The Startup Sessions with Michael Knouse

There was a time in my life when working as a successful software sales executive looked good from the outside but I felt like something was missing. This set me on a journey of discovering more meaningful work – the path that led me to where I am today. In this reflective episode, I break down the 5 turning points ... The post Episode 199: Are You Living In Your Zone of Genius? first appeared on Michael Knouse.

Becki Saltzman, Chief Curiosity Seeker and founder of Applied Curiosity Lab, is on a quest to create as many good thinkers as possible. She is an expert at helping leaders tap into the art and science of curiosity and critical thinking – to capture hidden insights, spot decision traps, and avoid being blindsided by cognitive biases & unexamined assumptions.  If ... The post Episode 198: Will Critical Thinking Make You A Better Entrepreneur? first appeared on Michael Knouse.

Coaching is a unique kind of business and this episode explores how Ben Easter grew his coaching business very quickly by keeping things simple and focusing on fine-tuning his enrollment and sales process.   Ben brings an infectious energy to this thing we call “coaching” and I'm so excited to feature his unique story and style. You'll hear how he went […] The post Episode 197: From Broken To Breakthrough first appeared on Michael Knouse.

Entrepreneurship is alive and well and Michael Riscica is here to prove it! Michael completely bootstrapped his business from scratch, starting it as a side-hustle while working full time as a licensed architect. Today Michael has the fastest growing coaching community for young architects. In this episode, you'll learn the 4 main elements of Michael's thriving business, the importance of […] The post Episode 196: When Your Community Becomes Your Strongest Asset first appeared on Michael Knouse.

Patrick Galvin is the master of building strong relationships and cultivating trust, or as I like to call it, building social capital. Patrick is the co-founder of The Galvanizing Group which he founded with his wife in 2002. Since that time, he's transitioned his business from a speaking company to a learning company.  In this episode, you'll learn how Patrick […] The post Episode 195: How a key pivot supercharged the impact, opportunity, and growth for this mission-driven entrepreneur first appeared on Michael Knouse.

Rena Meloy and Ryan Kenny are the co-founders of Pause Meditation. They are profoundly inspired to help others make space each day to pause. In this episode, we dive into what inspires them, how their business has changed over the past few months, and what it's been like to navigate changes in their business during a global pandemic. HIGHLIGHTS OF […] The post Episode 194: How To Turn Adversity Into Opportunity with Rena Meloy and Ryan Kenny first appeared on Michael Knouse.

Ken Marshall is the CEO and Chief Strategist at Doorbell Digital Marketing. He and his team help B2B SaaS and Professional Service brands scale-up their inbound lead generation and so much more. He's also a husband, lover of creative side hustles, and a big fan of the outdoors. Ken is here for a few reasons. He is a brilliant entrepreneur […] The post Episode 193: Doubled Revenue During a Pandemic, with Ken Marshall first appeared on Michael Knouse.

“One of the ways you can build trust and credibility in the sales process is to show empathy.” In this episode, Liston Witherill and I are discussing one of the least understood and maybe most important qualities for having a thriving service business. We're going to discuss scaling beyond referrals and why selling should be an ethical and a win-win […] The post Episode 192: How To Enjoy Sales, Even If You Think You Hate Selling, with Liston Witherill first appeared on Michael Knouse.

“When you build something you love being a part of, then you find other people love being a part of it too.” What if you could combine your passions and share them with others in a way that puts a smile on their face every day? My guest for this episode is Mikki Trowbridge, the founder of Yoga + Beer […] The post Episode 191: Finding the Joy In Your Journey with Mikki Trowbridge first appeared on Michael Knouse.

“Entrepreneurs get into business because they are problem solvers.”  How many of us wish we had a community of entrepreneurs to grow with and learn from? In this episode I'm talking with Tara McMullin, CEO of CoCommercial. Tara is a community-based business advocate and is on a mission to turn today's small business owners into tomorrow's economic powerhouses. She'll share […] The post Episode 189: Cultivating Community by Empowering Others with Tara McMullin first appeared on Michael Knouse.

“You didn't do anything wrong just because you end up feeling stuck!”  Do you want to be a thought leader?  I'm talking with Jason Van Orden to get his ninja level expertise on the subject of thought leadership.  He'll also share what to do when you outgrow your business model, how to get beyond the hustle, and the difference between […] The post Episode 188: The Thought Leader Dilemma with Jason Van Orden first appeared on Michael Knouse.

“How do I scale what I know and not just what I do?”  Today's guest is Douglas Bertram, CEO and owner of Structural Elements®, an orthopedic wellness clinic that provides the highest standard of care using his proprietary treatment approach. He has been practicing orthopedic wellness for over 20 years and has scaled his clinical success and proprietary framework into […] The post Episode 187: How To Make A Great Living While Making A Difference with Douglas Bertram first appeared on Michael Knouse.

“There are two problems within every problem. There's the actual problem, and there's how you deal with the problem. Unhappy couples and happy couples have these same problems; the difference between those relationships is how they deal with the problem.” Today I'm talking with Kyle Benson, an expert at applying research methods to repair relationships, heal wounds, and strengthen bonds […] The post Episode 186: The Role of Healthy Relationships for Entrepreneurs with Kyle Benson first appeared on Michael Knouse.

“It's been said to death, but it couldn't be more true. The combination of the group of people you serve and the result you give to them has got to be crystal clear and very, very specific.” Meet Matthew Kimberley… the Entrepreneur's Secret Weapon. He helps entrepreneurs all over the world to sell with more sophistication and he's an expert […] The post Episode 185: How To Make Your Business Stand Out with Matthew Kimberley first appeared on Michael Knouse.

“As you increase the profitability of your services, you free up your time and you free up your life.” What if you could work fewer hours while making more money? Pia Silva will describe how to do just that! Pia is a partner and brand strategist at Badass Your Brand and Worst of All Design. She is also a Forbes Contributor and author. Pia […] The post Episode 184: Learn How To Fall in Love with Your Business Again with Pia Silva first appeared on Michael Knouse.

“I think being a married, working mom raising children, what I didn't realize was that as good as I was at what I did and getting lots of things done, what I was lacking and didn't know I was lacking for many years was connecting and being really present.” Erin Koss is the CEO and Founder of Syte Consulting Group, […] The post Episode 183: How Greater Self-Awareness Produced 5X Growth and More Time Off with Erin Koss first appeared on Michael Knouse.

“Thoughtful givers are very smart about thinking through what is going to be useful, and giving based on the information as opposed to just giving for the sake of giving.” Michael Roderick is an expert connector with a passion for helping thoughtful givers become thought leaders. His practical advice on connection, collaboration, and investing in relationships will help you learn […] The post Episode 182: Becoming An Impactful Influencer with Michael Roderick first appeared on Michael Knouse.

“Anybody can be a connector. It is a mindset and a framework for life, not a series of undefinable traits.” Networking is a word that many of us hate; it brings to mind slimy interactions that don't feel genuine, and looking at people as a means to an end. Scott Gerber is passionate about overhauling our ideas ABOUT networking, and […] The post Episode 181: How To Become a Superconnector, With Scott Gerber first appeared on Michael Knouse.

“[With servant leadership] You philosophically turn the pyramid upside down and you work for your people. Your job is to help them win.” Ken Blanchard is the authority on leadership and management in the workplace, and we're diving into what servant leadership looks like, from both a managerial and entrepreneurial perspective. Ken breaks down what leadership is and isn't, how […] The post Episode 180: Do You Lead By Serving? With Ken Blanchard first appeared on Michael Knouse.

“I need to think like a business owner!” How many of us have felt this way? Today I'm talking with Jacqueline Fisch, a copywriter, editor, and author from Chicago. We're diving into Jacqueline's journey from being laid off three times, to making a name for herself as a successful entrepreneur and freelancer. Jacqueline will be talking about how to set boundaries […] The post Episode 179: How To Go From Side-Hustle To Thriving Business Without Losing Your Sanity With Jacqueline Fisch first appeared on Michael Knouse.

