Business News: Railroads Merge, Prebiotic Pepsi Pops Off, Real Estate Investors Surge, and Chicago's Sports Collectors Convention Heats Up

Right About Now with Ryan Alford Join media personality and marketing expert Ryan Alford as he dives into dynamic conversations with top entrepreneurs, marketers, and influencers. "Right About Now" brings you actionable insights on business, marketing, and personal branding, helping you stay ahead in today's fast-paced digital world. Whether it's exploring how character and charisma can make millions or unveiling the strategies behind viral success, Ryan delivers a fresh perspective with every episode. Perfect for anyone looking to elevate their business game and unlock their full potential.     Resources: Right About Now NewsletterFree Podcast Monetization Course Join The Network Follow Us On Instagram Subscribe To Our Youtube ChannelVibe Science Media SUMMARY In this episode of "Right About Now," host Ryan Alford interviews serial entrepreneur Amrinder Kamboj, CEO of Kamboj Ventures, a ventures and acquisition company with operations in 15 countries. They discuss the realities of entrepreneurship, the difference between scaling and scalability, and the importance of building sustainable business models. Amrinder shares insights on decision-making under pressure, the value of mentorship, leveraging technology like AI, and empowering employees through equity. The conversation emphasizes curiosity, continuous learning, and surrounding oneself with the right people to achieve business success and personal growth. TAKEAWAYS The pressure entrepreneurs face and the importance of decision-making under stress. The distinction between scaling a business and scalability in terms of expanding operations and entering new markets. Challenges and limitations in industries like restaurants and hospitality, highlighting the need for sustainable business models. The significance of mentorship and surrounding oneself with knowledgeable individuals for business success. The role of curiosity and continuous learning in entrepreneurship. The impact of employee engagement and loyalty on business growth and scalability. The importance of adapting business strategies based on market trends and consumer needs. The influence of technology and AI in streamlining business operations and decision-making. The necessity of making tough decisions in business, including partnerships and employee management. The value of networking and building relationships with other entrepreneurs for mutual growth and support.  

SUMMARY In this episode, host Ryan Alford brings together an all-star lineup of influential guests from diverse industries — including creative marketer Kyle Creek, legendary UFC announcer Bruce Buffer, Crumbl Cookies co-founder Sawyer Hemsley, former NFL star Shawne Merriman, and fitness entrepreneur Howard Panes. Each guest opens up with personal stories, hard-earned lessons, and actionable insights on entrepreneurship, branding, creativity, and resilience. Listeners will hear about bold marketing strategies that break the mold, the behind-the-scenes journey of building iconic brands, the mindset shifts required to overcome setbacks, and the power of staying true to your authentic self. Whether it’s scaling a cookie empire, commanding the energy of a sold-out arena, redefining personal branding, or turning passion into profit, this episode delivers a fast-paced, inspiring look at what it really takes to thrive in today’s competitive world. TAKEAWAYS Insights on entrepreneurship and business success from various industry leaders. The role of creativity and innovation in marketing and branding. Personal stories of overcoming challenges and building unique identities. The importance of authenticity and pushing boundaries in professional endeavors. Strategies for effective product development and customer engagement. The significance of community and word-of-mouth in scaling a business. Lessons learned from transitioning careers, particularly from sports to entrepreneurship. The impact of disciplined work ethic and structured routines on achieving goals. Emphasis on health, originality, hard work, innovation, and maintaining energy as keys to success. Encouragement for listeners to embrace boldness and pursue their passions relentlessly.  

