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Welcome to The Digital Transformist, where we empower CEOs to lead their companies through digital transformation with confidence and clarity. If you’re a CEO of a midsize company between $100 million and $250 million in revenue or have those companies in your portfolio, and your goal is to create enterprise scale and exit, this podcast is your essential guide to leveraging technology for growth. Join us each week as we dive deep into the world of digital transformation, focusing on non-tech ...
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1
Eliminating Outdated Tech and Enhancing Workflow Efficiency
28:38
28:38
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What if you could transform mundane email tasks into streamlined, automated workflows? In this episode of "The Digital Transformist," we welcome Scott Friesen from Echo Logistics, who shares his remarkable transition from a strategy role at Best Buy to leading the data science and analytics team at Echo. Scott unpacks the intricacies of leveraging …
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1
A New Era of Monetizing Content ft Kristin Patterson
29:41
29:41
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29:41
Ready to revolutionize your understanding of live entertainment technology? Join us as we chat with KP from Live Bash and uncover how their cutting-edge platforms in Chicago and LA are reshaping the way artists create and monetize performances. Discover the seamless integration of advanced ticketing and live streaming solutions that not only simpli…
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1
The Guide to Tech Profitability ft. Dave Sobel
26:07
26:07
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26:07
What if technologists could transition from being seen as an expense to a crucial element in driving business profitability? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Dave Solow, the host of Business of Tech, as he shares his journey from a computer science graduate to founding and successfully selling a managed services provider (MSP) business…
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1
Mastering Recruitment and Diversity w/ Jocelyne Morin-Nurse
30:56
30:56
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30:56
Discover the secrets to building a thriving team with insights from Jocelyne Morin-Nurse, a seasoned leader and entrepreneur. Learn how aligning your internal culture with your external branding can transform your recruitment and retention strategies. Jocelyne shares her expertise in leadership training and employee empowerment, offering practical …
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1
CrowdStrike's Failure: Strategies for Midsize Business Survival
12:24
12:24
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12:24
In this episode, we discuss the significant challenges faced by small and medium-sized companies in software development, using the recent CrowdStrike incident as a key example. We explore the differences in reputation management, crisis response, and quality assurance between large and smaller companies. Investing in robust quality processes and b…
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1
How Digital Products Give Non-Tech Companies an Unfair Advantage
24:26
24:26
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24:26
Can traditional companies thrive in the digital age? Discover how CEOs of non-tech businesses can leverage digital product innovation to stay ahead of the curve and meet soaring customer expectations. This episode uncovers the strategic advantages of automating routine tasks, thereby empowering teams to focus on high-impact projects. With compellin…
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1
Navigating Financial Crises and Modernizing Operations
24:11
24:11
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24:11
Unlock the secrets of entrepreneurial success and the transformative power of technology with our special guests, Robert Lindemann. Rob recounts his inspiring journey of taking his family business from a local operation to a national powerhouse, all while navigating the turbulent waters of the 2008-2009 financial crisis. He shares his insights on h…
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Join us for an enlightening conversation with Mike Stringer, the brilliant mind behind Datascope and a key figure in the evolution of data science within design practices. Mike recounts his extraordinary journey from a physics and complex networks graduate student to co-founding a trailblazing consulting firm that caught the attention of IDEO. Disc…
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Join us for an insightful episode where we sit down with Ken Klug, President and CEO of QCS Purchasing Cooperative. Ken shares his fascinating journey from the chemical industry to leading a cooperative in the food and beverage sector. He offers a unique perspective on the current challenges faced by the grocery industry, particularly the pressures…
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Can gradual evolution outshine sudden overhauls in digital transformations? Join us as we explore the nuanced world of digital change and why taking baby steps often trumps big leaps. We unravel the startling statistic from a Gartner study, revealing a 72% failure rate in digital transformations and discuss how setting clear goals can mark the diff…
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1
Mastering Digital Transformation: Strategies, Leadership and Value Driven Decisions
18:55
18:55
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18:55
Join us as we uncover the critical elements necessary for avoiding the common pitfalls in digital transformation. We emphasize the importance of having a clear vision and strategy, ensuring that your organization understands the underlying business problems driving the transformation. You'll hear about the significance of committed leadership and e…
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1
Revolutionizing Retail: Embracing Technology and AI for a Smarter Future
28:49
28:49
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28:49
Retail transformation expert Ian Fredericks joins us to shed light on the evolving landscape of the retail industry. We kick off by discussing the often-overlooked power of brick-and-mortar stores in an age obsessed with e-commerce. Ian shares his seasoned insights on how investing in technology can revolutionize in-store execution, boost associate…
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1
5 Pillars of AI Driven Digital Transformation
16:45
16:45
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16:45
Can your organization thrive without effectively leveraging AI in its digital transformation? Boldly challenge the status quo with us in this compelling episode where we uncover the five key pillars necessary for a successful AI-driven transformation. We'll lay out clear strategies for effective change communication that ensures buy-in from every t…
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1
Empowering Teams in the Age of Smart Industry
7:04
7:04
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7:04
When an enterprise's digital dreams crash into the wall of reality, what's the fallout? This season on The Digital Transformist, we're venturing into the treacherous terrain of digital transformation, pinpointing where companies often trip and tumble. The journey is fraught with hidden hazards, from the chasms of change management to the mirage of …
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1
Caleb Gardner & Mike LaVista discuss growth mindset and how the only constant is change
31:02
31:02
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31:02
Caleb Gardner is the CEO and Founder of a consulting group, 18 Coffees. He is also the author of a new book, "No Point B". The book touches base on a lot of the work Caleb has been doing in his career, over the last 10 years, including political organizing with President Obama and having run part of his digital infrastructure in the 2nd administrat…
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1
Stephen Kohler & Mike talk about the true creativity of great leadership
24:40
24:40
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24:40
Stephen Kohler is the Founder and CEO of Audira Labs LLC, a boutique leadership development firm offering one-on-one coaching and team development, but with a bit of a twist, by using music as a lens. Stephen is also a lifelong musician who started playing the trumpet and later discovered electric guitar. He is now also a singer and songwriter, eve…
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1
Ted Novak & Mike discuss how music teaches future business leaders teamwork, hard work & dedication.
35:07
35:07
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Ted Novak is the CEO and Managing Partner of Clique Studios, a digital transformation business helping organizations going through a change or looking for inspiration to help them grow. Here we discuss Ted’s love of music and how he’s even learned to make his own instruments! He also explains how teamwork, hard work and dedication go hand in hand i…
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1
Steven Horwitz and Mike LaVista discuss the importance of being a good listener in both music and business.
33:58
33:58
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33:58
Steven Horwitz is the Founder and Managing Partner of Orchid Black, a management consulting company focusing on helping companies scale and grow. We discuss his passion for music and how it gets pulled into his business life. One of my favorite quotes from Steven, during this podcast is, "If you're going to be a good musician, you need to have big …
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1
Steve Wild and Mike LaVista talk about how you can find new energy in business from an old passion
25:21
25:21
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25:21
Steve Wild is the founder and CEO of LifeSport Athletic Clubs and the guitarist in Class of '68. He talks about lessons learned growing a sports club franchise, and what it meant to pick up a guitar again after a 32 year hiatus. Michael LaVista is the CEO and Founder of Caxy Interactive, a custom software development company in Chicago. Caxy helps …
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Jon Harris and Mike LaVista talk about the superpower of being a musician in a business world
32:07
32:07
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32:07
Jon Harris is Senior Vice President and Chief Communications Officer for ConAgra Brands. He's alos a terrific singer and guitar player. What has that brought to his career? Michael LaVista is the CEO and Founder of Caxy Interactive, a custom software development company in Chicago. Caxy helps companies double in half the time they could on their ow…
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1
Creating business by creating more connections with people - Dan Horwich
17:25
17:25
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17:25
Dan Horwich and Michael LaVista talk about the superpower of creating connections and how it can power your business and make your life richer as well. Dan is the CEO of Camp IT, a company that creates events designed to help IT professionals understand new technologies and make the critical, strategic and tactical decisions for their enterprises. …
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1
The psychology of engaging sales conversations
26:21
26:21
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26:21
Tom Panos and Mike LaVista talk about the psychology of engagement and how to have more meaningful conversations. Tom has over 10 years of sales & marketing experience, leading business development for consulting firms, agencies, and most recently as an entrepreneur whose founded two companies. As a former comedian and expert in influence and persu…
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1
Ideas for an omnichannel approach for SaaS products - Greg Taylor and Michael LaVista
15:13
15:13
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Greg Taylor is the VP of Sales for the SaaS platform casestatus.com. The platform allows law firms to communicate more easily with their clients. His superpower is figuring out how to manage a omnichannel approach from social to in-person to stay relevant for his customers. https://www.casestatus.com Michael LaVista is the CEO and Founder of Caxy I…
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1
How to GET, DO and BE better as a leader - Cindy Miller and Mike LaVista
23:48
23:48
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Cindy Miller is an LGPA pro who takes what she learned on the golf course and teaches leaders and teams how to get, do and be better. Her story of how she got to the LPGA is an incredible journey with myriad challenges and pitfalls along the way. https://cindymillergolf.com/ Michael LaVista is the CEO and Founder of Caxy Interactive, a custom softw…
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1
5 things you should STOP doing now to help your brand - with Becka Bates
25:37
25:37
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Mike LaVista talks to Becka Bates of Bates Meron Sweet Design about the things brands need to stop doing. It's also about how to prioritize and make better choices. https://batesmeron.com Michael LaVista is the CEO and Founder of Caxy Interactive, a custom software development company in Chicago. His new book, Superpowered: 7 Leadership Superpowers…
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1
Karen Faith and Michael LaVista talk value of understanding and practicing real empathy in business
20:07
20:07
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20:07
Karen Faith and Mike LaVista talk value of understanding and practicing real empathy in business. Karen Faith is the CEO and Founder of Others Unlimited. https://www.othersunlimited.com/. Empathy training for research collaboration and citizenship. Michael LaVista is the CEO and Founder of Caxy Interactive, a custom software development company in …
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1
Mana Ionescu and Mike LaVista talk about how to be successful with influencer marketing
17:48
17:48
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17:48
Mana Ionescu and Mike LaVista talk about how to be successful with influencer marketing. Mana runs Lightspan Digital and has years of experience helping brands reach their audiences. Digital Marketing for the Bold https://lightspandigital.com/ Mike runs Caxy Interactive, a custom software development firm in Chicago. His upcoming book, Superpowered…
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1
Ben Swartz and Mike LaVista talk about ideas for a more engaging employee engagement meeting
16:16
16:16
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16:16
Ben Swartz and Mike LaVista talk about ideas for a more engaging employee engagement meeting. Ben Swartz is the CEO of Marcel Digital in Chicago. https://www.marceldigital.com/ Mike LaVista is the CEO of Caxy Interactive, a software development agency in Chicago. His new book, Superpowered: 7 leadership strategies for technology executives who want…
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1
Tim Van Mieghem and Mike LaVista talk about the 10 ways your company is leaking EBITDA
27:55
27:55
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27:55
Tim Van Mieghem and Mike LaVista talk about the 10 ways your company is leaking EBITDA Tim’s company ProAction group helps manufacturers fix their operational problems. Tim’s top 10 list list can be found here: Mike’s new book “Superpowered: TThe 7 leadership secrets for technology executives to unleash their inner superhero, get exponentially bett…
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Josh Schroeder and Mike LaVista talk about the phenomenon of "getting stuck" and ideas to change the pattern
24:40
24:40
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24:40
Josh Schroeder and Mike LaVista talk about the phenomenon of "getting stuck" and ideas to change the pattern. While this is a conversation mostly about programming or development, the ideas apply to any creative or problem-solving endeavor. Josh is the Managing Director of Technology at Caxy Interactive. Mike is the CEO. https://caxy.com…
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Dave Giordano, TSG CEO and Mike LaVista talk about ways to maximize success with new college hires in technology
26:26
26:26
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26:26
Dave Giordano, TSG CEO and Mike LaVista talk about ways to maximize success with new college hires in technology. Dave has a long history of running a process to find and train new technology employees from colleges. His secret is to give new hires a great, inclusive experience that translates to happier employees who stick around and have a sense …
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1
Alex Moss CEO of Northstar and Mike LaVista talk about the major flaw in how organizations value security
35:58
35:58
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35:58
Alex Moss and Mike LaVista talk about the major flaw in how organizations value security. Cybersecurity is as hot as ever and getting hotter. But the way organization value and prioritize how to combat the threats puts them at risk while giving a false sense of security. https://northstar.io https://caxy.com…
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1
Mark Baldino and Mike LaVista talk about the risks and costs of legacy software and how to fix it
25:21
25:21
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25:21
Mark Baldino and Mike LaVista talk about the risks and costs of legacy software and how to fix it. The focus should be on going after a specific business outcome. Don’t just do it to do it, or because you don’t like what you have. Further, a progressive approach that takes over the app piece by piece is the way to be the most successful. Mark Baldi…
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1
Irfan Jafrey from Roosterly and Mike LaVista discuss what's not working right now in marketing
24:55
24:55
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24:55
Irfan Jafrey from Roosterly and Mike LaVista discuss what's not working right now in marketing and some ideas on how to fix it. https://www.roosterly.com/ https://www.caxy.comBy Michael LaVista
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1
Katie Palmer with Grand Studio talks to Mike LaVista about strategies for finding and attracting more diverse talent.
