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The Big Con Podcast

by Dale Leszczynski

📕Show Menu - https://bit.ly/bcpshowmenu The Big Con Podcast: Emily and Dale are bringing you in on the Con. Strategy doesn't have to be something only those who master PowerPoint can do; we're making it approachable to everyone! The Big Con podcast is dedicated to demystifying and simplifying the world of strategy, exploring the businesses and individuals who've either harnessed it for success or missed the mark. Subscribe and follow today to get all new episodes in your feed immediately.

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Episodes

  1. Big Con Podcast Strategy Masterclass

    In this landmark final episode, hosts Dale and Emily distill two years and 50 episodes worth of business strategy insights into actionable frameworks and lessons. From blue oceans to corporate karma, this masterclass serves as both a series finale and an entry point for new listeners wanting to...

  2. 🔥 When Communities Turn Against You: The Dark Side of Building Business Communities

    Is "build a community" the most dangerous business advice you've ever received? In this eye-opening episode, we dive into how your carefully cultivated community could become your biggest nightmare. Through cautionary tales of Etsy's identity crisis, Tumblr's spectacular self-destruction, and...

  3. Brain Chemistry & Bottom Lines: The ROI of Neurodiversity

    From workplace stigma to corporate innovation - dive into the real talk about neurodiversity at work. When a major luxury retailer's neurodivergent discrimination case hits the headlines, we unpack the bigger picture: why embracing neurodivergent talent isn't just good ethics, it's smart…

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  4. Nintendo V Playstation V Xbox 🎮 The Console Wars: Inside Gaming's $260 Billion Battle

    Step into the epic three-way battle for gaming dominance as we explore how Nintendo, Sony PlayStation, and Microsoft Xbox have carved out unique strategies in the $260 billion gaming industry. From Nintendo's "Blue Ocean" innovation-first approach to Sony's premium experiences and Microsoft's...

  5. 23andMe // The DNA Heist of the Century

    Unravel the double helix of 23andMe's rollercoaster journey from Silicon Valley darling to Wall Street wallflower. This episode decodes the DNA of a company that turned saliva into gold... and then watched it evaporate faster than you can say "genome sequencing." 🧪 From $1000 kits to $99 spit...

  6. Britney Spears and MKBHD // Oops!... She Did It Again: Britney's Restaurant Flop (feat. MKBHD's App Mishap)

    Hit us baby one more time with a juicy business blunder! This week, we're serving up a double whammy of celebrity missteps. First course: the pop princess's less-than-toxic foray into the restaurant biz. Britney Spears: Queen of the charts, not so much the kitchen. For dessert: a fresh slice of...

  7. Temu // Unmasking the Addictive E-commerce Empire

    🛒 Dive into the world of Temu, the e-commerce sensation that's got everyone clicking "Add to Cart" faster than you can say "free shipping"!Episode Highlights: 🎰 ADHD Consumerism: Discover how Temu turns shopping into a dopamine-fueled casino experience 🐔 Chicken Helmets & Beyond: Explore the...

  8. Segway // The invention that killed its owner

    From the heights of being touted as "bigger than the internet" to becoming a punchline in popular culture, the Segway's journey is a fascinating case study in innovation, hype, and the importance of understanding your market. Join Dale and Emily as they dive into the rollercoaster ride of the...

  9. Google // How the giants fall. The search engines slippery slope to irrelevance.

    Is the world's favorite search engine losing its way? Dive into the digital drama as we dissect Google's journey from garage startup to tech titan. We'll explore: The rise of the data-hungry behemoth Why Google might be its own worst enemy The AI race: How did the front-runner fall behind? Search...

  10. Ashley Madison// Digital Discretion Disaster: Chaos at the cheating factory

    The Big Con" tackles the scandalous world of Ashley Madison, the dating site that shook the internet. Join hosts Dale and Emily as they unpack the business strategies behind the infamous "Life is short. Have an affair" empire.🔍 Key points: The rise of Ashley Madison and its controversial…

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  11. Marvel Comics // The Infinity Saga of Success

    In this episode of The Big Con, hosts Emily and Dale explore the fascinating world of Marvel Comics, examining its storied history and the strategic lessons that can be gleaned from its journey. From its humble beginnings in 1939 to becoming a cultural powerhouse, Marvel has faced numerous...

  12. Elon Musk VS OpenAI - Lesson's learned from a spicy season!

    Season 3 comes to a close in this insightful episode of "The Big Con Podcast," as we look back on the updates coming thick and fast from our tales of strategy successes and fails. We are tackling the nuances of industry feuds, lawsuits, and the ever-evolving landscape of corporate strategies, all...

