Marketer of the Day with Robert Plank: Get Daily Insights from the Top Internet Marketers & Entrepreneurs Around the World

From surviving Type 1 diabetes, cancer, amputation, medical malpractice, and near-death experiences to rebuilding her happiness and marriage, Paula Aldis shares a deeply personal story of resilience, faith, and emotional healing. In this episode, Paula opens up about living with chronic illness from childhood, enduring more than 30 surgeries, and navigating years of physical and mental hardship while refusing to lose her identity or hope. https://youtu.be/W9GEKvAdFvw She discusses the emotional toll of constant medical crises, the strain it placed on her family and marriage, and the turning point that inspired her to write her memoir, The Woman Who Wouldn't Quit: Unbreakable Spirit. Paula explains how writing the book became a cathartic process that helped her reclaim her voice, process trauma, and finally move beyond simply surviving. The conversation also explores topics like adoption, parenting children with mental health challenges, PTSD in military families, finding happiness after trauma, and learning to appreciate life's small moments again. Paula's story is a powerful reminder that resilience isn't about pretending to be strong—it's about continuing to move forward, even after unimaginable pain. If you've ever struggled with chronic illness, emotional burnout, family hardship, or finding joy after adversity, this episode will leave you inspired by Paula's honesty, courage, and refusal to quit. Quotes: “Find something that you can do versus what you can't do, and I've had to make that my mental thought. You can still do things.”  “There is getting past the most horrific things that you go through. You can get past it. You have to just get right with yourself first to move on.” “The scars will always be there, but I now see them as reminders of what I have been through. I wear them with pride.”  Contact Details: Follow Paula Aldis on FacebookSubscribe to Author Paula Aldis on YouTubeShop Paula Aldis' Books on AmazonVisit Paula Aldis' Official Website

From surviving two strokes, heart failure, and a life-saving transplant to producing a powerful PBS documentary series, Jonathan Scott Bognar shares a raw and inspiring story of resilience, reinvention, and purpose. In this episode, Jonathan opens up about losing his ability to speak due to aphasia, rebuilding his career from the ground up, and how he transitioned from Hollywood film production into meaningful storytelling that educates and serves others. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cg8iomv10Wk We dive into his upcoming documentary Alive But Not Well, which explores major diseases affecting people as they age through the lens of patients, caregivers, doctors, and advocates. Jonathan explains how his own health journey sparked the idea, and why caregiving is one of the most overlooked yet universal human experiences. He also breaks down his philosophy of “rigorous optimism” and “rugged flexibility,” showing how mindset, persistence, and adaptability are critical not just in business but in surviving life itself. If you've ever faced adversity, struggled with reinvention, or wondered how to turn pain into purpose, this conversation will challenge you to rethink your limits and remind you to “die with memories, not dreams.” Quotes: “Everything in life is about how you view what's happening to you—you have to choose a positive attitude, even when it's hard.”  “In order to succeed, you have to be rigid in your commitment but flexible in your approach—that's where real progress happens.”  “Rigorous optimism means you don't always feel positive—you fight to be positive anyway.” Contact Details: Jonathan Scott Bogner Official Website

From zoonotic infectious diseases to Kabbalistic metaphysics, Dr. Michael Kosoy argues that modern biology is missing something critical: the invisible dimensions of life that our instruments can't measure, but that still shape health, disease, and ecosystems. A retired but still-active CDC infectious disease researcher with over 200 scientific publications, Dr. Kosoy joins us to unpack his book “The 10 Dimensions of Kabbalistic Biology (Abridged Edition)” and explain why more data doesn't always mean more knowledge sometimes, it actually increases uncertainty. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDLIiLf3Swo We explore how his decades at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, his work on zoonotic diseases, and his long-term study of Kabbalah came together into a new framework he calls Kabbalistic biology. Dr. Kosoy explains why traditional, dualistic thinking in science breaks down when we confront real-world complexity (like the pandemic), how invisible structures, hierarchies, and “unknowns” still follow patterns, and why we need better tools for orienting ourselves in a fast-changing, paradox-filled world. If you're curious about holistic science, invisible biology, microbiomes, pandemics, and the intersection of spirituality and rigorous research, this conversation offers a practical, and surprisingly grounded toolbox for thinking differently about life itself. Quotes: “The more data and more information we collect, the more uncertainty we create.”  “Instead of useless debates between reductionists and holists, I propose a system for orientation between those two extremes.” “First dimension is what I call segmentation to unification—it's your choice as an investigator to select how complex you want to see the system.”  Contact Details: Connect with Dr. Michael Kosoy on FacebookDr. Michael Kosoy on AmazonDr. Michael Kosoy Official Website

From small chiropractic clinics to multi-location hotels, my guest Ephraim Epstein of Fit Solutions (fitsolutions.biz) reveals how modern cybercriminals operate like full-time sales teams prospecting, nurturing, and “closing” attacks on businesses that mistakenly think they're too small to be a target. We dig into real-world ransomware stories, why Office 365 and Google Workspace email accounts are the #1 breach vector, and why SMS-based two-factor authentication is no longer enough to keep your company safe. Ephraim explains how 24/7 security monitoring, penetration testing, and smarter authentication can prevent the kind of total business shutdowns he sees far too often. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BdNwdnTf_hw We also explore how AI is changing the game not just for attackers, but for defense and operations. Ephraim shares how his team uses AI to reduce labor costs, automate SMS conversations that feel human, and deliver concierge-level experiences at scale, like hotel texting systems that book spa appointments, schedule room cleanings, and answer questions with a 74% engagement rate. Finally, he opens up about the entrepreneurial lessons learned from a failed CrossFit gym, why “side hustles” often backfire, and how complementary revenue streams (IT → cybersecurity → AI) helped Fit Solutions grow while staying focused on what they do best. If you're a business owner wondering whether your systems are really safe and how AI can actually improve your bottom line, not just sound cool, this conversation will give you a practical, story-driven roadmap. Quotes: “Opportunities are wrapped in problems. Whenever I find a problem, I ask where the opportunity is and how I can turn it into an advantage.” “Side hustles are not really great if you chase a second revenue stream that doesn't complement your main business; both the side hustle and your core business will suffer.” “Focus on the main thing, become amazing at it, and crush it, then add complementary revenue streams that feed and strengthen your core, instead of chasing random ideas that pull you in ten directions.” Contact Details: Connect with Ephraim Epstein on LinkedInEphraim Epstein Official Website

College admission doesn't have to be terrifying, unaffordable, or a giant mystery. In this episode, global educational consultant Shellee Howard of College Ready joins Robert Plank to break down how families can navigate college admissions strategically instead of emotionally. Shellee explains why “no one gets into college anymore” and “there's no scholarship money” are myths, how her Class of 2026 students earned $10.3M+ in scholarships with 100% college acceptance, and why there is a “perfect-fit college” for every student (including tuition‑free options). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BnwsMD-hagQ You'll hear a candid discussion on the truth about college vs. trade school, why “influencer” is not a career plan without real skills, and how AI is reshaping which majors and careers will still exist in four years. Most importantly, Shellee shares her process for helping students answer the hardest question, “Who are you?” So they can package themselves, stand out beyond GPA and test scores, and use college as a stepping stone to a meaningful future instead of an expensive dead end. Quotes: “Teach your child to love reading and to think for themselves, and they will be able to learn anything they ever want to learn for the rest of their life.” “College is a stepping stone to their future, not the end game. When students know who they are and what they're good at, the path actually gets easier.” “Do what you love and the money will come. I'm not talking about a hobby—I'm talking about a career you deeply enjoy. People ask me when I'm going to retire; why would I ever retire when I love inspiring teenagers?”  Contact Details: Connect with Shellee Howard on FacebookConnect with Shellee Howard on LinkedInShellee Howard Official Website

Visionary author and conscious leadership guide Bo Lockwood joins Robert Plank to share how a series of near-death experiences, a dark divorce, and a massive brain bleed awakened him to his true purpose: helping people “always be bold” and step into their power. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zd53Loq8o1c Bo explains what New Earth Civilization really is (a state of consciousness, not a movement), how he's gathering 1,000 change makers through PrincetonGreen.org, and the story behind his book Essence: A Gateway to Expansive Living, co-created with his 93‑year‑old spiritual mentor, Anne Emerson. You'll learn about self-awareness, fear vs. fearlessness, letting go of attachment, and how spiritual entrepreneurs and business leaders can drive real, systemic change. Quotes: “Everything happening outside is a reflection of what's going on inside of us. Life is a mirror.”  “Unfortunately, we as humans tend to grow through struggle. It's like a dandelion trying to break through asphalt—once it does, it begins to really bloom, and that's how we grow too.”  “It's not fear no or fear none—it's fear less. We always experience fear; it's part of the human experience. The difference is that I feel the fear and do it anyway.”  Contact Details: Connect with Bo Lockwood on Facebook Connect with Bo Lockwood on FacebookBo Lockwood on AmazonBo Lockwood Official Website

