Problem Solvers

What holds us back from doing new things? The answer is often learning — there's too much information to absorb, and we get stuck trying to consume it all. Pat Flynn has a different model. He's the creator of Smart Passive Income and the YouTube channel Deep Pocket Monster, and has developed a framework he calls Lean Learning. (It's also the name of his new book.) It's a way to learn information faster, and discard what isn't necessary. It's helped him launch new products, reach millions on YouTube, and stay focused while scaling. This episode will help you build a system for learning only what drives results. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Need cash to grow? Small businesses often have trouble accessing traditional financing, which is why global marketplace eBay is stepping in to help. On this episode, eBay's VP and GM of Financial Services and Payments, Avritti Khandurie Mittal, explains the financing challenges that many small businesses face, how eBay Seller Capital is making financing accessible to them on transparent terms, and her advice for founders who are seeking funds. This episode is sponsored by eBay. Learn how the eBay Seller Capital program can fund your business growth. Visit http://ebay.com/sellercapital Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lauryn Bosstick turned The Skinny Confidential into more than just a brand. She built a deeply invested community. That connection has fueled product launches, new ventures like Dear Media, and cultivated long-term brand loyalty. In this episode, she breaks down how she tells a brand story, gets her audience excited to buy in, and sets healthy boundaries without losing trust. If you're trying to grow a business around a loyal following, she's your guide. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The smartest companies aren't just using AI — they're building custom AI tools just for them. Just ask Jeff Wharton, CEO of Bloomin' Blinds. His company faced a common industry-wide problem and turned to AI for a solution. The result? A proprietary tool called BloomScale, which helps employees precisely measure windows, match customers with the right window treatment, and create instant visual mockups. In this episode, Jeff shares how they partnered with an AI firm, built a system tailored to their needs, and made it simple enough for any employee to use. Whether you're in home services or healthcare, this is a playbook for how AI can help you lead your industry Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever feel unmotivated? Or, ever notice that your team is slumping? You (or they) may be missing a something very specific. According to a revolutionary psychological theory, all humans have the same three basic psychological needs — and if you don't find them in your work, your motivation will drag. In this episode, Jason breaks this theory down, and shows you how to apply it in leadership, parenting, and even self-discovery. This includes audio from one of Jason's live keynote talks; you can learn more about him as a speaker here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jason bought a really old rock—and it sparked a fascination with the Neolithic era. In this episode, he's joined by Dr. John Shea, archaeologist and stone tool expert, for a conversation about the original problem-solvers. They explore how communication became humanity's superpower, why the stone ax was the first handheld all-purpose tool (and how it's surprisingly similar to a smartphone), and the ancient problem that shelves were designed to solve. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Every business needs to find product-market fit — and AI can help. How? In this episode, Harvard Business School professor and entrepreneur Jeff Bussgang (author of The Experimental Machine: Finding Product-Market Fit in the Age of AI) walks us through the process. It's a free consulting session with everything included: step-by-step directions, real examples, and the names of the LLMs you need to know about. If you're ready to use AI in your business but don't know where to begin—start here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is episode 400 of Problem Solvers, and I've learned a few important things about how to evolve a product! In this episode, I share why you might be WRONG about what makes your product special — and how to keep refining with your audience in mind.

It's a simple philosophy. But what does it take to actually achieve? We talk to Jesse Cole, owner of the baseball team Savannah Bananas, about the idea that transformed his business—and how it can work in any industry.

Here's a strategy for talking people down, and even turning people's anger to your advantage. And I have the emails to prove it!

Donald Miller literally wrote the book on brand storytelling: It's called Building A StoryBrand, and it sold 1 million copies. He's just released an updated version. On this podcast, Don explains how to communicate your brand's value in a simple story. After that, I invite a few entrepreneurs to tell him about their brands — and he comes up with stories for them! It'll change the way you think about telling your story.

