Europe has always been ahead of the game when protecting privacy and a fair playing field for its citizens and businesses. They were the first ones to intro GDPR in 2018, legislation that protected personal data, and many nations around the world followed suit. Now many years later they have introduced the Digital Markets Act, a bold move to promote a fair playing field online. In today’s episode we are going explore what this act is about and if it is working.

About the Guests

David Mihm has spent his career helping location-oriented companies maximize their digital presence. In the 2010s, he led teams that built software optimizing Google Business Profiles and directory listings—first as co-founder/CEO of GetListed.org, then as the initial product architect of Moz Local, and later as VP of Product Strategy at ThriveHive. He also co-founded Local University and created the Local Search Ranking Factors survey (2008–2016).

David began as a consultant in the mid-2000s and has returned to that role, now partnering with Mike Blumenthal and Greg Sterling at Near Media to help multi-location brands and agencies refine their search strategies.

Stephanie Verilhac is the European Affairs Director for Siinda and founder/CEO of SVM Consult in France. With 20+ years in European affairs, legislation, and regulation, she has worked at the European Parliament and won the François Fontaine Prize. She advises companies on compliance with EU policies in data protection, privacy, digital, finance, and AI.

Guest social media

• David Mihm

Website: www.svmconsult.com

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/davidmihm

• Stephanie Verilhac

https://linkedin.com/in/stephanie-verilhac-marzin

Twitter: @stephverilhac

Host social media

- Website: www.siinda.org

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberli-lewis-7a34053/?ppe=1

https://www.linkedin.com/company/search-and-information-industry-association/?viewAsMember=true

- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/followsiinda/

In this episode, we dive into fear-based leadership — a management style built on intimidation, pressure, and the constant threat of consequences. Over the past few years, this approach has been on the rise. Economic uncertainty, rapid technological change, and a culture of constant performance metrics have left many leaders leaning into fear as a way to maintain control. While it can create short-term compliance, the long-term cost is steep: it stifles innovation, erodes trust, and takes a serious toll on employee well-being.

We also look at why leaders resort to fear, the damage it causes to teams and culture, and what healthier alternatives look like. Together, we uncover how to spot fear-driven tactics and, more importantly, how to replace them with strategies that inspire confidence, resilience, and collaboration.

About the Guest

Kate Lowry is the author of, Unbreakable: How to Thrive Under Fear-Based Leaders, a guide to navigating and succeeding under challenging leadership. She is a CEO coach, venture capitalist, and author based in Silicon Valley.

An expert in fear-based leaders, Kate developed her methodology through her experiences growing up in a hierarchical family and later honed it in the high-pressure environments of start-ups, private equity, management consulting, and big tech, including McKinsey, Meta, and Insight Partners.

With a unique blend of personal insight and professional expertise, she helps executives thrive in even the most demanding situations. In her free time, Kate enjoys writing comedy and music and spending time with her beloved service dog, Annie. Learn more at katelowry.com.

Guest social media

- Website: https://www.katelowry.com/

https://www.scaleheart.co/

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherinejlowry/

- Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FR1G981Y/ref=sr_1_2

https://www.amazon.com/Unbreakable-Thrive-Under-Fear-Based-Leaders-ebook/dp/B0FQ71FW72/ref=sr_1_1

Host social media

- Website: www.siinda.org

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberli-lewis-7a34053/?ppe=1

https://www.linkedin.com/company/search-and-information-industry-association/?viewAsMember=true

- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/followsiinda/

Search is undergoing one of the biggest shifts since Google first came onto the scene. From TikTok shaping how Gen Z finds information, to AI engines like ChatGPT and Gemini redefining what it means to “search,” the landscape is moving fast.

Organic traffic is shrinking, paid search is evolving, and new monetization models are still uncertain. In this conversation, we’ll explore what these changes mean for brands, publishers, and businesses — and look ahead to what leaders should be doing today to prepare for the search environment of tomorrow.

About the guest

Sandy Lohr, former CEO of MatchCraft (a Vendasta-acquired brand), is passionate about strengthening the local business ecosystem. As Vendasta’s Chief Operating Officer, she helps shape long-term strategy, transforming to an AI led company, aligning culture, organizational design, and company metrics with growth objectives.

