Executive Edgecast

A Podcast by Sopra Solutions

Executive Edgecast with Margaret Bouse — founder of Sopra Solutions — is built for leaders who want practical, real-world ways to grow their businesses and sharpen their leadership teams. Each episode delivers clear, actionable insights you can actually use — no theory, no motivational sugar, just moves that work. Every conversation features a battle-tested subject matter expert: leaders who have scaled small and mid-sized businesses, rescued failing go-to-market strategies, tightened operations, and led teams through real growth and change. These are people who’ve done the work — not just talked about it. You’ll hear how they really did it: the questions they asked, the levers they pulled, what they cut, and what they would repeat every time. The result is the kind of conversation you forward to your leadership team and say, “Watch this — let’s do this.” If an episode gives you even one move you can use, don’t let it die in your headphones. Subscribe and share it with the partners, leaders, and rising talent helping you build what’s next.

Episodes

  1. 12/29/2025

    An Honest Conversation About AI: Promise, Risks, and Responsibility

    Executive Edgecast with Margaret Bouse explores how leaders can navigate the rapidly evolving role of artificial intelligence in business, creativity, and everyday life. In this episode, Margaret sits down with Kaylee Eastman for a fireside-style conversation about AI’s promise, its risks, and the responsibility that comes with its growing influence. Drawing from real-world use cases and lived experience, Margaret and Kaylee examine how AI is reshaping productivity, creativity, and content consumption — while also confronting ethical concerns, misinformation, and the “dead internet” effect. Together, they explore what it means to live and work thoughtfully in an age of intelligent machines. 🎯 In this episode, you’ll learn: How “not all AI is the same” — and why companies must define what AI means for themThe risks of ungoverned AI use in business — from data leakage to brand damageWhat the “AI bubble” might mean for markets and innovationWhy 95% of AI pilots are failing — and how to avoid common mistakesThe difference between gen AI and. AGI (artificial general intelligence)Deepfakes, ethics, and the dangers of “AI slop” in social media and advertisingHow responsible AI can revolutionize healthcare, environmental science, and creativityWhy the best companies will always be people first, AI second💡 Key takeaway: AI isn’t magic — it’s a tool. When used responsibly and with purpose, it can elevate human potential.  But without ethics, guardrails, or empathy, it risks amplifying bias, misinformation, and harm. 📎 Resources Mentioned MIT Study: “State of AI in Business” (2025)NVIDIA, OpenAI, and the AI Valuation DebateOpenAI Subpoena News: https://www.reuters.com/technologyTony Robbins “AI Coach” Project: https://www.tonyrobbins.com/programs/tony-aiTools Discussed: ChatGPT, Claude, Notion AI, Copilot, Canva, Suno, Figma, Illustrator👇 Join the conversation: How are you using AI — for creativity, productivity, or research? Have you seen responsible or irresponsible uses of AI? Share your stories in the comments. Your Host: 👉 Margaret “Marg” Bouse ➜ https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaretbouse/ Guest Speaker: 👉 Kaylee Eastman ➜ https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaylee-eastman/ Podcast Producer and Director: 👉 Jesse Walsh ➜ http://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-walsh 📣 Please Subscribe and Share! 💥 Enjoying Executive Edgecast? Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel and follow the podcast wherever you listen. Join us for deep dives, candid takes, expert insights and strategy to grow your business. 🤝 Want to be a guest on the podcast? Visit us at https://executiveedgecast.com/ to submit an application! 🎙️ Buzzsprout ➜ https://executiveedgecast.buzzsprout.com 🎥 YouTube ➜ https://www.youtube.com/@ExecutiveEdgecast 🧠 Sopra Solutions LLC ➜ www.soprasolutions.com 👉 Follow us on LinkedIn ➜ https://www.linkedin.com/company/sopra-solutions

