The Catalyst

Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce
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Build smart. Move fast. Get the edge that lasts. The Catalyst is a high-energy livecast and podcast for business owners and operators ready to scale influence, sharpen execution, and stay ahead in a noisy market. Real conversations. Real strategy. Real momentum.

Episodes

  1. 2D AGO

    The Essential Questions Every Entrepreneur Must Ask

    Summary In this episode of the Catalyst podcast, host Stuart Takehara welcomes Matt Bardocz, a seasoned creative director and entrepreneur, to discuss the essential yet challenging questions that business owners must confront. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding the foundational reasons behind starting a business, the evolution of passion, and the necessity of a brand refresh as businesses grow and change. Matt outlines a series of discovery questions that can help entrepreneurs clarify their brand's purpose, identify their target audience, and assess the value they provide to customers. The discussion also touches on the impact of competition, the role of AI in business, and the significance of building trust with customers. Keywords business questions, entrepreneurship, brand purpose, customer trust, AI in business, business discovery, Matt Bardocz, Long Beach Chamber of Commerce, branding strategy, small business insights Takeaways Understanding your business's origin story is crucial. Passion for your business can evolve over time. Identifying your brand's value is essential for success. You can't be all things to all people; focus on a specific audience. Building customer trust takes time, but losing it can happen quickly. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Live Stream 02:08 The Importance of Tough Questions 04:12 Discovery Questions for Business 09:53 Understanding Brand Type and Purpose 15:54 Identifying Customer Value 22:54 Understanding Your Customer Base 27:11 The Role of Competitors and Partnerships 28:53 Impact of AI on Business 29:49 The Role of AI in Business Strategy 33:07 Human Experience vs. AI 36:21 Building Trust with Customers 39:29 Rebuilding Trust After Loss 42:14 Understanding Customer Hurdles 46:35 Adapting to Change in Business

    42 min
  2. New Minimum Wage, Reporting Requirements and AI in 2026

    JAN 13

    New Minimum Wage, Reporting Requirements and AI in 2026

    This conversation covers significant changes in California employment laws, including minimum wage updates, new regulations on wage theft, and the implications of AI on the workforce. Audrianne Adams Lee discusses various laws affecting employers and employees, emphasizing the importance of compliance and awareness of rights. The discussion also touches on the need for proper record-keeping and the evolving landscape of workplace protections. Takeaways Minimum wage increases affect various pay rates and require employer adjustments. Employers must provide notice of new pay rates to employees. Judgments for unpaid wages can lead to significant penalties if not resolved promptly. New laws allow employees to file claims for unpaid tips. Employers must prioritize rehiring laid-off workers when positions become available. A new notice will inform employees of their rights regarding workplace issues. The statute of limitations for harassment claims can be reopened under certain conditions. Employers must maintain training records for employees for compliance. Victims of violence have expanded rights to take time off work. Paid family leave now includes designated persons for care.

    43 min
  3. The Catalyst - Promo

    12/19/2025

    The Catalyst - Promo

    The Catalyst - COMING JANUARY 2026 www.LBChamber.com/TheCatalyst

    1 min
  • 3 Episodes

About

Build smart. Move fast. Get the edge that lasts. The Catalyst is a high-energy livecast and podcast for business owners and operators ready to scale influence, sharpen execution, and stay ahead in a noisy market. Real conversations. Real strategy. Real momentum.

Information

  • Creator
    Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    3
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce