The Menlo Experience

In this episode of The Menlo Experience, we talk through how quickly AI is advancing and why businesses, policymakers, and even the technology itself are struggling to keep up. We get into cybersecurity risks, hidden system vulnerabilities, and what ideas like “harvest now, decrypt later” could mean in the near future. We also spend time on what business owners should actually be doing right now, why going with the cheapest IT option can create bigger problems, and how AI is starting to reshape everyday work. Along the way, we share real-world tech stories and why adaptability and people skills matter more than ever.

AI is accelerating faster than most expected. Three years after ChatGPT, we are only starting to understand how deeply it will impact business, talent, and the market.In this episode, we talk through how companies are reacting, what job displacement really looks like, and why history shows that early hype does not always decide the winners. The next wave of major players may not even exist yet.We also dive into market hesitation, staying grounded in fundamentals, and why this might be the moment to move while others slow down. From AI to the NFL and the global attention economy, this conversation is about adapting, breaking through the noise, and building real connection in a culture fighting for attention.

Happy Holidays from The Menlo Experience! 🎄🎁 In this episode of The Menlo Experience, Brad and Kyle reflect on the end of the year as it comes to a close. The conversation begins with Spotify Wrapped and a broader look at data—how much is being collected, the convenience it creates, and whether we’re always aware of it in real time.From there, the focus shifts to annual planning and what makes the process effective. Brad and Kyle talk about building the right team, addressing hard topics together, and using data to focus on real issues. They share why systems like EOS matter, the importance of committing to goals on paper, and how stepping away from the day-to-day creates room for creativity.As the year comes together, they reflect on changes made throughout 2025, the pride that comes with progress, and the persistence required to keep moving forward. The episode closes with a look ahead to 2026 and the momentum already in place.

Brad and Kyle explore what it takes to stay grounded when things don’t go as planned — when people lose faith, confidence wavers, and setbacks hit hard. From finding perspective through reflection and time away, to leaning on discipline and balance, they share how tough moments can become opportunities for growth. It’s a conversation about resilience, self-awareness, and the mindset to keep moving forward.

In this episode, Brad and Kyle dive into the Kansas City Chiefs’ journey to the Super Bowl, inspired by the documentary The Kingdom. From Lamar Hunt’s 50-year pursuit of a championship to Andy Reid’s relentless work ethic, they draw parallels between building a winning football team and running a business.Drawing parallels to Brad's journey at Menlo, he shares early setbacks in building software, the determination required to create something entirely new, and the values that continue to shape the company. With a focus on hard work, pushing to dominate, and a spirit of “getafteritness,” the discussion highlights what it really takes to build championship-level performance in both business and life.

In this episode, we explore what it really means to stay the course when things get messy. From navigating uncertainty to planning for chaos, we unpack why people are so quick to hit the eject button and how resisting that urge can unlock real growth. We explore how to define what “winning” looks like before the busy back-to-school rush, how to grow together as a team, and how to bring your best every single day. It’s about building trust, leaning into uncertainty, and creating moments that leave customers feeling truly cared for.

In this episode of The Menlo Experience, we dive into the reality that nothing in business or leadership is ever perfect. As the busy season starts, we talk about how to keep our teams grounded, flexible, and ready for the curveballs that always come our way. From staying calm under pressure to trusting that we’ve crushed it before (and will again), we unpack what it really means to lead through stress, let go of perfection, and keep momentum rolling. Whether you’re an idealist or a realist, this conversation will remind you that progress beats perfection every time.

New year, new mindset. In this episode, we’re locking in for 2025 with the focus and discipline of high achievers—outworking the competition, adapting to challenges, and staying locked in on what truly matters. We break down how to block out the noise, keep your goals front and center, and push just a little longer when others stop. From pivoting on a dime to skating where you're going, this episode is all about embracing the mindset of high achievers and leveling up for the year ahead.

Happy Holidays from The Menlo Experience! 🎄🎁 It wouldn’t be a holiday episode without Mariah Carey’s classic All I Want for Christmas Is You, so we kick things off with some bloopers as Brad and Kyle give it their best shot! It’s the perfect way to set the tone for our holiday party recap, where we celebrate the year’s highlights and reflect on how we came together to close out 2024 on a high note. Next, we dive into the theme for 2025: simplicity. We discuss how cutting through complexity allows us to focus on what truly matters, build strong foundations, and make a lasting impact. From volunteering with Harvesters to preparing for SOC 2 compliance, we share how intentionality and simplicity are guiding our plans for the year ahead. Don’t miss this festive episode!

In this episode of The Menlo Experience, we reflect on gratitude—celebrating family, the Menlo team, and the moments that matter most. We tackle the challenges of stepping up when you're at capacity, the power of going the extra mile without being asked, and finding clarity amidst the noise of distractions. We also explore post-election optimism in business, lessons from the Kansas City Chiefs’ 9-1 journey, and how consistency—not perfection—builds dynasties. Tune in for insights, laughs, and a reminder to find strength and opportunity even in tough circumstances!

In this episode, we navigate what it truly means to build emotional resilience—both as a team and as a brand. From embracing a "next-up" mentality to finding strength in tough times, we talk about how every challenge shapes our character and fuels growth. A brand is so much more than a logo; it's every interaction, every customer touchpoint, and every employee’s dedication. We share how we put our values on display, adapting confidently to change, and leaning into a “sell first, solve later” approach. Whether we’re welcoming new recruits or connecting with loyal customers, our goal is to make every experience with our brand authentic, resilient, and impactful.

In this episode, we celebrate a year of the Menlo Experience and reflect on how core values have guided us. We talk about moving beyond comfort to build a winning culture, sharing leadership insights on staying authentic, and pushing your team to succeed. With the NFL season kicking off, we discuss how discipline, team bonding, and true character—especially in moments of defeat—are key to success. Join us as we dive into what it takes to grow, lead, and win in today’s world.

In this episode of the Menlo Experience, we explore the recent IT outages at CrowdStrike and Microsoft, highlighting our reliance on technology and the need for resilience. We share advice on staying calm during tech crises, managing freak-out moments, making informed decisions, and bouncing back with confidence. Tune in for practical advice and strategies to handle tech disruptions and stay resilient in the face of challenges.

Ever wondered what it really takes to go from concept to launch day? In this episode of Menlo Experience, we’re sharing the raw truth about our journey. We'll dive deep into our launch strategy, revealing the secrets behind our planning and execution. But it’s not just about the technical stuff. We’ll also give you a peek into our team dynamics and culture-building efforts. Discover how we foster a culture where every opinion is heard and it's okay to agree or disagree. If you’re curious about what it takes to launch a new product or just love a good behind-the-scenes story, this episode is for you. Tune in and get the real scoop on our SMS launch!

The unpredictable business world can be a roller coaster, but this episode of The Menlo Experience equips you to navigate it with both grit and strategy. We'll dive straight into the challenge of overcoming rejection - the inevitable "no" - and explore powerful methods to stay focused on your goals. Uncover how the team turned a lost customer opportunity into a burning passion for even sharper focus and a renewed drive. Feeling the pressure of declining employee engagement? We'll break down the Gallup's Q12 Employee Engagement Survey and provide actionable strategies to boost morale, a crucial factor in today's work environment. Discover the art of empowering your team with clear communication and candid feedback. If you're facing hiring challenges or working to build a healthy employee culture, this episode is your roadmap to overcoming the unexpected and grabbing opportunities as they arise.

In this episode, we dive deep into the strategies of champions, drawing inspiration from the back-to-back victories of the Chiefs. Exploring themes from the acclaimed book "Necessary Endings," we discuss the art of pruning in leadership which leads to increased health and growth. From the challenges of proximity versus ego, to the importance of letting go, we navigate the complexities of leadership with insights on resource allocation and the imperative to move forward. Hear stories of overcoming hurt and harm, emphasizing the power of persistence and resilience in the face of imperfection. Join us as we explore the significance of boldness and pivoting in leadership, with practical advice on leveraging outside perspectives and maintaining discipline. We reflect on the drive within organizational culture and share wisdom on making tough decisions. For high achievers seeking victory, we dive into the essence of confidence and define success in measurable terms, while celebrating every milestone along the journey. Tune in for a conversation on leadership touchpoints and the joy of celebrating wins, no matter how small

Remember when the Chiefs were the underdogs this year? This episode dives into their remarkable comeback, exploring the mental discipline that fueled their success. We go beyond the plays to uncover the "why" behind their journey: their mission, vision, and the impact they strive for. This resonates deeply with us at Menlo. As we gear up for the back-to-school rush, we're channeling the Chiefs' unwavering commitment and laser-sharp focus to raise the bar even higher. You'll also hear about Menlo's own "why", the purpose that drives our mission and motivates our team. So strap in and get ready to learn What It Takes to Be a Champion!

Welcome to Episode 6 of The Menlo Experience, where we're taking you behind the scenes of our recent annual planning trip to Las Vegas. Join us for an in-depth look at the strategic discussions and pivotal moments that unfolded during this significant event. In this episode, we're excited to share Menlo's new values for 2024. We'll break them down, giving you a clear understanding of the core principles that will shape the Menlo spirit in the coming year. As we wrap up the year, we're sending warm wishes for a fantastic holiday season to all our listeners. Happy Holidays from The Menlo Experience! 🎉🎄

We're taking a deep dive into Menlo's progress, emphasizing the significance of celebrating victories, embracing extreme ownership, and cultivating effective communication. We take a closer look at the positive changes that come from resetting our culture, envisioning a clear direction, and collaborating as a team to achieve our goals. From breaking down conversations in customer success to fostering proactive engagement, we unveil the keys to building rapport and delivering messages that resonate with our customers. Inspired by outside influences, such as Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's new relationship, we discuss the importance of identifying golden opportunities, seizing them, and ensuring sustainability for long-term success. With Thanksgiving just around the corner, we want to thank our remarkable team, whose hard work for students and teachers has truly made a difference!! Subscribe now for a journey of reflection, connection, and thriving at The Menlo Experience!

How do we begin to expect the unexpected? Every crisis has an opportunity. When the unexpected happens how do you respond? Including contingency plans, assessing threats and planning for the unexpected can reframe your mindset to see the unexpected as an opportunity. Join Brad and Kyle as they discuss after action reviews and how they're so simple to do but easy to skip. When the unexpected happens; relax, look around and make a decision. Even with the best plans, you can't plan for everything. But with discipline, evaluation and celebration, we can beat yesterday, keep progressing as a team and provide an elevated experience.

Champions are made in the fourth quarter. In both football and business, Q4 is critical to be successful. Brad and Kyle discuss momentum and the importance of finishing the year strong. Planning each quarter, staying disciplined and pushing hard helps you end the year on a high note. Ending the year strong helps you build momentum to carry into the next game/year. Fact Check: Goldfish do not have the shortest memory. It was not RG3 who beat K-State. It was some no name guy the year after RG3. Kyle did in fact cost the team the win in his Church Basketball league in High School.

Today is gameday in Chiefs Kingdom. Brad and Kyle discuss the importance of watching game tape as it relates to building a championship culture. Like an athlete, we daily need to watch the "film" to evaluate our performance. While most of us want praise, praise alone is often not the push we need to become champions. Here at Menlo, we are striving to be champions and are taking new steps daily to evaluate steps we need to take to improve. Brad and Kyle then discuss cyber security and the readiness of schools and civic organizations we work with who are often the targets of ransomware attacks.

Why start a podcast? A Championship Culture requires us to step up to another level. Creating an “Elevated Experience" for our employees and customers will not happen by default. "Nothing changes if nothing changes." The idea of the podcast came while Brad and Kyle were having conversations over some KC BBQ on how to improve communication internally. "We need to discuss more with our team and our customers about our where we're going and why." Join us as we discuss passionately pursuing creating an elevated experience.