Podcasts about grow your business

How does a real estate powerhouse and two-time Survivor competitor master the art of leading under pressure and thriving in high-stakes scenarios? Dive into the mindset and strategies of Quintavius Burdette, who's conquered the boardroom and the island, as he shares his secrets to planning, prioritizing, and executing under challenging conditions. Discover how to reset and recharge daily, manage a bustling real estate portfolio with a young family, and stay laser-focused on your goals. If you're ready to level up your leadership and personal discipline, this Start With a Win episode with Adam Contos is your game plan for winning.Quintavius “Q” Burdette is a high-performing real estate leader, former Division I athlete, and nationally recognized reality TV competitor known for his relentless drive and competitive edge.  Originally from Senatobia, Mississippi, Q grew up in a large family where he developed the grit and discipline that would define his success. He went on to compete in both football and track at Ole Miss before taking a bold leap into real estate.Today, he's a top-producing RE/MAX agent, leading a high-volume business and earning a reputation for hustle and results. Many also recognize Q from his standout appearances on Survivor, where his fearless, strategic mindset made him one of the most talked-about contestants.  Whether in business or competition, Q lives by a simple principle: bet on yourself, stay adaptable, and never back down from a challenge.00:00 Intro02:42  Leadership Lessons…07:20 Don't have time, you sure?11:10 Everyone, Needs to be able to set this…15:40 How to compete every day!19:30 How do you want your story?21:30 Mindsets and Systems to be the best!26:39 To grow your business you must know this!!!29:50 Oh it has changed…===========================Subscribe and Listen to the Start With a Win Podcast HERE:

What if your business could reduce costs, improve efficiency, and make a positive impact on the world at the same time? In this conversation, entrepreneur and sustainability advocate Anand Verma shares his journey from India to the UK, building businesses at the intersection of technology, AI, and environmental responsibility. Along the way, he reveals why sustainability isn't just good for the planet—it's a smart business strategy. You'll learn how clear communication, intentional leadership, and a growth mindset can help entrepreneurs navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and create lasting success. Whether you're a small business owner, aspiring entrepreneur, or simply curious about the future of business, this episode will challenge the way you think about profitability, innovation, and impact. About Anand Verma In 2019, Anand made a commitment to fighting climate change issues and applying the power of design, data and AI to take actions. Anand is the Founder and CEO of ExpectAI and is committed to helping companies decarbonise, profitably with the power of big data and AI. Learn more about ExpectAI website Connect with Anand on LinkedIn   If you enjoyed this episode, make sure and give us a five star rating  and leave us a comment on iTunes   CONNECT WITH CHRISTINA! Instagram LinkedIn Christinalecuyer.com Book a Free Clarity Call Book Christina For Your Next Workshop

Almost two years ago, I heard 10-time Moth GrandSLAM winner and novelist Matthew Dicks share his storytelling secrets on the Knowledge Project Podcast with Shane Parrish. Then, I listened to entire the 2-hour podcast again, it was that good! I've now listened to this interview three times!I wanted to share 3 storytelling tips from the episode to help you craft compelling stories for your MBA applications.TopicsIntroduction (0:00)Story is Change over Time (3:00)The Architecture of Story: How to Structure your Stories (12:45)Beginnings: Give Them a Reason to Listen (15:10)How to Maintain Interest: Stakes, Suspense, Surprise (17:00)Summarizing Key Takeaways (22:30)Show NotesThe Knowledge Project Podcast: How to Become a Master Storyteller (and IMPOSSIBLE to Ignore)Storyworthy: Engage, Teach, Persuade, and Change Your Life through the Power of Storytelling by Matthew DicksStories Sell: Storyworthy Strategies to Grow Your Business and Brand by Matthew Dicks#113 Nobody Wants to Read Your Sh*tResources for MBA Applicants⁠Get free school selection help at Touch MBA⁠⁠Get pre-assessed by top international MBA programs⁠Join our Admissions Edge Course & Community⁠Our favorite MBA application tools (after advising 4,000 applicants)

Think your business needs more marketing? Think again. In this episode, Ambrosia Carey shares why most beauty professionals don't have a marketing problem, they have an order problem. Learn the five foundations of sustainable business growth, from client experience and retention to referrals, value, and visibility. If you've been posting more, working harder, and still not seeing the results you want, this episode will help you identify the real bottleneck holding your business back. Plus, discover which business archetype you fall into and the simple shifts that can create more growth without burnout. Join our FREE 10 Day Business Challenge Try GlossGenius at 50% off Gold or Platinum using code SUCCESSFUL: http://glossgenius.com/successfulstylist Key Take-aways: 1. Many beauty professionals assume they need more visibility, followers, or content. In reality, growth often stalls because of weaknesses in retention, referrals, client experience, or value creation. 2. The strongest businesses create an experience worth talking about. Marketing may attract attention, but exceptional experiences create loyalty, trust, and word-of-mouth referrals. 3. Increasing retention by even a small percentage can generate thousands of dollars in additional revenue without attracting a single new client. 4. Referred clients often arrive with built-in trust because someone they already know has recommended your business. 5. Sometimes the solution isn't increasing volume, it's increasing the value you provide through better services, experiences, systems, and client outcomes. 6. Marketing doesn't fix weak systems. It magnifies them. Strong businesses focus on experience, retention, referrals, and value before scaling visibility. 7. Whether you're the Visibility Addict, Technician, Discount Queen, Busy But Broke Stylist, or Foundation Builder, identifying your patterns can help reveal your next opportunity for growth. 8. Consumers are craving authenticity, conversation, and connection. Community-based content is becoming more effective than highly polished marketing. 9. Email lists, podcasts, downloads, partnerships, and communities create long-term stability that isn't dependent on changing social media algorithms. 10.  Before investing more time into marketing, ask yourself: If 100 new clients showed up tomorrow, would your business retain them, serve them well, and turn them into advocates? 11. The fastest-growing businesses aren't trying to fix everything at once. They're identifying the next bottleneck and focusing their energy where it will create the greatest impact. 12. Growth becomes easier when you understand whether your challenge is retention, referrals, pricing, value, or visibility...and stop treating every issue like a marketing problem. Take 15% off our favorirte skincare line, Pharmagel w/ code SSA15: https://pharmagel.net/?ref=SSA15 If you prefer viedeo, join us on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@successfulstylist For more, follow along on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/successfulstylistacademy?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

So many business owners are pouring their energy into creating more content, improving their visibility, tweaking their messaging, and chasing reach. Meanwhile, they've got discovery calls they never followed up on, warm leads sitting in their inbox, referral partners they haven't spoken to in months, and past clients who would happily buy again if they were simply invited. This episode is about shifting your focus from constantly attracting new people to making better use of the opportunities already sitting in front of you. I walk you through what sales maxxing actually means in practice. No sleazy tactics. No awkward scripts. No pressure. Just becoming more proactive about conversations, relationships, follow-up, objections, referrals, and helping people move from interest to commitment. Because sales isn't about convincing people to buy. It's about making it easier for the right people to say yes. You'll also leave with a simple challenge designed to help you uncover sales opportunities you may have been overlooking. If you've been feeling frustrated that your visibility efforts aren't translating into enquiries or revenue, this episode might just help you spot where the real opportunities for growth are hiding. What You'll Learn in This Episode What “sales maxxing” means Why more content isn't always the answer to revenue growth The difference between marketing activity and sales activity Signs you may be overlooking warm opportunities Where to find hidden sales opportunities in your business A simple exercise to help you generate more conversations and enquiries "Sales maxing is simply looking for every possible opportunity to make it easier for people to buy from you." If this episode has made you realise you've been marketing maxxing instead of sales maxxing, I've got something exciting for you. Parade On Tour is my new 90-day sales club designed to help service providers build a consistent sales habit, have more conversations, and make their businesses easier to buy from. Join the guest list now for early access and special pricing before doors open.  Step into my festival world...

This summer, we're bringing back a few of our most valuable StoryBrand Podcast episodes, the ones we believe are worth hearing more than once.   Today's replay is all about one of the biggest mistakes businesses make with their messaging, which is trying to tell their own story instead of inviting the customer into a story. If your marketing feels clear to you but still isn't converting, this episode will help you diagnose why.   You'll learn how to stop making your company the hero and start positioning your customer as the hero instead.   Ready to clarify your message and grow your business?   Attend StoryBrand Your Business LIVE to learn how to explain what you do in a way customers instantly understand: https://storybrand.com/live/?utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=podcast&utm_campaign=sbyourbusiness&utm_term=sbpod&utm_content=SB_workshop    Visit StoryBrand.com for business training, messaging tools, and resources to help you grow: https://storybrand.com/?utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=podcast&utm_campaign=storybrand&utm_term=sbpod&utm_content=SB_home    Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storybrand   Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/storybrand

From the archive: This episode was originally recorded and published in 2022. Our interviews on Entrepreneurs On Fire are meant to be evergreen, and we do our best to confirm that all offers and URL's in these archive episodes are still relevant. Mike Morelli is the co-founder of Peak Prosper, a mindset coaching company helping entrepreneurial men build thriving businesses while living adventurous, balanced lifestyles. Top 3 Value Bombs 1. Break your vision into a process and stack small wins to build momentum. 2. Authenticity comes from subtracting what holds you back, like fear and insecurity. 3. Fear of failure can make us hide who we truly are. Sponsors HighLevel - The ultimate all-in-one platform for entrepreneurs, marketers, coaches, and agencies. Learn more at HighLevelFire.com. 50 Days - Join JLD on his free '50 Days to Something' video series on YouTube and create something special in 50 days.