“Go door to door, make it happen, good luck!” Raise your hand if you've heard this advice about prospecting for new clients. Cold calls, knocking on doors, word-of-mouth – these techniques may have worked in the past, but today I'm talking with Jason Bay, who has some NEW and improved advice about connecting with clients and growing your business. Jason […] The post Episode 178: Sales Prospecting Made Easy with Jason Bay first appeared on Michael Knouse.

“I should do that, but I just don't know how!” How many of us entrepreneurs have said this? I'm talking with Josh Haynam today, co-founder of Interact Quiz Builder, about his repeatable system that anyone can use to go from a novice to an expert through simple practice. He's used this exact system to become a guest on over 100 podcasts and […] The post Episode 177: How to Become an Expert at Anything with Josh Haynam first appeared on Michael Knouse.

What would your life & business look like if you were completely aligned with your deepest purpose and you followed your life's calling? Visionary empath and integrative healer, Danielle LaRock, joins me to discuss the importance of blending a strong, tactically-sound business strategy with wholeness and true alignment. Danielle dishes on the effects of “Shaman Sickness” and the realization that friction in your […] The post Episode 176: Suffering is Optional with Danielle LaRock first appeared on Michael Knouse.

It's a new year! In this episode, we stop comparing bigger income with less time freedom and hear the importance of getting fully aligned with our ideal business! Stephanie Hayes, Serial Entrepreneur & Business Strategist, rolls up her sleeves with me to discuss her process to maximize time & energy as an entrepreneur. My first guest of 2018 joins me for an […] The post Episode 175: Designing a Business That You'll Love with Stephanie Hayes first appeared on Michael Knouse.

Is your message ringing crystal clear with the world? Are you communicating the VERY best version of YOU with the world? An impactful message is not only a necessity for your audience, but also for YOU. This week's podcast guest, Amanda Johnson, joins me to discuss how important it is for impact-driven entrepreneurs to powerfully rewrite their stories and clarify […] The post Episode 174: Your Story Matters: How To Craft a Mindful Message that Connects – with Amanda Johnson first appeared on Michael Knouse.

I'm out of the studio this week, so we took Episode 173 on the road to a cafe in Northern California. Certified Life Coach, mother of two spirited little girls, and simplification expert, Ashley Gartland, joins me to explore why saying “yes” to too much slows your business down, how & why to focus on less, not more, and why […] The post Episode 173: How To Grow Your Business by Doing Less with Ashley Gartland first appeared on Michael Knouse.

Most entrepreneurs are earning far less than they deserve to be making and are working far harder than they should be. Why?! This week's episode focuses on the vital questions we must – as entrepreneurs – answer, in order to create a scalable business that will give us the impact, lifestyle and freedom we're searching for. Why will some entrepreneurs […] The post Episode 172: Four Things Keeping You from Having More Impact, Lifestyle and Freedom first appeared on Michael Knouse.

This year has been filled with many firsts and many lessons learned. I know, I know… the year isn't over yet, but I wanted to share some of the most valuable business lessons that I've learned so far. This episode is short, 11-minutes, and there are some nuggets that have truly helped my business become more sustainable and FUN!  Show Highlights Lesson #1: […] The post Episode 171: The 5 Best Business Lessons I've Learned This Year first appeared on Michael Knouse.

We're shaking it up, listeners! For the first time in 170 episodes, I've got a co-host!  Danielle Ewalt, Business Strategist & Council of Visionary Business Builders member, sits down with me to discuss the various business models available to self-funded, independent entrepreneurs.  Which model is right for you?  Danielle and I dissect each of these models and provide insightful perspectives […] The post Episode 170: How To Choose Your Breakthrough Business Model with Danielle Ewalt & Michael Knouse first appeared on Michael Knouse.

Not just anyone is willing to quit their job in the pursuit of their dream, especially without having a contingency plan to fall back on. But this week's guest did just that! Sarah Jones is the founder of Introverted Alpha and she describes how relying on naive confidence ultimately led her to a six-figure business. She also opens up about […] The post Episode 169: Love and Vulnerability: Finding Freedom Through Facing the Truth with Sarah Jones first appeared on Michael Knouse.

