a wider space for the flow of the conversation, encouraging the guest speaker to share their views and experiences, creating a real and relatable environment for the audience. Importance of Vocabulary and Language in Show Hosting Arjun Sundararajan and Kira Dorrian animate an engaging conversation about the role of language proficiency and vocabulary in show hosting. Arjun expresses curiosity about powerful language use and how it can captivate audiences. Kira responds by highlighting that the need for specialized language depends on the topic of the show, emphasizing the importance in understanding the jargon of the subject matter to demonstrate authenticity and reliability as a host. They both advocate for using the right subject matter terms, admitting when unsure about certain jargon, and not being intimidated by not being as flowery with language. The balance between being authentic, maintaining subject matter expertise, and connecting with the audience illustrates the complexity of the show hosting process. Off-Air: Cultivating habits for Voice Excellence Arjun and Kira dive further into the routine and habits that can help aspiring show hosts excel in their roles, even when they are 'off-air'. According to Kira, vocal warm-ups and taking care of one's voice are significant, alongside developing the ability to transition smoothly between topics during conversations. She advises that hosting skills can be improved through active listening and finding clever ways to link the conversation to the next question. Building confidence in these techniques, Arjun and Kira discuss, can make a show host's role more successful and can cultivate habits for voice excellence. Maximizing Impact: Creating Short Impactful Content Shifting their discussion to the concept of short impactful content, Arjun and Kira discuss the strategies for maximizing impact in a world favoring short format content. Kira recommends creating a clear show format, ensuring even brief bursts of content are efficient and impactful for the audience. Preparing guests in advance with expected content and format is also highlighted as crucial. The guest, being already prepared, is more likely to be relaxed, genuine, and subsequently contribute to a better episode. In sum, both Arjun and Kira agree that planning and preparation are the key to maximizing impact and creating more palatable content for their audiences who are creators and show hosts in the field of content creation. Thu, 04 Jan 2024 22:00:00 GMT Arjun Sundararajan 6e98b60c-c557-45f8-b5b2-675f2c470390 Prodcast: What is your show about and who should tune in? Prodcast initially began as a platform for product managers who were looking to land jobs in the US. However, it has since evolved to accommodate other tech workers, and anyone who wants a tecnnology job in the country. Immigrants, particularly high-skill tech professionals and individuals from Eastern Europe who speak Russian, form the majority of the audience. The show is available in two languages, English and Russian, with a bigger following on the Russian channel. The host, Anna, is always eager to engage with everyone and share experiences from when she started the show. These characteristics make Prodcast a show that stands out in its niche, with its focus on tech career-building and immigration in the US. Its unique bilingual approach tailored for specific groups such as Russian-speaking immigrants and individuals desiring a career in tech makes it a compelling resource. Show Motivation: What were you doing at that time? The conception of the show was completely organic, born out of Anna's own struggle of securing a job in the US. She went through a tough time passing numerous company interviews and decided to write an article to guide others who might be undergoing similar experiences which became very popular. Subsequently, numerous queries from the Russian tech community about job hunting in the US started flooding in, which made Anna realize the potential of doing something for herself. Thus, the sow was launched on YouTube, with the aim to share all the useful tips and experiences about job hunting in the US tech industry. Anna constantly tests and refines her show to remain relevant and beneficial to her audience. This ultimately led her to introduce new content, discovering new platforms to use, shifting from YouTube to other platforms, and recognizing the importance of consistently producing quality and meaningful content. Speaker Intro: Anna Naumova Anna Naumova is a dynamic and determined speaker who believes in organic growth. Her experiences as a job seeker in the US tech industry inspired her to start her podcast show, providing a platform for like-minded individuals seeking similar opportunities. Anna's show experiences steady growth, which she attributes to her engaging content and exploration of various relevant topics. She's a believer in maintaining authenticity and organically building her audience. Overall, Anna's story is an exciting and inspiring journey of someone who saw a challenge and turned it into an opportunity to guide others. Process for finding the niche for your show In the quest of finding her unique voice for her show, Anna experimented with various content forms, from focusing on product management to expanding to cover other roles in the tech industry. She started inviting diverse guests, ranging from software engineers to HR recruiters, to share their perspectives. As a natural progression, her topics included immigration visas, tailored specifically for job seekers desiring to move to the US. The most unique element was added when she started covering business topics in the US, such as how to open a business in the US and understand taxes, which was largely influenced by her personal interest. Despite this topic's lesser popularity, the core of her show remains around job search and career building. Content on resumes and exclusive interview tips are the most viewed. Overtime, Anna recognized that her commitment to deliver insightful and quality videos held a special appeal to her Russian-speaking audience. Timeline for Audience Building Building an organic audience is a challenging and time-consuming journey that demands a lot of commitment and patience. A long-term plan, at least six months to a year, is a must to see any noticeable progress. Consistency in releasing content that you're passionate about is the key to success. Anna advises against buying any form of ads, highlighting her personal unsuccessful experience with YouTube recommendations. She emphasizes on the quality of content as the primary driver for organic growth. Flexibility, resilience, and an ability to adapt and improve upon feedback are crucial in the process of growing and enriching your audience on any platform. Intersection of Passion and Audience Anna recommends conducting thorough research before deciding to launch a show. This involves understanding the market, identifying your competitors, and figuring out what can make your show stand out if the market is already saturated. There should exist an intersection between your passion and the audience's interest for the show to be a success. To test the waters, one can launch minimal viable content and gauge the response from audiences. At the same time, it is important not to be discouraged by minimal initial returns, and instead focus on consistently improving and steering the show based on feedback and performance. The success lies in your hands if you are ready to evolve and improve constantly. Audience Finding: Experimentation process The process of finding one's audience is truly experimental and iterative. As a show host, initially releasing content once a week and observing audience interaction is crucial in understanding trends and setting up a schedule. The host mentions looking up statistical data on different platforms like, YouTube, to analyze what works best. Click-through rates on thumbnails, viewer duration, comments, views, likes, and feedback are important factors in further defining the show's direction. The hosts reminds creators not to be discouraged if the first few videos do not generate the intended response as experiments require time. He also reveals that not all his content generates equal amounts of interest from viewers. Therefore, the key is to continue testing, learning and improving. It's interesting to see how the techniques of product management are brought into the world of content creation. The techniques of experimenting, analyzing, and adapting based on feedback help to shape the show and maintain audience engagement. Utilizing Social Media Platforms In this digital world, social media platforms become a powerful tool for distribution and engagement. The host mentions experimenting with platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Telegram, and TikTok. For him, navigating between these platforms is about reaching people where they are at a particular point in time. It is about serving that audience the appropriate content according to what they might prefer on that platform. The host's strategy involves going wide, understanding where the audience is, and maintaining that connection. A significant portion of his audience was discovered through YouTube recommendations. There is a lot of emphasis on cross-promotion, a web of content pointing back to the main channel. His process is both organic and purposeful; when seeking feedback, he tends to focus on both numbers and personal comments from viewers. Ultimately he believes that the audience flows from one media to another, emphasizing the importance of a diverse presence across platforms. Audience Feedback: What should you look for? Audience feedback is like the compass in the vast sea of content creation, directing the host to what works and what doesn't. As a product manager, he emphasizes the importance of both quantitative and qualitative metrics. He speaks about receiving daily messages from viewers that appreciate his content, reward him with their gratitude and offer sincere critique which invariably drives his passion. He believes negative feedback contributes to his growth as a show host and makes his content more wholesome. He also reveals that he receives a lot of controversial mixed feedback that adds more fuel to his enthusiasm. For feedback collection, looking at likes, click-through rate, and even the duration of viewership can offer valuable insights. He also suggests applying an analytical mindset and looking at feedback as constructive data that helps to shape your product, just like in product management. Wed, 03 Jan 2024 22:00:00 GMT Arjun Sundararajan f4adb994-e49e-4fce-96c1-5e79af5fca58 Opportunity Made: Who should tune in and why? Opportunity Made is a Talkshow entering its third season, designed to inspire its audience in creating opportunities, irrespective of backgrounds and geography barriers. The Show Hosts engage with different individuals from diverse backgrounds and industries to understand the challenges they have surmounted and the opportunities they have taken advantage of. Content Creation on this show is uniquely crafted to inspire a broad audience, particularly budding entrepreneurs who are looking to chart their unique paths towards success and could draw inspiration from the illustrious journeys and experiences shared. Motivation for starting Opportunity Made. What were you doing at that