  13. Apple Vision Pro // Apple's pro vision - lessons from the Apple playbook that anyone can steal

    In the latest episode of The Big Con, Emily and Dale are looking to the revolutionary Apple Vision Pro. Embarking on a journey to unravel the intricacies of Apple's latest innovation, discussing its potential to redefine the tech landscape. The Apple approach to product is a historical success so...

  14. Kylie's Cosmetics // Forbes Vs Jenner's the billion dollar question

    Kylie Cosmetics is a household name, almost as much as the Kardashians/Jenners. However, Forbes and Kylie are in some heated disagreement regarding valuation discrepancies. The episode narrates Kylie's venture into the cosmetics industry, leveraging her brand and the viral attention around her…

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  15. NVIDIA // Unveiling Nvidia's Masterstroke - From Gaming to AI Dominance

    From the Brink of Obscurity to a $1.7 Trillion Valuation: Nvidia's Unbelievable Journey - Dive into this episode of "The Big Con Podcast" as we peel back the layers of Nvidia's meteoric rise. Discover how a company known for its video game chips turned strategic pivots into an empire within the...

  16. Act of Treason // The Australia v Mexican Tequila fight!

    The episode explores the intriguing story of "Act of Treason," an Australian-based alcohol company who have t aken a spicey approach to marketing, venturing into the agave spirits market, challenging traditional tequila norms. Emily and Dale are delving into the complexities of agave spirit...

  17. Shopify // Strategic Triumph and E-commerce Innovation ..and Moats

    In this episode, we explore Shopify's remarkable journey from its inception to becoming a powerhouse in e-commerce, boasting a market cap explosion to roughly $200 billion.The Big Con Podcast dives into Shopify's strategic maneuvers and what makes up its moat (all the things that make this...

  18. 40:40 Vision: DEI and more of the pie.

    Hesta's 40:40 vision. More diversity, more awareness and more transparency. Sounds great, right? But sometimes quotas, KPIs and metrics get in the way of a conversation. DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) is a hot topic at the moment, and rightly so; the Big Con is doing its part and discussing…

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  19. What do you do when someone copies your business? The Air BnB Horror Story

    Imagine you're running the best business ever, so good, that someone else makes a perfect copy. Down to the last pixel on your website? The Big Con is heading back to Air BnB because they found themselves in this exact scenario. Did they live to fight another day (well, yes, but how is where the...

  20. Optus // Navigating Chaos, Killer Sharks and Saying Sorry.

    Episode Summary: This episode with hosts Emily Kay and Dale delves into the chaotic Optus outage of November 8, 2023, in Australia. Taking down emergency services, businesses and train lines - we look at the response and why it lead to a very public firing! Outage Overview: An in-depth look at…

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  21. Netflix // Streaming Kills the Video Star: How the streaming giant is contributing to the destruction of Hollywood!

    Overview: The Big Con Podcast is taking the strategic microscope to Netflix, and their journey from a DVD rental service to a streaming giant and its seismic impact on Hollywood. Deep analysis of the "Netflix Effect," reshaping TV shows and altering traditional media consumption. Highlights:...

  22. Beyond the Mission: Do you have to be good. 😈 If you're doing good? 🚀

    The Big Con spotlight shines on Home First, a Bay Area nonprofit grappling with the balance between its noble mission to fight homelessness and internal allegations of racial discrimination. We delve into how nonprofits like Home First can navigate the delicate dance of aligning their internal...

  23. X: Killing two birds with one stone. Also, one of those Birds cost $44 Billion

    Have you ever wondered how quickly you can destroy 25 billion dollars in less than 365 days? The Con is embarking on Elon Musk's enigmatic journey with Twitter; our episode navigates the seismic shift from the familiar microblogging giant to the cryptic 'X.' Musk's audacious $44 billion…

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  24. The Airbnb Blueprint: Air Mattresses, Cereal Boxes and Wall Street!

    Ever wondered how AirBnB came about? The Y Combinator Success Story, had its humble origins from selling mattresses to a conference, and even had a whirl at selling cereal just to keep the lights on. The design powerhouse and short stay accomodation darling went through a rocky 2020 but came out...

  25. The Explosion of OpenAI - The Silicon Valley Soap Opera and most exciting tale of 2023!

    🚀 Get ready for a wild ride on The Big Con Podcast! In this episode, witness the epic saga of Sam Altman's rollercoaster journey at OpenAI – fired, rehired, and everything in between. From boardroom drama to tech nerd speculation, it's a tale of twists, turns, and white hearts on social media....

  26. Leadership in a Crisis: Genghis Khan, he isn't a modern day manager role model

    Step into the tumultuous year of 2020 as we unravel the contrasting leadership styles of Jacinda Ardern and Boris Johnson during the global crisis. In this episode, we examine how Ardern's decisive actions in New Zealand led to one of the lowest COVID-19 death rates, while Johnson's controversial...

  27. Cyborgs and Centaurs: Unleashing the Power of ChatGPT and the Strategic Divide

    In our latest episode, the Con is diving into the AI revolution of 2023 and how it's changing the game for knowledge workers. Remember the release of ChatGPT by OpenAI? It's like your super-smart computer friend, always ready for a chat or to help with tasks. But it's way more than just...

  28. Nike and Budweiser: Navigating allyship and strategy

    The Big Con is diving into complex issues! This episode looks at Branding, culture, and diversity, examining the stories of corporate giants Bud Light and Nike as they navigate sponsorship with trans activist and internet sensation Dylan Mulvaney. Bud Light, a beer powerhouse, faces a turbulent...

  29. Dale finishes strategy, why Compliance is Crap and the Calombaris redemption arch.

    Season 2 Wrap-Up🎙️ HELLO, Business Enthusiasts and Strategy Nerds! Dale and Emily are here with your regular roundup of business insights sprinkled with a hint of humour. This lesson's learned Episode Features: 🚀 There are only a few types of strategy, trust me ;) 📉 Lessons from the Season:...

  30. The not so Essential Phone: The DOA iPhone Killer.

    Get ready for an intriguing exploration of ambition, innovation, and controversy on the penultimate episode of season 2 of "The Big Con" podcast. Join Emily and Dale as they scrutinise the colossal failure of Essential Products, the brainchild of Android inventor, Andy Rubin. Journey behind the...

  31. The ABCs of Debt fuelled growth

    In this episode, you will be able to: Uncover the reasons behind the unexpected crash of ABC Learning. Understand the delicate balance between aggressive expansion and sustainable business growth. Navigate the murky waters of ethical dilemmas within the childcare industry. Discover why...

  32. George Calombaris: Food for thought on underpayment scandal

    In this episode, we delve into the captivating journey of George Calombaris, a Greek culinary icon and MasterChef Australia judge. From being an ambitious son of migrants to becoming an international celebrity chef and building a restaurant empire, George's story is not short of triumph and...

  33. Juggling Trust & Taxes: The PWC Tax Scandal

    Join us as we dive into the PwC tax scandal, where insider knowledge meets gross breach of trust. We explore how PwC's involvement in shaping Australia's tax laws led to a circus of juggling interests, falling heads, and new lessons. Stay tuned for a real-life spectacle and a case of being...

  34. What happened to Myspace: From Top 8 to not so great.

    On this week's episode, we're taking a nostalgic trip down memory lane to the era of MySpace! Before Zuckerberg, Spotify, and smartphones, we were coding profile pages and curating the perfect friend's list. Learn about its rise and fall, the marketing tactics that went wrong, and how it changed...

  35. Wirecard // Dot Com Darling to Fintech Disgrace - Espionage and Unicorns!

    This episode is not for the faint of heart we are spinning the tale of Wirecard, the German fintech darling turned scandal central. Expect tech wunderkinds, risky markets, accounting trickery, and a dash of journalist intimidation. Remember, unicorns aren't always what they seem - sometimes…

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  36. Weight Watchers // Rebrand mistake that almost destroyed the company

    Once a household name that once dominated the wellness industry but ultimately struggled to adapt to changing societal attitudes. From its humble origins and the impact of its points system to the decision to rebrand as WW, we'll delve into the factors that contributed to the company's downfall....

  37. F45: Can Mark Wahlberg save this Fair Dinkum Fitness Favourite?

    We're back for season 2! Everybody knows someone and their aunty who has partaken in the F45 Fitness Craze. But much like a sprinter who forgot to warm up or a bodybuilder who forgot their protein shake, F45 is in trouble! Join us as we dive into the captivating story of F45, the innovative…

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  38. Lessons Learned: Em's apology to marketers, Gubernors and the importance of doing the right thing

    Join us as we wrap up Season 1 and discuss critical takeaways, updates, and lessons learned from the fascinating stories we've covered this season. From Volkswagon's grand fall, the Lego Universe, to the return of Ed Hardy, we've got plenty of exciting updates to share. Plus, we touch on the...

  39. Big Review TV: The Big Con Origins

    What can be said about Big Review TV that hasn't already been summed up by the Australian Financial Review's article titled "The story behind Australia's worst accounting scandal?" Well turns out plenty! Join Emily and Dale for a special Big Con Origins Episode as we take Disco Lab's Victoria…

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  40. Volkswagen: how a toxic work culture led to the ‘Dieselgate’ emissions scandal

    What led to a multi-billion dollar company lying to government bodies, your staff being jailed and putting people's lives at risk? We dive into the Volkswagen emissions scandal, environmental crimes, cheating scandals, and doubling down instead of admitting defeat. The scandal raises questions...

  41. Lego Pt 2: Why creating a universe is so hard!

    Lego, the toy company that had recently bounced back from near bankruptcy, had set its sights on innovation. Their target: massively multiplayer online (MMO) video games. Despite their previous failures in the video game industry, Lego was determined to make a digital version of their iconic…

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  42. Lego Pt 1: The end of the brick

    It's hard to imagine a world without Lego - the colourful, interlocking bricks that have captured the hearts and imaginations of children and adults alike for generations. But did you know this beloved toy almost didn't exist as we know it today? In the latest episode of the Big Con Podcast, we...

  43. Ebay and Skype: Finding your perfect match in 4 easy steps!

    Remember when Ebay owned Skype? We do! In this riveting podcast episode, we delve into the world of mergers and acquisitions (M&As) and uncover a shocking truth: many deals end up worse for the outcome. Emily and Dale will provide a compelling case study of eBay's acquisition of Skype, a $2.6...

  44. Quibi: The $1.75 Billion Streaming Platform you've probably never heard of

    This episode looks at Quibi, the "quick bites" mobile-only streaming service that no one had ever heard of, except for maybe the 175 celebrities who starred in its content. A Star-studded lineup of original content? Check. Big-name investors? Check. A marketing strategy that perhaps didn't make...

  45. Young Living: Why you would choose MLM as your preferred business model. No…really, why?

    We discuss the rise of Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) companies, specifically focusing on the wellness industry and essential oils. The essential oils industry is currently valued at US$ 19.7 billion as of 2021, making it a popular target for MLM companies. We explore the recruitment process of MLM...

  46. Dreamer Candle Co: Gone Viral - A tik toking time bomb

    We discuss the story of Jarnah and her candle company, Dreamer Candle Co. Jarnah, a student and entrepreneur, started making and selling high-quality, affordable candles online during lockdown and turned to TikTok to reach customers. The platform's algorithm can push a video to go viral overnight...

  47. Ed Hardy Fashion: Not so fast fashion - The Ed Hardy Brand Story

    Get ready for a wild ride through the late 2000s a time of the Global Financial Crisis, Bitcoins, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe (aka the good old days) And what better way to kick off this time machine than with the story of the Ed Hardy Fashion brand, one of the few brands of clothing to be...

  48. The Big Con Podcast Trailer

    Welcome to The Big Con, the podcast where we dive into the wild world of business blunders and figure out where things went wrong (or right, but let's be real, mostly wrong) and use the benefit of hindsight and a healthy dose of schadenfreude to look at where there was an impact on either their...

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

📕Show Menu - https://bit.ly/bcpshowmenu

The Big Con Podcast: Emily and Dale are bringing you in on the Con. Strategy doesn't have to be something only those who master PowerPoint can do; we're making it approachable to everyone! The Big Con podcast is dedicated to demystifying and simplifying the world of strategy, exploring the businesses and individuals who've either harnessed it for success or missed the mark. Subscribe and follow today to get all new episodes in your feed immediately.

HOSTED BY

Dale Leszczynski

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does The Big Con Podcast have?

The Big Con Podcast currently has 48 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is The Big Con Podcast about?

📕Show Menu - https://bit.ly/bcpshowmenu The Big Con Podcast: Emily and Dale are bringing you in on the Con. Strategy doesn't have to be something only those who master PowerPoint can do; we're making it approachable to everyone! The Big Con podcast is dedicated to demystifying and simplifying the...

How often does The Big Con Podcast release new episodes?

The Big Con Podcast has 48 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to The Big Con Podcast?

You can listen to The Big Con Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts The Big Con Podcast?

The Big Con Podcast is created and hosted by Dale Leszczynski.
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