Welcome to "Sip & Scale," hosted by The Delegate Dude, Blendi Muriqi, CEO of Delegate.co and the mind behind an AI-powered virtual staffing solution transforming business operations. Each episode dives into entrepreneurship, featuring expert guests like business owners, startups, and industry leaders. Discover tips on growing your business, maximizing revenue, and mastering delegation. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, grab a drink and get ready to level up. Tune in on YouT ...
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Admin Tasks Podcasts
Conversations with IT Pros to learn about their tech journeys and who they are beyond the keyboard.
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This podcast is just one of the places to find out more about how to master the EncompassĀ® Platform. Be sure to visit our entire community and all of the resources you will find there - www.MasteringEncompass.com Here is a brief description of who we are and what we do: We review and improve your workflow, technology, and how you leverage the EncompassĀ® platform. Our mission is to improve your company. We focus on your workflow before your technology. Our purpose is to help as many people an ...
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Build Smart Blueprint: Strategies, Systems, and Mindsets for Construction Entrepreneurs Welcome to Build Smart Blueprint, the podcast where construction meets innovation. Whether youāre laying the first brick or managing large-scale projects, weāre here to guide you through smarter, sharper ways to grow your business. With expert advice and proven strategies, weāll help you navigate the complexities of the construction world and turn challenges into opportunities for success. Why Listen? Exp ...
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Stop Wasting Time on Tasks a Virtual Assistant Could Do Better | Ben Coleman & Blendi Muriqi
52:15
52:15
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52:15Ever find yourself spending hours on work you know someone else could doāyet you still do it anyway? Iāve been there, and so has my guest, Ben Coleman. In this episode of Sip & Scale, Ben opens up about how he went from doing everything himselfāmarketing, guest messaging, operationsāto finally realizing that delegation wasnāt optional if he wanted ā¦
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From Paramedic to Redmond, Sean Bulgerās tech journey (Replay)
1:12:07
1:12:07
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1:12:07In this conversation, Sean Bulger shares his journey through the IT landscape, discussing his experiences as a consultant, the importance of a growth mindset, and the value of mentorship. He reflects on his diverse career path, that included jobs as a plumber and paramedic, and emphasizes the significance of community engagement and continuous learā¦
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Code, Cloud & Confidence with Hailey Phillips (Replay)
1:06:47
1:06:47
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1:06:47In this episode, Hailey Phillips shares her journey from an HR internship to becoming a prominent figure in the IT industry. She discusses her passion for technology, the importance of automation and cloud computing, and the role of soft skills in tech. Hailey also reflects on her experiences in the gaming industry, her travels to Japan, and the siā¦
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From Admin Overload to Winning Bids for UK Builders | Annie Slattery from Houzz
42:32
42:32
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42:32What if the hours lost to admin, quoting, and client follow-ups could actually fuel your next stage of growth? In this episode of Build Smart Blueprint, Annie Slattery, Director of Product at Houzz, joins JP to explore how UK contractors are reclaiming their time through smarter estimating, streamlined communication, and modern project tools. š” Wheā¦
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Bryan Dam ā Onesies, Sysadmin Life & Sneakernet Solutions (Replay)
1:11:21
1:11:21
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1:11:21By Fabian Rodriguez
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Matt Zaskeās Mustache Origin + Task Sequences in 2025 (Replay)
1:14:19
1:14:19
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1:14:19Matt Zaske, a seasoned sysadmin in higher ed, dives into device management, Windows 11 migration, and how his theater background shapes his IT communication. He shares his path into tech speaking, explores home automation, and showcases his passion for 3D printing and custom conference collectibles. We also learn the fun origin story of his iconic ā¦
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The Hidden Danger of Believing āNo One Can Do It Better Than Meā | Blendi Muriqi and Leslie Sonnier
49:35
49:35
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49:35If youāve ever thought āIām the only one who can do this rightāāthis episode is for you. I sat down with Leslie Sonnier, founder of Cortiva Collections, who shared her raw story of trying to do everything herself while growing her short-term rental business. Leslie believed no one could run things the way she didā¦until 80-hour workweeks and burnoutā¦
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Helpdesk Scars & PowerShell Wins with Andrew Taylor
55:52
55:52
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55:52Andrew Taylor shares his journey from studying business to becoming a seasoned IT professional with over 20 years of experience. He discusses his early days in help desk support, his transition to end user computing, and the challenges he faced in various IT roles, including managing multiple tenants in the MSP world. Andrew emphasizes the importanā¦
