Financial Freedom Podcast with Dr. Christopher H. Loo, MD-PhD

Executive alignment is the secret weapon behind great startup products—but most founders and tech leaders don’t know how to achieve it. In this episode, Tamara Adlin shares decades of insights from startup consulting, UX leadership, and coaching C-suite dysfunction to reveal the real reasons product teams get stuck—and how to get them unstuck. If you’ve struggled with shifting goals, internal chaos, or last-minute changes from leadership, this episode gives you actionable frameworks and fresh language to clarify direction and calm the storm. Tamara’s “five executive conversations” model helps early stage companies achieve startup team alignment, avoid building the wrong thing, and ship with confidence. You’ll learn how to stop launching your organizational design by accident, create product personas that actually influence decisions, and prevent leadership chaos from derailing your product vision. This is more than UX design—this is startup survival strategy. Whether you’re in product management, part of a chaotic team, or leading a transformation effort, this conversation will give you tools and clarity to help your team align and thrive. Timestamps (21:18) 0:00 – Welcome & Tamara Adlin’s background in UX and startups 1:40 – Who Tamara helps today and why alignment is evolving 4:00 – Introducing “tornadoes” that destroy products 6:10 – What executive alignment really means and how to achieve it 8:30 – The 5 critical conversations every team must have 11:00 – Personas redefined for decision-making 13:30 – Conway’s Law, product chaos & why startups fail 15:00 – Why we end up “launching the org chart” 17:00 – UX, mobile-first thinking, and real-world product impact 19:30 – Preventing failure through alignment and shared understanding 20:30 – Where to connect with Tamara (LinkedIn, podcast, Never Search Alone) #ExecutiveAlignment #TamaraAdlin #StartupConsulting #UXDesign #ProductManagement #TeamAlignment #CorporateUnderpants #Personas #ConwaysLaw #CLevelCoaching #StartupLeadership #EarlyStageStartups #LeadershipAlignment #TechPodcast To check out the YouTube (video podcast), visit: https://www.youtube.com/@drchrisloomdphd [https://www.youtube.com/@drchrisloomdphd] Disclaimer: Not advice. Educational purposes only. Not an endorsement for or against. Results not vetted. Views of the guests do not represent those of the host or show.   Click here to join PodMatch (the "AirBNB" of Podcasting): https://www.joinpodmatch.com/drchrisloomdphd [https://www.joinpodmatch.com/drchrisloomdphd] We couldn’t do it without the support of our listeners. To help support the show: CashApp- https://cash.app/$drchrisloomdphd [https://cash.app/$drchrisloomdphd] Venmo- https://account.venmo.com/u/Chris-Loo-4 [https://account.venmo.com/u/Chris-Loo-4] Spotify- https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-loo/support [https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-loo/support] Buy Me a Coffee- https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chrisJx [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chrisJx] Click here to schedule a 1-on-1 private coaching call: https://www.drchrisloomdphd.com/book-online [https://www.drchrisloomdphd.com/book-online] Click here to check out our bookstore, e-courses, and workshops: https://www.drchrisloomdphd.com/shop [https://www.drchrisloomdphd.com/shop] Click here to purchase my books on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2PaQn4p [https://amzn.to/2PaQn4p] For audiobooks, visit: https://www.audible.com/author/Christopher-H-Loo-MD-PhD/B07WFKBG1F [https://www.audible.com/author/Christopher-H-Loo-MD-PhD/B07WFKBG1F] Follow our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/chL1357 [https://www.youtube.com/chL1357] Follow us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/drchrisloomdphd [https://www.twitter.com/drchrisloomdphd] Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thereal_drchrisloo [https://www.instagram.com/thereal_drchrisloo] Follow our Blog: https://www.drchrisloomdphd.com/blog [https://www.drchrisloomdphd.com/blog] Follow the podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3NkM6US7cjsiAYTBjWGdx6?si=1da9d0a17be14d18 [https://open.spotify.com/show/3NkM6US7cjsiAYTBjWGdx6?si=1da9d0a17be14d18] Subscribe to our Substack newsletter: https://substack.com/@drchrisloomdphd1 [https://substack.com/@drchrisloomdphd1] Subscribe to our Medium newsletter: https://medium.com/@drchrisloomdphd [https://medium.com/@drchrisloomdphd] Subscribe to our LinkedIn newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=6992935013231071233 [https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=6992935013231071233] Subscribe to our email list: https://financial-freedom-podcast-with-dr-loo.kit.com/ [https://financial-freedom-podcast-with-dr-loo.kit.com/] Thank you to all of our sponsors and advertisers that help support the show! Financial Freedom for Physicians, Copyright 2025

