• Sustainable Business Growth with AI-Driven Financial Management: The Business Philosophy That Transforms Growth
    Jul 23 2025

    What if transforming your business growth wasn’t just about numbers but about a revolutionary financial philosophy?

    In this episode of "The Business Philosopher Within You" podcast, host Bhavesh Naik sits down with Johan Colvig, Founder & CEO of ClearGrowth, to explore the transformative power of AI-driven financial management. Together, they explore the intricacies of building high-performing organizations that stand the test of time.

    Johan shares his journey from startup struggles to achieving clear growth, offering valuable insights into the importance of understanding cash flow, customer acquisition cost and retention. He emphasizes the role of a solid business philosophy grounded in actionable insights, which can drive informed decision-making and sustainable growth.

    Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the universal cash flow challenge and how AI is revolutionizing financial management. Johan's perspective on entrepreneurship, risk and resilience provides a fresh take on overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities in today's competitive landscape.

    Tune in to discover how you can apply these insights to your own business and drive growth with confidence. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from Johan Colvig's expertise and transform your approach to financial management.

    #financialaccounting #entrepreneurship #budgeting #ai #financialmanagement #howtomakemoney #entrepreneurship #aiinfinance #businessgrowth #capitalbudgeting #performancemanagement #workingcapitalmanagement #aiautomation #aitools

    CHAPTERS:

    00:00 - Highlights

    01:37 - Introduction

    02:48 - From Startup Struggles to Clear Growth

    06:46 - The Universal Cash Flow Challenge

    08:56 - Why Knowing Your Customer Acquisition Cost Matters

    14:45 - Understanding Cash Flow, Customer Acquisition Cost and Retention

    25:13 - Identifying Business Functional Areas for Better Financial Clarity

    32:21 - Using Financial Insights to Drive Actionable Decisions

    44:03 - Financial Management for Stages of Growth

    52:02 - The Role of AI in Financial Management and Business Processes

    58:16 - Entrepreneurship, Risk and Resilience

    01:11:17 - Contacting Johan Colvig

    01:14:41 - Parting Thoughts and Reflection

    01:17:45 - About Being on the Podcast

    ~~~


    Music by Yrii Semchyshyn (Thank You!): https://www.patreon.com/yuriisemchyshyn


    ~~~


    Deep Dive, Show Notes and Further Reading: https://www.awayre.com/sustainable-business-growth-ai-driven-financial-management-philosophy/

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    1 Std. und 21 Min.
  • Leadership Beyond Fear and Greed: Why Associations Outperform Corporations with Chris Vaughan, Sequence Consulting
    Jul 9 2025

    ⚖ Are associations better than corporations?


    What can corporate leadership learn from associations about building deeply empowered organizations that stand the test of time?


    In this episode of "The Business Philosopher Within You" podcast, host I sit down with Chris Vaughan, PhD from Sequence Consulting to explore these questions. We dive into the unique dynamics that make associations thrive, even in challenging environments.


    Among the threads we explored:


    • How associations leverage their "platypus-like" multi-dimensional structure to stay resilient and adaptable.


    • What the triple bottom line is and how it improves employees and volunteer engagement.


    • The strategies used by associations to engage members and sustain growth that are directly transferrable to for-profit companies.


    • Lessons for corporate leaders: leading from purpose and mission rather than fear and greed.


    • The power of distributed decision-making and its role in driving organizational innovation.


    Tune in to uncover the secrets behind the success of associations and how they can inspire blowout performance as well as lasting endurance in the corporate world.


    #LeadershipInnovation #EmpoweredOrganizations #MissionDrivenLeadership #AssociationsVsCorporations #FutureOfWork #NonprofitManagementInsights #AssociationManagement #NonProfitLeadership #AssociationsVsCorporations


    CHAPTERS:


    00:00 - Highlights


    01:52 - Introduction


    03:10 - Advantages of Associations Over Corporations


    05:35 - Associations vs. Corporations: A Unique Perspective


    09:10 - Understanding the Triple Bottom Line


    12:44 - Leading Associations vs Corporations: Key Benefits


    21:25 - Tapping into Passion in Top Associations


    26:06 - Engaging Members with the Mission


    28:13 - Sustainable Growth vs. Growth for Growth's Sake


    30:58 - Attracting the Right Members


    34:45 - Managing People: Belonging and Vision vs. Fear and Greed


    44:57 - Personal Journey: How Did You Get Here?


    47:44 - Overcoming Hard Times


    51:45 - Most Rewarding Aspects of Leadership


    53:21 - Connecting with Chris Vaughan


    54:13 - Reflection: What It's Like to be on the Podcast


    ~~~


    Music by Yrii Semchyshyn (Thank You!): https://www.patreon.com/yuriisemchyshyn


    ~~~


    Deep Dive, Show Notes and Further Reading: https: //www.awayre.com/leadership-fear-greed-associations-corporations-chris-vaughan-sequence-consulting/

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    57 Min.
  • Situational Awareness: Leadership Lessons from Crisis with Fabiana Lacerca-Allen
    Jun 25 2025

    Exploring Situational Awareness and Leadership Lessons from Crisis with Fabiana Lacerca-Allen, JD, LLM, C-Level Executive and Author of Crisis Capable, "Building Your Capacity to Survive and Succeed in Every Environment."


    *** What does it take to lead effectively during a crisis? ***


    In this episode of "The Business Philosopher Within You Podcast," host Bhavesh Naik, dives into critical leadership lessons with Fabiana Lacerca-Allen, author of Crisis Capable. Together, they explore how self-awareness, situational awareness and emotional intelligence can help leaders tap into personal and professional potential, nurture collaboration and sustain organizational growth, even in the face of adversity.


    Fabiana shares personal stories from her childhood in 1970s Argentina, a time of political turmoil, and her 30-year career as a C-level executive at Fortune 100 companies. Learn how these experiences shaped her ability to navigate crises, build effective teams and develop skills like empathy, intuition and critical decision-making.


    Key takeaways include:


    • The importance of situational awareness and self-awareness in leadership.
    • How emotional intelligence strengthens communication and collaboration.
    • Practical steps to strengthen relationships within and outside your organization.
    • Insights into building resilience and creating a mindset for survival and success.


    They discuss the challenges of navigating corporate America, the necessity of being alert in today's world, and the value of embracing one's unique background. The conversation also highlights the importance of observational skills and the need for leaders to maintain integrity in their decision-making processes.


    Discover how to lead with intention, make informed decisions under pressure, and inspire others to thrive in any environment.


    Whether you're managing team dynamics, working remotely or seeking personal growth, these insights are designed to equip you with actionable strategies for leadership development.


    Tune in now and learn how to turn challenges into opportunities for organizational and personal transformation.


    #emotionalintelligencesuperpowers #situationalawareness101 #transformationalleadership #personalsecurityatwork #emotionalintelligence


    CHAPTERS:


    00:00 - Highlights


    01:53 - Introduction


    03:13 - Growing Up with Situational Awareness: Lessons from 1970's Argentina


    09:09 - Understanding Intuition


    14:59 - Children's Decision-Making Skills


    17:42 - Intuition in Career Success


    21:42 - The Bell Story: Life-Saving Intuition


    26:05 - Decision-Making with Limited Information


    31:09 - Applying Situational Awareness and Intuition with People


    33:34 - Understanding People in Negotiations


    37:54 - Is Security an Illusion?