This solo episode breaks down Profit First, the bank account-based cash management system that helps real estate investors and business owners stop bleeding profitability and start keeping more of every dollar they make. Host David walks through the five core accounts, explains why the owner's comp account is the best place to start, and makes the case for why a fractional CFO might be exactly what's missing if systems alone aren't sticking.If you've ever closed a deal and still felt broke at the end of the month, this episode is for you. It's a practical, no-spreadsheet framework for building real personal wealth from the business you're already running.Timeline Highlights[0:26] The core problem: making money but never having anything to show for it at the end of the month[0:46] Why you don't need to be a financial wizard to pay yourself consistently or build real reserves[1:25] Profit First explained: how the envelope method from personal finance translates into a business wealth-building system[2:05] What you focus on expands: why profitability needs dedicated attention, not just a QuickBooks dashboard[2:37] The five fundamental business checking accounts every owner should set up[2:55] The Golden Trio: profit, owner's comp, and owner's tax accounts and why they're the key to keeping more of what you make[3:13] The "big black hole bank account" problem and how dedicated accounts solve it structurally[4:07] Where to start if you're not paying yourself consistently: the owner's comp account as your first move[4:28] What to do if you're currently spending more than you're making: expense analysis, letting people go, and getting profitable first[4:43] What a fractional CFO actually does and when it makes sense to bring one in[5:25] Why most businesses are more profitable than they think and just don't know how to name the dollars[6:12] Fractional CFO vs. doing it yourself: how to decide what level of support you actually need[6:45] Why there's no single deal that solves your cash flow problem and what actually builds lasting financial freedom[7:00] The habit loop that creates real wealth: every sale, a little to profit, every sale, a little to owner's comp, repeatKey TakeawaysProfit First is built on the envelope method, applied to your business bank accounts. Instead of tracking everything in QuickBooks, you set up dedicated accounts so every dollar that comes in gets immediately allocated, making profitability visible in your actual cash, not just your reports.The five core accounts are income, opex, profit, owner's comp, and owner's tax. The first two track what comes in and goes out. The Golden Trio (profit, owner's comp, and owner's tax) are what allow you to actually keep something from every sale you close.If you can only start with one account, start with owner's comp. Paying yourself consistently, even a small amount from every deal, starts building the habit and the reserves that most business owners never develop.A fractional CFO isn't just for large companies. If you know the system but won't stick to it, or if you need someone to help you understand what your numbers actually mean and hold you accountable, that level of support pays for itself.No single deal will solve your cash flow problem. The only thing that builds real financial freedom is consistency: every sale, a transfer to profit; every sale, a transfer to owner's comp. That habit, repeated over time, is what actually gets you out of the rat race.Links & ResourcesProfit First for Real Estate Investors — profitrei.comSimpleCFO — simplecfo.comSchedule a discovery call — simplecfo.comClosingIf this episode made you realize you've been running your business without a real cash management system, now is the time to change that. Share it with a business owner in your network who's making money but not keeping it. Subscribe, review, and share the Profit First for Real Estate Investors podcast, and if you want to go deeper, visit profitrei.com.

Codifying your knowledge into intellectual property (IP) is a crucial step for scaling any business, but what my guest Mo Bunnell shared in this episode completely changed my perspective on how to do it and the incredible impact it can have. Mo, author of Give to Grow and founder of the Bundle Idea Group, has built an astonishing career training professionals at some of the world's most prestigious organizations. He walked me through the evolution of his IP, from humble beginnings to the sophisticated materials he uses today to secure multi-six-figure contracts. This isn't something he typically breaks down publicly, and I was genuinely surprised by the tangible examples and actionable steps he provided for transforming a service-based business into an IP-driven powerhouse.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction02:29 Codifying your system in a weekend05:07 From intuition to framework: creating IP08:00 The evolution of training materials11:20 Essential elements of effective IP18:30 The economics of B2B and corporate clients21:00 How to get your first pilot clients26:00 Overcoming B2B objections29:00 Translating B2C IP to B2B corporate world31:00 Identifying high-leverage industries and roles34:00 Lowering the bar on perfection for B2B37:00 Lead magnets for decision-makers vs. users41:40 Advanced lead magnet strategies45:20 The power of public workshops49:40 Scaling beyond yourself: travel and certification52:45 Michael Hyatt's Business Accelerator growth56:00 The annuity effect of corporate trainingIf you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with your friends, and leave a review. I read every single one.Learn more about the podcast: https://nathanbarry.com/showFollow Nathan:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathanbarryLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanbarryX: https://twitter.com/nathanbarryYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenathanbarryshowWebsite: https://nathanbarry.comKit: https://www.kit.comFollow Mo:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mobunnellBunnell Idea Group: https://bunnellideagroup.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCd0dvX8kfxF_MMz6IZT17kwGive to Grow: https://bunnellideagroup.com/givetogrowFeatured in this episode:Kit: https://www.kit.comThe Snowball System: How to Win More Business and Turn Customers into Raving Fans: https://www.amazon.com/Snowball-System-Business-Customers-Raving/dp/1640950343Unreasonable Hospitality: https://www.amazon.com/Unreasonable-Hospitality-Remarkable-Giving-People/dp/0593418193Highlights:01:04 – How Mo started codifying his IP04:08 – The power of IP to scale a business11:22 – Four components of world-class IP18:49 – The "this changes everything" B2B opportunity37:04 – Lead magnets for buyers versus users43:09 – James Clear's strategic review request56:00 – The annuity model of B2B corporate training

SHOW NOTES: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.haileyrowe.comer/pitch-perfectJoin my free Facebook community for business support & to connect with other health coaches: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/themarketinghubgroup/⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/haileyrowecoach⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/hailey_rowe⁠⁠⁠Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.twitter.com/hailey_rowe⁠⁠⁠

Welcome back to the Messy Success Podcast, and this one is a good one. If you've ever struggled to show up online the way you show up in a room full of people, this episode is going to feel like a direct answer to that problem. Elizabeth sits down with Will Harris, founder of Fitness Beyond 40 and one of TikTok's most compelling live creators, to talk about the TikTok live strategy that took him from three viewers to over 250,000 followers and half a million dollars in revenue in just six months.   Will is not just dropping theory here. He breaks down exactly how he built his daily live format, how he thinks about casting a wide net while still attracting the right audience, and why going live every day at the same time is the single most important thing you can do right now. Elizabeth is 12 days into her own 30-day TikTok live experiment as they record, so you're getting real questions, real coaching, and real results in real time.   This episode is for creative entrepreneurs and small business owners who know they have something powerful to offer but keep hitting a wall when it comes to translating that in-person magic into something that works online. Whether you've been curious about TikTok or completely skeptical, you're going to walk away with a clear picture of why live content is changing everything and a simple framework to start today. Go live. Be consistent. Build your tribe.

Are business owners putting too much trust in traditional retirement advice?In this episode of Grow Your Business & Grow Your Wealth, Gary Heldt talks with Barry James Dyke, President of Castle Asset Management, about the hidden risks inside the financial system, retirement planning, and Wall Street driven investment strategies.Barry shares his contrarian perspective on mutual funds, ETFs, private credit, leverage, banking risk, and why business owners need to think more carefully about liquidity, guarantees, and long term retirement security. He also explains why sequence of returns risk can be one of the biggest threats for people approaching retirement.6 Key Takeaways→ Mutual funds and ETFs may be familiar, but investors need to understand who profits from them.→ Business owners need retirement plans that support liquidity and future exit planning.→ Sequence of returns risk can seriously damage retirement outcomes close to retirement.→ Barry believes too many consumers do not understand how much leverage exists in the banking system.→ Retirement planning should include guardrails, guarantees, and protection, not just market exposure.→ Self-reliance and asking better financial questions are more important than ever.To learn more about Barry James Dyke, his books, and Castle Asset Management, visit:BarryJamesDyke.comVisit Gary Heldt's website at https://www.sbadvisors.cc/Connect with Gary on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-d-heldt-jr/

In my experience, any time my results have dipped, or clients have come to me because they are SO ready to start signing more clients with ease…. The main reasons it's NOT happening are;#1: Lack of follow through on specific launch and promo activity, which usually happens when…#2: There's a lack of confidence in what you are selling, caused by….#3: A lack of clarity around the offer, messaging, price point and the client you are pitching to. When we second guess ourselves– whether it's due to emotional resistance to our next level, or not fully backing our creative business or content ideas– we stall. And so do our results, client sign ups and revenue. This is why I'm obsessed with using astrology to guide our business strategy. It's by far the most powerful tool to remove self-doubt, back our ideas, and find clarity on who we are here to serve. When you remove that doubt, we stop wasting time in a mindset spiral or getting caught up in an unnecessary strategy distraction, and our energy–and confidence-can hyper focus on the moves that lead to results. In this week's episode of Creative Magic Club, I'm sharing how I used my astrology chart to create a high-ticket client attraction system that feels authentic, aligned, and easeful — and helped me finally stop second-guessing myself in business.You'll hear the real story of how understanding my Saturn, Chiron, Venus, and Midheaven placements completely transformed my confidence, storytelling, and brand — from struggling to sell my coaching offers to signing soulmate clients with ease.If you've ever wondered how to turn your astrology placements into a personalized marketing and money-making strategy, this episode will light the way. We'll talk about: ✨ How to use your chart to unlock your brand voice and storytelling superpowers ✨ The astrology behind selling high-ticket offers with confidence and flow ✨ Why your wounds (Chiron) and values (Venus) are actually your biggest magnets for high ticket clients ✨ How I built my six-figure creative business through authenticity, alignment, and funTune in for part two of my High-Ticket Marketing Series — and don't miss part one on my five-figure sales script that will make you serious money when you apply it. Part three drops next week! When you book my Cosmic Sales Intensive, You'll walk away with a full, clear, compelling, sales page for your high ticket offer that will attract ready to buy clients and that you can continue to make sales with for years to come. https://withsarahmac.com/cosmic-private-intensive/Support the showFREE SERIES: COSMIC CLIENTS (TRAININGS + WORKBOOKS) https://withsarahmac.com/cosmic-clients/  Join the Cosmic Freedom Lab for Visionary Creators: https://withsarahmac.com/cosmic-freedom-lab/ Say hey on IG: https://www.instagram.com/sarahmacmagic/Buy my mini course: HOW TO RAISE YOUR PRICES USING ASTROLOGY- https://withsarahmac.thrivecart.com/raise-your-prices/Share this episode with your friends!When you book my Cosmic Sales Intensive, You'll walk away with a full, clear, compelling, sales page for your high ticket offer that will attract ready to buy clients and that you can continue to make sales with for years to come. https://withsarahmac.com/cosmic-private-intensive/Support the showFREE SERIES: COSMIC CLIENTS (TRAININGS + WORKBOOKS) https://withsarahmac.com/cosmic-clients/  Join the Cosmic Freedom Lab for Visionary Creators: https://withsarahmac.com/cosmic-freedom-lab/ Say hey on IG: https://www.instagram.com/sarahmacmagic/Buy my mini course: HOW TO RAISE YOUR PRICES USING ASTROLOGY- https://withsarahmac.thrivecart.com/raise-your-prices/Share this episode with your friends!

