Steve Taplin

CEO at Sonatafy, AI/ML led Nearshore Software Development synced with US time zones for maximum Productivity & Collaboration | Forbes & Entrepreneur Author

I am the CEO of Sonatafy Technology, where we help CTOs and engineering leaders fix software delivery problems that slow teams down and put outcomes at risk.

Most organizations do not fail because they lack talent. They fail because delivery lacks ownership, structure, and senior technical leadership.

At Sonatafy, we focus on predictable software delivery through a combined US-based and nearshore model. Our teams operate through managed delivery pods, CTO-level consulting, and outcome-driven execution designed to clear backlogs, reduce technical debt, and restore delivery confidence.

I spend most of my time working with technology executives who are dealing with stalled roadmaps, growing backlogs, legacy modernization, DevOps bottlenecks, and distributed teams that are busy but not effective.

In addition to leading Sonatafy, I host the Software Leaders Uncensored podcast, where I have candid conversations with more than 160 software leaders about what actually works and what does not when it comes to building, scaling, and delivering software.

I am also the author of "Fail Hard, Win Big," a book grounded in real-world experience building and scaling companies, focusing on resilience, execution, and the lessons learned when things do not go according to plan. Many of the principles in the book directly apply to leadership, decision-making, and delivery inside modern software organizations.

My perspective is shaped by decades of building companies, scaling engineering teams, and learning the hard way that execution beats strategy when accountability is missing.

If you are a CTO, VP of Engineering, or technology executive looking to improve delivery outcomes without adding chaos, I am always open to thoughtful conversations.

Chief Executive Officer & Board Member

Sonatafy Technology is a premier nearshore software development services company that provides its clients with expertise in Cloud Solutions, Web and Mobile Applications, E-Commerce, Big Data, DevOps Practices, QA, IoT, and Machine Learning.   With current and past signature clients such as IBM, FOX, Cisco, TaylorMade, Caterpillar, Alcatel, and more. Sonatafy Technology helps software teams perform at their best.

Check out this episode of The Software Leaders UNCENSORED Podcast featuring Olly Downs, CTO of Curinos, for a thoughtful conversation on what it really takes to lead technology and AI initiatives in highly regulated, high-stakes industries like banking.

We discuss:
- The evolution of AI in the banking sector and where it’s actually delivering value
- The realities of managing and scaling software engineering teams
- Why aligning technology with business outcomes is non-negotiable
- Lessons learned from failure in AI implementation
- Practical advice for tech leaders navigating uncertainty and rapid change

Olly brings a grounded, experience-driven perspective on AI adoption, cutting through hype and focusing on execution, learning, and leadership.

Check the full episode in the comments!

#AI
#Podcast
#Curinos
#OllyDowns
#SteveTaplin
#SonatafyTechnology
#SoftwareLeadersUncensored

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I was thrilled to be recognized by CIO Today in their “Top 100 Influential Tech Executives of 2023” list. This honor belongs to the entire Sonatafy Technology team, our partners, and clients. Our collective passion for innovation and excellence in nearshore software development has been key.

Top Dynamic and Exemplary Business Leaders to Watch, 2023

Inc 5000 - Fastest Growing Private Company in US

Steve Taplin and Sonatafy Technology win prestigious Globee Awards Gold Prize as Startup of the Year in the IT category

Globee Awards Gold Prize | Startup of the Year in the IT category

Entrepreneur Leadership Network

Forbes Technology Council Member

Received for recognition of hard work, dedication, perseverance and for demonstrating leadership and achievement in their occupation, industry or profession.

The Global Directory "Who's Who" Honors

Annually Personal Real Estate Investor Magazine recognizes those individuals and businesses demonstrating vision, understanding, and a plan to bring investment services and products to the real estate market.

2012 Top 50 Real Estate Investment Opinion Makers & Market Leaders

“IBM Executive Development Program” an honor awarded to less than 1% of the 400,000+ person work force.

