Management Blueprint

Steve Preda

Interviews with CEOs and Entrepreneurs about the frameworks they are using to build and scale their businesses. read less
BusinessBusiness
ManagementManagement
EntrepreneurshipEntrepreneurship

Episodes

266: Grow Your GovCon in Both Directions with Kendall Lott
Yesterday
266: Grow Your GovCon in Both Directions with Kendall Lott
Kendall Lott, CEO and President of M Powered Strategies, is driven by a mission to empower public service organizations to grow their GovCon in both directions, aligning client needs with skilled talent.   We discuss the Tie Fighter (Bowtie) Framework, a strategic model Kendall developed to enhance growth by connecting business development, capture, and proposals (right wing) with networking, recruiting, and hiring (left wing), all bridged by training and development at the center. Kendall explains how this framework helps service-based businesses scale, maintain profitability, and empower organizations for long-term independence. He also shares insights on leveraging intellectual property and automation to optimize consulting operations and achieve greater efficiency.   (1:36) Kendall’s personal Why (5:42) The Tie Fighter (Bowtie) Framework (11:13) Aligning client needs with talent acquisition (15:54) Scaling through training, IP, and automation (25:04) Connect with Kendall   Links and Resources Kendall’s LinkedIn M Powered Strategies Test-drive the Summit OS® Toolkit: https://stevepreda.com/free-business-growth-tools-summit-os-toolkit/Management Blueprint® Podcast on Youtube https://bit.ly/MBPodcastPlaylistYT Steve Preda’s books on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B08XPTF4ST/allbooks Follow video shorts of current and past episodes on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/stevepreda-com/
265: Pull Out the Stops from Your Growth with Nic DeAngelo
Dec 6 2024
265: Pull Out the Stops from Your Growth with Nic DeAngelo
Nic DeAngelo, President of Saint Investment Group, is driven by a mission to empower individuals with health, wealth, and legacy by helping them pull out the stops from their growth through smart investments.   We learn about Nic’s journey from business ownership to founding Saint Investment Group, a platform providing access to off-market real estate opportunities. He explains the Entrepreneurial Investment Framework, which includes educating yourself to grow, achieving $250k net income to become an accredited investor, investing in single-family mortgages for stability, and exploring alternative investments for diversification. He also highlights the tax advantages of real estate investments and shares strategies for identifying and removing growth roadblocks to scale a business effectively.   (1:37) Nic’s personal Why (6:08) The Entrepreneurial Investment Framework (12:52) Utilizing single-family mortgages for stability (21:02) Tax advantages of real estate investments (24:24) Identifying and removing business growth blockers (27:16) Learn more about Nic   Links and Resources Nic’s LinkedIn Saint Investment Group Test-drive the Summit OS® Toolkit: https://stevepreda.com/free-business-growth-tools-summit-os-toolkit/Management Blueprint® Podcast on Youtube https://bit.ly/MBPodcastPlaylistYT Steve Preda’s books on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B08XPTF4ST/allbooks Follow video shorts of current and past episodes on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/stevepreda-com/
264: Fuse Your Personal Brand into Your Business with Brandon Jones
Nov 29 2024
264: Fuse Your Personal Brand into Your Business with Brandon Jones
Brandon Jones, CEO of Delbert Adams Construction Group, is driven by a mission to close the knowledge gap in the construction industry, fusing his personal brand into a values-driven, sustainable business.   We learn about Brandon’s journey to create a thriving construction business that leverages technology and data to enhance project management. He explains the Financial Forecasting Framework, a strategic methodology to project revenue, align it with individual and company capacities, and identify future resource gaps or overloads. This framework enables businesses to overlay opportunity volume projections and engineer strategies to close opportunities effectively. He also discusses the importance of transitioning a personal brand into a values-driven organization to ensure long-term sustainability and success.   (1:34) Brandon’s personal Why (5:49) The Financial Forecasting Framework (14:55) Leveraging technology to close the knowledge gap (16:53) Transitioning personal brand into company values (25:14) Connect with Brandon   Links and Resources Brandon’s LinkedIn Delbert Adams Construction Group Test-drive the Summit OS® Toolkit: https://stevepreda.com/free-business-growth-tools-summit-os-toolkit/Management Blueprint® Podcast on Youtube https://bit.ly/MBPodcastPlaylistYT Steve Preda’s books on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B08XPTF4ST/allbooks Follow video shorts of current and past episodes on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/stevepreda-com/
263: Solve the Problem that Really Matters with Sathya Elumalai
Nov 26 2024
263: Solve the Problem that Really Matters with Sathya Elumalai
Sathya Elumalai, Founder and CEO of Aidar Health, is driven by a mission to solve the problem that really matters: ensuring no one loses a loved one due to lack of access to timely care.   We learn about Sathya’s journey from creating Aidar Health’s flagship product, MouthLab, inspired by his own family’s healthcare challenges, to developing a strategic approach to finding and refining his company’s target market. He explains his "How to Niche Your Business" Framework, which includes five key steps: starting with a shotgun approach, enabling potential customers to self-identify, focusing the message on a hot market, offering free samples to collect data and use cases, and eliminating bottlenecks to refine the product. This framework demonstrates how thoughtful strategy and data-driven insights can help businesses achieve product-market fit and drive impactful growth.   (1:43) Sathya’s personal Why (4:15) The "How to Niche Your Business" Framework (12:54) Leveraging data for product refinement (19:27) A question for entrepreneurs (24:58) Final thoughts   Links and Resources Sathya’s LinkedIn Aidar Health Test-drive the Summit OS® Toolkit: https://stevepreda.com/free-business-growth-tools-summit-os-toolkit/Management Blueprint® Podcast on Youtube https://bit.ly/MBPodcastPlaylistYT Steve Preda’s books on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B08XPTF4ST/allbooks Follow video shorts of current and past episodes on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/stevepreda-com/
262: Manners-First Sales Emails with Sam McKenna
Nov 22 2024
262: Manners-First Sales Emails with Sam McKenna
Sam McKenna, Founder of #samsales Consulting, is driven by a mission to elevate the sales profession through manners-first sales emails, authentic connections, and using her platform for positive impact.   We learn about Sam’s journey to redefine sales, focusing on her Impact First Email Framework, a six-step methodology for crafting personalized and effective outreach. The framework includes creating unique, recipient-specific subject lines, using authentic preview text, transitioning seamlessly into addressing the recipient’s challenges, preemptively handling objections, and avoiding the presumptive use of calendar links. She also highlights how modern sales require emotional intelligence, adaptability, and consultative skills. She shares insights on how sales professionals can stand out in today’s competitive landscape while using thoughtful strategies to drive success.   (1:25) Sam’s personal Why (3:44) The Impact First Email Framework (15:33) Modern traits for sales success (23:57) Advice for entrepreneurs (28:07) Connect with Sam   Links and Resources Sam’s LinkedIn #samsales Consulting Test-drive the Summit OS® Toolkit: https://stevepreda.com/free-business-growth-tools-summit-os-toolkit/Management Blueprint® Podcast on Youtube https://bit.ly/MBPodcastPlaylistYT Steve Preda’s books on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B08XPTF4ST/allbooks Follow video shorts of current and past episodes on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/stevepreda-com/
261: Become Scenario Smart with Laszlo Balassy
Nov 19 2024
261: Become Scenario Smart with Laszlo Balassy
Laszlo Balassy, CEO of ActiveGraf, is driven by a mission to help businesses become scenario smart, enabling faster, smarter decisions through real-time analytics and democratized data visualization.   We discuss the ActiveGraf Framework, a tool designed to align strategic objectives, identify key drivers, and enable dynamic, interactive models to accelerate decision-making and reduce sales cycles. Laszlo shares impactful use cases, such as shortening a global software firm’s sales cycle by 50% and enhancing food safety analytics for a fast food chain. He also highlights ActiveGraf’s future, including the integration of AI to simplify predictive and prescriptive analytics, making these tools more accessible to businesses of all sizes. He emphasizes the transformative potential of democratized analytics to help organizations optimize operations, demonstrate value, and achieve sustainable growth.   (1:49) Laszlo’s personal Why (4:16) The ActiveGraf Framework (6:35) Use cases: software sales and food safety (12:52) The role of AI in ActiveGraf’s future (22:24) Connect with Laszlo and learn more about ActiveGraf   Links and Resources Laszlo’s LinkedIn ActiveGraf Test-drive the Summit OS® Toolkit: https://stevepreda.com/free-business-growth-tools-summit-os-toolkit/Management Blueprint® Podcast on Youtube https://bit.ly/MBPodcastPlaylistYT Steve Preda’s books on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B08XPTF4ST/allbooks Follow video shorts of current and past episodes on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/stevepreda-com/
260: David Snider on Making RAPID decisions
Nov 15 2024
260: David Snider on Making RAPID decisions
David Snider, Founder and CEO of Harness Wealth, is driven by a mission to help clients build financial confidence while making rapid decisions with clarity through modernized, tailored advisory solutions.   We learn about David’s journey from aspiring politician to private equity professional, and ultimately to entrepreneur. He explains the RAPID Framework—Recommend, Agree, Perform, Input, and Decide—a decision-making process he applies to foster collaboration and clarity within his team. He shares his insights on creating scalable solutions for complex financial and tax challenges, emphasizing the importance of empowering clients with tailored tools and resources. He also highlights the value of peer advisory groups and continuous learning to navigate leadership challenges effectively.   (1:32) David’s personal Why (7:24) Advice for young entrepreneurs (11:50) The RAPID Framework  (19:17) How Harness Wealth empowers financial confidence (22:19) Find out more about David and Harness Wealth   Links and Resources David’s LinkedIn Harness Wealth Moneymakers: Inside the New World of Finance and Business by David Snider Krista Crawford’s LinkedIn Test-drive the Summit OS® Toolkit: https://stevepreda.com/free-business-growth-tools-summit-os-toolkit/Management Blueprint® Podcast on Youtube https://bit.ly/MBPodcastPlaylistYT Steve Preda’s books on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B08XPTF4ST/allbooks Follow video shorts of current and past episodes on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/stevepreda-com/
259: Innovate to Success with Nick Jain
Nov 12 2024
259: Innovate to Success with Nick Jain
Nick Jain, CEO of IdeaScale, is driven by a mission to help organizations innovate to success by democratizing innovation, enabling them to crowdsource and rank ideas from their entire ecosystem.   We learn about Nick’s journey from growing up in India and building a career in private equity to leading IdeaScale, the largest innovation-focused software company globally. He explains the ICE Framework—Innovate, Collaborate, and Execute—a philosophy and process that encourages continuous improvement, teamwork, and actionable results. He highlights how IdeaScale helps organizations like Pfizer and the U.S. federal government overcome constraints and systematically tap into collective intelligence for impactful innovation. He also shares the company’s commitment to adaptability and hard work, providing responsive, high-touch solutions for customers.   (0:44) Nick’s journey to leadership (8:27) The ICE Framework (10:37) How IdeaScale transforms innovation (16:32) Building a team for continuous learning (19:47) Learn more about Nick and IdeaScale   Links and Resources Nick’s LinkedIn IdeaScale Krista Crawford’s LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristacrawfordphd/Test-drive the Summit OS® Toolkit: https://stevepreda.com/free-business-growth-tools-summit-os-toolkit/Management Blueprint® Podcast on Youtube https://bit.ly/MBPodcastPlaylistYT Steve Preda’s books on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B08XPTF4ST/allbooks Follow video shorts of current and past episodes on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/stevepreda-com/
256: Drive Project Efficiency with Christian Espinosa
Oct 29 2024
256: Drive Project Efficiency with Christian Espinosa