If you've ever felt like you were doing all the things on social media and still feeling invisible — this episode is going to be a breath of fresh air.Polly Pollock is an author, marketing coach, and founder of Neuropreneur Rising, where she helps ADHD and neurodivergent online business owners build profitable businesses without the weight of social media by leaning into their unique natural strengths. And in this conversation, she makes a really compelling case that the algorithm was never the only path to visibility.We got into what off-social visibility actually looks like in practice, why collaboration is one of the most underestimated growth strategies out there, and what makes a collab really work versus quietly fizzle out.If you're tired of performing for an algorithm that may or may not show your content to anyone, this one will open up a whole new way of thinking about how you get seen.In this episode:Why social media isn't the only — or even the best — way to grow your visibilityThe reframe you need if you think you have to be everywhere online to be seenWhat off-social visibility actually looks like in practiceWhat collaboration as a visibility strategy really requiresWhat makes a collaboration actually work versus one that fizzlesPolly's free resource: 6-part audio training series is normally $29 — grab it free with code ALGOPROOF100.Connect with Polly:The Procrastination Station: https://pollypollock.myflodesk.com/tnd1j65jkwPodcast: Neuropreneur Rising on SpotifyWebsite: neuropreneurrising.com4-Month Marketing Program: neuropreneurrising.com/nfsa

For many small-business owners, growth creates a frustrating paradox: the more the business succeeds, the more overwhelmed the owner becomes. For two decades, small-business coach Jason Rosado — founder of Distinctive Coaching for Business Success — has used his proprietary methods to help his clients increase revenues, strengthen their teams, and create more free time for their owners. Among the insights that Jason shares on this week's podcast is how to identify whether your business truly needs more customers — or whether operational inefficiencies and leadership inflexibility are preventing growth. If you can use practical techniques for reducing stress and preventing burnout while growing your company's profitability, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Monday Morning Radio is hosted by the father-son duo of Dean and Maxwell Rotbart. Photo: Jason Rosado, Distinctive Coaching for Business SuccessPosted: June 8, 2026 Monday Morning Run Time: 45 minutes Episode: 14.49 POPULAR EPISODES: What Zig Ziglar Would Advise Business Leaders in the Age of Artificial Intelligence Cookbook Author Ellen Wright on How Preparation, Creativity, and Simplicity Drive Success in Both the Kitchen and the Boardroom Pulitzer Prize-Winner Karen Elliott House on the Man Reshaping Global Politics, Energy, and Industry

Do you have products in your business that are creating more work than growth? In this episode, I share why one of the smartest ways to scale your product business isn't adding more products… it's knowing what to let go of. I break down the 3 categories of products that may be holding your business back, how to identify them using both data and strategy, and why letting go of the wrong products can create more clarity, stronger sales, and a more profitable business. Tune in to learn how to build a focused product line that supports your business's future rather than slowing it down.In This Episode, You'll Learn:00:00 Why some products are preventing your business from growing.03:00 The danger of believing that more products automatically create more sales.05:15 How off-brand products weaken your positioning and confuse customers.07:45 How clarity helps customers buy faster and remember your brand.10:00 Which products drain profit and operational capacity?13:30 What are the costs of carrying too many SKUs?15:45 What data should you review before eliminating a product?17:00 Are you keeping products because of strategy or emotion?21:30 The question every product business owner should ask before keeping a product.22:00 The 3 types of products you may need to eliminate before you scale.23:15 Why growth sometimes comes from simplifying instead of adding more.24:30 How product pruning creates stronger sales, better margins, and easier growth.Resources + LinksReady to stop guessing and follow a proven system? Book your strategy call HERE!Get business tips sent right to your inbox - join the newsletter!Watch on YouTubeFollowJacqueline on IG: @theproductbosstheproductboss.com

How the 90s favorite $4 billion bookstore chain sleepwalked into bankruptcy...

Did you know that a typical retired couple can expect to receive over $1.4 million from Social Security? Yet over 90% of people are getting less money than they are eligible to receive. This isn't just a small monthly check; it's one of the most valuable retirement assets you have, and understanding how to unlock its full potential is critical.This conversation on Grow Your Business & Grow Your Wealth with Gary Held and guest, national Social Security expert Ash Ahluwalia, is a masterclass in retirement income planning. Ash demystifies the system's complexity, revealing the costly mistakes many people make and the surprising opportunities they miss. For any professional planning for their future, this episode offers a clear, actionable guide to making smarter decisions about their benefits.Ash Ahluwalia is the Head of Social Security Planning at OneTeam Financial. As one of the nation's leading experts in retirement income strategies with credentials including CFP®, CSSCS, and NSSA®, Ash has spent nearly 30 years helping thousands of retirees navigate their benefits.Key Takeaways: - Your Social Security benefits are a pension you cannot outlive. - There are over 500 possible filing strategies for most couples. - The strategy that pays the most money over time is not always the best one. - Planning for survivor benefits as a couple is essential - Recent legislation did not make Social Security tax-free for most seniors. - Business owners can strategically allocate income to enhance their future benefits.Listen to the full episode to gain the clarity and confidence you need to secure your financial future. It's a conversation that could change the course of your retirement.To learn more from Ash Ahluwalia or to explore a complimentary consultation, you can connect with him at OneTeam Financial. His expertise can provide personalized guidance on your specific retirement income strategy.https://www.oneteamfinancial.com/team/ash-ahluwalia

It's heart-breaking to hear ‘no' after a sales call with a potential new client. Especially when you KNOW how much power your work has to change lives. I've been there SO many times… until I learnt to have the RIGHT kind of conversations with interested new clients that lead to ‘yes' after ‘yes' and multi-6-figs in high ticket sales. I'm not gatekeeping this high ticket sales script anymore! In Part 1 of my 3-part High-Ticket Marketing Series, I'm breaking down my 5-figure offer high ticket sales script — the exact process I've used to close 90% of my sales calls and now use in messaging, DMs, emails, and conversations to effortlessly attract dream clients.We'll dive into: 

S6:E52 The platforms are changing. Search is changing. Customer acquisition is changing. So what remains stable when everything else feels uncertain? In this episode, Dr. LL sits down with Ismael Wrixen, Founder and CEO of ThriveCart, to explore how entrepreneurs, coaches, and creators can build businesses that are resilient to shifting algorithms, rising advertising costs, and AI-driven disruption. If people don't trust you, they won't buy from you. If people don't remember you, they won't refer you. If people can't find you when AI interprets the market, visibility becomes increasingly difficult to maintain. Guest Ismael Wrixen Founder & CEO, ThriveCart Core Problems Customer acquisition is becoming more expensive Search behavior is changing due to AI Businesses are overly dependent on platforms they don't control Practical Takeaways Build owned communities around your expertise Increase customer lifetime value through relationships Use AI to accelerate execution without replacing human connection Reduce dependence on a single traffic source Timestamps 00:01 Creator economy trends 03:30 AI and learning opportunities 05:45 Customer acquisition challenges 20:00 The future of creators and coaches 38:50 Growth strategies for entrepreneurs Who This Episode Is For Coaches, creators, consultants, educators, and growth-minded entrepreneurs. Invisible brands don't make money. Increasingly, businesses that rely entirely on borrowed attention don't either. Sustainable visibility comes from building relationships, trust, and communities that endure beyond any single platform. Subscribe, share, and join us for more conversations with entrepreneurs building something meaningful.   ✅ Subscribe for weekly conversations on entrepreneurship

S6:E52 The platforms are changing. Search is changing. Customer acquisition is changing. So what remains stable when everything else feels uncertain? In this episode, Dr. LL sits down with Ismael Wrixen, Founder and CEO of ThriveCart, to explore how entrepreneurs, coaches, and creators can build businesses that are resilient to shifting algorithms, rising advertising costs, and AI-driven disruption. If people don't trust you, they won't buy from you. If people don't remember you, they won't refer you. If people can't find you when AI interprets the market, visibility becomes increasingly difficult to maintain. Guest Ismael Wrixen Founder & CEO, ThriveCart Core Problems Customer acquisition is becoming more expensive Search behavior is changing due to AI Businesses are overly dependent on platforms they don't control Practical Takeaways Build owned communities around your expertise Increase customer lifetime value through relationships Use AI to accelerate execution without replacing human connection Reduce dependence on a single traffic source Timestamps 00:01 Creator economy trends 03:30 AI and learning opportunities 05:45 Customer acquisition challenges 20:00 The future of creators and coaches 38:50 Growth strategies for entrepreneurs Who This Episode Is For Coaches, creators, consultants, educators, and growth-minded entrepreneurs. Invisible brands don't make money. Increasingly, businesses that rely entirely on borrowed attention don't either. Sustainable visibility comes from building relationships, trust, and communities that endure beyond any single platform. Subscribe, share, and join us for more conversations with entrepreneurs building something meaningful.   ✅ Subscribe for weekly conversations on entrepreneurship

Rejection is the cost of entry to business ownership. But what if you could get so used to it that it stopped stopping you? In this episode I share five practical, gentle ways to expand your tolerance for rejection, and the not-so-secret bonus is that every single one of them will also grow your business. If you'd like support to build your rejection resilience and grow your coaching business with more corporate clients, you can learn more about the Corporate to Coach Accelerator here or book a call with me. And don't forget to connect with me on LinkedIn and let me know what stood out for you from this episode!

Is the traditional 60 40 portfolio officially outdated?What happens when one of the nation's top investment minds says the strategy millions still rely on may no longer fit today's market?In this powerful episode of Grow Your Business & Grow Your Wealth, guest host Terry DuPont sits down with Christopher R. Coolidge, Chief Investment Officer of Brookwood Investment Group, to discuss how modern investors can adapt to volatility, shifting correlations, AI driven opportunities, commodities, tactical portfolio management, and why traditional investment playbooks may no longer be enough.With experience from BlackRock to global macro investing, Chris shares how institutional strategies are now becoming accessible to everyday investors and why the next decade may look nothing like the last. Key Takeaways→ Why the traditional 60 40 portfolio may no longer deliver the protection investors expect.→ How Brookwood uses a 50 30 20 framework to build more durable outcomes.→ Why tactical management is about anticipating change, not reacting emotionally.→ How commodities, silver, energy, and AI infrastructure are creating new opportunities.→ Why ETF innovation is giving Main Street access to institutional-style investing.→ How modern portfolios can seek stronger returns without taking excessive risk. If today's conversation challenged the way you think about portfolio construction, market risk, and long-term wealth strategy, connect with Chris to learn how modern investment thinking is helping investors navigate a changing world. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-r-coolidge-cfa-b876a84Website: https://www.brookwoodinvestmentgroup.comConnect with Guest Host Terry DuPontTerry DuPontDuPont Advisory GroupServing Indiana For Over 43 Yearshttps://www.dupontadvisory.com/

This episode of the GaryVee Audio Experience is a throwback to a September 2018 visit to London. This keynote has a lot of actionable advice as I explain attention and how to build your brand using the phone in your hand. You'll learn about: The Importance of Posting Content on 7-10 social media platforms How to Grow Your Business using LinkedIn Self Awareness is the Secret Weapon

