The Dirt Jim Barnish

The name of the game is flexibility. Today’s guest is an agent of change who has an exit under his belt, a transition from founder out of the CEO seat and recently increased the company from a 4-day, back to a 5-day work week.
Join Jim and Alejandro as they go deep discussing Alejandro’s journey building Komet Sales - a vertically integrated floral platform - with a focus on what it means to build a strong culture and how to align people to the company’s long-term vision. 

3 Key Takeaways

Embrace Change: Don’t get attached. Whether that’s a title, a GTM approach, a person on your team. Things change, the ability to adapt quickly is an asset. Learn to let go, to move forward!

Find a Mentor: This is a golden nugget that not nearly enough founders/CEOs do. As Warren Buffet says, “It’s good to learn from your mistakes. It’s better to learn from other people’s mistakes.”

Understand People: Take the time to know your team. This is the foundation for culture. When people believe in what you’re doing, combined with a strong sense of connection, you’ve got a recipe for company success. 

Resources

https://www.kometsales.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/aperez/

About Our Guest 

Alejandro started Komet Sales, the top software platform for the flower industry. He built the business from nothing until he was able to sell it successfully. Along the way, he faced many challenges that most startups deal with. His journey needed a strong passion for what he did, lots of creative thinking, and taking smart risks.

About The Dirt Podcast 

The Dirt is about getting real with businesses about the true state of their companies and going clear down to the dirt in solving their core needs as a business. Dive deep with your host Jim Barnish as we uncover The Dirt with some of the world's leading brands.

If you love what you are getting out of our show please subscribe.

For more information on how we dig into the dirt check out our other episodes here: https://www.orchid.black/podcast

About Our Company

Orchid Black is a new kind of growth services firm. We partner with tech-forward companies to build smarter, better, game-changing businesses. 

Website: https://www.orchid.black 

Jim Barnish’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grow-smart-grow-fast/ 

Orchid Black’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/orchidblack/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OrchidBlack 

All contents of this show are rights of Orchid Black©️ and are not to be used unless authorized by written consent.

From humble beginnings in a Beijing apartment to building a business teaching 50,000 students Chinese and Spanish worldwide, Tom Shugg is well versed in immersive learning. 
Whether it’s changing diapers or expanding into a foreign market, Jim and Tom go deep on what it takes to build a company across country lines. 

3 Key Takeaways

Trust the Market: As a business owner or leader, you likely have preconceived notions about what you think is right in your industry. But that’s not always the case, one example - a lack of Spanish teachers in the US. 

Gamification Warning 🚨: Beware buzzwords! Lots of companies in edtech tout gamification, but their offering really doesn’t hold water for engaging students. 

Ride the Wave: The beauty of building a business is that momentum makes it easier over time. Once you’ve proven your offering in one market, it makes your transition into a new one simpler because you have a playbook to follow.

Resources

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-shugg-3903135a/
www.meglanguages.com 

About Our Guest 

Tom Shugg is the Co-founder of Meg Languages and it was the inspiration that comes with being exposed to other cultures that inspired him to start a company that can advocate for that. 

Tom spent more than a decade living and working in China, he is a fluent Mandarin speaker and prior to starting Meg, worked at the Australian Embassy in Beijing.

When not working, Tom is chasing after 3 young kids and spending as much time on his surfboard as possible.

About The Dirt Podcast 

The Dirt is about getting real with businesses about the true state of their companies and going clear down to the dirt in solving their core needs as a business. Dive deep with your host Jim Barnish as we uncover The Dirt with some of the world's leading brands.

If you love what you are getting out of our show please subscribe.

For more information on how we dig into the dirt check out our other episodes here: https://www.orchid.black/podcast

About Our Company

Orchid Black is a new kind of growth services firm. We partner with tech-forward companies to build smarter, better, game-changing businesses. 

Website: https://www.orchid.black 

Jim Barnish’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grow-smart-grow-fast/ 

Orchid Black’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/orchidblack/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OrchidBlack 

All contents of this show are rights of Orchid Black©️ and are not to be used unless authorized by written consent.

In this episode of the Dirt, Graeme Barlow, a seasoned tech founder and entrepreneur, shares his unique journey from starting an online gaming currency business as a rebellious kid to spearheading a multi-million dollar software development agency in Ottawa, Canada. 
With a candid recount of his entrepreneurial ventures, Barlow dives into the lessons learned from expanding and then narrowing his company's focus, the pivotal shift to a retainer-based business model, and the importance of investing in people and culture. His story is a testament to the power of adaptability, the value of focused execution, and the unforeseen paths to success.

Join Jim and Graeme as they unpack his unconventional path to tech company success …

3 Key Takeaways

Focus is Critical for Growth: Maintain the focus on core competencies; expanding services can dilute your core competencies. Concentrating on your strengths leads to sustainable growth.

Adaptability is Key: Embracing change and the willingness to pivot in response to market demands and internal assessments is crucial to survival.

Culture and Leadership are Foundational: Develop a strong culture and invest in leadership training. This is critical for maintaining alignment and ensuring quality as a company scales.

Resources

https://www.linkedin.com/in/graemebarlow 
https://www.graemebarlow.com/coaching 
https://www.iversoft.ca/


About Our Guest 

Graeme Barlow, a serial entrepreneur with over 24 years of experience, has co-founded five companies, including a notable digital currency firm and RocketOwl Inc., which were both successfully acquired. He's significantly contributed to the pet industry through ProPetSoftware, achieving an ARR of over $1M. Leading Iversoft since 2016, he's driven its growth from a small team to over 50 members and nearly $10M in annual revenue, specializing in mobile and emerging technologies, and delivering impactful software solutions globally.


About The Dirt Podcast 

The Dirt is about getting real with businesses about the true state of their companies and going clear down to the dirt in solving their core needs as a business. Dive deep with your host Jim Barnish as we uncover The Dirt with some of the world's leading brands.

If you love what you are getting out of our show please subscribe.

For more information on how we dig into the dirt check out our other episodes here: https://www.orchid.black/podcast

About Our Company

Orchid Black is a new kind of growth services firm. We partner with tech-forward companies to build smarter, better, game-changing businesses. 

Website: https://www.orchid.black 

Jim Barnish’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grow-smart-grow-fast/ 

Orchid Black’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/orchidblack/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OrchidBlack 

All contents of this show are rights of Orchid Black©️ and are not to be used unless...

In this episode of the Dirt, Jenny von Podewils, co-founder of Leapsome, shares the origin and mission of their people enablement platform, designed to help companies retain, develop, align, and engage their workforce. 
Starting from a personal realization of the gaps in organizational health and culture, Jenny and her co-founder embarked on a journey to create a solution that addresses these challenges. With a background in politics and economics, Jenny's pivot to entrepreneurship led to the development of Leapsome, which has seen remarkable growth and success, including a significant Series A funding. 
Through a focus on customer feedback, continuous learning, and challenging the status quo, Leapsome has become a crucial tool for companies worldwide, including industry giants like Spotify and Unity.

Join Jim and Jenny as they unpack strategies on how to maximize employee engagement for a better culture…

3 Key Takeaways

Invest in People Enablement: Investing in people enablement not only fosters a positive work environment but also directly contributes to the overall productivity and profitability of the company.  Focus on retaining, developing and engaging employees as a core strategy for business success.

Embrace Feedback & Adaptability: Companies that actively seek and incorporate feedback are better positioned to evolve and meet the demands of the market.  Regularly solicit and act on feedback to improve and meet emerging challenges, as well as maintain a competitive edge.

Prioritize Alignment and Clarity: Prioritizing alignment and clarity within an organization is crucial for maximizing efficiency and achieving strategic objectives.  Ensure that your team understands their roles, expectations, and how they contribute to the company’s goals.


Resources

https://www.leapsome.com/ 
https://www.linkedin.com/company/leapsome/

About Our Guest 

Jenny von Podewils is the co-founder and co-CEO of Leapsome, a people enablement platform backed by Insight Partners, Creandum, and Visionaries Club. Leapsome helps more than 1500 companies (including Spotify, Unity, and monday.com) build high-performing teams by driving employee development, productivity, and engagement.

Jenny is an alumna of the Universities of St. Gallen and Oxford. Prior to Leapsome, Jenny led teams in business development, corporate development, and digital transformation roles in media and tech companies. In recognition of her work, Jenny was awarded Female Founder of the Year 2023 in the prestigious German Startup Awards and has been listed as one of the top 50 female entrepreneurs in Germany by Handelsblatt. Jenny lives in New York City with her husband and two children.


About The Dirt Podcast 

The Dirt is about getting real with businesses about the true state of their companies and going clear down to the dirt in solving their core needs as a business. Dive deep with your host Jim Barnish as we uncover The Dirt with some of the world's leading brands.

If you love what you are getting out of our show please subscribe.

For more information on how we dig into the dirt check out our other episodes here: https://www.orchid.black/podcast

About Our Company

Orchid Black is a new kind of growth services firm. We partner with tech-forward companies to build smarter, better, game-changing businesses. 

Website:...

In this episode of the Dirt, Steven Muro shares his extensive journey from software to becoming a leading figure in the B2B marketing sphere, particularly within the grocery sector. With over 26 years at the helm of his own agency, Steven has mastered leveraging data analytics to elevate brands like the Hass Avocado Board and California Strawberries. 
He emphasizes the importance of translating complex data into simple, actionable marketing strategies, ensuring his clients stand out as category captains. Steven's approach to client relationships and his innovative use of data exemplify his belief in the power of focused, client-centric marketing.
Join Jim and Steven Muro as they unpack Muro’s philosophy on blending data analysis with creative marketing to foster B2B success, offering valuable insights for business owners and marketers alike…

3 Key Takeaways

Data-Driven Decision Making: It is crucial to leverage data analytics not just for the sake of data gathering, but to translate data into simplified, actionable strategies that can directly contribute to overall marketing effectiveness.  This means investing in the capability to analyze and interpret data to set the foundation for informed decision making

Adapt and Innovate: The ability to remain flexible and open to integrating new technologies and methodologies can significantly enhance your competitive edge.  This underscores the importance of fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation within your organization, ensuring that your marketing strategies evolve alongside technologically advancements and market changes 

Focus on the Client: tailoring your services and products to meet the specific needs and expectations of your clients is paramount.  This client-centric approach not only aids in building strong relationships but also ensures that your business’s success is directly aligned with the success of your clients 

Resources

https://www.gowithfusion.com/

About Our Guest 

Steven Muro is the founder of a B2B marketing agency specializing in the grocery sector, leveraging over 26 years of diverse experience from software to consumer packaged goods. With a focus on fresh foods and sustainable products, Steven and his team excel in transforming complex data sets into actionable marketing strategies. His agency's work with notable brands like the Hass Avocado Board and California Strawberries exemplifies a commitment to driving category leadership through data-driven insights and creative solutions. Steven's approach emphasizes client success, innovation, and the practical application of technology in marketing.

About The Dirt Podcast 

The Dirt is about getting real with businesses about the true state of their companies and going clear down to the dirt in solving their core needs as a business. Dive deep with your host Jim Barnish as we uncover The Dirt with some of the world's leading brands.

If you love what you are getting out of our show please subscribe.

For more information on how we dig into the dirt check out our other episodes here: https://www.orchid.black/podcast

About Our Company

Orchid Black is a new kind of growth services firm. We partner with tech-forward companies to build smarter, better, game-changing businesses. 

Website: a href="https://www.orchid.black" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

Adam Roach is a serial entrepreneur and CEO of I Love Coaching Co. Whether it’s shutting his laptop at 6pm, to creating a daily $1,000 accountability motivator, Adam has a unique perspective based on his coaching business and entrepreneurial experience working with a variety of people and types of companies.
Whether it was immediately exiting partnerships when Adam realized he was working with the wrong people to a golf cart meets mailbox parenting fiasco, there are lessons throughout this podcast for business owners at every stage. 
Join Adam and Jim as they discuss a myriad of topics from faith and ego to accountability, work-life balance and sticking to your word. 


3 Key Takeaways

Create accountability: Maybe not for everyone, but Adam has a system where he has an accountability partner he texts everyday what he’s going to accomplish that day. If he doesn’t accomplish it, he Venmo's $1000 to his partner (it’s happened 12 times in 7 years if you’re wondering). 

Identify your who’s: Who are the people you want to work with? If those aren’t the people you’re working with today, it’s time to figure out an exit path. 

Go grow: “If I don’t better myself, my fear is that my past will repeat itself.” 🎤 drop 

Resources

www.ilovecoachingco.com

About Our Guest 

Adam has been a serial entrepreneur and a student of coaching for over two decades. From playing collegiate tennis, to owning his first tennis club in his 20's, Adam built one of the most dynamic tennis club's in Beverly Hills, CA. He later cut his real estate investing teeth in Los Angeles, with 6 and 7 figure flips and holds. In his mid 30's, Adam transitioned to owning and running 3 Keller Williams Realty franchises in SC. He developed and led a team that grew the offices from 120 agents to nearly 800 agents in 4 years. In 2018 his offices were selling $2billion in volume and sharing profits back to the agents in excess of $600k annually. As he sold his franchises in his early 40's, Adam turned his focus to building a whole life coaching company that would impact the masses through his proprietary R.E.A.L. coaching model. In 2019, The I Love Coaching Co. brand was created. To-date that company has hundreds of coaches and clients all over the globe, along with his recruiting softwares that have recruited over 130,000 real estate agents in North America. In addition to that, Adam hosts a weekly podcast (I Love Coaching Podcast), invests in multi-family real estate, plays tennis with his kids, and loves family weekends on the boat in Charleston, SC. 


About The Dirt Podcast 

The Dirt is about getting real with businesses about the true state of their companies and going clear down to the dirt in solving their core needs as a business. Dive deep with your host Jim Barnish as we uncover The Dirt with some of the world's leading brands.

If you love what you are getting out of our show please subscribe.

For more information on how we dig into the dirt check out our other episodes here: https://www.orchid.black/podcast

About Our Company

Orchid Black is a new kind of growth services firm. We partner with tech-forward companies to build smarter, better, game-changing businesses. 

Website: https://www.orchid.black 

Jim Barnish’s LinkedIn: a...