The Menlo Experience

Hosted by Menlo Inc

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May 2026

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About the show

The Menlo Experience is a podcast about business, leadership, technology, cyber-security, and K-12 education. Hosted by CEO Brad Sandt and COO Kyle Baack, The Menlo Experience gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the conversations happening at Menlo. In each episode, Kyle and Brad talk about the latest trends in edtech, share their insights on leadership, and discuss the challenges and opportunities facing businesses and schools today. Whether you're a Superintendent, Educator, or business leader, The Menlo Experience is a must-listen to podcast.

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23 recent

May 5, 202632 min

The Menlo Experience - Episode 23: Navigating AI at Full Speed

In this episode of The Menlo Experience, we talk through how quickly AI is advancing and why businesses, policymakers, and even the technology itself are struggling to keep up. We get into cybersecurity risks, hidden system vulnerabilities, and what ideas like “harvest now, decrypt later” could mean in the near future. We also spend time on what business owners should actually be doing right now, why going with the cheapest IT option can create bigger problems, and how AI is starting to reshape everyday work. Along the way, we share real-world tech stories and why adaptability and people skills matter more than ever.

February 26, 202621 min

The Menlo Experience - Episode 22: Thriving Through AI Change

AI is accelerating faster than most expected. Three years after ChatGPT, we are only starting to understand how deeply it will impact business, talent, and the market.In this episode, we talk through how companies are reacting, what job displacement really looks like, and why history shows that early hype does not always decide the winners. The next wave of major players may not even exist yet.We also dive into market hesitation, staying grounded in fundamentals, and why this might be the moment to move while others slow down. From AI to the NFL and the global attention economy, this conversation is about adapting, breaking through the noise, and building real connection in a culture fighting for attention.

December 23, 202522 min

The Menlo Experience - Episode 21: Stepping Back to Move Forward

Happy Holidays from The Menlo Experience! 🎄🎁 In this episode of The Menlo Experience, Brad and Kyle reflect on the end of the year as it comes to a close. The conversation begins with Spotify Wrapped and a broader look at data—how much is being collected, the convenience it creates, and whether we’re always aware of it in real time.From there, the focus shifts to annual planning and what makes the process effective. Brad and Kyle talk about building the right team, addressing hard topics together, and using data to focus on real issues. They share why systems like EOS matter, the importance of committing to goals on paper, and how stepping away from the day-to-day creates room for creativity.As the year comes together, they reflect on changes made throughout 2025, the pride that comes with progress, and the persistence required to keep moving forward. The episode closes with a look ahead to 2026 and the momentum already in place.

November 13, 202521 min

The Menlo Experience - Episode 20: The Mindset to Keep Moving Forward

Brad and Kyle explore what it takes to stay grounded when things don’t go as planned — when people lose faith, confidence wavers, and setbacks hit hard. From finding perspective through reflection and time away, to leaning on discipline and balance, they share how tough moments can become opportunities for growth. It’s a conversation about resilience, self-awareness, and the mindset to keep moving forward.

September 23, 202525 min

The Menlo Experience - Episode 19: Lessons from the Kingdom

In this episode, Brad and Kyle dive into the Kansas City Chiefs’ journey to the Super Bowl, inspired by the documentary The Kingdom. From Lamar Hunt’s 50-year pursuit of a championship to Andy Reid’s relentless work ethic, they draw parallels between building a winning football team and running a business.Drawing parallels to Brad's journey at Menlo, he shares early setbacks in building software, the determination required to create something entirely new, and the values that continue to shape the company. With a focus on hard work, pushing to dominate, and a spirit of “getafteritness,” the discussion highlights what it really takes to build championship-level performance in both business and life.

August 20, 202523 min

The Menlo Experience - Episode 18: Trust the Process

In this episode, we explore what it really means to stay the course when things get messy. From navigating uncertainty to planning for chaos, we unpack why people are so quick to hit the eject button and how resisting that urge can unlock real growth. We explore how to define what “winning” looks like before the busy back-to-school rush, how to grow together as a team, and how to bring your best every single day. It’s about building trust, leaning into uncertainty, and creating moments that leave customers feeling truly cared for.

July 16, 202527 min

The Menlo Experience - Episode 17: Progress Over Perfection

In this episode of The Menlo Experience, we dive into the reality that nothing in business or leadership is ever perfect. As the busy season starts, we talk about how to keep our teams grounded, flexible, and ready for the curveballs that always come our way. From staying calm under pressure to trusting that we’ve crushed it before (and will again), we unpack what it really means to lead through stress, let go of perfection, and keep momentum rolling. Whether you’re an idealist or a realist, this conversation will remind you that progress beats perfection every time.

February 25, 202525 min

The Menlo Experience - Episode 16: The Mindset of High Achievers

New year, new mindset. In this episode, we’re locking in for 2025 with the focus and discipline of high achievers—outworking the competition, adapting to challenges, and staying locked in on what truly matters. We break down how to block out the noise, keep your goals front and center, and push just a little longer when others stop. From pivoting on a dime to skating where you're going, this episode is all about embracing the mindset of high achievers and leveling up for the year ahead.

December 23, 202422 min

The Menlo Experience - Episode 15: Embracing Simplicity

Happy Holidays from The Menlo Experience! 🎄🎁 It wouldn’t be a holiday episode without Mariah Carey’s classic All I Want for Christmas Is You, so we kick things off with some bloopers as Brad and Kyle give it their best shot! It’s the perfect way to set the tone for our holiday party recap, where we celebrate the year’s highlights and reflect on how we came together to close out 2024 on a high note. Next, we dive into the theme for 2025: simplicity. We discuss how cutting through complexity allows us to focus on what truly matters, build strong foundations, and make a lasting impact. From volunteering with Harvesters to preparing for SOC 2 compliance, we share how intentionality and simplicity are guiding our plans for the year ahead. Don’t miss this festive episode!

November 26, 202426 min

The Menlo Experience - Episode 14: Going the Extra Mile

In this episode of The Menlo Experience, we reflect on gratitude—celebrating family, the Menlo team, and the moments that matter most. We tackle the challenges of stepping up when you're at capacity, the power of going the extra mile without being asked, and finding clarity amidst the noise of distractions. We also explore post-election optimism in business, lessons from the Kansas City Chiefs’ 9-1 journey, and how consistency—not perfection—builds dynasties. Tune in for insights, laughs, and a reminder to find strength and opportunity even in tough circumstances!