    41:19 - Situational Awareness in Corporate Negotiations


    45:55 - Enhancing Situational Awareness


    50:59 - Overcoming Unsurmountable Challenges


    53:25 - Advice for Crisis Survivors


    54:31 - Contacting Fabiana Lacerca-Allen


    55:02 - Closing Remarks: "Crisis Capable" and the Podcast


    56:40 - About Kissing Frogs and Being on the Podcast


    ~~~

    Music by Yrii Semchyshyn (Thank You!): https://www.patreon.com/yuriisemchyshyn

    ~~~


    Deep Dive, Show Notes and Further Reading: https://www.awayre.com/situational-awareness-crisis-leadership-fabiana-lacerca-allen/

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    58 Min.
  • Inclusion vs Belonging: The Truth About DEI in the Workplace with Joanne Lockwood, SEE Change Happen
    Jun 11 2025

    Summary: Explore an experiential perspective to DEI in the Workplace with Joanne Lockwood of SEE Change Happen, exploring Inclusion vs Belonging through her unique journey and expert insights.

    How can we truly benefit from Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) in the workplace?

    How can we transcend merely "being inclusive" and create a lasting culture of belonging in businesses and organizations?

    Further, how can organizations truly embed equity, diversity, and collaboration into their cultures to unlock potential and drive sustainable success?

    In this episode of "Business Philosopher Within You" podcast, host Bhavesh Naik sits down with Joanne Lockwood, a leading expert in enabling inclusive cultures, to explore these critical questions.

    Joanne, a visionary behind See Change Happen and a speaker with decades of experience, shares her journey of transformation and her work with leaders to create environments of empathy, self-awareness, and belonging. From her unique perspective as a transgender woman and consultant, Joanne offers actionable insights into breaking down barriers, redefining organizational growth, and embracing diversity as a key driver of innovation and team dynamics.

    You will lean:

    • The difference between inclusion and belonging - and why it matters in workplace culture.
    • Practical steps to nurture effective communication and build environments that thrive on emotional intelligence.
    • How self-assessment tools and leadership development can transform organizational practices.
    • The importance of aligning values with actions to amplify employee engagement and customer relevance.


    Discover how embracing diverse perspectives and embedding equity into your workplace can enhance collaboration, productivity and personal growth. Tune in to explore how you can apply these insights to create lasting change in your organization.


    #collaborativeculture #organizationalbehavior #diversityequityinclusionandbelonging #equityandbelonging #transgenderemployees #inclusionandbelonging #belonginginbusiness #workplaceinclusion #dei


    CHAPTERS:

    00:00 - Highlights

    01:40 - Introduction

    02:49 - Life in the Royal Air Force

    07:24 - Gender Identity and Self-Identification

    13:02 - Understanding Inclusion

    18:03 - Self Awareness vs Situational Awareness

    20:16 - Inclusion vs Belonging Explained

    23:03 - Corporate Commitment to DEI

    28:24 - Why Companies Pursue DEI Initiatives and Misconceptions about DEI Branding

    36:47 - Conditioning and Its Impact on DEI

    38:39 - Importance of One-On-One Conversations About DEI

    39:56 - Implementing DEI in Organizations

    47:09 - Assessing Your Current DEI Status

    48:50 - Defining Success in DEI

    50:53 - Crafting an Effective Communication Plan

    54:55 - Navigating Organizational Challenges

    59:08 - Leadership Commitment and Work Paradigms

    01:00:49 - Exemplary DEI Implementation

    01:04:06 - The Infinite Journey of Human Evolution and Reasons for Optimism

    01:06:44 - Journey of Growth, Change, Acquisition, Shedding, Consolidation and Reinvention

    01:10:16 - The Ground of Changeless: From Gluttony Model toSufficiency Model

    01:12:37 - Getting In Touch with Joanne Lockwood and SEE Change Happen

    01:14:21 - Self Reflection About Being on the Podcast


    ~~~


    Music by Yrii Semchyshyn (Thank You!): https://www.patreon.com/yuriisemchyshyn


    ~~~


    Show Notes and Further Reading: https://www.awayre.com/inclusion-belonging-dei-joanne-lockwood-see-change-happen/

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    1 Std. und 23 Min.
  • Building a Future-Proof Business with AI and Human Insight with Jonathan Schneider, CEO of Moderne
    May 28 2025

    What does it take to build a business that stands the test of time, in the ever-evolving tech landscape? In this episode of "The Business Philosopher Within You" podcast, host Bhavesh Naik sits down with Jonathan Schneider, the visionary CEO and Co-Founder of Moderne, to explore the intersection of AI, code modernization, leadership and company culture. Bhavesh and Jonathan discuss the journey of building Moderne, a developer platform for auto refactoring and analyzing code bases. Jonathan shares his journey from Netflix to founding Moderne, offering a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities in the tech industry.The conversation covers: - The inspiration behind Moderne, - The challenges of code modernization- The role of AI in software development and- The importance of company culture and leadership.Jonathan also shares insights on technical debt, the sales process and the vision for Moderne's growth. The episode ends with explorations into personal growth, overcoming challenges and the essence of leadership.CHAPTERS:

    00:00 - Highlights

    01:43 - Meet Jonathan Schneider, CEO & Co-Founder, Moderne

    03:04 - The Inspiration Behind Moderne and Its Vision

    06:07 - Freedom and Responsibility: A Netflix Philosophy

    08:19 - The Role of Open Rewrite and Code Modernization

    10:48 - Componentization and Code Refactoring

    13:45 - Modern's Platform and AI Integration

    16:35 - Identifying and Solving Client Problems

    18:37 - Exploring Technical Debt in Software Development

    20:14 - Moderne's Approach to Technical Debt

    23:56 - Sales Process and Client Engagement

    27:01 - Onboarding and Implementation of Moderne's Platform

    30:27 - Vision and Growth of Moderne

    38:03 - Cultural and Leadership Insights

    40:34 - Building a Successful Company Culture

    47:33 - Overcoming Challenges and Personal Growth

    52:39 - The One Thing: The Changeless Beneath the Changing

    54:23 - Getting In Touch

    55:53 - Reflection: About Being On the Podcast

    ~~~Music by Yrii Semchyshyn (Thank You!): https://www.patreon.com/yuriisemchyshyn~~~Show Notes and Further Reading: https://www.awayre.com/ai-human-future-proof-business-jonathan-schneider-moderne/

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    57 Min.
  • The Heart of Leadership: How Being Human Helps Your Business with Bruce Kasanoff
    May 14 2025

    Discover heart-centered leadership with Bruce Kasanoff. Enhance self-awareness and embrace being human for personal and professional growth through love and emotional intelligence.


    What does it truly mean to lead with heart in today's fast-paced business world?


    In this episode of "The Business Philosopher Within You" podcast, host Bhavesh Naik sits down with Bruce Kasanoff, a renowned executive coach, author and speaker, to explore the transformative power of heart-centered leadership.


    Together, they delve into the essence of being human in leadership roles and the critical role of self-awareness in personal and professional growth.


    Bruce shares his "secret" to having 800,000+ followers on Linkedin and 500,000+ readers of his five newsletters. He discusses the challenges and rewards of leading with love rather than fear, offering insights into how leaders can nurture a more compassionate and effective organizational culture.


    Listeners will gain insights into the role of coaching as a leadership tool, the impact of coaching on organizations, and the personal growth that comes from embracing heart-centered leadership. Bruce's reflections on change and growth provide a compelling narrative of transformation and the power of self-awareness.


    Among the themes we explored:

    • Cracking the heart open and letting it lead our personal growth and leadership capacity.
    • The influence of authenticity and kindness in building a large following on social media.
    • The role of coaching in empowering leaders and organizations.
    • The contrast between leading with love versus fear.
    • The impact of being heart-centered on organizational culture and individual growth.
    • Navigating the intricacies of coaching principles, self-awareness and leading with heart.
    • The challenges faced in coaching relationships and applying coaching fundamentals to leadership.
    • The significance of behavioral changes and how fears and dreams influence personal growth.
    • Setting boundaries while navigating a heart-centered leadership in a chaotic world.


    Tune in to discover how heart-centered leadership can transform not only your organization but also your personal life. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from Bruce Kasanoff's profound insights and practical advice.


    CHAPTERS:

    00:00 - Highlights

    02:17 - Meet Bruce Kasanoff, Author and Executive Coach

    03:59 - 800,000+! Building Heartfelt Linkedin Connections

    09:53 - Defining the Heart-Centered Leadership

    13:20 - "I Am"

    19:48 - Bringing Heart-Centered Leadership to Leaders

    22:46 - Leading with Love Vs Fear

    27:15 - Coaching as a Leadership Tool

    31:03 - #1 Success Criteria for a Coach

    33:36 - The Impact of Coaching on Organizations

    36:36 - Defining Coaching

    44:06 - Coaching Process?

    51:25 - Self-Awareness and the Importance of Common Ground Under Business Results

    56:29 - The Role of Heart in Leadership

    59:15 - Fears and Dreams: The Neighbors of Our Aspirations

    01:02:58 - Cracking the Heart Open: Personal Growth Through Heart-Centered Leadership

    01:06:18 - The Complexity of Leading with an Open Heart

    01:09:55 - Before and After: Reflections on Change and Growth

    01:15:30 - Setting Boundaries: When Protecting the Heart May be Necessary

    01:16:47 - Closing Thoughts and Getting In Touch

    01:17:49 - About Being on the Podcast: Feedback and Reflections


    ~~~


    Music by Yrii Semchyshyn (Thank You!): https://www.patreon.com/yuriisemchyshyn


    ~~~


    Show Notes and Further Reading: https://www.awayre.com/heart-centered-leadership-being-human-business-bruce-kasanoff/

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    1 Std. und 23 Min.
  • UBUNTU: Exploring a Transformational Business Leadership Philosophy with Mike Ettling, Former CEO of Unit4 and Chairman of SYSPRO
    Apr 23 2025

    Explore "Ubuntu" as a transformative business leadership philosophy with Mike Ettling, Former CEO of Unit4 and Executive Chairman of SYSPRO. This leadership philosophy is based on the principle of "I am because you are" and emphasizes trust and people dynamics as crucial factors in high-performing organizations.


    What if the key to successful leadership lies in embracing the interconnectedness of humanity?


    In this episode of "The Business Philosopher Within You" podcast, host Bhavesh Naik sits down with Mike Ettling, Executive Chairman of SYSPRO, to explore the profound impact of the Ubuntu philosophy - "I am because you are" - on business leadership.


    Mike shares his journey from leading Unit4 to his current role at SYSPRO, emphasizing the importance of people-centric policies and trust in transforming organizational culture.


    Throughout the conversation, Mike delves into the challenges and triumphs of his leadership experiences. He discusses the significance of empowering employees, the role of trust in leadership, and the strategies for fostering a culture of trust within organizations. Mike's insights offer a fresh perspective on how leaders can navigate the complexities of modern business environments.


    Listeners will discover valuable insights into the importance of grounding strategies for leaders, the future vision for SYSPRO, and the personal growth journey that has shaped Mike's leadership philosophy. The episode also highlights the critical role of middle-tier leaders in driving cultural change and the impact of toxic high performers on organizational trust.


    Tune in to discover how embracing Ubuntu can lead to a more fulfilling and effective leadership, and learn actionable strategies to implement in your own leadership journey.


    Among the ideas we explored were:

    • Relevance of Ubuntu philosophy in business leadership.
    • Importance of trust and strategies for leveraging it for engagement.
    • The power executing of employee empowerment through specific policies.
    • The role of middle-tier leaders and difficult conversations in nurturing a culture of trust.
    • Behavior change versus culture change and the cause-effect relationship between the two.
    • Handling toxic high-performers, non-toxic low-performers: who to keep and who to let go.
    • Grounding strategies for leaders vital for maintaining balance and leadership effectiveness.
    • Adaptability and willingness to change and grow in leadership careers.
    • Vision for SYSPRO, and leveraging its strengths for global expansion.
    • Continuous exploration of personal growth and meaning in leadership.


