Blaze Your Own Trail Consulting, LLC

At Blaze Your Own Trail Consulting, LLC we help our clients grow their business through strategic marketing, sales and leadership consulting.

Our services include:

CRM platform and training 
Sales funnels 
Email marketing 
Social media marketing 
Landing pages 
Sales coaching 
Websites
Offer building 
Monetization strategy 
Digital Course Creation
MBTI assessment and Debrief
Leadership Programs

Formats:

1:1 Coaching 
Group Coaching 
Retainer based consulting

Founder & CEO

Blaze Your Own Trail Podcast

In this podcast our host, Jordan Mendoza, interviews people from around the world who have blazed their own trail in business and life to find out about their journey to success.

 If you are looking for valuable  content with actionable advice, you've come to the right place!

We hope each episode adds value to you in some way!

Visit our website to listen to past and future episodes.

Creator & Host

WASO

Solutions designed with collaboration in mind

Discover the power of our versatile solutions designed to be your reliable companions in various situations. Whether you’re facing emergencies like fires, navigating immediate needs, or seeking support in urgent situations, our comprehensive solutions prioritize your well-being.

In times of crisis, our innovative fire product will improve emergency response in apartment buildings. Currently in development, this cutting-edge system offers real-time warnings, aids in efficient evacuations, and facilitates direct communication between residents and the fire department. If it is by information in the app, sms or calling in on the phone explaining what is needed, our fire product is a lifeline during critical moments.

Beyond emergencies, our commitment extends to empowering communities through a voting product that modernizes decision-making processes in apartment buildings. From seamlessly managing renovations to streamlining collaborative efforts, our voting solution fosters safety and assistance. Explore the breadth of our solutions and embark on a journey to respond effectively, make a positive impact and build a safer, more resilient community.

USA Founder & CMO

Blazing 3D Prints

Welcome to the extraordinary world of our 3D printing business, where imagination takes shape and dreams come to life. At our innovative hub, we don't just print objects; we craft experiences. Our tagline, "You dream it. We print it." encapsulates the essence of what sets us apart.

Step into a realm where the fantastical becomes tangible. Have you ever envisioned a majestic dragon guarding your bookshelf or a sleek, futuristic mask that transports you to another dimension? Look no further. We specialize in transforming your wildest ideas into intricately designed, high-quality 3D prints. From mythical creatures like dragons to elegant masks, formidable swords, delicate ornaments, and beyond, there's virtually no limit to what we can create.

What makes us unique is not just the versatility of our printing capabilities but the attention to detail and craftsmanship infused into each creation. Our team of skilled artisans is passionate about bringing your visions to life, ensuring that every curve, texture, and nuance is faithfully reproduced. Whether you're a fantasy enthusiast, a cosplay aficionado, or someone looking to add a touch of magic to your space, we're here to turn your concepts into reality.

The process is as seamless as the final product is extraordinary. Simply share your idea, whether it's a detailed design or a vague concept, and watch it evolve into a tangible masterpiece. We understand that every dream is unique, and we tailor our approach to suit your vision. Our commitment to customer satisfaction means that we don't just meet expectations; we exceed them.

Embrace the endless possibilities of 3D printing with us. Explore a gallery of past creations that range from enchanting dragons that seem ready to take flight to masks that evoke mystery and allure. Whether you're looking for a show-stopping centerpiece for your home or a personalized gift that transcends the ordinary, we've got you covered.

Visit our website for more!

Co-Founder

Sports Philanthropy Network

We build Stronger, Healthier and More Inclusive Communities through sports. We help organizations that use sports for social good/social change. Using our 20+ years of experience in the sports industry as well as our extensive network of professionals around the country, we support organizations using the power of sports to create meaningful programs and impact their communities.

The Sports Philanthropy Network is operating through a fiscal sponsorship with Players Philanthropy Fund (Federal Tax ID: 27-66011178), a Maryland charitable trust with federal tax-exempt status as a public charity under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions to the Sports Philanthropy Network are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.


Using our blog, we spotlight organizations who are doing outstanding work and provide resources and coverage of the stories in the sports philanthropy space.

Our event calendar lists upcoming events around the country that have are using sports to support our key objectives of EDUCATION, OPPORTUNITY, EMPOWERMENT. If you would like your event listed, please send us the details.

Our weekly Sports Philanthropy Podcast is hosted by our founder, Roy Kessel, and is rapidly gaining attention. We strive to feature interesting organizations as well as resources that are useful for organizations in the sports philanthropy space.

We collaborate with organizations around the country to help them improve their organizational infrastructure, develop powerful programs, measure the impact of their programs, tell their stories and raise the funding they need through events, fundraising campaigns, capital campaigns and grants.

Sports Philanthropy Network Atlanta Leadership Council

GURU Media Hub

GURU Podcast Network

The leading voices in marketing, sales, careers, and leadership. 

We know our stuff. 

So we share our stuff.

Podcast Host

Gables Residential

Provide training workshops and coaching to new and current associates.
Manage the Success Coach Program to ensure employees have a great on-boarding experience.
Provide training for management software, Yardi, Microsoft office suite as well as tablet training.
Provide ongoing support for 50+ properties in 6 states from Atlanta to Boston.
Develop new training courses for associates.
Provide assistance during new property takovers.
Manage the company LMS to ensure associates are on track with learning plans.
Responsible for filming and editing training videos for our video library.
Provide leadership training curriculum for selected candidates for a 6 month program.
The Leadership Program rotated from Washington D.C. to Atlanta each Year and focused on a variety of topics such as: 

Emotional Intelligence
Strength Based Leadership
Conflict Management
How to Manage a High Performing Team

Training & Development Manager

Managed two properties, 558 unit REIT and  a 329 unit Joint Venture.
Responsible for onsite and service teams between 7 and 15 associates.
Maintained budgeted occupancy during tenure.
Focused on weekly marketing plans.
Completed monthly and quarterly financial reporting.
Completed annual capital improvement analysis.
Maintained agressive renewal strategies.
Prepared annual budgets.

Community Manager

Managed a mixture of Fee and REIT community's during my tenure.
68 unit fee, 189 unit fee and 50 unit fee , 120 unit REIT lease up.
Completed lease up of 120 unit REIT in 6 months.
Maintained stabilized occupancy or above at all communities.
Managed teams between 3 and 6 associates.
Completed monthly, and quarterly financial, compliance and variance reports.
Attended and contributed to monthly owner's meetings.
Adhered to compliance policy's for the various affordable housing programs.
Prepared budgets annually.

Fight The Fluff Virtual Summit

Guest Speaker for the Fight The Fluff Virtual Summit

The no "B.S. conference of coaches, by coaches, for coaches, on how to ACTUALLY increase sales, speaking, and leadership skills without fancy branding and unnecessary programs! 

#virtualconference #virtualsummit #coaches #coaching

Guest Speaker

Atlanta Tech Village

I had the honor of sharing my story and journey with other entrepreneurs in an intimate setting. The feedback I receive was tremendous and this event truly created a spark in me that has yet to go out!

Toured prospective residents.
Completed lease related paperwork.
Maximized collection efforts.
Provided exceptional customer service to residents, prospects & vendors.
Completed monthly financial reports.

Assistant Community Manager

Toured prospective residents.
Completed lease related paperwork.
Provided exceptional customer service to residents, prospects & vendors.
Maintained a high closing ratio each month.

Leasing Consultant

Growing up with a Mom that only had one lung taught me a lot about what real adversity was.

Although we didn’t have much, our Mom showed us love and taught us how to be kind & empathetic.

I’ve had 4 pivotal moments in my life:

1. Getting stung by 53 Bees in 4th grade.

2. Being beaten and falsely arrested by police at 12.

3. Surviving a high speed accident and getting 52 staples on both legs at 19.

4. Making the decision to leave a 15 year career to be a full time entrepreneur.

The last one happened today, the day I’m writing this new bio.

I’ve experienced some adversity in my life like most of us, but I still don’t feel that I’ve faced adversity yet, knowing what my Mom went through in her short 54 years on this planet.

Less than two years ago when I started creating content on LinkedIn, everything changed. 

I started to realize that I can make a difference in people’s lives by helping them see things they don’t see in themselves.

Truly making a positive impact and having people walk away different then when they met you is so humbling and a true honor.

Once I realized why I was born, I knew I had to go all in on my mission of helping people Blaze their own trail in business & life.

That’s why I started the Blaze Your Own Trail Podcast 4 years ago as well.

At Blaze Your Own Trail Consulting, LLC I help entrepreneurs Blaze their own trail through strategic Consulting Services, 1:1 & Group Coaching & Digital Courses.

Areas Of Expertise:

Sales 
Digital Marketing 
Social Media Marketing 
Leadership Training & Coaching 
Personal Branding
Systems & Process Integration
Podcast Coaching
Content Strategy 

What I’m Looking For:

Strategic Partnerships
Podcast Sponsors
Speaking Engagements

Are you ready to blaze your own trail? Use the link below to book a call with me today👇🏽

https://calendly.com/byotconsulting/30-minute-discovery-call

Jordan Mendoza

One of the many stories you’ll read about in my new book. 

Thanks for the opportunity to share on your amazing podcast Tom Lyman 🙏🏽 

Check it out here: https://amzn.to/49FFwqG

#podcast #storytelling #adversity #faith #jordanjmendoza

Sunsets in Belgium are 🤩

Busy week so far but we are accomplishing a lot as we build our onboarding process. 

#belgium #startup #wearewaso

Billy Samoa Saleebey

Podify

Podify, LLC is a podcasting services and technology company that specializes in the production and promotion of digital media and podcasts. We work with podcasters and companies to provide audio editing, video editing, search engine optimization, web development, writing, analytics, transcription, publishing, media management, advertising, marketing, and social media support. Our clients subscribe to our monthly membership to receive these services and our mission is to help their podcasts achieve high production quality while reaching their target audience. We also create applications, technology, and automated tools to help create a more efficient workflow to produce a podcast.

Co-Founder & CEO

Insight Out with Billy Samoa 

What if an insight could change your life? 

Host Billy Samoa Saleebey (award-winning filmmaker and former Tesla Exec) sits down with the world’s most remarkable people to uncover their life-changing insights. Impeccable research and deep curiosity help to shine a spotlight on transformational insights that can change your life. Learn the secret formulas and playbooks world changers, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders have used to reach incredible levels of success. Practical and specific, you will walk away knowing how to put these lessons into action so get ready to take theses Insights Out!

Creator and Host of Insight Out

For the Love of Podcast

After leaving corporate life last year, I’ve become obsessed with podcasting. I created the show Insight Out to highlight the transformational moments of remarkable people.

It was a year spent learning a new industry and while I may have left my career, in the process I found my calling!

The purpose of this new show is to help podcasters create world-class podcasts. I meet with the best podcasters in the world, renowned experts, and industry leaders to continue my own learning and to serve this purpose.

There are over 1,000,000 podcasts and this show will focus on what separates the top 1% from the rest.

So this is a podcast about podcasts, podcasters, and podcasting.

I’ll dissect what makes some shows are great while others fail to find success; Exploring how to produce a high-quality show and how to promote it so it can find it’s audience

I’m on a mission to help make your podcast shine by giving you the tools, insights, and technical tips used by best podcasters of all time

If you’re like me, constantly working to make your podcast reach its fullest potential then you’re in right place

I hope you’ll join me on this journey, where everything we do, we do it...

FOR THE LOVE OF PODCAST!

To be notified when the first episode is out please join the mailing list by visiting the link below:
http://fortheloveofpodcast.com/for-the-love-of-podcast-is-launching-8-31/


#podcast #billysamoa #podcasters #podcasting

Creator and Host of For the Love of Podcast

Insight Media

Insight Media is a Los Angeles based broadcasting and media production company focused on the growth and development of individuals and businesses.  Our mission is to produce content and experiences that will inspire action for the good of humanity. We do this by sharing insights and life stories that help illustrate how the choices we make have an impact on our life and our planet. Our first program is a podcast and video series called Insight Out (http://insightoutshow.com). The purpose of this show is to discover and dissect transformational insights that have helped propel the lives and careers of exceptionally successful individuals.  Through interviews and case studies we examine how these major breakthrough moments teach valuable lessons that often influence the trajectory of our lives. 

For more information please visit our website to see our Master Plan: https://insightoutshow.com/index.php/2019/09/01/insight-studios-public-master-plan/

President and Founder

Tesla

As Director of Global Sales & Product Training I am responsible for all sales and product training teams for Tesla worldwide.  My organization supports every sales function at Tesla and provides product knowledge to empower all our employees to share how our groundbreaking eco-system of products enhance our customer’s lives while accelerating the world’s transition to sustainable energy. My mission is to ensure all our global sales teams receive the training and development necessary to perform at an exceptional level so they are equipped to exceed sales targets while delighting our customers with a world-class experience.

Director, Global Sales & Product Training

As Director of Global Onboarding & Growth I am responsible for all new employee onboarding at Tesla. This includes the new hire welcome experience (orientation), mergers & acquisitions, new markets, and role-specific training. In this role, I work closely with senior business leaders and an incredible team to develop and deploy effective and impactful Onboarding experiences to thousands of individuals that join Tesla each year. Our approach is simple; never ever settle and constantly raise the bar. This ensures we are providing a world-class experience for all new Tesla team members.  We are not just “training” a new hire, we our providing an immersive experience that will prepare them to contribute to our mission to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy.

Director of Global Onboarding & Growth

As Senior Director of Training & Development I am responsible for all sales training departments at SolarCity, including new hire onboarding, ongoing training, and leadership development.  In this role, I work closely with senior leaders and world-class trainers to develop and deploy effective and impactful training curriculum to all 5,000+ sales professionals in the organization.  In addition to training, I am responsible for all sales communications, including the production of SolarCity TV, our internal television network that is focused on delivering communication to the entire company.

Senior Director of Training & Development (SolarCity)

Responsible for creating positive, transparent, and constant communication between all levels of the organization.  Assist sales leadership in developing the voice and content used to ensure that all team members feel heard and engaged in building the most transformative company on the planet.  

This role combines elements of film/video production, sales execution, management strategy, training and motivation of sales professionals.  Responsibilities include gathering continual feedback from all sales channels at all levels, sharing ideas for improvement with all necessary departments, building a world class management training program, collaborating with the CRO in preparing weekly all-hands meeting agendas/contests/content, and creating motivational videos and other training deliverables that will provide an exciting and innovative approach to disseminating all information to the sales organization.

Director of Internal Sales Communications (SolarCity)

Verengo Solar

• Responsible for all sales functions for Inside and Outside Sales Organizations
• Developed new strategy for referral and pipeline conversion
• Increased overall sales volume 50% 
• Created new business practices and personally rolled out initiatives to every sales market
• Hosted weekly company-wide training webinars on successful sales strategies

Vice President of Sales

• Oversaw all training and development for Inside and Outside Sales organizations
• Managed team of trainers, instructional designers, and support staff
• Developed modular 12 Step Sales Process
• Created compresensive 90 day onboarding infrastructure for all new solar consultants
• Designed four part Solar Academy curriculum with classroom and field training
• Achieved 30% average close rate for newly hired solar consultants
• Developed ongoing training curriculum and certification
• Applied Adult Learning Theory methodology to all training fuctions
• Created weekly training series “Ask the Expert” to share best practices of high performers
• Developed full service LMS from ground up using Moodle platform

Director of Sales Training

• Responsible for all sales activities and revenue for Los Angeles market
• Managed sales supervisors and team of 25 solar consultants
• Maintained highest overall revenue, deal count, and SG/referral volume every month
• Orchastrated initiatives that led to company-wide canvass program
• Set company record for total monthly revenue: 7.1 million (March 2012)
• Set company record for most deals in a single day: 20 (September 2013)
• Set company record for most revenue in a single day: 600k (September 2013)

Regional Sales Manager

• Educated homeowners on the benefits of solar for their home electricity needs
• Sold over 200 PV solar systems
• Set company record for most sales in a month: 33 deals (December 2010)
• Set company record for most revenue in one month: 1.3 million (December 2010)

Solar Sales Consultant

Believe Entertainment

OWNER, EXECUTIVE PRODUCER, DIRECTOR,  2002 –  2009
• Wrote, directed, and produced award winning feature film Rolling
• Winner of Audience Award at San Francisco Independent Film Festival
• Winner of Evil City New York Film Festival
• Winner of PRISM Award recognizing the accurate depiction of substance abuse
• Coordinated film festival tour spanning 10 cities in the US, Germany, England and Australia
• Deployed grassroots social media marketing campaign
• Sold merchandise and products to both retailers and end users
• Raised over half a million dollars to produce, promote and distribute film
• Landed multi-territory film distribution deal Indican Pictures

Owner, Executive Producer, Director

We Launch 🚀 Podcasts🎙️for Speakers🎤 Authors✍️ and Founders🔥 Ex-Tesla 🚘 Exec Turned Podcast Production & Marketing Agency Owner 🔴 You Record, We Do the Rest → Learn More by Booking a Podcast🎙️Strategy Call Below👇

𝗠𝗬 𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗬:
In 2019, I left Tesla as the Head of Global Sales & Product Training and went ALL IN on podcasting

I left my career but I found my calling. Here's what happened 👇

Spent a decade making movies - My feature film, Rolling, won awards, went to festivals all over the world, and got picked up for distribution in 2009

In 2010, I decided to make a pivot

I wanted to make a difference so I got into the renewables space

Helped scale a small solar company scale to become one of the biggest in the country

Got recruited by SolarCity

When Tesla acquired SolarCity, I got the opportunity to create the Onboarding Program for Tesla

Every new hire who starts at Tesla, goes through this program

I became the Global Head of Sales and Product Training, one level removed from Elon

Then I got the call...

Elon didn't want a global head of sales training

I could have stayed in corporate, but it was time to do my own thing

I started my podcast, Insight Out

Quickly realized how much work it is, so built a team

It became clear that others could also use help, so I started Podify

Today we help 40+ podcasters produce, promote, and monetize their shows

______________________
𝗖𝗔𝗥𝗘𝗘𝗥 𝗛𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗦 🚀
🎙️Insight Out - Top 1% Globally
▶️ Co-Founder & CEO of Podify
🎞️ Audience Award Best Feature - Rolling
🎥 Million+ views on YouTube
🤝 30K+ on LinkedIn - Millions of content views 
🏆 Top 100 LinkedIn Sales Star
🚗 Global Leader at Tesla
🥇All-Time Sales Record Holder
📺 Creator of SCTV 

______________________
𝗠𝗬 𝗠𝗜𝗦𝗦𝗜𝗢𝗡 🌎
To help visionaries and change-makers amplify their VOICE to make their mark on the world!

______________________
𝗠𝗬 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗣𝗔𝗡𝗬 🎙
We help podcasters and brands produce, edit, promote, and monetize their shows - Podify.com

______________________
𝗠𝗬 𝗣𝗢𝗗𝗖𝗔𝗦𝗧 🎙
Insight Out dissects how the world’s most impactful people have made their mark - insightoutshow.com

______________________
𝗪𝗛𝗢 𝗜 𝗪𝗔𝗡𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗠𝗘𝗘𝗧 🤝
People who are changing the world

______________________
𝗪𝗛𝗢 𝗜 𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗞 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛 👊🏻
Brands, influencers, celebrities, podcasters, athletes, speakers, radio/TV personalities, entrepreneurs, and executives

______________________
𝗙𝗨𝗡 𝗙𝗔𝗖𝗧𝗦 🤙🏻
🌎 World Traveller (42 countries 6 continents)
🍜 Ramen Addict
👨‍👦Dad to Kid Epic (YouTube)
⚾️ Little League Coach

______________________
𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗧𝗔𝗖𝗧 𝗠𝗘 📲
📆 Book a FREE podcast strategy call:
calendly.com/billysamoa/podify

📫 Media requests: saleebey@gmail.com

I post here daily: Hit 🛎 to be notified

Follow #BillySamoa

This isn’t just a shopping list.
 It’s a 100-year-old productivity hack we should all be using.

Before apps. Before reminders. Before AI.
 
People solved problems with systems that worked.

What you’re looking at is a 1920s reusable grocery list.
- Slide a tab to mark what you need.
- Reset when done.
- No paper. No waste. No distractions.

And yet… in 2026, most people still:
 ❌ Forget what they need at the store.
 ❌ Get distracted by impulse buys.
 ❌ Overcomplicate things with 5 different apps.

The takeaway?

Complexity is the enemy of action.

We chase fancy tech, but sometimes low-tech wins.
 ✅ Need better habits? Try a whiteboard instead of an app.
 ✅ Struggling with ideas? Use a physical notebook.
 ✅ Building a business? Focus on simple, repeatable processes.

The best solutions stand the test of time.
 
The question is: Are we overcomplicating what should be simple?

What’s one outdated system you still use—because it just works?

Founder of Podify | Launching Video Podcasts for Speakers, Authors & Founders | Amplifying Purpose-Driven Voices, Building Unstoppable Brands | Ex-Tesla

FUN FACT: British Airways accidentally launched one of the most iconic hip-hop groups of all time.

In 1983, the Beastie Boys were just three broke kids trying to make music in New York City.

Then something unexpected happened:
British Airways used their song "Beastie Revolution" in a TV commercial.

Without permission.

The band lawyered up.

They sued the airline...and won $40,000.

What did they do with the money?

✈ Rented an apartment on 59 Chrystie Street in Chinatown.
✈ Turned it into a studio.
✈ Rehearsed. Recorded. Created.

Then, 39 years ago today, they released this truly EPIC album: Licensed to Ill

That apartment became the birthplace of the Beastie Boys as we know them.

It wasn’t a record deal.
It wasn’t a viral moment.
It was a legal battle that funded their future.

They later thanked the guy who stole their song.

Because without him, they might never have made it.

Sometimes your big break looks like a breakdown.
Sometimes your unfair advantage starts as an injustice.

Stay ready.
Stay scrappy.

Turn the chaos into your catapult.

This is what building a business actually looks like…and most people will never survive it. Here’s the part nobody wants to admit:

Most entrepreneurs don’t win because they’re smarter.
 
They win because they keep going after the part that would make normal people quit.

Everyone wants the “perfect plan.”
 
But the real skill?

- Using the chaos to your advantage.
 - Turning the obstacle into the strategy.
 - Making the landing look intentional, even when the middle was a disaster.

The best founders aren’t avoiding friction.
They’re weaponizing it.

Real examples:
• Airbnb couldn’t get traction… until they leaned into politics and protests and used “belong anywhere” to turn resistance into the brand.
 Their friction became their positioning.

• Netflix was getting crushed by Blockbuster on convenience… so they turned a disadvantage (mailing DVDs) into a subscription model that created predictable revenue.
 Their limitation became the business model everyone copied.

• Slack wasn’t built to be Slack. It was a failed video game.
 The thing that wasn’t supposed to be the product became a $26B product.

• Spanx couldn’t get into stores—so Sara Blakely used that invisibility to listen to customers directly, build community, and create pull instead of push.

Lack of access became a moat.

The pattern?

Some people crumble under friction.
Entrepreneurs manipulate it.
Elite entrepreneurs turn it into leverage.

If you can’t handle unpredictability, you don’t have a “strategy problem.”
 
You have a capacity problem.

Building a company rewards founders who stay in the car when it’s violently flipping…and somehow steer on the way down.

The goal isn’t to avoid chaos.

The goal is to become the kind of operator who can turn chaos into a competitive advantage.

That’s the muscle.
 
Build it and you become unbeatable.

I came across this photo recently and it hit me a little differently than it used to.
On the right is me.
Across the table are two legends: Todd Cochrane and Rob Greenlee, two people whose fingerprints are all over the foundation of the podcasting industry.

Todd passed away about a couple of months ago.

But his impact… that lives everywhere in this space.

What I remember most about him, and about Rob, wasn’t the accolades, the Hall of Fame status, or the decades of contribution.

It was how approachable they were.

When I first got into podcasting, I interviewed Todd long before I ever met him in person.

And when I finally saw him at Podcast Movement, he treated me like someone he’d known for years. 

Funny, friendly, and a personality you can't forget. The last time I saw him we walked around for a while even talked about a possible business venture together. 

This is a guy who didn't need me. He built his own company and legacy yet he was totally up for thinking of how we could partner on something...in fact, it was his idea to team up!

That's the thing about podcasting... 

The people who built this industry didn’t pull the ladder up behind them.

They held it steady for the rest of us.

That’s something both Todd and Rob share:

They never acted like gatekeepers. They acted like mentors.

And honestly, that’s one of the things I love most about this industry.

Podcasting grew because people like them didn’t compete in the shadows, instead, they shared openly, helped generously, and pulled so many of us up with them.

Approachable.
Generous in sharing wisdom.
Genuinely excited to help the next generation of creators.

From my experience, podcasting has always been less cutthroat than other creative industries.
 
More collaborative.
More “we” than “me.”

If you’re just getting started, here’s the lesson I learned from these two:

- Don’t be afraid to ask questions of the people who’ve walked the path before you.
- Attend the events.
- Reach out.
- Say hello.

You might be surprised by how willing they are to help.

I certainly was.

You never know who will shape your journey or how much time you’ll have to say thank you.

Grateful for Todd’s legacy, and grateful for people like Rob who continue to build this community by lifting others up.

#Podcasting #Legacy #Community #Gratitude

Stop scrolling.
I just found the most organized place in America…and it’s a Taco Bell sauce station.

Seriously, look at this thing.

Every Diablo, Fire, Hot, and Mild packet lined up like they’re interviewing for a job at NASA.

Straws? Perfect.
Napkins? Perfect.
Salt? Perfect.
My life? Not as perfect.

But here’s the part that gets me:
Someone did this voluntarily.
 
At a fast-food condiment bar.
Probably at 11PM.

No bonus.
No promotion.
 
Not even a “Great job arranging the Diablo packets in a perfect 4x5 grid!” from their manager.

Just quiet, obsessive excellence.

And honestly?

I’d hire this person immediately.

Because if someone cares THIS much about the smallest part of the job…you can trust them with the biggest parts.

Most companies chase “rockstars.”
 
Meanwhile the real rockstars are out here alphabetizing hot sauce.

Find that person.
Promote that person.
Protect that person.

What’s the most unexpectedly elite act of excellence you’ve ever seen at work?

The unusual origin of Black Friday that almost no one knows...

Black Friday didn’t start with discounts.
Or profits.
Or retail strategy.

It started with chaos.

1960

Philadelphia police began calling the day after Thanksgiving “Black Friday” because the city was slammed with:
 • traffic gridlock
 • packed sidewalks
 • shoplifting
 • crowd control issues
 • long overtime shifts
 (They dreaded the day — it was a logistical nightmare.)

1961

Philadelphia retailers hated the name so much they tried to rebrand it as “Big Friday.”

It didn’t work.
The public ignored it.

1980s

National retailers took the term and flipped the meaning.

They reframed it as the day stores finally went from “in the red” to “in the black.”
 (The story wasn’t historically true, but it was psychologically brilliant.)

That narrative stuck.

And the negative term became the most profitable retail event of the year.

Entrepreneurial takeaways (non-obvious):

1. Reframing > Reinvention

You don’t always need a new product.
Sometimes you just need a new meaning.
Black Friday turned chaos into profitability through a story — not a strategy.

2. People follow narratives more than logic

When retailers said, “This is the day we go into the black,” shoppers didn’t ask for proof.
 
They joined the ritual.

Your audience doesn’t buy your product first.
They buy your story.

3. Momentum is often manufactured

Black Friday grew through a feedback loop:

crowds → coverage → more crowds → cultural tradition.

Entrepreneurs can create their own loop by aligning:
a moment
a message
a reason to act now

4. A flaw can become your feature

Black Friday was a problem.

Then it became a promotion.
Then a cultural pillar.

Sometimes your biggest frustration is hiding your biggest advantage, you just haven’t reframed it yet.

Final Thought:

Black Friday is proof that the story you tell about your business can completely reshape the outcome.

If you’re around my age, you probably remember this ad. But you may not know why it was so genius...

Yes the guy in the chair hair blown back by sound so powerful it defied physics was cool.
 
The Maxell “Blown Away” campaign became one of the most iconic ads of the 1980s.

You can't forget the image.

But almost no one remembers the fine print. That is what take ad epic ad and take it to the next level

At the bottom left, it said:
 
“Free ‘Man in the Chair’ poster.”

That tiny line is what made this campaign genius.

Here’s why:

They weren’t just selling blank tapes.
They were creating belief.

By giving away the poster, they turned fans into evangelists.

You didn’t just buy Maxell... you displayed Maxell.
You hung it on your wall. You identified with it.

That’s how a commodity product, a tape that wasn’t objectively better, became a badge of taste.

They sold the feeling of superiority.

And they let the audience advertise it for them.

That’s not marketing.
That’s cultural engineering.

Key takeaway:
The best brands don’t just tell you what to believe.
They hand you something to show it.

#BrandStrategy #Marketing #Brand #Branding #Storytelling

Why this post exploded: An antomy of a viral LinkedIn post

Thank you Megan Cornish, LICSW for allowing me to break this down!

Viral posts follow patterns: psychologically, algorithmically, linguistically, and structurally

1. Hook is explosive, taboo, and curiosity-driven

4 elements:

A. Pattern interrupt
LinkedIn is filled with “5 tips for…” posts.

Gender-swap experiment?
400% jump?

Stops the eye immediately.

B. High-stakes social issue
Sexism, gender bias, and algorithmic inequity = engagement triggers.

C. Shock + simplicity
The entire story premise is delivered in 14 words.
Short = shareable, screenshot-able, unforgettable.

D. Curiosity gap
“Is this real?”
 “Why would this happen?”
 “What else is the algorithm doing?”
 “Could this happen to me?”

Curiosity = scrolling.
Scrolling = dwell time.
Dwell time = reach.

2. She shares a real experiment, not an opinion

Test-driven.
Measurable.
Scientific.

Data-driven posts travel farther

3. Challenges the platform

3 topics guaranteed to drive LinkedIn virality:
LinkedIn algorithm
Job market
Leadership toxicity

This post hits 'em all!

Calling out LinkedIn’s algorithm?
Guaranteed engagement.

People love talking about LinkedIn on LinkedIn.
It’s meta-engagement

4. Speaks to two MASSIVE emotional triggers: 

A. Fairness

Feels unjust.
Sharing is an emotional response to injustice.

B. Identity
Women will share it
Men will respond to it
DEI experts will amplify it
Marketers will debate it
Creators will test it

One post.
Many identities activated
This multiplies virality

5. Ties 2 trending topics together: gender + AI

She explicitly says:
ChatGPT rewrote her headline & posts
Voice became more "male"

So suddenly the post becomes about:
AI bias
Algorithm bias
Gender bias
Linguistic bias

6. Writing style is “messy human,” not polished corporate

People trust vulnerability

Reads like a real person typing rapidly while excited, not a brand polishing a statement.

Creates:
- Authenticity
- Imperfection (good for trust)
 ✔ Emotional tone
 ✔ Conversational rhythm

Polished posts get scrolled
Raw posts get read.

7. Shows the receipts

Proof = credibility

Screenshots neutralize skepticism

Visual evidence increases save rate = boosts distribution.

8. Built-in viral mechanics

A. Sparks debate
People cannot resist debating
More comments = more reach

B. Encourages tagging

Women tag other women.
Creators tag AI experts.
DEI leaders tag each other.

Tagging expands reach

C. Repostable

Topic is social commentary = perfect for reposts.

650 reposts amplify impressions - more than likes/comments.

9. It produces what LinkedIn LOVES: “Accelerated Velocity Engagement”

LinkedIn’s algorithm prioritizes posts that get early:
Reactions
Comments
Reposts

“850 impressions but 74 reactions and 31 comments.”
Crazy high engagement ratio

Why it took off!

10. Exposes a system flaw

Any post that reveals:
a hack, loophole, bias, broken system

…creates “YOU MUST SEE THIS” impulse.

We share what surprises us

After much thought, here are my Top 10 favorite Christmas movies. 

Here are my Top 3 favorite Christmas movies that aren't Christmas movies:

1. Trading Places
2. Die Hard
3. Gremlins

What about you? What are your Top 10?

This is one of the smartest ads you’ll see all year...and it’s not because it’s funny.

It’s because it solves one of the biggest problems in marketing:

Borrowed relevance.

Deadpool & Wolverine dominated culture the summer it came out.

Memes, clips, interviews, trailersy: your feed was flooded with them.

Heinz saw that cultural tsunami saw didn’t do what most brands do

(which is… nothing).

They did something far smarter:
They attached themselves to a cultural moment they didn’t create, but made it feel like it belonged to them.

And here’s the genius:

They didn’t force a connection.
 
They found a truth that already existed:

Red + yellow.
Ketchup + mustard.
Deadpool + Wolverine.

Once you see it, you can’t unsee it.

That’s the entire strategy.

Cultural pattern recognition executed perfectly.

Most brands wait for permission.
Heinz didn’t.

They saw the wave of attention coming and paddled early.

And that’s the real marketing lesson:

The fastest way to become part of culture is to reflect it back to people in a way that feels inevitable.

Not forced.
Not try-hard.
Inevitable.

Deadpool & Wolverine dominated the theaters.

Heinz just made sure they dominated the grocery aisle too.

It’s not just a billboard.

It’s a psychological trick:
➡️ It collapses the distance between a blockbuster movie and a grocery-store product.
 ➡️ It hijacks attention without asking for permission.
 ➡️ It makes Heinz feel like the “official condiment” of the summer’s biggest film…
without ever saying it.

That’s not advertising.
That’s cultural jiu-jitsu.

And it’s a masterclass every brand should study.

#Marketing #BrandStrategy #CulturalMarketing #Heinz #Deadpool #Wolverine

The billion-dollar idea Nintendo almost missed…because it didn’t come from the “innovation team.” In the late 1960s, Nintendo was failing.

They tried everything:
 • instant rice
 • love hotels
 • a taxi company
 • toy guns
 • a vacuum cleaner
 • Disney-themed playing cards

Nothing worked.

The company was days from collapse.

Then something happened that would quietly change the future of the entire video game industry:

A maintenance worker was caught tinkering with a toy idea on his lunch break

His name was Gunpei Yokoi
 
Job title: janitor / maintenance engineer.
 Zero formal authority
Zero product responsibility

He was playing with a homemade, extendable “grabber arm” made from leftover factory parts

Most companies would’ve scolded him:
 “Get back to work”
 “Stay in your lane”
 “That’s not your job”

Nintendo did something different.

They asked: “Could this be something?”

That idea became the Ultra Hand: a cheap, silly plastic toy

Sold over 1.2 million units, saved Nintendo from bankruptcy, and launched Yokoi’s career

Fast-forward:
Yokoi didn’t just invent a toy
 
He invented the Game Boy, the D-pad, and the entire philosophy behind Nintendo’s biggest hits

A maintenance worker became one of the most influential product creators in history

Entrepreneurs miss:

Innovation often comes from the edges of the organization:
 • Hobbyists
 • Tinkerers
 • No official authority
 • Understand the product emotionally, not strategically
 • See problems others are blind to

This is the psychology behind it:
 
1. Hierarchy kills creativity
The higher people climb, the narrower their perception
 Leaders optimize systems
 Front-liners notice friction

Biggest ideas often live at the bottom because that’s where reality lives.

2. Experts are biased toward complexity
Yokoi wasn’t an engineer designing for prestige
 
He believed in “lateral thinking with withered technology” using simple, accessible components to make something fun

That philosophy created:
• The Game & Watch
 • The D-pad
 • The Game Boy
 • Metroid

Sony and Sega chased horsepower, Yokoi chased fun.

 3. Creativity thrives in constraints
Nintendo was broke
Couldn’t afford cutting-edge
Had to invent within limits

Entrepreneurs forget this:
Constraints don’t block creativity
 
They shape it.

Game Boy wasn’t powerful
 It was durable, cheap, and portable

4. Billion-dollar ideas look like toys at first
The Ultra Hand cost pennies to make

But toys or simple experiments reveal the customer’s emotional triggers 

1. Your next breakthrough probably isn’t coming from you
But from someone on your team who’s playing with something “irrelevant.”

2. Build a culture where “side projects” are signals, not distractions.
If Yokoi had been punished for tinkering, Nintendo might not exist today.

3. Stop chasing cutting-edge tech, chase emotional resonance.

Emotion > specs

4. Empower the edges of your organization.

 • support
 • interns
 • ops

If you aren’t listening to them, you’re flying blind.

This “free” plastic football phone quietly generated over $80,000,000 in magazine revenue.

Not because it was high tech.

Because it was high psychology.

Here is what Sports Illustrated did brilliantly:

They sold the bonus, not the product.
 
Nobody wakes up thinking, “I need a long-form sports magazine.”
 
But a talking, working football you can unwrap on Christmas morning? T

That’s a story.
 
The phone was the star. The magazine was the upsell.

They understood unit economics better than most founders do today.

Cost to make the phone: about $4.
Price of the annual subscription: about $55
New subs driven 1986–1991: roughly 1.6M

Rough math:
Revenue ≈ $88M
Premium cost ≈ $6.4M
 
The “free” gift was a rounding error that unlocked massive LTV (lifetime value).

They spoke to the real buyer.
 
The ad isn’t aimed at hardcore sports fans.

It’s aimed at stressed gift-givers.
 
The script is basically:

“Christmas shopping is impossible.”
“This solves your problem in one phone call.”
 
It’s a relief offer, not a features offer.
They bundled identity into plastic.
 
That phone wasn’t just a gadget.
 
It said: “I’m the kind of person who lives and breathes football.”
 
People will happily pay for objects that let them signal who they are.

They made the value stack lopsided.
 
In one shot you get:

A full year of sports coverage.
NFL, NBA, MLB previews.

The famous swimsuit issue.

A novelty phone that sits in your living room.
 
All for “99 cents an issue” and a “free” phone.
 
The perceived value is ridiculous compared to the actual cost.

They used the premium to own the home.
 The magazine lives on the coffee table.
 The phone lives next to the couch.
 
Every time it rang, SI got free impressions.
 
It was physical remarketing before pixels existed.

They turned a commodity into an event.
 
A subscription is boring.
Unboxing a football phone on Christmas morning is memorable.
 
They didn’t sell magazines.
They sold a moment.

What can entrepreneurs steal from this?

Stop obsessing over “features.” Design an offer so good it feels slightly irrational to say no.

Add a physical or experiential premium that costs you little but feels big to the buyer.

Aim your message at the real decision-maker (often the gift-giver, assistant, spouse, or boss).

Think in LTV, not first sale. If a $4 “free” gift acquires a customer who stays for years, it’s a bargain.

Ask: What’s my version of the football phone?
A private community?
A live workshop ticket?
A done-for-you template?
A piece of merch that sits on their desk and keeps your brand in their line of sight?

The football phone wasn’t just a cheesy 90s gimmick.

It was a masterclass in offer design, customer psychology, and long-term thinking.

If your product is good but growth is flat, you may not need a new product.
You might just need a better “football phone.”

This was an EPIC failure. In 1985, Coke did something that today seems unimaginable...

They changed their recipe. Here's what happened 👇

The "New Coke" bombed. 

People were not happy that their beloved Coke was changed.

Without warning, and without reason.

Okay, so maybe they thought they had a reason. Pepsi was gaining ground in market share and the “Pepsi Challenge” taste test had Coke convinced they needed to reinvent themseves to stay relavent. 

Lessons:

1. If it ain't broke, don't fix it! 
2. Don’t second guess your product unnecessarily.
3. Thoroughly research before making major changes.
4. Understand what your customers truly value (No guessing!)
5. Engage your consumers in decisions! 

Coca-Cola failed to do these things, and they paid a heavy price.

The introduction of "New Coke" caused protests and petitions and they didn't have a contingency plan!

When things went south, they weren’t ready!

They had no choice but to backtrack and reintroduce the original as "Coca-Cola Classic."

They managed to salvage their brand, but it came at a cost.

This is a great reminder to respond swiftly to negative feedback! Your brand’s trust is on the line.

Even a GOAT like Coke can make colossal mistakes. 

Stay connected, research, engage, plan, and respond. 

Your brand's success depends on it.

Are you old enough to remember this debacle? Thoughts? 🥤🥤🥤

Do you feel like this at work?
Because honestly…

This is all of us.

Employees trying to hold up the weight of 10 missing coworkers.
Entrepreneurs trying to carry the whole company on their back.
Leaders pretending the wobbling stack isn’t wobbling.

This guy in the ad?
He’s basically every founder I know.

Carrying 30 boxes.
Balancing a business on two wheels.
Praying today isn’t the day customers, clients, or payroll tip it over.

This classic ad nailed something we still avoid talking about:

Burnout isn’t a personality flaw.

It’s a math problem.
Too many boxes.
Not enough hands.

And no one wants to admit they're one tilt away from disaster.

Here’s the uncomfortable truth:

We glorify hard work…but ignore hard loads.

People aren’t failing.
They’re drowning.

Entrepreneurs aren’t “hustling.”
 They’re duct-taping the universe together.

Here’s why this visual hits:
- Employees see their workload.
 The “do more with less” era has gotten absurd.

- Entrepreneurs see themselves.
 We’re building, selling, hiring, fixing, planning…
 (and somehow still answering service emails at 10pm).

- Everyone sees the truth:
 This isn’t about capability, it’s about capacity.

If your team looks like this, you don’t need tougher people:

you need better systems, better clarity, and fewer boxes.

And if you look like this?

Welcome to entrepreneurship.

You don’t need to push harder.
You need to stop playing human forklift.

What’s the one box you need to put down this week?

Why This Post Hit 90k+ Impressions

1. The Hook Was Irresistibly Scroll-Stopping

Perfect pattern interrupt:
“This isn’t just a shopping list. It’s a 100-year-old productivity hack we should all be using.”

Curiosity gap: presents a contradiction: a shopping list… that is actually a “productivity hack”?

Historical angle: “100-year-old” triggers novelty and wisdom bias.

Universal relevance: Everyone shops. Everyone wants to be more productive.
No fluff, no jargon: Simple language = fast comprehension.

Earns click on “See more.”


2. The Visual Asset Was Unusual and Highly Shareable

The vintage 1920s grocery list device is:
Visually strange
Tactile
Intriguing
Not commonly seen on LinkedIn

People stop scrolling because the brain is wired to notice objects it doesn’t recognize

Also:
Image contains lots of small text, which makes people zoom, look longer, and re-read

More dwell time = LinkedIn boosts distribution.

3. Perfect Blend of Nostalgia + Utility

Modern pain points:

Overcomplicating things
Using too many apps
Forgetting basics
Getting distracted

Nostalgia posts work well, but nostalgia w/ actionable lesson performs 2–3× better

4. Taps Into a Collective Frustration

“Complexity is the enemy of action.”

People feel this everywhere:
Work systems
Apps
Tech overload
Productivity tools
Business processes

Creates:
Emotional resonance
High comment rate
Shares because people tag colleagues

5. Provided a Framework (LinkedIn LOVES frameworks)

Lesson into actionable steps:

Whiteboard
Physical notebook
Focus on simple processes

Posts that translate insight → action stimulate:
Comments
Saves
Reposts
Longer reading time

6. Invited Conversation

“What’s one outdated system you still use because it just works?”

Easy to answer
Makes people feel smart
Encourages stories 

Makes people think “Ooo I want to share mine”

Drives massive comment volume, which the algorithm rewards.

7. Appeals to Every Demographic

This is rare.

Works equally well for:

Engineers
Founders
Designers
Productivity geeks
Tech skeptics
Parents
Boomers
Gen Z

Any post that spans generations/industries inevitably gets pushed further.

8. Format Is Classic High-Performing Structure

Strong hook
 ↓
 Simple, curiosity-fueling explanation
 ↓
 3-part list (humans love threes)
 ↓
 Cultural commentary
 ↓
 One big lesson
 ↓
 Practical examples
 ↓
 Call-to-comment question

It follows the exact rhythm the LinkedIn algorithm favors.

9. Topic Is “Evergreen Viral”

Themes that perform:
Productivity
Simplicity
History
“Things you didn’t know”
Curiosity objects
Anti-app / anti-tech sentiment


10. People Felt Smart Sharing It

Hidden driver of virality:

People share posts that make them look insightful

EVERY growth lever:

✔ Scroll-stopping hook
 ✔Strange + nostalgic visual
 ✔Universal relatability
 ✔Valuable insight
 ✔Actionable takeaways
 ✔A story + lesson combo
 ✔An irresistible conversation prompt
 ✔Branding alignment
 ✔Perfect rhythm + formatting
 ✔Zero friction to engage

Writing down tasks you already did isn’t laziness. It’s leadership.
Here’s why:

Every founder I know who ships consistently has one thing in common:

They build systems that reward action, not systems that punish imperfection.

A to-do list is supposed to help you focus.

But for most people, it’s a daily reminder of everything they didn’t finish.

The “write it after you do it” trick flips the script:
 • You see progress
 • You reduce stress
 • You reinforce action
 • You stay in motion

That’s the entire game in entrepreneurship.

Most people fail because they quit during the boredom phase.

Not because they weren’t capable, but because they couldn’t feel the progress.

Here’s the real psychology:
 • Dopamine → fuels consistency
 • Consistency → creates output
 • Output → compounds into results

Entrepreneurs don’t need more willpower.

We need more wins.
Tiny, manufactured, unfair wins… every day.

So if crossing off something small keeps you in forward motion?

Do it.
Stack it.
Repeat it.

We think we fail because we’re unorganized or undisciplined.

Nope.

We fail because we don’t give ourselves enough reasons to stay in motion.

Entrepreneurs who win long-term aren’t the ones with the most complex systems.
 
They’re the ones who master one simple skill:

Making progress feel good enough to repeat.

Momentum beats discipline.

Every time.

taplio

The Battle

Jordan Mendoza

Billy Samoa Saleebey

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance ScoreJordan Mendoza's LinkedIn Performance

Performance ScoreBilly Samoa Saleebey's LinkedIn Performance

Ready to grow your LinkedIn presence?

taplio

The Battle

Jordan Mendoza

Billy Samoa Saleebey

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}Jordan Mendoza's LinkedIn Performance

Performance ScoreBilly Samoa Saleebey's LinkedIn Performance

Ready to grow your LinkedIn presence?

Performance ScoreJordan Mendoza's LinkedIn Performance