    1h 5m
  2. 12/17/2025

    How Sales Leaders Adapt and Thrive in a Changing Economy

    Executive Edgecast with Margaret Bouse explores how sales leaders can adapt their approach to succeed in today’s rapidly changing economic landscape. In this episode, Margaret sits down with seasoned sales leader Laura Milewski to consider what it really takes to sell — and thrive — when markets are uncertain and expectations are evolving. Drawing on more than two decades of experience in enterprise and technology sales, Laura shares candid insights into the human realities of the profession, including pressure, resilience, and the power of authentic connection. Together, Laura and Margaret explore how sales professionals can balance digital automation with relationship-driven selling, redefine what a “lead” truly means, and build strategies that create sustainable success in a shifting market. 🎯 In this episode, you’ll learn: Why “Build, Retain & Grow” remains the timeless foundation of sales successHow to align your personal brand with your company’s purpose and missionThe provocative question every leader should ask: “How do we define a lead?”What economic uncertainty and turnover mean for today’s buyer journeyHow to maintain passion, integrity, and empathy amid constant changeWhy marketers should walk a mile in sales’ shoes to truly understand their customer💡 Key takeaway: Sales is no longer about transactions—it’s about trust. In a noisy, data-driven world, the winners are those who stay human, stay curious, and keep showing up. 📎 Resources Mentioned LinkedIn for Professional Networking: https://www.linkedin.comHarvard Business Review: “The New Psychology of Sales” – https://hbr.orgRelated Episode: Customer Marketing: Jackie Bouse on Turning Happy Clients into Growth Engines (LINK)👇 Join the conversation: What’s changing most about sales in your world? How are you keeping the human touch alive? Share your experiences below! Your Host: 👉 Margaret “Marg” Bouse ➜ https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaretbouse/ Guest Speaker: 👉 Laura Milewski ➜ https://www.linkedin.com/in/milewskilaura/ Podcast Producer and Director: 👉 Jesse Walsh ➜ http://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-walsh 📣 Please Subscribe and Share! 💥 Enjoying Executive Edgecast? Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel and follow the podcast wherever you listen. Join us for deep dives, candid takes, expert insights and strategy to grow your business. 🤝 Want to be a guest on the podcast? Visit us at https://executiveedgecast.com/ to submit an application! 🎙️ Buzzsprout ➜ https://executiveedgecast.buzzsprout.com 🎥 YouTube ➜ https://www.youtube.com/@ExecutiveEdgecast 🧠 Sopra Solutions LLC ➜ www.soprasolutions.com 👉 Follow us on LinkedIn ➜ https://www.linkedin.com/company/sopra-solutions

    45 min
  3. 12/03/2025

    Finding Your Frequency: How Clear Messaging and Positioning Drive Growth

    Executive Edgecast with Margaret Bouse explores how leaders can sharpen their messaging and positioning to create clarity, alignment, and momentum across their organizations. In this episode, Margaret sits down with messaging strategist Mark DiFraia to discuss what it really means to “find your frequency” — and why so many brands struggle to be heard. Drawing on his background as both a musician and a messaging professional, Mark explains how he helps companies tune their message so every stakeholder — from investors to customers — hears the same clear, consistent story. Together, Mark and Margaret explore how alignment, clarity, and repetition turn brand noise into messaging that resonates and drives growth. 🎯 In this episode, you’ll learn: How to develop a messaging framework that unifies your team and drives all communicationsWhy it’s important to train founders and teams to communicate on-messageHow to measure messaging successWhy patience and consistency are essential💬 Key takeaway: Messaging isn’t about saying more — it’s about saying the right things, consistently, to the right audience, so that every word moves your buyers closer to action. 📎 Resources Mentioned 440 Marketing Blog: http://4fortymarketing.com/blog/ 🎥 Related Episode: “Customer Marketing: Turning Happy Clients into Growth Engines” with Jackie Bouse  How do YOU make sure your team stays “in tune” with your brand message? Share your tips or challenges — we’d love to hear from you. Your Host: 👉 Margaret “Marg” Bouse ➜ https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaretbouse/ Guest Speaker: 👉 Mark Difraia ➜ https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdifraia/ Podcast Producer and Director: 👉 Jesse Walsh ➜ http://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-walsh 📣 Please Subscribe and Share! 💥 Enjoying Executive Edgecast? Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel and follow the podcast wherever you listen. Join us for deep dives, candid takes, expert insights and strategy to grow your business. 🤝 Want to be a guest on the podcast? Visit us at https://executiveedgecast.com/ to submit an application! 🎙️ Buzzsprout ➜ https://executiveedgecast.buzzsprout.com 🎥 YouTube ➜ https://www.youtube.com/@ExecutiveEdgecast 🧠 Sopra Solutions LLC ➜ www.soprasolutions.com 👉 Follow us on LinkedIn ➜ https://www.linkedin.com/company/sopra-solutions

