Making Waves at C-Level: Business Tips for Executives, Leaders, and Entrepreneurs

The hottest topic for industry events in 2026 and 2027 will be about Human Connections. As our world has gotten more focused on technology and productivity, we are building a society of "Efficient Strangers". But this is not good for the whole of our society... and it is not the way to build a sustainable career or life. Thom Singer is an expert on human connections and human behaviors that wrote his first book on the topic in 2005. That book, "Some Assembly Required: How to Make, Grow, and Keep Your Business Relationship" looked at how the tech of the day was already undermining how people engaged. Social media soon boomed and everyone assumed it would be easy to have more and more effective human connections. But that is not what happened. Social media companies created algorithms that have split people apart, not brought them together. Add into this Remote Work and the shut downs of 2000 and we now have a crisis of trust and truth and people are lonely and disconnected. This episode is the draft of a short keynote speech developed by Thom Singer, CSP. He has been speaking about business relationships for over 20 years, and is active with all the current technologies. This is not an anti-tech look at human connection. It is a people first view that is more important now than ever before. Learn More About Thom Singer, Human Connection Speaker at his website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Making Waves at C-Level, Thom Singer takes on a topic that clearly struck a nerve: conferences are too packed with content and not designed with enough room for actual human connection. After a LinkedIn post on this subject drew far more attention than usual, along with comments, shares, and direct messages from people who both agreed and disagreed, Thom decided to dig deeper into why this issue matters so much right now. Thom argues that many events are still built around an outdated assumption, that the more sessions you cram into a conference, the more value attendees will feel they received. But in reality, back to back breakouts and overloaded agendas often leave people exhausted, distracted, and less likely to engage. He shares an example of a recent conference with nonstop 50 minute sessions and only 10 minutes between them, a schedule that may have looked efficient on paper but left little time for reflection, conversation, or the spontaneous interactions that make in person events memorable. A central point in the episode is that people no longer attend conferences just to get information. In a world shaped by the internet, social media, podcasts, and AI, content is everywhere. What people cannot get from a screen is the energy of being in the room, the spark of an unexpected conversation, or the trust that begins to form when people share ideas face to face. Thom believes that is the real value of conferences now, not just the presentations, but the conversations that happen because of them. He also pushes back on the idea that open space at events does not work because introverts need everything to be structured. Thom notes that introverts are often excellent at making meaningful connections when they choose to engage. At the same time, he is not calling for chaos or the elimination of speakers. Instead, he makes the case for more intentional event design, where planners create white space and speakers help set a tone that encourages people to talk, connect, and stay present with one another. Thom explains that simply leaving time on the schedule is not enough. If attendees spend that extra time staring at their phones, the opportunity is wasted. Conferences need to be designed as experiences where connection is part of the culture. That means creating an atmosphere where people feel invited to engage, where speakers reinforce the value of interaction, and where attendees are encouraged to treat the event as more than a series of sessions. The conversation also points toward a bigger shift. Thom predicts that while AI will remain a dominant topic on conference agendas, the next major theme across industries will be human interaction, trust, personal brand, and connection. What used to be dismissed as soft skills is quickly becoming essential. His message is clear: in an AI driven world, the events that stand out will be the ones that make room for people to actually engage with each other. This episode is a call to meeting planners, speakers, and organizational leaders to stop thinking only about content density and start thinking about experience design. The best conferences are not the ones with the most sessions. They are the ones where people leave feeling like they learned something, met someone important, and were part of something real Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of "Making Waves at C-Level," Thom Singer again takes his latest blog post and turns it over to AI to create an episode. These episodes are getting more attention than his self-talk episodes. The content is all Thom Singer's belief about Human Interaction. In this article, Thom Singer argues that human interaction is a vital strategic asset rather than a secondary soft skill in an increasingly automated economy. While artificial intelligence excels at data processing and efficiency, it cannot replicate the trust, empathy, and authenticity required to sustain long-term business relationships. Singer suggests that as digital noise increases, the ability to foster genuine connections becomes a primary competitive advantage for leaders and organizations. He warns that over-reliance on technology has created a human deficit, making interpersonal proficiency more valuable for innovation and client loyalty. Ultimately, the text asserts that professional success in the future will belong to those who balance technological tools with the irreplaceable power of human presence. Thom Singer is a professional keynote speaker who talks about why connections are a strategy for greater success. This topic is becoming a leading topic for 2026 and 2027 conferences.... and Thom Singer has been speaking about this since 2005 when his first book was released. Is it ironic that someone who talks about human interaction would use AI to create this episode of the podcast? He is not looking to go back to the typewriter. Singer embraces tech and thinks we all should be playing with the tools. But AI tools are NOT a human connection. The winners in this will be the ones who use both.... heavy use of tech for efficiency, and the ability to connect to others and build trust and relationships. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What are you known for in your community. You do not decide... others decide. This episode is AI generated from an article Thom posted on LinkedIn about reputation and brand. It is amazing the info from his life and work that is added to this. While the jury is still out about generating a podcast from a written article... Thom is exploring this medium. What do you think? While humans still rule, we cannot and should not ignore the new tools. Thom Singer explains that a genuine reputation is not something an individual can manufacture through self-promotion or social media; rather, it is a social status granted by others based on consistent behavior. While many attempt to prioritize visibility and ego, true community legitimacy is earned through long-term contributions and a sincere commitment to others. The text warns that people easily detect superficial branding and selfishness, which can permanently damage one’s standing. Instead, lasting trust is built by showing up consistently, advocating for meaningful causes, and matching actions to words. Ultimately, the author suggests that personal substance and a focus on serving the greater good are the only ways to develop a meaningful legacy. This perspective shifts the focus from seeking fame to fostering reliable relationships within one's professional and local circles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thom Singer, CSP, has been speaking about the importance of connections and relationships for two decades. And the topic is starting to explode. This is becoming one of the leading subjects meeting planners are seeking out in 2026 and 2027. Many famous speakers/thought leaders are starting to talk about the importance of Human Interaction (H.I.) in an AI-Driven world.... and more are joining the discussion. But Singer wrote his first book on this in 2005. In March 2026 he wrote a long blog piece called the Human Interaction Manifesto. This podcast is a review of this piece as created by an AI tool.. Is it irony that an article about human relationship, trust, reputation, etc... is being turned into a podcast episode created by AI voices? NO. Singer is very pro AI and believes in using tech tools. But the message is the key here. It is about how we invest in people. The message of "Choose People" has been part of his keynote since 2009. This episode of "Making Waves at C-Level" is just an experiment .... using the AI tools to review an important piece he wrote and to see if it captures the idea. Singer found it fascinating. But see for yourself. Read the whole manifesto on his blog and then listen to the podcast https://thomsinger.com/blog/human-interaction-h-i-manifesto/ ***** Thom Singer, CSP, is a keynote speaker who has been working with meeting planners for associations, companies, and law firms for over 20 years. His message is about how the people side of business is the secret weapon for developing a sustainable career. "All Opportunities Come From People" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Corporate Citizenship, Real Leaders Show Up It’s been a while since I released an episode of Making Waves at C-Level, and I’m working to bring it back consistently. The more time I spend talking with CEOs and senior leaders, the more I’m convinced we have a growing problem in corporate America: the decline of real corporate citizenship. For most of the last century, companies understood that if you operated in a city, you had a responsibility to help make that place stronger. Not just through donations, but through leadership and presence. Serving on boards. Supporting civic institutions. Investing time and talent in the community where your employees live, where your customers come from, and where your company benefits from infrastructure, education, and opportunity. Over the past 25 years, that expectation has faded. We celebrate the “Lone Ranger” entrepreneur and the celebrity CEO, as if success is a solo act. That story is convenient, and it’s also wrong. Nobody builds anything meaningful alone. Every company’s success is built on people, teams, mentors, customers, partners, and a community that helped create the conditions for growth. And yet today, too many leaders approach civic engagement with one question: “What’s in it for me?” If it doesn’t create immediate return, they opt out. That mindset is understandable in a world obsessed with quarterly results, but it’s also how communities weaken over time. This matters more now because the pace of change is speeding up. AI is already reshaping work, and more disruption is coming across industries. When societies face upheaval, the answer is not more isolation and self-protection. The answer is stronger community, built through sustained involvement, real collaboration, and leaders who are willing to show up. In this episode I lay out practical ways for companies and senior leaders to rebuild corporate