The Big Con Podcast

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.

  1. Big Con Podcast Strategy Masterclass

    01/26/2025

    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 understand strategic thinking in business. Key Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction & Episode Overview 00:01:30 - Defining Strategy: Core Concepts 00:06:02 - AI-Powered Analysis of Strategy 00:13:54 - Framework 1: Blue Oceans Strategy Case Studies: Lego, Wirecard, Weight WatchersKey Lesson: Set boundaries before expansion00:19:15 - Framework 2: The Trust Bank Case Studies: PwC, Twitter/X, Ashley MadisonKey Lesson: Trust takes years to build, seconds to lose00:23:09 - Framework 3: Disruption Decoded The Three Ns: Netflix, Nvidia, NintendoKey Lesson: Plan self-disruption before others do it for you00:26:33 - Special Discussion: Ethics in Business Strategy The "Temporary Ethical Flexibility" DebateCorporate Karma and Long-term SuccessFeatured Companies & Case Studies: Lego: Overexpansion risksWeight Watchers (WW): Rebranding challengesNetflix: Content strategy evolutionNvidia: AI market leadershipNintendo: Consistent innovationTwitter/X: Platform transformationAshley Madison: Security failuresWirecard: Governance collapseTry out the BCP Bot here: https://chatgpt.com/g/g-67591a0617608191804aef6ff6845765-bcp-bot 📕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. #BusinessStrategy #StrategyMasterclass #BusinessPodcast #StartupAdvice #BusinessTips #StrategicThinking #BusinessGrowth #Leadership #Innovation #CorporateStrategy

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

    12/10/2024

    🔥 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 Reddit's ongoing power struggles, we explore what happens when profit meets passion.Discover:Why Etsy's journey from craft fair to Wall Street left artisans feeling betrayedHow Tumblr's attempt to become "advertiser-friendly" led to a mass exodusThe ongoing battle between Reddit's moderators and corporate interestsThe tricky balance between community values and commercial successPlus, we tackle the eternal September effect and ask the burning question: is community building worth the risk, or are we all just playing with fire? Join us for a candid conversation about the hidden costs of community-driven business strategies and what happens when trust banks go bankrupt.🎯 Essential listening for entrepreneurs, community managers, and anyone wondering if "community-first" might actually mean "profits-last." 📕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.

    30 min
  3. 11/12/2024

    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 cloud-gaming revolution, discover how these tech titans have transformed entertainment while fighting for 3.2 billion global gamers. Key Strategic Insights: How Nintendo zigged while others zagged: The power of differentiation through family-friendly innovation and affordable technology PlayStation's premium positioning: Leveraging exclusive content and cutting-edge hardware Microsoft's pivot: Why Xbox is betting big on Game Pass and cloud gaming The role of IP ownership in competitive advantage Why the most powerful console doesn't always win Featured Analysis: Nintendo's "Disney of Gaming" approachPlayStation's HBO-style premium content strategyXbox's Netflix-inspired subscription modelThe surprising parallels between gaming consoles and the automotive industryThe future of gaming hardware vs. cloud services Whether you're a business strategist, gaming enthusiast, or just curious about how three different approaches to the same market can all succeed, this episode breaks down the moves that shaped a quarter-trillion dollar industry. #BusinessStrategy #Gaming #ConsoleWars #Nintendo #PlayStation #Xbox #TechIndustry #DigitalTransformation #Innovation #CompetitiveStrategy 📕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.

    30 min
  4. 23andMe // The DNA Heist of the Century

    10/15/2024

    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 tubes: How 23andMe made genetics go viral 🔬 The FDA showdown: When regulators crashed the DNA party 💊 Pivot or perish: 23andMe's adventurous leap into drug discovery 💸 SPACs, hacks, and setbacks: The turbulent path to going public 🩺 Telehealth dreams and Ozempic schemes: 23andMe's desperate bid for relevance Join us as we swab the inner cheek of 23andMe's business strategy, examining how a revolutionary idea morphed into a cautionary tale of overreach and identity crisis. We'll dissect the company's attempts to monetize your genetic code and ponder if there's still life in those test tubes. Is 23andMe's future written in the stars (or rather, in its customers' DNA)? Or will it need more than a genetic miracle to survive? Tune in for a wickedly entertaining analysis that's more twisted than a double helix !#23andMe #GeneticTesting #StartupStruggles #BusinessStrategy #DNADrama #TechFails #SPACAttack 📕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.

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

    10/01/2024

    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 tech drama à la MKBHD.Highlights:From Mickey Mouse Club to Michelin dreams: Britney's recipe for restaurant disasterThe Louisiana-New York fusion that left fans saying 'Gimme More'... explanationWhy celebrity endorsements don't always taste like successThe not-so-lucky star: How Britney distanced herself faster than you can say 'It's Britney, witch!'MKBHD's wallpaper app: When tech reviewers become the reviewedWe're stronger than yesterday after chewing over these flavorful fiascos. So grab your denim-on-denim outfit (and maybe an overpriced phone wallpaper) and join us for a meal you won't forget.Warning: This episode may leave you hungry for both knowledge and better celebrity business ventures. Don't let your entrepreneurial dreams become a 'Toxic' mess – learn from Britney's missteps and MKBHD's app-alling launch!#BritneyRestaurant #CelebrityBusinessFails #MKBHDApp #EntrepreneurialLessons #BusinessStrategy" 📕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.

    34 min
  6. Temu // Unmasking the Addictive E-commerce Empire

    09/17/2024

    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 weird and wonderful world of Temu's product offerings💸 The Price of Cheap: Unpack the ethical dilemmas and sustainability concerns behind those irresistible deals🕹️ Gamification Nation: Learn how Temu keeps you spinning, winning, and coming back for more🏗️ Amazon vs. Temu: The infrastructure showdown in the e-commerce arena💼 Business Model Breakdown: Will Temu's loss-leading strategy pay off, or is it a house of cards?🧠 The Psychology of Trust: Why we can't resist Temu, even when we claim not to trust itWhether you're a shameless Temu addict or a skeptical observer, this episode will have you questioning your shopping habits and the future of e-commerce. Join us as we unravel the big con behind those tiny price tags! 📕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.

    32 min
  7. Segway // The invention that killed its owner

    09/03/2024

    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 Segway - the invention that just couldn't seem to find its footing. Discover the key missteps that led to the Segway's downfall, like pricing it out of reach, regulatory challenges, and an inability to adapt. But is it truly a failure, or could the Segway be considered a "successful fail"? Strap in and get ready for a wild ride as we Segway our way through this captivating business tale.Key Takeaways: Just because an idea seems innovative, doesn't mean it's destined for success - understanding customer needs and market realities is crucialNavigating regulations and working with policymakers can make or break a new product's viabilityIterating and adapting your product over time, rather than stubbornly sticking to the original design, is essential for long-term sustainabilitySometimes an "invention" is not the same as an "innovation" - and the difference can determine a product's fateSo strap on your safety gear and get ready to ride the ups and downs of the Segway saga on this episode of The Big Con! 📕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.

    29 min

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 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.