Welcome to The Digital Transformist with Mike LaVista! In today's episode, we have the incredible Karen Todd sharing her inspiring journey of building her companies, including her current role as CEO and founder of Aurore Financial Group. Karen delves into her background in the real estate industry and how her company focuses on GP investments in sponsors who specialize in areas like multi-family, self-storage, and the booming data center industry. She discusses the importance of following genius investors and surrounding herself with trendsetters to spot the next big opportunities.

Karen's story is a testament to perseverance and resilience, as she shares her beginnings in real estate and flipping houses to put herself through college. She credits her entrepreneurial spirit to her upbringing in an entrepreneurial family and her unwavering determination to succeed. Karen's journey from humble beginnings to the heights of success is a true inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs. Join us as we dive into Karen's remarkable story and learn valuable insights on spotting trends, building successful businesses, and never giving up on your dreams.

Don't miss out on this engaging conversation with Karen Todd, where she shares her wisdom, experiences, and the importance of perseverance in the world of entrepreneurship. Tune in to The Digital Transformist for a dose of inspiration and valuable insights from a trailblazing entrepreneur like Karen. Subscribe now and join us on this exciting journey of transformation and growth!

Listeners can get in touch with Karen Todd through LinkedIn and Aurore Financial Group.

Michael can be found at https://caxy.com and his podcast The Digital Transformist https://www.youtube.com/@DigitalTransformistPodcast

Michael's book, Superpowered: 7 Leadership Superpowers Technology Executives Can Use to Grow a More Engaged, Tech-driven and Profitable Organization, can be found on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Superpowered-Essential-Leadership-Technology-Executives/dp/1735504904

CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Introduction to Karen Todd
01:01 - Focus on Multi-Family Real Estate
01:35 - Spotting Investment Opportunities
02:14 - Surrounding Yourself with Visionaries
03:24 - Journey into Real Estate and Brokerage
04:59 - Perseverance Through Financial Challenges
06:20 - Building Companies and Helping Others
08:05 - Lessons Learned from Adversity
09:40 - Balancing Entrepreneurship and Family
11:15 - Future Plans and Growth Strategies

Welcome to The Digital Transformist! In this episode, we have the dynamic CEO of Gemini Builds It, Courtney Wright, joining us for an exciting conversation. Courtney shares a captivating story of how she reconnected with our host, Mike, after years of being in different circles, and how their chance encounter led to this engaging discussion. Gemini Builds It is a US-based manufacturing company specializing in custom framing and casework for museums, institutions, and colleges across the country.

Courtney takes us through her journey of pivoting her business during the challenging times of COVID-19, showcasing the importance of spotting opportunities and adapting to changing circumstances. She shares insightful advice for CEOs looking to gain a competitive edge by exploring adjacent spaces and making bold moves. Courtney's story is a perfect blend of luck and skill, demonstrating the power of strategic thinking and proactive decision-making in times of uncertainty.

Join us as we dive deep into Courtney's inspiring narrative, filled with lessons on resilience, innovation, and the art of seizing opportunities. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or an aspiring leader, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of business. Don't miss out on this thought-provoking conversation with a visionary leader who is reshaping the industry one bold move at a time!

Listeners can get in touch with Courtney Wright, CEO of Gemini Builds It, by visiting the company's website or contacting them through their social media channels.

Michael can be found at https://caxy.com and his podcast The Digital Transformist https://www.youtube.com/@DigitalTransformistPodcast

Michael's book, Superpowered: 7 Leadership Superpowers Technology Executives Can Use to Grow a More Engaged, Tech-driven and Profitable Organization, can be found on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Superpowered-Essential-Leadership-Technology-Executives/dp/1735504904

CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Introduction to Courtney Wright and Gemini Builds It
02:12 - Spotting Opportunities During COVID
03:26 - Taking Action During COVID
04:41 - Seizing the Opportunity with Costco
05:56 - Adapting Business Strategy During COVID
06:44 - Lessons Learned from Acting Swiftly
07:55 - Embracing Challenges and Stimulating Growth
09:03 - Building a Nimble and Creative Team
10:18 - Navigating Uncertainty with Confidence
11:29 - Sustaining Success Beyond COVID
12:15 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Our guest, Matt, the head of talent at our company, shares some eye-opening statistics about the impending changes in the labor market. With 2.7 million boomers expected to retire by 2030, there is a growing gap in the workforce that needs to be filled by millennials and Gen Z. Manufacturing and skilled labor positions are in high demand, with 450,000 jobs currently open and more to come in the future.

We also discuss the role of technology in the workforce and how it can augment, rather than replace, human workers. As we look towards the future, it's clear that finding better ways to work is essential for the success of industries like trades and manufacturing. So, if you're considering a career change or simply curious about the changing landscape of work, this podcast episode is a must-listen. Join us as we explore the exciting world of career transitions and the opportunities that lie ahead.

Listeners can get in touch with the guest, Matt, through the company's website or by reaching out to the podcast host.

Michael can be found at https://caxy.com and his podcast The Digital Transformist https://www.youtube.com/@DigitalTransformistPodcast

Michael's book, Superpowered: 7 Leadership Superpowers Technology Executives Can Use to Grow a More Engaged, Tech-driven and Profitable Organization, can be found on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Superpowered-Essential-Leadership-Technology-Executives/dp/1735504904

CHAPTERS:
00:00 - The Desire for Change
01:11 - The Impact of Labor Market Changes
02:30 - Augmenting Jobs with Technology
03:28 - The Imperative of Automation
04:33 - Optimizing Work Processes
05:48 - Efficiency for Growth
06:23 - Breaking the Stigma of Trades
07:33 - Finding Top Talent
08:12 - Embracing Modernization
09:05 - Overcoming Barriers to Entry
10:20 - Creating Opportunities for Success
11:15 - Adapting to the Changing Workforce