Hindsight: Recent Episodes
Kanhai Kapadia
Compelling conversations with CEOs and business owners, who share their experiences and what they might have done differently, now that they have the benefit of hindsight.
Best Way to ListenVisit the episode page for a 1-2 min. overview of the episode, our analysis of the strategic management takeaways within, and for an improved podcast listening experience.
About the GuestSpencer Kupferman is CEO of PKWARE, an end-to-end data security platform that gives organizations a way to protect data on endpoints, cloud systems, and on-premise infrastructure.
To learn more about the company, go to https://www.pkware.com/
Inside the Episodein this episode Spencer talks about the crowded state of cybersecurity market, how PKWARE is staying focused from a product and go-to-market standpoint, and thereby differentiating in a market where demand is high, but supply is even higher. Spencer leaves with some great advice on how organizations should handle their weaknesses.
Topics by Timestamp1:32 – Spencer’s journey to becoming CEO
11:16 – Differentiating in the crowded Cybersecurity market
18:18 – On leveraging channel sales to increase distribution
27:17 – Product Features: To build or not to build
37:59 – Hindsight: focus on strengths, forget fixing weaknesses
Resources Mentioned* KGK’s Complimentary One Day Assessment * PKWARE * The Gartner Hype Cycle * Thompson Street Capital Partners
Best Way to ListenVisit the episode page for a 1-2 min. overview of the episode, our analysis of the strategic management takeaways within, and for an improved podcast listening experience.
About the GuestSeth Dobrin holds a Doctorate in Human Genetics and pioneered the use of early data and machine learning algorithms while leading large scale research operations at Monsanto, served as IBM’s first Global Chief AI Officer and is now CEO of AI advisory firm Qantm AI and General Partner of AI venture studio Silicon Sands.
He’s also the author of the upcoming book AI iQ for a Human-Focused Future.
Inside the EpisodeIn this episode of "Hindsight," host Kanhai Kapadia interviews Seth Dobrin, the Founder and CEO of Qantm AI. This conversation serves as a reflection on strategic thinking within the AI domain, emphasizing practical wisdom over theoretical perfection, and advocating for a balanced approach to integrating AI into business and decision-making processes.
Topics by Timestamp1:24 – Going from Geneticist to AI Leader
7:11 – A practical view on the ways AI will create value
17:53 – Chat GPT’s origin, issues, implications
26:43 – Investing $500M to put AI on the right track
29:37 – A human perspective on AI
Resources Mentioned* KGK’s Complimentary One Day Assessment * Qantm AI * Silicon Sands Venture Studio * ChatGPT * XPRIZE Foundation * Monsanto * IBM
Best Way to ListenVisit the episode page for a 1-2 min. overview of the episode, our analysis of the strategic management takeaways within, and for an improved podcast listening experience.
About the GuestMichael Brannock is the Chairman, Co-Founder & former CEO of AREVO Group family of companies. Michael began his career as a title insurance underwriter before moving into commercial banking. He then joined WorkForce Unlimited, the original AREVO Group company founded by his mother, and grew the business to over $60 million in annual sales.
Inside the EpisodeIn this episode of "Hindsight," host Kanhai Kapadia interviews Michael Brannock, the Chairman, Co-Founder & former CEO of AREVO Group family of companies. The conversation revolves around Michael's experiences overcoming revenue concentration, evolving from an execution focus to a leadership focus, and how he overcame both the personal and practical challenges of appointing someone to replace himself as CEO.
Topics by Timestamp1:10–Michael gives an overview of AREVO Group
3:13–Culture as a success factor
4:33–Learning to get people to follow you
20:09–Overcoming revenue concentration at AREVO
21:43–Creating resilience through a strong sales function
25:35–Prioritizing sales, infrastructure, and people
35:44–How financial discipline can keep ego in check
38:19–The silver lining of replacing yourself as CEO
Resources Mentioned* WorkForce Unlimited * AREVO Group * KGK’s Complimentary One Day Assessment
Best Way to ListenVisit the episode page for a 1-2 min. overview of the episode, our analysis of the strategic management takeaways within, and for an improved podcast listening experience.
About the GuestJoel Russell is the founder and CEO of eimagine, a full-service consultancy headquartered in Indiana that partners with clients to deliver value through IT solutions and serves large scale customers in both government and the private sector. Joel founded eimagine in 1998, just four years after graduating from Stanford with a BA in public policy, and has grown the company to over 150 employees.
Follow Joel by subscribing to his Youtube channel for a weekly 2-5 min. video on the many issues related to leading a business and delivering IT solutions that create value.
Inside the EpisodeIn this episode of "Hindsight," host Kanhai Kapadia interviews Joel Russell, founder and CEO of eimagine. They discuss the emphasis of investing in relationships (internal, external, partners) for growth, highlighting the blend of process and soft skills, and how to grow a company to $30 million in revenue, by focusing on customers and nurturing a learning culture among employees.
Topics by Timestamp1:19 – Why competitive sports turns out leaders
3:01 - The genesis of eImagine
5:54 – Providing a business perspective on IT
9:20 – Agile vs. Waterfall and the impact on success
16:34 – Earning client trust through project course correction
20:57 – Creating value in the public sector
22:58 – How to “double-click” on client relationships
31:13 – Joel’s Hindsight: talent, inflection points, and methodology
34:30 – How eimagine benefits from its advisory board
Resources Mentioned* Chase * Dan Sullivan, Strategic Coach * Tim Roberts, Sandler Training * eimagine Better Video Series * KGK’s Complimentary One Day Assessment
Best Way to ListenVisit the episode page for a 1-2 min. overview of the episode, our analysis of the strategic management takeaways within, and for an improved podcast listening experience.
About the GuestDaasity CEO & Co-Founder Dan LeBlanc is an analytics, customer experience, and business technology expert who is passionate abouthelping consumer brands achieve their goals by makingmore informed decisions.
Inside the EpisodeIn this episode of “Hindsight”, host Kanhai Kapadia interviews Dan LeBlanc, CEO of Daasity, a data analytics platform for consumer brands. They discuss the challenges of running a venture-backed company in a rapidly changing business environment while remaining focused on the company’s mission to deliver value to customers.
Topics by Timestamp0:57–Market changes that consumer brands are facing
7:47 – Examples of how the right data can positively affect operating results
12:50 – Using multi-channel attribution todirectcompanystrategy
17:00 – Delivering on the profitable growth expectations of capital markets
19:39 – Leveraging your community’s wisdom to become a more effective CEO
23:44 – How to remain scrappy as your company grows and professionalizes
Resources Mentioned* KGK’s Complimentary One Day Assessment - Learn about KGK’s complimentary 1-day assessment of your company’s revenue, profit, and value creation opportunities. * 511 Tactical * Movement Watches * Daasity | ELT & Analytics for Consumer Brands
Best Way to ListenVisit the episode page for a 1-2 min. overview of the episode, our analysis of the strategic management takeaways within, and for an improved podcast listening experience.
About the GuestCraig Wood is an accomplished business executive, board member, author, and people-centric leader with over 30 years of experience founding, managing, growing, and leading companies at all stages. He serves as the CEO of Premier International, an award-winning IT consulting firm that helps reduce the risk associated with complex data challenges through innovative technology and consulting services.
Inside the EpisodeIn this episode of "Hindsight," host Kanhai Kapadia interviews Craig Wood, CEO of Premier International, about the company's evolution from a lifestyle business to a growth-focused organization. They discuss Craig's leadership journey, the history of Premier International, using EOS as a catalyst for growth, and finding harmony between private equity ownership and an employee-first culture.
Topics by Timestamp00:30 The People and Experiences Behind Craig’s Leadership Style
04:53 The Genesis of Premier International
09:10 Gaining the Traction to Grow
15:06 Adding Vision and Capital
20:38 Cultural and Service Transformation
29:23 Discussing Data’s Potential and Premier’s Market Position
42:32 Culture's Tangible Impact on Business, and comparisons with Salesforce and Workday
Resources Mentioned* Craig Wood on Linkedin * Workday * salesforce.com * EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) * Premier International * KGK & Company's Free One-Day Assessment
Best Way to ListenVisit the episode page for a 1-2 min. overview of the episode, our analysis of the strategic management takeaways within, and for an improved podcast listening experience.
Inside the EpisodeInside this episode, Brian shares his experience going from Sergeant Major in the Army to learning and becoming CEO of a $40M data services company over an 18-month period.
