Joe Apfelbaum

evyAI

So excited about launching evyAI, the LinkedIn Assistant that helps LinkedIn users save time and make money with the help of AI. You can sign up for free at evyai.com and try it for yourself. We have over 1000 people using it right now and my goal is to help a million people with their LinkedIn activity. 
Do you want to be join us and be part of this amazing community of people who support each others goals with the help of AI? 
Using our persona feature you can train the AI to sound just like you and you can write posts, leave comments and reply to messages on LinkedIn with a click of a button. No more worrying about sounding professional or not having the words to say. My mission to help people find their voice on LinkedIn with the help of AI. Are you in?

Founder

Ajax Union

CEO & Founder of Ajax Union A B2B Digital Marketing Agency based in Brooklyn NY. We have an innovative team of marketing experts who know how to get things done. Whether you are looking for digital B2B lead generation, lead nurturing or account based marketing we can support your team. Our team of experts are engaged in SEM, SEO, Social Media, Email Marketing, Conversion Optimization, Marketing Automation, Business Blogging, Marketing Funnel Development, Design and Development and using the latest technologies to help you reach your marketing and business goals. Please reach out to me to learn more about what we can do for your business. Email amazing@ajaxunion.com - Looking forward to learning more about your business. http://www.ajaxunion.com

CEO & Founder of B2B Digital Marketing Agency

Evyrgreen Networking

Training professionals and sales teams on how to use LinkedIn effectivly with Evyrgreen Networking. Want to learn more visit https://www.linkedin.com/redir/suspicious-page?url=www%2eevyrgreen%2ecom

We have a course that teaches coaches, consultants and Entreprenuers how to go from a Lurker to an influencer in just 15 minutes a day on LinkedIn. www.evryrgreen.com/talktous <--free strategy session

Our corprate workshops educate teams of sales and marketing professionals in an engaging and educational way to generate revenue for their orginization. https://www.linkedin.com/redir/suspicious-page?url=www%2eevyrgreen%2ecom/corporateworkshop

LinkedIn Strategist

Google

Believe it or not, Joe was afraid of public speaking and he did not even know it! Google approached Joe and asked him to give talks to small business owners and He said YES! He had to learn that he was afriad and learn how to overcome his fear. 

As a Certified Google Trainer, Joe Apfelbaum has trained over 10,000 business owners over the course of 5 years. He is a passionate public speaker and thought leader with innovative ideas that get audiences engaged. 

To learn more about hiring Joe Apfelbaum as a speaker watch his video reel at www.joeapfelbaum.com

Joe can speak on Business Strategy, Digital Marketing, SEO, PPC, LinkedIn Strategy, Business Networking Secrets and how he Lost 95 pounds and kept it off.

Certified Google Trainer, Marketing Presenter, Professional Speaker

Crown Heights Young Entrepreneurs

Working as a business marketing mentor with the Crown Heights Young Entrepreneurs association to help ambitious young men declare themselves successful in today's rigorous business environment. Among my other responsibilities, I offer thorough guidance and experience in the field of online marketing to teach you how to succeed in business. My successful strategies include a comprehensive sit-down conversation, a proposition of reputable ideas, and general tailored feedback for how to get the most out of your industry.

CEO of Ajax Union & Business Mentor

TheWatchery

As the CMO of TheWatchery.com Joe Apfelbaum helped take the ecommerce retailer to the next level. He worked closely with the CEO to develop a marketing strategy that made the Luxury watch retailer the number one luxury watch distributor in the world. The SEO strategy that was executed listed TheWatchery.com as the first result for over 100 head keywords that generated over 5 million in revenue from that strategy alone. The SEM campaign created a 8:1 ROI at scale and the social strategy increased awareness by 12,000% in that year. Joe and the team he oversaw did such an amazing job that the CEO offered Joe to be his largest client when Joe left to open his Agency.

Rock Island Group

Rock Island Group was a digital marketing firm that provided expert strategy to companies looking to grow. Joe Apfelbaum was hired to grow the company and worked closely with the president to start the company and scale it. Joe hired a team of 10 marketing strategists and worked with them to develop strategies for over a dozen clients including Ashford.com and Boxes.com . Joe moved on to TheWatchery when the firm was sold.

VP Sales and Marketing

Alliance Time

Alliance Time was a luxury watch wholesaler that purchased and distributed high end luxury watches. They were in need of a total systems make over when the CTO hired Joe Apfelbaum to come in and take over the system. Joe replaced all the servers with new state of the art technology and hired a help desk team to oversee the three locations and also support the remote workers. With over 150 employees to oversee, Joe had to be available 24/7 to make sure that all hardware and software systems were operational. Joe successful upgraded every aspect of the IT infrastructure including the shipping department with a new ERP. When the CEO was looking for someone to help him open up a marketing company Joe offered to help and moved on to the next opportunity at Rock Island Group.

Senior Systems & Network Administrator

Director of MIS

World Trade Copiers a small family operated digital copier company located in downtown NYC needed a IT specialist to implement document management systems for its clients. Joe Apfelbaum was hired and became certified in document management to run a national implementation of complex document management software. Joe was also used to help copier technicians with IT related problems and supported the companies digital marketing efforts. After working at World Trade for two years, Joe was offered a position by one of his seven side hustles by the CTO of Alliance Time. They were courting Joe for over a year. When Joe met with the family operating the business to ask them their advice, they told him to take the offer and keep working on the marketing as a side hustle. Eventually World Trade Copiers became a loyal client of Ajax Union.