"Outstanding Effort Award" and nominated to the prestigious "IBM Executive Development Program"

Steve has received numerous awards for Collaboration, Solution Development, Teamwork, Service/Delivery Excellence, as well as one of the Best Fest (Top 1% IBM Performer) Award recipients.

"Best-Fest Award"  & "General Managers Teaming Award"

IBM issues this award to a select group of employees when they receive the highest scores for customer support, customer leadership, and customer satisfaction from at least 3 different clients in a calendar year. 

IBM "Customer Satisfaction" Award

Received MBA while working full time at IBM as a Top Sales Leader.  

During MBA, became a published author on Serial Entrepreneurship / Leadership.  The book, "Entrepreneurship:  The Way Ahead" offers insights and perspectives on entrepreneurship and effective leadership styles from the foremost academic and professional leaders in the field.  

Frequent Host, Guest and/or Featured Speaker at numerous business, sales, leadership, financial and investment seminars with 5K+ attendees

Radio platform was used to build credibility, increase exposure and to create business leads for TAPCO Private Equity Firm.  Stopped radio shows in 2012 when began engaging in public securities offerings.  

Radio show host for Business, Sales, Leadership, Entrepreneurship and Investment Radio Shows with 1M+ listeners in Arizona and California

CEO, Sonatafy | Scaling Engineering Teams w/ Senior LATAM Talent | Host, Software Leaders UNCENSORED | 30 Startups: 10 Wins, 20 Bruises | Forbes & Entrepreneur Contributor

If you’re a CTO, CIO, or tech leader under pressure to deliver software faster, adopt AI, or scale a high-performing engineering team—without blowing your budget—I can help.

I’m the CEO of Sonatafy Technology, where we help software companies scale with nearshore engineering teams from LATAM that work in your time zone, speak your language, and move as fast as you do.

Over the years, I’ve started 30+ companies—with 20 failures and 10 wins—and that ratio has been my best teacher. I’ve learned what really matters:
➤ Building teams that trust each other
➤ Setting high expectations without burning out talent
➤ Using AI, automation, and smart process design to unlock 10x results

I write for Forbes and Entrepreneur Magazine on leadership, software strategy, and company culture. My focus is helping other executives lead with clarity, make bold tech bets, and avoid the expensive mistakes I’ve already made (the hard way).

Let’s connect if:
➤ You need a fresh approach to engineering velocity
➤ You’re curious about nearshore but want a trusted partner
➤ Or you just want to trade stories from the startup trenches

➤ Learn more at sonatafy.com or DM me.

Sonatafy Technology will identify, acquire and deploy highly-qualified Nearshore Software Developers for your business.

Nearshore Software Developers - Sonatafy Technology

Assist local, state and federal officials with technical analysis / investigation of cyber bullying events involving children.

Fundraising and support of school events.

CEO, Sonatafy Technology, Helping CTOs Fix Software Delivery, Backlogs, and Execution Risk | Host of Software Leaders Uncensored Podcast | Best-Selling Author, Fail Hard, Win Big | Forbes & Entrepreneur Contributor

Check out this episode of The Software Leaders UNCENSORED Podcast featuring Charity Majors, CTO and co-founder of honeycomb.io, for a candid conversation about building startups, scaling engineering teams, and what modern software leadership really requires.

We talk about:
- Charity’s journey through the tech industry and startup life
- Why observability is foundational to high-performing engineering teams
- Leading distributed teams in a fast-moving environment
- Embracing AI without losing engineering discipline
- Lessons learned as a woman building and leading in a male-dominated field
- Why supportive culture and learning from failure are non-negotiable

Charity brings clarity, honesty, and hard-won experience to a conversation every engineering leader and founder should hear.

Check the full episode in the comments!

#AI
#Podcast
#SteveTaplin
#Honeycomb
#CharityMajors
#SonatafyTechnology
#SoftwareLeadersUncensored

Check out a new episode of The Software Leaders UNCENSORED Podcast! This time, I sat down with Ajay Chankramath, Founder & CEO of Platformetrics, author of “Effective Platform Engineering,” and a former CTO turned entrepreneur who’s redefining how companies approach digital transformation.

Ajay has led platform and engineering transformations for some of the world’s biggest enterprises, and now he’s helping organizations rethink their developer experience, platform strategy, and AI integration from the ground up.

💡 In this episode, Ajay shared:
• How Platformetrics is transforming the consulting model, shifting from people-heavy projects to solution-first engagements built on proven frameworks and enablement.
• Why the biggest productivity gap isn’t tools; it’s clarity.
• How his product, Portal IQ, helps companies select the right developer portal tools using AI, not hype.
• How Portal IQ maps over 20 key criteria, from service catalogs to RBAC integrations, to recommend personalized solutions that reduce friction and improve engineering velocity.
• Why composability and replaceability matter more than brand names: “Your platform isn’t the tool you bought; it’s the ecosystem you can evolve tomorrow.”
• His bestselling book, “Effective Platform Engineering” (Manning Publications), bridges the gap between decision-makers and practitioners, exploring how engineering platforms evolve across industries.

Ajay’s Advice for Tech Leaders: “Stop buying more tools. Tools don’t make you successful, clarity and value delivery do.”

Check the full episode in the comments!

#AI
#Podcast
#SteveTaplin
#Platformetrics
#AjayChankramath
#SonatafyTechnology
#SoftwareLeadersUncensored

During my conversation with Mark Sundt, CTO of Stax Payments, we discussed that AI is no longer optional; it’s the foundation of smarter, faster, and more impactful work. Leaders who adopt an “AI-first” mindset unlock efficiency, creativity, and competitive advantage across every task.

Thank you again for the great conversation on the podcast, Mark!

Check the full episode in the comments!

#AI
#Podcast
#MarkSundt
#SteveTaplin
#StaxPayments
#SonatafyTechnology
#SoftwareLeadersUncensored

CEO, Sonatafy Technology | Software Delivery Done Right | Host of Software Leaders Uncensored Podcast | Best-Selling Author, Fail Hard, Win Big | Forbes & Entrepreneur Contributor

Check out this episode of The Software Leaders UNCENSORED Podcast featuring Don Allen, CIO and CISO of Moda Operandi, Inc, for an open discussion regarding pioneering technology within one of the most dynamic and challenging industries.

We dive into:
- Don’s diverse career journey across technology and leadership roles
- What it means to serve as both CIO and CISO in today’s risk-heavy environment
- The evolving role of AI in e-commerce from opportunity to responsibility
- Lessons from private equity and operating at scale
- Why strong collaboration between tech and business is essential
- The importance of establishing clear AI policies
- How adaptability, networking, and continuous learning keep leaders ahead

Don brings a grounded, strategic perspective on balancing innovation, security, and business impact, making this a must-watch for today’s tech leaders.

Check the full episode in the comments!

#AI
#Podcast
#DonAllen
#SteveTaplin
#ModaOperandi
#SonatafyTechnology
#SoftwareLeadersUncensored

Check out this episode of The Software Leaders UNCENSORED Podcast featuring Sean ONeil, CTO of Dasion, to unpack a career built in the trenches of healthcare technology, and the hard-earned lessons that come with it.

We dive into:
- Sean’s journey from help desk roles to CTO
- How AI and voice technology are being used for disease diagnosis
- The real challenges of leading software engineering teams
- Why empathy matters in hiring and team building
- The often-overlooked difficulty of securing funding for tech startups
- No-nonsense advice for tech leaders navigating complexity and pressure

Sean brings honesty, depth, and a grounded perspective on what it really takes to lead innovation in healthcare without the hype.

Check the full episode in the comments!

#AI
#Dasion
#Podcast
#SeanO’Neil
#SteveTaplin
#SonatafyTechnology
#SoftwareLeadersUncensored

Want better performance? Start by getting out of the way.

Christopher Moravec, CTO of dymaptic, and I discuss why empowering teams, rather than micromanaging them, is the actual driver of innovation and results.

Thank you again for the great conversation on the podcast, Christopher!

Check the full episode in the comments!

#AI
#Podcast
#Dymaptic
#SteveTaplin
#SonatafyTechnology
#ChristopherMoravec
#SoftwareLeadersUncensored

Check out this episode of The Software Leaders UNCENSORED Podcast featuring Ken Pickering, a seasoned CTO and the technology leader behind Scripta Insights, a company committed to increasing transparency in drug pricing within the complex U.S. healthcare system.

We talk about:
- Ken’s career journey as a CTO and the realities of leading through constant change
- How AI is being integrated into business operations in meaningful ways
- Managing and scaling remote engineering teams
- The key traits Ken looks for when hiring engineers
- The very real impact of rising healthcare costs on families
- Why taking risks and learning from failure is essential to leadership growth

Ken brings a rare combination of technical depth, empathy, and purpose-driven leadership, making this a must-watch for anyone building technology that truly matters.

Check the full episode in the comments!

#AI
#Scripta
#Podcast
#SteveTaplin
#KenPickering
#SonatafyTechnology
#SoftwareLeadersUncensored

Check out this episode of The Software Leaders UNCENSORED Podcast featuring Samuel Clemens, CEO of Reprise, for a thoughtful conversation on entrepreneurship, product storytelling, and what it really takes to scale in today’s tech environment.

We cover:
- Samuel’s entrepreneurial journey and lessons learned along the way
- Why demoing software effectively is harder, and more important than ever
- How AI is being integrated into modern businesses
- The role of education in successful entrepreneurship
- The dynamics of building and leading engineering teams
- How macroeconomic forces influence product and business decisions
- Why staying deeply connected to customer needs is a non-negotiable for tech leaders

Samuel offers a practical perspective on leadership, innovation, and adapting roles in an AI-driven future, making this a must-watch for founders, product leaders, and engineers.

Check the full episode in the comments!

#AI
#Reprise
#Podcast
#SteveTaplin
#SamClemens
#SonatafyTechnology
#SoftwareLeadersUncensored

CEO, Sonatafy-Scaling Engineering Teams w/ Senior LATAM Talent | Host, Software Leaders UNCENSORED Podcast | Best-Selling Author, Fail Hard, Win Big | Forbes & Entrepreneur Contributor

Check out this episode of The Software Leaders UNCENSORED Podcast featuring Dan Zimmerman, Chief Product & Technology Officer at TreviPay, to talk about his journey from help desk engineer to executive leader, and what it takes to build and scale modern fintech platforms.

We dive into:
- Dan’s unconventional career path into leadership
- How TreviPay is innovating in the B2B payments space
- Why tightly integrating product and technology is a competitive advantage
- The challenges and opportunities AI creates for tech leaders
- Practical advice for leaders navigating rapid change and increasing complexity

Dan brings a thoughtful and grounded perspective on leadership, growth, and innovation, particularly at the intersection of product, technology, and business impact.

Check the full episode in the comments!

#AI
#Podcast
#TreviPay
#SteveTaplin
#DanZimmerman
#SonatafyTechnology
#SoftwareLeadersUncensored

In my conversation with William Steenbergen, Co-Founder and CTO of Federato, we discussed how many insurance practices have not kept up with modern expectations. By pinpointing inefficiencies and outdated processes, his team recognized an opportunity to implement significant changes.

Thank you again for the great conversation on the podcast, William!

Check the full episode in the comments!

#AI
#Podcast
#Federato
#SteveTaplin
#WilliamSteenbergen
#SonatafyTechnology
#SoftwareLeadersUncensored

In my chat with Leonard Niebo, CIO of The Citadel, software leadership isn’t just about technology; it’s about embodying core values like honor, duty, and respect. This inspiring clip highlights how mission-driven principles can create a stronger and more meaningful workplace. It's a wonderful reminder that great code is rooted in great character.

Check the full episode in the comments!

#AI
#Podcast
#TheCitadel
#SteveTaplin
#LeonardNiebo
#SonatafyTechnology
#SoftwareLeadersUncensored

AI is reshaping not just how we work, but how we organize work itself.

In my conversation with Maria Colacurcio, CEO of Syndio, we discussed how AI is impacting team structures, roles, and leadership, ultimately redefining productivity and collaboration.

Check the full episode in the comments!

#AI
#Syndio
#Podcast
#SteveTaplin
#MariaColacurcio
#SonatafyTechnology
#SoftwareLeadersUncensored

CEO of Sonatafy Technology, Helping CTOs Fix Software Delivery, Backlogs, and Execution Risk | Host of Software Leaders Uncensored Podcast | Best-Selling Author, Fail Hard, Win Big | Forbes & Entrepreneur Contributor

AI is revolutionizing the way we teach and learn in software engineering.

In my conversation with Andy J., CTO of Stead Impact Ventures and Foundation, we discussed how AI is transforming engineering education by making code learning more adaptive, hands-on, and personalized.

Check the full episode in the comments!

#AI
#Podcast
#SteveTaplin
#AndyJames
#SonatafyTechnology
#SteadImpactVentures
#SoftwareLeadersUncensored

Check out this episode of The Software Leaders UNCENSORED Podcast featuring Raj Bakhru, CFA, CISSP, GM at Datasite, to talk about his journey from hands-on developer to leading one of the most impactful AI-driven platforms in the M&A space.

We dive into:
- Raj’s career evolution from engineering to executive leadership
- Why innovation is non-negotiable in today’s tech landscape
- The real challenges and complexities of M&A-driven environments
- How AI is reshaping the future of M&A
- Lessons learned from scaling products and teams over time
- Practical advice for tech leaders navigating constant change

Raj brings a thoughtful, experience-driven perspective on leadership, AI adoption, and building technology that thrives in high-stakes environments.

Check the full episode in the comments!

#AI
#Datasite
#Podcast
#RajBakhru
#SteveTaplin
#SonatafyTechnology
#SoftwareLeadersUncensored

AI in security is a double-edged sword; it can protect us, but it can also empower attackers.

In my conversation with Jeff Williams, Founder and CTO of Contrast Security, we explored how leaders must harness AI’s potential for defense while staying vigilant against the risks it introduces.

Check the full episode in the comments!

#AI
#Podcast
#SteveTaplin
#JeffWilliams
#ContrastSecurity
#SonatafyTechnology
#SoftwareLeadersUncensored

AI is transforming the entire insurance lifecycle, from underwriting and pricing to risk monitoring and renewal.

William Steenbergen, Co-Founder & CTO of Federato, and I discussed how intelligent automation is helping insurers make faster, more accurate decisions across every stage of the policy journey.

Check the full episode in the comments!

#AI
#Podcast
#Federato
#SteveTaplin
#WilliamSteenbergen
#SonatafyTechnology
#SoftwareLeadersUncensored

In stablecoin infrastructure, even the smallest mistake isn’t an option; precision is everything.

Jameel Al-Aziz, CTO of Bastion, and I discussed why zero-tolerance for error is the foundation of trust, security, and long-term stability in digital finance.

Check the full episode in the comments!

#AI
#Bastion
#Podcast
#SteveTaplin
#JameelAlAziz
#SonatafyTechnology
#SoftwareLeadersUncensored

Agile works, until it doesn’t.

Rick Schott, Co-Founder and CTO of Routemize.com , and I discussed the hidden costs that arise when companies scale too quickly. A sharp reminder that process without purpose can become expensive, fast.

Thank you again for the great conversation on the podcast, Rick!

Check the full episode in the comments!

#AI
#Podcast
#Routemize
#RickSchott
#SteveTaplin
#SonatafyTechnology
#SoftwareLeadersUncensored

Bridging sales and engineering is one of the biggest unlocks for building products that customers actually want.

Matt Ryan, Founder & CTO at Kythera Labs, and I discussed why tighter alignment between these teams enables faster innovation and better business outcomes through more effective feedback.

Check the full episode in the comments!

#AI
#Podcast
#MattRyan
#SteveTaplin
#KytheraLabs
#SonatafyTechnology
#SoftwareLeadersUncensored

I help busy founders and execs build a strong voice online without adding more to their plate.

I started by ghostwriting for a friend who wanted to grow his reach while staying focused on the work he was built to do. Since then, I’ve helped others do the same: showing up consistently, sharing what matters, and building trust at scale.

If you’ve got something to say but no time to say it, I can help.

Daniel Windler

Everyone says “just be consistent.” Almost no one asks, "consistent toward what?"

Consistency without direction is just noise. I mean you’re probably posting consistently but nothing’s compounding.

Direction without consistency isn’t much better, tbh. Great ideas, killer posts, still almost zero momentum.

The real leverage shows up when you decide what you’re willing to repeat for a year. I'm talking about the same core ideas, from different angles, for the same audience.

That’s how authority 𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙪𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮 gets built.

Algorithms don’t often reward creativity, at least not nearly as much as people think.

They reward clarity.

Audiences don’t trust surprises, they trust patterns. Like think of who you're go-to is for motivation (you probably had 2, 3 names flash in your mind). Now think about who you go to for industry news. Again, 1, 2, maybe 3 names. 

They talk about the same thing. ALL.THE.TIME. 

That is how you need to be to if you want to be out there and have people look to you to with any sort of authority or gravitas on a subject. 

That, or just be a famous actor or something. idk. 
 
If your content feels tiring, it’s probably not because you’re posting too much. You're problem is probably more likely to be because you’re reinventing instead of reinforcing.

Certified Insurance Consultant License (Life & Health), Individual

Successfully delivered Cerner’s Millennium application suite/EHR to new and existing clients.

Lead and manage cross-functional project teams.

Facilitated and innovated just in time delivery of client training.

Developed client and Cerner resources, increasing effectiveness and results.

Managed implementation of several “firsts” for CommunityWorks including multi-tenet inpatient clinic scanning and integrating Soarian financials into a CommunityWorks domain.

Run concurrent high visibility, high impact projects while maintaining the highest levels of service and client satisfaction.

Manage complex client relationships with a high degree of variability, and requiring influence to achieve targeted outcomes

Mitigated and resolved integration risks proactively, serving as the final point of escalation for all project issues.

Principal Integration Architect

Agent

Supported installation and maintenance of Cerner solutions, layered software, and infrastructure

Drove Service Request numbers down across 9 clients while simultaneously raising client satisfaction scores across the board.

Managed client code and hosted domain availability at or above 99.99% reliability.

Built and maintained non-standard peripheral setup for largest client in region.

Provided value add services with previous roles knowledge which led to increased client productivity resulting in efficiency gains for my team and self-sufficiency for our clients. 

Evaluated, updated, and improved project and technical documentation.

System Engieneer 

Domain strategist for ITWorks client which lead to decreased down time and increased end user satisfaction and efficiencies.

Managed multiple simultaneous projects for different healthcare modalities resulting in new lines of service and increased revenue for each client.

Consult cross-functionally with internal stakeholders to impact solution direct and functionality with relation to integration and stability

Provided integration oversight for engagements so that project deliverables and timelines are met while ensuring value is delivered to the client as committed

Provided consulting services with multiple clients to deliver a seamless transition from ICD-9 to ICD-10 nationally.

Developed strategies for design, system validation, and integration across solutions and venues of care

Integration Architect (North American Consulting)

Implemented assigned solutions at client facilities with top client satisfaction scores

Trained and developed new associates.

Co-lead large modernization effort for Tenet Health’s large rollout, gaining praise for being the best implementation team on the project.

Created, managed, and maintained internal and external collateral for multiple solutions.

Consultant (DeviceWorks)

Rolled out new Windows upgrade to two facilities at Ft. Leavenworth.

Implemented physical networking changes for 5 different classified networks. 

Received and maintained an active security clearance. 

Provided physical and software support for a variety of commercial and private programs.

Contractor

Managed MS Active Directory for new support portal. 

Preformed front line contact services for clients and vendors.

Developed operational procedures for various processes.  

Procurement specialist for team members.  

Worked a support queue with a team of network security engineers.

Support Intern

Delivered routes with extreme efficiency, earning delivery driver of the month on repeated occasions. 

Worked in a team with another driver to provide the best service numbers in the terminal.

Integral part of the team that swept terminal of the year for all of FedEx’s facilities.

Driver

I ghostwrite social content for busy people just like you.

"Reputation pays better, than being flashy. Anyone can look impressive for 30 days. Very few stay disciplined & consistent enough to be relied on for 5+ years." - Adam McChesney

As someone who met Adam ~19 months ago, I can tell you a few things about him.  The one I want you to listen to today is the one he's talking about, and thats consistency.  

You see, Adam has been consistently talking about a handful of things, the ENTIRE time I've known him in person and online.  Things like SEO, Go High Level, and the power of consistency he uses in his brand Builders of Authority.  

And like his brand says, he's built authority in my mind, over those subjects.  

Why you may ask?

Because he talks about them all the time.  He doesn't just drop how-to's or talk about sequencing or the magic steps you need this month to stay ahead of Google (or GPT for that matter).  No, he talks about them in relatable ways, usually small quotes like the ones above.   

For those of you wanting to build some authority online in your space, you're going to have to show up consistently for people to see you.  Thats the secret.  If you need help with that, talk to me or someone you know who does ghostwriting, and we can help.

"My post only reached 300 people and only had 10 interactions" 

I've had people tell me these are low numbers. And, to be fair, compared to anyone famous on any platform, they are pretty meager. 

But we're talking about someone who's been posting consistently online for less than a year. In a pretty niche industry. In a time when attention is some expensive currency. 

Have you pictured what 300 people actually looks like? 

More importantly, have you pictured what the right 300 people looks like? 

Thats a gym full of people seeing what you write. And 10 of them reacting to it. Thats not bad at all. Most of us, if we're honest, wouldn't be caught dead standing in front of that many people sharing anything. 

So if you're just getting started, or you've been at this a little while and you're seeing numbers like that, keep going. 300 of the right kind of people reading and interacting with you and your business could very likely change your life. 

Don't discount humble beginnings. Everyone starts online at 0.

As news of impending layoffs hits the rumor mill today at Oracle, I find it interesting timing that I see this in a Harvard Business Review that I happened to be going through.  

I feel like this has been a lot of people's experience at Oracle the last 24 months.

Have you experienced layoffs at your workplace?  Does this data lineup with how you saw/felt it?

As someone who showed up to this event at the invite of another, I felt inclined to share this post.  

The Thing has always been an event that, by the time it's over, leaves me energized, challenged, motivated, and with more clarity about my "thing".  

If you are out on your own, soloprenuering, entrepreneuring, small businessing, or just side hustling, you should pick one or both of these events to go to and check it out.  

Here are just a couple of reasons to check it out:

1, the community you join is fantastic.  We have people in the same and different niches coming together to learn, grow, share ideas...  And then there's the encouragement, camaraderie, and the overall understanding that you're not alone and there are people here who can and want to help.  In a word, you get some extra belief breathed into you  

2, timely topic training.  So much gets covered here.  How-to's, tech's, mindsets, strategy for platforms, what NOT to do's and so much more.  A lot of people you've seen on your feeds have graced this stage.  We've talked AI, email marketing, YouTubing.  We've talked how to do referrals right, how to have a clear message, how to remember to have fun. 

3, I'm going to be there, so if we've connected and you kinda sorta think I'm good people, come see these people, cause they're good people too. Like "oh ___, yeah, their good people" kind of good people. And they're the other kind too... 

I've already bought my tickets and given away my free one.  That said, don't let money/cost be your excuse.  If this even a little bit sounds like something you want to come to, let me know.  I'm confident we'll find a way to get you there.

Dan Windler

Author of Making Elephants Fly, Founder of The Thing, & Keynote Speaker.

Greetings from the frozen tundra that is Nashville.

I just got back from a sabbatical in Florida… and apparently brought the sunshine home with me. We’re on day 5 of being iced in, and honestly, we probably should’ve stayed a few days longer.

I’m still healing and getting my strength back.
Some days I feel like I could run through a wall.
Some days I feel like the wall ran through me.

While we were gone, we slowed down.
We rested. We dreamed about the year ahead.

A few friends from The Thing community even joined us for the final days to help plan what’s next. And in those conversations, we realized something important:

A lot of people never heard about the special 2026 offer.

So I want to make sure no one misses this.

This year marks 10 years of The Thing.

Ten years of people finding clarity.
Ten years of building real community.
Ten years of hearing “I’m not alone anymore.”
Ten years of people leaving equipped to actually do their thing.

To celebrate, I opened up something special:

The 10 x 3 Pass for 2026

Here’s what it includes:
✔️ The Thing Nashville | June 7–9, 2026
✔️ The Thing Orlando | November 13–15, 2026
✔️ One extra Main Thing ticket to bring a friend… or gift to someone who needs it

All of that for the cost of a single event ticket.

This is my favorite part.
Every year, someone shows up because someone else believed in them.
And every year, they leave changed.

If you’ve been thinking about coming back…
Or coming for the first time…
This is the moment.

Most events give you ideas.
The Thing gives you relationships, clarity, and momentum.

No binders you’ll never open.
No notes that collect dust.

Just real conversations, strategic relationships, and direction you can actually use.

This isn’t hype.
It’s alignment, activation, and action.

I’m keeping this open until February 15th at midnight (PST).

All the details are here 👇
👉 https://lnkd.in/eyrSYHgn

“Your brand is what people say about you when you’re not in the room.” — Jeff Bezos

In real terms, that means: decisions about you, your opportunities, and your career are often made when you aren’t present to defend yourself, explain yourself, or even show up.

That's also who and what you are online. 

Leadership makes decisions about promotions, assignments, stretch opportunities, partnerships, trustworthiness, sales pitches, etc... all based on perception, familiarity, and narrative, not just performance. So if you’re not intentionally shaping that narrative, someone else will shape it for you.

That’s why showing up online matters.

Even when you don’t have time to write every post yourself — even if you need help from a ghostwriter — showing up consistently puts your voice in rooms you never walk into. It lets your perspective, your expertise, and your values be part of the conversation before someone ever meets you.

You need to make sure your story travels ahead of you — so when decisions are being made, your future collaborators, clients, and leaders already have the right context.

Your brand is already saying something about you, whether you like it or not.

So show up and be intentional. Schedule your posts, talk with an AI to get an idea list of things to talk about, and start talking. If you need help, or want to know where to start, DM me and I'll let you know what I think based on years of writing with and for others. 

Or do nothing and be in the same spot next year. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

I find myself wanting (needing?) something in the background most days.  My go to is music, because I can listen without listening if you know what I mean.

Meanwhile, I know people who work just fine with a podcast or show/movie in the background.  I tried it... not for me, I'll find myself watching and not working almost every time.  

So now I'm curious, how do other people like to work.

taplio

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taplio

The Battle

Steve Taplin

Daniel Windler

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);}Steve Taplin's LinkedIn Performance

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