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Writing, Teaching, and Defending: Ru Campbellās IT Adventures
58:00
58:00
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58:00Ru Campbell shares his journey from starting in IT in 2012 to becoming a Microsoft 365 consultant and security expert. He discusses the importance of help desk experience, betting on oneself in career progression, and the transition to specializing in Microsoft Defender. Ru emphasizes the value of understanding security practices, the challenges ofā¦
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From Packaging Apps to Podcasting with Rory Monaghan
53:04
53:04
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53:04Rory Monaghan shares his extensive journey in the IT field, starting from his early days in application packaging to his current role in end user computing. He discusses the evolution of application virtualization, particularly App-V, and its impact on organizations. Rory emphasizes the importance of community through user groups and the value of pā¦
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The Hidden Cost of Doing Everything Yourself in STRs | Mariam Avetisyan & Blendi Muriqi
47:14
47:14
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47:14If youāve ever found yourself scrubbing floors at 2 AM, juggling guest messages, and wondering if scaling your short-term rental business is even worth itā¦youāre not alone. The truth? Doing everything yourself feels cheaper⦠until it costs you your time, your energy, and your ability to actually grow. In this episode of Sip & Scale, I sat down withā¦
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Client Retention in Construction | Ben Hutchings-Mitchell
49:57
49:57
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49:57What if client retention wasnāt just about finishing a job, but about building relationships that fuel long-term growth? In this episode of Build Smart Blueprint, Ben Hutchings-Mitchell shares how smarter communication and data-led insights can turn satisfied clients into loyal advocates, helping contractors, subcontractors, and design & build firmā¦
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Building Better Reporting with Garth Jones
1:08:14
1:08:14
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1:08:14Garth Jones shares his extensive journey in the IT field, starting from his early days running a BBS to becoming a pivotal figure in endpoint management with SMS. He discusses the evolution of IT roles, the importance of proactive management, and the challenges he faced while building Enhansoft. Garth also reflects on his experiences with blogging,ā¦
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Networking, Fundamentals, and the Future of IT with Mattias Melkersen
47:10
47:10
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47:10In this conversation, Mattias Melkersen shares his journey from dropping out of school to becoming a successful IT consultant. He discusses the importance of mentorship, continuous learning, and the impact of AI on IT management. Mattias emphasizes the need for networking and community building in the IT field, as well as the significance of undersā¦
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Pedaling Through IT Careers with Paul Winstanley
1:02:44
1:02:44
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1:02:44In this conversation, Paul Winstanley shares his journey in the IT industry, starting from his early days in retail IT support to specializing in endpoint management and becoming a community leader through blogging and speaking engagements. He discusses the importance of mentorship, the evolution of his career into consulting, and the impact of AI ā¦
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From Dismantling a PC at 14 to Co-Founding a Tech Company with Jose Schenardie
1:07:03
1:07:03
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1:07:03In this conversation, Jose Schenardie shares his journey from starting his IT career in Brazil to becoming a co-founder of a cybersecurity company in Australia. He discusses the importance of niche conferences like MMS, the evolution of endpoint management with Intune and SCCM, and the role of AI in shaping the future of IT. Jose emphasizes the valā¦
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Stop Losing Guests to Bad Cleaners and Do This Instead | Blendi Muriqi & Cristina Vascil | Blendi Muriqi & Cristina Vascil
36:53
36:53
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36:53A reliable cleaner can make or break your short-term rental business. And if you've ever dealt with a no-show or a messy last-minute handoff, you know exactly what we're talking about. In this episode of Sip & Scale, I sat down with Cristina Vascil, Director of Partnerships at Turno, to unpack one of the biggest bottlenecks STR hosts face when tryiā¦
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Cloud Skills, Content Creation & Cardio ā Andy Jones IT Journey
1:01:02
1:01:02
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1:01:02In this conversation, Andy Jones shares his extensive journey in the IT field, starting from his early days in web development to his current role focusing on cloud technologies and Intune. He discusses the importance of continuous learning, mentorship, and the evolution of technology, particularly AI and its implications for IT professionals. Andyā¦
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Helpdesk to Consulting with Chris Cavazos on Shaping Tech Careers
51:19
51:19
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51:19In this conversation, Chris Cavazos shares his journey in the IT field, starting from his early experiences in the 90s to his current role as a principal consultant. He discusses the importance of mentorship, the transition from in-house IT to consulting, and the impact of Azure Virtual Desktop during the pandemic. Chris also touches on his personaā¦
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Breathwork & Cold Water Therapy: Damon Bowen-Ashwin on Rebuilding Life & Business
1:02:36
1:02:36
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1:02:36After a life-altering brain tumour diagnosis, Damon Bowen-Ashwin stepped away from the high-pressure world of recruitment and into the world of cold therapy, breathwork, and mindset work. In this episode of Build Smart Blueprint, Damon shares how these practices helped him rebuild his life, and how they can also help builders and contractors lead wā¦
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From Construction Sites to Configuration Profiles with Jóhannes Geir KristjÔnsson
55:41
55:41
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55:41Johannes Geir Kristiansson shares his unique journey from a construction background to a successful career in IT, particularly in endpoint management and Intune. He discusses the challenges and rewards of transitioning from a hands-on trade to a more abstract field, emphasizing the importance of community and knowledge sharing. Johannes also reflecā¦
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How Dustin Gullett Went from Mowing Lawns to Microsoft MVP
56:30
56:30
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56:30Dustin Gullit shares his journey from mowing lawns for a school district to becoming an IT consultant with a wealth of experience in military network security, healthcare IT, and MDM solutions. He discusses the evolution of Intune, the impact of AI on technology and daily life, and his passion for photography and blogging. Dustin emphasizes the impā¦
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The #1 Reason Small STR Hosts Struggle to Grow | Blendi Muriqi & Mike O'Connell
47:44
47:44
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47:44If youāve ever stayed up chasing a signature before check-ināor worse, bounced between five apps just to welcome one guestāyouāre not alone. In this episode of Sip & Scale, I sat down with Michael OāConnell, founder of Happy Guest, to talk about the real headaches behind guest managementāand how short-term rental hosts can stop doing everything manā¦
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Joshua Tharby on Tax Strategies Every Construction Entrepreneur Should Know
40:15
40:15
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40:15Ever wonder how much money you're leaving on the table by not planning your taxes properly? šø In this episode of The Build Smart Blueprint, JP Lal sits down with Joshua Tharby ā a tax efficiency expert helping property entrepreneurs and construction business owners maximise profit and protect their time. From tax residency to pensions, and how AI iā¦
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How Nearly Becoming a Doctor Led to a Career in Cyber Security with Spencer Alessi
53:23
53:23
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53:23Spencer Alessi shares his journey from almost becoming a doctor to pivoting to IT, emphasizing the importance of help desk experience, mentorship, and continuous learning. He discusses his passion for systems administration, the significance of disaster recovery testing, and his transition into security. Spencer also reflects on his experiences in ā¦
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Naming OUs and Racing Bikes: The Balanced Life of Michael Escamilla
56:32
56:32
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56:32Michael Escamilla shares his journey in the IT field, discussing his experiences at conferences, his involvement with OSD Cloud, and the importance of community engagement. He reflects on his career path, the challenges faced in IT, and the significance of automation. Michael emphasizes the need for continuous learning and offers advice for aspirinā¦
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Imposter Syndrome, Authorship, and Entrepreneurship with David Brook
57:09
57:09
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57:09David Brook shares his journey in the IT field, discussing his early experiences, the importance of apprenticeships, and the challenges of starting his own business. He emphasizes the value of community, public speaking, and the need for continuous learning in the fast-paced world of technology. David also opens up about his struggles with imposterā¦
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1
From Paramedic to Redmond, Sean Bulgerās tech journey
1:12:07
1:12:07
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1:12:07In this conversation, Sean Bulger shares his journey through the IT landscape, discussing his experiences as a consultant, the importance of a growth mindset, and the value of mentorship. He reflects on his diverse career path, that included jobs as a plumber and paramedic, and emphasizes the significance of community engagement and continuous learā¦
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1
Understanding Addiction in Construction ā with Daniel Bains
51:32
51:32
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51:32Addiction isnāt just a personal issue ā itās a construction industry issue. šļø In this episode, JP sits down with Daniel Bains to talk about how addiction often shows up in high-stress environments like construction, and why telling someone to "just stop" doesnāt cut it. From cultural sensitivity š to creating safe spaces š¤, this conversation exploā¦
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Steve Weinerās Unexpected Tech Journey: Music, Youtube, and Modern Management
59:22
59:22
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59:22In this engaging conversation, Steve Weiner, co-founder of Get Rubix, shares his unique journey from a music career to the tech industry, detailing his experiences at Apple and as a tech consultant. He discusses the evolution of his YouTube channel, the impact of pandemic on IT practices, and the importance of community engagement through open-sourā¦
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1
Code, Cloud & Confidence with Hailey Phillips
1:06:47
1:06:47
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1:06:47In this episode, Hailey Phillips shares her journey from an HR internship to becoming a prominent figure in the IT industry. She discusses her passion for technology, the importance of automation and cloud computing, and the role of soft skills in tech. Hailey also reflects on her experiences in the gaming industry, her travels to Japan, and the siā¦
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Contracts, AI & Legal Traps in Construction ā with Alan Pugh from Hill Dickinson
52:44
52:44
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52:44In this episode of Build Smart Blueprint, we sit down with Alan Pugh, Head of Construction & Engineering at Hill Dickinson, to talk about the biggest legal blind spots affecting construction businesses in the UK today. We cover: š Why documentation is your best defence āļø How SMEs can avoid costly legal surprises š¤ Where AI meets construction law š¤ā¦
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How to Know Itās Time to Hire Your First Salesperson | Blendi Muriqi & Mafalda Johannsen
43:36
43:36
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43:36Most founders wait too long to make their first sales hire or worse, they hire the wrong one. In this episode of Sip & Scale, I sat down with Mafalda Johannsen, a sales hiring expert whoās worked with early-stage startups across Europe and the US. We talked about why founders struggle with sales (especially if theyāre product people), the top mistaā¦
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Steve Jesokās Journey - From Rockstar to IT Rockstar
53:25
53:25
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53:25In this conversation, Steve Jesok shares his journey into the IT field, his involvement with user groups, and the evolution of community engagement in technology. He reflects on his early career, transitioning from a professional musician to an IT professional, and highlights the importance of user groups as resources for learning and networking. 0ā¦
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Dean Ellerby on IT, AI, and Launching His YouTube Journey
58:16
58:16
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58:16In this engaging conversation with Dean Ellerby, he shares his journey through the tech industry, starting from his early experiences in a gaming company to becoming a consultant specializing in SCCM and Intune. He discusses the challenges and learning moments throughout his career, including his transition to content creation on YouTube during theā¦
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Smarter Estimates & Stronger Client Relationships with Thomas Wooldridge
42:39
42:39
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42:39How much are vague quotes costing your construction business? Thomas Wooldridge, co-founder of Vencer Construction, shares how detailed estimating, consistent client updates, and well-defined standards lead to fewer disputes and smoother project delivery. Whether you're working domestic or commercial, this episode is packed with practical insight tā¦
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Community, AI, and the Future of IT with Mike Terrill
56:18
56:18
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56:18Fabian and Mike Terrill discuss a variety of topics ranging from the extreme weather in Phoenix to the intricacies of community engagement through user groups like azsmug. They delve into the challenges faced by user groups post-COVID, the evolution of systems management, and the future of device management in the context of AI. Mike shares valuablā¦
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From Portraits to PowerShell: David Segura on Building OSDCloud
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47:50In this conversation, David Segura discusses the birth of OSDCloud, highlighting its popularity and the significant impact of automation in IT management. He also touches on future trends in system administration, emphasizing the importance of adapting to new technologies and I learn how down to earth he is! Chapters 00:00 Introduction to David Segā¦
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Bryan Dam ā Onesies, Sysadmin Life & Sneakernet Solutions
1:11:21
1:11:21
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1:11:21In this conversation, Bryan discusses his early experiences in IT management, particularly focusing on the unconventional methods he employed, such as the 'sneaker net' approach, to manage devices and install software. He reflects on the challenges and best practices he learned along the way. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:47 Career ā¦
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Matt Zaskeās Mustache Origin + Task Sequences in 2025
1:14:19
1:14:19
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1:14:19Matt Zaske, a seasoned sysadmin in higher ed, dives into device management, Windows 11 migration, and how his theater background shapes his IT communication. He shares his path into tech speaking, explores home automation, and showcases his passion for 3D printing and custom conference collectibles. We also learn the fun origin story of his iconic ā¦