Want to pitch yourself with confidence? Want to become better at sales, or just selling yourself? You must learn to be shameless. That's the advice from Jenny Wood, former Google executive and author of the new book Wild Courage: Go After What You Want and Get It. In this episode, she teaches you how and why to embrace shamelessness.

Angie Hicks has been the face of Angie's List (now called Angi) for decades. It's not a role she wanted, but she knows how important it is — and how to play it perfectly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Want to get your product onto store shelves? Listen to this. Matt Adelmann used to be a buyer at Target, where he was responsible for placing products on shelves. Here are the three mistakes that founders always get wrong about retail — and how you can set yourself up for success. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 2006, a debate raged inside of Nintendo: Do they bundle their new Wii console with the game Wii Sports, or sell the game separately? Reggie Fils- Aimé was president of North America at the time, and he argued yes — because even though it meant giving up revenue upfront, it would lead to more Wii sales later. Here, he explains the battle and how he won it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Entrepreneurs love telling stories of perseverance. But that can be misleading. "In order to succeed, you're going to have to quit the things that aren't worth pursuing," says Annie Duke, author of the book "Quit: The Power of Knowing When to Walk Away". On this episode, she explains why we should see quitting as a virtue — and how to know when it's time to walk away. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One night, Holden Forrest drew a wild idea on the back of his daughter's math homework: What if he could lower a house into the ground, as a way to escape oncoming wildfires? He couldn't shake this idea, so he started researching whether it's possible — and now, years later, he has a company called HiberTec, multiple patents, groundbreaking technology, and is raising money to build his first prototype. On this episode, Holden explains how to turn a big idea into a real business. Learn more at hibertec.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There are three types of skills, Jen Kem says: The ability to visualize, strategize, or mobilize. Everyone has these skills in different combinations — and when you can assemble a team with the right mix of combinations, you've built something unstoppable. On this episode, Kem (author of the new book "Unicorn Team") explains how it works, how to identify which combination of types you are, and how to hire the right people. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Money isn't the only definition of wealth. So is time. That's one of the central ideas in Sahil Bloom's new book "The 5 Types of Wealth" — and on this episode, he explains how to become wealthy in time. He offers strategic ways to reallocate your time, how to prioritize what matters, and how to stop feeling like you never have enough of it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Founders accidentally create a lot of confusion — because we talk too much! We pitch too many products, tell a too-complex story, and don't often get to the point fast enough. Today, business coach Steve Sims teaches you how to be brief and powerful. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Taco Bell CEO Sean Tresvant reflects on his first year as the boss, and talks about how to build an incredible brand. It comes down this formula, he says: math + magic. We spoke because Taco Bell is #1 on the 2025 Entrepreneur magazine Franchise 500, which is out now at entrepreneur.com/franchise500 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This will sound crazy: When you only focus on your core skillset, your growth slows. Instead, you need to add what Jonathan Goodman calls "leapfrog skills" — a list of five other skills (including writing and human psychology) that will accelerate your growth. Goodman is a hugely successful serial entrepreneur and author of the new book The Obvious Choice. In this episode, he explains how to find and learn your leapfrog skills. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why do great companies make bad products? The answer is confirmation bias, and a lack of true connection with your customer. Phyl Terry is a pioneer in the field of consumer experience, and shares an important methodology — which helped Facebook in its earliest days! Today, Phyl also helps people who are searching for jobs through the program Never Search Alone. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Should you curse at work? There isn't much cursing on Problem Solvers, but over on Jason's other podcast Help Wanted, it happens a little more often... and a listener complained! Today, Jason and his Help Wanted cohost discuss when it's appropriate for professionals to curse — and how how to calibrate the trade-off between raw personality and professionalism. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Morgan is engaged to Jack. Jack didn't include Morgan in a business deal, but she feels *strongly* that he should have. Now she's mad. What should they do? In this episode from Jason's other podcast, called Help Wanted, Jason and his cohost Nicole Lapin help this couple through a rocky moment — and talk about what happens when finances get personal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With a new presidential administration, entrepreneurs are expecting a lot of tax changes — but what are they? And how can they prepare? In this episode, hear from two professionals at CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen LLP), a top-10 U.S. accounting and professional services firm. They share the biggest questions that entrepreneurs are asking, and their guidance for how to prepare for big changes now.  This episode is brought to you by CLA. CLA exists to create opportunities for our clients, our people, and our communities through industry-focused wealth advisory, digital, audit, tax, consulting, and outsourcing services. With nearly 9,000 people, more than 130 locations, and a global vision, we promise to know you and help you. Visit CLAconnect.com to learn more.