17:22
17:22
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17:22
Katie Palmer with Grand Studio talks to Mike LaVista about strategies for finding and attracting more diverse talent. http://grandstudio.com https://caxy.com https://youtu.be/6gDqFj5zi1oBy Michael LaVista
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1
What are the 3 most important things leaders are avoiding right now?
32:47
32:47
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32:47
What are the 3 most important things leaders are avoiding right now? Vince Racioppo, Dave Massello, and Michael LaVista talk about the 3 things leaders seem to avoid with frequency. Diverting their time, learning new things, creating apprentices. https://www.expertperformance.com https://www.caxy.com…
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Zack DeLisa and Mike LaVista talk about 3 ways to fix messy month ends
13:10
13:10
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13:10
Zack DeLisa and Mike LaVisa talk about a dirty secret many businesses have in common: month end is a manual, messy process. Zack has 3 ideas for making it faster, cleaner and provide more timely data to the business. What would you do if your financial data was no more than 5 days old? Zack DeLisa https://www.level10cfo.com Michael LaVista https://…
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1
The real reason 75% of technology projects fail
3:12
3:12
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3:12
Gartner data shows that a huge percentage of technology projects fail. While there is a long list of reasons why, one stands out to me. Most technology projects start without an outcome in mind. Worse, they are bought based on what they cost. My idea: they should be bought based on what they cost to NOT do them. This ideas forces organizations to p…
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5 things to do now with your marketing right now with Andy Crestodina and Mike LaVista
19:44
19:44
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Andy Crestodina is the Founder and Chief Marketing Officer of Orbit Media Studios, an award winning web design firm in Chicago. He recently published “26 Ways to Get Ready for the Rebound: A Playbook for What to Do Right Now” https://www.orbitmedia.com/blog/get-ready-for-the-rebound/. We talk about the top 5. We also touch on what it means to look …
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1
Dan Golden and Mike LaVista talk about the current state of marketing tech and velour sweatsuits.
9:21
9:21
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Dan Golden and Mike LaVista talk about the current state of marketing tech, what’s changing, and what to do now. Oh and velour sweatsuits. Dan Golden is a digital marketing expert and co-founder and Chief Technologist of Be Found Online, a Digital Marketing agency in Chicago. Mike LaVista is the Founder and CEO of Caxy Interactive, a custom softwar…
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Mark Baldino and Mike LaVista talk about what's right and wrong with the new Google icons
10:03
10:03
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10:03
Mark Baldino is a UX expert from FuzzyMath. He stopped by to see what the fuss was all about with the new suite of Google icons being rolled out. https://fuzzymath.com/ https://caxy.comBy Mike
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1
Scott Case CEO of Position Global and Mike LaVista talk about supply chain changes during COVID
14:53
14:53
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14:53
Scott Case CEO of Position Global and Mike LaVista talk about supply chain changes during COVID. Scott has years of experience looking at the supply chain and talks about how we can use what's happening there to make predictions about the rest of the economy. https://www.positionglobal.com https://www.caxy.com…
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Tim Van Mieghem + Mike LaVista: 10 things manufacturers can do to improve without spending a dime
22:10
22:10
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22:10
Tim Van Mieghem is an expert with ProAction Group who specializes in helping manufacturers optimize their operations. He put together a list of 10 things you can do right now to improve that don’t involve a big capital spend. ProAction Group https://www.proactiongroup.com Mike LaVista CEO and Founder Caxy Interactive, a custom software development …
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Ben Swartz and Mike LaVista talk Streetwise and homelessness in Chicago
9:13
9:13
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Ben Swartz (CEO of Marcel Digital) and Chairman of the Board of Streetwise and Mike LaVista talk about his role with Streetwise. Ben is the CEO of a digital company by day but took on doing something about homelessness in Chicago. https://www.marceldigital.com https://www.caxy.comBy Mike
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Michael Shmarak and Mike LaVista talk about what's different for Black Friday and what will stick
14:56
14:56
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Michael Shmarak is a PR and Communications expert who has some thoughts about how brands can be more successful this year with their Black Friday efforts.By Mike
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Mike LaVista and Tom Schaff talk about how to grow by spending less time on fewer, bigger deals
20:55
20:55
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Mike talks with Tom “Tommy” Schaff of Major League Sales about the value of going after few deals and making the ones you do go after bigger. Tommy also gets into the mindset and strategy for changing your approach to these kinds of opportunities. Tom “Tommy” Schaff https://www.majorleaguesales.com Mike LaVista is the CEO and Founder of Caxy Intera…
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