citizenship: Celebrate civic time, not just civic money. Put the best leaders into service roles in community institutions, boards, and committees. Invest in the talent pipeline, internships, partnerships with schools, and workforce development. Support the “unsexy” stability issues: housing, transportation, education, digital inclusion. Choose collaboration across business and civic organizations instead of turf wars. My closing challenge is simple: if you lead a company, pick two civic commitments you can make in the next 90 days, and encourage your senior team to pick at least one. If you believe you’re a great leader but you’re giving nothing back to the community you operate in, you may not be as great as you think you are. Have ideas for future topics, or want to react to this one? Email me at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this conversation on Making Waves at C Level, I sit down with Eliz Greene, a renowned stress researcher, author, and sailor who learned hard lessons about uncertainty after surviving a rare heart attack while seven months pregnant with twins. Eliz reframes stress as a natural reaction to our environment, not a moral failing, and shows leaders how to bring heart rates down, clear cortisol, and think clearly when the waters get rough. We explore her Border Collie and Iguana recovery styles, a memorable way to help teams honor that people refuel differently. Some need activity and structure. Others need quiet and space. Great leadership makes room for both. Eliz connects those ideas to sailing on Lake Michigan, where preparation and practice turn unpredictability into something the brain can recognize. Life jackets go on before you need them. In business that means systems, communication, checklists, and visible markers of progress so people feel secure during change. One story that will stick with you is our discussion of Capacity Optimism. Many of us believe we have more capacity than we do. Eliz discovered her fuel tank held 30 gallons when the label promised 36, and that twenty percent gap mirrors how leaders and caregivers overestimate time, energy, and staffing. Capacity Optimism shows up when we take on a full workload while raising kids, supporting aging parents, and managing a team. The fix is not superhuman effort. The fix is reducing load where possible, and routinely refueling with sleep, movement, real breaks, and friendships that allow you to say the hard things out loud. We also talk about building your bench. Eliz and I share how our long running mastermind functions like a Bat Signal. When someone calls, we answer. Leaders who model that kind of connection build resilient cultures. Practical tactics include noticing your personal stress indicators, using intentional breathing, scheduling recovery time, and, most importantly, communicating early and often so uncertainty does not hijack performance. If you lead people in a high change environment, or if you are a high performer who quietly carries too much, this episode delivers language, tools, and stories you can use today. Learn more about Eliz Greene at https://elizgreene.com Learn more about Thom Singer at https://thomsinger.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Making Waves at C-Level, host Thom Singer interviews sales trainer, coach, and speaker Chris Bussing, founder of the Tech Sales Accelerator. Chris draws from years of experience working in both large corporations and emerging startups, and now helps salespeople and teams elevate their performance and achieve greater results. Chris shares that sales is not only about hitting numbers. It is the driver of growth and the foundation of every company’s success. Leaders who do not understand the challenges their sales teams face are leaving opportunities on the table. For Chris, sales became the perfect fit because it allowed him to combine his love of working with people and his drive to excel. Through his career in both global enterprises and smaller ventures, Chris learned the unique advantages and obstacles of each. Established companies provide instant credibility that makes prospecting easier. Startups demand creativity, resourcefulness, and carefully crafted messaging to get attention. His conclusion is that adaptability is the most important skill a seller can master. Prospecting is hard work. Many hours of calls and emails often result in silence. Chris explains that the best leaders show empathy for this grind and are even willing to get involved themselves. When leaders roll up their sleeves, model behaviors, and share the hustle, they inspire teams to push forward with commitment. Chris is skilled at teaching how to secure meetings with top tier prospects, the whales and dolphins that truly move the revenue needle. He recommends a multi channel approach that combines calls, emails, and LinkedIn messages, all tied together with consistent and value driven personalization. He stresses that targeting is equally important. Salespeople must know their ideal customer and avoid chasing minnows that consume resources but offer little return. Chris shares his personal story of beginning as the lowest performer on his first team and how a pivotal conversation with his manager pushed him to change course. That moment ignited his determination to improve. From this experience, he developed a path to reaching potential: Learn constantly by studying methodologies and strategies and by staying curious. Build strong relationships with mentors, peers, and leaders who can share insight. Prepare thoroughly with clear plans, organized lists, and practiced talk tracks. Play the numbers game with persistence, knowing that consistent activity creates opportunities. Chris now leads the Tech Sales Accelerator, an approach that blends online training with personalized coaching. He works with new sellers beginning their careers, experienced professionals looking to break into higher level accounts, and sales leaders who want to strengthen their teams. His program focuses on practical skills that open doors, build trust, and create lasting customer relationships. Alongside coaching, Chris produces daily content on LinkedIn, shares outbound focused videos on YouTube, and hosts his own podcast. This episode provides valuable takeaways for professionals at every level. Sales leaders will hear reminders about the power of empathy and the importance of modeling behavior. Individual contributors will find strategies to improve prospecting, preparation, and resilience. Executives will gain insight into why sales must be supported as the key driver of business growth. Chris Bussing’s passion for outbound sales and his people first approach make this a conversation filled with actionable ideas to accelerate sales performance and professional growth. Sales as the Core of GrowthInsights from Different EnvironmentsThe Sales Grind and LeadershipLanding Meetings with the Right ProspectsReaching Full Potential in SalesThe Tech Sales AcceleratorWhy This Conversation Matters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Collaboration is no longer optional for leaders... it’s essential. In this solo episode, Thom Singer shares why collaboration is the new leadership and how creating a collaborative culture drives trust, innovation, and long-term success. Drawing from years of experience speaking about human interaction, networking, and trust, Thom explains why collaboration has become the key factor that separates thriving organizations from those that struggle to adapt. Leaders who cultivate a collaborative vibe don’t just build stronger teams... they create workplaces where people want to engage, contribute, and stay. Collaboration fosters human connection, breaks down silos, and empowers individuals at every level of the organization. Thom outlines how collaboration is at the heart of problem-solving, innovation, and resilience, especially in industries facing rapid change. By weaving collaboration into daily leadership practices, executives can multiply their impact and build lasting loyalty within their companies and communities. In this episode, Thom unpacks 8 benefits of a vibe of collaboration that every leader should embrace: Builds trust faster Fuels innovation Improves engagement and morale Breaks down silos Strengthens problem-solving Enhances adaptability Multiplies leadership impact Creates long-term loyalty If you’re a CEO, executive, or rising leader, this episode will inspire you to make collaboration the cornerstone of your leadership style. **************** Thom Singer, CSP, is a professional keynote speaker and the CEO at the Austin Technology Council. He is know for saying "Community, collaboration, and conversations can solve all problems" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How to Become a Professional Speaker – My Experience and Advice This episode of Making Waves at C-Level is the audio of a video I made about how to become a professional speaker. I often get asked, “How do I become a paid professional speaker?” The internet is full of programs promising shortcuts, insider secrets, and magical communities that will make you rich using the spoken word. Some deliver value, but many are designed to separate people with hopes and dreams from their money. This episode is my opinion based on nearly two decades in the speaking business. If you ask 50 speakers how to make it in this career, you’ll probably get 50 different answers. This is simply my story—what has worked for me and what I’ve seen work for others. Seventeen years ago, I joined the National Speakers Association (NSA). My career—over 1,000 paid speeches and a sustainable lifestyle business—would not have been possible without NSA. The sessions and keynotes are valuable, but the real gold has been the relationships—my “speaker friends” who work in the business every day. Real community isn’t built in one weekend. I’ve shown up year after year, invested in friendships, and learned directly from people actively speaking for a living. NSA offers new speakers, seasoned pros, and even Hall of Fame members who give back to the industry. A friend once called for advice. I suggested she attend NSA’s annual conference—less than $3,000 for membership and the event. She chose a $15,000 for-profit group instead, believing it was a shortcut. A year later, the group had essentially dissolved, leaving her without the promised community or ROI. I’m not against for-profits or coaching—I do some coaching myself—but I believe in asking why an organization exists, where the money goes, and whether the people selling advice are actively making a living as speakers. If you want to build a speaking career that lasts, join your trade association. Surround yourself with working speakers in the lane you want to be in. Learn the lanes of the speaking industry—corporate, association, education, training, Speak-to-Sell, and more—and choose where you’ll focus. Build your reputation over time. Invest in relationships with people who will genuinely help you succeed. Being a professional speaker isn’t about fairy dust or viral fame. It’s about doing the work year after year, delivering value to your audiences, and being part of a real community. For me, that community has been the National Speakers Association. It might not be for everyone, but if you’re serious about this business, it’s worth exploring. I’m not the richest or most famous speaker, but I’ve built a career I love, working with clients I respect, and enjoying the lifestyle I want. That’s a win in my book. Disclaimer: This is my personal opinion and experience. Your path may look different. If you ask 50 speakers how to succeed, you’ll get 50 different answers. Take what resonates, test what works for you, and build your own version of success. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Attention management needs to be payed to how we develop relationships with people. Our world is more disconnected and yet when we have more friendships we live longer and are happier. CEOs, business leaders, and association managers need to realize that companies and trade assocations play a special role in helping people make new connections. Thom Singer has been speaking about the importance of Human Interaction (H.I.) in an AI - Driven world.... but he really wants other people to be talking about his. Younger professionals need to realize that the relationships they build early in their career are their secret weapon to more success down the line. This episode of Making Waves at C-Level is the first of many new episodes after some time off. Enjoy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this solo episode of Making Waves at C-Level, keynote speaker and leadership strategist Thom Singer returns to the mic to address a vital question for today’s business world: What is the evolving role of the CEO in a time of massive technological and societal transformation? As artificial intelligence, automation, and other disruptive technologies accelerate change across every industry, leaders in the C-suite are facing a new responsibility... not just to steer their companies, but to help guide their teams, communities, and broader society through an uncertain future. Thom shares his insights on how CEOs can lead with intention, compassion, and clarity during times of disruption. Drawing from over a decade of working with executives and tech leaders, he outlines four powerful actions every CEO and senior executive can take right now to elevate their leadership: Model calm in the face of uncertainty Stay visible and engaged in your organization and community Talk openly about the human impact of technological change Partner with purpose-driven organizations to strengthen community trust If you’re a business leader seeking to understand how to remain relevant, respected, and trusted in an AI-driven world... this episode is for you. As a keynote speaker focused on human interaction, trust, and leadership in the digital age. Want to bring Thom to speak at your next leadership summit, executive offsite, or industry event? Learn more at ThomSinger.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Making Waves at C-Level, Thom Singer interviews Rick Harris, CEO of the Association of Proposal Management Professionals (APMP). Rick shares insights from his 35+ years in association leadership, including his journey from radio DJ to running successful organizations like the Maryland Tech Council and APMP. They discuss the pivotal role of proposal management professionals in driving revenue, the evolution of associations in a changing world, and the importance of human connection in leadership. Rick highlights APMP's innovative certification programs and how they position members for success, as well as strategies for fostering growth, adapting to generational shifts, and creating a culture of inclusivity and respect within organizations. Packed with actionable advice for leaders, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to make an impact in business and beyond. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this video, discover why prioritizing human interaction is essential for a successful career in law. Join [Thom Singer] as he shares key insights on how building relationships not only enhances your reputation but also drives client loyalty and firm growth. Whether you're aiming to grow your network, strengthen client connections, or advance your legal career, these proven strategies will help you stand out in a competitive industry. Watch now to learn how authentic engagement and networking can transform your practice and position you for long-term success. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Making Waves at C-Level, Thom Singer dives deep into the power of networking and human interaction in today’s fast-paced digital landscape. With over 15 years of experience as a keynote speaker, author, and CEO of the Austin Technology Council, Thom shares his unique insights on how real human connections are the key to unlocking new opportunities, building business relationships, and fostering community. He explains why, despite the rise of AI and technology, face-to-face interaction is irreplaceable when it comes to creating trust and long-lasting relationships. Thom also discusses the concept of "uncommon connections" and how leaders can cultivate environments where these meaningful relationships can flourish. He breaks down the importance of getting out of your comfort zone at events and offers practical advice on how to maximize your networking efforts at conferences and business meetings. Tune in to learn how human interaction remains one of the most powerful tools for business success, even in an increasingly tech-driven world. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to elevate their career, build their personal brand, or create a strong, connected business community. #Makingwavesatclevel #peoplematter #humanconnections Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Making Waves at C-Level! Hosted by Thom Singer, this podcast has been shaking things up for a decade, evolving from Cool Things Entrepreneurs Do into a show that inspires professionals at all levels to make waves in their careers. You don’t have to be a CEO, CFO, or CIO to gain insights from Thom’s candid conversations and solo episodes, packed with actionable advice. In this episode, Thom dives into the challenges and opportunities of career reinvention after the age of 50. Drawing from personal experiences and coaching others, he shares practical tips on how to leverage experience, embrace lifelong learning, and network like your life depends on it. Thom reminds us that, regardless of age, it's never too late to make a big change in your professional journey. Tune in for valuable insights, real-world advice, and a dose of inspiration as Thom helps you navigate the twists and turns of building a successful career—whether you’re just starting out or seeking a fresh start later in life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lead by Example C-Suite Should Be Engaged in Community What if every company chose 3 leaders to get engaged in one community, business, or civic industry group each? Imagine the visibility boost for your company. Leaders giving back would elevate your brand, showcasing a commitment to more than just profits. Employees would feel pride and inspiration, seeing their leaders make a real impact. This engagement would be a powerful tool for recruitment, attracting talent who value community involvement. The community would thrive. And real leaders who were there to serve something besides themselves would cultivate a positive culture that trended the company. A stronger, more connected community where businesses and people interact together is a region that will keep growing and offering new opportunities. Does the leadership of your company volunteer, serve on committees and boards, and mentor up and coming civic-minded leaders? Thanks for Watching this video. If you like it, please make sure to subscribe to this YouTube channel so you do not miss anything. #leadership #executive #community Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I am well aware that Kamala Harris and her team will not listen to my little podcast....but I use her current situation as an example for businesses who have to lead in chaotic times. Situations often happen that allow for leaders to rise to the occasion. I recorded this 24 hours after Joe Biden stepped out of the run for president....so we do not know who will fill the top of the ticket for the 2024 election --but at this time it looks like the VP will need to step into the spotlight and lead her party and this nation. But business people have to reinvent and lead all the time. In this episode of "Making Waves at C-Level," we dive into the essential strategies for leading through times of change and transition. Using the potential shift in the Democratic Party from President Biden to Vice President Kamala Harris as a case study, we explore how leaders can guide their teams with transparency, vision, and empathy. Drawing from personal experiences, I share insights on changing the direction of my speaking business and managing a professional association. This episode is packed with practical advice on how to communicate effectively, involve your team, and maintain a positive outlook during times of uncertainty—all while staying non-political and focused on leadership principles. Tune in to learn how to navigate change and inspire your organization to thrive. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Epiisode 675- You can train ChatGPT to work as a business advisor, consultant, or coach to help you identify areas to grow your business. I was part of a group of entrepreneurs who sat an played with ChatGPT as a business coach for an hour, and got some good information. And I see that it will keep giving me good advice. A few years ago I spent nearly $10,000 on a business growth coach and got almost zero value. The person always was rushed, not really prepared for our calls, and the advice was nothing I had not heard before. It was a giant flushing sound of money going away. I got more value in an hour from a deep back and forth conversation with ChatGPT. I asked it to interview me and ask key questions about how I had grown my business, and asked it to go deeper on the advice it provided. While just an experiement...it was a good one. And I encourage business leaders to try to set their ChatGPT up as an ongoing business adivsor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Community Building matters. Get involved in your community. Join a local business group / non-profit. If in Austin, TX - think about supporting the Austin Technology Council. But even if it's not my organization even if you don't live anywhere near Central Texas make sure that you're supporting somebody some group that is fighting for the common good of building community in your area. Same thing is true in your industry. I'm super active in the National Speakers Association because in addition to running ATC I'm a working professional speaker who will give about 25 keynotes this year around the country and I will tell you That I never could have found success in that very weird lonely business if it hadn't been for me getting involved and supporting and volunteering with the National Speakers Association. So if you're a plumber get involved with the National Plumbers Association. If you're a locksmith get involved with the National Locksmiths Association. Whatever industry you're in make sure that you're uplifting your industry in addition to some things that are local in your community. I have 5 reasons why I think it's super important that you make community building important starting right now- 5 reasons: 1. Innovation and Collaboration: A strong community fosters collaboration and the sharing of ideas, which can lead to innovative solutions and advancements in technology. Networking events, meetups, and collaborative spaces encourage professionals to work together, sparking creativity and new ventures. 