EP #011: "Seeing and Seeding Our STEAM Ecosystem" highlights the work of creating and fostering a thriving Science, Technology, Engineering, Entrepreneurship, Arts, and Math educational system. This episode was part of the DegenSTE2AM Academy's day of planning as they continue their journey to unite their Central PA community around this vital educational initiative. Join host and CEO of MYNDDSET, Mark Burke, with guests Dr. Kathleen Schofield and Dr. Rick Surrency, along with the studio audience as we untangle this complex educational learning opportunity.

This episode produced in cooperation with the DegenSTE2AM Academy. For more information, use the link above to contract Brianna Apfelbaum Kula.

EP #010: "Building Futures" with Systems Thinking introduces the work of the West Penn Energy Fund to help building revitalization and adaptation projects succeed. Join Mark Burke, CEO of MYNDDSET, as he explores the initial thoughts of the Design Team to create a Systems Thinking-centered learning event for the summer of 2025. Joel Morrison, WPEF Fund Administrator, and John Cleland, resident and active community builder in Kane, PA, share their thoughts on why and how thinking skills development helps tackle complex building adaptive use projects. Let's find out more on this episode of UNTANGLEMENT.

EP #009: "Change is NOT Innovation" looks at the impact of confusing one for the other. Join Mark Burke, CEO of MYNDDSET, as he explores the world of change and innovation with Guest Ian Proud of the Bucknell University Small Business Development Center (SBDC). Organizations with incentive programs to bring about innovation can struggle to produce expected results. Are their expectation aligned with the reality of innovation's rarity? Rather than innovation, do they need and want change more? Let's find out together on this episode of UNTANGLEMENT.

EP #008: Developing Systems Thinking enables communities to address complex challenges. Join Mark Burke, CEO of MYNDDSET, as he explores the power of Systems Thinking with Guest Dr. Laura Cabrera of Cabrera Research Lab, Ithaca, NY, and Kendy Alvarez, Mayor of Lewisburg, PA. Many of our live audience members work diligently to address the housing crisis in our region. However, is systems thinking more globally applicable to the many systems within our communities? Let's find out together on this episode of UNTANGLEMENT.

EP #007: Explore the mindset of volunteer firefighters with Mark Burke and his co-host on UNTANGLEMENT. In this episode, Eric Frantz, Danville Area High School Fire Club students, and regional leaders take the mic to address a dire shortage of volunteer firefighters.

EP #006: Dive into the world of untangling life's complexities with Mark Burke and his co-host on UNTANGLEMENT. In this episode, Assistant Director of the Bucknell SBDC, Denny Hummer, shares how to level up your sales process with purposeful proposals.

LISTENER TAKEAWAY

It's a fact of business that the sales process is changing as consumers have access to more options and information. In this episode, Mark and Denny explore how we can shift from traditional methods to a new perspective by leveraging the value and unique opportunity proposals offer to the buying experience.

As Mark, Denny, and the audience discuss, what truly wins the sale aren't the words on a page; sometimes, it's not even the final product or service. Instead, the piece that ultimately converts interest is the experience that you offer.

Whether you are selling a device that allows cats to verbally communicate with their owners or a Jeep that promises the thrill of adventure, proposals should be an extension of the experience you deliver to your prospects and clients. When purposefully designed, they can demonstrate your care and attentiveness to their wants and needs, offer a different perspective to expand the possibilities, highlight the unique value, style, and personality you bring, and tell a compelling story that builds trust and loyalty.

The trick is to move past complacency, challenge the status quo in your own process, and remember to stop...

TIMESTAMPS

[00:01:04] Introductions

[00:01:49] Not News

[00:04:47] Diving Into a Different Perspective

[00:07:20] Document versus Experience

[00:09:58] View From the Driver's Seat

[00:13:35] Selling the Experience

[00:15:28] Pieces of the Solution

[00:16:30] Utilizing Specific Language

[00:18:07] Offering Visionary Options

[00:20:40] Don't Sell Yourself Short

[00:22:13] Selling Your Style and Personality

[00:27:08] Empowering the Links in the Chain

[00:30:51] Exchanging Proposal for Perspective

[00:34:55] Additional Thoughts From the Audience

[00:37:12] Meta Perpectival

[00:44:17] Competing Against Your Process

[00:50:40] That's A Wrap!