Christian Espinosa, Founder and CEO of Blue Goat Cyber, is driven by a mission to ensure medical device security while helping his team drive project efficiency through innovative compensation structures.   We learn about Christian’s journey from overcoming a life-threatening health scare to founding Blue Goat Cyber, focusing on medical device cybersecurity. He explains his approach to designing security into medical devices from the start, rather than trying to fix issues later. He shares his Efficiency Driver framework, which incentivizes his team to become more efficient by tying compensation to project outcomes. He also emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence in cybersecurity, detailing his seven-step methodology for fostering self-awareness, communication, and continuous improvement within teams. His insights offer strategies for medical device manufacturers and cybersecurity professionals to ensure both innovation and safety in their products.   (1:30) Chrstian’s personal Why (5:46) The Efficiency Driver Framework (10:17) The Smartest Person in the Room by Christian Espinosa (20:29) Learn more about Christian   Links and Resources Christian’s LinkedIn Blue Goat Cyber The Smartest Person in the Room: The Root Cause and New Solution for Cybersecurity by Christian Espinosa https://a.co/d/eYT2oOMTest-drive the Summit OS® Toolkit: https://stevepreda.com/summit-os-toolkit/Management Blueprint® Podcast on Youtube https://bit.ly/MBPodcastPlaylistYT Steve Preda’s books on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B08XPTF4ST/allbooks Follow video shorts of current and past episodes on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/stevepreda-com/
255: Get Your Head Right First with Janet Metzger
Oct 25 2024
255: Get Your Head Right First with Janet Metzger
Janet Metzger, Business Strategist and Network Marketing Expert, is driven by a desire to help others achieve success by focusing on simplicity and consistency, and by always getting your head right first to stay motivated and clear.   We learn about Janet’s journey from corporate executive to expert in network marketing, where she now mentors others in achieving their business goals. She explains her simple and structured success formula, which includes building consistent daily habits, practicing gratitude, and focusing on personal development. She emphasizes the importance of simplifying business processes, staying accountable, and helping others uncover their own "Why" to stay motivated. Her approach offers practical strategies for entrepreneurs and network marketers to create disciplined routines, maintain a clear focus, and grow their businesses while aligning with their personal goals.   (1:14) Janet’s personal Why (2:57) The 4 Step Success Formula (20:16) A question for entrepreneurs (22:58) Connect with Janet   Links and Resources Janet’s Facebook Network Marketer’s Den Test-drive the Summit OS® Toolkit: https://stevepreda.com/summit-os-toolkit/Management Blueprint® Podcast on Youtube https://bit.ly/MBPodcastPlaylistYT Steve Preda’s books on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B08XPTF4ST/allbooks Follow video shorts of current and past episodes on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/stevepreda-com/
249: Debrief Daily with Christian Boucousis
Oct 2 2024
249: Debrief Daily with Christian Boucousis
Christian Boucousis, CEO of Afterburner, is driven by a mission to bring the fighter pilot mindset into business, helping leaders debrief daily and achieve high-impact performance through structured reflection and action.   We discuss the ORCA Debrief framework, which consists of Objective, Result, Cause, and Action. This framework allows teams to expand their comfort zones and improve performance by focusing on small, actionable steps and learning from each experience. Christian shares how debriefing, a core fighter pilot practice, can accelerate learning, enhance accountability, and drive meaningful progress in any organization. He emphasizes the power of disciplined execution and continuous improvement to thrive in high-speed, complex environments. Learn more about how the fighter pilot mindset can transform your leadership by tuning into the episode.   (0:40) Christian’s personal Why (7:36) The ORCA Debrief Framework (19:48) A fighter pilot in business (23:13) The most exciting project Christian is working on (25:16) Find out more about Christian   Links and Resources Christian’s LinkedIn Afterburner On Time on Target by  James D. Murphy and Christian Boucousis Test-drive the Summit OS® Toolkit: https://stevepreda.com/summit-os-toolkit/Management Blueprint® Podcast on Youtube https://bit.ly/MBPodcastPlaylistYT Steve Preda’s books on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B08XPTF4ST/allbooks Follow video shorts of current and past episodes on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/stevepreda-com/