2. Talent Attraction and Retention: Building a supportive and vibrant tech community makes Austin an attractive destination for top talent. Professionals are more likely to relocate and stay in an area where they feel a sense of belonging and have access to a network of peers and mentors. 3. Resource Sharing and Support: A well-connected community provides a platform for sharing resources, knowledge, and expertise. Startups and small businesses can benefit from the collective experience and resources of the community, helping them overcome challenges and grow more efficiently. 4. Economic Growth and Stability: A thriving tech community contributes to the local economy by creating jobs, attracting investment, and fostering entrepreneurship. The synergy within the community can lead to the establishment of successful companies, which in turn drives economic development and stability. 5. Personal and Professional Development: Community building offers opportunities for continuous learning and professional growth. Access to workshops, mentorship programs, and networking events helps individuals stay updated with industry trends, develop new skills, and advance their careers, while also building meaningful relationships. #community #keynotespeaker #communitybuilding Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week's episode of Making Waves at C-Level talks about building community. Sometimes it is the right thing to join your local or national trade associations, and other times it is the time to start your own informal community. Get with some like minded friends and spend time together. Relationships are build via shared experiences....so get with people. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to another insightful episode of "Making Waves at C-Level." I'm Thom Singer, CSP, and in this episode we're exploring why it's essential for CEOs to encourage their employees to participate in industry trade groups and events. With over eight years of podcasting and a wealth of experience in the business world, I'm excited to share three compelling reasons why this strategy can lead to significant benefits for both your company and your employees. In this episode, we cover: Boosting Brand Visibility: Discover how your company's active participation in the industry can enhance its reputation and visibility. I'll explain why being seen as a committed industry player can positively impact your relationships with vendors, customers, and competitors. Investing in Professional Development: Learn about the importance of fostering professional growth and development among your employees. I'll share insights on why providing opportunities for learning and career advancement can lead to higher job satisfaction and employee retention. Attracting Top Talent: Understand how promoting a culture of industry engagement can make your company a magnet for top talent. I'll discuss how happy and engaged employees can become ambassadors for your brand, helping you attract and retain the best candidates. We'll also delve into the evolving landscape of industry events in the post-pandemic era and why trade associations are more important now than ever before. This episode is packed with actionable advice and practical tips to help you lead by example and create a vibrant, engaged, and successful team. Whether you're a CEO, a business leader, or an aspiring professional, this episode offers valuable insights that can help you leverage the power of industry involvement to drive your company's success. Tune in, get inspired, and learn how to make waves in your industry. Thank you for listening to "Making Waves at C-Level." Don't forget to subscribe for more episodes and share this podcast with your network. Together, we can create a culture of engagement and growth that benefits everyone involved. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

H.I. (Human Interaction)-- The Secret to Career Success Welcome to another episode of Making Waves at C-Level, hosted by Thom Singer. In this episode, Thom explores the vital role of Human Interaction (HI) in our increasingly AI-driven world. With over 10 years of experience hosting the show and speaking at conferences, Thom emphasizes that meaningful human engagement is the key to achieving lasting success. The episode delves into the true essence of HI—beyond just human intelligence, it's about forming genuine, impactful connections. Thom, a seasoned keynote speaker and author, shares his insights on why real human engagement is the ultimate secret weapon for outshining the competition and excelling in your career. This episode is a must-watch for young professionals aiming to get ahead and for anyone seeking to understand the power of building authentic relationships. Thom highlights the importance of going beyond superficial digital connections and emphasizes that true career magic happens through meaningful, face-to-face interactions. Listeners will learn why meeting someone once doesn’t equate to them being part of your network and the significance of cultivating long-term, mutually beneficial relationships. Thom challenges the common misconceptions about networking and stresses that showing up and engaging with your community is what truly sets successful people apart. The discussion also covers the difference between mentors and coaches, and the unique value of mentorship in building genuine relationships. Thom passionately advocates for the importance of HI in today's world, where people often seek shortcuts through digital means but miss out on the profound impact of real human connections. Thom encourages viewers to embrace HI and reflect on who they will connect with meaningfully today. He emphasizes that the success of your career and organization hinges on understanding and prioritizing human interaction. Don't miss this engaging episode that challenges the superficiality of digital connections and underscores the transformative power of HI in a world dominated by AI. Watch now to gain actionable advice on networking, build stronger relationships, and unlock new opportunities. Keywords: Human Interaction, AI World, Networking, Career Success, Relationship Building, Thom Singer, Keynote Speaker, Business Growth, Professional Development, Genuine Connections, Mentorship, Community Engagement, Young Professionals Call to Action: 🌟 Watch Now and redefine how you connect in the modern world! Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more insights on making waves in your career. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Making Waves at C-Level, Thom Singer dives into the power of connections and their crucial role in career success. Reflecting on the pandemic, Thom notes the significant disruption to networking and community engagement, which left many professionals isolated. While the world has reopened, enthusiasm for in-person networking hasn’t fully returned to pre-pandemic levels, and membership organizations and business nonprofits have struggled to regain their momentum. Thom emphasizes that real career opportunities come from meaningful connections, not just from social media interactions like tweets, TikTok videos, or getting likes and shares. While digital engagement has its place, it cannot replace the value of personal relationships. He stresses that those who fail to re-engage in their industry and community may miss out on career advancements, inadvertently allowing these opportunities to go to others. To maximize networking potential, Thom provides insights for both event planners and attendees. He advises event planners to actively create environments that foster networking: Create Networking Opportunities: Design events to encourage networking during happy hours, breaks, meals, and other activities, making them exciting and conducive to meeting new people. Engage Speakers: Encourage speakers to participate in the event beyond their presentations. Speakers should mingle with attendees, facilitating networking and contributing to a sense of community. Interactive Sessions: Design breakout sessions where speakers ask questions and engage the audience, promoting discussions and connections among attendees. Icebreaker Activities: Implement icebreaker activities to help attendees meet each other, especially at the beginning of the event and during key moments like breakfast. Facilitated Learning Conversations: Set up areas for attendees to discuss what they have learned from keynotes and breakouts, sharing best practices and experiences. Leverage Technology: Use technology before, during, and after the event to enable attendees to comment, share insights, and connect with each other. For event attendees, Thom offers practical advice on making the most of networking opportunities: Be Open and Approachable: Stand around, smile, and start conversations. Avoid isolating yourself by being engrossed in your phone. Ask Questions: Engage with speakers and fellow attendees by asking questions about their experiences and what they hope to gain from the event. This sparks meaningful conversations. Follow Up: After meeting someone, follow up with them. Adding them on LinkedIn or to your email list is not enough. Schedule one-on-one conversations to build a genuine relationship. Thom underscores that building connections requires intentional effort and engagement. Meeting someone once does not equate to forming a network. Instead, it’s about cultivating long-term, mutually beneficial relationships. He concludes by calling for a movement towards more deliberate and meaningful connections, highlighting that those who actively facilitate networking and community-building will see significant benefits in their careers. This episode serves as a reminder of the profound impact that connections can have on professional success and the importance of re-engaging with our communities as we move forward from the disruptions of the pandemic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There is often advice given to leaders that they need to "protect their time" and that they should only attend "curated events" as to not have to be bombarded by people wanting advice, etc... Sometimes people ask if they can "pick your brain" and many people get mad as they see it as someone just wanting "free consulting". But instead of being up off when someone wants your advice... how about reframing their request into a giant compliment. Think about it, if you find someone mediocre (or worse)....do you ask them for advice? We only ask to "pick the brain" of someone we admire. Plus, if you are a leader, you have to be active in your community. A community can be geographic or an industry... but if you see yourself as a leader, and yet you hide from the people you claim to lead, then you are not really a leader. A true leader cannot lead from behind an office door or while sipping bourbon from their pool. Real leaders are in the arena. Ask yourself...."when is the last time I really attended an industry or community event where I was not the speaker or it was sponsored by my company?". If you are not sure, then start getting engaged. Either locally or with your industry trade group. Be the one who shows up and is willing to mentor and guide others. It is probably true that many people were there for you to share advice, be a mentor, or have their "brain picked" when you were up and coming in your career. The time has come to make sure you are returning that favor to the next generation. This does NOT mean you have to attend everything (you are too busy), but make sure one of your weekly / monthly activities is an open event and show up just to be supportive of the greater community. Leaders must lead by example and people are hungry for community these days! ************* Thom Singer is a keynote speaker who shares a message of community, collaboration, and conversations. The more we engage now, the more opportunities come our way in the future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode we look at the power of community and how the people you meet are the only way to learn and find new opportunities over you lifetime. When speaking at a conference of young professionals, Thom Singer offered up the secret weapon to their future of career options. It is networking now, building real connections and friendships, and helping others. In a world or remote work and digital networking, those who engage will win in the long run. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After a long time away, the "Making Waves at C-Level" podcast is trying to come back into regular production. Host Thom Singer has been serving as the CEO of the Austin Technology Council, and has been hosting that organizations show "Austin Tech Connect". But this show has been around for 10 years, and it has had a good following over the years. Thom is ready to come back and share ideas and promote his message of community, collaboration, and conversations. In this episode he talks about building friendships and business relationships over the age of 50. Check out his short episode and share with him your thoughts. https://thomsinger.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We hear a lot about "Collaboration"...but too often we see selfish people just using the word. Collaboration is a two way street. If you always start with "What's in it for me" you are not a collaborator. If you use collaboration as a buzz word for "Sales", you are not thinking win / win. In this short episodes Thom shares his beliefs about what is collaboration. To really collaborate you need to have shared vision, open communication, mutual respect, and trust. But people enter collaborative situations and then want full control, they don't share important information, and they withhold resources. Some believe you have to be all out for yourself if you want to win. Thom Singer thinks in the long run you are more satisfied in life when you embrace collaboration. Ask yourself if you really see advantages to collaboration. If yes, live by example. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Authentic leaders win in the long run. If you are pretending to have leadership success... people see through the lies. This episode talks about how to not only highlight your victories, but how great leaders admit their faults. Thom Singer recently received six emails from people showing how someone told a blatant lie in their bio. They claimed something that was entirely made up, and people in the community knew this was just BS and were forwarding the bio around to others showing how this leader, known to be narcissist, had graduated to just making things up in their resume. If you are not authentic, people will know. While nobody had the guts to call this person out in public (we still live in a mostly polite society that is resistant to conflict), people were circulating the lies with long chain emails about this person. Not good. Does your resume have blatant lies? This episode of "Making Waves at C-Level" will make you rethink. Like we have not learned enough from Congressman George Santos who simply created a trail of made up things. Eventually his lies were seen. The person mentioned in this episode who padded their resume (who would hate being compared to Trump or Santos) would cringe at the emails making that connection. You do not need to lie in your resume unless you are a total fraud who feels you are weak. Strong leaders can rely on their strengths and can admit their mistakes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You are at the top of your game. You are a c-level executive. Why in the world would you go to a networking event? The networking events have people who are not as impressive as you, and you only want to hang out with the cool kids. Why should you network? You need to network for many reasons, and you should not prejudge people whose job titles do not start with a "C". It is good for your own career and the reputation of you company if you are seen as participating in your community. Over the long run, non-famous CEOs who keep engaged in their community will find more ways to collaborate and uncover opportunities. Too many are thinking if they go to a Chamber of Commerce event or Industry Conference that they will be annoyed by up and comers who want to talk to them. But many of those same people might inspire you. The best leaders I know want a lot of diversity in their conversations. Hide in an Ivory Tower and your company may lose. Who is better at reputation management and community engagement..You or your competitors? If its not your team, then your competition might get a leg up. This episode Thom Singer shares his three reasons to network even when you are in the C-Suite. https://thomsinger.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Community, collaboration, and conversations can solve all problems. But not everyone leads with community. Too many people look at everything they do as having the need to be 10x'd. Yes, these young leaders who are disciples of Grant Cardone or Gary Vee tend to look at everything as their personal investment that must 10x. One young entrepreneur told me he could not join an industry association unless he could see a guarantee to 10x his dues to his bottom line. Ummmm, that is not how supporting a greater cause works. I am not saying you should do everything for charity. You should focus on making money. But if everything is about how you make money, or if every relationship is about whom you can be friends with who can help you....life becomes phony. The fakest person I know lives this way. The funny things is their close friends admit they have seen them dump people who are not "up" the food chain, and all know they can be pushed out of the friend circle on her whim. This is a bad way to live. One of her closest friends said "she is unhappy in her soul, but never lets it out to anyone". I would rather have less money and be part of community. In this episode I challenge listeners of the podcast to think about if they have one day a week that they do not lead with "What's in it for me?". Imagine if every human took one day to serve the greater good and help others find success. They would have 6 other days to kick ass, but we would have a lot more people helping others, too. What did you think of this rant of an episode? [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There is an epidemic of loneliness in our society. People feel disconnected. Many admit to not having close friends. And these people work on your team. These issues go back before the pandemic, but it has become more pronounced in the last three years. When people feel part of a community, they will be more dedicated to their jobs. But with so many remote workers, it is harder to have a meaningful relationship with coworkers. This episode challenges leaders to look at their team and really understanding who feels disconnected. If you want to up your retention rates, you have to get people to feel engaged with the whole company. Do you feel alone, or do you know your team has people who are disconnected? Are you doing something about this? https://thomsinger.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In another short episode of "Making Waves at C-Level", Thom Singer shares his thoughts about trying new things and the journey he has been on to reinvent himself since turning 50. It is easy to be in a comfort zone - but that can hold you back. In your career and life you need to branch out and try new things. Thom is open that throughout his life he did not go for things in life or business that he did not think he would kick ass. But being scared to try new things holds you back. He shares the story of doing Stand Up Comedy at age 52 and how he has now done over 160 open mic nights. While he is NOT that funny (yet?), going out and doing it anyway has helped him succeed in other ways. Pushing yourself into had situations prepares you for other tough hurdles that come up in the journey of life. Often people get worried about if others are judging them. But if we worry about what other people think, we do not do all the things that we can experience. What have you always wanted to try that you have never attempted. This episode will challenge you to go do it. You need not succeed, but making the effort will help you grow. And you will also find that other people are not paying attention and judging you as much as you think. Listen to this episode. https://thomsinger.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Networking (and the benefits of having a real network) is not just about passing out business cards or having LinkedIn connections. The real opportunities come from building friendships. But making friends is harder as we get older. There are many reason why, but if you want to make friends, you have to lead with being a friend. Entrepreneurs who are known, liked, and trusted always seem to win over the long run. Being a jerk has short term value, but I know one very rich person who everyone hates. So what if he has a nice car and fancy house, being around him it is clear he is insecure and sad. This episode talks about how and why to make friendships in your career and to encourage your employees to do the same. But you are not friends with everyone you meet. Meeting someone once does NOT make them part of your network. Change up how you think about people and friendships in business and you will find long-term success. Yes, people really do prefer to do business with those they know, like, and trust. https://thomsinger.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sometimes sales managers try to discourage their sales professionals from networking. This is often NOT because they think it is a waste of time, it is because they fear that if the high achiever is well known in a community or industry, they will be hired away by another company. For the individual contributor, your network is your key to a long career. If you are not known and you get laid off, you have to start at square one. So never allow your network to be cold or non-existent. You must get engaged in your community / industry to ensure you have options. Plus, when you are seen as the subject expert...you will make more sales. So why would a leader not want their people to network. In today's world if you have a good employee, others will know about her or him. You cannot hide people away and assume this will be good for the company. Having your whole team engaged in your industry and community raises the visibility of you company. When your team is well known, and you offer competitive products and services... .more people will come to look at your offerings. This should lead to more sales. I am surprised when leaders fear having their best people be well networked...as why would you want mediocre sales people that nobody knows or wants? Sure you keep them, but they do not move the company ahead. Instead, get everyone engaged and raise the profile of your company. Sure some will get recruited away, but a good leader creates a culture and environment where people want to work. If you are an individual contributor.....why is networking bad? Is it because you should just be the best kept secret and do things for the company? Your employer will not blink at laying you off if bad time come. Thus having a network is key to your future. If you are a boss who discourages your people from networking...why? Is part of it because you fear they will leave if others find out how great they are? If this is part of your reason, you need to realize they will leave anyway if you are not giving them a path to a future they want. I think the individual and the company both win when their team is very well connected. This is both inside your company and outside your company. Do not worry about losing a few people, look at what can happen if everyone is well known in your industry.... you company will be the leader. What is your thoughts on this topic? Let me know. ******** Welcome to the new short format episodes of "Making Waves at C-Level". The show had been on hiatus, and as we come back we are doing 7 - 10 minute short talks to inspire you to think. You wont agree with all my thoughts, but that is how we all learn and grow. https://thomsinger.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's podcast is a quick plug for a new book called "Everyone Wants to Work Here" by Maura Thomas. In this episode Thom Singer shares reasons to read this new book, especially how well chapter 7 describes the realities of how remote and hybrid work are changing business. Thom admits that Maura is his friend, but this is not why he chose to share the information about her book... he shared this because it is a good book that all leaders need to read. Attracting the right talent is a major concern of every business leader, and keeping them engaged and energized matters more than ever. If you want you company to dominate your market...you need to check this out. Find the book on Amazon https://a.co/d/1ocKwN0 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After a long hiatus, Thom Singer returns to hosing "Making Waves at C-Level". But as he always teaches, we have to try new things. He is stepping away from interviews, and doing short episodes with ideas and advice. Today he talks about leaders who pretend they are prefect and who lie on social media about how great they are (when you often know they are fluffing up their greatness). He says real leaders can admit to mistakes. What do you think? https://thomsinger.com/podcast/dont-be-full-of-sht Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Check out this episode of "Making Waves at C-Level" when Thom Singer sits down with serial entrepreneur Henrik Johansson from Gembah. About Henrik Johansson Henrik Johansson is a serial entrepreneur who co-founded and built the product company Boundless into a $100M company. Currently he is the co-founder and CEO of Gembah, a product development platform and marketplace, and the Executive Producer of Final Product, a reality TV show incubated at Gembah. He was previously a co-founder and board member of OutboundEngine, and before that the president of EverydayWealth, and co-founder and president of Creditland. Johansson specializes in technology-enabled services, marketplaces, and software as a service. He is an expert on scaling startups, building world-class teams, culture, and scalable processes and infrastructure and has been featured in Forbes, Entrepreneur, Austin Business Journal, and was named Counselor's 2017 Person of the Year. About Gembah- The 1st Marketplace for Product Development Gembah is a product development marketplace specializing in bringing new products to market through all stages of development. Gembah connects creators with its global network of designers, engineers, and supply chain specialists and oversees production at factories in China, Southeast Asia, Mexico, and South America. Founded on the belief that humans are natural inventors, the company’s goal is to empower creators and make product development accessible to anyone. Gembah was established in 2018 in Austin, TX and has been featured in Forbes and Entrepreneur. To learn more, visit Gembah.com, or find us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube. Https://henrik-johansson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When a podcast host gets an inquiry from someone with a great last name, how do you not put them on the show! LOL. In this episode Thom Singer sits down to talk AI Powered Financing Platform, SmartBiz with CEO Evan Singer (no relation - they are NOT cousins or brothers). About Evan Singer: Evan Singer is CEO of SmartBiz, the leading AI-powered small business financing platform equipping entrepreneurs with access to the right capital at the right time. To date, SmartBiz has connected borrowers with more than $9 billion in financing while increasing efficiency for its network of banks and trusted lending partners. More than 230,000 entrepreneurs have utilized SmartBiz to access the funding they need to grow, with 60% of loans made to minority, women, or veteran-owned businesses. Singer was honored as a Top 100 Stanford Alumni in Technology in 2021 and a Top 25 CEO in Fintech in 2022.    About SmartBiz: On the heels of the Great Recession, a team of technologists, entrepreneurs, and finance geeks came together to find an easier way for small businesses to apply for and secure low-cost funds from banks. United in the belief that the right capital at the right time can cause any small business to thrive, the early SmartBiz team committed themselves to connect every entrepreneur with the funds they need to fortify and grow their businesses. Today, small businesses of every size and type turn to SmartBiz for reliable access to SBA, bank term, and custom financing. https://thomsinger.com/podcast/smartbiz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Listen now for lessons in PR from the founder and president of Grapevine PR in Austin, Texas.   This episode is co-produced with the Austin Technology Council. ATC is a 30 year old association focused on promoting and facilitating growth of technology companies in Central Texas. Over the past three decades the business ecosystem in Austin has changed, and ATC is actively changing, too. Learn more at https://AustinTechnologyCouncil.org. Steven Le Vine has released a new book called "Stories That F*cking Matter: Three pillars of epic storytelling to dominate media headlines, win clients, and grow your business". This is a must read for all business leaders.   About Steven Le Vine: Steven Le Vine is an award-winning publicist and PR strategist, and founder of Grapevine PR, since 2006. The firm's clients include tech and consumer brands, celebrities and high-profile experts. He has secured clients wide-ranging press from sit-down interviews with Oprah, The View, The Talk, NBC Today, CNBC, and CNN, to placements in Wall Street Journal, Entrepreneur, The New York Times, TechCrunch, WIRED, Fast Company, Business Insider, Men's Journal, USA Today, People, Variety, and more. He is a frequent media personality and contributor for prominent publications, including Forbes and Rolling Stone, where he offers his expert insight on PR and entrepreneurship. He has taken home nearly two dozen awards for his firm, including "Agency of the Year" and "Campaign of the Year," on behalf of his work for clients including William Shatner, Lisa Loeb, Danny Pintauro, and many others. Le Vine is the co-author of the new PR book, Stories That F*cking Matter: Three Pillars of Epic Storytelling to Dominate Media Headlines, Win Clients and Grow Your Business. He resides in Austin, TX. About the book, Stories That F*cking Matter Three Pillars of Epic Storytelling to Dominate Media Headlines, Win Clients and Grow Your Business: A well-crafted story has the power to literally mold reality, win over hearts and change minds! The story is the most powerful tool humans have ever discovered. But what makes up a great, expertly constructed story? What’s the difference between a good story and a really f*cking great story? In this book, PR and media industry experts Steven Le Vine and Garrett McClure share their secret formula and winning playbooks from over two decades of proven success in earned, owned and paid media. This book reveals proven and effective PR & Media strategies, insider tips and growth hacks to tell a story that f*cking matters in order to cut through the noise of today’s fragmented media landscape and get seen and heard. Get an insider’s behind-the-scenes look into the world of PR, delivering proven methods and strategies along the way for entrepreneurs and experts to take media outreach into their own hands, tell a great story, make headlines, and succeed at growing their brands and businesses. www.storiesmatterbook.com https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BFQ1YJ13?ref_=pe_3052080_276849420 https://thomsinger.com/podcast/steven-levine Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is co-produced with the Austin Technology Council. ATC is a 30 year old association focused on promoting and facilitating growth of technology companies in Central Texas. Over the past three decades the business ecosystem in Austin has changed, and ATC is actively changing, too. Learn more at https://AustinTechnologyCouncil.org. Today we chat with Nad Elias, CEO at recruitAbility. His story of working in the recruiting business for nearly 25 years, and his commitment to growing his team and culture will inspire you.   About Nad Elias Nad Elias has been in the search recruitment industry for 20+ years. Recognized as one of the top 50 recruiters in Texas, he is known for working with and advising companies on their talent acquisition and retention strategies, consistently delivering on-target results, and building high-performing teams. Nad founded recruitAbility with the purpose-driven mission to make the lives of everyone they connect with better. Nad’s career has spanned all aspects of employer and people development. He’s trained, lead, and developed recruiting organizations serving various industries while always focusing on the value-added services they provide when it’s done right. His experience includes running executive searches and managing nationwide projects with companies ranging in size from start-ups to the Fortune 500. He began his career out of college in the recruiting industry, and it’s all he’s ever known. Austin is home to Nad and his family. A University of Texas graduate, he is the incoming President of the Central US Entrepreneurs Organization (EO). He has been a finalist for Austin’s best CEO’s by the Austin Business Journal for the last 2 years and has lead recruitAbility to one of Austin’s best places to work the last 4 out of 5 years. When he’s not following the active lifestyles of his two kids, Nad plays and coaches basketball and enjoys a round of golf whenever he can fit it in! About recruitAbility  recruitAbility is a tech enabled consulting firm in the recruiting industry that partners with business leaders to strategically grow their organizations. We set out to reimagine recruiting by building a process and platform that helps our clients find and retain the right people. We help our clients grow through our direct hire, contract, and managed recruiting solutions. HTTPS://thomsinger.com/podcast/recruitability  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is co-produced with the Austin Technology Council. ATC is a 30 year old association focused on promoting and facilitating growth of technology companies in Central Texas. Over the past three decades the business ecosystem in Austin has changed, and ATC is actively changing, too. Learn more at https://AustinTechnologyCouncil.org. Today we chat changes in the world of "search" with Madhu Basu from Unnanu. In this episode we talk about how the right tech brings more opportunities, and how he sees "search" as broken. About Madhu Basu   Madhu has been an Austinite for over 23 years, living in Austin metropolis. He is the CEO and Founder of Unnanu, a technology startup from Austin that helps businesses by utilizing a patented contextual weighted keyword search. Also, the founder and CEO of PMCS Services, provides IT consulting, staffing, and solutions services for over 16 years.   He also co-founded three more businesses previously. Madhu is the former President of a non-profit organization that focuses on community services and awareness within the Austin sub-continent Indian community. Madhu is married to Sheela and has two children, Charita and Praneel. About Unnanu   Unnanu technology will help get relevant information to people or businesses faster. We put forth effort to find data, media, or content in a business-driven society where people can get the advantage of services by businesses investing in society and people by creating jobs, healthy living, and support. We currently provide a simple solution for businesses to have resumes scored to be able to find the best candidate and a complete hiring platform with an integrated JobBoard, ATS, and OnBoard solution. We built a disruptive technology to bring highly qualified individuals to companies, and we want to make their hiring process seamless, effective, and efficient. Unnanu offers users a plethora of highly useful features like in-app messaging, offers, referrals, an on-boarding process, and even the ability to conduct interviews right within the app. Also, the ability to compare new opportunities and offers side by side so that you can make your next career move with confidence.  Our approach is seamless, effective, and simple. It is much faster than traditional job boards and job sites. Unnanu is headquartered in Austin, Texas, with more offices to be open in the near future. https://thomsinger.com/podcast/Madhu-Basu Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thom sits down to talk about why companies should offer employee benefits with the President of Excel Benefits, Michael Bigley. Companies with less than 50 employees do not necessarily need to offer benefits, but for many this is a great retention and recruiting tool. Even if they seem "expensive", many companies find that the right package is worth the investment. About Michael Bigley Michael Bigley has lived in San Antonio, Texas most of his life, except when he attended Texas State University, where he graduated in 1979 with a B.A. in Business. In 1984, he entered the Life Insurance Business with Mass Mutual.  In 1998, he earned the prestigious Certified Life Underwriter (CLU) designation from the American College,  a non-profit, industry accredited, degree-granting institution.  Only 5% of professionals in his field has obtained this title.    Mike founded Excel Benefits Inc. in 1991, with the goal of assisting businesses of all sizes navigate the ever-changing costs and processes of benefits implementation and offer a fully educated staff for benefits advisory and servicing. Mike is truly a seasoned veteran and one of the most knowledgeable employee benefits consultants in the industry today.   In 2016, Mitchell, Mike’s oldest son joined the company as the Operations Manager after obtaining his Biology degree from UTSA. Then, in 2019, Mike’s middle son, Drake joined the Company as Benefits Advisor and was promoted to Sales Manager in 2022, rounding out a successful family business to serve businesses for another generation. https://thomsinger.com/podcast/excel-benefits Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former Nintendo of America President and COO Reggie Fils-Aime joins the conversation on “Making Waves at C-Level”. Award-winning innovator and disrupter, Reggie Fils-Aimé has been revered by business leaders and gaming fans alike for helping to bring some of Nintendo’s greatest successes– the Nintendo DS, the Wii, the Nintendo 3DS, Wii U, and the Nintendo Switch – to the global marketplace.  In his bestselling book, DISRUPTING THE GAME: From the Bronx to the Top of Nintendo, Fils-Aimé shares his story of grit and determination for the first time—from his humble beginnings in the Bronx as the son of Haitian immigrants, to the top of Nintendo as one of the most powerful names in the gaming industry—and the first American and African American president and chief operating officer for the company.  Immortalized for opening Nintendo’s 2004 E3 presentation with, “My name is Reggie, I'm about kicking ass. I'm about taking names, and we're about making games,” Fils-Aimé is a veteran at transforming companies, revitalizing brands, and reshaping industries.  Here he outlines the leadership lessons he learned over the course of his career from his time working with iconic brands at P&G, like PepsiCo/Pizza Hut, Guinness Import Company and television entertainment with VH1 to his tenure at Nintendo. He helps readers leverage disruptive thinking to pinpoint the life choices that will make them truly happy, conquer negative perceptions from those who underestimate or outright dismiss them, and master the grit, perseverance, and resilience it takes to dominate in the business world.    ABOUT Reggie Fils-Aime Reggie Fils-Aimé is an award-winning innovator and disrupter who has helped bring the Nintendo DS, the Wii, the Nintendo 3DS, Wii U and the Nintendo Switch to the global marketplace. He joined Nintendo of America Inc. in December 2003 as Executive Vice President of Sales & Marketing. In May 2006, he was promoted to President and Chief Operating Officer. He was inducted into the International Videogame Hall of Fame in October 2019 and received the annual Legend Award from the New York Videogame Critics Circle in January 2020.  Prior to joining Nintendo, Fils-Aimé was Senior Vice President of Marketing at VH1. During his tenure at VH1, he engineered the channel’s redirection to young viewers that resulted in an overall 30 percent ratings growth, and he created and executed the marketing plans for The Concert for New York City, which raised more than $35 million for disaster relief in the wake of the Sept 11, 2001 attacks.  Fils-Aimé graduated with distinction from Cornell’s Dyson Undergraduate Business School in 1983 which launched a 35+ year career as an operating executive spanning the consumer-packaged goods, restaurant, beverage, and media/entertainment industries. Since retiring, he has focused his energy on developing the next generation of business leaders. In August 2019, he was named the inaugural Cornell University’s Dyson Leader in Residence for the 2019-2020 academic year. He also founded Brentwood Growth Partners to help emerging companies scale and enable leaders to create world-class cultures. HTTPS://thomsinger.com/podcast/disrupting-the-game  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is co-produced with the Austin Technology Council. ATC is a 30 year old association focused on promoting and facilitating growth of technology companies in Central Texas. Over the past three decades the business ecosystem in Austin has changed, and ATC is actively changing, too. Learn more at https://AustinTechnologyCouncil.org. Michael Ward Jr from the Austin Urban Technology Movement joins the conversation on the "Making Waves at C-Level" podcast to take about how to train new employees with internships and apprenticeships. Tech companies need great employees, and many skip training and growing talent and just poach from their neighbors. But this episode will dive deep into other ways to build your community of engaged employees. About Michael Ward Jr. Michael Ward Jr. is a social entrepreneur who focuses on STEAM, workforce development, and economic empowerment. Originally from Miami, FL, Michael began his career at Oracle in enterprise sales, focusing on cloud and on-premise technology. During this time, Michael also led Oracle’s Black employee resource group to increase the recruitment, engagement, and upward mobility of Oracle’s Black employees. After Oracle, Michael spent some time at ADP and Primal7 where he gained a better understanding of human capital management and Austin’s startup ecosystem. Currently, Michael leads Austin Urban Technology Movement (AUTMHQ) as President and CEO. He is also the Co-Founder of TwoWards Solutions, Co-Hosts Culture Crawl ATX, and sits on the following boards throughout Central Texas: Greater Austin STEM Ecosystem, the University of Texas at Austin Cockrell School of Engineering, and the Texas Science and Engineering Fair. Michael is also a community partner of the IT Caucus of the Texas House. Before starting his tech career and entrepreneurship journey, Michael earned a degree in International Relations at Miami Dade College and two degrees in Political Science and Global Studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Michael is also a father, husband, Miami Heat fan, Tar Heel alum, and enjoys good food made with love! https://thomsinger.com/podcast/Austin-Urban-Technology-Movement Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is co-produced with the Austin Technology Council. ATC is a 30 year old association focused on promoting and facilitating growth of technology companies in Central Texas. Over the past three decades the business ecosystem in Austin has changed, and ATC is actively changing, too. Learn more at https://AustinTechnologyCouncil.org. Today we chat about Behavioral Health with Ray Wolf and Brain Tucker from Televero Health. They are rewriting the way people get access to behavioral health by providing better access to the care people need. About Televero Health Televero Health provides Virtual Behavioral Health services across Texas, including psychiatry, therapy, and counseling for moderate and acute patients. Our mission is to improve the lives of individuals needing care and our community’s safety. Televero breaks through the behavioral health access paradigm by offering access to licensed clinicians within seven days of the referral and accepting insurance. We operate an evidence-based integrated care model, partnering with Primary Care Physicians to deliver "whole patient" care to improve outcomes. Televero has a goal of screening 10 Million Texans for suicide and violence by 2025.   About Ray Wolf As the Chief Information Officer, Ray leads the development and execution of the growth and operational strategies for Televero Health, from human capital to financial.   Ray brings three decades of global business experience across various industries and growth stages—from start-up to established enterprise – through inverting the healthcare inflation curve, designing patentable Mach 2+ jet engines, and developing space defense systems.   Ray's healthcare experience ranges from reducing Kaiser Permanente's operating cost by 20%, receiving the Apple Healthcare award for creating the first HIPAA-compliant mobile communication for physicians, transforming Essence Health into a cloud-based enterprise, and increasing clinical technology adoption from 15% to more than 85%, and inverting the healthcare inflation curve through an innovative gain sharing managed care model at Redirect Health, reducing the cost of self-funded company healthcare costs by 25%.     