time? The show, Opportunity Made, was started in 2022 by Katherine Lewis as a personal leap of faith. The motivation behind the show was less about filling a niche in the market and more about personal fulfillment and exploration. Lewis' love for communication and curiosity to test her ability to host a show was the primary driving force behind the start of the 'Opportunity Made' show. The show started as addition to her progression, challenging herself to go beyond her comfort zones. Speaker Intro: Katherine Lewis Katherine Lewis, who himself has a passion for communication and interviewing people, expressed her enthusiasm and curiosity towards hosting a show. The fear of whether she would be capable of running a show and handling its various aspects gave way to the excitement of the challenge itself. This courage to face new trials head-on positively added value to her exponential personal growth. Goals: What did you want to achieve through your show? Do you track any metrics? The primary goal of the show was to have meaningful conversations and to see what content resonated with the audience. Instead of working towards set expectations, the focus for Katherine Lewis was to enjoy the process of conversations. Consistency in releasing episodes was emphasised, leading to the show's growth over time. However, Katherine also emphasized the need for flexibility; the release cadence evolved as she gained more experience and grasped a better understanding of her content and audience. The Evolution of Guests and Audience through time The show began with interviews with friends and colleagues but has since evolved to handpicked guests and recommendations. Even as the guest list changed, there remained a constant emphasis on unique life experiences and overcoming barriers. There is an intention to incorporate more diverse topics in the future, based on audience reactions. Instead of primarily focusing on gathering metrics around the audience and their preferences, the primary goal was to establish the show's rhythm and to understand what it takes to run a show successfully. Unveiling passion: Tips for discovering your own calling! Katherine Lewis shared insightful tips for discovering personal calling, emphasizing the importance of addressing and overcoming insecurities. Whether it was fears regarding physical appearance or voice qualities, Katherine encouraged accepting oneself. She further highlighted the value of truly listening during conversations, expressing a keen interest in the dynamics of discourse and how it can take unexpected turns. Understanding everyday conversations and engaging with topics that pique your interest can provide inspiration for running a show of your own. Ultimately, whether the podcast topic is driven by something you are keenly interested to learn more about, or a subject you are deeply passionate about, the decision lies in what holds your interest consistently. Host's Harvest: The Top Benefits of Showtime Success In the section, Arjun Sundararajan and Katherine Lewis discuss the benefits a host can derive from a successful talkshow. These benefits aren't merely in terms of satisfaction from positive feedback and growing confidence but also include getting the chance to push forward a message or support a certain demographic of people. Important takeaways include the intrinsic reward of knowing people listen to your content and the ability to have conversations with people they otherwise wouldn't have had the chance to, thus expanding one's network and experiencing firsthand the stories and backgrounds of their guests. Connecting Through the Mic: Stories of Network Expansion Delving deeper into the theme of networking, the conversation here offers tips on maintaining relationships post-show to ensure they don't turn transactional. From doing regular check-ins with past guests, sending thank-you emails, to doing little giveaways for engagement, cultivating these connections has great potential for network expansion. Katherine Lewis emphasizes viewing these interactions as building a community rather than mere transactions. The referrals from guests introduce new participants into the circle, adding a dimension of interconnectedness. Unlock Your Voice: Tips for aspiring Show Hosts For aspiring hosts, Katherine sights a dual approach - getting the technicalities right and perfecting one's speaking skills. From setting up a good microphone and lighting to refining the ability to speak fluently and confidently, she breaks down the process in achievable steps. Regular practice tasks, like recording yourself talking about an object for a minute or sending daily videos to someone without re-recording, help with improvising speaking skills. She also emphasizes the importance of screening out filler words for a crisp and clear speech, which helps both in hosting and post-production work. Wed, 20 Dec 2023 22:00:00 GMT Arjun Sundararajan 281806ef-877c-485c-82ad-6cdcd0ed0295 StoryBeat with Steve Cuden: Who should tune in and why? In one of the most informative discussions on this talkshow, respected show host, Steve Cuden, talks about the creation process, thereby providing valuable insights for upcoming creators. Talking about his show 'Storybeat', Steve highlights that it is primarily dedicated to anyone seeking inspiration and curious about the creative process. For over seven years, he interviewed successful people from the creative sector to understand how they innovate and create, thereby offering a fresh perspective for creativity seekers. Typically, early career stage creators in search of inspiration and looking to learn from other creators are the ones who regularly tune into 'Storybeat'. Hence, for creators desiring to understand how to make their creative life better, more efficient, smarter, and next level, 'Storybeat' is a treasure trove. Origin of Storybeat. What was the inspiration? What were you doing at that time? The inspiration of 'Storybeat' comes from an interesting place. Returning to his hometown of Pittsburgh after 35 years as a screenwriter in Los Angeles, Steve found an opportunity to explore the podcast sector when a local university, Point Park University, opened a new media facility complete with a podcast studio. Eager to spread knowledge about the creative process, Steve took the initiative of starting the show, with the aim to address the issues of numerous people stuck in their journey to creativity, thereby helping them get to the next level. Despite being a newbie in the podcasting sector during the initial days, Steve's commitment to this new venture gradually helped him gear up his understanding of the show's focus, thus making it the inspirational success it is today. Speaker Intro: Steve Cuden Steve Cuden is a well-renowned screenwriter and an influential figure in the world of creative content creation. His dedication and love for creation are remarkable. His journey from being a screenwriter in Los Angeles to a distinguished podcast host, presenting 'Storybeat', offers inspiration to many upcoming creators. Steve’s prime focus lies in imparting knowledge and providing efficient tips and tricks about the creation process. Whether you are an aspiring creator or a seasoned professional, tuning into 'Storybeat' can lead to gaining insightful knowledge. Goals: What did you want to achieve through your show? Do you track any metrics? The foundational goal of 'Storybeat' is to inspire and inform. The primary aim is sharing knowledge about the creative process, thus, assisting people in making their careers go in the right direction. The podcast focuses on inspirational conversations with professionals from different sectors, primarily from arts, but not limited to it. While the show uses Google Analytics to track its performance, the show’s real focus is on maintaining its qualitative aspects, like asking quality questions and inviting successful guests. Steve’s vision for the show largely encompasses creating an impact and educating the listeners. Outcomes: What are the highlights of outcomes that have come through running this show? Show hosts often wonder what kind of impact they're making through their content creation. This realization often comes in the form of feedback from loyal listeners who admit to having their perspective shifted or career choice influenced by the talkshows they listen to. The intrinsic joy of hearing that you've made an impact on someone's life forms the heart of the talkshow. Guest speakers also bring an enlarged perspective to the table, often sharing intimate details or unrevealed stories, which brings further growth and engagement to the show and its listeners. In the words of Steve Cuden, impressing someone you admire allows you to experience the thrill of a well-constructed show. This is quintessential to understand as a talkshow creator and host. Sustaining a show beyond the first few episodes The longevity of a show can be attributed to a multitude of factors. A resounding factor is the creator's endowed passion for the subject they wish to address through their shows. Being interested in the people you're interviewing and their experiences blesses the content creation process with an indelible sense of enjoyment. This in conjunction with an unyielding ‘crazy’ to not back down in the face of hardship and growing perseverance can lead to a successful talkshow. Furthermore, a sustainable business doesn't happen overnight. It’s important to note that a show builds gradually, and this organic reach and growth compound over time into a fulfilling venture. Being patient and passionately curious about the subject matter ensures you create compelling content that keeps your audience hooked. Over time, you become adept at learning from every episode you curate, and the value you provide starts reflecting in the growth of your show. Tapping into Intrinsic Motivation. How does one do that? In this section, 'Tapping into Intrinsic Motivation. How does one do that?', Steve Cuden and Arjun Sundararajan discuss the twofold approach to fueling curiosity and passion in any subject matter or field. The first, according to Cuden, is a raw, inherent interest in the topic. The second is the unfamiliarity that gradually evolves into a deep-seated fascination as one immerses themselves in it. He further states that it is equally important to recognize the lack of interest in a subject as it is to identify a passion, as this promotes progression onto topics that genuinely pique a person's curiosity. Through a series of conversations, they emphasize the importance of being aware of one's curiosity and interests and utilizing them as catalysts for creating captivating content or discovering new passions. What is one tip you'd give someone starting out to host their show. In 'What is one tip you'd give someone starting out to host their show.', Arjun Sundararajan and Steve Cuden share the importance of passion and true interest in the chosen subject matter when setting up a talkshow or any form of content creation. They underline that this passion becomes the engine driving the longevity and success of the show. Cuden places significance on possessing an active role in the subject matter at hand. He says this implied credibility assures the guests of the host's understanding and empathy. The talkshow hosts convey that whether it’s about creators, show hosts, baking, mathematics, or content creation, the host’s