Wise Up with OpenWater

Leading the Loop: How to Use AI Without Losing Your Edge – With Carl Loeb

Artificial intelligence can make us faster, more productive, and more efficient. But what happens when we start outsourcing not just our work—but our judgment? In this episode, I speak with strategist and creative leader Carl Loeb about the growing risk of "cognitive surrender" and how professionals can use AI without losing the uniquely human capabilities that create real value. Drawing on research, practical examples, and his own experience integrating AI into creative work, Carl offers a framework for staying in control while taking advantage of these powerful new tools. We cover topics including: * Why deadline pressure, confirmation bias, and AI "sycophancy" can lead people to trust bad answers * The difference between being "in the loop" and "leading the loop" when working with AI * Why originality, judgment, taste, emotional intelligence, and point of view remain uniquely human advantages If you're trying to figure out how to use AI without becoming dependent on it, this conversation provides a thoughtful and practical roadmap. The Wise Up! Podcast is your regular dose of business wisdom, brought to you by the members of OpenWater.

The Strength Behind Success – with Denis Champagne

What if the biggest threat to your business performance isn't market conditions, competition, or technology—but the gradual decline of your own capacity? In this episode, I speak with entrepreneur, coach, and former competitive athlete Denis Champagne about the connection between physical strength, mental resilience, personal alignment, and long-term success. Drawing on more than 35 years in business and a lifetime of athletic competition, Denis shares why leaders must treat themselves as their most important asset—and why discipline ultimately matters more than motivation. We cover topics including: * Why "refusing decline" begins with making—and sticking to—difficult decisions * How physical strength creates the capacity to recover from setbacks, adapt to change, and sustain performance over time * Why structure and discipline outperform motivation when it comes to achieving lasting personal and professional growth If you've ever felt overwhelmed, fragmented, or simply less effective than you once were, this conversation offers a practical framework for rebuilding capacity from the inside out. The Wise Up! Podcast is your regular dose of business wisdom, brought to you by the members of OpenWater.

Always Be Connecting – with Sharon Schanzer

What if the real secret to business development isn’t selling at all, but building genuine, friction-free relationships over time? In this episode, I speak with entrepreneur, implementation expert, and self-described “superconnector” Sharon Schanzer about the hidden mechanics of networking, execution, and sustainable business growth. Drawing on decades of experience spanning design, technology, consulting, and community-building, Sharon shares why connection is a long game, why most people underestimate the work of business development, and how generalists are becoming increasingly valuable in a specialized world. We cover topics including: * Why “always be connecting” matters more than “always be closing” * How friction-free communication and follow-through create trust, referrals, and opportunity * Why execution—not just ideas—is the real differentiator for entrepreneurs and organizations If you’ve ever struggled with networking, pipeline-building, or turning ideas into action, this conversation offers a refreshingly practical perspective on what actually moves business forward. The Wise Up! Podcast is your regular dose of business wisdom, brought to you by the members of OpenWater.

Rethinking Cost as a Growth Strategy – with Jeff Peduto

What if the fastest path to growth isn’t chasing new revenue, but improving the profitability already inside your business? In this episode, I speak with operations executive and cost optimization advisor Jeff Peduto about why cost optimization should be treated as a strategic growth lever—not just a reactive cost-cutting exercise. Drawing on decades of experience leading operational transformation and business optimization, Jeff explains how organizations can uncover hidden inefficiencies, improve supplier spend, protect margins, and create lasting operational discipline. We cover topics including: * Why cost optimization is a growth strategy—and how smarter supplier management and operational efficiency can unlock meaningful working capital and EBITDA improvement * Why improvement programs often fail over time, and how accountability, operating discipline, and ownership make results stick * How a pay-for-performance consulting model aligns incentives around outcomes, not activity—reducing risk while increasing trust and execution If your business is working hard but margins still feel tighter than they should, this conversation offers a practical roadmap for creating stronger financial performance. The Wise Up! Podcast is your regular dose of business wisdom, brought to you by the members of OpenWater.

Tying Profit to People – with Jared Koesten

What if your organization’s margin challenges, client churn, or execution gaps aren’t operational problems at all, but leadership ones? In this episode, I speak with executive coach and fractional leader Jared Koesten about how aligning people, process, and strategy unlocks measurable business performance. Drawing on decades as a global CHRO and advisor to CEOs, Jared shares a practical framework for eliminating friction, achieving greater team engagement and strengthening leadership EQ. We cover topics including: * Why clarity, alignment, processes and systems (“CAPS”) are the foundation of sustainable growth * How operating rhythm can exposes (and help resolve) hidden financial and organizational friction * The difference between strategic ambiguity in branding—and the danger of ambiguity in leadership If you’ve ever been told to “just fix it,” this conversation offers a smarter, more durable way forward for leaders to inspire engagement and achieve sustainable improvements to their businesses. The Wise Up! Podcast is your regular dose of business wisdom, brought to you by the members of OpenWater.