From living off the grid to helping businesses get recommended by AI, Mike Caldwell (The Marketing Medic) explains how to win in an AI-first search world without obsessing over traditional SEO. He shares how his small Mad Trapper trail race series outranks huge competitors inside AI, thanks to clear, empathic messaging that speaks to people's difficulties, desires, dreads, and dreams. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kNjZZe-gmsQ We break down Mike's AI Visibility Stack Message, Mechanics, Mentions, Match and why clarity beats cleverness in copywriting for both humans and AI. You'll hear how things like schema, consistent branding, and question-based headings help AI truly “get” what you do, plus a wild story of how one popular business was basically invisible to AI because of a single WordPress performance plugin. If you want AI to recommend you (not just your bigger competitors), this episode gives you a practical roadmap that blends empathic marketing, simple technical fixes, and a human-first approach summarized in Mike's rule: “Sell unto others as you would have them sell unto you.” Quotes: “Clarity beats cleverness. You don't need flowery copywriting—you need direct, clear copywriting. That's what your audience is going to respond to, and that is also what AI is going to understand as well.”  “SEO is about tweaking the algorithm. AI visibility is about the personal side—how clearly you speak to real people's problems and desires.”  “You can have tons of five-star reviews and great content, and still be invisible to AI if the mechanics are wrong. One plugin can literally erase 95% of your site from AI's view.”  Contact Details: Connect with Mike Caldwell on FacebookConnect with Mike Caldwell on InstagramConnect with Mike Caldwell on LinkedInMike Caldwell on AmazonMike Caldwell official website

From redefining “abundance” for CEOs to reframing how AI changes thought leadership, my guest Dr. Mitchell Levy, PhD, shares a bold and practical framework for building a legacy that goes far beyond quarterly results. We talk about how most leaders mistakenly equate abundance with money and resources alone and why true executive abundance means bringing happiness and success to five stakeholder groups: family, employees, customers, investors, and community. Mitchell explains how over-focusing on investor returns and short-term metrics creates “short-termism,” and how shifting what you measure can completely change how you lead, hire, and make decisions. He also opens up about the intense grind of finishing his PhD dissertation, the difficulty of unwinding after months of 12–16 hour days, and what it looks like to actually live the principles he teaches. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nV_JQ50_978 Mitchell walks us through his Executive Abundance Engine clarity, credibility, consistency, and commitment and why his research shows that 98% of thought leaders lack the clarity to state their purpose in three to nine words. We explore how AI has made thought leadership ubiquitous, why trying to hoard ideas behind NDAs is obsolete, and how showing up consistently across LinkedIn, your website, podcasts, and AI search results is now essential to being seen as a credible authority. Along the way, Mitchell shares vivid stories from publishing 750+ books, sitting on a public company board, and coaching fast-growing CEOs who want their current success not to undercut their long-term impact. If you've ever worried about AI “stealing” your ideas, felt tension between serving investors vs. everyone else, or wondered how to align your message, brand, and behavior into a coherent legacy, this conversation will give you a clear, visual, and deeply human roadmap for leading with abundance in every part of your ecosystem. Quotes: “Executive abundance is bringing happiness and success to five different stakeholder groups. If you're running a company, your job is to make more than just the investors happy.” “A leader's legacy is felt in the success of their stakeholders. Legacy is not something that comes tomorrow. Legacy is something that is felt today.” “If we take care of the employees, they'll take care of the customers. If we take care of the customers, they'll take care of the investors. In Executive Abundance, investors are fourth, not first.” Contact Details: Mitchell Levy on InstagramMitchell Levy on LinkedInMitchell Levy on AmazonMitchell Levy official website

Are you stuck in a life that looks “fine” on the outside but feels wrong on the inside?Do you overthink every decision, stay in your comfort zone, and quietly wonder, “Is this really it for me?” Edwin Soler, a Dream Realization Partner, life coach, author, and podcast host of “Closing the 18 Inch Gap.” After losing a 27-year career just three months after publishing his book, Edwin rebuilt his life and business from the ground up. Now he helps people close the 18-inch gap between their head (logic, fear, overthinking) and their heart (dreams, purpose, calling). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mep2fa8t8cM If you've been thinking about life coaching, feel stuck in your career, or want to expand your comfort zone without blowing up your life, this episode shows you what's possible. Quotes: "You can't think your way into your dreams. You have to live from the heart that imagined them." “Coaching is about awareness. The answers may already be in you—you just need the right questions to draw them out.”  "We do a lot of comparisons. We compare our backstage to someone's front stage. People say, ‘I'm an overnight success'—but it took 15 years to get there." Contact Details: Connect with Edwin Soler on FacebookConnect with Edwin Soler on LinkedInEdwin Soler on AmazonEdwin Soler Official Website

From childhood trauma and feeling invisible to becoming the self-described “Queen of Courage,” Sharon Rolph has lived what psychologists call post-traumatic growth and now helps retirees do the same. In this episode, Sharon shares how she transformed early abuse, lifelong invisibility, and a late-in-life career shift into a mission: helping retirees and baby boomers rediscover their spark, step into their essence, and realize that retirement is not the beginning of the end, but the start of a new, deeply meaningful chapter. We dig into the ideas behind her book “Fresh Courage in Retirement: Finding Purpose, Essence and Fulfillment,” and why she believes your “invisible assets” your personality, values, and what makes your heart sing matter more than your bank account. Sharon explains how unhealed trauma can still be driving today's leaders and managers, why leading from love instead of fear changes everything, and how simple practices like listing 20 things you love to do, clarifying your core values, and noticing what frustrates you can point directly to your purpose. https://youtu.be/lGL9PGBIG5A Sharon also shares practical tools and real-life stories: using art blocks and quotes to anchor new beliefs, designing a retirement that feels like an adventure instead of a slow decline, and approaching your later years with curiosity, experimentation, and service. Whether you're newly retired, thinking ahead to retirement, or trying to heal from your own past while building a better future, this conversation offers a gentle but powerful roadmap for finding meaning, courage, and joy after 60. Quotes: “What makes me stand out is I've learned a new term… there's post-traumatic growth. I'm the model of post-traumatic growth.” “Your vocation is the place where your deep gladness and the world's deep hunger meet.” “Never underestimate the power of a planted seed. A seed has to have a harvest, and I'm on tippy-toe expecting a marvelous harvest.” Contact Details: Connect with Sharon Rolph on LinkedInSharon Rolph on AmazonSharon Rolph official website

From dusty gift bottles on a home bar to a three-year journey tasting 365 whiskeys, co‑author Patrick Sanaghan turned casual curiosity into a structured, joyful experiment in flavor, learning, and humility. In this episode, we talk about his new book “A Year of Drinking Whiskey: Two Old Geezers and a Great Bartender Sailing Down Whiskey River,” co‑written with Tom Nicoletto and bartender Julius Facenda, and how three non‑experts approached whiskey like a long-term learning project instead of a snobby insiders' club. Patrick explains why this book is intentionally written from a beginner's perspective, what he learned about the real relationship between price and quality, and why “trust your taste buds” became the core lesson of the whole adventure. We dive into how they structured their tasting process (including grading and always tasting neat), why environment matters so much (smells, glasses, ice, and timing), and how simple habits like slowing down, letting a pour breathe, and sipping instead of gulping can completely change how you experience whiskey. https://youtu.be/wN6wl6nqIwU We also explore the human side of the project: how long-term experiments build curiosity and discipline, why different people can experience the same whiskey in totally different ways, and what it means to enjoy life's “electives” without getting lost in pretension or overindulgence. Whether you're whiskey-curious, a casual drinker, or someone staring at a shelf of bottles wondering where to start, this conversation gives you a friendly, practical starting point and permission to ignore the hype and follow your own palate. Quotes: “Trust your taste buds. You don't have to spend a fortune to enjoy great whiskey.” “Don't be intimidated by the labels or the price tags—the best whiskey is the one you actually like.” “It's meant to be sipped and enjoyed, not gulped. Slow down and let the experience unfold.” Contact Details: Connect with Pat Sanaghan on LinkedInPat Sanaghan on AmazonPat Sanaghan Official Website

From mastering body language to reprogramming your subconscious for confidence, influence, and rapid change, my guest Dr. David Snyder shares practical NLP tools to take control of your internal state and external results. We talk about why everything humans do is driven by feelings, how posture and breathing are the fastest ways to shift your emotional state, and how power posing and playfulness can dramatically speed up learning and habit change—especially in a post-COVID, highly digital world where connection, validation, and trust are the real competitive edge. https://youtu.be/FbyLFowougk David explains how NLP maps the “code” of your subjective experience so you can model top performers, uncover the hidden beliefs driving your behavior, and install more useful internal programs. You'll learn how to communicate more effectively, make people feel deeply understood (without manipulation), and upgrade your confidence and productivity in minutes—before a sales call, Zoom meeting, presentation, or tough conversation. If you've ever known what to do but struggled to do it, this episode gives you practical, fast-acting tools you can use right away. Quotes: “Everything you do is driven by a feeling—change the feeling, and you change the behavior.” “The fastest way to change your mind is to first change your posture and your breathing.” “People don't just want information; they want to feel seen, understood, and validated.” Resources: David Snyder on FacebookDavid Snyder NLP on Linkedin NLP Power Site

From stage four cancer survival to rebuilding identity, purpose, and execution under extreme pressure, my guest Carlos Perez has dedicated his life to one mission: helping people recover clarity and strength after crisis. In this episode, I talk with Carlos about how he rebuilt his life after multiple cancer diagnoses and transplants, and how he now teaches professionals to regain focus, emotional control, and direction when life feels uncertain. We also explore what most high performers get wrong about adversity—how they stay stuck in survival mode long after the crisis is over, why avoiding discomfort delays real healing, and how small daily actions can steadily rebuild identity and confidence over time. https://youtu.be/I1CfVapQw0s?si=yAIqcQb1bPZ5XKcz Carlos breaks down the difference between surviving and truly rebuilding, why emotional strength matters more than motivation, and how clarity often comes from facing discomfort instead of avoiding it. You'll hear how he went from hospital recovery beds to becoming a “rebuild architect,” how speaking and coaching became part of his healing journey, and why helping others became his new mission. We also talk about fear, procrastination, and how simple actions like writing one page, having one conversation, or taking one step forward can completely change the direction of a life. Quotes: Don't wait for tomorrow. The time is now. You are stronger than you think.” “You can either drown in your problems or break them down one by one.” “Strength is already inside you—you just have to use it.” Resources: Carlos Perez speaks Carlos Perez on Linkedin

From space‑lab clean rooms to the inner universe of human awareness, my guest Todd R. LeBlanc has spent decades exploring both the frontiers of technology and the depths of consciousness. In this episode, we talk about his journey from seasoned space‑lab manager to author of The Book of Odd and his new project, The Book of Odd: Awakening. Todd explains why our greatest “technology” isn't rockets or AI, but awareness itself—our ability to live in the present moment, ask better questions, and recognize that “right now” is the only place we ever have any agency. We dig into what most people get wrong about time, the anthropic principle and our role as conscious observers, and why cultivating curiosity, gratitude, and critical thinking is more powerful than chasing status or stuff. https://youtu.be/j4cga5xSrRQ?si=FnUBXqWFik_RCERl You'll hear how Todd structures his days around meditation and writing before he gives any energy to his day job, why he believes we should “give our best self to ourselves” first, and how simple habits like journaling, reading, and daily reflection can lead to a quiet but profound awakening. We talk about seeing hidden wonder in everyday things—from toilets and soccer balls to the Panama Canal and public libraries—how to protect yourself from misinformation by strengthening your own mind, and why he thinks we're each just one line in a much larger language of existence carried through our DNA and culture. If you're ready to become more present, more curious, and more intentional with your one “flicker” of time, this conversation will give you both inspiration and concrete first steps. Resources: Todd R. LeBlanc on Linkedin The Book of Odd

From Navy SEALs and top‑ranked wrestlers to desk‑bound professionals in constant pain, my guest Master Phil Ross has spent his career on one mission: fix what most fitness programs miss—your back, shoulders, and “hidden core.” In this episode, I talk with Phil about how he helps people avoid unnecessary surgery, rebuild strength after injury, and stay mobile and powerful well into their 70s and beyond. We get into what most people get wrong about back pain, why devices and quick fixes rarely solve the root issue, and how deep support muscles like the multifidus, erector spinae, and transverse abdominis actually protect your spine. Phil breaks down the difference between flexibility and mobility, why your “cylinder of power” matters more than visible abs, and how five to ten minutes a day can radically shift your back and shoulder health. https://youtu.be/wpfsq-NOVZs?si=jwIvnsF9qCocd6o1 You'll hear how Phil's “Get Off Your Back” and Body Bell Method programs help everyone from high school wrestlers to Special Forces operators stay strong and pain free, why his elite wrestling team has zero shoulder harnesses while competitors are taped up, and how a 75‑year‑old client now performs weighted Turkish get‑ups. We also talk about motivation, removing the “dread factor” from workouts, and how to reframe exercise as small, fun “exercise snacks” that fit into a busy day. Quotes: “People say they don't have time to train, but you only have one body. When you take care of your body, your mind and your spirit follow.” “You don't need a pill, a stimulation device, or a quick fix. Strength, mobility, and proper alignment are your first line of defense.” “Shoulda, woulda, coulda don't add up to one little word: did. Now it's your time to do it.” Resources: Phil Ross on Linkedin philross.com

From early days of bulky PCs under desks to two decades inside Microsoft, my guest Paul Slater has had a front row seat to every major tech shift—and now he helps leaders face the most disruptive one yet: AI. In this episode, I talk with Paul about how AI is not just a tool, but a new “team member” that forces us to rethink work, skill, and strategy. We get into why AI adoption feels so unstable and fast, how to stay relevant when the tech changes every three months, and why your real moat now is human traits like resilience, adaptability, and better judgment—not code or features alone. https://youtu.be/lN_0c2WpmYA?si=SykUIBM_BUg-0N1z You'll hear how Paul sees AI reshaping code, software moats, and whole industries, why “vibe code” and new dev tools mean almost any SaaS can face a clone or a rival in a weekend, and how his 90‑day “AI Ready Human” approach helps people move from anxious user to strategic partner with AI. We also go into his failure story with his startup Billion Minds, what he learned about mission drift and hard shutdown calls, and how that experience now fuels his work with companies that want to be AI ready at both the human and org level. If you are a founder, leader, or pro who wants to stay valuable in a BANI world—brittle, anxious, non‑linear, incomprehensible—this episode will help you see how to match AI power with human skill, culture, and better choices. Quotes: AI is not here to replace top performers—it exposes the ones who never learned how to think.” “Any moat that rests on software alone is weak now; with new AI tools, a rival can build a better version of your app in a weekend.” “The only honest answer to ‘Where is your business in three years?' is ‘I have no idea'—so your real edge is people and systems built for constant change.”Resources: Paulslater.ai (Company) Paul Slater on Linkedin

From sharp suits and street flash mobs to global media features, my guest NeAndre Broussard has spent his life on one mission: change the way the world sees Black men and the way Black men see themselves. In this episode, I talk with NeAndre, the founder of Black Menswear, about how a simple idea a network of Black men in suits turned into a movement, a media force, and a business. We get into why powerful visuals can do what speeches and debates often can't, how intentional media reshapes narratives about Black men, and how community and culture can sit at the center of a real, profitable brand. https://youtu.be/vPYyLiS8gtE You'll hear how NeAndre's viral flash mob photo shoots started, why he focused on joy, excellence, and visibility instead of trauma, and how Black Menswear grew from a creative idea into a platform for partnerships, revenue, and opportunity. We also talk about what it takes to lead a movement while still paying the bills, how he thinks about brand, community, and profit, and the mindset shifts Black men and allies can make to support this kind of change. If you're a founder, creator, or just someone who cares about how stories about Black men get told, this episode will help you see how image, media, and community can work together to build both legacy and income. Quotes: “One flash mob photo shoot can do more for a young Black boy's self-image than a hundred debates about stereotypes.” “When you control the image, you shift the narrative. Once the narrative moves, opportunity follows.”“We don't just wear suits we rewrite the script on what it means to be a Black man.” Resources: Black Menswear NeAndre Broussard on linked

From smoggy San Diego tennis courts to shaping the Green New Deal, my guest Mark Z. Jacobson has spent his life answering one question: How do we actually fix air pollution and climate change? In this episode, I talk with the Stanford professor and director of the Atmosphere/Energy Program about why we don't need miracle technologies; we just need to deploy the clean solutions that already work. You'll hear why many “solutions” like carbon capture, blue hydrogen, biofuels, and new nuclear are expensive distractions, how wind, water, and solar can reliably power the grid 100%, and why electrifying everything (cars, heating, cooking, industry) slashes both energy use and deaths from air pollution. https://youtu.be/DDTbFNebRVE Mark also walks me through real-world data from 150+ country-level transition plans, his own 100% renewable home, and why the biggest barrier now isn't technology, it's politics, misinformation, and lack of focus. If you're a founder, policymaker, or just a concerned citizen wondering whether we're doomed or if the solutions are real, this episode will help you see what actually works, what doesn't, and how you and I can both help accelerate the transition. Quotes: “We don't need miracle technologies to solve climate change, we need the courage to deploy the solutions we already have.” “Every year we delay the transition to clean energy, seven and a half million more people die from air pollution. Waiting is not neutral, it's deadly.” “This isn't a technology problem anymore; it's a focus problem. When we ignore the distractions and double down on wind, water, and solar, a 100% clean energy world becomes inevitable.” Resources: Mark Jacobson on LinkedIn Stanford University

From childhood repression and medical gatekeeping to living authentically and educating others, Wendy Cole has walked the transgender journey in a way few have and she's turned that lived experience into a powerful force for change. As a gender diversity consultant, speaker, and co‑host of the podcast Demystifying the Transgender Journey, Wendy helps organizations, communities, and leaders understand what it really means to be born transgender and how to create environments where everyone can belong. https://youtu.be/jg66oS0Gvto In this episode, you'll hear how early rejection and threats of institutionalization shaped Wendy's life, what finally made transition possible in her 60s, and why she believes gender is “between the ears, not the legs.” You'll learn how clear, compassionate education can replace fear with understanding, why focusing on the “60% in the middle” creates the biggest social impact, and how organizations can better support transgender and LGBTQ+ employees, customers, and community members. Quotes: “Gender is between the ears, not the legs your body is just the costume, not the character.” – Wendy Cole “I didn't transition to become someone else; I transitioned so the world could finally see who I've always been.” – Wendy Cole “The most radical act a transgender person can take isn't changing their body; it's refusing to be ashamed of who they are.” – Wendy Cole Resources: Empower Your Organization with Gender Diversity Training Wendy Cole on LinkedIn

In this episode, you'll hear why most companies obsess over new customers while quietly losing profitable existing ones, how to build simple after-sales processes that don't require massive new budgets, and why empathy and listening are still the most powerful “technology” in your business. Nigel also shares common recurring mistakes he sees in SMEs like deleting unhandled inquiries every day and how a few low-cost changes can dramatically improve retention, margins, and morale. https://youtu.be/S9XZHyF-u4A If you're a founder, owner, or leader at a small or medium-sized business who feels things are “not performing as well as they should,” this episode will show you how to plug the leaks, protect your revenue, and make after sales a core part of your growth strategy instead of an overlooked niche. Quotes: “You don't need more leads“After sales isn't a niche it's the moment every customer decides whether to stay or leave.” – Nigel Woodall “If you're deleting inquiries, you're deleting revenue and training customers to buy from someone else.” – Nigel Woodall ''You need to stop throwing today's opportunities in the bin.” – Nigel Woodall Resources: Nigel Woodall on LinkedIn Building revenue-protecting capability into SME customer operations

From recovering $71 million in “forgotten” money to turning everyday workers into six‑figure earners, David Church is the guy people call when they've hit a financial wall and need a real alternative to traditional retirement plans and side hustles. As the founder of Surplus Institute, David teaches a simple, repeatable system for locating surplus and unclaimed funds often tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars that rightfully belong to homeowners and everyday citizens, but are trapped behind red tape and confusing government processes. https://youtu.be/cS5B8oNePfw You'll hear how David helps over 50 and especially over 60 professionals replace their income, why banks and governments have little incentive to push this money back to its owners, and how you can build a business helping people claim what's theirs without needing prior real estate or legal experience. Quotes: “Clarity turns hidden money into real money.” – David Church “Follow up is where the big checks live.” – David Church “Learn one market, master one system, replace your income.” – David Church Resources: David Church on LinkedIn Surplus Institute

From de-confusing buyers to selling your superpower in an AI world, Maury Rogow is the strategist companies call when their “sales problem” is really a storytelling problem. As the author of Why Buyers Say No, Maury shows entrepreneurs and marketers how to stop blending in, break free from price wars, and build recurring revenue by asking the right questions, crafting epic stories, and leveraging emotional triggers. You'll hear why jargon kills deals, how to discover your superpower, and why using AI for content is only part of the solution clarity is what makes you truly wealthy. https://youtu.be/GYXayAdGtB4 Maury also shares how Hollywood storytelling and high-tech sales taught him to craft compelling narratives that convert prospects into loyal customers. If you're a founder, marketer, or business leader struggling to stand out in a crowded market, this episode will help you unlock your uniqueness, build trust, and close bigger deals without discounting. Quotes: “AI can make content cheap, but clarity can make you wealthy.” – Maury Rogow “Most companies don't lose because of product they lose because of confusion.” – Maury Rogow “Your story is your superpower. Find what makes you unique and stand out.” – Maury Rogow Resources: YOUR BRAND WILL LIVE OR DIE BASED ON THE STORY YOU TELL' Maury Rogow on linkedin

I used to run my business feeling like I was flying blind with the numbers. In this episode, I sit down with Rob from Finance Insight Matters, a fractional CFO who helps seven and eight-figure online businesses turn messy financials into real growth. We talk about the finance hierarchy of needs, simplifying accounting, and using AI the right way to make smarter decisions. https://youtu.be/Y8miM3fCj84 Rob shares his journey from elite banking to building clean tech ventures in China and the lessons he learned about keeping things simple, focusing on profit, and knowing when to double down or move on. He also gives practical advice on cleaning up your books, preparing your business for growth or exit, and why transparency with your CFO or accountant matters. If you want to finally get control of your finances and scale with confidence, this episode is for you. Quotes: “Accounting is too important to leave to accountants alone your business decisions depend on a clean, reliable source of truth.” “Focus on what you can control. Simplify your finances, your systems, and your strategy and the possibilities for growth multiply.” “In business, go all in or get out. Double down on what works, or redirect your time to what will actually succeed. Resources: Fractional CFO | FP&A | Accounting for 7 & 8-Figure Online Businesses Rob te Braake on Linkedln

From helping business owners “keep more of what they earn” to doubling their company's value in months, Marc Adams is the expert founders call when they're serious about exiting on their terms. As founder of Acquisitions for You and author of Secrets to 10X Your Business and Cashing Out Tax Free, he shows entrepreneurs how to avoid equity dilution, bypass debt, and maximize the payout from a sale. You'll hear why most business owners leave 30–50% of their wealth on the table, how to prepare your company to be sellable without disruption, and why starting early is the key to keeping more of your legacy. Marc also shares how he turned personal adversity into a mission to help the “9 out of 10” business owners stuck in the broken system of exits. https://youtu.be/aNmaetID84Q If you're an entrepreneur, founder, or business owner planning a future exit, this episode will help you think bigger, keep more of your hard-earned value, and start building a roadmap to a truly profitable sale. Quotes: “Most business owners leave half their payday on the table without even realizing it.” – Marc Adams “You can double the value of your business without taking on debt or giving away equity.” – Marc Adams “The real question isn't what you sell your business for it's how much actually goes in your bank.” – Marc Adams Resources: Marc Adams on LinkedIn How to Double Your Value and Maximize Your Exit

From shaping New York's underground poetry scene in the 1970s to transforming travel, memory, and history into haunting verse, WL Gertz is the poet readers turn to when they want art that survives the moment. As co‑founder of Dreams magazine, he helped define the Beat generation ethos spontaneous writing, anti‑materialism, jazz rhythms, Eastern philosophy, and personal liberation. Decades later, he channels a lifetime of adventures into his two poetry collections, Broken Dreams and Land of Forgotten Fish. https://youtu.be/gesLG2DzOjQ You'll hear how decades of global travel from sleeping in European hostels to attending Woodstock shaped his worldview, why travel is a confidence and character builder, and how stepping outside your comfort zone can expand your mind. WL also shares how the digital age is reviving interest in the Beats, making music, poetry, and art more accessible than ever. He reflects on what makes poetry “good,” how stream of consciousness writing captures the complexity of life, and why publishing fuels continued creativity. Quotes: “Travel is the ultimate teacher you leave as a boy and return as a grown man.” “Poetry isn't about being obvious; it's about stirring the mind and surviving time.” “If it feels good, do it life is too short for hesitation and regrets.” Resources: William Gertz on LinkedIn We bring the world together

From waking up “sleeping giants” across five continents to building a new kind of school for the AI era, Kevin Voisin is the coach leaders call when their “mindset problem” is really a radical honesty problem. As Coach of Coaches and co‑creator of Apogee Strong micro‑schools, he shows entrepreneurs how to stop lying to themselves, break out of self‑sabotage, and operate as the force of nature they already are. You'll hear why most “personal development” advice is fake, how to recognize when you're at rock bottom and rock top, and why saying “I don't know why this keeps happening” is almost always a lie. Kevin unpacks why perfection is a horizon you can never reach (but still need), how to live powerfully imperfect, and how to use AI as the “tractor of the mind” instead of a threat to your livelihood. Kevin also shares how he thinks about parenting and education in a world where knowledge alone is no longer power only what you produce with it. If you're an entrepreneur, parent, or emerging leader who secretly feels like an impostor despite your wins, this episode will help you reclaim choice, embrace discomfort, and build a life and business that match who you really are. Quotes: “You're not a lost floatie in the ocean you're a force of nature.” – Kevin Voisin “Excellence is achievable. Perfection is a lie.” – Kevin Voisin “Most people don't have a self‑sabotage problem; they have a honesty problem with themselves.” – Kevin Voisin Resources: APOGEE Kevin Voisin on LinkedIn

From helping scale global leaders like Google, Uber, TikTok, and Samsung to guiding high‑growth startups through user acquisition plateaus, Gilad Bechar is the strategist brands call when “growth problems” turn out to be strategy problems. As founder and CEO of Moburst, he breaks down how to stop spray‑and‑pray marketing, run truly data‑driven campaigns, and build acquisition engines that match real KPIs, budgets, and market dynamics. You'll hear how AI, new discovery platforms like ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity, and Claude, and evolving user behavior are changing SEO, app growth, and performance marketing and how to adapt before your competitors do. https://youtu.be/aNzSorwOcJM Gilad shares how Moburst audits a business, reverse engineers growth goals, and dissects competitor strategies, channels, creatives, calls to action, and languages to uncover what's actually working in your niche. He explains when you should rebuild your website or app, when to lean into user‑generated content and TikTok communities, and how to safely leverage AI and automation without destroying trust or firing teams too fast. If you're a founder, CMO, or growth leader, this episode will help you spot hidden opportunities, avoid costly mistakes, and design a marketing strategy that scales predictably. Quotes:“Most companies don't have a growth problem they have a strategy problem.” “Marketing works best when it's brutally data‑driven and wildly creative at the same time.” “If you're still using yesterday's playbook, don't be surprised when your growth stalls tomorrow.” Resources: moburts Gilad Bechar on Linkedln

After decades of balancing demanding government work, family life, and responsibilities, Raine Bee finally gave herself permission to chase the dream she'd carried since childhood: becoming a children's fantasy author. On this episode of Marketer of the Day, Raine shares the story behind The Wishing Family in Quest for Magic, a heart‑warming adventure about a family of genies who face danger together, support each other unconditionally, and prove that real magic is found in unity, love, and courage. https://youtu.be/rPPGB_-0Jh4 Raine reveals how classic tales like Sinbad, Aladdin, and Arabian Nights, her experiences with vibrant Asian weddings, and her love of colorful English landscapes inspired the book's world. She explains how each member of the genie family has unique powers except Max, a changeling who must fight to reclaim his magic and save his family, and how those struggles mirror real‑life challenges kids face with emotions, communication, and belonging. She also opens up about retiring during lockdown, emailing her resignation from a sunny field, and turning that moment of freedom into the focus and confidence she needed to finish her book, write a sequel, and finally let her inner child lead the way. Quotes: “Age is just a number; your real age is the courage of your heart and the curiosity of your inner child.” “Family isn't only blood; it's anyone who stands beside you in the dark and helps you find your way back to the light.” “Children don't just need magic on the page; they need the magic of knowing they can say ‘please help' and be heard.” Resources: The Wishing Family in Quest for Magic on Amazon Raine Bee Books

When author and singer Ashley Hibbler found herself surrounded by toxic relationships, silent competition, and spiritual upheaval, she turned it all into a story. On this episode of Marketer of the Day, Ashley shares how she transformed a lifetime of “frenemies,” heartbreak, and a profound spiritual journey into Soul Family Six: The Chosen Series, a multi‑generation, angel‑to‑human saga about revenge, protection, and finding your true purpose. https://youtu.be/WIEFqk_2n8E Ashley reveals how her childhood imagination, spending hours alone in a closet inventing characters and worlds, later became the blueprint for an epic four‑series universe. She explains how real people in her life inspired angelic characters like Ariel and Jermaine, how villains Lucifer and Lily embody revenge and ego, and why she chose fiction as a safer, more powerful way to process personal pain. Along the way, she talks about leaving a traditional job after her father's passing, navigating a bumpy publishing experience, and launching a Book-to-Video and music channel on YouTube so readers can see and hear her world come to life. Quotes: “You can't always control what people do to you, but you can always change the narrative of your life.” “I stopped giving energy to drama and competition; the moment I did, I started creating the life I actually wanted.” “Fiction lets me tell the truth about my pain without exposing anyone, turning toxic relationships into a story of protection, purpose, and healing.” Resources: Author Ash Books Soul Family Six: The Chosen Series on Amazon Ashley Hibbler on Facebook

When seasoned AI builder and inventor Lohith Naidu teamed up with a recruitment veteran, they created Hireko.ai, a “digital twin” recruiter that can see facial expressions, hear tone, and hold human‑like conversations with thousands of candidates at once. On this episode of Marketer of the Day, Lohith explains how Hireko helps enterprises move beyond identical, AI‑written resumes by running smart video interviews that reveal who candidates really are, not just what their CV says. https://youtu.be/EiDuhzX2-j0 Lohith shares how his experience at Amazon, Microsoft, Roblox, and Bing prepared him to build ultra‑fast conversational AI and how his co‑founder's 20 years in recruiting exposed the bottlenecks of traditional hiring. He also opens up about “micro sufferings," the long nights, overlapping full‑time work and startup life, and the mental strain of solving hard problems and how those struggles built the resilience behind Hireko. Looking ahead, he believes AI won't replace humans, but that people who know how to use AI will replace those who don't. Quotes: “AI isn't here to replace humans; it's here to amplify the humans who are willing to learn it.” “Resumes are starting to look the same because AI writes them, real conversations and real faces are where the true differences show up.” “Every late night, every hard problem, and every micro suffering compounds into the one thing no one can copy: your experience.” Resources: Lohith Naidu on LinkedIn Hireko AI

Most Christians don't expect their deepest wounds to come from inside the church, but for Elizabeth Bennett McKinney, that's exactly what happened. Bullied by fellow believers starting at age 12, with rumors spreading through two churches and three schools, she walked away from church, turned against God, and battled social anxiety, depression, and PTSD. In this episode, Elizabeth joins Robert Plank to explain why what many dismiss as “church drama” or “bullying” is actually abuse, how Satan, not other Christians is the real enemy, and how naming church hurt is the first step toward healing. https://youtu.be/_2CdxmZbFZg Elizabeth lays out what church hurt looks like in real life, emotional, mental, physical, and even sexual harm in Christian settings, and how gossip, slander, and unresolved conflict quietly tear congregations apart. You'll learn how biblical conflict resolution (Matthew 18), unity, and refusing to join toxic conversations can stop problems from exploding, plus how Romans functions as “psychology 101, God style" for understanding human behavior. If you've been wounded by people in the church or struggle to trust again, this conversation will point you back to Scripture, clarify what really happened, and remind you that God's plan is bigger than what tried to break you. Quotes: “What you call ‘church drama' might actually be abuse, and naming it is the first step to healing it.” “Church people hurt me, but Christ healed me. I left the building, but He never left me.” “The real bully isn't sitting in your pew; he's whispering in your ear. Stop fighting each other and start fighting the enemy.” Resources: Elizabeth B. McKinney on LinkedIn Church Hurt

