The New Rules with Alan Pentz

In this episode of The New Rules, host Alan Pentz is joined by Paul Hodges, Chairman of New Normal, to discuss the insights from the latest PH Report. They explore the impact of demographic shifts on the economy, the challenges of government debt, and the evolving landscape of investment strategies. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that navigates the complexities of today's financial world! * They begin by discussing the impact of demographic shifts, particularly the aging population, on economic growth and consumer behavior. Paul emphasizes how these changes influence spending patterns and the overall economy. * The conversation shifts to the role of government stimulus in the U.S. economy, with Paul arguing that the extensive borrowing and monetary policies have created a precarious situation that could lead to significant challenges ahead. * They examine the contrasting economic situations in the U.S. and China, highlighting how China's rapid growth has come at a cost, leading to potential instability in its economy. * Paul shares insights on the implications of rising interest rates and the return of "bond vigilantes," suggesting that the market is regaining its role in price discovery, which could lead to increased volatility. * The duo discusses the potential for a "soft default" in the U.S., where financial repression might become a tool for managing debt, and the implications this could have for investors and the economy at large. * They also touch on the importance of scenario planning for businesses, emphasizing that the future is uncertain and that companies must prepare for a range of possible outcomes. * Finally, they explore the shift from a commodity-based economy to one focused on services and solutions, particularly in light of changing consumer demands driven by demographic trends. This episode is a thought-provoking exploration of the economic forces at play today, offering valuable insights for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of our financial future. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how these trends may shape the world we live in. Episode Highlights: [00:01:42] The PH Report: A Litmus Test for the Economy [00:08:41] Demographics Drive Economic Change [00:14:34] The Role of Central Banks and Debt [00:19:44] China's Economic Challenges [00:27:29] The Shift from Products to Services [01:00:26] Navigating Uncertainty with Scenario Planning Episode Resources: Alan Pentz on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanpentz]Paul Hodges on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-hodges-b06111/] https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonya-berenson-b8004232/The New Rules with Alan Pentz on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-new-rules-with-alan-pentz] The New Rules Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.so [https://fame.so/?utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=bcast&utm_campaign=nonprofit-connect-with-matt-barnes]  Check out our three most downloaded episodes: * Defining and Tracking Outputs: The Key to Employee Performance with John Seiffer [https://thesmallbusinessmentorpod.com/e/28x0pyl8-defining-tracking-outputs-key-employee-performance-john-seiffer] * Small Business Strategies and Market Dynamics with Jon Matzner, President at Lazy Leverage [https://thesmallbusinessmentorpod.com/e/1836vmln-small-business-strategies-and-market-dynamics-with-jon-matzner-president-at-lazy-leverage] * Franchising: The Best Business Model with Brian Beers [https://thesmallbusinessmentorpod.com/e/489x46ln-franchising-the-best-business-model-with-brian-beers]

In this episode of The Alan Podcast, host Alan welcomes Professor Michael Beckley, a political science professor at Tufts University. Together, they delve into the complex dynamics of China's rising power and its implications for global politics.  They explore several critical topics: * The Peaking of Chinese Power: Professor Beckley outlines his thesis that China's power is at a turning point, driven by economic stagnation, demographic shifts, and a repressive political climate under Xi Jinping. * Economic Challenges: They discuss how China's economy is shrinking relative to the U.S., with productivity growth declining and debt levels soaring, indicating a faltering economic model that once thrived on a demographic dividend and international trade. * Military Ambitions: The conversation shifts to China's increasing military assertiveness as a response to its economic challenges, suggesting that as economic growth slows, China may resort to military aggression to compensate for its waning influence. * Historical Context: They examine the historical patterns of peaking powers, noting that such nations often become more aggressive internationally as they face internal decline, drawing parallels to past global conflicts. * The Taiwan Question: Professor Beckley warns that the 2020s may be a critical decade for Taiwan, as China may perceive this as its best opportunity to assert control over the island, raising the stakes for U.S. involvement. * U.S. Strategy: They discuss the need for the U.S. to rethink its military strategy in the Pacific, advocating for a shift towards more modern, cost-effective defense technologies rather than traditional, large-scale military assets. * Alliances and Global Dynamics: The episode highlights the importance of maintaining strong alliances in Europe and Asia, emphasizing that the U.S. must navigate its relationships carefully to counterbalance China's ambitions. Throughout the episode, Professor Beckley provides a nuanced analysis of the geopolitical landscape, urging listeners to consider the implications of China's trajectory for global stability. This engaging discussion offers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in U.S.-China relations. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of these pressing issues and what they mean for the future of international politics. Episode Highlights: [00:01:02] The Peaking of Chinese Power [00:04:21] Economic Challenges and Military Responses [00:11:55] The Taiwan Question [00:23:05] Rethinking U.S. Military Strategy [00:44:38] The Interconnectedness of Global Threats [00:55:14] Preparing for Worst-Case Scenarios Episode Resources: Alan Pentz on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanpentz]Tonya Berenson on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonya-berenson-b8004232/]The New Rules with Alan Pentz on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-new-rules-with-alan-pentz]Michael Beckley profile [https://www.michaelbeckley.org/] The New Rules Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.so [https://fame.so/?utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=bcast&utm_campaign=nonprofit-connect-with-matt-barnes]  Check out our three most downloaded episodes: * Defining and Tracking Outputs: The Key to Employee Performance with John Seiffer [https://thesmallbusinessmentorpod.com/e/28x0pyl8-defining-tracking-outputs-key-employee-performance-john-seiffer] * Small Business Strategies and Market Dynamics with Jon Matzner, President at Lazy Leverage [https://thesmallbusinessmentorpod.com/e/1836vmln-small-business-strategies-and-market-dynamics-with-jon-matzner-president-at-lazy-leverage] * Franchising: The Best Business Model with Brian Beers [https://thesmallbusinessmentorpod.com/e/489x46ln-franchising-the-best-business-model-with-brian-beers]

In this episode of The New Rules with Alan Pentz, host Alan welcomes Tonya Berenson, as they dive into the intriguing world of tech influencers and their impact on politics. Together, they: * Delve into the rise of the "tech bros" and how figures like Elon Musk and Donald Trump are reshaping political discourse through social media. * Explain why the media landscape has evolved, with politicians now needing to adapt to the platforms that resonate with younger audiences, such as podcasts and social media. * Discuss the implications of the recent political maneuvers surrounding the continuing resolution and how tech influencers played a pivotal role in shaping public opinion. * Examine the historical context of media influence in politics, from newspapers to television, and now to social media, highlighting how this shift affects governance. * Highlight the necessity for both political parties to embrace tech leaders to remain relevant and effective in modern governance. * Consider the potential for a new breed of candidates who can bridge the gap between traditional politics and the tech-savvy electorate. * Explore how the current political climate is less polarized than before, with opportunities for coalition-building across party lines, especially among younger voters. Alan and Tonya's conversation is both insightful and thought-provoking, offering a fresh perspective on the intersection of technology and politics. Tune in to discover how the dynamics of influence are changing and what it means for the future of governance. Episode Highlights: [00:02:14] The Evolution of Media in Politics [00:06:55] The Tech Bros' Influence on Governance [00:12:29] Politics by Influencer: A New Coalition-Building Strategy [00:21:54] The Importance of Flexibility in Political Strategy [00:39:36] A Less Polarized Political Landscape [00:46:06] The Need for a New Economic and Security System Episode Resources: Alan Pentz on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanpentz]Tonya Berenson on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonya-berenson-b8004232/]The New Rules with Alan Pentz on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-new-rules-with-alan-pentz] The New Rules Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.so [https://fame.so/?utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=bcast&utm_campaign=nonprofit-connect-with-matt-barnes]  Check out our three most downloaded episodes: * Defining and Tracking Outputs: The Key to Employee Performance with John Seiffer [https://thesmallbusinessmentorpod.com/e/28x0pyl8-defining-tracking-outputs-key-employee-performance-john-seiffer] * Small Business Strategies and Market Dynamics with Jon Matzner, President at Lazy Leverage [https://thesmallbusinessmentorpod.com/e/1836vmln-small-business-strategies-and-market-dynamics-with-jon-matzner-president-at-lazy-leverage] * Franchising: The Best Business Model with Brian Beers [https://thesmallbusinessmentorpod.com/e/489x46ln-franchising-the-best-business-model-with-brian-beers]

In this episode of the Small Business Mentor podcast, Alan Pentz is joined by John Matzner, President at Lazy Leverage. They delve into using global resources efficiently, cautioning against over-leveraging with debt, the importance of humility and adaptability in business, and the power of output thinking. They explore the challenges of entering different industries and highlight the value of building solid systems, particularly in using offshore talent effectively. Additionally, they discuss the importance of maintaining authenticity and integrity in business dealings. Jon is a seasoned national security expert and accomplished business leader who divides his time between Dubai, UAE, and San Diego, California. With a robust background in government service, Jon was recently stationed in the Middle East, traversing the globe on behalf of the US Government. His tenure involved collaborating extensively with local and regional allies, focusing on non-proliferation and counterterrorism strategies. Transitioning from public service, Jon ventured into entrepreneurship, founding multiple businesses, selling three, and acquiring numerous others. He's deeply passionate about "Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition," employing systematic approaches and tapping into top-tier global talent to revitalize traditional businesses. Jon also shares insights through his free newsletter, Lazy Leverage, offering valuable entrepreneurial perspectives.  If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts, instructions on how to do this are here. Episode Highlights: * [00:00] - Global Perspective in Business Operations * [03:25] - Debt as an Accelerant, Not an Ante  * [05:39] - Wedding DJs vs. Happily Married Operators * [22:55] Output-Based Business Thinking * [28:00] - Redefining Workforce Structures and Global Outsourcing Strategies Episode Resources: * Jon Matzner on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-matzner-b4013310/] * Jon Matzner on Twitter [https://twitter.com/MatznerJon] * Lazy Leverage Website [https://lazyleverage.beehiiv.com/] * Alan Pentz on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanpentz/] * Corner Alliance Website [http://www.corneralliance.com/] The New Rules Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.so [https://fame.so/?utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=bcast&utm_campaign=nonprofit-connect-with-matt-barnes]  Check out our three most downloaded episodes: * Defining and Tracking Outputs: The Key to Employee Performance with John Seiffer [https://thesmallbusinessmentorpod.com/e/28x0pyl8-defining-tracking-outputs-key-employee-performance-john-seiffer] * Small Business Strategies and Market Dynamics with Jon Matzner, President at Lazy Leverage [https://thesmallbusinessmentorpod.com/e/1836vmln-small-business-strategies-and-market-dynamics-with-jon-matzner-president-at-lazy-leverage] * Franchising: The Best Business Model with Brian Beers [https://thesmallbusinessmentorpod.com/e/489x46ln-franchising-the-best-business-model-with-brian-beers]

A comprehensive analysis of the transition to national capitalism, focusing on how countries will manage high debt levels through financial repression, the need for domestic industrial policy, and the limits of "America First." The discussion explores China's unsustainable export model, the importance of international cooperation, and the long-term challenges of US fiscal policy regarding entitlements and taxes. Episode Highlights: * [00:02:00] Introduction to national capitalism and the "nonsystem" * [00:06:20] Analysis of global debt situations * [00:19:15] China's manufacturing dominance * [00:32:49] Future of US industrial policy * [00:40:47] Limits of national capitalism * [00:51:57] Final thoughts on global economic future Episode Resources: * Alan Pentz on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanpentz] * Tonya Berenson on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonya-berenson-b8004232/] * The New Rules with Alan Pentz on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-new-rules-with-alan-pentz] The New Rules Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.so [https://fame.so/?utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=bcast&utm_campaign=nonprofit-connect-with-matt-barnes]  Check out our three most downloaded episodes: * Defining and Tracking Outputs: The Key to Employee Performance with John Seiffer [https://thesmallbusinessmentorpod.com/e/28x0pyl8-defining-tracking-outputs-key-employee-performance-john-seiffer] * Small Business Strategies and Market Dynamics with Jon Matzner, President at Lazy Leverage [https://thesmallbusinessmentorpod.com/e/1836vmln-small-business-strategies-and-market-dynamics-with-jon-matzner-president-at-lazy-leverage] * Franchising: The Best Business Model with Brian Beers [https://thesmallbusinessmentorpod.com/e/489x46ln-franchising-the-best-business-model-with-brian-beers]