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Competitive Value Episodes

Aug. 6, 2025

Ask Christa! What Do Boards of Directors Do? (S3E32)

Summary In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo discusses the essential functions and responsibilities of a Board of Directors (BODs). She talks about how BODs serve as oversight bodies, the importance of matching board composition with organizational needs, and the evolving functions of boa…

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Aug. 4, 2025

Ask Christa! Business Basics Series (6/6) - What Areas of a Business …

Summary In this episode, Christa Dhimo addresses the listener question asking what aspects of a business are commonly overlooked by founders. She emphasizes the critical importance of having an executable plan, understanding ...

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July 30, 2025

Ask Christa! Business Basics Series (5/6) - What is Outsourcing and S…

Summary In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo explores the concept of outsourcing, explaining that every business engages in outsourcing to some extent, emphasizing the importance of leveraging outsourcing to enable businesses to focus on their core competencies: what they do best. The key…

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July 27, 2025

Ask Christa! Business Basics Series (4/6) - Why Do So Many Startups F…

Summary In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo addresses the common question of why so many startups fail. She explores the assumptions about founders, the importance of vision and mission, market fit, business management, and effective leadership in startup success. She discusses how found…

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July 24, 2025

Ask Christa! Business Basics Series (3/6) - What's the Best Funding M…

Summary In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo discusses the various funding models available for startups, understanding which model aligns best with a founder's objectives and business goals. She reviews the misconceptions surrounding funding, the significance of ownership and leverage, a…

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July 21, 2025

Ask Christa! Business Basics Series (2/6) - What's More Important, Fu…

Summary In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo addresses a listener's dilemma about whether to prioritize product development or seek funding for a prototype. She emphasizes the importance of understanding market research, protecting intellectual property, and building value before approach…

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July 7, 2025

Ask Christa! What Are the Top Skills of Effective Managers? (S2E23)

Summary In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo explores the essential skills of effective managers, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and the ability to apply learned skills in real-world scenarios. She discusses the challenges of management, particularly in matrix organizations,…

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July 3, 2025

Ask Christa! How Do I Do More with Less?? (S2E22)

Summary In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo addresses the common workplace challenge of being asked to do more with less. She critiques the phrase 'doing more with less' as a misguided approach for austerity that often leads to employee burnout and a scarcity mindset. Christa discusses t…

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June 30, 2025

Ask Christa! How Can We Manage Time If We Have No Control of Time? (S…

Summary In this episode, Christa Dhimo explores the complexities of time management, emphasizing that time is a human construct and that managing time is not the same as controlling it. She discusses the importance of understanding personal perceptions of time without the pressure of control, encou…

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June 26, 2025

Ask Christa! What Does a Healthy Work Culture Look Like?? (S2E20)

Summary In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo explores the complexities of workplace culture, emphasizing the importance of employee engagement over mere satisfaction. She discusses how a healthy work culture is characterized by trust and respect, with a mindset that organizational perform…

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June 23, 2025

Ask Christa! Why Organizational Structure Matters!! (S2E19)

Summary In this episode, Christa Dhimo discusses the strategic role of organizational structures in business success. She explores various organizational structures, explains how they directly impact employee and organizational performance, and how org structures impact decision-making and employee…

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June 19, 2025

Ask Christa! Does Management Training Matter? (S2E18)

Summary In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo discusses the critical importance of management training in today's workplace. She emphasizes that effective management is essential for organizational performance, team success, and employee retention, especially in matrix organizational struc…

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June 5, 2025

Ask Christa! How to Introduce a New Idea within a RIGID TEAM? (S2E14)

Summary In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo addresses a listener's question about introducing new ideas in a resistant team environment. She explores the underlying reasons for resistance, particularly focusing on learned helplessness, and offers strategies for effectively pitching new i…

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May 29, 2025

Ask Christa! What if Failure Didn't Exist in the Business World?? (S1…

Summary In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo explores the concept of failure in the workplace, emphasizing that it is crucial to focus on learning and achieving goals rather than being weighed down by the fear of failure, and the importance of reframing our understanding of failure and su…

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May 15, 2025

Ask Christa! Strategy Series (1/3): What is STRATEGY?? (S1E8)

Summary In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo explores the concept of strategy in organizations, emphasizing its importance in achieving goals and navigating uncertainties. She discusses the common misconceptions of strategy as well as how many small and mid-sized companies lack clear stra…

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April 24, 2025

Ask Christa! Fear of Making Mistakes as a Source of POWER! (S1E2)

Summary In this episode, Christa Dhimo addresses the fear of making mistakes when stepping out of comfort zones, particularly in new job roles and promotions. She emphasizes the personal nature of fear and encourages listeners to value it as a perspective rather than a hindrance. Christa provides p…

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April 20, 2025

Ask Christa! Forget About Inspiration-- Learn How to MOTIVATE!!! (S1E…

Summary In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo addresses the challenge of inspiring a team when one lacks the energy to do so. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the difference between inspiration and motivation, advocating for a shift in focus from being an inspirational leader…

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