When a constitutional lawyer who once argued before the Supreme Court started wondering what humans would be like as pets fed and loved but stripped of language, culture, and community, he turned that question into an unforgettable sci-fi saga. Author Richard A. Allen joins Robert Plank to talk about Kobo and Kobo's Children, a series where humans are kept as pets by towering reptilian aliens called Grobs, then forced into slavery on a distant mining world. Richard shares Kobo and Ra's journey from obedient “pets” to leaders of a hidden human community; the mysterious teaching device that reignites lost human language and history; and the big questions behind it all: What really makes us different from our dogs? Would we accept everything without words to question it? Richard also teases the upcoming third book, where Earth explorers discover these “pet humans” and bring them back to an Earth 40,000 years in the future thanks to near-light-speed travel and Einstein's time dilation. If you're tired of recycled space operas and want science fiction that actually asks something new, this conversation and series will scratch that itch, exploring power, identity, and humanity under alien suns. Quotes: “Take away our language, our history, and our culture, and what's left is the question at the heart of Kobo: Are we still human, or just very clever pets?” “Before you have words, you accept whatever happens to you. Once you learn to ask why, you can't help wondering whether life could be different.” “The Grobs may own the planet, the mines, and even our bodies, but the moment we remember our stories and our science, they no longer own who we are.” Resources: Kobo by Richard Allen RICHARD ALLEN

When lifelong churchgoers Sean Walsh and Don Roth dug deep into Scripture, original languages, and biblical chronology, they became convinced that much of mainstream Christianity rests on three major errors. In this episode, they join Robert Plank to unpack their book The Three Pillars of False Doctrine and explain why they believe the traditional Friday death / Sunday resurrection, the popular form of the Trinity doctrine, and the modern idea of church as a building or organization all fail the test of the Bible itself. Drawing on Don's work creating a day‑by‑day Biblical calendar from Genesis forward and Sean's “Unlock the Word” ministry, they walk through key passages on the Sabbath, the Godhead, and church, and show how translation choices and tradition have shaped what most believers assume is “just Christianity.” Rather than asking anyone to join a new denomination, Sean and Don challenge listeners to be Bereans checking every sermon, creed, and holiday against Scripture. They discuss why Christ's “three days and three nights” matters, how Ezekiel and Acts are commonly misread to support Sunday worship, and why knowing who the God of the Old Testament is changes how you read the entire Bible. If you've ever felt that certain doctrines didn't quite add up, this conversation and the resources at UnlockTheWord.com and BiblicalCalendarProof.com invite you to put your traditions on the table and let the Bible speak for itself. Quotes: “If your timeline for Christ doesn't fit three days and three nights, it's not the Scripture that needs to move it's your doctrine.” Don Roth “Church isn't a business or a building; Ecclesia is the people God has called out. If you think ‘church' is a place you go on Sunday, you've already missed the context.” Sean Walsh “When you finally read the Bible without defending your denomination, you discover how many ‘non‑negotiable' doctrines collapse under the weight of Scripture.” Sean Walsh Resources: Unlock the World THE 3 PILLARS OF FALSE DOCTRINE

When a four‑and‑a‑half‑year‑old girl terrified of the dark met Jesus as her “secret friend,” it set in motion a lifetime journey that would eventually become a book. Author and business professional Peggy Watrous Walters joins Robert Plank to share the story behind The Unexpected Journey: An Inspiring True Story, a short, powerful memoir about walking through life's twists, turns, and detours with Jesus by your side. In this conversation, Peggy explains how her faith shaped her entrepreneurial and personal life, why she kept her relationship with Jesus hidden for decades even from her husband and how a devastating divorce finally pushed her to come “out of the closet” as a believer and boldly share her faith. You'll hear how she sees God's hand in daily “God stories,” why she believes we're never truly alone, and how this book is meant to reassure anyone facing fear, uncertainty, or starting over that there is a bigger plan at work. https://youtu.be/KN5_cyVpSgE Instead of offering vague inspiration or sugarcoating hard times, Peggy talks candidly about fear, bad decisions, and the impatience we often feel when our prayers don't get the answers we expect. She explains why faith doesn't mean an easy life but a guided one how God often sends help through ordinary people (sometimes “angels” in human form), and why He wants a real, everyday relationship with us, not a “fair‑weather friend” arrangement. Peggy also shares her passion for evangelism, teaching children about Jesus through CEF, and supporting campus ministries through Florida Christians in Business, so that young people don't drift away when life gets busy. Whether you're a lifelong believer, someone quietly curious about faith, or just in need of hope in a confusing season, you'll come away with a simple invitation: take Jesus with you, every day, everywhere you go. Quotes: “Faith doesn't erase fear; it walks you straight through it with purpose.” “Don't just call on Jesus in a crisis take Him with you into every ordinary moment of your life.” “If I had mapped out my own life, it never would have matched the journey God had planned and that's the beauty of it.” Resources: The Unexpected Journey: An Inspiring True Story PEGGY WATROUS WALTERS

When a devoted wife and mother found herself trapped in a cycle of infidelity, violence, and fear shot at in broad daylight, run over by her own car, grieving her father's sudden death she turned to the only constant she had left: God. Author and survivor Denise Devroe joins Robert Plank to share the story behind her powerful memoir, God Made Me and You Couldn't Break Me, a raw, faith‑filled account of finding peace and strength after years of abuse and heartbreak. In this conversation, Denise opens up about living with a gambling, cheating husband, enduring physical and emotional trauma, and the moment she realized that praying wasn't just for crises it had to become her way of life. She explains how daily prayer, morning and night, carried her through divorce, danger, and financial struggle, and how God's protection over her and her children revealed there really is light after the darkest seasons. https://youtu.be/hlpUnhZ7v9g Instead of glossing over the pain or pretending faith makes life easy, Denise speaks honestly about fear, confusion, and the long, messy process of leaving a toxic relationship. She shares how God answered prayers in His timing, not hers, how her children broke the cycle instead of repeating it, and why she believes you should never ignore the early red flags in a relationship. Denise also talks about the emotional challenge of reliving her story through a ghostwriter, the meaning behind her book's title and tear‑and‑ripple cover, and her desire for readers especially those in abusive or unstable situations to know that God can still write a new chapter for their lives. Whether you're in the middle of a storm, trying to rebuild after one, or simply needing a reminder that you're not alone, this memoir and conversation offer a simple message: there is hope, there is healing, and God's plan is bigger than what tried to break you Quotes: “You can break my heart, my body, my plans but you cannot break what God Himself has built inside of me.” “Don't wait for the crisis to pray. Stay prayed up in the sunshine so you're not alone in the storm.” “There is life after lies, after bruises, after betrayal there is light after the darkness, and God will walk you all the way there.” Resources: Denise Devroe God Made Me, and You Couldn't Break Me on Amazon

When two college dads realized how little real-world money education their kids were getting, they didn't complain they wrote a book. Financial advisor Steve Short and business owner Mark Schlipman met at a dad's weekend and quickly bonded over a shared concern: most young adults are entering life with almost no financial foundation. In this episode, Steve and Mark share the story behind their “passion project” book, designed to give teens, college students, and young professionals a simple, step-by-step path to financial freedom without needing a financial advisor. You'll hear how Steve's experience as a fiduciary advisor shaped the book's transparent, no sales approach, why they devoted two-plus hours every Monday for over two years to get it written, and how they built a framework parents can actually use to teach their kids about money. Instead of shaming people for buying lattes or insisting on extreme frugality, Steve and Mark lay out a realistic system that balances discipline with enjoyment. They explain how to treat your personal finances like a business, schedule weekly “money meetings” with yourself, and set up savings habits that still leave about 30% of your income for fun. Along the way, Steve shares a personal wake-up call when his car payment was bigger than his mortgage and how that mistake reshaped his views on debt, goals, and delayed gratification. Whether you're a parent wanting to pass on better money habits, a young adult just starting out, or someone who's never had financial concepts explained simply, you'll walk away with practical steps you can start implementing this week. Quotes: “Most people think young adults need a financial advisor. Our view? If you understand a few core principles and follow the steps, you can do this yourself.” “We're not here to latte, shame you. You can enjoy life and still hit your financial goals if you have a plan and stick to it.” “Treat your personal finances like a business. Put time on the calendar every week to look at your numbers, your budget, and where the money is leaking.” Resources: Mark Schlipman on LinkedIn Steve Short on LinkedIn The Simple Road Toward Financial Freedom: A Guide to Helping Young Adults Build Wealth

Growing up in a “make 100K, spend 110” household, Justin Buonomo watched money chaos tear his family apart two bankruptcies, cars repossessed, even losing the family dog when they lost their home. At 18, he received an $80,000 settlement from a childhood car accident… and promptly repeated the same patterns he'd seen modeled. That painful experience plus later work on the business side of Johns Hopkins Medicine set him on a decade-long quest to understand money through a different lens: biblical wisdom, proven financial strategy, and intentional stewardship. Today, Justin is the CEO and founder of Journey to Financial Freedom, where he and his team help faith-based individuals break generational cycles, heal money trauma, and step into a life that honors both God and their goals. In this episode, Justin shares why budgeting is not punishment but the primary tool God can use to increase your freedom, options, and peace of mind when it's taught the right way. He explains why most financial programs fail long-term: they try to “fix” behaviors without ever addressing the beliefs and subconscious programming formed between ages 7–10. You'll hear how childhood experiences around scarcity, bankruptcy, or “rich people are bad” scripts keep showing up in your adult bank account, why “money is the root of all evil” is one of the most misquoted verses in the Bible, and how to align your finances with God's heart instead of fear or greed. Justin also unpacks his Good Steward Program, the crucial role of accountability and community, and how mentorship can give you “wisdom without the wounds” in both personal finance and entrepreneurship. Quotes: “Finances that work take work. There's no quick solution but when you're taught by the right person with the right intentions, it doesn't have to feel confusing or restrictive.” “Your external wealth is just a reflection of your internal wealth. If you only manage behaviors and never heal the beliefs, the old habits always find their way back.” “Money isn't the problem. Greed and idolatry are. God calls us not to ignore money, but to steward it.” Resources: The Good Steward Justine Buonomo on Linkedln

Raising eight kids across six states and two countries gave Renee Thomas Hawkley a front-row seat to the beautiful chaos of family life. Now a grandmother and widow at 79, she's still learning new lessons in love, loss, and letting her adult children “mother” her back. Author of “Once Upon an Amateur Mom” and the forthcoming “Amateur Moms Happily Ever After,” Renee shares honest, humorous stories that reassure overwhelmed moms that joy is still hiding in the mess. From heart‑shaped Valentine's pizzas and allergy‑friendly family dinners to long‑distance group texts and quick check‑ins, Renee shows how simple acts of inclusion and thoughtfulness keep families close even when they're spread across multiple states and seasons of life. In this conversation, Renee and Robert explore the emotional shifts of aging and empty nesting, the reality that every child needs different rules, and the hard truth that you can't fix everything but you can always offer love and kindness. Renee reflects on widowhood and the enduring influence of her late husband Dan, and closes by reading her moving piece “A Mother's Creed,” a poetic reminder that motherhood links humanity's past to its future. Whether you're a mom in the trenches, an empty nester, or an adult child wondering how to better honor your own mother, you'll come away with simple, practical reminders to invite, include, and reach out while there's still time. Quotes: “You can't fix everything for your children but you can always offer your love, your kindness, and the joy of having them close.” “Every child is raised in the same home, but no two children are the same and sometimes love means giving them different rules.” “At 79, I've learned that letting my children ‘mother' me is not weakness; it's the beautiful proof that family love has come full circle.” Resources: Renee Hawkley Once Upon an Amateur Mom Kindle Edition on Amazon

From Stanford and the RAND Corporation to leading revenue teams in the commercial world, Brent Keltner, PhD, has spent his career decoding how complex B2B deals are actually closed. As founder and president of Winalytics, Brent helps mid-market and enterprise teams move beyond product pitching to true account-based growth. He's the author of “The Revenue Acceleration Playbook” and the forthcoming “Journey First Marketing,” a book that challenges one of B2B's biggest bad habits: obsessing over individual personas when companies actually buy in committees. In this episode, Brent reveals why traditional contact-focused marketing leaves so much revenue on the table and how to flip your entire go-to-market motion around a simple idea: accounts buy, personas don't. You'll hear how to design websites that speak to every member of the buying committee, why customer stories should be your #1 content asset (not #5), and how to connect product value, business value, and corporate value so that users, budget owners, and risk-averse stakeholders all see themselves in your message. https://youtu.be/2dCBKj9vf88 Brent also breaks down a practical roadmap for teams stuck in contact scoring and lead chaos. He explains how to use tools like ChatGPT on top of your CRM to spot real buying committees (not just random clickers or competitors snooping), how to build three aligned content streams for your core buyer types, and how to reuse a single customer story across your entire funnel, website, social, sales decks, and beyond. Whether you're a CMO, CRO, founder, or product marketer, you'll come away with a clearer picture of what true account-based enablement looks like in the real world and how a few smart changes can unlock faster, more predictable growth. Quotes: "Accounts buy. Personas don't, and every part of your marketing should reflect that reality.” “If your customers aren't saying it consistently, it isn't true, no matter how often your CEO repeats it.” “Customer stories are the only asset that turn ‘me selling to you' into ‘we solving a problem together.'” Resources: Winalytics LLC Brent Keltner on LinkedIn The Revenue Acceleration Playbook: Creating an Authentic Buyer Journey Across Sales, Marketing, and Customer Success on Amazon

Service-based entrepreneurs often launch a business to do what they love, only to find themselves overwhelmed by tasks, burned out, and tied to operations they never planned for. In this episode, profit acceleration strategist Jane Parmel joins Robert Plank to explain why the real job of a business owner isn't “doing the work” but leading the business. Drawing from her journey from teacher to children's party center owner to coach, Jane unpacks how over-involvement, emotional attachment, and fear of delegation quietly destroy profit, stall growth, and keep owners stuck in the business instead of working on it. https://youtu.be/G__QT9C_0_Q Jane explains why mindset is the first system you must fix, from the belief that “no one can do it as well as me” to the dangerous comfort of “we've always done it this way.” You'll hear how to step into the role of observer instead of constant doer, empower employees to take ownership, and design operations that support clarity, confidence, and cash flow. If you're overwhelmed, short on time, and tired of your business depending on your every move, this conversation will show you how to embrace change, build structure, and finally create a business that serves your life, not the other way around. Quotes: “The moment you stop doing everything yourself and start leading your business, you stop surviving and start growing.” “If you're the most expensive person in the company, you can't afford to be doing the cheapest tasks.” “Your business will only grow to the level you're willing to delegate, document, and let other people win with you.” Resources: Cardinal Business Advisors Jane Parmel on LinkedIn

Tired of random, low-quality LinkedIn calls or no calls at all? In this episode, Troy Hipolito (a.k.a. the “Not So Boring LinkedIn Guy” and former Swiss-Filipino gamification designer) breaks down how he helps B2B and service-based businesses turn LinkedIn into a consistent pipeline of vetted, high-value meetings. After agency work with Fortune 500 brands dried up, Troy reinvented his business using LinkedIn, combining “slow dating” relationship-building with tight systems and clear daily workflows. The result: a predictable process that leverages videos, content, events, and smart follow-up instead of spammy cold pitches and random hustle. https://youtu.be/Oh-wtfBJAI0 Troy reveals the exact framework behind Skoop, his Chrome extension and dashboard, which boosts first-message-to-booked-meeting conversions from ~3% to 21%, a 6x improvement, using short, raw, hyper-personalized videos embedded directly in LinkedIn DMs. You'll learn how to fix a “jacked up” profile that repels your ideal clients, why you only really make money on LinkedIn in two places (content and DMs), how to structure free/low-ticket/high-ticket offers that feed each other, and how to use VAs, SOPs, and repeatable systems so you only spend 30 minutes a day recording videos while your backend runs like a machine. If you want more (and better) meetings without turning LinkedIn into a full-time job, this conversation gives you the blueprint. Quotes: “There's no single silver bullet. The core is providing value, but you have to distribute that value across multiple channels.” “LinkedIn is not a Facebook marketplace. It's a networking domain. It's about building real relationships, not just ‘buy my stuff.'” “We took that first LinkedIn message from about a 3% conversion to 21%, not to a reply, but to a vetted booked meeting.” “People don't read; they scan. Anything more than three lines is too much. That's why the message has to be context, content, context.” “Slow down and ‘slow date' your clients. The sooner you realize you're not a fit, the sooner you can move on with clarity.” Resources: Troy Hipolito on LinkedIn SKOOP

Evan Unger is a recognized expert in organizational change, leadership development, and collaborative facilitation. With decades of experience consulting for major enterprises, including large pharmaceutical companies and insurance organizations, Evan specializes in transforming workplace culture by empowering change agents at every level. His approach moves beyond traditional training, focusing on deep, practice-based skill transfer to foster genuine collaboration, reduce bureaucracy, and maximize meeting effectiveness. In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Evan Unger joins Robert Plank to discuss the art (and science) of running effective, high-stakes meetings. Evan reveals why most meetings are a microcosm of organizational dysfunction and how targeting meeting culture can boost company-wide productivity. Discover the “five fundamentals” for collaborative leadership, learn how to handle challenging personalities (including the “HiPPO” dynamic), and hear why real transformation starts with top-down engagement and extensive practice, not just passive training videos. Tune in for actionable strategies to reclaim time, drive better decisions, and create a culture of buy-in from the very first meeting. Quotes: “The fastest way to transform your company's culture is to change the way you lead meetings because every meeting is a window into your organization's soul.” “Real leadership isn't about having all the answers. It's about creating space for every voice and guiding your team to believe, ‘We did this ourselves.'” “You can't shift a culture with information alone. Transformation happens when leaders show up, practice together, and model the behaviors they want to see.” Resources: Evan Unger on LinkedIn

Gloria Chou is an award-winning small business PR expert recognized for revolutionizing media visibility for overlooked founders, especially women and minority entrepreneurs. As the creator of the “CPR” pitching method and a fierce advocate for leveling the PR playing field, Gloria leverages free AI tools to help brands break through traditional barriers without a budget or gatekeepers. She's on a mission to help product-based businesses get featured in mainstream media, build credible backlinks, and earn trust in the age of AI-driven search. In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Gloria Chou joins Robert Plank to explore the dramatic shift from traditional SEO to AI-powered recommendations for brands. Gloria reveals why being seen by large language models (like ChatGPT and Perplexity) is now more important than ever and shares actionable steps for founders to get featured in podcasts, editorial articles, and gift guides. Tune in to learn about leveraging real-time AI tools for competitive research, media pitch creation, and maximizing content repurposing—plus the “one window of opportunity” founders cannot afford to miss. Quotes: “If you're not being recommended by AI, if ChatGPT, Perplexity, or Gemini aren't mentioning you, then to today's shoppers, you're invisible. Media coverage is now your strongest trust signal.” “Right now is a once-in-a-generation window for founders; you don't need a massive budget or thousands of followers. Small brands finally have the chance to compete with giants, if you act before the algorithms choose their favorites.” “AI is rewriting the rules of marketing. It's not about stuffing websites with keywords but about building credible backlinks and getting your story told. Thoughtful pitches and real coverage are what move you forward.” Resources: Gloria Chou PR (official site) Gloria Chou on LinkedIn

Kathy Floam Greenspan is a veteran B2B marketing expert with over 25 years of experience helping organizations align marketing with real business outcomes. As president of POM Agency, she is passionate about cutting through the noise in fast-moving industries like tech, cybersecurity, and government contracting. Kathy specializes in helping lean marketing teams deliver impactful results despite resource constraints and is a strong advocate of clarity, focus, and practical use of AI to drive growth. In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Kathy Floam Greenspan joins Robert Plank to discuss the growing pressures on marketing teams, rising expectations, limited capacity, and constant change. Based on a survey of over 100 B2B marketers, Kathy reveals why misalignment, resource gaps, and unclear goals hinder performance and shares four strategic shifts to help teams reclaim focus and momentum in 2026. Learn how to partner smarter, clean up your data ecosystem, and use AI as a collaborator, not a crutch. Kathy offers actionable advice for marketers striving to stay the course, protect priorities, and create lasting impact in chaotic times. Quotes: “If everything is a priority, nothing is. Our role as marketers is to protect focus and stay the course, especially these days.” “Marketers are being asked to deliver more impact without more capacity, forcing tough trade-offs and constant prioritization.” “AI is incredibly powerful, but marketing is still very human work. Use AI as a collaborator, not a crutch to walk before you run.” Resources: POM Marketing (official site) Kathy Floam Greenspan on LinkedIn

Apoorv Sharma is an AI SEO strategist, co-founder of Derivate X, and a leader in AI-first marketing for SaaS and tech companies. Based in Bangalore, India, Apoorv helps brands navigate the rapid shift from traditional search engines to LLMs and AI platforms like ChatGPT and Gemini. By optimizing content for AI visibility instead of just Google rankings, he empowers organizations to appear where modern buyers make decisions. Known for his hands-on, research-driven process, Apoorv guides clients through the evolving world of AI search and digital discovery, helping them future-proof their presence, drive revenue, and adapt to the pace of technological change. https://youtu.be/Oh_O7PFdz9Y In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Apoorv joins Robert Plank to reveal the new playbook for AI SEO. He explains how business owners can adapt to shifting search patterns, why top-of-funnel content is fading, and the steps needed to win in AI-driven rankings. Discover the real challenges behind AI SEO: from accidental brand confusion and overcoming search system quirks to navigating a price-sensitive market and justifying the investment. Apoorv shares actionable strategies for targeting long-tail queries, associating SEO efforts with revenue, and continuously adjusting content and positioning to stay ahead as AI reshapes how buyers find and trust solutions online. Quotes: “Search behavior is shifting so fast, even people who don't know English are using ChatGPT more than Google.” “SEO without clarity is just wasted money.” “The top of the funnel is almost dead. Focus on the middle and bottom; those are your lowest-hanging fruits.” “AI SEO isn't just about rankings; it's about training the librarian so your content gets recommended to the right buyers.” Resources: Derivate X (official site) Apoorv Sharma on LinkedIn

Pamela Potts is a leadership development expert, coach, and author dedicated to transforming how leaders energize themselves and their teams. Drawing on years of experience as an entrepreneur, consultant, and facilitator, Pamela helps business owners and professionals integrate coaching skills into leadership, enhance energy management, and unlock hidden potential in themselves and others. In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Pamela Potts joins Robert Plank to explore the power of the Leader Coach Approach. She reveals how understanding your personal energy, practicing self-awareness, and building coaching skills can revolutionize leadership outcomes, driving both personal and business growth. Pamela discusses why so many leaders struggle with accountability and implementation, shares her OMA coaching method, and demonstrates how to foster joy and sustainability in professional life. Listeners will discover how to identify and leverage individual strengths, why curiosity is vital for progress, and how adopting a coaching mindset can transform teams and create meaningful results. Quotes: "You can't be curious and judgmental at the same time."  "Look for what energizes you, and it's okay to focus on what brings you joy."  "As leaders, our job is to get results through others, not just ourselves." “When you shift from solving to asking questions, you become a leader who coaches.” Resources: Visit Pamela Potts's Website Connect with Pamela Potts on LinkedIn

Victor Dedaj is an entrepreneur, naturopathic expert, and co-author of "Success Breakthroughs" (with Jack Canfield). After two decades in corporate finance, Victor pivoted to health, wellness, and mindset coaching, challenging mainstream misconceptions about diet, cholesterol, and sleep. He is passionate about helping others reclaim health, break limiting beliefs, and create fulfillment in life and business. Drawing from personal experience and mentorship from leaders like Jack Canfield, Victor empowers others to take responsibility for their outcomes, cultivate success mindsets, and seek trustworthy guidance on the journey to well-being and entrepreneurship. https://youtu.be/N-e8FjD_9dU In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Victor Dedaj joins Robert Plank to break down persistent health myths, the critical role of sleep for entrepreneurs, and how mindset and mentorship accelerate business and wellness growth. Victor shares actionable advice on taking control of your health, the importance of questioning medical “truths,” and why adopting a positive, solution-focused mindset can transform every area of your life. Quotes: “Success leaves clues. Don't try to reinvent the wheel; learn from those who came before you.” “Take 100% responsibility for your life. You may not control every event, but you control your response and the outcome.” "Too often, we surrender the responsibility for our health; knowledge and action are the real power." Resources: Visit Victor Dedaj's Website Connect with Victor Deda on LinkedIn