    50 min
  4. 12/03/2025

    Why Your Happiest Customers Are Your Best Growth Channel

    Executive Edgecast with Margaret Bouse explores how leaders can use customer marketing to drive sustainable growth by strengthening relationships with the clients they already have. In this episode, Margaret sits down with customer marketing strategist Jackie Bouse to break down what customer marketing really is, why it’s often misunderstood, and how it can turn satisfied customers into powerful growth engines. Drawing on her experience building and managing customer marketing programs, Jackie explains how businesses can leverage retention, advocacy, and long-term relationships to fuel growth. Together, Margaret and Jackie explore how small to mid-sized businesses and nonprofits can apply these strategies effectively—even without large marketing teams or budgets. 🎯 In this episode, you’ll learn: What “Customer Marketing” really is — and why it’s powerfulHow to build trust-based relationships that foster renewals, referrals, and upsalesBest practices for case studies, customer advisory boards (CABs), and onboarding experiencesHow to ethically use customer logos, testimonials, and stories in marketingWhy “meeting customers where they are” builds loyalty and communityHow AI and automation will reshape authentic customer engagement💡 Key takeaway: Customer Marketing is about relationships — listening, learning, and co-creating value. For businesses ready to scale sustainably, it’s not just a retention tool — it’s a differentiator. 📎 Additional Resources Creating a Customer Advisory Board: https://customeradvisoryboard.org/Playbook for CAB success: https://www.customermarketingalliance.com/fine-tuning-your-b2b-customer-advisory-boards-for-maximum-success/Creating a Customer Community: https://influitive.com/blog/customer-community/ What customer marketing strategies have worked best in your business? Do you run a CAB or customer community? We’d love to hear your experiences. Your Host: 👉 Margaret “Marg” Bouse ➜ https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaretbouse/ Guest Speaker: 👉 Jackie Bouse ➜ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackiebouse/ Podcast Producer and Director: 👉 Jesse Walsh ➜ http://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-walsh 📣 Please Subscribe and Share! 💥 Enjoying Executive Edgecast? Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel and follow the podcast wherever you listen. Join us for deep dives, candid takes, expert insights and strategy to grow your business. 🤝 Want to be a guest on the podcast? Visit us at https://executiveedgecast.com/ to submit an application! 🎙️ Buzzsprout ➜ https://executiveedgecast.buzzsprout.com 🎥 YouTube ➜ https://www.youtube.com/@ExecutiveEdgecast 🧠 Sopra Solutions LLC ➜ www.soprasolutions.com 👉 Follow us on LinkedIn ➜ https://www.linkedin.com/company/sopra-solutions

    34 min
  5. 12/03/2025

    Building Better Internships That Actually Work

    Executive Edgecast with Margaret Bouse explores how leaders can design internship programs that deliver real value—for both students and organizations. In this episode, Margaret sits down with customer marketing professional Jackie Bouse to discuss what meaningful internships look like, where most programs fall short, and how businesses can build experiences that drive real growth and learning. Drawing from her hands-on experience managing and mentoring interns, Jackie shares practical insights into what makes internship programs effective and impactful. Margaret complements this with her perspective from decades of developing structured, purpose-driven internship initiatives—highlighting how intentional design can create lasting value for interns, teams, and organizations alike. You’ll learn: ✅ How to design internships with real learning outcomes and measurable results✅ Why paid or for-credit internships attract the best candidates✅ How to balance structure with creativity and autonomy✅ The importance of mentoring, recognition, and supporting interns after the program✅ Ways to partner with universities and comply with Fair Labor Standards guidelinesThis discussion is packed with real-world advice, empathy, and humor — including how to manage hundreds of internship applications, tailor learning plans, and foster confidence in young professionals entering today’s challenging job market. 🎓 Whether you’re a business owner, nonprofit leader, or student preparing for your first internship, this episode will help you rethink what makes an internship truly successful. 📎 Show Notes & Resources Fair Labor Standards Act Internship Guidelines: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fact-sheets/71-flsa-internships Massachusetts Workforce Development Programs: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/executive-office-of-labor-and-workforce-development LinkedIn Career Resources: https://www.linkedin.com/learningYour Host: 👉 Margaret “Marg” Bouse ➜ https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaretbouse/ Guest Speaker: 👉 Jackie Bouse ➜ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackiebouse/ Podcast Producer and Director: 👉 Jesse Walsh ➜ http://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-walsh 📣 Please Subscribe and Share! 💥 Enjoying Executive Edgecast? Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel and follow the podcast wherever you listen. Join us for deep dives, candid takes, expert insights and strategy to grow your business. 🤝 Want to be a guest on the podcast? Visit us at https://executiveedgecast.com/ to submit an application! 🎙️ Buzzsprout ➜ https://executiveedgecast.buzzsprout.com 🎥 YouTube ➜ https://www.youtube.com/@ExecutiveEdgecast 🧠 Sopra Solutions LLC ➜ www.soprasolutions.com 👉 Follow us on LinkedIn ➜ https://www.linkedin.com/company/sopra-solutions

    31 min

About

Executive Edgecast with Margaret Bouse — founder of Sopra Solutions — is built for leaders who want practical, real-world ways to grow their businesses and sharpen their leadership teams. Each episode delivers clear, actionable insights you can actually use — no theory, no motivational sugar, just moves that work. Every conversation features a battle-tested subject matter expert: leaders who have scaled small and mid-sized businesses, rescued failing go-to-market strategies, tightened operations, and led teams through real growth and change. These are people who’ve done the work — not just talked about it. You’ll hear how they really did it: the questions they asked, the levers they pulled, what they cut, and what they would repeat every time. The result is the kind of conversation you forward to your leadership team and say, “Watch this — let’s do this.” If an episode gives you even one move you can use, don’t let it die in your headphones. Subscribe and share it with the partners, leaders, and rising talent helping you build what’s next.