World Trade Copiers

✨♏CEO, Ajax Union - B2B Marketing, AI LinkedIn™ Business Development Training // Networking, Author, Speaker, Connector, Entrepreneur, AI Expert, Single Father👭👨‍👦🧑‍🤝‍🧑

UPDATED 💥About Joe Apfelbaum: CEO, Professional Speaker, AI Automation Creator, Prompt Engineer, LinkedIn Strategist, Marketing Expert, Business Mentor, Single Father of 5. READ MORE >>>

Feel free to DM me! DO NOT BE SHY! Get my book High Energy Networking on Amazon!

See my featured posts on LinkedIn! If you want me notice you, LIKE and COMMENT on my content!

🍎LEARN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE?
MASTER AI for business development! JOIN THE MASTERMIND (Watch 3 Hour Training)
https://www.linkedin.com/redir/suspicious-page?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2eevyrgreen%2ecom%2Faicircle ▶ We meet 3 hours a month to learn AI together. 
Bonus: Course, Tutorials, 1000 prompts and more. 

🍎LINKEDIN AI ASSISTANT
evyAI is a new LinkedIn AI assistant that drafts intelligent comments, personalized posts and smart DM replies all done for you so you can edit quickly and post. Try it for free at http://www.evyai.com ▶

🍎MASTER LINKEDIN AUTOMATION?
MASTER 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐝𝐈𝐧! Join our AI LinkedIn Automation Community! We meet twice a month and teach you how to automate LinkedIn and create AI Agents to automate AI! 
http://www.skool.com/aiautomation ▶ 

🍎AJAX UNION B2B MARKETING AGENCY
Strategy over tactics: SEO, SEM, Social Media, Email.  
Need a STRATEGY? See our blurprint ajaxunion.com/blueprint

🍎SPEAK TO JOE? 
http://www.joeapfelbaum.com/talk ▶ or scheduling@ajaxunion.com (pretty booked but I'll we can prioritize time for you) Also Whatsapp me +1 (917) 865-7631 < Introduce yourself please. 

🍎NEED A SPEAKER? (VIRTUAL TRAINING!)
Joe Apfelbaum is a professional Emcee, Keynote, Workshop & MODERATOR! 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Joe Apfelbaum is entertaining, engaging and his strategies are very insightful. Highly recommended for your business audience” - Vistage, EO, YPO

Popular Topics Joe Speaks on Regularly... 
*Using LinkedIn with AI to 10x your exposure and get clients.
*3 Things you need to do on LinkedIn to Generate Revenue in 15 Minutes a Day
*How to leverage AI in 2024 for business development + Marketing + Networking

Published Author x5, and Professional Speaker. 

http://www.JoeApfelbaum.com/Speaker ▶ Reel!

⭐️2025 GOAL: 1000 Engaged LinkedIn Users using evyAI daily. 

Want to meet sales leaders at companies with 5-999 SDR and BDR teams. 

Joe Apfelbaum is very active in the global CEO community. Joe speaks to EO, YJP, Vistage, YPO and is a member of EANYC. (Executives Association of NYC)

▶Optimized: 01/08/2025 10:23am PST (<---- DO THIS FOR ACCOUNTABILITY FYI)

▶Send a msg lmk you ACTUALLY read THIS! 

Follow on Instagram @joeapfelbaum to see stories and get to know Joe more.

Training professionals and sales teams on how to use LinkedIn effectivly with Evyrgreen Networking. Want to learn more visit www.evyrgreen.com

We have a course that teaches coaches, consultants and Entreprenuers how to go from a Lurker to an influencer in just 15 minutes a day on LinkedIn. www.evryrgreen.com/talktous <--free strategy session

Our corprate workshops educate teams of sales and marketing professionals in an engaging and educational way to generate revenue for their orginization. www.evyrgreen.com/corporateworkshop

RED FLAGS (Don't Take the Client):

❌ Price shopper (only cares about cost)
❌ Not coachable (argues with everything)
❌ No urgency (just exploring)
❌ Unrealistic expectations (wants magic pill)
❌ Energy vampire (gut says no)

GREEN FLAGS (Take the Client):

✅ Clear on their problem
✅ Ready to invest (time + money)
✅ Coachable (open to change)
✅ Urgency (need to solve this now)
✅ Good energy (you like them)

WHEN TO RAISE PRICES:

Signals to Increase Pricing:

✅ Booked 3+ months out
✅ Closing 80%+ of discovery calls
✅ Waitlist forming
✅ Strong case studies/testimonials
✅ Demand exceeds capacity

Do you have a list of what makes a prospect a green flag???

in each business its different 

I am teaching a prospecing bootcamp in March and im gonna teach the fast way to qualify a lead.

1. what questions to ask
2. how to tell who is wasting your time
3. how to build a list 
4. how to hire a va that can book meetings
5. how i close deals on podcasts
6. the best way to email 1000 people this week even if you never met them snd get them to respond. 
7. how to setup your crm with stages
8. what tech to use to drop 500 voicemails per week. 
9. the best wat to understand people 
10. what mindset shifts you need to make to generate 1 million dollars 

Are you afraid of Prospecting?

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐♏CEO, evyAI -AI LinkedIn™ Trainer, Business Development Training B2B Marketing via Ajax Union // Networking Connector, Author, Speaker, Entrepreneur, AI Expert, Single Father👭👨‍👦🧑‍🤝‍🧑

GPT-5.2 vs GPT-5.1 — and How It Stacks Up Against Opus 4.5 & Gemini 3 Pro

If you’re using AI daily for content, strategy, prompts, or building systems, model choice actually matters. A lot.

I’ve been testing GPT-5.2 side-by-side with GPT-5.1, Claude Opus 4.5, and Gemini 3 Pro — and here’s the real-world breakdown, without benchmarks or marketing fluff.

The Short Version

GPT-5.2 is not a vibe upgrade — it’s a thinking upgrade

It’s more consistent, more structured, and less “creative chaos”

It’s built for people shipping content and systems, not just chatting


If GPT-5.1 felt friendly but sometimes sloppy, GPT-5.2 feels like a senior operator who double-checks their work.

GPT-5.2 vs GPT-5.1 (What Actually Changed)

1. Structure > Style

GPT-5.1 often prioritized:

Flow

Warmth

Conversational tone


GPT-5.2 prioritizes:

Logical sequencing

Cleaner outlines

Fewer contradictions


Translation:
5.2 is better for articles, frameworks, SOPs, Skool posts, training content, and anything that needs to hold up when reread.

2. Fewer “AI Tells”

GPT-5.1 had habits:

Overusing certain phrases

Soft hedging language

Repeating ideas in different words


GPT-5.2:

Tighter language

Less filler

Less repetition


This matters if you care about human-sounding authority, not just output.


3. Better Long-Context Memory

If you:

Build multi-part content

Reference earlier decisions

Stack prompts or frameworks


GPT-5.2 is noticeably better at staying aligned across long threads.

GPT-5.1 would sometimes drift. GPT-5.2 stays on the rails.


GPT-5.2 vs Claude Opus 4.5

Claude Opus 4.5 is excellent — but it has a personality.

Where Opus 4.5 Shines

Polished prose

Thoughtful explanations

Strong editorial tone

Great for essays and reflection


Where GPT-5.2 Wins

Actionable structure

Business frameworks

Step-by-step logic

Strategy + execution content


Simple rule:

Use Opus 4.5 when you want to sound elegant

Use GPT-5.2 when you want to move people to action

GPT-5.2 vs Gemini 3 Pro

Gemini 3 Pro is fast and technical, but…

Gemini 3 Pro Strengths

Speed

Integration with Google tools

Data-oriented tasks

Engineering-style outputs


Where It Falls Short for Content

Less emotional intelligence

Less narrative flow

Weaker voice consistency


GPT-5.2 is better at:

Teaching

Persuasion

Community content

Thought leadership

Creator-style writing


If you’re running a community, course, or brand, GPT-5.2 feels more natural.

When I Recommend GPT-5.2

Use GPT-5.2 if you:

Write Skool posts regularly

Build frameworks or IP

Create repeatable content systems

Care about clarity + authority

Want fewer edits after generation


Use GPT-5.1 if you:

Want lighter, casual conversation

Are brainstorming loosely

Don’t care about structure yet

Final Take

GPT-5.2 isn’t louder. It’s cleaner, calmer, and smarter.

It feels less like:

> “Here’s a clever answer”

And more like:

> “Here’s the answer that will still make sense tomorrow.”

evyAI makes all avail

I would love to roast your profile... Would you be interested in this? I need to test this out with a handful of people... Ill tell you what you can improve... No strings attached... Just pure expert advice to help you improve your profile. #profileroast2025

years ago my clients begged me to teach them how to set and achieve goals.. So I created a 9 step process to acheive anything you want in life.
Would want to meet me for 3 hours in early 2026 to go over this framework in detail?

I want to bring a small group of 12 people together to do this live with me in 2026.

There will be a small free to attend to cover the admin to host the event... 

but it will be way less than what we charge for our full course.

We will also use AI to help us organize our goals for 2026... This will be the first time we are doing Goal setting with AI..

We are doing this only once and we need 12 people only who want to spend 3 hours and get this deep work done together so you can have the best 2026 ever.

Here is what I achieved in the past year.

1. finished writing my 6th book.. its in design now!! 
2. launch the 99 hacks course and over 100 people paid before we even created it. people love it!!!
3. published the Sora 2 bootcamp and it was just insane, over 100 people learned how to use Sora 2 deeply. and we even have a 9 module course that teaches the basics of AI video included.
4. I swam with killer whales in the arctic circle.
5. I saw the northern lights in Finland
6. Swam with killer whales and hunted for herring with Orcas and Hump Backs
7. Joined summit and played with 1100 innovators in Detroit. Been on my list for a while... next is Summit at Sea! 
8. Went on a cruise with 450 marketers and business owners to the Caribbean it was an epic experience. 
9. Saw my parents at least once a quarter and spent good time with them and my kids.
10. Took my kids to amusement parks and special trips.
11. Expanded our global business to over 40 countries around the world including Dubai! 
12. Ran over 500 miles without injury and I feel very good physically 
14. Made new close friends that I will be nurturing over the next decade.

Question: Do you have a list of goals that you are passionate about for your business and family?

We have clear frameworks for this, and if you want to have the best year you ever had, you must sit down and make the plane.

