Paul Michelman, Editor in Chief with Boston Consulting Group (BCG), has a deep background in content curation and digital transformation. He shares insights into the development of GENE, a conversational AI agent co-hosting podcasts, and how generative AI is reshaping content creation, management, and executive engagement at BCG.

Key Quotes

1. "Necessity is the mother of the best kind of invention."
2. "GENE...wasn't a traditional technology product. It was built to be fit for purpose."
3. "The future of management is managing the bots that are managing the business." – Tim O'Reilly, quoted by Paul.

Paul Michelman discusses the creation of GENE, a conversational AI co-host at BCG, and its role in helping executives envision the future of business. He delves into how AI is transforming content development, emphasizing the importance of blending technology with human creativity for better outcomes and fostering innovation.

Find Your Catalyst at https://www.findmycatalyst.com/

5 Key Takeaways

1. The Catalyst of Necessity

   • Innovation is often driven by a clear need or problem.
   • GENE was born out of a desire to make podcasts futuristic and engaging.
   • Necessity sparks creativity when talented teams collaborate on a shared goal.

2. AI as a Creative Partner

   • GENE is more than a tech tool; it functions as a co-host trained on human co-host behaviors.
   • AI can be trained not only to respond but to foster deeper conversations.
   • Collaborative creation between AI engineers and creative teams leads to more effective tools.

3. Stakeholder Buy-in and Change Management

   • Securing leadership support early on is crucial for driving AI innovation within an organization.
   • Introducing GENE was a stepping stone to securing broader executive buy-in for content transformation at BCG.
   • Effective change management involves aligning technology initiatives with business objectives and scaling with organizational support.

4. Iterative Learning and Innovation

   • Developing AI tools like GENE involves constant iteration and feedback.
   • GENE's ability to surprise its creators reflects the learning process of AI.
   • Encouraging openness to failure and iteration is essential for innovation.

5. Shaping the Future of Work with AI

   • AI will increasingly assist with content creation, freeing up human resources for strategic tasks.
   • Companies like BCG are exploring AI-driven platforms like "Scribe" to streamline written content creation.
   • The future of management lies in integrating AI into decision-making processes.

Podcasts mentioned in the episode:

1. Imagine This... Podcast
   This BCG podcast, co-hosted by GENE, explores the future of business and leadership, delving into disruptions like AI and how they will shape the next decade.

2. CEO Digest -
   This podcast focuses on helping CEOs navigate emerging trends and innovations, often featuring GENE as a conversational partner.

In this episode, host Mike Simmons shares insights on 2025 business planning. He discusses the importance of early planning, aligning strategies with objectives, and using tactics to achieve goals. He also introduces the 30-Day Blueprint to Success and the rebranding of The Phoenix Club to The Leader Lab, designed for leaders seeking to think and do differently.

1. "If you're doing the work but not making progress, something's wrong."
2. "Speed to impact is more important than going fast."
3. "Leadership is about moving things forward."

Mike Simmons emphasizes the importance of 2025 planning, encouraging listeners to start early, define clear objectives, and align strategies with tactical actions. He also introduces the Leader Lab, a community designed to support leaders in making strategic progress. The episode provides a framework for goal-setting and execution.

The Phoenix Club is now The Leader Lab - go to https://www.findmycatalyst.com/ to learn more

1. Early Planning is Crucial

   • Begin 2025 planning now, rather than delaying until late in the year.
   • Clarify where you are (current state) and where you want to go (desired state).
   • Use a planning framework to bridge the gap and achieve your goals.

2. Set Clear Objectives

   • Objectives guide your strategy; without them, you may feel stuck.
   • Break down large goals into smaller, achievable tasks.
   • Align your team or individual efforts with these goals to maintain focus.

3. Align Strategy with Tactics

   • Strategy outlines how to achieve objectives; tactics define specific actions.
   • Focus on 2-3 strategies to avoid confusion and misalignment.
   • Adjust tactics as needed, but maintain a consistent strategy to drive progress.

4. Utilize Accountability Tools

   • Implement short-term (30, 60, 90-day) plans to track incremental progress.
   • Regularly review your progress to ensure alignment with goals.
   • Use feedback loops to assess what’s working and where adjustments are needed.

5. Join a Supportive Community

   • The Leader Lab provides a space to learn from like-minded leaders.
   • Collaborate with others to uncover blind spots and share strategies.
   • Leadership is about helping others succeed while achieving personal and business growth.

Tim Dyck is the founder of Best Culture Solutions, a company focused on aligning people with the right roles in organizations. Tim specializes in recruitment, career transitions, and people strategies, helping businesses optimize their workforce for success.

3 Key Quotes:

1. “Every problem in every business is a people problem.”
2. “People are choosing more control over how, when, and where they work.”
3. “Fractional work can drive greater value for both sides when done well.”

In this episode, Mike Simmons and Tim Dyck discuss how work is evolving, focusing on recruitment, people strategies, and fractional work. They highlight the importance of aligning talent with company needs and the benefits of hiring fractional professionals to solve specific business problems efficiently.

Find Your Catalyst at https://findmycatalyst.com

5 Key Takeaways:

1. People Strategies are Critical to Success:

   • Every business issue ties back to people.
   • Aligning people with the right roles improves productivity.
   • Effective people strategies include hiring, training, and clarity in roles.

2. Fractional Work Offers Flexibility:

   • Businesses can bring in experts part-time for specific needs.
   • Fractional professionals may provide faster impact.
   • Smaller companies benefit from high-level skills without full-time salaries.

3. Workplace Evolution Post-Pandemic:

   • Remote work isn't new but has become more mainstream.
   • The shift allows workers to have more control over their work-life balance.
   • Employers must adapt to these changes or risk losing top talent.

4. Scope Creep in Fractional Roles:

   • Both businesses and freelancers must define roles clearly to avoid scope creep.
   • Success in fractional roles depends on sticking to agreed-upon responsibilities.
   • Misaligned expectations can derail both parties.

5. Finding the Right Fit in Recruitment:

   • It’s essential for businesses to identify the specific roles they need.
   • Hiring the right person can solve problems faster.
   • Companies should avoid forcing unqualified individuals into roles just to fill vacancies.

This episode offers insights for both business leaders and professionals seeking more flexibility in their work, providing practical strategies for the modern workplace.

In this solo episode, Mike Simmons discusses leadership from the perspective of self-leadership. He emphasizes the importance of looking inward before seeking leadership from others. Mike provides practical insights into building leadership skills through self-reflection, goal-setting, and problem-solving. He also touches on how mindset plays a crucial role in the journey to effective leadership.

1. “If you're looking for leadership, start with a mirror.”
2. “Leadership is how we move forward, and to do that, we must first know where we are and where we want to go.”
3. “Before we can lead others, we must first demonstrate that we can lead ourselves well.”

In this episode, Mike explores the essence of leadership by starting with self-leadership. He shares practical tools for decision-making, goal-setting, and problem-solving, all while reinforcing the importance of mindset. Simmons encourages listeners to take personal responsibility and develop the skills necessary to move themselves and others forward.

1. Leadership Starts with Self

   • Leadership begins by looking inward.
   • Know where you are and where you want to go.
   • Develop the ability to lead yourself before leading others.

2. Clarity and Goal-Setting

   • Define clear objectives and goals for yourself.
   • Reflect on where you are versus where you want to be.
   • Use goal-setting frameworks to guide your decisions.

3. Problem-Solving

   • Define the problem clearly before seeking solutions.
   • Consider different perspectives to avoid blind spots.
   • Use frameworks like the Catalyst A.C.T.S. hexagon to solve problems effectively.

4. Mindset and Continuous Learning

   • Adopt a growth mindset; be open to learning and feedback.
   • Avoid complacency by continuously applying new skills.
   • Learn, think, act, and reflect regularly to maintain progress.

5. Leadership as Service

   • Leadership is about serving others, not about titles.
   • Lead by example, doing your own work well.
   • Build trust through clear communication and alignment of goals.

Jen Bergren is an expert in process documentation and operations, with a strong focus on helping organizations become more efficient. She’s passionate about simplifying processes, improving onboarding experiences, and ensuring that organizations can operate smoothly and creatively through thoughtful documentation. Jen is a key voice in operational strategy and process improvement, especially in remote and asynchronous work environments.

1. "If you follow a process, you can be even more creative and more innovative."
2. "Start small... don’t try to document your entire sales process the first time."
3. "The fear is that documenting will take time, but not doing it wastes more time in the long run."

Jen dives into the importance of process documentation and its impact on business efficiency. She discusses overcoming the resistance to documenting procedures, how to prevent overcomplicating processes, and the benefits of strong onboarding. Her insights focus on creating clarity and efficiency, which helps teams operate more effectively.

The Find My Catalyst Podcast is brought to your by Catalyst A.C.T.S.

Find your Catalyst at https://www.findmycatalyst.com/

1. Start Small with Documentation

• Begin by documenting smaller, routine tasks to build the habit.
• Focus on processes that occur frequently to improve quickly.
• Avoid overwhelming yourself by trying to document everything at once.

2. Process Documentation Improves Creativity

• Having clear, repeatable steps frees up mental space for creative problem-solving.
• Following a structured process reduces time spent on routine tasks.
• It creates room for innovation without the burden of repetitive decisions.

3. Efficient Onboarding Creates a Self-Service Culture

• Clear documentation empowers new employees to find answers independently.
• A structured onboarding process reduces the need for repetitive questions.
• It helps remote and asynchronous teams operate smoothly without constant hand-holding.

4. Avoid Overcomplicating Processes

• Get early feedback from peers to ensure processes are clear and simple.
• Document only what's necessary—efficiency comes from eliminating unnecessary steps.
• Continuously improve processes without adding unnecessary complexity.

5. Operations People Are Key to Success

• Operations often work behind the scenes but are vital to keeping everything running.
• Recognizing their work can prevent burnout and improve company-wide efficiency.
• Encourage transparency and collaboration by elevating operations roles in the organization.

Find Jen on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenbergren/

In this episode, host Mike Simmons dives into event strategies and tactics. He shares insights on different types of events, how to plan for them, and how to make the most out of attending or speaking at events. Whether you’re attending a massive trade show or a small niche event, this episode offers actionable advice for maximizing your impact.

1. "Participating in events is an investment—time, energy, and money—so make sure it’s the right fit for you."
2. "One of the best ways to meet people is to attend sessions, observe, and engage with them afterward."
3. "Going to an event as an attendee is just as valuable as being a sponsor, especially for smaller businesses."

Mike Simmons shares strategies to maximize the value of attending or hosting events. He covers the types of events, such as large trade shows, vendor-specific, and smaller niche events, and offers tips on pre-event preparation, making connections, and post-event follow-up. This episode is packed with practical, actionable advice.

This episode is brought to you by Catalyst A.C.T.S. - check out our weekly newsletter - Learn. Think. Act. - https://www.findmycatalyst.com/learn-think-act

1. Types of Events: Choose Wisely

   • Large trade shows have expo halls and keynote sessions that offer networking opportunities.
   • Vendor-specific events help you learn from others using the same tools and systems.
   • Small, niche events provide targeted networking and more meaningful interactions.

2. Pre-Event Planning: Prepare for Success

   • Visit the event website to understand the theme, agenda, and who will be speaking.
   • Identify key people you want to meet—speakers, vendors, or peers.
   • Create a "must-meet" list to stay focused and make meaningful connections.

3. Networking: Engage with Purpose

   • Focus on attending sessions where your target audience is likely to be.
   • Introduce yourself to others after breakout sessions or during lunch.
   • Be strategic—don’t pitch, but ask questions to learn more about the person and their challenges.

4. Post-Event Follow-Up: Build Relationships

   • Send personalized messages following the event to maintain the connection.
   • Reference the sessions they attended or the conversations you had.
   • Schedule follow-up calls or meetings to further discuss mutual interests.

5. Attendee vs. Sponsor: Know Your Role

   • Attending events for research or networking can be as valuable as sponsoring.
   • Bring a team of 2-3 people to an event to cover more ground and gather diverse insights.
   • Don’t over-invest in booths unless you know the event attracts your target audience.

• "Start. Right…you can make a lot of plans, but sometimes it's just about jumping into the cold water and seeing if you can swim."
• "Partnerships are not a transactional relationship. It's about working together towards a mutual goal."
• "Revenue is not a goal—it's a result. Understand what you want to achieve and how you can align with your partner's goals."

In this episode, Martin Scholz discusses the importance of partnerships and the complexities involved in building them. He emphasizes the need for alignment within organizations, clear communication, and the value of just starting when it comes to creating community initiatives. Martin shares insights on leadership, alignment, and incentivization strategies.

5 Key Takeaways

1. The Power of Starting

   • Don't wait for the perfect plan—sometimes, you just need to begin.
   • Building a community starts with initiative and grows through consistent effort.
   • Experimentation is key; learn as you go.

2. Understanding Partnerships

   • Partnerships are about mutual benefit, not just profit.
   • Aligning goals with partners is crucial for long-term success.
   • Communication and understanding are the foundations of a strong partnership.

3. Importance of Internal Alignment

   • Internal conflicts can sabotage external partnerships.
   • Clear communication within teams helps in managing expectations and reducing conflicts.
   • Aligning incentives across departments ensures everyone works towards the same goal.

4. Effective Incentivization

   • Incentivize behaviors that align with long-term goals, not just short-term wins.
   • Consider team goals over individual bonuses to encourage collaboration.
   • Compensation structures should reflect the desired outcome, whether that’s growth, stability, or innovation.

5. Leadership in Partnerships

   • Leadership plays a critical role in fostering a healthy partnership ecosystem.
   • Leaders must ensure that their teams understand and follow partnership guidelines.
   • Address conflicts early and clearly to maintain trust within partnerships.

Three Key Quotes

1. "If you want to fail, pitch without context. Your customers care about solving their problems, not your product."
2. "Don’t try to be the hero. Remember, your customer is the hero, and you’re the guide helping them solve their problems."
3. "If you always make it about you, you will fail. Focus on the needs of others to truly succeed."

This episode highlights ten behaviors that can lead to failure in sales and business, from pitching without context to always focusing on personal gain. The host encourages listeners to avoid these mistakes and instead adopt a service-oriented, customer-focused mindset that enhances success and leads to more fulfilling work.

The Top 10 List: How to Fail at Business and Sales

1. Pitch Without Context

   • Ignore the customer’s specific problems.
   • Present your solution without understanding their needs.
   • Fail to connect your pitch to what’s important to the customer.

2. Assume Instead of Validate

   • Make assumptions about what the customer wants.
   • Skip asking clarifying questions.
   • Focus on things not directly related to the customer’s problem.

3. Overpower the Conversation

   • Dominate the discussion without listening.
   • Make the conversation all about your opinions.
   • Fail to engage the customer in meaningful dialogue.

4. Attempt to Solve Everything

   • Try to address every issue at once.
   • Spread yourself too thin and lose focus.
   • Lack clarity in your approach, leading to confusion and failure.

5. Work Alone

   • Go solo without involving others.
   • Miss out on different perspectives and collaborative solutions.
   • Fail to build a supportive network that could help you succeed.

6. Stick to the Script

   • Rigidly follow a script or template without adapting.
   • Ignore the unique aspects of each situation.
   • Miss opportunities for personalization and creativity.

7. Try to Be the Hero

   • Take on all the responsibility instead of guiding the customer.
   • Forget that the customer is the hero of their own story.
   • Overstep your role, leading to customer disengagement.

8. Wing It Without a Plan

   • Enter situations without preparation or strategy.
   • React to problems as they arise instead of anticipating them.
   • Increase the risk of failure by lacking a clear plan.

9. Take a “Me First” Approach

   • Focus on your own needs rather than the customer’s.
   • Prioritize personal gain over providing value.
   • Alienate customers by making it all about you.

10. Always Be Closing

    • Constantly push for the sale without considering the customer’s readiness.
    • Focus on closing deals rather than building relationships.
    • Develop a reputation as a pushy salesperson who is more interested in profit than people.

5 Key Takeaways

1. Contextualize Your Pitch

   • Understand your customer’s unique needs before pitching.
   • Connect your solution to what truly matters to them.
   • Avoid generic pitches that lack relevance.

2. Validate, Don’t Assume

   • Ask questions to confirm your understanding of the customer’s problem.
   • Ensure your solutions are aligned with their needs.
   • Increase predictability by clarifying expectations.

3. Listen More, Talk Less

   • Engage the customer by actively listening.
   • Make the conversation about them, not you.
   • Foster a more productive dialogue by valuing their input.

4. Plan and Collaborate

   • Prepare thoroughly before meetings or pitches.
   • Involve others to gain different perspectives and avoid blind spots.
   • Work with a plan, but remain flexible to adjust as needed.

5. Empower the Customer

   • Let the customer be the hero of their story.
   • Act as a guide, helping them navigate challenges.
   • Focus on enabling their success rather than taking control.