In 2013, I blew up my agency by creating a Credo. It magnetized the team and both repelled, and attracted, talent. Over the next 90 days, I experienced 85 percent employee turnover. Through the difficult process of rebuilding my company, I learned a great deal about myself, my teammates, clients, and business. In the end, […]
Category: Business
The 5 W’s of a Winning Startup
It’s been a pleasure advising startups at a group leader with EO Portland’s Ignitor program. While advising the enthusiastic entrepreneurs, I’m discovering patterns. My OCD/anal-retentive nature drives my need to identify, organize and communicate new discoveries. I’ve developed best practices for startups, taking inspiration from the classic “5 Ws” of strategic planning: Who, What, When, […]
The Balanced Tail: How To Properly Integrate AI Into Your Company
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has reached an inflection point. What began as an experimental playground for technologists is now a competitive necessity for every organization. Yet, many business owners still struggle with a key question: how much is too much? The answer lies not in the tools themselves but in how leaders integrate them ethically, strategically, […]
Fake It Till You Make It: Navigating Imposter Syndrome as an Entrepreneur
Ever stood at the helm of your own creation, surrounded by people who trust your vision, while a voice inside whispers, “You have no idea what you’re doing”? Welcome to the world of Imposter Syndrome – my constant companion throughout 26 years of entrepreneurship. When I launched pdxMindShare with nothing but determination and a hunch […]
Why Does Your Business Need Anti-Harassment Training?
Originally Published on HR Annie Consulting Website, by Cindy Free, CEO Do your managers know their legal obligations when an employee shares a concern or lodges a complaint? Do they know what to do next and how to compliantly document it? Employers are obligated to make sure the workplace is safe and free from […]
Navigating 2025: Key Compensation Trends & Strategies
Originally Published on HR Annie Consulting by Michelle Franco 2024 introduced a lot of changes and new challenges that affected the way employers think about compensation. We saw a continuation of layoffs, federal policies offered a new landscape for workplace inclusion and belonging, return-to-office efforts have faced many obstacles, and it appears that the market […]
The Great Exit Interview Debriefing: Best Practices
As the saying goes, employees don’t quit companies, they quit managers. And when those departures happen, savvy organizations make a point of conducting insightful exit interviews to learn why people are really leaving and what could be improved. Done well, the exit interview is a treasured opportunity to receive candid feedback from someone with an […]
How to Effectively Onboard New Employees with a 90-day Roadmap
Hiring the perfect candidate is only half the battle – ensuring they ramp up quickly and become a productive, engaged member of the team is equally crucial. An effective 90-day onboarding plan can make all the difference in setting new hires up for long-term success. A well-designed roadmap covers everything from their first-day welcomes to […]
Kent Lewis, Anvil & pdxMindShare Founder, Shares Career Resources
Since 1999, I’ve helped students and professionals build their careers through pdxMindShare. I never turn down a coffee meeting to learn individuals’ stories and goals and offer my advice and experience. While long overdue, I felt it was time to create a blog post incorporating helpful links to those looking to enhance their careers in […]
Smash The Funnel: A Book Summary for Sales Professionals and Business Executives
As a member of the Portland Chapter of Entrepreneurs’ Organization, I participate in a book club. This quarter’s book is “Smash the Funnel” by Eric Keiles and Mike Lieberman. For those not lucky enough to have a copy on hand, or lack the time to read the book before we discuss it as a group, […]




