Prometheus Chats
Welcome to Prometheus Chats! A podcast that speaks to the ENTIRE reality of being an entrepreneur. From freelancers to managing hundreds of employees; from app developers to musicians, there are innumerable types of entrepreneurs beyond the tech start up world popularized by the Internet. The interviews and episodes are a combination of personal journal, inspirational stories and conversations that will challenge and hopefully help us all become better versions of ourselves. This is business in real life. This is the life of an entrepreneur.
Episodes
Monday Oct 09, 2023
Monday Oct 09, 2023
In this episode of Prometheus Chats, Damion interviews Christian Sørensen, founder and CEO of Podder, a platform that provides analytics for podcasts.
Christian discusses starting Podder in late 2020 after initially wanting to build an advertising marketplace for podcasts. However, they soon realized there was a lack of reliable data in the podcasting industry to power something like that. So they pivoted to focus entirely on collecting and analyzing podcast data to provide insights to podcasters.
Some challenges Podder faced included the decentralized nature of podcast listening across many platforms, GDPR compliance as a European company, and gaining credibility as newcomers to the industry. But Christian says they overcame these by staying small and nimble as a team, ensuring their platform was privacy-compliant, and persistently engaging with podcasters to keep learning and improving.
Christian also reflects on the pivots and emotional rollercoaster of entrepreneurship and says the most exciting success so far has been recently feeling like they really “found their groove” in solving podcasters’ problems after talking to enough users and honing the product.
Knowing that artificial intelligence is the clear topic du jour, that Damion and Christian discuss how Podder is looking to leverage AI/ML to enhance their platform and workflows without aiming to replace human roles.
Overall, an insightful look into Podder’s founding story and Christian’s entrepreneurial journey building a startup in the podcast analytics space. He shares the challenges they faced and the importance of continuously engaging with customers, learning, and adapting.
Friday Jul 28, 2023
From Stylist to Salon Owner: Turning Passion into Purpose with Betty Taylor
Friday Jul 28, 2023
Friday Jul 28, 2023
Get inspired by the entrepreneurial journey of Betty Taylor, a successful hair stylist and salon owner - who also happens to be my mother. In this candid conversation, Betty shares how she built her business from the ground up, overcame challenges along the way, and empowered others to pursue their dreams.
Listen as Betty recounts starting out as an independent contractor before recently opening her own salon. She offers advice on being open to learning new skills, pushing yourself outside your comfort zone, and committing fully to your vision. Betty also discusses the motivation behind writing her book “Pastor of the Salon Chair”, which shares lessons from a 50-year career making clients feel beautiful inside and out.
Whether you want to start a new venture or are just looking for some motivation, Betty’s story of perseverance and caring for others will give you a burst of inspiration. Tune in for an uplifting chat with a woman who lives out her purpose daily.
If you would like to contact Betty or learn more about here salon or book, you can visit her website: https://bettyssalon.com/
Order Betty's book here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BYB4K3WB
Thursday Jul 20, 2023
The Future is Now: Navigating the Path from Educators to Entrepreneurs with AI
Thursday Jul 20, 2023
Thursday Jul 20, 2023
Navigating the Path from Educators to Entrepreneurs with AI
In this Prometheus Chats episode, host Damien Martin speaks with former educators and co-founders of Alexandria’s Design, Dr. Charles and Marie Martin. They detail their journey shifting from teaching careers to launching their own instructional design company focused on corporate training.
A key part of their success has been strategically leveraging AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude. The Martins share how they use these technologies to analyze content, generate ideas, increase efficiency, and develop innovative learning experiences for clients. While not replacing human work, AI allows them to handle complex assignments and focus on high-value creative aspects of instructional design.
In addition, the conversation covers other topics including building remote teams, overcoming cash flow challenges, and maintaining work-life balance as a couple in business together. The Martins stress the importance of continually developing new skills and maintaining a future-focused mindset as entrepreneurs.
Listen to the full discussion of how this power couple has leveraged AI and their complementary skillsets to find success in corporate training at www.alexandriasdesign.com.
Friday May 19, 2023
Redefining Corporate Culture: A Chat with Christian Ortiz
Friday May 19, 2023
Friday May 19, 2023
Redefining Corporate Culture: A Chat with Christian Ortiz
Have you been told that you need to fake it to make it in entrepreneurship? That being inauthentic can lead to success? It's time to ditch that outdated advice and embrace authenticity as a powerful tool for building a successful business. In this episode, we'll discuss how putting your mission first, establishing clear boundaries, and promoting diversity and inclusion can lead to greater success on social media and beyond. Don't let the drudgery of inauthenticity hold you back any longer. Join us and learn how to thrive as an authentic entrepreneur.
Get to know Christian Ortiz, a dedicated entrepreneur who seamlessly weaves his personal values and beliefs into his professional endeavors. As the CEO and founder of Mod Atlas Media, Christian is committed to transforming the landscape of entrepreneurship and corporate culture by championing equity, diversity, and inclusion. A self-taught artist, photographer, and musician, Christian's entrepreneurial journey serves as a shining example of the power of authenticity in the workplace, motivating others to embrace their true selves in their professional lives.
In this episode, we will cover:
Uncovering the advantages of focusing on your mission rather than monetary gains in entrepreneurship.
Bolstering authenticity at work and setting effective boundaries when dealing with clients.
Leveraging the potential of social media to champion diversity and inclusion in your online world.
Innovative and practical techniques for executing impactful social media marketing campaigns.
Tailoring your messaging to connect with distinct audiences across multiple social media platforms.
The importance of creativity on a zero-Dollar budget.
Bringing Your Authentic Self to WorkIn a world where professionalism is often associated with concealing personal beliefs, bringing your authentic self to work becomes a courageous act. Emphasizing authenticity in the workplace cultivates an environment of open communication, trust, and understanding among colleagues and clients. This, in turn, contributes to better team collaboration, increased job satisfaction, and ultimately, better overall performance. During our conversation, Christian Ortiz stresses the importance of showcasing one's true self to clients and colleagues. As a proponent of workplace authenticity, Ortiz encourages entrepreneurs to be transparent about their beliefs and values from the beginning, setting the tone for stronger relationships with clients and collaborators. By doing so, Ortiz sees a significant improvement in the work environment that benefits the well-being and success of everyone involved.
"If you're all about the money, that's going to be very prevalent to anybody who you're trying to do business with, and it's going to reduce the purpose and what you're trying to accomplish with them. But if you're able to say the money is going to come regardless and I'm just going to keep doing me and I'm going to do it the right way, then the money is going to always be there, period" - Christian Ortiz
If you would like to learn more about Christian and his work at Mod Atlas you can find all of his contact information through his Link Tree:
https://linktr.ee/OfficialChristianOrtiz
Friday May 12, 2023
Behind the Scenes of Tech Witch: A Data-Informed Creative Process
Friday May 12, 2023
Friday May 12, 2023
Have you heard these common myths about using data to enhance creativity? Myth #1: Data stifles creativity. Myth #2: Data is only for analytical minds, not creatives. Myth #3: Data can't measure the intangible aspects of creativity. Well fear not, I'm here to share how data can actually fuel your creativity and lead to greater success. Are you ready to learn more?
If we're creating for an audience, we should know that audience, we should understand what they want, what their expectations are, if for nothing else so that we know how to deliver on the promise of what we said we were going to make, or to play with those expectations to delight and surprise audiences. -Damion Taylor
Data-Informed CreativityThe use of data-informed creativity emphasizes a strategic blend of data insights and firsthand experience, elevating the creative process to produce exceptional content. This technique involves evaluating audience preferences, testing content, and refining strategies accordingly. It fosters an understanding of the audience and enhances communication, resulting in content that resonates with viewers. Data-informed practices provide a solid foundation for high-quality, engaging creative work that appeals to diverse audiences. During this episode, host Damion Taylor demonstrates the application of data-informed creativity in the creation of the animated series Tech Witch. Collaborating with writer Trey Livingston, the team successfully developed characters and a storyline based on personal experiences as well as data insights.With these methods, Tech Witch exemplifies the potential benefits and achievements when implementing data-informed practices into the creative workflow.
If you would like to follow our creative journey, please follow us on social media or check out our Science Fiction and Fantasy scripted podcast:
https://www.instagram.com/ifprometheus/https://www.instagram.com/animatedprometheus/https://imaginationandfantasy.podbean.com/
Thursday May 04, 2023
Story Time: Chevy Nova Vs. Mercedes and The Power of Motivation
Thursday May 04, 2023
Thursday May 04, 2023
In this episode of Prometheus Chats, Damion shares a personal story of choosing between a flashy red convertible Mercedes and a practical brown Chevy Nova. But the decision is not just about the car itself, as he grapples with the balance between status and practicality. Will he make the right choice in the end? What is the right choice? Heck! Is there even a such thing as the right choice?
This may be an unconventional way to talk about motivation, but who ever said conventional is our thing?
Motivation is pivotal to company culture and decision making in business. So knowing and understanding motivations is obviously important. However, so often we don't take the time to question or even just check in with ourselves to understand the motivations for our own actions. Motivation can really drive outcomes. So be intentional about what you want to achieve, and let that drive your decisions.
Thursday Apr 27, 2023
Unlocking Entrepreneurial Success with Julie Fry: Relationships, Culture & Values
Thursday Apr 27, 2023
Thursday Apr 27, 2023
My special guest is Julie Fry.
Introducing Julie Fry, a seasoned entrepreneur and founder of Your Expert Guest, a company that supports thought leaders and mission-driven business owners in increasing their visibility through podcasts. With a background in sales and firsthand experience in building and selling a business, Julie understands the crucial role of relationships, company culture, and values in overcoming entrepreneurial obstacles. Her natural talent for connecting people has allowed her to create a successful and thriving business focused on making a difference. In her downtime, Julie can be found enjoying life with her family, including a cat and dog, in the beautiful Seattle area.
Julie Fry's journey from corporate career to entrepreneur was only the beginning; what came next was truly unexpected. Through a chance moment on a dog walk, she stumbled upon her newfound passion, and with her extraordinary gift for connecting people, she started a business that quickly flourished. But Julie's greatest success comes from her commitment to building strong relationships, shared values, and a positive company culture.
In this episode we discuss celebrating your accomplishments, overcoming challenges in business, navigating the challenges of a remote workforce and finding a supportive business community and resources for entrepreneurs.
Resources discussed in this episode are:
SCORE Foundation
The Power of Fun by Catherine Price (please note that we are Amazon Affiliates and may receive a small commission to support our podcast if you purchase using this link)
How to Be the Best Podcast Guest Ever Checklist
About Your Expert Guest
Your Expert Guest is a podcast guest booking agency for female founders and impact-driven leaders that want to speak directly to their ideal client without spending HOURS on social media. Julie Fry and her team have booked over 1500 interviews for their clients and can track hundreds of thousands of dollars of business back to being a podcast guest on top-ranked shows.
Web + Social Links:
Website - https://yourexpertguest.com
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/yourexpertguest
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/yourexpertguest/
Personal LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/fryjulie/
Company LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/your-expert-guest
Monday Apr 24, 2023
Monday Apr 24, 2023
My special guest this week is Sifu Gus Gates.
Sifu Gus Gates is a distinguished Kung Fu instructor with over four decades of experience in the field. As the founder of The Village Kung Fu in Westlake Village, California, Sifu Gates has dedicated his life to helping his students reach their full potential through a unique style of Kung Fu that combines combative techniques with Zen philosophy. His passion for martial arts has taken him as far as China to train at the birthplace of Kung Fu, further enriching his knowledge and skills. Today, Sifu Gates is well-known for his ability to transform lives by teaching his students how to apply Kung Fu principles in combat as well as in their personal and professional lives.
Navigating the Mental and Emotional Aspects of Kung FuPracticing Kung Fu goes beyond physical fitness and fighting techniques; it encompasses mental and emotional aspects that contribute to growth and self-improvement. Learning how to manage stress, control emotions, and maintain balance in one's life are crucial components of martial arts that can be applied to daily interactions. Developing these skills in a controlled setting enables individuals to become more adept at handling real-world scenarios where stress and anxiety might be high. In his conversation with Damion Taylor, Sifu Gus Gates highlights the importance of building trust and fostering a positive environment for his students. By focusing on students' well-being and meeting them where they are, Gates creates a safe space for them to explore their emotions and develop a strong sense of mental security. This approach enables his students to cultivate resilience and learn how to respond thoughtfully to challenging situations, rather than reacting impulsively or fearfully.
Learn More About The Village Kung Fu with Gus Gates
Website - www.thevillagewithgusgates.com
Instagram - @villagesifu
Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063484451884
Thursday Apr 13, 2023
Maximizing Every Moment: Carlo Odicino’s Leadership Insights
Thursday Apr 13, 2023
Thursday Apr 13, 2023
My special guest this week is Carlo Odicino, founder of One Team Partners.
