Episodes

  • 120. Thank You For Being a Friend
    May 27 2024

    Ever wondered how bowing to the intricacies of Japanese corporate culture might affect your daily grind? Bruce and I swap stories from the Land of the Rising Sun, offering an insider’s glimpse into the world of honorifics, relentless work ethics, and the creative forces behind the gaming industry. It’s a cultural tapestry that's as complex as it is captivating; from the rigid business formalities to the allure of Japanese cuisine and entertainment, we're unraveling the contrasts and challenges of this fascinating corporate climate.

    Burnout is a beast we all battle, especially with holiday weekends teasing us in the distance. Bruce and I get candid about the importance of workplace friendships in these trying times. As we share tales of carpool karaoke and post-shift pints, we reveal how these bonds transcend our paychecks, cultivating loyalty and driving us to new heights of performance. The conversation takes a turn, looking at how these relationships shape our work environment, affect our job satisfaction, and ultimately play a pivotal role in our decision to stick with a company through thick and thin.

    To wrap things up, we don't just throw management tips at you; we weave them into stories that stick. Bruce and I chuckle over the little things that can make or break a workday, like the infamous "you're on mute" gaffe of the virtual age. We keep it real, reminding you to focus on the forest, not just the trees, and keep your business strategies as clear as your conference calls. Tune in, kick back, and let us lead you through the labyrinth of workplace dynamics with wit, wisdom, and a touch of whimsy.

    Everything Corporate Strategy:
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    48 mins
  • 119. We're Back and We Missed You!
    May 21 2024

    Ever found yourself chuckling over the quirks of corporate life or scratching your head at the paradox of success? That's precisely where Bruce and I landed in our latest Corporate Strategy Vibes Check. As we pour out our trials and triumphs, from gearing up for major work events to contemplating the relentless demand success places on our shoulders, we also flip some classic sayings on their heads. Can these old adages really survive the heat of the modern-day corporate kitchen?

    It's not all boardrooms and business attire; our journey through the tech scene has us dishing on the striking contrasts between the streets of San Francisco and the sunlit buzz of Mountain View. We take you behind the scenes of the RSA conference to marvel at Samsung's security innovations and kick around with AI-powered soccer stats that showcase the pace of app development today. And while Sterling brings sunny tales from Mountain View, we also navigate the darker side of tech hubs, pondering policy impacts on urban landscapes.

    There's a heartbeat to this podcast, one that thrums with the support and camaraderie you all bring to the table. We laugh off the odd hiccup, like our merch link shenanigans, and send a beacon out for a social media wizard. Whether you're tuning in for your dose of corporate strategy insights or the unvarnished truth of our experiences, know that your listens, shares, and recommendations are the secret sauce to our host-funded endeavor. So, buckle in for more riveting discussions, and let's unwrap the next episode's gift together.

    Everything Corporate Strategy:
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    Promoted by MrSnooze

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    53 mins
  • 118. Interview with an Ethical Hacker
    Apr 29 2024

    Ever wondered if your digital fortress can withstand a full-scale cyber siege? Buckle up as Squidboi, our corporate fam discord's virtuoso of virtual vulnerabilities, takes us on a rollercoaster ride through the landscape of offensive security. This episode promises to arm you with the know-how of ethical hacking that's essential for keeping corporate networks safe. We kick things off with a casual chat about the upcoming summer and the peculiar world of 'ghost jobs', setting the stage for a deep-dive into Squidboi's daily grind as a cybersecurity consultant.

    As the conversation progresses, we peel back the layers of penetration testing and cybersecurity consulting, exposing the skills that transcend coding prowess and the persistence needed when scouring systems for elusive security gaps. Squidboi regales us with tales from the trenches—where creativity is king, and late-night excursions into digital defenses are just another Monday. Plus, we get the scoop on how cybersecurity professionals stay nimble in a landscape peppered with ever-evolving threats and custom integrations.

    Don't miss the electrifying discussion on bug bounties and the tools of the trade, including the nifty Flipper Zero, which could give Q from James Bond a run for his money. Squidboi casts a light on the paradoxical pressures of offensive security consulting, where boasting an impenetrable defense is practically an invitation for trouble. By the time we wrap up, you'll have a hearty dose of insights and inspiration, whether you're a seasoned pro or just curious about what it takes to join the ranks of ethical hackers safeguarding our digital domain.

    Everything Corporate Strategy:
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    Promoted by MrSnooze

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    38 mins
  • 117. Startup vs. Big Corporate
    Apr 22 2024

    Join the lively banter with your hosts Bruce and Clark as they tackle the tightrope walk of health in the hustle of corporate life. You're not alone if you're trying to shed the lockdown lethargy or sneak in a cheeky afternoon walk to combat the computer-chair blues. We're sharing our own tales from the trenches—carb-cutting woes, the allure of treadmill desks, and why taking a stand (literally) might just be the secret weapon in your fitness arsenal. Trust us, we're right there with you, trying to punch back against the sedentary workday one step at a time.

    Ever wondered what impact a tech reviewer's words have on the fate of shiny new gadgets? We crack open this can of worms, dissecting MKBHD's scorching review and its ripple effects across the tech pond. From Apple's latest offerings to the quixotic AI pins and Cybertrucks roaming our dreams, we get down to brass tacks about what’s truly innovative versus what’s just chasing the almighty dollar. And hey, did someone mention workplace satisfaction? Dive into our discourse on the clash between profit and contentment in the tech-sphere, and how that shapes the gadgets we love (or love to hate).

    Feel like you're stuck in a maze of confused roles and responsibilities at work, especially when tech is just a side note? Clark and I pull back the curtain on the drama, from the sluggishness of large corporate entities to the electric agility of startups. We’re not shy about sharing our own facepalm moments—yes, that includes the great ravioli rebellion of 2021. As we wrap up, we'll toss you a lifeline with strategies to navigate the corporate circus, and give a shout-out to our action-packed community on Discord. Remember, it's not just about surviving the grind; it's about thriving amidst the chaos. So, come for the laughs, stay for the wisdom, and let's keep the conversation rolling.

    Everything Corporate Strategy:
    All the links!

    Elevator Music by Julian Avila
    Promoted by MrSnooze

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    57 mins
  • 116. Luck v. Hard Work
    Apr 15 2024

    Ever felt like you're navigating a ship through the stormy waves of corporate life? That's where we find ourselves in the latest episode, with our capitalist correspondent Alex Restrepo as our guiding star. Together, we traverse the crucial milestones of acclimating to a new job, embracing the stoic principles to keep steady when life gets choppy, and recognizing the symbiotic dance of control and chance. Alex, with his seasoned insights, becomes an indispensable crew member as we chart these seas.

    This odyssey isn't just about the corporate climb; it's a philosophical journey questioning the very nature of luck and effort. We ponder if our destinies are a roll of the dice or the result of our painstaking endeavors. From the microcosm of our personal career arcs to the vast expanses of the Fermi Paradox, we weigh the scales of fate and action. Through tales of personal growth and stoic wisdom, we explore how a singular effort can ripple across the universe, akin to the subtle but powerful techniques of Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

    As we dock at the end of our voyage, we're not just left with insights but a heartfelt appreciation for the journey and our fellow travelers. A special thanks to Alex for his invaluable compass of knowledge, and to you, our listeners, for being part of this expedition. We sign off with a gentle reminder: always check if you're on mute before sharing your wisdom. Set sail with us again for another enlightening discussion on Corporate Strategy, where we promise the murmurs between the waves hold the deepest insights.

    Everything Corporate Strategy:
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    Elevator Music by Julian Avila
    Promoted by MrSnooze

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    40 mins
  • 115. It's Overwhelming
    Apr 1 2024

    Chasing fluency in Japanese and Chinese taught me that mastering a language—or any complex skill—is a marathon, not a sprint. This episode peels back the curtain on the dedication needed to conquer new tongues and the subtle dynamics of workplace communication that go beyond the mythical "10,000-hour rule." Join me as I revisit my own journey with language learning, unpack strategies for decluttering mind-numbing schedules, and dive into the impact of pressing pause on the email and meeting frenzy that often overwhelms us post-vacation.

    Have you ever felt the crushing weight of an unbearable workload or the frustration of constant priority shifts? I've been there, and in this episode, I open up about the startup life, where rapid context switching is part of the daily grind. We explore the fine art of acknowledging when we're stretched too thin and why sometimes failing to meet expectations can pave the way to a career path more aligned with our values and mental well-being. Plus, we navigate through the choppy waters of managing sudden work interruptions that can throw your day into chaos, offering strategies to keep your head above water and even thrive amidst the madness.

    In a world where who you support and who supports you can make or break your career trajectory, we spotlight the strategic importance of backing the work of colleagues we respect. I share candidly about leaning on trusted work alliances and how this reciprocity can fast-track our climb up the corporate ladder. By the episode's close, you'll have a fresh perspective on balancing tactical task management with the necessity of a strategic vision for a rewarding professional journey, all while admitting that sometimes, those productivity books are best served in summary form.

    Everything Corporate Strategy:
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    Elevator Music by Julian Avila
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    50 mins
  • 114: Take a Vacation
    Mar 25 2024

    Ever found yourself nodding along to a friend's tales of misdiagnosed ailments or dietary no-nos? That's where Bruce and I, Clark, kick off our latest chat, taking you through the maze of life's unexpected twists. We swap stories of health hiccups and embracing acceptance, sharing how we've learned to juggle the worry balls life tosses our way. And since laughter's the best medicine, we even find time to chuckle over our shared love for the show "Andor" while on the mend.

    But it's not all medical charts and chicken soup; the tech world is buzzing, and so are we. We're dissecting the groundbreaking news of the first human Neuralink implant – the stuff of sci-fi is our reality, folks. Imagine controlling devices with a mere thought! However, it's not all about the wow factor; we ponder the ethical implications of such technology and whether we'd willingly become cyborgs for convenience. Plus, we're digressing into how nanotech could change our sensory experiences and maybe, just maybe, make vacation planning a breeze.

    Speaking of which, who hasn't returned to a monstrous email pile post-vacation? We've been there, done that, and are ready to share our battle tactics for managing work-life balance. From setting boundaries and out-of-office messages to the sweet satisfaction of finding your team's kicked goals without you, we're dishing out tips to make sure your time off is actual time off. Tune in for advice, anecdotes, and good humor as Bruce and I navigate the balancing act of work, wellness, and the wonders of technology.

    Everything Corporate Strategy:
    All the links!

    Elevator Music by Julian Avila
    Promoted by MrSnooze

    Don't forget ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ it helps!

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    45 mins
  • 113: Office v Remote v Hybrid, The Future is Unclear
    Mar 11 2024

    Ever wondered how ditching your morning espresso could turbocharge your routine? Bruce and Clark, your guides to the maze of corporate strategy and personal well-being, are on hand to spill the beans on that—and more. We'll traverse the terrains of health, caffeine, and their influences on our work lives, sharing our very own trials and triumphs. From stomach woes to the elation of a caffeinated Clark, we dive into the world of self-experimentation and share a secret article from Business Insider with our Discord community members.

    Strap on your debate helmets as we grapple with the trendiest battle in today’s workplace: remote vs. in-person work. How does true productivity bloom, and can face-to-face collaboration really be replaced? We explore the hybrid model's promise as a beacon of balance in the work environment, and question the enduring equation of office presence and professional triumph. Prepare for an exhilarating ride through the corporate real estate landscape, and discover why the future might just be in the flexibility of where we work.

    As our episode winds down, we don't just predict the future of work; we imagine it with you. The crystal ball is clear—happiness and job satisfaction are the new productivity fuel. We consider the lure of living near loved ones and the draw of affordable cities while pondering company policies that could keep top talents thriving. And while we may have ventured into 'Rambo nonsense' territory, rest assured, it's all in the spirit of reimagining the world of work. So, join us. It's more than a conversation; it's a journey to the heart of corporate evolution.

    Everything Corporate Strategy:
    All the links!

    Elevator Music by Julian Avila
    Promoted by MrSnooze

    Don't forget ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ it helps!

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    41 mins