loader from loading.io

How to embrace moonshot thinking (and failure) and innovating the way we speak, with Yoodli co-founder Varun Puri

Measure Success Podcast

Release Date: 01/17/2023

Break the $30M Ceiling Using AI Strategy show art Break the $30M Ceiling Using AI Strategy

Measure Success Podcast

Professional services firms often face a growth ceiling — struggling to scale without losing client relationships or service quality. In this episode of the Measure Success Podcast, Carl J Cox sits down with Mohan Rao of KnownWell to discuss how AI can help break through that barrier. Mohan explains how their platform turns everyday communication data into actionable insights, helping firms identify client risks, spot expansion opportunities, and strengthen account management. We also explore the “Playing to Win” strategy framework and how it applies to service-based businesses. Tune in...

info_outline The Curious Leader Mindset show art The Curious Leader Mindset

Measure Success Podcast

What if curiosity was the secret to getting unstuck? In this episode, Jon Bassford — CEO of Lateral Solutions and author of The Curious Leader — shares how leaders can overcome fear, break unhelpful habits, and create a culture of growth. We explore his TEDx talk, how to create operational excellence, and the difference between being busy and being effective. ✅ How to stop doing everything yourself ✅ Why psychological safety unlocks innovation ✅ Simple strategies to save time and money in operations Listen now and start building a more curious, effective organization.  

info_outline How Losing Her Business Launched Her Career show art How Losing Her Business Launched Her Career

Measure Success Podcast

What if a business disaster was the exact push you needed? Nicole Cramer’s story starts with a total digital wipeout: her Facebook group hacked, Instagram accounts stolen, website taken down. Instead of folding, she turned it into fuel for her long-delayed goal—becoming a full-time speaker. In this episode of the Measure Success Podcast, Nicole shares how she pivoted, what she learned from professional speaking training, and how to build trust in an AI-saturated sales world. Key takeaways: How to rebuild after a tech breakdown Building a repeatable, profitable speaking business ...

info_outline AI is Here. Lead Like It. show art AI is Here. Lead Like It.

Measure Success Podcast

Trey Taylor returns to discuss what CEOs are getting wrong about AI—and why lazy usage is worse than no usage at all. From productivity tools to people leadership, this episode challenges leaders to take full ownership over how AI is integrated in their organizations. You’ll also hear how AI is being used in construction, insurance, and even quoting systems—and why quality control still starts with the CEO. 🎧 This is strategy for the future—listen now.  

info_outline How to Create Culture That Actually Works show art How to Create Culture That Actually Works

Measure Success Podcast

Ken Rusk, author of Blue Collar Cash, started in the trenches—literally. Today, he’s built a company where success means everyone wins. In this episode, Ken shares: The power of “timed pathways” vs. vague goals Why blue-collar jobs are an untapped goldmine How culture, transparency, and shared purpose drive retention If you want practical advice on building wealth, culture, and freedom (without a college degree), this one’s for you. 🎧 Tune in and rethink what it really means to succeed.  

info_outline Stop Surviving, Start Scaling with Idan Shpizear show art Stop Surviving, Start Scaling with Idan Shpizear

Measure Success Podcast

What’s more powerful than a strategy? Belief. In this episode, Idan Shpizear—CEO of 911 Restoration—shares how he helps entrepreneurs move from fear and doubt to clarity and execution. He unpacks: The difference between belief and knowing Why your inner world shapes your business results How simple mindset shifts unlock new revenue This is one of our most mindset-driven, actionable conversations to date. 🎧 Tune in and discover how your mind may be the key to your next level.  

info_outline From Body Shop to Billion Dollar Brand show art From Body Shop to Billion Dollar Brand

Measure Success Podcast

What does it take to grow from 1 to over 650 locations—and stay CEO the entire time? Matt Ebert, founder of Crash Champions, shares his incredible journey on the Measure Success Podcast. He breaks down how private equity, cultural alignment, and a clear vision helped him lead one of the largest collision repair networks in the country. Key takeaways: Navigating private equity while staying in control Scaling talent without compromising culture Building apprenticeship programs to address labor shortages Why consistency matters more than shortcuts Tune in to learn what it really...

info_outline Why Most Podcasts Fail (And What Works) show art Why Most Podcasts Fail (And What Works)

Measure Success Podcast

Why do most podcasts fail-while others grow trust, community, and clients? In this episode of Measure Success, Carl J. Cox interviews Tom Schwab, founder of Interview Valet. Tom shares real-world advice on why podcasting works best when it’s rooted in service and strategy—not ego. Learn how to avoid “podfade,” what metrics really matter, and how to grow your influence with clarity. 🎧 Tune in to explore why your voice matters more than your downloads-and how to share your message in a way that lasts.  

info_outline Why 80/20 Isn’t Enough Anymore show art Why 80/20 Isn’t Enough Anymore

Measure Success Podcast

In this episode of the Measure Success Podcast, Carl J Cox speaks with Perry Marshall, author of 80/20 Sales and Marketing, about why the Pareto Principle is more important—and misunderstood—than ever. They dive deep into why 80/20 now looks more like 95/5 in our digital world, how tech is amplifying inequality, and what leaders must do to stay focused, relevant, and profitable. You’ll learn how to eliminate distractions, double down on strengths, and why the ability to make clear decisions is the most valuable asset in today's marketplace. 🎧 Listen now and refocus your strategy with...

info_outline Why Sales Data is Failing & How to Fix It show art Why Sales Data is Failing & How to Fix It

Measure Success Podcast

Most sales teams are working with bad data—and it’s costing them revenue. In this episode of the Measure Success Podcast, Robert Kall, CEO of Cien, explains how AI-powered sales intelligence is helping companies clean up their CRM data, improve forecasting, and drive more conversions. Key insights: ✅ How bad sales data hurts revenue growth ✅ Why most CRM data is inaccurate—and how to fix it ✅ How AI helps sales teams improve forecasting and performance If you want to eliminate bad sales data and unlock more revenue, don’t miss...

info_outline
 
More Episodes

We often think of a business only in terms of whether it “succeeded” or not. But some of the best ideas, companies, and concepts have all been built from a culture of setting giant “moonshot” goals — and frequent failures along the way. 

 

Someone who knows all about the concept of “moonshot thinking” is our latest guest, Varun Puri. Varun is co-founder of Yoodli, an AI-powered speech coach. Varun is on a mission to empower people to improve their lives with more effective speaking. You will love this podcast and hearing from this extraordinary leader’s drive to positively impact people.

 

Prior to Yoodli, Varun was a Product Manager at GoogleX, where he worked on a project to bring internet to rural areas using invisible lasers. He also ran special projects for Sergey Brin, one of Google’s founders.

 

Tune into the full episode for more on why thinking big (almost *too* big) is so important for innovation (and building a successful business), what he learned from his time at GoogleX, and why failure is so important for ideas and companies that eventually succeed. 

 

Here’s a Glimpse of What You’ll Learn: 

 

  • The story behind the founding of Yoodli, including how Varun’s background informed his desire to start the company
  • Some of the biggest business lessons Varun took away from his time working at GoogleX, and how he’s taken “moonshot thinking” into his new ventures
  • The power of celebrating failure and why it’s important to set “absurd” goals
  • Why acquisition and retention are the concepts Varun measures at Yoodli
  • What’s possible with Yoodli in the near future 
  • How much Varun works per week and the habits he’s integrated to maintain his performance
  • Why sleep is so vital to Varun’s work and the role that wearable technology plays in his life
  • How Varun measures success in his personal life and why it’s important for him to go back and read his previous journal entries 

 

Resources Mentioned in This Episode: