Episodes

  • Big Con Podcast Strategy Masterclass

    Big Con Podcast Strategy Masterclass
    Jan 26 2025
    In this landmark final episode, hosts Dale and Emily distill two years and 50 episodes worth of business strategy insights into actionable frameworks and lessons. From blue oceans to corporate karma, this masterclass serves as both a series finale and an entry point for new listeners wanting to understand strategic thinking in business.

    Key Timestamps:
    00:00:00 - Introduction & Episode Overview
    00:01:30 - Defining Strategy: Core Concepts
    00:06:02 - AI-Powered Analysis of Strategy
    00:13:54 - Framework 1: Blue Oceans Strategy
    • Case Studies: Lego, Wirecard, Weight Watchers
    • Key Lesson: Set boundaries before expansion
    00:19:15 - Framework 2: The Trust Bank
    • Case Studies: PwC, Twitter/X, Ashley Madison
    • Key Lesson: Trust takes years to build, seconds to lose
    00:23:09 - Framework 3: Disruption Decoded
    • The Three Ns: Netflix, Nvidia, Nintendo
    • Key Lesson: Plan self-disruption before others do it for you
    00:26:33 - Special Discussion: Ethics in Business Strategy
    • The "Temporary Ethical Flexibility" Debate
    • Corporate Karma and Long-term Success
    Featured Companies & Case Studies:
    • Lego: Overexpansion risks
    • Weight Watchers (WW): Rebranding challenges
    • Netflix: Content strategy evolution
    • Nvidia: AI market leadership
    • Nintendo: Consistent innovation
    • Twitter/X: Platform transformation
    • Ashley Madison: Security failures
    • Wirecard: Governance collapse
    Try out the BCP Bot here: https://chatgpt.com/g/g-67591a0617608191804aef6ff6845765-bcp-bot


    📕Show Menu - https://bit.ly/bcpshowmenu

    The Big Con Podcast: Emily and Dale are bringing you in on the Con. Strategy doesn't have to be something only those who master PowerPoint can do; we're making it approachable to everyone! The Big Con podcast is dedicated to demystifying and simplifying the world of strategy, exploring the businesses and individuals who've either harnessed it for success or missed the mark.
    Subscribe and follow today to get all new episodes in your feed immediately.

    #BusinessStrategy #StrategyMasterclass #BusinessPodcast #StartupAdvice #BusinessTips #StrategicThinking #BusinessGrowth #Leadership #Innovation #CorporateStrategy
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    34 mins
  • 🔥 When Communities Turn Against You: The Dark Side of Building Business Communities

    🔥 When Communities Turn Against You: The Dark Side of Building Business Communities
    Dec 10 2024
    Is "build a community" the most dangerous business advice you've ever received? In this eye-opening episode, we dive into how your carefully cultivated community could become your biggest nightmare. Through cautionary tales of Etsy's identity crisis, Tumblr's spectacular self-destruction, and Reddit's ongoing power struggles, we explore what happens when profit meets passion.Discover:
    • Why Etsy's journey from craft fair to Wall Street left artisans feeling betrayed
    • How Tumblr's attempt to become "advertiser-friendly" led to a mass exodus
    • The ongoing battle between Reddit's moderators and corporate interests
    • The tricky balance between community values and commercial success
    Plus, we tackle the eternal September effect and ask the burning question: is community building worth the risk, or are we all just playing with fire? Join us for a candid conversation about the hidden costs of community-driven business strategies and what happens when trust banks go bankrupt.🎯 Essential listening for entrepreneurs, community managers, and anyone wondering if "community-first" might actually mean "profits-last."


    📕Show Menu - https://bit.ly/bcpshowmenu

    The Big Con Podcast: Emily and Dale are bringing you in on the Con. Strategy doesn't have to be something only those who master PowerPoint can do; we're making it approachable to everyone! The Big Con podcast is dedicated to demystifying and simplifying the world of strategy, exploring the businesses and individuals who've either harnessed it for success or missed the mark.
    Subscribe and follow today to get all new episodes in your feed immediately.
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    30 mins
  • Brain Chemistry & Bottom Lines: The ROI of Neurodiversity

    Brain Chemistry & Bottom Lines: The ROI of Neurodiversity
    Nov 26 2024
    From workplace stigma to corporate innovation - dive into the real talk about neurodiversity at work. When a major luxury retailer's neurodivergent discrimination case hits the headlines, we unpack the bigger picture: why embracing neurodivergent talent isn't just good ethics, it's smart business. Did you know neurodivergent testing teams are 30% more productive? Discover how companies like HP and the Australian Defence Force are tapping into unique cognitive perspectives for competitive advantage. Plus, real talk about masking, workplace accommodations, and why that "perfect cultural fit" might be costing your company billions in lost talent. Whether you're a leader, HR pro, or navigating neurodivergence yourself, this episode breaks down the mths, shares the stats, and shows how neurodiversity could be your organization's secret weapon.

    📕Show Menu - https://bit.ly/bcpshowmenu

    The Big Con Podcast: Emily and Dale are bringing you in on the Con. Strategy doesn't have to be something only those who master PowerPoint can do; we're making it approachable to everyone! The Big Con podcast is dedicated to demystifying and simplifying the world of strategy, exploring the businesses and individuals who've either harnessed it for success or missed the mark.
    Subscribe and follow today to get all new episodes in your feed immediately.
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    39 mins
  • Nintendo V Playstation V Xbox 🎮 The Console Wars: Inside Gaming's $260 Billion Battle

    Nintendo V Playstation V Xbox 🎮 The Console Wars: Inside Gaming's $260 Billion Battle
    Nov 12 2024
    Step into the epic three-way battle for gaming dominance as we explore how Nintendo, Sony PlayStation, and Microsoft Xbox have carved out unique strategies in the $260 billion gaming industry. From Nintendo's "Blue Ocean" innovation-first approach to Sony's premium experiences and Microsoft's cloud-gaming revolution, discover how these tech titans have transformed entertainment while fighting for 3.2 billion global gamers.

    Key Strategic Insights:
    How Nintendo zigged while others zagged: The power of differentiation through family-friendly innovation and affordable technology
    PlayStation's premium positioning: Leveraging exclusive content and cutting-edge hardware
    Microsoft's pivot: Why Xbox is betting big on Game Pass and cloud gaming
    The role of IP ownership in competitive advantage
    Why the most powerful console doesn't always win

    Featured Analysis:
    • Nintendo's "Disney of Gaming" approach
    • PlayStation's HBO-style premium content strategy
    • Xbox's Netflix-inspired subscription model
    • The surprising parallels between gaming consoles and the automotive industry
    • The future of gaming hardware vs. cloud services

    Whether you're a business strategist, gaming enthusiast, or just curious about how three different approaches to the same market can all succeed, this episode breaks down the moves that shaped a quarter-trillion dollar industry.

    #BusinessStrategy #Gaming #ConsoleWars #Nintendo #PlayStation #Xbox #TechIndustry #DigitalTransformation #Innovation #CompetitiveStrategy

    📕Show Menu - https://bit.ly/bcpshowmenu

    The Big Con Podcast: Emily and Dale are bringing you in on the Con. Strategy doesn't have to be something only those who master PowerPoint can do; we're making it approachable to everyone! The Big Con podcast is dedicated to demystifying and simplifying the world of strategy, exploring the businesses and individuals who've either harnessed it for success or missed the mark.
    Subscribe and follow today to get all new episodes in your feed immediately.
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    30 mins
  • 23andMe // The DNA Heist of the Century

    23andMe // The DNA Heist of the Century
    Oct 15 2024
    Unravel the double helix of 23andMe's rollercoaster journey from Silicon Valley darling to Wall Street wallflower.
    This episode decodes the DNA of a company that turned saliva into gold... and then watched it evaporate faster than you can say "genome sequencing."
    🧪 From $1000 kits to $99 spit tubes: How 23andMe made genetics go viral
    🔬 The FDA showdown: When regulators crashed the DNA party
    💊 Pivot or perish: 23andMe's adventurous leap into drug discovery
    💸 SPACs, hacks, and setbacks: The turbulent path to going public
    🩺 Telehealth dreams and Ozempic schemes: 23andMe's desperate bid for relevance

    Join us as we swab the inner cheek of 23andMe's business strategy, examining how a revolutionary idea morphed into a cautionary tale of overreach and identity crisis. We'll dissect the company's attempts to monetize your genetic code and ponder if there's still life in those test tubes. Is 23andMe's future written in the stars (or rather, in its customers' DNA)? Or will it need more than a genetic miracle to survive? Tune in for a wickedly entertaining analysis that's more twisted than a double helix

    !#23andMe #GeneticTesting #StartupStruggles #BusinessStrategy #DNADrama #TechFails #SPACAttack

    📕Show Menu - https://bit.ly/bcpshowmenu

    The Big Con Podcast: Emily and Dale are bringing you in on the Con. Strategy doesn't have to be something only those who master PowerPoint can do; we're making it approachable to everyone! The Big Con podcast is dedicated to demystifying and simplifying the world of strategy, exploring the businesses and individuals who've either harnessed it for success or missed the mark.
    Subscribe and follow today to get all new episodes in your feed immediately.
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    31 mins
  • Britney Spears and MKBHD // Oops!... She Did It Again: Britney's Restaurant Flop (feat. MKBHD's App Mishap)

    Britney Spears and MKBHD // Oops!... She Did It Again: Britney's Restaurant Flop (feat. MKBHD's App Mishap)
    Oct 1 2024
    Hit us baby one more time with a juicy business blunder! This week, we're serving up a double whammy of celebrity missteps. First course: the pop princess's less-than-toxic foray into the restaurant biz. Britney Spears: Queen of the charts, not so much the kitchen. For dessert: a fresh slice of tech drama à la MKBHD.Highlights:
    • From Mickey Mouse Club to Michelin dreams: Britney's recipe for restaurant disaster
    • The Louisiana-New York fusion that left fans saying 'Gimme More'... explanation
    • Why celebrity endorsements don't always taste like success
    • The not-so-lucky star: How Britney distanced herself faster than you can say 'It's Britney, witch!'
    • MKBHD's wallpaper app: When tech reviewers become the reviewed
    We're stronger than yesterday after chewing over these flavorful fiascos. So grab your denim-on-denim outfit (and maybe an overpriced phone wallpaper) and join us for a meal you won't forget.Warning: This episode may leave you hungry for both knowledge and better celebrity business ventures. Don't let your entrepreneurial dreams become a 'Toxic' mess – learn from Britney's missteps and MKBHD's app-alling launch!#BritneyRestaurant #CelebrityBusinessFails #MKBHDApp #EntrepreneurialLessons #BusinessStrategy"

    📕Show Menu - https://bit.ly/bcpshowmenu

    The Big Con Podcast: Emily and Dale are bringing you in on the Con. Strategy doesn't have to be something only those who master PowerPoint can do; we're making it approachable to everyone! The Big Con podcast is dedicated to demystifying and simplifying the world of strategy, exploring the businesses and individuals who've either harnessed it for success or missed the mark.
    Subscribe and follow today to get all new episodes in your feed immediately.
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    34 mins
  • Temu // Unmasking the Addictive E-commerce Empire

    Temu // Unmasking the Addictive E-commerce Empire
    Sep 17 2024
    🛒 Dive into the world of Temu, the e-commerce sensation that's got everyone clicking "Add to Cart" faster than you can say "free shipping"!Episode Highlights:
    • 🎰 ADHD Consumerism: Discover how Temu turns shopping into a dopamine-fueled casino experience
    • 🐔 Chicken Helmets & Beyond: Explore the weird and wonderful world of Temu's product offerings
    • 💸 The Price of Cheap: Unpack the ethical dilemmas and sustainability concerns behind those irresistible deals
    • 🕹️ Gamification Nation: Learn how Temu keeps you spinning, winning, and coming back for more
    • 🏗️ Amazon vs. Temu: The infrastructure showdown in the e-commerce arena
    • 💼 Business Model Breakdown: Will Temu's loss-leading strategy pay off, or is it a house of cards?
    • 🧠 The Psychology of Trust: Why we can't resist Temu, even when we claim not to trust it
    Whether you're a shameless Temu addict or a skeptical observer, this episode will have you questioning your shopping habits and the future of e-commerce. Join us as we unravel the big con behind those tiny price tags!

    📕Show Menu - https://bit.ly/bcpshowmenu

    The Big Con Podcast: Emily and Dale are bringing you in on the Con. Strategy doesn't have to be something only those who master PowerPoint can do; we're making it approachable to everyone! The Big Con podcast is dedicated to demystifying and simplifying the world of strategy, exploring the businesses and individuals who've either harnessed it for success or missed the mark.
    Subscribe and follow today to get all new episodes in your feed immediately.
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    32 mins
  • Segway // The invention that killed its owner

    Segway // The invention that killed its owner
    Sep 3 2024
    From the heights of being touted as "bigger than the internet" to becoming a punchline in popular culture, the Segway's journey is a fascinating case study in innovation, hype, and the importance of understanding your market. Join Dale and Emily as they dive into the rollercoaster ride of the Segway - the invention that just couldn't seem to find its footing. Discover the key missteps that led to the Segway's downfall, like pricing it out of reach, regulatory challenges, and an inability to adapt. But is it truly a failure, or could the Segway be considered a "successful fail"? Strap in and get ready for a wild ride as we Segway our way through this captivating business tale.Key Takeaways:
    • Just because an idea seems innovative, doesn't mean it's destined for success - understanding customer needs and market realities is crucial
    • Navigating regulations and working with policymakers can make or break a new product's viability
    • Iterating and adapting your product over time, rather than stubbornly sticking to the original design, is essential for long-term sustainability
    • Sometimes an "invention" is not the same as an "innovation" - and the difference can determine a product's fate
    So strap on your safety gear and get ready to ride the ups and downs of the Segway saga on this episode of The Big Con!

    📕Show Menu - https://bit.ly/bcpshowmenu

    The Big Con Podcast: Emily and Dale are bringing you in on the Con. Strategy doesn't have to be something only those who master PowerPoint can do; we're making it approachable to everyone! The Big Con podcast is dedicated to demystifying and simplifying the world of strategy, exploring the businesses and individuals who've either harnessed it for success or missed the mark.
    Subscribe and follow today to get all new episodes in your feed immediately.
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    29 mins