THINK Business with Jon Dwoskin

Zainulabedin Shah is a visionary leader with over 18 years of expertise in data strategy, analytics, and AI, renowned for transforming businesses and driving significant growth. As the CEO and Co-Founder of Zeed, he empowers companies to unlock their potential through cutting-edge data solutions. His accomplishments include modernizing data and AI platforms for a $5B global company, resulting in $2M in annual savings, and leading strategy at First Republic Bank, driving a 42% year-over-year sales increase. He also scaled a $2M auto startup into a $70M business with a 143% CAGR, despite having no prior industry experience. As CEO of Zeed, Zainulabedin continues to leverage his vast experience, helping businesses harness the power of data to drive strategic priorities and achieve scalable growth. His expertise extends to executing complex M&A integrations, developing innovative business models, and fostering data-driven cultures. As a podcast guest, Zainulabedin brings valuable insights into data strategy, digital transformation, and leadership, offering a compelling perspective for audiences seeking to understand the intersection of technology and business growth. Connect with Jon Dwoskin: Twitter: @jdwoskin Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.dwoskin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejondwoskinexperience/ Website: https://jondwoskin.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jondwoskin/ Email: jon@jondwoskin.com Get Jon's Book: The Think Big Movement: Grow your business big. Very Big! Connect with Zainulabedin Shah:Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zainulabedinshah/ *E – explicit language may be used in this podcast.

Here's what I'm hearing in the field this week—real conversations, real patterns. 1 – Conferences don't end when the conference endsThe most important part of working a conference is actually after the conference. Most people do the "meeting before the meeting" well—setting up conversations ahead of time. Where 90–95% fall short is post-conference follow-up. Your follow-up plan should: -Be intentional -Start on day one of planning -Have a 6–12 month shelf life If the follow-up isn't tight, the conference ROI disappears fast. 2 – Your value shows up in the questions you askI keep seeing this: As someone's sense of value goes up, the quality of their questions improves. Simple. Direct. Curious. Too many people: -Take orders instead of guiding -Avoid asking deeper questions -Stay on the surface to feel "safe" But the real work happens below the surface. Better questions → better listening → clearer understanding of client pain. If someone is in the room with you, they already see your value. Step into it. 3 – Clarity removes friction—every timeHere's a simple rule I give clients: When managing people → they should always know what to do now and what to do next When working with clients → they should always know what you're doing now and what's coming next Over communicate. Confusion is optional. 4 – Knowledge isn't enough—translation is everythingYes, stay up-to-date with: -Podcasts -Articles -Real-time data -Industry signals But the biggest gap I see is here: Not explaining what it means to the client. They don't care how much you know. They care about: -What this means for them -How they should execute differently now -Translate. Simplify. Target it to their world"

In this episode of the Think Business series What Are You Good At, Jon Dwoskin and guest co-host Jamie Garavaglia sit down with Craig Zucker, attorney and shareholder at Maddin Hauser. Craig shares how strong listening skills, problem-solving, and mentorship shaped his decades-long legal career in bankruptcy and business law. The conversation highlights the importance of communication, patience, and learning through both good and bad experiences, especially in today's fast-paced, tech-driven world. Connect with Jon Dwoskin: Twitter: @jdwoskin Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.dwoskin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejondwoskinexperience/ Website: https://jondwoskin.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jondwoskin/ Email: jon@jondwoskin.com Get Jon's Book: The Think Big Movement: Grow your business big. Very Big! Connect with Jeff Gunsberg:Website: https://title-connect.com/ Connect with Craig Zucker: Website: maddinhauser.com Bio: https://maddinhauser.com/people/craig-e-zucker/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-zucker-444447220/ *E – explicit language may be used in this podcast.

This powerful clip from THINK Business LIVE with Jon Dwoskin and Valerie Aimee Gharagouzloo, Esq. and Dr. Codi Amir Gharagouzloo, MSc, PhD, Co-Founders of Imaginostics health tech startup, identifies and provides insight into overcoming "stuck" points in business. Get real-time, relatable coaching and practical advice for navigating hurdles to boost business growth. Watch the full episode Connect with Jon Dwoskin: Twitter: @jdwoskin Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.dwoskin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejondwoskinexperience/ Website: https://jondwoskin.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jondwoskin/ Email: jon@jondwoskin.com Get Jon's Book: The Think Big Movement: Grow your business big. Very Big! Connect with Valerie and Codi Gharagouzloo: Website: https://imaginostics.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/imaginostics/ *E – explicit language may be used in this podcast.

Don Finley is the transformative force behind FINdustries, a leading product development agency that's made a monumental impact on the tech and financial sectors. With two decades of experience in these competitive fields, he's become a respected figure for his unparalleled ability to fuse science, art, and technology, bringing radical innovation to every project that FINdustries spearheads. Beyond his role as a CEO, Don is a forward-thinking visionary who believes that friendship and shared values are vital to business success. This perspective grew out of his personal journey of self-discovery, driven by transformative experiences such as climbing Kilimanjaro and exploring the rich cultural landscape of Peru. These adventures were turning points, prompting him to redefine his approach to work and life, blending them into a harmonious, rewarding existence. His philosophy and experiences serve as the backbone of FINdustries, which he founded ten years ago. The company's mission transcends mere profit. With a worldwide network of 60+ partners and 16,000 developers, FINdustries delivers innovative solutions that have helped its clients collectively generate over $2 billion in annual revenue. Their focus is on strategic product development, resolving the common challenges companies face, including delays, missed opportunities, lack of transparency, and budget overruns. But what truly sets FINdustries apart is its culture and ethos. In line with Don's personal values, the company promotes an environment where colleagues become friends, shared values drive decision-making, and fulfilling relationships are at the heart of business interactions. The result is not only financial success but a deeply meaningful, rewarding experience for everyone involved. In addition to his role at FINdustries, Don is a co-founder and advisor to many startups, ventures that benefit immensely from his rich expertise and innovative thinking to this venture. His professional milestones include pioneering the adoption of e-Notes, launching a successful retail bank, and developing a leading lending platform for a top US mortgage originator. Don Finley is more than just a seasoned industry leader; he's a living testament to the transformative power of integrating technology, friendship, and shared values into a successful business model. His unique perspective makes him an engaging speaker for podcast audiences, particularly those interested in tech transformation, the future of work, and AI's role in business. Inviting Don to your podcast means welcoming a dynamic leader who can inspire and empower listeners with his insights, experiences, and perspectives on driving innovation in the modern business world. Connect with Jon Dwoskin: Twitter: @jdwoskin Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.dwoskin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejondwoskinexperience/ Website: https://jondwoskin.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jondwoskin/ Email: jon@jondwoskin.com Get Jon's Book: The Think Big Movement: Grow your business big. Very Big! Connect with Don Finley:Website: https://findustries.co Twitter: https://x.com/dfinley Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dfinley/ Podcast: thc.findustries.co *E – explicit language may be used in this podcast.

A few patterns keep showing up in conversations with leaders and business owners: 1- The list everyone's avoiding A lot of people updated their holiday card list… …and realized there are a lot of people they haven't spoken to in months (or years). Action: -Make a master list of everyone you haven't connected with in the last 3, 6, 12, or 24 months — Pick up the phone and call them in January. 2- Planning is happening. Execution is pausing. January is already here. Waiting for the "right time" to ask for meetings or business slows momentum. Plan — yes. But leadership shows up in execution. 3- Social media is a multiplier, not a nice-to-have Your clients are on these platforms. If you're posting occasionally, generically, or waiting to be perfect — you're being forgotten. Be consistent. Be visible. Be you. Comment. Engage. Share perspective. Top of mind wins. 4- Don't run from AI — run toward it You don't need hours a day. Start with 1–5 minutes daily learning how to use it to think, write, and lead better.

Dive into an engaging speed round from THINK Business LIVE with Jon Dwoskin and Drew McWilliams, Co-Founder & President of Ivybrook Academy Pre-Schools. These quick-fire questions and candid answers reveal best advice, favorite books, and personal insights. Watch the full episode Connect with Jon Dwoskin: Twitter: @jdwoskin Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.dwoskin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejondwoskinexperience/ Website: https://jondwoskin.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jondwoskin/ Email: jon@jondwoskin.com Get Jon's Book: The Think Big Movement: Grow your business big. Very Big! Connect with Drew McWilliams: Website: IvybrookAcademy.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drew-mcwilliams-cfe-3b041a5/ *E – explicit language may be used in this podcast.

Rebecca Starr is the Vice President of Educational Operations and Regional Strategy for the Shalom Hartman Institute of North America, where she leads the design and implementation process for educational initiatives and guides the regional hubs across the US and Canada. She lives in Southfield, Michigan and works closely with local partners and institutions throughout southeast Michigan. Rebecca is a respected educator and community organizer. She served as an assistant director at Federation's Alliance for Jewish education at the Jewish Federation of Metro Detroit, where she planned and taught professional development classes for teachers in congregational and day schools. She directed and was an instructor at the award-winning Detroit branch of the Florence Melton Adult Mini-School. Rebecca also worked for the National Ramah Commission and Camp Ramah in Canada and expanded educational and outreach initiatives. Raised on a sheep farm in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, Rebecca is a proud product of the University of Michigan where she earned undergraduate degrees in education and Judaic studies as well as a master's degree in social work and a certificate in Jewish communal service. She is married to Rabbi Aaron Starr, a graduate of Hartman's Rabbinic Leadership Initiative (RLI), and they are the proud parents of two sons. Connect with Jon Dwoskin: Twitter: @jdwoskin Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.dwoskin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejondwoskinexperience/ Website: https://jondwoskin.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jondwoskin/ Email: jon@jondwoskin.com Get Jon's Book: The Think Big Movement: Grow your business big. Very Big! Connect with Rebecca Starr: Website: https://www.hartman.org.il/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShalomHartmanInstitute X: https://twitter.com/Hartman_Inst Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shalomhartmaninstitute YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/HartmanInstitute Podcasts: https://www.hartman.org.il/program/identity-crisis-podcast/ – Identity Crisis Podcast https://www.hartman.org.il/program/for-heavens-sake-podcast/ – For Heaven's Sake Podcast *E – explicit language may be used in this podcast.

This powerful clip from THINK Business LIVE with Jon Dwoskin and Travis Fritts, Co-Founder of Old Nation Brewing, identifies and provides insight into overcoming "stuck" points in business. Get real-time, relatable coaching and practical advice for navigating hurdles to boost business growth. Watch the full episode Connect with Jon Dwoskin: Twitter: @jdwoskin Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.dwoskin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejondwoskinexperience/ Website: https://jondwoskin.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jondwoskin/ Email: jon@jondwoskin.com Get Jon's Book: The Think Big Movement: Grow your business big. Very Big! Connect with Travis Fritts: Website: https://oldnationbrewing.com/ Instagram: @oldnationbrewing Facebook: @oldnationbrewing *E – explicit language may be used in this podcast.