The Startup Smoothie

Smoothen.io
  • 5.0 (4)
  • BUSINESS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Blending together the best customer experience and operations strategies for startups. In each episode, we bring in industry experts to share their insights and advice on a wide range of topics, including customer experience, product management, process automation, remote team management, and more. We release new episodes weekly, so be sure to tune in regularly to stay up to date on the latest strategies and tactics. With a focus on CX and operational strategies, expert guests, and a passionate community, we're here to blend together the perfect recipe for success.

  1. Spoiler Alert: Reviewing "Pain Hustlers" A Story About Corruption within the US Pharmaceutical Industry with Jason McDonald

    03/29/2024

    Spoiler Alert: Reviewing "Pain Hustlers" A Story About Corruption within the US Pharmaceutical Industry with Jason McDonald

    In this segment of “Spoiler Alert”, Devon and Jason review the film 'Pain Hustlers,' a narrative grounded in the true story of a struggling pharmaceutical startup that spirals into a web of criminal activities, with Emily Blunt and Chris Evans leading the cast. Our hosts navigate through their own evaluations of the movie, questioning the realism of its depiction of pharmaceutical wrongdoing in the U.S., and how closely it mirrors actual events. The discussion extends to the performances, notably the unexpected dark comedy of Chris Evans' rap scene, and broader reflections on the themes of corruption within the pharmaceutical sector, societal implications, and the quest for the American dream. With a mix of critique and deep dive into the issues at hand, this episode presents a comprehensive look at 'Pain Hustlers' as a film that intertwines themes of desperation, moral decay, and ambition.

    31 min
  2. Hosam Hassan's Roadmap to Financial Autonomy: Education, Hustle, and Strategy

    03/20/2024

    Hosam Hassan's Roadmap to Financial Autonomy: Education, Hustle, and Strategy

    Ever wonder how small steps can lead to significant milestones in professional growth? Hosam Hassan joins me to illuminate the birth of Starter Academy, where financial independence and professional development aren't just lofty dreams but tangible realities. With an emphasis on the power of incremental growth and the magic found in the ordinary undertaking the extraordinary, we unpack the unique ethos of Starter Academy that sets it distinctively apart from platforms like Masterclass. It's a conversation that bridges the gap between theory and practice, offering a fresh take on mentorship that's not only relatable but also profoundly impactful. Navigating the waters of a side hustle can be as exciting as it is daunting. Beyond the buzzwords and tech talk, we lay out the financial groundwork for any aspiring business mogul, from the crucial role of accounting tools to smart strategies. And yes, we tackle the AI elephant in the room, questioning its omnipresence in products and services, drawing analogies that are as entertaining as they are enlightening. Wrapping up, we traverse the path from freelancing to W2 employment, discussing the trade-offs and learnings along the way. Hosam shares his experiences, from the initial sacrifices made while starting as a consultant to the strategy and fulfillment found in a more traditional role. Get a glimpse into our media consumption and creation habits, focusing on LinkedIn content with purpose, and how selective engagement with various platforms contributes to personal and professional growth. Tune in for an episode packed with actionable advice and personal stories that resonate with anyone looking to make their mark in the entrepreneurial world. Timestamps (0:00:00) - Launching Starter Academy (0:08:59) Disconnecting Income From Output in Work (0:13:14) - Starting a Side Hustle (0:19:36) - Transitioning From Consulting to W2 Work (0:31:20) - Purposeful Media Consumption and Creation

    39 min
  3. Elevating Customer Journeys from Inside the Zendesk Consulting Trenches with Dominic Brasoveanu

    02/15/2024

    Elevating Customer Journeys from Inside the Zendesk Consulting Trenches with Dominic Brasoveanu

    Dominic Brasovano, also known as Dominic the CX Guy on YouTube, joins us on The Startup Smoothie to distill his expertise in Zendesk consulting and content creation into a potent blend of wisdom and strategy. As someone who navigates the evolving tech landscape with finesse, Dominic breaks down the significance of ethical business practices and the transformative role of technology in shaping customer interactions. He also peels back the curtain on his disciplined approach to churning out valuable content, revealing a recipe that mixes personal dedication with a dash of smart delegation. The art of imparting knowledge isn't lost on our seasoned guest, and he shares the satisfaction gleaned from shepherding clients toward those pivotal lightbulb moments. In an industry where the ground shifts almost daily, Dominic underscores the vitality of continuous education and collaborative knowledge sharing. He also brings to light his affinity for subscription-based consulting models, explaining how such arrangements can sculpt deeper, mutually beneficial client relationships while maintaining necessary professional boundaries. Our conversation doesn't shy away from the thorny topic of data management, either. We weigh in on the ethical quandaries that surface when employee performance is tethered to metrics, sharing his experiences in devising fair systems that account for the complexity of customer service issues. He candidly discusses his journey from freelance consultant to a sought-after guide for both industry veterans and newcomers. Whether you're entrenched in the customer experience domain or simply curious about the inner workings of Zendesk mastery, Dominic's insights are bound to stir your intellect and perhaps even spark your next big idea.

    32 min
  4. Spoiler Alert: Reviewing "Dumb Money" the Film Adaptation of the GameStop & Robinhood Fiasco with Jason McDonald

    01/04/2024

    Spoiler Alert: Reviewing "Dumb Money" the Film Adaptation of the GameStop & Robinhood Fiasco with Jason McDonald

    Can the frenzy of a stock market saga be distilled into a compelling cinematic experience? In a new podcast series called "Spoiler Alert" we're joined by Jason McDonald to dissect "Dumb Money," a film attempting to capture the rollercoaster ride of the GameStop stock phenomenon. While Paul Dano's portrayal nabs some applause, we're left wanting more from the film's documentary-esque approach and its undercooked depiction of Robin Hood's head honchos. The conversation veers into personal territory as I recount my own whirlwind encounter with GameStop shares, bringing an authentic slice of life to the reel drama unfolding on screen. Strap in for a listening session that connects celluloid to stock tickers, where we unravel the global shockwaves sent out by GameStop's stock surge. From the nostalgia-fueled bid to save a childhood icon to the wild west of cryptocurrency markets and Elon Musk's tweet storms, it's a tale that intertwines culture, finance, and the underdog ethos. We also cast a critical eye on a recent rushed film adaptation, exposing the superficial grasp on the Robin Hood CEO and the missed beats in portraying Gen Z zeitgeist. Real congressional hearing footage might aim to anchor the narrative in reality, but does it just jolt us further from the story's heart? Sit back and tune into a critique that's as much about the stories shaping our screen as it is about those shaking our stock portfolios. (06:07 - 08:01) Film Review (11:07 - 11:55) Pandemic-Influenced Encounter With Stock Market (16:53 - 17:59) Crypto Scams and Elon Musk's Influence (22:55 - 23:54) GameStop Short Squeeze and Stock Regulation (26:47 - 27:44) Critique of a Quickly Produced Film (34:33 - 35:38) Impactful Movies (39:15 - 40:00) Opinions on Movie Soundtrack Success

    41 min
  5. The Balance of Value and Friction in Customer Experience with Craig Stoss

    09/13/2023

    The Balance of Value and Friction in Customer Experience with Craig Stoss

    Listen in as we welcome back Craig Stoss, the Director of CX Transformation Delivery at PartnerHero, who offers a fresh perspective on enhancing customer experience with his innovative value-friction framework. Craig walks us through his theory, where he emphasizes the balance between the value customers seek when interacting with a company and the friction they experience in the process. Tune in to our engaging discussion about personalization and on-demand services, where Craig explains how companies can use AI and other technologies to meet consumer expectations and reduce customer frustration. We also look at the potential benefits of giving customers choices in handling issues, and how analyzing customer behaviors and preferences can help identify areas for improvement. Learn about the art of value-based conversations, the incorporation of customer feedback into performance metrics, and much more! Check out his full blog post on the topic titled: We Are All Measuring Customer Experience Wrong Timestamps (0:00:01) - Introduction and explanation of the Value-Friction Framework in customer experience metrics. (0:11:48) - Discussing how to improve customer experience and value conversations using Craig Stoss' Value-Friction Framework. (0:17:49) - How to optimize customer experience and reduce friction through the use of technology. (0:28:26) - An in-depth look into improving customer experience through analysis. (0:38:47) - Discussing how to improve customer experience with value and how to reduce friction in customer interactions. (0:46:14) - Importance of personalization and on-demand services in improving customer experience.

    47 min
  6. Behind the Scenes of Support Driven, Creating Connections & Cultivating Inclusion with Lizzie Keiper

    08/30/2023

    Behind the Scenes of Support Driven, Creating Connections & Cultivating Inclusion with Lizzie Keiper

    Lizzie Keiper, the Director of Events at Support Driven, unravels her remarkable transition from being a community member to an invaluable asset of this leading online community platform. Lizzie shares the core essence of Support Driven, a community committed to empowering professionals in customer support and success. She discusses the community's mission, the impact of community-centric events, and the nagging issue of burnout in customer support. Listen and discover how this community has profoundly influenced her life, underlining the potency of mutual learning. As we progress, we shed light on the critical aspect of maintaining work-life equilibrium, particularly for community managers. Lizzie shares her strategies for meaningful engagement with the community, managing the torrent of notifications, and the imperative role of empathy and soft skills. She also accentuates the importance of diversity in the support industry, thereby fostering a more inclusive environment. Brace yourselves as Lizzie shares her insights and experiences, underlining the need for a balanced approach in this industry. Towards the end, we take you through the intricate planning process of Support Driven's Leadership Summit and Expo events, with Lizzie at the helm. From budget constraints to accessibility, she walks us through the factors that determine city selection for these iconic events. She also emphasizes the resources and support extended to first-time speakers within the customer support and success communities. So, gear up for a conversation that promises to deepen your understanding of the Support Driven community and the intricate world of customer support. Time Stamps (0:11:10) - Community Engagement Strategies and Work-Life Balance (0:22:20) - Valuing Diversity and Encouraging First-Time Speakers (0:23:07) - Recognizing and Valuing Support Industry Skills (0:29:52) - Fostering Communication and Diverse Voices (0:36:13) - Choosing Cities for Support Driven Events (0:43:03) - Leadership Summit and Future Developments

    48 min
  7. The Leadership Playbook: Lessons on Resilience, Growth, and Communication with Benjamin Friedman

    08/08/2023

    The Leadership Playbook: Lessons on Resilience, Growth, and Communication with Benjamin Friedman

    In this episode, we navigate the challenging terrain of effective leadership with our guest, Benjamin Friedman. Together, we delve into the vital aspects of resilience, growth mindset, and strategic communication. Discover how to align your actions with your words, harness the power of feedback, and understand the crucial role of vision and mission statements. Benjamin shares valuable insights into different leadership styles needed for various business growth stages, managing customer success, and orchestrating process changes. Get ready to reshape your startup's success story and master the art of leadership with this enlightening discourse. Tune in and join us on this journey.

    39 min
  8. Operational Bottlenecks & Innovative Growth Strategies with Jonathan Saeidian

    07/14/2023

    Operational Bottlenecks & Innovative Growth Strategies with Jonathan Saeidian

    What happens when you sit down with a serial entrepreneur who runs three growth marketing agencies? Jonathan Saeidian, a seasoned business operator who's embarked on a thrilling ride from spotting operational issues at an early age to launching his own venture from the ground up. Throughout our vibrant conversation, Jonathan emphasizes the significance of standard operating procedures and outlines how to automate and streamline processes. We take a journey through the world of tooling and training, and how it helps in eliminating bottlenecks in business operations. Jonathan openly shares his expertise with tools such as Twitvid, Contentdrip, and Typefully that can automate processes and content creation. We close the discussion by highlighting the importance of embracing failure and constant iteration in business. (0:06:00) - Discussion on the challenges of cold calling in the modern age and identifying potential client suitability. (0:11:47) - Case study of a client with a lack of key elements in their product marketing/user onboarding. (0:15:00) - Conversation on the importance of authenticity during sales calls and understanding not all prospects are a good fit. (0:22:03) - Exploration of tooling and how it helps eliminate bottlenecks in business operations. (0:29:35) - Discussion on the importance of embracing failure and constant iteration in business.

    32 min
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About

Blending together the best customer experience and operations strategies for startups. In each episode, we bring in industry experts to share their insights and advice on a wide range of topics, including customer experience, product management, process automation, remote team management, and more. We release new episodes weekly, so be sure to tune in regularly to stay up to date on the latest strategies and tactics. With a focus on CX and operational strategies, expert guests, and a passionate community, we're here to blend together the perfect recipe for success.

Information

  • Creator
    Smoothen.io
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2024
  • Episodes
    27
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Smoothen.io
  • Show Website
    The Startup Smoothie