Carlo is a friend and seasoned consultant dedicated to guiding life science companies towards success. With a unique approach, Carlo focuses on fostering a people-first culture, emphasizing the importance of relationship-building and maximizing every moment. He believes in helping individuals discover their strengths, allowing them to thrive within their teams. As an advocate for self-awareness and adaptability, Carlo leads by example, creating a dynamic work environment that values self-care, continuous learning, and genuine connections.
In this episode, we discuss:
Promoting a value-centric organizational culture for long-lasting success.
Cultivating self-awareness for continuous personal and professional growth.
Achieving harmony between work responsibilities and personal aspirations for a fulfilling life.
Appreciating the significance of mentorship in uncovering hidden obstacles.
Advancing leadership skills through effective communication and shared understanding.
Over the duration of our conversation, Carlo shared some great tips to keep in mind as you build your company:
Consider engaging in a leadership training program that looks at leadership from the inside out to better understand yourself and become a more effective leader.
Reflect on your own core values and how they align with your organization's values to ensure a good fit and foster a positive work environment.
Focus on building relationships and investing in the growth and development of others in your team or organization.
Encourage open conversations and shared vocabulary within your organization to create a more cohesive and effective team.
Develop a set of standards or behaviors that align with your organization's values and create a structure for success.
Recognize the importance of awareness in making choices and adapting to different situations within your organization and when working with clients.
Consider implementing rituals or habits that contribute to building success in your professional and personal life.
Evaluate your organization's operating system and structure to ensure they are conducive to achieving desired results and fostering a thriving work environment.
Values and StandardsDeveloping a company culture characterized by strong values and standards is crucial to foster a successful work environment. A value-driven organization emphasizes the importance of aligning employees' values with company values to create a unified and purposeful working experience. When values and standards are clearly communicated from the beginning, individuals can make informed decisions about their suitability to an organization. This also enables companies to identify candidates who are more likely to succeed in that environment. Carlo Odicino, during his conversation with Damion Taylor, stressed the importance of establishing values and standards for One Team Partners. He credited the company's success to a culture that nurtures genuine connections and emphasizes self-care, presence, and continual learning. The shared understanding of values and standards across the team has helped create a thriving work environment where individuals can flourish in every available moment.
If you would like to connect with Carlo or learn more about One TEAM Partners here are the deets:
Website - https://oneteampartners.com/
Company LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/one-team-partners/
Email: carlo.odicino@oneteampartners.com
Thursday Apr 06, 2023
Mastering the Financial Leap into Entrepreneurship with Bridget Brown
Thursday Apr 06, 2023
Thursday Apr 06, 2023
My special guest in this episode is Bridget Brown, an ambitious engineer-turned-entrepreneur, who boldly committed to starting her own web design and marketing business, resulting in an adventurous journey of self-discovery, tenacity and growth.
A crucial aspect of entrepreneurship is being financially prepared before venturing into a new business. It is important for entrepreneurs to have a clear understanding of their numbers, finances, and revenue generation strategies, as well as keeping expenses low. Having a solid financial plan and setting achievable goals can act as a foundation for business growth and stability. Entrepreneurs must also remain nimble and ready to adapt their financial plans according to changing market conditions or business needs. During the conversation with Bridget Brown, she emphasized the importance of being financially prepared before making the transition to entrepreneurship. Drawing from her own experience, Brown urged new entrepreneurs to know their numbers and plan for revenue generation while keeping costs low. She suggested setting small, achievable goals that can build upon each other, thus creating a sustainable and financially stable business.
In this episode, we talk about:
Mastering financial strategies designed for entrepreneurs, paving the way for success.
Discovering the value of setting goals and marketing professionally in today's competitive world.
Overcome emotional challenges and find the support every entrepreneur needs to thrive.
Explore the benefits of diversifying your services and committing to continual learning for business growth.
Achieve the perfect balance between revenue generation and giving back to your community.
Bridget Brown, entrepreneur and owner of Pages and Posts, is an accomplished digital marketing expert with a background in engineering. Transitioning from a 14-year engineering career, Bridget's analytical skills and passion for management led her to create her own digital marketing agency, focusing on website design and strategic online presence. In her journey, Bridget emphasizes the importance of financial preparation and setting attainable goals to ensure success and stability for entrepreneurs.
If you would like to connect with Bridget Brown or to learn more about her company Pages and Posts, you can reach her here:
www.pagesandposts.com
https://www.facebook.com/pagesandposts
https://www.instagram.com/pagesandposts/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/pagesandposts/