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The Cred Podcast
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Content provided by Mack McKelvey. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Mack McKelvey or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://player.fm/legal.
On every episode we will interview an authority across different industries who has deep industry knowledge and vast experience in the field. On this season of The Cred podcast, we will seek to understand the art and science of decision making.
…
continue reading
63 episodes
Mark all (un)played …
Manage series 2849896
Content provided by Mack McKelvey. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Mack McKelvey or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://player.fm/legal.
On every episode we will interview an authority across different industries who has deep industry knowledge and vast experience in the field. On this season of The Cred podcast, we will seek to understand the art and science of decision making.
…
continue reading
63 episodes
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The Cred Podcast

1 The Opportunity Lens of Decision-Making with Sheila Marmon 32:18
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This week, host Mack McKelvey sits down with Sheila Marmon, founder and CEO of Mirror Digital, to explore the art of decision-making, overcoming obstacles, and embracing transparency. Sheila reflects on the valuable lessons from her first venture, highlighting the importance of alignment, shared vision, and the power of listening to diverse voices when making decisions. At Mirror Digital, Sheila has built a tech-enabled media company that helps brands connect with diverse, trend-setting audiences. Her approach to decision-making is clear: “Decisions aren’t always easy, but you have to move when something is pressing. And if you make a bad decision, you pivot. Understanding the cost of not making the decision allows me to move forward with making decisions and trying new things.” For Sheila, decision-making is a practice, not a process. Her "test and learn" mentality fosters a culture of experimentation, growth, and continuous learning. By standardizing smaller decisions, she frees up mental space for bigger challenges, creating a democratic culture at Mirror Digital that stays in tune with the cultural zeitgeist. In a world that never stops changing, Sheila is always looking ahead, staying curious, and challenging herself and her team to never settle.…
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1 The Ripple Effect of Leadership Decisions with Jason Kaplan 36:15
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The Ripple Effect of Leadership Decisions with Jason Kaplan Every decision a leader makes sends ripples through a business, a team, and even a career. In this episode of The Cred Podcast, host Mack McKelvey sits down with Jason Kaplan, CEO of SixMap, to explore the complexities of decision-making in leadership. From navigating tough calls—like leaving a company—to understanding when to go slow and when to move fast, Jason shares insights from his journey as a founder and executive. In leadership, there are no easy answers—if it were easy, someone else would have already made the call.…
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1 Bridging Academic Insight and Real-World Wisdom with Dr. Alvin Glay 30:03
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In this episode, Dr. Alvin Glay, Chief Strategy Officer at Response Media, shares his approach to decision-making—blending data with contextual intelligence. Drawing from his experience as a Liberian refugee, Dr. Glay explains how navigating uncertainty and high-pressure situations sharpened his ability to make fast, high-stakes decisions. For Alvin, no decision is too small, every mistake is a data point for future decisions, and great leaders equip their teams with the tools to make confident decisions. 🎧 Tune in to learn: 🔹 Why data informs, but context drives decisions 🔹 The importance of teaching decision frameworks to avoid bottlenecks 🔹 The lessons behind a $250,000 mistake 🔹 Why moving fast doesn’t mean skipping the learning process Insightful, inspiring, and packed with academic insight and real-world wisdom.…
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1 AI as an Ally: Minerva Tantoco on Keeping Humans in the Loop. 44:36
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The Cred Podcast

1 Breaking Down Decisions: From Gut Instincts to AI Insights with Dr. Aaron Andalman 41:07
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In this episode of The Cred Podcast, Mack McKelvey sits down with Dr. Aaron Andalman, Chief Science Officer and co-founder of Cognitiv, to break down the science behind decision-making. With a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from M.I.T. and research experience as a Helen Hay Whitney Fellow at Stanford, where he developed advanced computational microscopy methods to study learning and memory, Aaron brings a unique perspective to the table. He covers: Balancing the rigor of academia with the fast-paced nature of tech The science behind gut instincts Key traits of top decision-makers AI’s role in making faster, smarter choices How free will (if it exists) factors into it all…
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1 Credibly Irreverent: Terry Kawaja Unfiltered 47:06
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In this episode of The Cred Podcast, Mack McKelvey sits down with Terry Kawaja, founder and CEO of Luma Partners and a leading voice in the ad tech industry Terry shares his nuanced approach to decision-making: moving quickly on small matters, while deliberately hitting the “pause button” on larger decisions. "I usually have a gut instinct right away,” he explains, “but I have a pause button now. I don't allow myself to make a big decision quickly. I sit on it, I sleep on it, think about it. Sometimes I'll bounce it off a few people I trust.” Known for his objective credibility, Terry also opens up about the bold decisions he's made in the past and how they’ve paid off. "I would rather ruffle some feathers and be right in the long run because people notice.” Plus, tune in at the end for Terry’s industry predictions for the year ahead!…
