If you’ve ever wondered how to go beyond ChatGPT and actually connect AI to real-world systems and workflows, this Leader Generation conversation is for you. Tessa Burg gathers with three Mod Op experts—Fabio Fiss, Aaron Grando and Javier López—to break down key technologies like MCP (Model Context Protocol) and A2A (Agent-to-Agent). The team explains how they work, and shares examples of how they’re already being used in creative and powerful ways. More than just a technical discussion, this episode tackles the bigger picture—how AI will (and won’t) replace human jobs, how it can serve as a teammate and how it’s enabling people at all levels to do more, faster. Whether you’re building websites, leading creative teams or optimizing business operations, you’ll walk away with practical insights, relatable analogies and renewed clarity on where to start integrating AI meaningfully into your workflow.
There’s a fundamental difference between being busy and being effective. You can have a team that hits every activity metric and checks off every box—but if revenue isn’t growing, are they really succeeding? This week’s commentary examines a significant shift: transitioning from loyalty-based cultures to accountability-based ones. It’s the difference between rewarding people for showing up versus rewarding them for delivering results that actually move the business forward. We delve into what it means to build a culture where everyone understands how their role contributes to business goals and has the necessary tools to deliver tangible outcomes. This isn’t about micromanagement—it’s about creating an environment where success is clearly defined and team members can see the direct connection between their work and company growth. When done right, this shift doesn’t just transform businesses—it transforms lives.
Local SEO just got a reality check. Darren Shaw, founder of Whitespark, joins Rooted in Revenue to debunk some widely held myths while sharing what actually drives results for small businesses trying to dominate local search. If you’re a real estate agent sharing office space with ten competitors, a service provider working from home, or any brick-and-mortar business wondering why your Google rankings aren’t improving despite “doing everything right,” this conversation will change how you approach local SEO forever. Shaw breaks down the local filter that’s silently crushing businesses sharing addresses, reveals why citation consistency isn’t the ranking factor everyone thinks it is, and explains why your Google Business Profile needs constant attention, not a “set it and forget it” approach. Additionally, he addresses the long-standing question about Yelp’s practices and reveals the one ranking factor that outweighs almost everything else.
When someone asks for help, they’re being brave. Host Susan Finch sits down with her niece Susan Arias, Chief Growth Officer at MAAC—recently named one of California’s Nonprofits of the Year for 2025. For 60 years, MAAC has demonstrated that comprehensive community support is effective. From Head Start preschool to affordable housing, workforce training to innovative EV car loans, they meet people where they are and help them build the lives they want. Susan shares how her childhood of making “kid packs” for homeless neighbors shaped her nonprofit career, why one unexpected bill can change everything, and the transformative story of a Head Start student who went on to attend Harvard. This isn’t about handouts—it’s about pathways. Whether you’re curious about nonprofit careers, seeking volunteer opportunities, or wondering how real community change happens, this conversation offers hope and practical insights into empowering others while filling your own cup.
We hope you enjoy this week’s playlist.
