Listening With Leaders

Your host, Doug Noll, talks with the Founder and CEO of ShipPlug, Nick DiNatale. Before diving into the shipping world, Nick's career began in public accounting at KPMG. However, his college roommate steered him towards FedEx, recognizing that his accounting expertise could be pivotal in helping business owners navigate their costs. During his 12-year tenure at FedEx, Nick climbed the ranks with six promotions, gaining experience and forming lasting friendships across the country. Eventually, he settled in Miami and embarked on his entrepreneurial journey with ShipPlug.

The idea for ShipPlug was born out of a glaring need in the market. While at FedEx, Nick observed the complexities businesses faced with managing invoices, filing claims, and understanding the myriad of surcharges that made shipping costs a labyrinthine puzzle. Carrier invoices were daunting, often resembling phone books, leaving customers in the dark about their actual expenses. ShipPlug was created to demystify this process, offering clarity and cost-saving opportunities to businesses of all sizes.

The backbone of ShipPlug's success is its robust development team, which has automated complex processes to ensure every shipment is billed correctly. By integrating with customers' Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), ShipPlug can compare quoted charges with actual invoices, ensuring compliance with negotiated contracts. This level of detail is crucial, especially for e-commerce businesses operating on tight margins where a single billing error can wipe out profits.

To learn more about Nick's work, click HERE and HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Want to learn more about Doug's work? Check out his website at https://dougnoll.com

Your host, Doug Noll, talks with the Creator and Host of The Loan Officer Podcast, Dustin Owen. Dustin's journey in the mortgage industry is a testament to the power of perseverance and continuous learning. Starting from an entry-level position, Dustin climbed the ranks to become a senior officer in a large national mortgage company.

He began his career in a modest role, focusing on learning the ropes and understanding the intricacies of the mortgage business. This foundational knowledge proved invaluable as he advanced in his career. Dustin emphasized the importance of staying updated with industry trends and regulations. Regularly attending workshops and seminars, and pursuing relevant certifications can set you apart in this competitive field. Building a robust professional network has been crucial for Dustin's career growth. Engaging with industry peers, joining professional associations, and attending industry events can open doors to new opportunities.

To learn more about Dustin's work, click HERE and HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Want to learn more about Doug's work? Check out his website at https://dougnoll.com

Your host, Doug Noll, talks with the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Brand Castle Growth Partners, Bryan Alston. Bryan's backstory is as intriguing as his career. Growing up in San Francisco, he was introduced to the startup world through an experimental charter school. This early exposure to entrepreneurship paved the way for his leadership role at Dartmouth's rowing team and set the stage for his future endeavors.

After college, Bryan joined The Gap's e-commerce team, a move that showcased his foresight into the potential of online retail. Despite skepticism, he believed in the transformative power of data in informing growth strategies. His journey took him to Los Angeles, where he worked with burgeoning e-commerce startups like Magic Spoon and Our Place, further cementing his expertise in the field.

To learn more about Bryan's work, click HERE and HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Want to learn more about Doug's work? Check out his website at https://dougnoll.com

Your host, Doug Noll, talks with Co-Founders Bridget Sicsko and Lydia Bagarozza of Visibility on Purpose. Bridget and Lydia discuss their company, which helps entrepreneurs and business owners effectively pitch to the media. Bridget shares her transition from corporate sales to holistic healing and yoga teaching, while Lydia recounts her shift from high-pressure music industry PR to supporting sustainable brands. They emphasize the importance of listening and building genuine connections. Their mission is to democratize media access for business owners, providing education on crafting compelling pitches and positioning themselves as experts.

To learn more about Bridget and Lydia's work, click HERE, HERE, and HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Want to learn more about Doug's work? Check out his website at https://dougnoll.com

Your host, Doug Noll, talks with the Chief Solutions Officer of Suitable Solutions, Shanika Palm. Shanika's background is impressive. She spent over two decades in corporate America, including a 15-year stint with the largest healthcare administrator in Alabama. In 2017, she took a leap of faith and founded Suitable Solutions. Her first client was a government contractor in the DMV area (DC, Maryland, Virginia), and since then, she has built a successful business that specializes in helping small businesses in government contracting align their technology with their business goals and improve operational efficiency.

Suitable Solutions is not just another technology consulting firm. They focus on understanding their clients' operational needs and identifying gaps in their technology. They then work to integrate innovative and emerging technology solutions that fit within the client's budget and help them meet their goals. While they serve clients across various industries, their niche is government contracting, particularly in the federal space.

One of the key insights from the conversation was the importance of reflective listening. Shanika explained that echoing back what clients say, helps them hone in on their true goals and needs. Reflective listening involves listening not only to the words being spoken but also to the intended meaning and emotions behind them.

Shanika pointed out that not everyone is a good listener, especially visionaries, owners, and executives who are used to being the ones speaking and being heard. However, she sees this as an opportunity to work with her primary client base and emphasizes the importance of being able to repeat back to clients what they have said so they can hear themselves and better articulate their vision and goals.

To learn more about Shanika's work, click HERE and HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Want to learn more about Doug's work? Check out his website at https://dougnoll.com.