Plain Spoken

Derek Fournier
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Created as a way for me to continue my life-long exploration of innovation, entrepreneurship, technology and leadership, this podcast will also serve as a great virtual 'coffee talk' with some amazing people and the launching point for a great deal of additional content that I hope is useful to others.

  1. 01/08/2025

    AI's Role in Shaping the Future: Trials, Triumphs, and Text Transformations

    In this episode of Plain Spoken, host Derek Fournier delves into the inefficiencies and potentials of current AI and smartphone technologies. He shares a personal experiment with ChatGPT, discussing the real challenges of AI in managing tasks like document cleanup. Explore how AI can enhance human-like senses, improve autonomous systems, and the evolving landscape of AI-controlled devices. This episode also highlights the crucial need for human oversight and the lessons learned from AI's limitations. Join us as we uncover the subtleties of AI, its impact on the workforce, and the future of technological advancements. Engage with us on social media and share your experiences with AI tools!

    32 min

  2. 10/04/2024

    Unlock High Performance: Aligning Purpose, Empowerment, and Accountability

    Join Derek Fournier in this episode of "Plain Spoken," the bi-weekly podcast where business, leadership, and life intersect. Discover the keys to building a high-performance culture that goes beyond perks and compensation. Learn how to align roles with strengths, communicate effectively, empower your team with accountability, and lead by example. Tune in to understand the importance of small wins, purposeful alignment, and trust-building in shaping a thriving organization. Don't miss out on actionable insights from real-world coaching and corporate experiences. Follow "Plainspoken" for discussions that drive success and innovation at every level.

    33 min

  3. 09/20/2024

    Leading with Empathy

    In this episode of Plain Spoken, join host Derek Fournier, recording from Antwerp, Belgium, as he discusses the essence of leading with empathy. Discover how genuine empathy transforms leadership and fosters an inclusive, motivated, and resilient workplace. Derek shares personal anecdotes, emphasizes the importance of open communication, and discusses effective tools like active listening. Learn how being an empathetic leader not only improves team dynamics but also builds trust and ensures employee well-being. Tune in now for some valuable takeaways on becoming a more empathetic leader.

    30 min

  4. 09/06/2024

    Building a Customer-Centric Business: Strategies for Success

    Dive into the intricacies of building a customer-centric business with Derek Fournier on the latest episode of Plain Spoken. Discover how passion and care in leadership can drive customer satisfaction and business success. Learn from real-world examples like Amazon, Microsoft, and Starbucks on how to leverage customer feedback, empower employees, and implement scalable solutions. This bi-weekly podcast shares valuable insights, strategies, and humor to help you refine your leadership and improve customer experience. For more resources, visit www.plain-sight.net

    30 min

  5. 08/23/2024

    Navigating the New Workforce: The Rise of Fractional Executives

    In this episode of "Plain Spoken" with host Derek Fournier, we dive into the world of fractional leadership with Beau Billington, the visionary founder of The Free Agent. Covering a wide array of topics from the benefits of fractional leadership in the tech sector to the importance of mentorship, this episode reveals how companies can utilize fractional executives for both strategic and tactical support. We discuss the ins and outs of building successful fractional engagements, the rise in demand due to market dynamics, and how businesses can foster better work-life balance through flexible leadership roles. Beau shares real-world experiences and predictions for the growing trend of fractional work, making this a must-listen for business leaders and aspiring fractional execs. Follow Us on LinkedIn Find the FreeAgent

    59 min

  6. 08/09/2024

    Navigating Business Transformations: Strategies for Success

    In this episode of the Plain Spoken podcast, host Derek Fournier delves into the complex world of business transformations. Drawing from his extensive experience in leadership and the digital industry, Derek shares valuable insights on how to effectively navigate transformative changes within organizations. From defining a clear vision and strategy to engaging stakeholders and maintaining effective communication, this episode offers practical advice for professionals at all levels. Join Derek as he discusses real-world examples, such as Netflix's strategic pivot and Microsoft's early adopter program, and learn how to foster alignment, mitigate resistance, and drive success during times of transformation.

    39 min

  7. 07/26/2024

    Innovating in Traditional Industries

    Join host Derek Fournier in the latest episode of the Plain Sight Strategy Group podcast as he dives into the transformative power of innovation in traditional industries. Drawing insights from the book "Outstanding," Derek highlights a remarkable case study where simple innovation took business metrics to new heights. This episode underscores the significance of investing in research and development, patents, and trademarks to build substantial company value. Derek also explores Cody Sanchez’s unique approach of purchasing "boring" businesses from aging baby boomers and leveraging technology to rejuvenate them. He shares personal stories from his time at Microsoft, emphasizing the importance of fostering an innovative culture, staying attuned to customer needs, and the benefits of agile collaboration with startups. Engage with us on social media, share your thoughts, and stay tuned for the next episode featuring Bo Billington, where we’ll discuss freeagent.com and the role of fractional executives in modern business.

    37 min

  8. 07/12/2024

    Cultural Shift: The Heart of Business Success

    Dive into "Cultural Shift: The Heart of Business Success" with host Derek Fournier as he unpacks the essential elements of company culture that go beyond superficial perks. Discover how trust, authenticity, and shared values shape successful business relationships and employee engagement in today's ever-evolving workplace.

    36 min
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About

Created as a way for me to continue my life-long exploration of innovation, entrepreneurship, technology and leadership, this podcast will also serve as a great virtual 'coffee talk' with some amazing people and the launching point for a great deal of additional content that I hope is useful to others.

Information

  • Creator
    Derek Fournier
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    20
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Derek Fournier
  • Show Website
    Plain Spoken