I am happy to show you my 2026 goals... But I only show it to people that are close to me.... I dont share it with everyone.

So let me know if you want to be one of those 12 people that want to join me live on Zoom for less than the cost of a therapy session with a good therapist. 

Very excited about this. Please vote below if you are intersted and we will pick 12 lucky people who want to join and offer you to be part of it. 

#goalsetting2026poll #mojopolls2025

Do you want to set goals for 2026 with our system in a 3 hour live Zoom?

The author can see how you vote. Learn more

ok.... Story time: A woman called me three times.. I picked up and she hung up on me. I just ignored it.. But then she called me again the next day...

I was in middle of another call but I wanted to know what she wanted...

So I picked up.

She was clearly a cold caller...

Selling Aflac 

I was sooooo not interested at all

Buut... I wanted to see if she knew what she was doing...

Test 1: Who the heck are you?

I wanted to know if this was a scam or she was real...

I said " Whats your name?"

She only gave me her first name!!

I said whats your last name..

I googled her and found NOTHING!

I laughed... 

"are you on LinkedIn?"

She said no...

Instant RED FLAG

How can you be calling me, telling me trust you if you dont exist to me.

If you are in sales and you are not on LinkedIn you are not a real person.

period.

LinkedIn = Trust 

Trust is everything.

Test 2: Do you care?

She had an agenda... She wanted me to book a meeting with her to review Aflac insurance.

she kept pushing for a meeting.

I asked "Where you trained on prospecting?"

The answer was no!

She is a commission only sales reps that was given a list and a phone and said go.

Zero prospecting training.

No script, No system, No process.

Total disaster. 

She only cared about herself,  never asked me a single question about me, my needs or what I care about.

She kept asked me how many clients I have even though its written on my website.

She did ZERO research on me...

She called me Feisty.. cause I told her she didnt care about me.

Then she called me sir...

I said, do you even know my pronoun?

She got scared..

Oh boy... she asked me if im a They.

I said... How inappropriate... Check my LinkedIn and see my pronoun... dont ask me that or assume im a sir!

Test 3: Would you come to meet me tonight?

At some point she was flirting with me..

She followed me on Instagram and shared her feed which clearly was not professional.

Sooo I said ok... come meet me at the brandy library..

She asked me if I could pay for her uber! 

She also wants to bring her best friend with her so we can have a good time together.

She even said that she would only come if I booked the meeting her.

I said absolutely not.

Its a holiday party... come and meet my lawyer.. come and network dont sell.

They came... We had a great time.

I got to know her and her friend 

Turns out they need LinkedIn training.

I want to meet her manager and her whole team and train them on how to build relationships.

Imagine if she actually cared about me like I cared about her?

What struck me the most during our call was that she actually told me not to waste her time.....

I laughed so hard...

How do you have the guts to tell someone not to waste their time when you want to book a meeting with a CEO that you cold called!!! 

You dont get more transactional then that.

The call lasted 20 minutes, it was a great masterclass on what not to do...

What would you of done?

Made a song about it....

Lets do a photoshoot with AI... Think about the types of photos you would want to be in... 

Here ideas... btw evyAI can make these for you in seconds.

Here are 5 essential LinkedIn photos every professional needs:

1. The Professional Headshot - A high-quality, well-lit close-up with a clean background showing you in professional attire, making strong eye contact with a genuine smile—this is your non-negotiable profile picture foundation.

2. The Background Banner Shot - A wide, horizontal image that represents your industry, expertise, or personal brand story—could be you in action, your workspace, or a visual that communicates what you do at a glance.

3. The Credibility Builder - You speaking at an event, teaching, presenting, or being interviewed, establishing you as an authority and thought leader in your field.

4. The Relatable Work Moment - A candid shot of you actually doing your work—at your computer, in a meeting, consulting with a client—showing the human side of your professional life.

5. The Social Proof Shot - Photos with clients, team members, at industry events, or receiving awards, demonstrating that you're active, connected, and respected in your professional community.

Also here are 10 professional speaker kit photo ideas for podcast hosts:

1. The Classic Speaker Headshot - A high-quality, professional headshot with a clean background (both color and white options) that works for any promotional material or website bio.

2. On-Stage Action Shots - You mid-presentation with a microphone, gesturing to the audience or screen, showing you're an experienced, engaging speaker in your element.

3. The Podcast-Ready Portrait - Wearing headphones or sitting at a microphone setup, making it easy for podcast hosts to visualize and promote your episode.

4. Full-Body Stage Presence - Wide shots of you presenting to an audience, demonstrating your ability to command a room and engage large groups.

5. The Approachable Expert - Seated or standing in a relaxed yet professional pose, arms open or leaning forward, conveying warmth and accessibility for intimate settings.

6. Behind-the-Scenes Prep - You reviewing notes, setting up equipment, or getting mic'd up before speaking, adding authenticity to your speaker credentials.

7. Audience Engagement Moments - Photos of you interacting with audience members, shaking hands, or facilitating discussions, proving you're not just a talker but a connector.

8. Multiple Outfit Options - The same pose/setting in 3-4 different outfits and backgrounds, giving event organizers variety to match their branding and format.

9. The Signature Topic Shot - Environmental portraits that visually represent your expertise—at a whiteboard, holding your book, or surrounded by relevant props that reinforce your message.

10. Conference Panel Ready - You seated in a professional setting as if on a panel discussion, perfect for multi-speaker event promotions and webinar graphics.

Which do you need??

If you have ever set a goal and you haven't achieved it Watch this video. it's not because you're stupid or lazy. There's something deeper at play.

I'm running a goal setting masterclass and I'm gonna walk people for 3 hours on zoom How to be able to do these things properly...

I'm talking about identifying your strengths

Figuring out your passions.

Writing down your values personally.

Having clarity around your beliefs and agreements

Understanding the issues that you have in your life And why they're there..

Creating a list of roles and mapping your goals to your roles.

Creating a vivid vision for yourself that align with your values, not just your needs.

Having a very clear plan of action for the year

Using our 5 step goal setting framework

Understanding how to work with your calendar.

Understanding the getting things done method

Plus we're also gonna give you 28 videos that you could watch, along with frameworks, Checklists and a full goal setting workbook.

We're even going to create an artificial intelligence clone of you. That will help you stay accountable.

This is something that you're interested in doing over the course of 3 hours in late December. Let me know and I'll send you the questionnaire.

It's 3am. Your Brain Won't Shut Up.

You're lying there running through: 

→ The client who's ghosting you 
→ That post you meant to write 
→ The lead you forgot to follow up with 
→ Your kid's project due tomorrow

Here's the problem: Your brain wasn't designed to be a filing cabinet.

It was designed to be a PROCESSOR.

When you try to use it for both? Everything breaks down.

I used to think I just needed better organization. 

Better calendar. 
Better system.

I was wrong.

I didn't need to remember MORE. 

I needed to PROCESS better. <<<<

So I built a framework: 15 Brain Dump Categories that cover every area of business and life.

Each category has 5 power questions. 

You pick ONE. You dump for 2-5-15 or 25 minutes. 

Then AI turns your chaos into a clear action plan.

In 60 seconds, you go from mental overload to strategic clarity.

→ Sales Pipeline Reality Check 
→ LinkedIn/Social Media Unstuck
 → Referral & Testimonial Goldmine 
→ Client Delivery Audit → Emotional Unload 
→ Vision Vortex ...and 9 more

I wrote a full breakdown of the framework, why most brain dumps fail, and how AI fixes it.

👉 Read the attached article.

If it resonates, DM me "BRAINDUMP" for info about our Goal Setting Masterclass where you'll learn this + many more frameworks to crush 2026.
Stop carrying it all in your head.

Start dumping it into a system that thinks WITH you.

P.S. - Try ONE category this week. Tell me what shifts.

#Productivity #AI #GoalSetting #Leadership

View newsletter: Frustration to Mojovation

The 3am wake-up call you didn't ask for. You know the one. Eyes pop open. Brain turns on like someone flipped a switch. And suddenly you're lying ther

Open article: Your Brain is Not a Filing Cabinet (And Why That's Costing You Everything) - HOW TO BRAINDUMP by Joe Apfelbaum • 10 min read

Your Brain is Not a Filing Cabinet (And Why That's Costing You Everything) - HOW TO BRAINDUMP

Thinking Dimensions Global Consulting

Management Consultancy with offices in 17 countries including the Americas, EMEA, and Asia Pacific. Specializing in Decision Making for Strategy and Operations with Fortune 1000 organizations.

Projects Successfully led by Scott include (recent examples):

3 Business Unit Strategy formulation and identification of acquistion pipeline and plan in Europe, Asia, and North America for a NYSE traded industrials group.

North America entry strategy for a European equipment manufacturing corporation.

Global strategy for the expansion of a packaging company into adjacent technologies, products, and services.

Group Strategy and Country-Level Strategy formulation and implementation for Latin America for a multinational (USA based) NYSE traded pharma-co.

Acquisition and Integration of two European Manufacturing companies for a private equity group and subsequent integration of operations in Western and Central Europe.

Development and Deployment of a Strategy for a European automotive group to enter Asia for both manufacturing (China) and sales (ASEAN) including acquiring funding necessary for CAPEX.

Implementation of a global pricing strategy and program for a multinational B2B group with roll out including at salesperson level in multiple countries/languages simultaneously.

Joint Venture formation between an American and European group for expansion in the Americas in sales and service with a target to be #1 in terms of market position within 4 years.

Acquisition of a majority position in a strategic supplier in China by a European manufacturing group.

Plan formulation and implementation for selecting a North America manufacturing base, managing negotiations including project financing, and following plan through implementation stages to physical presence launch.

E-Commerce Strategy for a major brand: both direct and reseller sales in China, USA, and Canada from concept through to realizing budget EBITDA/share achievements.

Go to Market Strategy for a European group

Managing Partner

Sirius

Member, Board of Directors

AI-driven copilot for sustainability teams in metals and mining companies, allowing teams to save 80% of time on data sharing and reporting efforts.

Helping sustainability leaders in the industry to focus on impact, not on spreadsheets.

Member Board of Directors

Strategy Tools

Strategy Tools is a Strategy SaaS company, on a mission to help change how the world works on strategy. 

Strategy Tools is a platform, building a global community of strategy leaders, sharing our mission. 

Currently there are users in 110+ countries and customers in 60+ countries.

Board Of Directors

Techstars

Techstars Transformative World Torino

This program focuses on companies that will enable fundamental transformation and impact across industries and geographies.

Lead Mentor

CIMBA

Develop and Contribute to Executive Learning Strategy and Consulting Programmes

Responsible for the full time MBA learners programme in Consulting (learners deliver on projects for leading organizations)

Delivery of Senior Executive Strategy and Digital Transformation programmes

Senior Program Manager

Consilience Ventures

Consilience Ventures is a data-driven venture capital economy using it's own digital currency (not a crypto-currency) to invest in carefully selected b2b start-ups from pre-seed to Series A. It uses a combination of data and human driven decision making to raise the probability of selecting the best start-ups to which CV offers unparalleled growth support. 

We believe that investors can invest in start-ups/scale-ups without risking their capital and should be able to liquidate their investment anytime. We do this by redefining start-up financing which enables start-ups to launch twice as fast. We engage the best ecosystem service providers as part of their start-ups team at the heart of a vibrant marketplace. 

Investors in CV don't pay any management, carry or transaction fees and benefit from the IP value developed over time.

Global Expert Member

Managing Partner, CIMBA Business Advisement
Responsible for new business development
Management of projects with both direct reports and their teams
P&L responsibility- as Managing Partner directly responsible for results
Develop projects for clients related to Strategy, New Market Entry, Pricing, and M&A, key capability development.
Develop Executive programs for skill and key capability development.
Drive Internationalization programs.
Deliver courses and programs at MBA, Undergraduate, and Executive levels to participants from Europe, Americas, and APEC regions.
Facilitate worksessions and workshops for learners and companies.

Avis Budget Group

Senior Management Team Member with profit and loss responsibility for eight locations.
Developed MBO program for management, union, and non union employees.
Prepared strategic plans, budgets, optimization of productivity, development of revenue yield systems.

Director of Operations

Managed a staff of 60. Responsible for development. Major projects included implementation of TQM program, development of Web system, management of major business opportunities.

Division Manager, Auto

Responsible for business development, improvement of service levels. Bidding on corporate tenders, line staff management, and cost management initiatives included. Member of management team awarded the Chairman's Circle of Excellence Award for Quality in 1992.

Location Manager

Managing Partner, Thinking Dimensions ► LinkedIN Top Voice 2024 ►Bold Growth, M&A, Strategy, Value Creation, Sustainable EBITDA ► NED, Senior Advisor to Boards,C-Level,Family Office,Private Equity ► Techstars Lead Mentor

LinkedIn Top Voice 2024/2025

Harvard Business Review Advisory Council Member, Strategy Tools Best Partner Award 2023  for outstanding work in Corporate Strategy, Transformation, and Growth. Annual Award Winner 2019, 2020 and 2024: Business Consultancy Professional of the Year from Corporate LiveWire. Executive Education Professor of the Year Award for 2021, 2022, and 2023 at CIMBA/University of IOWA, Techstars All-Star Mentor Award for 2024.

I am a Managing Partner at Thinking Dimensions, and an N.E.D.

I work with boards, CEOs, private equity, family office, senior leaders and owners in Fortune 1000 businesses to impact future sustainable growth and profitability.

As managing partner in Thinking Dimensions- an international management consultancy renowned for its problem solving & decision making processes- I am part of a global team delivering EBITDA impacting outcomes to clients through 3 distinct offerings:
 
•	Strategy Definition and Execution
•	Digital Transformation
•	Sustainable Value Creation

Thinking Dimensions has locations and expertise with a network spanning 17 countries of which I have conducted business on 5 continents.

With 30+ years of international experience in advisory activities balanced between both multinational and family controlled enterprises, I've had the unique opportunity to assist over 250 CEO’s and Senior Business Leaders globally.
  
Issues companies are focused around include:

Digital Transformation
Succession Planning
Corporate Venture Capital
AI Governance/Integration 
Internationalization including Early Stage Markets
Value Creation through non-organic growth (M&A, platforms)
Group and corporate reorganization/organization design
Go To Market/Sales 
Business plans/Industrial plans
Develop new business models
Funding of New Market development and commercial opportunities
Executive and board alignment
Platform and Ecosystem Design
Long-Term Sustainability 
Circular Economy and the Business Decisions necessary for the future

The organizations my teams and I work with achieve speed, alignment, and practical results with a future long term view.  

In summary I am working as a trusted advisor assisting leaders with the big decisions necessary for the future. 

I continue to publish at:
 
http://www.thinkingdimensions.com/resources/blog/strategy

As a Non Executive Director, I bring an international perspective focused on new business models, innovative approaches to Strategy, and Diverse capabilities required for sustainability. 

Specialties: Strategy, M&A, PE, VC,Non-Organic Growth, Emerging Markets, Family Office

Scott Newton

Today I learned....

I don't know why this gave me such satisfaction, however it really did! 

And yes, this actually works. 

If you need a referral code for NORDVPN ping me ;)

What is something new you learned recently that gave you a chuckle?

Strategy is Mastery.

#alwaysbelearning

Managing Partner, Thinking Dimensions ► LinkedIN Top Voice 24/25 ►Bold Growth,M&A, Strategy, Value Creation, Sustainable EBITDA ► NED, Senior Advisor to Boards,C-Level,Family Office,Private Equity ► Techstars Lead Mentor

Chinese women are done being quiet and "appropriate."

A cultural shift is taking place in China today, and with this a change in the approach Women are taking towards work, life, and supporting each other. 

The South China Morning post recently opened an interview with famous author Jiang Fangzhou where she noted "I'can't be waiting for some influential man to say I'll give you an hour about literature. You can't be waiting for a seat, for a microphone."

Jiang is quite a prodigy: published her first book at age 9, and became a famous newspaper columnist at just 12 years old.  Over the decades, Jiang challenged the patriarchal culture, and began to question being "understanding, cooperative, easy to work with." Forms of self-censorship disguised as "common sense."

What has changed today is that creators in China are stepping out from behind this shadow, and "finally feel ready to attract their own audiences." 

In her interview, Jiang challenges the SCMP journalist Jiajia Li to start her own podcast,  encouraging her with "Make something you love!"

As Li notes, "Girls help girls" has moved on from being a hashtag, to an act of solidarity and defiance. 

Chinese women are definitely changing more than just the conversation, and across generations are now speaking out boldly in public, in women-led communities, and create entirely new space for expression.

This is not a small change in Chinese society, and with this bold step forward the impact on culture, on the workplace, and on business are significant.

How well does your Strategy address fast changing cultural norms in Asia, and what are your organizations doing to prepare for an inclusive future that is not x+1?

While some areas of the world are seeming take enormous steps backwards, in Asia and especially China we are to the contrary experiencing a tremendous gains towards bold growth and inclusivity.

What are your experiences recently in APEC and particularly China?

How are you assisting women to grab the microphone today?

Strategy is Mastery.

Photo Credit: Reuters, Beijing Olympics

You really cannot find a better commute in the world.

Taking the Star Ferry from Hong Kong Central over to Kowloon is perhaps the most relaxing and inspiring commute you can experience. 

What is next for HK?

When I first came to Hong Kong, it was a rough and twisty landing in the nose of a CP 747 touching down at Kai Tak. Unreal trip in that you could literally see what people were watching on TV in their apartments as the plane weaved through the skyscrapers of this unbelievable metropolis, and then somehow taxied off a runway into a smoky welcome. 

At that point in time, Hong Kong was still a major garment manufacturer and exporter to the world. 

Fast forward and HK continues to redevelop, refine, and create entirely new economic opportunities in their role as the bridge to Shenzen and beyond. Now you can take a high speed train from the city directly into mainland China in just 16 minutes, or less time than it takes to get through the Kowloon/Central tunnel at peak times in a taxi.

Hong Kong, home to 7.53 million residents is one of the most densely populated regions of the world. While GDP grew 2.5% in 2024, and with a GDP per capita of over $54K USD equivalent, the region is prosperous, well educated, and highly innovative. 

I was excited on my most recent business trip to learn of all the developments in AI, Scale Ups, and the emphasis on building a new university campus and high tech centre focused on research and technologies for the future. 

I am often asked by colleagues for restaurant and bar recommendations in the region, and I will share a few here: Tokyo Lima in Central, Buenos Aires Polo Club, The China Club, Lin Heung, Sushi Sase, Yè Shanghai (TST,) and start or end your evening with an unforgettable cocktail on the rooftop (Felix) of the Peninsula in Kowloon. Just a 10 minute walk away, nearby Butler in TST has one of the best Japanese whiskey collections outside of Tokyo.

Plus, don't let me forget to mention the excellent noodle bar at the Pier (Cathay Pacific lounge complex) near gates 64-65!

Given the state of the seven tower fire at Wang Fuk Court estate in Tai Po last week, with a death toll of 151 and 40 people still missing, my thoughts are to solidarity with the resilient and innovative residents of Hong Kong, on reflection of this sad and grave tragedy.

Where are the bright spots you see for Hong Kong of the future? I see a creative, intelligent, innovative group of people that will build with technology and create once again an entirely new business model for this impossibly beautiful region.

How well does your Strategy address opportunities in Hong Kong looking forward?

Strategy is Mastery.

Photo: shot on my iPhone, Star Ferry crossing Central to TST.

NOTE: this post is part of an ongoing series I create on cities and regions I have travelled to for business. If there is a city or region you are interested in, please let me know in the comments.

What have been your favourite experiences in Hong Kong?

When were you last in a meeting that got bogged down?

A board or management agenda that was derailed as a small decision took everyone deep, deep, down in to the weeds?

It happens, and unfortunately, this is not useful (as you already well know.)

What can you do to minimize this risk?

Ensure you are consistently applying a decision making process that is checks on how appropriate your attention is for the level of decision being taken.

Leverage a facilitator that can assist you and your teams on unlocking and raising up to the big decisions that really move the needle materially. 

Stop and park an issue for a couple of days if possible, and verify that you are focusing your energy where it matters most. 

We all are dealing with limited and constrained resources, and nowhere is this more apparent than when it comes to applying judgement. 

How well does your Strategy process embed and test for decision making, ensuring you are spending your time on the most critical issues and opportunities for a future that is not x+1?

Strategy is Mastery. 

How do you find it best to help your boards and management teams get out of the weeds, and on to the highest priority and impact concerns?

What tools do you use most frequently to improve the effectiveness of your online collaboration? 

I have been using Miro now for six years, and find this is a great tool in my experience to improve outcomes even with very large groups, and to crystallize thinking. 

In fact, in collaborating with 81 teams, in 29 countries, we were able to generate 206 "bright new ideas" in 2025! By overlaying this with our canvases, processes, and thinking tools, we are able to work at both board and management levels to deliver improved decisions, and especially check for Strategic blind spots. 

This is a top 5% use of MIRO according to their global cloud statistics, and I think an effective way to build a better future that is not x+1.

I love to be in the room with management and board, although this is not always possible, and maximizing our performance online and remotely is just as critically important as when we are in person. 

How well does your Strategy embrace new tools and technologies for collaboration even at a distance?

What are your favourite tools to use both online and offline, and why? Feel free to share one you recommend here.

Strategy is Mastery.

Will you submit 5 years of private social media data to enter the USA?

Under a new proposal published today, all travellers entering the USA on the ESTA (visa waiver) program could be required to submit:

5 years of private social media data

Mandatory "selfie" uploads exclusively from your personal smart phone

Self reported exit feature using geolocation data, selfie, and passport data

Phone numbers and email addresses going back a decade, IP addresses, and even biometrics such as fingerprints, face, DNA and iris scans

Customs Border Protection (CDP) of the USA says these changes are designed to "reduce fraud, improve identity verification and close long-standing gaps in the tracking of foreign visitors who enter and exit the U.S."

Attorneys warn that "public online activity, including political posts, can now come under scrutiny."

What do you think will be the impact on tourism and business to the United States if this proposal passes in to law?

Is this a good direction for the USA to head in, implementing some of the most strict surveillance on the planet?

How well does your Strategy anticipate geopolitical shifts, policy changes, and the implementation of technology in monitoring of individuals?

What will happen if your employees and business partners start to refuse to travel to America?

Strategy is Mastery. 

How to comment on CBP's proposal

The public has until Feb. 9, 2026, to submit comments on the proposed changes.

Breaking News 🚨 : China set to limit access to Nvidia’s H200 chips despite Trump export approval

Discussions among regulators come as Beijing seeks to achieve self-sufficiency in semiconductor production

Financial Times with Zijing Wu in Hong Kong, December 9th:

"Beijing is set to limit access to Nvidia’s advanced H200 chips despite Donald Trump’s decision to allow the export of the technology to China as it pushes to achieve self-sufficiency in semiconductor production."

"I'm forecasting China's sales to be zero. It's zero for the next quarter, zero for the quarter after that," Huang was quoted as saying in an interview. "We're assuming it's going to be zero. If we're able to break through on both sides of the ocean and with both governments, of course, China is going to a very large market."

Will Huang and NVIDIA be able to break through the tough restrictions on importing Chips laid out by the Chinese regulators, and even if so, will NVIDIA chips remain competitive longer term with a 25% export duty due to be paid by the company to the US Government on each H200 sold?

How well does your Strategy adapt to fast shifting geopolitical regulatory policies, and what will the impact long term be on your industry and businesses?

Strategy is Mastery.

Do you think NVIDIA will regain the high end China market, or will this be a case of "Zero?"

Photo shot on my iPhone, Qianmen Street, Forbidden City, Beijing, PRC

Shocker! 

Who would ever have guessed this could be coming from Kushner and Ellison? 

Last minute plot change for sure ;)

How well does your Strategy anticipate changes in your approach to M&A, and the impact of external actors on your long term plans for the future?

Strategy is Mastery. 

“The board’s overriding priority more than valuation was choosing a bidder that could sign immediately, withstand regulatory scrutiny and close on the terms required,” said a person close to Warner.

Does this surprise you, or is it as you expected??

USA drops to 57th place in press freedom rankings worldwide

The United States of America, formerly a leader in global press freedom rankings has now dropped all the way to 57th place, falling behind for example not only Canada, Europe, South Africa, and Australia, and also less well known nations for press freedom including Gabon, North Macedonia, Seychelles, Liberia, Romania, East Timor, and Sierra Leone.

How well does your Strategy address risks related to geopolitical shifts?

Are you surprised with the USA ranking, or is this par for the course in what is happening politically today?

Strategy is Mastery.

How did smart investors outperform the US S&P 500, NYSE, and NASDAQ indexes and equities in 2025?

Easy: they invested in Europe. 

MEGA is trumping MAGA in stocks!

European shares have had a breakout year, particularly for dollar-based investors

Spain IBEX index is +40% 
Italy FTSE MIB is +26%
France CAC is +23%

And the USA? S&P 500 is +17%

In addition, a USD based investor would also have gained from the outperformance of the EUR compared to the dollar, meaning that those investing in the Spanish exchange actually realized returns this year of over 60%!

To the contrary, a EUR based investor who held S&P 500 indexes only gained a paltry 4% due to the massive drop in USD this year (the largest since 1971.)

Go Europe! 

How well does your Strategy address the significant opportunities in Europe in 2026 and beyond? What are you most excited about in the EU?

Strategy is Mastery.

taplio

The Battle

Joe Apfelbaum

Scott Newton

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance ScoreJoe Apfelbaum's LinkedIn Performance

Performance ScoreScott Newton's LinkedIn Performance

Ready to grow your LinkedIn presence?

taplio

The Battle

Joe Apfelbaum

Scott Newton

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}Joe Apfelbaum's LinkedIn Performance

Performance ScoreScott Newton's LinkedIn Performance

Ready to grow your LinkedIn presence?

Performance ScoreJoe Apfelbaum's LinkedIn Performance