EP #005: Dive into the world of untangling life's complexities with Mark Burke and his co-host on UNTANGLEMENT. In this episode, serial entrepreneur Alex Fleck shares how the advancement of AI has provided him with opportunities to be more creative, learn faster, and find success simply by having dynamic conversations with his digital ally, ChatGPT.

LISTENER TAKEAWAY

Mark and Alex take on the technology apocalypse in our recent podcast episode exploring how AI isn't here to take over our businesses, but expand our own capacity for creativity and efficiency! Driven by curiosity and innovation, Alex shares how he has tested a variety of AI platforms and integrations, but has found a true digital ally and additional team member in ChatGPT as he continues to grow and launch businesses every day.

Of course, embracing the advantages of AI can be overwhelming, especially for an already busy entrepreneur. So, where do we even start?

According to our hosts, it starts with a simple conversation. Imagine talking with a friend or a team member; that discussion, centered around listening and responding, likely includes specific details and context, meaningful questions to gain greater clarity or insight, elements of collaboration to uncover missing pieces or new perspectives, and imagining the "what ifs" of your topics. Mark and Alex have found that the best approach to integrating AI is to include these same characteristics in your AI conversations and keep developing them over time.

Our hosts and the audience agree that it's possible to do business and life without the assistance of AI (at least for the most part), but as the world keeps moving forward, our resistance to the technology may put us and our businesses at risk of falling behind and losing our competitive advantage. However, if we reexamine our expectations, we may just find, like Alex, that AI can be our digital ally by enhancing our own creativity and vision, and offering support in the areas we are not as strong or developed in as we need to be to find success.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:01:04] Who Is Alex Fleck?

[00:02:56] Dabbling in AI Innovation

[00:06:50] PromptCraft for the Results You Want

[00:09:07] Dialoguing with the Goal In Mind

[00:09:45] Characteristics of Good Conversations

[00:13:45] Embracing a Digital Ally

[00:17:40] Are Canned Prompts Effective?

[00:21:00] Setting the Right Expectations

[00:21:20] Considering the "What Ifs"

[00:24:29] Practically Rethinking AI Utilization

[00:32:59] Become 1% Better

[00:33:28] AI Progression and Advancement

[00:38:33] Do I Have to Use AI?

[00:45:00] That's A Wrap!

EP #004: Dive into the world of untangling life's complexities with Mark Burke and his co-host on UNTANGLEMENT. In this episode, entrepreneur Hide Horikoshi shares insights from running Resurrection Movement Studio and Commotion Dance Program for nine years, to navigating challenges like COVID while striving to enhance their community. Join the conversation as they explore the lessons learned on this inspiring journey.

LISTENER TAKEAWAY

In our recent podcast episode, Mark and Hide stress the importance of delving into the "why" behind your actions and decisions, both personally and in business. Hide shares a personal anecdote about the inception of his business, Resurrection Movement Studio, where he reflects on the pivotal moment that spurred him to establish the studio. He emphasizes the significance of serving the community and leaving a positive impact before departing the United States. This initial "why" served as the cornerstone for his business and guided his decisions over the years.

Hide's experience underscores the importance of having a clear purpose or motivation driving your actions. Understanding the "why" can offer direction, motivation, and a sense of fulfillment in personal and business pursuits. It can help maintain focus on goals, make meaningful decisions, and navigate challenges with resilience.

Furthermore, the hosts delve into the concept of unreasonable hospitality. They share examples of businesses going above and beyond to meet customers' needs, showcasing a deep understanding of their perspectives and creating memorable experiences. This level of attention to detail and empathy stems from a genuine desire to serve and connect with the community.

By paying attention to the "why" behind your actions and decisions, you can align your efforts with your values, mission, and the needs of those you serve. Whether in business or personal life, understanding the underlying motivations can lead to more purposeful and impactful outcomes. It allows you to build authentic connections, foster trust, and create a positive impact on those around you!

TIMESTAMPS

[00:02:17] Dance as a Play on Words.

[00:07:47] Adapting business during COVID.

[00:09:15] Outdoor Recital Challenges.

[00:14:33] Challenging traditional restaurant rules.

[00:16:40] Competition in subjective sports.

[00:22:06] Word choices matter for inclusivity.

[00:25:36] Dream Weavers in hospitality.

[00:29:26] Support for small businesses.

[00:35:22] Perspective and reality.

[00:36:50] Overcoming hardship and finding purpose.

[00:41:05] Unreasonable hospitality in businesses.

[00:44:55] High-impact learning experiences.