Right About Now with Ryan Alford Join media personality and marketing expert Ryan Alford as he dives into dynamic conversations with top entrepreneurs, marketers, and influencers. "Right About Now" brings you actionable insights on business, marketing, and personal branding, helping you stay ahead in today's fast-paced digital world. Whether it's exploring how character and charisma can make millions or unveiling the strategies behind viral success, Ryan delivers a fresh perspective with every episode. Perfect for anyone looking to elevate their business game and unlock their full potential.     Resources: Right About Now NewsletterFree Podcast Monetization Course Join The Network Follow Us On Instagram Subscribe To Our Youtube ChannelVibe Science Media SUMMARY In this episode, Reebok co-founder Joe Foster and Syntilay co-founder Ben Weiss discuss the evolution of the footwear industry, from Reebok’s rise to global prominence to the disruptive potential of 3D printing and AI-driven shoe design. They explore how Scintilla empowers content creators with custom, on-demand shoes, drastically reducing production time and costs. The conversation highlights the fusion of legacy expertise and cutting-edge technology, the importance of brand storytelling, and the excitement of building innovative, personalized footwear for the creator economy. The episode concludes with plans for a New York City pop-up, inviting the public to experience custom 3D printed shoes.   TAKEAWAYS Reebok’s co-founder Joe Foster reflects on the brand’s rise from a family business to global prominence. 3D printing and AI are revolutionizing shoe design and manufacturing. Syntilay enables custom, on-demand footwear production, reducing costs and lead times. Brand storytelling remains essential in building emotional connection and identity. The focus is shifting toward personalized footwear for content creators and niche audiences. The fusion of legacy industry experience and modern tech drives innovation in the creator economy. Syntilay is launching a pop-up in New York City to showcase custom 3D printed shoes and engage with the public.  

SUMMARY Ryan Alford breaks down 8 major stories shaping business and marketing—from Shopify’s AI assistant and a historic railroad merger to PepsiCo’s prebiotic cola and Nike’s rapid sneaker lab. Plus: TikTok’s 60-minute videos, Sprite x Jalen Hurts, and more. TAKEAWAYS Shopify's introduction of the AI assistant Sidekick and its impact on e-commerce. The merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern, creating a coast-to-coast railroad network. PepsiCo's launch of a prebiotic cola aimed at health-conscious consumers. Live Nation Urban's new creator network for connecting brands with influencers. The increasing role of investors in the single-family housing market. Nike's Air Imagination Lab for rapid sneaker prototyping using 3D printing. Sprite's NFL marketing campaign featuring quarterback Jalen Hurts and player-led storytelling. TikTok's testing of longer video uploads, potentially challenging YouTube. The National Sports Collectors Convention in Chicago and its significance in the collectibles market. The overarching theme of reducing friction in business processes to enhance efficiency and customer satisfaction.  

Right About Now with Ryan Alford Join media personality and marketing expert Ryan Alford as he dives into dynamic conversations with top entrepreneurs, marketers, and influencers. "Right About Now" brings you actionable insights on business, marketing, and personal branding, helping you stay ahead in today's fast-paced digital world. Whether it's exploring how character and charisma can make millions or unveiling the strategies behind viral success, Ryan delivers a fresh perspective with every episode. Perfect for anyone looking to elevate their business game and unlock their full potential. Resources: Right About Now NewsletterFree Podcast Monetization CourseJoin The NetworkFollow Us On InstagramSubscribe To Our Youtube ChannelVibe Science Media SUMMARY In this episode of Right About Now, Ryan Alford sits down with John Assaraf, a world-renowned mindset and business growth expert who has built five multimillion-dollar companies, authored 14 books—including two New York Times bestsellers—and starred in The Secret and Quest for Success with the Dalai Lama and Richard Branson. Known for his appearances on Larry King Live and The Ellen DeGeneres Show, John shares how mastering your inner game—mindset, habits, and emotional resilience—is the key to thriving in business and life. He also dives into how his Innercise app and myNeuroGym.com platform help people rewire their brains, overcome limitations, and achieve their biggest goals—especially in today’s fast-paced, AI-driven world. TAKEAWAYS Importance of mindset in achieving success in business and life. The role of self-talk and emotional regulation in peak performance. Understanding the neuro mechanics of the brain and its impact on behavior. The concept of self-mastery and the necessity of self-acceptance. The distinction between growth and fixed mindsets in handling pressure. The significance of expanding personal limits (headroom) and potential. The process of rewiring the brain to create new empowering beliefs. The impact of consistency and delayed gratification on long-term success. Navigating the challenges and opportunities presented by artificial intelligence. The importance of curiosity and lifelong learning in adapting to change.    

In this Right About Now compilation, host Ryan Alford is joined by top voices in marketing and entrepreneurship—Gary Vee, Mike and Kass, Mark Kohler, Steve Pratt, Dani Lynn Robinson, and Ishveen Jolly—to break down what it really takes to stand out in today’s crowded content landscape.From the decline of traditional media to the rise of digital-first strategies, these experts share how to earn—not expect—attention through authentic content, clear goals, and smart influencer partnerships. Whether you're building a brand or scaling a business, this episode delivers real-world insights you can act on.TAKEAWAYSFundraising processes and the skills required for successful fundraising in entrepreneurship.The importance of focusing on customer revenue rather than relying solely on investor funding.Dynamics of co-founder relationships and the significance of complementary skills in partnerships.Innovations in the collectibles market, particularly the intersection of physical and digital products like trading cards and NFTs.Strategies for small business owners regarding tax planning and financial management.The role of mindset and consistency in overcoming entrepreneurial challenges and achieving success.The impact of content saturation on audience attention and the necessity of creating valuable content.The evolution of media consumption habits, particularly among younger audiences and the rise of podcasts.The importance of amplifying content across multiple platforms for maximum impact.The need for clarity in campaign objectives and flexibility in creative approaches to influencer marketing.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Right About Now with Ryan AlfordJoin media personality and marketing expert Ryan Alford as he dives into dynamic conversations with top entrepreneurs, marketers, and influencers. "Right About Now" brings you actionable insights on business, marketing, and personal branding, helping you stay ahead in today's fast-paced digital world. Whether it's exploring how character and charisma can make millions or unveiling the strategies behind viral success, Ryan delivers a fresh perspective with every episode. Perfect for anyone looking to elevate their business game and unlock their full potential.Resources:Right About Now NewsletterFree Podcast Monetization CourseJoin The NetworkFollow Us On InstagramSubscribe To Our Youtube ChannelVibe Science MediaSUMMARYIn this episode of "Right About Now," host Ryan Alford and guest Luke Yarnton, co-founder of The Rave, explore the evolution of influencer marketing. They discuss the shift from relying on big-name influencers to leveraging micro and nano influencers—often existing customers—for authentic brand advocacy. Luke shares strategies for building “ambassador armies,” engaging customers through simple, rewarding tasks, and fostering community. The conversation highlights the importance of authenticity, effective tracking, and gamification, while predicting a future where influencer and affiliate marketing are democratized and accessible to all.TAKEAWAYSEvolution of influencer marketing over the past decadeShift from large influencers to micro and nano influencersImportance of trust and authenticity in influencer endorsementsBuilding an "ambassador army" of genuine brand advocatesStrategies for identifying and engaging potential brand ambassadorsThe role of community management in fostering brand loyaltyBalancing performance marketing with brand marketing through influencer partnershipsUtilizing gamification to motivate micro and nano influencersThe impact of demographic factors on influencer effectivenessFuture trends in decentralized and democratized influencer marketingSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

