Art of Consulting Podcast Andy Fry, Cat Lam

In this episode of The Art of Consulting Podcast, Cat sits down with Stefan Streckfus, co-founder and CTO of Renewell Energy. With nearly 5 years in renewable energy innovation and a background in designing scalable solutions for crises and commercial efficiency, Stefan shares his journey, challenges, and vision for the future of sustainable energy. Tune in for insights on impactful projects and advice for aspiring innovators. Welcome and Introduction
00:13 - 00:55
Hey, what is up you guys? It's Cat. Today we have a special guest, Stefan Streckfus, co-founder and CTO of Renewell Energy. With nearly 5 years in renewable energy innovation, Stefan is a Westgate fellow and former energy engineer at Mawaw Modular. He designed scalable renewable energy systems for refugee crises and founded Strekworks LLC, a consulting firm. He also led equipment innovation at Restaurant Brands International, improving efficiency and quality for brands like Burger King and Tim Hortons. Welcome, Stefan!
Guest Introduction
00:56 - 03:40
Thanks, Cat! It’s great to be here. I’m excited to share my journey in the renewable energy sector and talk about some of the projects I’ve been involved with.
Journey into Renewable Energy
03:41 - 08:15
Let's start with your journey. How did you get into renewable energy?
It began with my engineering background. At Mawaw Modular, I worked on renewable energy solutions for refugee camps, which sparked my interest in this field. That experience led me to co-found Renewell Energy.
Projects and Innovations
08:16 - 15:45
Can you share more about the projects you’ve worked on?
Sure. At Renewell Energy, we focus on scalable solutions for sustainable energy. One notable project was developing a solar-powered water purification system for remote areas. At Strekworks LLC, I consulted on renewable energy projects, helping companies transition to greener solutions.
Impact of Renewable Energy
15:46 - 20:10
What impact have these projects had on the communities and companies you worked with?
The impact has been significant. For example, the solar-powered water purification system has provided clean water to thousands of people in remote areas. At Restaurant Brands International, the innovations led to improved energy efficiency and cost savings.
Challenges in the Field
20:11 - 25:50
What are some of the challenges you’ve faced in the renewable energy sector?
One major challenge is the initial cost of implementing renewable energy solutions. There’s also the need for continuous innovation to keep up with the growing demand for sustainable energy.
Future of Renewable Energy
25:51 - 30:25
Where do you see the future of renewable energy heading?
I believe we’ll see more integration of renewable energy into everyday life. Innovations in storage and efficiency will make renewable energy more accessible and affordable.
Advice for Aspiring Innovators
30:26 - 35:10
What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the renewable energy field?
Stay curious and keep learning. The renewable energy field is constantly evolving, so it’s important to stay updated with the latest technologies and trends. Networking and gaining hands-on experience are also crucial.
Closing Remarks
35:11 - 36:30
Thank you so much, Stefan, for sharing your insights and experiences.
Thank you, Cat. It’s been a pleasure talking with you.
Outro
36:31 - 37:00
That’s all for today’s episode, folks. Thank you for tuning in. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review. See you next time!
Episode Highlights:
Welcome and Introduction
00:13 - 00:55
Cat introduces Stefan Streckfus, co-founder and CTO of Renewell Energy.
Guest Introduction
00:56 - 03:40
Stefan shares his background and experience.
Journey into Renewable Energy
03:41 - 08:15
How Stefan got into renewable energy.
Projects and Innovations
08:16 - 15:45
Stefan discusses key projects and innovations.
Impact of Renewable Energy
15:46