    CHAPTERS:

    00:00 - Highlights

    02:25 - Meet Mike Ettling, Executive Chairman, SYSPRO

    04:21 - Recharging in "The Bush"

    05:20 - Exploring the Ubuntu Philosophy in Leadership

    07:26 - Transitioning Leadership at Unit4

    12:56 - Accepting Leadership at UNIT4: People Focus, Amazing Product

    16:22 - Importance of Empowering People

    20:58 - Being People Centric: Balancing Principles, Policies, Performance

    25:28 - Engendering a Culture of Trust

    28:03 - Organizational Culture and Behavior Change

    31:22 - HR and the Role of Leadership in Culture Change

    33:23 - Navigating Trust Issues in Leadership

    35:54 - Passing the Torch: Growth Potential and Future Vision for UNIT4

    37:42 - Learning from Challenges in Leadership

    44:54 - Personal Growth and Leadership Philosophy

    48:22 - Grounding Strategies for Leaders

    52:59 - Vision for SYSPRO and What's Next

    54:28 - Getting In Touch and Closing Thoughts

    55:13 - Self-Analysis: About Being on the Podcast


    ~~~Music by Yrii Semchyshyn (Thank You!): https://www.patreon.com/yuriisemchyshyn~~~


    Show Notes and Deep Dive: https://www.awayre.com/ubuntu-business-leadership-philosophy-mike-ettling-unit4-syspro/

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    57 Min.
  • Harnessing Neurodiversity for a High Performing Company Culture with Melanie Cook, Founder & CEO, Veritas Management Group
    Apr 9 2025

    What if the key to a high-performing company culture lies in embracing neurodiversity?

    In this episode of "The Business Philosopher Within You," host Bhavesh Naik sits down with Melanie Cook, founder and CEO of Veritas Management Group. Melanie shares her remarkable journey from overcoming personal challenges with ADD and dyslexia to leading a successful management consulting firm that champions neurodiversity, equity and inclusion.

    Learn how Melanie's personal experiences have shaped her leadership style and the culture at VMG. Discover how authenticity and integrity play crucial roles in building a supportive and innovative work environment. Explore how embracing neurodiversity can transform challenges into strengths and foster a culture of innovation and resilience.

    Melanie also discusses the importance of understanding your dream and how it can drive entrepreneurial success.

    Key takeaways include:

    • The role of authenticity in leadership and team dynamics.- Strategies for supporting neurodiverse employees in a productive and inclusive workplace.
    • How empathy and innovation can amplify organizational impact.
    • The importance of balancing personal growth with professional excellence.
    • How to embrace neurodiversity to foster a culture of trust and excellence.


    Tune in to learn how embracing neurodiversity and authenticity can transform your business and lead to sustainable success.


    CHAPTERS:

    00:00 - Highlights

    02:25 - Meet Melanie Cook with Veritas Management Group

    03:45 - The Genesis of Veritas Management Group

    06:02 - Overcoming Early Challenges

    11:18 - Building Veritas Management Group

    14:13 - Understanding the Ideal Client

    17:55 - Vision and Growth of VMG

    22:25 - Ideals, Values and Principles Behind the Vision

    25:09 - Vision for the Future of the Company

    27:35 - Navigating Business Challenges

    32:42 - Embracing a Remote Culture of Trust and Excellence

    37:47 - Cultivating Neurodiversity in the Workplace

    44:01 - The Evolution of Leadership and Decision-Making

    47:35 - Grounding Principles in a Changing Environment

    51:12 - Personal Growth through Entrepreneurial Journey

    53:13 - Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

    55:24 - Getting in Touch with Melanie

    57:22 - Introspection: About Being on the Podcast


    ~~~Music by Yrii Semchyshyn (Thank You!):

    https://www.patreon.com/yuriisemchyshyn


    ~~~Show Notes and Deep Dive:https://www.awayre.com/neurodiversity-high-performing-company-culture/

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    1 Std.