This episode of the GaryVee Audio Experience is a throwback to a keynote I gave in Brisbane, Australia in August 2019. I discuss the importance of failure and why trying new sh*t at any age is always a good idea. In this episode you'll learn: Why TikTok and LinkedIn Content is the #1 Way to Grow Your Business in 2026How to Juggle Multiple Interests by tuning out the noiseWhy Loving Your Game is Important for the Longevity of Success

What if the biggest problem in your business is not strategy, sales, or marketing… but the way your people systems are built?In this episode of Grow Your Business & Grow Your Wealth, Tom Healy joins Gary Heldt to break down why so many growing companies struggle with turnover, chaos, poor communication, and leadership bottlenecks.Tom explains how unclear roles, lack of accountability, missing training systems, and owner dependency quietly hold businesses back from growth and valuation. He also shares practical insights on leadership, AI, documentation, and building teams that can actually scale without constant firefighting.If you've ever felt like your business depends too much on you, this conversation will hit home.Key Takeaways.→ Why most “business problems” are actually people problems.→ The hidden danger of building a company around personalities instead of systems.→ How poor onboarding and missing training create turnover before employees even settle in.→ Why documenting processes increases business value and improves succession planning.→ The difference between owning a business and simply owning a stressful job.→ How AI can help employees become more valuable instead of replacing them.Connect with Tom Healy:LinkedInWebsite:PeopleOps360Email:Tom@PeopleOps360.comVisit Gary Heldt's website atSBA AdvisorsConnect with Gary on LinkedIn

We just wrapped our FREE business-boosting event — and the response blew us away. In this episode, we're breaking down what made it work and why reseller community might be the most powerful (and most overlooked) tool in your business.Whether you're a beginner reseller just getting started or a seasoned seller hitting a plateau, the right community can completely change your trajectory. We're talking sourcing tips, accountability, emotional support, and the kind of knowledge-sharing that no YouTube algorithm can replace.In this episode:✅ List-s-palooza recap & our free event success story✅ Why reselling alone is holding you back✅ What the RIGHT reseller community looks like (and red flags to avoid)

I asked Chat GPT and Claude "whats the best way to build a fitness business?" - and I got ten answers ranging from decent to flat our wrong..   Listen to find out what he came out with.. Timestamps:  00:00 Prompting Chat GPT and Claude 03:02 Evaluating AI Advice for Fitness Coaching 05:49 Niche and Target Audience 09:10 The Role of Certifications and Business Plans 12:01 Building a Client Base and Marketing Strategies 15:08 Networking and Professional Relationships 18:13 Investing in Yourself and Continuous Learning www.briankeanefitness.com

Building a business can feel incredibly empowering until the pressure to hold everything together starts taking a toll behind the scenes.In this episode of Thoughts from the Couch, I'm joined by Kelly Lorenzen, author, entrepreneur, and founder of Duplicate Myself KLM. Together, we unpack the hidden emotional cost of doing everything yourself and why so many high-achieving women struggle to delegate, ask for help, or step away from their businesses without guilt.Kelly shares her personal journey through burnout, business ownership, and breast cancer, and explains how creating systems, support, and structure allowed her to grow successful businesses without sacrificing her wellbeing. We also explore the deeper psychological patterns that often show up for female entrepreneurs, including perfectionism, control, people-pleasing, and the belief that being “the responsible one” means carrying everything alone.This conversation is both practical and deeply validating. From delegation strategies and hiring advice to redefining balance and sustainable success, this episode offers a refreshing perspective for women who are tired of running on empty while trying to keep up with it all.The Balanced Boss Burnout AssessmentA free tool to help you understand your burnout patterns, gain clarity on your stress levels, and take the first step toward feeling more in control of your life and business. https://www.justinecarino.com/the-balanced-boss-burnout-assessmentAbout the Guest:Learn more about Kelly Lorenzen: https://duplicatemyselfklm.comConnect on Instagram & Facebook: @duplicatemyselfklmConnect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellylorenzen/

Want to Start or Grow a Successful Business? Schedule a FREE 13-Point Assessment with Clay Clark Today At: www.ThrivetimeShow.com   Join Clay Clark's Thrivetime Show Business Workshop!!! Learn Branding, Marketing, SEO, Sales, Workflow Design, Accounting & More. **Request Tickets & See Testimonials At: www.ThrivetimeShow.com  **Request Tickets Via Text At (918) 851-0102   See the Thousands of Success Stories and Millionaires That Clay Clark Has Helped to Produce HERE: https://www.thrivetimeshow.com/testimonials/ Download A Millionaire's Guide to Become Sustainably Rich: A Step-by-Step Guide to Become a Successful Money-Generating and Time-Freedom Creating Business HERE: www.ThrivetimeShow.com/Millionaire   See Thousands of Case Studies Today HERE: www.thrivetimeshow.com/does-it-work/  

​Watch how top coaches escape the grind and scale to £100K/month using systems that run without them: https://www.7fss.com/7fss-vsl-a?el=grow2026podcastWant a FREE copy of our 5C Million Dollar Content & Ads Course - Click here : https://www.charlieslivetraining.com/7fss-4c?el=grow2026podcastConnect With Me On Other Platforms:Instagram: @charliejohnsonfitnesshttps://www.instagram.com/charliejohnsonfitness/Instagram: @sevenfigurescalingsystemshttps://www.instagram.com/sevenfigurescalingsystems/Podcast: The Charlie Johnson Showhttps://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast/physically-jacked-financially-stacked/id1671480628LinkedIn : Charlie Johnsonhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/charlie-johnson-fitness/Book your FREE Business Audit Call Now: https://www.7fss.com/7fss-vsl-yt?htrafficsource=youtube&el=Want a FREE copy of our 4C Million Dollar Content & Ads Course - Click here : https://charlieslivetraining.com/4cmain?htrafficsource=youtube&el=Connect With Me On Other Platforms:Instagram: @charliejohnsonfitnesshttps://www.instagram.com/charliejohnsonfitness/Instagram: @sevenfigurescalingsystemshttps://www.instagram.com/sevenfigurescalingsystems/Podcast: The Charlie Johnson Showhttps://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast/physically-jacked-financially-stacked/id1671480628LinkedIn : Charlie Johnsonhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/charlie-johnson-fitness Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wondering how to get booked on podcasts and turn those appearances into real business growth? In this episode, guest Lauren Najar breaks down her proven approach to crafting pitches that actually land, building genuine relationships through DMs, and leveraging every conversation into a client opportunity without feeling salesy.In this episode, you'll learn:How to craft a compelling podcast pitch that highlights your story and audience valueAuthentic DM strategies that nurture relationships and convert followers into clientsWhy batch recording is a game-changer for staying consistentHow local stories can make your podcast episodes more impactfulFollow Lauren on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurennajar/Visit Lauren's Website: https://laurennajar.com/Let's Connect!Book Your Podcast Consultation Today: https://www.pivotballchange.com/servicesLaunch Your Podcast with Pivot Ball Change: https://www.pivotballchange.com/servicesFollow Pivot Ball Change on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pivotballchange/Visit Pivot Ball Change's Website: https://www.pivotballchange.com/

Can your business run without you, or do you simply own a very demanding job?In this episode of Grow Your Business & Grow Your Wealth, Gary Heldt sits down with Alan Franks, founder of the Business Planning Institute and author of Empowered Money. Alan shares why many entrepreneurs get trapped inside the businesses they build, how business owners can create real financial freedom, and why your company should be treated as a valuable asset, not just a paycheck.Alan also breaks down the “Italy Test,” the importance of liquidity, smart debt, better business systems, and why every business owner needs a strong professional team. This conversation is honest, practical, and packed with advice for owners who want their business to work for them, not consume them. Key Takeaways:→ Your business should create personal wealth, not just income. → If you cannot leave for two to three weeks without losing income or facing chaos, your business may not pass the “Italy Test.” → Business owners need systems, checklists, and SOPs so the company can operate without everything living in their head. → Liquidity matters because it gives business owners safety, options, and the ability to act when opportunities appear. → Every business owner should rank their accountant, attorney, banker, financial advisor, and other professionals from one to ten. Weak advisors hold the business back. → Entrepreneurship is not always freedom. Without structure, it can become another form of being trapped. Quote:“Until then, you just own a job.” Connect with Alan Franks:Visit the Business Planning Institute: https://thebusinessplanninginstitute.com/Learn more about Empowered Money: https://empowered-money.com/Connect with Gary Heldt:Visit Gary Heldt's website at https://www.sbadvisors.cc/Connect with Gary on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-d-heldt-jr/

What if the most powerful thing you could do to grow your business was to stop asking for referrals entirely?In this episode, Michael Reddington sits down with Stacey Brown Randall, author, speaker, and host of the Roadmap to Referrals podcast. Stacey has spent over a decade helping business owners and sales professionals generate referrals without asking for them by applying brain science, psychology, and behavioral economics to how relationships are built and maintained.Stacey breaks down why asking for referrals actually works against you, what is really happening in the brain of the person who refers you, and how the right language planted at the right time can move referrals from a conscious ask into someone's subconscious. She also introduces her three-bucket framework for building a referral strategy that compounds year over year, and shares two concrete referral seeds you can start using immediately.What You'll Learn in This EpisodeWhy asking for referrals triggers a brain response you cannot manufacture or replicateHow referrals are actually about your referral source, not about youThe three scientific principles that drive referrals beyond the psychology of trustThe difference between keeping in touch and actually moving a relationship forwardHow to segment your referral strategy across three distinct buckets of potential referral sourcesWhy using someone's name in a thank you note changes how the brain encodes the memoryHow to plant referral seeds during your client experience without it feeling forcedWhat to do when a referred prospect ghosts you before the conversation ever startsChapters(00:00) Introduction to Stacey Brown Randall and the Referral Without Asking Framework(03:24) Why Referrals Change the Entire Dynamic of a Sales Conversation(07:03) Why You Are Never Allowed to Ask for Referrals(10:42) The Three Scientific Principles Behind How Referrals Actually Happen(15:50) The Difference Between Keeping in Touch and Moving Relationships Forward(17:37) The Three Buckets of Referral Sources and How to Approach Each One(24:43) Planting Referral Seeds vs. Asking: What the Difference Actually Looks Like(28:57) The Right and Wrong Way to Write a Referral Thank You Note(34:21) How to Build a Referable Client Experience from the Inside Out(36:40) Recovery Strategies When a Referred Prospect Ghosts You(41:44) How to Onboard a Referred Prospect Without Rushing or Ignoring Them(45:29) How to Learn More and Work with StaceyLinks and ResourcesStacey Brown Randall | LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/staceybrandall/Home - Stacey Brown Randall - https://staceybrownrandall.com/The Disciplined Listening Method: How A Certified Forensic Interviewer Unlocks Hidden Value in Every Conversation - https://a.co/d/02ZfcnZmSponsor Links:InQuasive: http://www.inquasive.com/Humintell: Body Language - Reading People - HumintellEnter Code INQUASIVE25 for 25% discount on your online training purchase.International Association of Interviewers: Home (certifiedinterviewer.com)Podcast Production Services by EveryWord Media

In this newest episode of The En Factor, we are thrilled to be joined by the founder of Interview Valet, Tom Schwab. Have you ever wanted to be a guest on a podcast so you can share a story or an idea? Then this is the perfect episode for you. As a Navy veteran and engineer by training, Tom has helped over 1,500 business owners, leaders, and companies amplify their stories and marketing messages through a more unique approach than the typical marketing agency nowadays. Interview Valet identifies and partners these leaders with targeted podcasts where their story will be heard by the ideal clients that already listen to the existing podcast. Tom's business is grounded in the belief of taking pain away from business owners and thought leaders, and does so through a technical strategy using AI, as well as a personal strategy through communication and understanding the problem that they are targeting to solve. If you've ever also thought about starting your own podcast, Tom and Interview Valet could assist with you in your hosting startup process as well. Using a similar approach for pairing podcast guests with targeted interviews, Interview Valet also helps aspiring podcast creators get featured on targeted podcasts where the aspiring host can gain experience and practice with the podcast environment and communicating their ideas. This conversation with Tom is packed with valuable advice and best practices for the podcasting space, and you won't want to miss a moment. Join Tom and host Dr. Rebecca White as the two explore the growth and evolution of podcasting, especially since AI has come into play, how Tom identified and acted upon different opportunities by listening to others, and the rapidly growing importance of repurposing content. Key Words - Podcasting, Artificial Intelligence   Explore this episode, and many other conversations with entrepreneurs on The En Factor Podcast, here: https://drrebeccawhite.com/podcasts/en-factor Connect with Tom to learn more about his business, Interview Valet, and his book “Podcast Guest Profits: How to Grow Your Business”, at Interview Valet's custom webpage for En Factor Listeners, here: https://interviewvalet.com/enfactor/ Explore Dr. White's brand new Entrepreneurial Intelligence (EI) Lab, here: https://drrebeccawhite.com/entrepreneurial-intelligence-lab/ Check out Dr. White's book, “See, Do, Repeat”, and more from her website, here: https://drrebeccawhite.com/see-do-repeat/   Key Words - Podcasting, Artificial Intelligence

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Business Edition Podcast, host Furman Haynes from WorkHero sits down with Jen McKee, Owner of Kee Hart Marketing to break down how small home service business owners can approach marketing without losing authenticity. They discuss the tension between craftsmanship and marketing, why business owners must embrace marketing as a core responsibility, and how simple, grassroots strategies like local Facebook groups and personal branding can drive real growth. Jen shares practical, no-fluff advice on getting started with content, tools for editing, and avoiding common mistakes that keep businesses invisible online. She helps companies grow through content creation, social media management, and marketing strategy across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Jen also hosts The Key to Growth Podcast, where she dives into marketing strategies tailored for the trades.   Expect to Learn: -  Why marketing is a core responsibility of every business owner - The difference between craftsmanship vs. marketing-driven growth - How to build an authentic personal brand as a business owner - Why storytelling beats salesy content every time - How to leverage local Facebook groups for high-quality leads - The pros and cons of personal vs. business social media pages Timestamps: [00:00] – Introduction [00:44] – Personal brand vs. company brand [03:57] – Marketing as a responsibility of being a business owner [06:01] – Grassroots marketing [08:20] – How to find and respond to leads in Facebook groups [11:37] – Video editing: tools and time expectations [14:41] – Personal page vs. business page strategy [15:48] – Biggest mistake: overthinking and not starting [17:06] – Viral content ideas for HVAC businesses [18:05] – About Kee Hart Marketing and how to connect with Jen [18:55] – Closing thoughts   This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by: - PartsTown: https://www.partstown.com/hvac-parts - Podium: https://podium.com/knowitall     Follow our Guest Jen McKee: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jen-mckee-72114824/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keehartmarketing/  Website: https://www.jennmckee.com/  Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/keehartmarketing/  Company Website: https://keehartmarketing.com/    Follow Gary McCreadie: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-mccreadie-38217a77/  Website: https://www.hvacknowitall.com  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/HVAC-Know-It-All-2/61569643061429/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hvacknowitall1/    Follow Furman Haynes:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/furmanhaynes/  WorkHero: https://www.linkedin.com/company/workherohvac/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/workhero__/  

What if the biggest threat to your business is growing too fast?This week on Grow Your Business & Grow Your Wealth, host Gary Heldt sits down with franchise powerhouse Terry Blachek, Managing Director at Franvest Capital Partners and one of the original partners behind Orangetheory Fitness.With more than 35 years of experience scaling brands, building teams, leading sales and marketing, and making investment decisions, Terry shares the lessons that helped turn a bold boutique fitness concept into a global powerhouse with more than 1,500 locations across 23 countries.From evaluating unit economics and solving real customer problems to building advisory boards and avoiding costly growth mistakes, this episode is packed with real world advice for entrepreneurs, franchise owners, investors, and business leaders ready to scale smarter. In this episode, you will discover:→ Why the best businesses solve problems, not just sell products.→ The three things Terry looks at before investing in any company.→ Why undercapitalization quietly kills great businesses.→ How poor systems can destroy fast growth.→ Why documented processes are critical before opening location number two.→ The exact makeup of a powerful personal advisory board.→ How confidence grows when you surround yourself with the right people.→ Why perspective may be one of your greatest leadership tools.About Our GuestTerry Blachek is Managing Director at Franvest Capital Partners and a veteran fitness and franchise executive with more than 35 years of experience scaling businesses. As an original partner of Orangetheory Fitness, Terry helped shape the company's signature pre sale model and later built Austin Fitness Group into one of the largest franchise groups in the system. Today he continues to influence brands as an investor, keynote speaker, advisor, and host of Tuesday with Terry, now more than 100 episodes strong.Connect With TerryConnect with Terry Blachek on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/terry-blachek-78431a174/Listen to Tuesday with Terry on Apple, Spotify, and major podcast platforms.

What hidden tax risks could be quietly threatening your business growth?On this episode of Grow Your Business & Grow Your Wealth, guest host Jack Reeder sits down with Brian Weaver, CPA, MBA, a tax technology consultant with deep expertise in transaction taxes, automation, compliance systems, and digital transformation.This is not a conversation about boring tax forms.It is a conversation about risk, growth, systems, and why many business owners do not realize they may have exposure until an audit, penalty, or costly mistake forces attention.Brian shares fascinating stories, including how businesses have been put out of business by missing multistate tax obligations, why the 2018 Wayfair ruling changed everything, and how automation and AI are reshaping tax strategy for the future.If you think taxes are just something your accountant handles once a year, think again.In this episode:→ Why the biggest tax risks are often hiding in ordinary business activity.→ How the Wayfair decision changed compliance for businesses in every state.→ The costly mistakes companies make by relying on outdated processes.→ How automation and AI are transforming tax management.→ Why “that's how we've always done it” can become an expensive habit.→ What every business owner needs to know about where they are doing business and the risks that creates.Memorable quote from Brian Weaver:"Know where you're doing business, how you're doing business, and the potential implications of not doing the right thing."That is not just tax advice. It is business survival advice.This episode makes a compelling case that good tax strategy is not defensive. It is a competitive advantage.Listen in and discover why protecting wealth often starts with asking better questions.Connect with Brian Weaver on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-weaver-cpa-mba-a22510/For more information on Guest Host:Jack W. Reeder, CLU®, ChFC®Chartered Financial Consultant978-335-2267

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Hey Winner, In this episode, I'm joined by Justin DeMers, founder of Wake Up To Freedom and a dad who's built his business around one core belief: your business should support your family, not compete with it. Justin has helped over 16,000 coaches and course creators build steadier, more predictable sales without relying on daily posting, launches, or algorithms. We're talking about mini workshops. Not webinars that fade into the background. Not high-pressure launches. But short, paid workshops that create trust, momentum, and clarity while keeping marketing contained and life-friendly. This episode is especially for entrepreneurs who are tired of feeling like visibility requires constant output, and who want a calmer, more intentional way to grow without disappearing altogether. Rooting for you ~ Gabe   Listen to hear: How short paid workshops create momentum, trust, and qualification without daily content. A simple workshop sales rhythm that makes marketing intentional and contained, instead of constant. Choosing workshop topics that get signups and showups.   Links mentioned in talk: Register (free) here: https://redhotmindset.com/gbws-register/ Swag bag: https://growwithoutsocial.com/swag-early  Justin's website: https://www.wakeuptofreedom.com/ Free gift: Workshop Topic Wizard https://www.wakeuptofreedom.com/wizard

How do you stay grounded when everything around you in shifting? After an intentional break, Nicole Jansen returns with a bold new vision for the Leaders of Transformation podcast. In this episode, Nicole shares why she stepped away, what she discovered in the stillness, and what's ahead in this powerful new chapter of the podcast. Nicole opens with a raw and honest reflection on the tension high achievers feel between striving and resting — and why the most productive thing you can do in certain pivotal moments is to pause. From there, she paints a vivid picture of the seismic shifts happening in the world today — economic, political, social, technological — and asks the question at the heart of this new season: How do you stay grounded when everything around you is shifting? Drawing on a striking dream about a pilot flying upside down without realizing it, Nicole introduces a powerful metaphor for how many of us pursue our goals: working hard, executing strategies — but doing it all in reverse. She challenges listeners to consider whether the way they're chasing their goals might actually be working against them — and invites us into a deeper exploration of what it looks like to grow faster, live with more peace and fulfillment, and make a lasting impact without sacrificing what matters most. This isn't about lowering your standards. It's about raising the bar by doing things the right way up. What You'll Discover in This Episode Why Nicole took a full three-month break and what she learned from it The one question every high achiever needs to sit with right now Why the world's "tectonic plate" shifts demand a new kind of leadership What LOT 5.0 is — and why it's a deepening, not a reboot The aviation concept of "spatial disorientation" and how it applies to your life What it means to be flying upside down in your business — and not know it How to experience more peace, fulfillment, and impact by doing less and being more The two reflection questions Nicole wants you to answer before the next episode Video Chapters 0:00 — Welcome Back 0:43 — Why High Achievers Struggle to Stop 3:46 — The Seismic Shifts Reshaping Our World 4:17 — Leaders of Transformation 5.0 7:02 — Where Do You Want to See Transformation? 9:41 — Nicole's Dream: The Pilot Flying Upside Down 10:59 — Flying Upside Down in Your Own Life 11:38 — A Better Way to Grow Your Business and Life 16:53 — Your Invitation for This New Season Resource Links Subscribe on YouTube to catch all the latest videos Connect with Nicole on LinkedIn  

What if the real secret to success was never missing… just incomplete?In this powerful episode of Grow Your Business & Grow Your Wealth, John Mitchell shares how discovering the “other half” of Think and Grow Rich transformed his income, mindset, and life.At age 50, John realized his results were not matching his potential. After immersing himself in the world's most famous success book, he uncovered what he calls the missing secret and created a 12 minute daily practice built on neuroscience, subconscious rewiring, and what he calls the science of leveraging yourself.Today, that methodology is taught at University of Texas McCombs School of Business and used with elite athletic coaches and entrepreneurs seeking a serious edge.SummaryThis conversation goes far beyond motivation. Gary and John explore why most people are operating on autopilot, why daily unconscious habits drive outcomes, and how clarity paired with repetition can dramatically change performance.John explains how a simple 12 minute daily habit helped him increase his income 25 times, and why success may depend less on working harder and more on rewiring how you think.Key Takeaways→ The full secret of Think and Grow Rich and what John believes most readers miss→ Why 95 percent of daily thoughts and actions may be unconscious→ How a 12 minute daily habit can help rewire your internal autopilot→ Two scientific principles John says can unlock massive achievement→ How his AI driven framework personalizes success for each individual→ Why high achievers need an edge and how to create one “What you envision in detail, with emotion on a daily basis is what shows up in your life.” - John MitchellSpecial Gift From JohnJohn is offering listeners a free 9 minute video explaining the missing secret, the science behind his method, and how his success template works.Visit: https://themissingsecret.org/Watch the free training and, if it resonates, explore his book The Missing Secret of the Legendary Book Think and Grow Rich.Connect With John MitchellConnect with John on LinkedInVisit https://themissingsecret.org/Connect With Gary HeldtVisit Gary Heldt's website at https://www.sbadvisors.cc/Connect with Gary on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-d-heldt-jr/If this episode sparked something for you, follow the show, share it with another entrepreneur, and leave a review. It helps more business owners find conversations like this.

In this episode of the GaryVee Audio Experience, I talk about the biggest opportunity for small businesses in 2026: the "Barbell Economy." I encourage you to lean into both extreme AI efficiency and extreme analog, real-life experiences. I also discuss how to use AI as a thinking partner for your content strategy and why live shopping is the next frontier for service and product businesses. You'll learn about:The Rise of Extreme AnalogHow to Use AI Tools for Content CreationBuilding Community Through "Clubs"How to Scale Using Live Shopping and "Commerce-tainment"How to Deal with Keyboard Warriors and Online Judgment

Want to Start or Grow a Successful Business? Schedule a FREE 13-Point Assessment with Clay Clark Today At: www.ThrivetimeShow.com   Join Clay Clark's Thrivetime Show Business Workshop!!! Learn Branding, Marketing, SEO, Sales, Workflow Design, Accounting & More. **Request Tickets & See Testimonials At: www.ThrivetimeShow.com  **Request Tickets Via Text At (918) 851-0102   See the Thousands of Success Stories and Millionaires That Clay Clark Has Helped to Produce HERE: https://www.thrivetimeshow.com/testimonials/ Download A Millionaire's Guide to Become Sustainably Rich: A Step-by-Step Guide to Become a Successful Money-Generating and Time-Freedom Creating Business HERE: www.ThrivetimeShow.com/Millionaire   See Thousands of Case Studies Today HERE: www.thrivetimeshow.com/does-it-work/  

https://youtu.be/oPA1dSUab9Y James Green, CEO of Cognome and former Pixar executive under Steve Jobs, is driven by a deep curiosity and a pull toward ideas that can create massive impact. From early internet ventures to mobile innovation and now AI in healthcare, James has consistently aligned himself with transformative trends. In this episode, he shares hard-earned lessons from scaling multiple companies and introduces a simple but powerful framework that explains why many startups struggle to grow beyond their early stages. We explore James' 3-Stage StartUp Growth Framework: Whiteboard Phase, PowerPoint Phase, PDF Phase—a model that captures how organizations must evolve as they scale. He explains why early-stage chaos is necessary, how structure begins to take shape in the middle phase, and why standardization becomes critical at scale. James also dives into the toughest leadership challenges—especially making difficult people decisions—and shares why aligning with strong market tailwinds and creating “pull” from customers is essential for sustainable growth. — Grow Your Business in 3 Phases with James Green  Good day, dear listeners. Steve Preda here with the Management Blueprint, and my guest today is James Green, the CEO of Cognome, a health tech company that is solving the problem of how to manage different AI models that are being deployed in healthcare today. Earlier, he worked as a vice president at Disney. He worked directly under Steve Jobs at Pixar, and he has had at least six other CEO roles in ed tech, media, and healthcare. Welcome to the show, James.  Thank you very much. Delighted to be here.  Yeah, super excited. And Steve Jobs—you don't often have people that have known Steve Jobs now even Tim Cook has resigned. Yeah. Yeah.  And it’s 13 years, I guess. Steve Jobs is being gone. So what was it like working with the man? Was he a difficult boss?  First of all, most of the things you hear about him are accurate. So it’s not one of these things where you hear a lot about Steve Jobs and actually the man was totally different. So most of what you’ve heard is true. And I’ll give you one short anecdote sort of before we go on, which is something that I always found incredibly impressive about him. When you work for him, if you disagreed and said, “Hey, you want it to be white, I want it to be black,” without hesitation he would say something like, “Here are seven reasons why you're wrong.” First of all, before we go into those seven reasons, what’s impressive about that is he had a number and he stuck with it.  And it happened in seconds and he didn’t know before. So if you think about that, it’s hard to keep all of that in your head. So the guy was just super, super clever. And then he would list them 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and you’d be out. Like it’s done. It’s like, “Oh, damn.” So yeah, he was unbelievable human, and it was an honor and a privilege to have worked with him.  Yeah, well, that's awesome—to talk to you, having worked with him and having some direct experience. Definitely not an easy boss when he has seven guns to shoot you down. Yeah.  But there's a lot to learn. I mean, you learn the most from these kinds of bosses.  Yeah.  So let's get into the question—which is normally the first one, but this is the exception: What is your personal “why,” and how are you manifesting it in Cognome, James, and in your previous jobs?  Yeah, I've thought about this a lot. I've tried to come up with what my “why” really is. And what I’ve come up with is I can’t help myself. And I’m going to go through examples of it and what I mean by that. I pay a lot of attention to the world. I pay a lot of attention to what’s going on. I get very seduced by new ideas and new things and things that I think will have big impact. And once I start thinking about it and thinking about what that impact is, I cannot help but start getting involved in it. That sounds very abstract, so I want to try to make that super concrete. So when I was working at Pixar, for example—the internet was being born. This is the late '90s.  I couldn't help myself. I started an ad-serving company called Sabela Media. That company got sold to 24/7, then to DoubleClick, which later got acquired by Google. So the internet was there. I had to do it. I had to have something in it. Then after that, I was thinking about what to do next—and mobile phones, if you remember, were still flip phones, mostly used for texting. The second company that I did was putting content onto those phones. It just seemed obvious to me—I couldn't help myself. I saw the opportunity, and it clearly worked. That company was called GiantBear. It was sold to BlueCora. After that, there was this crazy innovation going on in television of all things with effects. Now, again, we take these things for granted. We’ve got AI creating things all day long, back in the day, we didn’t. So I ran a company called PVI, which is famous for inventing the first-down line you see in football games. So that was kind of the very first virtual object you saw in live things. Again, it may seem like, oh, that’s an everyday event, but back in the day it was totally not. And I think it opened up football to many more people—you no longer needed the chain crew to understand what was going on. And then if we fast-forward—there are a few things in the middle, but I don't want to bore everyone—to where I am today at Cognome. I even wore my little Cognome shirt so I could advertise it throughout the podcast.  Yeah, that's smart. I have to do that.  AI is clearly the big thing today. But for me, intellectually, it's not enough to just say, “I'll do an AI model,” like everyone else. For me, healthcare is one of the areas that AI will have the biggest impact with. Healthcare for a lot of reasons has been a laggard technologically for specific things about how they store data, so it hasn’t been adopted things like multi-tenant SaaS, because the data has to stay local and things like this. So AI will revolutionize it. And AI will make decisions about whether people live or die, right? So it's really consequential. And for me, the question is—how are you going to manage that? That's a super interesting intellectual opportunity. And so Cognome ExplainerAI. So my “why” is: what's going on, what's interesting, and what's changing the world? And the beautiful thing about that is you get a “rising tide lifts all boats” situation. You're not fighting against a trend—you're moving with it. The whole world is rising, and you can be part of that. That’s sort of my “why”.  Yeah, so basically—in other words—it's about coming up with revolutionary ideas and implementing them?  Yeah. I mean, I want to make an impact in the world. I want to make a difference. I'm not a very religious person—in fact, not at all. So I believe our time here is limited. I want to make a difference. I want to be part of what's going on. So yeah, that's my “why.”  Yeah—tapping into trends. Well, that’s great. I mean, don't know if it's a “why,” but making the most of the opportunity to be here and maximizing impact—that's a huge one. Love it.  Yeah.  STEVE PREDA: So let me segue to the next one. This podcast is all about frameworks. So the objective here is what’s a shortcut that you can teach the listeners that they can implement in their business? So what is your “shortcut” to success? Maybe “shortcut” is the wrong word. What is the framework you use to interpret the world, understand it better, and make decisions?  Yeah, this is another thing I struggled with a little bit. So I listened to your questions, and I tried to make my answers really personal. I'm trying to be authentic—this is what I actually do all the time, as opposed to this is what I’m doing at the moment, or this is what I did for a second. The truth is, frameworks come and go. There are a lot of frameworks out there. I've probably used 15 different sales frameworks. I mostly operate in the B2B world, so there are lots of frameworks you can use—for example, in sales. But I tried to think of something more consistent—a framework I've used across every company I've worked with, all the time. And the one I always come back to is about growth. So what I want to talk about is: how do you manage a company that's going through growth? Because it's not obvious—and I do have a framework for it. And unlike some of the other frameworks—like something McKinsey, Bain, or someone’s invented this framework and you are adopting it. This is really pretty personal to me, and I’ve adopted various little things about it. There are these two ideas that live in parallel. One is in the sales process, where I think companies go through this idea of, I call it a Whiteboard sales process, a PowerPoint sales process. And forgive me for being a little dated, but a PDF style process, something you can’t change. And at the same time, they go through these stages where you are a small company, a medium-sized company, and a larger company. Think of it roughly as fewer than 12 people, then 10 to 75, and then 75 to 100 and beyond. And I’ve managed all of these sizes. And what’s interesting about these is that if you don’t have a framework to manage yourself through these stages, you’re going to fail. You as a leader will be replaced. I personally have replaced leaders who cannot go through those kinds of things. One of the things I've done in my career is act as a sort of hired gun for VCs. They make an investment, and then they bring me in to replace the founder if they haven't been able to navigate that growth stage. And so the framework works like this. When you're starting a company—what I call the “whiteboard” phase—what you're selling is a little different every time. And the consequence of that inside the company is everyone is doing everything. It’s a little chaotic and it’s okay. Like, less than 10 people, it’s okay. It’s okay that the finance person is doing a little selling and the engineer is doing a little marketing. It’s okay, because you only have 10 people maybe. When you go into a client, you are sort of inventing yourself as you go. There's always that first client where you're saying, “I think we should do this. This is how I'm going to help you make money, save money, or do something better.”  You’re figuring things out. Yeah.  And maybe there's some pivots in there. Maybe there isn't. Not everyone gets to be Google and get it right the first time, but you’ll see. In the end, you start getting things right. And then you go through what I call the PowerPoint phase. So what this is—you now have more than 10 people. It kind of isn't okay that the sales guy is doing finance, or the engineer is doing marketing. You actually have people in their swim lanes. I call it the PowerPoint because you've built PowerPoints, so you’ve got slides that you can use and it’s replicable. Guess what? You tend to tweak them for each client. You are still—you know what—the way you're selling to… I don't want to make a stupid example up—Home Depot is still a little different than selling to Lowe's. You know that—even though it should be exactly the same—it's still a little different. You're tweaking it each time. You're moving slide three to slide seven. Sometimes you don't show slide 10. You're still tweaking it.  Yeah. I relate to that.  And your organization is structured, but not completely rigid. Everyone still knows each other in the company. It's up to maybe 50—I think it maxes out at about 75 people. But every single person in the company knows each other. They’re all collaborating. You don’t need a lot of structure inside the company because there’s sort of culture in there to hold everyone together, right? And then you get to the third stage, which I call the PDF stage—where you've figured it out. You sell the same thing. Maybe you have three PDFs because you're selling in three verticals. But you go into a client—this is the thing—and it never changes. Slide one is always slide one. Slide two is always slide two. Slide three is always slide three. And you have maybe a hundred people in your company. And by the way, now you have levels. So not everybody knows everybody. And as a CEO, I have my lieutenants. My lieutenants have people working for them. And I sort of feel like everyone can manage—I don't know—five, six, seven, eight people. More than that is difficult unless the roles are not very sophisticated. So you need this management layer, which separates the CEO from the rest of the organization. So you need a lot more structure. And as you go through these three phases—and they're really different—a tragic thing happens. It happens all the time. The person who was so helpful in the whiteboard phase, who was your go-to person, they don’t make it in the third phase because they’re a generalist. They liked the chaos. They liked being able to have their foot, and they’ll complain to you. They'll say, “Why aren't you listening to me?” It's an engineer saying, “Why isn't sales listening to me?” Dude, you're an engineer—stick to your knitting. Like, no. And this culture goes through every single company I’ve ever run. Most of them have gone through these three phases—small, medium, and large. And one of the things I try to do with employees in these phases—and this is part of the framework—is to give them a huge amount of latitude to see if they can succeed in the phase. So, to give them the freedom—if you're being blunt—to give them enough rope to hang themselves. And if you're being kind, to give them the freedom to be who they are, to be the best they can be, and to support them—not control them. And so, if you are aware of this framework as you grow, and you give that latitude, and you hire smart people, then you can see which ones you keep and which ones you don't. And honestly, the worst and hardest part of managing through growth is that selection and weeding-out process—of the people who worked in the first stage but don't work in the last stage. So that is the only kind of framework for me that has stood the test of time. It has worked in media, worked in healthcare, and worked in various other places. Does that make sense to you? Does it resonate with you?  Absolutely. And I was just working on a chapter in my new book, and I was actually writing about this very idea—why some companies are never able to grow, because they are not able to make these decisions, these painful decisions, as you described.  Super painful—the worst. It’s the worst part. Firing people is the worst part of being a CEO. If you enjoy that, you’re a bad CEO. You want to have a positive environment, so you want to everyone have a good time. And when there’s growth, usually there’s incredible optimism and great culture. So any CEO who enjoys that process is not a good CEO. Yeah, that’s so true. This is kind of a difficult thing. You have to be ruthless to some degree.  You do. Yeah. That's why this framework has helped me—and it's helped me be gracious and kind to people. Let's just call her Jane, right? A totally fictitious person. But you can go to Jane in stage three and say, “Jane, do you remember how much you loved it in the first phase?” I'm going to give you some time here. You are going to leave, but I'm going to give you some time to work on a special project. But you also need to find your next startup—because you love that environment. And I am going to put this bureaucracy in place, and you're going to fight it until the day you die. So I can't have you here—I just can't. I can give you this little thing to do and you can have some weeks to go do that and give you some time, but the framework helps you be gracious and helps you make those decisions as you grow. That’s an amazing framework. This is really unique. We've recorded, I think, close to 400 episodes with different frameworks—and this hasn't come up. Nothing similar has come up.  Woo-hoo.  Love it. So where are you now in your business? Which phase are you in?  I am in between the whiteboard and the PowerPoint phase. Maybe because I'm an optimist, I'm going to say I'm in the PowerPoint phase. But I know there's still part of me that's drawing things on the whiteboard. We have 12 people, so we're just at the edge of growing out of that phase. I don’t have that layer in the middle. We have half a dozen clients. I suspect that by the end of this year, we'll be fully in the PowerPoint phase. And it'll be another 18 months after that until we get to the next stage—and that's assuming we continue to grow. I mean, my whole raison d'être is to find these really special things, grow them, and make an impact. So let’s hope that happens. Yeah, well, you've had some practice in your previous six CEO positions, so I'm sure you'll figure this out. So what drives growth in your business?  Yeah, this goes a little bit back to phase one. So I've picked an area that's growing by itself. I mean, AI—there are more and more models being deployed in hospitals. Hospitals are growing. The number of models deployed in them is growing at about 2.2 times the rate of the general population. So good for me. There are federal regulations coming that say you need to control what your AI models are doing. That's also good for me. It's a lovely day when regulation is good for your business—it usually isn't. But it's not unusual in healthcare. If you look at electronic health records, that was driven by government regulation and funding. So this is a little bit like that. Federal, state, and other institutions are driving this trend. And then there are things happening inside healthcare organizations themselves that we can tap into. I always think that when you're selling, you should have a good story. So I'm going to tell you the kind of story we use.  When we meet with a chief information officer, we tell stories like the ones I'm about to share. And this really helps us tap into that growth. Because part of growth in a B2B environment is having a strong sales team, good engagement, and solid frameworks—like: do they have budget? Are you talking to the right decision-maker? All of those kinds of frameworks, which to me are more tactical—I've used a lot of them. But we go in and say things like: “Have you ever experienced a situation in radiology where a new model was released and no one told you about it—and now you have to monitor it?” This is happening. And they're like, “Oh my God—yes.” And then they tell you a story about it.  And then you say, “What about that note from CMS?”—that's the organization that runs Medicare and Medicaid, for those not in healthcare. “Did you hear that they're coming down to audit some of your peers?” And they're like, “Oh my God—we just got notice that we're being audited.” And then—how about your board? How's your board doing? Are they coming down and saying, “What are you doing in AI?” So you try to tell these stories and then you create this tension, where they have to grow and they have to control, and then that’s where we come in. We can help all of these companies manage all of these models. What we do—we have this product called ExplainerAI. We tap into the underlying data from the electronic health record—the EHR, or medical record. We tap into the models—the front end—and the logging files behind them. And then we can tell whether the model is exhibiting drift, and how it's performing across different areas. That could be geographic areas, or demographic areas. Is it performing the same with young men and older women? Is it performing the same over time? Is it degrading? Is it releasing personal health information when it shouldn't? Is it hallucinating, if it's an LLM? That’s what we do. And then we can send alerts out to people, saying, “Hey, listen, this model is making shit up right now, you need to deal with it.” And then they can talk to the vendor and handle it. So we're in a good space. And so growth is, to some extent, this idea of a rising tide lifting all boats. I've picked an area that's growing, so I can grow with it. And then part of it is being connected and having a good way of engaging with people who are buyers. And so we have these stories that we tell in our decks about how we help in these situations.  Have you had to pivot between the original idea and where you are?  Yeah, we have. And for anyone who's listening and thinking, “Oh my God, I'm going to have to pivot,” I use Google as my favorite example of someone who just got so lucky. They were like, “We're going to have this little thing that searches the internet,” and they never really changed—until they got so big they could do more. That is the exception, not the rule. And what’s interesting about the way we started is it’s still a core differentiator for us—we started with the ability to take data from an EHR, from a medical record, translate it, and store it in a common data model. It's called OMOP. It's the most common way that researchers structure this kind of data.  And we thought this technology would be widely adopted by researchers. We have contracts with people like Hopkins, Ohio State, NYU—big institutions—but it's not big enough. It’s not going fast enough. What it does do, though, is for our ExplainerAI, it gives us the technology—it's a moat—to connect to the source of truth, the electronic health record, so that you can get actual outcomes versus predictions. Many models cannot get the actual data out of the EHR. So they just say, “This is my prediction, this is my prediction, this is my prediction.” And over time—that's fine, those are predictions—but how do they actually compare to what really happened?  Yeah. What actually happened? And because of where we started, we have a way of efficiently and accurately getting that information. So it is still the bedrock. But it's definitely a pivot. And then you basically put an AI layer on top, and that's great. And how did you know when to pivot? How do you reach that tipping point? How do you know this is the moment—you have to pull the plug on this because it's not working?  First of all, I think on a personal level, I'm always late. So I think I could always have made this decision earlier. If I'm being self-critical at a high level. And I don't think I have a clean answer—but I'll tell you how I've done it. If you have a better way, I'd love to know. It’s about sales engagement. So you go to a hundred people, you have a hundred meetings, and you sell to two. That's not good enough. It's just not good enough. And those two are complaining. What you want to see in a product—and I think this is true of all great products, especially today—I use examples like Facebook and Tesla—is that products are pulled, not pushed. If you still find yourself, after nine months, pushing—and you don't have the momentum where your product is being pulled—you're wrong. You need your clients to be making referrals, and you need to be pulled into deals. In today's advertising and marketing world, it's too noisy.  Maybe back in the seventies you could do it, but now it's just too noisy—especially in B2B. There are so many people selling to the same buyers that they need to hear about your product from others, have people around them recommending it, and pulling you in. There's some time—and I usually take closer to a year, which is long. It would be better for me to do it in six months or even three months. I haven’t found a way to do that where you pivot if you’re just not getting traction, basically.  Yeah, okay. I love it. So what's one thing in your company that you're trying to figure out right now? One thing in my company that I'm trying to figure out right now is how to further ramp up sales. I'm cheating a little bit here, because I think we may already have it figured out—but leaving you with an unanswered question isn't very helpful. So we were having—and still are, to some extent—problems getting ExplainerAI rolled out. People were interested in it, but they wouldn't buy. So we tried to figure out why. And one of the things we found is this: For those of your listeners who may not know, healthcare is probably the largest portion of GDP in the country. Buyers are very large. We don't always think about it this way, but if you do—everyone goes to the doctor. It affects 100% of the population. And these large institutions—a hospital is usually a multi-billion-dollar organization—and there are about 6,500 of them in the country. So we've got 6,500 multi-billion-dollar companies in this country. It’s crazy, right? They don't want to buy from small companies—they want to buy from big companies. This is one of the things we found out. So we get to the finish line, they say yes—and then no one tells you the truth, right? No one says, “I'm not buying from you because you're small.” But we ended up figuring it out through triangulation. So we've been building partnerships. We started with Intel. We made some of our models work on Intel CPUs, and I'm actually pretty proud of that work. For the nerds out there—we're working on Xeon 6 chips, the Granite Rapids chips—running locally deployed LLM ensembles. Think of it as models like Qwen and LLaMA running inside their chips—what I'd call small-to-medium language models, not large language models.  Up to 32 billion parameters, running on a CPU, not a GPU. So that’s a big deal. Intel loves us, and we've been able to leverage their ecosystem to have their partners sell our product. So now you've got HPE selling ExplainerAI. You've got Lenovo selling ExplainerAI. And probably my favorite partner—love you, ePlus, if you're listening—I think you're the best. They're a Fortune 1000 reseller selling ExplainerAI. So now we have large companies selling our product, and that's starting to come to fruition. Now, it's not solved—my revenue isn't going boom yet—because if it were, I'd be firmly in the PowerPoint phase, heading toward the PDF phase. But it's looking really good, and I'm very excited.  Cognome Inside.  There you go. Cognome Inside—yes. Cognome Inside. Intel Inside—for those of you who remember. Yes.  Love it. Okay, so before we wrap up, I have one more question for you: What is a question that entrepreneurs should always be asking themselves?  I think the hardest thing about being an entrepreneur is dealing with the amplitude of the variance that happens inside it. There are incredibly high days, and there are incredibly low days. There are days when you don't even want to get out of bed in the morning. You don't have many clients, and one of them has just told you that you're a complete moron. Even if you've got the best product in the world, if you're in the whiteboard or PowerPoint phase, you're going to make mistakes. You just are. No one's perfect. And there are days when some combination of a client, an employee, or the product—something has failed, someone has left, something isn't working—and you feel awful. So what I'd say to entrepreneurs is this: if you really are an entrepreneur, it is your personality that you can still get through those and wake up in the morning and say, I believe in this. I know I can do it. I can keep doing it.  And one of the things that I think separates an entrepreneur from someone who isn't is this: When I go through these moments, I ask myself, “What's the worst that could happen?” And I usually start with: “Is anyone going to die?” And the answer is almost always no. No one's going to die. So it’s not that bad. And by the way, I remember giving that advice to a young person once—and I saw their face go white. And I thought, “Oh, that's not an entrepreneur.” That's the kind of person who hears that and thinks, “Oh my God, really? You think about the worst thing that could happen so you can deal with it?” And I'm like, yes.  Does that apply to the company itself? Is the company included in that “worst-case” question?  To me, the next step is: is an individual going to die? That's a higher stake than whether the company is going to die. But yes—is the company going to die? That's part of the thinking, because you're going through all the consequences. Am I going to lose all my money? Is the company going to fail? Those are escalations of that thinking. But to me, company death is less tragic than a human death.  Yeah, true.  Not everyone might agree with that, but I think so.  You can try again.  Yeah.  Start another company.  Yeah, exactly. Anyway, your question was: what is a question that an entrepreneur should always be asking themselves? For me, turning that upside down and inside out—it's: what's the worst that can happen, and can you get through it? Are you able to get through it? Do you have the drive and the imagination to keep going? That's the question I've continually found myself asking, as opposed to any other kind of existential question. And I think some of the other questions are not always the right way to look at it—like“Is this the best business?” Because there's a very big difference between an entrepreneur and an investor.  An entrepreneur has to keep going, while an investor might quit. Investors, they’re playing the portfolio game. They can say, “That's not working—I'm dropping that and keeping this.” As an entrepreneur, you can't really play that game with your time. I mean, Elon Musk is running four companies—so okay, fine—but most of us aren't. Most of us are running one or two, and we need more tenacity to make it work—to pivot or to find another path. That's a really big difference between an entrepreneur and other kinds of people. And it's why I've kept doing it. It comes back to the very first question: why do you do this? I can't help myself. I just can't. It's what I like to do.  Yeah, the contrast is addictive—the contrast between near-death and near-Nirvana, right? Yeah. I love it. I mean, you can't have euphoria without depression. You wouldn't know what it was—it would just seem normal.  Yeah, just a personal example of that—I was in Hungary, where I was born, for the election two weeks ago.  By the way, I'm so excited about that election, for many reasons.  The exhilaration that I felt—and that everyone else felt—was even greater than when the Berlin Wall came down, because the system was worse.  Yeah.  And if they hadn't lived through that for 16 years, they wouldn't have felt it. Now, we didn't experience it directly—but still.  But even I was paying attention to a lot of things, and I was following that one very closely. Even I felt that sense of euphoria. I was like, “That's great.” I was at the dinner table with my wife and kids—and I'm not Hungarian, it's not affecting me. I mean, Viktor Orbán isn't really having any effect on my life at all. Maybe he shows up at some conferences in the U.S., but still—not affecting me. But I'm sitting there at dinner like, “Did you hear what happened today? That's great.” Anyway.  Awesome. I'm glad you're on that side of the equation. James, if people would like to learn more—if they'd like to learn about Cognome and connect with you—where should they go? Where can they find you?  Yeah, so you can certainly go to cognome.com. You can email info@cognome.com. But if you've listened to this podcast, I'm always happy to hear from people. I answer every single email myself. And if you know my name—James Green—you can just put a dot in the middle and add @cognome.com at the end, and that will get to me. Delighted to hear from any of you—especially if you're a CIO in a hospital, you should reach out.  Well, all those hospital CIOs—please call James, or at least send him an email. And for those of you listening—this was an amazing framework: from whiteboard to PowerPoint to PDF. Definitely relatable. And remember—if no one's dying, it's okay. You can always pivot and live to fight another day. So, James, thanks for coming—and thank you for listening. Important Links: James' LinkedIn James' website James' email: info@cognome.com

If you've been telling yourself you'll relax and watch movies after the business “takes off,” this episode flips that thinking on its head. Because the truth is, if you watch with the right lens, a weekend movie can spark a decision that changes your business. Omar breaks down five movies that aren't the usual entrepreneur picks, and he shows you the exact moments that hit different when you're building something. It's less about being entertained and more about what your brain starts noticing when money, momentum, and standards actually matter. You'll hear why these films stick with founders long after the credits roll, and you'll start seeing your own choices in a whole new way. Ready to turn movie night into a smarter way to grow and earn more? Click play at the top of the page and let Omar walk you through five films that can make you sharper where it counts. MBA2775 Watch These 5 Movies To Make More Money & Grow Your Business The 5 Movies Omar Says You Should Watch • Moneyball • Cast Away • The Prestige • The Founder • Whiplash Recommended episode to explore: The 5 Silent Killers Of Success (How To Avoid Them & What To Do Instead) Watch the episodes on YouTube: https://lm.fm/GgRPPHi SUBSCRIBE YouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Wealth Wednesday : A Conversation with Ryan McCrary & Shenique Sparks, How to Grow Your Business! + More Jasmine Brand On Building Business Without Quitting Your Job See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Conversation with Ryan McCrary & Shenique Sparks, How to Grow Your Business! + MoreSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you holding back your real opinions because you're afraid of being judged? In this episode, I break down why trying to be liked is the exact thing keeping your personal brand small, invisible, and unprofitable. I share what actually makes a brand stand out and why it requires the courage to say the uncomfortable thing instead of watering yourself down. I talk about how audacity, clarity, and conviction directly impact your growth, why over-editing your message is costing you opportunities, and how the people you're worried about judging you aren't the ones who will ever pay you. Get ready to start showing up in a way that attracts real opportunities and serious momentum. Check out our Sponsors: Granola - Granola is an AI-powered notepad built for the way real people actually meet. Get three months free at http://granola.ai/earn. Shopify - Try the ecommerce platform I trust for Glōci, Sign up for your $1/month trial period at http://Shopify.com/happy Indeed - Spend less time searching, and more time actually interviewing candidates who check all your boxes. Indeed is giving Earn Your Happy listeners a $75 SPONSORED JOB CREDIT to help get your job the premium status it deserves. Just go to http://Indeed.com/podcast right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on Earn Your Happy. Rella - Rella is a project management platform built specifically for social media managers and teams. Go to http://getrella.com and use code EARN for 10% off your first three months or annual plan. HIGHLIGHTS Why trying to be liked is capping your brand growth. How filtering your message removes your authority and impact. Why the people judging you will never be your buyers. The mistake of trying to sound smart instead of being clear. The 5 traits that make a personal brand undeniable. How conviction impacts your ability to attract clients. How to speak to the thoughts your ideal client won't say out loud. RESOURCES Join the Loop in Newport at Pendry Newport Beach on May 9 HERE Apply for the Elite Entrepreneur Mastermind HERE! Get on the waitlist for Mentor Collective Mastermind HERE! Try glōci for 40% off your first order with code HAPPY at checkout - head to getgloci.com FOLLOW Follow me: @loriharder Follow glōci: @getgloci

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