A SEAT at THE TABLE: Helping business leaders grow their influence

Jane Singer
  • 5.0 (12)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Weekly

Join the discussion as we unpack what’s working, what’s not and how to stand out and win in a competitive market.

  1. 21h ago

    A Technology that Solves the Global Supply Chain's Biggest Challenges

    Are inventory errors, shipping losses, and manual tracking slowing down your supply chain?  In this episode of the "Supply Chain Success" series on A Seat at The Table, host Jane Singer sits down with Dan Entac, Managing Director of TradeLink Technologies, to explore how modern RFID automation solves supply chain blindspots—without complex or costly onboarding. If you enjoy the conversation, please subscribe to the channel and leave a comment with your biggest supply chain challenge! WHAT YOU'LL LEARN How RFID improves inventory accuracy, packing, shipping, and order fulfillmentWhy RFID implementation is now affordable for mid-sized and smaller manufacturersProven ways to eliminate inventory shrinkage, shipping errors, and costly retailer chargebacksHow RFID supports product traceability and EU Digital Product Passport mandatesWhy combining RFID with AI speeds up compliance reportingHow brands protect margins from counterfeiting, gray market sales, and returns THIS CONVERSATION IS FOR Supply chain directors & executives evaluating automation technologiesLogistics & warehouse managers looking to cut operational errorsSourcing leaders focused on supplier efficiency and complianceTech & operations leaders calculating RFID ROI and onboarding timelines CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 01:38 How RFID Has Evolved Beyond Basic Retail Tracking 03:35 Overlooked Uses for RFID in Manufacturing & Logistics 05:11 Where Manufacturers Should Start With RFID Automation 07:22 Improving Factory Floor Inventory Accuracy 10:59 Tracking Raw Materials Through the Supply Chain 17:29 RFID Implementation Costs & Return on Investment 22:22 How Difficult Is RFID Installation and Onboarding? 24:28 Reducing Packing Time and Shipping Errors 26:33 Combining RFID and AI for Traceability 34:25 Slashing Retailer Chargebacks and Shipping Losses 40:44 Reducing Raw Material Inventory With Better Tech 44:21 RFID for E-Commerce Returns and Brand Protection ABOUT THE GUEST Dan Entac is the Managing Director of TradeLink Technologies, bringing over 26 years of experience helping global brands and suppliers streamline inventory, automate fulfillment, and cut logistics costs. • TradeLink ONE: https://www.tradelinkone.com • Dan Entac on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-entac-94b4709/ ---------------------------- ABOUT THE HOST Jane Singer is a media entrepreneur and host of A Seat at The Table podcast. She publishes several high-performing B2B newsletters, runs an industry research and market intelligence platform, and organizes an annual executive conference. She brings a practical, informed perspective to conversations that focus on helping listeners get their seat at the table. Connect with Jane on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jane-singer/ SEND US A MESSAGE Visit A Seat at The Table's website at https://seat.fm

    A Technology that Solves the Global Supply Chain's Biggest Challenges

  2. 1d ago

    How to Become a Fractional Executive or Consultant After a Corporate Career

    How do you become a consultant or fractional executive after leaving a senior corporate role? And how do you turn 20 or 30 years of leadership experience into services that companies will actually pay for? In this episode of A Seat at The Table, host Jane Singer interviews executive coach Dave Ray about the challenges senior executives face when transitioning from corporate leadership into consulting, fractional executive, interim management and board advisory careers. Dave explains why an impressive resume isn't enough, how to overcome the "executive value gap," and what experienced leaders need to do to attract clients and build a successful independent career. KEY QUESTIONS ANSWERED IN THIS EPISODE How do you transition from a corporate executive role into consulting? Dave Ray recommends starting with three steps: clarify the type of work and career you want, translate your professional achievements into a clear value proposition, and actively create opportunities through networking, recruiters and direct business development. What is the executive value gap? The executive value gap describes the disconnect between an executive's professional accomplishments and their ability to communicate that experience as valuable expertise in the independent market. Executives accustomed to being recognized through their corporate titles must learn to demonstrate how their knowledge can solve specific business problems. How do you turn executive experience into a consulting offer? Rather than listing previous responsibilities and achievements, executives should identify the problems they can solve and the outcomes they can deliver. Dave describes this as moving from being a "historian" of your career to an "architect" of a client's future. How do fractional executives and independent consultants find clients? Building a consulting pipeline requires more than updating a LinkedIn profile or waiting for recruiters. Dave recommends reconnecting with professional contacts, developing relationships with headhunters, attending industry events, sharing expertise and actively looking for opportunities to help others. How can senior executives promote themselves without feeling uncomfortable? The key is to focus on facts and results rather than self-promotion. Executives can explain their experience, demonstrate relevant achievements and communicate how they can help prospective clients reach their business objectives. What is a portfolio executive career? A portfolio executive career involves building a professional career across different engagements rather than relying exclusively on one traditional corporate position. These opportunities may include fractional leadership, interim executive assignments, non-executive directorships, consulting and advisory work. WHO SHOULD WATCH THIS VIDEO? • CEOs and Managing Directors planning their next career move. • CFOs, COOs and CTOs exploring fractional executive opportunities. • Senior Vice Presidents and Corporate Executives considering consulting careers. • Non-Executive Directors and Board Advisors developing portfolio careers. • Independent Consultants and Fractional Executives seeking more clients. CHAPTERS 00:00 Why Successful Executives Struggle After Leaving Corporate Roles 01:36 The Growing Challenge of Executive Career Transitions 04:42 What Is the Executive Value Gap? 06:11 How to Turn Executive Experience Into a Consulting Offer 09:11 Why Executives Struggle to Recognize Their Own Value 12:04 Selling Business Outcomes Instead of Job Titles 14:07 Executive Career Transition Case Study 17:33 How to Find Consulting and Fractional Executive Clients 21:32 Overcoming the Fear of Self-Promotion 22:22 How to Introduce Yourself as an Independent Executive 25:30 Building Confidence and Taking Action 28:37 How to Sell Your Expertise Without Feeling Like a Salesperson 31:31 Understanding What Consulting Clients Actually Want 33:39 How Networking Creates Executive Career Opportunities 36:00 Resources for Building a Portfolio Executive Career ABOUT THE GUEST: DAVE RAY Dave Ray is an executive coach with 10 years of experience helping senior corporate leaders navigate career transitions and develop new professional opportunities. His experience includes coaching executives at Fortune 100 and FTSE 100 companies. He specializes in helping experienced leaders translate their corporate achievements into marketable expertise and position themselves for consulting, fractional executive, interim leadership and advisory roles. Dave and his business partner Malcolm have developed resources including the Portfolio Executive guide and the Value Gap Report. Dave is also working on a book titled The Portfolio Revolution. Dave Ray website: https://daveray.coach/ Dave Ray on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/daverayofficial/ #ExecutiveCareerTransition #FractionalExecutive #ExecutiveConsulting #PortfolioCareer #ExecutiveCoaching SEND US A MESSAGE THE CONSISTENT MARKETING SYSTEM Stop starting over again each month. We'll work together one-on-one to build a tailor-made system you can repeat each quarter.  Marketing gets done - on easy mode.  Get the details about the Consistent Marketing System. More resources for B2B marketers at our website at seat.fm Visit A Seat at The Table's website at https://seat.fm

