Unpolished MBA

Unpolished MBA®

Entrepreneurs are sometimes called "unpolished" because they are scrappy and unconventional when starting a business. On this podcast, we speak with entrepreneurs and innovators. Some went to Business School and have a formal MBA degree while others don't. Did it make a difference? Nope! They share the answer to that as well as other pieces of wisdom. To listen to all episodes, apply to become a guest, or a sponsor go to www.unpolishedmba.com read less
BusinessBusiness

Episodes

Episode 115 - Entrepreneurial Voyage: Surf, Sales, SaaS, and AI with Scott Leese
2d ago
Episode 115 - Entrepreneurial Voyage: Surf, Sales, SaaS, and AI with Scott Leese
Welcome back to season nine of the Unpolished MBA®. After a six-week hiatus filled with new developments, the podcast returns with a lineup of remarkable entrepreneurs and CEOs sharing unfiltered business insights. The first guest is Scott Leese, a talented advisor to numerous SaaS companies. The episode covers transitioning to entrepreneurship, SaaS sales, navigating online scams, and the role of AI in business. Additionally, we introduce a new series this season called 'Hustle and Humor' being hosted by Monique Mills and Caitlin Ferguson, focusing on the entrepreneurial journey's highs and lows. For this series, listeners can submit their business challenges anonymously by going to unpolishedmba.com/hustle and we'll provide advice on an upcoming episode.Episodes will now be released twice a week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays.01:53 Exciting News: New Series coming 'Hustle and Humor'02:35 Get Involved: Submit Your Business Challenges07:16 Journey to Full-Time Entrepreneurship12:12 The Importance of Brand Building15:06 Bad Pieces of Advice Many People Get15:46 Debunking Common Startup Myths20:32 The Importance of Ideal Customer Profiles21:13 Navigating the World of Social Media Scams24:49 The Birth of Thursday Night Sales30:20 The Concept of Surfing Sales38:28 Introducing Personal BotsBecome an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com Upcoming series alert--->Send your questions in for Unpolished MBA® "Hustle And Humor" Series starting Aug 6, 2024. Go to unpolishedmba.com/hustleFollow Scott LeeseLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottleese/His Company - Scott Leese Consulting: https://scottleeseconsulting.comResources Mentioned:Scott Bot - grw.aiSurf and Sales in Costa Rica - https://www.surfandsales.com/Follow Monique MillsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/TPM Focus - Revenue-Focused Strategy for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/
Episode 111 - Connection Codes, Communication, and Storytelling in STEM with Mark Bayer
18-04-2024
Episode 111 - Connection Codes, Communication, and Storytelling in STEM with Mark Bayer
In this episode, Mark Bayer of Bayer Strategic Consulting, who specializes in teaching scientists and engineers effective communication and storytelling to amplify their career growth beyond academia, discusses the challenges that scientists face when transitioning from academic. Mark shares insights on establishing genuine connections, the impact of non-verbal communication, and navigating social interactions within professional settings. He highlights his strategic approaches to both interpersonal communication and broader public discourse, particularly concerning misinformation. The discussion also covers the importance of empathy in communication, the role of emotional intelligence, and the practical aspects of engaging with policymakers and stakeholders.Key TakeawaysThe Importance of Storytelling: Storytelling in scientific communication helps make complex information relatable and engaging to non-specialists.Combatting Misinformation: Empathy and understanding the emotional basis of misinformation are critical for effective public communication.Non-Verbal Communication Skills: These are essential in establishing trust and rapport, which facilitate better personal and professional relationships.Professional Growth Through Communication: Effective communication skills are crucial for scientists and engineers to transcend the limitations of technical jargon and demonstrate their broader societal value.Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com Follow Mark BayerLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdanielbayer/Company - Bayer Strategic Consulting: https://bayerstrategic.com/Resources Mentioned During The Episode:Book - “How to Know a Person” by David Brooks, exploring deeper personal connections. Amazon LinkBook - "Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion" by Robert B. Cialdini Amazon LinkMark’s Podcast: "When Science Speaks" Podcast Link – This platform shares insights on communication in non-academic careers for scientists and engineers.Complimentary Infographic on Effective Storytelling “Five Secrets to Connecting Through Captivating Storytelling,” available for listeners to enhance their communication strategies.Follow Monique MillsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/TPM Focus - Revenue-Focused Strategy for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/ Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com
Episode 107 - Scaling Success w/The Fractional COO Caitlin Ferguson
04-03-2024
Episode 107 - Scaling Success w/The Fractional COO Caitlin Ferguson
n this episode of the Unpolished MBA, we're thrilled to introduce Caitlin Ferguson, a seasoned expert in transforming ambitious visions into operational success at scale. Caitlin shares her insights on the critical role of a fractional COO and how she assists companies in navigating the complexities of growth, strategy, and operational efficiency. Whether you're a startup finding your footing or an entrepreneur navigating post-acquisition challenges, Caitlin's approach to fostering focus, evidence-based decision-making, and strategic alignment offers invaluable lessons.Some Topics Discussed Include:Fractional Leadership Explained: Caitlin demystifies the concept of fractional leadership, emphasizing its role beyond consulting to include hands-on team integration and strategic execution.Operational Excellence Post-Acquisition: Caitlin discusses her proactive involvement in businesses, ideally starting from the search fund phase through to post-acquisition, ensuring a smooth transition and operational stability.Building Trust and Managing Change: Discover Caitlin's strategies for building trust within teams, managing change effectively, and ensuring communication flows throughout all levels of an organization.Financial Acumen: Caitlin highlights the importance of understanding the financial aspects of a business, sharing how her background in entrepreneurship as a CPA's daughter and her experience in innovation consulting have shaped her approach to driving profitability and efficiency.Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com Follow Caitlyn FergusonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caitlineodonnell/Caitlyn's Fractional COO Services for ETA Entrepreneurs: https://www.ceofconsulting.com/acquiredFollow Monique MillsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/TPM Focus - Revenue-Focused Strategy for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/ Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com
Episode 105 - Burnout Breakthrough with Brian Lee Shields
09-02-2024
Episode 105 - Burnout Breakthrough with Brian Lee Shields
In the episode we welcome Brian Lee Shields, an acquisition entrepreneur and advisor with a remarkable journey through the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. Brian shared his firsthand experiences with burnout, the pivotal moments of his career, and his dedicated efforts to help others navigate the stresses of business leadership.Some Topics Discussed Include:Brian Lee Shields' Background - How his experiences at Morehouse College and in the competitive world of investment banking shaped his approach to business and personal development.The Path to Burnout - Brian discusses the signs of burnout he encountered during his entrepreneurial journey, the impact on his personal and professional life, and the crucial decision to take a sabbatical for recovery.Recovery and Reflection - Insights into Brian's year-long journey of healing, including the strategies he used to rebuild his mental and physical health.Supporting Others - The creation of a retreat for black men in leadership roles to address burnout before it becomes debilitating, highlighting the importance of community, vulnerability, and self-care.Advice for Entrepreneurs - Brian offers practical advice for business leaders on recognizing burnout, prioritizing wellness, and implementing routines that support long-term success and well-being.Key Moments:00:02:30 - Brian's background and journey into entrepreneurship.00:15:45 - The turning point: Recognizing burnout and taking action.00:28:00 - Insights into the Half Time Retreat and its mission.00:40:25 - Practical advice for entrepreneurs on balancing work and wellness.00:55:40 - The importance of community, mentorship, and setting boundaries.Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com Follow Brian Lee ShieldsLinkedIn: Brian Lee ShieldsInstagram: @brianleeshieldsBrian Lee Shields' Website: www.brianleeshields.comHalf Time Retreat Information: Brian's websiteSelf Made Dad Podcast: Link to PodcastFollow Monique MillsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/TPM Focus - Revenue-Focused Strategy for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/ Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com
Episode 103 - Accounting and SMB Acquisitions with ETA Entrepreneur Yvette Owo
13-01-2024
Episode 103 - Accounting and SMB Acquisitions with ETA Entrepreneur Yvette Owo