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When something's wrong, we often make a mistake: We try to treat the symptom of the problem without understanding what the REAL problem is. Today I offer a helpful problem-solving framework. You'll learn to diagnose your problems, identify the right "one-word problem," and then come up with a solution that actually works. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Musicians are the overlooked influencers. That's what Jesse Kirshbaum of Nue Agency says. He creates partnerships between the largest brands and musicians, and says that all entrepreneurs, of any size, should consider working with musicians too. They're cultural influencers full of authenticity, have loyal followings, and aren't getting the kind of brand deals that traditional "influencers" do. So how does it work? He explains on today's episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Codie Sanchez started by buying a little laundromat. Now she has a portfolio of small local businesses that drive tens of millions in annual revenue, and developed a playbook for anyone looking to buy small businesses and build serious wealth. Her new book is called Main Street Millionaire, and in this episode, she explains how and why small biz is such a great buying opportunity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Notion is changing the way people communicate and collaborate. Cofounder and CEO Ivan Zhao has an unusual philosophy about how to do it — which anyone can follow. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Catherine Connelly cofounded one of the first social media platforms, and was early in the online dating space. And over time, she learned how to do a very hard thing: She killed features that she loved, and that customers loved, because they no longer served the company. How and when do you do that? She discusses. Read Catherine's new book, Designing Success: Lessons from 20 Years as a Female Tech Entrepreneur. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Carla Ondrasik hates the word "try." She says it's holding you back from taking action achieving your goals. On today's episode, Carla will give you a better way to approach big and scary tasks: No more trying allowed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do you grow, while staying true to what made you successful in the first place? It's something that Chip & Joanna Gaines (Fixer Upper, Magnolia) think a lot about. In this episode, a candid conversation with them about growth, challenges, and what should always remain the same. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I bombed on stage. It was terrible and embarrassing. Then I learned something very important about how to recover, and it's a lesson I'll use for the rest of my life. Here it is. It'll make you feel better the next time something goes wrong. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Work is changing. People don't feel job security they way they did before. So how do you motivate teams that are operating scared? Mithu Storoni has a unique answer. She's a physician, neuroscience researcher and ophthalmic surgeon who advises multinational corporations on mental performance and stress management (and author of the new book Hyperefficient). On this episode, she explains what really motivates people, and how to create that empowerment despite turbulent times. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Want to build incredible products? Listen closely to your customers, and (importantly!) have a system to turn those insights into action. In this episode, I speak with Amazon executive Mary Beth Westmoreland about how this happens on her global selling partner experience team. Her team's products impact millions of businesses, so the stakes are high — and she's incredibly thoughtful about how great leadership, teamwork, and customer feedback systems can combine in all the right ways. To learn more about how Amazon is helping independent sellers succeed, visit http://sellingpartners.aboutamazon.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We had an idea: What if we took a talented but financially struggling artist, and paired them with a coach who helps artists build businesses? The result was magic! Today, you'll hear art-business coach Carolyn Edlund work with photographer Matthew Cortellesi. At the start, Matthew was selling occasional photos but had no idea how to create a real business. By the end, he had a new website and an entirely new sales strategy. This episode is for anyone who makes something they love, but can't figure out how to make money doing it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pasta is a crowded space, so how did Amazon help Madalina Defta and Arash Hashemi, the husband-and-wife duo behind Kaizen Food Company, transform their vision into a thriving brand without relying on traditional marketing? In this episode, they explain how they did it: They leveraged engaging content to build a loyal clientele, refined their product that speaks to an underserved customer base, and, when faced with overwhelming demand for fulfillment and customer service, strategically pivoted to Amazon. To learn more about how Amazon is helping independent sellers succeed, visit http://sellingpartners.aboutamazon.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Erin Wade hated her job. So she created a mac & cheese restaurant called Homeroom, then rethought how every other employee should be treated. In this episode, she explains how she rethough discipline, incentives, and the working environment, and built a place that people actually want to work in. Erin's new book about this is called Mac & Cheese Millionaire. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike Maples Jr. is one fo the pioneers of seed-stage investing, and invested early in the likes of Twitter, Twitch, and Lyft. I asked him to do something a little unusual: give advice to small business owners who, instead of pitching VCs like him, are instead pitching their family and friends. His advice reveals a lot about how investors think, whether they're pros like him or just a mom or pop at home. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do you see the opportunity that others don't? That's what we discuss with Kuo Zhang, president of Alibaba.com, who has overseen a massive transformation of the company.

How do you see the opportunity that others don't? That's what we discuss with Kuo Zhang, president of Alibaba.com, who has overseen a massive transformation of the company.

Brian Lee cofounded LegalZoom, ShoeDazzle, Honest Company, and now Arena Club, and he believes a lot of conventional business wisdom is backward. Here, he shares the hidden path to founder success.

Removery had a problem: It wanted to rapidly expand and become the world's largest tattoo removal company, but it couldn't find enough tattoo removal specialists to hire. So it built a system to create its ideal employees. Here's a lesson for anyone looking to hire the right people. Removery COO Jo Kelton explains.

Are you prepared to sell your business? Even if a sale is many years away, you should start planning now — and avoid the common mistakes that devalue many other businesses. CLA managing principal of industry Brandon Knight explains why not all businesses are sellable, why you need to build a leadership team, and why it's so important to look at your impact beyond your business. This episode is brought to you by CLA — CliftonLarsonAllen LLP. See how CLA can help you, your family, and your employees prepare for the seamless transition of your business. Visit CLAconnect.com

Does self-promotion make you uncomfortable? You need to start — because if you don't talk yourself up, nobody else will! On today's episode, I offer my four rules of self-promotion, four ways to talk yourself up if you're afraid to do it, and then how to handle the inevidable haters. These are all tips from my newsletter, One Thing Better.

David Walker is the Founder of iCell Consulting LLC, a consulting firm specializing in telecommunications analysis. After a successful career in telecommunications, David decided to start the business by pursuing his skill of analyzing telephone records. Working with multiple telecommunications companies, David has helped solve over 200 criminal cases, bringing him across the country over the last decade. Listen to the Side Hustle to Small Business podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, or visit: entm.ag/hiscox

Do you know what makes your brand special? Sometimes, you're wrong — and the "special sauce" you cling to can actually be holding your company back. That's the story of HiBall, an energy drink that was struggling to gain traction... until they rethought a critical part of the brand. Sales went through the roof, and the company was sold to Anheuser-Busch. Here, HiBall cofounder Dan Craytor explains what happened.

Want to become a keynote speaker, but you're not sure how to get on stage and get paid? Katrina Mitchell has advice. She's the founder of Franchise Speakers, an agency that books speakers for franchise events, and shares how speakers can find their niche, develop their product, and start making money.

Entrepreneurs make a mistake: They often think of decisions as binary, where one answer is definitely right and the other is definitely wrong. Astrophysicist Saul Perlmutter says there's a better way to approach decisions — and it's with "probabilistic thinking," a concept that's familiar to scientists but less so to businesspeople. Today, he explains. Saul also writes about this in his new book Third Millennium Thinking.

Entrepreneurs often take on too much, so when should you say "yes" to something new? I talk about that with best-selling author Dan Heath, a busy guy who took on a new project, a great podcast called What It's Like To Be... In this episode, we discuss how to evaluate new ideas, which are worth committing to, and how to know if they're truly valuable.