In this episode, we had the pleasure of hosting Da Li, a serial entrepreneur who shared his remarkable journey from entrepreneurship in China to creating sustainable home products. Da Li's diverse experiences and insights provided an enriching conversation on entrepreneurship and cross-cultural engagement.
1. Entrepreneurial Journey in China (00:00-02:16) Da Li founded DEYA Tech, becoming a market leader in China, catering to major clients domestically and internationally, including regions along the Belt and Road initiative.
He discussed the challenges faced in the evolving landscape of entrepreneurship in China, highlighting the impact of rising labor costs and changing market dynamics.
2. Challenges of Business in China (02:16-13:00) Da Li emphasized the increasing difficulty of bootstrapping and organic growth in the current market, reflecting on the changes in labor costs and the landscape compared to previous years.
He shared lessons learned from DEYA Tech, including the importance of embracing failure, the significance of swift adaptation, and recognizing the right timing for pivoting in business.
3. Engaging with High-Profile Dignitaries (13:00-18:00) Da Li shared intriguing stories of interacting with high-profile dignitaries, providing insights into encounters with a Saudi Prince and the late Paul Allen, shedding light on the dynamics and behind-the-scenes interactions in such scenarios.
4. Creating Sustainable Home Products (18:00-29:12) Introduction to Kunaboo, a brand by Kingsway Global Inc., focusing on sustainable home products with a family-oriented touch, emphasizing the significance of the name and the inherent message behind it.
The discussion included the principles of the brand, the family-oriented feel of the products, and the value of having such items in homes.
5. Life Lessons from Entrepreneurship (29:12-32:00) Da Li emphasized the empowering nature of entrepreneurship, highlighting the sense of agency, responsibility, and the lasting impact it has on personal growth and accountability.
Episode Highlights: 00:00 - Entrepreneurial journey in China, founding DEYA Tech and serving major clients nationally and internationally.
2:16 - Challenges of business in China, rising labor costs, and the changing landscape of entrepreneurship.
13:00 - Lessons learned from DEYA Tech, embracing failure, and the importance of swift adaptation in business.
18:00 - Engaging with high-profile dignitaries, sharing encounters with a Saudi Prince and the late Paul Allen.
29:12 - Creating sustainable home products, introducing the brand Kunaboo and its significance.
32:00 - Life lessons from entrepreneurship, emphasizing agency, responsibility, and personal growth.
About Our Guest Today Da Li is a serial entrepreneur with a wealth of experience in entrepreneurship, cross-cultural dynamics, and sustainable products. He founded Kingsway Global Inc. and leads Peer Communications and Wellcee.
Where to find Our Guest online
https://www.kunaboo.com/
https://www.facebook.com/mykunaboo/
https://www.instagram.com/mykunaboo/
https://www.wellcee.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dali1/
 

Welcome back to The Art of Consulting Podcast! In this episode, we feature Da Li, a serial entrepreneur with a rich background in IT and enterprise software development. Da Li shares insights into his diverse ventures, including Kingsway Global Inc., Peer Communications, and Wellcee, showcasing his dedication to sustainable home products, marketing services for luxury brands, and the development of a leading lifestyle and roommate-seeking platform.


00:06 Introduction:
Host Kat introduces Da Li as a special guest, highlighting his extensive experience as a serial entrepreneur and the founder of various successful ventures. His expertise in sustainable home products, marketing services for luxury brands, and the establishment of Wellcee, a premier roommate-seeking platform, set the stage for an engaging conversation that follows.
01:11 Current Ventures Overview:
Da Li delves into the founding of Wellcee, a platform designed to address the housing challenges faced by young individuals in bustling cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong. His role as an investor and insights into Wellcee's growth and significance within the community form a central part of the discussion.
05:16 Platform Expansion and Unique Niche:
Da Li provides specific details about Wellcee's growth, highlighting its evolution from a roommate-finding platform to a comprehensive lifestyle platform connecting young people in large cities. He emphasizes the platform's ability to maintain a high-touch approach while expanding across various cities and its significant impact in a market dominated by large platforms.
11:03 Lifestyle Platform and Community Engagement:
Da Li explores the multifaceted nature of wellness, underscoring its impact on the lives of young individuals. He discusses the platform's unique features, such as enabling users to connect, understand shared interests, and select roommates based on lifestyle choices, thereby creating a personalized experience for its users.
12:04 Inclusivity and Community Support:
The conversation shifts to Wellcee's role in fostering inclusivity, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community in China. Da Li highlights the platform's unique approach in facilitating pre-vetting and providing a safe space for individuals to express their identities and find compatible living arrangements, reflecting Wellcee's inclusive values.
18:02 Focus on Sustainable Home Products:
Transitioning to another venture, Da Li shares his journey in establishing Kingsway Global Inc., emphasizing the company's commitment to producing sustainable bamboo home products. He sheds light on the importance of FSC certification in the production process and its significant environmental and cultural impact.
23:03 Embracing Sustainable Practices:
Da Li elaborates on the decision to prioritize FSC certification for bamboo products, emphasizing the alignment of sustainable practices with personal values. He discusses the strategic differentiation of the business and the critical role of sustainable endeavors in driving product excellence within a competitive market.
27:27 Transition from IT to Entrepreneurship:
Da Li reflects on his transition from IT to entrepreneurship, revealing the spontaneous nature of his journey and the organic growth of his early business, Dietech. He shares insights into breaking into the industry, securing initial clients, and the balance between the enthusiasm of youth and the wisdom of experience in entrepreneurial pursuits.
30:00 Conclusion:
The show closes with a discussion on the dynamics of entrepreneurship, highlighting the blend of intuition and data-driven decision-making. The conversation with Da Li enriches the understanding of sustainable ventures, strategic differentiation, and the transformative impact on community building and lifestyle platforms.


Episode Highlights:

00:06 Introduction of Da Li: Serial entrepreneur and founder of Wellcee, with expertise in sustainable home p

In this engaging episode of The Art of Consulting Podcast, host sits down with Lauren Baptiste, a life coach and consultant specializing in workplace burnout and well-being. With over 13 years of experience in corporate culture, Lauren is on a mission to help professionals, particularly women, transition from exhaustion to empowerment. Her unique approach incorporates elements of Ayurveda, hormonal health, and evidence-based modalities, making her insights particularly compelling for anyone looking to improve their work-life balance.
Key Topics Discussed: 00:06 - Introduction:
Host introduces Lauren Baptiste, emphasizing her mission to enhance work culture by prioritizing well-being. Lauren’s diverse background includes expertise in Ayurveda, hormonal health, and evidence-based modalities. She has consulted for a wide range of clients including IBM, TD Securities, EY, NFL, Warner Music, Estee Lauder, Standard Chartered Bank, and the United Nations.
01:11 - Understanding Burnout:
Lauren delves into the concept of burnout, highlighting its symptoms such as emotional exhaustion and cynicism. She differentiates between the 'soft' and 'hard' sides of burnout, emphasizing the importance of addressing both for overall well-being. Lauren explains how even high performers can fall prey to burnout, making it crucial to identify and address it early.
05:16 - Urgency of Addressing Burnout:
The discussion covers the severe consequences of burnout, including extreme cases leading to suicidal thoughts. Lauren emphasizes the need for immediate intervention and sustainable solutions to prevent such outcomes. She shares stories about the drastic impact of unchecked burnout and stresses the importance of professional help and personal strategies to manage it.
11:03 - Balancing Work and Personal Life:
The conversation turns to finding a balance between professional achievements and personal enjoyment. Lauren suggests integrating fun into daily routines while fulfilling career goals to maintain a healthy life balance. She talks about her own experiences and how small changes can make a significant difference in one’s outlook and well-being.
18:02 - Empowering Others:
Lauren discusses the importance of empowering those around us instead of trying to solve every problem ourselves. She relates this to consulting, where the aim should be to provide tools and knowledge rather than taking on all tasks. Lauren shares practical tips on how to foster empowerment in both personal and professional settings.
23:03 - Authenticity in Different Roles:
The conversation touches on authenticity, stressing the importance of being true to our roles in various contexts. Lauren uses the analogy of a UFC fighter to explain how one’s behavior should align with the role they are playing. She elaborates on how being authentic within these roles can lead to more meaningful and effective interactions.
27:27 - Importance of Connection:
Lauren highlights the impact of loneliness on burnout, especially for consultants. She suggests intentional connection through small gestures like texting friends or arranging meet-ups to foster meaningful relationships and mitigate burnout. Lauren shares personal anecdotes and scientific studies to emphasize the critical role of social connections in maintaining mental health.
30:00 - Final Thoughts:
The episode concludes with Lauren reiterating the need for a balance between being a hero in our professional roles and taking care of our own well-being. She encourages listeners to seek support when needed and to maintain objectivity in their roles. Lauren leaves the audience with actionable advice on how to start making positive changes today.
Episode Highlights: 00:06: Introduction of Lauren Baptiste, life coach and consultant with a focus on workplace well-being.
01:11: Exploring burnout symptoms and the urgency of addressing them.
05:16: The necessity of balancing professional

Topic Overview: Join Andy Fry and Cat Lam as they delve into the nuances of ERP systems, comparing on-premise and cloud implementations, discussing the transitions, challenges, and best practices from an expert's perspective in the ERP consulting field.
Types of Consultants:
External Consultants: Provide independent advice based on an external viewpoint.
Internal Consultants: Offer specialized advice within an organization, focusing on continuous internal improvements.
 
Key Points Discussed:
0:06 - Introduction
Welcome back to "The Art of Consulting Podcast" with hosts Andy Fry and Cat Lam. Today, we dive into ERP systems, focusing on the transition from on-premise to cloud implementations and the impact on businesses.
0:34 - Guest Introduction
Introduction of Andy Fry, a seasoned Oracle ERP consultant, who shares insights from his vast experience.
0:54 - Historical Context
Andy starts by discussing the traditional on-premise ERP systems, their setup, and operations within company facilities.
2:04 - Shift to Cloud
The conversation shifts to cloud implementations, detailing the migration process and the role of server farms managed by third-party vendors.
3:36 - Differences in Implementations
Andy outlines significant differences in implementation strategies between on-premise and cloud systems, emphasizing the need for client involvement in cloud environments.
5:01 - Challenges with Cloud ERP
Discussion on how cloud implementations, while beneficial, come with challenges such as reduced customization and the importance of understanding the system's capabilities fully.
7:23 - Project Timelines Comparison
Exploring how project timelines differ between on-premise and cloud implementations, noting that cloud projects tend to progress faster but require careful planning to accommodate unique business needs.
8:58 - Client Participation
The changing role of client participation in ERP setups, particularly how cloud systems have altered the dynamic of client involvement in the configuration process.
10:01 - Understanding and Communication
Andy stresses the importance of clear communication and thorough understanding between consultants and clients to ensure successful implementation and operation.
11:35 - Post-Implementation Support
How organizations handle the transition post-implementation, focusing on the support structures needed when the consultant team steps back.
13:18 - Knowledge Transfer
Strategies for ensuring clients are well-equipped to manage their ERP systems after consultants leave, emphasizing ongoing education and support.
16:18 - Consultant's Role in Cloud Implementations
Andy explains his role in current projects, particularly how he ensures his clients are adequately prepared to use and maintain their new systems.
17:26 - Education and Framework Introduction
Andy describes how he introduces clients to the ERP framework, ensuring they understand the system's purpose and functionality from a high-level perspective.
19:53 - Achieving Depth in Consultation
The necessity of diving deep into the system's specifics with clients, ensuring they grasp not just the how, but the why behind system configurations.
20:26 - Change Management in Modern ERP
Discussion on how change management has evolved with cloud ERP, focusing now more on power users and IT staff rather than end-users alone.
23:54 - Evolution of Documentation Practices
How documentation needs and practices have changed with the shift to cloud ERP systems, highlighting what's been retained and what's phased out.
25:31 - Impact of Cloud on Business Processes
How cloud ERP systems have transformed traditional business processes, enabling more agile and scalable operations.
27:23 - Client Stories and Examples
Andy shares anecdotal evidence and stories from his career, illustrating the challenges and successes of moving clients to cloud ERP systems.
29:15 - Advice for Businesses Considering ERP
Practical advice for