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How to Unlock New Skills and Grow Beyond Your Job Title | Blendi Muriqi and Mariane Rose Nillo
35:32
35:32
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35:32Ever feel like youāve got more to offer than what your job title says? I sat down with Mamai, one of our amazing virtual assistants at Delegate, to talk about that exact feelingāand what happens when you finally get the chance to step up and show what youāre really capable of. In this episode, we unpack what itās like to go from a structured corporā¦
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Strategic Growth & Smarter Bidding in Construction with Tim Fitch
1:14:10
1:14:10
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1:14:10This week on Build Smart Blueprint, weāre joined by Tim Fitch, founder of Invennt, a consultancy helping construction companies grow through innovation, diversification, and sharper business strategy. From civil engineer to business development expert, Tim shares why building client relationships, understanding your market position, and knowing whiā¦
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What My Sonās āWhy Phaseā Taught Me About Overthinking in Business
8:54
8:54
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8:54What can your childās āwhy phaseā teach you about overthinking in business? š¤š¶ Overthinking leads to hesitation, missed opportunities, and stagnation š«š¼. Itās time to break free and make sharper, more confident decisions. Ditch the over-analysis and take action šš”.By JP Lal
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Hate Networking? Hereās How to Make It Easy (Even If You're an Introvert) | Blendi Muriqi and Alice Huang
36:42
36:42
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36:42Ever feel like networking is awkward, exhausting, or just plain ineffective? Youāre not alone. In this episode of Sip & Scale, I sit down with Alice Huang, a fractional COO and expert in community building, to break down how to make networking work for you, even if you hate it. Alice shares her journey from Vancouver to Austin and how sheās built tā¦
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Blueprint for Business & Family Success šļøšØāš©āš§āš¦ ā with Maureen Anderson
1:11:42
1:11:42
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1:11:42Running a construction business while raising a family is no small feat. This episode explores how entrepreneurs can successfully balance work and parenthood without compromising. š”š¼ From setting clear boundaries ā to fostering quality time ā³ and effective communication š£ļø, we uncover strategies to navigate the complexities of family life while leaā¦
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APIs Driving Construction into the Digital Era
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26:09
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26:09Whatās holding your construction business backāyour team or your tech? In this episode, JP Lal and Arthur R uncover how the right software can streamline operations, cut down manual work, and keep you ahead of the competition. They dive into the power of APIs, why some tools connect seamlessly while others donāt, and how automation can revolutionisā¦
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Why Most Startups Fail: Stop Guessing & Start Testing | Blendi Muriqi & Aviv Shalgi
57:10
57:10
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57:10In this episode of Sip and Scale, I sit down with Aviv Shalgi, founder of Solar Simplified, to break down why so many startups fail, and what you can do to avoid the same fate. Aviv shares how Solar Simplified is flipping the traditional solar model on its head, the biggest challenges in customer education, and how data-driven decision-making is thā¦
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Prioritising Mental Health in Construction with Lee Anderson šļøš§
1:00:16
1:00:16
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1:00:16Mental health in the construction industry is often overlooked, but itās essential for building strong, successful teams. In this episode, Lee Anderson shares insights on recognising signs of distress, fostering trust, and promoting open communication about mental health. He also discusses the important role of the Lighthouse Charity, which provideā¦
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Tomas Svitorka on the Mindset That Drives Business Success
1:16:54
1:16:54
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1:16:54Running a successful construction business isnāt just about the work on-siteāitās about shaping a mindset that drives continuous growth. šļø In this episode, special guest Tomas Svitorka shares why āokay is not enoughā and how pushing beyond your comfort zone fuels personal and professional success. We break down the real impact of self-talk š§ , the ā¦
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Boost Vacation Rentals with Digital Marketing Hacks | Blendi Muriqi & Conrad O'Connell
1:06:24
1:06:24
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1:06:24In todayās episode, Iām chatting with Conrad O'Connell, a digital marketing expert whoās carved out a niche in the vacation rental space. Conrad shares how he made his way from helping his father-in-lawās fishing charter business to building a thriving agency that specializes in marketing vacation rentals. We dive into what makes promoting vacationā¦
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