In this episode Dale Thomas discusses his journey from technology roles at Microsoft to AI consulting, emphasizing AI's role in enhancing business operations. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding client needs, exploring ethical AI usage, and the practical application of AI tools like TextCortex and Read.ai. Dale also introduces his book, 'The Ultimate AI Guide to Small Business Success,' aimed at helping business owners navigate AI innovations. Throughout, Dale shares insights on AI strategies, personalized consulting, and how AI can transform traditional businesses for increased efficiency.



Episode Highlights:

02:25 Dale's Journey in Technology and AI

04:19 Target Audience and AI Implementation

06:54 Overcoming AI Fears and Misconceptions

09:54 Developing an AI Strategy

12:53 Impact Stories and Favorite AI Tools

22:21 The Ultimate AI Guide for Small Business Success



Dale Thomas, founder of ActionableOps, is a strategic operations executive and thought leader in AI implementation for small and medium-sized businesses. With a strong ethical focus, Dale integrates advanced technologies to drive innovation. His best-selling book, The Ultimate Guide to Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) for Small Business Success (ISBN: 979-8-218-43445-8), simplifies AI for business leaders of all expertise levels. Rooted in responsible AI practices, Dale's work is shaped by his deep technical knowledge and family values, with his wife Shelagh and daughter Olivia being his biggest supporters. Dale continues to help businesses embrace AI with transparency and integrity.



How to connect with Dale:

Website: actionableops.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dale-thomas/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/actionableops



For more insights:

Follow me on my YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/47GgMdn

Sign up for my Weekly Newsletter:  https://bit.ly/3T09kVc

Sign up for my LinkedIn Newsletter: https://bit.ly/49SmRV3

In this episode Dale Thomas discusses his journey from technology roles at Microsoft to AI consulting, emphasizing AI's role in enhancing business operations. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding client needs, exploring ethical AI usage, and the practical application of AI tools like TextCortex and Read.ai. Dale also introduces his book, 'The Ultimate AI Guide to Small Business Success,' aimed at helping business owners navigate AI innovations. Throughout, Dale shares insights on AI strategies, personalized consulting, and how AI can transform traditional businesses for increased efficiency.
 
Episode Highlights:
02:25 Dale's Journey in Technology and AI
04:19 Target Audience and AI Implementation
06:54 Overcoming AI Fears and Misconceptions
09:54 Developing an AI Strategy
12:53 Impact Stories and Favorite AI Tools
22:21 The Ultimate AI Guide for Small Business Success
 
Dale Thomas, founder of ActionableOps, is a strategic operations executive and thought leader in AI implementation for small and medium-sized businesses. With a strong ethical focus, Dale integrates advanced technologies to drive innovation. His best-selling book, The Ultimate Guide to Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) for Small Business Success (ISBN: 979-8-218-43445-8), simplifies AI for business leaders of all expertise levels. Rooted in responsible AI practices, Dale's work is shaped by his deep technical knowledge and family values, with his wife Shelagh and daughter Olivia being his biggest supporters. Dale continues to help businesses embrace AI with transparency and integrity.
 
How to connect with Dale:
Website: <a href="http://actionableops.com/">actionableops.com</a>
LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/dale-thomas/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/dale-thomas/</a> <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/actionableops">https://www.linkedin.com/company/actionableops</a>
 
For more insights:
Follow me on my YouTube Channel: <a href="https://bit.ly/47GgMdn">https://bit.ly/47GgMdn</a> 
Sign up for my Weekly Newsletter:  <a href="https://bit.ly/3T09kVc">https://bit.ly/3T09kVc</a>
Sign up for my LinkedIn Newsletter: <a href="https://bit.ly/49SmRV3">https://bit.ly/49SmRV3</a>

Inspire your team. Elevate your people. Transform your organization from within.

The most common problem business leaders face is being able to identify a problem before it ripples into the entire organization. As the Drop in CEO I help businesses get to the root of the issue and use 15+ years of proven executive leadership strategies to fix the problem and make way for a brighter future.

Join me, Deborah Coviello, each week as I connect you with CEO’s and industry leaders who are doing the work of transforming their businesses from the inside out. Learn how to be an inspirational leader, take control of your career, and build a strong foundation of purpose.

What if the secret ingredient to your company’s success is you?
Inspirational leadership starts with acknowledging that people are the most important asset in your company. Learn how to identify strengths within others and elevate them to the next level of success.

Inspiration and Insights from Industry Leaders

The Drop In CEO

Dale Thomas: Exploring AI for Small Business Success

In this episode, Erik Visser emphasizes the importance of cultural adaptation, exploring new opportunities, and the mindset needed to turn obstacles into success. Additionally, the conversation covers the complexities of leading international teams, the significance of personal investment, and the need for sustainable practices in the industry. The discussion is filled with insights on leadership, risk-taking, and fostering cohesive, high-performing teams across diverse environments.

 

Episode Highlights:

04:20 The Importance of Taking Risks

08:45 Navigating Cultural Differences in Leadership

18:22 The Power of Persistence: Turning No into Yes

22:13 Think Before You Jump, Then Jump

26:03 Head of the Mouse vs. Lion's Tail

 

Erik Visser is the CEO at Hamlet Protein and an experienced global manager. A graduate of the Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam, Erik built his career working in different Latin America and European countries.

 

With a background in blue chip companies and SME, Erik Visser has gained insight and experience in strategic and operational management. Working with PE ownership he has successfully managed turn around and exit processes.

 

Hamlet Protein is dedicated to the development and marketing of specialty ingredients for young animals. The company has production plants in the US (Findlay, Ohio) and Denmark (Horsens).

 

Learn more about Erik:

Erik’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikvisser/

Hamlet Protein Website: https://www.hamletprotein.com/

 

For more insights:

Follow me on my YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/47GgMdn 

Sign up for my Weekly Newsletter:  https://bit.ly/3T09kVc

Sign up for my LinkedIn Newsletter: https://bit.ly/49SmRV3

In this episode, Erik Visser emphasizes the importance of cultural adaptation, exploring new opportunities, and the mindset needed to turn obstacles into success. Additionally, the conversation covers the complexities of leading international teams, the significance of personal investment, and the need for sustainable practices in the industry. The discussion is filled with insights on leadership, risk-taking, and fostering cohesive, high-performing teams across diverse environments.
&nbsp;
Episode Highlights:
04:20&nbsp;The Importance of Taking Risks
08:45&nbsp;Navigating Cultural Differences in Leadership
18:22&nbsp;The Power of Persistence: Turning No into Yes
22:13&nbsp;Think Before You Jump, Then Jump
26:03&nbsp;Head of the Mouse vs. Lion's Tail
&nbsp;
Erik Visser is the CEO at Hamlet Protein and an experienced global manager. A graduate of the Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam, Erik built his career working in different Latin America and European countries.
&nbsp;
With a background in blue chip companies and SME, Erik Visser has gained insight and experience in strategic and operational management. Working with PE ownership he has successfully managed turn around and exit processes.
&nbsp;
Hamlet Protein is dedicated to the development and marketing of specialty ingredients for young animals. The company has production plants in the US (Findlay, Ohio) and Denmark (Horsens).
&nbsp;
Learn more about Erik:
Erik&rsquo;s LinkedIn:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikvisser/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikvisser/</a>
Hamlet Protein Website:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hamletprotein.com/">https://www.hamletprotein.com/</a>
&nbsp;
For more insights:
Follow me on my YouTube Channel:&nbsp;<a href="https://bit.ly/47GgMdn">https://bit.ly/47GgMdn</a>&nbsp;
Sign up for my Weekly Newsletter:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://bit.ly/3T09kVc">https://bit.ly/3T09kVc</a>
Sign up for my LinkedIn Newsletter:&nbsp;<a href="https://bit.ly/49SmRV3">https://bit.ly/49SmRV3</a>

Erik Visser: Navigating Global Leadership and Career Choices

In this episode, Michel Falcon, a hospitality and restaurant entrepreneur known for his operational expertise, shares his journey from working in a call center for 1-800-GOT-JUNK to opening successful restaurants in Toronto and New York. He discusses key concepts like talent density and pay transparency and how they impact organizational success. Michel emphasizes the importance of a people-first culture and transparent compensation, explaining how these strategies have led to lower employee turnover and higher engagement in his businesses. The conversation highlights Michel's practical initiatives and insights that can be applied across various industries.

 

Episode Highlights:

07:40 The Birth of Brasa Peruvian Kitchen

13:45 Navigating Challenges and Embracing Risk

18:50 The Importance of Company Culture and Customer Experience

25:26 People-First Culture Initiatives at Brasa

34:02 Pay Transparency and Its Benefits

 

Michel Falcon is a hospitality entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and best-selling author of People-First Culture: Build a Lasting Business by Shifting Your Focus from Profits to People. Renowned for creating customer experience, employee engagement, and company culture strategies, Michel’s expertise has guided global brands like McDonald’s, TD Bank, and Lexus. As the founder of Brasa Peruvian Kitchen, he has achieved guest and employee satisfaction rates three times the industry average. A proven practitioner, Michel’s insights have driven multimillion-dollar success in his own ventures, making him a trusted voice for leaders seeking to build profitable, people-centered organizations.

 

How to connect with Michel:

Website:www.brasaperuvian.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelfalcon/
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100017824532830
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/michelfalcon/?hl=en

 

For more insights:

Follow me on my YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/47GgMdn 

Sign up for my Weekly Newsletter:  https://bit.ly/3T09kVc

Sign up for my LinkedIn Newsletter: https://bit.ly/49SmRV3

In this episode, Michel Falcon, a hospitality and restaurant entrepreneur known for his operational expertise, shares his journey from working in a call center for 1-800-GOT-JUNK to opening successful restaurants in Toronto and New York. He discusses key concepts like talent density and pay transparency and how they impact organizational success. Michel emphasizes the importance of a people-first culture and transparent compensation, explaining how these strategies have led to lower employee turnover and higher engagement in his businesses. The conversation highlights Michel's practical initiatives and insights that can be applied across various industries.
&nbsp;
Episode Highlights:
07:40&nbsp;The Birth of Brasa Peruvian Kitchen
13:45&nbsp;Navigating Challenges and Embracing Risk
18:50&nbsp;The Importance of Company Culture and Customer Experience
25:26&nbsp;People-First Culture Initiatives at Brasa
34:02&nbsp;Pay Transparency and Its Benefits
&nbsp;
Michel Falcon is a hospitality entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and best-selling author of People-First Culture: Build a Lasting Business by Shifting Your Focus from Profits to People. Renowned for creating customer experience, employee engagement, and company culture strategies, Michel&rsquo;s expertise has guided global brands like McDonald&rsquo;s, TD Bank, and Lexus. As the founder of Brasa Peruvian Kitchen, he has achieved guest and employee satisfaction rates three times the industry average. A proven practitioner, Michel&rsquo;s insights have driven multimillion-dollar success in his own ventures, making him a trusted voice for leaders seeking to build profitable, people-centered organizations.
&nbsp;
How to connect with Michel:
Website: <a href="http://www.brasaperuvian.com/">www.brasaperuvian.com</a>
LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelfalcon/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelfalcon/</a> Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100017824532830">https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100017824532830</a> Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/michelfalcon/?hl=en">https://www.instagram.com/michelfalcon/?hl=en</a>
&nbsp;
For more insights:
Follow me on my YouTube Channel:&nbsp;<a href="https://bit.ly/47GgMdn">https://bit.ly/47GgMdn</a>&nbsp;
Sign up for my Weekly Newsletter:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://bit.ly/3T09kVc">https://bit.ly/3T09kVc</a>
Sign up for my LinkedIn Newsletter:&nbsp;<a href="https://bit.ly/49SmRV3">https://bit.ly/49SmRV3</a>

Michel Falcon: Building People-First Cultures in Hospitality

In this episode, Pete Vanderveen, an experienced leader in scaling and go-to-market strategies, discusses his journey from building companies in various sectors to transforming and turning around distressed companies. Key themes include the importance of human-centric leadership, understanding the unique strengths of team members, and the pitfalls of traditional corporate structures. Pete shares his holistic approach to problem-solving and the value of empowering employees for sustainable growth. The conversation also touches on servant leadership, the necessity of collaboration, and actionable strategies for operational improvement in small to mid-sized companies.

 

Episode Highlights:

03:25 The Importance of Human-Centric Leadership

08:47 Characteristics of a Healthy Organization

11:39 Pete's Business Model and Approach

15:45 Transformational Leadership and Servant Leadership

 

Pete Vanderveen is the Founder and CEO with over 20 years of expertise in scaling and go-to-market strategies. As a passionate leader, husband, and father, Pete is dedicated to empowering businesses through a hands-on, collaborative approach that guarantees sustainable growth. He doesn’t just advise—he actively works alongside teams to transform distressed companies into high-growth success stories. With a track record of revitalizing over 50 brands and generating more than $500 million in ARR, Pete specializes in solving complex challenges and implementing sound business fundamentals to unlock potential and drive significant returns.

 

How to connect with Pete:

Website:amptgrowthpartners.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-vanderveen/

 

For more insights:

Follow me on my YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/47GgMdn 

Sign up for my Weekly Newsletter:  https://bit.ly/3T09kVc

Sign up for my LinkedIn Newsletter: https://bit.ly/49SmRV3

In this episode, Pete Vanderveen, an experienced leader in scaling and go-to-market strategies, discusses his journey from building companies in various sectors to transforming and turning around distressed companies. Key themes include the importance of human-centric leadership, understanding the unique strengths of team members, and the pitfalls of traditional corporate structures. Pete shares his holistic approach to problem-solving and the value of empowering employees for sustainable growth. The conversation also touches on servant leadership, the necessity of collaboration, and actionable strategies for operational improvement in small to mid-sized companies.
&nbsp;
Episode Highlights:
03:25&nbsp;The Importance of Human-Centric Leadership
08:47&nbsp;Characteristics of a Healthy Organization
11:39&nbsp;Pete's Business Model and Approach
15:45&nbsp;Transformational Leadership and Servant Leadership
&nbsp;
Pete Vanderveen is the Founder and CEO with over 20 years of expertise in scaling and go-to-market strategies. As a passionate leader, husband, and father, Pete is dedicated to empowering businesses through a hands-on, collaborative approach that guarantees sustainable growth. He doesn&rsquo;t just advise&mdash;he actively works alongside teams to transform distressed companies into high-growth success stories. With a track record of revitalizing over 50 brands and generating more than $500 million in ARR, Pete specializes in solving complex challenges and implementing sound business fundamentals to unlock potential and drive significant returns.
&nbsp;
How to connect with Pete:
Website: <a href="http://amptgrowthpartners.com/">amptgrowthpartners.com</a>
LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-vanderveen/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-vanderveen/</a>
&nbsp;
For more insights:
Follow me on my YouTube Channel:&nbsp;<a href="https://bit.ly/47GgMdn">https://bit.ly/47GgMdn</a>&nbsp;
Sign up for my Weekly Newsletter:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://bit.ly/3T09kVc">https://bit.ly/3T09kVc</a>
Sign up for my LinkedIn Newsletter:&nbsp;<a href="https://bit.ly/49SmRV3">https://bit.ly/49SmRV3</a>

Dale Thomas: Exploring AI for Small Business Success

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