    How to Become a Fractional Executive or Consultant After a Corporate Career

  3. 6d ago

    When AI’s Best Ideas Meet Human Judgment

    Using AI Without Losing Trust What happens when AI-generated marketing sounds better than the truth? In this episode, Jane Singer speaks with Kyunghan Bae, CEO of Unicup Company, about using AI to support international growth while keeping customer-facing claims accurate and authentic. Kyunghan Bae shares how Unicup used AI to identify business opportunities and generate marketing drafts, but found that human review remained essential, especially when AI-produced copy felt unnatural or suggested promises that would be difficult to deliver. The conversation covers: Why AI-generated product descriptions need to be checked against what a business can actually substantiate [04:00]How Unicup responds when customer experiences fall short, including refunds and repeated human review [07:09]The company’s focus on tracking market trends and bringing ideas between Korea and overseas markets [08:12]How AI supports document preparation, email writing, translation, and legal-document review [11:25]Unicup’s plans for a simple chatbot designed for food and beverage managers and shop owners [12:05]Kyunghan Bae’s plans to explore overseas coffee markets, including countries in Africa where major coffee brands have not yet dominated [13:46] KEY INSIGHT:  AI can produce ideas and drafts quickly, but people still decide whether the final message is accurate, realistic, and worthy of customer trust. Connect with Kyunghan Bae:  https://unicupcompany.com/ SEND US A MESSAGE More resources for B2B marketers at our website at seat.fm Visit A Seat at The Table's website at https://seat.fm

    When AI’s Best Ideas Meet Human Judgment

  4. Oct 31

    The Blindspots that Cause Strong Companies to Fail

    What if your company's greatest competitive advantage becomes its biggest weakness? And what happens when the assumptions behind your business strategy are no longer true? Successful companies often build their strategies around what has worked in the past. But markets change, competitors emerge and unexpected disruptions can make yesterday's winning strategy a liability. In this episode of A Seat at The Table, host Jane Singer speaks with scenario planning consultant Woody Wade about how business leaders can challenge assumptions, explore alternative futures and prepare practical strategies for an uncertain business environment. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN Why traditional business forecasting can leave companies unprepared for major market changesHow scenario planning helps executives prepare for different possible futuresA practical four-scenario framework based on two critical uncertaintiesWhy successful companies are particularly vulnerable to strategic blind spotsHow a company's greatest competitive strength can become a future weaknessWhy scenario planning requires creativity as well as data and analysisHow to prepare for unexpected disruptions without trying to predict every crisisWhy supply chain disruptions can provide early warnings of wider business risksHow to identify early warning indicators that signal which future may be emergingWhy a short strategic action list can be more useful than a lengthy contingency planThis conversation offers practical insights for: CEOs and business owners who want to protect their companies against unexpected market changes.Senior executives and strategic planning leaders responsible for long-term business strategy and risk management.Supply chain directors and operations executives managing geopolitical uncertainty, market disruptions and global business risks.Corporate strategy and business development professionals evaluating future growth opportunities.Business consultants and advisors helping organizations build resilience and prepare for alternative business scenarios.CHAPTERS 00:00 When Your Company's Greatest Strength Becomes a Weakness 01:20 Why Traditional Forecasting Isn't Enough 04:56 How to Build Four Strategic Scenarios 07:30 Why Scenario Planning Needs Creativity, Not Just Data 11:22 The Dangerous Assumptions Successful Companies Make 16:23 Preparing for Black Swan Events and Unexpected Disruptions 20:14 What the Pandemic Taught Businesses About Being Prepared 23:01 Why Supply Chains Are Early Warning Systems 24:49 The Question Every CEO Should Ask 30:37 Turning Scenario Planning Into Practical Business Decisions 32:32 How to Prepare Four Strategic Plans - without Hours of Writing ABOUT THE GUEST Woody Wade is a scenario planning consultant who helps organizations explore alternative futures, challenge strategic assumptions and prepare for changes in their business environment. His approach combines structured scenario development with creative thinking and practical strategic planning. Connect with Woody:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/woody-wade-4461b1/ #ScenarioPlanning #BusinessStrategy #StrategicPlanning #RiskManagement #BusinessLeadership SEND US A MESSAGE THE CONSISTENT MARKETING SYSTEM Stop starting over again each month. We'll work together one-on-one to build a tailor-made system you can repeat each quarter.  Marketing gets done - on easy mode.  Get the details about the Consistent Marketing System. More resources for B2B marketers at our website at seat.fm Visit A Seat at The Table's website at https://seat.fm

    The Blindspots that Cause Strong Companies to Fail

  5. Oct 25

    Why Companies Keep Fixing Problems That Never Go Away

    Why do companies keep fixing the same operational problems without seeing lasting improvements? And how do leaders unintentionally create the employee resistance they later complain about? Many businesses invest in new technology, restructure teams and launch transformation programs, yet their underlying problems remain. In this episode of A Seat at The Table, host Jane Singer speaks with Aaron Streeton, an operations strategist and transformation leader at Tengu Consulting. They discuss how executives can identify the real causes of operational problems, align strategy with day-to-day execution, and improve business performance without sacrificing long-term organizational health. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN Why technology can't fix broken business processes or poor leadershipHow executives unintentionally create resistance to organizational changeWhy short-term operational fixes often create bigger problemsHow to identify root causes instead of reacting to the loudest problemsWhy business transformation requires alignment across leadership, culture, people and processesHow to prioritize operational improvements that deliver measurable resultsWhy corporate strategy fails when day-to-day operations don't changeHow to create a practical roadmap for organizational transformationWhy employee burnout and high turnover undermine business performanceHow to balance short-term financial results with long-term business sustainabilityWHO SHOULD WATCH THIS VIDEO? This conversation offers practical insights for: CEOs and business owners struggling with recurring operational problems and disappointing transformation results.COOs and operations directors looking to improve operational efficiency, productivity and business performance.Senior executives responsible for implementing organizational change and business transformation.HR and organizational development leaders working to improve employee engagement, leadership effectiveness and workplace culture.Business consultants and transformation specialists helping companies identify systemic problems and implement sustainable improvements.YOUTUBE CHAPTERS 00:00 Why leaders create the problems they blame on employees 01:44 Why technology doesn't fix broken processes 03:39 How leadership creates resistance to change 05:18 Building a practical roadmap for business transformation 08:10 Why companies must prioritize urgent operational problems 10:21 The uncomfortable truth about organizational transformation 11:55 Why corporate strategies fail during execution 14:55 Turning business strategy into operational improvements 16:07 When operational problems are actually leadership problems 18:19 How to identify the real problem beneath the symptoms 20:49 Why short-term fixes create long-term operational problems 23:54 Nine questions for diagnosing organizational problems 27:20 Why company values must match leadership behavior 29:00 How leaders establish organizational culture 30:48 Changing leadership behaviors and building new habits 32:39 Are companies demanding too much from employees? 35:12 How employee burnout and turnover damage business performance 36:53 Why sustainable operations require long-term thinking 38:17 How long-term business health affects company value 40:35 Where to learn more about Aaron Streeton's work ABOUT THE GUEST Aaron Streeton is an operations strategist and transformation leader with more than 20 years of experience delivering organizational improvements across multiple industries. He has led global programs generating over $1 billion in value creation and is the author of The 9 Essential Questions for Organizational Transformation. Connect with Aaron: Website: https://tenguconsulting.ca LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-streeton/ #BusinessTransformation #OperationalExcellence #LeadershipDevelopment #ChangeManagement #BusinessStrategy SEND US A MESSAGE THE CONSISTENT MARKETING SYSTEM Stop starting over again each month. We'll work together one-on-one to build a tailor-made system you can repeat each quarter.  Marketing gets done - on easy mode.  Get the details about the Consistent Marketing System. More resources for B2B marketers at our website at seat.fm Visit A Seat at The Table's website at https://seat.fm

    Why Companies Keep Fixing Problems That Never Go Away

  6. Oct 21

    Who Wins in Startups: The Best Product or the Best Seller?

    Episode Summary Why do strong pilots and working technology still fail to become viable businesses? In this episode, Jane Singer speaks with investor and advisor Alexander Piskunov about the gap between product validation, commercialization, and scale. Alexander Piskunov explains why early commercialization matters more than hype, how venture capital can resemble “a game of musical chairs” , and why founders may spend too much time fundraising instead of building the business. The conversation covers founder dilution, the value of sales and presentation skills, the different funding needs of deep-tech and hardware companies, bridge rounds, and the growing role of corporate venture capital. The episode also examines AI’s long-term potential, the tension between regulation and global competition, shifting venture capital allocations since COVID, rising interest rates, and investment opportunities across Latin America, Southeast Asia, Africa, and other emerging markets. ABOUT THE GUEST Alexander Piskunov, an investor and adviser who works with technology and industrial businesses. He has built investment platforms and led investments across AI, energy, manufacturing and aerospace. Much of his work is about the difficult stage after an idea or pilot works: that is getting the capital, partnerships and operating decisions right in order to scale. Connect with Alexander Piskunov:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-piskunov/ SEND US A MESSAGE THE CONSISTENT MARKETING SYSTEM Stop starting over again each month. We'll work together one-on-one to build a tailor-made system you can repeat each quarter.  Marketing gets done - on easy mode.  Get the details about the Consistent Marketing System. More resources for B2B marketers at our website at seat.fm Visit A Seat at The Table's website at https://seat.fm

    Who Wins in Startups: The Best Product or the Best Seller?

  7. Oct 16

    Why Great Employees Fail as Managers

    Why do some of your best employees struggle after being promoted into management? And what separates a high-performing employee from an effective leader? Being great at your job doesn't automatically mean you'll be great at leading others. Leadership requires different skills, from motivating employees and managing different personalities to setting performance standards and building accountability. In this episode of A Seat at The Table, host Jane Singer speaks with Tirek Gayle, founder of Gayle Force Enterprises, leadership strategist and executive performance coach. They discuss practical ways to develop better leaders, improve team performance, avoid common management mistakes and prepare employees for greater leadership responsibilities. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN • Why top-performing employees don't always become successful managers • How to identify and develop leadership potential • How to manage different personalities without lowering performance standards • Why good leaders must demonstrate the behavior they expect from others • How to reward talented employees without forcing them into management roles • What changes when moving from middle management into senior leadership • Why leadership training and executive coaching matter at every level • How poor leadership contributes to toxic workplace culture and employee turnover • Why experienced employees and institutional knowledge are valuable • How to identify organizational blind spots that undermine performance This conversation offers practical leadership insights for: • CEOs and senior executives building stronger leadership teams and improving organizational performance. • HR directors and talent development professionals responsible for leadership training, succession planning and employee promotions. • Middle managers and newly promoted leaders transitioning from individual contributor to team leader. • Business owners and department heads looking to improve accountability, employee engagement and team productivity. • Executive coaches and leadership consultants helping organizations improve management effectiveness. CHAPTERS 00:00 Why great employees sometimes fail as leaders 01:48 The challenges of leadership today 03:37 Why top performers don't always make good managers 06:15 Rewarding talent without promoting everyone 08:57 Managing different personalities without lowering standards 11:25 How much should leaders adapt to employees? 13:11 Why leaders must set the example 15:19 Developing leaders from within 18:35 Moving from middle management to senior leadership 22:38 Why senior executives need leadership coaching 24:54 Character, accountability and leadership effectiveness 26:29 Toxic workplace culture and employee turnover 28:03 The value of experienced employees 29:54 Leadership in an AI-driven workplace 31:54 Managing technology and multigenerational teams 33:02 Identifying organizational blind spots ABOUT THE GUEST Tirek Gayle is the founder of Gayle Force Enterprises, a leadership strategist and performance coach, and creator of the Championship Mindset, a five-stage leadership development framework. Connect with Tirek:  www.gayleforceenterprises.com https://www.linkedin.com/company/gayle-force-enterprises-leadership https://www.linkedin.com/in/tirek-j-gayle-mba-executive-coach-5631894/ ABOUT THE HOST Jane Singer is a media entrepreneur and host of A Seat at The Table. Jane published several high-performing B2B newsletters, an industry research and market intelligence platform, and an annual executive conference. She brings a practical, informed perspective to conversations that focus on helping listeners get their seat at the table. Explore more interviews: https://seat.fm/ Join our newsletter: https://seat.fm/join-our-newsletter/ #LeadershipDevelopment #ManagementSkills #ExecutiveLeadership #TeamPerformance #LeadershipTraining SEND US A MESSAGE THE CONSISTENT MARKETING SYSTEM Stop starting over again each month. We'll work together one-on-one to build a tailor-made system you can repeat each quarter.  Marketing gets done - on easy mode.  Get the details about the Consistent Marketing System. More resources for B2B marketers at our website at seat.fm Visit A Seat at The Table's website at https://seat.fm

    Why Great Employees Fail as Managers

  8. Oct 13

    The Odds Were Stacked Against Him. He Found a Way to Win.

    What happens when you refuse to give up? From prison at 18 to becoming a technology entrepreneur. Then, just as life was going well, a catastrophic brain hemorrhage and stroke threatened to take everything away. *How do you rebuild your life when the odds seem impossible?* In this episode of A Seat at The Table, host Jane Singer interviews Jonathan Karma, founder and CEO of VNet (Virtual Network for Extreme Transformation) and author of Warrior's Way. Jonathan grew up surrounded by addiction, homelessness and violence. After losing his mother to a heroin overdose at age 14, he eventually found himself in prison. But prison became the unexpected starting point for a career in technology. Years later, after building a successful career and family, Jonathan suffered a brain hemorrhage that left the right side of his body paralyzed. Doctors warned that he could be permanently disabled. He refused to give up. Today, Jonathan is building an AI-assisted platform to help others overcome adversity, develop new skills and create better futures. CHAPTERS 00:00 From prison to entrepreneur: Jonathan's extraordinary journey  01:22 Why failure doesn't mean defeat  03:31 Growing up with addiction, homelessness and trauma  04:39 How prison became a turning point  05:23 Discovering his talent for technology  06:53 Understanding the roots of addiction  08:00 Why small wins can change your life  09:46 Creating a vision for a different future  11:50 Why discipline matters more than motivation  13:45 The brain hemorrhage that changed everything  14:49 Recovering from paralysis and rebuilding his health  16:53 Building VNet to help others transform their lives  17:21 The four pillars of personal transformation  21:28 AI, workforce development and future careers  23:15 The story behind "Warrior's Way"  24:33 Breaking generational cycles  27:18 Why true success means helping others  ABOUT JONATHAN KARMA Jonathan Karma is the founder and CEO of VNet, an AI-assisted personal and professional transformation platform focused on health, mental well-being, education and career development. He is also the author of *Warrior's Way*, an autobiography about overcoming childhood trauma, incarceration, serious illness and the challenges of rebuilding a life. VNet: https://venetconsultation.netlify.app/ Warrior's Way: amazon.com/author/jonathan_karma ABOUT A SEAT AT THE TABLE Hosted by media entrepreneur Jane Singer, A Seat at The Table features conversations with business executives, entrepreneurs and industry experts about the decisions, challenges and lessons behind their success. Jane has founded several B2B newsletters, an industry research and market intelligence platform, and an annual business conference. She brings a practical, informed perspective to conversations that go beyond conventional success stories. Explore more interviews: https://seat.fm/ Join our newsletter for business insights and new episodes:  https://seat.fm/join-our-newsletter/ #Resilience #OvercomingAdversity #PersonalTransformation #Entrepreneurship #SecondChances SEND US A MESSAGE THE CONSISTENT MARKETING SYSTEM Stop starting over again each month. We'll work together one-on-one to build a tailor-made system you can repeat each quarter.  Marketing gets done - on easy mode.  Get the details about the Consistent Marketing System. More resources for B2B marketers at our website at seat.fm Visit A Seat at The Table's website at https://seat.fm

    The Odds Were Stacked Against Him. He Found a Way to Win.
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