Leadership

# **Summary:**

In Episode #114 Ari interviews Mark Alexander, CEO of [ARX Fit](http://arxfit.com/) the company behind a new, eCentric-focused fitness technology. During their conversation, Ari and Mark discuss in great detail the science and tech behind_ARX_ as well as the common oversights of entrepreneurs entrenched in the day-to-day of their business.

**Time Stamped Show Notes:**

– 23:04 – Introduction of [Mark Alexander](http://arxfit.com/about-arx/), CEO of _AXR Fit _podcast

– 23:41 – Mark defines _ARX _as an abbreviation and as a company

– 24:00 – Man vs Machine; the machine is always going to be stronger

– 25:08 – eCentric training defined

– 25:38 – The _bang for the buck _in exercise comes from the eCentric motion

– 27:33 – _ARX _mirrors force-output capability all of the time

– 28:37 – The technology follows high-intensity training principles

– 30:25 – Though it may not seem like it, explosive training _is_ possible with _ARX_

– 32:25 – Visualization and actual physical practice of an activity can have similarly positive results

– 33:00 – Safety and the _ARX_

– 33:55 – The technology isn’t just for strength training; it’s also for rehab and stretching

– 35:35 – Resistance is created with the _ARX _via a pulling force

– 36:34 – The prescribed workout for _ARX _is…

– 38:05 — The R&D process has taken several years…getting to a scaled production run was no easy task

– 39:00 – Mark defines his current _ARX _workout

– 42:00 – The _ARX Omni _is officially launching in January 2015

– 44:05 – What are your _Top 3 Tips for Being More Effective?_

– 44:29 – Value and respect time

– 45:05 – Surround yourself with the _right _people

– 45:52 – Take care of your health; mental, physical and spiritual

– 46:41 – ARXFit.com

**7 Key Points:**

1. eCentric training is the most efficient and effective way to train.
2. Visualization and actual physical practice of an activity can have similarly positive results.
3. The _ARX _is for strength training, rehabilitation _and _stretching.
4. Research and development for a product is not an overnight process, it can take years; stay committed.
5. Value, respect and take advantage of your time – Love thy calendar.
6. Set aside time every day to accomplish the tasks _only you _can accomplish.
7. Always keep an eye on your mental, physical and spiritual health.

**Resources Mentioned:**

– Less Doing Internship – Ari is planning to create a formal Less Doing internship program; Interested parties can reach him via the [Less Doing Contact Page](http://lessdoing.com/contact-me/)

– [Less Doing Live Event](https://lessdoinglabs.businessresearchgroup.org/sales/live-event-optin) – The Less Doing LIVE event in NYC is less than six months away!

– [Calvin App](https://www.calvinapp.com/) – A collaborative to-do list for making plans; Those interested in testing the Beta version of Calvin app, please contact [nick@calvinapp.com](mailto:nick@calvinapp.com)

– [Hush](https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/hush/hush-the-worlds-first-smart-earplug?utm_content=buffer8f70d&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer) – A Kickstarter campaign for the world’s first _smart_ earplug

– [Calltag](http://callt.ag/) – An app that allows users to notify their contacts _why_ they’re calling

– [The Happy Home](https://www.thehappyhome.co/) – $10 per month in-home maintenance

– [Satellite Eyes](http://satelliteeyes.tomtaylor.co.uk/) – A Mac app that automatically changes desktop wallpaper to the satellite view of where the computer is located

– [MyKickback](https://mykickback.com/) – A service that automates sending refunds through FedEx and UPS

– [USB Necklace](http://techcrun — Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lessdoing/message

**Summary:**

In Episode #111, Ari shares the Less Doing podcast with [Ariel Garten](http://www.choosemuse.com/the-people-behind-muse/) the CEO of InteraXon, and designer of [MUSE™](http://www.choosemuse.com/) _the brain sensing headband_. Ari takes this opportunity to ask Ariel about the history and technology behind MUSE™, as well as the science the human brain. ** **

**Time Stamped Show Notes:**

– 18:29 – Introduction of Ariel Garten of InteraXon

– 18:50 – Ariel explains the MUSE™ headband

– 19:15 – How Ariel started this project and how the brain became a topic of interest

– 19:50 – The first generation of the MUSE™

– 20:50 – The MUSE™ tracks a whole range of specific brainwaves from ½ hertz up to 100 hertz including Delta, Theta, Alpha, Beta and Gamma

– 21:25 – The different wavelengths are associated with different things, which Ariel defines

– 21:38 – Gamma

– 22:10 – Beta

– 22:38 – Alpha

– 23:17 – Delta

– 23:21 – Theta

– 23:30 – Why focus on helping people improve their calm and focus as opposed to other behaviors?

– 26:00 – Ariel defines what she does, on a personal level, to improve her focused attention

– 29:00 – Using MUSE™ has really helped Ari discover which cues break his calm and focus

– 31:20 – The future for MUSE™ both the app and physical device

– 31:30 – The evolution of the MUSE™ Calm app

– 32:20 – InteraXon will _not _be developing an _active _version of MUSE™

– 33:08 – Heart Rate Variability and [EEG](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electroencephalography), how do they relate?

– 34:45 – At this time, HRV and EEG can be correlated but we cannot determine which is causal

– 35:00 – Ariel’s _Top 3 Tips for Being More Effective:_

– 35:17 – Learn to manage the voices in your head

– 36:37 – Don’t listen to the voice in your head

– 36:41 – You do not need the voice in your head

– 37:24 – ChooseMuse.com or Amazon.com ** **

**7 Key Points:**

1. There are five waves commonly observed in the brain: Alpha, Beta, Delta, Gamma and Theta.
2. These waves can be measured at anywhere from ½ Hz up to 100 Hz
3. MUSE™ matches form with function, an attractive accessory designed to accurately measure EEG.
4. Due to the sensitivity of what’s being measured, the MUSE™ must be used in a calm, inactive environment.
5. HRV and EEG are correlated, but there is no causal relationship at this time.
6. _Everyone_ has a “voice” in their head; managing that voice is key to becoming effective.
7. Remember the “voice” in your head is more like a demon…the truth is you do not need it. ** **

**Resources Mentioned:**

– [Let’s Talk When You’re Free](http://chrisguillebeau.com/re-lets-talk-when-youre-free/) – An Article by Chris Guillebeau discussing the misnomer of “free-time”

– [PriceJump](http://www.savings.com/pricejump#less+doing+more+living) – A website that will show you a comparison of prices across online stores _and_brick & mortar stores

– [Gigster](http://www.trygigster.com/) – Pre-vetted, high-quality developer outsourcing

– [Vyte.in](https://www.vyte.in/?utm_content=buffer7b270&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer) – This a personal assistant, meeting scheduling service

– [GigSky](https://www.gigsky.com/en/) – An international mobile data service designed to let people access data on the go at local rates

– [Is College Worth the Cost?](http://us.cnn.com/2014/11/19/opinion/ivory-tower-andrew-rossi-higher-education-cost/index.html?sr=sharebar_twitter) – An article by Andrew Rossi discussing the prevalence of the student-loan/debt problem ** **

**Reviews, Comments and Questions:**

– 1:50 – iTunes Review from _DefeatTheDrama_ – “This podcast is filled with great guests and valuable information. Chalk-full — Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lessdoing/message

# Episode 110

**Summary:** In Episode #110 Ari sits down with Harvard-grad and budding entrepreneur [Jesse Kaplan](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessejkaplan) of [Parcel](https://fromparcel.com/), an “off-hours delivery service for online shoppers.” During the interview, Jesse and Ari talk about the strategy behind founding a business, the importance of optimization and how technology has an indispensable role in assuring the smooth operation of Parcel.

**Time Stamped Show Notes:**

– 15:55 – The introduction of Jesse Kaplan, the founder of_ Parcel_

– 16:09 – Jesse provides his definition of what Parcel is as a business

– 16:30 – Jesse defines how Parcel works as a service

– 17:15 – At this time, Parcel serves all of Manhattan and parts of Brooklyn

– 17:44 – All deliveries are performed by Parcel employees, _not _independent contractors like bike messengers

– 18:15 – To work with Parcel, all packages must be under 30lbs and no more than 2ft in any dimension

– 19:27 – The service costs $5 _per delivery_ and a delivery can include multiple packages _if_all orders arrive to the Parcel facility on the same day

– 21:12 – Right now, Parcel is focused on nighttime delivery, but there are plans to expand to early morning and weekend hours as well

– 21:25 – Ari defines why he likes Parcel over a service like Amazon Lockers

– 22: 10 – Parcel integrates with a 3rd party routing software rather than doing it all in-house

– 23:28 – Most of the proprietary technology Parcel has built is designed to optimize the_driver procedures _rather than the _driver route_

– 23:51 – This proprietary tech allows for highly-customizable deliveries: drivers can be notified by customers of broken doorbells, sleeping children, etc.

– 24:30 – Jesse mentions Viamente and Routist

– 25:10 – Jesse explains how the idea for Parcel came to him

– 28:40 – _Are there plans to scale to other cities?_

– 30:20 – Most Parcel-to-User, User-to-Parcel communications are handled by text message

– 31:00 – Retailer partnerships are the future for Parcel

– 32:05 – The full-time Parcel team is only 4 people (including Jesse) at this time

– 33:00 – There have been mishaps and associated learning experiences along the way

– 33:38 – Jesse’s Top 3 Tips to be More Effective:

– 33:53 – There is a lot of value in establishing a routine

– 34:32 – Be conscious of _how _you are using your time

– 35:07 – Surround yourself with as many supportive people _as possible_

– 35:50 – FromParcel.com

**7 Key Points:**

1.  Starting a successful business does not require a lot of seed money; it requires a great idea and the drive to see it through.
2. When starting a business, focus on a specific market and geographical area; then refine your processes to a science before expanding.
3. Concierge services are, in many ways, the future of business.
4. A business that can accommodate user-specific customization to a high-degree will naturally attract customers.
5. Convenient communication is a great selling point for a company.
6. To find success, evaluate _how_ you use your time and find a routine that works.
7. Do not underestimate the value of surrounding yourself with positive, supportive people.

**Resources Mentioned:**

– [Wendy Myers](http://liveto110.com/about-wendy-myers/) – The founder of _

– [Live to 110](http://liveto110.com/) _the company conducting Ari’s hair/mineral/metal test

– [Plowz and Mowz](http://www.plowzandmowz.com/) – Snow plowing and lawn mowing on-demand

– [Petalite Flux](https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/petalite-flux-100-percent-charge-in-15-minutes) – An IndieGoGo campaign promoting a rapid charging power pack that charges smartphones to 100% in 15 minutes

– [Viamente](https:/ — Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lessdoing/message