That collective sigh you heard recently was likely the relief that the risk of recession has passed. Or are we just experiencing The Twilight Before the Storm resulting in a transformational societal makeover? Warning: this episode is a must-listen but not for the faint hearted!

Buckle up folks for a mind-bending journey with our latest special series episode “At the Corner of Main St and Wall St.” In this episode, we’re thrilled to welcome the mind-boggling and fascinating insights of Victor Shvets, a global strategist known for his forward-thinking analysis and no-nonsense approach to the world's economic and social tides. He’s the author of recently released “The Twilight Before the Storm.”

1. Echoes of 1930s A striking comparison between today's socio-economic climate and the tumultuous 1930s.
2. The Liquidity Tsunami Understand how capital liquidity ratios shifted from 1.5 to potentially 10 times GDP, and why your savings account might be feeling those ripples.
3. Baby Boomers' Influence Discover how the post-WWII generation's unchecked growth demands led to the 2010 financial meltdown.
4. Economic Role Reversals Today’s financial economy now overshadows the real economy—how did we get here?
5. Technological and Financial Squeeze How technology and financialization are pushing the middle class to the breaking point.
6. Government’s Expanding Role Witness the surprising shift towards politicizing bureaucracies and the increasing governmental footprint in our daily lives.

About our guest Viktor Shvets:

Viktor Shvets is a Global Strategist and an expert on financial markets. He is frequently featured in business and news media. He is the author of the recently released The Twilight Before the Storm.

He is also the author of The Great Rupture: Three Empires, Four Turning Points, and the Future of Humanity. He has worked in Sydney, Melbourne, Hong Kong, London, New York, and Moscow working on the intersection between finance, technology, politics, and history. He is a prolific writer on key global trends and is a frequent commentator on CNBC, Bloomberg, and other media outlets. Viktor was born in Kyiv, which at the time was the capital of the Soviet Ukraine. He attended Kyiv University of Economics and Trade before immigrating to Australia, where he completed a Bachelor of Economics degree from the University of Sydney and a Master of Commerce degree from the University of New South Wales.

On this episode, I'm taking a deep dive into TWO of my most popular episodes with Zach Mercurio, expert on "mattering" at work. Why? Because it turns out, feeling LIKE you matter is as vital as food and shelter... and its ABSENCE is as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes DAILY!

Think that's dramatic? Zach breaks down how loneliness isn't just sad, it's SABOTAGE:

• 82% of workers feel lonely at work (that's an EY study, folks).
• This isn't about solo offices, it's about feeling INVISIBLE, even in a crowd.
• This feeling CRUSHES engagement, well-being, and sucks the life out of organizational change ... the very things we need for a company to THRIVE, especially during these Never Normal Times.

So, what's the antidote?

• Leaders, you're not just bosses, you must be ARCHITECTS OF MEANING.
• It's not enough for a job to HAVE purpose, people need to FEEL that purpose IN their daily work.
• Like Zach says, if all you offer is a paycheck, guess what? That's all you'll GET.

This episode is PACKED with shifts that will rewire how you think about work and change. Ask yourself: how do you get people to feel like their contributions to change truly matter? Learn why you must differentiate between the meaning OF work and the meaning IN work. Get ready to have your assumptions challenged and your leadership toolkit UPGRADED.

You can listen to the full episodes of Zach Mercurio's interviews here:

YouTube:

(1) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzKfyYKlj4k&t=28s

(2) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPEcHL142Z0

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/geeks-geezers-and-googlization-show/id1115530408

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1tKCFbV7NZDzeQGZMsSQaP

The message is clear: The future of work will be defined by rapid technological advancement, requiring individuals and organizations to embrace adaptability as a core competency. Leveraging tools like the AQai model and fostering a supportive and agile work environment will be critical to thriving in the age of acceleration.

Join me on this just released 15-minute documentary titled Pivot Point, Navigating Work in the Age of Acceleration. Directed by the acclaimed Nick Nanton, a 22-time Emmy Award Winner, this film provides profound insights from industry leaders on how organizations can navigate and thrive amidst technological advancements and AI integration.

