Episodios

  • Leadership That Inspires
    May 20 2025
    In this compelling episode of the Schmidt List, host Kurt Schmidt sits down with Peter Bailey, President of the Prouty Project, for an in-depth conversation about the evolving nature of leadership.

    Together, they explore what it truly takes to build high-performing teams and cultivate healthy organizational cultures in today’s complex hybrid work environment, economic challenges, and shifting employee expectations.

    Drawing on decades of experience advising nonprofits and private companies, Peter shares invaluable insights into executive coaching, emotional intelligence, and why surface-level solutions—like personality tests—fail to address the deeper nuances of leadership development. Instead, he emphasizes the transformative power of vulnerability, empathy, and a dedication to personal growth, which are increasingly replacing outdated, top-down management styles.

    The discussion dives into real-world examples, from leading through the uncertainty of COVID-19 and remote work to guiding professionals as they transition from skilled practitioners to successful leaders.

    Peter and Kurt highlight common leadership pitfalls and share practical strategies to help leaders at every stage of their journey. Whether you're an aspiring manager, a seasoned executive, or simply passionate about empowering others to thrive, this episode provides actionable advice, thought-provoking stories, and fresh perspectives to elevate your leadership approach. Links Mentioned:
    • Learn more about the Prouty Project: [Prouty Project Website]
    • Connect with Peter Bailey on LinkedIn
    • Watch Peter’s TED Talk: Heroic Journey Mindset
    • Check out Kurt Schmidt’s book Solopreneur Connection on Amazon
    Don’t miss this conversation packed with wisdom, personal anecdotes, and leadership tools you can apply right away!

    Peter Ted Talk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJiTZyvrcAA

    Peter’s favorite quote https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7290530520499687428

    Prouty L3 promo video (leading self, leading others, leading the business) https://proutyproject.com/prouty-l3-2025/

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/schmidt-list-entrepreneurial-insights--2664825/support.
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    31 m
  • Episode 300 - What's Next?
    May 12 2025
    Episode 300: Reflections, Growth, and What’s Next for Schmidt List Welcome to Episode 300 of Schmidt List! In this special milestone, host Kurt Schmidt reflects on the seven-year journey of the podcast, sparked by a desire to share inspiring conversations. Starting with interviews at home, Schmidt List became a platform featuring leaders from Fortune 50 companies, founders, and nonprofit changemakers.Kurt shares key lessons learned from hundreds of guests—many of them experts whose time is invaluable—and how the podcast has shaped his personal and professional growth. From early challenges of pursuing his vision to navigating the ups and downs of building his own software product, Kurt explains how stepping into exciting, sometimes scary opportunities has shaped his career.He also updates listeners on recent projects, including business coaching, content marketing, and his UX/UI firm partnership. The episode offers insights on marketing, messaging, and the reality that even thriving businesses constantly adapt and learn.Kurt reveals plans for the show’s future, with fewer but more impactful episodes, while exploring new content mediums like YouTube and app development. Whether you’ve been here since the beginning or are new to Schmidt List, this heartfelt episode is full of gratitude, inspiration, and actionable wisdom.Thank you for being part of the Schmidt List community—here’s to what’s next!Highlights:
    • The evolution and growth of Schmidt List
    • Lessons from high-profile and everyday guests
    • Choosing excitement over comfort
    • Updates on Kurt’s coaching and new ventures
    • What’s next for the podcast
    Have ideas or guest suggestions? Kurt wants to hear from you!

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/schmidt-list-entrepreneurial-insights--2664825/support.
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    12 m
  • Make Change Your Superpower
    Apr 1 2025
    In this episode of "Schmidt List," host Kurt Schmidt engages with Sarah and Ashleigh from Messhill to discuss the art of strategic decision-making and organizational development. As seasoned professionals, Sarah and Ashleigh specialize in guiding leaders and teams through complex challenges, equipping them with the skills to tackle future decisions independently.

    They share valuable insights from their experiences, emphasizing the importance of understanding both internal and external dynamics while addressing organizational fatigue. The discussion also explores the impact of remote work on change management and the necessity of a flexible, supportive strategy to navigate ever-changing environments. Ashleigh introduces the fascinating concept of regeneration, drawing on ecological principles to improve organizational systems over time.

    This episode is a must-listen for those curious about how strategic decisions can embrace complexity while driving growth.

    Check out: https://www.messhill.com

    Visit https://schmidtconsulting.group for more from Kurt!

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/schmidt-list-entrepreneurial-insights--2664825/support.
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    42 m
  • Marketing with Authenticity
    Mar 18 2025
    In this episode of Schmidt List, host Kurt Schmidt sits down with Trygve Olson, the Director of Business Development at BusyWeb, a Minneapolis-based HubSpot agency, for an insightful and entertaining conversation about the future of marketing.

    Trygve shares his journey from recruitment to becoming a digital marketing pro, specializing in HubSpot optimization.

    Known for his unique—and often humorous—approach to business development, Trygve reveals how authenticity and storytelling are at the heart of successful marketing. The conversation dives into the evolution of tools like HubSpot and tackles misconceptions about cost and functionality. Trygve also sheds light on how AI reshapes marketing, exposes inefficiencies, and transforms sales processes.

    His key advice? Build a transparent sales process, understand your data, and keep authenticity front and center. Listeners will be inspired by Trygve’s creative strategies for client engagement—proving that personal connections still matter in a noisy digital world. As AI continues to drive change, this episode offers practical tips for balancing cutting-edge technology with the human touch essential for building strong, lasting relationships.

    Tune in to discover how a mix of humor, authenticity, and strategic tech can elevate your marketing!

    www.bizzyweb.com

    Connect with Trygve!

    https://schmidtconsulting.group

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/schmidt-list-entrepreneurial-insights--2664825/support.
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    33 m
  • Transform Your User Journeys
    Mar 4 2025
    In this episode of Schmidt List, host Kurt Schmidt catches up with Callie Myers, founder and principal strategist at Common Marvel, a UX research and strategy consultancy.

    They reminisce about their past collaboration and delve into Callie's important work today, which includes helping product and business leaders create clarity, alignment, and growth. The conversation centers around user journey mapping and its impact on creating user-centered products and experiences.

    Callie explains the intricacies of user journey maps and service blueprints and how these tools can accelerate and enhance product development without interrupting ongoing work. Tune in to explore the value of external perspectives in identifying user insights and aligning business objectives with user needs.

    Connect with Callie!

    LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/calliemyers/ and https://www.linkedin.com/company/common-marvel
    Website - https://commonmarvel.com/
    Free Journey Mapping Guide - https://commonmarvel.com/journey-mapping




    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/schmidt-list-entrepreneurial-insights--2664825/support.
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    34 m
  • Elevate Your Consulting Game
    Feb 18 2025
    In this episode of the Schmidt List, host Kurt Schmidt is joined by Ryan Schaffer, a strategy and performance consultant with extensive experience in management consulting. Ryan delves into the intricacies of his profession, explaining how he acts as a flexible chief operating officer (CIO) to meet his clients' unique needs. He shares his journey from starting in consulting to becoming a seasoned expert, discussing the nuances of transitioning into management consulting and offering valuable insights into the dynamic nature of the role.

    Ryan and Kurt discuss the differences between management consulting, contracting, and fractional work, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and the benefits of a team-oriented approach in delivering effective solutions. They explore the scenarios in which organizations bring in consultants like Ryan, highlighting the critical role consultants play during times of crisis or significant change, such as mergers, leadership transitions, and industry disruptions.

    Throughout the conversation, Ryan shares his philosophy on the symbiotic relationship between confidence and curiosity. He stresses the importance of understanding a client and his goals while delivering tailored solutions. He offers advice for those considering a transition into consulting and reflects on the rewarding yet challenging nature of the work.

    Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the consulting landscape, learning how successful consultants navigate the complexities of different organizational cultures to drive meaningful change. Whether you're a professional contemplating a move into consulting or a business leader considering hiring a consultant, this episode provides a wealth of knowledge and actionable insights from an industry expert.


    Connect with Ryan! linkedin.com/in/ryanschafer77

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/schmidt-list-entrepreneurial-insights--2664825/support.
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    27 m
  • Building Trust in Marketing
    Feb 11 2025
    In this compelling episode of Schmidt List, Jay Kallman takes on dual roles as host and guest to explore the intricacies of marketing within the franchise industry and B2B sectors. With over 15 years of marketing expertise, Jay shares her journey from working on the supplier side of franchising to founding her own agency, Revy Marketing. The discussion dives deep into the unique challenges of franchise marketing, highlighting how transparency and effective communication are vital for preventing disruptions and fostering satisfaction among stakeholders.

    Jay also sheds light on the pressing challenges businesses face today, particularly the difficulty of understanding customer needs in a rapidly evolving tech landscape shaped by advancements like AI. She emphasizes the critical role of trust and personalization in forging meaningful customer relationships. To help businesses improve engagement, Jay offers actionable advice, such as conducting interviews and building community-driven spaces to uncover key customer insights.

    Listeners will walk away with practical strategies for creating authentic connections with clients, addressing their core pain points, and humanizing marketing efforts to stand out in a competitive B2B environment. Jay champions simplicity, minimalism, and a personal touch as the cornerstones of a successful marketing approach.

    To learn more about Jay's work and insights, visit Revy Marketing's website or connect with her on LinkedIn. Jay also previews an exciting upcoming event, Women Driving Revenue, on February 27th, 2025.

    Connect with Jay!
    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jay-kallman/
    • revvy Marketing LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/revvy-marketing
    • Website: www.revvy-marketing.com
    • Women Driving Revenue Event: https://www.revvy-marketing.com/event-list


    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/schmidt-list-entrepreneurial-insights--2664825/support.
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    25 m
  • Transforming Education Through Gaming
    Feb 4 2025
    Bridging the Digital Divide with Hal Reynolds

    In this episode of Schmidt List, host Kurt Schmidt talks with Hal Reynolds, founder and CEO of the Disinvested Youth Gaming Initiative (D.Y.G.I.). Hal shares his inspiring journey from a 20-year retail career to becoming a leader in digital inclusion and youth empowerment.

    Discover how D.Y.G.I. is working to close the digital divide for underserved and disinvested youth, especially those in “digital deserts” without access to essential technology. Hal also explores why Minnesota is falling behind in computer science education and how his initiative, supported by top sponsors, is helping to change the narrative.

    The conversation dives into how gaming, including esports, can be a game-changer for career readiness. Hal explains how gaming helps teach critical skills like teamwork, strategy, and leadership. He also highlights the opportunities gaming creates for neurodivergent individuals to build confidence, develop life skills, and find a supportive community.

    This episode is a must-listen for parents, educators, and anyone passionate about the future of digital inclusion and tech careers. Learn tips on how parents can encourage healthy gaming habits while supporting their kids’ interests in a productive way.

    For more information, visit D.Y.G.I.’s website

    Visit https://schmidtconsulting.group for more show info

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/schmidt-list-entrepreneurial-insights--2664825/support.
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    33 m
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