Ian Pratt, community builder and founder of The Weller Society, joins me this week. He shares what it means to find your ‘unfair advantage' and how to use it as a force for good. Together we explore ways to expect unexpected obstacles and the importance of keeping on no matter the conditions, as well as the benefits of staying true […] The post Episode 168: Building a Business Around Your Unfair Advantage with Ian Pratt first appeared on Michael Knouse.

Conscious entrepreneur and law geek extraordinaire, Melissa Jaffe, joins me this week to discuss the importance of using business as a means to create the life you love through blissfulness. With her experience as a yoga instructor and passion for the law, Melissa has founded Blissness School – a unique offering designed to guide business owners to a deeper level of consciousness. Committed […] The post Episode 167: Empowering the Conscious Entrepreneur with Melissa Jaffe first appeared on Michael Knouse.

The Superwoman Episode! I talk with speaker, change agent, author, and entrepreneur Jessica Williams who is in the midst of creating a movement!  Jessica joins me to share her powerful perspective of building a project and sharing the lessons that entrepreneurs need to hear when facing adversity.  From the rural south to her sight-unseen move to L.A. with $800 in her […] The post Episode 166: Step Into Your Power, Stand In Your Truth with Jessica Williams first appeared on Michael Knouse.

Business genius and fifth-generation entrepreneur Kedma Ough returns to The Startup Sessions!  Kedma joins me for an honest, straightforward conversation on how to get laser-focused in your business despite the ‘curse' of having so many options of what to work on daily! Kedma shares the two powerful perspectives that she starts every morning with, how this propels her forward, as well as […] The post Episode 165: How To Become Your Own Business Superhero with Kedma Ough first appeared on Michael Knouse.

Cameron Madill joins me to share something he's very passionate about – understanding the B Corp movement and how it's redefining success in business. Cameron dissects this new and important twist on capitalism and helps us understand the importance of B Corps in today's economy. This week's podcast is FULL of specific steps on how you can measure impact and begin using your business as […] The post Episode 164: How To Use Business As A Force For Good with Cameron Madill first appeared on Michael Knouse.

This week's discussion is like none other! Jessica Eley shares her personal journey of entrepreneurship while demonstrating that the road to business success doesn't have to be so bumpy. She also helps answer the question; “What does it mean to detach your self-worth from your financial success?” Jessica describes the importance of finding a balance between focusing on your goal […] The post Episode 163: You're Meant for Something Bigger, So Why Do You Feel Stuck? first appeared on Michael Knouse.

What do you do when your bank account is minus $40 and what you've tried up until now hasn't worked? Throw in the towel? Not so, says Allen Brouwer of BestSelfCo! Allen and I discuss how to dig into your business with focus and clarity and leverage outside resources to ensure that you are operating in your zone of genius. […] The post Episode 162: Bouncing Back From Adversity to Find Business Success with Allen Brouwer first appeared on Michael Knouse.

On the podcast this week I have Yasmin Nguyen of Vibrance Global. He dishes on practicing “weekly retirement” to replenish himself and asks “what if you operated your impact-driven business from a place of gratitude and appreciation?” I sit down with Yasmin to discuss how to rid ourselves of fear and neediness and instead drive towards happiness, community and truly […] The post Episode 161: Growing Your Business Through Practicing Gratitude with Yasmin Nguyen first appeared on Michael Knouse.

This week I sit down with a successful startup founder and professional IRONMAN athlete to discuss the lessons from his 25-year track record in entrepreneurship. Matt Given gives us real-talk on the “healthy” side of obsession, finding patience to make a startup a successful and inevitably, how to reach true domination of your market!  Matt brings a fantastic reminder to […] The post Episode 160: How to Harness Your Obsession, Do the Easy Things Right, and Dominate Your Market with Matt Given first appeared on Michael Knouse.

A mission-driven business starts by leading from your soul. Priscilla Stephan helps us realize the power behind Leading From Your Soul and connecting your business to YOU – your values, your priorities, your ‘soul blueprint'. Once you allow your true nature to shine through your business, you'll experience the results you've been craving with greater ease and flow. Highlights of […] The post Episode 159: Bring Joy into Your Business and Create Powerful Change with Priscilla Stephan first appeared on Michael Knouse.

MeiMei Fox brings her passion for purpose-driven entrepreneurs to the forefront as she joins me on this week's podcast.  MeiMei unveils the direct impact you can have by connecting your purpose with your business and how this can immediately set you apart from others. MeiMei's vibrant spirit and robust insight of purpose, and philanthropy-driven entrepreneurs remind us to start by […] The post Episode 158: Committing to a Purpose-Driven Business with MeiMei Fox first appeared on Michael Knouse.

About 101(ish) times per month someone asks me… “What do you think of my business idea? (explains the idea)…what do you think and any advice?” And I totally understand the question. But my advice is always the same 100% of the time: Execution. I have no idea if your idea is amazing or terrible, but what it comes down to […] The post Episode 157: What Nobody Tells You About Being An Entrepreneur first appeared on Michael Knouse.

Vanessa Van Edwards provides her science-backed blueprint for hacking human behavior.  She explains no matter how ‘good' you are, if you don't know how to pitch your room, bond with clients, or if you lack negotiation and interview skills, you will always miss the most fundamental part of the sale. Vanessa, puzzle hunter and large scale real-life experience investigator, brought […] The post Episode 156: Death to Your Sales Pitch – Decoding Human Behavior with Vanessa Van Edwards first appeared on Michael Knouse.

Photo credit: Amy Rollo Being an entrepreneur can sometimes feel like an overwhelming task. There's constant challenges, distractions and obstacles to overcome. Visionary entrepreneur, Jill Knouse, has built her business on a foundation of love, joy and purpose. It's her persistent commitment to leading from the heart that has allowed Jill to create a thriving business that's aligned with her […] The post Episode 155: Creating Impact, Joy and Harmony with Jill Knouse first appeared on Michael Knouse.

Kristin Fritz has a message for you: You are here to live a creative, joyous life guided by love and purpose. Kristin believes that each of us has a contribution to make. A unique way of showing up in the world in a meaningful way. Yet the demands of work, life and family can pull us away from our purpose. […] The post Episode 154: Finding Meaning Through Mindfulness with Kristin Fritz first appeared on Michael Knouse.

Some things in life cannot be fixed. And if something in your life has blown up, the last thing you want is someone trying to cheer you up or tell you that everything is going to be okay. Today's discussion is about dealing with the raw pain and emotion of things not working out as planned. It's about telling the […] The post Episode 153: What to Do When Life Gets Messy with Megan Devine first appeared on Michael Knouse.

Have you ever committed to more than you can handle? Too many business builders wreck their chances of success by spreading their energy too thin and attempting to accomplish too much at once. Understanding this challenge has allowed Dorie Clark to simplify her goal setting and optimize her impact. She discusses how our ability to master the right kind of […] The post Episode 152: The Danger of Taking on Too Many Goals by Dorie Clark first appeared on Michael Knouse.

Running a successful business doesn't happen by sitting on the sidelines. It's about getting in the game. Ciara Pressler shares her winning strategies for turning vision into action and giving you the guidance, support, and connections you need to move forward. Even those of us who are bravely following our dreams need consistent support. We need advice, encouragement, and community. […] The post Episode 151: Create Your Winning Game Plan with Ciara Pressler first appeared on Michael Knouse.

Sean Ogle went from working 60 hours a week as a financial analyst to operating his own business while traveling the world. In this episode, Sean will share his three-step process for building a lifestyle business – the same process he's now taught thousands of other people. “Is it riskier to stay in the job that you're unhappy with or […] The post Episode 150: How to Thrive as a Lifestyle Entrepreneur with Sean Ogle first appeared on Michael Knouse.

Have you ever wrestled with the idea that you're not quite ready yet? Maybe you'll “be ready” to sign the deal, say YES to the opportunity, write the book, start the organization when you've FINALLY got the degree, lost the weight, received the promotion, made the move, found the right partner…you can fill in your own blank here. That's your Impostor […] The post Episode 149: The 12 Big Lies We Tell Ourselves with Tanya Geisler first appeared on Michael Knouse.