Branding, Podcasts, & Time Management

VERSE OF THE DAY

“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.” - 1 John 4:7

MARKETING
Growing OLIPOP to a 1.85 Billion Dollar Brand

OLIPOP had a big week, but its success goes far beyond a viral marketing moment.

The brand made headlines after playfully clashing with competitor Poppi during the Super Bowl. While Poppi spent $16 million on an influencer-driven ad campaign and stocked 32 vending machines for social media stars, the move backfired. Critics called it wasteful, arguing the money should have gone to schools or hospitals. OLIPOP seized the moment, posting witty comments like, “32 machines at $25K each—yikes!” and “We don’t have vending machines, but who wants a Jersey?”

But OLIPOP’s biggest win wasn’t online—it was in business. Just seven years after launching, the company reached a staggering $1.85 billion valuation after securing Series C funding from J.P. Morgan. The demand for healthier soda is undeniable, with OLIPOP now stocked in nearly 50,000 stores, including Walmart, Whole Foods, and Starbucks.

Co-founder Ben Goodwin’s journey began with personal health struggles. After losing 50 pounds as a teen, he became obsessed with gut health, ultimately leading him to create OLIPOP. His advice to entrepreneurs? Don’t wait for a perfect plan—launch and let the market guide your growth. He also warns against bad investors, advising founders to seek partners who respect their vision rather than those who act like saviors.

“We have the ability to grow with great vision and effort,” Goodwin says. “The future is not fixed, and neither is our ability to shape it.”

DIVINE POTENTIAL PODCAST
Radical Forgiveness: How Davey Blackburn Transformed Pain into Purpose

In episode 13 of Divine Potential, host Daniel Kelley welcomes Davey Blackburn, the founder of Nothing is Wasted Ministries, to explore a profound journey of faith and forgiveness. Davey shares the heart-wrenching story of his tragic loss—his wife Amanda, who was pregnant, was murdered in a home invasion. This episode dives into how Davey navigated unimaginable grief, the path towards radical forgiveness, and transforming pain into purpose. Despite overwhelming sorrow, Davey found a way to channel his pain into a ministry that helps others overcome their darkest valleys. This episode not only underscores the power of faith in the face of tragedy but also reflects on the roles forgiveness and healing play in uncovering divine potential. Join us for an inspiring conversation that promises to touch your heart and encourage your spirit.

Click this link to stream episode 13 of Divine Potential

ENTREPRENUERSHIP
10 Must Listen To Podcasts For Entrepreneurs

10 Must-Listen Podcasts for Entrepreneurs

Staying ahead in business requires constant learning. Podcasts offer valuable insights from industry leaders, helping entrepreneurs refine their strategies while commuting, exercising, or multitasking. Here are 10 essential podcasts to fuel your growth:

• The Tim Ferriss Show – Bestselling author Tim Ferriss breaks down the routines, habits, and strategies of top performers across industries, offering practical takeaways for entrepreneurs.

• How I Built This – Guy Raz interviews founders of major brands like Airbnb and Spanx, revealing the struggles, pivots, and breakthroughs behind their success.

• Masters of Scale – LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman shares growth strategies from top entrepreneurs, covering topics like fundraising, scaling teams, and leadership.

• Planet Money’s Indicator – A 10-minute podcast explaining economics and market trends in simple terms, helping entrepreneurs make informed business decisions.

• The $100 MBA Show – Omar Zenhom delivers short, tactical business lessons on pricing, marketing, and productivity, perfect for entrepreneurs on the go.

• HBR IdeaCast – Harvard Business Review’s podcast features thought leaders discussing leadership, innovation, and behavioral economics.

• Smart Passive Income – Pat Flynn shares strategies for building passive income and scaling online businesses.

• Marketing School – Neil Patel and Eric Siu provide daily 5-minute tips on SEO, social media, and digital marketing.

• The Ed Mylett Show – Focuses on mindset, peak performance, and business strategy through interviews with top achievers.

• Business Wars – Explores legendary corporate rivalries like Nike vs. Adidas, offering insights into business strategy and competition.

Incorporating these podcasts into your routine can help you develop smarter strategies, sharpen leadership skills, and stay ahead in the ever-changing business world.

TIME MANAGEMENT
Mastering Time Management as a Manager

Poor time management doesn’t just affect you—it impacts your entire team. A study by SHRM found that 84% of employees believe poorly trained managers create unnecessary stress. When you fail to manage your time effectively, you risk overloading your team, creating last-minute emergencies, and damaging morale. Here are five common time management flaws and how to fix them.

1. Not Understanding Team Capacity

Overloading employees leads to burnout, reduced quality, and frustration. Track assignments using tools like Todoist, Asana, or Microsoft Project to maintain visibility into workloads. Regularly review these lists in meetings and listen to your team's concerns about bandwidth.

2. Asking for Last-Minute Help on Known Tasks

Creating unnecessary emergencies drains your team. Instead, establish clear project roadmaps with deadlines, responsibilities, and approval processes. Set calendar reminders to review upcoming deadlines, ensuring tasks are assigned well in advance.

3. Failing to Set Boundaries with Upper Management

Saying “yes” to every new request without prioritization overwhelms your team. Push back strategically by aligning new initiatives with existing priorities. Ask leadership, “Is this more important than our current priorities, or should it wait until next quarter?”

4. Not Being Available

Schedule recurring one-on-one meetings with team members for support and feedback. Maintain an open-door policy and establish clear protocols for urgent matters. Employees should know how to reach you when needed.

5. Withholding Credit and Positive Feedback

Recognizing good work boosts morale. Acknowledge team contributions via email, messages, or public praise. Before presenting, credit those who contributed the most.

By addressing these flaws, you’ll create a healthier work environment, reduce stress, and improve overall team productivity.