The Business of Whats Next

Hosted by Matthew Shipp

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Jun 2026

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The Business of What’s Next is a podcast for growth-stage business leaders who are ready to move beyond “busy” and focus on what really drives results. Hosted by Matthew Shipp, facilitator and strategic coach at Emberi Solutions, the show highlights how ambitious leaders make smarter decisions, prioritize the right projects, and set a sustainable rhythm for growth.

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June 3, 202638 min

Innovation Portfolio Management: How Leaders Balance Risk, Growth, and Execution with Noel Sobelman

Innovation is not just about generating new ideas. It is about building the systems, leadership alignment, and decision-making processes that turn strategy into sustainable business growth. In this episode, Matthew Shipp sits down with Noel Sobelman to explore how companies can better balance risk, execution, and long-term innovation. Noel shares why so many organizations struggle with overloaded project pipelines, short-term thinking, and poor prioritization despite investing heavily in innovation. Noel brings decades of experience helping organizations improve innovation strategy, portfolio management, and operational execution across industries ranging from technology to medical devices. Drawing from his upcoming book, Innovation Portfolio Management: Linking Strategy to Execution, he explains how leaders can create balanced innovation portfolios, improve governance, empower teams, and build cultures that support continuous improvement and long-term growth. In this episode, we dive into: ✅ Why companies often fail by jumping to solutions before understanding customer problems ✅ How innovation portfolio management connects strategy to execution ✅ The dangers of overloaded innovation pipelines and short-term thinking ✅ Why balancing incremental and transformational innovation matters for growth ✅ How leadership teams can improve innovation decision-making and resource allocation ✅ The role governance and organizational structure play in innovation success ✅ Why culture, team buy-in, and continuous improvement are critical for adoption ✅ How companies can balance core business execution with future innovation opportunities ✅ The growing importance of innovation ecosystems and external partnerships Noel Sobelman Accel Management Group Innovation Portfolio Management: Linking Strategy to Execution - Get the first chapter! Connect with the HostMatthew ShippBe a GuestLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewshipp/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matthewjshipp/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emberisolutionsEmberi Solutions: https://emberisolutions.com/Buy me a coffee ☕ https://buymeacoffee.com/mattshipp

April 15, 202641 min

Clarity Over Everything: Building a Brand That Drives Better Decisions and Sustainable Growth with Charlie Sells

In this episode, we explore why so many business owners feel stuck despite constant activity. Charlie Sells breaks down how a lack of clarity—not effort—is often the real bottleneck. From scattered marketing tactics to misaligned systems, he explains how unclear direction creates inefficiency, confusion, and stalled growth. Charlie, founder of Clarity Over Everything, shares how he helps business owners step back, simplify their strategy, and focus on what actually moves the needle. Through better questions, structured thinking, and intentional planning, he helps leaders build brands that are clear, consistent, and positioned for long-term success. In this episode, we dive into: ✅ Why “random acts of marketing” waste time, money, and momentum ✅ How to identify and fix broken systems before scaling visibility ✅ The difference between clarity as a direction vs. a destination ✅ How asking better questions leads to stronger strategy and alignment ✅ Why small tests and micro-pivots outperform big, risky changes ✅ The role of consistency in building long-term brand trust ✅ How internal alignment improves execution and customer experience ✅ A practical approach to prioritizing what matters most in your business Charlie Sells Clarity Over Everything Sponsors: Polyfortech Connect with the HostMatthew ShippBe a GuestLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewshipp/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matthewjshipp/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emberisolutionsEmberi Solutions: https://emberisolutions.com/Buy me a coffee ☕ https://buymeacoffee.com/mattshipp

March 4, 202634 min

Turning Technical Overwhelm Into Scalable Cloud Confidence with Kevin Weber

Technology should accelerate growth. Not quietly restrict it. In this episode, Matthew Shipp sits down with Kevin Weber, founder of Polyfortech, to unpack why so many mid-stage companies feel stuck when it comes to cloud migration. The systems may be “working,” but technical debt, manual processes, and fragile infrastructure often create hidden operational drag. Kevin explains how leaders can modernize their infrastructure without overwhelming their teams or disrupting momentum. Kevin operates as a hands-on fractional CTO who doesn’t just advise. He demonstrates. His “see one, do one, teach one” model empowers internal teams to migrate confidently to AWS, reduce fear, and eliminate technical bottlenecks that slow execution. This conversation is a practical roadmap for CEOs, founders, and technology leaders who want scalable systems that support what’s next. In this episode, we dive into: ✅ What technical debt really is and why postponing fixes compounds risk ✅ When a growing business is truly ready for cloud migration ✅ The difference between on-premise disaster recovery and cloud redundancy ✅ Why “click ops” and undocumented systems create hidden leadership risk ✅ How to move from reactive firefighting to automated, self-healing infrastructure ✅ A practical framework to migrate systems without overwhelming your team Ready to evaluate your cloud readiness? If you’re navigating infrastructure decisions and wondering whether AWS migration makes sense for your business, Kevin offers discovery calls to help you assess your next step. Visit polyfortech.com to schedule a conversation or connect with Kevin directly on LinkedIn. Kevin Weber Polyfortech Connect with the HostMatthew ShippBe a GuestLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewshipp/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matthewjshipp/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emberisolutionsEmberi Solutions: https://emberisolutions.com/Buy me a coffee ☕ https://buymeacoffee.com/mattshipp

February 18, 202636 min

Hiring With Strategy and Kindness: The New Standard for Leadership Teams with Carey Parks

Hiring senior leaders is one of the most strategic decisions a CEO will make. Yet many founders approach it like a staffing task instead of a growth decision. In this episode, we explore why executive hiring often fails and how a lack of clarity, culture alignment, and delegation readiness can stall scaling efforts.Carey Parks, founder of Talent Kind Search, brings decades of experience in executive search and HR consulting. She works with mid-stage businesses to align leadership hiring with long-term strategy, not just immediate workload relief. Her approach blends strategic clarity, culture-first thinking, and intentional leadership development to help CEOs build teams that actually scale.In this episode, we dive into:✅ Why strategic hiring starts with defining outcomes, not writing job descriptions✅ The founder delegation trap and how it sabotages strong leadership hires✅ How culture alignment directly impacts executive performance✅ The role of kindness as a strategic leadership advantage✅ When to consider fractional or contract leadership before full-time hires✅ Industry shifts in food and beverage that demand smarter hiring strategyIf you’re a CEO, founder, or business owner preparing for your next leadership hire, this episode will help you approach executive talent acquisition with clarity and confidence. Carey ParksTalent Kind SearchInstagramFacebook Connect with the HostMatthew ShippBe a GuestLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewshipp/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matthewjshipp/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emberisolutionsEmberi Solutions: https://emberisolutions.com/Buy me a coffee ☕ https://buymeacoffee.com/mattshipp

February 4, 202628 min

Creating long-term value through disciplined, outcome first leadership.

Growing companies don’t fail because leaders lack vision. They struggle when growth outpaces clarity, alignment, and execution. In this episode of The Business of What’s Next, Matthew Shipp sits down with Rebecca Kay, founder of PIC Operating Group, to explore why many organizations stall after early success—and how outcome-first leadership creates long-term enterprise value.Rebecca shares how her experience across multiple industries shaped a disciplined approach to value creation. Instead of starting with tools, roles, or frameworks, she helps leaders define the desired future state first, assess reality honestly, and prioritize the few initiatives that truly move the business forward. The result is sustainable growth, healthier teams, and companies built to last.In this episode, we dive into:✅ Why starting with outcomes beats solution-first thinking✅ How misalignment and lack of clarity quietly limit growth✅ The importance of fixing foundations before scaling✅ Common leadership blind spots in founder-led companies✅ How reducing founder dependency increases enterprise value✅ Building systems that support people, not slow them down Rebecca Kay PIC Operating Group Connect with the HostMatthew ShippBe a GuestLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewshipp/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matthewjshipp/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emberisolutionsEmberi Solutions: https://emberisolutions.com/Buy me a coffee ☕ https://buymeacoffee.com/mattshipp

January 21, 202645 min

From story to strategy turning experience into influence through authorship with Sean Mabry

Writing a book isn’t just about sharing what you know—it’s about transforming how people see you. In this episode, we explore how business leaders can use authorship to clarify their message, build authority, and attract new opportunities. Ghostwriter Sean Mabry explains why books still matter, how to overcome writer’s block, and what makes a book truly resonate.In this episode, we dive into:✅ Why writing a book is a high-leverage business move✅ How story structure creates clarity and authority✅ What most founders get wrong about book planning✅ The difference between tactical books and transformational ones✅ Role-playing workshops that build team communication LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-mabry-781b39a3/Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/smabryThe Book Clarity Engine:https://book-clarity-engine.lovable.app Sponsors:Seek Coaching Connect with the HostMatthew ShippBe a GuestLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewshipp/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matthewjshipp/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emberisolutionsEmberi Solutions: https://emberisolutions.com/Buy me a coffee ☕ https://buymeacoffee.com/mattshipp

December 17, 202532 min

Why Your Customers Decide in Seconds: The Biology Behind Effective Brand Messaging with Leo York

Guest: Leo York, Founder of Leo CopywritingUnderstanding your audience isn’t just about demographics or market trends. It’s about biology. In this episode, Matthew talks with Leo York about the behavioral side of brand communication—how people make decisions, what captures attention, and why messaging works best when it aligns with instinct rather than guesswork. Leaders often struggle with clarity because they widen their message, rely on gut feel, or try to do everything themselves. Leo breaks down why that happens and how to fix it.Leo brings a background in copywriting and biology, offering a practical view of persuasion grounded in how the brain reacts to visuals, color, urgency, and focus. His approach helps businesses avoid scope creep, strengthen their message, and make better strategic decisions.In this episode, we dive into:✅ Why effective messaging starts with human behavior, not clever words✅ How visuals and color shape perception before anyone reads a sentence✅ The real reasons leaders get stuck—scope creep, founder syndrome, and decision paralysis✅ How narrowing your message actually widens your reach✅ “Outsource productivity, insource creativity” and why it changes growth✅ Using time, specificity, and urgency to drive customer action✅ How team alignment strengthens messaging more than solo decision-makingIf your business is rethinking its messaging or struggling to communicate clearly, this episode gives you a grounded framework to move forward with confidence.LinkedInInstagramFacebook Sponsor:Seek Coaching Connect with the HostMatthew ShippBe a GuestLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewshipp/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matthewjshipp/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emberisolutionsEmberi Solutions: https://emberisolutions.com/Buy me a coffee ☕ https://buymeacoffee.com/mattshipp

December 3, 202522 min

Why Strategic Thinking Still Outperforms Technology for Growing Businesses with Jake Truemper of Shift

Many leaders jump into tools, technology, or AI before understanding the real problem. In this episode, Matthew talks with Jake Truemper, founder of Shift, about why strategic clarity is still the strongest advantage any leader can build. Jake explains how human-centered strategy helps teams cut through noise, uncover real needs, and make decisions that lead to meaningful progress.He shares how visual planning—whiteboards, maps, prototypes—helps leadership teams align faster and eliminate costly missteps. Jake also walks through examples from healthcare innovation to frontline workflow audits, showing how service design uncovers friction and reveals where time and resources should shift. He closes with insights on why most AI efforts fall short and how leaders can use AI effectively by grounding it in clear strategy.In this episode, we dive into:✅ Why leaders rush into solutions—and how to avoid premature decisions✅ How human-centered strategy reveals real priorities and unmet needs✅ The role of visual tools in creating alignment and clarity✅ How service design removes friction and improves performance✅ Why many AI initiatives fail—and how to apply AI with intention✅ How stronger strategic thinkers help teams move faster with confidence Jake TruemperShiftLinkedIn Sponsors:Seek Coaching Connect with the HostMatthew ShippBe a GuestLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewshipp/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matthewjshipp/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emberisolutionsEmberi Solutions: https://emberisolutions.com/Buy me a coffee ☕ https://buymeacoffee.com/mattshipp

November 19, 202511 min

The Simple System That Helps Leaders Beat Mental Overload

Show NotesEvery leader knows the feeling: too much to do, too little clarity.In this solo episode, Matthew Shipp tackles the real reason behind mental overload—and why it’s not your fault. He explores the biological limits of working memory, the hidden weight of cognitive load, and how most productivity advice misses the mark. The good news? There's a system that works with your brain, not against it.Matthew walks through practical strategies to get out of your head and into focused execution—so you can lead your team with clarity and momentum.In this episode, we dive into:✅ Why mental overload is biological, not personal✅ The limits of working memory and how to work around them✅ A mind dump process that instantly reduces mental clutter✅ How the 1-3-5 method creates a brain-aligned daily structure✅ On-radar vs. off-radar lists to stay flexible without losing focus✅ How to design your day around real cognitive energy—not wishful thinking✅ Why creating white space is essential for strategic thinking Connect with the HostMatthew ShippBe a GuestLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewshipp/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matthewjshipp/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emberisolutionsEmberi Solutions: https://emberisolutions.com/Buy me a coffee ☕ https://buymeacoffee.com/mattshipp

November 5, 202533 min

From Burnout to Balance: The Leadership Shift Toward Alignment with Stefani Seek of Seek Coaching

In this episode, host Matthew Shipp talks with Stefani Seek, founder of Seek Coaching (formerly Love the Sell), about how today’s leaders can find clarity, balance, and renewed purpose in their work.After 25 years in corporate sales and leadership, Stefani hit burnout and decided to redefine success on her own terms. Through her 5V’s Methodology, she helps executives and professionals align their values, voice, and vision—bridging the gap between who they are and how they lead.In this episode, we dive into:✅ Why achievement without alignment leads to burnout✅ How subconscious beliefs can quietly limit your growth✅ The 5V framework for rediscovering purpose and direction✅ The importance of setting boundaries and protecting your energy✅ Simple mindset practices to reconnect with your authentic voice✅ Why alignment, not hustle, is the new measure of successConnect with Stefani Seek:🌐 seekcoaching.com 📧 stefani@seekcoaching.comLinkedIn Connect with the HostMatthew ShippBe a GuestLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewshipp/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matthewjshipp/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emberisolutionsEmberi Solutions: https://emberisolutions.com/Buy me a coffee ☕ https://buymeacoffee.com/mattshipp