About Brian Tucker As Chief Digital Officer, Brian Tucker is the "transformer in chief," charged with leveraging technology to create unmatched, easy, frictionless client, patient, and provider experiences. Brian brings over two decades of strategic cross-business transformation, process innovation, and delivering profitable business and customer outcomes through technology solutions. https://thomsinger.com/podcast/televero-health Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is co-produced with the Austin Technology Council. ATC is a 30 year old association focused on promoting and facilitating growth of technology companies in Central Texas. Over the past three decades the business ecosystem in Austin has changed, and ATC is actively changing, too. Learn more at https://AustinTechnologyCouncil.org. Connecting with your constituents (internally and externally) and understanding your message is important for companies of all sizes. Technology companies need to pay attention to their messaging, think about communication with employees (do not let them learn about your company events in the media), and to position their brands for long term success.   This episode is an important conversation with Kathleen Lucente from Red Fan Communications. She is a C-Suite Whisperer to high tech B to B companies, and has a team of experts that kicks butt in assisting clients with their internal and external messaging, investor relations, and crisis communications.   She also shares what makes Austin, Texas a vibrant place for tech companies and how her firms helps local organizations.   About Kathleen Lucente Kathleen Lucente moved to Austin just as the city began its meteoric rise as a hotbed for tech startups and investment. Before she adopted the lone star state as home, she built an award-winning career working domestically and internationally for IBM, JPMorgan, Ketchum Worldwide, and other global brands and agencies. With solid experience in the evolution of communications within the tech industry, first as a journalist, then as a PR professional, Kathleen realized she was ready to build her own team to deliver superior integrated marketing and communications services to B2B tech companies. Since the start of Red Fan Communications almost 15 years ago, she has helped countless companies of all stages clarify their purpose, tell their unique stories, differentiate from their competitors and establish lasting relationships with clients and customers. The Red Fan team is built of experts with the same tenacity in which Kathleen approaches her work and weaves it into everything she does.  Kathleen serves on several boards—including Austin Gives, PelotonU and the ABC Kite Fest—and donates much of her and her staff’s time to local nonprofits that have a tangible impact throughout the community, including the Corporate Engagement Council for the Austin mayor’s office and the Mike & Sherry Project, an Austin-based organization providing mental health support to local bar and restaurant workers. You can also catch Kathleen as a regulator contributor to the Forbes Agency Council, covering critical communications topics like crisis management, brand positioning, thought leadership, corporate communications and the fundamentals of great brand storytelling. In addition, she’s been a guest speaker on influential podcasts, at accelerators, and communications and business schools, including the Wharton School, the University of Texas at Austin, the Confident Communications podcast, and the MassChallenge startup accelerator, where she serves as a mentor. https://thomsinger.com/podcast/kathleen-lucente Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode we go deep on how to you bounce back. Brain Wagner helps people see things they have never seen before. He went blind 12 years ago and now sees more than he ever has before. Brian is a speaker and works with the Ohio State School for the Blind.  He believes all of us can do more than we ever thought we could, and this episode will make you think deeper about how to bounce back when you face something difficult.  About Brian Wagner Embrace your own personal blindness to drive better performance. That's what Brian Wagner has done through BounceBack Leadership. He is the founder and CEO of "A Radical Vision." His mission is to help people embrace their own personal blindness to achieve a greater focus and drive better performance. Brian has worked with boards and organizations to clear the path for growth.  On March 4 of 2011 he woke up on the couch and wasn't able to see. For the next six months, he was blind. Only brain surgery and multiple eye surgeries have allowed a portion of his vision to return. Since then, Brian Wagner has become an author of the semi-autobiography book "Sometimes It DOES Take a Brain Surgeon".  Brian is a Past-President for the National Speakers’ Association, Ohio Chapter. https://thomsinger.com/podcast/brain-wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is co-produced with the Austin Technology Council. ATC is a 30 year old association focused on promoting and facilitating growth of technology companies in Central Texas. Over the past three decades the business ecosystem in Austin has changed, and ATC is actively changing, too.  Learn more at https://AustinTechnologyCouncil.org. This episode is a great conversation about change, the rate of change, and the power of Community. Rebecca (Becky) Taylor has been an active software engineer, entrepreneur, community activist, and advisor for over three decades in the Austin community and beyond. She was an early member of the Austin Technology Council (originally called the Austin Software Council) and remains active working with the Austin Technology Incubator - the oldest continuous tech incubator in the United States.   Check out this episode and be inspired.  About Becky Taylor Rebecca (Becky) Taylor is Executive-In-Residence at the Austin Technology Incubator, and Industry Fellow at UT-Austin’s Ethics Project. Ms. Taylor is a senior level executive with 35 years’ experience inventing new technologies, forming startups, building committed teams and raising funds. She has led advanced development and strategy efforts at organizations from very small start-up companies to large multinationals including the launch team at Shell Technology Ventures, and senior advisory roles at the U.S. Department of State. She has executed and advised on monetization involving licensing, venture capital investing, sales negotiations, expanded market opportuni5es. An inventor and multiple patent holder, she created technology that among other things, makes your phone smarter. She served as an Entrepreneur-In-Residence at the University of Texas at Austin in 2009, advising the University on commercialization alternatives for promising research. Ms Taylor has advised dozens of startups in the course of her professional career, helping them with funding strategies, technology planning, and negotiations. She is a mentor and very much enjoys presenting to diverse audiences, large and small. She has had a lifelong commitment of raising money and awareness for important community needs. Becky Taylor is a Senior Member of the Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and serves Vice Chair of the IEEE-USA Government Relations Committee. She holds a BS in Computer Science from Iowa State University and a Master of Public Affairs from the University of Texas’ LBJ School of Public Policy. She is certified as a Winemaker by the University of California – Davis. She holds a Series 79 FINRA designation and is affiliated with a NYC-area boutique early stage investment bank. Her board service has included board and advisory roles with multiple startups, election as a director of TruWest Credit Union ($750 MM assets), service on Austin Community College’s Foundation Board and service for other non-profit organizations in the Austin area. A resident of Austin for 40 years, she has fun with family – her son, lovely daughter-in-law, adorable granddaughter, happy dogs, and is traveling as often as possible. www.thomsinger.com/podcast/becky-taylor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is co-produced with the Austin Technology Council. ATC is a 30 year old association focused on promoting and facilitating growth of technology companies in Central Texas. Over the past three decades the business ecosystem in Austin has changed, and ATC is actively changing, too.  Learn more at https://AustinTechnologyCouncil.org. Min Choe and Angell Tsang sit down to talk about their unique company, Tso Chinese Delivery. Many would not expect a delivery and carry-out quick service restaurant to also be a leading technology company. But in Austin, Texas you find unique tech pioneer in many forms. This interview is both inspiring and informative.  If you have never heard of Tso Chinese Delivery, you will. They are on their way to being the leading provider of great food to your door anywhere in the world....and they do it with proprietary technology.  About Tso Chinese Delivery Tso Chinese Delivery is a delivery and carryout-only, quick service restaurant concept in Austin, TX. Offering free delivery and a no tipping policy, Tso offers one of the best, value-driven delivery services of fresh Chinese food, anywhere. Tso offers its transparent pricing model by offering free delivery and a strict no-tipping policy. Tso is able to execute this service by utilizing a virtual kitchen platform which focuses on online ordering -- no app necessary -- with the ability to track order progress on one’s computer or mobile phone. Since launching in Central Austin in 2017, they have since opened a second location in Fall 2019 in North Austin and followed up with a third location in South Austin in November 2021, with a Round Rock location in the pipeline for late 2022. Tso proudly serves high-quality, affordable Chinese-American food. Culinary direction comes from Jenna Choe, Chief Culinary Officer, who has created a menu of classic Chinese-American dishes made with the freshest ingredients possible. Everything is made to order in Tso’s kitchen and vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are readily available. Tso offers appetizers like real crab rangoons, potstickers, vegetarian spring rolls, and Szechuan dry green beans as well as a selection of soups like hot & sour soup and egg drop soup. About Min Choe Min Choe is the Chief Executive Officer, Chairman of the Board, and Co-Founder at Tso Chinese Delivery, a delivery and carryout only restaurant concept in Austin, TX. Tso offers free delivery and has a no tipping policy for fresh, high-quality yet affordable, Chinese-American food. After the success of the first Tso location in Central Austin, the second Tso opened in fall of 2019 in North Austin. Min’s primary role at Tso is to provide vision and direction for Tso to one day become America’s #1 choice for Chinese food delivery. He leads the team by establishing core values that are centered on providing a benefit to the communities and employees they serve, while also building a company focused on growth and profitability. About Angell Tsang Angell Tsang is the Chief Technology Officer and Co-Founder at Tso Chinese Delivery, a delivery and carryout only restaurant concept in Austin, TX. Tso offers free delivery and a no tipping policy for fresh, high-quality yet affordable, Chinese-American food. After the huge success of the first Tso location, the second Tso opened in fall of 2019 in North Austin. Angell helped develop the cloud based kitchen platform on which Tso functions. Https://www.thomsinger.com/podcast/tso-chinese-delivery Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices