Join us as Calley Means, co-founder of TrueMed, shares his transformative journey from high-profile pharmaceutical consultant to major disruptor in the healthcare industry. Along the way, Calley explains how storytelling, tackling big challenges, and leading with passion have been pivotal in building a brand that grabs attention, drives systemic change, and fosters community.

Calley and Scott delve into a critical analysis of the pharmaceutical sector, with strategic insights on preventive healthcare and the paradigm shift from treatment to holistic wellness. Calley also shares personal anecdotes about the trials and triumphs encountered while building Truemed and spearheading a movement toward a healthier society. Discover more about his journey and insights in the new book he's co-authored with his sister, Dr. Casey Means, available on Amazon here.

02:00 - Who is Calley? (Ambassadors at dinner. Dog Letters. Sarah Palin)

14:20 - The World of Consulting (Food + Pharma. Opioid crisis. Regulatory capture)

22:50 - The Art of Storytelling (Great communicators. The zeitgeist)

29:10 - The Truth About Business School (Who goes to Harvard? Calculated risk)

37:20 - Launching a Start-Up (Seinfeld's advice. Finding your market. Anamolie)

47:20 - PR for Start-Ups (What's the story? Putting it all on the line. Fear of failure)

55:00 - Major Life Changes (COVID. Death. Upending the medical industry)

01:00:20 - Taking on the Healthcare Industry (Good Energy. Leading with your passion)

01:08:20 - How to Hire for a Start-Up (Truemed. Specialists. WHO method)

01:17:50 - Creating an Online Community (Going content crazy. Picking a platform)

01:23:20 - Building a Beloved Brand (Pick a fight. Mission-driven. Hire the right people)

01:28:20 - Building an Audience (Tucker, Russell Brand, Huberman. Framing)

01:34:20 - Ruffling Feathers (IRS. Status quo. Partners and platforms)

01:38:20 - The Secrets to Good Health (Myths. Movement. Final advice)

In today's interview, we shift focus from our usual lineup of business and marketing leaders to engage in conversation with Stephen Richer, Maricopa County recorder now in his fourth year in office. While Stephen’s initial 2020 campaign platform was to “Make the Recorder’s Office Boring Again”, his life before and after entering politics has been anything but.

Stephen’s unique story includes turns navigating corporate law, self-starting his own businesses, entering the world of politics, and, as you'll discover, becoming something of a branding and communications expert in the process. Our discussion spans his formative years, his early triumphs and setbacks, his experiences navigating political turbulence, and the value of bringing authenticity, ownership, and a competitive spirit to every role he undertakes.

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(02:00) Stephen's Childhood (Mormon country. OCD. Fantasy novels)

(08:30) How Education Informs Your Path (Pre-modernist lit. Finding purpose. Falling in love)

(20:00) The Entrepreneur Gene (In your blood? First business launch. Legal troubles)

(30:30) Early Failure Creates Long-Term Success (Trials by fire. Repairing relationships)

(38:00) Launching Multiple Businesses (GatherDC. Raspberry expirations. 90's themed bar)

(49:00) Finding Meaning Through Work (Loving work at 70. Weighing risk. Parenting)

(56:00) Good Lawyers and Good Leaders (Leaving law. Learning on the job. First run for office)

(1:09:40) What is a County Recorder? (Nuts and bolts. What's more important than winning)

(1:16:00) Political Data Science 101 (Saints, sinners, and salvageables. What works?)

(1:26:20) Authentic Branding (Being yourself. Watered down brands + politicians. Catfishing)

(1:34:00) Navigating Political Drama in AZ (Make the recorder's office boring again)

(1:42:00) Electing Entrepreneurs to Office (ROI = good democracy? Ignoring the noise. Wins)

(1:53:30) Improving Communications (Building confidence through vulnerability)

(2:03:00) Life in the Political Crosshairs (Advice for young people. Running again)

(2:11:15) How to be an Effective Leader (Am I doing a good job? Weaknesses)

(2:20:00) Final Words of Wisdom (Navigating leadership and life with authenticity)

In this episode, we talk to Bob Kelly, one of the few people in the world who has worked with all three CEOs of Microsoft, but he’s also a renaissance man, venture capitalist, marketer, and most importantly, family man.

Bob shared his natural gift of storytelling to walk us thought the early days of Microsoft, detailing the many wins (and few missteps) of the tech giant. Later, we follow him as he makes his way into the world of venture capitalism, and he provides a few tips on how to navigate the science and art of making a wise investment. Finally, we talk a lot about the future of the technology industry and how the new generation of tech leaders are making an impact.

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(01:20) - Bob's Background (Living in East Coast & Europe, Father’s Antique business)

(08:55) - Free-Flowing Ideas and Education (Educational Excellence & tradition, Shakespeare)

(15:00) - The MRI Leadership Principle (Choosing mercy, MRI in Large Organizations)

(19:37) - The Accidental Career (Marketing for Microsoft, Positioning to Enterprise customers)

(36:43) - Leadership & the Four As (Success & Tradeoffs)

(40:25) - Changes at Microsoft (Stages of Leadership, Open Source, Focusing on Windows)

(50:43) - Customer-focused Approach (Providing Delight, Being available for your team)

(1:07:59) - The Move to Venture Capital (Vital Partnerships at Microsoft, leaving Microsoft)

(1:16:04) - The Art and Science of Investing (Where to invest vs. Navigating Ecosystems, Betting on the person vs. The idea)

(1:25:16) - Feedback and Iterative Loops (Feedback in relation to customer engagement)

(1:28:05) - Taking a Seat on the Board (Shifting strategies, Protecting the investment)

(1:35:00) - The Challenges of Venture Capitalism (addressing the criticism, working with startups)

(1:39:55) - Predicting the Future (Government regulation, Apple in the News, tech and societal impact)

(1:57:26) - A New Generation of Tech Leaders (Gen Z business leaders)

(1:59: 19) - Looking Back on a Career (Wins and Losses, A bright future ahead)

(2:05:26) - Closing thoughts (The Life of a True Challenger)

Amir Glogau, the mastermind behind Citrine Capital Partners, ProEm, and Guidely, takes us on a journey through his unconventional approach to success. Known for his remarkable achievements in turning around organizations and creating unparalleled customer experiences, Amir reveals the core of his leadership philosophy in this episode.

We explore the intersection of spirituality, work, and personal identity. Amir challenges traditional boundaries, urging us to embrace authenticity and openness in all aspects of life. From discussing the fusion of business and marketing to sharing invaluable insights on AI and parenting, Amir's wisdom transcends conventional norms.

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Welcome to "Participation Is Mandatory," where CEOs, investors, navy seals, entrepreneurs, and artists converge to share their incredible stories, perspectives on marketing, business, and life. Hosted by Scott Kaufmann, this podcast dives deep into the minds of those actively shaping their industries. Unlike typical marketing podcasts, "Participation Is Mandatory" challenges conventional norms, delving into the nuances of participatory and experiential marketing.

Scott Kaufmann, a seasoned marketer and entrepreneur, leads the charge, drawing insights from his extensive professional background and entrepreneurial ventures. With a blend of passion, persistence, and curiosity, Scott navigates conversations with industry leaders, exploring micro details and macro issues to uncover how companies can authentically engage with their customers.

Each episode promises a fresh perspective, featuring guests who have revolutionized their fields, from redefining sustainable living to transforming customer experiences. Scott's relentless curiosity drives discussions about industry shifts and their implications for the future of marketing, business, and life.

Join Scott on this unpredictable, informative, and thought-provoking journey by subscribing to "Participation Is Mandatory." Because in the evolving landscape of marketing, your participation is not just encouraged—it's mandatory. Don't forget to subscribe to be the first to hear thought-provoking interviews from today's business leaders and marketing experts.