Episode 66. In this episode of the Lifetime at Work podcast, host Greg Martin interviews Jenny Wu, founder and CEO of Mind Brain Emotion, a company that produces emotional intelligence card games for both adults and children. Jenny, an expert in emotional intelligence with degrees from Harvard and UC Berkeley, and teaching experience at UC Irvine, shares insights from her varied career and personal life. The conversation spans topics such as the significance of emotional intelligence, balancing parenting and career, the role of university education today, and Jenny's journey from industry to academia. Additionally, they discuss the impact of parental expectations, the challenges women face in balancing motherhood and their careers, and tools for developing better emotional intelligence at any age.

• 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest
• 00:59 Jenny Wu's Background and Career Journey
• 02:08 Mind Brain Emotion: The Human Skills Game
• 04:19 Inspiration Behind the Game
• 06:07 Early Career and Transition to Human Capital
• 16:01 Balancing Career and Parenthood
• 21:02 Understanding Emotional Intelligence
• 24:06 Learning Emotional Intelligence as an Adult
• 25:35 Recognizing and Addressing Blind Spots
• 26:10 Practical Examples of Emotional Intelligence
• 28:47 The Importance of Feeling Heard and Valued
• 31:32 Navigating Academic and Professional Growth
• 34:47 Launching a Business Through University Support
• 36:10 Improving Higher Education
• 39:47 Balancing Support and Independence in Parenting
• 41:54 The Role of Discomfort in Personal Growth
• 45:12 Final Thoughts and Resources

Episode 65. In this Lifetime at Work podcast episode, Greg Martin interviews Bennett Maxwell, the founder and chairman of Dirty Dough, a booming gourmet cookie franchise.

Bennett recounts his transformative journey from being a Mormon missionary in Mexico to excelling in door-to-door solar energy sales, eventually leading to the creation and rapid expansion of Dirty Dough.

Listeners will gain insights into Bennett’s philosophies on living well, financial success, brand creation, and the profound impact of effective sales techniques. The discussion delves into the challenges and triumphs of building a scalable business in the food industry, raising substantial capital, and working with seasoned industry leaders.

It highlights Bennett's strategic approaches to franchising, the importance of organizational structure, and the emotional and financial ramifications of success. The episode also provides practical advice on connecting with advisors and emphasizes the pursuit of joy and fulfillment in business and life, over merely chasing financial goals.

• 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest
• 00:54 Bennett Maxwell's Early Life and Career Beginnings
• 01:27 The Journey into Door-to-Door Sales
• 03:26 Transition to the Solar Business
• 07:38 Investing in Dirty Dough
• 10:59 Challenges and Innovations in the Cookie Business
• 12:36 Franchising and Business Growth
• 16:50 Marketing Strategies and Owner Involvement
• 18:25 Doubts and Financial Challenges
• 21:44 Raising Capital and Leadership Changes
• 23:08 Equity Deal and Acquisition
• 25:12 Reflections on Money and Success
• 26:57 The Illusion of Financial Goals
• 32:58 Building a National Brand
• 42:14 The Importance of Advisors
• 46:32 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Episode 64. How do you get your message into the press? Well, there’s a whole engine of people working hard to help, forming the public relations industry.

This episode features guest Zachary Bernard, the Founder and CEO of We Feature You. His company is a PR firm focused on building industry professionals as leaders and authorities in their space.

There’s something a lot of people don’t realize about public relations: It’s less about gaining exposure and more about what you do with the exposure you get. This episode covers the modern media and public relations world and how all of us can thrive and understand the industry for the better.

Key Takeaways and Discussion

• The breakthrough Zachary had a few years ago after talking to a friend.
• How he stumbled into the world of marketing.
• How to leverage the things you’re already good at (and what that could look like).
• What their typical clients look like and what their specific needs are.
• The best way to start building your own brand from the ground up.
• Different ways you can get featured in the media, and the benefits of each.
• How to make the most out of the coverage you get and why it matters.
• Why inside connections are so important in the public relations world.
• The role that AI content plays in PR—and what happens when it goes too far.
• The best types of publications to be featured in and why.
• How to figure out if a publication is legit or not (and filter your best opportunities).
• What Zachary brings to the PR industry that’s different and unique.