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What if the secret to unlocking extraordinary business performance isn't found in complex strategies, but in your approach to leadership? That's the compelling premise James Robbins, mountain climber turned leadership expert, explores in this thought-provoking conversation.

Robbins takes us on a journey that begins in the Rocky Mountain foothills where he grew up and traces his unexpected path through ministry to business leadership consulting. Along the way, he reveals a fundamental truth many leaders miss: the skills that make someone excel as an individual contributor are rarely the same skills needed to lead others effectively.

"You can always hire a hand, but you can't hire a heart," Robbins explains, highlighting the critical distinction between compliance and commitment. True leadership happens when you trust people with meaningful work while providing both challenge and support. It's this delicate balance that creates cultures where people willingly contribute parts of themselves they've never given any previous employer.

The conversation tackles the leadership challenges facing today's multi-generational workforce, with Robbins offering a refreshing perspective on Gen Z workers. Rather than viewing them as difficult, he suggests their demand for authentic leadership actually raises standards for everyone. "The problem isn't with Gen Z, the problem is with leaders," he observes, suggesting that approaching younger generations as volunteers rather than subordinates can transform engagement.

Perhaps most powerfully, Robbins s

An Acxiom podcast where we discuss marketing made better, bringing you real...

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Hosted and produced by Gary Pageau
Edited by Olivia Pageau
Announcer: Erin Manning

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What if your greatest business opportunity isn't something new, but something you already possess? In this eye-opening conversation with business growth expert Ann Carden, we explore how entrepreneurs can transform their expertise into thriving, profitable businesses.

Cardens journey from teaching neighborhood craft classes at age eight to building and selling five successful companies offers a masterclass in business evolution. Rather than chasing the next shiny opportunity, she reveals how staying three steps ahead of market trends allowed her to pivot seamlessly from a global doll business to health clubs to high-ticket coaching—all while maintaining profitability.

For creative professionals who struggle with the business side of their operations, Carden offers refreshingly practical advice. "The creative side is where you can really expand and grow the business," she explains, "but you have to treat it like a business. Otherwise, what you love is not going to be fun." Her approach balances creative fulfillment with sound business strategy, ensuring entrepreneurs don't burn out on their passions.

Perhaps most valuable is Carden's concept of "growing money trees"—developing multiple revenue streams rather than relying on a single business model. This orchard approach provides stability even during market disruptions, as evidenced by how she weathered changes in both the craft and fitness industries.

Carden's "Expert in You" methodology helps entrepreneurs package their brilliance for premium pricing, often uncovering blind spots where they can't recognize their most valuable skil

An Acxiom podcast where we discuss marketing made better, bringing you real...

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Support the show

Sign up for the Dead Pixels Society newsletter at http://bit.ly/DeadPixelsSignUp.

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Hosted and produced by Gary Pageau
Edited by Olivia Pageau
Announcer: Erin Manning

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Are you exhausted trying to keep up with endless social media demands while running your business? What if you could achieve better results with just four strategic posts?

Katie Brinkley, founder of Next Step Social, author, and podcast host, reveals a game-changing approach to social media that's perfect for photo retailers, lab owners, and camera stores who need an effective digital presence without sacrificing their core operations. Having built her agency from a single client to a team of eleven, Brinkley understands the struggle to maintain authentic social connections while managing a growing business.

"The last thing we need is more content," Brinkley explains, noting that more than 75 million pieces of content hit Instagram daily. Her four-post strategy works with platform algorithms rather than against them, generating significantly higher engagement while requiring less time and effort. This methodical approach - awareness, elaboration, community, and action - creates a natural journey that builds trust before asking for anything from potential customers.

Perhaps most surprising is Brinkley's advice about where to post. She reveals why personal profiles dramatically outperform business pages for organic reach, and why company leaders should become the social face of their business despite potential discomfort. For photo industry professionals who've built YouTube channels as content libraries, Brinkley offers specific guidance on integrating video content with social platforms for maximum impact.

The best part? This strategy delivers measurable results quick

An Acxiom podcast where we discuss marketing made better, bringing you real...

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Support the show

Sign up for the Dead Pixels Society newsletter at http://bit.ly/DeadPixelsSignUp.

Contact us at gary@thedeadpixelssociety.com

Visit our LinkedIn group, Photo/Digital Imaging Network, and Facebook group, The Dead Pixels Society.

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Are you interested in being a guest? Click here for details.

Hosted and produced by Gary Pageau
Edited by Olivia Pageau
Announcer: Erin Manning