Podcasts about business lunch

Segment 1: Tom Gimbel, job expert and founder of LaSalle Network, joins John to break down the current health of the labor market, the challenge of finding a job right now, what you can do if you lose your job, and how technology has impacted the labor market. Tom also offers some helpful tips if you are […]

Segment 1: Ilyce Glink, owner of Think Glink Media, joins John Williams to talk about the state of financial wellness for 2026. Segment 2: Jim Dallke, Director of Communications, TechNexus Venture Collaborative, tells John about Cameo securing an injunction against OpenAI, and how Chicago-area schools stack up at producing unicorn startup founders. Segment 3: Michael Bempah, Founder of Pinpoint […]

Segment 1: Craig Bolanos, Founder and Wealth Advisor at VestGen Wealth Partners, joins John Williams to talk about the mixed reaction from the markets after news on inflation, GDP, and SCOTUS ruling on tariffs, what all the data means for Fed policy moving forward, why expects a volatile year in the markets, the existential retirement crisis in America, […]

Segment 1: Elliot Richardson, Co-founder and President, Small Business Advocacy Council, joins John to talk about the challenges small businesses are facing when it comes to procuring affordable, quality health insurance and how the SBAC is focused on lowering the cost of health insurance. Segment 2: Scott Stein, Editor at Large, CNET, tells John about the next wave of […]

Heute reden wir mit Arif Colak, dem Geschäftsführer von Wecon Essen, über ein Netzwerk, das sagt: Kontakte sind kein Zufall – sie sind Strategie. Das WECON Netzwerk bringt seit 2018 Unternehmer und Entscheider zusammen – regional, exklusiv, bewusst ausgewählt. Kein Massen-Event. Keine 200 Leute mit lauwarmem Sekt.Sondern gezielte Vernetzung auf Augenhöhe. Pro Branche nur wenige Mitglieder. Business-Lunch statt Messestand. After-Work statt Pflichttermin Die Idee dahinter: Wer wachsen will, braucht starke Kontakte – und zwar die richtigen. Aber jetzt mal ehrlich: Ist das modernes Unternehmertum? Oder nur schicker Name für „Man kennt sich“? Und die wichtigere Frage: Wer draußen bleibt – verpasst der Chancen? Dazu gibts Karneval, nutzlose Terrorsperren und eine True Crime Story aus Bottrop, die spannender nicht sein kann. Viel Spaß.

Nationally syndicated financial columnist and author Terry Savage joins John Williams to talk about what seniors should know about this tax season. And, as always, Terry answers all of your financial questions.

Segment 1: Amy Schubert, Market leader, U.S. Bank Private Wealth Management, to talk about what we are seeing in the labor market right now, and what you can do to prepare for expected and unexpected job changes. Segment 2: Phillippe Weiss, President, Seyfarth at Work, joins John Williams to talk about why many bosses should consider ‘momentum milestones’ […]

Segment 1: Ilyce Glink, owner of Think Glink Media, and publisher of Love, Money + Real Estate on Substack, joins John Williams to talk about why existing home sales are decreasing, the reason why Gen Z and Alpha are putting their money in the stock market, and a new survey that shows many Americans are feeling financial stress. Segment […]

Segment 1:  Laura Ellis, chief strategy officer, executive vice president and president of residential sales at Baird & Warner talks about trends in a post-Super Bowl housing market. Segment 2: Emily Stewart, Senior Correspondent, Business Insider, talks about the corporate wellness boom permeating offices around the country. Segment 3: Landis Beverly, General Manager of new […]

Segment 1: Jane Oates, policy advisor and former President of Working Nation, joins John Williams to discuss the January jobs report, the top sectors where jobs were created, and her forecast for the FED. Segment 2: Scott Stein, editor at large for CNET, joins John to discuss Samsung's upcoming phone event, what most people want […]

Nationally syndicated financial columnist and author Terry Savage joins John Williams to talk about the release of the January jobs report and what that means for the economy moving forward, what we should expect from the CPI data released later this week, the impact of AI on the market and the economy. and making a return appearance already […]

Segment 1: Tom Gimbel, job expert and founder of LaSalle Network, joins John to talk about the importance of keeping your employees happy. Tom believes that if you hire great people, train them well, and treat them great, your business will be a success. Tom offers some tips for employers to make the work atmosphere great. Segment […]

Segment 1: Steven Esposito, President of Yellowstone Wealth Management in Lake Forest, joins John Williams to talk about the Dow reaching 50K, the overall health of the market, why he doesn’t think inflation will be a problem, how he expects the economy perform in the next quarter, what he expects from the jobs numbers this week, when he believes […]

Segment 1: Phillip Shaw, CFP, Senior Advisor, Goldstone Financial Group, joins Tom Gimbel to talks about why the market is soaring today, the market continuing to broaden out, the disconnect between the strong market and overall economic health, his thoughts on interest rates and Fed policy moving forward, and what we should know this tax season. Segment 2: […]

Segment 1: Julianne Olivo, Director of Public Relations, Brookfield Zoo, joins John to talk about how you can celebrate the season of love at the zoo! Julianne talks about the annual Name a Cockroach fundraiser, the ROAR-mantic Rhythms Jazz Dinner, the Glow Wild: A Lantern Festival of Hope, and much more! Segment 3: Craig Bolanos, […]

Nationally syndicated financial columnist and author Terry Savage joins John Williams to talk about how powerful business leaders need to call out social evils that are negatively impacting the world, what’s going on with the housing market right now, and if buying a house is still a good use for your money. And as always, Terry answers all […]

Segment 1: Tom Gimbel, job expert and founder of LaSalle Network, joins John to tell us the best way to apply for a job in 2026. What do you need to do to enhance your accomplishments and help you stand out? Segment 2:  Phillippe Weiss, President, Seyfarth at Work, joins John Williams to talk about the rise in […]

Segment 1: Ilyce Glink, owner of Think Glink Media, and publisher of Love, Money + Real Estate on Substack, joins John Williams to talk about affordability and what that term actually means, and why more people are struggling to pay their mortgage. Segment 2: Jim Dallke, Director of Communications, TechNexus Venture Collaborative, tells John about a startup called When raised […]

Segment 1: Tom Fortino, Founder and Principal, Alpha Wealth Group, and host of “The Alpha Wealth Hour” on WGN Radio, joins John to talk about President Trump’s pick for the new Chairman of the Federal Reserve, why the market has taken a bit of dip, what’s going on with gold prices, why tax refunds are going […]

Segment 1: Albert Friedman, Chairman and CEO, Friedman Properties, joins John Williams to talk about the work they do, the importance of preserving historical landmarks, why hospitality is a critical component of their business, the role that art and culture play in development, the various type of properties they own, the biggest challenges they face […]

Nationally syndicated financial columnist and author Terry Savage joins John Williams to talk about the S&P reaching an all-time high, the possibility of a government shutdown, earnings continuing to be strong, what will likely happen with the Fed and interest rates, and why consumer confidence is so low. Also joining Terry and John today is Erik Norland, Executive Director […]

Segment 1: Mitch Petterson, GM Emergency Services Outreach Leader, joins John to give us the ABC’s of winter driving safety. Segment 2: Phillip Shaw, CFP, Senior Advisor, Goldstone Financial Group, joins John Williams to talk about what he expects the Fed to do with interest rates this week, his general outlook for interest rate cuts this year, why […]

Segment 1: Paul Nolte, Senior Wealth Advisor and Market Strategist, Murphy & Sylvest, joins John to talk about the numbers he is looking at this week, if he expects there will be any move on interest rates this week, his thoughts on the price of gold, the status of tariffs, and the sectors he’s most positive on […]

Segment 1: Steven Esposito, President of Yellowstone Wealth Management in Lake Forest, joins John Williams to talk about the highs and lows of the stock market this week, why it’s healthy to see a market pullback from time to time, what he expects to happen with interest rates in 2026, how taxes are impacted the economy, what is […]

Segment 1: Michael Edwards, President and CEO, Chicago Loop Alliance, talks to John about Chicago Loop Alliance's State of the Loop quarterly report details for the 4th quarter of 2025.  Segment 2:  Scott Stein, Editor at Large, CNET, tells John about how Apple may be making an AI wearable pin for 2027, and why Starlink expansion is raising concerns. […]

Nationally syndicated financial columnist and author Terry Savage joins John Williams to talk about President Trump’s speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, how Trump’s remarks about Greenland has impacted the stock market, what’s going on with the price of gold, and her recommendations for your portfolio.

Segment 1: Tom Gimbel, job expert and founder of LaSalle Network, joins John to tell us his final thoughts on the Bears season, the leadership that Ben Johnson showed throughout the year, and what you should know if you are negotiating for a new job. Segment 2:  Phillippe Weiss, President, Seyfarth at Work, joins John Williams to talk […]

Segment 1: Craig Bolanos, Founder and Wealth Advisor at VestGen Wealth Partners, joins John Williams to explain why he believes 2026 will be a good year for the market, the attacks on Fed independence, the streak of positive economic data, the importance of a diversified portfolio, and what he’s telling his clients right now. Segment 2: Carl […]

Segment 1: Steven Esposito, President of Yellowstone Wealth Management in Lake Forest, joins John Williams to talk about the green on the market screen today, why he’s encouraged that the market is broadening out, the numbers on the economy being positive, and the importance of diversifying your portfolio. Segment 2: Scott Stein, Editor at Large, CNET, tells John about […]

Nationally syndicated financial columnist and author Terry Savage joins John Williams to talk about the economy and the market expectations for 2026. Terry and John are joined by the always engaging money expert Dr. Bob Froehlich, who gives his annual prediction for where he predicts the Dow will close at the end of the year. Dr. Bob also shares his […]

Segment 1: Tom Gimbel, job expert and founder of LaSalle Network, joins John to talk about the importance of good leadership, how good leaders are able to successfully manage talent, the controversy surrounding Bears coach Ben Johnson using profanity in the locker room, and the labor and business stories that he’s paying attention to in 2026. Go […]

Segment 1: Faron Daugs, CFP, Founder and CEO, Harrison Wallace Financial Group, joins John to talk about his expectations for the market for 2026, President Trump's call to cap credit card rates for one year at 10%, the Department of Justice opening a criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, his outlook for Fed policy this […]

Nationally syndicated financial columnist and author Terry Savage joins John Williams to talk about 2025 stock market performance and what to expect from the market in 2026. Also joining the show this week is James Stack, Founder and CEO, Stack Financial Management, who tells John and Terry why he believes the market is overvalued.

In This Episode of Business Lunch, Roland Frasier and Ryan Deiss reflect on the challenges and lessons learned from 2025, emphasizing the disappearance of confidence in business, the importance of profit over margin, and the transformative role of AI. They discuss the need for simplified processes, the significance of content as an asset, and the importance of building systems for predictability as they look ahead to 2026.Chapters00:00 Year in Review: Reflecting on 202502:58 The Disappearance of Confidence05:53 Economic Indicators and Market Behavior08:56 The Shift from Trust to Proof12:03 Profitability Over Margin Percentage14:53 AI as a Team Member: A Paradigm Shift18:07 Transformative AI Applications in Business23:52 Leveraging AI Protocols for Efficiency30:10 Implementing Systems for Business Success35:03 From Momentum to Inevitability38:44 Rethinking Business Events and Resources42:21 Simplifying Processes for Better PerformanceConnect with me on social:TikTok: Check out my TikTok HereInstagram: Check out my Instagram HereFacebook: Check out my Facebook HereLinkedIn: Check out my LinkedIn HereSubscribe to my YouTube

Segment 1: Brad Henderson, CEO, P33, joins John Williams to talk about why he’s excited about Chicago’s tech landscape in 2026. Segment 2: Scott Stein, Editor at Large, CNET, tells John about the best things he saw at CES 2026. Segment 3: Mitch Lyons, founder of Mitch Lyons Wealth, joins John to talk about retirement […]

In This Episode of Business Lunch, Roland and Sarah dig into why most business failures aren't actually motivation problems—they're friction problems. They explore how accidental complexity in your systems quietly kills performance, why transparency in pricing beats "customized solutions," and how mapping out every step of a process reveals the hidden friction that's sabotaging adoption. Sarah pushes back on whether removing friction just accommodates laziness, leading to a nuanced discussion about intentional versus accidental friction. They cover real examples from CRM adoption to project management tools to sales processes, and debate when systems should adapt to people versus when people should adapt to systems. The core insight: if your strategy requires people to "try harder," your system is poorly designed. Includes practical advice on friction audits and why starting small beats trying to redesign everything at once.Connect with me on social:TikTok: Check out my TikTok HereInstagram: Check out my Instagram HereFacebook: Check out my Facebook HereLinkedIn: Check out my LinkedIn HereSubscribe to my YouTube

Segment 1: Phillip Shaw, CFP, Senior Advisor, Goldstone Financial Group, joins John Williams to talk about the market rally to begin the year, why the market continues to perform so well, what he thinks of the situation in Venezuela and the impact on the market, the job market continuing to cool, what that means for interest rates […]

Segment 1: Tom Gimbel, job expert and founder of LaSalle Network, joins John to talk about the outlook for the 2026 labor market, and how that will impact the economy overall. Segment 2: Philippe Weiss, President, Seyfarth at Work, joins John to talk about 2026 being a year for a ‘union resurgence.’ Segment 3: Michael Miller, Economics Professor, Western Washington […]

Segment 1: Ilyce Glink, owner of Think Glink Media, joins John Williams to talk about why the market is rallying today and to break down the biggest 2026 real estate trends. Segment 2: Jim Dallke, Director of Communications, TechNexus Venture Collaborative, tells John about Groupon working on their rebound story, and Uber being in talks to acquire Chicago parking app […]

Segment 1: Steven Esposito, President of Yellowstone Wealth Management in Lake Forest, joins John to talk about the spectacular market returns for the last few years, why he’s happy that the market is broadening, why it’s likely that interest rates will continue to fall, if there is any concern about inflation, the importance of a broad based […]

Nationally syndicated financial columnist and author Terry Savage joins John Williams to answer listener questions and talk about the end of the year!

Segment 1 & 2: Tom Gimbel, job expert and founder of LaSalle Network, joins John to talk about year-end reviews, starting 2026 off on the right foot, and how journaling you wins and losses professionally can help your career. Segment 3: Paul Nolte, Senior Wealth Advisor and Market Strategist, Murphy & Sylvest, joins John to discuss inflation, market […]

Segment 1: Ilyce Glink, owner of Think Glink Media, joins John Williams to unpack why 2025 has been so punishing for first-time home buyers, how soaring prices, tight inventory, all-cash offers and lagging new construction are reshaping the market for buyers. Segment 2: Segment 2: Elliot Richardson, Co-founder and President, Small Business Advocacy Council, joins John to talk about Chicago's City […]

Nationally syndicated financial columnist and author Terry Savage joins John Williams to talk about her latest column and the stock market rallying to end the year. And, as always, she answers questions from listeners.

Nationally syndicated financial columnist and author Terry Savage joins John Williams to talk about her latest column and the stock market rallying to end the year. And, as always, she answers questions from listeners.

In This Episode of Business Lunch, we unpack why the real power in AI isn't the model itself—but the protocols wrapped around it. Even advanced AI systems still get things wrong 15–20% of the time, which makes unchecked automation a serious business risk. The winners aren't chasing smarter models; they're building structured decision systems that catch errors, manage leverage, and define when humans step in.We explore how companies use tools like RAG and multi-layer “triple-check” frameworks to dramatically reduce AI error rates, why stabilizing decision-making must come before accelerating it, and how operating leverage—done right—can either amplify profits or protect downside. The big takeaway: well-designed AI protocols are becoming a new form of intellectual property, increasing predictability, transferability, and valuation by creating true founder-independent businesses.In short, the future advantage isn't faster AI—it's better thinking systems.Connect with me on social:TikTok: Check out my TikTok HereInstagram: Check out my Instagram HereFacebook: Check out my Facebook HereLinkedIn: Check out my LinkedIn HereSubscribe to my YouTube

In This Episode of Business Lunch, join Ryan Deiss and I in this enlightening episode of Business Lunch, where they delve into the often overlooked yet crucial topic of accounting and finance. We discuss how entrepreneurial optimism can clash with the harsh realities of financial reporting. Learn how to navigate these challenges and foster a productive relationship with your CFO to ensure your company's financial health.Timestamps:00:00 – Entrepreneurial Optimism vs. Financial Realism01:36 – Why Accounting Reporting Shapes Company Culture02:37 – Switching from Cash to Accrual Accounting03:17 – When Financial Reports Become Depressing05:41 – Fixing the Reporting Process08:29 – Avoiding Obstacles: A Common Entrepreneurial Pitfall09:54 – Support Your Team… or Change It12:19 – Leadership's Role in Financial Clarity17:34 – Preparing for Exit & Upgrading the Finance Team20:17 – Why Accounting Method Changes Can Distort Profit27:03 – Restructuring Contracts to Fix Revenue Recognition31:54 – Challenging Accounting Assumptions37:15 – The Importance of Cash Flow Over Profit40:54 – Don't Let Accounting Wag the Dog43:10 – Final Thoughts & OutroConnect with me on social:TikTok: Check out my TikTok HereInstagram: Check out my Instagram HereFacebook: Check out my Facebook HereLinkedIn: Check out my LinkedIn HereSubscribe to my YouTube

In this episode of Business Lunch, we walk you through the ins and outs of managing business finances. We explain the potential pitfalls of keeping more than a month's worth of operating expenses in the account. We explain how that can lead to complacency and unnecessary spending. We also explain how business can cover unexpected events and tricky payroll situations, like those pesky months with three payroll cycles or prepaying for holidays. We go beyond the glamor of being an entrepreneur to the real details behind the scenes.Highlights:"We're very big on lifestyle and freedom and all those kinds of things. But it's also important to acknowledge that it's not a perfect situation very often.""There are times when things are absolutely amazing. And there's times when things could frankly be a hell of a lot better. And I think that's called life. I think that's called entrepreneurship""If we're buying a business, I hate the agreement part. I love negotiation and strategy. But when it comes to reading a 75-page document, I just absolutely can't stand it."Timestamps:00:00 - Operating Account Insight01:15 - Personal Calendar Reflection02:15 - Acknowledging Imperfections03:15 - Loving Strategy but Hating Legal Work06:52 - The Reality of Entrepreneurship07:39 - Cyclicality in Business08:54 - Handling Excess Profit10:20 - Minimum Operating Reserve10:37 - Importance of Operational Cash10:44 - Prepaying Payroll ChallengesConnect with me on social:TikTok: Check out my TikTok HereInstagram: Check out my Instagram HereFacebook: Check out my Facebook HereLinkedIn: Check out my LinkedIn HereSubscribe to my YouTube

In this episode of Business Lunch, we dive into extreme leverage—how solo founders are building multi-million dollar businesses with basically zero headcount. We break down the playbook: finding expensive problems, validating demand before writing code, and letting AI handle the execution. We also cover the risks, the new KPIs that matter, and the vision of one founder running a portfolio of micro businesses on a single AI-driven back office.Chapters00:00 Building a Billion Dollar AI Company Alone13:18 Leveraging AI for Business Solutions13:45 Redefining Roles in the Age of AISpecial AnnouncementAfter 5 years of teaching entrepreneurs how to build, buy, and sell companies, I'm retiring all Epic courses and educational content permanently. This isn't because they didn't work, thousands have built real wealth with these frameworks, but because AI, capital markets, and collaboration have changed the game. I'm shifting from teaching deals to doing deals. Want access to everything before it disappears forever? This is your last chance to grab 5 years of proven frameworks, strategies, and training materials before they're gone for good. See the full story and whats going into the vault here: Go to the vaultConnect with me on social:TikTok: Check out my TikTok HereInstagram: Check out my Instagram HereFacebook: Check out my Facebook HereLinkedIn: Check out my LinkedIn HereSubscribe to my YouTube

In this episode of Business Lunch, we dive into the critical 90 to 100-day period following a private equity acquisition, emphasizing the need for rapid, auditable value creation. It outlines a strategic framework for CFOs, detailing tactical moves to achieve immediate financial impact while integrating lean thinking principles to eliminate waste and enhance operational efficiency. The discussion also highlights the importance of human behavior in executing these strategies effectively.Chapters00:00 The Critical 90-Day Sprint10:05 Strategic Framework for CFOs18:37 Tactical Moves for Immediate ImpactSpecial AnnouncementAfter 5 years of teaching entrepreneurs how to build, buy, and sell companies, I'm retiring all Epic courses and educational content permanently. This isn't because they didn't work, thousands have built real wealth with these frameworks, but because AI, capital markets, and collaboration have changed the game. I'm shifting from teaching deals to doing deals. Want access to everything before it disappears forever? This is your last chance to grab 5 years of proven frameworks, strategies, and training materials before they're gone for good. See the full story and whats going into the vault here: Go to the vaultConnect with me on social:TikTok: Check out my TikTok HereInstagram: Check out my Instagram HereFacebook: Check out my Facebook HereLinkedIn: Check out my LinkedIn HereSubscribe to my YouTube