Career narrative isn’t just about resumes anymore — it’s about storytelling with purpose. In this episode, we dive deep with seasoned executive Steve Sopko, whose journey spans from Fortune 100 giants to the cutting edge of the space industry. Steve unpacks the real reason executive coaching matters in a post-AI workforce, how to reverse job obsolescence, and why embracing leadership transformation is non-negotiable in today’s economy. If you're struggling to translate your work history into a compelling story, or you're trying to escape the fear-based corporate culture, this conversation gives you frameworks and narrative coaching strategies to help you align your strengths with what the job market actually needs. For entrepreneurs scaling operations, Steve shares his "sales plumber" approach to sales funnel optimization and how to remove friction in high-growth environments. We also explore how leaders can rethink their value in the face of AI career impact, and why the rise of space industry innovation is an opportunity for generalists who know how to tell the right story. Whether you're pivoting roles, navigating the future of work, or just want to make your experience make sense, this episode delivers the insights and tactical wisdom you've been searching for. 00:00 - Welcome & Introduction to Steve Sopko 01:00 - Career origins: Soviet negotiations & Fortune 100 03:00 - Breaking from fear-based leadership 05:00 - Surviving job obsolescence & embracing reinvention 07:00 - Balancing niche focus with versatile skills 09:00 - The real pain point of sales processes 10:00 - Executive profile: who Steve helps and how 12:00 - Leveraging AI in business & coaching 14:00 - Cultural barriers to AI adoption 15:00 - Reframing your career narrative 17:00 - Hard lessons from failed ventures 18:00 - Thoughts on Oracle, Cerner & healthcare tech 19:00 - Government, innovation, and founder ecosystems 20:00 - Final thoughts + where to find Steve To check out the YouTube (video podcast), visit: https://www.youtube.com/@drchrisloomdphd [https://www.youtube.com/@drchrisloomdphd] Disclaimer: Not advice. Educational purposes only. Not an endorsement for or against. Results not vetted. Views of the guests do not represent those of the host or show.   Click here to join PodMatch (the "AirBNB" of Podcasting): https://www.joinpodmatch.com/drchrisloomdphd [https://www.joinpodmatch.com/drchrisloomdphd] We couldn’t do it without the support of our listeners. To help support the show: CashApp- https://cash.app/$drchrisloomdphd [https://cash.app/$drchrisloomdphd] Venmo- https://account.venmo.com/u/Chris-Loo-4 [https://account.venmo.com/u/Chris-Loo-4] Spotify- https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-loo/support [https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-loo/support] Buy Me a Coffee- https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chrisJx [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chrisJx] Click here to schedule a 1-on-1 private coaching call: https://www.drchrisloomdphd.com/book-online [https://www.drchrisloomdphd.com/book-online] Click here to check out our bookstore, e-courses, and workshops: https://www.drchrisloomdphd.com/shop [https://www.drchrisloomdphd.com/shop] Click here to purchase my books on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2PaQn4p [https://amzn.to/2PaQn4p] For audiobooks, visit: https://www.audible.com/author/Christopher-H-Loo-MD-PhD/B07WFKBG1F [https://www.audible.com/author/Christopher-H-Loo-MD-PhD/B07WFKBG1F] Follow our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/chL1357 [https://www.youtube.com/chL1357] Follow us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/drchrisloomdphd [https://www.twitter.com/drchrisloomdphd] Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thereal_drchrisloo [https://www.instagram.com/thereal_drchrisloo] Follow us on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@thereal_drchrisloo [https://www.threads.net/@thereal_drchrisloo] Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drchrisloomddphd [https://www.tiktok.com/@drchrisloomddphd] Follow our Blog: https://www.drchrisloomdphd.com/blog [https://www.drchrisloomdphd.com/blog] Follow the podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3NkM6US7cjsiAYTBjWGdx6?si=1da9d0a17be14d18 [https://open.spotify.com/show/3NkM6US7cjsiAYTBjWGdx6?si=1da9d0a17be14d18] Subscribe to our Substack newsletter: https://substack.com/@drchrisloomdphd1 [https://substack.com/@drchrisloomdphd1] Subscribe to our Medium newsletter: https://medium.com/@drchrisloomdphd [https://medium.com/@drchrisloomdphd] Subscribe to our LinkedIn newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=6992935013231071233 [https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=6992935013231071233] Subscribe to our email list: https://financial-freedom-podcast-with-dr-loo.kit.com/ [https://financial-freedom-podcast-with-dr-loo.kit.com/] Thank you to all of our sponsors and advertisers that help support the show! Financial Freedom for Physicians, Copyright 2025

Business acquisition strategy isn’t just about buying companies—it’s about finding overlooked value, building operational strength, and avoiding costly mistakes. In this episode, investor and operator Jon McLaughlin shares battle-tested insights on how to acquire, fix, and scale companies others miss. If you’re an entrepreneur, search funder, or legacy business owner, this episode helps you solve common problems: burnout, stalled growth, and unclear succession. Jon lays out practical steps for effective business succession planning, scaling small business growth, and avoiding the flashy-but-risky pitfalls of private equity vs venture capital. We dive into his playbook for choosing the right acquisitions, the red flags to avoid, and why most first-time buyers get it wrong. You’ll also hear how Jon built an aviation SaaS company from the ground up, and how real operators use AI in business operations to streamline—not complicate—value creation. Whether you’re exploring startup mentorship, evaluating software as a service models, or studying timeless business frameworks, Jon’s experience offers a grounded, real-world business turnaround strategy that aligns with today’s toughest challenges—and tomorrow’s biggest opportunities. Timestamps: ⏱️ Timestamps (26:26 Total): 0:00 – Welcome & intro to Jon McLaughlin 1:05 – Global journey: Costa Rica to Wall Street to Nepal 2:15 – Transitioning into business acquisition 3:30 – What Jon looks for in a business deal 4:45 – Personas Jon helps: sellers, stuck founders, first-time buyers 6:00 – Story behind Interra (wildfire SaaS) & TBX (aviation SaaS) 7:15 – Finding success in the “no man’s land” between PE and VC 9:00 – How business strategy has evolved since the 1900s 11:00 – Teaching through historical business frameworks 12:30 – The truth about software as a service (SaaS) today 14:20 – Why SaaS fails when you stop innovating 15:15 – Using AI in business operations the right way 17:00 – Why AI is not the answer unless your foundation is solid 18:30 – What most people get wrong about buying a business 20:00 – “Don’t Die”: the real rule of business 21:15 – Red flags in risky deals: single customers, no processes 22:40 – What people underestimate about operational complexity 24:00 – Backpacking lessons for business and life 25:30 – How to connect with Jon and explore his ventures To check out the YouTube (video podcast), visit: https://www.youtube.com/@drchrisloomdphd [https://www.youtube.com/@drchrisloomdphd] Disclaimer: Not advice. Educational purposes only. Not an endorsement for or against. Results not vetted. Views of the guests do not represent those of the host or show.   Click here to join PodMatch (the "AirBNB" of Podcasting): https://www.joinpodmatch.com/drchrisloomdphd [https://www.joinpodmatch.com/drchrisloomdphd] We couldn’t do it without the support of our listeners. To help support the show: CashApp- https://cash.app/$drchrisloomdphd [https://cash.app/$drchrisloomdphd] Venmo- https://account.venmo.com/u/Chris-Loo-4 [https://account.venmo.com/u/Chris-Loo-4] Spotify- https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-loo/support [https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-loo/support] Buy Me a Coffee- https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chrisJx [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chrisJx] Click here to purchase my books on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2PaQn4p [https://amzn.to/2PaQn4p] For audiobooks, visit: https://www.audible.com/author/Christopher-H-Loo-MD-PhD/B07WFKBG1F [https://www.audible.com/author/Christopher-H-Loo-MD-PhD/B07WFKBG1F] Follow our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/chL1357 [https://www.youtube.com/chL1357] Follow us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/drchrisloomdphd [https://www.twitter.com/drchrisloomdphd] Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thereal_drchrisloo [https://www.instagram.com/thereal_drchrisloo] Follow the podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3NkM6US7cjsiAYTBjWGdx6?si=1da9d0a17be14d18 [https://open.spotify.com/show/3NkM6US7cjsiAYTBjWGdx6?si=1da9d0a17be14d18] Subscribe to our Substack newsletter: https://substack.com/@drchrisloomdphd1 [https://substack.com/@drchrisloomdphd1] Subscribe to our Medium newsletter: https://medium.com/@drchrisloomdphd [https://medium.com/@drchrisloomdphd] Subscribe to our LinkedIn newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=6992935013231071233 [https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=6992935013231071233] Subscribe to our email list: https://financial-freedom-podcast-with-dr-loo.kit.com/ [https://financial-freedom-podcast-with-dr-loo.kit.com/] Thank you to all of our sponsors and advertisers that help support the show! Financial Freedom for Physicians, Copyright 2025

