Best Kai Lovel Podcasts (2024)

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#68: How to avoid premature optimisation? "Cooked just right" 26:50

1M ago26:50

26:50

We've all got some level of perfectionism in us which leads us to trying to optimise everything. In this episode we chat about how to "cook just right" anything you work on - How to identify when you're over optimising - How to prioritise the right things to optimise for - How to think through the tension of high quality and realistic effort…

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#67 The most popular interview question answered: What is it truly like to work at Zipline? 1:00:36

4M ago1:00:36

1:00:36

MM regularly gets asked 'What is it truly like to work at Zipline? How would you describe the culture?' In this episode we unpack exactly what it's like to work at Zipline ⚡️ This episode is brought to you by Earlywork Academy. Applications are open for their next tech sales cohort → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/3KwIiBZ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠…

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#66: Jumping from a big company to a startup - are you sure? + 5 signals why it might the right decision for you 22:29

5M ago22:29

22:29

In this episode we consider what the smoke signals could be for someone working in a larger organisation who are looking for something more in their day-to-day. If you’re feeling any of these we think you could be very well suited to a career in a startup! Michael’s 5 signals that you should be looking out for (& if you have all 5, it’s time to get…

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#65 The risk of avoiding risk & how to find hyper growth by leaning into tough challenges 31:45

5M ago31:45

31:45

In this episode we discuss how staying in your comfort zone and avoiding risk prevents you from finding hyper growth, both personally & professionally. StartUps are a great environment to push yourself out of your comfort zone and embrace discomfort. ⚡️ This episode is brought to you by Earlywork Academy. Applications are open for their next tech s…

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#64 How to create & execute a killer plan - “Plan the Work, Work the Plan” 49:35

7M ago49:35

49:35

In this episode, special guest Tanmay (Chief Product Officer @ Zipline) runs us through his tried and tested approach to working backwards from an objective/key result to create a plan to execute. First we unpack solution design and then wrap up the episode with project planning. + special insight into the common mistakes Tanmay has seen & why peop…

1
#63: Early hires can make or break your growth - how to get it right + Michael’s tried & tested hiring approach 41:41

7M ago41:41

41:41

⚡️ This episode is brought to you by Earlywork Academy. Applications are open for their next tech sales cohort → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/3KwIiBZ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Connect with Us: Michael Momsen (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linkedin.com/in/michaelmomsen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠) Maddie Stillman (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linkedin.com/in/maddie-still…

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#62: Kai is back! With six answers every high performing employee needs to feel motivated: in a company of 2, 50, 500+ 23:35

8M ago23:35

23:35

Have you heard of the 6 critical questions... 1. Why do we exist? 2. How do we behave? 3. What do we do? 4. How will we succeed? 5. What is most important, right now? 6. Who must do what? In this episode we discuss why working for a company that regular discusses these questions is so important. Kai is back on the pod to share his learnings on this…

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#61: Quickly snap back into a calm+productive state after being stressed+stretched: build your mental toughness 41:10

8M ago41:10

41:10

Building your mental toughness is an ongoing journey. When personal/professional setbacks arise and demotivate or distract you in can be hard to get back into a productive mode. In this episode we discuss how to accept the setback & process it to snap back like a rubber band. Michael steps us through focussing on what you can control, taking a grow…

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#60 Pt3 How to have "bad news travel fast" ⏭: receive bad news like a pro with this 7 point bullet proof plan 31:57

9M ago31:57

31:57

In this episode Michael shares his 7 point plan to receive any bad news with confidence: 1. Be a PRO (not an amateur).. 2. Make them feel safe 3. Get clarity- so you can think like Eisenhower 4. Plan the plan 5. Make it about them (show you care) 6. Agree to the check in to “work the plan" 7. Get them to capture actions/plan in writing Bonus tip #8…

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#59 Pt2 How to have "bad news travel fast" ⏭: the 7 point bullet proof plan to share bad news with confidence 16:34

9M ago16:34

16:34

In this episode Michael shares has 7 point plan to share any bad news with confidence: 1. Prepare and reflect 2. Start with clarity and be vulnerable throughout 3. Be upfront with what you need from them 4. Use facts and specifics 5. Express accountability and responsibility throughout 6. Focus on solutions and next steps 7. Practice active listeni…

1
#58 Pt1 How to have “bad news travel fast” ⏭: why your boss wants to hear it & why you should share it 27:42

10M ago27:42

27:42

It's never easy to share bad news, but sitting on it or avoiding it is not the answer. In this episode we discuss why this is so important for your areas of responsibility, the different types of bad news & how to spot it. — ⚡️ This episode is brought to you by Earlywork Academy. Applications are open for their next tech sales cohort → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠…

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#57✋ Don’t join your next 1:1 before knowing these tips to maximise “your meeting” 29:43

10M ago29:43

29:43

— ⚡️ This episode is brought to you by Earlywork Academy. Applications are open for their next tech sales cohort → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/3KwIiBZ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Connect with Us: Michael Momsen (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linkedin.com/in/michaelmomsen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠) Maddie Stillman (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linkedin.com/in/maddie-stillman)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📣 Feed…

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#56 🥋Here are the best coaching approaches you need to get to mastery levels 48:49

10M ago48:49

48:49

At Zipline we talk about 's-curve growth,' the journey that takes you from novice to high growth, high growth to master. In this episode we unpack the approach to seeking feedback and coaching (including criticism) to fast track this growth journey. — ⚡️ This episode is brought to you by Earlywork Academy. Applications are open for their next tech …

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#55 Pt 2: Do this thing that just 1% of people do - so you can 2x your growth in 2024 🚀 26:08

10M ago26:08

26:08

Part 2 - time to execute on your reflections! It might feel indulgent to get away from your busy to-do list to spend some time reflecting but this is where true growth can start. In this episode we unpack how step away from busy work and lean into deep thinking and journalling. — ⚡️ This episode is brought to you by Earlywork Academy. Applications …

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#54 Pt 1: Do this thing that just 1% of people do - so you can 2x your growth in 2024 🚀 31:36

11M ago31:36

31:36

It might feel indulgent to get away from your busy to-do list to spend some time reflecting but this is where true growth can start. In this episode we unpack how step away from busy work and lean into deep thinking and journalling. — ⚡️ This episode is brought to you by Earlywork Academy. Applications are open for their next tech sales cohort → ⁠⁠…

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#53 This is the one secret sentence ensures no one ever blocks 🙅‍♀️ you from getting what you need done 43:58

11M ago43:58

43:58

We call this a 🪃 boomerang request - use this trick to most effectively get input, feedback or approval for your work. Plus if the request expires, you are empowered to execute! — ⚡️ This episode is brought to you by Earlywork Academy. Applications are open for their next tech sales cohort → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/3KwIiBZ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Connect with…

1
#52 Great customer meetings start with exceptional briefs - how to brief an exec 30:01

11M ago30:01

30:01

A meeting/customer brief serves many purposes: it prepares the meeting host, it forces you to distill your thoughts & succinctly define what the goal of the meeting. Always remember bad prep = bad meeting, good prep = good meeting. — ⚡️ This episode is brought to you by Earlywork Academy. Applications are open for their next tech sales cohort → ⁠⁠⁠…

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#51 Got any angry customer? Handle it like a pro 49:55

11M ago49:55

49:55

An angry customer or mismatched expectations can certainly trigger your cortisol. In this episode we cover some strategies for how to take ownership, empathise to their situation and take action to work through a plan to rectify. — ⚡️ This episode is brought to you by Earlywork Academy. Applications are open for their next tech sales cohort → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠…

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#50 Working with an exec - get comfortable with intense micromanagement and distant autonomy 27:52

12M ago27:52

27:52

Reporting directly into an executive leader can look very different on a week to week basis. Maddie & Michael unpack how sometimes you may feel micromanaged and highly scrutinised and other weeks you may barely hear from your boss. — ⚡️ This episode is brought to you by Earlywork Academy. Applications are open for their next tech sales cohort → ⁠⁠⁠…

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#49 Number 1️⃣ tip to start every meeting with 🔥: ACE the first 5 mins & achieve the end goal 29:12

12M ago29:12

29:12

In this episode, we explain ACE (from Winning by Design) - the three steps to kick off a customer meeting: 1. Appreciate your time 2. Check time 3. Expectations / end goal It might sound simple but getting these 3 steps right is vital to running a successful meeting. Maddie role plays her ACE and gets some gems of feedback from Michael. — ⚡️ This e…

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#48 🔨 How to nail your next meeting. Impress your customers & get those outcomes! 47:41

12M ago47:41

47:41

You can't expect to nail a meeting if you haven't done the prep. In this episode we unpack how to run an excellent customer meeting. Often people will over optimise what they want the customer to know. Focusing on what you need them to DO is the single most important thing. — ⚡️ This episode is brought to you by Earlywork Academy. Applications are …

1
#47 Startup tips: How to write emails that get read ✅ & actioned 👊 (esp. cold emails) 34:19

1y ago34:19

34:19

When sending cold email outreach do you consider what the receiver needs to know, how you're making them feel and most importantly have you made it clear what they need to do? — ⚡️ This episode is brought to you by Earlywork Academy. Applications are open for their next tech sales cohort → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/3KwIiBZ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Connect with Us: Mic…

1
#46. Part 2: “Radical Transparency”. Use these methods to host the awkward conversations you know you need to have [CEO Memo] 23:24

1y ago23:24

23:24

Michael shares additional flavour to Pt 1 of this conversation about radical transparency. — ⚡️ This episode is brought to you by Earlywork Academy. Applications are open for their next tech sales cohort → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/3KwIiBZ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Connect with Us: Michael Momsen (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linkedin.com/in/michaelmomsen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠) Maddie Stillman (⁠⁠⁠⁠…

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#45. Part1: “Radical Transparency” - what it feels like inside a Start up. Is it for you ? 48:58

1y ago48:58

48:58

Dive into the concept of radical transparency with us. What is it? How does it show up in the workplace? How does it flow both up (to managers), down (to direct reports) and laterally (to peers). + how Zipline has implemented as a foundational part of our culture. — ⚡️ This episode is brought to you by Earlywork Academy. Applications are open for t…

1
#44 Own your career: unpacking an ownership mindset 39:25

1y ago39:25

39:25

In this episode we unpack what it means to have an ownership mindset towards your career. How can you set and achieve the right career goals to get where you want to be? To put this into practice we share practical tips to implement continuous self improvement and hold yourself accountable. — ⚡️ This episode is brought to you by Earlywork Academy. …

1
#43: Challenging the linear career path & Kai transitions from Startup Jobs 39:25

1y ago39:25

39:25

Kai is passing the co-host role to Maddie as he steps away from Zipline. Maddie & Kai share their approaches to making bold side steps in their early careers over chasing a linear promotion pathway that is often termed as 'successful.' We talk about the pros and cons of this approach. — ⚡️ This episode is brought to you by Earlywork Academy. Applic…

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#42: What can you bring to the table? (Michael's Blackberry story) 23:02

1y ago23:02

23:02

Michael shares a story from his telco days early in his career. He knew he would never be the most commercial savvy, so he became an EXPERT on the technicalities of the product. — We mentioned: - Justin Lipman's interview (https://www.evp.com.au/team/justin-lipman) — ⚡️ This episode is brought to you by Earlywork Academy. Applications are open for …

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#41: Every startup needs someone like THIS (unreasonable urgency) 22:45

1y ago22:45

22:45

We talk about DHH's post on 'unreasonable urgency', how startups continually need to inject risk, and how that pace setting can come from folks other than the founder. — We mentioned: - DHH article (https://world.hey.com/dhh/don-t-lose-your-unreasonable-sense-of-urgency-b381699c) — ⚡️ This episode is brought to you by Earlywork Academy. Application…

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#40: Leaving a company? How to end things well 26:46

1y ago26:46

26:46

So you're handing in your resignation. Or perhaps being made redundant (Step 1: Be unlayoffable). In this ep, we talk about how to be a "good leaver" in those final days and weeks, and leave the lasting impression you want going into your next career chapter. — ⚡️ This episode is brought to you by Earlywork Academy. Applications are open for their …

1
#39: Stuck on busy work? How to Get THE Shit Done 44:27

1+ y ago44:27

44:27

Your mind plays tricks on you each day. We chat about leaning into the discomfort (often where your most valuable work will live), the Chair test, and getting *THE* shit done (not just the busy work). — ⚡️ This episode is brought to you by Earlywork Academy. Applications are open for their next tech sales cohort → ⁠⁠https://bit.ly/3KwIiBZ⁠⁠ — We re…

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#38: How to make yourself un-layoffable 35:06

1+ y ago35:06

35:06

Following on from our war-time ep, we're chatting about how you can make reduce your chances of being laid-off by being a critical, valuable player in your startup (of any size). — We referenced: AFR Article (https://www.afr.com/technology/the-question-scott-farquhar-asks-himself-to-weed-out-underperformers-20230718-p5dp8a) Netflix culture doc (htt…

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#37: Startups are going into 'war-time mode': Why & What does it mean for you 32:38

1+ y ago32:38

32:38

You've seen the tech layoffs, heard about the broader economic climate, and perhaps the 'war-time' metaphor being used in startups right now. Why are we here, and how do you navigate it as a startup employee? — Timestamps: (00:00) Intro (02:18) Radical efficiency (05:40) 1-in-60 rule (10:25) The evironment we're in (15:42) Investment in tech startu…

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#36: Why we killed Customer Success (introducing Product Account mgnt) 34:04

1+ y ago34:04

34:04

So the deal has been won, the customer has signed. In a recurring revenue business, how do you keep them happy, healthy, and expanding? CSMs, PAMs, SAMs ... we explore the acronyms, team structures, and skillsets that all go into making a customer successful in a startup. — ⚡️ This episode is brought to you by Earlywork Academy. Applications are op…

1
#35: If you're under 35yr, take these career risks 34:05

1+ y ago34:05

34:05

Michael and I are strong believers in taking as much risk as you can early on in your working life. Startups are an incredible place to do that, and that's what we're digging into today. — ⚡️ This episode is brought to you by Earlywork Academy. Applications are open for their next tech sales cohort → ⁠https://bit.ly/3KwIiBZ⁠ — Connect with Us: Mich…

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#34: What great Product Building looks like 29:19

1+ y ago29:19

29:19

The ‘Product Engineer’ and how they build great products for customers — ⚡️ This episode is brought to you by Earlywork Academy. Applications are open for their next tech sales cohort → https://bit.ly/3KwIiBZ — Connect with Us: Michael Momsen (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linkedin.com/in/michaelmomsen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠) Kai Lovel (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linkedin.com/in/kailovel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠) 📣 Feedback, ideas …

1
#33: Get great at managing VUCA 💨. (Volatility, uncertainty, complexity & ambiguity) 14:20

1+ y ago14:20

14:20

It's the US Military term which describes many startup environments well. We break down VUCA into it's parts, discuss how it shows up at Zipline, and share some tips for those operating in VUCA environment. This is a short and punchy one! — ⚡️ This episode is brought to you by Earlywork Academy. Applications are open for their next tech sales cohor…

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#32: Why management consulting is great 35:34

1+ y ago35:34

35:34

Perhaps counterintuitively, mgmt consulting backgrounds can be a powerful asset in startups. We discuss why companies hire management consultants at all, the 7 Step Bulletproof Problem Solving Process, pyramid principle communication, and how you can sometimes overcook it. — We mention: Podcast ep: McKinsey summarises Bulletproof problem solving — …

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#31: 🧲 Do you leave, stay or join this startup? This magnet will help you decide 1:05:05

1+ y ago1:05:05

1:05:05

We're not an everyone company. And you shouldn't join one either. Great companies are polarising. They can attract the right people with a strong magnet-like culture that pulls the right people in (with aligned values and ambitions) and repels the rest away. We discuss this in today's ep, and what Zipline's magnet looks like. — Connect with Us: Mic…

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#30: Managing your Day 🗓️ (level up your personal productivity) 23:01

1+ y ago23:01

23:01

There isn't a one-size-fits-all method for productivity. We discus several techniques such as using a daily highlights and "might do" lists. We also talk about the importance of finding the right balance between experimentation and execution and evaluating our success based on accomplishing important goals. — We mention: Make Time by Jake Knapp: ht…

1
#29: Working closely with a founder/CEO 25:52

1+ y ago25:52

25:52

Found yourself as the CEOs right-hand person? Or working in close proximity to a founder? We discuss the uniqueness of this working partnership, and how to make the most of it. — Connect with Us: Michael Momsen (⁠linkedin.com/in/michaelmomsen⁠) Kai Lovel (⁠linkedin.com/in/kailovel⁠) Feedback, ideas or career questions? Send us an email - ⁠kai@zipli…

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#28: Follow the canvas strategy 30:22

1+ y ago30:22

30:22

We discover a new latin word, and explore Ancient Greek philosophy, as we discuss the unspoken ‘second job’ every early startup employee has - to make their bosses life easier. — We mention:• Podcast: Seeking Wisdom #19 - Carrying the Water - https://open.spotify.com/episode/08jrORqBuy9v2IAJ7w0q30• Book: Ego is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday• Book: The …

1
#27: How to think about risk in startups 26:14

1+ y ago26:14

26:14

In the world of startups, risk takes on a new depth. VC-backed unicorns, moonshot growth, and painful failure. How do you wrap your head around the risk of startups, and what’s the upside?

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#26: Smash your Imposter Syndrome 35:02

1+ y ago35:02

35:02

It’s a natural feeling when you’re pushing yourself into unchartered territory. Almost a certainty in the hurtlocker! But Imposter Syndrome can be crippling. We unpack where it comes from, why it exists, and how to wrangle it.

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#25: "What am I good at?" (5 tips to find your strengths) 47:29

1+ y ago47:29

47:29

The age-old question, with an ever-changing answer. How do you uncover your strengths, play in your zone of genius, and spiral up your self-awareness? Mike shares 5 tips for honing in on your unique abilities, we talk about the Japanese concept of Ikigai, and explore what it means to back yourself. — We discuss: Follow the clues Look for where ther…

1
#24: Do you need passion for the industry the Startup serves? (NextChapter’s interview with MM) 41:11

1+ y ago41:11

41:11

THIS is Michael's in-depth chat with Josh Neil from Next Chapter. Interviewing Michael for their founder newsletter, Josh digs into: 🔥 Warm intros, ❄️ Cold emails + tips for expanding network Developing a personal brand - is it worth it? Picking the startup (and industry) to join What's the best job strategy for future founders? and MUCH more — Con…

1
#23: [CEO Memo] Micro-failures 19:04

1+ y ago19:04

19:04

Michael shares a recent story of a micro-failure he experienced when presenting a segment at our all-hands. He explains his feelings, thinking, and process to get the 'gem' / learning from this failure, and grow.

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#22: Relocate to a new country with your startup job? What to consider & how to be successful in the move 32:19

1+ y ago32:19

32:19

Making travel moves with your current or new job - why this opportunity is unique to startups, how to weigh up your options when making a move, and how to immerse yourself in your new world. — Connect with Us: Michael Momsen (linkedin.com/in/michaelmomsen) Kai Lovel (linkedin.com/in/kailovel) Feedback, ideas or career questions? Send us an email - …

1
#21: People buy from people (tips for B2B selling) 11:48

1+ y ago11:48

11:48

Humans are at the heart of businesses. Today we explore how organisations have different personas, how to treat your customers like humans, and how we can learn a lot from a family's Xbox purchase. — Connect with Us: Michael Momsen (linkedin.com/in/michaelmomsen) Kai Lovel (linkedin.com/in/kailovel) Feedback, ideas or career questions? Send us an e…

1
#20: WFH v Office - what's best for early career? 13:39

1+ y ago13:39

13:39

WFH is a great tool for some. But if you're early in your career, what's the best mix of WFH v Office time? We speak about roles where WFH makes sense, some of our personal experiences being 'in the office', and ways you can make WFH work for you. — Connect with Us: Michael Momsen (linkedin.com/in/michaelmomsen) Kai Lovel (linkedin.com/in/kailovel)…

1
#19: Managing up is not sucking up 52:45

1+ y ago52:45

52:45

We explore managing up, down, sideways — why it's actually work worth doing, and not just sucking up. Understanding your manager's job, sending great pre-reads, taking ownership of your goals, and much more. — Jump to: (00:00) Intro (2:47) On stakeholder management (6:37) Why is managing up so hard? (8:19) Working with your boss (13:51) What does y…

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