In this episode of DissedMedia A Startup Story, Ben highlights recent articles from The Daily Pitch and unpacks lessons for leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals.

Featured articles this week include:

• Authentic Leadership at Scale — How leaders can build personal brands without losing credibility .

• From LinkedIn to the Boardroom — The role of personal branding in driving influence and reputation inside and outside organizations .

• Small Business Finance, Cash Flow Clarity, and Volatile Markets — Why managing cash flow is the ultimate survival skill for small businesses .

• Small Business Growth From Local Roots to Digital Reach — Strategies for taking a grassroots business into regional, national, or even global markets .

• Customer Loyalty 3.0 Turning One-Time Buyers Into Lifelong Advocates — Moving beyond customer satisfaction to loyalty as a driver of sustainable growth .

• From Candy to Controversy The Billionaire Mars Family and Cocoa Child Labor — Guest contributor John Paone’s piece on greenwashing and accountability in global supply chains .

Beyond the articles, Ben introduces the Daily Pitch Academy, a new learning platform designed to make business education accessible, engaging, and affordable. He explains how the Academy combines courses, micro-classes, and certifications with real-world business experience to meet learners where they are — from early-career professionals to executive leaders .

The episode explores broader trends shaping education and learning today, including the decline in traditional college enrollment and the rise of certificate programs and applied, skill-based learning. Ben shares why he believes platforms like the Daily Pitch Academy can fill this gap by offering flexible, practical knowledge without the debt burden of traditional higher education.