About the GuestBrian O’Keefe is CEO of Vertical Knowledge (VK), a data products, insights, and intelligence company. VK gives data-savvy organizations across all sectors the ability to collect, refine, and apply publicly available data to solve problems, make decisions, and gain advantage.
Topics by Timestamp0:00 Kanhai Introduces Brian
1:18 Brian Explains What Vertical Knowledge (VK) Does and Who it serves (VK)
1:56 Understanding Who is And Isn’t a VK Customer
3:56 Overview of Public Data That VK Collects
5:17 Key Success Factors in Public Data Collection
14:29 Why PE said yes to an unproven CEO
16:39 Learned the business from the ground up in 6-9 months.
22:33 Restructuring VK – Why, How, and Lessons Learned
33:41 Brian’s hindsight on addressing technical debt vs. premature optimization, using the P&L to make better decisions, and the CEO retaining accountability for results.
40:15 Strategies for scaling up, from $40M
Originally recorded in May 2021
Best Way to ListenVisit the episode page for a 1-2 min. overview of the episode, our analysis of the strategic management takeaways within, and for an improved podcast listening experience.
Inside the EpisodeIn this episode, David shares how Analytics8 began and how the company is thriving in the fast-evolving analytics industry by combining increasingly deeper business and technology capabilities.
About the GuestDavid Fussichen is the CEO of Analytics8, a data analytics consulting firm which combines expertise with data, business problem-solving, and technology to provide clients the full breadth of capabilities that are required to transform into a smarter, data-driven organization. If you’re looking for a sounding board on how to accelerate your efforts to leverage data, learn about Analytics8’s Data Strategy Session by going to https://www.analytics8.com/ and clicking the “Data Strategy Session” button.
Topics by Timestamp00:00 The genesis of Analytics8
7:07 David’s definition of hiring “good people” and the value of diversity
17:17 The Analytics8 value proposition
21:24 Discussing the evolution of the analytics market
24:04 The company’s strategy to double sales
27:31 Past lessons on the importance of calculated, focused growth
35:27 Strategies that are helping scale service delivery
41:52 David shares some tougher moments of building the right team
47:07 Pressing David for hindsight yields more insight
53:03 Circling back to discuss the future role of technology partners and business expertise
Best Way to ListenVisit the episode page for a 1-2 min. overview of the episode, our analysis of the strategic management takeaways within, and for an improved podcast listening experience.
About the GuestScott McLaughlin is the CEO of YGEIA3, a scientific wellness company that gives individuals a convenient way to diagnose where stress, metabolic function, and food sensitivities are preventing them from functioning at their best. If you’re an employer looking for a high-value wellness benefit that is covered by insurers and reduces healthcare premiums by up to 10%, learn more about YGEIA3 at https://ygeia3.com/
Inside the EpisodeIn this episode, Scott gives us a glimpse of what it was like for an innovative wellness company to gain traction, pivot from serving athletes to employers, and the management challenges he faced on the path to becoming a global company with over 100 people.
Topics
0:43 Scientific Wellness Explained
5:24 Evolution of the company from 2 to 100+ people
12:08 YGEIA3’s pandemic pivot
13:26 Probing the value prop – why scientific wellness? Why YGEIA3?
17:33 Scott goes open-book with personal leadership and company growth challenges
a. Defying the status-quo in athletics
b. Hiring the right people by stepping aside
c. Learning to delegate
d. Using funding to overcome a surprise cost increase
34:18 Hidden value of continuing education
37:33 Leading a distributed workforce of 100+
40:26 Building relationships through once-in-a-lifetime experiences
Listen Better OnlineVisit the episode page for a 1-2 min. video overview of the episode, exclusive analysis of the guest's hindsight, and an improved podcast listening experience.
About the GuestMark Rickmeier is CEO of Table XI (now TXI), a digital consultancy that gives organizations a pragmatic, human-centered approach to strategy, design, and solution delivery.
If you’re looking for a partner to close the gap between your digital ambitions and reality, learn more about TXI at https://txidigital.com/
Topics by TimestampIn this episode, Mark shares how TXI overcame a serious customer concentration issue, a formula for sales that works for professional services companies like TXI, and a wealth of leadership lessons.
3:10 An explanation of pragmatic, human-centered design
5:18 Becoming CEO and both rising to the role and tailoring it to his strengths
11:10 Designing TXI’s sales function
18:41 Elevating from operational lead to visionary CEO
23:55 Key success factors for TXI going forward
Managing Stress
Redesigning a compelling culture that is both inclusive and distributed first
aSynchronous communication
Making remote work practices more efficient
26:13 Redesigning for a distributed-first employee model
32:40 Overcoming Customer Concentration Risk of Existential Proportions
38:52 Ops. Conf. (aka Operations Conference) creates next level “coopetition” between software design firms, and provides a solution to TXI’s knowledge, people, and even client acquisition gaps. Its success evolves into new company, Walk Shop.
46:31 Mark shares his hindsight
Become comfortable with being uncomfortable, sooner
Delegate and elevate sooner
The importance Vision, not just operational guidance
Listen Better OnlineVisit the episode page for a 1-2 min. video overview of the episode, exclusive analysis of the guest's hindsight, and an improved podcast listening experience.
About the GuestBob Redd is CEO of 4 businesses to which he brings deep expertise and operational competence: strategic consultancy and holding company FatSpan Inc., technology solution provider DC WebTech LLC, Credit Union digital marketing specialist Get Digital CU, and senior home exchange platform Senior Home Xchange. To learn more about each company, visit them online:
· DC Webtech - www.GetDigitalCU.com
· Get Digital CU - www.DCWebTech.com
· Senior Home Xchange - www.SeniorHomeXchange.com
Topics by Timestamp[00:45] Bob's seminal business and leadership experiences
[13:00] Strategies and tactics employed as a GM at Schlumberger
[21:10] Offloading underperforming business units
[25:21] Restructuring as a catalyst to improving company culture
[35:55] Hard lessons as new business owner
[39:45] How shared objectives resulting in relationships which transcended union contract
[41:18] Using data to unravel operational chaos
[42:25] What successful transformation looks
[46:15] Reflecting on the importance of fit
With the rise of the Internet and cryptocurrency, cybersecurity has become more important. Competition between cybersecurity providers is heating up and you have to differentiate yourself. Listen to the Founder and President of https://www.onshore.com/ (onShore Security), https://www.linkedin.com/in/stelvalavanis/ (Stel Valavanis). Stel has been in the cybersecurity industry for over 30 years, even before the boom of the Internet. His company focuses mostly on the analyst rather than the customer because he believes in developing your own platform. Join Stel and your host, Kanhai Kapadia, as they discuss the state of the cybersecurity space. Learn how he stands out from the competition and how developing your own software is key. In a digital age, learn how to protect yourself today in this episode.
Learning how to become obsolete to your job now may be the reason why you'll sit in a higher position in the future. In this episode, Kahnai Kapadia sits down with https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaretmueller/ (Margaret Mueller), President of https://www.executivesclub.org/ (The Executive's Club Of Chicago) and https://www.shapiroraj.com/ (Shapiro+Raj) research firm, to talk about her personal story of transitioning from the academe to business and things she's learned along the way. With her love for social sciences and extensive academic background, Margaret offers a unique approach to career development and leadership that she has carried through her transition into a successful businesswoman. She also sheds some light on what they've been doing at The Executive's Club and how they not only survived but have done better during the pandemic with different innovations and a fresh perspective.
Being a leader is difficult. Being a physician leader? Even more. Aside from taking care of your patients, you have to focus on your team and how standard procedures are done. You need to find people who are going into medicine for the right reasons. Join your host, Kanhai Kapadia, and his guest, experienced physician leader, https://www.linkedin.com/in/donald-lurye-md-mmm-cpe-faafp-faapl-085108/ (Dr. Donald Lurye). After retiring, Donald became an independent consultant. He wanted to share his expertise in healthcare leadership with other physician organizations. Join in the conversation to know what it takes to be a leader in the healthcare industry. Learn how to focus on the patient and how reduced variation can help your team achieve success. Listen now if you want to be a leader in your industry.
In this episode, hear Mike Briggs share tips and strategies on developing a successful product, expanding into new markets, and continuously improving in the wake of competition. To learn more about Mike, follow him via the links below: Website (Little Friends): https://www.littlefriendsinc.org/ (https://www.littlefriendsinc.org/) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikel-briggs-3351a437/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikel-briggs-3351a437/) Twitter (Little Friends): https://twitter.com/LittleFriendsIL (https://twitter.com/LittleFriendsIL) Are you a CEO, Owner or P&L leader with a story worth sharing? I’d love to hear from you! Schedule a time for us to talk by clicking https://calendly.com/kanhaik/hindsight (here).
