NEW SHOW FEATURE: We are now LIVE streaming our shows. Want to join us live? Just click this link every Friday at 3pm ET / 12pm PT.
You’ve heard us talk tariffs. You’ve definitely heard us talk Trump’s tariffs. So this week, in a bold act of podcasting restraint, we’re doing something radical: no tariff talk whatsoever. Instead, we tackle a roundup of current business events—from curious market moves to eyebrow-raising headlines—with our signature commentary and a touch of irreverence. Think of it as a tariff-free zone for your brain. You’re welcome.
AI SHOW NOTES (has anyone seen our editor???)
1. Introduction and Disney’s Changing Business Model
Emergence from industrial to transformation economy
Shift in Disney’s primary profit source to theme parks and experiences
Revenue and profit comparison between Disney’s experiences division and entertainment division
Announcement of new Disney park in Abu Dhabi and its implications
2. Walt Disney’s Leadership and Legacy
Impact of Walt Disney’s culture and customer-centric philosophy (“plussing” the guest experience)
Discussion on Disney’s shift towards luxury branding and price increases, and the departure from Walt’s original intent
Reflection on the resilience of Disney’s foundational culture elements amidst corporate changes
3. Lessons from Walt Disney and Innovation
Walt’s approach to resistance from industry “experts” regarding Disneyland
Comparison with Steve Jobs and skepticism over Apple Stores
Examples of legendary figures (e.g., Walt Disney, John Lennon) who were initially discouraged
4. Continuous Improvement and ‘Plussing’
The importance of continual innovation and surprising customers
Disney’s philosophy of maintaining lifelong guests through constant delight
5. Evolution in Legal (and Professional) Service Pricing Models
Survey on Australian law firms moving away from billable hours to fixed fees and capped fees
Discussion on the persistence of timesheets despite alternative fee arrangements
Desire for more comprehensive surveys addressing the elimination of timesheets in accounting and law firms
6. Amazon and Costco: Pricing Strategies
Explanation of Amazon’s dynamic (algorithmic) pricing methods and ‘Project Nessie’
Contrast with Costco’s transparent, capped cost-plus pricing approach
Discussion of consumer perceptions and trust in different pricing models
Debate over whether dynamic or trusted dynamic pricing is preferable
7. Client Compensation and Relationship Models in Professional Firms
Tim Williams’s five types of client compensation profiles:
Paying for inputs (e.g., hourly billing)
Hiring for outputs, paying for inputs
Hiring and paying for outputs (productized services)
Hiring for outcomes, paying for outputs
Hiring for and paying for outcomes (outcome-based/shared risk compensation)
Exploration of barriers to widespread adoption of outcome-based or transformation pricing
Subscription models as a potential bridge toward serial transformations
8. Specialization vs. “One-Stop Shop” in Agencies and Professional Firms
Critique of “full-service” business models and argument for ‘best in class’ specialization
Data on Fortune 1000 companies using multiple agencies/law firms
Benefits of being a ‘first stop’ rather than a ‘one-stop’ shop
9. Trusted Advisor and Deep Client Relationships
Skepticism toward the overuse of the “trusted advisor” designation
Evaluating the depth and reality of advisory relationships (Joey Havens’ exercise and Mark Gandy’s CFO standard)
Importance of being indispensable to clients through deep knowledge and involvement
10. Benefits of Narrow Positioning and Brand Polarization
Tim Williams’s arguments for narrow vs. generalist positioning
Being “intensely appealing” vs. “moderately appealing”
The strength of polarizing brands (“lovers and haters”) and the danger of apathy
Example: “I Hate Steven Singer” as branding genius; mention of “ronbakersucks.com”
11. Hybrid Work and Changing Workplace Norms
Data on remote/hybrid work post-pandemic across several countries
Perspectives from business leaders like Jamie Dimon on remote work
The role of “presenteeism” and leadership in workplace flexibility
Discussion of pros and cons of remote and in-person collaboration
12. Labor Shortages and Shifts in the Job Market
Global complaints about labor and talent shortages across industries
Analysis of what “labor shortage” really means—price and distribution vs. actual scarcity
Impacts of occupational licensing and geographic mobility on labor availability
The challenge of entry-level opportunities with AI automation
Reflections on professional firms’ lack of vision for talent development and feeder systems (e.g., Walt Disney’s CalArts)
Bonus Content is Available As Well
Did you know that each week after our live show, Ron and Ed take to the microphone for a bonus show? Typically, this bonus show is an extension of the live show topic (sometimes even with the same guest) and a few other pieces of news, current events, or things that have caught our attention.
Click the “FANATIC” image to learn more about pricing and member benefits.