A media executive, thought leader, and tech enthusiast, Sandy enjoys family time and long walks and boating in the Florida sunshine. She has been involved on non-profit boards such as educational organizations, performing arts center, Rotary, Make-A-Wish, and SIINDA. She was a founding member of the LA chapter of Chief as well as the Big5Digital in South Africa.

Vendasta is an AI acquisition and engagement software company helping businesses get more customers—and keep them. Its platform unifies marketing, sales, and operations, streamlining the customer journey.

With proprietary SMB data, automation, and AI employees, Vendasta empowers agencies, franchisors, and MSPs to scale, optimize, and grow. A global company headquartered in Saskatoon, Canada with offices in Boca Raton, Florida and Chennai, India, Vendasta employs 700+ people serving partners and SMBs worldwide.

Guest social media

-Website: https://www.vendasta.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vendasta

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vendasta/

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vendasta/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandylohr/

- Twitter: https://twitter.com/vendasta

- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/Vendasta?feature=results_main

Host social media

- Website: www.siinda.org

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberli-lewis-7a34053/?ppe=1

https://www.linkedin.com/company/search-and-information-industry-association/?viewAsMember=true

- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/followsiinda/

In this episode we explore the space where vision meets leadership and leadership sparks innovation., We explore how entrepreneurs can grow into effective leaders, and how strong leadership can turn bold ideas into thriving businesses.

Through real stories and practical strategies, we’ll uncover what it takes to inspire teams, build resilience, and create lasting impact. You need to listen to today’s expert Regardless of if you’re just starting your entrepreneurial journey or leading at scale, our expert today will help guide you from vision to success.

About the guest

John Whitt is the author of Checkmate: Winning Tactics for Translating Ideas into Money,

He is a business and executive coach, fully trained and certified in the FocalPoint Model, with a deep passion for helping leaders achieve lasting success. He specializes in teaching and coaching the transformative power of Generous Activity, a principle he believes is key to thriving both in business and in life.

John works primarily with Entrepreneurs, Small Business Owners, and organizational Leaders, guiding them to clarify their vision, sharpen their strategies, and take actionable steps that produce measurable outcomes.

John created the LifeShine Generosity Coaching program and the Business Success Blueprint, frameworks designed to integrate generosity with strategic action to achieve personal fulfillment and business excellence.

Guest social media

-Website: www.businesswhitt.com

- Facebook: www.facebook.com/businesswhitt

- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/coachjohnwhitt

- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/coachjohnwhitt

Host social media

- Website: www.siinda.org

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberli-lewis-7a34053/?ppe=1

https://www.linkedin.com/company/search-and-information-industry-association/?viewAsMember=true

- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/followsiinda/

In today’s fast-moving world, a single tweet, headline, or misstep can transform how the world perceives your company and brand. Reputation has never been more fragile—or more powerful. In this episode, we sit down with two leading experts to explore how organizations can navigate this high-stakes environment.

We dive into the strategies companies need to not only protect their image but also to build lasting trust with their customers, employees, and stakeholders. From handling crises with transparency to shaping narratives that resonate, we’ll uncover what it really takes to stay ahead in an era where reputation is everything.

Whether you’re a business leader, communicator, or simply curious about the forces shaping modern brands, this conversation will give you insights into why reputation isn’t just an asset—it’s the foundation of long-term success

About the Guest

Guests in this podcast are Soctt Brandley and DJ Sprague.

Scott and DJ are reputation management experts, podcasters, bloggers, and co-authors of Reputation King, How to become the most trusted online brand in your industry, available on Amazon.

Brandley and Sprague lead Shopper Approved, helping ecommerce brands boost traffic and conversions by collecting and syndicating customer reviews.

Combining marketing with behavioral science, they develop tools that amplify trust and performance. As keynote speakers, they’ve shared the stage with top leaders and collaborated with Dr. Robert Cialdini, renowned author of Influence.

Guest social media

- Website: www.shopperapproved.com

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shopperapproved/

- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ShopperApproved

Host social media

- Website: www.siinda.org

www.globalbusinesstherapy.com

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberli-lewis-7a34053/?ppe=1

- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/321914342101473/

https://www.facebook.com/followsiinda/