In this episode, Mats Karlsson shares his journey from starting in stage lighting to developing innovative power distribution systems, navigating supply chain challenges, and the importance of brand and relationships in the entertainment tech industry. His experience highlights how resilience and strategic pivots can propel growth even during turbulent times and how any business in a small market can grow

Key Topics

• Mats’s transition from music to stage lighting and product development
• The evolution of stage lighting technology and industry pioneers
• Lessons learned from past ventures, including successes and failures
• How COVID-19 reshaped business strategies and supply chain management
• The role of branding, quality, and personal reputation in a niche industry
• Future opportunities in LED, theatrical, and virtual production markets
• The impact of global markets, regulatory environments, and technological innovation
• Practical advice for startups: market fit, patience, and building strong distributor relationships
• Leaders’ personal growth: shifting from operational to strategic focus

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to Mats and his diverse industry background

02:14 - The development of innovative discharge lamps and product successes

04:33 - Experiences negotiating with giants like PRG and lessons learned

06:28 - How industry pioneers like Rusty Bruchet shaped the lighting industry

07:44 - The transition from traditional to LED and the rise of new markets

11:09 - Launching Station Marts: From basement projects to international sales

14:17 - Navigating post-COVID challenges and decision-making in turbulent times

16:29 - The importance of understanding electrical systems globally

19:24 - How power distribution is vital for LED and video in modern productions

21:35 - Opportunities and challenges in North American and global markets

23:28 - The resilience built during COVID and strategic pivots in product offerings

30:38 - The significance of branding, appearance, and professionalism in industry reputation

32:39 - Future trends: virtual studios, AI, and technological advancements in the industry

37:30 - The importance of face-to-face relationships and industry networking

40:50 - Personal growth and leadership evolution over a decade

44:01 - The importance of communication, respect, and reputation in leadership

48:45 - Core lessons: quality, patience, and the value of strong distributor networks

54:49 - Industry professionalism and the importance of branding and presentation

58:10 - Reflection: What Mats would do differently if starting today

59:34 - Final insights: market understanding, persistence, and the power of relationships

Resources & Links:

• Stage Smarts Power Distribution

Connect with Mats Karlsson:

• LinkedIn

Want to listen to a similar episode - check out Sam Tamplins Episode here!

The journey of Stage Smarts exemplifies how innovative thinking, strategic branding, and relationship-building can build a resilient global enterprise in the entertainment industry.

In this episode of the Business Takeaway podcast, Erin Teter, a seasoned fractional CHRO, shares invaluable insights on how HR can be a strategic partner in scaling and managing modern businesses, guiding and helping leadership especially in the era of remote work and rapid growth. Her experience across private equity, tech, and startups offers a fresh perspective on the evolution of HR's role beyond compliance to true business impact.

Key topics:

• How HR is often misunderstood as merely enforcement, versus a strategic growth partner
• Recognizing early signs when HR or management cracks begin to form during scaling
• The importance of proactive talent management, including behavioral interviewing and scorecards
• Managing HR challenges unique to smaller vs. larger organizations
• The impact of remote and hybrid work on internal communications and culture
• The evolving role of AI in HR processes and decision-making
• Practical steps for founders and leaders to address urgent people issues
• Cultivating a purpose-driven workforce without necessarily promoting everyone into management roles

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to Erin Teter and her HR journey

02:20 - Common misconceptions about HR roles in business

04:15 - Strategic HR and its influence on business growth

06:42 - Signs of HR and management issues during rapid scaling

08:54 - The significance of internal communication and culture

11:00 - When and how HR policies should be implemented in small startups

13:37 - Structuring compensation and compliance considerations at scale

15:50 - Management cracks that appear as businesses grow

17:23 - Handling career plateauing and strengths-based development

20:07 - The biggest hiring mistakes in today’s competitive environment

22:40 - Using behavioral questions and scorecards effectively

25:21 - Managing wrong hires and quick termination strategies

28:35 - Hiring differences in private equity-backed versus small startups

32:33 - The changing landscape of job loyalty and retention

35:45 - Providing growth and challenge in startup environments

38:02 - HR’s role in remote and hybrid team management

41:23 - Building emotional connections in dispersed teams

44:51 - Recognizing and acting on HR blind spots

47:17 - HR’s balancing act: protecting the business vs. supporting employees

50:12 - The influence of AI on HR functions and decision-making

54:45 - Initial steps for founders facing big people challenges

58:28 - Erin's one golden rule for business success: perseverance and resilience

Connect with Erin Teter:

• LinkedIn
• Company Website

This episode provides a compelling look at why HR is a pivotal element not just for compliance, but for defining company culture, scaling successfully, and building resilient teams in the modern era. Whether you're in small startups or large scale-ups, Erin’s insights challenge traditional views and equip leaders to think differently about their people strategies.

In this episode, we explore how principles from professional sports, especially baseball, can transform business culture and individual mindset. Joshua Lifrak shares insights from his decades of experience in sport psychology, illustrating how mental resilience, defining organisational identity, strong leadership skills, leadership development and daily habits can lead to consistent success.

Key Topics:

• The evolution of mental skills training in sports over the past 20 years
• How defining organisational identity (like "champion first") shapes team culture
• The importance of relationship-building before implementing change
• Practical strategies for resetting mindset after setbacks (“Miles Zero”)
• The six-step daily process to build resilience and focus
• The power of marginal gains—small, consistent improvements
• Translating athletic mental training to corporate performance
• How high-pressure environments foster key traits like belief, determination, and positivity
• The value of over-communication and role clarity in team performance
• Techniques for managing emotions and maintaining consistency in challenging days

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introducing lessons from baseball to business leadership

02:17 - How sports psychology evolved over the last 20 years

03:58 - From sociology degree to mental training in sports

06:45 - Building relationships before implementing mental skills

09:25 - Defining your organization’s or team’s identity

12:05 - The opportunity of the World Series and human development

14:50 - Handling setbacks and maintaining resilience in sports

15:53 - Using "Mile Zero" to reset daily performance

18:38 - Belief and determination as key factors for winning teams

20:48 - Celebrating success and managing victory momentum

24:08 - Overcoming a curse: the mythical story of the Chicago Cubs

25:18 - Differences and similarities across sports cultures

28:05 - Applying sports resilience to business environments

29:50 - Six steps to resilience and thriving in chaos

33:30 - COVID as an accelerant for personal growth practices

37:46 - Marginal gains and continuous improvement strategies

41:36 - Critical elements for cultivating high-performance teams

43:33 - Clarity as a cornerstone of effective teamwork

44:17 - Managing emotional setbacks: stepping away and resetting

48:19 - Starting small: the power of setting daily intentions

49:33 - What does “Win Today” really mean?

53:12 - The mindset shift for meaningful, quick transformations

54:17 - How the podcast and book connect to everyday life

Resources & Links:

• Win Today by Joshua Lifrak — Available at Waterstones and other retailers
• Joshua Lifrak - Official Website

Connect with Joshua Lifrak:

• LinkedIn