In this insightful episode, Yvette Owo--an expert in accounting, finance, and business acquisitions--shares her extensive knowledge and experience in business acquisitions, emphasizing the importance of financial due diligence, understanding working capital, and the nuances of deal structuring. She also discusses the value of maintaining good relationships with sellers and lenders, and the critical role of a comprehensive approach to accounting and finance in successful business acquisitions.Some Topics Discussed Include:The Importance of Financial Due Diligence: Yvette highlights the non-negotiable need for thorough financial due diligence in acquisitions.Understanding Working Capital: She explains the significance of working capital in deal structuring and how it can impact the final stages of a deal.Building Relationships: Yvette emphasizes the importance of building and maintaining positive relationships with bankers and sellers throughout the acquisition process.Comprehensive Accounting Services: The discussion includes the range of services offered by YOLO Accounting, from bookkeeping to complex financial analysis, and their impact on business success.AND MORE!Follow Yvette OwoLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yvetteowo/On Twitter: https://twitter.com/yvetteowoCompany: YOLO Accounting https://www.yoloaccounting.com/Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com Follow Monique MillsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/TPM Focus - Revenue-Focused Strategy for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/
Episode 101 - Special Holiday 2023 Series: Unpolished GOLD - Navigating the Hiring Landscape w/ Jane McCracken
31-12-2023
Episode 101 - Special Holiday 2023 Series: Unpolished GOLD - Navigating the Hiring Landscape w/ Jane McCracken
Holiday Series 2023 - Unpolished MBA Gold: Mining For Talent In TransitionIn this episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Jane McCracken, a serial entrepreneur and an expert in the recruitment industry. Jane brings a wealth of knowledge about the current job market, offering invaluable insights for both job seekers and employers.Some Topics Discussed Include:Adapting to New Communication Styles:Embracing open-mindedness and adapting to how different generations communicate.Corps Team's Mission and Services:An overview of Corps Team's role in the staffing and recruitment industry, catering to startups and Fortune 500 companies.The Evolution of MomCore to Corps Team:The company's journey and expansion from focusing on helping women re-enter the workforce to serving a broader clientele.Current Hiring Trends and Challenges:Insights into the robust yet nuanced job market, companies' right-sizing strategies, and opportunities amidst layoffs.Focus on Soft Skills and Behavioral Interviews:The shift towards evaluating candidates based on soft skills and behavioral aspects during the hiring process.Utilizing AI and YouTube for Interview Preparation:Tips on using tools like ChatGPT and YouTube to prepare for interviews and improve responses.Job Application Strategies:Advice on being patient, thorough, and leveraging networks to enhance job application success.Engaging Corps Team for Talent AcquisitionFollow Jane McCrackenLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jane-karwoski-mccracken-821227/Company: Corps Team https://www.corpsteam.com/Follow Monique MillsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/TPM Focus - Revenue-Focused Strategy for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/ Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com
Episode 099 - Special Holiday 2023 Series: Unpolished GOLD - Demand Gen Mastery w/Tory Kindlick
27-12-2023
Episode 099 - Special Holiday 2023 Series: Unpolished GOLD - Demand Gen Mastery w/Tory Kindlick
Holiday Series 2023 - Unpolished MBA Gold: Mining For Talent In TransitionThis episode features a conversation with Tory Kindlick, a seasoned expert in demand generation. Some Topics Discussed Include:Career Transitions and Recharging:Tory shares his experiences and insights on taking breaks between jobs, emphasizing the importance of recharging and spending time with family.Networking and LinkedIn Engagement:The role of networking in career transitions and how being active on LinkedIn can open doors to new opportunities.Demand Generation Strategies:Tory delves into modern demand generation strategies, focusing on education and the creation of demand rather than just capturing it.Building Demand Gen Teams:Essential roles in a demand gen team and Tory's perspective as an architect within such teams.Sales and Marketing Alignment:Tips for bridging the gap between sales and marketing teams to improve collaboration and overall company success.AI's Impact on Demand Gen:How AI tools like ChatGPT can augment the demand generation process without fully automating it.Advice for Career Transitioners:Tory's tips for professionals navigating career changes, including setting weekly goals and leveraging LinkedIn for networking.Follow Tory KindlickLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/torykindlick/Recommended Book: Storybrand (here it is on Amazon!)Fav Tech Tool: Trello Follow Monique MillsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/TPM Focus - Revenue-Focused Strategy for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/ Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com
Episode 098 - Special Holiday 2023 Series: Unpolished GOLD - Journey Beyond Entrepreneurship w/Jibril Sulaiman
20-12-2023
Episode 098 - Special Holiday 2023 Series: Unpolished GOLD - Journey Beyond Entrepreneurship w/Jibril Sulaiman
Holiday Series 2023 - Unpolished MBA Gold: Mining For Talent In TransitionThis episode features a conversation with Jibril Sulaiman where he shares his diverse career journey, from entrepreneurship to now pursuing traditional employment opportunities in project management, and the lessons learned along the way.Some Topics Discussed Include:The Recruitment Maze:Jibril's experience with Amazon's recruitment system and how it unexpectedly hindered his job prospects.Transitioning from Entrepreneurship to Traditional Employment:The biases and challenges faced when shifting from an entrepreneurial role to a full-time job.Jibril's encounter with a resume coach and her perspective on his hireability due to his entrepreneurial background.Career Evolution:His diverse entrepreneurial endeavors, including tech startups and small businesses.His insights into leveraging skills gained from entrepreneurship in other professional roles.The Power of Continuous Learning:Jibril’s approach to acquiring new skills and certifications to enhance his career prospects, including in project management.The Role of AI Project Management:Views on the emerging role of AI in project management, the workplace, and its potential to supplement job roles.Advice for Aspiring Professionals:Jibril's guidance for individuals looking to navigate their career paths with agility and openness to new experiences.Follow Jibril SulaimanLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jibrilsulaiman/Personal Website: https://JibrilSulaiman.comBook Recommendation: The E-Myth Revisited (here on Amazon!)Follow Monique MillsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/TPM Focus - Revenue-Focused Strategy for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/ Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com
Episode 097 - Special Holiday 2023 Series: Unpolished GOLD -The Art of Partnership with Amanda Nielsen
19-12-2023
Episode 097 - Special Holiday 2023 Series: Unpolished GOLD -The Art of Partnership with Amanda Nielsen
Holiday Series 2023 - Unpolished MBA Gold: Mining For Talent In TransitionThis episode features a conversation with Amanda Nielsen, a partnerships professional with a rich background in marketing, partnerships, and channel sales, she shares her journey and insights into building successful partnership programs.Some Topics Discussed Include: A Career in Partnerships:Amanda's experience in managing technology partners and her journey to scaling the partner program at Formstack.Insights into the startup-like environment within a mature company.Building a Successful Partner Program:The importance of creating a partner-friendly program.Amanda's approach to ensuring bi-directional and beneficial relationships with partners.Challenges in Partnership Dynamics:Common pitfalls in partnerships and strategies to ensure mutual benefits.The distinction between partnerships and affiliate relationships.Future of Partnerships and AI Integration:Amanda's perspective on the evolving role of partnerships in business strategies and the potential impact of AI technologies.Personal Branding and Career Transition:How Amanda's personal brand has positively influenced her career.The role of personal interests and hobbies in enhancing professional relationships.THOT Leader Labs:Amanda shares about her e-commerce store, Thought Leader Labs, highlighting her creativity and humor in business.Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com Follow Amanda NielsenLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/verydemanda/E-commerce store for THOT Leader Labs: http://thotleaderlabs.comFollow her on Twitter: @verydemandaFollow Monique MillsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/TPM Focus - Revenue-Focused Strategy for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/ Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com
Episode 096 - Special Holiday 2023 Series: Unpolished GOLD - Pixels to Prototypes with Robert Johnson
07-12-2023
Episode 096 - Special Holiday 2023 Series: Unpolished GOLD - Pixels to Prototypes with Robert Johnson
Holiday Series 2023 - Unpolished MBA Gold: Mining For Talent In TransitionThis episode features a conversation with Robert Johnson, a seasoned professional in user experience (UX) design. We delve into his multifaceted career journey, exploring the intersections of multimedia, photography, and UX design.Some Topics Discussed Include:Career Transition and Exploration:Robert discusses his initial career as a photographer and his evolution into UX design, driven by market changes and personal interests.Insights into adapting to and embracing different roles in the ever-evolving tech landscape.An overview of Robert's experiences designing multimedia curriculum and his role as a multimedia journalist and how he maintains his passion for photography alongside his professional career.UX Design in Different Industries:A deep dive into Robert's experiences as a UX Architect at State Farm and his work on enterprise systems in FinTech.The Future of UX Design:Robert's perspective on how AI and digital transformation are shaping the future of UX design.Advice for Aspiring UX Designers:Valuable tips for those transitioning into UX/UI design and product design fields.Follow Robert JohnsonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertjohnson/Portfolio Website: robertjohnsonux.comFollow Monique MillsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/TPM Focus - Revenue-Focused Strategy for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/ Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com