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1 Gut Intuition, Diverse Perspectives, and the Midlife Chrysalis with Andrea Sullivan 30:30
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In this episode of The Cred Podcast, host Mack McKelvey sits down with Andrea Sullivan, President of vYve, a leadership acceleration program within Vayner Media. Andrea dives into the challenges modern leaders face, from the impact of stress on decision-making to the importance of delegating decisions and balancing gut intuition with diverse perspectives. She also discusses the "Midlife Chrysalis" and the power of building a culture of kindness and inclusivity as a leader. Plus, tune in to discover how Andrea’s first job at a farmer’s market shaped the foundation of her marketing philosophy.…
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1 Timing Your Decisions with Mickey Alam Khan 43:01
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In this episode of The Cred Podcast, we’re joined by Mickey Alam Khan, CEO of Luxury Roundtable, global luxury expert, brand builder, and turnaround specialist. Renowned for his ability to anticipate and capitalize on market shifts, Mickey has founded influential publications like Luxury Daily, Mobile Marketer, and American Marketer, and successfully navigated four business exits—making decision-making his specialty. Mickey shares his approach to swift decision-making (24-48 hours max), why you can’t live with regret, and the few times a coin comes into play. “You make the decisions for the times you live in. You cannot second-guess yourself. Yes, you'll make bad decisions. I made a couple of bad decisions in my life and you know what? They brought me to where I am today.” You’ll also hear his unique take on the value of a college education, not as a qualification, but as a critical life experience that teaches social navigation, adaptability, and interpersonal skills—something that even the likes of Zuckerberg and Gates could have benefited from, in his view. Tune in for a fascinating conversation on the mindset that drives success, how to trust your instincts, and why timing is everything.…
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1 The Future of Decision-Making with Kate O'Neill 52:30
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In this episode, we’re joined by “Tech Humanist” Kate O’Neill, a global keynote speaker, author, and executive advisor renowned for her expertise in helping leaders navigate the future of technology, transformation, and human-centered innovation. With over 25 years of experience, Kate shares insights on how executives can make smarter decisions in the age of AI, balancing the immediate need for digital adaptation with the long-term vision for meaningful, human-centric progress. She also discusses themes from her upcoming book, What Matters Next: A Leader's Guide to Making Human-Friendly Tech Decisions in a World That’s Moving Too Fast, offering tools to help leaders manage the pressure of rapid change while fostering responsible innovation that benefits both people and business. As a pioneer of Strategic Optimism, Kate empowers leaders to leverage technology—not just as a tool for efficiency but as a way to enrich human experience. In this conversation, we dive into the role of AI in executive decision-making, the importance of foresight, and the ethical considerations that must guide businesses through rapid technological change. Tune in to hear how you can rethink the way you’re thinking, innovate responsibly, and understand the longitudinal impacts of your decisions.…
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1 The Role of Failure in Success with Gary Goldberg 48:12
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In this episode of The Cred Podcast, host Mack McKelvey sits down with Gary Goldberg, Founder and President of SquadLocker, Inc., to explore the complexities of leadership, decision-making, and the powerful role of failure in success. Drawing from his early experiences observing his father build a successful textile business, Gary shares valuable insights that shaped his approach to leadership and innovation. When it comes to decision-making, Gary stresses that everything should be wrapped in the company’s goals, cautioning that leaders often overlook the importance of communicating and truly contextualizing those goals for their teams. “Not only do we have to set goals and get people beating the drum to the mantra, but these people in their individual work style have to contextualize the mantra for their own passions.” In this candid conversation, Gary also opens up about the challenges and rewards of managing people: "The hardest thing about businesses is the people. The best thing about businesses is the people." He offers advice for aspiring leaders, encouraging them to embrace failure as a crucial part of the journey: "Take pleasure and triumph in your failures. Don’t fear them. The majority of my career has been a series of failures leading to an accomplishment. And I tell people I fail forward.” Tune in to discover how Gary leverages passion, curiosity, and creativity in every decision he makes.…
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1 Bumpers, Bets, and Context: Paul Hanges’ Approach to Decision-Making 38:35
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Description: In this episode of The Cred Podcast, host Mack McKelvey chats about decision-making with Paul Hanges, CEO of JibJab, where the mission is to spread joy. Paul believes in empowering his team to make decisions by acting as the "bumper" in the bowling lane—guiding them while providing the context necessary for them to see the bigger picture. He explains, “I'm going to guide you to knock down the pins and make sure you're not veering off course, but I'm not here to do the work for you.” Rejecting hustle culture, Paul embraces hyper-prioritization, keeping his schedule as open as possible to support his team and maintain a healthy work-life balance. When it comes to navigating outcomes, Paul draws on his experience playing poker, saying you need to divorce yourself from the idea that the outcomes determine whether a decision was right. Instead, it’s all about embracing data (to a degree), core values, context, and risk tolerance. From managing an emotional piggyback to leading the fondly dubbed “cockroach of the internet,” Paul shares his professorial take on leadership and decision-making, both big and small.…
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1 People Magic, Placing Bets & Perfecting the OODA Loop 24:58
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In this episode of The Cred Podcast, host Mack McKelvey sits down with Gina Bianchini, founder and CEO of Mighty Networks. With an impressive background in the tech world, Gina shares her distinctive approach to decision-making, underscoring the importance of self-care, taking bets, and building a culture that’s safe to fail. At Mighty Networks, Gina and her team harness the OODA Loop Framework—observe, orient, decide, act—to make decisions, continually cycling back to observation. This iterative process strips away emotional biases from decision-making and is most effective when executed with speed. For Gina, effective leadership ultimately hinges on managing your own psychology to make better decisions. As she puts it, “If I work so hard that I’m not in a position to make good decisions, I’m gonna’ fail.” Rejecting the hustle culture that is so prevalent in the Silicon Valley, Gina emphasizes the importance of effective delegation, which allows her to prioritize essential elements that fuel sound decision-making: nutrition, exercise, and adequate rest. “I think it’s very difficult to make good decisions on four hours of sleep.” Gina is passionate about cultivating a culture where it’s safe to fail, encouraging teams to experiment and take strategic bets. She believes that the interplay of these bets often leads to the best discoveries. In the end, Gina’s approach reminds us that successful decision-making thrives on self-care, a solid framework, and creating a culture where innovation can flourish.…
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1 Unapologetically Authentic with Jo Kinsella—Listen to the Whispers, Don’t Wobble & Fail Fast 46:42
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In this episode of The Cred Podcast, Mack sits down with Jo Kinsella, Global President & COO of XR Extreme Reach, to explore her career journey—from backpacking in Bali to breaking into the fintech and adtech industries, and ultimately leading transformation at XR Extreme Reach. With a successful exit under her belt, Jo shares the lessons she’s learned while leading teams through change, launching companies, and embracing authenticity along the way. Her decision-making mantra? “Sit or stand, but don't wobble. Because if you wobble and you're indecisive as a leader then that wobble vibrates throughout the whole company.” Jo’s secret weapon as a leader is listening to her intuition. “I have this crazy intuition I call the whispers, and many women—and men for that matter—don't pay attention to it, or don't pay enough attention to it, or can't even hear it, right? So, I describe myself as the Queen's Gambit without the drugs and the alcohol. I just know what the next move is on the chessboard.” Throughout the conversation, Jo reveals how embracing her authentic self has shaped her leadership style, why it’s crucial to put on your own mask first, and how she helps others prioritize their non-negotiables. Should a college degree be a job requirement? Jo doesn’t think so: “I can teach skills. I need people to be curious and consistent and brave.” This episode is packed with wit, wisdom, and practical advice for leaders at every stage. Tune in to discover why Jo likes to strike while the iron is cold, fail fast, and fill the cracks with culture.…
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1 Decision-Making by Design: Say Yes, But Measure Twice with Yelitsa Jean-Charles 34:12
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In this episode of The Cred Podcast, host Mack McKelvey chats with Yelitsa Jean-Charles, founder and CEO of Healthy Roots Dolls. Yelitsa shares the story of how a class project at Rhode Island School of Design turned into her mission to bring more diversity and representation to children's toys. What began in college with just $4,000 has evolved into a national brand, with Healthy Roots Dolls now available in Target stores across the country. Yelitsa opens up about the complexities of decision-making as a leader, emphasizing the importance of asking the right questions. She lives by the mantra, “You can’t say no before you say yes,” and leans on her creative background to view challenges from different perspectives. At the root of her leadership philosophy is a principle she learned during a 3D spatial dynamics class at RISD, where she was working with items like wood, wire, and metals. “We were told to measure twice, cut once. You cannot put those two pieces of wood back together. So whenever I'm approaching a situation where a decision will be detrimental, especially because I've had to deal with the consequences of making the wrong decision, I don't mess around. I'm measuring seven times, 12 times if I have to.” Yelitsa also shares how a customer-centric approach has fueled her growth and the strategies behind scaling a brand from the ground up.…
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1 The Horizontal Climb: Marcy Quinn Samet’s Holistic Path to the C-Suite 33:51
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In this episode of The Cred Podcast, host Mack McKelvey sits down with Marcy Quinn Samet, Founder and Chief Growth Architect of LBRBCOLLECTIVE, to discuss her unconventional career path to the C-suite, where she strategically moved horizontally across roles to master the inner workings of the agency business. Marcy shares insights on quick decision-making, the importance of mentors, and rebounding from mistakes. Tune in to hear her unique take on balancing speed with thoughtful leadership, why she doesn’t believe in work-life balance, and the toughest career decision she ever made. Plus, get a glimpse into her love for the Grateful Dead and an unusual hobby you won’t see coming.…
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