You can view the documentary here. https://adaptabilitytoolkit.com/pivot-power/

Key Theme include:

1. Accelerating Pace of Change

2. AI Disruption and Opportunity

3. Adaptability as the Essential Skill

4. The Adaptability Quotient (AQ)

Key Insights and Facts:

1. Skills Obsolescence: The half-life of skills is shrinking rapidly, with estimates suggesting that 40-80% of current skills could become irrelevant within the next 5-6 years.

2. Company Longevity: The lifespan of companies is also decreasing. The average life cycle of a typical business model has shrunk to 2-3 years.

3. AI Augmenting Human Capabilities: The focus should be on leveraging AI to enhance human capabilities and empower individuals to perform tasks more efficiently and effectively.

4. Importance of Organizational Support: Companies must foster a culture that embraces experimentation, accepts failure, and provides support for employee development and adaptation.

5. "Mushroom moments" represent the period of hidden development and growth, while "flower moments" signify the time when these advancements come to light and are widely recognized. Adaptability allows individuals and organizations to thrive in both phases, fostering continuous development and ensuring they are prepared for the "flower moment" when it arrives.

6. The 10,000-hour-to-become-an-expert-rule is outdated because the rapid evolution of technology and information renders skills obsolete much faster. Continuous learning and adaptability are more critical than accumulating expertise in a single area over a long period.

Election crystal ball or magic 8-ball? Join political gurus Wendy Danley Davis and Louis Perron as they unravel "The Pollsters' Dilemma" in the era of Trump on this episode of "At the Corner of Main St and Wall St." Can we still trust polls to predict election outcomes? Or are we better off consulting tea leaves? This podcast that will challenge everything you thought you knew about political forecasting. Get ready to dive into: • The art (or science?) of reading political tea leaves • Why your neighbor's lawn signs might be more accurate than national polls • The secret algorithm: (Likes + Retweets) ÷ Polling Data = Election Results? Don't miss this chance to peek behind the curtain of political predictions. Your vote counts, but does your opinion poll? Find out soon!

This episode will:  - Question the reliability of traditional polling methods in the face of a deeply divided electorate. - Investigate the phenomenon of the "hidden Trump voter" and whether polls are underestimating his support. - Discuss the importance of voter turnout and how it can defy polling predictions. - Consider the need for new approaches to understanding voter behavior, going beyond quantitative data to incorporate qualitative insights. - Explore the clear dichotomy between kitchen table issues and moral outrage, reflecting the unprecedented polarized political landscape. Join us as we explore the pollsters' dilemma in this era of political polarization and volatility. Listen as we explore why polling has become more challenging, from the rise of 'hidden' Trump voters to the impact of social media echo chambers.  About our guests: Wendy Davis, PhD is a former candidate for the Utah House of Representatives. She holds a PhD in Political Science from the University of Utah where her research interests included education policy, political socialization, state and local government, and political participation. She is the Chief Experience Officer for Agile Cloud Consulting and author of “The Fight You Don’t See.” Louis Perron, PhD is a political scientist, consultant, and TEDx speaker based in Switzerland. His track record includes winning dozens of election campaigns worldwide—from big city mayors to presidents. He speaks fluent English, German, and French, is a frequent commentator on election campaigns in the news, and has been teaching political marketing for more than a decade. Author of “Beat the Incumbent, Proven Strategies and Tactics to Win Elections.”

Buckle up for another riveting episode. Host Ira S Wolfe along with co-hosts Mat Van Alstyne, and John Aidan Byrne plunge into the 2024 Election with Muhlenberg College pollster and political scientist Dr. Chris Borick. Listen as the conversation weaves an intricate dance between Main Street and Wall Street, revealing insights ahead of the 2024 election. Here are just some of the compelling lessons You’ll take away:

1. Favorability Isn't Everything Chris Borick pointed out that likability polls don't always translate to votes. It’s fascinating how perception versus reality plays out at the voting booth.

2. House and Senate Races Matter More Than You Think John Aidan Byrne broke down how slim majorities and competitive districts like the 7th in Pennsylvania could tip the scales significantly in the coming elections.

3. Polling Puzzles and Innacuracies The crew dissected how 2016 and 2020's shocking results threw pollsters into a frenzy, sparking innovations like a blend of cold calling and online surveys to get closer to the mark.

4. Poll Accuracy Efforts Improving polling methods was a hot topic, with Borick explaining the balancing act to correct past errors without overcompensating.

5. Voter Perceptions and Demographic Divides Political preferences are distinctly split by educational attainment. Voters with 4-year degrees often swing differently than those without, a critical insight for campaign strategies.

6. Early Voting Complications The slow counting of mail-in ballots can create early election night uncertainty, particularly in battlegrounds like Pennsylvania, adding suspense and complexity to the race.

7. Strategic Figures Josh Shapiro's prominent role and enviable approval ratings make him a political player to watch, especially given his nuanced appeal in a deeply divided state.

8. Polls as Snapshots, Not Predictions :Chris Borick wisely cautions us that polls should be snapshots of the current landscape rather than definitive predictions, keeping the suspense alive in the lead-up to Election Day.

Chris Borick humorously noted, "Polling discrepancies are like rebellious teenagers – often unpredictable but certainly noticeable!"

Mat Van Alstyne: Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Odeon Capital Group, a leading full service boutique broker dealer to institutional clients. Many of you know Mat from his commentary and outlook on the highly rated Odeon Capital Conversations Podcast,

John Aidan Byrne: Veteran Wall Street business journalist, editor, filmmaker, and successful podcast host of Odeon Capital Conversations and Dig Life Deep! John/s newest ventures are two movie projects, one on the legendary life of a Wall Street CEO and scholar and the other on Norman Rockwell.  

Special Guest: Christopher Borick, professor of political science and director of the Muhlenberg College Institute of Public Opinion (MCIPO), is a nationally recognized public opinion researcher who has conducted more than 300 large-scale public opinion surveys over the past two decades. He founded MCIPO, which measures the public’s views on electoral and public policy issues with a concentration on environmental and health matters.  According to Nate Silver’s 538 polling, Muhlenberg College is ranked near the top with an A+ ruling.

While tech is the fastest-growing sector in the US and the world, it mostly skipped the Midwest. But the shift didn’t just impact jobs but educational attainment and politics too. This episode explores the fascinating junction of Main Street and Wall Street where we bring together insights from Gad Levanon, Chief Economist at Burning Glass Institute, along with our esteemed co-hosts, Ira S Wolfe, Mat Van Alystyne, and John Aidan Byrne. We delve into the perplexing political realignment in the Midwest, the likelihood of a recession, the influence of AI on traditional jobs, concerns about public debt, and even the future of democracy.

Episode Highlights:

The Midwestern Struggle: The decline in manufacturing has hit the Midwest hardest, undercutting economic stability and leading to a political shift towards the Republican Party. Gad's research highlights a dramatic drop in educational attainment, population, and economic development in the region. This decline has contributed to the shifting voter preferences we see today. It's a complex story with no straightforward solution, but localized efforts and proactive leadership might offer glimmers of hope.

Recession Talks: Premature or Impending? Gad maintains a cautiously optimistic outlook despite fears of an impending recession. While economic indicators show some negative trends, he believes that a recession requires a clear shock, which he hasn't seen yet. Mat Van Alystne adds that recessions often come as surprises, challenging us to stay prepared and vigilant.

Tech and the Workforce: Winners and Losers Our discussion brought light to the tectonic shifts in the tech industry. AI and automation are transforming job landscapes, creating winners (owners, executives) and losers (rank-and-file programmers). These changes remind us that adaptability is not just a buzzword; it's a necessity.

Public Debt: A Growing Concern Gad Levanon raises the alarm on the mounting public debt in the United States. Unlike personal debt, public debt lacks a clear connection to daily life, making it easier to spiral out of control. Both Gad and Mat criticize the lack of balanced budgets and fiscal responsibility. With a shift towards populism, the need for sustainable economic policies is more urgent than ever.

We hope this episode equips you with the insights to navigate through the corner of Main Street & Wall Street. Stay tuned; we’ve lined up future episodes that promise to keep you on the edge of your seat!

About the Speakers

Mat Van Alstyne: Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Odeon Capital Group, a leading full-service boutique broker-dealer to institutional clients. Many of you know Mat from his commentary and outlook on the highly-rated Odeon Capital Conversations Podcast,

John Aidan Byrne: Veteran Wall Street business journalist, editor, filmmaker, and successful podcast host of Odeon Capital Conversations and Dig Life Deep! John/s newest ventures are two movie projects, one on the legendary life of a Wall Street CEO and scholar and the other on Norman Rockwell.  

Special Guest: Gad Levanon is the Chief Economist of The Burning Glass Institute. Previously, Gad was with The Conference Board where he was founder of the Labor Market Institute. His research focuses on trends in US and global labor markets, the US economy, and their impact on employers. He is a regular contributor to Forbes and also often contributes opinion pieces to other national media outlets.

Additional Resources:

Connect with Gad Levanon

Gad's Newsletter referenced in the episode 

Ready for a Soft Landing (Statista)

resHave you ever felt like you hit rock bottom and wondered how you'd ever bounce back? Well, just wait until you hear this engaging and heartfelt episode of The Whole You! This is the 2nd and concluding episode with host Joe Serio along with the resilient Kevin and Steph Mason, who share their rollercoaster journey of overcoming life's darkest moments. Their secret: a stupidity sponsor! Oh yeah, focusing on the next step and leaning on faith helped keep their lives in check. Listen in as Joe, Kevin, and Steph dive into the nitty-gritty of battling fears, multiple bouts of cancers,  embracing the messiness of life, and finding hope in the most unexpected places. This episode isn't just about survival—it's about thriving through the tough times and coming out stronger on the other side.

**Here are just a few of the takeaways:**

1.  **One Step at a Time**: Learn the importance of focusing on the next step rather than being overwhelmed by the entire journey.

2. **The Power of Positivity**: Hear how keeping a positive mindset and speaking life into your situation can transform your outlook.

3. **Faith Over Fear**: Discover how anchoring yourself in faith can provide unwavering strength during life's biggest challenges.

4. **Find Your Support System**: Whether it's a spouse, friend, or a "stupidity sponsor," having someone to lean on is crucial for resilience.

5. **Celebrate the Little Wins**: Embrace the idea of having a celebration partner to share your successes, no matter how small they may seem.

Tune in, get inspired, and find out why you're just one step away from turning your setbacks into a powerful comeback!

**Did you miss Part 1 of this conversation? Search for the episode “Heart-Stopping Moments, Unbelievable Resilience: What Would You Do in Their Shoes?”

************

More about Kevin and Steph: https://kevinandsteph.com/about-us/ 

 Buy “You Met Her Where?”: https://kevinandsteph.com/book/

Connect with Joe Serio.: https://joeserio.com

Feel like you’re trying to overcome the impossible? This episode will bring you to tears, laughter, and hope.

On Part 1 of this 2-part episode of The Whole You, Kevin and Steph Mason share their incredible journey of resilience and courage. Together they have faced unimaginable challenges, from surviving electrocution and battling multiple cancers to overcoming fears of infertility and birth defects. And yet While their story is nothing short of awe-inspiring and personal, it’s entertaining and at times, downright hilarious.  

Here are **3 Key Takeaways** from their story: 

**Focus on the Next Step**: Life's adversities can overwhelm us, but Kevin and Steph emphasize breaking down challenges into manageable next steps. This approach helped them navigate through extreme difficulties one step at a time, that would have devastated most people and broken, not strengthened, a marriage.  

**Power of Positive Self-Talk**: Negative thoughts can consume us, especially during tough times. The Masons consistently replaced negative thoughts with positive affirmations and words, showing the immense power of mindset in overcoming hardships.  

**Resilience is Built, Not Born**: Resilience isn't about bouncing back to the old normal; it's about stepping forward and creating a new path. Kevin and Steph's story exemplifies how resilience can be cultivated through persistence, faith, and support.  Their journey is a testament to the human spirit's capacity to endure and thrive, regardless of the obstacles.

Don't miss out on the conclusion (Part 2) of Kevin and Steph’s deeply moving and motivational episode. Subscribe to the podcast and be the first to be notified.

More about Kevin and Steph: https://kevinandsteph.com/about-us/ 

 Buy “You Met Her Where?”: https://kevinandsteph.com/book/

Connect with Joe Serio.: https://joeserio.com

What happens when you mix Main St perception with Wall St economic and policy discussion? You get a rollercoaster episode that's as gripping as it is enlightening!

In our latest “At the Corner of Main St and Wall St” episode, I dive deep into the compelling and vexing Shrinking Middle Class Crisis. Alongside recurring guests John Aidan Byrne and Mat Van Alystne and special guest, Jeff Webb, we tackle the perplexing disconnect between a rosy national economic picture and the less positive perceptions of the middle class and lower income Americans. From the challenges faced by working families living paycheck to paycheck to aspiring entrepreneurs attempting to navigate the bureaucracy of business, this episode is packed with insights that you won't want to miss.

Here are just a few of the compelling takeaways:

**Inflation's Invisible Punch:** Inflation might seem like an abstract concept, but it’s hitting hard. Many Americans find themselves living paycheck to paycheck, a stark contrast to the booming stock market.

**Navigating the Wealth Gap:** The wealth gap’s widening, escalating social tensions and potentially destabilizing the middle class. It’s about more than money—it’s affecting the very fabric of society.

**Interest Rates Hit Home:** The middle class is feeling the squeeze more than ever. Those rising interest rates? They don't just affect loans—they ripple through everything from rent to groceries.

 **Red Tape Roadblocks:** Aspiring entrepreneurs, brace yourselves—it’s not just about your great idea. Navigating the sea of regulations can be the real beast, especially if you're scaling up.

**Generational Wealth Transfer and Gaps:** Millennials and Gen Z often feel like they're playing an unwinnable game. Is this the first time in modern history that the transfer of wealth is from younger to older generations or will today’s youth be the recipients of massive generational wealth.

 **Tariffs: Double-Edged Sword:** The strategic use of tariffs can protect domestic businesses. But watch out—mishandling them could backfire, leading to economic headaches.

**Big Government vs. Small Business:** The cozy relationship between big business and big government? It doesn't exactly help the little guys. Small businesses need a more level playing field to thrive.

** Fun Fact from the Episode:**

Did you know? Cheerleading may soon have a shot at making an Olympic debut, thanks to dynamic advocates like Jeff Webb who are pushing boundaries beyond just pom-poms and spirit chants!

Ready to dive deeper? Be Part of the Conversation. Tune in now!

And … don't forget to check out Jeff Webb's book, "American Restoration: How to Unshackle The Great Middle Class," for more stimulating perspectives! Click Here.

Additional Resources:

How Ameica’s Middle Class is Shrinking

State of the American Middle Class

About this month's guests:

Mat Van Alstyne: Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Odeon Capital Group, a leading full service boutique broker dealer to institutional clients. Many of you know Mat from his commentary and outlook on the highly rated Odeon Capital Conversations Podcast, which will return soon for another season. 

John Aidan Byrne: Veteran Wall Street business journalist, editor, filmmaker, and successful podcast host of Odeon Capital Conversations and Dig Life Deep! John/s newest ventures are two movie projects, one on the legendary life of a Wall Street CEO and scholar and the other on Norman Rockwell.  

Jeff Webb: Acclaimed business entrepreneur, CEO of Human Events Media Group, which includes digital platforms The Post Millennial and Human Events, Founder of Varsity Spirit, and President of the International Cheer Union. Widely recognized as the father of modern cheerleading, Webb revolutionized the sport by establishing Varsity Spirit, which has become a global leader in cheerleading. He is also the author of the Amazon bestselling book American Restoration: How to Unshackle the Great Middle Class.

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What if all those office wellness perks aren't actually helping? Is your office wellness program just a series of gimmicks? In this episode Tanya Tarr, Senior Contributor, Forbes, and Behavioral Scientist, and host Joe Serio dissect the myths of workplace wellness. You might rethink those yoga sessions! Tune in now!

Tanya and Joe dig into the nuanced world of well-being, whether at home or in the workplace. In this riveting episode, they switch gears from the comforts of home to the often chaotic terrain of the office. Ever wondered why pizza parties and gimmicky workplace wellness programs just don't cut it? This episode is for you.

