Geeks, Geezers, and Googlization Show Ira S Wolfe

What if all those office wellness perks aren't actually helping? Is your office wellness program just a series of gimmicks? In this episode Tanya Tarr, Senior Contributor, Forbes, and Behavioral Scientist, and host Joe Serio dissect the myths of workplace wellness. You might rethink those yoga sessions! Tune in now!
Tanya and Joe dig into the nuanced world of well-being, whether at home or in the workplace. In this riveting episode, they switch gears from the comforts of home to the often chaotic terrain of the office. Ever wondered why pizza parties and gimmicky workplace wellness programs just don't cut it? This episode is for you.
Who should listen? If you're an employee feeling stuck in a toxic work environment, a manager looking to foster a healthier workplace, or an HR professional striving for impactful wellness initiatives, this episode is your blueprint for creating a thriving work culture. 
Here are a few thought-provoking takeaways about workplace well-being, toxic bosses, and the crucial aspects of creating a sense of belonging:
1. Balancing home and work well-being is crucial. Sometimes work is a sanctuary, other times it’s home—either way, one impacts the other significantly.
2. Simply offering gym memberships or pizza parties isn’t cutting it when it comes to workplace wellness. Real workplace well-being needs to be part of strategic planning and management.
3. Critical well-being factors to assess at work include physical comfort, solving interesting problems, professional development support, psychological safety, and feeling part of a supportive culture.
4. Meaningful workplace connections are key. If employees have genuine friendships at work, it’s a strong indicator of an organization’s health.
5. If you're stuck with an unsupportive boss, focus on what you can control. Seek intrinsic rewards like meaningfulness, choice, competence, and progress in your tasks.
Missed the first or second segment? 
Part #1: "Unleashing Your Potential: The How and Why of Personal Well-Being" Click here.
Part #2: "Unleashing Your Potential: The How  and Why of Personal Well-Being" Click here.
 

AI dominance, energy trade-offs, and election jitters. Those were the topics this month’s esteemed Wall St panel explored on At the Corner of Main St. and Wall St. The juxtaposition of Main Street and Wall Street may seem worlds apart, yet they are becoming increasingly intertwined. Join us as we unpack the implications of the rising cost of living, the potential shift in political administration, and the transformative power of AI in our economy. Whether you’re an investor, a tech enthusiast, or simply someone curious about future trends, this episode has something for you.
Here are nine illuminating takeaways about the economy, markets, AI, and the upcoming 2024 election.
1. **Feeling the Squeeze:** Inflation's tightening grip isn’t just a headline—whether it's grocery bills, car insurance, or trash pick-up costs, everyone's wallet is taking a hit, especially those in the middle and lower-income brackets. Is this what might determine who resides in the White House for the next 4 years?
2. **Stocks vs. Wallets:** You might hear the stock market's roaring, but don't be fooled; it doesn’t always reflect Main Street’s struggle with daily expenses. It’s like living in two different economies!
3. **Election Anxiety:** With the 2024 election heating up, there's cautious optimism. According to guest Mat Van Alstyne, the market is attempting to price in a potential Trump win, but the mix of political chaos and proposed tax changes could make for a wild ride.
4. **AI and Power Play:** NVIDIA's tech lead shows that dominating the AI scene isn't just about cool gadgets—it's fueling a surge in data demand, transforming power usage, and pushing the boundaries of what's possible.
5. **Green Energy's Reality Check:** While green energy is the future, current tech like wind and solar need more energy to produce than they give back over their lifetimes. It's an efficiency puzzle that still needs solving.
7. **Data Center Giants:** Fun fact: The biggest data center, only second to the world’s largest, is right here in the US and it's part of our growing need for data—think AI, electric vehicles, and cryptocurrency.
8. **AI Bubble Fears:** The panel's mixed takes on the AI market bubble, especially with NVIDIA, reveal a cautious yet curious approach as tech valuation and future earnings raise eyebrows.
9. **Living at the Intersection:** The convergence of economy, politics, and technology demands we stay adaptive. It’s crucial to keep learning and navigating the uncharted waters without getting bogged down by the past.
About this month's guests:
Mat Van Alstyne: Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Odeon Capital Group, a leading full service boutique broker dealer to institutional clients. Many of you know Mat from his commentary and outlook on the highly rated Odeon Capital Conversations Podcast, which will return soon for another season. 
John Aidan Byrne: Veteran Wall Street business journalist, editor, filmmaker, and successful podcast host of Odeon Capital Conversations and Dig Life Deep! John/s newest ventures are two movie projects, one on the legendary life of a Wall Street CEO and scholar and the other on Norman Rockwell.  
Special Guest:
Jim Toes is President and CEO of the Security Traders Association (STA), a grassroots trade organization that serves individuals employed in the financial services industry. He also was a candidate in New York’s third Congressional district to replace ousted Rep. George Santos.
 

Flexibility in the workplace is a hot topic, but 2024 Everywhere Work reports show a stark reality: only 25% of workers feel their work environment is highly flexible. We need to bridge this gap for a truly adaptable workforce.
In this episode host Ira S Wolfe and Ivanti’s CMO Melissa Puls peel back the layers of IT and security, and trust us, it’s more challenging than you’d ever expect. We tackle the crippling silo effect, dig into the exponential growth of security vulnerabilities, and explore the intricate dance between CIOs, CISOs, and HR. It can feel like you’re trying to thread a needle with one hand tied behind your back. 
Here are seven insightful nuggets about IT, security, workplace flexibility, and employee experience in the future of work:
1. When IT and security team up, magic happens. Collaboration is key. Silos? Not so much. Keeping data and systems separate hampers both productivity and security.
2. Discovering and securing every connected device is like looking for a needle in a haystack. But boy, is it necessary! CIOs and CSOs need to collaborate, not compete.
3. Think of workplace security like a well-locked door; it must be secure but easy to use. Balancing strict security measures with practicality can save your company from headaches.
4. Employee experience isn’t just a fluffy HR term. It translates directly to customer experience, and ultimately, your company’s success. And surprise, surprise: IT and security have a huge impact on it.
5. Do you think digital employee experience doesn’t matter? Many employees would rather leave a company with a lousy digital setup than stay—even if they love everything else.
6. Flexibility in the workplace is still a work in progress. Only 25% of workers feel their environment is highly flexible.
7. The future of work is here and now, and it’s all about flexibility, security, and connection. This episode drives home the point that thriving in today’s fast-paced world means embracing flexibility, working smarter, and fostering strong connections and cultures within our workplaces. So, stay agile, stay secure, and stay connected!
Plus: The top 5 Things every small and medium business manager should know:
The Future of Work is here now . Everywhere Work is here to stay
Flexibility is key for the Employee Experience and Engagement. Everywhere work is about flexibility, not the place.
Security is critical to make sure employees and customers are safe. Education and training is essential.
Connection and Culture are more challenging in a hybrid environment but not impossible
Employee Experience translates to Customer Experience --  and it is all about Customers and the Customer Journey.
About Melissa Puls
Melissa is Ivanti’s Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) and Senior Vice President Customer Success and responsible for all aspects of the Ivanti customer journey, from initial awareness to purchase, adoption, expansion and renewal – ensuring organizations maximize the value of Ivanti’s solutions for greater outcomes.
Melissa is passionate about all phases of the customer experience and brings decades of experience to Ivanti with a strong track record of fueling growth through a customer-centric approach and integrated marketing strategies for acquired companies. She was most recently senior vice president and CMO at Avid. Prior to this role, Melissa also held CMO and marketing leadership positions with Optanix, Progress, Iron Mountain and Infor.
Resources:
Connect with Melissa Puls here.
Visit Ivanti website and watch keynotes from ISS2024.
Download 2024 Everywhere Work report here.
 

The Whole You: Work, Home Life host Joe Serio and Senior Contributor, Forbes, and Behavioral Scientist Tanya Tarr continue their dynamic conversation about the how and why of personal well-being.  Together they delve into the intriguing concept of a "House of Well-Being" and a "Workplace of Well-Being." This transformative discussion will leave you inspired to redesign your life for success. 
 Here are just a few of the mind-opening lessons learned that can truly reshape the way we approach our health and work environment.
1. The concept of your "house of well-being" encourages exploring the different rooms of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health for a well-rounded life journey.
2. Simplify your well-being check-ins by focusing on 3-4 key areas instead of overwhelming yourself with endless objectives – it's all about keeping it nimble.
3. Pay attention to the rooms you neglect in your well-being house; they often hold the keys to unlocking your true balance.
4. Community connections are essential for emotional and cultural health - find your 'church energy' in unexpected places like kickboxing clubs or adult kickball leagues.
5. By breaking down your environments into different spaces, such as bedroom, office, or car environments, you can effectively pinpoint areas that need immediate attention and those that can wait.
6. The power of intentional transitions lies in helping your nervous system and overall well-being find a sense of closure and rejuvenation.
7. Approach your workplace of well-being with the same mindfulness as your house of well-being; navigating office dynamics, policies, and relationships play a vital role in your overall wellness journey.
Why Listen: 
If you're feeling overwhelmed by the demands of daily life, seeking ways to enhance your overall well-being, or looking to foster a healthier work environment, this episode is a must-listen. Joe and Tanya's practical advice, deep insights, and relatable anecdotes will inspire you to make small, impactful changes that lead to significant transformations in your physical, mental, emotional, and cultural health. Tune in for actionable strategies, expert tips, and a fresh perspective on living your best life, both at home and in the workplace.

You’re going to want to turn up the volume for this episode. Are you yearning to break through your comfort zone, ramp up your accountability game, and master the art of effective communication?
In this epic leadership smackdown between the importance of accountability and adaptability, there is only one winner: you. Learn why accountability and adaptability are like peanut butter and jelly - each great on its own, but the magic combo when applied together. Entrepreneurship and former music exec Jeff Matlow reveals how failure to adapt and accept accountability in the music industry should be a wake-up call for every organization, business, and worker.
Here are just a few of the insightful takeaways:
1. Jeff reveals the shocking secret about accountability. Wait until you hear this one! Jeff's four simple secrets of accountability can transform how you lead and work in profound ways.
2. Accountability isn't about non-stop work; it’s about strong decision-making. Leaders must set priorities and maintain focus to guide their teams to success. 
3. Effective communication isn't just about the words—it's about creating a safe space where people feel comfortable taking risks and voicing their ideas.
4. Fear of conflict often stymies growth. Embrace healthy disagreements and diverse perspectives to make better decisions.
5. Adaptability is a top-tier skill in today’s fast-paced world, but without clear and consistent communication, even the best plans can fall apart.
6. Personal and professional growth thrives on adaptability and accountability; you can't have one without the other.
7. Become a storytelling maestro and elevate your communication game.
8. Fear of failure holds many people back, but stepping out of your comfort zone leads to significant growth and control.
9. The misconception that we only use 10% of our brain - and even our body potential - underestimates our true potential.
10. Society struggles with comparing inner fears to others’ outward confidence. Don't be a red light complainer or a yellow light doubter. Be a green-light action-taker!
Who is Jeff Matlow?
Jeff Matlow is a relentless entrepreneur, leadership coach, business leader, author,  Ironman, and Top Leadership Voices on LinkedIn. His latest challenge - He champions accountability. Jeff stands firm on the belief that integrity, responsibility, and reliability are the bedrock of true leadership. He’s here to argue that without accountability, success is just a flash in the pan.
He is a 3x entrepreneur. He built a product, service, and SaaS business, each of which was acquired by large media conglomerates. 
He now focuses his time on coaching female executives and entrepreneurs to be more inspirational leaders. 
He is the author of The Best Leadership Newsletter Ever, which creatively looks at your daily behaviors to transform your life.  What I’m most impressed with is how quickly he attracted over 11k subscribers. His podcast, The Best Leadership Podcast Ever has short lessons on how to improve leadership. 
Jeff began his career in the music industry where he worked with such artists as James Brown, Everclear, and the Black Eyed Peas. He founded the record label, crank! which was subsequently acquired by the Universal Music Group.
 

This premiere episode of “At the Corner of Main St. & Wall St. episode is a gripping reminder that when it comes to the economy, inflation, personal finances, and politics, we are in virgin territory. Staying informed and flexible is key and hosts Ira S Wolfe, Mat Van Alstyne, and John Aidan Byrne share a few game-changing insights on where we may be headed next. They are joined by this month’s special guest Nathan Lewis, co-author of “Inflation.”
Here are a few must-know takeaways about our economy, inflation, debt, and where we might be headed next:
1. **The Inflation Impact**: Inflation is hitting hard, and Americans are feeling it. Everything from your groceries to your gas tank is affected, and it’s a top concern for everyone from Main Street to Wall Street.
2. **Debt Overload**: The American consumer is swimming in over $1 trillion of credit card debt—yikes! Combine that with the housing gridlock and border crisis, and you get a potent financial cocktail that's hard to swallow.
3. **Deficits Without Fixes**: Nathan Lewis points out that governments, including ours, are running bigger deficits but fixing zilch. It’s like putting more holes in a sinking ship and wondering why we’re taking on water.
4. **Treasury Troubles**: Rising treasury yields could spell trouble. There’s chatter about fiscal dominance and even the looming specter of the US Treasury defaulting if no one's buying those bonds. 
5. **Inflation and Politics**: Inflation is shaping up to be a big player in the next election cycle. Whether it’s Trump’s tariffs or Biden’s relief acts, these policies are influencing everything from the value of the dollar to the cost of living.
6. **Gold as a Safety Net?**: With currency values wobbling, some experts are looking back at gold. Remember, it’s been a fallback since ancient civilizations and could be the safe harbor we need amid the storm.
7. **Monetary Mayhem**: Leaving the gold standard in 1971 might’ve been the root of our currency’s instability. It’s like pulling the rug out from under the dollar, as Nathan Lewis reminds us.
8. **International Shifts**: The global scene is shifting with countries like China and Russia questioning the US dollar’s dominance. 
9. **The Future's Uncertain**: High levels of unpredictability surround what the Fed and central banks will do next. Navigating this complex maze requires keen insight and adaptability.
Mat Van Alstyne: Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Odeon Capital Group, brings insights from the heart of Wall Street. Odeon Capital Group is a leading full service boutique broker dealer to institutional clients.Many of you know Mat from his commentary and outlook on the highly rated Odeon Capital Conversations Podcast, the number one podcast on Capital Markets in the US and top ranked across the globe. Odeon Capital Conversations will return soon for another season. 
John Aidan Byrne: Veteran Wall Street business journalist, editor, filmmaker, and successful podcast host of Odeon Capital Conversations and Dig Life Deep! I want to wish Good luck to John on his two movie projects, one on the legendary life of a Wall Street CEO and scholar and the other on Norman Rockwell.  Hopefully we’ll be walking the red carpet soon at their premiere!
Special Guest:
Nathan Lewis: Renowned monetary policy and economic history expert, Discovery Institute Fellow, co-author of The Magic Formula: The Timeless Secret to Economic Health and Prosperity; and Inflation: What It Is, Why It's Bad, and How to Fix It, and author of several other highly-acclaimed economic tomes.
You can order “Inflation” here.
More about Nathan Lewis.
***This episode was sponsored by Security Traders Association (STA). 
STA is a grassroots organization with 20 Affiliates across the U.S. and Canada, representing financial services professionals. 
STA educates its members on market structure issues and advocates for their interests with legislators and re