SUMMARYIn this episode of "Right About Now with Ryan Alford," Ryan breaks down seven major business stories shaping the week. Topics include MLB’s new automated umpire system, Microsoft’s surge in AI-driven ad revenue, Stripe’s $3B employee tender offer and IPO delay, Amazon’s FTC lawsuit over Prime’s “dark patterns,” TikTok Shop’s rapid trend shifts, Starbucks’ real-time pricing experiment, and Delta Airlines’ fintech-like diversification. Ryan highlights how speed, innovation, and data-driven decisions are disrupting legacy business models, urging listeners to adapt quickly or risk falling behind.TAKEAWAYSIntroduction of automated ball and strike challenge system in MLB, emphasizing data-driven decision-making.Microsoft’s significant Q3 earnings, highlighting $20 billion in advertising revenue and advancements in AI-driven ads.Stripe's $3 billion employee tender offer and the strategic delay of its IPO, focusing on private market advantages.Legal challenges faced by Amazon regarding deceptive practices in Prime enrollment and cancellation processes.TikTok Shop's July trend report showcasing rapid shifts in consumer demand and the need for agile supply chain management.Starbucks experimenting with real-time pricing transparency to enhance customer experience and adapt to market demands.Delta Airlines' strong Q2 performance and diversification strategies, resembling fintech operations rather than traditional airline metrics.Walmart's partnership with Rivian for electric delivery vans aimed at reducing carbon emissions and optimizing delivery efficiency.The overarching theme of velocity in business, stressing the importance of speed and adaptability in various industries.The impact of technology and innovation on traditional business practices and consumer behavior.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Right About Now with Ryan AlfordJoin media personality and marketing expert Ryan Alford as he dives into dynamic conversations with top entrepreneurs, marketers, and influencers. "Right About Now" brings you actionable insights on business, marketing, and personal branding, helping you stay ahead in today's fast-paced digital world. Whether it's exploring how character and charisma can make millions or unveiling the strategies behind viral success, Ryan delivers a fresh perspective with every episode. Perfect for anyone looking to elevate their business game and unlock their full potential.Resources:Right About Now NewsletterFree Podcast Monetization CourseJoin The NetworkFollow Us On InstagramSubscribe To Our Youtube ChannelVibe Science MediaSUMMARYIn this episode of "Right About Now," host Ryan Alford interviews Yousuf Ahmed, founder of B-Sides, a sustainable snack brand. Yousuf shares his journey from Goldman Sachs to food entrepreneurship, focusing on upcycling food byproducts into tasty snacks. The discussion covers product development challenges, branding inspired by 80s/90s music, and strategies for scaling the business. Yousuf emphasizes balancing great taste with sustainability and profitability, highlighting the importance of authenticity and operational efficiency. The episode offers insights into building a purpose-driven brand and navigating the complexities of the modern snack industry.TAKEAWAYSTransition from investment banking to food entrepreneurshipBackground in the music industry and its influence on career choicesConcept of upcycling in the food industry and its sustainability benefitsChallenges in product development using upcycled ingredientsImportance of balancing taste and sustainability in consumer productsMarketing strategies for authentic promotion of sustainable snacksTarget audience for sustainable snack products and their preferencesOmnichannel distribution strategy for reaching consumersVertical integration in manufacturing to improve profit marginsInsights on consumer awareness and cultural references in brandingSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this episode of "Right About Now with Ryan Alford," Ryan covers five major business stories, including looming 25% tariffs on tech imports from China and South Korea, the anticipated launch of OpenAI’s GPT-5 and its impact on the AI industry, and insights from guest Matt Britton on AI-driven changes in hardware, creativity, and coding. The episode also discusses talent competition among tech giants, Amazon Prime Day’s retail shakeup, and the latest Federal Reserve rate outlook. Listeners get sharp analysis on how these trends will shape business, technology, and everyday life.TAKEAWAYSPrice increase of 25% on tech products from China and South Korea due to tariffs.Upcoming release of GPT-5 by OpenAI and its potential impact on the AI landscape.Insights on the rapid evolution of AI and hardware development.The transformation of creativity and coding skills due to AI advancements.Talent acquisition trends in the tech industry, including poaching of top engineers.Amazon Prime Day sales and retail strategies to compete with online shopping.Federal Reserve's interest rate outlook and its implications for the market.The impact of AI on everyday life and the future of robotics.The consolidation of AI tools and its effects on business operations.The importance of adapting marketing strategies to consumer behavior and scarcity.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.