In this episode, hear how David Mooney led the eighth largest credit union in the United States through a digital-first approach while maintaining a competitive advantage on human capital. To learn more about David, follow him via the links below: Website (Alliant Credit Union): https://www.alliantcreditunion.org/ (https://www.alliantcreditunion.org/) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwmooney/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwmooney/) Are you a CEO, Owner or P&L leader with a story worth sharing? I’d love to hear from you! Schedule a time for us to talk by clicking https://calendly.com/kanhaik/hindsight (here).
In this episode, hear Ben Goldberg share his story of growth through continuous improvement, selling his business to CareerBuilder, and successfully leveraging the resources of an acquirer. To learn more about Ben, follow him via the links below: Website (SalesGig): https://www.salesgig.com/ (https://www.salesgig.com/) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benmorgangoldberg/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/benmorgangoldberg/) Are you a CEO, Owner or P&L leader with a story worth sharing? I’d love to hear from you! Schedule a time for us to talk by clicking https://calendly.com/kanhaik/hindsight (here).
In this episode, hear Justin Smith share his experiences on shaping the perfect team, minimizing financial risk during uncertain times, and how profit is instrumental to revenue growth. To learn more about Justin and how Brite makes IT work: Website (Brite): https://brite.com/ (https://brite.com/) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-smith-34048/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-smith-34048/) Twitter: https://twitter.com/justintsmith24 (https://twitter.com/justintsmith24) Are you a CEO, Owner or P&L leader with a story worth sharing? I’d love to hear from you! Schedule a time for us to talk by clicking https://calendly.com/kanhaik/hindsight (here).
In this episode, hear 23 year-old CEO Devin Johnson talk about the importance of understanding your “why”, checking your ego to keep a clear mind, and lessons for profitably growing a Saas business from the start (master digital marketing, harness culture, give customers the education they need to succeed, don’t buy customers). To learn about Devin, check him out on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/devin-johnson-357761169/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/devin-johnson-357761169/) Are you a CEO, Owner or P&L leader with a story worth sharing? I’d love to hear from you! Schedule a time for us to talk by clicking https://calendly.com/kanhaik/hindsight (here).
In this episode, hear John Udelhofen give us a glimpse into the political underbelly of the IT industry, the right way to generate ROI on talent, and his formula for helping organizations efficiently grow. To learn about John and his current endeavors, check him out on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-udelhofen-b311bb1/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-udelhofen-b311bb1/) Are you a CEO, Owner or P&L leader with a story worth sharing? I’d love to hear from you! Schedule a time for us to talk by clicking https://calendly.com/kanhaik/hindsight (here).
Hear how a manufacturing outlier used an authentic employee-first culture to build a resilient labor force and innovative marketing to create a well-known industry brand. Are you a CEO, Owner or P&L leader with a story worth sharing? I’d love to hear from you! Schedule a time for us to talk by clicking https://calendly.com/kanhaik/hindsight (here).
Rafi shares how he successfully achieved the “American Dream”, but also how a fast-growing business can topple when you minimize the things that aren’t working, ignore risk, and delay seeking help when you need it. To learn about Rafi’s current endeavors and his life-saving product Hookey, check him out on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rafi-yitzhaki/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/rafi-yitzhaki/) Are you a CEO, Owner or P&L leader with a story worth sharing? I’d love to hear from you! Schedule a time for us to talk by clicking https://calendly.com/kanhaik/hindsight (here).
In this brief prologue, Kanhai shares why he started ‘’Hindsight’’ and explains why it's critical for his firm and business leaders everywhere to learn from the experiences of other CEOs. Are you a CEO, Owner or P&L leader with a story worth sharing? I’d love to hear from you! Schedule a time for us to talk by clicking https://calendly.com/kanhaik/hindsight (here).
Hindsight is not another show about the business world’s best success stories. It’s a podcast for CEOs and anyone who’s ever wanted to run a business, to hear compelling conversation about the gut-wrenching scenarios that other CEOs faced, the decisions they made, and what that they may have done differently now that they have the benefit of hindsight. Are you a CEO, Owner or P&L leader with a story worth sharing? I’d love to hear from you! Schedule a time for us to talk by clicking https://calendly.com/kanhaik/hindsight (here).