The Matthew Byrd Podcast

Matthew Byrd + Reality Capture Network
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This is a podcast for those who push boundaries, embrace innovation, and strive for excellence. Matthew sits down with disruptors, innovators, and lifelong learners across multiple industries, from reality capture and emerging tech to entrepreneurship, branding, and personal growth. In every conversation, we break down the mindsets, habits, and lessons behind success, because having a vision isn’t enough. It takes relentless action. If you’re driven to evolve, think bigger, and shape the future, let’s learn together from the journey of others. Join me and subscribe to this podcast!

  1. 3D AGO

    Ready Is a Decision, Not a Feeling | Microsoft Leader on Communication, Confidence & Community

    What if feeling unready is actually the signal to move forward? In this episode, Brittany Giudici, Director of Communications at Microsoft’s Global Cybersecurity Division and Founder of Treasure Valley Women in Tech, shares powerful career lessons on leadership, confidence, imposter syndrome, mentorship, and building meaningful community in tech. From her early career at Apple, through leadership roles in major tech companies, to launching a fast-growing nonprofit for women in technology, Brittany explains why “ready is a decision, not a feeling” — and how some of the most impactful career moves happen before you feel prepared. Whether you’re an early-career professional, aspiring leader, or someone navigating change in tech, this conversation offers practical insight on career growth, leadership communication, mentorship, and finding purpose in your work. In This Episode, You’ll Learn:Why feeling unready is normal — and often necessary for growth How to overcome imposter syndrome in high-pressure careers What leadership communication really looks like inside big tech How mentorship (formal & informal) shapes long-term success Why building community matters — especially for women in tech How to make career decisions before you feel “ready” The power of investing your time intentionally About the GuestBrittany Giudici is the Director of Communications for Microsoft’s Global Cybersecurity Division and the Founder & President of Treasure Valley Women in Tech, a nonprofit focused on mentorship, community, and career development for women in technology. Watch if you’re interested in:Career growth • Leadership development • Microsoft careers • Women in tech • Mentorship • Imposter syndrome • Professional communication • Community building • Tech leadership • Career advice Chapters: 00:00 Trailer01:09 Welcome & Introduction to Brittany Giudici02:10 Brittany’s Roles: Microsoft, Nonprofit, & Consulting03:15 Growing Up Homeschooled & Falling in Love with Communication05:00 Being the “New Kid” & Learning Social Dynamics07:10 The “Be the Moon” Moment That Shaped Her Career08:40 Knowing Her Career Path at a Young Age09:45 College, Networking, & the Apple Opportunity11:10 What Communications Really Means Inside Big Tech12:30 Early Career at Apple & Marketing the iPhone13:45 Learning Through an Acquisition at Sage Intacct15:30 Working Closely with CEOs & Leadership Communication17:00 Knowing When It’s Time to Move On18:15 Applying to 160 Jobs & Embracing Rejection19:50 Not Closing Doors on Yourself (Microsoft Hiring Story)22:10 Learn-It-All vs Know-It-All Mindset24:30 Imposter Syndrome & Navigating Self-Doubt27:10 Why Brittany Started Treasure Valley Women in Tech29:45 Motherhood, Purpose, & Building a Better Future31:30 Launching a Nonprofit & First Community Event34:00 Creating Safe Spaces for Women in Tech37:10 Mentorship: Formal vs Informal & “Invisible Mentors”40:30 Building Community Through Consistency42:45 Boise, Idaho & the Power of Local Impact50:00 Accountability, Authenticity, & Small Communities54:00 Vision for the Future of Women in Tech58:00 Can You Have It All? Career, Family, & Purpose01:01:00 Work-Life Balance as Juggling, Not Balance01:04:00 Advice for Young Professionals01:06:30 “Ready Is a Decision, Not a Feeling”01:08:00 Final Reflections on Leadership & Growth01:10:00 Closing Thoughts & Farewell

    1h 12m

  2. JAN 27

    The Future of Marketing: Human Trust in an AI World

    In a world flooded with AI-generated content, automation, and short-term marketing tactics, trust has become the real differentiator. In this episode of The Matthew Byrd Podcast, I sit down with Chris Worden, a seasoned marketing leader whose career spans Red Bull, CrossFit, Specialized, and now his work as a fractional CMO helping growing companies build meaningful brands. Chris shares why marketing isn’t about ads, algorithms, or quick ROI, but about storytelling, human connection, and long-term trust. Drawing from decades of experience, he explains how iconic brands are built, why founder-led storytelling matters more than ever, and how companies can stand out in an AI-saturated world without losing their soul. We cover: Why marketing is fundamentally the art of storytelling (inspired by Seth Godin) The difference between brand building and short-term sales tactics Why trust beats reach in the long run Founder-led marketing and personal brand vs company brand How AI is changing content and where humans still win Strengths-first leadership and building great teams What small and mid-sized businesses should focus on first Career advice for marketers navigating a rapidly changing landscape This conversation is for founders, marketers, creatives, and leaders who want to build brands people believe in, not just campaigns that convert. If you care about human-first marketing, authentic storytelling, and building trust in the future of marketing, this episode is for you. 00:00 Marketing is storytelling (Seth Godin mindset)01:00 Welcome + why Chris was surprised by the studio setup02:00 What Chris does now: Fractional CMO explained03:15 How Chris got started (photography at age 11)04:35 Storytelling is the foundation of marketing06:25 First big break: Red Bull student brand manager07:40 MotoGP + early career momentum08:35 Entering CrossFit + joining the media team09:35 Back to Red Bull + Red Bull Media House10:30 Startup life at Vulcan (EV motorcycles) + going public11:10 Specialized + becoming a fractional CMO11:50 What it’s like running your own business13:10 Why community + conversation sharpens your thinking15:00 The value of working across different industries17:10 What marketing has in common across every business18:20 Leadership lessons: strengths-first management22:10 Working for “brilliant but tough” leaders (Cycle World story)25:00 Elon Musk story + eccentric leadership26:20 What is “brand” really?28:05 Category design + the book Play Bigger (Uber example)30:10 Brand cohesion + “pimp hat” analogy 30:55 Personal brand vs company brand today33:00 Founder-led content + why human-driven marketing wins35:30 High-budget content vs iPhone content (what people actually engage with)37:45 The future of AI content + authenticity backlash41:10 Political deepfakes + danger of believable AI video43:10 Where AI is amazing: customer support + solving problems fast46:00 A belief about marketing people get wrong: demand takes time49:10 Brand-building vs discounting (long-term vs short-term thinking)51:20 Red Bull strategy: “Give wings to people and ideas”53:00 Where to start with a $1M company: fix the product first56:20 Product promise exercise (Nike example)58:00 Biggest mistake on social: chasing perfection59:05 Use organic social as a testing ground for ads01:01:05 Data vs instinct in marketing decisions01:03:30 Advice for people starting a marketing career01:05:50 Brands worth studying (RUX example)01:07:40 Career advice: humility, curiosity, and asking questions01:11:00 Network building + never burning bridges01:13:15 Giving value before you ask (LinkedIn outreach lesson)01:14:40 Systems for relationships (birthday reminders + Airtable)01:16:55 AI-enabled but human-centric marketing01:17:45 Final question: How Chris wants to be remembered Subscribe for more conversations on leadership, brand, innovation, and the future of work. 👉  www.MatthewByrdPodcast.com

    1h 19m

  3. JAN 20

    How to Build Trust Through Branding

    What does branding really mean, and why do so many businesses get it wrong? In this episode, Matthew sits down with Frannie Wilson, founder of Ampersand Studios, to unpack what actually builds a memorable, trusted brand—and why it has very little to do with logos, colors, or social media “hacks.”Frannie shares her 16-year journey as an entrepreneur, from accidentally starting a business during the recession, to pivoting industries, leading teams, buying out a long-time business partner, and redefining what sustainable growth looks like today.This conversation goes beyond marketing tactics. It’s about clarity, ownership, leadership, and creating brands that people feel connected to. In this episode, you’ll hear: What branding really is (and why it’s not just your logo or Instagram grid) Why consistency and simplicity matter more than trends The leadership lesson every founder learns the hard way: stop taking the monkey How personal brand accelerates trust and opportunity Why treating social media like a portfolio is killing growth The role of integrity in modern marketing and content How to build systems that scale without burning out your teamWhether you’re a founder, creative, business owner, or someone trying to build authority in your space, this episode will help you rethink how you show up, how you lead, and how you build something that actually lasts! 00:00 - Welcome + What Franny Does Today (Ampersand Studios)01:30 - "I Thought I'd Be a Lawyer" (Early Career Direction)03:15 - Finding Graphic Design + The Spark for Agency Life05:10 - Starting Ampersand in College (2009 Recession Pivot)08:00 - Accidental First Niche: Wedding Photography09:30 - Paper & Pen Retail Store + Leadership Crash Course14:10 - Ownership, Delegation + "The Monkey" Manager Lesson19:30 - Brand = Every Interaction (Seth Godin Principle)21:30 - Teaching Photography to Shift Toward Business Content23:00 - Why Brand Photography Beat Weddings (Business Model Shift)26:00 - The 2018 Decision: Quit Weddings Cold Turkey27:30 - What Branding Actually Is (Beyond Logos + Canva)33:30 - Personal Brand vs Company Brand (When It Matters Most)38:40 - What Most People Do Wrong on Social Media41:00 - Simplicity Wins (Messaging + Processes)43:00 - Productizing Services + Fixing Workflow Chaos46:30 - Marketing Beliefs: Integrity Over Hacks52:00 - Advice for New Marketers (Archetypes + What's Timeless)56:00 - Being the CEO (Documenting the Journey + Small Audience Impact)01:00:00 - What's Next: 2025 Vision + Becoming 100% Owner01:02:30 - Transitioning from Business Partner to Solo Owner01:08:00 - How She Wants to Be Remembered (Presence + 100%)01:11:00 - Final Wrap + Closing Thanks

    1h 14m

  4. JAN 13

    From Wildland Firefighter to Startup Founder

    In this episode of The Matthew Byrd Podcast, Matthew sits down with Devyn Korber—a former firefighter and bartender turned entrepreneur who’s building real solutions for wildfire response. Devyn shares how a bold move at an industry conference—printing resumes with QR codes and simply asking for opportunities—helped change the trajectory of his life and career. From ski towns and fire lines to launching a startup focused on faster, more efficient wildfire dispatch, Devyn breaks down the realities of emergency response, entrepreneurship, and betting on yourself. This conversation dives into wildfire logistics, taking initiative when no one’s watching, and why sometimes the biggest opportunities come from asking the right question at the right time. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, first responder, or someone looking to make a leap into something bigger, this episode delivers real perspective and real stakes. TUNE IN EVERY TUESDAY!

    48 min

  5. 12/17/2025

    From Sharpies in a Storage Unit to an Award Winning Construction Startup

    In this episode of the Matthew Byrd Podcast, Matthew sits down with Patrick Churchman and Nick Stoppello, co-founders of Flashpoint Building Systems, to unpack how a scrappy idea turned into a construction workflow that’s changing the way crews build. After winning the Boise State University Hacking for Home Building Challenge, the team earned a major tailwind through Franklin Building Supply and proved their integrated layout system in the field. Their approach is simple to understand and hard to ignore: laser-engrave coordinated building plans directly onto subfloor panels so trades can build life-size, right on top of the material, with fewer questions, fewer errors, and faster timelines. Patrick and Nick walk through the real startup story, including early prototypes made with Sharpies in a hot storage unit, learning CNC and laser systems the hard way, and discovering that the biggest breakthroughs often come from the messiest reps. Along the way, they break down the actual results they’ve seen in production building, why adoption is more about process than tech, and how they’re scaling with their container-based “iOS Outpost” to bring the system directly to where materials are already handled. If you’re curious about construction innovation, workflow improvement, and what it really takes to build a startup that survives, this one is for you. Key Points ✅ How Flashpoint’s integrated layout system works✅ Why printing plans onto materials changes jobsite behavior✅ The early failures that proved the concept faster than “perfect” prototypes✅ Measurable impacts on framing duration, rework, and warranty callbacks✅ Why construction tech adoption is a process problem, not a gadget problem✅ The “iOS Outpost” strategy for scaling nationwide through lumber yards 00:00 Introduction to the Hacking for Home Building Challenge 00:14 Meet the Founders of Flashpoint Building Systems 00:42 The Genesis of Flashpoint's Innovative System 01:10 Welcome to the Podcast: Introductions and Company Overview 01:52 Flashpoint's Revolutionary Building Process Explained 03:18 The Founders' Background and Career Journeys 11:11 The Birth of Flashpoint: From Beers to Business Ideas 14:25 Early Prototypes and Initial Challenges 26:07 Securing Funding and First Equipment Purchase 36:11 The Unqualified Beginnings 37:24 Arts and Crafts Phase 40:32 First Big Contract 42:12 Building Out the Workshop 44:19 Proving the Business Model 56:19 Winning Competitions and Gaining Recognition 01:05:36 Scaling with the iOS Outpost 01:07:59 Creating an Equipment Solution 01:08:40 Transitioning from B2C to B2B 01:09:12 Subscription Model and Quality Control 01:10:45 Challenges of a Startup 01:12:23 Dealing with Difficult Clients 01:17:36 The Importance of Empathy and Family 01:21:38 Innovating and Scaling 01:32:07 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs 01:38:24 Final Thoughts and Reflections

    1h 40m

  6. 11/24/2025

    Inhabiting Clarity: How Language Transforms Business

    Matthew Byrd sits down with author, speaker, and business coach John Klymshyn for an engaging conversation about the transformative power of language in business. John, who describes himself as "the jazz musician of the executive communication space," shares his journey from the Navy to sales to building a thriving coaching practice focused on helping people "inhabit clarity." The discussion explores how precise language and clear communication create competitive advantages across industries, and why John was drawn to the reality capture community despite having no prior knowledge of the technology. He reveals how attending R-CON opened his eyes to an industry that desperately needs help expressing where it's headed, noting that while some exhibitors were "wildly articulate," others struggled to explain their own offerings. The conversation delves deep into practical business wisdom earned over nearly three decades of self-employment. John introduces powerful frameworks including his "10 Tasks Today" methodology for maintaining focus and productivity, the three-step business plan that distills strategy to its essence, and the critical distinction between motivation (which fades) and inspiration (which feeds). He challenges common entrepreneurial myths, explaining why most founders shouldn't be CEOs, why entrepreneurship isn't for everyone, and why the ability to move conversations forward matters infinitely more than pushing people over the fence. Throughout the episode, John emphasizes the irreplaceable value of human connection in an increasingly automated world, sharing why handwritten notes still matter, how consistency trumps intensity, and why fun must be foundational to company culture. Matthew and John find common ground in their shared belief that community and authentic relationships drive lasting success. They discuss the five ways people show up to work each day, why money ranks fifth on the list of what truly motivates employees, and how leaders can create cultures where people feel genuinely connected to their work. John shares memorable stories from his career, including the pivotal question from publisher Devil Connie that led to multiple book deals, and the profound realization that "you will never find someone to work for you who will work like you." The episode concludes with John's powerful advice for anyone building something meaningful: Work like this is the last day you're going to be measured. Think like you have 20 years of that kind of work ahead of you. 00:00 Introduction and LinkedIn Connections 04:08 First Impressions of R-CON and the Reality Capture Industry 08:03 The Humanity Behind High Technology 10:13 What John Does: Inhabiting Clarity 16:28 The Jazz Musician of Executive Communication 23:37 How Do You Want to Spend Your Time? 27:13 John's Journey: Navy to Sales to Coaching 35:42 The Power of Precision Language 39:15 Learning to Listen as a Musician and Leader 45:20 Moving Conversations Forward vs. Pushing People Over the Fence 52:30 The Question That Changed Everything: Writing the Next Book 58:45 Opening the Valve: Creativity and Consistency 1:04:20 The Three-Step Business Plan 1:10:15 Is Entrepreneurship for Everyone? 1:14:30 Circles of Thought and Exponential Growth 1:20:45 Misaligned Expectations: Why Most Small Businesses Fail 1:27:00 10 Tasks Today: The Daily Productivity Framework 1:33:15 The Power of Handwritten Notes in an Automated World 1:39:30 Building Culture Through Fun and Connection 1:45:00 Motivation Fades, Inspiration Feeds 1:50:20 Final Wisdom: Work Like It's Your Last Day, Think Like You Have 20 Years

    1h 12m

  7. 11/21/2025

    Building RCN - Open Q&A at R-CON 2025 w/ Matthew Byrd

    Matthew Byrd discusses his journey from starting in land surveying to building a laser scanning and modeling company, and eventually founding RCN. He delves into the inspiration behind RCN, emphasizing the need for education in the industry. The conversation covers various challenges faced while starting a business, the importance of work-life balance, and the valuable role of community and collaboration. He also shares his long-term vision for RCN, including expanding international events and enhancing educational partnerships with universities. Throughout the session, audience questions bring out personal stories and offer practical advice for newcomers and established professionals alike. 00:00 Introduction to Land Surveying and RCN's Origin 00:25 Challenges in the Industry and the Need for Education 00:41 Building the RCN Community 01:10 Lessons Learned and the Importance of Education 02:07 Impromptu Q&A Session 04:08 Balancing Work and Family Life 08:03 Entrepreneurial Challenges and Advice 10:13 Value of Community and Collaboration 16:28 Future Plans and Expansion 23:37 Engaging with Students and Universities 27:13 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

    33 min

  8. 11/12/2025

    Matthew Byrd & Phillip Ellering: 5 Years of R-CON, 2026, Community, Education, RCN Collective

    Matthew Byrd and Philip Ellering reflect on five transformative years of R-CON, the flagship conference of RCN. They discuss the remarkable journey from the inaugural event at Boise's Knitting Factory in 2020 to this year's conference at the Morrison Center, which drew attendees from 17 countries. The conversation explores the organic growth of the community, the importance of authentic relationships over networking transactions, and how intentional culture-building has shaped the RCN ecosystem. They share memorable moments from R-CON 2025, including the groundbreaking partnership with Boise State University that brought 165 students into the industry, and discuss what makes presentations truly impactful. The episode delves into the newly launched RCN Collective, a private community platform designed to extend the conference experience year-round through educational content, member directories, and ongoing collaboration opportunities. Matthew and Philip reveal exciting plans for R-CON 2026, including a major venue change to the Boise Center that will double attendance to over 1,000 people and introduce new formats like workshop rooms, a startup village, and job fair. They also discuss their continued partnership with Geo Week and the broader implications of reality capture's explosive industry growth. Throughout the conversation, they emphasize the life-changing opportunities that exist when people show up, engage authentically, and invest in building genuine relationships within this rapidly evolving industry. 00:00 Five Years of R-CON: From Knitting Factory to Morrison Center 04:08 Early Confidence and the Power of Existing Relationships 08:03 Building Community Before Building a Conference 10:13 What Made R-CON 2025 Different 16:28 Biggest Surprises: 17 Countries and Student Engagement 23:37 Memorable Conversations and Transformative Moments 27:13 The Boise State Partnership: Power of One 35:42 What Makes a Great Presentation 39:15 Speaker Submissions: Effort Over AI 45:20 Fostering a Culture of Kindness and Collaboration 52:30 Boise's Role in R-CON's Identity 58:45 Introducing the RCN Collective Platform 1:04:20 R-CON 2026: New Venue, Bigger Vision 1:10:15 Geo Week Partnership and Future Events 1:14:30 Industry Growth and Life-Changing Opportunities 1:20:45 What You're Missing by Not Attending R-CON

    1h 16m
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About

This is a podcast for those who push boundaries, embrace innovation, and strive for excellence. Matthew sits down with disruptors, innovators, and lifelong learners across multiple industries, from reality capture and emerging tech to entrepreneurship, branding, and personal growth. In every conversation, we break down the mindsets, habits, and lessons behind success, because having a vision isn’t enough. It takes relentless action. If you’re driven to evolve, think bigger, and shape the future, let’s learn together from the journey of others. Join me and subscribe to this podcast!

Information

  • Creator
    Matthew Byrd + Reality Capture Network
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    101
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Matthew Byrd + Reality Capture Network
  • Show Website
    The Matthew Byrd Podcast

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