Who should listen? If you're an employee feeling stuck in a toxic work environment, a manager looking to foster a healthier workplace, or an HR professional striving for impactful wellness initiatives, this episode is your blueprint for creating a thriving work culture. 

Here are a few thought-provoking takeaways about workplace well-being, toxic bosses, and the crucial aspects of creating a sense of belonging:

1. Balancing home and work well-being is crucial. Sometimes work is a sanctuary, other times it’s home—either way, one impacts the other significantly.

2. Simply offering gym memberships or pizza parties isn’t cutting it when it comes to workplace wellness. Real workplace well-being needs to be part of strategic planning and management.

3. Critical well-being factors to assess at work include physical comfort, solving interesting problems, professional development support, psychological safety, and feeling part of a supportive culture.

4. Meaningful workplace connections are key. If employees have genuine friendships at work, it’s a strong indicator of an organization’s health.

5. If you're stuck with an unsupportive boss, focus on what you can control. Seek intrinsic rewards like meaningfulness, choice, competence, and progress in your tasks.

Missed the first or second segment? 

Part #1: "Unleashing Your Potential: The How and Why of Personal Well-Being" Click here.

Part #2: "Unleashing Your Potential: The How  and Why of Personal Well-Being" Click here.

AI dominance, energy trade-offs, and election jitters. Those were the topics this month’s esteemed Wall St panel explored on At the Corner of Main St. and Wall St. The juxtaposition of Main Street and Wall Street may seem worlds apart, yet they are becoming increasingly intertwined. Join us as we unpack the implications of the rising cost of living, the potential shift in political administration, and the transformative power of AI in our economy. Whether you’re an investor, a tech enthusiast, or simply someone curious about future trends, this episode has something for you.

Here are nine illuminating takeaways about the economy, markets, AI, and the upcoming 2024 election.

1. **Feeling the Squeeze:** Inflation's tightening grip isn’t just a headline—whether it's grocery bills, car insurance, or trash pick-up costs, everyone's wallet is taking a hit, especially those in the middle and lower-income brackets. Is this what might determine who resides in the White House for the next 4 years?

2. **Stocks vs. Wallets:** You might hear the stock market's roaring, but don't be fooled; it doesn’t always reflect Main Street’s struggle with daily expenses. It’s like living in two different economies!

3. **Election Anxiety:** With the 2024 election heating up, there's cautious optimism. According to guest Mat Van Alstyne, the market is attempting to price in a potential Trump win, but the mix of political chaos and proposed tax changes could make for a wild ride.

4. **AI and Power Play:** NVIDIA's tech lead shows that dominating the AI scene isn't just about cool gadgets—it's fueling a surge in data demand, transforming power usage, and pushing the boundaries of what's possible.

5. **Green Energy's Reality Check:** While green energy is the future, current tech like wind and solar need more energy to produce than they give back over their lifetimes. It's an efficiency puzzle that still needs solving.

7. **Data Center Giants:** Fun fact: The biggest data center, only second to the world’s largest, is right here in the US and it's part of our growing need for data—think AI, electric vehicles, and cryptocurrency.

8. **AI Bubble Fears:** The panel's mixed takes on the AI market bubble, especially with NVIDIA, reveal a cautious yet curious approach as tech valuation and future earnings raise eyebrows.

9. **Living at the Intersection:** The convergence of economy, politics, and technology demands we stay adaptive. It’s crucial to keep learning and navigating the uncharted waters without getting bogged down by the past.

About this month's guests:

Mat Van Alstyne: Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Odeon Capital Group, a leading full service boutique broker dealer to institutional clients. Many of you know Mat from his commentary and outlook on the highly rated Odeon Capital Conversations Podcast, which will return soon for another season. 

John Aidan Byrne: Veteran Wall Street business journalist, editor, filmmaker, and successful podcast host of Odeon Capital Conversations and Dig Life Deep! John/s newest ventures are two movie projects, one on the legendary life of a Wall Street CEO and scholar and the other on Norman Rockwell.  

Special Guest: Jim Toes is President and CEO of the Security Traders Association (STA), a grassroots trade organization that serves individuals employed in the financial services industry. He also was a candidate in New York’s third Congressional district to replace ousted Rep. George Santos.