Decision State with Joe Steele

Joe Steele
  • 5.0 (14)
  • MANAGEMENT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Most leadership mistakes aren't caused by lack of intelligence. They're caused by subtle shifts in judgment that nobody names until the cost shows up. Founders, CEOs, and senior operators don't collapse under pressure. Decisions get slightly narrower. Tone shifts. Pivots happen faster. Nothing dramatic breaks. But the cost compounds. This show names that pattern — in plain language, without hacks or motivational framing.

  1. 2D AGO

    When Fast Starts Feeling Right

    Most leadership mistakes don’t look like mistakes in the moment. They feel necessary. In this conversation, Laurent Cohen reflects on what happens when hiring decisions speed up under pressure — and how intuition gets quietly overridden as momentum builds. Drawing from 30+ years of building companies across Europe, the U.S., and Israel, he describes how judgment narrows, why teams stop pushing back, and how leaders end up fixing decisions that once felt completely right. This episode isn’t about hiring frameworks. It’s about what changes internally — before anything breaks. Learn more about GetOblic https://getoblic.com If you’ve had to fix decisions that felt right at the time → https://joesteele.com Chapters 00:00 — The decision that didn’t feel wrong (cold open) 00:11 — Where expensive decisions actually hide 00:40 — When hiring starts to speed up 02:01 — Why trust, not technology, becomes the constraint 03:00 — The shift toward problem solvers 04:11 — Confusing speed with clarity 05:18 — When the cost hasn’t shown up yet 05:57 — Measuring performance vs reading people 06:35 — How AI is changing the workforce 07:35 — The mistake of treating employees like family 08:48 — Why everything is one-on-one 09:34 — Daily signals and control 10:08 — Open access and no barriers 10:29 — Why intuition still drives hiring 12:26 — Reading body language over listening 13:23 — Knowing in the first 15 minutes 14:06 — When a hire looks right but isn’t 15:44 — What’s missing matters more than what’s said 16:08 — Getting locked into decisions 17:30 — Protecting time for your team 18:29 — Expanding across cultures 20:01 — Why in-office matters 20:33 — When to stop second guessing 22:00 — Building something that actually becomes a business 24:28 — The decisions that feel finished

    25 min

  2. TRAILER

    Decision State — When Pressure Changes Judgment

    Decision State explores how leadership judgment changes under sustained responsibility — often before results reflect it. Most senior leaders don’t burn out dramatically.Performance continues. Teams deliver. Outcomes hold. But decision quality can quietly shift. This show looks at how pressure influences clarity, timing, interpretation, and risk assessment over time — especially in demanding seasons where responsibility doesn’t reset. Through conversations with founders, operators, and experienced leaders, Decision State examines patterns most people recognize but rarely name. This isn’t a wellness podcast.It’s not productivity advice.And it isn’t performance coaching. It’s a lens on decision-making under pressure — and why recognizing subtle shifts early protects long-term leadership quality. If this resonates, Decision State is also delivered as a private executive briefing: How Pressure Changes Judgment — Before It Shows in Results.

    1 min
  3. From Zero Leads to Google's Top Rated

    09/12/2024

    From Zero Leads to Google's Top Rated

    In this dynamic episode, host Joe Steele chats with Mark Wonderlin, the CEO and Founder of Austin-based Mosaic Media Films, to explore the art of video for brands and businesses. The episode dives into Mark's expertise in video marketing and how he helps businesses convert passive audiences into engaged customers. Mark shares his journey of building Mosaic Media Films, the strategies behind crafting compelling video content, and the key elements that drive viewers to take action. Whether you're a business owner, marketer, or content creator, this episode offers valuable insights into the power of video marketing and practical tips for boosting conversions through engaging visual storytelling. 00:00 - Introduction 01:35 - Mark’s Path to Entrepreneurship 03:15 - Video is the Trend 05:50 - Why Austin 08:00 - Tapping the Local Market 09:45 - Gathering the Gear to Start 12:00 - Turning Viewers Into Buyers 14:20 - Growing the Client Base 15:30 - Building a Video Success System 21:00 - Hands on Clients 23:10 - Building Your Own Brand 24:50 - The Right People in the Right Seat 28:30 - A Week in the Life for Mark 30:40 - Avoiding Burnout 34:00 - Clarity & Focus 36:40 - Advice for Longevity in Business 39:05 - Connect with Mark & Mosaic Show Resources: mosaicmediafilms.com/ www.linkedin.com/in/markwonderlin/ Get Joe’s Ultimate Guide to Real Estate Investing: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YrkcRDMxHZgJl5WUfJ4HEUZBWHM4twWx/view?usp=drive_link⁠⁠⁠

    41 min
  4. Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

    09/05/2024

    Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

    In this episode, host Joe Steele interviews Lindy Nowak, the founder and CEO of UpinaDay.co, to uncover the secret to standing out in a crowded marketplace: exceptional service. This episode explores how Lindy built her business on the foundation of providing unparalleled customer service and delivering rapid, high-quality results. Lindy shares her journey from launching UpinaDay.co, a company that specializes in building websites in just one day, to becoming a leader in her industry. She discusses the importance of understanding client needs, exceeding expectations, and how a service-first approach has driven her company's success. Whether you're an entrepreneur or a service professional, this episode offers valuable lessons on the power of service in creating a lasting business impact. 00:00 - Introduction 00:30 - The Inspiration Behind Up in a Day 06:30 - Service is the Distinction 09:35 - Evaluating the Risk 13:15 - Bootstrap Funding 14:25 - Building a Client Base 17:20 - Biggest Challenges 20:15 - Overcoming Seasonality 22:00 - Hiring the Right People 23:45 - What Lindy Would Have Done Differently 25:20 - Time Management 26:45 - Up in a Day’s Corporate Growth 29:15 - Marketing Strategies 32:45 - Building a Community 36:05 - Pivotal Moments 37:00 - Change One Thing? 37:55 - What’s Next for Up In a Day 40:15 - Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs 42:35 - Connecting with Lindy Show Resources: https://upinaday.co/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindy-nowak/ Get Joe’s Ultimate Guide to Real Estate Investing: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YrkcRDMxHZgJl5WUfJ4HEUZBWHM4twWx/view?usp=drive_link⁠⁠⁠

    44 min
  5. Turning YouTube Fame Into A Stress Free Business with Manu Vendetti

    08/29/2024

    Turning YouTube Fame Into A Stress Free Business with Manu Vendetti

    In this engaging episode of Experience Curve, host Joe Steele sits down with Manu Venditti, a seasoned linguist and founder of Italy Made Easy, to explore the fascinating world of language learning. The episode delves into Manu's belief that everyone has the potential to become a skilled linguist. Manu shares his journey of mastering multiple languages, the techniques he uses to help others do the same, and how understanding language can enhance communication and cultural connections. Whether you're a language enthusiast or just curious about the art of communication, this episode offers valuable insights into the power of language and how we can all tap into our innate linguistic abilities. 00:00 - Introduction 02:00 - Growing Up in Italy 03:50 - Choosing Languages 08:00 - Italian Dialects 10:30 - Moving Down Under 11:35 - Building up Italy Made Easy 13:25 - In Front of the Camera 17:00 - Comparative Linguistics 18:30 - Course Presale 21:30 - Building a Team 24:45 - Injecting Personality into the Lessons 25:45 - Manu’s Approach to Language Learning 32:00 - A Safe Place to Try 33:15 - Italy Inspired 35:15 - A Day in Manu’s Life 37:10 - Manu’s Favorite Spot in Italy 39:00 - No Regrets 42:45 - Connect with Manu Show Resources: Italymadeeasy.com/ www.youtube.com/@italymadeeasy Get Joe’s Ultimate Guide to Real Estate Investing: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YrkcRDMxHZgJl5WUfJ4HEUZBWHM4twWx/view?usp=drive_link⁠⁠⁠

    45 min
  6. Showing Value To Your Customers

    08/22/2024

    Showing Value To Your Customers

    In this insightful episode of Experience Curve, host Joe Steele interviews Sean Tepper, the savvy entrepreneur and Founder of Tykr, to discuss the critical process of finding product-market fit. We delve into Sean’s experiences and strategies for aligning products with market needs. Sean shares his journey of trial and error, the lessons learned in honing his offerings, and how staying focused on the right niche can lead to long-term success. Whether you're launching a startup or refining an existing product, this episode provides actionable insights into achieving product-market fit and navigating the challenges along the way. 00:00 - Introduction  00:40 - Origin Story 05:05 - Finding a Unique Value 06:10 - Staying in the Swim Lane 09:20 - Bootstrap Funding 10:30 - How the Pandemic Affected Launch 12:25 - Product Market Fit 14:30 - An Ethical Spy 16:05 - What I Would Have Done 18:35 - Charting the Growth 21:55 - Where are Your Customers Hanging Out 25:30 - Building a Team 30:15 - The Defining Moment 34:45 - Do That Which Generates Revenue First 36:50 - Essential Tools 39:50 - Rethinking Patnerships 41:15 - What’s Next for Tykr 43:50 - Advice for Starting Your Own Business 45:50 - Connect with Sean Show Resources: tykr.com/ www.linkedin.com/in/seantepper/ Get Joe’s Ultimate Guide to Real Estate Investing: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YrkcRDMxHZgJl5WUfJ4HEUZBWHM4twWx/view?usp=drive_link⁠⁠⁠

    47 min
  7. Turning Setbacks Into Setups For Success

    08/15/2024

    Turning Setbacks Into Setups For Success

    In this episode, host Joe Steele sits down with Lance Cayko, an accomplished architect and co-founder of F9 Productions, to explore the inner workings of his architectural firm. The episode provides a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges and triumphs of running a successful architecture practice. Lance shares his insights on the creative process, the business side of architecture, and the importance of balancing innovation with client needs. Whether you're an aspiring architect, a design enthusiast, or curious about the architecture industry, this episode offers valuable perspectives on what it takes to thrive in the world of architecture. 00:00 - Introduction 01:15 - Lance’s Origin Story 04:10 - Rich Dad, Poor Dad 07:50 - For Me, Freedom is Everything 10:00 - Running a Business 11:50 - Meeting a Partner 20:40 - Building the Brand 22:15 - The Michael Jordan Chip 25:00 - Finding the First Clients 29:30 - The First Hire 31:50 - How AI is Impacting Architecture 34:05 - A New Kind of Proposal 36:00 - The Focus Had to Be Customer Service 36:45 - Inside the Firm Podcast 40:25 - Fishing with Lance 44:20 - What’s Next for F9 47:00 - Connect with Lance Show Resources: f9productions.com/ www.linkedin.com/in/lance-cayko-1227031a/ Get Joe’s Ultimate Guide to Real Estate Investing: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YrkcRDMxHZgJl5WUfJ4HEUZBWHM4twWx/view?usp=drive_link⁠⁠⁠

    48 min
  8. Scaling A Business Sustainably

    08/08/2024

    Scaling A Business Sustainably

    In this enlightening episode, host Joe Steele talks with Mark Majkrzak, the innovative Founder and CEO of Responsibly Rain. This episode dives into Mark's mission to create a sustainable and responsible bottled water company. Mark shares his journey from identifying a critical environmental need to developing a product that addresses it head-on. He discusses the challenges of building an eco-friendly business, the importance of sustainability in today's market, and the innovative practices that set Responsibly Rain apart. Tune in to learn how Mark is redefining the bottled water industry with a focus on environmental responsibility and discover actionable insights for creating a business that makes a positive impact. 00:50 - The Inspiration for Rain 03:00 - How Rain Stands Out in the Bottled Water Space 04:30 - Evaluating the Idea 07:05 - Finding the Funding 10:40 - Learning to Sell 12:40 - Better Brand Identity 14:55 - Protecting Privacy 15:25 - Don’t Say Yes Too Often 17:40 - Charting the Growth 19:30 - Selling as a Solution 22:05 - Building a Community 23:45 - Brand Transparency 25:10 - Tipping Point(s) 26:25 - The First Hire 28:00 - What is the ROI? 30:30 - Managing Your Time 32:05 - What’s Next For Rain? 33:30 - Resources Rain & Mark Can’t Live Without 34:15 - Starting a Product Business 34:55 - Connecting with Rain & Mark Show Resources: responsiblyrain.com/ www.instagram.com/responsiblyrain Get Joe’s Ultimate Guide to Real Estate Investing: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YrkcRDMxHZgJl5WUfJ4HEUZBWHM4twWx/view?usp=drive_link⁠⁠⁠

    37 min
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Trailer

5
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

Most leadership mistakes aren't caused by lack of intelligence. They're caused by subtle shifts in judgment that nobody names until the cost shows up. Founders, CEOs, and senior operators don't collapse under pressure. Decisions get slightly narrower. Tone shifts. Pivots happen faster. Nothing dramatic breaks. But the cost compounds. This show names that pattern — in plain language, without hacks or motivational framing.

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