passionate engagement with the content transpires to the audience. Thu, 14 Dec 2023 00:00:00 GMT Arjun Sundararajan 5d67e4c0-d913-4785-b85a-237152722988 Motivation for starting Conversations in the Future of Work Rachel Cossar, a firm believer in taking on new challenges, embarked on a new journey through her talk show, 'Conversations in the Future of Work'. Her motivation was fuelled by a desire to explore relevant and interesting topics concerning ongoing disruptions in workplaces brought about by the pandemic. She aimed to bring together thought leaders, technologists, coaches, and scientists, providing a platform to share and define their experiences on the future of work. She believed that while the show may seem a daunting task initially, the potential Return on Investment (ROI) in terms of time and resources won her over to give it a try, at least for a pilot season. Founder Journey and GTM with Virtual Sapiens. How does Conversations in the Future of the Work fit in? Rachel Cossar is also the founder of Virtual Sapiens, a company that uses Artificial Intelligence to help teams master their video presence. While she leverages partnerships with coaching firms and sells directly to learning and development programs, the talk show acts as a powerful platform for conversation for both her and her guests. The people she brings to the show are typically users, clients, or partners of Virtual Sapiens. The alignment of the show's purpose with the goals of her company helps her discuss critical themes like the influence of AI on communication, training, and coaching and also showcase Virtual Sapiens as a product. Speaker Intro: Rachel Cossar Rachel Cossar, the show host for 'Conversations in the Future of Work', is driven by her passion to facilitate discussions about the future of work. Her desire to provide opportunities for exploring relevant and thought-provoking topics materialized in the form of her talk show. How do you define your audience and guest speakers? According to Rachel Cossar, defining the show's audience and guest speakers was a crucial part of the show's setup. She was inspired by the struggles of remote or hybrid working and the effective use of video technology during her interactions with clients. This inspired the creation of a platform to discuss these topics from multiple perspectives. By bringing together scientists, technologists, trainers, leaders, employees, and individuals, she aimed to foster insightful and beneficial discussions. Founder Brand: Why should an early stage entrepreneur build their Founder Brand? Rachel believes that as a founder, she plays a significant role in representing her company and setting it apart from other competitors. Her unique background as a professional ballet dancer and performer lends a special flavor to Virtual Sapiens. As she invests in her thought leadership and brand as an expert in the space, it not only compounds but becomes a powerful force that benefits her company. This investment helps to gain early traction for the company and establishes trust with early prospects, clients, and partners. Founder Brand Stories: Any success stories that inspired you? While there wasn't a single person in particular who inspired her, Rachel was motivated by the efforts of several individual salespeople and women leaders in sales who developed brands around their unique journeys. They used platforms like LinkedIn and their talk shows to share their experiences and expertise. This not only added special value to their businesses but also provided information to those who might not be using their products. Seeing these inspiring leaders excelling, inspired her to start her own show. Talkshow for Founder Brand: How has this show been helpful in building your Founder Brand? Arjun Sundararajan and Rachel Cossar explore the potential of talkshows in building personal brands. Arjun questions why many women leaders, including Rachel, have chosen talkshows as their branding platform. Rachel explains the power of variety in her talkshow, using short posts, deep dive blog posts, videos, and guest interactions to engage her audience. She views the exposure to her guests' audiences as a gift that fuels her content calendar for months. Engaging another person's community through a talkshow provides a crossover effect, making the talkshow a pillar that branches out into various other content platforms to reach a wider audience. Brand Building Timeline: What time horizons did you give yourself to stay committed to the journey? Arjun emphasises that brand building is a long-term process. He asks Rachel about the time horizon she gave herself for her branding journey. Rachel shares that she initially set a milestone of creating a pilot season with 8 episodes. Setting short-term, manageable goals made the whole year seem less intimidating. After sending out initial emails to her first 8-10 guests and receiving positive response, she realized she was filling a gap in the market. The positive validation from the market and growth alongside the Zinc team has made the experience satisfactory for her, despite the challenges of setting up the show. Early Success: Stories from your Talkshow that motivate you to keep going? Arjun inquires about early success stories that motivate Rachel to continue her talkshow. Rachel reveals two key successes – the expansion of her network with guests she didn’t know before and the inbound requests from people who want to be a part of her show. She considers such requests a sign that her show is resonating with the audience and filling a gap in the market. She believes that while immediate returns aren't realistic, requests for more information about her company show promising future prospects. Your tip for other Founders and Future Entrepreneurs who are considering launching their own Talkshow Arjun asks Rachel for her tip and a question for those considering launching their own show. Rachel recommends the use of a platform like Zinc to manage scheduling, editing and summarising, which can otherwise be time-consuming for busy founders. She cautions future entrepreneurs to think strategically about what they are offering to their audience and why it matters to them before launching their show. Strategizing ahead can prevent the pitfall of creating a show for an audience of one – the founder themself. Wed, 06 Dec 2023 22:00:00 GMT Arjun Sundararajan 5d6e92b9-1c89-4fe0-8fc7-26a936ac35b1 About Microsoft SaaS stories - Who should tune in and why? Arjun Sundararajan's Microsoft SaaS stories talkshow is a platform primarily for Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) who are creating software for other companies. Arjun and his team at Microsoft, including Jason Young, aim to create a conversational environment where these vendors can learn from each other's experiences, share the challenges they encounter and discuss their journeys in creating multi-tenant applications that need to be supported 24/7. It's a Microsoft-sponsored show, presented in a Q&A format with various companies from the ISV world, and hosted on the Microsoft Azure platform. Through this show, creators and show hosts aspire to facilitate problem-solving by attending to the common issues faced by these participating software companies and offering a proactive community learning experience. The Show Behind the Show - MS Dev Show and building personal brand The journey of the MS Dev Show started over a decade ago when Arjun Sundararajan and his colleague Carl Schweitzer began with creating an 'Episode 0' that served as a warm-up for their actual show. The idea was to make this talkshow and the podcast into a knowledge sharing platform where they could pick the brains of their guests. Being hosted by Microsoft employees helped them get a firm footing and allowed them to discuss Microsoft related queries in depth. This, in turn, helped in their content creation strategy as the customer queries often paved the way for inviting guests on the show to discuss those very topics. Over the years, through hundreds of episodes and connections, the MS Dev show has evolved into a trusted brand both inside and outside Microsoft. The show has seen immense growth and recognition to the extent that hosts remember being recognized at conferences, which they believe indicates their success. Jason Young attributes the success of the show to their beautiful blend of networking, sharing experiences, brand building, and learning. Show Origin: Pitching a Talkshow to the Marketing Team In the talk show, host Arjun Sundararajan genuinely explores the inception of pitching a talk show idea to Microsoft's marketing team. The idea, as shared by Jason Young, originated from the perspective of not just marketing, but aiding the community. Jason stressed his belief in having organic, unscripted, and authentic discussions with the guests on the show. The proposal was not without its challenges. Due to brand standards, significant time was needed to approve, even after buy-in for the talk show. The delay was due to factors like ensuring the use of right fonts, diversity and accessibility. Underlining the importance of authenticity, Jason gave an example of conversations that focused on the difficulties and transitions of shifting from on-prem software to the cloud, which were appreciated. The ups and downs of these discussions sold the talk show idea to Microsoft's marketing team, but Arjun pointed out that this is just one of many presentations that Microsoft uses in its marketing strategy. Microsoft's Marketing Strategy - Talkshow vs Other Marketing Channels Continuing the conversation, Arjun noticed Microsoft's increasing utilization of talk shows along with other marketing approaches. Jason discussed the value Microsoft sees in these shows, which he believes lies in the company's growing attention towards the independent software vendor (ISV) audience. Jason mentioned his support for ISVs over the past decade and the increased understanding within Microsoft about the value of the ecosystem. Microsoft sees the real value in having strategic partnerships with other companies that can support numerous customers. Arjun further added that this value trickles down to their customers, which leads to a sophisticated reach. Jason stressed the adaptability of talk shows to cater to both video and audio audiences, reaching channels that other marketing tools might not. He believes that the angle of presenting authentic and engaging content is effective, even though he does not see it as marketing, but more as an avenue for having honesty in conversations. Aligning Goals with Your Team The hosts, Arjun Sundararajan and Jason Young, discuss the alignment between Jason's work in a SaaS company and the responsibilities of leading an engineering team. Jason emphasizes the interconnectedness of his varied roles and how he leverages insights from his team interactions and direct dialogues with software companies. Whether it's about migrating to SaaS, modernizing SaaS, or building SaaS from scratch, he sees each aspect as part of a larger system. To him, the process is a continual feedback loop that improves the platform and refines questions for future shows. He shares his perspective on finding balance between the topics you’re passionate about and your work, and stresses that the core topic of your show should be something that genuinely interests you. It's natural to broaden the scope of your show and explore various facets of your chosen subject. Ideas for the show often emerge from your daily work interactions, providing a platform for serendipity to happen. Surprisingly, passion could be the missing link between your normal work routine and the topics you cover on your show. Remember, the goal is not just another promotion or achievement milestone. Sustained Success with Hosting a Show Arjun and Jason discuss the challenging aspects of hosting a successful talk show and share some statistics indicating that maintaining a show past the initial few episodes can be a steep climb. Jason suggests it takes a strong level of commitment and preparedness to continue producing episodes with limited initial audiences. This passion-driven approach combined with effective time management can lead to more sustainable success. Efficiency is cultivated through simple streamlined processes, eliminating time-consuming tasks like extensive editing. He also emphasizes the importance of scheduling and having a smooth workflow to prevent an accumulation of unmanageable tasks. Above all, Jason believes that a successful show's backbone is the host's passion for the topic and their willingness to commit the time and energy required to nurture the show to success. In essence, achieving sustained success as a show host is about balancing passion, process simplicity, and commitment. Hosting Talkshows - What makes a good host. How to become good at it. The conversation between Arjun Sundararajan and Jason Young focus on the journey to becoming a skilled show host. Arjun seeks advice from Jason who acknowledges his initial struggles in the realm of content creation and hosting talkshows. He explains how the experience of freezing in front of the camera prompted him to work on his public speaking skills. Jason emphasizes the importance of understanding oneself and mastering a topic prior to public speaking to ensure confidence and credibility. Critical to the success of a show host, according to Jason, is the capacity to engage audiences while cultivating and building upon their skills as creators. The discussion also touches upon the idea of running experiments in the form of episodes, learning from each, and adjusting to better cater to the audience. This highlights the adaptive nature essential for successful content creation and for being respected show hosts. Thu, 16 Nov 2023 22:00:00 GMT Arjun Sundararajan 97944301-668a-4b3c-a389-02099c928ce6 In this episode, the host, Arjun Sundararajan, discusses a range of topics with Hemang Shah, who functions primarily in the fields of innovation, sports, and life. Their conversation revolves around how Hemang leverages innovation in his professional life and the importance of sharing valuable knowledge in an accessible way. Hemang emphasizes his background in innovation and research, discussing his difficulties in conveying complex technological concepts. He discovered, however, that using sports as analogies, helped him disseminate these complex ideas in an easier-to-understand manner. This strategy led to the inception of his show, where he aims to break down complicated concepts through the lens of sporting events. Active on LinkedIn, Hemang outlines his experiences in social media platforms and the benefits of consistent, meaningful posting. When he shares ideas or reflections, he sees engagement and interaction from his online community. The community's responses serve as a feedback loop providing him insight on which posts resonate with the audience. Hemang also discusses the importance of personal branding, suggesting that beyond just vanity, it’s about leveraging their personal brand to highlight their strengths and unique insights. He argues the necessity for professionals to share their work and achievements publicly, allowing for more potential opportunities such as conference invitations, career roles, and advisory positions. He also stresses the importance of his involvement in a community of intellectual property professionals called the Licensing Executive Society. These types of online communities have fostered connections with similar executives around the world, bringing about opportunities such as launching a startup program in Africa. Throughout the conversation, Hemang encourages other professionals to develop their personal brand and share their own unique insights, not just for personal satisfaction but for the larger benefit of their respective professional communities. Mon, 06 Nov 2023 17:00:00 GMT Arjun Sundararajan ac0b046d-2959-4a37-85bc-120c648bb2b0 The episode of "Behind the Mic Talkshow" welcomed Thaisa Fernandes, the host of "Latinx in Power", a podcast dedicated to spotlighting leaders from the Latin community. Thaisa's show focuses broadly on the field of technology and invites discussions from different points of view, such as design, engineering, and product management. Thaisa believes her show is ideal for those interested in entering the tech industry, especially immigrants who are trying to adapt and improve their careers in a second language and a different culture. Thaisa embarked on her podcasting journey about three years ago, motivated by the desire to tackle something challenging and to grasp a different medium of communication aside from writing. As much as she enjoys writing her blog and published work about product management, she was terrified of audio broadcasting, especially because English wasn't her first language. But she saw it as an opportunity to push herself out of her comfort zone. The genesis of "Latinx in Power" was instigated by her own need for a platform like it when she moved to the United States. Thaisa acknowledged that the experiences of an immigrant can be lonely, especially in the tech industry where Latin Americans and Caribbeans represent just a small fraction. However, her podcast aims to bridge that gap and provide mentorship and encouragement to those eager to learn in the tech industry. One of her noteworthy goals for "Latinx in Power" is to interview at least one person from each Latin American and Caribbean country. The success of her podcast is not measured by its follower count or downloads, but by the diversity and representation brought to the table. While discussing her initial fear, Thaisa shared her progress in feeling comfortable and being herself during the conversations, stating it's 'scary' but necessary for immigrants to put themselves out there and share their experiences. Host Arjun Sundararajan appreciated Thaisa's reasons and how she found her particular style and managed to build connections along her podcasting journey. They both agreed on the awkwardness of listening to their own voice in their shows' early episodes. Concluding the discussion, Thaisa expressed her comfort and happiness over the development of her show and her experience over time. Wed, 25 Oct 2023 22:00:00 GMT Arjun Sundararajan f683b1d6-e05b-42ec-970d-79c39d61ac1a On an episode of Behind the Mic, host Arjun Sundararajan sat down with Sean Barnes, the host of The Way of The Wolf podcast. Barnes discussed the origin of his show, his initial fears in entering the podcasting space, and nitty-gritty of content creation to benefit one's personal and professional brand. As an introverted IT expert, Barnes' first venture into podcasting was nerve-wracking and challenging. However, he was determined to move out of his comfort zone and provide a platform for sharing lessons from his own life and career journey. With the goal of helping others become the best versions of themselves, Barnes' vision encompassed discussions on career development, fitness, mindfulness, and overall well-being. Disclosing his initial reaction to podcasting, Barnes revealed his tendency to go 'all in' with a task, recording initial episodes on his cell phone, sans video due to fear. Throughout his journey, he learned to embrace authenticity—flawed speech and all—realizing that showing vulnerability was appealing to his audience. The podcast's evolving format took some trial and error to discover what worked. Barnes adopted a bi-weekly schedule with one week dedicated to a short, solo episode discussing leadership skills and interpersonal issues, and alternating weeks focused on long form interviews with entrepreneurs and field experts. The aim was to accommodate listener's preferences for short or long-form content depending on their available time. Discussing the growth of his personal brand through the podcast, Barnes reflected on how these efforts coalesced to help his consulting company in unexpected ways. Building a reputation based on genuine desire to help others, he quickly found an outpouring of support and offers for assistance, increasing brand visibility. Broaching the topic of content distribution, Barnes discussed his experiences with various social media platforms. After chasing mediocre results with Instagram profiles, he identified LinkedIn as a more effective platform due to its superior organic reach and target audience alignment. In summarizing his journey so far, Barnes touched upon a few key lessons for business owners and entrepreneurs. He highlighted the value of continual authenticity, discipline, and a deep understanding of one's intended audience. Barnes argued that it’s crucial to invest time and energy into platforms resonate with your audience and objectives, as each platform caters to different demographics and end-goals. Wed, 11 Oct 2023 22:30:00 GMT Arjun Sundararajan 33a71124-0907-4b8b-a419-29d372fdcd4b In this episode of "Behind the Mic Talkshow", host Arjun Sundararajan chats with Pete A Turner, Executive Producer and Podcast Producer. The two delve into a detailed conversation about Pete's own show, its unique format, and how he manages the multiple dynamics of hosting a podcast. Known for his diverse and ever-evolving podcast, "Break Down Show", Pete shares how he dislikes niches because life isn't a niche. His show covers everything from social issues to music and espionage, offering something for everyone. He compares the spontaneity of his show to engaging, unpredictable conversations one might have at a café, always offering exciting insights from his wide array of guests. Pete outlines how his show primarily began from his underlying passion for sharing stories stemming from his own wartime experiences. Leveraging his interviewing skills from the field, he realized there was much to convey and wanted to use this platform to share his experiences effectively. As Pete reflected back on the beginnings of his podcast, he declared that there were no particular goals in mind, but just a drive to create a show that resonated with listeners. Arjun and Pete further discussed the inception of Pete's podcast, how he initially aimed to tap into the comedian network and use Amazon links as a source of revenue, which didn't necessarily pan out as expected. But with ten years in the podcasting world, Pete still continues to explore the potential of the medium. His show uses a co-hosting style, preferring to have at least three people on most episodes for that dynamic conversation. Having another person onboard, according to Pete, helps him interpret and comprehend perspectives better - all while ensuring a smooth flow of the overall conversation. When asked about the challenge of fulfilling the requirements of the guest speaker, the co-host, and the audience, Pete mentions