Digital transformation in ERP is one of the most pressing and misunderstood challenges facing mid-market businesses today. In this episode, we’re joined by veteran consultant Tory Bjorklund, CEO of VictoriaFi, to uncover why ERP projects fail, how to avoid common traps, and what leadership must do differently to succeed. If you’re a business leader, IT manager, or operations director struggling with ERP implementation, this episode speaks directly to your challenges. Tory draws on 30+ years of experience advising manufacturing and distribution companies to unpack what really drives success in manufacturing digital transformation—and it’s not the software. You’ll hear how failed projects often stem from poor planning and misplaced ownership, how executive teams can reclaim strategic direction, and why business process improvement must guide every technical decision. Tory also breaks down how MES and WMS systems fit into a broader transformation roadmap, and why IT vs business leadership alignment is mission-critical. We also dive into the emerging role of AI in digital transformation, especially in diagnosing stalled initiatives, monitoring project burndown, and ensuring your data tells the truth. For anyone navigating enterprise software failure rates, Tory’s real-world insight provides both the diagnosis and the prescription. Whether you're stuck at 80% completion or planning your first rollout, this episode delivers the clarity, strategy, and leadership wisdom you need to move forward with confidence. Timestamps: 0:00 – Intro & Tory Bjorklund’s background 1:05 – Who VictoriaFi serves: Mid-size companies in manufacturing & distribution 2:20 – What ERP, MES, and WMS systems actually mean 4:55 – Why so many digital transformation projects fail 6:40 – Symptoms of struggling ERP implementations 8:45 – Knowing when to pivot vs. when to persist 10:10 – How AI tools can identify project failure early 12:30 – Adapting digital strategies for a changing business landscape 14:45 – The critical role of business leadership vs. IT 16:20 – Why software alone is not a strategy 18:10 – Metrics that matter: revenue per FTE and real ROI 20:00 – How to connect with Tory Bjorklund To check out the YouTube (video podcast), visit: https://www.youtube.com/@drchrisloomdphd [https://www.youtube.com/@drchrisloomdphd] Disclaimer: Not advice. Educational purposes only. Not an endorsement for or against. Results not vetted. Views of the guests do not represent those of the host or show.   Click here to join PodMatch (the "AirBNB" of Podcasting): https://www.joinpodmatch.com/drchrisloomdphd [https://www.joinpodmatch.com/drchrisloomdphd] We couldn’t do it without the support of our listeners. To help support the show: CashApp- https://cash.app/$drchrisloomdphd [https://cash.app/$drchrisloomdphd] Venmo- https://account.venmo.com/u/Chris-Loo-4 [https://account.venmo.com/u/Chris-Loo-4] Spotify- https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-loo/support [https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-loo/support] Buy Me a Coffee- https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chrisJx [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chrisJx] Click here to check out our bookstore, e-courses, and workshops: https://www.drchrisloomdphd.com/shop [https://www.drchrisloomdphd.com/shop] Click here to purchase my books on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2PaQn4p [https://amzn.to/2PaQn4p] For audiobooks, visit: https://www.audible.com/author/Christopher-H-Loo-MD-PhD/B07WFKBG1F [https://www.audible.com/author/Christopher-H-Loo-MD-PhD/B07WFKBG1F] Follow our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/chL1357 [https://www.youtube.com/chL1357] Follow us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/drchrisloomdphd [https://www.twitter.com/drchrisloomdphd] Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thereal_drchrisloo [https://www.instagram.com/thereal_drchrisloo] Follow the podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3NkM6US7cjsiAYTBjWGdx6?si=1da9d0a17be14d18 [https://open.spotify.com/show/3NkM6US7cjsiAYTBjWGdx6?si=1da9d0a17be14d18] Subscribe to our Substack newsletter: https://substack.com/@drchrisloomdphd1 [https://substack.com/@drchrisloomdphd1] Subscribe to our Medium newsletter: https://medium.com/@drchrisloomdphd [https://medium.com/@drchrisloomdphd] Subscribe to our LinkedIn newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=6992935013231071233 [https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=6992935013231071233] Subscribe to our email list: https://financial-freedom-podcast-with-dr-loo.kit.com/ [https://financial-freedom-podcast-with-dr-loo.kit.com/] Thank you to all of our sponsors and advertisers that help support the show! Financial Freedom for Physicians, Copyright 2025

If you’re researching how to start a podcast, this episode featuring Dave Campbell will give you the tools, clarity, and confidence to begin today. With over 6 years of experience and 9 shows under his belt, Dave walks you through the exact steps new creators need to take. Whether you’re exploring podcasting for beginners or already experimenting with ideas, Dave’s approach will help you grow your podcast audience, connect more deeply through podcast community building, and avoid common mistakes like burnout or podfade. You’ll discover how to choose your format, how much gear is really necessary (spoiler: not much!), and the importance of aligning your show with your goals—whether it's to monetize your podcast, support your coaching brand, or expand your reach as a thought leader. This episode is especially helpful for: * Coaches, speakers, and experts interested in podcasting for thought leaders * Entrepreneurs wondering how to get ROI from audio content * Beginners seeking clarity on podcasting equipment basics * Hosts or guests who want to deliver maximum value and follow best podcast guest tips Dave shares how podcast content strategy and community engagement can fuel long-term growth, while tools like SpeakPipe and Buy Me a Coffee can create audience connection and sustainability. If you're struggling with staying consistent or finding your message, Dave's calm, strategic framework offers both mindset and method. 00:00 – Welcome & Introduction to Dave Campbell 01:20 – Why Podcasting Still Works in 2025 03:10 – Who Should (or Shouldn’t) Start a Podcast 05:15 – Dave’s Advice for Podcasting Beginners 07:35 – Creating a Community Around Your Show 09:25 – Tips to Grow Your Podcast Audience 11:40 – Avoiding Podfade & Staying Committed 14:00 – Podcast Guest Etiquette & Setup Tips 16:10 – Monetizing, Giving Back & Using Listener Tools 18:10 – Where to Find Dave + Final Advice To check out the YouTube (video podcast), visit: https://www.youtube.com/@drchrisloomdphd [https://www.youtube.com/@drchrisloomdphd] Disclaimer: Not advice. Educational purposes only. Not an endorsement for or against. Results not vetted. Views of the guests do not represent those of the host or show.   Click here to join PodMatch (the "AirBNB" of Podcasting): https://www.joinpodmatch.com/drchrisloomdphd [https://www.joinpodmatch.com/drchrisloomdphd] We couldn’t do it without the support of our listeners. To help support the show: CashApp- https://cash.app/$drchrisloomdphd [https://cash.app/$drchrisloomdphd] Venmo- https://account.venmo.com/u/Chris-Loo-4 [https://account.venmo.com/u/Chris-Loo-4] Spotify- https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-loo/support [https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-loo/support] Buy Me a Coffee- https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chrisJx [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chrisJx] Click here to schedule a 1-on-1 private coaching call: https://www.drchrisloomdphd.com/book-online [https://www.drchrisloomdphd.com/book-online] Click here to check out our bookstore, e-courses, and workshops: https://www.drchrisloomdphd.com/shop [https://www.drchrisloomdphd.com/shop] Click here to purchase my books on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2PaQn4p [https://amzn.to/2PaQn4p] For audiobooks, visit: https://www.audible.com/author/Christopher-H-Loo-MD-PhD/B07WFKBG1F [https://www.audible.com/author/Christopher-H-Loo-MD-PhD/B07WFKBG1F] Follow our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/chL1357 [https://www.youtube.com/chL1357] Follow us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/drchrisloomdphd [https://www.twitter.com/drchrisloomdphd] Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thereal_drchrisloo [https://www.instagram.com/thereal_drchrisloo] Follow us on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@thereal_drchrisloo [https://www.threads.net/@thereal_drchrisloo] Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drchrisloomddphd [https://www.tiktok.com/@drchrisloomddphd] Follow our Blog: https://www.drchrisloomdphd.com/blog [https://www.drchrisloomdphd.com/blog] Follow the podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3NkM6US7cjsiAYTBjWGdx6?si=1da9d0a17be14d18 [https://open.spotify.com/show/3NkM6US7cjsiAYTBjWGdx6?si=1da9d0a17be14d18] Subscribe to our Substack newsletter: https://substack.com/@drchrisloomdphd1 [https://substack.com/@drchrisloomdphd1] Subscribe to our Medium newsletter: https://medium.com/@drchrisloomdphd [https://medium.com/@drchrisloomdphd] Subscribe to our LinkedIn newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=6992935013231071233 [https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=6992935013231071233] Subscribe to our email list: https://financial-freedom-podcast-with-dr-loo.kit.com/ [https://financial-freedom-podcast-with-dr-loo.kit.com/] Thank you to all of our sponsors and advertisers that help support the show! Financial Freedom for Physicians, Copyright 2025