. Emphasizes that money itself is not a value, but what it represents to an individual is.
0:34 - 1:03 - Finding Meaning Beyond Money
Speaker 1 reflects on the importance of understanding why people do their jobs, beyond just earning money. Highlights the idea that meaningful work provides existential safety and keeps the spirit alive.
1:04 - 2:38 - Building Individuals in Organizations
Speaker 1 shares an anecdote about a virtual assistance firm that focuses on individual development, leading to higher retention rates. Emphasizes the value of building up individuals within an organization.
3:05 - 3:50 - The Role of Passionpreneurs
Speaker 2 talks about passionpreneurs who follow their passion and transform it into work that provides existential safety. Discusses the balance between organizational constraints and personal passion.
3:50 - 5:17 - Finding Passion Within Systems
Speaker 2 explains that finding passion is not about blaming the system but finding what makes one feel alive within the system. Encourages boldness and courage in pursuing one's passion.
5:57 - 6:22 - Defining Passion vs. Hobby
Speaker 2 defines passion as something one must do, whereas a hobby is something one enjoys. Highlights the importance of pursuing passions that make one feel alive and fulfilled.
7:21 - 9:58 - Passion as an Antidote to Fear
Speaker 2 explains how passion helps overcome fears and uncertainties. Discusses the importance of allowing excitement and fear to coexist to pursue what is truly meaningful.
10:00 - 12:10 - Overcoming Fear in Public Speaking
Speaker 1 shares personal experiences of public speaking and the discomfort associated with it. Speaker 2 emphasizes the importance of doing what makes one feel alive despite fears.
13:36 - 18:48 - Embracing Discomfort for Bold Visions
Speaker 2 discusses the necessity of discomfort in pursuing bold visions. Highlights that discomfort is an indication of something truly important and encourages embracing it as part of the journey.
19:05 - 21:19 - Legacy and Intentional Impact
Speaker 2 talks about the importance of leaving a legacy and creating intentional, meaningful impact. Encourages leaders to be conscious of their influence and the legacy they are building.
21:43 - 23:56 - Redefining Boldness
Speaker 2 redefines boldness as courage, conviction, and consciousness. Discusses the role of vulnerability and the importance of seeing conflict as a signal of change.
26:03 - 27:07 - Creating Change Through Agency
Speaker 2 encourages listeners to recognize their power to create change and leave a legacy. Emphasizes the significance of being intentional and accountable for one's impact.
Episode Highlights:
0:04 - 0:12: Exploring the metaphorical meanings of money.
0:34 - 1:03: Understanding the deeper reasons for working beyond earning money.
1:04 - 2:38: The importance of individual development in organizations.
3:05 - 3:50: Embracing passion in professional work.
3:50 - 5:17: Finding passion within systems.
5:57 - 6:22: Defining passion versus hobby.
7:21 - 9:58: Using passion to overcome fear.
10:00 - 12:10: Overcoming fear in public speaking.
13:36 - 18:48: Embracing discomfort for bold visions.
19:05 - 21:19: Importance of legacy and intentional impact.
21:43 - 23:56: Redefining boldness and its importance.
26:03 - 27:07: Creating change through agency and accountability.
Resources Mentioned:
Zana's Book: Bold Reinvented: Next Level Leading with Courage, Consciousness, and Conviction
Conclusion:
The episode concludes with a recap of the key points discussed. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own leadership journeys and embrace the bold, soul-based decisions that drive innovation and collaboration.
Where to find Our Guest Online:
Website: https://www.boldleadership-culture.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zanagoicpetricevic/
Instagram: htt