the three critical areas he focuses on - "what is the show need, what is the guest need, and what does the audience need". In his dual role as a producer and host, Pete is always seeking to strike a balance between these three elements. His experience allows him to address each of these areas seamlessly in producing his shows, continually serving a delectable buffet of conversations for his listeners. Closer to a conversation curator than host, Pete brings his unique style to the fore with each episode. Through the conversation, the inherent understanding of Pete's passion and commitment to creating genuinely engaging and diverse podcasting content becomes clear. His commitment to presenting his audience with fresh and dynamic topics keeps the avid listeners of "Break Down Show" hooked, episode after episode. Thu, 05 Oct 2023 23:30:00 GMT Arjun Sundararajan fecaf004-4ddc-4411-b374-31e66029fb84 In this episode of Behind the Mic Talkshow, hosted by Arjun Sundararajan, Elias Voelker, the host of 'ITOps, DevOps, AIOps - All Things Ops', discusses his career journey, the inception of his show, and the key reasons for its existence. Voelker sheds light on the intended audience of his show, which predominantly includes senior IT executives ranging from IT operations and DevOps to individuals from security. With numerous episodes exploring various aspects of running modern IT infrastructures, the show aims to intrigue listeners who are particularly interested in handling large-scale company IT infrastructures. While the majority of Elias Voelker’s guests are from North America, the podcast caters to a global demographic. Occasionally, they delve into region-specific regulatory topics, but Elias emphasizes that these discussions do not define the podcast’s direction and should not discourage anyone across the world from tuning in. Voelker's motivation for starting the podcast was a long-standing desire to start one and his involvement with the company 'Checkmk.' The podcast also aims to raise brand awareness for Checkmk, primarily an open-source company, by creating content that would interest and inform its community of users. The podcast acts as an avenue for the host to interact with its user community, with many conference attendees expressing their appreciation for the show. Voelker also discusses the dynamic between his personal brand and the professional brand of 'Checkmk,' as they work together to build 'All Things Ops'. Elias strives to place his guests at the forefront by asking interesting questions to facilitate thoughtful conversation rather than making the podcast about himself or 'Checkmk.' An interesting tidbit revealed was the introduction of a new guest host from the 'Checkmk' team to bring fresh perspectives to the show. Voelker elaborates on the strategic usage of podcasts as a sales tool. The ability to have undivided attention from potential customers in CXO level positions for over an hour is considered advantageous. Elias wants people to listen and engage with the podcast, not just for building brand awareness, but due to inherent constructive content. Each episode is indeed a testament to the podcast's success. Mon, 25 Sep 2023 21:00:00 GMT Arjun Sundararajan f2660b65-176b-4c8d-b250-0f1153e488ea In this episode of Behind the Mic Talkshow, host Arjun Sundararajan welcomes Aaron Crow, host of The prOTect OT Cybersecurity Podcast. Crow explains that his show revolves around operational technology cybersecurity, a niche area that focuses on protecting the technology present in power plants, manufacturing facilities, and transport like trains or planes. The show discusses ways of tackling cybersecurity problems specific to such environments. Crow believes in the value of podcasts because of the extended duration of the shows, allowing listeners to absorb more detailed information than could be found in a shorter interview or blog post. Crow reveals that starting prOTect OT was not a marketing stunt but an initiative to foster dialogue and raise awareness about cybersecurity in operational technology. Even though he sees an increase in consumers for his business as a welcome side effect, he primarily aims to use his podcast to disseminate useful knowledge. He defines his podcast style as conversational, with hour-long discussions allowing him to dive deeply into various topics and provide value to his audience. In line with wanting to present a natural conversation, Crow steers clear of pre-show interviews or pre-determined questions and focuses on creating an interactive and organic dialogue. Crow emphasizes that his show tries to cater to its niche audience's interests as much as possible, with topics ranging from personal experience, audience suggestions, and trends in emerging technology. Thu, 21 Sep 2023 21:00:00 GMT Arjun Sundararajan 40110edf-3bc6-4f10-be55-a901aa390f62 In this episode of Behind the Mic Talkshow, CEO of Zync AI and show host Arjun Sundararajan chats with Dane Groeneveld, the Host of the Future of Teamwork Podcast. The conversation begins with Arjun asking Dane about his podcast, who should be listening, and why. According to Dane, anyone who is a part of a team, leading a team, or leading an organization full of teams would benefit from his podcast. He emphasizes the importance of tapping into strategies and technologies that can boost productivity, foster innovation and improve customer service in a rapidly evolving post-pandemic world. Dane then explains why he decided to create a podcast. He had noticed with his previous roles in team building and company acquisitions that his position had become more strategic, leaving him with less direct interaction with his teams. He felt starting a podcast would allow him to not only connect with his team members but also learn directly from industry experts in the process. Arjun later inquires about why Dane chose the podcast medium over other methods such as newsletters. Dane shares his enjoyment of interviewing and engaging individuals in conversation, which he felt he could not obtain from written formats. They also discuss the decision behind having separate brands for Dane's company and his podcast. Dane explains that making this separation was an intentional decision, to maintain an independent voice for the podcast. He describes his preference for this method but also acknowledges other valid approaches based on the specifics of each company. Further into the conversation, Arjun inquires about Dane's choice of the podcast's format and style. Dane explains that he chose a conversation-interview format because it works best for him. However, he also notes that they are considering exploring other styles to cater to different listener preferences. To end the conversation, Arjun delves into how Dane keeps in touch with his audience to ensure he serves content that resonates with them. Dane shares some advice he received early on, to focus on topics he enjoys discussing and observe the audience that emerges from that. Tue, 19 Sep 2023 22:00:00 GMT Arjun Sundararajan ad189f6b-7d54-4306-bff1-9fe184aace15 In this episode of Behind the Mic Talkshow, hosted by Arjun Sundararajan, features guest Colin Walters -- the founder and host of the Seeds of Success Podcast. Colin, a growth-oriented individual with a strong passion for personal development, launched his own podcast hoping to showcase his life learnings as well as the diverse success stories of other individuals. The Seeds of Success Podcast is targeted at aspiring entrepreneurs, parents aiming to be the best role models, friends striving to inspire their peers, and anyone keen on personal growth. Colin describes the podcast as a platform where he shares stories from his life, as well as lessons from books and real-world experiences that have the potential to inspire others. The goal of the podcast isn't focused on lucrative earnings, but on making a difference, as Colin believes it to be an effective way to positively impact others around him. Sharing his journey, Colin reveals that the launch of his podcast occurred in line with the sudden transition to remote work due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The idea of a podcast had always intrigued him, and being pushed into the remote work environment provided the right setting to launch one. It started as a personal passion project, but over time had also come to enhance his professional career as he works in technology sales. Colin mentions the ability to effectively communicate ideas as a critical part of his role, which is also a vital aspect in podcasting. By developing communication skills, building relationships, and fostering a deep sense of curiosity through podcasting, he saw his work life improving. Riding the wave of success, Colin expressed his interest in monetizing the podcast through sponsorships and partnerships. The conversation highlighted how creating a podcast has benefited Colin in various aspects of his life, including skill development, networking, fostering a growth mindset, and even establishing his personal brand. Colin signifies this episode with a profound understanding of utilizing one’s passion as a tool for self and community enhancement. Thu, 14 Sep 2023 23:30:00 GMT Arjun Sundararajan 5ad1784d-ad42-4359-b986-e89749e270d2 "in fields and niches. And so while I do have a background in marketing, sales, business, studio practice. I'm also a professional artist and I have a master's in art. To assist others, I need to bring in people from other fields and share their expertise. I wanted the consultancy to be a platform that wasn't just centered around me and my skills." The Behind the Mic talkshow, hosted by Arjun Sundararajan, recently hosted Andrea La Valleur-Purvis, the host of the popular Art Biz Talk podcast. Andrea shared her journey of creating this standout podcast and discussed her consultancy, Vivid Creative. The consultancy aims to assist visual artists at different stages of their careers with their studio practice, focusing on the business and marketing sides that many artists often struggle with. Andrea explained that the podcast was conceived to connect with artists worldwide and hear about their experiences building their art practices. The audience is incredibly diverse, ranging from aspiring artists trying to establish a foothold in the art world, to established artists enjoying significant success. The show's utility is also underlined by providing inspiration and encouragement to other artists who may be contemplating making a career leap to full-time artistry. Andrea mentioned the abundant wisdom and insightful nuggets that their guests share on the podcast. Speaking of her preference for podcasting as a mode of content marketing, Andrea mentioned her fondness for the long-term content and meaningful conversations it allows. The content continues to hold relevance even years later, making podcasts a longer-lasting form of content than most others. Sundararajan and La Valleur-Purvis also discussed the relationship between Vivid Creative and the Art Biz Talk podcast. While both are parts of Andrea's professional life, she emphasized her conscious decision not to make either about her personally. Andrea prefers to highlight other industry experts and collaborate with other professionals on her platform, thus differentiating and giving breadth to each brand. The episode provided rich insights into La Valleur-Purvis’ marketing strategy, her perspective on art and the business behind it. It offered a glimpse of the dedication and fine balance required to succeed in the world of art entrepreneurship. Wed, 13 Sep 2023 21:00:00 GMT Arjun Sundararajan 171ab1be-72c8-4d96-8ada-624349f73246 In this episode of "Behind the Mic," Arjun Sundararajan, CEO of Zync AI and host of the show, talks with Taylor Kenerson, the co-host of the "HyperEngage Podcast". They dive into everything from the benefits and challenges of hosting a podcast, the reasons behind starting one, and its influential impact on those who tune in. Kenerson begins by recounting her experience with HyperEngage, describing that the podcast was initially conceived as a platform to create conversations for an intended product. Their approach centered around understanding the various challenges their potential customers would face before even beginning the process of building the product. The strategy they undertook started as casual conversations which later helped in shaping their product, record these discussions, and gradually led to their 'Minimum Viable Product' (MVP). This approach allowed them to build their product while simultaneously recording these conversations to help shape and pivot the product according to the feedback given during these discussions. Kenerson emphasizes the significance of having conversations before building a product, stating that it allowed them to build a personal brand which often goes unnoticed. This, in turn, enabled them to pioneer profound connections with hundreds of individuals interested in their content. Moreover, Kenerson explains how the nature of their podcast participants and audience diversified as they interviewed individuals from unicorn companies to small start-ups. Currently, their audience primarily comprises current founders, marketing, sales, customer support, and executive GT (Go-To) executives in addition to venture capitalists. In response to Sundararajan's query about their goals, Kenerson reveals that the 'North Star' goal is to maintain genuine transparent conversations with their guest speakers, allowing them to express intricate details about their experiences. While these conversations usually focus on successful corporations, Kenerson believes that smaller start-ups also have something valuable to contribute, hence making these connections beneficial for both sides. The podcast is now being utilized as a GT strategy to publicize their product, expand their waitlist, and gain traction. The guests on their podcast, who are often decision-makers, provide significant input that helps shape their product. They help to address their challenges by offering their product as a potential solution. This two-fold approach aims to assist their guests in establishing their personal brand, gain clarity, and build meaningful connections. In conclusion, Kenerson posits that the power of a podcast goes beyond just hitting record and capturing conversations – its influence extends to its listeners, altering perspectives, and broadening possibilities. Tue, 12 Sep 2023 21:00:00 GMT Arjun Sundararajan 4c55d029-4386-4f76-8de0-87b08e2e06b7 In another episode of the Behind the Mic talkshow, host Arjun Sundararajan calls in Lisa Williams, the host of It's Simply Life, for an in-depth discussion. The episode begins with a minor confusion over the identity of Lisa's businesses and podcasts. Lisa clarifies that her podcast is called It's Simply Life, whilst her business is titled It's Simply Digital. Lisa shares a snapshot of her podcast. It's Simply Life is designed to be the intersection where life meets business, which she explains by sharing her life experiences as a digital nomad over the earlier years. Using her experiences, she offers tips on how to create own life by design, intertwining this with brief lessons about marketing, including how to drive business, create content, and simplify marketing strategies for small businesses and entrepreneurs. Arjun piques Lisa's interest by asking about the inspiration behind the inception of her podcast. She shares her story of becoming attracted to podcasts during their prime back in 2011 and 2012; however, due to personal obstacles, Lisa had to push pause on her podcasting dream. She credits her resurgence in 2019 to her spark of curiosity and built her podcast around interviewing creators on Linkedin to help her grow her business. The conversation then turns to podcasting styles, with Lisa mentioning how she progressed from just conducting interviews to doing solo podcasts. Encouraging the relatability and research benefits of interview-style podcasting, Lisa also talks about the confidence it gave her in delivering solo podcasts. Towards the end of the episode, the discussion focuses more on understanding audience dynamics and engagement. Lisa briefly delves into the challenges she faced in targeting her audience during the initial stages of launching her podcast and how her audience has evolved along with her show. She optimistically expresses confidence in the direction her show is heading, stressing how more specific target-content to be shared is in the works. Mon, 11 Sep 2023 21:00:00 GMT Arjun Sundararajan 8e885641-3b10-4c96-ad26-87595812e18c The episode begins with Arjun Sundararajan, the host of "Behind the Mic Talkshow" welcoming Mitzi Krockover, a Women's Health Physician and Podcast Host. As a doctor, Mitzi shares her experiences in various roles and her aha moment when small companies sought her medical expertise, leading her to become an angel investor in women's health tech companies. She explains the crux of her podcast, "Beyond the Paper Gown", which addresses the various factors that affect women's health, ranging from research to biases in medical treatment. The goal of her podcast is to interview experts and thus empower women by providing them information about their health. Mitzi mentions that the primary audience for her podcast is women aged forty and above. She feels there is a lack of information about post-reproductive health and older women's health issues. However, her podcast's listeners are not exclusively women; several men appreciate the insights into female health issues that they get from the podcast. She also shares that her podcast has proved helpful to younger women, who learn about issues they will face in the future. On creating her podcast, Mitzi shares that noticing gaps in the knowledge of medical practitioners at a conference triggered her decision. She believes that these gaps result in patients lacking crucial information. Therefore, she wanted to create a platform to address the challenges within the healthcare system and share innovations relevant to women's health. Mitzi shares her plan to grow the podcast's audience and find ways to engage them more. She has run successful webinars to allow immediate interaction with the audience and answer their queries. She also highlights how running both podcast and webinars caters to different audience needs. Regarding the format of her podcast, Mitzi says that she prefers hosting experts on the show rather than solely talking about topics herself. She values credibility, believes in the power of candid conversational learning, and ensures that she covers information that the audience wants. She concludes by talking about the evolution of her podcast, which now includes a newsletter, website, blog, and community-building among listeners. Thu, 07 Sep 2023 23:30:00 GMT Arjun Sundararajan 2dfd7ee9-0310-48ce-9be1-65a64fadd4f1 In this episode of "Behind the Mic", host Arjun Sundararajan sits down with Casey Stubbs, the host of "How to Trade It Podcast." At the core of their discussion is an examination of Casey's journey in the podcasting industry, with a focus on his transition from blogging to podcasting. As Arjun teases out the intricacies of his guest's podcasting journey, listeners get a rare insider's look into the world of podcasting from one who has been immersed in it for quite some time. Arjun introduces the context for the show by stating that they bring on guests who have successfully launched podcasts to share their experiences, primarily concerning getting started and finding their target audience. For this episode, Casey talks about his podcast, "How to Trade It," where he interviews successful traders to help his audience understand trading and financial markets better. Casey goes on to recount how he transitioned from blogging to podcasting after attending the Traffic and Conversion Summit in San Diego in 2018. The summit advised digital marketers to start podcasts, prompting Casey to give it a try. Despite being an entirely different skillset from blogging, Casey found podcasting more enjoyable. Casey's decision to adopt an interview-style for his podcast was driven primarily by his desire to learn from others. By hosting a podcast, Casey had the opportunity to engage experts he admired in extended discussion without the hefty consulting fees they typically charge. He describes this as one of the primary benefits of podcasting. He notes that when he started, he didn't invest much money into it, contending that one doesn't necessarily need an elaborate setup to get started. His initial interviews, he admits, weren't perfect, but he steadily improved his interviewing skills over time. The episode ends with some sage advice from Casey, who encourages new and prospective podcasters to start with what they have and to not feel pressured to make large investments early on. This candid dialogue between the two podcasting connoisseurs provides valuable insights into the world of podcasting, offering useful tips for those considering launching their own podcasts. Thu, 07 Sep 2023 21:00:00 GMT Arjun Sundararajan 84ebbc33-2df8-4a7c-a896-303139cbe8aa "In this episode of 'Behind the Mic Talkshow', host Arjun Sundararajan is joined by guest Jim Cermak, a trade show coach, trainer, marketer, and podcast host. Both Sundararajan and Cermak initiate the conversation by discussing the pleasant day they are experiencing in their respective locations, Seattle and Cleveland. Cermak shares insights into his eye-catching backdrop filled with trade show tags, revealing that it's his way of helping companies and hinting at his profession. Further into the discussion, we learn that Cermak attends trade shows to gather these tags, reflecting his commitment and dedication to the industry. In the interview, Cermak reveals how he helps companies navigate trade shows, successfully capturing potential clients' attention and standing out amongst other exhibits. He explains that his podcast, 'Trade Show University', caters to companies that use or plan trade shows as part of their marketing strategies. It provides endless practical tips and insights on everything about trade shows, from setting up a booth to handling customer engagement. Further along, Cermak speaks about the unstoppable growth he has seen in the trade show industry. Despite the dramatic drop in listeners when the pandemic hit, trade shows have since bounced back and are now experiencing record attendance. Cermak also explores the growth and benefits of virtual event platforms, now commonly integrated into live events, and the year-round community they help create. Reflecting on why he started 'Trade Show University' back in 2019, Cermak shares his drive to help people in the industry. He wanted to assist the companies exhibiting at trade shows by providing them the necessary tools and information to succeed. According to Cermak, improving the way exhibits are organized at trade shows builds better shows over time. At its core, this episode sheds light on the world of trade shows, from insights into the event planning to the exciting growth and changes observed in the industry. Cermak identifies his podcast as a source of knowledge and training, aiming to help companies enhance their trade show experiences and overall success." Wed, 06 Sep 2023 23:30:00 GMT Arjun Sundararajan f7185998-e664-4aa3-bd01-2df2afb41479 On the latest episode of the Behind the Mic Talkshow, hosted by CEO of Zync AI, Arjun Sundararajan, guest Jenilee Samuel, a top-ranked Podcast host and coach, opens up about her personal journey in the realm of podcasting. Jenilee, who hosts over 200 episodes of the Java with Jen Podcast, discusses the challenges she faced as a woman in ministry, particularly in her local context of Southeast Texas. After facing numerous struggles and limitations, Jenilee decided to channel her communication skills and passion for Christian faith into podcasting, aiming to carve out a space for herself and others in the online community. She shares, podcasting allowed her the freedom to express herself, offering a more accessible option for her online engagement compared to platforms like YouTube, which she felt were more intimidating. Through podcasting, Jenilee has found immense success, ranking in the global top 1% of podcast broadcasters. Regarding her show, Java with Jen, Jenilee says that it is geared towards promoting the understanding and application of Christian faith into daily life. It also leans towards the theme of female leadership, attracting a diverse audience, primarily consisting of women leaders. Reflecting on the evolution of her podcast, Jenilee mentions her initial focus on younger versions of herself, tackling issues and queries she grappled with in her past. She also notes how she traced her show's purpose back to teaching people how to hear God's voice, which later became her podcast's core message. In addition to sharing insights about her podcasting journey, Jenilee also lays out her show's format. She elucidates that her episodes include a mix of personal insights and guest interviews that offer practical takeaways. Even though she has noticed a shift away from her initial ending segment of sharing life hacks, Jenilee’s commitment remains the same: To foster an engaging, enlightening, and practical conversation for her listeners. This candid conversation with Jenilee provides valuable insights into the podcasting world, emphasizing its potential as a potent platform to express oneself, impact others, and carve a unique space in the global online community. Tue, 05 Sep 2023 23:00:00 GMT Arjun Sundararajan 99e63135-cf5d-4b8d-b3db-7332a00ce147 In the episode of Behind The Mic Talkshow, hosted by Arjun Sundararajan, CEO of Zync AI, the guest speaker was Dr. Laura Sicola, the founder of Vocal Impact Productions. The episode delved into the importance of communication for leaders and how they can learn to be more effective communicators. Dr. Sicola also discussed her podcast, "Speaking to Influence", which is designed to help individuals, particularly those in senior leadership positions, learn how to communicate effectively and inspiringly. Dr. Sicola narrated that the purpose of communication as a leader isn't merely about delivering your message; instead, it’s also about being understood and agreed with. It involves earning your audience's loyalty, regardless of whether your audience is your team, board members, clients, or the media. The podcast serves as a platform for senior business leaders to share their communication experiences as they lead. She emphasized that regardless of the medium of communication (verbal, vocal, or visual), effective communication is vital. Whether it’s one-on-one business meetings, weekly team sessions, or quarterly board meetings, being understood is crucial. She stressed that public speaking encompasses all of these scenarios. Regarding the inception of her podcast, "Speaking to Influence", she stated that finding a niche was crucial. She aimed to create a medium that intersected business development, entrepreneurship, leadership, and communication. This led her to the idea of focusing on communication as an essential leadership skill, a niche previously not filled. The episode ended with Dr. Sicola encouraging listeners to tune into her podcast, reiterating that effective communication is an essential tool for any effective leader. Tue, 05 Sep 2023 21:00:00 GMT Arjun Sundararajan d126e817-4105-45da-8b50-6463a225babc In this podcast episode of Behind the Mic Talkshow, the host, Arjun Sundararajan, CEO of Zync AI, talks to Judy Warner, Electronics Podcast Host and a marketing leader. Judy explains her journey from the corporate grind to hosting her own successful show. Arjun explores her motivations to start podcasting and the process involved. Judy had been working in the electronics industry for thirty years. Her podcast primarily caters to professional electrical engineers and design development engineers, bringing thought leaders in the industry to share their insights. The mission of her podcast is to help her audience avoid blind spots in their processes. The show was first initiated as a marketing tool by a company Judy was working for. They saw podcasting as a new space, a blue ocean. Discussing her experience of starting a podcast, Judy shares that she was terrified initially but understood that making mistakes and learning from them was part of the process. She continued to apply this mindset when she left her corporate job to start her own podcast, finding success. According to Judy, podcasting can serve multiple purposes. It's a channel to reach people as a content creation platform and also an opportunity to connect with audiences on a much more personal level. However, she also emphasizes that podcast metrics should not be the initial focus but rather building brand affinity. Wed, 23 Aug 2023 21:00:00 GMT Arjun Sundararajan 83c666d4-e4dc-404f-a618-9fbddb38c6d4 This episode of the Behind the Mic Talkshow, hosted by Arjun Sundararajan, CEO of Zync AI, featured Carl Cox, a business growth strategy expert, CEO and author. The conversation began with minor technical difficulties with video and connection before positively moving forward. Sundararajan explained that the talk show's purpose is to share the motivations, stories and advice of established individuals to inspire others to start their own shows. The host detailed how his platform, Zync AI, simplifies the process of launching a talk show, thus allowing individuals to build a personal brand without any hassle. Carl Cox, the guest, introduced "Measure Success Podcast", the platform where he converses with top leaders, CEOs, authors, and high achievers about effective strategies that inspire success. He discussed his intent to learn from these influential figures and create a community through his platform. Carl shared the back story of his traumatic appendix rupture which brought a significant perspective on life in his journey. This event motivated him to positively influence millions through his company 40 Strategy, give back to society, and launch the "Measure Success Podcast.” Furthermore, Carl talked about his book "The Lost Art CEO", explaining that it offers insights into running a business more effectively thinking about the long term. The book became an Amazon bestseller in 12 categories. Despite the rocky start of the episode due to technical difficulties, the conversation evolved into a deep discussion about motivation, success, and giving back to society. The episode ended with Carl's exciting teaser for his book, which left listeners eager to read it for themselves. The episode successfully overcame its initial challenges and provided audiences with valuable insights and inspiration from a highly successful guest. Mon, 21 Aug 2023 23:00:00 GMT Arjun Sundararajan be992285-5162-4729-a86f-9ddee03ffc50 In this episode of "Behind the Mic", Arjun Sundararajan, the CEO of Zync AI, talks with host and digital health expert, Anthony Franzese. The pair engage in a friendly and insightful conversation about launching and running successful shows. The episode begins with Arjun introducing his guest, Anthony, who is also a father and a podcast host. Anthony expresses that being in a family building space and the employee benefits sector for the last decade has informed his career. It led him to create his podcast, "Successful Working Parents," allowing him to learn more about working parents and their unique approaches to balancing work and family life. Anthony's guests on his show vary diversely, including entrepreneurs, HR professionals, talent gurus, and parents of all walks of life. Anthony expresses his hope that his podcast can inspire or console working parents, sharing stories of how challenging or rewarding balancing family life and a career can be. Arjun also shares information about Zync AI, its objectives, and work process. Zync AI is a platform that assists people in launching their shows by automating the whole process of producing a show from end-to-end. The content created gets distributed as video recording, podcast, short video clips, long-form text content, and newsletters. Arjun expresses his admiration for Anthony's commitment to creating a platform for working parents. Anthony, in turn, appreciates the platform that Arjun is building with Zync AI. Towards the end of the episode, they share their plans about their future collaborations together, offering an engaging and enlightening discussion for their listeners. Throughout the episode, Arjun and Anthony display a deep understanding of their subject matters and remain passionately engaged in their conversation. They successfully bring their professional expertise to the discussion, providing valuable insights for their audience. Their conversation provides a commendable example of the potential of webinars and podcasts to engage and inform audiences worldwide. Wed, 16 Aug 2023 21:00:00 GMT Arjun Sundararajan 5f1af75f-4358-4041-986c-c613a83b8e6f In the episode of "Behind the Mic Talkshow" hosted by Arjun Sundararajan, special guest Chris Hare, the Principal at The Storied Future, talks about his show, "The Storied Future Podcast". Arjun seems eager to explore this podcast that looks at how people’s "future" stories impact the world. Chris tells us that his podcast offers a new perspective on business transformation and leadership through the eyes of C-suite leaders and consultants. Sundararajan asks about the audience for Chris Hare's podcast and gets a detailed explanation: it's targeted at mid-level CEOs and decision-makers within large corporations who have the authority to implement a major transformation. He started the podcast as part of his broader business development strategy, leveraging his platform for networking and brand building with potential clients. His podcast journey coincided with a pivot in his business strategy, turning it into an exploration of transformative narratives and how they help businesses evolve. During the episode, Chris recalls how the podcast transformed his business. As the economy dipped due to Covid, he realized the importance of a business strategy with a strong narrative at its core. He explains that he found unexpected mentors among his podcast guests. They worked together to refine his podcast’s target audience and optimize his business model accordingly. Chris details his personal transformation, including refining his audience for Season Two, and using the podcast to train himself as a consultant. In the episode, Chris also shares his experiences with one of his guests, the V.P. of Amazon Marketplace. This connection led to a reciprocal relationship wherein they provided guidance to each other. The V.P., who became a chairman, engaged Chris to guide him through the business narrative-building process. In turn, Chris gained insight into navigating the business transition. Sundararajan showcases some of the more unexpected benefits of podcasting, emphasizing how effective it can be for customer discovery and positioning oneself as an expert in the field. He admires Hare’s successful transition from a broad to a more defined audience. Chris affirms that his podcast works for CEOs who are not only looking to succeed in their field but also aiming to be better leaders along the way. In conclusion, this episode of Behind the Mic Talkshow explores the transformative power of podcasting for business development and Personal growth. Mon, 14 Aug 2023 23:00:00 GMT Arjun Sundararajan e9aa46d0-74f9-4cec-8c38-8b4e38c86f3d The episode of "Behind the Mic" was hosted by CEO of Zync AI and podcast host Arjun Sundararajan. The guest of the episode was Sam Devine, a well-rounded entrepreneur, builder, and host of "Legacy Matters" and "The Joe Contractor Show". On this episode, Sam Devine shared his experience of running podcasts and the process he uses for his shows, with the primary focus on the podcast "The Joe Contractor Show". 'The Joe Contractor Show' is run by three hosts, including Sam Devine himself, Lori R, and Mari Reader, and consists of three different types of episodes. Firstly, they interview homeowners or construction individuals in their community. Secondly, there are call-in, question and answer sessions. Lastly, they have shows named 'Construction Quickies', where they focus on a specific topic related to construction for approximately 15 minutes. In reflection, Sam Devine spoke of another podcast he has been running, "Legacy Matters". Now in its tenth season, this podcast is about life and legacy. It's a platform for anyone who wants to share their story regardless of their fame or work. From famous personalities in Minnesota to firefighters and teachers, its audience is widespread and varied. Sam Devine expressed his wish to franchise his successful show, to allow people in different communities to share their stories under the banner of 'Legacy Matters'. When asked about his journey, Sam Devine explained that both of his shows were started as a way to promote his software. However, he found that he loved running the shows and they have now become valuable platforms in their own right. Sam also hinted that he is developing new software that could be shared on his Joe Contractor Show. Throughout the episode, Sam Devine portrayed his passion for sharing people’s stories, and his belief in the power of podcasts in connecting to people. This episode offers helpful insights to anyone interested in podcasting or the construction world. Thu, 03 Aug 2023 21:00:00 GMT Arjun Sundararajan 5009cea1-898b-4e1f-99ab-f673dc943c54 :The episode starts off with Arjun Sundararajan, the CEO of Zync AI and the host of Behind the Mic talk show, welcoming guest Taylor Shanklin, CEO of Barlele and a self-described 'Creative Shizzle'. Despite initial audio issues, the conversation kicks off with enthusiasm as Taylor is accompanied on the episode by a furry friend, bringing an extra touch of light-heartedness. Taylor shares her journey into podcasting, starting in 2016 when she began working for a startup and was tasked with starting a podcast. Despite being entirely new to the concept, Taylor dove into the task and found herself completely drawn to it. The aspect she found most engaging was the wealth of knowledge she could gain from interviewing other experts, and she decided to pay that idea forward. She founded Creative Shi, a graphic design subscription service, and started a podcast called Talking Shi. The podcast is all about bringing out stories from successful small business owners and entrepreneurs, particularly focusing on marketing and maintaining relevance on social media. Part of the motivation behind her show is to make the knowledge accessible and quick to consume with concise episodes that can be consumed during a short commute or on a walk. Arjun explores the reasoning behind Taylor's ventures promoting her company, garnering brand awareness, and helping with lead generation. Taylor articulates that running a talk show offers a way to support the audience with good, consistent content, which is essential for building an audience and a brand. Further discussing her ventures, Taylor expresses her future plans for her business, which involve taking her show live on LinkedIn, discussing trending topics and engaging with her audience on another level. She emphasizes the importance of sharing knowledge and educating others while staying updated yourself. Taylor's journey indeed is an inspiration to anyone who wishes to start a talk show or a podcast and her insights give valuable tips on how to go about it. The lighthearted conversation reveals how a simple idea can transform into a successful venture, just as Taylor has done. The episode concludes with Taylor detailing her shift towards a lineup of live LinkedIn conversations, with plans to delve into hot topics like the impact of AI on marketing, thereby continuing her venture with a fresh, forward-thinking perspective. This shift exemplifies the adaptability necessary in successful entrepreneurship, showcasing the need to remain relevant in an ever-changing landscape. Despite the initial misunderstandings and technical issues, her dedication to sharing knowledge and creative ideas remained apparent throughout the episode. Tue, 01 Aug 2023 21:30:00 GMT Arjun Sundararajan 1b9fa5e4-4c2a-473e-8689-6761ff8d73b4 In this episode of Behind the Mic Talkshow, hosted by Arjun Sundararajan, CEO of Zync AI, the episode's guest speaker is Anu Arora, an executive coach and host of Mindful Leader Practices. The conversation began with pleasantries and an introduction to Arjun's new platform, Zync, that makes it easy for people to launch their own shows while also creating interactive, engaging events. Anu expressed her liking for the platform and its working process. Arjun shared his journey with Zync, which started as a result of his eight years stint at Microsoft and the experience he gained in the process. His intentions for creating the platform were to make it simpler for people to create their own shows and manage various interactive events seamlessly. Anu shared her experience with the platform, explaining how it stood out from other platforms she had utilized in the past, such as Zoom and Loom. She praised Zync's ease of use and productivity offerings, such as automatically created video clips. Arjun further expanded on the purpose of Zync, explaining how the platform has evolved to cater to the needs of both webinars and podcasts, combining the best elements of both to deliver a seamless experience. He highlighted the platform's feature of creating 'bite-sized' video clips, newsletters, blog posts, episode snippets, and much more. Their conversation shifted to their personal career paths. Arjun explained his shift to entrepreneurship and the inception of Zync after working at Microsoft for about eight years. Anu expressed her admiration for this transition and his vision of using the platform to facilitate people in launching their shows. They conclude the show by discussing the need for mindful leader practices in challenging times, the source of Anu's inspiration for her podcast, and future collaborations between them. Arjun teased the next batch of questions for the next episode, while Anu reaffirmed her readiness for any challenges thrown her way. Mon, 24 Jul 2023 23:30:00 GMT Arjun Sundararajan 7510228a-4f51-4942-901f-ca9508d590ee Show's Initial Impressions The show's host starts out by acknowledging the relatively recent inception of their project. Despite having started only a few months earlier, the host seems to have already discovered the value of the show's execution and its influence upon their personal journey. Show's Inspiration The host reveals that the inspiration for the show can be traced to another podcast. The prior podcast, shared with their wife and focused on various challenges and virtual events, fueled the host's desire to create a space for discussing personal experiences and thoughts. Rather than being a purely solitary endeavor, the show has evolved to include experiences shared by incredible business owners, breathing life into the core motivations behind the show. Branching out In addition to introducing new business initiatives, the host leverages the show as a platform to connect with audiences they wouldn't traditionally interact with. For instance, the host successfully interviewed a wealth manager in charge of $15,000,000,000, an opportunity that wouldn't have been possible without the podcast. Despite the podcast's infancy and not having a large number of demos, the host has still managed to build relationships, and trigger discussions about things that genuinely matter to the audience. Approach towards Growth As the host gained more clarity over their objectives, the format of the show evolved. While retaining an element of talking about their personal thoughts, the host decided to focus more on deepening relationships and starting conversations with people of interest. The majority of the show now pivots around building relationships with either existing connections or introducing new people into the mix. Audience Definition Defining their audience became relatively simpler for the host since their target crowd was already part of the circles they were in, be it faith circles or business circles. These circles naturally drove the host to form connections with people who share similar interests and ideologies, all of which has contributed to the show's successful platform. Speaker Vetting Process The host then elaborates on how speakers are vetted for the show. The ultimate requirement doesn't necessarily lie in financial success or industry, but in the speaker's capability in genuinely helping people. The host is keen on highlighting people who have made a significant impact, whether in their businesses or through personal endeavors. Furthermore, the host underscores the importance of having a balance of energy levels during conversations for better connectivity. In-depth Process of Producing a Show The process of producing the show is not necessarily rooted in high-end tech equipment. Focus should be attributed to the quality and authenticity of the content and the connection made with the audience. The core process includes inviting and communicating with speakers, researching content to discuss, recording the show, and all the post-production work such as editing, uploading, and promoting the show. This straightforward approach allows the host to produce a show that truly touches upon the lives of their audiences and beyond. Tue, 18 Jul 2023 21:00:00 GMT