Ready, Fire, Aim
Ready, Fire, Aim
Podcast Description
Ready, Fire, Aim is a podcast for action-takers. Those who understand that imperfect action is better than no action at all.
Hosted by Thad Barnes, founder of Epoch Digital Media, the show explores what it really takes to grow and adapt in today’s fast-moving world of business and technology. We talk with founders, operators, and thought leaders who know that waiting for perfect can kill momentum — and that launching fast, learning, and iterating is where real growth happens.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast focuses on entrepreneurship, leadership, product management, and resilience, with episodes featuring practical insights such as startup survival strategies, the role of AI in business growth, and actionable tips for aspiring product managers. Examples include discussions on building a culture-driven startup amidst uncertainty and tips for entering product management careers.
Ready, Fire, Aim is a podcast for action-takers. Those who understand that imperfect action is better than no action at all.
Hosted by Thad Barnes, founder of Epoch Digital Media, the show explores what it really takes to grow and adapt in today’s fast-moving world of business and technology. We talk with founders, operators, and thought leaders who know that waiting for perfect can kill momentum — and that launching fast, learning, and iterating is where real growth happens.
In this episode of Ready, Fire, Aim, host Thad Barnes sits down with Troy Stange, founder of Brandpop and longtime design strategist, to explore a life and career full of unexpected turns.
From creating keynote decks for Fortune 500 executives, Richard Branson, and even Barack Obama, to competing on the world stage in Olympic weightlifting at age 57, Troy’s story is one of reinvention, resilience, and curiosity.
We dive into:
- 🎨 How a failed college start led to a 30-year design career with Microsoft, Google, and Adobe
- 🏋️ Why CrossFit revived Olympic weightlifting and how Troy qualified for the World Championships
- 🤖 How AI (and tools like Brandpop) are transforming stale lead databases into real revenue
- 🍷 Stories from his family’s Oregon vineyard and lessons in business (and butter!)
- 🔗 Why LinkedIn is still powerful—if you know how to use it
This conversation blends design, fitness, AI, and business growth with humor and storytelling you won’t want to miss.
🔗 Connect with Troy Stange
Website: https://brandpop.ai
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/troystange
🔗 Connect with Thad Barnes
Website: https://epochdm.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thadbarnes
Disclaimer
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