JumbleThink

How can you push the boundaries of creativity past their limits? Why does collaboration beat competition? What is the future of Photography? Troy Christopher Plota is a leader in photography and his company Plotaverse is using technology to reinvent community, collaboration, and the future of creativity. In today's episode Troy shares on: Creating a Tech Startup Managers, Artists, and Pirates Creating with your passion Working with Celebrities What comes after you reach your dreams and ideas? Digital versus Film photography and the future of photography Building community in a digital world Sacrificing for your dreams and ideas  An new generation of thinking Motion Art Learning through collaboration Monetizing creativity and your passions Being patient in chasing dreams Plotaverse founder, Troy Christopher Plota, has been an award winning Professional Photographer for over 30 years. His work has appeared in top magazines including Vanity Fair, GQ, Rolling Stone, and many more. His Advertising work has also appeared on dozens of billboards in New York's Times Square, as well as on the Vegas strip. Troy’s entrepreneurship roots deeply in his childhood. His father immigrated to the U.S. from Europe. As a first generation American, Troy carries the name, Plota, with pride. His grandparents had fearlessly risked their lives to create new opportunities for him and his family. Entrepreneurship runs in Troy’s blood. At the age of 13, Troy picked up his first camera and started shooting. Finally, at the age of 21, he opened the doors to his own studio. Being a Tech entrepreneur turned out to be much different in nature than running a Photography Studio. Plunging into the App business, Troy quickly realized that his 30 year experience as a professional Photographer gave him a vital edge over his competition, excelling him to the forefront of Technology. Troy's latest creation is the Digital Sharing platform, "Plotaverse", which also features his award winning Photo Animation App, "Plotagraph." It became the only App featured in the Apple Store for the release of the iPhone X. In 2013 Troy gave a Ted Talk titled "The Future of Photography.” Troy is on a mission to share his knowledge with the Industry and push boundaries with his unique, first to market software creation. He believes that Plotaverse not only brings something new to the trade, but it gives Artists a raised caliber of tools to which only professionals had access to. The range of Plotaverse’s dynamic apps enables artists to express their creativity with never seen before techniques, and helps monetize their passions for Motion Art and Photography.  Interview Segments - This is where you can find each section of the interview.An Intro to Troy: 1:19 minutesGoing Deeper into the Topics: 21:09 minutesRapid Rire Questions: 45:24 minutesWebsite:  plotaverse.comPlotaverse Apps: plotaverseapps.comTwitter: @PlotaverseFacebook: facebook.com/PlotagraphInstagram: @plotagraph

Entrepreneurs are told to craft a persona, to be authentic. It seems that all the internet rockstars have the perfect image, the right story, or have it all together. Should you create a persona? How can you be authentic? Can you have a persona and be authentic? Going deeper into persona and authenticity is hard especially since the bar is being set so high for influencers and creators.  In today's episode we look at the differences of persona and authenticity. We talk about some of the lies that are being shared online. It's time to be intentional about walking in your true identity and moving past the persona into authenticity. In the episode you will also learn some steps you can take to become authentically authentic in your life.  HBR on Huffington Post Article: https://www.huffingtonpost.com/irene-ross/lets-get-real-five-traits-of-authentic-people_b_6919996.html

Claude Zdanow has chased his dreams since he was a child. He has built successful recording studios working with people like Drake, Eminem, Yo Yo Ma, The Chainsmokers, and the Chicago Symphony. He is now on a new journey as he builds the Stadiumred Group.In today's episode Claude and I also discuss marketing, the changing music industry, building a business as you learn, building a lifestyle brand, evolving your business, see the future in business, perseverance in hard times, believing in your mission, the tools of marketing, the truth about niches, tools versus offerings, and much more.Claude is a musician, engineer, inventor, producer, and entrepreneur -a jack of many trades. He founded StadiumRed Group, a media and entertainment conglomerate in NYC and has worked with Drake, Eminem, and Jeremy Carr. Let's just say Americas favorite DJ duo, comprised of Drew Taggart and Alex Pall, also known as The Chainsmokers, would not be who are they today without him! He's been featured in Bloomberg TV, Rolling Stones and MSN as well as a speaker at industry events such as The Recording Academy, Grammy Camp and Winter Music Conference & Amsterdam Dance Event.Interview Segments - This is where you can find each section of the interview.An Intro to Claude: 1:06 minutesGoing Deeper into the Topics: 25:44 minutesRapid Rire Questions: 56:12 minutesWebsite:  https://www.stadiumred.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claudezdanow/Twitter: @stadiumredFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/stadiumredInstagram: @stadiumredlife

Jarl Jensen is a specialist in inventing and innovating many medical devices. He has issued patents having retail sales of over $500 million dollars. Jarl shares how you need to own your idea and build a team around you. Being hands on with your ideas is the key to making them reach their full potential.In today's episode Jarl and I also discuss his new book 'Optimizing America', creating a cultural economic change, making economics cool, how understanding economics can help you create your own personal ecosystem, the importance of innovative leaders, evolving your idea, writing and selling books, and much more.Jarl Jensen is the inventor of many medical devices with issued patents having retail sales of over $500 million dollars. As an astute “idea guy”, Jarl has applied his out of the box thinking to America’s economy in the book, ‘Optimizing America’. As an experience executive of several companies, he as a track record of success. As an author his ideas can do more then heal the sick, they can change the world. His ambitious ideas gives hope to us all.His goals in life are to make the world a better place by applying better ideas. As a father of three kids his home life always takes priority. He believes that ideas have a life of their own and as such they need nurturing just like his family.Interview Segments - This is where you can find each section of the interview.An Intro to Jarl: 1:06 minutesGoing Deeper into the Topics: 9:02 minutesRapid Rire Questions: 40:30 minutesWebsite:  https://optimizingamerica.com/Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Jarl-Jensen/e/B0781XQV4C/Twitter: @OptimumAmericaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/OptimizingAmerica/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/optimizingamerica/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC--smLl33wW5TceKBbI7bRA/featured

Chad Frey is at the bleeding edge of the Maker Movement. Chad shares how entrepreneurs and makers are changing education through S.T.E.M. and S.T.E.A.M. By bringing the maker movement directly into schools we are able to shape the next generation of innovators and influencers to think outside the box and bring new solutions to the problems they face.  In today's episode Chad and I also discuss education, co-working, makerspaces, diversity, the social responsibility of entrepreneurs, the importance of the arts, a maker manifesto, finding the right vocation, having informed conversations, and much more.Chad Frey is the President and Founder of Partnership Planners, LLC, a consulting & software development company that specializes in community engagement, social innovation, and entrepreneurship. Out of Planners, Chad started the Foundry Makerspace as a social enterprise initiative to build the capacity of schools for 21st Century life and work. As president, Chad leads a professional learning community of Maker Fellows and has other responsibilities that range from consulting on international documentary film projects to giving oversight to software accounts that engage thousands of users in community engagement. Chad also serves at the Community Engagement Liaison at Messiah College where he advises senior administration on strategic community engagement programs and partnerships. He has several years of teaching experience in course topics that span topics like service, missions and social change. For over a decade, Chad has facilitated international service-learning experiences in N. Ireland. He previously served as the Director of the Agape Center for Curricular Service-Learning and has received national recognition by the White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Programs, U.S. Department of Education and Corporation for National Community Service (CNCS) for a variety of community engagement initiatives that implemented collective impact principals for K-12 student achievement. Chad has managed numerous grants including a $2,000,000.00 P.T.E.V. grant from the Lilly Endowment.Chad received his B.A. from Messiah College in Biblical Religious Studies where he majored in Christian Education. He earned a M.A. in Higher Education from Geneva College with a concentration in religion and philosophy. Chad has also completed several seminary courses at Ashland Theological Seminary as well as his comprehensive exams in pursuit of an Ed.D. of Adult Education at Penn State University. He currently volunteers on several boards and committees. Chad was born in Lancaster County but currently lives in downtown Harrisburg, PA. Interview Segments - This is where you can find each section of the interview.An Intro to Chad: 0:46 minutesGoing Deeper into the Topics: 20:23 minutesRapid Rire Questions: 51:50 minutesFoundry Makerspace:  https://www.foundrymakerspace.com/Maker Shift / Maker Manifesto: https://www.makershift.io/Twitter: @FoundryMkrspaceFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThefoundrymakerspaceInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/foundrymakerspace/

Leon Logothetis chose to give up a life of comfort for a life of fulfillment. This took him from being a stock broker in London to traveling the world through the kindness of strangers. His journeys are documented in the Netflix series 'The Kindness Diaries'.  In today's episode Leon and I also discuss The Kindness Diaries, living your best life, kindness, tv production, chasing your dreams, division versus unity, living in the unknown, finding fulfillment and purpose, and much more.Leon Logothetis is a global adventurer, motivational speaker & philanthropist. It wasn’t always that way. He used to be a broker in the city of London where he felt uninspired and chronically depressed. He gave it all up for a life on the road. This radical life change was inspired by the inspirational movie The Motorcycle Diaries.The days of living and working behind his ‘slab of wood’ (or desk to the layman) are well and truly over. His new passion: Finding ways for your inner rebel (that voice that tells you, you are worth so much more than you think) to come out and play.The inner rebel tells you that your life is yours. And anything you dream of is possible. Anything. And that the fuel for all this delicious potential is simple: Kindness and harnessing the power of human connection. And. Doing it all with a smile on your face and a spring in your step! Leon has visited more than 90 countries and traveled to every continent. He is the host of the TV series Amazing Adventures Of A Nobody, which is broadcast across the world by National Geographic International and, over the course of three seasons, sees Leon cross America, the United Kingdom and Europe on just 5 dollars, 5 pounds, and 5 euros a day, respectively.Leon is no stranger to adventure. He teamed up with First Book® & drove a car from London to Mongolia raising money to buy 10,000 books for underprivileged children in America. He also drove a vintage London taxi across America, giving free cab rides to the needy and working with Classwish to bring hope back to the schools of America.Leon has documented his travels for numerous media outlets including Good Morning America, Los Angeles Times, San Francisco Chronicle, Outside, Good, Psychology Today, and The New York Times.His show The Kindness Diaries is streaming on Netflix! His books, Amazing Adventures of a Nobody, The Kindness Diaries and Live, Love, Explore: Discover the Way of the Traveler a Roadmap to the Life You Were Meant to Live, published by Readers Digest, are in stores now.Interview Segments - This is where you can find each section of the interview.An Intro to Leon: 1:17 minutesGoing Deeper into the Topics: 9:22 minutesRapid Rire Questions: 31:03 minutesWebsite:  http://www.leonlogothetis.com/Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/title/80156137Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leonlogothetisTwitter: https://twitter.com/leonlogothetisPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/leonlogothetis/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/llogothetis/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/leonlogothetis

Everyone is talking about hustling, but the hustle is often unsustainable. Michael Levitt shares how you can create a healthy hustle and prevent burnout in today's episode. He tells us how a disciplined hustle is the key to reaching your full potential and goals.In today's episode Michael and I also discuss overcoming loss and catastrophic events, hustle vs a paced journey, setting boundaries in business, keeping work at work, scheduling your life to be more productive, essentialism, creating the life you want to live, health, and much more.Michael Levitt brings people back to life. He is the CEO & Boundaries Advisor for Breakfast Leadership, Inc. Focused on helping individuals and leaders within corporations (Re)Learn BOUNDARIES in their work and personal lives – So that they can accomplish more, by doing less, which will save their careers and possibly their lives.Michael lost his health, his job, his car, and his home all in 369 days. Michael teaches people on how that happened to him, so that they can make the crucial changes in their lives to prevent those losses from happening to them.Michael is a Thought Leader, and Author of 369 Days: How To Survive A Year of Worst-Case Scenarios.  Michael has over 30 years experience career in leadership, healthcare, finance and information technology. He has led community engagement, fund raising, and government engagement, which led to thousands of patients getting access to primary healthcare, reducing emergency room visits. Michael studied accounting and management at Walsh College, and is a certified crisis intervention trainer, from the Canadian Training Institute.Interview Segments - This is where you can find each section of the interview.An Intro to Michael: 1:17 minutesGoing Deeper into the Topics: 15:08 minutesRapid Rire Questions: 42:38 minutesWebsite:  https://www.breakfastleadership.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/bfastleadershipInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bfastleadership/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bfastleadership/

Ryan Williams is an expert into the world of influence. He literally wrote the book on it, 'The Influencer Economy'. On today's episode he shares how you can use storytelling and emotion to begin to influence others with messages of significance.In today's episode Ryan and I also discuss being curious, standup comedy, purpose versus passion, collaboration, being unintentionally rich, making your greatest hits, understanding value, depression, and much more.Ryan is a storyteller, marketing/branding strategist, speaker, and author. His podcast and writing have been featured in such major media outlets as Inc., Success, Business Insider, and USA Today. Ryan has keynoted and taught at Google, SXSW, Vanderbilt University, and USC. He has also interviewed a number of prominent thought leaders like Seth Godin, Kevin Kelly, and Troy Carter (Spotify) for his podcast.Ryan's superpower is helping successful companies tell their stories in a compelling and authentic way that resonates deeply with their audience. He has an innate understanding of the "influencer" space and how to position yourself for success as a thought leader/brand.Interview Segments - This is where you can find each section of the interview.An Intro to Ryan: 1:03 minutesGoing Deeper into the Topics: 12:21 minutesRapid Rire Questions: 39:44 minutesWebsite:  http://www.influencereconomy.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/ryanjwillInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanjwill/

Phil Rosenthal created Everybody Loves Raymond and now he's on a new adventure creating and staring in the hit Netflix show 'Somebody Feed Phil'. In today's episode Phil shares how he got his start, writing a hit TV show, turning your passions and dreams into a vocation, why everyone should travel, the importance of celebrating diversity, family and friendship, never waiting for one day, planning your trip, living beyond expectations, and more.From the Emmy-Award winning creator of Everybody Loves Raymond, Phil Rosenthal, come new episodes of the critically- acclaimed Somebody Feed Phil: The Second Course, a Netflix original documentary series which combines Phil’s joyful approach to food and travel with his signature sense of humorIn the new episodes, Phil takes viewers on a goodwill eating tour of the world as friends and family join him in traveling to Venice, Dublin, Buenos Aires, Copenhagen, Capetown and New York. While exploring each city, Phil and his guests peel back the layers, showcasing an inside look of the food, the people, the beauty, and the history -- from herding steer in Buenos Aires to meeting with Mandela’s grandchildren in Capetown and learning how the city’s vibrant locals help outshine its troubled past.About Phil Rosenthal: James Beard Award-Winning director and writer Phil Rosenthal is the creator and host of “Somebody Feed Phil.” Rosenthal’s first travel food series, “I’ll Have What Phil’s Having,” premiered on PBS in fall 2015 and received two Taste Awards as well as the winner of the 2016 James Beard Award for Best Television Program, on Location.Prior to his foray into food and travel TV, Rosenthal created the hit CBS comedy, “Everybody Loves Raymond,” and served as the Showrunner/Executive Producer for all nine years of the show's very successful run. During its original run, “Everybody Loves Raymond” was nominated for over 70 Emmy awards, and won 15 awards, including two for Best Comedy Series in 2003 and 2005. Rosenthal won the 2002 Writers Guild Award for Excellence in Television Writing for his “Everybody Loves Raymond” script, “Italy.”Rosenthal also co-wrote “America: A Tribute to Heroes,” the 9/11 telethon which aired on all four networks in September 2001, for which he won a Peabody Award and an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Writing. His early writing credits include the series “Down the Shore” and “Coach."Rosenthal was born and raised in New York. He attended Hofstra University on Long Island, where he majored in theater. He began his career as an actor, writer and director in New York City before relocating to Los Angeles where he currently resides with his wife, actress Monica Horan (who played Amy on “Everybody Loves Raymond”), and their two children.Interview Segments - This is where you can find each section of the interview.An Intro to Phil: 1:09 minutesGoing Deeper into the Topics: 19:45 minutesRapid Rire Questions: 39:44 minutesPhil Rosenthal World:  https://philrosenthalworld.com/Somebody Feed Phil: http://netflix.com/somebodyfeedphilTwitter: https://twitter.com/PhilRosenthalFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/philrosenthalofficial/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phil.rosenthal/

Innovation in technology is rapidly evolving. One of the hot and growing industries in technology is robotics. But how do you make robotics easy to use and affordable for every day life? C.J. Windisch is on a journey to bring robotics to the masses.In today's episode C.J. and I discuss robotics, using technology to make life better, software vs hardware, building machines, learning by doing, innovation, why tech founders should know foundational code, the maker movement, focused work, social responsibility in robotics, staying motivated, entrepreneurship, and much more.Christopher Windisch, CEO and founder of Robotika, is a successful Roboticist, Maker, and Thought Leader. Known for his extensive experience in the software engineering space, Windisch has made a major impact in the Maker movement and Robotics field. He has co-founded various companies, including Slash8. After years of experience as a software engineer at companies such as Box and Microsoft, Windisch decided to take his passion for Robotics and transition into that field. In 2017, he founded Robotika, a Robotics company that is spearheading a new wave of robotics products that are not only practical, but also affordable. His ultimate goal is to create robotics products for the masses. In addition to his enthusiasm for robotics engineering, Windisch has a gift for community building. He has worked with partners to grow and develop multiple tech communities, primarily in the Los Angeles area, including LA Tech Happy Hour and LA Tech Rise, with plans to expand globally.With the Tinker & Build YouTube channel, Windisch has taken the intricate practices of robotics engineering and made them accessible to a wider audience. His goals are to create a platform to publish content, via their YouTube channel, that is not only comprehensible to the budding Makers, but also digestible for anyone and everyone interested in learning about robotics.Interview Segments - This is where you can find each section of the interview.C.J.'s Story: 1:10 minutesThe Topics: 10:18 minutesRapid Rire Questions: 38:23 minutesWebsite:  www.robotikarobotics.comTwitter: twitter.com/cj_windischYouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCXRkG_PB-qAR67_LBMLONcALinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/cjwindischInstagram:  www.instagram.com/cj_windisch/

New technology is being used to solve old problems. Sam Rusani is on the bleeding edge of using new technologies to innovate in industries that go back thousands of years. Sam is the Chief Revenue Officer at ShipChain. ShipChain is reinventing how we manage shipping on a global level. Their technology is built on Blockchain and allows businesses and individuals to track the source and history of their individual items. Fair Trade coffee is a great example of knowing the story behind your products. Think of it as being able to track the coffee bean back to the exact farm that grew it then being able to track it through the shipping process to your own bag of coffee. It's like that but for any type of project. By using blockchain technology their company is able to keep tabs on products from source to final delivery. How does this help? Currently products shipped around the world have a $30 Billion loss due to theft. Using this new technology will allow companies to know where the loss is happening.In today's episode we also dive deep into the world of global shipping, blockchain as currency versus as a function/service, using technology to solve complex problems, revolutionizing industry, truly knowing your product and it's story, conscience consumerism, regulation and innovation, the sustainability of blockchain, privacy and security, responsible innovation, and much more.Sami Rusani is the Chief Revenue Officer at ShipChain, a blockchain based solution provider for the transport and logistics industry. After a successful $30 million raise in a week, they are now building a platform that will disrupt the multi trillion-dollar industry. As a serial entrepreneur, blockchain advocate/investor, and talent manager, Sam has worked with some of the biggest brands in the world, such as Sony, Fender, Virgin, Universal Music, Ogilvy, Heineken, VISA and Mercedes.Interview Segments - This is where you can find each section of the interview.Sam's Story: 1:07 minutesThe Topics: 13:13 minutesRapid Rire Questions: 41:44 minutesWebsite:  shipchain.ioTwitter: twitter.com/samrusaniInstagram: instagram.com/sam6ft9/LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/samirusani/

Eric Reed is a piano player well know in jazz circles. He has played with some of the great musicians of our time. In today's episode Eric shares the keys to success on how to navigate the business of music for the next generation. We also dive deep into creating your signature sound as a musician. Being a musician is balancing the art with the industry of music. Eric's passion for music is rooted deeply in family and faith. He shares how these two elements build his success in music and how it impact his humanity.In today's episode we also dive deep into the plans of God, faith as an action, creating music with message, getting to the other side of pain, wrestling with depression, where to find your validation, lessons from our dads, learning from those living, the politics of music, being patient in your career, diversification, hustling, goal setting, working smarter not harder , and much more.“I don’t view art as contemporary, modern, traditional, old or new,” says pianist-composer Eric Reed. “Nor do I endorse cliques or camps. I promulgate integrity in all things.”Through more than a quarter-century as a first-caller on the jazz scene, Reed has articulated this inclusive conception as a leader of numerous ensembles, solo performer, composer, producer, educator, and sideman with numerous artists, including extended stints with Buster Williams, Joe Henderson, Freddie Hubbard and Wynton Marsalis. Whatever the context, whatever the style, he consistently animates the flow with fresh ideas, virtuosic chops, intellectual clarity and an unwavering will to groove.On a remarkable series of recent recordings, Reed illuminates his aesthetic scope, navigating diverse terrain with intense focus and sagely concision. Consider, for example, one of Reed’s most recent releases, The Adventurous Monk, a 2014 date on which he offers idiomatic yet personalized, loose yet cohesive interpretations of ten works by the genius pianist-composer Thelonious Monk. It’s Reed’s third Monk project since 2009, when he made The Dancing Monk, followed in 2011 by The Baddest Monk, on which he addresses the iconic songs with just the right admixture of maverick recklessness and natural command. “I imbibed heavily on Monk’s music as I became more immersed in composition and my journey as an artist,” Reed remarks. “The rhythmic, harmonic and melodic variety in his pieces inspire, allow and compel me to embrace the challenge of trying to convey messages in a non-verbal manner.”A similar spirit of grounded exploration infuses Reed’s most recent release and first live recording, Groovewise, on which he navigates mainly original music on the bandstand. The spontaneity of live performance comes through on Stand!, a jubilant-to-introspective 2009 studio date on which Reed presents 11 pieces inspired by biblical themes. On two other in-studio trios—Something Beautiful from 2011 and Here, a 2006 session —Reed coalesces his own pieces with repertoire from popular songs, less-traveled jazz classics and gospel, deploying a wide range of moods and dynamics in the manner of a live set. Different in ambiance but equally impromptu is Reed’s Reflections Of A Grateful Heart, a contemplative, subdued solo recital of hymns, spirituals and gospel songs from his pen and, among others, Edwin and Walter Hawkins, Richard Smallwood and Billy Taylor.“The older I get, the more I start to see my musical, spiritual and personal influences as all one stream of consciousness,” Reed says. “When I was younger, I was exposed to music in my house, my neighborhood or in school; I didn’t care about what it was labeled. When I became a professional musician in my teens, the lines between the different styles were drawn in big red marker. Now, I’m not concerned about highlighting and the imposed differences. The musical experiences are all tied together.”Reed developed the core principles of his musical sensibility almost from the time he began to speak. “Before I could even reach the pedals,” he recalls, he was playing for and enhancing worship services for the congregants in the small Baptist storefront church in West Philadelphia where his father, a quartet singer, sang and preached. “My earliest experiences in the Holiness church were colored with charisma; people were moved largely by emotion,” he says of that functional setting. “Music played a major role in manipulating these emotions, even inciting people to dance. I developed my ear in an extraordinary way; if someone started to sing, I could quickly find their key and begin to accompany them.”Noting their son’s exceptional talent, Reed’s parents signed him up for private piano lessons at age 5, which continued at South Philly’s prestigious Settlement Music School. In the meantime, his aunt and uncle scoured flea markets for records. “They found these records by Horace Silver, Art Blakey and Dave Brubeck. Additionally, in our home, all kinds of music could be heard on the stereo and the radio because my parents and older siblings were into gospel and popular forms of music.” Reed recalls. “I listened to everything.”When Reed was 11, his family migrated to Huntington Park, California, a suburb near Los Angeles with a well-stocked neighborhood library where he continued to self-educate, reading various biographies, theory books and absorbing records. Soon, he enrolled in The Community School of Performing Arts (now The Colburn School), where his mentor Jeff Lavner, introduced him to even more recordings. In 1986, Wynton Marsalis conducted a master class there and took immediate notice of Reed. Marsalis connected the school to tenor saxophonist-educator-arranger Harold Battiste Jr., who was asked to develop an improvisational workshop. Eric reminisces, “Mr. Battiste was a soulful and lovely human being. He was patient and loving with me, taking me to clubs all around L.A. to check out music.”Wynton recalls, “Eric had great ears and already had formed his musical personality. He had a phenomenal level of talent for his age; I’ve only met four or five musicians with that extreme ability. He’s intelligent and curious; you don’t have to spend a lot of time explaining stuff to him. And there’s his pedigree: he grew up in the church, so he had direct exposure to the vernacular.” By his late teens, Reed, who had won several local music competitions judged by the likes of Horace Silver, Billy Higgins and Ernie Andrews, began to work professionally with tenor saxophone legends Teddy Edwards and Buddy Collette, Gerald Wilson, The Clayton Brothers and Clora Bryant. After matriculating at California State University, Northridge, Reed officially assumed the piano chair with Marsalis in June 1990 — and moved to New York City.Except for an 18-month return to Los Angeles in 1994-95, when he apprenticed with Benny Carter, Freddie Hubbard and Joe Henderson, New York remained Reed’s base of operations for the next decade-plus. From the jump, Reed became deeply entrenched in New York’s hardcore jazz scene, entering the rotation at Bradley’s, the legendary New York piano saloon, where masters bonded with students, providing a platform for Reed and his peers to cut their teeth. He documented seminal and now classic works on a series of trio and combo albums, It’s All Right To Swing, The Swing and I, Musicale, Pure Imagination and Manhattan Melodies.“In the heyday of the ‘90s, we were all devoutly and intensely devoted to the idea of what we thought Jazz was supposed to be,” Reed remarks. “Integrity has always been part of my essence, presenting a wide variety of music in a relevant fashion. Wherever the music goes, I want to go there and be present in that moment, not just a stylist.”After initial forays at applying this dictum on recordings, Reed curated concerts and produced studio dates for other artists, notably in a series called Jazz Composer Portraits for Manhattan’s Miller Theater from 2001-03, eliciting creative, unified performances of music by pianists Elmo Hope and Donald Brown, drummer James Black, alto saxophonist Eric Dolphy, bassist Ben Wolfe and the legendary Billy Strayhorn.“I like taking on the challenge of trying to make something my own, while attempting to honor the composer’s intentions,” Reed says. “I’ve embraced the songbooks of many composers and being able to draw from these different sources has helped me to find my own compositional voice. Some people find their voice early; some find it later. Earlier on, composing was more something that I did by default because I had a studio date coming up. On It’s All Right To Swing and Musicale, it was about the arrangement and presentation of the piece. Now, I incorporate more of my improvisational ideas into the way I write. I trust the musicians to interpret it and whatever happens, happens.”Throughout the ‘00s, Reed provided artistic direction for singers Paula West and Mary Stallings, for whom he produced 2013’s But Beautiful. “The art of accompanying singers has been ingrained in me since I was a child playing in church,” he remarks. Reed also began to teach privately under the auspices of Juilliard School of Music, the New School and Manhattan School of Music, helping to direct young luminaries like Aaron Diehl and Kris Bowers towards paths that “might help enhance what they were already doing and get them to become more developed musicians. This is why I don’t call myself a teacher, but a mentor.”“The bandstand is where the real education is,” Reed says. “The only way musicians truly learn what’s valuable is by being in the trenches. I thank God that so many of the old guard embraced me. I was truly and wonderfully blessed.”In 2008, Eric moved back to his beloved Los Angeles, jumping feet first into the local scene as musical director for Regina Taylor’s critically acclaimed musical Crowns, which ran for the entire summer at the Nate Holden Performing Arts Center and the Pasadena Playhouse. From 2010-2012, Reed was back in familiar territory – the church. Fondly, he states, “It was almost like reliving a part of my childhood. I played for a while with the Los Angeles Gospel Messengers, the last group formed by the legendary James Cleveland. I also served at a church as a Minister of Music and was working with other groups around the city. L.A. is a place where I feel at my freest; the geography and the climate encourage a certain openness and peaceful existence. This move is the beginning of what will be a challenging and exciting chapter of my life. It has also allowed me to revive and deepen my spiritual connection to God.”After a brief respite from recording, opting to regroup and revamp, Eric coalesced an ensemble of fiery young talents that include drummer McClenty Hunter Jr. and saxophonist Tim Green (and later bassist Michael Gurrola), releasing A Light in Darkness for WJ3 Records, explaining this latest as “My most challenging recorded project yet. The past couple of years have been emotionally, personally, and spiritually tumultuous, culminating in the music heard on this recording. I’m glad I suffered those setbacks because my growth has been monumental. He goes on to explain, “My evolution as a spiritual being is even more essential than as an artist; one is always listening to and embracing what’s happening in the world – expressing and creating. These elements fuse with your humanity. It’s taken me my whole career to realize what I’m actually supposed to be doing, which extends beyond performing – which is everything! I desire to share all of that with young artists who are looking down the road, offering as much access as possible to those who desire to manifest their innermost self through music.”Interview Segments - This is where you can find each section of the interview.Eric's Story: 1:16 minutesThe Topics: 35:33 minutesRapid Rire Questions: 1:31:13 minutesWebsite:  ericreed.netFacebook: www.facebook.com/EricScottReedInstagram: www.instagram.com/poppareedpiano/YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/ericscottreed/videosiTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/artist/eric-reed/Amazon: amazon.com

We all struggle with failures and tragedy in our lives. How can you move past tragedy and into success? Mary Shores shares how her personal tragedies drove her to finding independence and success with her own business. She also shares how you can do it in your life too.In today's episode we dive deep into mindset, staying hyper focused, driving deeper connection with what you want, how our beliefs impact our actions, how are words reinforce our self image, self-care, hustle, how to study successful people by understanding their process, starting a business, overcoming the burden of debt, caring for others, and much more.Mary Shores has spent her entire career as an author, speaker, and entrepreneur generating positive and pragmatic solutions for people who are freaking out. Mary understands human behavior from the trifecta of psychology, neurology, and neurochemistry, and she pairs that knowledge with her extensive personal experience to help businesses and individuals fearlessly create their own realities.Interview Segments - This is where you can find each section of the interview.Intro / About Mary: 1:06 minutesInterview: 8:10 minutesRapid Rire Questions: 41:39 minutesWebsite:  maryshores.comFacebook:  facebook.com/shoresmaryInstagram: @mary_shoresTwitter: @mary_shoresLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/shoresmary

Is your business generating prospects but not highly qualified leads? How can you identify your perfect customer and have them reaching out to you? Tom Poland is a lead generating guru. He shares the keys to building effective lead generation systems to make your business filled with perfect customers.In today's episode we dive deep into lead generation, scaling online, using technology to reach a global customer, listening to your team, building a team where everyone is using their strengths, being effective with your marketing message, starting with the question: 'Can you help them?', finding the right message and getting in front of the right people, the lost quote exercise, choosing entrepreneurship, and much more.Tom Poland is a Marketing Mentor who started his first business at age 24 and has gone on to start and sell four others, taking two of them international. In that time he’s managed teams of over 100 people and annual revenue of more than 20 million.These days Tom’s thing is “Leadsology: The Science of Being in Demand” which is a blended learning program that gives professional advisors a model for generating a flow of high-quality, inbound, new client enquiries into their businesses almost every week of the year.Over 2000 business owners across 193 different industries and 4 continents have been through his programs and many have gone on to add millions to their earnings and their testimonials are available on his websiteTom’s work has been published in 27 countries and he’s also shared international speaking platforms with the likes of Michael Gerber of E-Myth fame, Richard Koch from the 80-20 Principle, Brian Tracy and many others.Interview Segments - This is where you can find each section of the interview.Intro / About Tom: 0:59 minutesInterview: 5:13 minutesRapid Rire Questions: 40:44 minutesWebsite:  https://www.leadsology.guru/Talk with Tom:  http://bookachatwithtom.com/

Do you feel like no one is listening? Maybe you don't feel like you have the authority should should with your business. Michael Greenberg shares how you can start building credibility using content. He says that it's not what you know or who you know, but it's who knows what you know. We also dive deep into networking and building influence in the episode.In the episode Michael shares about why we need to change business schools, the power of apprenticeships, getting into business without a business degree, building relationships with decision makers, giving people freedom to learn, using mentorship to multiply yourself, content marketing, building credibility, using podcasting to grow your network, positioning yourself as the expert, living a lifestyle of entrepreneurship, and much more!Michael Greenberg is the founder of Gentleman Of Technology LLC, a B2B venture creation and strategy consulting firm. Patrick Gusman, entrepreneur and former CIO for the National Urban League, has called him “A positioning guru extraordinaire and is one of those rare young geniuses,” and Alex Nichols referred to him as “A horse whisperer for marketers, business thinkers, business owners, and is a bit of a renaissance man; a jack-of-all-trades, master of many. Whether its emerging tech, community building, short and long-term strategy, or content building, I know that I can trust Michael's research and experience.”Michael recently launched a new content marketing venture, and has just written a book entitled Authority Marketing Playbook. This recent publication focuses on helping small business owners, consultants, and executive coaches to position themselves with content. The Authority Marketing Playbook helps them find their voice and grow their businesses using a variety of tactics and strategies Michael has developed over his distinguished career.Michael launched his newest venture under the GOT banner, Call For Content, in January of 2017 after almost two years of market research and process development and currently serves as Chief Strategist and Interviewer. Understanding that his knowledge and content development processes are unparalleled, he provides unique insight into growing businesses of all types. His expert proficiency has propelled both he and his clients by setting a new value standard in content marketing.Michael is exceptionally adept at increasing process efficiency, analysis, strategy and building up businesses. He offers a diversified set of skills in analytics and data, project management, client management and how to position new content for maximum impact.Professional highlights include: Entrepreneur, Author, Strategist, and Advisor. Increasing business visibility, revenue velocity, and ROI. Reducing expenses for dozens of businesses while growing profits using technology-enabled solutions. An industry-leader in both B2B and tech for product development, marketing, and strategy Honored by Business RadioX to join the company as a studio owner to make a more significant impact and help build a new playbook for studio launches. After spending the last five years working in high-level management and consulting roles for small to large brands and startups, Michael knows what truly drives conversations, new business leads, brands and new product launches that produce business growth.“As a result of working with Call For Content, I now have pages and pages of shareable content that further establishes my expertise, deepens my trust and connection with current and potential clients, and keeps me top of mind as a business resource. This has helped make their decision to work with me easier.” Art Snarzyk III, Owner, InnerView Advisors, Inc.Interview Segments - This is where you can find each section of the interview.Intro / About Michael: 1:01 minutesInterview: 4:03 minutesRapid Rire Questions: 36:58 minutesWebsite:  https://www.callforcontent.com/Book:  https://www.callforcontent.com/ampTwitter:  https://twitter.com/gentoftechLinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelggreenberg/